Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Despite widespread speculation that President Donald Trump could pardon Paul Manafort, several experts told ABC News that such a maneuver might not solve all of the convicted former Trump campaign chairmans legal troubles. The special counsel team that prosecuted Manafort on federal financial charges related to his lobbying work in Ukraine has laid down what one source familiar with the case called a trail of bread crumbs that could allow city or state prosecutors from New York where Manafort has maintained multiple residences, including a condominium in Trump Tower to pursue charges of their own. The President of the United States has the power to issue pardons for crimes against the United States, said John Moscow, a former prosecutor with the New York District Attorneys office. He cannot pardon people for crimes against states. Manaforts attorneys did not respond to a request for comment. In August, Manafort was convicted by a federal jury in Virginia on eight of 18 counts of bank and tax fraud, and in September, Manafort pleaded guilty to conspiracy and witness tampering in Washington, D.C., in exchange for his cooperation in Muellers ongoing probe. But this week, special counsel attorneys alleged to a federal judge that, despite forging a cooperation agreement in the D.C. matter, Manafort had continued to lie to investigators and was in breach of his agreement, a characterization that Manaforts attorneys disputed. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said she is not aware of any conversations for anyones pardon involving this process, but recent developments have renewed questions about whether the president might be considering clemency for his former campaign chairman. On Wednesday, Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday that a pardon was never discussed, but I wouldnt take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table? But several legal experts told ABC News that even if Manafort were to receive a pardon, that would not preclude New York officials from initiating action against him. If he committed a tax crime in the state, hes still liable, Moscow said. And there are other possible crimes, like falsification of records, if the prosecutors have evidence, nerve, and creativity. Daniel R. Alonso, former chief assistant district attorney in Manhattan and now managing director at the global compliance firm Exiger, said the Manhattan district attorneys office doesnt go after defendants who have been convicted in federal court but that doesnt mean they wouldnt if there was some reason, like a pardon. While double jeopardy would prevent Manafort from being prosecuted in New York on certain offenses with which he has previously been charged by federal officials, there is an exception for tax fraud. You can now have a state tax prosecution, Alonso said. The problem is the crimes by definition are less serious. It doesnt mean theyre not serious but theyre a lot less serious than what he was convicted of in federal court. New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, whose office has broad jurisdiction to prosecute tax fraud cases, has been pushing to change state law so prosecutors can pursue defendants on state crimes even if theyve received a pardon on federal charges. This office has been urging Albany to close the loophole in New Yorks double jeopardy law for nearly a year, said Underwoods spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick. President Trump has repeatedly abused his pardon powers to undermine the rule of law and, especially in light of recent events, its more urgent than ever that the state legislature act. If New York prosecutors sought to bring charges connected to Manaforts state tax returns, his guilty pleas related to his federal taxes could sting, legal experts told ABC News. Anthony Capozzolo, a former federal prosecutor, said a pardon would not protect Manafort from concessions he made in pleading guilty in federal court. In the case of a pardon, that admission is still there, Capozzolo said. You are no longer convicted of the crime. But the admission you make in the court process is not wipe out. That would make it a very difficult case to defend. Matt Olsen, a former federal prosecutor, now an ABC News consultant, said if there was a breach of his cooperation agreement, the special counsel has wide latitude to bring further legal action against Manafort if there is cause to, including any activity he described during his talks with the special counsel. The government is relieved of any obligations they can use the information from him in any way they want, including directly against Manafort, Olsen said. Including in a state court trial. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier He was born and raised in Biddeford, and continues to work here. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Retail is undergoing a period of rapid evolution, and much of that change is being introduced by new players in the drop shipping companies market. Startups are the heart and soul of the retail industry. They are the vehicle with which novel products, unique business models, and new and emerging technologies are introduced. Their ability to fail fast and evolve, inspires their competition to re-evaluation their operations and embrace the Innovate or Die mindset necessary to compete in a lightning fast marketplace. There are countless retail startups out in the market today striving to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and make a splash in the highly lucrative, yet immensely competitive retail scene. For this feature RIS considered retailers that were five years old or younger, and making an impact on the industry through their distinctive business models and/or original use of technology. Below is a quick look at retail startups that are making their mark on the industry and disrupting their respective segments: DRAPER JAMES Draper James has some famous beginnings, but is growing into a fame all its own. The wholesale fashion clothing for boutiques and home goods retailer that boasts Southern charm as its brand, was launched by actress Reese Witherspoon in 2015. Witherspoon started the company to honor her Southern heritage and her grandparents Reese's grandmother, Dorothea Draper and grandfather, William James Witherspoon inspired the name. DRAPER JAMES FACTS Operations:Headquartered in New York, warehouse in Greenville, SC Founded: 2015 Brick and-Mortar Locations: Nashville, TN; Dallas, TX; Lexington, KY; Atlanta, GA Giving Back: Draper James serves as the title sponsor of the Girls Inc. Economic Literacy Program"My grandparents taught me everything I know about gracious Southern living," Witherspoon notes on the Draperjames.com. "From them I learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit. When I returned to Nashville with my own family, I wanted to recapture and celebrate all that I love and remember about my grandparents and the South. That is why I created Draper James." In 2015, Witherspoon secured $10 million in funding for Draper James. In 2017, Draper James overcame disparate systems and went live with NetSuite's Retail Apparel to power its financials, inventory, customer and order management processes, providing Draper James an end-to-end view of the business across its wholesale distribution, e-commerce channels and brick-and-mortar locations. "We really needed to have unified data to remove the barriers between channels," said Melissa Baird, VP of systems and procedures for Draper James. The startup has since grown to include both the e-commerce business and four brick-and-mortar locations, and this May Draper James teamed up with Crate & Barrel, unveiling a new home decor collaboration. ALLBIRDS Allbirds designs footwear, but its brand is sustainability. The San Francisco-based company began with co-founder, Tim Brown, a native of New Zealand, setting out to turn merino wool into what it calls "the world's most comfortable shoe" using sustainable environmental practices. Brown teamed up with Joey Zwillinger, an engineer and renewables expert, to officially launch Allbirds in 2016. Together, they crafted a revolutionary wool fabric made specifically for footwear and success followed over a million pairs of sneakers have been sold in the startup's first two years. In October 2018, the company announced it raised an additional $50 million in funding, bringing the total raised to $77.5 million, according to Forbes. ALLBIRDS FACTS Headquarters: San Francisco, CA Founded: 2016 Customers: Over a million pairs of sneakers sold in the first two years Funding: $77.5 millionThe simple and sustainable shoes entered the market at a time when casual wear has become increasingly popular. Sporting no flashy logos, made naturally, and designed to be worn without socks and tossed into a washer if need be, the sneakers fit the bill. Made with merino wool, Allbirds' process uses 60% less energy than materials used in typical synthetic shoes. The certified B Corp company works with organizations like ZQ Merino to ensure its wool is held to high standards of farming, land management and animal welfare. Packaging is made using 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard that serves as a shoebox, shopping bag, and mailer all in one. One recycled plastic bottle equals one pair of Allbirds laces. "There was this trend where everything was adding more and more and more, flashy logos, more seams, everything that wasn't doing something for comfort," Zwillinger told CBS This Morning. "So if we could strip everything down to its simplest form, remove everything that wasn't functional, we thought that we could make something quite beautiful." B8TA The retail industry has fully embraced Software-as-a-Service, ushering in the age of cloud at the enterprise level. But there is another as-a-service model that is gaining major traction: Retail-as-a-Service. The concept, led by retail startup b8ta, is just as it sounds, you partner with a retailer and they bring their unique retail experience to your brand. b8ta operates around a dozen of its own physical locations, and another 70-plus store-within-a-stores, most notably at Lowes and Macys. B8TA FACTS Founded: 2015 Funding: $39 million Headquarters: San Francisco, CA Key Partners: Lowes, Macys, GoogleMacys acquired a minority stake in the brand this spring, to leverage its customizable software program to manage rotating brands and experiences and scale The Market @ Macys concept to new locations. In addition, b8tas ability to attract new products in the home and consumer electronics space provides an opportunity to bring new product categories to select Macys stores. "At b8ta, we believe physical retail will thrive as a platform for discovering new products and brands, said Vibhu Norby, CEO of b8ta.Macys was the best partner for b8ta to scale our pioneering retail-as-a-service model. With b8tas software platform and business model, product makers can go from solely selling online to launching their products with Macys in a few clicks. Our platform makes it easy for makers to deploy, manage, analyze, and scale amazing offline retail experiences. The secret to b8tas rise from startup to major retail partner in three years is its unique in-store experience. All of its high-end tech products are displayed out of the box and can be touched, demoed and played with, allowing consumers a hands-on experience prior to purchasing. BRILLIANT BICYCLE High-quality bicycles have become increasingly more complicated, and of course expensive. But not every rider desires a $3,000 carbon fiber road racer, some just want a well-built basic cruiser. Brilliant Bicycle caters to these consumers. The retailer specializes in high-quality, inexpensive bicycles delivered straight to the customers door, 95% assembled. Starting at less than $300, the custom-built commuter and hybrid bikes can be customized for color, size and number of gears. BRILLIANT BICYCLE FACTS Funding: $1.5 million Founded: 2014 Headquarters: New York, NYThe hand-build bicycle retailer is able to maintain its low starting price points thanks to is unique supply chain infrastructure. Rather than stocking a distribution center and/or a physical retail store, the online only retailer fulfills straight from the manufacturer to the consumer. In addition to its standard delivery service of semi-constructed bicycles, in select markets the retailer has partnered with mobile bike shop Velofixto deliver customers their purchases full-assembled. Shoppers can experience the cost benefits of buying their bicycle online, and enjoy the convenience and one-on-one interaction of having a bike shop and certified mechanic come to them. The service includes a size fitting and new bike orientation. In addition to its own successful website, Brilliant has partnered with Amazon to sell its unique, back-to-basics bicycles on the retailers marketplace. CASPER Casper is proof that even the mundane can become cool and exciting with the right approach. The online mattress retailer has disrupted the segment since its 2014 launch, redefining what the mattress buying experience can and should be. The companys first order of business was creating a streamlined product array it only sells one type of mattress, available in four different sizes. Coupled with its simplified merchandising effort, the retailer has developed a unique fulfillment method where a queen-size mattress gets delivered in a box the size of a standard kitchen trash receptacle. However, the contents of box are far from trash. In fact, the high quality products come with a 100 night trial customers can return their mattresses anytime during those first 100 days for a full refund. CASPER FACTS Launched: 2014 Headquarters: New York, NY Marketing: Casper spends an estimated $80 million annually on marketing Employees: More than 300 Valuation: $750 millionOur philosophy was never business model first, customer second, CEO Philip Krim told the Financial Post. In our category, a ton of consumers still want to lay on the product, and touch and feel the product, and understand what they are buying before they buy. To help fill that need, the online startup is moving into physical retail with plans to open 200 stores across the country, where customers can trial the beds and interact with a highly informed sales staff. Complementing its growing store footprint, is a small group of Dreamery locations where fans of the brand can schedule a nap on one of Caspers cutting-edge mattresses. The Dreamerys are not prototypical stores no mattresses are sold there it is simply an opportunity for people to interact with the brand, experience the product, and recharge their batteries. Retail experience at its finest. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostics Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast To 2025 Global Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostics market by product type, test type, distribution channels and geographical regions. Key players such as Elucigene, Asper Biogene, ELITechGroup, Natera, Inc., Randox Laboratories Ltd. And Luminex Corporation. Precision Business Insights (PBI) in its report titled Global Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostics market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2017 and Forecast 2018-2025 assesses the market performance over eight years forecast period over 2018-2025. The report analyses the market value forecast and provides the strategic insights into the market driving factors, challenges that are hindering the market revenue growth over forecast period. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limit the ability to breathe over time. Patients with CF have inherited two copies of the defective CF gene one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene. Currently there are approximately 70,000 people who are suffering from cystic fibrosis worldwide. ASK AN ANALYST: https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cystic-fibrosis-cf-diagnostics-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Market boosts and restraining factors According to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the incidence of these hereditary disorders is constantly mounting. The nonprofit organizations are investing huge amount of funds to find various therapeutics for CF and to support the R &D activities. The major driver for the market is improved diagnostic technologies. Increase in investment and awareness about genetic diseases are aiding in development of diagnostic technologies, which will fuel the market growth. However, the high cost of the drugs and treatment might hamper the growth of the CF market. The global Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Diagnostics market is segmented based on the product type, test type, end-users and geographical regions. REQUEST CUSTOMISATION: https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cystic-fibrosis-cf-diagnostics-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu North America holds the lead position in the global cystic fibrosis market The higher incidence rate of cystic fibrosis is observed in North America. The median age of the person with cystic fibrosis is currently 33.4 years according cystic fibrosis foundations national patient registry. Followed by the North America, Europe too has great numbers of affected population with cystic fibrosis. Out of this affected population, 51.8% were adults and 48.2% were less than 18 years old. Whereas the birth prevalence of CF is higher in United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, and Bulgaria. When it comes to the Asian region, the prevalence of cystic fibrosis is seen to be very low. The Middle East and Africa holds the lowest share in the market, especially countries in the African region. FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cystic-fibrosis-cf-diagnostics-market/#ulp-h4n2eZVGqb32xpPc Some of the key players in the global Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Diagnostics market include: Elucigene Asper Biogene ELITechGroup Natera, Inc. Randox Laboratories Ltd. Luminex Corporation Appolon Bioteck Arazy Group Illumina Inc. Notable development in the market In February 2018, Luminexs xTAG Cystic Fibrosis 71 Kit v2 was approved for sale with LICENSALE.COM in Brazil. Detailed segmentation By test type Antenatal Testing Carrier Testing Sweat Tests CFTR-Related Metabolic Syndrome (CRMS) Newborn Screening Prenatal Screening By product type Diagnostic Kits Reagents Others By end-users Hospital Diagnostic centers By geography North America Europe Latin America Asia-Pacific The Middle East & Africa Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cystic-fibrosis-cf-diagnostics-market/ About Precision Business Insights: Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights: Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553 Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the annual VTB Capital "Russia Calling!" Investment Forum in Moscow. (Pavel Golovkin/POOL/AFP) MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin insisted on Wednesday (Nov 28) that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally. In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation". He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats. "What were they (Russian forces) supposed to do?" Putin said when asked about the incident at an international investment forum in Moscow. "They were fulfilling their military duty. They were fulfilling their lawful functions in protecting Russia's borders. They would do the same in your country." Moscow and Kiev have traded angry accusations since Russian navy vessels fired on, boarded and captured the three Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea. After warning of the threat of "full-scale war", Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday signed an act imposing martial law for 30 days in regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Western governments have rallied behind Kiev, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov, used by both countries, and of using force without justification. Trump on Tuesday threatened to cancel planned talks with Putin at this week's G20 summit in Buenos Aires over the incident. The White House said Trump and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Ukraine-Russia incident by telephone and "the two leaders expressed deep concern about the incident in the Kerch Strait and the continued detainment of Ukraine's vessels and crew members". 'BRING OUR BOYS HOME' The Kremlin said it still expected the Putin-Trump meeting to take place and played down the threat of cancellation, with foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov saying: "The meeting is equally needed by both sides." The Ukrainian vessels - a tug and two gunboats - were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, but were refused access and chased into international waters by 10 Russian vessels. Kiev has demanded the return of its ships and the release of 24 sailors taken prisoner during the confrontation. The sailors have been put before a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, and ordered to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Detention orders were made against 15 of them on Tuesday, including three still in hospital, and nine more on Wednesday. "We condemn this demonstration of barbarism and are multiplying our efforts to bring our boys home," Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Twitter after the court rulings. Ukraine's foreign ministry sent Moscow a diplomatic note in protest at the "illegal" detentions. Sunday's incident was the first direct confrontation between Ukraine and Russia in the long-running conflict pitting Kiev against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east. It has raised fears of a wider escalation - in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 - and prompted international calls for restraint. NEW S-400s DEPLOYED TO CRIMEA Russian military officials said Wednesday that Moscow would soon deploy more of its advanced S-400 air defence systems in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. One more of the systems would be joining three others already deployed in Crimea, they said. The Ukrainian parliament on Monday voted in favour of Poroshenko's request for martial law, which gives authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in affected areas. It was unclear how it would be applied in the border areas and Poroshenko has suggested it is meant essentially as a preventative measure. The European Union on Wednesday strongly condemned Russia's actions but, after three days of debate, failed to agree to threaten new sanctions. "We are dismayed at this use of force by Russia which, against the backdrop of increasing militarisation in the area, is unacceptable," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said. The statement was strongly worded but will disappoint some EU members hoping for a harder joint line, after officials had earlier said the bloc was considering new sanctions against Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States and Europe of encouraging Ukraine. "I think it reflects Washington's tendency to indulge any and all action taken by the Kiev regime, even inciting them to provocative actions," Lavrov told reporters in Geneva. Moscow has suggested that Kiev provoked the incident to boost support for Poroshenko, who is facing a tough re-election battle in a presidential vote set for next March. Korean enterprises export a large volume of products created from imported materials, Photo: Le Toan Over the past few months, South Koreas LG Display Vietnam has been boosting recruitment for its $1.5 billion plant in the northern port city of Haiphong, producing OLED products for mobile phones, smart watches, televisions, and tablets. The company is in need more employees. Elsewhere, South Korean giant Samsung is also doing the same with its production focused on mobile phones and home electronics appliances, both locally-consumed and exported. Both companies are taking the lead in Vietnams export of electronics items, including mobile phones, laptops, and others. In the first 10 months of 2018, the country earned $40.7 billion, up 10.6 per cent on-year, from exporting mobiles and spare parts, and fetched $24.3 billion, up 15.2 per cent on-year, from exporting laptops, parts, and other electronics items to foreign markets. The General Statistics Office (GSO) reported that in the first 10 months of 2018, Vietnam spent $39.2 billion on imports from South Korea, up 2.1 per cent on-year, with import of electronics products climbing 14.1 per cent on-year. Vietnam also earned $15 billion from exporting to South Korea, up 23.5 per cent on-year, with export of electronics products augmenting 50.4 per cent on-year, and mobile phones and parts up 14.9 per cent on-year. Thus, Vietnam suffered from a $24.2 billion trade deficit from South Korea, down from the $26.6 billion recorded in the same period last year. Over the past few years, South Korea has always been Vietnams second-largest supplier, and sixth-largest buyer. Last year, Vietnam witnessed a trade deficit of about $31.8 billion with South Korea, up from $20.8 billion in 2016, and $18.7 billion in 2015. Samsungs export turnover sat at about $51 billion last year, holding over 25 per cent of Vietnams total export turnover of $214 billion. The company also occupied 95 per cent of the total export turnover of South Korean companies operating in Vietnam. South Koreas Thelec newswire last week said that leaders of Samsung plan to visit Samsung Electronics in Yen Binh district of the northern province of Thai Nguyen later this week to approve construction for a new mobile phone plant. When the plant is completed after approval, Samsung will have three phone production plants in Vietnam: two in Yen Binh and one in Yen Phong district of the nearby Bac Ninh province. However, according to the Korean Chamber of Business in Vietnam (KorCham), the trade deficit is not a negative for Vietnam because many businesses have been boosting investment and exports of machinery, equipment, and materials to the country to serve production here. A large part of made-in-Vietnam products are also exported to foreign markets, including South Korea. Many are showing concern about a big trade deficit for Vietnam from South Korea. However, they should not be concerned because Vietnams imports from South Korea are largely conducted by South Korean companies in Vietnam, especially big ones like Samsung and LG. The imported products are mostly machinery, equipment and materials for production. They are used for making products in Vietnam and then exported, a KorCham representative told VIR. Meanwhile, Vietnamese exports to South Korea, mostly end-products and consumer goods, have risen quickly by more than 31 per cent in 2017, against the previous years 28 per cent ascension, he added. Under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement, this year 86 per cent of import tariff lines will be reduced to 0 per cent, from an average 50 per cent early this year. Additionally, Vietnam will completely remove import duties on 89.9 per cent of products from South Korea over 15 years. For example, Vietnam will remove its 30 and 20 per cent tariffs imposed on South Korean air conditioners and rice cookers over the next 10 years. The average tariffs for foodstuffs and consumer goods will gradually decrease from the current 16-17 to 0 per cent in the next five years. The Korea International Trade Association recently issued a survey on 1,015 South Korean small- and mid-sized export businesses. Results demonstrated that more than 33 per cent of respondents plan to expand their facilities in and to Vietnam, followed by China (19 per cent), ASEAN members (10.7 per cent), and India (8.3 per cent). Men Sophy, a grassroots politician from the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, has set her sights on the top job in the Battambang commune of Klaing Meas. Like many women with political aspirations in Cambodia, Sophy, 38, is concerned that too few women are promoted into leadership roles in the male-dominated sector. She remains the only woman councilor in the commune after six years in office. I want to see more female participation in politics, she said. It is good for our community to have more women participating. Womens knowledge is very limited and they rarely participate in community work, she added. Sophy is one of 120 female political leaders taking part in an E.U.-funded project aimed at increasing womens participation in politics. The program, Women into politics! Greater female participation in Cambodia, is being implemented by several local organizations, including the Womens Media Center of Cambodia, womens rights group Banteay Srei, and German media group DW Akademie. As well as Battambang, the project is targeting women in Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces. Participants have received training in public speaking, communication and knowledge skills. Almost a quarter of participants were elected to local councils in 2017. At a meeting on Thursday to conclude the project, Franck Viault, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Cambodia, said it was a very important project in helping to re-balance the gender gap in politics in Cambodia. He added that the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party last year had affected the life of the project and beneficiaries of the project. Mann Champa, a former opposition party commune chief in Siem Reap, said the project had helped her be more courageous and confident in advocating for womens rights. I have confidence in myself and every decision made in the family and community, said Champa, 37, adding that her husband also encouraged her to take part in social and political activities. Champa, who has championed opposition causes for two decades, lost her job as commune chief during a purge of opposition officials following the CNRPs dissolution. Experts say women remain underrepresented in politics in Cambodia. There is still a limit, said Thida Khus, executive director of rights group Silika, adding that at least 30 percent of leadership roles should be taken up by women. Dont think about seniority. If women are capable, let them do it, she said. In the family, a girls education is not really highly considered, she added. They [men] dont listen to women. Women are delegated with work related to cooking, cleaning or giving gifts to sick people, but the big decisions are made by men. Most men promote other men since they know each other well and they drink together. Despite 52 percent of Cambodians being women, only one in five lawmakers are women and they are rarely heard in parliament. Almost one in five of the 1,646 local authorities in Cambodia do not have any female representation. Chhay Sat, deputy commune chief for Dounkeo in Siem Reap province, is one of two women sitting on the nine-member council. It is still very low. I want higher or at least equality, she said. There is still discrimination against women. In the voting ballot for the party, the names of women are at the bottom. Girls dont feel comfortable revealing their stories, like violence,to men, she said. Nin Chenda, the head of Banteay Srei in Siem Reap province, said in some cases women are not encouraged to take part in social and political work. Some women are not allowed by their husbands to join [politics] she said. There is a woman who got divorced with her husband since she wanted to join politics. Government officials, however, maintain that the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party is doing all it can to encourage women to take a greater role in politics, but Sok Eysan, party spokesman, claims there are not enough adequately capable women for the jobs. There is a lack [of qualified women], he said, adding that we need people who have enough qualifications to serve effectively. North Korea has called on members of the U.N. Security Council to block a Trump Administration effort to discuss the country's human rights record December 10th. North Korea's U.N. ambassador, Kim Song, in a letter expressed surprise and regret that the Council would "swim against the current trend" of rapprochement over Pyongyong's pledge to denuclearize. A British security contractor, G4S, says five of its employees, including a Briton, were killed and 32 others injured in an overnight gun-and-bomb attack against one of its compounds in the Afghan capital Kabul. The company said Thursday five employees have been seriously injured. Afghan officials confirm the attack on the well-guarded facility in Kabul killed a total of 10 people and injured many more. "We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing, said Charlie Burbridge, the companys managing director. The Taliban has claimed responsibly for the suicide raid, saying it inflicted heavy casualties on both Afghan and foreign occupying forces inside the compound. G4S is a leading global security company providing security for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack began Wednesday with a suicide bomber exploding a vehicle-born bomb, making way for four other heavily armed martyrdom seekers to storm the compound. He claimed the targeted compound was being used to plan attacks in Afghan provinces of Kandahar, Helmand and Nangarhar. Mujahid said the attack was a response to recent enemy atrocities against civilians" in these provinces. Afghan officials and residents have confirmed dozens of civilians, including women and children, have been killed in recent airstrikes in Kandahar, Helmand and Nangarhar. The spike in insurgent attacks comes as the United States has renewed efforts for a negotiated settlement to the conflict with the Taliban. U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan peace and reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, is leading the peace efforts. He has held two rounds of talks with Taliban representatives in Qatar in recent weeks. Yes, we are in a hurry to end the Afghan tragedy, the Afghan people deserve peace. They have been at war for 40 years," he told PBS TV on Wednesday when asked whether he was attempting to strike a peace deal before the Afghan presidential election in April. Everyone, starting with the President (Donald Trump), would like to see the war in Afghanistan end, that there would be reconciliation and peace among the warring factions, he noted. Kyaw Soe Moe, the head man of Inn Din village in northern Rakhine state best known as the site of a massacre of 10 Muslim men and boys by their Buddhist neighbors and the Burmese military, isnt much inclined to speak with the press. That incident is all the press wants to discuss Kyaw Soe Moe implied, who refers to Rohingya as Kalar, which is a usual way of describing all Muslims by most Myanmar people. I was not even here. I arrived here only after the incident. I became the village head something like 10 months ago, so I did not have any knowledge [of it]. Recently, a media group came down here, and they asked me about that incident. But when I asked them, Did you know about the death of U Maung Nein (who was one of the villagers allegedly killed by Muslims and it was kind of the spark which led to the killing of 10 Muslims)? Do you know Hindu villagers were killed? Those media groups did not even know about those incidents. Even if they didnt know about the death of U Maung Nein, they should know about the killing of Hindus. Four Reuters reporters revealed details of the September 2, 2017 attack earlier this year. Tied together, the Rohingya, members of the Muslim minority, watched their neighbors dig a grave before eight were shot by Myanmar troops, according to the Reuters report. Buddhist villagers hacked the other two to death. When they were being buried, some were still making noises, said Soe Chay, a Buddhist who told Reuters he was one of the gravediggers. Other Inn Din villagers did not want to speak with VOA and reporters from other media outlets on the government-escorted visit. When approached, the villagers described hiding in the local monastery because the Muslims, the Bengalis, were attacking them. Because the massacre took place about one and a half miles (two and a half kilometers) from the village, they said I did not know about it. Pastoral setting The village, nestled amid rice fields surrounded by distant mountains, sits on the main road to the Bangladesh border. People go about their business, with children, women and older people on the streets. We are secure now because the Kalasare are not around us, Kyaw Soe Moe said. Before the massacre, the Inn Din was one of the Rakhine state villages surrounded by Muslim villages. As long as they are not here, we are secure. Most of the local Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh. The Inn Din massacre came during an eruption of violence that came after Rohingya insurgents, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), attacked government security posts in August 2017. In a subsequent crackdown, which included the massacre at Inn Din, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) estimates at least 6,700 Rohingya were killed between Aug. 25 and Sept. 24, 2017. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called the militarys response disproportionate and indiscriminate. The Burmese military campaign also forced more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Today, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh is the world's largest refugee camp. The Myanmar government has blamed Rohingya insurgents for all but 10 of the killings, according to the Reuters investigation. The Reuters investigation of the Inn Din massacre prompted Myanmar police to arrest two of the Reuters reporters, Burmese citizens Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, on December 12, 2017. They are now appealing the seven-year sentences for violating the Official Secrets Act that they are serving, sentences that Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has defended. Seven soldiers have been convicted of murder. In August, a United Nations fact-finding mission issued a report that called for Myanmar, to be investigated by the international criminal court (ICC) because crimes in Rakhine state, and the manner in which they were perpetrated, are similar in nature, gravity and scope to those that have allowed genocidal intent to be established in other contexts. The report called for the prosecution of Myanmars military leaders, who had used their now-removed Facebook pages to spread anti-Rohingya sentiment. There is no evidence at all that this is ethnic cleansing, let alone genocide, Myanmars U.N. ambassador Hau Do Suan told VOA in August. This kind of branding and accusation needs concrete evidence. It also needs legal proof. The Rohingya are one of several ethnic minorities in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where most people view them as economic migrants from Bangladesh. The government has denied them citizenship, even though most can show that their families have been in Myanmar for generations. They are discriminated against and are not allowed to move freely. They lack access to education and health care. Although Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement a year ago on repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar, the displaced have yet to return to their homes, and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused Myanmar of delaying the Rohingyas' return. The expansive court case seeking to hold drugmakers responsible for the nations opioid crisis has a new complication: How does it deal with claims covering the thousands of babies born addicted to the drugs? Attorneys representing the children and their guardians want their claims separated from the federal case in Cleveland that involves hundreds of local governments and other entities such as hospitals. They told a skeptical panel of judges in New York on Thursday that they have different legal issues, a need for faster relief because the babies need services in the first years of their lives. They also told the judges that as it is, they lack the leverage to exact a settlement from drug companies. Babies, unlike governments or businesses, have been directly harmed by the actions of drugmakers and are entitled to their own payments, said Scott Bickford, a lead lawyer for the children and their guardians. Bickford said more than 150,000 babies were born in opioid withdrawal from 2012 through 2016, and that the number grows each year Federal cases consolidated He said initial hospital stays for babies born to an opioid-addicted mother can cost $200,000 to $250,000 more than other infants born without complications. Then you have to address their developmental and learning problems, Bickford said in a Tuesday interview. A lot of them have organ problems. A lot of them have problems we dont even know about. Drug manufacturers and distributors oppose creating a new structure for the lawsuits over the children and judges on the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation hearing the matter in New York on Thursday wondered what good it would do. Opioids including prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic substances including fentanyl killed nearly 48,000 Americans last year, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cost of treatment, providing an overdose antidote, foster care, jail stays, ambulance runs and addressing a growing homeless crisis have added up for governments and taxpayers. Studies have found that opioid addiction also has depleted the workforce, harming the economy. More than 1,400 plaintiffs have had their federal cases consolidated under a single judge. They include county and local governments, hospitals, unions, American Indian tribes and individuals. Hundreds of others have sued in state courts. Cleveland-based federal Judge Dan Polster has been pushing the parties to reach a settlement. Children need a voice The judicial panels chairwoman, Judge Sarah Vance, said its unlikely any settlement would be reached without considering the children. Its hard for me to see how the defendants are going to settle if theyve got 150,000 children unhappy because their needs are unmet, Vance said. Angela Vicari, a lawyer for the drug manufacturers, told the judge that she wasnt aware of the lawyers for the babies seeking to negotiate. But lawyers for the children said they dont have a voice in the committee of plaintiffs lawyers leading the case, making it hard to request the information from the industry that they believe would help prove their case. Attorney Kevin Thompson said its essential to request information on any industry laboratory studies on the impact of drugs passed from mothers to children. Lawyers also worry that any settlement reached by government agencies wont go to help the people who have been hurt. They end up paving a road with that, Bickford said. Other plaintiffs in the omnibus opioid litigation have not objected formally and did not speak in court Thursday, but some are cool to the idea of separating the cases involving the children. One of the lead lawyers for the local governments, Paul Farrell Jr., said he is trying to get help for children born with opioid dependency and have prenatal care funded by the drug industry. He said in an interview that the plaintiffs share a goal: holding drug manufacturers liable for the crisis. Unless that happens, he said, no one will get the payouts theyre seeking. Youve only got to shoot the pig once, he said Tuesday. Indian tribes allowed to go it alone Lawyers representing the children and their guardians say there is precedent for their request to go it alone, after Polster granted the American Indian tribes a separate test trial for their claims. In August, the judge denied similar status for the cases brought on behalf of babies. That decision prompted the lawyers to ask the panel of judges to put their cases under another judge in West Virginia or Illinois. A ruling is expected in the next several weeks. Britains ambassador to Yemen said Thursday he has spoken with representatives from the countrys warring sides and that he expects them to attend peace talks that are to begin next week in Stockholm. However, overnight fighting cast a cloud on efforts to establish a cease-fire in the war-torn Arab country. Peace talks to end Yemens three-year war pitting a Saudi-led coalition and rival Iran-aligned Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, have repeatedly fallen through, most recently in September after the rebels did not attend. Ambassador Michael Aron posted on Twitter that he had spoken with Mohammed Abdel-Salam, a spokesman for the rebels, and also met with Khaled al-Yemeni, the foreign minister for Yemens internationally recognized government. I have booked my trip and look forward to seeing you there leading your delegation, he said in an Arabic message to Abdel-Salam. The political solution is the way forward and these consultations are a great step forward. Aron also sent al-Yemeni a similar message, but did not mention where they had met. Rebels fire missile at Saudi air base In the latest sign that de-escalation efforts are failing on the ground, the Houthis said they fired ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for the first time since saying they would stop such cross-border attacks Nov. 18 as a sign of good will. The rebels said that they fired the Badr-1 missiles into the southern Saudi border region of Najran, claiming they hit an air base, destroyed Apache attack helicopters and killed two pilots in the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi authorities were not immediately available for comment. Hours earlier Wednesday night, the rebels called for suspending truce efforts in Yemen over what they alleged was U.S. opposition to the text of a British cease-fire initiative at the United Nations. The United Nations says that both Yemens Saudi-backed internationally recognized government and the rebels who control the capital, Sanaa, have agreed to attend the peace talks. Conflict since 2014 The conflict in Yemen began with the 2014 takeover of Sanaa by the Houthis, who toppled the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the Houthis since March 2015. Saudi-led airstrikes have hit schools, hospitals and wedding parties, and the Houthis have fired long-range missiles into the kingdom and targeted its vessels in the Red Sea. Tens of thousands of people are believed to have been killed in the war and U.N. food agency chief David Beasley said last week that as many as 12 million of the 28 million Yemenis are just one step away from famine. Cameroon has reactivated village militias on its northern border with Nigeria after twin suicide bombings Wednesday wounded 29 people. Authorities say the bombers were Boko Haram terrorists who crossed over from Nigeria. It is hoped the armed locals can prevent further attacks. A group of 200 young men, drawn from 20 villages around the town of Amchide, sing a song about initiation into the local militia. In the lyrics, they vow to defend their communities from all intruders who would disturb the peace they had enjoyed for the past five months. That peace was shaken on Wednesday when two suicide bombers attacked a food market in Amchide, wounding 29 people,nine of them critically. The women bombers the only ones killed are suspected of having crossed over from the neighboring Nigerian town of Banki. Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of this far northern region of Cameroon, which borders Nigeria., said the bombings prompted him to reactivate the village militias, known as self-defense groups. He advised people to be extremely vigilant. He said Boko Haram fighters and suicide bombers may want to infiltrate at this time of year when people are traveling between Nigeria and Cameroon to buy goods in preparation for end-of-year feasts. Twenty-nine-year-old Cameroonian businesswoman Rouga Amina said she barely escaped death when debris from the bombings hit her left leg. She said she now feels the pain Boko Haram victims have gone through. With Boko Haram's unpredictability, she said death is very near and pain very likely. Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers last attacked Amchide in July when three blew themselves up, wounding five civilians. Cameroon reopened most of its border with Nigeria in January, five years after it was closed due to Boko Haram attacks. Rigobert Galdima, leader of an Amchide militia, said the self-defense groups were disbanded when attacks waned, but they don't want further suffering inflicted on their people. He said they are ready to help stop suicide bombers and fighters from coming to their villages. But he added that it is not an easy task because most self-defense groups don't get paid and lack training and basic communication tools. In addition, he said some are also traumatized when their family members and houses are targeted by Boko Haram supporters. The militias live on donations and what support they can get from Cameroon's government. In recent years, authorities arrested some militia members suspected of being Boko Haram supporters. Rosaline Ngwesse, a politics and crime analyst at the University of Yaounde, said the militias are vital if Boko Haram is to be defeated. But she said those who seek to join them should be thoroughly screened. "They must be reliable and competent, diligent, assiduous, available and willing to work," she said. They are supposed to know the rules and regulations, ethics and deontology [moral thory related to duties and rights]. If they are not, then there is a problem somewhere." Cameroon and Nigeria recently said they have reduced Boko Haram's ability to organize large-scale attacks, with none reported for the past year. But they also warned the terrorist group was restocking its ranks by recruiting vulnerable young people. A new study by longtime China experts in the U.S. has concluded that Beijing is engaging in an increasingly aggressive campaign to influence and shape perceptions about China held by American politicians, university scholars and students, as well as executives at major corporations. "Except for Russia, no other country's efforts to influence American politics and society is as extensive and well-funded as China's," according to the report by Stanford University's Hoover Institution and the Asia Society's Center on US-China Relations. The report, called "Chinese Influence & American Interests: Promoting Constructive Vigilance," details a wide range of Chinese activities in the U.S. to "advance its influence-seeking objectives." It includes lobbying "influential civil society groups," but also accessing critical U.S. infrastructure and technology and engaging in "covert, coercive or corrupting" behavior, such as pressuring Chinese students studying on U.S. campuses to spy on other Chinese students at the same schools. The report said China has, with the assistance of U.S. universities, established so called 110 Confucius Institutes on U.S. campuses, but the institutes are forced to use Communist Party-approved materials "that promote PRC Chinese viewpoints, terminology and simplified characters; the avoidance of discussion on controversial topics such as Tibet, Tiananmen, Xinjiang, the Falun Gong, and human rights in American classrooms and programs." Now, however, some U.S. universities, including the University of Chicago and the Texas A&M system, have had second thoughts about the Confucius Institutes and have closed branches at their schools. The report said U.S. institutions should rewrite their contracts with China to eliminate a clause that stipulates Confucius Institutes must operate according to China's laws. One of the report's authors, Orville Schell, said money flowing to U.S. universities "will not come with any explicit prohibitions, but implicit ones," that if the schools "want to get more [money], don't say this, don't say that," an effort aimed at "modulating and controlling what people say about it and how they view it." The report said Hollywood, the film capital of the world, has been influenced by Chinese investment and now routinely makes films that portray China's government in a favorable light. It said that two decades ago, films such as "Red Corner," "Seven Years in Tibet," and "Kundun" addressed topics the Chinese government deemed sensitive. Hollywood studios now are teaming up with Chinese interests to produce such films as "The Martian," a hit in which the Chinese government saves the American protagonists. "The rush of Chinese investment into the American film industry," the report concludes, "has raised legitimate concerns about the industry's outright loss of independence." Schell said that after a year and a half of research, he and others came to the conclusion "that the relationship between the U.S. and China when it comes to influence is not reciprocal." He said, "The open society of the United States gets used for Chinese purposes in myriad ways that are not available to Americans in China." American universities have not been granted the same access in China as Beijing has received, and U.S. journalists are severely restricted inside China. The report's conclusions echo those of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in a speech last month. "Beijing is employing a whole-of-government approach," Pence said, "using political, economic and military tools, as well as propaganda, to advance its influence and benefit its interests in the United States." The Hoover-Asia Society report comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President XI Jinping have in recent months imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of exports flowing between the world's two biggest economies. The two leaders are meeting Saturday night over dinner in Buenos Aires at the G-20 summit of the world's leading economies and could possibly reach a new trade agreement. But obstacles remain and agreement on a deal is uncertain. The Chinese scientist who claims to be the world's first to edit the genetic code of a pair of recently born twin baby girls, to make them resistant to HIV, the AIDS virus, has defended his work and says there is another potential pregnancy. But assurances he has given that the experiment will be reviewed by a scientific journal have done little to set aside growing questions. He Jiankuis research, which was suddenly revealed shortly before an international gene editing summit in Hong Kong, has sparked a wide range of questions about the safety and ethics of the experiment, as well as the funding of the research. A group of more than 120 Chinese scientists, who spoke out earlier in the week has grown. In a statement released Thursday, which has now been signed by more than 300 scientists both in China and overseas, the petition asks 10 pointed questions, including what is the real point of the experiment? Where did the funding come from and who will guarantee the rights of the two baby girls known as Lulu and Nana are looked after? We not only need to ask was the experiment really carried out to help the couples involved? Or was it just use them as innocent lab rats to fulfill his (He Jiankuis) own personal ambition or potentially huge business interests? the statement asked. During a question and answer session in Hong Kong on Wednesday at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, He said the interests of the families and the babies were his first concern. He also said the research was largely self-funded, a claim other Chinese scientists find hard to believe. All the patients medical care expenses was paid by myself and a small amount of (gene) sequencing costs was covered by staff funding at the university (Southern University of Science and Technology), He said. Hes university said he has been on leave from his position since February. In their statement, scientists estimated that such an experiment with staffing and in vitro fertilization costs, as well as monkey test subjects, could cost millions of dollars. Scientists also expressed concern the research would not only set a dangerous precedence, but went against Chinese law and an international consensus regarding gene editing. We demand that these questions receive a swift, rigorous and comprehensive investigation and response, the statement said. If there is no punishment, it will send the wrong message that anyone with ambition and funding, much like He can carry out experiments in the dark. Participants at the Human Genome Editing Summit in Hong Kong issued a strong statement on Thursday, blasting their colleagues experiment, calling it deeply disturbing and irresponsible. In its response, the organizing committee of the summit said: Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform with international norms. In comments on Wednesday, Nobel Prize-winning biologist David Baltimore also shared his concern. Baltimore is the chair of the conference. I dont think it has been a transparent process, weve only found out about it after it has happened and after the children are born, he said, speaking before the question and answer session for He Jiankui. I think there has been a failure of self-regulation by the scientific community because of a lack of transparency. The big question that comes next is how Chinese authorities will handle the incident and He Jiankui. Chinas National Health Commission and Ministry of Science and Technology have made it clear that punishment must be handed down in accordance with the law. Lawyers in China, however, have already begun to point out the legal loopholes that exist and could frustrate efforts to take legal action. In an online blog, Guangzhou-based lawyer Zhou Xiaoyun noted that while there are administrative regulations for gene modifications, such clauses could not be found in criminal law. Zhou suggests that a national level investigation should be launched into the case and that a probe into all of those involved, not at the local level. A criminal law should be quickly established banning the human experimentation of gene editing, he said. However, given that Pandoras box has already been opened, such measures to remedy the problem will only slightly delay its impact. So far, the Guangdong Provinces Health Commission and Shenzhen City have set up an investigation into his case as has the Southern University of Science and Technology, where He is an assistant professor. A clinical database shows that He did receive an ethical review for his research from a hospital in Shenzhen, but that facility denies ever meeting to discuss his work. Chen Hsin-fu, a gynecologist at National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei, said that while it is hard to say how authorities in China will ultimately handle the case, he expects some punishment to be handed down. Clearly the case has exposed both moral and scientific flaws, Chen said. And if his claims are true, the long term care of these two babies will be a big concern and problem because some unexpected problems could come up. When U.S. President Donald Trump recently provided the special counsel with written answers about his knowledge of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, his lawyers said it was time for the investigation to end. "It's time to bring this inquiry to a conclusion," Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told reporters. But Special Counsel Robert Mueller has given no indications that he's winding down the sprawling investigation that started more than two years ago and has cast a deep shadow over Trump's presidency. In the latest development in the probe, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project Trump was pursuing during his presidential campaign. Trump had long denied having any business interests in Russia, but Cohen admitted that negotiations proceeded well into the campaign and that he had spoken to Trump about the deal more than three times. The probe that Trump has called a "witch hunt" and a "hoax" started in July 2016 as an FBI counter-intelligence investigation into alleged Russian hacking of Democratic National Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee computers. It came shortly after the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks published tens of thousands of hacked Democratic emails. Investigators suspected Russian hackers with ties to Moscow had been behind the intrusion and shared the emails with WikiLeaks in an effort to damage the campaign of Trump's presidential rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton. Then a second email dump followed just weeks before the November vote. In October, WikiLeaks published tens of thousands of emails hacked from the account of John Podesta, then-Clinton's campaign chairman. Podesta blamed the Russians and claimed the Trump campaign knew about the hack. Clinton lost the U.S. presidential election, attributing her defeat in part to the damaging emails. The FBI investigation into Russian interference was kept under wraps even as U.S. intelligence agencies publicly accused Moscow in January 2017 of meddling in the election. It wasn't until March 2017 two months after Trump was inaugurated as president that then-FBI director James Comey publicly disclosed that the bureau had been investigating Russian interference and allegations of collusion between Trump associates and Moscow. By then, Comey's relationship with Trump had soured in large part over the FBI investigation. In May of last year, after Trump fired Comey, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, bowing to Democratic pressure, appointed Mueller, a former FBI director, as special counsel for the Russia investigation. Mueller was given a broad mandate to pursue two lines of inquiry: whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election and whether there were "any links and/or coordination" between Trump campaign associates and Russia. He was also authorized to pursue "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation." One matter that grew out of the probe was the question of whether Trump had obstructed justice by asking Comey to "let go" of investigating Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and then firing Comey over the Russia investigation. In June of 2017, days after Comey testified before Congress about Trump's alleged demand, Mueller expanded his investigation to examine whether the president had obstructed justice. Along the way, as the investigation expanded, Trump grew increasingly virulent in his attack on the probe. But that did not stop Mueller from forging ahead. In August 2017, he impaneled a grand jury, signaling he had gathered enough evidence to pursue a criminal investigation and bring indictments. Mueller's office then began summoning witnesses to testify before the grand jury. The first indictment came in October. Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates were indicted on 12 counts ranging from money laundering to acting as unregistered foreign agents in connection with their lobbying for pro-Russia Ukrainian politicians. In the year that followed, the special counsel has indicted or obtained guilty pleas from 30 other people and three entities. Among them: * Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI; * Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos for lying to the FBI; * Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for lying to Congress; * 13 Russian individuals and three Russian entities on charges of running a misinformation campaign during the 2016 election; * 12 Russian intelligence officers for hacking Democratic computers. While the indictments against the Russians provide ample evidence of Russian interference, Mueller's office has not given any indication it has gathered evidence of "collusion" between Trump campaign associates and Russia. Of the five former Trump associates who have pleaded guilty thus far, none has been charged with coordinating with Moscow. Nor has the special counsel's office disclosed that it has uncovered evidence of obstruction of justice against Trump. Trump's recent responses to Mueller's questions were limited to Russian interference and did not cover obstruction of justice. Mueller has not closed the door to following up with fresh questions about obstruction, although Trump's lawyers have argued that as president, Trump is not obligated to answer questions about actions he took while in office. Police raided six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Thursday over money laundering allegations linked to the "Panama Papers," the public prosecutor's office in Germany's financial capital said. Investigators are looking into the activities of two unnamed Deutsche Bank employees alleged to have helped clients set up offshore firms to launder money, the prosecutor's office said. Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors searched the offices where written and electronic business documents were seized. "Of course, we will cooperate closely with the public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt, as it is in our interest as well to clarify the facts," Deutsche Bank said, adding it believed it had already provided all the relevant information related to the "Panama Papers". The news comes as Deutsche Bank tries to repair its tattered reputation after three years of losses and a drumbeat of financial and regulatory scandals. Christian Sewing was appointed as chief executive in April to help the bank to rebuild. He trimmed U.S. operations and reshuffled the management board but revenue has continued to slip. Deutsche Bank shares were down more than 3 percent by 1220 GMT and have lost almost half their value this year. Offshore links The investigation was triggered after investigators reviewed so-called "Offshore-Leaks" and "Panama Papers," the prosecutor said. The "Panama Papers", which consist of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, were leaked to the media in April 2016. Several banks, including Scandinavian lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by regulators for violating money laundering rules as a result of the papers. The prosecutors said they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank may have assisted clients to set up offshore companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. In 2016 alone, over 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered on the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of 311 million euros, the prosecutors said. They also said Deutsche Bank employees are alleged to have breached their duties by neglecting to report money laundering suspicions about clients and offshore companies involved in tax evasion schemes. The investigation is separate from another money laundering scandal surrounding Danish lender Danske Bank, where Deutsche Bank is involved. Danske is under investigation for suspicious payments totaling 200 billion euros from 2007 onwards and a source with direct knowledge of the case has told Reuters Deutsche Bank helped to process the bulk of the payments. A Deutsche Bank executive director has said the lender played only a secondary role as a so-called correspondent bank to Danske Bank, limiting what it needed to know about the people behind the transactions. Under scrutiny Weaknesses in Deutsche Bank's controls that aim to prevent money laundering have caught the attention of regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The bank has publicly said that it agreed it needed to improve its processes to properly identify clients. In September, Germany's financial watchdog - BaFin - ordered Deutsche Bank to do more to prevent money laundering and "terrorist financing," and appointed KPMG as third party to assess progress. In August, Reuters reported that Deutsche Bank had uncovered further shortcomings in its ability to fully identify clients and the source of their wealth. Last year, Deutsche Bank was fined nearly $700 million for allowing money laundering through artificial trades between Moscow, London and New York. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is still ongoing. Deutsche Bank has been under pressure after annual losses, and it agreed to pay a $7.2 billion settlement with U.S. authorities last year over its sale of toxic mortgage securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump are due to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Erdogan indicated U.S. support for a Syrian Kurdish militia would top their agenda. Speaking before leaving for Buenos Aires, Erdogan said the planned talks would pick up on themes raised in Wednesday's telephone call with Trump. Ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia initiated the call. "They agreed to meet again at G-20 to discuss this concern and other important issues in the bilateral relationship," read the White House readout of the call. Trump and Erdogan have again started to work together on the many crises in Turkey's region after months of diplomatic tensions. October's release by a Turkish court of American pastor Andrew Brunson was the trigger for renewed cooperation and talks. "There are some very thorny issues that have been postponed rather than resolved," said analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners. "But the release of Brunson has ended a psychological barrier to dialogue." At the top of Erdogan's list of issues to be resolved is Washington's ongoing support for the YPG Syrian Kurdish militia in its war against the Islamic State. Turkey considers the YPG terrorists linked to a decades-long insurgency inside Turkey and is pushing for a road map agreement with Washington to end YPG presence in the strategically important Syrian City of Manbij. Under the deal, American and Turkish forces would replace the militia. "We will discuss the Manbij issue at the [G-20] meeting with U.S. President Trump," Erdogan said Thursday. Former senior Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen, who served widely in the region, sees the Manbij deal as a blueprint for future efforts that would feature "joint Turkish-US patrols to push the YPG away from the border." Time is against the Kurds, he said. "We are at a new phase in U.S. Turkish relations with greater cooperation." Greater cooperation A major stumbling block to greater cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey are the deepening Turkish-Iranian ties. Observers point out Washington increasingly sees curtailing Iran's presence in Syria a priority, a role the YPG could play given it controls a fifth of Syrian territory. "They [Washington] will ask Turkey to follow in line against Iran and hold the ground." said Selcen, "Then, this will push Turkey to distance itself from the Astana process, from Iran and Russia altogether." The Astana process brought together Ankara, Moscow, and Tehran in efforts to end the Syrian civil war. Leverage over Turkey Trump does retain leverage over Erdogan. Turkish State-owned Halkbank is facing potential multi-billion dollars fines for violating U.S. Iranian sanctions. "The fact that Halkbank is still on the hook with the American judiciary obliges Turkey to be nice to the U.S.," said Yesilada. Erdogan is expected to raise Halkbank with Trump at the G-20 summit. Turkey's controversial purchase of S400 Russian missiles also is likely feature in the talks. The U.S. is calling for an end to the deal, claiming the missiles threaten to compromise NATO weapons systems, in particular, America's latest fighter the F-35. Tit-for-tat A U.S. Congressional report cautions against the delivery of the F 35 to Turkey if the delivery of S400 goes ahead in mid-2019. Such a move could also jeopardize Turkey's ongoing participation in the manufacture of the fighter. "The F-35 is important to Erdogan as part of the development of Turkey's defense industry, which is a priority for the president," said Yesilada. Erdogan insists the S-400 purchase will go ahead, although he has suggested readiness to consider buying an American missile system as well. International relations professor Huseyin Bagci, of Ankara's Middle East Technical University, says Turkey has "had enough with the economic and political crisis and now wants to repair relations. And Trump appears prepared to do this." Trump has received plaudits in Ankara for taking steps against Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States and denies Erdogan's charges he was behind a 2016 coup attempt. "Ankara is quite content with the state of a recent investigation by the FBI on Gulen's approximately 180 charter schools in the U.S." wrote columnist Cansu Camlibel for Hurriyet Daily News. "The FBI has been investigating tax and visa fraud, as well as money laundering, allegations against schools known for their ties to Gulen." The Erdogan-Trump meeting is not expected to result in any breakthroughs on critical issues that continue to plague bilateral ties. But analysts suggest both leaders share an interest in working to defuse tensions. A U.S. agency is taking steps to deport people who were trafficked illegally into the country if they cannot prove their ordeal, a move likely to have a chilling effect on victims coming forward, experts said on Wednesday. Victims of human trafficking can apply for a special "T visa" that allows them to stay in the country, receive government benefits and even put them on the path to U.S. citizenship, according to anti-trafficking experts. About 1,000 people apply for the visa each year, with 70 percent being granted, according to the U.S. government. The policy change was ordered by President Donald Trump in a crackdown on anyone in the country illegally. To get a T visa, victims must prove their story to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but if their application is denied, a policy that took effect last week means they will be ordered to appear at a hearing that begins the deportation process. Previously, those with applications denied were not necessarily put on an immediate path to deportation, experts said. The change means victims see more risk in coming forward and advocates are more selective in what cases they bring because of fear of failure, said Martina Vandenberg, president of the Human Trafficking Legal Center. "Lawyers are having to make extremely difficult decisions about whether or not to file at all. You don't file anything even slightly risky," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The order is intended to improve security in the United States, said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. It allows USCIS "to support the enforcement priorities established by the president, keep our communities safe, and protect the integrity of our immigration system from those seeking to exploit it," Cissna told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an email. The process of obtaining T visas has slowed down considerably to almost two years, experts said. The longer the process, the harder it is for people if they are forced to leave the country, said Anita Teekah, senior director of the anti-trafficking program at New York's Safe Horizon, a victim assistance organization. "The stakes really continue to get higher the longer you're here," she said. The U.S. government estimates about 50,000 people are trafficked every year from foreign countries to the United States. Globally, some 40 million people are believed to be victims of labor or sex trafficking, according to the International Labor Organization and other leading groups. Indonesia says it is unlikely to meet renewable energy targets it set after the Paris climate agreement, causing critics to call for changes in government policy. At the recent Indonesia Clean Energy Forum (ICEF) in Jakarta, Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan said he is pessimistic Indonesia will be able to meet its target of having 23 percent of its energy come from renewables such as solar and wind by 2025. Im worried we cant reach 23 percent. Maybe we will try until 20 percent more or less, Jonan said According to Fabby Tumiwa, the executive director of Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), Jonans statement reflected the current condition where development of renewable energy is stalling. In July, President Joko Jokowi Widodo launched two wind power plants in Indonesia, a 75 Megawatt plant in Sidrap and a 70 Megawatt plant in Jeneponto, both in South Sulawesi. But even then, renewable energy is only 13 percent of the total electricity produced in the country, mainly from geothermal and hydro. And for the last three years, there hasnt been a new and significant project for renewable energy that is being developed, Tumiwa told VOA. Perception as hindrance Tumiwa said renewable energy is still perceived as more expensive because of the intermittent nature of solar and wind power plants. That is actually not the case, he added. According to the data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, up until the third quarter of 2018, investment in renewable energy in Indonesia was only $1.16 billion, a decrease from $1.34 billion in 2017 and $1.57 billion in 2016. The number shows that the renewable energy sector is not lucrative for investors, said Tumiwa. Dependence on coal More than 80 percent of the energy mix in Indonesia comes from fossil fuels, with coal power plants still the main source of electricity. Based on the Brown to Green Report published by Climate Transparency, Indonesias state-owned utility expects coal use to double from 2017 to 2025. Adhityani Putri, the founder of Center for Energy Research Asia (CERA), said in its commitment to the Paris Agreement, Indonesia has already taken into account the plan to build a 35 Megawatt coal power plant in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) on top of the 23 percent renewable energy target. So it has already incorporated the fact that it would be adding a lot of coal in the next 10 years to the system, she told VOA. According to Putri, coal power plants have become an established business process in the last two decades. The players are known, they are comfortable with the risks. Many people benefited from the supply chains, from coal miners to the middlemen. And finally the banks are comfortable with financing coals, they dont understand renewables, they know coal, she added. Putri argued that renewable energy would be cheaper even though the technology costs a little more than conventional plants. But the government put a cap on coal prices through its Domestic Market Obligation (DMO).And on policy, the government created policies as if renewables and fossil fuels are on the same level playing field, they are not. The characteristics of both markets are different, one is transportable while (renewable energy) is site specific and more on the smaller and medium scale, she said adding that without policies that can accommodate growth on renewable, it would be hard to attract investors and business proponents in the sector. 5,000 Megawatt per year Tumiwa asserted the Indonesian government needs to accelerate the development of renewable energy and add 35 Gigawatts to its energy mix by 2025. Of course if we only add 800 to 1000 Megawatts (of renewables) per year it wont be enough. At least we need to grow 4,000 to 5,000 Megawatts per year to meet the 23 percent target, he added. Last week, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources issued a ministerial decree no. 49/2018 on rooftop solar power plant systems to encourage people to install the system in exchange for reduced electricity fees. Tumiwa lauded the effort but expressed skepticism on how far it can encourage the public to invest on solar rooftop. We did a survey two months ago and found out the potential for solar rooftop in Indonesia is about 13 percent. This equals to 4.5 million household. But these early followers would invest only if they can get the benefit, he said. Until the Russian attack Sunday on Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea, the White House and the Kremlin had at least agreed on one thing, the agenda for Saturday's scheduled face-to-face between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, their second summit meeting. Arms control, security issues as well as the Middle East and North Korea were all set to figure prominently, senior U.S. and Russian aides told reporters in the run-up to the meeting. The Kremlin had earmarked as their key issue, say Russian officials, Trump's recent decision to abandon a landmark Cold War-era agreement prohibiting the U.S. and Russia from possessing ground-launched short-range nuclear missiles. For the White House, securing a public commitment from the Russians to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea before next month's planned summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was a key objective, according to U.S. officials. But the Russian attack on three Ukrainian vessels shifted the dynamics of Saturday's planned two-hour face-to-face between Trump and Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina, say analysts, with the U.S. leader being urged to take a tough line that might imperil his overall determination to improve U.S.-Russian relations. Trump suggested Tuesday he might cancel the meeting after Russian ships opened fire on and seized the Ukrainian ships near Crimea. Then on Thursday, after telling reporters the meeting will go ahead, he tweeted that he has canceled the meeting "based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia." "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" he said. Kremlin officials had earlier said they expected the meeting to be held. "We don't have to agree on all issues, which is probably impossible, but we need to talk. It's in the interests of not only our two countries, it's in the interests of the whole World," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Earlier this week John Bolton, the U.S. National Security Adviser, said Trump was planning to discuss security, arms control and regional issues with Putin. "I think it will be a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki," he said, referring to the first summit meeting between the two leaders held in Finland in July, when they met for more than two hours with only their translators present. The Helsinki sit-down prompted widespread criticism of Trump from across the U.S. political spectrum, with Republican and Democrat lawmakers expressing dismay at what they saw as the U.S. leader's amplifying of Putin denials of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Washington wanted to see tougher enforcement of sanctions against Russia as a consequence of the Russian action, the first time the Kremlin has staged open aggression against Ukraine since Putin annexed Crimea four years ago and launched a destabilization campaign in Ukraine's Donbas region. German chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to address the Kerch incident at the G-20 meeting. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko piled pressure Thursday on the G-20 by calling for a tough collective response to Russia, saying he fears Moscow intends broader military action against his country. European Union hawks have called for more sanctions to be imposed on Russia, although with the bloc already divided over policy towards Russia it is unlikely that will happen swiftly without a strong lead from Washington, say diplomats. Trump waited more than 24 hours after the maritime clash before he commented on the incident, prompting criticism, once again, that he was going lightly on his Russian counterpart. But once he did address the clash, his irritation was clear. "I don't like that aggression. I don't want that aggression at all," he told the Washington Post. Steven Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and now an analyst at the Washington-based Brookings Institution told VOA if Trump "does not raise the question of the Russian conflict against Ukraine ... the Russian would calculate the President is weak on this issue. That's going to be bad for Ukraine, but also bad for American foreign policy." Kosovo President Hashim Thaci says defining the borders between Kosovo and Serbia is a key step toward easing tensions between the two nations. Border talks come 10 years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. Kosovo has been recognized by more than 110 countries as a sovereign nation, though Serbia refuses to recognize it. Both countries want to join the European Union, but Brussels said disagreements over Kosovo's sovereignty must be settled first. "One thing should be clear: Without defining the borders, there cannot be a final, peaceful agreement that would guarantee mutual recognition [between Kosovo and Serbia]," Thaci said in an interview with VOA's Albanian Service. He added that teams from Kosovo and Serbia, as well as representatives from the United States, NATO and the European Union, will work together to "clearly define the border between Kosovo and Serbia." His comments follow meetings in Washington with National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo "encouraged Kosovo to seize this unique window of opportunity to reach a historic comprehensive normalization deal with Serbia." Bolton tweeted that "the U.S. stands ready to help both parties achieve this historic goal." Thaci did not elaborate on what has changed to allow progress after 10 years of tension and apparent stalemate. Border change Neither Bolton's nor Pompeo's statements mention border changes, although in August, Bolton was the first senior U.S. official to say that Washington would contemplate the idea if the parties agree to it. "Our policy, the U.S. policy, is that if the two parties can work it out between themselves and reach agreement, we don't exclude territorial adjustments. It's really not for us to say. It's obviously a difficult issue. If it weren't, it would have been resolved a long time ago. But we would not stand in the way, and I don't think anybody in Europe would stand in the way if the two parties to the dispute reached a mutual and satisfactory settlement?" he said back then. Bolton's comments came after Thaci and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, floated the idea that could see Serbia getting parts of northern Kosovo with a mostly Serb population, and Kosovo getting parts of Serbia's Presevo Valley, inhabited mostly by ethnic Albanians. But neither leader explicitly addressed where the border would be redrawn and have not at least publicly put forth a detailed plan. The idea has sparked fierce opposition within their countries. Thaci said Wednesday that there cannot be mutual recognition without defining borders. "Everything will have to go through Kosovo's parliament, whether it is approved or not. Or the other alternative is a referendum. But it is easy to be a skeptic. It is more difficult to take responsibility and do the work. That is why, invite everyone to act together, take responsibility, discuss. We can all agree to it, or we don't. But if we don't, we all together pay a price," Thaci told VOA. Vucic has rarely spoken about redrawing borders but recently complained that the idea seems to have little support in Serbia. Western experts have warned that changing borders in the Balkans could destabilize the region. Precarious relationship Flare-ups are common between the two countries. A tariff scuffle is the latest example. A week ago, Kosovo's government imposed a tariff of 100 percent on imports of Serbian goods. It was retaliation for Belgrade's efforts to block Kosovo's membership in international organizations. Tariffs were imposed a day after Kosovo failed to become a member of Interpol, widely seen as a result of Serbia's strong lobbying effort to prevent it. After meeting Thaci on Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Kosovo to "rescind the tariffs placed on imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to work with Serbia to avoid provocations and de-escalate tensions." Washington seems to be pushing the two countries to normalize their relations. Efforts to reach that goal will test both nations' leaders and show how high a price Kosovo and Serbia are willing to pay to trade their troubled past for a more prosperous European future. New Zealand's international spy agency on Wednesday halted mobile company Spark from using Huawei equipment in its planned 5G upgrade, saying it posed a "significant network security risk.'' The action follows a ban in Australia, where the Chinese telecommunications giant was blocked in August from rolling out Australia's 5G network due to security concerns. In New Zealand, Huawei has previously helped build mobile networks. In March, Spark and Huawei showcased a 5G test site across the street from the Parliament, in a publicity move that was attended by then Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran. The latest development could have diplomatic and economic implications for New Zealand, which relies on China as its largest trading partner but which is also part of the "Five Eyes'' security alliance that includes the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia. China 'severely concerned' by move At a daily briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China was "severely concerned'' over the decision. "The economic and trade cooperation between China and New Zealand is mutually beneficial in nature,'' Geng said. "We hope New Zealand will provide a level-playing field for Chinese enterprises' operation there and do something conducive for mutual trust and cooperation.'' Huawei said in a statement it was looking into the situation and would actively address any concerns to find a way forward. It said the company was committed to developing trusted and secure solutions for its customers. New Zealand was the first developed nation to sign a free-trade deal with China in 2008, and China buys billions of dollars of New Zealand's dairy exports each year, which are often used in making infant formula. US report offered warning New Zealand's previous conservative government had a close relationship with China. But over the past year under liberal Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand has pulled back somewhat, embracing a warmer relationship with Japan and putting resources into the Pacific, in part to counter China's growing influence there. Huawei suffered a setback in the U.S. market in 2012 when a congressional report said it was a security risk and warned phone companies not to buy its equipment. The private Chinese company was started by a former People's Liberation Army major in 1987. Decision disappoints Spark Spark is one of three main mobile network operators in New Zealand. The companies compete for customers over their own network of cell towers, using radio spectrum that is licensed from the government. Spark said it is disappointed with the decision by New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau. But the company said in a statement it's confident it can still launch its 5G network by July 2020. Spark said it had wanted to use Huawei 5G equipment in its planned Radio Access Network, which involves technology associated with cell tower infrastructure. The company said it has not yet had time to review the detailed reasoning behind the spy agency's decision, or whether it will take further steps. A woman accused of being a secret agent for the Russian government appears to be coming closer to a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors or other resolution of her criminal case, according to court documents filed Wednesday. Lawyers for Maria Butina and federal prosecutors wrote in the joint court filing that they remain optimistic about a pretrial resolution'' of her case. Prosecutors allege that the 30-year-old gathered intelligence on American officials and political organizations and worked to develop relationships with American politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association. They have charged that her work was directed by a former Russian lawmaker who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Butina is charged with conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia. She has pleaded not guilty, and her lawyer has said Butina is a student interested in American politics and better U.S.-Russian relations. Butina has mounted an aggressive defense since she was jailed in July, and her legal team tried to have the case thrown out earlier this month. But Wednesday's filing, which follows similar court papers filed earlier this month, is yet another indication that her lawyers are continuing to negotiate with federal prosecutors and may be nearing a plea deal. A hearing is scheduled for next month. The charges against Butina were brought by federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., and her case is unrelated to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference. However, the charges against her come amid a larger push by the Justice Department to aggressively enforce U.S. laws governing foreign agents, including those accused of working for Russia, who seek to operate in the American political system. Separately on Wednesday, a judge denied a request from Butina's lawyers to order her released from solitary confinement at the jail in Alexandria, Va., where she's being held as she awaits trial. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns a spike in the number of measles cases globally is putting hard won progress toward the elimination of this highly contagious, deadly disease at risk. Measles immunizations have saved more than 21 million lives globally since 2000. But, unveiling a new report, the World Health Organization says multiple outbreaks of this killer disease since 2016 have caused an estimated 110,000 deaths in all regions of the globe. In addition, WHO's director of immunization, vaccines and biologicals, Martin Friede, says there has been a very worrying jump of more than 30 percent in reported measles cases worldwide. We are seeing sustained measles transmission in countries that had previously not seen measles transmission for many years. So, the countries had eliminated measles, but it has now been re-established in the country. This is very worrying. This suggests that we are actually regressing in certain cases, Friede said. The report finds the Americas, the eastern Mediterranean region, and Europe have experienced the greatest surges in cases, with the western Pacific the only region where the number of cases has fallen. But, it notes the biggest increases continue to be in areas with low immunization coverage where measles is endemic. For instance, the report finds a two-fold rise in cases of the disease in Africa. Health officials attribute the growth of measles cases to a sense of complacency, especially in industrialized countries where the disease has not been seen for many years. They also warn the spread of falsehoods and misinformation, such as the debunked link between measles vaccinations and autism, discourages many parents from immunizing their children against the disease. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled a planned two-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea region. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina," Trump said on Twitter as he left Washington for Buenos Aires and the weekend G-20 summit of heads of the world's leading economies. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump added. Trump tweeted about canceling the talks with Putin not long after telling reporters at the White House that the meeting would likely proceed as planned. "I probably will be meeting with President Putin," he had said. "They would like to have it. I think it's a very good time to have the meeting." But he said he would get a final report during his flight concerning the Russian seizure Sunday of the three vessels and their crews in the Kerch Strait as they tried to make their way to the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, in the Sea of Azov. "I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happened with respect to that and that will determine what I'm going to be doing," he said. The White House said Trump made the decision on board Air Force One after conferring with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. Russian news agencies reported the Kremlin had not been notified in advance of Trump's decision. The Russian embassy in Washington said that if Trump and Putin aren't going to meet, then the Russian leader "will have a couple of additional hours on the program for useful meetings." Request for NATO aid Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO countries to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to aid his country and "provide security" amid tensions with Russia. Ukraine, once a Soviet satellite state, is not a NATO member. Poroshenko's comments were published Thursday in the German newspaper Bild. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu responded to Poroshenko's request by saying the military alliance already has a strong presence in the Black Sea region. She said NATO ships routinely patrol the area and several NATO allies conduct reconnaissance flights over the region. "We will continue to assess our presence in the region," Lungescu added. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also rejected Poroshenko's request, urging Kyiv to adopt a "sensible" approach "because there is no military solution to these disputes." Also Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he could play a mediator role between Ukraine and Russia. Erdogan has held phone talks with leaders on both sides, and said he would continue discussing the issue with Putin and Trump at a G-20 summit. Conflicting accounts Ukraine said Russia used a tanker to block access to the Kerch Strait, which under a treaty is shared territory. Russia said the vessels illegally entered its waters. Putin on Wednesday blamed Poroshenko for the incident, alleging it is an attempt by Poroshenko to boost his re-election chances next year. Ukraine has imposed martial law in some of its border regions in response to the incident, and with a growing number of other European countries, urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on Moscow. Poroshenko said martial law will help "strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amid increasing aggression and according to international law, a cold act of aggression by the Russian Federation." He demanded Russia release the Ukrainian sailors and vessels. The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, Kurt Volker, told reporters Wednesday in Berlin he believes Kyiv's account that its ships were operating within global maritime rules. Volker said the Ukrainian vessels were returning to Odessa "when the Russian vessels then pursued them and attacked them." Ukrainian officials have released what they maintain is the precise location where its ships were fired upon. Volker said he has not received independent U.S. verification of Ukraine's information, but believed "the data the Ukrainians have provided is quite clear." Poroshenko wrote Thursday on Twitter that his country will impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in response to Russia's actions. Ukraine has already denied Russians entry into the country since last week's incident. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, saying its ethnic Russian majority was under threat from the Ukrainian government. A month later, it fomented a pro-Russia separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine in an ongoing conflict that to date has claimed more than 10,000 lives. Ukraine and the West repeatedly have accused Russia of fueling the conflict by providing rebel forces with weapons and other support, a charge Moscow has denied despite strong evidence to the contrary. President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty Thursday to a new charge of lying to Congress about a Russian real estate venture Trump sought to develop during his presidential campaign. The charge was filed by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Cohen, who previously pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws, directed efforts to construct a Trump-branded complex in Moscow. He admitted to a federal judge in New York he lied about the timing of negotiations and other information in order to be consistent with Trump's "political message" and "to be loyal to Individual One," a reference to Trump during the court session. Among the lies Cohen told the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2017 was that discussions of the project ended by January 2016 when they actually continued until June of that year. Cohen said he also lied about his communications with Russian officials, when he said he did not agree to a project-related trip to Russia, and when he said he never thought about asking Trump to travel to support the project. Trump strongly denounced his former attorney, accusing him of succumbing to pressure from prosecutors. "He's a weak person and what he's trying to do is get a reduced sentence," Trump told reporters outside the White House. "So he's lying about a project that everybody knew about. I mean we were very open with it. We were thinking about building a building. "I decided ultimately not to do it. There would have been nothing wrong if I did do it. If I did do it, there would have been nothing wrong," Trump said. In the nine-page filing by prosecutors, Cohen said Trump was among the people he updated about the project, doing so on at least on three occasions. Cohen also said Trump signed a letter of intent. Trump has repeatedly denied he had business dealings in Russia. Cohen also said he reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman by email as part of the potential deal. The former Trump attorney said he collaborated on the deal with Russian-born developer Felix Sater, who Cohen said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. Discussions about the real estate proposal began after Trump announced his candidacy. Cohen said the talks ended when it became clear the project was not feasible. Reactions The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, said Cohen's plea is another example of Trump allies being untruthful about Russia, asking reporters, "What are they covering up for?" Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani said, "It's no surprise that Cohen lied to Congress." Giuliani called Cohen a "proven liar" who is trying to avoid a long prison term for "serious crimes ... that had nothing to do with the Trump Organization." Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, in line to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee next year, said Cohen's guilty plea clearly demonstrates "the president's own denials during the campaign were false or misleading." Schiff said the guilty plea also highlights the belief of Democratic committee members that "other witnesses were also untruthful" during testimony before the panel in August and in October 2017. Attacks on Mueller Trump has tried to distance himself from Cohen despite their long relationship. Cohen testified in August that Trump ordered him to illegally arrange payments to buy the silence of two women before the 2016 election, who said they had affairs with Trump. The president has denied their claims. The developments come as Trump continues almost daily attacks on Mueller's investigation of Trump campaign links to Russia and whether Trump, as president, obstructed justice in an effort to thwart the probe. Trump last week provided written answers to about two dozen questions posed by Mueller about his own actions and recollections of the campaign. It is not known, however, whether Mueller will seek to follow up with more questions for Trump, now nearly halfway through his first term in the White House. As President Trump prepares to re-enter the world stage at the G-20 summit in Argentina, allies and adversaries alike will be taking stock of the presidents new domestic challenges in the coming year. These include Democratic control of the House of Representatives, the potential for numerous oversight investigations and the long-awaited end of the Russia probe being led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Foremost on the presidents mind, however, is his re-election bid in 2020. Trump provided some hints as to his strategy for re-election during his recent campaign stops for Republican Senator-elect Cindy Hyde-Smith. Under Republican leadership America is booming, America is thriving and America is winning again, winning like never before, Trump told Republican supporters at a rally in Tupelo, Mississippi. We are respected again. We are respected again as a nation. New balance of power But Trump faces a new reality in January when Democrats assume control of the House of Representatives as a result of the recent midterm elections, where they gained nearly 40 House seats. After two years of unified Republican government in Washington between the White House and Capitol Hill, opposition Democrats will be an immovable part of the mix. The American people voted for a change, said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. They voted for a check on President Trump and a Congress that would stop Trump from trying to take away their health care. And after two long years that is what they will get. Analyst John Fortier told VOA that Trumps new challenge will be adjusting to the shifting balance of power in Washington. Democrats will be in charge of the House of Representatives and will be able to investigate the president in a way that they havent being in the minority, said Fortier, who is with the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. That will allow them a platform to really highlight the differences with the president on a number of issues. Prospects for cooperation Some Democrats may be open to trying to find common ground to work with the president on issues like infrastructure improvement. But Trumps confrontational political style remains a major complication, said Jim Kessler of the center-left policy group Third Way. It raises the price of whatever deal he wants to seek with Democrats. So, if he wants a deal, he is going to have to act like someone who actually wants to deal, not someone who just wants to fight and be the center of the circus. Mueller probe The great unknown for Trump and the rest of official Washington is what may come of the ongoing Russia probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller, which may be moving toward a conclusion. Trump continues to blast the investigation as a "witch hunt", but the ultimate outcome of the probe remains a political and legal mystery. We dont know what Mueller has. We dont know when he is going to drop (release) it, said Brookings Institutions Elaine Kamarck. We dont know if next week we are going to open the papers and see, you know, 15 more indictments. And that is what is hanging over this administration. Trump and his Republican allies in the House remain on the offensive that the Mueller probe is unfair and has produced no evidence of collusion between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. Recent polls But a recent poll by Hart Associates found that 76 percent of those surveyed believe Mueller should be allowed to complete his investigation, while 24 percent favor its termination. Supporters of finishing the probe included 94 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of independents and 55 percent of Republicans in the poll. Looking ahead to the next Congress, Trump can take some comfort from Tuesdays victory by Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in a Mississippi Senate race that now leaves Republicans with an expanded 53 to 47 seat majority in the Senate for the next two years. But looking ahead to 2020, the president has to be concerned about his approval rating. The overall average, according to RealClear Politics, shows the president at 43 percent approval, 53 percent disapproval. In the latest weekly Gallup Poll, Trumps approval fell to 38 percent from 43 percent the previous week. His disapproval rate rose to 60 percent. Trump and Republicans in Congress also have to be concerned about this years midterm results that showed a lot of suburban women supporting Democratic candidates, especially in key states Trump needs to win again in 2020 like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Until the Russian attack Sunday on Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea, the White House and the Kremlin had at least been agreed on one thing: the agenda for Saturday's scheduled face-to-face between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, their second summit meeting. Arms control, security issues as well as the Middle East and North Korea were all set to figure prominently, senior U.S. and Russian aides told reporters in the run-up to the meeting. Russian officials say the Kremlin had earmarked as their key issue Trump's recent decision to abandon a landmark Cold War-era agreement prohibiting the U.S. and Russia from possessing ground-launched short-range nuclear missiles. For the White House, securing a public commitment from the Russians to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea before next month's planned summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was a key objective, according to U.S. officials. But analysts say the Russian attack on three Ukrainian vessels risks shifting the dynamics of Saturday's planned two-hour face-to-face between Trump and Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, with the U.S. leader being urged to take a tough line that might imperil his overall determination to improve U.S.-Russian relations. Trump suggested Tuesday he might cancel the meeting after Russian ships opened fire on and seized the Ukrainian ships near Crimea. But on Thursday he indicated the meeting will go ahead. "I probably will be meeting with President Putin. We haven't terminated that meeting. I was thinking about it, but we haven't. I think it's a very good time to have the meeting," he told reporters at the White House. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday in Moscow the White House hadn't indicated to the Kremlin the meeting wouldn't be held. "We don't have to agree on all issues, which is probably impossible, but we need to talk. It's in the interests of not only our two countries, it's in the interests of the whole World," Peskov said. Asked what would be discussed, he said, "First of all, questions related to bilateral relations, we need to think about how to start talking on matters of bilateral relations, on matters of strategic security and disarmament and on regional conflicts." Earlier this week John Bolton, the U.S. National Security Adviser, said Trump would discuss security, arms control and regional issues with Putin. "I think it will be a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki," he said, referring to the first summit meeting between the two leaders held in Finland in July, when they met for more than two hours with only their translators present. The Helsinki sit-down prompted widespread criticism of Trump from across the U.S. political spectrum, with Republican and Democrat lawmakers expressing dismay at what they saw as the U.S. leader's amplifying of Putin denials of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Bolton did not confirm whether the naval clash in the Kerch Strait, a shared Russian-Ukrainian waterway linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov, would be on the table. But it is hard to see how it won't be amid Western clamor about what U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has labelled a "dangerous escalation and a violation of international law." State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Washington wanted to see tougher enforcement of sanctions against Russia as a consequence of the Russian action, the first time the Kremlin has staged open aggression against Ukraine since Putin annexed Crimea four years ago and launched a destabilization campaign in Ukraine's Donbas region. German chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to address the Kerch incident at the G20 meeting before the Trump-Putin sit-down. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko piled pressure Thursday on the G20 by calling for a tough collective response to Russia, saying he fears Moscow intends broader military action against his country. European Union hawks have called for more sanctions to be imposed on Russia, although diplomats say with the bloc already divided over policy towards Russia, it is unlikely that will happen swiftly without a strong lead from Washington. Trump waited more than 24 hours after the maritime clash before he commented on the incident, prompting criticism, once again that he was going lightly on his Russian counterpart. But once he did address the clash, his irritation was clear. "I don't like that aggression. I don't want that aggression at all," he told the Washington Post. Steven Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and now an analyst at the Washington-based Brookings Institution said if Trump "does not raise the question of the Russian conflict against Ukraine ... the Russian would calculate the President is weak on this issue. "That's going to be bad for Ukraine, but also bad for American foreign policy," he told VOA. British Prime Minister Theresa May's bid to win approval for her Brexit deal will have to overcome attempts to block or change it by rival lawmakers on Dec. 11, a proposed format for the debate published on Wednesday showed. The government has set out the details of a debate on a motion to approve May's plan to take the country out of the European Union, allowing for amendments to be discussed that could try to reshape the deal she brought back from Brussels. The format of the debate has been keenly awaited to see whether rivals would have a chance to test their alternative exit plans, such as remaining in the EU's customs union or making the exit conditional upon a second referendum. Any such amendments would not be legally binding on the government but would prove politically hard to ignore. May already has an arduous task to get the motion approved. It is opposed by a large group of lawmakers from her own party, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government and by all opposition parties who say they will vote against it. Defeat would most likely unleash huge political uncertainty and could roil financial markets. According to documents filed at Britain's Parliament on Wednesday, debates will be held on Dec. 4, 5, 6, 10 and 11, with up to six amendments selected on the final day. The opposition Labor Party said on Twitter the debate would conclude at 1900 GMT on Dec. 11. The amendments could be put to several votes, meaning that as well as overcoming the huge opposition to her plan, May will have to defeat attempts to add extra conditions to it or to thwart the exit agreement altogether. The government has previously voiced concerns that any of these so-called amendments that win support in the House of Commons could prevent the government from ratifying the exit deal because the amended motion would not provide the necessary unequivocal approval required under previously passed legislation. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is asking NATO allies to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to aid his country and "provide security" amid tensions with Russia. Poroshenko's comments were published Thursday in the German newspaper Bild. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu responded to Poroshenkos request by saying the military alliance already has a strong presence in the Black Sea region. She said NATO ships routinely patrol the area and several NATO allies conduct reconnaissance flights over the region. We will continue to assess our presence in the region, Lungescu added. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also rejected Poroshenkos request, urging Kyiv to adopt a sensible approach because there is no military solution to these disputes. Also Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he could play a mediator role between Ukraine and Russia. He has held phone talks with leaders on both sides, and said he would continue discussing the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump at a G-20 summit in Argentina. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Trump will have their own meeting Saturday to discuss relations between the two countries as well as regional conflicts and disarmament issues. Russian forces seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews Sunday as they tried to make their way through the Kerch Strait to the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, in the Sea of Azov. Ukraine said Russia used a tanker to block access to the Kerch Strait, which under a treaty is shared territory. Russia said the vessels illegally entered its waters. Putin blames Poroshenko Putin on Wednesday blamed Poroshenko for the incident, alleging it is an attempt by Poroshenko to boost his re-election chances next year. Ukraine has imposed martial law in some of its border regions in response to the incident, and with a growing number of other European countries, urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on Moscow. Poroshenko said martial law will help "strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amid increasing aggression and according to international law, a cold act of aggression by the Russian Federation." He demanded Russia release the Ukrainian sailors and vessels. US envoy The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, Kurt Volker, told reporters in Berlin Wednesday he believes Kyivs account that its ships were operating within global maritime rules. Volker said the Ukrainian vessels were returning to Odessa "when the Russian vessels then pursued them and attacked them." Ukrainian officials have released what they maintain is the precise location where its ships were fired upon. Volker said he has not received independent U.S. verification of Ukraine's information, but believed "the data the Ukrainians have provided is quite clear." Poroshenko wrote on Twitter Thursday his country will impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in response to Russias actions. Ukraine has already denied Russians entry into the country since last weeks incident. Crimea annexed Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in March 2014, claiming its ethnic Russian majority was under threat from the Ukrainian government. A month later, it fomented a pro-Russia separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine in an ongoing conflict that to date has claimed more than 10,000 lives. Ukraine and the West repeatedly have accused Russia of fueling the conflict by providing rebel forces with weapons and other support, a charge Moscow denied despite strong evidence to the contrary. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to G-20 leaders ahead of their meetings this week to cooperate more to address some of the planet's most pressing issues. "Threats to human prosperity are becoming increasingly acute," Guterres wrote in a five-page letter dated Nov. 16 and released by the U.N. on Wednesday. "More, rather than less, cooperation is needed," he said. Guterres detailed threats from global hunger to climate-related disasters to the need for empowering women and harnessing technology for good. He said multilateralism must be "preserved and renewed," and he urged international support for the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which he said "provide us with an agreed blueprint to tackle the most daunting challenges of our times." Watch: What is the G-20? The U.N. General Assembly adopted the SDGs in 2015. The 17 global goals provide a framework for ending extreme poverty and hunger, improving health and education, and protecting the planet, all by 2030. "I hope leaders at the G-20 will give it a strong push forward," Guterres told reporters ahead of his departure for the summit in Argentina. The U.N. chief is also grappling with a series of international crises and conflicts. At the top of the list is the nearly four-year-old war in Yemen that has left half that nation 14 million people on the brink of starvation. "We are at a very crucial moment in relation to Yemen," Guterres said in response to reporters' questions. "I believe there is a chance to be able to start effective negotiations in Sweden early in December, but we are not yet there." His special envoy, Martin Griffiths, has been shuttling around the region talking to key players and trying to get them to the negotiating table in Sweden.Saudi Arabia, which leads the pro-government coalition bombing the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, will be represented at the G-20 by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Asked if he would meet with the prince, who has come under international scrutiny for his possible role in the brutal murder of a Saudi dissident journalist, Guterres said he is ready to meet him. "I'm ready to discuss it with the crown prince or with any other Saudi officials, because I believe it is a very important objective at the present moment," Guterres said. "If we are able to stop the Yemeni war, we will be stopping the most tragic humanitarian disaster we are facing in today's world." Climate calls The U.N. chief also made a big pitch for action on climate change. "Climate action can no longer wait," he wrote. "Decisive action to halt the progress of climate change is imperative." In 2015, leaders made ambitious commitments under the Paris Agreement to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to its effects. China and the United States the world's two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases both joined the deal, but the U.S. under the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw. "The members of the G-20 are responsible for more than three-quarters of greenhouse emissions," Guterres told reporters. "Yet, it is equally true that G-20 members have the power to bend the emissions curve. They also have the resources to provide the financing needed for both mitigation and adaptation," he added. The U.N. chief has insisted that greening the global economy will be good for everyone, creating jobs and investment opportunities. After the G-20, Guterres will travel to Katowice, Poland, for the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) to the Paris accord. Senior U.N. Advisor of the Special Envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, accused the international community of cruelly disregarding the suffering of the Syrian people and failing to protect them in the name of waging a war against terror. Egeland has led the U.N.'s humanitarian effort in war-torn Syria for many years. Before stepping down from his post as senior advisor, he delivered a particularly blunt assessment of the international community's role in abetting the worst instincts of all the warring parties to the detriment of the civilian population. "We allowed all hell to be let loose in the most populated civilian places of a heavily populated country ... for more years than in any other of the contemporary 40 armed conflicts," he said. Egeland said this policy has unleashed more than seven years of fierce fighting, killing hundreds of thousands of people and displacing millions within the country and as refugees. "One of the reasons that it got as bad as it got was that everybody said that they were there on a war on terror. Everybody, as far as I can see. This notion that everyone is fighting terror fuels the fierceness and fuels the devastation that engulfs the civilians." While most of the country has been forcibly pacified, Egeland warned the humanitarian situation throughout Syria remains critical. He said he is particularly worried by a recent escalation of violence in the northern cities of Aleppo and Idlib. He said between 65 and 75 people have been hospitalized due to what appears to be a chemical weapons attack in Aleppo over the weekend. He said this would constitute a war crime if a forthcoming investigation into this event finds chemical agents were used. He noted that over recent days, there has been a heavy exchange of mortars, grenades and shelling among armed groups in Idlib, potentially putting at risk the lives of 3 million civilians who have nowhere to go. Military operations against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan killed up to 25 civilians and injured 17 others this week, according to preliminary findings from the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. The casualties occurred in Garmser and Nad-e-Ali districts of Helmand province and involved mostly women and children, according to a statement by UNAMA. "The Mission is actively working to verify information indicating up to 10 children were killed along with eight women, and three children were injured, including an eight-year-old boy," UNAMA noted. The statement said Afghan forces and their foreign partners were carrying out an operation against the Taliban in Garmser on Tuesday when international forces conducted an airstrike, killing up to 23 civilians. Provincial authorities provided different figures, telling reporters on Wednesday the air raids in Garmser were carried out by the U.S. military and killed 30 civilians along with 16 Taliban fighters. Elsewhere in Helmand, explosive ordnance struck civilian homes during fighting between Taliban insurgents and Afghan forces a few days earlier, killing two civilians and injuring at least 14 others, including 10 children. The U.N. says those clashes occurred in the Nad-e-Ali district. The clashes erupted after insurgents reportedly entrenched in the vicinity of civilian homes initiated an attack against an Afghan National Army convoy. Regarding the two incidents, UNAMA expressed particular concern about the number of children that were disproportionately impacted, comprising 55 percent of the civilian casualties. UNAMA said aerial attacks in Afghanistan in the first nine months of this year have caused nearly 650 civilian casualties, including 313 deaths. The figure includes the highest number of civilian casualties from aerial operations documented by UNAMA since 2009. The world body reiterated its call for all Afghan warring sides to uphold their obligations and take urgent steps to protect civilians from harm. The conflict in Afghanistan caused more than 8,000 civilian casualties, including 2,738 deaths, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 in 2018, according to UNAMA. Hostilities have since intensified and observers anticipate overall civilian casualties for the entire year will be at an all-time high in the 17-year war. The United States has renewed efforts for a negotiated settlement to the conflict with the Taliban, which has taken over half of Afghanistan in recent years. The Taliban considers the United States its main adversary and dismisses the government in Kabul as an American puppet. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The United States is unveiling new evidence of what officials describe as Iran's continued attempts to destabilize the Middle East. Specifically, these officials say Tehran is arming proxies with a growing array of advanced weaponry. VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin filed this report. A U.S. congressman is calling on President Donald Trump to raise the issue of China's mass internment of Muslim ethnic minorities when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. Republican Congressman Christopher Smith co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China with Republican Senator Marco Rubio. The two lawmakers have proposed a bill in their respective chambers condemning the gross violations of human rights against the Uighurs in the remote western Xinjiang region. Beijing has faced growing international criticism over the incarceration of Uighurs, Kazakhs and other minorities, which it claims is necessary to combat religious extremism. But former detainees have described the facilities as political indoctrination camps where they were forced to condemn Islam and declare loyalty to the ruling Communist Party. In an interview with VOA's Mandarin Service Wednesday, Congressman Smith said their legislation would call on President Trump to use the Global Magnitsky Act and sanction "individual perpetrators" for their actions against the Uighurs. "We are not talking about American values here, we are talking about universally recognized human rights to which the Chinese government has pledged itself to," Smith said. Smith accused China of committing genocide against the Uihgurs, calling their actions "without precedent in modern times." He also scoffed at a threat that Beijing would retaliate if the U.S. imposed sanctions made this week by Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the U.S. "It's about time we stood up for the Chinese people," he said, "because that's where our hearts, that's where our solidarity has to be with, not with a dictatorship that ruins lives." President Trump and President Xi will attend the G20 summit that begins Friday in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lawmakers Thursday called for stricter background checks, more mental health support and a public hearing to further investigate problems at a massive detention camp for migrant teens raised by a federal watchdog report and an Associated Press investigation earlier this week. More than 2,300 teens are being held at the remote tent city in Tornillo, Texas, which opened in June as a temporary, emergency shelter but now appears to be becoming more permanent, with ongoing construction at costs that can reach $1,200 per child per day, the AP reported Tuesday. The Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Inspector General on Tuesday raised concerns that the private contractor running Tornillo has not put its 2,100 staffers through FBI background checks, and that they're allowed to have just one mental health clinician for every 100 children. These issues must be addressed and remedied without delay, said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. It was co-signed by other Democratic House members. They asked for a briefing before Dec. 11 and a hearing in the new Congress early next year. The problems we are seeing in Tornillo are as shameful as they were in June and symptoms of a much larger problem that we've spent years ignoring - a broken immigration system, said Rep. Will Hurd, D-Texas, whose district includes the detention camp. Similar to building a wall from sea to shining sea, detaining kids in Tornillo is the most expensive and least effective policy approach that fails to address root causes of migration flows or make anyone safer. Hurd and others said the current border crisis must be solved by working with Central American leaders. The IG memo, which put the detention camp under a national spotlight, detailed how the former director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Scott Lloyd granted the contractor running Tornillo, San Antonio-based BCFS Health and Human Services, a waiver in June to staff up without typically required child abuse and neglect checks. Those checks can raise a red flag about any job candidate with a record of hurting a child. There were two reasons for the waiver, according to the inspector general: first, the agency was under pressure to open the detention camp quickly, and second, Lloyd's agency assumed Tornillo staff had already undergone FBI fingerprint checks. They had not. BCFS has filed more than 30 reports on significant incidents from Tornillo. Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said the detained teens must be kept safe. We don't want anybody staffing those facilities who are going to be a potential danger to the population housed there, Cornyn said. HHS spokesman Mark Weber said Thursday the agency was working quickly to resolve the issues at Tornillo, but did not provide further details. AP found that federal plans to close Tornillo by Dec. 31 may be nearly impossible to meet. A contract obtained by AP shows the project could continue into 2020 and planned closures have already been extended three times since last summer. More than 1,300 teens have arrived to the tent city in the middle of the Texas desert since the end of October. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said it was ironic the reason record numbers of migrant children are currently being detained is because stringent background checks on their family members have greatly slowed reunifications. Clearly, child safety is of no concern for this administration, he said. The Trump administration's cruelty knows no bounds. It should immediately shut down the facility at Tornillo. Sen. Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, said the AP report deepened the fears he held when he visited the facility earlier this year. This administration's inhumane policies and chaotic execution of those policies will leave lasting scars on the children who are being caught up in this disaster, Udall said. The transparency and accountability of this agency is profoundly absent. The U.S. Navy sailed two ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, a move likely to upset China. A destroyer and an oil ship made the journey. This is the third time this year the Navy carried out what it calls a "routine transit." "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement. "The U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows." A U.S. official told the French news agency, Agence France-Presse, that Chinese ships were standing by and monitoring the American vessels but that both sides acted in a manner that was "safe and professional." China protested earlier sailings as a challenge to its sovereignty. It regards Taiwan as part of mainland China. It has threatened military action if Taiwan declares independence, although the island has ruled itself since the Communists seized power in China in 1949. The U.S. is obliged to come to Taiwan's defense if it is ever attacked. The Trump administration has put the safety of thousands of teens at a migrant detention camp at risk by waiving FBI fingerprint checks for their caregivers and short-staffing mental health workers, according to an Associated Press investigation and a new federal watchdog report. None of the 2,100 staffers at a tent city holding more than 2,300 teens in the remote Texas desert are going through rigorous FBI fingerprint background checks, according to a Health and Human Services inspector general memo published Tuesday. Instead, Tornillo is using checks conducted by a private contractor that has access to less comprehensive data, thereby heightening the risk that an individual with a criminal history could have direct access to children, the memo says. In addition, the federal government is allowing the nonprofit running the facility, BCFS Health and Human Services, to sidestep mental health care requirements. Under federal policy, migrant youth shelters generally must have one mental health clinician for every 12 kids, but the federal agencys contract with BCFS allows it to staff Tornillo with just one clinician for every 100 children. Thats not enough to provide adequate mental health care, the inspector general office said in the memo. BCFS said it has one mental health clinician for every 50 children at Tornillo. Temporary shelter becoming permanent The Trump administration announced in June it would open a temporary shelter for up to 360 migrant children in this isolated corner of Texas. Less than six months later, the facility has expanded into a detention camp holding thousands of teenagers, and it shows every sign of becoming more permanent. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Mark Weber, said no decisions have been made about when Tornillo will close. By Tuesday, 2,324 mostly Central American boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 17 were sleeping inside the highly guarded facility in rows of bunk beds in canvas tents. The teens at Tornillo werent separated from their families at the border this summer. Almost all the teens came on their own hoping to join family members in the United States. Most are never charged with a crime; crossing illegally into the U.S. is a civil offense. By law, migrant children traveling alone into the U.S. must be sent to a government shelter where they stay until they can be united with relatives or other sponsors while awaiting immigration court hearings. Migrant childrens time in government custody has grown longer, in part because of the Trump administrations new requirements for deep background checks on sponsors who agree to take in young immigrants. That has resulted in the detention of a record 14,000 migrant children. Some children have been detained at Tornillo since it opened in June. As the population inside the tall wire fences swells, the young detainees anguish has deepened. The few times they let me call my mom I would tell her that one day I would be free, but really I felt like I would be there for the rest of my life, a 17-year-old from Honduras who was held at Tornillo earlier this year told AP. I feel so bad for the kids who are still there. What if they have to spend Christmas there? They need a hug, and nobody is allowed to hug there. After his family passed extensive background checks, the teen was recently released to them, but said he still has nightmares hes back inside. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal from immigration authorities. We dont have anything to hide By day, minders walk the teens to their meals, showers and recreation. At night the area around the camp, thats grown to more than 150 tents, is secured and lighted by flood lights. The nonprofit social service agency contracted to run Tornillo says it is proud of its work. It says it is operating the facility with the same precision and care used for shelters put up after natural disasters. We dont have anything to hide. This is an exceptionally run operation, said Krista Piferrer, a spokeswoman for BCFS Health and Human Services. This isnt our first rodeo. No fingerprint checks In June, as detention centers for migrant children overflowed, Scott Lloyd, director of HHSs Office of Refugee Resettlement, signed a memo granting BCFS a waiver to staff up Tornillo without the required child abuse and neglect checks, which raise a red flag about any job candidate with a record of hurting a child. According to the inspector general, the agency was under pressure to open the detention camp quickly, and Lloyds agency assumed Tornillo staff had undergone FBI fingerprint checks. They had not. Two days after Lloyd waived the safety checks, BCFS opened the tent city. Lloyd, under fire for his handling of the migrant crisis, was transferred out of the refugee resettlement branch and to a different division of HHS last week. Since the facility opened, BCFS has been checking job candidates national and local criminal histories and doing multi-state sex offender registry checks, Piferrer said. BCFS has filed more than 30 reports on significant incidents at Tornillo since June, including some involving interactions between the children and staff, but none of a sexual nature, Piferrer said. FBI fingerprint background checks can be completed in a few minutes and reveal much more information about job candidates than checks that simply run a persons name against criminal history databases, said Jeffrey Harp, a retired FBI assistant special agent in charge. How do you know the person is who they say they are unless you do a fingerprint check? They cant lie about their fingerprints, but they can lie about their name or take on someone elses identity who has a crystal clean record, Harp told AP. More and more employers are finding out they have an employee who is problematic only after the fact, and thats because their employment screening isnt really comprehensive. BCFS, a San Antonio nonprofit, runs Tornillo as it operates evacuation centers for hurricanes: Theres food, first aid, activities and bunk beds, but no formal school, therapy or unsupervised stretches. Mental health needs Federal officials have said repeatedly that only children without special needs were being sent to Tornillo. But facility administrators recently acknowledged that the Tornillo detainees included children with serious mental health issues who needed to be transferred to facilities in El Paso, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion who spoke on a condition of anonymity. When a child is found to have a mental health need that cannot be best provided for at Tornillo, a request is made to HHS to transfer the child to a more appropriate facility, said Piferrer. Dr. Elizabeth Carll, a teen and trauma specialist who heads the American Psychological Associations Refugee Mental Health resource network, said institutionalizing so many teens in a geographically remote place makes it harder to recruit qualified clinicians. Making things worse, Carll said migrant youth are likely to have higher emotional needs after going through hardship, enduring the journey north and being held in detention. They would do better if placed with trained, bilingual foster families, she said. $1,200 per night An AP investigation has found that the camps rapid growth has created serious problems, including costs that appear to be soaring more than 50 percent higher than the government has disclosed. What began as an emergency, 30-day shelter has transformed into a vast tent city that could cost taxpayers more than $430 million. For each night each child spends at Tornillo, taxpayers spend up to $1,200 to pay the direct care workers, cooks, cleaners, teachers and emergency services workers, according to information staff at two congressional offices said they were provided on a recent visit. Thats well above the $775 officials have publicly disclosed, and close to five times more than a typical youth migrant shelter costs. BCFS did not dispute the cost, but said on average, actual costs are closer to $750 a day, which would bring current operations to more than $12 million a week. The costs at Tornillo are so high because everything, water, sewage, food, staff and detainees, must be trucked in and out of the remote site. Everything that is being provided has been directed by the federal government to be provided, she said. A new report accuses Uganda of diverting European weapons into South Sudan, circumventing a European Union arms embargo on the conflict-ridden country. The 101-page report by London-based Conflict Armament Research says the Ugandan government purchased arms and ammunition from at least three EU members Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia that were then sent to South Sudan's military and armed allies in Sudan. Ugandan government spokesman Ofwono Opondo did not respond to repeated calls or a text message requesting an interview from VOA's South Sudan in Focus. South Sudan military spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the purchases were made to defend the government against rebels. "We did what was required of us to restock, resupply and defend the territorial integrity and to defend the democratic government from being toppled using illegal means," he told VOA. "Whether it came through Uganda or not ... we had a good reason at a time South Sudan was fighting the rebellion." The new report documents how hundreds of weapons and more than 200,000 rounds of ammunition used in the conflict made their way to South Sudan. It says a network of U.S. and Ugandan companies controlled by British, Israeli, Ugandan, and American nationals procured a military jet from the United States and an Australian-made surveillance aircraft for use by the government. The report's findings suggest that neither the original supplier companies, nor the U.S. or Australian governments were aware of their aircraft possibly being transferred to South Sudan.The report says retransfers by way of Uganda may have breached end-use or non-transfer commitments made to exporters as a condition of sale. The report, released Thursday, also documents secret shipments of Sudanese and Chinese-manufactured weapons from Sudan to opposition fighters in South Sudan by air and land from 2014 until at least mid-2015. In July, the United Nations Security Council imposed a U.S.-drafted arms embargo on South Sudan, nearly five years after the country's civil war began. The group Conflict Armament Research took about four years to release its findings, which come nearly three months after South Sudan's warring parties signed a revitalized peace agreement. Koang said now that the warring parties have renewed a peace deal, the government has a right to purchase arms from whomever it chooses. The war between government and rebels broke out in December 2013, less than three years after South Sudan became the world's newest independent country.The war has killed hundreds of thousands and uprooted more than 4 million South Sudanese from their homes. As U.S. officials and members of U.S. Congress debate U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, some tribal leaders in Yemen are supporting the U.S and U.N. proposed political solution to end the war and urge an active role in the ongoing negotiations. Both the people and the tribes in Yemen support the American political solution to the conflict in Yemen as long as it welcomes the demands of the tribes and the Yemeni people, Abdurabuh Al-Shaif, a tribe leader from Daham tribe in al-Jawf province of Yemen, told VOA. On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate delivered a historic rebuke of Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trumps handling of the fallout over journalist Jamal Khashoggis killing last month, as a majority of members voted to advance a measure to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. President Trump and his administration have described Saudi Arabia as a vital ally and resisted calls for sanctions against the kingdoms leadership over Khashoggis death. Al-Shaif voiced concerns over the way U.S has approached the conflict. Any political solution that does not lead to the restoration of the state, disarming of the Houthi militias, and lead to democratic solution cant be called a political solution. It is rather a surrender to the militias which we cant accept, Al-Shaif added. Pompeo, Mattis brief lawmakers Talking to U.S. lawmakers, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday urged the preservation of Washingtons support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. The top U.S diplomat and the top defense official said a hasty U.S. withdrawal from Yemen would allow Iran to further strengthen its grip on the country, and that would be problematic for the region and the world. Pompeo also strongly objected to the Senate resolution describing it as poorly timed. Passing a resolution at this point undermines that [peace effort]. It would encourage the Houthis [Yemeni rebels]. It would encourage the Iranians, Pompeo said. The Houthis and the Republic of Yemen government have committed to attending consultations in Sweden in December, if that diplomacy starts to make breakthroughs our hopes are high that hostilities will soon stop entirely, Pompeo assured U.S. lawmakers. Martin Griffiths, the U.N. special envoy to Yemen, is planning to convene a gathering of all parties to the Yemen conflict in Sweden in December to seek a political solution to the ongoing war. This is an opportunity at a crucial moment to pursue a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement to the conflict, Griffiths said. The war in Yeman began in 2014 between the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who has the support of a U.S.-backed Saudi coalition, and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Since then the conflict become a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of casualties and severe famine threatening the lives of millions of civilians including children. Tribes role Nadwa Al-Dawsari, the Yemen country director for the Center for Civilians in Conflict, a Washington-based organization working for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, told VOA that tribes could play a crucial role and are a fundamental pillar of Yemeni society and wrongfully depicted as lawless and anti-state. In reality, tribes operate according to customary rules that govern the relationship between individuals and their tribes, among tribes and between tribes and the state, Al-Dawsari said. In the absent of the state, customary law has helped maintain order and security, prevented and resolve conflicts. Yemeni tribes have always co-existed and even collaborated with the government, she added. Some analysts like Khaled Fattah, an expert on Yemen and tribes in the Arab World, charge that ignoring tribes, specially their youths, could even be problematic. Tribal youth are locked in a harsh environment of deprivation and conflict, and lack of access to almost everything from political participation and education to sport and recreational facilities, Fattah said. Mobile phones and internet into tribal areas resulted not only in exposing tribal youth to the ideology of violent extremism, but also in creating a wide psychological distance between their offline and online lives, Fattah added. Fattah said tribes are politically and military significant in Yemen as they have access to weapons. In these markets, all sorts of weapons from AK-47 to bazookas and anti-aircraft missiles are available. Prior to the Saudi-led military operations, it was estimated that Yemeni tribes have five times more small arms than the central government in Sanaa, Fattah added. AQAP However, Al- Dawsari said tribes have served as frontline defenders against terror groups like al-Qaida. She did acknowledge that the presence of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is a challenge in the region, but said they have no havens among Yemeni tribes. It is the tribes that have denied AQAP the ability to expand territory. AQAP was only able to make significant influence in parts of Yemen where the tribal structure is weak or nonexistent, Al-Dawsari said. Some tribesmen joined AQAP but in doing so, they have acted independent of and against the wish and interest of their tribes, she added. Houthis Yemeni tribe leader, Al-Shaif said the Yemeni tribes see the Houthi movement, which has overthrown the government, as a terrorist movement as well. The Houthis committed unprecedented abuses against local tribes, including abduction, forced disappearance, torture, killing of tribal leaders, and blowing up homes of their opponents, Al-Shaif said. Al-Shaif said that most of the tribes in Yemen do not trust the Saudi-led Arab coalition either because it failed to restore peace in provinces that are under government control. We dont trust the Arab coalition anymore. The Arab coalition did not help the state expand its influence and re-establish stability in many provinces, Al-Shaif said. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Zimbabwes Former Permanent UN Rep. Chitsaka Chipaziwa said the controversial Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) would be soon gone or reformed. Chipaziwa spoke at a discussion hosted by Zimbabwe Television Network (ZTN.) No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Movement for Democratic Change activists attending a public protest in Harare on Thursday. Will this march bring any social and economic change in Zimbabwe? The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. MDC Vice President Elias Mudzuri was booed in Harare yesterday by party supporters for attending a meeting at State House hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The MDC does not recognize Mnangagwa as a legitimately-elected president. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Protester speaking about the Thursday public protest staged in Harare by the Movement for Democratic Change led by Nelson Chamisa. HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe is on track to meet a narrower budget deficit of 5 percent of GDP in 2019 from an estimated 11.7 percent this year, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Wednesday. Ncube also said the southern African nation achieved a budget surplus of $29 million in October, its first in as many years. We achieved a primary (budget) surplus in October. The budget is as good as balanced, we are walking the talk, Ncube told reporters. At the same time, Zimbabwe is planning to build a base metals and precious metals refinery that will process platinum from all the countrys platinum mines, a budget statement released last Thursday said. The country, which is home to the second largest known deposits of platinum after South Africa, will impose a 5 percent tax on export of platinum concentrates in 2019 in a bid to encourage local processing of the metal. Without giving details, the budget statement said Impala Platinums local unit Zimplats had shelved its $131 million project to refurbish a base metals refinery to pave way for the national project. It was not clear who would be behind the new project or its shareholders. Zimplats chief executive Alex Mhembere did not immediately respond to calls to his mobile phone. Implats and Anglo American Platinum have operations in Zimbabwe, while Sibanye-Stillwater also has a joint venture mine with Implats in the country. Privately-owned Karo Resources has previously said it was planning $4.2 billion platinum mining project, including a precious metals refinery in Zimbabwe. A Russian consortium and Zimbabwean investors is developing a platinum project in Darwendale near Harare. The project had stalled under former president Robert Mugabe, who resigned after a coup last year, but was revived when Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov visited Zimbabwe in March The Movement for Democratic Change led by Nelson Chamisa staged a peaceful protest in Harare on Thursday to express its anger on the election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa as president of Zimbabwe, declining economic situation and several other issues. Chamisa told thousands of people who attended the march that the party is still convinced that he beat Mnangagwa in the presidential election. "Zimbabweans are suffering. The country has no fuel. When we united against Mugabe. We did not expect this (crisis). Our lives are worse off. We are not going to fight Mr. Mnangagwa with guns because we do not believe in guns." At least six people were gunned down in Harare in August this year when some Zimbabweans staged a public protest over delays in announcing presidential election results. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared Mnangagwa the winner of the poll resulting in Chamisa taking the matter to the Constitutional Court where he lost the case. Chamisa said Zimbabwe will not register any growth until the ruling Zanu PF party engaged the opposition party about the current economic situation in the country. Chamisa further noted that a petition has been handed over to the African Union and Southern African Development Community about the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo was not available for comment. Ariana Grandes new YouTube docuseries on her 2017 Dangerous Woman World Tour and the making of Sweetener is mostly light and silly, chronicling all her behind-the-scenes shenanigans. (Enjoy her attempting to make sense of that The Light Is Coming video and impersonating her nonna.) But, of course, that tour was tragically derailed when a terrorist attack occurred at her Manchester stop in May 2017, killing 22 people. Episode four of the docuseries addresses the attack. While it does not show any footage from that concert or the aftermath, Ariana instead shares a letter to fans that she wrote eight months later reflecting on the events of that night: Im writing to you this February 22, 2018. Its been eight months since the attack at our show at the Manchester Arena. Its impossible to know where to start or to know what to say about this part. May 22, 2017, will leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life. Music is an escape. Music is the safest thing Ive ever known. Music pop music, stan culture is something that brings people together, introduces them to some of their best friends, and makes them feel like they can be themselves. It is comfort. It is fun. It is expression. It is happiness. It is the last thing that would ever harm someone. It is safe. When something so opposite and so poisonous takes place in your world that is supposed to be everything but that it is shocking and heartbreaking in a way that seems impossible to fully recover from. The spirit of the people of Manchester, the families affected by this horrendous tragedy, and my fans around the world have permanently impacted all of us for the rest of our lives. Their love, strength, and unity showed me, my team, my dancers, band, and entire crew not to be defeated. To continue during the scariest and saddest of times. To not let hate win. But instead, love as loudly as possible, and to appreciate every moment. The people of Manchester were able to change an event that portrayed the worst of humanity into one that portrayed the most beautiful of humanity. Like a handprint on my heart I think of Manchester constantly and will carry this with me every day for the rest of my life. Photo: Vulture The true-crime podcast universe is ever expanding. Were here to make it a bit smaller, a bit more manageable. There are a lot of great shows and each has a lot of great episodes, so we want to highlight the exceptional, the noteworthy. Each week, our crack team of podcast enthusiasts and specialists will pick their favorites. To read last weeks edition, click here. Murderville In 1998, Devonia Inman was arrested and charged with the murder of Donna Brown, a night manager at a Taco Bell in Adel, Georgia but if hes guilty, why have there been more murders in the small Southern town? In this seven-episode series, the Intercepts Liliana Segura and Jordan Smith do some serious boots-on-the-ground work to figure out why Inman is still in jail despite unreliable witnesses, some of whom have since recanted. So far Ive listen to two of the seven episodes, and the details these journalists are turning up are maddening, including a phone call with a Georgia law enforcement official who sneers, Isnt it a clue when I dont return your call, I dont intend to talk to you? (Note: The series is currently exclusive to Stitcher Premium, but it will be released week by week for free beginning December 20th.) Jenni Miller Uncover: Bomb on Board: The Bomb In its second season, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation podcast investigates one of the countrys biggest airline disasters: the 1965 crash of Canadian Pacific Airlines Flight 21. Believed to be caused by a bomb hidden in the planes lavatory, the explosion and subsequent crash just outside of 100 Mile House, British Columbia, resulted in the deaths of all 52 souls onboard a figure that may or may not include the perpetrator. More than 50 years on, the case is still unsolved. At the time, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police narrowed their focus down to four primary onboard suspects, but rumors have long swirled about a fifth man, a disgruntled former pilot, who may have planted the bomb before takeoff. The RCMP seemingly never gave much credence to the theory, as a timing device was never uncovered (meaning someone would had to have been onboard to detonate the bomb). In this weeks episode, the podcasts hosts, Ian Hanomansing and Johanna Wagstaffe with the help of explosives experts try to re-create the initial tests that were conducted in the 60s to figure out if some of those 50-year-old theories could be true. (In Wagstaffes words: Know the bomb, know the bomber.) Of course, its not as simple as all of that. And while their experiments do bring new insights, its hard to know whether those insights will get them any closer to finding the real perpetrator. For the sake of the many families featured throughout the podcast who heartbreakingly reminisce about their lost loved ones lets hope it does. Amy Wilkinson Suspicion: A Tale of Two Wills Raynella Leaths first husband Ed Dossett was allegedly killed in a cow stampede, and her second husband, David Leath, ostensibly killed himself with three shots. As it turns out, Dossett was dying of cancer, and perhaps more importantly, had fathered a child with another woman; said love child was raised by one Steve Walker, whom Raynella allegedly tried to murder in 1995. David Leath, she claimed, was suffering from dementia. Is Raynella a loving wife who wanted to honor Davids wishes to protect his family from the knowledge of his decline, or was it because he had (dun, dun, dun) two wills? Depends on whom you ask! After not one, not two, but three trials, Raynella is a free woman despite the clouds of suspicion that still trail her. Jenni Miller Most Notorious: WWI-Era Frances Serial Killer Henri Landru with Richard Tomlinson In French society, hes as famous as Jack the Ripper or H.H. Holmes, but serial killer Henri Landrus acclaim has taken a bit of time to cross the pond. That may change with the publication of Landrus Secret: The Deadly Seductions of Frances Lonely Hearts Serial Killer by Richard Tomlinson. The author, whose posh British accent accounts for at least 37 percent of the appeal of this episode, explains how Landru preyed on women through newspapers lonely-hearts column (the Tinder of the early 1900s), and how his investigation has led him to believe that Landru was much deadlier than French police believed him to be. Its a long episode (more than 80 minutes), but in characteristic Most Notorious fashion, its filled with plenty of fascinating (not to mention, incredibly well-researched) factoids and anecdotes. Amy Wilkinson True Crime Obsessed: The Case of the Cannibal Cop Gillian Pensavalle and Patrick Hinds dig into the not-so-delicious case of Gilberto Valle, the subject of Erin Lee Carrs 2015 documentary, Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop. To be fair, I havent seen Carrs documentary because I really dont want or need the details of Valles fantasies of kidnapping, torturing, killing, and eating women lingering in my brain but Im hesitant to be quite as critical of Carrs methods as the hosts are, because I respect her opinion as a filmmaker and a journalist. On the other hand, listening to Gillian and Patrick absolutely roast (pun intended) Valle and his parents is hilarious and a great release valve. Like, this dude was online-dating! And hes trying to make lemonade out of lemons by capitalizing on his notoriety by writing a book about kidnapping, torture, and, one may presume, cannibalism. I try not to judge folks and their private proclivities (ask me about my thoughts on consensual cannibalism), but eff this guy into the sea! Get out the garbage bell! Jenni Miller This weeks reviewers: Jenni Miller and Amy Wilkinson. South Park Buddha Box Season 22 Episode 8 Editors Rating 1 stars * Previous Next Photo: Comedy Central This weeks episode of South Park begins with a misdiagnosis and builds outward from that false premise, progressing in the wrong direction like an ingrown hair. Like any sane human being in the year 2018, Eric Cartman has been feeling uneasy as of late. The continuing grotesquerie of public violence, technologys rapid rate of unchecked expansion, and our Earths assured death in the foreseeable future have a way of stressing a guy out, and its all taken a toll on Cartmans volatile psyche. The in-school counselor hears him describe the difficulty hes had attaining baseline happiness as of late, and concludes that the boy suffers from an anxiety disorder. When this opening scene describes anxiety as an excuse to be lazy and lame to everyone around you, one gets the sense this may not be the empathetic, nuanced take that the charged topic of mental health deserves. If anything, Cartmans behavioral traits pathological self-absorption, proneness to delusions of grandeur and episodes of mania, a liability to turn angry or spiteful seemingly without provocation suggest a mood disorder along the lines of Bipolar II or borderline personality disorder, not anxiety. This may seem like a ridiculous hair to split, but if Trey Parker and Matt Stone want to have a conversation about being neuro-atypical, they ought to be held to a certain standard. Because their main gripe that those affected by mental disorders use them as a free pass to act inconsiderately to those around them falls apart when subjected to any scrutiny whatsoever. Over on the CW, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has spent the past four years painstakingly building the complicated, patient thesis on self-care and instability that South Park tries to write off in 20 minutes flat. One of the big issues addressed in seasons three and four of the former show has been the patients bad habit of using her condition to absolve herself of culpability. Accepting responsibility for her own behaviors without pinning her whole identity on them has been a cornerstone of the Rebecca Bunch characters journey to wellness, because shifting blame to external operators and factors is another hallmark of her borderline personality disorder. Cartmans diagnosis and its subsequent treatment dont jive with his reaction to it. The counselor recommends a Zen Buddhism app to help center his mind, a suggestion Cartman gleefully latches onto as carte blanche to spend every waking minute on his phone, eventually shutting everyone around him out via a cardboard box. If anyone has the temerity to suggest he should engage with the world around him for even a moment, he lashes out and screams them into submission. Anxious people, as a matter of course, do not do this. Among the most challenging aspects of living with an anxiety disorder is the feeling that asking for help and asserting the need for that help will make one seem needy, annoying, or overly delicate. Which is exactly how Parker and Stone seem to see it. The B-plot (in which a gaggle of screeching P.C. Babies raises a racket over improper viaduct financing and someones describing a Cosmo as a pussy drink) reinforces the shows contempt for everything beyond its nihilist bubble. Parker and Stone use Stan and Kyle as mouthpieces for their frustrations, finally telling Cartman off with the defiant, Everyone has anxiety, but they get over it! They stop being a piece of shit! Like many people shouldering a shoulder-able amount of anxiety, they assume that everyones on their same level, and so why should anyone get special treatment? The easily identified flaw in this argument is that not every anxious person wrestles with the same degree of debilitation, and some people need more help than others. Some people benefit greatly from the kind of center-the-mind apps that so irk Parker and Stone, and whats more, anyone who really needs them wouldnt be as impolite about it as the writers clearly fear. By the final scene, Cartman has attained enlightenment with his new mantra that namaste means fuck you, I have anxiety. Hes constructed an impenetrable shell, fully insulating himself from all criticism by hiding behind his disorder. Contrary to popular belief, I am a human being, too. I find it annoying when someone brings their emotional support dog to a restaurant, both because now theres a dog at the restaurant and because, if were letting dogs in restaurants, wheres mine? But I keep my mouth shut because I know the decent thing to do is to give people the room they need in order to care for themselves. Its not healthy to indulge in the bad-faith assumption that anyone treating themselves for anxiety is testing what they can get away with at the expense of the actually unwell. A take as cynical as the one in Buddha Box speaks to a worldview with rot at the root. It implies that anyone not getting everything they can from an understanding society is a sucker, or worse, a virtue-signaler. This worldview doesnt allow for goodness, and presumes self-interest as the basis of our natures. South Park assumes that everyone else is just pretending, and that deep down, were all assholes. Assorted Thoughts and Questions: I have to imagine that many South Park viewers would have gone their whole lives without hearing the Brad Paisley song Today if not for this episode. Whatever faults Buddha Box may have, Parker and Stone can take that much straight to the bank. The zippy P.C. Babies theme song sounds specific enough to be a reference to something, though Im not sure to what. Perhaps someone who has actually done the work of sitting through the movie Baby Geniuses (even I have my limits) can shed some light on the situation? The glib, offhanded comment about P.C. Babies congregating at liberal arts colleges easy shot, but sure and the Mexican border filled me with dread for any theoretical future episodes tackling the caravan crisis. It looks like flu season has officially begun in the Tennessee Valley, and after learning the area had the most deadly flu cases in the state last season, many people are worried this season won't be much better than the last. According to officials at the Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, twelve people recently came in to be checked for something else, but tested positive for the flu. I think health is the most important thing, because when a child is sick, youre worried, youre concerned," said Verlee Young. Young is a mother and grandmother, and she says health is a top priority for her family. When youre healthy, you have more opportunities available to you, so health is number one," she said. "Plus, you never want to see a child sick. So, when we informed Young that north Alabama had the most reported flu deaths in the state last seasonwith 39 out of 145 total--she was shocked. I did not know that," she said. But with the terrible flu season we had last year, Young says she can see where those statistics came from. I saw a lot of people with the flu last year," she said. "When I would go for a doctors visit, there would be so many people sick. We asked Young how she plans to keep her family healthy during this flu season, and what advice she would give to other parents, and she said there are a few things she believes are key. Exercise, good nutrition, having regular check-ups," she said. "I think hand-washing is number one. Young didnt mention flu shots, but WAAY 31 talked with other parents, and some said they dont believe in flu shots while others said they get one every year. Health officials said its too early to tell if this years flu season will be as bad as last years, but those at ECM Hospital say they recommend flu shots for all children--especially those at high risk. The global retailer, Amazon, has come under the scrutiny of a German agency in charge of preserving competition in the country. The Bundeskartellamt said on Thursday that it received "numerous complaints from sellers about Amazon's business practice," which launched the investigation. Terms and business practices considered possively abusive: Liability provisions to the disadvantage of sellers , in combination with choice of law and jurisdiction clauses Rules on product reviews The non-transparent termination and blocking of sellers accounts Withholding or delaying payment Clauses assigning rights to use the information material which a seller has to provide with regard to the products offered and terms of business on pan-European despatch "Because of the many complaints we have received, we will examine whether Amazon is abusing its market position to the detriment of sellers active on its marketplace," Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, said in a statement. The independent authority, which reports to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, argues that Amazon can be scrutinized under current German competition law because it both "holds a dominant position" and "that the sellers are dependent on Amazon." This investigation follows one launched by the European Commission regarding Amazon's "collection and use of transaction data," which began back in the summer of 2018. Officials said the two investigations will supplement one another. Police departments across the country are re-opening cold cases. Weeks ago, Samuel Little confessed to killing 90 women between 1970 and the early 2000's. Less than 24 hours ago, the FBI confirmed he could be the most prolific serial killed in America. Among his possible victims is a Decatur woman. Deputies in Mississippi said Little killed Nancy Stevens in 2005 before dumping her body on a rural road in Tupelo. He was linked to the crime more than a decade after it happened. Some of Little's confessions come more than 30 years after the crime. WAAY 31 sat down with local DNA expert, Rodger Morrison, to hear how investigators are able to pin Little to the murders. "If we had the techniques available in the seventies that we have today, he wouldn't have got that far. He might have had three or four, but the noose would be tightening and closing in on him more and more," he said. The retired Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville said he thinks current technology would have stopped Samuel Little if it was around when he started murdering women in the 1970s. Morrison said confirming all of the cases might be hard because evidence might not have been collected. "If you can't see a sample like a blood stain and you're only looking at touch DNA, they wouldn't have known to take those kinds of samples," he said. Morrison worked nearly 30 years in the state forensic's lab in Huntsville and said he watched the technology used to help solve crimes develop. "It's a lot easier now than it has been in the past. Over a period of time DNA deteriorates, so it depends on the sample size and if you can get a profile from it," Morrison said. Agencies created a national database in 1995 for forensic scientists to input DNA and check for matches in areas across the country, according to Morrison. The information put into the system is only about DNA characteristics. "It's specific genetic markers. It doesn't mean anything to an individual necessarily. It doesn't have anything to do with color of your hair or whether your 6 feet tall or 5 feet tall any of those physical characteristics you can identify," Morrison said. Before the database, investigators had no easy way to check if other agencies had cases with the same DNA evidence, Morrison explained. He said because Little's confessed crimes spread across the country, agencies most likely didn't realize they were related. "If he strangling individuals it's not much of a signature because they're a lot of people do that," he said. It's unknown what DNA evidence was collected from the 90 crimes Little has confessed to, and authorities are still working to piece together if he was responsible. Morrison said it could take months or even years to get all of the DNA samples tested to see if they match Little's. According to the Associated Press, a Mobile man shot his own 9-year-old daughter in the shoulder while firing at the child's mother in another car during a possible child custody disputed. Robert Hooper was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Police say Hooper rammed his car, then shot into the car carrying his daughter and other children. His daughter was the only one injured and suffered non-life threatening injuries. Free HIV tests offered at Rome hospital as Italy marks World AIDS Day. Rome's Piramide Cestia will be illuminated with red lights on the eve of Saturday 1 December, World AIDS Day, as part of the Italian health ministry's annual AIDS awareness campaign. Italy's health minister Giulia Grillo and Rome's mayor Virginia Raggi will preside at the illumination of the Testaccio landmark at 18.30 on Friday 30 November. The 2018 slogan chosen by the health ministry's is Hiv, conosci il tuo stato (HIV, know your status), described by the ministry as an invitation to undergo a "quick, free and anonymous" HIV test. In Rome the infectious diseases clinic at Romes Lazzaro Spallanzani hospital on Via Portuense 292 is offering free testing for HIV on 29 and 30 November, from 17.00 to 19.00. The test is offered anonymously and the results, which are ready within about 15 minutes, are communicated verbally by a doctor. People in Italy with concerns about HIV/AIDS can call the free-phone AIDS helpline, tel. 800861061, on 1 December from 10.00 to 18.00. The lines expert operators are on hand to answer questions and offer advice in four languages: Italian, English, French and Portuguese. There is also a Skype contact, "uniticontrolaids", and an email address, tvalis@iss.it, dedicated to people with hearing difficulties. World AIDS Day, held annually for the last 30 years, is an opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died as a result of HIV. Currently in Italy there are between 125,000 and 130,000 people, living with HIV, predominantly male. For details of hospitals and clinics in the Lazio region offering tests for HIV and other infectious diseases see the Regione Lazio website. Free opening of Rome's state and city museums preceded by Musei in Musica. Italy's state-run museums and archaeological sites are open free of charge on Sunday 2 December 2018 as part of the Italian culture ministry's Domenica al Museo programme.Rome's municipal-run museums are also free on 2 December - for residents of the capital - for information see Musei in Comune website The monthly initiative is preceded the night before with Musei in Musica , when city-run museums and cultural venues stay open late, hosting concerts, theatre and exhibitions from 20.00 to 02.00, for the symbolic ticket price of 1.In July Rome introduced the 5 MIC card granting the capital's residents unlimited access to municipal museums for one year.Full details of Domenica al Museo can be found on the Beni Culturali website while for comprehensive list of Rome's museums consult Wanted in Rome website The White House cannot on its own force states, which administer the food stamps program, to enact either change. But the Trump administration has signaled its intention to cut food stamps without approval from Congress. This year, the Agriculture Department floated weakening the waivers it gives states to temporarily suspend some food stamp work requirements something it could propose through regulations and without approval from Congress. Those waivers allow states to exempt food stamp beneficiaries from certain requirements if they live in areas with high levels of unemployment or theres a lack of available jobs. The Republican plan would have added new work requirements for those between age 49 and 59 and made it more difficult for states to waive some food stamp work requirements. Among other changes, the GOP plan would have also removed the existing work requirement exemption for parents with children older than 6. We are confident in the safety of the 737 MAX, the company said. Safety remains our top priority and is a core value for everyone at Boeing. We are taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident, working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved. While we cant discuss specifics of an ongoing investigation, we have provided two updates for our operators around the world that re-emphasize existing procedures for these situations. That concept is not universally accepted at media companies: As my colleague Erik Wemple wrote last spring, CNN not only doesnt publish its guidelines but also has fought in court to keep them private. (And like every media organization, CNN has had its share of standards problems, most recently letting guests and commentators lie about climate scientists without disclosing their financial ties to the fossil-fuel industry, as Media Matters reported.) About 4:30 p.m. on June 26, Fairfax County police responded to the 4300 block of Mission Court for the report of an overdose, the department said in a statement at the time. They found that 31-year-old Christopher Paul was trying to harm himself, the statement said, and Paul was handcuffed and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The change in the manual is similar to but separate from a pending policy change announced in September by the Department of Homeland Security, which also would limit immigration visas on the basis of whether immigrants or the families who sponsor them have used public benefits. The DHS rule is open for public comment, and agency officials have said they expect it to be challenged in court. Amars death is an example of the lengths that ICE will go to keep people in detention, said Maru Mora Villalpando, a community organizer with NWDC Resistance, an organization that tried to help Amar. They could have released him and they decided not to. He kept telling us, Id rather die here than be deported. Melinda Bolling will head the Department of Permitting and Inspections after recently serving as director of the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Alsobrooks said Bolling will be unafraid to hold people accountable at the department, which has come under scrutiny for failing to catch construction flaws at MGM National Harbor that led to the severe electrical shock of a little girl. 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 Hill, the defense lawyer, told jurors that when they watch videos of Fields talking with police after his arrest, they will see that he had earlier been scared for his safety and was scared to death. The trial, which could last until mid-December, will be about why this event took place, Hill said, referring to the fatal crash. At the conclusion of testimony, he said, Youll understand why Im telling you now hes not guilty. Genaro Fernandez, 33, was near tears as he lay on a sleeping mat with other Honduran men Wednesday morning. They had intended to sign on with a day laborer crew at a barrel factory but didnt wake up in time for the bosss 4 a.m. pickup. Fernandez was counting on the $11 he would have earned for the day. Schlafly, the super-conservative woman who convinced her female followers to wear pink and deliver loads of baked goods to state politicians, derailed the amendment. She gave fiery speeches scaring men and women about what the ERA could do. She told them it would backfire on women, sending them into war and making them use unisex bathrooms. What is it with conservatives and bathrooms? All operations in the Temple Trees should also be stopped, when the motion to curtail expenditure to the Office of Prime Minister would be passed in Parliament, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in Parliament today. Meanwhile, JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake said President Maithripala Sirisena was responsible for the adverse effects to the country and he must apologize to the nation, said in Parliament. He said President Sirisena and the Rajapaksas should be held responsible for the political and constitutional crisis. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana Lee said the 400,000 estimate has not changed. She said the state has simply enrolled residents more quickly than expected, in part because it found a way to sign up some people automatically. In some cases, the state knew certain people were eligible because they already receive other forms of public assistance, such as a program for residents with serious mental illness. The state also has streamlined the application for enrollees in other programs, including SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program commonly known as food stamps. The lengthy hearing, held at the California Mens Colony state prison in San Luis Obispo, was the first time that Hicks appeared before the board. Its two members pressed him about the 1995 murder and the 18 conduct violations, including for violence, drugs and gang activity, that he amassed while behind bars. At the last meeting of the summit in 2015, scientists concluded by saying that it would be irresponsible to proceed until the safety concerns had been thoroughly vetted and a societal consensus had developed. But a report two years later by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine said that genome edits that could be inherited might be permitted if, for example, there were transparency and an unmet need, among other criteria. A report this summer by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in Britain concluded that gene editing to influence future generations could be ethically acceptable in some circumstances. Three female passengers were killed and 19 others were injured when a Colombo bound Jaffna luxury bus toppled into the Hamilton canal at Nattandiya this evening. Police said the injured were admitted to the Maravila Hospital.The deceased were identified as residents of Jaffna.(Hiran Priyankara) Video by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe Others noted programs that may also have helped: The overdose antidote naloxone has been made more widely available in many places; Rhode Island has made efforts to educate substance abusers as they leave jail, a time when they are particularly vulnerable to overdose; and Vermont and other states have bolstered treatment programs. States that have expanded their Medicaid programs are also able to offer more treatment for users. Six bodies recovered from burned Indiana home: Authorities recovered six bodies including those of four children Wednesday from the rubble of a burned-out northern Indiana home, police said. The victims of the fire outside Logansport included a 25-year-old woman and her three children, two daughters ages 3 and 1, and a 3-month-old son, Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said. The other victims were a 42-year-old man and his 10-year-old daughter. The man's wife and his adult son survived the fire and were taken to a hospital, Slocum said. Neighbors reported the fire about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the rural home, about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. Two Cass County sheriff's deputies attempted to enter the home but were turned away by flames and heat, Sheriff Randy Pryor said. Its report focuses on alleged gang rapes and other abuses during the uproar between the announcement of presidential election results on Aug. 11 and the court-ordered fresh vote on Oct. 26. President Uhuru Kenyatta won that vote, boycotted by the opposition, after the court nullified the first one, citing irregularities and illegalities. The Government is likely to boycott Parliament today as well to not to face the challenge posed by the motion handed over to the Secretary-General of Parliament by six UNF Parliamentarians on November 19, challenging the constitutionality of the purported Government of Mahinda Rajapaksa to utilise public finance. The final decision whether to participate or not in the debate would be decided by the Parliamentary Group of the purported Government this morning, he added. The motion against the purported Government is to be taken up for debate and vote today. Cabinet Spokesman, Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told the weekly cabinet news briefing yesterday that the Government believed that the motion was sub-juice as it challenged a Constitutional issue that had been referred to the Supreme Court and also confronted the powers of the Executive President. We have repeatedly told the Opposition that to bring a No Faith Motion (NFM) adhering to Standing Orders and Parliamentary procedure. We have also told them not to challenge the authority of the President. What they have simply to say in the NFM is that the opposition does not have faith in the Prime Minister or the Government or both. They have not done that and this motion violates Standing Order and challenges the two Gazette notifications issued by President Sirisena and therefore, I dont think we would participate in the debate tomorrow, Minister Samarasinghe said. He flatly rejected the suggestion by journalists that the purported Government of Mahinda Rajapaksa did not face the challenge or continuously boycott Parliament because the Government had the support of only 102 members, while the Opposition has the support of 122 members and added that the UNF as a political party had only the support of 101 members. Minister Samarasinghe also refused to accept that the UNF commanded the support of the TNA and the JVP and added when the Vote on Account which was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday is taken up for debate and approval, the Government was ready to show majority support (113) in Parliament. Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would decide the day for the debate and vote on the Vote on Account before the end of the year and requested journalists to wait and see. Responding to the Daily Mirror, Minister Samarasinghe said a Presidential election was not necessary to gauge the public opinion in the electorate as demanded by the Opposition as the tenure of office of President Sirisena was to expire in January 2020. But a General Election could be held for the same purpose though the next General Election was scheduled to be held in August 2020. Both Cabinet Spokesmen, Ministers Samarasinghe and Dayasiri Jayasekera refused to admit that the UNF led Opposition alliance had the confidence of the majority of members in Parliament with 122 votes out of 225 House and said the purported Government with 102 was ready to show the majority when the time came. But did not say when the time would come for the Government to show 113. (Sandun A Jayasekera) Pix by Nisal Baduge Yemeni rebels claim strike on Saudi base: Yemeni Shiite rebels said they fired ballistic missiles over the border into Saudi Arabia and hit an air base. The rebels said the attack destroyed Apache attack helicopters and killed two pilots from the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels. The rebels earlier called for suspending truce efforts in Yemen over what they alleged was U.S. opposition to the text of a British cease-fire initiative. If confirmed, the missile attack would be the first since the rebels this month halted such strikes as part of de-escalation efforts. These middle-class and upscale voters produced a large new bloc of Democrats in the House of Representatives. Many of the newcomers came from traditionally blue states, but metropolitan districts in the red states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Utah and Georgia also fell their way. These victories helped account for the Democrats astonishing popular-vote margin of s ome 9 million in House contests , and they triumphed in districts that were once hospitable to a moderate brand of Republicanism that has been crushed in the Trump era. You could say that moderate and progressive Republicans now live inside the Democratic Party. Ive always had a sense that there is something providential about American history. And this is from somebody who isnt exactly religious. But starting with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: Here is a nation founded on the edge of civilization a tiny colony, living on the outskirts of the civilized world that at a time when it needed it miraculously produced the greatest generation of political thinkers in the history of the world. Then a century later, when it needed a Lincoln to save the republic, it found a Lincoln. In the first half of the 20th century, when it needed an FDR to get through the Depression and defeat fascism, it found him. In the second half, when it needed a Reagan to revive the country, he was there. The calmest voices lately have been the Chinese, as they glide into the vacuum left by Trump as he embraced America First and abandoned leadership of the global order. Chinas approach, of course, is to win wars without fighting, as enunciated 2,500 years ago by master strategist Sun Tzu. Beijing doesnt ram boats or buzz aircraft carriers in the South China Sea; the Chinese slowly turn reefs into islands and then fortify them into air bases. By the time people see whats happening, its too late. Their answer to disruption is stealth. First, respiratory rates in children are faster than that of adults. An infant, for instance, will take 30 to 60 breaths per minute, and a preschooler will take 22 to 34. Adults, on the other hand, average 12 to 16 breaths per minute. This means that relative to body weight, a child will inhale significantly more air in any given time frame even more so under conditions of stress or panic. If that air is contaminated with tear gas or pepper spray, younger children will get a disproportionately large dose of the inhalable toxin. But its critical to understand the stakes of the battle. Even more than the presidents potential criminal liability, there is a set of burning questions about exactly what happened in 2016, the extent to which Russian efforts to influence the presidential election found purchase in the United States, and what part was played by high-level Trump campaign officials or the president himself. It is intolerable to consider that the truth of these consequential matters would be smothered and kept from the American people indefinitely. But thats exactly what the presidents overall strategy aims to do, and with the support, at least tacitly, of a complicit still-Republican-majority for now Congress. Is there no one in the GOP with the guts to stand up to the president and the resolve to see that the truth will out? But the dispiriting reality is that the past year has seen only baby steps in the right direction. Women (and men) might be speaking their truth in record numbers, but the same (mostly) guys who for years have done nothing to stop harassment at companies large and small and, in fact, have been retaliating against accusers, forcing them into secret arbitration hearings and absorbing the cost of settling their claims are still the ones in charge. This hard truth was made especially obvious by the recent reporting on CBSs Les Moonves and the allegations of abuse dating back to the 1980s. One revelation was particularly sickening: In January, well into the #MeToo moment, Moonves informed some members of the networks board of directors that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating him for forcing a woman to perform oral sex, as well as exposing himself to her and throwing her against a wall. Those individuals board members at a network already caught enabling Charlie Roses prolific misconduct for decades did nothing. (Even when the New Yorker published the first of its two exposes about Moonves in late July, detailing accusations of violent sexual abuse of six women, he kept his job, and segments of the board were defiantly supportive, with one member stating, I dont care if 30 more women come forward and allege this kind of stuff.) Ultimately, according to recent reports, what finally sunk Moonves wasnt his conduct toward women; it was his lack of candor toward the board. Of course, even though more allegations have come to light, he may still get a $120 million severance package the softest of landings for an alleged serial predator. Lanka had borrowed a loan of Rs.500 million from Airport and Aviation Services Limited (AASL) in November 2008 and settled the full amount of Rs.615 million including the interest in 2010 using funds from the Government Treasury, a top official said. AASL Head of Finance Lionel Dahanayake informed this to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on alleged irregularities at SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering and Mihin Lanka on Wednesday. During his testimony, Mr. Dahanayake informed the commission that Mihin Lanka had requested the aforementioned loan amount to acquire an aircraft on wet-lease. When Deputy Solicitor General Milinda Pathirana questioned about the loan repayment, the witness divulged that the Treasury had transferred, as the first installment, a sum of Rs.200 million to the AASL account maintained at Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and the outstanding amount settled off by dividends of AASL. He also informed the commission that Mihin Lanka had initially requested for a loan of Rs.1,085 million, however agreed for only Rs.500 million on the advice of the AASL Board of Directors. (Yoshitha Perera) Im one of those deplorables from northeastern Ohio. Im the one they just love more than anything. Were the ones that threw the surprise punch and elected Trump, Hayda said. Most of my friends, most people you talk to, they did the same thing. They might have been Democrats, but they were tired of all the politics and said, Lets vote for someone whos not a politician. Thats why Trump won. Abrams and Kemp have been fighting over voting rights since 2014, when she founded the New Georgia Project. She has said that the group signed up more than 200,000 potential new voters, but that most of them never made it onto the rolls. Kemp accused the group of voter fraud and opened an investigation that found no wrongdoing. The group, which Abrams left before starting her gubernatorial campaign, has been party to several suits against the secretary of state. According to the criminal information filed by prosecutors, Cohen sent a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee in which he knowingly and deliberately made false statements, including that the Moscow project ended in January 2016 and was not discussed extensively with others in the company; that Cohen never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the Moscow project and never considered asking Individual 1 to travel for the project; and that Cohen did not recall any Russian government response or contact about the Moscow Project. China doesnt need to be reminded of what is at stake, said Alan Wheatley, a global economic analyst at the British think tank Chatham House. But they have been badly blindsided by Trump, whose business background and transactional view of foreign policy had appealed to Beijing. Their reading of him and of course theyre not alone has been wrong. He said he would prefer to see his successors in the House push for sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, which allows the State and Treasury departments to restrict travel and freeze the assets of individuals who have committed gross violations of human rights. Ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (right) is seen sharing a lighter moment with Opposition TNA leader R. Sampanthan on Tuesday in parliament. AFP s Sri Lankas constitutional crisis deepens, whatever ways-out political analysts may propose, only a principled solution is desirable and should be called for. This is because the health of the countrys democracy depends on a rule-based order, where the doctrine of Separation of Powers is upheld, especially with regard to the independence of the judiciary. No longer can we wait to rectify the distortion of democracy. The more we wait, the more damage is caused to democracy. Justice must prevail. A solution short of justice, in the name of a win-win compromise will be an affront to rule-based governance. Not only will the present generation suffer, but also generations to come, if we accept a compromise put forward in terms of the doctrine of necessity to solve the problem at hand while conveniently leaving the core issue the constitutionality of the Presidents executive orders -- for another day. Even if the political crisis drags on for weeks and months, even if the economic growth suffers and the administration grinds to a halt, justice must be the basis to solve the crisis. "But if Sirisena is to be remembered as a statesman, even at this late hour when he thinks he has reached a point of no return, he has to set aside power politics, listen to the growing civil society voice and restore the status-quo-ante" In this constitutional crisis, the protagonists need to understand that for the sake of countrys wellbeing and that of the generations to come, what is required of them is a conduct befitting statesmen. The problem with many of Sri Lankas executive presidents, President Maithripala Sirisena included, is that they seldom keep the company of right-minded people who can give them advice based on moral values and principles upholding democracy and justice. Rather, their advisors, one of them being a once well-respected law professor, often become self-centred bootlickers and do not give a damn about democracy and rule of law. Instead, they massage the ego of the President, give warped interpretations to constitutional provisions and churn up loads of baloney. Thus, it is not surprising, when the President, shorn of saner counsel, keeps saying he will not, under any circumstances, appoint Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister. One need not be a constitutional expert to discern the unconstitutionality of his statement. After all, the President is not so naive as not to know that appointing the countrys Prime Minister cannot be done in the same manner as appointing a maid to housekeep his private residence in Polonnaruwa. Having allegedly acted arbitrarily, the President probably thinks he may end up with egg on his face if he, recognising that Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister he appointed in a questionable manner, does not command a majority in Parliament, lets Wickremesinghe return to the premiership. But if Sirisena is to be remembered as a statesman, even at this late hour when he thinks he has reached a point of no return, he has to set aside power politics, listen to the growing civil society voice and restore the status-quo-ante. "Even if the political crisis drags on for weeks and months, even if the economic growth suffers and the administration grinds to a halt, justice must be the basis to solve the crisis" As a way out of the crisis, especially in view of the damage being caused to the economy, some see a general election as a fair solution. Some suggest that Wickremesinghe should step down and allow another United National Party leader to become Prime Minister. They call them win-win solutions. Far from it, any solution is a travesty of justice if it does not allow Wickremesinghe to show his parliamentary majority once again and become the prime minster. As for Sirisenas conceited remark that he will not stay in office as president, if Wickremesinghe becomes Prime Minister again, all what he needs to do is to declare that he is ready to eat his words or sacrifice his self-respect for the greater cause of upholding democracy and ensuring stability. Such statesmanship is the need of the hour. Apart from that, the solution that calls for any UNPer other than Wickremesinghe to be the prime minister is also loaded with moves to split the UNP. Whether Wickremesinghe should continue to run the party or he should retire from politics is totally an internal party issue and is not relevant to the legalities of the constitutional quagmire. Meanwhile, some, in an expression of their frustration, call for a retirement age for politicians. If we had set the retirement age of 65 for elected representatives, we would not have fallen into this crisis, they say. But there is no correlation between age and good governance. Nelson Mandela was 76, when he became South Africans President in 1994 and became an exemplary leader. In Malaysia, people placed their faith once again in 93-year-old Mahathir Mohamed at the general elections held in May this year and brought him from retirement to govern the country with a franchise to clean up the countrys corruption-ridden political system. Indias much-respected Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh was 72, when he first took office in 2004 and 82 when he left in 2014. The United States President Ronald Reagan was 77 when he ended his second term in 1989. These old leaders are not associated with constitutional coups or backdoor political manoeuvres. Yes, there are old leaders like Zimbabwes Robert Mugabe and Cameroons Paul Biya who abuse political authority and upend constitutional governance to remain in power until their people get sick and tired of them. "Whether Wickremesinghe should continue to run the party or he should retire from politics is totally an internal party issue and is not relevant to the legalities of the constitutional quagmire" Also young leaders are not necessarily good leaders. Hitler was in his forties when he triggered World War II and unleashed the Holocaust in which millions of Jews perished. Look at Saudi Arabia, where a young crown prince in his mid-thirties is making headlines for the wrong reasons, including the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. On the other hand, Canadas 46-year-old Justin Trudeau is a shining example of a young leader committed to good governance. Old or young, age does not matter for leadership ability and commitment to uphold democracy, good governance and justice. Even if a countrys constitution is denounced as lacking in democratic features and promoting dictatorship, its head of state or government could still emerge as a good leader, if he is committed to uphold democracy and good governance. On the other hand, however good the countrys constitution is, a head of state or government can still be bad, if he acts arbitrarily. Such a leader would not hesitate to disregard a court ruling, even if it comes from the Supreme Court. In February this year in neighbouring Maldives, when the then President Abdulla Yameen did not like the Supreme Courts ruling ordering the release of political prisoners, he declared a state of emergency, got Supreme Court justices arrested and appointed new justices. Whither Sri Lanka? He has spoken on my behalf without my approval, she said. He filed a defamation case against Donald Trump against my wishes. He repeatedly refused to tell me how my legal defense fund was being spent. Now he has launched a new crowdfunding campaign using my face and name without my permission and attributing words to me that I never wrote or said. Manafort pleaded guilty in September, on the eve of jury selection for his trial in Washington, to two charges: conspiring to defraud the United States and conspiring to obstruct justice. He admitted to years of financial crimes related to his undisclosed lobbying work for a pro-Russian political party and politician in Ukraine before joining Trumps campaign. Like you, I do not find an article that uses Judicial Watch as its sole source to be remotely credible, Lansing said. He added that it was all the more impactful, and regrettable, that news of the program broke around the time of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the mailing of pipe bombs to Soros and other prominent critics of Trump, and other blatantly anti-Semitic attacks on candidates and individuals. It was a dream born in the 1980s: a gleaming Trump Tower in the heart of Soviet Moscow. For Donald Trump, that vision never died, even as he launched a presidential campaign and moved toward clinching the Republican Party nomination in 2016. On Thursday, his former attorney Michael Cohen told a federal judge that Trump was pursuing a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow throughout the first half of 2016 the very time the candidate was stepping out on the world stage as a political figure and breaking with the GOP by praising Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Trumps attempt that year to expand his brand into Moscow capped a 30-year-long effort by the celebrity mogul to do business in Russia. His refusal to give up that ambition as he was campaigning for the White House now colors his public embrace of Putin, whose help Cohen sought for the project. Again and again Trump pursued his Russia project, traveling to Moscow and unveiling four ultimately unsuccessful plans to put his name on a building in the Russian capital before he announced he would run for president. Russia is one of the hottest places in the world for investment, Trump said in a 2007 deposition. We will be in Moscow at some point. [Inside Trumps financial ties to Russia and his unusual flattery of Vladimir Putin] While running for president, Trump spoke highly of Putin and criticized the Russian presidents adversaries, including international organizations such as NATO and the European Union. His rhetoric seldom wavered, even as evidence began to emerge that Russia was interfering in the 2016 campaign to boost Trumps effort. At the time, Trump repeatedly insisted that he did not have financial ties to Russia. How many times do I have to say that? he said at a news conference in July 2016, just after WikiLeaks published thousands of Democratic Party emails hacked by Russian operatives. I have nothing to do with Russia. I have nothing to do with Russia. He added in a tweet: For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia. But his assertions belied years of Trumps failed efforts in Russia. The final attempt led by Cohen began in September 2015 and apparently ended on June 14, 2016, according to court documents the same day The Washington Post broke the news that Russia was suspected to be behind a hack of the Democratic National Committee. Repeat visits Trump traveled to Russia for the first time in 1987, as the Soviet Union began to open to more Western investment but many Americans remained wary of the communist leadership. According to his memoir The Art of the Deal, he and his then-wife, Ivana Trump, scoped out possible sites for a luxury hotel that he wanted to build in a joint venture with the Kremlins hotel and tourism agency. [Trumps business sought deal on a Trump Tower in Moscow while he ran for president] In 1996, Trump was back, this time promising to build in the heart of post-Soviet Moscow in partnership with a group of U.S. tobacco executives. The group drew up architectural plans and had meetings with city leaders. But, again, it fizzled. By 2005, Trump had found a new partner: a company called the Bayrock Group that had opened offices in Trump Tower two floors below his executive suite and had clinched deals to build Trump-branded properties in several U.S. cities. The companys point person on the project was Felix Sater, a Russian-born businessman with a checkered past. He had served a year in prison after a 1991 bar fight. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering in a $40 million Mafia-linked stock fraud case. But Sater had cooperated with the government in various criminal and national security matters, allowing him to keep his plea under seal and remake himself as a respectable Trump business partner. The Trump Organization gave Bayrock a one-year exclusive deal to hunt for land in Moscow for a development, according to documents obtained by The Post. Sater said in a 2008 deposition that he found a group of interested Russian investors, as well as a possible site for the project a shuttered pencil factory that had been named for American radicals Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were convicted of murder and executed during the Red Scare that swept the United States after World War I. I showed him photos, I showed him the site, showed him the view from the site. Its pretty spectacular, Sater said of Trump in the depositions. It was more of verbal updates when Id come back, pop my head into Mr. Trumps office and tell him, you know, Moving forward on the Moscow deal. And he would say, All right. [Former Mafia-linked figure describes association with Trump] That deal fell apart, as well, but it did not rupture Saters relationship with the Trump Organization. A year later, Sater testified, Trump asked him to accompany his adult children Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. on a trip to Moscow. By 2007, Donald Trump had hired Cohen to serve as one of his top lawyers. Cohen and Sater had attended high school together and were close. 'A different world' The failures in Russia were a source of frustration for the Trump Organization at a time it was otherwise expanding around the world, buoyed by the success of Trumps reality television show The Apprentice. He signed deals to build Trump Towers in Istanbul and Panama in 2006 and the Dominican Republic in 2007. Speaking to a real estate conference in 2008, Trump Jr. explained that building in Russia was tricky. As much as we want to take our business over there, Russia is just a different world, he said. It is a question of who knows who, whose brother is paying off who. . . . It really is a scary place. But the younger Trump insisted that the company was determined to make it work. He had traveled to Russia six times in the previous 18 months, he told the investors. Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets, he said, explaining that Russians found the Trump name appealing and were buying units in the companys buildings around the world. Donald Trump finally made it to Moscow in 2013, bringing his Miss Universe beauty pageant to the Russian capital. Costs for the elaborate event were borne by a Russian billionaire developer, Aras Agalarov, and his pop-star son, Emin Agalarov often called the Trumps of Russia for their tendency to put their name on projects. Trump spent 36 hours in Moscow in November 2013, meeting with Russian business leaders and hoping for a sit-down with the Russian president. Putin declined, citing a delayed meeting with the king of Holland. [How a British music publicist ended up in the middle of the Russia storm] As the event concluded, Trump announced he had once again reached a preliminary deal to build in Moscow this time with the Agalarovs as partners. I had a great weekend with you and your family, Trump tweeted to Aras Agalarov as he left Russia. TRUMP TOWER-MOSCOW is next. The deal did not advance beyond preliminary talks, hampered by a cooling Russian economy and then Trumps busy campaign schedule, the Agalarovs told The Post in a joint interview in spring 2016. But the billionaire and his son remained in contact with Trump, and in June 2016, they helped arrange for Trump Jr. to take a meeting with a Russian lawyer as his father pursued the presidency. The candidates son was told the lawyer would bring dirt about Democrat Hillary Clinton as part of a Russian government effort to help Trump. If its what you say, I love it, Trump Jr. responded. Pursuing the big deal By then, Cohen had been working with Sater for months to once again get a Trump development in Moscow off the ground. A person close to Cohen said he knew how badly Trump wanted a Moscow project and believed he would score a major coup with his boss if he could get it done. Cohen has said Sater approached him with the proposal in September 2015. He had found a new Russian partner, a Moscow-based developer called I.C. Expert Investment Co. and its chairman, a former Sater business partner named Andrei Rozov. It was not the only Moscow project fielded by Cohen while his boss ran for president. Cohen also had been forwarded in October 2015 another a 13-page proposal from Sergei Gordeev, a Moscow real estate billionaire and former legislator. The proposal was delivered by an international financier with whom Cohen had worked previously, whose spokeswoman said last year that Cohen rejected the offer because he was already working with Sater. The spokeswoman, Melanie A. Bonvicino, declined to comment Thursday about whether that businessman, Giorgi Rtskhiladze, has been interviewed by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. In October, Trump signed a letter of intent to proceed with the Sater project, Cohen has said. It came on the same day Trump participated in the third Republican debate. Both Cohen and Sater said the project could be used to help not only Trumps bottom line but also his electoral efforts. Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it, Sater wrote to Cohen in a 2015 email obtained by the New York Times and confirmed by The Post. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, I will manage this process. In the messages, Sater claimed he had lined up financing with VTB Bank, under U.S. sanctions at the time for allegedly undermining democracy in Ukraine. In another communication, Sater told Cohen they could host a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony in Moscow and suggested showing Russian contacts video clips of Trump praising Russia on the campaign trail. I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected, Sater wrote. Americas most difficult adversary agreeing that Donald is a good guy to negotiate. At one point, Sater suggested to Cohen that they give a $50 million penthouse unit to Putin as a way to market the new Trump Tower. If we have Putin in the penthouse every oligarch in Russia would want to live in that building, Sater said in an interview Thursday with The Post, recalling that he told Cohen that the giveaway would pay for itself many times over. The idea of providing the penthouse to Putin was first reported Thursday by Buzzfeed News. When Cohen testified before Congress, he said the Moscow tower project was short-lived. He told lawmakers he spoke to Trump about it only three times before canceling it. By January 2016, he said, the project had stalled. Cohen emailed Dmitry Peskov, a top Putin aide and spokesman, to enlist Russian government help to secure land and permits, according to documents submitted to Congress. Cohen said he did not recall receiving a response, and the project died. [Top Trump Organization executive asked Putin aide for help on business deal] On Thursday, Cohen acknowledged those statements were false and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. He said that after reaching out to Peskov, he spoke to the Russian officials personal assistant for 20 minutes. She took notes and promised to look into the issue, according to a court document filed Thursday. The next day, Sater emailed Cohen. Its about [the president of Russia] they called today, he wrote, according to the filing. Cohen also admitted that he discussed the project with Trump more frequently than he told Congress and briefed his children, as well. Six months later, Cohen agreed to travel to Russia to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg at Saters recommendation, reversing course and canceling the trip on June 14, 2016. Trump told reporters Thursday that Cohen was lying about key details. But he added that he saw no reason that running for president meant he could not also pursue his business ambitions. There was a good chance that I wouldnt have won, he said, in which case I would have gone back into the business, and why should I lose lots of opportunities? Carol D. Leonnig contributed to this report. The decision from Scott, the Senates sole black Republican, came after the publication of a Justice Department memo in The Washington Post that Scott said raised concerns about Farrs involvement in a controversial ballot security campaign. Farr was a lawyer for the campaign of Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) in 1984 and in 1990, when it mailed postcards that the department later said were sent to intimidate black voters from going to the polls. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has been one of the loudest voices questioning whether anti-Trump bias affected decisions FBI and Justice Department officials made in their probes of the Trump presidential campaigns alleged Russia ties and former secretary of state Hillary Clintons use of a private email server agencies that are under the purview of the powerful Judiciary panel. As a member of that panel, Jordan has often clashed with GOP leaders to be more aggressive about questioning law enforcement agents and demanding documents. Shivani Hegde, Nestle Managing Director receiving an award from JD Bandaranayake, Former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Looking on are Alikie Perera, Deputy Secretary General / Financial Controller of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Duminda Hulangamuwa, Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Nestle was crowned Best Corporate Citizen in the Manufacturing Sector for the second consecutive year at the prestigious Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2018, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Nestle was also awarded as one of the top three Best Corporate Citizens in the country, with an overall second runners-up win. The company won four awards in total, including the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens Award for the sixth year and Best Presented Application Award for the second consecutive year. The Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards are widely considered Sri Lankas highest corporate honour. It recognises the best contributors to the local economy and community as well the best performers in corporate sustainability. 2018 submissions were evaluated by a highly respected panel of local experts, academics and thought leaders, as well as representatives from IFC (International Finance Corporation), the World Bank, USAID (United States Agency for International Development), The Colombo Plan Secretariat, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and ILO (International Labour Organisation). Nestle has won the overall Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award twice before, in 2008 and 2011. Said Shivani Hegde, Nestle Managing Director: At Nestle, our CSR strategy has evolved into what we call Creating Shared Value (CSV). Sustainability is embedded into our corporate strategy, and it is with sincere pride that we say that sustainability across the value chain has become the way we do business today. It enables us to live our purpose every day, enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for Sri Lanka. A long-term approach to business has always been part of Nestles DNA, and we look forward to continuing to focus on social issues that we are uniquely capable of addressing, whilst creating shared value for both our shareholders and society. As a leading, successful company in Sri Lanka, we are proud to demonstrate that Creating Shared Value works; that we are able to do well by doing good. As Sri Lankas largest private sector collector of fresh milk and one of the worlds largest exporters of coconut milk powder, Nestles business positively impacts the livelihoods of over 25,000 local farming families. The company works with Sri Lankan dairy farmers, training and supporting them to produce more milk of high quality and help make the country self-sufficient in milk. In 2016, the company launched the Nestle Coconut Plan to help secure coconut cultivation and sustain the livelihoods of local coconut farmers. The company also initiated a significant investment of Rs. 5 billion in its factory in the same year, to enhance manufacturing capacity for milk powder and coconut milk powder; thereby driving import substitution and increasing exports. Driven by its Purpose of contributing to a healthier future, Nestle is committed to offering tastier, healthier and trusted products of the highest quality. The company is working to ensure its products offer the most superior nutritional profile in their respective categories. With the largest R&D network of any food company in the world, Nestle regularly innovates and renovates its portfolio to offer food and beverage products that are adapted to local palates and nutritional needs. It is voluntarily reducing sugar, salt and fat in its products where relevant, and fortifying its products with essential micronutrients like iron, vitamin A and calcium where appropriate. In 2017, it offered its consumers 405 million servings of micronutrient fortified products. In 2018, due to a special campaign on iron fortification, Nestle will deliver 785 million servings of iron-fortified products to Sri Lankan consumers (~ 40 serves per capita). The company also reached a total of 16 million people this year with programmes on nutrition awareness and physical activity. From left to right: Sajeewa Wickramasinghe, Nestle Senior Manager Sales Promotions & Sponsorships; Ruwan Welikala, Nestle Vice President Ambient Dairy; Priyadarshinie Karunaratne, Nestle Vice President Food; Rovina Vandersay, Nestle Senior Executive People Development; Damitha Kulatunga, Nestle Senior Manager Public Affairs; Shamara Dunusinghe, Nestle Senior Manager Agri Services; Olington Fernando, Nestle Senior Manager Factory Controller; Enoca Sirimanne, Nestle Vice President Human Resources; Shivani Hegde, Nestle Managing Director; Samantha Mendis, Nestle Senior Manager Corporate Communications; Bandula Egodage, Nestle Vice President Corporate Affairs & Communications; Jagath Wedage, Nestle Vice President Sales; Shashiprabha Sooriyarachchi, Nestle Head of Regulatory Affairs; Chamili Senanayake, Nestle Manager Nutrition, Health & Wellness; Neluka Wikramanayake, Nestle Assistant Manager Corporate Communications; Radhini De Costa, Nestle Assistant Vice President Marketing Services. Committed to manufacturing responsibly and sustainably, Nestle has reduced its energy consumption by 41%, water consumption by 42% and greenhouse gas emissions by 37% over the last decade or so through a Reduce, Reuse and Recycle approach, whilst continuing to scale up production. Retno, known to his friends and colleagues as Budi, helped organize logistics for the response to Lombok. He then spent nine days in Palu. When Washington Post reporters met him there, he had rescued two people from collapsed hotels. One woman needed to have her foot amputated so rescuers could pull her from the rubble. I am neither a supporter nor an opponent. There are more reasons than one to like the man and more reasons than one to dislike him Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses have to be won by propaganda. (Hannah Arendt) Speaking with Bandula Jayasekara aboard Pethikada, Gomin Dayasiri claimed that it is the people who were to blame for the debacle the Rajapaksas brought the country to. The reason, he argued, was that after Mahinda Rajapaksa oversaw the ending of the war, those who loved him turned him into a maharajano. Had the people been more careful in crowning the man who was, essentially, a politician voted in on a mandate to end the war, he would not have arrogated to himself powers that contravened the norms of legitimacy, custodianship, and governance. Gomin has a point. A very good point. We elect those we prefer to lead the country and when those we elect achieve what we want them to, we crown them and hand them and their cohorts blank cheques. Mahinda had his moment and, depending on how you view it, he lost it. Happens. That is perhaps why even those who continue to bat for him and idealise a third term as president are not so willing now to celebrate the likes of his wife, his sons, and some of the more populist, demagogic sections of his party, i.e. firebrands like Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa. That point, however, holds valid for politicians of all shades, and not just the populist, demagogic sort. It is valid for those who support the Rajapaksas and for those who are opposed to the Rajapaksas. I believe, therefore, that it is valid to the man at the centre of the anti-Rajapaksa cabal, the man you either celebrate or demonise. I am talking, of course, about Ranil Wickremesinghe. Before everything else, however, a caveat: I am neither a supporter nor an opponent. There are more reasons than one to like the man and more reasons than one to dislike him, some owing to his character and others to factors beyond his character. What Im concerned about here is not Ranil Wickremesinghe the politician (of whom everyone has written everything), rather the people who propagandise him. Mahinda Rajapaksa, then as now, solicits support from a broad section of the population who are essentially Sinhala or Buddhist, or allied to a more inclusive Sri Lankan identity that is, at the same time, rooted in the Sinhala Buddhist ethos. Im not saying that this is the absolute truth; rather, it is the impression that his promoters have built up over the decades. In any case, Mahinda has become the most definitive face of the SLFP since Sirimavo Bandaranaike, so much so that Im willing to wager most SLFPers continue to associate him with the firebrand Sinhala Buddhist nationalism that even Sirimavos own daughter tried to do away with it. Ranil is different. He solicits support, then as now, from a narrower milieu, based on and rooted in Colombo (the city). It can be said that the milieu that elects a politician is the same milieu that spawns those who celebrate him or her in the public sphere, the media and the blogosphere included. Simply put, the milieus which support Ranil and Mahinda are the same milieus that give birth to their hagiographers. The English media, which is reflective of the English readership, has not, to this day, produced a hagiographer for Mahinda Rajapaksa on par with the hagiographers of Ranil Wickremesinghe. At one level this is to be expected, since support for Mahinda stems from the popular Sinhala consciousness and it makes sense to pen down a piece celebrating him in a Sinhala newspaper. Support for Ranil, on the other hand, stems from those whom Gomin Dayasiri referred to as the Kolombians, i.e. those who are not only deficient in Sinhala and/or Tamil but also revel blissfully in this deficiency and are more insular, yet strangely more cosmopolitan, than the commentators who see everything good and nothing bad in Mahinda. By those who bat for Ranil in the English press, I deliberately exclude the moderate columnists, that is, the likes of Sarath de Alwis, Tisaranee Gunasekara, Kishali Pinto Jayawardana, W. A. Wijewardena, and Ratnajeevan Hoole, all of whom, to be fair by them and those who read them enthusiastically (like me), are shaped less by political preferences than by an overriding concern for democracy, economic rationality, and good governance. These are not Ranil lovers by any stretch of the imagination, and if they do support the previous status quo, i.e. a Ranil premiership (which de Alwis once called, memorably and very accurately, a Royalist Regency), it is not because they believe the man to be the most able to stand for those norms and values. There are, however, other columnists. They not only bat for Ranil, they muddle up their facts and let their prejudices (virulently anti-everything-outside-Colombo) get the better of them. They are shallow in the truest sense of that term, so while they celebrate the man they think is Ranil Wickremesinghe, attacking those who see his other side (a side which other neutral columnists have explored and laid bare for us frequently), they end up being as insular, if not more insular, than the writers who champion a Mahinda Rajapaksa premiership and, if possible, presidency. "Mahinda Rajapaksa, then as now, solicits support from a broad section of the population who are essentially Sinhala or Buddhist, or allied to a more inclusive Sri Lankan identity" The I-bat-for-Ranil club is, not surprisingly, more nauseating than the I-bat-for-Mahinda club, because in the popular consciousness, among the neutral floating vote base especially, the latter is seen for what it is: one-sided, driven by support for a man motivated by a blatant love of power, and reflective of the racism of a big majority of that mans electorate. In other words, Mahinda is the known devil. Because not many people belong to or affiliate themselves with the pro-Ranil writers club, on the other hand, not many come across, or take seriously, articles that praise Ranil for no reason other than the fact that he is the man they idealise him as. There is a reason why this brand of hagiography doesnt hold water, by the way: as columnists more experienced than I have proved, while Mahinda has a trump card (yudde iwara kara), Ranil has precious little to show as PRIME MINISTER, his achievements as Minister and Leader of the House being grist for an entirely different debate. This is why most of those pieces about him make no sense, because, in the absence of an accomplishment he can take full credit for (at least in the popular view), the most typical reasons resorted to when celebrating him cohere into an elitist, self-centred, anti-everything-outside-Colombo worldview: that he is a gentleman; that he studied in such and such a school; that he is a good son, brother, husband, uncle, and employer (whose employer? Ours?) who may not carry babies and smile with the people but who care for the people more than those who can and do. This is also why those from the English language media seen to be lackeys of Mahinda Rajapaksa surprisingly come out as more cosmopolitan, intellectual, and genuine IN COMPARISON TO many of those who bat for the anti-Rajapaksa, pro-Ranil side. Just the other day, for instance, I was reading through some articles written by these lackeys, i.e. the likes of Dayan Jayatilleka, and I couldnt help but notice that the arguments they made were more compelling, more thought-provoking, and more sensible than the tripe dished out by the I-bat-for-Ranil club. To be sure, these articles do call for a Rajapaksa Restoration. But they do not call for that contingency because of a vaguely defined goodness and flawlessness in the mans character. They deify him (at times, nauseatingly), yet they do not celebrate his act of belonging to exclusivist clubs. They affirm what he did, not what he CAN do because he came from such and such a family and attended such and such a school. Rephrasing what Gomin Dayasiri said, then, we can say that it is those undying blue-and-gold-skinned boys and girls batting for Ranil who are to blame for the debacle that he and his party brought this country to. These are the same boys and girls who, salivating over Ranils perceived commitment to decorum and democracy, ironically rebuke those who criticise him by suggesting that they must give him a chance (even though we gave him more than 20 and he lost them all) In case youre wondering, folks, no, it doesnt get more self-contradictory than that. UDAKDEV1@GMAIL.COM That is important because as a legal commentator before he came to the Justice Department, Whitaker was highly critical of Muellers work, even suggesting an acting attorney general could stifle Muellers budget to shut down his probe. Democrats and others have called unsuccessfully for Whitaker to recuse himself from the case, in part because of his past comments, fearing he might take steps to interfere with the ongoing investigation. Already, the Trump administration has disclosed publicly that Russias violations include the deployment of a missile known as the SSC-8, or the 9M729 under its Russian designation. The United States has declared Russia in violation of the treaty for five years in a row and, according to the State Department, has conducted more than 30 engagements with Russian officials at senior levels in failed attempts to bring Moscow into compliance. On Nov. 16, the State Department released a myth busters fact sheet replying to Russian claims regarding the pact. In South Korea, the response has been equally vehement. Hong Ihk-pyo, a spokesman for the ruling Democratic Party, has called for an apology and compensation not only from the companies but also from the government of Japan, while a spokesman for the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said Japan should no longer stick to tongue-lashing and impudence and should offer a sincere apology. In Kabul people see him as a hero, but people in Kandahar do not think that way. He was part of the problem, said one legislator from the region, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about security and tribal sensitivities. In the month since Raziqs death, the legislator said, Kandahar has become much less violent than when he was in command. She was the right person, in the right place, said Nik Nanos, a leading Canadian public opinion pollster. She had the right temperament in terms of the dealing with the Americans, because shes not to be pushed around and its hard not to be pushed around by the Americans when their economy is 10 times bigger. If Rajapaksa withdraws from the fray UNP will face a dilemma with President attempting to appoint anyone other than Ranil Wickremesinghe Within ten years from 1989 to 1999-India saw eight regime changes of which only three had been effected through Lok Sabha (Parliament) elections. In all other instances, new governments assumed office due to the previous ones failed to prove their majority in the Lok Sabha. After a decade-long rule by the Gandhi family, Janatha Dal leader V.P. Singh came to power as Prime Minister in 1989 but his administration collapsed in 11 months for want of majority, when the BJP withdrew support, following a row over Babri Masjid issue. It paved the way for Samajwadi Party leader Chandrasekhar to become the Prime Minister, despite his party commanding the support of only 46 out of 545 members of the Parliament. When Rajiv Gandhi withdrew support to Chandrasekhar government after three months over an alleged spying incident near the formers residence, that government also fell. Since no party came forward to take the reins of the country the President ordered a fresh election in 1991during which Rajiv Gandhi was killed by the LTTE. Backed by Jayalalithaas AIADMK, P.V. Narasimha Rao of the Congress Party assumed office then and he was lucky to complete his five-year term. BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was sworn in as the next Premier after the 1996 general election was in office only 12 days as he was defeated at a confidence vote in the Lok Sabha. Before the 1998 election, another two governments of Prime Ministers H.D. Deve Gowda and Inder Kumar Gujral of United Front fell for want of majority in the House after the Congress Party withdrew support to them. The second government of Vajpayee which was voted in at the 1998 election also faced the same fate when J. Jayalalithaa pulled the carpet under his feet in April 1999. However, never during this period, a constitutional crisis, such as the one Sri Lanka is currently embroiled in, cropped up in India for the simple reason that the country put in practice a procedure where a confidence vote is taken after every regime change and every major crossover. This is not only to test the ability of the new ruling party to run the government, rather test thereby the validity of the Presidents opinion that his nominee for the premiership commands the confidence of Parliament. "In a practical sense, Prime Minister Rajapaksa cannot ensure getting any Bill or motion carried in Parliament even if his group is the largest single group, without the support of 113 members" The absence of such a procedure has landed Sri Lanka now in a constitutional mess as well as a political impasse. In fact, there is no Constitutional conundrum or a political deadlock hadnt there been manoeuvring by several leaders for their very political survival. Also, the shamelessness of politicians has also largely contributed to the current imbroglio. To put it in simple terms, both Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed Prime Minister on October 26 and Ranil Wickremesinghe who was ousted from the same post on the same day must be ashamed to lay claim to the premiership now without a working majority in the Parliament. In spite of President Sirisena and Rajapaksa loyalists having claimed earlier that Rajapaksa commanded the confidence of majority members of Parliament; the new ministers now claim that they are the largest single group in the House and that qualifies them to lay claim to the government. That too seems to be wrong. After the regime change by President Maithripala Sirisena, nine MPs seven from the United National Front (UNF) and one each from EPDP and TNA - joined hands with Rajapaksa. Thus, the UNF strength came down from 106 (105 UNPers plus a solitary SLMC member) to 99 while the UPFA amassed 104 seats in the Parliament. Later, two of those crossed over to the UPFA returned to the UNFs fold and Manusha Nanayakkara also crossed over to the UNF. Hence, the new ratio between the UNF and the UPFA stands now at 102:101. They along with the Speaker, 15 remaining TNA members and 6 JVP members make up the 225 member House. On the other hand, a working majority in Parliament is not a party or a group being the largest single group. It is not a matter of prestige, nor is it a matter of ritual; rather it is a matter of practicality. A ruling party must have a relatively consistent majority power to adopt Bills and motions it presents in the House. Otherwise, no party or group can run a government or at least a Pradeshiya Sabha. In a practical sense, Prime Minister Rajapaksa cannot ensure getting any Bill or motion carried in Parliament even if his group is the largest single group, without the support of 113 members. Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe must be ashamed to lay claim to the premiership A working majority in Parliament is not a matter of prestige, nor ritual; it is a matter of practicality President says the way the motions were carried was legally acceptable but morally not. morality had no place in this issue The situation demands sanity and compromise on the part of the stakeholders Already, two no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Cabinet with 122 signatures have been passed in the Parliament after October 26, despite the legality of their passage being challenged by those supporting Rajapaksa. And another motion for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) has also been adopted with 121 members electronically voting, while the Rajapaksa loyalists had walked out. President Maithripala Sirisena in an interview with our sister paper The Sunday Times last week had not said that the way the two no-faith motions were passed was illegal. He says Standing Orders can be suspended and a vote can be taken by a voice count by the Speaker.Though there is a provision in the Standing Orders, a majority voice vote on a matter of changing the government, nationally important, is not suitable.If the Speaker had taken a vote by name than a voice vote, that would have been better "This is not only to test the ability of the new ruling party to run the government, rather test thereby the validity of the Presidents opinion that his nominee for the premiership commands the confidence of Parliament" In other words, he says the way the motions were carried was legally acceptable but morally not. However, the whole world including the President was watching how the Mahinda loyalists prevented the Speaker from taking a roll-call of the names and was forced to take a voice vote. Besides, morality had no place in this whole issue. How could the President morally justify his appointment of Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister, when it was clear that the latter did not and still does not command the confidence of the Parliament? What were the moral grounds that would justify both the prorogation and the dissolution of the Parliament, when it is also clear that it was the majority issue that prompted him to take those steps? It is true, that the Speaker at least on one occasion acted in favour of the UNP, his party when he said soon after the appointment of Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister that he would not accept that appointment. At a time when the UNP had not legally challenged the sacking of its leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister, Speaker has to accept the new appointment and put it to test in the House, as happens in India. The Mahinda loyalists seem to boycott the Parliament till the Supreme Court ruling on December 7 against the Presidents November 9 decision to dissolve the Parliament, as they fear vote takings on any matter in the House. If the Supreme Court ruling went against the dissolution, Rajapaksa would have to face this situation till February 2020 when the Parliament completes four and a half years since its first meeting in August 2015, during which he would have to pass two budgets among others. Hence, the situation demands sanity and compromise on the part of the stakeholders. In an unlikely withdrawal of Rajapaksa from the fray, it is the UNP that would face the harshest situation, as there is a possibility of the President attempting to appoint Sajith Premadasa or another from the UNP to the post of Prime Minister. That might bring in cracks in the UNP in the light of the Sajith factor already has made inroads into the rank and file of the party. If General Elections are ruled out, we would get 113 in Parliament Efforts underway to engage international community Most countries are with us We have no grudge against the western world Today, the JVP and the UNP speak in one voice There is no such thing called capturing power through the backdoor ahinda Rajapaksa, former President and Prime Minister appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, spoke about the current status of the country and the plans he wishes to carry out after the Supreme Court ruling on dissolution of Parliament, expected on December 7, 2018. Excerpts: Q Now, the country is ungovernable. There is instability in the country. How do you intend to end this crisis? There is no instability in the country as I can see. There is a certain dispute involving Parliament only. That is all. It has not affected the country as a whole. People get on with their normal work. Public servants report to work. I travel all across the country. That is what I see. Likewise, we have meetings and demonstrations throughout the country. During the previous rule, we saw underworld killings. On a daily basis, four to five persons got killed. The situation has changed now. Actually, things have changed for the better in the country in some aspects. Q Now, there is a crisis involving Parliament. It has hampered decision making. Wont it affect the country in another month or two? Whatever it is, we have to wait for the ruling by the Supreme Court on December 7. The matter is pending before court. We will be able to talk about the countrys situation subject to the court ruling only. Until then, we cannot talk anything about it. Q What are you planning to do? We will decide after the court ruling. We are in a win-win situation. We took over the Government. We always requested for elections. We agitated for elections. We do not mind even if we do not get an election. We have the support of 113 MPs. We will show it at the right time. Q How certain are you that you have the support of 113 MPs in Parliament? In case, a General Election is ruled out, we will show it in Parliament and proceed. Q Now, the JVP and the UNP say they are ready for any election, but not under your Government. They want your Government to be unseated as a condition for elections. What is your view? Today, the JVP and the UNP speak in one voice. JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is the mouthpiece of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. It is no wonder that both the parties have the same viewpoint. Q There is perception among some that you took over the Government entering through the backdoor despite your ability to win elections in the future. What is your view? There is no such thing called capturing power through the backdoor. A political party is not meant to be in the opposition forever. It should try to become the ruling party on the very first occasion made available to it. We vowed to topple the Government after two Vesak Poyas. One Vesak Poya is over. We toppled the Government before the next Vesak Poya. Our duty is to topple the Government if it is possible. It is actually in the greater interests of the country. The previous Government alienated the national assets. If it continued, there would be nothing left in the country for posterity. We reversed the move to introduce a separatist Constitution. Otherwise, it would also have been declared as adopted by voice vote in Parliament. (Ekath Aye Uye gala sammatha karai) In that context, we have taken a correct decision in the interests of the country. We also faced a similar problem with regards to the Free Trade Agreements at that time. The previous Government did not think of the country. They acted in their personal interest and the interests of foreign countries. Q The change of Government has been subjected to criticism by a section of the international community; namely the western countries. How can a Government be run without the cooperation from the western countries? We have no grudge against the western world. Yet, the western world looks at us from a different angle. We are taking steps to change their attitude towards us. Q What is your strategic plan to do it? We have already started it. We remain engaged with them. They have an ill-informed opinion of us. When a new ambassador is posted to Sri Lanka, he relies on information provided by predecessors. Their opinion is shaped in that manner. We are trying to give them the correct picture. There are some persons attending parties thrown by the embassies. Actually, the opinion expressed by these party-goers cannot be taken as the common opinion of Sri Lankans. Mostly, the views expressed by these persons frequenting the embassies and high commissions are taken as the common position of Sri Lankans, unfortunately. Only a handful of countries raise concern with us. The middle-eastern countries have no issue with us. Only a few western countries take up this issue with us. We would be able to correct it. Most countries are alright with us. China believes that Sri Lankans have the wisdom to resolve their issues. Likewise, Russia also believes the same. Q What are the Governments priorities till December 7? We have worked out a programme to give concessions to the agriculture sector. That was a neglected sector during the previous rule. We have focused attention on it. If we develop this sector, we can feed ourselves. We will pay more attention on the export-oriented industries. We have initiated talks for the development of the tourism sector through new promotional activities. We gave concessions to those sending foreign remittances. During the previous rule, people did not send foreign remittances. Even our expatriate workers who toil in the Middle East were taxed. We are correcting all these areas. Q When you give tax concessions, it affects the Governments revenue. How do you address such concern? The Government did not receive much revenue by way of taxes levied on these sectors. We do taxation appropriately. We should not burden people in the process of taxation. As I always say, it is proverbially similar to sucking nectar from a flower without damaging it. That is our policy. Q Once you joined hands with President Maithripala Sirisena, everybody thought that the factions of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would be united. But, you obtained the membership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna(SLPP). Why did it happen? We formed the SLPP under the Pohottuwa symbol. We have operated that party from its inception. It is nothing new that I obtained its membership. In fact, I have virtually acted as a member of that party right from the beginning. Q Wont it affect the identity of the SLFP? It will not happen. We will act as a common front. It does not matter whether we belong to the SLFP or the SLPP. Q Would you be contesting future elections under the Pohottuwa symbol? We have talked about a common alliance. Discussions are underway for a common symbol. No final decision has been taken about the symbol. We have to choose a symbol which appeals the most to the people. I believe it should not be a symbol which requires to be introduced freshly to people. We are negotiating on this matter. Q Some people think that the UNP received a boost as its members became active after their leader was sacked from the post of Prime Minister. How will it affect you? It happens normally in the event of an election. We expected it. The UNPers may remain silent. In the event of an election, they get active. It is a normal phenomenon. Let alone, at village level, the situation is totally different. People do not talk about Ranil or Sajith. Whatever it may be, it is better for the UNP to discard vindictive politics. The UNP has a departure from politics followed by its founder leaders D.S.Senanayake and Dudley Senanayake. The UNP is actually a forum of mudslingers today. The UNP should correct its tarnished reputation. Q There is an allegation that you took over the Government to cover up cases pending against your family members. Is it true? We have not done anything to cover up cases. We will not stop politics in fear of court cases. We will not shy away from them. We dont mind court cases instituted over our political activities. It is nothing new for us. We faced such legal cases in 1980s as well. Q Are you planning to initiate action against the Central Bank bond fraud reported during the former rule? The President has already made a statement in this regard. He will look into it. Q You maintained the position that the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) should be disbanded. What are you planning to do with it? We stick with the same position. It is up to the President to take any decision in this regard. We are against the establishment of such police units, comprising specially selected police officers, to politically victimise people. It conducted investigations regarding complaints sent by then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe only. Q There is a demand by the UNP to conduct an early presidential election. What is your response? Now, there is a question involving Parliament. It has nothing to do with the presidency. Therefore, a parliamentary election is appropriate. Q In case, the Presidential Election is declared by the President, are you ready for it? Lets see it then! Police and emergency service workers report suicidal thoughts twice as often as other adults and are three times more likely to have a suicide plan. Groundbreaking new research released today by Beyond Blue will also show one in three cops and emergency service workers experience high or very high psychological distress compared to one in eight Australian adults. More than 21,000 cops and other emergency workers took part in the study. Credit:Rob Homer A further three in four first responders who made a claim for psychological injury due to their work found the current workers compensation process to be "detrimental to their recovery." The landmark research - carried out by the University of Western Australia - is believed the biggest study ever of police and emergency service workers in Australia and internationally with regards to mental health issues. A police incident in Port Kennedy that closed roads and saw police negotiators attend has ended calmly. The area surrounding Madras Crescent had been cordoned off and road blocks put in place, with motorists told to avoid the area while police negotiators attended the scene. Police provided an update on Thursday evening that the situation had been resolved safely and without incident, and roads had reopened in the area. Federal Labor says Adani's Carmichael mine has failed to live up to its economic promises after the Indian mining giant announced it will self-finance a dramatically smaller project than originally planned. Adani Mining chief executive Lucas Dow on Thursday said the scaled-back project would be "100 per cent financed" from within the Adani conglomerate, clearing a major hurdle for the highly contentious proposal. It has been revised down to a smaller rail line project and coal volumes to reduce the investment risk. Construction at the central Queensland mine site will soon begin, the company says. The mine project was once priced at $16.5 billion and would have been Australia's largest. It suffered years of delays due to legal challenges and a failure to secure private sector finance in Australia or overseas. Coalition and Labor MPs have backed an Indigenous "Voice to Parliament" but recommended the proposal be further developed before it is considered as a referendum proposal to be enshrined in the constitution. The Voice a representative body to advise Parliament on policies affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was the central recommendation of the "Uluru Statement from the Heart", issued by a gathering of Indigenous Australians in 2017. It has been backed by Labor but faced hostility from the Coalition. Liberal MP Julian Leeser talking about Indigenous constitutional recognition on Thursday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The "co-design" process recommended by Parliament's constitutional recognition committee would involve Indigenous people and consider national, regional and local elements of a Voice. The committee recommended the design work be finished in the next term of Parliament and then progress through the legislative and constitutional process in a "deliberate and timely manner". While strong advocates of the Voice may welcome the Coalition MPs' endorsement of it, they will likely criticise the declaration that the proposal needs further work before going to a referendum. The backers say the constitutional change can be done first, followed by the practical and legal development of how it would function. The Morrison government is facing an internal rebellion by Nationals MPs over plans for a new anti-corruption regime unless it protects ministers from being targeted over infrastructure grants made against bureaucrats' advice. Some MPs were shocked this week when the minority government waved through a motion calling for a national integrity commission without a debate in the Coalition party room. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce issued a warning over any national integrity scheme. Credit:AAP Nationals MPs have now warned they will oppose the scheme unless Attorney-General Christian Porter ensures it would not allow ministers to be fingered for corruption if they ignored departmental advice and approve grants for projects in rural or regional areas. The government is expected to announce its policy imminently to prevent a humiliating loss in Parliament, with crossbenchers confident they have the numbers to force a vote. Washington: A mother is calling out a Southwest Airlines employee who she said mocked her 5-year-old daughter's name and posted a picture of the child's boarding pass on social media. Traci Redford told ABC affiliate KABC her daughter's name is Abcde, pronounced "ab-si-dee." The incident occurred several weeks ago when she and her daughter were preparing to board a flight from Santa Ana, California, to El Paso, Redford told the station. A gate agent at John Wayne Airport saw Abcde's name and started pointing, laughing and talking to other employees about Redford and her child. "So I turned around and just said, 'Hey, I can hear you, so if I can hear you, my daughter can, too. I'd appreciate if you'd just stop,' " she told the station. Funeral services have been set for Sgt. Gary Wilson, the U.S. Marine killed in a motorcycle accident in California earlier this month. Wilson, 33, most recently of Murrieta, Calif., died on Nov. 16 after an accident near died in a motorcycle crash outside San Diego. He was assigned to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment in San Diego. Wilson grew up on Central and Laurel avenues in Bridgeport and attended Bassick High School. He was the husband of Zuleika Pagan-Wilson, father of Ian Lenford Wilson and Odin Jax Wilson and brother of Terry Ann Nicole Hutchinson. Wilson was born in Jamaica, the son of Lenford George Wilson and Pamela Opal Clarke; prior to relocating to the Bridgeport area years ago. Wilson enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2010. He was assigned to the depot as a drill instructor in March 2016 after service in Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, Calf. In September, Wilson was going to work when he saw a flaming car. He told San Diego news media that he jumped off his motorcycle and ran to the burning vehicle. Wilson saw a woman trapped inside, so he broke the driver's side window and pulled her from the car. She had a concussion and blood on her face, reports said. I had my jacket on and didnt think about it. I just broke the window and pulled her out, Wilson said, according to media reports. I was doing my job as a Marine. Were here to serve the people. Not just during war time, but all the time, Wilson said at the time. Kristina Hill, who photographed Wilson rescuing the woman from the burning car on a California highway in September, told Hearst Connecticut Media, he was selfless and heroic. Im honored to have known him and witness his greatness first hand, Gary walked up and was able to pry open her door and cradle carry her to the safety of another persons car. It was amazing to witness. So selfless and brave. One week to the day later, Gary texted me and told me he had witnessed another accident, this time involving a motorcycle, on the same freeway. He sent me photos and video of him performing CPR ... again trying to save someones life and jumping in to help without hesitation, Hill said. Friends and family are invited to attend Wilsons calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m on Friday at the Funeraria Luz de Paz (Families First at Luz de Paz,) 426 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 2675 North Ave in Bridgeport. Visit his online memorial page where you may share your memories, prayers and more at www.luzdepaz.com WESTPORT The women behind Westport Moms have launched a new initiative to revive downtown retail. Shoppers can buy a Local Love card for $40 on westportmoms.com to redeem special offers and discounts to over 100 local stores, salons and restaurants, valid from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. A percentage of the proceeds from card purchases will go toward a 501(c)(3) setup through the Parks and Recreation Department to fund a playground in downtown Westport. The growth in demand for purpose-built rental apartment units outpaced the increase in supply across the nation, driving the vacancy rate to drop below the average of the last 10 years, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). CMHCs 2018 Rental Market Report (RMR) showed that the overall vacancy rate for rental apartments in the country fell to 2.4%. Vacancy rates declined in Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Atlantic region. Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba bucked the trend, recording higher vacancy rates than last year. Quebecs vacancy rate was down from 3.4% in 2017 to 2.3% in 2018. Since Quebecs rental-housing stock is larger than other provinces, the decrease significantly contributed to the decline in the national rate. Saskatchewan and Alberta, meanwhile, saw their rental markets continue to recover from the 2014 oil crisis. Rental demand in both provinces tracked higher due to stronger net migration. This increased demand, combined with the weaker growth in supply in these two provinces, caused the drop in vacancy rates. In Alberta, vacancy rates went from 7.5% in 2017 to 5.5% in 2018. In Saskatchewan, the vacancy rate dropped from 9.3% in 2017 to 8.7% in 2018. While Ontario and British Columbia saw their vacancy rates rise slightly, the figures remain among the lowest in the country. Ontarios rate was 1.8%, up from last years 1.6%, while British Columbia increased slightly from 1.3% in 2017 to 1.4% this year. Manitoba trended higher, up from 2.7% in 2017 to 2.9% in 2018. Overall, these increases were not enough to counter the downward national trend. TORONTO - Alberta needs to buy as many as 7,000 rail cars if it wants to meet its goal of shipping an additional 120,000 barrels of oil a day, says Premier Rachel Notley. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley delivers a speech in Ottawa, Wednesday November 28, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld TORONTO - Alberta needs to buy as many as 7,000 rail cars if it wants to meet its goal of shipping an additional 120,000 barrels of oil a day, says Premier Rachel Notley. In a speech to the Toronto Board of Trade Thursday, Notley said her province is prepared to buy roughly 80 locomotives, with each train pulling 100 to 120 cars. This extra capacity will allow the province to transport 30 per cent more crude-by-rail than current levels, and would help narrow the price gap by $4 a barrel and generate an additional $1 million a day for Ottawa. She says the plunging price of oil has reached a "crisis" point for her province and her government is prepared to make the purchase on its own, with or without the federal government's help. "Alberta will buy the rail cars ourselves to move this oil," she told the group of business leaders. "And we're not wasting any time." Notley anticipates a deal will be announced in a few weeks, noting that the costs will be recouped through royalties and selling the new shipping capacity. She didn't give estimates on the cost of the cars but industry experts suggest that one rail car can cost between $120,000 and $150,000 to buy, or about $1,200 per month to rent, putting Alberta's plan at upwards of $1.05 billion. Notley says there is enough track capacity to accommodate the additional cars, noting that this is still a stop-gap solution to Alberta's depressed oil prices. "Don't mistake me, this is not the long-term answer. New pipelines are the long-term answer. More upgrading and refining, as I said, is the long-term answer," she said. "Additional rail is only a short and medium-term measure. But until pipelines are built, we need to move more oil by rail." The plan will help reduce bottlenecks and is an improvement from earlier announcements, said RBC Capital Markets analyst Walter Spracklin in a note. "We view this announcement favourably, given that the prior announcement to purchase tank cars alone we did not view as sufficient to alleviate the potential capacity constraint." He said the added plan to buy locomotives helps address one of the biggest pinch areas, and will be a boost to the railways as well. The price of Alberta crude is currently sitting around $10 a barrel, which Notley says is $40 less than the price of oil for other world producers. A year ago, Notley said Alberta was losing about $40 million a day because of that difference. Today, she said that differential has grown to $80 million a day. Following the speech, the premier was asked whether her government would consider mandated production cuts, an idea that Opposition United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney has proposed. She wouldn't comment on whether she was for or against the idea, only to say that her government has been in talks with industry leaders for the past few weeks and will make an announcement soon. "The nature of the industry is more complex than what it once was," she said. "The way different corporations are structured are more complex than they once were so the consequences are complex, but you will hear something from us in the near future." Notley noted there was definitely no industry consensus on the idea of a production cut. Follow @LindaNguyenTO on Twitter. SHANGHAI - When Shan Junhua bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this June 22, 2018, photo, Shan Junhua chats about privacy near his white Tesla while charging it in Shanghai. When Shan bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Automakers selling electric vehicles in China send a constant feed of information about the location of cars to the government, potentially adding to the rich kit of surveillance tools available to the regime as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) SHANGHAI - When Shan Junhua bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Tesla is not alone. China has called upon all electric vehicle manufacturers in China to make the same kind of reports potentially adding to the rich kit of surveillance tools available to the Chinese government as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. "I didn't know this," said Shan. "Tesla could have it, but why do they transmit it to the government? Because this is about privacy." More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centres, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. The automakers say they are merely complying with local laws, which apply only to alternative energy vehicles. Chinese officials say the data is used for analytics to improve public safety, facilitate industrial development and infrastructure planning, and to prevent fraud in subsidy programs. But other countries that are major markets for electronic vehicles the United States, Japan, across Europe do not collect this kind of real-time data. And critics say the information collected in China is beyond what is needed to meet the country's stated goals. It could be used not only to undermine foreign carmakers' competitive position, but also for surveillance particularly in China, where there are few protections on personal privacy. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has unleashed a war on dissent, marshalling big data and artificial intelligence to create a more perfect kind of policing, capable of predicting and eliminating perceived threats to the stability of the ruling Communist Party. There is also concern about the precedent these rules set for sharing data from next-generation connected cars, which may soon transmit even more personal information. "You're learning a lot about people's day-to-day activities and that becomes part of what I call ubiquitous surveillance, where pretty much everything that you do is being recorded and saved and potentially can be used in order to affect your life and your freedom," said Michael Chertoff, who served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush and recently wrote a book called "Exploding Data." Chertoff said global automakers should be asking themselves tough questions. "If what you're doing is giving a government of a more authoritarian country the tools to have massive surveillance, I think then companies have to ask themselves, 'Is this really something we want to do in terms of our corporate values, even if it means otherwise forgoing that market?'" ___ A BIGGER BROTHER? The Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center sits in a grey tower in suburban Jiading district. One floor up from the cafeteria, a wall-sized screen glows with dots, each representing a single vehicle coursing along Shanghai's roads to create a massive real-time map that could reveal where people live, shop, work, and worship. Click a dot at random, and up pops a window with a number that identifies each individual vehicle, along with its make and model, mileage and battery charge. All told, the screen exhibits data from over 222,000 vehicles in Shanghai, the vast majority of them passenger cars. "We can provide a lot of data from consumers to the government to help them improve policy and planning," said Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the centre, a non-profit that is tightly aligned with and funded by the government. According to national specifications published in 2016, electric vehicles in China transmit data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send at least 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centres like the one Ding oversees in Shanghai. Data also flows to a national monitoring centre for new energy vehicles run by the Beijing Institute of Technology, which pulls information from more than 1.1 million vehicles across the country, according to the National Big Data Alliance of New Energy Vehicles. The national monitoring centre declined to respond to questions. In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, a staff member looks at a laptop near a screen displaying live data from vehicles at the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like this one in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Those numbers are about to get much bigger. Though electric vehicle sales accounted for just 2.6 per cent of the total last year, policymakers have said they'd like new energy vehicles to account for 20 per cent of total sales by 2025. Starting next year, all automakers in China must meet production minimums for new energy vehicles, part of Beijing's aggressive effort to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and place itself at the forefront of a growing global industry. The Chinese government has shown its interest in tracking vehicles. "The government wants to know what people are up to at all times and react in the quickest way possible," said Maya Wang, a senior China researcher for Human Rights Watch. "There is zero protection against state surveillance." "Tracking vehicles is one of the main focuses of their mass surveillance," she added. Last year, authorities in Xinjiang, a restive region in western China that has become a laboratory for China's surveillance state, ordered residents to install GPS devices so their vehicles could be tracked, according to official media. This summer the Ministry of Public Security, a police agency, began to roll out a system to track vehicles using windshield radio frequency chips that can identify cars as they pass roadside reading devices. Ding insisted that the electric vehicle monitoring program is not designed to facilitate state surveillance, though he said data could be shared with government public security organs, if a formal request is made. The centre said it has not shared information with police, prosecutors or courts, but has used the data to assist a government investigation of a vehicle fire. There is a privacy firewall built into the system. The monitoring centre has each car's unique vehicle identification number, but to link that number with the personal details of the car owner, it must go through the automaker a step it has taken in the past. Chinese law enforcement can also independently link the vehicle identification number with the car owner's personal information. "To speak bluntly, the government doesn't need to surveil through a platform like ours," Ding said. He said he believed the security forces "must have their own ways to monitor suspects," as other governments do. ___ DATA ON WHEELS Many vehicles in the U.S., Europe and Japan transmit position information back to automakers, who feed it to car-tracking apps, maps that pinpoint nearby amenities and emergency services providers. But the data stops there. Government or law enforcement agencies would generally only be able to access personal vehicle data in the context of a specific criminal investigation and in the U.S. would typically need a court order, lawyers said. Automakers initially resisted sharing information with the Shanghai monitoring centre; then the government made transmitting data a prerequisite for getting incentives. "The automakers consider the data a precious resource," said a government consultant who helped evaluate the policy and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues. "They gave you dozens of reasons why they can't give you the data. They give you dozens of excuses. Then we offer the incentives. Then they want to give us the data because it's part of their profit." There was concern that data pulled from electric vehicles might reveal proprietary information about, for example, how hybrids switch between gas and battery power, and eventually set automakers up for commercial competition with a Chinese government entity. As cars become more connected, carmakers are looking to tap new revenue streams built on data a market McKinsey estimated could be worth $750 billion by 2030. Ding said a Tesla executive came to Shanghai and grilled him about the rules. "The first question is who are you, the second question is why you collect this data, and the third question is how to protect the privacy of the users," Ding said. Tesla declined to comment. Ding said confidentiality agreements bar the data centre from sharing proprietary information. Still, he is open about his commercial ambition. He'd like to wean the centre from government funding and make money from the data, without infringing on anyone's privacy or intellectual property. "We have done some explorations," he said. "But there is still a distance from truly monetizing it." ___ CHINA'S EDGE The Chinese government's ability to grab data as it flows from cars gives its academics and policymakers an edge over competing nations. China tends to view technology development as a key competitive resource. Though global automakers have received billions in incentives and subsidies from U.S., European and Japanese governments, they are contributing data to the Chinese government that ultimately serves Beijing's strategic interests. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory began a nationwide study of how electric vehicle owners drive and charge their cars. Participants gave explicit written consent to allow the government laboratory to collect their data, and even then it wasn't delivered in real time, said John Smart, who leads the centre's advanced vehicles group. Instead, the team got historical data on a weekly basis. Cars were assigned random numbers for the study, so owners remained anonymous. Nothing of its kind has been done since in the U.S., Smart said. "The cost is very high to collect data," he explained. "The government hasn't felt the need to provide that money and the manufacturers making their own investments are choosing to keep the findings to themselves for proprietary reasons." When it was published, in 2015, the Idaho National Laboratory's study was the largest ever done. All told, bundled with some additional data, the study helped Idaho researchers analyze 21,600 electric vehicles over 158 million driving miles (254 million kilometres). In the same amount of time it took Idaho researchers to publish their study, the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center began gathering real-time information from more than 222,000 vehicles and amassed over 4.7 billion miles (7.6 billion kilometres) of driving history. "As a researcher, I think that data set could be used to answer hundreds of questions," Smart said. "I have a notebook a half an inch thick full of questions." Global automakers stressed that they share data to comply with Chinese regulations. Nearly all have announced plans to aggressively expand their electric vehicle offerings in China, the world's largest car market. "There are real-time monitoring systems in China where we have to deliver car data to a government system," Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann said in an interview. He acknowledged that he could not guarantee the data would not be used for government surveillance, but stressed that Volkswagen keeps personal data, like the driver's identity, secure within its own systems. "It includes the location of the car, yes, but not who is sitting in it," he said, adding that cars won't reveal any more information than smart phones already do. "There is not a principle difference between sitting in a car and being in a shopping mall and having a smart phone with you." Jose Munoz, the head of Nissan's China operations, said he was unaware of the monitoring system until the AP told him, but he stressed that the automaker operated according to the law. Asked by the AP about the potential for human rights abuses and commercial conflicts posed by the data sharing, Munoz smiled and shrugged. "At Nissan, we are extremely committed to the Chinese market," he said. "We see it as the market that has the greatest opportunity to grow." Ford, BMW and NIO declined to comment. Mitsubishi did not respond to multiple requests for comment. General Motors and Daimler said they transmit data in compliance with industry regulations and get consent from car buyers on how their vehicle data is collected and used. Tesla declined to answer specific questions and instead pointed to a privacy policy buyers sign at the time of purchase, which stipulates that vehicle data can be shared "with other third parties when required by law," though there was no specific mention of the government monitoring centres in the Chinese version of the policy. Interviews with car owners suggest such disclosures aren't effective. Only one of nine electric vehicle owners was aware data from his car is fed to the government and he said he only knew because he is an electric vehicle engineer. "It's useless to be concerned about it," said Min Zeren, who owns a Tesla Model S. "If you're concerned about it, then there's no way to live in this country." _____ Associated Press researcher Chen Si contributed from Shanghai and Business Writer Yuri Kageyama contributed from Tokyo. Follow Kinetz on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ekinetz More than 100 members of Winnipeg's business community spent Wednesday coming to grips with marijuana legalization, as the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hosted a "Cannabis and the Workplace" conference in response to growing curiosity from its members. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More than 100 members of Winnipeg's business community spent Wednesday coming to grips with marijuana legalization, as the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hosted a "Cannabis and the Workplace" conference in response to growing curiosity from its members. "Our members have been asking us numerous questions, seeking where they can find information," said chamber president and CEO Loren Remillard, during an interview between panels at the downtown convention centre. Manitoba's many small and medium-sized business have been particularly hungry to learn about what cannabis legalization means for them, says chamber president Loren Remillard. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files) "Not out of fear, just wanting to make sure that as a workplace, they're ready to deal with it." Manitoba's many small and medium-sized business have been particularly hungry to learn about what cannabis legalization means for them, Remillard said, especially since many of them aren't big enough to have human resources departments. But one HR expert felt she had something to learn from the conference. Susan Black, the director of HR and general manager at accounting and consulting firm FH Black, said she wanted to gain a better understanding of how to recognize cannabis impairment at the office. "I really don't have enough of a sense to know if an employee is impaired or not I need to have some tools," she said, adding that her company just implemented a workplace impairment policy in response to cannabis legalization. Workplace impairment was also top of mind for Lynne Skromeda, executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, as she prepares for next year's event. "Because I think there's a perception that there's a little bit more of a free-for-all environment at the festival, but we are a workplace where (almost all) of our staff are volunteers," she said. "So they have to remember that, even though it's a fun place to be, we still have a job to do." More than 100 chamber members attended the cannabis conference. (MIke Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) It's possible to accommodate the use of medical cannabis in the workplace, said Dr. Joss Reimer, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's medical officer of health, who led a session about the health effects of cannabis. "It depends on what your job is. As a surgeon, as a pilot, as someone who operates heavy machinery, no impairment would be safe but if it's somebody who's doing paperwork, or data entry, or something like that, it might be possible that they can function at a reasonable level while using cannabis, but that's something that has to be individually assessed." "As a surgeon, as a pilot, as someone who operates heavy machinery, no impairment would be safe but if it's somebody who's doing paperwork, or data entry, or something like that, it might be possible that they can function at a reasonable level while using cannabis, but that's something that has to be individually assessed." Dr. Joss Reimer Cannabis is "a drug like any other," Reimer said, and drug use is a normal human behaviour. At the very least, she said, decreasing the stigma around the drug and moving away from criminalization is a step forward for public health. Lifting that stigma also opens new doors for substance abuse treatment, said Joel Gervais, an addictions and training specialist with clinic operator CBI Health Group who was due to present on responsible cannabis use. Cannabis use in the workplace is nothing new, he said, especially in certain industries such as construction and hospitality. "It's just this cultural norm," he said. "So now, we can lift it away from the illegal (aspect) and actually have a good conversation about it, and start to talk about: what are the potential harms?" Gervais said he hasn't noticed much of a change in his line of work since legalization took place in mid-October. But given time, he expects that changing social norms around cannabis could encourage more people to seek treatment for problematic marijuana use and the workplace can be a good place to start, he said. "Because that's where people spend a lot of time, and as an employer, I'm going to notice changes." "I think your people are using cannabis, have used cannabis, always... So if you haven't noticed a problem with your employees before, in my personal opinion, I don't think you're going to notice much of a difference (after legalization)." Patrick Witcher As the stigma around cannabis dissipates, employers might also have to consider how employee cannabis use could affect their company's brand, said Adam Dooley, owner and president of public relations firm Dooley PR. For example, what if an employee who deals with the public posts social media photos of themselves using cannabis outside of work hours? That probably wouldn't be an issue for his five employees, Dooley said. "If it's just reflecting their own personal use first of all, legally, I have no reason to be angry at them. And personally, why should I care?" But if that employee's social media post showed bad behaviour such as using cannabis while driving, Dooley said, that could be a different story. Employers might have more cannabis users among their staff than they'd expect, says Patrick Witcher. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) One speaker at Wednesday's conference suggested employers might have more cannabis-using workers than they realize. Patrick Witcher, who was formerly employed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is a vice-president with cannabis producer GrowForce. After legalization in his home state of Colorado, he said, he was surprised to learn how many people used marijuana. "I think your people are using cannabis, have used cannabis, always," Witcher told the audience during his keynote speech. "So if you haven't noticed a problem with your employees before, in my personal opinion, I don't think you're going to notice much of a difference (after legalization)." solomon.israel@freepress.mb.ca @sol_israel Impaired drivers in Manitoba will face stiffer sanctions under proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that will also give police more powers to impose immediate penalties. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Impaired drivers in Manitoba will face stiffer sanctions under proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that will also give police more powers to impose immediate penalties. Police would have the discretion to levy a $500 fine and impose the use of a vehicle ignition interlock device for one year rather than proceeding with a criminal charge against first-time drunk drivers who fail a roadside screening test. The administrative penalty could only occur if the driver did not cause an injury or death. There would also be new penalties, including short-term vehicle impoundment and new fines, for drivers recording a blood-alcohol content of between .05 and .08 (calculated as 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood). Justice Minister Cliff Cullen said too many people have failed to get the message about the perils of drunk driving. "Quite frankly, theyre taking the lives of too many Manitobans," he told a news conference Thursday, after introducing Bill 7, the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Immediate Roadside Prohibition), in the Manitoba legislature. So far this year, 28 people have been killed on the provinces roads because of the actions of drunk drivers, Cullen said. The proposed legislation is modelled on a 2010 British Columbia law that immediately reduced deaths due to drunk driving in that province by 50 per cent, said Andrew Murie, chief executive officer of MADD Canada, which works to stop impaired driving. He said research has shown immediate roadside penalties, especially vehicle impoundment, are most successful in changing the culture around impaired driving. The B.C. law survived a Supreme Court challenge, he noted. Under the proposed law, drivers under the influence of alcohol who register a "warn" on an approved screening device suggesting a blood-alcohol content of between .05 and .08 would face a new penalty of at least $200 for a first offence, escalating to at least $400 for a third or subsequent offence. They would have their vehicle impounded for three days for a first offence, seven days for a second offence and 30 days for a third or subsequent offence. Those who fail a roadside test or record a blood-alcohol level of between .05 and .08 would take a big financial hit under the proposed new law. Adding up all the administrative sanctions and penalties, the minimum cost for someone recording just below .08 would be $2,600 for a first offence. The minimum for a fail would be more than $3,300. Mark Fisher, chief superintendent with the RCMP in Manitoba, said allowing police to administer quick roadside penalties for first-time drunk-driving offenders will free up officers for additional patrols. He said it can take up to four hours to bring someone in for a breathalyzer test. "The expedited process will allow our officers to be back on the road and conducting additional enforcement much more quickly than is currently the case," he said. Drivers who register a fail or a "warn" on a roadside screening device would be offered a second test on a second approved screening device. Any sanctions they may face would be based on the lower of the two results. Drivers would also be able to apply to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for an administrative review of any suspension. If they are successful, all other sanctions would be terminated. Ward Keith, vice-president and chief administrative officer of Manitoba Public Insurance, said the Crown corporation will conduct a public awareness campaign once the proposed law is enacted. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca It was standing-room only at the first Peoples Party of Canada rally in Winnipeg Wednesday night, with hundreds coming out to listen to Maxime Bernier lay out the political platform he hopes to ride to a strong showing in the 2019 federal election. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It was standing-room only at the first Peoples Party of Canada rally in Winnipeg Wednesday night, with hundreds coming out to listen to Maxime Bernier lay out the political platform he hopes to ride to a strong showing in the 2019 federal election. When Bernier strode into the room wearing a blue suit matching the colour of the party logo emblazoned at the back of the stage loud applause broke out and the roughly 250 people in attendance rose to their feet. DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Bernier posed for selfies with some of the roughly 250 people attending his rally at the Airport Holiday Inn in Winnipeg, Wednesday evening. "We are a real national party," Bernier said, outlining how 239 riding associations have been established since he announced his intention to found a new federal political party at the end of August. "For us, we know what we believe in and we are ready to fight for that... We are a principled party. We have convictions and we know the freedom ideas are the best ideas for our country. We will speak about it and we wont do any compromise with our ideas." The turnout for the rally was a pleasant surprise for Bernier, 55, the former leadership candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada and member of Parliament for Beauce, Que. Earlier in the day, he told the Free Press he was expecting roughly 100 people to turn up. The rally was held in a conference room at the Holiday Inn near the airport, where Bernier rehashed many of the talking points that have come to be associated with his brand of small-C conservatism with a libertarian bent. He also mixed in a healthy dose of populist rhetoric, hitting topics ranging from the economy, immigration, corporate welfare and politicians who cater to "special interest groups." "Im a free market politician. A politician who believes in free markets, individual freedom and personal responsibility... We want smaller government in Ottawa, a respectful government, with lower taxes and open borders for trade," Bernier told the Free Press. "I think our policies are fair for every Canadian... Our platform, I think, will resonate here (in Manitoba)." While Bernier has been busy getting his partys national office established and doing a media tour, hes had a man behind the scenes in Manitoba working to get local riding associations off the ground. Bill Eva, 54, is a veteran political organizer who has spent more than 30 years involved with the Progressive Conservative party and Conservative Party of Canada. In August, when Bernier announced he was resigning from the party and striking out on his own, it didnt take him long to decide he was going to follow suit. "He was about halfway through his speech and I decided I was with him," said Eva, whose official title is Manitoba organizer. In October, Eva began thinking about building party infrastructure in the province. He said things have fallen into place much quicker than expected. So far, the party says it has established associations for 13 of the provinces 14 ridings, with roughly 1,100 Manitobans signed up for party membership. The final riding association will be established soon, Eva said, and theyll begin looking at possible candidates in January. "This wasnt me phoning people and saying, Hey, will you please come out to a meeting? This was people phoning me and saying, Ive got a group of people and we want to have a meeting. Can you fit us into your schedule?" Eva said. That led to meetings held in libraries, restaurants and pubs, with people coming out to sign up, get involved and fill leadership positions in the riding executives. "Theres just more excitement than I was expecting. I knew I was excited, but I didnt realize there were so many other people excited by these same political things," Eva said. Part of the legwork has involved making sure people with extreme views, who may be attracted to the organization, dont get involved and work their way into leadership positions. This is similar to efforts that had to be undertaken by the Reform Party of Canada when it was founded in 1987. While Eva didnt want to provide details about what measures organizers are taking to make sure that doesnt happen, he said it is an issue they are taking seriously. "Its difficult and its time-consuming, but nevertheless you have to do it," Eva said. Bernier has been adamant that those with racist or extremist views are not welcome in the party, even as hes flirted with language critics claim verges on dog-whistle politics. On Wednesday, Bernier said his party stands in the tradition of the Reform party, but that hes hopeful theyll be able to accomplish things the latter party was unable to and ruled out any possibility of a future merger with the Tories. He closed out the night by delivering a promise to those who braved the snow to come out and hear him speak. "My promise to you is Maxime Bernier wont change," he said. "Im here for the long run." ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe Northern Manitobas economy received another body blow this week with the announcement that Hudbay Minerals Inc. will shut down its 90-year old mining operation in Flin Flon in 2021. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Northern Manitobas economy received another body blow this week with the announcement that Hudbay Minerals Inc. will shut down its 90-year old mining operation in Flin Flon in 2021. Hudbay told its Flin Flon employees about 900 of them that it would not be economically viable to keep any of its operations there open past 2021. Flin Flon, which has a population of just over 5,000, was built around the first mine that was founded in 1927. Since then, more than 25 satellite mines have come and gone, as have the owners of the mines. (Hudbay bought the operations from Anglo American in 2004). The Flin Flon area has been almost totally dependent on the Hudbay operations for its existence. But the Toronto-based company which now has the bulk of its resources concentrated on a big mine in Peru had made it clear for some time that its anchor mine in the north, the 777 mine whose headframe is right in the town, had run out of ore and had reached the end of its lifecycle after extending its operations a few times. Whats new is that it has also determined the zinc processing plant in Flin Flon will also have to shut down by 2021. That will eliminate all the companys activities in the city. In addition to the 800 to 900 employees in Flin Flon, Hudbay has another 400 or so in Snow Lake, about 200 kilometres east of Flin Flon, where it operates the Lalor gold-copper-zinc mine that opened in 2012. In 2015, the company acquired the dormant New Britannia Mine in Snow Lake and is in the process of refurbishing the gold processing plant there, which could add another 80 jobs. Company officials were not available for interviews Wednesday. In a memo to the Flin Flon workforce, Hudbays vice-president of its Manitoba business unit, Robert Assabgui, said, "We understand that this will have a large impact on our employees and the communities we operate in... Even though we do not have all answers at this moment, the respectful thing to do is to start the planning process for an orderly transition to a smaller mine and mill operation based in Snow Lake." WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES Flin Flon, 1930 Cal Huntley, the mayor of Flin Flon, said the company has a good track record of providing retirement packages, and a company official said in an email exchange that about 300 of Hudbays Manitoba workers are eligible for retirement. "Obviously, it is very upsetting to the community," Huntley said. "This was one of the scenarios that was discussed over the past several years. So it was not totally unknown, but it is not the option we were hoping for." In his message to employees Assabgui said, "Understandably, everyone will want to know what this means for jobs." But the company does not have the answers to that question. Assabgui said there will be a need for more workers at its Snow Lake operations, which includes a zinc mill and the soon-to-be-revived New Britannia mine operation. The company is investigating the potential of a small deposit near the Lalor mine, called the Pen deposit, but if it is developed, it will be very small. Hudbay has budgeted US$19 million for exploration in northern Manitoba in the coming year, but it takes many years from discovery of a mineral deposit to the point where a producing mine could be developed. DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND NATURAL RESOURCES Flin Flon, 1953 Huntley said most of the Lalor workforce in Snow Lake are Flin Flon residents. There may be the opportunity for more Flin Flon residents to work there, perhaps replacing underground contractors who have been used because the company was unable to recruit enough full-time workers there. "That certainly wont be the case three years from now," Huntley said. The mining industry in Manitoba has become so hampered, that this week the Mining Association of Manitoba eliminated its executive director position. It said the provincial workforce is becoming so small that membership dues levied at a certain rate per employee would not be enough to cover the executive directors salary. The Flin Flon closure is the latest a series of challenges faced by northern Manitobas economy in the last few years. In Thompson, Vale closed its nickel smelter this summer and put its Birchtree mine in the city on care and maintenance a year ago. The paper mill in The Pas almost closed a couple of years ago. Hudbays small Reed Lake mine was shut down this summer after a brief five years of operation. The disruption in rail service to Churchill, which went on for 18 months until it was restored this week, caused significant uncertainties for the north. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The building that sits on top of the 777 mine at the HudBay Minerals mining facility in Flin Flon. Easily more than 2,000 very high-paying jobs are being eliminated from the northern economy. Chuck Davidson, the CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the co-chair of the provincial Look North task force on economic development, who hails from Snow Lake, said northerners are amazingly resilient, but they are facing very tough times. "A big part of the entire Look North strategy was recognizing that we need to start looking at other opportunities," he said. "The mining industry is always going to be a key contributor to the northern economy but are there ways we can diversify? The challenge in northern Manitoba is that they continue to have setback after setback." Huntley said Flin Flon has been working on a plan to diversify its economy. "It would have been nicer if we were a little further down that road," he said. "But we have three years. Who knows what can happen over that time." The provincial government has been tinkering with its minerals branch while exploration has been lagging for several years now. At a provincial mining conference last week, Blaine Pedersen, the minister of growth, enterprise and trade, was optimistic about the industrys fortunes. On Wednesday, he said, "The community of Flin Flon has known for a long time that the lifecycle of Mine 777 was limited. In the meantime the Lalor mine... is ramping up. But by no means is this the end of life of Flin Flon." But Tom Lindsey, the NDP MLA for Flin Flon, said the Pallister government has not done nearly enough to bolster the faltering northern economy. "Part of the answer is that government needs to do things to at least satisfy some of the concerns with the mining (sector) so they know where they stand," Lindsey said. "But what has the government done to try to encourage Hudbay to keep its operations in Flin Flon? As far as I know, absolutely nothing." martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca WINNIPEG hospitals are experiencing substantial improvements in emergency department wait times, prompting Manitobas health minister to conclude the governments controversial reforms are working. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WINNIPEG hospitals are experiencing substantial improvements in emergency department wait times, prompting Manitobas health minister to conclude the governments controversial reforms are working. A new report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows emergency room patients who were admitted to hospital saw their waits for a bed drop by 25 per cent last year. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Health Minister Cameron Friesen on the province's improved ER wait times: It shows that the path that were on in Manitoba... is working. The wait by Winnipeg ER patients to see a physician for an initial assessment while still second-longest in the country fell 13.7 per cent in 2017-18, bucking a national trend. "It shows that the path that were on in Manitoba... is working," Health Minister Cameron Friesen said Wednesday. Greg Webster, director of acute and ambulatory care information services with CIHI, said local hospitals are showing a "marked improvement" in ER waits. "The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has made significant improvements on a year-over-year basis, in particular for their admitted patients," he said. In 2017-18, 90 per cent of patients who were admitted to a city hospital spent less than 32.6 hours in the emergency department, which was slightly better than the national average (33.1 hours). Lori Lamont, WRHA acting chief operating officer, told a media briefing Wednesday she could not recall the last time Winnipeg hospitals beat the national average in that important efficiency indicator. She also credited the massive hospital reorganization initiated last year by the provincial Tory government for the improvements. Lamont said while ER wait times have levelled off in recent months, she expects greater progress will be made once Phase 2 of the reorganization plan kicks-in next year. Winnipeg emergency departments record an average of about 900 patients a day. For most patients who spend long hours waiting for an initial assessment by a doctor, the improvements highlighted by the national report officially released Thursday (media received the information under embargo Wednesday) will be cold comfort. Only Prince Edward Island among reporting provinces (Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland data are not tracked by CIHI) had longer ER waits than Manitoba last year. On average, it took 4.4 hours for 90 per cent of patients (90th percentile) to see a physician. The national average wait was far shorter (3.2 hours). "What weve seen this year for the first time is substantial improvement," Lamont said of the report, adding the gains have extended into the current fiscal year. The WRHA official said the timing of Phase 2 of the Winnipeg hospital overhaul remains on track. Among the remaining changes are the closure of Concordia Hospitals ER (and the opening of a walk-in clinic at the facility) in June, and the conversion of the Seven Oaks General Hospital ER to an urgent care centre in September. Where, more than a year ago, there were six hospital emergency rooms, there will only be three by next fall: Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface Hospital and Grace Hospital. Hospital officials are betting three fully staffed ERs around the clock will be more efficient than six, as several had operated at less-than-full capacity at some times of the day. In 2014-15, 90 per cent of Winnipeg ER patients saw a doctor within 5.7 hours. In 2015-16, that dropped to 5.5 hours, and in 2016-17, it fell again to 5.1 hours. Last year, ER waits fell at all city hospitals, except for Childrens Hospital, where the wait stayed at 3.3 hours (90th percentile), which is around the national average. Within Winnipeg, waits were longest at Concordia (5.7 hours for nine out of 10 patients to be seen by a doctor), Grace (4.9 hours), and St. Boniface (4.6 hours). Health Sciences Centre, which sees an average of 190 to 200 patients in its adult emergency room per day, the most of any Manitoba hospital, had waits of 4.5 hours. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA The federal government could have spotted Winnipegs methamphetamine problem before it reached a crisis point, a senior bureaucrat has told Parliament. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA The federal government could have spotted Winnipegs methamphetamine problem before it reached a crisis point, a senior bureaucrat has told Parliament. As the House health committee started its hearings on the national meth problem Thursday, multiple officials cited disparate data-collection efforts as thwarting their ability to identify whos taking meth, what help they need and how to prevent others from getting hooked. Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor admitted it took a while for Ottawa to start tracking opioid use in 2017, but that theyve since issued updates every quarter. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press files) The federal government is working on a central drug observatory to corroborate the data that has already been collected by border guards, police, hospitals and social-service agencies. "We have never brought that data together in a co-ordinated and comprehensive way," said Suzy McDonald, who leads Health Canadas response to opioids and other drugs. "I believe that if we'd had a drug observatory earlier, we would've been able to predict that we had an opioid crisis and we'd be able to give you better information on what the methamphetamine use looks like today." Canada assembling meth for export, official says OTTAWA While Winnipeg police have raised the alarm of Mexican-made meth and its components reaching the city, a federal official says Canada is also sending the drug abroad. click to read more OTTAWA While Winnipeg police have raised the alarm of Mexican-made meth and its components reaching the city, a federal official says Canada is also sending the drug abroad. In some cases, we're seeing Canada being used as a transit country, where methamphetamine is being exported, Trevor Bhupsingh, the border-strategies director for Public Safety Canada told the House health committee Thursday. He said organized crime is importing components of the drug, which are then being assembled here and sent to countries he didnt named. The Free Press asked PSC and the Canada Border Services Agency to clarify whether Winnipeg is the source of this meth, and to which countries it is being sent neither replied by deadline. Bill Blair, the minister responsible for organized crime reduction, said he hadnt heard about Canada exporting meth. I dont know specifically about the information that you reference, but we have seen the movement of various drug and chemicals across our border in both directions, and well work diligently to make sure this is curtailed, Blair said. He called meth a very significant concern for our government. RCMP. Supt. Paul Beauchesne, who focuses on organized crime, confirmed reports from Winnipeg police that meth in the city largely comes from Mexico, with additives from India and China. Meanwhile, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba medical director Ginette Poulin said there has been virtually no evidence of small-scale production in the city. Dylan Robertson Close Officials from Public Safety Canada said theyre in touch with Statistics Canada about creating a study to understand who uses meth, why they take it, how they get it and how much it costs. Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor admitted it took a while for Ottawa to start tracking opioid use in 2017, but that theyve since issued updates every quarter. She envisioned something similar for the meth crisis. "If we want to effectively deal with the crisis, we have to know the reality of whats happening. A big part of that is making sure we get the proper data," she said. "Some provinces are dealing with (meth) more than others, but we also have to make sure we have a national picture of whats going on," she said. Dr. Ginette Poulin told the committee that women appear to be disproportionately using the drug -- but there are more care beds in Winnipeg for men than women. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) The committee also heard from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. Medical director Ginette Poulin said women appear to be disproportionately using meth, and yet there are more care beds in Winnipeg for men than women. She said this may boost the number of child apprehensions by social workers. AFM board chairman Damon Johnston talked about finding as many as 300 syringes in a park at Higgins Avenue and Main Street every week. He also said downtown Winnipeg is "absolutely not" safe. "It's huge. You see it every day people on the street struggling to survive, some dying. So it's right in your face. You can't ignore it," Johnston said. He told the committee hes had no clear indication how the provincial government has used the federal cash allocated for mental-health needs since Manitoba reluctantly accepted the federal health transfer in August 2017. Meth patients struggle to find mental care: experts OTTAWA Manitoba health experts told Parliament that meth users are bounced between medical clinics, instead of getting the help they need. click to read more OTTAWA Manitoba health experts told Parliament that meth users are bounced between medical clinics, instead of getting the help they need. Sheri Fandrey testified before the House health committee on behalf of the Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use. She said patients can access addictions treatment faster than counselling to address their trauma despite that often being the underlying issue. She said the long waits inhibit a "reluctant, transient population" from making progress in detox programs. Addictions Foundation of Manitoba medical director Ginette Poulin said Manitobans with meth issues are siloed between addiction treatment and other mental-health needs, often in different locations. "It's the chicken and the egg; they're bouncing back and forth and then we're missing the mark grossly," she said. Poulin said the provinces new Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinics are a positive step, but far too many patients outside Winnipeg are still being sent to the city. She cited a patient in The Pas being sent south to Winnipeg and back north to Thompson for help. Meanwhile, Ontario Tory MP Ben Lobb suggested the federal government compel the pharmaceutical industry to put up cash for drug-treatment and mental-health programs, because of allegations it has exacerbated the crisis. Dylan Robertson Close In an email response, Health Minister Cameron Friesen cited equipping paramedics with Olanzapine and launching rapid-access clinics. "We have consistently demonstrated our ongoing commitment to respond to the rising use of illicit drugs in our communities," he wrote. Similarly, the committee heard that federal bureaucrats are in touch with Manitoba over its allotment of the $150-million emergency treatment fund, but it remains unclear how much funding the province will receive, and when. A month ago, it emerged that the province had prepared a submission in May. Winnipeg Liberal MP Doug Eyolfson, who is a doctor, said hes wondering what's happened since then. "Certainly, our health ministry needs to talk to our provincial counterparts, because we have been insistent that mental health has been chronically underfunded," he said. Friesen wrote he expect to have details "in the near future." A discarded needs, like hundreds volunteers have found in city parks. (Mike Aporius / Winnipeg Free Press) Eyolfson, who asked for the hearings on the meth crisis, expressed dismay over the rapidly worsening situation, saying hed never encountered someone overdosing on meth while working as an physician at the Health Sciences Centre just three years ago. Petitpas Taylor said a federal task force will include Eyolfson, and that the Pallister government has been collaborative. "In the area of Winnipeg I know its been brought up to my attention and its an issue of great importance to them and great concern. Im pleased to say that our office is working in close collaboration with that province." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca The Manitoba Metis Federation plans to sue the provincial government over the termination of a 20-year, $20-million agreement, after a judge rejected the group's request for an injunction. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Manitoba Metis Federation plans to sue the provincial government over the termination of a 20-year, $20-million agreement, after a judge rejected the group's request for an injunction. MMF president David Chartand said lawyers for his organization will be immediately drawing up a statement of claim to take legal action against Premier Brian Pallister's decision to end the Turning the Page agreement, which was to pay the Metis federation $1 million annually as compensation for the impact of hydro projects on their communities. The deal, signed by Manitoba Hydro, the MMF and the province in 2014, ends effective Thursday. 'The MMF has not, in fact, demonstrated that irreparable harm would flow from the failure to grant the injunction' Chief Justice Glenn Joyal Chartrand walked out of the courtroom as soon as he heard the decision Wednesday morning from Court of Queen's Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal. The MMF wanted the court to temporarily stop the provincial government from pulling out of the 20-year agreement, but Joyal ruled the court couldn't legally order an injunction unless its end spelled "irreparable harm" for the Metis people, which he decided it didn't. Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand walked out before court was adjourned as a way to show his disappointment in that portion of the judge's decision, even though he considered the decision to be balanced overall. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) "The MMF has not, in fact, demonstrated that irreparable harm would flow from the failure to grant the injunction," Joyal said, siding with the provincial government's argument Manitoba still has a constitutional obligation to consult with the Metis, regardless of whether the Turning the Page agreement was in place. By walking out before court was adjourned, Chartrand said he was trying to show his disappointment in that portion of the judge's decision, even though he considered the decision to be balanced overall. "There is irreparable harm. I cant go back and undo what we negotiated. We negotiated that we would have peace between ourselves, Hydro and the province There are thousands of people that depended on this $1 million (annually) across this province," Chartrand said, emphasizing the money was being used for community programs that specifically benefited Metis youth and elders. The end of the Turning the Page agreement does mean the Metis will temporarily be losing procedural rights, but their constitutional rights don't go away just because the agreement expires, Joyal decided. "Whether the TPA is terminated or not has no effect on Metis constitutional rights and Manitobas constitutional obligations," the judge said. As part of the agreement, the MMF gave up its rights to object to Manitoba Hydro's Bipole III project and the Keeyask generating station development. (John Woods / The Canadian Press files) The MMF is awaiting a separate judicial review about the province's decision to scrap a planned $67.5-million payment spread over 50 years to the federation, in exchange for its agreement not to object to the construction of a planned Manitoba-Minnesota hydro transmission line. Chartrand said the MMF was trying to preserve the Turning the Page agreement to move ahead with the judicial review, but lawyers for the province argued the end of the agreement doesn't affect the process. Joyal will hear the review in the coming months. Lawyers for the MMF argued they were asking the province to leave them with "the empty shell" of the agreement, pending the judicial review. As part of the agreement, the MMF gave up its rights to object to Manitoba Hydro's Bipole III project and the Keeyask generating station development. After the province decided to end the agreement (announcing the move in October), the MMF feared it would be left with no legal recourse to challenge those projects in the future, despite not being paid the full $20 million it had agreed to, because it had already waived consultation rights. Lawyers representing the province said there's no legal basis for that argument because courts have the power to retroactively award damages for past projects, if they see fit. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay A 51-year-old Woodhaven Park monument has received a $50,000 makeover and is being rededicated to include the story of a Winnipeg fighter pilot who flew the iconic Red Knight. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 28/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A 51-year-old Woodhaven Park monument has received a $50,000 makeover and is being rededicated to include the story of a Winnipeg fighter pilot who flew the iconic Red Knight. The decommissioned Canadair CT-133 Silver Star monument has been grounded for the past several weeks as it was refurbished. One of the most notable changes is a bright red paint job, commemorating the group of military pilots who flew the Red Knight aerobatic display aircraft from 1958 to 1969. The only Winnipegger among those 17 Canadian Forces pilots, Brig.-Gen. William (Bill) Slaughter, also flew with the Golden Centennaires, an aerobatics group active during the country's centennial in 1967. Slaughter was born and raised in St. James. He died in October 2013 at 74 years old. The refurbished monument will feature a new plaque explaining the history of the Red Knight team, and will commemorate Slaughter's accomplishments. A picture of Slaughter getting into an original Red Knight T-33 in 1964 will also be included. "I think (Bill) would be happy it was painted as the Red Knight, but I don't think he would want any attention drawn towards him; he was a very modest person. I think he would be rather embarrassed at even having his name mentioned in the sidebar," his son, Rod Slaughter, said this week. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The monument will feature a new plaque explaining the history of the Red Knight team and commemorate the accomplishments of Winnipegger Brig.-Gen. William (Bill) Slaughter. "The plane is still in commemoration of the (Royal Canadian Air Force) from the original plaque. As a sidebar, we just note that somebody who made the plane famous was born and raised in St. James, so we thought that was a good local connection." The original monument was erected Aug. 18, 1967, in honour of the members of the RCAF who trained in the city during the Second World War. The planes original blue, red and silver paint job had chipped and faded after decades in Winnipegs harsh weather, and the monument's concrete pedestal needed repairs. "It's good, (the new red paint) makes it stand out more. It was kind of getting faded and weather-beaten," said Lorraine Marek, a resident of the Woodhaven area for more than 40 years. Marek said she walks by the monument with her dog at least two times a week, adding she thinks the refurbishment was a good use of money. "When we have stories of a resident such as Bill Slaughter, a resident of St. James who had a very distinguished career and who flew both as a Red Knight in the '60s and later as a Centennaire, and flew these very planes, it's important to commemorate their contribution to our community and to our nation," said Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James). "It just looks great." Gillingham said the refurbishment is complete and the plane is expected to be placed back on the pedestal shortly. There will be a commemoration ceremony, organized by the Royal Military Institute of Manitoba, in the spring. danton.unger@freepress.mb.ca The transformation of the Republican party from a recognizable centre-right conservative political party to what it has become under Donald Trump began a half century ago. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion The transformation of the Republican party from a recognizable centre-right conservative political party to what it has become under Donald Trump began a half century ago. It started with Richard Nixons "Southern Strategy" to break the old Democratic "solid South" by capturing white voters angered by the Civil Rights movement and the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting RightsActs. Two generations have passed, and the South has become solidly Republican. The economic conservatism of an earlier generation of Republicans has become more extreme, and is now fused with moral fervour by the promotion of culture wars in close alliance with the religious right. Trump may have executed a hostile takeover of the GOP, but the party has been laying the groundwork for decades, and most of its leaders and base have passionately embraced him. The reduction of regulations and of progressive income and corporate taxes by successive administrations from Ronald Reagan, both Bushes and Bill Clinton to Trump have contributed to a new gilded age with yawning income inequality and harsh attitudes about social legislation. The courts, packed with reliably conservative justices, have aided and abetted a long-term assault by Republican state and federal administrations on labour unions, labour policies and legislation protecting worker rights and interests, leaving the United States with the lowest minimum wage among all advanced industrial nations. Social services gutted So-called "fiscal conservatism" and the pursuit of balanced budgets through tax cuts have gutted infrastructure, public education and social services. It has also led to the unprecedented crisis of more than two trillion dollars in unpaid student debt, in many cases for programs never completed, that is a critical component of growing economic insecurity. Republican administrations at the state and federal level have sought to reverse civil and voting rights laws, and in their place have pushed through measures to control and suppress the vote aimed clearly at racial and ethnic minorities and the poor. All this is redolent of post-Reconstruction Jim Crow laws in the Old South that erased the effects of emancipation and post-Civil War rebuilding. The violent clashes over the removal of public memorials to "Confederate heroes" are a concrete reminder of that effort. Voter suppression was reinforced by gerrymandering of congressional districts that detached parts of racially and ethnically diverse cities and attached them to largely white exurbia, offsetting the Republican inability to carry any of the countrys 198 metropolitan areas, centres of American cultural and economic dynamism, in recent presidential elections. In a manner similar to that of right-wing nationalist governments in the increasingly turbulent decades from 1919 to 1939, between the two World Wars and now again in contemporary Europe, the Republicans have reacted to the global economic crisis, growing inequality, the insecurities of class and the growing global refugee crisis by scapegoating racial and ethnic minorities, migrants, women and sexual minorities struggling for equal rights. Political correctness These struggles are dismissed on moral grounds to appeal to the religious right. Theyre portrayed as the political tools of liberal elites seeking to impose "political correctness" and give these groups undeserved special access to goods, services and positions. An example is the attack on affirmative action programs for racial minorities in colleges and universities across the nation. And of Donald Trumps demand to see Barack Obamas grades at college and Harvard Law School. Finally, the GOP has been actively involved with right-wing media in the politics of knowledge, creating a world of fake news and "alternative facts" that rejects reality. In this world, knowledge is a partisan construction. Republicans like Newt Gingrich, Fox News and right-wing talk radio pundits have debased the level of political discourse with virulent personal attacks and lies about opponents, encouraging the development of extreme right media like Breitbart and the social media of racist rants and conspiracy fantasies. All of them feel legitimized and encouraged by Trump. Laying the groundwork Although Trump with his crudity, vulgarity, boastful ignorance, racism and misogyny has proven more than the Republican establishment expected and could effectively control, they have been setting the stage for him for half a century. Trump implemented their agenda of corporate deregulation and tax cuts for the rich, but moved further, opening the party to racists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis. Hate speech has morphed easily into violent acts of mailed bombs and a synagogue massacre. At the same time, with his revival of the partys old "America First" nationalism, hes attacked free trade and the Western alliance, two of the foundations of Republican foreign policy, while toadying up to Russias Vladimir Putin and cultivating the friendships of vicious dictators. The party of Abraham Lincoln, who dedicated his life so the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" should not perish, has become under Donald Trump the greatest threat to American democracy since the Civil War. He has released the demons from their dark corners. It wont be easy to shut the doors again. Bruce J. Berman is professor emeritus of political studies and history at Queen's University, Ontario. Daniel Levine is professor emeritus at the University of Michigan. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. 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. 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Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. The following companies are subsidiares of AMETEK: AMETEK CTS GmbH, AMETEK Germany GmbH, AMETEK Hong Kong Private Limited, AMETEK Instruments Group UK Limited, AMETEK Italia S.r.l., Amekai Singapore Private Ltd., Amekai Taiwan Co. Ltd., Haydon Linear Motors (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., SPECTRO Analytical Instruments Inc., Tubes Holdco Limited, AEM Limited, AIP/MPM Funding Inc., AIP/MPM Holdings Inc., AMESP USVI LLC, AMETEK (Barbados) SRL, AMETEK (Bermuda) Ltd., AMETEK (GB) Limited, AMETEK (Thailand) Co. Ltd., AMETEK Aegis Inc., AMETEK Aerospace & Defense Group UK Ltd, AMETEK Aerospace & Power Holdings Inc., AMETEK Aerospace LLC, AMETEK Aircraft Parts & Accessories Inc., AMETEK Airtechnology Group Limited., AMETEK Ameron LLC, AMETEK Arizona Instrument LLC, AMETEK B.V., AMETEK CTS Europe GmbH, AMETEK CTS US Inc., AMETEK Canada 2 ULC, AMETEK Canada 3 ULC., AMETEK Canada Limited Partnership, AMETEK Co. Ltd., AMETEK Commercial Enterprise Shanghai, AMETEK Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, AMETEK Customer Service S. de R. L. de C.v., AMETEK DE LLC, AMETEK DELCO Inc., AMETEK Denmark A/S, AMETEK Do Brasil Ltda., AMETEK EMG Holdings Inc., AMETEK Elektromotory s.r.o, AMETEK Engineered Materials Sdn. Bhd., AMETEK Europe L.L.C., AMETEK European Holdings GmbH, AMETEK European Holdings Limited, AMETEK Finland Oy, AMETEK Global Tubes LLC, AMETEK Grundbesitz GmbH, AMETEK HSA Inc., AMETEK Haydon Kerk Inc., AMETEK Holdings B.V. also registered as AMETEK Holdings B.V. Delaware Inc.1, AMETEK Holdings SARL, AMETEK Holdings de Mexico S. de R.L., AMETEK Hughes-Treitler, AMETEK Industrial Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., AMETEK Instrumentos S.L., AMETEK Instruments India Private Limited, AMETEK Korea Co. Ltd., AMETEK Lamb Motores de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., AMETEK Land Inc., AMETEK Latin America Holding Company S.a r.l., AMETEK MRO Florida Inc., AMETEK Material Analysis Holdings GmbH, AMETEK Mexico Holding Company LLC, AMETEK Motors Asia Pte. Ltd., AMETEK Nordic AB, AMETEK PIP Holdings Inc., AMETEK Precitech Inc., AMETEK Programmable Power Inc., AMETEK S.A.S., AMETEK S.r.l., AMETEK SCP (Barrow) Limited, AMETEK SCP Inc., AMETEK Singapore Private Ltd., AMETEK Taiwan Co. Ltd., AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products Inc., AMETEK Thermal Systems Inc., AMETEK d.o.o. Subotica., Abaco Systems, Advanced Industries, Advanced Measurement Technology Inc., Aero Components International Corp., Airtechnology Pension Trustees Limited, Akron Standard Bestry (Guangzhou) Measurement Equipment Co. Ltd., Amekai (BVI) Ltd., Amekai Meter (Xiamen) Co. Ltd., Ameron Global Inc, Ametek Advanced Industries Inc., Ametek-Reading Alloys Inc., Amptek Inc., Antavia SAS, Atlas Material Holdings Corporation, Atlas Material Testing Technology (India) Private Limited, Atlas Material Testing Technology BV, Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH, Atlas Material Testing Technology L.L.C., Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC, Atlas Netherlands AcquisitionCo Cooperatief U.A., Avicenna Technology Inc., Avtech Avionics & Instruments LLC, B&S Aircraft, Brookfield Engineering, CAMECA Instruments Inc., CAMECA SAS, Cameca, Chandler Instruments Company L.L.C., Chandler Instruments Company LLC, Cognex - Surface Inspection Systems Division, Coining Holding Company, Coining Inc., Controls Southeast Inc., Crank, Creaform, Creaform Inc., Creaform Shanghai Ltd., Creaform Software Inc., Creaform U.S.A. Inc., Crystal Engineering Corp, Crystal Engineering Corporation, Direl GmbH, Direl Holding GmbH, Drake Air, Drake Air Inc., Drexelbrook Engineering Company, Dunkermotoren GmbH, Dunkermotoren Taicang Co. Ltd., Dunkermotoren USA Inc., EDAX Inc., EDAX LLC, EGS Automation, EMA Corp., EMA Finance 1 LLC, EMA Finance 2 LLC, EMA Holdings LLC, EMA Holdings UK Limited, EMA MX LLC, EMtest, ESP Holdco Inc., ESP/SurgeX, Electronic Systems Protection Inc., FMH Aerospace Corp., FMH Holdings Corp., FMH Intermediate LLC, Fine Tubes Limited, Forza Silicon Corporation, Frameflair Limited, GS Electric, Gatan, Gatan Inc., Gatan Service Corporation, Gatan U.K. Limited, Glasseal Products Inc., Global Tubes, Grabner Instruments Messtechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H., HCC Industries Inc., HDR Power Systems LLC, HS Foils Oy, Hamilton Precision Metals Inc., Hamilton Precision Metals of Delaware Inc., Haydon Kerk Motion, Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions Inc., Hermetic Seal Corporation, High Standard Aviation, Imago Scientific Instruments, IntelliPower Inc., Land Instruments International Ltd., Laserage Technology Corp, Luphos GmbH, MCG Acquisition Corporation, MOCON Europe A/S, MOCON Inc., Magnetrol International, Micro-Poise Industrial Equipment (Beijing) Ltd., Micro-Poise Measurement Systems LLC, Micro-Poise Measurement Systems LLC, Milmega Limited, Mocon, Motec GmbH, Motec GmbH, Motion Control Group, Muirhead Aerospace Limited, NSI-MI Technologies, Newage Testing Instruments Inc., Nu Instruments Asia Ltd., Nu Instruments Limited, Nu Instruments Ltd, O'Brien Corp, OBCORP LLC., OOO AMETEK, Pacific Design Technologies Inc., Patriot Sensors & Controls Corporation, PennEngineering Motion Technologies, Petrolab L.L.C., Powervar, Powervar Deutschland GmbH, Powervar Inc., Powervar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Precitech, Quizix Inc., RETE Holding GmbH, Rauland-Borg, Rauland-Borg Corporation, Rauland-Borg Corporation of Florida, Reichert Inc., Reichert Technologies, Responder Systems Corporation, Rotron Inc., Rotron Incorporated, SPECTRO Analytical Instruments (Pty) Ltd, SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH, SSH Non-Destructive Testing Inc., Sealtron Inc., Six Brookside Drive Corporation., SkyBitz Inc., SkyBitz Petroleum Logistics LLC, SkyBitz Tank Monitoring Corporation, Solartron Group Ltd., Solartron Metrology Limited, Solidstate Controls Inc. de Argentina S.R.L., Solidstate Controls LLC, Solidstate Controls LLC, Solidstate Controls Mexico S.A. de C.V., Sound Com Corporation, Southern Aero Partners Inc., Southern Aeroparts Inc, Spectro Analytical Instruments Inc., Spectro Holdings Inc., Spectro Inc., Spectro International Holdings Inc., Spectro Scientific, Spectro Scientific (Beijing) Inc., Spectro Scientific Inc., Sterling Ultra Precision Inc., Sunpower, Sunpower Inc., Superior Tube Company Inc., TPM Russia Inc., Taylor Hobson Holdings Limited, Taylor Hobson Inc., Taylor Hobson Limited, Taylor Hobson Trustees Limited, Technical Manufacturing Corp, Technical Manufacturing Corporation, Technical Services for Electronics Inc., Telular Corporation, Telular Corporation, Teseq AG, Thelsha Technical Services, Tritex Corporation, Unispec Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Universal Analyzers Inc., VTI Instruments Corporation, VTI Instruments Private Limited, VTI Integrated Systems Private Limited, Vision Research Europe B.V., Vision Research Inc., Vision Research srl, Zemetrics Inc., Zygo Corporation, Zygo Pte Ltd., Zygo Richmond Corporation, and ZygoLamda Metrology Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. American Renal Associates Holdings, Inc. operates as a dialysis services provider in the United States. It operates dialysis clinics focusing on joint venture partnerships with physicians. The company offers kidney dialysis services to patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or end stage renal disease. As of December 31, 2019, it operated 246 dialysis clinics in partnership with 400 nephrologist partners treating approximately 17,300 patients in 27 states and the District of Columbia. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts. Read More iShares S&P SmallCap 600 ETF's stock was trading at $62.31 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IJR shares have increased by 88.5% and is now trading at $117.46. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Wealth Management segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small businesses and commercial customers, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides Internet, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 952 branches and approximately 3,540 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,400 branches, 5,200 ATMs, and 22 contact centers internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada. Read More BASF SE operates as a chemical company worldwide. It operates through six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. The Chemicals segment provides petrochemicals and intermediates. The Materials segment offers advanced materials and their precursors for applications and systems, such as isocyanates and polyamides, as well as inorganic basic products and specialties for plastic and plastic processing industries. The Industrial Solutions segment develops and markets ingredients and additives for industrial applications, such as polymer dispersions, pigments, resins, electronic materials, antioxidants, light stabilizers, oilfield chemicals, mineral processing, and hydrometallurgical chemicals. The Surface Technologies segment offers chemical solutions and automotive OEM which include refinish coatings, surface treatment, catalysts, battery materials, and base metal services for the automotive and chemical industries. The Nutrition & Care segment provides nutrition and care ingredients for food and feed producers, as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetics, detergent, and cleaner industries. The Agricultural Solutions segment offers crop protection products and seeds, such as fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and biological crop production products, as well as seed treatment products. The company has a strategic partnership with IntelliSense.io. BASF SE was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany. Read More UDG Healthcare plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides advisory, communication, commercial, clinical, and packaging services in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, North America, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Ashfield and Sharp. The Ashfield segment offers commercialization services for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in the areas of advisory, communications, and commercial and clinical services. This segment supports healthcare professionals and patients at various stages of the product life cycle; and provides field and contact center sales teams, healthcare communications, patient support, audit, advisory, medical information, and event management services to approximately 300 healthcare companies. The Sharp segment provides contract and clinical trial packaging services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; serialization solutions; and clinical IRT services. The company was formerly known as United Drug plc and changed its name to UDG Healthcare plc in August 2013. UDG Healthcare plc was founded in 1948 and is heaquartered in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland. Read More Everest Re Group Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of reinsurance and insurance services. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Reinsurance, International, Bermuda, and Insurance. The U.S. Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including marine, aviation, surety, and accident and health business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International segment offers foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami, and New Jersey. The Bermuda segment comprises reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance segment writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents within the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartere Read More The following companies are subsidiares of 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc.. WEX Inc. provides financial technology services in North America, the Asia Pacific, and Europe. It operates through three segments: Fleet Solutions, Travel and Corporate Solutions, and Health and Employee Benefit Solutions. The Fleet Solutions segment offers fleet vehicle payment processing services. Its services include customer, account activation, and account retention services; authorization and billing inquiries, and account maintenance services; premium fleet services; credit and collections services; merchant services; analytics solutions with access to web-based data analytics platform that offers insights to fleet managers; and ancillary services and tools to fleets to manage expenses and capital requirements. This segment markets its products directly and indirectly to commercial and government vehicle fleet customers with small, medium, and large fleets, as well as with over-the-road and long haul fleets; and indirectly through co-branded and private label relationships. The Travel and Corporate Solutions segment provides payment processing solutions for payment and transaction monitoring needs. Its products include virtual cards that are used for transactions where no card is presented and that require pre-authorization; and prepaid and gift card products that enables secure payment and financial management solutions with single card options, access to open or closed loop redemption, load limits, and with various expirations. This segment markets its products directly and indirectly to commercial and government organizations. The Health and Employee Benefit Solutions segment offers healthcare payment products and software-as-a-service consumer directed platforms for healthcare market, as well as payroll related and employee benefit products in Brazil. The company was formerly known as Wright Express Corporation and changed its name to WEX Inc. in October 2012. WEX Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Portland, Maine. Read More Centrica plc operates as an integrated energy company in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, North America, and internationally. The company operates through British Gas, Energy Marketing & Trading, Centrica Business Solutions, Bord GAis Energy, and Upstream segments. It supplies gas and electricity to residential customers, as well as offers energy-related services; and generates power from combined cycle gas turbines and nuclear assets. The company also provides installation, repair, and maintenance services for domestic central heating, plumbing and drains, home electrical, and gas and kitchen appliances; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as offers breakdown services. In addition, it is involved in the procurement, trading, and optimization of energy; procurement and sale of LNG; and supplies energy efficiency solutions and technologies to residential customers. Further, the company produces and processes gas and oil; develops new fields to maintain reserves; constructs, owns, and exploits infrastructure; and engages in the social enterprise investment fund activities. Additionally, it provides vehicle leasing, commercial, and insurance services, as well as energy management products and services; and operates a gas storage and franchise network. The company was formerly known as Yieldtop plc and changed its name to Centrica plc in December 1996. Centrica plc was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Windsor, the United Kingdom. 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 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. There is not enough analysis data for Columbus Gold. 4.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Columbus Gold has received 116 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Columbus Gold has received 78 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Columbus Gold has received 59.79% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Columbus Gold and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe CGT will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe CGT will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of BorgWarner: B80 Italia S.r.l., BERU AG, BW El Salto S.A. De C.V., BWA Receivables Corporation, BWA Turbo Systems Holding LLC, Borg Warner Europe Holdings (PDS) B. V., BorgWarner (China) Investment Co. Ltd., BorgWarner (Reman) Holdings L.L.C., BorgWarner (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner Aftermarket Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Alternators Inc., BorgWarner Arden LLC, BorgWarner Arnstadt RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Asia Inc., BorgWarner Automotive Asia Limited, BorgWarner Automotive Components (Beijing) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Brasil Ltda., BorgWarner Chungju Co. LLC, BorgWarner Comercial e Distribuidora de Pecas para Veiculos Automotores Ltda., BorgWarner Comercializadora PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Componentes PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Cooling Systems (India) Private Limited, BorgWarner Cooling Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Diversified Transmission Products Services Inc., BorgWarner Drivetrain Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Drivetrain Management Services de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Drivetrain de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Electric Motors L.L.C., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems Holding LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Emissions Systems LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Portugal Unipessoal LDA, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Spain S.L.U., BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Emissions Talegaon Private Limited, BorgWarner Engineering Ketsch RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Engineering Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Esslingen GmbH, BorgWarner Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Europe Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Gateshead Limited, BorgWarner Germany Holding GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Holding Services GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REH GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REM GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, BorgWarner Global Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Heidelberg I RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg II RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg REH GmbH, BorgWarner Heidelberg REM GmbH, BorgWarner Holding Inc., BorgWarner Holdings Limited, BorgWarner Hungary Kft., BorgWarner IT Services Europe GmbH, BorgWarner India Holdings Inc., BorgWarner Investment Holding Inc., BorgWarner Ithaca LLC, BorgWarner Ketsch Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Ketsch REH GmbH, BorgWarner Ketsch REM GmbH, BorgWarner Kft., BorgWarner Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Korea Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Korea Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Korea LLC, BorgWarner Limited, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf REH GmbH, BorgWarner Markdorf REM GmbH, BorgWarner Massachusetts Inc., BorgWarner Mauritius Holdings Ltd., BorgWarner Mexico Holding BV, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings II LLC, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Morse Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Morse Systems Italy S.r.l., BorgWarner Morse Systems Japan K.K., BorgWarner Morse Systems Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Muggendorf RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner NW Inc., BorgWarner Netherlands Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Oroszlany Kft., BorgWarner PDS (Anderson) L.L.C., BorgWarner PDS (Changnyeong) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Indiana) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Livonia) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Ochang) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc., BorgWarner PDS Brasil Produtos Automotivos Ltda., BorgWarner PDS Irapuato S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Technologies L.L.C., BorgWarner Poland Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Pyongtaek LLC, BorgWarner Romeo Power LLC, BorgWarner Rzeszow Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Shenglong (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner South Asia LLC, BorgWarner Southborough Inc., BorgWarner Spain Holding S.L.U, BorgWarner Sweden AB, BorgWarner Systems Lugo S.r.l., BorgWarner Thermal Systems Inc., BorgWarner Thermal Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Tralee Ltd., BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Arnstadt GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Korea LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Tulle S.A.S., BorgWarner Trustees Limited, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems France S.A.S., BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Worldwide Headquarters GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner UK Financing Ltd., BorgWarner UK Holding and Services Ltd., BorgWarner US Holding LLC, BorgWarner USA Industries L.L.C., BorgWarner United Transmission Systems Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Waterloo Inc., BorgWarner Wrexham Limited, Cascadia Motion LLC, Creon Insurance Agency Limited, Delphi Technologies, Dytech ENSA, Gustav Wahler GmbH u. Co. KG, Haldex, Kuhlman LLC, Kysor Europe Limited, M. & M. Knopf Auto Parts L.L.C., NSK-Warner (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K., NSK-Warner Mexico S.A. de C.V, NSK-Warner U.S.A. Inc., New PDS Corp., Old Remco Holdings L.L.C., Old Remco International Holdings L.L.C., Remy International, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems LLC, Sevcon, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, and Transmission Systems AutoForm LLC. 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 iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF's stock was trading at $108.64 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWD stock has increased by 52.4% and is now trading at $165.62. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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.. Imperial Oil Limited explores for, produces, and sells crude oil and natural gas in Canada. It operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, synthetic oil, and bitumen. As of December 31, 2020, this segment had 138 million oil-equivalent barrels of proved undeveloped reserves. The Downstream segment is involved in the transportation and refining of crude oil, as well as blending, distribution, and marketing of refined products. It also transports crude oil to refineries by contracted pipelines, common carrier pipelines, and rail; maintains a distribution system to move petroleum products to market by pipeline, tanker, rail, and road transport; and owns and operates fuel terminals, natural gas liquids, and products pipelines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. In addition, this segment markets and supplies petroleum products to motoring public through approximately 2,400 Esso and Mobil-branded sites. Further, it sells petroleum products, including fuel, asphalt, and lubricants for industrial and transportation customers, independent marketers, and resellers, as well as other refiners serving the agriculture, residential heating, and commercial markets through branded fuel and lubricant resellers. The Chemical segment manufactures and markets various petrochemicals and polyethylene, such as benzene, aromatic, and aliphatic solvents; plasticizer intermediates; and polyethylene resins. The company was incorporation in 1880 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Imperial Oil Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Read More The Boeing Co. is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space and Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Defense, Space and Security segment refers to the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for global strike, including fighter and combat rotorcraft aircraft and missile systems; global mobility, including tanker, rotorcraft and tilt-rotor aircraft; and airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, including command and control, battle management and airborne anti-submarine aircraft. The Global Services segment provides services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Capital segment seeks to ensure that Boeing customers have the financing they need to buy and take delivery of their Boeing product and manages overall financing exposure. T Read More iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF's stock was trading at $49.50 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, FLOT shares have increased by 2.5% and is now trading at $50.73. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI Japan ETF's stock 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. 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 Morneau Shepell Inc. provides technology based human resources consulting services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It provides health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions to assist employers in managing the financial security, health, and productivity of their employees. The company offers health and productivity services, including absence and disability management, Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, safety groups, influencecare, and workers' compensation services; and administrative solutions, such as defined benefit and contribution pension administration, employee self-service, health and benefits administration, and human resources contact centers, as well as pension and benefits software. It also provides modern employee assistance, wellness, news feed and recognition, perks and savings, workplace learning, total health index assessment, workplace mental health, children's support, traumatic event support, workplace support programs, domestic and international student support, and HR support solutions. In addition, the company offers retirement solutions comprising actuarial; compensation consulting; defined contribution consulting; international pension regulatory; investment consulting; governance, legal, and compliance; pension sustainability and design; pension regulatory; pooled registered pension plans and voluntary retirement savings plans; and retirement planning and total plan solutions. Further, it provides asset and risk management, and communication and change management solutions. The company was formerly known as Morneau Sobeco Income Fund and changed its name to Morneau Shepell Inc. in January 2011. Morneau Shepell Inc. was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More First American Financial Corp. operates as an insurance company. It provides title insurance and settlement services to the real estate and mortgage industries. The company operates its business through the following segments: Title Insurance & Services and Specialty Insurance. The Title Insurance & Services segment provides title insurance, escrow, closing services and similar or related financial services domestically and internationally in connection with residential and commercial real estate transactions. It also maintains, manages and provides access to title plant records and images and provides banking, trust and investment advisory services. The Specialty Insurance segment issues property & casualty insurance policies and sells home warranty products. It also provides title plant management services, which include title and other real property records and images, valuation products and services, home warranty products, property and casualty insurance and banking, trust and investment advisory services. First American Financial was founded in January, 2008 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, CA. Read More Vanguard Real Estate ETF's stock was trading at $81.34 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, VNQ shares have increased by 36.6% and is now trading at $111.09. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of POSCO: 2015 POSCO New technology II Fund, BLUE O&M Co. Ltd., Brazil Sao Paulo Steel Processing Center, Busan E&E Co. Ltd., DAESAN (CAMBODIA) Co. Ltd., DAEWOO INTERNATIONAL GUANGZHOU CORP., Daewoo Amara Company Limited, Daewoo Global Development. Pte. Ltd, Daewoo International, Daewoo Power and Infra (PTY) Limited, Daewoo Precious Resources Co. Ltd., Future Creation Fund Postech Early Stage account, GOLDEN LACE POSCO INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD., GRAIN TERMINAL HOLDING PTE. LTD., Growth Ladder POSCO K-Growth Global Fund, HONG KONG POSCO E&C (CHINA) INVESTMENT Co. Ltd., HOTEL LAONZENA, HUME COAL PTY LTD, Hunchun Posco Hyundai Logistics, JB CLARK HILLS(*1), Korea Fuel Cell, LA-SRDC, Mapo Hibroad Parking Co. Ltd., MegaAsset Co. Ltd., Myanmar POSCO C&C Company Limited., Myanmar POSCO Engineering & Construction Company Limited., Myanmar POSCO Steel Co. Ltd, Mykolaiv Milling Works PJSC., PGSF L.P., PNR, POS-CD PTY LTD, POS-GC PTY LTD, POS-LT Pty Ltd, POS-Minerals Corporation, POS-NP PTY LTD, POS-ORE PTY LTD, POSCAN Elkview, POSCO (Thailand) Company Limited, POSCO A&C, POSCO AFRICA (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED, POSCO AMERICA ALABAMA PROCESSING CENTER CO. LTD., POSCO AMERICA COMERCIALIZADORA S DE RL DE CV, POSCO ASSAN TST STEEL INDUSTRY, POSCO AUSTRALIA GP PTY LIMITED, POSCO AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, POSCO America Corporation, POSCO Argentina S.A.U., POSCO Asia Co. Ltd., POSCO CHEMICAL CO. LTD., POSCO COATED STEEL (THAILAND) CO. LTD., POSCO Canada Ltd., POSCO Center Beijing, POSCO ChengDu Processing Center, POSCO China Dalian Plate Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO Coated & Color Steel Co. Ltd., POSCO DAEWOO E&P CANADA CORPORATION, POSCO DAEWOO WAIGAOQIAO SHANGHAI CO. LTD, POSCO E&C (THAILAND) CO. Ltd., POSCO E&C CHINA Co. Ltd., POSCO E&C HOLDINGS CO. Ltd., POSCO E&C Mongolia, POSCO E&C SMART S DE RL DE CV, POSCO E&C Vietnam Co. Ltd., POSCO ENERGY CO. LTD., POSCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION DO BRAZIL LTDA., POSCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION. CO. LTD., POSCO ENGINEERING (THAILAND) CO. LTD., POSCO ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION AUSTRALIA (POSCO E&C AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD, POSCO ES MATERIALS CO. LTD., POSCO Engineering and Construction India Private Limited, POSCO Europe Steel Distribution Center, POSCO Family Strategy Fund, POSCO GEM 1th Fund, POSCO Gulf SFC LLC, POSCO Humans, POSCO ICT, POSCO ICT BRASIL, POSCO ICT VIETNAM, POSCO ICT-China Co. Ltd, POSCO INDIA PROCESSING CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, POSCO INTERNATIONAL (CHINA) CO. LTD, POSCO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA CORP., POSCO INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS PTY. LTD., POSCO INTERNATIONAL Corporation, POSCO INTERNATIONAL Deutschland GMBH, POSCO INTERNATIONAL INDIA PVT. LTD, POSCO INTERNATIONAL ITALIA S.R.L., POSCO INTERNATIONAL JAPAN CORP., POSCO INTERNATIONAL MALAYSIA SDN BHD, POSCO INTERNATIONAL MEXICO S.A DE C.V., POSCO INTERNATIONAL MYANMAR CORPORATION LIMITED, POSCO INTERNATIONAL POWER (PNGLAE) LTD., POSCO INTERNATIONAL POWER(PNGPOM) LTD., POSCO INTERNATIONAL SHANGHAI CO. LTD., POSCO INTERNATIONAL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., POSCO INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE LLC., POSCO INTERNATIONAL UKRAINE LLC., POSCO INTERNATIONAL VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED, POSCO India Steel Distribution Center Private Ltd., POSCO JAPAN Co. Ltd., POSCO Japan PC CO. LTD, POSCO M-TECH, POSCO MAURITIUS LIMITED, POSCO MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., POSCO MPPC S.A. de C.V., POSCO Maharashtra Steel Private Limited, POSCO NCR Coal Ltd., POSCO O&M CO. Ltd. (formerly POSMATE), POSCO Philippine Manila Processing Center Inc., POSCO Processing&Service, POSCO RU Limited Liability Company, POSCO Research & Technology, POSCO Research Institute, POSCO SINGAPORE LNG TRADING PTE. LTD., POSCO SS VINA JOINT STOCK COMPANY (Formerly POSCO SS VISA CO. Ltd.), POSCO SUZHOU PROCESSING CENTER CO. LTD., POSCO TMC INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, POSCO TNPC Otomotiv Celik San. Ve Tic. A.S, POSCO Thainox Public Company Limited, POSCO VST CO. LTD., POSCO Venture Capital Co. Ltd., POSCO Vietnam Processing Center. Co. Ltd, POSCO WA PTY LTD, POSCO WOMANS FUND, POSCO(Chongqing) Automotive Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO(Dalian) IT Center Development Co. Ltd., POSCO(Guangdong) Automotive Steel Co. Ltd., POSCO(Guangdong) Coated Steel Co. Ltd., POSCO(Liaoning) Automotive Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO(Suzhou) Automotive Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO(Wuhu) Automotive Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO(Yantai Automotive Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO-CFPC Co. Ltd., POSCO-CTPC Co. Ltd., POSCO-China Holding Corp., POSCO-China Qingdao Processing Center Co. Ltd., POSCO-India Private Limited, POSCO-India Pune Processing Center. Pvt. Ltd., POSCO-Indonesia Jakarta Processing Center, POSCO-Italy Processing Center, POSCO-MKPC SDN BHD, POSCO-Malaysia SDN. BHD., POSCO-Mexico Villagran Wire-rod Processing Center, POSCO-Poland Wroclaw Processing Center Sp. z o. o., POSCO-South Asia Company Limited, POSCO-TISCO (JILIN) PROCESSING CENTER Co. Ltd., POSCO-Terminal Co. Ltd., POSCO-VIETNAM Co. Ltd., POSMATE-CHINA CO. LTD, PSC Energy Global Co. Ltd., PT KRAKATAU BLUE WATER, PT. Bio Inti Agrindo, PT. KRAKATAU POSCO, PT. KRAKATAU POSCO ENERGY, PT. POSCO E&C INDONESIA, PT.Krakatau Posco Chemtech Calcination, PT.Krakatau Posco Social Enterprise, PT.MRI, PT.POSCO ICT INDONESIA, PT.POSCO INDONESIA INTI, Pohang Scrap Recycling Distribution Center Co. Ltd., Pos-Sea Pte Ltd, Posco Group University, Posco e&c Songdo International Building, Qingdao Pohang Stainless Steel Co. Ltd., SANPU TRADING Co. Ltd., SPH Co LTD., SUZHOU POSCO-CORE TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD., Songdo Development PMC (Project Management Company) LLC., Suncheon Eco Trans Co. LTD, TANCHEON E&E (formerly POSCO E&E), Ventanas Philippines Construction Inc, Yuzhnaya Stevedoring Company Limited LLC., ZHEJIANG POSCO-HUAYOU ESM CO. LTD, Zhangjiagang BLZ Pohang International Trading, Zhangjiagang Pohang Refractories Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel Co. Ltd., Zhangjigang Pohang Port Co. Ltd., and eNtoB Corporation. New Jersey Resources Corp. is a holding company. The firm provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. It operates through the following segments: New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, NJR Energy Services, NJR Midstream, and NJR Home Services. The New Jersey Natural Gas segment provides regulated retail natural gas service to residential and commercial customers in central and northern New Jersey. The NJR Clean Energy Ventures segment invests in, owns and operates solar projects. The NJR Energy Services segment manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical natural gas services in the U.S. and Canada. The NJR Midstream segment serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers. The NJR Home Services segment provides heating, ventilation and cooling service, sales and installation of appliances services to its customers, as well as solar installation projects, and is the primary contributor to home services. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Wall, Read More New Media Investment Group Inc. invests in, owns, and operates local media assets in the United States. The company's principal products include 146 daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 1.5 million; 323 weekly newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 268,000 and total free circulation of approximately 1.4 million; 132 shoppers with total circulation of approximately 3.1 million; and 581 locally-focused Websites, including Internet and mobile devices with approximately 364 million page views per month. Its principal products also comprise 77 business publications; and UpCurve Cloud and ThriveHive, which provides digital marketing and business services. In addition, the company produces niche publications that address specific local market interests, such as recreation, sports, healthcare, and real estate. Further, it offers print and online products that offer local market news and information on various topics comprising local news and politics, community and regional events, youth sports, opinion and editorial pages, local schools, obituaries, weddings, and police reports, as well as commercial printing services for publishers; and prints commercial materials, including flyers, business cards, and invitations. Additionally, the company produces approximately 350 annual events with a collective attendance approximately 400,000, such as themed expo, signature event, endurance event, and white label event services; and provides digital and print advertising services. It reaches approximately 22 million people per week; and serves approximately 199,000 business customers. New Media Investment Group Inc. was founded in 1997 and is based in New York, New York. Read More There is not enough analysis data for OPG Power Ventures. 4.9 Community Rank Outperform Votes OPG Power Ventures has received 227 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes OPG Power Ventures has received 76 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment OPG Power Ventures has received 74.92% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about OPG Power Ventures and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe OPG will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe OPG will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Benext, Bionic, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Ethica Consulting Group, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Exton Consulting, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Gevity, Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openmind, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Salt Solutions, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Trivadis AG, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH. Sanchez Energy Corporation, an independent exploration and production company, focuses on the acquisition and development of U.S. onshore unconventional oil and natural gas resources. It engages in the horizontal development of resources from the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. It also holds an undeveloped acreage position in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) in Mississippi and Louisiana. As of December 31, 2017, the company had assembled approximately 285,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford Shale; and owned approximately 37,000 net acres in the TMS. Sanchez Energy Corporation was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of General Motors: 2140879 Ontario Inc., ACAR Leasing, ACAR Leasing Ltd., ACF Investment, ACF Investment Corp., AFS SenSub, APGO Trust, Adam Opel, Adam Opel GmbH, Aftermarket (UK), AmeriCredit, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan Company Inc., AmeriCredit Financial Services, AmeriCredit Financial Services Inc., AmeriCredit Funding, AmeriCredit Syndicated Warehouse Trust, Annunciata Corporation, Argonaut Holdings, Argonaut Holdings LLC, BOCO (Proprietary), BOCO (Proprietary) Limited, Banco GMAC, Banco GMAC S.A., Baylis (Gloucester), Boco Trust, Boden Brussels, CHEVYPLAN, CHEVYPLAN S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Planes de Autofinanciamiento Comercial, Cadillac, Cadillac Europe, Cadillac Europe GmbH, Carve-Out Ownership, Carve-Out Ownership Cooperative LLC, Chevrolet Deutschland GmbH, Chevrolet Sales (Thailand), Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited, Chevrolet Sales India, Chevrolet Sales India Private Ltd., Chevrolet Sociedad Anonima de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Controladora General Motors, Controladora General Motors S.A. de C.V., Cruise, DCJ1, DCJ1 LLC, DMAX, DMAX Ltd., Dealership Liquidations, Dealership Liquidations Inc., Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK, Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK Overseas Corporation, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), FAW-GM, Fundacion Chevrolet, G.M.A.C., GCAR Titling Ltd., GM (UK) Pension, GM (UK) Pension Trustees Limited, GM APO Holdings, GM Administradora de Bens, GM Administradora de Bens Ltda., GM Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters Ltd., GM Auslandsprojekte, GM Automotive, GM Automotive Services Belgium, GM CME, GM Canada Holdings, GM Canada Limited, GM Components Holdings, GM Components Holdings LLC, GM Cruise, GM Cruise Holdings LLC, GM Cruise LLC, GM Defense, GM Eurometals, GM Eurometals Inc., GM Europe Treasury, GM Finance, GM Finance Co. Holdings LLC, GM Financial, GM Financial AB, GM Financial Canada, GM Financial Canada Leasing, GM Financial Canada Leasing Ltd., GM Financial Colombia Holdings LLC, GM Financial Colombia S.A. Compania de Financiamiento, GM Financial Consumer, GM Financial Consumer Discount, GM Financial Consumer Discount Company, GM Financial Del Peru, GM Financial GmbH, GM Financial Holdings LLC, GM Financial Insurance Services, GM Financial Mexico Holdings, GM Financial Mexico Holdings LLC, GM Financial Real Estate, GM Financial de Mexico, GM Financial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.R., GM Financial del Peru S.A.C, GM Global Business Services, GM Global Propulsion Systems -Torino S.r.l., GM Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM Global Technology Operations, GM Global Technology Operations LLC, GM Global Tooling, GM Global Tooling Company LLC, GM Global Treasury Centre Limited, GM Holden, GM Holden Pty Ltd., GM Holdings U.K. No.1 Limited, GM Inversiones Santiago Limitada, GM Investment Trustees Limited, GM Korea, GM Korea Company, GM LAAM Holdings, GM LAAM Holdings LLC, GM Mexico Holdings, GM Mobility Europe GmbH, GM PSA Purchasing Services, GM Personnel Services, GM Personnel Services Inc., GM Philippines Inc., GM Plats (Proprietary), GM Regional Holdings, GM Regional Holdings LLC, GM Retirees Pension Trustees, GM Retirees Pension Trustees Limited, GM Subsystems Manufacturing, GM Subsystems Manufacturing LLC, GM Technical Center Korea Ltd., GM Viet Nam Motor Company, GM-DI Leasing, GM-DI Leasing LLC, GMAC - Instituicao Financeira de Credito, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios Ltda., GMAC Banque, GMAC Continental, GMAC Espana de Financiacion, GMAC Holdings (U.K.), GMAC Lease B.V. (aka Masterlease Europe), GMAC Nederland N.V., GMAC Prestadora de Servicios de Mao de Obra Ltda., GMAC Servicios, GMAC UK, GMAC de Venezuela, GMAC-Prestadora de Servios de Mo-de-Obra, GMACI Corretora de Seguros, GMACI Corretora de Seguros Ltda, GMAM Real Estate I, GMCH&SP Private Equity II, GMCH&SP Private Equity II L.P., GMF Australia Pty Ltd, GMF Europe, GMF Europe Holdco, GMF Europe LLP, GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, GMF Funding, GMF Germany Holdings, GMF Global Assignment, GMF Global Assignment LLC, GMF International, GMF International LLC, GMF Leasing LLC, GMF Leasing Warehousing Trust, GMF Wholesale Receivables, GMGP Holdings, General Motors (China) Investment Company, General Motors (China) Investment Company Limited, General Motors (Thailand), General Motors (Thailand) Limited, General Motors - Colmotores, General Motors - Colmotores S.A., General Motors Advisory Services LLC, General Motors Africa and Middle East, General Motors Africa and Middle East FZE, General Motors Asia, General Motors Asia LLC, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, General Motors Asset Management, General Motors Asset Management Corporation, General Motors Australia, General Motors Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Austria, General Motors Austria, General Motors Auto, General Motors Auto LLC, General Motors Automobiles Philippines, General Motors Automobiles Philippines Inc., General Motors Automotive Holdings, General Motors Automotive Holdings S.L., General Motors Belgique Automobile NV, General Motors Belgium, General Motors Chile, General Motors Chile Industria Automotriz Limitada, General Motors China LLC, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology CIS LLC, General Motors East Africa, General Motors Egypt, General Motors Egypt S.A.E., General Motors Espana, General Motors Europe Holdings, General Motors Europe Limited, General Motors Financial Chile, General Motors Financial Chile Limitada, General Motors Financial Chile S.A., General Motors Financial Company, General Motors Financial Company Inc., General Motors Financial International, General Motors Financial Italia, General Motors Financial Suisse, General Motors Financial UK, General Motors Financial of Canada, General Motors Financial of Canada Ltd., General Motors Finland, General Motors France, General Motors GBS Hungary, General Motors Global Service Operations, General Motors Global Service Operations Inc., General Motors Hellas, General Motors Holden Australia, General Motors Holden Australia NSC, General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd., General Motors Holden Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Holdings LLC, General Motors IT Services (Ireland) Limited, General Motors India Private, General Motors India Private Limited, General Motors International Holdings, General Motors International Holdings LLC, General Motors International Operations, General Motors International Operations Pte. Ltd., General Motors International Services Company, General Motors International Services Company SAS, General Motors International Services LLC, General Motors Investment Limited, General Motors Investment Management, General Motors Investment Management Corporation, General Motors Investment Participacoes, General Motors Investment Participacoes Ltda., General Motors Investments, General Motors Investments Pty. Ltd., General Motors Ireland, General Motors Israel, General Motors Israel Ltd., General Motors Italia, General Motors Japan, General Motors Japan Limited, General Motors LLC, General Motors Limited, General Motors Manufacturing Poland, General Motors Nederland, General Motors New Zealand Pensions, General Motors New Zealand Pensions Limited, General Motors Overseas, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle Corporation, General Motors Overseas Corporation, General Motors Overseas Distribution, General Motors Overseas Distribution LLC, General Motors Peru, General Motors Peru S.A., General Motors Poland Spolka, General Motors Portugal, General Motors Powertrain (Thailand), General Motors Powertrain (Thailand) Limited, General Motors Research Corporation, General Motors South Africa, General Motors South Africa (Pty) Limited, General Motors Suisse, General Motors Taiwan, General Motors Taiwan Ltd., General Motors Technical Centre India, General Motors Technical Centre India Private Limited, General Motors Treasury Center, General Motors Treasury Center LLC, General Motors Turkiye, General Motors UK, General Motors Uruguay, General Motors Uruguay S.A., General Motors Venezolana, General Motors Ventures, General Motors Ventures LLC, General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai), General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., General Motors de Argentina, General Motors de Argentina S.r.l., General Motors de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., General Motors del Ecuador, General Motors del Ecuador S.A., General Motors do Brasil, General Motors do Brasil Ltda., General Motors of Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, General Motors-Holden's Sales, General Motors-Holden's Sales Pty. Limited, GigaPower LLC, Global Services Detroit, Global Services Detroit LLC, Global Tooling Service Company Europe, Global Tooling Service Company Europe Limited, Go Motor Retailing, Go Trade Parts, Grand Pointe Holdings, Grand Pointe Holdings Inc., Grand Pointe Park Condominium, Grand Pointe Park Condominium Association, H.S.H., Haines & Strange, Holden New Zealand, Holden New Zealand Limited, IBC Pension Trustees, IBC Pension Trustees Limited, IBC Vehicles, Lease Ownership Cooperative, Lease Ownership Cooperative LLC, Lidlington Engineering Company, Lidlington Engineering Company Ltd., Limited Liability Company "General Motors CIS", Master Lease Germany, Maven Drive, Maven Drive LLC, Millbrook Pension Management, Millbrook Pension Management Limited, Monetization of Carve-Out, Monetization of Carve-Out LLC, Motor Repris Automocio, Motors Holding, Motors Holding LLC, Motors Properties, Motors Properties (Trading), Multi-Use Lease Entity Trust, North American New Cars, North American New Cars LLC, Omnibus BB Transportes, Omnibus BB Transportes S. A., OnStar Connected Services Srl, OnStar Egypt Limited LLC, OnStar Europe, OnStar Europe Ltd., OnStar Global Services, OnStar Global Services Corporation, OnStar LLC, OnStar de Mexico, OnStar de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Opel Bank, Opel Danmark, Opel Group, Opel Group Warehousing, Opel Leasing, Opel Norge, Opel Sonderdienste, Opel Southeast Europe, Opel Sverige, Opel Szentgotthard Automotive Manufacturing, Opel Wien, P.T. G M AutoWorld Indonesia, P.T. General Motors Indonesia, PIMS, PIMS Co., PT. General Motors Indonesia Manufacturing, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Company Ltd., Prestadora de Servicios GMF Colombia S.A.S., Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, Reliance Motor Car Company, Riverfront Holdings III Inc., Riverfront Holdings Inc., Riverfront Holdings Phase II Inc., SAIC GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors Co. Ltd., SAIC GM Dong Yue Motors Company Limited, SAIC GM Dong Yue Powertrain Company Limited, SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Company Limited, SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited, SAIC General Motors Investment Limited, SAIC General Motors Sales Company Limited, SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited, SAIC-GMF Leasing Co. Ltd., Servicios GMAC S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management Company Limited, Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., Sherwoods (Darlington) Limited, Sidecar Technologies, Skurrays Limited, Stam-Terberg Autobedrijven B. V., Strobe Inc., VHC Sub-Holdings (UK), Vauxhall Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Vehicle Asset Universal Leasing Trust, Vickers (Lakeside) Limited, Vision Motors Limited, WRE, WRE Inc., and Zona Franca Industrial Colmotores SAS. Tahoe Resources Inc., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, explores for, develops, and operates mineral properties in the Americas. It explores for silver, gold, lead, zinc, and copper deposits, as well as precious metals assets. The company holds interest in the La Arena gold mine located in the Huamachuco district of northern Peru; Shahuindo mine located in the province of Cajabamba in northern Peru; and La Arena II, a copper-gold porphyry deposit located in Peru. It also holds interest in the Timmins mines, including the Bell Creek and Timmins West mines, the Fenn-Gib project, the Juby project, the Vogel project, and the Gold River project located in Timmins, Ontario. The company was formerly known as CKM Resources Inc. and changed its name to Tahoe Resources Inc. in January 2010. Tahoe Resources Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. Read More iShares MSCI Canada ETF's stock was trading at $23.42 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWC stock has increased by 67.8% and is now trading at $39.31. 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 Vanguard Total World Stock ETF's stock was trading at $67.27 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, VT shares have increased by 60.0% and is now trading at $107.64. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. SPDR S&P Bank ETF's stock was trading at $30.71 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, KBE stock has increased by 88.0% and is now trading at $57.72. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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 Knoll, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, and sells commercial and residential furniture, accessories, and coverings for the workplace and residential markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Office and Lifestyle segments. It provides systems furniture, including integrated panels or table desks, work surfaces and storage units, power and data systems, and lighting products; office seating products comprising various work chairs; and files and storage products, such as lateral files, mobile pedestals and other storage units, bookcases, and overhead cabinets. The company also offers adjustable tables, as well as meeting, conference, training, dining, and stand-alone and table desks; conference furniture product platforms; height desks, tables, and ergonomic seating and accessories principally for individual home offices and small businesses; technology support accessories, desktop organizational tools, and lighting and storage products; seating and lounge furniture, as well as side, cafA, and dining chairs; conference, training, dining, and occasional tables; and lighting, rugs, textiles, fabrics, felt, leather, upholstery, drapery, and related architectural products. It serves Fortune 1000 companies, governmental agencies, and other medium-to-large sized organizations in various industries, including financial, legal, technology, entertainment, accounting, education, healthcare, and hospitality through its direct sales force and showrooms, distribution partners, and independent dealers and retailers, as well as online. The company was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. Read More Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said Thursday he was working with senators from both parties to try to cut a deal to formally rebuke Saudi Arabia over its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the latest sign that Republicans want to go further than President Donald Trump in responding to the actions of a key US ally. Corker's announcement came hours after Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said that the CIA has now agreed to brief him on Khashoggi, following outrage from both sides of the aisle that Wednesday's Saudi and Yemen briefing on Capitol Hill did not include the Central Intelligence Agency. Corker, a Tennessee Republican who's retiring at the end of his term in January, told CNN his hope is to reach a broad bipartisan deal that will piece together various senators' proposals taking aim at the Saudi kingdom. Then, he said, he hopes to use the new deal as a substitute for a resolution moving through the Senate that would end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. "We are working on an amendment that would strike what's on the floor and more fully express ourselves as to what our policy should be towards Saudi Arabia," Corker said. Exactly what that language entails -- and whether it would seek to end the US role in Yemen or seek to impose sanctions on the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman -- remains to be seen. "I think it would have teeth," Corker said of the developing plan, which he said he hoped would be on the floor Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who co-authored the bipartisan Yemen resolution, said he's open to considering a small number of amendments to his plan, but was worried too many changes could weaken the proposal. "There are strike-all amendments that would be too weak for me to support and I imagine the other cosponsors to support," Murphy said. "But listen, I get it. We're super out of practice in legislating, so all of this sounds absolutely fantastical, the idea that we might have to make tough decisions about what amendments to support, whether it's worth compromising the underlying bill, but this is legislating. This is what the Senate is supposed to do. So let's get into it." The Senate on Wednesday rebuked the Trump administration by agreeing to discharge the Yemen resolution from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and send it to the Senate floor, setting up high-stakes votes next week. Senators from both parties -- including Graham, one of Trump's most vocal allies -- seemed furious after a closed-door briefing with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who defended the administration's response to Khashoggi's murder, saying after the briefing there was "no direct reporting" that connected bin Salman to the killing. Graham said Thursday that he's been told that the separate CIA briefing on Saudi is now going to happen, expecting it to take place next week and after that the South Carolina Republican will decide how hard to go after the Saudis. "The CIA called and that's good," Graham said. "They said they are going to brief me, and I said appreciate it." At this point Graham said he believes the briefing is just for him, but he "hopes" that others can get a briefing if they want it, saying, "I would recommend they brief the entire Senate." After speaking with the White House on Wednesday, Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he believes there is potential for a CIA briefing next week for all Senators on Khashoggi. Coons said there has been no firm commitment yet. "I haven't heard directly from the anyone in the White House with a commitment that we will be briefed by the CIA Director but I think the message was heard clearly and my expectation is that they'll now reconsider their options," Coons said. "My hope is that we'll get a full briefing from Gina Haspel next week." Coons also spoke with the director of White House Legislative Affairs on Wednesday and told her that the previous briefing, without senators hearing from the CIA, was a "genuine mistake." The CIA commented Wednesday after the briefing to say that the agency had already briefed the Senate Intelligence Committee. "While Director Haspel did not attend today's Yemen policy briefing, the Agency has already briefed the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Congressional leadership on the totality of the compartmented, classified intelligence and will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress. The notion that anyone told Director Haspel not to attend today's briefing is false," according to the statement from CIA Press Secretary Timothy Barrett. UTICA, N.Y. (AP) - Democrat Anthony Brindisi has defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney in a congressional race settled more than three weeks after Election Day. The Associated Press called the 22nd Congressional District race shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday declaring victory for Brindisi. His victory in a district of dairy farms and former manufacturing towns came after an acrimonious contest with Tenney, who was seeking a second term. Democrats complained when Tenney's staff sent out a memo claiming the family of her Italian-American opponent had mafia ties. A strong supporter of gun ownership rights, Tenney also took criticism for saying in an interview that many people behind mass murders are Democrats. Brindisi is a 39-year-old lawyer and state assemblyman who campaigned on calls for civility. And although the Oneida County Board of Elections is still not reporting final numbers, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney released a statement officially conceding to Brindisi. Commissioners are working toward a Monday deadline to certify all results with the state. A week after conceding the race in a radio interview, Tenney says: "As the votes have been counted the last several weeks, it has become clear that while we remain on the right side of the issues and history, we came out on the wrong side of a very close race. Despite this setback, there is still a critical fight ahead for the heart and soul of this nation, and one which I will not give up. Serving Central New York in Congress has been a tremendous honor, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish for our area, and I am grateful to all the people who supported our campaign. I wish Congressman-elect Anthony Brindisi the best and my office will work with him to ensure a smooth transition and good constituent services for the people of the 22nd District. We should acknowledge when Congressman-elect Brindisi does the right thing for this district, but hold him accountable for every vote he takes to advance a liberal agenda that doesnt help our community." Brindisi also released a statement touting the historic win and the hard work of campaign volunteers and supporters, saying: I am extremely proud of all the volunteers and supporters who helped make this historic win possible. Our community needs an independent voice who will fight for everyone, and I'm humbled to have the opportunity to do that in Congress. Now that the results are official, I'm looking forward to working with Representative Tenney to ensure a smooth transition on behalf of our constituents. This Congressional seat belongs to the people of Upstate New York. I'm excited to get to work putting their needs first. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- Three people, including a JC Penney employee, are accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of clothing from the retail store this week. According to New Hartford police, officers were called to the JC Penney location in the Sangertown Mall at about 8 p.m. Tuesday on a report of theft. JC Penney loss prevention employees told the responding officers that they apprehended a man and woman who were allegedly stealing more than $1,000 in clothing from the store. Employees said 27-year-old Tony R. Maggio Jr. and 33-year-old Brittany M. Olds, both of Utica, were allegedly acting together to steal $1,341.49 in clothing. Through the investigation, police said, they learned that a third person, 48-year-old Melissa Ann Lyons, allegedly worked with Maggio and Olds in the theft. Police said Lyons, an employee of JC Penney, had left the store before officers arrived, and later surrendered to police. Additional clothing was recovered from Olds' vehicle, which was parked in the store parking lot at the mall, police said. The total value of the stolen clothing was 2,845.90. The suspects were transported to New Hartford Police Department, and charged with fourth-degree felony charges of grand larceny. ROME, N.Y. -- Rome police will be clean-shaven after the weekend, as they wrap their No-Shave November" efforts. The department has been growing beards every November for the last five years. Officers raise a minimum of $40 to participate. Photo Courtesy: Rome Police Department Facebook page Photo Courtesy: Rome Police Department Facebook page This year, the money benefited the Rome Rescue Mission. I think it shows to the community that we do love to donate to different causes in the city. And it shows that people around the city compliment us with our beards. They see us every day clean-shaven in our uniforms and once they see us walking around with them Grizzly Adam beards on looking differently than we did the month prior or the month after I think that it's a good thing, said Rome Police Detective Jeff Lanigan. Rome Police Department donated nearly $3,000 to the Rome Rescue Mission. UTICA, N.Y. At a forum at the West Side Senior Center on Wednesday, representatives with the Rust to Green New York Action Research Initiative updated the public about the steps the city of Utica is taking to address zombie properties. The initiative not only aims to combat zombie properties, but also to prevent homes from being abandoned. The organization says after working with the water authority, they found that there are nearly 200 properties that have not had water service in over a year. Banks that own the properties are legally responsible for maintaining them or they can be fined up to $500 a day, per property. Derek Crossman, Rust to Green Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, says the organization now has more resources to combat the issue. I think were in a better position now and the law gives the city more tools to take care of these zombie properties, Crossman said. Crossman says there may not be a complete fix to the ongoing issue of zombie properties, but the organizations research could help to cut down on the amount of zombie properties in the area. For more on how you can report zombie properties in your neighborhood click here. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - In the giving spirit of the holiday season, the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking for blood donations. But also in the wake of local tragedy, it is also a way to help the situation. Vanessa Davis is the Executive Director of the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. She said having blood donations ready for fire fatalities like the one in Logansport can help save those who make it out alive with injuries. "Our hearts are breaking for those families and the people that are affected and a way that you can help is by thinking of what you can do. Well one thing you can donate blood, she said. They are especially looking for people with O negative blood to donate. This is the blood type that is universal. Davis said it is most useful when doctors need to make a quick decision about what type of blood to give to a patient. She also added that students, both high school and college aged, are a big part of their donation base. When the students go away for break, their reserves can become depleted. And when you donate locally, there is a good possibility it will go to saving a local life. There's a very good chance that it could stay in this area however one of the wonderful benefits of when you donate to the Red Cross is that we have the ability to position the blood products where they are needed the most, she said. Davis said they will be hosting blood drives all across our viewing area. Those who donate from now until December 19th are eligible to receive a $5 Amazon gift card. A list of local blood drives happening with dates and locations is below. 11/29/2018 First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Frankfort, IN 12/6/2018 Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 12/7/2018 IU Health Frankfort, Frankfort, IN 12/8/2018 Russiaville United Methodist Church, Russiaville, IN 12/10/2018 First United Methodist Church Greentown, Greentown, IN 12/11/2018 Christ Lutheran Church, Kokomo, IN 12/12/2018 Western High School, Russiaville, IN 12/12/2018 Twelve Mile Community Building, Twelve Mile, IN 12/15/2018 First Friends Meeting, Kokomo, IN 12/17/2018 First Baptist Church of Denver, Denver, IN 12/18/2018 St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo, IN 12/20/2018 Woodbridge Health Campus, Logansport, IN 12/21/2018 IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, IN 12/26/2018 Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, Bunker Hill, IN 12/27/2018 Chapel Hill Church, Kokomo, IN Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Ilanna Coulbourn, left, with the family dog Maverick, her son Charles Jr., 13, and her husband Charles Sr., are busy getting ready for the second annual Christmas Eve Dinner for the homeless, to be held at the Boys and Girls Club on Kendrick Street in Woonsocket, on Dec. 24. The platypus is a semiaquatic mammal that lay eggs. The common residence for this animal include the lakes and streams of eastern Australia. They can also be found in Tasmania. They are the one of the few mammals that reproduce by lay eggs, known as monotremes. Another name for platypus is the duck-billed platypus. When platypus was first discovered, its unique appearance caused considerable confusion and uncertainty between European natural historians and scientists. Many thought that the creature was not real. Platypus is one of the distinctive animals in the animal domain. Its body is sleek and furry. It has a flat bill and a paddle-shaped tail. Besides, a platypus has webbed feet that contain toxic spurs, dense fur, and a sensitive, flexible bill. Other facts about platypuses are described in the following sections. 6. Physical Description The female platypus is smaller than the male platypus; the males can measure up to 60 cm long from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail. Typically, females are 370 to 550 millimeters, and males are 400 to 630 millimeters long. The weight for females ranges from 600 to 1,700 grams, while the males weigh about 800 to 3,000 grams. The platypuses have heavy skeletons, which look like the ones for the reptiles; both the platypuses and reptiles skeletons have pectoral girdles and legs that are spread out. A young platypus has teeth which drop out in their first interaction with water. One adaptation that helps the platypuses stay warm in water is its dense, thick fur. Mostly, the fur is dark brown except for the patch of lighter-colored fur on the lower side, and lighter fur nearby each eye. When platypuses are swimming, their front feet help them since they have another skin that acts as a paddle. When they are on land, their claws are made more strong by the webbing retracts. The awkward walk of these animals on their knuckles keeps the webbing from harm. The billed platypuses are rubbery, flexible, and have a smooth touch that feels like suede. It has many receptors (held by the skin of their bill) that help the animal navigate when in the water and discover the movement of possible food such as the shrimp. 5. Behavior Platypuses navigate with the tails and hind feet and swim with the front feet. Platypuses can move swim very well in the water as compared to when they are moving across the land. Notably, they use about 30% additional energy while moving on land than when swimming through the water. When they are disturbed, platypuses can make a relatively quiet growling sound. The animal can determine the direction of the electric source, explaining why they exhibit the side-by-side movement of their heads when looking for food. The platypuses sleep during the day, and they stay in the burrows when they are not looking for food. Platypuses can take as long as ten to twelve hours hunting for food. 4. Habitat and Range These animals are found only in a small part of the world. Freshwater areas that run into and out the eastern and southern coast of Australia and island of Tasmania are homes to the platypuses. They toddle onto the watersides to dig burrows using their claws, mostly when they are on the water. The other habitats for platypuses include ledges, under rocks, debris, and roots. Even though platypuses mostly stay in the water, they cannot entirely stay underwater, but they only stay for 0.5 to 2.3 minutes inside the water. They have waterproof fur skin that shelters their eyes and ears. In addition, their noses stay shut when they in the water to enhance prevention of water from entering. The platypuses can survive in climate extremes even though they only live on one side of the continent. Platypuses have been found in tropical rainforests, lowlands, plateaus, and the cold mountains of Tasmania as well as the Australian high mountains. The tails of the platypuses store more fat for energy while the thick, waterproof fur keeps the platypuses warm in the cold climatic conditions. 3. Diet Platypuses are carnivorous; their food include insects and shellfish in water. Their sensitized bills help them discover food in the muddy bottom of the water as they swim. Platypuses have only grinding plates since they have no teeth and so when they find something for food, they scoop them up in their beaks then store in the cheek pouches and swim to the surface. They then use any pebbles or mud they scooped up alongside their prey/food at the bottom of the water to smash the food into digestive parts. 2. Venom Platypuses are one of the very few mammals that secrete venom. At the back of the males hind feet, there is a spur that is joined to the venom-secreting glands; platypus uses them against animals that prey on them or in battles with other males during breeding. According to the Australian Platypus Conservatory, the poison venom and the spurs are essential to the male platypuses while they ate striving to breed. The venom can cause severe swelling and intense pain but not life menacing to humans. 1. Reproduction The female platypus excavates down inside the ground on the waterside and covers herself into one of her tunnel rooms when it is time to breed. She will then lay eggs and put them between her tail and her rump to provide warmth. During this period, they use fats stored in the tails for food supply. The eggs, after around ten days, hatch and then babies begin to suckle for three to four months. Baby platypuses are capable of swimming on their own at the time they start looking for other food apart from their mothers milk. The Central American nation of Belize encompasses an area of 22,800 square km. It has a population of inhabitants. It is Central Americas least densely populated region but has one of the highest population growth rates in the Western Hemisphere. The society of Belize is highly diverse with people of many cultures and languages residing there. Ethnic Groups of Belize The Mestizos are the dominant ethnic group in the country and account for about 52.9% of the entire population. The Creole and the Maya peoples comprise 25.9% and 11.3% of the population, respectively. Other ethnic groups like the East Indians, Mennonites, whites, etc., account for the remaining population of Belize. Religions Practiced in Belize Christianity is the religion of the majority in Belize with 74.3% of the population adhering to one of the Christian religions. Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jehovah's Witness account for 40.4%, 31.8%, and 1.7% of the population of the country, respectively. Other religions practiced in the country include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Rastafarianism, etc. Believers in these other religions together account for 9.6% of the population of the country. A further 15.6% of the population are not affiliated to any religion. As mentioned previously Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., are some of the other religions practiced in Belize. Followers of these beliefs account for only a small percentage of the population. For example, only about 0.2% of the population practice Islam. Hinduism is also practiced by 0.2% of the population. Most of these followers of other religions arrived in Belize as migrants in search of better opportunities or as indentured laborers during the colonial period. Christianity in Belize Roman Catholicism, the largest Christian sect in Belize, spread through the country in three periods. During the first period, missionaries accompanying the Spanish conquistadors introduced the religion in the country. The first phase happened between 1524 and 1707. In 1851, the first permanent residency of the Jesuits was established in Belize. The third phase witnessed the appointment of the first native as the bishop of the Church in the country. Religious Freedom in Belize Although Christianity is followed by the vast majority of the countrys people, the Constitution of Belize grants the freedom of religion. The laws and policies of the country also favor the right of people to practice their own religions. The government of the country also protects this right of the people against any abuse. The state of Georgia is found in the southern part of the United States, and by 2010, it was the 9th state with the highest population in the US with a population of 9,688,681 people. The state of Georgia is also the 21st largest in the country covering an area of 57,513.49 square miles, and it has 159 counties. There are also 535 incorporated municipalities having cities, consolidated cities, towns, and consolidated city-counties. The state of Georgia does not offer legal difference between cities and towns. Atlanta city is the largest city in the state of and it is the state capital of Georgia. The Largest Cities in Georgia Atlanta Atlanta is not only Georgia's capital city, it is also the largest city in the state. The city had a population of 486,290 people in 2017, which at the time was the city with the highest population in the state and the 39th most populous city in the US. In 2010, the population of the city was 420,003. The city of Atlanta also serves as a crucial cultural and economic and cultural center in the Atlanta metro area, which was home to about 5.8 million people and the 9th largest metro area in the country. The city of Atlanta serves as the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in the state. Part of the city extends eastward to the to the DeKalb County. Atlanta traced its roots as a transportation hub when it was founded at the intersection of two railroads in 1837. During the American Civil War, the city was burned to the ground but rose again to become the unofficial capital and center of commerce of the New South. In the 1950s and 1960s, the city was the center for organizing the civil rights movement. Augusta Augusta is the second largest city in Georgia, and in 2010 the city had a population of 195,844. Augusta is another consolidated city-county found in the central eastern border of Georgia. By 2017, the population of the city had reached 197,166, and this did not include the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe. These figures indicate that the city was the 122nd largest city in the country. The process of consolidating between the city of Augusta and the county of Richmond started in 1995 with a referendum in the two jurisdictions, and the merger was accomplished in 1996. The Augusta metropolitan area is located along the eastern border of Georgia with North Agusta located in the neighboring state of South Carolina. The city has a combined population of 600,151, making it the second largest metropolitan area in the state of Georgia and the 93rd in the US. Columbus In 2010 the city of Columbus had a population of 189,885, and it is a consolidated city-county found on the west border of the central part of Georgia. The city is a county seat of Muscogee, and it is the 3rd largest city in Georgia and the 4th largest metropolitan area. In 2017, the city had a population of 194,058 people and the population in the metropolitan area standing at 303,811 people. Population Growth in Georgia The population of the state of Georgia is expected to continue growing into the future with estimates putting at the rate of 1% every year. This growth makes the state one of the fastest growing states in the US earning a slot at position 12. According to projections made in 2010, the population in the state is expected to reach 12.7 million in 2030. Germanys FFG to Upgrade Lithuanian M577 Armored Vehicles 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. 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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. Local officials and residents have confirmed that US airstrikes on Tuesday night killed at least 30 civilians in southern Afghanistans Helmand Province. These tragic deaths are the latest war crime in the 17-year US-NATO occupation, aimed at subjugating the geo-strategically critical nation to the dictates of the US and its allies. The strikes were part of a surge of US air attacks designed to terrorise the population and stem a deepening crisis of the Afghan government and security forces amid ongoing advances by Taliban fighters. US and Afghan military officials claimed that the strikes were carried out after they came under fire from rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns. As is invariably the case after killing civilians, US-NATO forces said they were targeting a Taliban compound in the Garmsir district, and that they were unaware civilians were in the area. Local residents, however, told Reuters yesterday that all of those who perished were civilians. One, named Feda Mohammad, said: The area is under the control of Taliban but all of the victims of last nights bombing are civilians. He stated that some of those hit by the strike are still buried under rubble. Another resident, Mohammadullah, commented: Foreign forces bombed the area and the bombs hit my brothers house. He said that the dead included women and 16 children. Similar horrific incidents have taken place on a regular basis, especially since then senior US military commander in Afghanistan John Nicholson declared in October 2017 that a tidal wave of air power is on the horizon. He made the statement as the administration of President Donald Trump deployed dozens of additional UH-60 black hawk helicopters to US and Afghan forces. According to US army statistics, American military aircraft dropped almost 3,000 bombs across Afghanistan over the first half of the year, or roughly 16 every day. The figure was over five times larger than the number of bombs used in the first half of 2016, and twice the number dropped in the first six months of 2017. It was higher than in 2011, when, at the height of the Obama administrations surge in Afghanistan, US forces dropped 2,300 bombs in the first half of the year. In July alone, US troops used 746 munitions, the largest monthly figure since October 2010. The result of the indiscriminate bombing has been a major increase in civilian deaths and injuries. A UN report, released last month, found that civilian casualties from US and Afghan government airstrikes increased by 39 percent over the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period in 2017. The 639 documented civilian casualties included 313 deaths and 336 injuries. Around 51 percent of the casualties were caused by US-NATO strikes and 38 percent by Afghan Air Force attacks. Women and children comprised more than 60 percent of the casualties. Child casualties from air raids were up 53 percent in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period of 2017. In July, for instance, US and Afghan airstrikes killed a family of 14 in the northern city of Kunduz, including women and three young children. US and NATO forces blithely denied that the victims were civilians. In the last week of September, at least 24 civilians were killed by Afghan and US bombings in three separate incidents. In one case, nine members of a single family died when munitions hit a teachers home in the eastern province of Kapisa. The victims reportedly included elderly grandparents and children between the ages of two and 12. The bombing campaign has coincided with a deepening crisis of the US-backed Afghan government. According to a report by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction presented to Congress last month, the Afghan regime controls or influences only 55.5 percent of the countrys districts, compared with 72 percent in November 2015. The data indicated that the Taliban controls 12.5 of Afghanistan, with around 30 percent of the country contested. It is widely reported, however, that the puppet Afghan government has control only over Kabul, the countrys capital. Taliban advances have reportedly decimated the Afghan army, which is largely composed of economic conscripts amid widespread unemployment and terrible poverty. Afghan security forces numbered 312,328 in July, down by almost 9,000 in the space of a year. The total was the lowest since 2012. NATO has responded by bolstering the number of Western military advisors to Afghan forces. In August, Britain began deploying 440 additional military personnel to assist the Afghan army, including to provide security in Kabul. US and NATO troops have been hit by a spike in casualties. On Tuesday, three US soldiers were killed, by an explosive device in the southeastern province of Ghazn. Three others and a military contractor were wounded in the incident, which had the highest US casualty toll in almost a year-and-a-half. Three days earlier, a US ranger was shot dead in the southwestern province of Nimroz during a firefight with militants. The casualties threaten to undermine the Trump administrations attempts to force a negotiated settlement to the war with the Taliban. While Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Envoy has reportedly held recent talks with Taliban officials on brokering a peace process, China and Russia have organised their own negotiations for an end to the conflict. Each country is jockeying for influence in the country, amid mounting geo-strategic conflicts and a deepening crisis of the US occupation of Afghanistan, Americas longest war. Outrage in auto factories and working class communities is growing over General Motors announcement Monday that it is closing five plants in the United States and Canada and wiping out the jobs of nearly 15,000 hourly and salaried workers. Declaring that the actions will increase the long-term profit and cash generation potential, GM CEO Mary Barra said that assembly plants in Detroit, Lordstown, Ohio and Oshawa, Ontario would be closed next year, along with transmission plants in Baltimore, Maryland and the Detroit suburb of Warren, Michigan. The Detroit-based automaker recorded a 38 percent increase in its third-quarter North American profit and is on the way to making $10 billion in profit this year and $42 billion over the last five years. Wall Street celebrated the shutdown announcement, driving up GM shares by nearly 7 percent, assured that much of the estimated $6.5 billion in cost savings by 2020 would be funneled to wealthy investors through continued stock buybacks and dividend payments. The job cuts were praised in editorials in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and other corporate-controlled media. Trump and the Democrats, who handed GM a $500 million corporate tax break, along with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, have issued phony protests centered on demands that GM shut plants in China and Mexico. However, both big business parties and the UAW support the relentless campaign to drive down the wages and conditions of workers in order to channel more money to the corporate and financial elite. This is capitalism at its finest, Angela, a Fiat Chrysler worker from Kokomo, Indiana said of the plant closings. This shows that they dont give a damn about anything but the stock market. Christmas is coming, and I can only imagine the pressure these workers will be under when they try to buy gifts for their kids knowing they wont have a job next year. When Trump and the media say the economy has never been so good and theres record low unemployment, they are piling the BS high. I cant think of any other country in the world that is propagandized more than America. Then they tell us its Mexico or Chinas fault, or that desperate immigrants are taking jobs Im just nauseated by all the scapegoating. What has changed since the 2008 crash? They bailed out the super-rich and all the corporations. But for us workers, we got nothing. How secure are our jobs? Were desperate and dodging creditors, and this is supposed to be the best of times. The global financial crash in 2008 was followed by Obamas 2009 bankruptcy restructuring of GM and Chrysler, which led to the halving of the wages of all new workers, the end of the eight-hour day and the elimination of the Jobs Bank, which had provided some semblance of income protection to laid off workers. In exchange for handing over these concessions, the UAW was given control of a multi-billion-dollar retiree health care trust and the largest chunk of GMs corporate shares. After selling 40 million shares back to the company last Februaryfor a return of a cool $1.6 billionthe UAW still retains 100 million shares, currently valued at $3.67 billion. When GM stock shot up after the plant closing announcement, the value of the unions holdings rose by $214 million. As it has done for the last four decades, the UAW pushed through contracts in 2009 and 2011 and 2015 based on the lie that increasing the profits of the corporations would secure jobs. Faced with a growing number of strikes and mass protests by workers in the US and around the world this year, the move by GM is a signal to Wall Street that there will be no let-up on extracting maximum profits from workers. In particular, the job cuts are meant to beat back the militancy of 140,000 GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler autoworkers who are determined to win back lost income and win substantial gains when their four-year labor agreements expire in September 2019. GMs announcement was followed by Fords decision to cut a shift at two of its plants, eliminating 500 jobs each at its Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky and Flat Rock plant in the downriver suburbs of Detroit. The company claims there will be no permanent layoffs because workers will be shifted to other plants. However, the jobs of many temporary part-time (TPT) and short-term supplemental (STS) workers, who pay union dues but do not have the slightest job protection, are in peril. A worker at the nearby Kentucky Transmission Plant told the WSWS, The Louisville Assembly Plant just announced today that theyre laying people off. Weve heard 500 people are going to be transferred to our plant. But whats going to happen to the TPT, STS workers there? Most of them are going to be out of a job. Its totally unacceptable. I am not surprised by what GM has done, a GM contract worker in the Detroit area said. It is cut, slash and burn, destroying people, families and communities. Look at Detroit 40 years ago. It was absolutely beautiful. Now look at Flint. Everything they touch turns to s**t. If workers do not stop the plant closures, it will mean the further devastation of Detroit, Oshawa and the cities surrounding the Lordstown plant in Ohio, which have already been ravaged by decades of deindustrialization and chronic poverty. A low estimate is that the ripple effect of the closures would lead to the elimination of another 35,000 related jobs at supplier plants and in service industries. We should strike across America. EverybodyFord, Chrysler, GM, everybodyneeds to strike right now, a GM worker from the targeted Detroit-Hamtramck plant told the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter. Tommy, who is already laid off from the Lordstown plant, said, We have a lot of people that are really pissed off and feel like we were kicked to the curb. We are ready to do something to fight back. This needs to be a movement all across America, another Lordstown worker said. We need to consider it as a movement because defeat is not an option. The fight is for jobs. They are continually taking jobs away, said a young TPT worker at the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) Sterling Heights Assembly Plant who previously worked at the Detroit-Hamtramck GM plant. There are a lot of workers at that plant that are trying to get enough time in for retirement. The closure will affect workers throughout the Detroit area, including businesses and suppliers. The TPT workers like me will be hit the hardest," she added, noting that those workers have no seniority or recall rights. Among autoworkers, there is universal hatred of the UAW, which is mired in a corruption scandal involving the transfer of millions of dollars in bribes from Fiat Chrysler executives in exchange for signing pro-company labor agreements. Shortly before GM wiped out the second of three shifts at Lordstown last year, former UAW Vice President at GM Cindy Estrada signed a deal behind the backs of workers allowing GM to outsource jobs to a lower-paying contractor. The UAW knew this was coming, Dick, an FCA Toledo Jeep worker said of the closures. Estrada probably laid the groundwork for this. Im sure that GM is going to wheel and deal to get more tax breaks and will try to squeeze workers next year during the contract negotiations. The company is going to dangle these plants to get workers to accept more takeaways. I bet that the UAW will pick GM as the target company and will tell workers they are going to have to bite the bullet if they want their jobs back. If there is going to be a fight, its going to have to come from the workers themselves. As for the UAW, added Angela, the Kokomo FCA transmission worker, this is an organization that will accept bribes, will give their top officers pay raises and build them cottages in Black Lake in the midst of a corruption scandal. They see the writing on the wall. Workers are going to abandon them and stop paying dues, and they want to steal everything they can before going down. The only ones who are going to fight these plant closings are the workers themselves. They tell us to speak the truth to power, but the problem is those in power already know the truth about what they are doing to us, and they dont give a damn about us. The working class is going to have to stand up and take the power from them. Mark, a 26-year-old temporary part-time worker at GMs Detroit-Hamtramck plant, said he found out about the closure only the day after, on the news." He continued: "Its really disheartening. They told us theyre sorry we found out this way. As far as the union president goes, we havent heard anything. After high school, Mark worked at Walmart on and off for four years at $10 per hour. He got a job as a TPT worker at GM four years ago but has never been able to become permanent. He has had to shift plants multiple times because of temporary shutdowns or closures, and every time he loses his seniority and so is never able to get a permanent job. Ive been jumping from plant to plant, he said. Most recently, he left his position at GMs Lake Orion plant in the summer of 2017 because of the extended shutdown. He is earning $15 per hour and does not know what he will do in response to the announced closure. GM is just padding their pockets, he said. We get the short end. Thats the way it works. Were used to it in America. The people that need the most get the least. The ones on top look after themselves. If youre in the working class, you have to work constantly just to survive. They wont ever give you the chance to live comfortably. You would think wed be better treated since were the ones who actually make the company work from day to day, and they couldnt do it without us. With no savings, Mark said he could not afford a major repair on his car if it broke down. I can afford basic necessities, he said. Its a struggle. It gets frustrating coming out of here at 5 or 6 am, and a lot of us get home at 8 or 9 pm. Then right away youre back here all over. He said he thought every worker had the right to a permanent full-time job, not just in the United States but internationally. Everybody deserves a job. If we fought together in different countries to make sure were on the same page, with the same wage, I think we could make an impact. I feel like the working class needs to work together more as a class and make it so that its not the few rich that just dictate to the poor. Its unjust and unfair. We should just divide up all the wealth so that everyone has the same amount. A passerby made the horrifying discovery last week of a dead baby girl, nine months old, washed up at Surfers Paradise, a prominent tourist beach on Australias Gold Coast. Though the plight of the infants parents, a homeless couple, had been known to police and government authorities for months, they have now been accused of criminal neglect and the father has been charged with murder. While the immediate cause of the tragedy may be complicated, a picture has emerged of the desperate poverty gripping layers of workers and youth in Australia, caused by decades of attacks on public services and living standards carried out by successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National Coalition alike. The tragedy is all the more revealing because the Gold Coast embodies the obscene poles of wealth created by capitalism, with homeless families living in tents, near sewers and under bridges, close to some of the most expensive homes in the country. Police say they believe the baby drowned after being thrown into the Tweed River at Tweed Heads, about 30 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise, and was carried onto the beach by ocean currents. Police soon arrested the couple, describing them as known to the police, and later charged the father, a 48-year-old indigenous man, with murder. The mother, a 23-year-old former university student, underwent treatment at a mental health service, but police refused to rule out charging her with murder as well. Police told a Gold Coast court the father had a history of street offences and mental health issues, including schizophrenia. He was living on a meagre disability pension. At one point, the couple and two infant children were known to be living in a tent on beach dunes. These facts alone are a damning indictment of the lack of mental health and homelessness services. It quickly emerged that both parents suffer from mental illness, and had, for months, been living homeless on local beaches and in parks. Concerned residents, both in Queenslands Gold Coast, and Tweed Heads, in the neighbouring state of New South Wales, had long asked authorities to assist them, only to be bureaucratically brushed aside. The death has had a strong impact in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads communities, which include substantial working class suburbs. It appears both parents had attempted to give away the baby to peopleeven random strangersreflecting a state of desperation and psychological instability. One Gold Coast resident, Erin Sorensen, posted on her Facebook page that she had informed the police of the situation two months earlier, saying: It was winter and the dunes were freezing every time the sun went down. I didnt think that was good for a baby or toddler I reported it straight away and monitored the following week. And if authorities did the job correctly this little girl would still be here! Another resident wrote to the Gold Coast City Council in May, expressing similar fears as the family spent winter nights sleeping on a wooden platform in a park. At night the baby could be heard crying. A council official wrote back after five days, telling the resident to raise the matter with other authorities as it was not a council responsibility. One anonymous person asked the Gold Coast Bulletin: Why was the baby left with the parentsjust why? Child Protection Services (CPS) in Queensland were made aware of the familys situation but took no further action, despite subsequent complaints, after the father reportedly turned away a social worker. Tweed Heads resident Willem Ungermann said the babys parents frequented the park near the Jack Evans Boat Harbour, where the baby was allegedly thrown in the river. Homelessness had got very, very bad over the last two years, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Homelessness, exacerbated by the exorbitant cost of housing, has become an increasingly urgent problem in Australia. With hardly any new public housing units being built, and waiting lists expanding dramatically, individuals and entire families are forced to seek assistance from relatives, friends and charities. According to an ABC Fact File in August, the number of homeless people Australia-wide had risen to 116,400 homelessthe highest level ever recorded. The rate of homelessness had increased by 14 percent since 2011, or from 47.6 per 10,000 people to 49.8. Young and indigenous people were over-represented, with 58 percent of the homeless aged 34 or younger and 20 percent indigenous. In the Gold Coast alone, an estimated 1,700 people were homeless in 2016, representing a 27 percent increase compared to 2011. The true number may be greater. Homeless advocate Kathleen Vlasic told the ABC that the high volume of transient people and tourists in the Gold Coast could make homeless people difficult to identify. They can wander through Surfers and theyre not really going to stand out like a sore toe, she explained. Reverend Jon Brook, whose charity provides free meals, said dozens of homeless people are forced to stay in unsafe conditions and areas such campgrounds, dilapidated buildings or boarding houses. He noted an increase in multi-generational homelessness, with some homeless families consisting of three generations. Incidents of children being harmed or killed as a result of the worsening social conditions are being reported across the country in rising numbers. Requests for child protection interventions increased by 25 percent in 201617 alone. Wendy Coe, a former coordinator of a non-profit homeless service on the Gold Coast, wrote in a letter to the Brisbane Times: A baby is dead. A family is in ruin. A brother will never see his sister again. It is a tragedy unfathomable and yet it was highly predictable. Coe said she was first alerted to the fact that a homeless couple with two little children was sleeping rough in Surfers six months ago when a friend copied her into an email she sent to a Gold Coast city councillor. However, Coe was unable to assist. I know there is nowhere for a family to go for crisis accommodation, she wrote. The response of the Queensland state Labor government has been characteristically inhumane. Rather than address the issues of homelessness, mental illness or poverty, it has vowed to increase criminal sentences and broaden the definition of murder to include manslaughter. These measures will succeed only in vilifying desperate parents and obscuring the horrific social conditions that lead to such tragedies. The deaths of children are a malignant byproduct of the austerity measures and cuts to welfare, championed by all state and federal governments over the past forty years. Heavily armed Balochi separatist insurgents, including at least one suicide bomber, attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi last Friday morning. The targeting of the Chinese consulate comes amid a concerted campaign by the United States against deepening China-Pakistan strategic ties. The three attackers reportedly died in a firefight with Pakistani security forces before entering the consulate, leaving the staff unharmed. Two policemen and two civilians waiting to enter the consulate, all Pakistani nationals, were killed as well. Weapons, explosives, food and medicine supplies recovered from the slain gunmen suggests they planned to take hostages within the consulate. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack on the consulate as well as a sectarian suicide bomb blast on the same day in the northwest Pakistan. The latter attack resulted in the deaths of over 35 people, with Khan vowing to crush the terrorists. However, he took especial exception to the failed attack on the consulate. Khan claimed it is part of conspiracy against Pak[istan] and China economic and strategic cooperation. Such incidents will never be able to undermine the relationship between the two countries that is mightier than Himalaya and deeper than Arabian sea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, in a statement, strongly condemned the attack and urged Pakistan to take practical measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country. Since the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in 2014, Pakistan has already created a 15,000-strong security force to protect Chinese investment projects and personnelin particular, to counter Balochi secessionist attacks. The selection of the Chinese consulate and a target outside Balochistan province are significant. The Balochi nationalists have demonstrated not only that they are willing to intensify attacks on Chinese interests, but also their ability to penetrate and carry out attacks inside a high security zone in Karachi. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist Balochi-nationalist militant outfit fighting the government security forces in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. The objective of this attack is clear: we will not tolerate any Chinese military expansionist endeavors on Baloch soil, the BLA stated. It contacted Qatar-based Al Jazeera while the attack was still ongoing and later the German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The BLA released photos purportedly of the men who died in the attack. The BLA claimed that these men belonged to its Fidayeen Majeed Brigade, exclusively formed to carry out suicide attacks against Pakistani security forces and Chinese targets, according to its spokesperson Jihand Baloch, who spoke with Al Jazeera. The Karachi attack is not the first time the BLA has targeted Chinese interests, but this attack is perhaps the boldest. It marks a new stage in the efforts of the BLA and the Balochi separatist movement as a whole to secure the backing and patronage of New Delhi, and above all Washington, by showing that they can serve as a useful and deadly tool in disrupting the China-Pakistan strategic partnership. The Arabian Sea port Gwadar, in southwestern Balochistan, is at the center of the CPEC project that involves a sophisticated network of highway, pipeline and rail infrastructure involving over $60 billion in Chinese investment. The CPEC is, in part, Beijings response to the US move to heavily militarize the Asia-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, in order to threaten Chinas trade routes at a series of choke points in the event of war. The CPEC initiative will connect Gwadar to the Chinese mainland over land routes allowing China to, at least partially, bypass a US blockade of sea lanes. Washington has publicly declared its opposition to the CPEC and has recently condemned Chinese investment as debt trap diplomacy. When Pakistan announced its intentions to seek International Monetary Fund assistance to alleviate a balance of payments crisis, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned in July that Washington would oppose money going to bail out Chinese bondholders or China itself. However, Washington has maintained that it supports the territorial integrity of Pakistan, including in relation to Balochistan. Despite its official position, there is a section of the American political establishment that advocates US support for Balochi secessionist demandsas shown in 2012, when three Republicans in the US House of Representatives sponsored a non-binding resolution advocating self-determination for Balochistan. In contrast, India, as part of its adoption of an ever more aggressive stand against Pakistan, announced a major and highly provocative strategic shift in the summer of 2016, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized human rights violations in Balochistan. The underlying threat was to support the Balochi nationalists and dismember Pakistan. The Modi governments hawkish attitude toward Islamabad was shown by Ajit Doval, who, shortly before becoming Modis national security adviser, threatened Pakistan: You do one more Mumbai [a reference to the 2008 Mumbai terror attack], and you lose Balochistan. New Delhi sees the CPEC as cutting across its aim of politically isolating and economically crushing Pakistan. It opposed the initiative from the outset, on the pretext that some of the highways cross Gilgit-Baltistan, which India claims as its own. Both countries, however, promptly issued statements condemning the attack on the consulate. The US State Department condemned the two attacks on Friday in the strongest terms and said it is seeking opportunities to cooperate with the Pakistani government to combat these threats in the region. Indias Ministry of External Affairs in its statement said, The perpetrators of this heinous attack should be brought to justice expeditiously. However, the language the BLA used in justifying its attack was clearly borrowed from the intensifying propaganda emanating from Washington. The US has condemned Chinas land reclamation activities in the South China Seain the face of provocative measures by the US and its allies, aimed at asserting the Pentagons right to park an armada off Chinas coastas expansionist and militaristic. The Pentagons annual report to the US Congress in 2017, titled Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China, claimed, China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan. The report, however, did not provide any evidence. The BLA is probably the most prominent of the Balochi-nationalist separatist militant groups, alongside the Baloch Liberation Front. Balochistan is Pakistans largest, most resource rich and strategically located province, and simultaneously its poorest. The severe poverty in the province is a result of decades of negligence by Islamabad. The latest insurgency in Balochistan has been raging since 2004. Not willing to offer anything other than violence, successive governments in Islamabad, and the military, instead respond with methods of enforced disappearances, torture and extra-judicial killings to all forms of opposition emerging in the province. The contempt with which Islamabad deals with the legitimate grievances of the impoverished population has fueled the growth of numerous Balochi nationalist militant groups. However, the BLAs move to build a suicide squad is a strong indication of the bankruptcy and crisis within the Balochi nationalist movement. It represents sections of the local bourgeois elite who hope to carve out a separate state so as to make their own deals with imperialism at the expense of the workers and toilers. Balochistans workers and toilers cannot gain anything from the reactionary perspective of Balochi nationalism advanced by the BLA and other such organizations. Indeed, the violence carried out against Pashtun workers and other non-Balochi residents in Balochistan by the ethno-nationalist separatists is a clear expression of the anti-working class nature of the movement. The attack on the consulate, however, is an ominous sign that CPEC will increasingly face the challenge of the Balochi nationalists. While dramatically downgrading ties with Pakistan, Washington has showered India with strategic favors to entice it to transform itself into a frontline state against China. Finding itself increasingly politically and strategically isolated, Islamabad has responded by deepening ties with Beijing, especially in the face of the increasingly bellicose attitude of its rival, India. Islamabad is well aware that the CPEC is a cornerstone for its relations with China and has been ruthless in protecting it. At the same time, Washington has made clear that it is only intensifying its offensive against Beijing, which was the message that US Vice President Mike Pence had for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this month. Pakistan will no doubt come under increasing pressure to shut down the CPEC and distance itself from China. Under intense pressure from Washington, Khan said in November, prior to his trip to China that he would renegotiate the terms of CPEC, especially to move its focus from strategic issues to economic ones. The CPEC, and along with it Balochistan, is increasingly dragged into US imperialisms rivalry against China with disastrous consequences for the entire region. A new argument has been introduced into the editorial pages of the New York Times and Washington Post: that the American media, by reporting true information about presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, was promoting Russian propaganda. Over the past two years, major US technology companies, under the pretext of fighting Russian meddling in American politics, have created a regime of internet censorship, in which left-wing, anti-war, and socialist viewpoints are routinely deleted or secretly restricted. Now, the leading architects of this censorship regime are demanding its expansion to the mainstream newspapers not targeted by Silicon Valleys crackdown. On November 17, the Washington Post published an op-ed column by Alex Stamos, Facebooks former head of security, arguing that the US media should not have reported the WikiLeaks revelations about Hillary Clintons corrupt relations with Wall Street and the theft of the Democratic primary in 2016. Stamos writes that Facebook executives werent the only ones responsible for Russian meddling We must also remember that in the summer of 2016, every major media outlet rewarded the hackers of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) with thousands of collective stories drawn from the stolen emails of prominent Democrats. The sad truth is that blocking Russian propaganda would have required Facebook to ban stories from the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and cable newsnot to mention this very paper. He concludes, these newspapers have never adequately grappled with their culpability in empowering Russias election interference. Stamos is arguing, in other words, that by publishing true information about political corruption, the American press committed what amounts to treason. His claim is a frontal attack on the American political tradition of free speech going back to the Zenger case of 1734, which set the precedent that true statements cannot be a crime. The Posts decision to publish Stamoss arguments is an expression of sympathy for this totalitarian argument. The publication of Stamoss column came just two days after the New York Times published a front-page lead article pillorying Facebook executives for initially rejecting Stamoss claims about Russian meddling on Facebook. That article presents Stamos as an embattled warrior waging a heroic struggle to expose the Russian menace within Facebook, and amounts to the Times endorsement of his views. Stamos has long been one of the foremost advocates of internet censorship. In a talk at a military conference in Estonia, Stamos told the assembled generals that Facebook was selectively choosing what posts it displays to users because not all information is created equal. An even more direct endorsement of this view came in the form of a November 23 column by Times editorial page hack Nicholas Kristof, titled Trying to Fight, Not Spread, Fear and Lies. Kristof declares, Alex Stamos, formerly at Facebook and now at Stanford, noted that much of the public discussion has been about how Russia used profiles of fake Americans to sow discord and falsehood. There has been less focus, he noted, on how Russia used news organizations to publicize stolen Democratic emails to hurt Hillary Clinton. The columnist continues, There has not been a great deal of soul searching in the traditional media on their role in this, Stamos told me. There is no easy answer for what legitimate journalists should do when newsworthy information is strategically leaked, but there might be some options to cover these stories without providing massive amplification. Kristof adds, I thought that we in the media (especially cable television) fumbled 2016. Over the second half of 2016, WikiLeaks released information provided to it by an unknown whistleblower documenting massive corruption on the part of Hillary Clinton, her campaign, and the Democratic National Committee. The emails showed that, in exchange for six-figure speaking fees, Clinton would tell Wall Street bankers that wealthy people should have more influence in American politics. They also documented how Clinton received debate questions in advance that her opponent did not have access to, and how the Democratic National Committee leadership had been bought by the Clinton campaign and worked to ensure the defeat of her opponent. These revelations were reported throughout the print and broadcast media. According to Stamos and Kristof, the major newspapers should have simply censored themselves and refused to cover WikiLeaks revelations. These allegations mark a new stage in the campaign against freedom of expression in the United States. An effective censorship regime has been created online. Now, the leading architects of internet censorship are calling for major newspapers to practice self-censorship. With oppositional news outlets censored, and mainstream outlets gagging themselves, Stamos, Kristof, and their ilk hope the public will have no way to learn what the political establishment does not want them to know. In a clear demonstration that the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives will produce no significant shift in US capitalist politics, the House Democratic Caucus has reelected its three top leaders, 78-year-old Nancy Pelosi, 79-year-old Steny Hoyer and 78-year-old James Clyburn. All three are indelibly associated with the right-wing record of the Democratic Party during its last period in control of the House of Representatives, from January 2007 to January 2011, when Pelosi was House speaker, Hoyer was majority leader and Clyburn was majority whip. During the first two years, with George W. Bush in the White House, Pelosi and her two top aides blocked any effort to impeach Bush for the lies that paved the way for the war in Iraq, while supporting full funding of the murderous US military interventions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Pelosi has adopted a similar stance in relation to a possible impeachment of Donald Trump, whose assault on the Constitution is even more flagrant than that of Bush. During the next two-year period, under the Obama administration, the Pelosi-Hoyer-Clyburn leadership spearheaded passage of the reactionary Affordable Care Act, whose purpose was to shift the cost of health care from corporations and the government onto the backs of working people; pushed through the Dodd-Frank legislation, which gave a slap on the wrist to the Wall Street criminals who caused the 2008 financial crash; and lavishly funded the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, under Obamas leadership, and the expansion of drone warfare throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The Democrats were swept out of power in the House of Representatives in the 2010 elections, in large measure because of popular disappointment with the failure of the Obama administration to provide any serious remedy for the economic slump that followed the 2008 Wall Street crash. Obama and the Democrats bailed out Wall Street but pushed through wage cuts for auto workers and other sections of the working class. After eight years in the minority, the Democrats recaptured a House majority in the November 6 elections. They were the entirely undeserving beneficiaries of the broad popular hostility to the Trump administration and the Republicans, which under the US political system can find no electoral expression except in a vote for the other half of the two-party duopoly, in this case, the equally right-wing and pro-corporate Democrats. Wednesdays caucus vote follows several weeks of maneuvering and horse-trading by the Democratic leadership, mainly involving small groups of representatives whose perspective and program is generally more right-wing than Pelosis. These include the Blue Dogs, a group of several dozen Democrats committed to fiscal austerity; the Problem-Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of 12 Democrats and 12 Republicans; and an informal stop Pelosi group spearheaded by Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, an Iraq War military officer, and Kathleen Rice, a former prosecutor from Long Island. Pelosi met with Moulton, Rice and Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, who ran against her in 2016 but declined to do so this year, just before the House Democratic caucus meeting. Moulton said afterwards that they pressed Pelosi to outline a transition in leadershipi.e., to announce that this would be her last term as Democratic leaderbut she declined to do so. By contrast, Pelosi had the full and unreserved support of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib, the two newly elected representatives who claim membership in the Democratic Socialists of America, as well as other candidates hailed by the pseudo-left because of their racial or gender identities: Ayanna Pressley of Boston (the first African-American representative from Boston), Sharon Davids of Kansas City (the first Native American lesbian representative), Ilhan Omar of Minneapolis (along with Tlaib, the first Muslim woman representative), and so on. In the caucus vote Wednesday, Pelosi prevailed easily, 20332. The 32 votes against her were only half the 63 votes won by Ryan two years ago, when he challenged Pelosi for reelection as minority leader. Pelosi was compelled to negotiate with the right-wing caucuses only because the speaker, unlike the majority leader or minority leader, is chosen by all 435 members of the House of Representatives, requiring 218 votes for election. The 203 votes she received in the caucus ballot was 15 votes short of the 218 she will need in January, when the new House session begins. Many of those voting against Pelosi Wednesday had pledged to oppose her for speaker during their election campaigns, mainly to appease right-wing criticism of Pelosis supposed liberalism. In an effort to secure the necessary votes for January, Pelosi crafted a cynical process for the caucus vote, allowing representatives to cast no votes against her even though she was the only candidate nominated, so they could cite the caucus vote as proof that they had honored their campaign promise. Although the vote was supposedly by secret ballot, representatives who so desired were even encouraged to take selfies with their no votes so they could prove in future electoral campaigns that they had opposed Pelosi, even after they cast a vote for Pelosi in January, when the vote really counts. As Politico wrote, summing up the cynical maneuvering: The unusual move allows members from swing districts who ran on a platform of opposing Pelosi to say they did so when they return home. In fact, Pelosi allies have actually encouraged some members-elect to oppose her in caucus so they can tell constituents they tried to push her out of the joband then back her during the more critical Jan. 3 floor vote to officially become speaker. For all other leadership positions no such elaborate pretenses were required, since a simple majority of the caucus decided the winner. Accordingly, for the other two top positions where there was only one candidate, House majority leader and House majority whip, Hoyer and Clyburn were elected by acclamation. The lesser positions in the Democratic leadership were filled in part by acclamation and in part by contests. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, who headed the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which oversaw the vetting and nomination of Democratic candidatesmainly to promote the most right-wing candidates, particularly those with a military-intelligence backgroundwon the position of assistant majority leader, effectively the number four leadership position, without opposition. In the contest for chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the number five position, Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn, New York, defeated Barbara Lee of Oakland, California, by 123113. This was billed as a largely generational contest, since Jeffries is 48 and Lee, 72, and without political significance, since both are members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus. However, Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force after the 9/11 attacks, which Bush cited as the legal basis for his invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. She also voted against the USA Patriot Act. Pelosi coopted potential opponents by creating several new lower-level leadership positions for which they could run, including the assistant majority leader position set aside for Lujan, and various subordinate positions on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Voting for these offices continued into Wednesday evening and perhaps into Thursday. In another significant initiative, Michigan Representative-elect Elissa Slotkin, one of the two former CIA operatives elected as Democrats on November 6, drafted a letter to Pelosi on behalf of the incoming freshman class, which numbers 62 newly elected Democrats, asking the Democratic leadership to set aside positions on the powerful Appropriations, Rules, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services committees for new members. Slotkin also asked for two freshmen to be seated on the Steering and Policy Committee, which decides on committee assignments and sets legislative strategy. Greyhound Bus Services, North Americas largest transportation provider, ceased its Western Canada services on October 31, after operating in the region without interruption for nearly a century. With the exception of the Vancouver-Seattle route, services in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, comprising some 400 communities, have shut down permanently. The principal reason for the rapid and sweeping service cuts is the companys desire to boost profits. Senior vice president of Greyhound Stuart Kendrick claimed in a statement that despite best efforts over several years, ridership has dropped nearly 41 percent across the country since 2010 within a changing and increasingly challenging transportation environment. Simply put, we can no longer operate unsustainable routes. He noted that 415 people will be out of work, 2 million consumers will be affected, and most of the afflicted communities will be left without alternative transportation options. The closures have devastated regions where no other means of inter-city transportation exists. Residents living in rural and remote areasnotably those in Northern British Columbia, where economic decline, isolation, and lack of amenities are most severewill be left without safe and reliable transportation for day-to-day necessities such as doctors and hospital visits, grocery shopping, employment, and education. Indigenous communities, often located in remote and isolated areas, will be disproportionately impacted by the bus cancellation. Many women living in poverty or fleeing domestic violence will be without safe access to public services. Some will resort to hitchhiking along the notorious Highway of Tears, located near the northern BC town of Prince George, named after the countless missing and murdered indigenous women who traveled along it. In the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where the majority of prisoners are indigenous adults and youth, the bus stoppage means regular family visitations will become more difficult to maintain. The elderly will also be deeply affected by the transportation cuts. Many have relied on the Greyhound bus network to access clinics and hospitals, visit friends and family, and attend funeral services. Eighty-year-old Winnipeg citizen Mary Reimer reported that since my husband passed away four years ago, this is how I get to my sister. Unsafe travel is also a considerable issue for those who feel that the cancellation has left them no other choice but to drive themselves. Poor road conditions and inadequately equipped vehicles on treacherous mountain roads will put many lives at risk this winter. Small businesses operating in remote areas that rely on Greyhounds freight delivery service to transport commercial goods will also be imperiled by the closure. An Alberta resident who manages a store specializing in recreational vehicles near the town of Fort McMurray lamented that its getting brutal to get anything up here. Were going to have to scramble now. Greyhound has made no secret of its struggle to boost profits from its service in Canada. However, when it filed an application for permission to discontinue its Western routes last year, governments feigned astonishment and have since been unwilling to identify or commit to meaningful solutions. BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena altogether blamed Greyhound for the stoppage in a news release stating that its unfortunate that Greyhound did not communicate their plans sooner. She went on to implore the private sector to see an opportunity for a new private bus service. Similar sentiments and evasive remarks were voiced by officials in other governments. Albertas NDP Premier, Rachel Notley, offered her casual opinion that the Greyhound closure is a national issue that requires a national response. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister declared that obviously, we hope that the private sector responds. In the province of Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe announced that his government would not be providing any subsidy to keep Greyhound operating and hoped that the private sector would have a look at these main routes. His remarks are entirely insincere. Just last year, the Saskatchewan Party government, in which Moe was than serving as environment minister, shut down the Crown-owned Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) after 72 years of service. More than 200 bus workers were thrown out of a job. One year later, with Moe having replaced Brad Wall as premier, just two out of the ten companies that had initially competed on the former STC routes remain. For his part, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the closures with a phony appeal for Transport Minister Marc Garneau to work with the provinces and see what paths forward there are. However, Transport Canada concluded that it isnt the role of the federal government to provide subsidies to Greyhound, and no federal programs exist to subsidize a private inter-city bus carrier. Garneau, in lockstep with the provincial authorities, expressed his desire for private sector solutions. The loss of Greyhounds presence in Western Canada will depend on the speed and extent to which other entrants fill the market, he said in a public statement. Apart from the initial public statementscomposed of hollow rhetoric, appeals to private corporations, and opportunistic indictments of GreyhoundOttawa and the provincial governments said little and did less about the impending the transportation crisis from July through October. Then, in the immediate aftermath of the October 31 shutdown, some of the provinces took feeble and entirely inadequate steps. In BC, the NDP government has initiated a one-year temporary pilot project, BC Bus North, launched with an operating budget of a paltry C$2 million. In Alberta, the NDP government has made a miserable C$1.4 million commitment over two years to its Rural Transportation Pilot Program. Both of these services are vanity projects entirely limited in scope and funding that will serve as public relations tools to promote the NDP brand and its supposed orientation towards blue collar workers. The provincial and federal governments near-total impairment when confronted with the unprecedented closure of one of Canadas most crucial public transportation services confirms that they have no interest in ensuring the provision of basic social infrastructure. Their flagrant commitment to the same market-based conditions that precipitated the closures to begin with demonstrates their readiness to subordinate indispensable public services to the impulses of private capital. The unfolding bus transportation crisis is the result of decades of pro-business legislation, massive sell-offs of publicly held assets, corruption, and personal enrichment. The ruling class has rendered all levels of government incapable of responding meaningfully to the basic social needs of the country. The continual evasion of responsibility by government will only result in the further privatization of services, and more misery and suffering for the greatest number of Canadians. The Greyhound bus service closure is an entirely working-class issue. The sections of society that feel the impact most acutely are low-income earners, pensioners, the unemployed and marginalized living in economically depressed rural and remote communities ravaged by decades of neglect. The only progressive way to combat such social ev isceration is to fight for a socialist perspective and program that demands privately owned essential services such as transportation be expropriated and placed under the control of a worker-led government so they can be operated as public utilities. IAI-Boeing Deal Points to Acquisition of F-15 and KC-46 Aircraft by Israel 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. For the past month, since US President Trump had a phone conversation with Chinas President Xi Jinping on trade, attention has been focussed on the talks between them due to take place at a dinner on Saturday night during the G20 summit meeting in Buenos Aires. The hope is that the discussion will lead to at least some easing of the US trade war against China, possibly putting on hold the planned escalation of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent at the start of next year. While a deal is still possible, the chances seem very remote in the light of Trumps comments and those of other members of his administration this week. On Monday in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump indicated that it was highly unlikely that he would agree to any Chinese request not to go ahead with increased tariffs. Furthermore, if the talks did not produce a favourable outcome for the US, he would go ahead with tariffs on an additional $267 billion worth of Chinese goods not covered so far, either at 10 percent or 25 percent. If we dont make a deal, then Im going to put the $267 billion additional on, Trump said. Another indication of the probable tone of the discussions is that the dinner with Xi will be attended by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton, both regarded as hardliners on the question of China. The belligerent tone struck by Trump in his interview was echoed in comments by the director of the US National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow. His remarks were significant because he is one of those in the administration regarded as more amenable to a trade deal with China. But Kudlow held out little prospect for an agreement, saying talks in the lead-up to the Trump-Xi meeting had made no progress and that it was up to the Chinese president to step up and come up with new ideas. We cant find much change in their approach, he told reporters. He said he hoped Xi would have more to say in the talks with Trump but at the moment, we dont see it. The following day, in an effort to calm the stock market, Kudlow said Trump had indicated that there was a good possibility that a deal could be made but certain conditions have to be met with respect to fairness and reciprocity. It is precisely those certain conditions that are at the heart of the conflict. The essential demand, which Washington placed before Beijing last May, is that China essentially abandon its plan to advance its technological and industrial base, which the US regards as a threat its economic and military position. The US accuses China of seeking to make this development through intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and market-distorting subsidies to state-owned industries. The US demands, however, are unacceptable to Beijing as they amount in essence to a directive that China cease its industrial development and remain subservient to the US, as a kind of economic semi-colony, particularly in the key areas of advanced telecommunications, robotics and artificial intelligence. Kudlow has underscored the significance of these issues claiming that it was necessary to break through these Chinese walls. They are so resistant to change: we have to protect our country, thats all. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation, he said. Aside from the public comments by Trump, another indicator of the increasing conflict is the less publicised decisions being made by the administration. Last week, in an update of its review of the investigation into China being conducted under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Actunder which the existing tariffs have been imposedthe office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) concluded that China had not changed its alleged predatory practices. The USTR is led by Robert Lighthizer, one of the key anti-China hawks in the administration. China fundamentally has not altered its acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation and indeed appears to have taken further unreasonable actions in recent months, the USTR said in its report. In another move clearly directed against China, the Commerce Department announced last week it was considering imposing restrictions on the export of advanced technologies. It said it was seeking public comment by December 19 on whether there are certain emerging technologies that are essential to the security of the US. Exports deemed to fall into this categoryranging from genome research to microprocessor technology, computer vision and flight control algorithmscould then be subject to outright bans or restrictions. Earlier this month, the US banned exports to Fujian Jinhua, a major start-up technology group heavily backed by the Chinese government, after it was accused of stealing technology from a US chipmaker. Little hope for an agreement is held on the Chinese side. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the Chinese ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, said for negotiations to proceed positions had to be clear and consistent and not shifting. If an agreement were reached then people have to remain committed to this agreement and try to make further progress. You cannot have some tentative agreement one day and reject it next day. Cui was referring to events last May. Chinas vice premier and chief trade negotiator Lui He reached an agreement with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for an increase in US exports to Chinaa deal which Mnuchin said had put the trade war on hold. However, Trump overturned it within days. The ambassador said he was in regular contact with and received advice and assistance from US figures such as former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Steven Schwarzman, the head of the multi-billion-dollar Blackstone equity fund. In an extraordinary outburst earlier this month, Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, denounced such people as being part of a Chinese influence operation and unregistered foreign agents. Cui also warned of the global implications of the US trade war against China and that if it continued theres real risk the global market might become fragmented. He also issued a veiled warning to the Trump administration, which claims the US is winning the trade war because its economy is growing strongly while China is experiencing problems. Although the current position of the US was good, he said, a similar situation to that which emerged ten years ago during the global financial crisis could not be ruled out. But under the current circumstances, do you think that people will still be as ready and open as they were in 2008 to have effective international policy coordination and coordinated stimulus actions? Im not sure about that, he said. In the immediate aftermath of the US meltdown, China played a crucial role in stabilising the global economy through a major government spending program coupled with the expansion of credit, providing markets for commodity-exporting countries. While the main thrust of the US measures is directed against China, Trump made clear in his WSJ interview that his America First agenda is aimed against the entire global trading system. The problems with China, he said, began with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The World Trade Organisation is absolutely unfair to the United States, and theyre going to have to change their ways. The US administration has already taken aim at the WTO by refusing to allow the appointment of new members to its appellate body, effectively leading to a situation where its disputes settling procedures are grinding to a halt. Trump also denounced the European Union, repeating his assertion that it was almost as bad as China, just smaller. They treat us very badly. They dont take our farm products. They dont take our cars. They dont take anything. And the EU was set up in order to hurt the US, he said. At present, US action against the EU in the form of a tariff on cars imposed on national security grounds has been put on hold following an agreement between Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in July to open trade negotiations. When asked if he would go ahead with a tariff on cars, Trump, who told the interviewers he was a tariff person, replied: If they dont make a fair deal with us, Id do it in about 12 minutes. A decade ago, in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the G20 became the principal global economic forum. Its summits issued pledges that never again would the major powers go down the road of tariff barriers and trade restrictions, which played such a disastrous role in deepening the Great Depression and helped to create the conditions for World War II. It is measure of the rapid rise of global economic tensions and the enormous dangers they contain, that the proposed draft communique for the weekend G20 summit has reportedly dropped the commitment to resist protectionism, after having regularly included it in previous statements. Haringey Council, in north London, has just advised local Labour Party members that it will have to cut its budget by a further 10 percent, or 14 million. This is standard operational procedure for Labour-run councils, who impose cuts on behalf of the central Conservative government in all the major urban centres they administer. The difference with Haringey is that it is run by supporters of supposed austerity opponent Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. The self-styled Corbyn council is imposing the cuts on top of 40 percent cuts imposed by their Blairite predecessors. The letter to Labour Party members came from Joseph Ejiofor, a supporter of the pro-Corbyn Momentum group, who was elected council leader after the Corbynites took control in the local election in May. Following the election, Ejiofor told press, Over the next four years, it will be up to us to show everybody what this mythical beast the Corbyn council does. The Corbynites were elected in the wake of the massive public opposition to the Haringey Development Vehicle (HDV). The scheme, put in place by the Blairites around then-leader Claire Kober, would have seen the transfer of an unprecedented 2 billion worth of social assets to HDV, a 50-50 council partnership with private developer Lendlease. Under the proposed redevelopment, 1,400 council homes across seven estates would have been demolished and replaced by luxury developments and a small percentage of supposedly affordable properties. Residents reaction was furious. Many of the schemes advocates were deselected by their party branches. Although unable to stand in the forthcoming elections, they pushed through the scheme at their last full meeting. This was only possible thanks to their left opponents in Momentum, who had been selected as candidates because of their stated opposition to HDV. They absented themselves from this decisive meeting so as not to clash with the Blairites, who were able to carry HDV by two votes. Kober subsequently quit, taking a lucrative post as director of housing at housing management group Pinnacle. Her deputy was Ejiofor, a member of Momentums national co-ordinating group. Prior to joining Haringey in 2010, he had spent 12 years as a councillor in Newham, east London, under Blairite mayor Sir Robin Wales. Councillor Zena Brabazon was the choice of a clear majority of local Labour Party ward branch delegates for leader, because of her more consistent opposition to HDV, but Ejiofor was elected leader on the vote of councillors. Also on Mays electoral slate was Emina Ibrahim, now Ejiofors deputy, and Momentums national vice chair. Ejiofor was at pains to explain before the election that Momentum posed no fundamental challenge to Labours right-wing, as being party loyalists, there is no such thing as a [sic] Momentum councillors or candidates on Haringey Council, only Labour councillors. But given the hostility to HDV, as a part of wider opposition to social cleansing being imposed mainly by Labour-run boroughs in the capital, Labour had little choice but to go into Mays elections pledging notto progress with HDV. Despite this, Ejiofor was still saying after his appointment that the decision has not been predetermined. When the council finally decided to abandon HDVat a cost of 2.45 million, plus around 250,000 spent fighting the judicial review brought by its opponents and a further 520,000 in costs to Lendlease, which is now also seeking reimbursement for the full cost of works undertakenit did so while trying to salvage the idea of commercial involvement in construction. Its concern about the transfer of public assets into private and corporate hands was chiefly one of scale. The end of HDV therefore did not remove the threat of social cleansing. The proposed redevelopment of the land around Seven Sisters underground station is a useful example. Much is owned by property developer Grainger, which was appointed as the councils development partner in 2004. Grainger proposed demolishing the existing Latin Village indoor market, a popular community hub. Its plans include building around 200 homes, none at council rent. As with HDV, there is widespread local hostility to the proposed gentrification, which was agreed by Kobers administration. At a meeting this summer, Labour members voted to halt the demolition and preserve the market as a community asset. But once again, the Momentum council is carrying out the decisions of the previous administration. The experiences of workers and youth with the new Haringey council stand as a devastating exposure of the pseudo-left groups, who claimed that all that was required to turn the tide against austerity was the election of a council of Corbynites. In a November 14 article in the Socialist Party (SP) newspaper, Socialist, Nick Auvache writes, When socialists stood as Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidates in the local elections this year, we said we wanted to work with Corbyn-supporting councillors to defeat the cuts and kick out the privateers. The article, Haringeys Corbyn council must refuse to make cuts!, only called on the council to spend from its unallocated reserves to buy time for a campaign to force the return of council funding. The approach, writes Auvache, would be greatly strengthened if John McDonnell committed the next Labour government to replenishing reserves and underwriting all debts incurred by councils opposing cuts. This could spearhead a national fight and help bring a swift end to the Tory government. The Socialist Party is keen to exonerate Corbyn and McDonnell from any culpability. If Haringey inflicts 23 million further cuts and misery, Auvache writes, it is that which will discredit the Labour left in Haringey and the Corbyn project nationally. The Socialist Party is fully aware of the statements of Ejiofor and McDonnell that make clear both are committed to enforcing austerity. In September, Ejiofor told BBC Radio 4, As a Labour council we have to balance our budget. While they prepared their manifesto, he said, John McDonnell came to Haringey, talked to Haringey Labour Party members and explicitly expressed to them that it is important that we run a prudent, responsible authority. This was nothing but McDonnell personally enforcing his and Corbyns previous written instruction to Labour councils that they had to continue imposing balanced budgetsi.e., cutsor face the possibility of legal action and intervention by the secretary of state. Ejiofor told the BBC: This is not Militant in the 1980s, right? This was a reference to Militant, the predecessor of the SP, which sought to keep large sections of left-moving workers within the confines of Labour, building support in Liverpool by rejecting the spending cuts demanded by the Thatcher Conservative government. It attempted to present this as the development of organs of dual power, but having secured an additional 30 million in loans, Militant carried out what it called an orderly retreat and produced a legally balanced budget. Militants capitulation, and refusal to open up a second front alongside miners fighting for their jobs in the yearlong 1984-1985 strike, paved the way for the rout that swept them from office and the escalation of the right-wing witch-hunt of their members out of the Labour Party. Despite the anti-austerity credentials of Corbyns supporters being exposed within months of them taking office, the Socialist Party remains determined to enforce illusions in these scoundrels, declaring, It is not too late for the council to change course. Such a campaign would show that Labour under Corbyn is serious about doing what is needed to end austerity. Those workers and youth who saw Corbyns Labour as a genuine vehicle for social change must study these developments carefully. Corbyn and McDonnell, despite the anti-austerity rhetoric they spout, lead a party that defends the capitalist system at all costs. The author also recommends: UK Labour leader urges party not to defy Conservative spending cuts [24 December 2015] Roxsana Hernandez Rodriguez, a 33-year-old transgender woman seeking asylum in the United States from Honduras, died in May after becoming sick while being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). An independent autopsy released last week found evidence of physical assault and abuse while in custody. The autopsy was part of a notice of wrongful death claim filed by the Transgender Law Center on behalf of Hernandez and her family in anticipation of lawsuits to be filed against federal agencies, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Hernandez, who was HIV positive, died weeks after turning herself into the San Ysidro port of entry in California on May 9. While imprisoned in the Cibola County Correctional Center in New Mexico, she developed diarrhea and began vomiting, and was eventually transferred to another hospital where she died on May 25. The autopsy stated that Hernandez was found with deep bruising on her rib cage and deep contusions on her back, which were indicative of blows, and/or kicks, and possible strikes with a blunt object. Her wrists also showed injuries usually associated with the use of handcuffs. The report stated that, according to observation of other detainees who were with Ms. Hernandez Rodriguez, the diarrhea and vomiting episodes persisted over multiple days with no medical evaluation or treatment, until she was gravely ill. Her death was called entirely preventable by Lynly Egyes, the director of the Transgender Law Center. In the final days of her life, she was transferred from California to Washington to New Mexico, shackled for days on end. If she was lucky she was given a bottle of water to drink. Her cause of death was dehydration and complications related to H.I.V. ICE has declined to comment on the independent autopsy, but in a release in May, admitted she was the sixth detainee to die in its custody since October 2017. It said that staff at the Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico determined she died from cardiac arrest. A spokeswoman from CoreCivic, the for-profit jailer that operates the Cibola County Correctional Center, said Hernandez was only held there for 12 hours. R. Andrew Free, a lawyer representing her family, said they believe this is where the abuse happened. We think that based on interviews, that abuse of that nature definitely would have been noticed by people around her, Free said. And based on her medical care, we believe that abuse would have been noticed by medical providers, and that leaves one place where theres still an information vacuum Cibola. In a statement the family said, Roxsana Hernandez was our sister and it was an injustice to have her die the way she did. For us her closest family, its been extremely painful to deal with. She left with dreams of opening a beauty salon and hopes of helping us out. She fled Honduras because here transgender people are discriminated against. She left with hopes of living a better life. Hernandez arrived to the US in May as part of a caravan organized by Pueblo Sin Fronteras. She told Buzzfeed she escaped Honduras to escape the discrimination she faced as a transgender woman saying, Trans people in my neighborhood are killed and chopped into pieces, then dumped inside potato bags. Im scared of that. In a related development, a mother whose toddler died weeks after they were released from an immigrant jail in Texas has filed a wrongful death claim against the US government for $60 million. Yazmin Juarezs 19-month-old daughter Mariee died last May, six weeks after being held in an immigrant jail in Dilley, Texas. Juarez and her lawyers maintain that Mariee received poor medical treatment which led to contracting a respiratory illness while in jail. In a statement, attorney R. Stanton Jones said, The US government had a duty to provide this little girl with safe, sanitary living conditions and proper medical care but they failed to do that resulting in tragic consequences. The statement continued, Mariee entered Dilley a healthy baby girl and 20 days later was discharged a gravely ill child with a life-threatening respiratory infection. Mariee died just months before her 2nd birthday because ICE and others charged with medical care neglected to provide the most basic standard of care as her condition rapidly deteriorated and her mother Yazmin pleaded for help. Juarez and her daughter crossed the Rio Grande into the US from Guatemala in March and were detained by immigration officials. They were imprisoned in the South Texas Family Residential Center for three weeks. Her attorney stated that Juarez sought medical help six days after they arrived at the Dilley jail to no avail. Her daughter became increasingly sick as Juarez repeatedly sought help and was prescribed medication that did not improve her condition. Once released from jail, Juarez took Mariee to New Jersey where her mother lives and took her daughter to the hospital the next day. Mariee was hospitalized for respiratory failure for six weeks and died at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia on May 10. According to Jones, after it became clear that Mariee was gravely ill, ICE simply discharged mother and daughter. Yazmin immediately sought medical care for her baby, but it was too late. Juarez has filed claims against various government bodies including ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, which have refused to comment citing ongoing litigation. In August, Juarez and her lawyers filed a notice of claim against the city of Eloy, Arizona, which was the prime contractor for the Dilley facility which is also run by CoreCivic, seeking $40 million for wrongful death. Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith defeated her Democratic challenger, Mike Espy, in a runoff election in Mississippi yesterday. With 99 percent of precincts having reported results as of Wednesday morning the incumbent had secured 54 percent of the vote. Espy conceded defeat in a late-night speech to supporters. The runoff election was triggered when neither candidate won a 50 percent majority in the elections held on November 6. Hyde-Smiths victory marks the final Senate election of 2018 to be decided. The balance in the US Senate now sits at 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, with the Democrats having lost two seats this year. Smith had been appointed to her seat in April by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, after Senator Thad Cochran resigned due to poor health. She will finish the final two years of Cochrans term before facing re-election in 2020. The runoff election in Mississippi had drawn national attention in recent weeks due to racist remarks made by Hyde-Smith, who made a statement earlier this year that she was so close to one supporter, If he invited me to a public hanging, Id be in the front row, invoking that states long history of lynching. Earlier this month, in a speech to supporters, Smith openly advocated suppressing the vote at Mississippis historically black colleges, telling her audience, Theres a lot of liberal folks in those other schools that maybe we dont want to vote, maybe we just want to make it a little more difficult. Hyde-Smith refused to make any substantial apology for either comment, and instead claimed her remarks had been misinterpreted, in spite of public backlash and withdrawal of support from several large corporations, including Google and Walmart. In standing firm behind her obviously racist statements, Smith was mimicking the strategy pursued by President Trump, who is appealing to the most backward layers in society in effort to lay the basis for an ultra-right fascistic movement based on racism, anti-immigrant chauvinism, and hostility to socialism. In the Mississippi runoff, Hyde-Smith was also very likely trying to appeal to supporters of far-right state senator Chris McDaniel, who had won 17 percent of the vote in the first election and had attacked Hyde-Smith from the right during the campaign, comparing her to Hillary Clinton. There were concerns within the Hyde-Smith campaign that supporters of McDaniel would abstain from voting in the runoff election. In the final weeks of the campaign, Hyde-Smiths lead in the polls started to decline, causing state Republican leaders to panic. They responded with an all-out push to get Hyde-Smith elected, pouring millions of dollars into her campaign and bringing in dozens of GOP election workers to push her over the top. President Trump also assisted her campaign in its closing days, holding two rallies in that state and promoting the candidate on Twitter. Espy, a former secretary of Agriculture in the Clinton Administration and a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993, ran as a conservative Democrat. Unwilling to offer any substantial criticisms of either Hyde-Smith or Trump, Espy presented himself to voters as someone who supports a strong immigration policy and who would work with Trump and congressional Republicans. Espy has a history of collaboration with the Republicans, having crossed party lines in 2007 to endorse Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour in his bid for re-election. Espy has had a checkered career since leaving the Clinton administration amid a bribery scandal in 1994. Eventually charged with 30 counts of receiving improper gifts, Espy was acquitted of all charges in 1998. He went on to work as a lobbyist, at one point representing former Ivory Coast dictator Laurent Gbagbo, who was ousted from power in 2011 and subsequently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Had he won, Espy would have been the first African American elected to the US Senate in Mississippi since Reconstruction. However, like fellow black Democrats who sought the governorships of Georgia and Florida, Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams, Espy sought to demonstrate his mainstream politics and reassure big business that he could be relied on to defend their interests. Nonetheless, under conditions of broad popular hostility to Trump, even in a state like Mississippi, which he won easily in 2016, the runoff election drew a considerable turnout. The number voting actually increased from the November 6 general election to the November 27 runoff, a highly unusual occurrence, although the 900,000 voting fell short of the 1.15 million votes cast in the presidential election With the Senate line-up now set at 53-47 in favor of the Republicans, the last seat to be decided in the House of Representatives appears likely to be won by the Democrats, bringing their majority in the new House to 235-200, a gain of 40 seats, the largest increase for the Democrats since the 1974 election following the Watergate scandal. The last contest was for the 21st Congressional District in California, in the states largely agricultural Central Valley, near Fresno and Tulare. Democrat T.J. Cox, who had been trailing incumbent Republican David Valadao since Election Day, overtook him on the basis of mail ballots. While some votes still remain to be counted, it appears likely that Cox will maintain his lead, giving the Democrats a net gain of seven seats in California alone. Following US Vice President Mike Pences vitriolic attack on China at the recent Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, divisions have erupted into public view within the New Zealand ruling elite over the US-China confrontation. Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns Labour-led government has come under pressure to strengthen its commitment to Washingtons aggressive drive against Beijing. Citing the Wall Street Journal, the New Zealand Herald reported on November 24 that New Zealand was one of the US allies targeted by the Trump administration to bar the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The push came as telcos around the world prepare to buy new hardware for their 5G networks, the next generation of mobile technology. Earlier this month, Huawei partnered with local telco Spark for a trial mobile 5G rollout. Huawei already has a significant stake in New Zealand as a supplier to Vodafone, Spark and 2Degrees. It also promised to invest $400 million in telecommunications research. According to the Wall Street Journal, Washingtons pressure extends the battle lines of a campaign to keep Huawei out of the US and also block Chinese telecom equipment in countries that host American military bases. New Zealand is a member of the US-led Five Eyes intelligence network and hosts a key spy base at Waihopai in the South Island. The Australian government has already banned Huawei and moved to block its further expansion into the Pacific. Andrew Little, the minister in charge of New Zealands security services, initially told the Herald that the country would plot its own course. The government would not interfere with commercial decisions made by the countrys telcos, subject to compliance with TICSA [the Telecommunications Interception Capability and Security Act]. Almost immediately, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), the countrys external spy agency, effectively overrode the minister. It announced on November 28 that it would use its powers under TICSA to block any use of Huawei equipment in Sparks planned 5G network, citing significant security risks. The Labour-led government, like its National Party predecessor, has tried to maintain a balancing act between the longstanding military alliance with the US on the one hand, and commercial relations with China, a major trading partner, on the other. China accounts for 22.8 percent of the countrys exports, primarily dairy products. Nevertheless, Labour has come under attack from the National Partys opposition leader, Simon Bridges, for damaging relations with China over the recent period. Bridges told Radio NZ on November 26 there was a virtual war between China and the US, and Ardern had been unable to visit Beijing due to a Chinese diplomatic snub. New Zealand should not be taking sides, Bridges declared. Bridges himself has been accused of concealing a $100,000 donation from Chinese businessman Zhang Yikun in exchange for nominating an ethnic Chinese person for a seat in parliamenta charge he has denied. Last September, following an inconclusive general election, Arderns coalition government was installed after an extraordinary public intervention by the US ambassador Scott Brown. He signalled that Washington required the incoming administration to commit more forcefully to the US build-up against China. Supported by its right-wing nationalist coalition partner, NZ First, the government has duly moved to comply. Its Pacific Reset policy has boosted aid and support in the region to push back against Beijing, and billions are being spent on military hardware to improve interoperability with the US. At this months APEC summit, New Zealand joined Australia, the US and Japan in an agreement with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government to connect power and internet services across most of the country by 2030. The deal is a direct challenge to Beijings initiatives in PNG and to its Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure plan, which has gained support from Pacific Island governments. New Zealands corporate media and sections of the political establishment and academia have ramped up a campaign against alleged Chinese political influence and expansionism. This is a xenophobic propaganda effort to shift New Zealand into even closer alignment with Washingtons military encirclement and trade war against China. A key figure is Anne-Marie Brady, a Christchurch-based academic, whose research has been funded by the US government-sponsored Wilson Center and the NATO military alliance. For more than a year, Brady has stoked anti-China sentiment while lending it a veneer of academic respectability. Brady has repeatedly called for the spy agencies to investigate Chinas influence in politics, business, universities and the media. Without providing any evidence, she has accused two Chinese-born parliamentarians of being Chinese Communist Party members and spies. Last week, Brady made lurid claims that her car had been sabotaged as part of an ongoing campaign to intimidate her, having previously alleged break-ins at her home and campus office. Bradys claims about her car were based on nothing more than a statement from her mechanic that pressure in the front two tyres had been lowered and the valve caps were missing. Despite a nine-month police investigation, also involving Interpol, nothing has been presented to substantiate Bradys allegations of personal intimidation. Nevertheless, she has accused the government of failing to take her case seriously and demanded further investigations by the countrys spy agencies. Brady told the Guardian she and her family had requested security assistance from the government but it was not forthcoming. On November 26, a group of 29 academics and others issued an open letter calling on Ardern to make a clear statement in defence of academic freedom in New Zealand in light of the Brady case, and to be very clear that any intimidation and threats aimed at silencing academic voices in this country will not be tolerated. Signatories included Amnesty International NZ executive director Tony Blackett, Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman, and author Nicky Hager. In a Radio NZ interview the following day, Ardern responded cautiously. She could not comment on, or intervene in, an ongoing investigation. Nor would she say whether the police National Security Investigation Unit was involved. Ardern expected police were taking the case seriously, and she would require a report if any national security implications arose. The author also recommends: US vice president beats war drums in Asia [20 November 2018] Anti-Chinese campaign escalates in New Zealand [17 November 2018] New Zealand opposition tries to shut down scandal over alleged links to Chinese businessman [26 October 2018] On Sunday, Ukrainian naval vessels entered waters claimed by Russia near Crimea, leading the Russian Coast Guard to fire on and seize three Ukrainian ships. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has responded by declaring martial law and putting the army on full alert, declaring, Ukraine is under threat of full-scale war with Russia. The ongoing crisis is the most significant direct military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, the countries with the two largest standing armies in Europe, since early 2014, when a far-right coup in Kiev, orchestrated and financed by the European Union and US imperialism, plunged the region into a state of perpetual crisis. The standoff in the Azov Sea is the latest in a series of provocations staged by US imperialism and its alliesfrom the coup in Ukraine itself, to the numerous alleged gas attacks in Syria, to the Skripal poisoning, to alleged Russian meddling in the US electionsaimed at creating the pretext for sanctions and military aggression against Russia. As with every provocation by the Poroshenko regime against Russia in recent years, NATO, the EU and the US immediately took the side of Ukraine in the current confrontation, decrying Russias action as an act of aggression and violation of international law. Washingtons hypocrisy knows no bounds. Just one day earlier, the Trump administration had whitewashed the brazen murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, declaring there was no evidence that the Saudi crown prince had done anything wrong. Poroshenko announced that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had assured him Washington would provide full support, full assistance, including military assistance. Ukraines provocation comes just days before a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina, to be held on Friday and Saturday. The Democratic Party-aligned media, which for more than two years has been engaged in a hysterical campaign against Trump on the basis of his alleged soft stance on Russia, immediately seized on the incident to pressure the US president to stand up to Putin, as the New York Times put it. In an editorial published Wednesday, the Times called on the US and its allies to impose stronger sanctions, bar their ships from entering Russian ports in the Black or Azov Seas or increase military support for Ukraine. It acknowledged that these actions all carry risk, without spelling out the danger of a military confrontation that could quickly involve the worlds two biggest nuclear powers. The Washington Post, for its part, declared, Mr. Putins aggression ought to affect the reception he receives from Mr. Trump at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires... Mr. Trump could send a message by refusing to meet Mr. Putin; if he does go ahead with a bilateral meeting, he ought to begin it by telling the Russian leader that his assault on Ukraine is unacceptable and will have consequences. Elements within the US state and the corporate media are determined to prevent a repetition of this summers Helsinki Summit, which triggered denunciations of Trump as a traitor and Russian agent. Since then, the Trump administration has pulled out of the INF Treaty with Russia, which prohibited both countries from developing short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. Poroshenko manufactured this crisis just a few months before presidential elections in Ukraine, which the unpopular president is almost certain to lose. The declaration of martial law gives Poroshenko and the military sweeping powers, including the right to raid apartments and search cars, curtail press freedom, censor the internet and ban demonstrations. Poroshenkos actions are directed at Ukraines own population no less than at Russia. As a result of this weeks events, Ukraine and Russia are now on the brink of a major war that could quickly draw in the imperialist powers. Time magazine wrote that the Azov Sea crisis had the potential of becoming a second Gulf of Tonkin crisis, which became the pretext in 1964 for the direct involvement of the US military in Vietnam. On Wednesday, Russia announced that it would deploy another S-400 surface-to-air missile system to Crimea. Russian media have warned of a major war that would cost thousands of lives on both sides. The Azov Sea crisis fully confirms the warning made by the International Committee of the Fourth International in 1991 that the dissolution of the Soviet Union would open up a new historical period of imperialist wars. The undermining of Russias influence in the Black Sea region, which has historically been of major geostrategic significance to Russia as a water gateway to the Mediterranean and the energy-rich Middle East, has been a central component of US imperialisms efforts to bring all the resources of the vast landmass previously covered by the USSR under its direct control. If in 1991 Turkey was the only NATO member-state bordering the Black Sea, today all states bordering the Black Sea except for Russia itself are either NATO members or have right-wing, anti-Russian and pro-US regimes that were installed by imperialist-orchestrated color revolutions (Ukraine and Georgia). The Putin regime has no answer to the ever-increasing pressure of imperialism except a combination of attempts to strike a deal and the whipping up of nationalism and militarism at home. As the direct outcome of the Stalinist destruction of the Soviet Union, this regime, representing a criminal oligarchy, fears a movement of the Russian working class more than anything else, including a potential assault by imperialism. The extraordinary recklessness of the imperialist warmongers and their far-right stooges in Eastern Europe can be explained only by the profound crisis of US and global capitalism and the growth of the class struggle. This year has seen an upsurge of working class struggles in Iran, India, Europe and the United States, the center of world imperialism. These struggles provide the material basis for opposing the war aims of US imperialism. What is required is the building of sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, including in Ukraine and Russia, as the leadership of a socialist anti-war movement of the international working class. Two days after US troops pointed assault rifles at Central American workers on the US-Mexico border and border police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at defenseless women and children, Senator Bernie Sanders told CNN he did not believe all of the migrants had a credible claim to asylum. The statement, a clear olive branch to the anti-immigrant pogrom being conducted by President Trump, was by no means an off-the-cuff remark. It came in what was obviously a carefully prepared interview, which began with the CNN moderator, John Berman, raising the events on Sunday at the San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico. Berman asked: As we look at whats happening right now over the border in Tijuana, 5,000 to 9,000 migrants there waiting in a stadium seeking asylum, do you think that they all have a credible claim for asylum? Sanders did not hesitate. No, I dont, he said, adding, and I think you have to look at it case by case. Without criticizing Trump or the military and border police, let alone demanding the withdrawal of soldiers, tanks and helicopters from the border, Sanders immediately pivoted to the need for comprehensive immigration reform. This is a euphemism for a punitive plan that would impose fines and other penalties on undocumented workers currently in the US while allowing some to eventually gain citizenship, combined with a further militarization of the border. It boils down to allowing some immigrants to be legally exploited at poverty wages in the US while condemning millions of other workers in Central America and Mexico to hellish conditions of violence, repression and poverty imposed by more than a century of American imperialist oppression. Sanders did not offer any explanation for presuming that there were workers within the Caravan who were not eligible for asyluman internationally protected right. Berman then pressed the Vermont senator on right-wing proposals to deny asylum seekers entry to the US to file their claims, requiring them instead to apply from and remain in Mexicoan outright repudiation of asylum law. Sanders dodged the question, declaring, I am 100 percent supportive of comprehensive immigration reform. He then changed the subject to climate change, which has been adopted by the Democratic Party leadership as a safe issue unlikely to interfere with its post-election appeals for bipartisan collaboration with Trump and the Republicans. There is nothing accidental about Sanders semi-endorsement of Trumps anti-immigrant policy. In the course of a seven-minute interview on Sundays Face the Nation program, he made no reference to Trumps attacks on immigrants and the democratic rights to asylum and due process. When asked by CBS on Monday, he refused to condemn the use of tear gas, calling merely for the government to minimalize the level of force being used in the future. He then rushed to change the subject, saying there are other issues as well besides immigration. The promotion of American chauvinism and anti-immigrant economic nationalism are not novelties for Sanders. He has consistently lined up with the trade union bureaucracy and trade war factions of the ruling class to pit American workers against their class brothers and sisters in Mexico, China and other countries. Shortly after he announced his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, in July of 2015, Sanders spelled out his basic anti-immigrant position, blaming foreign workers for the destruction of jobs and wages of American workers caused by capitalism. Interviewed on the Vox website, he cut off the moderator when he suggested a policy of open borders, declaring: Open borders? No, thats a Koch brothers proposal Thats a right-wing proposal, which says essentially there is no United States It would make everybody in America poorer. Sanders continued: Youre doing away with the concept of a nation state, and I dont think theres any country in the world that believes in that What right-wing people in this country would love is an open border policy. Bring in all kinds of people, work for $2 or $3 an hour. That would be great for them You think we should open the borders and bring in a lot of low-wage workers, or do you think maybe we should try to get jobs for those [American] kids? Sanders economic nationalism is bound up with his defense of capitalist private ownership of the means of production, notwithstanding his socialist pretensions, and his support for US imperialism. He fully backed the wars launched or continued by Barack Obama in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq and Syria, and, despite his recent pose of opposition to the war in Yemen, does not call for an end to US financial, military and political support for Saudi Arabia, Washingtons partner in the near-genocidal conflict. In a Meet the Press interview in October 2015, Sanders was asked if he would utilize drone assassinations and Special Forces if he were elected. His infamous answer was, All of that, and more. The US Senate voted 6337 Wednesday to advance a resolution calling for an end to US support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote came within hours of closed-door testimony to the Senate from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who strongly opposed the measure and voiced unconditional support for Saudi Arabias monarchical dictatorship. The procedural vote, which moved the bill out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will not shift US policy toward the near-genocidal war that has been waged for nearly four years against the people of Yemen, creating the worst humanitarian catastrophe on the face of the planet. A second vote is needed to even initiate a Senate floor debate on the measure, and it has no chance of passing the full Congress during the current session. The White House issued a statement Wednesday afternoon indicating that President Donald Trump would veto the bill if it were approved by Congress. However symbolic, the shift in the Senatewhich last March tabled the same measure by a vote of 55 to 44is bound up with the naked exposure of the criminality of the Saudi regimeWashingtons principal ally in the Arab worldby the savage assassination of journalist and former regime insider Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The Senate vote reflects the views of sections of the American ruling establishment that are opposed to the Trump administrations unconditional support for the Saudi regimebased on calculations of its role in the US-led anti-Iranian axis in the Middle East and the profit interests of US arms manufacturers and other banks and corporations dependent upon Saudi oil money. They see the Khashoggi murder as a means of pressuring the regime in Riyadh into greater subservience to US policy, and the war in Yemen as a distraction from the preparations for far greater military confrontations with Russia and China. In their testimony on Wednesday, both Pompeo and Mattis insisted that there existed no conclusive evidence or smoking gun establishing that Saudi Arabias crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in Istanbul. These claims fly in the face of the conclusions of the CIA, which has declared its high confidence that bin Salman orchestrated the assassination, whose perpetrators included his close security aides. Absent from the hearing was CIA Director Gina Haspel, who traveled to Turkey to review evidence, including an audiotape recording the brutal murder. Her failure to testify was the result of an order from the White House, given that she would be compelled to either lie under oath or contradict the narrative advanced by Pompeo and Mattis. On the eve of his testimony, Pompeo wrote a fascistic op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal condemning criticism of the wholesale crimes against humanity committed by the Saudi regime, and the murder of Khashoggi in particular, as Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile on, while accusing politicians of both political parties in the salons of Washington of undermining US national security and being soft on Iran. This same basic line was repeated in the testimony Wednesday. Defense Secretary Mattis told the US senators that security interests cannot be dismissed as [the US] seeks accountability for Khashoggis murder, adding that we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners. In other words, in the interest of national security, Washington must aid and abet the cover-up of bin Salmans direction of the savage assassination of Khashoggi. As for unblemished partners, the defense of bin Salman is entirely in line with US imperialisms historic reliance on police state monarchies and fascist-military dictatorships from the Middle East to Latin America and beyond to pursue its interests. Both US secretaries stressed that the support for the Saudi-led war was necessary to counter Iran, which Washington has claimed, without providing a shred of evidence, is arming and directing the Houthi rebels who overthrew the US and Saudi puppet regime of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in 2014. They opposed any challenge to US support to the war in Yemen on the grounds that it would strengthen Iran, against which Washington has imposed punishing sanctions and is preparing for war. Both attempted to deny the obvious; that the Yemeni population is being murdered to achieve US imperialist aims in the Middle East. In his testimony, Pompeo claimed that the humanitarian situation would be a hell of a lot worse if the US were to withdraw its aid, without which it would be impossible for the Saudi regime to continue its war on the Yemeni people. He pointedly stressed that the US support for the criminal war in Yemen had been initiated under the previous Democratic administration of Barack Obama. In a remarkable piece of Washington double-talk, Mattis declared, We must maintain our twin requirements of holding those responsible for the [Khashoggi] murder to account, while recognizing the reality of Saudi Arabia as a necessary strategic partner. We cannot be deflected from using all our influence to end this war for the good of innocent people in trouble, and ultimately the safety of our own people, and this includes our military engagement. The claim that US military engagement is for the good of innocent people in Yemen is obscene. The Saudi bombs and missiles that have claimed the lives of nearly 60,000 Yemenis are supplied by Washington, which has refueled the planes dropping them and provided military intelligence to select their targets, which have included hospitals, schools, essential electrical, water and sewage infrastructure and civilian neighborhoods. The attempts by Mattis and Pompeo to portray the Pentagons strategic support for the Saudi-led massacre in Yemen as a humanitarian venture was belied by a statement issued this week by five of the main aid agencies attempting to stave off mass starvation in the impoverished countries. They warned that 14 million people are at risk of starving to death in Yemen and that countless Yemenis are unlikely to live through the winter unless the parties to the conflict immediately cease hostilities. It added: If the Government of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ansar Allah, and other parties to the conflict fail to take these steps, and if the United States does not use all levers of pressure to compel them to do so, responsibility for the deaths of many more Yemeni civilians will lie not only with the parties to the conflict, but with the United States as well. The organizations stated that the effect of US humanitarian contributions to aid agencies in Yemen pale in comparison to the harm caused by US military support and diplomatic cover to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While the Administration has said that reaching a political settlement and relieving the humanitarian crisis in Yemen are top national security objectives, US policies tell a different story. By providing such extensive military and diplomatic support for one side of the conflict, the United States is deepening and prolonging a crisis that has immediate and severe consequences for Yemen, and civilians are paying the price. In other words, Washington over the course of two administrations, Democratic and Republican alike, is guilty of massive war crimes. The statement came after the release of a report by the aid agency Save the Children that 85,000 children have died of hunger in Yemen since Saudi Arabias US-backed bombings of the country began in 2015. The United Nations reported on Tuesday that operations at Yemens Red Sea port of Hodeidah have fallen by nearly 50 percent over the past two weeks as a result of a siege by forces of Saudi Arabia and the UAE that has encircled the city and cut off all but one access road. Seventy percent of all imports to the country flow through Hodeidah, including most of the food supplies upon which Yemens starving population depends. Meanwhile, the US has intervened in the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution drafted by the UK calling for a ceasefire in Hodeidah, but not in the rest of the country. Aid and human rights groups had criticized the resolution for its limited scope and its failure to level any criticism against Saudi Arabia and its allies, while denouncing the Houthi rebels. Washington does not want to throw any impediment in the way of the US-backed Saudi war, even if it claims the lives of millions of Yemeni men, women and children. Solana Beach residents will decide if marijuana retailers, cultivation and delivery should be allowed in the city. The Solana Beach City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 28 to put the issue to a vote in the 2020 election, after a group called the Alliance for Safe Access successfully gathered enough signatures to have their petition be placed on the ballot. The Alliance for Safe Access needed to gather at least 860 signatures. More than 1,000 were verified by the city and county registrar, according to City Clerk Angela Ivey. The council also agreed to have city staff research how the proposed ordinance would impact the city. The initiative calls for no more than two marijuana dispensaries in the city and only in non-residential zones. The dispensaries must adhere to all applicable state and local licenses and permits necessary for operation. Cultivation and delivery would be permitted in all zones, consistent with state law. Joshua Clark, who originally submitted the intent to petition in March, said in a statement submitted to the city that his goal was to lawfully allow our residents access to cannabis if they desire. Residents should not be forced to acquire a lawful product from illegal operators with unsafe and untested products, that do not adhere to any regulations of potential age restrictions, Clark wrote in his statement. About a half dozen speakers on Nov. 28 opposed the petition and urged the city council to instead opt to take 30 days to have staff order a report on the impacts of the proposed ordinance. Many argued allowing marijuana in the city would affect amenities such as public safety, property values and tourism. Kelly McCormick, a local mother who runs a youth program, said she believes the initiative puts young people and their health, as well as other residents and their businesses, at risk. She said storefronts sell marijuana-infused treats, like gummy bears, brownies and Pot-Tarts, to cater to young people. Its an over-reach by an industry hoping to cash in by peddling a federally illegal, psychoactive drug, McCormick said of the ordinance. Megan Roth, a local high school senior and participant of the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug-Free Youth, said she and her peers mentor elementary school and middle school students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Every day, I see the temptation that kids face to use drugs, like marijuana, because they think it is safe and harmless, she said. Our job to educate students will be significantly harder if there are commercial marijuana businesses in Solana Beach. We are more vulnerable here because the city is so small. Council member Lesa Heebner motioned to allow residents to vote on the matter but asked that staff come back with a study or report that would discuss the impact to the community. Mayor David Zito said the city is committed to finding out how marijuana retailers would affect the city, but a study should be done in 2020, rather than within the next 30 days, to correlate with the election and provide the most up-to-date data. One of the downsides of doing that now is I can guarantee you if we were to order the report now and wait the 30 days, were still going to be faced with the same decision and then when the election time comes around, the opponents or the proponents of the initiative will say is, Your reports two years old. The datas out of date, he said. Deputy Mayor Jewel Edson did not believe the community would support the ordinance but said it should go to a vote of the people anyway. She noted social media postings where residents said they were misled into signing the petition. According to a Sept. 11 news article by 10News ABC San Diego KGTV, some signed the document because they were led to believe it would prohibit marijuana dispensaries from being built within 600 feet of public schools. Solana Beach, however, does not currently allow dispensaries anywhere in the city. The brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was arrested Friday on charges of trafficking cocaine, weapons offenses and making a false statement, according to the US Department of Justice. Authorities with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Antonio Hernandez Alvarado, also known as "Tony Hernandez," in Miami, but he is being prosecuted in New York. Hernandez, 40, is a former member of the National Congress of Honduras, the indictment states. Arrests Central America Continents and regions Controlled substances Crime, law enforcement and corrections Criminal law Criminal offenses Drug crimes Drug Enforcement Administration Drugs and society Government organizations - US Honduras Indictments Juan Orlando Hernandez Latin America Law and legal system Law enforcement North America Political Figures - Intl Society The Americas United States US Department of Justice US federal departments and agencies A federal indictment states Hernandez was involved in processing, receiving, transporting and distributing multi-ton loads of cocaine that came to Honduras by plane, boat and, on at least on occasion, by submarine. The indictment also states Hernandez had access to labs in Honduras and Colombia, where some of the cocaine was stamped "TH" for Tony Hernandez. Hernandez would also coordinate and sometimes participate in the heavily armed security of cocaine shipments within Honduras. He and members of the Honduran National Police were armed with machine guns and other weapons, the indictment states. A 2014 video and audio recording caught Hernandez meeting with Devis Leonel Rivera Maradiaga, the leader of a Honduran drug-trafficking organization called "Cachiros." During the meeting, Hernandez agreed to help the Maradiaga launder money from the country's government. Maradiaga paid Hernandez $50,000 during the meeting, the indictment said. "Hernandez allegedly arranged machine gun-toting security for cocaine shipments, bribed law enforcement officials for sensitive information to protect drug shipments, and solicited large bribes from major drug traffickers," said Geoffrey S. Berman, a federal prosecutor in New York. "Thanks to the ongoing work of the DEA, Hernandez is now in custody on US soil and facing justice in the US courts." Hernandez faces a maximum of life in prison if found guilty. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) The Mississippi Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of a Lee County man serving life without parole for killing his grandfather. Brett Jones, 29, was 15 at the time he killed his grandfather at their home in south Lee County Court records show Jones stabbed his Bertis Jones eight times and had to use at least two knives because the first one broke during the attack in 2004 Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He appealed siting federal court decisions on sentencing of minors, but the trial judge once again handed down a life without parole sentence. Earlier this year, four justices on the state's highest court agreed to hold oral arguments in the case and heard them in September. Today, justices issued a 5 to 4 decision to dismiss the latest request to review the case. The four judges who voted against dismissal say they sentence should be vacated and the case should go back to the trial court for resentencing under the ruling saying juveniles should be given the chance for parole when sentenced. OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - Firefighters in Oktibbeha County are now able to earn their EMT certification without having to leave the county with help from the OCH Regional Medical Center. In September, EMCC and the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors signed off on an agreement to establish the Oktibbeha County Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Program, which will be made available to Oktibbeha County employees and those who contract with the county. Emergency room physicians, nurses and paramedics will serve as instructors for an EMT course available to firefighters with East Mississippi Community College providing oversight of the program. "We are very excited about doing this," EMCC Golden Triangle Vice President Paul Miller said. "This helps the training on site in Oktibbeha County and the fact we are doing it with OCH Regional Medical Center is very exciting." The EMT program will begin in January of 2019. As police searched for the suspects, at least one allegedly tried to hail an Uber to escape, according to police radio traffic. Courtesy A San Diego resident using a remote surveillance camera spotted two men breaking into the residents home Monday evening, Nov. 26, prompting a police response that led to a pursuit, a crash, an air and ground search and, finally, two suspects in handcuffs, police said. The homeowner called 911 about 5:50 p.m. after watching from the remote camera as the two men broke into the home on Cypress Meadows Trail west of Rancho Santa Fe Farms Road, San Diego police Sgt. Joe Ruvido said. An officer responded to the home in a neighborhood known as North City, just north of state Route 56 and about halfway between Interstate 5 and Interstate 15 and saw a vehicle in the driveway. The suspect vehicle quickly drove out of the driveway and failed to yield to the officer, Ruvido said in a statement. The officer gave chase, pursuing the vehicle about two and a half miles to a mostly undeveloped stretch of land on Carmel Valley Road just south of state Route 56 in Carmel Valley, Ruvido said. Thats where the driver lost control and crashed into a pole-mounted sign. Both men in the vehicle got out and ran away, but a bystander was able to direct officers to the general area of where both suspects ran, Ruvido said. With a police helicopter circling overhead and police dogs searching the ground, officers discovered both men hiding in the brush and arrested them, Ruvido said. As police searched for the suspects, at least one allegedly tried to hail an Uber to escape, according to police radio traffic. Property stolen from the home was recovered inside the suspects crashed vehicle, Ruvido said. GRENADA, Miss. (WTVA) --Three people face capital murder charges in the death of a Grenada County man whose body was found in a well Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff Alton Strider says Monique Lott, 31, Mark Lott, 32 and Marquize Tillmon, 27, are charged in connection with the death of Willie Hooper, 37. Strider says Monique Lott was dating Hooper's former girlfriend and they shared a child. The sheriff says it appears Hooper was shot and killed Sunday morning at a home in McCain Estates in Elliot. Hooper had gone to the home to visit his ex-girlfriend according to Strider. His body was dumped in the well on property owned by Lott's father and aunt in Montgomery County on Highway 404 West. All three are charged with capital murder and currently are being held in the Grenada County jail with no bond. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe WORLAND A former Worland man is facing six counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor in Washakie County. The alleged abuse occurred from August of 2014 until September of 2016. Jason Arnold Miller, 42 of Cheyenne, pleaded not guilty in Washakie County Fifth Judicial District Court Wednesday on charges that carry up to 50 years each, with five of the charges carrying a minimum of 25 y... Now on until 7 January. An exhibition guiding the visitor through explorations in central Asia and the Silk Road by Hungarys archaeologist Aurel Stein and travelling count Bela Szechenyi opened in Budapests Ybl Creative House Buda cultural centre earlier this week. Bela Szechenyi, the son of 19th-century reform politician Istvan Szechenyi, and Aurel Stein led four major expeditions between 1877 and 1916 to the region noted for the route connecting China with the Mediterranean, the exhibitions curator Agnes Kelecsenyi said. Szechenyi arrived in Chinas Tun Huang region along the Silk Road first in 1879 to work on geological explorations, which Stein resumed later on. The exhibition features their numerous writings, manuscripts, photos and maps left behind from their explorations along with films and documents. The exhibition marking the centenary of Szechenyis and the 75th anniversary of Steins death will run until January 7, 2019. Venue: Ybl Creative House Buda 1013 Budapest, Ybl Miklos ter 9. Blueprint dyeing, a traditional cloth dyeing technique, has been admitted to the UNESCO intangible world heritage list, the UN educational, scientific and cultural bodys committee said at meeting in Port Louis, Mauritius. The technique, which was nominated jointly by Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, spread in central Europe in the 18th and 19th century. A pattern was traced on cotton or silk with a water resistant material and then the fabric dipped into indigo dye, giving it a characteristic and often intricate beauty. UNESCO countries signed an agreement on preserving intangible world heritage in 2003. Of Hungarian achievements, the Kodaly music education method, the Mohacs Buso festival, the dance house method to preserve Hungarian folk dances, Matyo folk art and traditional falconry had been admitted to the list. MTI Photo: Ujvari Sandor Joulupukki, said to be the real Finnish Santa Claus arrived in Hungary for the 17th time from Lapland. Click here for a photo gallery During his ten-day long visit Joulupukki visits several cities, thus bringing his Christmas greetings from Lapland to both small and more mature children. Besides the public meetings he visits kindergartens and schools, where he meets those most important to his heart. This year Joulupukkis visit is organised by MikulasGyar, reaching many places hes never visited before. MikulasGyar is in close co-operation with FinnAgora, the Finnish Cultural Institute based in Budapest. Joulupukki will pay a visit to the opening ceremony of MikulasGyar, which is the biggest Hungarian charity event (30th November), while on 6th December he arrives to Millenaris Park, the main scene of the charity event. On 6th December he also visits Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square between 16.00-17.00 pm. Children can meet him also at the second biggest collection point in Lurdy Haz on 7th December. Joulupukki will visit Hatvan (2nd December), Kecskemet (4th December), Debrecen (5th December), Ajka (7th December), Papa and Veszprem (08. December) as well. Detailed program (in Hungarian) Photo courtesy of Budapest Airport / Emese Mandi Ryanair will begin flights linking Budapest to six new destinations in its 2019 summer schedule, regional spokeswoman of the low-cost airline Olga Pawlonka announced in Budapest on Tuesday. From the end of March, passengers may fly twice weekly with Ryanair from Budapest directly to Bari, Cagliari, Rimini, Cork, Sevilla and Thessaloniki. Two new Boeing 787-800 aircraft will be based in Budapest to service the extra routes, to be added to the present fleet of four planes. With the new routes, Ryanair will offer 39 destinations in 15 countries. The airline expects to carry 3 million passengers in and out of Hungary next year, a 13% annual increase. Fla. Woman Allegedly Plotted with Lover to Cut Out Husband's Organs A Florida man was disemboweled with a sword on Thanksgiving morning in what police allege was a premeditated attack carried out by his wife and her lover, PEOPLE confirms. Court documents show that 30-year-old Amanda Ramsey and Luis Nunez, 22, face attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and false imprisonment charges following the slashing, which unfolded inside a home in Rockledge. Both defendants were detained Tuesday following an investigation into the near-fatal incident. Police confirm the victim survived the attack and is receiving medical treatment. His condition was not immediately clear. One of his neighbors called 911 Thanksgiving morning after the victim naked and bleeding profusely stumbled into their driveway. Hes holding on, Deputy Chief Donna Seyferth with Rockledge Police Department told WFTV. Hes somebody with a will to live. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. According to Seyferth, investigators havent determined a motive for the attack but believe it was planned in advance after speaking with the victims wife. We were able to finally speak with the victim, and his story and their story didnt match, Seyferth explained, calling the husbands injuries horrific. Between interviews and evidence, we know its premeditated, she said. PEOPLE was unable to reach attorneys for Ramsey and Nunez for comment, and it was unclear if either suspect has entered pleas to the criminal counts theyre charged with. Kim Kardashian West and her husband Kanye West know how to find the perfect photo-op in any country. While visiting Tokyo on Wednesday, the couple stopped by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakamis studio. The stars snapped several photos during their visit, posing with Murakami in front of a giant wall of multi-colored skulls. Mr. Kanye West & @kimkardashian came to my studio this morning, Murakami captioned an image posted to his account. Makeup mogul Kristen Noel Crawley joined the couple and got in on the fun in the artists studio, standing beside a peace-sign-flashing Kardashian West. This isnt the first time Murakami has expressed his appreciation for the rapper. In October, he shared a photo of himself in a boxy suit inspired by the music video for West and Lil Pumps I Love It. I found the music video of Kanye West (and Lil Pump @lilpump)s I Love It incredibly shocking, he wrote. Its like youre being served a raw, contemporary human being, delivered straight to you via YouTube, iTunes and Spotify. The couples meeting with the artist comes a day after the couple sparked backlash from environmentally conscious Twitter users for booking a private Boeing 747 for their long flight. No big deal, just taking a private 747, Kardashian said while showing off the jet in her Instagram Story. This is how he does it now. Only 747s, private. Ive never even heard of this, but whatever. A source tells PEOPLE the couple is in Japans capital for an architecture and inspiration trip. Kanye travels the world looking for inspiration, says the source. Hes very much into architecture so they are meeting with a few Japanese architects. The city carries special meaning for the pair. Earlier this year, the mother of three shared a sentimental throwback to Wests 40th birthday trip in June 2017. Story continues Throwback to that time I surprised Kanye with a trip to Japan for his birthday! she wrote alongside a photo of the rapper. He had to guess where we were going based on the snacks and magazines I had the plane stocked with! He was happy! Kardashian West later told The View that the trip meant a lot to the busy couple. Its great to get away when theres no noise and just us, she said. That trip was really special. Photo credit: Getty Images From Esquire See? This is what I'm talking about. A nice, straight, bright line, beginning in one place and ending in another, easily seen through the foul murk of the president*'s public career. From The Washington Post: President Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday in New York to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump and his company pursued at the same time he was running for president... During the campaign, Cohen acted as Trumps point person in an attempt to build the Trump development in Moscow. He has said the project was in its early stages in fall 2015, as Trumps presidential campaign heated up. Cohen previously said the project stalled in January 2016, prompting him to email a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking help. Cohen previously said that he never received a response and that the project was halted that month. In fact, according to Thursdays court filing, the Russians did respond and Cohen discussed the project for 20 minutes on the phone with an assistant to Dmitry Peskov, a senior aide to Putin. At the time, Cohen was seeking help with both securing land and financing...Prosecutors also said that Cohen continued to have contact into summer 2016 with Felix Sater, a Russian-born developer assisting with the project. Some of those contacts were first reported by The Washington Post. Photo credit: Drew Angerer - Getty Images Cohens guilty plea - his second in four months - is the latest development in a wide-ranging investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Activity in that probe has intensified this week, as one planned guilty plea was derailed and, separately, prosecutors accused Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort of lying to them since he pleaded guilty...Trump has repeatedly said he had no business dealings in Russia, tweeting in July 2016, For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia, and telling reporters in January 2017 that he had no deals there because he had stayed away. Story continues It always was about the money. The president* always defined himself by it. It was the comforting myth of his public existence, the fairytale he told himself so he could sleep at night through all the failure and bankruptcy and the whoring after cash, dirty or laundered, all over the world. Take away the money-or, more accurately, the perception of the money-and there simply is nothing left of the man. Take away the money, and he can't see himself in the mirror. So he would do anything, including imperil his presidency and, therefore, the country, to save himself from the horrible realization that the money was all there was to him and there wasn't any money anymore. What the hell? What was the presidency to him but another mirror in which he still could see a man made of money? Photo credit: Getty Images So comes now Michael Cohen to talk about the money, and to lie to Congress about the money, and now to tell the Court, and Robert Mueller, the truth about the money. And we discover that Robert Mueller is no fool, and that he has known, all along, that it was about the money and that it always was about the money. Cohen worked as a top lawyer to Trump and his real estate company for a decade. After Trump took office, Cohen left the company and became a personal attorney to the president, while taking on consulting clients, including AT&T, Novartis and a New York firm that manages assets for a Russian billionaire. Once one of Trumps most loyal aides, he has taken a swift and thorough turn against the president in recent months. Cohen used to describe himself as Trumps pit bull and delighted in jousting with the celebrity businessmans enemies, once asserting that he would take a bullet for his longtime boss. But after pleading guilty, he said his conscience required him to tell the truth about Trump. Before the midterm elections, he urged the public to vote for Democrats, writing on Twitter that the election might be the most important vote in our lifetime. In recent months, he has been spending hours meeting with prosecutors, including Muellers team and was spotted recently arriving in Washington for additional meetings with his legal team. The story began to move very fast. The president*, on his way to the G7 in Argentina to meet with, among other people, Vladimir Putin, blew some smoke from the White House driveway, inadvertently (perhaps) admitting that he lied during the campaign about the business he and the weak person, Cohen, were doing in Russia. But events are beginning to rhyme on him, and he can't control the process now. Photo credit: Alex Wong - Getty Images At the same time that Cohen was copping his plea, over in Frankfort, German authorities were raiding the headquarters of Deutsche Bank, the one remaining financial institution willing to lend the president* money. The actions were taken in response to the latest revelations from the Panama Papers project, the massive leak of financial data that revealed precisely how governments and government officials clean their dirty money and stash it offshore all over the world. Again, from the Post: After an evaluation of the so-called Offshore Leaks and Panama Papers, Frankfurt public prosecutors office representative Nadja Niesen wrote in a statement, the suspicion arose that Deutsche Bank AG was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and that money connected to crimes was transferred to the accounts of Deutsche Bank AG. Deutsche Bank failed to report those suspicious transactions, according to German prosecutors. Prosecutors referred to a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered in the British Virgin Islands. From there, 900 customers were allegedly served by the bank in 2016 alone. Deutsche Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In their statement, prosecutors alleged there were sufficient indications for the suspicious nature of those transactions before the 2016 release of the Panama Papers. Yet bank officials did not report them. Has Deutsche Bank been connected to laundering Russian money? Why, yes, it has. From the BBC: Deutsche Bank has been fined $630m (504m) by US and UK regulators in connection with a Russian money laundering plan. Under the scheme, clients illegally moved $10bn out of Russia via shares bought and sold through the bank's Moscow, London and New York offices. Authorities said Deutsche had missed "numerous opportunities" to detect, investigate and stop the scheme. Deutsche Bank said it was co-operating with regulators. It also said it had put aside money to cover the cost of the settlement. During the investigation, New York authorities and Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that so called "mirror" trades had been carried out through the bank between 2011 and 2015. Clients would purchase stocks in roubles in Moscow before their counterparts sold the same stock at the same price through the bank's London branch. "By converting roubles into dollars through security trades that had no discernible economic purpose, the scheme was a means for bad actors within a financial institution to achieve improper ends while evading compliance with applicable laws," according to the legal document detailing the settlement with DFS. This, remember, is one of the only banks in the world that's been willing to do business with the president*. And Michael Cohen today pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his-and the president*'s-involvement in a proposal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. It is about the money. It's always been about the money. Respond to this post on the Esquire Politics Facebook page here. ('You Might Also Like',) Michael Cohen pleads guilty to lying to Congress in new deal with Mueller in Trump-Russia probe originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Michael Cohen, President Trumps longtime fixer, former personal attorney and confidant, pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about a prospective Trump real estate project in Moscow in a new deal with special counsel Robert Mueller. He appeared in federal court in Manhattan Thursday, where he entered a guilty plea for false statements to Congress in a letter last year about his contacts with Russians during the presidential campaign. According to court documents, Cohen admitted that he made the misstatements about the Moscow Project the Trump Organizations efforts to pursue a branded property in Moscow in an August 2017 letter to the House and Senate intelligence committees, which were conducting inquiries into alleged collusion and Russian interference. In court, Cohen admitted that he made the false statements to be consistent with Individual 1s political messaging and to be loyal to Individual 1, Cohen told the judge. Individual 1 was believed to be Trump, based on the description in court documents. The crime carries up to a 5-year prison sentence and potential $200,000 fine, but sentencing guidelines in the plea deal ranged from zero to six months. He was released without bail. PHOTO: Michael Cohen walks out of federal court, Nov. 29, 2018, in N.Y. (Julie Jacobson/AP) (MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Michael Cohen says family and country, not President Trump, is his 'first loyalty') This is the second deal Cohen has reached with federal prosecutors and represents a potential blow to Trump, who has been fixated on discounting Mueller and his inquiries into his campaigns potential collusion with Russia. Since the first plea on separate campaign finance related charges, Cohen, who once said hed take a bullet for Trump, has provided dozens of hours of interviews to the special counsels team, sources said. Before leaving the White House on Thursday, Trump called Cohen weak and a liar. His personal attorney, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, issued a statement slamming Cohen as a proven liar. Story continues Michael Cohen is a liar. It's no surprise that Cohen lied to Congress, Giulianis statement reads. He's a proven liar who is doing everything he can to get out of a long-term prison sentence for serious crimes of bank and tax fraud that had nothing to do with the Trump Organization. With regard to the hotel proposal in Moscow, the President has been completely open and transparent. Outside court, Cohens lawyer said his client will continue to cooperate with the investigation. Court documents detail a trio of falsehoods related to a multimillion-dollar Russian real estate deal Cohen pursued on behalf of the Trump Organization while Trump was running for president. In a public statement released in September 2017 - in advance of his closed sessions on Capitol Hill - Cohen said that he had nothing to do with any Russian involvement in our electoral process, and said he never saw anything not a hint of anything that demonstrated [President Trumps] involvement in Russian interference in our election or any form of Russian collusion. He also claimed in the statement that the proposal he worked on during the campaign to build a Trump property in Moscow was solely a real estate deal and nothing more. The plan was terminated in January of 2016, Cohen said, after it was determined that the project was not viable for business reasons. It [was?] not discussed extensively with others in the Trump Organization, he said, he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project, and he didnt recall any Russian government response or contact about the Moscow Project. PHOTO: Michael Cohen, personal attorney for President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 19, 2017. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters, FILE) (MORE: Michael Cohen spoke to Mueller team for hours; asked about Russia, possible collusion, pardon: Sources) Prosecutors now say, however, that Cohen made the false and misleading statements to minimize the links between the Moscow Project and Individual 1 and to give the false impression that the Moscow project ended before the Iowa caucus and the very first primary, in hopes of limiting ongoing Russia investigations. Cohen admitted, as part of the deal, that the project was discussed as late as June 2016, including communication about obtaining Russian government approval for the project. The documents also say not only was he considering traveling to Russia but he also asked Individual 1 about potentially traveling there as well. I had a chat with Moscow, another unnamed person, Individual 2, wrote to Cohen, according to the court documents. ASSUMING the trip does happen the question is before or after the convention. Cohen said in court that while he took steps to travel to Russia, he did not ultimately make the trip. The documents also state that Cohen communicated with the office of the Russian president in January 2016, specifically the personal assistant to Dmitri Peskov, Vladimir Putins press secretary. As Trumps personal attorney and problem solver for more than a decade, Cohens portfolio at the Trump Organization covered personal and business matters both routine and highly sensitive. Once among the presidents most loyal and zealous defenders in business and politics, Cohen has since promised to put family and country first by cooperating with prosecutors, becoming perhaps the most pivotal public witness against his former boss. PHOTO: Donald Trump arrives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, alongside his legal team, April 27, 2011. (Rick Friedman/Polaris, FILE) (MORE: Trump business associate: Im only guilty of trying to build the worlds tallest building) Since then, Cohen has spent more than 70 hours in interviews with Mueller's team. The questioning has focused on contacts with Russians by Trump associates during the campaign, Trumps business ties to Russia, obstruction of justice and talk of possible pardons, sources familiar with the discussions have told ABC News. Cohen has been determined to tell Muellers team, other federal prosecutors and the New York State Attorney Generals Office all that he knows -- and his testimony poses a potentially serious threat to the president, sources told ABC News. They also say Cohens voluntary cooperation has been crucial to the special counsels case. The potential significance of Cohens cooperation is immense, said Kendall Coffey, a former United States Attorney in Florida. "It cannot be determined if Cohens cooperation will lead to other criminal allegations. But for most high-powered business people with complex business interests, having ones personal attorney become a star witness for the prosecution is the worst possible legal nightmare." The news of the agreement comes during a tumultuous week in the Mueller investigation. On Monday, the special counsels plea deal with Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort officially collapsed, with prosecutors alleging that Manafort breached the pact by lying to federal agents and government lawyers during interviews. Manaforts attorneys dispute the allegations that he lied. And the president has been ratcheting up his criticisms of the investigation and Muellers team this week, accusing the prosecutors in a Wednesday tweet of viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts and likening the inquiry to the dark period in American history when Republican U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy sought to expose alleged communist sympathizers in the 1950s. Though much remains unknown about the scope of the investigation, Mueller is reportedly at work on preparing his final report and Washington is bracing for the potential of another round of indictments now that the midterm elections have passed. PHOTO: Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves federal court in New York, Aug. 21, 2018. (Craig Ruttle/AP, FILE) (MORE: Michael Cohen could be key witness in state investigation of Trump charity) Cohens agreement with Mueller also comes just two weeks before he is due to be sentenced in the separate case in federal court in New York, which burst into public view in April when federal agents raided his law office and residences. Cohen pleaded guilty in August to six felonies associated with his personal business dealings - including tax evasion and making false statements to a bank and two felony campaign finance violations in connection with his role in arranging non-disclosure agreements during the campaign with two women who had claimed past affairs with Trump. During a plea hearing in that case, Cohen directly implicated President Trump in the alleged schemes to silence the women: adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Cohen told the court that he made the arrangements for those hush-money deals in coordination with and at the direction of a candidate for federal office, referring to then-candidate Trump, for the principal purpose of influencing the election. Trump has denied the allegations of the affairs and has said that he learned of the deals only after they were made. The presidents attorney, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who once called Cohen an honest, honorable lawyer, said after the earlier plea hearing that Cohens actions reflect a pattern of lies and dishonesty over a significant period of time. Cohen remains free on bond in advance of a sentencing hearing scheduled for Dec. 12. 'Seconds later the baby is in my hands': Wisconsin couple welcomes daughter after delivering her in hotel parking lot originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A Wisconsin couple received an early holiday gift when they were forced to park in a hotel parking lot and deliver their newborn daughter. Mayda Cardona-Brunk was set to give birth to her daughter on Dec. 1, but on the night of Nov. 26, Cardona-Brunk started having contractions. They intensified within minutes, and when they began to occur within one minute of each other, she knew she couldnt wait any longer, she told ABC News. The Brookfield couple was on their way to the hospital a little before 11 p.m. when Cardona-Brunks water broke. (MORE: 'I just feel lucky and blessed': State trooper delivers baby on side of highway after pulling parents over) PHOTO: Two-day old Layla Brunk sleeps at West Allis Memorial Hospital in West Allis, Wis., Nov. 28, 2018. (Courtesy Jason Brunk) We were only in the car for maybe three minutes and she tells me her water broke, husband Jason Brunk told ABC News. I called 911, looked at her and said, I cant make it to the hospital. I could hear my husband talking to the 911 dispatcher and I told him, Shes coming, Cardona-Brunk said with a laugh. He kept saying, Dont push, but I kept thinking, I am not holding this in. Alex Graber, the 911 dispatcher, told Brunk to pull over and began to walk the couple through the delivery process as they waited for paramedics to arrive. Brunk parked his car in the parking lot of the Country Inn and Suites on South Moorland Road. (MORE: Thanksgiving baby: Iowa woman gives birth on side of the road before she can arrive at hospital) PHOTO: Mason Brunk, 7, holds his newborn sister Layla at West Allis Memorial Hospital in West Allis, Wis., Nov. 27, 2018. (Courtesy Jason Brunk) Im thinking hes going to ask me to deliver the baby. I wanted to see my little girl, but I didnt think I would be delivering her in a car, Brunk said. Graber asked Brunk if he had any towels. He didnt, but he had a large scarf. I had my scarf in one hand and my phone in the other. The dispatcher asked if I can see the head. I [said], Yes, I see the head, and seconds later the baby is in my hands, Brunk said. Story continues When the paramedics arrived, Brunk told ABC News that he knew his job was done. I turned around and said my job is done. You guys can take over now. (MORE: Couple delivers baby in Chick-Fil-A bathroom) PHOTO: Mayda Cardona-Brunk, Jason Brunk and their newborn Layla Brunk are pictured at West Allis Memorial Hospital near Milwaukee, Nov. 28, 2018. (Courtesy Jason Brunk) The couple and their newborn baby, Layla Brunk, are currently at West Allis Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee, and theyre all in good condition, Brunk said. Graber, who has only been a 911 dispatcher for about a year, said he was happy to be a part of the couple's special moment, according to Milwaukee ABC News affiliate WISN. I'm glad I could be a part of the special process, even though it wasn't the most ideal situation," Graber told WISN. "I'm glad it worked out in the end." Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young. (Photo: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Memo to men: Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young is taking names. At a Senate chamber session in Australia, Hanson-Young took down her seist bullies, singling them out individually. I will name you because you are not fit to be in this chamber, youre not fit to represent your constituents, and youre not fit to call yourselves men, she boldly declared. The South Australia senators blistering speech came as a response to comments made by Sen. Barry OSullivan who insinuated that Hanson-Young had seual relations with former Sen. Nick Xenophon. OSullivan went as far as saying, Theres a bit of Nick Xenophon in her. I dont mean that to be a double reference, but theres a bit of Xenophon in her. Australian Green Party leader Richard Di Natale immediately called out OSullivan for being a pig and protested the toxic environment in the countrys federal parliament that allows for seist filth to deter female representatives from running. The heated argument came hours after Australian Sen. Julia Banks announced her resignation from OSullivans party, citing a culture of bullying and harassment in Australias Liberal National Party. She will continue to legislate on the crossbench as an independent senator. Hanson-Young then took the floor to defend herself. After thanking Di Natale, Hanson-Young declared that is what real men do. They dont sIut-shame them and they dont attack [women] and make them feel bullied in their workplace. The 36-year-old senator then ripped into the men who made reprehensible insults, singling out OSullivan, Sen. Fraser Anning, Sen. Cori Bernardi and Sen. David Leyonhjelm. You, day after day, come into this place, hurl insults across this chamber, and play the gender card and, the moment anyone stands up to you, you have the most fragile glass jaws of all, said Hanson-Young. You are cowards. And I, for one, am sick of it, and I know many of my female colleagues on all sides of politics are sick of it too. Story continues Read Sen. Sarah Hanson-Youngs full statement here: As the person in this chamber whom the reprehensible and disgusting comments were directed to by Sen. OSullivan, I want to make it very clear that I am thankful to Sen. Di Natale for standing up and calling them out. That is what real men do. Real men dont insult and threaten women, and they dont slut-shame them and they dont attack them and make them feel bullied in their workplace. I have sat in this chamber for weeks and weeks months and heard the disgusting slurs and attacks coming from a particular group in this place. And I, for one, am sick of it, and I know many of my female colleagues on all sides of politics are sick of it, too. And I will name you because you are not fit to be in this chamber, youre not fit to represent your constituents and youre not fit to call yourselves men: Sen. OSullivan, Sen. Anning, Sen. Bernardi and Sen. Leyonhjelm. You day after day come into this place, hurl insults across this chamber and play the gender card and, the moment anyone stands up to you, you have the most fragile glass jaws of all. You are cowards. Every time you get called out, you refuse to stand by it. Thank you, Sen. Wong. I stand by the decision of our leader, Richard Di Natale. He uttered the words that Sen. OSullivan was a pig. He was asked to withdraw and he has refused. I back him in that. However, I do reflect on what Sen. Wong has just called for, and that is a little more decorum in this place. A high school English teacher made a questionable remark in class about police violence against African-Americans. (Photo: Getty Images) An anonymous parent took issue with a comment allegedly made by an English teacher at Pardeeville High School in Wisconsin on Nov. 2 and now the school has hired a private investigator to get to the bottom of it. The teacher reportedly told the class something to the effect: If I were a cop and you were all black, I would shoot you, according to local news station WISC-TV. But the remark was said to have been made in the context of a book the class was reading the popular young adult novel The Hate U Give, in which the protagonist is a 16-year-old black girl who is driven to activism after she witnesses the police shoot her childhood friend. The teacher was apparently drawing a parallel between the way students might be disciplined in school and the way African-Americans can be targets of police violence, according to the Wisconsin News. We did feel that the information we got was worthy of discipline, Pardeeville District Superintendent Gus Knitt told Yahoo Lifestyle. Knitt had previously called the statement a horrible analogy in an interview with WISC-TV. Whether the comment was in context or not, it is a terrible stereotype, especially when I think about (our local law enforcement). They do their job. They enforce the law, and they dont care who it is thats breaking the law, he told Wisconsin News. Although he said the school in no way agrees with what she said, he doesnt see the teachers comment as a racist incident. I know some people are trying to make it a racial issue but we dont view it [that way], and well see what the investigator says, Knitt told WISC-TV. Knitt told Yahoo Lifestyle that a school board meeting was held on Nov. 19 to address the issue and that three parents voiced their concerns. He said there were 24 students in the class, and he called each one personally to let them know about the investigation and find out whether their families wanted to be involved. I have six who want to come in and talk to investigators, he said. He added that the teacher had already apologized to the class herself. Story continues Some parents complained that the book should not have been part of the lesson plan to begin with, as it wasnt part of the curriculum. But Knitt said, thats not the way we do things. He described the curriculum as an overall guideline for learning, but he said teachers are free to introduce books of their choice as supplements. We always give teachers the latitude to bring in materials that will enhance what theyre doing, he said. Was it listed [in the curriculum]? No. But the teacher felt it was enhancing topics they were already dealing with. Knitt says he encourages teachers to assign books the students are excited about reading. We want students to read. We want them exposed to a variety of issues, he told Yahoo Lifestyle, suggesting some of the classics can be a hard sell. I have kids who dont want to read those books. So we ask, Whats the general topic we want to cover, and is there a book we [can choose] that the students might be more interested in?' He says that The Hate U Give has been so popular among Pardeeville High School students that the library cant keep it on the shelves. The school even reached out to libraries in the area, but they couldnt help either. The books are all checked out, and theres a waiting list of 100 people [at the library], he said. We understand how popular this book is. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas spent 50 weeks on the New York Times young adult bestsellers list after its release in February 2017. In October, a film adaptation hit theaters to critical acclaim. It was reportedly heavily influenced by the late rapper Tupac Shakur and the Black Lives Matter movement. Knitt confirmed that the teacher is still teaching the English class and will do so throughout the investigation. Parents had some concerns about the thoroughness of our investigation, so we brought an outside person in, he told Yahoo Lifestyle. That person is reportedly an attorney from the law firm Davis and Kuelthau in Green Bay. Knitt said that in a few weeks, a report will be delivered to him based on the investigators interviews with students and parents, and the school will decide how to follow up. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. CHICO, Calif. (AP) A businessman pained over the destruction to the town of Paradise caused by a deadly Northern California wildfire on Tuesday gave $1,000 each to students and staff members from the local high school. Real estate developer and restaurant owner Bob Wilson arrived in the nearby city of Chico with two suitcases stuffed with checks totaling $1.1 million for Paradise High School's 980 students and 105 teachers and staff members. Wilson is from the San Diego area and said he thought of the donation after reading a Los Angeles Times story about the high school still standing with students scattered and separated from each other. One student told the newspaper he missed spending time with his friends at local hangouts and another said she cries constantly. Wilson is 90 and said in an interview that his memories of high school in the 1940s inspired him to act. His intention was to make the kids smile and "give a little freedom to do whatever they wanted to do and maybe take their minds off what happened for a short period." He said reading about the hardships faced by the Paradise high school students broke his heart and he wanted them to know that someone cares about them. "High school had a great impact on my life," he said. "In fact, I would say it was the first, last and only truly carefree time." School Principal Loren Lighthall said he thinks about 900 students lost their homes because of the fire that killed 88 people. "Bob's donation puts money in each kid's pocket right now for food, gas, clothes, for essential things," he said. Stephen Prosser claimed he suffered personal injury and loss of earnings after being made to sit next to an obese passenger on a British Airways flight (PA) A British Airways passenger who said he was injured by being forced to sit next to an obese man during a flight has lost his claim against the airline. Stephen Prosser, 51, had claimed he suffered personal injury and loss of earnings after being made to sit next to the large passenger, who he said was the size of Jonah Lomu during a 12-hour flight from Bangkok to Heathrow. But his civil claim against the airline at Pontypridd County Court was dismissed by District Judge Andrew Barcello, who said Mr Prosser had exaggerated the description of the other passenger. The judge said that, while Mr Prosser may have exacerbated a degenerative spinal condition during the flight, he could have just asked to swap seats with another passenger. Judge Barcello said: He is articulate, intelligent and forthright. He need only have explained to fellow passengers that he was finding the flight uncomfortable, rather than knowingly subject himself to an injurious event. Mr Prosser described the man as being 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 22 stone (PA) In my view, his statements were his statements were intended to increase the size of the claimed encroachment and to create an exaggerated picture, rather than a genuine account. I accept that the passenger in seat 37J was a large man, both in the sense that he was very tall, broad, and carried significant body weight. It is likely that there were occasions when, as a result of his size or his movements within his chair, that he did cause an inconvenience to Mr Prosser. But I do not accept the suggestion that his size was such that Mr Prosser was compelled to sit in an awkward way for the duration of the flight by virtue of him encroaching upon his seating area. MORE: Number of EU citizens applying for British citizenship soars by 32% in a year MORE: Thousands of shoplifters escape prosecution for stealing items less than 50 The judge added that Mr Prosser had unrealistic expectations of how much room he should have had given the class of cabin he chose. Mr Prosser, a self-employed civil engineer, had told the court earlier this month that he chose not to leave his seat because doing so would hassle the other passenger getting up, and did not take issue with him because he seemed self-conscious. Story continues Mr Prosser described the man as being 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 22 stone, and claimed he reminded him of late New Zealand rugby union player Jonah Lomu. 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. He sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was overspilling into my seat by some inches. 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 the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his spine to dysfunction. He said he had been unable to work overtime for three months as a result of his back pain, and it had left him lacking energy which had affected his relationship with his partner and forced him to give up mountain biking. Mr Prosser claimed the passenger reminded him of late New Zealand rugby union player Jonah Lomu (Getty) Jack Harding, representing Mr Prosser, said a figure of 4,100 had been submitted for the loss of earnings claim. 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. Following the verdict a spokesman for British Airways said: We are pleased that the court agreed that Mr Prosser had room to fly comfortably. Our cabin crew will always do their best to make sure all our customers have a smooth journey, and in this case provided extra pillows and blankets to help Mr Prosser sleep. The civil claim against the airline at Pontypridd County Court was dismissed by District Judge Andrew Barcello (PA) Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Director, producer and writer Alfonso Cuaron, 57, is considered one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the business. His latest movie, Roma, out Dec. 14 on Netflix, is a Spanish-language autobiographical film based on his childhood in Mexico City. It is expected to become the first Spanish-language production to get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, and Cuaron is favored to take home his second Best Director statue. In 2014, he won two Academy Awards for his film Gravity: one for Best Director and the other for Best Editing. Its a huge accomplishment not only because the movie grossed $723 million worldwide but also because he was the first Mexican director to win the coveted Oscar. In his acceptance speech he gave a special shout-out to his mom: This is thanks to you, Mom. I love you. In the black-and-white Roma, Cuaron doesnt focus on his younger self; instead he focuses on the two most influential women in his life: his mother and his live-in nanny. Cuarons passion project had a $15 million budget and took him 108 days to shoot. He had the personal work in mind for a decade, and when it came time to shoot, he kept the script top secret. I wanted everybody, actors and crew, to learn the circumstance of the characters day by day, the same way that you learn in life, he told the Hollywood Reporter. Cuaron has worked on more than 13 films. One of his first movies was Great Expectations starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke. Hes also known for his work in Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and the award-winning Gravity. Story continues Alfonso Cuaron , 2014 Oscar winner of Best Achievement in Directing for Gravity. (Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images) His latest film, Roma, will debut on Netflix and be distributed in theaters Dec. 14. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Follow Yahoo Entertainments La Lista: Latinx on Instagram and Facebook. La Lista celebrates all things Latinx from celebrities to culture to lifestyle. London (AFP) - Adding to her EU divorce dramas, Prime Minister Theresa May is on a landmark visit to Argentina for the G20 summit where her hosts are using Brexit to advance their claim on Britain's Falkland Islands. May arrived late Thursday on the first visit by a British premier to the Argentine capital since the 1982 Falklands War between the two countries in what is being seen in Buenos Aires as a chance to improve ties. However, the 3,400 Falkland Islanders insist their British sovereignty remains non-negotiable and say a proper thaw in their relations with Argentina remains distant. They have reason to be worried about Brexit: if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, the Falklands' economy -- heavily reliant on tariff-free squid exports to EU member Spain -- could face a hammer blow. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie made waves last month, saying Buenos Aires would exploit Brexit to enhance its diplomatic push for the Falklands. Britain's sovereignty claim to the islands, known in the Spanish-speaking world as the Malvinas, dates back to 1765 and it has held permanent administration since 1833. Buenos Aires claims the barren, windswept islands, 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Argentine coast, are occupied Argentine territory. Argentina's then-ruling military junta invaded on April 2, 1982 but surrendered on June 14 to a British task force after a brief but intense and bloody war. - 'More connectivity' - Faurie told AFP ahead of the summit that Buenos Aires was discussing with London the possibility of "creating more connectivity to the islands". "There is a lot of room still to grow in terms of confidence and trust between the two countries," he said. "Our expectation is that the rebuilding of bilateral trust... will constitute a sort of substantive material to discuss all other issues about the sovereignty of the Malvinas." Once Britain is outside the EU in March 2019, the 27 other states will no longer be obliged to support London's sovereignty position. Story continues Brexit is also an opportune moment for Anglo-Argentine ties: Britain is seeking new trade partners outside the EU while Argentina needs to find ways out of an economic crisis. "Post-Brexit, (Argentines) are imagining that if the Falkland Islands has to get its economic act in order, that may open up channels," Richard Lapper, a South America specialist at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs think-tank in London, told AFP. "The big prize for Britain is the prospect of very cheap agricultural imports. "The Argentines may say they only want to do a deal on food if we have a side agreement on the Falklands." Jimena Blanco, Americas chief and Argentina expert at risk analysts and strategic forecasters Verisk Maplecroft, said President Mauricio Macri had moved away from the Falklands "sabre-rattling" of his nationalist predecessor Cristina Kirchner. Macri's Falklands policy-makers "have a more moderate approach," she told AFP. "There is an understanding that the war, and confrontation under Kirchner, made a lot of damage that cannot be undone by one administration. "It needs to become a sustained state policy whereby future generations of Falkland Islanders no longer see Argentina as a threat but more as a neighbour that they might want to have a special relationship with." - No-deal Brexit threat - As an EU member state's overseas territory, the Falkland Islands enjoy tariff- and quota-free access to the European single market. Some 94 percent of fisheries exports go to the EU, contributing 40 percent of the islands' GDP and a third of government revenue. The second-biggest sector is meat and wool exports. It is estimated that a no-deal Brexit would shrink the Falklands government's revenue by up to 16 percent, damaging its ability to deliver public services and invest in roads and hospitals. Tariffs would "wipe out the EU as a market for meat exports", while there "really isn't an alternative market" for its squid than southern Europe, said Richard Hyslop, senior policy advisor to the Falkland Islands government. "The fishing industry is a huge success story for the Falklands and we don't want to see anything happen that damages that," he told AFP. Even so, establishing alternative trade links with Argentina seems a long way off. Their sovereignty claim is enshrined in the constitution and Kirchner-era legislation aimed at frustrating the Falklands economy remains in place. "Certainly I don't think anyone's looking at direct trade with Argentina," said Teslyn Barkman, the Falklands lawmaker responsible for Brexit, the EU and natural resources. "Regardless of Brexit, they would be trying to find opportunities to work this sovereignty conversation into any development," she told AFP. General Motors just shared some very bad news: It is closing five factories in the United States and Canada, eliminating 15 percent of its work force (and 25 percent of its executives), and getting out of the passenger-car business almost entirely to focus on SUVs and trucks. President Donald Trump threw a fit, but GM shrugged him off. The facts are the facts. What did U.S. taxpayers get for their $11.2 billion bailout of GM? About ten years of business-as-usual, and one very expensive lesson. Bailouts dont work. Never mind the moral hazard, the rent-seeking, the cronyism and the favoritism, and all of the inevitable corruption that inevitably accompanies multibillion-dollar sweetheart deals between Big Business and Big Government. Set aside the ethical questions entirely and focus on the mechanics: Businesses such as GM get into trouble not because of one-time events in the wider economic environment, but because they are so weak as businesses that they cannot weather one-time events in the wider economic environment. GMs sedan business is weak because GMs sedans are weak: Virtually all of the best-selling sedans in the United States are made by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. The lower and middle sections of the market are dominated by Asia, and the high end of the market by Europe: Mercedes, Audi, BMW. GM cant compete with the Honda Civic at its price point or with the Audi A7 at its price point. Consumers like what they like, and they arent buying what GM is selling. It isnt winning in the dino-juice-powered market, in the electric-car market, or in the hybrid market, either: GM is not exactly what you would call a nimble corporation. So, things are grim for GM. On the car front, anyway. GM has a much healthier business selling trucks and SUVs, a business that it now will focus its resources on as it should have done long ago. Why didnt it do that? In part, because we you and me, suckers paid them not to. We were told that we simply must bail out General Motors during the financial crisis because if we failed to, that would lead to a bloodbath of job losses and cascading business failures. But the job losses were always going to come: Paying people to build things that consumers dont really want isnt a sustainable business model. Thats a reality you cannot bail your way out of. Story continues The U.S. government was buffaloed into the bailouts. The so-called experts argued that if GM went down, it was going to take the whole U.S. automobile industry with it, that its failure would do such violence to the supply chain and automotive ecosystem that it had to be prevented at practically any cost. That alone should have been reason enough to liquidate GM rather than reorganize in bankruptcy what we were just informed is a systemic threat to the stability of the U.S. economy. But the U.S. automobile industry was never going to fail in toto. The unprofitable parts were. There are billions and billions of dollars to be made selling Americans pickup trucks and SUVs, and GM knows how to do that. And if GM doesnt do it, somebody else will. Weve already seen that as U.S. automakers wind down their passenger-car businesses: Soon, you wont be able to buy a Ford sedan in the United States, but you can do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota Camry, instead. But what about our jobs? the so-called nationalists demand. The Toyota Camry is made in Kentucky, which, last time I checked, was still in the Union. The same thing holds true, broadly, of the banks we bailed out. The Too Big To Fail institutions are bigger than ever as regulatory pressure and ordinary competition encourage consolidation in the financial-services sector. Does anybody really think that the practice of lending money for interest a business model old enough to have a Biblical injunction against it was going to stop if we let a half-dozen banks reap what they sowed? Of course there would have been disruption. Heres a safe bet: Theres going to be disruption, still, because focus on this, now we didnt solve the problem. Bailouts dont solve problems. Bailouts at best delay the day of reckoning. Subsidies eventually run dry. Surely this has occurred to Jeff Bezos and his team at Amazon. If New York City and Washington only made sense as new corporate homes because of a few billion dollars in subsidies (amounting to something like 2 percent of Jeff Bezoss personal net worth), then it would be the height of stupidity to build permanent facilities there in return for a one-time offer of largely fixed benefits. Of course, Bezos et al. are not above picking up free money if its just lying around. Maybe they should be: If the worlds richest man cant afford to exercise some leadership, then who can? Or consider that subsidy from the point of view of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Evil of New York politics. If New York City can only hope to attract a firm like Amazon by essentially bribing (in an entirely legal fashion!) its shareholders, then what does that say about New York City? A New York City with excellent schools, a first-rate mass-transit system, a sensible tax and regulatory environment, and better public sanitation might not have to pay off corporate shareholders no, that kind of New York City would have the confidence to say: This is New York. Lots of people want to be here. Youre welcome to join us, and well provide the best municipal services we can, but dont act like youre doing us a favor. We were a big deal before you came along, guys. But fixing the schools and subways is hard work, and doing it economically is even harder. You know what isnt hard work? Giving somebody elses money to a third party from whom you want something. That isnt leadership. Its cowardice and sloth. Big Business and Big Government have a lot in common: the challenge of trying to manage complexity through bureaucracy, the deadening mentality and corporate culture of the Organization Man, inertia, internal politics, the agent-principal problem. Sometimes, they deal with those problems in remarkably similar fashion: by convincing us that they are so big and so important that we cannot manage without them. But it is not so. If you cant get a slick black Cadillac, the hardworking gentlemen in Stuttgart are ready to take care of your big-sedan needs and their colleagues in Alabama will take care of your little-sedan needs. Elon Musk, even in the middle of what seems to be a very weird and very public episode of some kind, is standing by to sell you what is arguably the best American car ever made, and a million Uber and Lyft drivers are helping many urbanites see that they dont really need a car at all. There was moneylending before J. P. Morgan, and there will be moneylending after JPMorgan Chase & Co. And heres a little something you may not know: Too Big To Fail isnt a problem that crept up on us in 2008 the Wall Street Journal was writing about the issue as early as 1983, identifying eleven large financial institutions that the federal government would not allow to fail. Why didnt we do anything? Nobody wants to rock the boat during the good times, and during the bad times politicians become so fearful of job loss that they will abandon principle and intelligence both (some are less burdened by these than others) to prevent that from happening or to stanch it when it already is under way. In the short term, that may be good politics. In the long term, its bad policy. Jobs arent an end jobs are a means, the way we get cars made and chickens plucked and code written. It is no fun losing a job, and it can turn your life upside down: I used to be a newspaper editor, which means I oversaw a good deal of downsizing before eventually getting the ax myself. (Fun fact: I once unsuccessfully sought a job that was offered to me about five years later at about 25 percent of the previous salary. Free markets: They are a b****.) We engage in a great deal of social spending that encourages people not to work when we probably should spend some of that helping people to work, for instance by repacking some unemployment benefits as relocation assistance to help unemployed workers go where the jobs are. But just giving companies money in the form of bailouts or Amazon-style incentives, which ultimately amount to the same thing in exchange for their creating jobs is a losing proposition. The market decides what jobs are worth doing and at what price and no politician, even the mayor of New York City, has the power to change that. Thats reality, and reality isnt optional. In the decade that has passed since the financial crisis, we havent learned anything. The lesson we should have learned to let business be business and let government be government seems to be for the moment beyond our political imagination: Left and Right alike are partly or wholly captive to the fantasies of managerial progressivism and neo-mercantilism, with the Left imagining that Washington can intelligently direct energy and labor markets and much of the Right falling in behind protectionism, managed trade, and corporate welfare for everybody from Boeing to Foxconn. Never mind whether thats right our self-styled political realists dont worry much about that sort of thing anymore it wont get you what you want: a world with all the benefits of economic dynamism and all the comforts of stasis. As anybody who saw what became of the Chevy Malibu knows in the depths of his heart, GM will always disappoint you whether youre in for a few thousand or in for a few billion. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier sitting near UKIP MEP Nigel Farage in the European parliament (Getty) EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has raised the stakes on next months Commons vote over the Brexit deal, telling MPs that the future of the UK rests on their decision. In a speech to the European parliament, Barnier insisted the withdrawal agreement signed-off on Sunday is the only possible deal after an arduous 17 months of negotiations. The French politician vowed to respect the debate taking place over the deal in the UK ahead of the vote on 11 December. But with the deal set to fall short by up to 180 votes, he sent this message to MPs: The time has now come for everybody to shoulder their responsibilities. British MPs will have an opportunity to take up a position on that withdrawal agreement and political declaration in the forthcoming weeks. This is a text where the future of their country is at stake. MORE: Barnier remains available 24/7 for talks even though Brexit deal agreed Securing the deal would make it possible to limit the negative consequences of Brexit, he told a mostly empty parliament chamber in Brussels. Barnier was though urged by UKIP MEP Nigel Farage to prepare for MPs to vote down the deal. This is going to fail in parliament and probably fail by a very big margin, said Farage. Speaking directly to Barnier, Farage added: You say this is the only possible deal but this deal isnt going to be accepted Are you prepared for that? Because you seem to assume that the British parliament is going to ratify this. It isnt. Barnier said he had no intention of engaging in polemics with Farage and said he remains convinced that we will be able to work together for a real, unprecedented partnership. Farage was accused during the debate of orchestrating the criticism levelled at the deal by US president Donald Trump earlier this week. Michel Barnier and Nigel Farage shake hands at the end of the debate (Getty) Trump said it was a great deal for the EU which meant the UK may not be able to trade with us. MEP Elmar Brok, an ally of German chancellor Angela Merkel, branded Farage president Trumps speech writer and accused him of helping the US to divide Europe. Story continues We need a European Union which is united, which can help us and defend us against the Trumps and all the rest, said Brok. So, were not going to allow that to be destroyed by presidents Trumps speech writer here in the parliament. In stark contrast to the UK parliament, almost all the European parliaments political groups signalled their intention to vote in favour of the deal. That includes the European allies of Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens parties opposed to the current deal. MORE: UKIP has now lost 10 MEPs after Bours quietly left party Liberal MEP Guy Verhofstadt said the deal is the only and best possible in the circumstances but expressed his belief that in the near future a new generation in Britain will decide to come back into the great European political family. Socialist MEP Roberto Gaultieri also said there is no alternative deal to the one agreed on Sunday before adding: If the UK changes its mind, our arms are and will remain open. Green co-leader Philippe Lamberts said the UK would be viewed as a rogue state if it left the EU next March without a deal. The paltry turnout for the debate with Barnier sparked speculation that the EU is suffering Brexit fatigue. A more likely reason is that the debate was limited to one speaker per political group. Labours leader in the European parliament, Richard Corbett, complained at the beginning of proceedings that the rule meant there would not be a single British voice from those who oppose Brexit , which according to the latest polls represent the majority view of the British population. The US Forest Service released video on November 26 showing the April 23, 2017, gender reveal stunt by a US Border Patrol agent that started the 47,000-acre Sawmill Fire in southern Arizona. Dennis Dickey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of starting a fire without a permit on September 28. He was also ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution and sentenced on October 9 to five years probation, local media reported. Dickey was off-duty when he hit a target loaded with Tannerite, a highly explosive material that has been linked to other Western wildfires, the Arizona Daily Star reported. Dickey was charged with starting the fire on September 27, the Star reported. The Forest Service released the video as a result of Freedom of Information Act requests made by several Arizona media outlets in May 2017. Credit: US Forest Service via Storyful California attorney general Xavier Becerra said Wednesday that his office is monitoring the use of force against a caravan of migrants and the possible closure of the southern border and considering filing a legal challenge. We have been approached by folks who have expressed complaints, Becerra told Reuters in an interview. We are monitoring whats occurring. Becerra, a Democrat and former member of Congress, suggested that president Trumps threat to close the border in response to the influx of central American migrants arriving in caravans might provide a legal avenue to challenge the administration, provided the border closure affects a California resident. I cant act unless the rules are on our side, Becerra stipulated. Border patrol agents used tear gas to repel hundreds of migrants at the San Ysidro border crossing near Tijuana on Sunday. The migrants rushed the border after breaking off from a protest meant to express frustration at the slow pace of asylum application processing. Some 6,000 migrants remain camped in temporary shelters in Tijuana awaiting asylum. Trump defended the use of tear gas against the migrants, some of whom were filmed hurling rocks and other projectiles at border patrol agents. They had to use it; they were being rushed by some very tough people, Trump said. And so they used tear gas. Heres the bottom line: No ones coming into our country unless they come in legally. Eat This, Not That! You pour it out, wear it on your sleeve and love people from the bottom of it. But do you take carewe mean, proper careof your heart?For decades, heart disease has been the No. 1 killer of Americans.The good news: You can make quick, easy changes to your lifestyle to cut your risk, and add years to your life, and it's never too late. Here are the top 50 things you're probably doing that put you in dangerfrom the Eat This, Not That! Health to you, with all our heart. Read onand to ensure your By Anna Mehler Paperny TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's government is reviewing its diplomatic presence in Cuba, officials said on Thursday, after another staff member developed the same mysterious health problems that first began affecting diplomats last year. Canadian and U.S. diplomats in Havana first began complaining of dizziness, headaches and nausea in the spring of 2017. The United States reduced embassy staffing in Cuba from more than 50 to a maximum of 18, after more than two dozen personnel developed unusual illnesses. Another Canadian diplomat showed symptoms over the summer, government officials said in a telephone briefing. Tests confirmed the person suffered from the same health issues that had affected a dozen other Canadian staff, spouses and their children, officials said. The cause of the ailments is still unknown. In April, Ottawa directed the families of Canadian diplomats in Cuba to leave the Communist-run island. Next week, Canadian officials will go to Cuba to review the country's diplomatic presence there. "We are looking at all options," one senior official said, but would not elaborate on what those options might be. Cuban officials have denied any involvement or any knowledge of what was behind the incidents. NBC News said in September that U.S. officials believe the health problems may have been caused by sophisticated electromagnetic weapons. Symptoms have included hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, headaches and fatigue, a pattern consistent with "mild traumatic brain injury," U.S. State Department officials have said. (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Tom Brown) Ottawa (AFP) - Canada announced targeted sanctions Thursday against 17 Saudi nationals it said were linked to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month. The sanctions, which freezes their assets and bars their travel to Canada, "target individuals who are, in the opinion of the government of Canada, responsible for or complicit in the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. At the same time, Ottawa continued to call for "a transparent and rigorous accounting of the circumstances" surrounding Khashoggi's murder, saying that "the explanations offered to date by Saudi Arabia lack consistency and credibility." "The murder of Jamal Khashoggi is abhorrent and represents an unconscionable attack on the freedom of expression of all individuals," Freeland also told a press conference in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "This case is not closed," she said. "Those responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder must be held to account and must face justice." Freeland accompanied Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the summit, also attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia has said that 21 people are in custody, with death penalties sought against five men. International pressure has mounted on Riyadh to find those responsible for the grisly murder of Khashoggi, a US resident who wrote for The Washington Post and had been critical of Prince Mohammed. A recent CIA analysis leaked to the US media reportedly pointed the finger at Prince Mohammed, though Saudi prosecutors have said he had no role in the killing. The Canadian sanctions target individuals alleged to be members of a Saudi hit squad that carried out the killing, as well as close aides of the prince. They come after allies France, Germany and the United States imposed similar sanctions on these individuals. Rahim Mohammadi murdered Lea Adri-Soejoko with a lawnmower cord (PA Images) A volatile allotment owner has been convicted of murdering an elderly widow to avoid being thrown off his London plot. Rahim Mohammadi killed 80-year-old Lea Adri-Soejoko with a lawnmower cord and hid her body in a shed in February last year. Mohammadi attacked his victim after the pair rowed at an allotment meeting and strangled her so she couldnt report the attack, which would have meant he lost his allotment. Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has announced he is HIV positive during a debate in the House of Commons. He is the first MP to publicly disclose a diagnosis of the illness. Mr Russell-Moyle has been met with a huge wave of support from the public and fellow politicians for his bravery. Michael Cohen, Donald Trumps former lawyer, has made a surprise appearance before a federal judge to plead guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. He told the judge in New York he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Mr Trumps political message. MOSCOW (AP) Police in Russia's fourth-largest city of Yekaterinburg have seized children's paintings over what they consider to be depictions of gay love. Police said officers were dispatched Thursday to check a report in a government-friendly website about the drawings, and have seized 17 for examination. The Ura.ru website claimed Wednesday that a high school drawing competition on the subject of tolerance featured several drawings which depicted same-sex couples. Russia passed a bill in 2013 outlawing the public display of what it described "gay propaganda." The website published what it said was a picture of one of the drawings which features silhouettes of what appears to same-sex couples. The headline to the drawing says "We are all unique. We don't get to choose looks, race, (sexual) orientation." By Dave Sherwood SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's government on Thursday said it would ask a judge to preventively detain four ex-police officers involved in the controversial shooting death of an indigenous Mapuche man in the Araucania region of south-central Chile. The four men are slated to appear in court on Friday, Interior Minister Andres Chadwick told reporters, after a judge on Thursday ordered their arrest on allegations that include obstruction of justice and homicide. "The investigation is bearing fruit and our government will continue to seek truth to ensure that justice is served in the case of the death of this indigenous man," Chadwick said. The four ex-police officers, who were removed from the service after the shooting, could not be immediately reached for comment. The court date comes nearly two weeks after Camilo Catrillanca, the grandson of a local indigenous leader, was shot in the head during a police operation in a rural community near the town of Ercilla, 480 miles south of Santiago. The incident sparked fury among opposition parties and human rights activists, triggering widespread protests throughout Chile. The administration of Chilean center-right President Sebastian Pinera has increasingly come under political pressure to seek justice in the case. Chilean police initially said it was unclear who shot Catrillanca because none of the members of the special forces unit that handled the raid had worn body cameras. But one of the policemen involved was later spotted in media footage wearing a camera. The policeman told investigators he had destroyed the camera's memory card. The region's Mapuche indigenous residents have long accused the state and private companies of taking their ancestral land, draining its natural resources and using undue violence against them. Their communities are among the poorest in Chile. (Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by Leslie Adler) A new study highlights Chinas growing air power, and warns that China is looking to build out its Air Force to the point that the U.S. would not be willing to take it on in direct conflict. The Project Air Force team at Rand Corp. describes an emerging Chinese air force that aims to rival the United States' own, both technologically and strategically, often by mirroring U.S. military capabilities and doctrine. It is important to recognize that many of the PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] efforts in the military aerospace sector focus on fielding of specific capabilities in sufficient quantities to deter the United States from entering a conflict; the PLA would vastly prefer deterrence over actual combat operations, the report reads. In this sense, the capabilities competition can be regarded as aimed at defeating the United States without actually fighting. Copying or innovating their own capabilities are both valid pathways to this goal. However, the lower cost and higher speed of the copying and adapting approach appears to have made it a preferred approach whenever available," the report reads. Different services prefer different styles, however. The Peoples Liberation Army Air Force, or PLAAF, tends to copy, while Chinas missile and space programs are more frequent innovators. Unlike the U.S. military, Chinas strategic missile forces act as their own service. The Rand Corp. report was originally shared with Air Force leaders in September 2017, but was made publicly available this month. In it, researchers documented the restructuring of the PLAAF and the technological innovations the country is looking to develop as it cruises towards a possible confrontation with the United States. The PLAAF is one of five branches within the larger Peoples Liberation Army, the name given to Chinas armed services. Chinas power projection strategy appears to be built around the development of precision-strike ballistic and cruise missiles, supplemented by a dense web of surface-to-air missiles and advanced fighter jets. Story continues The main driver for Chinese military aerospace power development is the PLAs view that it needs to be prepared to deter and, if necessary, defeat the United States in a high-end clash, the Rand report reads. The report added that the PLA tends to copy foreign military technology, organizational designs and operational concepts where it suits them, but is not incapable of innovating its own solutions when needed. PLAAF writings often cite the U.S. Air Force as a model for their transformation into a strategic air force, which they define as one not bound to defending Chinas air sovereignty but capable of supporting Chinas national policy objectives. In 2014, then-Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh argued that achieving his own services core missions required integrating air power capabilities within and across air, space, and cyberspace. The Chinese military appears to be mirroring that with their own developments in the arenas of strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; tactical and strategic airlift; and strike assets, according to Rand Corp. The report recommended that the U.S. Air Force strive to understand the advances China is making in those domains, as well as in space and within space-based satellite architectures. In addition, the Air Force should monitor a range of other PLA investments and changes, including in the realms of doctrine, organization, training, manpower, logistics, procurement and facilities. Many U.S. observers have also seen similarities in PLA hardware and operating practices that, at least superficially, appear to be derived from the observation or theft of the United States or other countries technologies and practices," the report reads. A chart within the Rand report highlights areas in which the Chinese tend to copy the U.S. Air Force. The top of the chart notes large degrees of similarities between the PLAAFs J-20 and J-31 stealth fighter jets and the U.S. Air Forces F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters. In areas like bombers and precision strike, though, China exhibits much less similarity with U.S. counterparts. The PLAAFs close-air support capabilities are also much more limited, the chart notes, hinting at Chinas expectation for a conflict with the U.S. to be relegated to naval and air combat around the South China Sea. That could portend a weakness in Chinas doctrinal approach, as they may not anticipate the need to engage in air-to-ground combat on the Chinese mainland or elsewhere. In a similar vein, the U.S. militarys reliance on satellite-based targeting could be a weakness China seeks to exploit. China has not put significant money into space-based satellites for ballistic missile early warning like the U.S. has. Chinas most advanced stealth fighter may now be able to strike targets at greater distances Instead, Chinas space efforts have focused on signals intelligence-gathering and espionage satellites; the use of space to support its economic development and soft power; and the development of space-denial [i.e., anti-satellite] capabilities, an expert interviewed in the Rand report said. More recently, China has begun to copy the U.S. Air Force on its aerial lift and refueling. Until a few years ago, China did not have any political need to project power over great distances. That could be changing as the country shifts to protect investments in Africa and play a larger role abroad. However, much of what is known about Chinas air power is based on open-source information. Like their U.S. counterparts, Chinas leaders do not publicize all military developments. The Rand report points to the need for U.S. military planners to identify possible or probable vectors along which the PLA is likely to target U.S. interests in any armed clash. Such knowledge is also useful during times of peace to prevent military-to-military contact that might unwittingly help the PLA further advance its capabilities, the report concludes. By Holly Chik and Farah Master HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Chinese scientist at the center of an ethical storm over what he claims are the world's first genetically edited babies said on Wednesday he is proud of his work and revealed there was a second "potential" pregnancy as part of the research. He Jiankui, an associate professor at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, addressed a packed hall of around 700 people attending the Human Genome Editing Summit at the University of Hong Kong. "For this case, I feel proud. I feel proudest," He said, when challenged by several peers at the conference. Asked whether there were any other edited gene pregnancies as part of his trials, He said there was another "potential" pregnancy and replied "yes" to a follow-up question as to whether it was a "chemical pregnancy", which refers to an early-stage miscarriage. It was unclear whether the pregnancy had ended or not. He, who said his work was self-funded, shrugged off concerns that the research was conducted in secrecy, explaining that he had engaged the scientific community over the past three years. "This study has been submitted to a scientific journal for review," He said. He did not name the journal and said his university was unaware of his study. In videos posted online this week, He said he used a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the embryonic genes of twin girls born this month. He said gene editing would help protect the girls from infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But scientists and the Chinese government have denounced the work that He said he carried out, and a hospital linked to his research suggested its ethical approval had been forged. The conference moderator, Robin Lovell-Badge, said the summit organizers were unaware of the story until it broke this week. CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows scientists to essentially cut and paste DNA, raising hope of genetic fixes for disease. However, there are concerns about safety and ethics. Story continues (Graphic explaining CRISPR gene editing technique, https://tmsnrt.rs/2ReKG1R) The Chinese Society for Cell Biology in a statement on Tuesday strongly condemned any application of gene editing on human embryos for reproductive purposes and said that it was against the law and medical ethics of China. More than 100 scientists, most in China, said in an open letter on Tuesday the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the genes of human embryos was dangerous and unjustified. "Pandora's box has been opened," they said. INFORMED CONSENT He, who said he was against gene enhancement, said eight couples were initially enrolled for his study while one dropped out. The criteria required the father to be HIV positive and the mother to be HIV negative. Scientists at the conference pressed He to prove that those taking part in the trial were aware of all the risks involved in the process. He said that all the participants had a "good education background" and went through two rounds of discussions with him and his team. A 23-page English translation of an informed consent form for the potential mother said that the costs of the procedure covered by the team would be up to 280,000 yuan ($40,200) per couple. The consent form mentions multiple risks, but there is little detail on potential complications of the gene-editing process itself, including for the child. It does not mention that such an experiment has never been done before. David Baltimore, President Emeritus and the Robert Andrews Millikan Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology, spoke after He's speech, saying it was irresponsible to have proceeded until safety issues were in order. "I don't think it has been a transparent process. Only found out about it after it happened and the children were born," Baltimore said. He Jiankui said his results could be used for millions of people with inherited diseases. He said he would monitor the two newborns for the next 18 years and hoped they would support continued monitoring thereafter. Shenzhen Harmonicare Medical Holdings Limited <1509.HK>, named as being involved in He's project in China's clinical trial registry, sought to distance itself by stating the hospital never participated in any operations relating to the gene-edited babies and no related delivery had taken place. In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, the group said preliminary investigations indicated the signatures on the application form circulated on the internet are "suspected to have been forged, and no relevant meeting of the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital in fact took place". The Guangdong province Health Commission announced on its website on Wednesday that it and Shenzhen city had set up a joint team to investigate the case. (Additional reporting by Anne Marie Roantree in Hong Kong, Christian Shepherd in Beijing and Alexandra Harney in Shanghai; Editing by Nick Macfie) WASHINGTON Senate Democrats are so close to sinking one of President Donald Trumps most controversial judicial nominees, Thomas Farr, they can practically taste it. They only need one more Republican to vote with them against Farr, who has drawn widespread criticism from civil rights groups and has been referred to as the vote-suppressor-in-chief for building a legal career out of trying to weaken black voters rights. The Senate is voting this week to advance Farrs nomination, with a final confirmation vote likely either late this week or next week. The 64-year-old attorney helped write North Carolinas extreme voter ID law in 2013 that was later struck down by a federal appeals court, which found that it targeted African-Americans with almost surgical precision. Farr defended racially discriminatory gerrymandering in federal court in 2015 (and lost), and he may have lied to the Senate about his role in disenfranchising black voters in 1990 when he worked for the late Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.). Farrs chances of confirmation come down to a handful of GOP senators who have been evasive about how theyll vote. Republicans hold such a slim majority in the Senate that if just two GOP senators join Democrats in opposing Farr, his nomination would go down. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) has already said he will oppose all of Trumps nominees until he gets a vote on a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller. That puts Farrs current vote count at 50-50, which means Vice President Mike Pence would have to break the tie even if all the other GOP senators vote yes. Democrats and civil rights groups are holding out hope that Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will join them in voting no. They have reason to be hopeful: In addition to being the lone African-American senator in his party, Scott holds the rare distinction of being a Republican senator who previously opposed one of Trumps judicial nominees, circuit court pick Ryan Bounds and it was over Bounds racist writings in college. Scotts vote tanked that nominee. Story continues I cant imagine that if he opposed the 9th Circuit nominee based on his college writings that he could possibly vote for this nominee, whose entire career is aimed at African-Americans, said D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who leads the Congressional Black Caucus task force on judicial nominations. So I am very hopeful, even though I have not had any indication from the senators office, that he is studying this and will try to make this vote consistent with his prior vote. Scott refused to answer any questions about Farr on Tuesday, telling reporters that he is still doing my homework on a nominee who has been out there for over a year. I have no answers on the Farr nomination whatsoever, Scott told HuffPost, adding that he doesnt plan to speak with him again. I met with him months ago. Farrs opponents are also looking to Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to join them. She recently opposed Brett Kavanaughs nomination to the Supreme Court, and she has occasionally voted with Democrats on issues like health care and abortion. Asked about Farr on Tuesday, Murkowski told HuffPost that she has made up her mind on how shell vote but doesnt want to share it. Earlier in the day, a Murkowski aide said the senator doesnt plan on blocking Farrs nomination. But the aide did not clarify whether that meant Murkowski would be voting to advance Farrs nomination on the procedural vote but not necessarily voting to confirm him in the end. During his confirmation hearing in September 2017, Farr faced questions about his work as a lawyer for Helms. Just before Election Day that year, Helms campaign targeted black voters with over 100,000 postcards that had incorrect information about voter qualifications. The postcards warned readers that they could face criminal charges for illegally voting, an intimidation tactic. Farr testified that he did not know about the scheme, but a former Justice Department official said Farr attended a meeting about ballot security before the postcards were sent out. He had absolutely nothing to do with the racist postcard that was sent out, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters on Tuesday. He, in fact, told me that he was disgusted by it and he clearly played no role in drafting it, approving it or even seeing it. Collins said she will vote to confirm Farr because the American Bar Association rated him well qualified. She also said, unexpectedly, that her concerns were alleviated in part because Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House counsel for President Barack Obama, strongly supports Farrs nomination. A spokeswoman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said the committee was unaware of any letter of support from Ruemmler with regard to Farrs nomination. Ruemmler declined to comment. Civil rights groups have been fighting Farrs nomination for nearly a year. On Tuesday, they organized a last-minute call with reporters to walk through the details of his decades-long career of disenfranchising black voters. Farr is the embodiment of Trumps anti-civil rights agenda, said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. He is an egregious extension of the administrations campaign to build barriers to voting. It is unconscionable that the Senate would even consider someone with Farrs record, said Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In 2018, this should simply be unacceptable. This post was updated to reflect that Kathryn Ruemmler declined to comment about her position on Farrs nomination. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Nairobi (AFP) - Despite long-standing restrictions, new weapons have continued to reach South Sudan's battlefields, often via neighbouring countries, a detailed report by an arms monitoring group said Thursday. A four-year investigation, by London-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR), into the supply of weapons that have helped keep South Sudan's civil war alive since December 2013, has revealed the important role played by neighbouring countries, particularly Uganda, in circumventing arms embargoes. While the UN Security Council did not impose an arms embargo on South Sudan until July 2018, more than four years into a war that has killed an estimated 380,000 people, the EU has banned direct sales of weapons by member states to Sudan since 1994, amending the embargo to include newly-independent South Sudan in 2011. Nevertheless, the government army -- known as the SPLA, or Sudan People's Liberation Army -- has been kept well supplied with weaponry, often funnelled through Uganda and sometimes originating from Europe or the US. The rebel SPLA-IO (SPLA In Opposition) has had less success in sourcing weapons, the researchers found, relying heavily on scavenging arms. CAR executive director James Bevan said his group's "comprehensive, on-the-ground survey of the weaponry used" included documenting hundreds of weapons and more than 200,000 bullets. "The result is a forensic picture of how prohibitions on arms transfers to the warring parties have failed," he said. - Weapons 'shopping list' - CAR found that, despite numerous allegations and rumours, no new Chinese weapons reached South Sudan after May 2014, six months into the war. Nevertheless, two large shipments of Chinese weapons to Juba, via Mombasa in Kenya, while legal due to the lack of any arms embargo, ensured the SPLA was well-supplied for the ongoing civil war: the shipments included more than 27 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition, as well as rockets, grenades, missiles, pistols assault rifles and machine guns. Story continues CAR found that, while Chinese ammunition had previously accounted for "less than two percent" of bullets in circulation in South Sudan, once the shipments arrived over half the ammunition in use was Chinese. "The logical conclusion is that the 27 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition legally transferred to the SPLA from China in 2014 have sustained SPLA operations in the years since," CAR said. Meanwhile, Uganda "has continued to be a conduit for materiel" to the SPLA, CAR said. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is a stout supporter of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir. Kampala is alleged to have transferred to South Sudan weapons legally supplied to Uganda in 2014 and 2015 from manufacturers in Europe and the US, most likely without the knowledge of the companies involved. The re-transfer of weapons may contravene clauses contained in the so-called end-user certificates that are intended to ensure weapons are used by the countries they are originally sent to. The armaments have included military aircraft as well as ammunition sold to the Ugandan military. CAR also found evidence of long-suspected Sudanese weapons deliveries to SPLA-IO, but not recently. The researchers' work also underscored how isolated the rebels, under former vice president Riek Machar, have been, leaving fighters short of both external supporters and bullets. "Despite allegations made by the SPLA during 2017, CAR has found little indication of external resupply to the SPLA-IO since mid-2015," the report said. Efforts by Machar in early 2014 to seek delivery of a "shopping list" including 43 million rounds of ammunition, mortars, rockets, rifles and surface-to-air missiles failed. Instead rebels have been forced to rely on defections, or capturing weapons after battles. Going in the wrong direction: the governments analysis suggests Brexit costs will far outweigh trade benefits. Photo: UK Government. The forecast for Brexit is more likely to be gathering storm clouds than sunlit uplands. Thats the verdict of the UK government, which on Wednesday published its economic assessment of Britains exit from the EU. The government concluded that the UK economy will likely be worse off under all Brexit scenarios than it otherwise would be if it remained in the EU. The assessment comes in stark contrast to pro-Brexit commentators who predicted that the economic benefits will be huge and could outweigh the losses. There are economic positives and negatives to Brexit though. But a devastating chart from the governments report, shown above, sets out starkly just how small any benefits are likely to be. On the chart, all the bars above the zero percentage base line show the potential economic benefits to the UK as a percentage change in GDP. They would come from new international trade deals and relaxing regulations post-Brexit. All the bars below zero show the costs to the British economy. The big difference in favour of costs is striking. Many economists argued ahead of Brexit that it would be a disaster for Britains economy. These claims were dismissed by supporters of the Leave campaign as Project Fear simply trying to scare people to stay in. Indeed, the worst forecasts of what would happen after the vote didnt materialise. The government has already been accused of resurrecting Project Fear with its latest forecasts. But, whereas the Treasurys pre-Brexit forecasts were based on dire expectations for things like trade and consumer consumption, these new numbers are based on very optimistic assumptions. The economic assessment considers an ambitious, illustrative scenario for future trade deals with new partners. It assumes that all the trade deals the EU has struck with other countries simply roll over to the independent UK. And that post-Brexit Britain is able to strike new trade deals with the likes of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Story continues If this ambitious forecasting model assumes a boon for international trade, why then is the government so downbeat on Brexits economic impact? Because the UK already does a lot of trade with the EU: 49% of the UKs global trade is with the EU. Brexit will disrupt this flow, either by a lot or a little, depending on the type of deal we eventually end up with. One of the biggest costs is likely to be so-called non-tariff barriers things like border checks, the transfer of qualifications, and proof of quality and origin documentation. Meanwhile, the benefits of any new deals negotiated with other countries are likely to be limited, the government believes. About 80% of UK economic activity is in services everything from healthcare and hospitality, to banking and the law. Such activities are easier to trade locally. Scheduling a call with a client in Sydney is more difficult for a lawyer than doing so with a client in Antwerp, for example. Unless the UK can quickly rebalance itself as a major manufacturing power reversing a decades-long trend it may struggle to reap opportunities Brexit may offer. Thats before we even take into account the time it would take to negotiate new deals. The government was keen to stress in Wednesdays economic assessment that these are not forecasts. Rather, they are models of a range of Brexit outcomes. They dont take into account possible political changes or any economic developments outside of Brexit. (It does model changes in migration and trade deals, however.) But these models suggest that even if the UK does find new ways to drive economic growth elsewhere, it will have to work twice as hard to make up the difference left by Brexit. Its like setting out to swim the English channel with one arm tied behind your back. The government is keen to downplay the economic implications of Brexit. After all, many people voted for Brexit for reasons that are not economic. A document published alongside the analysis emphasised that Brexit will allow the UK to take back control of our borders, money, and laws. It said the draft deal takes into account the interests of every side of the debate, and Is a deal to bring the country back together. Many of those who voted to remain in the EU and are now calling for a second referendum would disagree, particularly given these latest numbers. For most people, the idea of an off-limits topic isnt difficult to understand. Whether its no politics talk at Thanksgiving, no sex talk with your nuclear family, or just not mentioning the war, its not hard to comprehend that some avenues of conversation are better left unexplored. One Toronto reporter failed to wrap his mind around that concept on Wednesday, however, when he asked San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson about his impending return to Ottawa a line of questioning Karlsson has made abundantly clear he has no interest in addressing right now. The result was predictable, and pretty damn funny as well. #ErikKarlsson walks away from Toronto media after being asked about his return to Ottawa last night. #Sens pic.twitter.com/NoA1ZvSE5j TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) November 29, 2018 The clip can be a little hard to hear at times, so heres the transcript, emphasis is my own: Karlsson: Hows it going guys? Reporter: Good, how are you? Karlsson: Good, thank you. Reporter: Thanks for doing this. Karlsson: Yup. Reporter: Well Erik, the time is nigh for your big game in Ottawa. Karlsson: Yup, thats it. A couple things to unpack here. The first is the use of the phrase the time is nigh, which is beyond bewildering. A good rule of thumb is that if you think youre impressing anyone by using the word nigh 100 times out of 100 youre sorely mistaken. Its also worth noting that theres actually no question here, just a statement put as obnoxiously as possible. Driving Karlsson away also impeded the ability of the other reporters, who presumably sought to ask him about other topics, to do their job. Availability to a superstar like Karlsson is a finite resource and they had it spoiled by one of their own. Story continues Its possible to watch this clip and think that Karlsson is being impolite or immature or shirking his responsibilities, but the reality is that he doesnt have to talk about a topic if he doesnt want to. More importantly, two days ago in Buffalo he made it clear on where he stood with Ottawa. Here are the opening two paragraphs from a Canadian Press story on Karlsson: Erik Karlsson tells a small group of reporters waiting near his locker that the only topic they really want to discuss his impending return to Ottawa as a member of the San Jose Sharks later this week is off limits. When I go up there, Ill talk about it, the former Senators defenceman says politely. I wont talk about it now. That may be frustrating for the media, but its well within Karlssons rights and it seems like he went about it in a professional way. Not everyone may agree with that choice, but they ought to respect it. Karlsson just showed the world exactly what he thinks about people who dont. Erik Karlsson has made it clear he doesnt want to talk about his return to Ottawa, and hes a man of his word. (NBC) More NHL coverage on Yahoo Sports Canada Paris (AFP) - The European Union is aiming to de-escalate tensions between Kiev and Moscow this week after Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crew, worrying about putting fuel on the fire, diplomats and analysts say. The bloc is aware of the risk of playing hardball against Russia, which has been locked in a low-level militarised conflict with Ukraine for nearly five years. That's why the EU on Wednesday strongly condemned Russia's actions, but snubbed Ukraine's call for further sanctions against Moscow, at least for now. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Bild newspaper she wanted Ukraine to be "sensible" and help lower tensions through dialogue. "The issue (of sanctions) is still on the table. It's among the options. But for the moment the priority is to encourage each side to de-escalate, to try to put out the fire," a high-ranking European diplomat said. If Russia continues to block passage through the Kerch Strait off annexed Crimea, where the navy incident took place last Sunday, and refuses to free the Ukrainian sailors, then the question of sanctions could be discussed at an EU foreign ministers' meeting in two weeks' time, he said. The West is also wondering whether Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is "seeking to benefit politically" from the incident, said Jan Koehler, a political analyst and expert on post-Soviet history at the Free University of Berlin. Poroshenko has signed an act imposing martial law for 30 days in response. - Domestic pandering - While anti-Russian rhetoric played well with Ukrainians frustrated with the Kremlin's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its backing of an insurgency, Koehler noted that the law might be to give Poroshenko's low poll figures a lift ahead of a March 2019 re-election bid. "There is incredible frustration in a big part of the population because of the permanent corruption by a small oligarchy," he said. Story continues Francois Heisbourg, head of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said Ukraine was looking to use the navy incident to swing the West even more strongly to its side in the conflict. "It would be a mistake to let them believe that if they escalate things that we would just follow," he said. A former French foreign minister, Hubert Vedrine, told French radio that a sanctions-only policy against Russia "doesn't work" and suggested that President Vladimir Putin might also be using the incident as a domestic distraction. "The Russians have also highlighted the affair, probably to get (Russian) retirees to forget that their situation isn't getting any better" because of Russia's economic troubles aggravated by previous rounds of EU and US sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, he said. Tbilisi (AFP) - Ex-diplomat Salome Zurabishvili hailed her election as Georgia's first woman president on Thursday but opposition leaders denounced the result as fraud and called for protests. With all votes counted, the country's election commission said the French-born Zurabishvili, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, had taken 59.52 percent of the second-round vote. Her rival Grigol Vashadze, from an alliance of 11 opposition parties led by exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), took 40.48 percent. Zurabishvili said her election was a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe for the ex-Soviet republic. "It is now important to show that this country has chosen Europe," she told journalists after her win. "For that purpose, Georgians have elected a European woman president." "It feels great," she said, pointing out that she was one of a small number of women presidents in the world. But opposition leaders -- who have accused authorities of vote-buying and ballot stuffing -- refused to accept the result. "We do not recognise the election results, we demand the holding of snap parliamentary polls," Vashadze said in televised remarks, calling for "a mass peaceful demonstration" in the capital Tbilisi on Sunday. The election was seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks European Union and NATO membership. It was also a trial run for more important parliamentary elections in 2020, when Georgian Dream is set to face off against a range of opposition parties. The party is the creation of billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, who many see as the small country's de facto ruler. Flamboyant ex-president Saakashvili, who lives in exile in the Netherlands, claimed "mass electoral fraud" even before official results were released. "The oligarch has stamped out Georgian democracy and the institutions of elections," he said on the pro-opposition Rustavi-2 television channel, referring to Ivanishvili. Story continues "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law. I call on you to start mass peaceful rallies and demand snap parliamentary polls." International observers said there were problems with the election but that overall it had been "competitive". - Increasing tensions - "(The) election was competitive and candidates were able to campaign freely, however one side enjoyed an undue advantage," monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a report after the vote. The elections were "well administered", they said, but raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state". Tensions increased ahead of the second round, as the opposition accused the government of voter intimidation and claimed that ruling party activists had attacked Vashadze campaign staff. Zurabishvili in turn said she and her children had received death threats through text and voice messages from people affiliated with the UNM. Vashadze, a 60-year-old career diplomat, had criticised Ivanishvili's "informal oligarch rule" amid growing discontent over the government's failure to tackle poverty. The vote was Georgia's last direct leadership poll as it transitions to a parliamentary form of governance. The first round of the presidential election on October 28 saw Zurabishvili take 39 percent of the vote, against 38 percent for Vashadze. Street protests against the results could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. A smooth presidential transition, however, would be welcomed by many as a sign of stability in Georgia, which is emerging as a tourism hotspot and hopes for more foreign investment. - Daughter of refugees - Zurabishvili, a 66-year-old independent lawmaker, is the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country's annexation by the Red Army. Her career in France's foreign service culminated in a posting to Tbilisi, where then-president Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. On Thursday morning she received blessings from the influential head of Georgia's Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and was later seen by passersby sipping coffee with her children on a sunny terrace in central Tbilisi. The French foreign ministry said in a statement that Paris was looking forward to working with Zurabishvili "to further strengthen" relations. An iPhone with a Facebook logo (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images) A black ex-Facebook employee has published a note accusing Facebook of having a black people problem after he left the company last month. Mark Luckie circulated the note inside Facebook before leaving, and said that he had witnessed a range of problems relating to racial discrimination. Luckie wrote in the note, Facebook has a black people problem. One of the platforms most engaged demographics and an unmatched cultural trendsetter is having their community divided by the actions and inaction of the company. This loss is a direct reflection of the staffing and treatment of many of its black employees, he said. In my time at the company, Ive heard far too many stories from black employees of a colleague or manager calling them hostile or aggressive for simply sharing their thoughts in a manner not dissimilar from their non-black team members. Luckie also says that Facebook has a problem relating to hiring black staff. MORE: Former Brexit Secretaries Dominic Raab and David Davis awarded joint prize for best resignation MORE: London letting agent demanded money from prospective tenants to view properties He said, In some buildings, there are more Black Lives Matter posters than there are actual black people. Facebook cant claim that it is connecting communities if those communities arent represented proportionately in its staffing. Mark Luckie arrives at the 2018 GLAAD Gala San Francisco at Hyatt Regency San Francisco on September 15, 2018 i(Photo by Trisha Leeper/Getty Images for GLAAD) In its most recent diversity report, published in July, Facebook said the proportion of black employees at the company had risen from 2% to 4%, but the number of black employees in technical roles remained at 1% and the figure in leadership roles was 2%. This week, politicians for nine countries criticised Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for not attending a hearing in the UK regarding the companys scandals including fake news with an empty chair left for the CEO. A Facebook spokesman told Yahoo News, Over the last few years, weve been working diligently to increase the range of perspectives among those who build our products and serve the people who use them throughout the world. Story continues Zuckerberg faced criticism for not attending (Getty) The growth in representation of people from more diverse groups, working in many different functions across the company, is a key driver of our ability to succeed. We want to fully support all employees when there are issues reported and when there may be micro-behaviours that add up. We are going to keep doing all we can to be a truly inclusive company. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - A former executive at Insys Therapeutics Inc pleaded guilty on Wednesday to participating in a scheme to bribe doctors to prescribe the company's powerful opioid medication and entered into a deal to cooperate with prosecutors. Alec Burlakoff, who was the Arizona-based drugmaker's vice president of sales, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to racketeering conspiracy, becoming the highest level executive to admit wrongdoing in the investigation of Insys. By agreeing to cooperate, Burlakoff could become a key witness at the January trial of six former Insys executives and managers charged with engaging in the scheme, including the company's billionaire founder, John Kapoor. Burlakoff, 44, faces up to 20 years in prison. But the Florida resident could receive a more lenient sentence by cooperating. Kapoor and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty. Beth Wilkinson, Kapoor's lawyer, in a statement called the deal that prosecutors cut with Burlakoff "a sign of desperation," saying they previously considered him a liar. The case, brought in the midst of a national opioid addiction epidemic, centers on Subsys, Insys' under-the-tongue spray for managing pain in cancer patients. It contains fentanyl, an opioid 100 times stronger than morphine. Prosecutors allege that from 2012 to 2015, Kapoor, former Chief Executive Michael Babich, Burlakoff and others conspired to bribe doctors to prescribe Subsys and to defraud insurers into paying for it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak in court said Burlakoff, at the direction of Kapoor and Babich, used a speaker program ostensibly meant to educate medical professionals about Subsys as a vehicle to bribe doctors retained to act as speakers. Wyshak said Insys speaker events were poorly attended "shams" and that the program's real purpose was to provide a method of paying doctors who wrote prescriptions for Subsys, resulting in its being over-prescribed. "They rewarded prolific writers with more speaking opportunities and punished those who were not writing sufficient prescriptions by removing them from the speaking program," he said. Wyshak said Burlakoff, who supervised Insys' sales staff, worked with others to also bribe doctors by employing their girlfriends or relatives. Other defendants include Michael Gurry, Insys' former vice president of managed markets; Richard Simon, a former national director of sales; and Sunrise Lee and Joseph Rowan, both of whom were regional sales directors. Insys in August announced it had agreed to pay at least $150 million to resolve related claims as part of a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. (Reporting by Nate Raymond, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien, Bill Berkrot and Leslie Adler) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday the agency will brief members of a Senate panel on the matter of a subpoena it issued last year that Matthew Whitaker, now the acting attorney general, reportedly refused to comply with. Whitaker declined to respond to the October 2017 subpoena from the FTC, which had sought records related to his past relationship with World Patent Marketing, the Washington Post reported this month. World Patent Marketing, a company accused by the government of bilking millions of dollars from consumers, admitted no fault but settled with the FTC for more than $25 million earlier this year. Whitaker was not named in that complaint. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Tom Udall asked FTC Chairman Joseph Simons repeatedly about the subpoena at a hearing Tuesday of a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee. Simons called the failure to comply with the subpoena "troubling" but noted that he arrived at the FTC in May 2018, after World Patent Marketing settled with the agency. "The staff would be happy to brief you," he said. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec told the Post: "Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker has said he was not aware of any fraudulent activity. Any stories suggesting otherwise are false." She declined further comment on Tuesday evening. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Tom Brown) Donald Trump has called off expected bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires amid increasing tensions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine crisis and explosive reports the president's former lawyer lied about a Trump Tower project in Moscow. As world leaders began to arrive in Argentina ahead of the start of the summit on Friday, tensions surround Russia's current stand-off with Ukraine over the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, where the Russian navy captured three of its neighbours vessels over a territorial dispute on Sunday. Mr Trump tweeted while on his way to the annual summit that he was cancelling his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing, "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin." German chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to address the situation, which has seen Ukraine implement martial law in 10 regions, before Mr Trump and Mr Putin sit down on Saturday, as well as other worlds leaders, who plan to discuss the conflict along with a multitude of other high-profile global concerns. But, in a quirk that shows that international travel is never easy, Ms Merkel's plane was forced to make an unexpected landing in Germany and she will not be able to attend the opening of the G20 summit. Beyond the situation in Ukraine, the stakes are high for those attending, and that is especially true for Mr Trump, who is hoping to finish signing a reworked trade deal with Canada and Mexico and find common ground with China to try to divert a potential escalation in trade relations that has already led to tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in imports for both countries. Days before the G20, Mr Trump suggested that failure to negotiate adequately during a dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping could lead to even further tariffs. Story continues Meanwhile, the meeting is the first high profile meeting of world leaders since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi officials in Turkey, and world leaders are taking varied approaches in how they deal with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been accused of overseeing the murder of the journalist. Mr Trump is not expected to meet with the crown prince, while French President Emmanuel Macron is going ahead with a meeting. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he would not schedule a meeting with the Saudi leader. In Buenos Aires, security has ben ramped up as officials prepare for the high profile summit, and residents of the city have been advised to take a long weekend away if possible. Meanwhile, thousands of anti-capitalist protesters are expected in the city. Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load Rabat (AFP) - Gabon's President Ali Bongo arrived in Morocco on Thursday to convalesce after a month's treatment at a Saudi hospital for an illness that has not been officially revealed. The 59-year-old leader of the oil-rich West African state had been in hospital in Saudi Arabia since October 24 when he fell ill at an economic forum. After his arrival in Rabat, Bongo was taken to a hospital in the Moroccan capital to pursue his convalescence and rehabilitation, a Moroccan diplomatic source said. His transfer was "in accordance with the wishes of his excellency President Bongo, in agreement with the constitutional institutions of the Gabonese Republic, and in accordance with the opinion of the doctors," the Moroccan foreign ministry said in a statement. After an extended period of silence, the Gabonese presidency eventually admitted earlier this month that Bongo was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery, but said he was on the mend. His recovery would take weeks, or even days, according to a source in the presidency. No pictures were released to show Bongo's arrival in Morocco nor since his hospitalisation in Riyadh, sparking concerns in Gabon over his health. A lack of official news -- along with memories of the secrecy-shrouded death of Bongo's father Omar Bongo in 2009 after decades at the helm -- had sparked numerous rumours, including speculation he was incapacitated or even dead. The Bongo family has governed Gabon for five decades. Ali Bongo was elected head of state after his father's death. He was narrowly re-elected in 2016 after beating opposition challenger Jean Ping by a few thousand votes following a presidential poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. - Domestic crisis - Over the past month, the Gabonese presidency has released only two statements on Bongo's health. In the first, several days after his hospitalisation, presidency spokesman Ike Ngouoni said that Bongo was "suffering from severe fatigue". Story continues Then on November 11, Ngouoni admitted the president was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery. Following discomfort and "persistent vertigo... the first tests revealed bleeding which justified medical surgical care in a highly specialised sector," the spokesman said quoting a medical bulletin from doctors treating Bongo. Earlier this month, a foreign source close to Bongo and his French-born wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba told AFP the Gabonese president had suffered a stroke. But at no time did the Gabon presidency reveal the nature of Bongo's illness. It was his wife who announced his departure from Riyadh to Morocco on her Facebook page. She said he was able to travel due to a "very significant improvement" in his health and that his recovery in Morocco would be "brief". Sylvia Bongo Ondimba also said that her husband would use his stay in Morocco to work on "top priority dossiers" concerning Gabon and would summon presidential aides to help him. Her remarks led the Gabonreview website to write on Thursday that the "management of the president's health has put the spotlight on his very powerful" family and "shows proof of the impotence of the state apparatus". The crisis surrounding Bongo's health prompted Gabon's Constitutional Court to modify in mid-November the country's basic law to address the president's "temporary incapacity". The court also authorised Vice President Pierre-Claver Maganga Moussavou to chair a cabinet meeting for the first time since Bongo's absence. Opposition figures and civil society have denounced the court's move as illegal. On Thursday a Gabon trade union coalition, Dynamique Unitaire, called for a general strike on December 10-12, saying Bongo's absence is depriving the country of a necessary interlocutor to solve problems linked to austerity measures taken recently by the government. It also said it would organise a peaceful march on December 18 to denounce "the illegal modification of the constitution". The African Union has warned Gabon to respect "constitutional order". The Gabonese president and Morocco's King Mohammed VI have had a close relationship since their youth. WASHINGTON (AP) The rebuke from China was fast and furious. A Chinese scientist who claimed he helped make the world's first gene-edited babies is now under investigation by government bodies and by his own university. He Jiankui, a 34-year-old associate professor based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, said his lab used the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR to alter human embryos leading to the births of twin girls earlier this month, he said. There is not yet independent confirmation of his claim, but scientists and regulators have been swift to condemn the experiment as unethical and unscientific. The National Health Commission on Monday ordered local officials in Guangdong province where Shenzhen is located to investigate He's actions. China's state broadcaster, CCTV, reported Tuesday that if the births are confirmed, He's case will be handled "in accordance with relevant laws and regulations." It's not clear if he could face possible criminal charges. He's employer, Southern University of Science and Technology, said in a statement that it was not informed about He's human gene-editing work and has opened an investigation. The school said He's research "seriously violated academic ethics and standards." He also faces probes by the Shenzhen City Medical Ethics Expert Board and the Chinese Academy of Science's academic division. He's research team included his former Rice University adviser, physics professor Michael Deem, who sits on the scientific advisory boards of He's two genetics companies. Rice said it has launched an investigation into Deem's involvement. "So far the main response within China is to condemn and criticize this work," said Jing-Bao Nie, an expert on Chinese bioethics at the University of Otago in New Zealand. ___ Follow Christina Larson on Twitter: @larsonchristina ___ AP researcher Fu Ting contributed to this report from Beijing. ___ This Associated Press series was produced in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. When General Motors announced on Nov. 26 that it was halting production at five factories and cutting 15% of its workforce, the news came as a major blow not only to autoworkers but also to President Donald Trump, whose economic agenda was built on the promise that he would bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. The layoffs also suggested something broader: economic instability that extends well beyond a single company, as automakers face rising tariffs, declining sales and changing consumer habits. CHANGING GEARS GMs announcement left manufacturing cities reeling. The company says it will halt production at plants in Lordstown, Ohio; Detroit and Warren, Mich.; White Marsh, Md.; and Ontario, Canada. It will also lay off more than 14,000 workers, including 25% of its executives. The changes come as part of a global restructuring for the company, which has said it will move away from lower-selling sedan models to focus on electric and autonomous cars, as well as crossovers, SUVs and efficient trucks. HIT THE BRAKES The United Auto Workers union said it would challenge the move through every legal, contractual and collective bargaining avenue open to our membership, and politicians on both sides of the aisle also slammed the layoffs. President Trump weighed in too, saying he directed GM CEO Mary Barra to replace production in the affected factories with other models rather than closing plants. You better get back in there soon, he said he told the CEO. MOVING FORWARD The company responded to the backlash by saying it was only doing what was needed to support future jobs, and Barra described her companys decision as necessary to stay in front of a fast-changing market. Ford and Chrysler have made similar moves, with both saying they would stop making sedans. But all have also warned they could be impacted by tariffs on raw materials. With those forecasts now coming to bear, experts caution that GMs move could be a sign not only of which cars Americans will drive in the future, but also of an economy-wide slowdown ahead. Ouagadougou (AFP) - Several thousand people took the streets of Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou on Thursday as workers downed tools in a nationwide strike over higher fuel prices. Petrol and diesel prices have shot up 12 percent over the past three weeks, sparking a wave of protest. A grassroots group, the National Coalition Against Costly Living (CCVC), called the strike and protest, with a march from the chamber of commerce to the trade ministry in the heart of the capital of this West African country. "No to the impoverishment of the citizens" read one of the slogans alongside others reading: "Bread and freedom for the people". "Enough is enough," said civil servant Charles Coulibaly, 42. "We can't get by on what we make, and now they're raising fuel prices, which will have the knock-on effect of making all products and services more expensive." Another marcher, 36-year-old bookseller Prosper Zebango, expressed exasperation. "Raising the price of petrol and diesel just when the price of a barrel was decreasing and justifying it with a so-called international increase?" he asked rhetorically. "I think the government is showing incompetence." Since reaching four-year highs in October, world oil prices have plunged around 30 percent as worries about falling demand in a slowing world economy have taken their toll. In Burkina Faso, petrol and diesel prices have risen 12 percent since November 9, with a litre now costing 75 CFA francs (0.11 euros/$0.12), the equivalent of 47 US cents a gallon. The protesters handed a list of demands to Trade Minister Harouna Kabore, who promised to relay them to the prime minister. In addition to the revocation of the fuel price hike, they are also demanding the scrapping of a bill that would curtail the right to strike, according to CCVC vice president Chrisogone Zougmore. "We are all fighting for improved living conditions for workers and people in general," Zougmore said. The government cited rising fuel prices on international markets to justify the increase, as well as a need for increased revenue to fight jihadists operating in the restive north and east of the country. The former French colony, among the world's poorest countries, has suffered jihadist attacks since 2015 that have claimed 229 lives, according to the last official toll published in late September. Hong Kong (AFP) - Organisers of a conference that has been upended by gene-edited baby revelations are holding their breath as to what the controversial scientist at the centre of the "breakthrough" will say when he takes the stage. Chinese scientist He Jiankui is due to speak Wednesday at a summit of biomedical experts in Hong Kong, just days after publishing claims to have created the world's first genetically-edited babies. In a video posted on YouTube, university professor He said that the twin girls, born a few weeks ago, had had their DNA altered to prevent them from contracting HIV. The move -- which would be a medical first if true -- prompted a heated debate among the scientific community, with many raising concerns over the lack of verified data and exposing healthy embryos and children to gene editing. Organisers of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, which opened Tuesday, also appeared to have been unaware of He's work. Biologist and summit chair David Baltimore told AFP on the sidelines of the conference that he had "no idea whether (He is) reliable or not". "I haven't seen any of the research and I don't know what he is planning to claim," Baltimore said. Keynote speakers were mobbed by the press on the opening day, after the conference drew international attention on the back of the gene baby revelations. John Christodoulou, chair of genomic medicine at the University of Melbourne, said it seemed the research had "bypassed the usual ethical regulatory processes". "But if what he has done is to edit human embryos, and for them to be carried through to birth... there is a real risk of so-called off-target effects," he added. "The technology can create mutations or break chromosomes in other areas apart from where we're hoping it's being targeted." Margaret Sleeboom-Faulkner from the University of Sussex told AFP Tuesday that "it will be very wise to make sure that this shouldn't happen as a standard". Story continues He, who was educated at Stanford University and works from a lab in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, said the twins' DNA was modified using CRISPR, a technique which allows scientists to remove and replace a strand with pinpoint precision. Gene editing is a potential fix for heritable diseases but it is extremely controversial because the changes would be passed down to future generations and could eventually affect the entire gene pool. - 'Immediate investigation' - Qiu Renzong, formerly the vice president of the Chinese Ministry of Health's ethics committee, told reporters at the gene editing conference that lax regulations in China mean that scientists who break the rules often face no punishment, and think of the ministry as being "without teeth". He Jiankui is due to join a panel discussion Wednesday and speak Thursday on developing moral principles and safety standards in human gene editing. But as sceptical experts cast doubt over the claimed breakthrough, his research came under fire on a number of other fronts too. China's National Health Commission ordered an "immediate investigation" into the case, the official Xinhua news agency reported, while the Shenzhen hospital meant to have approved the research programme denied its involvement. The university where He works also distanced itself -- saying he had been on unpaid leave since February -- and called his claims a "serious violation of academic ethics and norms". He did not respond to a request for comment from AFP. The issue of editing human DNA is highly controversial, and in many countries is tightly controlled. But this is not the first time Chinese researchers have experimented with human embryo technology. Last September, scientists at Sun Yat-sen University used an adapted version of gene-editing to correct a disease-causing mutation in human embryos. There is also a history of fraud within China's academic community -- including a scandal last year that led to the withdrawal of 100 "compromised" academic papers. A joint statement Monday from a group of 100 scientists in China criticised He Jiankui's claims and called them a "great blow to the global reputation and development of biomedical research in China". Tbilisi (AFP) - Georgia's ruling party candidate Salome Zurabishvili was on the verge of winning a hotly contested presidential vote, nearly complete results showed Thursday, as the opposition called for protests over alleged fraud. Former French diplomat Zurabishvili was on 59.61 percent of the vote after Wednesday's second round, the central election commission said, following completed counts from 98.41 percent of polling stations. Her rival Grigol Vashadze, from an alliance of 11 opposition parties led by exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), had 40.39 percent of the vote, the commission said. Western powers are closely watching the vote, seen as a test for the democratic credentials of the Caucasus nation as it seeks EU and NATO membership. Although the new head of state will have a largely ceremonial role, the vote is considered a trial run for the contest between Ivanishvili's party and the opposition in more important parliamentary polls set for 2020. Turnout was 56.23 percent when the presidential polls closed at 8:00 pm (1600 GMT) on Wednesday. Earlier, an exit poll by US firm Edison Research suggested that Zurabishvili, who is backed by billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili's Georgian Dream party, had won 55 percent of the vote against 45 percent for Vashadze. After the exit poll results were announced, Saakashvili immediately claimed "mass electoral fraud", in a statement to the pro-opposition Rustavi-2 television channel. "The oligarch has stamped out Georgian democracy and the institutions of elections," he said, referring to Ivanishvili. "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law. I call on you to start mass peaceful rallies and demand snap parliamentary polls." Tensions increased ahead of the second round as the opposition accused the government of voter intimidation and claimed that ruling party activists had attacked members of Vashadze's campaign staff. Story continues Zurabishvili in turn said she and her children had received death threats through text and voice messages from people affiliated with the UNM. Rights groups have also accused government officials of vote-buying on a "widespread" and "unprecedented" scale, an allegation rejected by Georgian Dream party leadership. The Georgian Prosecutor General's office said it launched an investigation into the allegations. - Daughter of refugees - Zurabishvili, a 66-year-old independent lawmaker, is the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country's annexation by the Red Army. Her career in France's foreign service culminated in a posting to Tbilisi, where then-president Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. "The outcome of the vote will determine not only who won the election, but also mark either progress or (a) setback for Georgia's young democracy," political analyst Gela Vasadze told AFP. Both candidates have promised to lead Georgia closer to the West, but analysts say they have different approaches to pursuing that goal. "Their records as ex-foreign ministers show that Vashadze is more closely associated with Washington, while ... Zurabishvili is clearly more EU-orientated," Vasadze said. Vashadze's election would also likely irritate Russia, which fought a bitter war with Georgia during the presidency of his ally Saakashvili. "For the Kremlin, a UNM candidate's win is like a red rag to a bull and may lead to increased tensions between the two countries," said analyst Gia Nodia. - 'Oligarch rule' - Vashadze, a 60-year-old career diplomat, has criticised Ivanishvili's "informal oligarch rule" amid growing discontent over the government's failure to tackle poverty. Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, stepped down as premier in 2013 after a year in office but is still seen as the country's de facto ruler. The vote is Georgia's last direct leadership poll as it transitions to a parliamentary form of governance. The first round on October 28 saw Zurabishvili take 39 percent of the vote, against 38 for Vashadze. More than 3.5 million people were eligible to vote in the election monitored by international observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - German prosecutors raided several Deutsche Bank offices in the Frankfurt area Thursday over suspicions of money laundering based on revelations from the 2016 "Panama Papers" data leak. The investigation centres on allegations that Germany's biggest lender helped clients set up offshore companies in tax havens to "transfer money from criminal activities" to Deutsche Bank accounts, the Frankfurt prosecutor's office said. Some 170 police officers and investigators from the prosecutor's office were searching six of the bank's premises in and around the city, it added in a statement. Deutsche Bank confirmed the raids and said it was "fully cooperating" with the authorities. "The case is related to the Panama Papers," it added. The Panama Papers scandal that erupted in 2016 with a massive data leak from Panamaian legal firm Mossack Fonsenca exposed large-scale tax evasion, laying bare how the world's wealthy and powerful stashed their assets in offshore businesses. Deutsche Bank was among hundreds of financial institutions whose names cropped up in the media reports about the Panama Papers. The Frankfurt prosecutors said their probe was focussing on two Deutsche Bank employees aged 50 and 46, as well as "several" unnamed senior staff members. Based on information from the Panama Papers, they are accused of "failing to report suspicions of money laundering" linked to offshore firms involved in tax evasion "even though there was sufficient evidence" to suggest illegal activity, prosecutors said. Shares in Deutsche Bank fell 2.7 percent to 8.36 euros by 1000 GMT, against a DAX blue-chip index up 0.6 percent. Conakry (AFP) - Policemen fired tear gas and used batons on Thursday to break up an anti-government protest by hundreds of opposition supporters in the heart of the Guinean capital Conakry. The political opposition has been demonstrating against what it considers a violation by the authorities of an agreement reached in August over the appointment of local government officials elected in a hotly disputed vote on February 4. An AFP correspondent said police cordoned off the area around parliament in the morning and warned demonstrators that they would be tear-gassed if they breached the barricades. Some 500 mostly youth demonstrators tried to force their way in but were beaten back with batons and had tear gas fired on them. Four of them suffered light injuries, an AFP correspondent said. Earlier this month, police fired tear gas to break up a similar protest. They have also blocked several hundred women from gathering in the streets of Conakry to demand "justice" for people killed in a series of bloody crackdowns. The opposition says dozens of protesters have been killed by police gunfire at peaceful demonstrations since President Alpha Conde came to power in December 2010. At a cabinet meeting last week, Conde justified a measure to beef up troops in the seaside capital and in areas "deemed to be dangerous" and underscored that "maintaining order remains the monopoly of the police and the gendarmerie." House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California emerges victorious from the Democratic caucus leadership elections, Nov. 28, 2018. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Ive never been very kind to Nancy Pelosi, or to her contemporaries in the Democratic Party. In this space last year, after Democrats lost two special elections for Congress, I suggested, not nearly for the first time, that Pelosi and her entire generation of party leaders ought to step aside or at least give some thought to a succession plan. I said this not just because they were projecting a tired image, but because they seemed to be endlessly trafficking in played-out, 20th century slogans. Asked if she was a political liability, Pelosi told reporters, I think Im worth the trouble, which struck me as the best summation of the 60s generation, generally, Id ever heard. So when youre trying to oust Pelosi from power in favor of younger leaders, and the whole effort seems so ill timed and poorly thought out that even I find myself sympathizing with her, then youre probably doomed to fail spectacularly. Which is exactly what happened this week, when a few of the partys young stars in the House took on Pelosi and proved mainly that none of them have anything like the political acumen to replace her. The movement to unseat the 78-year-old Pelosi has been building since the days after the 2016 election, when Ohios Tim Ryan ran against her for minority leader and picked up 63 votes. During this falls midterm campaigns, according to a tally by the Washington Post, about a third of the non-incumbent Democrats running for Congress said they wouldnt get behind another Pelosi speakership. After the election, Ryan and fellow centrist Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, both of whom have been eyeing long-shot presidential runs, led a cadre of Democrats in trying to derail Pelosis return to the speakership. This masterfully conceived plot seems to have run into a few complications. First off, the conspirators forgot to think of any substantive argument against Pelosi, aside from her age. Generational change is great when theres a real disagreement among generations; getting rid of old people just because theyre old is generally regarded as cruel. Story continues They also forgot that they needed someone to run against her especially when their outside-the-box first choice, Ohios Marcia Fudge, decided shed back Pelosi instead. Also, they overlooked the small fact that, unlike in 2016, they actually won the elections this time in large part because Pelosi raised a boatload of money in support of candidates who werent as liberal as she is and in some cases opposed her outright. And they seem not to have considered that Democrats elected a record 89 women to the House this month, in the first midterm cycle since #MeToo became a thing. So, you know, maybe not the best moment, optically speaking, for a couple of guys to take down the first female speaker in history. Other than that, it was a cant-miss plan. When it turned out that there wasnt going to be any mass rebellion, and that Pelosi was pretty good at wrangling votes when she needed them, Moulton who by now had emerged as the public ringleader of this thing, Ryan having quietly tiptoed away while no one was looking offered to end the uprising in exchange for her shaking up her leadership team. Imagine the last, starving holdouts at the Alamo issuing their final demand to the Mexicans who had the place surrounded. Thats sort of what were looking at here. In the end, 32 Democrats voted against Pelosi in the caucus vote for speaker yesterday. That stings, but shell almost certainly win back the votes she needs to become speaker about half of those when the full House votes in January. What all of this tells you, though, is that Pelosis job as the partys titular leader is about to get a lot harder. Whenever a party shrinks to a small minority of members, they tend to come from safe districts that are more ideologically pure, which makes them easier to unify. The more your caucus expands, however, the more diverse it becomes politically, and the more factions begin to emerge. In the case of this Democratic caucus, you have at least three rough factions coalescing right now. One group comprises Democrats from contested districts bent on projecting moderation. According to an analysis by Third Way, the lonely centrist Democratic think tank, candidates endorsed by the New Democratic caucus in the House flipped 32 seats from red to blue this cycle an impressive showing that may act as a counterforce to runaway populism. Then you have the more firebrand leftists from safe districts like the partys latest celebrity, New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who want the party to pursue a more aggressive, Bernie Sanders-like assault on capitalism. These candidates didnt take any Republican seats, but their real power resides in the explicit threat of primaries against members they dont deem sufficiently pure. In this way, theyre the lefts analog to the Freedom Caucus. And finally theres the so-called Problem-Solver Caucus, a small group of Democrats who are pressuring Pelosi for rules changes that would make it easier to introduce compromise legislation with Republicans. Im not sure where theyre supposed to compromise, since on every issue where that matters deficit reduction, immigration, taxes feckless Republicans are way more scared of President Trump than they are of national ruin. What all of these factions disagree about, really, is why theyre suddenly a majority. Were the elections a verdict for moderation and nonpartisanship? Were they a call to action for more radical policy? What message were the voters trying to send? The answer, of course, is probably the same as in every recent wave election, at a time when most voters are perennially disgusted. Theyre here now because they represented an alternative to the status quo. They werent in charge of this mess. Thats all the message there is. It sounds nice to say, as Ocasio-Cortez did last week, that the voters sent them here to get things done. But everyone knows you dont get things done controlling a single chamber of Congress, with an unhinged president of the other party living up the street. No, theyre here to keep the crazy at bay. Theyre a brushback pitch aimed squarely at the chin of Donald Trump. As for the Democrats governing vision, that only gets worked out one way now: in the dust storm of presidential politics thats about to engulf the party. Thats how it always works, when it works at all an out-of-power party finds its voice in the primaries, which this time will be more chaotic and contentious than you can imagine. Until then, a speakers main job is to preserve order, beat back extremism and stay off the radar. Keep the focus on Trump, where it belongs, and where it most benefits the opposition. Pelosi gets this. Its what she did in the midterms, and its what she does best. Shes the wrong leader for a party that needs to modernize and broaden its appeal in the longer term. But shes exactly the right speaker for now. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: 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. Paris (AFP) - French authorities are to bar traffic from the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday and allow in pedestrians only after ID checks in an effort to prevent a repeat of "yellow vest" protests that have shaken the government. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the measures on Thursday in an interview with state television. He said all access to the Champs-Elysees would be "very tight", with bag searches and systematic requests for identity papers from anybody trying to enter. Extra police would be on hand and in case of "provocations... we will make arrests and will deliver them to justice," he said. Police sources told AFP that up to 5,000 officers could be mobilised in the operation. The unusual measures come after the luxury shopping avenue was the scene last weekend of an unauthorised protest by demonstrators angry at high fuel taxes and government policies which turned violent, with makeshift roadblocks thrown up and set on fire. Other protests took place across the country. The protest movement is called the "yellow vests" after the high-visibility jackets the demonstrators wear -- a required safety garment that has to be carried in cars in France. It started two weeks ago, snowballing from grievances voiced in less-well-off rural and non-urban areas. Much of the movement's anger is directed at President Emmanuel Macron, who is broadly unpopular and seen as arrogant as he tries to bring about economic reforms that so far have had no effect in boosting citizens' spending power. Macron has vowed to forge on with his policies, saying they were "necessary" to improve France's pro-environmental shift -- though he insisted repeatedly he had heard the protesters' anger. Castaner has sought to portray the "yellow vest" movement as directed by hard-right and hard-left political groups. In his TV interview, he spoke again of "the ultra-left and ultra-right" intent on violence. But the protesters themselves reject any political affiliation and say their grievances are grassroot and genuine. An online petition launched by one of their members in Paris calling for fuel taxes to be cut received over a million signatures by Thursday, making it one of top two most popular in France on the change.org website. Japanese pilot Katsutoshi Jitsukawa failed a breath test just 50 minutes after he was due to help fly a Japan Airlines flight from London to Tokyo (Picture: Getty) A Japanese pilot has been jailed for 10 months after preparing to fly a passenger jet from Heathrow while around nine times the alcohol limit. First officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, was arrested at Heathrow after failing a breath test just 50 minutes before Japan Airlines (JAL) flight JL44 to Tokyo was due to take off. Jitsukawa had previously pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol limit and on Thursday was handed a prison sentence at Isleworth Crown Court. The court heard that security noticed he smelled strongly of alcohol, seemed drunk and had glazed eyes. Judge Phillip Matthews said Katsutoshi was clearly very intoxicated prior to the evening take-off and had been drinking that day, telling him: You are an experienced pilot but you had clearly been drinking for a long period up to a time shortly before you were due to go into that plane. Apology Japan Airlines apologised after Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was arrested after failing a breath test (Picture: AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, FILE) He said: Most important is the safety of all persons on board that very long-haul flight, potentially 12 hours or more, their safety was put at risk by your inebriation and drunkenness. The prospect of you taking over control of that aircraft is too appalling to contemplate. The potential consequences for those on board was catastrophic. MORE: Air passenger loses claim against BA over injuries inflicted by obese man sitting next to him MORE: British company could have found Atlantis in modern-day Spain Prosecutor Douglas Adams said Katsutoshi was challenged by security staff on the plane after colleagues had noticed alcohol radiating from his breath and believed he was drunk. After he was challenged, he said he had drank whisky the night before but had already passed a breathalyser test. He said he needed to grab his blazer from the plane and was found in the toilet rinsing and gargling his mouth with mouthwash, the prosecutor said. A preliminary breath test found him to be more than 10 times the limit with 93mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath the legal flying limit is 9mg. Story continues After he was caught, JAL issued an apology and pledged to implement immediate actions to prevent any future occurrence, adding that safety remains our utmost priority. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyan police helped two colleagues who has been arrested for suspected corruption escape custody by firing warning shots to scare off anti-graft officers holding them, the anti-graft agency said. The two officers, who work for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, were arrested in Nairobi on Wednesday evening in a sting operation by anti-graft officers trying to trap them with a 100,000 shilling ($975) bribe, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said. "The two suspects ... were arrested & handcuffed but were rescued by their colleagues from Kabete Police Station who fired several rounds of ammunition as warning shots to facilitate the escape," the EACC said on its Twitter feed late on Wednesday. "Officers escaped with Kshs. 100,000 trap money while handcuffed." The absconders were being hunted, it said. The two officers were wanted in connection with demanding a 1 million shilling ($9,750) bribe from a foreigner, the agency said. The police in Kenya are often ranked among the country's most corrupt institutions, but force the release of colleagues detained on suspicion of corruption was apparently unprecedented. The anti-graft organization Transparency International-Kenya ranked the police force as the most bribery-prone institution in its 2017 East African Bribery Index. Kenya was ranked 143 out of 180 in the Transparency International 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index. Dozens of Kenyan government officials and business people have appeared in court since April to face charges relating to the alleged theft of hundreds of millions of shillings from public coffers in a new drive to tackle corruption. ($1 = 102.5000 Kenyan shillings) (Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Robert Birsel) The US Senate has voted to debate ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen, amid growing resistance to the conflict. After a behind-closed-doors update from Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, in which disappointment was the common theme, the Senate passed a resolution 63-37 to begin officially debating the matter on the floor. A number of senators sought the vote, over US support for the war against Houthi rebels in Yemen as part of a pushback against Donald Trump's stance. At least 10,000 civilians have died in the conflict, which began in 2015. A new poll shows the majority of Americans oppose US support for the war. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October has sparked outrage around the world and piled pressure onto Riyadh's royal family. But Mr Trump has dismissed a reported CIA assessment that is said to assert with "high confidence" that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is linked to the killing of Khashoggi. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Mr Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from CIA director Gina Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that did not happen and declared: "I'm not going to blow past this." If you don't draw the line here, where do you draw the line?" he added. Saudi officials have repeatedly denied that Crown Prince Mohammed is connected in any way to the murder, which Riyadh's public prosecutor has blamed on a "rogue" squad of kidnappers looking to take Mr Khashoggi - a critic of the royal family - back to Saudi Arabia. I am not going to be denied the ability to be briefed by the CIA, that we have oversight of, about whether or not their assessment supports my belief that this could not have happened without MbS knowing, Senator Graham told reporters, using a shorthand for the Saudi crown prince's initials. Story continues Secretary of State Pompeo stuck close to Mr Trump in speaking to reporters after the behind-closed-doors Senate briefing. There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi, Mr Pompeo said, after he and Defence Secretary Mattis told senators that weakening US-Saudi ties over the killing would be a threat to national security. Mr Trump has said that he does not want to risk millions of dollars in arms deals with Saudi Arabia over the killing, and has said that the CIA's assessment is not a conclusive view on the matter. "Whether he did or whether he didnt, he denies it vehemently. His father denies, the king, vehemently," Mr Trump said recently. The CIA doesnt say they did it. They do point out certain things, and in pointing out those things, you can conclude that maybe he did or maybe he didnt," he said. Senators are clear that they want to hear CIA officials views on the killing before a decision is made on a full US response to Mr Khashoggi's 2 October murder, being particularly angry that neither CIA Director Gina Haspel or Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats were present. MbS has not taken ownership of the death, Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said after the briefing. Addressing the possibility of a full Senate vote on ending US support for the war in Yemen, where millions are facing famine, Mr Pompeo argued the humanitarian crisis would be a hell of a lot worse" without US involvement. Mr Pompeo argued all we would achieve from an American drawdown is a stronger Iran and a reinvigorated Isis and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) before adding: Try defending that outcome back home. Mr Mattis made the point the US is "seldom free to work with unblemished partners," according to an excerpt of his statement released by the Pentagon. Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mid-East stability," he said. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in a rare moment of publicly disagreeing with the president, said there has to be some kind of response from the US on the matter. Khashoggi worked for The Washington Post and was a green card holder for several years. He was a fierce advocate for amplifying regular Arab voices and wrote often about freedom of speech. "What obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world," Mr McConnell said. "We're discussing what the appropriate response would be, he noted. The resolution to end American involvement in the Yemeni conflict was brought by Senators Bernie Sanders and Republican Mike Lee earlier in the year but initially fell short by just six votes. Our support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen has created a humanitarian crisis. Call your Senators and tell them to support S.J. Res. 54, my bill with @SenSanders and @SenMikeLee to end U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen. pic.twitter.com/VDTHONaEpJ Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 27, 2018 Mr Trump may meet with Crown Prince Mohammed at the upcoming G20 meeting and has said he may discuss Mr Khashoggi's death. Kafranbel (Syria) (AFP) - Gunmen may have killed their most charismatic activist, but Syrians in Kafranbel are determined to keep the northwestern town's revolutionary spirit alive. The gunning down of Raed Fares on Friday was the latest blow to what remains of the dwindling civil society movement that rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. "We lost Raed Fares but he represented an idea that will not die," 26-year-old activist Abdallah al-Dani said, standing in front of a wall of graffiti calling for freedom. Seven years into a brutal civil war, Kafranbel lies in the last major rebel bastion in the country, and is controlled by a powerful alliance led by former Al-Qaeda jihadists. But its walls are still daubed with brightly coloured murals, reflecting the town's worldwide renown as a bastion of protest throughout the uprising. Kafranbel, up in the province of Idlib on the Turkish border, was one of the first to join in as revolutionary fervour spread across Syria in 2011. "It was the spark for the revolution in the north, a candle in oppressed northern Syria," said Dani, wearing a winter jacket to keep out the cold. A town of some 20,000 people, Kafranbel soon became known for the often humorous signs in English and Arabic that its residents held up at weekly demonstrations. "Down with the regime -- and the opposition," a sign at one of the town's protests famously read in 2011. "Down with the Arab and the Islamic nation... Down with the (UN) Security Council... Down with the world... Down with everything." - 'Assad killed Santa Claus' - As protests spiralled into war, in 2012 Kafranbel was rocked by fighting between regime fighters and defectors from Assad's army, soon slipping out of the government's control. "I have a dream. Let freedom ring from Kafranbel," said one sign that year in English, playing on the town's name and echoing the words of Martin Luther King. Story continues Another poster the same year complained of congested skies. "We demand a policeman be appointed to regulate war plane traffic," it said in Arabic, signed "Liberated Kafranbel". At Christmas approached, Kafranbel sent a message to the pope. "Merry Christmas from Syria, the land where Assad killed Santa Claus," it said in bold black Roman letters. By 2015, Kafranbel was part of a large region under the control of opposition forces. As the civil war became increasingly complex, involving world powers and jihadists, the clamour coming out of Kafranbel targeted all sides of the conflict. "Islamic State (group) in Syria and Iraq: We didn't liberate it so you could rule it," the town's people raged, referring to land beyond regime control. Activist Bilal Bayush says people may have started protesting the Damascus regime, but they were soon also challenging powerful jihadists. These include IS, but also the jihadist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance that rules more than half of Idlib, including Kafranbel. "Kafranbel has stood up against IS since 2013, and it also holds demonstrations in solidarity with activists being held by HTS," Bayush said. - Barnyard noises - Fares, who died aged 46, was among those to have run-ins with the jihadists, after he set up a popular radio station named Fresh FM in 2013. When HTS tried to ban him from broadcasting music two years ago, he fought back with barnyard noises. "He decided to air the noises of animals such as birds or cockerels instead," says Bayush. IS fighters raided the office on several occasions, he wrote in the Washington Post in July, and the regime also bombarded it. Fares said he was shot at by armed men in 2014, and then abducted several times by the group now known as HTS. Often in creative ways, Kafranbel's people have stood up for what they believe is right. In 2014, the town's women sewed together a 75-metre-long version of the three-star flag of the uprising, and paraded it down its streets. Even following the killing of Fares with fellow activist Hamod Jnaid, which sparked a flurry of tributes on social media, the town's residents say they will keep up the fight. After almost eight years of war, "our determination has only increased," said Bayush, despite admitting he was a little fearful over a recent spate of killings and kidnappings in the province. "We'll carry on until the regime falls and we get the rights we have been demanding from the beginning," he said. On a recent foggy day, 21-year-old activist Mohammad Allush explained what the town meant to him. "Kafranbel is revolution -- revolution against oppression, whatever that may be." Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has told the House of Commons he is HIV positive during a debate about World AIDs Day. Mr Russell-Moyle has been met with a huge wave of support from the public and fellow politicians after becoming the first MP to disclose their HIV status. LLoyd Russell-Moyle told the House of Commons he is HIV positive during a debate (Parliament TV) A visibly emotional Mr Russell-Moyle told the Commons: This Saturday 1st December will mark the 30th anniversary of world AIDS day, and next year it will be ten years since I became HIV positive. I was 22 years old, and diagnosed early. Since then I have been on world-class treatment provided by the NHS so I have not only survived, Ive prospered, and any partner I have is safe and protected. I am leading this debate today because we are in many ways at a juncture in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Many people tweeted in support of Mr Russell-Moyles bravery and honesty. Huge credit to MP @lloyd_rm for his historic declaration in the commons today that he is HIV+. John Woodcock (@JWoodcockMP) November 29, 2018 My colleague @lloyd_rm gave a very courageous and moving testimony on being HIV positive ahead of #WorldAIDSDay. LLoyds bravery represents the very best of Labour and I hope his speech helps defy the stigma around HIVhttps://t.co/rAsjjTSOUl Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) November 29, 2018 I've never been as moved by parliamentary business than watching Lloyd Russell-Moyle's speech on being HIV positive in the House of Commons chamber. This is a historic moment for our LGBT community, so much love to @lloyd_rm right now. Aisha Malik-Smith (@avocadamn) November 29, 2018 Wow. Incredible moment in the Commons. Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle says he has been HIV positive for 9 years. Clearly very emotional and MPs around him showing support. Shehab Khan (@ShehabKhan) November 29, 2018 The MP urged the Government to imake the drug PrEP, which means that HIV cannot be transmitted, available on the NHS Story continues We could be more vocal, more ambitious, more determined to eradicate the disease in the UK. Or, we could go in the direction of the government, which is putting our hard fought progress at risk. Their reluctance to make the HIV prevention drug PrEP available on the NHS is disgraceful. We now know of cases of young men who have tried to gain access to PrEP, who have been turned away and who have subsequently contracted HIV. These mens HIV statuses were entirely avoidable. The government must now act to prevent this from happening again. He went on: I am an HIV-positive man, but because Ive been taking the right medication for several years, I am what the NHS calls HIV-positive undetectable. That means not only that you cannot detect HIV in my system, so I dont get sick, it also means I cant transmit HIV to someone else. Lloyd Russell-Moyle revealed he was diagnosed with HIV 10 years ago. (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA) Jeremy Corbyn stepped in to praise his Labour colleague, saying: I think hes making an absolutely brilliant and historic speech and Im very grateful that he mentioned my good friend Chris Smith who very bravely told the world in 1984 that he was gay and proud of it, and were proud of Chris for doing that. Im also very pleased that hes brought up the international context of this. The international context where there is appalling levels of prejudiced and abuse against HIV-positive people and against the LGBT community in many countries around the world. We just need to send a message out from this House of Commons: this country has changed its attitudes, we have done a great deal medically to help people. We need to ensure that the rest of the world understands that we can do the same in every country. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA) The Labour party has called on Parliament to block the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. The opposition party tabled an amendment to the Brexit meaningful vote in a move that is widely seen as increasing the chances of a second referendum. Without specifically mentioning another Brexit vote, the amendment advises MPs to keep all options on the table to avoid leaving the union without an agreement in place. The party is seeking to put the idea to a vote in the Commons during a debate on the exit agreement Theresa May has negotiated. In recent days the Shadow Chancellor has suggested it is inevitable another EU referendum will be called if Labour is not able to force a general election. Mr McDonnell told the BBC earlier this week: We want a deal that will protect jobs and the economy. Theresa May in Parliament on Thursday (PA) If we cant achieve that the government cant achieve that we should have a general election, but thats very difficult to do because of the nature of the legislation that David Cameron brought forward. If thats not possible, well be calling upon the government then to join us in a public vote. ts difficult to judge each stage, but thats the sequence I think that well inevitably go through over this period. Young anti-Brexit protesters in Westminster this week (PA) Labour is hoping to force a general election or if, as currently widely expected, MPs reject Mrs Mays deal. During the Brexit talks, Labour has said it will seek to get the best deal for the country but respect the result of the vote that took place in 2016. Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to get the backing of Parliament for the deal she has negotiated with Brussels. Many within her own party are opposed to the deal she has negotiated with the European Union. Parliament will vote on the deal on December 11 after five days of debate. The Prime Minister told a select committee in the Commons on Thursday that she would not speculate on her future if the House of Commons refuses to back her deal. HOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Latest on the shooting of an Alabama man by a police officer at a mall. (all times local): 8:40 p.m. About 200 people attended a community vigil for in Alabama for a young black man killed by a police officer in a shopping mall. The vigil was held Tuesday night at Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, where a racist bombing killed four black girls in 1963. E.J. Bradford's mother April Pipkins entered to a standing ovation and collapsed in tears onstage as she began speaking at the church vigil. Paramedics took her to a hospital to monitor her condition. Bradford was shot to death Thanksgiving night by a police officer responding to a shooting at the mall. Police initially described Bradford as the shooter, but they later said it was unlikely that he fired the shots. Regional NAACP field director Kevin Myles said Bradford's killing was part of a pattern of police killing black men without cause. ___ 5:25 p.m. The mother of a young black man killed by a police officer in an Alabama shopping mall says she believes her son would still be alive had he been white. April Pipkins told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she believes the "whole scenario would have played out differently." Pipkins' son, E.J. Bradford, was shot to death Thanksgiving night by a police officer responding to a report of a shooting at the mall. Police initially described Bradford as the mall gunman. They said he had a gun in his hand, but they later said it was unlikely that he fired the shots. Ben Crump, a lawyer representing the Bradford family, said witnesses have contacted his law firm saying Bradford was trying to wave people away from the shooting. ___ 1:30 p.m. Leaders of an Alabama city are meeting behind closed doors following the shooting death of a black man at a shopping mall. The Hoover City Council met publicly for about two minutes Tuesday before voting unanimously to go into executive session. Council President Gene Smith says the discussion is about the "legal ramifications" of impending litigation. Story continues Smith didn't elaborate on any potential suit. But the session comes just five days after a Hoover police officer shot and killed a man inside Alabama's largest shopping mall on Thanksgiving night. Relatives of the shooting victim, 21-year-old Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., have been represented by a civil rights lawyer since his death. A town hall and prayer meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 16th Street Baptist Church. LONDON (AP) The Latest on migration in Europe (all times local): 6:15 p.m. Slovakia's foreign minister has resigned from his post over his disagreement with his country's negative stance on a United Nations pact seeking to promote an international approach to safe and orderly migration. Miroslav Lajcak announced his decision after the country's lawmakers rejected the U.N. pact Thursday in a 90-15 vote, saying it's not in line with the country's policies on migration and security. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini welcomed Parliament's move. His coalition government is expected next week to opt out of the deal, which Lajcak has supported. Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Switzerland and Australia have dropped their support for the deal and said they won't attend the meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on Dec. 10-11 to formally approve the compact. ___ 5:30 p.m. Spain says Libya has invited a Spanish fishing vessel stranded for days after it rescued 12 migrants in the Mediterranean to go to a Libyan port for supplies. But a Spanish government statement Thursday indicated that Libya does not meet the requirements of a safe haven. It said Madrid is asking Italy and Malta to accept the vessel and the migrants. Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo says the government is concerned about the lack of fuel and food onboard the Nuestra Senora de Loreto trawler, which has been stranded in waters north of Libya since last Thursday as it awaits a decision on where the migrants could land. Weather in the area is worsening. Calvo's statement says the Libyan coast guard is offering to re-supply the vessel at the Libyan coastal town of Al Khums. It does not say whether it would allow the 12 migrants to disembark. Spain's foreign minister said earlier this week that Italy and Malta had rejected the migrants because their rescue took place in waters under Libya's jurisdiction. ___ 1 p.m. EU lawmakers say convenient travel without ID checks inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area could be a thing of the past if countries keep prolonging controls on European citizens. Story continues Slovenian lawmaker Tanja Fajon supervising border-check reform said Thursday that the 26-nation Schengen area is "at serious risk due to ongoing illegal controls," saying the EU must "establish clear rules." Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and non-EU country Norway reintroduced border controls on all travelers after well over 1 million migrants entered Europe in 2015 seeking sanctuary or jobs. France resumed ID checks at its borders over security concerns after the Paris attacks in November 2015. The measures are meant to be temporary and last a maximum of two years under the Schengen rulebook, but lawmakers say the six countries have bent the rules for more than three years. ___ 11: 50 Slovakia could soon join the list of countries opting out of a United Nations pact seeking to promote an international approach to safe and orderly migration. The country's lawmakers rejected the U.N. pact Thursday in a 90-15 vote, saying it's not in line with the country's policies on migration and security. Parliament has asked the government to reject the deal, as well, when it likely makes its decision on the document next week. Slovak leaders are divided over the pact. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini indicated that his coalition government will not adopt it but Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak supports it. Austria, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Switzerland and Australia have dropped their support for the deal and said they won't attend the meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on Dec. 10-11 to formally approve the compact. ___ 10:20 a.m. A teenage Syrian refugee who was the victim of a lunchtime bullying incident widely shared on social media says he no longer feels safe at his U.K. school. The video shows another student pushing the 15-year-old to the ground and threatening to drown him as he pours water into the victim's mouth. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told Britain's ITV late Wednesday that ever since the Oct. 25 incident he wakes up crying in the middle of the night. The refugee, whose family fled the Syrian city of Homs, says "I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, 'I don't want to go to school anymore.'" His comments come as fresh footage of his sister also being bullied circulates on social media. Beirut (AFP) - Lebanon's army has detained around 400 Syrians in raids on refugee camps in the eastern Bekaa valley, mostly for overstaying their residence permits, a military source said Thursday. Almost eight years into Syria's war, neighbouring Lebanon hosts around 1.5 million Syrians, many of whom live in the east of the tiny Mediterranean country. On Wednesday, the army in the Arsal area detained "33 people with arrest warrants, 56 people without identity papers, and 300 others over expired documents", it said in a statement. The military source said all were Syrians, and that those with no or out-of-date documents had been handed over to the security forces. Those arrested had "committed an action against the law", they told AFP, without providing any further details. Lebanon's army from time to time sweeps down on Syrian refugee camps, especially those in the east of the country. Tens of thousands of Syrians live there, many from towns and villages on the other side of the Syrian-Lebanese border. Arsal mayor Basel al-Hojeiri said that some of those who had been detained on Wednesday were then released overnight, complaining that the way in which the raids were carried out was "not right". "They come to arrest a certain number of wanted people, and end up detaining 400," he said. "They detain this huge number to then determine which ones are wanted among them, when it would be much better if they directly arrested those they wanted without bothering everybody else," Hojeiri said. Last year, the army detained dozens of Syrians in mass raids on camps in Arsal, sparking a controversy after it announced four of them had died in custody. Images circulated on social media showed dozens of bare-chested men lying down on the ground under the scorching sun with their hands tied. Rights organisations demanded an investigation into the cause of their deaths. Many Syrians live in tough conditions in Lebanon, and depend on international aid organisations for their survival. Story continues Since the start of the year, around 8,000 Syrians have gone home from Lebanon, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Lebanese security forces however claim tens of thousands have taken part in these returns, which are coordinated between Beirut and Damascus. They waive late fines for those whose residency papers have expired if they agree to return to Syria. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 360,000 people and forced millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Beirut (AFP) - Lebanon has arrested two people suspected of having murdered British radio presenter Gavin Ford who hosted one of Lebanon's most popular shows, security forces said Thursday. The 53-year-old's lifeless body was discovered on Tuesday at his home in Beit Meri, a mountain town east of Beirut where his employer Radio One is also based. Two Syrians, born in 1991 and 1995, have been arrested in connection to his death, the security forces said in a statement, without specifying when they were detained. "They admitted to committing murder and said they went on Monday afternoon to the home of the victim to steal," the statement said. They confessed they "strangled him and hit him on the head with a sharp object until he lost consciousness, and then left in his car", it added. Security forces found some of the looted items, as well as "the victim's mobile phone and car keys", at the home of the suspects in the northern Beirut suburb of Al-Nabaa. A security source told AFP earlier that Ford's private safe was found empty, and his mobile phone had gone missing. After he was found dead, tributes started pouring in on social media for Ford, who had been one of Lebanon's most loved radio hosts for years. They included Britain's ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling, who said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news. Ford's death comes after British embassy employee Rebecca Dykes was murdered in December last year by a taxi driver who tried to rape her. Such crime is rare in Beirut, a city largely considered safe, including for tourists and foreign residents. The authors mother and sister Karina in 1977 (Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Hoppe) This is a personal essay, and the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of Yahoo Lifestyle. As I watched the shocking footage of unarmed asylum seekers in Mexico fleeing for cover as the U.S. government unleashed tear gas and rubber bullets this week, I felt as if someone had reached into my chest and squeezed my heart. That could be me, I thought. I felt weighed down by my privilege as a 36-year-old New York professional, replaying in my mind, over and over, the story of my mother Cilia de Jesus Bustillo, who fled Honduras back in 1975 as a frightened teen, my sister secretly in tow. Five years before her journey, when Cilia was just 12 years old, her mother, Beatrice, left her behind in Honduras after convincing the local consulate to give her a U.S. tourist visa. My grandmother settled in Morristown, N.J., where a diaspora of Central and South American immigrants had formed, creating their own colorful community. She outstayed the visa and began working at a local factory, and soon met and married Manuel Oliveras, which allowed her to become a U.S. citizen, entitled to request residency for her minor children: my mother and uncles Xavier and Hugo. But it would take five years for that paperwork to be processed. In the meantime, my mother was orphaned. She struggled to survive poverty and the wrath of her brother, Jamie, who molested and abused her. In one incident, Cilia asked him for permission to go to a summer carnival with friends, but he forbade it. Desperate to escape, she snuck out of the house, believing she had done so undetected. But she returned home to find him waiting outside on the porch, standing with a bucket of scalding hot water at his feet, swinging a thick leather belt. She begged for mercy. Clockwise from top left: Cilia with friends in Honduras, 1973; the author, right, with her mother and sisters; the author, left, with her sisters; Karina and Jessica. (Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Hoppe) Pero no hice nada! I didnt do anything! she cried out, as he beat her with the drenched leather strap. The blasts from each lashing rang loudly in the night, like firecrackers. La vas a matar! Youre going to kill her! an alarmed neighbor shrieked, running to her house and returning with a machete. Deja esa nina o te corto en pedasos! Let go of that little girl or I will cut you into pieces! she told my uncle. So he did. He dropped my mothers body, inches from death, and walked away. Story continues After that night, at 13, Cilia became hardened and ornery. The neighbor nursed her back to health but couldnt have her stay for long. Abandoned and without protection in a lawless country where a postwar civil unrest would soon lead to military rule she had nothing but her mothers promise that shed soon join her in the United States. She kept to the streets, finding generosity in the local grocer, Ana Luz, who gave her food and small jobs. But she longed for her mother. When hope failed her, shed look to her grandmother who, unbeknownst to her, pilfered the money and gifts Beatrice sent, keeping the letters and photos that my mother needed most. Years passed without change until she fell prey to a young man named Jamie, the son of wealthy cow farmers whose family controlled the town. Although she was shy and defensive, having endured countless acts of sexual violence by age 16, he convinced Cilia, who lived a life without love or affection, to go on a date. Jessica Hoppe (Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Hoppe) Jamie spoke to her sweetly and told exciting stories of his visits to los Estados Unidos. He bought her a Coca-Cola, her favorite, which he laced with some of the tranquilizers that he had access to from his family farm. She regained consciousness in the back of his red Mustang as he raped her. She cried out for help and he apologized, saying he didnt know she was a virgin. Hed heard on the streets that she was a puta, a whore. Weeks later, my mother learned she was pregnant and was kicked out of her grandmothers home. When her rapists family learned of her condition, they kidnapped her. They held my mother on their farm, hours away from home, and promised her safety in exchange for a contract to turn the baby over at birth. My mother agreed to sign in the morning. But once everyone had gone to bed, she stole as much money as she could find and escaped. Back on the streets of La Ceiba alone, now six months pregnant, she feared retaliation. My mother was hopeless and prepared to cross the border by any means when her admission to the United States miraculously came through. A path to salvation seemed sure, until her brother heard that all incoming visitors had to pass a health examination. No pregnant minors would be allowed entry. But my uncle, Hugo, recruited a girl in town to impersonate my mother, giving a blood sample, and they were cleared. A local seamstress fashioned a dress that would hide her growing belly, and they were off. For the entire five-hour flight, she never moved from her seat. She barely breathed. Cilia arrived in this country on April 4, 1975. My sister Karina was born in June at Morristown Memorial Hospital, an American citizen. No matter what, she thought, my daughter is safe. Five years later, she had a second daughter, Karla, with my father Carlos, an immigrant from Ecuador. They married in 1981 just before my birth, in November of 1982, in San Antonio, Texas. I was raised in a humble home peppered by the consistent foot traffic of migrants whom my parents were eager to help. Through their commitment to the Latinx community, I learned that abundance is multiplied by generosity. I understood the meaning of humility and witnessed the rapid progress of so many hard-working families who have become an integral part of the American fabric. In todays political climate, families like mine could cease to exist. The essence of what it means to be Latin American, our collective history of migration, is being criminalized, used by fellow Americans to label and shame, and manipulated by our current administration to violate international treaties protecting human rights. As a first-generation Honduran-American woman, I see myself in these migrants. Only luck and timing separated me from being one of those mothers or one of those children. This week, with the arrival of asylum seekers surging, the United States shut down its border crossing. The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security recently announced a new 78-page rule amending the process, barring some from eligibility completely, and effectively turning racism into policy. Immigration and the absorption of refugees are complex issues, but at the heart of these dilemmas are human lives. And humanity should never be politicized. When I ask my mother now to name the driving force in her survival, she says, You never give up on your child. I dont know one person who cannot relate to that. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The map shows that life and death were pretty brutal in medieval London (University of Cambridge) A murder map built from coroners reports from the 14th century has shone light on the brutal reality of life in medieval London where violent death in the streets was common. The reports show that people died after fights over trivial things such as dropping litter, urinating in the wrong place, and even games of backgammon. Men tended to carry battlefield weapons such as swords and poleaxes with them, which meant fights could rapidly become deadly, the researchers say. The murder rate between 1300 and 1340 was up to 20 times higher than in similarly sized UK towns, according to a University of Cambridge researchers. You can see the murder reports on a new interactive map. MORE: Former Brexit Secretaries Dominic Raab and David Davis awarded joint prize for best resignation MORE: London letting agent demanded money from prospective tenants to view properties Professor Manuel Eisner drew accounts of violent deaths from the Coroners Rolls which described a student street brawl which ended with someone shot with a bow and arrow. Another man was beaten to death for dropping eel skins on the ground, while someone else was killed over a game of backgammon. Some streets were hotspots for killings (Getty) An argument at a urinal spilled over into bloodshed in December 1321, the records showed. The report said, He cast the urine into the shoes of an unknown young man, and as the latter complained, William struck him with his fist. When someone scolded William, he got angry, picked up the poleaxe and struck Philip over the forehead, inflicting a wound that penetrated to the brain. Life in medieval London was pretty brutal (Getty) Professor Eisner said, The events described in the Coroners Rolls show weapons were never far away, male honour had to be protected, and conflicts easily got out of hand. Almost every act of homicide was committed with a weapon that likely was either designed for conflict or a weapon that could easily be used in a conflict. One road near St Pauls Cathedral was a hotspot for killings, with much of the violence happening out of doors as arguments boiled over. Story continues Eisner says that (based on an estimated population of 80,000) medieval Londons murder rate is 15 to 20 times higher than a modern town of a similar size. Professor Eisner said, We have firearms, but we also have emergency services. Its easier to kill but easier to save lives. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump's intensifying attacks this week against the Russia collusion investigation underscore a growing nervousness over how much evidence investigators may have accumulated on the 2016 Trump campaign's ties to Moscow. In new charges unveiled Thursday by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, former top Trump aide Michael Cohen admitted direct communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin's office on behalf of Trump's business through the first half of 2016. Trump, who earlier tweeted that the Mueller probe was an "illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt," blasted Cohen as a "weak person" who lied to get a reduced sentence. But the most recent news from the investigation suggests that Mueller, a cagey former FBI director, is holding back and could have more shocks in store for the US leader as he nears the conclusion of the 18-month-old investigation. - Cohen talked to top Putin aide - Cohen, who was Trump's personal lawyer and a senior executive in the president's real estate business, the Trump Organization, admitted to having lied to Congress about trying to negotiate a deal for a Trump Tower in Moscow well into the middle of 2016, even when Trump had wrapped up the Republican nomination for president. Trump in the past denied any ongoing contacts with Moscow. But the criminal complaint filed Thursday depicts Cohen in regular contact with Putin's top spokesman Dmitry Peskov during that period, seeking to arrange a trip by Trump to Russia to meet Putin. The complaint also says that Cohen kept senior Trump campaign figures, including members of Trump's family, informed of these efforts -- suggesting Trump himself might have been in the loop. That could be trouble for a number of people if they have denied to Mueller or Congress knowledge of Russia contacts during that period. - The WikiLeaks nexus Mueller has already shown he has evidence that the Trump campaign and Trump's family entertained offers of dirt on Clinton from Russia. Story continues He is expected to soon charge conservative activist Jerome Corsi and campaign advisor Roger Stone in relation to their alleged attempts to coordinate with WikiLeaks over July-October 2016 as the group published Democratic emails damaging to Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton. The US says the emails were hacked by Russian intelligence which supplied them to WikiLeaks, aiming to tilt the election in Trump's favor. Mueller has already indicted 25 Russians as part of a criminal "conspiracy" to influence the election. The key question is, does Mueller have evidence that, in trying to contact WikiLeaks, Corsi and Stone were working on behalf of and with the knowledge of Trump or top Trump campaign officials? And would that mean they could be seen as conspiring with the Russians? - Manafort's broken cooperation deal On Monday Mueller accused former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort of violating a cooperation deal by lying to investigators. What the lies were about remains a mystery, but it could underscore what most observers believe: that Mueller has far more evidence than his targets know. Trump has held out the possibility of a pardon to Manafort, who he says was treated "cruelly" by the investigation. Now questions are being raised on whether Trump has obstructed justice by suggesting the pardon. - Mueller's questionnaire for Trump The new Cohen and Manafort charges came just after Trump returned answers to a long list of questions submitted to him by Mueller that focus on Russia contacts. The White House delayed answering the questions since the beginning of this year, worried that Trump could be trapped in a possible lie by making statements contrary to evidence presented Mueller by others. Trump's anger about the investigation raises the possibility that his answers might be contradicted by Cohen, Manafort and others. Director, producer and writer Alfonso Cuaron, 57, is considered one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the business. His latest movie, Roma, out Dec. 14 on Netflix, is a Spanish-language autobiographical film based on his childhood in Mexico City. It is expected to become the first Spanish-language production to get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, and Cuaron is favored to take home his second Best Director statue. In 2014, he won two Academy Awards for his film Gravity: one for Best Director and the other for Best Editing. It's a huge accomplishment not only because the movie grossed $723 million worldwide but also because he was the first Mexican director to win the coveted Oscar. In his acceptance speech he gave a special shout-out to his mom: This is thanks to you, Mom. I love you. In the black-and-white Roma, Cuaron doesnt focus on his younger self; instead he focuses on the two most influential women in his life: his mother and his live-in nanny. Cuarons passion project had a $15 million budget and took him 108 days to shoot. He had the personal work in mind for a decade, and when it came time to shoot, he kept the script top secret. I wanted everybody, actors and crew, to learn the circumstance of the characters day by day, the same way that you learn in life," he told the Hollywood Reporter. Cuaron has worked on more than 13 films. One of his first movies was Great Expectations starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Ethan Hawke. Hes also known for his work in Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and the award-winning Gravity. His latest film, Roma, will debut on Netflix and be distributed in theaters Dec. 14. President Donald Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday morning in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation for lying to Congress during private testimony last year about the timing and extent of his discussions about a Russian real estate deal during Trumps campaign. Cohens cooperation with Muellers investigation marks an extraordinary development, as he has long been a key figure, given his role in Trumps businesses and as his fixer. According to court documents, Muellers team has focused on Cohens role in Trumps business dealings, particularly a Trump Tower project in Moscow during the 2016 campaign. Cohen lied about the timing of his discussions with Russian officials about the potential real estate deal. Last year, he told the House intelligence committee that the talks ended in January 2016, before the presidential primaries. But, according to court documents, he continued talks as late as approximately June 2016, before Trump became the GOP nominee, discussing the deal several times with Trump and briefing Trumps family members. Cohen also lied about whether he and Trump, referred to as Individual 1 in Thursdays documents, discussed planning a trip to Russia during the campaign. COHEN asked Individual 1 about the possibility of Individual 1 traveling to Russia in connection with the Moscow Project, and asked a senior campaign official about potential business travel to Russia, the documents said. Cohen did not comment while leaving court Thursday morning. His attorney told reporters, Mr. Cohen has cooperated. Mr. Cohen will continue to cooperate. Asked about Cohens plea deal Thursday, Trump told reporters that Cohen is a weak person and claimed he was lying. Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the timing and extent of his discussions about a Russian real estate deal during President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign. (Photo: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) In a statement, Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani said that Cohen is a proven liar who is doing everything he can to get out of a long-term prison sentence. According to Cohens plea agreement, his sentencing on the charge would be between zero and six months in prison. The plea agreement indicates that Cohen met with Muellers team several times since his August guilty plea: on Sept. 12, Sept. 18, Oct. 8, Oct. 17, Nov. 12 and Nov. 20. Story continues Cohen, who served as Trumps attorney and fixer for years, has been under close scrutiny from federal prosecutors in New York for engineering hush money payments during the 2016 campaign to silence Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, two women who alleged having extramarital affairs with Trump. In August, he pleaded guilty to charges that included violating campaign finance laws and said that he made the payments under Trumps direction. Cohen had been expected to reach an agreement with Mueller after his separate guilty plea this summer. In several interviews, his attorney Lanny Davis said his client had experienced a complicated evolution in his relationship with Trump and was ready to cut ties and tell the truth to everybody who asks him about Donald Trump. Hes turned his life from what he did for Donald Trump, much of which he now regrets, and would love to do re-dos, Davis said on NBCs Today show in August. This story has been updated with more details from court documents and comments from Trump and Giuliani. Related Coverage Michael Cohen: 'Get To The Poll' Or We Could Have Another 6 Years Of 'Craziness' Michael Cohen Takes A Shot At Trump With A Prayer For Michelle Obama Trump Slams Michael Cohen As 'Weak Person' Over Guilty Plea In Mueller Investigation Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Donald Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress over a Trump property deal in Moscow. Cohen admitted making false statements as part of a plea deal his attorneys negotiated with special counsel Robert Muellers team who are investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion with Trump campaign officials. Cohens plea deal includes further cooperation with the probe and the guilty plea makes clear that prosecutors believe that Mr Trump, who insisted repeatedly throughout the campaign that he had no business dealings in Russia, was continuing to pursue the project weeks after he had clinched the Republican nomination for president. According to court testimony, the president had discussed a potential development in Moscow as recently as June 2016 the same month Mr Trumps oldest son, Donald Jr, met in Manhattan with a Kremlin-connected lawyer. Mr Cohen told Congress in behind-closed-door testimony last year that talks around that deal ended months before in January. I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1s [Donald Trump] political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1, Cohen said in court. His lawyer added: Mr Cohen has cooperated. Mr Cohen will continue to cooperate. Court documents show that Cohen intentionally misled officials with his false testimony, and that he had done so with political interests in mind. Cohen made false statements to give the false impression that the Moscow Project ended before the Iowa caucus and ... the very first primary in hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigations, court documents filed in the US Southern District of New York said. The documents also indicated that Cohen considered meeting with top Russian officials including Russian president Vladimir Putin, and that Cohen held discussions with individuals within the Trump Organisation about the best timing for a potential trip to Russia for Mr Trump, with emails showing they agreed that a trip after the 2016 Republican convention would be ideal. Story continues The plea from the presidents former fixer is the latest sign that Cohen is cooperating with Mr Muellers probe and could be one of the most significant cooperating witnesses in the investigation. Cohen had pleaded guilty in August to eight criminal charges, including tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations, in a separate case brought by federal prosecutors in New York. His sentencing in that case is scheduled for 12 December. During that plea Cohen said he had paid hush money to two women who alleged had affairs with Mr Trump, at the direction of the candidate, implicating Mr Trump. The latest Cohen case was filed in New York a week after Trump and his lawyers provided Mr Mueller with responses to written questions. It was not immediately clear whether questions about the Russian Trump Tower real estate deal were among those answered by Mr Trump and his lawyers. But a prior list of queries that Mr Muellers team presented to Trump lawyers this year did include a question about it, and Muellers team is known to have asked about Trumps business dealings over the years. Cohen has said that he plans on focusing on family and country first as opposed to his previous allegiance and loyalty to Mr Trump. Mr Trump characterised Cohens plea deal as an attempt by his former lawyer to reduce his jail sentence. He said that Cohen was lying, and insisted that there would have been nothing wrong with him pursuing a business project in Russia during the campaign because he was running the Trump Organisation at the same time as he was running for president. I decided ultimately not to do it. There wouldve been nothing wrong if I did do it. If I did do it there wouldve been nothing wrong, Mr Trump said before heading on a trip to the G20 summit in Argentina. He continued to call Cohen a liar, and suggested that he is a weak person. Cohen has reportedly spent more than 70 hours speaking to investigators since that earlier plea in August, which implicated Mr Trump in potential campaign finance crimes. Those interviews have focused on a range of topics including contacts with Russian sources during the campaign, talk of potential presidential pardons, and the presidents business ties to Russia. Democrats jumped on the news of Cohens guilty plea on Thursday, with incoming House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff saying that the disclosure makes it seem as though the president lied to the American people about his business dealings. If Mr Cohen misled the Congress about the presidents business dealings in Russia deep into the campaign, it also means that the president misled the country about his business dealings, Mr Schiff told CNN. Later, Nancy Pelosi, the leading Democrat in the House of Representatives, said her party would try to force protections for Mr Mueller into a must-pass spending bill if the House is not allowed to vote on a free-standing bill protecting him from potential political interference. Republicans control the House and Senate until January, but they need some Democratic votes on the legislation to keep parts of the US government open beyond 7 December. The Congress must immediately pass legislation to preserve the Special Counsel investigation, Ms Pelosi said in a statement. If Speaker Ryan refuses to take up that bill, House Democrats will fight to include language to protect the investigation in the upcoming must-pass spending bill, she added. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied his campaign colluded or coordinated with Russians in 2016, and has called the special counsel investigation a witch hunt on several occasions. That attack on the Mueller investigation included a Thursday morning tweet storm in which he called the probe rigged, and suggested that a better use of time and resources would be to investigate his political rivals. Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, Mr Trump tweeted. A total disgrace! Mr Trump continued in that tweet storm to question whether the probe would ever end, and suggested that the investigation which has not concluded, and for which a report has not been completed had already proved that there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. New York (AFP) - Three moon rocks brought to Earth nearly half a century ago and the only known documented lunar samples in private hands, sold for $855,000 in New York on Thursday, Sotheby's said. The rocks, collected by an unmanned Soviet Luna-16 Mission in 1970, went for nearly double the $442,500 last paid for them by the present-day US sellers in a Sotheby's Russian space history sale in 1993. They were originally the property of Nina Ivanovna Koroleva, widow of Sergei Pavlovich Korolev -- the former director of the Soviet space program -- who was given them by the Soviet Union in honor of her husband's work. Korolev was a rocket engineer, aircraft and spacecraft designer, and mastermind behind the Soviet space program during the 1950s and '60s. His work was critical to the success of numerous Soviet space programs, including the first human earth orbit by Yuri Gagarin, but he died in 1966 and never lived to see the lunar soil samples returned from the moon. In September 1970, Luna-16 landed on the moon, drilled a 35-cm (14-inch) hole in the surface and collected the sample before returning safely back to earth. It is extremely rare for authentic lunar samples to come onto the market with all those collected by the Americans in the hands of the US government, not individuals, the auction house said. "Space exploration is something that's universal," Sotheby's expert Cassandra Hatton told AFP before the sale. "Anybody can look up at the sky and get excited about it. So we have a lot of interest from around the world and in all age brackets." Hatton said moon rocks come with their "own mythology." "When you really think about the true cost ... many lives were lost attempting to get up there," she said. "The symbolism of that, the value is far greater than any dollar amount somebody would pay for it at auction." Robert Mueller's office is aware of emails sent to Trump confidant Roger Stone tipping him off about "very damaging" data dumps Wikileaks released during the 2016 presidential election, a draft court document has revealed. The emails, detailed within in draft court documents, were sent by right-wing commentator Jerome Corsi to Mr Stone who was serving as a campaign adviser to Donald Trump two months before the data dumps were published online. The correspondence forms part of Mr Mueller's broader investigation into Russian election meddling and any possible collusion with Trump campaign officials. "Word is friend in embassy plans 2 more dumps," one email written on 2 August says. "One shortly after Im back. 2nd in Oct." He added, "Impact planned to be very damaging." Mr Stone has denied any involvement in the release of the emails. The emails appear to reference Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London for six years in order to avoid an international arrest warrant about a case in Sweden. US intelligence services believe Russias intelligence agencies were behind the hacking of the emails released by Wikileaks - which were taken from the Democratic National Committee. Russia denies the allegation. The draft court documents, first reported by NBC News and later posted online by the Washington Post, were also provided to Mr Corsi and his attorneys by the special counsels office. However, it is still unclear whether there was any potential coordination between the presidents campaign and Wikileaks or other entities. The latest court documents were filed as part of a plea deal Mr Muellers office has sent Mr Corsi, effectively allowing him to request a sentence of probation so long as he pleads guilty to one count of lying to federal investigators. Mr Corsi has rejected the deal, however, saying the emails were based on speculation. Story continues Its all a guess. That email word is is 100% speculation on my part, he said. I made it sound maybe like I had a source, but I didnt. And I dont think Stone ever believed me. Mr Corsi told the Associated Press Mr Muellers team responded to his public rejections of the plea deal by saying, Well take it from here. A no-deal Brexit would leave both the EU and UK at greater risk, Security Minister Ben Wallace is warning (Picture: Getty) A no-deal Brexit would leave both the EU and UK at greater risk, Security Minister Ben Wallace will warn. In a speech to law enforcement and security leaders, Mr Wallace was expected to argue that Theresa Mays Brexit deal is necessary to keep everyone safe, and leaving Europe without an agreement in place would have a real impact on authorities ability to protect the public. Speaking at the International Security Expo in London, Mr Wallace will say: The UK, through her experience of the last few decades has learnt that at the heart of effective security is close cooperation. And we and Europe know, from bitter experience, that often when there is a mistake or when something has been missed that we find, time and time again, that it has been due to a failure of cooperation. A no-deal situation would have a real impact on our ability to work with our European partners to protect the public. Security intelligence "in real time" requires access to EU systems says Security Minister Ben Wallace. "The alternative to this deal isn't pretty" #r4today https://t.co/HgJ7fvzUkr BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) November 29, 2018 In an interview with the BBC, the Security Minister said: The alternative to this deal isnt pretty, describing the importance of cooperation with the EU for security intelligence in real time. Mr Wallaces warning comes as a Government paper said a no-deal Brexit would mean Britain would lose access to EU databases used by police to track terrorists and criminals, leaving security agencies no longer able to access criminal records, alerts on wanted suspects, DNA, fingerprints and airline passenger information. MORE: Tributes pour in for mother killed with 10-month-old baby by grizzly bear in Canada MORE: Cocaine addict stabbed debt collector mum-of-three, 49, to death because he wanted her money Story continues Extradition requests would take longer, while cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber security and illegal migration would be affected. Mr Wallaces speech was expected to outline how the Prime Ministers Brexit agreement lays the groundwork for the most comprehensive security relationship the EU has ever had with another country. The Government says the partnership would include the ability to exchange information on criminals and tackle terrorism, data on people travelling to and from the UK to spot potential threats, DNA and fingerprints, and to fast-track extraditions. This deal strikes the right balance to keep everyone safe, Mr Wallace will say. It will be an ambitious partnership that ensures we can continue to work with our European partners in tackling our shared threats. Asked on BBC Breakfast if Britain would be safer under Mrs Mays deal than where we are now, he said: We will be able to control our borders in ways that we currently cant now. Sitting here as Security Minister, something that is really frustrating is I see people who are dangerous to this country. I can keep them out if they are coming direct from Syria or Turkey or somewhere else. Environmental activist and billionaire Tom Steyer at his offices in San Francisco in June (Photo: Eric Risberg/AP) The biggest billionaire donor of 2018 is now telling Democrats how to run for president in 2020 and says that if they dont listen, he will run himself. Meet Tom Steyer although you may have encountered him already, perhaps on one of the many ads he ran last election cycle, online and on television, calling for President Trumps impeachment. Steyer, a San Francisco hedge-fund manager turned environmental activist, first made his name in American politics by spending vast amounts of his estimated $1.6 billion fortune to influence climate-change policy. But as 2016 came and went, and as he passed on possible bids for governor or senator, Steyer, 61, moved to diversify his political portfolio, launching NextGen Rising, a multimillion-dollar youth-vote initiative, and his $50 million Need to Impeach petition drive (current signature count: 6.4 million). Overall, Federal Election Commission records show that Steyer spent about $60 million in 2018 though he claims he spent at least twice as much, which would propel him past former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Republican casino magnate Sheldon Adelson to become the cycles top individual contributor. (Steyers calculation includes expenditures for ballot measures and issue ads, including those promoting impeachment of President Trump, which arent included in OpenSecrets.orgs current tally of individual contributions.) And while the midterms may be over, Steyer shows no signs of slowing down. Last week, he overhauled his website and launched a new campaign focused on The Five Rights that he says should be the basis of the Democratic Partys platform the rights to an equal vote, to clean air and water, to a living wage, to health, and to learn. At the same time, Steyer announced a series of related town hall meetings beginning in the key early primary state of South Carolina on Dec. 4. Predictably, the push fanned speculation that Steyer is planning to capitalize on his massive email list and even more massive war chest to run for president in 2020 and as Steyer confirmed Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo News, that is a distinct possibility. Story continues Someone is going to have to fight for this, he said. If no one else is going to do it, I am going to do it. Steyer also explained why impeachment should be House Democrats No. 1 priority and predicted that Nancy Pelosi, the likely House Speaker, who has publicly dismissed calls for impeachment, will soon change her mind on the issue. Edited excerpts: YAHOO NEWS: On Sunday, you told Meet the Press that you havent made your mind up about running for president. Its been three days since then. Have you decided yet? TOM STEYER: [15 seconds of laughter] Im still waiting for an answer. I need more coffee right now. [Laughs] Im preparing you for every interview you do for the next year of your life. Thats your job. You just put out a platform. Youre asking for it. I didnt put out I put out a framework. Lets talk about that framework. So you came right out of the gate after the election with a revamped website and a new message about what you call The Five Rights. When did you realize you wanted to launch this sort of campaign, and how did you settle on this particular message? Ive done all of these town halls around the country, and also met with tons of people outside the town halls. I spent that whole time trying to think, Why do Americans feel so abandoned and disrespected by their government? What protections can we put in place so that Americans feel protected again? And so we put out what we think should be the new social contract for American citizens with their government. If we accept this as a country, were a different country. Its a sharp, intentional move away from the ideas put forth in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. Those are failed ideas that have run their course and put us in a terrible position. But how are your Five Rights different from what other top Democrats are talking about? House Democrats first priority is a voting-rights package. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others are putting climate front and center. Every 2020 Democrat is talking about health care and income inequality. Education is a perennial Democratic priority. Because its not just policies. Sure, every single one of those things can be a policy. But what were saying is, No, this is a level higher than that. This is a right that we have. In 2016, Mrs. Clinton had 19 important policy positions but did you understand what her point was? So youre saying the Five Rights is a messaging framework a message you want Democrats to run on in 2020? Look, Ive been talking about climate change for 10 years. Weve all been talking about health care 10 years. Its not the question about whether we should be doing a cap-and-trade or a carbon tax. Its a question of, This is an absolute right for the American citizen. Everyones asking, What is it that Democrats need to do next? And I tried to put this out there This is what we need to do. I want to be working for this. I want to see if other people respond to it if other people pick up the mantle. What if no one does? Does that mean youll run in 2020? This is about transformational politics. If we dont get transformational politics, we are going to get incremental politics. And incremental politics arent going to work. Everyone watching in D.C. likes to think that the Democrats are doing better, the Republicans are doing worse, but we need to work together blah, blah, blah. I dont think any of that. I dont think one word of that. I think thats a bunch of baloney. But just to be clear: If you dont feel like any of the candidates are proposing transformational politics, as you define it, then you will step in and put your name on that ballot? [Laughs] That wont be the absolute only thing that I will think about in terms of how I spend my life. But its something youre thinking about. Someone is going to have to fight for this. If no one else is going to do it, I am going to do it. Lets talk about 2018. You were one of the biggest donors of the cycle if not the biggest. How much did you invest overall? Whats the number thats out there? $120 million. Was that how much you pledged or how much you actually spent? I think its fair to say we spent at least that. Are you pleased with the return on your investment? Look at the youth turnout highest youth turnout ever, in a midterm, since 18-year-olds were allowed to vote. The other thing that my colleague mentioned to me this morning is that the spread, D to R, for people 18 to 29 was 44 percent. You know what that means? That means the Rs are in the 20s. Thats not usually the case. Oh my God, thats the largest gap in recent history. Do you know whats going to happen between now and November 2020? Millions more people are going to turn 18. And you dont think theyre going to be voting Republican. I guess about 28 percent of them will. Your other big push was around impeachment. Do you think America is closer to impeaching President Trump now than when you started? We think that the efforts of the Need to Impeach petition drive added 1.9 million additional people to the voting rolls who wouldnt have otherwise voted. But ultimately, its events pushing the American people to understand how bad this president is and its the people who will push Congress to act. To that end, youve just released a new impeachment ad, and you have said that impeachment should be the absolute first step for the new Democratic House. Why? We have a president whos a criminal an active criminal attempting to use his office to both profit and cover up his crimes. Its amazing. And people in Washington, D.C., are sort of like, Its bad, but lets not do anything about it. All they do is swallow lie after lie and normalize crime after crime, with the assumption that theres nothing we can do. How about telling the truth and doing everything you can to protect the American people and the Constitution? How about that? Nancy Pelosi is one of the people who doesnt want to pursue impeachment. Democratic leadership votes are taking place as we speak. Do you want to see her as the next House speaker, or would you rather see a pro-impeachment Democrat in that role? Im not in that vote. Nancy is my congressperson. I voted for her three weeks ago. I have voted for her for decades. I have a lot of respect for Nancy for the incredible work that shes done. I deeply disagree with her about this. Thats OK. It doesnt mean I dont respect her as a person. It doesnt mean I dont respect her as a leader. Right. But shes going to control the House and shes not going to do what you want. Wouldnt you rather see someone else in charge? Events are going to happen. Events are going to change everybodys position. Im not teasing. At some point, you just cant close your eyes anymore. Everybodys been saying we should wait for the Mueller report. The Mueller reports going to come out and its going to be explosive, and the question [for Pelosi] will then be, What are you going to do? I think whoever the leader is, [he or she] is going to be forced to do the right thing here, because the American people are going to force them. Pelosi and others argue that impeachment is a lost cause the process will divide and consume the country, and even if the House does impeach Trump, two-thirds of the Republican Senate will never vote to convict. Theyre choosing to focus on Democratic policies instead. Dont they have a point? Which policy initiatives that are so critical and timely do Democrats feel theyre going to get through the Republican-dominated Senate and this administration? Which ones? Name one. Their argument would be that even if nothing passes, policies are better than impeachment for messaging purposes. Messaging purposes? Right now there is something that [Democrats] can do to hold the president to account. It is called impeachment. Its not a whine, its not a complaint, its not an accusation. Its an act. People keep forgetting: This is a truly historic time. We have got to rise to the occasion. I want to be part of the people rising period. And Im going to do that, come hell or high water. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's hawks have called for more sanctions on Russia after a fresh flare-up of tensions with Ukraine but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources said. In a sign of their long-standing divisions on how to handle President Vladimir Putin's Russia, the 28 EU states have taken three days to agree a joint statement after Russia seized Ukrainian navy vessels and sailors on Sunday. In the end the bloc issued a statement by its top diplomat Federica Mogherini on Wednesday night expressing "utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions" and dismay at the "unacceptable" use of force by Russia. The three former Soviet republics sitting on the Baltic Sea coast, backed by Poland and Britain, wanted much tougher language on more sanctions looming. Several senior European politicians raised the prospect on Tuesday and U.S. President Donald Trump said he might cancel a meeting with Putin later this week over the maritime clash he described as "aggression". But the bloc's top powers Germany and France have so far emphasized efforts to ease tensions. The statement by Mogherini did not mention sanctions but only says regarding the situation that the bloc will "continue to follow closely" and "act appropriately." Countries including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus have long called for a softer stance vis-a-vis Moscow, saying the bloc's existing economic sanctions over Russia's role in the turmoil in Ukraine hurt EU businesses too. "We are not going to move very quickly on any new sanctions, there could be some later on, that is not ruled out. But for now the unity of the 28 is key. And focus on de-escalation," one EU diplomat said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to Putin and Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in France. "There is a lot of contacts going on. Let's see where they take us. I doubt we will rush on sanctions too much," another EU diplomat also said. The bloc first imposed sanctions after Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kiev in 2014. Brussels tightened the measures as Moscow went on to back rebels fighting against government troops in east Ukraine. EU leaders are expected to decide to roll the economic sanctions over for another year when they meet in Brussels in December. They could also look at any new punitive measures then after a discussion among their foreign ministers on Dec.10. "In order to discuss sanctions, we'd need to have a clearer picture of what happened," another EU source said, highlighting unease in some EU quarters that Poroshenko could also stand to gain from the situation. Putin on Wednesday accused Poroshenko of orchestrating a "provocation" in the sea to boost his flagging popularity ratings before an election next year. Following the incident, Ukraine introduced martial law in parts of the country it says are vulnerable to Russian attack. The European Commission has said it received "important" assurances from Poroshenko that this would not interfere with democratic processes or restrict citizens rights. SANCTIONS SQUIRTING The EU statement called on Russia to free the Ukrainian vessels and sailors as well as ensure unrestricted sea access. It would urge both sides to show restraint and express support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, diplomatic sources said. EU diplomats said the latest escalation weakens the hand of Russia doves in the bloc. While the EU was unlikely to introduce new economic sanctions, it could add more names to its existing blacklists, including some Russian military personnel, the sources said. Despite the fact that imposing any sanctions requires the unanimity of all 28 EU states, the bloc has at times had problems enforcing them, as prominently showcased when gas turbines made by Germany's Siemens were delivered to Crimea. Enforcing and policing EU sanctions is a matter for every state separately but they sometimes fail to act, lacking the political will or bowing to pressure from their businesses. The U.S. State Department called on the EU on Tuesday to do more to help Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, including through tougher enforcement of existing sanctions and dropping support for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline with Moscow. Washington, which under Trump has promoted more exports of its own natural gas that competes with Russia, has long lobbied the EU against the construction of another pipeline that would deepen the bloc's dependence on Russian gas deliveries. The U.S. government has threatened to sanction those involved in the project but Germany - the final destination of the pipeline and the project's co-author with Russia - said it was sticking to it. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Peter Graff and Hugh Lawson) A hospital in St. Louis fired a nurse for refusing to get her flu shot. (Photo: Getty Images) A nurse in Missouri is out of a job after refusing to comply with her hospitals requirement that all employees get an annual flu vaccine. News of the nurses firing on Monday sparked protest, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The nurse, who has not been publicly identified, had been granted a religious exemption from the annual flu shot when she worked for St. Anthonys Medical Center before it was acquired by Mercy South Hospital this year, protest organizer Nelia Aubuchon, who said she is close to the nurse, told the newspaper. Thats the problem here; they declined the religious exemption, said Aubuchon. The company implemented its flu shot policy several years ago and received 170 requests for medical or religious exemptions to the flu vaccine from its 44,000 employees this year, according to a hospital statement given to Yahoo Lifestyle. Most of the requests were granted, but those whose requests were denied were told this week, the hospital says. The point of our flu vaccination policy is simple: Protection against the flu virus saves lives, especially those of our most vulnerable patients, the statement says. Requiring health care co-workers to be vaccinated for the flu is a best practice across the U.S. to ensure the safety of patients, co-workers, and community members. The company requires compliance with the policy by all Mercy co-workers as a condition of employment, the statement continues. This is an important step in protecting our patients, visitors, and co-workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically recommends that health care workers get an annual flu shot, among other vaccines, but individual policies vary by medical facility. However, its not uncommon for hospitals to have a policy in place that encourages employees to get their annual flu shot. Most hospitals will have some policy in place for people who have direct contact with patients to require or strongly encourage the flu vaccine, infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. The latest data, released in 2017, said that over 60 percent of hospitals had a mandatory policy. Story continues The goals of this type of policy are simple, Adalja says: Hospitals want to make sure that their employees are as highly vaccinated as possible not only to prevent them from getting infected with the flu and infecting patients, but also because its shown to decrease absenteeism from people getting sick as well. As for citing a religious reason for not getting the shot, religious exemptions tend to be bogus and an excuse people use to avoid vaccination, Adalja says. Clearly, there are medical exemptions, but when people use religious or philosophical exemptions, its largely an effort not to get the flu vaccination. Ultimately, these policies are in place for a reason, Adalja says. The flu is not a benign illness, he says. Health care providers should unequivocally get the vaccine and realize that transmission to patients is a real risk. Twenty-five percent of people with the flu can have no symptoms, and you can spread the flu before you get sick. The only way we have of stopping transmission is through vaccination, he continues. Its baffling that we have to tell health care providers this. They learned this in school. It shouldnt be hard for them to understand. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Ontario Environment Minister Rod Phillips, seen here in Nobleton, Ont., on Nov. 29, 2018, says the province must deal with competitive realities while trying to reduce carbon emissions. Photo from The Canadian Press. The Ontario government has launched its latest assault against the federally-imposed carbon tax with a plan of its own. The Ontario Progressive Conservatives unveiled their own climate change strategy Thursday as it continues its battle with the federal government over carbon pricing. Ontario Environment Minister Rod Phillips said the province will meet its share of the 2030 climate targets in the Paris Agreement. There is evolving science behind how much has to be done. What we have benchmarked ourselves against is the international agreements, Phillips told reporters in Nobleton, Ont. He said the Paris Agreement called for emissions to be reduced 30 per cent from 2005 levels and Ontario has already reduced emissions by 22 per cent. We will hit those targets with that plan and we will do it without a carbon tax. Phillips added. The plan that we have presented today is a sensible, achievable approach to do that. The province will spend $400 million over four years on the taxpayer-funded Ontario Carbon Trust to partner with the private sector on green technologies. Phillips stressed the need for the provincial government to work with industries to ensure Ontario-based companies can compete in global markets with a made-in-Ontario solution. The Ontario government is trying to balance accountability with competitive realities, the minister explained. The minister added regulations will be set following consultations with industry leaders to establish standards for large polluters. Phillips was asked how exactly the government would set these environmental standards in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We have a long history in Ontario of regulating these industries effectively, Phillips said. Typically its done on a per unit basis, so how much does a tonne of cement cost in terms of GHGs. And so the standards are established and then those standards gradually improve so that emissions are reduced. The minister acknowledged the PCs and the federal Liberals have their own approaches. Story continues They have a different vision about the role of government, Phillips said. Ontario industry wants to work with the Ontario government because they have confidence that well have sensitivities. LIVE: Minister Phillips announces new Made-in-Ontario environment plan. https://t.co/H318eAO8Zl Rod Phillips (@RodPhillips01) November 29, 2018 Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna told CBC News Ontario wants to go back in time with its climate plan. I think Canadians understand that it shouldnt be free to pollute, she told the news outlet. Scheer links GM closure with carbon tax The Ontarios announcement comes days after General Motors announced it was closing its manufacturing plant in Oshawa, Ont, which will affect nearly 3,000 workers and auto parts makers in the Greater Toronto Area. Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer blamed future job losses on the carbon tax during question period Wednesday. The carbon tax is bad for all Canadian workers, Scheer said. Now that weve seen the impact of this policy chasing future jobs and investment away, will he do the right thing and cancel his carbon tax? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to multiple questions about the carbon tax in the House. We know that making sure that pollution is not free is how were going to move forward on protecting jobs, on protecting our future and protecting the environment for future generations, Trudeau said. Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Manitoba have all refused to put carbon pricing in place for 2019, as mandated by the federal government. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said the province will join Saskatchewan in their court battle against the carbon tax, and hes already eliminated the provincial cap-and-trade program. Ontario was able to generate nearly $3 billion from the cap-and-trade system established in 2015 under former premier Kathleen Wynnes Liberals. Trudeau pushing merits of carbon tax Trudeau has been trying to sell Canadians on the importance of a carbon tax since running on an election platform in 2015 that pledged to penalize carbon emitters. There is an imperative to put a price on pollution, Trudeau told a crowd in Toronto on Oct. 23. The time is now to take real action. Provinces and territories were given two choices to adopt by January 2019: a direct price on carbon pollution that starts at $20 per tonne, rising $10 each year to $50 in 2022; or, a cap-and-trade system that puts a direct price on emissions. Starting next year, it will no longer be free to pollute anywhere in Canada, the prime minister said last month. And if there are costs associated for average families, we will more than compensate those families for those costs. This tax will likely be passed on by corporations to consumers, which means Canadians can expect to pay more for gasoline, natural gas, diesel, air travel and more starting in January. Trudeau says 90 per cent of what Ottawa makes from the tax will be given back to Canadians as an annual rebate with their taxes. The other 10 per cent will go to small businesses, schools and hospitals. The prime minister has insisted this plan benefits both Canadians and the economy by putting a price on pollution, but his critics havent been convinced. Liberal plan attracting several critics Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called the plan another Trudeau Liberal tax grab that has been rammed down the throats of Ontarians. This massive tax hike from the federal government will jack up the cost-of-living for each and every Ontario family and business, Ford tweeted in late October. Never trust a politician who tells you he will save you money by hiking your taxes. Plain and simple, the Trudeau carbon tax will make life harder and more expensive for everyone in Ontario. pic.twitter.com/KQ2zWHx0XU Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 23, 2018 Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has referred to the carbon tax as a financial shell game. We see it as a cynical vote-buying scheme using your money to buy your vote, Moe said in October. In Ottawa, Scheer has insisted Canadians wont be tricked by the plan. Conservatives, like Canadians, see through this cynical election gimmick and we will hold Justin Trudeau to account, Scheer said last month. Peoples Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier tweeted on Oct. 24 that the Liberals could only sell the tax if they lied to Canadians. Selling a carbon tax as a way to fight pollution is simply manipulation and propaganda. We can debate the effects of too much CO2 in the atmosphere on climate. That doesnt make CO2 a form of pollution. CO2 is essential for life. Selling a carbon tax as a way to fight pollution is simply manipulation and propaganda. Typical Liberal lie. https://t.co/JZlniO7GHs Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) October 24, 2018 Former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall, the first premier to publicly oppose the carbon tax, said last month that he was stepping out of retirement to voice his opposition against the plan, which he compared to a Nigerian prince scam. The Trudeau carbon tax disproportionately impacts western Canadian industries which can be carbon intense and trade exposed, he wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, leaders on the other side of the political spectrum have also chimed in with their own critiques of the carbon tax mandate. Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has said his party believes there should be a price on carbon, but hes not sold on the Liberal plan. Will this make a difference? Well no, for a couple of reasons the targets of this current government, the Liberal government are using, those targets are not going to get us anywhere near where we need to go, Singh said. Climate change is the single greatest threat we face and with Trudeau spending billions on pipelines & Scheer promising to revive #EnergyEast Canada is failing to do its part. We don't have to accept this. We can invest in clean, renewable energy & increase emission targets: pic.twitter.com/gxOjmc9aSW Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 22, 2018 Elizabeth May, the leader of the federal Greens, has said the tax is a very fundamental first step, but its approximately half of what must be done. Good first step.. but like JFK committing to put a man on the moon, Trudeau committed to Paris. This step-ladder puts us closer1/2 #gpc Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) October 24, 2018 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses a crowd at Humber College in Toronto regarding his governments new federally-imposed carbon tax on Oct. 23, 2018, which will come into effect in January 2019. Photo from The Canadian Press. What do you think of Ottawas plan to impose a carbon tax on Canadians? Do you think its the right thing to do for the environment in the face of climate change? Or is this a plan that will hurt Canadians by increasing the cost of living? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! With files from The Canadian Press Astana (Kazakhstan) (AFP) - The United Nations envoy on Syria signed off from his posting Thursday ruing "a missed opportunity" to help end the country's long conflict at talks in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. Staffan de Mistura, who announced his resignation last month, capped his term as peace envoy with two days of talks in the Kazakh capital sponsored by power-brokers Russia and Iran -- allies of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad -- and rebel-backer Turkey. A statement from his office noted he regretted that "no tangible progress in overcoming the 10-month stalemate on the composition of the constitutional committee" was made at the talks. The meeting in Astana was "a missed opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated constitutional committee," the statement said. The two-day negotiations that concluded Thursday, are the 11th in Astana since Moscow began a diplomatic push in early 2017 that effectively sidelined other talks on Syria led by the United Nations. The constitutional committee is viewed as a vital element in reaching a political settlement in the country. Speaking after the talks, Russia's Syria negotiator Aleksandr Lavrentyev said the committee was of "upmost importance". "I want to say that we are sufficiently close to our cherished goal," he added, without giving any date. The talks began Wednesday with a 10-week-old Idlib truce deal hanging in the balance after an alleged chemical attack in the government-held city of Aleppo on Saturday triggered retaliatory raids. The exact circumstances of the attack remain murky and bitterly disputed. The Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has blamed rebel fighters for the attack which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said hospitalised 94 people. The incident has strained an already fragile agreement reached in mid-September to fend off a fully-fledged assault on Idlib, which Syria's regime -- backed by Russia and Iran -- has said it is committed to re-taking. Story continues Speaking late Wednesday, Russia's Lavrentyev said that "additional time" would be required to secure a buffer zone in the region of three million people after an uptick in fighting. The alleged chemical attack "must be dealt with very seriously," he said, calling for qualified international bodies to visit the city to assess the incident. On Sunday, Russia said its war planes had carried out their first strikes in the zone since the deal was reached, in an apparent retaliation. - No space for Washington - The Astana talks have seen the United States and other Western countries kept at arm's length over Syria. A joint communique agreed by the three sponsors targeted Washington's continued military presence in the country. The guarantors "rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism," it said. Earlier this week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the US of using the presence of the Islamic State group in southern Syria as an excuse to keep forces stationed there. Lavrentyev also complained of the extended US presence during the talks in Astana. The United States has attended some previous Astana rounds as an observer but US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey last week ruled out Washington participating in the latest talks. The next set of Syria negotiations in Astana are scheduled for early February, according to the joint communique. Syria's grinding seven-year civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions. Russia seized three Ukrainian military vessels and their crews after clashes on Sunday - TASS Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, on Thursday declined to come to Ukraine's aid after its president appealed for help to block Russian aggression. Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian president, appealed to Nato on Thursday, asking for naval support in the standoff with Russia and accused the neighboring state of wanting to annex the Sea of Azov. Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Mr Poroshenko called Germany one of Ukraine's closest allies and urged it - together with other Nato countries - to deploy naval ships to aid his country after Russia fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels near Crimea on Sunday. We simply cannot accept this aggressive policy, originally there was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now the Sea of Azov, he said in the interview. Mrs Merkel blamed Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, for the tensions, but warned that there is no military solution to the conflict in the region. We ask the Ukrainian side too to be sensible because we know that we can only solve things through being reasonable and through dialogue," Mrs Merkel said during her opening speech at the annual German-Ukrainian economic forum in Berlin on Thursday. Nato, which Ukraine hopes to join, called on Russia to release the captured vessels and the crews, but didnt say it had any plans to send its naval forces to the region. The incident over the weekend marked the most serious escalation of the conflict between the states since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Russian officials insist that the Ukrainian vessels breached its border on Sunday morning and later attempted dangerous manoeuvres in Russias territorial waters. Mr Putin defended Russias actions on Wednesday, accusing Mr Poroshenko of organising a provocation in an attempt to boost his poor ratings ahead of the next years presidential elections. Recent polls suggest that roughly 10 percent of the electorate would vote for the incumbent president. Ukraine has denied any wrongdoing and imposed martial law in the countrys regions bordering Russia for 30 days. Story continues Mr Poroshenko called on Europe to introduce new sanctions and re-think Nord Stream-2, an undersea pipeline project that would increase Russias gas direct supplies to Germany. Ukraine, which currently earns transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe, has objected the project. Ihor Voronchenko, the Ukrainian Navy Commander, said Thursday that Kiev would also seek a ban on passage for Russian vessels through the Bosporus Strait. Meanwhile, Russian state media reported that the countrys Black Sea Fleet had deployed a battalion of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, the fourth one, to north Crimea, and also plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station there. Crimean courts put all 24 captured Ukrainian servicemen suspected of breaching the Russian state border under pre-trial two-month arrest. Ukraine's infrastructure minister, Volodymyr Omelyan, on Thursday accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by preventing ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Kerch Strait. The Kremlins spokesman denied any restrictions for shipping in the area, saying that no problems had been reported. Mrs Merkel said she was going to discuss the crisis with Putin during the G20 summit, which starts Friday in Argentina. A woman holds a sign during the press conference with union leaders at Local 222 in Oshawa, Ontario, on November 26, 2018. (LARS HAGBERG/AFP/Getty Images) Canada is on the cusp of signing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) at this weeks G20 summit in Buenos Aires, but even the revamped trade deal wouldnt have saved the General Motors (GM) plant in Oshawa, Ont. Under USMCA, 75 per cent of a vehicle will have to be made in North America to qualify for duty-free movement within the continent. Under NAFTA its 62.5 per cent. The increase is aimed at shifting production away from Asia and Europe. Forty to 45 per cent of a vehicle must be made by workers earning at least US$16 dollars an hour. USMCAs auto rules are slanted to incentivize more production in the U.S. and Canada versus Mexico, Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association told Yahoo Finance Canada. Companies making cars for U.S. and Canadian consumers post USMCA transition will do so more profitably from those 2 countries. But Volpe says neither USMCA or the removal of steel and aluminum tariffs would have saved the nearly 3,000 jobs lost in Oshawa, or the 12,000 U.S. jobs lost. The decline of demand for the product allocated to Oshawa over the last 10 years had nothing to do with tariffs invoked in July 2018 and more to do with buffering the business model for the underperforming Hamtramck plant they designated for their EV production. says Volpe. Ultimately, it sunk the fortunes of both facilities. An unsustainable business model The writing has been on the wall for GM in Oshawa for a long time now. The number of jobs has been steadily dwindling over the years. Autoforecast Solutions CEO, Joe McCabe told Yahoo Finance Canada he doesnt think USMCA could have saved the day. He blames excess capacity and a product mix going back to 2014. This was pre-Trump, this was pre-NAFTA 2.0., it was even pre-Tesla and pre-dieselgate and pre-China. says McCabe. Oshawa as well as the U.S. plants in Detroit-Hamtramck and Lordstown, Ohio plants produce sedans, but SUVs and crossover are all the rage these days. McCabe says USMCA couldnt have done anything to reverse that trend. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) An investigation in Tennessee has found that an accountant stole almost $1 million from an energy co-operative. The state comptroller's probe says former Volunteer Energy Cooperative accountant Jason Kittle was indicted for theft Monday in Meigs County. Investigators found Kittle made more than 240 unauthorized payments totaling at least $735,300 to his personal account. It also found Kittle made 200-plus payments totaling $229,200 to a personal credit card account, and at least 48 payments worth a total of $38,300 to a relative's credit card. The co-op's David Murphy says they went to police after discovering accounting issues in December. Kittle was fired in January after admitting to the personal credit card payments. The Decatur-based cooperative serves 96,000-plus members across 12 counties. Murphy says internal controls have been added. Putin is testing the waters in Ukraine seeing how far he can go. Will anyone resist him (besides the Ukrainians, to the extent they can)? Commenting on the clash in the Black Sea, which took place last Sunday, Garry Kasparov tweeted, Another dangerous step in Putins war on Ukraine. And if unopposed, hell take another and another, until he goes too far and we have the wider conflict everyone thinks theyre avoiding by not reacting to his first steps. Deterrence is an elementary concept, but often forgotten or ignored. Or shied away from. People may argue that deterrence is too costly or too dangerous but if you shy away from it, you may find yourself with a far worse problem on your hands. The U.S. cant be the worlds policeman! This cry has rung out for decades and there is obvious truth in it. But I am reminded of Jeane Kirkpatrick, who said, What if theres a world criminal? Whos going to stop him? Will he go unchecked? What then? Many, many people regard Ukraine as expendable. (These do not include the Ukrainians.) Arent they kinda sorta Russian anyway, you know? (No.) In any case, remember the proverb: Lappetit vient en mangeant. Appetite comes from eating. Dont suppose that a man such as Putin will be sated with one state. And why should Ukraine play Czechoslovakia? In 2016, when I was writing about Putin and his near abroad, a colleague told me, Relax: Ukraine will revert to Russia, as is the historic norm. He was practically looking forward to this. In my view, however, some historic norms are made to be broken e.g., slavery. The domination of the Baltic states by Russia is a historic norm, too. Should we be relaxed about the reversion of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to Russia, too? Americas ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, spoke strongly about the incident in the Black Sea: Sundays outrageous violation of sovereign Ukrainian territory is part of a pattern of Russian behavior What we witnessed this weekend is yet another reckless Russian escalation. The United States will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine against this Russian aggression. In the name of international peace and security, Russia must immediately cease its unlawful conduct and respect the navigational rights and freedoms of all states. Story continues President Trump spoke with a different tone: We do not like whats happening either way. (Either way is an interesting formulation.) We dont like whats happening, and hopefully itll get straightened out. A reporter on Russian state TV seized on the difference between Trump and Haley, and mocked the latter: She must have an unstable connection to the Captains Bridge, since the owner of the White House didnt blame Russia. On Twitter, Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, said, This is why what the president says matters. Yes, it does. I dont envy President Trump, and his team, having to deal with the problem of Russia and Ukraine (not to mention Iran, North Korea, and other problems) but thats what they signed up for. We must all root for their wisdom. A headline in the Globe and Mail read, Canadas brain-injured Cuba diplomats speak out about Ottawas silence. And the first paragraph: For members of the tight-knit community of Canadian diplomats based in Havana, life became terrifying and disorienting last year and many of them, speaking to the media for the first time, say it has only become more aggravating since mysterious cases of brain injury forced them to return to Canada. The rest of the article is here. I was moved by the statement of one diplomat: We understand foreign policy is not always about transparency. We get that. But not when it comes to the detriment of our family, our health, and our safety. That is where we have to draw the line. Its not acceptable to be the sacrificed sheep. Thats just not an acceptable solution. Lets check in on Orbans Hungary. A headline reads, The DEA busted two Russian arms dealers and Hungary extradited them to Moscow. This is very bad news. A fascinating story, regardless an infuriating story, too (here). With the help of the Hungarians, we captured these men who were set to supply Mexican drug cartels in their fight against American law enforcement. We requested the extradition of the arms dealers to the United States. But Orban sent them home to his friend Vlad. America first, you know? Speaking of that: Orban and Steve Bannon are partnering. A natural match. See a Reuters report, here. One line reads, Orban has welcomed the idea of Bannons group, called The Movement, saying it was time that someone from the United States came to Europe to spread conservative thinking instead of liberal values. Well, a lot depends on what you mean by conservative and what you mean by liberal. One more item: You know how some people say that Orban refuses to accept any refugees, escaping persecution? He made an exception: Nikola Gruevski, Macedonias former prime minister, who was due to serve a jail sentence for corruption, but escaped into Orbans arms, apparently with the help of Hungarian intelligence. (Article here.) Readers may remember that I wrote about the Bitkov family, a Russian family who had fled to Guatemala and were there imprisoned. Their case was a Kafkaesque brew of Kremlin darkness and local complicity. My article is here. Two lawyers who have helped the Bitkovs are Victoria Sandoval and Rolando Alvarado. They are two of the most noble, selfless, and compassionate people I have ever known, or heard about. They received the Sergei Magnitsky award for human rights and their remarks on that occasion are here, on video. If you have the time, it will be well repaid. I am in awe of such people, really. And grateful for them. Laura Mannering served a term as bureau chief in Hong Kong for the Agence France-Presse. She saw the walls close in, so to speak or the noose tighten. More and more, the Chinese Communist Party is asserting its control. Read her farewell piece, here. It is titled Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey. This is an idiom, she explains, denoting the use of heavy-handed tactics to make an example of someone in a bid to deter others. Youre playing around with the wrong person. Thats what President Trump told General Motors, according to the president himself. The company had displeased him. In the United States, is the president the boss of business? Is this conservative? Or populist or nationalist? It seems to me more Peron than America, as traditionally understood. Trump also speaks of running the country. He runs the country, he says. In ordinary times, this would make conservative heads explode. In recent days, one of Trumps spokespeople, Kellyanne Conway, has said, He runs the countrys economy (he being Trump). Is that true? She also said, in reference to GM workers who have been laid off, The message to them is that this president has created an economy where their skill sets can thrive. Does a president create an economy? It seems to me that conservative lessons, taught over the decades, have not made a dent, or much of one. If a Republican administration can speak this way what hope is there for, say, a typical university? Trump is always knocking Joe McCarthy. Will the Right stand for it? For example, the president jotted the following tweet yesterday: While the disgusting Fake News is doing everything within their power not to report it that way, at least 3 major players are intimating that the Angry Mueller Gang of Dems is viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts & they will get relief. This is our Joseph McCarthy Era! Who will rise to defend Tailgunner Joe from this defamation coming from on high! As you may have heard, Mia Love, the Utah congressman, has lost an election. In the wake of this loss, she said, Now I am unleashed, I am untethered, and I am unshackled, and I can say exactly whats on my mind. I understand. There are exigencies of politics (and opinion journalism and other fields). But also, I think that politicians can be franker even while in office. Feel like a little language? I have long been tired of reading italics in the original, or words to that effect. It used to be, you noted it when you italicized something that had not been italicized in the original. If you quoted something that included italics and said nothing it was assumed, understood, that the italics were in the original. Everything gets dumber, day by day. (Thats not true, but Im simply playing Grouchy now.) Stay on language for a second: My favorite part of this David Brooks column (along with the evocation of Midge Decter)? The term wokester as in, Liberal educated boomers have hogged the spotlight since Woodstock. But now events are driven by the oldsters who fuel Trump and the young wokesters who drive the left. Heh, great. Lets end on names the subject of names, one of my favorite subjects. A lot of people love to snort at the name Beto. Hes Robert Francis ORourke! Who does he think hes foolin, tryin to be all Hispanic? Similarly, some people knock the Ted in Ted Cruz Isnt he Rafael? Whats this Ted business? Gary Hart was born Gary Hartpence. When the senator was riding high, a lot of his critics liked to snort that he was Mr. Hartpence. Whatd he think he was getting away with? (Hart had changed his signature, too his style of writing his name which was also held to be suspect.) My general view: People are entitled to the names they select or prefer. (Theyre entitled to their pronunciation, too.) We could think of exceptions, but, as a rule, thisll do. Do you agree? I might could do an essay on this general issue. (Might could one of my favorite locutions ever.) See you! Rafael dos Anjos of Brazil is introduced in his corner prior to facing Colby Covington in their interim welterweight title fight during the UFC 225 event at the United Center on June 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Getty Images) When Rafael dos Anjos lost the lightweight title to Eddie Alvarez in 2016, he was a shell of the man who had won it 17 months earlier. His body simply wasnt equipped any more to cut to 155 pounds, and it showed by the way dos Anjos competed in the July 7, 2016, fight in Las Vegas with Alvarez. After a move to welterweight and consecutive wins over Trace Saffiedine, Neil Magny and Robbie Lawlor, dos Anjos seemed poised for another title. He met Colby Covington in Chicago on June 9 for the interim welterweight crown, and believes now as he did going into the match that he could have won it. But he had injuries that hampered him and left him in a suboptimal state heading into the bout. He was reluctant to talk about it, but when he lost a unanimous decision, it was hard to suffer in silence. I believe Im a better fighter [than Covington] and to be the way I was that night and fight as [well as I did], I think it shows something, dos Anjos said. I have no complaints about that fight. He did a good job, but I know I can be better. I think what I proved to myself is that I am good enough to be the champion again when Im at my best. In the modern UFC, though, being good enough to win a title isnt as rare as it used to be. The Top 10 in each division is stacked with fighters who are capable of beating anyone else at that class. Thus, its about opportunity and taking advantage of it as much as it is about talent. The UFC is frequently using backups for its main events, having a fighter high in the rankings train and then make weight so if something happens late to one of the main event participants, theyre prepared. So fighters feel the pressure of pushing through injuries because they know how precious that title shot can be. The champions have the best earning potential, both inside and outside the cage, so the opportunity to fight for the belts is so significant. On Friday in Las Vegas at The Ultimate Fighter Finale, dos Anjos will face Kamaru Usman, a fight which figures to give him the best chance to get back to a title shot. Story continues Usman is 13-1 overall and on a 12-fight winning streak. Hes 8-0 in the UFC and is coming off an impressive victory over Demian Maia. Dos Anjos is ranked third at welterweight, with only champion Tyron Woodley, Covington and No. 2 Darren Till ahead of him. Covington is going to fight Woodley for the welterweight belt, and Till has announced hes moving to middleweight. That puts dos Anjos in the drivers seat. An impressive win over Usman, who is ranked No. 5, will give him a strong argument to face the Woodley-Covington winner. No. 4 Stephen Thompson is coming off a loss to Till, and has had two title shots. Usman hasnt fought for the title yet. The wild card is UFC newcomer Ben Askren, who is going to fight No. 6 Robbie Lawler next year. Askren would probably vault to the head of the class if he defeats Lawler, but if he loses, its going to be a wild scramble. Ive been in the UFC for 10 years and I think each year, you can see the progress and see that I have gotten better, dos Anjos said. Ive fought a lot with the wrestlers and Ive worked hard on that. I really feel Ive become a complete fighter now and I can compete wherever the fight goes. More from Yahoo Sports: Attendance is so bad, the Bucs are giving tickets away Kawhis shoe deal the most Kawhi thing ever Argument over NFL protests leads to father shooting son LeBron reportedly ignoring L.A. coachs play calls Paris (AFP) - The heads of automakers Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi will meet Thursday for the first time since the shock arrest of Carlos Ghosn threw their fractured alliance into the open. Detained in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct, Ghosn's arrest has revealed brewing resentment and unrest within the Franco-Japanese partnership. The talismanic Ghosn was seen as the glue binding together a complex three-way structure which counts as the world's top-selling auto company, with some 10.6 million vehicles rolling off the production lines each year. Nissan chief executive Nissan Hiroto Saikawa and Renault's interim boss Thierry Bollore are expected to participate in the meeting in Amsterdam via video link, sources told AFP. Mitsubishi executive boss Osamu Masuko will also join by video, the Nikkei daily reported. Issues of governance are not meant to be raised in the meeting and no vote is planned, sources told AFP. Renault is the dominant member of the alliance, holding 43 percent of the shares in Nissan, but the Japanese firm outsells its French counterpart -- sparking frustration in Tokyo. French Finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Tuesday warned that there was no question of a change in the balance of power between Renault, which is 15 percent owned by the French state, and its Japanese partners. "There is a partnership which seems good to me, there is a good balance. There are cross-shareholdings between Renault and Nissan which should not change," Le Maire said on France's LCI news channel. The rules of the alliance, based in the Netherlands, state that Renault and Nissan each appoint five board members each but it is the French company which names the CEO while Nissan chooses the deputy. The CEO holds a decisive vote in the case of a tie in board decisions. While Ghosn has been ousted from Mitsubishi and Nissan, he remains CEO and chairman of Renault, albeit "incapacitated" for the moment, according to the French manufacturer. Story continues Le Maire insisted Renault should retain the top position of the alliance: "This rule should not change". The partnership uses shared factories and joint purchasing power to keep down costs. These arrangements are not under threat, according to statements from both the Japanese and French sides. It looks like Russell Martins days in Toronto may be coming to a close. (Getty) As the Toronto Blue Jays launch head-first into a youth movement in 2019, it seems they are looking to bring the Russell Martin era to a close. Jeff Passan is reporting the club is looking to move the 35-year-old backstop in the offseason, and theres been some interest around the league. An already-crowded catching market is growing even more saturated, as the Toronto Blue Jays have discussed trading Russell Martin and the Pittsburgh Pirates are open to dealing Francisco Cervelli, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Both are drawing interest from a number of teams. Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2018 Shipping Martin out of town is easier said than done considering he carries a $20 million price tag for next season. If the Blue Jays want to move the veteran catcher, whos likely seen as a backup by most clubs at this point, theyd have to eat the vast majority of that money. It would still be worth doing for the team to make sure youngster Danny Jansen has the most possible playing time. The 23-year-old hit a sturdy .247/.347/.432 in his first taste of big-league action and could be part of the Blue Jays core going forward. Luke Maile slots in as a capable backup and Martin doesnt have an obvious fit. Although the Canadian did get some run last season as a utility infielder, the idea that the Blue Jays cant find a better option for that role than a catcher in his mid-thirties is just silly. While Martin doesnt have an obvious fit with the 2019 Blue Jays, its not hard to see his appeal to other teams. He still gets on base at a strong clip thanks to his elite patience, and after a brutal start he hit a more-than-respectable .232/.364/.427 in the second half of 2018. Perhaps more importantly, he brings a wealth of experience including playoff experience and a reputation for knowing how to handle a pitching staff. Story continues If this is indeed the end of the Russell Martin era, it will go down as a qualified success. When the Blue Jays signed Martin to a five-year, $82-million contract it looked like a good move they might have paid a little too dearly for. Thats precisely what it looks like today. According to FanGraphs, his on-field contributions have been worth $63.9 million to date, and hes made $65 million. Thats as spot on as it gets and then whatever the Blue Jays would eat this year is the premium they paid to get him on board. It wasnt a perfect deal, but considering some of Martins impossible-to-quantify contributions and the big role he played in two franchise-revitalizing seasons, theyd undoubtedly do it again. More MLB coverage on Yahoo Sports Canada MILAN (AP) Italy raised the pressure Thursday on Egypt for concrete answers to the brutal torture and murder of an Italian researcher nearly two years ago. Prosecutors indicated plans to investigate Egyptian secret service members and the speaker of Italy's lower house broke parliamentary ties with Egypt. Prosecutors are set to open an investigation against seven Egyptian secret service members related to the murder in January 2016 of Giulio Regeni, who was abducted and tortured for several days before his body was left on a desert highway north of Cairo, the news agency ANSA reported, without citing sources. The launch of a formal investigation, which is likely to raise tensions with Egypt, could come as soon as next week. While Egypt is unlikely to surrender any suspects, Italy could try any defendants in absentia. Also Thursday, Italy's lower house speaker Roberto Fico announced the suspension of relations with the Egyptian parliament "until there is a true investigation and a trial that brings resolution." Italy has been pressing Cairo for years to identify and prosecute those responsible for torturing and killing Regeni, who had come to the attention of Egyptian officials through his work researching labor unions. Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi, who visited Cairo in August to press the case, issued a statement Thursday saying that the "search for truth in the barbaric killing of Giulio Regeni remains a priority in the relations between Italy and Egypt." He pledged that the foreign ministry would take "the necessary steps to press Egyptian authorities to renew with determination the commitment ... to reach a concrete resolution that allows justice to be fully served." Human Rights Watch welcomed the announcement by Italy's lower house to cut ties with their Egyptian counterparts, saying "Italian pressure is vital to ensure that the killers don't get away with their crime." Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, called the investigation into Regeni's death by Egyptian authorities "far from adequate." "The Egyptian government should show it is serious about finding and punishing those responsible for Regeni's torture and murder by fully cooperating" with Italian prosecutors, she said. The cast of Mrs Doubtfire in 1993 (Credit: REX/Shutterstock) Stars of classic comedy movie Mrs Doubtfire paid a touching tribute to the memory the late of Robin Williams on US TV yesterday. Pierce Brosnan, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson marked 25 years since the movies release with a special interview on the Today show. Sharing stories about the making of the movie, Jakub, who played Lydia Hillard in the movie, said there was a sense that no time has passed since the movie hit screens in 1993. Now a yoga teacher and writer, she added that his openness with her when she was young was something she took into adulthood. One of the most powerful things for me about working with him is that he was very open and honest with me, talking about his issues with addiction and depression, she said. That was so powerful to me at 14. I have struggled with anxiety my whole life, and the fact that he was so honest about those things had a major impact on me. We needed that 25 years ago, and we still need it now. It wasnt the only powerful message he had for his young co-stars. Robin was like a guiding source, said Lawrence, who still works as an actor. He would just all of a sudden, out of the blue, look over and be like Dont do drugs. They really messed up my brain, Im serious. Do not do them. That stuck with me. Matthew Lawrence, Pierce Brosnan, Lisa Jakub, and Mara Wilson reunited for the Today Show (YouTube/Today Show) Brosnan, who played Stu, the new boyfriend of Williams characters estranged wife, played by Sally Field, also spoke about Williams inimitable talent on set. There was Robin in the makeup trailer. He had a Hawaiian shirt on, big hairy arms, cargo pants, big hairy legs, but he had the head of Mrs. Doubtfire. It was so bizarre! he said, before launching into an impression of Williams as the Scots nanny. Oh, hello, Pierce! Oh, you look so handsome! Oooh, give us a kiss! Dont smudge me. He added that some takes saw the young cast cleared off the set. You were all dismissed when they came to do the close-ups! Brosnan went on. And it was on my close-up he just unleashed the most bluest, the craziest innuendos about Sallys character. Story continues But Brosnan added that it was the nature of the story a man going to extreme measures to see his children amidst an acrimonious divorce that will always stick with him. Its really ingrained in my heart because the nature of the story, which is very empowering for young men and women or families that are divorced. I think its a very healing film in many ways. Williams took his own life in August, 2014. It later emerged that hed been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition. 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His comments come after Russia seized three Ukrainian Navy vessels and their 23 crew members in the Kerch Strait on Sunday. Ukraine said the incident was an "act of aggression," while Russia said the ships had entered its territorial waters illegally. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has warned that Russia will face serious consequences if it attacks its neighbor Ukraine, days after Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crew members claiming they had entered Russian waters illegally. "We will fight for our freedom, we will fight for our democracy, we will fight for our soil," Petro Poroshenko told NBC News on Tuesday evening . "The Russians will pay a huge price if they attack us." Ukraine and Russia's relationship hit a new low on Sunday after Russia seized three Ukrainian Navy vessels (two artillery ships and a tug boat) and their 23 crew members in the Kerch Strait, a channel that separates the Sea of Azov and Black Sea, to the south of Ukraine and Russia, on Sunday. Ukraine said the incident was an "act of aggression," while Russia said the ships had entered its territorial waters illegally. Both sides accuse the other of violating the conditions of a 2003 treaty that enshrines free access to the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov. The latest episode marks yet another low point in relations between the neighbors after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supported a pro-Russian uprising in east Ukraine in the same year although the Kremlin denied any involvement. Needless to say, Russia's actions provoked international condemnation and a range of sanctions were imposed on it. Ukraine's president has responded to the latest provocation by declaring martial law in certain parts of the country, namely areas which border Russia. He also warned that a land invasion by Russia was a threat. Speaking to NBC's Richard Engels ahead of a Group of 20 (G-20) summit in Buenos Aires this weekend, where President Trump is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Poroshenko said he wants a message passed on to Putin: Story continues "Please, get out from Ukraine, Mr. Putin," Poroshenko said. To read the whole story from NBC News, click here. More From CNBC Washington (AFP) - A draft indictment from the Russia collusion probe has revealed it has evidence of possible coordination between Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and WikiLeaks, which published stolen emails damaging to his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The outline court filing against Republican activist Jerome Corsi, apparently leaked by Corsi's attorneys late Tuesday, details his communications with Trump campaign advisor Roger Stone in mid-2016 on the expected releases. The exchanges cast doubt on repeated denials by the president that his campaign coordinated with WikiLeaks over the publication of the Democratic emails -- given to the anti-secrecy website after being stolen by Russian spies, according to the US government. Three days after WikiLeaks' first release on July 22, 2016, Stone asked Corsi to contact the site's founder Julian Assange, according to the draft indictment. Corsi reported back a week later that he had made contact through an intermediary, and that Assange was planning two more releases that could do Clinton significant harm. "Impact planned to be very damaging," Corsi told Stone in an email, offering advice on how the campaign should prepare itself. Stone has already admitted to indirect contacts with Assange during 2016, as has Trump's son Donald Jr. But the Corsi-Stone communications suggest a level of coordination and planning that had not before appeared in evidence released by the investigation headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. - Evidence of collusion? - Mueller is investigating whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russians who US intelligence chiefs say illegally conspired to tilt the election in Trump's favor. The draft indictment was prepared as a plea bargain between Mueller's team and Corsi, in which he would admit to having lied to investigators. But on Tuesday Corsi backed off the deal, and now possibly faces revised charges. He announced on Twitter he plans to file a criminal complaint against Mueller for prosecutorial misconduct. Story continues On Wednesday Trump accused Mueller of pressuring witnesses like Corsi and Stone into lying to achieve the goals of his investigation. The investigators are "viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts & they will get relief," he said. Corsi, a longtime conservative activist who worked for the conspiracy theory website InfoWars, was not directly attached to the Trump campaign, although he has met the president. He was close to Stone, a veteran Republican consultant and self-avowed dirty trickster who helped Trump start his run for the White House in 2015 and continued to consult for the campaign through 2016. The draft indictment left unanswered whether Stone -- who is also expecting to soon face charges from Mueller -- communicated the information on WikiLeaks' plans to Trump or senior campaign officials. Mueller has also sought to find out whether Trump was informed about discussions his campaign staff had on directly obtaining dirt on Clinton that they were told the Russians held. In any case Mueller, whose staff have not divulged anything about the progress of their work, would still have to prove that a crime had been committed. Getting advance notice from WikiLeaks of its plans would not in itself be an offense, legal experts say. But if there was broader coordination, including contact with Russians, Mueller could possibly make a case for a criminal conspiracy to interfere with the election and defraud the United States -- the charge already filed against 13 Russians accused of meddling in the election. "Knowing about a crime before it occurs or while it is occurring is part of what a prosecutor needs to prove to hold someone responsible for a crime," former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti tweeted. "You can't join a conspiracy to commit a crime if you don't know about the crime being committed." The Wayne County Sheriffs Office is investigating after Ohio school resource officer decided to deploy a taser on a 17-year-old student at the Wayne County Schools Career Center on Tuesday afternoon while trying to de-escalate a behavioral incident. The unidentified student had just returned to the high school after a suspension, and was violating dress code by showing up wearing bright orange cargo pants instead of the school uniform that all students are required to wear. A verbal altercation ensued between the teen and the dean of students, Bruce Woodruff. The schools superintendent, Kip Crain, told Yahoo Lifestyle the student was offered scrubs to wear in the meantime, and was given the option of contacting his parents or guardians to drive his uniform to the school. But the teenager allegedly refused to cooperate, and instead stormed out of Woodruffs office and into the common area, where his classmates were eating lunch. Woodruff then requested that the schools resource officer, Deputy Matt Little who is employed by the Wayne County Sheriffs Office follow the defiant student and intervene in the situation. A second altercation, which was captured on video by another student, then broke out between the student and Deputy Little. In the video, the deputy can be seen trying to restrain the students right arm, but the teen pulls away from his grip and casually heads back into the common area. (Photo: YouTube) Thats when Deputy Little and Woodruff along with the schools security guard confront the boy and try to restrain him again. He frees himself from their grip, but hes surrounded. The teen is heard saying, I didnt do nothing, while the deputy demands that he return to the deans office. After the student fails to comply, the deputy has him turn around and put his hands on the wall. Then the student turns around and appears to smile at the deputy, who then removes his taser from its holster and uses it to subdue him. The student falls to the floor, and the officer tases him a second time, causing him to roll over. Story continues The Wayne County Sheriffs Office has now launched an investigation into the incident. School officials and the deputy tried to contain that [situation] away from that area, but the young man moved into that area on his own, Wayne County Sheriffs Capt. Doug Hunter told local Cleveland news station WEWS-TV. The young man was given numerous opportunities not to get into any trouble at all or be involved in any type of physical altercation. Crain told Yahoo Lifestyle that the deputy was trying to de-escalate the situation. [The student] was told if he needed to blow off stream or decompress after he had his blowup that he was to go to the front office, he said, adding that the student refused. He started throwing F bombs and threatened the officer, and thats when the officer was afraid that he was going to come at one of them or the students. Capt. Hunter told WEWS-TV thats the deputy determined that tasing was necessary. After the student threatened to punch him, he said, the deputy discharged the taser and essentially ended the incident. Capt. Hunter said the taser was a less harmful alternative than a physical fight. Potentially, the risk of injury would be much greater than the taser, he said, adding that although the deputy used the taser twice, the probes that carry the electrical current only touched the student once. According to WEWS, the second attempt to tase the student came when the teen refused to put his arms behind his back. Photos of marks left behind by the taser have appeared online. The family of a local high school student says he got these wounds after a school resource officer tased him on campus. What led up to this, tonight on @wkyc @ 6 pic.twitter.com/YsFoyTAFS9 Andrew Horansky (@WKYCAndrewH) November 28, 2018 Ultimately, EMS were called to examine the student, as tasers can deliver 50,000 volts of electricity and have been known to cause short-term cognitive dysfunction, according to Popular Mechanics. The school declared the student unharmed and sent him home. Superintendent Crain confirmed the student had prior disciplinary issues. School officials are scheduled to meet with the boys parents on Thursday to determine whether he will be allowed back in the school. Wed like to this to be successful, but hes got to keep himself under control, Crain told Yahoo Lifestyle. Its like seeing your kid being electrocuted, the boys mother, Dainyelle Adams, told local news station WKYC. It didnt have to escalate to that. The mom took to Facebook to express that she does not approve of her sons behavior, but that she feels things could have been handled differently, adding, he didnt have to be tased multiple times or even at all. She denies that the school ever called her to bring him the proper clothes. Yahoo Lifestyle reached out to Adams, and will update this story when she responds. In the meantime, the resource officer has been temporarily reassigned and replaced with a different resource officer whos a little more patient, and who we think will be working with us the remainder of the school year, Crain said. The results of the investigation which is being conducted with the assistance of an outside agency, in the interest of full transparency will determine whether Deputy Littles use of force is deemed reasonable. If so, hell have the opportunity to resume his duties at the school at the discretion of the dean and the superintendent. Crain told Yahoo Lifestyle that the reaction from parents and students has been mixed, with some calling in upset and others expressing thanks for keeping the kids safe. He said that Deputy Little was new to the school this year. He was trying to follow his training. Hes a law enforcement officer and was trying to keep the kids and staff safe. He said that in his 15 years at Wayne County Schools Career Center, this incident is unprecedented. We definitely wouldnt want any officer [tasing students], but thats what happened. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that if the government shuts down next month amid a fight over funding for the construction of a wall at the southern border, it will be the fault of President Trump and congressional Republicans. We are for strong border security. Weve made numerous proposals. Schumer said. If theres any shutdown, its on President Trumps back. Trump is demanding $5 billion in next years budget for the wall, a request Democrats have flatly refused. A shutdown looms as lawmakers continue to butt heads over the issue as December 7, the date when the current spending bill expires, approaches. A new bill to continue funding the Department of Homeland Security would need 60 votes to pass the narrowly divided Senate. Left to our own devices, the Senate and House could come to an agreement, Schumer continued. The Republicans are in control of the presidency, the House, and the Senate. A shutdown is on their back. Schumer added Senate Democrats plan to stick to the $1.6 billion for the border wall that they have already negotiated with Republicans. [A shutdown] could happen over border security. The wall is just a part of border security a very important part, probably the most important part, Trump said last week. The seismic activity was tracked to near the Mayotte archipelago in the Indian Ocean Scientists have been stumped by the 20-minute rumble of a mysterious seismic wave which was detected earlier this month. The tremor occurred on the morning of 11 November near the archipelago of Mayotte, a collection of French islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique. It is unclear whether it was caused by volcanic activity or a meteor strike, but it was felt by seismometers across the world, from New Zealand to Canada - and even in Hawaii. Goran Ekstrom, a seismologist at Columbia University, told National Geographic: "I don't think I've seen anything like it." Mayotte lies between Madagascar and Mozambique. Pic: Google Maps "It doesn't mean that, in the end, the cause of them is that exotic," Mr Ekstrom admitted, while acknowledging that the seismic waves were quite unusual. Geologists shared their discovery of the surprisingly low frequency activity on Twitter, with Jamie Gurney, the founder of the UK Earthquake Bulletin, among the first to note the event. Mr Gurney was soon joined by Anthony Lomax, who suggested the epicentres for the rumbles were just east of the Mayotte archipelago - but even with the location identified, the cause has remained a mystery. This is the recording of the ~09:30 UTC Southern Indian Ocean event from Kilima Mbogo, Kenya. The signal has had a highpass filter applied to it at 0.01 Hz, 0.05 Hz, 0.1 Hz & 0.2 Hz respectively. As can be seen the signal is very low frequency @stevenjgibbons@ALomaxNetpic.twitter.com/UnAYW4mf1q Jamie Gurney (@UKEQ_Bulletin) 11 November 2018 A number of possibilities have been suggested, inspired by the fact that - despite the monitoring stations detecting seismic waves - there was no corresponding earthquake felt that morning. Story continues The low frequency of the waves has been particularly interesting to seismologists. Assuming epicenters just east of Mayotte, high-frequency (lower trace) arrivals at SBV correspond well to P & S from at least 3 sources resembling tectonic earthquakes, & the long period wave train (upper trace) correspond to the set of Rayleigh surface waves from these sources. pic.twitter.com/zOvAPFxonW Anthony Lomax (@ALomaxNet) 11 November 2018 Normally earthquakes result in powerful compressed waves known as Primary or P-waves. These are followed by Secondary or S-waves which are not so compressed and move from side to side. Both of these types of waves have higher frequencies. The low-frequency surface waves, similar to those detected from Mayotte, follow last. Because of their low frequency they are able to travel around the planet multiple times, ringing a bit like a bell. But the mysterious low-frequency rumble on 11 November was not preceded by P-waves or S-waves, according to the seismologists. The most prominent suggestion in the seismology community has related to what they've called a "seismic swarm" - essentially an event including many earthquakes rolling together. But the earthquakes that have shaken Mayotte over the past 18 months have been very small, and getting smaller in recent months. There was also no earthquake detected on 11 November when the mysterious rumble rang out. Scientists are continuing their investigation. Banned The National published a blank front page after it was banned from Theresa Mays visit to Scotland (Picture: PA) A Scottish newspaper deliberately left its front page blank as a protest against apparently being banned from covering a visit by Theresa May. The National said it was banned from covering the Prime Ministers to Scotland and published a blank space on its front page and inside where its coverage would have been. The newspaper shared pictures of its front page on Twitter, showing a silhouette of the PM with the words: Tomorrows front page: This is where we would have reported on Theresa Mays visit to Scotland. We were barred from her press event with the other newspapers. We have refused to cover it. Inside, across two pages was another blank space with the byline: Not by Andrew Learmonth, the newspapers political reporter, and again with the words: We have refused to cover the PMs trip. Tomorrow's front page: This is where we would have reported on Theresa May's visit to Scotland. We were barred from her press conference with the other newspapers, so we have refused to cover it. pic.twitter.com/vKyWcYrZr5 The National (@ScotNational) November 28, 2018 The newspaper did the same thing online, with a piece titled: Theresa May visits Scotland heres our coverage, then underneath the words: This is where we would have reported on Theresa Mays visit to Scotland. Mrs May made a brief visit to Scotland on Thursday as part of a tour of the UK to sell her Brexit deal. MORE: British company could have found Atlantis in modern-day Spain MORE: Former Facebook employee says that the company has a black people problem According to the Press Gazette, The Nationals editor Callum Baird said they presumed the paper was excluded from the visit because of its editorial line on Scottish independence it supported the Yes campaign in the 2014 vote. He said: It was outrageous when we heard that we werent going to be invited to the event. We just thought were not going to let her get away with this. Story continues Politicians shouldnt pick and choose who scrutinises them.. https://t.co/Vlc0QnX0wf Christine Jardine MP (@cajardineMP) November 28, 2018 It was reportedly told by the Number 10 press office that the reason for it not being able to attend Mrs Mays meeting in Bridge of Weir was due to limited capacity. The Nationals tweet showing its front page has been shared across the world and has sparked criticism of Number 10, including from Lib Dem MP and former journalist Christine Jardine, who branded the decision incompetent and wrote on Twitter: Politicians shouldnt pick and choose who scrutinises them. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK The 2,000-year-old terracotta army at the Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, in Xian, central China The Chinese terracotta army are world famous, clay warriors built to guard the first Chinese emperor of the Qin dynasty in death, inside a gigantic artificial hill described as a Chinese pyramid. The emperors of the Western Han dynasty were also buried under similar huge pyramids and now archaeologists have unravelled one of the mysteries of the tombs. There are over 40 pyramids, housing emperors, queens and other members of royal families, in the now rapidly changing landscape of Xian along the Wei River. Mysteriously, some of the buildings are not aligned with true north, but are close to it despite the fact that the Chinese had developed rudimentary compasses at the time. MORE: No-deal Brexit will leave both Britain and Europe at greater risk, Security Minister warns MORE: London letting agent demanded money from prospective tenants to view properties But archaeologists now believe that the pyramids are pointing towards not true north, but the pole star, Polaris. The researchers write, It is out of the question that this may have been due to errors of the Chinese astronomers and architects. One could think of the use of the compass, which was invented in China in a somewhat rudimentary form at that time, but there is no correspondence with the paleomagnetic data. T The explanation proposed in the article is thus astronomical: the emperors who built the pyramids of the family 2 did not want to point to the north celestial pole, which at the time did not correspond to any star, but to the star to which the pole would be approached in the future: Polaris. Due to the precession of Earths Axis, the pole was fairly far from Polaris at the time in the Han emperors and this explains the odd angle of the pyramids. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Thomas Farr built a career out of making it harder for black people to vote in North Carolina. Now he's on track to be a lifetime federal judge. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON The Senate on Wednesday inched closer to confirming Thomas Farr to be a lifetime federal judge, despite strong opposition from civil rights groups and Democrats over his long career of trying to weaken black voters rights. The Senate voted 50-50 on a procedural step to advance Farrs nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Vice President Mike Pence came in to break the tie. Every Democrat voted against Farr, as did Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who is opposing all of President Donald Trumps nominees until he gets a vote on a bill to protect special counsel Robert Mueller. Farrs final confirmation vote is expected later this week. Civil rights groups and the Congressional Black Caucus have been trying to sink Farrs nomination for nearly a year. The 64-year-old attorney wrote North Carolinas extreme voter ID law in 2013, which was later struck down by a federal appeals court. The court found the law targeted black people with almost surgical precision. Farr also defended the states racially discriminatory gerrymandering in federal court in 2015 (and lost), and he may have lied to the Senate about his role in disenfranchising tens of thousands of black voters when he worked for the late Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) in 1990. It is unconscionable that the Senate would even consider someone with Thomas Farrs record, Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Tuesday. In 2018, this should simply be unacceptable. It would only have taken one more Republican voting with Democrats to stop Farrs nomination. Democrats had been eyeing Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a moderate who sometimes sides with them, and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the lone black senator in his party, as potential allies. But despite a dramatic delayed vote by Scott, both voted to advance Farrs nomination. But Scott said he remained undecided on whether to ultimately support Farrs confirmation. He explained he had more questions about the nominees work as a lawyer on Helms campaign and his role in an effort to discourage black people from voting. Story continues Ahead of the vote, Democrats took turns ripping Farr as unfit for the federal bench. Ive been in the Senate long enough to see a whole bunch of questionable nominees, frankly from both parties, but Thomas Farr is unquestionably one of the worst, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Its hard to believe President Trump nominated him; its even harder to believe Senate Republicans are considering him again. This is a man who stands for disenfranchisement of voters, particularly minority voters. Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina, who are ushering Farrs nomination through the Senate, have dismissed Democrats concerns about Farr and noted that he was rated well-qualified by the American Bar Association. Its basically downsized Kavanaugh tactics, as far as Im concerned, Tillis told Roll Call on Tuesday, suggesting Democrats are unfairly attacking Farr in the same way he thinks they unfairly attacked Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process this summer. In a development late Tuesday, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law cited new revelations in a 1991 memorandum from the U.S. Justice Department showing that Farr played a central role in voter suppression schemes targeting black voters as far back as 1984. The Justice Department described Farr as the primary coordinator of these schemes, said Kristen Clarke, the groups president and executive director. Moving forward with this nomination in light of this new evidence would make a mockery of the Senates advice and consent obligation. Its not clear how much that detail could affect Farrs confirmation. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Farr is on track to be confirmed no later than Thursday night. Igor Bobic contributed reporting. This article has been updated with additional information about Scotts vote. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. President Donald Trumps newest pick to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement has come under fire from top Republican lawmakers and the agencys union, in part because of a 2016 tweet critical of the president. A Senate committee delayed a vote on the nomination of Ronald D. Vitiello as the new director of ICE on Wednesday, The Washington Post reported. He was previously the head of the U.S. Border Patrol a position given to him by Trump in 2017. While Vitiello has the backing of prominent Homeland Security officials, local chapter leaders of the National ICE Council, which represents agency employees, have expressed concerns that Trumps pick will be unable to end the corrupt good old boy network plaguing the agency, they said in a statement given to The Washington Times. Among their concerns were a 2016 tweet from @VitielloRonald, an unverified account, comparing then-candidate Trump to Dennis the Menace which Gizmodo first reported last year. The tweet has since been deleted. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), the committees chairman, said the committee will perform its due diligence into the issues raised by the union reps. In their letter, they said Vitiello has been with ICE for a short period of time and they are aware of several matters that give us serious concern about him. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Senators allow floor vote on cutting US military aid for war Mattis and Pompeo fail to dampen unease about US-Saudi ties Mike Pompeo repeated administration claims that there was no direct evidence connecting the Saudi crown prince to Jamal Kahshoggis murder. Photograph: Zach Gibson/Getty Images The Senate has delivered a significant rebuke to the Trump administration by defying the advice of its top officials and advancing a measure that would cut US military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The Republican-majority chamber voted 63-37 to allow the measure, which invokes the War Powers Resolution, stopping all involvement of US armed forces in the Yemen war, to proceed to the floor of the Senate for a vote, expected next week. The bipartisan measure was introduced by the independent senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Republican senator Mike Lee and Democrat Chris Murphy. It may yet be significantly amended, it would not stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, and would face an uphill challenge to be passed by the House of Representatives. But the moment represented a highly symbolic act of defiance, coming a few hours after the administration had wheeled out two of its biggest guns, the secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and defence secretary, James Mattis, to brief the entire Senate on the essential importance to US national security of US support for the Saudi-led coalition. It also marked an assertion of Congresss constitutional prerogative to decide whether the country goes to war and an expression of alarm over the actions of the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. After casting his vote, the Republican chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, Bob Corker, expressed his admiration for Pompeo and Mattis but added: I found their briefing today to be lacking. I found that in substance were not doing those things that we should be doing to appropriately balance our relationship with Saudi Arabia between our American interests and our American values. The defeat followed a series of missteps by the administration, including a newspaper commentary by Pompeo belittling human rights concerns about Saudi actions, and the absence at the Senate briefing of CIA director, Gina Haspel, who senators wanted to brief them about the murder of the Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Story continues The CIA has reportedly assessed that Prince Mohammed most likely ordered the killing of the dissident journalist in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate foreign relations committee, said Haspels failure to appear was outrageous and a cover-up. A CIA spokesman denied that the White House blocked Haspel from appearing at the hearing. The notion that anyone told Director Haspel not to attend todays briefing is false, an agency spokesman, Timothy Barrett, said in a statement. However, the Democratic senator Dick Durbin emerged from the morning briefing in the Senates secure chamber, used for classified discussions, saying that Mattis and Pompeo had told the senators that the White House had blocked the CIA directors attendance. The most persuasive presence at this briefing was an empty chair a chair that should have been occupied by Gina Haspel, head of the Central Intelligence Agency, Durbin told reporters. We were told at this briefing that it was at the direction of the White House that she not attend. Speaking to reporters after he addressed the Senate, Pompeo repeated administration claims that there was no direct evidence connecting Prince Mohammed to Khashoggis murder. But Corker rejected that assertion, declaring: As to whether the crown prince was involved in this killing, its my belief that he was. Its my belief that he ordered it. Thomas Wright, director of the Center on the US and Europe at the Brookings Institution, said: I think its really about sending a message that Congress is very worried about where Saudi Arabia is headed. The Pompeo op-ed and some of Trumps remarks were seen as callous but also naive about what is happening inside Saudi Arabia, Wright added. The administration has been writing Mohammed bin Salman blank cheques he is cashing in on, in a way that is badly damaging to US interests The murder of Khashoggi, a US resident, has significantly heightened the growing unease in Congress over the mounting civilian toll in Yemen, where more than 50,000 people are estimated to have died, many as a direct result of the Saudi coalitions bombing campaign. Save the Children has said that many more, including up to 85,000 children, have died from starvation, in large part as a result of the coalition effort to strangle the economy in areas under control of Houthi rebels. The UN has warned that 14 million Yemeni lives are at risk from a famine it suggests is imminent. The suffering in Yemen grieves me, but if the US was not involved in Yemen, it would be a hell of a lot worse Mike Pompeo Before his appearance at the Senate, Pompeo played down human rights concerns in a commentary for the Wall Street Journal. He referred to them as caterwauling and media pile-on in the salons of Washington. In his speech to the Senate, made available by the state department, Pompeo argued that support of the coalition was critical to US interests, in particular the struggle against Iran, which the administration has made the cornerstone of its Middle East policy. In his presentation, Mattis made similar arguments. While tragedies occur in war, we assess restraint and improved tactical judgment by Arab coalition pilots has reduced the risk of civilian casualties, he told senators. The administration has made similar claims before, and human rights groups said that there was no sign that the civilian death toll from the bombing campaign was declining. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis - AFP The US Senate voted on Wednesday to end their support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, defying President Donald Trump to act in response to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Senators agreed by a vote of 63-37 to allow debate to proceed on the resolution, after Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state, and Jim Mattis, defence secretary, failed to sway undecided senators to continue the military support for the war coalition. Senior senators from both parties rebuffed the Trump administrations attempt to placate lawmakers demanding action against Saudi Arabia. The vote opens the way to a freewheeling debate over Saudi Arabias role in the killing of dissident columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the war in Yemen. The debate, which may take place next week, would centre on a measure to restrict US support for the Saudi military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, where a humanitarian disaster is unfolding. There will be another opportunity next week to decide whether we proceed to it," Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said on the floor. He said he hopes the administration will figure out a way to bring American interests and American values into balance and they can cause a Saudi Arabian government to take appropriate ownership over what has happened in the killing of this journalist." Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi Credit: Reuters Mr Trump has been eager to prevent Khashoggis killing from derailing US ties with Saudi Arabia, around which the administration has built much of its Mideast strategy. But senators have demanded the White House be more forthcoming about intelligence gathered on the Khashoggi killing and have signalled they may back broader sanctions against the kingdom. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a frequent ally of Mr Trump, vowed that he wont vote to wrap up key legislative business this year - including a spending bill needed to avert a partial government shutdown - until he receives a briefing from CIA Director Gina Haspel on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans possible role in Khashoggis killing. Story continues Any key vote, anything that you need me for to get out of town, I aint doing it until we hear from the CIA, Mr Graham said. The CIA reportedly has said it had high confidence the crown prince ordered the murder. Senator Lindsey Graham Credit: LEAH MILLIS/Reuters Mr Pompeo wouldnt answer reporters questions about why Ms Haspel didnt take part in the morning briefing. Some senators said the White House blocked her participation. Nobody was happy that she wasnt there, Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona told reporters. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said it was a coverup not to have the CIA director take part. One Republican emerged from the briefing calling for new sanctions on Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis murder. This is the kind of behaviour we expect from Russia and North Korea, Oklahoma Senator Jim Lankford said. So we do need to confront them. The frustration seemed to give the Yemen war resolution, introduced by independent Senator Bernie Sanders, more momentum. Mr Corker said senators would have a chance to vote to proceed to the resolution next week as well as vote on amendments. Such resolutions only need a simple majority to advance. Theres no indication that the Republican-controlled House has plans to take up a Saudi resolution, however, and the White House has indicated Mr Trump would veto the version offered by Mr Sanders. Ahead of Wednesdays briefing, Mr Mattis and Mr Pompeo argued that Saudi Arabia is far too important a partner in the fight against Islamic State, pushing back on Iran and upholding democracy in Iraq to give up on. I must note we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners, Mattis told lawmakers, according to prepared remarks released as the briefing was underway. Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mid-East stability. Mr Pompeo struck a far more combative tone in an opinion piece published on Wednesday morning in the Wall Street Journal. The former CIA director and four-term congressman from Kansas derided the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on over Khashoggis killing, arguing that degrading US-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the US and its allies. The statements signalled that the Trump administrations support for Saudi Arabia implies support for Prince Mohammed. Mr Trump has been dismissive of his intelligence communitys assessment that Prince Mohammed is responsible for the killing. Hes said repeatedly that Saudi Arabias spending billions of dollars on US weapons and its role as an ally and major oil producer are too crucial to let go. Congressional leaders have been far more critical of Saudi Arabia than the Trump administration, threatening a new round of sanctions against the leadership and warning they may try to block weapons sales to the country. They have also sought to shine a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. In his prepared remarks, Mattis argued that pulling back what he called limited US military support and weapons sales would be the wrong move ahead of promising initial negotiations spearheaded by United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths. It took us too long to get here, but at this key juncture, a change in our approach would work against Martins efforts by breathing new life into the Houthis combat operations, just when they are reluctantly engaging with the UN interlocutor, Mattis was to say. By Hyonhee Shin and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's top court ruled on Thursday that Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd <7011.T> must compensate 10 South Koreans for their forced labor during World War Two, a ruling that drew an immediate rebuke from Tokyo. The decision echoed the Supreme Court's landmark verdict last month that ruled in favor of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. <5401.T> for their wartime forced labor. It upheld a 2013 appeals court decision that Mitsubishi must pay 80 million won ($71,000) to each of five laborers or their families in compensation. In a separate ruling, the court also ordered Mitsubishi to pay up to 150 million won to each of another five plaintiffs or their families. Mitsubishi called the verdict "deeply regrettable", saying in a statement that it would discuss its response with the Japanese government. Japan and South Korea share a bitter history that includes Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean peninsula and the use of comfort women, Japan's euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels. The rows over wartime history have long been a stumbling block for relations between the East Asian neighbors, sparking concern that it could jeopardize joint efforts to rein in North Korea's nuclear program. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono issued a statement calling the court's decisions "totally unacceptable". The ministry summoned the South Korean ambassador to lodge a complaint. "The decisions completely overthrow the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship" between the two countries, Kono said. Kono urged Seoul to take immediate action to remedy "unjustifiable damages and costs" inflicted on Japanese firms or Tokyo would consider its options, including referring the case to an international court. South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over what it called Japan's "extreme reaction", also calling in the Japanese ambassador and urging restraint. "We will craft our response in a way that could heal the victims' pain and wounds, but at the same time foster a forward-looking relationship with Japan," ministry spokesman Roh Kyu-deok told a news briefing. "But the administration has to respect a judiciary decision under the principle of the separation of the powers." Previous cases the group of five former laborers had brought in Japan were dismissed on the grounds that their right to reparation was terminated by a 1965 treaty normalizing diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo. However, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld last month's ruling that Japan's occupation of the peninsula was illegal. "The treaty does not cover the right of the victims of forced labor to compensation for crimes against humanity committed by a Japanese company in direct connection with the Japanese government's illegal colonial rule and war of aggression against the Korean peninsula," the court said in a statement. Kim Seong-ju, a 90-year-old plaintiff in the second case, said she was sent to Japan when she was 15 with the recommendation of her teacher, who was a Japanese national. "I was told that I could go to middle and high school and study more, but it turned out I had to work at the factory all the time," Kim told a news conference after the ruling, showing her permanently injured hand. "Now I feel great." (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Joyce Lee; Additional reporting by Jeongmin Kim, Daeun Yi and Hyunyoung Yi in SEOUL and Elaine Lies, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Chris Gallagher in TOKYO; Editing by Paul Tait and Nick Macfie) Southwest Airlines is apologizing to a Texas mom and her 5-year-old daughter after one of its employees openly mocked the little girls name. Traci Redford told ABC affiliate KABC that several weeks ago she and her daughter Abcde pronounced ab-city were boarding a plane John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, on their way home to El Paso when the gate agent began to conspicuously make fun of her daughters name on the boarding pass. Name shaming? This Texas woman claims a @SouthwestAir agent made fun of her 5-year-old daughter's name as they were preparing to board their flight at @JohnWayneAir in Orange County. Her daughter's name is Abcde (pronounced Ab-city). @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/iHpBPoakYI Veronica Miracle (@ABC7Veronica) November 28, 2018 The gate agent started laughing, pointing at me and my daughter, talking to other employees. So I turned around and said, Hey if I can hear you, my daughter can hear you, so Id appreciate if youd just stop, she told the news station. Redford says the agent even took a picture of Abcdes boarding pass and posted the photo to social media. An acquaintance of Redfords found the post on Facebook and reported it to Southwest. The mother said she filed formal complaints to the airline for two weeks and the company didnt do anything. Southwest, however, did respond to KABCs request for comment, apologizing for their rude employee, saying it extends its sincere apology to the family. The post is not indicative of the care, respect, and civility we expect from all of our Employees, the company said. The airline also said that it had spoken to the employee and is using this as an opportunity to reinforce our policies and emphasize our expectations for all Employees. Story continues The name Abcde is not common in the United States. If you type the name into the Social Security Administrations database of popular baby names, it states that Abcde is not in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 2000. But, a site called Vocativ reported in 2014, that according to the Social Security database, at least 328 babies all girls have been named Abcde in the U.S. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Shihar Aneez and Ranga Sirilal COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka penned two multi-million dollar contracts with Chinese firms for a port upgrade project on Thursday in the middle of a political hiatus that has raised doubts over the legitimacy of the government and the legality of the deals. The debt-saddled island has long been a target of Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure scheme to connect China with countries cross Asia and beyond, while regional power India has also been vying for deals to counter China's influence. But a political crisis triggered by President Maithripala Sirisena's replacement of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was in turn sacked by parliament, has raised doubts over who can legitimately make decisions in the country. Foreign countries have yet to recognize the new government and Wickremesinghe's party has said any decisions by Rajapaksa's cabinet are illegal. An official at the state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority told Reuters it signed two contracts with Chinese firms worth more than $50 million combined on Thursday after the deals were approved by Rajapaksa's disputed cabinet last week. One of Rajapaksa's cabinet ministers, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the deals had been approved by the cabinet, while documents seen by Reuters showed the deals were set to be rubber-stamped at the meeting. The deals are a $32 million contract to enhance the deep berth capacity of state-run Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) in Colombo with China Harbour Engineering Company, and another one worth $25.7 million for the purchase of three cranes from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries for the same project, according to the ports authority official. Asked about the deals, the former cabinet spokesperson under Wickremesinghe's government, Rajitha Senaratne, told Reuters: "We will have to re-examine definitely. They don't have the legal power to decide." The ports authority official said the tenders for the deals had been advertised in state-owned newspapers, as is the norm in Sri Lanka, and that they were sent to a cabinet-appointed procurement panel months ago. India, which accounts for around 80 percent of Colombo's trans-shipment business, has raised concerns over increasing Chinese projects in Colombo. New Delhi had been pushing Sri Lanka for the award of an estimated $1 billion contract for a second foreign-operated container terminal in Colombo. But that deal was the subject of an argument between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe just before his ouster, in which Sirisena reportedly said the country couldn't give any more of its assets to foreigners. The political instability and economic malaise have raised questions over Sri Lanka's ability to service large external debt taken to finance reconstruction following the end the civil war in 2009. It owes around $8 billion to China, official data shows. (Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and Nick Macfie) By Ranga Sirilal COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's parliament cut the budget of the Prime Minister's office on Thursday, a move designed to hinder disputed premier Mahinda Rajapaksa whose supporters boycotted the vote in the latest twist in a weeks-long political standoff. Lawmakers opposed to Rajapaksa, who has lost two no-confidence votes in parliament, regard his administration as illegitimate and say he should not be able to use government money for his day-to-day expenses. "This means the prime minister will be dysfunctional. We will bring a similar motion tomorrow to cut down the expenditure of all other ministers," said Ravi Karunanayake, the former finance minister who proposed Thursday's motion which passed 123 to none in the 225-member parliament. The vote comes more than a month after President Maithripala Sirisena triggered the crisis by ousting former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Rajapaksa, who was then in turn sacked by parliament. In another development on Thursday, the main ethnic minority Tamil party TNA said it would support a coalition led by Wickremesinghe's party if his government were restored. They previously stood in opposition. That would give Wickremesinghe's coalition a clear majority in parliament which Rajapaksa, at present, cannot muster. "ILLEGAL MEETINGS" Rajapaksa was president from 2005-2015, a decade of rule that critics said became increasingly authoritarian and marred by nepotism and corruption. He presided over a bloody government victory over separatist rebels from the Tamil minority in 2009, ending a 26-year civil war. Rajapaksa and his loyalists denounced Thursday's vote as "illegal" and questioned the impartiality of parliament's speaker. "Speaker is acting completely illegally and arbitrarily. We are not participating in such illegal meetings," Rajapaksa told reporters in parliament before Thursday's proceedings started. While the rhetoric remained belligerent from both sides, the atmosphere has cooled since Rajapaksa loyalists threw chairs and chilli paste at the speaker to try to disrupt a no-confidence motion almost two weeks ago. The focus is now on the courts, which are next week expected to rule on whether Sirisena's sacking of Wickremesinghe on Oct. 26 and then his dissolution of parliament on Nov. 9 were constitutional. The latest political ructions have not led to widespread unrest and violence. Rajapaksa is seen as a hero by many among Sri Lanka's Buddhist majority for ending the war but has been accused by diplomats of human rights abuses, particularly at the end of the conflict, which he denies. (Reporting by Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez; Editing by John Geddie and Nick Macfie) After strong winds and downpours lashed the country on Wednesday, the Met Office has issued a weather warning as Storm Diana continues its march. Gusts of over 50mph are expected this morning, while the forecaster said that 65mph may be reached in more exposed locations. A yellow weather warning has now been put in place for much of the country meaning the wet and windy weather may prove to be disruptive, especially for commuters. Storm Diana is set to bring more strong winds and heavy rain today (PA) Theres some nasty driving conditions in places for this mornings commute, with outbreaks of heavy rain combined with strong to gale force winds. Weather warnings are in force https://t.co/bMaCg01Yle #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/ltxkZAXKFQ Met Office (@metoffice) November 29, 2018 Weather warnings affect most of the country (PA) The Met Office said: Inland gusts of 50 mph are likely with gusts of around 65 mph in exposed locations around Wales and western England. There remains a very small chance that this system will intensify as it moves northeastwards bringing even stronger winds to southwest England, Wales and on into northern England and southeast Scotland. If this occurs, gusts of 70-80 mph could be seen, mainly in exposed locations. MORE: Huddersfield bullying video: New footage emerges of Syrian refugees sister attacked at same school MORE: Train delays caused by falling branches and leaves on the line increase by two thirds since start of the decade The forecaster added that the rain will move northeastwards before brighter conditions and showers following later on. The wind is set to ease as the day progresses, with temperatures remaining mild. The AA have issued advice for drivers travelling in the wintry conditions. Wind gusts of over 50mph are expected in some parts of the country (Met Office) George Flinton of the AA said: Heavy rain and strong wind, coupled with commuting home in the dark, can make for some very hazardous driving conditions. Story continues Check the travel news before you set off and take particular care where roads dip, for example under railway bridges, which are more likely to flood. If the road ahead is flooded, dont chance it flood water can be deceptively deep, so turn around and find another route. Blackpool is hit by Storm Diana, as the Lancashire seaside resort experienced winds up to 70 mph on Wednesday (SWNS) A women with her umbrella in the wind on Westminster Bridge as Storm Diana struck (PA) Met Office spokesman Richard Miles said Storm Diana, named by Portuguese authorities, had quite an impact on islands in the Atlantic, but had weakened as it travelled towards the UK. He explained: By the time it got to us it would not meet the criteria for us to name it. The last Met Office named storm was Callum, which battered parts of the UK in mid-October. The next name to be used will be Deirdre. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Sydney (AFP) - The majority of au pairs working in Australia are being exploited, a wide-ranging study alleged Thursday, citing a lack of government accountability in place to protect young visitors. A country-wide survey of 1,500 au pairs -- who traditionally perform light, part-time duties -- found 60 percent were working 36-hour weeks while being paid less than the national minimum wage. The study was conducted by the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University. Thousands of young overseas visitors work in Australia as au pairs, mostly young European women on working holiday visas. Many work under informal arrangements, whereby a family offers board and a small amount of money in exchange for child minding and light housekeeping duties. On average they were working just a few hours less than full time for Aus$17.10 per hour (US$12.50), slightly lower than the national minimum wage, researchers said, although the figure included the value of the board and lodging provided. Australia's high cost of childcare is seen as the main driver of the trend. "The demand for au pairing is often explained by Australian families' need for affordable childcare," the reports co-author Laurie Berg from UTS said in a statement. "But the study indicates many families are taking advantage of the large supply of working holidaymakers to obtain cheap housekeeping services as well." The report found that young holidaymakers were left vulnerable by a lack of clear regulation and even "an agreed definition" of an au pair among government agencies. There is no specific visa, official program or even any official guidelines for travellers or those who offer them work. "Families need to understand that along with the convenience and affordability of in-home care come full responsibilities as employers," Macquarie University sociology professor Gabrielle Meagher said. Australia came under fire last year for its treatment of international students and backpackers. There were more than 900,000 temporary migrants in the country in 2017, including foreign students. A joint survey released last November of over 4,000 temporary migrants by University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales found that about one-third were paid half the minimum wage. The family of a Syrian boy who was attacked at school say they will sue Tommy Robinson over allegations against the victim. The anti-Islam activist claimed the 15-year-old boy was involved in a separate attack on a girl at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield. In a series of angry Facebook videos and posts, Robinson used the alleged incident to claim lots of Muslim gangs are beating up white English kids in Britain. One of the photos used by the English Defence League founder as supposed proof of violence at the same school was stolen from a 2017 news article on a teenage cancer patient from Surrey. Tasnime Akunjee, who represents the attacked boy and his family, told The Independent his client had nothing to do with the attack [on the girl] at all. These are clearly defamatory comments made by Tommy so were pursuing that, he added. We will be communicating with Robinson and we will be taking legal action. It came after a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was summonsed to court over the attack on the Syrian boy. The headmaster of Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield said the situation was being taken extremely seriously (PA) He has been reported for summons, for an offence of assault, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said. He will appear at youth court in due course. The suspect had shared numerous posts from Robinsons Facebook account in recent months, as well as from Britain First and other far-right accounts. Robinsons page has more than one million followers and his posts on the Huddersfield incident have been viewed up to 900,000 times each. The 35-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is waiting to see whether the attorney general will continue a case against him for alleged contempt of court that saw him jailed earlier this year. Since being freed on appeal over procedural failings, he has been attempting to crowdfund his activism but was hit by a ban from Paypal and has postponed a lucrative tour of Australia. Footage of the school attack, which has been widely shared on social media, showed the 15-year-old victim being dragged to the floor by his neck before having water forced in his mouth. Story continues Police said the incident happened on 25 October at Almondbury Community School and was reported the day after, adding: The victim and his family are receiving ongoing support from police and other agencies. The Independent understands that the boy will appear at Leeds Youth Court but a date has not yet been set. Police appealed to members of the public not to share footage of the alleged assault on social media as it could prejudice criminal proceedings. They said an unconnected assault on the same victim on 7 October, where his wrist was reportedly broken, was fully investigated at the time. Three boys were interviewed by police but they took action and the matter was referred to the school. The latest incident has provoked an outpouring of anger and sympathy for the Syrian boy and his relatives, with well-wishers so far donating more than 130,000 for the family on a crowdfunding page. Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, said he had been supporting the family and added: I will be following up to ensure all available support is being given. A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: Neither us nor the school condone violence in any form and behaviour like this will not be tolerated. In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday, Almondbury Community School headteacher Trevor Bowen said the situation was being taken extremely seriously. The safety and welfare of students is our number one priority, he added. We must allow the legal process to take its course, but I want to be absolutely clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any sort in our school. I can also assure you that we are working very hard to ensure it is business as usual across the school and that there is no disruption to the childrens education. The wellbeing of students is of paramount importance to us and a high level of support is available to anyone who may need it. MPs and campaigners have said physical and verbal attacks are increasing in Britain amid a toxic environment around Brexit. Tell Mama, a national project that records anti-Muslim incidents across the country, said one in 10 reports it receives involve incidents taking place in schools. Attacks against kids are really picking up, said director Iman Atta. There is of bullying on all levels in schools, and there are a lot of discussions on social media around refugees and migration. Were now in the height of Brexit. Refugees are always going to be the focus of those discussions. A third of all crime reports to the Met Police are dismissed, usually after a single phone call with the victim, figures show (Picture: Getty) Almost a third of all crime reports to Britains biggest police force are dismissed, usually after a single phone call with the victim, figures have suggested. According to The Times newspaper, The Metropolitan Police introduced a policy that allows a list of crimes to be dismissed without being investigated including burglaries, low-level assaults, criminal damage, theft and affray. A Freedom of Information request by the newspaper found the forces Telephone and Digital Investigation Unit (TDIU), launched last April, dealt with 37% of crimes reported to the Met between April and December 2017 and between January and October 2018, it dealt with 39% of all reported crime. Of these, 79% of reported crimes were assessed out, meaning they will not be investigated based on a lack of criteria such as CCTV or forensic evidence accounting for 29.6% of all crimes reported to the Met, according to the Times newspaper. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons, in charge of local policing, said any crime diverted to the TDIU was dealt with on a case by case basis. He said: Every crime reported to us is investigated, whether thats through face-to-face contact with an officer or detective, or through alternative routes such as the TDIU. But like any organisation, we have got a budget to work to, we have demand to meet, and have to make decisions about what we prioritise. MORE: No-deal Brexit will leave both Britain and Europe at greater risk, Security Minister warns MORE: London letting agent demanded money from prospective tenants to view properties We have to take a clear view about what is most important for Londoners in terms of safety. We continually look at ways of reducing demand on response officers, and examples include the diversion of calls that do not require a face-to-face response to our Local Resolution Team or to the TDIU. ISTANBUL (AP) The two women in the photograph were smiling, but Halmurat Idris knew something was terribly wrong. One was his 39-year-old sister; standing at her side was an elderly woman Idris did not know. Their grins were tight-lipped, mirthless. Her sister had posted the picture on a social media account along with a caption punctuated by a smiley-face. "Look, I have a Han Chinese mother now!" his sister wrote. Idris knew instantly: The old woman was a spy, sent by the Chinese government to infiltrate his family. There are many like her. According to the ruling Communist Party's official newspaper, as of the end of September, 1.1 million local government workers have been deployed to ethnic minorities' living rooms, dining areas and Muslim prayer spaces, not to mention at weddings, funerals and other occasions once considered intimate and private. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea sent rail cars and dozens of officials to North Korea on Friday for joint surveys on northern railway sections the countries hope someday to connect with the South. The weeks-long inspections, which will see South Korean cars running on North Korean tracks for the first time in a decade, represent one of the more significant goodwill gestures between the Koreas in past months as they move to reduce tensions across their heavily armed border. Also on Friday, the North and South Korean militaries were planning to finish destroying 20 front-line guard posts and removing land mines from a border area where they plan to start their first-ever joint search for remains of soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. HONG KONG (AP) China's government ordered a halt Thursday to work by a medical team that claimed to have helped make the world's first gene-edited babies, as a group of leading scientists declared that it's still too soon to try to make permanent changes to DNA that can be inherited by future generations. Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping told state broadcaster CCTV that his ministry is strongly opposed to the efforts that reportedly produced twin girls born earlier this month. Xu called the team's actions illegal and unacceptable and said an investigation had been ordered, but made no mention of specific actions taken. Story continues WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Fifty-one pilot whales have died in a another mass stranding in New Zealand, less than a week after 145 pilot whales died in a different part of the country. The Department of Conservation says up to 90 pilot whales beached themselves late Thursday on the remote Chatham Islands. When staff arrived at first light Friday, they said they found up to 40 of the whales had refloated themselves but another 50 had died on the beach. The department says one beached whale remained alive, which they decided to euthanize due to its poor condition. The Chatham Islands sit about 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of New Zealand's main islands and are home to about 600 people. SHANGHAI (AP) When Shan Junhua bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Tesla is not alone. China has called upon all electric vehicle manufacturers in China to make the same kind of reports potentially adding to the rich kit of surveillance tools available to the Chinese government as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. "I didn't know this," said Shan. "Tesla could have it, but why do they transmit it to the government? MANILA, Philippines (AP) A Philippine court found three police officers guilty on Thursday of killing a student they alleged was a drug dealer, in the first known such conviction under the president's deadly crackdown on drugs. Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Rodolfo Azucena Jr. ruled the officers murdered Kian Loyd delos Santos during a raid in Caloocan city's slums in the Manila metropolis last year. It rejected the policemen's claim that the 17-year-old fired back while resisting arrest. The court sentenced the officers, Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz, to be imprisoned for up to 40 years without parole, although they can appeal. Indian police pay tribute to the victims of the Mumbai attacks on the 10th anniversary of the assaults by militants that killed 166 people in India's financial capital. In other images from the Asia-Pacific region this week, He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, speaks at a science conference in Hong Kong after he claimed to have made the world's first gene-edited babies. Residents of Osaka celebrate after the western Japanese city won the vote to host the World Expo 2025. ___ This gallery was curated by Associated Press photo editor Masayo Yoshida in Tokyo. ___ Visit the AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com Visit AP Images online: http://www.apimages.com COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankan lawmakers on Thursday approved a motion barring disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa from using state funds after he lost two no-confidence votes, in an escalation of the country's political crisis. The motion was passed with 123 votes in the 225-member Parliament as Rajapaksa supporters boycotted the proceedings for a third day, accusing Speaker Karu Jayasuriya of bias and breaching parliamentary rules. The passage of the motion was a setback for Rajapaksa because it demonstrated that a majority of lawmakers oppose the former strongman, who ruled Sri Lanka as president from 2005 to 2015. Sri Lanka has been in a political crisis since Oct. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered a Japanese company to financially compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, in the second such ruling in a month that again drew quick, vehement protests from Japan. The latest verdict on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was widely expected after the Supreme Court ruled in late October that another Japanese company must compensate four Korean men for similar colonial-era forced labor. The Oct. 30 ruling, which followed more than five years of deliberation at the court, was the first of its kind. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A brazen Taliban attack that targeted the Kabul offices of a British security company killed five of its staffers, including a British national, the company said Thursday. Afghan authorities said a sixth person was also killed in the assault. Charlie Burbridge, the managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said 32 employees of the company were also wounded in the attack, five of them seriously. "Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends," Burbridge said in a statement. By Gary Robertson CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Reuters) - The man who plowed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at last year's white nationalist rally in Virginia had every intention to kill, a prosecutor told jurors on Thursday at the start of his murder trial. "It was willful, premeditated murder," prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony said in Charlottesville Circuit Court, where James Fields, 21, is facing a possible life sentence. Fields' attorney, John Hill, said the Ohio man acted in self-defense after becoming frightened by the mass of people around his car. "You will hear James tell officers he feared for his safety," Hill said, referring to his client's comments to police following the crash. "He was scared to death." Heather Heyer, 32, was killed in the incident, which capped two days of chaos in August 2017 when hundreds of white nationalists descended on Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, to protest the planned removal of a Confederate statue from a public park. Two state troopers were also killed during the protests when their helicopter crashed. The "Unite the Right" rally followed a Friday night demonstration when hundreds of torch-carrying men chanted anti-Semitic slogans. U.S. President Donald Trump was heavily criticized for saying there were "very fine people on both sides" after the violence, seemingly equating the white nationalists with those who demonstrated against them. Heyer's mother, Susan Bro, declined to return phone calls from the White House after Trump's remarks. The bedlam left lasting wounds in Charlottesville, which has been forced to confront its own complicated racial legacy after the violence. But it also damaged the image of the "alt-right" movement, a loose alignment of fringe groups centered on white nationalism and emboldened by Trump's 2016 presidential victory. In August, a one-year anniversary rally in Washington drew just two dozen participants amid thousands of counterprotesters. Story continues Fields was photographed hours before last year's attack carrying a shield with the emblem of a far-right hate group, although the group later denied he was a member. Jurors will hear from victims and see photos and videos depicting the incident, when Fields' speeding car sent bodies flying through the air. His case is being heard by a jury of nine women and seven men, including one African-American juror; four will be designated as alternates at the close of the trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks. Fields has also been charged with federal hate crimes and pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Gary Robertson; Writing and additional reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone, Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) Environmental Protection Agency acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) Environmental Protection Agency acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Wednesday that the Trump administration may step in to change the way the government drafts its next National Climate Assessment. The suggestion that politicians might influence a report from more 300 federal scientists at 13 agencies came at an event in Washington, where reporters pressed the agency chief on the authors dire projections about devastating climate change. Speaking at a Washington Post Live event, Wheeler accused former President Barack Obama of telling the reports authors to take a look at the worst-case scenario for this report. Going forward, I think we need to take a look at the modeling thats used for the next assessment, Wheeler said. Its an audacious set of statements from the acting EPA administrator, who until last year served as a top coal lobbyist and espouses the industrys scientifically unsound stance that the link between fossil fuels and climate change remains dubious. The remarks follow a clear, cynical pattern among those who deny climate science, accusing scientists and researchers of bias. The announcement is concerning in light of a previous incident of political interference. In 2005, Philip Clooney, a former oil lobbyist working for the George W. Bush administration, was caught altering language in climate science reports to weaken the link between fossil fuels and rising global temperatures. What Wheeler appeared to suggest Wednesday goes beyond that. He said the administration could take a dangerously optimistic route by developing what the EPA chief called more realistic projections incorporating future advancements in technology and innovation. He also said the National Climate Assessment was based on overly pessimistic and outdated models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the leading United Nations research body on global warming. By contrast, the IPCC warned in October that world governments must halve emissions over the next 12 years to avert catastrophic climate change costing $54 trillion. That cost could, in fact, be on the conservative side, according to a study published in June that found the IPCC relied on economic models that failed to grasp the magnitude of global warming. Story continues Trump, who rejects climate science outright, dismissed the IPCCs report in October and said he does not believe the results of the latest federal study. Wheeler put a friendlier face on the administrations climate change denial after he took over in July following disgraced and scandal-plagued Administrator Scott Pruitts resignation. He halted some of the EPAs antagonism of the press and spoke in dry legalese when deploying the same unscientific industry propaganda Pruitt used to justify his doubt over the causes of climate change. But he is pursuing the same aggressive rollback of climate regulations. In August, Wheeler proposed dramatically weakening fuel economy standards, clearing the way for vehicles the nations No. 1 source of climate pollution to spew an addition 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by 2030. Weeks later, he moved to gut a signature Obama-era rule on power plant pollution allowing for increased pollution that could cause 1,400 premature deaths per year. Officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the 13 agencies behind the National Climate Assessment, said no political appointees interfered with the contents of the report. But Wheeler has a history of attempting to change the way the federal government analyzes pollution. In October, he fired a panel of scientific experts responsible for helping the EPAs review of air quality standards for particulate matter, an issue that has long dogged the coal industry for which the agency chief previously lobbied. Later that month, Wheeler said hed delay a decision on how to move forward on the EPAs controversial transparency rule, a proposal that would bar the agency from using critical epidemiological studies when drafting regulations, until next year. Wheeler once again punted on difficult questions on Wednesday, despite criticizing the nature of the report. I havent read the entire report yet, but Ive gone through it, he said, adding that he wants to follow up on the projection modeling methods. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. President Trump on Thursday called Michael Cohen a weak person after his former personal attorney and longtime fixer reached a plea agreement with special counsel Robert Mueller. Hes a weak person, Trump told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for the G-20 summit in Argentina. Unlike other people you watch, Trump said, all Cohen is trying to do is get a reduced sentence, so hes lying. Asked by a reporter why Trump had employed Cohen for so many years if he doesnt trust him, Trump said Cohen had done a favor for him a long time ago. In a surprise appearance in federal court in New York earlier Thursday, Cohen had pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress in testimony about his contacts with Russia on behalf of Trumps real estate business during the 2016 presidential campaign. Entering his plea agreement, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Cohen said he lied to congressional investigators about the timing of a Trump-branded real estate project in Moscow out of loyalty to Trump and to be consistent with the presidents political messaging. Its no surprise that Cohen lied to Congress, Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal attorney, said in a separate statement. Hes a proven liar who is doing everything he can to get out of a long-term prison sentence for serious crimes of bank and tax fraud that had nothing to do with the Trump Organization. President Trump speaks to reporters; Michael Cohen leaves federal court on Thursday. (Photos: Jim Young/Reuters, Drew Angerer/Getty Images) This was a project that we didnt do I didnt do, Trump said. There would be nothing wrong if I did do it. The president said that even if Cohen was telling the truth about the Moscow project, it wouldnt matter because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. During and after his campaign, Trump insisted that he had no deals involving Russia. He said Thursday that he had pursued the Moscow project, but dropped it to concentrate on his presidential run. But the question of precisely when he gave up on it has figured in Muellers probe. Yahoo News reported earlier this year that investigators had found evidence the project was still alive as late as May 2016, around the time Trump clinched the nomination. Story continues The president told the New York Post on Wednesday that he would consider a pardon for Paul Manafort, his former campaign manager, whose plea deal with the special counsel was rescinded after prosecutors said he lied to federal agents and government lawyers during interviews. (Manaforts attorneys dispute the allegations.) It was never discussed, but I wouldnt take it off the table, Trumps said about a pardon for Manafort. Why would I take it off the table? Earlier this year, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight felony counts related to his personal finances, including charges of tax evasion and bank fraud. But he also directly implicated the president in two campaign finance-related schemes during the 2016 general election, in connection with payoffs to women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. President Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump as they depart the White House on Thursday. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) ABC News reported that since that earlier plea deal, Cohen has spent more than 70 hours in interviews with Muellers team. The questioning has focused on contacts with Russians by Trump associates during the campaign, Trumps business ties to Russia, obstruction of justice and talk of possible pardons, ABC News said. Cohen, who once said that he would take a bullet for the president, left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. His attorney, Guy Petrillo, said his client has cooperated and will continue to cooperate. Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12. Read the full charging document filed by Mueller: Mr Trump is in Argentina this week for the G20 meeting and had originally planned on meeting with Mr Putin: Getty Images Donald Trump has cancelled his scheduled meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit over the recent naval confrontation between Moscow and Ukraine. Trump administration officials have blamed the clash in which Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian ships and seized a number of crew squarely at the feet of the Kremlin. Russian officials said earlier on Thursday that the meeting had been confirmed by the White House despite the clash in the Sea of Azov off the Crimean Peninsula on Sunday. Before boarding his flight to the summit in Argentina, Mr Trump had told reporters that he still planned on meeting with Mr Putin. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders later told reporters on Air Force One that the president decided to cancel the meeting after taking off. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday, announcing his decision. The Ukrainian government labelled the Crimean incident as an act of aggression, and made the rare move to impose martial law in parts of the country that could be under threat from a Russian attack. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, sparking international condemnation and sanctions. Russian officials said that the Ukrainian boats had illegally entered Russian waters. Mr Trumps decision also comes as a US federal investigation into Russian election meddling and potential Trump campaign ties to Moscow is intensifying. Mr Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about a proposed Trump real estate project in Russia. Mr Trump has previously said that he was awaiting a full report on the incident, and a State Department spokesperson has said that the US would like to see tougher enforcement of sanctions on Russia. Story continues The two world leaders were expected to discuss security, arms control, and circumstances in the Middle East and Ukraine. Mr Trumps announcement appeared to catch Moscow by surprise, with Russian officials getting their first news of it from the media. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told RIA news agency that Mr Putin regretted Mr Trumps decision and said Russia is ready for contact with him. A cancellation means that the discussion on key international issues is being postponed indefinitely, Mr Peskov said. Mr Trump based his move on advice from senior advisers who have taken a harsher tone towards Russia than he has. He was briefed on Air Force One by secretary of state Mike Pompeo, White House chief of staff John Kelly and national security adviser John Bolton, White House spokeswoman Ms Sanders said. Earlier, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko accused Mr Putin of wanting to annexe his entire country and called for Nato to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. German chancellor Angela Merkel, who was delayed after the aircraft she was travelling on made an emergency landing in Cologne because of a technical problem, also blamed Russia. Ms Merkel accused Russia of restricting access to the Sea of Azov by building a bridge over the Kerch Strait Speaking alongside Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Groysman in Berlin early on Thursday, she said the latest crisis was entirely the doing of the Russian president and accused Moscow of violating a 2003 agreement guaranteeing free movement in the area. I want the Ukrainian soldiers released, she said. The Ukrainian side has asked us to act wisely. There is no military solution to these problems. At the G20 an annual summit between world leaders, central bank governors, and foreign ministers President Trump is expected to keep a tight schedule. The most important of a number of meetings include a planned dinner with Chinese president Xi Jinping. Mr Trump has attempted to exert financial pressure on China in recent months through tariffs on Chinese imports, and has suggested that a deal needs to be made in Argentina to avoid further tariffs from being imposed. As the president has ramped up those tariffs, the Chinese have responded in kind with tariffs on goods including American soybeans going into China an important market for US farmers that is all but cut off as a result of the harsh tariffs. In addition to that meeting with Mr Xi, Mr Trump was also expected to meet with Argentine president Mauricio Macri, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Ms Merkel. Meetings with South Korea president Moon Jae-in and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan have been downgraded from formal to informal. As well as the potential trade war between the US and China, the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the countrys Istanbul Consulate and the conflict over Ukraine threaten to overshadow the gathering, let alone Mr Trumps America First policies. The two-day summit beginning Friday is supposed to focus on development, infrastructure and food security, but those seemed largely an afterthought. However, French president Emmanuel Macron, who flew into Buenos Aires on Wednesday as one of the earliest arrivers, clung to the importance of the ideal of cooperation that the G20 represents. I believe in our capacity to make the spirit of dialogue and cooperation triumph, Mr Macron said at a joint news conference with Mr Macri, warning that if nations close down, the alternative could be trade wars or armed conflict. Associated Press contributed to this report By Roberta Rampton ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Argentina, registering his disapproval of Russia's treatment of Ukraine and casting new uncertainty over U.S.-Russian ties. Trump said he pulled out due to tensions over Russian forces opening fire on Ukrainian navy boats and then seizing them and their crew on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. His decision also comes as a federal investigation into his 2016 election campaign's ties to Russia is intensifying. Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about a proposed Trump real estate project in Russia. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted. Trump's tweet, from aboard Air Force One shortly after takeoff from Washington on the way to Buenos Aires for a Group of 20 summit, was a sudden turnaround. Roughly an hour earlier, he had told reporters he would probably meet with Putin at the summit and said it was "a very good time to have the meeting." Trump's cancellation marked a dramatic change in tone. In the past he has repeatedly stressed his desire for a warm relationship with Putin. When the two leaders met in Helsinki in July, Trump refused to criticize Putin and drew fire at home. His announcement appeared to catch Moscow by surprise, with Russian officials getting their first news of it from the media. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA news agency that the Kremlin regretted Trump's decision and said Russia is ready for contact with him. "A cancellation means that the discussion on key international issues is being postponed indefinitely," Peskov said. Trump based his move on advice from senior advisers who have taken a harsher tone toward Russia than he has. He was briefed on Air Force One by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, White House chief of staff John Kelly and national security adviser John Bolton, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Bolton has pushed for Trump to withdraw the United States from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty over what U.S. officials called Moscow's violation of it. U.S. officials are watching with alarm the crisis surrounding Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Holding talks with Putin now could represent bad optics for the White House at a time when the president is under scrutiny over prior plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about the proposed Trump Organization skyscraper in Moscow, prompting Trump to lash out at Cohen as a "liar" and "weak person." Differences over Ukraine, as well as Moscow's role in the civil war in Syria, have been an irritant in U.S.-Russian relations for years. Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey said Trump was missing an "opportunity to redeem himself, stand up for American values, stand up for international law, stand up for our own national security interests, and he had that opportunity and instead he's abdicating it. It is ironic that this President cannot find his spine to confront Vladimir Putin but can challenge the closest allies the United States has across the globe," Menendez said. The administration of former President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. That in part brought ties between Washington and Moscow to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the United States has investigated Russia's possible interference in the 2016 election that Trump won. Russia has denied meddling and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Sunday near Crimea over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, which Ukraine denies. Some of Ukraine's Western allies have raised the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia over the episode, which could deliver a blow to the Russian economy. Kiev is aiming to gain Western support for more economic sanctions against Moscow, secure tangible Western military help, and rally opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton, Makini Brice, Steve Holland and Jeff Mason in Washington and Denis Pinchuk in Moscow; Writing by Steve Holland and Lisa Lambert; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell) Tensions flared up in Ukraine this week when Russian naval vessels rammed a Ukrainian tugboat in the Sea of Azov on Nov. 25. The sea, over which Ukraine and Russia share navigation rights, has become a flashpoint since Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014. Over the last six months, Russian forces have been unlawfully detaining commercial ships seeking passage to Ukrainian ports on the Sea. The initial skirmish this past Sunday quickly escalated to Russia taking control of three Ukrainian vessels, capturing more than 20 sailors, and temporarily blocking the narrow passageway connecting the Sea of Azov to the larger Black Sea. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called Russias actions an outrageous violation of sovereign Ukrainian territory. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Moscows behavior and called for the immediate release of Ukrainian ships and personnel. President Trump has not issued a statement but threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Russias President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 summit. Still, Trump has refused to hold Russia accountable for its increasingly aggressive behavior and the Kremlin confirms that the meeting will go on as planned. Ahead of the G-20, Trumps reticence to call out Moscow for its escalatory actions sends the wrong signal to the Kremlin. The skirmish on Ukraines coast is a new escalation in Russias four-year war with Ukraine and the latest move to destabilize Ukraines economy. So far, the Azov conflict seems unlikely to lead to a full scale military assault by the Kremlin. Rather, it is part of a broader Russian effort to slowly and methodically assert increasing control over Ukrainian territoryboth land and sea. In Eastern Ukraine, Russias creeping invasion has sparked a war killing more than 10,000 Ukrainians and displacing over 1.5 million internally. In Georgia, which Russia invaded in 2008 to lay claim on two regions, the so-called internal border keeps moving, meter by meter; slowly but surely Russia is encroaching further into Georgian territory. Frozen conflictsas these Russian occupied regions are often calledare never truly frozen. Story continues Moscows strategy is to continue to push, in this slow creep fashion, as a way to test the Wests response. If the response is weakor mostly rhetoric without any action to back up the strong words of disapprovalthe Kremlin knows that it can continue to push, acting with impunity in violation of international law, without any serious consequences. Without a red line, drawn first and foremost by the United States, Russia will be emboldened to push further into the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, setting a dangerous precedent for Chinas continued aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. Trumps unwillingness to confront Russia over these recent actions against Ukraine did not go unnoticed in the Kremlin. In the almost two decades that hes been in power, Putin has shown himself to be a savvy reader of other leaders. When in 2014, Russia moved to take over and annex Crimea, the Wests weak response of limited sanctions likely emboldened the Kremlin to then invade eastern Ukraine. And when President Barack Obama did not enforce his own red line in Syria, Putin knew that there would be no retribution for Russias military intervention in support of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad in 2015. Putin may not be a great strategist, but he has been deft in his assessment of American leaders unwillingness to engage. With his continued deference to Putin, Trump is signaling to Moscow a weakness of resolve. And where Moscow sees weakness, it also sees opportunity to undermine U.S. national security interests. If Trump wishes to engage Putin from a position of strength at the G-20, he should send a clear public message to the Kremlin that Russias continued violations of international law and aggression against sovereign states will be met with assertive U.S. action, whether that be tougher economic sanctions, military support for Ukraine, or increased U.S. presence in Europes east to shore up NATO. It is not enough for this message to come from cabinet secretaries or member of Congress. In foreign affairs, the U.S. president has the ultimate say. Trump would be wise to not repeat the errors of his predecessors by sending a message of U.S. weakness. This will only embolden Russia and others who seek to undermine the U.S. and its allies. New York (AFP) - President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress over the ongoing Russia investigation in connection with a Moscow real-estate deal and Russian contacts pursued during the 2016 election. As Democrats decried the plea as evidence that Trump's associates were willing to lie about his business dealings, Trump sought to deflect mounting political pressure in an incoming House of Representatives under Democrat control by accusing Cohen of lying to get a reduced sentence. The 52-year-old Cohen, who once famously said he would take a bullet for the Republican billionaire, admitted one count of making false statements relating to an already known prospective real-estate deal in court. He exited the federal court in Manhattan, ignoring questions from reporters and got wordlessly into the back of a vehicle before being driven away. The Trump Tower deal -- which never got off the ground -- has been a focus of an investigation into whether the Trump campaign conspired with Russian operatives during the 2016 campaign, The New York Times reported. Cohen admitted to making "false, fictitious and fraudulent" written testimony to Congress in August 2017 in connection with the project. He lied to suggest that the project was shelved in January 2016 -- before the first caucus and primary voting began in the presidential election -- to downplay links between the deal and unnamed associates and in the hope of limiting the Russia investigation, according to court documents. Contrary to his original testimony, the project was discussed multiple times within the company -- beyond January 2016 -- and with efforts to obtain Russian governmental approval being discussed as late as June of that year. - 'He is lying' - Cohen also mulled traveling to Russia in connection with the project and in May 2016 was offered a possible introduction to either the Russian president or prime minister on the sidelines of a Russian forum in June 2016. Story continues Trump ultimately secured the Republican nomination for president just weeks later in July 2016. On Thursday, the president branded Cohen a "weak person" and emphasized that the property deal was ultimately dropped. "He is lying about a project that everybody knew about," Trump told reporters at the White House before jetting off to the G20 summit in Argentina. He scrapped a planned meeting in Buenos Aires with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing Moscow's detention of a group of Ukrainian sailors. Cohen's chief lawyer Lanny Davis leapt to his client's defense, saying he had "told the truth and nothing but the truth." "Michael will continue to work with the SC (Special Counsel) and others until the full truth is told," he tweeted. "Mr Cohen has cooperated, Mr Cohen will continue to cooperate. Sentencing is set for December 12," said Guy Petrillo, another of Cohen's lawyers. Cohen began talking to investigators working for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, whose probe has been a thorn in Trump's side, after pleading guilty in August to bank fraud and campaign finance violations in New York. - 'Congress must legislate' - Mueller is investigating whether the Trump election campaign in 2016 colluded with Russian efforts to damage his opponent, Hillary Clinton, and whether Trump has sought to illegally obstruct the investigation. In Washington, Democratic lawmakers pounced on Cohen's latest plea to call for the Mueller probe to be allowed run its course unimpeded. "Mueller's investigation must continue -- free from political interference by the president -- until the truth is out," said Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. "Congress should pass legislation immediately to make sure that happens." Adam Schiff, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said there was a "counterintelligence imperative" for its members, in the new Congress, to continue to probe the Trump Organization's financial links to Russia. Once known as Trump's "pit bull" and right-hand man, Cohen was privy to multi-million-dollar deals and payments to two alleged lovers -- whose claims could have potentially sabotaged his boss's 2016 election. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to charges involving his arrangement of payouts of hush money to those women -- widely thought to be porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal -- before the 2016 election. Hanging Trump out to dry, Cohen testified under oath in court that the president had directed him to break campaign finance law, while pleading guilty to bank and tax fraud. Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump has "deep concern" over Russia's armed seizure of three Ukrainian ships, the White House said Wednesday as Trump decides whether to cancel planned talks with President Vladimir Putin. During a phone call between Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "the two leaders expressed deep concern about the incident in the Kerch Strait and the continued detainment of Ukraine's vessels and crew members," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Russian border patrol boats fired on, boarded and seized the three Ukrainian vessels, along with 24 sailors, on Sunday off the coast of Crimea, a Ukrainian region annexed by Moscow. The clash has refocused international attention on the long festering conflict in Ukraine, a former Soviet republic where Russia has supported insurgents in the east and taken complete control of Crimea in the south. Trump said Tuesday that as a result of the crisis he is reconsidering plans for one-on-one talks with Putin during the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires at the end of this week. Trump and Erdogan will discuss the issue at their own talks during the G20, the White House said. Meanwhile, Putin defended Russian forces' actions on Wednesday, accusing the Ukrainians of having staged a "provocation." Ukraine's president, Petro Poroshenko, accuses the Kremlin of preparing for "full-scale war." Western governments have rallied behind Kiev, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov, used by both countries, and of using force without justification. US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with Russia's leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's isolationist agenda were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20, minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted, calling on Russia to return the ships and their detained crews. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko retweeted Trump's change of mind and added his own comment in English: "This is how great leaders act!" The cancellation coincided with a new eruption in the controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- an issue that also flared up when the pair held their only summit to date, in Finland in July. Trump again ridiculed the investigation into the allegations and accused his former lawyer Michael Cohen of lying, after Cohen pled guilty to misleading Congress. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted frostily to Trump's cancellation, saying it would free up Putin to hold other "useful meetings" at the G20. Ukraine's government hoped to embarrass Putin at the G20 by erecting a giant billboard outside the meeting, depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia captured the ships. But an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, said in Buenos Aires. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Ukraine's territorial integrity should be respected and added: "I hope that escalation can be contained." Story continues - Art of the deal - While the Putin meeting now appears off, Trump is still slated to sit down with various leaders on the G20 margins including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of his firmest foreign critics. However, Merkel's plans were disrupted by technical troubles that forced her official plane to make an emergency landing in Germany, and a spokeswoman told AFP that she would miss Friday's opening of the summit. Topping the billing is a working dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, when Trump will press for wholesale reform of the world's second-biggest economy in favor of access for US companies. After heaping huge tariffs on Chinese goods, and threatening more to come in January, Trump said a ceasefire in the trade war was "very close" -- but cast doubt on whether he even wanted one. "I think China wants to make a deal. I am open to making a deal but frankly I like the deal that we have right now," the president said. Referring to the China tariffs, he said: "What we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of taxes." However, economists and critics of the president's trade policies point out duties are paid by importers and thus constitute a tax on US industry and consumers that is not paid by China. En route to Argentina, Xi vowed on Wednesday that China would "make a lot of efforts to speed up market access, improve the investment environment and increase protection of intellectual property." But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine, and analysts doubt that Trump and Xi's dinner will serve up much beyond a commitment to negotiate further. - 'Useless' - Trump's tough talking set the stage for a contentious gathering in Argentina with the tensions over Ukraine and trade deepening fissures carved open by the US president on climate change -- an issue that nearly torpedoed last year's G20 hosted by Merkel. It is likely to be to the fore of the meeting of European leaders called by Macron, along with demands to resist the trade protectionism now stalking the world economy 10 years after the first G20 summit was held in the throes of financial crisis. In an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, the French president warned against the risk of "a destructive trade war for all." "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. But Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a communique in Buenos Aires. US opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now. With a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, Guterres said "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment." Donald Trump has said he does not believe in manmade climate change because Americas water and air is right now at a record clean. Asked why he was sceptical of a global warming report published by his own government, the US president gave a rambling response, much of it not backed by evidence, in which he blamed forest management, small oceans and China over the issue. One of the problems that a lot of people like myself - we have very high levels of intelligence, but were not necessarily such believers, Mr Trump told The Washington Post. You look at our air and our water, and its right now at a record clean. But when you look at China and you look at parts of Asia and when you look at South America, and when you look at many other places in this world, including Russia, including - just many other places - the air is incredibly dirty. And when youre talking about an atmosphere, oceans are very small. And it blows over and it sails over. I mean, we take thousands of tons of garbage off our beaches all the time that comes over from Asia. It just flows right down the Pacific, it flows, and we say where does this come from? And it takes many people to start off with. The US government climate report, made public last week, warned America faced devastating economic and health impacts from climate change by the end of the century. It predicted the countrys economy would see economic losses in the hundreds of billions by 2100, and stated there was no convincing alternative explanation for climate change besides human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases. Dismissing the report, Mr Trump continued: Number two, if you go back and if you look at articles, they talked about global freezing, they talked about at some point the planets could have freeze to death (sic), then its going to die of heat exhaustion. There is movement in the atmosphere. Theres no question. As to whether or not its manmade and whether or not the effects that youre talking about are there, I dont see it not nearly like it is. Do we want clean water? Absolutely. Do we want clean air to breathe? Absolutely. Story continues Mr Trump next moved unprompted on to Californias forest fires, again falsely blaming a lack of forest management and suggesting raking the earth could solve the issue. The president said earlier this month Finland prevented forest fires by raking, a claim that left many Fins bemused. The fire in California, where I was, if you looked at the floor, the floor of the fire, they have trees that were fallen, they did no forest management, no forest maintenance, and you can light you can take a match like this and light a tree trunk when that thing is laying there for more than 14 or 15 months, Mr Trump said. And its a massive problem in California. He continued: You go to other places where they have denser trees its more dense, where the trees are more flammable they dont have forest fires like this, because they maintain. And it was very interesting, I was watching the firemen, and theyre raking brush you know the tumbleweed and brush, and all this stuff thats growing underneath. Its on fire, and theyre raking it, working so hard, and theyre raking all this stuff. If that was raked in the beginning, thered be nothing to catch on fire. Its very interesting to see. A lot of the trees, they took tremendous burn at the bottom, but they didnt catch on fire. The bottom is all burned but they didnt catch on fire because they sucked the water, theyre wet. You need forest management, and they dont have it. President Donald Trump on Thursday bashed his former personal attorney Michael Cohen for pleading guilty to lying in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation. Cohen is weak and not a very smart person, Trump told reporters on the White House lawn, adding that he believes Cohen is lying to get a reduced prison sentence. Asked why he hired Cohen in the first place if hes such a bum, Trump replied that the lawyer had once done him a favor. A long time ago, he did me a favor, the president said. "He is a weak person... Michael Cohen is lying and he's trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me," Donald Trump said. Earlier today, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on a project to build a Trump Tower in Russia pic.twitter.com/N38VGGCduI POLITICO (@politico) November 29, 2018 At a court hearing in Manhattan on Thursday, Cohen pleaded guilty to a criminal charge, admitting that hed made false statements to Congress about his efforts to pursue a Trump Tower deal in Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohens guilty plea Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York marks the latest twist in Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether the president obstructed justice. Cohen reportedly told the court that discussions about a Trump Tower real estate project in Moscow continued into June 2016 and that Trump and his family members had been briefed about it multiple times. Earlier, Cohen had falsely told the House intelligence committee that the discussions ended in January 2016. Trump said Thursday that he had decided not to pursue that project but that there would have been nothing wrong if I did. I often joke about the fact that I was the only person who campaigned and simultaneously ran a business. But that was a project that we didnt do, Trump told reporters. The primary reason there could have been other reasons but the primary reason, it was very simple: I was focused on running for president. Story continues This deal was a very public deal everybody knows about this deal, he added. I wasnt trying to hide anything. Trump has repeatedly denied that he had any financial ties to Russia during his 2016 campaign, and has vehemently dismissed the suggestion that there was any collusion between his campaign and the Kremlin. Russia has never tried to use leverage over me, Trump tweeted in January 2017, days before he was inaugurated as president. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017 This story has been updated with additional remarks from Trump. Related... Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty In Mueller Investigation Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. President Donald Trumps tough stance with China has won over many supporters from Democrats to farmers. But not everyone is a fan of his approach of imposing tariffs. Billions of Dollars are pouring into the coffers of the U.S.A. because of the Tariffs being charged to China, and there is a long way to go, Trump tweeted Thursday morning. He declared a trade war with China by slapping 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of imported goods from China in June and threatened to raise the current 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods to 25% next year, although both sides are reportedly exploring a deal to delay that would prevent an escalating trade war. To investors, business people and economists, tariffs arent as sweet of a deal as the president claims. When businesses voice concerns over tariffs, the administration has a centerpiece in its argument: slapping tariffs on China is a negotiation tactic and the only effective tool to push China to change. What other weapons do we have? U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit. Art Laffer, an advisor to Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, said Trump told him that he has very little leverage except by threatening tariffs. But outside the administration, people see other ways to address Chinas unfair trade practice. Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, while recognizing the administrations efforts to confront China, called the idea of using tariffs as the only solution misguided. Theres a lot of other places to play here to confront this problem without resorting to broad-based tariffs. It would harm consumers and it would harm the American economy, said Bradley at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit. Bradley sees indicting bad actors and working with allies in a collective approach is a better way to deal with China. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice charged a Chinese state-owned company with stealing trade secrets from an American technology company. Story continues Thats a blunderbuss approach to a very real problem versus a tactical scalpel-like approach, where you identify the bad actors and punish them, Bradley said of imposing tariffs. The administration prefers bilateral trade talks U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross (right) speaks during the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit on November 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Bradley also believes the best thing the U.S. can do is to team up with other players in the worlds trade system, including Japan, Canada, Europe, and confront China collectively. But the administration doesnt seem to be a fan of the multilateral approach. While in trade disputes with China, Trump was also in tough negotiations with the EU and other major trading partners. The administration prefers a bilateral trade deal rather than multilateral deals, according to Ross. In a multilateral negotiation, Ross said, a country has to satisfy the requirements of various partners, which means they have to offer more. Also, a multilateral deal is more time-consuming and has a greater chance of falling apart. WTO is not as useless as Trump thinks World Trade Organization headquarters on September 21, 2018 in Geneva. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP/Getty Images) The administration also doesnt put much faith in the World Trade Organization (WTO). In the past two years that the Trump administration has been in place, the U.S. only brought one complaint against China. And Trump has even threatened to withdraw from the organization, founded in 1994 to solve trade disputes. Contrary to many peoples belief, an analysis by CATO Institute shows China actually has a pretty solid track record in complying with complaints brought to the WTO. The analysis looked at 41 complaints brought against China from 2004 to 2018 on 27 separate issues. In all 22 completed cases, with one exception where a complaint was not pursued, Chinas response was to take some action to move toward greater market access. I think that Chinas behavior is actually not that different from every other governments behavior. And the rules could apply pretty well here, said Simon Lester, a trade expert at the Cato Institute who authors the report. The way theyve approached it is to just impose tariffs first and then demand concessions from China. And I dont see how thats going to work, said Lester. Politically, its very difficult for China to make any concessions in that environment. Krystal Hu covers technology and trade for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. Read more: Americans who say their finances havent improved mostly blame Trump Why you wont feel much pain from Trumps tariffs this holiday season Amazon bought Whole Foods a year ago. Heres what has changed By Tarek Amara and Ulf Laessing TUNIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of Tunisians staged the first protests of the Arab world against Saudi Arabia's crown prince as he arrived on a visit on Tuesday, denouncing him as a murderer involved in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The protests were a rare occurrence for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler who faces no overt criticism at home and who received lavish receptions earlier in his tour in visits to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Since the 2011 "Arab Spring" uprising, which unseated several entrenched rulers in the region and triggered turmoil, Tunisia has undergone a democratic transition and is one of the few Arab countries to allow protests. Prince Mohammed was welcomed by Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi on arrival at Tunis airport, the presidency said, and the two went into talks shortly afterwards at Carthage Palace. The crown prince told Tunisian state television that Saudi Arabia has long had good relations with Tunisia, adding, "I cannot come to North Africa without visiting Tunisia...Tunisia's president is like my father." A Tunisian presidency statement issued later said Prince Mohammed and Essebsi reviewed ways to improve cooperation on the "economy and finance, investment promotion and security and military cooperation to counter extremism and terrorism". The mood in the streets was less friendly. In a second day of demonstrations against Prince Mohammed, hundreds of protesters marched along central Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis, scene of the mass protests that toppled autocratic president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. They chanted "the murderer is not welcome in Tunisia" and "shame on Tunisia's rulers" for receiving the crown prince. The killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the crown prince, at Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 has frayed Saudi Arabia's relations with the West and tarnished Prince Mohammed's image abroad. Saudi Arabia has said the prince, heir to the throne of the world's top oil exporter, had no prior knowledge of the murder. After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh said last month that Khashoggi had been killed and his body dismembered when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed. Protesters raised a large poster which depicted the Tunisian president pouring water on the bloodied hands of the Saudi crown prince - suggesting Tunisian complicity in washing away guilt. Demonstrators also called for an end to the Saudi-led military campaign in neighboring Yemen, which was launched by Prince Mohammed in his role as defense minister in 2015. The protests were in sharp contrast with earlier parts of the crown prince's tour of allied countries in the region. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi underlined the strength of Cairo's ties with Riyadh and called Saudi Arabia's security and stability "an inseparable part of Egypt's national security." DEMOCRATIC TUNISIA DIVERGES FROM SAUDIS Tunisian journalists on Monday put up a huge banner at their union showing the prince with a chainsaw, which Turkish sources have said was used to dismember Khashoggi in Istanbul. It read: "No to the pollution of the Tunisian revolution." In an apparent attempt to avoid embarrassing the prince, the presidency only invited photographers to cover his visit. It will not hold a news conference, a usual event at top visits. Last week Essebsi adviser Nourredine Ben Ticha said the truth about the killing of Khashoggi must be established but the incident should not be used to harm the kingdom's stability. Tunisia and Saudi Arabia have very different political systems. The kingdom is an absolute monarchy while Tunisia has been holding free elections since 2011 and agreed three years later on a constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights. Tunisia was a strong Saudi ally under Ben Ali but ties have since been strained at times. The kingdom granted exile to Ben Ali after he flew to Jeddah on the Red Sea following his ouster, resisting calls by some Tunisian parties to hand him over. Another irritant is that moderate Islamists have been sharing power with secularists in Tunisia since 2011. Some critics have likened the Tunisian Ennahda party to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, Tunisia has since 2011 expanded cooperation with Qatar, with which Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states severed trade and transport ties in June 2017. The four accused Doha of supporting terrorism and Iran charges Doha denies. Tunisia also has strong ties with Turkey, whose relations with Saudi Arabia have been strained by the Khashoggi killing. The crown prince departed Tunisia on Tuesday evening after a visit of several hours, Al Arabiya television said, and is expected to fly on to a G20 summit in Argentina. (Reporting by Tarek Amara, Ulf Laessing, Aidan Lewis and Lena Masri; Editing by Mark Heinrich) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A much-anticipated bill that may give the U.S. government the ability to collect civil penalties if a company misuses consumer data on the internet or allows it to be stolen could be drafted early next year, a lawmaker said on Tuesday. A subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee discussed elements of the bill on Tuesday, including the possibility that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could be given the authority as enforcer to oversee telecommunications companies and non-profits, exact civil penalties and create regulations. There is no agreement on the language of the bill, which was motivated by massive breaches of data privacy that compromised the personal information of millions of U.S. internet and social media users. These include notable breaches at large retailers and credit reporting agency Equifax Inc . Members of U.S. Congress from both parties have criticized Facebook , Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc over data breaches, a lack of online privacy options and concern about political bias. Republican Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the consumer protection, product safety, insurance and data security subcommittee, said although he supported privacy rules he was not sure about imposing civil penalties. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said at the hearing he hoped a draft would be finished "early in the session (next year)." "I have been working with Sen. Moran on a bipartisan privacy bill that I hope will make very good progress very soon," he said. Senator John Thune, who chairs the Commerce Committee, said his committee was also exploring privacy legislation but did not give details. One unresolved question is whether the federal bill will pre-empt a California law signed by Governor Jerry Brown in June giving consumers more control over how companies collect and manage their personal information, including allowing consumers to request data be deleted and to opt out of having data sold to third parties. Story continues The rules follow stringent European privacy regulations that went into effect in May. Democrats, including Blumenthal, oppose pre-empting the California bill. Big technology companies support the idea. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall) London (AFP) - British security firm G4S said Thursday that five of its employees were killed and 32 injured on Wednesday in a Taliban-claimed attack on one of its compounds in Kabul. The company, which provides security for British diplomats, said one Briton and four Afghans were killed in the attack. Militants detonated a vehicle bomb outside the compound before trying to fight their way inside. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured, five of them seriously," managing director Charlie Burbridge said in a statement. "We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing," he said. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish told AFP earlier that 10 people were killed in the attack -- all of them Afghan nationals. But police spokesman Abdul Basir Mujahid said authorities were still working to identify the nationalities of the victims. Mujahid said foreigners were among the wounded, but did not give their nationalities. An AFP photographer could see the shattered remains of a small van lying in the middle of the debris. Parts of nearby buildings in the industrial area of eastern Kabul were twisted by the violence of the blast. G4S was also targeted in an attack in March, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives before reaching the entrance of the complex. Two civilians were killed in that attack. Wednesday's assault came hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the insurgents. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and UN officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the 17-year war. (Adds quote, details, background) KIEV, Nov 27 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian military counterintelligence officer was seriously wounded after Russian aircraft fired missiles at Ukrainian vessels on Sunday, the head of Ukraine's state security service (SBU) said. Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations after Russia fired on three Ukrainian ships then seized them. The confrontation prompted Ukraine to introduce martial law in some areas, citing the threat of a Russian land invasion. "According to the confirmed operational information of the SBU, one of the Russian attack aircraft used two unguided combat missiles against the Ukrainian boats, as a result of which one of the officers of the SBU was seriously wounded," Vasyl Hrytsak said in a statement on Tuesday. Russia has said SBU officers were among those captured. Hrytsak confirmed that and said the security officers were there supporting the military. "The real surprise is the fact that against the two Ukrainian boats and the small tugboat, the Russians used six "FSB" (Russian Federal Security Service) and four naval vessels, as well as combat helicopters and airplanes of the Russian Federation Air Force," he said. He added that Ukraine's security council was taking all necessary measures to secure the release of those captured. The confrontation has exacerbated tensions already heightened after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and its backing for a pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine. (Reporting by Natalia Zinets Writing by Matthias Williams Editing by Andrew Heavens) By Thomas Escritt and Andrew Osborn BERLIN/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev to gain Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible new Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenues. His Western allies have so far not offered to provide any of these things, despite his warnings of a possible Russian invasion after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday near Crimea. Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the incident, which took place in the Black Sea near Crimea, the Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014. "Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper. "Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony." Putin has accused Poroshenko of manufacturing the crisis to boost his flagging ratings ahead of next year's elections in Ukraine. Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, said on Thursday Russia had imposed a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Kerch Strait. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. (graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/2RhSHmC) WARSHIPS Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. Ukraine is not a member of the U.S.-led military alliance. NATO, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships, said that the alliance's ships routinely patrolled and exercised in the Black Sea, that allies conducted regular air policing and reconnaissance flights there, and that the alliance had stepped up its activities since Moscow annexed Crimea. "Three NATO members - Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey - are littoral states with their own national capabilities deployed in the Black Sea region," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. "So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region." In a sign of support for Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned meeting with Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," Trump tweeted. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she thought there was no military solution to the crisis. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request for naval support appeared to be aimed at increasing tensions in the area. The prospect of NATO warships heading to the Sea of Azov which is separated from the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait seems remote as it is shallow, access to it is controlled by Russia, and the Kremlin would likely view any attempt by the Atlantic alliance to deploy there as a hostile act. Poroshenko, who has temporarily imposed martial law in parts of Ukraine over the crisis, also tweeted on Thursday that he would impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in his country. Ukraine's border service said it would only allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to Crimea via its land border with the annexed territory, while the head of the Ukrainian navy said Kiev would try to get Turkey to close the Bosphorus Strait to Russian ships. There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. MISSILE SYSTEMS Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such battalion, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying. Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance. Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said. The United States and the EU have imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct toward Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev. Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent. Poroshenko urged Berlin to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine, which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behavior," Poroshenko told the Funke newspaper group. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." But Germany's economy minister, Peter Altmaier, dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis. Poroshenko's attempts to persuade the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia are also unlikely to bear fruit any time soon, diplomats say, given divisions within the bloc over how to deal with Moscow. Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday. (Additional reporting by Tom Balmforth and Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow, Michelle Martin in Berlin and Pavel Polityuk and Matthias Williams in Kiev; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Gareth Jones) Port Louis (Mauritius) (AFP) - Reggae music, whose calm, lilting grooves found international fame thanks to artists like Bob Marley, on Thursday won a spot on the United Nations' list of global cultural treasures. UNESCO, the world body's cultural and scientific agency, added the genre that originated in Jamaica to its collection of "intangible cultural heritage" deemed worthy of protection and promotion. Reggae music's "contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual," UNESCO said. The musical style joined a list of cultural traditions that includes the horsemanship of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, a Mongolian camel-coaxing ritual and Czech puppetry, and more than 300 other traditional practices that range from boat-building, pilgrimages and cooking. Reggae emerged in the late 1960s out of Jamaica's ska and rocksteady genres, also drawing influence from American jazz and blues. The style quickly became popular in the United States as well as in Britain, where many Jamaican immigrants had moved in the post-WWII years. It was often championed as a music of the oppressed, with lyrics addressing sociopolitical issues, imprisonment and inequality. Reggae also became associated with Rastafarianism, which deified the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie and promoted the sacramental use of ganja, or marijuana. The 1968 single "Do the Reggay" by Toots and the Maytals was the first popular song to use the name, and Marley and his group the Wailers produced classic hits such as "No Woman, No Cry" and "Stir It Up." Jamaica applied for reggae's inclusion on the list this year at a meeting of the UN agency on the island of Mauritius, where 40 proposals were under consideration. "Reggae is uniquely Jamaican," said Olivia Grange, the Caribbean island nation's culture minister, before the vote. "It is a music that we have created that has penetrated all corners of the world." Washington (AFP) - US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday slammed Beijing for failing to offer "meaningful reform" on aggressive trade policies that harm US workers and industry, and threatened tariffs on Chinese autos. The latest trade threat against China comes days before President Donald Trump is due to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a G20 summit in Argentina to defuse the ongoing trade conflict between the world's top two economic powers. Instead, Lighthizer's statement escalated the dispute further, saying: "China's aggressive, state-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to US workers and manufacturers." And while talks continue, "As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform," he said. The country's policies on auto tariffs are "especially egregious," taxing US cars at more than double the rate it charges other countries. "At the president's direction, I will examine all available tools to equalize the tariffs applied to automobiles," he said. Trump already has imposed steep punitive tariffs on about half of the Chinese goods imported into the US market each year, and has threatened to target the remaining $267 billion as well -- which would hit Apple iPhones and laptops produced in China. Earlier this month, Xi and Trump discussed the US-China trade conflict during a phone conversation that Trump called "very good." Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again. - Tough conditions - But tensions came to the fore again at a summit when Xi and US Vice President Mike Pence delivered competing speeches criticizing each other's trade and investment practices. Xi lashed out at "America First" trade protectionism, while Pence warned smaller countries not to be seduced by China's massive Belt and Road infrastructure program. Trump heads to Buenos Aires on Thursday for a Group of 20 summit that is confronted with increasingly dire warnings, by the International Monetary Fund among others, of the potential harm faced by the world economy from the president's trade wars. Story continues Trump is due to meet Xi for a working dinner at the summit that runs Friday and Saturday. Economic advisor Larry Kudlow told a White House press conference that "the president said there is a good possibility that we can make a deal and he is open to it." Despite Kudlow's repeated insistence that Trump sees cause for optimism, he also underlined the tough conditions that the administration wants to impose on Beijing. "China should change its practices and come into the community of responsible trading nations," Kudlow said, stressing that he considers the US economy in far better shape than China's to weather a prolonged trade war. "We are in a position to deal with it and handle it very well," he said. China will have to give way on "fairness and reciprocity," he said, warning that US concerns over intellectual property theft and China's forced technology transfers "must be solved." Jack Bogle, founder and retired CEO of The Vanguard Group. Bogle is the father of the index fund and low-cost investing. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/Files Mutual fund giant Vanguard wants more investors to invest like the big fish. This week, the company announced that it would lower the barrier to entry for 38 of its top-tier index funds from a minimum of $10,000 to $3,000, allowing for more investors to take advantage of the bulk discount. For years Vanguard has had two different kinds of shares for mutual funds: Investor Shares and Admiral Shares. While they may offer the same product, Vanguard launched Admiral Shares in 2000 to benefit long-tenured accounts, giving them a lower expense ratio. For example, Investor shares of Vanguards S&P 500 index fund, VFINX, has an expense ratio of 0.14%, while the Admiral version, VFIAX, costs just 0.04%. This is the same price as Vanguards S&P 500 ETF, VOO. (The percentage of your investment the fund charges for administrative and management expenses.) The fund that holds these Investor and Admiral Shares, the Vanguard 500 Index fund, is the most famous index fund of all time, started by legendary investor and Vanguard founder Jack Bogle. It currently holds $431.2 billion. Previously, the Admiral Shares version would have required a $10,000 investment to get that favorable expense ratio. So if you had $5,000 in one of these funds, you will be paying just $2 instead of $7 per year. The conversion will happen automatically in the second quarter of 2019, or a client can convert themselves now. Conversions are tax-free. Its not a big change, as Vanguards funds are generally very low cost anyway. But it does mean that a larger swath of the population will now have access to mutual fund versions of an index at the same price as the ETF version. (You can invest in an index through either a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund.) The difference between the two share classes depends on the specific fund, but Vanguard pegs it between 15% and 71% in expense savings when the Admiral is an option. Vanguard expects this to deliver $71 million in aggregate savings to its clients, who are also its shareholders, as the company is effectively a cooperative. Story continues Vanguard said that the minimum investment for Admiral Shares for actively managed funds remains at $50,000. Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, retail, personal finance, and more. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Google finally lets iPhones use its cell phone service ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The Archdiocese of Santa Fe announced Thursday it will soon be filing for bankruptcy protection, as the Catholic church in New Mexico has settled numerous claims of sexual abuse by clergy over the years and is close to depleting its reserves. About 20 dioceses and other religious orders around the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy protection as a result of clergy sex abuse claims, according to lawyers representing the archdiocese. Archbishop John Wester said he had been contemplating the action for years but that the archdiocese had reached a tipping point and he wanted to ensure there would be resources to provide compensation for victims. "I wish to make clear that our first and foremost concern is the victims of sexual abuse and our desire to do all we can to provide for their compensation," he told reporters. "Reorganization helps us to provide in an equitable manner, especially for those who could come forward in the future as well as those who have already taken the courageous step of making a claim." Wester acknowledged a charged atmosphere, pointing to the clergy sex abuse investigation in Pennsylvania and other cases that have garnered national attention. He said the archdiocese has about three dozen cases and he said there will likely be more. The announcement came as the state attorney general's office served a pair of search warrants on Wednesday, seeking documents related to two former New Mexico priests who had been credibly accused of sexually abusing children. The warrants, made public Thursday, describe in graphic detail the sexual abuse endured by children years ago at the hands of the two priests. The warrants were based on the statements of two unidentified victims and a confidential informant who provided information about the church not following through on settlements and giving ultimatums to victims. That included threats of stopping paid treatment if victims went to authorities with their claims or sought help from doctors that weren't referred by the church. Story continues Brad Hall, an attorney who has represented more than 100 victims of Catholic clergy abuse in New Mexico, said survivors could be helped by the bankruptcy system to get closure and more transparency. Calling the archdiocese one of the epicenters of clergy sex abuse in the U.S., Hall suggested the bankruptcy petition is not about money but rather about stopping future claims and trying to control access to past records. New Mexico has a long history with clergy sex abuse because many priests from around the country were sent to the state in the 1960s to get treatment for pedophilia. Victims, lawyers and church documents show the priests were later assigned to parishes and schools across the state. Numerous lawsuits resulted over the years, and the church was forced during the 1990s to begin publicly addressing the problem. Wester outlined some of the changes that were made, from adopting a zero tolerance policy and establishing an independent review board to requiring background checks and regular training. He also said the church has done its best to provide support and healing for those who have been harmed by abuse. Church officials could not immediately estimate how many millions of dollars have been paid out to settle claims. "It's a tragedy this ever happened in the first place," he said, adding that he believes the Chapter 11 reorganization is a good way to go forward and will have the most promising outcome for everyone. As part of the process, attorneys said survivors who have filed claims will be represented in bankruptcy court and notice will be put out for those who have yet to file claims. Once all the claims are filed, the archdiocese will try to reach a collective settlement with all the plaintiffs, a process that could take a year or more. As for future claims, the court can approve an amount that would be set aside in a special fund for victims to seek recourse. The archdiocese was first to announce Wednesday that it had provided the state attorney general's office with records related to former priests Marvin Archuleta and Sabine Griego. The two are on the archdiocese's list of clergy members who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing children. Church officials said their staff would continue to cooperate with prosecutors and law enforcement, but prosecutors said the records were only provided after serving a search warrant. Attorney General Hector Balderas in a letter accused the archdiocese's legal team of delaying and creating barriers to records that he described as vital to his investigation. Wester denied that allegation. Letters exchanged between prosecutors and lawyers for the archdiocese show they have been at odds over access for months. State prosecutors in September asked to review personnel records for any material that might be related to past or present allegations of abuse. Letters seeking "full disclosure and transparency" were sent to the archdiocese as well as church leaders in Las Cruces and Gallup. The request came in the wake of a grand jury report that said more than 300 Catholic priests abused at least 1,000 children over the past seven decades in six Pennsylvania dioceses. That report said senior figures in the church hierarchy systematically covered up complaints. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Our daydreams can often take us to far away lands and uncharted territories where were so far away from all that we know and see on a day-to-day basis; places where we cannot answer our work emails because theres no WiFI, cant pick up the phone because theres no service and cant be bothered by any nagging obligations or everyday stress. Sometimes, in fact, we wish we could just go to the most remote part of the world that exists in order to disconnect and get away. Imagine if someone offered you that chance for free and all you had to do was click a button? Looks like that will be the reality for 217 adventure-seekers set to jet to Greenlands most remote town, Ittoqqortoormiit in the month of March 2019 and you can easily become one of them. For starters, being able to pronounce Ittoqqortoormiit is not a requirement so you can let that worry slide off of your (soon to be snow-covered) back. Hotels.com is offering a free (literally, theres no catch) trip for travelers headed to Ittoqqortoormiit all you have to do is sign up on the site using the code REMOTE to redeem the offer. Guests will be put up in the Ittoqqortoormiit Guesthouse, the only hotel in the entire town which boasts a population of 450 people (this number doesnt include the roaming Polar Bears and other wildlife, of course.) Guests will get to experience the Northern Lights at their doorstep (casual) and an arctic wonderland that is rarely experienced by anyone other than the villagers themselves talk about crushing your Instagram game! We would tell you to pack lightly but youre probably going to need layers on layers, seeing as spring temperatures on Ittoqqortoormiit range from negative 20 degrees celsius to zero. Getting to Ittoqqortoormiit, however, presents a bit of a challenge youll need to fly into Reykjavik to begin, take two more planes (Reykjavik to Akureyri, Akureyri to Constable Point) followed by a helicopter (Constable Point to Ittoqqortoormiit) and an ATV ride that will get you to your accommodations Visitors will only have to pay for 1 percent of the room rate (plus taxes and charges the may apply) and for their transportation to and from Ittoqqortoormiit. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia's Roman Catholic archdiocese released the names Thursday of priests or deacons who it said have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse since 1950. Eleven of the 18 accused clergy are deceased, the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston said in a news release. None of the others are in active ministry. More than 2,000 files containing tens of thousands of documents were reviewed. The diocese hopes the release "will be one of many steps taken to restore trust with parishioners and the broader community in West Virginia," Wheeling-Charleston Archbishop William Lori said. The list included brief descriptions of accusations included inappropriate touching, abuse or solicitation. One of the accused priests, the Rev. Felix Owino, was deported to Africa following his 2010 conviction in northern Virginia of aggravated sexual battery of a girl. Owino had served as an associate pastor at a Catholic church in Weirton and also taught at Wheeling Jesuit University. The case of Brother Rogers Hannan, who served at two parishes in McDowell County, was referred to a prosecutor. He was convicted and sentenced in 2014 to up to 10 years in prison for solicitation of a minor. The Rev. Victor Frobas, who served at multiple West Virginia parishes, was convicted in 1988 of molesting two boys at a parish in suburban St. Louis. He served more than two years in prison and died in 1993. The Rev. Paul J. Schwarten, who served at parishes in Weston, Ronceverte and White Sulphur Springs more than a half century ago, served 18 months in prison for inappropriately touching a minor in Nebraska. He died in 1993. Also released is a list of 13 accused priests from other regions or dioceses who served in West Virginia but had no claims filed against them with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The list was released two months after Pope Francis accepted the resignation of West Virginia Bishop Michael Bransfield and authorized an investigation into allegations he sexually harassed adults. "This list undoubtedly reveals the failings of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to fully protect young people within the Church," Lori said. "Rightly, many have a cause for anger and pain. I offer my sincerest apologies to all victims of sexual abuse and vow to strive to take proper action to ensure the safety of children and others in our care." Altria Group shares (MO) jumped more than 2% in morning trading after the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday evening that the tobacco company was exploring taking a minority stake in the market dominating e-cigarette startup Juul Labs. The move by Altria, one of the worlds largest tobacco companies that made its fortune through its traditional cigarette brands like Marlboro and Virginia Slims, would significantly bolster the companys e-cigarette offerings. While Altria manufactures e-cigarettes and cig-a-like products, its offerings have paled in comparison to the rapid rise of Juuls market leading e-cig that, for better or for worse, has attracted a cult-like following among younger customers. Altrias total e-cigarette sales, which topped $217 million in the 52-week period ending November 3, accounted for about 8% of the $2.74 billion e-cigarette market, according to Nielsen data compiled by Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog. To compare, Altrias traditional cigarette revenue over the same period topped $33 billion. Market leading Juul notched nearly $1.7 billion in e-cigarette sales, accounting for over 60% of the total e-cig category over the same 52-week period. The startup is accelerating the rate at which it steals market share, however. Last month, Juul stretched to account for about 75% of total e-cig dollar sales. Altria continues to lose market share in the e-cig category. Commenting on the potential deal, Herzog applauded what both companies stand to gain. We think this would be the absolute right decision for [Altria] given where we think the reduced risk industry is heading and because Juul is the it brand, she said, reiterating her Outperform rating on Altria stock. Ultimately, we believe [Altrias] stake in Juul will help to catapult Juuls growth internationally. Juul has been testing lower nicotine pods ahead of plans to expand in the European Union where nicotine regulations require lower amounts than what Juul currently offers in its e-cig pods. Both companies, however, have been facing increasing regulatory pressure from the Food & Drug Administration as FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has repeatedly decried a rise in underage e-cigarette use. The FDA gave top manufacturers 60 days to come up with plans to curtail underage use earlier this summer. Altria responded by offering to pull its MarkTen e-cigarettes from the market and limiting flavors in its cig-a-like products that were said to appeal to teens. Earlier this month, Juul announced it was shutting down its social media accounts and also halting the sale of its flavored e-cigarette pods at retail locations. Story continues Altria is still awaiting FDA approval of the heat-not-burn IQOS vaping device from sister company Philip Morris that Altria plans to distribute in the U.S. Investing in Juul could be a hedge against the success of IQOS, as much as it is a bet on a startup that has blown past big tobaccos offerings in the e-cig market. Juul is hot Since launching its e-cig, which looks like a USB drive, in 2015, Juul has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Sales have been growing exponentially for the past two years, and after raising $650 million from investment fund Tiger Global this summer, Juul became the quickest startup in history to reach a valuation of more than $10 billion just seven months after its first fundraising round. Leading e-cigarette maker Juul Labs was able to go from first VC round to a valuation of over $10 billion in the record time of just seven months. With a nearly $16 billion valuation attached to Juuls last fundraising round, Altria would likely have to pay a dollar figure in the low billions to take a significant stake in the startup, but Herzog believes it would still be money well spent. From a balance sheet standpoint, we think the investment would be entirely do-able for [Altria] given its very low leverage and excellent cash flow, she wrote. While we assume [Altria] would pay a fairly rich multiple to acquire its Juul stake, we think this would be the absolute right decision A Juul spokesperson declined to comment on the reported Altria deal talks. Zack Guzman is a senior writer and on-air reporter covering entrepreneurship, startups, and breaking news at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @zGuz. Read more: Juul surpasses Facebook as fastest startup to reach decacorn status How Juul became the FDAs latest target Joe Camel illustrator: E-cig maker Juuls marketing seems more egregious Few campaign promises have been as concrete or as persistent as Donald Trumps pledge to build a wall on the border with Mexico. But as lawmakers consider what is likely the final chance for them to hand the President a win, there is little agreement. With Democrats set to claim their majority in the House of Representatives in January, Trumps final opportunity to get Congress to agree to money for a border wall comes down to a looming deadline to pass appropriations bills: Dec. 7, a date literally circled in red ink on some senior lawmakers calendars. At different times, Trump has entertained not signing such a bill if it didnt include border funding, which would cause a partial government shutdown; argued that Democrats should work with him to pay for a border wall in exchange for other compromises; rejected just such a Democratic compromise; and claimed, rather inaccurately, that construction on the wall has already begun. Weve actually started big sections of the wall, but we want to finish the wall, Trump said Monday during a rally in Tupelo, Miss. Weve got to get funding from Congress. And if this isnt the right time to get funding, when you look at whats happening at the border, there will never be a right time. So were going very strongly for funding for the wall. The clashing messages have only made negotiations more difficult, especially within the Republican caucus. Few lawmakers want to see a shutdown, which would affect important hubs of the federal government such as Treasury, State and Justice departments. (Congress earlier in the year approved $1.6 billion to repair existing fencing and build new pieces, although it is nothing like the prototypes of the border wall Trump has toured and promised.) Those around Trump both in the Administration and in Congress understand his wish list but not his demands. Some of his allies are pushing for restrictions on asylum petitions and cuts to immigration, both legal and illegal. Others are trying to keep the debate centered on the physical wall itself. For his part, Trump has mused that a good shutdown might be just what the doctor ordered to dislodge the construction cranes. Story continues All of which makes this new deadline all the more serious, chiefly because the Nov. 6 midterm elections tipped the House into Democrats hands, and these negotiations will be the last time Trump will have a unified Republican government until at least 2021. As Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican and chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, said on Twitter: We have to fund the wall in December. Its now or never. As things stand, never might be the safer bet. The President has been left red-faced over his failed red line in the past. He was unable to finalize a deal with Democrats to build the wall in exchange for protections for children brought into the country illegally as young children. The DREAMers-for-wall trade never came about, and a similar proposal for immediate legal status-leading-to-citizenship for 1.8 million DREAMers also came up short. A follow-up effort to include $25 billion wall allocation as part of a massive $1.3 trillion spending bill last March similarly was for naught. Trump threw a tantrum on Twitter when he realized he was about to sign a gargantuan, deficit-laden bill without a corresponding brick-and-mortar wall. After a series of frantic phone calls, Congressional Republicans convinced Trump to sign the spending measure. But Trump warned he would not agree to a similar measure again without funding for the wall. Now Congress is back at the same point, and a wall is in the check-out basket but not the trunk. The incoming House Republican Leadership team huddled at the White House on Tuesday to hash out a plan. Speaking to reporters after, Rep. Steve Scalise, who is set to move up from the No. 3 post to the No. 2 role next year, said Trump stuck with his $5 million demand, but the Louisiana Republican didnt respond to questions about the timing. A White House official said the group discussed the budget and border, as well as wildfires, criminal justice and GMs decision to close plants. All of this explains why Congress is choking down its panic as it writes a massive series of spending bills ahead of next Fridays midnight deadline. And, once again, Trump is proving an inconsistent negotiating partner, with just eight days left until the government runs out of cash. (Or, in the view of the Meadows partner in the Freedom Caucus, Rep. Jim Jordan, just five weeks until Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi takes command of the House again.) Hill Republicans have watched as Trump demanded $20 billion for a border wall, then retreated to $5 billion in recent weeks. The incoming Republican Leader, Kevin McCarthy of California, briefly pumped the number up to $25 million with the Presidents encouragement. That measure seems to be waiting in the wings for the new Congress next year and is not seen as a credible proposal. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, is drawing his line at $1.6 billion, a number agreed to in June that would cover about 65 miles in the Rio Grande Valley. The Republicans are in control of the presidency, the House and the Senate. A shutdown is on their backs, he said, noting the Administration hasnt spent the money they got in an earlier budget. Sen. Richard Shelby, who is guiding the spending in the Senate, told reporters that Trump has told him the White House demanded $5 billion: Thats what he tells us. Shelby told reporters a veto of anything less may be in the offing. Left unsaid: theres no telling what Trump might do when faced with a pen-or-shutdown choice at a White House already decorated for the holidays. Even Trumps allies in Congress are saying this is a very tiny step towards actually fixing anything, and that a bigger immigration compromise is essential. We need better barriers but we also have to fix these laws, said Sen. Ron Johnson, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee and has introduced legislation addressing the separation of families at the U.S. border. This is just not workable. We have to focus on the root of these problems, he said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who alone controls the Senate floor, was typically circumspect when he met with reporters Tuesday at the Capitol. Were trying to get the President the money he would like for the wall, the Kentucky Republican said. Republicans expect an easy vote in the House, assuming the conservative Freedom Caucus troublemakers dont derail the process. The challenge for Republicans will be in the Senate, where Republicans have just 51 votes and need support from nine Democrats to overcome a procedural hurdle. Four Democratic Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Bill Nelson of Florida, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana lost their re-election bids and may have little appetite for one last political brawl. At the same time, Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, seems to want to get past the debate quickly. Ill support whatever it takes to secure the border, he said. Most senior Hill officials expect the final cost to be somewhere between $1.6 billion and $5 billion, but maybe only a part of it could be used to build the physical wall. Republicans are proposing some of that money be used to deal with the costs of the military garrisons stationed at the border, on Trumps election-season command. Democrats are offering a suggestion that the money be used to add more judges to adjudicate immigration and asylum cases at the heart of the backlog on the southern border. But its anyones guess at this point, with more than a week to go. In other words, its like negotiating with Jell-O: No matter how hard Republicans have tried, they cannot get anything to stick, everything gets a little slimy the longer it sits on a table and it is, by its very nature, wobbly. Trump cant leave the refrigerator door closed long enough for the dessert to harden. Oh, and that promise that Mexico would pay for that wall? Thats still a figment of Trumps imagination. Mexican officials have consistently refused to partake in that flight of fancy and instead are watching as U.S. officials are trying to placate a President who has been within reach of victory several times before, only to see it slip away. With reporting by Alana Abramson Special counsel Robert Muellers team indicted Roger Stone, a longtime aide and informal adviser to President Donald Trump, and FBI agents on Friday arrested Stone at his Florida home. Stones arrest and indictment is one of the biggest developments in months for the Mueller investigation, which has zeroed in on connections between Trumps associates and WikiLeaks the organization that published a trove of emails Russian hackers stole from Hillary Clintons campaign manager ahead of the 2016 election. The special counsel alleges in the seven-count indictment that Stone lied to lawmakers about his dealings with WikiLeaks and spoke to senior Trump Campaign officials about the organization during the presidential campaign. Months earlier, Muellers team reportedly questioned witnesses around potential links between Trumps allies and WikiLeaks. Draft court documents emerged in November detailing email exchanges that potentially show Trumps allies had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks plans to publish the hacked emails. The Guardian also reported that month that former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort met multiple times with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange prior to the election. Here is what we know so far about the potential links between Trumps campaign and WikiLeaks: Mueller Charges Roger Stone With Lying About WikiLeaks Muellers investigation has long been circling around Stone who was a political consultant on the Trump campaign and his associates. A central focus of the probe is whether anyone in the campaign knew ahead of time that WikiLeaks had Clinton campaign chair John Podestas internal emails and planned to publish them. Mullers indictment accuses Stone of repeatedly talking with Trump campaign officials about WikiLeaks and its email releases. After WikiLeaks published its first set of stolen Podesta emails on Oct. 7, 2016, the indictment says, a high-ranking Trump official texted Stone to say well done. Story continues The indictment also alleges Stone attempted to intimidate a witness in the investigation radio host Randy Credico, who had connections with WikiLeaks. Stone allegedly told Credico to lie in his testimony to a grand jury, and threatened Credicos therapy dog, Bianca. The indictment suggests that after WikiLeaks initial release of stolen emails, senior Trump campaign officials were eager to know if Stone could find out about any additional document dumps. Stone was contacted by senior Trump Campaign officials to inquire about future releases by Organization 1, meaning WikiLeaks, according to the indictment. Stones attorney, Grant Smith, disputed the charges. He said in a statement following Stones arrest that there was no Russian collusion and that the indictment was an attempt at silencing Stone. Paul Manafort pleaded guilty to two criminal charges in September. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) In addition to Credico, a key figure in this aspect of the investigation is conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi, a prominent birther and former Washington bureau chief for InfoWars. Muellers team began questioning Corsi in early September, as it looked into his role as a possible middleman between Stone and WikiLeaks. But Corsi claimed in a YouTube livestream on Nov. 12 that his cooperation with Mueller had broken down and he expected to be indicted. The focus on Stone and Corsi intensified after multiple outlets reported in late November that draft court documents from Muellers team alleged Corsi sent Stone an email alerting him that WikiLeaks planned to release damaging material about Clinton. Word is friend in embassy plans 2 more dumps. One shortly after Im back. 2nd in Oct. Impact planned to be very damaging, Corsi emailed Stone in August, according to the draft document, accurately predicting that WikiLeaks would release Podestas emails in October. Another exchange in the draft document involved Stone emailing Corsi to tell him to obtain the WikiLeaks emails from Assange, who has been holed up for years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London avoiding extradition charges. Corsi then forwarded Stones email to London-based conservative author Ted Malloch, the document alleges. Corsi and Stone both deny having advance knowledge of the emails. This episode increased scrutiny on Stone, who repeatedly claimed during the campaign that he was in contact with Assange and who tweeted in August 2016 that Podesta would soon be facing time in the barrel. WikiLeaks denied ever meeting Stone, both publicly and in internal messages obtained by The Intercept. Unconfirmed Reports Of Manafort Meeting Assange Another ongoing plotline in the Mueller investigation concerns former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. The Guardian reported in November that Manafort visited Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy in London three times. The meetings, said to have taken place in 2013, 2015 and 2016, would add an additional link between Trumps campaign and WikiLeaks. The meeting in 2016 is reported to have taken place around March, when Manafort was part of the Trump campaign. Both Manafort and WikiLeaks have denied that the meeting took place, but The Guardian is standing behind its reporting. This story relied on a number of sources. We put these allegations to both Paul Manafort and Julian Assanges representatives prior to publication. Neither responded to deny the visits taking place, a spokesperson from The Guardian told HuffPost. Julian Assange has been in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for years, seeking safety from extradition. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) The Guardians report was published one day after Mueller filed a complaint against Manafort, accusing him of breaching a plea deal by lying to investigators. Its unclear exactly what Manafort, who pleaded guilty in September to two criminal charges that covered a wide range of illegal activity, is accused of misleading prosecutors about. Trump said Wednesday that giving his former campaign chairman a presidential pardon was not off the table. Trumps lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told HuffPost that the president has no knowledge of Manafort ever meeting the WikiLeaks founder. WikiLeaks Slides Into Trump Jr.s DMs In one of the more bizarre connections between the Trump campaign and WikiLeaks, the organization sent Donald Trump Jr. a series of direct messages on Twitter in late September 2016. WikiLeaks told Trump Jr. that an anti-Trump political action committee was set to launch, and that WikiLeaks had guessed the password for the site. It told the presidents son to read the PACs About section see who was running it. Trump Jr. responded to WikiLeaks hours later, thanking it for the information and saying, Off the record I dont know who that is, but Ill ask around. Trump Jr. and WikiLeaks would talk several times in the future, including when WikiLeaks asked the presidents son to push out or comment on an October 2016 story about Clinton saying she wanted to just drone Assange. Trump Jr. responded that the campaign had already done that earlier in the day, then followed up by asking what was behind talk of a forthcoming leak. The correspondence between Trump Jr. and WikiLeaks continued for months, although it mostly involved WikiLeaks sending comments and requests without receiving replies. This article has been updated to include Roger Stones arrest. Related Coverage Trump Rips Robert Mueller As 'Prosecutor Gone Rogue' After Paul Manafort Complaint Mueller Focused On Tip About Roger Stone And WikiLeaks Plans, Document Shows Trump Floats Potential Pardon For Paul Manafort In Mueller Probe Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. NEW YORK (AP) Back when business was starting to boom, notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman took delight in seeing massive cocaine shipments arriving by air from Colombia, occasions he code-named "parties" that made him so rich he could pay multimillion-dollar bribes to a powerful police commander, a government witness at Guzman's U.S. trial testified Monday. Miguel Angel Martinez told the jury that while working for Guzman in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the largest shipment ever seen at that time was carried by a fleet of 10 planes, each hauling hundreds of kilos, that landed one day on a hidden airstrip. At the time, Guzman "was very happy," Martinez said. He added Guzman told him, "Compadre, now it's a great party." Martinez, testifying in the trial's third week, also told the jury that the Sinaloa cartel paid $10 million in drug money bribes at least twice to Guillermo Gonzalez Calderoni, a top law enforcement official in Mexico City. In exchange, Calderoni tipped off the cartel about investigations and offered other protections that helped keep Guzman from getting caught. Calderoni was known in that era for helping solve the slaying of a drug enforcement agent by drug dealers in Mexico in 1985. He also was accused of corruption and torture before slipping out of the country to live in McAllen, Texas, where he was gunned down in a suspected hit in 2003. Guzman was extradited to the United States last year to face drug-trafficking charges accusing him of running a cartel known for greed and violence. His lawyers say he is being framed by cooperators like Martinez, whose witness protection status remains unclear. To show that Martinez actually knew Guzman, prosecutors entered into evidence a photo they said shows him sitting next to Guzman at a social gathering sometime in the early 1990s. The prosecutors had the face of Martinez obscured because they say having images of him go public could put his life in danger. Story continues Last week, another former cartel member who has pleaded guilty and is behind bars testified that a high-level security chief in Mexico and a second law enforcement official who once worked under the country's new president-elect took millions of dollars in bribes in the mid-2000s. Martinez testified that, after washing out as a pilot for Guzman by nearly crashing a plane with his boss aboard, he was made a cartel administrator helping oversee the Colombian shipments and bribery. He said that he and Guzman became so close that Guzman became the godfather of his son. He described how Guzman was born into poverty in a part of the Sinaloa countryside known for growing marijuana and poppies for heroin. He testified that the future kingpin told him he went into the drug trade because "he didn't have anything to eat." New York (AFP) - A Mexican former pilot and one-time friend of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman told the kingpin's New York trial Wednesday how the defendant had ordered him dead four times. Miguel Angel "El Gordo" Martinez was extradited to the United States in 2001 and was subpoenaed to testify at Guzman's federal trial in Brooklyn. The terms of his witness protection program affording him a new identity in the United States require him to cooperate with the government. Martinez claimed that he fought "tooth and nail" against his extradition and that while he insists he never once betrayed his former friend, the paranoid Guzman ordered hits on his life. "I never mentioned Mr Guzman, I never failed him, I never stole from him, I never betrayed him, I took care of all his family and the only thing I got from him is four attacks against me," he told jurors. Martinez worked for Guzman in the Sinaloa cartel as a drugs big-wig in Mexico City, earning at least $3 million and in the process becoming so addicted to the class A drug that his nose had to be repaired. The bulky witness in his 60s, with a bald head and mustache, said he was testifying against his will, fearing that Guzman could order a fifth attempt on his life. Martinez claimed that he was in counseling for anxiety with a psychologist recommended by the US government. "I cannot sleep," he complained. Martinez said the four attempts on his life took place in Mexican prisons between his arrest in 1998 and his arrival in the United States in 2001. The first three were knifings. In the third attempt, he was stabbed in the face six times. Before the fourth attack, he said a band of musicians outside the jail played one of Guzman's favorite songs back-to-back at least 20 times, featuring the lyric "when we die we are only dust." On that occasion, a man threw two grenades into his cell, but he hid and said he avoided injury. Martinez spent nearly 10 years in prison in Mexico and the United States. After his extradition, he pleaded guilty and began cooperating with the government in exchange for a new identity for himself and his family, and in the hope of reducing his initial 18-year sentence. The migrant caravan at the southwest border has sparked a heated debate in the U.S. about asylum. According to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. But President Trump has frequently called those rights and those seeking them into question. On Nov. 26 he said, Well, if you look, the percentage of women and children is very small relative to young men coming in. But according to the State Department, the percentages of men and women seeking asylum from 2014 to 2016 were nearly equal. And the ages of the majority coming in ranged from less than a year old to 17. The president also retweeted a post claiming that illegals can get up to $3,874 a month under Federal Assistance program. Immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally dont qualify for most government benefit programs, including food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance and public housing. While asylees are eligible for cash assistance, they must meet certain requirements to be considered. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services says that refugees are eligible to receive $332 with shelter costs for their first eight months. Earlier this month the president said, Democrats plan to destroy health care also includes raiding Medicare to fund benefits for illegal immigrants. Not something that Indianas really thrilled about. Your taxes will triple. But according to the Indiana Health Department, refugees are subject to the same taxes as U.S. citizens. However, theyre unable to vote. The president has also said that only 5 percent of asylum seekers show up to court, while the Justice Department reports the number is actually 60 percent to 75 percent. Migrants now at the border will likely have to wait months to apply for asylum in the U.S. The Trump administration has placed caps on the number of people allowed to apply each day. Theyre also speaking with the Mexican government to figure out what to do with refugees who are waiting at the border in the meantime. Dubai (AFP) - Yemen's Huthi rebels said Thursday they will attend UN-brokered peace talks next week in Sweden if guarantees to ensure they can leave home and return back are maintained. "I think that the national (Huthi) delegation will be in Sweden God willing on December 3 if guarantees remain to ensure they can depart and return," said Mohammed Ali al-Huthi on Twitter. Huthi, who heads the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee, said there should also be "positive indications on the importance of peace from the other side". His remarks offered the first clear indication that the Iran-linked Huthis will attend the UN-brokered peace talks, although in past days they have said they supported the negotiations. It was also the first time that a key player in the Yemen war specified a date for the talks which the United Nations has said it would begin in early December in Sweden. In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks failed when the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. The Huthi's top political leader Mahdi al-Mashat confirmed in a statement published by the rebels' news agency later Thursday that their negotiating team was ready to head to Sweden. He called for a reduction in hostilities ahead of the talks and said rebels were exercising "high levels of self-restraint". Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is also backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, has already said it would attend the planned talks in Sweden. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in a statement to mark Yemen's Independence Day insisted the government was committed to peace and not "calling for war". Story continues Despite the latest calls for peace, both government and rebel media reported ongoing clashes across the country. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has held talks separately in the past few days with officials from both sides as part of efforts to lay the ground work for the peace talks. He met Huthi in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa and had talks with Yemeni officials in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. According to UN figures, nearly 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition joined the conflict in 2015 to bolster Hadi, triggering what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Rights groups fear the actual toll is far higher. By Mohammed Ghobari ADEN (Reuters) - Yemen's warring parties suggested on Thursday that they would attend U.N.-sponsored peace talks expected to be held in Sweden next week as Western countries press for an end to a conflict that has pushed millions to the edge of starvation. The United Nations is trying to reconvene talks between the Saudi-backed government led by Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Iranian-aligned Houthis who control much of the north to agree on a framework for peace. A previous attempt to hold talks in Geneva in September collapsed when the Houthis failed to show up, accusing their adversaries of obstruction. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said their delegation would arrive in Sweden on Dec. 3 "if safe exit and return is guaranteed and there are positive indications peace is a priority". Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV said that Hadi's delegation would arrive after the Houthis. Outrage over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has increased scrutiny of Riyadh's activities in the region, potentially giving Western powers, which provide arms and intelligence to the Saudi-led military coalition trying to restore Hadi to power, greater leverage to demand action. A spokeswoman for U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths' office declined to give a date for the talks but Michael Aron, Riyadh-based British ambassador to Yemen, tweeted to Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdusalam that "the Sweden consultations led by the U.N. envoy will take place next week". Griffiths met representatives of Yemen's political parties in Jordan. Two of them said Griffiths hoped to hold peace talks on Dec. 4, but that it would depend on the evacuation of 50 wounded Houthis. Griffiths said this would happen by Monday. The attempt to convene talks in September collapsed after the Houthis asked for guarantees that their plane would not be inspected. They also wanted to evacuate some wounded to Oman. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt has said Saudi Arabia is willing to evacuate the wounded Houthis. Kuwait has offered to provide planes to get both sides to Stockholm. The United Nations hopes to halt fighting around Hodeidah, the entry point for most of Yemen's commercial imports and vital aid supplies, as a stepping stone to a broader ceasefire. The Saudi-led coalition renewed its offensive to capture the port this month; the United Nations fears that an all-out attack could lead to a famine in Yemen, where an estimated 8.4 million people are threatened with starvation. The Houthis have agreed to hand over the management of the port itself to the United Nations, but the warring sides are at odds over who should control the city. The United Nations has no up-to-date estimate of the death toll in Yemen. It said in August 2016 that, according to medical centers, at least 10,000 people had been killed in the conflict. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; writing by Aziz El Yaakoubi in Dubai; Editing by Kevin Liffey) NEW YORK (AP) A New York congressman vying for a key leadership post in the Democratic Party has been hospitalized with a bacterial infection. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's office says he has been dealing with a persistent infection that required his hospitalization on Monday in Manhattan. Maloney is asking for a delay in a vote for chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a position he is seeking. He says he will need a few days of intensive treatment but expects to be out of the hospital and home by the end of the week. Maloney says he would drop out of consideration if the Wednesday vote cannot be postponed. Maloney won re-election to his seat following an unsuccessful bid for state attorney general in the state Democratic primary. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The common practice of US President Donald Trump to "bend" facts and adapt them to the media narrative he wants is nothing new, and should primarily be of concern to the citizens of his country. But recently, the US president has adopted a posture of fake news which should concern us as well. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter A prominent example was last week in Trump's conversation with journalists about Thanksgiving, in which he tried to explain why the United States should not punish Saudi Arabia and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) for the murder of Jamal Kashoggi. Despite the fact that the CIA determined that it was very likely that MBS was responsible for the horrific murder of the journalist, a critic of the regime. Trump claimed that the conclusions of his country's intelligence agency were not absolute, and then he also drew the Israel card from up his sleeve. President Trump (Photo: AP) "Without Saudi Arabia, Israel will be in great trouble," Trump said, hinting that he, the president of the United States, might have considered cooling relations with MBS and Saudi Arabia over the murder at the Saudi embassy in Turkey, but his commitment to Israels security had his hands tied. This is because Israel's security is a higher priority than the traditional American commitment to respect international law, human morality and human rights. Ostensibly, the Israeli government and its citizens are entitled to be satisfied and feel more secure after the protective statements by President Trump. However, a closer examination of the facts and the significance of the declaration should give us the opposite feeling. First, because Saudi Arabia does not significantly contribute to the national security of the State of Israel apart from one issue: Iran is the common enemy of Israel, Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states, while the United States is the patron of Saudi Arabia and the moderate Sunni Arab states, just as it is Israel's patron. Therefore, Saudi pressure on the United States to weaken Iran and stop its attempts to attain nuclear weapons, long-range missiles and regional hegemony indirectly serves Israel as well. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (Photo: AP) Saudi Arabia is also trying to advance Trumps peace proposal for a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and thus, in the opinion of many Israelis, they serve our strategic interests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not so sure of this and the proof is that he is constantly trying to delay the presentation of the proposal, which would require painful concessions from him that his right-wing base will not like. In any event, Mahmoud Abbas has already rejected the Saudi princes attempt to convince him to agree to the Trump plan. MBS and the Saudis also failed in their attempt to impose a more west-friendly regime in Lebanon and weaken Hezbollah; the war in Yemen against the Houthis is also no success story: Iran's allies continue to threaten Red Sea shipping and block the Straits of Bab al-Mandab. In short, Saudi Arabia's alliance with the United States and the Saudi dependency on Uncle Sam only indirectly serve the security interests of the State of Israel. Taking note of these facts, which demonstrate just how little Saudi Arabia's contribution and value to the security of the State of Israel is, there are those in the Israeli and global media who raise the possibility that if Israel decides in the future to attack and destroy Iranian nuclear facilities and ballistic missiles, Saudi Arabia will allow the Air Force jets to pass through its air space making it easier to perform the task. But if such a scenario materializes, it does not have to fill our hearts with gratitude towards the Saudis. On the contrary, the Saudis and the other Sunni states, trembling under the shadow of the Iranian threat, are the ones who should thank Israel for thwarting the great strategic, mutual, threat posed by Iran. Which means that there is no basis for Trump's claim that without Saudi Arabia, that is, without the close relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, "Israel will be in great trouble." Recent experience has made it possible to say with certainty that without Israel and its intelligence and operational capabilities, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states and the United States would be in great trouble in the face of Iran's domination ambitions for the Middle East and the global energy market. This is not all, but one can only say according to international media reports that the high quality intelligence Israel provides to its allies provides an important contribution to their ability to defend themselves against the Sunni global jihad (al-Qaeda and ISIS), which primarily threatens Arab regimes and rulers. Thus Trump, at best, exaggerated the importance of Saudi Arabia's contribution to Israel's security, if he is even properly familiar with the facts and in the worst case, he is simply lying. Iraqi oil (Photo: Reuters) Trump has a good reason to distort the reality. He needs the Israel excuse to shake off the harassment regarding the US response to Saudi Arabia in the Khashoggi case so that he can proceed with the weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, expected to bring in more than $100 billion to the American defense industry and the American treasury as well as create thousands of jobs. Trump needs the Israel excuse so that Saudi Arabia continues to flood the world oil market with cheap oil, so that the US sanctions on exporting oil from Iran will not cause a general price increase. Such a price increase, due to the reduction of Iranian oil supplies, would harm the economies of many US allies, which Trump does not want. He needs the support of countries that stand to be harmed by the sanctions on Iran. But Trump apparently considers the Israel excuse a winning card, so on Tuesday he used it again. In an interview with the Washington Post , he was quoted as saying: "Will we leave forces in the Middle East? One reason is Israel." He added that Middle Eastern oil is now a much less important reason than in the past for a US military presence in the Middle East. This is because "the United States now produces more oil than ever." Simply put, the United States produces almost all the oil it needs. It also exports oil and gas, and therefore no longer needs the favors of the Arab oil producers. This claim is correct at the core, but not entirely. The United States still needs the good will of the Arab oil producers because they are a major factor in the global oil market and in setting prices. They will remain in this position in the future as well because of the huge oil and gas reserves in their territory. Therefore, the United States still needs to maintain good relations with the Arab oil producers so that they will not drastically reduce oil prices. If they do so, the United States will lose billions. In a situation of low oil prices, it will not be financially worth it for American oil companies to produce oil in the United States, much of it extracted in relatively expensive processes called fracking. The Saudis have already pulled off such a scenario a few years ago, and Trump must still remember the billions that the oil industry lost under Obama. It is therefore very important for Trump to maintain military forces in Iraq, an important Middle East oil producer, so that its oil does not fall into the hands of Iran. The Iraqi Shiites took over their country after the Americans overthrew Saddam Hussein and established democracy. The current government in Baghdad is Shiite with a slight inclination towards Iran. If the Americans were to leave, Iraq would become a Shiite protectorate and an important pillar of the Shi'ite crescent and the continental corridor set up by the Iranians, from Tehran to the Mediterranean coast through Baghdad, Damascus and Lebanons Bekaa Valley. But the most important thing for the Americans is the impact on the decisions Baghdad makes regarding oil. They will be critical not only for world oil prices, but also for the sanctions against Iran. This is just one example of another American interest that has almost nothing to do with Israel, which Trump is trying to hide, behind the argument of preserving Israel's national security. Trump leaves US special forces in Syria not only because it is good for Israel and because Netanyahu has pleaded with him, but mainly because Pentagon officers and National Security Council experts have explained to him that the battle in Syria against ISIS has not ended, and that a presence in Syria is important. This is so that the United States will have military, diplomatic and economic leverage with which to threaten Putin and the Russian presence in Syria, and so that the Iranians in Syria are prevented from destabilizing the pro-Western regime in Jordan and other pro-Western regimes in the region, including Israel. The American presence in Syria also prevents Iran from establishing a continental Shiite corridor, and for this Trump responded to an explicit Saudi request. In short, Trump is taking advantage of us, and it would not be so worrisome if only the use of the false claim regarding Israel's security would not came back to bite us. Even those who are not pessimistic by nature should reasonably expect the possibility of American soldiers being harmed or, heaven forbid, killed in Syria or Iraq, or by a Yemeni missile in Saudi Arabia. In this case, and in view of Trump's repeated claim that the American military presence is necessary mainly because of Israel, it is clear that many in the United States will blame Israel for the deaths of American soldiers sacrificed for Israel's security. In the United States, such claims are not forgotten, and even Trump, who invented the false "Israel argument," is likely to turn on us if he gets into trouble in our region. WASHINGTON - Saudi Arabia will buy Lockheed Martin's $15 billion missile defense system, a US Department of State spokesman said on Wednesday, after aggressive lobbying by the administration to close the deal that included a personal call between President Donald Trump and Saudi King Salman. The State Department said the Saudis and US officials signed the letters of offer and acceptance documents on Monday, formalizing terms for Saudi's purchase of 44 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers, missiles and related equipment. In recent weeks the Trump administration and the US defense industry worked to save the few actual deals in the much-touted $110 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia amid rising concerns about the role of the kingdom's leadership in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi critic. A group of Jewish Americans sued Airbnb Inc on Wednesday in US federal court, accusing the home rental company of religious discrimination over its decision last week to remove listings for about 200 homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The 18 plaintiffs, including Israeli-American families and individuals who said they own or wish to rent affected homes, accused Airbnb of "redlining" Jewish-owned properties while letting Muslims and Christians rent their homes. They said this effectively left Airbnb taking sides in the dispute over the West Bank, where Palestinians hope to establish an independent state and which Israel captured in 1967, along with east Jerusalem. Airbnb (Photo: Reuters) "We don't believe this lawsuit will succeed in court, but we know that people will disagree with our decision and appreciate their perspective," Airbnb said in a statement. The complaint was filed in federal court in Delaware, where Airbnb is incorporated, and which the plaintiffs said has jurisdiction over the San Francisco-based company's alleged violation of US laws against housing discrimination. "Airbnb has made a religion- and nationality-based decision about who can list," Robert Tolchin, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an interview. "It decided in the United States, 'We will not list for Jews in the West Bank.' It should be equal access for all." The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief and unspecified damages, including for lost rental income. separate lawsuit challenging Airbnb's policy was filed in a Jerusalem court on November 22. Airbnb (Photo: Reuters) The Delaware case differed by claiming that "Airbnb is violating Americans' rights, and this can't be argued in an Israeli court under Israeli law," Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, another lawyer for the plaintiffs and the founder of Shurat HaDin Israeli Law Center, said in an interview. Most world powers believe Israel's settlements on disputed land violate international law. Roughly 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Airbnb's delisting was announced on November 19 and applies only in the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self-rule under Israeli military rule. While concluding that "companies should not profit on lands where people have been displaced," Airbnb said it had "deep respect" for the "many strong views" about what to do with disputed lands. Palestinians in the West Bank have welcomed Airbnb's decision. The case is Silber et al v Airbnb Inc, US District Court, District of Delaware, No. 18-01884. Archaeologists have recovered an extremely rare 9,000-year-old stone mask from thieves, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said this week. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Officials from the IAAs Theft Prevention Unit said they received information about the mask in the beginning of 2018 and were able to trace its origins back to the Pnei Hever region of the southern Hebron Hills in the West Bank. We received a tip that there was this item on the antiquities market; we began searching for it and found those involved, Amir Ganor, head of the IAA Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, revealed to The Media Line. The Neolithic mask (Photo: EPA) We interrogated the individuals in question, he added, declining to specify the number of persons involved in the theft. The find is significant because we know the archaeological context and this is something that is of the utmost importance in our research, Ronit Lupu, of the IAA Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, told The Media Line. All of these stone masks are connected to the same area: the Judean Mountains, the Judean Desert and thereabouts. There are presently 15 Neolithic stone masks across the globe known to researchers, of which only three come from clear archaeological contexts, including this one. The rest were already removed from sites when they were found in antiquities markets, leading to the loss of invaluable information for archaeologists as they were not unearthed in proper excavations. The Neolithic mask (Photo: IAAs Theft Prevention Unit) Researchers from the IAA and the Geological Survey of Israel are currently attempting to understand possible uses of the mask, after which it will be displayed in a yet-to-be-decided museum. The smooth finish of the pinkish-yellow limestone mask was likely achieved with careful shaping using stone tools. In Neolithic sites weve identified a lot of objects that are related to ritual activity, therefore we believe that such objectslike this mask are actually functional, Dr. Omry Barzilai, head of the IAA Archaeological Research Department, explained to The Media Line, referring to the population associated with the mask as the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B people. This period, dated to about 6000-7500 BCE, exhibits a boom of evidence for ritual activities, among which plastered human skulls found under floor surfaces in various locations in the Jordan Rift Valley, probably related to some kind of ancestor worship or veneration. A plastered Skull from the Neolithic site of Beisamun, in the Hula Valley. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) These masks were brought in as some sort of medium or focus that would relate to all the members of a village and this is how early religions were formed, Barzilai explained. Stressing the rarity of the discovery, Dr. Barzilai explained that it is connected to a turning point in mankinds history, which saw humans shift away from hunting and gathering to agriculture-based economies. The Levant, the cradle of agriculture, was at the time the setting for major processes that define the world as we know it today. This includes the transition from an earlier nomadic lifestyle to permanent settlements, the domestication of farm animals and plants and the gradual abandonment of hunting and gathering for agriculture and animal husbandry. A similar mask from the same time period fround Wadi Hemar in the Judean Desert. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) The important find originated in what is now known as the West Bank, which is generally outside the IAAs purview as it restricts its excavation activities to areas inside the Green Line. Usually the IAA doesnt operate in the West Bank so this is a unique event because it was related to the illicit trafficking of antiquities, Dr. Barzilai continued. As soon as were talking about illegal antiquities trading, the Theft Prevention Unit gets involved to prevent it. If we hadnt, this mask would likely have ended up on the black market. Antiquities robbery is a widespread phenomenon in Israel, with many ancient artifacts winding up on the black market abroad. Antiquities robbery in Israel is something we in our unit combat regularly, Ganor told The Media Line. Each week, we apprehend people suspected of looting, selling or other antiquities-related offenses. Unfortunately, its so widespread that on a yearly basis we catch about 200 suspects. Article written by Maya Margit Israeli security forces detained overnight Thursday ten suspects in the West Bank region suspected of terrorist activities. The suspects had been taken in for questioning. In addition, weapons were confiscated in Qalqilya. The opposition failed to pass a bill proposal to increase the old-age pension to equal minimum wage on Wednesday after two Zionist Union MKs missed the vote. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The fact the bill proposal was rejected by 57 MKs, while 56 supported it, proves Prime Minister's Benjamin Netanyahu's narrow coalition of 61 Knesset members (out of 120) is successfully navigating the turbulent political waters despite predictions, mainly thanks to the opposition that struggles to join forces, and whose disobedient members are absent from crucial votes. MK Robert Tiviaev (Photo: Herzel Yosef) Newly-instated MK Robert Tiviaev, who some in the Knesset believe got a cushy deal to cooperate with the coalition, was absent from the vote, as was MK Yehiel Bar, who is on "a diplomatic mission in China." Later, it transpired that Tiviaev had offset the votein violation of his faction disciplinewith Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel, who asked not to vote against raising the old-age pensions. Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Speaking to the Israel News Company, Tiviaev struggled to provide an explanations to his absence. He claimed he was held up by a "personal phone call." Following the embarrassment during the vote, the Zionist Union's Knesset faction head Yoel Hasson decided to suspend Tiviaev from parliamentary activity for a month, saying the errant MK decided to offset the vote with Gamliel of his own accord and without consulting with his faction. This punishment is mostly symbolic, however, as it will not prevent Tiviaev from taking part in future votes. "If Tiviaev acts like a team player and in accordance with the faction's positions, the sanctions imposed on him will be lifted, otherwise they will be made stricter," Hasson explained. In reference to Bar's absence from the vote, Hasson added that the matter would be discussed upon the MK's return from China. MK Itzik Shmuli, who proposed the bill, expressed his disappointment with the MKs' conduct, saying, "the government spat in the faces of the elderly citizens who founded our country. Voting against the bill, after a measly NIS 60 were added to the old-age pension, is a crime." MK Itzik Shmuli (Photo: Eli Segal) "None of the MKs and ministers could have lived off a NIS 2,000 (monthly) allowance, but when it comes to the elderly citizens, they are okay with it," he continued. MK Shelly Yachimovich, also of Zionist Union, echoed Shmuli's sentiments. "It pains me that the opportunity to pass MK Shmuli's important bill proposal, which was signed by all Zionist Union members, was missed," she said. "The absence of our faction members from the vote is a disgrace. To be present during votes is the minimum required of MKs," she continued. "Those who allow themselves to be absent when the government is hanging by a thread of one voice, when the opposition is able to do its work properlyto crack or to bring down the governmentare not entitled to get paid by the public." Zionist Union's Knesset faction head Yoel Hasson Commenting on the Zionist Union's sanctions against him, Tiviaev said, "Yoel Hasson's hypocrisy crosses every line. Unfortunately, the Zionist Union heads are being dragged after this pyromaniac, instead of building a strong and effective opposition." "The slander and threats against MK Yehiel Bar and myself are creating division, and hurt the opposition's strength," he added. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara will depart on an official diplomatic mission in two weeks on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, following an invitation by Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales's wife Patricia to visit the Central American country. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Mrs. Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation were invited to take part in a cornerstone laying ceremony for a new neighborhood in a village called "Jerusalem," which was recently built to house the victims of the Fuego volcano that erupted six months ago. Sara Netanyahu (Photo: AFP) By the end of December, 42 families are expected to join the eight families that are currently residing in the village. The improvised village was an initiative of Guatemala's Jewish community rabbi, Joseph Gramon, with help from the ZAKA organization and local organizations. Mrs. Netanyahu is expected to announce additional Israeli aid in the fields of pediatrics and drinking water purification, a very problematic issue in Guatemala, which Patricia Morales had taken on. Over the past few years, relations have become significantly closer between Israel and Guatemala, leading to Morales's visit to Israel, which culminated in the transfer of Guatemala's Embassy to Jerusalem in May. The Prime Minister's Office said that Mrs. Morales invited Mrs. Netanyahu for "an historic visit, symbolizing the friendship between both countries, and strengthening their mutual commitment." The Irish Senate partially approved Wednesday a bill meant to outlaw the import of goods from Jewish settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, as well as cities and towns in the Golan Heights. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Thirty Senate members voted in favor of the Control of Economic Activities (Occupied Territories) Billthe first stage of which was approved in Julywith 13 members opposing the legislation. According to the proposal, any imports from "illegal settlements in occupied territories" would lead not only to a fine of up to 250,000, but a five year prison term as well. BDS protest (Photo: Hagai Dekel) For the legislation to be ratified, it requires another approval by the Senate, the Lower house of the Irish parliament, and by the Irish president. The bill, meant to sever all commercial ties between Ireland and east Jerusalem, Area C of the West Bank and the Golan Heights, was introduced to the Senate last February by Irish Senator Frances Black of the Sinn Fein party. Senator Black recently led an anti-Israeli campaign in cooperation with Al-Haqa Palestinian human-rights organization based in Ramallah with deeply-rooted connections to the terror group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)in addition to her support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in the country. In the past, Black referred to Israeli settlements as "war crimes" and compared her initiative in the Senate to Irish legislations aimed against the apartheid in South Africa. Irish Senator Frances Black "Ireland should defend justice and human rights on a regular basis," said Black to the applause of almost the entire Parliament, with the exception of the center-right party Fine-Gael. The Irish government strongly opposes the initiative and claims it creates trade restrictions contrary to EU values, as well as undermines Ireland's influence in the region. According to EU law, its members can only mark products coming from settlements, but not boycott or impose sanctions on their import. In addition, the decision could carry serious consequences for Ireland due to the fact that many companies from the United Stateswhere anti-BDS laws recently passed in 26 statesare operating in the country. There are several prominent boycott organizations operating in Ireland with strong anti-Semitic rhetoric and worrying connections to Palestinian terrorist organizations. For instance, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC)that raises public awareness about the human rights abuses in the occupied territoriesis responsible for the cancellation multiple Israel-organized events in the country. Gilad Erdan (Photo: Avi Mualem) Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs Gilad Erdan called the lastest vote in the Irish Senate a disgrace thats infected with anti-Semitism. "The Irish Senate has given its backing to the despicable boycott organizations linked to terror groups and make cynical use of the term 'human rights' to spread hatred that only exasperates the conflict, the minister stressed in a statement. If this law passes, we will act to expose its true motives and to prevent its implementation in accordance with international trade laws, he concluded. It seems that US President Donald Trump has learned a new magic word: "Israel." He uses it whenever he has difficulty explaining an unpopular move Washington makes in the Middle East. Therefore, when journalists badgered him Tuesday with questions about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, despite the Kashoggi affair, he avoided the question and addressed Israel instead. "Israel will be in great trouble without Saudi Arabia," Trump said. It was a strange statement, to say the least. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Furthermore, in an interview he gave to the Washington Post this week, Trump explained his decision to maintain the presence of American troops in Syria by attributing it to concern for Israel's security. US President Trump with Saudi King Salman (Photo: AP) In both instances, Israel is indeed part of the American set of considerations, but not the sole or even the primary consideration. Trump and his family are connected to bin Salman, and the United States rakes in huge sums of money when Saudi Arabia purchases American weapons. The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel is only the cherry on top, not the main course. Still, Trump finds it convenient to ward off criticism, especially from within the Republican Party, of his forgiving attitude to the Saudi journalist's killing by using Israel as an excuse. Trump is indeed dealing with the hypocrisy of most Western media outlets, which pretend as if Khashoggi is the first dissident to be assassinated in the Middle East. There is no doubt that the main beneficiary from the fall of bin Salman would be Iran but Israel should stay out of this saga, certainly in public. Israel has enough of an image problem in the United States and Europe, and there is no reason to further burden our narrow shoulders with the matter of killing journalists and torturing them in the service of the Saudi royal family. As for the American military presence in Syria, which Israel does indeed have a primary interest in preserving, the American interest is broader. Trump and Netanyahu (Photo: Gov. Press Office) Officially, the US presence in Syria is intended to destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In spite of Trump's triumphant statements, the battered terror organization has not yet been wiped out, as its recent attacks on American forces demonstrate. Meanwhile, Washington has formulated an ambitious anti-Iran policy that includes withdrawing from the nuclear agreement and renewing sanctions. A withdrawal from Syria would be a lucrative and illogical gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Iranians, and also a waiver of a significant strategic asset. US midterm elections resulted in a win for Democrats, who now rule the House of Representatives, and that does not bode well for Trump in the 2020 presidential elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel has become so identified with the current US administration that it is hard to tell where it begins or ends. It has its advantages, but a post-Trump era is on the horizonand when that happens, we may find ourselves paying the price for Netanyahu's total identification with Washington. A Boeing 747 belonging to Iranian airline Fars Air Qeshm, reportedly used by the countrys Revolutionary Guards to smuggle weapons to Tehrans allies, conducted a direct flight from the Iranian capital to Beirut for the first time on Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Last month, Fox News reported that a Fars Air Qeshm flight from Tehran to Damascus, which later continued to Beirut, was carrying weapon systemsincluding GPS componentsintended to convert inaccurate projectiles into precision-guided missiles. Hassan Rouhani and Hassan Nasrallah The 27-year-old Jumbo jet, registered as EP-FAB, took off on Thursday morning at 8:02am from Tehran to Beirut on flight QFZ9964, and landed in Lebanon at 10:19am. In the past, the jet has been in service of Japanese, Afghan, Armenian and Russian airlines. Suspicions first arose that Iran uses the cargo airline to smuggle advanced weapons two months ago after reports emerged that the Israel Air Force (IAF) carried out an attack on targets at the Damascus airport. "The Iranians are trying to find new ways to smuggle weapons to their allies in the Middle East They are exploring the West's ability to locate the smuggling sites," said a Middle Eastern intelligence source, who chose to remain anonymous. The route of Fars Air Qeshm's Boeing 747 (Photo: FlightRadar24) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed two months ago, during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), that over the past year, Hezbollahguided by Iranhas attempted to build an infrastructure for the conversion of surface-to-surface missiles into precision-guided missiles near an airport in Beirut. "I have a message for Hezbollah today: Israel also knows what youre doing. Israel knows where you are doing it and Israel will not let you get away with it, Netanyahu stressed during the speech. The IDF's Combat Engineering Corps has undergone a transformation in recent years in an attempt to locate and thwart Hamas's tunnel threat. In addition to increasing military personnel in IDF's Special Operations Engineering Unit, the army also acquired advanced technologies that can locate and dismantle Hamas's offensive tunnels. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter In the absence of a ground maneuver in Operation Pillar of Defense and with very limited access to the border in Operation Protective Edge, Hamas has been using the last decade to transfer its entire army to an extensive underground network located under houses, streets, hospitals and educational institutions. Combat Engineering Corps' new technologies (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) The IDF estimates that thousands of Hamas fighters will hide beneath the surface in the next war in Gaza. Avoiding direct conformations with IDF soldiers, Hamas's army will attempt to draw IDF forces deep into their offensive tunnel network located underneath densely built-up areas. Therefore, IDF's Combat Engineering Corps has been significantly upgraded. However, the question of whether the military is preparing for a next war in Gaza still remains. Most of IDF's weapons against Hamas's offensive tunnels are still banned from publication, and even some of the military maneuvers that were used during Operation Protective Edge against some 30 tunnels are still under military censorship. (Photo: Avihu Shapira) Some of newly acquired special anti-tunnels technologies dubbed "voyeur", "bird of paradise" and "pitchfork" to name a few can scan tunnels' routes, locate tunnel shafts, and collect data from the bottom of the earthall in order to turn Hamas's underground city into an underground cemetery, without having to deploy ground forces. In addition to acquiring technology to locate tunnels, IDF has acquired new night-vision technologies, advanced communication devices, underground navigation tools, and advance military robotics. IDF Combat Engineering Corps in the Golan Heights (Photo: Avihu Shapira) Some of the military solutions developed after Operation Protective Edge were upgraded in the past year, and for this purpose, equipment worth hundreds of millions of shekels was purchased. For instance, the army acquired dozens of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers; tiny "worms" cameras, and unique sealing bags that can instantly close tunnel shafts. Low-tech means, such as TNT sacks and anti-tank mines were also purchased. In addition, the Combat Engineering Corps maintains its classic capabilities: breaking walls and doors, blowing up traps, and opening dangerous routes deep inside built-up areas. "We want every platoon commander in IDF's infantry corps to have the basic skills required to operate these new technologies, not only during orderly ground operations but also during battle. In the same manner, the Engineering Corps should know how to operate infantry corps's tanks," a senior engineering officer explained. An indictment was filed Thursday against an 18-year-old Palestinian who tried to smuggle cell phones into Ofer Prison facility. The Palestinian was arrested by Border Police officers after illegally infiltrating into Israel while carrying eight mobile phones, five keyboards and 19 SIM cards. After he was questioned by authorities, the defendant was sent to Ofer Prison where he was caught with cell phones in his possession. According to suspicions, the young man was offered NIS 20,000 for smuggling the equipment. Syrian news agency SANA reported Thursday that the regime's air force continues to repel Israeli "aggression" over southern Syria and that its air defenses have downed several "hostile targets" that were flying over the town of al-Kiswah, home to military bases in south of Damascus. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit denied this report. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Russia's RIA news agency cited a Syrian security source as saying that the "Syrian air defense forces shot down an Israeli war plane and four missiles." In addition, Syrian state television reported that "the Israeli attack did not achieve its goals because the hostile targets were shot down." The attack took place at al-Kiswah, a town south of Damascus, which is only 50 kilometers away from the Israeli border. Another Syrian news agency claimed that the sites belonged to Iranian militias, but this report is yet to be confirmed. Missile strike in Syria According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, the Syrian reports are false and no Israeli plane was shot down. However, a surface-to-air missile was fired at an open area in the Golan Heights and IDF forces are searching the area for additional hits. "At this stage, it is not clear whether a missile actually landed in our territory," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit added. At the time of the attack, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot was attending Police Commssioner Roni Alsheikh's farewell party. Missiles flying over the town of Kiswah, south of Damascus X This is not the first time an attack on al-Kiswah has been reported. Last May, an attack on Iranian military facilities south of Damascus, attributed to Israel, had killed at least 15 people, including eight Iranians.The target at the time was medium-range rockets with relatively heavy warheads. Six months prior, an Iranian base was bombed in the same area, three weeks after the BBC published satellite images of the site. This is the first attack by the Syrians since the downing of the Russian plane by Syrian forces responding to an Israeli airstrike, a friendly fire incident that stoked tensions between Moscow and Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that even after the Russian plane incident, Israel continued to operate in Syria. However, Damascus didn't publicly accuse Israel during that period. Indeed, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted Thursday that "for the first time in 75 days, Israeli missiles directly attacked targets south of Damascus." The attack came only a few hours after a Boeing 747 belonging to Iranian airline Fars Air Qeshm reportedly used by the countrys Revolutionary Guards to smuggle weapons to Tehrans allies conducted a direct flight from the Iranian capital to Beirut for the first time. The 27-year-old Jumbo jet took off on Thursday morning at 8:02am from Tehran to Beirut and landed in Lebanon at 10:19am. Last month, Fox News reported that a Fars Air Qeshm flight from Tehran to Damascus, which later continued to Beirut, was carrying weapon systemsincluding GPS componentsintended to convert inaccurate projectiles into precision-guided missiles. Suspicions first arose that Iran uses the cargo airline to smuggle advanced weapons two months ago after reports emerged that the Israel Air Force (IAF) carried out an attack on targets at the Damascus airport. Fars Air Qeshm plane in Beirut "The Iranians are trying to find new ways to smuggle weapons to their allies in the Middle East They are exploring the West's ability to locate the smuggling sites," said a Middle Eastern intelligence source, who chose to remain anonymous. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed two months ago, two months ago, during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that over the past year, Hezbollah guided by Iran has attempted to build an infrastructure for the conversion of surface-to-surface missiles into precision-guided missiles near an airport in Beirut. "I have a message for Hezbollah today: Israel also knows what youre doing. Israel knows where you are doing it and Israel will not let you get away with it, Netanyahu stressed during the speech. OJIBWAY CORRECTIONAL Facility, seen in this Daily Globe file photo, is scheduled to close Dec. 1, according to a Michigan Department of Corrections announcement in August. The facility, located in Marenisco Township, employs 203 people. By RALPH ANSAMI [email protected] LANSING - A Court of Claims judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit brought by Marenisco Township to block closure of the Ojibway Correctional Facility. Judge Stephen Borrello ruled the plaintiffs failed to "state a cause of action on which relief can be granted." Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington said, "We are pleased to see resolution to this question by the court, so the community and our employees have certainty and can plan accordingly as final preparations are made to close the facility on Dec. 1." The facility had 203 employees and the lawsuit was an effort to keep those jobs in the area. Two weeks ago, the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners agreed to spend $25,000 to help cover costs of the lawsuit. Marenisco Township Supervisor Richard Bouvette pegged the legal costs to the township at the time at more than $70,000. "We may lose," Bouvette told the county board of the lawsuit, but he said with $60 million to the Gogebic County economy at stake and people moving away every day, it was a chance that had to be taken. Bouvette said Wednesday Marenisco officials were disappointed with the judge's decision and how long it took him to issue a ruling. County board members and area officials contended the closure was announced before they had a chance to meet with officials in Lansing. The suit sought an area economic impact study. The judge said the economic ramifications of the closing had to be considered by the DOC only at preliminary planning stages. A county board resolution opposing the closure was earlier sent to Gov. Rick Snyder and Washington. Other U.P. county boards supported it. The DOC closed the prison to save $19 million in the next fiscal year at a time when the state's prison population has been declining. The DOC said there are no immediate plans for how the facility will be used. The maximum security facility has an administration building, a warehouse and store, and buildings for education, meals, training and housing of inmates. The five housing units can accommodate up to 1,180 prisoners. Washington added in her Wednesday statement, "We will continue to work with our employees as they make their transition to other facilities, while continuing to operate the Ojibway Correctional Facility safely and securely until the closure process is complete." More people were employed and more workers joined the workforce in Gogebic County in October, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information. Total unemployment remained the same as it was in September at 250. Although the unemployment rate ticked up from 4 percent in September to 4.2 percent in October, the number of jobless remained at 250 over the month. The reason for the slight two-tenth of a percent hike is because the labor market rose by 50 to 6,075. One year ago in October, the Gogebic unemployment rate was 5.1 percent. Ontonagon County also saw an uptick in the unem... Investors now have the opportunity to gain reasonable returns while helping those in need, according to a national property strategist. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program that aims to rehouse people with disabilities in privately established and high-quality specialist accommodation. NDIS will cover the cost of accommodation and ongoing care for participants to enter specialised housing. According to Michael Knights, managing director of Horizon Property Alliance, private investors may come into play by coordinating with an accredited care provider who can assist them in establishing specialist housing for those with severe disabilities that need 24-hour care. We are aware of a variety of models available to investors who want to be part of the scheme, but all revolve around establishing a bespoke home for three to five participants, he said. The investor-owner then grants the care provider permission to operate in the home for a predetermined rental amount and, in many cases, a share of the care businesss profits. Knights added that apart from being able to reach out to those in need, private investors are incentivised through excellent returns. The program is doing well, with the NDIS reporting that around 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability will access its services. On top of this, the government-funded payments would give investors security of income. That said, there are always risks when investing. In this instance, you need to ensure youre aligned with a high-quality care provider, Knights said. Also, while vacancies are a normal risk for property investors, the government will provide a three-month rental guarantee when rooms become vacant. Given the waiting list that currently exists, however, we dont envisage vacancies being a major downside. The only other risk seems to be future changes in government policy, but we believe the programs success will become apparent in the short term. The program was launched in 2017, but it was not until recently that required checks and balances were put into place. Based on a 2017 Productivity Commission report, the NDIS is anticipated to support about 475,000 people at a cost of $22 billion in its first year. News Arlington, Virginia - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Museum today opened its newest exhibit, Behind the Scenes: Forensic Science Programs at DEA, which will be on display through fall 2019. The exhibit is part of the DEA Museum and Visitors Center, located at 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia, 22202. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed on federal holidays. Behind the Scenes explores the DEA Office of Forensic Sciences role in collecting, examining, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. DEAs drug chemistry, fingerprints, and digital evidence experts deliver valuable forensic information and services to combat the global drug threat. The exhibit discusses their important work while inspiring budding scientists to consider forensic science careers at DEA. This exhibit will appeal to students interested in careers in science, forensics, and technology, as well as to anyone who is curious about how the DEA uses forensics in the investigation of criminal cases, said Museum Director Laurie Baty. Behind the Scenes offers the public a rare and fascinating look into the inner workings of the forensics programs at DEA. The exhibit includes an exhibit workbook with activities and information that young visitors can use to learn more about forensic science. For more information, visit the museums website at www.deamuseum.org or call (202) 307-3463. The DEA Museum & Visitors Center is the preeminent federal government institution for learning about the history of drugs and drug law enforcement in the United States. Founded in 1999, the DEA Museum collects artifacts, photographs, documents, and oral histories from individuals involved in battling drugs and drug trafficking as well as the story of drug addiction in the United States. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. VILLANOVA, Pa. Renowned for its beauty, the Redemptoris Mater Chapel in the Vatican is often called the Sistine Chapel of the 21st Century. Located on the second floor of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Chapel is used exclusively by the Pope for prayer and to celebrate special masses for small gatherings. For the last three years, students and faculty from Villanova Universitys Department of Computing Sciences were granted rare clearance to photograph it for a use as part of a virtual reality tourand now, for the very first time, anyone with access to a computer or mobile device can view the sacred, rarely-seen space online. The Virtual Reality Tour of Redemptoris Mater Chapel launched last week at http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/index_en.html . The tour was designed by Villanova on behalf of the Department of Telecommunications of the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Vaticans Dicastery for Communication, with permission from the Papal Household. Virtual reality technology enables those interested in historic locations inaccessible to large numbers of tourists to view and study them fully and comprehensively. Formerly known as the Matilde Chapel and completely renovated by Pope St. John Paul II, the Redemptoris Mater Chapel is notable for its various mosaics similar to early Byzantine religious artwork. Millions of small fragments of stone from places as varied as caves with prehistoric paintings to seaside beaches and riverbanks were used in the design of the mosaics. John Paul IIs vision was that the new chapel include the presence of Oriental tradition and become a visible sign of communion between the Eastern and Western Roman Catholic Churches. The Chapel has been the site of many historic meetings between the Pope and special visitors over the years. Dr. Frank Klassner, computer science professor and project lead, reflected on the scope of the project and the design of the tour. Our project endeavored to help Internet visitors both examine the Chapels levels of mosaic detail and interactively read on demand about the many theological details, while keeping the information display interfaces presence to a minimum on the screen, Dr. Klassner said. My students and I were privileged to visit the Chapel three times, Dr. Klassner continued. Each time we marveled at how its rich design was ultimately produced with many simple elements and I do not refer just to the many stone pieces. Each scene on a wall is one facet of a complete theological reflection that becomes clear when all the scenes are considered together in spatial relation to each other. Over the course of three years, Villanova Computer Science students worked with Dr. Klassner to program the interactivity of the project. Zachary Rahn 16 and Albert Hermida 18 worked as interns at the Vatican as part of an exclusive internship program the University has with the Vatican. Villanovas internship program with the Vatican was a tremendous experience. I was honored to walk past St. Peters Basilica and receive a salute from the Swiss Guard every morning, Rahn said. The Vatican generously allowed us to capture and create a virtual experience of this elegant, private chapel and provide the public an opportunity to view it. The students and Dr. Klassner carefully took over 800 digital photographs of the chapel interior using a motorized camera rig. The photos were digitally stitched together, color-corrected, and post-processed by the Villanova team members to create a cubic panorama file that presents the Chapel in a three-dimensional projection. Tour visitors can zoom in for high-resolution views of the interior of the Chapel. They can also use the interactive context-sensitive interface to learn about the theological messages of each of the Chapels mosaics. Director of the Villanova Center of Excellence in Enterprise Technology, Dr. Klassner manages Villanovas virtual reality CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment, which was funded by a $1.67 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and opened in 2014. The CAVE gives users an immersive experience, allowing them to virtually visit a variety of locations from the surface of Mars to the Sistine Chapel. Dr. Klassner has been a leader on all the teams from Villanova that have created a total of 7 virtual reality tours of Vatican sites, including the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the Basilica of St. Petermaking them accessible to virtual tourists, educators and the Roman Catholic faithful worldwide. He is currently working with Vatican Museum representatives on the planning stages of a new project to create a virtual tour of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Popes. This is an example of Villanovas commitment to preparing its students for the future, Rahn said. Coursework taught me the foundational skills necessary to be successful and working on this project for the Vatican gave me the hands-on experience to carry into graduates careers. About the Vatican Program: Through a unique internship program, Villanova University students are helping change the ways in which the Vatican communicates with the rest of the world using the internet, multi-media technology and social media. Villanova began this program in 2003, sending computer science students to the Internet Office of the Holy See. Since 2005, communication majors have joined these students in Rome. Today, computer science majors work in the technology offices of the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Post Office, the Telecommunication Department of the Vatican City Governorate, and the Dicastery for Communication. Villanova communication majors also work in the Dicastery where they have been integral in helping add to the Papal presence on YouTube and Facebook. They also intern in the Rome bureau of Catholic News Service. About Villanova Universitys College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Since its founding in 1842, Villanova Universitys College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has cultivated knowledge, understanding and intellectual courage for a purposeful life in a challenging and changing world. With more than 40 majors across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, it is the oldest and largest of Villanovas colleges, serving more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The College is committed to a teacher-scholar model, offering outstanding undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and a rigorous core curriculum that prepares students to become critical thinkers, strong communicators and ethical leaders with a truly global perspective. About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu. His Excellency, Former President is our immediate past president. He became the president of Ghana in July 2012. He previously served as the vice president of Ghana from 2009-2012. Many love this man as he is known to work with so much diligence. As he turns a year older today, many of us wish to celebrate with him this particular day, his birthday, and wish him well. Source: myjoyonline.com Source: UGC Read through this article and get to learn more about John Mahama and his major achievements. John Mahama latest news John Mahama Dramani has most recently made the news when he gave the closing speech at the 9th National Delegates Congress of the National Democratic Congress. In an inspiring speech to the collection of hundreds of delegates, he outlined a new vision for a better Ghana. To many that have been in the path of his political campaigns, tagged #GO4JM, the speech is well in line with his political ambition to become the President of Ghana in 2020. John Mahama latest news from his website tracks the progress of the #GO4JM campaign that has recently hit the Ashanti Region, on a determined mission to convince opposition delegates to support his cause. There are plenty of pictures of John Mahama and his team as they go around the country with his formidable political capital on display. You can find John Mahama pictures on his proactive social media pages or his official website. John Mahama age Source: pulse.co.gh Source: UGC John Mahama age is getting to the sixth floor today. The John Mahama profile only keeps getting better and better with age. Born on 29th November 1958, he is the first President of Ghana born after independence. Another first, however unfortunate the circumstances leading up to it, is that he was also the first President to ascend to the position after the death of his predecessor. A true Ghanaian hero and national icon, John Mahama is a living legend. YEN.COM.GH joins the millions of admiring Ghanaians in wishing John Mahama a happy birthday and a long life of fruitful public service. Born in Damongo, in the Damongo-Daboya constituency in the Northern Region, John Mahama Ghana political roots are as deep as anyone can go. His father, a wealthy politician from the first republic, served as the first Northern Region Regional Commissioner and later as a member of parliament and also as the presidential adviser to Hilla Limann. The John Mahama biography is telling of how he was destined to get to where he is now, having spent much of his early life with his mother, Abiba Nnaba, he later moved to Accra to live with his father. His father instilled within him a passion for education. He went to Achimota School for his elementary education where he was a proponent for defending other against bullies. John Mahama later went to Ghana Secondary School in Tamale. He went on to attain a degree in History and a post-graduate degree in Communications from the University of Ghana in 1981 and 1986 respectively. He also has a postgraduate diploma in Social Psychology from the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, Russia. READ ALSO: Are Ghanaians demanding the return of former president John Mahama? Biography of John Mahama Source: ghanaweb.com Source: UGC The John Mahama biography is quite impressive. He first taught secondary school after his undergraduate studies, he later went on to study in Russia and upon his return worked for the embassy of Japan in Accra from 1991-1995 as the Information, Culture, and Research officer. He later went on to work at Plan Internationals Ghana Office as the International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager in 1995-96. In 1996, he became a Bole/Bamboi constituency leader. He then became the Deputy Minister of Communications and later Minister of Communications. He was the Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications in his second term and also the Director of Communications for NDC. On 7th January 2009, he became the Vice President of Ghana. He served as the chairman of the Economic Management Team, the Armed Forces Council of Ghana, and the Decentralisation and Implementation committee among other things. He ascended to the presidency after the death of his predecessor, Former President John Atta Mills on 24th July 2012. He was re-elected in 2012 December for another 4-year-term that ended after his loss to President Nana Addo Danqua Akufo-Addo in 2016. John Mahama news recently details his journey back to the presidency as NDCs best hope. John Mahama is a Bill Gates fellow, an awardee of the Cuban Friendship Medal and a recipient of the Great Cross of the National Order of Benin. These are a few of the multiple international awards he has received during his illustrious political career. Turning 60 has never looked as good as it does on John Mahama. As you turn 60 years old, YEN.CO.GH wishes you a Happy Birthday!! READ ALSO: Ignore fake 2020 statement John Mahama Video of Ghanaian pastor preaching on the streets of Germany goes viral Source: Yen News Christian Eriksen scored his sides first goal after coming off the bench during the UEFA Champions League Group B match against Inter Milan at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday, November 28. Mauricio Pochettino's team's victory keeps them in contention of reaching the Champions League knockout stage going into their final game at Barcelona. Eriksen scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on November 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. READ ALSO: Neymar scores in PSG's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League Spurs were up for a heavy challenge to ensure they emerged in one of the top two positions in Group B and had the herculean task of beating Internazionale's solid defence. Attempts from Jan Vertonghen and Harry Winks came close to opening the London club's goal account with Winks being denied by the bar. READ ALSO: Video: Tottenham Hotspur players jam to Sarkodie's song The introduction of Eriksen in the second half was however enough to provide the much needed dynamism in attack to frustrate Inter's defence into committing errors. Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli provided enough of a distraction to allow Erickson to seal the deal in the 80th minute. READ ALSO: Red-hot Barcelona silence PSV to seal a last 16 spot in the Champions League Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris managed to keep out some imminent threats and made a crucial save of Ivan Perisic's attempt at goal. Tottenham have to equal Inter's result at home to PSV Eindhoven when they head out to the Nou Camp on December 11 to make the last 16 Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen Cartons of drinks and other products have been seized from the Kempinski and Movenpick hotels in Accra for non-compliance with the tax stamp policy. On Wednesday, the Tax Compliance and Special Tax Stamp Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) stormed both hotels to do a random inspection. However, the team uncovered that there were no tax stamps on many of the products at the bar and storeroom of the hotels. GRA storm Kempinski, Movenpick to seize stampless products. Source: Myjoyonline.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ghanaian comedian hot over joke about Sarkodies daughter The GRA has been on the heels of wholesale and retailers in recent months to ensure that the tax stamp policy is fully complied with. Earlier this month, GRA officials seized drinks without the tax stamps at wholesale shops in Accra. Chief Revenue Officer of the GRA, Kwabena Apau Anto, said he and his team will continue to be on the lookout for defaulters. we have been visiting retail shops, wholesalers, manufacturers themselves and importers. We also know that key players in this business are the restaurants and the hotels because they sell a lot of these products, he told Accra-based Joy FM. So today, our focus is on the restaurants and hotels and thats why this morning weve already been to Kempinski and now at Movenpick to make sure that all products without the tax stamp are detained. The Excise Tax Stamp Act, 2013 (ACT 873) was passed by Parliament in December 2013 with the aim of helping the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) enforce the affixing of Excise Tax Stamp on specific excisable goods before they are delivered ex-factory, cleared from any port or presented for sale at any commercial level in Ghana. Some of the seized products. Source: Myjoyonline.com Source: UGC However, it was until January 2014 that the act received presidential assent. READ ALSO: Adom FM's Kofi Adomah Nwanwani resigns from Multimedia The GRA has indicated that the seizure of products will continue until there is full compliance of the Excise Tax Stamp policy. Some products expected to be affixed with the stamps include Cigarette and other Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic and carbonated beverages, bottled water and textiles amongst other excisable products. Brain Storming: What is the Full Meaning of VAT? | #Yencomgh Do you have a story to share with us? Inbox us on our Facebook/Instagram page and we could feature your story. Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen - Former first relationship, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has shed light on the strained relationship with her mother-in-law - According to her, Jerry John Rawlings' mother stated that Zanetor was the daughter of another man - This, her in-law added, was because the baby did not have the usual features most family members possessed Ghanas former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has disclosed that her mother-in-law once claimed that her daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, is not hers. According to her, mother of former president, Jerry John Rawlings, explained that Zanetors physical features did not match any of their family members. For that reason, it was further concluded, Zanetor must be someone elses daughter. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Source: Supplied Source: Instagram READ ALSO: CCTV traps policeman stealing a phone from a popular mall (Video) Nana Konadu went on to say that her relationship with her mother-in-law was not a smooth one. My little baby girl arrived on the 1st day of June 1978. After her birth, I was wheeled from the delivery room back to the labour ward in a state of extreme exhaustion. The nurses put the baby in a nursery so I could rest. Jerry (Flt. Lt. Rawlings) returned at 9 am and it appeared I had not moved since he left, she recounted. Jerry Rawlings, on the other hand, expressed excitement at the birth of his daughter, and rushed to the hospital, soon after he was released by the military intelligence. YEN.com.gh understands that he was interrogated, as has been done several times before, and let him go, after it was concluded there was nothing to accuse him of. READ ALSO: Ghanaian comedian hot over joke about Sarkodie's daughter Brain Storming: What is the Full Meaning of VAT? | #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen - A woman, known as Manuna, reportedly lost her life as she danced to John Mahama's version of the popular song, Bobolebobo. - Although she was unwell, she went to the Asawasi Central mosque park to welcome the former president to the Ashanti region - Mahama later went to her family to pay his respects, before she was buried in line with Islamic tradition A woman known as Manuna, has reportedly lost her life while dancing to a version of the popular song, Bobolebobo. The incident occurred at the Asawasi Central mosque park in the Ashanti region, on Tuesday, November 28, 2018 in the afternoon. YEN.com.gh understands that Manuna, believed to be in her late 40s, was at the park to welcome former president John Mahama. READ ALSO: Heartbreaking photos and video of land guards attacking pastor and members leak online As she waited, along with several others, she danced to a version of the song that has been adopted as a campaign song for Mahama. A witness to the incident, Alhaji Taabso, revealed that Manuna and other people were dancing to party songs, when she unexpectedly fell down. She was then rushed to the Manhyia government hospital, but did not survive. Asawases constituency secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mugis Mahdi, described the deceased as a loyal and active party member who is a fun of former president John Dramani Mahama. He added that she was unwell, but decided to come to the campaign grounds because she admired Mahama. Mahama visited the bereaved family with a delegation to mourn with them before Islamic prayer was held for the deceased, after which she was buried in line with Islamic tradition. READ ALSO: Hot video of a policeman stealing a phone from a popular mall leaks online Meet Ghana's Peculiar Female Tiler: Faces of Ghana| #Yencomgh Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen.com.gh A man in the news, Nana Appiah Mensah has challenged government on what he feels is unfair whipping up of sentiments against him. Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of gold dealership company Menzgold, says the government is tarnishing his image. Mensah defended himself against the perceived attacks by insinuating that he was contributing his quota to the national economy. In a Thursday morning post on Instagram, Mensah attempted to defend himself by Ghana and some other unmentioned African country. His point was perhaps to illustrate how he felt betrayed by the authorities of the country whom he felt did not support businesses from its own people. READ ALSO: Policeman caught on camera stealing a phone from the Marina Mall Nana Appiah Mensah has been under pressure ever since authorities took Menzgold to task. Photo credit: Google Photos Source: Twitter It was impossible for YEN.com.gh to embed the Instagram post but this what Mensah wrote: Somewhere in africa: A purported fraudulent business has been paying income and corporate taxes for govt, Salaries and SNNIT for staff, 5% & now 3% royalties on over $100 million dollars gold bars exports for the Minerals Commission, discharged contractual obligations fully to thousands of clients and have embarked on various Corporate Social responsibilities for 5 years successfully with no objection.#SeektheFacts. The businessman is in battle with the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in a bid to defend the legality of his business. READ ALSO: I am not Captain Smarts divorced wife Afia Pokua clears air on presenters failed marriage He added in his Instagram post: At the end, what I would live with would be the shock at the silence of my friends and associates and not the temporary slay of my foes.#ValuesAdded #LifeLessons. This obviously seemd like a man who feels lonely in his constant struggle to maintain his reputation. Only last week, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta expressed that the BNI is looking to arrest the Menzgold boss. Meet Ghana's Peculiar Female Tiler: Faces of Ghana| #Yencomgh: Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen.com.gh - Afia Pokua of Adom FM has released some photos of two women she claimed were Captain Smarts divorced wives - This is in a bid to clear her name that she was a wife of Smart - Captain Smart had allegedly left the two women for a new woman he publicly proposed to recently It seems Afia Pokua has made good her threat to expose his Adom FM colleague, Captain Smart in his marriage brouhaha. In a bid to clear her name from wildly circulated reports that she was the Afia Pokua divorced by Adom FMs Captain Smart, Vim Lady has released photos of the real divorced wives of Smart. According to a Facebook post she made which has been sighted by YEN.com.gh, Vim Lady said was tired of the curses and attack people have meted out to her because they mistakenly thought she was Captain Smarts divorced wife. One of the photos released by Vim Lady. Photo credit: Vim Lady Facebook Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Tell the truth or I expose you Afia Pokua warns Captain Smart over divorce saga Earlier reports have it that Captain Smarts recently divorced wife was also called Afia Pokua, just like Vim Lady, so many people have the conviction that it was truly her. She indicated that she had long discussed the matter with Captain Smart to address the issue for everyone to know that she was not his divorced wife, but still he has not made any move. It is in this vein that she leaked the photos of the women to clear her names. She wrote that Ghanaians should spot the differences in the pictures to know that she is not any of them. READ ALSO: We are eradicating poverty Ghanaian women give reasons why they wont date poor guys Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh has learnt that Captain Smart had officially been involved with two women before the new one he proposed to publicly in recent times. One of the women, according to our sources, was also a borga just like the one Smart proposed to in the United States recently. Meanwhile, Vim Lady has said she had received threatening calls and text messages in recent times following Captain Smarts divorce. One of the photos released by Vim Lady. Photo credit: Vim Lady Facebook Source: Facebook READ ALSO: She must hit the gym Fans fear over latest photo of Maame Serwaa displaying her large melons' Yenkasa: Some Musicians Share Thoughts on Kuami Eugene's 'Rockstar' Album| #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Christian Atsu pays 7,000 pounds to set African prisoners free Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place Source: Yen.com.gh ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- The list of questions special counsel Robert Mueller submitted to President Donald Trump included a query about a controversial change to the Republican partys convention platform in June 2016 regarding the U.S. providing arms to Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the presidents responses. Trump submitted his answers to special counsel Mueller last week after months of negotiating over how the questions would be handled. ABC News has previously reported that the questions, which were divided into five sections, focused mostly on whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the presidential campaign cycle, according to sources. The platform revision occurred as the Republican National Convention got underway in Cleveland. On July 18, party insiders took the unusual step of watering down its formal position on whether the U.S. should help protect Ukraine from Russian incursions a move viewed as a surprising concession to the Russian government at a time of tension in Ukraine. The platform change took place during the Republican convention organized by then-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Manafort had previously worked for a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party. Sources tell ABC News the president told Mueller he was not aware of the platform change to the best of his recollection. That would be consistent with his answer to a question about the matter to ABC Newss George Stephanopoulos during the summer of 2016. I wasn't involved in that. Honestly, I was not involved, Trump said at the time. In addition to the platform change question, sources tell ABC News the president was also asked about the now-infamous Trump Tower meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort and a Russian attorney in hopes of obtaining dirt on Hillary Clinton. According to sources, the Presidents written response said he was unaware of the June 2016 meeting before and after it happened. A third question posed by the special counsel centered on longtime Trump ally Roger Stone and his alleged contacts with WikiLeaks. The sources tell ABC News the president again said he did not recall being told by Stone about any contacts with WikiLeaks. The questions about the Trump Tower 2016 meeting and Stone were first reported by CNN. I never received anything including allegedly hacked e-mails from WikiLeaks or Julian Assange or the Russians or anyone else, Roger Stone told ABC News earlier this year. [I] never passed them on to Donald Trump or the Trump campaign or anyone else. One source told ABC News most of the questions were pretty obvious and the presidents answers were consistent to what hes been saying publicly. President Trumps legal team declined to comment when reached by ABC News. The special counsels office did not respond to a request for comment. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Acting High Commissioner of New Zealand, Kathryn Beckett taking the pledge to end gender based violence on behalf of the New Zealand High Commission. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. University of Exeter student wins award at The Global Undergraduate Summit The winning student from the University of Exeter was presented with the Thomas Clarkson Gold Medal at The Global Undergraduate Summit in Dublin, Ireland. Shamus Lee was the Global Winner in the Economics category for his paper Does degree class matter? The effects of degree classification on graduate earnings. A group of the worlds top performing students gathered in Dublin to take part in the Global Undergraduate Summit, a 3-day conference where students from 60 universities, 19 countries and 25 different categories gathered to collaborate and share research. In total, The Global Undergraduate Awards (UA) received more than 4,800 submissions to the 2018 programme from undergraduates in 333 universities from 46 countries. Exeters Rachel Pain was highly commended for her paper Does Feminist Theory Today Need the Concept of Gender? in the Philosophy category. Students presented their work from the 25 different categories showcasing this years top undergraduate work from across the sciences, humanities, business and the creative arts. The winning students are representing universities in Canada, Scotland, the United States, South Africa, Ireland, England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Turkey, Mexico, the Philippines Vietnam, Qatar, Lebanon, Sweden, New Zealand, the UAE, and the Netherlands. Executive Director of UA, Dr. Garret Maher spoke of the significance of the Global Undergraduate Summit: It is about much more than highlighting the top 150 contributors; it encourages cross-discipline collaboration, helps young students understand their responsibility to engage in issues of global importance and encourages debate in an atmosphere of solidarity. This experience will contribute to how they conduct their professional lives in the future; that Ireland is the source of this makes an impression on young women and men, many of whom will have positions of leadership and authority in the future. The Global Winners received the Thomas Clarkson Gray Gold Medal, named after the man who was described by the poet, Samuel Coleridge as a moral steam engine. The Chairman of UA, Jim Barry, said the naming of the Medal after Clarkson was very deliberate. As a young man, Clarkson had won his first prize for an essay on slavery and then dedicated his whole life to its abolition in the British Empire, something he saw achieved by an Act of Parliament in 1833. The Undergraduate Awards has exactly that ambition that young men and women across the globe would address their academic talents to matters of significance in all fields of learning in the hope that it would spark their passion to be change makers and leaders into the future. University of Exeter joins President Macrons campaign to fight cyber-attacks The University of Exeter has joined governments around the world and technology giants in backing President Macron of Frances campaign to fight cyber-attacks. The University is one of the original signatories of the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, a pledge to work collaboratively to support an open, secure and peaceful cyberspace launched at the UNESCO Internet Governance Forum. University of Exeter academics are world-renowned experts in cyber law. Professor Michael Schmitt directed the Tallinn Manual project, which over a seven-year period produced the key resource governments use for guidance on lawful cyber behaviour. Dr Kubo Macak is leading a project to develop a toolkit for policymakers and politicians on how to use international cyber law, while Dr Ana Beduschi is active in exploring the use of big data to address refugee crises. Professor Debra Myhill, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Social Sciences and International Studies said: We are proud that the University of Exeter is among the original signatories of this multi-stakeholder commitment to enhancing international security and personal well-being, which in turn fosters the advancement of values this University holds dear. We are equally proud that this University is home to globally influential, cutting-edge scholarship that lies at the intersection of law and technology. As well as condemning cyber-attacks, those who have signed the document including all EU nations - have agreed that international law and human rights law is applicable in cyberspace and that peoples rights must be protected online. Major firms, such as Microsoft, BT, Facebook, Hitachi, Siemens, and VISA, have made the same commitment, as have organizations like the Carnegie Institution, the University of California at Berkeley, and Korea University. The Call remains open for additional signatories. Signatories to the Paris Call have committed to prevent malicious cyber activities; protect the general availability and integrity of the internet; cooperate to prevent malign interferences in electoral processes; work together against ICT-enabled theft of intellectual property; prevent the proliferation of malicious tools and techniques; and increase the security of ICT products and services. Professor Schmitt, who will this year train government officials in Mexico, Panama, Belgium and Australia in cyberspace law, said: It is essential that academics work hand-in-glove with governments, the private sector, and civil society to foster shared security, safety, economic well-being, and privacy in cyberspace. Exeter Law School is playing a lead role in that regard. In addition to their work on cyber issues, Professor Schmitt and Dr Macak are working on a project that brings together an international group of space and legal experts to understand how our Earth-bound laws apply to military operations in outer space. This project, co-directed by Professor Schmitt, will result in The Woomera Manual on the International Law of Military Space Operations. The University of Exeter is a co-founder of the project, together with the University of Nebraska, Adelaide University and the University of New South Wales. Bright Health, a Minneapolis-based insurance company that provides exclusive Care Partner Health Plans for everyday individuals at competitive prices, raised $200m in Series C funding. Backers included new investors Declaration Partners and Meritech Capital, as well as existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Cross Creek Advisors, Flare Capital, Greenspring Associates, Greycroft Partners, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Redpoint Ventures, and Town Hall Ventures. The company, which has raised raised more than $440 million in three rounds of equity financing since early 2016, intends to use the capital for expansion in 2020 and beyond, as well as reinforce its consumer-centric technology platform. Co-founded in 2016 by Bob Sheehy, Kyle Rolfing, and Tom Valdivia, Bright Health provides health insurance for everyday individuals. The company currently offers a range of individual, family and Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, New York City, Ohio and Tennessee via its website, call center, broker partners and through government websites as well as public health insurance exchanges. FinSMEs 29/11/2018 Upward Labs, a Hartford, CT-area program focused on developing and nurturing early-stage companies developing pilot programs in the smart building and aged care market segments, is to receive a $3.9m investment. Connecticut Innovations (CI) will invest the sum in over two years. The company will use the funds to invest in portfolio companies accepted into the program, as well as provide support to those companies in the form of recruitment, infrastructure and other operating expenses during their time in Hartford. Shana Schlossberg, founder and CEO, Upward is global incubator with a vision to re-invigorate second-tier cities through a generation of innovators with ideas that are fostered through connection, learning and experience. In the last year, Upward has facilitated pilots and deals between startups from all over the world and major Fortune 500 Companies headquartered in Hartford CT. The Upward Labs project is establishing two physical labs in downtown Hartford, where companies in the smart building and aged care industries accepted into the program will live and work for six consecutive months. During this time, portfolio companies will have the opportunity to pilot their product with commercial, residential and senior care program partners and to work closely with established corporations to test their pilot programs and prove efficacy. In all, Upward Labs intends to invest in a total of 40 companies and execute four different six-month cohorts with 10 companies in each. FinSMEs 29/11/2018 ParaGen Technologies, the Columbus, OH-based parent company of four medical device companies, closed a $3m bridge funding round. Led by Ross Kayuha, CEO, ParaGen operates four portfolio companies RenovoDerm, Atreon Orthopedics, Vascular Genesis and Tarian Medical, which are building product lines for wound care, orthopedic, peripheral vascular and hernia markets respectively. The funding will be used to commercialize RenovoDerms proprietary product The Phoenix Wound MatrixTM, pre-testing for FDA clearance of Tarian Medicals Tarian AbS, as well as beginning the final round of animal testing for Vascular Genesis vascular access graft product. ParaGen Technologies is a joint venture between Nanofiber Solutions, which developed the core technology, and the Ikove Startup Nursery, which provided the funding and go-to-market strategy. In mid-2019, ParaGen and Ikove plan to raise the companys first Series A round. FinSMEs 29/11/2018 . , , . , , , . , 46- , . , , , ... Rwandan Dissident Draws US Congressional Support U.S. congressional lawmakers are pressing Rwanda's government against incarcerating dissident politician Diane Rwigara, who faces up to 22 years in prison after being convicted of inciting ... https://www.voanews.com/a/rwandan-dissident-draws-us-congressional-support/4678705.html As the Grey Knights ready their forces, players are invited to get a first look at the foes assembling to further the Blooms corrupting influence. Bonn International School : Alice in Wonderland musical open to the public Plittersdorf Students at Bonn International School have been busy rehearsing for their performance of the musical Alice in Wonderland. The fittingly colorful and lively musical is suitable for all ages and is open to the public this Thursday and Friday. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The Macbeth performance by the Bonn International School (BIS) theater ensemble last year was pretty heavy stuff. "The smaller children didn't understand it," says BIS student Lily-Rose (13). This year, they decided on something completely different. If Shakespeare's work was an epic drama, the new piece is epic nonsensical, but nevertheless great world literature: BIS is staging a musical version of "Alice in Wonderland". Lily-Rose has the leading role, but not alone: She plays the normal Alice, while two classmates impersonate the huge and the shrunken girl. As you know, when Alice follows a white rabbit with a pocket watch, she tumbles into a world where nothing is the way it was before. Flowers, caterpillars and cats can speak, the Mad Hatter celebrates his non-birthday, and the Queen of Hearts' court consists of playing cards. Alice becomes very tiny or very large by eating cookies or carrots, and finds that none of the social rules she has learned will help her advance in this world. "It's nice and funny, everybody can laugh along", says Lily-Rose. And wonderfully colorful, adds Halina (15), who plays the Cheshire Cat. With costumes, make-up, choreography and stage design, the students were able to really enjoy themselves. The realization of Lewis Carroll's famous work is fittingly colorful. Zoe (16), who plays the Queen of Hearts, and likes to see heads rolling, thinks that it is much more suitable for primary school children. The biggest challenge? "Many who took part in Macbeth didn't want to (take part in the Alice in Wonderland musical) because they didn't want to sing." Students rehearsed after classes and on weekends. During the dress rehearsal, the students seemed to have a lot of fun. Which is also due to the fact that they were allowed to have a say. So Halina and her two classmates, who play the Cheshire Cat together, had the opportunity to think up their own character. And they also had a say in other things, just not in the choice of roles: According to Zoe, there was a casting by age group, after which the roles were distributed. "Alice in Wonderland" is open to the public this Thursday and Friday at 7 pm in the auditorium of Bonn International School, Martin-Luther-King-Strae 14. Admission is free, but you have to register by sending an e-mail to development@bonn-is.de . 10,000 people evacuated : WWII bomb defused in city of Cologne Cologne It was a mammoth task that the city of Cologne had to accomplish. Around 10,000 people were evacuated from their homes because of a bomb discovery in Poll, an area of Cologne on the right side of the Rhine, south of Deutz. The whole thing took longer than expected. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Following the discovery of a WWII bomb weighing one ton in Cologne-Poll, the unexploded ordnance was defused early on Thursday morning. After evacuation orders on Wednesday night, the city announced early on Thursday that all restrictions had been lifted. Residents could return to their apartments. The A4 autobahn was also opened again for traffic. Everyone within a radius of one kilometer had to be evacuated and this proved to be particularly complex, causing the defusing work to be delayed several times. Around 10,000 residents had to leave their homes, including sick and elderly people who had to be transported from their houses and apartments. The evacuation affected senior citizen homes and refugee shelters. The city had set up three drop-in centers for the residents, one at a military facility and two in schools. A total of 1000 people were accommodated in the facilities and supplied with drinks and snacks. A good 100 law enforcement and transport workers were on site. The German Red Cross, the police, fire department and Bundeswehr (German military) also supported the operation with many of their staff. It was all done professionally and routinely, according to reports from people in the Mudra military facility. The atmosphere was relaxed and there had not been any long queues. During the defusing, the A4 autobahn had been closed between Vingst and Cologne South. Tram line 7 and a freight line were affected by the closures as well. Patterson, CA (95363) Today Areas of dense morning fog. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 63F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Areas of dense fog developing. Low 42F. Winds light and variable. 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. When Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ran for president in 2016, the democratic socialist pledged to fight for single-payer health care, campaign finance reform and a $15 minimum wage. These are now signature issues for progressive candidates across the country. But at the state level, several of the many newly elected lawmakers backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are also focused on another issue -- housing."This is a perfect example of where unfettered capitalism has failed us, says Democratic Maryland Del.-elect Vaughn Stewart. At the end of the day, when the motive of landlords and developers is to make a dollar, that means their primary goal is not to put a roof over people's heads."Stewart plans to introduce a bill early next year that would create a state trust fund for social housing. This public option for housing, as he calls it, would be available to people of all income levels, differentiating it from traditional public housing and housing vouchers.Stewart is one of 40 DSA-backed candidates elected to state and local office this year. Their presence could shake up the agenda and push the traditional limits of policymaking in many statehouses and city halls.Affordable housing is a crisis across the country. Colorado state Sen.-elect Julie Gonzales, a DSA candidate hoping to repeal rent control prohibitions in her state, says, I think we all heard it on the campaign trail. ... It was inevitable for any candidate to hear it. But members of this new DSA cohort seem to be drawing particular attention to the issue. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a former bartender who beat a 10-term incumbent for a seat in the U.S. House, made headlines this month when she indicated she couldnt afford an apartment in D.C. until she got her first congressional paycheck.Were now in a situation where the people directly impacted by these issues are actually gaining positions of power and modeling how difficult it is, says New York state Sen.-elect Julia Salazar, one of the most high-profile democratic socialists to enter politics and win this year. I ran very explicitly on fighting to end deregulatory policies, to fight for stronger rent laws, to protect tenants, and to fight for truly, deeply affordable housing.In Salazar's state, and in Stewart's, affordable housing has become a big concern. The news that Amazon will build new headquarters in the Washington, D.C., metro area and New York City has many worried about the impact it will have on the cost of living in the surrounding regions. In the past five years, home values rose 73 percent in Seattle, where Amazon built its first U.S. headquarters, while New York City's increased 42 percent and Arlington County, Va.'s just 15 percent.Stewart thinks his "public option for housing" would ease the cost of living. He was inspired by a policy paper from the People's Policy Project, a left-wing think tank, which proposes housing developments owned by local government in which higher-income residents pay higher rents so that people in the middle class can pay less than they do now and the poorest can receive subsidies."In very expensive cities, they could become a significant revenue source," according to the People's Policy Project.Though hes still finessing the details for his plan, Stewart says the funding would come from a state bond and some kind of tax on the wealthy. The money would then be offered to local counties -- and Baltimore City -- to be used for building housing that would charge rents far below market rates. Stewart argues that the competition of social housing would also drive down prices in the private housing sector.Stewart acknowledges that social housing is the big sexy thing that probably has the least chance of passing but has the highest chance of moving the Overton window, expanding the range of ideas permissible in public discourse. Hes also pushing for more modest reforms like tenant protections that address how quickly a landlord is required to return a security deposit. He says the Democratic leadership in Annapolis is interested in housing reforms, and hell be working closely with Maryland Del.-elect Gabriel Acevero, another DSA-backed candidate who campaigned on the issue.In New York, the rent laws are set to expire next year, and activists like Salazar are pushing for comprehensive legislation to strengthen renters rights. With Democrats having regained control of both chambers of the state legislature, the politics of housing could be changing in the state. Asrecently reported , Six of the eight members of the real estate-friendly Independent Democratic Conference were defeated in primary elections this year, by candidates seen as more tenant-friendly.New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently said he supports ending vacancy decontrol, a decades-old policy that removed 150,000 apartments from regulations.I think he sees where the wind is blowing, Salazar says, adding that this years election results should send a message to wayward Democrats: If legislators continue to defy what the people want and not fight for much more progressive policies, theyre going to be primaried. The electorate wont tolerate it. Gov. Paul LePage is continuing to fight Medicaid expansion in court, filing another motion to delay the case only five weeks before Gov.-elect Janet Mills will take over, reverse course and implement the expansion.As a result, LePage's latest legal move may do little more than further delay access to health insurance for the 70,000 people who will be eligible for Medicaid coverage under the law approved by voters in November 2017.On Monday, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services requested a stay of a judge's order that would compel the LePage administration to move ahead with Medicaid expansion.Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy ruled on Nov. 21 that Maine DHHS had to implement expansion by Dec. 5, a move that would make about 70,000 low-income Mainers eligible for health insurance. Murphy ruled that the LePage administration had to follow the law approved by voters, but LePage has said the state will appeal the ruling.The stay request, filed Monday with the state's Business and Consumer Court, argued that implementing expansion would have "far-reaching negative consequences" and would "prompt a fiscal crisis by requiring the expenditure of funds needed to provide care for the even poorer population that currently receives (Medicaid) services."Medicaid expansion will cost state taxpayers about $50 to $60 million per year, but Maine will receive more than $500 million annually in federal funds to help pay for health care for newly-eligible Medicaid enrollees. The Legislature approved $60 million in funding for Medicaid expansion this summer, but LePage vetoed it, arguing that the funding package contained one-time "budget gimmicks."Voters approved Medicaid expansion -- a key component of the Affordable Care Act -- 59 to 41 percent in the 2017 referendum, LePage has refused to implement it, arguing that funds were not available to do so. The Republican governor has been a steadfast Medicaid expansion opponent, having vetoed several expansion bills passed by the Legislature.Mills, a Democrat, has vowed to implement Medicaid expansion "on day one" if it hasn't already been put in place when she assumes office in January.When LePage refused to implement expansion this spring, Maine Equal Justice Partners, an advocacy group that lobbied for the 2017 referendum, filed suit, arguing that the governor did not have the authority to avoid implementing a voter-approved law. The courts have so far ruled in Maine Equal Justice Partners' favor.In her Nov. 21 decision, retroactive to July 2, Murphy wrote that "although the governor may believe implementation to be unwise and disagree with the (expansion law) as a matter of policy, he may not ignore the will of the people and refuse to take any action toward accomplishing the policy objectives of the (law)."Attorneys for LePage argued in the motion asking for a stay on Monday that the state could lose millions in federal money if the stay is not granted. They said that because the federal government has yet to approve the state's expansion plan, Maine would be at risk of paying the full cost of expansion from July through December, instead of 10 percent of the cost as required by the Affordable Care Act.But MaryBeth Musumeci, associate director of the Program of Medicaid and the Uninsured at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a national health policy think tank, told the Press Herald that as long as an "approvable" plan is filed in the same quarter that expansion begins, the federal government would retroactively reimburse any costs to the state within the same quarter.The LePage administration filed its plan with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in September, so as long as the routine paperwork is considered "approvable" Maine would not lose any federal funds, Musumeci said.Robyn Merrill, executive director of Maine Equal Justice, said that even though Mills will be taking over soon, the organization's goal is to "get health care to people who need it as quickly as possible.""We have a new administration coming in that believes in and values Medicaid expansion and is ready to make it happen," Merrill said. "It's still important to hold (the LePage) administration accountable and comply with the decision issued by the court. That decision should become a court precedent and must be allowed to stand."Mills spokesman Scott Ogden said in a statement that "Medicaid expansion is the law of the land, and regardless of what the current administration does between now and January, Gov.-elect Mills will immediately take steps to implement it as soon as she assumes office, as the people of Maine have demanded."Under the law, Mainers earning as much as 138 percent of the federal poverty level -- $16,753 for an individual and $34,638 for a family of four -- could begin applying for Medicaid coverage on July 2. Many did, only to receive letters of denial from DHHS. Eric Bauman, the powerful chairman of the California Democratic Party, made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching or physical intimidation in professional settings, 10 party staff members and political activists said in interviews with The Times.When presented with the allegations, Bauman said in a statement Wednesday that he planned to seek treatment for health issues and alcohol use."I deeply regret if my behavior has caused pain to any of the outstanding individuals with whom I've had the privilege to work. I appreciate the courage it took for these individuals to come forward to tell their stories," Bauman said."In the interest of allowing the CDP's independent investigation to move forward, I do not wish to respond to any of the specific allegations. However, I will use the time I am on leave to immediately seek medical intervention to address serious, ongoing health issues and to begin treatment for what I now realize is an issue with alcohol," he said."Leading the California Democratic Party to historic victories has been the honor of a lifetime, and I look forward to continuing this important work upon the conclusion of the investigation and when my health allows," Bauman, 59, said in his statement.The allegations come after a tumultuous week in which Bauman was accused of unspecified misconduct and took a leave of absence.In a letter last week calling for Bauman's resignation, Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall referred only to "a clear and escalating pattern of Chairman Bauman's horrific and dehumanizing behavior."Bauman, who is gay, is a fixture in California and LGBTQ politics. A former nurse who ascended to the top echelon of the state Democratic Party, Bauman has built a reputation for being brash and boisterous, with a large circle of allies within the party.As chairman, he is the face of the Democratic Party in California and helps guide its campaign efforts, fundraising and policy positions.But the people who spoke to The Times said his familiarity crossed the line into inappropriate conduct over more than a decade, behavior that at times appeared to be tolerated by some in the party.Some of those interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear it could hurt their careers. Others said they felt conflicting emotions about speaking out, knowing it could harm the party."People just didn't know how to speak up about it," said Allan Acevedo, a political consultant who is active in the youth arm of the party. "There was a sense of loyalty. Not just to him, but to any advancement that any LGBT person makes in terms of us having representation at the table."------Eight current party staffers said that, while he was serving as chairman, Bauman would regularly make sexually explicit comments in the workplace to men and women, including remarks about sexual acts, his and other staffers' genitalia, and being sexually attracted to staff members.One female staffer based in Southern California said Bauman made obscene comments to her at an official dinner in September 2017.The staffer, who describes herself as a masculine-presenting woman, said Bauman, using explicit language, told her that she must have been a gay man in her past life because he wanted to sleep with her. She said he made another remark about men he liked to have sex with. Another party staffer told The Times that the woman discussed the incident with her soon after the event.A gay male party official said that during professional interactions with Bauman, the party chairman inquired about his sex life with his partner.The Times reviewed text messages between the official and Bauman that show Bauman making sexually suggestive remarks. The official also said he witnessed Bauman taunting staff members on multiple occasions about their sexual orientation and their physical appearance.The eight staff members each said they also experienced or witnessed Bauman engaging in unwanted touching, particularly directed toward male staffers.One staffer said that, starting in October and continuing through the November election, he received unwanted attention from Bauman, including touching his back and abdomen, and a prolonged hug in which the chairman groaned. He said Bauman also made sexually charged comments to him in front of colleagues, and whispered into his ear.A current staff member told The Times that Bauman directed physical and verbal attention at the staffer and said the touching and comments appeared to make the staffer uncomfortable. The staffer said he spoke to a supervisor about Bauman's behavior, but the supervisor dissuaded him from pressing the issue.In another incident, a harassment complaint was filed against Bauman following a November bus tour in which party officials and staff traveled the state to rally with Democratic candidates.Grace Leekley, 21, a temporary worker in the party's communications department, said she had chosen not to go on the bus, in part because she did not want to be in close quarters with Bauman. She met up with the tour at a Nov. 1 event in Chico and joined the staff for lunch, where she sat next to Kate Earley, 21, who had started about six weeks earlier as the party's digital director.Leekley and Earley said that during the lunch, Bauman shushed the staffers at the table and then asked the women, within earshot of their colleagues, if the two were having an affair. When both women said no, Bauman pressed the issue, they said, telling them he would not mind if they were involved in a sexual relationship so long as it did not affect the workplace."I felt really embarrassed, almost ashamed, and uncomfortable," Leekley said. "I'm basically bottom-of-the-barrel staff -- and he's the most powerful man in the party. I didn't feel comfortable saying anything."A party staffer told The Times that he heard Bauman make the comments and said the two women told him afterward they felt deeply uncomfortable. Earley filed a complaint to her supervisor within 30 minutes of the incident and spoke with the human resources department later that day, she said. Her attorney said the complaint remains unresolved. As of the time he took a leave of absence on Monday, Bauman had not seen a formal complaint, according to a source close to the chairman.The state Democratic Party's handbook prohibits harassment, including "verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual's body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations," as well as "physical conduct such as assault (unwanted touching), blocking normal movement, or interfering with work directed at an individual because of his or her sex or any other basis."It also has a policy against alcohol use in the workplace or while performing official duties. Leekley, Earley and five other staff members who spoke to The Times all said they witnessed Bauman frequently consuming alcohol during the workday, sometimes as early as midmorning.Just months into his tenure as party chairman last November -- with the country focused on the #MeToo movement -- Bauman said the party had a "100% no-tolerance policy" on sexual harassment."Nobody should go to work and be in fear, be looking over their shoulder or dodging down the hallway because a bully or harasser is coming," he said at a speaking event.------Before taking the helm of the state party, Bauman was Los Angeles County Democratic Party chairman from 2000 to 2017, earning a reputation as a gregarious and intimidating party boss."I am, in appropriate circumstances, very aggressive. But on the natural, because of my Bronx demeanor, I always come off like a tough guy," he said in a 2017 interview with The Times during his campaign for state chair. "People come up to me on the street all the time and think I am Joe Pesci. I try to work with that."Bauman moved to Hollywood from New York when he was 18 years old. He would go on to work as a registered nurse, and met his now-husband, also a nurse, at a hospital coffee shop. He then became a union organizer at Los Angeles-area hospitals and became active in the Democratic Party.He joined and later became president of the Los Angeles County Stonewall Democratic Club, a political group that advocates for LGBTQ rights, and from that perch launched his successful campaign to lead the county party.One of Bauman's accusers, a Southern California man who is involved with progressive causes, said he was 17 and a high school senior when he met with Bauman, then the county chairman, in 2006 for an informational interview about building a career in politics. The man, who is gay, said he and Bauman were broadly discussing how the experience of LGBTQ people had changed over time.He said Bauman told him in explicit language that, if it were the 1980s, Bauman would take him to the back alley and have sex with him without using protection. A friend of the man told The Times that the man recounted the incident to him in 2017."He was aware I was a high school student. I wasn't in college yet," said the man, who is now in his late 20s. "Even if I was 18, even if it happened now, it would be profoundly unacceptable."Acevedo was getting his start in state Democratic politics in 2009 when he first met Bauman. He recalled Bauman hanging around with Acevedo and other young gay men. He said Bauman would make comments about which men he thought were cute and guessed at the preferred sexual roles of those in the group. The young men would make bawdy jokes as well, Acevedo said, and generally seemed to go along with his behavior.Acevedo, now 29, progressed in party politics. In January 2016, while interim chairman of the California Young Democrats, Acevedo and his ex-boyfriend, a party staffer, had dinner with Bauman and his husband, Acevedo said. Acevedo planned to stay over at Bauman's house that night and said Bauman made a number of comments that evening about Acevedo having sex at his home. Acevedo said he told Bauman to behave, and teased that he could revoke his endorsement of Bauman for state party chairman.He said Bauman then grabbed the back of his neck in what he described as a "vise grip" and told Acevedo he knew the endorsement would not be pulled. When Acevedo asked why, he said Bauman squeezed down on his neck and said, "Because I would crush you." Acevedo did not respond to Bauman and the night proceeded. When the two men later got into a political argument, Acevedo said he decided to leave.Acevedo's boyfriend at the time told The Times that Acevedo told him about a troubling interaction with Bauman within days after it happened.Acevedo said he also considered speaking out publicly in 2017, when Bauman was engaged in a bitter campaign for the state party chairmanship against Bay Area Democratic organizer Kimberly Ellis. The political clash exposed a growing schism between party factions, fed in part by lingering resentment from the 2016 Democratic presidential primary between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Ellis' backers included a large faction of Sanders supporters, while Bauman had the support of many traditional Democratic Party groups who stood with Clinton.Hilary Crosby, a former party official, said Acevedo told her that spring that Bauman had put his hands around Acevedo's neck and threatened him. Lori Saldana, a former state assemblywoman, said Acevedo told her that spring that Bauman had generally acted inappropriately with him and other young people involved with the party.Acevedo decided not to go public at the time, in part, he said, because he worried the allegation would be politicized in the midst of a grueling chair's race. But he said he felt guilty for not coming forward."It scared me how I didn't say something sooner and I didn't speak up right away," Acevedo said. He said the incident made him question how much he wanted to be involved in party politics.Just weeks before the vote for a new state Democratic Party leader, Bauman sent out an email to party members strongly denying what he said were unfair, unspecified rumors of misconduct that he called the "politics of personal destruction.""Last Thursday evening, my phone bank team started hearing from some delegates that they had 'heard' that I have been engaging in inappropriate behavior with 14- and 16-year-old boys," Bauman wrote. "When I first heard it, I could not believe it and I brushed it off. Then, we heard it again on Friday and I became really angry. I'm a pretty tough guy and I can take the attacks, lies, distortions, and mud that has been slung at me pretty well. But to accuse me of child abuse, especially of this nature, is beyond the pale and 100% unacceptable."Ellis and other party officials immediately denounced the allegations.Bauman went on to win the chair's race by just 57 delegate votes. The job currently pays about $123,000 a year.Larimore-Hall, the party's second vice chair, said the rumors about Bauman during the 2017 race were "heavy on homophobia and light on specifics."But when he learned earlier this month about specific allegations involving party staff, he privately encouraged Bauman to resign immediately. When Bauman did not, Larimore-Hall sent a letter calling for his removal the following day. He has since remained in regular contact with some of the accusers to discuss logistics, legal remedies and next steps.The vice chair later told party delegates, "[I]t is completely unacceptable for Chairman Bauman to remain in office given these credible, corroborated and utterly heartbreaking allegations." The city of Baltimore sued the Trump administration Wednesday over changes the State Department made to the way it weighs the use of government benefits by potential immigrants and their families when deciding to issue visas.The State Department changed the rules in January in a way Baltimore officials say deters city residents from claiming benefits they're entitled to -- such as food stamps, housing vouchers and Medicaid -- for fear of making it harder for their relatives to get visas to come to the U.S.City Solicitor Andre Davis said as far as he knows, the case in U.S. District Court in Maryland is the first of its kind to be filed."The Trump administration can try to stop Baltimore from welcoming its immigrant residents. But we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that immigrants are welcome and integrated in our city," Catalina Rodriguez-Lima, director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, said at a news conference.The nonprofit Democracy Forward, which filed the lawsuit with the city, aims to expose unlawful acts within the federal executive branch."These aren't benefits that an immigrant or their family is going to rely on exclusively -- these are benefits that are supposed to give families a little extra help when they need them," said John Lewis, an attorney with the organization.At issue is a change to a section of the Foreign Affairs Manual, which American diplomats use when deciding whether to grant someone a visa. The section dealt with determining whether someone is likely to become a "public charge" -- that is, to use cash benefits or long-term care from the government.Under the new rules, diplomats are allowed to consider the use of noncash benefits -- such as free school lunches, job training resources or health clinics -- by a visa applicant's relatives already in the U.S.The suit names President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of State and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo as defendants. It said the change violates federal laws governing administrative agencies, including the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.Baltimore and Democracy Forward are asking the court to declare the policy change unconstitutional and order consular agents to revert to using a December 2017 version of the "public charge" provision, which defined those considered dependent on public benefits more narrowly. The plaintiffs are also seeking court costs and attorneys' fees.The federal government has 60 days to respond to the complaint. The State Department referred questions to the U.S. Department of Justice; representatives there could not immediately be reached Wednesday afternoon.Rodriguez-Lima said supporting Baltimore's immigrant population is crucial to the city's economic growth. She said 9 percent of Baltimore businesses are foreign-owned, and immigrant households account for 9 percent, or $964 million, of local spending power.It was unclear how many current and potential Baltimore residents the change affects. The policy applies to people seeking immigration visas for themselves, as well as those sponsoring potential immigrants.The lawsuit does not point to specific examples of immigrants' being denied visas because of the use of such benefits. But Lewis said anecdotal evidence from consulates in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and elsewhere suggests immigration officials are applying the rule to deny more visas."Even if the city's programs don't track an individual's immigration status, when you apply for a visa, you have to give truthful answers," Lewis said. "If they ask you about what public benefits you've taken or if they find from other records that you've taken these benefits, you could potentially be worried about the immigration consequences."Davis said at the news conference Wednesday he was "certain" the policy change would result in fewer children's signing up to receive free lunches, and would adversely affect families who could otherwise benefit from assistance programs in Baltimore.The city has a record of helping immigrants, documented and undocumented. Mayor Catherine Pugh noted in a September op-ed in The Baltimore Sun that the bipartisan New American Economy group ranked Baltimore second in the nation in "creating opportunities for immigrants to share in the American dream."Said Rodriguez-Lima on Wednesday: "It is important that all of our residents _ and particularly those who are foreign-born _ know that Baltimore would not ask about or consider your immigration status when accessing our health clinics, prenatal care, food assistance, housing aid or other city benefits."The Trump administration has proposed a similar change to guidelines for officials at the Department of Homeland Security, which handles immigration issues for people within the United States. In making that proposal, the agency said that "since the 1800s, Congress has put into statute that individuals are inadmissible to the U.S. if they are unable to care for themselves without becoming a public charge and federal laws have stated that foreign nationals generally must be self-sufficient. Despite this history, public charge has not been defined in statute or regulations, and there has been insufficient guidance on how to determine if an alien who is applying for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status is likely at any time to become a public charge."This isn't the first time Baltimore has sued the Trump administration, and the city previously partnered with Democracy Forward on other cases, James Bentley, a spokesman for the mayor's office, said in an email. Baltimore worked with Democracy Forward to obtain a permanent injunction to keep the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from cutting a grant for teen pregnancy prevention. And they worked together on a suit challenging the Trump administration's attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The city has also submitted amicus briefs in support of actions other municipalities have brought, including challenging the addition of a citizenship question to the census, Bentley said.The latest case comes during a period of high crime and turmoil in the city. But Davis said the plight of Baltimore's immigrant population is no less a concern, and the case aligns with Pugh's efforts to make Baltimore's immigrant population welcome."We care about all of our citizens and our residents, and this is an opportunity to fight back against what we perceive to be discriminatory, invidious, frankly hateful actions by the national government," Davis said. "We care about the people who live here. We want to be known, as we are, as a welcoming place, a place that pays attention to equality and inclusion, and so it's a very high priority for the city." A federal grand jury has indicted two Iranian men for orchestrating a widespread ransomware cyberattack scheme targeting U.S. cities, hospitals and transportation agencies.The indictment charges Faramarz Shahi Savandi, 34, and Mohammad Mehdi Shah Mansouri, 27, with launching cyberattacks using malware known as SamSam to freeze data on computers. The men then demanded payment in digital currency known as Bitcoin to unlock the data.Authorities said Savandi and Mansouri collected more than $6 million in ransom payments and caused $30 million in damages in attacks that began in December 2015. Both men reside in Iran and have not been arrested."The allegations in the indictment unsealed today -- the first of its kind -- outline an Iran-based international computer hacking and extortion scheme that engaged in 21st-century digital blackmail," said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. "These defendants allegedly used ransomware to infect the computer networks of municipalities, hospitals, and other key public institutions, locking out the computer owners, and then demanded millions of dollars in payments from them."The Port of San Diego, one target of the scheme, first reported the ransomware attack on Sept. 25, limiting access to permits and public documents for a few days. Computers that handled administrative functions for the Harbor Police also were impacted.The port declined to comment on whether it paid the ransom, and U.S. Department of Justice officials on Wednesday also declined to identify which victims opted to pay."We applaud the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI for conducting this complex and sophisticated investigation. The federal government's assistance and partnership has been invaluable during our recovery from the September 2018 cyberattack," said Randa Coniglio, chief executive of the port, in a statement. "We are very pleased to see these enforcement efforts against international computer hacking and extortion scammers, and we hope these efforts also serve as a deterrent to future attacks."According to the indictment, Atlanta, Newark, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the University of Calgary were among the government agencies attacked.In addition, health care facilities, including Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles; Kansas Heart Hospital; MedStar Health in Maryland; Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital; and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions in Chicago were victims.Savandi and Mansouri created the first version of the SamSam Ransomware in late 2015 and further refined the ransomware in June and October 2017, according to the indictment.The men allegedly used sophisticated online reconnaissance to select potential targets, according to the indictment, disguising their attacks to appear like legitimate network activity.The Port of San Diego is the most recent victim of the attacks, according to the indictment. It employs about 570 workers and oversees 34 miles of San Diego Bay waterfront property. It plays a key role in public safety with the Harbor Police and the operation of cargo and cruise terminals. The district spans five cities and houses 800 businesses. Description GIS 29 November 2018: A Diaspora Project, endorsed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Development Fund, and entitled Building Capacity to Strengthening Linkages with the Mauritian Diaspora, was launched this morning at Le Meridien Hotel, in Pointe aux Piments. An Inception Workshop, organised jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, and the IOM, is also being held at the same venue to discuss the Diaspora Project which is expected to be implemented over a 24-month timeline. The Workshop is helping to contextualise the Project within IOM strategic objectives at national, regional and continental levels and to explain the project goals, high level milestones and rationale to the relevant stakeholders. The discussions and interactions amongst key officials from relevant Ministries, are expected to lead to a consensual endorsement and an implementation strategy of the Project activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade is receiving the necessary support from the IOM Office Mauritius, in both financial and technical terms, to ensure proper implementation of the Project. IOM will also support the Government of Mauritius to learn on best practices on diaspora engagement from the experience of another African country and to identify formal and informal diaspora networks in targeted countries, which are home to large Mauritian diaspora populations such as Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. The Project is constituted of several crucial components, including: the setting up of a Diaspora Cell under the premises of the Ministry; pilot mappings in three different geographic locations from North America, Europe and Australia; an evaluation report on the profiling of Mauritian diaspora; and devising a proper diaspora engagement strategy that should sustain in the longer term. Description GIS 29 November 2018: A Joint Monitoring Framework Agreement will soon be signed between the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare and the European Union (EU) with the objective of tracking progress on the implementation of Mauritius-EU Gender Action Plan. The announcement was made yesterday by the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Outer Islands, Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, at the opening of a half-day workshop held in the context of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, commemorated on 25 November. On this occasion, the Human Rights bracelet campaign which aims at raising awareness on the importance of protecting human rights was also launched. The Vice-Prime Minister underlined that with the signing of the Joint Monitoring Framework Agreement, a number of performance indicators relating to the promotion of gender equality, elimination of gender-based violence and economic empowerment of women, will be more effectively monitored. Eradicating violence against women and girls, she emphasised, is at the core of Vision 2030 adding that Government is determined to eliminate this social scourge through a number of initiatives, namely Womens Economic Empowerment, the Victim Empowerment and Abuser Rehabilitation Policy, the Integrated Support Service, and the Perpetrator Intervention programmes. Other measures comprise the setting up of a Domestic Violence Review Committee to take remedial actions to cases with minimal responses; creation of an Integrated Support Centre to provide rapid and coordinated assistance on a 24-hour basis and approaching employers to come up with training and employment opportunities for the victims of domestic violence. Vice-Prime Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo underscored the importance of having a holistic approach to cases of domestic violence for which collective efforts are highly encouraged. She commended the EUs support in raising awareness and providing technical assistance in key areas such as capacity development for gender analysis and strengthening of national capacity; preparation of the Gender Equality Bill; and the revision and finalisation of the Childrens Bill as well as the preparation of the Draft of the Adoption Bill. Also present at the event, the Ambassador of the EU to Mauritius, Mrs Marjaana Sall, highlighted that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and devastating human rights violations. This violence, she emphasised, is a barrier to gender equality, women's and girls' rights and empowerment, and overall development, and an impediment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. She pointed out that the EU is working in close collaboration with various stakeholders for advocacy and awareness of human rights and protection of rights of women and girls. To this end, the EU has set up a High Level Policy Dialogue on Gender with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare to become part of the solution to prevent and end violence against women and girls, she added. The workshop is a joint initiative of the EU and the National Human Rights Commission aiming at sensitising public officials, civil society and private sector on different issues linked to violence against women namely discrimination, domestic violence, and harassment. It was organised in the context of the EUs support to the United Nations' campaign on the elimination of violence against women (16 days of activism) which started on 25 November and will end on 10 December, marking the International Human Rights Day. Description GIS 29 November 2018: The Decaen Fly-Over, connecting the Highway to Lord Kitchener Street, was officially inaugurated yesterday by the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, Mr Nandcoomar Bodha. In a statement, Minister Bodha highlighted that, with the opening of this new fly-over which forms part of the vast Road Decongestion Programme, motorists coming from the South will be able to enter the City Centre via the Pailles overpass, the Caudan roundabout, the Decaen Fly-Over and the Place d'Armes. Following an adaptation period, he stated, a final traffic plan will be established. However, leaving Port-Louis to head North via Place d'Armes is no longer possible. Lord Kitchener Street will also serve as a one-way street to Place d'Armes. He underscored that computer simulations carried out by experts establish that the Decaen Fly-Over will significantly contribute to traffic decongestion in this sensitive area. The fly-over layout, he pointed out, has been modified so as not to encroach on that of the Metro Express. The Minister also dwelt on the work progress at the Caudan roundabout as part of the Metro Express project and explained that pilings will be installed soon. The construction of the Decaen Fly-Over, to the tune of some Rs 340 million, was carried out by General Construction Co. Ltd (GCC) and Transinvest Construction Ltd. Its conception was done in-house by GCC and works started in October 2017. (TNS) Louisiana had planned to require online retailers in other states to collect sales taxes come Jan. 1.But thats not likely to happen as the commission setting up the system to do so is still arguing over definitions that would decide whether some businesses should register with state or with local taxing authorities.Meeting the day after Cyber Monday and five weeks before the new mandatory taxes on sales internet sales were supposed to go into effect, the Louisiana Sales and Use Tax Commission for Remote Sellers continued Tuesday to try to untangle the details of what constitutes a remote seller. How that definition is written will decide whether state or local government will collect some of the sales taxes on products bought over the Internet from retailers not located in Louisiana.Before the state can mandate out-of-state businesses to collect sales taxes, the commission needs to sort out the definitions, then approve a directive that will regulate how those online taxes are collected and distributed. The commission also must approve an enforcement mechanism to ensure internet retailers without a physical presence in Louisiana collect the taxes on their sales as required.And the commission still hasnt chosen a provider to set up the software so that vendors can easily tell how much tax to charge. Thats also waiting for the completion of the directive.In the meantime, Louisiana Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson said the interim order will remain in effect. Approved shortly after the Louisiana Legislature earlier this year passed the law, the Louisiana Department of Revenue directive tells out-of-state website vendors how they can voluntarily register and start collecting sales taxes on their own.Several major online vendors, like Amazon and Wayfair, already are collecting.The current rate is 8.45 percent. This is broken into 4.45 percent to the state and 4 percent to the local governments. Also, online arms of stores located in the state, such as Wal-Mart and Apple, are required to collect sales taxes for their internet sales to Louisiana customers.Once the commission approves the new procedures and enforcement mechanisms, taxes would be collected at the local rate based on where the item is sent. In Baton Rouge, the various local taxing jurisdictions charge 5 cents on every dollar of the purchase on top of the 4.45 percent collected by the state.The law talks about remote sellers who have more than $100,000 in sales or more than 200 transactions, but doesnt really define them in detail. For instance, an internet company selling clothing would have to register with the commission. But what happens if that out-of-state clothing dot.com is a subsidiary of a retailer selling hardware that has a local bricks and mortar store? The hardware store already is registered with the local government where the shop is located. Local collectors say a legitimate argument could be raised that the online clothing vendor should also be registered locally rather than with the state.Local governments were given power in the state Constitution to collect sales and use taxes. State courts have held that laws appointing a mandatory agent to collect the taxes from retail stores interfere with that constitutional right. Louisiana is one of the few states that allows local jurisdictions about 370 of them to operate pretty much on their own.If remote sellers are defined differently, then the state can collect the sales taxes, remit local governments portion. Centralizing on the state level would require businesses to file a single tax return for online sales and submit to a single audit, rather than dealing individually with all 64 parishes, plus scores of local governments, school boards and other jurisdictions.A simplified system was one of the criteria the U.S. Supreme Court majority in Wayfair v South Dakota suggested as a way states could start collecting sales taxes from website sellers in different states and still be constitutional under the Commerce Clause. (TNS) - Pennsylvania needs to provide funding and incentives, and take other actions to fight a "public safety crisis" resulting from a dramatic decline in volunteer firefighters during the last 40 years in the state and nationally according to a report released Wednesday.About 300,000 people volunteered as firefighters in Pennsylvania in the 1970s, and that number has dwindled to fewer than 38,000, said the commission of Pennsylvania lawmakers, municipal officials and emergency service professionals that produced the report.More than 90 percent of the state's roughly 2,400 fire companies are volunteer.Emergency service groups estimate volunteer first responders save Pennsylvania communities about $10 billion per year. Volunteer agencies throughout Pennsylvania have turned to hiring full-time or part-time staff to fill the volunteer gap.Meanwhile, the number of calls to which firefighters respond has increased with more medical and hazardous material calls, false alarms, and faulty smoke detectors. Communities have fewer trained personnel whether volunteer or staff available to respond to emergencies.To bolster the ranks of emergency services, the state should centralize its fragmented fire services; and offer more tax credits, education credits, and other incentives to attract and retain volunteers, according to the report."I've never been one to cry wolf. Never in my life. And I'm saying we are in a [public safety] crisis," said state Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R., Allegheny), co-chair of the commission and chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "While individually, these recommendations won't solve all the problems, together they can help preserve these two groups of first responders that are there when we are at our most vulnerable."It cited the need for "resources, funds, and legislative change" to improve public safety. Its authors want local fire and emergency medical services companies to use the report to ask their municipal officials for financial and staffing support.State Rep. Steve Barrar (R., Chester/Delaware), co-chair of the commission and chair of the House Veterans' Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, called the report "our playbook going into the next legislative session."The 39 commission members included fire and emergency medical services groups, municipal organizations, the majority and minority chairmen of the Senate's and House's Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees, and the acting state fire commissioner. The chairs of the Senate's emergency preparedness committee had called for the report, which originally was due June 30 but was granted a five-month extension.Meanwhile, fire departments across the region and the country have turned to marketing campaigns, recruitment centers, billboards, commercials in movie theaters, and mailers to attract volunteers.Wednesday's report follows up on a 2004 assessment from another state commission, which identified the same issues."The delay or failure to take appropriate action has continued to extend and expand the challenges facing Pennsylvania emergency services," the report released Wednesday said.Part of the problem has been the decentralized nature of fire service in Pennsylvania. Recruiting and retaining volunteers has been a local responsibility, but the authors of the report said the commonwealth must share it. The report recommends Pennsylvania turn the Office of the State Fire Commissioner into a standalone office that reports directly to the governor, instead of an office under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The state would task the office with providing technical assistance to fire departments and collecting data on the state of fire protection. Members of the commission said even getting an up-to-date figure of the number of volunteer firefighters in the state was a challenge.The nearly 100 recommendations for local agencies and the state include:Create a single state-wide recruiting tool and website.Partner with the Department of Education to offer high school and college credit to volunteers and work with community colleges and state universities to offer free tuition to firefighters and emergency medical professionals.Remove regulatory and other barriers to encourage emergency service agencies to combine into regional companies.Provide free background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police or local police.Partner with colleges to provide housing for students who volunteer and explore offering college loan forgiveness.Set minimum training standards for firefighters that companies can adjust for urban, suburban, and rural environments.Fund basic fire and emergency medical technician training.Consider tax or other financial incentives for employers that allow employees to leave work for scheduled emergency services training.Lawmakers introduced more than a dozen bills to support firefighters and emergency medical services agencies this legislative session. Of those, one bill compensating EMS agencies for services even if they don't transport anyone to a hospital made it to the governor's desk. Legislators plan to reintroduce those that did not advance.Commission members hope to meet at least once or twice a year to check progress and adjust recommendations if circumstances change."In the past it's always been, 'Here's the work and let's hope it takes a hold,'" said Beau Crowding, Chester County's deputy director for fire services.Neil Vaughn, president of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, said Wednesday's report outlines the support that the state's fire service needs."Now," he said, "we just have to make sure [it's] being followed through."2018 Philly.comVisit Philly.com at www.philly.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. TRAFFIC SENSORS, LED BULBS, WI-FI IVE NOTICED A BIG DIFFERENCE (TNS) Dan Pratt knows a thing or two about traffic.The Metro bus drivers current assignment includes a busy stretch of Forest Avenue that has some of the most frustrating intersections for Portland-area drivers. Pratt said some days hes seen traffic backed up for a nearly 2-mile stretch from Forest Avenue Plaza, through Woodfords Corner, all the way to Morrills Corner.Nobody wanted to be on Forest Avenue between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., Pratt said.But now, drivers like Pratt are beginning to see things change, because of improvements being made by the city.Crews are wrapping up a 15-month-long construction project at Woodfords Corner, which Pratt says helped ease congestion and made it easier for him to get in and out of the travel lane after picking up riders.And over the summer, the city activated new traffic sensors at Morrills Corner that use artificial intelligence to read traffic volumes and constantly adjusts the green time on traffic signals to move traffic more efficiently.The city plans to add more of the advanced sensors along Forest Avenue in the coming weeks.It has shorted up the wait times a lot, Pratt said about his experience at Morrills Corner. It seems to know when theres a lot more traffic on Forest and Stevens Avenue and adjusts those light times.Dan Pratt was pleased to learn that the city will install new traffic sensors at other Forest Avenue intersections. Staff photo by Shawn Patrick OuelletteCity officials say they plan to install the advanced sensors at six additional intersections along Forest Avenue in the coming weeks. The intersections include Woodfords Corner, as well as intersections at Dartmouth Street, Ashmont Street, Revere Street, Ocean Avenue and Walton Street.All of these sensors will be able to communicate with each other, said Troy Moon, the citys sustainability coordinator. Im really anxious to see how it will go with the additional intersections. I think it will be really cool.The new sensors are part of the $8 million smart cities program approved by the City Council last year.The city is wrapping up its initial $4 million investment, which included purchasing streetlights from Central Maine Power and converting them to efficient LED bulbs and rolling out free public Wi-Fi at Monument Square as well as at Post Office and Tommys parks. The second phase of financing is pending before the council.The city is borrowing money for the project over the next 10 years and plans to pay for it with the $1 million in estimated annual savings in energy and maintenance costs.The traffic sensors at Morrills Corner were activated in mid-August. Rather than work on static timers, the new sensors adjust signal length in real time by using pole-mounted sensors to measure traffic volumes 1,000 feet away from the intersection in each direction, Moon said.According to an analysis by Rapid Flow Technologies, which supplied the technology, the sensors have produced a 20 percent reduction in traffic delays.The delay is the difference between a free flow of traffic through the intersection and how long it actually took. The sensors were later tweaked, resulting in another 9 percent reduction in delays. The company noted that traffic volumes were relatively flat during the periods tested.The result may be only a 17-second reduction in the average travel time, but its being noticed by people whose commute regularly leads them through the awkward intersection of Forest, Allen and Steven avenues and Bishop Street.North Deering resident Julie Rosenbach, who works as the sustainability coordinator in South Portland, has noticed a difference. She passes through the intersection twice a day to drop off her kids at day care.Ive noticed a big difference, especially with cars not backing up on Allen Avenue Extension, she said. It used to back up a few blocks.Joan Gildart, who lives in Deering Center, also thinks the new system is an improvement. During off-peak hours, Gildart said she can sail right through the intersection.Although she still gets stuck on the Stevens Avenue approach for a couple of light cycles during peak travel times, she said traffic doesnt back up nearly as far.Before, you could be stuck at Walton and Stevens during peak times, but now, not so much, Gildart said. Its definitely a step in the right direction.Pratt, the Metro bus driver, was pleased to hear that the new sensors were going to be installed at other intersections along Forest Avenue. He hopes more are in the works.Can I make a suggestion? Pratt asked a reporter. Valley and Congress and St. John. That light system is one of the top three worst in Portland. Colorados Chief Information Officer Suma Nallapati will join Dish Network in mid-January as senior vice president and chief digital officer, according to a news release Wednesday from the state.Appointed in 2014 by Gov. John Hickenlooper, whose term ends Jan. 8, Nallapati held a dual role as Colorados CIO and secretary of technology. Over the past four-plus years, the news release said, Colorado became the first state to move its health and human services integrated eligibility and enrollment systems to the cloud. Nallapati and her staff also modernized systems for unemployment insurance, drivers' licenses and registration, the department of corrections and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.Her office also helped create a Military and Veterans Transition Program website to bring technically inclined veterans into the workforce by connecting them with training.Nallapati toldthat when she joined the state, her predecessor had launched several major projects, like the introduction of the cloud and consolidating government emails onto a single platform, which required some guidance on her part.A lot of hand-holding was needed to implement some of those visionary strategies, she said.Hers was also the first office in the country to appoint a digital transformation officer, a role focused on improving the user experience of interacting with government.The Governors Office of Information Technology under Nallapatis direction received numerous industry awards. These include a special recognition from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) in 2017 for the states five-year IT plan; two 2015 NASCIO awards for the states cybersecurity initiative and Universal Application program to connect eligible families to government benefits; a 2015 Cybersecurity Leadership and Innovation Award from the Center for Digital Government*; and a 2015 CSO50 Award from International Data Group for the states multi-year strategic security plan.Through years of modernization and security improvements, Nallapati said shes proudest of her focus on serving citizen-customers.There will be technology challenges, as you know, but the biggest change for me is being able to implement transformation in culture and becoming more customer-obsessed. We are creating applications and solutions to help the most vulnerable populations of Colorado. That, Im the most proud of, she said. And making sure that those applications are accessible, for example, to the visually impaired, or people with different needs.Nallapati said one of Colorados next tasks will be learning where, if at all, blockchain technology can improve the states operations. Hickenlooper created a council in May for this purpose, including Nallapati along with members of the office of economic development and other agencies.Of her next job at Dish, Nallapati said shes grateful to return to her professional roots in an entrepreneurial environment with bleeding-edge technology.Her advice for her successor was simple: Remember that the opportunity to serve a state, and especially vulnerable populations, is sacred.Treat it with a lot of respect, Nallapati said. If you make a mistake, be fearless in owning that mistake, and be your true, authentic self. SACRAMENTO, Calif. The evolution and deployment of city projects seldom follow a simple and predicable path. So dont expect smart city projects to start and end without changes along the way.This reality came into view recently when technology leaders in Sacramento and Verizon revealed they had at least for now shelved an initiative to deploy 15 digital kiosks around the city, as part of a larger $100 million public-private partnership to unfurl 5G communications, free Wi-Fi in public parks, a network of high-tech traffic signals and more.In that case, Verizon said in a statement, the citys needs are dynamic and technology continues to evolve.Just because the kiosks portion of the project may be modified, the city remains committed to its partnership with the telecom and other private-sector partners to introduce smart city efforts to address various issues in Sacramento, officials said.The things that we talked about on all of these different fronts have changed substantively, explained Maria MacGunigal, chief information officer of Sacramento, speaking during a panel discussion Wednesday at the annual summit.Maybe not the base core or issue or problem at the neighborhood level, but how we might approach it, she added, without ever bringing up the kiosks issue. And how we might partner, to come to the community that is actually more meaningful.Meeting of the Minds is a nonprofit dedicated to studying smart cities issues and solutions. The two-day summit in downtown Sacramento attracted nearly 500 attendees from around the nation and beyond to discuss urban innovation and solutions in areas like transportation, sustainability and equity.The panel, The Nations First Truly Smart Communities What it Takes, brought together MacGunigal; Mrinalini Ingram, vice president of Smart Communities at Verizon; Steph Stoppenhagen, business development director for connected communities with Black & Veatch; and was moderated by Ashley Hand, co-founder of CityFi, and a former chief innovation officer of Kansas City, Mo.A central theme of the discussion centered on the issue of modifying smart city projects along the way, while still staying true to the overall goal or mission.Our philosophy is, you dont start with the technology, you have to start with the issues, said Ingram, underscoring the concept that the technology component kiosks, intelligent traffic signals or other gadgets is not the reason to deploy smart city projects.The technology is only one part of a smart city initiative, Ingram stressed, adding the ability for both the public sector and private sector to manage and adjust to changes which she termed change management along the way, is essential.And theres change management on the government side. Theres change management on the industry side. Theres change managment from the people who are going to be utilizing the solutions, said Ingram.Sacramento and Verizon began their partnership about 18 months ago. A key component has been the development of 5G communications infrastructure, which has been rolled out in many parts of the city. This foundation is an integral step to take before other pieces of technology can be installed.And it may not be sexy, but developing the necessary infrastructure is an essential component for moving a city forward with any number of projects, whether they are related to transportation, deployment of social services, housing or economic development, IT leaders said.I know that the infrastructure investment, the policy framework that is necessary to build the infrastructure, is the absolutely necessary component for smart cities to be delivered in the next couple of years, said MacGunigal. If we dont do that we will continue to have individual pilots that do good things, in small installation, and they dont scale.And, infrastructure isnt the sexiest thing. Its really hard to deliver on, she added. But its the hard, necessary work that we have to be doing in the next couple of years, and now to be able to deliver on these solutions, that we really need. (TNS) The technology Intel Corp. was working on was so promising and secret that the company says it has invested more than $1 billion in the project.Only a few hundred people worldwide know the details of the memory technology known as 3D XPoint, and the processes for developing it are not written in any textbook or taught in any school, according to Intel.But in September that world of high-tech secrecy nearly collapsed as an Intel computer hardware engineer at the companys Folsom campus tried to download details of the project the night before leaving for a competing firm, a lawsuit filed in federal court in Sacramento Tuesday alleges.The lawsuit names engineer Doyle Rivers, who worked at Intels Folsom campus, and alleges that he violated confidentiality agreements and trade secrets by trying to access Intels computer files late on the night of Sept. 9 as he prepared to leave his job for one with competing Micron Corp.In September 2018, Rivers secretly accepted an engineering position with Micron and then, as he prepared to leave Intel for that job, engaged in a covert and calculated effort to collect Intels confidential, proprietary, and trade secret technical and personnel information, the 17-page lawsuit alleges. A few days before he left Intel, Rivers tried to access and copy a top secret designated Intel file that Intels electronic security system blocked from being copied.The top secret Intel file that Rivers attempted to download related to Intels independent, highly confidential work to productize 3D XPoint into its Optane line of products and was not something that was shared with anyone outside Intel, including anyone at Micron.Rivers, who is listed in public records as living in El Dorado Hills, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Online databases do not list a current telephone number for him, and email addresses listed for him were invalid.He did not respond to a request for comment sent to his LinkedIn profile Micron noted in an email response that it is aware of the lawsuit but is not the target of the allegations.Micron is not a party to the complaint, and Intel has not alleged any unlawful conduct by Micron, the statement read. Microns policies and team member training help ensure that the intellectual property of others is respected and safeguarded.Intel, which employs nearly 6,000 workers at its Folsom operation, said it has a duty to defend its technology.Intel has invested billions of dollars in the development of the intellectual property critical to its success in some of the most competitive industries in the world, spokesman William Moss wrote in an email response to The Bee. We place great faith and trust in our current and former employees, but we have an obligation to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary information, and we will not hesitate to act to prevent their misappropriation.The lawsuit portrays both Intel and Micron as willing partners in the development of the technology until recently, saying that they both were engaged in a joint venture that was ending and be replaced by both companies building their own teams to compete in selling the technology.Rivers was involved in the project and had access to Intels highly confidential, trade secret information that Intel did not share with the public or with any other entity unless pursuant to a confidentiality agreement. the lawsuit says.Rivers also had a secret job offer from Micron, the suit alleges.The night before he left, Rivers plugged a USB storage device into his Intel computer for more than an hour, from 10:40 p.m. until 11 :40 p.m., the suit says. During that time, Rivers accessed a highly sensitive compilation of Intel personnel information and copied that information to the USB device.The suit says that Intel believes Rivers copied additional confidential Intel files to the USB device, and that he later aggressively tried to lure other Intel colleagues to join him at his new job. Those actions violated confidentiality agreements and an employment agreement he signed when he began working with Intel in October 2010 that forbid him from poaching Intel workers for a year after leaving the firm, the suit says.Rivers gave notice on Sept. 10 that he was quitting that day, the suit says, and participated in an exit interview where he was reminded about the confidentiality agreements. He also signed a Trade Secret Acknowledgment Form agreeing not to use Intels secret information for his benefit or others without written permission, the suit says.Demonstrating he was well aware of the wrongful nature of his actions, Rivers attempted to hide his misconduct, the lawsuit says. As soon as Intel detected his downloading of files, it sent a letter to him demanding that he not destroy any evidence and that he return the USB device immediately.Rivers never responded to Intel, nor did he return the device. Instead, he handed the USB device over to his new employer.Intel continued to wrangle over retrieving the data, eventually discovering that the USB had been turned over to a forensic investigator who found the device had been wiped clean, the suit says.By then, the suit says, Intel had been told that Rivers was no longer represented by Micron attorneys but his own personal lawyer, who is not identified in the lawsuit.When Intel demanded an explanation from Rivers counsel about the destruction of evidence on the USB device, Rivers counsel confirmed that Rivers downloaded the compilation of personnel information and other documents from his Intel laptop to his USB device, uploaded some of that information to his home computer, and used his home computer to wipe the USB device, the lawsuit says.Intel says it made the reasonable request to have an independent investigator inspect Rivers home computer to be certain no Intel data remained on it. Intel gave Rivers until Nov. 16 to comply, the lawsuit says, but Rivers refused.Eleven days later, Intel sued, alleging breach of contract and violations of the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, and asking for preliminary and permanent injunctions to stop Rivers from disclosing any secret Intel information. It will endure. Photo: Tom Kelley/Getty Images The beerpocalypse has been averted. PBR will survive after nearly going extinct because of a kerfuffle between its owner, Pabst, and its producer, MillerCoors. To recap the drama: Pabst does not brew its own beer. MillerCoors brews it, and they had threatened to let Pabsts contract expire unless it agreed to up the amount it currently pays per year $80 million to a sum closer to $200 million. Pabst contended that MillerCoors was trying to put it out of business, and the two entered into a massive court battle. But never fear, lovers of cheap beer and faded hipster icons: the two beer-makers have reportedly reached some kind of agreement to preserve PBR for the foreseeable future. At the end of the first day of jury deliberations, the companies told the judge they had agreed to a settlement. Neither MillerCoors nor Pabsts spokesman would speak to the details of the agreement, but a spokesman for Pabst suggested that this was a long-term solution, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that PBR and the companys stable of heritage-brand beers will be around for many, many years to come. Business Etihad opens new early check-in facility for end-of-year holiday peak at Abu Dhabi Airport The move came as Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi International Airport expect to welcome a large volume of passengers over the coming week, as the UAE gears up to host extraordinary celebrations for the countrys Golden Jubilee and many tourists plan to visit the country... "Now, foreigners are getting rich in South Sudan and nationals are getting agitated in some ways and little do they know that even if the foreigners leave those properties to them, they will still not be beneficial to them..." Win McNamee/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, on his way to the G-20 summit in Argentina, that he was canceling his planned meeting there with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russia's standoff with Ukraine. In tweets sent from aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was doing so because Russia had not returned the Ukrainian boats and sailors it seized after accusing them of illegally entering Russian waters near Crimea. Later, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters aboard Air Force One that before canceling the meeting with Putin, the president consulted with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Defense Secretary James Mattis. She said she did not know if Trump had called Putin. Trump's tweets came shortly after news broke that his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, had pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress last year about whether he pursued building a Trump Tower project in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign and who he told about it. Trump called Cohen a "liar" and said there was nothing wrong in pursuing the project during the campaign. Just a short time before sending the tweets, as he left the White House, Trump told reporters his planned meeting with Putin at the G-20 was still on and that it would probably be happening. But he also said he would be getting a finalized report during his flight about Russias recent seizure of Ukrainian vessels. I probably will be meeting with President Putin," Trump said as he headed to his helicopter." We haven't terminated that meeting. I was thinking about it, but they'd like to have it, Trump said. I think its a very good time to have the meeting. I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happened with respect to that and that will determine what I am going to be doing. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) on Wednesday revealed that the people targeted in the raids had requested that the seizure be overturned and the confiscated items, including the cash, be returned to them. The District Court of Varsinais-Suomi has turned down an appeal to overturn the seizure of cash seized during a series of raids in South-west Finland in September. The District Court of Varsinais-Suomi, however, rejected the request all but fully, ordering that only two rings be returned to the defendants. Law enforcement officers seized almost three-and-a-half million euros in cash during the large-scale search operation on the premises of Airiston Helmi in Parainen, South-west Finland, on 2223 September. The Finnish provider of tourism and accommodation services is suspected of laundering millions of euros and using undeclared workers for construction projects. Two people affiliated with the service provider are tentatively suspected of aggravated money laundering and aggravated tax fraud, according to KRP. The Finnish Defence Forces and Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) are assisting in the pre-trial investigation, which is expected to take at least several months, partly due to the volume of materials seized during the operation. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. The employees left the office in the afternoon to build the beds at the Boys and Girls Club. Berkshire Bank, Nonprofit Build Beds for Berkshire Children The staff members assembled the beds and later painted them. PITTSFIELD, Mass. There are a lot of challenges for a family just moving into stabilized housing. Perhaps one of the most overlooked challenges is the cost of providing beds for the children. That's why in 2012 the Massachusetts Coalition for Homeless started a "Build a Bed" program aimed to have corporate sponsors build free beds for children across the state. "When you think of helping a child succeed, sometimes the last thing you think of is what are they sleeping in. We were so happy to identify a need such as this," said Program Director Tina Giarla. "The expense of providing a bed for a child or each child in the household is sometimes out of reach, especially when you are covering first, last, and security and other startup costs that are so vitally important to sustain housing. What we want to do is be able to lessen the stressors." On Wednesday, the program had its first foray in Berkshire County. The program partnered with Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Community Action Council to construct 11 beds for children this year. Berkshire Bank employees took a few hours out of their day to build the beds at the Boys and Girls Club and BCAC will then be tasked with identifying and connecting with the families who could use the extra assistance. "They are all going to stay local, here in Pittsfield and Berkshire County, and assist local families," said Gary Levante, vice president for corporate social responsibility. Levante said this project fits in with the company's desire to give back to the community and is one of many done throughout the year. On Wednesday, the company's loan servicing department with some 25 employees from Pittsfield and Springfield constructed the beds. "It is a great team building opportunity for our employees," Levante said. "This is something our employees would really value and a great way for us to give back to the local community and help local children." The project is a new one for the bank to take on but Levante said it will likely do more across its markets. The bank sponsors the build and Build a Bed provides the materials. "It is something we take for granted every day. Having a bed to sleep in for many underresourced families, they may not have that. This initiative utilizes corporate volunteers to create beds to distribute to those in need," Levante said. Giarla said the Lynn-based non-profit is on track to build more than 1,000 beds this year. Last year, some 2,000 children benefited from the program. Berkshire Community Action Council will be given the completed beds at the end of the project to give out to local children. "This last year we served over 2,000 children and since our inception in 2012 we served over 6,000 kids throughout Massachusetts," she said. "We serve families and children in Hyannis up to Haverhill to the Berkshires and everything between. Currently, we are partnering with 90 different school districts across the state." Giarla said the majority of the referrals for beds come from school districts. She said approximately one in six children grow up in poverty and that's just the "tip of the iceberg." She said there is a significant need throughout the state for helping people to transition out of poverty and into a more stable living situation. "This is our first entryway [in the berkshires] and we're hopeful that with continued commitment, we could continue to serve children in the Berkshires that are living in poverty without beds of their own," she said. Giarla and Levante both echoed sentiments that providing a bed isn't just helping a family find economic stability, but also helping the children be more prepared to perform well in school and ultimately better themselves. "You have to have a strong foundation, you have to have a strong education. If a child is going to school without a good night's sleep because they don't have a bed, they're not going to learn and they're not going to be able to achieve their full potential. At the very basic level, this is helping a child have a better education," Levante said. Lauri Klefos at last year's 1Berkshire annual meeting. 1Berkshire Executive, Tourism Expert Lauri Klefos Dies Klefos with 1Berkshire President Jonathan Butler in 2016. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The death of Lauri Klefos, executive vice president of 1Berkshire, has shocked a tourism and business community that had already been reluctantly preparing for her retirement this spring. During her tenure at Berkshire Visitors Bureau, she oversaw the growth of national and social media marketing of the Berkshires, as well as the integration of business, tourism and creative economy strategies, and was instrumental in the consolidation of the county's four economic organizations into the 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance. "1Berkshire and the Berkshires lost a great one yesterday. Lauri Klefos will forever be an integral part of the Berkshire story, having impacted it in so many positive ways throughout the past decade. To those of us who worked so closely with her she was a leader, a teacher, a mentor and a friend," 1Berkshire posted on Thursday. Klefos died unexpectedly Wednesday morning from complications of a procedure. 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler said her passing was a "huge shock" to her colleagues, family and friends. He offered his condolences to her family. "Many of us who have worked with Lauri for awhile had a close relationship with her," he said on Thursday. "She really was the heart and soul of the organization and a friend and mentor to us. It's a real loss." Klefos arrived in the Berkshires in March 2008 to take over as the Berkshire Visitors Bureau's new president and chief executive officer after a nationwide search. Prior to that, she was president and CEO of the Arizona Tourism Alliance, director of tourism marketing for Moses Anshell Advertising in Phoenix and New Hampshire's director of the division of travel and tourism development from 1996 to 2004. Originally hired as a research analyst/program specialist in New Hampshire, Klefos was promoted to assistant director of the division of economic development before she became the director of the travel and tourism division. "I'll bring a unique blend of economic development and tourism marketing to the job and I think it's important for the economy that tourism be in the forefront," she told iBerkshires at the time of her hiring. She stressed marketing the Berkshires as a high quality not discount destination during the economic downturn, aggressively promoted four-season branding and encouraged cross-promotion and partnerships between destinations, hotels, restaurants, businesses and communities. She also instituted the first of the Trendsetter Awards in 2011 to recognize businesses, organizations and individuals for boosting the Berkshires. Klefos oversaw the relocation of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau to shared quarters with the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in Pittsfield in 2011 and then help implement the final consolidation of the chamber, bureau, Berkshire Creative and Berkshire Economic Development Corp. in 2016. "The job has always been to promote the beauty of the Berkshires. While our messages have changed over the years, our goal was always the same: bring people here, have them spend money in our hotels, our restaurants, experience our cultural and recreational attractions, shop in our stores and most importantly come back again and again," Klefos said at the formal merger vote in 2016. Butler said the office had heard from hundreds of people over the last 24 hours who Klefos had touched personally and professionally over the years. "You were a strong leader, and you had vision. Your passion for promoting the Berkshires and making our home a thriving place to live and love was contagious," wrote Katherine Lockridge, a member of the 1Berkshire board of directors, on Facebook. She'd been a presence throughout Butler's professional career, from his time as a legislative aide to his tenure as Adams' town administrator to his role as 1Berkshire president. "I think her unofficial title was chief tourism expert," he said. She was everywhere and seemed to know everyone and everything about their business. Staff at 1Berkshire is still dealing with the loss but Butler anticipated the transition plans that had been discussed for her retirement would have to be accelerated. "You can't replace Lauri Klefos, she was a force," he said. "She had so much she brought to the table." Yesterday in this time slot, we looked at the most unexpected congressional win of 2018 , Kendra Horn's in Oklahoma City. But there was an almost an unlikely a win in another deep red state: South Carolina. OK-05 has a PVI of R+10... and so does SC-01. Trump won both districts by double digits in 2016-- and his candidates narrowly lost each November 6. The similarities are stunning: Joe Cunningham has already added his name to the Moulton letter against Pelosi, an inauspicious beginning of a congressional career for a Democrat. No one inside the Beltway thought he had any chance to win. Nate Silver's final forecast was a 9.4% shot (not even 1 on 10. He gave Arrington a 90.6% chance winning and the only public poll had her over Cunningham 49-42% Cunningham outraged Arrington $1,908,175 to $1,313,382 with $346,909 of her money self-funded). It's worth noting that much of what she raised had gone into the primary campaign against incumbent Mark Sanford. The NRCC spent $228,412 attacking Cunningham, while neither the DCCC nor Pelosi's SuperPAC spent a cent to help Cunningham. They didn't believe his race was worth investing in. Cunningham's policy positions were moderate (neither progressive nor conservative). Example: he didn't come out for Medicare-for-All but his website states that he believes "healthcare is a right, not a privilege. No one in America should go bankrupt because they get sick. In the United States, no one should forego necessary or preventative care because they are unable to afford it... One of the many ways we can improve our current healthcare system is by encouraging the federal government to negotiate with drug companies to lower medication prices for people on Medicare, similar to how the Veterans Affairs Department does. Another possibility is allowing more middle class families to qualify for tax breaks to reduce their healthcare costs. We should also explore lowering the Medicare age requirement from 65 to 55 over the course of ten years." What you might term a liberal-leaning position for a red district. The Blue Dogs ignored him and the New Dems put him on their watch list rather than endorsing him. The ad above was devastating for Arrington. But Monday evening thetook a deep dive into how she could have lost in such a red district , a Republican disaster almost entirely of Trump's making. She beat Sanford because of Trump's last minute endorsement but she could never raise the money she needed to deal effectively with Cunningham and the NRCC refused to put significant resources into the race. They had, according to her general consultant, Andrew Boucher, been "pressing panic buttons since June here, screaming and yelling to little avail. But outwardly, the Arrington campaign exhibited little, if any, signs during the race that they were concerned about some of the factors they now say led to their candidates electoral downfall. The Trump-heavy messaging that worked for them in the primary stayed largely the same. Some trouble spots are obvious, like the fundraising gap Arrington could never seem to close, or the fact that Cunningham beat them to TV and stayed on the air throughout the general election campaign. Other challenges, like Arringtons failure to appeal to suburban Republican swing voters, becomes a more complicated story to tell. Was it really a split among Republicans who backed Sanford, like she hinted at during her concession speech, or was this a Trump referendum vote? What happened in South Carolinas 1st Congressional District has been largely reduced to catch-all explanations and sweeping generalizations about issues like offshore drilling, but the story of Arringtons loss is as nuanced as the coastal district itself. Though historical election data gives a Republican candidate in the district a built-in 10-point advantage, it is a unique district. In 2016, Trump bested Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the district by 13 points. By contrast, the more moderate Mitt Romney outdid President Barack Obama in the district by 18 points. But Charleston, the most populous county in the district, has shown some movement to the left, morphing in recent years from red to purple in voting preference. Fundraising challenges While national analysts continually categorized the district as safe Republican, Arrington and members of her campaign team met with the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington, a customary practice following a primary win. At the June 20 meeting, Boucher said their goal was to be placed into the NRCCs Young Guns program for competitive congressional seats, where the NRCC would aggressively invest in TV ads and staffing resources for candidates. Instead, they were put into the Vanguard Program, a designation that treated Arrington like a victor-in-waiting rather than a challenger-in-need. Even NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said in a July press release that he had no doubt that Vanguard candidates like Arrington would win in November. Efforts to reach the NRCC for comment were unsuccessful. Arrington, meanwhile, struggled to fundraise. On TV alone, the Arrington campaign said their numbers show Cunningham outspent them nearly 3 to 1. The latest publicly available federal election reports from October show Cunningham raised about $1.9 million to Arringtons $1.3 million during the election cycle. Arrington also dropped an estimated $346,909 to self-finance her run, according to campaign finance watchdog OpenSecrets.org. Post-election numbers due in December could show an even wider gap. However, the numbers alone dont tell the full story. Her dollar amount comes in over $1 million but a huge chunk of that went into the primary, Boucher said. When we were running in the primary, we had to spend every dollar we had to win. We couldnt spend money to build campaign infrastructure. Arringtons campaign had just three full-time staffers compared with the 10 or so with the Cunningham campaign. None of Arringtons full-time positions were dedicated to fundraising. Boucher confirmed that position was contracted out. By contrast, Cunningham dedicated four full-time staffers to fundraising. But when fundraising numbers showed Arrington trailing Cunningham in a Republican district in mid-October, Arrington campaign strategist and spokesman Michael Mule issued comments about their alleged momentum and the tremendous support Katie has across the district. South Carolina Republican strategist Walter Whetsell said fundraising can be a reflection of a candidates ability or inability to connect with voters. He has run GOP congressional campaigns in South Carolina for U.S. Reps. Jeff Duncan and Ralph Norman. In political terms, there are two primary factors that define the best candidates: Their ability to raise money and their ability to get voters to like them, Whetsell said. But when pressed as to whether they thought they had a likeability issue with Arrington, Mule and Boucher denied it. Boucher called Arrington one of the best stump speakers he had ever seen. Mule said she was relentless despite being in excruciating pain every day following her June 22 car accident in which she was critically injured. Money talks, and it certainly did in this race, Mule said. But money also made an issue out of something that wasnt really an issue. Offshore drilling In August and September, the Arrington campaign conducted polls asking voters for their most important issue in the race. Illegal immigration was at the top followed by jobs and the economy. Offshore drilling polled at 1 percent, Boucher said. The highest it ever got, he said, was 4 percent. This is what is called a MacGuffin. It is an issue by which someone can target a specific demographic that they need, right? Boucher said. This was the issue that Joe Cunningham successfully was able to use to target the Democratic vote. If it has been a different Republican nominee, it would have been a different localized issue. The issue began to take off after Arrington stated during the primary at a Beaufort League of Women Voters forum that she supported Trump lifting the ban on offshore drilling along the South Carolina coast. When two coastal mayors, who identify as Republicans, later endorsed Cunningham because of Arringtons stance, she then issued a statement saying she did not did not support drilling. To combat the comment, Arrington reiterated her opposition to offshore drilling at every turn. She also accused Cunningham of being a one-issue candidate. Behind the scenes, the Arrington campaign spent about $50,000 on digital advertising to get their message out along with a targeted mailer campaign. The issue was important enough that Arrington addressed the issue in a TV ad, where she stated she had met with the president to demand an exemption for the Palmetto State. But by then, it may have been too little too late. The Cunningham campaign had the Republican mayors-- Isle of Palms Mayor Jimmy Carroll and Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin-- appearing on TV ads supporting Cunningham. That gave Republicans permission to cross the aisle and vote for a Democrat, said Tyler Jones, Cunninghams spokesman and strategist. Ive been working in this business 15 years in South Carolina, and I can tell you thats never happened before-- ever. Whetsell said the offshore drilling issue also represented something far more challenging for Arrington to overcome. Katie Arringtons defenders have missed the point on the relevance of the offshore drilling issue, he said. Its arguable that offshore drilling cost her this election. If it did, it wasnt on the merits of the issue. It was on the perception that she changed her position. What made this issue toxic was that voters perceived that she was misleading them. They perceived that she took one position in the primary then flip-flopped in the general. But when Arrington got her chance to speak publicly after her loss, she first blamed Sanford, whom she hammered in the primary for his Trump criticism. Her unconventional concession speech comments flicked at something few national watchers understood about the underlying dynamics on the ground in this political race. You had an internal Republican war going on down there, said Katon Dawson, a former South Carolina GOP Chairman. With Katie backing the president in the primary and getting some help from him at the last minute to whip Mark, while youve got Mark talking about the things that matter to him and his opposition to the president, well, that just doesnt lend itself to a unified party. Charlestons suburbs turned out to be the battlefield. Suburban voters and the Trump factor Arringtons loss looks baffling on a map. The 1st Congressional District wraps around parts of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton and Beaufort counties-- linking a conservative mix of retirees, suburbanites and military veterans. Arrington won Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton and Beaufort counties. Where she lost was Charleston County, and specifically in suburban areas like Mount Pleasant and West Ashley. What defines a suburb? Boucher hypothetically asked his fellow Republicans. Its a place where people care more about what their neighbors think than they do about their own political opinions. More seriously, Boucher said the hallmark of a suburban district is looking at the split between Romney Republicans and Trump Republicans. Where 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney performed better than Trump did in 2016, they considered a suburb. Arrington knocked on doors in suburban areas of Mount Pleasant and West Ashley from August through the third week in September, Boucher said. But if the Arrington campaign was aware that they needed to sway Republican swing voters-- especially GOP-leaning women who are finding it difficult to defend Trump-- their messaging didnt reflect that. Instead, it echoed national GOP talking points, which included equating a vote for Cunningham as a vote for Nancy Pelosi and claims that Cunningham favored an open border policy. Already, Charleston Republicans are trying to take lessons from the loss. We cant act like things havent changed, said Larry Kobrovsky, chairman of the Charleston Republican Party. To win in Charleston County, we have to now go beyond our base. Food poisoning is on everyones mind as people nationwide rush to throw romaine lettuce out of their refrigerators. For good reason, too, every year 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness. Of that number, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die. Looking forward to the holidays, it is important to be cognizant of food poisoning. The leading causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms and their toxins, such as: bacteria, viruses and parasites. For example, E. coli, a bacteria found on plants, is the most common cause of food poisoning cases, including the recent romaine lettuce incident. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and aches and pains. Symptoms can last from a few hours to a few days. The holiday season makes spread of foodborne illness all the more likely due to the sharing of food. Donnica L. Moore, a physician educator and media commentator, notes a Thanksgiving dinner at her sister-in-laws that went wrong. She made the first one [turkey], put it on the kitchen counter while the second one was cooking and then served both of them at the same time on the buffet, so everybody who ate the first turkey got violently ill and everyone who ate the second turkey was fine, Moore said. Since then, Moore has researched foodborne illnesses and became more cautious. As a result of my reading of these studies, for the first time ever after I served Thanksgiving dinner, I threw out the leftover turkey, Moore said, noting the turkey was out too long for her to have confidence in its safety. The good news is food poisoning is preventable. If youre doing everything right at home, separating, tilling, washing your hands, keeping your face clean, then you shouldnt develop foodborne illness, Mary Kay Foster, director of the special pathogens unit at IU Health, said. Preventing food poisoning starts with proper hygiene. When cooking, wash all cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap. If working with raw meat, wash hands every time you touch it. After buying fruits and vegetables, wash the produce before putting them in the refrigerator. In addition, clean out the refrigerator weekly. Moore notes a study aimed to determine the most germ-filled part of peoples homes. They found that the germiest place in our entire home, including the bathrooms, was actually the refrigerator. Because, if you think about it, most of us take the produce and put it directly in that drawer, Moore said. Above all, if food has been out for two hours or more, then play it safe and just throw it away. If you get food poisoning, all is not lost. The good news is that the majority of people can ride it out at home and just feel miserable for 48 hours, Moore said. In the case of food poisoning, the best option is to stay well hydrated to replace the fluids you lose through vomit and diarrhea and let the disease take its course. However, there are times when its best to see a doctor. If the illness does not go away within a few days, you are unable to keep food and drink down, symptoms of dehydration like dry mouth and decreased urination occur or if you are just unsure, see a doctor. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with pre-existing conditions and those with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to food poisoning. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar Over $1.3 million in scholarships are available now from the Central Indiana Community Foundation for seniors in high school, currently enrolled students and those returning to pursue their education during the 2019-20 academic year. Scholarships are vitally important for empowering students to reach their full potential. It is estimated that by 2025, at least 60 percent of Americans will need some type of high-quality credential beyond high school. This includes anything from associate degrees, certification programs, bachelors degrees and graduate degrees. However, according to A Stronger Nation, a study by Lumina Foundation, the national average attainment of certificates and degrees is only 46.9 percent, and Indiana lags behind the rest of the country at only 41.9 percent. While wages have been slow to increase in recent years, the cost of education has continued to rise. This has led to an increased reliance on student loans that have become both larger and far more difficult to pay off. Additionally, student loans account for the most non-housing debt in America, and loan debt can cause detrimental and long-term repercussions after graduation for individuals and the community. Yet still, a degree or certificate is imperative to earn a higher wage. Scholarships work to fill the financial gap to lessen the burden of pursuing necessary education. Central Indiana Community Foundation, and its affiliates, The Indianapolis Foundation and Hamilton County Community Foundation, manage and award more than 50 scholarships for Central Indiana students. A common application form makes it easy to identify multiple scholarships at CICF that a student might be eligible to earn. Scholarships are community driven, established either actively from community donors or as legacy gifts, and all are awarded to high-achieving students with financial need across Central Indiana. New scholarship funds are created annually. Applications for CICF scholarships are accepted now through Feb. 5, 2019. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the scholarships available and apply at cicf.org. Clayton De Fur is community investment officer for Central Indiana Community Foundation. Pastors at Black churches in Indianapolis see the news. They read the stories and hear the words from parishioners who were inside the walls of their church when someone stepped into their house of worship and inflicted violence. Sometimes its with bullets, like when a gunman murdered nine African-Americans in 2015 at an African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston, South Carolina. Sometimes its arson, like when a fire gutted Gods Power Church in Macon, Georgia, six days after the Charleston massacre. Attacks like these have left pastors weighing a balance between being a welcoming place for a community and keeping everyone safe. There are the more traditional security measures cameras, doors that automatically lock, etc. and then theres the next step up for churches that feel violence and threats of violence against them are imminent: guards. You dont want to build a wall because this is a place for everyone, but at the same time, you dont want to compromise the safety of your parishioners, Powerhouse Church of Deliverance Pastor Keith McQueen said. Powerhouse, on the citys east side, has at least two contracted armed guards on the property during worship, McQueen said, along with a team of volunteer parishioners inside the church who look out for McQueen and his family. He even has an escape plan in case he needs to get out of the church quickly. If these measures seem drastic, and McQueen even chuckled a bit as he talked about them, he believes theyve become necessary. People have broken into Powerhouse a couple times, McQueen said, and the church has been robbed while everyone was busy during a worship service. In one incident, bricks were thrown through two windows. The sight of guards at churches is becoming more common. David Leon, CEO and president of SGGS, a security company in Indianapolis, said he has guards contracted at three churches: Witherspoon Presbyterian, Immanuel Presbyterian and Light of the World. Leon said hes also getting interest from other churches in the community that want to be proactive about safety. With all this madness going on, we keep an eye on people coming off the street, Leon said. We make sure these houses are covered and no one gets hurt. But not every church of Powerhouses size with an average Sunday attendance of about 200 people has room in the budget to contract guards. In those cases, pastors look to the parishioners to step up. Christ Missionary Baptist Church, with a Sunday attendance of about 150 people, has a trained safety team made up of seven church members, Pastor John Girton said. The team is activated when there is any event at the church, ranging from a funeral service to worship. When there isnt anything happening at the church throughout the day, the doors stay locked. Were doing little things that you know you need to do, Girton said. You hate to do it, but you do. Girton said it was the Charleston massacre that made it apparent his church needed more security. Since then, Christ Missionary, on the citys northwest side, has obviously sacrificed some of the welcoming and openness that churches want to be known for, but this is becoming part of the terrain churches have to navigate. The bottom line is we have to spend time communicating to people who walk into our church that you cant do it without some kind of questioning, Girton said. The targeting of Black churches by racist violence is not new. In 1963, in the thick of the Civil Rights Movement, members of the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, killing four girls and injuring at least 14 other people. The bombing prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to say the U.S. Army should take over Birmingham. That the same kind of violence continues today troubles leaders in the Black church. It brings to the forefront the reality that we havent come as far as we thought we had, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Clyde Posley said, adding that he believes President Donald Trump is responsible for the most recent attacks. Antioch, with an average Sunday attendance of about 200 people, has two armed guards on the property for events such as worship. The church also has a group of men who are licensed to carry a gun. At least five of them are at the church and have been trained to engage in self-defense tactics, all the way up to actually using the gun. Violence on the scale of that seen in Charleston hasnt made its way to Black churches in Indianapolis, but the threat of it happening seems to grow with every other incident from around the country. Times are changing, McQueen said, and Im praying pastors in Indianapolis will get it. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday declared open the 2018 chief of army staffs (COAS) conference in Maiduguri. The president in his address assured the military and Nigerians that every thing possible will be done to see that the fight against Boko Haram terrorism is won provide whatever is necessary to the soldiers to aid their fight against those insurgents. I would like to reassure our Military that as their Commander-In-Chief, I will do everything within my power to continue empowering them by providing all the necessary equipment and force multipliers required for them to prevail on the field. As part of the plans to bring an end to insurgency in the region, President Buhari convened a Meeting in his capacity as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). I have invited the presidents of the LCBC member countries: Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic, to attend the meeting. Also invited is the President of the Republic of Benin, which also contributes troops to the MNJTF. Therefore President Buhari on Thursday morning for departed from Abuja to NDjamena, Chad, to chair a consultation of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). This meeting g as stated earlier, is to review the security situation in the region, and intensify the efforts to end the insurgency. This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going. A total of 2,576 customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) have won millions and various gifts at the end of the Banks reward scheme tagged FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 5. The promo, designed to reward and empower customers, ran from March to October this year with four regional and zonal draws, including the grand finale, on November 28, 2018. Of the 2,576 winners, 16 lucky customers won cash ranging from N1million to N2million, while the remaining 2,560 were rewarded with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets and smart phones. At the grand finale draws of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 5 on November 28, four customers smiled home with N2million each, just as 640 others received gift items. The promo which targeted all existing savings account customers of FCMB with monthly account balance ranging from N10,000.00 to N50,000.00, was designed to give extra value and empowerment to customers of the Bank, while encouraging financial inclusion and savings culture. Idi Awawu emerged winner of the star prize of N2million at the Abuja & North regional draw in Abuja, while Simeon Olanrewaju got the same amount at the Lagos Regional Draws held in Otta, a town between Lagos and Ogun state. In the same vein, Obioma Uzonwunne was the lucky winner of N2million at the South-East & South-South Regional draws in Asaba, Delta state and Ajani Mayowa won the same amount at the South-West Regional draws in Akure, Ondo state. Speaking on the development, the winners expressed gratitude to FCMB for creating opportunities to reward and empower customers through the Millionaire Promo. In his comment, a Director of the Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Dauda Waja, hailed the Bank for conducting the exercise with integrity and transparency. He said that FCMB followed due process from the beginning of the promo in March till the emergence of the various winners. Speaking on the promo, the Executive Director, Retail Banking of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said with the grand finale of the draws held nationwide, the Bank has fulfilled the promise it made to customers to reward those who participated and qualified for the promo and participated in the four draws organised during the exercise. We are encouraged by the huge excitement and participation the Millionaire Promo has continued to receive. Beyond the various prizes won by winners, the fact the promo has provided us with an opportunity to encourage an enduring savings culture, financial inclusion and the empowerment of our customers is very exciting. We therefore urge members of the public who do not currently have a banking relationship with us to come on board to benefit from the various cutting-edge opportunities that are on offer by the Bank, he added. Mr. Akanmu encouraged the lucky customers, particularly the star prize winners, to make wise use of their prizes, assuring, you can invest meaningfully and we are ready to offer you free advice if you so wish. 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. See pictures from the grand finale below: The Nigerian army has released a statement to clarify misconceptions surrounding the casualties of its personnel in the latest attack by Boko Haram in Metele, Borno state. According to the army, in its resolve to put Nigerians in the light as regards its activities, it has decided to bring to the fore, happenings in the Northeast. In a statement by the Defense Headquarters on Wednesday night, which was signed by Saji Kukasheka Usman, Brigadier General for Chief of Army Staff, the army had the following to say; Gentlemen of the press, in continuation with our resolve to keep Nigerians well informed of the activities of the Nigerian Army, I will be briefing you on the recent happenings in the North East of Nigeria. In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists. Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 17th November 2018. Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities. As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in Ndjamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on 18th November 2018. During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State. The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists. The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care. The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army. We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections. Accordingly, the theme for this years annual conference is aptly titled, Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria. Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria. Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved. However, in the last 2 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations. At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us also not forget the men, women and children who have been killed or affected by the atrocities of the terrorists. It is for their sake that this war against terror must be won. The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals. We also thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army. Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles. Vanguard Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has allayed fears over his re-election prospects, saying he would rather suffer defeat than lose his name, noting that his performance would earn him a second term. The Sun Chief Adebayo Adelabu, former deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in June 2018, resigned from the apex bank to seek the governorship of Oyo State in 2019. He is the APCs candidate. Daily Times Senators yesterday held diverse views over the authenticity of an alleged none remittance of N177bn operational surplus made by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) into the consolidated federation account. Leadership ANKELI EMMANUEL in this analysis takes a look at the scheming ahead of 2019 general elections in Sokoto State The Nation RIGHTS lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, SAN has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders to comply with judgments and orders of municipal courts and regional tribunals in the interest of public accountability and political stability. Daily Trust The President of Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) and son of a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Olujonwo, has said since politics is not a war or a battle, he has every right to support the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari as against his fathers choice of a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. Tribune The need for the private sector and wealthy individuals to assist governments to develop the education sector was once again brought to the fore last week Thursday as philanthropist and chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, donated a 500-seater ultramodern lecture theatre to the Lagos State University, Ojo, to commemorate his 70th birthday. Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has urged the United States to be careful about granting visa to Abubakar Atiku,presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. The minister said this, during an interactive session with media executives in Abuja on Thursday. The Information Minister stated further that, it would give the impression that the US was endorsing Atiku for the 2019 presidential election, if it issues him visa now. Mohammed also revealed that the federal government was very aware that steps have been taken by Atiku, to get the US to grant him visa. We understand and appreciate the fact that it is the prerogative of the U.S. to grant a visa to anyone who applies. However, we want the U.S. to be neutral and be wary of taking any decision that will give the impression that they are favouring or endorsing one candidate over the other. Impression must not be created that the U.S. government is endorsing one particular candidate over the other. We are not unaware that Atiku has engaged the services of some lobbyists to persuade the U.S. to issue visa to him. Our position is that if the former Vice President is seeking the U.S. visa we have no problem about it. However, we want the U.S. government not to create the impression that it is endorsing one candidate over the other. The police has come under severe criticisms, after it arrested human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, leading a protest, demanding that police stay neutral in the 2019 general elections. Adeyanju was arrested on Wednesday, and arraigned in court on allegations of criminal defamation and breach of public peace. Many prominent Nigerians have taken yo social media, to demand for the unconditional release of Deji, as they argue that Nigeria may be shifting towards a dictatorial government Following these kinds of arrests. However, reacting to the arrest of Adeyanju and two others, police said they were picked up for Criminal Conspiracy, Joint Act, Defamation of Character, Public Nuisance, Disobedience to Order Duly Promulgated by Public Servant, Disturbance of Public Peace, Inciting Public Disturbance, Threat to Public Security. Police noted that Adeyanju and two (2) others, who were arrested and arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction yesterday, was to ensure that no individual or group, cause disturbance of public peace and safety anywhere in the Country. The UK House of Commons was thrown into a state of surprise today, after a MP revealed to his colleagues that he has had HIV for 10 years. Labours Lloyd Russell-Moyle made the revelation during a House of Commons debate on Thursday on the world HIV and AIDS day. Moyle, 32, whos the Kemptown and Peacehaven MP, also gave kudos to the world-class treatment he has received from the NHS since being diagnosed of HIV at the age of 22. I have not only survived, Ive prospered, and any partner I have is safe and protected. He, however criticized the UK governments reluctance to make HIV prevention drug PrEP available on the NHS as disgraceful. We now know of cases of young men who have tried to gain access to PrEP, who have been turned away and who have subsequently contracted HIV. These mens HIV statuses were entirely avoidable. The government must now act to prevent this from happening again. HIV conjures images of gravestones and a life marked by tragedy. The reality is that today, the prognosis is wildly different to what it was when it was bought to the publics attention. If treated, someone who is HIV positive, like myself, can expect to live a long and full life with little to no side-effects from the drugs regime. I hope that my coming out serves to defy the stigma around the disease. I hope that more people will understand that effective treatment keeps people who are HIV positive healthy, and it protects their partners. [I hope] that my story might encourage others to get tested and ultimately begin their treatment earlier on. Opinion Policies Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue. Feedback policy If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). Those wanting to respond to editorials can also submit a letter to the editor through the Iowa State Daily website or by emailing the letter to Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or Editor-in-Chief Sage Smith (sage.smith@iowastatedaily.com). Column Policy Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions. Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020 Apple has a big stake in machine learning, so it isnt too surprising to hear that the company is making a trip to one of the biggest ML conferences out there. Apple officially announced on Thursday that it will be joining the attendees list for the worlds largest machine learning conference. To be specific, this is the 32nd conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS). The event takes place in Montreal, Canada, and Apple will be hosting a booth at the event with its own machine learning experts on hand. This December well be in Montreal, Canada, attending the 32nd Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS). Well have a booth staffed with Machine Learning experts from across Apple who would love to chat with you. Please drop by if youre attending the conference. The companys announcement isnt filled to the brim with information. However, it does note that it is looking for people with backgrounds in machine learning to join the ranks. If this seems like something youd be interested in, you can head through the source link below to apply for one of the many different opportunities that Apple has in regards to machine learning. Apple made some bigger changes recently to its Siri, Core ML, and general machine learning teams when John Giannandrea took the reins to lead up all three teams. For those who may not remember, Core ML is Apples machine learning API thats designed to help AI-focused apps and native AI tasks from third-party developers run as smoothly as possible on iOS. [via Apple The iPhone XR launched a month after the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, and while some analysts have suggested the lower-cost iPhone hasnt been doing so well, thats apparently not the case. Speaking with CNET, Apples Vice President of Marketing, Greg Joswiak, said that the iPhone XR has actually been quite popular since its debut. In fact, according to the executive, the iPhone XR has been the companys most popular device every single day since it launched back in October. Heres Joswiak, per the report: Greg Joswiak, Apple vice president of product marketing, told CNET in an interview Wednesday that the [iPhone XR] has been our most popular iPhone each and every day since the day it became available.' If you are expecting Joswiak to go into any detail on that, well, youll be disappointed. Thats about all he offered on the subject. While we cant get into the nitty gritty, and it doesnt look like Apple is going to be announcing any of those specific details in the future, either, its good to see that the XR is doing well for itself. Still, Apple did drop the iPhone XRs price by $100 on two-year contracts in Japan, so maybe that will help boost the devices popularity in that region. Apples iPhones tend to keep flying off shelves throughout the year, and it sounds like the iPhone XR is leading the charge, and has been since its debut. Does that mean well see a change of pace on Apples part in the future? Will we see a shift towards devices that dont cost more than $1,000? Probably not. After all, the iPhone X and the iPhone XS have been selling just fine, too. For folks who feel like Apple is pricing them out of its ecosystem, maybe its something to hope for. [via CNET Qualcomm has been involved in an intense legal battle with Apple over its royalty payment dispute. The battle between the two companies has led to Apple completely switching to Intel modems for its 2018 iPhone lineup. While things have only gone from bad to worse between the two companies, Qualcomms CEO says the company is on the doorstep of finding a resolution. Qualcomms CEO Steve Mollenkopf told in an interview on CNBCs Mad Money that both companies continue to talk to each other and they are on the verge of resolving their issues by late next year or early next year. Weve always talked about Ive been very consistent that the second half of this year and into next year is when were really on the doorstep of finding a resolution and we dont see anything different than that, the CEO said. In the same interview, the CEO highlighted the importance of 5G and how it offers tremendous benefits. 5G adoption is currently Qualcomms central focus and the CEO expects it to roll out starting in spring 2019. Mollenkopf is hopeful that Apple will end up sourcing Qualcomms 5G modem chips for its future iPhones. Our Take This is not the first time that Qualcomms CEO has said something like this. He had previously mentioned that he was optimistic about working with Apple as recently as in September. However, with the battle between the two companies turning into a mud slinging competition, I doubt things are ever going to return the way they were between them. Intel is already working on its 5G modem and even if Apple ends up sourcing Qualcomms 5G modem, it is only going to use it until Intel builds its own modem. There are reports of Apple working on an in-house modem as well in which case Qualcomm hopes of supplying modems to the company will remain a distant dream. [Via CNBC Bilawal Medical College Teaching Jobs 2018 in Jamshoro Latest Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Education Posts Jamshoro 2021 Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences LUMHS Bilawal Medical College requires the services of highly qualified candidates for the posts of Radiology Professor BPS-20, Radiology Associate Professor BPS-19, Radiology Professor BPS-21, Radiology Associate Professor BPS-20 in Jamshoro Sindh - Pakistan. How to Apply on Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences 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. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. Cabinet Secretariat Aviation Division Islamabad Jobs 2018 Latest Cabinet Secretariat Management Posts Islamabad 2021 Government of Pakistan Cabinet Secretariat Aviation Division Islamabad required qualified and well educated candidate for the position of Director General in Islamabad Pakistan 2018. How to Apply on Cabinet Secretariat 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: The Section Officer CAA Aviation Division Fazal-e-Haq Road Second Floor PIA Booking Office Blue Area Telephone: 051-9244249-140 Official Website: www.aviation.gov.pk Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Faculty Jobs Latest Bilawal Medical College Education Posts Jamshoro 2021 Bilawal Medical College Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences in Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan requires the services of experienced and well educated candidates for the posts of Radiology Professor, Radiology Associate Professor. How to Apply on Bilawal Medical College 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. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. Pakistan Railways Karachi Cantt Jobs 2018 Latest Pakistan Railways Management Posts Karachi 2021 Pakistan Railways requires the services of experienced and strong persons for the posts of Operating Officer, Works Accountant, Upper Division Clerk UDC, Stenographer, Lower Division Clerk LDC in Karachi Cantt. How to Apply on Pakistan Railways 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. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sebelum Anda bermain, Anda perlu mengetahui apa yang Anda butuhkan untuk masuk ke dalam permainan roulette kasino online ini. Jika Anda sudah mendaftar di situs judi casino online dan sudah memberikan user ID, login terlebih dahulu dan pilih menu live casino yang tertera di situs judi tersebut. Pertama pilih dealer dan putuskan sendiri, lalu pilih meja atau kursi di dalam ruangan. Jika namanya tertera dan berwarna coklat, maka kursi tersebut sudah ditempati oleh pemain lain, dan pilihlah kursi kosong berwarna hitam. Kasino Roulette adalah salah satu permainan paling populer di situs perjudian kasino. 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Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: 1. Straight Up: Penempatan angka tunggal dari 0 hingga 36. Contoh perhitungan straight up adalah mengalikan taruhan dengan 35. Ini adalah jenis taruhan tertinggi dalam permainan roulette kasino, jadi 50 dikalikan dengan 35 memberi Anda 1750, mengapa jenis taruhan ini menghasilkan pengembalian yang begitu tinggi? Hal ini karena tidak mudah untuk memenangkan pilihan nomor dengan memilih hanya satu nomor dari banyak. 2. Taruhan split: Jenis taruhan yang ditempatkan pada dua angka atau di antara dua angka yang berbeda. Misalnya, menempatkan di sela-sela angka 9 dan 12 atau 13d dan 14 dihitung sebagai jenis taruhan split. Setiap nomor dapat ditempatkan dalam jenis ini selama nomor tersebut berdekatan dan persis seperti Gambar A dan B. Untuk taruhan ini, jika Anda memenangkan contoh dan mengalikannya dengan 850, Anda akan menerima jumlah taruhan yang dikalikan dengan 17. . 3. Taruhan jalanan: bertaruh dengan 3 angka ke bawah, misalnya 1,2,3 atau 10,11,12. Semua taruhan jalan akan menerima kemenangan dikalikan dengan 11. Misalnya, 50 dikalikan 550. 4. Taruhan sudut: Jenis taruhan di mana empat angka ditempatkan saling berhadapan, seperti 13,14,16,17 atau 19,20,22,23. Semua angka valid karena terdiri dari 4 angka yang diisi seperti kotak dan taruhan dikalikan 8 (misalnya 50 kali 800). 5. Taruhan baris: Atau, Anda dapat mengatakan bahwa ada 6 jenis taruhan yang terdiri dari 2 baris, tetapi 6 poin dengan 2 peregangan, seperti taruhan jalanan. Misalnya, jika Anda memilih angka 7 hingga 12 dan 13 hingga 18, taruhan 50 adalah 5 kali dan kemudian dikalikan dengan 250 kemenangan. 6. Kolom Inner Bet: Jenis taruhan vertikal dengan 12 poin berturut-turut, seperti kolom numerik 1,4,7,10,13,19,22,25,25,28,22,24,34 atau kolom lainnya. Dan jika dia memenangkan kolom, 50 taruhan digandakan dan 100 taruhan. 7. Lusin : Jenis taruhan menempatkan 12 angka tetapi menempatkannya pada kotak berbentuk seperti contoh Kolom A dengan angka 1 sampai 12 dan odds dengan kolom lain untuk dipilih dengan memilih 1 kotak pertama untuk Kolom A. Kalikan dengan 2, 50 taruhan 100. 8. Zero part : Cara bertaruh 0.1,2,3 sama persis seperti di gambar, karena berdekatan dengan angka 0, anda hanya bisa bertaruh 0.1,2,3. Menempatkan taruhan ini mengalikannya dengan 50. hingga 8. 9. Zero Corner: Bertaruh pada angka 0.1,2 atau 0.2,3 adalah dua pilihan karena Anda hanya bertaruh mendekati angka nol. Jenis taruhan ini dikalikan 11 jika taruhan menang. 10. Two Dozen: Jenis taruhan dengan hanya dua pilihan: 1-18 atau 19-36. Jika taruhan Anda adalah 50, itu dikalikan dengan 1 hingga 50 jika Anda menang. 11. Merah atau Hitam: Masukkan taruhan Anda dengan memilih Merah atau Hitam sebagai warna angka yang muncul saat taruhan 50. 12. Genap/Ganjil: Pilih angka yang menghasilkan jumlah jenis taruhan ganjil. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mainly sunny. High near 35F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 21F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Below is an excerpt of the winning translations. -- ED. Written by Kim Ae-ran Translated by Kim Seol-kyung Cover of Kim Ae-ran's "The Outside Is Summer" I open the window above the sink and look outside. The sea surface has risen slightly since yesterday. It has been raining all morning. When it rains, the cross also gets wet. I place the two rockfish I bought at the market during the day onto a cutting board. I put strength into my hand holding the knife, and the feeling of fish bone, muscle, and flesh getting crushed spreads through my entire body. The vibration inside my grip forms a faint circle and spreads to the furthest parts of my body. Touching food ingredients that are half-alive always feels uncomfortable. An apathetic thrill and aversion of breaking a taboo that has been violated for a long time, of killing something dead, occurs. I lay out the rockfish, whose scales and guts I have removed, in a large pot. I add green onions, ginger, and refined rice wine and put it to a boil. I remove the cooked fish meat, set it aside, and boil the fish head and bones once more. First, I need to make broth for the seaweed soup. Bone broth. When I was little, I grew up eating food made from simmering bones. Among those foods, there was food which boiled live things as a whole like snakehead fish or loaches. As my mother was from Gangneung, my family put rockfish into seaweed soup instead of beef brisket, even on birthdays. I had forgotten about it for a while after moving out, but that is what I do now, too. Especially on my birthday and my child's birthday. Bubbles rise up vigorously inside the large pot, and the ingredients bump into each other, bodies turning. Between the green onion stalks, I see a rockfish head whose mouth is half open. Its opaque eyes have cooked and become white. Skimming the impurities and foam with a ladle, I think of my child. Who could have been a different being but was born as my child. Jay, who came to me and not to another place. When he was a baby, he did not know how to swallow baby food or drink water through a straw; I had to teach him one by one. Now I see him using his spoon and chopsticks at the table and am surprised to see how thick his knuckles have become. I turn the gas down to low and wait for the broth to thicken. It will take a couple dozen minutes at least, so I roll up my sleeves and do the dishes piled in the sink. I wash the knife and wooden cutting board with dish soap and rinse them one more time with vinegar; I also wash the stainless steel bowl and sieve, plate, and spoon. I rinse the spoon more meticulously because it is a utensil which enters the mouth directly. Whenever I rinse spoons, it feels like I am using my bare hands to touch the insides of my child's mouth. It probably comes from the memories of cleaning his teeth with gauze wrapped around my finger when he was little. After giving birth, I had a rather difficult time breastfeeding. Even now when I recall those days, I remember eating, eating, and eating again for my breast milk to flow. I also remember shedding tears, wearing a postpartum girdle, both breasts exposed, the seaweed soup that my mom, who had come to care for me, cooked for a whole month, and the smell of rockfish which filled the house. Back then it seemed like my breast milk also gave off that smell. The milky liquid flowing from my nipples seemed like bone broth. For quite a while, I felt like a hot, fishy, slimy lump. It was as if I had become a couple-dozen-kilogram package of nutrients with no name. In fact, many people treated me so. Even if it may have been in the form of encouragement or respect. Mothers in films or television dramas never let it show, but I found breastfeeding very difficult. It was several times that I cried with the baby, unable to offer or remove my breasts from the hungry, crying child due to my engorged breasts and nipples burning from mastitis. On top of that, Jay bit my nipples often around his first birthday, as if his gums were itchy from teething. One time, he bit so hard that I nearly flung him to the ground. Even after all that trouble, I cried a little when I weaned him because I felt bad for him. While a part of me was relieved, a period of time we had spent together had ended. It was probably the same for Jay. Parting from what one is accustomed to is one of the things that adults are also not very good at. After a long time passed, I realized that providing experiences of rejection and loss to one's child is as important a duty as is giving them affection. After all, the world they will eventually encounter will be a far colder place than now, and because they are not yet aware that the world is a place where people choose to passionately hate others to endure the coldness. I squeeze water from the soaked seaweed with my hands and slice them into bite-sized pieces. I drizzle some sesame oil into a heated pan and add the seaweed; small oil bubbles splash everywhere. I stir the seaweed, busily moving my wrist. While my hand moves routinely as it always has, my mind has been somewhere else since a while ago. What I heard at the bakery during the day has been bothering me. I had put a cake box on the counter and was taking out my wallet when I heard a familiar story from behind me. Holding the cake in one hand, I hurried out of the bakery. My face blushed as if my heart was pounding under my cheeks. Maybe I should have rebutted on the spot. Someone might have recognized me. I regretted that my not having said anything might have looked like I was admitting what had happened concerning my child. About the video the neighbor ladies were talking about, their strong coffees in front of them I have seen it too. Our area had been in an uproar, and it had gotten into several online newspapers; it was difficult not to notice. At first, I was unable to watch the whole video and turned my head, but I summoned the courage to press the play button again, only because my child appeared in it. -What do you call them? There was one of those kids. oh, yes, a multicultural. -Yes, I saw him, too. He certainly stood out. -I heard his father, not his mother, is Southeast Asian. -Really? what for? -He was one of the gang, wasn't he? -I saw in one of the comments that he was the leader. -No, he's only a witness. -How can you be sure? The real boss never uses his fist. -That's true. Those kids must have more pent-up anger, right? -Anyway, it's become a terrible incident. -It has, hasn't it? -Yes. - -I mean, a man died - - -Yes. There is a faint burning smell in the air. I stir the pot quickly with a spatula and come to my senses. The seaweed ends have become grayish. I scoop a big bowl of bone broth from the large pot on the side and pour it into the pan. With a sizzle, yellowish green oil floats to the top. About the "rumor" people were talking about I've asked Jay about it. I hesitated several times and managed to bring up the question. Jay looked at me with an immensely sad face and answered gloomily, as if to say how could you, my own mother, say that. -Mom, I wasn't. I examined my child carefully like an athlete competing in a game where she could not afford to make a mistake. - His face was not a lying one. -You weren't, right? -No, I wasn't. I don't even know them. At that moment, I felt so relieved that I nearly burst out in tears. -Of course, I knew it. I open the freezer door and take out the garlic. It is minced garlic that I put in a zipper bag and froze thinly in cubes. Snapping off a block, I look at the clock. It is a little past six p.m. About an hour remains until Jay comes back from his private institute. I have marinated the bulgogi yesterday in advance, so I only need to start cooking the rice on time and grill the cutlassfish. Ah, and we also have the cake. I take out sea salt from the sink spice cabinet and season the soup. Then I put the spoon down and look at the stove fire for a moment. Ancient people also would have lit fires in the evening. When they were cold, hungry, or needed help. Which of the three would now be? The sound of soup boiling gently fills the house serenely. Today is Jay's fifteenth birthday. * The first food that Jay ate after weaning was white rice porridge. Around his first birthday, small white bones emerged in Jay's mouth like sprouts as if they had all made a promise. They were the only bones of the human body exposed outwardly. Jay adapted well to baby food. As if learning how to speak, he mastered the "tastes" he was experiencing for the first time in his life, one by one. Face full of thought and reason, slowly moving his jaw muscles. He continued the weaving of his thoughts, the cat's cradling of his senses. Then sometimes, as if spreading out beautiful lace he had made on his own, he would look at me and give me a proud look. Each time he did that, I would teasingly pay him a compliment, saying, "Why Jay, you've become a proper human!" I would say that, but would pet him firmly, putting weight into my palms, as if stroking an animal. Jay grew well, alternating between plump and skinny. He did not forget to occasionally smile for the person raising him. Once in a while, he would come down with a cold, and a jawline unlike that of a child would appear, making him look quite elegant; now he is old enough for acne and ear grease. While Jay was at school, whenever I cleaned his room, I would see a hair or an eyelash that had fallen on his pillow and acknowledge that he was "growing up." As a main character of a famous jailbreak film had dug a hole in his prison wall, put the dirt in his pocket, and disposed of it, Jay was growing up, constantly getting rid of a part of him. I was grateful to Jay. As for me, I had made my own choices for my life and had rarely regretted them, but it would have been different for Jay. From the moment we met, I had been an adult, and he had not. I suddenly recall how Jay sighed at the entrance of his day care center while taking off his boots. How I had reprimanded, "Why are you sighing?" and he had retorted, "Being a kid is hard." I had been perplexed that he had described being a "kid" as an occupation or labor of some sort. Now that I think of it, I think Jay may have been right. The price one has to pay during each period of life due to ignorance or knowledge is steep. Jay has probably had to pay his share for being Jay. There are several incidents I know of; there are probably much more that I am not aware of. When Jay was third grade in elementary school, he joined the church choir. Busy making ends meet, my sense of obligation had been greater than my excitement when I received the invitation for the event; but when I saw Jay on stage, I was moved. Seeing him standing among his peers with an intimidated look had made me realize that he was already experiencing social life with his small body. It was Christmas, and there was a lot of light in the church. Various "lights" such as the ceiling lights of low illuminance, the miniature bulbs wrapping the fake firs, and the candles held by the choir were floating around in the dark. I was slightly enchanted by the reverent, silent atmosphere. The children started to sing; with tongues which have less experience with "tastes," with tongues which have eaten less dead animals, with tongues that were damp and clear. Some notes drew a thin arc in the air, then plummeted, some notes followed someone's solo flight, then dived together willingly, and just when people started wondering about the whereabouts of the notes which had just disappeared, a variety of notes, as if to console their extinction, soared up once again like wish lanterns. And in between, Jay's solo continued like a beautiful bridge. His voice was thin and clear like a bare bulb about to shatter to pieces at the slightest impact. When he sang a high note, it was as if a filament inside his vocal cords emitted a yellow light, quivering. I didn't know parents could be in awe of their children What inside you makes that possible? Did I give you any of it? If it was not given to you by me, and you did not have it from the beginning, where did it come from? I remember clapping in a trance. I did not know at all how difficult it had been for you to finish the song that day. Church had always seemed like a safe place to me. It was why although I had no religion, I had sent Jay there. I had hoped that someone would be there for Jay instead of me when I had to leave him for work. Even if it was a god I had no acquaintance with. A few days later, Jay said he did not want to sing anymore. He was upset that his friends had said, "You are really special." -Why? It's a compliment. Jay pouted his lips. -You don't understand because you're Korean. I was surprised. -You're Korean, too. Kim Seol-kyung is a translator who graduated from Ewha Womans University Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation (GSTI) with a master's degree in English-Korean translation in 2015. She was first introduced to literary translation while at Ewha GSTI, where courses were stimulating and intriguing, and the translation of both fiction and poetry, especially from Korean to English, was intrinsically motivating for her. "I had to give it a go eventually, and the Korea Times Translation Awards seemed like a great opportunity." She translated novelist Kim Ae-ran's "A Covering Hand" for the 49th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards. "I was amused by the touch of irony weaved throughout the story including the subtle twist at the end which leaves speculations about the credibility of a young character and which is also implied in the story's title, 'A Covering Hand.' The writer's calm, descriptive style of writing was also an aspect I personally looked forward to in translating the work," she said. For Kim, translating an entire work requires a certain rigor and commitment and maintaining momentum was a considerable part of the effort. Other than that, the translation process itself was an enjoyable and gratifying experience for her. Kim believes that a good translation is a faithful representation of the original work and a seamless read in the target language. "As a translator, I sometimes think what I do is similar to an actress who plays her role, except in the linguistic sense. The more my performance is in tune with the text, the more my effort is unnoticeable, the more my personality remains undetected in the end product, and the writer's is left intact, the more likely the gig will have been a good one." Yang Eun-mi Yang Eun-mi is a poet who earned her master's degree in creative writing from the University of Edinburgh where she won the Grierson Verse Prize. She is currently working on her doctoral thesis regarding problems in Korean-English translation, how global readers react to English editions of Korean literature, and most of all fundamental factors that might be hinder Korean literature from globalizing. Ed Bok Lee is a poet who authored poem collections "Whorled" and forthcoming "Mitochondrial Night." Lee, raised in South Korea and the United States, earned his master's degree from Brown University. Yang and Lee met in 2014 when they were both in residency at the Toji Cultural Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province, and decided to collaborate as co-translators of contemporary Korean poetry. "There aren't enough contemporary Korean poets translated into English. As a poet of Korean descent who is fluent in English, I wanted to contribute to this in some way," Lee said. Ed Bok Lee A train bound from South Korea heads to Jejin Station in Goseong County in Gangwon Province in May 2007 after passing the military demarcation line that divides South and North Korea during a test of the connecting section between Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line. Yonhap South Korea is sticking to the plan to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for inter-Korean railway and road connection projects this year as the two Koreas are to begin a joint inspection of the rail system in North Korea this week, a unification ministry official said Thursday. After a months-long delay, South and North Korea are set to launch an 18-day joint inspection of the western and eastern railways of the North on Friday. A South Korean train will leave for the North early in the day with dozens of officials and railway experts on board. This is part of the two Koreas' plan to modernize and reconnect their railways and roads as agreed upon by their leaders in April. Imjingang Station in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, connects South Korean district of Munsan to Gaesong in North Korea through Gyeongui Line railway. Yonhap They later promised to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the cross-border projects before the end of this year. There is nevertheless speculation over whether they can make good on the promise due to a delay in the railway inspection and a failure to hold a similar road inspection in the North. "It was agreed to hold (the ceremony) within this year. We plan to stick to the agreement," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. The joint railway inspection was initially scheduled to take place in August, but the U.S.-led United Nations Command disapproved it, citing procedural problems. The disapproval was seen as reflecting Washington's displeasure with its possible violation of sanctions. The U.N. Security Council recently decided to grant a sanctions exemption, allowing the once-suspended project to go ahead. A South Korean, right, and a North Korean shake hands as the two Koreas start building a road inside the Demilitarized Zone in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, Nov. 22. Yonhap Photos of Lee Hyung-ja as a baby / Courtesy of Lee Hyung-Ja By Jung Min-ho One of the first photos Lee's adopting parents took after she arrived at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport in early 1974. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, left, met the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, Nov. 29. Yonhap The head of the United Nations told South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha that his organization will continue to support the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a peace regime, Kang's ministry said Thursday. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Kang in New York on Wednesday (local time), as the minister made a stopover there on her way to Panama. Kang briefed him on the security situation in Korea and requested the U.N.'s constant cooperation in efforts to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea and lasting peace. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to reporters during a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 28, 2018. Xinhua-Yonhap Kim Sung-ju, a forced laborer at the Korean Women's Volunteer Labor Corps during World War II, speaks to journalists in front of the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Thursday. The country's top court ruled in favor of her and other victims from the camp, ordering Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate them. Yonhap South Korea's Supreme Court confirmed two appellate court rulings on Thursday that ordered a Japanese company to compensate Koreans for forced labor during World War II. The four-judge bench handed down the decisions on two damages suits against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. It upheld two rulings one that ordered Mitsubishi to award 100-120 million won (US$89,000-109,000) each to five women, including 87-year-old Yang Geum-duk and a victim's family member, and the other that ordered the company to pay 80 million won each to six other forced labor victims. After the Supreme Court's decision on Thursday, Park Jae-hoon, next to Kim, holds a photo of his late father Park Chang-hwan, another victim of Japan's forced labor during World War II. Yonhap The rulings come about a month after the top court upheld a 2013 appellate ruling that ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay each Korean plaintiff 100 million won in compensation. The Oct. 30 ruling further soured the frayed ties between Seoul and Tokyo. The top court agreed with last month's decision that the 1965 treaty signed between South Korea and Japan to settle colonial-era issues does not terminate individuals' rights to claim damages. The female victims and family filed the damages suit in 2012 for working without pay at a Mitsubishi aircraft plant in Nagoya in 1944. They claim they were tricked by their school headmaster into believing that they would earn lots of money if they enlist in the Korean Women's Volunteer Labor Corps. Kim and family members and other victims of Japan's forced labor during World War II march toward the Supreme Court before its ruling on Thursday. The banner reads, "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must apologize to and compensate the forced labor victims!" Yonhap Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor-Viorel Melescanu, left, meets with his South Korean counterpart, Kang Kyung-wha, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, Nov. 23. He visited Korea Nov. 22-24 to further develop a "strategic partnership" between the two countries. /Yonhap Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono speaks to reporters after South Korea decide to dissolve Japan-funded 'comfort women' foundation in Tokyo, Japan, 21 November 2018. EPA-Yonhap Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Thursday that South Korea's additional court rulings against a Japanese firm for wartime forced labor are "very regrettable and unacceptable." Seoul officials, however, said they "respect" the Supreme Court verdicts. In a statement, Kono said they run counter to the 1965 pact between the governments of the neighboring countries on normalizing bilateral diplomatic ties. He said all reparation issues related to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea were settled through the accord. Earlier in the day, a South Korean court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd to compensate 10 Koreans who worked at its factories in 1944 with no pay and a bereaved family member of another on two separate suits. The court upheld two appellate court judgments one that ordered Mitsubishi to disburse 100-120 million won (US$89,000-109,000) to each of four female victims, and the relative, and the other that ordered it to pay 80 million won each to six elderly men. Kono said the rulings would incur "unjust disadvantages" to the Japanese company and uproot the legal foundation of friendly, cooperative relations between the two nations. He described them as a violation of international law and urged Seoul to take appropriate measures to address the problem. Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. speaks about the newly-opened Bohol-Panglao International Airport during a press conference at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, Nov. 27. / Philippine Department of Tourism-Korea By Yi Whan-woo A new international airport opened in Bohol, the Philippines, Nov. 27, fueling speculation of a rise in Korean tourists, who already top the number of international visitors to the Southeast Asian country. Located on Panglao Island, which is a 40 minute drive from Bohol's provincial capital of Tagbilaran, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport replaces the Tagbilaran Airport. The latter closed on Nov. 27. The new airport is a five-minute drive to Bohol's major beachfront resorts, such as South Palms. It is expected to make up for the shortcomings of the old airport, such as the lack of a duty free shopping center, as well as adding runway lights and other night-landing facilities. The number of passengers the new airport will be able to handle annually will be more than double that of the old one and is expected to hit 2 million, according to Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. at the Philippine Department of Tourism. "Major improvements of our international gateways have been completed including Cebu-Mactan International Airport and the Panglao International Airport," he said during a press conference in Seoul, Nov. 27. Bengzon led the Philippine delegation attending the Philippine Business Mission 2018, an annual event aimed at promoting tourism, trade and other sectors in the Philippines abroad. He said talks about the duty-free shopping center are underway. "We have already talked to Duty Free Philippines Corporation to open duty free once we get regular international flights," Bengzon said. "The key word here is regular," he added, underscoring that it will be critical to have international flights routinely to estimate the number of potential customers and make the decision accordingly. "It's very costly to operate so you have to make sure that you have enough passengers landing in Panglao to go to the duty free store to make it commercially viable," he said. He speculated the better landing facilities will result in an increased number of flights and passengers from Incheon International Airport. Philippine Airlines is the only carrier operating between Incheon and Bohol. It runs Airbus A320 that usually seats 150 passengers. "From what I was informed, they were not also able to fill up all the seats because runways were short," he said, adding the airliner was asked to pay payload penalties in return. "But when we start operating in Panglao, they can start using the larger A321s. So we can expect a bigger capacity, the charterers, or the airlines can fill up all the seats," he added. Korea topped the number of international visitors to the Philippines in 2017 with 1.6 million, followed by China (968,450), the U.S. (957,810) and Japan (584,180), according to data compiled by the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the World Travel and Tourism Council. The rolling Chocolate Hills / Korea Times photos by Yi Whan-woo Bohol boasts rolling Chocolate Hills, palm-sized primates and lush greenery By Yi Whan-woo BOHOL, the Philippines "You're swimming in a big aquarium with all the species of fish in the area." Tour guide Alison Sarah Malayo says this when asked what it is like to snorkel at Balicasag Island, one of 73 smaller islands surrounding Bohol, in the Philippines. Many Korean travel guidebooks merely introduce Bohol as a place for an overnight stay while travelling to Cebu, which takes two hours on a fast ferry. But it is tough to beat a visit to Bohol for at least a couple of days, if you realize the 4,821-square-meter island with a 261-kilometer coastline is home to unique, and even peculiar, nature and wildlife. They range from schools of colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, corals and plants at Balicasag Island to white sand Alona Beach, palm-sized, saucer-eyed tarsiers, the rolling Chocolate Hills and lush greenery alongside the Loboc River. The The sea view from Balicasag Island A barbeque party on Virgin Island Balicasag Island is one of the Philippines' famous diving spots and you can see why as you go deep into the crystal-clear waters. Gorgeous coral reefs and plants brim with hundreds of fish species that swim past you in wave-like fashion. If lucky enough, you will see turtles and dolphins. There are many resorts on Panglao Island, the biggest of the 73 islands. And if you do not want get too hungry on the way to snorkeling or diving, have your bangka boat stop by for a barbeque on Virgin Island, which lies in the middle of a relatively shallow area between Balicasag and Panglao islands. A palm-sized, saucer-eyed tarsier at Tarsier Sanctuary When you have had enough fun underwater, it's time to visit the interior of Bohol. Situated 10 kilometers from Bohol's provincial capital Tagbilaran, Tarsier Sanctuary is dedicated to the preservation and scientific research of the endangered tarsier, a tiny primate native to the Philippines. Even the adults are no larger than the palm of your hand. And because its massive eyes resemble glasses, spotting a tarsier in the dense forest is like playing "Where's Wally?" Keep in mind, never make a noise or try to touch if you spot a tarsier. It is highly sensitive to noise and human contact. For some Koreans, the Chocolate Hills, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran, remind of the ancient royal tombs in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. It is hard to believe that as many as 1,776 giant cone-shaped hills are not a man-made artifact, especially considering they are uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. Covered with grass, the hills turn chocolate brown at the end of the dry season and this is how their got their name. There are three legends about the formation of the mysterious hills that are registered as a Philippines' National Geological Monument. One holds that these were the feces of a giant water buffalo, while another tells of an enormous mess left by two ancient giants who hurled rocks at each other before getting tired and becoming friends. The third says a giant named Arogo could not stop crying after his loved one Aloya died and when his teardrops dried, they formed the Chocolate Hills. Cruising down the Loboc River For those who want to enjoy the scenery and have lunch at the same time, the Loboc River cruise is an option. You get aboard a floating restaurant and enjoy a buffet meal with the ride. The cruise takes 60 minutes. Onboard musicians will entertain as you float past the heavily forested river banks. There also is a cultural show by the local community half way through the cruise. Bohol Bee Farm is another lunch option. You can enjoy a picture book-like panorama of the sea while eating dishes made from organic ingredients. Among them are honey chicken, red rice, tortilla-like chips, seafood soup, malunggay ice cream and fresh squash bread with Bohol Bee Farm's spreads such as malunggay, pesto and mango. Henann Resort Alona Beach Bohol also has many luxurious resorts and spending at least one day there can be entertaining. For instance, Henann Resort Alona Beach, the biggest beach resort in Panglao, has three pools with bars. Along Alona Beach are bars and restaurants where you can try Filipino cuisine. Among the treats are lechon (suckling pork roast), salted egg with tomato, eggplant salad, pickled green mango, jackfruit salad, radish salad, seafood ceviche, lumping ubod (fresh spring rolls), steamed crabs and pork singang. You can also enjoy pancit bam-i (a combination of canton noodles and a variety of vegetables and meats), ginataang labong at hipon (bamboo shoots and shrimp in coconut cream), milkfish relleno, pork adobo with chicken liver and beef kare-kare. ABCNews.com(LONDON) -- Two weeks ago the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar deemed it safe to start repatriating Rohingya refugees to their home country. More than 2,000 refugees were put on a list, without their knowledge, processed and then were told that the conditions were right to send them back. Having escaped brutal torture and persecution at the hands of the Myanmar authorities, which the United Nations described as a textbook case of ethnic cleansing, the vast majority are petrified to return. A recent UN report describes a campaign of systematic violence conducted by the Myanmar military with an estimated 10,000 people, including children, killed and brutalized in gang rapes and enslavement when the violence escalated in August 2017. The bulk of these refugees fled to Bangladesh during that time. When we heard our names were on the repatriation list, we were very scared, Noor Alam told ABC News at the Unchiprang refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, a coastal town in the South East of Bangladesh where all Rohingya camps are spread out. Alam, 30, is from Rambibi Village in Maungdaw, Myanmar. Many of the refugees went into hiding after discovering they were on the list. We all fled from this camp and hid in a place called Leda for five days. From Leda we moved to Kutapalong, Alam said. He, his wife and five children went into hiding for eight days. We fed our children by begging from people, he said. If we are forced to go we will commit suicide by drinking poison. We have already collected poison. Otherwise the government of Bangladesh has to shoot us dead. The Bangladesh government has been looking for a solution to tackle the number of refugees that are now living in camps across Coxs Bazar, which the government says exceeds 1 million. The number of refugees outnumber the local population [in the camp areas] so this is another problem, you know so we have to think of alternates, Bangladeshs Minister for Affairs Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali told ABC News. We dont want them to move out of the camps in to other areas of the country. What we are trying to do now is to repatriate the first batch and once they go there then that will have a salutary effect on the others, he added. Not a single Rohingya, however, has volunteered to go back. Bangladesh has asserted that it will not forcibly return any of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. Earlier this month, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, called on Bangladesh to halt this process of repatriation, saying, With an almost complete lack of accountability, indeed with ongoing violations, returning Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at this point effectively means throwing them back into the cycle of human rights violations that this community has been suffering for decades. Nearly all Rohingyas fear for their safety and do not trust how they will be treated by authorities in Myanmar if they were to return. Omar Faruk, a refugee at the Chakmarkul camp, called his grandfather, who was not able to escape from Myanmar. The situation is not safe, things are bad, he said. His grandfather told him that the rest of the family could not really leave the compound they are living in; they would be fined and thrown into prison for not being able to pay the cost. In the last six months his grandfather's area has received only two food drops from agencies which they ration to one meal a day. Faruk said Rohingya Rights in Myanmar are still non-existent. Jamel Hosen saw both his parents and a younger brother get slaughtered by the Myanmar military and escaped to Bangladesh with his family of eight. His trauma amplified when he discovered his family was on the repatriation list. He said he would only go back if four conditions were met: "We get Rohingya status, we are allowed to observe our religion peacefully, we can exercise our religious freedoms and we are returned to our original homes. It was Myanmars denial of their status and hatred of their ethnicity that has forced them to become refugees in Bangladesh. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Participants in the diplomatic tour organized by the Philippine Embassy in Korea enjoy dinner at Henann Resort Alona Beach in Bohol, the Philippines, Nov. 11. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo By Yi Whan-woo BOHOL, the Philippines The latest diplomatic tour hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Korea drew positive responses from participants. They said the tour of Bohol from Nov. 8 to 12 helped Koreans and expats, including members of the diplomatic corps, get to know each other better. Launched by Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez in 2015, this was the fifth tour. It took place once a year from 2015 to 2017 and twice this year, including one in April. The program is mainly to promote tourism and business opportunities in the Philippines. But in addition to inviting Korean diplomats and entrepreneurs, Hernandez welcomed Korean children and their parents among the 30 participants. They included the Greek Ambassador to Korea Ifigenia Kontoleontos, Economic and Commercial Counselor Joana Neves from the Portuguese Embassy and Vice Consul Ella Mitra from the Philippine Embassy. Hernandez's wife Ana, Neves' husband Fernando and Ndingoho Manzini, wife of a South African diplomat, also joined the trip. "It was very generous of him to let even children travel with him," said Jang Jin-ah, a housewife in her 30s who came with her parents, husband and their son. "It did not disappoint." For Carter Na, an Airbnb host in his 30s, the tour helped build a good image of the Philippines. "I was surprised to learn that this kind of trip even existed," he said, adding he was introduced by his father who runs a retirement business in the Philippines. "Moreover, I was surprised to see an ambassador mingling with ordinary Koreans. This was really a fresh experience for me." Jung Seok-ki, who runs I Can Speak, a voice-recognition technology firm, said the tour is expected to bring closer ties with the Philippine Embassy. "This especially is expected to be helpful as I plan to start a business in the Philippines," he said. Ambassador Kontoleontos assessed that the program "has a very good future." Counselor Neves, who joined for the second time since April, said she is pleased to build friendships with the Koreans she met. Manzini voiced a similar view. "On the first day I was very nervous because I was traveling alone and didn't know anyone," she said, adding that her husband had to miss the tour because of work. "But after the second day, we started to get to know each other." She said activities such as karaoke allowed participants to interact regardless of age and background. When asked whether she will recommend the tour to her peers, she said: "Definitely." Members of the Korean Kindergarten Association hold a rally at Gwanghwamu Square in central Seoul, Thursday, to protest the government and the National Assembly's move to revise laws to strengthen regulations on private kindergarten operations. / Yonhap Preschool operators claim revision bills infringe on private assets By Kim Jae-heun Private kindergarten owners from across the country have protested the government and the National Assembly's moves to pass revision bills aimed at enhancing their transparency, saying all private preschools would have to close down in the event of the bills' passage. Thousands of members of the Korea Kindergarten Association (KKA) gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, Thursday, protesting the bills the Assembly's Education Committee plans to pass early next month. The three bills were submitted after the disclosure of widespread corruption among private kindergarten owners, including accounting fraud and budget misappropriation. Under the bills, private kindergartens will have to adopt a state-run accounting system for public institutes, while the founders of the kindergartens will be prohibited from serving as principals. Private kindergartens will also have to outsource children's meal services to operators only certified by the institution's operation council. The KKA said it agrees with the purpose of the three revisions but the government did not invite it to take part in the revision process. "We oppose the bills as they exclude us. The government has to recognize founders' individual assets," Lee Deok-sun, an official of the KKA, said during the rally. "The three bills do not solve the main issue and they only strengthen the punishment of kindergarten operators and criminalize them. They are unjust bills that do not recognize individual assets, which is the main idea of a liberal democracy." Lee said if the government pushes through the three bills, kindergarten operators across the country will have no choice but to shut down their facilities. He also urged the government to provide private preschools with the same financial support as public ones. "If the government is going to keep arguing that kindergartens are also schools, it has to pay teachers' salaries like it does for elementary, middle and high schools," Lee said. "If the government says private kindergartens are not needed, we'll close and leave. But if they are needed, it should pay them fees because the operators' private assets are used for child education which is a public service." According to the KKA, around 150,000 people joined the protest, while police said only 3,000 people were present at the scene. Some of the protesters were parents because the KKA had reportedly requested each member kindergarten bring two parents to rally. A 37-year-old mother surnamed Lee said her son's kindergarten had asked her to join the protest to prevent the kindergarten from closing down. The KKA also collected signatures on the spot to urge President Moon Jae-in to provide direct subsidies to parents of preschoolers. The petition required both parent and children's names. Meanwhile, a civic group named Political Moms held a press conference just behind the KKA's rally to demand faster movement to pass the revision bill. "We don't have much time as the Assembly's regular session is almost at its end," a member of the group said under the condition of anonymity. By Kim Hyun-bin The CEO of Withinnovation, a company running accommodation booking app Good Choice, has been investigated for abetting the distribution of millions of pornographic materials via a file sharing website he virtually owns. The Chungnam Provincial Police Agency said Thursday they referred the case of Sim Myeong-seob, the head of the app, called Yeogi Eottae in Korean, to the prosecution for indictment. Sim allegedly operated two web storage services from December 2017 to September this year and let over 4.2 million obscene files be uploaded and distributed through the platforms, raking in 5.2 billion won ($4.6 million) in illicit gains. The police said 172 of the files contained child pornography. Operators of file sharing websites are required to take technical measures to block distribution of child pornography, but Sim's sites had no such mechanisms. Police suspect most of the profit from the obscene content was used as initial capital to help Sim launch his company, which operates one of the country's leading accommodation booking apps. During police questioning, Sim denied he owned the file sharing websites, claiming one of his acquaintances did. But police concluded he was the real owner and the acquaintance just lent him his name. The police plan to expand the investigation by establishing a special taskforce team. "Separate from prosecutors, we plan to conduct further investigation into how he operated the websites," said Ryu Geun-shil, head of the cyber crimes department at the police agency. The app made over 50 billion won in annual sales within three years of its launch and is the second most popular accommodation app in Korea. Earlier this year, the police found that Yang Jin-ho, an IT entrepreneur who made headlines for his abusive behavior toward employees, owned two big file sharing sites and permitted voyeur videos to be circulated on them by managing heavy uploaders and operating a monitoring company that was supposed to filter out such content. Kim Jung-ju, 87, wartime forced laborer at Nachi-Fujikoshi's aircraft part factory in 1945, wipes away tears during an interview with The Korea Times at her home in Seoul, Nov. 21. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Lee Suh-yoon They told her she was going to a boarding school in Japan. "Ms. Ogaki, my Japanese homeroom teacher, told me I could meet my sister in Japan," Kim Jung-ju, 87, said in an interview at her home in Seoul last week. "There, I could also keep studying, enter middle school and stay in the same dormitory as my sister." In the final years of Japan's occupation of Korea which started in 1910 and ended with Japan's surrender at the end of World War II in 1945 hundreds of thousands of Koreans were mobilized in factories and mines scattered across East Asia. Roughly 250,000 Koreans were estimated to have been forced into labor and sexual slavery during the harsh colonial rule. Kim, a native of Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, was one of over 1,000 teenage girls mobilized to assemble Japan's war supplies at a factory run by Nachi-Fujikoshi from 1944 to 1945 as part of an all-female "volunteer labor corp." A landmark ruling Oct. 30, in which the Supreme Court ordered Nippon Steel to compensate four male forced laborers, finally opened a path for people like Kim to win their long court battles against Japanese firms. Last Thursday, the Supreme Court ordered Mitsubishi to compensate five female forced laborers who, like Kim, were sent in their teenage years to an aircraft factory in Nagoya from 1944 to 1945. Kim's older sister Kim Sung-ju, 89, was one of them. On the same day, the court also ordered Mitsubishi to compensate five atomic bomb survivors who were forced to work in its factories and shipyards in Hiroshima. In her sister's footsteps Like her sister did, before leaving the previous year, the 13-year-old Kim Jung-ju "borrowed" her father's seal from the family coffer and signed the papers given to her by Ms. Ogaki. Her father was not home, having been enlisted into a labor group in a city in Korea. Her mother was dead. Her grandparents did not know. As she left her home in Suncheon in February 1945, her grandmother hung onto her, sobbing. A Japanese policeman peeled her away from Kim, threatening to arrest her. After a short farewell ceremony held in front of the city hall, Kim and hundreds of teenage girls from other parts of the country were herded onto a ship in Yeosu and taken to Toyama Prefecture on the west coast of Japan. On her arrival, Kim realized something was wrong. "There was no sign of my sister anywhere that's when I started crying," Kim said, her eyes tearing up again. They were shown to a two-story dormitory that hosted hundreds on each floor. Around 30 girls slept in each room, which had two rows of tatami mats lining the floor. Girls from the southwestern Jeolla region like Kim were assigned to the first floor, and those from Gyeonggi Province, the second. "It was one of the coldest winters in Toyama's history, but they didn't give us a single pair of gloves or socks," Kim said spitefully. "In summer, I could not take a single bath." The girls woke up at 5 a.m. every day. After everyone took turns washing their faces at the taps, one scoop of rice and watery miso soup was handed out to each person. "Before leaving for work, they made us sing Japan's official military song," Kim said, her voice suddenly breaking out into a marching tune, "Katte kuruzoto isamasiku.." (Bravely swearing to return with victory..) Together, the girls walked for over two hours to get to the factory. "The factory was huge, rows of machines next to narrow passageways. The floor was slippery, coated over with black oil," Kim said. Every day, each girl had to shave 25 to 30 steel ball bearing discs used in jet engines. By Jung Hae-myoung The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision, Thursday, imposing a life sentence on Lee Young-hak, 36, for sexually abusing and murdering his daughter's friend and abandoning her body in the mountains in Gangwon Province. The court dismissed Lee's appeal saying life imprisonment was the appropriate sentence considering his age, cognitive state, environment, relationship with the victim and his behavior after the crime. A local court initially handed down the death penalty for his "inhumane and horrible crime," saying "In the name of law and justice we give him the death penalty, separating him from society forever." However, a high court commuted the penalty to a life sentence, saying "the murder was accidental and he was mentally unstable before the crime, so it can't be concluded that he is likely to repeat such an offense." Lee was indicted in September 2017 for luring his daughter's friend to his house, sexually assaulting the girl after giving her sleeping pills, killing her and abandoning her body. He was also known as "molar father" because he had lost all his teeth except one molar, while being treated for the rare disease gignatiform cemetoma. His 15-year-old daughter, who was indicted for abetting her father's crime, was sentenced to six years in prison. According to juvenile criminal law, her sentence can be reduced to four years for good behavior. People watch a TV screen showing U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, March 2, 2018. Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul BUENOS AIRES The main topic of the upcoming summit between President Moon Jae-in and President Donald Trump is how to break an impasse in the denuclearization talks between the U.S. and North Korea. There are, however, other issues that will be high on the agenda. Sources say the two leaders may discuss the possible easing of sanctions against the North, the suspension of U.S.-South Korea military exercises, and how to minimize the effects in South Korea of General Motors' restructuring. Moon arrived in the Argentine capital late Thursday to participate in high-profile meetings with the leaders of advanced economies. The Moon-Trump meeting is scheduled for early Saturday. "Instead of giving direct advice to move ahead with the denuclearization talks, Moon plans to reassure Trump that the United States is doing the right thing in bringing a lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula. Also, Moon will inform him of possible outcomes if the stalled talks are revived," a presidential aide told The Korea Times. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has recently granted a sanctions exemption at the request of South Korea for a survey that would help reconnect railway links between the two Koreas. The UNSC placed extensive sanctions on Pyongyang for its nuclear program back in December 2017. The United States initially proposed the sanctions, which were adopted by a vote of 15 to 0. Because of the nature of the sanctions, the exemption raised expectations in South Korea that similar measures will follow. The aide added the government believes that complete denuclearization will be hard to achieve unless Washington offer's some incentives. By Kim Bo-eun Moon Jae-in The railway of the Gyeongui Line along the west coast from Dorasan Station in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. / Korea Times file By Kim Bo-eun South Korea will ask the United States to review its plan to hold a joint groundbreaking ceremony with North Korea for their inter-Korean railway project to see if this violates sanctions on the North, the unification ministry said Thursday. A ministry official told reporters that South Korean officials "will discuss with the U.S. in a working group meeting whether holding the ceremony also calls for exemptions of sanctions on North Korea." South Korea and the U.S. recently launched a working group on North Korea to discuss inter-Korean projects amid North Korea's denuclearization process. The first working group meeting held last week drew Washington's support for an inter-Korean inspection of train tracks in the North, which is part of the process to connect the rail networks of the two Koreas. U.S. support for the inspections led to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) granting exemptions to sanctions on North Korea to enable the project to take place. The official said officials "will need to look into where the groundbreaking ceremony will take place, and whether any supplies that will be taken there go against sanctions." He also hinted at the possibility of holding the ceremony within the year, as leaders of the two Koreas agreed at their third summit in September. An 18-day inspection of train tracks along North Korea's east and west coasts will begin today. It was reported in the media that the UNSC committee on North Korea sanctions is reportedly looking into whether a luxury vehicle that chauffeured President Moon Jae-in at his Pyongyang summit in September was there as a result of violated sanctions. RFA on Thursday reported the committee is checking how the Mercedes-Benz vehicle was brought into the country. It is the vehicle Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rode during their car parade in Pyongyang. It is presumed to be an S600 sedan. The RFA stated that this vehicle appears similar to one the U.S. government pointed out as violating sanctions on North Korea. The U.S. Department of Commerce on Sept. 4 added Ma Yunong and his firm Seajet International, as well as the Hong Kong-based ZM International Company, to its list of sanctioned entities, for selling an armor-plated Mercedes-Benz vehicle to North Korea. The department's end-use review committee stated a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that was spotted at a North Korean military parade had been manufactured in Europe, had bulletproofing added in the U.S. and was then brought into North Korea via China. An official on the UNSC sanctions committee on North Korea also reportedly stated the committee is looking into whether the 2 tons of pine mushrooms North Korea authorities sent to the South as a gift is in violation of sanctions. By Yi Whan-woo Cheong Wa Dae is looking into possible hacking cases, in which emails intended to create a rift in alliance between South Korea and the United States have been sent out using the accounts of at least two senior officials. Citing recipients of these emails, the presidential office said this is to either steal classified information on North Korea policy or drive a wedge into the South Korea-U.S. alliance by using fake documents. "We take each case very seriously and asked the National Police Agency to look into them thoroughly," a presidential aide said asking not to be named. The latest cases increased concerns over fake news at an alarming rate. This was because vernacular newspaper The Asia Business Daily, after obtaining a fake document on the U.S. mistrust of South Korea, published a related story on Nov. 27. "It is way beyond a misreport and what we're facing is the most malicious case in journalism history," said Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom. "The way false information has been produced and disseminated is very elaborate." He added Cheong Wa Dae will "hunt down those who are responsible," claiming the information itself was aimed at creating a rift between the two allies and therefore is anti-governmental. In the first case, someone who pretended to be Presidential Secretary for State Affairs Yun Kun-young sent mails at the beginning of this year to multiple ministry officials. The suspect then demanded recipients to hand over digital documents related to North Korea policy. It remains uncertain how many shared classified information with the suspect. One of the recipients raised a question over why such sensitive content was sent through Yun's private email address, and not the one created by Cheong Wa Dae. He called Yun to confirm accordingly. Sources familiar with the case speculated the suspect hacked into one of Yun's private email accounts that had not been used for years. Cheong Wa Dae sought to track down the suspect but failed to do so because the IP address used when writing emails was from abroad. In the second case, someone impersonated cyber security staff at the National Security Office and sent emails to dozens of security experts. The email had a PDF file attached. Titled "Evaluation of the situation of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia," the document stated gaps are widening between South Korea and the U.S. over denuclearization methods. It also stated Washington's mistrust toward Seoul is growing. The document was purportedly issued by the National Security Office and the Asia Business Daily reported it as if it was an exclusive on Nov. 27. But the presidential office confirmed the document was forged, pointing out that its font, style and other details are completely different from Cheong Wa Dae's. The K-PET fair 2018, the largest pet industry expo in Korea, was held for three days from the 23rd to 25th of November at the Kintex Exhibition Center in the northwest of Seoul. This year's event gathered together the newest pet-related products from furniture to clothes in one place. Pet lovers came along with their pets to get to know the latest trends on pet culture and purchase products at discounted prices. Ms Truong Thi Mai (Photo: VNA) Meeting with Vice President of the Canadian Lower House Bruce Stanton on November 26, Ms Mai expressed her hope to continue to promote and deepen the bilateral relationship, introduce proposals on new investment initiatives to take advantage of the two countries adoption of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as cooperation in different areas such as education and training, tourism and healthcare. Vietnam and Canada continue to support each other at multi-lateral forums, including Vietnams candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2020-2021 and Canadas candidacy for membership in the UNSC for 2021-2022. Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation, Mr. Bruce Stanton appreciated its proposals on cooperation in legislation and supervision of the National Assembly, economics, trade, security and external relations. During the visit to Canada, the delegation held talks with the Communist Party of Canada MarxistLeninist, the Universities of McGill and Quebec, and representatives of overseas Vietnamese in Canada./. By Andrew Hammond World leaders are making final preparations for this week's G20 summit in Argentina on Friday and Saturday. The meeting, which is being billed as the moment when U.S.-China trade tensions could come to a head, may become the most important G20 since the 2009 meeting in London during the storm of the international financial crisis. Presidents and prime ministers will be in attendance from the United States, China, Germany, India, Japan (which will be the G20 president next year and host the event in Osaka), Indonesia, Australia, Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Argentina, Mexico, and the EU. Collectively, these powers account for some 90 percent of global GDP, 80 percent of world trade, and around 66 percent of global population. Last year's summit in Hamburg was most memorable for the divisions within the G20 powers, especially the United States and key EU countries, over issues such as international trade, migration and climate change. To be sure, there was not complete disagreement in these areas with all parties, for instance, acknowledging the importance of limiting global temperature rises to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, given Trump's rejection of the Paris accord, significant differences were aired over the means to secure this ambition and he ultimately was isolated 19-1 on this specific issue. Another flashpoint was the collision between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's push for a strong G20 reaffirmation of international trade and the U.S. president's victory in securing language in the end-of-summit communique that countries can protect their markets with "legitimate trade-defense instruments". This same topic is also likely to be central to this year's meeting narrative with Beijing and Washington having been locked, now, for several months in what could descend into a trade war with Trump already imposing tariffs of some $250 billion, and China retaliating with some $110 billion of duties. Last week, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said he foresaw a confrontation between Washington and Beijing at the G20 after a growing war of words after the APEC summit earlier this month. On Thursday, Trump expressed optimism again that a breakthrough could potentially be reached with China before Jan. 1 when a new round of U.S. tariffs commences that will increase duties to 25 percent on a broad range of consumer goods. Yet for that to happen, Trump is clearly looking for more negotiating carrots from Beijing after he asserted earlier this month that a list of 142 concessions offered was "not acceptable." The potentially escalating U.S.-China spat comes at a difficult time for the international trading system with G20 countries applying around 40 new trade restrictive measures between May and October, covering around $481 billion of trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said last week. Three-quarters of the latest trade restrictions were tariff hikes, many of them retaliation to steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by Trump in March. The new restrictions were the largest since the WTO started specifically monitoring G20 trade in 2012. The massive amount of attention on this year's G20 highlights, yet again, that the body is widely perceived since the 2008-09 financial crisis to have seized the mantle from the G7 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation and global economic governance. It is now a decade since the G20 was upgraded from a finance minister body to one where heads of state now meet too a move which was greeted with considerable fanfare, including from then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy when he claimed that "the G20 foreshadows the planetary governance of the 21st century." Yet, the fact is that the forum has failed so far to realize the full scale of the ambition some thrust upon it, at the height of the international financial crisis. A key part of failure to deliver on previous high expectations is that the G20 meetings have no formal mechanisms to ensure enforcement of agreements by world leaders. There also remain concerns from states outside the G20 about the club's composition which was originally selected in the late 1990s by the United States along with G7 colleagues. While states were nominally selected according to criteria such as population, GDP etc., criticism has been made of omissions such as Nigeria, sometimes called the "giant of Africa," which has three times South Africa's population. Former Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store has gone so far to call the G20 "one of the greatest setbacks since World War Two" inasmuch as it undermines the U.N.'s universal sense of multilateralism. Reflecting this, the U.N. General Assembly convened a rival U.N. Conference on the Global Economic Crisis in 2009 as an alternative forum. Taken overall, while the G20 has not yet lived up to some of the initial expectations of it, it continues to be a forum prized by its members as the session in Argentina will show. This year's forum could be especially memorable given the possibility of Trump and Xi securing a breakthrough in U.S.-China trade tensions. Andrew Hammond ( andrewkorea@outlook.com ) is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics. Japan should apologize and compensate for victims A Supreme Court verdict Thursday ordering a Japanese company to compensate Koreans for forced labor during World War II was certainly designed to heal the wounds of the victims and lay the legal foundation for reparations. The court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay 100 million won to 150 million won ($89,200-$133,800) each to four women and a victim's family. The Japanese firm was also ordered to pay 80 million won each to six other former forced laborers. The verdict was the second of its kind after the top court ruled Oct. 30 that another Japanese firm, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp., should compensate four Koreans 100 million won each for their forced labor. It also came after the Seoul government announced Nov. 21 that it had decided to disband a Tokyo-funded foundation to help former wartime sex slaves. The nationalist Japanese government has strongly protested the court's action and the decision over the foundation. As the highest court again ruled in favor of the former forced laborers, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono repeated his firm position that the ruling was "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga warned that Japan could consider taking "all options," including bringing the case to the International Court of Justice. He called on Seoul to retract the decision immediately. Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba summoned South Korean Ambassador Lee Su-hoon in protest of the ruling. Japan's protest is based on its claim that victims of forced labor have no right to file a compensation suit under a 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo. The Japanese government has argued the treaty settled all colonial-era compensation claims. But Korea's Supreme Court is taking a different stance. It says the bilateral accord did not terminate individual rights to reparations for atrocities committed by Imperial Japan. Thus, more Korean victims of forced labor are expected to file compensation suits against Japanese firms. The problem is that if Tokyo sticks to its firm position against the Seoul court, the two sides cannot find a solution to historical disputes over the 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Such a hard-line stance will only add fuel to anti-Japanese sentiment among Koreans. It also will further deteriorate relations between the two countries. In this regard, we urge Japan to face up to its shameful history of colonialism and militarism in the early part of the 20th century. The Asian economic power should reflect on its aggression and crimes against humanity during WWII. Then it ought to make a sincere and true apology to Koreans for their pain and suffering caused by its imperialist ambitions. Without its reflection and apology Japan can never address its historical issues with Korea. Needless to say, the problem of compensation will come naturally only when the former colonial power shows its genuine repentance to those who suffered under the yoke of the brutal Japanese rule. Most of all, both countries should make all-out efforts to find a political and diplomatic solution so they can leave the bad legacy behind and move toward a future-oriented partnership. A train bound from South Korea heads to Jejin Station in Goseong County in Gangwon Province in May 2007 after passing the military demarcation line that divides South and North Korea during a test of the connecting section between Gyeongui Line and Donghae Line. Yonhap By Donald Kirk By Jung Min-ho New Zealand has become the latest country to block Huawei from supplying technology for a next-generation mobile data network over national security concerns. Spark, one of New Zealand's biggest telecom carriers, said on Wednesday that the Government Communications Security Bureau rejected its proposal to use the Chinese company's equipment in its 5G mobile network towers. The decision comes as many nations are increasingly wary of what they see as a possible Chinese cyber-espionage threat an accusation Huawei has denied. Australia, New Zealand's key ally, decided in August to bar the company from taking part in its 5G infrastructure rollout, as did the United States. Many countries, including Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom, are reportedly considering the same move. A Huawei spokesperson in New Zealand said: "We will actively address any concerns and work together to find a way forward." Following the decision, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang expressed serious concern during a press briefing in Beijing, saying the economic cooperation between the two countries is "mutually beneficial in nature." "We hope New Zealand will provide a level playing field for Chinese enterprises' operations there and do something conducive for mutual trust and cooperation," he said. Huawei says its equipment poses no security risks, but experts say governments should be cautious about allowing the company, which allegedly has close ties to the ruling Communist Party, to build and manage the future generation of wireless technology. By Nam Hyun-woo GM Korea CEO Kaher Kazem speaks during a launch event for the new Malibu sedan in Gangwon Province, Monday. / Courtesy of GM Korea Welcome Nature Republic: Coin Department Store celebrates Nature Republic's store opening on its website. By Park Si-soo Nature Republic has opened four pop-up stores in Italy, making it the first Korean cosmetics brand to enter the beauty/fashion-sensitive European country. The stores are in the Coin Department Store in Rome, Milan, Turin and Bari. Coin is Italy's biggest department store chain. For Nature Republic to get into the network means that the Italian retail giant has recognized the quality of the company's products and its growth potential in Italy. Italy is Nature Republic's 19th overseas market where it runs stores, after the United States, China, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few. Officials said the company is committed to expanding its overseas business continuously. "We spent two years preparing for the European market," a Nature Republic official said. "Italians are known to have high loyalty to their own culture and products. Also, the competition is very intense in the cosmetic industry as global brands are jockeying for position in Italy, which is considered one of the major trend-setters in the European beauty market. So it took time for us to study the market and customers thoroughly." Nature Republic has so far cleared 80 products through the European Union's strict pre-sale quality/safety checks and registered them at the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP), an online notification system created for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. When a product has been notified under the CPNP, there is no need for any further notification at a national level within the EU. The registered items include the company's signature products such as Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream, Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, Super Aqua Max Watery Cream and Real Nature Hydrogel Mask. "We are trying to get more products registered in the CPNP," the official said. Customers at Nature Republic's store in Turin. Nature Republic stores are decorated with real plants, which symbolize the company's pursuit of being eco-friendly. The front page of Nature Republic's Italian website. VIPs and local reporters browse the Turin store in a pre-opening promotional event. Coin Department Store has expressed high expectations for Nature Republic. The retailer welcomed Nature Republic by flashing out its logo and products on its website 's front page under the title "NATURE REPUBLIC ARRIVA IN ITALIA." Nature Republic recently invited local media and VIPs to the Turin store and received positive feedback. "I have caught up with K-beauty with big interest by watching YouTube channels about Korean cosmetic products," said Carolina, 39, an Italian customer. "I was surprised when I first saw a Nature Republic store in Italy. I was able to apply products that I saw on YouTube and then was surprised again by their quality, which never falls behind that of other global brands." Another customer, Alessandra, 35, echoed the view. "I've heard Nature Republic is a marquee K-beauty brand," she said. "So when I heard that it had opened stores in Italy, my first thought was 'I should go there.' I tried some of the products on display and could understand why its products are beloved internationally." Alessandra said Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel and Ginseng Royal Silk Watery Cream are her "can't-miss" products. Nature Republic will appeal to Italian customers with localized marketing campaigns. In the first step, it recently opened an Italian website offering information about the brand's philosophy and products. "The Italian stores' opening will play an important role in promoting K-beauty in Europe," a Nature Republic official said. "We are posting a good performance in the overseas markets we are in and are trying to improve performance by diversifying business." Nature Republic's "Journey to Nature" map is visible on the glass wall of the Milan store. Spain's King Felipe VI, right, poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping before a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Spain has rolled out the red carpet for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is seeking global allies amid souring trade clashes with Washington. AP-Yonhap By Liu Zhen Beijing is stepping up efforts to strengthen ties to Europe, with China saying its relationship with Spain is the best in history and calling for greater cooperation with Germany and France. Spain rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is seeking allies as trade clashes with Washington raise the temperature of international relations. Heads of state Xi and King Felipe VI reviewed a guard of honour at the royal palace in Madrid on Wednesday, while Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Spain's Queen Letizia watched the formalities from a podium. In his meeting with the king on Tuesday, Xi said relations between China and Spain were the "best in history". Spain's Queen Letizia, left, speaks to Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan before a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. AP-Yonhap "We should continue to support each other on the issues of core interests and big concerns," Xi was quoted by state-run Xinhua as saying, suggesting more cooperation on trade, tourism and third-party markets under China's "Belt and Road Initiative" framework. The Chinese president will follow his two-day visit to Spain by flying to Argentina on Thursday for a G20 leaders' summit the next day, and then visit Panama and Portugal until December 5. In addition to Xi, other senior Chinese officials are stepping up engagement with Europe as China seeks to stabilise its external relations while it is locked in a trade war with the United States. At an economic forum in Hamburg, Germany, Vice-Premier Liu He called on Germans to work with China against unilateralism and protectionism. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (back C-R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (back C-L) look at Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) and his Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell (R) as they sign agreements between the two countries at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on November 28, 2018. AFP-Yonhap Liu met German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his four-day visit. He brought a message from Xi to Merkel that China "is willing to cooperate closely with Germany to enrich the strategic connotations of bilateral cooperation and strive to promote global economic governance, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and build an open global economy". China believed protectionist and unilateral approaches brought more economic uncertainty, not less, Liu said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who accompanied Xi to Spain, discussed the G20 summit in Argentina with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, by phone on Wednesday. Xi and French President Emmanuel Macron are to meet in Buenos Aires. Xi and Macron met during the French president's state visit to China in January, when trade was high on the agenda. The Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Liu He (R) talks with German Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (C) and Hamburg's mayor Peter Tschentscher (L) at the Chamber of Commerce in Hamburg, northern Germany, on November 27, 2018. Liu He is in the Hanseatic city to attend "The Hamburg Summit: China meets Europe" conference. AFP-Yonhap Police officers walk in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29. AP Police raided six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Thursday over money laundering allegations linked to the "Panama Papers", the public prosecutor's office in Germany's financial capital said. Investigators are looking into the activities of two unnamed Deutsche Bank employees alleged to have helped clients set up offshore firms to launder money, the prosecutor's office said. Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors searched the offices where written and electronic business documents were seized. "Of course, we will cooperate closely with the public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt, as it is in our interest as well to clarify the facts," Deutsche Bank said, adding it believed it had already provided all the relevant information related to the "Panama Papers". The news comes as Deutsche Bank tries to repair its tattered reputation after three years of losses and a drumbeat of financial and regulatory scandals. Christian Sewing was appointed as chief executive in April to help the bank to rebuild. He trimmed U.S. operations and reshuffled the management board but revenue has continued to slip. Deutsche Bank shares were down more than 3 percent by 1220 GMT and have lost almost half their value this year. OFFSHORE LINKS The investigation was triggered after investigators reviewed so-called "Offshore-Leaks" and "Panama Papers", the prosecutor said. The "Panama Papers", which consist of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, were leaked to the media in April 2016. Several banks, including Scandinavian lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by regulators for violating money laundering rules as a result of the papers. The prosecutors said they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank may have assisted clients to set up offshore companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. In 2016 alone, over 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered on the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of 311 million euros, the prosecutors said. They also said Deutsche Bank employees are alleged to have breached their duties by neglecting to report money laundering suspicions about clients and offshore companies involved in tax evasion schemes. The investigation is separate from another money laundering scandal surrounding Danish lender Danske Bank, where Deutsche Bank is involved. Danske is under investigation for suspicious payments totalling 200 billion euros from 2007 onwards and a source with direct knowledge of the case has told Reuters Deutsche Bank helped to process the bulk of the payments. A Deutsche Bank executive director has said the lender played only a secondary role as a so-called correspondent bank to Danske Bank, limiting what it needed to know about the people behind the transactions. UNDER SCRUTINY Weaknesses in Deutsche Bank's controls that aim to prevent money laundering have caught the attention of regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The bank has publicly said that it agreed it needed to improve its processes to properly identify clients. In September, Germany's financial watchdog - BaFin - ordered Deutsche Bank to do more to prevent money laundering and "terrorist financing," and appointed KPMG as third party to assess progress. In August, Reuters reported that Deutsche Bank had uncovered further shortcomings in its ability to fully identify clients and the source of their wealth. Last year, Deutsche Bank was fined nearly $700 million for allowing money laundering through artificial trades between Moscow, London and New York. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is still ongoing. Deutsche Bank has been under pressure after annual losses, and it agreed to pay a $7.2 billion settlement with U.S. authorities last year over its sale of toxic mortgage securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. (Reuters) Photo: NDO They included the National Research Nuclear University (MIPhI), the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) under the President of the Russian Federation and the Moscow Foreign Language University (MIIA). Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Manh appreciated the great contributions made by Russian educational institutions in general and the three universities in particular to Vietnams personnel training. According to him, as Vietnam is accelerating reform in all areas, it needs high quality human resources. He added that Vietnam hoped to continue to receive support from Russian universities, pledging that he would do his utmost to promote the Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, including education and training. Expressing his honour and gratitude to Vietnam for the precious medals, Professor Vladimir May, Rector of RANEPA, stressed that Vietnam and Russia share a friendly, traditional and cooperative relationship. He added that RANEPA is experienced in training Vietnamese personnel. So far, nearly 1,000 Vietnamese citizens, including Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, studied in RANEPA, he said, going on to say that the signing of cooperation documents between the university and Vietnamese partners, such as the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Hanoi Law University, will significantly contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations. Meanwhile, MIPhI began providing training programs for Vietnamese students in 2010. In the 2017-2018 academic year, 62 Vietnamese students graduated from the university, and 243 Vietnamese students are currently studying at the foundation. MIIA has also helped train hundreds of Vietnamese cadres. Recently, under the decree of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, MIIA has operated its Vietnamese language faculty./. 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 WE'RE ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. IF YOU HAVE ONE, ASK IT HERE. Take a look at our homepage any day, and you're likely to come across a story about homelessness -- from efforts to house people, to health standards for homeless shelters to the rise of children who are homeless. But those stories are written for adults. And one of those adults, KPCC listener Victoria Simon, had a question about how to approach the topic with children in a way that includes empathy and compassion, but also keeps safety in mind. "I am the parent of a six-year-old and a three-year-old and we live in Santa Monica where we come face to face with homelessness every day," she said. "So, how do I thread that needle in terms of educating them and also keeping them safe?" Here's how. EMPATHY IS KEY Angela Sanchez, left, and Victoria Simon spoke about how to talk to children about homelessness. (Lori Galarreta/LAist) One of the most important things to keep in mind when talking to children about homelessness is coming from a place of empathy. "When you tell a child that anyone can be homeless you then can also open up a discussion about the many circumstances that go into homelessness," said author and homeless advocate Angela Sanchez. She wrote and illustrated the children's book Scruffy and the Egg, which was inspired by stories Sanchez and her father used to tell each other in her teen years when they were experiencing homelessness. Simon and Sanchez met up in studio for KPCC's Take Two -- to have a candid conversation about how to explain homelessness to children. Here's a rundown of some of Sanchez's advice based on her own experience with being homeless. ANYONE CAN BE HOMELESS "We see homelessness and poverty as tied to ideas of merit and so when you tell a child that anyone can be homeless, you also open up the discussion about the many circumstances that go into homelessness," said Sanchez. Though the most visible type of person experiencing homelessness are the individuals we see out in the streets, Sanchez went on to explain families comprise 40 percent of the total homeless population. And about 25 percent of all people experiencing homelessness are under the age of 18. "The average age is eight years old," Sanchez said. "When I talk to kids about that, I usually say that means a third grader is the most likely type of child you will see who is homeless." LA Explained: Homelessness MAKE THINGS AS CONCRETE AS POSSIBLE Sanchez has found that when she speaks to kids about homelessness and reveals that the most common age is close to or exactly their own, something clicks. It makes an otherwise abstract concept far more tangible, understandable and relatable. The reaction is one full of empathy. "Usually the response that I've gotten is 'Oh, how do I help?' or 'I've never seen another homeless kid' or 'How do I know when someone is homeless.'" Sanchez said. It's at this point in the conversation, she suggests, you list out different ways they, as children, can make an impact. SHOW THEM THEY CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT Volunteers serve the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission's annual Christmas meal on December 22, 2017. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) There are a lot of ways people can our city's homeless population. But children often see the world differently and have an endless supply of compassion. Simon brought up how her six-year-old son suggested housing a homeless person in their home as a way of helping out. She found herself at a loss of how to respond. Sanchez proposed focusing on impact. "You can always turn around and say: Think about all the help that you need in one day and I live with you. And so being able to list those things and say, this is someone else who will also need that kind of stuff too." When you can break down the basic building blocks of a situation that makes it more consumable. Here are some more concrete ways you can suggest to help: Volunteer at a family soup kitchen - For young kids, it's best to have them interacting with families and other children they could possibly relate to. Lend an ear - Volunteer once a month to sit and speak with someone and give them your full attention. School On Wheels, Inc. - They work with K-12 kids who are experiencing homelessness and their whole focus is to provide volunteer tutors. KEEPING SAFETY IN MIND One of the main concerns that kept popping up during Simon and Sanchez's conversation was that of safety. "Sometimes when you're with your kids, you don't know whether it's appropriate to step in," Simon said. "You don't know how that person's day is going or whether it's an appropriate thing to do." To that point, Sanchez brought up the vulnerability of the homeless population. "By and large, it's quite the opposite," she said. "People who are homeless are generally the most vulnerable to assault. Sexual, physical or otherwise." However, when it comes to individual safety being a concern, especially when it comes to checking for lucidity, Sanchez said "you can always say, 'it's okay to ask people how they're doing today.'" And when kids get a little older, she advises "helping them decide when they would like to intervene and what kind of judgment they should be using." Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe By Frank Stoltze and Paul Glickman L.A. County's incoming sheriff is wasting no time carrying out his promise to "clean house." On Wednesday, five days before he's sworn in, Alex Villanueva's spokesman said the sheriff-elect is replacing his top leadership team and several other senior officials. Villanueva will replace the undersheriff, who is the department's number two official, and all four of the assistant sheriffs who report to the undersheriff, said spokesman Danny Leserman. Villanueva is also replacing eight of the department's 11 chiefs, the communications director and a community outreach director. The department's two constitutional policing advisors are being transferred to new jobs with the county and will be replaced, Leserman said. Villanueva previously said he would eliminate those two positions. Leserman said Villanueva announced the changes in an email he sent to current Undersheriff Jacques La Berge. It's not unusual for a sheriff to bring in his own team, but announcing the moves before taking office is uncommon. On Nov. 16, after telling LAist that he planned to remove "the overwhelming majority" of the department's top leaders, Villanueva added, "we'll decide everything on a case-by-case basis. We're not going to just say this is exactly who's going to be coming or going, we have to evaluate everybody." Leserman said Wednesday that some of the officials were corrupt and needed to go. He said others did not have the confidence of Villanueva, a retired Sheriff's lieutenant who upset Sheriff Jim McDonnell in this month's election. One department source who asked not to be identified accused Villanueva of carrying out a "vendetta" against good leaders and worried the sudden loss of top commanders amounts to a "brain drain" that will hurt the organization. Leserman said the new undersheriff will be retired Sheriff's Cmdr. Ray Leyva, and three of the assistant sheriff positions will be filled by retired Sheriff's Cmdr. Robert Olmsted, Sheriff's Capt. Tim Murakami and Sheriff's Lt. LaJuana Haselrig. 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 The family of Melyda Corado announced this morning they have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department officers Sinlen Tse and Sarah Winans. The Silver Lake Trader Joe's assistant manager was killed on July 21 when the two officers fired towards a suspect who had run into the store. The suit was filed by Corado's father and brother, Salvador Albert Corado and Albert Corado. It accuses the defendents of negligence, violation of civil rights, battery, wrongful death, and negligent hiring, training and supervision. In a statement, lawyers for the Corado family note that they've requested the release of unedited bodycam, dashcam and Trader Joe's surveillance footage from LAPD for "months," and that their requests have been ignored. They add that LAPD has also put a hold on Melyda Corado's autopsy report. The Corado family is demanding a trial by jury. Corado was an innocent bystander during a standoff between officers and 28-year-old Gene Evins Atkins. Atkins had been engaged in a police chase following allegations that he shot his grandmother, then kidnapped a 17-year-old acquaintance. He then allegedly led police from South Los Angeles to Silver Lake, where he crashed his car into a pole near the Trader Joe's. Atkins proceeded to take cover inside the market, firing at officers as he ran towards the doors. It was at that time that officers, later identified as Sinlen Tse and Sarah Winans of Hollywood Patrol Division, fired their weapons in Atkins' direction, and fatally struck Corado in the process. Corado had reportedly walked to the front of the store after hearing the crash. After the shots were fired, Atkins stayed inside the shop, holding more than 40 employees and customers hostage. Tse is a six-year veteran of the force, and Winans had been a member of the LAPD for one year and eight months at the time of the incident. Corado's family previously filed damages claims against the LAPD in early October. That complaint accused the LAPD of civil rights violations, excessive force, negligence, failure to properly train officers and conspiracy to cover-up misconduct. UPDATES: Nov. 28, 3:22 p.m.: This article was updated to include specifics about the lawsuit, and to add the names of the LAPD officers being sued. This article was originally published at 12:17 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2018. 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. County advises receipt-checking during holiday shopping season Every year, San Diego Countys Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) inspects more than 1,500 local businesses, checking price-scanning devices, scales that charge items by weight, and other equipment that sets prices, to make sure they are charging customers accurately. But even the best businesses have occasional overcharges. Between January and October, almost one out of every 10 stores inspected 9.54 percent had overcharge errors, and the average overcharge was $1.85. An extra couple of bucks may not sound alarming, but in the holiday shopping season, even tiny overcharges can add up to make big dents in your wallet or pocketbook. So check all your receipts and consider these other tips from the County to help you shop smartly and safely: Protect Against Overcharging: Always verify receipts and immediately notify store management of any price discrepancies. Stores are required to display the price of an item, as you are buying it, before the transaction is complete. Watch the display screen as your items are scanned. Take sales advertisements with you when shopping to verify prices. Know that stores cannot legally charge more than their lowest advertised, posted or quoted price. Shop Smart: Plan ahead. Start watching for store specials, flea markets, garage sales, clearance sales, etc. Make a list of what you need. Comparison shop with at least five different sources for the best values. Dont buy everything at once. Establish a spending plan and timetable to buy what you need over several weeks or months to take full advantage of future sales and true bargains. Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Fight in an Uber leads to arrest One person was arrested in the Soledad South area, following a fight with an Uber driver. The suspect was booked for battery, vandalism and being drunk in public. Police report the suspect and the driver got into a verbal argument at 2:07 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, during which the suspect broke the rear window of the car and struck the driver in the face. Police responded and took the suspect into custody. Two cases of elder abuse reported in La Jolla Two unrelated cases of elder abuse reported in La Jolla on Monday, Nov. 12 (and in the Lights Police Blotter last week) were determined to be insignificant by San Diego Police Department. The first was reported at 4 a.m. at the La Jolla Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Torrey Pines Road. The 86-year-old victim alleged that a nurse had slapped her arms, but police note this woman has a history of false reports. Nevertheless, the District Attorneys office is investigating. The second was reported at 5:15 p.m. on the 600 block of Marine Street. The victim is a 73-year-old man who got into a verbal altercation with a neighbor, which lead to the neighbor slapping the victim. No charges have been filed. Police Blotter Nov. 7 Grand theft (money/labor/property over $950), 800 block Turquoise St., 9 a.m. Nov. 12 Vehicle theft, 200 block Rosemont St., 5 a.m. Nov. 13 Vehicle break-in/theft, 8300 block Camino del Oro, 11 a.m. Nov. 14 Grand theft, 1100 block Agate St., 10:50 a.m. Nov. 16 Petty theft, 800 block Agate St., 11:20 p.m. Nov. 17 Battery with serious injury (a known male punched the victim in the face for no apparent reason while the victim was at work, and left the scene prior to police officers arriving. No one is in custody), 1200 block Coast Blvd. 9:45 a.m. Nov. 18 Vehicle break-in/theft, 400 block Prospect St., 9:35 p.m. Nov. 19 Petty theft, 1200 block Archer St., 2 p.m. Nov. 20 Disorderly conduct, alcohol, 7500 block Draper Ave., 5:16 p.m. Misdemeanor vandalism, 1200 block Prospect St., 6 p.m. Vehicle break-in/theft, 7400 block Fay Ave., 7 p.m. Nov. 23 Vehicle break-in/theft, 600 block Tourmaline St., 2:30 p.m. Compiled by Ashley Mackin-Solomon Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a photo with Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 27, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) MADRID, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spanish King Felipe VI here on Tuesday to cement friendship and strengthen cooperation between the two countries. This state visit is the first of its kind to Europe since his re-election as Chinese president in March and also the first leg of his Europe and Latin America trip, Xi said, expressing hope that the visit will consolidate friendship, uplift cooperation and ensure long-term stability of bilateral ties. Xi arrived in Madrid in the afternoon, which kicked off his three-day visit to Spain at the invitation of King Felipe VI. During his nine-day tour to Europe and Latin America, Xi will also pay state visits to Argentina, Panama and Portugal and attend the Group of 20 summit in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. At the meeting held at Zarzuela Palace, Xi said since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005, China and Spain have been improving the bilateral ties, strengthening political mutual trust, expanding cooperation and maintaining r people-to-people exchanges. "The Sino-Spanish ties are at the best period in history. I am fully confident in the future of the bilateral relationship," Xi said. The Chinese president stressed that China stands ready to work with Spain to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. "The two sides should intensify cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, tourism, and third-party markets within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to bring the Sino-Spanish comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high in the new era and better benefit the two peoples," Xi said. China would like to see that Europe will continue to advance the integration process and hopes that Spain will keep playing a positive role in promoting the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU), Xi added. For his part, King Felipe VI said this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 40th anniversary of the first visit to China by former King Juan Carlos I. Spain values the friendly exchanges and cooperation with China, he said. Since they forged diplomatic ties, the two countries have extended consistent respect and support for each other on issues concerning their core interests, he said. With joint efforts, the two sides have witnessed progress in the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership, King Felipe VI said. Spain is willing to maintain contacts with China, enhance pragmatic cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination in multilateral affairs, and actively push for deeper EU-China relations, he added. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] As the years go by, it gets harder to tell one car brand from another. Optimal aerodynamic design produces similar shapes. Engine technology is highly reliable and advanced in ways that most consumers dont understand, or dont care to understand. For automakers, finding ways to differentiate their products is harder and more important than ever. One way is by improving their infotainment offerings. Anyone who has driven a late-model car can attest that the current state of infotainment systems is abysmal confusing, distracting, poorly thought out. Not wanting to give up control to the tech companies, most automakers patch together pieces from different vendors to design infotainment systems on their own. Advertisement Volvo, which admits its own infotainment efforts have hurt the brands rankings in owner-satisfaction surveys, is taking a different approach. Earlier this year, it announced a partnership with Google to become the first automaker to integrate its Android smartphone operating system into the vehicle itself no phone necessary. The system will be incorporated into new Volvos gradually over the next three years. The Times sat down at the Los Angeles Auto Show to talk about the system with three Volvo executives: Chief Executive Hakan Samuelsson; Henrik Green, head of research and development; and Marten Levenstam, head of product strategy. The following transcript was edited for length and clarity. Why is infotainment so important? Samuelsson: Our consumer experience is what will differentiate the cars, not the chrome. It used to be, youd buy a new car, the neighbors would come by. Youd open the hood and look at the engine. Now they go to the car and look at the center stack. Hows the navigation? Does it have voice control? We want to bring peoples digital lives into the cars. Providing navigation with Google Maps, speech recognition this is what consumers are interested in. Its not the hardware and the combustion engine. How is this different from Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which let people make calls and play music through their cars? Green: The car will come preloaded with Android. Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play Store. You dont have to take the phone out of your pocket. It will be built in. That includes speech recognition, right? Its a weak spot for many carmakers. Googles very good at it. Green: The number of users who use speech instead of touch controls will increase a lot. As development continues and we combine speech with other functions, you can start to redesign the entire interface from scratch. Most carmakers are trying to do this on their own. Why are you turning to Google? Green: We came to the conclusion a while back we want cars to be part of a larger ecosystem. We saw the leaders of the tech world who would essentially own the ecosystem. We saw the enormous amount of investment and skill. As an auto manufacturer we had no chance to compete. We took the decision lets go for it. Why not Apple too? Samuelsson: Wed love to work with Apple but they dont want to. [Note: If Apple is working on a similar program with an automaker, it hasnt been made public.] Automakers seem reluctant to hand over control of potentially profitable data streams and customer information to tech companies. Levenstam: We are in the business of selling cars for profit. Making our cars more effective by integrating Google services will make the cars more attractive and we will sell more cars, and thats the revenue stream. The Senate advanced Kathy Kraningers nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in a key procedural vote Thursday, putting her one step closer to taking control of the polarizing consumer watchdog agency. The chamber voted 50 to 49, along party lines, to advance Kraningers nomination. A final confirmation vote could come as early as next week. If confirmed, Kraninger would replace the bureaus acting director, Mick Mulvaney, who is also the White House budget chief and Kraningers current boss. She is expected to continue Mulvaneys efforts to curtail the powers of the agency, which has long been criticized by Republicans as too aggressive. The CFPB was born in response to the global financial crisis to police the way banks manage mortgages, credit cards, payday loans and other financial products. As its director, Kraninger would become one of the countrys most powerful banking regulators. Advertisement Her nomination took much of Washington by surprise. Kraninger has decades of experience in homeland security, including helping set up the Department of Homeland Security after Sept. 11, 2001, but she has no record as a financial regulator. She has been the associate director of general government at the Office of Management and Budget since 2017. Ms. Kraninger has had a distinguished career in public service ... and brings significant leadership experience at federal agencies and on Capitol Hill, Sen. Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said before the vote Thursday. But without a deep understanding of the history and complexity of consumer finance, Kraninger could become a puppet for influential financial groups, Democrats and consumer groups who oppose her nomination argue. She has never, I repeat, never -- worked on consumer protection issues, either in public service or in the private sector. She has zero track record of standing up for consumers, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who came up with the idea for the watchdog agency and has been among its biggest supporters in Congress. We have a lot of hard decisions to make in this body. But this one is a no-brainer. Hard-working American families deserve a fighter as the director of the CFPB, Warren said before the vote. Democrats have also questioned whether Kraninger helped craft the administrations zero-tolerance immigration policy that separated families of immigrants while working in the White Houses budget office. At the OMB, Kraninger oversees budget requests from several government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, which enforced the policy. During a July congressional hearing, Kraninger told the lawmakers she had played no role in setting the policy but repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether she had supported it or helped implement it. The White House and Republicans have defended Kraninger, arguing that her management experience made her a good choice for an agency. She also received a lot of support from industry groups that have complained for years about the CFPBs tactics, including pursuing costlier fines than other banking regulators. With Kraninger in control of the CFPB, there is likely to be a dramatically diminished enforcement profile and a structural softening of some of its most controversial rules, Isaac Boltansky of Compass Point Research & Trading said in a research note earlier this week. German authorities raided the Frankfurt headquarters of Deutsche Bank on Thursday in connection with money-laundering allegations first revealed two years ago in the so-called Panama Papers. But the activities that prompted the police raid extended into this year, according to authorities. The main suspects in the probe, focused on a unit in the British Virgin Islands that processed $354 million in 2016 alone, were two bank employees identified by their ages 50 and 46, including one who works in the anti-financial crime office. The investigation covers the five-year period from 2013 to 2018, a spokeswoman for Frankfurt prosecutors said. For the beleaguered German lender, the raid adds to a panoply of headaches commercial, regulatory and legal facing Chief Executive Christian Sewing, who took over in April, and Paul Achleitner, chairman since 2012. Chief among them is its role as a correspondent bank in a separate $230-billion money-laundering scandal focused on Denmarks largest bank, Danske. Authorities said Thursdays raid was unrelated to Danske, sending Deutsche Banks stock down 3%. Shares have now almost lost half their value this year. Advertisement This must be associated with criminal behavior and not just a trivial offense, said Stefan Mueller, chief executive of DGWA, an investment advisory boutique based in Frankfurt. He believes the bank will now be paralyzed for months until it becomes clear how it will be affected by new potential fines. The Panama Papers refer to a collection of documents leaked in 2016 from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm that created shell companies to facilitate tax avoidance. At the time, Deutsche Bank severed ties with a Cypriot lender partly owned by VTB Group that was identified in the reporting. Subsequent investigations exposed evidence that Deutsche Bank helped clients set up off-shore accounts, prosecutors said. Authorities seized documents and electronic files after more than six police vehicles, blue lights flashing, pulled up to Deutsche Banks main offices shortly before 9 a.m., in an operation involving about 170 officers. The home of one of the suspects was also searched. The German lender may have helped clients in setting up offshore companies in tax havens. Money obtained illegally may have been transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank, which failed to report the suspicions that the accounts may have been used to launder money, Frankfurt prosecutors said. A Deutsche Bank spokesman said the bank had been cooperating with prosecutors. As far as we are concerned, we had already provided the authorities with all the relevant information regarding the Panama Papers, spokesman Joerg Eigendorf told reporters in Frankfurt. The timing of the raid inflicts more pain on Deutsche Bank after a series of setbacks and repeated failures in keeping misconduct in check have pushed the shares to all-time lows. Germanys markets regulator has even taken the unprecedented step of appointing a monitor to oversee the firms efforts to improve money-laundering and terrorism-financing controls. Deutsche Bank has spent more than $18 billion paying fines and settling legal disputes since the start of 2008, according to company disclosures compiled by Bloomberg News. In Europe, Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc is the only lender to have faced a bigger tab, at $18.1 billion, the calculations show. Just when you thought Deutsche Bank had left its legal troubles behind it, theres more, said Markus Riesselmann, an analyst at Independent Research who recommends investors sell Deutsche Bank shares. Investors really want to be able to focus on the banks operating business, so this noise around them is quite unhelpful for the mood. Sewing, who took the top job in April, is replacing key executives as part of a management shakeup as he struggles to get Germanys biggest lender back on track. Sylvie Matherat, a management board member who serves as the banks chief regulatory officer, and Tom Patrick, who runs operations in the Americas, are among executives who might ultimately leave, people familiar with the matter said this week. In a June 2017 interview, Matherat described the monumental task of modernizing the companys compliance methods. After years of acquisitions and overseas expansion, the lender was left with a patchwork of computer programs to monitor transactions. The bank didnt have a complete picture of the compliance controls in the organizations businesses and regions, she said. I hate surprises, but you dont know what you dont know, said Matherat, a lawyer and former deputy director general at the French central bank. Matussek, Comfort and Arons write for Bloomberg. UPDATES: 1:10 p.m.: This article was updated with a Bloomberg wire article. This article was first published at 7:40 a.m. President Trump was the 6-ton monster truck bursting into the roomful of gleaming new vehicles on display at the L.A. Auto Show this week. In recent days Trump publicly criticized General Motors Co.s plan to close several plants and cut nearly 15,000 jobs, threatened to cut electric-vehicle subsidies that benefit GM, and stepped up his threat to impose higher tariffs on imported cars to help preserve U.S. production of those vehicles. For auto executives such as Fred Diaz, an industry veteran who earlier this year became president of Mitsubishi Motors North American operation, its the latest example of the nations chief executive directly and publicly trying to influence the direction of private business. Certainly its a new variable, a new twist, Diaz said of Trumps actions. But Diaz did not express alarm, saying its a part of daily business life. Just when you thought youd seen everything, something new comes up the following week. Advertisement Hes the president and he can and will do or go wherever he wants to go, Diaz said during an interview at Mitsubishis booth at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the auto show opens to the public Friday. And if one outcome is higher tariffs on U.S. imports of Mitsubishi vehicles, which are all built overseas? Were looking at it and watching it carefully, Diaz said. If it happens, its out of our control and were going to have to adjust our business and our strategies for how we operate in North America. John Bozzella, president of the Assn. of Global Automakers, a trade group for Japanese carmakers and other foreign car companies, acknowledged that Trumps direct involvement was unusual. But Bozzella said it would not alter his groups opposition to higher tariffs, even if imports from Canada and Mexico are excluded due to separate trade agreements. If were going to manage in this environment, Bozzella said in reference to Trump, weve got to stay focused on what the right policy is. American consumers should be concerned about the impact of punitive tariffs on auto parts and autos, he said. The United States currently charges a 2.5% tariff on imported cars and SUVs, and Trump has indicated a desire to lift the charge to 25% if necessary, which is the tariff now applied to U.S. imports of pickup trucks. The Trump administration earlier this year imposed 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% duties on imported aluminum. The United States and China also have been locked in an escalating tariff fight. Trump in September slapped 10% tariffs on an additional $200 billion of Chinese goods after China placed tariffs on an additional $60 billion of U.S. products. The U.S. duties would rise to 25% next year if the U.S.-China trade dispute isnt resolved. Every car sold in this market even cars made in America has some level of parts made outside the United States, Bozzella said. The price of a U.S.-made car will go up as a result of these tariffs. Were talking about thousands of dollars of increased costs. Diaz already has enough challenges at Mitsubishis North American headquarters in Cypress, Calif. After peaking in the early 2000s, when Mitsubishi sold more than 350,000 vehicles a year, the company went into decline. But its been rebounding in recent years, and its sales are set to increase for the sixth consecutive year in 2018 by topping last years 103,686 vehicles. With a product line led by its Eclipse and Outlander crossover SUVs, Mitsubishi is competing in a popular market. But Diaz acknowledged that Mitsubishi remains a small player that needs to better market its vehicles. The momentum is there and the growth is there, Diaz said. Awareness is our biggest issue, for people to know were still here, especially in California. We need to be doing a lot better in California than were doing right now. james.peltz@latimes.com Twitter: @PeltzLATimes NASA has selected nine companies, including one based in Mojave, that can bid on contracts to carry science experiments to the surface of the moon for the agency. The Commercial Lunar Payload Services contracts will have a combined maximum value of $2.6 billion during the next 10 years, NASA said. The first such missions could be launched as soon as next year. The companies selected are: Astrobotic Technology Inc. of Pittsburgh; Deep Space Systems Inc. of Littleton, Colo.; Draper of Cambridge, Mass.; Firefly Aerospace Inc. of Cedar Park, Texas; Intuitive Machines of Houston; Lockheed Martins space division in Littleton; Masten Space Systems Inc. of Mojave; Moon Express of Cape Canaveral, Fla.; and Orbit Beyond of Edison, N.J. Other companies could be added later to this list, said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate, during a Thursday press conference. Advertisement The companies will be responsible for developing robotic lunar landers to deliver the payloads safely to the surface of the moon and will need to arrange launch services for the missions. None of the companies have been awarded funding yet, and NASA said it has not provided development funding. The minimum award each of the companies could win is $25,000, NASA said. The program is part of NASAs effort to buy services from commercial companies, rather than relying on its own developed capabilities. Other examples include the launches NASA buys from Hawthorne-based SpaceX and Northrop Grumman Corp. to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. Next year, SpaceX and Boeing Co. will fly the first demonstration missions of capsules the two companies have developed under NASA contracts that are intended to ferry astronauts to the space station. During Thursdays news conference, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine cited a space policy directive signed by President Trump about a year ago that called for a return to the moon with the help of commercial partners. We want to be one customer of many customers in a robust marketplace between the Earth and the moon, he said. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga UPDATES: 1:45 p.m.: This article was updated to include details on funding for the contracts. 1:20 p.m.: This article was updated to include details that NASA has not provided development funding to the selected companies. This article was originally published at 1:10 p.m. The biggest complaint about advertising today is that it is creepily precise. Ads seem to know where we shop, what we like, and the exact color and size. Many live in a state of paranoia that our mobile devices are listening to us, surfacing ads for things weve merely discussed but never searched. So why then is the internet convinced I want a meat hoodie? Several times, I have been served ads for a hooded pullover sold by a low-priced Chinese clothing brand. Advertised as a Raw Meat Kangaroo Pocket Hoodie, the top is emblazoned from edge to edge with a print of marbled raw red meat. Think of it as the tuxedo T-shirt version of Lady Gagas infamous meat dress. It would be a bold look for anyone let alone someone like me, whose sartorial choices have repeatedly led fellow J.Crew shoppers to mistake me for an employee. Advertisement And Im not the only one who thinks the ad is targeting the wrong person. Why am I being advertised to by a meat hoodie? pic.twitter.com/hhYkhxfnop Milo Webb (@MiloJWebb) November 14, 2018 Dear algorithms: what is it about me that so convincingly and consistently says meat hoodie to you? Andrebwic Gandaliano B2B Kimila Piingers (@joemuggs) November 15, 2018 I'm a vegetarian. Why do I keep seeing this ad? pic.twitter.com/LJPHWJDar9 Azi (@Azi) November 12, 2018 Colleagues said they, too, were trailed by the garish top online including in a recent ad on the Los Angeles Times website next to coverage of the Camp fire. The ad has also been spotted on Reddit, the New York Times opinion section and beside a story in the Federalist. In the $80-billion digital advertising ecosystem, the meat hoodie is almost retrograde. Rather than relying on the breadth of personal information made available by services such as Facebook to marketers willing to pay for it, the makers of the meat hoodie are carpet-bombing the cheapest corners of the internet in hopes of hitting a target. An ad buyer can say, I only want left-handed truck drivers in Oklahoma after midnight, said Oscar Garza, executive vice president of media activation for ad agency Essence. This does not seem to be the case for the meat hoodie. Garza called the meat hoodies tactics highly untargeted. Such approaches have long been a staple of the lower rungs of online advertising, where marketers try to win clicks with sensational headlines (Bride Invites Grooms Ex to Wedding), shocking images (Gruesome Civil War Photos) and scintillating content (51 Stars Who Died and No One Said Anything). But unlike the familiar grid of ads at the bottom of web pages that steer readers to other sites solely to serve them more ads the very definition of clickbait the meat hoodie is direct in its approach. Click the link and you land on Gamiss.com, an e-commerce site selling the hoodie for about $15 (shipping, however, is no bargain: $6.99 for seven to 25 business days; $14.50 for three to seven business days). Ordinarily, ads as cheap as the meat hoodies barely register. But in this case, the imprecision, coupled with the grotesquely captivating design, has won it surprisingly wide attention. Search meat hoodie on Twitter and youll find streams of people scratching their heads and shaking a fist at the advertising algorithms of Google a company that commands nearly 40% of the U.S. digital ad market. The manufacturer seems to be banking on a few people buying a meat hoodie for Halloween or as a white elephant gift with enough saturation. It completely beats me why I got an ad for it, said Zakiya Noel, a 23-year-old illustrator in New York, who saw the ad while browsing Reddit for computer sales. I know most automated ads show up based on your recent searches, but I dont recall looking at clothes or any apparel around that time. The maker of the meat hoodie isnt necessarily choosing who sees its wares or even which sites get to tout it. Those impressions (industry jargon for when someone sees the ad) are facilitated by an automated system. Programmatic ad-buying technology, which has been around for more than a decade, allows brands to spread their marketing across a slew of websites instead of having to negotiate deals with them one by one. Ad exchanges serve as a sort of intermediary in the buying process. Once a brand decides how much it will pay for an impression, its ad competes with others vying for the same eyeballs in an online auction decided in milliseconds, Garza said. A premium ad, such as a video plug on Hulu, can cost up to $30 for every thousand impressions. The meat hoodie, Garza estimates, could cost as little as 10 cents for the same number of views. Sell a single hoodie and the makers of the sweatshirt could afford to showcase the design on 150,000 web pages. Though cheap, the advertising spots arent necessarily on seldom-seen sites. Instead, they tend to be in places advertisers might deem risky. Low-cost ads can be purchased on Reddit, a hub of message boards that dubs itself the front page of the internet but is also home to controversial and sometimes strange content (such as photos of trees that look like theyre swallowing their surroundings). And they can be found on established news sites, where ad rates on article pages often remain low despite attracting audiences that tend to be more educated and affluent. Thats because most news isnt good news. A lot of clients dont want news, Garza said. California was on fire. Brands dont want to be associated with that. (The Times digital ad rates are still decided by its former owner, Tribune Publishing. The paper hopes to raise rates once the companies are fully separated, putting the likes of the meat hoodie ad in jeopardy.) So what says the company that actually makes the meat hoodie and other sartorial oddities like the hairy chest hoodie? Shenzhen Globalegrow, it turns out, is no stranger to controversy. In 2016, the Chinese e-commerce company was the subject of a BuzzFeed investigation about the deluge of women in the U.S. who were scammed into buying clothes from the companys lineup of online brands such as Rosegal, Zaful and SammyDress. BuzzFeed found Globalegrow was using stolen images to market its threads and duping buyers by claiming to hold security certificates from reputable firms such as PayPal and Norton Security. The clothes it shipped often looked nothing like the ones advertised, the investigation found. Oversized cotton T-shirts arrived looking like they were made from shower curtains. Sweaters for adults inexplicably turned up in childrens sizes. Complaints to the company often went unanswered. Globalegrows emergence underscores the shrinking gap between Chinese factories and American consumers in the e-commerce era. Manufacturers in Shenzhen no longer need intermediaries fashion brands, bricks-and-mortar stores or even Western e-commerce operations when they can market their wares directly to U.S. audiences. Its unclear whether the mounting complaints by customers were ever addressed by the Chinese company, which claims on its website that it reached $1.4 billion in revenue last year less than one-tenth of Gap Inc.s sales the same year, but no small number for a fast-fashion brand. Ads for the meat hoodie were linked to two of Globalegrows brands, Rosegal and Gamiss. Seeking an interview, I emailed the company and explained how the meat hoodie ads were attracting attention. I wanted to know what was behind the outrageous design. Two days later, I received a reply from Vanessa Liu, public relations manager for Globalegrow. We would love to have the interview with you, but we feel that you have some prejudice against our products according to your email, she wrote. We decided to decline the interview unless you would consider to have a relatively objective tone about it. Puzzled, I asked her if she was bothered by the word outrageous. I assured her I would be objective. I never heard back. I was hoping to tell her the hoodie fits perfectly. The hoodie costs $14.71 and fits true to size. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) david.pierson@latimes.com | Follow me @dhpierson A feel-good musical with a 9/11 hook? Come From Away, the Broadway juggernaut with a Canadian nice streak a mile long, follows the Mister Rogers approach to national calamity by focusing attention on the helpers. The story takes place in a world elsewhere. Gander, Newfoundland, once famous for its busy airport, where transatlantic flights in an earlier era of jet travel had to stop to refuel, was wrested from its small-town sleepiness on Sept. 11, 2001, when U.S. airspace was closed after the terrorist attacks. Thirty-eight planes carrying roughly 7,000 passengers were diverted to this Canadian town, nearly doubling the population in a matter of hours. Tired, hungry and scared, these weary international travelers needed not only food, toothbrushes and lodging but also medicines, translators, and some whiskey and compassion to get them through the unsettled nights. The noble citizens of Gander rose to the challenge, as this warmhearted musical, written by the married team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tenderly recounts. At a time when strangers in need are targets of demagogues manipulative ire, Come From Away offers a potent antidote to the cynicism and partisan rancor running amok today. The show, which opened Wednesday at the Ahmanson Theatre, is best approached with modest expectations. Let the provincial charm of these northern good Samaritans sneak up on you. This isnt a musical that blows you away with its showmanship. The score, a simmering Riverdance stewpot that only briefly erupts into a full boil jig, often feels like underscoring for the steady, straightforward narration. When I first encountered Come From Away at La Jolla Playhouse (where the show had its 2015 world premiere in a co-production with Seattle Repertory Theatre), I was touched by the spirit of the work but didnt imagine it would succeed to the extent it has on Broadway. The musical underwent some tinkering before it arrived in New York, but it has remained faithful to its folksiness. "Come From Away": Folksy uplift at the Ahmanson. Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times 'Come From Away' offers a potent antidote to the cynicism and partisan rancor running amok today. Christopher Ashley, La Jolla Playhouses artistic director, deservedly won a Tony Award for his direction, which managed to be polished and precise without any glitz or unnecessary gleam. The touring production is clumsier. The topnotch level of The Humans and Dear Evan Hansen, two recent Tony-winning offerings that passed through the Ahmanson this year, isnt matched by Come From Away. The staging is still the same arrangement of wooden desks and chairs in an impressionistic forest of trees (the vision of scenic designer Beowulf Boritt). Howell Binkleys lighting lends subtle emotional contour while allowing the onstage band, with its fiddle, whistles, flute and pipes, to generate its agreeable music from the shadows. But the opening number, Welcome to the Rock, which spryly sets up everyday life in forgotten Gander, is performed with all the outsize bustle one might expect from a solid community theater group. The multicast actors pitch in to flesh out the plane people and the townies alike, so its broad strokes all around as we get acquainted with the characters, whose stories are recapped in a kind of Noahs Ark fashion. Theres a gay couple, a female pilot, a chef whos Muslim (and routinely subjected to special scrutiny), a British oil engineer who falls for a divorced Texas woman, a mother worried about her firefighter son, a jaded New Yorker who learns to trust and a flicker of others who dont speak a word of English and are therefore dismissed as soon as theyre introduced. Gander is represented by, among others, the down-home mayor, a TV news reporter starting out on the hardest day imaginable, an air-traffic controller and his wife who runs the animal shelter, and the compassionate, take-charge woman who heads the Gander Academy. The harsh simplicity of the local life, with its bracing storms and seafaring lore, has endowed residents with the wisdom that no man is an island. For the Americans in particular who are unaccustomed to the selflessness of foreigners, Gander is a kind of Oz. Differentiating this crew isnt the subtlest acting game in town. Stereotypical color is thickly daubed at times. And the comedy of Sankoff and Hein (authors of the show My Mothers Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding) can get a bit kitschy. (No, the cod fish kissing ritual at the pub that turns visitors into honorary Newfoundlanders isnt the worst of it.) The performers who fare best find their characters not in the flat or twanging accents but in moral constitutions and in quieter truths. Julie Johnson, who plays Beulah, the woman who turns her academy into a shelter for hundreds of stranded passengers, and Danielle K. Thomas, who plays Hannah, a mother swamped with worry about the fate of her New York firefighter son, exemplify this best in their scenes together. Beulah, whose son is also a firefighter, develops a strong emotional bond with Hannah. But this connection is never overplayed. Johnson and Thomas, whose singing is as richly individualized as their characterizations, dont need to sentimentalize the women theyre playing. What passes between their characters is beyond words. Becky Gulsvig might be insufficiently commanding as Beverley, the American Airlines captain, but the tale of this female pilots path-breaking career is still rousing. Andrew Samonsky brings a welcome restraint (and fine voice) to his portrayal of Kevin T., whose relationship with Kevin J. (the strenuously flamboyant Nick Duckart) is severely tested by their shared ordeal. The love story between Chamblee Fergusons Nick and Christine Toy Johnsons Diane may not be acted with much granularity, but the unexpected romance blossoms touchingly all the same. Come From Away doesnt need a perfect production to work. The staging at the Ahmanson, good enough to get the job done, more than satisfies the hunger for uplifting goodness that has made this musical such a runaway hit. Come From Away Where: Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. L.A. When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; ends Jan. 6 (call for exceptions) Tickets: $30-$155 (subject to change) Running time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (no intermission) charles.mcnulty@latimes.com Follow me @charlesmcnulty Margaret Atwood is writing a sequel to The Handmaids Tale, her prescient 1985 novel later adapted for a hit series on Hulu. Announced on Wednesday and expected in September 2019, The Testaments is set 15 years after the protagonists final scene in the original book and is narrated by three female characters. An informed expert on dystopian, patriarchal societies, the prolific Canadian author of Alias Grace, Oryx and Crake and the MaddAddam trilogy will also be honored on Monday by leading womens rights organization Equality Now. The Make Equality Reality gala will also laud The Hate U Give actress Amandla Stenberg and behavioral geneticist Sue Smalley at the Beverly Hilton hotel. Atwood, 79, spoke with The Times on Thursday morning about penning a Handmaids Tale sequel and writing work that inspires readers to take action. Advertisement Congratulations on being honored by Equality Now. Yes, Im being honored but really, Im helping them to raise money. They fight for womens rights, and thats the kind of feminist I am. Theyre based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which everyone should go back and read because theyve forgotten about it. They are real activists, thats what they do every day. Im not a real activist. The difference between them and me is that Im just a person who doesnt have a job, so people like me have the privilege of getting to mouth off because nobody can fire them. The Handmaids Tale has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, from the Hulu series adaptation to the use of its signature garb in legislative demonstrations. Why write a sequel? Thats easy to answer. Number one, its fun. But thats a very frivolous answer. Number two, Ive been asked these questions by readers for 35 years. Oh, come on, Margaret! So its time to address some of the requests. Its not a continuation that starts five minutes after the book ends and then I tell you what happens next. It takes place 15 years after the book ends. [Ive had the idea] over the past five years or so. Im almost finished with it. Elisabeth Moss stars as Offred in Hulus adaptation of Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale. (George Kraychyk / Hulu) Your Wednesday announcement said its inspired by the world weve been living in. What did you mean? The news has become so much more extreme. What about these people in Ohio that are saying motherhood should be mandatory? They havent done it yet, theyre talking about it. But when people talk about things like that, being the age I am, Im remembering that Hitler said it all in Mein Kampf and then he did it. If they had the power, they would do it. These ideas have been tried before. Yes indeed to those who asked: Im writing a sequel to The #HandmaidsTale. #TheTestaments is set 15 years after Offreds final scene and is narrated by three female characters. It will be published in Sept 2019. More details: https://t.co/e1umh5FwpX pic.twitter.com/pePp0zpuif Margaret E. Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) November 28, 2018 What Im fixated on now, of course, like all Canadians, is weve got our faces jammed up against the plate-glass window, looking into your country. What kind of shenanigans will they be up to next? Whats gonna happen next? Ive never seen anything like it, and neither has anybody else. On one hand, its just riveting, and on the other hand, its quite appalling. Whats the key to any successful sequel, even if its more than 30 years after a previous installment? Who knows? Lets see if it does work. The jury is not in. But I did the MaddAddam trilogy, so I think this is true for any world invention: You have to be consistent with your own axioms. Im not going to say more [about The Testaments]. You cant pry it out of me. I can tell you that [my publishers] do have a cover, and they will be releasing it later. And they are going to release a newsletter that people can subscribe to. Itll probably be things like, Got up this morning, had some coffee, did some copy-editing ... Stuff you really need to know. Thats their idea, that its sort of like a diary. Now its at the printer, and I got it back, and there were 115 typographical errors! [Laughs] Well, that is not going to happen. What womens rights initiatives have excited you lately? Just yesterday, I was having a meeting about a new development under the umbrella of the Canadian Womens Foundation called AfterMeToo. It will be a web-based initiative available to all that will provide people with the things they want and need the most: safe reporting, immediate counseling and third-party investigation. As in, not from within the company or educational institution because when it comes from within, is the main goal to fix our PR or to help the person? As we know, they tend to do whats best for them. Its been super troubling to watch over the years. This will help people make informed decisions, presenting them with their options and chances of success and steps you need to take. If I do this, what will happen? What sorts of resources can I depend on? If Im going to be a witness in a court case, do I get to have a lawyer? The knowledge of this is almost nonexistent among the kinds of people who are the most vulnerable. Ive never seen anything like it, and neither has anybody else. On one hand, its just riveting, and on the other hand, its quite appalling. Margaret Atwood on the state of the world What advice do you have for authors aligning their fiction with social-justice issues? People dont like being preached to when theyre reading fiction, and avoiding that is manuscript-specific. And with any manuscript, some people are going to like it, some people are going to hate it and some people are going to be indifferent. You have a problem if everybody hates it, and you probably have a problem if everybody likes it. So its then, what is good writing? The art for arts sake people will have a different answer than the Victorian moralists. Look at the trial of Madame Bovary, Salman Rushdies fatwa. People forget these things and they forget that Hitler and Stalin and the Inquisition were big book burners. Its always gonna be this tug of war between a freedom of expression and in the interest of the public good, were not only gonna burn your book but also fry you at the stake. So how much of a lynch mob do you want to inspire? Were not there yet. Were not seeing big piles of books being burnt in the streets. Remember, you can have totalitarianisms on the left as much as you can on the right. Its not a question of, this side is good, this side is bad; its when things get to an extreme, they look much the same. Youre active on Twitter, which can be overwhelming with our current news cycle as well as reader questions. How do you manage? I cant read everything. Its not humanly possible. I have rules, but like everybody else, I dont necessarily obey them. Now Im going to go to bed isnt always a self-admonishment to which I liveth. I would love to have a schedule that I actually paid any attention to. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. ashley.lee@latimes.com United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) addresses the Global South-South Development Expo 2018 at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 28, 2018. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday praised the developing countries' contribution to the global growth as the UN prepares for a major conference on South-South cooperation. Organized by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) in collaboration with UN agencies and other partners, the annual expo runs till Friday at UN Headquarters. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday praised the developing countries' contribution to the global growth as the UN prepares for a major conference on South-South cooperation. In his opening remarks at the Global South-South Development Expo 2018, Guterres said the Southern countries have contributed to more than half of all global growth in recent years. The UN chief noted intra-South trade accounts for more than one quarter of all world trade, and that foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows from the South represent one third of global FDI flows. Remittances from migrant workers to low- and middle-income countries reached 466 billion U.S. dollars last year, helping to lift millions of families out of poverty, he said. "Innovative forms of Southern-led knowledge sharing, technology transfer, emergency response and livelihood recovery are transforming lives," he said, adding that "new financial institutions have helped generate infrastructure and sustainable development projects around the world." At the same time, the secretary-general noted development gains have been uneven and incomplete, citing over 700 million people still unable to meet basic needs. To address the problem, Guterres said the expo is about "harnessing the power and potential of the South for the common good" and "sharing homegrown Southern solutions for sustainable development." Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, for her part, said: "We are at an optimal moment of South-South relationship that is shown by the economic development of Southern countries in the last few years." She pointed to the rapid trade growth of the developing world, saying South-South exports have grown at an annual rate of 13 percent between 1995 and 2016, which exceeded world exports by 8 percent. "The value of South-South trade increased seven times. It went from 0.6 billion dollars in 1995 to 4 billion dollars in 2016," she added. Espinosa stressed that South-South cooperation is a model for world alliances to reach the sustainable development goals and that she is certain of the immense potential it offers. Achim Steiner, administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), shared his agency's global footprint in South-South cooperation in 2017 at the opening ceremony of the expo. He said the UNDP has launched 476 South-South cooperation initiatives across 127 countries worldwide, involving national government agencies as well as the private sector and civil society. "The UNDP's work today is unthinkable without South-South cooperation," Steiner said. "It is part of the fabric, the mandate and the deliverables of the UNDP." Organized by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) in collaboration with UN agencies and other partners, the annual expo runs till Friday at UN Headquarters. About 50 institutional partners representing UN member states, private sectors and regional organizations and more than 850 delegates from over 120 member states are attending the expo, according to UNOSSC Director Jorge Chediek. At the opening ceremony, Chediek expressed his hope that the participants would learn the success of the South and explore ways to expand South-South cooperation in the next three days. The expo is a step in the run-up to the Second High-level UN Conference on South-South Cooperation to be held in March 2019 in Argentina, where the Buenos Aires Plan of Action was adopted 40 years ago to declare that incorporating South-South cooperation is a mandate for the UN system. 5 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Everybody Knows unfolds over a sun-dappled Spanish holiday that suddenly careens into a rain-soaked nightmare. A family gathers for a wedding that is soon followed by an abduction, which in turn forces a lot of not-so-buried hostilities to the surface. Long before that point, the title has already sounded a vague note of alarm. What exactly does everybody know? A shameful piece of gossip that some guilty party thought theyd kept secret? Or could it be that everyone is guilty, implicated in a conspiracy whose roots go far deeper than they appear? Iranian writer and director Asghar Farhadi stirs these riddles into a thick, meaty soup of intrigue and paranoia, answering some questions while leaving others pointedly unaddressed. His crafty and suspenseful domestic dramas take the form of detective stories: The best of them, including About Elly (2009) and the Oscar-winning A Separation (2011), are so carefully constructed and emotionally layered that plot twists, character revelations and sociocultural insights effectively become one and the same. Everybody Knows, which begins a one-week awards-qualifying run Friday before a full-fledged release next year, hews closely to those earlier models in an entirely different context. This is not the first feature Farhadi has made outside Iran; that would be his fine Paris-set drama, The Past. Like that 2013 picture, it shows that his sensibility can easily survive a change in scenery and language and in this case, the addition of two movie stars, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz without getting lost in translation. This is mostly, if not entirely, a good thing. An authorial signature can be a reliable foundation, but in some cases it can also be a crutch. For those with little prior knowledge of Farhadis earlier work, Everybody Knows will play like an intelligent, engrossing drama about a sudden family tragedy that reopens past wounds. The directors admirers, myself included, might find it harder to get past a dramatic approach that, sturdy though it may be, is starting to harden into formula. Advertisement For a while, at least, the filmmaker does an artful job of making you forget this, thanks to his deft way of setting a scene and his instinctive feel for group dynamics. He hurls us immediately into the fray with Laura (Cruz), who has returned to her small home village in Spain to see her younger sister, Ana (Inma Cuesta), get married. Laura, who lives in Argentina, has brought along her teenage daughter, Irene (Carla Campra), and younger son, Diego (Ivan Chavero), but her husband, Alejandro (Ricardo Darin), has stayed behind. The suddenly crowded family home pulses with warmth, laughter and activity; there are friendly faces like Anas fiance (Roger Casamajor) and less happy ones like Lauras ailing, aging father (Ramon Barea). But Farhadis camera (wielded by cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine, a longtime collaborator of Pedro Almodovar) also draws us outside into the village itself, where a rickety church belltower conceals a poignant scrap of memory, and where dusty roads stretch for miles. We also get to know the warm and irrepressible Paco (Bardem), a longtime family friend who operates a vineyard with his more guarded wife, Bea (a terrific Barbara Lennie). Being partners off-screen and regular collaborators on-screen (Jamon Jamon, Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Bardem and Cruz have such a natural, unforced chemistry that its hardly a surprise to learn that Laura and Paco share an emotional history. That history will come flooding back in unexpected ways shortly after the unthinkable happens: A character goes missing, a ransom is demanded and a mystery must be solved, crucially without the help of police. Under a gathering cloud of suspicion, the familys panic turns bitterly inward, dragging an entire TV seasons worth of class resentment, financial anxiety, neighborhood gossip and unresolved passion into the open. At times it feels as if Everybody Knows might have been more fully realized as an actual TV series, one that explored its characters at more patient length and allowed all this back story to take deeper root. It might have also allowed Farhadi to achieve the kind of minute understanding of cultural nuance he did in A Separation and his other Iranian-set triumphs. Without that understanding, everything that befalls Paco, Laura and their kin rather than feeling like a natural progression of their past mistakes and intricately entwined histories instead becomes curiously mechanical and unaffecting, more punitive than revelatory. It becomes harder and harder not to shake the feeling that weve seen this all before, and that everybody knows how its going to end. ------------ Everybody Knows Rated: R, for some language Running time: 2 hours, 13 minutes Playing: The Landmark, West Los Angeles justin.chang@latimes.com | Twitter: @JustinCChang Master Japanese animator Mamoru Hosoda makes family films, but not in the way you think. Its not that his films are suitable for all ages, though they mostly are. And its not even that the family unit is central to his work, though it is. Rather its that Hosodas films stretch the boundaries of both style and content within the family film rubric. Disney movies these most definitely are not. Hosodas compelling Wolf Children, for instance, shows in a very naturalistic way what happens when a young woman falls in love with a college classmate who turns out to be part wolf. Not metaphorically but literally. Advertisement And now we have Mirai, in which the seemingly quotidian theme of a toddler having to get used to the addition of a baby sister to his life is treated in a fantastical way that never goes where you expect. An only child himself, Hosoda explained in the novelization of Mirai that this phenomenon was a surprise to him when it emerged. I was inspired by my own children, especially the reaction of my oldest boy when his new baby sister arrived, he wrote. It was both adorable and fascinating the way he cried, as if she were stealing our love, and I wanted to turn it into a movie. Though it focuses on that intimate family unit, Mirai opens with an expansive, birds-eye view of the port city of Yokohama as the camera ends up hovering on a small house with an enclosed courtyard that will be central to all the action. Four-year-old Kun (Jaden Waldman in this English-language dubbed version) is introduced in the house waiting excitedly with his grandmother for his parents to return from the hospital with his new sister. The notion that even everyday events can seem magical is central to Hosodas animation. The director is especially good at creating the antic nature of Kuns nonstop life, like his pleasure at being able to fog windows with his breath and then rub the moisture away. The first words he hears his returning father, voiced by John Cho, say (Into your castle, my little princess) are not encouraging, but Kun soldiers on. Hes initially full of enthusiasm for his sister (Let me see, I want to see it!) and pays close attention when his mother, voiced by Rebecca Hall, tells him you must always be nice to her no matter what. But Kun is just too young to understand why his parents arent as interested in him as they used to be, too young to see, as the film shows us, that they are dealing with stresses of their own his architect dad transitions to househusband, while his mom goes out to work every day. Also, his desire to be a good big brother to Mirai (her name means future) exists with a kind of malevolent curiosity that leads him to push and pull at her tiny face until she howls in protest. One of the things Mirai is especially good at is depicting the quicksilver nature of Kuns personality at this young age, how his mood can go from happy and cooperative to complete howling rage in a Yokohama minute. But just as we are getting comfortable with Mirais day-to-day world, the film takes a daring jump into another universe entirely as Kun wrestles with reconciling himself to his new family situation. Without any preamble, Kuns courtyard refuge turns into a kind of magic zone where no-limits fantasy and recognizable reality unapologetically intertwine in a way that is quintessentially Hosoda. Yukko, voiced by Crispin Freeman, in a scene from the movie Mirai. (GKIDS) First, Kun encounters Yukko, the family dog, but transformed into a rakishly handsome human (Crispin Freeman) who looks like he stepped right out of a romance novel except for the tail. Then, at different points in the narrative, Kun has a series of unexpected family-related encounters as the film explores the little things that come together to make us who we are. Among others, Kun encounters his great-grandfather as a motorcycle-riding young rebel, his own mother as a youthful hellion, and, most perplexing of all, his own sister Mirai as an engaging Mirai from the future teenager. Some of the situations Kun experiences, like a nightmarish encounter in Tokyos enormous central train station, run the risk of being too frightening for youngish audiences, but Hosoda doesnt have to worry about focus groups tampering with his vision. His films are his own, and we are fortunate to have them. ---------- Mirai Rating: PG, for thematic elements including some scary images Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Playing: Laemmles Glendale, Glendale; Frida, Santa Ana; Regency Paseo, Camarillo kenneth.turan@latimes.com @KennethTuran As a makeup artist working on movie sets in obscure towns around the country, Sheryl Lowe would be invited to accompany colleagues on antiquing trips. While her friends rhapsodized about prewar quilts and other treasures, Lowes interests were elsewhere. For me, it was beads, she said. I collected bowls and bowls of beads. For years, Lowe didnt do much with the beads as she busied herself with other things. She had her own makeup line; accompanied her husband, actor Rob Lowe, on shoots around the world; and developed a secondary career in real estate by flipping houses. Whenever she had time, shed take a class in jewelry-making. Then in 2006, California first lady Maria Shriver asked Lowe if she wanted to contribute a lipstick or something to a gift bag that would be given to participants in a womens conference Shriver was organizing. The events keynote speaker was the Dalai Lama. Advertisement I want everything in my jewelry to come out as experiential. Jewelry designer Sheryl Lowe Jewelry by designer Sheryl Lowe. (Sheryl Lowe Jewelry) I decided to follow my love for gemstones, beads and spirituality and create something around that, Lowe said recently, sitting in her West Los Angeles office. She made 55 unisex necklaces of ebony beads with a pave diamond head inspired by Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. The necklaces were tucked into goodie bags for speakers that included Martha Stewart and Suze Orman. Almost instantly, Lowe received 500 orders for the necklace. Then she decided to invest some of the money shed earned from real estate and went to India to source stones. She came home and turned her dining table into a jewelry workshop, subsequently moving into the basement and then finally to an actual office because she needed a place that had ventilation, she said. Twelve years later, Lowe brought on Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Shriver and her ex-husband, actor and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, this fall as the face of the brand. Lowe also will launch her mens line, Mr. Lowe, for which the ambassadors will be her husband and their two sons, John Owen and Matthew. She recently launched her line in Bergdorf Goodman and at nordstrom.com. Her collection is also available at her website, sheryllowejewelry.com. A necklace designed by Sheryl Lowe. (Sheryl Lowe Jewelry) Her brand of uplifting, meaningful jewelry prices start in the low hundreds and stretch to upward of $30,000 is designed to cut across a swath of cultures. A gold Buddha is surrounded by a halo of sapphires. Prayer bead bracelets are strung with smooth Australian opal, moonstone or bone. In the mix are slender diamond-studded Gothic crosses, the symbol for om, crescent moons and traditional motifs protecting against the evil eye. With her collections, Lowe wants to challenge the belief that women wear jewelry to be more attractive to others and instead invites them to choose pieces that resonate with who they are. I want everything in my jewelry to come out as experiential, she said, adding that she is motivated by her own struggles when younger. I worked two jobs at 14 to put myself through school and was brought up by a single mother and a single grandmother. So there was a lot of female bonding in my home. Ive always been drawn to the meaning of what stones are. And even now, when I create, I think of an era that means something to me. Rings designed by Sheryl Lowe. (Sheryl Lowe Jewelry) Lowes recent inspirations have included French Morocco in the 1960s and the Beatnik version of the South of France or what Jackie Onassis would have worn when she was with Aristotle Onassis, the jewelry designer said. (New pieces include inside-out diamond hoop earrings, chunky charm bracelets that spell out the word love and a square stack ring in sterling silver.) Woven into some of the mystical themes embedded in her jewelry is her love of the ocean, said Lowe, a self-professed Valley surfer girl. I love the informality of silver, dressed up with diamonds, and mixing elements of the earth and ocean, pale blue sapphires, aquamarine, topaz, she said. I want my pieces to create a sense of adventure in anyone who wears them. image@latimes.com For fashion news, follow us at @latimesimage on Twitter. When Taja Jones failed to pick up her 14-year-old son from a babysitter one spring evening in 2006, her friends and family knew something was wrong. The 35-year-old mother left her job at a mortgage company at about 2 p.m. on the afternoon of April 20 and never returned. Her body was discovered five days later, crumpled on the floor of her vehicle in the 5800 block of Jefferson Boulevard. The coroners office concluded Jones had been shot in the head. More than 12 years after Jones was found dead, two people including Jones babysitter have been charged with murder, police said Wednesday. Tyranda McDaniel, 49, and Nicole Chapple, 43, who were in a relationship in 2006, might have killed Jones because of a large family inheritance, police said. In addition to murder, McDaniel and Chapple face a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. Advertisement McDaniel is already in prison on an unrelated charge, and Chapple was taken into custody near her Fontana home on Nov. 15, according to police and online jail records. Earlier this year, police began looking into the case again and re-interviewed several witnesses. Investigators declined to say what specific evidence they uncovered against McDaniel and Chapple but said much of the original evidence was useful. Chapple, Jones babysitter, knew her for many years, said Los Angeles Police Det. Bertha Durazo. Chapple had been a person of interest in the case. Jones brutal slaying stunned her friends and family. Nearly 20 people were present at a news conference announcing the arrests. A family friend read a statement thanking police for their efforts. We have all been waiting patiently for 12 years, Salandra Montgomery said. Jacqueline Townes said she had known Jones since both were 2 years old and her friend was not just a murder victim. You can see by all of us here that she was very loved, she said. Without this case being solved, we would still have a lot of broken hearts. nicole.santacruz@latimes.com For more crime news, follow @nicolesantacruz on Twitter. Border Patrol agents took nine people into custody Thursday morning and were seeking others who may have come ashore after a panga-style boat landed in Laguna Beach. Seven of those detained are believed to be immigrants smuggled into the country illegally, and two are suspected of assisting in the smuggling operation, said Ralph DeSio, a spokesman with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For the record: A previous version of this article said Border Patrol agents apprehended 10 people, one of whom was suspected of human smuggling. The agency arrested nine people, and two are suspected smugglers. Border Patrol agents and Laguna Beach police were dispatched about 7 a.m. to West Street Beach after a citizen reported the boats landing. Officials said they seized two takeaway vehicles found in the area. Three of those believed to be smuggled immigrants were Chinese nationals, and four were Mexican nationals. One of the suspected smugglers is a U.S. citizen, and the other had overstayed his visa, DeSio said. The two smugglers were waiting in the parked vehicles to transport the boats passengers upon their arrival, the Laguna Beach Police Department said. Advertisement Video recorded from a nearby residence overlooking the beach showed 13 people dressed in dark clothing running from the boat. Border Patrol agents are searching for additional passengers they think were on the boat, DeSio said. The nine people were taken to a Border Patrol station for processing and are being held in Department of Homeland Security custody. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra UPDATES: 6:45 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the suspected smugglers. 2:40 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the smuggled immigrants. 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 9:20 a.m.: This article was updated with information about vehicles found near the landing. 8:40 a.m.: This article was updated with information about additional detainments. This article was originally published at 8:10 a.m. A mother is criticizing Southwest Airline after an agent mocked the name of her 5-year-old daughter, Abcde. Traci Redford said she and Abcde (pronounced AHB-sih-dee), who has epilepsy, were preboarding their flight home to El Paso when a gate agent at John Wayne Airport laughed at her daughters name. The agent snapped a photo of the boarding pass and posted it on social media. Redford said she asked the agent to stop making fun of her daughter. She learned about the social media post later, when someone sent it to her and told her they had notified Southwest about the mocking. Advertisement The airline apologized for the incident and said it would reinforce policies and expectations for employees. We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our Customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online, an airline representative said. The post is not indicative of the care, respect, and civility we expect from all of our Employees. We have followed up with the Employee involved. The company said it would not disclose any disciplinary action, if any, taken against the employee. The Associated Press contributed to this report. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra Los Angeles officials will consider raising speed limits on more than 100 miles of city streets, saying the changes are the only way to resolve a years-long problem that has prevented police officers from ticketing speeding drivers. If the Los Angeles City Council approves the increases, speed limits would rise on some of the Southlands most familiar thoroughfares, including San Vicente Boulevard through Mid-Wilshire and stretches of Reseda, Victory and Chandler boulevards in the San Fernando Valley. The increases, introduced Wednesday, reflect a Catch-22 that city officials have faced for decades on dozens of miles of major streets: Raise the speed limit, or lose the ability to write most speeding tickets. (Los Angeles Times) Advertisement The dilemma stems from a decades-old California law designed to protect drivers from speed traps, which requires cities to post speed limits that reflect the natural speed of traffic. If a speed limit is too low, or if it is more than 7 years old, the police cant use radar guns or other electronic devices to write speeding tickets there. As recently as this summer, more than 200 miles of Los Angeles streets, including corridors that are among the deadliest for pedestrians and bicyclists, had expired limits and very little speed enforcement. The Transportation Departments proposal would raise the speed limit on 101.6 miles of streets, and would boost the share of streets where officers can write speeding tickets to 97.5%, officials said. Nearly two-thirds of the street miles that would see higher speed limits are in the Valley, which has seen several waves of increases over the last decade on its broad, flat boulevards. Most Valley streets would see speeds rise to 40 mph and 45 mph. The proposed increases follow the City Councils decision last December to raise speed limits on 94 miles of streets, mainly in the Valley. In total, about 19% of the streets that have been re-surveyed in the last few years will see increases, said Tim Conger, a senior engineer at the Transportation Department. The city will also consider lowering speed limits on 11.5 miles of streets where traffic speeds have slowed, including a 2.1-mile stretch of Alvarado Street between Hoover Street and the 101 Freeway. The proposed increases come as Los Angeles struggles to meet the goals of Vision Zero, Mayor Eric Garcettis directive to eliminate traffic deaths on city streets by 2025. In 2017, 260 people were killed in traffic collisions on city streets a 6% reduction over the 2016 death toll, but far short of the citys 20% goal. Speed is one of the determining factors in whether someone survives a traffic collision, experts say. A pedestrian struck by a driver going 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival, but at 40 mph, the chance of survival falls to a 20% chance, according to federal data. Residents have approached the speed limit increases with trepidation, saying they are reluctant to see higher speed limits, but support more speed enforcement that targets the most dangerous drivers. Most people hate that choice, said Westside Councilman Mike Bonin, whose district would see increases on nine streets, including portions of Sepulveda Boulevard and Centinela Avenue. Its one we cant get out of, so far. Los Angeles officials have backed several attempts to change the state law that have failed in Sacramento. Until then, officials said in a report recommending the increases, the city has no choice but to make counter-intuitive changes to speed limits in order for them to be enforceable. Under the proposal, two streets would see an increase to 50 mph: a 1.1-mile stretch of Sepulveda parallel to the 5 Freeway in Sylmar and Granada Hills, and a 1.8-mile stretch of Palisades Drive through the mountains in Pacific Palisades. Nearly 29 miles of streets would see increases to 45 mph, including a 4-mile stretch of Wilbur Avenue through Porter Ranch and Northridge and a 4.5-mile stretch of Sepulveda parallel to the 405 Freeway in Bel-Air. Two street segments would see a 10 mph increase, to 45 mph: Harry Bridges Boulevard in Wilmington, and Bell Canyon Road in West Hills. During the Great Recession, Los Angeles fell far behind on updating speed studies as the Transportation Departments speed study group lost five of its seven employees to hiring freezes, medical leave and early retirement. As speed studies lapsed, the number of speeding tickets written by the LAPD plummeted 77% from 2010 to 2017. Were raising these speed limits with the promise of increased enforcement, said Jeff Jacobberger, a deputy for Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who represents the West Valley. But, he said, residents in the area are concerned that more ticketing wont materialize. In February, the City Council authorized additional funding for LAPD traffic officers to begin enforcing the speed limits, transportation officials said. Without radar guns or other electronic devices, police can estimate a vehicles speed by sight or by driving alongside it, methods that are less accurate and more likely to be thrown out in court. Police can also use radar and laser devices to ticket speeders in school zones, where the limit is 25 mph when children are present, whether the streets regular speed limit is current or not. Also Wednesday, the LAPD said traffic officers will distribute educational pamphlets, reflective vests and LED lights to pedestrians who jaywalk. About 107 of the 200 people killed in traffic crashes this year in Los Angeles were on foot, Police Chief Michel Moore said at a news conference. Its not just an enforcement issue, Moore said, according to City News Service. This is a matter of education, a matter of awareness, and a matter of personal responsibility. laura.nelson@latimes.com For more transportation news, follow @laura_nelson on Twitter. An internal investigation by a Redondo Beach Catholic parish has found that two longtime nuns who worked at the St. James School misappropriated a substantial amount of school funds for their personal use over a period of years, according to a letter sent to school families Wednesday. Msgr. Michael Meyers, the pastor at St. James Catholic Church, said in the letter that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the nuns order, is cooperating with the parish and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to determine exactly how much money was taken by the schools former principal, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper, and former teacher Sister Lana Chang. Kreuper retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year after nearly 29 years as principal, according to a church newsletter and a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Chang was an eighth-grade teacher for about 20 years and served as vice principal for the last several years, archdiocese spokeswoman Adrian Marquez Alarcon said. Chang retired at the same time as Kreuper. Meyers said in the letter to parents that the matter came to light during financial reviews that followed a change in leadership at the school. Other staff members were not implicated or responsible, he wrote. Advertisement The sisters order has agreed to fully reimburse the school and is imposing appropriate penalties and sanctions against each of the nuns in accordance with the orders policies. The archdiocese declined to pursue criminal charges against Kreuper and Chang with the Torrance Police Department and opted instead to handle the matter internally, Meyers said. The school has instituted new procedures and oversight policies for its financial management, he wrote. I want to assure you that the investigation has disclosed that, notwithstanding this misappropriation, no student or program at St. James has suffered any loss of educational resources, opportunities, or innovations, he wrote. In sum, the education of your children has not and will not be affected by these events. Meyers said Kreuper and Chang expressed deep remorse and have asked for forgiveness. They and their Order pray that you have not lost trust or faith in the educators and administrators of the school, he wrote. The archdiocese is still in the process of investigating the matter, Alarcon said. javier.panzar@latimes.com Twitter: @jpanzar UPDATES: 1:25 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the nuns roles at the school and when they left. This article was originally published at 11 a.m. The family of a Trader Joes assistant manager who was fatally shot by a Los Angeles police officer during a gun battle with a fleeing suspect outside the store in Silver Lake filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and two LAPD officers on Thursday. In their suit, Salvador Albert Corado and Albert Corado Jr., the father and brother, respectively, of manager Melyda Mely Corado, allege civil rights violations, battery, excessive force, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, failure to adequately train officers and conspiracy to cover up misconduct. John Taylor, an attorney for the Corados, said the family sued because the Police Department has not provided the family with all of the video it has of the shooting. We have gotten nothing from the city of Los Angeles, he said. The lawyers do not respond to us. The officials ignore us. We now are going to get the help of the court system. Advertisement Corados father said his family has not even gotten access to his daughters autopsy. We have been stuck in a time capsule of pain and distress, he said. The slain womans brother said he spoke with LAPD Chief Michel Moore the day after his sister died and Moore said the police would provide more answers. But that hasnt happened, he said. We have had nothing but empty gestures and empty words from the LAPD and Chief Moore, Albert Corado Jr. said at a news conference. We constantly ask ourselves, why did this happen? How did this happen? he said. The LAPD owes us an answer. Corado was fatally shot on July 21 after two police officers pursued a man suspected of shooting his grandmother in South Los Angeles and taking a young woman hostage. Gene Evin Atkins led the officers on a lengthy car chase with the hostage in his grandmothers car, officials said. The chase ended at the Silver Lake Trader Joes on Hyperion Avenue, where he stopped the car ran toward the store, which was crowded with Saturday afternoon shoppers. As he dashed toward the store, Atkins shot at officers, who returned fire as he ran inside the store. One of the officers bullets struck Corado, killing her. Atkins was also wounded in the arm, but he held shoppers and employees hostage inside the store for three hours before surrendering. Atkins, 28, has been charged with 51 felony counts, including murder, kidnapping, premeditated attempted murder and attempted murder of a peace officer. Under California law, Atkins is considered criminally responsible for Corados death. The LAPD has released video and audio clips in two batches to comply with a new policy requiring recordings to be made public within 45 days of shootings by police officers. Moore released the first video just days after the shooting. It showed the pursuit with shots fired by Atkins and the gunfight outside the grocery store. On behalf of myself and the rest of the department, I want to express my deepest condolences and sympathy to her family and everyone that knew her, Moore said of Corados death. I know that its every officers worst nightmare to hurt an innocent bystander during a violent engagement. I spoke with the officers this morning theyre devastated. They were devastated in the immediate aftermath of this event. The edited releases, like others under the policy, include voiceover commentary by Los Angeles Police Department officials and are stitched together from footage that includes body cam and dash cam recordings and 911 calls. The editing has been criticized by the Corado familys attorneys and others as attempting to shape the story favorably for the LAPD. Josh Rubenstein, a spokesman for the LAPD, has previously said the department cannot comment on pending litigation but continues to express sympathy for the Corado family. Rubenstein asserted that all videos have been released publicly and they capture the moments when the two police officers, Sinlen Tse and Sarah Winans, fired their weapons. Everything from the use of force is out there, Rubenstein said. But Taylor disputed Rubensteins statement, pointing out that video has not been released from LAPD officers who pulled up to the scene as the shooting was happening. Additional videos, including those from the body cameras of other officers at the scene during the hostage standoff, have not been released. Corado was beloved by Trader Joes regulars, and tributes to her piled up outside the store in the days after her death. Experts say the circumstances of the shootout gave officers limited options. Charles Sid Heal, a retired Los Angeles County sheriffs commander and expert on law enforcement shootings, said the video reflects the realities of the life-and-death decisions officers face when a suspect fires at them in a public place. The suspect created the situation and law enforcement inherited it, Heal said. The alternative was to surrender the lives of hostages inside the store, plus he could have killed those officers. You can play the scenario over and over again, but nobody is going to have a better option. Heal, a former SWAT supervisor, said Atkins could have entered the store and shot those inside. People in a case of a tragic loss of life will look for solutions, but sometimes there isnt one, Heal said. The standard is not perfection. As an officer, if you dont shoot here, you are risking the lives of hostages and your officers. As tragic as this loss is, this isnt a complex decision. richard.winton@latimes.com Twitter: @lacrimes Some residents of Paradise, the mountain town leveled by fire on Nov. 8, will probably be allowed to return to what is left of their homes next week, officials said Wednesday. The town has been off-limits in the nearly three weeks since the Camp fire, Californias deadliest fire on record, devastated the area. Also on Wednesday, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea announced that searchers have finished the grim task of scouring the more than 18,000 structures destroyed in the blaze for human remains. As residents return to their homes, they might still come across bone fragments and should call authorities if they do, Honea said. Advertisement The death toll stands at 88, with 196 people missing. Only residents of the south and east parts of Paradise can return next week, Police Chief Eric Reinbold told a standing-room crowd at Chico City Hall. After an initial 24-hour period for residents, those areas will then be open to the public. It could be several weeks before people are allowed back into other parts of town, Reinbold said. The crews that had been working to clean up the south and east will shift their attention to the remaining areas. Were not extending it longer than we need to, or it wont be a completely safe environment, Reinbold said. The repopulation of south and east Paradise will allow traffic to flow through Pentz Road and into Magalia. But bad weather could delay the opening, Honea said. A storm is expected to dump up to an inch of rain over the burn areas Wednesday night and early Thursday, forecaster Cindy Matthews said. A second system is expected Friday, bringing the risk of mudslides. Reinbold said people whose homes are still standing can move back in if they like. But he encouraged them to wait until toxic hazards, such as rotting food in refrigerators, are addressed. People whose homes are in ruins should not try to live there, town officials said. They are drafting an ordinance that will ban living on destroyed properties until all the debris and ash is cleared. In a town of 26,000 people, only about 1,700 structures are still standing, city officials said. Large swaths of the town have been reduced to rubble. Most residents will return to a pile of ashes. Paradise Camp fire evacuees wait to pick up their mail, which has been forwarded to the Chico post office. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) At a meeting of the Paradise Town Council, officials gave updates on various aspects of what will be a long and complicated recovery, ranging from repairing power lines to financing the city budget in the absence of tax revenue. Schools will open on Dec. 3 in temporary locations, including Oroville and Chico, said Michelle John, superintendent of the Paradise Unified School District. By the beginning of the next school year, she said, she hopes that all of the districts schools will be housed on one large campus in Chico. John expects about half of her students to return. Were tired, were working hard and we look forward to seeing all our students on Monday, she said. The areas of Paradise that will be repopulated next week correspond to fire zones 3, 8, and 9 to 14 roughly, south of Pearson Road and east of Pentz Road. After the council meeting, James Heumann said he understands why it is taking so long for officials to clean up the area and allow residents to go back. He is in one of the zones where returning is still weeks away. He and his three daughters all lost their homes in the fire. He has been staying part of the time in Lake Tahoe, where he sometimes works, while 10 other family members cram into one house. He does not think he will rebuild. At 59, he is too old for the years-long grind and the Paradise he knew is already lost. Itll never be the same. Its going to be a new Paradise, said Heumann, an electrician. Sheri McVey, 43, lost all her material possessions in the fire her house, her car, the food truck that paid her bills. She, too, is in one of the later repopulation zones, which frustrates her. If its your home, I dont understand why you cant go in and look, though I understand there are dangers there, she said. She knows there is nothing left. But she said she needs to witness the devastation so she can accept it and move on. Its more that I want to see it so I can dream about rebuilding, she said. cindy.chang@latimes.com For more news on the Los Angeles Police Department, follow me on Twitter: @cindychangLA According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha the award not only honours the enterprises with outstanding strategies and manpower policies in Vietnam, but also creates a playground for enterprise community. The awards hope to provide further opportunities for enterprises to exchange information and experiences and create a valuable foundation for the HR sector in Vietnam. "Vietnam HR Awards 2018" has two categories, Outstanding HR Strategies and Effective HR Policies, with awards given to 12 companies in each category (24 total), including two "Best Companies" prizes and two prizes awarded by the Evaluation Council. The outstanding businesses honoured at this years event are Olam Vietnam, Hoan My Medical Corporation, Mobile World, FPT, VietinBank, Techcombank, Novaland, FTV-Nokia Mannufacturing Secvice, Sun Life Vietnam, Nestle Vietnam, FrienslandCampina Vietnam, Unilever Vietnam and Bosch Vietnam. According to the results of the three seasons of "Vietnam HR Awards," the award has created, and continues to create, more and more innovative models of corporate governance in the business community. The award is not only convincing because of the way businesses apply and operate their policies more and more professionally, but also due to the impressive approach of more Vietnamese enterprises to international standards. In addition, honored businesses will be an inspirational and motivating force for other enterprises in Vietnam in their efforts to raise the quality of human resources and sustainable development. San Diego Gas & Electric Co. is taking its fight to have ratepayers shoulder $379 million in costs related to 2007s deadly wildfires to the California Supreme Court. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Edison are closely watching the SDG&E case, especially as lawsuits pile up in the aftermath of the Camp fire in Butte County that has killed at least 88 and the Woolsey fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties that destroyed about 1,500 structures. Writing for Californias 4th District Court of Appeal in San Diego this month, Associate Justice Patricia D. Benke denied SDG&E a hearing that would have had the appeals court review a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission that in a 5-0 vote rejected the utilitys request to pass along the $379 million through rates. In a 48-page filing before the states high court, SDG&E attorneys not only argued that the appeals court denial and the commission ruling were incorrect but said Benke should not have taken part in the case because she and her husband sued SDG&E over a house lost in the Guejito fire one of the blazes that ripped through San Diego County in October 2007. Advertisement Benkes failure to recuse was prejudicially unfair and should be reviewed, SDG&Es attorneys wrote. Benke did not respond to an email from the San Diego Union-Tribune sent through the Judicial Council of Californias public affairs office, but a review of court data showed that Donald and Patricia Benke were among some 50 plaintiffs who filed suit in October 2009 against SDG&E, Sempra Energy (the utilitys parent company), Cox Enterprises and Coxcom Inc. According to Benkes brother, J.R. Jacobs, the destroyed home in Rancho Bernardo was originally owned by the siblings father, Joseph Jacobs. After his death, the house was handed to J.R. Jacobs and Benke through the familys trust. Benke never lived in the house. Cathal Conneely, spokesman for the judicial council, said justices are prohibited from commenting on pending cases or cases expected to be heard soon. Conneely said that no single justice can rule against a petitioner in a case before the Court of Appeal and that a majority is required to render a decision. The SDG&E case that Benke delivered was read and considered by Justices Benke, Terry B. ORourke and William Dato, who came back with a unanimous decision. They [SDG&E] should not have attacked the judge, said Michael Aguirre, an attorney who represented ratepayer advocate Ruth Hendricks in a lawsuit dealing with the 2007 fires. Its going to backfire on them because there are two other judges that ruled against them and thats all that matters. Thats why we have three-judge panels. Aguirre said he will file a response to SDG&Es petition to the state Supreme Court. The bulk of SDG&Es petition, filed Monday, reiterated arguments the utility made before the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC. A core issue revolves around the legal doctrine of inverse condemnation. If a public improvement leads to an individual suffering losses, the concept of inverse condemnation allows a government entity or publicly owned utility such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to recoup those costs by raising taxes or increasing rates. But Californias three investor-owned utilities SDG&E, PG&E and Southern California Edison do not have the power to raise taxes and must receive approval from the utilities commission to increase rates. In its decision last year, the commission said inverse condemnation did not apply to SDG&E in the 2007 wildfires. The commission used a prudent manager standard in denying the utilitys request to recover $379 million through higher rates paid by its customers. All five commissioners agreed with an administrative law judge who said SDG&E did not reasonably manage and operate its facilities leading up to the Witch, Guejito and Rice fires that killed two people, injured 40 firefighters and forced more than 10,000 to seek shelter at Qualcomm Stadium. The three fires combined to destroy more than 1,300 homes. SDG&E wanted the utilities commission to have a rehearing but was turned down in July. It then went to the court of appeals only to have Benke and the other justices deny the utility a hearing. Now it will take another bite at the apple by asking the California Supreme Court to take the case. California courts have applied inverse condemnation to privately owned public utilities in past [court] decisions on the assumption that the CPUC will permit utilities to spread those costs through rates, SDG&E spokeswoman Allison Torres said in an email. However, since the court of appeals has upheld [the] CPUCs decision to deny cost recovery, it has created a conflict with past decisions that deserves clarification. Nikolewski writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com Pentagon officials are considering whether to keep U.S. troops along the southwest border an additional 45 days, potentially extending a controversial mission to assist the Border Patrol into next year, U.S. officials said. The 5,800 troops now deployed in California, Arizona and Texas are scheduled to depart Dec. 15. But the Department of Homeland Security, parent agency of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has opened discussions with the Pentagon about delaying their departure until late January, according to an official who was not authorized to speak on the record. If approved, the extension would represent another expansion of the military border operation, whose scope has steadily grown since President Trump rushed troops to border posts in Arizona, Texas and California shortly before the Nov. 6 midterm election. An extension would keep troops away from home through the Christmas and New Years holidays, which would intensify criticism of the operation from Democrats, who have called the operation wasteful and unnecessary. Advertisement Only last week, the White House authorized troops along the border to detain, search, and if necessary use deadly force to protect other U.S. government personnel, a major change in the military role but one that Pentagon officials insisted would only be employed in dire emergencies. Thousands of migrants are in the Mexican cities of Tijuana and Mexicali. Some clashed earlier this week at the San Ysidro border crossing with Border Patrol agents, who fired tear gas to prevent them from seeking to rush the border en masse. Unarmed U.S. troops were seen moving razor wire to block the attempted crossing. If the mission is extended, one official said, the Pentagon could rotate new troops to the border and send some personnel who have been living in makeshift camps since October back to their home bases. The Defense Department has sought to keep tight limits on the border operation. At the same time, other administration officials who advocate aggressive efforts to block immigration have sought to expand the military role to buttress the presidents incendiary charges that caravans of migrants moving north through Mexico pose an imminent threat to U.S. security. The Homeland Security department has not made a formal request for an extension, Pentagon officials said. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters Wednesday the two departments were in discussions about whether an extension was required. Well react to the Department of Homeland Security if they ask for it, he said. Right now were working with them on the staffs. Mattis added that the troops had largely completed their original mission of strengthening protections with razor wire fences and vehicle barriers at dozens of legal border crossings, known as ports of entry. The ports of entry are pretty much, I think, done, he said. Theres a little on the flanks of a couple of them were still working on. So well have to see if the request extends further. That could lead commanders of the operation to send home engineering and logistics troops who have been installing the additional barriers. Military police who would be called on in case of a riot or other large-scale attempt to cross the border would likely remain, along with support troops, helicopter units and other specialized troops. Its unclear whether the overall size of the force would shrink if an extension were approved. Mattis played down the possibility that troops could be involved in use of force against migrants, saying the Border Patrol had shown its capability of securing the border without direct involvement by troops. As far as the use of force, the Border Patrol is using what they believe is appropriate. We would be backing them up, he said. I cant even forecast what would be necessary after seeing the Border Patrols response under the pressure that we saw this last weekend. Mattis did not address why the troops would need to stay on the border if the Border Patrol could handle security. U.S. Northern Command, which is overseeing the border operation, said in a statement that an extension request from Homeland Security was possible but that the mission to secure the U.S. border is temporary. david.cloud@latimes.com Twitter: @davidcloudLAT The Senate advanced a resolution Wednesday calling for an end to U.S. military support for Saudi Arabias war in Yemen, a rare bipartisan rebuke of the Trump administrations foreign policy. The 63-37 procedural vote moves the resolution to the Senate floor, where a vote is expected next week. It has not passed the House. Winning the support of 14 Republicans for the largely symbolic measure was unusual since the Trump administration had strongly opposed it, sending Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis to Capitol Hill to appear in a closed-door session. President Trump could veto the resolution if it passes, and the White House threatened to do so as the Senate voted. Advertisement The resolution calls for a halt to U.S. military aid for the Saudi-led coalition that is battling Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The civil war has killed tens of thousands of civilians and become what aid workers call the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Congressional anger at the Saudis has been stoked by the brutal killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi-born journalist who lived in Virginia, who was strangled and dismembered with a saw inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 2. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), a co-sponsor of the resolution, said ending U.S. support for the Saudi war in Yemen was long overdue. The bloodshed continues, still abetted by the United States, even amidst further revelations of Saudi depravity, Lee said. Saudi Arabia is not an ally that deserves our support, he added. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) said that he had opposed a similar resolution in March, but that conditions in Yemen have drastically worsened. Trump has given Saudi Arabia a pass for the Khashoggi killing, arguing that U.S. weapons sales to the kingdom outweighed human rights concerns. Pompeo, in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, described protests over Khashoggis death as caterwauling and said there was no smoking gun that implicated Saudi Arabias de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Several lawmakers demanded that CIA Director Gina Haspel provide a briefing, but the administration refused to make her available. Haspel has listened to an audiotape of Khashoggis grisly killing, and the CIA reportedly has concluded with high confidence that the crown prince was responsible. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, said he believed Mohammed was involved in this killing. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he supported the resolution because he was so angry at the White House for its handling of the Saudis and Haspels failure to appear at the briefing. Mattis played down the U.S. military role in Yemen, saying that the U.S. is not operationally involved in hostilities in Yemens civil war. He argued that Congress lacked the legal authority to cut off U.S. support to the Saudi-led coalition because U.S. forces operate in a support role approved by Trump using his constitutional authority as commander in chief. Hoping to head off congressional action, the Pentagon halted midair refueling of Saudi and United Arab Emirates warplanes this month, removing the major U.S. operational role in the conflict. But the Pentagon is continuing to supply intelligence and logistics help to the Saudis. U.S. officials argue that even a symbolic Senate rebuke of Saudi Arabia or a congressional cutoff of arms sales to the kingdom will cause the United States to pull out of the United Nations-sponsored Yemen peace talks. Mattis staunchly defended the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia, despite the killing of Khashoggi, saying that Riyadh was crucial to the U.S. strategy for countering Iran. We seldom are free to work with unblemished partners, he told lawmakers. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability. tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com david.cloud@latimes.com For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard the appeal of an Indiana man whose $42,000 Land Rover SUV was seized in a civil forfeiture action after he pleaded guilty to selling $225 worth of heroin to undercover police officers. But if the court rules for Tyson Timbs, it will be doing more than righting an individual wrong; it will be affirming that states as well as the federal government are bound by the 8th Amendments ban on excessive fines. It might seem obvious that states may not violate any of the Bill of Rights. In fact, the Supreme Court only gradually has recognized that, under the 14th Amendments guarantee of due process, various protections in the first 10 amendments to the Constitution apply to the states as well as the federal government. The court has also taken its time in deciding which protections in the Bill of Rights are incorporated against the states. The court has held that the 8th Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishments applies to both state and federal governments and has assumed that is also true of the amendments ban on excessive bail. The question posed by Timbs case is whether states are also bound by that amendments ban on excessive fines. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement A judge ruled that forcing Timbs to surrender his SUV amounted to an excessive fine, noting that the value of the vehicle was four times greater than the maximum fine for his conduct. But the Indiana Supreme Court rejected Timbs claim, holding that the excessive fines provision of the 8th Amendment hadnt been incorporated against state action. Thats clearly the wrong conclusion. It conflicts with the principle articulated by the Supreme Court that states as well as the federal government must recognize protections in the Bill of Rights that are fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty and deeply rooted in this nations history and tradition. If the Supreme Court identifies such a protection as applying to the federal government, it must extend it to the states as well. We thought the court was wrong to rule in a 2008 case from Washington, D.C., that the 2nd Amendment conferred an individual right to keep and bear arms. But having recognized such a right, the court was correct to rule in 2010 that it must also be respected by the states. In an exchange with Indiana Solicitor Gen. Thomas Fisher, Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh asked: Isnt it just too late in the day to argue that any of the Bill of Rights is not incorporated? The answer is obvious. If the federal government cant engage in grossly disproportionate confiscation of property, neither may the states. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook A Riverside County appeals court upheld Californias right-to-die law this week, ending months of legal limbo after a Superior Court judge invalidated the law in May because he believed it had been improperly enacted. Thats great news for the states terminally ill patients whose doctors may have been reluctant to write a life-ending prescription while the law was being contested in the courts. The law is now officially valid again at least until the plaintiffs file a new challenge. And they very well may, because Tuesdays ruling didnt settle the constitutional question raised by the physicians who filed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argued that the Legislature exceeded its authority in 2015 by passing the measure in a special session that Gov. Jerry Brown had called to deal with Medi-Cal funding. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ottolia agreed and struck down the law. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement That was a stretch the special session also allowed for the consideration for any healthcare-related bills, and end-of-life care is indeed a healthcare issue. If the appeals court justices had dared to consider that question, they would have come to the same conclusion. But they didnt even touch it. Instead, they said the court couldnt ponder the merits because the physicians who filed the lawsuit have no standing to challenge the law. Thats because they can opt out of providing end-of-life assistance the law allows physicians to refuse to participate. A dissenting opinion, meanwhile, explained how the plaintiffs could solve their standing problem and revive the suit. If they do that, this case could drag on for years. Thats an unacceptable delay, and the California Supreme Court should not let that happen. If the plaintiffs dont ask the high court to take up the case, then the justices should review it on their own motion. They have the right to do so and, we think, the obligation as well. Its heartless to string along terminally ill patients who may be comforted by the knowledge that they have the option to make their suffering stop if it becomes unbearable. Physicians too have an interest in settling the constitutional issue raised by this case as soon as possible. Otherwise, they may face a legal dilemma when dying patients ask for help negotiating their final days. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. The State Bar of California has done it again, failing nearly 60% of the law school graduates who took the exam in July. It was the worst outcome since 1951. And yet thousands of these graduates, if they had taken the test in virtually any other state, would now be embarking on their legal careers instead of having to prepare to take it again in February. The score needed to pass the California bar exam called the cut score is 144. We are the only state to set its cut score above 140 other than Delaware (with 172 applicants, compared with Californias 8,071). This is profoundly out of line with the rest of the country. Nationwide, the median score needed to pass is 135. In New York, the state with a legal practice most like Californias in scale and complexity, the cut score is 133. Among graduates of ABA-accredited law schools there, 83% passed the state bar exam the first time they took it. In California, though, the comparable rate was 64%. That likely would be 20 percentage points higher if our cut score matched New Yorks. Is New York inflicting on its populace thousands of unqualified lawyers through its lower cut score? We have yet to hear of it. There is no evidence that Californias high bar protects the public, and considerable reasons to believe it actually makes our lawyers less competitive. Advertisement The state bar, the California Legislature and the California Supreme Court which has ultimate authority to set the cut score need to bring rationality to our bar exam by aligning it with the standards of comparable states. As law school deans, we witness the harm done to our graduates and to the legal profession by this unjustifiably high cut score. Those failing the bar risk losing their jobs. For the still unemployed, finding work becomes far harder. Even those who keep their jobs wear their bar performance as an albatross around their necks. The financial consequences are considerable: thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for additional exam fees and review courses, often adding to already considerable indebtedness. Employers lose otherwise qualified employees or must provide them time off to study. We recognize that some critics blame us for this situation. They say that we are admitting students to law schools who are not adequately qualified. From 2010 to 2017 there was a decline in LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs of admitted law students in California and nationally, and there is undoubtedly some correlation between those metrics and performance on the bar exam, as well as in law school. However, while this may explain some of the recent decline in bar passage rates, it does not explain most of it, nor does this provide any legitimate reason for keeping Californias cut score so much higher than other states. It is more plausible to hypothesize that the bar exam has grown anachronistic, a test designed for a paper-and-pencil generation now inflicted on a smartphone generation. Memorizing large amounts of information and regurgitating it over a few days has little predictive power for lawyering competence today. Recent graduates may well be worse than their predecessors at this skill set likely we all are but they may be at least as good at other problem-solving skills lawyers need. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Furthermore, the high cut score distorts Californias legal education, especially in our rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global legal marketplace. Over the last two decades, law schools have been asked to provide deeper field-specific education and more practical training; they responded by expanding clinical programs, finding externship opportunities and adding specialized courses. Many law schools now offer concentrations in areas such as intellectual property, the environment, health, tax, business, public interest, and labor and employment, where there are growing job opportunities in California. But apart from some basic business law none of these subjects is tested on the bar exam. This creates a core dilemma for our students: prepare for their legal careers, or prepare for the bar exam? Thus far, the state bars and the state Supreme Courts only action has been a call for continuing studies. Each of our law schools, along with eight other ABA-accredited California law schools, are participating in a bar-sponsored study of student data now. This will be followed by a job performance study that will take another two years. In the meantime, thousands of graduates of California law schools will have their lives needlessly turned upside down. The bar exam is intended to be a measure of minimum competence to practice law following three rigorous years of law school. There is no evidence that Californias high bar protects the public, and considerable reasons to believe it actually makes our lawyers less competitive in the global legal marketplace. By all means, lets keep studying the issues, but that shouldnt hold us back from making the sensible decision to align the states cut score with the rest of the nation. Until this happens, Californias high failure rate remains both sui generis and a self-inflicted wound. David L. Faigman is chancellor and dean at the UC Hastings College of the Law. Stephen C. Ferruolo is dean at the University of San Diego School of Law. Jennifer L. Mnookin is dean at the UCLA School of Law. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook The Democrats are flying high right now, but theyre headed for a crash. Fifteen or 20 or, good God, maybe even 30 of them are lining up to run for president two years hence, and the party and the American electoral process more generally has no good way to select a nominee when so many aspirants split the vote. In a field of 10 or 12 candidates, it doesnt take much to come out on top. The winner of the first contests, before the field has been winnowed, will be anointed as the frontrunner, with all the electoral advantages that conveys, even though in a field that crowded, he or she may have won only 15% of the vote. Say, for instance, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who can easily spend billions on his campaign, takes the early contests with that 15%, while Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Sherrod Brown lag narrowly behind. Bloomberg (or whoever) could build a commanding lead even though its likely a majority of Democrats might not want him as their nominee. That may seem fanciful, but thats how Donald Trump built an early and decisive lead in the 2016 Republican primaries. Facing off against half a dozen serious opponents, Trump never came close to winning a majority until almost all of them had been compelled to drop out. His more conventional adversaries so divided the vote that he captured the nomination. The strength of this system is that it measures the breadth, not just the intensity, of a candidates support. Advertisement Whats a more rational way to winnow the field? I suppose the Democrats could adopt NCAA-like brackets, with the winner of the billionaires primary (which might feature Bloomberg, Tom Steyer and Starbucks Howard Schultz) facing off against the winner of the left primary (Sanders, Warren and maybe Brown), with the winner of that going up against the victor of the center-left senator bracket (Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker), who well, this system has problems, too. The one way to ensure that the nominee actually is favored by a majority of Democratic voters is for the party to adopt a form of ranked-choice voting. Under this system, voters would be able to designate one candidate as their first choice, another as their second, and another as their third. Maine recently adopted such a system for federal offices. The political parties would have to devise the system they want to use, but they would need the cooperation of the states, which would have to rework their computer systems to accommodate rankings. If there really are 20 candidates on the early state ballots, I cant see asking voters to rank them all, much less the computers to tally all those rankings. But in a field as densely populated as the Democrats is shaping up to be, voters should be given the opportunity to cast their votes for win, place and show (and maybe fourth and fifth as well) though if they just want to vote for one or two candidates, that should be their prerogative, too. Each vote for a candidate would be assigned points depending on the ranking lets say three points for each vote that chooses the candidate above all others, two points for second-place ranking and one for third place. The strength of this system is that it measures the breadth, not just the intensity, of a candidates support. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion So if the Bloomberg backers give him 15% of the first-place votes but no one ranks him second or third, he would finish behind, say, a Sanders or Warren or Harris, who each might get 10% of the first-place votes but 15% of the second- and third-place votes. There are plenty of other ways to structure the scoring, but any of them would be more reflective of voter sentiment than the current one, which in a large field can elevate a candidate with a narrow base of support. Such a system has its own problems. Computers would have to be reprogrammed and that would entail some expense. Second, its not likely that the final vote totals would be known for some time, which would frustrate both the media and the electorate. Third, in an ideal world, both the Democratic Party and the states would agree to shift to this system. In our world, however, its not clear why Republican states would want to oblige the Democrats, nor is it clear that the Democrats themselves would want to make this change, though it would likely produce the strongest possible nominee. Party vs. state court battles might well ensue. Still, as this is in the Democrats interest, its the biggest blue states New York, Illinois and above all, California that have the clout to make this shift. For all its complexities, it beats the kind of process that enabled Trump to become the Republicans nominee. Harold Meyerson is executive editor of the American Prospect. He is a contributing writer to Opinion. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Senate Republicans blocked the so-called Mueller protection bill this week, with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling the legislation a solution in search of a problem. But even if President Trump does fire special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, he cant fire the federal grand jury involved in Muellers investigation. According to the Supreme Court, grand juries occupy an independent constitutional niche. They exist on a border line between the judicial and executive branches, free from meddling by presidents and judges alike. Once a judicially appointed replacement prosecutor were in place, the Mueller grand jury could continue without missing a beat. Advertisement Under Rule 6 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, a federal grand jury consists of between 16 and 23 randomly selected citizens, convened and supervised by a federal judge. They have a duty to consider evidence of criminal wrongdoing presented to them by a cooperating prosecutor, and they have the power to decide for themselves by a vote of at least 12 grand jurors whether the evidence is strong enough to warrant a formal criminal charge. Rule 6 provides that, once a federal judge has empaneled a grand jury for its maximum term of 18 months, with a possible extension of six months, no one except the convening judge can disband it. Although federal grand juries are supervised by federal judges to assure that they act in accordance with law, no one can interfere with a grand jurys independent consideration of admissible evidence, or its decision whether to vote to indict. Not the cooperating prosecutor. Not the supervising federal judge. Not even the president. Rule 6 also bars anyone except the grand jurors themselves from being in the room while they decide whether to vote for an indictment. If an independent grand jury does vote to indict, the constitutionally defined criminal process moves to the next phase: a formal criminal trial before an equally independent petit jury. (The terminology comes from a pre-revolutionary British practice.) The petit jury consists of 12 randomly selected citizens (chaired by Henry Fonda) who decide whether the evidence is strong enough to establish a defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. As with a grand jury, no one can force a petit jury to convict or otherwise interfere in its deliberations. So President Trump lacks the power to disband a federal grand jury, and there is even an independent mechanism for replacing Mueller, should the president or his acting attorney general move to upend the investigation by firing the special counsel. The judge who is supervising the grand jury Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia would have ample power to defend its integrity and independence by immediately appointing a new prosecutor who could take his place. Theres nothing particularly controversial about judges appointing prosecutors to protect pending grand juries. Congress has explicitly authorized federal judges to appoint temporary prosecutors if the president fails to fill a vacancy within 120 days. In fact, the New York federal prosecutor leading the federal grand jury investigation of Trumps fixer-lawyer, Michael Cohen, was appointed by a vote of 40 federal judges sitting in the Southern District of New York. This took place after Trump fired the United States attorney and dragged his feet in nominating a permanent successor. Most of the time, federal judges exercise only the powers that Congress gives them. Though the Supreme Court has held that Congress could grant federal judges the power to appoint independent prosecutors investigating high-ranking members of the executive branch, the current Congress is, unfortunately, missing in action. But there is a way for Howell to protect the Mueller grand jury even without Congress. She could exercise her inherent judicial power. Since 1882, the Supreme Court has recognized that federal judges possess inherent power to issue court orders barring government officials from acting in violation of the Constitution, and to do so without waiting for congressional authorization. The Supreme Court has also recognized that federal judges possess inherent judicial power to impose damage awards on federal officials who have violated the Constitution; to punish disruptive efforts to interfere with pending judicial proceedings; and to impose attorneys fees awards on bad faith litigants. The late Justice Antonin Scalia even persuaded his fellow justices that federal judges possess inherent power to invent new defenses for federal military contractors. If federal judges have inherent power to protect military contractors, they clearly have inherent power to protect sitting grand juries. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion If a judge were to appoint a replacement prosecutor, then the Mueller grand jury could continue without missing a beat. They would have access to all the evidence developed so far, as well as the power to continue all pending investigations. The grand jurors would be free to follow the trail of criminal wrongdoing wherever it may lead and make an independent determination about who, if anyone, should be charged with a crime. Perhaps most importantly, they would also have the historic power, codified in the 5th Amendment, to issue a presentment, a report to the supervising judge detailing alleged criminal activity. She would then decide whether to make it public. Burt Neuborne is a professor of law at NYU Law School and the founding legal director of the universitys Brennan Center for Justice. He is the former national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook The Group of 20 meeting starts Friday in Argentina, where summer is just beginning. For the Americans who will attend, thats just one of many reasons the gathering may seem upside down. The United States inaugurated the G-20 summits in 2008, at the outset of the Great Recession. President George W. Bush convened and led the first gathering, an expansion of more exclusive G-7 and G-8 conclaves, in order to manage the financial crisis and to reflect a changing global order in which emerging powers were playing a more important role. His role underlined the United States first-among-equals position: He was the indispensable leader of the indispensable nation, at the center of the international system. In Argentina, President Trump will by no means be seen as indispensable. On the contrary, the president will likely be seen by many in the world and by some in attendance at the event as a pariah. A new Pew poll shows him with the lowest global public confidence ranking of the major leaders attending by far. With a 70% no confidence rating, he ranks behind Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president will likely be seen by many in the world and by some in attendance at the event as a pariah. Advertisement The scandal-shrouded, self-declared nationalist Trump is devoted not to the post-World War II rules-based world order but to undermining it, upending international deals on climate, trade and arms control. He isnt a partner in global economic management but rather an unpredictable and reckless financial loose cannon. On the economics front, instead of world leaders, led by Washington, coming together in Buenos Aires to avoid what appears to be a looming slowdown in the global economy, the G-20 nations will be bracing for more trade tensions between the U.S. and China or the U.S. and Europe. Trumps sideline meeting with Xi will be closely watched: A further breakdown in their relationship could trigger an escalation in the U.S.-China trade war by the tariff-loving Trump. Trump was scheduled for a one-on-one with Putin in Buenos Aires. After Russias aggression with Ukraine, the president hinted he might cancel, then formally called it off on Thursday although it is likely the reason for his cancellation had more to do with Michael Cohens plea-deal revelations about Trumps ties to Russia than it did with events in the Sea of Azov. Will Trump informally chat with Putin? Probably, and not least in large part because the president is likely to feel a chill from other leaders who are traditional U.S. friends. Trumps already cold relations with the nations of the Western alliance grew even frostier at the recent World War I memorial ceremonies in France. Trade battles with the EU and in particular, France and Germany as well as with Canada, and potentially with Japan, have further contributed to tensions; so too U.S. unwillingness to sanction Saudi Arabia for the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion That brutal assassination will loom large over the events in Argentina. Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who much of the world and the CIA believes masterminded Khashoggis slaying, is expected to attend. Which nations will snub him and which will not? Trump has made it clear that MBS and Saudi Arabia, and its arms deals with the U.S., have his support. Still, the White House seems to want to have it both ways. On Tuesday, the word was the president would not meet with the Saudi prince; then press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said he had not ruled out any interaction. If Trump embraces MBS, the reaction around the world will likely be (as it should be) condemnation. It will be further evidence that the president has effectively changed teams. He will be seen, even more clearly than now, not as a builder of the world order but its enemy, not an advocate for traditional U.S. values but an amoral transactionalist. The G-20 meeting will be unlike any in the gatherings short history. Instead of showcasing U.S. international leadership it will compound Americas increasing isolation, and showcase a rogue president on the world stage. David Rothkopf is a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the host of the podcast Deep State Radio. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: This editorials take on the unconstitutionality of the Bladensburg, Md., cross is spot on. But one parenthetical about public monuments to the Ten Commandments, which the editorial says some nonbelievers see as containing universal ethical precepts, bedevils this nonbeliever. First of all, which Ten Commandments? There are four sets. The more famous commandments in Exodus Chapter 20 are far less ethical than people realize. Some of the commandments violate the core American principle of religious liberty. Those that disallow taking Gods name in vain or making idols violate freedom of expression. The ban on coveting manages to criminalize thought, treats women as chattel and sanctions slavery. Only a few of the commandments represent anything like universal ethical principles: Dont steal, kill, lie or cheat on your spouse. And even that last one only applied to biblical wives, not husbands. Advertisement In short, we can do better than the Ten Commandments. Andrew Seidel, Madison, Wis. The writer is a lawyer with the Freedom From Religion Foundation. .. To the editor: The 1st Amendment says only that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Those seeking to eliminate crosses on public land would be hard pressed to find anyone, including the nonreligious and those of non-Christian faiths, who have felt any pressure to join a particular religion or who believe that the crosses even encourage people to do so. As the editorial says, America is becoming more religiously diverse. This would not be the case if the crosses had the feared effect. Our judiciary has better things to do than to joust at crosses. Leave the historical monuments alone. Scott Perley, Irvine .. To the editor: This editorial brings to mind what former Texas Gov. Ann Richards reportedly said when the ACLU filed suit over the placement of a Christmas manger scene in the state Capitol, which she feared would have to be removed: Its a shame, because its about the only time we ever had three wise men in the Capitol. Ryan Mac Donald, Woodland Hills Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Associate Prof., Dr Dinh Trong Thinh from the Hanoi University of Finance said life would be more difficult for single enterprises if they dont get connected by the time the CPTPP comes into effect. Connecting firms in the same sector is crucial, Thinh said, noting that this is a weak point of Vietnamese companies as they often operate single-handedly. According to him, the biggest challenge facing businesses is that they must acknowledge the agreements opportunities and challenges for firms on their own. Without full consciousness, enterprises wont be able to reform themselves and have strategic vision and response measures. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Secretary General of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO) emphasised the need to help businesses, particularly those of small and medium size, to access information and intensify connectivity. She also suggested State agencies consider upgrading infrastructure and logistics. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the CPTPP will become effective in the first countries ratifying the agreement on December 12, 2018, namely Mexico, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Vietnam ratified the agreement on November 12, 2018 and informed New Zealand of the ratification on November 15. Therefore, the agreement will take effect in the Southeast Asian nation on January 14, 2019. The CPTPP covers a market of about 490 million people and has a combined GDP of US$10.1 trillion, 13.5% of the globes GDP, and average per capita income of more than US$19,000 a year. The accord is expected to increase Vietnams GDP by 2.01% by 2035, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. #Georgia Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush. The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump as recently as Tuesday continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops You really are our heroes, he said as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see. James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes he last won reelection by a 14-point margin suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10. Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters... Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children the older ones are 5 and 2 about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican she the race felt m Michael Cohen, President Trumps longtime personal lawyer, admitted Thursday to concealing the extent of Trumps efforts to develop a luxury hotel and condominium complex in Moscow during the 2016 campaign, the first criminal charge from the special counsel investigation to focus on the presidents personal financial interests. In a surprise appearance in federal court in New York, Cohen pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress in an attempt to limit the investigation led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, which has targeted members of Trumps inner circle and has now moved closer to the president himself. Standing in court, Cohen, 52, said he had lied out of loyalty to help Trumps political messaging. Cohen, who previously implicated the president in a felony by admitting he had paid hush money to two women at Trumps direction during the campaign, now poses a doubled-barreled legal threat to the White House. Two hours after the guilty plea was announced, Trump canceled a scheduled meeting Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. Trump blamed a maritime clash last weekend between Russia and Ukraine for the cancellation, not his former lawyers plea. Advertisement According to a nine-page document filed by prosecutors, Cohen told the Senate and House intelligence committees in August 2017 that, as Trumps lawyer and an executive vice president of the Trump Organization, he pulled the plug on a proposed development deal in Moscow in January 2016, before the first presidential nominating contest. But in his guilty plea, Cohen admitted that he pursued the project with Felix Sater, a Russian-born business associate of Trump, through the political primary season until June 2016, when Trump had in effect locked up the Republican nomination. In response to an email from Sater that May, Cohen said Trump would visit Moscow once he becomes the nominee. In addition, Cohen said he had repeatedly briefed Trump and members of his family on the status of the project in Moscow, more than the three conversations he previously had disclosed. He also admitted to conversations with a Russian government office, which he previously had denied. Trump had signed a letter of intent for the proposed Moscow tower in October 2015, five months after he launched his candidacy. The president promptly lashed out Thursday by accusing his once devoted lawyer and fixer of being a weak person and making up a story to win a shorter prison sentence for things that have nothing to do with me. In a rambling statement to reporters before he left for the G-20 summit, Trump said that he canceled the Moscow project because he was focused on running for president. If I did do it, there would have been nothing wrong, he said, adding, I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. He also made a candid concession that he wanted to keep potential business opportunities alive in Russia in case he lost to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee. There was a good chance that I wouldnt have won, in which case I would have gone back into the business, Trump said. And why should I lose lots of opportunities? Cohens latest courtroom admissions are a potent reminder that he poses a significant legal problem for the president. He has met with Muellers prosecutors seven times since Aug. 7, according to a court filing. Cohens first guilty plea, involving bank fraud, tax evasion and campaign finance violations tied to the hush money payments, was reached with the U.S. attorney in Manhattan. Thursdays case marked the first time hes been charged by Mueller, who is investigating whether any of Trumps associates conspired with Russian operatives to influence the 2016 election. So far, Mueller has charged 33 people, including 25 Russians, with assorted crimes. I think hes probably familiar with the full panoply of activity by Trump and his people in Russia, said Bradley D. Simon, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn. So its obviously not good news for Trump and his people. The guilty plea does not implicate Cohen in Moscows election meddling, which included hacking and releasing thousands of emails stolen from the Democratic Party and Clintons staff, disrupting her campaign. But court documents make clear that Trump was seeking a major business deal in Moscow while Kremlin-backed operatives were covertly involved in the U.S. campaign, according to U.S. intelligence and previous indictments. As the election drew closer, Moscow focused on boosting Trumps chances and undermining Clinton. Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former New York mayor who now is a personal lawyer for Trump, said Cohens guilty plea doesnt show that Trump did anything wrong. In a statement, Giuliani said prosecutors only know that Cohen lied because the Trump Organization, the private holding company for Trumps network of businesses, voluntarily disclosed documents involving the proposed Moscow project, and there was nothing to hide. The president has been completely open and transparent, he added. Trumps past declarations of ignorance or innocence often have unraveled as new facts emerge. Democrats will control the House of Representatives after January, and they are likely to launch their own investigations into Trumps business deals and alleged conflicts of interest. Anyone who still believes that this is a witch hunt must now face the reality that the investigation appears to be closing in on the president, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. Trump has escalated his attacks on the special counsels office in recent weeks, raging against the Russia investigation in early morning Twitter tirades. When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? Trump tweeted Thursday before the Cohen guilty plea was revealed. He added, It has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! Since launching his presidential campaign, Trump has repeatedly denied any financial interests in Russia. Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! he tweeted in January 2017. Two decades earlier, Trump had a decidedly different view. We are actually looking at something in Moscow right now, and it would be skyscrapers and hotels, not casinos, Trump said, according to a New Yorker profile in 1997. Only quality stuff. More recently, at a 2008 business conference in New York, Trumps eldest son described Russia as an important market for the Trump Organization. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia, Donald Trump Jr. told the gathering. While pursuing the Moscow project during the presidential campaign, Cohen teamed up with Sater, a businessman with a criminal past who had an office at Trump Tower in New York. During a bar fight in 1991, Sater stabbed a man with a broken margarita glass and subsequently served a year in prison. Seven years later, he pleaded guilty to racketeering during a stock fraud investigation and cut a deal to help the FBI as an informant. In the court filings, Cohen described Sater as an intermediary who helped connect Trump with a Russian developer to advance the project proposal in Moscow. In May 2016, Sater wrote to Cohen that I had a chat with Moscow involving a possible visit to Russia on the project, prosecutors said. Cohen responded that he would visit before the Republican National Convention that July, and Trump would go once he becomes the nominee. Cohens guilty plea marks the first time in the Russia investigation that someone has been charged with lying to Congress, a felony that is rarely prosecuted. But Mueller has demonstrated that he will pursue cases involving false statements. Four people, including Trumps former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, have pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents so far. Other indictments or guilty pleas may be forthcoming. The Senate Intelligence Committee has occasionally provided Mueller with transcripts of its closed-door interviews for the Russia investigation, but Republicans have so far blocked similar releases from the House Intelligence Committee. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who is set to take over the committee in January, told The Times he plans to turn over the transcripts immediately. Theres certainly reason to believe that other people who have testified before the committee have likewise been untruthful, he said. Schiff said that includes Roger Stone, a longtime political advisor to Trump who has been under scrutiny for alleged contacts with WikiLeaks, which released hacked Democratic Party emails. Stone has denied lying to Congress or breaking any laws. Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington chris.megerian@latimes.com Twitter: @chrismegerian Times staff writers David Willman and Noah Bierman and the Associated Press contributed to this report. UPDATES: 4:20 p.m.: This article was updated with new details from court documents. 8:40 a.m.: This article was updated to reflect that Trump canceled his meeting with Putin. This article was originally published at 7:10 a.m. President Trump has been firing angry ultimatums at General Motors all week, threatening to cut subsidies to the automaker and recoup old bailout losses after GM announced it would close four U.S. plants and one in Canada to eliminate nearly 14,000 jobs. As with other threats Trump has made as president, these may be little more than bark. Administration officials could point to no specific actions the administration is considering, much less taking, even as they scrupulously avoided making any public comments that would contradict the president. Trump may yet find a way to penalize the automaker. As he often says, maybe he will and maybe he wont. In that sense, the GM threats fit a pattern that has forced financial markets, foreign governments and other close watchers with much at stake to adjust to an erratic president whose word means far less than his predecessors. Advertisement It really depends on the issue, said Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager who remains close to the president. Some issues, a veiled threat is enough to back people off. And other issues, a threat is a clear sign of the action hes going to take. Trumps most specific threat involves killing a tax credit of up to $7,500 for buyers of electric cars. Not only would that be a blunt instrument, hurting other automakers that produce electric cars, but also the incentive is in the tax code, and alternative energy proponents have beaten back prior attempts by some Republicans in Congress to kill it. Also, the tax break begins to wind down after an automaker has sold 200,000 cars, a mark GM said it will hit by the end of this year. After that, the credit will be steadily reduced for buyers of Chevrolets Volt and Bolt before expiring entirely by the end of next year. GM, along with Nissan and Tesla, is lobbying Congress to lift the cap for all automakers above 200,000, and Trumps threats may hurt its chances. Administration officials would not comment on whether the White House planned to weigh in. Trump also tweeted this week that GM should pay back the $11.2 billion bailout that was funded by the American taxpayer. That is also unlikely, if not impossible. The federal government invested nearly $50 billion to rescue the automaker during the financial crisis. Much of that was converted to stock in the company, which the government sold at a loss between 2010 and 2013, largely to allay concerns among lawmakers about a long-term connection between a major corporation and the government. The auto bailouts of 2008-2009 largely worked in staving off massive job losses at GM, Chrysler and their long chain of suppliers and the costs in unemployment assistance and lost tax revenues that the companies failure would have caused. As a former shareholder, the government has little recourse in recouping its losses, which the government estimates at $11.2 billion. Trump is hardly the only politician angry with GM. Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat and former executive in the company, has been fuming at the layoffs and their timing, just before the holidays. Im pretty mad at GM, she told NPR on Wednesday. I mean, you have to be profitable. I understand that. But you also have to take care of your workers. The workers matter as much as the executives do. And it used to be that those at the top cared about having some kind of balance. And I just quite frankly didnt see a lot of concern for workers. Trump has channeled working-class anger in Michigan and other manufacturing states since his campaign, lamenting the loss of industrial jobs. He has cut corporate taxes substantially and imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum. The effects of those policies on the economy have been widely debated. In many cases, his threats do not produce policy proposals, or any results at all. He tweeted repeatedly over the summer against Harley Davidson after it announced it would move production of European motorcycles overseas. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end they surrendered, they quit! Trump tweeted in June. The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before! Trump later tweeted support of a boycott. But he neither sustained that effort nor outlined any plans or attempts to tax the company. In September, he threatened to take action against Google unless it changed its algorithms to display more positive news about him and his administration. Again, no action followed. Trump made a splashy promise last year that the Keystone XL pipeline would be required to be built with American steel. But his administration conceded weeks later that his buy American requirement could not apply to that project. After Trump attacked Amazon for having a favorable relationship with the U.S. Postal Service, his administration formed a special commission to reform the Postal Service. The commission, created in April, has yet to release its report. Administration officials and former business associates have said they are often unsure when Trump speaks whether he intends action or is simply venting. At times, warring factions use that ambiguity to push their own agenda inside the administration, either urging Trump to act or burying his directives and hoping he forgets. The stock market has also taken notice of Trumps lack of follow-through, discarding some of his tweeted threats while reacting strongly to others. Youve got to chase these things down, said David Tamasi, a lobbyist who is close to the administration. To the specific constituencies that care about this stuff, youve got to dig deep. Tamasi said Trump was similar to other politicians in using rhetoric to advance his political agenda. The difference is that other politicians generally have a process to vet everything they say with internal policy experts, who produce talking points and explanations for the policy implications. Trump, by contrast, just puts it all out on Twitter, without preparation, context or nuance. Weve all had to adjust to deciphering and discerning, Tamasi said. Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman President Trumps harsh insults and boorish behavior have dominated and divided one international gathering after another in recent months, leaving acrimony in his wake at a Group of 7 meeting in Quebec, a NATO summit in Brussels and a World War I centennial ceremony in Paris. As he leaves Thursday for a Group of 20 economic summit in Buenos Aires, Trump is shadowed by controversies involving one autocrat whom he will formally meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and another whom he will not Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump also may find himself partly overshadowed for the first time. The de facto Saudi leader will be making his first appearance on the global stage since he was alleged to have ordered a gruesome assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a political critic based in Virginia. Other world leaders must decide whether and how to deal with him. Trump has staunchly defended the crown prince, saying maybe he did and maybe he didnt order the Oct. 2 slaying in Turkey, and dismissing calls in Congress to censure or sanction Riyadh by arguing arms sales outweigh human rights concerns. White House officials said Trump would not sit down with Mohammed at the G-20 but they did not rule out an informal interaction between the two. Advertisement National security advisor John Bolton told reporters at the White House that the decision not to hold a bilateral meeting during the two-day summit, which starts Friday, was due to Trumps overflowing schedule, not a signal that Trump was snubbing the crown prince. But others breathed a small sigh of relief. There are close calls in this line of work but this is not one of them, said Christopher R. Hill, a former U.S. ambassador to four countries. A presidential meeting with Mohammed so soon after his alleged role in a vicious crime would be unfathomable, he said. Other analysts say the Saudis are hoping to signal that the crown prince strongly supported by Trump has weathered the global vilification and remains in firm control of the oil-rich kingdom. This is a decision from the Saudis partly drawing on what they see as President Trumps reaction, said Jon Alterman, who heads the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington. Theyre moving ahead, and the crown prince is the person to deal with if youre going to deal with Saudi Arabia. Since taking office, Trump has embraced a bevy of foreign dictators and adversaries but none more so than Putin. At their summit in July in Helsinki, Finland, Trump offered fawning praise for the Russian autocrat and said he believed Putins denials instead of U.S. intelligence community conclusions when it came to the Kremlins interference in the 2016 election. That sparked such a political storm in Washington that Trump later was forced to backtrack, claiming he had misspoken. Trump and Putin are scheduled to sit down again Saturday in Buenos Aires, although the plans could change. If the session is anything like Helsinki where the two leaders met privately for two hours without any senior aides, a stunning breach of normal summitry it could throw the already fraught gathering into chaos and further isolate the Trump administration from its traditional allies. Trump has yet to publicly criticize Moscow for the seizure Sunday by Russian warships of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews in a strait that separates Crimea and Russia. The 24 captured crew members were put on a show trial and in a supposed confession they said the Ukrainian ships sought to provoke Russia, a claim that Ukraine a U.S. ally vehemently denied. On Tuesday, Trump told the Washington Post that he was awaiting a full report from his national security team and that he might yet cancel the meeting with Putin. That will be very determinative, Trump said. Maybe I wont have the meeting. Maybe I wont even have the meeting. I dont like that aggression. I dont want that aggression at all. Sarah Sanders, the White House spokeswoman, said Wednesday that Trump had received multiple briefings on the incident but she did not announce any change in Trumps plans. Ukraines president, Petro Poroshenko, has publicly asked Trump to deliver a stern message to Putin to get out from Ukraine. Bolton told reporters that Trump wanted to discuss security and regional issues with Putin, including the civil war in Syria where Washington and Moscow back opposing sides and preservation of the New START and INF arms control agreements, among other concerns. I think it will be a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki, Bolton said. For now, the maritime clash has raised worries of a wider conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which seized Crimea in 2014 and still supports armed separatists in eastern Ukraine as well as widespread criticism of Trump for giving Putin a tacit green light by remaining silent. There is a disturbing pattern of Putin taking aggressive action and violating international law and President Trump turning a blind eye, said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee. Trumps unwillingness to criticize Putin or take any actions to effectively deter Russias provocative behavior has emboldened Russia, and it is harming our national security and that of our allies and partners. This isnt just an attack on Ukraine, its an affront to the international community, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Unfortunately, President Trump has remained largely silent on the issue, refusing to speak out against these actions. The Kremlin hopes a Trump-Putin meeting will help ease some of the tensions between Washington and Moscow, a relationship largely overshadowed by the special counsel investigation into whether Trumps associates or aides cooperated with a Kremlin-backed effort to influence the 2016 presidential election through the hacking and release of Democratic Party emails. Prodded by Congress, the Trump administration has imposed economic sanctions on many of Russias key economic sectors, most recently for the attempted assassination of a former Russian spy and his daughter in southern England. Putin wants to improve relations with Washington but on Russias terms, said Heather Conley, director of the Europe program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Putin wants parity with the U.S., which is why we see this Cold War-like language being used, Conley said. Russia would like to see things return to when the U.S. and Russia were the worlds great superpowers. Trump may prove less supportive than before. Putin has done little to rein in Iranian militants in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East, as the White House wants, and the clash with Ukraine has put the president on the spot. Previous discussions between the two leaders have centered around a goal that both of them share, which is creating a cooperative relationship, said Stephen Sestanovich, a Russia expert at the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations. Now that context is rather different. Disagreements are piling up. Trump also will hold bilateral talks in Argentina with the host nations president, Mauricio Macri; Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; South Korean President Moon Jae-in; and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. He will have dinner on Saturday night, after the summit closes, with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump will meet first with Macri at the Casa Rosada, or Pink House, the presidential residence. It faces the historic Plaza de Mayo, which could be filled with protesters this weekend. Argentina designated Friday a national holiday to try to keep the city less congested. Given Trumps disruptive behavior at other recent global gatherings, his focus on one-on-one meetings may be welcomed by many of the 20 nations attending the summit, said Thomas Wright, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution in Washington. The response of the allies has been to try to remove opportunities for a serious breakdown of the G-20, said Wright. They want to show multilateralism is dormant at the moment but not necessarily dead. Special correspondent Sabra Ayres contributed from Moscow. The latest from Washington eli.stokols@latimes.com @EliStokols The number of children in the United States without health insurance increased last year for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report that highlights potentially worrisome backsliding in pediatric care. The erosion in health insurance came despite a robust economy, which in the past has helped fuel expansions in coverage. For the record: A previous version of this article said there were 27,000 additional uninsured children in 2017. There were 270,000 more uninsured children. It likely reflects a number of steps taken by the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress that have targeted safety net programs such as Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program known as CHIP, note the authors of the new report from Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. With an improving economy and a very low unemployment rate, the fact that our nation is going backwards on childrens health coverage is very troubling, said Joan Alker, the centers director and the reports lead author. Advertisement Without serious efforts to get back on track, the decline in coverage is likely to continue in 2018 and may, in fact, get worse for Americas children, Alker added. A spokeswoman for Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, who has responsibility for coverage programs for children, referred questions about the coverage decline to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A spokesman for that agency did not address the reports findings, saying only that the agency coordinates a national outreach and enrollment initiative that reaches out to families with children and teens eligible for Medicaid and CHIP. Pediatricians and public health experts widely agree that health insurance is key to ensuring children get recommended care, including regular health screenings and vaccinations. And over the last quarter-century, Democrats and Republicans at the federal and state levels have worked to close coverage gaps by expanding public programs, a move that has helped drive down the uninsured rate for children to historically low levels. In 2016, just 4.7% of children 18 and younger lacked health insurance, according to the census data. That was down from 9.7% in 2008. The gains were particularly critical in many poor, rural parts of the country. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than half of all children in nearly a quarter of U.S. counties, data show. Coverage is just so critical for kids, said Dr. Dennis Cooley, a pediatrician in Topeka, Kan., who chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee on access to care. When kids have coverage, they come in when they should. The result is you can pick up illnesses early on and catch developmental issues early before they get worse. In 2017, however, progress reversed, as the uninsured rate among children ticked up from 4.7% to 5%. That translates to about 270,000 more children without health coverage, according to the new report, which is based on an analysis of census data. The coverage losses were most pronounced in nine states: South Dakota, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and Massachusetts. With the exception of Ohio and Massachusetts, these Republican-led states have elected not to expand Medicaid coverage through the Affordable Care Act. In Texas, more than one in 10 children now lacks health insurance, making Texas the only state with a childrens uninsured rate greater than 10%. By contrast, the uninsured rate among Massachusetts children is just 1.5%. Across the country, not a single state saw a significant decline in the number of uninsured children in 2017, the Georgetown report found, the first time that has happened in at least a decade. The absence of significant progress across the country suggests that even states with the best intentions were unable to withstand strong national currents to protect children from losing coverage, the report notes. Among those trends was the concerted effort in 2017 by President Trump and congressional Republicans to roll back the 2010 healthcare law, often called Obamacare, and cut hundreds of billions of dollars in federal aid for Medicaid and CHIP. That campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, but many low-income parents may have been discouraged from enrolling their children in government plans out of fear the coverage would not be available, Alker said. Compounding that problem, Congress for months delayed legislation to reauthorize CHIP funding for states. That prompted state health officials across the country to warn parents that their children might lose coverage. Created in 1997, CHIP is a government health insurance plan for children of working families who earn too much to qualify for fully subsidized Medicaid coverage but cannot afford most commercial health plans. In addition to targeting Medicaid and CHIP, the Trump administration has dramatically scaled back marketing and assistance to inform Americans about health coverage on marketplaces created by the healthcare law and to help them sign up. Administration officials have also issued warnings that immigrant parents who enroll their children in government health plans such as Medicaid risk losing the ability to get green cards, even if the children are U.S. citizens. The administration in October issued a formal proposal for the new policy. The proposed rule has been widely condemned by health officials, physician groups, hospitals and patient advocates across the country, who warn that it risks discouraging people from seeking necessary care. The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged in its proposal that the new regulation may lead to worse health outcomes, including increased prevalence of obesity and malnutrition, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants or children. The rule is nonetheless expected to be finalized early next year. (Noam Levey / Los Angeles Times) 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 Twitter: @noamlevey Homelessness is nothing short of epidemic in many of the countrys most prosperous regions, Orange County among them. With unemployment at record-low levels, we ask why are so many thousands living on the streets? The reasons are varied, yet patently clear. First, low-wage and some middle-wage jobs do not support a sustainable living that can provide adequate housing, food and basic essentials. Second, substance abuse, coupled with untreated mental health issues, is undermining the collective health of this nation. Third, the situation has grown in sheer numbers so rapidly that government and private-sector agencies are ill-equipped to reverse the trend. Finally, the family unit is fractured. The family unit in America once protected its own, regardless of race, religion, culture or national origin. Not so much today. Divided by many reasons, including separation and circumstance, people are fending for themselves and relying on assistance from wherever they can find it. Clearly, finding real assistance that can be life-changing is difficult. Much of the aid available to the homeless is a Band-Aid. Government struggles to find suitable housing alternatives amid rising angst from overburdened taxpayers, resisting the placement of homeless housing in their neighborhoods, largely due to the fear of the significant population dealing with substance addiction. In spite of all the obstacles, there are small nonprofit agencies, some faith-based, others secular and humanitarian, that do make a difference. Mostly because they tackle the situation one case at a time. In O.C., one of the most successful nonprofits focusing on reversing and/or preventing homelessness is Serving People In Need (SPIN). Headquartered in Costa Mesa, this faith-based, nonsectarian charity has faced this issue for more than 30 years. SPINs founders recognized the need before it became an epidemic. Fast forward to 2017, when SPIN reported placing 517 Orange County adults and children in its housing program. According to SPIN Executive Director Jean Wegener, the task has become exponentially more challenging because finding clean, safe affordable housing is nothing short of Herculean. Despite this roadblock, they succeed, and every one of those 517 people assisted were placed in secure housing, as well as being counseled and guided on employment, health, hygiene, financial management and other matters so that once placed in housing they would have the tools to succeed, become self-sufficient and restore their lives with dignity. SPIN proudly demonstrates a documented rate of success in the high 90% range. Lets face it, our ability to prevent homelessness comes down to raising money, Wegener says.. SPIN operates on a budget that counts on grants (75%) and community fundraising (25%). We watch every cent, she adds continuing, and more than 90% of what we raise goes directly to client services. SPIN recently held its annual community fund-raising dinner gala with a Bavarian Oktoberfest at the Newport Beach Country Club. The fall event welcomed 250 patrons, raising an estimated $325,000. The success was made possible in great part by SPINs dedicated underwriters, with special appreciation paid to presenting sponsors Keith and Florence Smith of Newport Beach. Over some 20 years of involvement with SPIN, the Smiths have contributed upward of a half million dollars, making them the single-largest donors, literally responsible for housing many people they will never know and who will never know them. Joining the Smith family in significant donor support were Mary Lynn and John Rallis, Trish ODonnell, Frank and Peggy Listi, Dick and Kim Crawford, Joe and Heidi Heffington, Curtis Scheets and Maureen Flanagan. Also front and center were major contributors Charles and Regina Granville, Wayne and MaryLou Shattuck, Sharad and Apoorva Bansal and Edward and Melanie Fitch. The SPIN celebration began at dusk with patrons arriving for cocktails and fabulous hors doeuvres.They were entertained by the Linda Herman Bavarian Trio. Many SPIN guests chose to come in Oktoberfest costume. Beer maidens in traditional attire paraded through the ballroom lobby serving samples of German and American craft beers. Newport Beach Country Club staff passed canapes of smoked salmon on pumpernickel toast as the crowd surveyed a massive silent auction. The ballroom doors opened as the guests gathered for the live auction and the ask preceded by an emotional address by a young woman rescued by SPIN, who shared her turnaround story. Guests enjoyed a lavish Oktoberfest buffet featuring grilled brats hot off the barbecue, authentic goulash accompanied by red cabbage, potato pancakes and dill cucumber salad. A grand selection of Bavarian pastries was served for dessert. Comic Bobby Collins headlined with a performance that had the guests in hysterics. Collins, a regular on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, flew in from New York and ultimately helped provide funding to house families and children in need coming forward in 2019. To learn more about SPIN visit SPINOC.org. B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. Construction on Laguna Beachs long-awaited Village Entrance project is putting a strain on artists during the Sawdust Art & Craft Festivals Winter Fantasy, according to some artists presenting at the holiday season event. A space on Laguna Canyon Road between parking Lots 10 and 11 that once held about 30 parking spaces is now filled with dirt, fencing and construction vehicles. Some artists at Winter Fantasy, which opened Nov. 17 and runs weekends through Dec. 16 at the Sawdust Festival grounds at 935 Laguna Canyon, say the reduction in nearby parking is affecting their business. We can always pick at why were not doing well sales-wise, said Robert Holton, a painter exhibiting pop art at the festival. But parking keeps coming up. Everyone says parking is challenging. Lot 10, which has about 60 parking spots, also is closed for Village Entrance construction, though Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis said the lot is usually closed during Winter Fantasy and is used by a Christmas tree vendor. The city has made parking available at Lot 16, also known as Act V, across from Ganahl Lumber on Laguna Canyon Road. Dupuis said free weekend trolleys run about every eight minutes between Lot 16 and the Sawdust Festival grounds and every 15 minutes between Lot 16 and the bus depot on Broadway, across from Acacia Drive. Dupuis said 4,800 people rode the trolley from Lot 16 to Winter Fantasy last year. There is sufficient service from ACT V to Sawdust and the depot along these routes, Dupuis said in an email. Still, some artists are concerned that a lack of signage is contributing to a heightened parking problem. Two parking signs on Laguna Canyon Road point to the dug-up construction zone. Dupuis said new signs will go up before this weekend on Laguna Canyon Road and around Lots 11 and 16 to alert festival-goers to the parking changes. Michaell Magrutsche, who describes himself as an activist for artists, said he contacted city officials about the parking situation after several artists complained to him about a decrease in festival attendance. Youre really hurting artists, Magrutsche said. They love the Sawdust, they love going there. Ive never seen people who are more committed to the cause of art and being in the Sawdust and not making money. Representatives of the Sawdust Festival did not respond for requests for comment. Parking was a major consideration for the Village Entrance construction plan, which officially broke ground in September. From January to May, Lot 10 will be reopened and Lot 11 will be closed. Lot 12 on Forest Avenue and the City Hall employee lot will be open. Construction will pause for the summer and begin again in September, closing the employee lot until January 2020. From January to May 2020, Lots 10 and 11 and the employee lot will be open and Lot 12 will be closed. The Village Entrance phasing plan is displayed at the projects groundbreaking Sept. 11. (File Photo) Once the Village Entrance is complete, Dupuis said, 370 parking spaces will be available on the project site, as well as spots for eight motorcycles and 104 bicycles. The Village Entrance project has been in discussion for nearly 50 years. The City Council approved a construction contract in August for an $11.1-million plan to add new pedestrian and bicycle pathways, 120 trees and thousands of shrubs to help beautify the Laguna Canyon Road entry to Laguna Beach. Some festival artists are prepared for parking closures until the projects proposed end in May 2020. Im extra early because I know you gotta be extra early if you want to park, Winter Fantasy exhibitor Bill Atkins, a graphic designer, said with a laugh. Just be there, be happy. Its a festival. faith.pinho@latimes.com Twitter: @faithepinho Nine people were detained after a fishing boat landed in Laguna Beach on Thursday morning. Other people aboard fled and are being sought, police said. Just before 7 a.m., police contacted members of a group who had traveled on the blue-and-white panga-style boat to a beach in South Laguna, said Laguna Beach Police Department spokesman Jim Cota. Two men suspected of human smuggling were among those detained, U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Vincent Pirro said in a statement. No drugs were involved, he added. The two suspects are a U.S. citizen and an undocumented immigrant, the Border Patrol said. Seven men four nationals of Mexico and three of China were among the passengers, the Border Patrol said. Two vehicles were found that authorities believe were assigned to pick up the boats passengers, Laguna Beach police said. Police obtained video showing 13 people fleeing the boat. Authorities searched for the additional passengers on the beach and surrounding cliffs, police said. Laguna Beach PD, Marine Safety, and @CBP are still in the area searching on foot for additional panga boat passengers after the obtained video shows 13 individuals fleeing from the boat. Currently, 7 are detained. pic.twitter.com/ETvZ2gAr4f Laguna Beach Police (@LagunaBeachPD) November 29, 2018 An observer alerted police after seeing the boat approaching the shore at Coast Royale Beach in front of the Laguna Royale condominium community near Bluff Drive, the Border Patrol said. The boats starting point isnt clear, authorities said. Panga boat landings have occurred before in the Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove areas. In June, a similar vessel was found abandoned near Crystal Cove State Park. An investigation estimated that 12 people had disembarked, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In 2010, eight to 10 people in a small boat reportedly went ashore at Crystal Cove State Park. In 2013, officials seized a boat carrying 24 passengers, including a 17-year-old, near Crystal Cove. A year later, officials found an abandoned 30-foot panga boat in that area. Panga boats are fishing vessels that tend to be about 20 feet long and often are powered by outboard motors. They sometimes are used to smuggle drugs and people into the United States, according to the Border Patrol. In the 2017 fiscal year, the Border Patrol reported it apprehended 347 people trying to enter the country by water along the California coast. julia.sclafani@latimes.com UPDATES: 5:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details, including the latest number of people detained and a change in the location from West Street Beach to Laguna Royale Beach. 11:40 a.m.: This article was updated with the latest number of people detained and further information on the passengers nationalities. This article was originally published at 10:30 a.m. Kathryn Levassiur has become a familiar face to the Huntington Beach City Council the past two years. The longtime local resident has spent some of the public comment period of several council meetings advocating legalization of short-term vacation rentals in town. Such rentals of rooms or entire homes typically for 30 days or less have boomed since gaining traction with online platforms such as Airbnb. Sometimes she tells the council about a recent experience with a guest. Or shell list ways such businesses benefit the city. Levassiur has become the driving force of a growing group of voices calling on city officials to legalize short-term rentals following City Attorney Michael Gates recent crackdown on illegal businesses in Surf City. Theres always a chance they can come after me, but I feel that by speaking openly on public forums, they have respect for the effort, Levassiur said in an interview. The Huntington Beach Short-Term Rental Alliance, a group founded by Levassiur and composed of 100 members, believes short-term rental businesses could benefit the city if regulated and taxed like hotels. The group advocates for public hearings with city leaders to brainstorm the pros and cons of short-term rentals and to look to other cities for guidance in developing a plan in support of affordable lodgings near the coast while generating occupancy tax revenue for the city and maintaining the quality of life in neighborhoods. The alliance also cites the California Coastal Acts Section 30213, which states in the public access chapter that lower-cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged and, where feasible, provided. Levassiur said she tries to maintain good relationships with city officials and takes the high road at every angle. But, she added, failure is not an option. Huntington Beach resident Kathryn Levassiur keeps maps by her front door where her short-term rental guests can place tacks to show where theyre visiting from. (Courtesy of Kathryn Levassiur) Officials estimate the city has 700 short-term rental operations. Some critics contend such businesses damage neighborhoods quality of life with party houses, loud noise, and traffic and parking congestion. Maintaining quality of life for residents is paramount, and anything undermining that concerns the city, Gates said. However, its not black and white with rentals, he said. Its very complicated. Discussion of the topic may reach the council next year, according to Mayor Mike Posey, who declined further comment. For about $135 a night, guests can stay in Pat Byers Huntington Beach home a few miles from the beach. Amenities include a full kitchen, washer, dryer, WiFi, bathroom essentials, coffee maker, free parking on the premises and more. Byers worked at a boutique earning minimum wage before she realized she enjoyed using Airbnb to rent out her home. One of her favorite memories is of helping a guest propose to his girlfriend. Byers said she set up a reservation at Dukes restaurant, a short walk from the end of the pier, where the man proposed. Later, the couple from Santa Ana went back to Byers home, where she had a bottle of champagne ready for them in front of the fireplace. Byers, a widow who relies on income from Airbnb and Social Security, said she wouldnt be able to stay in my house if she couldnt rent it out. Mary Franck of Huntington Beach rents out her detached 400-square-foot guest house for about $100 a night. She began offering it on Airbnb in 2015, a few months after she abruptly lost her job of 14 years. She said the money she earns about $25,000 a year helps her keep up her house, put her son through college and maintain her lifestyle. Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize believes Huntington Beach has been slow to join the conversation about short-term rentals out of fear of affecting its hotels. She said she isnt sure how the city should proceed but is open to studying the issue and looking for guidance in neighboring cities like Newport Beach, which established a permit system. If do we this, it should be the same for a homeowner as a hotel, Delgleize said, referring to an occupancy tax. Im not trying to put a hotel out of business. Leveling the playing field is a must. Councilman Patrick Brenden suggested using the Sunset Beach area as a test. When Sunset Beach was annexed to Huntington Beach, Brenden said, community members were allowed to continue operating existing short-term rentals, though it isnt official or formal. One thing weve talked about is potentially bringing forward an ordinance for that district to put structure to it and impose permit requirements, TOT [transient occupancy tax] and certain house rules and standards of operating, Brenden said. It might be a test base for the city as it considers the bigger issue for the entire city down the road. Advocates for the lodgings say theyre ready for the long haul. We know it takes time for cities to adapt and make changes to ordinances, but were passionate and we see it comes with benefits, Franck said. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Ho Anh Dung, said that Vietnam and Palestine have a traditional friendship and long-standing cooperation. Over the past 30 years, the cooperation between the two countries has been continuously strengthened and developed, particularly through many high-level visits paid by their leaders. The Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People and Vietnam Palestine Friendship Association have coordinated with Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam to organise various activities promoting the solidarity between the two peoples. Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam, Saadi Salama, stressed that the traditional cooperation between Vietnam and Palestine is a pride and precious asset of the two countries. On behalf of Palestines leaders and people, the Ambassador extended his sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese Government and people for their support to the Palestinian people's just struggle for its basic national rights. At the ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Kamal Malhotra read UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The UC Irvine Foundation is seeking to sell the donated Laguna Beach home of a late professor for nearly $2.3 million. Compass Real Estate listed the 2,672-square-foot home of Christian Werner, late dean of UCIs School of Social Sciences and professor emeritus of geography and economics, last week for $2.295 million. After Werners death in March 2016 at age 81, his estate continued to contribute to the university in the form of two $1-million donations in 2017 and, in April this year, donated his home and $200,000 in cash. A university news release said proceeds from the sale will support graduate programs at the school, where Werner worked for more than 25 years. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house features light wood floors and glass-lined walls that offer a panoramic view of the Laguna coastline and village from the master bedroom. The living room, which overlooks the canyon, has a deck and fireplace. The property also has a two-car garage. The contemporary, single-family home is at 657 Buena Vista Way, on the tail of a dead-end street. Compass agents Michael Johnson and Paulo Prietto held an open house Wednesday. They were not immediately available for comment. The current median price for homes listed in Laguna Beach is more than $2.64 million, according to Zillow, while the median price of homes sold in the city is about $1.9 million. Werner rebuilt the house in 1996, three years after a fire devastated several homes in the Buena Vista neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Times, the German-born professor purchased the site in 1972, a year before he was appointed associate dean at UCIs School of Social Sciences. He served as acting dean for two years and officially became dean in 1975 for a four-year term. Werners work focused on applying mathematical principles to geography, according to UCI. After retiring in 1994, he continued to serve the campus through committee participation. It was through our work with students that we got to see firsthand the difference additional funding can have on a students ability to focus on academics and research, Werners wife, Kathy Alberti, said in a statement. She worked at UCIs graduate office for several years. Being now in a position to help, I feel really lucky and so would Christian to play a part in the education of our next generation, she said. faith.pinho@latimes.com Twitter: @faithepinho My father-in-law is a wonderful man. A former firefighter, hes tough but loving, sharp as a tack and certainly nobodys fool. But when he answered his home phone one day a few years ago, his abiding devotion to his family led him to fall for one of the most common scams around, one thats right up there with the fraudulent Nigerian Prince story. Its known as the Grandparent Scam, and this one played the script to the letter. Hi Grandpa, the caller said, to which my father-in-law replied by asking if it was my son, and even used his name. The fake grandson claimed that he was in trouble. He was traveling in Canada, he said, and had been arrested. Could grandpa wire him bail money, and Oh, by the way Im begging you; please dont tell dad because hell be furious? My dear father-in-law, completely convinced that he had been speaking with my son, complied, and sent $700 by wire transfer. Shortly afterward, he called my husband and asked a mysterious question about our sons whereabouts. Hes home in L.A., my husband replied, and when he asked what prompted the question, my father-in-law refused to say. It was only after more phone calls and repeated prodding that the full story emerged, and we had the unfortunate task of convincing grandpa that he had fallen victim to a con artist. Stories like this are common. Grandparents are seen as easy prey because most love their grandchildren fiercely and feel compelled to protect them, so they have difficulty saying no when these scammers who are practiced at sounding scared and desperate plead for money. Grandparents are also targeted because information on them including age, landline phone numbers, addresses and financial details is often easily available online. This can help con artists find likely victims and tailor their fictional stories of being arrested, involved in an accident or hospitalized in order to improve their odds of success. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 350,000 such scams were reported in 2017, with losses amounting to $328 million. The real numbers are probably much higher, authorities say, as many of these scams are never reported. While theres no way to completely shut down these fraudsters, experts say that increased awareness can go a long way to reduce such incidents. Family members should let grandparents know about the prevalence of this type of illicit activity and how these scams are carried out. And by all means, grandparents and everyone else, for that matter should know that they should never give out personal or financial information over the phone, and never wire money to anyone without being absolutely certain that they are doing so for a legitimate reason. My father-in-law has put up with some good-natured teasing after falling for one of these scams, but in truth victims are often smart, well-educated people who simply let their emotions override their doubts. Many have been taken for far more than the amount my father-in-law lost, leading to financial hardship. And some victims have reported that after realizing theyve been duped, theyve felt humiliated and depressed over their gullibility. This cautionary tale is a good reminder that, with Christmas approaching, were now in prime fraud season. Grandparent scams are just one of many that are shamelessly employed by con artists. Who hasnt received phone messages from callers making bogus claims of overdue tax payments, fake charity solicitations, and ploys from fictional financial institutions? The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be particularly wary when shopping online. Always use a credit (not debit) card for online purchases and shop only on websites that are known to be secure. Be extremely suspicious when unusual payment methods are requested; when clicking on social media posts or links to unfamiliar websites; if deals sound too good to be true (they almost always are); when receiving electronic greeting cards from unknown sources; and if a delivery service claims to need additional information. One common Christmastime scam involves offering charming letters to Santa as a pretense to gather personal information to use for fraudulent purposes. When ordering such letters, authorities say, always make sure to deal with known and reputable sources. And never underestimate the ingenuity and persistence of scammers. Indeed, not long after my father-in-law sent the money to the person posing as his grandson, he received a second call pleading for more. By that time he had wised up, and told the caller hed be happy to refer the request to his local sheriffs department. And just recently, while recovering from hip surgery, my father-in-law received yet another call from someone purporting to be my son with a tale of woe similar to the first phone scam. My sister-in-law, who had been helping out during her fathers recovery, took the call. And promptly hung up. In this season of giving and goodwill, we still need to keep our common sense radar tuned to skeptical. Unfortunately, con artists lists are just as long as Santas. Patrice Apodaca is a former Newport-Mesa public school parent and former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She lives in Newport Beach. Patrice Apodaca is a former Newport-Mesa public school parent and former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She lives in Newport Beach. The city will implement a two-month rent freeze beginning at the end of next month, as city officials wait for staff to bring back an ordinance that would place regulations on rent increases that have sent some longtime residents packing. After Dec. 27, landlords will not be able to raise their rents more than 5% above what they were on Sept. 18, according to the ordinance passed in a 3-1 vote by the Glendale City Council at nearly 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Then we can come back with something robust, that has teeth, said Mayor Zareh Sinanyan, who made the motion for the freeze toward the end of a seven-hour meeting. By the freezes expiration date of Feb. 27, city manager Yasmin Beers said staff members could have ready whats known as a Right to Lease ordinance for council members to consider. The ordinance would require landlords to offer tenants a one-year lease and attend mandatory hearings if they propose large rent hikes. Tenants would also have the right to receive relocation fees if rent increases exceed a specified percentage per year. With the debate over how to address the lack of affordable housing in the city spanning more than two years, lone dissenter Councilwoman Paula Devine said the few months staff said it needed to prepare the ordinance was negligible. Instead, she said the ordinance would do more harm than good, potentially scaring away investors and rattling the local market. Its a broad stroke thats affecting all of the landlords because of a few that are disreputable, so I dont think its fair to them, Devine said. In the past two years, thousands of people have left Glendale, Sinanyan responded. Its not just time, its lives that have been disrupted, he added. Weve lost human assets. Supporters, including Councilman Vrej Agajanian, said the goal is to prevent landlords from jacking up rents as the possibility of more permanent regulations loom. Councilman Vartan Gharpetian, who seemed to be on the fence, was the one who suggested reducing the length of the freeze to two months. He also said he would not vote to extend it. Originally, the council was considering a six-month freeze. Councilman Ara Najarian recused himself from the meeting and all other meetings concerning rent control for the time being because he owns an interest in several apartment buildings in the city. He said he was disappointed by the recusal ordered by a federal agency overseeing conflict-of-interest laws. I would like nothing more [than] to participate in this process and break the 2-2 tie that is tearing this city apart, Najarian said. Najarian was referring to a Nov. 13 Council meeting that ended with Sinanyan and Agajanian favoring rent control and Devine and Gharpetian leaning toward a Right to Lease ordinance. Staff was directed to prepare reports on both options. At that time, the council also seemed poised to adopt a six-month, 5% rent freeze, with Devine joining the rest in directing staff to prepare an ordinance. The initial move, in part, was modeled on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors decision in mid-September to implement a six-month rent-increase limit of 3% in the countys unincorporated areas, which include communities north of Glendale and west of La Canada Flintridge. At the most recent meeting, Agajanian rescinded his support for rent control and said he would support a Right to Lease ordinance with several conditions. Sinanyan announced his support for rent control in September, but also appeared ready to compromise. There was no mention this week of bringing back a rent control report. Residents and stakeholders on both sides of the issue registered a lack of clarity following Tuesdays meeting, similar to a feeling that prevailed at the previous one. [Council members] had very muddled thinking about what they were there to do tonight, said Linda Neumier, a Glendale resident who supports rent control, just after the meeting. They were also naive to think that their inaction wouldnt have an immediate financial repercussion for renters. Our rents are going up, she added. Local real estate broker Albert Hairapetian, who said he thinks the market will naturally stabilize rents, also said confusion has already set in, with people in the hallway after the meeting asking him to explain what had happened. By the time someone enacts a rent increase, or tries to figure out the algorithm [based] on how the meeting turned out the sunset clause will pretty much put an end to it, and were going to be back to square one again, Hairapetian said. lila.seidman@latimes.com Twitter: @lila_seidman Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we look at whos in front after one round of Kentucky Derby futures wagering. Most of you have probably already heard that on Monday, Frank Mirahmadi was named the new race caller at Santa Anita, replacing Michael Wrona. To read the story that I wrote about it on Monday, just click here. And, if you want to know more about Frank, heres a very long story I did on him when he was at Golden Gate in March, 2017. Just click here. Thanks to all of you who sent along your thoughts on the change. I would say its about 70-30 in favor of keeping Wrona, which is different than a who-would-you-want poll between Wrona and Mirahmadi. The mail was mostly about if Wrona should have been let go, not about the replacement. If race calling were like any other business, Wrona would already have been snapped up with a great job, but its a very small community with very few openings. Heres hoping that Aqueduct has the smarts to see what Wrona could bring to its track, but I got to thinking, has New York ever had a caller with a non-U.S.-based accent? We can hope. The bottom line is they are both excellent race callers. No one has told me this, but if I can read between the lines, a factor that may have worked in Mirahmadis favor is that he is a handicapper, having served time (and I dont mean that in a bad way) at TVG. Wrona, who no doubt would do whatever was asked of him, did not have that background or opportunity. If you look at Santa Anitas decision to change programs, which is under discussion for the upcoming meeting, Stronach racing boss Tim Ritvo wanted to get more betting information in front of the public. The more you think you know, the more you might bet, the more you bet, the more the track makes. I think you can expect to see Frank at handicapping seminars, meeting, greeting and talking with customers about picking winners. Although, as we reported on Monday, he says particulars about what his marketing role will be is not yet defined. Wrona has lost jobs before and always rebounded. I can name a lot of tracks where he would be a significant upgrade, although its probably better not to name them. Heres wishing Michael all the best in the world, and heres wishing a warm welcome back to Frank. Derby future pool This last weekend was the first Kentucky Derby futures pool. Now, I do happen to think that the futures pool is one of the biggest sucker bets out there, given that you are betting on a horse more than five months before a race. Last years first futures pool listed eight horses that made it to the Derby: Bolt dOro (finished 12th), Enticed (14), Firenze Fire (11), Free Drop Billy (16), Good Magic (2), Lone Sailor (8), Mendelssohn (20), Solomini (10). Youre thinking, hey, Good Magic finished second. Well, if you bet him in the futures pool, you got him at 11-1, if you bet him the day of the race, you got about 10-1 ($9.70 to be exact). Woo hoo. As for me, I just like looking at the list, so I know who to pay attention to in the coming months. Here are the odds after the first pool. 1. Cairo Cat, 59-1 2. Code of Honor, 18-1 3. Coliseum, 10-1 4. Dunph, 72-1 5. Epic Dreamer, 88-1 6. Game Winner, 5-1 7. Gunmetal Gray, 76-1 8. Improbable, 17-1 9. Instagrande, 10-1 10. King for the Day, 53-1 11. Knicks Go, 44-1 12. Magic on Tap, 43-1 13. Maximus Mischief, 26-1 14. Mucho, 44-1 15. Mucho Gusto, 47-1 16. Network Effect, 59-1 17. Preamble, 99-1 18. Roadster, 32-1 19. Signalman, 30-1 20. Tale of the Union, 46-1 21. Uncle Benny, 53-1 22. Vekoma, 36-1 23. All other 3-year-old fillies, 66-1 24. All other 3-year-old males, 6-5 Del Mar preview Its a pretty average eight-race card on Thursday at Del Mar. First post is 12:30 p.m. There are two races for a purse of $53,000, both written strictly for Cal-breds. The second, an allowance/optional claimer, is for 2-year-olds going six furlongs. It has six starters. Well call the fifth the feature, though, a mile on the turf for 2-year-old maidens. The favorite, at 3-1, comes with a big price tag of $390,000 owned by the business couple of Jerry and Ann Moss. Mobou is trained by John Shirreffs and will be ridden by Mike Smith. He hasnt won in three starts but finished second last out, a maiden special at Santa Anita. The 7-2 second choice is Unusual Rider for Mike Puype and Drayden Van Dyke. He is winless in two starts, but has two third-place finishes. Here are the field sizes, in order, with all the odd numbered races on the turf: 8, 6, 9 (2 also eligible), 8, 11 (1 ae), 7, 11 (1 ae), 10. Bob Ikes SA play of the day SEVENTH RACE: No. 1 Wilshire Dude (8-1) New face from the Bill Spawr barn ships in from Florida where he made his last start in June. He has decent form on turf, dirt and slop, so if the expected rain hits and this race is moved off the grass, he should feel right at home. Solid works for a barn that does very well with fresh horses, so tab at a solid price. Sundays result: The Hunted ($5.80) made it two straight, stepping up to easily handle Cal-bred allowance runners in the eighth race. Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here's a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy). Golden Gate preview We are back with our weekly look at the best racing going on at Golden Gate Fields. Race caller and all-around good guy Matt Dinerman is our host for previews and other musings. So, take it away, Matt. We have two more weeks and eight race days left to go at the current fall meet. An eight-race card on Thursday, a nine-race program on Friday and two 10-race overnights on Saturday and Sunday to make our week an eventful one. The feature race of the week is the $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds going one mile on the main track. Leading the list of local contenders is the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Tivan, winner of the Golden Nugget Stakes on Nov. 10. The son of Indian Evening is undefeated in two career starts and makes his route debut in the Gold Rush. Hollendorfer has always thought highly of Tivan, who will once again be ridden by veteran journeyman Frank Alvarado. Other locals set to get support in the wagering are the two Jonathan Wong entrants of Mad Luther and Mayor Cobb, and recent maiden winner Rally Cat. Rally Cat, by Take Charge Indy out of a Washington state champion route mare, certainly has the breeding to like going two turns. A trio of Southern California shippers travel north to compete in the Gold Rush. The Creep, who won a starter allowance at Golden Gate two races ago, recently finished fourth in a salty allowance race at Del Mar for trainer Doug ONeill and returns to the bayside track for his stakes debut. Meanwhile, Spin Lightning, from the Jeff Mullins barn, broke his maiden at first asking in August at Del Mar before finishing off the board in two straight stakes races: the Grade I Del Mar Futurity and the Zuma Beach Stakes. Sueno rounds out the list of Southern California entrants. The Keith Desormeaux trainee broke his maiden at the $80,000 maiden claiming level at Del Mar on Aug. 31 and races for the first time since the maiden triumph. William Antongeorgi III sits atop the jockey standings with 23 victories, three ahead of Abel Cedillo. Jonathan Wong has run away with the trainer standings. The 2018 winter/spring and summer meet leading trainer has won 23 trips to the winners circle, 13 more than Hollendorfer. An $88,000 carryover in the Stronach 5 this Friday guarantees a terrific pool size. Luckily, Golden Gate Fields offers two races in the Stronach 5 sequence: Races 2 and 3 on Friday. Also, the 20 Cent Golden Pick Six jackpot carryover has increased to over $15,000 heading into Thursdays card Good field sizes and competitive racing have been a trend over the past few weeks and, based on the overnights, appears to be a trend that continues heading into this week. Good luck! Final thought Still looking to jump the circulation of this newsletter. Cant beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you dont like it, then youre probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up. Remember, its free, and all we need is your email, nothing more. If you have any thoughts, you can reach me at johnacherwa@gmail.com. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa And now the star of the show, Thursdays entries. More than eight years after the bullet-riddled remains of former Clippers player Lorenzen Wright were found in Memphis, Tenn., a trial date has been set for his ex-wife and another man charged with the killing. During a hearing Thursday, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Lee Coffee ordered the trial of Sherra Wright and Billy Ray Turner to start on Sept. 16, 2019. Unless there is some unavoidable act of God that makes it impossible to try this case, this case will be tried on that date, Coffee told the defendants. Prosecutors charged Wright and Turner in December with shooting Lorenzen Wright to death in a field to collect on a $1-million life insurance policy. Both have pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Sherra Wright, who lived in Murrieta at the time of her arrest, is jailed in lieu of $20-million bail. Turner, also facing charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, is being held in lieu of $15-million bail. Its all like a terrible dream, all of it, she wrote in a letter to the Los Angeles Times earlier this year. From his murder to my arrest, unreal. But, I have grown as a woman of God that is putting my hope in the Lord. I believe, with the help of the nation, I will make bond. Coffee said during a hearing last month that a mental evaluation found Wright was sane at the time of her ex-husbands death and she is able to understand the legal proceedings. The mental evaluation followed a series of jailhouse incidents involving Wright after her arrest. In one of the incidents noted by Coffee, Wright stuffed items into a toilet to flood a cell, stripped naked and told guards she was going swimming, yall. When Coffee asked Thursday if Wright had any questions, she responded, No, sir. The judge also addressed Lorenzen Wrights mother, Deborah Marion, as the hearing concluded. I know youve been waiting a long time for closure on this case, Coffee said. This case will be tried . nathan.fenno@latimes.com Twitter: @nathanfenno Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchis newest restaurant, Goen Dining + Bar, opened this month in Kailua on Oahus east side, a mere 16 miles from the original Roys. Roys debuted three decades ago and still stands in the Honolulu suburb of Hawaii Kai. Now Yamaguchi has big plans to mark the milestone. The 30th anniversary celebration will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the first Roys, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway in Honolulu. Renowned chefs Celestino Drago from Los Angeles, Hubert Keller, Nobu Matsuhisha, Michael Mina and Alan Wong will be in the house. Roy Yamaguchis original restaurant in Hawaii Kai remains pretty much unchanged from when it first opened 30 years ago. (Craig Bixel) Advertisement Keller, also an avid DJ, will cook and spin discs during the party. Hes charismatic, Yamaguchi said. He gets into it and gets the crowd going. [General admission tickets cost $155 and are available online or by calling (808) 396-7697.] Yamaguchi, 62, grew up in Tokyo and spent some summers with relatives on Maui. As a young man, he studied culinary arts in New York City before working as a chef in Los Angeles. He left for Oahu in the spring of 1988 to begin work on his solo venture for the restaurant that opened Dec. 23, 1988. Naysayers mocked the location in Hawaii Kai, calling it a graveyard for restaurants. He proved them wrong. Yamaguchis collection of restaurants now numbers 26, including 10 in Hawaii and 16 more on the U.S. mainland, including 6 in Southern California. Our philosophy has never changed, Yamaguchi said. Our passion for the way we cook and how we cook, and having a lot of Asian influences to our food, have never changed. Though the philosophy hasnt changed, the menu at his newest venture has. Goen Dining + Bar in Kailua, on Oahus east side, opened its doors Nov. 21. Were not duplicating what weve done at Roys in the past that which Roys is most famous for, he said. We wanted to create a different ambience and a unique flair. Chicken rice is one of chef Roy Yamaguchis favorite entrees at his new restaurant in Kailua on Oahus East Shore. (Craig Bixel) Goen, open for lunch and dinner, features dinner appetizers such as a beet salad with Humboldt Fog goat cheese ($9) and crispy pork belly with tomato sambal and chicharron ($11). We have a cha soba with a grilled flank steak [$24], Yamaguchi said. We have a grilled salmon with Hijiki rice [$23], [and] we have a chicken dish, which I think is really great, with Korean 12-grain rice [$23]. Crispy pork belly is one of the dinnertime appetizers at Goen Dining + Bar. (Craig Bixel) Info: Goen Dining + Bar, 573 Kailua Road, Kailua, (808) 263-4636 ALSO Mauis Wailea resorts are best in Hawaii, Conde Nast Travelers readers say Pearl Harbors USS Arizona Memorial will reopen in March Eataly Las Vegas plans December opening in Park MGM. In a first for the brand, it will stay open 24/7 travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Coronado, with its beautiful beaches and delightful village center, is a fine spot to spend a weekend almost any time of the year, but my husband and I chose fall when the air is a bit crisper and the crowds a bit sparser. We had a fine time in October, but if you can manage to get away in December, the town offers lots of holiday spirit and a charming albeit sunny North Pole vibe. The Hotel del Coronado, the grand dame of the peninsula, is illuminated with thousands of white lights and its halls decked with festive Victorian decorations. Visitors can ice skate by the sea, quaff a cuppa (afternoon tea) and treats, enjoy carolers and more. The tab: Weekend rates at the Hotel del Coronado start about $300 a night, without taxes, plus $50 parking and $35 resort fee. Holiday events, which can be pricey, may significantly boost the bill. THE BED Decisions, decisions. The Del offers a variety of accommodations. Guest rooms and suites in the historic Victorian building vary in size and layout; those in the Ocean Towers and California Cabanas are more contemporary and feature private balconies or patios. Because we werent going to be in our room much, we chose a smaller resort-view room in the Victorian building. Around the holidays, the Del transforms into a winter wonderland (think Beach Boys meet A Christmas Carol). Offerings include Chanukah on Ice (Dec. 5), Holiday Surrey Sleigh Rides (Dec. 14), Skate With Tara Lipinski (Dec. 15), and Stockings and Stories (Dec. 18-24). THE MEAL Advertisement We ordered a Pacific storm of food at West Pac Noodle Bar, a new casual eatery on Orange Avenue, Coronados main drag. The meal Korean fried chicken with spicy gochujang sauce complemented the lumpia with sweet chili sauce; a poke bowl (with avocado, purple cabbage and pickled ginger) and a chicken katsu sandwich with sweet potato fries was a mouthful to say, let alone eat. For holiday weekenders, the Del has some special treats: Sunday Brunch With Santa (Dec. 9, 16, 23), Victorian Tea (Dec. 17-21, teas, finger sandwiches, sweets) and Polar Bear Tea (Dec. 22, stories with Mrs. Claus, crafts and more). THE FIND The ferry makes its approach to Coronado. (Irene Lechowitzky) A stop at the Ferry Landing is a staple for visitors, either to take the ferry across the bay or to dine at one of its restaurants. On this trip we discovered the new El Roys Tequila Bar + Kitchen, which has a good happy hour and great views of passing ships, the much-photographed San Diego-Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego. Go at sundown and catch the show as San Diegos waterfront high-rises light up the night. If you are here Dec. 9 or 16, you can watch the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, in which scores of decorated boats traverse the bay. On Dec. 7, the Coronado Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual holiday parade along Orange Avenue. THE LESSON LEARNED Even a laid-back beach town can deliver top-notch theater. Lambs Players Theatre, an award-winning artist-led company that performs in the historic Spreckels Building, has two holiday productions on tap: Lambs Festival of Christmas (Dec. 1-30) and Lambs Christmas Cabaret (Dec. 17). Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado; (800) 468-3533. Wheelchair-accessible. West Pac Noodle Bar, 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado; (619) 313-6003. Wheelchair-accessible. El Roys Tequila Bar + Kitchen: 1201 1st St., No.115, Coronado; (619) 537-0195. Wheelchair-accessible. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Chamber of Commerce holiday parade, (619) 435-9260 Lambs Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; (619) 437-6000. Wheelchair-accessible. As we do with many things, wittingly or otherwise, we bring our biases to travel. I would never go to A, you say, because B. B might be real obstacles (a language barrier or distance, for instance) or things that seem unwelcoming (disagreeable climate or troubling politics). Facts usually can overcome whats real or imagined, but the most damning B answer is, Why would I want to? Other than civil war or other issues of safety, the real question, if given an opportunity to go, is, Why would you not? Advertisement My name is Catharine Hamm, and Im the travel editor for the Los Angeles Times. Id like to propose a drum roll hold the eye roll for the latest entry in the sections Sites and Sounds series, which has sought music venues across the country as reasons for visiting. Staff writer Christopher Reynolds began with New Yorks Carnegie Hall and continued with San Franciscos Fillmore. Next stop: Cains in Tulsa, Okla. Candygram! For Reynolds, who has traveled all over the world, Cains was a surprise, especially because its musical history includes more than twangy country tunes. It also has entertained Sid Vicious and the Sex Pistols and Bob Dylan, among others. Then it was on to Colorados Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a gorgeous setting that has hosted an operatic soprano and Steve Martin singing King Tut. Then he headed to Chicago, where the Windy Citys special brand of blues, performed in a variety of clubs, tries to stave off musical erosion, and finally to Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium, full of the ghosts of Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and others. The delight for Reynolds was not the temple of country music but the sheer amount of music of all kinds. His most recent assignment was in a city thats home to one of the most amazing classical orchestras in the world, built into a powerhouse by conductor George Szell and led by numerous others since. The orchestras home is a stunning 1931 Art Deco/Egyptian Revival Palace that fairly shimmers. And the place? Cleveland. Dont say its too far, its too cold, its too conservative, its too this, its too that. Its too remarkable to ignore. Cleveland in winter may not be the warmest spot, climatologically speaking, but youll be inside (and you may also want to dip your toe into the citys Playhouse Square, where restored theaters echo the sophistication of other eras). Plus, theres the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This city is more than a one-trick pony. In other news, you may be headed to a huge event in Vegas where the tickets are sold out. Fear not. We tell you how to have fun anyway. Or you may want to do a little Christmas shopping on the Central Coast, or get a preview of a travel-related float in the Rose Parade. You might want a wrap-up of the fall color season (yes, the Golden State does put on an autumnal show) or get an inside look at what those strict AAA inspectors look for in a hotel. And you can top it all off with National Geographics Best of 2019 list, which jaw-dropped another of my travel colleagues who also may not yet have an appreciation for the riches of the fly-over states. Its all part of a menu of stories that we hope will surprise you in a good way, which is the wonder of travel. Read on. No mistake about it: This Ohio city is a music powerhouse Cleveland got a bad rap and a bad rep in the wake of a downward spiral that led to its unflattering nickname: Mistake on the Lake. Even during the worst of times, Christopher Reynolds writes, the Cleveland Orchestra stood tall and was bathed in the opulence of its home, Severance Hall. If you go to Cleveland Orchestras homepage youll see Welcome to Our Second Century. Its going to be hard to top its first century, but given its tremendous musical muscle, it may be on its way. The Cleveland Orchestra performing at Severance Hall in Cleveland. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Vegas as cowtown? Each year Las Vegas hosts the National Finals Rodeo Dec. 6-15 this year. Its so popular that tickets are sold out. But you can still have fun, Jay Jones writes in his guide to getting the most out of an event you may not be able to see. Olin Hannum from Malad, Idaho, competes in steer wrestling in the 2017 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. If you cant get tickets, you still can have fun. (David Becker / Las Vegas News Bureau) To market, to market Santa Barbara brings a touch of Europe to its Christmas market but in its own, American Riviera way, Mary Forgione writes. For one thing, unlike the fantastic markets in, say, Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic, you wont be freezing your nose and toes off. The Paseo Nuevo shopping area off State Street in downtown Santa Barbara decorates for the holidays every year. The new Night Market adds to the holiday vibe. (Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants and Visit Santa Barbara) Keeping afloat New year, new entry, new ship. For the first time, Carnival Cruise Line will have a float in the Rose Parade, Rosemary McClure writes. The new Carnival Panorama will homeport in Long Beach and sail the Mexican Riviera. The 130th Rose Parade will begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 1. Carnival Cruise Line will have a float in the 2019 Rose Parade that shows the new Carnival Panorama. (Carnival Cruise Line) Checking out the ick factor at hotels Ever wonder what a hotel inspector looks for? For my On the Spot column, I had the chance to interview Inspector 63, who doesnt reveal her name for obvious reasons. It was fascinating to hear what she looks for on the job for AAA, especially the indications of cleanliness. She looks in places that you may not: the backs of picture frames. But you may want to just to be sure. Hotel room inspectors review rooms and also the lobby of each hotel. (Tess Richards / For The Times) Where in the world? I worked in Kansas City, Mo., for 12 years and lived in the Kansas suburbs for all of my 15-year tenure and would still be there if life hadnt intervened. So I was especially excited to read in Mary Forgiones piece that Kansas City was included on National Geographics Best Trips of 2019. There were some puzzled looks from others about its inclusion, but the unexpected is part of the fun of Maryellen Kennedy Ducketts list, which also includes one California city that I think is one of the Golden States most intriguing. Giant shuttlecock on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo. (Beth Gauper / St. Paul Pioneer Press) Mostly theyve crept past our windows Every year, CaliforniaFallColor.com documents the changing of leaves in California. The color season is over, but we look back on places that were spectacular this year in our autumn wrap-up. Its not New England, but when you see this compilation of photos, you may ask, Why would you want it to be? Green Valley Lake in San Bernardino County. (Alena Nicholas) What were reading Self-driving cars are so yesterday. How about a self-driving hotel room? Nancy Trejos, writing in USA Today, discusses the Autonomous Travel Suite, which sounds like a mini motor home but driverless. In June, Dean Owen wrote for the Travel section of the Los Angeles Times about changes at U.S. airports. He included Paine Field (call letters: PAE), near Everett, Wash. Now, Travel Daily News writes, United has announced service beginning in spring between Denver and San Francisco, which means a connection may get you there. (Alaska Airlines will fly from L.A. to the airport, which is in Snohomish County.) The almost-ready-for-use airport means you can skip SeaTac airport if youre going to Everett (or maybe to Whidbey Island), a savings of about an hour. Of course whale watching is one of the pleasures of living on the West Coast, but if you want to add a little edge to your ocean perusal, there is shark watching, David Ferry writes in the San Francisco Chronicle. The participants ply the waters just off Aptos in Santa Cruz County, where white sharks seem to have set up shop. The Remote Underwater Video Systems at the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab in summer 2015 in Manhattan Beach. But Santa Cruz County is where you want to be for shark watching. (Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab) End paper If you have comments, complaints, questions or concerns, drop us a line at travel@latimes.com. This newsletter wraps into one neat package a host of Los Angeles Times travel articles online and in print that you may have missed. You can subscribe to it its free and its monthly cousin on Vegas at membership.latimes.com/newsletters. Travel isnt the only topic that can be delivered to your inbox. We, of course, think its the most fun, but we are biased. Theres that bias thing again. We may be blind to our mental leanings, as Webster defines them, but once we begin to recognize them, perhaps we can ask them politely to step out of the way, lest they prevent us from seeing clearly. Im not pointing fingers, because Im not immune either. I used to have a real thing about Paris, of all places, a beautiful city whose imperfections keep its urban ego mostly in check. I finally went in 2004, not long after French fries were renamed freedom fries because France disapproved of our going to war in Iraq. I shuddered to think of the French response to that branding debacle so I waited for it. Heres what I heard: nothing. No one said a thing. In fact, the French were welcoming and polite, despite my speaking the language badly. Preconceived notions almost made me miss Paris. Can you imagine that? (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times) Ive been back twice since, including a brief trip with my older sister, who had never been either. Our time there is one of my most enduring travel memories, especially as I remember the look of delight as we explored the City of Light together. My takeaway from that experience: When you limit yourself, you lose out. I cant imagine not having that travel memory in my storehouse. And so, mes amies, open your minds, and if youre still in doubt, ask your favorite music service to play something by the Cleveland Orchestra. Whether youre traveling to the Midwest or Middle-Earth, travel well and safely, and remember, well be here to welcome you home. National security advisor John Bolton was headed to South America anyway. But still, a stopover he made in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday amounted to a notably friendly gesture toward the man who has gleefully billed himself as Brazils Trump President-elect Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, the pugnacious far-right politician who swept to victory in Brazils presidential election last month, received Bolton at his beachfront home, marking the incoming leaders first encounter with a high-ranking U.S. official. After the hourlong meeting, Bolton said he had invited the 63-year-old Bolsonaro, who will preside over the worlds fourth-largest democracy, to visit the U.S. soon. Bolton, who made the visit en route to the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, tweeted afterward that the two had enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion, and predicted a dynamic partnership between Bolsonaro and President Trump. On social media, the leader-to-be concurred. The show of solidarity comes as Trump has alienated many of the United States traditional allies, including Britain, France and Germany. And a budding friendship with a figure whose dictatorial sentiments have prompted international concern is also in line with Trumps professed admiration for autocrats such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Saudi Arabias now-notorious de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Advertisement Here is a look at some of the political affinities between Bolsonaro and Trump. WHAT WERE BOLSONAROS CAMPAIGN TALKING POINTS? His populist agenda was much like the message that Trump rode to the White House, with plenty of anger-laced rhetoric and calls to clean up corruption and crack down on crime. He assiduously cultivated a tough-guy image, espousing torture, a restoration of the death penalty and looser gun laws. Critics called Bolsonaro racist, homophobic and misogynistic, but the extremist views he espoused did little to dent his popularity. Bolsonaro also promised economic salvation, casting himself as a political outsider at a time when voters were disillusioned with mainstream parties the prelude to a victory that shocked the political establishment, as did Trumps. And like Trump, Bolsonaro the candidate flummoxed political opponents with scathing personal insults. WHAT ELSE DID BOLTON AND BOLSONARO DISCUSS? Trade ties and regional security, among other topics. Boltons counterpart in the incoming Bolsonaro administration, Gen. Augusto Heleno, was present at the meeting, along with other top aides. Like Trump, Bolsonaro is planning to tap several retired military officers for his Cabinet. WHERE DOES BOLSONARO STAND ON CLIMATE CHANGE? Trumps climate-change views have isolated him among Western leaders, but in Bolsonaro, he seems to have found a kindred spirit. The U.S. president this week dismissed the findings of an exhaustive report by his own administration that climate change will seriously harm the United States economy. The Brazilian president-elect, for his part, has talked about wanting to rescind Brazils offer to host the United Nations climate conference next year, and has said he may follow Trumps lead in pulling out of the Paris climate accord. With growing fears over the effects of deforestation, Brazil, with the planets largest rain forests, is a key player in climate policy. Like Trump, Bolsonaro has surrounded himself with climate-change skeptics. His intended foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has called climate change a Marxist hoax. WHAT HAVE TRUMP AND BOLSONARO SAID ABOUT EACH OTHER? Plenty of kind words have been exchanged. Bolsonaro styled himself in the mold of the U.S. leader, frequently professing public admiration for Trump. The U.S. president, for his part, weighed in with a swift congratulatory call when Bolsonaro won the election, tweeting the next day that the two would work closely on trade and security and everything else! Before flying down to Rio, Bolton told reporters at the White House this week that Bolsonaros election was a historic opportunity for his country and his compatriots. Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion w/ Brazils President-elect Bolsonaro & his national security team. I extended an invitation from Pres. Trump for @JairBolsonaro to visit the US. We look forward to a dynamic partnership w/ Brazil. pic.twitter.com/KrGF7mYDaA John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) November 29, 2018 WHAT ABOUT MIDEAST POLICY? Bolsonaro has indicated he intends to follow Trumps lead and move his countrys embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trumps decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in line with his declaration that the U.S. recognizes the divided city as Israels capital was denounced by Palestinians who said it prejudiced the outcome of any future peace talks. WHAT ABOUT CHINA? Like Trump, Bolsonaro made a point of talking tough about Beijing on the campaign trail, accusing the Chinese of economic bullying and buying Brazil. But he has softened some of that criticism since his election, taking a more pragmatic stance. DO BOLSONARO AND TRUMP SEE EYE-TO-EYE ON REGIONAL ISSUES? Brazil is Latin Americas economic powerhouse, and like Trump, Bolsonaro indicates hes ready to use that clout to punish neighbors he views as recalcitrant. And like Trump, he has made a particular target of the leftist leaders of Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. WHEN DOES BOLSONARO TAKE OVER? He assumes office on Jan. 1. Brazilian reports have suggested he would like it if Trump came to his inauguration, but thats considered unlikely. AND THE NEXT GENERATION? Bolsonaro has emulated Trump in elevating his progeny. His son, Eduardo, serves as special envoy a role similar to that of Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, with whom the younger Bolsonaro met this week at the White House. While in the U.S. capital, Eduardo Bolsonaro also made an appearance at a birthday party for former Trump senior aide Stephen K. Bannon, who since his departure from the White House has concentrated on exporting his populist message to Europe. Bannon had predicted Bolsonaros victory, saying, The trend is in our favor. laura.king@latimes.com @laurakingLAT Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday called for NATO to deploy ships into the Sea of Azov, an inland sea his country shares with Russia, to support Kiev against attempts to take control of those waters after the Russian coast guard fired upon and seized three Ukrainian naval boats attempting to access the sea on Sunday. We hope that NATO states are prepared to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to support Ukraine and provide security, Poroshenko was quoted as saying in an interview published Thursday by the German newspaper Bild. The only language [Russian President Vladimir Putin] understands is the solidarity of the Western world. No Western leaders have given any indication that they are prepared to send ships through the Kerch Strait and into the Sea of Azov. But the Kremlin reacted quickly to Poroshenkos calls. Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the plea for North Atlantic Treaty Organization ships to deploy into the sea was clearly aimed at provoking further tensions. Meanwhile, President Trump abruptly canceled a scheduled meeting with Putin, less than an hour after telling reporters he expected to meet with the Russian leader on Saturday in Argentina. Trump told reporters he would be briefed on Russias seizure of the three Ukrainian ships and 24 crewmen last weekend. Advertisement Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting, Trump tweeted from Air Force One while flying to the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, where the meeting was scheduled to take place. Sundays clash in the Black Sea has revived fears that tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2014 when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula, could spiral into an all-out war. Since seizing Crimea, Russia has opted to refrain from direct conflict, instead supporting a breakaway insurgency in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Responding to the incident Monday, Poroshenko called for martial law to be implemented in 10 regions of Ukraine deemed at risk of Russian aggression. The move, which has dubious military value, has been criticized as a campaign ploy by a wartime president. Poroshenko is up for reelection in March, and recent polling suggests he is deeply vulnerable to political rivals. The Ukrainian border service said Thursday that during the period of martial law, which the Ukrainian parliament approved for a period of 30 days, access to Crimea via the heavily controlled land border would be restricted to non-Ukrainian citizens. The only other way to reach Crimea is by flights from Russia or a new Moscow-financed bridge across the Kerch Strait. Using these alternate Russian routes to Crimea is illegal under Ukrainian law, and violators can be banned from the country for three years. Since the martial law announcement, Poroshenko has been warning of imminent Russian attack and calling on Western supporters to pressure Moscow into returning the three boats and their crewmen all of whom face Russian charges of violating its borders. In his Bild interview, Poroshenko accused Putin of trying to rebuild the Russian empire and treating Ukraine as a colony. We cant accept Russias aggressive policies, he said. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, and now he wants the Sea of Azov. Ukraine has accused Russia of closing off the Kerch Strait, the waterway running between Russian-controlled Crimea and the Russian mainland, to vessels travelling to Ukrainian ports on the sea as tensions continue to rise. The Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov Berdiansk and Mariupol are effectively under blockade by the Russian Federation, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan wrote on Facebook late Wednesday. Vessels are being barred from leaving and entering. Only vessels moving toward Russian ports on the Sea of Azov are permitted entry. Omelyan said that Russia has essentially blockaded the sea and that 35 vessels were stuck in limbo. The actions of the Russians are intended, he said, to escalate the crisis and ultimately drive Ukraine out of our own territory territory that is ours in accordance with all relevant international laws. The Kremlin denied this accusation Thursday. I dont know of any current restrictions, Kremlin spokesman Peskov said. On the contrary, we know that the Kerch Strait is working normally. You know that sometimes, due to weather conditions, the port of Kerch, which plays the role of administration, can make decisions about regulating navigation. Barging into the Sea of Azov, via the Kerch Strait, would be a tricky proposition for NATO, of which Ukraine is not a member. Both bodies of water are considered inland waters of Russia and Ukraine, and are not open for free navigation by third parties. Ukraine has aspired to NATO membership and NATO does engage regularly with Ukraine via a special commission dedicated to helping with consultation and guidance on Ukrainian military reforms something that is often a prelude to formal membership bids. Since 2014, the biggest obstacle to Ukrainian NATO membership has been its conflict with Russia, as NATO does not induct nations with standing border disputes. NATO has not provided any material support for Ukraine, but frequently backs Kievs positions vis-a-vis Russia. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu did not directly address Poroshenkos call Thursday, but said there is already a lot of NATO activity in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region. Bodner is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Noah Bierman in Washington contributed to this report. UPDATES: 3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 9:20 a.m. Thinh expressed her delight to meet Gori on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Canada diplomatic ties, congratulating Manulife Vietnam on its positive business results after nearly 20 years of operations, becoming the largest life insurance company in the Vietnamese market. She affirmed Vietnams consistent policy of supporting Canadian firms as a whole and Manulife in particular to make effective investments in the country and bring about benefits for both sides. The Vice President called on Manulife to continue participating in social activities and provide further support for community building and charitable activities, especially in disadvantaged localities, while functioning as a connection bridge for Canadian businesses to enhance their investment in Vietnam, thus making the economic and trade ties become a real driver for Vietnam-Canada relations. Congratulating Vietnam on its economic growth momentum, Roy Gori affirmed that Manulife has been operating successfully in Vietnam. With the company marking 20 years of its presence in the Vietnamese market, Manulife wishes to develop further and make continuous contributions to Vietnam, he stated. The guest thanked the Vietnamese State and Government for creating favourable conditions for Manulifes business operations over the past years, emphasising that his company always attaches importance to its social responsibilities. Manulife will continue strengthening its involvement in social activities, thereby contributing to enhancing the relations between Vietnam and Canada, Gori affirmed. The first three times Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman tried to have his top lieutenant killed in prison, he sent men with knives. The fourth time, he sent a brass band. They were playing a song Mr. Guzman used to like very much, Miguel Angel El Gordo Martinez testified at the trial of his former boss this week. They played it one time after another after another. They played it 20 times that night. He explained that the corrido, Un Puno de Tierra, lauds living life intensely because the only thing you take with you when you die in the words of the title is a fistful of dirt. Two hours after the music stopped, he watched from a hand mirror as a single assassin with a pistol tried to force his way into his cell, lobbing two grenades his way after a struggle with the guard. Martinez survived the explosion by cowering near the toilet. Advertisement The next year 2001 he was extradited to the United States. The tale was the chilling apex of four days of gripping testimony from one of the prosecutions most closely held cooperators, a man so menaced by the Sinaloa Cartel that the judge prohibited courtroom artists from drawing his face. The drama continued Thursday with the testimony of another former drug trafficker, Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia, a Colombian whose North Valley Cartel was a major supplier to Guzmans organization. Jurors stared in wonder as an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration unboxed almost 10 kilograms of cocaine enough to fill a large trash bag and placed it on a table in front of them. Then Ramirez better known as Chupeta, or lollipop took the stand. He looked like a comic book villain, with a cleft chin, leonine cheekbones and a grossly distended jawline that was the result of multiple plastic surgeries aimed at concealing his identity when he was a fugitive in Brazil. I altered the physical appearance of my face by changing my jawbones, my cheekbones, my eyes, mouth and ears, he testified. He also explained to the jury that he had ordered the assassinations of roughly 150 people and personally shot one in the face in 2004. By comparison, Martinez came across as a mild-mannered uncle. Since he got out of prison 11 years ago, he has lived in the United States as a professional witness, his endless appearances in courts across the country a condition of the visa he hopes to receive. The so-called S visa is a rare but powerful tool used by the government to retain witnesses who agree to provide information against a criminal enterprise or terrorist organization. Securing one would allow Martinez to remain in the United States, where he is currently in witness protection. But at the end of four days of damning testimony, that hope dangled just out of reach. Up to this date, have you received your S visa? defense attorney William Purpura asked. No, the witness replied. Guzman faces charges of drug trafficking, conspiracy to murder and firearms violations. His trial began early this month and is expected to last until February. Martinezs value to the prosecution is hard to overstate. Unlike cartel deputy Jesus El Rey Zambada Garcia, who testified for three days before Thanksgiving, Martinez worked directly under Guzman, starting as a pilot in the 1980s and rising to become one of his top lieutenants. When the boss was arrested in connection with the murder of beloved Mexican Cardinal Juan Jesus Posada Ocampo in 1993, Martinez became a sort of surrogate, managing the cartels vast and sophisticated drug trafficking operations in his absence. In a series of intercepted calls played for the jury on Wednesday, he and fellow high-ranking cartel member Enrique El Doctor Avalos, discussed drug tunnels, warehouses, train routes and even their own frustration at working for Guzmans brother, Arturo, while their boss was in a Mexican prison for drug trafficking. In one comic exchange, Avalos, who was arrested in Los Angeles in 1994, relayed a story about a shopper whod discovered a stash of cocaine inside a can of chili peppers. Well, he came back and bought the entire pallet, he laughs on the tape but in a twist, it wasnt the Comadre brand the Sinaloa Cartel used to smuggle drugs into the United States, but a competitors knockoff. Martinez was so close to his boss, he even cared for Guzmans wives and children, he told the court. I never failed him, never stole from him, never betrayed him, I watched over his family, he testified Wednesday. The only thing I received from him was four attempted attacks against me, without saying anything. It was precisely that betrayal that Guzmans defense sought to exploit under cross-examination, pressing him over and over about just how much he now hates the man he once served. I started hating Mr. Guzman when he betrayed me and sent someone to try to kill me, Martinez told the jury. But you hate him, correct? Purpura said. Yes, the witness replied. Enough to lie about him? No, Martinez said. Purpura also hammered Martinez on his longtime drug use. At one point, he poured a packet of Splenda on the court projector to demonstrate the size of a gram of cocaine, lining three more up beside it to indicate how much the witness would snort in a day. Dont break our machine, Judge Brian Cogan warned. But the bulk of cross and redirect were spent dissecting transcripts from Martinezs dozens of other depositions and turns at the witness stand, combing for inconsistencies. Purpura read part of a transcript in which the witness recounted two gruesome prison stabbings, not three as hed told the court just a few minutes before. On Thursday, U.S. Atty. Michael Robotti read another portion of the same transcript in which Martinez detailed the third attack, during which he was slashed in the face. Robotti also used part of his lengthy direct examination to draw out details about Martinezs cooperation, including the anxiety that haunts his life in hiding and his reluctance to appear at Guzmans trial, where hed been subpoenaed to testify. I cant sleep, Martinez said. Purpura pushed on with his suggestion that the bad blood between his client and the witness ran so deep that Martinez would say anything to see Guzman behind bars. By the time he was dismissed on Thursday, Martinez had been asked more than a dozen times whether his testimony was bought with the promise of an S visa or fabricated out of hate. Mr. Martinez, have you lied to this jury? the prosecutor asked. No, the witness answered. A moment later, he stood up, his head bowed, and hurried for the exit, shuffling through the heavy double doors and back into anonymity. Sharp is a special correspondent. UPDATES: 2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with testimony from Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia. This article was originally posted at 1:20 p.m. Fears are rising that Syria will end a cease-fire and restart a Russian-backed offensive that aid groups warn would be a bloodbath in a rebel-held northern province. A peace conference ended Thursday with no tangible progress toward ending the eight-year civil war. And earlier in the week, Russia launched airstrikes in Idlib province after a suspected chemical attack on the government-held city of Aleppo. Syria and Russia say rebels in an area covered in a de-escalation agreement lobbed gas-filled mortars that sickened more than 100. Russia said it had asked the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to investigate. Representatives of the organization, set up by the U.N. to investigate such attacks, have yet to arrive. Rebel groups claim the gas attack was a false flag operation meant to give Syria and Russia cover to attack. Moscows airstrikes on Sunday kicked off a round of tit-for-tat attacks that have rocked the fragile 10-week cease-fire in Idlib. It also prompted a spate of diplomatic sparring between Damascus and its ally Russia on one side and the U.S. on the other. Advertisement A Pentagon spokesman warned in a statement this week that it is essential to ensure that the Syrian regime does not seize on false pretexts to undermine this cease-fire and launch an offensive in Idlib. Past allegations of chemical weapon attacks in Syria have spurred worldwide condemnation as well as strikes against the government of President Bashar Assad, which has been widely blamed for deploying ordnance filled with chlorine and sarin gas against its rebel adversaries throughout the almost eight-year civil war. In Saturdays attack, there were no deaths, but 107 people from three neighborhoods of the city were affected, state and pro-government media said. Doctors interviewed by the state-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency said patients showed symptoms including blurred vision, red eyes and vomiting, thought to be the result of exposure to chlorine. We started tearing up and gagging. It was like pepper, one man who had rushed his son to the hospital said in an interview with Syrian state TV. Nasr Hariri, head of the rebel negotiation team taking part in talks held in Astana, Kazakhstan, expressed doubts about allegations of a chemical attack, tweeting that the operation was an excuse to open up military action in northern Syria and move away from [fulfilling] any entitlements in the political process. From the talks on Thursday, Russia, Turkey and Iran issued a joint statement expressing concern with the ongoing violations of the cease-fire regime. A Syrian boy is treated in Aleppo on Saturday following what Syria and Russia say was a rebel-launched chemical attack. Rebels said the attack was a false flag operation meant to give Syria and Russia cover to attack. (George Ourfalian / AFP/Getty Images) The three countries in September had announced the creation of a demilitarized zone over parts of Idlib; under the agreement, the rebels would give up their heavy weaponry and Al Qaeda-affiliated jihadis and other extremists would have to leave. The agreement stalled a Russian-backed government offensive on Idlib, a campaign that aid organizations said would displace hundreds of thousands in the province, home to almost 3 million people, according to U.N.estimates. The Astana statement came a day after the Pentagon cautioned Russia against tampering with another suspected chemical weapons attack site. A spokesman, Cmdr. Sean Robertson, also warned Russia to ensure the safety of chemical weapons inspectors. Russian experts began analysis of soil samples and shell fragments from the area this week. Aleppo, a city once divided between spheres of government and opposition control, was retaken by a Russian-backed government offensive in December 2016. But rebels bunkered in the countryside outside the city and in Idlib province are still able to mount attacks. On Wednesday, SANA reported three mortar shells fell on residential areas in Aleppo, causing property damage but no casualties. It was yet another reminder that, though the war is winding down with Assad as its victor, there has yet to be a comprehensive reconciliation with his adversaries. Syrian rebel fighters walk through the rubble of a building destroyed by a reported airstrike west of Aleppo on Monday. (Aaref Watad / AFP/Getty Images) Steffan de Mistura, the outgoing United Nations special envoy to Syria, hinted as much in a statement from Astana on Thursday, saying that there had been no tangible progress in overcoming the 10-month stalemate on the composition of the constitutional committee. Mistura was referring to a longstanding demand by the opposition to be involved in rewriting Syrias constitution. This was the last occasion of an Astana meeting in 2018 and has, sadly for the Syrian people, been a missed opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, U.N.-facilitated constitutional committee, said De Mistura. Twitter: @nabihbulos LISBON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A readers' seminar on the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been held here just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled state visit to Portugal. The book expounds the "China Road" toward modernization, the "China Value" centered on the people and China's approach to pushing for human development, said Wang Xiaohui, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The work provides an authoritative version to help the international audience better understand Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the CPC and China, said Wang, who is also vice director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee. Cai Run, Chinese ambassador to Portugal, said that Xi's book can further promote people's understanding of China's development philosophy and path as well as its internal and external polices, thus enabling people to understand China in a comprehensive, objective and reasonable way. President Xi's book is indispensable for the comprehensive understanding of policies relating to China's society, economy, culture and diplomacy, said Jose Lamalho, president of the Portugal-China League of Multicentury Friendship. The part of Xi's book on building a community with a shared future for mankind is very enlightening, said Maria Teresa Cid, co-director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lisbon. All the countries and peoples should understand and respect each other and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation in order to build a better world, she added. Chamber kicks off holiday season with Light Up Lincolnton Saturday The Chamber of Commerce is kicking off the Christmas shopping season for downtown merchants Saturday night with their annual Light Up Lincolnton event. The event... Kettle Creek Battlefield preservation effort slated for first action in January The official National Park Service designation of Kettle Creek Battlefield as an affiliated area to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park last January... Pioneer Day sees steady stream of visitors Pioneer Day 2021 brought one of the largest crowds ever, with estimates as high as 5,000. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password... Long Cove subdivision restart approved by commissioners The long-dormant Long Cove Subdivision is finally moving to begin new development of the 69-acre tract on Ga. Highway 220 East Road, following final plat... Find not too frequent updates from the Livesay family here Lifestyle / Gastronomy Singapore is often described as a modern melting pot, where different cultures meet and fuse. It is thus perceived that if we were to fancy eating cuisine uncommon to the local culture, the feast would only be a stones throw away. However, the options are mostly saturated with the same kinds of Asian and Western [] Nov 29, 2018 | By Staff Writer Singapore is often described as a modern melting pot, where different cultures meet and fuse. It is thus perceived that if we were to fancy eating cuisine uncommon to the local culture, the feast would only be a stones throw away. However, the options are mostly saturated with the same kinds of Asian and Western cuisines. American and Italian come to mind when we think Western food; Korean, Japanese, and Chinese for Asian food. It is no wonder that we are sometimes accused of being lacking in diversity when it comes to international choices. Hence, Mens Folio scoured the island for some unique international restaurants to dispel this misconception. TONO Cevicheria Pick up the maracas, put on something bright, and be ready to do the salsa in this free-spirited tono (Peruvian slang for party). Being the first Peruvian cevicheria in Singapore, TONO sets the bar high with its emphasis on ingredients, using only sustainable seafood such as line-caught New Zealand fish. Chefs here are trained in Lima, working with a mix of Peruvian and the regions ingredients to recreate authentic Peruvian flavours while revitalising it. On the surface, ceviche seems simple enough to make, consisting of only seafood, citrus, chillies, and onions. However, experience how the components come together in its citrus-based marinade, aka Tigers Milk, and one will think again. The festive big-heartedness of TONOs philosophy manifests in its convivial ambience and the purity of its cuisine. Begin a dive into the depths of the sea with the traditional Ceviche Clasico (catch of the day, criolla, sweet potato, canchita, lettuce, and Tigers Milk). Follow up with a Pisco Sour (alcohol, citrus, egg whites, and Angostura bitters) and finally touch the seabed with a Combinado (Arroz con Leche rice pudding, Mazamorra Morada purple corn, and raisin compote). The Ottomani Get on the magic carpet and be transported into the exotic Middle East with the new supper club, The Ottomani. Fire is at the heart of the restaurant, from cooking to the lighting, which creates an intimate dining experience. Every illumination in the venue is either from candle or oil lantern, creating an alluring Arabian Nights atmosphere accompanied by vibrant dishes. The Ottomani focuses on combining fresh, sustainable and local ingredients with other unique ingredients from Morocco and Turkey. Its offering is cooked above a charcoal grill and a wood-fired earth pit, while closing embers are layered over the next days menu for slow roast items, creating a flavour that is impossible to replicate with modern, less labour-intensive methods. By taking a progressive route for familiar cuisine, the experience is anything but classic. Experience The Ottomanis 1,001 flavours with signature dishes from Adana Beef Tartare Kebab with Caviar to Pit Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Spiced Molasses and Sumac Gremolata. With The Ottomani, one can put down the lamp, stop wishing for good food, and just head down to the Middle Eastern joint. This article was written by Marcus Li. Read the full story at www.mens-folio.com here. On September 18 2018, the Seychelles registrar general handed down an important trade mark decision. The case involved an application by a Seychelles company called Intelvision Limited to register the trade mark Intelvision (stylised) in Class 38, and an opposition to that application by the US company Intel Corporation. Intel Corporation alleged a likelihood of confusion with earlier Seychelles trade mark registrations for Intel in Classes 9, 16, 38, 41 and 42, a likelihood of confusion with a well-known international mark, and dilution. It submitted considerable evidence: evidence that it is the largest manufacturer of semi-conductors in the world, and the manufacturer of the processor that appears in most PCs, evidence that it is listed in international surveys of top brands and evidence of trade mark registrations in some 180 countries. The registrar general made some early pronouncements: Intelvision operates in a small and specialist market, being one of only three licensed internet service providers in the Seychelles; computer processors and internet services are not that closely related and the two companies cannot be regarded as competitors; and there was no evidence of actual confusion between the two trade marks, notwithstanding coexistence in the Seychelles since 2004. On the issue of confusing similarity the registrar general quoted this passage from the Canadian case of Ultravite Laboratories Ltd v Whitehalls Laboratories Ltd: "Trade marks may be different from one another and, therefore, not confusing with another when looked at in their totality, even if there are similarities in some of the elements when viewed separately. It is the combination of the elements that constitutes the trade mark and it is the effect of the trade mark as a whole, rather than any particular part in it, that must be considered." Applying this, the registrar general went on to dismiss the opposition, saying that "although there may appear to be some resemblance, the trademarks in issue, when taken as a whole, are by virtue of their non-common features, dissimilar in sound and appearance, ultimately distinguishable to the average consumer." This judgment is likely to attract some criticism. Wayne Meiring 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 Africa House, Castle StreetSt Helier, Jersey JE4 9TWChannel IslandsTel: +44 1534 838000Fax: +44 1534 838001 info@spoor.co.uk The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched the ASEAN Patentscope making up-to-date online ASEAN patent data available to patent search firms, patent attorneys and innovators seeking to commercialise their innovations in the ASEAN region. The ASEAN Patentscope project was started by the ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC) Task Force in 2012 to enhance regional collaboration on research and development (R&D) activities and to encourage technological development among ASEAN countries. For the first time, a regional ASEAN patent database service has been made available to the public. Indonesia has contributed extensively to the project by hosting the regional patent database server. Singapore also played a leadership role to initiate the project through its chairmanship of the ASPEC Task Force. The availability of online patent data brings government services closer to innovators by removing barriers of distance and paper searching to access quality technology resources. The ASEAN Patentscope can be accessed using the link at http://ipsearch.aseanip.org/. The ASEAN Patentscope provides a number of powerful tools and features to assist users. These include bibliographic data search, view of published patent dossier information, search results in a customisable report, and translations into national languages. By simply entering a term or a phrase in English, it is possible to retrieve relevant patent documents, country-level patent filings by technology sector and related patent family information in the region. The move builds on the ongoing ASEAN-WIPO collaboration to leverage WIPO software to support ASEAN innovation. This initiative will enable ASEAN to step up the innovation ladder and encourage innovators in the region to use the patent system for enhanced participation in regional and global business. ASEAN doubled its share of the world's scientific literature from 1.37% (2006) to 2.43% (2015) according to the Asian Scientist (2016) with Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam sharply increasing their output of research papers. WIPO statistics also indicate that patents in ASEAN have increased more than 40% from 2012 to 2016. The ASEAN Patentscope was developed in a framework which is modern and effective and should make a substantial contribution to enhancing access to ASEAN regional patent information. Daniel Collopy 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 152 Beach Road#37-05/06 Gateway EastSingapore 189721Tel: +65 6333 7200Fax: +65 6333 7222 Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images(MOSCOW) -- President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to have their first sit down meeting since their summit in Helsinki in July. As of Thursday, it remained uncertain whether the planned encounter on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina would happen, after Trump suggested Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels might lead him to pull out. Putin's spokesman on Thursday, however, said the meeting still was scheduled. Dmitry Peskov told reporters the two would meet around noon on Saturday on the summit's sidelines and that the two presidents would briefly speak before longer talks between the U.S. and Russian delegations that would last about an hour. "We are expecting the two presidents to speak briefly at first, but everything is left to the discretion of the heads of state," Peskov said. Should the meeting happen, the crisis in the Black Sea will hang over it, but the White House has shown little enthusiasm for talking about it. National Security Adviser John Bolton refused to say whether Putin and Trump would discuss the incident, and Trump has largely refrained from criticizing Putin. Trump told The New York Post on Wednesday that he "didn't like the incident" but again did not criticize Russia, adding that there was a question as to whether the Ukrainian ships had acted properly. That message likely was well-received by the Kremlin, which has been portraying the confrontation as a deliberate provocation by Ukraine's government. And Trump's reluctance to criticize Putin will be seen as auspicious by the Russian president, who -- despite a steadily deepening confrontation between Russia and the U.S. -- has expressed a persistent belief the two can build a rapport. This week, Putin again told a conference he believes Trump is "positively inclined" toward Russia. "Despite this extremely toxic context, President Donald Trump as before is persistently trying not to spoil contacts with the Kremlin. While president Vladimir Putin, from all appearances, has not lost hope to improve relations with the White House," Andrew Weiss, vice president of the Carnegie Fund, wrote in an op-ed for the Russian newspaper Vedomosti this week. From that point of view, a meeting with Trump in itself is valuable to Putin. As at their previous meetings, their latest encounter is likely to include a heavy dose of media spectacle, and there's little reason to doubt it won't be as friendly as the previous encounters. There are substantial issues the Kremlin is eager to discuss, and Bolton, who proposed the the G-20 meeting during a visit to Moscow in October, has indicated he's eager to reorient the relationship toward modest cooperation. Both sides have said they want to talk about Syria and North Korea, as well as other security issues. At the top of the Kremlin's public agenda is U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces, or INF treaty, a key Cold War-era arms-control agreement that Bolton informed Russia the U.S. would be exiting during his Moscow trip. Russia has protested the U.S.'s leaving, as have European countries, warning it would undermine global arms control and knock out one of the few areas where Russia and the U.S. can have substantial positive interaction. The Trump administration, though, has accused Russia of violating the treaty and believes it is outdated, allowing for China and other countries to freely develop missiles that the U.S. and Russia cannot. Russian and European officials have expressed hope Trump might still be persuaded to reverse course on the treaty, but few observers in Russia believe that's likely. Instead, Putin will seek the moral high ground by defending the agreement, while trying to find out U.S. intentions outside it. "Putin does not have any illusions about saving the treaty, which is probably already dead," Dmitry Trenin, the director of the Moscow Carnegie Center, wrote in an article this month. "But he wants to be seen as the treaty's defender, and to be prepared for whatever practical steps the United States will take as a result." Andrey Kortunov, the director general of the Russian Council of International Relations, which sometimes advises the Russian government, said opinion within it on the treaty's value was split. Many of Russia's military planners, he said, shared Bolton's belief that it unfairly tied the hands of Russia and of the U.S. in a world where China played a far bigger role. Kortunov, who met Bolton during his trip to Moscow, told ABC News he'd been surprised by Bolton's optimism about U.S.-Russian relations, saying Trump's national security adviser had proposed trying to find new ways of working together. The Kremlin, however, may be more cautious of seeming overly warm toward Trump, experts said, having learned the lessons from the blast wave of bipartisan fury that followed Helsinki, where Trump was denounced as a traitor and which seemed to harden Congress belief in needing to pursue its own sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin also expressed optimism in a statement laying out its agenda for the meeting in Argentina, saying it hoped with "the U.S. midterms behind, the volatile domestic political factors will less influence" relations. "After the experience of Helsinki, there is already an understanding that now it's necessary to do expectations management," Kortunov said. Still, Kortunov added, with Russian meddling not particularly noted in the midterms, he thought perhaps the two would be able to avoid the subject that made the summer's summit so flammable. "Of course," Kortunov said, "it won't be completely removed, but it removes that question that was maybe the most painful during the meeting in Helsinki." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. With invitations from the Spanish King Felipe VI, Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal from November 27 to December 5, and attend the 13th Group of 20 (G20) summit from November 30 to December 1 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His visit will lift China-Spain and China-Portugal ties, according to a press briefing on Friday. A freight train leaves for China's Yiwu City in Madrid, Spain, May 18, 2015. (Photo: Xinhua) President Xi will visit Spain for the first time and this also marks the Chinese top leaders visit to the country after 13 years, Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Chao said at the press briefing in Beijing. Xi will hold talks with Portuguese leaders after eight years, Chao said, adding this tour will inject new impetus into the development of China-EU, and create new opportunities in cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI). During his visit, Xi will also meet with Spanish King Felipe VI and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The leaders of the two countries are expected to issue a joint statement to plan the blueprint for the development of bilateral relations and sign cooperation documents in the fields of third-party market cooperation, service trade, taxation, culture, science and technology, and finance. 2018 marks the 45th anniversary for China and Spain establishing diplomatic relations. President Xis visit is of special significance, Wang said. Recent years have also seen frequent high-level exchanges between China and Portugal. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and humanities have harvested fruitful results, Wang continued. 2019 will highlight the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal. Xi will hold talks with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. The two leaders are expected to announce a joint statement and sign cooperation agreements in the fields of infrastructure, culture, education, science and technology, water conservation projects, quality inspection, energy and finance. President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to Argentina and Panama from December 2 to 3. This is the first time that Xi has paid a state visit to Latin America after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is also the second time that Xi has paid a state visit to Argentina and the first time that a Chinese president has paid a state visit to Panama after the two countries established diplomatic relations. These visits are a milestone in guiding the development of China-Latin America relations in the new era, China's Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang said. During the visit, President Xi will hold talks with Argentinas President Mauricio Macri. The two sides will issue a joint statement. Since China and Argentina established diplomatic ties 46 years ago, the two countries bilateral relations have continued to develop steadily and rapidly. China-Argentina relations have become a model for solidarity, cooperation and common development between emerging market countries and developing countries. President Xi will hold talks with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, said Qin. In June last year, China and Panama established diplomatic relations based on the one-China principle. The purpose of President Xis visit to Panama is to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, promote mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and build a solid foundation and lead the way for the long-term stable development of China-Panama relations. The Argentine presidencys main goal is to build consensus for fair and sustainable development. In this regard, Argentina defined three priorities this year, each of which has been addressed with a strong gender focus: the future of work, infrastructure for development and a sustainable food future. The closed-door sessions of leaders will focus on issues such as the world economy, trade and investment, digital economy, sustainable development, infrastructure and climate change. President Xi will elaborate on China's position on the above issues and exchange views with leaders of various countries. During the summit, President Xi will also attend the informal meeting of leaders of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The theme of this year's summit is "Building consensus for fair and sustainable development." China supports Argentina to hold a successful summit and expects the summit to achieve positive results and inject new impetus into the G20 cooperation. The 13th G20 summit will be held from November 30 to December 1, and President Xi will attend. This year coincides with the 10th anniversary of the G20 leaders summit mechanism, said Zhang Jun, assistant minister of Foreign Affairs. It is also the sixth consecutive time that President Xi attended or presided over the summit, reflects Chinas high attention to the G20 mechanism and its positive will to contribute to improving global economic governance. As an important member of the G20, China will actively support Argentina to promote relevant cooperation and guide all parties to form a consensus on the issues and challenges of technological change, infrastructure financing, and digital economic taxation. China will continue to prepare for the summit and make positive contributions to the success of the summit, Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zou Jiayi said. China has the following expectations for the economic and trade field of this summit: First, further strengthen trade and investment cooperation and tap new momentum for economic growth. Second, continue to deepen cooperation in the field of development and promote inclusive and sustainable development. Third, further consolidate the consensus of all parties to support the multilateral trading system. China supports the necessary reforms of the World Trade Organization to enhance its authority and effectiveness, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said. China expects the G20 to continue to play the role of the main platform of international economic cooperation, promote all parties to strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, improve the international financial architecture, promote green and sustainable development of the global economy and inclusive growth, and implement the agreed financial sector reform, Chen Yulu, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, said. China is willing to share with the parties the experience in improving financial supervision and adaptation to financial technology innovation and infrastructure financing, and jointly promote the summit to achieve positive and pragmatic results in the financial sector, and promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the global economy, he added. (Compiled by Wang Xiangyu, Zhang Jian and Dong Feng) Globe in hand 168 The ability to better identify growing markets for the businesss products and services is pushing more patent portfolio managers to implement cross-collaborative strategies. Five corporate lawyers from patent-focused businesses tell Managing IP that they are working to break down silos between IP, commercial, research and development (R&D), and marketing departments to help drive better communication about jurisdictional trends or changes and regional infrastructural developments. In-house sources explain that if they can work with non-IP colleagues to find out where the business will want to be in five to 10 years, they can begin to expand their portfolios in that region and secure competitive advantage for the company. Right place, right time The head of IP at a factory tech manufacturer says his firm attained competitive advantage in the US after its shale gas boom in 2013. We had patents in the US even though no factories that used our technology had emerged in the past 20 years, and we kept them for marketing reasons because we thought a US patent signalled to the market that we were innovative, he explains. That was in 2010, and in 2013 the shale gas boom happened and suddenly we sold seven licences for our technology in two years. He adds that while this particular example was largely down to luck, it emphasised that the business could replicate this success by implementing communication mechanisms between the sales, marketing and IP departments. His company serves plants that are typically built in places where natural gas is cheap. New gas fields are periodically discovered in countries such as Nigeria where they will eventually be exploited, and the companys patent department can use the information gathered by the company to decide whether and how to build a portfolio there and get competitive advantage. Collaborative approaches of this nature can also help IP departments work out where they no longer need protection so they can shed patents and enable cost savings. Opportunity meetings The factory tech head of IP says establishing this connected approach to geographical portfolio management is a matter of setting up meetings with the sales and commercial departments and discussing where the company may need patents in the near future. We have an IP chairing committee that meet once a month or so and everything related to IP is discussed including the strategy for where we should be and where we want to file The IP manager at a digital printing company agrees with this approach, and adds that it is important for her firm to check growing markets and analyse statistics where the printing industry could rapidly grow in the next decade. We have an IP chairing committee that meet once a month or so and everything related to IP is discussed including the strategy for where we should be and where we want to file, she says. That includes representatives from R&D and marketing and the CEO anyone who can provide strategic insight into the business. She adds that different departments also try to ensure that data and presentations are shared to keep the business better informed. The firms marketing department, for example, follows markets and periodically prepares reports for their purposes that is also passed to the IP department. I can use that data and numbers to see the statistics for the emergence of digital printing such as which areas are becoming more digital. The IPR manager for a sandpaper and abrasives manufacturer adds that his company also believes it is important to regularly speak with sales, marketing and commercial to work out where the emerging markets for their products and services are. Patent must be tightly connected to the market and the areas that are or soon will bring in the money, he says. IP should be a part of everything we do, including when we launch products or start up projects in new areas. Follow the competitor Another way departments can work together to enable better geographic patent portfolio management is in monitoring competitors. The vice-president of IP at a semiconductor manufacturer points out that if a competitor suddenly ramps up its presence in a previously unimportant market, that can be a good sign they know something that you do not and that it could be worth filing patents there. He adds that his company has implemented mechanisms to watch competitor activity, such as where they are filing patents or where they are putting their investment, and ensure this knowledge is communicated and analysed between different departments. The IP manager at a digital printing company says her firm similarly monitors competitors so that they can file key patent applications before their competitors and try to understand their motives. She adds that her company already considers blocking competitor access to suppliers with particularly innovative technology by filing patents in that suppliers geographic markets. It could be a supplier that provides something unique that cannot easily be replaced. Our main concern there will be whether that supplier would provide the same tech to our competitors, and we want to be able to hold leverage over them. Where not to be While working with other departments is a good way to identify filing opportunities, it is also a useful means of determining where the business can shed its patents. The business may have filed its patents in a region where the markets did not grow as it expected or where initially strong demand dropped over time and could consider dropping those to save money that could be reinvested in emerging or already strong markets. Perhaps a business decided to take its products to Argentina because it believes demand there is growing. But if that turns out not to be the case, it should get rid of that protection because filing in that region costs as much as several other jurisdictions combined, the IP director at a nutrition technology company points out. He adds that such an assessment requires a strong collaborative culture between departments. You can say, based on the current markets and regions, lets cut these patents because we will not sell anything and neither will our competition This collaboration can also help patent departments identify upcoming downturns in markets or regions. This can be an opportunity to get rid of old patents. The factory tech head of IP explains that his business can predict downturns based on the number of plants that are built in a particular region. If seven are built in one year, for example, it will likely be determined that there is an overcapacity and the market does not need any more. He adds that it takes three years to build these types of factories. If the business has 18-year-old patents, which will only last another two years, and it knows that it is unlikely to sell anything in that time, it can shed those patents and save money. You can say, based on the current markets and regions, lets cut these patents because we will not sell anything and neither will our competition and we will not be able to lock them in three years when things pick up and so there is no point keeping them. The sandpaper IPR manager says his company has a similar strategy, and adds that there is indeed no point keeping patents alive just for fun. The digital printing IP manager points out that this strategy is not currently applicable to emerging industries that are unlikely to experience a downturn any time soon, such as digital printing, but worth keeping in mind for the future. 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 New Delhi : A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu arrived here on Thursday for the two-day kisan rally, carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide and threatening to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital in the early hours of Thursday, said their leader P Ayyakannu. They were among the thousands of farmers, who will march to Ramlila Ground on Thursday and to Parliament Street on Friday, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Ayyakannu said he was expecting more farmers affiliated with his association to arrive from Trichy and Karur. He said their main demands include removal of all farmer loans, profitable price for their agricultural products and a Rs 5,000 pension for farmers per month. The farmer leader and his associates are carrying two human skulls. which they claimed were of their two colleagues who ended their lives because they were unable to replay their debts.PTI The rapid development of emerging cities in the Philippines and the lure of highly urbanized centers are some of the reasons why the real estate industry continues to be one of the drivers of the countrys economic growth. Apart from being a sound investment, the value of real estate remains highly competitive. List Sothebys International Realty Philippines is celebrating its second year in the country which is considered to be one of Southeast Asias most lucrative markets. A confluence of the luxury real estate industrys trusted names, List Sothebys International Realty Philippines offers its comprehensive listing of the markets most coveted properties and its signature unparalleled service, consistent with the full potential of luxury real estate in the Philippines. The past two years flew by so quickly with all the exciting events that happened since we opened. With our dedicated team of specialists, we have been able to hit the ground running and establish our name in the country, said Meg Impat, vice president of marketing. We are looking forward to the next few years as we continue to see the growth of the real estate industry. Part of List Sothebys International Realty of Japan, List Sothebys International Realty Philippines was established in September 2016. A full-service real estate firm that caters to clients from all over the Philippines and the world, the company offers exclusive marketing, advertising, and referral services that are carefully designed to attract targeted buyers to the firms curated property listings.With a dedicated team of Property Specialists and Relationship Managers, List Sothebys International Realty Philippines provides invaluable local knowledge and services while offering exceptional expertise that brings the world to its clients doorsteps. The impeccable attention to details and anticipation of their clients needs is what sets the company apart from other real estate firms in the market. The affiliation of List Sothebys International Realty with global brands provides its clientele with extensive network and exposure. One affiliate, the Sothebys International Realty, has a network of over 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 960 offices in 73 countries and territories worldwide. How the Bitcoin Bubble Burst Could Lead to a New Golden Era One of the greatest asset bubbles of all time appears to have just burst. Its not the stock market. Despite recent downside volatility amidst bubble-like valuations, so far stocks have merely entered a correction. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, have entered into a full-blown meltdown. Bitcoin will go down in history for its extraordinary rise from zero to a high of $19,783 on December 17, 2017. Its subsequent fall may be one for the history books as well. In the second half of November, Bitcoin prices fell through a months-long trading range, triggering heavy selling down to around $3,500. Anyone unfortunate enough to buy Bitcoin at over $19,000 now faces a loss of more than 80%. Losses are also staggering for Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ripple, and many others. The story of digital currencies wont just be a matter of their rise and fall, however. Some may bounce back. Bitcoin and its progeny may embark on another spectacular run to dizzying new heights. Then again, they may not. Since the leading crypto coins arent backed by anything tangible, their value is entirely speculative. Nevertheless, the utility of digital currency is very real. The blockchain enables individuals to engage in online transactions outside the banking system. And Money Metals Exchange is by far the most capable company in America when it comes to allowing precious metals customers to use cryptos as a payment medium. Its not just radical libertarians and black-market merchants who value decentralized alternative payment systems. Such alternatives have the potential to offer practical advantages to users, such as avoiding fees on international cash transfers or credit card transactions. Assault on Politically Disfavored Businesses Continues For some, finding alternatives to conventional financial tools is a must. Banks and credit card processors are increasingly denying services to customers for their political views. It happened recently to one of the most prominent alternative social networking sites, Gab, merely because it allows controversial views to be expressed by its members in the same way that a viewpoint neutral email or telecommunications provider does. Gab founder Andrew Torba recently posted this message to his followers: Gab has been denied by multiple banks during the underwriting process for a new payment processor. Multiple processors supported us, their banks did not. Gab is the supreme example of why bitcoin exists. We will be integrating BitPay asap because Coinbase already banned us. Outside of this we will be setting up a PO box to mail cash/checks to. This is what we need to resort to in order to have any revenue. This is the level no-platforming has reached. As the threat of ideologically motivated financial de-platforming by banks and payment processors grows, so does the need for robust alternative payment systems. However, as noted by Torba, major Bitcoin exchanges such as Coinbase are behaving like politically correct bank intermediaries blacklisting people they dont like from the crypto marketplace. They are also collecting personally identifying information on their customers and handing it over to the IRS. The only way Bitcoin holders can absolutely guarantee their privacy is to never put their transactions on the blockchain ledger i.e., never use their Bitcoin for anything. The problems with Bitcoin are numerous slow transaction confirmations, excessive energy consumption, and risk of loss due to loss of digital key, theft, fraud, and potential government crackdowns. The biggest fundamental problem with Bitcoin and other unbacked cryptos is the lack of any sound basis for valuation. That is a problem that can be addressed by putting real assets on the blockchain, but a degree of counterparty risk would remain. Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne is investing in blockchain businesses that aim to tokenize publicly traded companies. He sees this as a way to decentralize Wall Street and end share price manipulation by large institutional traders. Gold-Backed Cryptos Are Not Yet Safe Gold bugs are eyeing digital currencies backed by physical precious metals. There are many technical and legal challenges still to be worked out, and there are likely to be a few scammers in the mix as well. But optimists hold out hope that one day it will be possible safely and reliably to use gold or silver on the blockchain to buy shares of stock or perhaps even real estate all without having to convert to dollars or go through the banking or brokerage system. Digital gold could emerge as a leading default store of value in lieu of dollars or Bitcoins which would drive huge new demand for the metal. Thats the bullish case for blockchain and its possible integration with sound money. There is also a bearish case. What if governments and central banks co-opt the digital currency space as part of a war on cash? International Monetary Fund chair Christine Lagarde suggested in a recent speech that if central banks issues their own cryptocurrencies, they could satisfy public policy goals, such as financial inclusion, and security and consumer protection; and to provide what the private sector cannot: privacy in payments. Globalist central monetary planners may claim to have our inclusion, security, protection, and privacy as their primary concerns. Their real concerns are to drive out competition to fiat currencies and accelerate the move to an all-digital economy where paper bills and coins are abolished, and private transactions are impossible. Federal Reserve officials have so far denied they plan on issuing a digital Fedcoin. But they have looked into it. In the dynamic and rapidly evolving alternative currency space, it is impossible to predict exactly what new government interventions, technological innovations, or market iterations will drive the next major trend. Precious metals may play a growing role in backing alt-coins. Either way, they will continue to play an important role in the portfolios of investors who want to protect themselves from the risks inherent in digital and paper wealth. Stefan Gleason is President of Money Metals Exchange, the national precious metals company named 2015 "Dealer of the Year" in the United States by an independent global ratings group. A graduate of the University of Florida, Gleason is a seasoned business leader, investor, political strategist, and grassroots activist. Gleason has frequently appeared on national television networks such as CNN, FoxNews, and CNBC, and his writings have appeared in hundreds of publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Detroit News, Washington Times, and National Review. 2018 Stefan Gleason - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. An opportunity for an Idaho startup is taking it to Luxembourg. The company is HotShot Technologies, an Idaho Falls developer that created a messaging application that protects employers from labor claims by ensuring that hourly employees can only read messages about work during working hours. HotShot is taking part in the Technoport Business Incubation Program, a Luxembourg technology incubator that provides it with subsidies, office space and tax benefits, for which Turner committed to have five employees in Luxembourg by mid-2019. By: Sharon Fisher he SADC Secretariat announces the launch of the 2020 SADC Media Awards Competition. The annual SADC Media Awards Competition was launched in 1996 by the SADC Council of Ministers with a view to promoting regional integration through information dissemination as well as promoting journalism excellence in the region. Regional integration, in the context of this competition, refers to inter alia: programmes, projects and activities supportive of the SADC common agenda involving, benefitting and/or affecting at least two SADC Member States. The Awards are in the fields of Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photo Journalism. Rules of the Competition a) The entries should have been published/broadcast between January and December of the year preceding the awards (2019) by a registered and/or authorised media house or agency or carried on a website of a registered and/or authorised media house or agency in any of the SADC Member States; b) The themes of the entries to be submitted for the competition must be on issues and activities promoting Regional Integration in the SADC region i.e. Infrastructure, economy, water, culture, sports, agriculture etc; c) All media practitioners who are SADC nationals may enter the competition, except those in institutions contracted by SADC and the SADC Secretariat staff; d) All works entering the competition should be in one of the SADC working languages, i.e. English, Portuguese, French, or any national indigenous language of the SADC region and should be submitted together with the transcript in one of the three SADC working languages, i.e. English, French and Portuguese. These should be published/broadcast (newspaper cutting, websites, magazines, audio CDs, USB and newsletters); e) Entries are invited from the following categories: (i) Print Journalism: comprising features/articles published in newspapers, newsletters, websites, magazines; Print journalism submissions should have a minimum of 100 (one hundred) words and a maximum of 2 000 (two thousand) words. (ii) Radio Journalism: comprising broadcast material; Radio Journalism broadcast material should have a minimum duration of 1 (one) minute and a maximum of 30 (thirty) minutes. All broadcast material should be submitted on a CD or USB. The entries should be accompanied by electronic transcript in word format for translation purposes. (iii) Television Journalism: comprising televised material; Television Journalism broadcast material should have a minimum duration of 1 (one) minute and a maximum of forty-five (45) minutes. All broadcast material should be submitted on a CD or USB. The entries should be accompanied by electronic transcript in word format for translation purposes. (iv) Photo journalism: comprising published pictures with a caption; Photographic entries should have one (1) photo or a pictorial spread of not more than twenty (20) photos published in one issue/edition. Each entry must be accompanied by an original newspaper in which photo(s) were published. f) All entries must be submitted to the National Adjudication Committee not later than February 28, 2020; g) All submissions must be made strictly on the SADC Media Awards Entry Form and should contain full contact details of the entrant, including passport-sized photograph, physical address, telephone and, where applicable, fax number and e-mail address; h) Entries will be initially screened and judged by the National Adjudication Committee in each Member State, which will select the best entry in each of the four categories to be forwarded to the Regional Adjudication Committee (RAC), through the SADC Secretariat. i) Selection of the best regional entries will be decided upon by the RAC; j) The decision of the RAC shall be final; k) The first prize winners will be announced and receive their prizes during the 40th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government; l) The awards will include Print, Radio, Television and Photo Journalism. Each category carries a first prize of US $2,500; m) The runner-ups in each category will receive a second prize of US $1000 and will receive the prize money and certificates in their respective countries through their National Contact Point; n) The monetary prizes will be accompanied by a Certificate signed by the SADC Chairperson; o) The prizes will be paid directly to the winner. In case of a winner being unable to attend the ceremony, SADC will make arrangements to give the prize in his/her home country. p) The RAC reserves the right not to award a prize in any of the categories if the entries do not satisfactorily meet the competition requirements. Further information and entry forms are obtainable from: Government Information Service Prime Ministers Office Level 6 New Government Centre Port Louis Tel No. 201 2811 Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the two houses of Spanish parliament, the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) MADRID, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that the Sino-Spanish relations are facing new opportunities for development as this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up and the 40th anniversary of Spain's Constitution of 1978. Both China and Spain have followed a development path that suits their own national conditions over the past four decades to achieve national prosperity and social progress, Xi said when addressing the two houses of Spanish parliament, the Senate and the Congress of Deputies. "China's door of opening-up will never be d. It will only open still wider," he said. Xi said that Spain is also forging ahead with determination and keeps improving through reforms, which has driven its economy and society on a new track of development. The president hailed the time-honored history of friendly exchanges between the two countries, the outstanding examples of Eastern and Western civilizations. Xi noted that China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Spain, continue to render each other mutual understanding and support on their respective core interests and major concerns, and keep firmly in mind the correct direction for bilateral ties. He proposed that the two sides build greater synergy between their development visions and strategies, and jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries should also expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and increase communication and cooperation in international affairs, he said. The Spanish parliament can play an important role in enhancing political mutual trust between the two countries, promoting people-to-people exchanges and deepening their friendship, Xi said. China values its friendly exchanges with Spain's Senate and Congress of Deputies, he said. Xi voiced the hope that members of the Spanish parliament continue to be devoted to the China-Spain friendship and make their contributions to the bilateral ties. Spain's Senate President Pio Garcia-Escudero, on behalf of the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, extended warm welcome to President Xi for the state visit. He said that China has become the highest-level partner of Spain and the bilateral relations have entered the best period in history. The Spanish side admires China for its remarkable achievements in reform and opening-up, and highly appreciates China's important role in the international arena, he said. Spain is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in all areas and in global affairs, deepen exchanges between the legislatures, and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, thus pushing for a continuous development of the Spain-China relations, he added. After delivering the address, Xi visited the library of the Senate, accompanied by Garcia-Escudero and President of the Congress of Deputies, Ana Pastor. Before the speech, Xi was presented with commemorative medals of the two houses. Spain is the first stop of Xi's ongoing Europe and Latin America tour, which will also take him to Argentina, Panama and Portugal. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Xi will attend the 13th Group of 20 summit. 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. A ship sails under a bridge across the Kerch Strait, on Nov. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Sputnik) MOSCOW/KIEV, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A spike in tensions between Russia and Ukraine around the Kerch Strait could inflame a volatile situation in the region and incur more Western sanctions against Moscow. In the latest development, Ukraine decided to impose martial law in certain regions bordering Russia for 30 days starting at 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) Wednesday, after Russia shot at and seized three Ukrainian naval ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov on Sunday. RISING TENSIONS According to an agreement signed in 2003, the Sea of Azov is jointly owned by Russia and Ukraine, whose ships could freely cross the Kerch Strait and moor at their respective Azov ports. In 2014, Crimea's incorporation into Russia allowed Moscow to fully control the strait and led to the consequent deterioration of relations between Moscow and Kiev. Earlier this year, Russia inaugurated a bridge over the strait to connect Crimea with its mainland and started inspecting ships sailing through the strait, which Ukraine deemed as "aggressive actions." However, Russia insisted that it has the sovereign right to build the bridge and carry out the inspections, saying the inspections of ships are aimed at ensuring security in the waters of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait and do not violate international law. Amid rising tensions, Ukraine announced last week it would beef up its maritime defense capabilities to protect itself from a possible invasion by sea. A day after the announcement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow was seriously concerned about Ukraine's continuing attempts to exacerbate the situation in the Sea of Azov. Following Sunday's conflict, the Ukrainian Navy said that it had informed Russia in advance of the passage of its vessels through the Kerch Strait, calling Russia's blocking an "act of aggression." However, Russia's Federal Security Service accused the Ukrainian ships of breaching the Russian border, defying the orders of accompanying Russian vessels and conducting dangerous maneuvers in Russia's territorial waters. WESTERN PRESSURE Citing the ongoing Ukraine-Russian confrontation near the Kerch Strait, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cancel his scheduled meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Argentina. So far, there has been no comment from the Russian side on Trump's remarks, but Moscow has said its activities in the region are legitimate. The European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also responded to the situation quickly, calling for a de-escalation of the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, urged all to act with "utmost restraint" to de-escalate the situation immediately. "The events in the Sea of Azov are a demonstration of how instability and tensions are bound to rise when the basic rules of international cooperation are disregarded," Kocijancic said in a statement. Earlier on Tuesday, NATO said in a statement on its website that NATO allies "call on Russia to ensure unhindered access to Ukrainian ports and allow freedom of navigation" and "to release the Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized, without delay." Russia rejected any criticism of its actions, saying the latest conflict "was a well-thought-out provocation carefully devised in terms of place and form, aimed at inciting another hotbed of tension in this region, creating a pretext for toughening sanctions against Russia." UNCERTAIN FUTURE Russian and Ukrainian experts held different opinions on the nature and the cause of the latest conflict, but agreed that the tensions would not be easily eased. Igor Delanoe, deputy director of the French-Russian Analytical Center Observo, a think tank, said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko aimed to stir up nationalist sentiment in hopes of boosting his ratings ahead of the presidential election in March 2019. However, Ukrainian observer Vitaliy Tysyachnyy said the incident happened because Russia wants to prevent the creation of any Ukrainian military forces in the Sea of Azov as Poroshenko announced in September that his country will create a naval base there. "The stability in the region is quite illusory given the events of 2014 ... there is a conflict of interests between Russia and Ukraine, and from time to time this conflict may escalate," said Grygoriy Lugovsky, a Ukrainian historian and independent political expert. Volodymyr Fesenko, director of Ukraine's Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, said he cannot rule out military confrontation between the two countries. "But the scenario when the situation escalates further can ambiguously affect the situation both in Ukraine and in Russia," he warned. Russian columnist Sergei Strokan believed that further developments will depend on the actions of the main external players, including the United States, the EU and NATO. Western countries may use the Kerch Strait incident as a pretext to introduce new sanctions against Russia, or they may refrain from getting involved in yet another conflict with Russia fraught with unpredictable consequences, Strokan said. (Xinhua correspondents Zhu Dongyang and Liu Chen in Washington, Alona Liashenko in Kiev contributed to the story.) For decades, the Bundesbank, Germanys central bank and custodian of the countrys gold, has been storing over 1,200 tons of the precious metal worth nearly 50 billion in the New York vaults of the US Federal Reserve. After a public outcry in Germany in 2013, authorities started the repatriation program, aimed at returning the countrys gold reserves, which have been stored outside of the country since the Cold War. Berlin intended to get at least half of the countrys gold from the US and France by 2020. The government had initially planned to complete the program within a five-year period, but the US Federal Reserve renegotiated the process to a seven-year timeline. Read more The country reportedly managed to ship only five tons of its gold in 2013 due to logistical difficulties. The following year, Germany repatriated 120 tons of the precious metal 35 tons from Paris and 85 tons from New York. Some 110.5 tons were brought back from Paris and 99.5 tons from New York in 2015. Two years ago, the country repatriated total of 200 tons. So far, the Fed has denied the German financial regulator access to the vast deposits that are literally being held hostage overseas. Thus, the Bundesbank has had no opportunity to audit the reserves that belong to Germany. Various theories circulated about Germanys foreign gold reserves, with some experts questioning whether it is still there or if it has been used by foreign central banks. However, the German government doesnt seem very worried about the issue. I haven't heard that it is now becoming a hot topic, but in case it is, you should contact the Bundesbank. They would give you information about the current state of affairs and plans on this issue, German Finance Ministry spokesman Dennis Kolberg told RT Deutsch during the weekly news conference. The Bundesbank has already spoken on this issue, so I can only refer to them, the official said, when asked if the government has any plans to address the matter of the countrys gold being kept abroad. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Washington has attempted for years to diminish Russian energy influence in Europe, but the continents largest gas supplier continues to outmaneuver the US. The United States is not just exporting energy, were exporting freedom, US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said in early 2018. Were exporting to our allies in Europe the opportunity to truly have a choice of where do you buy your energy from. Thats freedom. And that kind of freedom is pricelessTheres no strings attached when you buy American [liquid natural gas]. So thats world-changing. That comment from Perry crystalizes conventional wisdom in Washington. Europe relies on Russia for about a third of its gas needs. For years, Russias Gazprom was able to bind various European countries up into rigid contracts with fixed prices, often linked to higher crude oil prices. Worse, Russia tended to negotiate bilateral deals, and would offer preferential terms to friendly countries and higher prices to others. These practices raised the ire of the European Commissions antitrust regulator, which forced Gazprom to dial back on such strong-arm tactics. Read more But with few alternatives, there was little prospect of fundamental change Europe would still need Russian gas for the long haul. The most promising alternative came from US LNG (liquefied natural gas). Cheap shale gas sparked a wave of investment earlier this decade. Cheniere Energy brought its Sabine Pass LNG facility online nearly three years ago, and several more terminals are in the works. The mere threat of American LNG arriving in Europe arguably weakened Gazproms hand. Lithuania, for instance, forced Gazprom to agree to pricing concessions when it managed to bring in a floating LNG import terminal, opening up the door to imported gas from places other than Russia. Last year, the first American LNG cargo arrived in Lithuania. US gas imports to Lithuania and other European countries is a game changer in the European gas market. This is an opportunity for Europe to end its addiction to Russian gas and ensure a secure, competitive and diversified supply, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite wrote to Foreign Affairs at the time. However, things have not changed as much as some had hoped. Russias market share in Europe is little changed. This has occurred for several reasons. First, very few US LNG cargos have actually arrived in Europe. Second, Russia is not sitting by watching its position erode. Instead, it has expanded its own use of LNG and it has also redoubled its efforts at locking European buyers into gas via pipelines. Moreover, as Russia faces some challenges in Europe, it has also pivoted to Asia to diversify its markets. China is the worlds fastest growing gas market, and China is one of the biggest reasons why global LNG prices have rebounded much quicker than analysts anticipated. Russia would be foolish not to focus gas sales on China. The two countries are set to open a long distance pipeline by the end of next year that will move more Russian gas into China. Russias LNG shipments to India are also picking up. Also on rt.com First LNG shipment from Russia's Arctic to arrive in Northern Europe Its a two-prong strategy that has proven successful to date. Our main goal is to preserve our current markets, primarily Europe, and to gain a foothold in new ones, especially Asia, Alexey Teksler, Russias first deputy Minister of Energy, told the Wall Street Journal. Over time, China is set to take on much greater importance for Gazprom. While Rick Perry wants to export more freedom, the US-China trade war has resulted in Chinese tariffs on American LNG. That will make US gas much less competitive in China relative to other sources of gas, such as from Russia. It is not as though US LNG has not had any impact at all. The pricing concessions offered by Gazprom, and the increasing shift towards more market-based pricing for Gazprom in Europe (as opposed to rigid contracts), is arguably the largest achievement that American LNG has secured. According to the WSJ, Gazproms average selling price fell by nearly 50 percent since 2013, although much of that is also the result of falling crude oil prices. Competition from the US, as well as antitrust scrutiny from Brussels, means that Gazprom cannot demand exorbitant prices. But other than that, US LNG has not done much else to beat back Russia in the European market. Also on rt.com This landmark LNG deal will change energy geopolitics forever Also, Russia can still offer cheaper gas than US suppliers in many places. Gazprom may have had to lower prices to Europe to keep US LNG out, but it can easily undercut American exporters. Even in India, Gazprom inked a 20-year agreement for gas at $7/MMBtu, which the WSJ says is about $1 to $1.50/MMBtu cheaper than anything coming from Qatar or the US. Weakening Russias energy grip over Europe has been a perennial goal of US administrations dating back decades. But Russia continues to adapt and outmaneuver Washington. This article was originally published on Oilprice.com Russian energy major Rosneft has a leading role to play in ensuring Chinas energy security, according to the companys Chief Executive Igor Sechin. Speaking at the first Russian-Chinese Energy Forum in Beijing, he said the total volume of Rosnefts crude shipments to China is expected to exceed 50 million tons this year. Rosneft is one of the leaders in terms of petrochemical supplies to China, he said. According to Sechin, the company supplied about 40 million tons of oil last year, thereby providing about 6.5 percent of Chinas total raw materials demand. Also on rt.com Russia tightens oil grip as top crude supplier to China The CEO said: Taking into account the mutual trade turnover on already concluded contracts, the total volume of deals between Rosneft and its Chinese partners will exceed $500 billion by 2035. He noted that Beijing, in turn, is interested in ensuring its energy security and reliable supply channels. READ MORE: Russia plans to boost trade with China to $200bn by 2024 Statistics show that Russia was the largest crude oil supplier to China for the past two years on an annual basis. Exports of Russian oil to China have more than doubled over the past six years, up by more than 550,000 barrels per day. In 2011, Russia began supplying China with crude through the Skovorodino-Mohe branch of the ESPO pipeline. That followed Rosneft, Transneft, and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) signing agreements. Also on rt.com Power play: China wants to boost trade & energy cooperation with Russia Rosneft and CNPC inked a 25-year oil deal in 2014 worth $270 billion under which the Russian company is expected to supply 360.3 million tons of crude to China. Since then, Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become Chinas biggest crude supplier. Last year, Rosneft agreed crude oil deliveries with Chinas CEFC Energy. According to the agreement, the Russian oil major will supply CEFC with 60.8 million tons of oil annually until 2023. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section [November 29, 2018] China's online healthcare platform jianke.com upgrades its Jianke Doctor brand and enters into strategic cooperation with Pfizer SHANGHAI, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China has continued to promote supply-side reforms during 2018. With the further roll out of policies and programs targeting financial deleveraging, medical reform and the issuance of Internet healthcare policies, the development of an Internet-based healthcare system is, at the same time, an unprecedented opportunity yet one replete with challenges. On November 29, China's online healthcare platform jianke.com hosted the Jianke Doctor Rebrand & 2018 Jianke Partners' Conference in Shanghai, at which, executives from several leading domestic and multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers, investors specialized in the healthcare sector and representatives from Internet healthcare companies gathered to explore the development of an innovative model for the Internet healthcare sector. At the event, jianke.com announced the new brand image for Jianke Doctor to the public for the first time, and entered into a strategic collaboration with Pfizer. With the aim of creating a one-stop "Internet + healthcare" service scenario, jianke.com upgraded its Jianke Doctor brand. At the conference, Liu Yanchun, MD and chief physician of the Dermatology Department at Beijing Ditan Hospital, Professor Hong Baofa, chief physician at PLA General Hospital, and Xie Fangmin, CEO of jianke.com, jointly announced the new Jianke Doctor brand. The changes undertaken in terms of the ecosystem underlying the Jianke Doctor reflect jianke.com's efforts in accelerating its entry into the smart online healthcare space. jianke.com, the first B2C Internet drug company to be approved and be in full compliance with all medical requirements for operation in Guangdong province, received the Qualification Certificate for Medicine Trading Services on the Internet in 2009. The company has since formed strategic partnerships with thousands of drug producers across China, each of whom directly supplies product to the online firm. In June 2017, jianke.com received the Qualification Certificate A for Medicine Trading Services from the China Food and Drug Administration, becoming one of the few companies granted the full complement of class A, B and C certificates in the country. The Jianke Doctorplatform now has 100,000 registered doctors who provide more than 300,000 consultations per day. With the rebranding, Jianke Doctor will continue to provide patients with a valuable online healthcare service experience. Mr. Xie explained the main features of the rebranding effort: upgrades in the efficiency and quality level of the online consultation service through the addition of an AI-powered medical assistant; improvement in the management of chronic disease patients through a single disease management program; enhanced scientific education for patients through the Dajianhao content platform; content platform; better physician resources through an increase in the number of participating Internet hospitals. The expected result is a much improved connection between hospitals, physicians and pharmacy network resources, forming a smart healthcare service loop integrating the three resources. During the conference, jianke.com also signed a new strategic cooperation agreement with US-based global pharmaceutical leader Pfizer whereby both companies will leverage their leadership in their respective fields and successful practices to implement a patient-focused strategy in terms of retail, hospital services and internet healthcare, in addition to co-creating an omni-channel retail system that combines online and offline channels. Ren Xiaoxiu, general manager of national retail business at Pfizer China, said, "Pfizer China will leverage jianke.com's internet-based new retail channel to create our own B2C and online-to-offline businesses as well as develop a brand-new marketing channel. In addition, Pfizer China will capitalize on the resource of over 6,000 physicians specialized in issues related to males at Chinese Grade III, Class A hospitals shared by jianke.com to combine mobile healthcare with our own products with the aim of providing more patients with access to high-quality healthcare and raising awareness among men about the importance of maintaining good health." The continued implementation of the supply-side structural reform across the supply chain in China was a key factor in jianke.com's ability to become the leading unicorn company in the pharmaceutical e-commerce sector in terms of offering the most comprehensive and enhanced guarantee in the authenticity of the products sold, something unprecedented in the Chinese market. In the medical drug traceability field, jianke.com plans to implement the blockchain + anti-counterfeit label technology, which establishes one QR code for each item with the aim of assigning a unique identity to each drug in the supply chain system. Each member organization participating in the traceability of drugs sold on the jianke.com platform will take responsibility for the recording of the drug information on the blockchain throughout the process from production and distribution to sale with the goal of ensuring the traceability of information about each drug sold on the platform. Executives from leading Chinese internet platforms, including Tencent and Baidu, and Prashant Tandon, founder of India's largest digital health platform, which boasts over 18 million application downloads and 160 million monthly page views, discussed related topics at the event. Mr. Tandon also shared India's experience in the exploration and development of the online healthcare sector. Additionally, he spoke highly of jianke.com's achievements in pioneering and building the Chinese online medicine and healthcare sector, which he believes will serve as an example for boosting the development of the online healthcare sector in India. Mr. Xie also shared his opinions on the research that went into the development of the internet healthcare development model. He explained that, with internet healthcare now an emerging sector, the shift from a disease-oriented to a health-oriented concept will be the next focus and industry players will need to develop mature and diversified business models. He further added, "We look forward to growing with our partners and standing side-by-side at the forefront of the internet healthcare sector with the aim of allowing more people to benefit from a new smart healthcare platform." View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-online-healthcare-platform-jiankecom-upgrades-its-jianke-doctor-brand-and-enters-into-strategic-cooperation-with-pfizer-300757534.html SOURCE jianke.com [ Back To www.mobilitytechzone.com\LTE's Homepage ] Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. NSMQ 2021: We are not intimidated by ... The China-Portugal readers' seminar on the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was held in Portuguese capital of Lisbon on Monday, days before the scheduled state visit to the country by Chinese President Xi Jinping. About 180 guests, including senior officials from the two countries, attended the event and held in-depth discussion about the book, which collects speeches, talks, interviews, notes and letters of the Chinese leader. The book gives an insight into the China path leading to modernization, highlights the China value that puts the people at the first place, and displays the China solutions that help the human beings build a community of shared future, Wang Xiaohui, vice director of the Policy Research Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee said at the seminar. It is an authoritative book that helps readers in various countries understand Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Communist Party of China and China, he noted. The important book not only broadens readers understanding on how developing countries realize modernization, but also provides inspiration for those countries who hope to accelerate growth while retaining national independence, Wang added. Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Cai Run pointed out that the book allows the readers to better understand Chinas development philosophies, paths, domestic and foreign policies, learn China in a more comprehensive way, perceive China more objectively and read China more rationally. Jose Luis Pinto Ramalho, chairman of the League of Portugal-China Lasting Friendship, agreed that the book is a must-to-read guide to comprehend Chinas society, economy, culture, foreign policy and its development. He is impressed by the content about the Belt and Road Initiative. Portuguese director Teresa Cid of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lisbon is inspired by Xis discourse on building a community of shared future for the mankind after reading the book. She said that all countries, nations and their peoples should understand and respect each other, and dissolve their divergence through dialogues and consultations, so as to build a more beautiful world together. The guests also see the great book as a symbol of Chinas willingness to tell its stories and communicate with the world, and also a reflection of its openness, confidence, sincerity and honesty. All countries, including Portugal, will benefit from Chinas policy propositions on developing free trade and working together for an open global economy that is innovative and inclusive, they added, hailing that Chinas accomplishments from its reform and opening up policy are encouraging. A series of cultural exchange events, including the 2018 Chinese Film Week and an exhibition called "Wisdom of Confucius Culture", were also hosted in Portugal to warm up for Xis state visit. NEW BRITAIN (AP) A Central Connecticut State University police officer was fired after being accused of sexually assaulting another officer, school officials revealed Thursday while announcing measures aimed at improving the embattled department. The New Britain school disclosed the firing of Officer Curtis Lollar as it released a review of the police department by former state public safety commissioner Bernard Sullivan. He was appointed to oversee the agency after an independent investigation found a series of problems including a fraternity-like environment and hiring of officers with questionable backgrounds. Sullivan confirmed the findings of an independent review in June that there was a culture of unprofessional and disrespectful behavior within the department and that discipline was lacking. The law firms findings criticized police officials for not investigating the sexual assault claims against Lollar, who was fired in September but not criminally charged. A female campus officer accused Lollar of sexually assaulting her three times over the course of a little over a year beginning in about 2013 or 2014, according to Sullivans report. But the female officer told officials that she did not want to file a complaint because she had moved on, the report said. A message left at a telephone listing for Lollar was not immediately returned Thursday. School President Zulma R. Toro spoke to police department staff Thursday morning. I realize the reputation of the CCSU Police Department has been tarnished by our investigations, she told them, according to a school statement. The poor choices and actions of a few which I assure you we are dealing with do not represent the good work and dedication of the entire department. Toro said a series of improvement measures have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented, including training on sexual harassment prevention and how to work with sexual violence victims. The school official who oversaw the police department, Chief Administrative Officer Richard Bachoo, was placed on leave pending an investigation after the law firms report was released in June. WALLINGFORD After nearly 27 years of fire department service, Battalion Chief Jim Duffy worked his last shift Monday night. I definitely had tears in my eyes, Duffy said. I loved what I did and I couldnt have asked for a better career. Duffy described the moment as bittersweet. While he enjoyed his work and will miss it, Duffy said it was time to move on to another chapter in life. In 1991, Duffy joined the Wallingford Fire Department, previously serving as a volunteer firefighter for a Long Island department. Duffy was promoted to lieutenant after four years of service and also worked as a public information officer. In 2000, he was promoted to battalion chief. Throughout the years, Duffy said he traveled around the country and attended firefighter conferences. He also taught seminars in Massachusetts, Indianapolis and Missouri. In retirement, Duffy said he plans to continue teaching, as well as participating in hobbies like hiking and paddle boating. Battalion Chief Rick Gibson also joined the department in 1991 and was present Monday night when Duffy completed the last shift of his career. It was really emotional, Gibson said. Its going to seem really weird not to see him around here anymore. Duffy said the job gave him a sense of purpose that was very rewarding, despite meeting people under unfortunate circumstances, such as fires, accidents and medical calls. Firefighters have the opportunity to make a difference everyday that they work, Duffy said. Gibson said the department has candidates for the newly-vacant position and expects it to be filled in less than a month. Im definitely going to miss him, Gibson said. He made an impact on the Wallingford Fire Department. jroman@record-journal.com 203-317-2420 Twitter: @JenieceRoman Regional US ambassador attends Manipur Sangai Festival Manipur CM N Biren Singh presenting painting to US ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster in Imphal on Thursday. (NP) Correspondent IMPHAL, Nov 29 | Publish Date: 11/29/2018 10:59:47 AM IST US ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, on Thursday attended the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival hosted by state tourism, to promote the tourism industry in the state. The US ambassador arrived in Imphal from Kolkata along with officials of the US Consulate General, Kolkata. He was accompanied by US Consul General, Patricia L Hoffman, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, Prasenjit Gupta and others accompanied the ambassador on his two day maiden visit to the state. Soon after his arrival, the ambassador called on state Governor, Dr. Najma Heptulla at Imphal Raj Bhavan, which was followed by a meeting with state chief minister N Biren Singh at the latters office bungalow. In the evening, he visited the heritage huts, stalls of the festival at its main venue in Imphals Hatta Kangjeibung and also witnessed cultural performances at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). As per his tentative tour programme, the ambassador will visit the Kangla Fort in Imphal on Friday where he will also pay a visit at Shree Shree Govindaji temple inside the fort before concluding his two day visit to the state. Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to pay a state visit to Panama at the invitation of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. It will be the first state visit by a Chinese president to Panama in history and a significant milestone in the development of the newly established China-Panama diplomatic relations. Before President Xis visit, the grand launching ceremony of the book The Silk Road and Panama, written by Panamanian economist Eddie Tapiero from the Panama Canal Administration, was held in Panama City. The Silk Road and Panama is so far the first monograph in Latin America that systematically shows the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi. In the book, Tapiero systematically describes and analyzes the historical origin, background, and essence of the Belt and Road Initiative, and scientifically expounds on how Latin American countries including Panama took part in the construction of the Belt and Road and the bright future these countries will harvest. Panamanian mainstream media and various circles of the society have paid high attention to the book. In the days following the launching of the book, almost all the journalists and Panamanian think tank scholars I met were reading the book. Moreover, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and foreign envoys to Panama asked to buy the book one after another. Such enthusiasm for the book is a vivid evidence of the fact that though China and Panama just established diplomatic ties one and a half years ago, the Chinese experience, Chinese wisdom, and Chinese solutions have already generated strong attraction, appeal, and affinity in the Panamanian society. On June 13, 2017, President Xi and President Varela resolutely made the historic decision on the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama, opening a new chapter of bilateral relations between the two countries. Since then, China and Panama, with the common aspiration for jointly building the Belt and Road, have quickly turned their complementary advantages into fruits of pragmatic cooperation. So far, the two countries have signed a dozen of agreements on cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, maritime transport, civil aviation, finance, agriculture, quality inspection, tourism, and infrastructure, demonstrating firm political willingness to seek win-win results and common development. Besides, China and Panama have signed bilateral cooperation agreements on Belt and Road, steadily pushed ahead with bilateral negotiations on the China-Panama free trade agreement (FTA), and launched a direct flight from Beijing to Panama City. Its also worth mentioning that at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), Panamanian enterprises, for the first time, sold the national brand Panama Exporta, which included fruits and other high-quality featured agricultural products, as a national effort to promote agricultural development. The brand Panama Exporta, created to help revitalize agriculture and realize the diversification of agricultural structure for Panama, finally entered the Chinese market with nearly 1.4 billion people. In the mean time, the two peoples have shown increasing aspiration for enhancing bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding. The Confucius Institute at the University of Panama has begun providing classes for local students, while young Panamanian students have come to China in batches for study or training. Scholars, think tanks, and media of the two countries have enjoyed close and dynamic exchanges, offering advice and suggestions for the development of China-Panama ties. Additionally, a series of activities have brought excellent cultural feasts for the mind of people in Panama, including the 2018 National Day reception and concert held by the Chinese Embassy in Panama, the Chinese drama dance show To Meet the Grand Canal, and the story-sharing session on China-Panama friendship. With its location advantages as a center of international transportation and a regional hub of aviation, logistics, and finance, Panama will play an important role in China-Latin America cooperation on joint construction of the Belt and Road. Taking the historic state visit by President Xi as a starting point and under the guidance of the two leaders, the two countries will continuously consolidate political mutual trust, promote connectivity, accelerate integrated development, and make every effort to pursue common prosperity. I believe they will make further contributions to the co-construction of an open, innovative, and inclusive world economy and the joint building of a community of common destiny for mankind, through jointly constructing the Belt and Road and building the China-Panama community of common destiny and the China- Latin-America community of common destiny. (Wei Qiang is the Chinese Ambassador to Panama) By PTI CHENNAI: Private sector ICICI Bank has chalked out aggressive plans to grow its retail loan portfolio in Tamil Nadu by over 40 per cent to Rs 13,000 crore during current financial year, a top official said Wednesday. The bank also set a target on consumer loans to grow by 50 per cent in financial year 2018-19 to Rs 5,000 crore, ICICI Bank, Executive Director, Anup Bagchi told reporters here. "There is a big opportunity for us to grow the loan book by 40 per cent (in Tamil Nadu). We are targeting to disburse Rs 13,000 crore in FY19," he said. The company's home loan disbursement was likely to grow by nearly 40 per cent to Rs 3,700 crore while agri-related loans by 30 per cent to Rs 4,300 crore during the current financial year, he added. To a query, he said, the bank would increase the processing centres to 20 from the existing 15 in the state. Asked if banks would cut down on number of ATM machines, he said there was no such proposal to do so. The Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMi) recently warned that changes in regulatory landscape were making it unviable to operate ATMs and may lead to the closure of half of the 2. 38 lakh units present in the country by March 2019. Bagchi said the bank would also focus on affordable housing segment and expanding its presence in Tier II and III cities like Erode, Hosur, Karur, Thanjavur as it is a key driver for home loan portfolio. "We plan to increase our home loan portfolio to Rs 3,700 crore in FY19. To drive this growth, we have adopted multi-pronged strategy - expanding presence tier II and III markets, focusing on affordable housing and credit processing centres. . ," he said. The bank has a wide retail network of branches across Tamil Nadu. "Over 60 per cent of our branches are located in the semi-urban and rural areas," he said. PTI VIJ ROH ROH 11281531 NNNN Anuradha Shukla By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Ahead of general elections next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to meet top industry leaders, trade representatives and top bureaucrats to review the economy and to discuss broader issues of India Inc in the second week of December. The Prime Minister will be meeting top Industrialists, representatives of business chambers and Industry think tanks in the second week of December. The date is not finalised yet, but it will most likely be December 13. The PM will discuss the state of economy and also the current challenges for businesses, a senior government official told TNIE. The Prime Minister had on November 19 met a few representatives of India Inc, but the meet was limited to discussions over ease of doing business. The leaders who attended the meet included Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, Vedanta Resources executive chairman Anil Agarwal, CII president Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Kotak Mahindra Bank CEO Uday Kotak and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, among others. The December 13 meet is likely to be wider and include more faces from the India Inc. With less than six months for the general elections, the meeting is seen as a political move to reach out to the business fraternity and to bridge the trust deficit with some sections of the industry, which is beginning to be disillusioned, especially the small businesses that once backed Narendra Modi in his ascension to power in 2014 with a thumping majority. It was in June this year when the PM had last met the captains of Indian companies in Mumbai to discuss marquee schemes of the National Democratic Alliance government and give them a snapshot of the policy measures taken and reforms done by the government in the last four years. New Industrial Policy New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday said his ministry is preparing an action plan for implementing of the proposed new Industrial Policy, which is aimed at promoting manufacturing and economic growth in the country. The ministry is looking to preparing the action plan before seeking the Cabinet approval for the new policy, the minister said. Express News Service BENGALURU: A couple is on the run after duping several people to the tune of Rs 20 crore, by furnishing fake documents related to land parcels in Bengaluru. A city court rejected their anticipatory bail plea for the second time this month. Investigations revealed that Kiran C, 33, and his wife Sowbhagya, 28, claimed to be close relatives of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, to gain peoples trust. The accused couple, residents of Preethinagar near Laggere, in West Bengaluru, run a departmental store. A case was registered against them by C Vijay Kumar at Rajagopalnagar police station on October 9. The complainant alleged that he had approached the couple to buy land to construct a hospital. The couple allegedly promised to sell their land to him and received a total amount of Rs 1.90crore in various stages. When they gave him the property documents, the complainant verified them and realised that the couple had created fake land documents and cheated him. Meanwhile, police received a similar complaint against the couple and found that the couple had created a fake GPA of a certain Dr Poornesh and sold his site located in Nagarbhavi to several people, and made around Rs 20 crore.While police were on the lookout for the couple, Kiran and Sowbhagya approached the city civil & sessions court, seeking anticipatory bail, but their petition was rejected on November 3. They filed a successive bail petition before court, claiming that they were innocent. The public prosecutor submitted to court that the records submitted by the investigating officer reveal that there is reasonable ground to believe that the petitioners committed the offences, prima facie. Judge Vidyadhar Shirahatti later rejected the plea. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Tech Summit, an annual event which attracts industry leaders from across the world to the city, will have, for the first time in its history, a night time drone race in order to capture the attention of delegates this year. The summit, which will be launched by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday, will be held over the next three days at the Bangalore Palace. Speaking to TNIE, Raj Kumar Srivastava, advisor to the Department of IT, said, This year, the tech summit will be the culimination of a series of events through the year. The summit will see participanta from 11 countries who will engage with the organizers and delegates. In another first, the Government will play the role of the host while letting companies handle the event entirely. Samuel Merigala By Express News Service CHENNAI: Around 5,000 families in S Kolathur fear they may soon have to drink and use water laced with sewage. The Kancheepuram district collector recently ordered diverting sewage from a few residential areas into the Narayanapuram lake, the main water source for residents of S Kolathur, a suburban area in southern Chennai. The district collector had ordered diversion of the sewage into the lake as a part of the flood mitigation measures in the monsoon season, say activists. Residents question the logic of letting sewage into a lake that provides for their drinking water. It is learnt that the district collector P Ponniah gave the direction about two weeks ago after he recently noticed sewage and rainwater from a few areas of Kovilambakkam forming small ponds on either side of the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Link Road. After the collector's order, a mud canal was made to empty the sewage into the lake, just metres away from the well the Kovilambakkam Panchayat uses to collect the lake's water. My family drinks the water supplied by the panchayat after treating it with an RO system. But if the pollution of the water source continues, it will have an effect on the water despite the treatment processes, said J Shankar, organiser of the Federation of S Kolathur Resident Welfare Associations, expressing concerns that the mixing of sewage in the lake could have an irreversible impact. While the inflow of sewage for the last few days is yet to have any visible effects on the lake, residents fear that it is only a matter of time before the contamination reaches dangerous levels and leads to health issues for people who use the water. Residents alleged that their alternative suggestions to handle the sewage, like soak pits and use of tankers, were turned down by the St Thomas Mount Block Development Officer Venkatraman. These are the temporary measures the government should be taking to prevent flooding, not emptying the sewage into the lake which provides us water, said G Shivakumar, a member of Kagithapuram Residents Welfare Association. Representatives of various areas of S Kolathur such as Ambedkar Nagar, Kagithapuram, Manimegalai Nagar, Unmai Nagar, Raja Nagar and LIC Nagar approached the district collector on Monday regarding the issue, but no steps have been take to prevent the pollution of the lake and contamination of their water source till today (Thursday). If the quantity of sewage increases, we will have to provide a drainage system for the residents of Vinayagapuram, Thillai Nagar and Kagithapuram ( areas from where the sewage drains into the lake). Till the monsoon ends our hands are tied because we cant let these areas drown (in case of heavy monsoon rains), said K Venkatraman, St Thomas Mount Block Development Officer. The district collector Ponniah could not reached for comment. Sanskriti Talwar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A senior Delhi Police officer allegedly committed suicide on Thursday morning by jumping off the police headquarters (PHQ) building in ITO in central Delhi, the police said. Prem Ballabh, an officer of assistant commissioner of police rank, posted in the crime and traffic branch of Delhi Police, reached his office at around 9.30 am and greeted his colleagues. He then said nobody should disturb him. At around 10.15 am, he allegedly jumped from the window of the restroom, police said. The 55-year-old officer, a resident of northeasts Delhi Muajpur area and a native of Uttrakhand, is survived by his wife and three sonsall in their 20s and employed. Preliminary enquiry has revealed that the ACP was suffering from depression. He was also undergoing treatment for some illness and had spent some time in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, said Rajesh Khurana, joint commissioner of police (central range). He added that the officer worked at the desk in police administration at the headquarters. Later in the day, certain documents, including a note purportedly written by the ACP, were recovered by the police. The police claimed that in a note they had recovered, Ballabh had written that nobody was responsible for his death. According to police officers, two ambulances were immediately rushed to the spot on being alerted about the incident and the deceased was take to the Lok Nayak Jai Praksah Naryan Hospital at Delhi Gate, situated a five-minute drive away from the PHQ. Prem Ballabh had joined Delhi Police in 1986 as a head constable. In the more than 30 years of his career as a police officer, he was awarded with a police medal for meritorious service in 2016. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik visited the LNJP Hospital, where the body was kept, and he met the family members of the deceased and assured them of all possible help. (With PTI inputs) By Express News Service HYDERABAD: A 30-year-old auto driver was stabbed multiple times by an acquaintance in the middle of a busy road even as shocked passersby stood watching at Nayapul in Mirchowk police limits on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Shakeer Qureshi of Chanchalguda. The accused, Abdul Khaja, got into a fight with Qureshi. Their quarrel took an ugly turn when Khaja knocked Qureshi down and stabbed him to death with a sharp knife. Police rushed to the spot on being alerted but the auto driver had died by then. The accused was detained and a murder case has been registered against him. Reshape ADF for relevance, departing president says Departing Australian Dairy Farmers president Terry Richardson says the peak dairy body needs to be significantly changed to stay relevant and the states will need to help make it happen. Large-scale machines work at the construction site of Margarita Island port in the free trade zone of Colon, Panama. (Photo by Li Xiaoxiao from Peoples Daily) At a construction site at the estuary of Panama Canal to the Atlantic Ocean, growling gigantic marine equipment, caterpillar cranes, portal cranes and a 27-meter-long high-front shovel from China are busy with the expansion project of Margarita Island port. China's Shandong-based Landbridge Group started the expansion project in June 2017 after it purchased the port situated in Panama's Colon Free Trade Zone in 2016. Li Chao, a project engineer, said a port entrance was being built here as part of the expansion project for the Panama's largest port. With an estimated investment of about $1 billion, it is one of the largest projects in Panama invested by companies from the Chinese mainland. It is also the first container terminal designed and built to match the Panama Canal new locks. The No. 3 container berth is scheduled to start trial operation by June 2019. By June 2020, the stage one will be operational, and the second stage of the project will start construction at the beginning of 2019. After its upgrade, the port will have an annual handling capacity of 5 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) cargoes and become the only one there to boast 150,000-ton container berths. It will further satisfy the operation of the canal and the demand for water transportation. Landbridge Group plans to increase the handling capacity of the port to 11 million TEU cargoes per year. The steady progress of the project is attributed to the development of China-Panama relations. According to Li, when they prepared for the project before the two countries established diplomatic ties, they had to wait for document approvals for months since the procedures to assess the projects environmental impact and obtain the construction permits were very slow due to legal restrictions. Several days after the project kicked off, the two countries announced the establishment of diplomatic ties, which brought the construction to a new pace. The city of Colon had provided concrete support for Landbridge Group in construction safety and the recruitment of workers, Li disclosed. Alodiel, an official in Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL) of Colon, said the Chinese company had created more than 2,000 jobs for locals, over 800 of which were related to construction jobs. Landbridge Group had provided a sound working environment for the workers and guaranteed their welfare. There is a big cultural difference between us that has occasionally led to disagreements, but nothing is unsolvable through effective communication. Landbridge Group has become a good friend of us, said the official. I got along well with the Chinese colleagues here. In Landbridge Group there were staffs working on our welfare and labor and social security. Though the two countries were far apart, the hearts of the two peoples were bonded closely by the warm friendship, Edwen Cordoba, a local employee, told Peoples Daily. Esteban Sugaste, representative of Single Trade Union of Construction and Allied Workers of Panama (SUNTRACS), said the Chinese people were passionate, united and diligent, and had respect on other people, adding that the Chinese enterprise was willing to exchange views with its Panamanian employees and listen to their voices. The Chinese enterprise respects us and has won our respect as well. The port was highly automated, which would not only improve efficiency, but also guarantee the quality of services and reduce operating costs, Li said proudly. Additionally, the port had an obvious advantage in cost and was very competitive, Li said, disclosing that in the future a logistics park would be built here, which had already attracted interested Latin American countries for cooperation. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Celebrating its first anniversary on Wednesday, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) L&TMRHL managing director, KVB Reddy unveiled the HMR first anniversary logo. He subsequently travelled along with children from Aadarana (A home for orphaned and needy students) in a joyride from Nagole to Mettuguda. Various events including slogan competition, pin your thoughts, painting competition and lucky draw have been lined up by the authorities to celebrate with their passengers. The highlights include Corridor I - 29 km from Miyapur to L B Nagar covering 27 stations and the Corridor 3 of 17 km from Nagole to Ameerpet covering 14 stations. With around 4.5 lakh smart card users in the city, commuters are shifting towards Smart Card which fetches 10 per cent discount on all trips. Smart cards provides hassle-free transport, easy recharge methods and lifetime validity. Hyderabad Metro Rail has also taken several initiatives to improve the ridership experience of commuters like providing free water, free toilets, exclusive ladies section, cross-sell offers, complimentary newspapers etc. Various Last Mile Connectivity options have also been introduced. u mahesh By Express News Service HYDERABAD: After a whole day of drama, accusations and politics over her disappearance, Chandramukhi Muvvala, who is set to become the first transwoman to contest Assembly elections, was located on Wednesday. The Goshamahal candidate of Bahujan Left Front was picked up by police from a transgender settlement in Secunderabad. Chandramukhi was last spotted in the early hours of Tuesday at her residence in Jawaharnagar following which she disappeared and her mobile phone was switched off. Her mother Ananthamma filed a missing complaint following which a special task force set out on search. They picked her and 10 other transgender persons from the Secunderabad settlement. ALSO READ: Goshamahal transgender candidate Chandramukhi vanishes into thin air... Learning about her return, a group of three advocates reached the police station. Later, she was dropped at her residence by a police team. Earlier in the day, based on habeas corpus plea filed by Ananthamma, a division bench of the Hyderabad High Court directed the Telangana police to produce Chandramukhi before it on Thursday morning. Chandramukhi(centre)with her family and friends The MLA candidate did not respond to repeated questionsabout her disappearance. I will explain everything that happened to me in the court Thursday morning, she told Express. However, some police officials felt this could be a publicity stunt. We will file a police complaint against her if it was a political gimmick, said one police officer. Earlier in the day, Chandramukhis mother Ananthamma (55) made an appeal to the kidnappers to release her daughter. She promised that her daughter would withdraw from elections if she is freed. It has been 24 hours and there is still no information about her. I request the kidnappers to leave her alone. We shall leave this place, Ananthamma had said. BLF State Convenor Thammineni Veerabhadram also met DGP M Mahender Reddy on Wednesday morning. Later, Veerabhadram claimed he was informed that Chandramukhi could have gone to meet a pontiff in Ananthapur. Subsequently, BLF approached the Election Commission with a complaint stating that their candidate had been kidnapped. Speculations were rife that she could have been kidnapped by her opponents, and fingers were pointed at the controversial BJP candidate of Goshamahal, T Raja Singh. Vyjayanthi Vasanta Mogli, a transgender rights activist, claimed that Chandramukhi has been winning hearts of people in the constituency and was hence becoming a threat to her opponents. Steni Simon By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Adorned in bright costumes and holding vivacious expressions, the beautiful bride and her friends, who competed in the Oppana section from the Attingal Boys Higher Secondary School, Neyyatinkara were a treat to watch. It was a double delight as it was the first time that a team from the school is participating in Oppana at the district level. Once a traditional folk dance during Muslim weddings, Oppana has evolved into one of the most popular events at arts festivals. Adorned in traditional jewels, the young brides are the centre of attention. Their palms and feet are decorated with beautiful mehndi patterns as they sit with a shy smile while their friends wear white Kachi, the traditional costume of Muslim women. Ten boys from Attingal Boys HSS participated in the event. This is the first time the team is participating at the district level. I have been a teacher of Oppana for ten years and have taught many students Oppana and Mappila Pattu. It was the dedication of the students which made me want to train them for the kalolsavam, said Jabir Palathumkara, a trainer of Oppana from Kannur. He has also taught the traditional dance form to students in the state and district level competitions held in Kannur, Kozhikode and Thrissur. Jabir was trained under his guru, Munir Thalassery. Besides training school students in Mappila pattu and Oppana, he has also conducted several stage programmes. On this year's Kalolsavam, he said, Due to the floods, the CBSE kalolsavam was cancelled. This has been a huge blow for many schools, he said. The students were equally determined to prove their excellence.Although we ended up second in the sub-district level, we gave an appeal to participate in the district level as we wanted to prove our mettle, said Hiba Shajahan, a Class XII student. By IANS PURULIA: Criticising the malfunctioning of some Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) during the ongoing Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that providing faulty EVMs was a ploy to manipulate people's votes. Taking a swipe at the Election Commission, Banerjee said it is the responsibility of the constitutional body to ensure that none of the EVM or VVPAT machines used during polling are faulty. "I am hearing since morning that several EVM machines used in Madhya Pradesh polls are faulty. We all understand these plans. These are attempts to manipulate people's vote for own advantage," Banerjee said in a veiled reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party, who is in power in the state as well as at the Centre. "I have heard that only two per cent votes cast through an EVM machine can be traced. What is the significance of two per cent? If two per cent votes are fair and 80 per cent of it is rigged, who would take the responsibility? If EVM and VVPAT are used in elections, the EC must ensure that not a single EVM machine malfunctions during polling," she said. The Trinamool supremo said she would raise the issue of faulty EVMs during the opposition parties' meeting to be held in Delhi in December. "We have already raised the issue. I will again raise the issue during our opposition party meeting in Delhi. I will also circulate the document to show what exactly is going on in Madhya Pradesh," she added. Polling is underway for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday, where several faulty EVMs and VVPAT machines had to be replaced within the first hour. By IANS JAIPUR: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday postponed elections in Ramgarh Assembly constituency under Alwar district of Rajasthan following the death of Lakshman Singh, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. Singh died of heart attack in the wee hours of Thursday. According to Election Commission officials, the state shall go to polls for 199 seats out of the total 200 seats on December 7. The date for election in Ramgarh will be declared later, said the official. The Congress party's Safiya Khan is contesting from Ramgarh, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sukhwant Singh for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Days after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its election manifesto , the Gaurav Sankalp Patra, the opposition Congress, with the hope of a resounding victory in election-bound Rajasthan, released its manifesto called the Jan Ghoshna Patra on Thursday. Aside from a focus on farmers and youngsters, the document laid special emphasis on women and also promised to put into place a safety mechanism for the states journalists. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot jointly presented the manifesto in the partys office. Several party insiders have indicated a tiff between the two leaders for the post of the Chief Minister. ALSO READ: Rajasthan Congress expels 28 leaders for contesting polls against party candidates The incumbent BJP government of Vasundhara Raje is facing the ire of farmers who have been protesting over the prices they are getting for their produce and the burden of debt on them because of rising input costs. The opposition party had played a trump card of sorts on Monday when party president Rahul Gandhi promised to waive off farmer loans in the state within 10 days of coming to power. The BJP has made the same promise in its manifesto, which it had released two days after Gandhis announcement. In its manifesto, the Congress has also promised to make efforts to remove agricultural equipment and tools from under the GST as well as a pension for elderly farmers. For women, the Congress announced free education for life. It also promised to set up Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for women in every district of the state. For unemployed youngsters, who are also a major factor behind the incumbency faced by Raje, the Congress announced monthly wages of R3,500 and free travel for students giving exams for jobs. Last week, four unemployed youngsters had committed suicide reportedly fed up with the pursuit of a job. The BJP has announced monthly wages of R5,000 for unemployed youngsters. The opposition party however, was quick to dismiss the proclamation. For 5 years, the BJP kept calling the youth thieves (robbers) and lafanga (hooligans). They were beaten and thousands of them were arrested for demanding jobs. Several people were denied jobs and now, if the BJP says they will give R5,000 as wages, nobody is going to believe them, said Pilot. This manifesto is not just a document but a Congress commitment. Like every time, there will be a manifesto implementation committee and time-bound implementation, he added. In late 2017, the Raje government had brought a controversial ordinance which proposed to ban media coverage in cases of corruption by government officials. It faced a storm of criticism after which, it was pulled back. In its document, the Congress announced that it would to bring a Journalist Protection Act which would enable the freedom of the press in the state. The party said its manifesto was created with inputs from over 2 lakh members of the public. When we come to power, we will make sure all of these promises are implemented. The chief secretary and the collectors will receive copies of it [the manifesto] to make sure that it becomes a part of the official implementation process, said Gehlot . Ajay Moses By Express News Service HYDERABAD: On his fifth visit to Telangana, BJP national president Amit Shahs message to the people was loud and clear: Make Lotus blossom in Telangana through Adilabad - the Gateway for Telangana. Shah slammed the TRS and the Congress for resorting to appeasement politics in his two back-to-back meetings in Adilabad and Nalgonda. He drew a clear a distinction on what could be lost if the minorities are benefited. Referring to Congress manifesto released on Tuesday which promised to have an IT corridor for Muslims, Shah said: if youre not from a minority community you wont get a government project contract. If you are a Muslim student you will get `20 lakh to study abroad. Congress will build separate hospitals for them. Mosques and churches need not pay electricity charges, but temples have no such luxury. And, in Telangana you will not get a job if you dont know Urdu, he said. The BJP chief said the TRS governments decision to raise Muslim quotas in government jobs and state-run educational institutions to 12 per cent resulted in blocking of a proposal for hiking reservations for tribals. KCR is eating into the reservation of tribals and girijans, he said. Terming that all the political parties are falling at the feet of AIMIM as said by Akbaruddin Owaisi, Amit Shah projected that BJP is the only party which can match an eye-to-eye with the Majilis. Give us a chance and we will alleviate the self-respect of Telangana, Shah said to a rousing appreciation from the gathering. The TRS government, Shah said, is afraid of AIMIM because of which Hyderabad Liberation Day was not being celebrated. He assured that the day would be celebrated with all grandeur soon. He found fault with Rao for not partnering with the Central governments scheme Ayushman Bharat and also accused him for not implementing Avas Yojna housing scheme in the State. Neither houses have been houses constructed, medical cover given, a Dalit made the CM or 3-acre land given to Dalits, Shah remarked at Munugode public meeting. He took potshots at the large number of farmer suicides that took place in the State by stating that in KCRs own constituency. In Nalgonda, the BJP national chief accused Rao for taking commissions from pharmaceutical companies and allowing them to pollute the area and allow people to suffer from kidney and other ailments. Shahs slew of promises for TS Build a Cement Corporation of India (CCI) factory in Adilabad Pucca houses to be build in Adilabad Prevent pharma companies from conducting reverse bore-well processes Villages of Nalgonda under Urban Rural Mission mixed signals Unlike road shows wherein the star campaigner hardly misses out an opportunity to speak and build a galli connect, BJP national president Amit Shah doesnt seem to be someone who is interested in such meetings. At the two-hour road show that started from Musheerabad, the BJP leader, besides showering lilies and roses on the party workers, didnt utter a single word. There was a lukewarm response from the locals who didnt seem too interested in peeping through the windows or the balconies, forget terraces, at many places along the road show. Amit Shah also cancelled his scheduled public meeting at Saroornagar Indoor Stadium. By PTI TORONTO: Margaret Atwood, whose books have found a new cultural relevance in the #MeToo era, is coming up with a sequel to her most famous dystopian novel, 'The Handmaid's Tale'. ALSO READ | Author Margaret Atwood says 9/11 terrorists got idea from Star Wars Titled 'The Testaments', the story is set 15 years after Offred's final scene and is narrated by three female characters. It will be published in September 2019, Atwood wrote on Twitter. Yes indeed to those who asked: Im writing a sequel to The #HandmaidsTale. #TheTestaments is set 15 years after Offreds final scene and is narrated by three female characters. It will be published in Sept 2019. More details: https://t.co/e1umh5FwpX pic.twitter.com/pePp0zpuif Margaret E. Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) November 28, 2018 The Canadian author said the book is inspired by all the questions that people have about Gilead, a fictional dystopian place where women have no rights and are treated like baby-making machines. "Everything you have ever asked about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book well, almost everything. The other inspiration is the world we have been living in," Atwood tweeted. 'A Handmaid's Tale', starring Elizabeth Moss as Offred, has been adapted successfully for television. The iconic red outfit with white bonnets that handmaids wear in the book has emerged as one of the most popular feminist symbols of protest. ALSO READ | After 'A Handmaid's Tale', Netflix picks up Margaret Atwood's 'Alias Grace' for TV series Atwood's 'Alias Grace', a fictionalised account of the 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada West, has also been turned into a critically-acclaimed adaptation on Netflix. The book is told from the point of view of Grace Marks, a servant who was convicted of the crime alongside James McDermott. McDermott was hanged while Grace was sentenced to life imprisonment. By Online Desk It's the 186th birth anniversary of Louisa May Alcott, a name that has lived on through the ages. Best known for her 1868 novel 'Little Women' and its sequels 'Little Men' and 'Jo's Boys', Alcott was born to transcendentalist (followers of the literary and philosophical movement Transcendentalism) parents in Massachusetts, US. The novelist and poet had a very interesting life. Here are ten facts about her life that mostly remain unknown: 1. A poem for Henry David Thoreau: Louisa was brought up along with her four sisters in a Transcendentalist commune and hence was friends with writers like Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. She even wrote a poem, later on in life, called 'Thoreaus Flute'. 2. Pen-name 'Flora Fairfield': She became a published writer at the age of 19, under the pseudonym Flora Fairfield. She then wrote under her real name at 22. 3. Enlisted as army nurse: She enlisted as an army nurse in the US Civil War in 1862 and a year later, wrote about her experiences in 'Hospital Sketches', a fictionalised account. 4. Suffered from mercury poisoning: Alcott was treated with a toxic mercury compound called calomel (commonly used in medicines in the 19th century) when she suffered from typhoid and pneumonia. Because of this exposure to mercury, Alcott suffered from symptoms of mercury poisoning for the rest of her life. 5. Forced to depend on opium: To combat the pain and symptoms of mercury poisoning, Louisa took opium. She had a weakened immune system, vertigo, and hallucinations. ALSO READ | Meryl Streep, Emma Stone to star in 'Little Women' adaptation 6. Wrote a book about girls to help her father: Thomas Niles, an editor at a publishing house, asked Alcott if she wanted to write a book about girls. She wasn't interested and thought of herself as a tomboy. At the same time, her father was trying to convince Niles to publish his book on philosophy published and he agreed to do so if Alcott would write a book on girls. This led to Alcott writing 'Little Women', about growing up with her three sisters. 7. Ardent suffragette: During the 1870s, she wrote for a women's rights periodical and went door-to-door in Massachusetts to encourage women to vote. She was also the first woman registered in Concord to vote. 8. Pretended to be her own servant: The author did not like the attention from her fans, after the success of 'Little Women'. She often answered the front door of her family home pretending to be her own servant, hoping to trick fans into leaving. 9. Wrote gothic thrillers: Louisa May Alcott wrote, published, and supported her family with gothic thrillers with titles like 'Paulines Passion and Punishment' -- nothing better than some classic alliteration for pulp fiction, after all. 10. You can visit her family home: At 399 Lexington Road in Concord, Massachusetts, tourists can visit Orchard House, the Alcott family home from 1858 to 1877. There is also a guided tour around the house, a designated National Historic Landmark. By PTI MUMBAI: The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) surveyed 43,629 households before submitting its report on the social and economic conditions of the Maratha community, which has been demanding reservation. State Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole has told this to the Legislative Council in response to a question asked by Congress MLC Sharad Ranpise, Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde, NCP member Hemant Takle and others. In their question, the opposition members claimed that when the pro-quota protests by the Maratha community members turned violent, police had fired gunshots and many even ended their own lives over the issue. They also alleged that when a bandh was called on August 9 this year, police had registered false cases against innocent people. Leaders across the party lines had met the Superintendent of Police to demand the withdrawal of such cases. In his response, Badole said police had taken action in accordance with the law, at places where protests for Maratha reservation turned violent in July-August 2018. Responding to another query, he said about 43,629 households were surveyed by the SBCC, before it submitted its report to the state government. Badole said the government was in the process of providing assistance to the families of the protesters who have died. He added that as per a Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 26, 2018, a committee has been formed under the Additional Director General of Police to take further action on withdrawal of cases against the protesters. "An inquiry has been conducted into the complaints made by legislators about false cases being lodged (against the protesters). It was found that no false case was lodged against any innocent. All the arrests have been made based on the evidence found against them and no arrest have been made where there was no evidence," Badole said. The politically dominant Maratha community constitutes over 30 per cent of the state's population. The community has been demanding quota for a long time and its agitation for the same in July and August this year had taken a violent turn. After the commission submitted its report to the government last week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had hinted that the demand for quota would be fulfilled. According to government sources, the commission's report has said that Marathas are a "socially and educationally backward class of citizens" with minuscule representation in government and semi-government services. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Former Samajwadi Party leader and unattached Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh has donated his ancestral property, worth crores, in Azamagarh to Sewa Bharti, an organisation affiliated to Rashtirya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). According to sources, the former general secretary of Samajwadi Party donated a part of his ancestral property worth around Rs 15 crore to Sewa Bharti. It includes his ancestral house, worth Rs 4 crore, and 10 bighas of land, worth Rs 10 crore in Tarwan village of Azamgarh district. On his gesture of giving away his property to RSS, an organisation he had been condemning as communal throughout his political career, Singh said that the Sangh was too big an organisation to be donated anything. "By giving away my property in the memory of my late father to them, I have tried to make a contribution to their efforts to serve the society," he said while going to Jaunpur to attend an event, via Varanasi, on Wednesday. Reacting to the allegation of some political parties that he was trying to carve his way into the saffron politics through RSS, Singh said that he did not find it worth to respond to such charges. On the Ram temple issue, the leader said that those opposed to the temple should understand that it was not the question of temple as it already existed there in Ayodhya. "It is only about making it grand as the stature and grace of Lord Ram," he said. Amar Singh, who hails from Azamagrah, has had an important role in the development of the district during the Mulayam regime. After parting ways from SP in 2010, Singh had launched Rashtriya Lok Manch to raise the demand of Purvanchal. He had fielded 360 party candidates in 2012 UP Assembly election but failed to secure a single seat. After failing to win even in Azamgarh, he withdrew from politics. He rejoined SP in 2016 but was again expelled by Akhilesh Yadav, who toppled his father Maulayam from the post of party chief and took the reins on January 1, 2017. Asked about the donation to the RSS, his brother Arvind Singh said he wasn't aware of it. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: He is steeped in socialist traditions but his political career has lately flourished in the saffron camp. This apparent contradiction perhaps explains why Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik doesnt fear to speak his mind, the latest being on Tuesday when he said he may keep his job as the Governor but could be transferred any time. I dont know how long Im here. I may not be stripped of my position, but I dont know how long I will stay in the current assignment, Malik said in Jammu. Last week, while defending his decision to dissolve the J&K Assembly, he told students of a private engineering college in Gwalior that Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone would have been the Chief Minister had he toed the Centres line. Let me make it clear that had I looked towards Delhi, then I would have had to instal Lones government, he said. Maliks associates said he still carries the socialist flamboyance, which explains why he doesnt bend over backwards to save his chair but in the process ties himself in knots. Past socialist politicians have demonstrated the art of making swift adjustments, sometimes contradicting themselves in order to suit expectations. Malik plunged into politics in the shadow of Ram Manohar Lohia and Raj Narain. Afterwards he became close to former Prime Minister Charan Singh, said a senior socialist politician with a parallel career trajectory in western Uttar Pradesh. For three-and-a-half decades, Malik idolised (Sheikh) Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir, swore by Article 370, only to don the saffron robe in 2004 when he contested on a BJP ticket against Ajit Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Malik is currently caught in a moral dilemma, he added. Another contemporary politician said Malik has tested all political waters of the country. As part of the socialist movement, Malik plunged into the JP (Jayaprakash Narayan) movement, joined hands with V P Singh, went to the Samajwadi Party and even spent time in the Congress, he said. Malik was apparently picked by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the hot seat to replace long serving former Governor N N Vohra. Malik was seen as the right man to break the ice in the Kashmir Valley and to give a fillip to the Centres hopes of fighting alienation among the youth. By PTI NEW DELHI: CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of all duties by the Centre and sent on leave, told the Supreme Court on Thursday that he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and cannot even be transferred. Verma, who has a feud with his deputy Rakesh Asthana, Special Director in CBI, had approached the apex court seeking a stay on the Centre's order contending that it was against the guidelines laid down by the top court. ALSO READ: Alok Verma tells Supreme Court his fixed tenure of 2 years as CBI chief cannot be altered During the hearing, the apex court made it clear that it was not going into the allegations and counter allegations. "We are and only testing the issue as a pure question of law," said a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. Challenging the government's decision, Verma's counsel and senior advocate Fali S Nariman said the CBI Director was appointed on February 1, 2017, and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred". Making his submission before the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, Nariman said there was no basis for the Central Vigilance Commission to pass an order recommending that Verma is sent on leave. "There has to be a strict interpretation of the Vineet Narain judgment. This is not the transfer and Verma has been denuded of his power and duties. Otherwise, there was no use of the Narain judgement and the law," Nariman said. The Vineet Narain decision, delivered by the apex court in 1997, relates to the investigation of allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials in India. Before 1997, the tenure of the CBI directors was not fixed and they could be removed by the government in any manner. But the apex court in the Vineet Narain judgment fixed a tenure of a minimum of two years for the CBI director to allow the officer to work with independence. Nariman referred to the terms and conditions of appointment and removal of the CBI director and concerned provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. The final authority in appointing a CBI director is the Central government, Attorney General K K Venugopal told the apex court bench. The committee selects a group of candidates for the appointment of a director of CBI and puts it up before the government. Then, it is the government which appoints the right candidate, out of these, Venugopal was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. He opposed the plea of Verma and others that the government should have gone back to the selection panel for divesting the CBI Director of his duties and sending him on leave. Venugopal told the court that Verma is in Delhi living in the same house and hence there is nothing to construe that he has been transferred. "Verma continues to hold the status of Director, and enjoys all privileges and benefits of the post till date," the AG told the bench which adjourned the hearing for December 5. The top court also asked CBI to keep a record of all transfers made after Verma was divested of his duties. "Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO Common Cause which has come in support of Verma, said that even if a person is facing the corruption charges the issues like transfer of the CBI director have to go before the selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and the CJI. The process under Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act has been bypassed by divesting Alok Verma of charges, Dave said. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, representing Manish Kumar Sinha, CBI DIG, who was also transferred from the headquarter to Nagpur, said the petition against transfer is kept pending till a decision on the CBI director's plea. Sinha was also part of the CBI team which was investigating the alleged corruption case against Asthana and others pertaining to meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, who appeared for Deputy SP A K Bassi, who was transferred to Port Bair, also advanced his submissions and said, "Even if the court were to say there is a lacuna in the DSPE Act, it is for the Supreme Court to fill up that lacuna. Government or CVC can't fill up this lacuna". At the outset, Nariman told the bench, which on November 20 had expressed deep anguish over the purported leak of CBI Director's response to the CVC's findings against him, that the court cannot prohibit the publication and referred to the apex court 2012 judgement in a case on the issue. The bench was also irked over the publication of allegations levelled by agency's DIG Manish Kumar Sinha in his separate plea. Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service Kartarpur Sahib is an extremely important matter not just for the Sikh community but others in north India who have great reverence for Guru Nanak his teachings. So one cannot overlook the importance of Kartarpur Sahib in bilateral relations. This corridor should have been done long time ago, there were various reasons it was not. Shashank Served as the foreign secretary of India from December 2003 to July 2004 Remember that Jinnah soon after partition bought land in Bangalore in the hope that India-Pakistan relations would be along the same lines as the US and Canada. So while he was Governor General of Pakistan he could still hold new property which he had bought a few months before partition in Bangalore, in addition to his own house in Bombay, which is now known as Jinnah House and houses the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Unfortunately, Jinnah as well Liaqat Ali Khan who was the PM passed away soon, and in both cases there is some mystery about their deaths. The Pakistan Army, however, thinks that it is the protector of Pakistani sovereignty and identity, and India, and of late Afghanistan and Bangladesh, is the greatest threat. So they use asymmetrical warfare to attack these countries. Civilian governments may want to improve relations with neighbouring countries, but foreign policy with neighbours, strategic policy and nuclear policy are all under the Army and ISI, and each time the political leadership tried to follow a different line they have come to grief. After suffering countless others, India has concluded that that there is no point in following the policy that terrorism and talks can go together. The US has also given Pakistan the same message. The only friends Pakistan really has are China and Saudi, and to an extent the UAE. As for concerns that our Sikhs could get indoctrinated while on pilgrimage, our Sikhs know how Pakistan had persuaded Islamic countries not to allow Sikhs in their countries saying they are the worst enemies of the Muslims. Gradually the Arab nations realised that Pakistan was lying. But the Sikhs also know that many of their places of worship are in Pakistan, so therefore they are not going openly against Pakistan fearing that their visits to these shrines would be blocked. But Sikhs from abroad are vulnerable because they are told by Pakistani and other anti-India forces that they can become a modern Israel. In the 80s, I was there when some Pakistani students asked General Zia-ul Haq why Pakistan was supporting the Sikh community to go against India, when they are supposed to be enemies of the Pakistan? India is our enemy, so we have to use these enemies to work against other enemies, replied Zia. The Indian position thus has to be nuanced, protect the interests of the Sikhs in India, make sure that their shrines in Pakistan are well maintained, and they are allowed regular visits, the same way that Hindus would like to go to Mansarovar and Kailash in China. But this cant be at the expense of our security. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday unanimously granted 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and education in the state to the politically influential Maratha community. With this, the total caste quota in the state has moved up from the existing 52 per cent to 68 per cent, while around 85 per cent of the states population will now be able to enjoy the benefits of reservation. The community had resorted to statewide agitation for quota over the last two years. After 58 mammoth rallies in the initial stage, the agitation had turned fierce earlier this year when as many as 40 youths lost lives, demanding quota. Earlier two attempts to grant quota to the Maratha community had been struck down by the courts. Fadnavis had assured the community that the quota would stand judicial scrutiny. Both houses of the legislature on Thursday cleared the Bill to grant quota to the community minutes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled it. ALSO READ | Maratha quota report: Prithviraj Chavan accuses Maharashtra CM Fadnavis of rule wordplay The bill is called Maharashtra State Reservation (of seats for admission in education institutions in the state and for appointments in public services and posts under the state) for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018. Maharashtra stands united, irrespective of political leanings, to resolve social issues, Fadnavis said, thanking the opposition for passing the Bill unanimously. Prior to tabling the bill, Fadnavis tabled the Action Taken Report (ATR) on Maharashtra State Backward Class Commissions (MSBCC) recommendations for reservation to the Maratha community in government jobs and education. Sporting saffron turbans, BJP and Sena members entered the House as the Bill was tabled and raised slogans as it was cleared. Seeming to appropriate political credit for the passing of the Bill, BJP supporters celebrated the development at each of their district and other offices, while Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray visited Azad Maidan where members of Maratha community had resorted to hunger strike demanding withdrawal of cases filed against them during agitation a couple of months ago. NCP leader Ajit Pawar congratulated the government for the legislation but, criticised the celebration. BJP, Sena patch up The BJP appears to have been successful in wooing the Shiv Sena back after a brief spell of acrimony. Members of both the parties wore saffron turbans and shouted slogans in unison as the Maratha quota Bill was presented in the legislature on Thursday. Sena will have two of its members as deputy chairperson and deputy speaker of the upper and lower House on Friday. By PTI MUMBAI: The passage of a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum. Haryana which offers 67 per cent reservations, used to be second in the list, followed by Telangana where the quantum of quota rose to 62 per cent last year, an official said. With the passage of the Maratha quota bill, the reservation quantum in Maharashtra will rise to 68 per cent, just a per cent less than Tamil Nadu, which tops the tally with 69 per cent reservations in various categories. In Rajasthan, the quota quantum rose to 54 per cent last year after that government increased reservations for Gujjars and four other backward communities, the official said. Asked how Maharashtra government will defend the increase in reservations in court, the official said, "If needed, we can submit strong data supporting our decision of awarding 16 per cent quota to Marathas." "The Supreme Court, in a 1992 order, had put a cap on reservations in government jobs and education at 50 per cent. But in an order in July 2010, it allowed states to exceed that limit, provided they had solid scientific data to justify the increase," the official said. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Failing to pick up despite all efforts, Indian Railways has decided to reduce its revenue target from non-fare sources by one-third for the year 2018-19 and there are concerns about meeting the trimmed target. Railways had kept a budgetary estimate of Rs 1,200 crore for financial Year 2018-19 but it has now been reduced to Rs 450 crore. This comes at a time when Ministry of Railways has been banking upon the non-fare revenue (NFR) to balance its increasing operational costs. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal during an interaction with media had said that non-fare revenue will help in balancing the over-shooting operation ratio, which is an indicator of financial health. According to a senior railway ministry official, the decision to reduce targets was taken as zonal railways expressed their inability to meet the target. The zonal railways want even further reduction of target from Rs 450 crore. They (zonal railways) are in various stages of floating/awarding of 350 tenders worth Rs 250 crore, said the official. Railways had missed budget targets on non-fare revenue in the last financial year too. Against the target of`14,000 crore in 2017-18, it earned `8,000 crore under non-fare and this mostly came as parking fee, sale of scrap and PSU dividends. Railways had initially planned to earn Rs 39,000 crore over a period of 10 year from non-fare sources. However, after poor response from market, the tendering system was decentralized to zonal railways in 2017. Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani has written to all zonal railways to make realistic assessment of the likely additional revenues. Sanjib Kumar Roy By Express News Service PORT BLAIR: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Aceh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), to promote development and bilateral economic relations by providing a platform for businessmen from India and Indonesia to meet and discuss opportunities in trade, investment in transfer technology, service and other industrial sectors, at Port Blair on Thursday. The MoU was signed at the Indonesia-India Seminar and Business Forum organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, in association with the ACCI and KADIN. A delegation of government officials and around 30 business leaders from Indonesia, led by Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to India, attended the seminar. Chetan B Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, was the chief guest. By PTI NEW DELHI: Over 3,500 personnel will be deployed on Friday when farmers who have converged here from across the country for a two-day protest begin their march from the Ramlila Maidan to Parliament, police said. According to a senior police officer, special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, will be deployed in the Central district. ALSO READ | Delhi braces for mega farmers' rally as one lakh throng to national capital They will be augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, comprising 75-80 personnel each, he said. He added that 95 officers from the rank of inspectors up to additional deputy commissioners of police will also be on the ground to monitor the situation. In the New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, will be deployed, while 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said. Nine police companies, along with 71 officers, from the rank of inspectors up to additional DCPs, will also be present at the spot. "In addition, special reserves have been kept at important police stations. Arrangements will be supervised by the two special commissioners of police (Law and Order) and the joint commissioner of police of all the ranges," the officer said. There will be a rope on both the sides of the marching farmers with the police walking on the other side of the rope to ensure traffic is not affected, police said, adding that they will ensure minimum inconvenience is caused to commuters. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many of the farmers have come in trains and others packed into buses and other modes of transport. They have arrived from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The march to Jantar Mantar will start from 9 am. The route of the march will be via Guru Nanak Chowk Ranjit Singh Flyover- Tolstoy Marg, police said. Therefore, traffic is likely to be affected on roads surrounding the Ramlila ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Deshbandhu Gupta Road, Rani Jhansi Road, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Ferozshah Road, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Jai Singh Road and inner and outer circles of Connaught Place, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar said. Commuters going towards New Delhi railway station are advised to keep this factor in view while planning their journey, he said. Traffic diversions will be effected depending upon the live traffic situation. Citizens are advised to follow the Delhi Traffic Police Facebook page, Twitter handle, WhatsApp and the traffic helpline for live updates, Kumar said. On Thursday, traffic was affected at Dhaula Kuan, Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Connaught Place Outer Circle, Minto Road. The roads around Anand Vihar, Vikas Marg, Rajghat, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg were also affected due to the march. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: The former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik, who met Kashmiri separatist leaders in Srinagar last week and also held talks with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, has asserted that there is no military solution to the Kashmir conflict and expressed hope that his peace initiative would lead to dialogue among India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. "My visit to Pakistan and the Pakistani side of Kashmir is linked to my visit to India and their side of Kashmir. I want to learn as much as possible about facts on ground and different views on the Kashmir conflict," Bondevik told TNIE via email. Bondevik, who heads the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, met Kashmiri separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Srinagar last Friday (November 23). It was the first meeting of any foreign diplomat with Kashmiri-separatist leaders in over six years and was facilitated by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living. After his talks with separatists, Bondevik returned to New Delhi and within next few days travelled to Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) and held talks with Pakistani leaders including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Bondevik, who served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1997 to 2000, and from 2001 to 2005, told TNIE that there is no military solution to the conflict. "We must find a peaceful solution to the issue," he said. The former Norwegian PM said he was hopeful that his initiative would lead to a dialogue in future among India, Pakistan and the leaders and people of Kashmir. Norway has been engaged in peace and reconciliation process in some of world's worst conflicts in the past. And Bondevik's unexpected visit to Kashmir has rekindled a new hope of peace in the strife-torn Valley. Senior separatist leader and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told this newspaper that the ex-PM of Norway had come with an intent to listen and assess the situation in Kashmir. "During our meeting with him, we felt it was a serious initiative as he said Norway has done lot of work in conflict resolutions. We told him that if you start the peace initiative, it would be a welcome sign because India and Pakistan bilateral talks have not moved forward from a long time," Mirwaiz said. He added Bondevik told them that his focus was on peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue and wanted an end to violence and start of dialogue. "We also told him that we are also votary of peace but our next generation has been pushed to violence as we don't have any political space." It was after many years that any foreign diplomat met separatist leaders and Mirwaiz feels that Bondevik's visit to Kashmir had a go ahead from Government of India (GoI). According to him, Bondevik sounded very positive and told them that he would be travelling to Delhi and Pakistan and talking to all stakeholders. "He said his thrust would be to involve people of J&K in any dialogue process between India and Pakistan. He said without involving people of Kashmir, no process can move forward. And maintained that it is very important that while we focus on India and Pakistan to take the initiative for talks, the two countries must evolve a mechanism to involve Kashmiri leadership in the talks process," Mirwaiz said. Sumi Sukanya Dutta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Alarmed at exorbitantly rising fee in private medical colleges across the country, the Union government has asked the board of governors (BoG) regulating medical education in India to come up with fee-controlling measures. Officials in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the issue was raised after the Centre received a large number of complaints that a number of private colleges were charging over Rs 1 crore in cumulative fee for MBBS course. "We have asked the BoG to look into the matter urgently and devise ways of fee regulatory mechanism," a senior official in the medical education division of the Health Ministry told this newspaper. The BoG under Niti Aayog member Vinod Paul had replaced the Medical Council of India in September after the government scrapped it through an ordinance. "The MCI was constantly asked to recommend ways to increase seats in medical colleges that could have ended up lowering fee charged per student but nothing came out of it," said the official. Now the BoG has been tasked with holding consultations with various stakeholders and find ways to do the same. In June this year, Era's Medical College in Lucknow stirred particular outrage on social media as it fixed Rs 1.2 crore for an MBBS seat. Many, including public health experts and former health bureaucrats flagged the issue saying that the government is allowing "unabashed sale" of the seats in a country that is crippled with acute shortage of doctors. Gurinder S Grewal of Association of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare said that it's high time a strict regulatory mechanism for putting a fee cap in private medical colleges be developed and if it requires making changes in the existing laws, it should be done urgently. "When we talk about malpractices in healthcare-we also have to keep in mind that if one has to shell out such humongous amounts to become a doctor- what ethics he or she will have when they start practising," he said. "So any reform in the healthcare sector has to start with reforms in medical education and fixing a fee cap is a must." There are about 460 medical colleges in the country offering nearly 60,000 seats and over half of them are private. Michel Danino By Launched with great fanfare in 2005, Indias National Knowledge Commission claimed to work towards a Knowledge Society, an objective which Dr. Manmohan Singh, then prime minister, repeated on many public platforms. It sounded quite noble, but few noticed how it implied that India was not yet a knowledge society, and perhaps never was one. Paradoxically, such a statement reflects a profound ignorance of the cult of almost obsession for knowledge in pre-modern India. Indeed, India is the only ancient civilisation where knowledge was deified, with the honour going to Sarasvati. (Other cultures pantheons did often include knowledge, but only as a peripheral attribute.) Now, this fine move perhaps does not take us very far in practice how do we assess whether knowledge was genuinely worshipped, or at least revered? We have a choice of methods; two will help us here, deviating from the stock answer that Veda comes from vid, or knowledge, that Upanishads view the knowledge of the Self as the highest knowledge, or that moksha is really liberation from ignorance an objective shared by the Buddha. All that is fine, and perhaps essential; in the nineteenth century, however, it helped stereotype Indians as being contemplative or otherworldly. Let us be, therefore, crudely empirical. A first answer comes from estimates of the number of manuscripts available in Indian libraries, repositories or private collections. They run into millions, with the U.S. scholar David Pingree once reaching an educated guess of 30 millions. This figure is but a tiny fraction of the mass of production over the last three millenniums, since numerous texts disappeared owing either to destruction (Nalandas library is an oft-cited case), the vagaries of time, neglect or obsolescence. A tiny fraction, again, of this figure has been published, and a much tinier fraction translated into some other language. We are therefore judging the mass of knowledge created in India by the tip of the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What do those manuscripts deal with? Every topic under the Indian sun: philosophies, systems of yoga, grammar, language, logic, debate, poetics, aesthetics, cosmology, mythology, ethics, literature of all genres from poetry to historical tradition, performing and non-performing arts, architecture, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, chemistry, metallurgy, botany, zoology, geology, medical systems, governance, administration, water management, town planning, civil engineering, ship making, agriculture, polity, martial arts, games, brain teasers, omens, ghosts, accounting, and much more there are even manuscripts on how to preserve manuscripts! The production was colossal and in almost every regional language (with, expectedly, Sanskrit having the lions share). The second answer comes from formal or informal educational institutions, the humble gurukula or the large Buddhist monasteries. A great concern in imparting knowledge both inner and outer is perceptible through a number of texts and inscriptions, and struck several European travellers to India. The Italian writer and musician Pietro Della Valle reported in 1623, during his journey across Asia, They [Indians] are particularly anxious and attentive to instruct their children to read and to write. Education with them is an early and an important business in every family. Two centuries later, Bishop Reginald Heber, who spent a few years in India, noted, The Hindus are brave, courteous, intelligent, most eager for knowledge and improvement. If India was such a creator of knowledge, how has it become a consumer rather than a supplier in this market? Two centuries of colonial dominance certainly played a part, but have we not enjoyed seven decades of independence? Clearly, as a nation we have not done justice to Indian knowledge systems, which no Indian university today teaches, except for a fragment here and a snippet there. Many scholars, Indian and non-Indian alike, have flagged this debilitating lack of self-confidence in our creative abilities, and have demanded a place for the best of classical knowledge to be given due place in our academic spaces to no effect as yet. Exactly a hundred years ago, Sri Aurobindo wrote: When we look at the past of India, what strikes us ... is her stupendous vitality, her inexhaustible power of life and joy of life, her almost unimaginably prolific creativeness. For three thousand years at least,it is indeed much longer,she has been creating abundantly and incessantly, lavishly, with an inexhaustible many-sidedness, republics and kingdoms and empires, philosophies and cosmogonies and sciences and creeds and arts and poems and all kinds of monuments, palaces and temples and public works, communities and societies and religious orders, laws and codes and rituals, physical sciences, psychic sciences, systems of Yoga, systems of politics and administration, arts spiritual, arts worldly, trades, industries, fine crafts the list is endless and in each item there is almost a plethora of activity. But that was in the past; the inexhaustible many-sidedness seems exhausted. Even when Indias contribution to knowledge is somehow acknowledged, it has often been characterised as elitist: it was reserved, we are told, for the social elite and denied to the lower castes or the casteless. Does this serious charge withstand scrutiny? This will be the object of our next exploration, and our next master idea of Indian civilisation. *** Michel Danino is a French-born Indian author, scholar of ancient India, and visiting professor at IIT Gandhinagar. Email: micheldanino@gmail.com. This is the seventh part in a series on Master Ideas of Indian Civilisation; earlier articles in this series: *** By Online Desk At least eight fishermen from Andhra Pradesh were among 22 Indian fishermen apprehended by Pakistan Marine Security Agency off Gujarat coast on Thursday, officials said. The fishermen were detained near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea on charges of entering Pakistan's territorial waters. The fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagarm districts of north coastal Andhra had migrated to Gujarat and they were among a group of 22 who had ventured into the sea on three boats. The fishermen were reportedly taken to Karachi. Andhra Pradesh's resident commissioner in New Delhi, Arja Srikanth, through officials in foreign ministry contacted the Indian High Commission in Pakistan to seek the help for the fishermen's release. The officials in Indian High Commission have contacted Pakistan officials. Every year, fishermen from coastal Andhra go to Gujarat in September and return in March. The families of fishermen apprehended by Pakistan were worried over their safety. They appealed to the state government to take steps to ensure their immediate return. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took up this matter with the officials of AP Bhavan in New Delhi and directed them to take steps to free them by speaking to the officials in the external affairs ministry. Minister K Kala Venkata Rao spoke to the Chief Minister on the issue and apprised him the details about fishermen. (With IANS inputs) By Express News Service SHIVAMOGGA: The search operation for Sandeep, 34, from a village in Kozhikode, Kerala, continued in and around Hariharapura of Chikkamagaluru district on Wednesday.Police personnel from Kozhikode arrived in Hariharapura on Wednesday morning and local police extended support to them. But Sandeeps family members, who also arrived, suspect foul play, pointing out that Sandeep might have got into a physical fight, as his watch was found in a damaged condition near a damaged PVC pipe. Sandeeps bike was found near the Tunga river in the Hariharapura police station limits. Sandeep, who was travelling in the Koppa-Hariharapura-Sringeri area, went missing on November 25, sometime after his last call to his family around 2.30pm. His family launched a hunt after filing a missing case at Nallalam police station in Kozhikode. When TNIE spoke to Hariharapura police, PSI Raghunath said Sandeeps cell phone was switched off and they were unable to trace him. Suspecting that Sandeep might have drowned in the Tunga, as the bike was parked on the river bank, a diver was sent into the river, police said. Police told The New Indian Express that they plan to seek the help of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to support the ongoing search operation for Sandeep. By Express News Service KOCHI: The High Court on Wednesday criticised the state government for not taking concrete action against those violating its order directing to remove illegal flex hoardings and expressed dissatisfaction over the non-removal of flex boards installed by political parties, including the ruling party. Mere removal of the boards or even registration of criminal cases will not be sufficient, said the court. Meanwhile, the state government made a submission the court be recused from hearing cases. According to the state attorney K V Sohan, the case had assumed the colour of a public interest litigation and therefore, a single judge could not hear the case. The petitioners in the case sought time to answer the objections made by the state and the court posted the hearing to December 12. When the case came for hearing, Justice Devan Ramachandran said its orders were still being violated by prominent political parties, including the ruling party, seemingly without any respect for the orders of the court. Ensure no illegal ad materials are displayed in public spaces TPuram: The Department of Local Self-Government Institutions has directed all the local bodies to ensure no illegal advertisement materials, including flex boards, be displayed in public spaces within their limits. Those who violate the rules should be punished, a release from the department said.The new direction was issued after reports that illegal festoons, boards, banners and other publicity materials have started to appear on the streets after the local bodies removed them. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Wednesday lambasted the State Government for its failure to mitigate the miseries of Titli-affected families of Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Though it has been nearly two months since cyclone Titli hit Gajapati and Ganjam, affected people of several villages are yet to receive the promised financial assistance from the State Government, said BJP MLA Pradip Purohit after visiting the two districts. Showing video clips of the suffering of people in some of the villages affected badly by the cyclone and the consequent floods, Purohit said many families of Burutal under Patrapur block of Ganjam district are still living in makeshift houses. Similar is the situation in Mada village under Kionpur panchayat of Rayagad block in Gajapati district. Severely affected by the recent floods, the villagers are taking shelter in the local school. Purohit, who was part of the seven-member fact finding team of BJP that visited the cyclone-hit villages on Tuesday, told a media conference that there is hardly any improvement in the situation in the two districts. While some of the families continue to live in damaged houses, others are living in Anganwadi centres and school buildings. With the district administration taking no initiative for their rehabilitation, most of them have started reconstructing their houses on their own, he said. The BJP legislator said 15 families of Mada village, who lost their ration cards in the calamity, have been deprived of ration due to administrative apathy. Villagers told the team that two children - Sunil Rout (13) and Purnima Mandal (7) - are missing since the calamity struck the region. Though the two children are feared dead, the local administration is not taking any initiative to trace them. As a result, families of the two kids are deprived of compensation as admissible under the relief code. The villagers complained that they are yet to receive any assistance as promised by the Government for building houses, Purohit added. Senior BJP leader and MLA Rabi Nayak, another member of the team, said the State Governments relief was limited to 50 kg rice, 2.5 litre of kerosene and cash assistance of `1000 per family. Most of the people of the affected villages complained that relief was distributed on party line and there was large-scale irregularities in distribution of polythene and rice, he added. By PTI BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday there is "no military solution" to the Ukraine conflict after President Petro Poroshenko asked for NATO naval support in his country's standoff with Russia. Blaming Russia for the tensions, Merkel said: "We ask the Ukrainian side too to be sensible because we know that we can only solve things through being reasonable and through dialogue because there is no military solution to these disputes". Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov and detaining their crew, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. ALSO READ | Donald Trump says may cancel Putin meet after Ukraine-Russia sea clash Kiev accused Russia, which annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression". Poroshenko asked Germany and other NATO countries in comments to Bild newspaper on Thursday to "relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security". Ukraine is not a NATO member but has established close ties with the US-led military alliance, especially since the 2014 Crimea annexation. Merkel, speaking at a German-Ukrainian business forum, said she would discuss the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a G20 summit in Argentina this weekend. ALSO READ | Ukraine under threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko She said a bridge from the Russian mainland to Crimea that Putin opened in May had already restricted shipping access to the Sea of Azov and therefore to the Ukrainian port of Mariupol. "The full blame for this goes to the Russian president," she said. "Now what I want is that the facts of what happened are put on the table, that the (crew) are released, and that no confessions are coerced like we have seen on television. " "I would also support keeping things calm, but we must also ensure that a city like Mariupol that relies on access to the sea is not simply cut off so that large parts of Ukraine can no longer be easily reached. By PTI KABUL: A massive explosion outside a British security company's compound rocked Kabul late Wednesday, officials said, with the attack claimed by the Taliban in the latest violence to target the Afghan capital. The interior ministry and police both said the blast had been a car bomb targeting a compound which houses G4S, a private British security company, in east Kabul. "We can confirm that there has been an incident at one of our locations in Kabul. The situation is ongoing and we are coordinating with the Afghan authorities to bring it to a conclusion," G4S tweeted from its official account. Afghan authorities also said they were conducting a clearing operation at the site. But the Taliban, who claimed the attack in a tweet, said the assault was ongoing. Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said at least seven wounded people had been evacuated from the area, but did not confirm their nationalities. A health ministry official put the wounded toll slightly higher, at 11. Earlier, sources had said the blast was followed by gunfire. Rahimi said no gunfire had been heard for some time, however. According to its website, G4S provides security for the UK Foreign Office in Kabul. The attack came just hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the militants. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and UN officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the 17-year war. At an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva, Ghani said the 12-person negotiating team includes both men and women and will be led by his chief of staff Abdul Salam Rahimi. Rahimi, a former humanitarian worker and ex-deputy Afghan finance minister, is considered one of Ghani's closest aides. Wednesday's assault on G4S is the second high-profile attack claimed by the Taliban on foreigners in as many days. On Tuesday, three US soldiers were killed in a blast near Ghazni city in central Afghanistan that was also claimed by the militant group. The attacks follow a wave of bloody violence across the war-torn country in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up their attacks. Earlier Wednesday, NATO said it was investigating an airstrike in southeastern Afghanistan that might have killed civilians, with unverified reports of women and children among the dead. On November 20, at least 55 people were killed when a bomber blew himself up in the middle of a banquet hall in one of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan this year. The violence comes as the Taliban intensify pressure on Afghan security forces, even as the international community ramps up efforts towards talks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has expressed hopes that a peace deal to end the war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi while conceding that it was not in the interest of his country to allow terror activities from its territory. Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside," Khan, who is celebrating 100 days of his government Thursday, said during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists here. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue. READ | Kartarpur corridor, yes. Talks, no, says India "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding "nothing is impossible" when asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue. "The mindset of people here has changed," Khan said, a day after he laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor that will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur. Pakistan is projecting the corridor as a goodwill gesture. ALSO READ: Imran Khan once again extends olive branch to India, says war not an option "The India I know - majority must be appreciating it," Khan told the Indian journalists who had arrived in Pakistan to cover the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. "We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi," Khan said, referring to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, who is carrying a USD 10 million US bounty, Khan said, "There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on him." The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit. Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was responsible for the attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009. On other accused in the 26/11 case, Khan said their is sub judice. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. India, which is observing the 10th anniversary of one of the worst terrorist attacks in the country, has been pushing Pakistan to bring to justice the planners of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. By ANI NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that Pakistan has very cleverly changed the complete demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan while adding that the identity of Kashmiris on the other side of the border has systematically been eroded. Delivering the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Lecture here on Wednesday, the Army chief said, "Every time something happens on our side (J-K), we must always address it to say that it is also going to have a radical effect on another side (PoK). The issue is, on the other side, the complete demography has changed." "Pakistan has very cleverly changed the complete demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure as to who is an actual Kashmiri, whom we are addressing these issues to," he said. General Rawat further said, "People from Gilgit-Baltistan are also now being taken over gradually. So, to say that there is an identity between our side of Kashmiri and the other side, then the identity thing has gradually been eroded very cleverly by Pakistanis. That is an issue we have to look at." The Army Chief said that the tolerance levels of the people in Kashmir have "reduced and perceived alienation" as the youth in the region is being "indoctrinated to act irrationally." "In recent times, the tolerance levels of the public in Kashmir have reduced and perceived alienation is indicative of a definitive aspirational deficit amongst the local youth. The Kashmiri youth is being indoctrinated to act irrationally. The proliferation of social media has further compounded the challenge and contributes towards the spread of an anti-establishment narrative," he said. The Army chief said, "Perceptions in Jammu and Kashmir is based on whose story you are listening to. Thus, making peace narrative is very different. These narratives are built around the constructs of radicalisation, alienation, agitation, religious fundamentalism and anti-nationalism on one hand and the perception of a Kashmiri common man on the other." Talking about Jammu and Kashmir, the Army chief said, "Things will be brought under control and are being brought under control, but sustained pressure needs to be maintained." Rawat also expressed concern over allowing funeral processions of terrorists. He said that those who are glorifying terrorists as brave hearts are "possibly trying encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks." The Army Chief's comments come after two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans sustained injuries on Wednesday in a stone-pelting incident in Kashmir's Budgam district. A group of people resorted to stone pelting during an ongoing encounter between the security forces and the terrorists in Chathergram village. A Spanish reader reads Chinese President Xi Jinpings signed article published on ABC Newspaper at a newsstand on Nov. 27, 2018. (Photo by Han Xiaoming from Peoples Daily) Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings state visit to Spain, his signed article titled "Joining Hands for New Splendor in the New Era" was published on Nov.27 on Spanish newspaper ABC in two full pages. A day before that, Peoples Daily reporters paid a visit to the Spanish newspaper to learn about the stories behind the publication of the signed article on the 115-year-old newspaper. At 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 26 local time, the newspaper director Bieito Rubido Ramonde and the editor-in-chief of the newspapers international edition Francisco de Andres were working on the publication of Xis article. Were greatly honored to publish President Xis signed article. Its a very important work, and is of great significance to the development of friendly relations between the two countries, said the director. An editor from ABC Newspaper sorts out photos for President Xis signed article. (Photo by Bai Yang from Peoples Daily) Reports on China have changed greatly over the past decades as it has increasingly become the focus of reports s, said Francisco, who has worked for ABC for 35 years, with 28 years as an editor of the international edition. He noted that Spanish readers are attaching greater importance to Chinas economic development and foreign policy in recent years, such as the just-concluded first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Spanish readers are eager to know about the current situation in China, and hope to follow Chinas steps and share opportunities of Chinas development, said Francisco. This time, our newspaper has planned a series of interviews and reports according to President Xis agenda and activities in Spain. A total of four pages of the Nov. 27 newspaper were about President Xis visit, with two pages carrying his signed article, and the other two about related news reports, said a photo editor named Antonio Becenno. Its rare for ABC to report a state visit by a foreign head of state using that many pages, the editor told Peoples Daily, adding that news about China has seen an increase in Spanish media reports in recent years. Its a great honor for the newspaper to publish President Xis signed article, Rubido told Peoples Daily, adding that as the Spain-China relations are at its best in history, his newspaper is striving to become a bridge of friendship between the two countries. The newspaper, founded in 1903, is the oldest and largest newspaper in Madrid, and also the second largest in Spain. Rubido told Peoples Daily that he followed up the whole process of the publication of President Xis article upon being informed of the arrangement. President Xis words are quite impressive with a strong personal style. He has been committed to promoting the contacts between China and the outside world, thus gaining a high international reputation, said Rubido. ABC Newspaper has twelve local editions in Spain and two television stations. It is a strategic partner of the National Radio of Spain. Rubido introduced that Xis signed article was also published on the twelve local editions, with a total circulation of 500,000 copies. Besides, a will post the article on new media at the same time, attaining a wide readership of tens of millions. During the interview, Rubido invited 7 editors-in-chief of Opinion, Economy, Culture and other sections to join in the in-depth exchanges with Peoples Daily, talking about the status quo and future development of media in both countries. Journalists from Peoples Daily were also invited to attend ABCs planning meeting to be held the next morning. All editors-in-chief on site paid close attention to China, especially Chinas economic development and the shift of worlds economic focus to Asia. They showed great interests during the discussion, asking a series of questions on Chinas peaceful development and opening-up, and expressed hope that in the future, more Spanish readers will know more about China via the reports of the newspaper's correspondents in China. . By AFP FRANKFURT AM MAIN: German prosecutors raided several Deutsche Bank offices in the Frankfurt area Thursday over suspicions of money laundering based on revelations from the 2016 "Panama Papers" data leak. The investigation centres on allegations that Germany's biggest lender helped clients set up offshore companies in tax havens to "transfer money from criminal activities" to Deutsche Bank accounts, the Frankfurt prosecutor's office said. Some 170 police officers and investigators from the prosecutor's office were searching six of the bank's premises in and around the city, it added in a statement. Deutsche Bank confirmed the raids and said it was "fully cooperating" with the authorities. "The case is related to the Panama Papers," it added. READ: Oops...Deutsche Bank makes 28 billion euros transfer in error The Panama Papers scandal that erupted in 2016 with a massive data leak from Panamaian legal firm Mossack Fonsenca exposed large-scale tax evasion, laying bare how the world's wealthy and powerful stashed their assets in offshore businesses. Deutsche Bank was among hundreds of financial institutions whose names cropped up in the media reports about the Panama Papers. The Frankfurt prosecutors said their probe was focussing on two Deutsche Bank employees aged 50 and 46, as well as "several" unnamed senior staff members. Based on information from the Panama Papers, they are accused of "failing to report suspicions of money laundering" linked to offshore firms involved in tax evasion "even though there was sufficient evidence" to suggest illegal activity, prosecutors said. Shares in Deutsche Bank fell 2.7 percent to 8.36 euros by 1000 GMT, against a DAX blue-chip index up 0.6 percent. By PTI LONDON: Skilled professionals from India dominated the landscape of work visas issued by the UK government over the past few months, according to official statistics released on Thursday. The UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS) found in its analysis of UK Home Office data for the previous year that while the pressures of Brexit meant a decline in migrants coming to the UK from within the European Union (EU), non-EU migrants from countries like India registered an increase across different segments. There were 2,266 more Tier 2 visas granted to Indian skilled professionals, which reflected the majority (55 per cent) in the visa category largely used by Indian IT companies to move around their workers to work on UK projects. ALSO READ | India, UK to remain important partners post-Brexit: Indian envoy "Visa grants for Tier 2 (Skilled) account for more than half of all work visas and saw an increase of 15 per cent compared with the year ending September 2017, in particular, there were increases for Indian nationals," the ONS report said. Indian students coming to study at the UK institutions also registered an increase over the same period to hit 18,735, marking a 33 per cent increase in the number of student visas granted to Indian nationals. Indians also dominated the tourism figures in the UK, with the largest visitor visa increase of all other countries at 41,224 to hit a total of 4,68,923, marking a 10 per cent hike in the number of visitor visas granted. "Chinese and Indian nationals alone accounted for just under half of all visit visas granted," the Home Office said. Indians were also granted 881 more visas for family-related reasons over the previous year, with Pakistanis dominating this category with 1,895 more visas over the previous year. Against the backdrop of ongoing controversial negotiations over Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) which will bring an end to free movement of people from within the 28-member economic bloc, the ONS found that 219,000 EU citizens arrived in the UK and 145,000 left, making net EU migration the lowest it had been since 2012. ALSO READ | No better deal available on Brexit, UK PM May tells MPs Jay Lindop, director of the Centre for International Migration at ONS, said: "Net migration continues to add to the population and has remained fairly stable since its peak in 2016, with around 270,000 more people coming to the UK than leaving in the year ending June 2018. "Due to increasing numbers arriving for work and study, non-EU net migration is now at the highest level since 2004. In contrast, EU net migration, while still adding to the population as a whole, is at the lowest since 2012. " In another reflection of Brexit uncertainty, the number of EU nationals applying for British citizenship also registered an increase by almost a third over the past year, with 43,545 requests in the 12 months to the end of September this year which marks a rise of 32 per cent on last year. Overall, the figures show that net migration the difference between how many people came to the UK for at least 12 months and how many left was 273,000 last year. The issue of migration continues to be a highly contentious one in the country, with control over borders to end free movement of people from EU member-countries having played a crucial part in the campaign for leaving the EU in the June 2016 Brexit referendum. Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed that Brexit would level the playing field for migrant workers coming to work in the UK, with EU migrant workers no longer being able to "jump the queue" ahead of those from countries like India. The partnership between Audemars Piguet and the Montreux Jazz Festival stems from a natural evolution extending the Manufactures ongoing collaboration and strong relationship with the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since 2010, the Manufacture joined the Claude Nobs Foundation and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) in the Montreux Jazz Digital Project. This massive project enabled the digitalisation, restoration and preservation of the Festivals entire sound archives, acknowledged by UNESCO as part of its Memory of the World. This collection contains more than 5,000 hours of concert recordings. Quincy Jones has described this unique collection as the most important testimonial to the history of music, covering jazz, blues and rock. Audemars Piguet We are delighted to pursue a common history, which began years ago, commented Mathieu Jaton, Chief Executive Officer of the Montreux Jazz Festival. As Global Partner, Audemars Piguet will accompany us all year long, in Switzerland and throughout the world. This partnership extends to all the Festivals entities, including the Montreux Jazz Cafe restaurants, the Montreux Jazz Festival Japan and the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation. The Foundation supports tomorrows artists notably through the Montreux Jazz Academy and the Montreux Jazz Talent Awards. This new collaboration testifies as well to Audemars Piguet and the Montreux Jazz Festivals shared passion for excellence and the creation of emotions. Music is the universal language of emotions. It touches the hearts of all beyond age categories and genres and provides an endless source of inspiration. In this quest, the Manufacture defies conventions to share its love of Haute Horlogerie through human experience. Audemars Piguet This partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival extends Audemars Piguets long-standing attachment to the world of music. In 2005, on the occasion of Jay-Zs 10th Roc-A-Fella Records anniversary, Audemars Piguet and Jay-Z collaborated on a limited edition of the Royal Oak Offshore. In 2009, the Manufacture presented the Millenary Quincy Jones limited edition, a watch also symbolising the larger collaboration between Audemars Piguet and the internationally-renown musical producer and director on Project Q, which raised awareness on young peoples need for self-expression and self-fulfilment. At last, sings Francois-Henry Bennahmias, Audemars Piguets Chief Executive Officer, fascinated by music, paying tribute to Etta James, my love has come along. At last I found a dream that I could speak to. A dream that I can call my own. Adding music to its strategy, Audemars Piguet announces the development of new projects in the coming year. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. Morning high of 40F with temps falling to near freezing. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight A clear sky. Low 18F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Hong Kong, among the world's most connected centres - the business bridge between East and West - is one of the best places to do business. Our ranking in World Bank's latest Doing Business Report has risen from the fifth to the fourth. We are also flourishing as an Asian hub for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. That includes our startup scene, among the top five fastest-growing and one of the world's top 25 startup centres. Last year, the number of startup companies here rose to over 2,200, an increase of 16% over the previous year. The establishment of Nordic Innovation House will surely boost those numbers long down the innovation road. To ensure Hong Kong's primacy as an innovation leader, my Government has placed a policy priority on innovation and technology. Encouraging technology startups is central to that commitment. Hong Kong Science Park, which I understand the Royal Technology Mission visited yesterday, provides significant support to startups. Its incubation programmes offer financial support, subsidised office space and shared facilities, technical, marketing and development assistance and, perhaps most important, access to angel investors and venture capitalists through investment-matching events. Then we have the Cyberport, our ICT (information and communications technology) flagship, which works with digital technology startups in many ways. These include the Cyberport Incubation Programme and Creative Micro Fund and Accelerator Support programmes. Cyberport also features Smart-Space, a co-working space of more than 140,000 sq ft. To expand on that good work, my Government has allocated an additional US$1.3 billion to Science Park and close to US$40 million to Cyberport recently. Part of that will be used to expand support for their tenants and incubatees. To take the lead in encouraging innovation, we will be introducing a pro-innovation government procurement policy next year. This will involve changes in the tendering and sourcing of goods and services as well as in the tender evaluation. Our doors are wide open and welcoming to entrepreneurs and startups from Nordic countries. And Nordic Innovation House can only accelerate your connections to Hong Kong opportunity. That, ladies and gentlemen, means China opportunity as well, particularly the fast-emerging Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the Inauguration of Nordic Innovation House Hong Kong on November 28. The independents' unprecedented growth The independents'... Known for their creativity, independent watchmakers are also marginal in terms of business. As they represent half the exhibitors invited... Known for their creativity, independent... NASA Rocket Is Now On Its Way to Dimorphos (Newser) Three years after sealing a landmark global climate deal in Paris, world leaders are gathering again to agree on the fine print, per the AP. The euphoria of 2015 has given way to sober realization that getting an agreement among almost 200 countries, each with their own political and economic demands, will be challengingas evidenced by President Donald Trump's decision to pull the US out of the Paris accord, citing his "America First" mantra. "Looking from the outside perspective, it's an impossible task," Poland's deputy environment minister, Michal Kurtyka, said of the talks he will preside over in Katowice from Dec. 2-14. Top of the agenda will be finalizing how countries have to count their greenhouse gas emissions, transparently report them to the rest of the world, and reveal what they are doing to reduce them. story continues below Seasoned negotiators are calling the meeting "Paris 2.0" because of the high stakes at play in Katowice. Forest fires from California to Greece, droughts in Germany and Australia, tropical cyclones Mangkhut in the Pacific and Michael in the Atlanticscientists say this year's extreme weather offers a glimpse of disasters to come if global warming continues unabated. Experts agree that the Paris goals can only be met by cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to net zero by 2050. But the Paris agreement let countries set their own emissions targets. Some are on track, others aren't. Overall, the world is heading the wrong way. Last week, the World Meteorological Organization said globally averaged concentrations of carbon dioxide reached a new record in 2017, while the level of other heat-trapping gases such methane and nitrous oxide also rose. (President Trump doesn't believe new climate change report.) (Newser) A Hawaii man claims that a false alert about incoming ballistic missiles issued in that state earlier this year caused him to have a heart attack. On Jan. 13, Hawaiis Emergency Management Agency fired off an alert to cellphones warning, Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill. A lawsuit filed Tuesday says James Sean Shields and Brenda Reichel, both listed as plaintiffs, believed the message to be true and were extremely frightened and thought they were going to die, NBC reports. According to the suit, the pair, who lived in Honolulu, were heading to Sandy Beach when the alert came, per KGMB. If they were going to die, the suit says, They might as well die together on the beach. So they continued to the beach. Once they arrived, they began to call loved ones. story continues below After calling his kids, Shields began to have severe chest pains, per CBS. He went to a clinic, where he suffered cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. Around the same time, some 30 minutes after the missile alert, the state sent another message saying the alert was sent in error. Per KGMB, the suit says that Shields hadnt had any heart conditions previously. Vern T. Miyagi, former Emergency Management Agency administrator, as well as unnamed state employees are named in the suit, which seeks unspecified damages. Were going to reserve any comment until we have had a chance to review the claims," a state attorney tells CBS. According to reports, an elderly man fell, a 37-year-old woman had a car accident, and a 37-year-old woman called 911 with anxiety in connection to the false alarm. (This man claims that licorice caused his heart problems.) (Newser) Over a 5-year period, Charles Sweeney has shot two would-be burglars who were breaking in to his Oklahoma property. The most recent shooting was fatal. On Tuesday morning, police say Donald Stovall crawled through a bathroom window into Sweeney's home; during an ensuing confrontation, Sweeney shot and killed Stovall, Fox News reports. "He brought this on himself, I have no sympathy," Sweeney (variously spelled as Sweeny) told Fox 23 after the incident. "He got inside the interior of my house and I didn't know if he had a weapon and I thought my life was in danger. I shot him, and I'll do it again," he added to News on 6. Sweeney found himself in a similar situation back in October 2013, though with less deadly consequences. story continues below In that incident, Sweeney returned from a walk to find two intruders inside his home; he shot one of them multiple times, injuring him seriously. Both burglars pleaded guilty to charges in that case, and the man Sweeney shot is currently in prison. "It looks like an elderly ... person lives here that can't defend himself," Sweeney told KJRH at the time. "Well, wrong." In the latest shooting, police questioned Sweeney and released him but the investigation continues, News 9 reports. The Tulsa Police Department says people have the right to defend themselves in their homes. (Another man said he feared for his life in this controversial shooting.) (Newser) It's long been known that billionaire financial adviser Jeffrey Epstein got a sweet plea deal from Florida prosecutors, serving just 13 months in a private wing of the county jail followed by a year of house arrest rather than the massive sentence he could have faced had he been hit with sex trafficking charges over allegations that he molested dozens of underage girls between 2001 and 2005, some of whom he was suspected of trafficking from overseas. Instead, he pleaded guilty to a single count of soliciting prostitution from someone underage. In an extensive new piece for the Miami Herald based on thousands of emails, court documents, and FBI records, plus interviews with key players, Julie K. Brown looks at what President Trump's current labor secretary had to do with the deal. Then Miamis top federal prosecutor, Alexander Acosta forged the deal, which hid the full extent of the crimes Epstein was suspected of, with Epstein's attorney Jay Lefkowitz. story continues below Miami police referred the Epstein investigation to the FBI a year after it was launched, due to suspicions that the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office was undermining their investigation. The non-prosecution agreement forged by Acosta ultimately scuttled that FBI probe before it could determine the scope of a possible international sex trafficking operation and whether any other powerful people were involved. It also concealed the deal from victims until a judge approved it, meaning none of the victims were able to attempt to derail it. "The conspiracy between the government and Epstein was really lets figure out a way to make the whole thing go away as quietly as possible,'" says an attorney representing several victims. One expert compares it to the Catholic Church's cover-up of pedophile priests. Brown's story comes as two upcoming civil lawsuits could shed more light on Epstein's alleged crimes, giving some of his victims their day in court after more than a decade. Read the full article here. (Read more Longform stories.) The mother of the schoolgirl said in comments late Wednesday that her daughter had requested reconciliation considering the age and health condition of the teacher The family of a schoolgirl whose teacher has been detained over bigoted comments about the student's dark skin colour said they will reconcile with the teacher to end his detention. Arabic teacher Samy Deyab was ordered Tuesday to be detained for four days pending investigations into accusations of "bullying" after he called eight-grade student Basmala Ali "black" when he asked her classmates to identify the grammatical inflection in the sentence, "Basmala is a black student." The mother said in TV comments late Wednesday that they will not press their daughter's legal rights in court after she requested reconciliation in sympathy with her teacher. "Basmala requested that her teacher must get out of prison considering his age and health condition," Manal Gharib told the privately-owned Al-Hayat satellite TV channel. The local education department had already ordered the teacher be moved to another school following an official complaint by the mother. The incident has spurred public controvercy, prompting the education minister to apologise to the student on TV and invite her to his office. The provincal governor of Damietta, where the school is located, also visited the girl at school to demonstrate her empathy. The teacher had denied in TV comments that he called the girl "black," saying he literally used the expression "dark-skinned," and that he would not mock her complexion since he himself is dark-skinned. He was officially accused of "bullying and deviation from the requirements of job duties," a judicial source told Ahram Online on Wednesday. Egypt has recently taken measures to raise public awareness about the negative impact of bullying on children and society. In September, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and the Ministry of Education launched the country's first national anti-bullying campaign, in cooperation with the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF), to protect children from physical and psychological abuse. The campaign urged children and parents to speak up against bullying in educational and non-educational settings and encouraged them to share their experiences online through the hashtag #IamAgainstBullying. According to recent global data published the UNICEF, more than one in three students aged 13-15 around the world experience bullying. Girls are believed to more likely become victims of psychological forms of bullying, with boys more at risk of physical violence, it said. Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's never discussed pardoning his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, but it's "not off the table," the AP reports. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump asked rhetorically: "Why would I take it off the table?" The comment drew swift condemnation from a top Senate Democrat and it renewed concerns from Trump critics that the president would wield his vast pardon power to protect his friends and supporters caught up in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. The comments came just days after Mueller's team said Manafort had breached his plea agreement by repeatedly lying to investigators on a variety of topics, an allegation Manafort denies. story continues below In recent weeks, the president, armed with inside information provided by Manafort's legal team to Trump's lawyers, has seized on what he believes are dirty tactics employed by the special counsel, accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. In the interview with the Post, the president also praised conservative author and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi, who has recently rejected a plea offer from Mueller's team. Trump said Corsi, Manafort and his longtime associate Roger Stone are "very brave" for resisting Mueller's investigation. In response to Trump's comments Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia tweeted that the presidential pardon power is not a "personal tool" that the president can use to protect "himself and his friends." (Manafort reportedly met with WikiLeak's Julian Assange in 2016.) (Newser) Defying President Trump, senators sent a strong signal that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote on Wednesday was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing US relationship with Riyadh over the killing, the AP reports. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis visited Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to urgently lobby against the resolution. story continues below Emerging from the briefing, Pompeo said the vote would be "poorly timed" as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are underway. Wednesday's procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didn't attend because she "would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi." (Last week, Trump said "maybe the world" should be blamed for the journalist's death.) (Newser) A 92-year-old Native Hawaiian princess has changed her trust to ensure her wife receives $40 million and all her personal property, including her Chihuahua "Girlie Girl," according to court records. Abigail Kawananakoa inherited her wealth as the great-granddaughter of James Campbell, an Irish businessman who made his fortune as a sugar plantation owner. Native Hawaiians, who consider her a princess because she's a descendant of the family that ruled the islands before the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893, have been closely watching the ongoing legal wrangling over her trust because they are concerned about the fate of the foundation she set up to benefit Hawaiian causes, the AP reports. Kawananakoa's lawyers have asked a judge to approve the changes. story continues below In September, a judge ruled Kawananakoa lacks the mental capacity to manage her $215 million trust, appointed First Hawaiian Bank to serve as trustee, and removed Jim Wright, her longtime attorney who stepped in as trustee after last year's stroke. After the stroke, Kawananakoa said she was fine, fired Wright, and then married Veronica Gail Worth, her girlfriend of 20 years. She attempted to amend her trust to remove Wright and replace him with three others, including Worth. She now wants to create a new foundation that will benefit Hawaiians and exclude board members appointed by Wright. The current foundation is asking a judge to appoint a guardian for Kawananakoa. It says it is concerned about artifactsincluding a key to King Kalakaua's cryptthat the amended trust says will be given to Worth; the foundation says Kawananakoa had originally intended for them to end up in a museum. (Read more Hawaii stories.) (Newser) Ukraine's president donned combat fatigues to implement martial law in much of the country on Wednesday, a move Russia denounced as a cynical political trick as both sides ratcheted up tensions after a weekend standoff in the Black Sea. Each side blamed the other for the bellicose turn of events, with Ukraine saying Russia is preparing for a full-scale invasion and Moscow calling it a political stunt by an unpopular president facing tough elections. Poroshenko toured a military training center in the Chernihiv region bordering Russia, one of the areas where martial law was imposed. The camouflage-clad president pledged "not to allow the enemy to attack Ukraine" and announced a hike in salaries for servicemen, the AP reports. story continues below In Moscow, Vladimir Putin accused his Ukrainian counterpart of provoking the naval incident in order to shore up his sagging popularity ahead of the March election. "The Black Sea incident certainly was a provocation organized by the sitting government," Putin said. A court in Crimea's regional capital, Simferopol, has ordered all 24 Ukrainian crewmen to be held in custody for two months on charges of violating the Russian border pending trial. Ukraine, which insists its detained seamen are prisoners of war, has asked the International Red Cross to arrange a visit to see them. Ukraine released what it said was the exact location where its ships were fired on by Russia, saying they were in international waters west of the Kerch Strait. (Read more Ukraine stories.) (Newser) Japan is bound by its post-war constitution to put little emphasis on the military, but a major upgrade is now in the works. The nation will get its first aircraft carriers since World War II, reports the Guardian. The plan is to retrofit two existing helicopter carriers so they can be used by fighter jets, too. It dovetails with Tokyo's recent decision to buy more than 100 F-35 jets from the US, on top of 42 previously purchased. The move is likely to draw criticism that Japan is moving even further away from the pacifist aims of its constitution. As Reuters notes, the constitution technically bans the maintenance of armed forces, though it has been interpreted more liberally to allow for a military on self-defense grounds. story continues below Japan's move is largely seen as a response to China's efforts to step up its own navy. Beijing acquired its first aircraft carrier in 2012, and it is currently building its third, reports the South China Morning Post. The Tokyo development is indeed "a major departure from Japanese postwar military policy," writes Kyle Mizokami at Popular Mechanics. But don't expect to see the carriers anytime soon. Mizokami runs down the logistics involved with the retrofittingincluding the possible addition of rampsand figures the ships won't be operational for at least five years. (Japan also is dealing with an ever-growing surplus of plutonium.) (Newser) It's Nov. 29. If you've already had enough of the decorations and Christmas music, it's possible you're not a Scroogeyou're just suffering from overexposure. The "Christmas creep" appears to have begun earlier than usual this year, if Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is an accurate metric. The Washington Post tracked Google search interest in the 1994 hit, finding it's currently "trending well ahead of prior years." As for those prior years, a look at search behavior since 2006 shows the upward trend begins in mid-September (yes, really), sees a significant jump around Halloween, and gets another big boost in mid-November. Quartz found something similar in analyzing the song's annual reappearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which ranks the week's most popular songs. story continues below Since Billboard allowed older songs to reenter the charts in 2012, the popular tune has premiered slightly earlier with each holiday season. This year, it premiered more than a week earlier than in 2017, hitting No. 29 during the week of Nov. 16-22. Last year, the song hit the charts in the week of Dec. 1-7, a full week earlier than it did in 2012. "Before we know it, 'All I Want for Christmas is You' will be the song of summer," Quartz quips, though you aren't likely to hear Carey complaining. She's already nabbed $60 million in royalties from "All I Want for Christmas Is You"also the title of her latest holiday-themed tour across Europe, per Bustleand turned her 7-year-old twins into apparent fans. They sing background vocals on the song in a video shared by Carey on Wednesday, per HuffPo. (Read more Christmas stories.) (Newser) A UK hospital made an "appalling" error right before a 68-year-old died there, says his daughter, and now she and her family are suing the hospital for it. William Hannah passed away in September 2017 at Salford Royal Hospital while being treated after a car accident that had left him with several broken bones and serious head injuries, the BBC reports. Hannah also developed a lung infection, and it was while trying to ease his breathing that hospital staff made the mistake that has spurred the Hannah family's complaint. Per a release from their lawyers, a doctor went to flush out one of Hannah's lungs with saline solution, but an assistant accidentally passed him a bottle of cleaning detergent instead, which the doctor then "unknowingly" used to rinse Hannah's lung, People reports. story continues below The doctor realized the mistake afterward and tried to get as much of the detergent out of Hannah's lung as he could, but Hannah's lawyers say the grandfather's condition deteriorated and he died the next day. In a statement to People, the hospital's medical director acknowledges that Hannah "did not receive the high standard of care we always pride ourselves on." The BBC cites an internal hospital report that found what happened to Hannah was due to various factors, including poor communication and staff training, a container without a label, an equipment cart that wasn't adequately stocked, and "distraction by other life critical tasks." An inquiry into the exact cause of Hannah's death will take place in early 2019. (Glenn Frey's widow says Mount Sinai caused his death.) (Newser) China has ordered a scientist to stop his controversial work after his bombshell claim about creating the world's first gene-edited babies. Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping said Thursday that He Jiankui's work "crossed the line of morality and ethics adhered to by the academic community and was shocking and unacceptable," per the AP. Xu also said an investigation is underway, though its scope is unclear. He has defended his work, though he bowed out of a speaking engagement Thursday at the international gene-editing conference in Hong Kong (he did speak there Wednesday). story continues below "I will remain in China, my home country, and cooperate fully with all inquiries about my work," the researcher said in a statement. "My raw data will be made available for third party review." Meanwhile, the scientists he had been scheduled to address on Thursday also condemned the research. A statement from the 14 conference leaders declared that it's too early to apply the science to eggs, sperm, or embryos outside of the lab environment. In the US, Rice University said it is investigating bioengineering professor Michael Deem, who was He's adviser at the university and reportedly played a role in He's research, reports CNN. (It looks like He's work has led to a second pregnancy.) (Newser) Sabika Sheikh's parents saw it as an opportunity. Sending their daughter to the US as an exchange student from Pakistan could give her a leg up in a later career in business or diplomacy, Abdul Aziz and Farah Naz thought. Three weeks before she was to complete her school year and return home to Karachi, their 17-year-old daughter was instead one of 10 people killed when student Dimitrios Pagourtzis allegedly opened fire inside Texas' Santa Fe High School on May 18. "No other parent should ever have to experience this unbearable grief," say Sheikh's parents, who've now joined six other families in a lawsuit accusing Pagourtzis' parents of failing to secure the weapons used in the massacre and prevent their son's "violent and hateful impulses," per USA Today. story continues below Authorities say Pagourtzis, who admitted to the shooting, used his father's legally owned shotgun and revolver. The lawsuit appears to be partially based on a report from a Greek TV station, which quoted Antonio Pagourtzis as saying the weapons were taken from a closet. A lawyer for the elder Pagourtzis and wife Rose Marie Kosmetatos blames translation issues, however. The guns were, in fact, "kept in a locked gun cabinet or gun safe," he says, per ABC News, adding his clients "could not have predicted what occurred," per the Houston Chronicle. True or not, Aziz and Naz have another motive with their suit, seeking more than $1 million in damages. They hope to showcase America's "anomalous problem with gun violence," of which they previously "had no knowledge," their lawyer says. (Strangers helped a victim's ill husband.) (Newser) Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday morning to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate deal in Russia. President Trump's former personal attorney made a surprise appearance in a New York courtroom to enter the plea, per the AP. He admitted to making false statements in 2017 to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow; no final deal was even made. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud, and his campaign work for Trump. But as the New York Times notes, Thursday marks the first charges brought against Cohen by special counsel Robert Mueller. story continues below Cohen has been cooperating with Mueller's investigation since he made his first plea, and the new development suggests he's angling for a lighter sentence, per the Times. Trump himself, meanwhile, has been escalating his attacks on the Mueller inquiry of late. "Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime?" he tweeted Thursday, one of two tweets on the subject. (Mueller says Paul Manafort has been lying, not cooperating, after his own plea deal, and Trump says a pardon for Manafort is not "off the table.") The head of the Egyptian Meteorological Authority advised drivers to avoid high speeds as heavy mist is expected throughout the weekend Egypt's meteorologists expect rainfall in several parts of the country Friday and Saturday as temperatures are forecast to slightly drop. The Egyptian Meteorological Authority's forecast shows that rains are expected along country's northern coast and some Nile Delta cities Friday and Saturday. It may also rain in the capital Cairo on Friday, the authority's head, Ahmed Ahmed Abdel Al, said Wednesday. Abdel Al advised drivers to avoid high speeds as heavy mist is expected throughout the weekend. Temperatures on Friday are expected to see an average drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius, with highs of 22 degrees Celsius and lows of 15 expected in Cairo. Tempratures are predicted to almost remain the same on Saturday. Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) Stormy Daniels is again making serious public allegations, but this time they're against her own attorney. In a statement to the Daily Beast, Daniels goes after Michael Avenatti on two main fronts. The biggest beef is about money, specifically the cash raised for Daniels on a crowdfunding site. She alleges that Avenatti refuses to provide details of how the money is being spent even after her repeated demands. "Instead of answering me, without my permission or even my knowledge Michael launched another crowdfunding campaign to raise money on my behalf," she wrote. "I learned about it on Twitter." Avenatti insists that everything is aboveboard, with the money going toward legal fees as agreed, but another allegation made by Daniels might be more damaging for him. story continues below In her statement, Daniels alleges that Avenatti filed a defamation suit against President Trump in her name but against her wishes. (A judge ended up tossing the suit.) "If he filed the case with her name when it was clear that she told him not to, then he could be sued for that," New York University Law School prof Stephen Gillers tells the DB. "If true, she has a malpractice case against him. I emphasize if true." As of now, Daniels is still represented by Avenatti, though she says she's considering whether to sever ties. Avenatti, meanwhile, still has two other suits against Trump pending, notes the New York Times. (The attorney faced negative headlines earlier this month on a different matter.) (Newser) After Michael Cohen made a surprise appearance in court Thursday to cop a guilty plea, President Trump took some shots at his former personal attorney. "Michael Cohen is lying and he's trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me," Trump told reporters Thursday. "He's a weak person." While in court, Cohen admitted that he lied to Congress about a plan to build a Trump-branded tower in Moscow. Cohen told a Senate panel last year that the plan was scrapped in January 2016, when, in fact, the proposal remained very much in play through the summer of that year. Not only did Cohen maintain contact with a Russian developer through the presidential campaign, he considered traveling to Russia himself and having Trump travel there after the Republican National Convention, reports the Washington Post. On Thursday, Trump said none of that matters. story continues below "This was a project that we didn't do, I didn't do," said Trump. "There would be nothing wrong if I did do it." The president said it would have been foolish of him to overlook business opportunities just because he was a candidate for president. "There was a good chance that I wouldn't have won, in which case I would have gotten back into the business," Trump said, per Politico. "And why should I lose lots of opportunities?" The president said Cohen was "not a very smart person," adding that the aborted tower deal was "well known" to the public. (A potential trouble spot for Trump: A report says he was directly involved in hush-money payments to women, which could run afoul of election laws.) (Newser) President Trump on Thursday followed through on his threat to cancel the meeting with his Russian counterpart that was planned for this week. After Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships, Trump said he would no longer meet Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia," Trump tweeted, "I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting." story continues below He added, "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Politico notes that just before departing the White House for the summit Trump told reporters he still planned to move forward with the Putin meeting; he tweeted the change of plans from Air Force One while traveling to the summit. (Also Thursday, Trump responded to Michael Cohen's surprise plea deal with Robert Mueller.) (Newser) Police fatally shot the wrong guy after a shooting at an Alabama mall Thanksgiving nightand now the right guy is in custody. Police say that after a physical altercation, Erron Martez Dequan Brown, 20, took out a gun and shot Brian Wilson, 18, around 9:30pm while stores were open for early Black Friday sales. A 12-year-old bystander was also shot during the melee at Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham, though police have not said who shot her. A friend of Wilson's, Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., 21, was mistaken as the gunman by two police officers who were providing security at the mall at the time, and he was shot and killed. On Thursday, Brown was arrested and charged with attempted murder in Wilson's shooting, AL.com reports. story continues below Police initially said Bradford was the suspect in Wilson's shooting, then revealed the following day that he was not. He was seen with a handgun at the scene, but a family lawyer says he was legally carrying the gun and was trying to calm the situation at the time; he had a concealed weapon permit for the gun, CNN reports. A warrant was just issued Wednesday for Brown. The state investigation is ongoing. "[The State Bureau of Investigation] will continue to work efficiently, thoroughly, and impartially to bring all relevant facts to light to provide the DA with the most accurate facts and evidence possible in this case," the SBI director said in a statement. Bradford's shooting has sparked protests in the area, dividing the community, the Guardian reports. Trevor Noah addressed it this week on the Daily Show. (In a similar case, a black security guard was killed by police.) (Newser) A plane carrying German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Group of 20 meeting in Argentina was forced to make an unscheduled landing Thursday night in western Germany, reportedly due to technical problems. The government Airbus, which was en route to Buenos Aires, turned around over the Netherlands about an hour into the flight, the German news agency dpa reported. The aircraft landed safely in Cologne, with journalists on board reporting no injuries, per the AP. Several firefighting vehicles were on stand-by as the A340-300 VIP landed in Cologne at 9pm, because the plane had more fuel on board than is customary during landing, dpa reported. story continues below According to German military blog Augengeradeaus.net, the aircraft was transmitting a 7600 transponder code, indicating a radio failure. Merkel was told of the need to turn around while she was holding a background briefing for journalists accompanying her to Buenos Aires. A replacement German air force plane was being prepared to carry Merkel and her entourage to the G-20 meeting, which starts Friday in the Argentine capital. Cologne-Bonn airport has a military base called Cologne-Wahn that is adjacent to the civilian airport. (Read more Angela Merkel stories.) The defence ministers of Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have attended joint military drills between the three countries near the Greek island of Crete, the Egyptian army said late on Wednesday. The Medusa-7 training exercise, which involves air and naval forces from the three countries, began earlier this week west of Crete. Egyptian Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki, Greece's Panos Kammenos and Cyprus' Savas Angelides hailed the forces carrying out the training, which they say "reflects a special level of cooperation" between the forces of the three countries, Egypt's military spokesman Colonel Tamer El-Refai said in a statement. The spokesman had earlier said that the joint drills include planning and administering joint naval and air offensive operations, maritime interception, locating submarines, securing oil platforms and vital offshore targets, as well as search and rescue operations. The military said the drills where Egyptian military students and young people from a presidential leadership programme are taking part will last for several days but did not mention when they will conclude. Search Keywords: Short link: olalathos The idea of scientists tinkering with the genes of babies was once the provenance of science fiction, but now its apparently entered the realm of reality: On Nov. 26, Chinese scientist He Jiankui reported the historic live births of twin girls whose genes he had edited. The goal may have been noble: to use CRISPR to alter their genes to include a variant protective against transmission of HIV.But the announcement yet to be verified has quickly become mired in a deluge of scientific and ethical criticism of He as a reckless researcher who overstepped well-established boundaries.He Jiankui has a lot to explain going forward. AP Photo/Mark SchiefelbeinProfessional outcryThe reaction from the professional community of scientists and ethicists was swift and essentially universal in its condemnation, including by over 100 of Hes colleagues in China.A central objection is that the study was simply too risky. Researchers have stressed that the risk of off-target effects (unintentionally changing other genes) and mosaicism (only altering the target gene in some of the childs cells rather than all of them) could lead to unexpected and harmful health effects such as cancer later in life. There is general agreement that at present these risks outweigh any potential benefits, and more basic research is needed before proceeding.Interestingly, some of the strongest ethical objections to the experiment came from ethicists who have in other venues defended gene editing. Julian Savulescu, for example, has gone so far as to argue that, if it were safe and not too costly, we would even have an obligation to edit our childrens genes. Yet he called the reported experiment monstrous, in light of the serious risks and lack of necessity. The twins were never in danger of inheriting a deadly genetic disorder, and there are far less risky ways to prevent HIV transmission.Public perceptionThis backlash may have caught He by surprise. According to one report, He commissioned a large-scale public opinion survey in China a few months prior to the announcement. The survey found that over 70 percent of the Chinese public was supportive of using gene editing for HIV prevention. This is roughly in line with a recent Pew poll in the United States that found 60 percent of Americans support using gene editing on babies to reduce lifetime risk of contracting certain diseases.But polling tells only part of the story. The same Chinese poll also found very low levels of public understanding of gene editing and did not mention the details of Hes study. Abstract polling questions ignore the risks and state of the science, which were crucial to most objections to Hes experiment. It also obscures the involvement of embryos in gene editing. In the American Pew poll, despite overall support for gene editing, 65 percent opposed embryonic testing a necessary step in the process of gene editing to address disease.Moreover, polling is a crude and simplistic way to engage in public debate and deliberation over the controversial issue of gene editing. Various bodies, such as the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine and Engineering in the U.S. and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in the U.K., have emphasized that, for gene editing to proceed to human trials, a robust public discussion is first needed to establish its legitimacy.Yet He decided to proceed in the least transparent way possible, hiding his study from public view, colleagues and his institution, and even going so far as to ban participants from sharing with anyone their participation in the trial, on pain of financial penalty.Hes recklessness, then, was not limited to risk but also failing to earn public trust and buy-in before proceeding.IVF can be prohibitively expensive, even without editing the embryos genes. AP Photo/Mark SchiefelbeinConsent and InducementA further failing of Hes experiment was the consent process. The study recruited couples with an HIV-positive husband and HIV-negative wife. Ostensibly, the couples had a particular interest in ensuring their children never contracted HIV, in light of the intended fathers experience. But looking a little closer reveals other, more problematic motivations.For such couples, it is possible to safely conceive an HIV-negative child using robust IVF procedures. Such therapy is expensive, prohibitively so for many couples. But Hes study offered a particularly enticing carrot free IVF treatment and supportive care, along with a daily allowance and insurance coverage during the treatment and pregnancy. According to the consent form, the total value of treatments and payments was approximately US$40,000 over four times the average annual wage in urban China.This raises a serious concern of undue inducement: paying research participants such a large sum that it distorts their assessment of the risks and benefits. In this gene editing context, where the risks are incredibly uncertain and there is substantially limited general understanding of genetics and gene editing, society should be especially concerned about the distorting effect of such a large reward on the participants provision of free and informed consent.AftermathIn a video announcing the birth of the twins, He announced he was willing to take on all personal responsibility for the conduct and outcomes of the experiment. And indeed, the consequences of this unethical experiment are already piling up. His own university has disavowed him, having previously suspended him, while multiple investigations are being launched into He, his American collaborator and the hospital ethics committee that approved the experiment.The outcome of those investigations remains to be seen, but it is part of a disturbing pattern in reproduction: rogue scientists bucking international norms to engage in ethically and scientifically dubious reproductive research. Indeed, just within the last two years another set of renegade scientists flaunted established norms to bring about the first three-parent IVF babies; there was tremendous outcry, but the procedure now seems to be continuing in the relatively lax regulatory environment of Ukraine.Hard work is now needed by scientists, ethicists, policymakers and the public at large to figure out how to reverse this trend and return reproductive medicine to a path of responsible research and innovation.G. Owen Schaefer, Research Assistant Professor in Biomedical Ethics, National University of SingaporeThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.https://www.activistpost.com/2018/11/rogue-science-strikes-again-the-case-of-the-first-gene-edited-babies.html Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has begun welcoming the global mix of drivers and teams taking part in this weekends Bapco Bahrain GT Festival in Sakhir. Around 100 drivers from over 20 countries driving 60 cars will be competing in three exciting motor racing series on Friday and Saturday. Headlining the festival will be the all-new FIA GT Nations Cup, which will be complemented by the GT4 International Cup and the Bahrain Classic Challenge. The weekends events have been organised by BIC in cooperation with the SRO Motorsports Group. There will be 17 cars, each representing one country, in the FIA GT Nations Cup. There are also another 21 cars each in the GT4 International Cup and the Bahrain Classic Challenge. In the GT Nations Cup, the competing countries include Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The competing racing machines meet FIA GT3 regulations and each feature a lineup of two drivers racing over two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions, two qualifying races of 60 minutes each, and a third and final race over 60 minutes to determine the overall winners. On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday inaugurated the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre in Muharraq, as part of the Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy UNESCO World Heritage site. HRH the Crown Prince noted that the opening of the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre is a new milestone in the promotion of Bahrains rich cultural heritage, and highlighted His Majesty King Hamads strong support for this ambitious endeavour. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted the new centres role in ensuring that Bahrains unique and ancient pearling industry - a central aspect of the Kingdoms cultural identity- is preserved for future generations and visitors. While touring the Centre facilities - which include an exhibition and multimedia centre, a Pearling Heritage Archive, a Library, and several conference and lecture rooms - HRH the Crown Prince praised the work of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and their execution of this important project. HRH the Crown Prince also attended a pearl exhibition featuring a unique collection of Bahrains finest pearl jewellery. The President of BACA, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, thanked His Majesty King Hamad for his patronage of the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for inaugurating the centre. Kuwait Finance House and Bahrain Islamic Bank bagged top awards for being the top performing Islamic banks yesterday. Kuwait Finance House bagged the Global and GCC region awards, a testament to its strong performance in the financial metrics of the WIBC Leaderboard, while Bahrain Islamic Bank received the Governance and CSR Award. The awards were given out by Khalid Hamad Abdulrahman Hamad, Executive Director of Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Bahrain to the top performing Islamic financial institutions based on their performance in the WIBC Leaderboard a performance assessment tool aimed at enabling Islamic financial institutions to benchmark their performance against their peers. The awarding ceremony was held at Art Rotana on the sidelines of World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC). Other winners at the 25th Annual WIBC Performance Awards include Best Performing Islamic Bank - Levant: Jordan Islamic Bank and Award for Fastest Growing Bank (By Asset Growth): Warba Bank. Japan's gross domestic product could fall by over 25% in the next 40 years as its population declines, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday, urging the government to boost productivity through structural reform to mitigate the damage. A rapidly aging and shrinking population "implies a commensurate drag on real output" under current policies, the IMF said in its annual report. The organization consults every year with member countries to get a sense of their economic conditions. Structural reforms are crucial to keeping the economy from slowing too much, the report said. It specifically pushed for a commitment to equal pay for equal work between permanent and irregular workers, on which Japan passed a law in June, and changes to tax and social benefit rules that discourage married women from seeking full-time work. Such efforts, combined with corporate governance reforms and trade liberalization, could "boost real GDP by as much as 15% in 40 years," compared with the baseline scenario, the IMF said. The organization predicted that Japan's economy will grow 1.1% in 2018 but just 0.9% in 2019, due to the consumption tax hike planned for October. While the IMF has pushed for the hike, it still warned that the move could cause the economy to contract. It backed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's proposal to cut auto and housing taxes to soften the blow. - Nikkei A man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to the rape and murder of an Egyptian-American teenager in the United States in 2017 in Washington, according to media reports. The 25-year-old suspect, Darwin Martinez Torres, pleaded guilty to the capital murder and rape of 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen as part of a deal with the prosecutor to avoid death penalty. Under the terms of the deal, Torres will serve life in prison. In June 2017, Hassanen was kidnapped, beaten and killed after she and her friends were chased near their mosque in Virginia. Virginia police said at the time that the murder was not a hate crime. In statements to reporters on Wednesday, the victim's father said that he still believes that his daughter was attacked and killed because she was Muslim. Search Keywords: Short link: Blog Archive Nov 2021 (62) Oct 2021 (58) Sep 2021 (67) Aug 2021 (62) Jul 2021 (54) Jun 2021 (50) May 2021 (58) Apr 2021 (44) Mar 2021 (57) Feb 2021 (64) Jan 2021 (93) Dec 2020 (82) Nov 2020 (62) Oct 2020 (50) Sep 2020 (45) Aug 2020 (51) Jul 2020 (56) Jun 2020 (53) May 2020 (70) Apr 2020 (66) Mar 2020 (169) Feb 2020 (211) Jan 2020 (184) Dec 2019 (54) Nov 2019 (56) Oct 2019 (55) Sep 2019 (63) Aug 2019 (54) Jul 2019 (69) Jun 2019 (56) May 2019 (65) Apr 2019 (68) Mar 2019 (72) Feb 2019 (76) Jan 2019 (62) Dec 2018 (55) Nov 2018 (69) Oct 2018 (90) Sep 2018 (82) Aug 2018 (58) Jul 2018 (36) Jun 2018 (47) May 2018 (44) Apr 2018 (64) Mar 2018 (63) Feb 2018 (68) Jan 2018 (92) Dec 2017 (85) Nov 2017 (64) Oct 2017 (82) Sep 2017 (54) Aug 2017 (89) Jul 2017 (60) Jun 2017 (86) May 2017 (84) Apr 2017 (62) Mar 2017 (86) Feb 2017 (91) Jan 2017 (113) Dec 2016 (109) Nov 2016 (100) Oct 2016 (82) Sep 2016 (95) Aug 2016 (84) Jul 2016 (84) Jun 2016 (99) May 2016 (93) Apr 2016 (106) Mar 2016 (145) Feb 2016 (125) Jan 2016 (103) Dec 2015 (83) Nov 2015 (80) Oct 2015 (100) Sep 2015 (111) Aug 2015 (94) Jul 2015 (98) Jun 2015 (151) May 2015 (125) Apr 2015 (109) Mar 2015 (122) Feb 2015 (113) Jan 2015 (135) Dec 2014 (131) Nov 2014 (115) Oct 2014 (146) Sep 2014 (112) Aug 2014 (128) Jul 2014 (94) Jun 2014 (104) May 2014 (140) Apr 2014 (132) Mar 2014 (81) Feb 2014 (89) Jan 2014 (141) Dec 2013 (100) Nov 2013 (96) Oct 2013 (99) Sep 2013 (94) Aug 2013 (95) Jul 2013 (95) Jun 2013 (91) May 2013 (139) Apr 2013 (179) Mar 2013 (73) Feb 2013 (76) Jan 2013 (85) Dec 2012 (59) Nov 2012 (71) Oct 2012 (85) Sep 2012 (70) Aug 2012 (71) Jul 2012 (53) Jun 2012 (51) May 2012 (52) Apr 2012 (52) Mar 2012 (69) Feb 2012 (76) Jan 2012 (70) Dec 2011 (60) Nov 2011 (54) Oct 2011 (57) Sep 2011 (75) Aug 2011 (72) Jul 2011 (64) Jun 2011 (76) May 2011 (56) Apr 2011 (73) Mar 2011 (114) Feb 2011 (71) Jan 2011 (80) Dec 2010 (92) Nov 2010 (82) Oct 2010 (73) Sep 2010 (95) Aug 2010 (86) Jul 2010 (81) Jun 2010 (76) May 2010 (71) Apr 2010 (74) Mar 2010 (74) Feb 2010 (82) Jan 2010 (101) Dec 2009 (108) Nov 2009 (182) Oct 2009 (136) Sep 2009 (102) Aug 2009 (120) Jul 2009 (151) Jun 2009 (136) May 2009 (180) Apr 2009 (145) Mar 2009 (113) Feb 2009 (113) Jan 2009 (124) Dec 2008 (108) Nov 2008 (69) Oct 2008 (89) Sep 2008 (76) Aug 2008 (75) Jul 2008 (87) Jun 2008 (80) May 2008 (99) Apr 2008 (93) Mar 2008 (115) Feb 2008 (147) Jan 2008 (162) Dec 2007 (124) Nov 2007 (95) Oct 2007 (67) Sep 2007 (42) Aug 2007 (78) Jul 2007 (75) Jun 2007 (123) May 2007 (110) Apr 2007 (108) Mar 2007 (92) Feb 2007 (136) Jan 2007 (119) Dec 2006 (41) Nov 2006 (34) Oct 2006 (12) Sep 2006 (13) Aug 2006 (13) Jul 2006 (16) Jun 2006 (12) May 2006 (21) Apr 2006 (38) Mar 2006 (27) Feb 2006 (25) Jan 2006 (18) Riyadhs wish to boost its international profile is likely to result in political and economic deals across the region Saudi foreign policy-makers and their advisors and partners in and beyond the Middle East are busy crafting a new strategy as part of Riyadhs plans to boost its international profile. Regional sources say the trip by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman which began this week to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), then on to Bahrain and Egypt, later taking in Tunisia and Algeria ahead of reaching Argentina to take part in the G20 summit, has been designed so Bin Salman can brief Riyadhs closest allies of Saudi Arabias plans, and reassure them of the kingdoms continuing commitment to regional stability. In the words of one Washington-based American source, Riyadhs strategy is by and large what MbS has been promising since he took a central role in his country. It includes giving a serious push to Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and stabilising Arab countries that have gone through a tough transition following the ouster of dictators. The crown prince of Saudi Arabia has also committed himself, before US President Donald Trump who he is likely to meet in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit, to taking the actions necessary to allow for an end of the war in Yemen. An international diplomatic source says the UN envoy for Yemen received assurances from Riyadh during his recent visit that Saudi Arabia was working to support peace talks between Yemeni parties planned for the first week of December. A Cairo-based European diplomat who follows Gulf relations closely said that the beginning of the end to the war in Yemen was approaching, and will have been discussed by Bin Salman and Mohamed Bin Zayed, the de facto ruler of the UAE. Regional diplomats say Riyadh is more inclined to end the war than the UAE, but the latter will accommodate Saudi Arabia. Mohamed bin Zayed has been heavily involved in pro-MbS lobbying in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have promised a major aid package to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen where close to one million people face famine and disease. Another international diplomatic source said the humanitarian package is likely to be executed promptly, with US support, to help boost Riyadhs severely shaken international reputation. In recent weeks Riyadh has had to devote most of its political capital, and much of its economic clout, to negotiating the ramifications of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Saudi Arabia is an indispensable US ally and the Khashoggi story, says a Cairo-based Western diplomat, is likely to be put aside by the administration. Diplomatic and political sources say a major goal of Saudi foreign policy in the coming weeks is to clear a path towards the beginning of peace talks. In the words of the Washington-based American source: Nobody can promise an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, not even Trump, but MbS has promised Trump and [his influential son-in-law Jared] Kushner that [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas will come to the table. A Palestinian Authority source speaking from Ramallah ahead of Bin Salmans tour said the crown princes father, King Salman, had been involved in persuading Abbas to attend talks, and Bin Salmans visit to the UAE and to Egypt was intended to signal the three countries prioritising of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. While nobody will offer a clear date as to when Trump will go public with his proposed Palestinian-Israeli peace deal most sources suggest an announcement is likely some time in January. According to one well-informed Arab diplomat, Riyadh has already started to ease down political tensions with Qatar, an important US Gulf ally which exerts considerable influence on Hamas, in the hope Doha will persuade the Gaza-based Palestinian faction not to obstruct any commitment Abbas might make towards exploring the potential peace deal. The Palestinian Authority source said Riyadh is not asking Abbas to sign the deal without negotiations but to consider the offer carefully, adding that Abbas appears willing to accommodate King Salman on the matter. Riyadh, says diplomats, is also likely to reach out to Ankara where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is keen not to be sidelined over Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. According to regional diplomatic sources, it is King Salman who will reach out to Erdogan, though the Turkish president and Bin Salman might meet in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20, at the request of King Salman and with encouragement from Washington. Riyadh is also planning to offer support to regional and international efforts aimed at ending the conflicts in Syria and Libya. Diplomatic sources expect Riyadh to be a central player in supporting stabilisation in the two countries and that in the coming weeks and months it will become engaged in a way that it has avoided till now. According to the Washington-based American source, the Saudis know it is in their interest to be mentioned as the brokers of political settlements ending Middle East conflicts. There is also an economic aspect to Saudi Arabias regional plans. Expanding gas and oil cooperation with other regional players, and in cooperation with the UAE, is an essential part of Riyadhs strategy. Saudi Arabia, of course, is in a position to offer massive investments, and according to one government official in Egypt, Cairo is keen to partner with Riyadh. There are plans for huge Saudi investments in South Sinai which will be made public in the first half of 2019, the official said. Meanwhile, an Arab diplomat based in a leading North African capital spoke of big Saudi investments in Tunisia and Algeria during the coming year. Some of these plans will be announced shortly after Bin Salmans tour and some later in the year, the same source said. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Riyadh: Crafting deals Search Keywords: Short link: Former of Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has revealed that all the presidenti... Former of Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has revealed that all the presidential candidates for the 2019 election will sign a Memorandum of Understanding. According to him, this will not only be to undertake violence-free campaigns, but also to avoid hate speeches and unguarded utterances during their campaign activities. Abubakar disclosed this after a meeting with a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, led by its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday. The former Head of State also said chairmen of all the registered political parties would do same. He added, We will do our best to help sanitise the political arena. The Nigerian army has replaced Texas Chukwu as its spokesman, TheCable is reporting. A military source revealed that Chukwus remo... The Nigerian army has replaced Texas Chukwu as its spokesman, TheCable is reporting. A military source revealed that Chukwus removal followed outcry from different quarters on his inability to manage information on the counter-insurgency campaign. Chukwu was not attune with media management and did not sustain the efforts already in place, the source said. A good public relations officer always responds to critical national issues on time and provides solutions. His inefficiency did not only affect the armys efforts but made the military a subject of embarrassment in the eyes of the world. The source added that Sani Usman had been reinstated as spokesman of the army. Chukwu took over the position in February when Usman enrolled for a senior executive course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos. A senior military officer listed Chukwus alleged poor management of several incidents of Boko Haram as some of his flaws. Chukwus handling of the recent Boko Haram incidents did not help in managing the situation, thereby embarrassing the chief of army staff and the commander-in-chief, he said. When contacted, Chukwu confirmed that he had been replaced but said it was because of a course he ought to attend at the NIPSS. There must be progress. Im going to NIPSS for study. You know there are some courses you would take before getting promoted to major-general. Its true. Im no more the army spokesman. SK Usman would take over. He just returned from course, too, he told TheCable. Usman also confirmed that he had returned to his former position since Monday. He appealed for support and thanked all those who supported him during his time at NIPSS. I wish to on behalf of my family thank all those that called or sent congratulatory messages as I graduated from NIPSS, Kuru, bagged the highly respected Membership of the National Institute (mni) and inducted into the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) since Saturday 24th November 2018, he said in a message sent to TheCable. The Federal Government tells the U.S. to be cautious in granting visa to the PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in order not to create the impression of endorsing him for the 2019 election.The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the government position at an interactive session with media executives in Abuja on Thursday.Mohammed said that the government was aware of the move by the former Vice President to lobby the U.S. to lift the visa ban imposed on him.He said, while the U.S. has the prerogative of whom to issue visa, it should be mindful of the timing, in order not to give the impression that Atiku has been endorsed by the U.S. government.We understand and appreciate the fact that it is the prerogative of the U.S. to grant a visa to anyone who applies.However, we want the U.S. to be neutral and be wary of taking any decision that will give the impression that they are favouring or endorsing one candidate over the otherImpression must not be created that the U.S. government is endorsing one particular candidate over the other, he said.The minister recalled that for years, there has been a kind of congressional bi-partisan investigation on corruption against certain individuals which had made it difficult for Atiku to secure a U.S. visa.I am sure you will all recall the Jeffersons case and the cold 90,000 U.S. dollar in fridge.We are not unaware that Atiku has engaged the services of some lobbyists to persuade the U.S. to issue visa to him.Our position is that if the former Vice President is seeking the U.S. visa we have no problem about it.However, we want the U.S. government not to create the impression that it is endorsing one candidate over the other, he said.Speaking on security, the minister insisted that despite the recent set back brought about by attacks on the military, the Boko Haram insurgents had been largely decimated.He recalled that when they took over in 2015, Boko Haram was active in 10 states including the FCT where they chose where and when to attackThe minister said that 20 of the 27 Local Government Areas in Borno were under the insurgents where they hoisted their flags collected taxes and deposed the Emirs.He said since they took over, no inch of Nigeria territory is under the control of the insurgents who now operated in the fringes Lake Chad Island- to launch guerilla attacks.What happened was a set-back and it is not enough to say that we are losing the war against the Boko Haram.We want to appreciate the gallant military who are sacrificing day and night and those who have lost their lives to protect Nigerias sovereignty, he said.The Minister added that the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Borno and his ongoing visit to Chad were indications of renewed vigour to end the war.Mohammed also denied the allegations that the government was closing media space against the opposition.On the arrest of Deji Adeyanju, convener of Concerned Nigerians by the Police, the minister noted that being an activist or in the opposition does not protect anyone from arrest and prosecution.He said the case had been charged to court and it would be prejudicial to make further comments on it. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday departed Abuja for NDjamena, Chad, to preside over the Summit of Heads of States and Governmen... President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday departed Abuja for NDjamena, Chad, to preside over the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari, in his capacity as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), summoned the meeting meant to find lasting solution to the menace of Boko Haram insurgency. Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja said the meeting of the Heads of States and Governments of the LCBC would take place in NDjamena, Chad on Thursday. Also, the President of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country, has also been invited to attend the meeting. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies. According to Adesina, the one-day meeting will review the security situation in the areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency. He said it would also adopt measures to enhance the capacity of the MNJTF to meet the challenges of securing the areas. Read Also: Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai The presidents of the LCBC member countries of Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic have been invited to attend the meeting. The President of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country has also been invited to attend. The MNJTF and the national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies, Adesina said. Millions of people in Africas Lake Chad region (north-east Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad and Cameroon) are facing a profound and protracted crisis driven by extreme poverty, climate change and violent conflicts according to the UN. The crisis, the world body added has led to the internal displacement of 2.4 million people, the destruction of livelihoods, human rights abuses, and the disruption of health, education and other basic services. More than 10 million vulnerable people need life-saving assistance and protection today. Women and children are particularly hard hit. By Muhammad Ajah Those fighting Buhari over his reelection bid in 2019 are wasting their time. My candid advice to them is to ... By Muhammad Ajah Those fighting Buhari over his reelection bid in 2019 are wasting their time. My candid advice to them is to stop diverting the attention of the citizens over their inability to present concrete issues to engage the people. They keep creating confusion in desperate attempt to devalue Buharis mass acceptability by Nigerians. But each time they prop up any false claim, Buharis popularity gains more grounds, leaving them in their obduracy and faithlessness. Simply, Buhari is a child of destiny and no evil fashioned against a child of destiny shall prosper. Three things the opposition is playing on are exposing them to acute ignorance of the force of destiny and the masses. When God is with anybody, keep off. In politics, when the masses are with a candidate, other politicians should dare not play games with their choice. What happened in the last primaries of all political parties, especially APC and PDP, to elect candidates for various offices in 2019 are indications of the strength of the mass public. Yet, the opposition has continued to wish Buhari dead. They have been boldly and openly saying it. It is, therefore, easy to imagine the attempts they have secretly been making to see that Buhari is not alive. But the spirits are created by God who is the controller of destiny. Such spirits, therefore, cannot confront destiny. They can only operate in vain against destiny. That is why orthodox proponents believe that man proposes, but God disposes. If the will and wishful thinking of mankind were to prevail over destiny, the world would have been uninhabitable. But God knows mankind and thus has limited his powers over certain things. Simply, it is God who created life and death. He gives life to mankind and He alone takes it, whatever circumstances that may lead to it. Of recent, the opposition has been circulating on the social media a death certificate allegedly from a London hospital, in an attempt to prove Buharis death. This is a very wicked propaganda against a sitting President. I do not know how this can be tolerated in any developed clime. Buhari was flown to London for treatment of an ailment which he has till today not disclosed to Nigerians because he cherishes the peace and unity of Nigeria. If Buhari had announced what happened to him, Nigeria would have been on fire. But he is always as wise as Solomon in handling issues of national interest. Despite his silence over the disease that required several transfusion of blood into him, the opposition which was optimistic of the success of its evil plot, exposed itself. The immediate past governor of Ekiti state proclaimed that Buhari will never return back to Nigeria alive. So, it is not only peddling the rumour of Buharis death, but producing a false death certificate from a London hospital is the height of lawlessness and unpatriotism. This false certificate must be investigated and the peddlers must be brought to book. One thing is clear. Buhari is a Muslim from a Muslim family and Muslim community. Orthodox Muslim faithful cannot hide the death of their members, however highly placed in the society a member may be. The best honour Muslims accord their dead members is to offer a congregational prayer called Janazah for the dead and commit him or her to mother earth to rest. Never are dead Muslims kept in mortuaries under preservatives except for few days maybe to transport them back home. That reminds me of the rumours that ensued from the pre-death period of former late President Umaru Musa YarAdua. Just as was the case during the last minutes of YarAdua, my mobile phone was inundated when the rumoured death of Buhari was peddled by the wailers. Despite the political tension and ethno-religious meandering and maneuvering, YarAduas death at the Aso Rock villa was announced and the Janazah prayer was immediately organized and offered for him. So, if Buhari is dead as they claim, nothing will prevent his family in particular and the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria at large from giving him his last obligatory tribute by organizing and offering the Janazah prayer for him. That being as it is, there is no truth whatsoever, that Buhari is dead. He is alive and, as a child of destiny on the mission to reposition Nigeria for greatness, will succeed amidst the wishful thinking of wailers and villains. Buharis mission for Nigeria is unstoppable. It is not by his powers; God is with him. The other rumour being mongered by the opposition is alleged Buharis prototype named Jubril from Sudan, presiding over Nigeria. With earlier explanations, there can be no atom of truth in this. Except if the wailers want Nigerians to believe in reincarnation, there is no need wasting time on this claim. A country like Sudan will not keep silent if her citizen can attain such height of leading Nigeria. Kenya was excited when her son, Barrak Obama, became the President of the United States of America. I am sure the immediate Obamas families and the Kenyan people treated themselves to parties to celebrate the great fame attained by their son. I think the Sudanese people would be laughing at the few Nigerians attributing a Sudanese to a Nigerian President. This claim is not only ridiculous, it is defamation and campaign of calumny. Those creating this confusion amongst Nigerians should be considered as hate speech propagandists. What will impress the Nigerians and the international community against Buhari is any proof of mistrust, dishonesty, corruption and probable indiscipline. The wailers have not found any proof of these, thus they are busy trying to paint Buhari black or even wishing him dead at all cost. As a child of destiny and the fact being stark that death does not consider age, it is our wish and prayers that the wailers live by force to see the transformation of Nigeria under Buhari or they meet their ancestors in their different ages so that peace and progress continue to reign in Nigeria. How Buhari came into power as a military ruler when Nigeria was being mortgaged shows he is a child of destiny. How he was removed when he was on pilgrimage worshipping his Lord in Makkah depicts Gods overpowering destiny for him. How he came to power in 2015 after winning elections for three consecutive times but denied because the power that was by then was complicated and desperate as ever, portrays him as a child of destiny waiting for Gods Time which is the best. All attempts to kill him showcase the Biblical episodes of the efforts of evil men to harm a child protected by destiny. And how he will continue to preside over Nigeria to complete the divine mission of repairing Nigeria till 2023 by the will of God Almighty, will baffle his enemies because he chose to trust God and God is with the trustworthy. A child of destiny is always favoured even in times of hardship and presumed failure. Ajah writes from Abuja via mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk. Alhaji Muazu Bawa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger, says President Muhammadu Buhari will enhance democrati... Alhaji Muazu Bawa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger, says President Muhammadu Buhari will enhance democratic governance in the country, if re-elected in 2019. Bawa told the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Thursday that Buhari remained the only credible choice among the array of presidential candidates vying in 2019 and hoping to meet the expectations of Nigerians. He also called on members of the party to put behind, their bitterness arising from the party primaries, in order to strengthen the party capacity to win the forthcoming elections. The chieftain said Buhari had demonstrated political commitment in executing meaningful projects that had improved the lot of the people. Nigerian electorate should vote for continuity in order to consolidate on ongoing changes in the country that will further set the nation on the path of progress. on the laudable achievements recorded by President Buhari administration in the last three and half years,he said. We have since embarked on aggressive sensitisation of peopleon the laudable achievements recorded by President Buhari administration in the last three and half years,he said. Muazu also commended Buhari for ensuring prompt release of funds for the procurement of heavy duty equipment for Baro Port. He said that the decision of Federal Government to link Minna and Abuja with rail from Baro Port would boost socio-economic and political development in the country. Baro port project is one of the best that has happened to the people of Niger as over 2 million residents will be gainfully employed. Muazu, a former Commissioner of Finance in the state expressed optimism that the President would be re-elected to continue with the laudable projects he initiated. President Buhari has proved beyond reasonable doubt to be honest, sincere and committed to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, irrespective of political, tribal and ethnic differences. Bawa called on politicians to play responsible politics and shun all kinds of political violence and thuggery for peace, progress and political growth of the state in particular and the country at large. What the country needs at this material time is a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth implementation of electoral processes. Ace human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has stated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)... Ace human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has stated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders must obey court orders in the interest of political stability. Tayo Soyemi, a member of staff of the Falana and Falana Chambers, quoted the lawyer as saying this while speaking at the on going ECOWAS Consultative Meeting on Access to Justice and Respect for the Rule of Law in Accra, Ghana. He said the president should also comply with a court order compelling the federal government to release the details of stolen assets recovered so far. Buhari and ECOWAS leaders should comply with judgments and orders of municipal courts and regional tribunals in the interest of public accountability and political stability, Falana said. Having now embraced the rule of law, President Buhari ought to direct the State Security Service to release Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife from custody in line with the orders of Federal High Court of December 2, 2016. In the same vein, the orders of the Nigerian courts and the ECOWAS Court for the release of Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) on bail pending trial should be complied with without any further delay. Other high-profile judgments that President Buhari must obey without further delay include at least four judgments obtained by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The first is the judgment by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari ordering the government to tell Nigerians about the stolen asset it allegedly recovered, with details of the amounts recovered. The second judgment, by Justice Mohammed Idris, ordered the government to publish details on the spending of stolen funds recovered by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999, while the third judgment, also by Justice Idris, ordered President Buhari to act on reports of investigations into allegations of padding and stealing of some N481 billion from the 2016 budget by some principal officers of the National Assembly, and to ensure prosecution of indicted lawmakers. The fourth judgement by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja also obtained by SERAP ordered the Nigerian authorities to provide free and quality education to all Nigerian children without discrimination. Nigeria has a duty to show leadership by example in the region since President Mhammadu Buhari is the current Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Governments of the ECOWAS. Such leadership has just been demonstrated by the Nigerian leader who has been reported to have distanced himself from the decision of the ruling party in Nigeria, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to expel its aggrieved members who sued the party in court over their grievances against the outcome of the recently concluded primaries of the party. Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has told President Muhammadu Buhari that he is ready for... Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has told President Muhammadu Buhari that he is ready for a debate with him ahead of the 2019 elections. Abubakar told Buhari this on Thursday at the inauguration of the partys presidential campaign council in Abuja. He also said he is dedicated to an issued-based campaign and not attack on individuals. I have been asked to remind the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari that I, Atiku Abubakar, am ready for a debate,he said. Some members of the national assembly from Kano state have defended Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, over the bribery allega... Some members of the national assembly from Kano state have defended Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, over the bribery allegations against him. The federal lawmakers also endorsed the governor for a second term, saying he has done creditable well. Ganduje has been in the limelight after Daily Nigerian published videos of him allegedly collecting bribe from contractors. The governor denied any wrongdoing, insisting the videos were doctored. An attempt by the state house of assembly to probe him hit the brick wall after a court granted his plea, asking the assembly to put the investigation on hold. In a statement signed by Kabiru Gaya, a senator, and 13 other lawmakers, including members of the house of representatives, the Kano caucus in the national assembly blamed the opposition for the smear campaign against the governor. We, members of the National Assembly from Kano State have viewed with satisfaction the exemplary performance of His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in office since he assumed the mantle of leadership almost four years ago, the statement read. Dr. Ganduje who came into office when a lot of factors seemed terribly against the tide of permeance for any State Chief Executive, especially the factor of economic downturn typified by the huge slide in the size of Federal Allocations accruable to the states, shocked many with his outstanding achievements in the various sectors ranging from infrastructural development to human capital development among others. We therefore make bold to say that the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Ganduje has brought unprecedented socio-economic development to Kano State such as never experienced. The lawmakers described the bribery allegations as a devilish scheme not only to undermine His Excellency, Dr. Ganduje but also to throw spanners into the electoral fortunes of Mr. President as far as Kano State politics is concerned. These moles must desist from their treacherous actions forthwith. They should be wise to understand that any evil scheme designed by the opposition and supported by them if allowed to foster will not only affect His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje but Mr. President in the forthcoming elections, they added. No amount of blackmail and subterfuge can obliterate the excellent work that his Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has done and is still doing in Kano State. All hands must therefore be on deck to support Governor Ganduje to win his re-election in 2019 in order to continue his good works in the state. The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 23 of its personnel were killed and 31 others wounded when Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops ... The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 23 of its personnel were killed and 31 others wounded when Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops locations on Nov. 18 at Metele in Northern Borno. The figure contradicts reports of 44 to 100 army personnel allegedly killed in the attack. In a statement issued by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, the army, however, said that between Nov. 2 and Nov. 17, the insurgents attacked troops positions at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram. He said troops repelled those attacks but 16 soldiers were killed, while 12 others sustained injuries in those incidents. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care, Usman said. Usman said the incident of Nov. 18 happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an army. We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections. Accordingly, the theme for this years annual conference is aptly titled, Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria, Usman said. He assured Nigerians and the international community that the army would work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria. Usman noted that since 2015, the army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies had systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and recorded many successes. However, he said in the last two to three months, there were daring moves by the terrorists, who had used drones against troops defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations. The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. Ahmed Eleiba on the outcome of the latest Cairo meeting between Palestinian factions Delegations from the Palestinian Fatah and Hamas movements held separate meetings in Cairo this week to discuss reviving the Palestinian reconciliation process. While the Hamas delegation announced its approval of the latest Egyptian proposal to promote inter-Palestinian reconciliation, the Fatah delegation returned to the West Bank for consultations with President Mahmoud Abbas. Sources close to the talks in Cairo say President Abbas wants a formula that guarantees the Palestinian Authoritys full empowerment in Gaza, something Hamas rejects. The weapons of the Palestinian resistance and the question of security in Gaza were not part of the new Egyptian reconciliation proposal, said Hamas official Maher Saber following the Hamas delegations return to Gaza. What was proposed concerns the substance of earlier agreements brokered by Cairo in 2011 and 2017. Fatah and Hamas interpret the two agreements very differently. While Saber says the agreements place the question of security in the hands of special committees, some Fatah officials interpret the agreements as meaning all weapons and military-related movements of the Palestinian factions should be subordinate to the PA. It is a view, says Saber, of people who want to use the weapons of the resistance as a tool to sabotage the reconciliation project. After the latest round of talks in Cairo with the two main Palestinian factions the reconciliation process appears to have reached a murky crossroad. Hamas, which has just thrown the ball into Abbas court, believes there is no need for a new agreement and that the roadmap laid out in previous agreements will suffice as long as the parties agree to empower a consensus government to eliminate the effects of the inter-Palestinian rift and then oversee arrangements for general and presidential elections. Fatahs position was voiced by Abdallah Abdallah, chairman of the Political Committee of the Legislative Council, who said Fatah would follow through on the executive measures stipulated under the 2017 agreement, starting from where the process was interrupted by the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah during his visit to Gaza in March. Fatah insists the 2017 agreement supersedes the 2011 agreement, and Abdallah criticised Hamas for attempting to rehabilitate the earlier document. According to a source connected to the talks in Cairo, the gap between the two camps remains wide. The parties calculations are factional and neither side wants to make a concession to the other, he told Al-Ahram Weekly. But the distance between the two sides is not limited to factional disputes. There are external dimensions such as the current position of the PA and the pressures it is facing in its relations with the US. Then there is the Israeli position on Gaza and the truce project. In addition, the second installment of funds from Qatar is due to arrive which means Hamas can avert financial crisis and does not have to remain constrained by the PAs punitive use of the finance card, said the source. The PA has often cut or threatened to cut budget allocations covering civil servants salaries and electricity, healthcare and other government services in Gaza as a means to pressure Hamas into making concessions. A point of principle that continues to divide the two sides is their differing interpretations of what empowerment means in Gaza. To Hamas it means empowering the consensus government stipulated under earlier agreements while to Fatah it means restoring full control over Gaza to the PA. Cairo, say sources, is eager to disengage the two sides from issues that threaten to obstruct any consensual formula and wants them to implement the articles of the 2017 agreement within two months and to create specialised committees, with Egyptian collaboration, to deal with the most complex issues in a gradual manner. Sources in Cairo say President Abbas is unlikely to approve the latest formula to which Hamas agreed which calls for the creation of a consensus government to oversee preparations for general elections in 2019, and add that it is difficult to discern what the next steps could be if Abbas rejected Cairos proposal. The only certain thing is that Cairo will continue to try and bridge the gap between the two sides. Cairo will also continue working to ease the blockade on Gaza and promote the ceasefire, issues which surfaced during the talks in Cairo because of the volatile situation at the border between Israel and Gaza. Israeli manoeuvres along the border included drills for an incursion into Gaza which observers say suggests a possible change in the rules of Israeli engagement. Contributing to the volatility is Hamas refusal to create a buffer zone along the border and to destroy border tunnels. Israel, meanwhile, is continuing to build a border fence which is due to be completed by the middle of next year and to deploy Iron Dome batteries along its border with Gaza. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Opposing viewpoints Search Keywords: Short link: The N-Power employment and training scheme of the federal government provides a technology platform to boost education, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has stated.Osinbajo stated this at the University of Ibadan where represented President Muhammadu Buhari as the Visitor to the institution, on the occasion of the Universitys 2018 Convocation and 70th Foundation Day Ceremony.In a statement by Laolu Akande, media aide to the vice president, Osinbajo said the scheme, being technology-driven, offers a technology platform to train teachers quickly and efficiently, aside from the traditional training institutes.He stated: N-Power, our employment and skills training programme, now employs 500,000 young men and women who were hired using a technology platform developed by young Nigerians.We have had the collaboration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Oracle Academy, Microsoft, Cisco Academy and IBM. How do we train teachers quickly and efficiently, aside from traditional teacher training institutes which must be refitted to deal with new technology-driven pedagogy? We must use technology platforms to train. We have had a few eye openers in this regard when we launched our N-Power programme.We trained them and provided materials for continuous training using our open platform and each of them was provided with an electronic tablet which contains a lot of training and teaching materials for the large number who teach in schools in every local government in Nigeria.The vice president said that in the next few years, both teachers training and teaching will be largely driven by technology; with university education, especially scientific research, made easy by virtual reality and Artificial intelligence tools.He further said: The current gap in educational attainment in the country has made it clear that we had to change both the substance of education our children receive and the methods by which they are taught. The early stage investment in primary and secondary school education is key to becoming a knowledge-driven economy.Our policy is to develop and introduce STEAM education Science Education, Engineering, Arts and Math curriculum in primary and secondary schools. This curriculum covers training in Skills in cross disciplinary, critical and creative thinking, problem solving and digital technologies, coding, digital arts, design thinking, and robotics.Reiterating that education cannot be left to Government alone, Osinbajo stressed that none of the worlds leading Universities depend wholly or even substantially on government funding, adding that all have evolved innovative means of financing and investment, to meet their funding needs and become financially sustainable. The House of Representatives, yesterday, declared a state of emergency on the education sector, vowing to rescue it from further decay.To this end, the House resolved to increase the budgetary allocation of the sector to the United Nations standard of 26 per cent from the present paltry seven percent.It also set up an adhoc committee to interface with the relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs, of government in the sector to proffer best solutions on the issue.The resolutions followed a motion, titled: Need to Reform Nigerias Tertiary Educational System, sponsored by Ayodele Oladimeji.Moving the motion, Oladimeji said Nigerians now preferred sending their children abroad, a development he said was responsible for the neglect of the education sector.He said: The House notes that strategic importance of education to any nation cannot be over emphasized being the fulcrum of national growth and development.Also notes that tertiary education is the platform for developing human capital for social, economic and technological transformation and advancement of any nationAgain notes that right to education is a fundamental human right and a tool of attaining not only academic excellence but also social justice and progress, through which citizens achieve not only personal growth but also develop civic and political consciousnessWorried that Nigeria loses a minimum of N1 Trillion to Education Tourism annually because about 75,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Ghana, Benin Republic and Egypt, among othersAlso worried about the dwindling quality of education in Nigeria, thus making our graduates unemployed, as no fewer than 1.8 million graduates in the country move into labour market every year with the hope of getting jobs that are not available.Informed that numerous problems beset Nigerias educational system, leading to poor quality and exodus of our youth from pursuit of tertiary education; these include inadequate funding and infrastructure, epileptic power supply and examination malpracticesAware that the Nigerian Government allocates 7 per cent of the national budget to education which is far from the 26% budgetary allocation recommended by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) for developing countries like NigeriaAlso aware that Nigerias educational sector needs urgent reform, failing which it will continue to spiral down and Nigerians will continue to spend their hard-earned foreign exchange in financing education tourism.Contributing to the motion, the Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, lamented the level of infrastructural decay in Nigeria.Gbajabiamila, who noted that education should be made a fundamental human right for all Nigeria children, said: The level of infrastructural decay in our schools diminishes your capacity to learn, even to teach. What have we done with our oversight function? A Nigerian couple, Sunday and Rejoice took creativity to a new level when they printed their wedding invitation card in Pidgin English. ... A wedding invitation written entirely in Nigeria n Pidgin English. Lovely! pic.twitter.com/cuxt5qmXSZ Farooq Kperogi, Ph.D (@farooqkperogi) November 28, 2018 A Nigerian couple, Sunday and Rejoice took creativity to a new level when they printed their wedding invitation card in Pidgin English.The wedding which is to place at the Taraba state capital, Jalingo must have surprise many since the origin of Pidgin English is Warri and its natural to expect this to come from the Niger Delta.The Wedding invitation which is lovely put together in Nigerian Pidgin English has gone viral and has become a delight to many on the social media.A twitter user, Farooq Kperogi shared the picture and he wrote: A wedding invitation written entirely in Nigerian Pidgin English. Lovely! The Senate on Thursday adjourned plenary to allow Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) lawmakers attend National Executive Council(NEC) meeting of their party.The lawmakers, who adjourned after an executive session that lasted about an hour, did not consider any item on the Order Paper.Details of the executive session was not made public by the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.However, votes and proceedings of Tuesday sitting were adopted before adjournment.The items on the order paper are presentation of reports on attempted assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye and report on Prison Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment)Bill, 2018 amongothers. The 21st Century Youths of Nigeria for Restructuring on Friday warned it will commence devastation of critical infrastructure, beginnin... The 21st Century Youths of Nigeria for Restructuring on Friday warned it will commence devastation of critical infrastructure, beginning with Lagos and Abuja if at the end of its seven-day mourning for Nigerians soldiers slain by Boko Haram, President Muhammadu Buhari did not sign the Electoral Act passed by the National Assembly into law. wreck The group, which declared seven-day memorial for over 70 Nigerian soldiers, killed by Boko Haram, on Monday, urged President Buhari to sign the Electoral Act into law as a mark of honour to the slain soldiers and democracy before the expiration of our mourning period. Leader of the group with membership drawn from nine states, self-styled General Izon Ebi, in a statement, warned, We want to use this medium to remind the Federal Government that this time around, we are not going to destroy our oil infrastructure, but critical infrastructure built with our oil proceeds in Abuja and Lagos. Leader of the group with membership drawn from nine states, self-styled General Izon Ebi, in a statement, warned, We want to use this medium to remind the Federal Government that this time around, we are not going to destroy our oil infrastructure, but critical infrastructure built with our oil proceeds in Abuja and Lagos. Boasting that it has upgraded from analogue to digital to prove its point that enough is enough, the group asserted, If after our seven days of mourning, the Electoral Act is not passed into law, that means we have no choice but to direct our members across the nine states to start destroying critical infrastructure, starting from Abuja and Lagos. The group said it was obvious that violence is what this government understands to do the right thing, adding, We are in the 21st century and have come of age to do the right thing. Minister of Education Tarek Shawki has issued decrees amending the examination schedule for all students to avoid Coptic feasts, reducing future exam times for grade 10 students from two to three hours to 40 to100 minutes, and temporarily suspending the use of tablets in exams. Shawki said that the 600,000 students in grade 10 in 2,500 schools nationwide still need time to be trained in using the tablets and so will sit first term exams using the old method. Tablet-based exams will be introduced in the second term. Shawki also cancelled monthly exams for grade 10 students until they have all received tablets. We must prevent teachers from exploiting students by pressuring them to take private lessons, said Shawki. He added that when students receive their tablets all exams will be graded by computer and teachers will not be able to interfere. The new education system comes into force this year for kindergarten, grade one and grade 10 students, and will be gradually rolled out until it covers all schools. Next academic year the new system will be applied in grade 11. The system will be applied to preparatory stage pupils only after it has been rolled out to cover all secondary stage students, said Ministry of Education Spokesman Ahmed Saber. The Education Ministry plans to distribute 708,000 tablets among grade 10 or first secondary students. The ministry has already received 55 per cent of the tablets. As soon as the rest arrive they will be distributed among students and teachers. The ministry expects all tablets to be allocated by the end of December, said Saber. The shorter exams, reduced from up to three hours to between 40 to 100 minutes, will not apply to current end-of-term papers, says Reda Hegazi, head of the General Education Sector at the Ministry of Education. This year the duration will be as usual since students are yet to be trained in using the tablets and need to be familiarised with the new type of exam questions, said Hegazi. The exam schedule has been also amended so as not to include more than one subject a day. There will be a reasonable space between exams so as to avoid Coptic feasts and to provide students with time for revision, said Hegazi. The new education system is based on digital learning and eliminates testing based on memory. Students will be trained to use their tablets to log onto educational websites, among them the Bank of Knowledge, York Press and Encyclopaedia Britannica. Tests will be sent to students tablets, and will be answered and marked electronically. Students will be required to complete 12 exams in each subject during their three secondary school years. The highest six grades will be used to calculate a students final grade. In April Egypt received a $500 million loan from the World Bank earmarked for teacher training and upgrading the educational system. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: No tablets in exams Search Keywords: Short link: UN aid chief Mark Lowcock appealed Thursday for a halt to fighting in Yemen amid intense diplomacy to end a war that has pushed millions to the brink of famine. "I'd like to see a cessation of hostilities, especially around the key infrastructure, especially around Hodeida," Lowcock told reporters after arriving in the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Saudi-backed pro-government forces have largely suspended a five-month offensive on the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for imports and aid. UN agencies say 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation and the closure of the port would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis gripping the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. "I have come because I am very concerned about the humanitarian situation here, which has deteriorated since I was here last," Lowcock said. "I'd like to see the environment in which the aid system operates, made easier for the aid agencies. "I would like to see stronger economic support, more resources injected into the economy, salaries paid, more foreign exchange so that ordinary people have more money to buy the essentials to survive." Lowcock will spend three days in Yemen to see first-hand the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. UN peace envoy Martin Griffiths is hoping to bring the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels to Sweden in the coming days for negotiations on ending the more than three-year conflict. Lowcock, who last visited Yemen in October 2017, will hold talks with officials in Sanaa and the government-controlled southern city of Aden. The Yemen conflict, which escalated when a Saudi-led coalition intervened on the government's side in 2015, has killed nearly 10,000 people and left up to 22 million in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN figures. Rights groups fear the actual death toll is far higher. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Related US sanctions 17 for role in killing of Saudi journalist Khashoggi Canada announced targeted sanctions Thursday against 17 Saudi nationals it said were linked to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul last month. The sanctions, which freezes their assets and bars their travel to Canada, "target individuals who are, in the opinion of the government of Canada, responsible for or complicit in the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. "The murder of Jamal Khashoggi is abhorrent and represents an unconscionable attack on the freedom of expression of all individuals," Freeland also told a press conference in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "This case is not closed," she said. "Those responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder must be held to account and must face justice." Freeland accompanied Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the summit, also attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia has said that 21 people are in custody, with death penalties sought against five men. The Canadian sanctions target individuals alleged to be members of a Saudi hit squad that carried out the killing, as well as close aides of the prince. They come after allies France, Germany and the United States imposed similar sanctions on these individuals. * This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: The US has announced it will keep its forces in Syria indefinitely as part of the war against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups in the region, writes Bassel Oudat in Damascus The US has announced that it will maintain a military presence in Syria indefinitely as long as there are Iranian forces and Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups present in the country, in a move that is being read by analysts as meaning that a political solution to the conflict in Syria has also been indefinitely postponed. The announcement by Washington also means disconnecting the presence of US military forces in Syria with the elimination of IS, many analysts believe. On 15 November, US Envoy to Syria James Jeffrey said US troops would remain in Syria after coalition troops had defeated IS to guarantee that [the group] does not make a comeback. By reminding the world of its strategy in Syria, the US is sending a message to Russia and others that Moscows attempts to include Iran in a solution to the crisis in the country or create a Turkish-Russian alliance will fail without the green light from the US. Such messages ebb and flow depending on international circumstances and how close or distant the US and Russia are from each other. The messages are sometimes conciliatory, as when Jeffrey stated on 20 November that the US administration does not oppose Russian interests in Syria, including the need for a friendly government and military bases. However, sometimes they are more firm, with the US telling Russia that it must cooperate with the US in ending the conflict in Syria and that the Russian-sponsored Astana Process is not a substitute for the [UN-sponsored] political process. The US has major strategic goals in remaining in Syria. As well as fighting IS and preventing Iran from expanding its influence in the region, the US also wants to prevent Syria from turning into a failed state. It wants to ensure the continuation of the current balance of power in the region and protect the interests of its Israeli ally. US interests are served by disconnecting Syria from Iraq and preventing Iran from encroaching eastwards or establishing a land corridor connecting Tehran and Beirut in a so-called Shiite Crescent in the Middle East. It also wants to monitor the production or use of chemical and other weapons, whether by the Syrian regime or others. There are also economic reasons for the continuing US presence, with the US controlling the areas where the majority of Syrian oil wells and gas reserves are located. There are financial benefits for the US from the Gulf countries that are funding the US military operations in Syria, indicated by US President Donald Trump in April. The US intervention in Syria is expensive and serves the interests of other countries. If you want us to stay, perhaps you should pay, Trump said, addressing Saudi Arabia, which benefits from the US remaining in Syria to offset Iranian influence in the region. Since the US announced the formation of an International Coalition against IS in 2014, it has increased its military involvement in Syria and now has several military bases there, including large and smaller ones that serve to support the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Forces (KDF), the USs main ally in Syria. In November 2014, head of the US joint chiefs of staff Kenneth McKenzie said there were only 500 US soldiers in Syria, but US media such as the news channel CNN have quoted military officials as saying there are 2,000 US soldiers in Syria, most of them special forces. In March 2018, the Russian media quoted a member of the Russian security services as saying that the US had some 20 military bases in Syria in regions under Kurdish control. The US says it does not use these bases to launch attacks, but to provide support for its allies and train Syrian fighters to defend bases in the east of the country. It does not need to launch attacks from these bases since it already has others in Turkey and the Mediterranean. Its presence at these bases in Syria is simply meant to indicate the areas under US control. Various US Congressmen have questioned the need for further US involvement in the Syrian conflict, as well as the hazards of US military bases and the feasibility of the USs risky alliance with the Kurds at the expense of its ties with Turkey, a NATO member. The USs alliance with the Syrian Kurds includes Kurdish secessionists affiliated with the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, viewed as the Syrian arm of the Turkish Kurdish party the PKK, which is considered a terrorist group by Turkey. The alliance has undermined Turkish-US relations, and the Turks have been putting pressure on the KDF and supporting Syrian opposition forces to prevent it from taking control of the north of Syria, which Ankara considers would be a threat to Turkeys national security. The US has been silent about Turkey bombing Kurdish troops, saying that it has a military and not political alliance with the Kurds and rejects their secessionist plans from the rest of the country. Although the US is backing the Kurdish forces, it is unlikely to abandon its alliance with Turkey, which has one of the largest armies in the Middle East and controls tens of thousands of Syrian fighters. Turkey is a long-time strategic and military partner of the US, is ranked 17th among the worlds largest economies, is a member of NATO, and hosts some of the USs largest military and logistics bases in the region. Nonetheless, Washingtons moves have sometimes upset Ankara, and the relationship between the two remains unstable. Washington believes Iran poses a threat to the US and its interests in the Middle East, and it therefore thinks US troops must remain in Syria to ensure that Iran does not expand towards the Mediterranean. It also believes that the threat of IS is not over and could be revived, especially because of the weak regimes in Iraq and Syria that are beholden to Iran. The US thinks that Russia has largely failed in managing the Syrian conflict and that it blindly supports the regime and has forged an unacceptable alliance with Iran. Russia, the US thinks, is still committed to the Astana Process, meaning that the US must remain in Syria in order to challenge the Russians and secure its interests. Finally, the US wants to grab Syrias oil to prevent terrorist groups, the regime, Iran or Russia from controlling it. Its intention is to keep its forces stationed near Syrias oil and gas fields, and perhaps this is its real reason for keeping its troops in the country. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: The US settles down in Syria Search Keywords: Short link: NATO foreign ministers will address the stand-off between Ukraine and Russia in the Sea of Azov at a meeting next week with their Ukrainian counterpart, the alliance said Thursday. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has urged the western allies to deploy naval vessels to the Sea of Azov after Russian forces fired on and seized three Ukrainian boats in waters off Crimea on Sunday. Western leaders have denounced the Russian act, demanded Moscow return the boats and crews and restated their rejection of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, but they are wary of escalating the latest incident. The crisis will, however, take centre stage next week, when the foreign ministers of the 29-member Atlantic Alliance hold their own regular meeting -- and meet Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. "The NATO-Ukraine Commission met this week to discuss developments near the Sea of Azov, and NATO foreign ministers will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin next week," spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who will host next week's meeting on Monday and Tuesday at NATO's Brussels headquarters, spoke to Poroshenko on Monday. The alliance has not directly addressed Poroshenko's request for naval assistance in the already tense waters off Crimea, but the spokeswoman stressed that NATO is already present in force in the wider region. "Since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO has substantially increased its presence in the Black Sea," she said. "Today, NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea. In 2018, NATO ships spent 120 days in the Black Sea, compared to 80 in 2017." Three NATO members -- Romania, which hosts a multinational brigade, Bulgaria and Turkey -- have Black Sea coasts and their own forces, and alliance aircraft carry out regular air patrols in the region, she said. "So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region. NATO and its Allies continue to give strong political and practical support to Ukraine," Lungescu said. Search Keywords: Short link: Theresa May left Thursday for the G20 summit in Argentina in what will be the first-ever visit by a British prime minister to Buenos Aires. The trip should give May the chance to explain the Brexit divorce deal to other global leaders and set out Britain's plans to engage with the wider world. "She will deliver the message that as we leave the EU, the UK will be an active and open global trading partner," her spokesman told reporters. She will also set out Britain's commitment to tackling climate change. However, she faces risks in leaving the domestic battlefield in the middle of a fight to stop the Brexit deal collapsing into chaos -- which could trigger her downfall. The chance to appear on the global stage would normally be a welcome distraction but the G20 comes at an awkward time for May. She has limited days left to convince a hostile parliament to back the agreement she has struck with Brussels -- with anti-deal Brexiteers in her own Conservative Party sniffing for blood. MPs vote on December 11. British premiers on foreign visits are customarily dogged by questions about domestic issues back home. She will be the first serving British premier to visit the Argentine capital. The only previous visit a British prime minister ever made to Argentina was in 2001 when Tony Blair crossed the border from Brazil for two hours. Relations between Britain and Argentina, who went to war in 1982 over the Falkland Islands, have improved since the election of centre-right President Mauricio Macri in December 2015. Ties soured under his nationalist leftist predecessor Cristina Kirchner and her emotional demands for control of Britain's Falklands overseas territory. Facundo Rodriguez, an Argentinian international lawyer specialised on the Falklands sovereignty dispute, told AFP: "Theresa May's is a relevant visit that will strengthen the new but not novel way the local administration has adopted to build a relationship with the UK." The visit follows Tuesday's announcement of a second monthly air link between the Falklands and Argentina. "Building closer links represents a shared goal," said Britain's Foreign Office. Rodriguez said the Falklands would be the "elephant in the room". It is "not a convenient issue to discuss in such a crucial time for the Brexit bill", he said. "We shouldn't expect anything about the substantive issue of sovereignty." Search Keywords: Short link: A Chinese scientist who stoked criticism over his claim that he had created the world's first genetically-edited babies faced mounting pressure Thursday as China ordered a halt to his scientific activities and warned he may have broken the law. China's National Health Commission has ordered an investigation into He Jiankui's experiment, which was condemned by the scientific community in China and abroad. Chinese science and technology vice minister Xu Nanping said the "gene-edited babies incident as reported by media blatantly violated our country's relevant laws and regulations". The claims were "shocking and unacceptable" and breached "the bottom line of morality and ethics that the academic community adheres to", he told CCTV. The science and technology ministry "firmly opposes" the experiment and "has already demanded that the relevant organisation suspend the scientific activities of relevant personnel," Xu added. The experiment, which was led by He, claims to have successfully altered the DNA of twin girls born a few weeks ago to prevent them from contracting HIV. The scientist had told a packed biomedical conference in Hong Kong on Wednesday he was "proud" to have successfully altered the DNA of the twins. But details of the experiment, which has not been independently verified, triggered an immediate backlash and He said the trial had been "paused". He was supposed to speak at the conference again on Thursday, but he disappeared from the schedule. David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate and chairman of the organising committee, told reporters it was He's decision not to attend. - 'A bit crazy' - The founder of an HIV support group reported to be based in Beijing said Thursday that he regretted introducing families to He for the trial, according to Hong Kong media. Bai Hua, the group's head, said he had introduced 50 families to He's team. "In the beginning we did not understand what it was they were really doing. Actually right now my personal feeling is that they are a bit crazy," he told RTHK. Bai added that he had spoken to two of the families involved in the trial and questioned whether the risks and ethical issues had been fully explained to them. "The team all along emphasised that the chance of success was high, and that there were risks, but they were low," he told RTHK. In Hong Kong, Organisers of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing denounced He's "unexpected and deeply disturbing" claim that human embryos had been edited and implanted, and called for closer supervision of the field at the conclusion of the conference Thursday. "Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform with international norms," they said in a statement. "Its flaws include an inadequate medical indication, a poorly designed study protocol, a failure to meet ethical standards for protecting the welfare of research subjects, and a lack of transparency in the development, review and conduct of clinical procedures," it added. - Life-long impact - Eight volunteer couples -- HIV-positive fathers and HIV-negative mothers -- signed up to He's trial, with one dropping out before it was put on hold. Professor He said there had been "another potential pregnancy" involving a second couple, but it is unclear whether that pregnancy is still ongoing. Experts warned that editing human embryos can create unintended mutations in other areas -- so-called "off-target effects" -- which can have an impact through the lifetime. Southern University of Science and Technology distanced itself from He, saying he had been on unpaid leave since February and had "seriously violated academic ethics". The Stanford-educated researcher said the twins' DNA was modified using CRISPR, a technique which allows scientists to remove and replace a strand with pinpoint precision. Co-creator of the technology Jennifer Doudna said she felt "horrified" at hearing He's talk, adding she was deeply concerned for the people affected and questioned whether they really understood the procedure. Summit organisers said germline genome editing could become "acceptable" in future if rigorous criteria are met, but that there are too many scientific and technical uncertainties to permit clinical trials at this stage. Search Keywords: Short link: 19/11/2018 Twenty-eight officials participated in the inaugural VAT/GST Fraud Investigations course at the OECD Latin America Academy for Tax and Financial Crime Investigation last week in Buenos Aires. The Academy was launched earlier this year as part of Argentinas G20 presidency by Argentinas Minister of Treasury Nicolas Dujovne and the OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria. The course, delivered on 12-16 November, explored the threats and risk assessment around various types of VAT/GST fraud, investigative techniques and their challenges and best practices, asset seizures and the money laundering issues associated with VAT/GST fraud, as well as prosecution challenges and best practices. Inaugural course at the OECD Latin America Academy for Tax and Financial Crime Investigation 12-16 November 2018 (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Housed in the facilities of Argentinas Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP), the OECD Latin America Academy will continue to provide intensive capacity-building courses targeted at tax crime and other financial crime investigators and related law enforcement officials, including prosecutors, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption officials, that will support tax crime investigators throughout their careers. The 2019 OECD Latin America Academy schedule will cover all aspects of conducting and managing financial investigations, including complex money laundering and the role of tax investigators, investigative techniques, identifying, freezing & recovering assets, and managing international investigations. Courses offered by the OECD Latin America Academy will be an important contribution to the wider work of the OECD Oslo Dialogue, which promotes a whole-of-government approach to fighting financial crime. The OECD Latin America Academy will develop capacity in the region of tax and financial crime investigators, through training on the key skills and techniques required in financial investigations, to effectively fight financial crimes and stem illicit financial flows, said Grace Perez-Navarro, Deputy Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. We are very grateful to the Argentine authorities for supporting this initiative. The establishment of the OECD Latin America Academy in July 2018 builds on the success of the original International Academy hosted by the Guardia di Finanza in Ostia, Italy, and the OECD Africa Academy for Tax and Financial Crime Investigation launched by the OECD, Kenya, Italy and Germany at the G20 Africa Partnership conference in June 2017. Together, these efforts have trained more than 650 financial investigators from over 80 countries. Media enquiries should be directed to Grace Perez-Navarro, Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (+33 1 45 24 18 80) or Martin Kanenguiser, Director of Communications, AFIP. 29/11/2018 The fifth edition of Revenue Statistics in Asian and Pacific Economies released today shows that tax-to-GDP ratios fell in most of the 16 Asian and Pacific economies covered by the report between 2015 and 2016 due to a combination of policy reforms and decreasing natural resource prices. While tax revenues have increased in a majority of Asian and Pacific economies over the last decade, the report finds that only three out of the 16 economies increased their tax-to-GDP ratios between 2015 and 2016 compared to nine in the previous year. For the first time, Revenue Statistics in Asian and Pacific Economies includes six Pacific Island economies the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Tokelau as well as Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, bringing the total number of countries included in the report to 16. The report is a joint publication by the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration and the OECD Development Centre with the co-operation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Pacific Island Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) and the South Pacific Community (SPC) and the support of the European Union. Revenue Statistics in Asian and Pacific Economies 2018 also includes a special feature that explores the management of taxpayer compliance which varies widely in Asian and Pacific economies. Tax-to-GDP ratios in 2016 varied widely across Asian and Pacific economies. In the Pacific Islands included in the report, tax-to-GDP ratios ranged from 12.2% in Papua New Guinea to 30.0% in the Cook Islands. All but two Pacific economies had tax-to-GDP ratios above 24% while Australia and New Zealand had ratios over 27%. In comparison, the tax-to-GDP ratios in Asian countries ranged from 11.6% in Indonesia to 30.6% in Japan, with all Asian countries other than Japan and Korea having ratios of less than 19%. All countries in the report had a lower tax-to-GDP ratio than the OECD average of 34.0% in 2016. Scope exists in Asian and Pacific economies to broaden tax bases in order to mobilise higher levels of domestic revenues and to reduce vulnerability to external shocks. The changes in tax-to-GDP ratios observed between 2015 and 2016 were most pronounced in the Pacific Islands. Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomons Islands experienced the largest decreases (of over 0.9 percentage points) and the Cook Islands recorded the largest increase (of 1.5 percentage points). Most Pacific economies maintained high tax-to-GDP ratios relative to many of the Asian economies covered by the report. Tax structures differ between the Asian and Pacific economies included in the publication. Across all countries, revenues from corporate income tax (CIT) were high by international standards, ranging between 9.4% of total tax revenue in Samoa and 41.1% of total tax revenue in Malaysia in 2016 (in each case higher than the OECD average of 9.0%). However, with three exceptions, Asian countries generated a higher level of CIT revenues than personal income tax revenues in 2016, whereas the reverse was observed for Pacific economies with the exception of Fiji. Taxes on goods and services are also an important source of revenues in the Asian and Pacific economies. Where levied, value-added taxes (VAT) played a significant role in the tax revenues of Pacific economies in 2016, accounting for more than 25% of revenues except in Australia and Papua New Guinea. VAT was less significant in Asian countries, generating less than 25% of total tax revenue in all Asian countries except Indonesia. KEY FINDINGS Tax revenues as a percentage of GDP In 2016, tax-to-GDP ratios varied across the 16 economies, from 11.6% in Indonesia to 31.6% in New Zealand. Tax-to-GDP ratios in the 16 countries were all lower than the OECD average tax-to-GDP ratio of 34.0%. Six of the eight Asian economies in this publication had a tax-to-GDP ratio lower than 19% in 2016 whereas among the Pacific economies, six of the eight economies included in this publication had a tax-to-GDP ratio above 24%. Nearly two-thirds of the economies included in this publication experienced decreases in their tax-to-GDP ratios between 2015 and 2016. The largest changes between 2015 and 2016 in tax-to-GDP ratios were recorded in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (decreases of 2.2 and 2.1 percentage points, respectively) and in the Cook Islands and Korea (increases of 1.5 and 1.1 percentage points, respectively). Ten economies recorded increases in their tax-to-GDP ratios between 2007 and 2016 whereas decreases were registered in six economies (Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia) Tax structure In 2016, income taxes were the predominant source of tax revenue for Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore and Tokelau. Among these economies, the share of income tax revenues varied from 31.2% in Korea to 61.5% in Papua New Guinea Taxes on goods and services were the main source of tax revenue in Kazakhstan,Thailand, Fiji, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands and Samoa in 2016, contributing between 48.2% (Kazakhstan) and 77.2% (Samoa) of total tax revenue. Within this category, revenue from value added taxes (VAT) ranged from 12.9% of total tax revenue in Australia to 46.1% of total tax revenue in the Cook Islands (the Solomon Islands and Tokelau do not impose VAT). Social security contributions were the principal source of tax revenues for Japan (40.4% of total tax revenues). Social security contributions play a small role in tax revenues for the remaining Asian economies, with the exception of Korea (26.2%) and do not exist in Pacific economies. To access the report and data, visit: http://oe.cd/revenue-statistics-in-asia-and-pacific-2018 Press contacts For further information or to obtain a copy of the report, journalists should contact: OECD Centre for Tax Policy & Administration: Lawrence Speer (Lawrence.Speer@oecd.org; +33 1 45 24 79 70); David Bradbury (David.Bradburgy@oecd.org; +33 1 45 24 15 97) OECD Development Centre: Kensuke Tanaka (Kensuke.Tanaka@oecd.org; +33 1 45 24 87 33); Alexander Pick (Alexander.Pick@oecd.org; +33 1 45 24 87 27) Related Documents US President Donald Trump said Thursday a weekend G20 summit of world leaders would be a "very good time" for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. "I probably will be meeting with President Putin. We haven't terminated that meeting. I was thinking about it, but we haven't. I think it's a very good time to have the meeting," Trump told reporters at the White House. The gathering of Group of 20 nations in Argentine capital Buenos Aires takes place under a cloud of Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships, and Trump had threatened to cancel planned talks with Putin. "I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happens with respect to that as that will determine what we are going to be doing," Trump said, adding that he considered talks with the Russian president "very important." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had earlier told journalists the meeting would start around noon on Saturday with "brief talks between the leaders" followed by broader Russia-US talks that could last around an hour. "We need to think about how to start talking about the topics of bilateral relations, the topics of strategic security and disarmament and regional conflicts," Peskov said. "We don't have to agree on all the issues and indeed that may be impossible but we need to talk. That's in the interests not only of our two countries, it's in the interests of the whole world." Search Keywords: Short link: 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 US President Donald Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Argentina, registering his disapproval of Russia's treatment of Ukraine and casting new uncertainty over US-Russian ties. Trump said he pulled out due to tensions over Russian forces opening fire on Ukrainian navy boats and then seizing them and their crew on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. His decision also comes as a federal investigation into his 2016 election campaign's ties to Russia is intensifying. Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about a proposed Trump real estate project in Russia. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted. Trump's tweet from aboard Air Force One shortly after takeoff from Washington on the way to Buenos Aires for a Group of 20 summit, was a sudden turnaround. Roughly an hour earlier, he had told reporters he would probably meet with Putin at the summit and said it was "a very good time to have the meeting." Trump had also said he would get a final report during the flight to Argentina on the tension in the region after Russia seized Ukrainian vessels near Crimea on Sunday. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. While it was unclear why there was a sudden change in plans for a meeting, holding talks with Putin now could represent bad optics for the White House at a time when the president is under scrutiny over prior plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about the proposed Trump Organization skyscraper in Moscow, prompting Trump to lash out at Cohen as a "liar" and "weak person." Air Force One White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on the presidential aircraft that Trump made the decision not to meet Putin after speaking with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, White House chief of staff John Kelly and national security adviser John Bolton. The decision appeared to catch the Kremlin by surprise. The Kremlin's spokesman said Moscow had no official information on Trump's decision, and that if true, Putin would have some extra time for a useful meeting at the G20 summit. Differences over Ukraine, as well as Moscow's role in the civil war in Syria, have been an irritant in US-Russian relations for years. Democratic US Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey said Trump was missing an "oppopportunity to redeem himself, stand up for American values, stand up for international law, stand up for our own national security interests, and he had that opportunity and instead he's abdicating it. It is ironic that this President cannot find his spine to confront Vladimir Putin but can challenge the closest allies the United States has across the globe," Menendez said. The administration of former President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. That in part brought ties between Washington and Moscow to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the United States has investigated Russia's possible interference in the 2016 election that Trump won. Russia has denied meddling and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Sunday near Crimea over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, which Ukraine denies. Some of Ukraine's Western allies have raised the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia over the episode, which could deliver a blow to the Russian economy. Kiev is aiming to gain Western support for more economic sanctions against Moscow, secure tangible Western military help, and rally opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue. Search Keywords: Short link: Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak has decided to resign in protest at parliament's decision on Thursday to reject a UN pact on the treatment of migrants, his ministry said. Lajcak was President of the United Nations General Assembly when the migration pact was adopted and had earlier threatened to quit if his country did not support it. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was approved in July by all 193 member UN nations except the United States, which backed out last year, and is due to be ratified formally in December. "Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak has decided, following today's vote (in parliament)... to resign," the ministry said, adding details will follow after Lajcak meets Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini and President Andrej Kiska. Slovakia's Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has said his government would "never" accept the pact because of its take on migration as a generally positive phenomenon, which contradicts Slovakia's will to distinguish among the migrants. Besides Bratislava, other European Union members like Austria, Hungary or the Czech Republic shunned the pact, while Switzerland delayed its decision. The pact was conceived after the biggest influx of migrants into Europe since World War Two, many fleeing conflicts and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's central bank said on Wednesday it will end on Dec. 4 the use of a mechanism guaranteeing that foreign investors wanting to sell out of Egyptian securities could pull out their money in dollars, in a move to loosen its grip on investment flows. Egypt put the mechanism in place in March 2013 to ensure foreign investors would have access to foreign currency when they chose to withdraw from local securities. But analysts said its continued use had distorted the market. Hany Farahat, senior economist at Egyptian investment bank CI Capital, said the decision was a positive step. "There is a supply/demand distortion that has been resolved by cancelling the repatriation mechanism. The ring-fenced inflows of portfolio investors are actually now going to reflect on the interbank market and on banks' net foreign assets," he said. "Adding the supply side of the foreign currency, the amount of money that used to come in via portfolio flows is going to be EGP-supported, so it will help the exchange rate and will allow more volatility," Farahat added. The central bank said in a statement that the decision covers "any fresh foreign currency portfolio investments wishing to enter the local currency Egyptian T-bills, T-bonds market and stocks listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange". The move takes effect at the close of business on December 4, it said. It also said investors who entered the market via the mechanism before Dec. 4 could still leave using it at any time. The mechanism "was heavily utilised by foreign investors at the initiation of the liberalisation in order to guarantee liquidity", the central bank said. Egypt floated its currency in November 2016 and implemented several economic reforms as part of a $12 billion loan deal with the IMF. "Two years from that date, this regime has led to the successful elimination of all foreign exchange shortages that previously disrupted economic activity," the central bank said. It said Egypt's foreign currency capital inflows since Nov 3, 2016 had reached a total of $111 billion and that the current account deficit had narrowed from 5.9 percent of gross domestic product in fiscal 2015/2016 to 2.4 percent in 2017/2018. Search Keywords: Short link: Millions of children in the Arab world are being left behind in education, with experts concurring that a major push is now necessary to make good on the regions deficit of learning When it comes to education in the Arab world, more is never enough. Do we need more schools? Definitely. More teachers? Absolutely. More efforts to help more girls to enroll? It goes without saying. However, we also need to explore issues such as quality and the contemporary crisis in much education in the region. The Arab world, part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has achieved enormous gains in terms of schooling and education over the past two decades. But what was regarded yesterday as a huge achievement is looked upon today with a different eye. Todays specialists in education are at least as interested in measurements of quality and attainment as they are in quantity, and they have pinpointed a crisis in education in the region that has led to not only deterioration in terms of quality but also in some cases a return almost to point zero. In a report launched a few days ago entitled Expectations and Aspirations: A New Framework for Education in the Middle East and North Africa the World Bank pointed to the fact that the MENA region hosts one third of the worlds internally displaced persons (IDPs). According to the UN refugee agency the UNHCR, in May 2018 about two million people were internally displaced in Yemen, two million in Iraq and 0.2 million in Libya. Most children among IDPs face significant hurdles in accessing education. Rough estimates place IDPs school enrollment at 28 per cent in Yemen and 52 per cent in Iraq. In Syria and the host countries of Syrian refugees, there are some 7.7 million school-age children who face great obstacles in accessing education. Among Syrian refugee children, 43 per cent are out of school (formal or non-formal) in Lebanon, 31 per cent in Jordan and 35 per cent in Turkey. Imagine these children in five or ten years time. They will have had no education, or no proper education, and they will be living in a damaged country with their own families to care for. While reaching a clear-cut political solution for countries that are war-torn may be something that is beyond the capabilities of individuals, UN organisations or even political regimes, it is nevertheless essential that all stakeholders come together to ensure the education of young refugees and displaced children to ensure they are not left behind in future. It must also be faced that millions of children in the Arab region have been and still are left behind in education even without their countries going through armed conflicts or their having special difficulties in reaching schools. The World Bank report says that despite the big gains the region has made in schooling, it must now focus far more than it has done on learning. In international standardised tests, 15-year-old students from across the region lagged behind the global average by two to four years of schooling. Four key tensions that are holding back the regions education have also been identified in tensions between credentials and skills, discipline and inquiry, control and autonomy, and tradition and modernity. These four tensions are deeply rooted in our history and culture, and they are not unique to education. Instead, they can be seen as controlling the details of 435 million Arab lives. They have held education systems back from evolving and delivering the skills needed to prepare students for their future. Schools and classrooms are the platforms on which these tensions are exercised through outdated curricula and pedagogy and in the norms that define interactions among teachers, parents and students. Even among students, there are phenomena that are unique to the region. According to the World Bank report, the underperformance of the regions boys is not seen anywhere else in the world. Although girls now outperform boys in education across the region, the Arab world has the lowest female labour-force participation rates in the world. The inefficiencies and costs associated with the loss of learning among boys are substantial both economically and socially. The under-representation of women in the labour market, despite the fact that women outperform men in learning from their early years all the way to adulthood, also represents a substantial under-utilisation of human capital. The aspirations and expectations referred to in the title of the report lie in human capital. The way out of schooling and into learning lies in tackling these tensions and unleashing the power of education through a concerted push for learning, a stronger push for skills, and a new pact for education among all stakeholders in the region in support of educational reforms. A prescription is offered by the World Bank, ranging from pushing learning and focusing on the early years of every child to preparing qualified teachers and school leaders, introducing new pedagogical practices, coming up with better assessments of learning and reaching all children regardless of gender, race or background. There is also the need to supplement the push for learning with the pull for skills from the labour market and from parents demanding skills, not just credentials, from the education system. This pull for skills requires the modernisation of the school curricula in an attempt to move away from rote-learning to critical thinking and creativity . It is also essential that students learn digital skills to be ready for the jobs of the future and that teachers draw on the benefits of technology to improve the learning environment. However, this push for learning and pull for skills, identified by the World Bank in its recent report, will need a new pact for education at the national level with a unified vision and shared responsibilities and accountabilities. The report concludes with a clear yet sometimes forgotten fact, pointing out that education is everybodys business in any region and not just the responsibility of the educational system. Many centuries ago, education was a special feature of the Arab region, and the Arabs love for education and the sciences led to a rich history, a well-grounded civilisation and great scientific achievements. Unfortunately, education in the Arab world more recently has been paying the heavy cost of political problems, social turbulence and even regional conflicts. A vicious circle has become more and more vicious, and the region as a whole has been stuck at a low-learning and low-skills level. Students in the region have consistently ranked among the lowest on international assessments. Less schooling, worse learning and a widening gap between educational systems and the job market have given rise to depressed and helpless younger generations. It would be unfair to say that the Arab states have not done anything to change the status quo. Five decades of investment in education have led to an impressive growth in enrolment rates, though these have not been accompanied by high fulfilment rates. This is especially true when millions of unemployed Arab graduates are seen wasting years in despair. This decay of the regions human capital is a clear sign of the gap between the education system and the job market, with young people receiving material at school that is very different from what employers need at work. There is a need to restructure the regions educational goals and to redirect the educational system. This is no longer just a national priority, or a step preceding economic prosperity and social well-being. Instead, it is now an emergency intervention that is necessary for the regions future stability, peace and prosperity. * The writer is a journalist at Al-Hayat newspaper. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 November, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: From good schooling to better learning 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. Mondi to Invest $30 Million to Install New Corrugator at Bupak Facility in Czech Republic Nov. 29, 2018 - Mondi announced plans to invest EUR 30 million at its corrugated packaging facility in Bupak, Czech Republic to install a new state-of-the-art corrugator. The digital transformation is rapidly changing society, and the way we consume," said Armand Schoonbrood, COO Mondi Corrugated Packaging. "The rise of e-commerce in particular has radically transformed the packaging industry. Driven by a growing consumer demand, the competitive Czech market calls for a strong footprint in corrugated packaging. After investing in our Central and Eastern European facilities Mondi wiecie and Mondi Simet in the recent past, the expansion of our Czech capabilities is simply the next logical step." Mondi said the investment will double the plant's production capacity, aiming to produce over 200 million sq. meters of corrugated board per year. Start-up of the new corrugator is expected in 2020. Mondi Corrugated Packaging is a business segment of Mondi Group and a leading supplier of corrugated packaging in Europe, with strong focus on Central and South-East Europe. Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, providing consumers with innovative and sustainable packaging and paper solutions. To learn more please visit: www.mondigroup.com . SOURCE: Mondi Group Nelson Mandela was an icon, this fact is indisputable. A champion for peace and a freedom fighter, Mandela led the movement to end apartheid in South Africa and in turn became one of it's most beloved presidents. Now on the 100th anniversary of his birth, artists and public figures are coming together to honor his legacy at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in Johannesburg, South Africa this weekend. Looking to mobilize $1 billion in aid with a mission to end extreme poverty by 2030, the festival is set to be headlined by none other than the biggest star on the planet, Beyonce. A noted philanthropist in her own right, Beyonce actually shares a personal collection to Mandela having met the former South African leader in 2004. Recounting her experiences meeting him and traveling to Robben Island where he was imprisoned for part of his 27 year sentence, Beyonce has shared an open letter about how Mandela has had a lasting impact on her life. Related | The World Says Goodbye To Mama Winnie Read Beyonce's full letter below: Dear Madiba, I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard. It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality. I remember taking that walk with you back to the prison on Robben Island where you spent 18 of those imprisoned 27 years. I recall your measured but focused steps in as you recounted the stories of the struggles, the sacrifices and your resilience. You smiled as you talked to a crowd of artists and their guests, including my mother, who first told my sister and me about the great Nelson Mandela. In that moment I truly understood your heart and humility. You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans. As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own. Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions. Beyonce Knowles-Carter Secretary Pompeo Says Reducing Ties With Saudis Will Encourage Iran 11/29/18 Source: Radio Farda Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Iran has no interest in easing the suffering of Yemen's people and "the Mullahs don't even care for ordinary Iranians". "He is interested in talking about the plight of Yemen's civilian population only insofar as it lets him take cheap shots at Iran" https://t.co/TLJsOMSUXQ Daniel Larison (@DanielLarison) November 28, 2018 Pompeo's remarks coincided with a closed session of the United States Senate that debated a response to Saudi Arabia for the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The senators passed a resolution to pull U.S. support from the war in Yemen, in what is seen as a rebuke to both Riyadh and President Donald Trump. Pompeo's basic case is that we have to love Saudi Arabia because Iran sucks. This is a 3rd grade analysis of the Middle East. The region simply isn't a zero sum Saudi/Iran puzzle where you need hate Iran and suck up to KSA by equal measure. https://t.co/PWqNe27Zem Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 28, 2018 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. Iran's regime has no interest in easing Yemeni suffering; the mullahs don't even care for ordinary Iranians. Saudi Arabia has invested billions to relieve suffering in #Yemen. Iran has invested zero. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 28, 2018 Separately, Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggi's murder "has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies." With reporting by AP, Reuters Russia's Putin endorses deal for Iran-EEU free trade zone 11/29/18 Source: Press TV Russia's President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a much-awaited agreement for the establishment of a free trade zone between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) thus facilitating the process for the Islamic Republic to join the Moscow-led regional economic bloc. According to a Kremlin announcement, the agreement became a federal law after Putin's endorsement and was accordingly forwarded to the relevant institutions to be implemented. The move had been approved earlier this month by Russia's State Duma as well as the country's Federal Assembly. Apart from authorizing the creation of a free trade zone between Iran and the EU, the document would be meant to support their cooperation over a wide range of economic and commercial areas. The EEU is comprised of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It is an international organization created with the aim of encouraging regional economic integration through the free movement of goods, services and people within the union. The bloc was established in 2015, after it superseded the Eurasian Economic Community that functioned from 2000 to 2014. The union has an integrated single market of 183 million people and a gross domestic product of over $4 trillion. The EEU's prime ministers resolved in March to make talks with Tehran a priority, scenting an opportunity to expand beyond the bloc's combined market of 183 million people. Russia's President Putin said last August that Moscow wanted Iran to join the EEU - a move that was seen as crucial in bringing the two countries closer in their plans to form a strategic partnership. Putin emphasized that a research had already started over the possibility of creating a free-trade zone between Iran and the EEU. "Iran is Russia's longtime partner. We believe that bilateral relations will benefit from the reduction of tensions around Iran following the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear program," Putin was quoted by the media as saying. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison has given the firm assurance of doing everything to protect data of mobile money customers in the country. The Governors comment comes at the time that communications ministry is pushing to have access to mobile money data for purposes of revenue assurance. Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the Mobile Money Interoperability in Accra, Dr Addison said BoG has the sole responsibility for the sector. as the sole regulator of the Mobile Money sector, the Central Bank will ensure that right things are done by the various players in the sector. We will continue to regulate and monitor activities within the space and ensure that all participants play by the rules. He said the Bank of Ghana has a key responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the financial system to underscore the trust that is central to financial deepening and development. Dr Addison added, it is therefore critical to ensure the confidentiality of transactions, privacy of data collected by operators in this space (including personal and financial data), the security of transactions, and smooth operations of all stakeholders and regulators providing complementary services in this space. Fintechs The Governor also challenged fintechs to work closely with the banks to harness the numerous opportunities presented by financial inclusion in the economy. He said, The interoperability that exists between e-zwich, bank accounts and mobile money wallets, offer participants an endless opportunity to develop various value-added services to the public. Let me, therefore, challenge Fintechs to work closely with banks, non-bank financial institutions and especially rural and community banks to come out with several other products and services that will further bring banking and financial transactions closer to the public. Dr Addison added, I see endless opportunities with this financial inclusion triangle and I hope the players also realise the enormity of opportunities it presents. 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 I have the pleasure of celebrating the immediate past President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, a man who has demonstrated beyond any doubt that not all African leaders are clueless, incompetent or visionless. Yes, I can confidently assert the fact that this perfect gentleman is an epitome of visionary leadership on a continent where poor leadership has been gloom and doom. I have had the privilege of knowing and following former President Mahama very closely and Im endlessly proud of his passion for infrastructure development and modernisation of Ghana in particular and Africa in general. Until I encountered this prodigiously brilliant leader, I never thought any African leader could be that committed to the onerous task of nation-building. John Mahama was born on November 29th, 1958 in Damango, capital of West Gonja District, to an affluent teacher, rice farmer and politician. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was the first member of Parliament for West Gonja and the first Regional Minister of Northern Region, serving under Ghanas first President, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. The older Mahama also served as a Special Presidential to President Hilla Liman in the Third Republic. Mahama had his secondary school education at Achimota School, Accra and studied for his A levels at Ghana Secondary School, Tamale .He had his first degree education at the University of Ghana, Legon where he obtained a bachelors degree in History in 1981. After completing his university education, Mahama became a History teacher, teaching secondary school students. During this time, he completed a postgraduate diploma course in communication studies from his alma mater, the University of Ghana, Legon in 1986.level. Thereafter JDM proceeded to Russia in the old Soviet Union, where he underwent further postgraduate studies at the Institute of Social Sciences, Moscow. He obtained a masters degree in social psychology in 1988. After completing his studies in Moscow in 1988, Mahama returned to Ghana, he worked as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra between 1991 and 1995. He joined the Ghana country office of Plan International, an anti-poverty non-governmental organisation in 1995 and was employed as the organisations International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager. He left the organisation in 1996 to take up a career in politics. JDM, followed his fathers footsteps when he joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 1996. Even then, he was a popular man in his constituency, and was at that early stage already being considered as an indefatigable champion of the underprivileged. He was easily elected as Member of Parliament to represent Bole/Bamboi Constituency for a 4-year term that year. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications in 1997 and was elevated to the post of Minister of Communications in 1998. As Minister of Communications he was also Chairman of the National Communications Authority where he played a key role in stabilizing Ghanas telecommunications sector. After leaving office as Minister when his party, NDC, was defeated Mahama continued as a member of Parliament and was Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications and later, Minority Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. Mahama has always been interested in international affairs. In 2003 he became a member of the Pan-African Parliament where he served as the Chairperson of the West African Caucus until 2011. He was also a member of European and Pan African Parliaments Ad-hoc Committee on Cooperation. He is a member of the UNDP Advisory Committee on Conflict Resolution in Ghana Foreign Affairs. Following his Partys victory in the 2008 polls, John Mahama became Vice-President to Prof John Atta-Mills, a man he would subsequently describe as a father, friend, mentor and senior comrade during the glowing tribute he paid to Professor Mills when he died on 24th July 2012. It is often said that fate plays a huge role in the affairs of men, and this statement is certainly true of how providence has dealt the cards for John Dramani Mahama, because nobody could ever have foretold the shocking death of President John Attah Mills on July 24th, 2012, and Mahamas immediate elevation to the position of President of the Republic of Ghana. He thus made history as the first Ghanaian Head of State to have been born after the nations independence (March 6, 1957). Like his father who had achieved a string of firsts in his political career, JDM upon becoming President of Ghana gained a string of superlative firsts which is unlikely to ever be matched in Ghana and possibly elsewhere in the world. His achievement meant that he had served at all levels of political office in Ghana Ghanaian and Pan-African Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister, Minister, Vice-President and President). Mahama contested the 2012 Presidential polls for as a candidate in his own right and defeated Nana Akuffo-Addo who he had defeated in the 2008 polls as part of the Ata-Mills Mahama Presidential ticket. He was elected for a 4-year term which sadly for Ghana ended with his defeat to the same Nana Akuffo Addo in the 2016 Presidential polls. Mahama is a Christian, born and raised a Presbyterian but now a member of the Assemblies of God. He grew up in a multi-faith family, consisting of Christian and Muslims, that experience has been responsible for his ability to connect with effortless ease. Many have asked me the question why then did he lose the last Presidential elections? The reasons are very simple and straight-forward. Stomach infrastructure has become a major factor in African politics. There is mass poverty and unmitigated hunger everywhere you turn. When people are hungry, they just want food. Majority of people hardly travel beyond their immediate environment. They do not care about good roads. They have no business in a modern or beautiful airport. Even when there is electricity, it is epileptic, they dont worry much. Building modern hospitals is mere luxury to the poor. They have been brought up to drink concoctions and incise their bodies to rub in some esoteric herbs. Students go to school hoping to get instant jobs as soon as they graduate and most want government employment. What is worse, there is no strategy more potent than labelling a leader corrupt even when there is no evidence. President Mahama did not mind his detractors and traducers. He was too busy working with the agility of a horse. He was building new roads and rehabilitating old ones. I have been to all the ten regions of Ghana and I saw wonderful roads in many of them. And they were done in record time. During his Presidential campaign, we drove day and night without any fear and this was made possible by a good network of roads made possible by successive governments in Ghana. Similarly, he believes in the adage that health is wealth and devoted considerable energy not only to upgrading existing hospitals, but also building new state of the art hospitals and medical centres. As I keep saying, Ghana is an example of how a nation can achieve plenty with paltry resources, and Mahama is one of the African visionaries who shows by leadership and example how easy it is to achieve this. Under Mahama, the sense of pride around the continent was restored. There was a time when positive stories about Africa were as dead as the dodo, but this remarkable man changed all that, reducing the stigma associated with African leaders with his ambitious agenda. Mahama has always been recognised as an African Statesman and he has grown into this role since he left office in January 2017. Whilst in office as President of Ghana, he was elected President of ECOWAS in March 2014. In June 2014, he was elected Chairperson of the African Unions (AUs) High-Level African Trade Committee (HATC). At the 2016 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Mahama became co-chair of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates Group comprising of 17 eminent persons who assisted the UN Secretary-General in the campaign to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In recognition of his amiable but tough nature and his skills as a respected negotiator and statesman, he was part of the ECOWAS Presidential mediation team appointed to resolve the post-election logjam in The Gambia following the victory of Adama Barrow over Yahya Jammeh in December 2016. He was instrumental in the speedy resolution of the matter and the eventual swearing of President Barrow. I was privileged to witness first hand JDM at work together with President Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia and could see the respect and awe that his colleagues had for him, including Jammeh. Mahama is a very IT savvy person. He recognises the power and place of the internet and social media and believes it is a veritable tool for the development and unity of the African continent despite some of its drawbacks with fake news. Mahama consequently takes his social media awareness seriously and his esteem and popularity is demonstrated by the fact that he is one of Africas most-followed leaders on Twitter and Facebook. The personable gentleman made infrastructure development the cardinal principle of his government and stayed glued to it stubbornly. He told his people the bitter truth at every point. He felt that for the country to make any meaningful and sustainable progress, the Country first of all had to put in place infrastructure that would be lasting and real. This he said was to be preferred to any immediate palliative that would only offer temporary solace to the people but would never solve their problems or that of generations coming after them. Thus, he spoke what no politician would have said and what the citizens would not like to hear. Mahama was a man in a hurry to build a new Ghana. His dream was to surpass the commendable work of his predecessors, especially that of the father of modern Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and leave a legacy of lasting structures. Like all mortals, Mahama was not a perfect human being. He had his foibles but was nevertheless rigidly committed to his developmental projects. Another pointer as to his sense of purpose was how he battled the electricity challenge (which came to be derisively referred to as dumso dumso), to a standstill and pursued rural electrification with gusto. The deployment of emergency plants and speeding up the completion of the plants that were under construction resulted in the addition of more than 800 MW of power over an 18-month period. Another testament to his vision and daring is the recently completed International Terminal of the Kotoka Airport which has continued to be a source of marvel to visitors and residents of Ghana as it epitomises the vision of Mahama for a Ghana that would compete with any developed nation. The Airport is simply a breath-taking sight to behold and Ghanaians continue to commend Mahama for embarking on this project which in his inimitable way did not cost the nation an arm and a leg. Dont let his understated boyish charm deceive you, he has an inner steel that confounded even his greatest of critics. It was this resolve that enabled him to pursue tough reforms that were intended to boost the economy, reduce high unemployment and transform Ghana into a more dynamic, competitive and inclusive economy. Mahama won many over with his message of hope and warmth, tolerance and inclusion, attributes that mirror his upbringing. As he celebrates his 60th birthday on November 29th, 2018, I join the myriad of his admirer, fans, family and friend to toast the ultimate and consummate Statesman and Leader, John Dramani Mahama. For Mahama, I believe the best is yet to come. Source: Dele Momodu 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 Information reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the defunct Beige Bank, one of the five financial institutions that were merged into an entity known as the Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, has been arrested. Mike Nyinaku was arrested in Takoradi where he was engaged in the disposal of properties belonging to the defunct Beige Bank, a breach of the law under the circumstances, DAILY GUIDE has learnt from a reliable source. Upon hearing of the unlawful act after the bank was taken over by a Receiver, the Special Investigating Team (SIT) probing the collapsed banks consisting of top-notch professionals from various fields, including the police and other security agencies, ordered his arrest. He is now in Accra assisting the team in investigations into the allegation of disposing of properties belonging to Beige Bank and associated entities. Mr. Nyinaku holds 99 percent of the properties of the defunct bank and its affiliated entities, including insurance, finance house, properties and pension funds. He is said to have used the defunct bank to fund the activities of all these affiliated appendages. Following the discovery of the anomaly, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) intervened as it did to other challenged banks. The operations of five failed banks were consolidated under the Consolidated Bank while others were taken over by GCB bank. DAILY GUIDE has learnt the man was specifically disposing of vehicles belonging to the bank, an act which contravenes standard procedure when a Receiver takes over the assets and liabilities of a failed entity under the prevailing circumstances. Upon the intervention of the BoG, it would be recalled that customers of the defunct bank were prevented from making withdrawals. The Consolidated Bank took over assets and liabilities of the collapsed banks, including Beige Bank. Customers were told that some accounting anomalies by BEIGE Bank and its other related company BEIGE Capital Assets Management had been discovered. The maiden CEO of the Consolidated Bank, Daniel Addo, at the time, told distressed customers to wait for 10 days for the anomalies to be addressed before they could make withdrawals. Under the circumstances, therefore, the former CEOs or owners are unable to claim ownership of the assets of the consolidated banks since such possessions are now legally vested in the new owners, Consolidated Bank, which was created by the BoG, the regulator that appointed the Receiver. When DAILY GUIDE reached out to the SIT for authentication of the arrest of the Beige CEO, it neither denied nor said otherwise. SIT, in a release authored by its team leader, said that it has come to the attention of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that some erstwhile directors, executive committee members, related entities and former staff of the collapsed seven indigenous banks, who are under investigations, are dealing in assets and other properties in the name of their respective entities. The SIT wishes to inform the general public that anybody negotiating over or intending to purchase any of such assets should cease any such process and to seek clearance from the Special Investigation Team. Additionally, anyone with information regarding the disposition of any such property should reach the SIT on the following numbers: 0299015257 or 0299015258. The SIT was tasked to investigate circumstances that led to the collapse of the banks. Following the revocation of the licences of the affected banks by the Central Bank, the President, through the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Gloria Akuffo, constituted a Special Investigation Team to take over the investigations relating to the financial institutions. The 11-member team was appointed and inaugurated on 17th September, 2018, by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in consultation with the Minister for the Interior, Minister for National Security and the Inspector-General of Police. The SIT comprises personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Financial Intelligence Centre, Office of the Attorney-General, banking industry and the Chartered Institute of Accountants. Its headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police. DAILY GUIDE can confirm that the prosecution of those found guilty in the collapse of the banks would soon commence. The Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited is made up of Sovereign Bank, Royal Bank, The Beige Bank, Construction Bank and Unibank. 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 World Bank has cautioned Ghana against the continuous wanton degradation of its land, forest and other natural resources. It says the country risked not achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which is protecting the ecosystem to promote biodiversity, if the high rate of land degradation was not halted. Mr. Asferachew Abate, Senior Environmental Specialist of the World Bank, who stated this, said the countrys rate of land degradation, which currently stood at about 135,000 hectares per annum, was worrying. Mr Abate who was delivering a paper on the Overview of Land Degradation and Restoration in Ghana at a workshop at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu Municipality, said Ghanas record on the environment remained precarious. The two-day workshop was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sponsored by the World Bank and the World Resources Institute, an international NGO. It aimed at sharing knowledge amongst the participants on the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR 100) and develop a cross-sector strategies for scaling up restoration activities in priority landscapes. Mr Abate indicated that 40 per cent of the total land area of Ghana was at the moment degraded, stressing that the countrys deforestation rate of 3.2 per cent per annum, which was mainly responsible for land degradation, was considered one of the highest in the world. Other key factors contributing to this scenario included illegal mining and logging, sand wining and bad agricultural practices over the years. This was against the backdrop of the fact that, the countrys economy was agro-based, which to a larger extent, was dependent on land resources in order to create jobs and wealth for the people. Mr. Abate pointed out that majority of the Ghanaian populace depended directly on the land for survival and, therefore, all hands must be on deck in support of programmes to restore the degraded lands. He gave the assurance that the World Bank would continue to provide the technical expertise and needed incentives in assisting the country to enhance its ecology and biodiversity. Mr. John Pwamang, acting Executive Director of the EPA, explained that one of the objectives of the awareness creation workshop was to deepen understanding of relevant activities being undertaken by key stakeholders to halt and rehabilitate degraded land, while preventing future degradation. The stakeholders included the Forestry Commission and Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The entire New Patriotic Party (NPP) fraternity and government, led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, jam-packed the beautiful Grace Presbyterian Church at West Legon in Accra to observe a solemn one-week memorial service of the late Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko, who was the NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency. The MP died on Wednesday, November 21 at the Yale University Hospital in the United States after he had gone there to seek medical treatment following a long term problem with his gall bladder. The one-week celebration attracted family members, friends and sympathsers, including old boys of Prempeh College where the late MP had his secondary education and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where he had his tertiary education. MPs from both the Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Majority in Parliament were in attendance together with the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Oquaye and his deputies. Present were the National Chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay; Chief of Staff, Frema Opare; Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo and a former Minister of Finance under the previous NDC administration, Seth Terkper. The whole vicinity of the church and the immediate periphery were completely taken over by people from all walks of life that had come there to mourn the death of the former legislator. The crowd was so huge that vehicular traffic to the place was completely jammed, with people parking their cars on the way and walking to the venue. The reverend minister in charge of the Grace Presbyterian Church, Rev Dr Abamfo Atiemo, who presided over the memorial service, asked the congregants to always do the right things that will please God, their maker. According to the Rev Minister, the work of God is to always assist the vulnerable like the orphaned and the widow. Rev Dr Abamfo Atiemo, in the sermon, said its very ungodly to cheat the vulnerable and also amass wealth at the expense of the poor. He, therefore, charged the gathering to have humane heart for their fellow human beings and also discharge their divinely assigned duty to the satisfaction of God. The National Organiser of the NPP, Sammi Awuku, who was present and spoke to the press, said the party is saddened by the death of the MP and that the party would definitely support the family to give him a befitting burial. He said it would be too early to talk about bye-elections following the death of the MP but when the date is announced the party would be fully prepared for it. Boakye Agyarko, the younger brother of the deceased and former Minister of Energy and some of his siblings, were full of emotions when friends and sympathisers took turns to console them after the memorial service. The date for the final funeral rites of the late MP is yet to be made public. 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 Law enforcement officers have seized 38 bricks of cocaine at JFK Airport, New York, valuing $1.3 million. According to ABC News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP, are looking for the owner of the suitcase that went unclaimed. It is believed that the suitcase came from a flight from Quito, Ecuador straight into JFK last week, taking advantage of the busy Thanksgiving holiday. The seizure of the cocaine, which weighs about 100 pounds, is a huge win for the CBP who are always vigilant in trying to protect the United States from the distribution of dangerous drugs. Source: ABC News 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 Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Liberian Senate Ambassador H. Dan Morais has said "there are much opportunities in Ghana and Liberia that each of the two countries are yet to tap for the benefits of citizens of both countries." Ambassador Dan Morais made the comment today when he called on the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Ghana's Parliament Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh at his Office at Parliament House. Ambassador Morais emphasised the need for ECOWAS member countries to work hard to implement various protocols and initiatives put in place by ECOWAS to promote the speedy development of the member countries. He said "the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Liberian Senate and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Ghana will collaborate to strengthen trade between the two countries". He commended Ghana for its enviable multiparty democracy since 1993. Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh described the visit by Ambassador Dan Morais as highly impressive. He said "trade liberalisation among African countries had been one of the major campaign issues emphasised by past political leaders of the continent. However the volume of trade among African countries still remains minimal which must improve to better the lives of the people," Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh said. "The One District/One Factory policy introduced by the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo will require markets outside the country such as Liberia," he added. Source: Emmanuel Akorl/Parliamentary Correspondent, Peace 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 Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the governments poor implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. He says the challenges facing the implementation of Free SHS are adversely affecting the quality of secondary education. Addressing delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Drobonso in the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency as part of his flagbearership campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Mr Mahama wondered why this years students are being made to spend just 41 days in the classroom under the double track system. He said turning secondary education into green-gold traffic light under the double-track system could be detrimental to academic work of students, adding that it has brought pressure on parents to raise additional money to pay for remedial classes for their wards. Mr Mahama observed that the Free SHS policy is a constitutional requirement and it is therefore important that it is properly implemented. He has therefore reiterated his point that a new NDC administration will fix the challenges confronting free secondary education in Ghana by eliminating the double-track system. He promised to build new dormitories, additional classroom blocks and also complete all the 200 Community Day Secondary School buildings as part of measures to reverse the double track system. Mr Mahama has therefore urged delegates of the NDC to give him the mandate to lead the party to victory in the 2020 elections. 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 Remembering veterans: Cpl. Gerard Gauthier Survivor of the Bataan Death March, Gerard Gauthier was born on Aug. 25, 1921 to Henry and Naomi (Rossier) Gauthier... Public makes case for retaining district judgeship MANISTIQUE The 93rd District Court judge for Schoolcraft County is retiring at the end of this year and the... Fed Ex driver heads to Wall MANISTIQUE Most know him as the cheery FedEx driver who delivers packages. Melvin Marlettt and his daughter, Meredith, a... A veteran New Orleans police officer is accused of driving drunk with a teenage relative in his car and leading Kenner police on a high-speed chase on Interstate 10 that ended in a car fire late Saturday night. Carlos Peralta, 53, was booked Sunday with driving while intoxicated, aggravated flight from an officer and reckless operation of a vehicle, according to Jefferson Parish arrest records. Peralta, who was arrested after the chase, was driving with a 15-year-old police have described as his relative, NOLA.com reports. Kenner police, assisted by Louisiana State Police, chased the car onto I-10 into New Orleans. The car reached speeds of 110 miles per hour and was swerving between moving vehicles when police threw out spike strips and disabled a front tire, according to arrest records. The car exited at Morrison Road, hitting a curb and going off road before catching fire, the front hood becoming engulfed in flames, according to arrest records. The 15-year-old passenger quickly exited the car, but officers had to remove Peralta, who refused to get out after being asked several times, Kenner police said. During regular patrol on Wednesday evening, officers with the Lakewood (CO) Police Department encountered a man discharging rounds from a firearm near a municipal park. Officers made contact with the gunman, who refused to comply with orders. Instead, the man fired off more rounds, including some directed at the officers. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, the agency said in a statement released on Twitter. The agency said that the suspect has not yet been identified, but that a handgun was recovered at the State Senator Aaron Bean has introduced legislation that would triple the prison sentence for any offender who harms a police K-9 in Florida. "It's the Fang Memorial Bill, which will hold people accountable for murdering a police dog," Bean told News4 Jacksonville. Currently in Florida, killing a police dog is a third-degree felony -- which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. If passed, the new legislation would make killing any public safety dog a second-degree felony, tripling the maximum prison sentence to up to 15 years. If it passes, this bill would take effect Oct. 1, 2019. An armed man wanted for an undisclosed allegation resisted arrest at a traffic stop and was fatally shot by an officer with the Bemidji (MN) Police Department, according to a statement the agency posted to Facebook. The Bemidji police officer determined that a passenger in the stopped vehicle had a warrant for his arrest and called a Beltrami County Sheriff's deputy for assistance. When the subject exited the vehicle as ordered, the officer and deputy saw that the suspect had a handgun. A struggle ensued, and the deputy and officer subsequently fatally shot the gunman. EMS was called, but the subject was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy and the officer were placed on standard administrative leave as the investigation moves ahead. The Miami Beach (FL) Police Department issued a statement on Twitter on Wednesday announcing the sudden death of Detective Larry Marrero, a 28-year veteran of the department. The agency did not specify what the medical emergency was, but said Marrero was on duty at the time and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. "Detective Marrero was a consummate professional who always excelled in his assignments," the department said in a statement. "Revered as a leader among his peers and supervisors alike, Larry will be truly missed." Theres an old saying that says to work smarter not harder. Though Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs expects officers to work hard, he has worked equally hard to give them the tools to work smarter. The culmination of his efforts can be found in the Fort Myers Police Departments new Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which opened two months ago and is designed to give the eyes and ears of Fort Myers police officers a technological boost. The center houses cutting-edge technologies that provide increased information to officers on duty. These technologies include 24/7 monitoring of 85 surveillance cameras strategically placed across the city, license plate readers and the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, just to name a few. The Real-Time Crime Center is the cornerstone of our departments visionary plan to integrate advanced technologies as well as crime intelligence data into our departments actionable proactive policing strategy, states Diggs. By adding these advanced technologies and crime intelligence data sources under one platform, law enforcement resources can be directed more efficiently and effectively to address public safety concerns. He further explains the RTCC helps provide actionable intelligence to units in the field, which can improve officer safety, efficiency and response to incidents. Fill the Demand Gap The journey to Fort Myers RTCC began in 2016 when Diggs was hired to reform the department and transform it into a 21st Century policing agency. When Diggs took over the reins of the embattled department, the city boasted one of the highest homicide rates in the country. Something needed to be done, and Diggs felt he had the answer. He explains, Before I got here, the violence here was pretty great compared to the size of the community, and it was not being controlled. I was hired to reduce that violence. I immediately started looking at the things we could do to reduce violence and target prolific offenders and their organizations, groups, and gangs. Knowing we couldnt increase our [officer] numbers, we looked to technology to help us. Diggs became a believer in leveraging technology in police work as the head of the Toledo, Ohio, Police Department. Toledo is of the largest cities in Ohio with a population of 267,000. Here, one of Diggs first initiatives was creating a real-time crime center. He aided in getting a network of 42 cameras installed in high-crime areas across Toledo. These cameras fed video into a centralized monitoring center. Access to this video and other crime-fighting technologies in the real-time crime center helped the department reduce crime by 30 percent with the smallest staff in its history. Now Diggs hopes to replicate this success in Fort Myers. In Ohio, we practiced and believed in intelligence-driven policing, he says. In this model of policing, departments leverage technology to help them direct resources to the areas where they are needed the most to reduce crime. Diggs states this philosophy makes sense as tightening budgets require departments to do more with less. The bottom line is most agencies will never have the amount of resources they need to fully protect the community they serve, he says. You must take the resources you have and direct them in the best manner to protect the community. Technology can fill what Diggs refers to as the demand gap and serve as a force multiplier; something he deems critical in Fort Myers, which is considered one of the countrys fastest-growing cities, nestled in the fastest-growing region in the United States. Technology allows you to utilize your limited resources and put them where you need them the most. Officers can be directed to the most violent offenders, and police these individuals in a way that helps reduce crime in your community, he says. Tech Tools The Fort Myers RTCC is staffed by officers and civilian crime analysts and housed in the department's new Technical Operations Center. The RTCC is also chock full of the latest in technology, designed to arm officers with actionable intelligence in real time. We utilize technology that gives us real-time data, states Diggs. Where are the burglaries happening? Where are the robberies happening? Where are the shootings happening? Then, because we are receiving this information in real-time, we can push it out to our officers, so they know where to patrol and what to look for. Sgt. Richard Meeks, the supervisor in charge of the RTCCs activities, says they researched the centers technology thoroughly before adding it. He says, We did a lot of research and talked to different agencies to find out what works best, what they were happy with or unhappy with, and then we did a lot of testing to make sure we made the right decisions before buying. The resulting mix of technology, he says makes sure officers are informed and are getting the data they need to do their jobs. We now can monitor more areas within the city and have boots on the ground in those areas more quickly when an incident occurs. Officers are safer because they know what they are coming into instead of trying to figure out what happened once they get there. The capstone of this effort is the CitiView Camera project, which placed 85 cameras across the city in high crime areas. Video captured by the cameras is fed into the center, which manages approximately 160 video feeds. Personnel at the center watch video footage from the cameras on massive screens. These analysts also view current call logs for service for the department as well as information from the other technologies in place. BriefCam software is leveraged to aid analysts in rapid video review and search, real-time alerting and quantitative video insights. By transforming raw video into actionable intelligence, BriefCam dramatically shortens the time-to-target for security threats while increasing safety and optimizing operations. With this technology, we can go through video a lot faster to find critical information that helps with a case, Meeks says. Besides the video cameras, the department also utilizes license plate readers, which are mounted freestanding or on cruisers, to capture vehicle plates numbers and compare them to a database of those with possible infractions. The system is also being used to analyze crime and traffic patterns to alert officers to traffic issues. Cameras are good but a lot of times it can be hard for them to make out a license plate, especially in a nighttime environment. This is where license plate readers come in, states Meeks. A lot of times we have a good description of a car but cannot get the license plate number from the video. Its critical to have license plate readers in place along with the cameras. Meeks notes when license plates are input into local, state or national databases, and the plate is connected to more serious offenses, such as stolen cars or Amber Alerts, the RTCC will receive a live alert that they can disseminate to officers in the area. The center also leverages ShotSpotter, a technology that cost the city $265,000 and has a subscription component cost as well. Diggs says the technology makes sense in gun violence-plagued areas. The technology utilizes sensors to pick up the sound of a gunshot within a 4-mile zone selected by the department, providing dispatchers and officers with GPS coordinates of the shooting area as well as sounds of the shooting. Access to this information helps officers identify, analyze and respond to gun violence within the area. Getting this information and the precise location of the gunfire incident is critical, says Meeks. Officers can respond to the area more quickly and render aid or support where it's needed. We can also begin an analysis and find out who lives in that area and might be associated with the incident, and we have a little more knowledge as we investigate. The ShotSpotter provides real-time data to the RTCC, dispatch centers and officers, who are informed of the precise location of gunfire. The data collected from the system also can be used to prevent future crimes by positioning law enforcement where and when gun violence is likely to occur. ShotSpotter allows officers to get to gunshot incidents a lot quicker, Diggs says. So many gunshots in the community are not even reported. The system allows officers to investigate gunshot incidents that we may never have heard about before. It also helps us spot trends where these incidents are happening and provide that connectivity to repeat offenders and repeated incidents. The center also relies on Live Earth, a $95,000 technology integration tool that integrates several technologies into one seamless visualization map platform for real-time monitoring and playback features. It animates events overlaid on a map for officers to view in real time and historically. Officers also can use it to query multiple data sources at once for any given geographical area, without data entry. Finally, it allows the playback of multiple video feeds synchronized with movement, status and location of various other assets on the map. Live Earth gives officers a birds-eye view by integrating traffic cameras, license plate readers and body cameras on a live data platform, Meeks adds. The department is also in the middle of deploying NC4 Street Smart in the RTCC. NC4 Street Smart will help the department streamline its efforts by providing officers with continuously updated crime maps, bulletins, and the ability to share relevant information quickly. This will help lead to more accurate and timely arrests and increase safety for officers and citizens. The cities that have been using Street Smart report double-digit reductions in crime and significant decreases from the time of an incident to the time of arrest, reports an NC4 press release. Data gathered from the technology in place is pushed out to the officers in various ways -- to computers in their cars, their email addresses, and their cell phones. When officers come onto a shift, they know where crime is occurring. Then, we hold our commanders accountable to make sure they are implementing the right strategies, putting officers in the right positions and patrolling the right neighborhoods so that we can utilize our limited resources in the most effective manner possible, says Diggs. More technology will come as time goes on, according to Meeks. We are also looking at putting a lot of stuff into dashboards so that any officer or command personnel can go back and find information immediately and deploy it to their resources or set up operations based on the time of day and the area that crime is occurring, he says. Benefits Outweigh the Cost The City of Fort Myers picked up the tab for much of the technology housed in the center, but Meeks reports the department has also applied for grants to continue building on the core foundation the city has paid for. The grants will also cover the cost of employees, so the department can staff the center 24/7 in the future. Diggs stresses, Technology is expensive, and it changes at a very fast rate. Once you start being a technology-based department, you must be prepared to upgrade the technology in the future. If you want your community to be safe, these are things you need to invest in. Expensive or not, the early benefits far outweigh the costs involved, states Diggs, who points out that in the two months since the center went online we are dropping the violence at a very great rate. Whats Google, Facebook and the law got to do with it? Digital evidence is integral to just about every investigation, from how police investigate crimes to how they spot crime trends, but for it to be of value and close cases, departments must first consider the law, data extraction and storage needs. Download this eBook to learn about things to consider as your department works to leverage the internet and use digital evidence to solve crimes. Brought to you by By Verizon Trump Offers Putin to Compete for Multi-Polar World, Eggert Says According to Konstantin Eggert, a Russian journalist writing for Deutsche Welle, Donald Trump is offering his Vladimir Putin to compete for a multi-polar world, but on American terms. In particular, he highlights the fact that many international experts started panicking when finding out that the USA had withdrawn from the missile control treaty with Russia. They say that this is the end of the strategic partnership between the United States ans Russia and the disruption of the nuclear arms control system created decades ago. For those of you who don't know, the treaty between the USA and the USSR was signed in 1987 and has been effective between the USA and Russia up until recently. America explain this move by putting the blame on Russia. Allegedly, Russia violated this treaty along time ago by creating a missile capable of carrying a nuclear bomb. At the same time, the American side reminds their Russian peers that China, India, and Pakistan also have nuclear arms but they have never signed any treaties like that. This means that they can deploy any missiles they want since they aren't bound by any treaties. With that being said, America thinks they are the only losing side in this treaty because the USA is the only side observing this treaty. That's why Donald Trump decided to quit the treaty to let the USA to join a new arms race with Russia and China and win it, Eggert says. Still, the U.S. delegation led by John Bolton spent 2 days in Russia talking to Russian politicians instead of a couple of hours, which would be enough to explain the reasons for this unexpected decision. After 5 hours of talks with the Russian Secretary of the National Security Council, there's a really high chance of the White House having made the Kremlin a big deal.cKonstantin Eggert assumes that Donald Trump wants Russia to join the USA in order to fight together against China. Washington Counts on Positive Answer from Russia It seems that the American government considers the rising power of China the bigest challenge of the 21st centrury. So, Donald Trump decided to resist China's big geopolitical ambitions. That's probably what this situation is all about and why Donald Trump counts on Vladimir Putin. American experts are sure that Russia has no chance to resist China alone. Moreover, Russia and China have a common border, which is 4000 km long. The territory of Siberia and the Far East of Russia is 10 times less populated than the northern provinces of China. It's also important to keep in mind that Chinese school textbooks call some of the Russian territories the expropriated land. The 2-million Chinese Army may come close to the Russian border any time. Apparently, Donald Trump and John Bolton don't think that Russia will start moving the troops to the CHinese border in a couple of day. Instead, they probably expect President Putin to evaluated the potential threat coming form China. So, they expect him to understand that the USA needs needs the new arms race to hinder China and its imperial ambitions rather than Russia. With that being said, the Russian leader is expected to abandon the missile treaty but to avoid deploying nuclear weapons close to the NATO borders. However, it's important to keep in mind that Donald Trump hasn't offered Russia any concessions. Chances are, the USA may ease the sanction against Russia while the secret services of both states may initiate closer cooperation on terrorism and the Syrian issue. Apparently, the While House cannot cancel the sanctions since a Congress approval is needed for that. Still, America hopes that Russia will evaluate the real threat coming from China. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors USA Strikes Iran Again As you probably know, a couple of weeks ago, the United States imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran. International experts say that the package includes 700 new points, including an embargo on the import of crude oil from Iran. It's interesting to note that the sanctions will touch upon some other states as well. Some temporary exception are said to have been maid for 8 partners of the USA Later on, the interbank system called SWIFT may find itself in jeopardy as well. This may also concern the EU companies working with Iran. Under such circumstance, the oil trade agreement between Russia and Iran may gain a new life. The agreement was signed in 2014. According to the U.S. Secretary of the State, the new round of sanctions is aimed at Iran's energy sector. Previously the two sides agreed and signed a nuclear deal, according to which Iran promised to cancel its nuclear program in exchange for getting rid of the sanctions. Now, the USA claims that Iran has secretly violated the deal, which is why it's time to reintroduce the sanctions and even toughen them. On top of that, extra sanctions will be imposed on Iran's shipbuilding, cargo, and banking sectors, which are some of the key sectors of the Iranian economy. At the same time, the U.S. Secretary of the States underlines the fact that the sanctions are aimed at the Iranian government, not the Iranian people struggling under the current political regime. With that being said, Washington is going to make a number of humanitarian exception to those sanctions. Not so long ago, John Bolton, Donald Trump's national security advisor, told the reporters about the consequences of the first round of sanctions imposed on Iran in August 2018. He claims that the sanctions crashed the Iranian national currency and economy, which launched a number of prostest all over the country. Washington Wants Zero Oil Export From Iran International experts claim that Washington's primary goal is to reduce the Iranian oil export to nothing. In particular, NordFX experts assume that the USA 's decision to impose a new round of sanctions on Iran triggered a new price rally in the oil market from 70 dollars per barrel in early May all the way up to 86 dollars per barrel in early November. At the same time, the Iranian government urges the people to stay calm and ignore the threats since non of the goals set by Washington is not going to be fulfiled. They say Iran is ready to live under such pressure even though that those sanctions cannot last long without affecting the Iranian economy. However, the government has promised to do their best to overcome the difficulties and revive the economy. 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. 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To get insurance quotes at free of cost, one can get in touch with the agents at All About Insurance. The agents here can be reached at 281-784-2474 as well as one can also visit the website of the company as well. The agents in the company are all set at all times to assist the customers with all their questions as well as queries. About All About Insurance All About Insurance is a renowned independent insurance company that has been serving the people residing in Houston, Spring Texas, Tomball, Humble and Aldine with the top quality insurance policies. A Prasenz vum hollannesche Kinnek war d'Grande-Duchesse op der Konferenz" From words to action: repairing the wounds of wartime sexual violence". Si huet och zu Den Haag eng Ried gehalen, an dar si nach eng Keier op d'Konferenz "Stand Speak Rise Up!" higewisen huet, dei den 26. a 27. Maerz dat anert Joer zu Letzebuerg organiseiert gett, fir den Affer vu sexueller Gewalt a Krichszaiten ze hellefen. Cour grand-ducale / Sophie Margue Cour grand-ducale / Sophie Margue Les photos diffusees sur ce site sont soumises a des droits dauteurs et ne peuvent etre copiees, modifiees, vendues, sans lautorisation prealable du proprietaire du site en question. I must admit that it is a great emotion to be here with you tonight. There are so many wonderful women here! I have met some of you for the first time in Geneva last year at the 1st Survivors reunion and I am very glad to see you again. It was very moving for me to hear your stories and shed tears with you. You all told me how important recognition of your suffering is in the process of rebuilding your lives. The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Dr Mukwege and Nadia Murad both symbols and heroes of the fight against sexual violence in conflicts shines a light on the tragedy faced by hundreds of thousands oF women. For a long time, few people have paid attention to one of the worst crimes of current conflicts : rapes as a weapon! Rape is increasingly being used to terrorise and subjugate civilians. It is often part of a larger strategy to seize natural resources or take control of a territory. Because I cannot bear the terrible suffering of those I dare call my sisters, I consider their defense a moral obligation and have made this cause mine. I became determined to do so after I met Doctor Mukwege during a conference he held in Luxembourg in 2016. I asked Dr Mukwege how I could help the victims. He replied that he had just created a group of survivors and he asked me to give them a platform. That is why I decided to organise an international conference that will put the survivors in the spotlight to amplify their voices. Because indignation is no longer enough. We must pass from emotion to action! It is an honour and a joy that Doctor Mukwege and his Foundation are strategic partners of my conference; together with the NGO We are not Weapons of War. I am also very fortunate and proud that the Luxembourg government supports this initiative and that the Womens Forum for the Economy and Society will help me with in the organisation. The survivors will be at the heart of the conference we have entitled Stand Speak Rise Up!, which will take place on the 26th and 27th of March 2019 in Luxembourg. To rise up, these brave and exceptional strong women need our solidarity to amplify their voices, share their need for recognition, reparation and justice and spread their message of peace. I am convinced that by putting the survivors at the center of attention, you can transform yourselves from victims to powerful agents of change. That is why I am at your side and that is one of the great objectives of this conference, dear survivors. This will be YOUR conference! Your Majesty, Ladies and Gentlemen, Conflict plays a major role in increasing poverty. If we do nothing now, by 2030, more than half of the poor will live in a country with high levels of insecurity. It is not only your sense of solidarity that I am appealing to today, but it is also our collective responsibility. Just as our passivity has consequences on the lives of millions of human beings in the world, our involvement will have a considerable impact. It is never too late to make a difference! Thank you very much. Phoenix Group Holdings (PHNX.L), a specialist closed life fund consolidator, reported 664 million pounds of cash generation in 2018, compared to 653 million pounds in 2017. The Group has delivered 1.3 billion pounds cash generation in 2017 and 2018, exceeding the upper end of its cash generation target of 1.0 billion pounds - 1.2 billion pounds for this period. The company noted that it has significantly strengthened its Solvency II surplus position during the year to a Group surplus of 3.1 billion pounds as at 30 September 2018. Assets under administration remain stable at 240 billion pounds as at 30 September 2018, reflecting net inflows of 3.3 billion pounds by end third-quarter on Open business in the UK and Europe. Proforma Assets under administration of 240 billion pounds at 31 December 2017. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The U.S. government imposed sanctions on two Iran-based individuals for malicious cyber activity, and for the first time identified associated digital currency addresses. In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control or OFAC announced its action against Ali Khorashadizadeh and Mohammad Ghorbaniyan. They are accused of helping exchange bitcoin ransom payments into Iranian rial on behalf of Iranian hackers involved in the SamSam ransomware scheme that targeted over 200 known victims. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker noted that as Iran becomes increasingly isolated and desperate for access to U.S. dollars, it is vital that virtual currency exchanges, peer-to-peer exchangers, and other providers of digital currency services harden their networks against these illicit schemes. Till now, Bitcoin was touted for its ability to keep users' identities private. However, OFAC identified the digital currency addresses associated with these two Iranian financial facilitators. OFAC noted that since 2013, Khorashadizadeh and Ghorbaniyan have used these two digital currency addresses to process over 7,000 transactions, to interact with over 40 exchangers, and to send around 6,000 bitcoin worth millions of US dollars. Some of these involved SamSam ransomware derived bitcoin. Ransomware scheme known as "SamSam" had victimized numerous corporations, hospitals, universities, and government agencies and held over 200 known victims' data hostage for financial gain. Both Khorashadizadeh and Ghorbaniyan were central to the success of this attack, by helping the cyber actors exchange digital currency derived from ransom payments into Iranian rial and also deposited the rial into Iranian banks. In a related action, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted two Iranian criminal actors for infecting numerous data networks with SamSam ransomware in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada since 2015. This is the fourth round of U.S. sanctions targeting the Iranian regime this month. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) have pulled back well off their best levels of the day but remain firmly positive in afternoon trading on Thursday. After reaching its best intraday level in well over two months, Abercrombie & Fitch is currently up by 20.4 percent. Abercrombie & Fitch gapped open sharply higher after the apparel retailer reported fiscal third quarter results that exceeded expectations on both the top and bottom lines. The company reported third quarter adjusted earnings of $0.33 per share on revenues of $861.2 million, while analysts had expected earnings of $0.20 per share on revenues of $853.0 million. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to making false statements to Congress about a Moscow-based real estate project. As part of a plea agreement with special counsel Robert Mueller's office, Cohen admitted to lying to Congress about when talks regarding the Moscow project had ended and the extent which he discussed the project with Trump. Cohen previously told the Senate Intelligence Committee consideration of building a Trump property in Moscow terminated in January of 2016, just before the Iowa caucuses. However, Cohen now admits efforts to obtain Russian governmental approval of the project remained under discussion as late as June of 2016. Cohen also admitted to discussing the status and progress of the Moscow project with Trump on more than the three occasions he previously claimed. A court filing from Mueller's office claimed Cohen made the false statements to minimize links between the Moscow project and Trump in hopes of limiting the ongoing investigation of Russian meddling in the election. Congressman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is expected the become Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee in the next Congress, argued Cohen's guilty plea underscores the need to investigate Trump's interests in Russia and whether the Russians possess financial leverage over the president. Meanwhile, Trump accused Cohen of lying in order to get a reduced sentence, repeatedly calling his longtime attorney "weak." Trump also defended his ability to continue to pursue business deals even as he was running for the White House, telling reporters, "When I run for president, that doesn't mean that I'm not allowed to do business." "There was a good chance that I wouldn't have won, in which case I would have gotten back into the business, and why should I lose lots of opportunities?" he added. (Photo: IowaPolitics.com) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday criticized Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for showering praise on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the Kartarpur Corridor ceremony in that country. He also slammed Sidhu for discussing domestic issues with Pakistan at a time when Pakistan has been found involved in cross-border terrorism. "Sidhu committed the biggest sin by flouting norms of diplomatic relations by discussing domestic issues with Pakistan," he added. "It's surprising to see Sidhu showering praise on Khan at a time when Pakistan has been found involved in terrorism in our country," Javadekar said. "Sidhu should know that the event was not a 'Laughters' Challenge programme," he said. "Sidhu's Congress party follows double standard and will not act against him. Earlier Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had gone to Pakistan and spoken on removing Modi, and now Sidhu it seems, is following in his footsteps. Both present the mindset of the Congress," said Javadekar. Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday praised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for opening the Kartarpur Corridor for facilitating Sikhs' pilgrimage, connecting the holy shrines of Dera Baba Nanak Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur) in Pakistan. Sidhu said that "whenever history is written about the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Khan's name will be written on the first page." Delhi Police arrested eight youths in the murder of two persons in north Delhi's Shalimar Bagh area on Tuesday. The accused were arrested from different hideouts, police said. The prime accused, Nikhil, along with the other accused, stabbed his neighbour Tanish Kwatra, 23, following a brawl with him earlier in the day over a petty issue, police said. "At the time of the incident, another person Pawan, 21, also suffered stab wounds. Later, both were declared dead in a hospital," Deputy Commissioner of Police Aslam Khan said. The fight started after Kwatra's scooty accidentally hit Nikhil, resulting in a heated argument. Kwatra called his friends and beat up Nikhil who in turn collected his friends to take revenge. Police said the accused will be produced before a city court on Thursday. New Chinese migrants coming into Samoa contribute to the social and economic development of the country, says Chinas Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng. Ambassador Wang made the comment while responding to a question on the increasing number of Chinese businessmen investing in Samoa and the threat of land alienation. Its not true for them to take over the land or anything like that, Ambassador Wang said. The fact is that you can see the Chinese businessmen they come; open a shop to sell the goods with low price, to provide some opportunities for jobs for the local people, and also to reduce some price of the food. The coming of the third wave of Chinese migrants is good for both the Chinese businessmen because they can find a place to set up their business and also help the local people have a better life. Ambassador Wang said Chinese businessmen and locals must work together as this would benefit everyone. There are two sides. First, we should think, we are good friends; people of China and Samoa are good friends, he said. With the small issues that happen we should cooperate and work together to solve this and improve our mutual understanding. For example, the newly coming businessmen they will learn more about the condition, the country, the history of Samoa and have more time to communicate with the local people, try to make friends with the local people. Most Samoans, Ambassador Wang said, are kind to Chinese people and they share a very good relationship I think most of the Samoan friends are very kind to Chinese people and the Chinese people are sharing very good relationship with the new wave of Chinese people and the new Chinese businessmen coming into the country. In each country such kind of crime will happen. Only a few very, very few bad people maybe they want to have alcohol and at the time they dont have any money, so they commit the crime by stealing, robbing etc., Ambassador Wang said responding to the concern raised by Chief Justice Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu on the rise in crime targeting Chinese nationals in Samoa. We are touched by what the Chief Justice said and we express our thanks to the leaders and also the friends in the media because they remind us to be careful. Ambassador Wang is advising the Chinese community in Samoa to be extra vigilant when they go out in the night. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Pilots fought against an automated system that pitched a Boeing jetliner's nose down repeatedly because of a faulty sensor until they finally lost control and plunged into the Java Sea last month, Indonesian investigators said Wednesday. At a news conference, safety officials said they were still struggling to understand why the plane crashed, killing all 189 people on board. The National Transportation Safety Commission's Nurcahyo Utomo said investigators were trying to figure out from interviews with engineers why they certified that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was airworthy and whether they had followed required maintenance procedures. Pilots of previous flights had reported problems with control systems on the brand-new jet. The board issued a preliminary report that stopped short of placing blame for the crash the investigation is continuing but it provided new details about the pilots' struggle to fly the highly automated jet and Lion Air's inability to fix problems with sensors on the plane. Sensors that measure speed were flushed and checked, and an electrical plug was cleaned before the fatal flight. Mechanics, however, did not check sensors that measure whether the nose of the plane is pointing up or down. An "angle of attack" sensor gave faulty readings throughout the short flight, triggering a system that automatically pointed the plane's nose down more than two dozen times, with pilots responding by manually fighting to correct the pitch. Pilots even asked air traffic controllers to tell them how fast and high they were flying. The malfunctions and warnings from the plane's control system appeared to overwhelm the pilots almost as soon as the jet became airborne, said another investigator, Ony Suryo Wibowo. "The problem is if multiple malfunctions occur all at once, which one should be prioritized?" Wibowo said. In a statement following release of the report, U.S.-based Boeing declared that the MAX, its newest plane, is safe. The manufacturer played up the possibility of pilot error. Boeing noted that the crew of the plane's previous flight one day earlier had responded correctly to the automatic nose-down pitch and flew the plane manually. They also ran safety checklists. The preliminary report does not say whether pilots on the deadly flight took those steps, Boeing pointed out. Boeing has said that the procedure to correct an automatic nose-down pitch is in the plane's operating manual and pilots should have known about it. Several experts said, however, that Boeing likely will have to consider changes in the new anti-stall system, perhaps developing an algorithm to disregard sensor readings that appear off-base. The report offered new details on persistent problems with sensors on the Lion Air jet and the airline's efforts to fix them. John Cox, a safety consultant and former airline pilot, said Lion Air should have taken the troubled plane on a maintenance test flight. "I don't think the airplane was ready for passenger service because they had not validated that they had fixed the problem," he said. Searchers have not yet recovered the plane's cockpit voice recorder, which could tell investigators what the pilots were doing or failing to do to regain control of the plane during the brief, erratic flight. The report by Indonesia's safety commission did not draw conclusions about why the crew lost control of the plane, but it repeated earlier recommendations that pilots be better versed in emergency procedures and aware of past aircraft problems. They recommended that Lion Air, a fast-growing low-cost airline based in Jakarta, ensures that pilots follow proper procedures "to improve the safety culture." Mary Schiavo, a former inspector general of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said the preliminary report offered a road map of final recommendations that are likely to emerge from the investigation. "They will be looking for more precise reporting of problems (by pilots), and certainly a better maintenance response," she said. Peter Lemme, an expert in aviation and satellite communications and a former Boeing engineer who wrote an analysis of the data on his blog, compared the scene in the cockpit to "a deadly game of tag" in which the plane pointed down, the pilots countered by manually aiming the nose higher, only for the sequence to repeat about five seconds later. That happened 26 times during the 11-minute flight, but pilots failed to recognize what was happening and follow the known procedure for countering incorrect activation of the automated safety system, Lemme told The Associated Press. Lemme said he was troubled that there weren't easy checks to see if sensor information was correct, that the crew of the fatal flight apparently wasn't warned about the problems on previous flights and that the Lion Air jet wasn't fully repaired after those flights. "Had they fixed the airplane, we would not have had the accident," he said. "Every accident is a combination of events, so there is disappointment all around here," he said. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing experts are helping the Indonesian investigators. Boeing has a great deal at stake in defending its plane. More than 200 MAX jets have been delivered to airlines around the world. Pilots at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines complained this month that they had not been given all information about the new automated anti-stall safety system on the MAX. Boeing shares fell 14 percent in the last three weeks through Tuesday, as investigators focused on the possible role of faulty sensor readings on the new plane. They rallied on Wednesday, however, to close up $15.47, or 4.9 percent, at $333.50, the stock's best day in 10 months. New Zealand businessman Alistair L Hutchison has refuted allegations of impropriety in connection with a story, which was published on the front page of the November 28, 2018 edition of the Samoa Observer. Speaking on behalf of his client Mr. Hutchison, lawyer Matafeo George Latu of Latu lawyers said they unequivocally refute the preposterous allegations and suggestions made on the front page of the Samoa Observer of Wednesday 28th November 2018. The article appears to suggest illegal activity on the part of the National Bank of Samoa (NBS) and my client. This could not be further from the truth. The process through which the transaction in question took place, did so with full transparency, was contractually documented and had the knowledge and approval of the NBS and Central Bank of Samoa, he said. My client is a businessman who has contributed to the public service and private enterprise at the highest levels in Samoa for over 40 years and continues to provide growth and investment opportunities to the local Samoan economy both as an employer, investor and a substantial taxpayer. Matafeo said his client states the allegations as reported in the Samoan Observer are totally untrue and appear to be based on unproven allegations. Statement by C.B.L. Corporation Ltd 26 November 2018 Dear fellow CBLC shareholder The last 12 months have been extremely distressing for all those involved with the CBL Group. No one ever imagined that a profitable, experienced and growing business could find itself in the position that it has. When the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) approached us in mid-2017 with concerns about the reserving of CBL Insurance Ltd (CBLI)s French business, it was inconceivable to think that despite RBNZ saying it had an open mind and had decided to appoint McGrath Nicol to carry out an investigation into CBLIs affairs including its reserving, - the fact was, that RBNZ had already done its own analysis and concluded that CBLI was insolvent, and could not raise the capital to close the gap that it had determined was necessary. That was all kept secret from CBLI, and it is clear now that RBNZ had set on a fixated path from August 2017 to prove that it was right, or put hurdles in the way of CBLI to resolve its future, and nine months later, seek to put CBLI into liquidation for being under-reserved and insolvent. All this when CBLI had an annual gross revenue of $400m, was highly liquid, had an investment grade credit rating and a good shareholder and capital management track record. It should have been able to withstand any financial burden foisted upon it, it should have been able to implement its plan to divest the controversial French construction business and raise sufficient capital to fund its ongoing 45-year credit and surety business. Certainly, the work done by our independent actuaries PWC NZ over the years did not give us any concern about our reserving. Notwithstanding that, we took PWCs advice (as we always did), to strengthen French reserves in February 2018 which resulted in CBLs first loss in 13 years. After further and full consideration, on 5 February we announced a plan to take the risk of a future large actuarial adjustments away from CBLI and divest our French operations with its profitable, but long-tail run-off books of liabilities, and to divest CBLCs two French MGAs. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. From August 2017 through to February 2018 RBNZ told us that it did not have a predetermined view on CBLIs French reserving. We believed them, until we first read about the analysis and conclusions in Mr Fiennes without-notice affidavit filed in the NZ High Court on 23 February 2018. From August 2017 onwards, CBLI was put into an effective straight-jacket, and stopped from taking several prudent steps to improve CBLIs position. Concurrent with appointing McGrathNicol (an insolvency expert with little or no expertise in CBLIs business), RBNZ also issued numerous directions on the company, including immediately raising the minimum solvency capital from 100% to 170%, and to impose a very strict confidentiality clamp on the company. That clamp did not work for CBLI or CBLC, and was made worse by RBNZ failing to maintain the same level of confidentiality itself, as it was in regular contact with other regulators locally and internationally, fuelling concerns about CBLIs financials. When we confronted RBNZ with what we were hearing from alarmed overseas regulators, - RBNZ always denied that it had any predetermined position on CBLI. The facts do not bear that out. In April 2018, RBNZ abandoned the 8-month investigation it had got McGrath Nicol to carry out, with no report issued and no outcomes. There are two other agencies now looking at the matter, FMA, and SFO. We have no issues about proper inquiries being made by those agencies, - they are professional, discreet, and independent without any personal agendas. RBNZ on the other hand has made some outrageous allegations, - unproven, google-researched, and unsubstantiated with evidence, and staged for the media in open court 12 November, whilst at the same time being careful to say their accusations should at least be investigated. People hearing accusatory statements by RBNZ or its lawyers in a High Court are entitled to think well if RBNZ said it it must be fact and it must be true. We are aware of at least one legal action being taken over one of these accusations, and there may be others. Yes, we made mistakes. In hindsight, buying SFS with high borrowings and what turned out to be poor due diligence was a mistake. But we were prepared to face up and deal with that situation and were doing so. It was not fatal. It could have been sold on an orderly going concern basis, with ongoing insurer capacity. That solution was scuttled by the RBNZ. The frustration and disappointment to have lived through this nightmare continues to this day. It is in fact a key reason why Alistair Hutchison and I have taken it upon ourselves to put in place a restructuring plan (referred to in the attached presentation) that seeks to put the creditors and policyholders of CBLI and creditors and shareholders of CBLC onto a pathway in the best interests of all. This is diametrically opposed to the path which has been pursued by RBNZ of liquidating CBLI where creditors will get part payment, NZ policyholders have been abandoned, and the shareholders will get nothing. The value lost in the CBLC shares is unlikely to be completely restored in the foreseeable future. Our plan puts some control of the outcomes back into shareholder and creditor hands and establishes a route to restore some value in CBLC shares. The moves by the RBNZ to liquidate CBLI is a significant setback to us. The alternative DOCA plan we had was fully cash backed and verified and supported by KordaMentha and the banks. Our incredibly loyal employees had stayed together with us, and were looking forward to a continuing future. The RBNZs determination to liquidate CBLI raised itself to another level when it was found in the last few weeks that the RBNZ had been lobbying the regulators of the two major creditors Elite and Alpha to get support for RBNZs proposal for liquidation, and oppose our DOCA alternative. RBNZs liquidation proposal contained a promised commutation for Elite, and an offering to Alpha that it could be possible to keep the 25m payment it had been paid by CBLI a week prior to being placed into interim liquidation, (as opposed to it being clawed back by a liquidator as a voidable preference payment), - if they were to support RBNZs plan to liquidate CBLI. This apparent lobbying and deal making is surprising coming from a NZ government public body (a model regulator), and even more surprising given RBNZs usual total lack of interest in the commercial implications of its regulatory decisions. Alpha and Elite which had opposed liquidation since April, then filed to switch sides and support RBNZs liquidation application the day before the proposed hearing for CBLI liquidation. Our plan is still to take care of CBLI residual creditors and policyholders, and we will deal with the liquidator of CBLI to try and achieve this. However, the liquidation of CBLI is not fatal to our CBLC restructure plan. If we can negotiate a plan with the banks pursuant to a CBLC DOCA, then it will give us an opportunity to present shareholders with a Scheme for all to consider and vote on. The Shareholder Scheme proposal envisages that all CBLC shareholders will retain the same number of shares they had at the time the shares stopped trading last February, and that no shareholders will be asked to contribute further capital. Nothing can be formally put to shareholders until the creditors have voted and agreed to the DOCA proposals. In most insolvencies, there is nothing left over for shareholders after all creditors have been satisfied, but under our 5-step plan, combined with the money we are intending to invest, we think that there can be a future for CBL and its shareholders. Our plan cannot proceed without the support of creditors and without you, the shareholders. There is a lot of water to flow yet before we are in position to formally put a Shareholder Scheme of Arrangement to you. We hope the attached paper is of interest and we will keep you abreast of developments. We apologise that this communication cannot be made via NZX or email. Whilst we have Korda Menthas approval to use CBLCs shareholder register, and Computershares registry services, we do not have privacy permission to access individual shareholders email addresses, so if you would like to get updates by email in future rather than mail, please send a confirmation to: as authorisation to use your email address for future communications. Peter Harris CEO, MD & Director Alistair L Hutchison Vice Chairman Daniel Koria from the village of Lalovaea is the 2018 valedictorian of the Seventh Day Adventist College. His achievement as the colleges top academic Year 13 student comes two months after the death of his father Eteuati Koria, who until his passing was the principal of the college. Mr. Korias mother Daisy Koria, who is from Papua New Guinea, told Samoa Observer she was concerned the passing of her husband and sons father, would affect his preparations for the exams. It has been really hard and very challenging, especially with my husbands absence. But my biggest concern was Daniel because he was going into final exams when his father fell ill and passed. Now I am just so pleased with his accomplishments, she said. According to Daniel, his late father pushed him to do his best academically and be a better person in life. During our time together he really pushed me to do my best academically and to be a better person in life, he said. Born in Fiji but raised in Samoa, Mr. Koria attended SDA schools from primary school to college. And while his mother is Papua New Guinean, Mr. Koria said he is a Samoan at heart, while talking of the challenges he faced trying to fit in amongst his peers. The social issue with me looking different. It was always tough with me growing up trying to fit in with kids that did not look exactly like me. But I managed to cope and found myself some good friends and managed to identify myself with them and as one of them, I am proud to be Samoan. I am from two different cultures and Samoan culture, they have a significance with respect and that has helped me in growing, to not only go through life respecting those who are older than mebut also those who are younger than me, we are equal, he added. As for the future, he said he is hopeful he will ultimately follow a career path that will lead to success. I have not decided yet what my career path would be for the future but whatever it is, my only goal is to be as successful as possible, he added. The Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe, has blamed human rights for the deteriorating statistics on family violence, calling for a national day of repentance. He has also criticised the co-education school system, saying boys and girls should be educated separately. According to Deacon Kasiano, the scourge of domestic violence is Samoas punishment for disobeying God. What has happened to Samoa and her people is because we have violated Gods ordinances. We have destroyed and ignored Gods laws, we place more emphasis on worldly laws, he said. The first commandment, thou shall respect (ava) your parents so you can live longer. This has been violated, it has been destroyed. How? When human right was born, it demolished this ordinance. The Chairman made the comments during a session on the topic Engaging with Religion and Faith-Based Actors to Address Family Violence at the Ending Violence in Samoa (EViS) roundtable last week. The session was organised by Samoas National Human Rights Institution and U.N. Women. Deacon Kasiano said a Samoan is known by their actions. A lot of people talk about love and respect, that is no longer found in many families. When a mother, father disciplines their child, the children turns around and sues them and takes them to Court. What happened to Gods law? We have broken our covenant with God. The lamp has died. We no longer raise our children in accordance with the scriptures that tell us to raise our children well so that when they grow up they dont depart from it. Deacon Kasiano also criticised Church leaders. Church leaders have a role to play, you are shepherds. You are supposed to look after the flock and yet some shepherds have captured the sheep. The other cause of the problem is that we have not been honest in doing our work. We as church Ministers must be honest, we must never stop telling our church members what to do. Tell that father, tell that mother, remind them that while they are playing on their phones, their child is going places where hes not supposed to go. We as Church Ministers are not referees, our role is to kneel down and pray, ask God for assistance. It was then the Chairman criticised the co-education school system. The problem started when we started to educate boys and girls together. In those days, girls and boys were educated differently. I remember one Father who cautioned me, he said Kasiano you be careful for emotion. What is emotion? When a boy and girl rub shoulders, these feelings spring up. Why? Because they are at the same school. There is just too much freedom. Samoa has been affected by too much outside influence. Weve recently commemorated the 100 years of the influenza epidemic, well guess what, domestic violence is a disease God has punished us with. This is a disease. As leaders, we need to repent. Members of the public need to repent for breaking Gods laws. So what does he offer as a solution? In my opinion, the Government should request the National Council of Churches to call a national day of repentance before God, he said. If this is not done, we will never find a solution to this problem. Every village and their Church Ministers should gather on this day, a day of repentance, a day to bow before God to apologise for violating his laws. We need to seek Gods forgiveness for what we have done. God answers to save, God answers to heal, he answers. Other Panelists included Dr. Mercy Ah Siu-Maliko, Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma, Judge Talasa Lumepa Saaga and C.E.O. Afamasaga Faauiga Mulitalo-Afamasaga. The opportunity was also opened to participants to express their views. Reverend Vaiao Eteuati, of the Methodist Church, said he accepts that Samoa needs assistance from overseas. However, he pointed to the Samoan proverb, e fofo lava e le alamea le alamea (a problem created locally can be solved locally too). Why should a German come to solve a Samoan problem? We need to solve our own problems, Europeans dont understand the sensitivities surrounding our way of life, they dont understand the nuances only you, a Samoan, understands. Rev. Moli, of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, said there should be a Ministry of Men. Why do we only have a Ministry of Women? The Ministry of Women blame the men, can somebody tell me why the emphasis is this? What about the men, a family is not just women, it involves a men. Rev. Moli also blamed human rights for escalating social problems. When it comes to our societal values, we have become cowards because those societal values have been buried and crushed by human rights, he said. In the villages, there is a very important value called silence. Silence is an indication of respect and reverence, when a pastor speaks, the village is silent, same as when the chief speaks. Now that value has been removed by human rights. Rev. Motu Mauga, of C.C.C.S., said its time to stop pointing the finger. Now lets come together and work together. I propose to create a Welfare Committee for each Village because Im certain no village wants a bad name, he said. Such a committee would look after the spiritual side and the physical side. Church Ministers should be there, matai, women, untitled men This committee should report to the village council meeting every month on the welfare of the people. The role of alcohol in family violence was also raised by Rev. Isaia of the C.C.C.S. What is the percentage of this violence that is caused by alcohol? he asked. I know for a fact a lot of these problems are caused by alcohol and yet the Government is promoting alcohol. They are issuing more licenses to manufacture more alcohol and they are also making whisky from taro. The church seems to have been blamed for not doing anything and yet the Government is continuing to promote alcohol. In my opinion it is only when the Government stops alcohol, then this problem will be solved. For Pastor Samoa Unoi of Peace Chapel, he said family violence is not a problem that can be solved by words. The reality is that violence will never end, I prophesy that because we are living in a fallen world, with the fallen nature of man which commits the unlawful acts. I believe that without God and his spirit dealing with individual hearts, we can try and preach and nothing will happen. Thats the reality. Call a day of fasting. I suggested this during one of these gatherings and said that God loves fasting and all the lawyers, academics looked at me as if Im suggesting something that is out of this world. All we can do, is go before God. The problem is that weve got so many legislations thats created problems within families, think of the phones, right of the children, right of this and that, even the animals. The Chinese Embassy has donated medicine and medical equipment valued at $500,000 tala to the Ministry of Health. The Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng and the Minister for Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama held a press conference on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health to announce the donation. Mr. Xuefeng said the donation is part of an agreement between the Governments of the Peoples Republic of China and Samoa and is connection to the work of a Chinese medical team that is currently deployed in Samoa. During the two years when the Chinese medical teams are working in Samoa, the Chinese government will provide a certain amount of medicine, equipment, materials to Samoan government in each year. Todays donation is of the first batch of donation which includes the much-needed surgical instruments for cataract and brain surgery as well as some essential drugs. We hope these will be helpful for doctors in providing medical services to as many patients as possible, he said. The ambassador said it was his wish that the medicine and medical equipment will benefit more Samoan patients and will mark the closer cooperation in the medical field between China and Samoa. Speaking on behalf of the Government, Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama thanked the Chinese Government for their assistance towards Samoas health sector. On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I would like to thank your Excellency, Wang Xuefeng and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China with your boundless assistance, with safeguarding health as a priority in ensuring healthy lives and promoting the wellbeing for all in Samoa. This aid is just one of the many assistance depicting close ties between Samoa and China, in which earlier this year six medical doctors were attached to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital for a period of six months. It is with the intention that this will be a continuous practice between the governments of the Peoples Republic of China and Samoa, he said. Samoa and China gained a lot from the health services agreement according to the Minister. According to the memorandum of understanding, in each year the Chinese Government will provide a certain amount of medicine, equipment and medical team to the Samoan Government, he added. The Prime Minister has a message of gratitude for the descendants of the Chinese indentured labourers, honoured yesterday in a new exhibition at the Museum of Samoa. For the next three months at least, photos, stories and even news and legislation telling the story of nearly 4000 Chinese men that moved to Samoa to work are on display in a brightly painted red room at the museum. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi said those labourers, who worked under gruelling and often times abusive conditions, taught Samoan people a lot. Their work ethics were such that our people learned a lot from them, he said. They were hard workers and the greatest joy to me as leader of this country is that their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren turn out to be leaders in industries here, in business. In other words, they produced heirs that emulated the excellent example that were set by their grandparents and their parents. The curator of the exhibition, Ronna Lee, is one of those heirs. She is the granddaughter to Asamu Sing Chao Lei Sam, who was brought to Samoa along with hundreds of others in the early 20th century to work German plantations. Ms Lee spent nearly 20 years unpacking the history of how her ancestor lived his first few years here in Samoa. Indentured labour was just the way the British reinvented slavery, she said. Three year contracts to work nine hour days, six days a week and risking being flogged, as well as being barred by law to form relationships with Samoan people are just some of the ways these labourers were mistreated. Local fashion boutique shop House 88 recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. To mark the shops anniversary free cupcakes were offered to customers on the day. Owner Sioa Havea Tuionetta, who runs her shop out of the Amau Mall in Apia, told Samoa Observer that setting up the business was not planned and was challenging from the start. Her family assisted her in the business early days with Mrs. Tuionetta giving credit to them, especially her her girls Stephanie Nelson and Fealofain Punimatagi. Step and Fealofani are my driving force. They give me another reason to strive in my business. Also having these girls here allow me to do things I normally wouldnt have time for, like drop off my mum, spend time with my son and have lunch with my husband. It is hard at times to make business decisions but my girls have been so helpful, she said. Mrs. Tuionetta said the decision to move to Samoa came when she visited her husband Sione Tuionetoa, who was studying at Oceania University of Medicine. The move was also difficult as she had no relatives, but when she fell pregnant she agreed to re-settle in Samoa. Moving to Samoa unemployed and pregnant, I thought of selling some of my things to earn some money. The only really good items I owned, I thought people would consider buying were my dresses. I had so many beautiful dresses. So I put them on social media for sale and they were sold out quickly, she added. Mrs. Tuionetta said getting positive customer feedback after initially selling dresses from her homes living-room compelled her to make the next move. With her parents living in Australia, where she imports her stock from, Mrs. Tuionetta visits them frequently and to do shopping. Having these girls here allows me to do things I normally wouldnt have time for, like drop off my mum, spend time with my son and have lunch with my husband. It is hard at times to make business decisions but my girls have been so helpful, she added. Mrs. Tuionetta has plans to expand her business and said her move to Samoa was worth it. Think a minute In 1951 a nuclear disaster almost took place at a nuclear power plant in Canada. The core reactor had melted down, so it had to be taken apart before more deadly radiation escaped into the community. The challenge was to quickly find the right person who was both highly trained and also willing to do such a dangerous job that could kill him. Well, a 26-year-old lieutenant in the United States Navy who was highly trained in nuclear physics and reactor technology was willing to rise to the challenge. He had top security clearance at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington D.C., so he was flown to the nuclear power plant in Canada where the accident had happened. There he led a team of trained technicians as they promptly practiced each precise step of taking apart the melted down reactor. Finally, wearing special radiation-resistant clothing and armed with only the tools in his hands, the lieutenant went where no human being had ever gone: a melted-down nuclear reactor core. He had to take the reactor apart perfectly, with each step taking no longer than one minute and 30 seconds. In that amount of time this young lieutenants body was exposed to the maximum allowable radiation for a human being for an entire year! So his swift and skillful work was crucial to his own survival. He had no time for even one small mistake of fumbling for a bolt or valve connector. Both his life and the lives of many others were depending on him. But he not only survived, he succeeded! And not only at that challenging job, but many others throughout his life. For that young Navy lieutenant who saved countless lives by skillfully and bravely going where no human in history had gone before, went on to become president of the United States: Jimmy Carter. Remember, what we become in the future is determined by the choices we make todayand every day. We must choose to do the right thing and be our very best, no matter what the cost or risk. When that becomes our daily habit and character, then it continues to bring us greater success in life. So wont you ask Jesus to forgive you for not living the way you know you should, and to help you start living His right, best way every day? Just think a minute BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) World leaders began arriving in Buenos Aires on Thursday for the summit of the globe's largest economies, with attention expected to focus on issues including a trade war between the United States and China, a new North American trade deal and the conflict in Ukraine. Heads of state from Italy, Canada, South Korea, Singapore and Turkey were among the first in the country, joining the French president and Saudi crown prince who arrived the previous day. The meeting could be a defining moment for the Group of 20, for better or for worse, said Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canada-based think tank focusing on global governance. "The G-20 Leader's Summit is at risk of falling into disarray with the summit being overshadowed by items not on agenda, such as the United States and China trade war, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the presence of the Saudi crown prince," Bernes said. "The true test will be whether the other members of the G-20 will act resolutely or whether will we witness the crumbling of the G-20 as a forum for international economic cooperation." Trump canceled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin planned for Saturday, citing Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels over the weekend. Hours earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the two countries needed to discuss strategic stability, arms control and regional conflicts. "We don't have to agree on all issues, and it wouldn't be possible anyway, but we need to talk," Petkov said, adding that "it's not only in the interests of our two countries, but the entire world." The Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has been accused by Human Rights Watch of war crimes in Yemen and responsibility for the gruesome slaying of newspaper columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. The kingdom denies he played a role in the killing. On Wednesday, Argentine legal authorities took initial action to consider a request from Human Rights Watch to prosecute him for alleged crimes against humanity, a move apparently aimed at embarrassing him as he attends the summit. At a joint news conference with Argentine President Mauricio Macri on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron called for international involvement in the investigations into Khashoggi's killing, saying he wants to "associated members of the international community" to the investigations. He did not elaborate. Macri said the killing would be "on the table" during bilateral meetings at the Friday-Saturday summit, and possibly during broader meetings with G20 leaders. It was no accident that Macron arrived early. He envisions himself as a new leader of the free world and desperately wants to salvage the idea of international cooperation that the G-20 represents. France fears that Trump, who was scheduled to arrive Thursday night, will block or eclipse any progress at the G-20. So Macron is fashioning himself at this summit as the anti-Trump a champion of the Paris climate accord, defender of the postwar system of global trade and crusader against multinational tax evaders. Macron initially tried to befriend Trump despite their deep differences, but the two have increasingly clashed, most recently over wine tariffs, Trump's nationalism and Macron's idea of a European army. At 40, Macron is one of the youngest leaders at the summit and sees himself as representing a new generation of world statesmen. As leader of a country ravaged by two world wars, he feels strongly about preventing a new one, and has warned that current battles over trade sound dangerously like those of the 1930s. He also came to Buenos Aires early in hopes of clinching a 360 million euro warship deal with Argentina's navy. Some French CEOs are also on the trip, as French companies bid for other deals such as one for managing the Buenos Aires subway system. Taking the world stage at the G-20 is a welcome relief for Macron, who has faced mass protests at home over rising fuel taxes that are the biggest challenge yet to his presidency. But his party dominates parliament and neither faces re-election until 2022. Other European leaders at the summit are facing domestic struggles of their own. Britain's Theresa May is fighting for political survival as she tries to pull her country out of the European Union. Germany's Angela Merkel is preparing to leave politics after announcing last month she would give up leadership of her party, a post she has held since 2000. Italy's Giuseppe Conte heads a populist coalition that is clashing with the EU and suffers internal divisions. Senior German officials, briefing reporters in Berlin on condition of anonymity, said Merkel planned to hold bilateral meetings with Trump, Putin, China's Xi Jinping, India's Narendra Modi, Australia's Scott Morrison and Macri during the G-20. Outside Argentina's congress, as many as 1,000 people gathered in an event hosted by organizations opposing the G-20 and the International Monetary Fund. A large inflatable caricature depicting Trump as a baby holding a cellphone which has appeared at protests in other places the U.S. president has visited floated over the square underneath a light rain. KIEV, Ukraine (AP) The president of Ukraine is urging NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov, a proposal that has been sharply criticized by Russia as a provocation that could worsen tensions between the two countries following a weekend confrontation in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was canceling a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Argentina because Moscow has not released the Ukrainian vessels and sailors it seized. In an interview published earlier Thursday with the German daily Bild, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko laid out his hope that NATO would "relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security" against Putin's expansionist ambitions. The Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews on Sunday. Russia alleged the Ukrainian vessels had failed to obtain permission to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait. Ukraine insisted its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules in the strait, which separates Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula that it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. While condemning the Russian action, NATO is not expected to send ships to the area, a deployment that could trigger a confrontation with Russia. A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that permission from both countries is required for warships from anywhere else to enter the internal sea. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the alliance already has a strong presence in the region, and that NATO ships routinely patrol and conduct exercises in the Black Sea, especially those from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey, which border the sea. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early Thursday that she plans to press Putin at the upcoming G-20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the Ukrainian ships and crews and to de-escalate the situation. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she said. It was not clear whether Merkel knew of Poroshenko's call for NATO's deployment when she spoke. Trump tweeted his decision to cancel a meeting with Putin this weekend. Trump, who was en route to Buenos Aires for the G-20 summit, said he would not be meeting Putin because "the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia." The Kremlin said it has not been notified of a cancellation. Russian news agencies quoted Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, as saying that the Kremlin only learned of the cancellation from Trump's tweet. Peskov said the cancellation means that Putin will have "a couple of more hours" for "useful meetings" with other leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. The Ukrainian government said Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, which Russia quickly denied. "Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea," Poroshenko said. "The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world." Putin on Wednesday criticized the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraine's "provocation." "The authorities in Kiev are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell," he said. "They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely get served too." In response to Sunday's events, Ukraine has imposed martial law in parts of the country. Putin accused Poroshenko of provoking the naval incident in a bid to impose martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a presidential election in March. Peskov said Poroshenko's request for NATO warships is "clearly aimed at provoking further tensions," adding that it was driven by "electoral and domestic policy motives." Poroshenko said martial law wouldn't restrict travel, cash withdrawals or currency purchases by Ukrainians, but Russians will face what he described as "restrictions." Later Thursday, Ukrainian border guards announced that all non-Ukrainians will be barred from crossing into the Russia-occupied Crimea by land after martial law went into effect. While it is still possible to fly into Crimea from Russia or drive in on the new bridge across the Kerch Strait from southern Russia, Ukraine considers that a violation of its borders. Thus, the ban means that non-Ukrainians will either risk criminal liability in Ukraine or refrain from traveling to Crimea until the end of the year. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure says Russia has blocked 35 merchant ships from leaving or entering the Sea of Azov since Wednesday. The ministry said 18 ships have been stuck in the Black Sea, waiting to pass through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov. Another 17 vessels were unable to leave the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, it said. Peskov insisted that Russia hasn't imposed any restrictions on the ships' passage, adding that a possible logjam could be linked to poor weather. Ukraine's intelligence agency, the SBU, said a Russian fighter jet and a helicopter fired rockets Sunday at the three Ukrainian vessels before they were captured the first time an airstrike was reported. "It's a miracle the Ukrainian seamen have survived," SBU deputy chief Oleh Frolov told reporters. There has been growing hostility between Ukraine and Russia since Moscow's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Russia has also supported separatists in Ukraine's east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. Fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. The naval incident marked the first overt clash between Russian and Ukrainian militaries since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It has fueled fears of a wider conflict and has drawn strong criticism of Russia from the U.S. and its allies. Amid the tensions, the Russian military said it had deployed another batch of the long-range, S-400 air defense missile systems to Crimea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions and had separate phone calls with Putin and Poroshenko on Thursday. Asked about the Turkish offer, Peskov responded that "Moscow is grateful to all those willing to help de-escalate the tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but doesn't see any need for mediation efforts." "Those who have such opportunities could help by exerting influence on the Ukrainian authorities," Peskov said. BERLIN (AP) German authorities raided Deutsche Bank's headquarters Thursday amid suspicions that its employees helped clients set up offshore companies that were used to launder hundreds of millions of euros. About 170 police officers, investigators and prosecutors swooped in on the bank's offices in Frankfurt and premises in nearby Eschborn and Gross-Umstadt at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT), seizing electronic and paper records. The investigation emerged from an analysis of documents leaked from tax havens in recent years, including the 2016 "Panama Papers," said Frankfurt prosecutors' spokeswoman Nadja Niesen. It is focused on two Deutsche Bank employees, aged 50 and 46, and possibly other still unidentified suspects, she said. At least one site raided was a suspect's home. Analysis of the Panama Papers and other documents "gave rise to suspicion that Deutsche Bank was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and the proceeds of crimes were transferred there from Deutsche Bank accounts" without the bank reporting it, Niesen said. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers are alleged to have transferred some 311 million euros ($351 million) to one such company set up in the British Virgin Islands, she said. The suspects, both German citizens, are accused of failing to report the suspicious transactions even though there was "sufficient evidence" to have been aware of it. Deutsche Bank confirmed the search and said "the investigation has to do with the Panama Papers case." "More details will be communicated as soon as these become known. We are cooperating fully with the authorities," the bank said. Money laundering has become a growing problem in Europe, where a series of scandals has exposed lax regulation. And it's not the first time Deutsche Bank has run into trouble over the flow of dirty money. It was fined more than $600 million by U.S. and U.K. authorities in January 2017 for allowing customers to transfer $10 billion out of Russia in what regulators said was "highly suggestive of financial crime." The Panama Papers are a trove of documents from a law firm that handled shell companies for thousands of rich and powerful clients around the world. While owning a shell company is not illegal, it is used to hide the beneficial owner of a company or transfer, making it important for the handling and laundering of dirty money. Several other institutions besides Deutsche Bank have been fined by authorities in the U.S. and Europe for not properly checking up on the beneficial owners of shell companies that send money through their accounts. Analysts say that because these transactions can be lucrative and punishments are lax, banks have few incentives to do more than the minimum required by law to check on the identity of a bank. "Even in the most egregious cases, banks are often only required to pay a monetary penalty for engaging in criminal activity, which is merely the cost of doing business," said Jimmy Gurule, a former undersecretary for enforcement for the U.S. Treasury Department. "The failure to hold banks accountable for money laundering encourages such criminal activity, including laundering hundreds of millions of dollars in Panama and other money laundering havens," said Gurule, now a professor at Notre Dame Law School. Most recently, Denmark's biggest bank, Danske Bank, admitted that some 200 billion euros ($235 billion) in suspicious money had flown through its Estonian branch from 2007 to 2015. Whistleblower and former employee Howard Wilkinson has indicated that Danske Bank's management was aware of what was going on at the branch, which was among the bank's most profitable units. He has also alleged that family members of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's spy agency were using the bank for money laundering. The bank's CEO has since stepped down over the scandal. Another Baltic state, Latvia, has also emerged as a major hub of money laundering, with a 2014 leak showing that tens of billions of dollars were funneled from Russia in 2010-14. Some of the money reportedly went through Deutsche Bank and ended up in major capitals like London, according to The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. There was no indication that Thursday's raid was linked to that scandal, though Deutsche Bank says that it has since stopped providing dollar transactions in some countries, including Latvia. Diabetes therapy developer ViaCyte has raised $80 million, its largest financing to date, the San Diego biomedical company said Wednesday. ViaCyte will use the money to advance its stem cell-derived therapies, said Paul Laikind, president and CEO of the privately held company. ViaCyte is combining a variety of technologies for its quest, including stem cell biology, materials science, and ultimately, even genetic editing. If successful, the therapies will supply insulin as needed from insulin-making beta cells, grown from the stem cells. This has the potential of providing a functional cure, the company says. Its intended for patients with type 1 diabetes, who lack beta cells, and for some insulin-requiring patients with type 2 diabetes,. ViaCyte grows human embryonic stem cells into precursors of pancreatic islet cells. These cells are encapsulated in a thin implant, which is inserted under a patients skin. Once in place, the cells are expected to mature into functional beta cells, as well as other cells of the pancreatic islet. Advertisement The implant is being tested in two versions. Both use the same cells, but differ in the way the precursor cells are encapsulated. ViaCyte may get initial evidence on efficacy for one version by as early as the middle of next year, Laikind said. ViaCyte said the financing will meet the companys needs for at least a couple of years as it develops these versions. By that time, more definitive evidence of efficacy should be available. At that point, Laikind said the company can consider its options, such as being acquired, doing a partnership with a larger company, or holding an initial public offering. ViaCyte received the funding from venture capital firms led by Bain Capital Life Sciences, along with TPG and RA Capital Management, as well as existing investor, Sanderling Ventures, and several individuals. The company has now secured financing commitments of more than $100 million in the second half of this year, Laikind said. This includes $15 million from a collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics, to genetically edit cells so they dont cause an immune reaction when implanted into patients. This is a long-term project. Another $10 million came from W.L. Gore & Associates, the maker of Gore-Tex. It is helping ViaCyte refine an implanted encapsulating device that holds the implanted cells. In addition, over the last 10 years ViaCyte has been awarded about $72 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the states stem cell agency. It has also received about $14 million from JDRF, an advocacy group for those with type 1 diabetes. ViaCyte originally began clinical testing with a product candidate called PEC-Encap, which protects the beta cells from direct contact with the patients cells. PEC-Encap requires blood vessels to form on the surface of the cell delivery device. It allows insulin and waste to filter out and nutrients to filter in, but avoids provoking the patients immune system. The other product candidate, called PEC-Direct, allows direct contact between the cells and blood vessels. But this exposes the cells to the immune system, so patients must take immune-suppressing drugs to avoid rejection. PEC-Direct is intended for high-risk type 1 diabetes patients. For these, the risk from the drugs is less than that from poorly controlled blood sugar levels. ViaCyte is now enrolling patients for a midstage study of PEC-Direct, which will examine safety and efficacy. ViaCyte turned to PEC-Direct after encountering difficulties with PEC-Encap which first entered the clinic several years ago. The body treated that implant as a foreign object, essentially obstructing it with scar-like tissue that interfered with the ability of blood vessels to form on the surface of the cell delivery device. Without sufficient access to nutrients, the beta cells couldnt thrive. Thanks to the collaboration with W.L. Gore, modifications of the encapsulating material appear to have conquered the obstruction problem, at least in a relevant animal model, Laikind said. Clinical testing with PEC-Encap is expected to resume next year, Laikind said. The gene-editing work with CRISPR Therapeutics is a longer-term project, but could have wider implications, Laikind said. Having an immune-evasive source of cells that you can then drive to become other types of cells for cell replacement therapy would open up many opportunities, Laikind said. ViaCyte was founded over a decade ago, shortly after human embryonic stem cells were successfully cultured in the laboratory for the first time. For all of that time, the companys goal has been to restore natural control over blood sugar by replacing the beta cells. The company employs 55 people, all in San Diego. For information on all of ViaCytes clinical trials, go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and search for the companys name. Related reading ViaCyte tries again with potential diabetes cure ViaCyte starts diabetes trial Pancreatic grafts made immune-tolerant Johnson & Johnson, ViaCyte testing possible diabetes cure ViaCyte gets $20M for diabetes therapy trials ViaCyte gets funding for potential diabetes cure Novocell Renamed ViaCyte; Gets 3 Patents Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 Southern California Edison, the operator of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, plans to resume transferring canisters filled with spent nuclear fuel in mid-January to a newly constructed storage facility at the plant. The restart would mark the first transfers since a near-miss incident in August in which a 50-ton canister containing nuclear waste was accidentally left suspended on a metal flange, nearly 20 feet from the floor of a storage cavity for as long as one hour. A specific date for the restart has not been set, and Edison officials emphasized it will only begin after roughly 60 workers have gone through more detailed and improved training that includes practice runs and employing an independent assessment team. We have not rushed to resume this, said Tom Palmisano, vice president of external engagement at the plant, or SONGS. Were going to be very slow and deliberate so that we fully understand this and fully correct the underlying deficiencies that got us here. Advertisement The company also said transfers will resume only after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed on-site inspections next month. All canister transfers have been suspended since the Aug. 3 incident came to light. I realize the community may still be skeptical, Palmisano said, but if you look at the elapsed time (since the last transfer), you can tell weve taken this very seriously and not (tried) to rush through this at all. The announcement of a tentative restart came as the NRC issued Wednesday a special inspection report the federal agency conducted about the canister incident. Among the findings, the NRC inspectors said the Aug. 3 incident marked the first time the crane operator of the transporter that moves the heavy canisters had actually completed a downloading operation. It also marked the first time the rigger/spotter who watches the top of the canister to make sure it is successfully lowered had attempted to perform downloading. The NRC is concerned about apparent weaknesses in management oversight of the operations connected to the transfers, the agencys report said. Holtec International is the contractor responsible for transferring the canisters at SONGS, with Edison providing oversight. Based in New Jersey, Holtec also designed the canisters and the new storage facility where they are placed. (Cristina Byvik/UT) On Aug. 3, workers at first thought the canister had been lowered into its vault but the container had actually come to a rest on an inner-ring of the cavity and left unsupported by the rigging and lifting equipment. Eventually, the canister was safely lowered but not before it had been suspended for 45 minutes to an hour, the NRC report confirmed. Edison officials have insisted workers and the public were in no danger and even if the canister had fallen to the vaults floor, its robust design would have not resulted in any radiological release. The NRC report identified two potential violations that could lead to escalated enforcement action against Edison a failure in the operations related to the downloading of the canister in August and not providing timely notification of the incident to the agency. Edison faces fines if the NRC determines the violations occurred. The NRC also cited Edison for three other infractions but they represent the agencys lowest scale of violations and typically do not result in financial penalties. The public should see from this that the NRCs inspection and review of (Edisons) management oversight of the dry cask storage operations at San Onofre and the Aug. 3 incident in particular have been thorough, and that we take these issues very seriously, David McIntyre of the NRCs Office of Public Affairs said in an email to the Union-Tribune. But critics of Edison and the plants storage strategy were not appeased. The NRCs latest report is so alarming that people with heart conditions should avoid reading it. It is a recipe for cardiac arrest, said Charles Langley, executive director of Public Watchdogs. It says that the two most important workers responsible for loading deadly lethal nuclear waste werent tested, properly certified or trained. Ray Lutz, national coordinator for the advocacy group Citizens Oversight, opposed resuming transfers. I dont think it should restart until theyve fully analyzed the situation, Lutz said. This review done by the NRC is essentially covering for the utilities. Its a shame this regulatory agency isnt doing its job. San Clemente resident Donna Gilmore has long maintained the canisters at the new storage facility are too thin and could leak. Edison has insisted the canisters are safe. Edison has 30 days to respond (to the NRC about potential violations), but there is no way they can fix these problems with procedures, Gilmore said, adding that the new storage system is a lemon. Its time for Edison to cut their losses and get our ratepayer money back from Holtec, she said. When asked if Edison considered replacing Holtec with another contractor, Palmisano said, We considered all options. He said a similar Holtec-designed system has been loaded in Missouri. We feel the best approach at this point is to continue with Holtec with improved procedures, training and oversight, etc., Palmisano said. Prior to the August mishap, 29 canisters were transferred from wet storage pools to dry storage at SONGS. Forty-four others remain to be moved. Palmisano said if the restart begins in mid-January, the entire transfer process can be completed by probably mid- to third quarter of 2019. Palmisano and a representative of the NRC will deliver more details Thursday night at a meeting of the quarterly SONGS Community Enagement Panel. The three-hour meeting is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. at the QLN Conference Center at 1938 Avenida Del Oro in Oceanside. San Onofre has not produced electricity since the plant shut down following a leak in a steam generator tube in 2012. The following year the plant officially closed. It is now in the process of being decommissioned. SONGS is located on an 85-acre chunk of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, owned by the Department of the Navy. The plant sits between the Pacific and one of the busiest freeways in the country Interstate 5. About 8.4 million people live in a 50-mile radius of the plant in an area with a history of seismic activity. The dry cask storage facilities are about 100 feet from the ocean, protected by a seawall 28 feet high. Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski Retailers selling tobacco to underage customers in Lemon Grove are going to start being held accountable under a new ordinance unanimously passed by the Lemon Grove City Council. The City Council on Tuesday finalized the Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance, which will penalize businesses that sell cigarettes and vaping products to those under 21 years of age. Councilman David Arambula was absent. This tobacco ordinance is a long time coming, Councilman Jerry Jones said. Its been through two city managers in a little over five years, but I think its something everybody can live with, and it will improve the health of the community. The ordinance will go into effect next month, with Lemon Grove staff educating retailers about the changes. The ordinance will require all sellers of tobacco/smoking products to obtain a license that must be renewed each year. Advertisement It will include a $250 annual fee that will offset the cost of license administration by the city and annual compliance checks led by the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. The penalties agreed upon by the City Council are as follows: A first violation within a three-year period would result in a warning issued to the licensee, including providing an educational notice about the nature of the violation. A fine would also be imposed based on the severity of the violation. A second violation within a three-year period would result in a requirement to provide education training to employees within 60 days of the notice and an additional fine imposed based on the severity of the violation. A third violation within a three-year period would result in either suspension or revocation of the license. Should a license be suspended or revoked, the ordinance sets forth an appeal process that allows for a review by an impartial hearing officer. There will also be incentives to tobacco sellers when they comply with the ordinance. A group that lobbies on behalf of convenience and liquor stores sent a note to the city on Monday balking at the ordinance. The California Fuels and Convenience Alliance faulted the ordinance because it only allows employees who are 21 and over to sell tobacco products to customers. That restriction was tried in Sonoma County, but was quickly repealed, the group said. They noted that they can and do conduct their own compliance checks Not only does our industry comply with federal and rapidly changing state and local laws, but they also conduct internal sting operations and build their own successful prevention policies, they wrote. Earlier this year, Lemon Grove was awarded $46,000 in grant funding from the California Department of Justice for program administration and enforcement costs for 2018-20 for the program. More than 120 California cities and counties have adopted local tobacco retailer licensing ordinances in an effort to reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors.Those are in addition to the states licensing requirements. California already requires tobacco retailers to apply for a $265 retail license with the state; their license has to be renewed on an annual basis. Other cities around the county, including El Cajon, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista, have similar tobacco retail licensing programs. El Cajon was the first in the county to start the program, back in 2004. It charges its 114 retailers an annual fee of $675. Fines for noncompliance run up to $1,000. According to a 2015-16 report shared with Lemon Grove by Community Action Service Advocacy, nearly 9 out of 10 smokers in California start smoking before age 21 and in East County, 60 percent of high school juniors believe tobacco is easy to get. CASA is a local group that helps jurisdictions develop strategies to stop youths from buying tobacco as well as alcohol. CASA reports that 4 percent of juniors in the Grossmont Union High School District currently smoke, with 11 percent of them using electronic cigarettes within the last 30 days. Local data from the California Healthy Kids Survey in the Lemon Grove School District revealed that 5 percent of seventh-graders have already tried electronic smoking devices. A 2017 tobacco purchase survey by CASA showed that 31 percent of tobacco retailers in Lemon Grove violated state law by selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors. One in five did not ask for identification, though IDs are required by state law. The city reports that there are currently 31 tobacco retailers in Lemon Grove. Those include convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, smoke shops and liquor stores. According to CASA, a survey found that nearly one-third of them were illegally selling tobacco to minors. As part of its survey, CASA typically sends out a minor with an adult supervisor to a retail store and has the minor attempt to buy a product that is not legally allowed to be purchased. Among the Lemon Grove stores that sold to minors, one in five did not ask for identification as required by law. CASA reported that some asked for ID but sold a tobacco product even though the ID showed the person was not 21. None of the convenience store or similar shop owners from Lemon Grove were at the meeting, but one proprietor attended one of the citys two October community forums, and indicated at that time that he was in favor of the ordinance. Angeles Nelson, representing Lemon Grove HEAL Zone, a group that advocates for healthy choices for residents in the city, thanked Lemon Grove for taking the health of our community seriously. karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com Encinitas wont have to try again to win voter approval for a controversial, state-mandated housing planning document, but it may have to rework its failed Measure U proposal, Superior Court Judge Ronald Frazier said Wednesday. Speaking during a court hearing attended by some 50 people, Frazier said hes leaning toward granting the city a temporary exemption from the voting requirement mandated by a 2013 citizens initiative known as Proposition A. Such an exemption would allow the Encinitas City Council to directly adopt a housing plan, and thus finally come into compliance with state law after years of failing to do so. Attorneys representing the city made a loud and clear argument that it would take months to get a new measure on the ballot and that new measures approval prospects could be dismal, Frazier said during a Wednesday afternoon court hearing regarding two lawsuits against the city. However, he said, his voting exemption would likely be a one-time thing, and only related to this particular housing plan. Fraziers expected to issue his final ruling Dec. 12, after both the county and the city certify the Nov. 6t election results for Measure U, which on election night was failing with 53 percent of voters saying no. On Wednesday afternoon, Frazier said he was proceeding cautiously and waiting on the election results certification before issuing his ruling, not because he thought the results would change but rather because the citys housing planning effort already has been so contentious. Advertisement Encinitas currently is being sued both by the Building Industry Association of San Diego and by the housing advocacy group San Diego Tenants United over its failure to adopt a Housing Element, a state-mandated plan spelling out how a city proposes to accommodate future housing growth, particularly low-income housing. Its the only city in the county and one of just a few in the state that lacks a current, state-certified plan. So far, the city estimates it has spent about $900,000 to fight lawsuits regarding its lack of a plan. On Wednesday, Frazier said he was considering ordering the city to work with state officials and revise Measure U, rather than directing that Measure U be adopted outright because state officials have raised concerns with the plan. Measure U proposes up-zoning 15 privately owned properties, allowing their owners to exceed city height limits and put 25 to 30 housing units an acre on their properties. State housing officials raised questions about some of the sites on the list, saying they may not meet the states standards. Fraziers announcement Wednesday that he might be ordering some tweaking of Measure U appeared to be unwelcome to both the city and the BIA attorneys. Attorneys for the city had asked the judge to order Measure Us adoption without alterations, while a BIA attorney wanted the judge to consider combining elements of Measure U and Measure T -- the citys first housing plan ballot measure that voters rejected two years ago. Calling Encinitas the worst offender in the state of California in terms of compliance with state housing law, BIA attorney Timothy Hutter said city officials know full well that the state was raising concerns about Measure Us compliance with state law last summer and shouldnt be arguing now for its adoption without alteration. However, Frazier told Hutter that he wouldnt likely grant the BIAs request to include parts of Measure T because state law has recently changed and that plan is no longer in compliance with the law. Speaking after Wednesdays hearing concluded, Bruce Ehlers -- one of the leading proponents of the initiative that required voter approval for city housing plans -- said he was pleased the judge indicated that he was inclined to only lift the voting requirement temporarily. That means future housing plans will require voter approval, he noted. The city is required to produce a new plan for the next housing cycle, which begins in 2021. After several years of planning, the weather was finally cooperating and the thick brush in a canyon just east of State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel was set afire Wednesday morning. The controlled burn on private property owned by the Moretti family for more than a century involved roughly 100 firefighters carefully coordinating the burn of 127 acres. They started at the top of the canyon, creating a 15-foot-wide control line with hand crews and a bulldozer and then setting each top corner afire. Slowly, over the course of the day, they methodically burned the brush in the canyon. The vegetation management program was done in conjunction with the property owner and was designed to eliminate thick, flammable brush in a canyon that hadnt burned in decades. Should a major fire come into the canyon, the burn will hopefully slow the blaze and give firefighters an area from which they can battle the flames. Advertisement Its important to Cal Fire to do such controlled burns, but its tricky. The weather must be just right to insure a controlled burn doesnt become an uncontrolled fire. And its important for ranchers, as well. It would be nice to do more, but I think that constructively its what can be done safely, said Katy Moretti, who grew up on the ranch that is now owned by her brother and sister. It has taken years to get to this point, Moretti said. We were supposed to do it last year but its always something. Last year, the burn had to be cancelled because the weather didnt cooperate. Cal Fire Capt. Issac Sanchez said it cant be too hot or too windy, too dry or too wet. Youre trying to find this little Goldilocks zone, for lack of a better term, of where the fuel is going to burn but its not going to burn too intensely, he said. Right now, were not getting intense fire behavior at all, Sanchez said as smoke rose from the hills as popping sounds reverberated in the Santa Ysabel Valley from fire cracker-like devices designed to emit sparks that firefighters were using to start small, manageable fires. Its a coordinated effort. We do a little bit at a time. Well walk in 10 feet and burn a 10- or 15-square-foot area and let it burn off and then go in again and do it all over again. Were going to be here all day. Control lines along the left and right sides of the canyon were built by hand crews to make sure there was a lack of fuel should brush in the middle burn hotter than expected and work its way back to the perimeters. Signs were posted along Highway 79 alerting motorists that a prescribed burn was underway and not to call 9-1-1. When I was a kidwe used to burn all the time, Moretti said. It was a practice the ranchers had for years. But in the 1970s, that all got shut down. The environmentalists and the county shut it down. She said back in the day ranchers would never have let the brush get so thick because it would have been burned every year. Controlled burns are good things, she said. This is what all of California, in my opinion, needs to be doing reducing fire danger. This reduces fire danger and it increases grazing for the cattle. Its a win-win. She said burning the 127 acres, which represents about one-tenth of the ranch, is a step in the right direction. I hope this one goes well because there is a lot of brush out there on a lot of different ranches that need it. Sanchez said controlled burns are part of a long-term strategy. The goal is not only to conduct this burn but to conduct years of projects where you try to link these projects and create a fuel break. Although there have not been any major fires in the northern Santa Ysabel Valley in many years, Sanchez said there have been countless small fires that have been brought under control along the state Route 79 corridor. The Witch Creek fire of 2007 began southwest of Santa Ysabel and headed west. Clearing land has been big in the news lately with the Camp fire tragedy and President Donald Trump placing blame on forest management techniques. Although the land around much of San Diego County differs significantly from northern California, Sanchez said controlled burns have always been part of the states efforts to reduce burnable fuels. Cal Fire personnel meet in the morning on the expansive Moretti Ranch property near Santa Ysabel to plan the days prescribed fire to clear brush from a canyon. (Charlie Neuman) jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones Vista will consider kicking in $2.7 million to Solutions for Change, which plans to expand its housing and services for homeless families. The Vista City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to start discussions about the grant with the nonprofit homeless advocacy group, and return with a funding proposal in 60 to 90 days. The council voted 4-1 in favor of the plan, with Councilwoman Amanda Rigby opposed. Solutions for Change aims to purchase a number of properties adjacent to its headquarters at West California Avenue near West Los Angeles Drive, in order to assemble the land it needs for new housing units. It plans to demolish the older homes and apartment complexes, and rebuild about 70 new units for families participating in its program. The organization asked the council to contribute $2.7 million to purchase two of those parcels. Its also applying for an additional $7.1 million from the County of San Diego Innovative Housing Trust Fund, said CEO and President Chris Megison, adding $15 million in tax credit financing would cover the remaining costs of the project. Advertisement Councilman John Franklin brought the request to the council, arguing that the project could be an important step toward solving homelessness in Vista, and he assured his colleagues that the city will get to shape the agreement to ensure accountability for the funding. Whats before us tonight is a request for the city to direct staff to enter into a full conversation about what the terms of this agreement would be, Franklin said. Tonights decision would not be to approve any expenditure. Of course, the development project itself would go through the planning commission. The $2.7 million represents most of the available money in the citys affordable housing fund, according to the staff report. The total pot of money is $18 million, but $14.3 million is already committed to other developments, including Paseo Artist Village and The Grove Senior Housing, leaving just $3.7 million for new projects. Rigby said she was unwilling to throw the majority of that toward the expansion of Solutions for Change, noting that other groups of homeless people, such as homeless men, wouldnt qualify for the program. Solutions does a great job for the community and for the demographic of homeless that you address, Rigby said. But there are other populations of homeless that your program does not address. That has been the fly in the ointment for me. The nonprofit offers a unique program that it calls Solutions University, a full-immersion, 1,000-day program designed to teach parents self-sufficiency, and move families from temporary to permanent housing. Federal housing regulators are eyeing that system as a model for combating poverty and homelessness. However, the nonprofit faces funding shortfalls because it refused to agree to new federal rules that require agencies to get homeless people into housing first, before addressing substance abuse issues. Organizations who receive funding from Housing and Urban Development cannot require drug testing for their clients. Solutions, which insists on sobriety, decided to turn back about $600,000 it had expected. That choice has forced it to seek other funding sources. San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn recently earmarked $100 million for improvements to one of the organizations properties. And Megison said he has approached other North County cities for funding and support. This is the second time this year that Solutions for Change has approached the city with substantial grant requests. In February, the council declined to provide $5 million to the organization for an affordable and transitional housing project on East Vista Way, saying the ask was too large and the time frame too short to consider it. Since that time, however, the organization changed the proposed site for the new housing from East Vista Way to West California Avenue its first choice for the development,and the preference of the council. The nonprofit will close and sell its property on East Vista Way, and consolidate the new housing units near its headquarters. We always wanted to do that exact project on our West California site, but the guy wasnt interested in selling, Megison said. Then he decided to sell. Council members said the new site is a better choice, and said the development would replace the aging apartments now in place on West California. There are several goals that we have, Councilman John Aguilera said. One is a strategic plan to address homelessness, continue to decrease blight and improve the citys image Were meeting several of our goals. Franklin argued that possible county contributions, as well as the support services provided through Solutions for Change, have the potential to multiply the citys investment. This has the unique benefit that this housing will support a long-term transformation in peoples lives, Franklin said. This is the highest and best use that we can find for these monies. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan National City police Chief Manuel Rodriguez announced Wednesday that he will retire in March, ending an eight-year tenure in which he led the department as it took steps to build trust within the community. I truly appreciate the privilege and opportunity to serve the community I grew up in and will continue to work in partnership with everyone to increase the quality of life for the entire National City community, Rodriguez said Thursday in a statement. His announcement comes as the Police Department moves on in the wake of a tumultuous summer following the controversial in-custody death of Earl McNeil, who stopped breathing after he was arrested in May. His death led to a series of tense protests at City Hall and calls for Rodriguezs resignation. Protesters took issue with what they characterized as a lack of transparency regarding the investigation into McNeils death. Advertisement In September, District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that neither officers nor sheriffs deputies who interacted with McNeil were criminally liable for his death. I think the chief has done a great job, Mayor Ron Morrison said Wednesday in response to news of Rodriguezs planned retirement. He commended Rodriguez for keeping calm even as some protesters screamed in his face during City Council meetings over the summer. He kept his composure, Morrison said. He also praised the chief for not being overly apologetic or defensive as the investigation into McNeils death was ongoing. A graduate of National City Middle School and Sweetwater High School, Rodriguez began his 32-year career with the San Diego Police Department in 1986. Over the course of 20 years, he rose through the ranks, to special assistant to the chief of police. Rodriguez moved on to the National City Police Department as a captain in 2005. Two years later, he was promoted to assistant police chief. He took over the department in 2013 after former police Chief Adolfo Gonzales accepted a position with the District Attorneys Office. Rodriguezs appointment as the top cop fulfilled a longtime goal to conclude his career as a police chief, he said at the time. During his tenure, the Police Department has implemented body-worn cameras, involved community members in use-of-force workshops to offer a glimpse into the line of duty and pushed for community-oriented policing. This year, the Police Department equipped officers with naloxone, commonly known by its brand name, Narcan. The nasal drug is intended to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Under Rodriguezs leadership, the department also implemented a succession plan, which filled some positions, including captains and lieutenants, in an acting capacity to allow lower-ranking officials to gain experience. Morrison said the planning was one of Rodriguezs greatest accomplishments. The last thing you want to do is leave and realize theres no one to take over, Morrison said. I think (the chief) worked well at developing leadership from within. City Manager Leslie Deese said its been an honor and privilege to work alongside Rodriguez for more than 15 years. I want to sincerely thank Chief Rodriguez for his years of service to National City, she said in an email. He has served our city well and has many accomplishments of which to be proud. The chief oversees a $27 million budget and about 120 employees, including about 80 sworn officers who serve more than 60,000 residents. Mayor-elect Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, who has served as a councilwoman for the past decade, offered her congratulations and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement. Raised in National City, I know that Chief Manny Rodriguez took great pride in serving as Chief of Police for his hometown, she said in a statement. Deese said the plan is to transition Assistant Chief Jose Tellez into the police chief position over the next three months. Tellez is a 30-year veteran with the department who has served as an operations and administration lieutenant, public information officer and captain. Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez UPDATES: 10:45 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from the chief and mayor-elect. This article was originally published at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 28. Help and Beer is on the Way The Camp Fires toll is still being calculated at least 14,000 homes destroyed, 85 people killed, hundreds still missing but Northern Californias Butte County faces a long, expensive road to recovery. Sierra Nevada, the craft beer pioneer headquartered in nearby Chico, is determined to do its part. On Tuesday, Sierra Nevada brewed its batch of Resilience IPA. Every penny from this beers sales will be donated to the Camp Fire Relief Fund, launched last week with a $100,000 donation from the brewerys founders. Sierra Nevada asked other breweries to make Resilience IPA, donating their sales to the fund. More than 300 agreed, including many from San Diego County: AleSmith, Ballast Point, Belching Beaver, Bitter Brothers, Coronado, Fourpenny House, Green Flash, Karl Strauss, Mason, Mike Hess, Mikkeller, Modern Times, Rouleur, Saint Archer, Second Chance, Societe and White Labs. Advertisement There may be more, as the list grows every day. The fundraisers impact wont be felt for awhile, as the IPA needs several weeks to ferment and finish. Still, mark your calendar: Second Chance has announced that its Resilience IPA will be poured at its Rancho Bernardo brewery, 15378 Avenue of Science, Suite 222, and its North Park tap room, 4045 30th St., on Dec. 22. 85 Years Later Since Wednesday is the 85th anniversary of Prohibitions end, its a great day to hoist a beer in Valley Center. The Valley Center History Museum, 29200 Cole Grade Road, notes that the towns Kellogg Store was one of three San Diego County locations to secure a license to sell beer on Dec. 5, 1933, the day the booze ban was lifted. Founded in 1920, the year Prohibition began, the Kellogg Store closed a few years ago. The museums new Prohibition display notes that the store sold its first bottle of beer for 10 cents. Admission to the museum is free. It should be noted that this establishment, alas, does not sell beer. Nero48 Migrant caravans, border closures, asylum debates. With all the dire headlines, its easy to forget the border is a vibrant region that stimulates plenty of healthy creativity. Nero48 is a pop-up store of Mexican-designed clothing, jewelry, spirits, foods and music, plus the beers of San Diegos SouthNorte. This here-today, gone-the-day-after-tomorrow venture appears on both sides of the border in November, it appeared in Liberty Station. It will return Saturday and Sunday, this time at Calle 2da #6696 in Tijuanas Zona Centro. Theres more information at the web site, nero48.com. Good Beer, Good Cheer For a nearby getaway this holiday season, consider the Oh Hoppy Day! package at Harrahs Resort Southern California in Valley Center, or as Harrahs calls it, Funner. Thursday through Monday until Dec. 31, the deal includes a room; a tour of the resorts brewery, SR76 Beerworks; a flight of beers and two pints. Rates start at $125.99. Founded in 2016, SR76 is Southern Californias first tribal-owned brewery. The little brewery has a cozy tasting room in its own building adjacent to the casino. Its beers are also found at several of the eateries inside the main complex. Reservations can be made at the casinos web site, harrahssocal.com, or by calling the reservations desk, (760) 751-3100 and mentioning the promotion. Kings of Beer After Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday, how about Kick Back Thursday? Adopt a four-pack of Trail Dog (7.25 alcohol by volume), a weary beer fans best friend. Part of Benchmark Brewings Parks Collection, Trail Dog is a no-fuss, no-muss West Coast IPA. No hydroponic Mongolian hops or cruelty-free goji berries here. Instead, the beer relies on Simcoe and Amarillo hops which yield aromas of white peaches and lemons while delivering orange, grapefruit and biscuit flavors, laid over a little pine oiliness. Trail Dog is an old school treat, an IPA that harkens back to the days when the West Coast styles ruled. Good doggie! Game of Beers The final season of HBOs Game of Thrones wont begin until April, but New Yorks Brewery Ommegang is winding up its Game of Thrones beer series. King in the North, a barrel-aged imperial stout, is a dark and strong (11 percent alcohol by volume) salute to the noble Jon Snow. The last in Ommegangs GOT line, King is available in 750ml bottles and, in a Royal Reserve gift pack, 12-ounce bottles. That set includes Mother of Dragons, a smoked porter; Hand of the Queen, a barleywine; and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, a sour blond, as well as a GOT chalice. Next spring, will we drink King in the North at Jon Snows funeral or his victory feast? Words to Drink By Tyrions mouth was full of bread and fish. He took a swallow of strong black beer to wash it all down, and grinned up wolfishly at Jaime, Why, Jaime, my sweet brother, he said, you wound me. You know how much I love my family. Beer eases sibling tensions, ever so briefly, in George R.R. Martins novel, A Game of Thrones. Beer Videos Twitter: @peterroweut peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com You say Elvis has left the building? I say, who cares? Nora is in the house. That would be Nora Helmer, the door-slamming heroine of Henrik Ibsens 1879 masterwork A Dolls House. In San Diego Reps knockout production of A Dolls House, Part 2 the bracingly smart and original sequel by Lucas Hnath Nora makes a rock-star re-entry, materializing in a blaze of lights and with a blast of sheer attitude on the doorstep of the home she abandoned 15 years before. Why is she back? Well, to gloat, at least a little. The lady is now rich, thanks to the hot-selling books she writes about women who leave their husbands just as she bailed on her own stifling marriage to Torvald, father of their three children. Advertisement Before the show is done, Torvald will get a chance to check out one of those books, of which hell say in wounded tones: It was hard for me to read it. The ever-unrepentant Noras reply: It was hard for me to live it. (Shiv, meet ribs.) But Nora is here for much more than a little catching-up. She also needs some help, and the way that plays out with story threads of blackmail and forgery and other secret deeds meshes ingeniously with the Ibsen original in Hnaths modernized reappraisal of this proto-feminist and the obstacles she faces. The piece calls for a Nora with a heart as big as Norway (where the story is still set), or at least the nerve of a Viking warrior. And the Rep production, which has to rank among the best shows in San Diego this year, introduces to local audiences a New York actor (speaking of rock stars) whom we can only hope to see much more of now that shes moving to town. Sofia Jean Gomez and Danny Brown in San Diego Reps A Dolls House, Part 2. (Jim Carmody) Sofia Jean Gomez, who arrives here with major off-Broadway and regional credits, plays Nora with such a vivid presence that she makes a case for an ongoing Nora franchise one we would totally binge-watch. She brings wit and style and a winning physicality to the part, whether shes pulling a satirical sad face or draping herself across the bare floor of her former home (designed by the masterful Sean Fanning with an exquisite feel of aged timber and weighty history). The sure directorial touch of Rep co-founder and artistic chief Sam Woodhouse keeps all the actors toeing the plays tricky line between comedy and real human consequence, as Noras reappearance threatens to upend the lives of all involved. Rene Thornton Jr. plays Torvald with a sharp blend of agonized pride, pettiness and vulnerability; one of the shows funniest moments is when he demonstrates to Nora just how very angry he can get by fussily tipping a chair over a few inches. As the faithful, long-suffering housekeeper Anne Marie, Linda Libby gets a whole lot of entertaining mileage out of playing tongue-tied during Noras initial, withering disquisition on the ills of marriage. But she also gets to step up memorably (and even launch an F-bomb or two) as the character makes her own case for why she has stayed to raise Noras kids. Speaking of whom: Danny Brown lends all kinds of fascinating life to Noras daughter, Emmy, who seems impossibly girlish at first but proves her capability to out-Nora even Nora herself, while frustrating her long-missing mom by taking on a diametrically opposite view of domestic life. The shows look and feel is bold all around, including Jennifer Brawn Gittings sumptuous costumes, the sense of suppressed daylight in Alan Burretts lighting design, and the sharp bursts of instrumental music in Matthew Lescault-Woods sound design. One thing Nora has learned in her long time away: Its so hard to hear your own voice. This shows, though, comes through loud and clear. A Dolls House, Part 2 When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. (Some exceptions; check with theater.) Through Dec. 16. Where: San Diego Reps Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown. Tickets: $25-$69 (discounts available) Phone: (619) 544-1000 Online: sdrep.org jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert On a recent afternoon, artist Rachel Mica Weiss, who has tattooed arms, long dark hair and Edith Piaf bangs, stands in the middle of the gallery at Lux Art Institute, soaking up the sun pouring in through a massive open window. All is quiet except for birds chirping among the trees and chaparral. Weiss, who came from rainy, cold Brooklyn to be Luxs new artist-in-residence, gives a giddy laugh as though she still cant believe her luck. All Ive been doing is work, work, work, she says. So this is a nice moment to slow down and relax and percolate with ideas. A graduate of the MFA program at the San Francisco Art Institute, Weiss has been crisscrossing the country thanks to a steady flow of commissions for her large-scale fiber-based installations. These involve her creating gauzy walls made of yarn or suspending lengths of rope that appear to float in midair. The commissions, mostly from corporate clients, have given Weiss the freedom to do art full time, allowing her to focus on some of the smaller sculptural projects she loves. In a corner of Luxs gallery, she shows off her latest obsession: three long rectangular slabs, drenched in color, that curve, bend and fold. Are they made of rubber? Foam? A quick touch reveals Weiss secret: rock-hard concrete. Advertisement To give each 180-pound sculpture a soft, pliable appearance, Weiss mixes paint and concrete together, packs it into a urethane rubber mold, then folds it over a box or shoves blankets underneath to shape it before it dries. Im very interested in questioning peoples assumptions about the materials, she says. How they behave, what they can do, what they are even. In another part of Luxs gallery, spools of embroidery thread are spread out on a work table, where Weiss is finishing the last of seven woven screens on display. Each framed screen consists of horizontal blocks of color that resemble wide-open horizons. I really want them to feel portal-esque so that you feel like you could step into it. However, she says, Its clearly impassable. So Im interested in that tension. It invites this portal experience, but its also blocking you off. Weiss grew up just outside of Washington, D.C. Her father, who was a dentist, and her mother, who studied art in college before working in information technology, divorced when she was 6 an event that she says plays out in her pieces. I think the division of the households into two separate camps really governed my life pretty significantly my schedule, everything about my daily life, she says. From a young age, I felt the walls were controlling the way I live. Now it is Weiss who is clearly in control of her environment, fashioning the walls out of entirely new materials, making them light as air, and bending the concrete to her will. During her monthlong residency, Weiss will suspend aluminum rods from a grid to create a rendering of the hilly topography outside Luxs window. Powder-coated in shiny chrome, the rods, she says, will be a reflection and a distortion of everything around it. She adds, As a whole, it will look more like a cloud, where youre seeing the topography from below and above. Unlike past installations that have required a team to complete them, this one will be done by Weiss alone which, she says, isnt such a bad thing. I cant tell you the number of times Ive been talking to a man in charge, and they will turn to the art handler and start talking shop with him, she says about the frustrations she has faced as a female artist. Its like, actually, Im the one running this show. And at Lux, theres no doubt she is. Rachel Mica Weiss When: In studio through Dec. 15. Artist talk on Nov. 29. On exhibit through Jan. 12. Where: Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas Tickets: $5; free for those 18 and under and bicycle riders Phone: (760) 436-6611 Online: luxartinstitute.org Ashman is a freelance writer. Fill your holiday plates and glasses with fun food and drink events including Cold Brew City, 12 Bars of Charity, Toast of Gaslamp and SoNo Fest & Chili Cookoff. Through 12.25: Miracle on 30th Street Normal Heights happening cocktail spot transforms into a winter wonderland all month long, serving Christmasy libations amid kitschy holiday decor thats certain to delight even the grouchiest Grinch. Read more about the annual pop-up here. Polite Provisions, Normal Heights, miraclepopup.com Miracle on 30th Street. (Melissa Hom) Advertisement Through Jan. 6: Life-size edible St. Nick Instead of his normal red suit, Santa will be wearing chocolate as Park Hyatt Aviara Resort executive pastry chef Christophe Rull, along with several visiting chefs from New Jersey, Portland and Missouri, craft a life-size sculpture of St. Nick sitting on a wooden chocolate chair surrounded by snowmen, elves and Christmas trees. Every ingredient is edible, including 200 pounds of Sao Tome 65 percent dark chocolate, 75 pounds of sugar, 50 pounds of modeling chocolate and 50 pounds of cereal treats. 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, 760.448.1234 11.30-12.1: Pizza Port 22nd annual Strong Ale Festival Sample more than 60 drafts with ABVs north of 8 percent and enjoy a bevy of rare bottled brews at Pizza Ports yearly beer bonanza. Pizza Port Bottle Shop, Carlsbad, pizzaport.com Pizza Port 22nd annual Strong Ale Festival. (Courtesy photo) 12.1: Eppig Brewings Second Anniversary and Repeal Day Celebration Cheers to Eppigs second birthday and the 85th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition by treating yourself to a selection of the brewerys Natural Bridge Lagers. Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten, Point Loma, eppigbrewing.com Eppig Brewings Second Anniversary and Repeal Day Celebration. (Courtesy photo) 12.1: Craft Beer Festival Showcasing more than 100 local and international brews including many hard-to-find craft concoctions and limited-release ales and ciders this event also includes admission to the track, a stein-holding contest and access to Del Mars first-ever silent disco dance party. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, dmtc.com Craft Beer Festival. (Craig Collins) 12.1: Bolt Brewery Fourth Anniversary Party Celebrate the fourth birthday of this burgeoning beermaker with a bash at their 10-barrel brewhouse in La Mesa. Bolt Brewery, La Mesa, boltbrewery.com 12.2: SoNo Fest & Chili Cookoff More than three dozen of the citys best restaurants compete in this volunteer-run chili showdown brimming with craft beverages, local merchants and three stages of live music. 32nd Street at Thorn Street, North Park, sonofestchilicookoff.com SoNo Fest and Chili Cookoff. (Juan Martinez) 12.7: Nightmare Before Christmas Brews Cruise Fans of Tim Burtons cinematic, stop-motion classic wont want to miss this night as the Spirit of San Diego yacht converts into holiday-themed Halloween Town complete with two floors of entertainment, three hours of breathtaking bay views and unlimited samples of 20 from nearby breweries. Spirit of San Diego, San Diego Bay, eventbrite.com 12.8: Toast of Gaslamp Raise a glass to the heart of our beloved city during this decadent evening teeming with treats from 24 of the Gaslamps top restaurants and complemented by scorching deals at many of downtowns most desirable retailers. Throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, tasteofgaslamp.com Toast of Gaslamp. (Courtesy photo) 12.8: Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Fest Showcasing more than 40 brands of tequila alongside tons of taco recipes, this inaugural event also includes a live lucha libre show and authentic Mexican mariachi music. Liberty Station, Point Loma, ttcfest.com Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Fest. (Courtesy photo) 12.8: Second annual Island Food & Beer Fest Knock back unlimited tastings of locally brewed beer, then soak up those suds with delicious dishes from the Pacific Islands while the 80s hit-band The Jets headlines the days live entertainment. Waterfront Park, Little Italy, coconutsandcocktailspromotions.com Island Food & Beer Fest. (Eljay Manabat) 12.8: Patisserie Melane open house Chef Melanie Dunn, owner of Patisserie Melanie, will host a holiday open house to celebrate National Pastry Day. Guests can indulge in hand-crafted viennoiseries (baked goods), confections and preserves, and shop for unusual housewares and gifts. Carolina Gusman 3788 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.677.2132, patisseriemelanie.com 12.10: Tamale Holiday Cooking Chef Isabel Cruz (author of The Latin Table) demonstrates the art of making healthy, hearty and hedonic tamales at this hands-on cooking class held in her restaurant by the beach. Isabels Cantina, Pacific Beach, adventuresbythebook.com 12.12: Fourth annual Kid at Heart Gingerbread House Decorating Party Exchange an unwrapped toy for a gingerbread-house kit with all the trimming during this decorating party where the creator of the best edible abode will take home two tickets to Legoland. Queenstown Public House, Little Italy, queenstownpublichouse.com Queenstown Public House tunrs into a life-sized gingerbread house during the holidays. (Courtesy photo) 12.12: 333 Pacific 10-year anniversary celebration One of Oceansides original beachside dining restaurants is celebrating a decade in business with a party that will double as a fundraiser for the Oceanside Museum of Art. Executive Chef Steven Zurkey will prepare a meal paired with Fallbrook wines that will be followed by a concert from North County resident Sarah Rogo. Leslie Hackett Oceanside Museum Of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, oma-online.org 12.13: Holiday Wine & Cheese Learn the secrets of successfully pairing coagulated milk with fermented grapes during this wintry tasting event that also includes entertaining tips you can use to wow anyone who drops by during the holidays. Venissimo Cheese, Del Mar, venissimo.com 12.13: Hillcrest Taste n Tinis Shop till you drop (or drink till you flop) during this self-guided sip n stroll when many Hillcrestaurants will serve samples of signature dishes while local boutiques encourage you to wet your whistle with holiday martinis and other festive cocktails. Throughout Hillcrest, fabuloushillcrest.com Hillcrest Taste n Tinis. (Courtesy photo) 12.13: Michter Whiskey Dinner Stake Chophouse & Bar will host a curated Michter Whiskey Dinner prepared by executive chef Andrew Kedziora. Guests can expect dishes like dry-aged beef roast with mushroom panisse (chickpea flour fried in olive oil) and barrel-aged soy sauce alongside pours of Unblended American Small Batch Whiskey, Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon and Small Batch Sour Mash. Carolina Gusman 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado. Reservations: 619.522.0077 12.15: Cold Brew City 2018 Artists, merchants and musicians unite over their shared love of caffeine during this creative and collaborative coffee-centric cultural event that culminates with a friendly competition to suss out the citys best cold-brewers. Bread & Salt, Barrio Logan, facebook.com/coldbrewcityfest Cold Brew City 2018. (Courtesy photo) 12.15: Second annual 12 Bars of Charity Helping local nonprofits build awareness, raise money and attract more members, this charitable pub crawl invites dedicated drinkers to donate $10 to their choice of eight charity teams before taking a free shuttle to a dozen watering holes offering a selection of drink specials. Venues throughout downtown, 12barsofcharity.com San Diegans drank for good causes at the 12 Bars of Charity on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. (Rick Nocon ) 12.16: A Very Carnitas Christmas Situated along the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights parade route, Carnitas Snack Shack at the Embarcadero offers hot chocolate and peppermint soft-serve for the kids and a variety of holiday cocktails for the adults. Theres also complimentary ornament decorating, gourmet popcorn station, games, a photo station and live music with DJ Mike White. Carolina Gusman 1004 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero, 619.696.7675, carnitassnackshack.com 12.29: Harry Potter Beer Festival Calling all Potterheads: The Wizarding World arrives in North Park along with the half-giant Hagrid, a tasting of 20-plus seasonal ales and live music from the Slytherin Sisters and DJ Dumbledore. The Irenic, North Park, facebook.com/rockstarbeer If youre looking for culinary stocking-stuffers this holiday season, consider a gift card from one of these newly opened or soon-to-open restaurants about the county this month. 619 Spirits, North Park San Diego distiller Nick Apostolopoulos has opened this 4,200-square-foot distillery and tasting room in a former industrial space at the corner of 30th Street and Lincoln Avenue. Named for San Diegos area code, 619 features a 1,000-liter still, a dog-friendly patio and lunch, dinner and late-night food service. Bottles of 619 Vodka at 619 Spirits Distillery and Tasting Room in North Park. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) Launched in 2012, 619 is known for its cane sugar-based vodka and its all-natural vodka infusions made with local ingredients, including scorpion peppers, coffee, pickles and rose petals. Customers can buy the housemade spirits by the bottle or sip them in vodka-focused cocktails at the bar. Its elevated bar menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes like gyro and hummus, as well as steak frites and beef tartar. Brunch is served on weekends. Advertisement 3015 Lincoln Ave., North Park, 619.269.2757, 619vodka.com 619 Deviled Eggs with a Cucumber Martini made with 619 Cucumber Vodka from 619 Spirits Distillery and Tasting Room in North Park. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) CHIKO, Encinitas California native Drew Kim and his partners, chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno, bring to the shores of California their East Coast-born restaurant that mixes Chinese and Korean (get it, Chi-Ko?) flavors with modern cooking techniques. Start with wok-blistered Chinese broccoli or Korean fried chicken wings then turn to the orange-ish chicken or Korean sweet potato noodles for the main dishes of the night. For a uniquely SoCal dish, the Encinitas location has The San Diego Spice Bag complete with crispy shrimp, tater tots and chili miso aioli a nod to nearby DB Hackers Seafood Cafe. For an interactive experience, groups of two or four people can sit at one of only a few available counter seats and watch the action in the kitchen. 101 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.230.1076, chikoca.com CHIKO. (Courtesy photo) Clara, Carlsbad Inside Clara restaurant and bar, which opened Sept. 1 in the Carlsbad Village Faire center in Carlsbad. (Kimberly Motos) Carlsbad Villages newest restaurant/cocktail bar isnt named after a woman. Clara is the Spanish word for clear, which describes chef Alex Carballos straightforward approach to food at the 90-seat restaurant that opened Sept. 1. He aims for simplicity over heavy sauces in his dishes, which are made with locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The menu of shareable plates features a mix of animal protein and plant-based options. Specialties include flatbreads, chili-braised cauliflower tacos, salt-and-pepper-fried chicken and lettuce wraps with lemongrass tofu. 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Ste. 213, Carlsbad, 760.994.0699, claracarlsbad.com A selection of dishes, including a flatbread and lemongrass tofu lettuce wraps at Clara restaurant and bar, which opened Sept. 1 in the Carlsbad Village Faire center in Carlsbad. (Kimberly Motos) Curbside Eatery & Drinkery, La Mesa Open since early October, Curbside is a new 2,200-square-foot social restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and elevated gastropub fare. Its the dream project of La Mesa native Jonathan Baron, who also owns nearby Regal Bar. As part of downtown La Mesas vibrant revitalization, Curbside opens up to the street with roll-up garage door-style windows and wraparound curbside patios. Menu specialties include ahi poke, short rib nachos, corn bread calamari, entree salads, gourmet burgers, tostadas and grilled steaks. 8353 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.825.7759, curbsidelamesa.com Curbside Eatery & Drinkery. (Courtesy photo) Curryosity, South Park Raj Mutti opened this sunny Indian restaurant in October in the long-shuttered Fire Horse space at Juniper and Fern streets. Mutti owns the Spice Lounge space in Pacific Beach, and many of that restaurants menu items can be found at Curryosity. Specialties of the house are tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, Nirvana chicken, tandoori shrimp and housemade naan bread cooked in a clay oven. Its now open for dinner. Lunch service is planned soon. 3023 Juniper St., South Park, 619.255.0660, curryositysd.com Curryosity. (Courtesy photo) Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House, downtown Billed as Americas ultra-premium steakhouse, Texas-born Del Friscos opened its 16th and first in California location on Nov. 3 on the bottom two floors of the new InterContinental San Diego hotel. The $10 million, 480-seat restaurant, helmed by executive chef Brian Christman, is known for the exclusivity of its beef program, which includes a nightly selection of 12 to 15 prime cuts every night. Diners can choose from 21-day wet-aged steaks to steaks that have been dry-aged for 14 to 45 days. There are also Wagyu beef cuts from Japan, Australia and Texas. Its signature is the $140 Double Eagle, a 32-ounce, 45-day dry-aged double-bone prime rib-eye. The restaurants wine list boasts 1,400 labels. 900 Bayfront Ct., No. 105 (at the InterContinental San Diego Hotel), downtown, 619.272.5060, delfriscos.com/steakhouse/sandiego Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House. (Courtesy photo) Duck Donuts, Encinitas One of the East Coasts most beloved doughnut chains opened its first San Diego County store on Oct. 20 in Encinitas. Named for the North Carolina town where the first shop opened in 2007, Duck Donuts is famous for its unique style of service. Every $2.25 vanilla cake doughnut is cooked to order (in about five minutes), served warm and custom-topped to customers specifications with more than 40 choices of coatings, toppings and drizzle sauces. Top-selling flavors are maple bacon and sugar cinnamon. The Encinitas franchise is owned by Brad and Laura Aughinbaugh of San Marcos. They are looking to open two to three more San Diego County locations in the coming years. 1452 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, 760.452.6849, duckdonuts.com/location/encinitas-ca A selection of just-decorated Duck Donuts. (Pam Kragen) Farmers Table, Bay Park Farmers Table Bay Park. (Courtesy photo) Farmers Table, the rustic Italian restaurant company founded in La Mesa in 2017 by Alberto Morreale and Vincenzo Lo Verso, opened its second location in Bay Parks Clairemont Village shopping center in October. The 3,500-square-foot location serves updated versions of Sicilian-style housemade pastas and Neopolitan-style pizzas baked in a Stefano Ferrara oven imported from Italy. Still to come, a third location planned in Little Italy. 3055 Clairemont Dr., Bay Park, 619.359.4485, myfarmerstable.com Farmers Table Bay Park. (Courtesy photo) Ketch Grill and Taps, Shelter Island The Brigantine restaurant chain opened this $3.5 million restaurant, beer and gelato venue in October in the former Red Sails Inn location on Shelter Island. Ketch is a 203-seat indoor/outdoor eatery featuring a mix of seafood and American pub fare, plus 18 craft beers on tap. The restaurant/bar joins the previously opened sister eatery Portside Gelato & Coffee. Ketch is now open for dinner daily, weekend brunch and breakfast service is available Wednesdays through Fridays. 2614 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island, 619.814.8080, ketchgrillandtaps.com Ketch Grill and Taps. (Courtesy photo) La Catrina Tapas & Cantina, North Park La Catrina Tapas & Cantina. (Courtesy photo) This modern-casual Baja-style Mexican bistro opened Oct. 19 in North Park in the former Tostadas restaurant space. Co-owner Roger Canez said the restaurant celebrates the culinary expertise of Mexican-born chefs Brandon Rodriguez and Omar Ramirez and the wines of Bajas Valle de Guadalupe. The menu features a variety of ceviches, shareable plates, two-taco plates and more substantial entrees. Specialties include rib-eye and bone marrow tacos, aguachile shrimp and carnitas and octopus sopes. 3139 University Ave., North Park, 619.436.0060, facebook.com/lacatrinasd La Catrina Tapas & Cantina. (Courtesy photo) Mattarello Cooking Lab, Gaslamp This 25-seat Italian bistro is the brainchild of Italian ex-patriates Lucia Celi and Francesco Guardini. The menu features fresh-made pasta, soups, salads, pizzas, focaccia and desserts. Diners can eat in-house or dine at home. The house specialties are meatballs, lasagna, ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta and ravioli stuffed with bacon, potato and nutmeg with butter and sage sauce. Theres also fresh Italian pastries and breakfast served all day. 518 Sixth Ave., downtown, 619.722.9110, mattarellocooking.com Mattarello. (Courtesy photo) North Italia, Fashion Valley Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts opens the latest branch of its North Italia brand, a modern Italian restaurant chain with 15 locations nationwide. The 8,500-square-foot restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating for 295 diners. San Diego chef and former Top Chef contestant Rich Sweeney oversees the menu of antipasti, pizzas, entree salads, seafood, steaks and grilled breads. The restaurant is open for dinner nightly, weekday lunch and weekend brunch service. A second San Diego County location is planned in 2019 in the One Paseo project in Del Mar Heights. 7055 Friars Rd. (at Fashion Valley mall), Mission Valley, 619.343.2301, northitaliarestaurant.com/locations/san-diego-ca-fashion-valley North Italia. (Courtesy photo) Side Bar, Gaslamp Side Bar. (Courtesy photo) RMD Groups 15-year-old nightclub/bar recently emerged from a major renovation by Davis Ink that added a new lounge area with a chic new bar including eye-popping sunburst-style lighting design. The new lounge offers a menu of elevated bites, such as a poke-style jackfruit and Tokyo Bites made with mushroom, ahi and crab. The new Side Bar Lounge is now open at 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. On Side Bars nightclub side is a new custom-designed LED lighting sculpture designed by SJ Lighting of Los Angeles. The club side is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. S536 Market St., downtown, 619.696.0946, sidebarsd.com Side Bar. (Courtesy photo) Stella Jeans Ice Cream, University Heights From the creators of the hipster coffee and pie joint Pop Pie Co. comes this new artisan small-batch ice cream shop right next door. Chef Gan Suebsarakham and business partner Steven Torres opened Stella Jean in mid-October. Suebsarakham is creating all of the gourmet flavors in-house using ingredients from Scott Brothers Dairy, Specialty Produce, Nibble Chocolate, Mizuba Tea Co., Good Taste Farms, Heart Roasters and many more. Recent flavor concoctions include Thai tea with black caramel; chocolate with spiced pecans; mango sticky rice; cold brew coffee; and mint chocolate chunk. The bite-size pies from next door are also available for a la mode treatment. Vegan, gluten-free waffle cones are made fresh, as well as brioche buns for gourmet ice cream sandwiches. 4404 Park Blvd., University Heights , 619.501.8252, stellajeans.com Stella Jeans Ice Cream. (Courtesy photo) Vistal, downtown Located on the third floor of the new InterContinental San Diego Hotel (just above the new Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House), this new seafood-centric restaurant overlooking San Diego Bay is overseen by two of San Diegos best-known chefs, Amy DiBiase (formerly of Tidal) and Paul McCabe (most recently of the Town & Country Resort). Open since mid-September, Vistals menu is sourced almost entirely from local fisherman, local produce farms and regional chicken and pork ranches. Specialties include sheeps milk ricotta gnudi dumplings, crispy skin white sea bass and coriander cider-glazed pork cheeks. 901 Bayfront Ct., Ste. 1 (at the InterContinental San Diego Hotel), downtown, 619.501.9400, vistalsd.com November 29, 2005 The San Diego Union-Tribune The San Diego Union-Tribune will mark its 150th anniversary in 2018 by presenting a significant front page from the archives each day throughout the year. Tuesday, November 29, 2005 In 2005 Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Rancho Santa Fe, resigned from Congress after admitting he took more than $2.4 million in bribes to help defense contractors land lucrative government contracts. The investigation began after a Copley News Service article appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune questioning the 2003 sale of Cunningham's Del Mar-area home. Here are the first few paragraphs of the story: Rep. Cunningham resigns; took $2.4 million in bribes By Onell R. Soto, Staff Writer Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned in disgrace yesterday after admitting he took more than $2.4 million in bribes to help defense contractors land lucrative government contracts. "This was a crime of unprecedented magnitude and extraordinary audacity,"U.S. Attorney Carol Lam said after the haggard-looking Vietnam War fighter ace pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion charges in San Diego federal court. While prosecutors had confirmed for several months they were investigating Cunningham's dealings with contractors, the scope of the corruption revealed yesterday was staggering. Lam described a five-year conspiracy that included bribes in the form of cash, mortgage payments, antiques, yachts, a Rolls-Royce, a college graduation party for Cunningham's daughter and two antique French commodes worth $7,200. The money was frequently funneled through Cunningham's bank accounts and his commercial Web site, Top Gun Enterprises. Some of the other goods were delivered to his homes in Arlington, Va., and Rancho Santa Fe. "It is abundantly clear that Congressman Cunningham let greed take priority over his duty to serve the best interests of his constituents and his country," Lam said. Cunningham, a Republican representing the 50th District, was a senior member of the powerful House Defense Appropriations subcommittee. Members of that subcommittee are well-situated to influence the military bureaucracy's selection of contractors. The 63-year-old Cunningham, who has battled skin and prostate cancer,looked noticeably thinner and walked slowly in the courtroom as he was led away by marshals to be photographed and fingerprinted after pleading guilty. "I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my high office," he said in a brief statement afterward. "I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, and most importantly," he said, pausing to wipe away tears,"the trust of my friends and family." View anniversary front pages online at sandiegouniontribune.com/150-years. For more from the Union-Tribune digital archives, go to newslibrary.com/sites/sdub. Searching is free, with registration. A fee is required to view full stories. A massive ivory trafficking ring has been been broken up at a La Jolla art gallery, and criminal charges filed against the perpetrators, San Diego City Atty. Mara Elliott said Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of elephant ivory and items containing ivory were confiscated from the Carlton Gallery in the popular Prospect Street shopping area and a nearby warehouse, Elliott said. The items were valued at more than $1.3 million. Misdemeanor charges have been filed against the gallery, along with salesman Miles Kupersmith and owner Victor Hyman Cohen, Elliott said. They are accused of violating a state law that bans the sale or possession of nearly all ivory. The law was authored by state Sen. Toni Atkins to protect elephants. Each year, poachers slaughter tens of thousands of African elephants to get ivory from their tusks. Advertisement The seizure was the largest since the law went into effect in 2016, Elliott said. She and others involved in the operation spoke at a news conference held at the San Diego Zoo, which belongs to an international alliance dedicated to stopping wildlife trafficking. State wildlife officials began investigating last year after officers observed two art deco sculptures in the gallerys display window. The sculptures appeared to contain ivory. Further inspections found additional items that appeared to contain illegal ivory, most from elephant tusks but some also from hippopotamus teeth, which the law also bans. On May 1, undercover officers purchased an ivory sculpture from Kupersmith, who offered to sell three more sculptures, Elliott said. That allowed wildlife officers to get a search warrant, which led to the seizure of a total of 338 pieces with elephant or hippopotamus ivory. Most illegal ivory goes to China, according to a fact sheet provided by Elliott. There, a pair of ivory chopsticks can sell for more than $1,000. In Central Africa, poaching is carried out by militias and terrorist groups to fund their operations. There are three exemptions to the ban under Atkins law, known as AB 96. One is for musical instruments manufactured no later than 1975. These are allowed to contain less than 20% ivory by volume. The second is made for antiques with less than 5% ivory by volume. The third exemption applies to ivory owned by educational institutions. But the items didnt fall under those exemptions, Elliott said. The sting Elliott was joined at the news conference by others from her office, along with Atkins, zoo director Dwight Scott, and officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department took part in a sting operation at the gallery that led to the charges. Among the fish and wildlife team present: Indiana Jones, an ivory-sniffing German shepherd mix. Theres bomb detection dogs, theres narcotics dogs, and this is a wildlife trafficking dog, said Paul Ton, one of the departments human officials. Ton took part in an investigation in San Diego County last year that led to the 24-count complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court. For 12 of the counts, the maximum penalty is a year in jail and/or a $40,000 fine. We visited dozens of businesses, and this business happened to be one where we identified potential violations, Ton said. The undercover visit also revealed an intent to violate the law, and that prompted the investigation, he said. While the various officials spoke at the zoos Elephant Odyssey, Shaba the African elephant strolled the grounds. Her kind numbered up to 5 million a century ago; now fewer than 500,000 are left. Each year, about 30,000 African elephants are killed. They are rated as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Natures Red List. Rampant ivory poaching has left elephants in dire straits: 96 are killed every day, Elliott said. At that rate, we have 10 years left to save them. Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, said she feels a local connection to elephant conservation because of the efforts of the zoo. And lately, shes been captivated by the new additions to the elephant herd at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We have these incredible new baby elephants, Atkins said. I dont know if you follow them on social media, I do, its the best part of my day. And you see Kaya and Zuli with the herd of female elephants that take care of them. Then you juxtaposition that to a picture of a baby elephant who is attached to its mother, who has been slaughtered, she said. There is nothing more horrific than that. Today in San Diego, our city attorney, our team of investigators, take a stand and say we will not tolerate this, Atkins said. Wider goals While this investigation focused on elephant and hippopotamus ivory, Atkins bill provides comprehensive protection of ivory from other mammals, including narwhal, walrus, warthog and whale. Moreover, it also bans trade in rhinoceros horn. As with elephants, rhinoceros poachers kill the animals. Adrian Foss, a captain with the states fish and wildlife service, said Atkins bill gave the department new resources to crack down on these various kinds of wildlife trafficking It gave us a unit of five officers, one lieutenant and four investigators, to go and take a deeper look at the ivory trade in California, Foss said. Im glad to say that were adding additional officers this year, too, which will be stationed down in Southern California and hopefully well go up north because theres plenty of trafficking up that way. The bill also added forensics expertise, he said. At our wildlife forensics lab we are doing some incredible work on ivory and rhinoceros DNA genetics testing, Foss said. Zoo director Scott discussed how poaching has virtually wiped out northern white rhinos. As we stand here this morning, there are only two northern white rhinos left in the world, Scott said. I have not seen a photo of those two animals that did not include armed guards. For years the zoo was home to Nola, a female northern white rhinoceros. When she died in 2015, Nola was one of only four living northern white rhinos. But if the zoo has its way, even total extinction wont be the last word in the story of the northern white rhinoceros. Zoo staff are cooperating with scientists at Scripps Research in an ambitious program to resurrect the subspecies with stem cell technology. Fikes writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. In 2012, Patrick Coleman was a new father with a new job, a house in a neighborhood that had been decimated by the 2007 Witch Creek fires and a nightmare commute that gave him plenty of time to worry about the many ways in which his life could go horribly wrong. Coleman was also a writer, and as he made the daily drive from Ramona to his job at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, he would pour his thoughts and fears about natures dangerous beauty and the loving insanity of new parenthood into a tape recorder. Six years later, Coleman is now the father of two daughters and those digital distress signals are now a book. Colemans Fire Season, an award-winning collection of prose poems, is being released on Saturday by Tupelo Press. What started out as a sort of commuter therapy became kind of a miracle. The 35-year-old author will be reading some of these poems at the Book Catapult bookstore in South Park on Thursday. Advertisement At pretty much no point did I think I had a book, Coleman said during a phone interview from the Disneyland parking lot, where he and his wife, Lauren, were about to embark on a day of adventure with 6-year-old Nora and 3-year-old Alice. I was writing to take care of myself. It was a way to make myself feel more present and less confused about the stresses of life. It helped me stay grounded and be there for my family and for my co-workers. It was a survival strategy. All of this has been a really huge surprise and a gift. Born in Orange County and raised in Oceanside, Coleman got his bachelors degree at UC Irvine and his Master of Fine Arts at Indiana University. He and Lauren returned to San Diego County in 2011 to be near family (Lauren grew up in Ramona), and Coleman got a job as a junior curator at the San Diego Museum of Art. The couple moved into the Witch Creek neighborhood where Laurens parents lived. The Witch Creek fire disaster had happened years before, but after Nora was born in 2012 , the threat felt fresh. At that point in Colemans sleep-deprived, logic-impaired life, all threats seemed fresh. Including the ones he was inflicting upon himself. What if there was another fire, and they couldnt get out? What if there wasnt another fire, but something else happened to Nora? What if he lost his job? What was he thinking bringing a family into the fire zone? What if he was not cut out to be a father? The questions were endless. Fortunately, the commute was long and the digital recorder had all the room in the world. So Coleman just started talking. I didnt have a plan going into it. But after I transcribed everything, I noticed certain themes emerging. Fire being a big one and being scared about having this fragile new baby being another one, said Coleman, now the assistant director of the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination at UC San Diego. I was thinking about how this beautiful wilderness can turn on us and be the thing that comes after us, and I was connecting that with having this beautiful new child whose health you are so desperately afraid will turn on you. In 2015, Fire Season won the Berkshire Prize, which Tupelo Press awards to a first or second poetry collection. For Coleman, the prize included publication of the book, which also features reproductions of the San Diego Museum of Art pieces that influenced Colemans poems. For readers, the prize is the thrill of seeing everyday experiences transformed into something that glows like art but feels like life. In the first of multiple poems called Fire Season, the grasses and the coyotes Coleman sees through his car window are the same shade of golden brown. His brain is fried, his daughter is little and life is stunning and terrifying at the same time. The lightning of a summer thunderstorm that came in from the desert struck the mountain two ranges over. Coleman writes. This is southern California. We have a baby. Theres always a fire somewhere, and we spend our days pacing out the distances between there and now. Colemans debut novel, The Churchgoer, is coming out next year. Hes not sure if he has more surprise poems in him or not, but he does know that the words were there when he needed them most. He hopes Fire Season will inspire readers to listen to what their own words are trying to tell them. I am a big advocate for writing that helps you. You can do it in a tape recorder in your car. You can type it on your cell phone in the bathroom. Any place is OK. Any form is OK. If it is a way to share your thoughts with the people in your life, thats all you really need from it. Book reading: Fire Season, by Patrick Coleman When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 Where: Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper Street, South Park Admission: Free Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com Brian Houston wanted to marry his sweetheart, a mother of two hed met on drinking and gambling binges in Tijuana, but he was in a bind. His fiancee couldnt legally cross into the U.S., and Houston, a San Diego native, couldnt cross into Mexico. They turned to the Door of Hope. On Nov. 18, 2017, the enormous steel door in the border fence in Friendship Park swung open and nearly a dozen pre-screened families embraced for mere minutes under the watchful eye of Border Patrol agents. Houston and his fiancee took it up a notch and, dressed in full wedding regalia, exchanged vows to the shock of onlookers and agents. Advertisement But what was initially a heartwarming story of cross-border love turned sour when Border Patrol later discovered why Houston couldnt cross into Mexico he was awaiting sentencing on charges of smuggling heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S. The Border Patrol was outraged, and soon after, the new chief put an end to future Door of Hope reunions. Meanwhile, the newlyweds survived the negative spotlight, but will remain apart in separate countries for a while longer. On Wednesday, Houston was sentenced in San Diego federal court to 41 months in prison. Smuggling drugs through the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Feb. 28, 2017, was rock bottom for Houston, whose addiction to gambling and alcohol began his freshman year at San Diego State University, according to documents filed in court. Brian acted on a primitive level of obtaining money so that he could continue to make that one more bet that was going to take him out of his debt and misery, his defense attorney, Russell Babcock, wrote in a sentencing memorandum. During their first meeting, Babcock said Houston used the word highjacked to describe the state of his brain when he drove the drugs across the border. While at first this metaphor seemed strange and perhaps exaggerated, having represented Mr. Houston for two years, counsel has become educated about the insidious grip of gambling, Babcock wrote. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw, Houston described a pleasant childhood raised by a Navy-enlisted father and teacher mother in which he excelled at music. He played classical piano and saxophone and later became the drum major of his high school marching band. But band parties and gambling trips to Tijuana opened a whole new world to Houston. His grades slipped, and he eventually dropped out to attend casino school. He moved to Las Vegas and, immersed in the culture, the addiction deepened. As the booze were unlimited and free while I was gambling, I always felt it necessary to drink as much as possible to get my moneys worth, Houston wrote the judge. And the more alcohol that I would consume, the more outrageous bets I would place which was a recipe for a disaster. Homesick, he moved back to San Diego, working at various tribal casinos here, and heeding the allure of the Tijuana casino scene on his off days. He met his future wife there, and embraced the opportunity to be a father figure to her two children, he wrote in his letter. Then, he was arrested. In the SENTRI lanes, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer became suspicious of a chemical odor emanating from the trunk and scrapes near the compartments lining, according to a criminal complaint. In his Volkswagen Jetta, officers found 47 pounds of methamphetamine, 43 pounds of heroin and 43 pounds of cocaine hidden in the truck, in all four doors, in rear quarter panels and the spare tire. Houston pleaded guilty and, while out on bond, sought intense treatment for his gambling and alcohol addiction, including a residential program in Los Angeles that reconnected him to his Jewish roots. He also got married in a hasty ceremony that reverberated in headlines across the country. Its a statement that love has no borders, Houston told reporters during his wedding. Even though we are divided by a giant fence here, we can still love each other on both sides of the fence. Enrique Morones, the founder of the migrant aid group Border Angels, organized the Door of Hope events to promote cross-border relations. Morones has said that his group gave the government the names of the families who wanted to participate for background checks. Border Patrol officials said at the time that Houston was screened through an internal vetting process based on biographical information provided to us. The Department of Homeland Security system did not indicate any red flags, officials said. The Border Patrol said that after the wedding, a subsequent review of Houstons information was completed and confirmed a match for a previous arrest for drug smuggling. In January, about a month after the drug charges came to light, San Diegos new Chief Agent Rodney Scott decided the border gate at Friendship Park which he called a maintenance gate would be opened for maintenance only. His official statement about the end of Door of Hope events did not mention the controversial wedding. Morones said the border chiefs decision was not based on the wedding mishap but on an existing opinion of such events. Morones said when Scott was previously in charge of the El Centro sector, he turned down requests for similar gate openings. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis A jury acquitted a man of one charge and deadlocked on others Wednesday in a double-murder case of a father and son shot at a Golden Hill bus stop seven years ago. Jurors found Marlon Johnson, 41, not guilty of first-degree murder of Darryl Hunter, 49. They deadlocked 10 to 2 in favor of conviction on all the other charges, including those involving the death of Hunters son, Keith Butler, 30, on Jan. 9, 2011. Deputy District Attorney Valerie Summers said she will try Johnson a third time unless the judge agrees to a defense request to dismiss the case. Advertisement San Diego Superior Court Judge Runston Maino said he was not inclined to dismiss the remaining charges, but would announce his decision on Friday. In two trials, Summers asked jurors to find Johnson guilty of first-or second-degree murder, with a special circumstance of committing multiple murders and allegations he used a gun. He also was charged with shooting into an inhabited vehicle, wounding the driver. Johnson did not face the death penalty, but would get a life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted of the most serious charges and allegations. Johnsons first trial ended in a mistrial in July, with jurors deadlocked 8 to 4 in favor of conviction. The second trial lasted a little more than two weeks and jurors deliberated about 10 hours over the course of several days. They told the judge on Tuesday they were deadlocked on all but one charge. Deputy Public Defender Kevin Haughton immediately asked for dismissal of the remaining charges, while Summers asked the judge to order further deliberations by the jury. Maino had the jury deliberate a little more on Tuesday. When they came back on Wednesday, the foreman assured the judge that they would remain deadlocked. The judge advised Johnson to consider a plea deal, such as to voluntary manslaughter, with a sentence that would allow him to one day walk out of prison a free man. Mr. Johnson, I believe its more likely that youd be convicted in a new trial, Maino told the defendant. If convicted, youll never be a free man again; youll spend the rest of your life in prison. The night leading up to the shooting, Butler and Hunter had been visiting the younger mans girlfriend for about an hour. When Hunter left, his son accompanied him to a bus stop at 30th and C streets. The two men and a passing motorist were hit with gunfire 20 minutes later, about 8:30 p.m. Butler ran back to his girlfriends apartment, told her to call 911, then collapsed. He and Hunter later died at a hospital. In the ensuing chaos, witnesses gave police different descriptions of the shooter and described different getaway vehicles. Johnson was identified early on as a suspect, but San Diego police homicide investigators said they didnt have enough evidence to arrest him at the time. Then in 2016, they announced new evidence against Johnson. He was arrested in Arkansas and brought to San Diego to face trial. Summers presented evidence that Johnsons DNA was on cigarette butts found near where a white Monte Carlo had been parked until the shooting, when it was seen speeding away. She said cellphone tower records showed his phone was in the area that night. A witness testified that right after the shooting, Johnson told her he got into it with two guys who tried to rob him. Haughton told jurors no one identified Johnson as the shooter and that the physical evidence linked him only to the scene, not the crime. pauline.repard@sduniontribune Twitter: @pdrepard The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is notifying people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis at Southwestern College that they should be tested on campus beginning next week. The initial infection usually has no symptoms, so we recommend testing for all those exposed to assure they are not infected, County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said in a statement released by the agency Wednesday. For any infected individuals, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease. Someone who has been diagnosed with tuberculosis had been at the school between Aug. 20 and Nov. 8, and people who were potentially exposed to the person have been notified. The college will provide free testing to faculty, staff members and students with identification from Dec. 3-14 in Room 601F of the student center on the Chula Vista campus. Advertisement Tuberculosis is transmitted from person to person through indoor air during prolonged contact with someone who is infected. Most people who are exposed do not become infected, and the infection can be cured with antibiotics. Symptoms of infection include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. According to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, the number of annual TB cases in the county has decreased since the early 1990s and has stabilized in recent years. There were 258 cases reported in 2016 and 237 in 2017. So far, there have been 175 reported cases this year. For more information on the potential exposure at Southwestern College, call the schools students health services at (619) 482-6354 or the San Diego County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621. Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 They deliver your most fragile parcels. They arrive at your doorstep with the most intimate letters from loved ones. They are U.S. Postal Service workers. But in the Atlanta area, they also have been handling a precious commodity of a different sort: cocaine. Sixteen letter carriers and clerks accepted bribes for as little as $250 to transport 2 kilograms or more of the contraband at a time, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia, which began probing their activities in 2015. For that bargain, they received sentences of three to nine years in federal prison, with the final defendant sentenced on Tuesday. Advertisement Postal employees are paid to deliver mail, not drugs, Imari Niles, a special agent with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, said in a news release. Chris Hacker, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations Atlanta field office, called the scheme a blatant abuse of the public trust and said it stains the reputation of all U.S. Postal Service employees. The felonious arrangements also endangered the residents on the postal routes served by the employees, he said, by bringing drugs into their communities. The Postal Service, which touts itself as the most trusted government agency, has also become a trusted delivery mechanism for drug traffickers. A report released in September by the Postal Service Office of Inspector General found that U.S. mail was a highly effective and low-risk means of getting drugs to buyers. One cocaine trafficker, the report said, claimed to have used the service to make nearly 4,000 shipments, reporting a 100% delivery rate. The system is so trusted by dealers that nearly half of the 96 traffickers identified by the inspector generals report offered free, partial, or full reshipment if the package did not arrive to the buyers address because it was confiscated, stolen, or lost. Regulations limiting the ability of postal inspectors to open and inspect parcels have made the transmission of drugs through the mail relatively common, the report warned. More rare, however, is the case of postal workers actively facilitating the trade. Heres how the postal workers in Atlanta were busted, according to federal prosecutors. In 2015, federal agents tasked with slowing the drug trade in Atlanta learned that traffickers were relying on a new way to circulate their supplies covertly. They were bribing postal workers to intercept and hand-deliver packages of drugs during the course of their regular distribution, which took them not just to the citys bustling downtown but also through residential neighborhoods in metro Atlanta. Agents enlisted a confidential source to pose as a drug trafficker on the lookout for postal workers to convey kilograms of cocaine and marijuana. The faux trafficker found many willing partners, who agreed to deliver the parcels and haggled over their compensation. Agents watched from afar, recording the interactions. Each of the defendants identified by the undercover source chose to deliver cocaine rather than marijuana because they believed the more illicit drug would merit a higher bribe. When the source asked them to suggest additional postal workers for the scheme, some introduced the confidential emissary to co-workers interested in participating and then claimed a bonus for each parcel transmitted by their recruit. The defendants ranged in age from 26 to 64. In addition to prison time, they were slapped with financial penalties as high as $10,500. An additional defendant, who was not a postal employee but helped facilitate the deliveries, was ordered to pay $10,700, in addition to a nine-year prison sentence. The final defendant sentenced this week was Leea Janel Holt, 39, of Atlanta. A letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office, Holt was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison. The Postal Service handles 47% of spherical mail and delivers hundreds of millions of private carriers ground packages, according to the inspector generals report, which was requested by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). The Internet has dramatically expanded the availability of illicit drugs by offering traffickers and their buyers a degree of anonymity that had once been impossible, the report said. Each incident of drugs shipped in the mail, the oversight officer cautioned, erodes the publics trust in the postal system. Seizures by the Postal Inspection Service are on the rise. More than 40,000 pounds were recovered last year, according to an annual report, while border agents seized nearly 1,500 pounds of fentanyl alone in 2017. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are trying to make it easier for the Postal Service to guard against opioids arriving in the U.S. through international packages. But the inspector general warned that the agency was hamstrung by constitutional limits and postal regulations. Similar procedures dont apply to private carriers, because they enter into individual contracts with their customers that include a stipulation allowing them to open and inspect packages at any time. Criminals realize this and prefer to use the Postal Service for this reason, the report warned. Defying President Trump, senators sent a strong signal Wednesday they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the slaying of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Senate voted 63 to 37 to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but to the Trump administration, which has been clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia over the killing. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggis brutal killing in Turkey last month. Advertisement U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for the Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, where he had gone to pick up paperwork to get married. Echoing Trumps public comments on the killing, Pompeo said after Wednesdays briefing with senators that there was no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the killing, and Mattis said there was no smoking gun making the connection. Pompeo argued that the war in Yemen would be a hell of a lot worse if the United States were not involved. Wednesdays procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year the end of the current Congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didnt attend because she would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. And Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that didnt happen and declared, Im not going to blow past this. CIA Press Secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senate leaders and would continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress. In another explanation, a White House official said Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after a similar resolution fell six votes short of passage this year. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said in the past he had laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia. But he said he believed the Senate should figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests. He said the crown prince owns this death. He owns it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that some kind of response was needed from the United States for the Saudis role in Khashoggis death. On Tuesday, he said that what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world. Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administrations broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggis killing has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies. Trump has said it may never be known who was responsible for the killing, and in public comments and a long and unusual statement last week he reinforced the United States long-standing alliance with the Saudis. Trump has praised a pending arms deal with the kingdom that he says will provide the U.S. with jobs and lucrative payments, though some outside assessments say the economic benefits are exaggerated. Tony Hicks was 14 and a junior high school student when he became a killer. Tariq Khamisa was 20 years old, a full-time college student and a part-time pizza delivery driver when Hicks bullet ended his life during a robbery in 1995. Hicks, then a gang member known as Bone, would become the youngest person charged with murder as an adult in California at that time. On Wednesday, after 24 years behind bars, Hicks was granted parole. Its what his victims father wanted. Advertisement We are thrilled. Tony has worked hard for this. He earned it, said Azim Khamisa, who attended the parole hearing at the California Mens Colony prison in San Luis Obispo, where Hicks is housed. Not long after his sons death, the grieving father created the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, or TKF, an organization devoted to stopping gang violence. Photo of Tariq Khamisa, who in 1995, at the age of 20, was shot and killed by Tony Hicks. (courtesy photo) Now, we have the opportunity to bring Tony into the Foundation, Khamisa said in a statement issued after the hearing. Because he can tell his powerful story firsthand, he will save the lives of thousands of children. The gunmans grandfather, Ples Felix, embraced the cause. Together, the two men are the heart of the foundation, which has great reach in San Diego County, connecting with more than 500,000 young people across the county since 1995. In a phone call after the hearing, Felix thanked the parole board and expressed tremendous joy at the decision. In the same call, the victims sister, Tasreen Khamisa, said the right choice was made today. She is the executive director of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. While in prison, Hicks has participated in the organization, writing a blog and answering questions from students. The plan is to bring in Hicks as a speaker as soon as he is released. I know my brother is shining down on all of us and his death was not in vain, Khamisa said. The story of Tariq and Tony have changed so many lives, she continued. And Tony redeeming himself in the name of the person whose life he took is a beautiful thing. Even though the board OKd parole for Hicks, now 38, he probably wont get out until early next year, perhaps in the spring. According to state officials, he is not eligible for release until October. But because he was 14 at the time of the crime, he is viewed as a youth offender, and there is a chance that factor might shave off some time, although that is not entirely clear. His supporters hope to have him out by spring. The grant of parole is not final. The decision will undergo an internal review by the Board of Parole Hearings for the next 120 days. After that, incoming-Gov. Gavin Newsom has a month to review the grant. He has several options, including approving or nixing the grant of parole, asking the parole board to reconsider, or changing the release date. Tony redeeming himself in the name of the person whose life he took is a beautiful thing. Tasreen Khamisa, sister of Tariq Khamisa Prosecutors usually oppose parole on the inmates first try. In this case, District Attorney Summer Stephan did not take a position. She said last week that she could not ignore a serious incident in 2001 when Hicks attacked a prison guard with a shank, but would attend the parole hearing with an open mind. She issued a statement after the ruling to grant parole. I respect the boards decision as well as the views of the victims family who have turned their personal tragedy into a force for good, Stephan said. Its my sincere hope that Mr. Hicks will become a productive member of the community upon his release. The killing happened on Jan. 21, 1995 21 days after a change in the law allowed prosecutors to try a juvenile as young as 14 as an adult. He was the youngest Californian at that time to face that legal fate. Eventually, the teen faced a San Diego judge and admitted killing Tariq Khamisa. Hicks had strong outside support for his release, including from the judge who back in 1996 had sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison. Supporters often point to the organization created by Khamisa and Felix. The two men and their foundation were working on restorative justice the idea that reconciliation with victims furthers rehabilitation of the offender before it became a movement. In Hicks, kids will hear his tale and what led him into gangs. Both of his parents were members. His mother was just 14 when she had him, and his father, at 15, landed in Juvenile Hall. In his early years, he was raised by his single mother in South Central Los Angeles. Three of his cousins would be killed in gangland crossfire. At 9 years old, he and his mother came to live with his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran who had also grown up on tough streets but had walked away. And over the many years his grandson sat in prison, Felix worked with Khamisa to end gang violence. On Wednesday, he said he had also worked to show his grandson that he would be taken care of in a way that he could exude confidence. Asked if there were tears in the hearing that ended with a grant of parole, Felix laughed. Between Tasreen and I, Felix said, we probably destroyed a box of Kleenex. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT UPDATES: 5:05 p.m.: This story was updated to include statements from people at the hearing. It was originally posted at 3:45 p.m. Police continued to investigate Thursday, a day after an Encanto resident shot an intruder who had broken in to his home shortly before noon. The shooting happened moments after a neighbor had spotted the man making a scene on the street in front of the residence, on Charlene Avenue, in a neighborhood north of Mallard Street. An individual was out front causing a disturbance, vandalizing a car, then he went around to the back of the house and broke out a window and went inside, San Diego Police Lt. Benjamin Kelso told OnScene TV on Wednesday. According to Kelso, one of the people in the home had a gun and fired at the intruder. It appears, he said, that the intruder may have been related to people in the home. Advertisement The people inside were not anticipating someone breaking a window and coming into the house, he said. Kelso said the man was struck once, and his wound did not appear to be life-threatening. One neighbor, who declined to be identified, told OnScene TV that before the shooting, she had spotted the stranger screaming and pacing and yelling across from her home. She said he screamed at her to go back into her home. She also saw him carrying large rocks. On Thursday, police Sgt. Michael Stirk said a detective has been assigned to the case, and it remains under investigation. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A 62-year-old man sitting in his car near a Lemon Grove ATM was shot in the leg and robbed of his cellphone Wednesday, authorities said. The holdup happened around noon as the victim was still in his car outside the Union Bank on Lemon Grove Avenue and Golden Avenue just south of Broadway, Sgt. Jacob Klepach said. He was preparing to step out of the car when a man approached and pointed a semiautomatic handgun at him. The suspect demanded money, stole the victims cellphone and shot him once in the leg, Klepach said. He fled in a black crossover-type SUV that was parked on Golden Avenue and last seen headed north on Lemon Grove Avenue. Paramedics took the victim to a hospital with an injury that was not expected to be life-threatening, the sergeant said. Advertisement No physical description of the suspect was available. He wore an orange shirt, a hat, sunglasses and a bandanna covering his face. Deputies searched unsuccessfully for the thief by ground and aboard a patrol helicopter, but he remained at large Wednesday evening. Wednesdays violent robbery happened about a mile from where two masked gunmen fired off a shot without injuring anyone while holding up an AT&T store in Lemon Grove around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday. Those thieves made off with store merchandise during the brazen robbery. It wasnt immediately clear if investigators believed there was any connection between the two incidents. City News Service contributed to this report. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com UPDATES: 12:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28. Oceanside police on Thursday announced that they have arrested a suspect in a deadly shooting in the citys Libby Lake neighborhood last week. The victim was identified as 24-year-old David Orozco. The suspect is Stuart Lopez, 29. Both men are from Oceanside, Oceanside police spokesman Tom Bussey said. About 2:50 a.m. on Nov. 21, someone called 911 to report hearing gunshots near Calle Montecito, near Libby Lake, a city park. Police arrived and found Orozco lying dead in the street with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Advertisement Lopez was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder. He remained jailed without bail Thursday, according to online jail records. Bussey did not provide further information. Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call detectives at (760) 435-4748. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT National City police arrested two men earlier this month in connection with a 2015 shooting that killed an 18-year-old San Diego man and wounded a 17-year-old National City boy, the department announced Wednesday. For a little more than three years, the Oct. 11, 2015, slaying of Juan Carlos Munoz Jr. remained unsolved, but on Nov. 6, National City police arrested 30-year-old Roger Francisco Hernandez on suspicion of seven felonies in connection with the killing, including murder and attempted murder. Nine days later, on Nov. 15, Luis Karam-Solis, 29, was arrested on suspicion of five felony counts in connection with the shooting, including murder and two counts of attempted murder. Both men remained in custody Wednesday, Hernandez on $3.1 million bail and Karam-Solis on $5 million bail. Advertisement According to police, the deadly shooting happened 7:50 p.m. at East 16th and Prospect streets in National City. Munoz and his passenger were followed there by two men in a silver Nissan Altima, and when they reached the intersection, the Altimas passenger got out and approached Munozs vehicle on the drivers side. The man pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds at Munoz and the 17-year-old passenger, National City police Lt. Greg Seward said in a statement. Both victims were shot while they sat in their vehicle. Munoz was struck four times in his left side from close range, while his passenger was struck once in the left thigh, National City police Sgt. Christopher Cameon said. The gunman got back into the Altima, which was last seen speeding away east on East 16th Street. Several residents rushed out of nearby homes to call 911 and give emergency medical aid to both victims until paramedics arrived, Seward said. Munoz later died in an ambulance on the way to a hospital. Last month, on the day that marked three years since Munozs slaying, his family gathered for a candlelight vigil on the residential street corner where he was gunned down. That same day, authorities asked for public help to identify suspects in the case and offered a $5,000 reward $4,000 put up by Munozs family for information leading to an arrest. In an email to the Union-Tribune, Seward said that despite the coincidental timing, it was not a Crime Stoppers tip that led to the arrests of Hernandez and Karam-Solis. The arrests were the result of an in-depth investigation and analysis of all available evidence and (detailed) descriptions from our witnesses, Seward said. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com Nine people were displaced after a fire tore through their home in unincorporated Vista, and authorities are trying to figure out how the fire started, sheriffs officials said. The fire was reported just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at a home on Primrose Avenue, off Lobelia Drive north of state Route 78. For the record: This story was updated with the correct time and day of the fire. Deputies arrived to find that the fire department had extinguished the blaze, officials said in a statement issued Wednesday. The nine occupants were able to get out of the home, and no one was hurt. The Red Cross was called in to help them find housing. Advertisement The cause of the fire has not been determined. A fire marshal with the Vista Fire Department asked the sheriffs bomb/arson unit to help; the unit is now handling the investigation. The damage to the home was estimated to be about $50,000, and it is no longer habitable. San Diego Gas & Electric shut off gas and power to the home. Nearby resident Chris Fracasse said he rounded a corner as he headed home and spotted black smoke pouring out of the house. He said he stopped to help, and saw one person trying to douse the flames with a garden hose. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT UPDATES: 2:20 p.m.: This story was updated with new information and a courtesy photo. It was originally posted at 8:55 a.m. Taking a page from Hollywoods playbook, a spiritual blockbuster has inspired a sequel. The Shabbat Project has turned out to be almost revolutionary, showing that traditional thinking can unite people, said Selwyn Isakow, co-founder of Shabbat San Diego. The new project, the House of Learning, takes 50 lessons in morality in todays world and tries to use that as a tool for bringing people together and uniting them. Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, creator of the Shabbat Project and the House of Learning, will speak at 7 p.m. Monday at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla. In 2013, Goldstein began the Shabbat Project in his native South Africa. His goal was to bring together Jews of all traditions in spiritual activities, from Shabbat dinners to Jewish-themed lectures to challah-baking sessions. Advertisement A year later, San Diego was among the first U.S. cities to follow suit. Shabbat San Diego, which now involves about 130 local groups and thousands of individuals, is now featured in a webinar shown to Jewish communities in cities around the world. Even so, San Diego doesnt always follow the strictest letter of the rabbinical law. For instance, in orthodox tradition challah baking is reserved for women but that wasnt true in every San Diego session. Although driving is forbidden on the Jewish Sabbath, locals are not criticized for driving to distant Shabbat San Diego events. Instead of following the tradition precisely, Isakow said, all we are asking our community to do is to make this the most meaningful Shabbat theyve ever had. The House of Learning uses multimedia presentations to apply lessons from the Torah to modern life. What it means to be a Jew in todays world, Isakow said. Goldstein, who has a Ph.D in human rights and constitutional law, was 32 when he was appointed chief rabbi in 2003. He has written several books, including African Soul Talk: When Politics is Not Enough, co-authored with Dumani Mandela, a grandson of Nelson Mandela; and Defending the Human Spirit: Jewish Laws Vision for a Moral Society. The House of Learning curriculum, which is free of charge, will be offered to local Jewish organizations by mid-2019. A massive ivory trafficking ring has been been broken up at a La Jolla art gallery, and criminal charges filed against the perpetrators, San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott said Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of elephant ivory and items containing ivory were confiscated from the Carlton Gallery in the popular Prospect Street shopping area and a nearby warehouse, Elliott said. The items were valued at more than $1.3 million. Misdemeanor charges have been filed against the gallery, along with salesman Miles Kupersmith, and owner Victor Hyman Cohen, Elliott said. They are accused of violating a state law that bans the sale or possession of nearly all ivory. The law was authored by State Sen. Toni Atkins to protect elephants. Each year, poachers slaughter tens of thousands of African elephants to get ivory from their tusks. Advertisement The seizure was the largest since the law went into effect in 2016, Elliott said. She and others involved in the operation spoke at a press conference held at the San Diego Zoo, which belongs to an international alliance dedicated to stopping wildlife trafficking. State wildlife officials began investigating last year after officers observed two art deco sculptures in the gallerys display window. The sculptures appeared to contain ivory. Further inspections found additional items that appeared to contain illegal ivory, most from elephant tusks but some also from hippopotamus teeth, which the law also bans. On May 1, undercover officers purchased an ivory sculpture from Kupersmith, who offered to sell three more sculptures, Elliott said. That allowed wildlife officers to get a search warrant, which led to the seizure of a total of 338 pieces with elephant or hippopotamus ivory. Most illegal ivory goes to China, according to a fact sheet provided by Elliott. There, a pair of ivory chopsticks can sell for more than $1,000. In Central Africa, poaching is carried out by militias and terrorist groups to fund their operations. There are three exemptions to the ban under Atkins law, known as AB 96. One is for musical instruments manufactured no later than 1975. These are allowed to contain less than 20 percent ivory by volume. The second is made for antiques with less than 5 percent ivory by volume. The third exemption applies to ivory owned by educational institutions. But the items didnt fall under those exemptions, Elliott said. The sting Elliott was joined at the press conference by others from her office, along with Atkins, zoo director Dwight Scott, and officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department took part in a sting operation at the gallery that led to the charges. Among the fish and wildlife team present: Indiana Jones, an ivory-sniffing German shepherd mix. Theres bomb detection dogs, theres narcotics dogs, and this is a wildlife trafficking dog, said Paul Ton, one of the departments human officials. Ton took part in an investigation in San Diego County last year that led to the 24-count complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court. For 12 of the counts, the maximum penalty is a year in jail and/or a $40,000 fine. We visited dozens of businesses, and this business happened to be one where we identified potential violations, Ton said. The undercover visit also revealed an intent to violate the law, and that prompted the investigation, he said. While the various officials spoke at the zoos Elephant Odyssey, Shaba the African elephant strolled the grounds. Her kind numbered up to 5 million a century ago; now fewer than 500,000 are left. Each year, about 30,000 African elephants are killed. They are rated as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Natures Red List. Rampant ivory poaching has left elephants in dire straits: 96 are killed every day, Elliott said. At that rate, we have 10 years left to save them. Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, said she feels a local connection to elephant conservation because of the efforts of the zoo. And lately, shes been captivated by the new additions to the elephant herd at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We have these incredible new baby elephants, Atkins said. I dont know if you follow them on social media, I do, its the best part of my day. And you see Kaya and Zuli with the herd of female elephants that take care of them. Then you juxtaposition that to a picture of a baby elephant who is attached to its mother, who has been slaughtered, she said. There is nothing more horrific than that. Today in San Diego, our city attorney, our team of investigators, take a stand and say we will not tolerate this, Atkins said. Wider goals While this investigation focused on elephant and hippopotamus ivory, Atkins bill provides comprehensive protection of ivory from other mammals, including narwhal, walrus, warthog and whale. Moreover, it also bans trade in rhinoceros horn. As with elephants, rhinoceros poachers kill the animals. Adrian Foss, a captain with the states fish and wildlife service, said Atkins bill gave the department new resources to crack down on these various kinds of wildlife trafficking It gave us a unit of five officers, one lieutenant and four investigators, to go and take a deeper look at the ivory trade in California, Foss said. Im glad to say that were adding additional officers this year, too, which will be stationed down in Southern California and hopefully well go up north because theres plenty of trafficking up that way. The bill also added forensics expertise, he said. At our wildlife forensics lab we are doing some incredible work on ivory and rhinoceros DNA genetics testing, Foss said. Zoo director Scott discussed how poaching has virtually wiped out northern white rhinos. As we stand here this morning, there are only two northern white rhinos left in the world, Scott said. I have not seen a photo of those two animals that did not include armed guards. For years the zoo was home to Nola, a female northern white rhinoceros. When she died in 2015, Nola was one of only four living northern white rhinos. But if the zoo has its way, even total extinction wont be the last word in the story of the northern white rhinoceros. Zoo staff are cooperating with scientists at Scripps Research in an ambitious program to resurrect the subspecies with stem cell technology. Suspected wildlife trafficking and polluting can be confidentially reported to the California Fish and Wildlife Department by calling 888-334-2258. Related reading CalTIP - Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters DNA testing of illegal ivory seized by law enforcement links multiple ivory shipments to same dealers Kenyan elephant activist wants an ivory arrest From stem cells, new hope for species on extinctions brink After her death, Nolas legacy lives on TJ Cox defeated three-term Republican Rep. David Valadao on Wednesday, giving Democrats a gain of seven House seats in California and 40 nationwide the partys strongest midterm showing since the Watergate era in the mid-1970s. Cox clinched his victory more than three weeks after election day, when updated results from Fresno and Kings counties pushed his lead over Valadao to 529 votes. The contest was the countrys last remaining undecided congressional contest. Cox, 55, trailed the GOP lawmaker by nearly 4,400 votes on election night but steadily gained ground as mail-in and other ballots tipped his way. Let this be a message to every Republican, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said in a tweet claiming victory. If you come for Americans livelihoods, we WILL come for your seats. Advertisement The pattern is a familiar one in California, where Republicans tend to vote early and Democrats later; ballots postmarked on election day are counted so long as they are received by election officials within three days. Others were counted once signatures and other details were verified, a process that takes weeks to complete. Valadao has been a perennial Democratic target since his first election in 2012, as the 21st Congressional District leans heavily Democratic in voter registration. But Valadao consistently prevailed, even winning in 2016 when Hillary Clinton carried the district by double digits, thanks to a relentless focus on local issues. The Central Valley district, which roughly parallels Interstate 5 from Fresno to Bakersfield, is heavily rural, and Valadao, who comes from a line of family dairy farmers, made a good fit. But the anti-Trump wave that helped turn traditionally Republican Orange County blue this November also caught up with Valadao, who was relentlessly attacked by Cox for his nearly 100% voting record for the presidents agenda. The run marked Coxs second try for Congress, following an unsuccessful bid in 2006. An engineer by training, he founded two nut-processing companies and serves as president of a local community development organization. Valadao was one of seven California lawmakers representing districts that Clinton carried. Two did not seek reelection and five lost. Democrats flipped the nearby 10th Congressional District as well as seats in northern Los Angeles, Orange and northern San Diego counties. With Valadaos ouster, Republicans will hold just seven of Californias 53 House seats. That is the fewest since 1947, when California had just 23 seats, according to Political Data, a firm that tracks voter trends. The gain of 40 seats nationwide is the most for Democrats since 1974, when the party picked up 49 after President Nixon resigned under threat of impeachment and removal from office for his role in the Watergate corruption scandal. mark.barabak@latimes.com @markzbarabak UPDATES: 3:15 p.m.: This article was updated with Democrats claiming victory. This article was originally published at 2 p.m. Eric Bauman, the powerful chairman of the California Democratic Party, made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching or physical intimidation in professional settings, 10 party staff members and political activists said in interviews with The Times. When presented with the allegations, Bauman said in a statement Wednesday that he planned to seek treatment for health issues and alcohol use. I deeply regret if my behavior has caused pain to any of the outstanding individuals with whom Ive had the privilege to work. I appreciate the courage it took for these individuals to come forward to tell their stories, Bauman said. In the interest of allowing the CDPs independent investigation to move forward, I do not wish to respond to any of the specific allegations. However, I will use the time I am on leave to immediately seek medical intervention to address serious, ongoing health issues and to begin treatment for what I now realize is an issue with alcohol, he said. Advertisement Leading the California Democratic Party to historic victories has been the honor of a lifetime, and I look forward to continuing this important work upon the conclusion of the investigation and when my health allows, Bauman, 59, said in his statement. The allegations come after a tumultuous week in which Bauman was accused of unspecified misconduct and took a leave of absence. In a letter last week calling for Baumans resignation, Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall referred only to a clear and escalating pattern of Chairman Baumans horrific and dehumanizing behavior. Bauman, who is gay, is a fixture in California and LGBTQ politics. A former nurse who ascended to the top echelon of the state Democratic Party, Bauman has built a reputation for being brash and boisterous, with a large circle of allies within the party. As chairman, he is the face of the Democratic Party in California and helps guide its campaign efforts, fundraising and policy positions. But the people who spoke to The Times said his familiarity crossed the line into inappropriate conduct over more than a decade, behavior that at times appeared to be tolerated by some in the party. Some of those interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear it could hurt their careers. Others said they felt conflicting emotions about speaking out, knowing it could harm the party. People just didnt know how to speak up about it, said Allan Acevedo, a political consultant who is active in the youth arm of the party. There was a sense of loyalty. Not just to him, but to any advancement that any LGBT person makes in terms of us having representation at the table. Eight current party staffers said that, while he was serving as chairman, Bauman would regularly make sexually explicit comments in the workplace to men and women, including remarks about sexual acts, his and other staffers genitalia, and being sexually attracted to staff members. One female staffer based in Southern California said Bauman made obscene comments to her at an official dinner in September 2017. The staffer, who describes herself as a masculine-presenting woman, said Bauman, using explicit language, told her that she must have been a gay man in her past life because he wanted to sleep with her. She said he made another remark about men he liked to have sex with. Another party staffer told The Times that the woman discussed the incident with her soon after the event. A gay male party official said that during professional interactions with Bauman, the party chairman inquired about his sex life with his partner. The Times reviewed text messages between the official and Bauman that show Bauman making sexually suggestive remarks. The official also said he witnessed Bauman taunting staff members on multiple occasions about their sexual orientation and their physical appearance. The eight staff members each said they also experienced or witnessed Bauman engaging in unwanted touching, particularly directed toward male staffers. One staffer said that, starting in October and continuing through the November election, he received unwanted attention from Bauman, including touching his back and abdomen, and a prolonged hug in which the chairman groaned. He said Bauman also made sexually charged comments to him in front of colleagues, and whispered into his ear. A current staff member told The Times that Bauman directed physical and verbal attention at the staffer and said the touching and comments appeared to make the staffer uncomfortable. The staffer said he spoke to a supervisor about Baumans behavior, but the supervisor dissuaded him from pressing the issue. In another incident, a harassment complaint was filed against Bauman following a November bus tour in which party officials and staff traveled the state to rally with Democratic candidates. Grace Leekley, 21, a temporary worker in the partys communications department, said she had chosen not to go on the bus, in part because she did not want to be in close quarters with Bauman. She met up with the tour at a Nov. 1 event in Chico and joined the staff for lunch, where she sat next to Kate Earley, 21, who had started about six weeks earlier as the partys digital director. Leekley and Earley said that during the lunch, Bauman shushed the staffers at the table and then asked the women, within earshot of their colleagues, if the two were having an affair. When both women said no, Bauman pressed the issue, they said, telling them he would not mind if they were involved in a sexual relationship so long as it did not affect the workplace. I felt really embarrassed, almost ashamed, and uncomfortable, Leekley said. Im basically bottom-of-the-barrel staff and hes the most powerful man in the party. I didnt feel comfortable saying anything. A party staffer told The Times that he heard Bauman make the comments and said the two women told him afterward they felt deeply uncomfortable. Earley filed a complaint to her supervisor within 30 minutes of the incident and spoke with the human resources department later that day, she said. Her attorney said the complaint remains unresolved. As of the time he took a leave of absence on Monday, Bauman had not seen a formal complaint, according to a source close to the chairman. The state Democratic Partys handbook prohibits harassment, including verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individuals body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations, as well as physical conduct such as assault (unwanted touching), blocking normal movement, or interfering with work directed at an individual because of his or her sex or any other basis. It also has a policy against alcohol use in the workplace or while performing official duties. Leekley, Earley and five other staff members who spoke to The Times all said they witnessed Bauman frequently consuming alcohol during the workday, sometimes as early as midmorning. Just months into his tenure as party chairman last November with the country focused on the #MeToo movement Bauman said the party had a 100% no-tolerance policy on sexual harassment. Nobody should go to work and be in fear, be looking over their shoulder or dodging down the hallway because a bully or harasser is coming, he said at a speaking event. Before taking the helm of the state party, Bauman was Los Angeles County Democratic Party chairman from 2000 to 2017, earning a reputation as a gregarious and intimidating party boss. I am, in appropriate circumstances, very aggressive. But on the natural, because of my Bronx demeanor, I always come off like a tough guy, he said in a 2017 interview with The Times during his campaign for state chair. People come up to me on the street all the time and think I am Joe Pesci. I try to work with that. Bauman moved to Hollywood from New York when he was 18 years old. He would go on to work as a registered nurse, and met his now-husband, also a nurse, at a hospital coffee shop. He then became a union organizer at Los Angeles-area hospitals and became active in the Democratic Party. He joined and later became president of the Los Angeles County Stonewall Democratic Club, a political group that advocates for LGBTQ rights, and from that perch launched his successful campaign to lead the county party. One of Baumans accusers, a Southern California man who is involved with progressive causes, said he was 17 and a high school senior when he met with Bauman, then the county chairman, in 2006 for an informational interview about building a career in politics. The man, who is gay, said he and Bauman were broadly discussing how the experience of LGBTQ people had changed over time. He said Bauman told him in explicit language that, if it were the 1980s, Bauman would take him to the back alley and have sex with him without using protection. A friend of the man told The Times that the man recounted the incident to him in 2017. He was aware I was a high school student. I wasnt in college yet, said the man, who is now in his late 20s. Even if I was 18, even if it happened now, it would be profoundly unacceptable. Acevedo was getting his start in state Democratic politics in 2009 when he first met Bauman. He recalled Bauman hanging around with Acevedo and other young gay men. He said Bauman would make comments about which men he thought were cute and guessed at the preferred sexual roles of those in the group. The young men would make bawdy jokes as well, Acevedo said, and generally seemed to go along with his behavior. Acevedo, now 29, progressed in party politics. In January 2016, while interim chairman of the California Young Democrats, Acevedo and his ex-boyfriend, a party staffer, had dinner with Bauman and his husband, Acevedo said. Acevedo planned to stay over at Baumans house that night and said Bauman made a number of comments that evening about Acevedo having sex at his home. Acevedo said he told Bauman to behave, and teased that he could revoke his endorsement of Bauman for state party chairman. He said Bauman then grabbed the back of his neck in what he described as a vise grip and told Acevedo he knew the endorsement would not be pulled. When Acevedo asked why, he said Bauman squeezed down on his neck and said, Because I would crush you. Acevedo did not respond to Bauman and the night proceeded. When the two men later got into a political argument, Acevedo said he decided to leave. Acevedos boyfriend at the time told The Times that Acevedo told him about a troubling interaction with Bauman within days after it happened. Acevedo said he also considered speaking out publicly in 2017, when Bauman was engaged in a bitter campaign for the state party chairmanship against Bay Area Democratic organizer Kimberly Ellis. The political clash exposed a growing schism between party factions, fed in part by lingering resentment from the 2016 Democratic presidential primary between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Ellis backers included a large faction of Sanders supporters, while Bauman had the support of many traditional Democratic Party groups who stood with Clinton. Hilary Crosby, a former party official, said Acevedo told her that spring that Bauman had put his hands around Acevedos neck and threatened him. Lori Saldana, a former state assemblywoman, said Acevedo told her that spring that Bauman had generally acted inappropriately with him and other young people involved with the party. Acevedo decided not to go public at the time, in part, he said, because he worried the allegation would be politicized in the midst of a grueling chairs race. But he said he felt guilty for not coming forward. It scared me how I didnt say something sooner and I didnt speak up right away, Acevedo said. He said the incident made him question how much he wanted to be involved in party politics. Just weeks before the vote for a new state Democratic Party leader, Bauman sent out an email to party members strongly denying what he said were unfair, unspecified rumors of misconduct that he called the politics of personal destruction. Last Thursday evening, my phone bank team started hearing from some delegates that they had heard that I have been engaging in inappropriate behavior with 14- and 16-year-old boys, Bauman wrote. When I first heard it, I could not believe it and I brushed it off. Then, we heard it again on Friday and I became really angry. Im a pretty tough guy and I can take the attacks, lies, distortions, and mud that has been slung at me pretty well. But to accuse me of child abuse, especially of this nature, is beyond the pale and 100% unacceptable. Ellis and other party officials immediately denounced the allegations. Bauman went on to win the chairs race by just 57 delegate votes. The job currently pays about $123,000 a year. Larimore-Hall, the partys second vice chair, said the rumors about Bauman during the 2017 race were heavy on homophobia and light on specifics. But when he learned earlier this month about specific allegations involving party staff, he privately encouraged Bauman to resign immediately. When Bauman did not, Larimore-Hall sent a letter calling for his removal the following day. He has since remained in regular contact with some of the accusers to discuss logistics, legal remedies and next steps. The vice chair later told party delegates, [I]t is completely unacceptable for Chairman Bauman to remain in office given these credible, corroborated and utterly heartbreaking allegations. Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report. Coverage of California politics melanie.mason@latimes.com Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics. As he leaves office, Gov. Jerry Brown is taking a stand in court that, if successful, will provide an opportunity to solve a deep and worsening public pension crisis some have called a ticking fiscal time bomb. If unsuccessful, the state and many localities will be overwhelmed by rapidly rising pension costs, thereby reducing public services and impacting every Californian. The governor is making his stand at a hearing before the California Supreme Court on Dec. 5. Related: Why California pension promises should be kept The crisis is real and growing. Quoting from a Little Hoover Commission report, Gov. Brown tells the Supreme Court in his legal brief that Californias pension plans are dangerously underfunded, the result of overly generous benefit promises, wishful thinking and an unwillingness to plan prudently. Unless aggressive reforms are implemented now, the problem will get far worse, forcing counties and cities to severely reduce services and lay off employees to meet pension obligations. Seeds of the pension crisis were planted decades ago when public employees were granted increased pension benefits hoping that pension trust funds would earn extraordinary investment returns to pay for the increased benefits wishful thinking as Brown put it. Extraordinary investment returns did not materialize, so pension plans did not have sufficient funds to pay for the expected benefits. As a result, public employers were required to increase their pension contributions, but they could not keep up with rapidly growing shortages. Advertisement Today, Californias pension shortages are in the hundreds of billions of dollars! Despite a roaring stock market and increased city contributions, CalPERS (the agency which administers most municipal pensions) has only about 70 percent of the funds needed to pay estimated future pension benefits. The city of San Diegos pension plan is billions of dollars underfunded despite Proposition B and the citys growing contributions $263 million in 2017 and $322 million in 2018. A League of California Cities study conducted earlier this year found that rising pension costs will require cities over the next seven years to nearly double the percentage of their General Fund dollars they pay to CalPERS. For many cities, pension costs will dramatically increase to unsustainable levels. This crisis affects everyone. When a city pays higher pension contributions, there is less money for public services such as road maintenance and public safety. Eventually, absent reforms, public services are overwhelmed and cut while employees are laid off or the city files bankruptcy. No one benefits by avoiding the aggressive reforms needed to solve this problem not employees whose jobs and pensions are at stake and not taxpayers who keep paying more and getting less. There are reasonable solutions to the pension crisis that do not involve cutting benefits already earned. But, to have any chance of success, obstacles that have long blocked past reform efforts must be loosened, which is what the governor is seeking. Gov. Brown is challenging a judicially created rule that has thwarted meaningful pension reform for decades. Created by a 1955 California Supreme Court decision, the so-called California Rule states that pension plan benefits existing at the time an employee is hired can never be reduced unless offset by a comparable new benefit, thereby erasing the savings. The court relied upon the Constitutions contract clause, which bars government from impairing contracts. Under this rule, California public pensions have become a one-way street in which benefits have been increased but cannot be reduced. Arguing that the California Rule is too rigid, Gov. Brown proposes a modified rule based upon reasonableness. The contract clause is not a straightjacket, his legal brief argues citing U.S. Supreme Court decisions. If the impairment is limited and does not meaningfully alter an employees right to a substantial or reasonable pension or if it is reasonable and necessary to serve an important public purpose, it may be permissible under the contract clause. The modified California Rule would allow reasonable changes necessary to avoid a crippling financial crisis. These could include reasonable benefit reductions covering employees future work while preserving benefits earned for years already worked. Such a change would reduce shortages and pension contributions. It could benefit both sides in labor agreements by cutting pension costs and sharing some of the savings through better pay for teachers and other employees. Along with restrictions on such costly pension maneuvers as spiking, 13th check and purchase of service years not actually worked, these reforms would significantly ease the fiscal threat to localities. Gov. Browns effort to modify the California Rule is a key to solving the pension crisis. If successful, it would then be up to state and local leaders to step up to the plate and adopt meaningful reforms before it is too late. Goldsmith is a former Superior Court judge, state legislator, Poway mayor and San Diego city attorney, and is a current practicing attorney. The upcoming California Supreme Court case involving Cal Fire pension benefits raises important retirement and legal issues. With regard to retirement, the first question is whether the right to purchase nonqualified service credit is a vested benefit. If the benefit is determined to be vested, the second question is whether the court will overturn the California Rule. The California Rule is very clear: Once a retirement benefit is vested, it cannot be taken away. Simply put, a promise made should be a promise kept. When an employee is promised a retirement benefit, that benefit cannot be eliminated or impaired midcareer. Related: Why California pension changes are needed to avert financial crisis The California Rule has been in place for decades. There is no legitimate reason to overturn this precedent, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court on numerous occasions. Advertisement Pensions are not busting the state budget. This month the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst stated It is difficult to overstate how good the budgets condition is today. The state and other public employers can already cut nonpension benefits and reduce costs. The benefit at issue in this case is only one of many reforms signed by Gov. Jerry Brown that, according to CalPERS, will reduce pension costs by over $80 billion. New employees had benefits reduced and pension abuses were curtailed. At the local level, over 200 public agencies have negotiated retirement benefit cuts and increased employee contributions at the bargaining table, saving hundreds of millions of dollars. So why overturn the California Rule and what would the impact be? Across California, firefighters have put their lives on the line to save our communities from raging fires. They have been promised pensions when they retire, as well as death and disability benefits, and have based their planning for a secure financial future in their retirement years based on that promise. Should the state be allowed to cut or eliminate these promised benefits for those firefighters working today? What about teachers, school bus drivers, police and other public employees? If the California Rule is overturned, the retirement promises made to these employees when they were hired are meaningless, because they can be eliminated at any time moving forward. Cafeteria workers, park rangers and other public employees are not getting rich off their pensions, and contribute a significant portion of their wages towards them. The average pension in California is about $3,000 a month. Teachers, firefighters and police dont receive Social Security, so their pensions are all they have on which to retire. California is one of the most expensive states in the nation and pensions are an important recruitment and retention tool. This tool will be weakened if the law is changed to allow retirement promises to be broken in the middle of an employees career. And where do these retirement pensions get spent? They are invested right back into our communities, as retirees purchase food, gas and other essentials. A CalPERS study found that retired public employees generated $850.6 million in annual sales and property tax payments and supported 130,000 jobs. CalSTRS estimates that retired teachers pay about $1.2 billion a year in taxes and their benefit spending supports 92,000 jobs. So who would benefit from overturning the California Rule? Not our communities. Not our hard-working public servants. Not our children and students. Maybe we need to ask why the biggest proponents are billionaires and former hedge fund managers. Lets hope the state Supreme Court is not swayed by bogus arguments, political pressure or phony doomsday predictions. They should adhere to the many previous Supreme Court decisions and uphold the California Rule. Beaver, a real estate specialist with San Diego Unified School District, is a member of California School Employees Association San Diego Chapter 788. The tiny, remote dot in northeastern San Diego County known as Borrego Springs and its several thousand residents face a daunting task: To survive, they need to ensure they use the same amount of water as the town has in its sole aquifer, which provides declining supplies. Officials expect to have 75 percent less water available by 2040, and they say the town must allow most of its 3,800 acres of citrus and other farms which use 70 percent to 80 percent of all the communitys groundwater to fallow. The narrowly defeated Proposition 3, the $8.8 billion state water bond, would have provided $35 million to fallow the farms, which would then become part of adjacent Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Now theres talk of pursuing a new water bond or seeking help from the Legislature to fallow farms and retrain about 60 farm workers for other jobs. But another option is obvious: San Diego County which has a $6.3 billion annual budget and sits on unassigned reserves of nearly $700 million should consider helping the community, a longtime tourist destination, transition to a sustainable future. The San Diego Union-Tribune has reported that residents are terrified about the future. Given the uncertainty, thats understandable. County and water officials are supposed to present a plan early next year to reduce water use. They shouldnt delay. Solving problems like this is why government exists. Advertisement Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2018 -- DM Consultants is a leading immigration consultancy firm operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Pune and Toronto respectively. 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We have a profound experience of over a decade in this industry and the track-record of thousands of applications that we have successfully processed until now. Whatever be the type of immigration our client seeks, we offer reliable assistance to guide them at every step." DM Consultants boasts a team of certified, seasoned and skilled immigration consultants who have expertise in providing focused visa, PR and immigration guidance to the clients. They have in-depth knowledge and insights into the immigration industry and its changing norms. They always comply with the government regulations and remain committed to the anticipated timelines. With a focus on customer services, DM Consultants offers a well-managed range of services to its clients. Right from immigration consultancy to pre-landing solutions, post-landing services, work permits and visa renewals, the firm specializes in providing all these immigration-related services. The executive added, "Canada is one of the most preferred immigration destinations, which welcomes millions of people seeking successful careers and life opportunities. We are just a call away from those exploring career opportunities in this wonderful country. They can reach out to us for a comprehensive support they need for securing Canadian immigration visa. We specialize in all areas of immigration and are extremely efficient and expedient in our services. Our experienced Canada immigration consultants help clients in understanding the procedures required for a smooth transition to this new destination. They possess the knowledge and stay updated with the latest changes made to Canadian immigration laws." DM Consultants indeed is a reliable option for students in search of the best Canadian immigration consultant in India. The firm helps Indian students to get their study permit in Canada without any hassle. Prioritizing the needs of its clients, its team of experts aims to deliver personalized experiences right from the stage of document preparation to completion of legal formalities. Additionally, the firm offers a competitive cost structure and unparalleled expertise to make the entire process hassle-free. For more information on visa services in Pune offered by DM consultants, people can visit its website. About DM Consultants DM Consultants is an immigration consultancy firm dedicated to providing services with a difference. Those on a lookout for a visa consultant in Pune for making immigration to countries like the US, the UK, Australia and Canada successful can count on DM Consultants. Contact Information: Company : DM Consultants Address: Office #305 Konark Epitom Building, Third floor, Viman Nagar, Konark Campus, Pune 411014 Mail: info@www.dm-consultant.in/ Web: https://www.dm-consultant.in/ Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/29/2018 -- GCC, short for Gulf Cooperation Council, represents the alliance of some of the world's leading producers of petrochemicals the key raw materials required for the production of synthetic polymers. These six countries are the major exporters of raw polymer to the entire globe and are second only to India when it comes to the growth rate of the polymer market. Thus, GCC countries play a major role in the overall development of the global plastics industry and are a key determinant of growth of the molded plastics market. With high fragmentation in terms of number of suppliers and a level of extreme consolidation when it comes to geographic placement of major vendors, the GCC molded plastic market features a splendid mix of intense competition and plenty of untapped growth opportunities. Transparency Market Research states that companies in the market will focus more on expansion strategies in the next few years; strengthening product portfolios by including new product verities and ventures in foreign markets will be amongst the most preferred growth strategies. Read Report Overview @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/gcc-molded-plastics-market.html The overall market will expand at a healthy CAGR of 8.3% over the period between 2015 and 2023, and rise from a valuation of US$7.19 bn in 2014 to US$14.22 bn by 2023. In terms of volume, the GCC molded plastics market stood at 2.82 mn tons in 2014. Market to Gain Traction across Packaging Sector In 2014, the GCC molded plastic market attributed a dominant share of nearly 52% to its applications in the packaging industry. The sector will continue to be the dominant application for molded plastic in the GCC market and will account for nearly 56% in the overall market by 2023. Request Report Brochure @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9779 The packaging industry in the region is flourishing owing to the constant rise in trade activities and the substantial rise in the market for industrial and consumer goods in response to the vast rise in the region's population. This has created manifold growth opportunities for molded plastics in the packaging sector in the past few years and will continue to drive the region's molded plastic market in the years to come. The building and construction industry is another highly attractive application area for the GCC molded plastic market as it accounts for a major share in the overall consumption of molded plastics in the region. Stimulated by the rising population in the region, increased government spending on developing residential building projects as well as public and private infrastructure projects will also prove to be beneficial for the GCC molded plastics market in the next few years. Get More Info Visit @ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/molded-plastics-market-to-reach-a-valuation-of-us-202-2-bn-by-2024-soaring-demand-from-application-industries-to-push-molded-plastics-market-transparency-market-research-837990523.html Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman to Present Attractive Growth Opportunities The GCC molded plastics market will gain the most attractive returns from operations across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman in the next few years. Saudi Arabia being home to nearly 60% plastic converters in the overall GCC molded plastics market, will continue to be the leading supplier of molded plastic in the market. The market for molded plastics in these countries will also benefit from the flourishing construction industry. San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/29/2018 -- An investor, who purchased shares of China Zenix Auto International Limited (NYSE: ZX), filed a lawsuit over alleged Securities Laws violations by China Zenix Auto International Limited in connection with certain allegedly false and misleading statements. Investors who purchased shares of China Zenix Auto International Limited (NYSE: ZX) have certain options and for certain investors are short and strict deadlines running. Deadline: December 31, 2018. NYSE: ZX investors should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779 - 1554. Zhangzhou, China based China Zenix Auto International Limited designs, manufactures, and sells commercial vehicle wheels to aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. On June 15, 2018, China Zenix Auto International Limited announced that the NYSE decided to delist the company's stock from its exchange, effective as of June 14, 2018. Shares of China Zenix Auto International Limited (NYSE: ZX) closed on June 14, 2018, at $1.38 per share. The plaintiff claims that between October 2, 2015 through June 14, 2018, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that China Zenix's trading actions in connection with its compliance with the NYSE Continued Listed Requirements were contrary to public policy, that China Zenix had inadequate internal controls over financial reporting, and that as a result of the foregoing, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Those who purchased shares of China Zenix Auto International Limited (NYSE: ZX) have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation. Contact: Shareholders Foundation, Inc. Michael Daniels 3111 Camino Del Rio North - Suite 423 92108 San Diego Phone: +1-(858)-779-1554 Fax: +1-(858)-605-5739 mail@shareholdersfoundation.com About Shareholders Foundation, Inc. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is a professional portfolio monitoring and settlement claim filing service, , which does research related to shareholder issues and informs investors of securities class actions, settlements, judgments, and other legal related news to the stock/financial market. Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is in contact with a large number of shareholders and offers help, support, and assistance for every shareholder. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is not a law firm. Referenced cases, investigation, and/or settlements are not filed/reached and/or related to Shareholders Foundation. The information is provided as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon. Chinese and Lebanese contestants compete with each other at the Chinese chess tournament. By Zhang Guijie and Yang Shuangquan BEIRUT, Nov. 28 (ChinaMil) -- The first Peace Cup Chinese chess tournament was jointly hosted by the Chinese peacekeeping troops to Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces on November 25, local time. Over 40 guests including the chairman of the Lebanon's Chinese Chess Association, Education Director of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and people from the chess association, the Lebanese army, and the Lebanese University participated in the event. Initiated by the Lebanon's Chinese Chess Association, the tournament is authorized by the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and coordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon. The main purpose of the tournament is to strengthen the friendly exchanges between the Chinese peacekeeping troops and the Lebanese army as well as to celebrate the 75th Lebanese Independence Day. Seven players from each side participated in this team competition. After nearly three hours of fierce competition, the Chinese peacekeepers got a 2-1 win. The chairman of the Lebanon's Chinese Chess Association, Education Director of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Commanding officer of Chinese peacekeeping forces to Lebanon respectively gave addresses at the opening ceremony of the tournament. The chairman of the Lebanon's Chinese Chess Association said, I sincerely thank the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, the UNIFILs headquarters and the Chinese peacekeeping troops for organizing this tournament on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Lebanons independence. It manifests the friendly military relations between the two countries. Education Director of the Lebanese Armed Forces also expressed his gratitude for the generous help made by the Chinese military. According to leaders of the Chinese peacekeeping troops to Lebanon, organizing the Chinese chess tournament with the Lebanese Armed Forces is an important part of the series of activities of the peacekeeping troops. The tournament helps strengthen the ties and understanding among the Chinese peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army and local people, enhance friendship and provide the local people with an opportunity to understand China and the traditional Chinese culture. Since its deployment to the mission area at the end of May, the Chinese peacekeeping forces to Lebanon have performed such duties as mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), engineering and construction as well as humanitarian relief. In addition, they have also carried out interactive exchanges with UNIFILs friendly forces, the Lebanese army and the local authorities according to the applicable laws and regulation of the area. They have organized peacekeeping training experience and traditional cultural exchanges with more than 10 international peacekeeping forces including Italy, the Republic of Korea and Cambodia, etc. At least 30 civilians were killed in a U.S. air strike in southeastern Afghanistan, officials and local residents said Wednesday, as NATO forces accused the Taliban of using women and children as protection. The strike reportedly occurred during a firefight between Afghan special forces working with U.S. advisors and Taliban insurgents late Tuesday in restive Helmand province. NATO said air support was requested by security forces on the ground as the militants deployed heavy weapons and retreated into a nearby compound. "At the time of the strike, the ground force was unaware of any civilians in or around the compound; they only knew that the Taliban was using the building as a fighting position," NATO said in a statement. "The Taliban continue to use civilians, especially children, as a protective measure," it added. Residents of the area said women and 16 children were among the dead. Helmand provincial governor Mohammad Yasin Khan said the air strikes in Garmsir caused both civilian and Taliban casualties. The deaths are part of a growing civilian casualty toll caused by air strikes, and underline the severity of the Afghan war even as moves to begin peace talks have picked up with contacts between U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives. The United Nations said last month that the number of civilian casualties from air strikes in Afghanistan was already higher in the first nine months of the year than in any entire year since at least 2009. The increase has come together with a sharp jump in the number of air operations under a U.S. strategy aimed at stepping up pressure on the Taliban to force them to accept a negotiated end to the 17-year war, while the Taliban has also increased attacks on Afghan forces. (Cover: An Afghan Commando stands guard while an Afghan Air Force helicopter flies past during a combat training exercise in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, August 27, 2017. /VCG Photo) Talking at the International Cruise Summit 2018 in Madrid Dingle explained: Two weeks ago the city fathers in Amsterdam decided to impose an 8 per head passenger tax on cruise ships staying in port 24 hours or less starting from 2019. He went on, with its 125,000 transit passengers a year if you times that by 8 each that roughly will bring in 1m which happens to neatly fill a hole the city has in its budget. If ships were to stay longer than 24 hours then the new tax increases to 16 per passenger. The Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) is owned by the port authority but operates independently. Without mentioning names Dingle applauded the cruise line which has decided to withdraw its ships from Amsterdam next year as a result of the new tax regime. A 'stupid' decision by Amsterdam's city fathers Calling the city fathers' decision 'stupid', Dingle said, If they have no passengers to pay the head tax then the terminal will be operating at a substantial loss. MSC Cruises drops Amsterdam calls Gianluca Suprani, head of global port development and shore activities at MSC Cruises, later confirmed to SCN that his company has taken the decision to withdraw calling in Amsterdam next year and instead will place those planned overnight calls in Rotterdam. We decided to pull our business in 2019 and as a result Amsterdam city stands to lose between 50-100 per passenger in respect of potential spend, Suprani said. Talking to SCN on the sidelines of the conference Dick de Graaff, commercial director of PTA remarked: MSC is moving its seven booked calls in 2019 to another port due to the implementation of the tourist tax. Of course we regret this. MSC is a very loyal client to PTA and we would rather not see them leave. PTA, the Port Authority and CLIA have lobbied intensively The terminal official said, PTA, together with the Port Authority and CLIA have lobbied intensively with the city council members and civil servants on this issue. Unfortunately they do not understand how our business works. We are very disappointed by the approval of the tax. They had not listened to any of our arguments and what is peculiar is that the day tax only applies to transit passengers and not to other visitors to the city (no city taxes are applied to guests arriving by train, airplane, bus or car). De Graaff commented, we will keep working on this dossier with the lines and other stakeholders and we trust the cruise lines appreciate our beautiful city and that in time, MSC will return. Today at ICS Madrid, in a double header interview with MedCruise president Airam Diaz Pastor, Michael McCarthy chair of Cruise Europe - of which Amsterdam is a member - called the CLIA Europe chairmans remarks unfortunate and unwarranted. McCarthy added, The people attending this conference are not those who imposed the tax. The port is, and should be, the buffer between the city or destination and the cruise lines, he remarked. Cruise Europe's McCarthy calls for greater collaboration McCarthy called for CLIA and Cruise Europe to work together in the spirit of an MOU of collaboration, signed between the two in 2016, on how we can jointly battle the politicians: their constituents are the local people and all they are thinking about is how do I get elected the next time I run for office? Politicians dont care. I would like us to take our collaboration with CLIA on a practical level and called on Diaz Pastor representing MedCruise, which also recently signed a MOU of collaboration with CLIA Europe, to jointly meet with CLIA Europes new secretary general [Tom Boardley] to discuss, amongst other issues, sustainability of the industry going forward. Dingle did not solely focus his visible annoyance on European issues, he also singled out the Indian government for a recent custom duty imposed without notice on all consumables onboard visiting cruise ships, which he stressed, we are fighting hard for a reversal. Dingle attacks India's new customs tax, too He added, India has everything to lose and nothing to gain by imposing this customs tax. People in India have a thirst for cruising and a government (apart from the finance dept) which is ready to help the domestic market grow but I am afraid this is a case of an ill-informed government shooting itself in the foot. But the growth in the region is not without friction and this was the talking point of Mare Forum USA this week in Houston themed Movement of Energy. In his keynote speech, Admiral Paul Thomas, who commands the USCG 8th District, which encompasses the US Gulf Coast, described himself as a reluctant regulator who must deal with a triad of wicked challenges overseeing an industry with increased capacity at a time that its environmental footprint needs to be reduced. At the same time, the complexity of the solutions, which include topics such as scrubbers, ballast water treatment, and fuel blend issues, and the uncertainty surrounding them, is also growing. Admiral Thomas, always the pragmatist, implored all attendees to bring fresh thinking to the regulatory process, including business incentives for compliance. Crowded harbours do not bring smooth sailing. The issues facing the port community were brought to light during a contentious, albeit cordial, exchange between a represent of the Houston Port Bureau and a representative from Stolt Tankers - with cargo operations, involving small parcels, at numerous terminals around the port. The Stolt presentation described Houstons port as a victim of its own success, noting that maritime imports and exports have grown steadily but that infrastructure investment has lagged. It stated explicitly that the current infrastructure does not allow for efficient maritime operations. Read more: Tackling congestion in the port of Houston Picking up on a theme from Admiral Thomass opening remarks, the tanker owner pointed to differing incentives among stakeholders- with service providers in the port not bearing the same financial burdens (including demurrage and excessive waiting) as owners and charterers. The Port Bureau rep countered with a view that transparency of information would play a big role in solving the problems identified. He noted that: When you are moving around multiple berths, you need information on whats going to be at the dock and that to be efficient, you need a coupling of physical assets with digitalization. Stolt is being pro-active; its representative mentioned that it has increased its barging capacity, it has sought to consolidate shipments, and has participated in efficiency objectives, including an exercise with ExxonMobil. A representative from the US Army Corps of Engineers provided a perspective from the government side, highlighting a trend where industry would be playing a role in funding navigation improvements, noting the extensive activity planned in the oil and petrochemical sectors. The LNG value chain business will include the entire process from gas exploration and production to liquefaction, transportation and sales. Through this MOU, both companies will cooperate to explore and develop Bruneis domestic and overseas blocks in the upstream sector, and look into joint investment in infrastructure for LNG liquefaction/import terminals. In addition, LNG bunkering will be incorporated as part of the business venture. Last year, Posco Daewoo launched its LNG trading business and has since been actively expanding its LNG-related business with sales crossing $200m this year to-date. The strategic cooperation with PetroleumBRUNEI is expected to contribute to Posco Daewoos stable procurement of LNG to meet demand. Read more: Korea unveils ambitious plan on eco-ships and LNG bunkering Strategic cooperation of PetroleumBRUNEI with Posco Daewoo, which possesses the highest upstream technology in the natural gas field such as the success of Myanmar gas field development will be an opportunity for business expansion, said Kim Young-sang, president of Posco Daewoo. Haydn Ian Furlonge, ceo of PetroleumBRUNEI, said the MOU will provide us with opportunities to advance into the fast growing LNG business. Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers reporters' questions at a regular press conference on Nov.29, 2018. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Sun Zhiying) (The following English text of the press conference is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.) Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang: Friends from the media, good afternoon! Welcome to this months regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). I have two announcements to release at the beginning. The first one is on Chinas military training work in 2018. At the beginning of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a training court in person and delivered the training commencement order, which led the military on the new course of training for combat. The PLA and the Armored Police Force (APF) have been resolutely implementing the order of the chief commander. We emphasize training for commanders in a leader-first, top-down manner. We stress training for combat-readiness and joint-operation and have conducted joint training in theater commands and quality training in different arms and services. We also promote high standard training organized according to plans and have conducted more basic tactical training and strengthened the supervision over military training. The troops are showing unprecedented passion and a brand new look on training work has been observed across the military. The military training work has yielded six achievements in 2018First, we introduced a new training regulation and program, which is a big step towards regulated and rules-based training. Second, we held mass training and skills competition activities, which brought a trend of training across the military. Third, we conducted targeted and force on force training, which helps improve the capabilities of our task forces. Fourth, in a self-reflective spirit, we held a special conference on addressing problems that constrain us from promoting battle-focused training. Fifth, we strengthened training supervision and launched a campaign to combat peace disease, which turned around the work style for training. Sixth, we started a pilot project in land planning for military purposes, which blazed a new path for building training facilities. The military will follow President Xi Jinpings thinking on building a strong military and further promote training for combat. The second announcement is about the China-Pakistan 7th Shahing Joint Air Force Exercise According to the agreement between China and Pakistan, Chinese and Pakistani Air Forces will hold the 7th Shahing Joint Air Force Exercise in Bholari Air Force Base in Pakistan from November 30th to December 23rd, 2018. The Chinese side will send fighters, fighter bombers and early warning aircraft to the exercise. This exercise is in the annual cooperation plan between China and Pakistan and is a model of China-Pakistan Air Forces cooperation. This exercise will help promote bilateral air force cooperation and improve combat capabilities of both sides. Now the floor is open for questions. Question: The Chinese Defense Minister and the US Secretary of Defense have met three times in less than six months and these meetings have generated positive results. But analysts say that there are still many complicated issues in the mil-to-mil relationship between China and the United States. What is your comment on the current China-US mil-to-mil relationship? Answer: China-US mil-to-mil relationship has always appealed to all of you. It is an important component of the overall relations. It is in the interests of both countries to develop a stable and sound mil-to-mil relationship. It is also a common aspiration of the international community and the consensus reached by the two heads of state. The current China-US mil-to-mil relationship is generally stable. State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe recently paid a successful visit to the United States and attended the second round of China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue. The two sides had positive and constructive talks and achieved positive results. Currently, the China-US relationship is at a critical point. we hope that, under the guidance of the consensus reached by our heads of state, the US side can work with the Chinese side to keep strategic communication, promote institutionalized dialogues and exchangesstrengthen practical cooperation and mutual trust, and control risks so as to build the mil-to-mil relationship into a stabalizer of the overall relations. Question: According to media reports, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe visited the United States and attended the second round of the China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue not long ago. What agreements and outcomes have been reached between the two sides and what are the Chinese sides expectations and plans for the development of the China-US military to military relationship? Answer: Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe made a successful visit to the United States not long ago. His visit achieved positive and constructive results. The two defense leaders met three times in less than five months, indicating the generally stable situation of the China-US mil-to-mil relationship. Next, the Chinese side is willing to work with the US side to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, promote cooperation and manage risks. The two sides should properly organize this years Defense Policy Coordination Talks (DPCT) and Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA), and promote sound and stable mil-to-mil relationship with practical cooperation. Question: Recently, India and China held consultations and dialogues at different levels. During the recent 9th China-India Annual Defense and Security Consultation, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on border issues. It was followed by the 21st Meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question. Both sides will hold the Hand-in-Hand joint military exercise next month. What is your comment on the China-India defense exchanges and high-level defense dialogue? Answer: On Nov. 13, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC) Lt. Gen. Shao Yuanming and Indian Defense Secretary Mr. Sanjay Mitra co-hosted the 9th China-India Annual Defense and Security Consultation in Beijing. The two sides held in-depth discussion on the relations between China and India and the two militaries, border control and cooperation, as well as international and regional security situations of common concern. The two sides agreed to follow the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries to push forward the bilateral military relationship in the principle of maintaining border stability, enhancing mutual trust, developing friendship and deepening cooperation. The two sides also agreed to pass the relevant consensus between the two heads of state on border issues to functional departments and front-line troops, so as to ensure the peace and tranquility in the China-India border areas. Through consultation between China and India, the 7th China-Indian Hand-in-Hand Army Joint Training Exercise will be held in Chengdu, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province from Dec. 10 to 23. Each side will send 100 participants. Subjects of the joint training will include adaptive training, basic training, live-fire shooting and comprehensive drills. The two sides troops are actively preparing for the training now. The joint training can help promote mutual trust and understanding, deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between troops and improve their capabilities in counter-terrorism. The joint training is also a reflection of the military-to-military relationship between China and India. As shown in the name of the joint exercise, Hand-in-Hand means that the two militaries should work together to bring benefits to the two countries and peoples. Question: The USS Ronald Reagan just conducted military exercises in the neighboring waters of the South China Sea. Then it visited Hong Kong and held friendly exchanges with the PLA Hong Kong Garrison. Whats your comment on that? Answer: We are following the movements of the US ships in the neighboring waters of the South China Sea. We hope the US side can do more things consolidating regional peace and stability. The Chinese side reviews each request of port calls by the US ships according to the principle of sovereignty and specific situations. Question: We noticed that this month China, Laos, Burma and Thailand conducted joint counter-terrorism exercise around the Mekong River. Can you tell us the results and significance of this exercise? Answer: You are referring to the 76th Mekong River joint patrol along the Mekong River. The media has already covered that and for more details you can refer to the Ministry of Public Security. Question: Two US navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 28. Its the third time this year. Has the National Defense Ministry of China expressed concern about this with the US government? Answer: The Chinese military is aware of the sailing of the US ships across the Taiwan Straits and all movements of the US ships. We hope the US side can abide by the One China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US Joint Communiques, prudently handle Taiwan-related issues so as not to undermine China-US relations and peace and stability in the region. The Chinese military will remain on high alert and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Question: My first question: the work of collecting the information about retired service persons has been carried out for some time. What is its recent progress? My second question: media reports say Japan is planning to build a space force. Both the US and Russia have established their space forces. Whats your comment on the current situation in the outer space? Do you think that it will become a main trend for militaries in the world? Answer: The Ministry of Veterans Affairs has done a lot of work to safeguard the interests of the retired service personnel ever since its establishment. It held news briefings recently on the work of collecting information about the retired service personnel. You can refer to the ministry and their spokesperson for specific information. About your second question: China has always been upholding peaceful use of outer space and opposed to weaponry deployment and arms race in the outer space. China is also opposed to the use or threat of use of force in the outer space. Due to historical and realistic reasons, the international community has always been vigilant about Japans movement in the military security area. We hope that the Japanese side can honor its commitment to peaceful development and draw lessons from history and take a future-oriented perspective in its military development. We hope that the Japanese side can be prudent and do more to strengthen regional peace and stability. Question: According to Chinas state media, China is building its third aircraft carrier. Is it true And if so, can you give us some more details? Answer: We will consider the development of Chinas aircraft carriers according to our overall plan. Question: I have two questions. Firstly, the Defense Strategy Committee, which is made up of people from across the political spectrum in the United States, said in a report to the U.S. Congress in the middle of this month that the American military's deterrent capability is weakening and once China "attacks Taiwan", the US seems unable to use its military pressure to "force China to stop". What is your comment? My second question is about China-Japan defense exchanges. A general-level delegation from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) visited Japan from Nov. 18 to 22 and conducted exchanges with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. What is the significance of high-level exchanges in defense and security fields between China and Japan in promoting the development of China-Japan relations? Answer: The relevant report of the U.S. has deliberately instigated antagonism between the mainland and Taiwan and hyped up confrontation between China and the United States, to which we are firmly opposed. The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its core interests. It is the most important and sensitive core issue in China-U.S. relationship. The Chinese military is firm in its resolve and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the second question, the visit is part of an annual plan. In recent years, exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Japanese defense authorities have made some progress. We hope the Japanese side can work together with the Chinese side to follow the improving momentum of bilateral relations, strengthen defense exchanges and cooperation, properly handle differences and provide positive energy for the sustained and stable development of bilateral relations and regional peace and stability. Question: In the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, the aerobatic flight of J-10B fighters equipped with thrust-vectoring engines has attracted wide attention. Will this kind of engine be equipped to all J-10B fighters? Will the J-20 fighters be equipped with thrust-vectoring engines? Answer: Thank you for your attention to China's national defense and military buildup. China's development of weapons and equipment is necessary for safeguarding territorial sovereignty and national security. We will release relevant information in due course and I have no new information to provide at present. Question: Media reports that a delegation of permanent representatives of the UN Security Council members is on a visit to China recently. Chinas Defense Minister met the delegation during the visit. The Chinese side also invited the delegation to Chinas peacekeeping standby force and the Peacekeeping Affairs Center of China's Ministry of National Defense. Can you give us more details about the visit and the peacekeeping standby force? Answer: The delegation of permanent representatives of the UN Security Council members paid a four-day visit to China from November 25th to 28th. On the second day of the trip, the delegation visited a peacekeeping standby infantry battalion. The delegation was briefed on Chinas participation in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKO), observed exercises of tactical subjects, and held a discussion with Chinese peacekeepers (CPK). Visitors were impressed by the professionalism and combat spirit of the CPKs. Building a Chinese PK standby force is one of the solemn commitments announced by President Xi Jinpings to support the UNPKO. The Chinese military has been implementing President Xis instruction. We have established a peacekeeping standby force of 8,000 troops and have completed their registration, and also coordinated successfully with the UN for the performance assessment on troops. Last month, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the under-secretary-general for UN peacekeeping operations, announced on behalf of the United Nations that all the 13 units of Chinas standby force passed the UNs assessment with high-level performance and were elevated to level II standby force, marking an important progress. Meanwhile, China has also offered peacekeeping personnel training to foreign militaries and trained over 1,500 peacekeepers for dozens of countries. The Chinese military are fulfilling responsibilities of safeguarding world peace and building a shared future for mankind with concrete actions. In future, China will continue to honor its commitments to the United Nations and take more active part in UNPKO. China will positively consider UNs invitation to send more types of peacekeepers and make more contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, world peace and security. Question: I have two questions. First, according to media reports, the third large-scale de-mining mission along the China-Vietnam border in Yunnan province has concluded. Du Fuguo, a soldier assigned to the Yunnan mine clearance brigade was injured during the mission. What is your comment on this? Second, regarding the progress of the domestic-made aircraft carrier, what stage has the sea trial of the domestic-made aircraft carrier entered? When will the flight test begin? Is it about to be officially commissioned? Answer: We had a relatively comprehensive understanding of Du Fuguo's heroic deeds through the media in the past two days. For more than a month, he has touched the hearts of the people nationwide. Many people are concerned about his situation, and sent their sympathies to him in various ways. When in danger, Du Fuguo sacrificed himself for others, and demonstrated the spirit of a revolutionary service-man in the new era. And his heroic behavior and selfless devotion have received strong support across the country and the military. As one of his comrades, I express my highest respect to him and sincere sympathies for his family. In the time of peace, mine-sweeping is like dancing on the edge of a sword, and the demining operators are the soldiers closest to death. Our mine-sweeping officers and soldiers are devoted to their career, and they are fearless facing danger. They have made great sacrifices to protect our people and their property. Here, we would also like to pay our highest respect to those most lovely people. And for you second question, according to the construction plan, Chinas second aircraft carrier set sail from the dock of shipyard in Dalian for sea trails to test its equipment platform. This is a regular arrangement in the construction of an aircraft carrier. The construction of Chinas second aircraft carrier is making steady progress according to the plan, and the sea trails were safe and smooth and achieved the desired objectives. Question: Pakistan Air Force recently participated in the international air show in ZhuhaiChina. Do you have more information to share? And also would you please comment on the close exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries? Answer: China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The two militaries have been keeping a high-level defense and security cooperation. In the recently concluded Zhuhai Air Show, the Pakistani military also put on a good performance. The high-level cooperation and exchanges in different services between the two militaries show great mutual strategic trust between the two militaries. We are positive about further advancing military relationship with Pakistan. Question: According to media reports of the Republic of Korea (ROK), a Chinese military plane recently entered the ROKs Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) three times. Whats your comment? Answer: The ADIZ is not territorial airspace. It is a routine arrangement in the annual plan for the Chinese military air-crafts to fly over relevant sea and air space for training. It is in line with the international law and practice. The ROK side dont have to be too surprised about it. Question: We have noticed that Chinese and Vietnamese militaries held a high-level border meeting this month, and Chinese and US militaries held a disaster management exchange in Nanjing. Can you give us more details? Answer: First, I would like to brief you on the high-level border meeting between the Chinese and Vietnamese militaries. From November 19 to 21, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, and Ngo Xuan Lich, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party and Defense Minister of Vietnam, co-hosted the 5th China-Vietnam high-level border meeting successively in Chongzuo City in south Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Cao Bang city of Cao Bang Province in the Northeast region of Vietnam. During the meeting, Wei Fenghe and Ngo Xuan Lich held talks, attended a symposium on border defense exchanges, attended a ceremony marking the 5th anniversary of the establishment of sister counties between two border counties, and watched the joint naval and land patrol and disaster relief exercises of border forces of the two militaries. The two sides agreed that the meeting was rich in content and fruitful in results. The meeting enhanced mutual trust and friendship, deepened practical cooperation and strengthened the friendly atmosphere. The two sides agreed to continue holding high-level border meetings. We are full of confidence in the prospect of friendly cooperation between the two militaries of China and Vietnam and are ready to work with Vietnam to further carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in various fields and push bilateral relations to a new dimension in accordance with the principle of long-term stability, future-oriented, good-neighborly friendship, and comprehensive cooperation and the spirit of good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners. The Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command Army and the US Army Pacific held the China-US Disaster Management Exchange 2018 from November 12 to 19. Chinese and US soldiers worked together and cooperated closely, contributing to the steady growth of military-to-military relations through practical actions. Such exchanges and cooperation at primary level can help enhance mutual understanding and trust, learn from each other in professional fields and add positive factors to the development of China-US relations. Question: Recently the Cambodian Prime Minister mentioned that he received a letter from the U.S. Vice President expressing concerns about a possible Chinese military base in Cambodia. Whats your comment? Answer: China supports Cambodias independent foreign policy, and appreciates Cambodias determination in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will continue to provide Cambodia with assistance in its economic and defense build-up. The cooperation between China and Cambodia is practical, equal, friendly, transparent, and mutually beneficial. It is not targeted at any third country. There is no need to over-interpret the cooperation. Question: My first question is, according to Russian media, Russia has delivered all 24 Su-35 fighters to China and these aircraft will all arrive in China by the end of this year. Can you confirm this? My second question: Japan plans to expand its Self-defense Force base in Djibouti in order to monitor Chinas expansion and influence in this area. What is your comment on that? It is also reported that the PLA logistics support base in Djibouti is planning to take over a container port in Djibouti. What is your comment on that? Answer: On your first question, China and Russia are of strategic cooperative partnership of coordination. Our military technological cooperation projects are making steady progress according to plan. China and Russia will further advance cooperation in accordance with the principle of mutual benefit and consensus-building. The PLA logistics support base in Djibouti is built to better fulfill the international obligations such as escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the Somali coast, as well as to provide humanitarian relief. From November 22 to 26, the 30th Chinese naval escort task force replenished and recharged in the PLA logistics support base in Djibouti, and then returned to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somali to continue its international escort missions. In the future, the Chinese military will continue to send ships to conduct escort missions in international waters on a regular basis, giving full play to the role of the PLA logistics support base in Djibouti. We will fulfill our international obligations, and will continue to make contributions to regional peace and stability and also to protect major sea lines of communication. As for the container port you mentioned, we have already released related information before. In order to further promote the friendly cooperation between the Chinese and Djiboutis militaries and better perform the functions of the base, upon the consultation between China and Djibouti, necessary facilities are to be built on the port for mutual use. And for the expansion intention of Japanese Self-defense Force base in Djibouti, I think you should refer to the Japanese side. But we are firmly opposed to Japans exploiting China as an excuse for expansion. Question: Taiwan media reported that the so-called Taiwanese military will conduct a ground shooting exercise in waters around the Taiping Island in the South China Sea from November 30th to December 1st, and it might also test-fire US-made air defense missiles. What is your comment? Answer: We are aware of related movement. I want to stress that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their related waters and that the Chinese people across the straits share the common responsibility to safeguard the assets left by our ancestors. Question: Recently, the media coverage of the first conventional missile brigade of the PLA Rocket Force has attracted wide public attention. It said that the brigade has realized the simultaneous launching of more than 10 missiles by using advanced-control. Does it mean that the Chinese Rocket Force has completed its transition from decentralized manual launching operation of missiles to clustered-controlled automatic launching of missiles? What is the strategic significance of this transition for the rocket force in the improvement of the strike capability in real warfare? Answer: This is actually a routine military training within the annual training plan of the Rocket Force and not targeted at any specific objectives. Its main purpose is to test the systematic combat capabilities of the missile troops. The training has reached its expected goals. Like other arms and services of the Chinese military, the Rocket Force conducts scenario-based military training for the purpose of continuously improving capabilities of fulfilling its missions and tasks in the new era and firmly safeguarding Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests. If there are no more questions, here concludes todays regular press conference. Thank you! The Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) president, Charalampos Simantonis told a Brussels workshop, that measures and initiatives need to be adopted at the European level to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the European fleet. He said these initiatives should cover financing, the cutting of bureaucracy and the introduction of new ways of transporting commodities, adding that in the face of the new 2020 regulations motives need to be introduced that encourage the upgrading of the shortsea fleet in line with the requirements of the new regulations. Simantonis was speaking at a one-day workshop organised at the European parliament by the HSSA and Greek Euro MP, Miltiadis Kyrkos. Titled 'Short Sea Shipping: Defining trends-removing bottlenecks' the workshops target was to highlight the key factors affecting the competitiveness of the Greek and the wider Mediterranean shortsea industry as well as discuss the trends that will prevail in view of the implementation of the new regulations in 2020. Simantonis said that in the face of the new 2020 regulations motives need to be introduced that encourage the upgrading of the shortsea fleet in line with the requirements of the new regulations. Read more: Coastal challenges and shortsea shipping Attended by Greek and foreign MEPs, representatives of Greece's EU office, DG Move and the European Commission, the one-day workshop was told by Kyrkos of the advantages of short-sea shipping and the role the sector plays in the community's economy and in the employment market. Members of the eight-strong HSSA delegation spoke of the opportunity for, indeed the need for European shipyards to attract newbuildings, and warned the challenge of adapting to the new regulations would possibly result in a reduction of the short sea fleet in the Mediterranean. After its first years of providing artists and their families with affordable housing and studio space, the next phase of City Hall ArtSpace Lofts in Dearborn is about to take shape. The three-building campus was designed as a mixed-use arts center that showcases the regions reputation as a center of innovation and creativity. The City Hall and West Annex Buildings renovations were completed in 2016, and now feature more than 50 units of live/work space for artists and their families. ArtSpace. Photo by David Lewinski. "We have 100 percent of the units leased with musicians, performers, visual artists, clothing designers, arts administrators, and other creative entrepreneurs, as well as their families, says Dana Mattice, grants writer and communications specialist for ArtSpace. The third and final building to be completed, the Connector building, will provide a creative hub with commercial space for artists and businesses, and nonprofit and cultural organizations. The East Downtown Dearborn Development Authority has moved its office to the Connector building, and the Arab American National Museum has set up an artist residency space there as well. Additionally, the Connector building will be home to the Arts and Tech Learning Lab, a creative space that will be used by both residents and students in Pockets of Perception (POP), the Dearborn Community Foundations youth initiative that empowers students to design and implement a public art project. The Dearborn project is rather unique among Artspace projects, says Dearborns Economic and Community Development Director Barry Murray. The 25,000 square feet of commercial space located in the former Concourse area was first developed as a connector between the historic City Hall and Police Headquarters buildings. So Artspace has designated this space as the Connector reflective of its role at the campus and the opportunities to connect artists with the larger Dearborn community. The lab will appeal to creatives young and old with lively colors and a bold accent wall, says Matisse. It will be filled with equipment such as computers and software, a smart television, as well as desks to work, which can be moved around and reconfigured. Ralph Parus is looking forward to using the lab and seeing the Connector Building open for business. I have been looking forward to the development of the Connector building since I have moved in, he says. This development will mean more community involvement. Parus was the very first resident of the City Hall ArtSpace Lofts when he moved in in January of 2016. About three years before I moved in I searched the internet for live/work spaces in Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, recalls Parus. I found the Artspace website, learned that they were building a campus in Dearborn and followed the development of the City Hall site. After attending a few information sessions I applied right after Artspace started accepting applications. Ralph Parus. Photo by David Lewinski. Growing up on the east side of Detroit, Parus first found a love for art when his mother showed him an article about Vincent Van Gogh in an issue of LIFE magazine. Ever since then, I became very interested in how anything was created, especially if it was created by hand, says Parus. That interest turned into metal and jewelry work, using a variety of metals. These days, his preferred metal is steel. My industrial Detroit influences can be seen in my work, but with a contemporary flair. Being born and raised in Detroit, I feel it is in my nature to build things out of metal, he says. Progress on the most recent development has been made possible by grants from several partners. The Ovation Network and Comcast supplied the technology for the Arts and Tech Lab, and the Ford Motor Company Fund built the lab. Funding from the William Davidson Foundation helped finish the buildout of the building. We felt that project provided a catalytic opportunity for Artspace and the resident artists and also meaningfully complemented the investments the City and others are making along Dearborns commercial corridors to build density, diversity of activity, and sense of place, says George Jacobsen, senior program officer for the Davidson Foundation. The foundation also wanted to find a way to honor Russell J. Ebeid, who worked 41 years with William Davidson at Guardian Industries. They will unveil a plaque honoring Ebeid during the kickoff event on November 13, which will unveil the lab and thank its partners. "We are so thankful to the William Davidson Foundation, Ford Motor Company, and the Comcast-Ovation partnership for their support, says Mattice. Murray says that this hub will connect the community further with the larger Metro Detroit area, to such places as Midtown and Downtown Detroit, UM-Dearborn, Wayne State and the Center for Creative Studies, and other cultural attractions including the Arab American National Museum, the Henry Ford and the Ford Family Estates. ArtSpace Connector under construction. Photo by David Lewinski. Artspace has created interest through other artists having an opportunity to live in East Dearborn via projects that expand urban density, walkability and apartment/loft living as envisioned in the Citys vision for the downtown districts, says Murray. The combined Dearborn and Detroit community will benefit from Artspace and the Connector as a destination for creativity and cultural programming that will have both local and regional interest. Murray expects that the completion of the connector space in the City Hall ArtSpace lofts will further cement the notion that Dearborn is a hub for artists and cultural appreciation. Businesses come and go, but in downtown Farmington, a handful of merchants have weathered decades of economic and technological shifts, thus establishing themselves as tried-and-true anchors of this vibrant, small-town community. To celebrate these beloved local institutions, Metromodes On the Ground Farmington project is launching a two-part Fixtures of Farmington series, whereby we shine a spotlight on these businesses owners; chronicle each ventures origin story; and gather insights on how and why these businesses, after so many years, continue to thrive. Dagwoods Deli & Catering Surprisingly, Farmingtons favorite sandwich shop began as a kind of outgrowth of Sergeant Peppers General Store in Ann Arbor. My wifes aunt and uncle started [Sergeant Peppers], says Dagwoods owner/manager Jerry Burger. But my wifes aunt wanted a shop out here. They were Farmington Hills residents, and she wanted something here so she wouldnt have to drive to Ann Arbor every day. She wanted a business where she could be creative and do something closer to home. To that end, Dagwoods took over a former Kowalski sausage shop that had been vacant for a year. The idea was, wed be a deli that served sandwiches on the side, says Burger, who has served as the stores manager since its 1984 launch. But then, a while after we opened, there started to be lines out the door for our sandwiches. Jerry Burger, owner/manager of Dagwood's. Photo by David Lewinski. Indeed, with twenty-five imaginatively varied (not to mention yummy) specialty sandwiches on the menu--along with soups, subs, salads, sides, and more--Dagwoods has clearly opted to play to its strengths, which may be a big reason for its enduring success. Even so, a lot has changed over the course of 34 years. When we opened, Farmington was a sleepy town, says Burger, who purchased the business outright in 2002. Our primary business was at lunchtime, and our nights were pretty slow. These days, were busy all day. And with the addition of Starbucks and Coldstone [Creamery] right next door, its more likely that people will linger in town for longer. They might come in for a concert at the pavilion or to go to the farmers market, and then theyll come in for a sandwich, and maybe grab coffee and dessert, too. Not surprisingly, the 2005 opening of Sundquist Pavilion and Riley Park--and the features/events that make their home there (including weekly Swing Nights, a seasonal outdoor ice rink, the farmers market and more)-- to the space directly across from Dagwoods significantly increased foot traffic, business, and visibility. Now, every day, Dagwoods draws people looking for a good lunch hour spot, as well as shoppers and, particularly on weekends, families. So despite inevitable the ups and downs of the economy, and an ever-growing list of competitors, Dagwoods has, over the years, maintained its status as the premiere sandwich stop in Farmington. I credit our staff, says Burger. Weve got a really good team. And the nice thing about Farmington is that our customers are very loyal. They tend to know its a small shop, privately owned by a person, not a corporation, and theres real loyalty for local businesses. We really appreciate that. John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub and Restaurant The Cowley family has been part of Farmington since patriarch, marble setter, and Ireland ex-pat John Cowley--founder of Cowleys Old Village Inn, which underwent a significant transformation before re-opening as John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub and Restaurant in 2003--moved his family to town to take a job building the altar at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. It was a lengthy job, says Greg Cowley, current co-owner of John Cowley & Sons. It took about two years. And hed often come to drink here (at the original Old Village Inn) after work. My mothers favorite quote was, He got into a business he knew well, which was a sarcastic way of describing my dads habits. Yes, after finishing the marble work at Sorrows, John Cowley, then in his 60s, bought the local pub in 1972 and made it Cowleys Old Village Inn. Age was a big factor, says Greg Cowley of his fathers decision to purchase the pub. (Being a marble setter is physically taxing work.) Other than being a patron, he didnt know much of anything about how to run the business. But when he purchased it, it was your typical small town bar that served all the locals and had a fish fry on Friday nights. Greg Cowley had been 17 then, and over time, he and his three brothers gained experience working every part of the family business--from mopping floors to food prep and tending bar. Eventually, Greg left the state for more than a decade and worked in corporate sales; but when it came time to raise his own family, he returned to Michigan in 99. Not too soon thereafter, he started taking part in conversations about the future of Cowleys, which was looking every bit its age. Greg Cowley. Photo by David Lewinski. You probably wouldnt have wanted to come into the old place, he quipped. The Cowleys demolished the original building in 2002 and rebuilt it as a two-story venue, with a more polished, upscale-atmosphere restaurant on the first floor, and a more casual pub environment (with TVs and a stage) upstairs. In addition, Greg Cowley invested ten years working with the Downtown Development Authority and served as a Farmington City Councilman, too, thus aiming to help shape downtown Farmingtons identity and future. Inevitably, though, the family business has had to weather tough times over the years, including John Cowleys death in 2013; a Chapter 11 bankruptcy (and a resulting financial reorganization) in 2015; and some longtime customers initial resistance to the venues updated, more polished look and identity. With the old business, we were 75 percent liquor and 25 percent food, says Greg Cowley. Thats flipped the other way now. And we had to adjust the menu to give people the comfort food they want. When we first re-launched the new business, we were presenting ourselves as more upscale and, as a result, things were more expensive. But we adjusted the price point and brought the comfort food back. Plus, Greg Cowley estimates that despite high turnover rates in the restaurant industry, about half his staff has been on the job for 12 years or more. This constancy regarding personnel contributes to the restaurants homey feel, despite its luxe, elegant furnishings. And according to Cowley, customers sometimes drive from as far as 35 miles away, passing scores of restaurants along the way to visit the Irish pub and restaurant that still stands in the heart of Farmingtons downtown. To Cowley, that means that he and his staff are doing something right. Before all the suburbs grew up around Farmington, there was not much out here, says Cowley. I like to say we were early adopters on Farmington. Stay tuned for part 2, where we'll profile two more "Fixtures of Farmington." Paul Landsberg served on USS 325 "The Blower." When he's working in the kitchen for Meals on Wheels at Auburn Hills Community Center, Paul Landsberg keeps track of time with his activity tracker. Paul Landsberg has lived in Auburn Hills since the early 1980s. During Paul Landsbergs 96 years of life, he can count just three times that he has come close to death. The first was during a bout of pneumonia when he was just nine months old. The doctor had given up on me, Landsberg says. But my mother didnt.The year was 1923. It was another five years before penicillin was discovered.Another near-death experience involved falling asleep behind the wheel of a car while driving in Arizona. Luck, Landsberg says, was in charge of that situation.But his experience aboard USS The Blower , a U.S. Navy submarine commissioned in the Pacific during WWII, is what Landsberg, a resident of Auburn Hills, speaks about with enthusiasm.En route to Pearl Harbor, leapfrogging with two other crafts, the submarines braking system for the diesel engines failed to operate, creating a vacuum inside the sub. A quick-thinking motor machinist on board opened the engine air induction, flooding the sub with water enough to stop the engines. When the reverse current relay kicked down, it could have killed all 108 aboard without the motor mach taking charge, Landsberg remembers.There were many more adventures for Landsberg aboard The Blower, including operations near the islands of the Philippines, Bali, Vietnam, Australia, and Japan. He recalls dates with remarkable clarity, but chides himself with oh, cmon, Paul! when he struggles to recall the names of places he encountered, even though these experiences took place more than 70 years ago.For the most part, however, Landsberg takes his considerable history in his stride, focusing instead on the his present experiences with his family, his responsibilities as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels in the Auburn Hills Community Center , and his woodworking hobby.The time Landsberg served during WWII were part of just few years he has lived outside of Michigan. In fact, a good portion of his life was spent right in Oakland County. Between graduating from high school and enlisting in the Navy, Landsberg lived in Huntington Woods, commuting with his younger sister to work in their fathers womenswear business in Pontiac.In 1946, when Landsberg was discharged from the Navy, he returned home to work for architects and mechanical contractors, bouncing from the firms of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls and Giffels Webster, both located in the ten-storey Marquette Building on West Congress Street in Detroit.What we would do is hear that one company got a big project, and wed go to the place that got the project, get a quarter raise, and work until the project was through, then went to the other firm when they got a big project, Landsberg says. But I was working 64 hours a week, then, and we had four kids at the time.Looking for a change, Landsberg found an opportunity to learn estimating in commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and extended his expertise to design and construction of HVAC systems.For a while during his career, Landsberg made wooden forms used to create the dies to cast the tail end and fins for the iconic 1956 Cadillac. Since then, hes loved woodworking and says its an avocation that keeps him vibrant and active.Landsberg says Oakland County has been good to him, and the City of Auburn Hills, where he has lived since the early 1980s, gave him the chance to serve on various committees where he felt he could create change. He credits former mayor Jim McDonald for offering him a seat on the Tax Increment Finance committee. He also sat on the library board, and as many as four Auburn Hills committees at once.While his family history does boast some longevity, Landsberg takes nothing for granted. His father retired at 79, but, with no hobby to occupy him, died by the age of 83.He let that chair enfold him. I vowed that when I retired, I wouldnt let that chair enfold me, says Landsberg. Instead, when he retired in 1989, he learned the art of woodworking, and set up shop in his garage in Auburn Hills. My first big project was an oak cradle, a big one. As the great-grandkids were born, we started putting plaques on the back, and filled it all up. That crib has traveled to Arizona, to California, and back again.Landsberg speaks fondly of his wife, Ida Ruth, 95, whom he met at his local shul and married in 1953. We met in August, were engaged in October, and married in February. We were both looking at the age of 30, and wanted to get going, he says. They had four children, including a set of twins by 1957. Landsberg and Ida Ruth have 19 grandchildren, and are expecting a 22nd great-grandchild at the end of November. Landsberg hopes his family will travel from California and Kentucky to celebrate Ida Ruths 96th birthday in December.Between his two wrists, Landberg wears a Fit Bit-style personal activity monitor and a personal safety button as well as his watch, but he doesnt need any of this to remind him to stay active, the Paul Landsberg secret to longevity.You have to have lots of love of life, and keep yourself moving, he says. If I had my druthers, this morning, I would have stayed in bed. But what I do is force myself. As long as I get that first step going, Im fine.In recent years, Landsberg recognized he wasnt getting out to meet people or assert himself, so he volunteered for Meals on Wheels, helping package up food to be delivered, often to people much younger than himself.Landsbergs philosophy on aging well extends beyond remaining active. He credits a spirit of grace, too.You have to forgive and forget the animosities that come up in your family and your friends. Learn to forget, Landsberg says.Life is too short! I know its a laugh when I say it.Photos by Claire Charlton Two Ukrainian Azov Sea ports, Berdyansk and Mariupol, are effectively under blockade by Russia as vessels are being barred from leaving and entering, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, Volodymyr Omelyan, said on Thursday. Overall, 35 vessels have been prevented from carrying out normal operations and only vessels moving towards Russian ports on the Azov Sea are permitted entry, he said on Facebook. "The goal is simple: By placing a blockade on Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, Russia hopes to drive Ukraine out of our own territory territory that is ours in accordance with all relevant international laws," he said. Omelyan said 18 vessels were awaiting entry into the Azov Sea, including four to Berdyansk and 14 to Mariupol. There is also a line of nine vessels to leave the Azov Sea and eight other vessels are standing by near the port berths. Grain and steel dominates the Azov ports shipments. Ukraine is not a NATO member, but the trans-Atlantic group has expressed "full support" for the country. "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia," Poroshenko told Germany's Bild. "First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" [Background: Part One Part Two .]Russia's aggression toward Ukraine is frighteningly escalating This istroubling. The blockade is not only intended to drive Ukraine out of their own territory, but also to grievously harm the Ukrainian economy.And I am gasping at the dire symbolism of preventing ships carrying grain from porting during an act of aggression which coincided,with Ukraine's designated remembrance of the Holodomor, during which millions of Ukrainians were starved by Joseph Stalin.This is intolerable.Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is urging NATO to send ships to the area "to assist Ukraine and provide security."The international community must endeavor to prevent having to find out the answer to that question. Economist Bevan Graham has been appointed managing director of AMP Capital New Zealand, replacing Grant Hassell who will head up the group's global fixed income. Graham, who is currently AMP Capital New Zealand chief economist, has more than 30 years experience in the public and private sector, including seven years with AMP Capital. He will remain chief economist of the fund manager. The changes take effect from next year. "Bevan is the right person to continue the strong momentum and growth in our business. He has deep and trusted relationships with our clients in the region and an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional investment experiences," said AMP Capital director Asia Pacific Craig Keary. Graham will report to Keary while Hassell will report to the global head of public markets Simon Warner. Hassell will stay on the AMP Capital New Zealand board. AMP Capital New Zealand has around $21 billion under management. The group's funds under management are A$189.3 billion. The New Zealand fund manager is a unit of Australia's AMP, which has been reshaping under new leadership as it tries to rebuild a reputation tarnished by unethical practices uncovered by Australia's Royal Commission into the banking sector's conduct. That's included a review of the portfolio spanning banking, insurance, wealth management, financial advice and funds management. That shake-up will see AMP exit its New Zealand wealth management and advice businesses through a public offer next year, provided the market conditions are right. The spin-out won't include the local funds management unit, which operates under the AMP Capital umbrella. A decision has yet to be made on whether to list the New Zealand wealth management and advice unit on the NZX alone or to pursue a dual-listing on the ASX as well. The parent's shares are dual-listed, and last traded at $2.54 on the NZX and have fallen 55 percent over the past 12 months. The Kiwi wealth management and advice businesses contribute operating earnings of about A$40 million on a standalone basis to the Australian parent. AMP Capital Investors New Zealand generated a net profit of $13.9 million in calendar 2017 on net fee income of $33.5 million, according to its latest filing to the Companies Office. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise Mercer Group wants to negotiate a settlement over the 2016 collapse of a silo at Fonterra Cooperative Group's Edendale factory, but acknowledges it may end up in court. The stainless steel fabricator is comfortable, based on advice received, with its insurance cover and liability position. But the complexity of the issues involved means its insurers haven't agreed to the scope of cover, the company says in presentation slides for chair John Dennehy's speech to shareholders. Mercer says all the parties have been working toward a mutually agreeable resolution, and the company is working through the process with its insurers and Fonterra. It would prefer a negotiated outcome, but both mediation and legal proceedings are possible, according to the slides for the annual meeting today. When reporting its annual earnings in late August, Mercer said it hoped to reach a conclusion within three months. Last year Mercer estimated the cost of the collapse to Fonterra at $20 million. It had supplied the silo, which collapsed in September 2016, to TetraPak. Mercer told shareholders today it expects to generate a net profit in the 2019 financial year. It said it's also in detailed discussions to potentially buy a company that fits its strategy of offering technology-led products and services. The shares recently traded at 16 cents, and have dropped 59 percent during the past 12 months. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise Gentrack says its cautious about how Brexit will affect its business in Britain and Europe in the short-term, even though it remains confident it can grow organic operating earnings at 15 percent or more in the long term. The companys shares fell as low as $6.08, and were recently down 57 cents at $6.15, or 7.5 percent, from Wednesdays close after it reported annual results in line with guidance, including a 17 percent increase in net profit to $13.9 million. Chief executive Ian Black told analysts on a conference call that it is realistic and appropriate to note the potential impact of Brexit. Given that some of the energy suppliers are owned by European organisations, that means that theres going to be a bit of caution about making decisions rapidly in the next short while until things settle down, Black said. Were just calling out that we, as much as anybody else, want to see the outcome of that Brexit decision and the potential impact on confidence in the UK and European markets, he said. The mere fact that our platform is very sticky and is mission critical for our customers, means that the continued underlying spend on software and our support services and regulatory compliance activities will go on regardless of the political uncertainty, he said. Were just being cautious because were still dependent on projects and contracts to grow our business. The business in Britain is very solid with a broad customer base from tier one electricity companies to new entrants and delivers a very strong recurring revenue stream, Black said. Britain accounted for 53.8 percent of Gentracks $104.5 million in revenue in the year ended September, up from just 30.8 percent the previous year. As well, total committed annualised revenue more than doubled to $51.8 million. We added 25 utilities and three airport customers during the year, lifting full-year subscription and software licence revenues by 78 percent on last year to $48.9 million, Black said. We have maintained our leading market share of the UKs independent energy suppliers and our software has now been selected by a number of the largest utilities in the UK including Npower, E.ON and SSE, he said. Gentrack is in the process of transitioning its business from selling upfront licences with recurring maintenance contracts to a cloud-based subscription, software-as-a-service, business model. Comparing the two models, we see the total life-time value to Gentrack over seven years being at least 50 percent greater, Black said. In reality, most of our customers stay with us much longer than that. The aftermath of Gentracks $99 million float in mid-2014 was marred by a profit downgrade by as much as 32 percent shortly after it listed on NZX, largely reflecting timing issues with contracts. In the event, earnings were 7.8 percent lower than the prospectus forecast at $13 million and the Financial Markets Authority decided to take no action after investigating the situation, but that experience has doubtless made the company more cautious about forecasting. Gentracks final dividend of 8.7 cents per share, which takes the annual payout to 13.7 cents, up 8 percent on the previous year, is based on the companys current dividend policy of paying out 70 percent of net profit before amortisation. Black said that policy could be subject to review. The business has changed quite considerably since that was put in place. Gentrack has bought four businesses since March 2017, including the purchase of Evolve in June for $44.9 million, and its recent $90 million rights issue has left it with $50 million of undrawn debt. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise Chinese telecommunications equipment provider Huawei says it has had no contact with New Zealand's signals intelligence agency over its decision to stop Spark New Zealand using the company's cellsite technology when it builds its 5G mobile network. "At this stage the GCSB and ministers have not engaged with Huawei in this process. In the interests of natural justice and fairness, Huawei is seeking an urgent meeting with the relevant ministers and officials to understand the governments position and get clarification of the process from here," Huawei NZ deputy managing director Andrew Bowater said in a statement. The company had had no formal notification or contact from the Government Communications Security Bureau, which assessed an application from Spark to use Huawei equipment in the Random Access Network parts of the 5G network that it aims to have up and running by July 2020, assuming the government allocates 5G radio spectrum promptly next year. Both the GCSB and the minister responsible for the country's intelligence agencies, Andrew Little, have made a point of saying the declined application from Spark is a "soft" rather than "hard" ban, leaving open the possibility that the national security risks identified by the GCSB can be mitigated. "Huawei would welcome the opportunity to actively address any concerns and work together to find a way forward," said Bowater. The decision has occurred in an environment of increasing trade and diplomatic tension between China and the US, which along with Australia has banned the use of Huawei in its mobile telecommunications networks. Both countries are members of the Anglophile global communications spy network known as the Five Eyes, of which New Zealand, the UK and Canada are also members. In comments issued ahead of this weekend's G20 summit meeting in Argentina, where US President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping are scheduled to have dinner together, Nikko Asset Management's chief global strategist John Vail placed the Huawei stoush in the context of the wider push by the US to force reform of China's trade and intellectual property practices. Imposing tariffs on Chinese was one source of that pressure. "Nor will the US end efforts to prevent allies from using Chinese 5G telecom equipment due to security concerns, and it will continue making life extremely difficult for other Chinese national champions ... until China eliminates state subsidies and government ownership of such companies under the WTO reform banner," said Vail. "Eventually, China will be a major player in all hi-tech fields, it is just a question of how long it takes and how disruptive and risky a process it chooses to pursue." Bowater said no evidence of wrongdoing by Huawei has been presented and the company "strongly reject the notion that our business threatens New Zealand in any way". "We deserve the opportunity to have our voice heard and to address any concerns in good faith." The company has operated in New Zealand since 2005 and the impact of its inability to do so in the 5G roll-out would have impacts for consumers "both in terms of technology and price due to the lack of competition". "Huawei has a proven record of delivering the best technology in New Zealand at a competitive price. In March this year we achieved a then world-record of 18.23Gbps for the indoor 5G trial with Spark while our competitors were only able to achieve just over 1Gbps the same week. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise Any investigation into whether petrol consumers are being fleeced is unlikely to be completed before the end of 2019. An amendment of the Commerce Act in late October gave the Commerce Commission the power to investigate competition in any particular market and it has been funded $1.5 million a year to carry out the work. Earlier the same month Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the legislation had been prioritised given concerns about the fuel market and her belief that motorists were being fleeced. Commerce Commission chair Mark Berry told MPs today that he expects to hear the governments nomination for the first study next month. He told Parliaments economic development, science and innovation select committee that market studies are really complex, with some of those undertaken in Australia recently extending to 18 months. The terms of reference for the studies would have to be very carefully targeted to deliver the quality required, and most would take a full year, he said. We will be under considerable pressure to deliver the kind of study that people want in that period of time. While that timeframe may be frustrating for some, there will be some public visibility of the work as it progressed. An issues paper would be published early in the process and the commission would aim to produce a draft report by August or September, Berry said. The Labour-led government gave the commission the new powers after an investigation of petrol prices led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment last year. It found that petrol prices were higher in Wellington and the South Island where there was less competition, and also raised concern that access to fuel storage may be limiting competition in some areas. But the overall findings were inconclusive, with study authors the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, Grant Thornton and Cognitus reporting that they could not be sure that fuel prices were reasonable but that they had "reason to believe that they might not be". Political calls for action have grown louder in recent months as a combination of a weaker New Zealand dollar and rising crude oil prices pushed September pump prices to records in many parts of the country. Speaking after the hearing, Berry was at pains to emphasise that the government has not yet set the fuel market as the subject of the commissions first market study. While one year is a tight timeframe for such studies, he said the commission had been gearing up and had already formed a team from within its staff to lead the work. Our goal is to do a thorough job within the 12 months, he told journalists. My expectation is that we can. Berry noted that, irrespective of a ministerial direction to undertake a study, the commission would be completely neutral in its approach and would address the issues with an open mind. No action may result from some investigations. It will be the evidence which will be directing our conclusions and recommendations, he said. An issue during the preparation of the new legislation was the degree of freedom the commission should have to pursue potential issues it saw in particular markets. Against that was the potential for the government of the day to initiate studies for reasons of popular politics. Berry told the committee that the funding the commission has received and the time involved in each means it is unlikely to be initiating its own studies any time soon. With ministers already signaling market studies into several markets and funding allowing for only one study per year, we expect a full work programme for the foreseeable future in this field, he said. This means that we are not having to use our self-initiation powers in future. That said, he expected that over time the commission and MBIE officials would collaborate to feed into the selection of topics for future studies to ensure efforts were prioritised correctly. While in theory the commission could decline to undertake a study requested by the government, Berry doubted that would happen. It would be very unlikely that a minister doesnt come to us with a market that is genuinely one that is appropriate for a market study. I think thats the practical reality of it, he told journalists after the hearing. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise U.S. stealth bombers conducted a mock bombing run over a firing range on the island of Jikdo off Gunsan on Thursday, according to the Combined Forces Command. The B-2 bombers, the most expensive aircraft in the world at about US$2 billion apiece, have conducted secret bombing runs over the Korean Peninsula several times, but this is the first time their dry runs have been made public. U.S. military authorities apparently decided to announce them because they wanted to send a warning message to North Korea in response to recent belligerent rhetoric and dampen mounting calls from South Korea to build its own nuclear weapons. Two B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Wednesday night and flew 10,500 km for more than 15 hours, being refueled in mid-air. They arrived in the air over the Jikdo firing range around noon Thursday. After dropping drill bombs, they were refueled again and returned to their home base. The CFC said in a press release U.S. Strategic Command sent the bombers "as part of the ongoing bilateral Foal Eagle training exercise," demonstrating U.S. commitment and "its capability to defend [South Korea] and to provide extended deterrence." Capital hungry Pacific Edge is asking shareholders and other investors to stump up with another $12 million after burning through another $8.6 million in cash in the six months ended September. That cash outflow was 15 percent down on the $10.2 million the company burned in the same six months last year and the company had just over $10 million in cash left at Sept. 30. The results show a significant 43 percent step up to more than $2 million in sales of the companys tests used to help detect bladder cancer and the net loss for the six months narrowed to $8.7 million. The company says billable test volumes were up 12 percent on the previous first half and currently account for 82 percent of total laboratory throughput. Commercial adoption of Cxbladder by national healthcare providers is at a high level in Pacific Edges home market of New Zealand and continues to improve with 62 percent coverage providing significant local and international validation, it said. The latter figure is up from 36 percent in the previous first half. But the big prize for Pacific Edge, as ever, is in the United States and it said it has completed two of three milestones required for national reimbursement, being receipt of product codes and notification of a national price at US$760 per test. The company said John Hopkins Medicine, a US$8 billion integrated global health enterprise and one of the leading health care systems in the US, is evaluating the tests. The latest capital raising is priced at 35 cents per share with $7 million coming from a placement to institutions and the other $5 million coming from a share purchase plan to the companys retail investors. Pacific Edge said a number of new local and international investors participated in the placement. It said it chose an SPP rather than a rights issue to allow for greater flexibility - there is no cap on how many shares retail shareholders can apply for, although the aggregate will be capped at $5 million. The shares last traded at 40 cents ahead of the trading halt while the placement takes place. In July, Pacific Edge gained a new investor, Manchester Management, a privately-owned US company that specialises in biotech investments, when it bought a $2.6 million placement at 32 cents per share, a premium to the previous on-market trade at 23.5 cents. The shares have risen from as low as 19.5 cents in June. Pacific Edge said it expects laboratory throughput in the second half should increase 23 percent with about 16,500 tests done for the full year, up from 14,448 in the year ended March 2018. The expected laboratory throughput in full-year 2019 excludes test volumes from any new commercial agreements which have yet to be signed, the company said, adding that the New Zealand market is expected to account for about 18 percent of total laboratory throughput. Chair Chris Gallaher said the board is committed to the companys strategy and to achieving the key milestone of breaking even. The impact Cxbladder makes for the large healthcare providers that have burgeoning patient needs, few resources and need to show value changes for their clinical services is very clear, Gallaher says. We are looking forward to successfully executing on the next phase of our global growth plan as we continue to progress our objective of taking Cxbladder to the world. Pacific Edges tests replace much more costly and invasive tests to detect and manage bladder cancer with simple urine tests. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 25th November 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZ: GTK) Annual Results for the Year Ended 30 September 2021 Pacific Edge Limited (NZX: PEB) Results for Six Months Ended 30 September 2021 Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) 1H22 Results Announcement Stride Property Ltd & Stride Investment Management Ltd (NZX: SPG) HY22 Interim Results and Capital Raise Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX: FPH) announces result for the first half of FY22 Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) NZ$75 Million Placement Fully Subscribed The a2 Milk Company Limited (NZX: ATM) to Defend Second Class Action 24th November 2021 Morning Report Serko Limited (NZX: SKO) launches NZ$85 million capital raise Russia's military said Wednesday it is adding more anti-aircraft missiles to its defense systems in the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The move comes as Russia and Ukraine are locked in a dispute over a Sunday incident in which Russian forces seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews in the Black Sea. Russia accused the sailors, who were manning three Ukrainian navy ships, of illegally entering Russian waters and ignoring warnings from Russian border guards, charges Ukraine has denied. On Tuesday, a court in Crimea ordered 12 of the 24 apprehended sailors to be detained for two months. The rest of the group was due to appear in court on Wednesday. Ukraine has imposed martial law in some of its border regions in response to the incident, and with a growing number of other European countries, has urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on Moscow. Opposition Democrats have said they will approve $1.6 billion for the wall, leaving the two sides far apart. Some Republicans are also opposed to Trump's wall, which he vowed in his 2016 presidential campaign would be paid for by Mexico, although he now wants U.S. taxpayers to foot the bill. The U.S. leader, who almost daily unleashes verbal attacks on migrants trying to cross into the United States, told the Politico news site he is insisting that $5 billion for wall construction be included in measures Congress needs to approve to keep several federal agencies open after their current spending authority expires Dec. 7. U.S. President Donald Trump says he would "totally be willing" to partially shut down the government next week if he does not get more funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart Central American migrants from entering the country. "I am firm," Trump said of his $5 billion demand. "I don't do anything... just for political gain," Trump said. "But I will tell you, politically speaking, that issue is a total winner. People look at the border, they look at the rush to the police, they look at the rock throwers and really hurting three people, three very brave border patrol folks. I think that it's a tremendous issue, but much more importantly, is really needed. So, we have to have border security." Trump was referencing a Sunday confrontation at the border in which migrants hurled rocks at U.S. Border Patrol officers, with agents repelling the crowd with blasts of tear gas. Rodney Scott, the chief Border Patrol agent in San Diego, California, just north of the Mexican border, said agents were not seriously injured. "Their shields and their bulletproof vests actually protected them from the rocks," he said. "We did have a few vehicles that were damaged, some windows and quite a few dents, but none of the agents were seriously injured." Even as Trump voiced his determination to win congressional approval for the $5 billion in initial funding for a wall estimated to cost more than $20 billion, he told the Washington Post in a separate interview that he could find other ways to build the wall or add more security along the border. "I think that's been shown better than ever in the last short period of two weeks that we need a wall," Trump told the newspaper. "I see the Democrats are going to want to do something, because they understand, too. Those pictures are very bad for the Democrats. We're not having a wall because of the Democrats. We need Democrat votes to have a wall." "Now, if we don't get it, will I get it done another way? I might get it done another way," he declared. "There are other potential ways that I can do it. You saw what we did with the military, just coming in with the barbed wire and the fencing, and various other things." House Speaker Paul Ryan, leader of the current majority Republican bloc in the House of Representatives, told reporters Wednesday that after the nationwide congressional elections in early November, "hopefully... Democrats realize that a secure border should not be a Republican thing, it shouldn't be a Democrat thing, it's just good for the country. To actually secure our border. The House is there. We hope the Senate comes with us." He added, "Turn on the TV, you can see we have a problem at the border. So, we want to secure our border. The House Republicans have always wanted to secure the border, the House Republicans have been passing bills to secure our border, and I'd like to think that Democrats would also want to join us in securing the border, especially after the election." US slams harmful China trade policies, threatens auto tariffs Washington, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2018 US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday slammed Beijing for failing to offer "meaningful reform" on aggressive trade policies that harm US workers and industry, and threatened tariffs on Chinese autos. The latest trade threat against China comes days before President Donald Trump is due to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to defuse the ongoing trade conflict between the world's top two economic powers. Instead, Lighthizer's statement escalated the dispute further, saying: "China's aggressive, state-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to US workers and manufacturers." And while talks continue, "As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform," he said. The country's policies on auto tariffs are "especially egregious," taxing US cars at more than double the rate it charges other countries. "At the president's direction, I will examine all available tools to equalize the tariffs applied to automobiles," he said. Trump already has imposed steep punitive tariffs on about half of the Chinese goods imported into the US market each year, and has threatened to target the remaining $267 billion as well -- which would hit Apple iPhones and laptops produced in China. He said on Monday that he did not think an agreement would be reached this week that would prevent a scheduled increase in the tariff rate on $200 billion in goods. But a White House advisor on Tuesday said Trump believed there was a "good possibility" to reach a deal. U.S. President Donald Trump touted the use of U.S. tariffs on foreign small trucks Wednesday, saying their placement on other foreign vehicles would have prevented the closure of several General Motors plants and the loss of thousands of coveted manufacturing jobs. Trump noted on Twitter that brisk U.S. small truck sales in the country are due to a 25-percent tariff on small truck imports. The president reiterated on Twitter that "countries that send us cars have taken advantage of the U.S. for decades." Trump added he has "great power on this issue," which he said "is being studied now." Trump has threatened to eliminate all federal subsidies to GM in response to the company's planned closure of five plants and the elimination of 14,000 jobs in North America. Questions remain, though, about whether Trump has the authority to act against the automaker without congressional approval. China orders halt to baby gene-editing activities: state TV Beijing, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 China's science ministry has ordered that people involved in the controversial baby gene-editing experiment halt their activities, a government official told state media Thursday. The ministry "firmly opposes the baby gene-editing incident and has already demanded that the relevant organisation suspend the scientific activities of relevant personnel," a ministry official said, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The experiment, which was led by Chinese scientist He Jiankui, claims to have altered the DNA of twin girls born a few weeks ago to prevent them from contracting HIV. The National Health Commission is investigating the claims. The experiment "seriously violates" China's laws, regulations, and ethical standards if it indeed occurred as reported by media," said Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the National Health Commission, in an interview with CCTV published on its website Thursday. He's experiment has also prompted criticism from the international and domestic scientific community, with some denouncing it as premature and dangerous. 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Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe07090a8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b0448)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe07090a8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b0448)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe070e540)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b0448)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b0448)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdfe0c580)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe05ed990)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe05ed990)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe0374c10)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe0374bc8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe0374c10)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe0374bc8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe07ce938)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe0374bc8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe0374bc8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdfe0c430)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe065bba0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe065bba0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 The two Koreas will start a joint survey of North Korean railway lines on Friday that are to be reconnected with the South, the Unification Ministry said Wednesday. The survey will last 18 days. The UN Security Council early this week granted South Korea an exemption from international sanctions against North Korea for the purpose of the survey. Seoul plans a ground-breaking ceremony to connect the railroads on the east and west coasts by year's end, but no further work can be done until international sanctions against the North are lifted. The ministry is expected to deliver about 50 tons of treatment for pine wilt disease to the North Korean border city of Kaesong overland on Thursday to protect rotting ties. "Memories of the Alhambra" is notable for its focus on augmented reality technology. Hyun Bin plays the head of an investment firm who takes a business trip to Granada, Spain to check out a new AR game developed by an anonymous programmer. There he meets Park's character, who works as a local tour guide while running a hostel at which he stays, and they get involved in game-like incidents. Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye will co-star in a new series on cable TV channel tvN starting this weekend. It is the very first time the two have worked together in a drama despite their nearly 15-year careers in showbiz. Speaking at a press event in Seoul on Wednesday, Hyun Bin said, "There were some unexpected difficulties during shooting as it deals with unfamiliar subjects. I knew almost nothing about AR games but now I'm like an expert." The stars hit it off easily, although it was their first collaboration. Park said, "We didn't have time to get to know each other before we started shooting in Granada. But we quickly grew closer as we spent much time together in a foreign city. When we weren't shooting, we often shared our thoughts about work over beers." Hyun Bin said, "Park is a really nice, bright person, bringing good energy to filming locations. She's already a veteran, as she started acting at an early age [of 13] and knows how to deal with anything that happens on location." Netflix purchased the rights to the series, which cost some W20 billion to make (US$1=W1,129). Episodes will be available on the video streaming site one hour after they air on tvN. The drama's producer, Ahn Gil-ho said, "Due to the global popularity of computer games, I expect the series will draw a lot of attention in the international market." Greenpeace ends Polish coal-plant protest Warsaw, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 Greenpeace activists who scaled a massive chimney at Poland's Belchatow coal-fired power plant have abandoned their protest after more than 40 hours because of pollution, the organisation said Thursday. The group said local police detained the six activists from around the world after they descended from the 180-metre (560-foot) tower in southern Poland late Wednesday. "They'll all be questioned, which should take several hours," Katarzyna Guzek, a spokeswoman for Greenpeace Poland, told AFP, adding that the they could be charged with trespassing. The protest was part of a Greenpeace campaign aimed at phasing out coal use as Poland prepares to host the COP24 global climate summit next month. "The poisonous gases that forced the activists to end their activity only reinforce what we have been saying," Greenpeace campaigner Pawel Szypulski said in a statement. "There is no future in coal and plants like Belchatow must be shut down. Countries meeting at COP24 must now respond." The activists from Poland, Germany, Hungary and Indonesia made the decision to descend the chimney when their equipment indicated that emission levels of nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxide "were at critical safety limits", Greenpeace said. The organisation said it had also addressed a complaint to Poland's PGE power group, which owns the Belchatow plant. Greenpeace called on PGE to renounce coal to protect the climate, threatening legal action against the power group if it did not take action. Delegations from nearly 200 countries will meet in the nearby Polish coal city of Katowice for the two-week COP24 summit which opens Sunday. The UN's climate chief Patricia Espinosa insists the summit in Poland must produce a detailed programme to move the Paris climate accord forward. World leaders have been trying to breathe new life into the 195-nation Paris Agreement amid backsliding from several nations -- most notably the United States -- over commitments made when it was signed in December 2015. Canada's Ontario disappoints with new climate plan Ottawa, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 Ontario unveiled a plan Thursday to combat climate change by replacing its cap-and-trade system with a fund to help companies reduce emissions -- prompting criticism from environmentalists and Canada's federal government. The nation's most populous province and its main economic engine wants to spend Can$400 million (US$300 million) over four years to help the private sector drive Canada toward its goals under the 2015 Paris climate accord. But critics say it allows total emissions to rise. "This plan reverses years of progress," said the Pembina Institute, while Greenpeace described it as a "major retreat from what was being done to fight climate change in Ontario." Canada agreed under the Paris Agreement to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Named The Ontario Carbon Trust, the new blueprint follows an Australian model to inject money into the private sector to promote green practices. Under cap-and-trade systems like the one introduced by Ontario's previous Liberal administration, authorities sell a limited number of permits that allow companies to discharge specific quantities of a specific pollutant per time period. Since his election in June, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has railed against a proposed federal "carbon tax" and joined a lawsuit with Saskatchewan against Ottawa's threat to impose it on provinces that don't fall in line with its emissions reduction strategy. Ontario Environment Minister Rod Phillips said the new plan represented "a clean break from the status quo" that would balance a healthy environment with a healthy economy. But his federal counterpart, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, accused Ontario of "going backward on climate action." "The Ford government wants to go back in time and they want to make it free to pollute," she said in the foyer of the House of Commons. Three Bundles of Good News in Bill to Aid Iraqi Assyrians, Yazidis In this April 16, 2017 photo, Assyrian militiamen stand guard during Easter mass in Qaraqosh, outside Mosul, Iraq. Synagogues, mosques, churches and other houses of worship are routinely at risk of attack in many parts of the world. And so worshippers themselves often feel the need for visible, tangible protection even as they seek the divine. ( AP/Maya Alleruzzo) On Wednesday, the U.S. Congress adopted HR 309, titled the "Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018," which now heads to President Donald Trump's desk, where he's expected to sign it into law. First introduced two years ago, the bill makes it clear that victims of the ISIS genocide in Iraq, including Christians and Yazidis, should be included in American assistance to the region. It also features American aid for holding perpetrators accountable, including funding to develop local judicial and investigatory capacities. For those concerned about the plight of suffering religious minorities around the world, very much including Christians, it's obviously good news. In fact, there are at least three levels upon which HR 309 seems something to celebrate. First, it means the world to the Christians on the ground in Iraq right now, struggling to keep one of the world's most ancient Christian communities alive. Second, it shows that 21st century America once in a while can still transcend partisan divides, as the author of the bill is a staunch Republican and the lead co-sponsor a liberal Democrat. Finally, it's a win for Catholic political engagement in America, as probably the lead non-governmental force behind the bill was the Knights of Columbus. (The Knights are also a principal sponsor of Crux.) To begin, the bill provides for various forms of help to Iraq's genocide victims: Funding groups (faith-based and not) offering humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery. Assessing needs and triggers inducing these survivors to flee. Identifying warning signs in Iraq or Syria among groups that have been victims of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. Support for criminal investigations into ISIS perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Encourage foreign governments to add identifying information about suspected ISIS perpetrators to security databases and screening and to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators. God knows these people need the help. Here's how Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), author of the bill, laid out the argument when he introduced it in January 2017. "Iraq's Christian population is less than 250,000, down from up to 1.4 million in 2002, down from 500,000 in 2013 just before ISIS began targeting Christians for genocide," Smith said. "Having fled ISIS, these Christians may have to flee their homelands. Perhaps they will take the little money they have left and pay smugglers to get them to Europe," he said. "They would risk becoming prisoners of human traffickers or perishing in the Mediterranean Sea, where more than 5,000 refugees and migrants died or went missing in 2016." The politics of the bill are also encouraging. Smith is the author, and Representative Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) is the lead co-sponsor. In many ways, they're a political odd couple. Smith has a 100 score from the National Right to Life Committee, Eshoo gets 100 percent from the National Abortion Rights Action League. Smith voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, Eshoo against. They clash over taxes and budgets, health care policy, and most other contentious issues. Yet they're both committed to persecuted Christians - a natural for Eshoo, the only member of Congress of Assyrian descent and co-founder of the House's Religious Minorities in the Middle East caucus. For Americans, it's good news that such clear ideological rivals can find common ground on anything, despite today's toxic partisan divides. For persecuted Christians around the world it's maybe even better news, because it suggests their suffering doesn't necessarily have to be swept into the ideological sausage grinders that have come to dictate virtually every other debate in Western politics. Finally, consider the NGOs supporting the legislation: The Knights of Columbus, Family Research Council, In Defense of Christians, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, Commission for International Justice and Accountability, HIAS, Aid to the Church in Need USA, Open Doors, A Demand for Action, Yezidi Human Rights Organization International, Religious Freedom Institute, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Syrian Accountability Project, and Civitas Maxima. It's an ecumenical lineup, including Catholic, Protestant and avowedly secular groups, and probably the prime mover was the Knights - who was also the leading force behind the U.S. government's official recognition of what happened in Iraq as a "genocide". On Wednesday, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson hailed the House approval. "The Knights of Columbus applauds the passage of HR 309, which makes clear that those targeted for genocide by ISIS should be included in American government assistance in the region," Anderson said. "The fact that this bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously shows that the American response to genocide transcends partisanship and that there is enormous political will to protect and preserve religious minorities in the Middle East, including Christians and Yazidis, who were targeted for extinction," he said. Anderson's statement included a reminder that since 2014, the Knights of Columbus has committed more than $20 million for relief efforts on behalf of Christians and other religious minorities in the region. Assuming Trump signs HR 309 into law, it'll be an object lesson that determined political engagement by faith-based groups can still make a difference. In other words, there's a lot to celebrate about what happened in the House of Representatives on Wednesday - and these days, being able to celebrate anything that happens in American politics pretty much defines a good day. Some 700 parcel delivery workers affiliated with the militant Federation of Korean Trade Unions went on strike against CJ Korea Express on Nov. 21 demanding that the company recognize their union. The strike has paralyzed parcel deliveries in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province for more than a week. Some 15,000 packages had piled up at the bus terminal as of Wednesday, and customers were flocking to the terminal to pick up their goods themselves. "I waited for my parcel for more than a week and finally called the delivery person who told me to pick it up at the terminal," one 58-year-old customer said. "I can't believe I paid for delivery." But many customers come in vain because their packages have not been sorted yet. The union is allowing only perishable products to be delivered by replacement workers. "A union representative searches every delivery truck at the entrance and allows only those carrying perishables to pass through," said one terminal worker. Austrian recruiter for Syria jihad jailed Vienna, Nov 28 (AFP) Nov 28, 2018 An Austrian man under whose influence two couples went to Syria to join the Islamic State group taking their nine children with them was on Wednesday jailed for eight years. The 38-year-old was convicted of recruiting for IS while a 24-year-old Bulgarian was given seven years after being found in possession of plans for terrorist attacks. Prosecutors said the older man played "a central ideological role" in a radical religious grouping and had convinced several people to travel to Syria to join IS. Among those who prosecutors said left under his influence were two sets of parents who took their nine children to Syria. They subsequently returned to Austria and were themselves convicted. The younger man convicted on Wednesday had himself originally gone to Syria before returning in 2015. A raid at his home revealed a USB stick containing instructions on how to use explosives and chemical weapons, including how to detonate devices using a mobile phone. Around 300 people have either left or been intercepted trying to leave Austria to fight in Syria or Iraq since 2011, according to the interior ministry. Some 50 have died there while around 100 have come back. Boko Haram kills three soldiers, overrun Nigerian army base Kano, Nigeria, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 Boko Haram jihadists have killed three soldiers in an attack on a military base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state near Lake Chad, military and civilian sources said. Fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) driving in several trucks attacked the base in Cross-Kauwa village on Tuesday and engaged troops in an hours-long gunfight, the sources told AFP late Wednesday. "We lost three soldiers in the fight," said a military officer who asked not to be named. "The soldiers fought the terrorists but were overpowered and had to withdraw from the base," he added. A Cross-Kauwa resident said the Islamists stormed the village in trucks fitted with anti-aircraft guns around 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). "The insurgents fought the soldiers for three hours and forced them to abandon the base," said the resident who wanted to be identified only by his first name, Bukar, for fear of reprisals. Buba said troops withdrew to the garrison town of Monguno, 18 kilometres (11 miles) away while others stopped at another base in nearby Kekeno which Boko Haram has made several failed attempts to overrun in recent weeks. The news of the attack was slow to emerge due to a lack of communications in the region following destruction of telecom facilities by the jihadists. Boko Haram has in recent months intensified attacks on military targets in Borno and Yobe states in the northeast. Since July, AFP has tracked 17 attacks on military bases, most of which were claimed by ISWAP. In the most audacious attack on November 18, ISWAP fighters killed at least 43 soldiers when they overran a base in Metele village near the border with Niger, although soldiers who survived the raid said more than 100 of their colleagues were killed. On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari visitied troops in Maiduguri, the epicentre of the insurgency and urged the military to show more commitment in fighting the jihadists. The Nigerian leader was due in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, on Thursday for talks with his regional counterparts in a fighting force against the jihadists. Buhari who came to power in 2015 on the promise to end the violence has come under pressure following the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks as he seeks re-election in February polls. Outgoing UN envoy rues 'missed opportunity' at Astana Syria talks Astana, Kazakhstan, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 The United Nations envoy on Syria signed off from his posting Thursday ruing "a missed opportunity" to help end the country's long conflict at talks in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. Staffan de Mistura, who announced his resignation last month, capped his term as peace envoy with two days of talks in the Kazakh capital sponsored by power-brokers Russia and Iran -- allies of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad -- and rebel-backer Turkey. A statement from his office noted he regretted that "no tangible progress in overcoming the 10-month stalemate on the composition of the constitutional committee" was made at the talks. The meeting in Astana was "a missed opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated constitutional committee," the statement said. The two-day negotiations that concluded Thursday, are the 11th in Astana since Moscow began a diplomatic push in early 2017 that effectively sidelined other talks on Syria led by the United Nations. The constitutional committee is viewed as a vital element in reaching a political settlement in the country. Speaking after the talks, Russia's Syria negotiator Aleksandr Lavrentyev said the committee was of "upmost importance". "I want to say that we are sufficiently close to our cherished goal," he added, without giving any date. The talks began Wednesday with a 10-week-old Idlib truce deal hanging in the balance after an alleged chemical attack in the government-held city of Aleppo on Saturday triggered retaliatory raids. The exact circumstances of the attack remain murky and bitterly disputed. The Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has blamed rebel fighters for the attack which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said hospitalised 94 people. The incident has strained an already fragile agreement reached in mid-September to fend off a fully-fledged assault on Idlib, which Syria's regime -- backed by Russia and Iran -- has said it is committed to re-taking. Speaking late Wednesday, Russia's Lavrentyev said that "additional time" would be required to secure a buffer zone in the region of three million people after an uptick in fighting. The alleged chemical attack "must be dealt with very seriously," he said, calling for qualified international bodies to visit the city to assess the incident. On Sunday, Russia said its war planes had carried out their first strikes in the zone since the deal was reached, in an apparent retaliation. - No space for Washington - The Astana talks have seen the United States and other Western countries kept at arm's length over Syria. A joint communique agreed by the three sponsors targeted Washington's continued military presence in the country. The guarantors "rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism," it said. Earlier this week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the US of using the presence of the Islamic State group in southern Syria as an excuse to keep forces stationed there. Lavrentyev also complained of the extended US presence during the talks in Astana. The United States has attended some previous Astana rounds as an observer but US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey last week ruled out Washington participating in the latest talks. The next set of Syria negotiations in Astana are scheduled for early February, according to the joint communique. Syria's grinding seven-year civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions. NATO to meet Ukraine minister amid Azov stand-off Brussels, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 NATO foreign ministers will address the stand-off between Ukraine and Russia in the Sea of Azov at a meeting next week with their Ukrainian counterpart, the alliance said Thursday. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has urged the western allies to deploy naval vessels to the Sea of Azov after Russian forces fired on and seized three Ukrainian boats in waters off Crimea on Sunday. Western leaders have denounced the Russian act, demanded Moscow return the boats and crews and restated their rejection of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, but they are wary of escalating the latest incident. The crisis will, however, take centre stage next week, when the foreign ministers of the 29-member Atlantic Alliance hold their own regular meeting -- and meet Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. "The NATO-Ukraine Commission met this week to discuss developments near the Sea of Azov, and NATO foreign ministers will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin next week," spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who will host next week's meeting on Monday and Tuesday at NATO's Brussels headquarters, spoke to Poroshenko on Monday. The alliance has not directly addressed Poroshenko's request for naval assistance in the already tense waters off Crimea, but the spokeswoman stressed that NATO is already present in force in the wider region. "Since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO has substantially increased its presence in the Black Sea," she said. "Today, NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea. In 2018, NATO ships spent 120 days in the Black Sea, compared to 80 in 2017." Three NATO members -- Romania, which hosts a multinational brigade, Bulgaria and Turkey -- have Black Sea coasts and their own forces, and alliance aircraft carry out regular air patrols in the region, she said. "So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region. NATO and its Allies continue to give strong political and practical support to Ukraine," Lungescu said. The Defense Ministry has reached a tentative decision to make conscientious objectors serve as prison staff for 36 months, it said Wednesday. The decision comes after the Constitutional Court early this month ruled that conscientious objectors cannot be forced to bear arms and an alternative to mandatory military service must be made available. At the moment conscientious objectors are simply jailed for the 18 months their military service would take. The ministry set the period at three years because men with professional skills like doctors and engineers are allowed to work in public health clinics or factories for 34 to 36 months instead of serving in the military. An Army spokesman said, "Under the Constitutional Court ruling, we need to come up with an alternative to the mandatory military service by the end of 2019. We plan to submit the proposal for National Assembly ratification in February of next year." "We will give this a try and may fix any problems that arise," the spokesman added. China vexed by US Navy ships sailing through Taiwan Strait Beijing, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 China expressed concern on Thursday after two US Navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the third such operation this year. "China will pay close attention to and stay informed of US warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait from beginning to end, and has already expressed its concern to the US," said Chinese foreign ministry official spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular press briefing in Beijing Thursday. He urged the US to respect the "One China Principle" to avoid "impairing China-US relations and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait." China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. That means Beijing views any ships passing through the straits as essentially a breach of its sovreignty -- while the US and many other nations view the route as international waters open to all. At a monthly press briefing by China's defence ministry Thursday, official spokesman Ren Guoqiang said that the People's Liberation Army would maintain a "high degree of alert". Lieutenant Rachel McMarr, a spokeswoman for the US Pacific Fleet, said the destroyer USS Stockdale and oiler USNS Pecos sailed through the strait in a "routine" transit on Wednesday. "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," McMarr said in a statement. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows." Beijing protested after the US Navy sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait on October 22. A US official told AFP that Chinese ships had asserted a "presence" during Wednesday's sailing, but all interactions between the two navies were "safe and professional". The naval tensions come just days before scheduled talks between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Argentina this week. Trump is expected to press Xi to avert the stepped-up tariffs by throwing open china's markets to US competition and protecting foreign companies' intellectual property. Lebanon army 'detains several hundred Syrians' in raids on camps Beirut, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 Lebanon's army has detained around 400 Syrians in raids on refugee camps in the eastern Bekaa valley, mostly for overstaying their residence permits, a military source said Thursday. Almost eight years into Syria's war, neighbouring Lebanon hosts around 1.5 million Syrians, many of whom live in the east of the tiny Mediterranean country. On Wednesday, the army in the Arsal area detained "33 people with arrest warrants, 56 people without identity papers, and 300 others over expired documents", it said in a statement. The military source said all were Syrians, and that those with no or out-of-date documents had been handed over to the security forces. Those arrested had "committed an action against the law", they told AFP, without providing any further details. Lebanon's army from time to time sweeps down on Syrian refugee camps, especially those in the east of the country. Tens of thousands of Syrians live there, many from towns and villages on the other side of the Syrian-Lebanese border. Arsal mayor Basel al-Hojeiri said that some of those who had been detained on Wednesday were then released overnight, complaining that the way in which the raids were carried out was "not right". "They come to arrest a certain number of wanted people, and end up detaining 400," he said. "They detain this huge number to then determine which ones are wanted among them, when it would be much better if they directly arrested those they wanted without bothering everybody else," Hojeiri said. Last year, the army detained dozens of Syrians in mass raids on camps in Arsal, sparking a controversy after it announced four of them had died in custody. Images circulated on social media showed dozens of bare-chested men lying down on the ground under the scorching sun with their hands tied. Rights organisations demanded an investigation into the cause of their deaths. Many Syrians live in tough conditions in Lebanon, and depend on international aid organisations for their survival. Since the start of the year, around 8,000 Syrians have gone home from Lebanon, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Lebanese security forces however claim tens of thousands have taken part in these returns, which are coordinated between Beirut and Damascus. They waive late fines for those whose residency papers have expired if they agree to return to Syria. The Syrian conflict has killed more than 360,000 people and forced millions from their homes since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Norway frigate collision due mainly to human factors: inquiry Oslo, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 A collision earlier this month between a Norwegian frigate and a Maltese oil tanker was mainly due to human factors, investigators said Thursday, ruling out a technical error at this stage. Returning from NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the KNM Helge Ingstad frigate sank after crashing into the Sola TS tanker in the early hours of November 8, in a fjord near the western Norwegian town of Bergen. Eight of the 137 people aboard the frigate received minor injuries. "As we see it, this is largely due to human factors," Dag Liseth of Norway's Accident Investigation Board told reporters as the preliminary findings into the cause of the accident were presented. Investigators said the frigate's crew appeared to have confused the tanker with land, as the lights on the tanker -- which was departing an oil terminal -- blended together with the terminal's lights, and also made it impossible to see the tanker's navigation lanterns. Another misunderstanding also occurred. The frigate ignored the tanker's warnings over the radio to veer starboard to avoid a collision, thinking the calls were coming from another vessel farther away in the fjord. "No isolated action or event caused the accident, but the accident can be explained by a series of compounded factors and circumstances," the accident board said in its preliminary assessment. It also said it had no "indication at present that technical systems malfunctioned." Authorities are still trying to raise the 5,000-tonne vessel, which is almost entirely submerged. US says seized weapons show that Iran is a regional threat Washington, Nov 29 (AFP) Nov 29, 2018 US officials on Thursday displayed military equipment they say confirms that Iran is increasingly supplying weapons to militants across the Middle East and is continuing its missile program unabated. At a military hangar in Washington, Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, showed reporters a collection of guns, rockets, drones and other gear. Some of these had been intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz en route to Shia fighters in the region while others had been seized by the Saudis in Yemen, the Pentagon said. The presentation -- very similar to a December 2017 event led by the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley -- is part of an ongoing push by President Donald Trump's administration to increase pressure on Tehran and shame Western allies into doing more to tackle Iran's regional influence. The centerpiece of the display was what Hook said is a Sayyad-2 surface-to-air missile system that the Saudis had intercepted in Yemen this year. Farsi writing along the white rocket's side helped prove it was Iranian made, he said. "The conspicuous Farsi markings is Iran's way of saying they don't mind being caught violating UN resolutions," Hook told reporters, adding the missile was destined to Huthi rebels who are fighting the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. "The Iranians wanted to deliver this to the Huthis, who would have used it to target coalition aircraft up to 46 miles away." - US lawmakers frustrated with Saudis - The presentation came a day after US senators voted to advance a measure that could end US military support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Lawmakers have grown increasingly frustrated with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose death has been tied to Riyadh. Hook also displayed anti-tank guided missiles that the US says Iran had provided to the Taliban in Afghanistan. They were recovered in Kandahar by the Afghan army, he said. "Iran has been providing material support to the Taliban since at least 2007," Hook said. Washington this year pulled out of a pact with Iran aimed at constraining its push for nuclear weapons. Hook said that since leaving the deal, US officials have found "freedom and leverage" to tackle Iran's regional influence, and he chided other nations for not getting on board. "The current international environment has created unacceptably low expectations for the regime in Tehran," he said. If "the demands of ... the Iranian regime seem too many, it is because Iran's malign activities are too numerous." 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 But the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy here on Wednesday said that EDF announced on its website that it signed a long-term deal on Nov. 21 to operate and maintain the Barakah power plant. The Barakah power plant is being built by a consortium led by Korean power monopoly KEPCO with Korean technology, and the original contract provides for it to run it as well. The United Arab Emirates has signed a deal with French energy group EDF to help operate a Korean-built nuclear power plant, alarming some in the Korean nuclear industry. The deal is said to be for 10 years and worth US$10 million. It was signed with Nawah Energy, a joint venture set up in 2016 by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and KEPCO to operate and manage the plant's four APR-1400 nuclear reactors. The plant is slated for completion in 2020 at a cost of W2 trillion, and each of the reactors will generate 1.4 GW of power (US$1=W1,129). KEPCO hopes for revenues of W54 trillion over the 60 years of the reactors' lifespan. Nawah already in 2016 signed an operation support service agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power worth $920 million for 10 years and is reviewing a long-term maintenance agreement with KHNP. The ministry downplayed the significance of the fresh deal with EDF, saying it is "only related to technological consultation." The UAE also has previous agreements with companies from the U.K. and the U.S. for technology support during construction, and KHNP itself has advisory deals with German and U.S. competitors for its operation. But industry insiders here voiced concerns that EDF's involvement could have a negative long-term impact on managing the plant and expose Korean technology to a competitor. 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. Kathmandu, November 29 Former Prime Minister and Naya Shakti Party Nepal coordinator Baburam Bhattarai has demanded that an authority be established to construct the ambitious Budhigandaki Hydropower Project. His statement comes after the government reportedly handed over the contract of the 1,200 megawatt project to the China Gezhouba Group Company. But, the former prime minister says the government should make the investment and develop it as a multipurpose project. Budhigandaki should be moved ahead incorporating various sectors including electricity, water and tourism, he said at an interaction organised at the Ministry of Energy on Thursday, For that, a Budhigandaki Development Authority should be formed immediately. Bhattarai suggested the government seek subsidised loans to collect funds for the project. He warned that implementing the government decision to let the Chinese company handle the project would turn suicidal for the country as it would keep Nepalis in a debt trap. Various issues from sociocultural, political and socioeconomic sectors have been featured on the front pages of major Nepali and English broadsheets published from Kathmandu on Thursday. Among political affairs, internal meetings of ruling Nepal Communist Party and main opposition Nepali Congress have received significant attention from the newspapers. Likewise, meetings of some parliamentary committees including the Public Account Committees concern over the purchase of two wide body aircraft for the Nepal Airlines Corporation have also been published on the cover pages today. A jeep accident occurred in Dailekh of Karnali, which killed six persons by the evening, has also been published. Important Activists tell govt to raise Rohingya issue with Suu Kyi Human rights activities have said the Nepal government should hold talks with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi over the safe return of the Rohingya Muslim minorities as the leader is paying an official visit to Nepal from Thursday. The Kathmandu Post reports that the activists have suggested the government make efforts to ensure the safe return of the refugees and a fair investigation into the alleged abuses. CIAA blames parties for most corruption cases A research work carried out by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has concluded that political parties and their cadres are responsible for around 25 per cent corruption cases in the country. No any agency including middlemen and contractors and staff, according to the study report highlights as published in Annapurna Post. Meanwhile, the constitutional anti-corruption watchdog has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Money Laundering Investigation in order to control money laundering activities, Rajdhani reports in a three column story. NCP provincial panels get full shape The Secretariat of ruling Nepal Communist Party on Wednesday gave the full shape of all of its seven provincial committees after the exercise of months, according to reports in Kantipur and Gorkhapatra. Party spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha told journalists after the Secretariat meeting that the names of provincial committee officials will be made public on Thursday, Gorkhapatra informs. Ignored NOCs Biratnagar depot records excessive leakage Though the Nepal Oli Corporation has claimed the amount of fuel leaked during transportation is decreasing thanks to advanced locking systems, its depot in Biratnagar has recorded ever increasing leakage, Nagarik reports in its lead story. The depots records show that diesel worth Rs 11.1 million were leaked in the period of four months, according to the report. Nijgadh trees to be chopped down in three phases Naya Patrika lead story reports that the government has changed its plan about chopping down the trees for the construction of an international airport in Nijgadh, owing to criticisms from the stakeholders. Earlier, the government had planned to cut down 2.4 million trees at once, it is now thinking of cutting total 2.24 million trees in three phases. Underage marriage affecting young womens life in Karnali The Kathmandu Post informs in its anchor story that many young, economically backward girls in remote Karnali province of Nepal are forced to marry early. As they live with the lack of awareness about reproductive health, they put their lives at risk during pregnancy and labour pains. Meanwhile, many of such women also go through psychological problems including depression and violent marital relations, the report adds. Auditor General trying to sanitise controversial purchase? A three column story in Republica claims that Auditor General Tanka Mani Sharma has launched an effort to prove that the recent controversial purchase of a mansion in Washington, DC for the residence of Nepals Ambassador to the United States does not involve any irregularities. The report claims that Sharma and is assistant Mahesh Paudel visited the US capital to audit the financial records though the auditors general do not go out in general. Interesting Manakamana Temple welcomes devotees after 3.5 years of reconstruction The Manakamana Temple in Gorkha district, one of the most popular religious shrines for Nepali Hindus, is now open for the devotees, Kantipur reports in its anchor story. The temple was closed since the magnitude-7.6 earthquake in April 2015 left significant damages in it. The temples reconstruction works had been complete recently. Editors Note: Chris Koster delivered a speech at the U. City Shul Gala on Nov. 18. This commentary was drawn from that speech. By Chris Koster Many years ago, I grew up in this neighborhood [North and South Road near Delmar Boulevard], and Id walk by this synagogue as your community gathered on Saturday mornings. I was an 8-year-old on my way to Petes Hobby Shop, across the street, back in a day when University City parents still allowed their children to travel more than 300 yards beyond their watchful gaze. I was a Catholic school boy from Our Lady of Lourdes, and as any 8-year-old would be in the early 1970s, when I walked by the U. City Shul, I was conscious of the differences of dress and traditions that can separate communities, even within the same neighborhoods. Tonight, my soon-to-be stepson Jude is making his first visit to a synagogue. And I suppose tonight he is equally quizzical about what this place is and why it is so important. Something that everyone in this Orthodox room noticed as soon as I introduced him, but something Jude does not realize even as I speak, is that Jude has a Hebrew name, a Jewish name. Unbeknownst to him, the roots of his name go back much farther than Paul McCartneys 1968 No. 1 single, farther back than the martyrdom of Judas Thaddaeus, patron saint of impossible causes. The origins of his name connect through thousands of years of the Hebrew language and translate loosely with the concepts of praise and the praised one. Just a minute ago, Jude was an 11-year-old boy who looked across a room of cultural differences. An hour from now, buckled in the back seat of our car, I hope hell travel home scratching his head over cultural similarities hed never contemplated before. In a very small way, that story represents the reason we are here: to stand up for an institution, the U. City Shul, that communicates similarities over differences and lifts up the goodness in our nature above our human failings. Over 22 years in public life, I worked as a district attorney, a state senator, attorney general and, finally, the Democratic Partys gubernatorial nominee. During that time, I tried my best to work alongside you and many other fine people of Missouri to highlight similarities over differences and bring together the people of our state. I worked with rural and urban populations on shared issues of economic development; police and minority communities in the wake of Ferguson on issues of criminal justice; and across religious and cultural divides in an effort to promote general understanding and the common good. Five times in the last 10 years, I traveled to Israel to study the country and learn from its government leaders. My fiance Jennifer and I consider those trips to be among the greatest blessings of our lives. Sometimes in my career, I was successful at bringing people together but, unfortunately, often I was not. My time in elective office spanned from 1994 until 2016. Ironically, it was during these years, I would argue, when division as a political strategy became a more potent tool for victory than our efforts to foster unity were able to combat. We live in a time when the levers of division are all around us. Social media, 24-hour cable television, political gerrymandering and the tech industrys ability to predict my next Google search have taken the analysis of our differences to unprecedented heights. These new levers have proven far more successful at exploding and exploiting our differences than they have at illuminating our similarities. When I look back at my campaign of 2016, I admit my frustration and even sadness that a campaign that aspired to bring people together to build roads and fund schools would lose so badly to a campaign that actually used a machine gun and an exploding barrel to illustrate its promise to blow up Jefferson City as we know it. Yet it is the world we live in. The consequences of 20 years of division hardly need to be articulated. Our political dialogue has descended into Babel. School shootings, something completely unknown when I walked by this building on the way to Petes Hobby Shop, now occur with metronomic regularity. And a reignited anti-Semitism, culminating in the killings at the Tree of Life synagogue, remind us the worlds oldest hatred can flourish even here, even in America, if our differences continue to daily win out over our common spirit. How it breaks our hearts that this Orthodox dinner must be guarded by local police. And so we try to answer young Judes question: Why are we here tonight? Why is this place so important? The U. City Shul is a place that emphasizes unity, family, tradition and faith. Jude, as you look around this room, your first time in a synagogue, what you see are people who passionately believe that unified families, communication of tradition and faith in God are the best tools human beings have against the forces that divide us. And this building is where these families come together to share that experience. This synagogue has existed in various incarnations for 130 years. It was started by a small group of Jewish Russian immigrants in 1889. When it needed new life, it was resurrected in the 1990s by Charles Deutsch and Rabbi Elazar Grunberger. Today, it is led with heart and compassion by Rabbi Menachem Tendler. And tonight, weve come together to prepare this building for the next generation, so there is a place where we can communicate similarities over differences, and lift the goodness in our nature above our human failings. Jude leaves here tonight, a Catholic boy who attends a Baptist school, newly pondering a Hebrew name. I leave here tonight honored by your kindness and encouraged by your commitment to invest in fundamental things that unite us as St. Louisans and people of faith, even as the storms of division swirl around us. Former Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is senior vice president of corporate services with Centene Corp., a health care company. 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. Kathmandu, November 29 District presidents of the main opposition party Nepali Congress have demanded that the party scrap the provision of giving the title of senior leader to anyone who loses elections for the party presidency. Whereas the party is preparing for the mahasamiti meeting, scheduled for mid-December, in order to amend its statute, a meeting of the district chiefs held in Kakani of Nuwakot forwarded the suggestion. The two-day meeting concluded this afternoon. Meanwhile, the leaders demanded that the party add the number of officials in the Central Working Committee and ensure at least 33 per cent participation of women at all levels and in all committees of the party. It has been learned that the leaders will hand over their suggestions to the central leadership of the party on Thursday itself. I wrote about Angels Envy Bourbon when it was first introduced. The bourbon, created by Lincoln Henderson who previously wielded his talents to produce Woodford Reserve, is unique in that it is finished in port barrels after its traditional aging in new charred oak barrels. The result was delicious, with just the right amount of traditional, rich bourbon flavor and added complexity due to finishing in port barrels. Now Angels Envy is adding a rye to its lineup with a similar twist: This time they finish their traditional rye in Caribbean rum casks. Its worth pointing out that while Angels Envy and its parent, Louisville Distilling Company, said they had plans to build their own distillery, none of their products are distilled by the company. In fact, according to bourbon writer Chuck Cowdery, any plans for a Louisvile Distilling Company distillery have been put on the back-burner. Of course, that doesnt mean the whiskey in the bottles isnt tasty, and clearly Angels Envys finishing process makes it a unique spirit. As for the rye, the company wouldnt reveal the source of the whiskey, but there are some strong hints. The rye uses a mash bill recipe that is 95% rye and, as far as I know, only one company (Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana) makes such a bill, and they happen to make it all for sale to other companies. So its fair to say I have a strong suspicion that this is the source of the rye which Angels Envy then takes and finishes in rum casks. Whatever the source, the result is a 100-proof rye that will sell for $70 per bottle when it comes out next month in a limited number of states. Even though the rye doesnt carry a formal age statement, the company reports the it is aged for around 6 years before being transferred to the rum casks for up to 18 months. The color is a deep golden like well-aged Sauternes. On the nose, Angels Envy rye shows a fresh combination of pineapple, pear, pine, vanilla, and rum. A sip reveals plenty of alcohol heat but also sherry, oak, and maple candy. The finish shows soft woodiness, rum, and oak. Its a very interesting, unique rye that is dominated by maple sweetness and tropical fruit with hints of characteristic rye spice. Frankly, if you didnt know what was in your glass, you might find it difficult to identify it as a rye. Still, its enjoyable straight with a cigar. What it calls for is a flavorful cigar cigar with clean balance. I smoked two cigars with this rye that fit the bill: the Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series (well-aged if you can find it), and the Asylum, made by Christian Eiroa, formerly of Camacho. If I had more rye to sample with some other cigars, Id be looking for other medium-bodied cigars with excellent balance. Ultimately, this is a far different rye than most (for example Bulleit, which is also made at LDI, the likely source of Angels Envy). But its uniquely enjoyable. If a rye that will change your opinion of what a rye can be sounds up your alley, then pick up a bottle of Angels Envy Rye finished in Caribbean rum casks in May when it arrives on store shelves. I will. Patrick S photo credit: Stogie Guys The president of the Junta de Andalucia government, Susana Diaz, has decided to bring forward the next regional elections by three and a half months. The regional parliament in Seville was dissolved this week and Andalusians will be called to the polls on Sunday, 2 December. The regional PSOE Socialist party leader's move had been widely anticipated although Diaz kept people guessing until the last minute ahead of her announcement on Monday. Regional government has become increasingly difficult in the last month since centrist Ciudadanos, whose support was needed by the ruling PSOE to get its votes passed, decided to break the pact between the two parties agreed in 2015. In the 109-seat chamber, where 55 seats are needed for a majority, the PSOE currently has 47 seats and Ciudadanos eight seats. Ciudadanos had become increasingly restless in the alliance, citing ongoing cases of alleged corruption by Junta members and the failure of Diaz to keep some of the promises within the agreement. Sources said that the change from a PP to a PSOE national government in Madrid, which Ciudadanos is criticising heavily, had made the political divorce inevitable. Faced with a battle to get her 2019 budgets approved as a result of the split, Diaz has taken the gamble of calling an election shortly before the statutory four-year term is up in March next year. Although campaigning doesn't officially begin until 16 November, politicians across Andalucia have already been busying themselves with public appearances. Analysts said that it wasn't clear that any party would get a majority in the forthcoming election, although the PSOE is expected to be the largest party again. Nor was it clear where a coalition would come from. Ciudadanos has ruled out pacting with the PSOE once more, in an attempt to woo the centre right vote from the PP. Meanwhile the recent relationship between the PSOE and the left wing parties IU and Podemos, who will stand on a joint platform called Adelante Andalucia, has not been good. In her speech announcing the elections, Diaz, who is expected to be confirmed as the PSOE party's lead candidate again later this month said that "Andalucia needs a clear horizon", adding that she wished to avoid six months of campaigning before March and also distance the regional elections from next May's municipal and EU elections. She had delayed the announcement a few weeks, she said, in order to give time for local legislation on gender equality and climate change to pass through parliament. Regional leader of the conservative PP, Juanma Moreno, said, "After 40 years of Socialism, Andalusians can choose a different future on 2 December," adding that the PSOE was "cornered by corruption". Netflix has ordered a new Wallander series from Yellow Bird that features Henning Mankells Swedish detective as a young police officer investigating his first case. The series will be set in contemporary Sweden. Young Wallander focuses on the formative experiences professional and personal faced by Kurt as a recently graduated police officer in his early twenties. The English-language drama series is told over six serialised episodes and features both British and Swedish cast. Production starts during 2019. Over the last two decades Mankells best-selling Kurt Wallander novels have served as source material for several TV series and films in Sweden as well as in the UK. The new Netflix original series Young Wallander is created by Yellow Bird UK, a Banijay Group company, and the original producer of the BBC series Wallander from 2008. Erik Barmack, Vice President, Head of International Originals at Netflix, says, The Wallander novels have sold 40 million copies and been translated into over 40 different languages, while still being true and authentic to the Swedish noir that Mankell helped create. And the series created by Yellow Bird have also been fantastic global and local successes. Netflix is thrilled to continue this tradition and add new layers to the fantastic legacies that Mankell and Yellow Bird have created. Berna Levin, Creative Director, Yellowbird UK says, Henning Mankells beloved detective Kurt Wallander has a special place in our hearts as his eponymous series was the first Yellow Bird ever produced. So, it is with tremendous joy and pride that we embark on this new journey together with Netflix as our first production through Yellow Bird UK. Getting to meet Wallander as a young man and explore how the times and his new experiences will shape him to eventually become the man we already know and love is a thrilling opportunity. We are confident he will captivate new audiences and delight longstanding fans once again with his sharp intelligence, youthful enthusiasm, and unmistakable humanity. Share this story if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... Laws about HIV testing have created decades-long controversy in New York State, pitting health officials who want virtually universal HIV testing against advocates -- especially those who remember a darker, more discriminatory time -- concerned about the privacy and protection of patients. It was that concern, after all, that in 1988 led to a stringent law requiring that health providers obtain from patients signed consent for HIV testing separate from consent for all other routine tests. And it was that same concern that, in the mid-2000s, led to mighty pushback from advocates when then-NYC health commissioner Tom Frieden tried to downgrade the law from written consent to mere oral consent, with the provider noting as much in their chart. That change did not occur until 2014. But now, more than a decade later, there is solid evidence not only that early HIV detection and treatment means better long-term health outcomes, but that steady treatment makes people unable to spread the virus. It appears that most of the HIV advocacy community in New York City and the state at large now agree that the current law still obstructs testing for health providers -- largely because they find it awkward asking patients if they can test for HIV. These advocates agree that levels of testing high enough to truly end the state's HIV epidemic cannot be achieved unless everyone who walks into an emergency room or primary care setting is routinely tested, with no notice to patients except for a sign on the waiting-room wall telling them they can opt out if they speak up and say so. And they are ready to lobby for that change with the state legislature in Albany next year. On October 31, at the Brooklyn offices of Housing Works, representatives from that agency, Montefiore Medical Center, the large LGBTQ health provider Callen-Lorde, Bronx and Brooklyn Legal Services, the Latino Commission on AIDS, the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Harlem United, the LGBT Center, Boom!Health, and other organizations met. According to Housing Works cofounder Charles King, "I think we came to a working consensus that we want to move HIV testing forward in a routine way." King said that the next step would be another meeting in which constituents write a rough draft of proposed bill language that would mandate that health facilities do routine HIV testing and that they post that information clearly in waiting or other public areas, letting patients know they must explicitly refuse HIV testing in order to not be tested. More than a decade ago, Housing Works was among the leading voices against such a move, engaging in a sustained public protest against Frieden's efforts that created acrimony between the city health department and much of the city's HIV/AIDS services community. Thirteen years later, says King, "Less than 10% of all HIV-positive people in New York State don't know their status," and many of them are those whose only point of contact with health care is a visit to the emergency room -- hence the need to test everyone in those settings. "It's imperative that we identify these folks and get them into care if we're going to not only save their lives but stop all new infections of HIV in New York State, says King. He is part of the state's Ending the Epidemic initiative, which aims to get new HIV infections in New York to 750 or below by 2020, as well as to make sure that the vast majority of all New Yorkers with HIV are both in regular care and virally suppressed on treatment. These are all necessary factors to effectively end the AIDS epidemic in New York State, historically the nation's worst. "In recent years, we've learned that the sooner someone with HIV starts on treatment, the better their outcomes," King says. "We've also learned that someone who's virally suppressed can't pass on HIV. Those are huge game-changers that have tipped the balance in terms of whether it's worth intruding on someone's privacy." Donna Futterman, M.D., longtime director of the Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore, agrees. She's long called for getting rid of requiring explicit consent from patients to HIV-test them. "The current stipulations are a proven barrier to more people knowing their status," she says. "We want it to be part of a routine blood panel. Why do we still need HIV exceptionalism when it comes to testing? No one says, 'Oh, we're screening you for cancer,' but often, routine tests are how you start to find cancer." She continues: "With HIV right now, a lot of nurses use unverbalized judgment on who they ask to be tested, based on race, age, or who they think is gay. They shouldn't have to make that call. Thirty-five years into this epidemic, it's time for us to let go of some of our old notions, especially now that we have the blueprint to ending this epidemic, and testing is the first piece of that." Related: New York Knows How to End the Epidemic Prior to the October 31 meeting, concerns -- if not exactly objections -- about the proposed change were expressed by staffers at the Legal Action Center, a longtime HIV legal rights group. "We've represented many people over the last 25 years who've had their HIV confidentiality violated," says Sally Friedman, the group's legal director. This includes about 12,000 people who received shares of a $17 million settlement from Aetna this year after the insurer revealed their HIV status via letters sent with clear-window envelopes. "We're concerned about people being tested without their knowledge," said Friedman at that time. But after the October 31 meeting, she said she supported going forward with the changes if they included "clear and conspicuous signs, in multiple languages, in waiting and other areas, in addition to other mechanisms for universal notification." That, she says, might include a subway or bus poster campaign. The law also had to include "more education of health care providers so that they routinely offer HIV testing." King says that a poster campaign was discussed at the meeting, and that, if made law, how to implement the new policy would likely be fleshed out as guidance from the AIDS Institute, the state's main HIV/AIDS policy agency, and disseminated throughout health settings statewide. The advocates are hoping that longtime New York State Assembly Health Committee chair Richard Gottfried would introduce the legislation. A staffer in his office sent a quote from him: "We're working with HIV/AIDS advocates and care providers to ensure that testing policies are up to date in order to enact out Ending the Epidemic strategy. An impressive number of organizations have signed on to the idea of eliminating oral notification requirements, as prevention and treatment options have advanced over time. We will be continuing discussions with the community in the coming weeks in order to introduce legislation that reflects best practices around prevention and privacy. However, some advocates are still opposed to the changes, including Catherine Hanssens, executive director and founder of the Center for HIV Law and Policy. "There are so many things wrong with this, it's hard to know where to start," she says. Of the law-change supporters, she says, "They're so focused on getting people tested whether they know it or not as a way of meeting their ETE [Ending the Epidemic] goals, but there's nothing here about reducing racial disparities regarding engagement in HIV care. We have an ongoing problem where physicians don't like to talk about sex with their patients. Many of them don't believe that the person standing in front of them, particularly if they are a racial minority, has the ability to understand and make informed decisions. This law will take us further backward to a way of providing care that erodes trust." However, Hanssens says she's not sure if she is going to try to lead a charge against the proposed change. Indeed, some advocates seem to feel more a sense of inevitability around the proposed change than enthusiasm. "I would not say that everyone agreed that it was a good idea at the last meeting, but more that it felt like it was going to happen and we need to make it as supportive of people being tested as possible," says Cathy Bowman of Brooklyn Legal Services. "Has New York reached the point when it is safe and appropriate to test everyone for HIV without them necessarily being aware that they are being tested? I don't know the answer, but I'm not sure that we are." She continues: "Lawyers providing direct legal services to PLWHA [people living with HIV/AIDS] see the worst that can happen to people in terms of discrimination, impact on functioning, criminal law consequences, etc., so we are coming from that perspective." And Jeff Birnbaum, M.D., M.P.H., who runs the adolescent HIV clinic at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, says that he is not so much opposed to the proposed change as skeptical that it would do much good. "People who need to be tested need to be engaged first," he says. "The larger issue is that providers aren't having meaningful conversations with their patients. So even if you find people who are HIV positive, you have to engage them in care, and we don't have systems for that, or the system breaks down. If someone tests positive for HIV in an ER on the weekend, is someone going to start them on medication and ensure linkage to care? The idea that this is going to make a difference is an illusion." He adds, however, that he hopes to be proven wrong. To Hanssens' charge, King says, "There are many tests that we already do without explicitly telling people. Many patients already assume that HIV testing is part of their care, and that if they're not HIV positive, it's because their doctor hasn't told them that they are." And to Birnbaum, King says that linkage to care after HIV diagnosis is already the norm in New York State, pointing to a 2017 New York State AIDS Institute report finding that 73% of newly diagnosed cases showed evidence of linkage to care within 30 days of diagnosis, and 86% showed linkage within 91 days -- not far from the Ending the Epidemic target of 90% within 30 days. However, King also says he feels that the bill's language should not be too specific about post-diagnosis policy, which should be left to the AIDS Institute to write guidelines for after the law is passed. B-C falls to Camden With six seconds left in the fourth quarter of the Class 3A quarterfinal, the Brookland-Cayce Bearcats were down by three with the ball at the Camden Bulldogs 30-yard line. Quarterback... Adams states his case for Mr. Football award Fewer players have meant more to their teams than Gray Collegiates KZ Adams. Rarely has a week gone by where Adams hasnt rushed for at least 200 yards and a... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Elly Burhaini Faizal (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 09:07 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e5fd7b 3 Opinion #commentary,polio,Papua,health,polio-vaccination,disease,immunization Free Recent reports of a poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in neighboring Papua New Guinea (PNG) have raised concerns about the risk of the poliovirus spreading to Indonesia. Health authorities have taken measures to prevent travelers from importing the virus, especially from Papua and West Papua, which border Papua New Guinea even though Indonesia has been polio-free since 2014. With vaccination coverage rates in some countries remaining stubbornly low, we are unlikely to reach the goal of being a polio-free world by 2018 in the few weeks remaining of the year. Poor polio vaccine coverage of 50 to 60 percent across PNG according to the World Health Organization is believed to have contributed to the countrys vaccine-derived polio outbreak in September, which saw 14 confirmed cases. The outbreak happened a mere two months before more than 20 Asia-Pacific leaders gathered in Port Moresby for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit from Nov. 17 to 18. Swift response measures against the outbreak were taken primarily in heavily populated areas. Concerns in Indonesia were triggered because the PNG polio outbreak was happening when seven children with acute flaccid myelitis symptoms of which include sudden weakness in the arms or legs were found in several areas of Papua, including two cases in Merauke. The Health Ministry closely monitored the disease and later confirmed that the childrens symptomatic paralysis was not caused by polio. Another preventive measure is to integrate a polio vaccination program with the measles and rubella (MR) immunization program currently running in Papua. The program is part of the ongoing mass MR immunization campaign in 28 provinces outside Java that targets around 32 million children aged 9 months to just under 15 years. However, the program has reached only 63 percent of the targeted children in Papua, far lower than the minimum 95 percent needed to establish herd immunity. The vaccine-derived PNG poliovirus outbreak and the wild poliovirus transmissions occurring in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan show that polio eradication remains an unfinished job for the world. One effort being undertaken to increase the polio vaccination rate is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership that issued the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018. The plan includes routine vaccination to achieve a high enough population immunity that can prevent transmission of the poliovirus. Experts warn that until polio is eradicated globally, all countries remain at risk of the disease. Polio is a highly infectious disease, and we have seen time and again that it easily spreads or reemerges in areas with low vaccination coverage. A new reemergence of polio this year in Papua New Guinea underscores this risk, WHO polio eradication director Michel Zaffran told The Jakarta Post. Before the disease can be completely eradicated worldwide, Zaffran added, countries must maintain high vaccination coverage levels everywhere as well as strong disease surveillance. The WHO praised Indonesias routine immunization program; Indonesia last saw cases of polio in 2006. Still, vaccination must continue, including through Polio National Immunization Week (PIN). Good and well-funded polio eradication programs and skilled healthcare professionals have contributed to the countrys success. These are good proactive measures taken by the Indonesian government. We value the commitment the Indonesian government has shown in terms of maintaining [its] polio-free status and protecting children, said Vinod Kumar Bura, an epidemiologist and a medical officer at WHO Indonesia. Bura continued that the introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) to Indonesias routine immunization schedule underlined the nations commitment to the global endgame for polio, which mandated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) withdrawal in stages. All countries today use at least one dose of IPV in their routine immunization schedule. In Indonesia, IPV was introduced to all provinces in 2016. Containing three serotypes of poliovirus IPV can strengthen childrens immune system for better protection against polio. However, the injectable vaccine is more expensive than the oral type, but will become the only polio vaccine available after the use of all OPV has been stopped. Research and product development coordinator Roland Sutter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative said that with support from stakeholders, including the public-private Gavi Alliance partnership on immunization, IPV had been introduced to all countries. For the poorest countries, and also those that are eligible for Gavi support, including Indonesia, IPV is provided free-of-charge, said Sutter, also a member of the WHOs polio eradication department. Innovative purchasing mechanisms and new vaccine formulations are two other major breakthroughs that a global coalition of partners is aiming for, to help reduce the cost of the vaccine and to ensure a supply of IPV for all countries. World Polio Day, which falls on Oct. 24, should serve as a wake-up call for the Indonesian government and people to lapse into complacency regarding the countrys polio-free status. With the high potential of the diseases reemergence, especially where vaccination coverage is low, more urgent work is needed to maintain our polio-free status, including ensuring high population immunity with quality surveillance. People must fully engage with immunization programs, while better public awareness is needed on the vaccines benefits and polios serious impacts on ones health and the national economy. Parents must be more willing to listen to experts that tell them that the vaccine is safe and effective, and that it does not contradict religious beliefs one factor behind resistance against immunization. Once a polio-free world is achieved, polio would become the second disease to be eradicated in Indonesia after smallpox and no small accomplishment. 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 Eric Randolph (Agence France-Presse) Torbat-e Heydariyeh, Iran Thu, November 29, 2018 09:04 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e5f636 2 Food saffron,food,#food,Iran Free The laborers edge their way across a field of bright purple flowers gathering up the world's most expensive spice, a bounty that makes this dusty corner of Iran a crucial part of global cuisine. The delicate purple leaves of the Crocus sativus plant hold just three or four of the even more delicate red stamen, better known as saffron, that sprouts for just 10 days a year. These tiny filaments are currently selling in local markets for 90 million rials per kilo -- about $700 on Iran's volatile exchanges -- and perhaps four times higher abroad. The government says more than 90 percent of the world's saffron grows from the hard soil in Khorasan province of northeastern Iran -- a figure corroborated by France's specialist institute of agriculture and fishing FranceAgriMer -- eventually finding its way into Spanish paellas, Indian curries, Swedish saffron buns and much more. India is a distant second, followed by Greece, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Spain, according to a FranceAgriMer report in 2013. The star producer in Iran is the small town of of Torbat-e Heydariyeh, about 700 kilometres (435 miles) east of Teheran -- which accounts for a third of global production, according to FranceAgriMer. But poor marketing means Iran has not always won the credit it deserves as the home of saffron, having mostly exported it wholesale to other countries who label it as their own. "All the cultivation is done here, but the marketing and sales is done elsewhere," local parliament member Saeid Bastani told AFP. "The people of the world should know that all saffron -- of any brand in any market in the world -- is Iranian whether it says Spain, Italy or Switzerland," he added with just a sprinkle of patriotic exaggeration. The government is working with local businesses and farmers to fix the problem. From his swish new factory on the outskirts of Mashhad, Ali Shariati, CEO of Novin Saffron, sends out around 15 tonnes of high-grade saffron to world markets each year and is spearheading "Made in Iran" efforts. It's tricky because the major markets each have their own saffron needs that require specific packaging and branding -- Spain wants powder for paella, Britain likes entire threads for Indian cuisine, Sweden likes tiny capsules for seasonal saffron treats. "We have to keep innovating and adapting so we can compete with the marketing in other countries," said Shariati. Read also: Chinese soup ingredients may hold key to fighting dementia Drought migration Other issues are forcing innovation on the industry -- most pressingly, the devastating drought that has hit Iran's dry regions for the past two decades. Saffron plants require much less water than many other crops, but the drought is still causing a migration northwards. "The land being cultivated is gradually moving north, but that means they're moving into wetter regions and that's no good because the quality is better in dry areas," said Amin Rezaee, a farmer in the heart of saffron country -- around two hours' drive south of Mashhad. Like most farmers, he has been sucking water out of the ground to water his land, but now realises he must invest in more sophisticated irrigation systems if he wants it to survive. "It's a problem that people are irrigating in traditional ways. They must start to invest in modern methods," he said. At his factory, Shariati said the problem is easily solvable with better education and support for villagers, which could boost Iran's production from 400 to 1,000 tonnes per year. The biggest issue for farmers, he recognised, was navigating Iran's nightmarish banking sector, which is notoriously reluctant to lend to small businesses. So under a new "fair trade" scheme his firm now organises loans on farmers' behalf, bulk-buys equipment at cheaper prices, and provides education on farming techniques. "We're educating at least 20,000 farmers and we have guaranteed purchases contracts with 4,000," he said. "We want them to deliver more organic saffron and improve their lives at the same time." Read also: Stolen ancient artifact returns to Iran museum 'Salt, pepper, saffron' The other obstacle is Iran's struggling economy, which has lately seen wild fluctuations in the currency, in part due to US sanctions. "The price of bulbs, fertiliser and labourers have all trebled this year, but the price of saffron has only doubled," said Mohamad Jafari, whose family has been selling saffron in the small town of Torbat-e Heydariyeh for half a century. That is good for exports, but another blow for Iranians hit by soaring prices. Still, most people in the saffron trade remain upbeat. International sales have been boosted in the past five years by increasing interest from China, and foodstuffs are protected from US sanctions -- making it a priority export for the government. "The biggest problem with saffron is that people don't know about saffron," said Shariati. "We want them to think 'salt, pepper, saffron'." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 07:08 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e5be59 1 Science & Tech Samsung,game,Harry-Potter,Niantic-Labs Free South Korean company Samsung plans to invest US$40 million in Pokemon Go creator Niantic in an exclusive games collaboration deal. According to The Inquirer, the deal will have Niantic's games pre-loaded on Galaxy smartphones, similar to Samsung's partnership with Epic Games, which saw Fortnite pre-installed on the Galaxy Note 9. The deal is said to focus on an exclusive Harry Potter game utilizing Samsung's S-Pen stylus as a makeshift magic wand. It is unclear whether it will be an all-new game designed exclusively for Galaxy phones. The Inquirer also reported that Niantics location-based game Ingress is included in the deal, but not the Pokemon Go franchise, the firms main earner. Read also: Teaser trailer for Pokemon Go-style Harry Potter game released "Niantic is hesitant to collaborate on Pokemon Go, since they are super protective of that franchise," a source said. Niantics need to raise money for an IPO and Samsungs intention to differentiate itself from its smartphone competitors are said to be the reason for the deal. Both firms still refuse to give any confirmation regarding the issue. (iru/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Brendan Pierson (Reuters) New York, United States Thu, November 29, 2018 14:01 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e6bf74 2 Entertainment Jay-Z,lawsuit,Iconix Free Jay-Z on Wednesday sued to halt his private arbitration with clothing company Iconix Brand Group Inc, saying the companys inability to find an African-American arbitrator to hear the trademark dispute was unfair. The multimillionaire rapper said in a petition filed in Manhattan Supreme Court that the lack of racial diversity among arbitrators at the American Arbitration Association (AAA) was discriminatory under New Yorks state constitution and a New York City human rights law. Iconix could not immediately be reached for comment, and a spokeswoman for the AAA declined to comment. The dispute is the latest in a series of legal wranglings arising from Jay-Zs 2007 sale of his Rocawear clothing brand to Iconix for about $204 million. Iconix has since written off almost the entire value of the brand, and in 2017 sued Jay-Z in Manhattan federal court over trademark rights. That case remains pending. In 2015, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and Iconix settled some disputes, and agreed to address future claims in private arbitration, according to Jay-Zs petition. Last month, Iconix accused Jay-Z of breaching the 2015 settlement and demanded an AAA arbitration. But Jay-Z said the AAA found only three potential African-American arbitrators, out of the hundreds it uses, for his case, and one already represented Iconix in related litigation. He argued that the lack of more than a token number of African-Americans made the arbitration contract void. Read also: After brief wait, Beyonce, Jay-Z take album to Spotify It would stand to reason that prospective litigants - which undoubtedly include minority owned and operated businesses - expect there to be the possibility that the person who stands in the shoes of both judge and jury reflects the diverse population, the petition said. Jay-Z, 48, is famous for songs including Hard Knock Life, 99 Problems and Big Pimpin. The Brooklyn native has won 21 Grammy Awards, most recently in 2015 for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for Drunk in Love with his wife, pop star Beyonce. In May, a federal judge ordered him to respond to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission subpoena related to the Rocawear sale. The SEC said it was looking in to writedowns by Iconix, and wanted to ask Jay-Z about his personal involvement with the brand. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris Thu, November 29, 2018 11:05 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e66817 2 Entertainment Gerard-Depardieu,rape,#MeToo,actor Free French police have questioned film star Gerard Depardieu over allegations that he raped a young actress, which he strongly denies, a police source said Wednesday. The source said the 69-year-old actor attended a police interview on Tuesday and is not being kept in custody. He was free to terminate the questioning at any time. "Gerard Depardieu absolutely denies any attack, any rape," his lawyer Herve Temime told AFP after the actress filed a complaint against him in late August. "I regret the public nature of this process which is doing major harm to Gerard Depardieu, whose innocence will certainly be proven," Temime said. Depardieu is accused of raping and assaulting the actress at his mansion in the French capital's chic 6th district between August 7 and 13 this year. The Parisien newspaper previously reported that the alleged victim is an actress and dancer in her twenties who had sought career advice from Depardieu. The accusations are the latest in a string against prominent men worldwide in the wake of the rape and assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. Read also: Depardieu looks to Koran for 'sensuality' French director and producer Luc Besson, most famous for international hits such as "The Fifth Element", was questioned last month over allegations that he also raped a young actress. On Wednesday five more women accused Besson of sexual assault and harassment, bringing to nine the number of women who have made complaints against him. Depardieu, who has made more than 180 films, became the face of French cinema through films such as "Cyrano de Bergerac", for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He has rarely strayed far from the headlines in France. In 2013 he sparked a huge outcry by taking Russian nationality to protest a proposed tax hike on the rich in his homeland. His alleged victim filed her complaint in Provence, southern France, and local prosecutors immediately opened an investigation. The case was transferred to Paris prosecutors on Wednesday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Matthias Galante (Reuters) Grasse, France Thu, November 29, 2018 23:07 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e7ed1a 2 Art & Culture France,fragrance,United-Nations,perfume,chanel,LVMH,UNESCO,heritage Free Perfume-making techniques used in Grasse, a southerly French commune where iris, jasmine and other fragrant plants have long flourished, won UN recognition on Wednesday, boosting a bid by local industry champions to lure back more specialist growers. The United Nations cultural agency said it had added the skills linked to cultivating flowers and blending fragrances in Grasse to its list of protected treasures. Still considered by perfume manufacturers to be one of the worlds most prestigious fragrance centers - owing to a know-how developed over more than five centuries, and a micro-climate favoring the growth of ingredients like tuberose - the number of producers has nonetheless dwindled. Some business has shifted to Tunisia or Morocco where production costs are lower, while real estate developers have also made in-roads in a prized corner of the French riviera near Cannes, snapping up what used to be agricultural land. Some 30 hectares (74 acres) of land are dedicated to the pursuit today, versus almost 2,000 in the 20th century, though Grasses city council last week said it had turned 70 hectares of fields marked for potential urban development into an agricultural zone to encourage growers to set up shop. Read also: Gross ingredient helps perfumes smell good A handful of young entrepreneurs trying their hand at flower farming had already helped revitalize one of the industrys most threatened specialties in recent years, according to local senator Jean-Pierre Leleux. But its still far from what it was in its heyday, he added. Originally revolving around leather tanning in the 16th century, the flower-based local industry later shifted into fragrances. The produce is still coveted by big luxury companies like Chanel or Guerlain owner LVMH, who also trade off their Made in France credentials. Several local growers said big French brands were increasingly looking to sign exclusive contracts for entire harvests, ensuring their supply of raw materials. France is the worlds top perfume exporter. Authorities in the region are also looking to set up more formal courses to foment farming or blending skills that used to be passed down within families, at a time when demand for the end product should be on the rise, according to perfume associations, boosted by growing appetite for naturally-sourced cosmetics. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) San Francisco, United States Thu, November 29, 2018 15:04 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e70142 2 Science & Tech Google,iPhone,telecom-service,Google-Fi Free Google said Wednesday it was expanding its "virtual" telecommunication service that was limited to select Android-powered smartphones to a wider range of devices, including iPhones. Freshly renamed "Google Fi" service aims to take on traditional carriers by letting people pay based on how much data they use and roam internationally. Fi was limited to newer Pixel handsets made by Google and a few Android-powered smartphones made by other companies because devices need to be able to hop between carriers whose infrastructures are used to provide service on the "virtual" network. Fi "intelligently" shifts smartphone service between Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Wi-Fi hotspots to provide optimal signals, according to Google. "Our plan now works with the majority of Android devices and iPhones," Fi director Simon Arscott said in a blog post. Fi plans in the US offer unlimited domestic call and texts, plus texting internationally, for $20 monthly. Data costs $10 per gigabyte with a maximum data charge of $60 for an individual user, according to the Fi website. "When we launched Project Fi in 2015, we set out to make your wireless experience fast, easy and fair," Arscott said. Read also: Google accused of manipulation to track users "Were proud that we've achieved a customer satisfaction score of over 90 percent." Since smartphones need the proper hardware and software to jump between networks and wi-fi for the "full Google Fi experience," some features may be lacking for iPhones and other handsets that can now access the service but were not designed for it. Google said the service allows people to use their devices for data in 170 countries and territories under agreements with carriers in those locations. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 09:17 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e61da1 1 Lifestyle ojek-service,ride-hailing-application,ride-hailing-service,Women Free Ojek (motorcycle taxis), may be one of the most convenient modes of public transportation for residents in Indonesia's big cities, with the two-wheeled vehicles able to maneuver through the clogged streets. However, the compact size of a motorcycle, and the close proximity of the driver to the passenger, has concerned some. Thirty-four-year-old Yofi Cahya Subangga said his wife rode a motorcycle when traveling around the housing complex, although sometimes she prefers to hop on an ojek when traveling further. As a Muslim family, he explained that they adhered to the belief that members of the opposite sex that are not family are not allowed to touch. Yofi said he prefered his wife, Dhitta FN, not to ride with a male driver. "We find it hard to find women drivers," Yofi told The Jakarta Post over the phone on Wednesday. In December last year, Yofi, Dhitta and a group of friends had the idea of creating a ride-hailing app specifically for women. "It turns out our friends had the same problem," said Yofi, who eventually founded and developed the app. In April, SheJek launched in Bandung, West Java, where the couple live. The service, which caters specifically to women, as the name implies, implements values in line with Yofi's sharia beliefs. Drivers, for example, are required to dress in a sharia fashion and wear loose fitting clothes, preferably a long skirt and long headscarf. "They can wear trousers, but they would still need to wear a long blouse that covers their bottom and a long headscarf," Yofi said, adding that the rules don't apply to users. The app has gained popularity among Bandung city residents and has spread its reach across Bandung regency and even to neighboring cities such as Jakarta and even Makassar. The app, however, is not the first of its kind. Surabaya-based Ojek Syari Indonesia, known as Ojesy, is another transportation service catering to women that was established in 2015, according to its website. Read also: Lesson from Go-Jek: Answer to Uber, Grab Similarly, both services operate from 5 am to 7 pm. However, with Ojesy charging Rp 8,000 (US$0.55) for the first kilometer and Rp 2,000 for each kilometer thereafter, SheJek charges a lower rate of Rp 5,000 for the first 2 kilometers and Rp 2,000 for each subsequent kilometer. SheJek's affordable price makes it a popular option among users that have evidently extended beyond the West Java capital, with Yofi noting there are a total of 27,000 registered users so far. "However, there's still limited capital, which affects our services, so our app often crashes and malfunctions," Yofi said. Despite technical limitations, drivers and users can still communicate and book trips via chat platforms WhatsApp and Telegram. Yofi added that some users were also unfamiliar with app usage and that many preferred to book via chat anyway. Ummu Tsurayya, 34, had never downloaded the app but knew of the service through WhatsApp groups and has been using it for several months now. "[I use it] because the drivers are women," Ummu said, adding that she would still use ride-hailing apps Gojek and Grab for car rides. Nadia, 31, said although she had downloaded the app, she didn't use it anymore, since she had forgotten the password. Nadia nevertheless continues to use the service by contacting several drivers whose numbers she has saved from previous trips. "But you can't book a trip for an immediate ride. To be safe, it must be [booked] the day before. You can also book via the Telegram group, but it's the same, it must be the day before," Nadia said. (mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stevie Emilia (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Thu, November 29, 2018 09:34 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e620dd 1 Art & Culture Southeast-Asia,national-gallery-singapore,minimalism,Singapore,art-exhibition,#singapore Free Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. marks the first exhibition of Minimalist art in Southeast Asia. The five-month exhibition, which runs until April 14 next year, brings some 150 works by more than 80 artists and 40 composers to two venues: the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. While Minimalism has had a significant impact on contemporary design and lifestyle in Asia, its relationship to art in the region has been less well understood, said National Gallery Singapore director Eugene Tan. The exhibition, he said, aimed to examine the relationship of Minimalism to art in Asia, as well as the influence that Asian spirituality and philosophy had on the movements origins. Minimalism, one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century, offers a powerful new way of experiencing art: rather than referencing the world outside, its simple forms invite viewers to contemplate what is physically before them in the present moment. This fundamental shift was inspired by questioning the role of art amid the great social changes of 1960s America, which spurred a search for new forms of consciousness. The movements key influences were Asian spirituality and emerging ideas on perception. Minimalism contributed to the transformation of how artists used materials and space and how they involved the viewer considered fundamental to the development of contemporary art forms such as installations and performance art. Tan curated the exhibition over two-and-half-years alongside the gallerys Russell Storer, Silke Schmickl and Goh Sze Ying, as well as Adrian George and Honor Harger of the ArtScience Museum. Visitors to the exhibit can trace the development of Minimalist art and ideas from the 1950s to the present at the National Gallery Singapore, before heading to the ArtScience Museum to explore key aspects of the movements artistic trends, including color and spirituality. Work No. 1343 by Martin Creed (National Gallery Singapore/File) Playing to our strengths as a museum of art and science, we have also chosen to present artworks which meditate on the notions of the cosmological void, emptiness and nothingness principles which resonate with both Minimalism and science, said Harger, the executive director of the ArtScience Museum. Featuring many iconic pieces that have never before been shown in Southeast Asia, the exhibition focuses on how Minimalism moved from color-field painting to Minimalist objects in series and geometric shapes in the 1960s. It also features a range of contemporary works from around the world that employ Minimalist forms and ideas to advance social engagement and commentary. These include three new major commissions by Cambodias Sopheap Pich from, Singapores Jeremy Sharma and Belgiums Frederik De Wilde. Pichs shipping container-shaped sculpture Cargo is a potent symbol of global trade and capital: these hardy vessels streamline the distribution of consumer goods all over the world. While a regular shipping container is opaque to obscure its contents, Pichs container made of bamboo, rattan and metal holds only air and offers a through view, illustrating a relationship between what is inside and what is outside. Pich said he had been toying with the idea of Cargo around four years, inspired by the significant role shipping containers played in modernizing society as they transported ideas along with objects. The application of Minimalist ideas in my practice is also a reflection of my background and aspiration for my works. Despite travelling from country to country since young, I long for my art to be a singular piece of work with multiple cultural influences, yet simplified in its presentation just like Minimalism, he said. Storer, deputy director of curatorial and research at the National Gallery Singapore, said the Minimalism movement was still very relevant today. Its a movement that has been profound in the history of art. It changed many things, but it has not been seen very much, said Storer. People know Minimalism through other ways like in design, lifestyle or aspects of the contemporary arts. There has never been a show [on Minimalism] in Southeast Asia, he said. British artist and Turner Prize winner Martin Creed has contributed Work No. 1343 to the exhibit in its first presentation in Asia. The installation is on display in the gallerys Gallery & Co cafeteria. Creed has blurred the distinction between art and everyday life by transforming the cafeteria into a whimsical yet functional work of art, in which every unique piece of furniture, crockery and cutlery is crowd-sourced from the community. Work No. 1343 also redefines the relationship between the viewer and art, with the cafeterias customers becoming part of the installation. What we like about [Creeds] work is his sense of humor. Theres real wit in his work. Something very simple, like lights going on and off, said Storer, referring to the artists Work No. 312 A lamp going on and off, which is also on display at the gallery. He connects art to life. Placing that idea into the gallery is something else as well. Quite profound. Very powerful. [...] Controversial, [maybe] because its very simple. It does resonate with the idea of life and death, failure and success, said Storer. I think simplicity can be very powerful. Space. Light. Object. With over 150 works by around 80 artists and 40 composers across two venues the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum visiting the Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. exhibition might require some planning. Here is a look at some of the exhibits highlights to help you choose. Ai Weiwei Ai Weiweis Ton of tea (National Gallery Singapore/File) Chinese artist Ai Weiwei delivers strong messages through his pieces in the exhibition. In Sunflower Seeds (2010, porcelain), Ai challenges the Made in China narrative of cheap, mass production by drawing attention to each worker and their wider connection to society. Each sunflower seed is unique and handcrafted by ceramic artisans in Jingdezhen, a Chinese city historically known for its porcelain industry. The sheer number of seeds can also refer to the vast Chinese population. The sunflower also has powerful associations for the artist, as it was adopted as a propaganda image during the Cultural Revolution. In Ton of Tea (2006, Puer tea), the artist recalls the Minimalist sculptures of Robert Morris and Richard Serra he encountered when living in 1980s New York. The 1-ton cube of dried Puer leaves also refers the traditional Chinese method of transporting tea by compressing the dried leaves into large blocks. The massive weight and size of the artwork evokes the enormous scale of the Chinese tea industry, both historically and today. Sound Room The Sound Room is a key section of the exhibition that explores how Minimalism manifested in music and sound art. The Sound Room presents over 40 compositions of Minimalist music, which emerged alongside the visual art that came to define Minimalism in 1960s America. Minimalist music traces its roots to the radical experiments of John Cage, who showed that even silence was a musical element. The sonic art form also hails from the deconstructed works of early modernist music and Asian traditions such as Indian classical music and Balinese sounds. Sound and silence also form a major part of the exhibition, with 40 musicians and composers presented in our Sound Room, which acts as an auditory counterpoint to the visual explorations of Minimalism presented within the galleries, said Honor Harger, executive director of ArtScience Museum. The room offers a unique listening experience through immersing in a musical form that shapes perceptions of time and space in a calm environ dedicated to a contemplative sensory experience. The journey begins with During Minimalism, an exploration of 1960s Minimalist music, followed by an aural look at the genres precursors in Before Minimalism, which shows how early works took the concept of paring back to an extreme to remove even the basic element of music: sound. The third program, After Minimalism, examines how a new generation of musicians uses technology to redefine Minimalism for the digital age, creating works of extreme sparseness and hypnotic depth. All Black Horizontal Depth This Is Not the Place We Go to Die. Its Where We Are Born by Frederik De Wilde (JP/Stevie Emilia) Belgian artist Frederik De Wilde worked closely with NASA scientists in his commissioned piece, Horizontal Depth This Is Not the Place We Go to Die. Its Where We Are Born (2018, stainless steel, carbon nanotubes, polymer, LEDs), using nanotechnology to engineer a material believed to be the blackest black in the world. Inspired by Kazimir Malevichs iconic 1913 painting, Black Square, considered by many to be the most important precursor to Minimalism, De Wildes carbon nanotube sculptures capture all frequencies of visible light. Viewers literally look into nothing in the void space the artwork creates, the closest approximation of emptiness that is possible to experience. De Wilde sees this void as a space for imagination and unification: in absolute darkness, all people are the same. Minimalism, for me, hides a deep realism grounded in the oscillation and convergence of art and science, and by extension, technology. For example, when zooming in on the infinitely small or infinitesimal, were often confronted with an enigmatic, abstract poetic beauty which cant be seen, explained or rendered into words. It can only be felt, experienced, conceptualized or measured, the artist says. Hence Minimalism is, for me, interesting from the backend. Minimalism has a potential provocative and subversive power to usher us in the 21st century in a way that goes far beyond plain formalism, esthetics and design, but instead could tackle contemporary subjects as privacy, fake news, global warming and other environmental or societal issues and challenges. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Kurniawan Ulung (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 08:55 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e5e9fc 4 Art & Culture Didik-Nini-Thowok,traditional-dance,gender-identity,Dancer,Indonesian-artists,Galeri-Indonesia-Kaya,performing-arts Free For renowned dancer and choreographer Didik Nini Thowok, cross-dressing performances are not just about wearing clothes associated with the opposite sex, complete with make-up and mannerisms. After the lights dimmed, a middle aged man, donning a green jarik (traditional Javanese cloth) and black kemben (breast cloth), walked onto the stage of Galeri Indonesia Kaya at Grand Indonesia shopping mall in Jakarta. Looking pretty with a bright red lips and wearing a huge konde (traditional hairpiece), he danced gracefully with a red shawl to gamelan music. The spectators clapped and cheered every time he shook his slim hips. He then approached the audience and threw his shawl around a mans neck, an invitation to dance with him on the stage. The auditorium filled with laughter as they danced together. Didik performed the lengger senggot dance, which originally comes from Banyumas, Central Java, in a show titled Dua Wajah: Tradisi Peran di Istana dan Masyarakat (Two Faces: Roles of Tradition in the Palace and Society). This is the first time I danced the lengger senggot in Indonesia since my performance at Yale University in the United States in 2012, he said. He went on to present his masterpiece, the dwimuka jali dance. Dwimuka, which means two faces, represents Didiks own face and a mask that he wears on the back of his head. My other face: Didik wears a Dewi Sarak Jodag mask on the back of his head during his dwimuka jali dance performance. (JP/A. Kurniawan Ulung) Jali, an abbreviation of Java and Bali, signifies two dances that he performed the Balinese dance legong and a Javanese dance centering on the myth of Dewi Sarak Jodag who turns herself into an ugly woman after Raden Panji rejected her love. When Didik faced the audience, he danced the legong wearing a Balinese dance costume in the front. But, not long after that, he turned his back and performed the Javanese dance, complete with a Javanese dance costume and Sarak Jodag mask. Didik, 64, who hails from Temanggung, Central Java, performed a total of seven dances during the show. He is not young anymore, but his one-hour performance proves that age is just a number. Dancing is my way to preserve the traditions of our ancestors,Didik said. As a tradition, cross-dressing dances have been around for a long time, but not many young people are interested in learning it, Didik said, adding that he hoped his performance would encourage the young generation to become performers. Sway with me: Didik (left) performs lengger senggot with a member of the audience. Despite its feminine characteristics, the dance has been performed by men in Banyumas, Central Java, since the 18th century. (JP/A. Kurniawan Ulung) He said cross-dressing dances had been part of the countrys culture and tradition for centuries, but many people still resented it. It irritates Didik when people link the dance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. I just want to tell people that dress-crossing performances are not something new in Indonesia. They have a very long history in our beloved country, he said. So, please dont say anything negative about men dancing in womens clothes. The lengger dance, for instance, is recorded in Serat Centhini, a 12-volume work on Javanese life written in the 18th century. Lengger consists of the words leng (a hole which represents female genitalia) and jengger (a roosters comb which symbolizes masculinity). It is called lengger because the dancers are men, but spectators mistakenly think that they are women because when they are performing they dress like women and look very pretty, he said. In Banyumas, men usually perform the lengger at rituals because they do not menstruate. There is a village in Banyumas that forbids women from dancing the lenggerbecause a disaster always happens when they perform it, Didik said. Eccentric: Didik strikes a pose with a Mr. Bean mask after his solo dance show, Dua Wajah: Tradisi Peran di Istana dan Masyarakat (Two Faces: Roles Tradition in the Palace and Society), which places a spotlight on cross-dressing dance culture in Indonesia. (JP/A. Kurniawan Ulung) During the show, Didik also performed the golek lambangsari, a dance about a girls coming of age that was only performed by male dancers in the 19th century. He explained that during that era, women would get a bad reputation if they performed it in public. They were finally allowed to dance it in the 20th century. In 1987, Didik created the dwimuka dance to highlight the cultural relationship between Java and Bali. I created it to describe the dualism in human beings, such as good and bad, strong and weak, masculine and feminine, he said. That creates the balance in life. Actually, everybody has these two sides. In 1999, the Yogyakarta-based Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) graduate came up with a new version of the dance titled dwimuka jepindo, which is aimed at strengthening the friendship between Japan and Indonesia. Just like in Indonesia, cross-dressing performances have strong roots in Japan, where male actors play womens roles in Kabuki theaters. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 07:36 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e5c27d 1 City Thousand-Islands-regency,oil-spill,contamination,pollution Free Jakartas Thousand Islands Environment Agency plans to test samples of the regencys ocean water over suspicions of pollution from oil spills. Agency head Yusen Hardiman said the samples would be sent to the Environment and Forestry Ministry for further studies. [Agency] officers are currently in the field taking the [water] samples. They will be handed over to the ministry to be examined by the authorities, Yusen said on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com. He added that the agency had found evidence of oil spills in the regency, though none were significant in size. The oil might have originated from ships that passed the regency or ships that were being washed in the area, he added. When the ships are being cleaned, some oil leaks into the water. Thats our first guess because someone once saw that, but they didnt take any pictures. So, we have no proof yet, Yusen said. Indonesian Coalition of the Environment (Kawalhi) national director Puput TD Putra said in a written statement that besides waste and debris from Jakarta, oil spills may also be polluting the waters of Thousand Islands regency. A turtle and some fish were found dead by fishermen and Kawalhi members on the shores of Pari Island on Tuesday, she said. Yusen said the Thousand Islands Environment Agency was currently investigating the matter. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 12:18 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e69fe1 1 City zero-down-payment-housing,applicants,low-cost-apartment Free A total of 2,482 people have signed up for the zero down payment housing program (Samawa), according to Jakarta Housing Agency acting head Meli Budiastuti. We are currently verifying their data with the Population and Civil Registry Agency as well as the tax agencies. We are trying see whether the files they have submitted make them eligible, Meli said on Wednesday, kompas.com reported. The agencies would then pick just 780 applicants to fill the existing units in the Samawa program based on which applicants needed housing the most, she added. The verification process will be completed in January 2019. We will show [the verification process] on our website, so applicants can see who can get in. After that, a gubernatorial regulation will be issued for the final checking, Meli said. Currently, housing available in the Samawa program is at the Klapa Village apartment complex in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. The construction of the 1.5 hectare apartment complex is planned to be finished in July 2019. Three types of units are offered: studio type 21, one bedroom type 24 and two bedroom type 36, with prices ranging from Rp 184 million (US$12,833) to Rp 310 million. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia Thu, November 29, 2018 16:04 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e737af 2 World #Australia,#espionage,Australian,spies,license,forces Free Australian spies operating overseas will have more leeway to use force, including lethal force, under legal reforms put forward by the conservative government Thursday. Under the proposals, intelligence officers operating abroad for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) would be able to "use reasonable force" well beyond situations of self-defence. The measures would allow spies to use firearms more readily, as well as restrain or detain anyone posing a risk to their operations. Officers and agents -- a tradecraft term for any informant or operative -- will also be allowed to use force to protect bystanders or hostages. Justifying the reforms, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne cited a "more complex" world and "new circumstances unforeseen" when current rules were forged a decade and a half ago. Those rules allow intelligence officers to use force to defend only themselves, other staff, or agents. Leading Australian government lawyers had expressed concern that spies could break Australian law by defending bystanders in the course of operations. The government tried to bat away allegations the reforms amounted to a licence for spies to begin to operate like paramilitary special forces. "ASIS does not have, nor is it seeking, an offensive armed capability," the government said in a statement to parliament Thursday. The law would still proscribe intelligence officers from "planning or undertaking paramilitary activities" and the foreign minister would have to authorise the deployment of weapons. Before that, the minister would also have to consult the attorney-general, the prime minister and any other relevant minister. The independent Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security would oversee compliance. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Theresia Sufa (The Jakarta Post) Bogor Thu, November 29, 2018 15:47 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e7253f 1 City crack,landslide,puncak,bogor Free Heavy rain on Wednesday afternoon caused land cracks along a part of a road under repair in the resort area of Puncak, Bogor. The road, which is located around Riung Gunung in Cisarua, was undergoing repairs after land subsidence occurred a few months ago. Bogor Police spokesperson Adj. Comr. Ita Puspita Lena said the cracks appeared at around 5 p.m. when it was raining heavily. As a result, vehicles are only allowed on one lane of the road. Trucks and other heavy vehicles are banned from using the road. To avoid further subsidence, trucks and buses are not allowed to pass Riung Gunung. This applies to vehicles both going to and coming from Jakarta, Bogor Police traffic chief Adj. Hasby Ristama said as quoted by tribunnewsbogor.com. Exceptions are made only for heavy vehicles employed in the repair project. The project is planned to last until the end of December, he said. Bogor Police officers are now posted around the location to ensure the safety of motorists. Information about the rerouted traffic has been announced on social media. People planning to go to Cianjur and Bandung are advised use alternative routes via Jonggol, Cariu or Sukabumi. (gis) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 16:53 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e753eb 1 City Depok,minimarket,regulation,moratorium,permit Free The Depok administration in West Java has issued a moratorium on the issuance of building permit for minimarkets. Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris said it was done to minimize retail business growth in the area. The growth of minimarkets in Depok has caused an unhealthy rivalry with small stores and stalls, Idris said as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday. He went on to say that the prevailing regional regulation on minimarket building restrictions had not helped to suppress the growth because it only regulated the distance to the nearest traditional market. What also needs to be controlled is the ratio of residents to minimarkets. Turns out, this is also a problem. Thats why we will revise the prevailing regional regulation, Idris said. Idris said he did not know the exact number of minimarkets in Depok. Some districts have only a few minimarkets, but other districts have so many, he said. Idris added that the moratorium was not applicable to cooperatives that wanted to build a minimarket because cooperatives had a positive impact on peoples livelihoods. Idris said the moratorium would last until the administration determined the ratio of people to existing minimarkets. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 16:02 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e72e4b 4 Business rooftop-solar-panels,electricity,energy-and-mineral-resources-ministry Free The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministrys renewable energy director general, Rida Mulyana, said on Wednesday that the government expected rooftop photovoltaic solar panels to produce 1 gigawatt (GW) of electricity nationwide within three years. On Nov. 16, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan issued Ministerial Regulation No 29/2018 on the use of electricity produced through roof photovoltaic solar panels for customers of state-owned electricity company PLN. All PLN customers -- households, manufacturers and commerce -- could install rooftop solar panels. The final goal is energy conservation, said Rida, as quoted by kompas.com, adding that the regulation aimed to encourage people to install solar panels. Ministry data show that the number of PLN customers who have installed rooftop solar panels has increased 64 percent in the last 10 months. Rida said the installation of rooftop solar panels could reduce a households monthly electricity bill by 30 percent. He confirmed that PLN would offset electricity a household produced with a rooftop system in excess of its own consumption from that households electricity bill in the following month. At the very least, it can reduce the electricity bills of households by 30 percent, he added. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 16:58 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e7626f 1 National zumi-zola,#GraftCase,graft,bribery,#Bribery-case,KPK,#KPK,Jambi,#Jambi,#Zumi-Zola Free Non-active Jambi governor and graft defendant Zumi Zola is set to attend the funeral of his father Zulkifli Nurdin in Jambi after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the corruption court granted him permission to temporarily leave prison on Thursday, his lawyer has said. Zumi has received permission from the court and he will be escorted by the KPK, lawyer M. Farisi said as quoted by tribunnews.com. The KPK also allowed Zumi to pay his respects to his father at a funeral home in Jakarta on Wednesday. His father, who served as Jambi governor for two terms, died of diabetes complications at around 8 p.m. He was 70 years old. During a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court last month, Zumi pleaded guilty in two different cases. KPK prosecutors have demanded the court to sentence Zumi to eight years in prison for allegedly channeling Rp 16 billion (US$1.11 million) in bribes to dozens of Jambi Legislative Council members to influence the deliberations of the 2017 and 2018 provincial budgets. He was also accused of accepting unlawful gifts amounting to more than Rp 40 billion in connection to infrastructure projects in Jambi from 2016 to 2017. (vny/ipa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 10:43 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e6643d 1 Business Hakuhodo-Indonesia,Asia-top-25,Campaign-Brief-Asia-Creative-Rankings Free Hakuhodo Indonesia has been named one of the leading creative agencies in Asia, making it the first Indonesian advertisement agency in such a position. Since the Campaign Brief Asia Creative Rankings was launched in 1996, Hakuhodo Indonesia is the first agency to enter the Asia top 25, said Campaign Brief Asia publisher and editor Kim Shaw in a statement received by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. With 720 points, Hakuhodo Indonesia was ranked 24th this year, up from the 34th position it attained in 2017. The accolade was based on various awards the agency has received, including Cannes Awards in Paris, CLIO Awards in New York, D&AD Awards in London, AdFest Asia Pacific in Thailand, AdStar in Korea Selatan and Spike Awards in Singapore. Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) head Triawan Munaf welcomed Hakuhodo Indonesias achievement, saying that in the creative business, Indonesia could be on par with other countries. This achievement is evidence of the quality of the best Indonesian brains at Hakuhodo. Dont give up on your ability to achieve the best, he added. Hakuhodo Network Indonesia chairman Irfan Ramli said the achievement was the result of hard work of all involved in the agency established in 2003 and the support of all relevant parties. We could not have achieved this without the support from clients, partners and society that has given the creative industry room to grow and get international recognition, Irfan said in the statement. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29 2018 Jakarta is inviting Afghan students to study in Indonesia with the hope that upon returning home, they will contribute to building peace in their country. The call was made by Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi during the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan at the United Nations in Geneva on Wednesday. Retno said Indonesia was ready to welcome 1,000 Afghan students, as they held the key to realizing peace in Afghanistan. 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 Thu, November 29, 2018 11:58 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e68acb 4 Business negative-investment-list,MSME,Jokowi,revision Free Following protests by several lobby groups, President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Wednesday promised to keep micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on new negative investment list (DNI) that will be announced soon. The DNI relaxation is part of the 16th economic policy package that was announced last week, but the government has delayed the issuance of details of the policy that, among other things, removes 54 business categories from the DNI, following protests. Those who voiced opposition to the new policy include the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) and the Association of Young Indonesian Businesspeople (Hipmi). I have been called by the Kadin and Apindo chairs, who complained about it. The draft [of the presidential regulation] has not reached the palace. I have not signed it, said Jokowi when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kadin leadership meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. The policy on the DNI relaxation was not only protested by the business community, but also became a burning political issue as Jokowis rivals highlighted it as a sign the government was siding with foreign businesses, ignoring local businesspeoples interest. Jokowi said Indonesia should become a fertile ground for local MSMEs to grow and various policies reflected the governments stance that has always sided with small businesses. I am a former small entrepreneur. Our children also run MSMEs, selling martabak (sweet or savory pancake) and banana cake, the President added as quoted by kontan.co.id.(bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 11:55 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e68375 1 National #KPK,KPK,corruption,#corruption,judges,#SupremeCourt,Supreme-Court,judicial-reform,#JudicialReform,bribery,#Bribery-case Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named two South Jakarta District Court judges and a court clerk suspects of bribery in connection with a civil case the judges were handling. The three suspects -- judge Iswahyu Widodo, who presided in the civil suit related to a business acquisition, judge Irwan and Muhammad Ramadhan, court clerk at the East Jakarta District Court -- were apprehended during an operation conducted by investigators from Tuesday night to Wednesday early morning, KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata said. In total, we named five individuals suspects in the case, Alexander told a press briefing on Wednesday night. Alexander was referring to two other suspects -- lawyer Arif Fitrawan and businessman Martin P. Silitonga, who allegedly passed on the bribes to the judges via the clerk, who once was stationed at the South Jakarta District Court. The illicit funds in question allegedly were paid to influence the judges handling a certain case at the South Jakarta District Court, Alexander said. Investigators also seized money amounting to S$47,000 (US$34,281) during the operation. The case comes less than three months after the KPK named judge Merry Purba of the Medan District Court in North Sumatra a suspect of bribery in a corruption case she was handling at the time. Wednesdays arrests immediately raised public questions on the efficacy of the ongoing judicial reform, which was started by the Supreme Court in the early 2000s, involving civil society groups and aiming to improve the integrity and professionalism of the country's judicial system. According to data from the KPKs Anticorruption Clearing House (ACCH), at least 18 judges were prosecuted from 2010 to May 2018. One of the cases occurred in October 2017, when KPK investigators arrested Manado High Court Judge Sudiwardono. In June, Sudiwardono was sentenced to six years in prison for accepting bribes paid to influence an appellate bench handling a corruption case related to allowances for village officials (TPAPD) in Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi. The KPK on Wednesday pushed the Supreme Court on its pledged judicial reform, particularly with regard to improving its case handling system to prevent bribery. We expect [the Supreme Court] to carry out an evaluation in the management of the judiciary, Alexander said, revealing that the KPK was collaborating with the Development and Finance Comptroller (BPKP) to help audit and improve the management of some lower courts and high courts. Kompas.com reported that Supreme Court spokesman Justice Suhadi has said the two South Jakarta District Court judges might soon be suspended. (ipa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 13:55 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e6bb28 1 City Sentiong-River,pollution,water Free The North Jakarta municipality is mulling the use of water hyacinths to improve the water quality of the heavily polluted Sentiong River, its deputy mayor has said. The Jakarta administration has tried a variety of methods from nylon netting to nanobubble technology to try and reduce the smell coming from the river. [We] will try [growing water hyacinths] in the Sentiong River, nicknamed kali item [black river]. The roots of the water hyacinth can absorb toxic substances from the water, while its leaves can beautify the river, North Jakarta Deputy Mayor Ali Maulana Hakim said, as quoted by kompas.com. The Sentiong has been dubbed "black river" for its discolored waters and putrid odor. Lambas Sigalingging, who heads the implementation unit of the North Jakarta water management agency, said that the idea emerged when he learned that bodies of water inhabited by the fast-growing plant generally became clearer. Thats one of the benefits of the plant, said Lambas. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) limnologist Gadis Sri Haryani confirmed that the plant would be effective in purifying the river, as it could absorb both organic and non-organic particulate matter. She added that the plant was able to live in water with excessive nutrient content also called nutrient pollution. However, Gadis stressed that the administration would do better to focus on preventive measures. It would be more difficult to purify the water continuously, compared to developing a public wastewater treatment facility [such as] a wastewater treatment plant that could be used for several businesses, she said. Besides, Gadis said, the North Jakarta administration would need to manage the water hyacinth's development, because it was an invasive species that tended to spread undesirably, as had happened at Rawa Pening Lake in Central Java and Limboto Lake in Gorontalo. The administration said it had anticipated the potential problem and would implement measure to limit the plant's spread. If the water hyacinths succeeded, Lambas said, the municipality would also try planting lotuses in the river. (sau/vla) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 11:11 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e676cf 2 World #Indonesia,#environment,coral-reefs,damage,LIPI,study Free More than a third of Indonesia's coral reefs are in bad condition, scientists said Tuesday, raising concerns about the future of the archipelago's vast marine ecosystem. The precarious state of the country's coral reefs was revealed after a survey of 1067 sites across the sprawling country of more than 17,000 islands. Scientists from Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) found that just 6.5 percent Indonesia's coral reefs were in excellent condition, while 36 percent are in bad condition. Some 34 percent in sufficient condition with the rest classifed as being in good condition. "Anthropogenic factors are having more influence on the condition of corals in Indonesia today," Dr Dirhamsyah, head of the institute's oceanographic research centre, said in a statement. "The use of coast has increased which can threaten the ecosystem." Dirhamsyah, who like many Indonesians has only one name, said greater public awareness was needed "for the survival of marine life" in Indonesia. Indonesia has one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world and more people live close to reefs than anywhere else on the planet, according to the Coral Reef Alliance. But the giant living organisms face a number of threats, including man-made climate change, destructive fishing techniques and nutrient and sediment loading. Indonesia is also the world's second biggest contributor to marine debris after China, producing an estimated 1.29 million metric tons annually. Conservation group WWF warned last month up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life, have already been wiped out. If humanity fails to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, coral mortality is likely to hit 70-90 percent by the middle of the century, the United Nations warned in a recent report. Indonesia is part of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine area on earth which passes through six countries, including the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 09:11 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e6118f 1 National Prabowo-Subianto,moderate-Islam,Muslim-countries,Indonesia,#2019PresidentialElection,2019-presidential-election Free Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto promoted Indonesia as a safe destination to the Singaporean business community on Tuesday, claiming it is a moderate Muslim nation despite recent developments that might suggest otherwise. I am sure the majority of Muslims in Indonesia are moderate, Prabowo said in his keynote speech at the World 2019 gala dinner organized by The Economist in Singapore on Tuesday evening. Prabowo explained that a lot of ulema had been labeled radical even though most of them condemn radicalism and teach peace. They are so tired of being accused of [being in a] radical political group, but this should be the responsibility of the countrys leader: to educate the people and embrace the ulema so they wont turn radical, said the Gerindra Party chairman. But I am optimistic because I saw a lot of religious leaders in Indonesia condemning radicalism and Islamic teaching has emphasized this. Prabowo suggested that a good leader was one who could eradicate all forms of radicalism. One way to do that, according to the former military general, was by creating jobs for young people. If young people lose hope and are frustrated, feeling pessimistic about their future, then religious demagogues can easily influence them, he said. Prabowo is known for his close ties to conservative Muslims. He has gained support from Islamic parties, namely the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and National Mandate Party (PAN), and also from the so-called 212 Alumni, an umbrella group for participants of a series of rallies held to demand the prosecution of then Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, for blasphemy in 2016. Ahok was eventually sentenced to two years in prison. He is to be released early next year. The countrys struggle to rebuild its moderate image has been marred by other such radical actions, like the bomb attacks against three Surabaya churches in East Java in May, which were planned and carried out by radicalized Muslim families. Political communications observer Hendri Satrio of Paramadina University in Jakarta said Prabowo aimed to paint himself as a moderate leader while insinuating that the current administration led by his rival President Joko Jokowi Widodo had failed to maintain religious harmony. He wants to show that he is open to all Muslim groups, that he is different from Jokowi because he will be able to embrace both conservative and moderate Muslims, he said. Jokowi has been using similar rhetoric, particularly in global forums, he said. Jokowi has emphasized moderation and pluralism all the time, probably trying to embrace all Muslim groups. Whether he has succeeded is another question, Hendri said. Political expert Adi Prayitno of the Islamic State University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta said through his speech Prabowo wanted to show he is a moderate Muslim and was not related to hard-line groups, as many of his critics suggest. Prabowo is widely supported by hard-line Muslim groups, so his remarks were a paradox, Adi said. Recent events also suggest that Prabowo has close ties with Rizieq Shihab, an influential leader of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI), as well as with ulema and activists grouped under the National Movement to Safeguard Ulama (GNPF-Ulama). The GNPF-Ulama was actively involved in the anti-Ahok rallies. Prabowo once met with Rizieq in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he now resides to avoid prosecution in Indonesia after being charged with violating the 2008 Pornography Law in May 2017. Adi suggested Prabowo might want to start proving his claimed commitment to being a moderate Muslim by actually promoting moderate ideas to his conservative supporters. This article was originally published in The Jakarta Post's print edition on Nov. 29, 2018, with the title "Prabowo touts Indonesia as moderate Muslim country". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 16:43 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e75382 1 Politics 2019-elections,2019-presidential-election,Prabowo-Subianto,Prabowo-Subianto-Sandiaga-Uno,ojek-service Free Despite the outrage some ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers expressed over Prabowo Subiantos remarks about their occupation, a number of ojek drivers are still willing to contribute some of their income to support the presidential candidates election campaign--a move appreciated by Prabowo. Through his twitter account @prabowo, Prabowo thanked an ojek driver named Ian for his donation of Rp 80,000 (US$5.59). Ian, I thank you so much for your sacrifice; next time, please give your bonus to your wife and children, Prabowo said. The Gerindra Party chairman was responding to a post submitted by Ian, through his account @afrianxaviesta2. Ian said God had answered his prayer for a bonus from work, and that he had promised that if he got a bonus, he would transfer the money to Galang Perjuangan, the bank account of the Prabowo campaign. Thank God, my prayer has been answered. Although the bonus is not huge, I [hope it can benefit the candidate], Ian said, mentioning @prabowo, @sandiuno, @Gerinda and @fadlizon. Another ojek driver with the Twitter handle @RomitsuT also tweeted about his donation. Dear @prabowo, I am sorry that I can only garner this little amount of money today, which I donate for you. I have got permission from my wife and children to donate all of the money for our struggle to be sovereign under [the leadership of] Prabowo-Sandiaga, he said. Romitsu sent Rp 44,800 to the Galang Perjuangan bank account. Prabowo responded by saying From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your kindness and sacrifice. But, your first priority should be your wife and children, please send my regards to your family and driver colleagues. The presidential candidate had previously expressed his concern about the career path of many young Indonesians, who ended up as low-skilled ojek drivers, amid the rise of ride-hailing companies like Go-Jek and Grab. Im not happy about this kind of career path. I want young Indonesians to become entrepreneurs, technicians, pilots, to own a cafe, a company or a plantation, not [just to be low-skilled] labor in their own country, he said at a seminar. Many condemned the remark, and some staged a rally to demand that Prabowo apologize to ojek drivers. (vny) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29 2018 Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto promoted Indonesia as a safe destination to the Singaporean business community on Tuesday, claiming it is a moderate Muslim nation despite recent developments that might suggest otherwise. I am sure the majority of Muslims in Indonesia are moderate, Prabowo said in his keynote speech at the World 2019 gala dinner organized by The Economist in Singapore on Tuesday evening. Prabowo explained that a lot of ulema had been labeled radical even though most of them condemn radicalism and teach peace. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 18:43 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e79102 1 National toll-road,Trans-Java,infrastructure Free The trans-Java toll road is nearing completion following the official opening of the Sragen-Ngawi section of the Surakarta-Ngawi toll road in Central Java. The opening, which took place on Wednesday, was attended by President Joko Jokowi Widodo, State Secretary Pratikno and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno. This year, Insya Allah [God willing], the toll road connecting Jakarta and Surabaya will be completed, Jokowi said, adding that the remaining Pemalang-Batang, Batang-Semarang, Salatiga-Surakarta and Wilangan-Kertosono sections were still under construction and would be completed by the end of December. The President said the 51-kilometer Sragen-Ngawi section of road would better connect some cities in Central Java and East Java, namely Boyolali, Surakarta, Karanganyar, Sragen and Ngawi. It would also cut the usual three-hour travel time between Surakarta and Madiunto in half. Separately, toll road operator PT Jasamarga Solo Ngawi (JSN) president director David Wijayatno said that drivers could immediately start using the road. Residents can use the toll road for free for a week after the inauguration, David said. Previously, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry said that it was optimistic that the construction of the 1,150-km trans-Java toll road would be finished by the end of 2019. (vny) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Malaysia Fri, November 30 2018 ASEAN labor ministers agreed to collaborate on and promote green jobs for sustainability and inclusive growth in the region, which is preparing for the fourth industrial revolution. Indonesia supports and will cooperate with ASEAN in campaigning for green jobs, Manpower Minister Hanif said during the 25th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting (ALMM) in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. The green jobs campaign is in line with Industry 4.0, when employment is not solely for the sake of prosperity but also ensures environmental sustainability for the future, he added in a statement. 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 Istu Septiana and Veeramalla Anjaiah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, November 30 2018 Supporting charity: The Czechoslovak Group donates US$10,000 (Rp 145 million) at the charity auction for rebuilding schools in Jakarta recently. Happy Hearts Indonesia, an NGO affiliated with Happy Hearts Fund, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, has raised US$16,600 (Rp 241.2 million) from an art charity auction and musical charity in order to renovate schools in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Happy Hearts Fund, which is now known as All Hands and Hearts, was established by famous Czech supermodel Petra Nemcova in 2005 to help victims of natural disasters. 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 Rita Widiadana (The Jakarta Post) Kigali, Rwanda Fri, November 30 2018 In mid-November, 3,700 family planning advocates and representatives of governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, academia, celebrities and promising youth leaders gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the fifth International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP). The conference from Nov. 12 to 15 featured best practices and innovations in family planning programs, and also saw the strengthening of political and funding commitments as well as the monitoring of progress in family planning ahead of 2020. In two years, world representatives aim to ensure that all women, no matter where they live, have access to lifesaving contraceptives a program called the Family Planning 2020 Initiative (FP2020). Indonesia has always been regarded as one of the worlds best role models for family planning programs; others are eager to learn our lessons. 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 Thu, November 29, 2018 10:07 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e62dd4 4 Destinations Umbul-Ponggok,destination,travel,tourism,Central-Java,Klaten Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo uploaded a photo onto his Instagram account showing a man riding a motorcycle underwater at Umbul Ponggok, Klaten regency, Central Java. As of Wednesday at noon, the post had been liked more than 566,000 times. Umbul Ponggok Water Tourism is indeed well-known among travelers visiting Central Java. It boasts a natural pool popular with snorkelers and inexperienced divers. Kompas.com listed the following four activities visitors can do while visiting the place: 1. Swimming Umbul Ponggok has a 50-by-25-meter pond filled with water from 40 natural springs, amassing a water discharge of more than 800 liters per second. While swimming in the cool water, visitors are accompanied by hundreds of colorful fish. The continuous water flow prevents a fishy smell from spreading in the pool. 2. Snorkeling The pool waters clarity makes Umbul Ponggok a popular snorkeling site. The tourism management rents out snorkeling tools such as buoys and goggles. The Umbul Ponggok pool is natural with sand and rocks on the bottom. The pools fish species include carp, pomfret, koi and other ornamental fish. They provide the feeling of snorkeling in the sea. 3. Taking underwater photos This is Umbul Ponggoks most well-known attraction. Submerged in the pool are various items placed for taking photos, such as a motorcycle, a bicycle, a table and a chair. Visitors without underwater cameras can rent one from the management for Rp 60,000 (US$4.13) per 30 minutes. The recommended photo-taking time on weekdays is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. On weekends, the best results can be obtained between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Read also: Into the springs in Klaten, Central Java 4. Playing at Ponggok Warrior Adventure Ponggok Warrior Adventure is one Umbul Ponggoks newest attractions. It is a playground arena on the pools surface resembling a Japanese game show called Sasuke Ninja Warrior. Visitors safety is guaranteed by the free safety kit, lifeguards and safety instructions from the managers. A 30-minute session costs Rp 15,000 on weekdays and Rp 20,000 on weekends. The entrance fee for Umbul Ponggok is Rp 15,000. The operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are packages including entrance tickets, buoy rental and underwater photo sessions available. For visitors who wish to stay the night, there is a homestay with nine air-conditioned rooms near Umbul Ponggok. Rates range from Rp 100,000 to Rp 300,000 per night. (iru/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, November 29, 2018 17:33 1092 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b30877e76b89 1 News Garuda-Indonesia,Airlines,travel,vintage,tourism Free The national flag carrier is set to take passengers on what it calls the Garuda Indonesia Vintage Flight Experience from Dec. 7 to 17. The program is part of the airlines new flight experience service concept, which provides various flight experiences for passengers. The theme is Garuda Indonesia Classic Brand. Through this service, we hope to provide distinct nuances to customers carrying out their year-end trips, Garuda Indonesia service director Nicodemus P. Lampe said in a statement. A time travel experience of sorts, the airline will replicate elements of flying in the 1970s or 80s. For this purpose, the Boeing 737-800NG fleet will be branded with classic livery. Read also: Garuda Indonesia to open direct Jakarta-Nagoya route in March The cabin crew will wear uniforms to match the era, created by famous Japanese designer Hanae Mori. Passengers will be able to experience the Garuda Indonesia vintage flight on several routes in the period of Dec. 7 to 17, including: GA566 and GA569 (Jakarta Balikpapan Jakarta), GA304 and GA309 (Jakarta Surabaya Jakarta) and GA846 and GA847 (Jakarta Singapore Jakarta). (iru/kes) The citys controversial plan to build a huge new jail at 80 Centre St. has been scrubbed, mainly over difficulties relocating all the existing tenants in the building, which houses state offices and is used as the citys marriage license bureau. Theyre now reverting to an earlier proposal to renovate/expand the existing jail facility at 125 White St. [Daily News] Local elected officials react to the citys change of plans. [Villager] The mayor and his deputies are moving ahead with plans for four mega-towers in the Two Bridges neighborhood: The City Planning Commission is gearing up to vote on the project as early as next week, after stymying a separate effort by two Manhattan politicians to stall construction and require more government input. Local activists are planning to file a lawsuit in a last ditch effort to stop the projects. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said yesterday: I am disappointed that the Department of City Planning and the de Blasio administration for some reason do not believe they should go through a public review given the enormity of the project and how it will impact the community. [Politico- full story by subscription only] The City Council pushes to legalize e-bikes, setting up a potential confrontation with the mayor. [Channel 2] A mini-Spike Lee fest at the Metrograph with the filmmaker in attendance on Sunday. [Gothamist] Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: Home Page Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Plentiful sunshine. High 61F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low around 45F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 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. EZULWINI Wild fires have cost small businesses contracted to forestry companies a fortune. One classical example is PMD Forestry Harvesting which had to shut down after wildfires gutted down the forests of then Mondi Forests in 2007. Managing Director (MD) Petros Mnisi recounted how they closed shop in 2010 because they were no longer generating any revenue from forestry harvesting because their main contractor, Mondi Forests, could not give them any more business as a result of the wildfires. Convened Mnisi said their business, which had been financed by Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE) in 2002, had been sustained by the work which was being provided by Peak Timbers. From 2010 to 2014 the business was not operational as a consequence of the wildfires, said Mnisi when addressing delegates who attended the IDCE seminar convened at Royal Villas yesterday. The MD said their business was finally revived after they had been granted a tender forestry harvesting after expression of interests were issued in 2015. Mnisi informed the gathering that he had sold all assets acquired by the business since it became operational which prompted them to rent equipment when it was eventually resuscitated. Thanks to IDCE who have the interests of local businesses at heart we now have assets valued at nearly E2 million. Had it not been for them, we would still be struggling even today, Mnisi confessed. Declared It should be mentioned that Eswatini declared a national emergency in response to raging fires that swept through parts of the kingdom, engulfing as many as 300 homesteads, killing livestock and destroying crops and large swathes of commercial tree plantations. At least a dozen people died, and firefighters sought to contain the blazes but high winds made extinguishing them an all but impossible task. On other hand, Sincobanjalo Investments Project Manager Xolile Magagula also said had it not been for IDCEs investments into farms where they grow sugar cane, they would neither be employed nor generating any income. Sincobanjalo would have collapsed if IDCE was not considerate of our financial position, said Magagula. Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund Director Bhekizwe Maziya also appreciated the partnership that exists between them and IDCE. He said it was the primary reason why they had recently opened up to the youth to make applications for funding. The partnership with IDCE enables us to provide funding beyond our financial limits, said Maziya. I feel sorry for the current Cabinet ministers because they have been assigned a very hard assignment of having to pull the country out of the self-created economic crisis. I wonder if the prime minister will be in a position to lead the team to salvage this country from the doldrums. I know the prime minister was an MD of a financial institution before, but that institution was on its feet and operating and the people there were willing to pull together in the same direction. He also led a telecommunication institution that he found already operating. Unlike the government he is leading, that is not willing to pull in the same direction. Or let me say the previous government was the one that purposely created this economic crisis. The prime minister has just introduced some strategies that he hopes will assist the country in getting it out of the crisis that was self-created but I pity him. What he is doing is like pouring water in a bucket with a big hole and hopes to use the water after an hour. Introducing such measures when the very government he is leading is not willing to save will not help him. Think of the report that government has to pay E40 million for trying to make sure that external exams were written this year. Instead of negotiating with teachers so that they understand the situation, government decided to show its power by using the police and renting vehicles for them. This was a complete waste of resources and I am sure this is money that would have gone a long way in helping the country develop. I am worried because the very same people who are in government today are the same people who were there when the crisis started. If the principal secretaries, whom we are told run the different ministries, were there when the crisis was created, what will change now with the current Cabinet. The very same people who failed to save money, but instead squandered it, are still there, yet we expect change. Changing the tyres will not make the engine of the car stop have smoke issues. The engine should be attended to but unfortunately only a few have the power and authority to change the engine. For us to come out of this crisis there should be a complete overhaul of the whole government machinery. There have been suggestions that have been given to government to assist it salvage the crisis but those were ignored. One of those was from the International Monetary Fund, which mentioned sometime in the past that the government wage bill was unsustainable and must be reduced. What did we do as a country? We told the IMF to go jump and continued recruiting more soldiers and police than teachers. We wanted to have enough police to show the power our government has over civil servants and indeed police officers were made teachers in schools. The result was abuse of school children and a huge bill that government has to pay. The erstwhile head of government is on record having said that nothing could convince him that dagga should be legalised. This was despite the fact that we were being told that this could assist our economy. But because of not being willing to accept advice even after studies had been conducted, government refused to accept that. I read the other day that Lesotho was now having millions being invested in that country because it legalised dagga for medicinal purposes. There were people who advised the former prime minister including the principal secretary in his office but we never heard anyone come out to say they advised the prime minister. So my assumption is that they were in agreement with him. If such people are still in office, do we really expect to move out of the economic crisis? Professor Patrick Lumumba said China had been poor just recently but it was now one of the leading economies in the world. What did that country do right? Lumumba continued to say it is because Chinese people chose leaders who realised that they were in a crisis and had a vision. They knew what had to be done. So the Chinese first got rid of the dead wood in government and replaced them with people who had a vision and knew how to achieve it. The way their government was operating was changed and they have the results today. If we still have the same people in office who created the crisis, can they suddenly change? The current Cabinet will not help us much because the money we are supposed to save is still being given away. Forty million Emalangeni for exams only is way too much taking into account that there was never a problem with exams in the past. But the people who are not willing to negotiate with teachers are still in office and will do whatever to show teachers they have the power. The whole country will, therefore, suffer. Tired of seeing their holy texts used to justify the subjugation of women, a group of feminist theologians from across the Protestant-Catholic divide have joined forces to draft A Womens Bible. As the #MeToo movement continues to expose sexual abuse across cultures and industries, some scholars of Christianity are clamoring for a reckoning with biblical interpretations they say have entrenched negative images of women. The women we know from translations and interpretations of Bible texts are servants, prostitutes or saints, seen dancing for a king or kneeling to kiss Jesus feet. But while many feminists have called for the Bible, Christianity and religion altogether to be cast aside, an eclectic group of theologians instead insists that if interpreted properly, the Good Book can be a tool for promoting womens emancipation. Understood Feminist values and reading the Bible are not incompatible, insisted Lauriane Savoy, one of two Geneva theology professors behind the push to draft Une Bible des Femmes (A Womens Bible), which was published in October. The professor at the Theology Faculty in Geneva, which was established by the father of Calvinism himself in 1559, said the idea for the work came after she and her colleague Elisabeth Parmentier noticed how little most people knew or understood of the biblical texts. A lot of people thought they were completely outdated with no relevance to todays values of equality, the 33-year-old told AFP, standing under the towering sculptures of Jean Calvin and other Protestant founders on the University of Geneva campus. In a bid to counter such notions, Savoy and Parmentier joined forces with 18 other woman theologians from a range of countries and Christian denominations. The scholars have created a collection of texts challenging traditional interpretations of Bible scriptures that cast women characters as weak and subordinate to the men around them. Parmentier points to a passage in the gospel of Luke, in which Jesus visits two sisters, Martha and Mary. It says that Martha ensures the service, which has been interpreted to mean that she served the food, but the Greek word diakonia can also have other meanings, for instance it could mean she was a deacon, she pointed out. They are not the first to provide a more women-friendly reading of the scriptures. Already back in 1898, American suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton and a committee of 26 other women drafted The Womans Bible, aimed at overturning religious orthodoxy that women should be subservient to men. The two Geneva theology professors say they were inspired by that work, and had initially planned to simply translate it to French. But after determining that the 120-year-old text was too outdated, they decided to create a new work that could resonate in the 21st century. We wanted to work in an ecumenical way, Parmentier said, stressing that around half the women involved in the project are Catholic and the other half from a number of branches of Protestantism. In the introduction to the Womens Bible, the authors said the chapters were meant to scrutinize shifts in the Christian tradition, things that have remained concealed, tendentious translations, partial interpretations. They take to task the lingering patriarchal readings that have justified numerous restrictions and bans on women, the authors wrote. Savoy said Mary Magdalene, the female character who appears the most in the gospels had been given a raw deal in many common interpretations of the texts. She stood by Jesus, including as he was dying on the cross, when all of the male disciples were afraid. She was the first one to go to his tomb and to discover his resurrection, she pointed out. This is a fundamental character, but she is described as a prostitute, ... and even as Jesuss lover in recent fiction. Context The scholars also go to great lengths to place the texts in their historical context. We are fighting against a literal reading of the texts, Parmentier said, pointing for instance to letters sent by Saint Paul to nascent Christian communities. Reading passages from those letters, which could easily be construed as radically anti-feminist, as instructions for how women should be treated today is insane, she said. Its like taking a letter someone sends to give advice as being valid for all eternity. The theologians texts also approach the Bible through different themes, like the body, seduction, motherhood and subordination. The authors say they consider their work a useful tool in the age of #MeToo. Each chapter addresses existential questions for women, questions they are still asking themselves today, Parmentier said. While some say that you have to throw out the Bible to be a feminist, we believe the opposite. MBABANE A liSwati man was arrested while at a traditional healers house to cleanse himself, for an alleged murder. Celumusa Mabaso (25) was said to have stabbed the mother of his two children, Siphesihle Shongwe (22) multiple times after they had an argument. It could not be established what the argument was about, or which part of Eswatini Mabaso was from. The stabbing was reported to have happened last week Friday at around 9.30am, at Maminza area, after his arrest, Mabaso appeared at Kanyamazane Magistrates Court on Monday. During his appearance before court, he was informed that he would appear at Kabokweni Magistrates Court, where he would apply for bail. Information gathered, was that Mabaso allegedly stabbed Shongwe in the presence of their children, aged four and three years. Pienaar Cluster Spokesperson Captain Jabu Ndubane confirmed the murder and that they had charged Mabaso. Information gathered was that one of the children aged four year old, went out of the house crying, with bloody clothes after witnessing his father stab his mother. While on the street, a teenager who was passing by, who at first thought the child had been injured. The teenager then took the child back into the house and in the passage of the house, he was met by Shongwes lifeless body, with the other child aged three years old, crying and clinging to the bloody and lifeless body. The teenager then alerted the neighbours of his discovery and the police were called and they came to the scene. While the police were gathering evidence at the scene, they received a phone call from a traditional healer, who informed them that the suspect was at his place, at Karino on a citrus farm. All this time, the traditional healer had locked Mabaso inside one of his houses, as he tricked him that they would start the cleansing soon and the police found him inside.The weapon suspected to have been used in the murder was found outside the house on a marula tree and Mabaso was arrested. It is true there is a suspect who is a liSwati national, who is in our custody and has been charged with murder. It was reported that Mabaso left the murder scene, without being seen and he went straight to the traditional healers house, where he was eventually apprehended, Ndubane said. SITHOBELWENI A member of the Jericho Zionist Church was left paralysed after he slammed his head against his church door while possessed by the spirit. As a result, Vusi Mndvoti (30) has spent the past eight years of his life confined to his sick bed at the Sithobelweni Health Centre, where health personnel are said to be monitoring his condition. The devoted Zionist got paralysed during a night prayer service, which was hosted by his church around KaNkonjwa, which is situated about 30km to the south of Sithobelweni. This was after the congregation was invited by their leader to perform the famous wheel dance (siguco), which was popularised by this particular sect of African Christian churches. The dance has spiritual significance to members of the church, and is performed by worshippers moving in circles. The worshippers usually carry their crosses as they time and again switch from clockwise to anticlockwise movements. performance A church member explained that during the performance of the siguco, members connect with the spirit, leading to some of them becoming possessed. A series of unusual performances usually take place when members are possessed by the spirit, and these may range from rolling on the ground to head-butting anything within reach, while others take to whipping fellow worshippers or making some utterances or noises. slamming Mndvoti narrated it was during such spirited moments when he accidentally injured his spinal cord after slamming his head repeatedly against his church door. Even though he does not recall the head-butting incident, Mndvoti said fellow worshippers related the chronology of the events in hospital, where he was admitted a day after the incident. He mentioned that the incident happened at night. I only remember joining fellow worshippers in the ring to perform the wheel dance (siguco) after we were all invited to join in. That is as far as I can recall, anything else that happened thereafter eludes my memory. Our church usually held night services every Friday and it was during one of these gatherings when I got injured, he explained. He said he later learnt that he collapsed after hitting the door with his head. He recalled that members told him he remained unconscious for the better part of the night, and all that time they thought he was just sleeping. EZULWINI The controversial sex-tape scandal which befell former South Africa Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba should not be taken lightly by local legislators. This is a warning that was issued to senators and Cabinet ministers by Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini yesterday, during a workshop for the legislators, where she enlightened them on the etiquette they were expected to adhere to. As she gave them tips on how to behave in public events and international assignments, the legislators posed questions, while others sought clarifications. It was Minister of Public Service Christian Ntshangase who requested Dlamini to touch on the issue of the modes of communication and how legislators could guard against being betrayed through social media and other platforms. In response, Dlamini stated that nowadays people had no respect for the other. In our society, you can have a conversation over the phone with a person and he or she can record it or take pictures. These days, people want money and will take advantage if you are a minister or legislator, she said. Neighbouring She said the legislators should read into the recent incident which happened in neighbouring South Africa, where a politician found himself in trouble after his video was circulated on social media. Though she was not specific, it was obvious that the president was referring to Gigaga whose sex tape video became the talk of the town the world over. We have seen it happening in South Africa recently. People will take advantage of you because you are a minister. The South African minister was humiliated, so we should all be warned, she said. Furthermore, Dlamini informed the legislators that they were now holding influential positions and that not everyone was happy for them. They will call, record you as you talk unknowingly about a certain issue and then betray you by sharing it with others, she said. She was supported by Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku, who said as legislators, some people called them just to brag to their friends that they knew them, but in the end they would do something else with the recorded conversations. The president also advised Cabinet ministers to be humble and not become emotional whenever they were called to account on issues of their ministries. All ministers should be public servants. You have all been called to serve. Talk and act responsibly because members of the Fourth Estate are there to hold you accountable, she said. EZULWINI Forget it! Members of Parliament who think they will demand unbudgeted for funds from the National Budget for the construction of roads in their constituencies, should think again. This is because it is against the law to demand money when it was not allocated for in the budget. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku, during a workshop for Cabinet ministers and senators at the Royal Swazi Sun yesterday. It must be made clear that once the budget has been passed, it effectively becomes a law. If someone comes and demands that part of it should be allocated for the construction of a road in his constituency, that person will be breaking the law, he said. According to the DPM, there was a tendency for MPs to pass the budget and then turn around to demand for money for projects in their constituencies, when none has been allocated for such. Meanwhile, the biggest issue that most of the senators raised bordered on the separation of powers when it came to the drafting of laws in the country. The senators demanded clarity on who exactly was responsible for the formulation of laws in the country. Senator Mkhululi Dlamini was so serious about the issue so much that he demanded to know why Cabinet, through the various ministries, was given the responsibility. Private In his view, the policy of private members Bills should apply so that legislators could be the one tasked with formulating Bills in the country. We are the ones that should do the job so that we can be able to hold Cabinet accountable. Formulating a Bill is not the role of the Executive. Instead the Executives role is to implement, Dlamini said. The homestead where Johnbo Investments currently operates from at Mlindazwe in Ezulwini. MBABANE A liSwati pastor and his girlfriend, who is employed by ABSA Bank, have been implicated in a fraud scandal of E5 million against Old Mutual Preservation Fund in South Africa. The ABSA Bank employee, Innocentia Lebogang Mashingo, has since been suspended from work on suspicion of being involved in the fraud. She was suspended pursuant to a probe which was instituted within the ABSA Bank. Mashigo was based at the Piet Retief branch of ABSA Bank. It was established through the investigation that Mashigo was in a love relationship with one of the recipients of the money, who is the pastor. She is alleged to have transferred substantial amounts into the bank accounts of her pastor lover, Johnson Monday Mndzebele of Mlindazwe area, Ezulwini. Mashigo is alleged to have also transferred various sums of money into another liSwati, Sibusiso Sandile Nkambules bank account who resides in the Republic of South Africa. Whereabouts Investigators were able to locate Johnson, while Nkambules whereabouts remain unknown, and the South African Police Service will be requested to look for him. According to the Operational Head of the Asset and Forfeiture Unit, Elsie Matsebula, various transfers from the ABSA account were made to different people who are not beneficiaries under the fund. The offence was detected in April 2018 by ABSA Bank. The two emaSwati, Johnson and Nkambule, are alleged to have received a total sum of E1.7 million. Johnson, according to Matsebula, received a sum of E800 000 while E900 000 was received by Nkambule in April this year. The money was allegedly deposited into their respective First National Bank of Swaziland accounts, being account No. 62757062022 in respect of Johnson and Nkambules account No. 62709669652. Johnson is a co-Director of Johnbo Investments (Pty) Ltd together with one Bongani Mndzebele. The company is based in Ezulwini. Matsebula submitted that investigations sourced from First National Bank on August 2, 2018, allegedly revealed that on April 11, 2018, a transfer of E400 000 was made from Nkambules bank account to that of Johnbo Investments First National Bank account. A further sum of E300 000 was allegedly transferred from Nkambules account at First National Bank to the same company on April 13, 2018, making the total transfer to the company E700 000. The investigation also allegedly revealed that as at July 31, 2018, there was a balance of E402 653.26 in the bank account of Johnbo Investments (Pty) Ltd. The director of public Prosecutions has filed an application in the High Court for a preservation order. The order will ensure that the amount of E402 653.26, which is the balance left in the companys account, is preserved pending the outcome of an application for a forfeiture order in terms of Section 50 (1) of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) of 2018. The State is represented by Crown Counsel Thulani Mamba in the matter. The DPP seeks to prohibit any person with knowledge of the order from dealing in any manner with the amount of E402 653.26 held under account No. 62354165469 at First National Bank, Swaziland. A person who has an interest in respect of the money which is subject to forfeiture, in terms of the POCA, should give notice of their intention to have their interests excluded from the forfeiture. A new show at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in the central Athens neighborhood of Kolonaki brings together two young photographers in a joint exhibition titled Ethos: Another Side of Greece. The work of both George Tatakis and Michael Pappas displays youthful enthusiasm, an experiential approach and sincere interest in the topic of the countrys surviving customs and traditional events. The exhibition was put together after a proposal by the museums photographic archives department. The show fits in perfectly with the institutions folklore collection, comprising some 6,000 pieces of Neohellenic folk art spanning the period from the second half of the 18th to the end of the 20th century. Tatakis and Pappas met for the first time during a panigyri in Mesolongi, western Greece. They had both gone because they enjoy a good traditional festival and because they know how to document the subjects that inspire them. They worked separately that day, but have been traveling as a duo ever since. The photographs on display are the product of their joint labor over the past seven years. And even though they often document the same event, the artistic outcome remains strictly personal. Tatakis shoots pictures in black-and-white. His images exude a sense of inner balance and are in a way reminiscent of those by Constantine Manos and Nikos Economopoulos. Tatakis admits he has been influenced by the work of Josef Koudelka, the Czech-born master who is credited with changing the aesthetics and philosophy of documentary photography. Pappas prefers to shoot in color and although his compositions appear more random, the images elicit spontaneous and carefully crafted emotions. They share an affection for the people at the center of their work as well as the desire to discover the Greek countryside and present it in a fresh light. Their fundamental principle is that a photographer must be conscious of what has an impact on his psyche and must be able to transmit his sensitivity while documenting the scenes unfolding before him. Thanks to their persistence and their discreetness, the two photographers have managed to make their subjects feel so comfortable in their presence that they cease to pay attention to the camera, allowing them to capture fragments of real life. Alongside the photographs on display at the Benaki, visitors can also see a feathered helmet from Kozani in Western Macedonia and a womans outfit from the southeastern Aegean. Both items were loaned to the museum by their owners a testimony to their relationship with the photographers. The work of Tatakis and Pappas has appeared in National Geographic, Leica Fotografie International, the M Magazine and Vice US. With the assistance of two more photographers, they have set up the Reflex Photographers cooperative of internationally published photographers and digital platform pculiar.com, a detailed online guide on customs and traditional events such as those documented in their work. Ethos: Another Side of Greece will remain on display at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture (1 Koumbari, Kolonaki, tel 210.367.1000, www.benaki.gr) through January 13. 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: Dimboukas License: CC-BY-SA The fascinating story of the Achaia Clauss Winery in Patra city of the Peloponnese Region of Greece is outlined by cosmosphilly.com in the following article: Greece of the 1850s had a King: King Otto, a young Bavarian Prince son of the philhellene King Ludwig I of Bavaria who had been selected (by foreign powers) as the King of Greece. This Bavarian connection had created opportunities for German businessmen. Attracted by this benign environment between King Ottos (Greek: ) Greece and Germany, entrepreneurs such as the Bavarian Gustav Clauss sought agricultural opportunities in the temperate Mediterranean climate. Coming, in 1854 to Patra, in the area known since ancient times as Achaia, Gustav Clauss saw such an opportunity, and a few years later, in 1861, bought a plot of land on a hill overlooking the town of Patra, and founded a wine-growing, wine-making establishment he named Gutland which we now know as Achaia Clauss. These were turbulent times in the new world, America was rapidly sliding toward its Civil War, and Europe was at arms, fighting the Crimean War of 1854. Greece was also involved in the European wars, unfortunately on the losing side, and the resulting dissension which eventually led to King Ottos replacement by a Danish Prince (King George I) along with a series of great internal political upheavals had created a certain amount of lawlessness on the land; so Clauss wisely built his winery in the form of a fort, as a defense against brigands and even hostile neighbors; hence the Castle look, which the entrance and other buildings still bear today. 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: Vincent de Groot License: CC-BY-SA Ongoing cooperation between diaspora groups in support of the trilateral relationship between Greece, Cyprus and Israel American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis will participate in the upcoming international conference titled New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean in Jerusalem on December 11, Kathimerini reports. The conference, to be hosted at the Konrad Adenauer Conference Center, Mishkenot Shaananim, is sponsored by the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies (JISS) and Bnai Brith International (BBI) and held in collaboration with AHI and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA). We are pleased to announce our support and participation at a major international conference that brings together thought-leaders to continue the dialogue about the geopolitical significance of the Eastern Mediterranean, Larigakis noted in a statement, describing the conference as an example of the ongoing cooperation between diaspora groups in support of the trilateral relationship between Greece, Cyprus and Israel. He is scheduled to deliver a speech on the role of the Greek diaspora. 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 Attendees included the Motion Picture Association (US), producer giant Bouygues (France), Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) and the British Film Institute Foreign film and TV producers and associations attended a presentation by Deputy Digital Policy, Telecoms and Information Minister Lefteris Kretsos in Brussels on Tuesday on government initiatives and a new legal framework encouraging companies to film in Greece, ANA reports. He outlined the sites and facilities Greece offered, as well as the funding tools, the support in production, co-production and post-production, and the availability of specialists. Interest by attendees focused primarily on collaborative projects with Greek production companies, technical support (studios and production), and technical staff available in Greece. They also expressed interest in visiting Greece soon to explore potential collaboration with local agencies in the audiovisual sector or investing directly in projects. 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: pixabay.com MSC Lirica, an Italian cruise ship, which arrived in Bahrain on November 27, brought over 1,990 tourists onboard from different nationalities to the kingdom. Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), received the cruise ship and welcomed the visitors. A tour around the Kingdom was organized for the visitors and they got the chance to visit some of Bahrains tourist attractions and learn about its contemporary and ancient sites including Bab Al Bahrain, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, and Bahrain National Museum. Shaikh Khaled revealed that cruise ships arriving in the Kingdom will increase by 26 per cent compared to the previous year. Bahrain has received almost 80,000 visitors from prestigious cruise lines during the previous cruise season which ran between November and May. We are happy to receive the cruise ships arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain during this cruise season. We look forward to receiving more cruise ships over the next few months with an aim to promote Bahrains unique tourism offerings, said Shaikh Khaled. These ships contribute in the arrival of multi-national passengers to the Kingdom and exposing them to its rich history and tourism offerings, which make it an ideal tourism destination in the region, he added. Receiving the cruise ships comes as part of the BTEAs long term strategy to further develop the Kingdoms tourism sector under the slogan of Ours.Yours., which contributes towards the Kingdoms economy and the 2030 Economic Vision. TradeArabia News Service An international conference on establishment of the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey transport corridor, also called Lapis-Lazuli, was held at the tourist zone "Avaza" on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea. The forum brought together heads of transport departments of the countries through which the corridor route runs. Speaking at the conference, the representatives of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Georgia and Turkey noted that boosting transport cooperation contributes to the greater involvement of the regional countries in the world trade processes. The conference highlighted the role of Turkmenistan that in recent years has invested billions in the development of the transport sector. The conference concluded with the signing of the final declaration that reflects the key vectors of the transport cooperation between the Lapis-Lazuli transport corridor participating countries. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Some of the nations top political thinkers will be in Houston on Dec. 7 to consider how the recent midterm elections may change U.S. politics. Photo: Getty Images Some of the nations top political thinkers will gather in Houston on Dec. 7 to consider how the recent midterm elections may change U.S. politics, including the 2020 Census and upcoming redistricting efforts. Triple Play: Election 2018, Census 2020 and Redistricting 2021, sponsored by the University of Houstons Hobby School of Public Affairs, will draw speakers from around the country to examine how the midterms will affect the future. Richard Murray, organizer of the conference and Bob Lanier Chair in Urban Public Policy at the UH Department of Political Science, said the 2018 midterms could be one of the three or four most consequential non-presidential elections in American history. Demographic change, partisan polarization, the Mueller investigation and the Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation battle combined to drive voting to record levels, he said. The results will have both immediate and long-term consequences in Texas and across the country. Speakers include William Frey, senior fellow at the Brookings Institute; Matt A. Barreto, co-founder of Latino Decisions and political science professor at UCLA; David Daley, author of Ratf**ked the True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal Americas Democracy; and Steve Murdock, former U.S. Census director and a sociologist at Rice University. The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Registration information and a full agenda is available here. WHAT: Triple Play: Election 2018, Census 2020 and Redistricting 2021 will examine how the recent midterm elections may change U.S. politics, including the 2020 census and upcoming redistricting efforts. WHEN: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 WHERE: University of Houston-Downtown. Parking in the UHD garage or metered parking on Girard Street. Map MEDIA CONTACT: Jeannie Kever, 713-743-0778, jekever@uh.edu Working with large tech companies is a prerequisite for protecting people in the digital age, participants said at the Istanbul Innovation Days which gathered 345 representatives from think-tanks, governments, international organizations and innovation hubs. The yearly UNDP event, co-organized this time with Dark Matter Labs, looked into how to defend human rights and encourage collective action in a sharply polarized, complex and unequal world. With the advent of the 4th industrial revolution, new technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming the way we live, work, and interact with each other as governments face pressure to solve complex issues associated with rapid urbanization, climate change and migration. In the absence of a framework for dealing with rapid technological change, policy-makers and development practitioners have been grappling with how to build institutions and mechanisms with public legitimacy, capable of promoting fair and equal societies. The key problem is to assess the risks new technologies bear at a time when inequalities are rising, risks of conflict are increasing, and civic space is under threat, said Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the Director of UNDPs Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS as she opened the conference. These trends are unfolding amid unprecedented changes in the global economy, several speakers pointed out. Some companies know more about us than any other global actors. We have to recognize the big players out there and work with them, using a more systematic approach, to protect digital rights and democratic institutions, said Nikolaj Juncher Wdegaard, the Deputy Tech Ambassador of Denmark. The event gathered a broad diversity of speakers and institutions, including Project Rohingya, an NGO that uses blockchain to help Rohingya refugees create online identities; Forensic Architecture, a research organization which documents evidence of war crimes by creating 3D models of damaged buildings; and a number of bloggers and journalists who spoke about citizen engagement, misinformation and the future of the internet. Discussions included how to regulate the collection and use of personal data by both governments and the private sector; how to make online services more responsive in megacities; and how artificial intelligence can help prevent violence by analyzing radio and online conversations. The conversations are expected to feed into UNDPs global governance portfolio. *** For more information, please visit https://innovationdays.istanbul Siberia coal mine accident death toll reaches 10, group of rescuers goes missing as well: Reports 25 Nov 2021 | 9:34 PM Moscow, Nov 25 (UNI/Sputnik) A group of mine rescuers went missing during search in the Listvyazhnaya mine in Russia's Kemerovo Region, searches were organized, the Russian Emergencies Ministry told Sputnik. see more.. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, fiancee register for marriage in Belmarsh prison 25 Nov 2021 | 9:05 PM Moscow, Nov 25 (UNI/Sputnik) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his partner Stella Moris have registered their intention to hold a wedding in the Belmarsh prison in London, where he is awaiting a legal decision on extradition requested by the US. see more.. Four killed in explosions in Afghanistan: officials 25 Nov 2021 | 8:22 PM Kabul, Nov 25 (UNI/Xinhua) Two explosions were reported in Afghanistan on Thursday, leaving four children killed and one child wounded, authorities confirmed. see more.. France to make COVID-19 booster shots available to all adults: Minister 25 Nov 2021 | 7:23 PM Paris, Nov 25 (UNI/Xinhua) France will make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots available to all people aged 18 years old and above from Saturday, Health Minister Olivier Veran announced Thursday. see more.. Kremlin expects Tbilisi to assess prospects of relations with Russia - Peskov Moscow, Nov 29 (Sputnik) The Kremlin took note of the report about the winner of the Georgian presidential election, and is expecting Tbilisi to assess the prospects for relations with Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday. "Certainly, we followed information reports that came from Georgia. We take note of the information and the fact that the candidate won," Peskov said when asked whether the Kremlin followed the election campaign in Georgia and how it assessed the victory of Salome Zurabishvili. SPUTNIK XC ASN 1540 Mongolia keen to enhance mining cooperation with Chile: foreign ministry Ulaanbaatar, Nov 29 (Xinhua) Mongolia is keen on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation with Chile in the mining sector, the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. Damdinsuren Davaasuren, the ministry's state secretary, made the remarks when meeting with Chilean Ambassador to Mongolia Luis Schmidt Montes. "Mining is the main economic sector for our two countries," Davaasuren said, expressing keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in this sector. The Chilean ambassador expressed his country's readiness to enhance cooperation with Mongolia in various sectors, including mining and agriculture. Mongolia and Chile established diplomatic relations in 1971. New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) The Centre for Railway Information System has developed a unique software 'eDrishti' that can assist Railway Minister Piyush Goyal with all information about the Railways at just a click of the mouse. On Thursday, the software was unveiled by the Railways which will help Mr Goyal keep a whole track of what's happening around with regards to passenger earnings, public grievances, loading and unloading of freight, train movement in the nation at any point of time, project-related reports, among other things, official sources said. The Minister will remain fully connected and updated about the Railways through the software whether it is about trains running late or food being served by Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC). He will be able to remain fully in touch with Railways' functioning at any place, any point of time. UNI AE JW2214 Odisha congress to enroll ten lakh additional members by March next 25 Nov 2021 | 9:04 PM Bhubaneswar, Nov 25 (UNI) Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has targeted to enroll additional ten lakh members into the party fold during the Special membership drive launched by the Party. see more.. Meghalaya Cherry Blossom Festival inaugurated 25 Nov 2021 | 9:01 PM Shillong, Nov 25 (UNI) The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in the state that was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic kick-started on Thursday amid strict COVID-19 norms Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma along with Ambassador of Japan to India, Satoshi Suzuki inaugurated the Cherry Blossom Festival 2021 at Wards Lake, Shillong. see more.. COVID-19 cases down in Meghalaya 25 Nov 2021 | 8:58 PM Shillong, Nov 25 (UNI) After a brief period of surge, the numbers of daily COVID-19 positive cases have come down in Meghalaya with 14 new cases adding up to 339 active cases and one death, that of a person who was not vaccinated against the virus increasing the number of fatalities due to the viral infection to 1468 on Thursday, health officials said. see more.. Technology plays a crucial role in governance : Meghalaya CM 25 Nov 2021 | 8:56 PM Shillong, Nov 25 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said that technology plays a crucial role in Governance. see more.. Syria: Ceasefire agreement on Idlib leads to lessen violence, says US envoy Washington, Nov 29 (UNI) The ceasefire agreement regarding the Syrian province of Idlib has led to a significant reduction in violence, US Deputy Representative to the United Nations Jonathan Cohen told the UN Security Council on Thursday. "In the October 27 Istanbul summit communique, Russia committed to a lasting ceasefire in Idlib," Cohen said, adding "To date, this ceasefire has resulted in a very substantial reduction of violence." Cohen called on all parties to the conflict in Syria to avoid actions that may cause an increase in violence, adding that it is "absolutely essential to ensure the Syrian regime does not cease on false pretexts to undermine this ceasefire." UN special rapporteur urges Nepal to eradicate violence against women Katmandu, Nov 29 (Xinhua) United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Dubravka Simonovic on Thursday urged the Nepali government to give priority to designing and implementing effective policies to eradicate violence against women in the country. The UN special rapporteur made the remarks at a press conference in the Nepali capital following the conclusion of her 10-day visit to the Himalayan nation. "During my visit, I found that the Nepalese society is beginning to openly acknowledge the levels of violence against women in the country," she said. Woman killed in Saudi-led airstrike on north Yemen Sanaa, Nov 29 (Xinhua) A woman was killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Yemen's northern province of Saada on Thursday, a local medic and residents said. "The woman, Fatima, died from injuries she sustained in the airstrike on her home in Shaban village of Razih district," the medic told Xinhua by phone. She was rushed to the hospital by her relatives and neighbors. The woman was heavily bleeding as shrapnel had already ripped many parts of her malnourished body, a doctor said. Bucking the System Since 1886. At the University of Wyoming, we thrive on blazing a path where others have not ventured. Its our beautiful campus, friendly culture, relentless optimism and curiosity that make UW and our students unique. UW consistently ranks as one of the nations best-value universities, offering nearly 200 academic programs with a small student/faculty ratio of 15:1. Wyoming high school graduates benefit from one of the lowest in-state tuition rates of any four-year institution in the country, and UWs nonresident tuition also is among the lowest in the nation. More than 55 percent of UW students graduate with no student debt. If you have not completed a bachelor degree, you are an undergraduate. Cost estimates for Fall 2019-Spring 2020 *Undergraduate cost estimates do not include books, travel or personal expenses. *Graduate cost estimates are tuition and fees only. Gibraltar Finance Representative to Speak at European Parliament on Blockchain and Governance Gibraltar Finance has announced that Paul Astengo, Senior Finance Centre Executive, will attend the European Parliament on Tuesday, 4th December, as part of a panel discussion organised by Blockchain4Europe. The panel discussion entitled Blockchain and Governance, which takes place from 9:00am - 10:30am, will bring together experts working in all sectors of financial technology, from regulation and governance to startup and business leaders. Speaking ahead of the event, Paul Astengo said, I am thrilled to represent Gibraltar Finance at this event. It is a fantastic opportunity to discuss the fast-evolving sector of blockchain regulation at the epicentre of European politics and governance. In bringing together a vast array of esteemed industry experts, we can expect an informative discussion. I am excited to share insights on how companies, regulators, and governments are working together to bring blockchain innovation to the mainstream. Mr Astengo, who has been instrumental in advancing blockchain development in Gibraltars rapidly-expanding crypto space, will be joined by speakers including Peteris Zilgalvis, the European Commissions Head of Unit, Start-ups, and Blockchain, and, also, Co-Chairman of the Fintech Task Force; Louis de Bruin, IBMs Blockchain Leader for Europe; Martin Ruubel, President of Guardtime, Estonias Blockchain Partner; and David Siegel, CEO and Founder of the Pillar Project and 20|30. The panel will be hosted by Catalin Ivan, MEP and Member of the Economic Affairs Committee, and moderated by APCO Worldwides CEO, Brad Staples. In January 2018, Gibraltar delivered the first Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Regulatory Framework, a purpose-built legislative framework for businesses that use blockchain or DLT. The principles-led approach allows businesses to swiftly engage with regulators while also providing the flexibility required for guidelines to evolve in line with the fast-moving nature of blockchain technology. Over the past number of weeks, the first of these licences have been granted by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) to a number of leading firms including Coinfloor, Covesting, and the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX). Gibraltar is a leading jurisdiction for sustainable blockchain innovation and supportive regulation, highlighted by the introduction of our DLT Regulatory Framework earlier this year. Featuring on this panel discussion is evidence of our commitment to collaborative blockchain development and ensuring a sustainable future for financial technologies. As Co-Chair of the DLT Working Group in Gibraltar I am firmly aware of the importance of these forums for the sharing of ideas, information, and knowledge, concluded Mr Astengo. Gibraltar International Magic Festival 2018: Inclusive and Sensory Performance The Gibraltar International Magic Festival once again makes provision of a sensory performance this year. This performance is scheduled to commence at 6pm on Friday 30 November and is now a well-established performance opportunity within the Gibraltar International Magic Show programme. The various adaptations are as originally announced in October 2017 when this initiative was first introduced as a result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Equality and GibMedia Director Jordan Lopez. The following is a brief of available adaptations: Shortening of the event from 2 hours to 1. Patrons having the opportunity of visiting the theatre as from 1pm for familiarisation and to request to reserve specific seats if required. The availability of Buffer seats between groups to ensure that there is enough personal space. Perimeter lights and floor lights on during the performance. No flashing lights or strobes. Soft colour light changes. No black outs. No smoke or haze. Provision of a quiet safe haven/chill-out space outside the auditorium for patrons who might become overstimulated and need to take a break. Performance under a judgment-free environment where patrons could feel free to vocalise and/or move around the theatre if needed. This is permitted throughout the auditorium except on stage for health and safety reasons. The Minister for Equality, the Hon. Samantha Sacramento MP said: The Gibraltar International Magic Festival, has been held annually for a number of years and in 2017 we saw the introduction of a sensory performance which was very successful and almost 100 people attended. Sales have already increased and 130 tickets have already been sold for this years sensory performance. Numbers therefore speak for themselves. This is an enhancement to a community event as a direct result of my Ministry's 'Equality Means Business' series of seminars. I can only add that it is always extremely gratifying when initiatives are so well received. It does us proud as a community to know that such popular events in Gibraltars annual social calendar are inclusive for everyone in our community. GibMedia Director Jordan Lopez said: For me it is imperative that we continue advocating for inclusivity, It is our duty to open up all our cultural events to everyone in the community, Last year it was very gratifying to be told how wonderful the experience had been for patrons who had previously not been able to attend. Tickets start at 12.50 and are available online at www.buytickets.gi and www.magic.gi or from the John Mackintosh Hall ticket office from 11am to 2pm daily. Based on the mandate given by the Policy Commission at its 79th session, the Cruise Ships Working Group held its first meeting on 27 November 2018 at the Headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO). It was chaired by Mr. Robert Lake, Customs Attache at the Embassy of New Zealand in Brussels, and brought together over 40 Brussels-based Customs Attaches as well as representatives from the cruise ships industry. During this meeting, His Excellency Colin Connelly, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to Belgium, shared with the participants his countrys experience with respect to cruise ships, and the impact and influence this industry has on the national economy. The WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, welcomed the Ambassadors support and valuable contribution to the Cruise Ships Working Group. He also referred to the WCO theme of SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport, and noted how the work of this Working Group was directly related to the concept of Travel, a central component of the WCO's theme for 2019. Strong foundations for the Group's future work were laid down and discussed in depth during this first meeting. Interactive discussions followed the presentations on a number of key areas, such as the current state of play of the cruise ships industry, and how its rapid growth has led to increased pressure on resource management within Customs administrations. It was noted that industrys participation in the Working Group was crucial for the development of global standards for cruise ships. WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Trevino Chapa attended the debriefing of Operation Demeter IV, held in Shanghai, China on 20 November 2018. This event, organized and hosted by the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), was also attended, among others, by Mr. Carlos Martin-Novellas, Secretary of the Basel Convention, Mr. Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of International Road Transport Union, and Mr. Erik Solheim, Under Secretary General of United Nations. During his opening address, GACC Minister NI Yuefeng expressed his thanks to the WCO for organizing this joint Operation, adding that China will continue to work on the mitigation of environmental risks and looks forward to further cooperation with the WCO. The WCO set up the first Operation Demeter in 2009 in order to capture data and intelligence on illegal waste trafficking, as no accurate reports on the issue had yet been compiled at that time. The operational mechanisms of Operation Demeter involve intensified controls based on a set of risk indicators, monitoring, notification, feedback and seizure. Operation Demeter IV was launched in June 2018 for five weeks at the request of the GACC, in order to obtain updated data and intelligence on emerging trends and gauge the impact of Chinas waste ban since January 2018. The objective of Demeter IV was to enhance information exchange and cooperative enforcement efforts among Customs administrations in order to prevent and intercept illegal cross-border movements of hazardous and other wastes. When the WCO Deputy Secretary General addressed the participants, he emphasized that combating the illicit trafficking of solid waste and protecting the environment is an important concern not only for the WCO and Customs administrations, but also for humanity. He added that in the last decade, millions of people in the world have moved from poverty to middle-class levels; as the size of the middle class increases, consumption also increases, resulting in a greater need to find ways of disposing of solid wastes. One of the conclusions drawn from Operation Demeter IV was that now that China has banned imports of different types of solid wastes, including plastics, efforts against the illegal trafficking of waste will be increasingly important, not only because of a higher risk of illegal trafficking in China (because of the broadening of the scope of illicit goods), but also because waste will presumably proliferate in other destination countries, usually developing countries. Operation Demeter IV helped identify a number of modus operandi and smuggling schemes that can be generally categorized into 3 types: misdeclaration and misdescription, circumvention of Customs checkpoints, and diversion of waste shipments. Deputy Secretary General Trevino Chapa concluded by indicating that Operation Demeter IV had confirmed that the approach adopted was correct, and that cooperation among WCO Member Customs administrations and with other competent authorities remains critically important. As part of this approach, in 2018 the UNEP in partnership with WCO updated the Green Customs Guide, which presents the different Multilateral Environmental Agreements that regulate the transboundary movement of a variety of environment-sensitive items that Customs and border control officers may encounter in their work, explaining the protocols to follow and sharing best practices. By these actions, the WCO is assuming a leading role in supporting the Green Customs Initiative established in 2004 as a collaborative effort between eleven international organizations and Conventions, including the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movements of Waste. Through this partnership the WCO, representing the international Customs community, commits to ensuring the legal transboundary movement of waste and tackling illegal waste trafficking. Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Cloudy with showers. High around 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 39F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | 06:27 PM | PADUCAH A California radio host visited with a Paducah church music director earlier this month, before being reported missing.Brian Henry, music director at West End Baptist Church in Paducah, told West Kentucky Star that Ray Taliaferro came to the church late in the afternoon on November 10th.Henry said Taliaferro knocked on the door and Henry let him in. He said the journalist was an extremely kind gentleman and proceeded to tell him several stories.According to Henry, he noticed that Taliaferro kept repeating himself, and kept reintroducing himself. He said that he thought because of this, Taliaferro could possibly have a cognitive issue. He also said Taliaferro told him that he had been invited to Washington, DC to be the emcee of President Obama's inauguration, and he went on to tell him that he thought President Obama would win a second term. This further made Henry believe that Taliaferro was dealing with some dementia-related issue.Henry mentioned that Taliaferro told him that he lives in a high rise building on Hyde Street in San Francisco. Being concerned about his mental state, Henry said he was able to reach Taliaferro's son, who confirmed that his father does, in fact, live on Hyde Street in San Francisco. The fact that Taliaferro does know his address gives Henry hope that maybe he will be able to find his way home.Multiple media sources report that Taliaferro was with his wife near Brookport, looking at property, when he drove to Paducah and was seen at Independence Bank and Mellow Mushroom. Later that same day, (November 10th), is when he made contact with Henry at the church.Anyone with information about Taliaferro is asked to call their local law enforcement. On the Net: Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4 Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | 07:47 PM | PADUCAH A Paducah woman has been charged with 3rd degree rape of a minor. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, a tip was received about a 35-year-old female having an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile. After an investigation, it was discovered that Crystal Ashford-Payne was allegedly, intimately involved with a 17-year-old male. In July of 2018, a new law was passed known as Jenna's Law. This law states a person is deemed incapable of consent when he or she is: 16 or 17 years old, and the actor is at least 10 years older than the victim at the time of the sexual act. Detectives say Crystal Ashford-Payne admitted to being involved with the juvenile, and also allegedly had nude images of the juvenile on her cell phone. They also discovered that while the alleged sexual relationship was occurring, Ashford-Payne was attempting to gain guardianship of the juvenile and allegedly referred to the juvenile as her child. Detectives also say that she had given methamphetamine and marijuana to the juvenile. During a search of Ashford-Payne's residence, Deputies report that methamphetamine and marijuana were located in her bedroom. She was taken into custody and lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. She was also charged with numerous drug offenses, as well as electronic solicitation of a minor for sex or other illegal activities, and 2nd degree unlawful transaction with a minor. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | 06:08 PM | PADUCAH A Paducah man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after a 911 call about a burglary in progress. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, deputies went to a home in the 3900 block of Clinton Road just before 1 pm and say a man was inside the home. Deputies say when he saw them, the man ran into a wooded area, but was arrested about an hour later on Charlotte Ann Drive. Deputies say when he was caught, 34-year-old Robert Vasques had a screwdriver that was allegedly used to enter the victim's home. They also say his rental car was found just up the road from the home, and Vasquex had allegedly left behind a pillowcase containing the victim's valuables when he fled the scene. Vasques was taken to McCracken County Jail, and faces charges of burglary 2nd degree, possession of burglary tools, fleeing or evading police, and resisting arrest. Several other law enforcement agencies helped by setting up and maintaining a perimeter in the area. Those agencies were Paducah Police Department, Marshall County Sheriffs Office, US Marshall Services, ATF, and Kentucky State Police. The Sheriff's Department also thanked citizens who called to report the suspect's location during the search. The investigation is not complete and additional charges may include other thefts or burglaries. By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | 08:37 PM | PADUCAH A suspect in a Lone Oak robbery has also been charged with making a series of fake 911 calls.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, between November 22 and November 26, Paducah 911 has received numerous calls that were found to be hoaxes. The calls were all in the early morning hours and alleged to be occurring in rural areas of western McCracken County.The context of the 911 calls ranged from burglaries in progress, homeowners holding suspects at gunpoint, people walking in yards with flashlights, and an alleged ongoing physical domestic assault. In some of the calls, the caller gave specific addresses where the incidents were allegedly occurring.In all instances, multiple deputies responded and found none of the incidents occurring. Deputies said the homeowners were distraught that someone would send deputies to their residences in the middle of the night.The fake 911 calls created a substantial risk to the public and deputies, as well as diverted law enforcement resources away from other areas. Allegations that a burglary is occurring when most homeowners are asleep, as well as allegations that someone is being held at gunpoint, are very serious in nature and obviously require a higher level of law enforcement response.Since the calls began, detectives have been attempting to identify the phones that were being used, and the people that were making the calls. Detectives began to gather evidence that the caller of the fake 911 calls was located in the same vicinity in which the alleged incidents were occurring.While investigating the Lone Oak burglary in which Robert Vasques was arrested, detectives gained evidence that Vasques was the caller of the fake 911 calls. On Wednesday, detectives charged Vasques with four counts of falsely reporting an incident and four counts of 2nd degree wanton endangerment.Detectives say that more charges are possible. On the Net: By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 28, 2018 | 09:32 PM | GRAVES COUNTY A local Boy Scouts leader has been arrested on theft charges. The Mayfield Police Department says officers responded to the Masonic Lodge on West Willow Drive Tuesday night on a theft report. Upon arrival, police were told that 44-year-old Marshall Kent Wilson, the Scout Master for the Boys Scouts chapter in Graves County, had stolen over $600 out of the chapter's bank account. According to police, Wilson was in charge of the money raised, and was responsible for making sure it was deposited into the chapter's account. When officers spoke to Wilson, he reportedly admitted to taking the money. Wilson, of Water Valley, was arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail. He's charged with theft by failure to make required disposition, more than $500 but less than $10,000. He was also arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on two counts of theft by deception. 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 Shoppers asked to put a little something extra in their basket and support Tesco Christmas foodbank campaign This article is old - Published: Thursday, Nov 29th, 2018 Tesco shoppers are being invited to put a little something extra in their basket to help people who find themselves in need this Christmas. Starting today until Saturday 1st December, Tesco stores across the UK are taking part in the annual Food Collection, which encourages shoppers to donate long-life foods to help charities FareShare and The Trussell Trusts foodbank network give food and support to people who might otherwise go hungry this Christmas. The food donated to foodbanks in The Trussell Trusts network is given in emergency food parcels to people referred because they cannot afford to feed themselves and their families. Food donated to FareShare is distributed to charities and community groups who use it to provide meals for vulnerable groups such as isolated older people and those in homeless shelters. Earlier this year Wrexham.com reported that 4,180 people across the county borough required emergency food supplies between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018. This breaks down to 2,909 emergency food supplies being issued to adults and 1,271 to children. The figures makes Wrexhams foodbank usage the second highest in north Wales, with neighbouring county Flintshire issuing emergency food supplies to 6,268 people in the same period. Across Wales Trussell Trust foodbanks in Wales gave out 98,350 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, a 3 per cent increase on the previous year. 35,403 of these went to children. It is the 11th collection to have taken place, and Tesco is topping up the value of the food donated by the public by 20%, providing additional funds to support the charities in their work this Christmas. Volunteers in store will greet customers with a list of items most needed by the charities, with shoppers encouraged to pick up items to donate at the end of their shop. More than 3.34 million meals were donated to the food charities by generous Tesco customers last year, and the supermarket is hoping that shoppers will be just as generous this time around. Tesco UK & Ireland CEO Jason Tarry said: Tesco Food Collection scheme is the UKs biggest Christmas food collection, and at Tesco we are glad to be playing our part in helping people in need this Christmas. We know that the items that our customers donate can make a real difference to people who really need that little bit of extra help this year whether it is a food parcel for someone at a time of crisis, or a hot meal which means that a vulnerable person does not feel lonely this Christmas. Once again we are topping up all the customer donations by a further 20 per cent and Id encourage our customers to put something extra in their baskets to donate. Emma Revie, Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust added: Foodbanks across the country will be doing all they can to provide the best possible emergency support so people dont go hungry but to make sure were prepared for what could be our busiest December yet, our network needs your support. During every Food Collection weve been humbled by the staggering generosity of Tesco customers, store colleagues and volunteers, and as we look to the start of the collection, we would love to have your support once again. Your generosity will help stop hunger this Christmas. Hania was last seen alive on the morning of November 5 waiting in front of her house in the Rosewood Mobile Home Park in Lumberton. The teen was waiting for her family to take her to school. Aguilar was forced into a family vehicle by an individual who a witness described as wearing all-black clothing and a yellow bandanna on his head. The man then reportedly sped off with the teen. ORANGE COUNTY, FL (RNN) - Robert Bruce Kendal showed up to Rose Place Park Tuesday in Santa Claus iconic red suit, black boots and fake white beard. He thought he was a playing Ole St. Nick for a companys Christmas party. He left in handcuffs. Now, the 48-year-old registered sex offender is in the Orange County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Court records reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel revealed that Kendal was convicted in 1993 of sexual battery involving a child younger than 12. Even so, deputies say Kendal told them hed been Santa-for-hire for 30 years. They arrested him for failing to meet offender reporting requirements, specifically not listing his Santa Claus job or online identifiers. Thanks to an anonymous tip, deputies said they discovered Kendals Craigslist ad in which he used the name Santa Bob to advertise his services as a professional Santa. The ad even includes a photo of a child on his lap. According to WFTV, Sgt. Rich Mankewich contacted Kendal on Craigslist and offered to pay him $80 for an appearance at the park. Deputies cleared the park of children before Kendal arrived. He was arrested on the spot. He said hes been [playing Santa] for 33 years, Mankewich said. Hes done HOAs, hes done birthday parties. Even so, Kendals wife told local media she didnt believe there was need for concern about his work as Santa Claus Hes off probation. Hes off court files. He served his time in prison, said Kim Kendel, who added that her husband is just trying to earn extra money for their family over the holidays. Deputies are hoping this case teaches people to conduct thorough background checks before hiring people for costume jobs, especially if it involves children. Copyright 2018 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. MONTICELLO, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Department of Corrections announced the arrest of a food service worker accused of trying to smuggle cigarettes to an inmate at the Jefferson Correctional Institution. Genna Alexander was charged with introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. Authorities noticed something was wrong after Alexander was unable to clear the metal detector. She then admitted having several cigar-style cigarettes in her bra. Following the arrest, Alexander was transported to the Jefferson County Jail. : 70 , 300 -, , - : - , , , - - . : , , . , , . . , , , . , , . - , 70 , 15 . - , . : ? : . , , , , , . . , , , ! . , , , , . : ? : , , , . , . , , , . , , , . . , , , , , , . , , . : ? : , . , . . 14 . : ? : . , - , , , , , , , . . , , , . . : - , . : , . . , , , , . . , , , ? , ? - . . , , , . , , ? : ? : - , . , , , , . , , , , ! : , , ? : . : ? ? : , . , , . , , , . , - , , , , , , , . : ? : , , , , . , , , . . : ? : 1900 , - . - . , , . . , I, , , , , . : ? : , , , , 1900- . , . : ? : , . . , , , . , , , 27 , . , , . - , , - , . Johnston police told WYFF that they believe Jones put the babys body in an apartment dumpster on Dove Street in Johnston over the weekend. Jones was booked at the Edgefield County Detention Center and the case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solictors Office. If convicted under South Carolina state law, Jones could face up to 20 years in prison. Check back for more updates. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Leon County Sheriff's Office employee has been arrested after she bought nearly $13,000 worth of items using credit cards she got from a man she met on a dating website. The Leon County Sheriff's Office say 47-year-old Cassandra Austin, a LCSO civilian employee, turned herself in on Wednesday. She is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, per agency policy. Detectives were made aware of possible fraud related issues by other employees in October. They say that in July, Austin was contacted by a unknown man through a dating website. In September, the man asked Austin to pick up some cellphones he had purchased so she could ship them to him overseas. In October, detectives say the man sent Austin three separate credit cards through the mail and asked her to purchase various electronics and gift cards with them. He then asked her to ship those items overseas to him. According to LCSO, the total loss in this investigation was $12,454.94. Another $9,904.96 in charges were attempted but were declined. The victims in this investigation are from New Jersey, South Carolina, and Connecticut. She has been charged with fraudulent use of personal ID to obtain more than $5,000, organized scheme to defraud, over $20,000 but less than $50,000, grand theft, over $20,000 but less than $100,000, and fraudulent use of credit card, 2 or more times in 6 months. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Tallahassee mayor John Dailey has wrapped up his first week in office. "November 19, a childhood dream came true," said Dailey. "I caught the bug early on. My father was a public servant as well. It was dinner table conversation, so I've been thinking about this moment for a while." His classmates at Raa Middle School picked him to be "Mayor for a Day." "I've got this great picture of then-mayor Betty Harley swearing me in almost to the spot of where I was sworn in as mayor of Tallahassee,"said Dailey. Before becoming mayor, Dailey was a county commissioner for 12 years. Before that, he worked with the Florida League of Cities and spent time in Washington for the National League of Cities. He said that experience will help him lead Tallahassee. "I've been preparing myself. I'm ready. Of course, we are learning new things every day. That's part of the job, and there is a learning curve, but we're ready," said Dailey. Being ready means being able to address the city's ongoing issues. The mayor said he wants residents to feel more comfortable bringing their concerns to the City. He also said his office is working on policy changes when it comes to public meetings to give everyone a chance to participate. NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. Cohen made a surprise appearance Thursday in a New York courtroom to enter the plea. He admitted making false statements in 2017 to a Senate intelligence committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen said he lied about the timing of the tower negotiations and other details to be consistent with Trump's "political message." In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. One of the prosecutors working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohen has been cooperating with Mueller's probe. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Reports: Former Trump attorney Cohen to plead guilty to lying to Congress in Russia probe (RNN) - Michael Cohen, the former attorney and fixer for President Donald Trump, is expected to plead guilty Thursday to misleading members of Congress about details in the investigation of Russian interference in the election. The Associated Press said Cohens guilty plea was related to false statements on a work he did to develop a Trump real estate project in Russia. He made a surprise appearance in a New York courtroom before a federal judge, He was interviewed in 2017 by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight federal charges and said Trump directed him to arrange payments before the 2016 election to buy the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels and a former Playboy model who had alleged they had affairs with Trump. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 02:18:04|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (2nd R, front row) addresses an event observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on Nov. 29 each year, at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 28, 2018. Antonio Guterres pledged on Wednesday that the UN will firmly support the Palestinian people. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged on Wednesday that the UN will firmly support the Palestinian people. "The United Nations will not waver in its commitment to the Palestinian people," the UN chief said in his remarks observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on Nov. 29 each year. "On this International Day of Solidarity, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike," he added. The UN chief called on all actors, "and first and foremost the leadership of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to take bold steps and restore faith in the promise of Resolution 181, of two states living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states - East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state." "Only constructive negotiations, in good faith, and adhering to the long-established and agreed parameters for a two-state solution, will bring the desired, long-lasting solution," the secretary-general noted. In the meantime, the UN chief said he was "encouraged by the recent reduction of violence in Gaza." He commended the efforts of the government of Egypt and key regional and international partners - together with his special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process - to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, restore calm and support intra-Palestinian reconciliation and the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government in Gaza. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a UN-organized annual observance, which was established in UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B of Dec. 2, 1977 to start in 1978. Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters after a protest against the expanding of Jewish settlements in Kufr Qadoom village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Nov. 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Nidal Eshtayeh) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged on Wednesday that the UN will firmly support the Palestinian people. "The United Nations will not waver in its commitment to the Palestinian people," the UN chief said in his remarks observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on Nov. 29 each year. "On this International Day of Solidarity, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike," he added. The UN chief called on all actors, "and first and foremost the leadership of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to take bold steps and restore faith in the promise of Resolution 181, of two states living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states - East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state." "Only constructive negotiations, in good faith, and adhering to the long-established and agreed parameters for a two-state solution, will bring the desired, long-lasting solution," the secretary-general noted. In the meantime, the UN chief said he was "encouraged by the recent reduction of violence in Gaza." He commended the efforts of the government of Egypt and key regional and international partners - together with his special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process - to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, restore calm and support intra-Palestinian reconciliation and the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government in Gaza. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a UN-organized annual observance, which was established in UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B of Dec. 2, 1977 to start in 1978. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 04:38:39|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to reporters during a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 28, 2018. Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for strong leadership in the global fight against climate change. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for strong leadership in the global fight against climate change. "We are not meeting the promises that were made in Paris, and we need not only for countries to fully assume and implement the engagements they made in Paris, but we need more ambition. And, for more ambition, we need more leadership," the UN chief told reporters at the UN New York headquarters before he departed for the G20 Summit in Argentina and the Climate Conference in Poland - COP24 on Wednesday night. "Leadership is the capacity of political leaders to make their countries be more ambitious in relation to the objectives for climate change," he said. "Leadership is to understand that the agreement is the most important objective, that more than to be very stubborn in staying in each one's position," the UN chief added. While noting that human being is "headed for a world of cataclysm and uncertainty due to climate disruption, he cited top scientists as warning that "we have little time left to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees." The UN chief also quoted the World Meteorological Organization's finding as showing that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere "has increased to levels not seen in 3 million years." "Failure to act means more disasters and emergencies and air pollution that could cost the global economy as much as 21 trillion U.S. dollars by 2050," he warned. The UN chief continued to cite the World Health Organization's finding as showing that more than 90 percent of the world's urban population breathes unsafe air. "Meeting the Paris Agreement commitments could save more than a million lives a year," the secretary-general said. The UN chief said that he will carry the same message to both meetings he's going to attend: "At a time of declining global trust, our world needs stepped-up global leadership." "We are in a race for our future. It's a race we can and simply must win," the secretary-general concluded. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 04:38:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MAPUTO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique officially joined on Wednesday the "HeForShe" campaign, a United Nations solidarity initiative that aims to mobilize one billion men and boys to accelerate the pace of gender equality around the world. The formalization of membership was held in Maputo and was presided over by the country's President Filipe Nyusi. Delivering his keynote address at the occasion, the head of state said Mozambique as a member of UN shares its principles such as unity and equality and the principle of gender equality, and supports its initiatives. "By engaging men and boys in eliminating inequalities and violence against women and girls, we will be creating a generation that is increasingly aware of the challenges and at the same time, relevant players in combating these evils," Nyusi said. By adopting the initiative, the country will be preventing men and boys from engaging in premarital marriages, forced marriages and other practices that jeopardize the rights of girls and women. UNICEF representative in Mozambique Marcoluigi Corsi acknowledged that Mozambique is a country where women enjoy a relatively high level of political participation. However, he added that violence against women and girls continues to occur, a fact that holds back development. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 05:48:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIGALI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Underfunding affects Africa's anti-corruption efforts, African officials in charge of anti-graft said Wednesday in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda. Most of ombudsman institutions are not fully funded to go down to the grassroots to follow up on corruption-related complaints, said Busisiwe Mkhwebane, South African public prosecutor and vice chairperson of African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), at the opening of the 6th General Assembly of the AOMA. Low funding affects effectiveness of the institution of ombudsman in terms of investigating citizens' complaints, yet the ombudsman plays a critical role in governance by fighting corruption and protecting the vulnerable, said Florence Kajuju, Kenyan Ombudsman and acting secretary general of the AOMA. The meeting, which runs till Friday, draws delegates from more than 40 African countries under the theme "The Role of the Ombudsman and Mediators in Promoting Transparency and Accountable Governance in Africa." The theme is in line with the African Union's commitment to "winning the fight against corruption as sustainable path to Africa's transformation," this year's theme of the pan-Afrcan bloc, said said Rwandan Minister of Justice and Attorney General Johnston Busingye in his opening remarks. Various participants said at the assembly that corruption undermines effectiveness in the delivery of services, leads to poverty and weakens the protection of the vulnerable. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 05:48:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked an expedited vote on legislation intended to protect special counsel Robert Mueller, who's leading the Russia investigation, from being fired. Republican Senator Jeff Flake, along with two Democratic senators, tried to get a unanimous consent in the upper chamber of Congress to schedule the legislation for a vote, citing escalated attacks from President Donald Trump against the wide-ranging inquiry. "With the president tweeting on a regular basis, a daily basis, that the special counsel is conflicted, that he is leading so-called 12 angry Democrats and demeaning and ridiculing him in every way, to be so sanguine about the chances of him being fired is folly for us," Flake said. Republican Senator Mike Lee objected to the request, saying the bill, known as the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, was unconstitutional. If such as bill were passed it would "fundamentally undermine the principle of separation of powers" and create a "de facto fourth branch of government," Lee said. This was the second time the attempt to get a vote on the legislation failed. The bill has already been approved at the committee level with bipartisan support, but has been kept off the floor by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, who has said there is no need to vote on it. He called it a "solution in search of a problem" on Tuesday. Under the Senate rules, senators can go to the floor to request a vote or passage of any bill or nomination. But any one senator can block their requests. Flake pledged that they would come back to the Senate floor to try to set up the bill for a vote again. Trump continued his attacks against Mueller and his team on Wednesday by describing them as "angry Mueller gang of Dems" on Twitter, as new developments have put the probe under national spotlight. Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been accused of repeatedly lying to investigators after pleading guilty to federal charges related to his work as an unregistered lobbyist for Ukraine -- prior to his time with the Trump campaign. Prosecutors alleged Manafort had violated a plea agreement that he signed in September with Mueller, according to a court filing released on Monday. The allegation has fueled speculation Manafort might be angling for a pardon, but his attorneys denied that he had lied to the FBI and the special counsel's office. Trump has not ruled out the possibility of pardoning Manafort. It was reported Tuesday that Manafort's attorney had been sharing information with attorneys for Trump on his former campaign aide's interaction with Mueller's team. After the midterm election earlier this month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions was forced to step down and Trump named Matthew Whitaker, who once criticized the Mueller probe, as acting attorney general. Whitaker is now overseeing it in pace of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, another long-time target of Trump's criticism. The bill that passed the Senate Judiciary Committee would protect Mueller, or any other special counsel, in the event he is fired, by codifying Justice Department regulations that say only a senior department official could fire Mueller or another special counsel. It would also give a special counsel an "expedited review" of their firing. If a court determines that it wasn't for "good cause," the special counsel would be reinstated. Mueller, who was appointed in May 2017, is looking into the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and any potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, among other matters that may arise from the investigation. Trump has repeatedly dismissed any collusion between his campaign and the Russians while slamming the Russia probe as a "hoax" or "witch hunt" but has denied trying maneuvering to shut down the investigation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:14:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it has sent a note to Russia urging it to release the Ukrainian sailors who were detained during the tensions in the Sea of Azov. "We have renewed the categorical requirement to the Russian side to immediately release from custody captured Ukrainian citizens and ensure their safe return to their homeland," the ministry said in a statement. On Sunday, the Ukrainian Navy said that Russian forces opened fire and seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russia's Federal Security Service said that three Ukrainian ships, namely Berdyansk, Nikopol and Yany Kapu, breached the Russian border and conducted dangerous maneuvers despite calls from Russian vessels that accompanied them. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that more than 20 Ukrainians were detained during the tensions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:19:05|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CHICAGO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- While neighborhood violence has been associated with adverse health effects on some youth, including sleep loss, asthma and metabolic syndrome, some other youth living in high-crime neighborhoods manage to avoid these effects. To answer this resilience puzzle, researchers at Northwestern University (NU) tested 218 eighth-graders from the Chicago area for factors related to metabolic health, including obesity and insulin resistance. Assessing neighborhood factors, including murder rates, the researchers also conducted functional MRI (fMRI) scans of the brains of the study participants. They found that resting-state connectivity within the central executive network (CEN) emerged as a moderator of adaptation. Across six distinct outcomes, a higher neighborhood murder rate was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk, but this relationship was apparent only among the youth who displayed lower CEN resting-state connectivity. No such correlation was apparent in youth that displayed high-resting functional connectivity in the same brain network, the researchers said. The results suggest a role for the central executive network in adaptability and resilience to adverse events. The study, due to its cross-sectional and observational design, cannot claim a causal link between neighborhood violence and health. A longitudinal, multi-wave study is needed to track neighborhood conditions, brain development and cardiometabolic risk across childhood to establish causality, the researchers hold. Further study could lead to possible interventions, which preliminary evidence suggests could be "network training" programs to modulate the functional connectivity of the brain's CEN network. These network training programs can enhance "self-control, threat reappraisal and thought suppression" to lower at-risk teens' engagement in drug use, overeating and other reactions to such stress. The study has been published in PNAS. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:29:07|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Chinese Vice Premier Liu He delivers a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the 8th Hamburg Summit themed "China meets Europe" in Hamburg, Germany, on Nov. 27, 2018. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi) HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met on Tuesday with the First Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, and expressed the willingness to deepen cooperation with the German city. Liu said that Hamburg, as a well-known commercial harbor city, plays a vital role in global trade, and is an international metropolitan with well-developed transportation, manufacturing and technology. He said China and Germany has established an all-around strategic partnership, and the cooperation has made significant progress in various fields. Hamburg, which started cooperation with China early, is one of the cities in Germany and Europe that attracted the most Chinese investments. The city has played an active role in promoting China-Germany pragmatic cooperation, said Liu. He added that China holds a positive outlook for Germany's development and appreciates Hamburg's willingness and efforts to deepen cooperation with China. Liu expressed the hope that the two sides will create better environment for investment, and strengthen cooperation in fields such as manufacturing, digital economy, medium- and small-sized enterprises and the Belt and Road Initiative. Liu said the Hamburg Summit has become a well-known platform for Sino-European dialogue and an important platform for extensive exchanges among people of all circles in China and Europe. He said the Chinese government is willing to send a positive signal through the platform that China and Germany, as well as Europe, will deepen pragmatic cooperation, and will firmly safeguard multilateralism and free trade. Describing Hamburg as Germany's biggest industrial base, Europe's vital hub and an important gateway to Europe, Tschentscher said the city has always been a close and reliable partner of China. Tschentscher said the development since China's reform and opening-up is impressive. He added that Hamburg is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, attract more Chinese investments, and join hands with China in promoting development of China-Germany, China-Europe and Europe-Asia relationships. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:34:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently lashed out at the U.S. Congress over the bipartisan proposal to take more actions to punish Saudi Arabia over the death of a Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. According to an article written by Pompeo and sent to the media by the State Department right before Pompeo's briefing to the Senate on Wednesday, the U.S. top diplomat said "the Trump administration's effort to rebuild the U.S.-Saudi Arabia partnership isn't popular in the salons of Washington, where politicians of both parties have long used the kingdom's human-rights record to call for the alliance's downgrading." The death of Khashoggi has "heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on," he noted in an unusually surly tone. "Is it any coincidence that the people using the Khashoggi murder as a cudgel against President Trump's Saudi Arabia policy are the same people who supported Barack Obama's rapprochement with Iran?" Warning that "degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies," Pompeo also said that "abandoning or downgrading the U.S.-Saudi alliance would also do nothing to push Riyadh in a better direction at home." U.S. media reported that the Senate was to vote later Wednesday on ending U.S. assistance for the Yemen conflict. Other lawmakers said they wanted to impose further sanctions against Saudi Arabia well beyond those that Washington has inflicted on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing. Khashoggi has been missing since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. The Saudi authorities said Khashoggi died in a "brawl" in its consulate. After releasing the results of its initial investigation, the Saudi Public Prosecution announced that 18 Saudis were arrested for their alleged connections with the killing. The U.S. Congress has urged a thorough investigation into the murder of Khashoggi, and threatened to take more actions against Saudi Arabia if those responsible were not held accountable. However, the Trump administration has been reluctant to further punish the Saudi government, citing alliance significance and Saudi Arabia's purchase of U.S. military equipment. The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 individuals over their alleged roles in the killing of Khashoggi earlier this month, following U.S. State Department's decision in late October to revoke 21 Saudi suspects' visas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:39:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HOUSTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Texas Southern University (TSU) was evacuated on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a possible bomb threat. The university said in its tweet message that due to a threat made against the university campus, "classes are being cancelled and campus is being evacuated." The university said it received the alert from Houston Police Department, and urged all TSU students, faculty and staff to leave campus, including the dorm. The university, located about 5 km south of downtown Houston, U.S. state of Texas, is one of the largest and most comprehensive public historically black universities in the nation. Established in 1927, the university today has more than 10,000 students enrolled. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:44:13|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Democrats voted on Wednesday to nominate Representative Nancy Pelosi for speakership in the new Congress. Pelosi, 78, ran unopposed as the nominee for speaker in a closed-door Democratic caucus election despite an entrenched rebellion against her. "I'm proud to be the nominee of the House Democratic caucus once again for speaker of the House," she told reporters. Out of 239 votes cast, 203 Democratic members voted in favor of Pelosi being the speaker, with 32 voting against. Three votes were blank and one member was absent. The California Democrat needs 218 votes, the majority of the full House, to be elected speaker. The vote will occur on the House floor Jan. 3, the first day of the incoming Congress. House Democrats have at least 233-vote majority in the new Congress, but some Democratic lawmakers have pledged that they won't back Pelosi for speaker. Pelosi predicted the opposition will not stymie her speakership, saying that she expects to "have a powerful vote as we go forward." A master legislator and political strategist, Pelosi was the first woman to be House speaker and held the position from 2007 to 2011 after Democrats took control of the lower chamber in the 2006 midterm elections. Pelosi also played a key role in the 2018 midterm elections by helping raise millions of dollars for Democratic fellows and keep them focus on the issue of health care on their campaign trails. Democrats seized control of the House for the first time in eight years in the elections held earlier this month, while Republicans expanded their majority in the Senate, leading to a split Congress. Should Pelosi become House speaker, she would be second in line to the U.S. president, after Vice President Mike Pence. In addition to selecting their nominee for speaker, Democrats on Wednesday chose their majority leader, majority whip and several other leadership positions. Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland is set to become majority leader, the No. 2 figure among House Democrats. Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina will become the whip, the third-ranking Democrat. They both ran unopposed. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:44:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) --- Less than 20 cases of antitrust lawsuit have been filed by the U.S. Department of Justice since President Donald Trump took office, the slowest rate since the early 1970s, according to media reports on Wednesday. The Financial Times reported that the slowdown reached a level last seen in 1972, almost five decades ago, and that the number didn' t take into account cases that have not yet been unsealed. According to a Department of Justice report, a total of 24 new antitrust cases were filed by the department's antitrust division in fiscal year 2017, which included the final months of Barack Obama's presidency. The FT said the department filed 13 new cases in fiscal year 2018, which ended in September. It added that the number is based on case filings currently available on the Department of Justice's website, and that the department has yet to announce the official count for fiscal year 2018. The sharp drop in new case number consequently brought about a parallel decline in fines and penalties charged, which in 2017 amounted to 67 million dollars, drastically down from the recent peak in 2015 of 3.6 billion dollars and still less than 2016's 399 million dollars, the department's report showed. Compared with historical figures, the Trump presidency's record so far is comparable only to the Richard Nixon era, when the Justice Department started issuing annual statistics on antitrust enforcement. In 1972, the antitrust division filed 15 cases. The number during Obama's first year in office was 72, and when George Bush became president in 2001, his administration brought about 44 such criminal prosecutions that year. Despite the record-low rate, Makan Delrahim, who heads the antitrust division, described 2018 as "a busy year" earlier this month, according to a readout of his remarks carried by the Department of Justice website. "It has been a busy year at the Antitrust Division. We have been working hard on behalf of America's consumers and taxpayers, and look forward to continuing our efforts on their behalf in the year to come," Delrahim said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visits in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 16, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS) WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently lashed out at the U.S. Congress over the bipartisan proposal to take more actions to punish Saudi Arabia over the death of a Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. According to an article written by Pompeo and sent to the media by the State Department right before Pompeo's briefing to the Senate on Wednesday, the U.S. top diplomat said "the Trump administration's effort to rebuild the U.S.-Saudi Arabia partnership isn't popular in the salons of Washington, where politicians of both parties have long used the kingdom's human-rights record to call for the alliance's downgrading." The death of Khashoggi has "heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on," he noted in an unusually surly tone. "Is it any coincidence that the people using the Khashoggi murder as a cudgel against President Trump's Saudi Arabia policy are the same people who supported Barack Obama's rapprochement with Iran?" Warning that "degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies," Pompeo also said that "abandoning or downgrading the U.S.-Saudi alliance would also do nothing to push Riyadh in a better direction at home." U.S. media reported that the Senate was to vote later Wednesday on ending U.S. assistance for the Yemen conflict. Other lawmakers said they wanted to impose further sanctions against Saudi Arabia well beyond those that Washington has inflicted on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing. Khashoggi has been missing since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. The Saudi authorities said Khashoggi died in a "brawl" in its consulate. After releasing the results of its initial investigation, the Saudi Public Prosecution announced that 18 Saudis were arrested for their alleged connections with the killing. The U.S. Congress has urged a thorough investigation into the murder of Khashoggi, and threatened to take more actions against Saudi Arabia if those responsible were not held accountable. However, the Trump administration has been reluctant to further punish the Saudi government, citing alliance significance and Saudi Arabia's purchase of U.S. military equipment. The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 individuals over their alleged roles in the killing of Khashoggi earlier this month, following U.S. State Department's decision in late October to revoke 21 Saudi suspects' visas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 06:59:18|Editor: ZD Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The suggestion by the European Commission that the EU area would become carbon neutral by 2050 was met with applause in Finland on Wednesday, even though the Finnish plans to increase the use of wood may now face more obstacles. Miguel Arias Canete, the EU climate commissioner, told Finnish national broadcaster, Yle in Brussels that she does not want "to start giving advice to Finland". She said, however, that forests should be actually increased, not decreased. She underlined that she was speaking "at the general level" and not specifically about Finland. Finland is planning to increase the use of wood by industries to 80 million cubic meters, from the current 73 million. Despite wide commitment to the overall goals, practical political consensus in Finland is thin on measures that would be enforced. Finland's Environment Minister Kimmo Tiilikainen leads a multi-partisan parliamentary working group that is to create a climate policy plan that all parties could accept. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 07:44:27|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. private spaceflight company SpaceX is scheduled to launch its 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Dec. 4, NASA said on Wednesday. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying a cargo Dragon spacecraft loaded with supplies and equipment for scientific research of the crew aboard the orbiting laboratory. Investigations on this flight include a test of robotic technology for refueling spacecraft, a project to map the world's forests and two student studies inspired by Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" series. After about one month attached to the space station, Dragon will return with results of earlier experiments, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, said NASA. The ISS is a convergence of science, technology and human innovation that demonstrates new technologies and enables research not possible on Earth. The space station has been occupied continuously since November 2000. It remains the springboard to NASA's next great leap in exploration, including future missions to the moon and eventually to Mars. Chief of Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee Soerjanto Tjahjono (C) speeks during a press conference about Flight Data Record (FDR) of the crashed Lion Air JT 610 at the Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) JAKARTA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pilot of Indonesia's Lion Air flight JT 610 was struggling to control the plane with faulty airspeed sensors and sent an urgent message to air traffic controllers before the crash that killed all 189 people on board, a preliminary report said on Wednesday. The investigators from the National Transport Safety Committee (NTSC) examining the cause of the brand new Boeing 737 Max-8 jet recommended Lion Air improve its safety culture. The report found that the pilot told air traffic controllers that the aircraft encountered a flight control problem shortly before it dove into waters off western Indonesia on Oct. 29, investigator of the NTSC Nurcahyato Utomo said. "The captain sent an urgency message to the air traffic controllers that they are in a failure situation," he said. Nurcahyo Utomo, investigator from Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee, speaks during a press conference on preliminary accident investigation report of Lion Air flight JT610, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Nov. 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) The message was sent after the copilot complained that it was difficult to follow the instruction of "aircraft nose down" from the screen in the cockpit, said Nurcahyanto. Just before the complaint, the pilot found out that the left speed indicator had a problem with a 20-degree difference from the right one after he compared with a standby instrument, the investigator said. That confirmed the previous statement that the plane had a problem with the angle of attack (AOA) and speed indicator sensors. However, the NTSC has not yet unveiled the definitive cause of the crash in Tanjung Karawang waters of West Java province, saying that it will keep searching for another black box, the cockpit voice recorder of the plane. The report said that Lion Air has to ensure the operations manuals are complied "in a bid to improve the safety culture and to enable the pilot to make right decision to continue the flight," according to the investigator. The Lion Air plane plunged into the sea 13 minutes after took off from the Jakarta international airport on a scheduled one-hour flight to Pangkal Pinang of Bangka Island on Oct. 29. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 10:59:56|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ma Zhaoxu, president of the United Nations Security Council for November, on Wednesday reiterated Council members' call for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations as soon as possible. "The Council members condemn all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism," Ma, also China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the special commemorative meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of Oslo Accords which remind us that a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiations," he said. "Bearing in mind its relevant resolutions, the Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East," Ma noted. Noting that over the past year, the Security Council "has remained seized of" the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, he said that the Security Council received monthly briefings on the situation from the secretary-general's special coordinator for the Middle East peace process and the Department of Political Affairs and held open debates on a quarterly basis. "The Security Council also continued to receive the secretary-general's reports in briefings by the special coordinator every three months and received one in written form in June. "The Council, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, remains committed to the achievement of just, lasting and peaceful solution in order to achieve peace and security that the Israeli and Palestinian people both need and deserve," Ma said. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a UN-organized observance. The annual commemoration of the day is mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B of Dec. 2, 1977, to start in 1978. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 11:10:00|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the recent Kerch Strait incident. "The two leaders expressed deep concern about the incident in the Kerch Strait and the continued detainment of Ukraine's vessels and crew members," a White House statement said on Wednesday. The statement added that Trump and Erdogan would meet at the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit in Argentina to discuss this incident and other important issues of mutual concern. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that Ukrainian and Russian presidents should engage directly to resolve their recent confrontation. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday that Trump will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during the upcoming G20 summit. Trump, however, told the media on the same day that he would consider canceling his scheduled meeting with Putin due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia confrontation near the Kerch Strait. On Sunday, three Ukrainian naval ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov were attacked and seized by Russian forces, which believed that the ships breached the Russian border. The Ukrainian Navy claimed that it had informed Russia in advance and called Russia's actions an "act of aggression." Russia denied having received such report, saying that the ships ignored multiple warnings by the Russian border guards. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 11:35:04|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two militants were killed on Thursday in a predawn gunfight with contingents of police and army in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. The gunfight broke out at village Shershali-Khrew of Pulwama district, about 22 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "A gunfight broke out here early today between militants and government forces in which two militants were killed," a police official posted in Awantipora told Xinhua. "The joint contingents of police and army cordoned off the area around midnight on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants," the police official said. Indian army or police personnel have not suffered any damage in the stand-off. The slain militants have been identified as local cadres of indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 11:55:08|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen left here on Thursday for a four-day visit to Nepal, where he will witness the signing ceremony of three agreements, a senior official said. "This is the first-ever official visit of the prime minister to Nepal," Sry Thamarong, a minister attached to the prime minister, told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport. "Through this visit, I believe that the relationship between our two countries will be enhanced, especially in trade and tourism," the minister said. According to the minister, Hun Sen will hold a bilateral meeting with Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli on Thursday afternoon before the two leaders witness the signing ceremony of three documents. The minister said that one document is the air transport agreement, another is the agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, and the other is the memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the two foreign ministries. During the official visiting, the Cambodian prime minister will also attend the Asia-Pacific Summit 2018-Nepal on Dec. 1. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:15:24|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The 9th The International (TI), the world's largest Dota 2 eSports tournament, will be held in Shanghai next year, said the Shanghai municipal government Wednesday. It will be the first time for China to host the annual event, which will be held in the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. A total of 18 top teams from across the world will participate in the tournament to compete for the prize pool of around 30 million U.S. dollars, said Gu Liming, senior vice president of Perfect World, the Dota 2 operator in China. The announcement was made among a spate of newly-released rules and policies targeting the development of eSports in Shanghai, including the launch of a trial registration system for eSports athletes in Pudong. The Pudong district government has signed cooperation agreements with Tencent E-Sports, Perfect World and other Chinese online game giants. China's eSports market is expected to exceed 88 billion yuan (about 12.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018 and to increase by another 35 billion yuan in the next two years, according to an industry report by analyst CNG. "We will keep promoting eSports exhibitions, game platforms and top-tier events," said Wang Hongzhou, head of Pudong's publicity department. "Vocational schools in Pudong will be encouraged to offer courses in eSports and related management in the future." The first TI took place in Cologne, Germany, and the following seven events were held in the United States and Canada. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:15:25|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close YANGON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Movie experts of Myanmar and China held discussions on cooperation in developing movie industry at the Cultural Center of the Chinese Embassy in Yangon along with the closing of the Chinese film festival. The two sides vowed on Wednesday to continue to hold more festivals of its kind next year to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries and the two peoples. They also pledged to cultivate world-known Myanmar artists through the cooperation of the two sides in the future. A Chinese film festival had been held in Myanmar since Oct. 13, during which three Chinese movies -- "Never Say Die," "Wolf Warrior 2" and "Operation Red Sea" and others were screened for 27 shows in rural areas of six states and regions with Myanmar language dubbing. The high-tech screening equipment were provided by China Film Group and the China New Rural Digital Film Screening Co Ltd. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:20:26|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that he did not want the country to host the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25). In a press conference in the capital Brasilia, Bolsonaro said he asked for the withdrawal of Brazil's candidacy for host of COP25 and recommended that his pick for foreign minister Ernesto Araujo avoid the conference. "I participated in that decision. I recommended our future minister avoid the realization of this event in Brazil," Bolsonaro said. Earlier in the day, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry officially confirmed that it had withdrawn from the host city's candidacy, citing persisting financial problems and the presidential transition. Brazil plays an important role in climate change. It boasts the majority of Amazon rainforest, one of the greatest ecosystems on earth, and, meanwhile, is among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. The South American country hosted two UN conferences on sustainable development in 1992 and 2012. However, the new administration is redirecting its environmental policies. Brazil is a country which preserves its environment the most, but "environmental conservation policies cannot get in the way of development," said Bolsonaro. Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America. The financial market forecasts the Brazilian economy will grow by 1.36 percent this year, while the government expects the GDP to increase by around 1.5 percent. "Today the economy is almost working because of agribusiness(es), and they are being suffocated by environmental matters," the president-elect said. COP25 is expected to take place in November 2019, with a location yet to be determined. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:30:30|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Defense Wednesday confirmed that three U.S. soldiers were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday. A statement released by Pentagon said that three service members, two soldiers and one airman, died on Tuesday when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle in Andar, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. This attack also wounded three other U.S. service members and a U.S. military contractor, according to the official website of NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. The survivors were evacuated from the area and received medical attention, said NATO. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a U.S. tank was completely destroyed, according to media reports. The attack came after a U.S. service member was killed Saturday during an operation in Afghanistan, according to the official website of NATO Resolute Support Mission. Also this month, a major of U.S. Army National Guard was killed in an insider attack launched by a member of the Afghan security forces. The death toll of U.S. service members have surpassed 2,400 since the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:30:31|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Australian spies will be granted additional power to use weapons and "reasonable force" during overseas operations. Foreign Minister Marise Payne on Thursday introduced amendments to the Intelligence Services Act to give Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), which conducts clandestine international operations, agents stronger legal cover. ASIS officers have been allowed to use weapons to protect themselves, colleagues and people cooperating with their investigation since 2004. In a statement, Payne said the update would empower officers to use weapons to protect a broader range of people if granted specific approval by the foreign minister. Officers will also be able to use "reasonable force" to deal with an individual where there was "significant risk to the safety of a person" or a "significant risk to the operational security of ASIS." "Our ASIS officers often work in dangerous locations, including under warlike conditions, to protect Australia and our interests. As the world becomes more complex, the overseas operating environment for ASIS also becomes more complex," Payne said. "The Intelligence Services Act provisions relating to the use of force by ASIS have not undergone significant amendment since 2004, while successive governments have asked ASIS to do more in response to national security priorities, in new places and in new circumstances unforeseen 14 years ago." ASIS was established in 1952 but was not officially acknowledged until 1977. It remains the most secretive of Australia's six intelligence agencies. In 1985 the government banned ASIS officers from carrying weapons but that decision was reversed by PM John Howard in 2004. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 13:40:34|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SYDNEY, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fires are continuing to threaten homes in Australia's North East State of Queensland on Thursday, with thousands more residents being told to evacuate. Extremely hot, dry and windy conditions were fanning flames and making blazes unpredictable and difficult for fire crew to bring under control. Fires have scorched more than 22,000 hectares since Saturday and are continuing to spread with authorities issuing "leave now" directives to more than ten communities, and many more on "watch and act" alert. State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was on the ground during the day to observe operations, taking to social media to thank residents for their vigilance and cooperation. There is good news for residents who were evacuated and later able to return to their homes, with all properties so far miraculously spared, despite some coming just metres from the fire front. Resident Grace Cairns told the national broadcaster, "when we left, the fire was coming down the hill and we took off because we were trying to get horses out and you could see the flames coming down the hill and I thought it was gone." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 14:00:40|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched an investigation into the nation's most decorated former soldier over alleged war crimes. Fairfax Media on Thursday reported that the AFP begun investigating the actions Ben Roberts-Smith while serving with a Special Forces patrol in Afghanistan. "The Australian Federal Police (AFP) received a referral to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers during the Afghanistan conflict," an AFP spokesperson told Fairfax on Thursday. Roberts-Smith became the most decorated member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in 2011 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award in the Australian honours system, for gallantry shown while attacking a Taliban machine gun in Afghanistan in 2010. The AFP investigation, which is the most serious inquiry ever conducted by police into alleged war crimes, is the second inquiry to focus on Roberts-Smith's conduct in Afghanistan. Fairfax reported in July that a separate probe by the Inspector General of the ADF (IGADF) took sworn testimony from former and current members of the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, Roberts-Smith's former regiment, that he engaged in misconduct while in Afghanistan. According to the report, over which Roberts-Smith is suing Fairfax Media for defamation, the soldiers testified that the medal recipient breached the laws of armed conflict, which governs how soldiers must conduct themselves in conflict. The AFP investigation has progressed from the investigation phase, during which officers assess the credibility of allegations, to a fully-fledged investigation, with detectives assigned to the case. Roberts-Smith has repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing on his behalf in Afghanistan and insists he has a "spotless" record as a soldier. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 14:05:42|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered another Japanese firm to compensate the country's victims for their forced labor during World War II, after delivering the same verdict to a Japanese company one month earlier. The Supreme Court upheld two appellate court rulings, ordering Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay reparations of 80 million won (71,000 U.S. dollars) to 120 million won (109,000 U.S. dollars) to each of 10 victims, who were forced into labor by the Imperial Japan, and a victim's family member. Among them, the four female victims and the victim's family member filed the damages suit in 2012 as they were tricked by a Japanese headmaster into working without pay at a Mitsubishi aircraft plant in Nagoya, Japan in 1944. The other six male victims were forced into toiling without pay at Mitsubishi's machinery and shipbuilding plants in Hiroshima, Japan in 1944. The Korean Peninsula was colonized by the Imperial Japan from 1910 to 1945. The top court's ruling came about a month after the Supreme Court ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay four South Korean forced labor victims 100 million won (89,000 U.S. dollars) each. The Supreme Court ruled that the 1965 treaty, which normalized diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo and stipulated the settlement of colonial-era issues, did not terminate individuals' right to claim damages. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 14:25:50|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Artists perform face mask changing piece during the Sichuan Food Culture Tour 2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 28, 2018. The event was attended by around 200 people including government officials, diplomats and representatives of business organizations and media. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma) KATHMANDU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Sichuan Food Culture Tour 2018 was held in Nepal's capital to promote cuisines and culture of the southwest Chinese province among the Nepali people. The special show was hosted in Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu on Wednesday evening by the Sicuhan Provincial People's Congress and Sichuan NGO Network for International Exchanges in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. The spectacular event was attended by Nepali Speaker of House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Forest Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial People's Congress and Vice President of Sichuan NGO Network for International Exchanges Liu Jie and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong. Addressing the function, Nepali Speaker Mahara highlighted the age-old relationship between Nepal and China and the special role of Sichuan Province to boost the socio, economic, and cultural relations. "China's Belt and Road initiative has tremendous opportunity to explore the relations between the two countries. I believe that Nepal-China railway through Sichuan's transportation network will open up more opportunities to connect the people of the two countries," Mahara said. Over a dozen Sichuan dishes were served in the food fiesta prepared by master chefs with ethnicity and originality. Small panda-shaped desserts were particularly the favorite of Nepali food enthusiasts. On the occasion, Liu said Sichuan and Nepal have special relations dating back over 2,000 years, while the cooperation in various fields like trade, tourism, health and education has been increasing. Chinese Ambassador Yu said that such events are important for cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two neighbors. The food culture tour also showcased enthralling performances by Chinese artists on Sichuan opera, contortion, puppet show and masked dance. The event was attended by around 200 people including government officials, diplomats and representatives of business organizations and media. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 14:50:57|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have developed an online database providing detailed, integrated biological data on domestic and wild dog species. Named iDog, the online system was developed by the Beijing Institute of Genomics and the Kunming Institute of Zoology. It is an open and free platform for data services and online analysis tools on dog research. The domestic dog is one of the most genetically diverse species in nature, providing a useful research model for many heritable human diseases. With the development of genomics technology, more and more dog breeds have been analyzed, with their biological data such as gene expressions being released. However, there is a lack of databases providing integrated data for dogs. The database incorporates a variety of dog data including genetic variation information generated from 127 re-sequenced domestic dog samples, 32,220 dog genes, dog diseases and genome sequence assemblies. Besides providing a data service for dog research, the database also provides a user-friendly platform for dog lovers around the world to find information. The researchers will keep updating the existing database, adding more data as it becomes available. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 15:21:02|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that he will discuss the tension in the Kerch Strait with his Russian and American counterparts during the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Argentina. Erdogan said he reviewed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko over the phone on Wednesday to see "what can be done about this and whether Turkey can play a mediator role." "Both of them have some demands from us," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul before departing for the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, saying he will have detailed discussions with Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit. In the phone talks, the Turkish leader urged Russia and Ukraine to solve their problems through dialogue as soon as possible and "make the Black Sea a sea of peace." On Sunday, three Ukrainian naval ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov were attacked and seized by Russian forces, which believed that the ships breached the Russian border. The Ukrainian Navy claimed that it had informed Russia in advance and called Russia's actions an "act of aggression." Russia denied having received such report, saying the ships ignored multiple warnings by the Russian border guards. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 15:51:13|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel (L) welcomes Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen after his arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nov. 29, 2018. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen arrived here on Thursday for a four-day official visit to Nepal. During the visit, Hun Sen will also attend the Asia-Pacific Summit 2018-Nepal on Dec. 1. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma) KATHMANDU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen arrived here on Thursday for a four-day official visit to Nepal. This is the first official visit of the Cambodian prime minister to the Himalayan country. Hun Sen is visiting the country at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. The Cambodian prime minister and his Nepali counterpart will hold talks and exchange views on issues of mutual interest, according to a press statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the talks, the two sides will sign three bilateral agreements on air transport, visa exemptions and political consultations between the two foreign ministries, according to officials. During the visit, Hun Sen will also attend the Asia-Pacific Summit 2018-Nepal on Dec. 1. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 16:06:16|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in's approval rating fell below 50 percent for the first time since he took office in May last year, a weekly poll showed Thursday. According to the Realmeter survey, support for Moon declined 3.2 percentage points over the week to 48.8 percent this week, continuing to fall for the ninth consecutive week. It marked the first time since his inauguration that the support scores slipped below 50 percent, though his approval rating stayed at the highest level compared with his predecessors in the second year of the five-year presidency. The result was based on a poll of 1,508 voters conducted from Monday to Wednesday. It had 2.5 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level. The continued fall in Moon's support rating was attributed to the worsening of economic indicators, especially the worsened labor market conditions. The Moon government prioritized job creation among the younger generation, but it had yet to take effect. Income gap between the rich and the poor widened further according to recent data. Support for Moon's ruling Democratic Party shed 1.6 percentage points over the week to 37.6 percent this week. It was followed by the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, of which approval rating gained 3.3 percentage points to 26.2 percent. The minor progressive Justice Party won 8.2 percent of support, while the minor conservative Bareun Future Party garnered 5.9 percent in support scores. The center-left Party for Democracy and Peace gained three percent of support. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 16:06:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close OTTAWA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Canadian lawmaker Jenny Kwan on Wednesday tabled a petition in the House of Commons signed by nearly 40,000 Canadians calling on the government to designate Dec. 13 as Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day in Canada. "The commemoration of the Nanjing Massacre is about the formal recognition of atrocities, learning from history, and paying tribute to those impacted," said Kwan, a member of the Canadian parliament. "If we can learn from history and commit ourselves to preventing it from happening again, humanity benefits." "The treatment of Yazidi women in northern Iraq shows that large-scale, systemic sexual violence continues to be used as a tactic to assert power, dominance, and to dehumanize people and attack their identity," said Kwan, also a Canadian opposition Conservative Party and New Democratic Party immigration and refugee critic. "We must recognize these atrocities now, and act to end those that are currently underway," she added. It is estimated that between 20,000 to 80,000 Chinese women and girls were raped, and approximately 300,000 people killed by the Japanese army in Nanjing in 1937. Over the course of World War II, an estimated 200,000 women and girls from China, Korea, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, and some other countries' occupied territories in Asia were either kidnapped or tricked or coerced into working in brothels to serve as "comfort women." Now, the United Nations recognizes 19 countries in conflict where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, said the lawmaker. Among those joining the call for action are prominent Japanese Canadians like author Joy Kogawa and Director of the Peace Philosophy Center Satoko Norimatsu. In an age of increasing xenophobia and historical revisionism, Kwan's work assumes a new urgency to align ourselves with the world's historians and to guard against revisionists, equivocators and deniers of history who attempt to falsify and sanitize the past, said Kogawa. "Our humanity depends on recognizing our capacity for barbarity," said Kogawa, who's been awarded the Order of Canada and Japan's Order of the Rising Sun. "Historical truth matters. It matters particularly intensely when history is put on trial by revisionists. Humanity is one. We are each part of our common lot. Our humanity and our lack of humanity, we must know this. We must know who we humans are, what we have done and what we are still capable of doing," she added. "When the time comes that the courageous people in Japan speak the truth to power are finally heard, when the long, overdue outpouring of grief arrives across the land, when Japanese children are taught their history in their home country, in that future time the unbearable burden of shameful denial will begin to lift," the author said. Members of the National Congress of Chinese Canadians (NCCC) helped gather the 40,000 names on Kwan's petition because there is an urgent need to keep this memory alive, according to the NCCC's President Steven Choi. "Yet today, what we see is that the Japanese government is still honoring some of the military war criminals as heroes in Japan. And history, as we speak, is being taught and whitewashed in Japan and also the educational books are being revised to now call the Nanjing Massacre not a war but a conflict," he added. Dec. 13 will mark the 81st anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 16:26:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 28, 2018 shows the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after it was lighted in New York, the United States. A ceremony was held on Wednesday night in Midtown Manhattan to light the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree as a tradition held annually as New Yorkers and tourists celebrate the incoming holiday season. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NEW YORK, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held on Wednesday night in midtown Manhattan to light the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a tradition held annually to celebrate the incoming holiday season. The Norway Spruce is 72 feet (21.95 meters) tall, 45 feet (13.72 meters) in diameter, and weights approximately 12 tons. The 75-year-old tree was donated by a couple from Wallkill, 60 miles (97 km) north of New York. It is wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored, energy efficient LED lights and topped with a stunning new Swarovski crystal star designed by the renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The star, the first redesign of the crystal tree-topper since 2004, is made up of 3 million crystals. This year's featured performances were from the New York City Ballet's production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker," and the Radio City Rockettes, among others. The tradition of the tree lighting ceremony began in 1933, when a Christmas tree was erected in front of the then-RCA Building and covered with 700 lights. This year, an estimated 800,000 people will visit the tree daily. It will be lit until Jan. 7, 2019. A father tries to get his malnourished child's clothes off while he receives medical treatment at a hospital in Sanaa, Yemen, on Oct. 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) SANAA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations humanitarian chief on Thursday arrived in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa, where four-year war has pushed millions of people to the verge of starvation. "My visit comes to support the cease-fire in Yemen ... and to support peace efforts of the UN envoy," Mark Lowcock, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told reporters upon his arrival. During the three-day visit, Lowcock said he will see first-hand the world's worst humanitarian crisis and the response aid workers are implementing to ease people's suffering under extremely difficult conditions. Yemeni war-affected people are seen through a window receiving their daily bread as aids from a food distributing center in Sanaa, Yemen, on Nov. 28, 2018. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) The UN official also said he will visit the government-controlled Aden. The UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths visited Sanaa last week, when the rebels pledged to attend the upcoming peace talks in Sweden. About 14 million Yemenis, half of the country's population, are facing pre-famine conditions, meaning they are entirely reliant on external aid for survival, Lowcock briefed the UN Security Council in October. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 17:11:30|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MACAO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Macao's total merchandise export for October amounted to 1.06 billion patacas (about 132 million U.S. dollars), up 31.2 percent year-on-year, the Macao Special Administrative Region's statistic service said here on Thursday. From January to October, total value of merchandise export increased by 8.0 percent year-on-year to 10.13 billion patacas (about 1.26 billion U.S. dollars), of which value of re-exports (8.84 billion patacas or 1.10 billion U.S. dollars) grew by 11.8 percent, but that of domestic exports (1.29 billion patacas or 160 million U.S. dollars) declined by 12.1 percent. Analyzed by destination, merchandise export to Chinese mainland (1.71 billion patacas or 214 million U.S. dollars) decreased by 4.2 percent year-on-year in the first ten months, exports to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (6.31 billion patacas or 789 million U.S. dollars) and the EU (163 million patacas or 20 million U.S. dollars) rose by 15.5 percent and 2.2 percent respectively. Exports of non-textiles in the first ten months went up by 11.0 percent year-on-year to 9.54 billion patacas (about 1.19 billion U.S. dollars), of which value of machines, apparatus and parts (1.97 billion patacas or 246 million U.S. dollars) grew by 85.6 percent, but that of electronic components (429 million patacas or 53 million U.S. dollars) declined by 32.4 percent. Exports of textiles and garments in the first ten months totaled 586 million patacas(about 73 million U.S. dollars), down by 24.8 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 17:11:31|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israeli security forces said on Thursday that they detained 10 suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank in an overnight raid. The detainees are suspected of involvement in "terrorist activity, popular terror, and violent disturbances against civilians and soldiers," a military spokesperson said in a statement. A number of weapons were confiscated in the city of Qalqilya in the northern West Bank and in the city of Hebron, south of Jerusalem, the statement added. The arrests were part of the night raids being carried out by the Israeli army throughout the West Bank, citing security reasons. Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East War and has since controlled the area despite international criticism. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 17:21:34|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SUVA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The displaced families of more than 11,000 people are advised not to return home due to the uncertainty of volcanic activities. The advice comes despite the fact that the state of emergency (SoE) on the volcanic Ambae island has been lifted. According to Vanuatu's Daily Post on Thursday, the Vanuatu government believed it is best not to send people home now. The advice was made clear in the final resolution of the Council of Ministers (COM) meeting which was held Tuesday, the newspaper said. Apart from the volcanic activity uncertainty, it is still uncertain if conditions on ground after the significant ash fall are safe for human life. The latest COM meeting agreed to lift the SoE and at the same time requested immediate multi-sector assessment to be led by the National Recovery Committee (NRC) on Ambae island and at current relocation sites. The government will continue to provide emergency food for evacuees on Maewo and Santo islands until Dec. 31. Non-Government organizations and actors will continue to assist recovery efforts based on priorities determined by the Vanuatu government. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 17:26:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HAVANA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Havana celebrated its ninth anniversary on Wednesday with dancing, singing and kung fu performances as well as cooking competitions. The non-profit Confucius Institute has offered Chinese language classes and promoted cultural exchanges and Cuba-China friendship. "Our goal is that by teaching Chinese language and culture we can establish new bridges of friendship," said Zhang Wei, Chinese co-director of the institute. "During these nine years with the strong support of the Cuban government ... we have achieved quite a lot and in the future we hope to contribute more to the friendly ties between Cuba and China." Zhang said the past nine years saw some 5,000 Cubans, young and old, attending the institute's free Chinese language programs. Every year about 800 to 900 students enroll for language courses at six levels. Zhang added that Chinese language programs will be offered starting in early 2019 at the University of Matanzas, some 140 km east of the Cuban capital. "We hope we can develop Chinese language classrooms in other provinces," he added. "We hope to cooperate with other universities to offer the opportunity to all Cubans who want to learn Chinese." "This year we developed a new project in cooperation with the tourism department of the University of Havana, listing the Chinese language as an optional course." Elisa Cabrera, Cuban co-director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute has expanded in the past two years, including an optional class on traditional Chinese medicine for college students that was started this year. "We're working to include Mandarin as a second language for University of Havana students majoring in foreign languages starting in 2019," she added. Eliany Ferriol, a computer engineering graduate and first-year student at the Confucius Institute, said it has become very popular in the Caribbean island state to learn Chinese as many young people think highly of the friendly relations and cooperation with China. "I want to get to know new cultures and this institute offers us exactly that. Not only do we learn the language but also about the country with which we have such good relations," said Ferriol. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 17:41:42|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BANGKOK, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were busted in Thailand-Malaysia border when speed pills worth 35 million baht (1.06 million U.S. dollars) were seized in the van they traveled in on Thursday. Police said at a media briefing that the gang, including six men and one woman, posing as a family on tour, were found possessing 710,000 methamphetamine pills hidden inside their van. They had been traveling from the central plain of the country and tried to send the drugs to the deep south, police said. Police got information that a large quantity of drugs would be smuggled to southern Thailand and they had kept a close watch along possible transit routes since Nov. 26. The suspected van was followed and asked to stop for a search in Narathiwat Province's border area. Police found the speed pills inside hidden compartments planted into the vehicle. The suspects are charged with possessing illicit drugs with intent to sell. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 18:29:15|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Staff members of Afghan security force inspect the blast site in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 29, 2018. Taliban militants organized a deadly car bomb attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Wednesday night. Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish confirmed Thursday in his Twitter account that the attack claimed 10 lives and injured 29 others. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 18:36:55|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The African Union peacekeeping mission has refuted allegations that some of its troops were killed by al-Shabab militants in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) clarified that its troops in patrol successfully repulsed an attack launched by the militant group at Gandawi. "There were no casualties nor injuries incurred as claimed by the reports. The allegations are a fabrication and part of Al-Shabaab propaganda," the AU mission said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening. "AMISOM refutes allegations that its troops suffered an attack in Shalambod in the Lower Shabelle region," it added. The AU mission, which has stepped up onslaught against insurgents said al-Shabab propaganda would not deter it from executing its mandate, and working jointly with the Somali security forces to secure the country and protect peace loving Somalis. The pan African peacekeeping mission called on Somalis to ignore those baseless claims. The statement came after the militant group had claimed to have killed two AU soldiers in a roadside blast in Lower Shabelle region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:12:08|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close COLOMBO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A majority of Sri Lankan legislators on Thursday voted in favor of a special motion presented to parliament to halt the finances provided to the Prime Minister's office amid the current political instability. A total of 123 legislators out of the 225-member parliament voted in favor of the motion which was presented by Ravi Karunanayake, a parliamentarian from the United National Party (UNP), which is led by ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Legislators from the minority Tamil National Alliance and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna also voted in favor of the motion. The vote was taken as MPs loyal to former President Mahinda Rajapakse boycotted parliament for the third consecutive time against the speaker's ruling that he would not recognize Rajapakse's government. Rajapakse who was appointed the prime minister in the new cabinet by President Maithripala Sirisena on Oct. 26, told journalists from the parliament premises that he and his party opposed the speaker's behavior and they would boycott sessions till such time they were recognized as the ruling party. Sri Lanka Freedom Party legislator, S.B. Dissanayake, who is part of Rajapakse's new government, said they would not accept the vote on the special motion as only a minister could put forward such a motion after cabinet approval was obtained. "The motion presented by the UNP is a complete violation of the constitution. We will not accept it," Dissanayake told reporters. Meanwhile, the speaker's office said that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will hold talks with Sirisena later on Thursday to brief him about the vote on the special motion and to seek a solution to the present political instability. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:12:09|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close A worker gives technical instructions to a farmer at a wheat field in Xunxian County, central China's Henan Province, May 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- For thousands of years, Chinese farmers have relied on their experience to grow crops, but Zhang Yufeng in central China's Henan Province has recently turned to big data. A screen in his field shows temperature, humidity, wind, rain, soil conditions, pest control and disaster warning information. In March, the warning of a cold spell reminded him to take precautions, which prevented a loss of 133-hectares of wheat. The data and information Zhang receives is provided by a satellite-land system at the local agricultural meteorological station in Xun County, the city of Hebi. The system, put into operation in 2015, gets real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind direction, soil temperature and humidity, etc., with 39 sets of land-based sensors installed in the field. The data will be compared with that collected by Fengyun meteorological satellites to provide accurate data that will then be sent to farmers. "Important data such as pest control information, and best wheat harvest time can be provided timely, which helps increase yield by about 25 kg per mu (0.067 hectare)," said Ren Liwei, an official of the local meteorological bureau. The station has also developed a mobile app to make the latest land data accessible to farmers, anywhere and anytime. With cameras installed in the fields, farmers are able to look at their land on the phone. If farmers find pests or any other problems, they can take photos, upload them and get help from experts via the app. "Messages will be sent to my phone telling me the best time to sow, spray insecticide, water, and harvest. We feel much more secure with big data behind all this," Zhang said. FROM EXPERIENCE TO BIG DATA Jiang Huizhi, a senior agronomist in Xun County, has witnessed how experience and big data matter in agriculture. "In the past, farmers mainly relied on experience that was gained and passed on by generations. One example is the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms," he said. The 24 solar terms are important astronomical points on the Chinese calendar, and were added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. "One farmer's proverb says, rice will be harvested in the field when Autumnal Equinox falls, usually between Sept. 22 and 24," he said. Now, farmers have come up with new sayings, one of which goes, "drones spray insecticides, and big data shows the right time to reap." "We didn't have technologies or advanced equipment in the past, so we had to turn our to experience, which has played an essential role in agriculture," he said. "Now, technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things provide farmers with accurate and scientific data in various aspects, helping us to better irrigate, manure, and spray insecticide," he added. According to Jiang, the wheat yield per mu has been increased from 200kg to 300 kg in the 1980s to 650 kg today in the county. "High technologies are especially helpful in forecasting disasters such as cold spells, gales and freezing weather," he said. "It is the trend to grow crops with big data," said Guo Yujie, associate professor with North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. "The application of big data, high technologies and the Internet of Things will be stepped up, with fewer people farming in China." At Qixing farm, the largest paddy farm in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a big data center has been built, which receives data collected from high-resolution Gaofen-1 satellites. "The big data system has covered an area of 81,300 hectares at Qixing farm, providing data on land, environment, machine and other related business management," said Peng Rongjun, director of the farm. A total of 200 monitor spots, 20 meteorological machines and 20 sets of underground water-level monitoring equipment have been installed in the fields at the year-end of 2016, creating an Internet of Things that collects production data. Heilongjiang is China's largest grain-producing region, accounting for one-tenth of the country's grain output and one-fifth of the country's authenticated green food. The provincial agriculture department has been developing an agriculture big data service platform in the province since 2017. The platform consists of one data center, 16 cloud-computing platforms, and 84 sub-systems, providing data on planting and production, machine management, manuring, crop protection, green food and quality control, etc. A number of 1,359 machine cooperatives, 6,055 family-run farms and 27,000 machines can be monitored with the machine management control center, covering an area of 6.33 million hectares. Data on manuring can also be collected on an area of 8.67 million hectares, and on pest control over 2 million hectares. SMART AGRICULTURE With the help of big data, smart agriculture is also on its way. At the 400-hectare vegetable greenhouse of Zhonghe Group in Hebi, the roller shades can be controlled to changes in light, temperature and humidity, all at the mobile phone. "It took much time and labor to manage the roller shades by hand, and workers sometimes had to work against big winds, which was quite tough," said Wei Aihu, director of the company's information department. "Now, with the help of the smart control system, much labor has been saved, cutting down costs of nearly 800,000 yuan (about 115,246 U.S. dollars) each year," he added. The company has also been equipped with automatic irrigation, ventilation and waste clearing systems. "Big data helps us know about the environment accurately, thus reducing loss from meteorological disasters or risks. Productivity has also been lifted and costs cut down with smart equipment," he said. "Big data will be further applied in agriculture." China released a plan on the application and development of big data in agriculture in 2015, aiming to build a national-level agriculture data platform. So far, a number of tech companies have taken part in the development and application of big data in agriculture. Aliyun, Alibaba's Cloud computing subsidiary, has launched a cooperation program with Shaanxi Haisheng Fresh Fruit Juice Co. Ltd. to develop an agricultural smart system, with artificial intelligence technology applied. For example, the growth cycle of a sweet melon can be monitored by scanning a barcode. The company is able to control the whole process from sowing and growing, to harvesting and transportation, guaranteeing quality. "Agriculture in China has entered a new era with three data collecting systems, satellites in space, drones in the sky and the Internet of Things in the fields," said Wu Wenbin, a scientist with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. A triangle-shaped robot, developed by Wu's team, is working in the corn field in Minzhu Township in Heilongjiang, planning a route for itself, and measuring the height of the crops and monitoring factors influencing their growth. "With such robots, we will be able to collect and analyze data, and operate machines on mobile phone, which will become the mode of agriculture in the future," Wu said. (Video reporters: Shang Kunlun, Jiang Liang; Editor: Zhao Xiaoqing) Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:12:09|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close HAVANA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Havana said Wednesday Washington is negatively affecting bilateral relations by accusing Cuba of not granting diplomatic visas to appointed U.S. embassy officials. "In the last months the U.S. State Department has generated a new pretext to affect the bilateral diplomatic ties" by accusing Cuba of not granting diplomatic visas to U.S. officials appointed for the embassy in Havana, which allegedly obstructs the functioning of that diplomatic mission, the island's foreign ministry said in a statement. But Cuban authorities said that it was Washington which decided to reduce staff in Havana in September 2017, especially consular personnel. Moreover, "it was Washington which decided to expel, without justification, 15 Cuban diplomats from the embassy in Washington, in October 2017," the foreign ministry said. The granting of visas has since then been subject to the haphazard approval process of the State Department, Cuban authorities said. According to that source, since September 2017, Washington has granted 26 visas and has denied six for Cuban staff on American soil, while Havana has granted 105, and denied one as a response to the move by Washington. "It is an unbalanced behavior, and away from the norms of reciprocity that are essential practice in diplomatic relations," the ministry said. Cuba denied it was responsible for the "instability and irregularities generated unilaterally by the U.S. government" that hampers the functioning of both embassies. Cuba and the United States resumed diplomatic ties in August 2015, after 54 years of political enmity. However, bilateral ties have suffered a setback since last year following U.S. President Donald Trump's approval of a package of measures to reinforce the economic embargo on the island country and the expulsion of a group of Cuban diplomats, using the pretext of alleged "acoustic attacks" against American diplomats in Havana. The incident of the "sonic attacks" has never been clarified, but it marked the beginning of escalating tensions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:17:11|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Argentina will further consolidate the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie. "We have a supremely important relationship," Faurie told Xinhua in a recent interview, describing the bilateral ties "as an extremely rich relationship that reflects the potential today's China has on the international stage." Xi will pay a state visit to Argentina and attend the 13th Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires during his ongoing Europe and Latin America tour from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5, which also includes Spain, Panama and Portugal. Noting that China is "one of the major players in the international arena" and Argentina is "a medium-sized nation" and "an emerging economy," he said "this sincere exchange benefits us both." The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972 and lifted their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014. With Xi's visit, Faurie said, "we hope to continue deepening the sincere dialogue." China is now Argentina's second-largest trade partner and a major source of investment. The Asian country is the leading market for the South American nation's agricultural goods, importing large quantities of cooking oil, soybeans, beef, poultry, wine and dairy products. Two-way trade reached 13.8 billion U.S. dollars last year. Meanwhile, talks are going on to further open China's market to other Argentine goods, including lamb, pork, honey, wheat and cherries. "China has been working on opening its market to goods Argentina is interested in selling to the Chinese market," said the minister. The two countries, added Faurie, also enjoy increasing practical cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and finance, including "projects that are of great importance for Argentina." "The participation of Chinese companies, whether in the energy sector or in infrastructure, contributes to the development of our economy," he said, noting that the cooperation also benefits the Chinese entities involved. The relationship between Argentina and China is also bolstered by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said the Argentine minister. Cooperation projects within the BRI framework, he added, "are in a way part of China's interest in creating stronger ties with different countries around the world, including in Latin America," and part of its larger vision of forging a community with a shared future for mankind. "We believe it is an initiative that promotes the development and growth of China's ties with other countries," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:17:12|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh has submitted a request to dismiss the country's parliament speaker, Miyegombo Enkhbold, to the Constitutional Court, the government press office said Thursday. Audio recordings were made public last year that some officials of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), including the current speaker of parliament Enkhbold, allegedly used government positions as a tool to run in the parliamentary election in 2016, Khurelsukh was quoted by the press release as saying. Khurelsukh also said that Enkhbold has been interfering in attempts to properly resolve the case. "So, I believe that the parliament speaker will be no longer allowed to exercise his full power," the prime minister said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:37:19|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's not ruling out a pardon for his embattled former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. "It was never discussed, but I wouldn't take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?" Trump told The New York Post in an Oval Office interview released Wednesday. The president's remarks came shortly after Manafort was accused of repeatedly lying to investigators after pleading guilty to federal charges related to his work as an unregistered lobbyist for Ukraine -- prior to his time with the Trump campaign. Prosecutors alleged that Manafort had breached a plea agreement that he signed in September with special counsel Robert Mueller, who's leading the wide-ranging Russia investigation, according to a court filing released Monday. The allegation has fueled speculation that Manafort might be angling for a pardon, but his attorneys denied that he had lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the special counsel's office. Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani had previously signaled that Manafort and others could be eligible for pardons when the Mueller-led investigation ends. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday that she was not aware of any talk of a pardon for Manafort. Trump has pardoned several people during his presidency. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said Manafort's alleged false statements included comments about his business dealings and contacts with a former associate in Ukraine. Besides Manafort, Mueller is reportedly targeting Trump confidant Roger Stone and his associate Jerome Corsi, both of whom have said they are prepared to be indicted by Mueller but have denied any wrongdoing. On Wednesday, Trump called Manafort, Stone and Corsi "very brave," while accusing Mueller of pressuring them to lie, according to The New York Post. News reports emerged Tuesday that Manafort's attorney had been sharing information with attorneys for Trump on his former campaign aide's interaction with Mueller's team. Manafort, 69, was convicted on eight counts of financial fraud in an August trial in the state of Virginia where the jury deadlocked on 10 other counts, which were dismissed later. He was the first member of Trump's election team to face trial on charges arising from Mueller's investigation. In September, Manafort struck a deal to cooperate with Mueller's team to avoid a second related trial in the District of Columbia. Without a motion from prosecutors asking for leniency, Manafort is expected to be sentenced to as much as 10 years in prison for his crimes. Mueller, who was appointed in May 2017, is looking into the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and any potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, among other matters that may arise from the investigation. Trump has repeatedly dismissed any collusion between his campaign and the Russians while slamming the Russia probe as a "hoax" or "witch hunt." He has denied trying to shut down the investigation but called repeatedly on Mueller to wrap it up. The president has also tried to distance himself from Manafort, who joined the Trump campaign team in March 2016 and spent about two months working as campaign chairman before resigning over exposure of his lobbying work involving Ukraine. But he also called Manafort a "very good person" during the Virginia trial. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:42:21|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The once highly lauded "supermaterial" graphene has so far failed to transform the electronics industry in the ways that many thought it would. Now, research released on Thursday by Australia's Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) revealed why it has failed to deliver in commercial tests, and how its power can finally be harnessed. The team at RMIT led by Dr Dorna Esrafilzadeh and Dr Rouhollah Ali Jalili inspected commercially available graphene samples, atom by atom, with a state-of-the-art scanning transition electron microscope. They found that there were high levels of silicon contamination in commercially available graphene which had "massive impacts" on the material's performance. Silicone is present in graphite, the raw material used to make graphene, and it was apparently not being fully removed when processed. "Graphene was billed as being transformative, but has so far failed to make a significant commercial impact," Esrafilzadeh said. "Now we know why it has not been performing as promised, and what needs to be done to harness its full potential." With contaminated material performing up to 50 percent worse when tested with electrodes, the findings gave researchers a clear picture of why the substance had failed commercial tests. Graphene sheeting is only one atom thick, making it highly susceptible to surface contamination and making it vitally important that manufacturers are using high purity graphite in their production. The team believe their findings represent a vital milestone for graphene and its applications and hope their research will unlock the full potential of the material. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:47:21|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close WELLINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Proposed changes to the medicinal cannabis legislation will mean more New Zealanders can get access to medicinal cannabis faster, Health Minister David Clark said on Thursday. "This legislation will greatly increase availability of quality medicinal cannabis products, and will allow for their domestic manufacture. It will mean many New Zealanders living in pain will have another option to find relief," Clark said in a statement. During the second reading of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill, Clark outlined planned amendments which will be introduced via a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) during the Committee Stage. The SOP will alter the eligibility for people who can use the statutory defense for the use of illicit cannabis so that it covers people in palliation, rather than limiting it to the terminally ill in their last 12 months. It also makes clear that varieties of cannabis that are already in New Zealand can be used for medicinal products. "The statutory defense for people who are nearing the end of their life to possess or use illicit cannabis is a compassionate measure to ease suffering and improve quality of life," Clark said, adding to put that in perspective, each year about 25,000 New Zealanders could benefit from palliative care. This will speed up access to a greater range of quality medicinal cannabis products, and it gives those companies looking to develop those products certainty and a clear timeframe, he added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:52:23|Editor: mmm Video Player Close Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (R), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Igor Sechin, the executive secretary of the Russian Presidential Commission for the Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Security, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 29, 2018. Sechin, also chief of Russian oil company Rosneft, was in Beijing to attend the China-Russia energy business forum. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng met on Thursday with Igor Sechin, chief of Russian oil company Rosneft, who was in Beijing to attend the China-Russia energy business forum. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said energy cooperation between China and Russia is long-term, steady and in-depth, and has great potential and broad prospects. China is willing to join hands with Russia to further deepen pragmatic cooperation in areas including energy trade, oil-gas exploration and development, as well as energy technology equipment following the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, Han said, vowing to increase financial support and carry forward major projects cooperation to jointly promote the constant development of bilateral energy cooperation. Sechin, also the executive secretary of the Russian Presidential Commission for the Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Security, commended the forum for providing a new platform for the enterprises of both sides to align strategic major projects cooperation. Russia stands ready to further promote and deepen its energy cooperation with China under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and Eurasian Economic Union, said Sechin. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:52:24|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's labour market improved from June 2017 to June this year as economic activities picked up, according to an annual report issued by the Ministry of Manpower on Thursday. The Labour Force in Singapore Advance Release 2018 said the city-state continued facing structural challenges in the period, despite improved outcomes. These challenges include Singapore's ageing population, which continued to exert downward pressure on the labour force participation rate. Together with slower population growth, expansion of the resident labour supply is expected to moderate, the report added. According to the report, Singapore's employment rate for residents aged 15 and over rose from 64.9 percent in June 2017 to 65.1 percent in June this year. In a breakdown, the employment rate for older residents aged 65 and over hiked from 25.8 percent to 26.8 percent, thanks to the country's efforts to improve the employability of older workers. The employment rate for youths aged 15 to 24 increased from 34.1 percent to 34.5 percent, as more taking on internships or vacation jobs. The employment rate for residents aged 25 to 64 fell slightly from 80.7 percent to 80.3 percent, due to more women in their 30s staying outside the labour force during the year to care for their families. The report also said the real median gross monthly income of full-time employed residents in Singapore grew from 4,232 Singapore dollars (about 3,085.45 U.S. dollars) in June 2017 to 4,437 Singapore dollars in June this year. Meanwhile, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Singapore's professionals, managers, executives and technicians decreased for the second successive year from three percent in June 2017 to 2.9 percent in June this year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 19:57:24|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close LUSAKA, Nov.28 (Xinhua) -- Germany on Wednesday provided a 62.98-million-euro fund for Zambia's development projects for 2019-2020, according to a release later on the same day. The fund aims to support financial governance, civil societies, decentralization and renewable energy utilization and capacity building, among other projects. "The negotiations focused on ongoing and future programs in development cooperation and took place in a candid, constructive and cordial atmosphere reflecting the true relations between both countries," according to the release signed by Dressing Yamba, the Zambian Treasury secretary and Alois Schneider, head of Division for Southern Africa of the German Delegation. According to the release, Germany highlighted zero tolerance to corruption in all development programming and expressed concern about recent cases of misapplication of donor funds. The German side also pledged more investment in Zambia's water sector pending an ongoing audit of a rural water program, stressing the importance of effective governance. For its part, the Zambian government vowed commitment to crack down on all forms of corruption and strictly implement public financial management reforms. Both sides agreed that joint programs will prioritize accountability and transparency to deliver better services to their citizens, it added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 20:02:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged a man with orchestrating a scheme to manipulate trading in at least 97 microcap stocks, according to a statement released by the SEC on Wednesday. The microcap stock, known as penny stock, applies to companies with a market capitalization of less than 250 million or 300 million U.S. dollars, according to the SEC. The SEC alleged that Eric Landis, a resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, placed thousands of manipulative trades over three years. The SEC also accused Landis of trading thousands of microcap shares himself in the name of an entity that he controlled and several third parties, in order to generate trading volume and create a fake impression that he was successful in his business. Additionally, according to the SEC, Landis claimed that tens of thousands of subscribers would receive his promotional materials for the stocks via email lists. However, such lists were faked as well. The SEC said Landis and the entity he controlled violated the antifraud and market manipulation provisions of the federal securities laws. "Microcap investors should know that sometimes market volume in a particular stock can be driven by a single fraudulent actor, as alleged here," said Paul Levenson, Director of the SEC's Boston Regional Office. "Our thorough analysis allowed us to detect thousands of manipulative trades by Landis," said Levenson. According to the SEC, Landis was previously convicted of criminal charges based on his role in a prior market manipulation scheme. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 20:22:30|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several officials on Thursday. Zhang Enxi was appointed deputy head of the National Coal Mine Safety Administration, replacing Yang Fu. Zhang no longer serves as the deputy head of National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration. Wei Hongtao was named deputy head of the National Archives Administration, replacing Hu Wanglin, according to a statement issued by the State Council. Li Fayi was appointed deputy commander of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, said the statement. Huang Lanfa was removed from the post of deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 20:47:36|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- China and Portugal have seen deeper economic cooperation during the past few years, with steady growth in trade and investment, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. In the first 10 months of this year, bilateral trade increased by 8 percent to 5 billion U.S. dollars. China's imports from Portugal surged 12.5 percent to 1.91 billion dollars, MOC spokesperson Gao Feng said at a press conference. "Bilateral investment saw continuous growth. By the end of October, Portugal had invested 210 million dollars in 255 projects in China while Chinese companies have made about 9 billion dollars of investments in Portugal in areas including energy, telecommunication equipment and finance," Gao said. Businesses of the two sides have also achieved success in cooperation projects outside the two countries, such as energy projects in Brazil, Chile, Mozambique and Angola, which has become a bright spot in bilateral economic ties. "China is willing to work with Portugal in developing closer trade ties and expanding cooperation in areas including energy, finance and infrastructure," said Gao. File photo shows a part of the Kigamboni Bridge constructed by a Chinese joint venture is seen in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei) DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior Tanzanian official on Wednesday described the Chinese-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vehicle towards the industrialization drive of the east African nation. "When it comes to the Belt and Road Initiative I see it as a development strategy involving infrastructure development and investments in various areas," said Stella Manyanya, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. She said the BRI was striving to improve investments and trade facilitation, removing barriers for the creation of a sound business environment. Manyanya was speaking at the Conference on Belt and Road Initiative and China-Tanzania Industrialization Cooperation jointly organized by the Chinese embassy in Tanzania and Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation among other partners in Dar es Salaam. Manyanya said most of the recently completed Chinese construction of buildings, roads, bridges and other projects in Tanzania bore the symbol of Chinese expertise, skills and hard work. "I trust that, in the process, Tanzanians have gained profoundly in expertise, experience and industrial discipline," she told the one-day conference at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center. Humphrey Moshi, the Director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, said BRI is a platform for scaling up the cooperation aimed at provision of basic infrastructure, regional development connectivity and industrialization. The professor of economics said the road to achieving an industrial economy in Tanzania was on track in terms of policies, strategies and measures. "We are seeing railways being built, roads, ports, airports and human development reforms," said Moshi. Stephen Bainous Kargbo, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Representative to Tanzania, Mauritius and the East African Community (EAC), said the BRI was one key area of cooperation between UNIDO and China, in particular through UNIDO's promotion of cross-border investment among countries participating in the initiative. "We strongly believe that the Belt and Road Initiative stands to become one of the largest and most effective platforms for international cooperation of the century," he added. Wang Ke, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, said Tanzania as one of Africa's fastest growing economies has also made industrialization an important policy objective. "Ever since his assuming office, President Magufuli has made industrialization the fundamental approach and the focus of his governance to achieve the vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2025," said Wang. The Chinese envoy added: "The positive changes that have taken place in Tanzania are visible to us all...and we are confident that with this momentum, the development of industrialization in Tanzania will have broad prospects." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:02:39|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- As expected, the 11th round of peace talks on Syria in Astana did not achieve a breakthrough in the two hot topics, forming constitutional committee and demilitarized zone violations, in the more than seven-year war in Syria. The talks kicked off on Wednesday and closed on Thursday in the Kazakh capital of Astana, but the pro-government al-Watan newspaper cited sources as saying no major progress was made during the talks regarding the situation in Idlib or the constitutional committee. However, a notable fruit of the talks was probably a sort of agreement that Russia would act against the extremist groups which have been undermining the deal since it went into force in October. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, is a major militia in Idlib, and, alongside allied militias, it controls 70 percent of the demilitarized zone. The deal demanded the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the zone as well as the radical fighters. Some of the weaponry was pulled out but the ultra-radical rebels refused to leave as planned. On the contrary, those rebels have staged several attacks on Syrian military posts in the northwestern countryside of Hama Province near Idlib and most recently they were behind a suspected chemical attack in the northern city of Aleppo. The Syrian official media outlets said the rebels in the countryside of Aleppo fired projectiles filled with chlorine gas on residential areas in Aleppo on Saturday, leading to the suffocation of 107 civilians. The Russian allies of the Syrian government were said to have struck the areas from which the suspected chemical attack was launched, killing all rebels responsible for the attack, according to the al-Watan newspaper. During a press conference on the sidelines of the Astana talks on Wednesday, Alexander Lavrentiev, Russian presidential envoy for Syria, said Moscow is ready to provide all help to restore stability to Idlib, which holds around 15,000 al-Qaida-linked rebels. Lavrentiev even said his country is ready to support the moderate rebels in their fight to eliminate the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups. Despite no decisive agreement about the demilitarized zone in Idlib, "an agreement was reached that Russia will respond to any military operation carried by the rebels," al-Watan cited sources as saying. At a press conference on Thursday at the end of the talks, Lavrentiev said the formation of the constitutional committee was "so close" after this round of talks. "We are so close to having this work done," he noted. The ultra-radical rebels in the demilitarized zone were said to have been amassing forces and deploying missiles as part of the preparation for a confrontation with the Syrian army despite the deal. The UN Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura, who is leaving his post by the end of the next month, also lamented the lack of tangible progress regarding the formation of the constitutional committee, an impasse which has been dragging on since 10 months ago. Under the Sochi agreement reached in January, the constitutional committee should be composed of representatives of the Syrian government, the opposition and civil society representatives, each with 50 members. However, the Syrian government seems to have been opposed to the third category. In his briefing to the UN Security Council last month, de Mistura said Damascus did not want the United Nations to have a role to play in the formation of the constitutional committee despite the agreement in Russia's resort city of Sochi in January. In Syria, the government has made it clear that the constitution is a sovereign matter that should be discussed among Syrians without foreign interference. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:07:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SARAJEVO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The government of Norway contributes 630,000 U.S. dollars to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for unstable ammunition disposal, United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) in BiH said in a statement on Thursday. The agreement signed by Guri Rusten, ambassador of Norway to BiH and Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative in BiH, emphasized the continuation of Project EXPLODE+, which aims at disarmament for a safer BiH. Under the deal, Norway will join the EXPLODE+ project activities of unstable ammunition disposal that will be implemented until Nov. 30, 2019. Rusten pointed out that the disposal of ammunition in BiH is a humanitarian and security priority. "This is a direct contribution to the efforts of BiH Ministry of Defense in reducing the ammunition stock and establishing a sustainable management system," Rusten said, adding that the Ministry will be able to handle large volumes of old and unsafe ammunition of various calibers and models that pose a direct security threat to storage sites, not only to local communities but to the region as well. Khoshmukhamedov also said that the agreement signed is an additional acknowledgment of the successful implementation of managing the unstable ammunition conducted in partnership with local and international institutions. "The support of government of Norway will undoubtedly contribute to a faster resolution of the problem of unsafe and unstable ammunition in the context of the security of local communities and military personnel," Khoshmukhamedov added. Currently, EU STAR project to the tune of 2.8 million euros (3.1 million U.S. dollars), implemented by UNDP in partnership with the BiH Ministry of Defense, and Project EXPLODE+, co-financed by the funds provided by the governments of the Germany, Netherlands and Norway, are two main projects that handle destruction of unstable ammunition in BiH. The project is the successor to the EXPLODE project which witnessed the disposal of more than 1,800 tonnes of ammunition and will see close cooperation between local authorities and international actors. Due to the 1990s war, BiH has a large stock of excess weapons and ammunition. In BiH, there are still about 15,000 tons of ammunition stock and 40,000 pieces of weapons. Approximately 14,600 tons of ammunition have been destroyed in the past ten years in BiH. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:07:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close NAIROBI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government and firms should adapt to new digital technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to help boost manufacturing sector, a new report launched on Thursday reveals. The report by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Kenyan Association of Manufacturers (KAM) warns that the local manufacturing risks further de-industrialization if government and firms do not prepare for digital future. Phyllis Wakiaga, KAM chief executive officer who launched the report, noted that technological advancements are changing the way the global market is operating, hence the need to adopt the new digital technologies across all sectors of the economy. "Technological developments have changed the operations of the global market, which means that Kenya has to keep up with these trends in order to realize the Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030," Wakiaga said. She called for closer collaboration between the National and County Governments, industry and academia to fully unlock our potential in the digitalization age. "Additionally, fostering research, development and innovation will boost the competitiveness of Industry," said Wakiaga. The report, How to grow manufacturing and create jobs in a digital economy: 10 policy priorities for Kenya, calls on governments to better prepare for the future by providing financial support to help manufacturers access and take advantage of the Internet and other ICT technologies. File photo shows employees work at the factory of the Orion Transformers and Electrics Ltd in Mukono district, Uganda, on Nov. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping) KAMPALA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A group of 30 Chinese entrepreneurs on Wednesday concluded their three-day trip to Uganda to look for business opportunities. Uganda has held several Chinese investment forums with the aim of persuading the Asian country that it is among the best investment destinations in Africa. Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), a state agency charged with investment promotion, said on Tuesday that its 2016-21 strategic plan places a lot of emphasis on collaboration with China in the development of industrial parks and the setting up of science, technology and innovation parks. "Uganda aims to graduate to middle-income status by 2020 and first-class economy by 2040. In order to attain this target, the government is committed to providing the enabling environment for business because Uganda strives to make this a private sector-led economy," UIA acting executive director Basil Ajer told the visiting delegation. "The economy is well regulated and highly liberalized with all sectors open for investment. The incentive regime is structurally included in the country's tax law, which makes it non-discriminatory and accessible to both domestic and foreign investments, " he said. He said China has ranked among the top two sources of Uganda's foreign direct investment since 2011 and that up to 1.2 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese investments have been licensed, translating to 45,000 jobs. "There is still a lot that can be achieved if both countries directed their energies in areas of mutual interest," he added. Speaking at the business forum, Lyu Xinhua, chairman of the Council for Promoting South-South Cooperation (CPSSC), said from their brief stay, members of the delegation have observed that Uganda's investment climate, legal frameworks, affordable labor and infrastructure makes the country more attractive to Chinese investors. "I have got the feedback from the (Chinese) companies and they are all expressing satisfaction with Uganda's current investment situation," he said. He said the CPSSC is going to work with Uganda's embassy in Beijing and the Chinese embassy in Kampala to explore possibilities where Chinese enterprises will invest in Uganda. "We will be leading (Chinese) companies to Uganda to investigate possible business opportunities and potential projects that they can invest in," Lyu said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:32:53|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 625,000 people moved to Britain and 351,000 people emigrated over the year in June 2018, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed Thursday. ONS said non-EU net migration was the highest since 2004, with 248,000 more non-EU citizens arriving than leaving Britain. Increases in immigration for both work and study have been seen in the most recent year, particularly for Asian citizens, the figures showed. The number of people arriving for post-graduate studies this year from countries such as China and India is up by 10 percent, ONS said. The overall number of EU citizens coming to Britain has continued to add to the population, with 74,000 more EU citizens coming to the UK than leaving. This was the lowest estimate for EU net migration since 2012 and the lowest immigration level since 2014, added ONS. The report revealed the number of EU citizens coming to Britain for work has continued to fall. In the most recent period this was driven by a decrease in citizens from EU 15 countries, such as Germany, Spain and Italy, arriving in Britain with a definite job. Net migration among EU8 citizens, which includes Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, has seen a sharp decrease over the last two years and it is now estimated that 14,000 more citizens from those countries left the UK than arrived. This has been driven by a decrease in EU8 immigration, particularly for work, and an increase in emigration over the last two years. Away from Europe, citizens coming to work in Britain from around the world has seen a gradual increase over the last five years, the study shows. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:32:53|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BERLIN, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) made a public appeal on Thursday for Germany's federal states to support a constitutional change sought by the "grand coalition" government of Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). Addressing delegates in the federal parliament (Bundestag), Scholz urged regional legislators to rally around plans to remove or loosen the so-called "cooperation ban" in the German constitution. The law in question prohibits the federal government from co-funding education and other forms of infrastructure projects which fall into the devolved jurisdiction of the country's 16 constituent states. The grand coalition government wants to invest billions of additional euros in German education, housing and public transportation but is currently hampered in these plans by the existing "cooperation ban". Among others, the federal cabinet formed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and German Social Democrats (SPD) has already pledged to contribute 5 billion euros (5.68 billion U.S. dollars) during the next five years to provide the technical foundations for a digitalization initiative in schools. "The educational infrastructure in Germany must be improved together by the federal government and states as a consequence of growing challenges. An investment offensive for schools in Germany is required towards this end," a draft legislative proposal published by the federal government reads. The "grand coalition" took a first major step towards its desired alteration on Thursday by securing the approval of most opposition politicians in the federal parliament for the constitutional change. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was the only party to oppose the motion which passed with an overwhelming majority of 580 votes. Berlin can only actually begin to provide funding to the state-level infrastructure projects which it has outlined, however, if two thirds of delegates in the federal council back the legislation as well. Scholz argued that financial assistance from the federal government was also needed to expand public transportation and ensure that schools fulfilled nation-wide standards. The federal council is expected to reach a decision of its own by Christmas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:37:55|Editor: mmm Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Group of 20 (G20) should send a clear message of upholding multilateralism to lead economic globalization in the right direction, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming said ahead of the G20 summit in Argentina. In a recent signed article published by the British Magazine FIRST, Liu said that the G20 is a "major battlefield" for safeguarding multilateralism as it is an important venue for developed and developing countries to engage in consultation and make decisions on an equal footing on issues of development and global governance. As the world economy faces increasing risks and uncertainties, striking inequality and imbalance, and surging protectionism, it is all the more important that the G20 should uphold the spirit of partnership, shore up global confidence and work for robust, sustainable, balanced and inclusive world economic growth, Liu said. "Under the current circumstances, China and the UK should join hands with other members of the G20 to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, uphold the world economic order and the multilateral trade regime, safeguard the common interests of all mankind and promote global prosperity and stability," the ambassador said. Noting half G20 members are developing countries, Liu said: "It has the obligation to create more opportunities for them by promoting world economic growth, and to offer them more support by enhancing international cooperation on development." He said the G20 should continue to prioritize development, including implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, making preferential policies that facilitate development, and creating new driving forces for developing countries to eradicate poverty, tackle the bottlenecks and boost their economy. "In China, forty years of reform and opening-up have not only created a development miracle but also created enormous opportunities for the world," Liu said. "Going forward, China will continue to expand opening-up, improve IPR (Intellectual Property Right) protection and foster a world-class business-friendly environment," the ambassador said. The upcoming G20 meeting, to be held from Nov. 30 to Dec.1 in Buenos Aires, is themed "Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development." It will focus on issues like global economy, trade and investment, sustainable development, infrastructure and climate change. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:42:57|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close An Afghan security force member stands guard at the site of an attack in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan on Nov. 29, 2018. The death toll soared to 15 in the car bomb attack in Kabul that targeted London-based Security contractor company G4S on Wednesday night, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish confirmed Thursday. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah) KABUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The death toll soared to 15 in the car bomb attack in Kabul that targeted London-based Security contractor company G4S on Wednesday night, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish confirmed Thursday. The dead included the five attackers, and 29 others were injured. Danish confirmed in his twitter account that the attack on G4S company claimed 15 lives including five attackers and injured 29 others. Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing. Zabihullah Majahid who claims to speak for the Taliban outfit, in contact with media claimed that first a militant blew up his explosive-laden car next to the company, opening the way for others to enter the company's compound and began targeting anyone inside. Earlier reports put the number of casualties at one dead and 11 injured. G4S has yet to make any comment about the situation following the deadly attack on its branch. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 21:42:57|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia deployed another S-400 air defense missile system on Thursday in northern Crimea amid tensions in the Kerch Strait, the authorities said. The fourth battalion of the newest S-400 system took up combat duty in northern Crimea, Russian Black Sea Fleet spokesman Alexei Rulev said. The other three battalions have been deployed in the eastern, western and southern parts of the peninsula since Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a local referendum. Before the deployment in Crimea, the fourth battalion successfully completed drills at the Kapustin Yar testing ground in Astrakhan Region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Russia has strengthened its forces in Crimea amid ongoing confrontation with Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine put its armed forces on full combat alert and imposed 30 days of martial law after Russian forces shot at and seized three Ukrainian naval ships near the Kerch Strait for allegedly violating the Russian border Sunday. Russia's S-400 system is designed to destroy air targets, including warplanes, ballistic and cruise missiles, at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 22:13:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close JAKARTA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia cut out some business sectors from its plan to relax restriction on foreign ownership of industries, a move aimed at protecting domestic small and medium businesses, a senior official said Thursday. Five sectors, including fabric printing, weaving, cleaning of tubers, internet-based retail trade and internet cafes, have been excluded from the list of sectors where foreigners are allowed to invest, secretary for the chief economic ministry Susiwijono Moegiarso said. "Based on the guidance (from president) we include again the five sectors into the list of negative investment. The goal is to protect the businesses of the small and medium enterprises," he said. With the exclusion, the total business sectors which will have the relaxation came lower to 49, the official said. Susiwijono said geothermal and telecommunication network sectors will still be available for full foreign investment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 22:38:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MAPUTO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Twelve undergraduates from the University Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) of Mozambique were rewarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship on Thursday. The scholarship was established by the Chinese embassy in Mozambique this year to reward local students with excellent academic performance in Chinese learning. Speaking at the rewarding ceremony held on the UEM campus, Vice Dean for Administration and Recourses of UEM Claudio Mungoi said the scholarship will inspire more people to know about China and provide more opportunities for students to improve their academic performance. "I would like to believe that more Mozambicans are going to be able to express themselves in Chinese, with the support that the scholarship brings," said Mungoi. Chinese Ambassador Su Jian said Chinese language helps students explore the vast world, build their own career and inherit the friendship between the two countries. All the 12 beneficiaries majoring in Chinese language, literature and culture were students in the Confucius Institute of UEM. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 22:58:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JUBA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan has denied allegations that its southern neighbor Uganda helped Juba to acquire European weapons despite an arms ban by the European Union (EU). London-based campaign group, Conflict Armament Research (CAR), said in a new report that Uganda, a major ally of South Sudan bought weapons on behalf of the conflict-torn country to escape EU arms embargo. The report alleges that the Ugandan government bought arms and ammunition from three EU countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia) that were diverted to South Sudan's military between 2014 and 2015. But Michael Makuei, South Sudan's government spokesman, dismissed the report as "fake," adding that the government is currently focused on funding the recently signed peace deal but not war. "We are not receiving arms from anybody because we are already in peace. Whatever money we have, we will use it for peace, not for buying arms," Makuei told Xinhua by phone in Juba. Makuei alleged that the report was written by anti-peace elements seeking to destroy the latest peace deal. "It is continuation of that process of objection to the peace process. People are trying by any means to ensure that the agreement is washed down, but those people will not make it," he added. South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world. The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally. A peace deal signed in August 2015 collapsed following renewed violence in the capital, Juba in July 2016. South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, his former deputy and arch rival Riek Machar and several opposition groups in September signed a revitalized power-sharing deal aimed at ending the five-year old conflict. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:08:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday that it had foiled attacks by an extremist group on law enforcement officers and business leaders in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. Three of the suspects were killed and another one was detained in an operation, it said in a statement, adding that the FSB also seized weapons and munitions. The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal inquiry. Located in Russia's North Caucasus, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria has seen attacks by militant groups on government bodies and individuals. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:13:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PARIS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cultural enterprise Tencent and Bangladeshi advocate Vashkar Bhattacharjee will be awarded the UNESCO/Emir Jaber al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the UN educational agency announced Thursday. UNESCO said in a statement that they are awarded for their "outstanding contribution to the empowerment of persons with disabilities through the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information and knowledge". Selected by an international jury, in the organizational category, Tencent, an internet-based technologies company, offered "products (which) have helped persons with special needs access critical information and interact more easily with digital devices, thus improving their quality of life," Unesco said in a statement. It noted that the company was cooperating with professional information accessibility research organizations in optimizing digital technologies to advance the accessibility of information for all people. As to the individual category, the jury picked Vashkar Bhattacharjee, a leading advocate who collaborates with local, national and international partners on the production of resources dedicated to learners with disabilities, and to the training of teachers in the use accessible reading materials." In collaboration with his colleagues, he set up "a network of employers that provides fair work opportunities to persons with disabilities," in addition to the development of Bangladesh's first Accessible Dictionary in four forms, dedicated to persons with visual, print and learning disabilities, and a special program of self-employment through e-micro credit support for persons with disabilities. Supported by Kuwait, the prize will be awarded during a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Dec. 3, to mark the International Day of Persons with disabilities. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:13:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deploy ships in the Sea of Azov amid tensions with Russia off Crimea, the presidential press service said on Thursday. "We hope that NATO countries stand ready to send ships to the Sea of Azov to help Ukraine," Poroshenko was quoted as saying. The deployment of the NATO ships would help ensure security of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, Poroshenko said. On Sunday, three Ukrainian naval ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov were seized by Russian forces for allegedly violating the Russian border. The Ukrainian Navy said that it had informed Russia in advance of the passage, while Russia said it had received no such report and the ships ignored multiple warnings by the Russian border guards. Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been deteriorating since Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a local referendum. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:43:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MINSK, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Belarus hoped that the Kerch Strait confrontation will not lead to the escalation of tensions in the region, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said on Thursday. Belarus would prefer not to see further steps which could cause the escalation of tensions in the region, which not only can have a regional impact, but also an international one, said Makei. The events in the Kerch Strait area confirmed the relevance and realism of the repeated warnings by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that the world was gradually slipping into the abyss of a large conflict, he said. Makei also stressed that he would rather not hear emotional statements made by senior foreign officials, which will only lead to further escalation of the confrontation. The minister reiterated that Belarus was ready to make its contribution, if it is acceptable to the relevant political players, in resolving the situation and defusing the current tensions in the region. Makei added that the Belarusian Foreign Ministry will work out recommendations for Belarusian citizens in connection with the imposition of martial law in Ukraine after receiving all information in detail. The Ukrainian navy said Sunday that Russian forces had fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait, calling Russia's actions an "act of aggression." Moscow said the three ships had breached the Russian border and conducted dangerous maneuvers despite being ordered against doing so by vessels from the Russian Federal Security Service and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The Ukrainian parliament on Monday supported a bill imposing martial law in selected regions bordering Russia for a duration of 30 days. Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was unreasonable for Kiev to introduce martial law over a "minor border incident" in the Black Sea, considering that no martial law was imposed even when the Ukrainian civil war broke out in 2014. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:48:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Caretaker Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian said Thursday that the total number of tourists to Lebanon will reach 2 million by the end of this year despite the complicated political situation and the absence of government in the country. Guidanian told Xinhua in an exclusive interview that the number of tourists from Europe so far hiked by 30 percent compared with that of 2010, the year witnessing the tourist arrival peak in Lebanon at 2.17 million. He also noted that tourists from America and Latin America soared by 45 percent while those from Arab countries and the Gulf dropped by 40 percent compared with 2010. "In total, the number of tourists by the end of 2018 will be around 10 percent lower than that of 2010, approximately 2 million," he said. Pierre Ashkar, president of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, has previously told Xinhua that Gulf tourists used to make up 60 percent of total visitors to Lebanon, while now they constitute 4 percent only. "Gulf tourists are the ones who spend money the most in Lebanon compared with other nationalities," he added. "They also stay longer than tourists with other nationalities who visit Lebanon for only two or three days." Guidanian said that Gulf countries have not removed the travel ban on Lebanon yet, but the country is still witnessing the arrival of tourists from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Last November, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait warned their citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to a Lebanese-Saudi crisis caused by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri's controversial resignation in Riyadh which he rescinded soon after. However, Gulf officials vowed to remove the travel warning once the government in Lebanon is formed. Lebanon succeeded in holding the first parliamentary elections in nine years, but it still faces the challenge of overcoming all hurdles hindering cabinet formation. "If Lebanese officials succeed in forming a government, we will continue to have good tourism results in 2019," Guidanian said. "But if we fail, we will miss a lot of opportunities like unable to take part in exhibitions to promote the country." Meanwhile, he attributed the success in attracting tourists in the past couple of years to the tourism ministry's cooperation with private tourism companies. "We have opened a representative office for Lebanon in France and created contacts with big tour operators there in addition to hosting two big conferences in 2017 and 2018 by inviting 150 companies from all over the world to introduce them to Lebanon," explained Guidanian. He added that the awareness that the tourism ministry has created about Lebanon also contributed to attracting tourists. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 23:53:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of Libya's neighboring countries on Thursday reiterated here support for Libya to achieve a peaceful political transition and expressed rejection to any foreign intervention in Libya's internal affairs. A ministerial meeting was held in Sudanese capital Khartoum with the participation of foreign ministers of Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the United Nations, the Arab League and the African Union Commission as well as officials from Chad and Niger. The ministers issued a joint communique in which they reiterated commitment to support Libya within a framework of a peaceful political transition based on consensual implementation of political agreement. The meeting stressed the importance of preserving Libya's unity, sovereignty and integrity of its territories, rejecting any foreign intervention in Libya's internal affairs. According to the communique, "the ministers stressed the importance of attaching concern to the seriousness of situations in southern Libya." They also "commended the role being played by Libya's neighbors including Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia within the tripartite initiative and the efforts by Sudan, Chad and Niger to secure the joint border with Libya," said the communique. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:03:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TEHRAN, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) hosted here a conference on Iran-South Korea business opportunities, Tehran Times daily reported on Thursday. Iranian and South-Korean small and medium-sized companies can continue and improve their cooperation even under the current U.S. sanctions against the Islamic republic, Pedram Soltani, ICCIMA vice president, said in the opening ceremony of the conference. "Iran-South Korea trade volume in 2017 reached 8 billion U.S. dollars, decreasing down to 3.7 billion dollars in 2018 so far," said Hossein Tanhaie, head of Iran-South Korea Joint Chamber of Commerce. "Trade transactions between the two sides have dropped due to U.S. sanctions against Iran which have created some difficulties in transportation sector," Tanhaie said."However, the obstacles can be overcome by the help of Europeans." On Tuesday, South Korean Ambassador to Iran, Ryu Jeong-hyun, also expressed his country's tendency for expansion of all-out ties with Iran. A clearing house, known as a Special Purpose Vehicle, which is designed to allow European companies to bypass the U.S. sanctions, is due to be set up by the European Union within the next few months, according to the western media. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the Iranian 2015 international nuclear deal in May and reimposed U.S. sanctions on Iran which had been lifted under the landmark nuclear accord. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:03:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JAKARTA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Altogether 113 inmates broke out from a jail in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh after damaging barred windows in the wall amid heavy rains, a spokesperson of Indonesia's Legal and Human Rights Ministry said Thursday evening. Trisno Riyanto, senior police officer overseeing security in Aceh capital of Banda Aceh, said so far police have arrested four of the escaped inmates. The jailbreak in Aceh's Lambaro penitentiary occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT), said Ade Kusmanto, spokesperson of Directorate General of Penitentiary of Legal and Human Rights Ministry. The inmates broke the window bars with dumbbell and other heavy things to get out from jail, he said. "Our focus now is to prevent other inmates trying to escape," Ade was quoted by local media as saying. Measures to prevent riot inside the jail are underway, he added. Aceh provincial police have also deployed personnel to assist in pursuing the escaped inmates, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:03:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory letters to the China-Russia energy business forum that opened in Beijing Thursday. Xi said in the letter that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been showing a strong momentum and constant advances in all fields. In recent years, substantial achievements have been scored in bilateral energy cooperation, which has played an active role in facilitating both countries' economic and social development. "China is willing to work with Russia to take bilateral energy cooperation to a higher level," Xi said. "Holding China-Russia energy business forum is an important consensus reached between President Putin and myself, with a goal to facilitate direct dialogue between companies from both sides, extensively explore cooperation opportunities and accurately synergize cooperation demand," Xi stressed. Xi hoped that participants could share in-depth communication, cement consensus, consolidate existing cooperations and explore new opportunities for cooperation in the spheres of energy trade, investment and finance. Putin said in his letter that the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been steadily strengthening and that energy cooperation, as a significant part of bilateral ties, has seen considerable development in recent years. He said that the forum had a very rich agenda, with topics covering cooperation in fields including oil and gas, coal, electricity, investment, science and research and environmental protection, which fully reflected the extensive common interests of the energy enterprises of both countries. Putin said he believed that participants from governments, energy corporations, financial institutions and think tanks could conduct informative and constructive dialogues at the forum and explore new types of cooperation for mutual benefits. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:28:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met in Berlin on Thursday and agreed to boost cooperation between their countries, the Ukrainian cabinet's press service said. At the meeting, Groysman said that Ukraine stands ready to develop cooperation with Germany in various sectors and particularly interested in deepening energy cooperation. "We are interested in the joint implementation of projects for diversification of energy sources and enhancement of Ukraine's energy security," Groysman said. He proposed to scale up discussions on joint management of the Ukrainian gas transit system, which transports Russian gas to Europe. For her part, Merkel said that Germany is interested in developing business ties and investment cooperation with Ukraine. "Ukraine has proved itself to be an open country, and German business is interested in working here. Ukraine is taken as a place where investments can and should be leveraged," Merkel said. Earlier in the day, Groysman and Merkel opened the third German-Ukrainian business forum, which gathered hundreds of officials and business representatives from the two countries. Currently, some 2,000 German companies are operating in Ukraine. As of July 1, 2018, German investment in Ukraine amounted to 1.7 billion U.S. dollars. Groysman arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for a working visit. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:33:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAKU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Seven people, including three children were injured Thursday in separate wolf attacks in the southern Azerbaijani district of Astara, according to the state-run news agency AZERTAC. In Shuvi village, a wolf attacked locals early in the morning when they were accompanying their children to school. One woman was bitten on the arm and face while she was trying to protect her 7-year-old son. The child suffered no injuries. The same animal then injured an 11-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Another villager was bitten by a wolf that entered his barn. In Sekashan village, a wolf attacked a woman who suffered several injuries. A 40-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy were bitten in another wolf attack in Zungulash village. The man managed to kill the animal. All the injured villagers were treated at the central district hospital. A boy was bitten by a wolf as he was herding cattle into his yard, while another was attacked on his way home from school in the southern district of Lankaran yesterday. Wolves frequently attack households and cattle in the country's rural areas, which experts said might be a result of the increasing number of settlements built close to the natural habitats of animals. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:38:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Dubravka Simonovic on Thursday urged the Nepali government to give priority to designing and implementing effective policies to eradicate violence against women in the country. The UN special rapporteur made the remarks at a press conference in the Nepali capital following the conclusion of her 10-day visit to the Himalayan nation. "During my visit, I found that the Nepalese society is beginning to openly acknowledge the levels of violence against women in the country," she said. The UN special rapporteur argued that Nepal could accelerate the eradication of harmful practices to ensure gender equality and the right of women to live free from a life of violence if the government gives priority to designing and implementing effective policies on eradicating violence against women in cooperation with civil society. Simonovic said she found the online violence against women and girls was an emerging issue in Nepal. During her visit, the UN special rapporteur met various government officials and civil society members to inquire the situation of sexual and gender-based violence in the country. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 00:38:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit here has evoked high expectations among the Argentine public for deeper friendship and increased win-win cooperation between the two countries. In a signed article titled "Opening up a New Era in China-Argentina Relations" and published Wednesday in Argentine daily Clarin, Xi said the bilateral friendship has overcome geographical distance and grown even closer. "Our bilateral relations have stood the test of changing international circumstances and set an example of solidarity and cooperation for common development between the two emerging economies and developing countries," he said. That struck a chord with many Argentines, including Gonzalo Tordini, an expert in international economic cooperation who once studied at University of International Business and Economics in China. The friendship between the two peoples, said Tordini, is the biggest success of China-Argentina relations, which allows the two nations to work in the right direction and get to know each other more and understand each other better. Xi's visit will reinforce the Argentina-China relationship, he added, expressing his hope for the South American country to step up long-term cooperation with China. He suggested that Argentina officially become part of the Belt and Road Initiative for global development. "It will be an opportunity to improve our connectivity, in a wider sense," he said. "Improving infrastructure, people-to-people exchange, increasing trade and cultural knowledge are necessary to continue to deepen our ties with China," said Tordini, who is also president and co-founder of the Argentina-China Association of Former Scholarship Recipients. In the eyes of law clerk and University of Belgrano student Maria Perez Salvadores, Xi's article underscores that China-Argentina interaction still has great potential to tap and the two countries "are working on it." "At the cultural level, we see it in courses and classes for learning the Chinese language, or in the increasingly popular Chinese celebrations in Argentina, like the Spring Festival," she added. Martin Kerchner, minister of economy, energy and infrastructure in Argentina's Mendoza province, pointed to Xi's message of economic cooperation. "We have a lot to do and to grow together with China," said Kerchner. "China firmly supports Argentina in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and has every confidence about its future," Xi said in the article. Journalist Leandro Boye said that Xi's words reflect his vision of a shared future and joint development, which will benefit both sides. During his stay in Argentina, the second leg of his ongoing Europe and Latin America tour, Xi will also attend the 13th Group of 20 (G20) summit in Buenos Aires. "China's fundamental contribution to international cooperation is something the world certainly needs," said Patricio Giusto, head of the China-Argentina Observatory and professor at the Catholic University of Argentina. "As long as China remains strong on the international stage and bets on multilateralism, we can expect forums like the G20 to continue to strengthen," added the public policy expert. Gustavo Ng, editor of Chinese-Argentine cultural exchange magazine Dang Dai and member of China Culture Translation and Studies Support, highlighted China's development success and what it means for the world. "It's not about the world following China's example. It's that China, with its social and economic success, is showing that things can be done in another way, and they can work out well," he said. In this video grab FSB operatives detain a man outside Moscow on Sept. 30, 2017. MOSCOW, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday that it had foiled attacks by an extremist group on law enforcement officers and business leaders in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. Three of the suspects were killed and another one was detained in an operation, it said in a statement, adding that the FSB also seized weapons and munitions. The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal inquiry. Located in Russia's North Caucasus, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria has seen attacks by militant groups on government bodies and individuals. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 01:23:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- China, the European Union (EU) and other World Trade Organization (WTO) members have submitted joint proposals on the reform of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism, known as the Appellate Body, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. The move is to safeguard and strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Appellate Body and push for the early start of the selection process to fill the vacancies of the Appellate Body, said MOC spokesperson Gao Feng at a press conference. He said China, the EU and other WTO members submitted two joint proposals to the WTO on the reform of WTO's dispute settlement mechanism on Nov. 22, and plan to release a joint statement during the meeting of WTO General Council on Dec. 12. The first proposal gives proper solutions to transitional rules of outgoing Appellate Body members and the second strengthens the independence of the Appellate Body, increases its efficiency and capability and proposes to automatically launch its selection process, said the spokesperson. The proposals aimed to respond to and resolve the concerns of some members over the complaint-filing process, maintain and strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Appellate Body and push for launching the process of selecting Appellate Body members as soon as possible, Gao said. So far, the joint proposals have been signed by more than 40 WTO members, including those from both developed and developing countries. The dispute settlement mechanism is the central pillar of the WTO and plays an important role in maintaining the organization's reliability and predictability, solving trade disputes between members in a short period of time and ensuring its effective functioning, Gao said. The Appellate Body is an important part of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, Gao said. Obstruction from certain members for selecting members on the Appellate Body "severely threatens the normal operation of the dispute settlement mechanism, posing institutional risks for the normal functioning of the multilateral trade system," Gao said. "China is willing to work together with all other WTO members by holding active discussions to launch the process of selecting Appellate Body members as soon as possible, jointly safeguarding the normal operation of the dispute settlement mechanism and protecting the authoritativeness and effectiveness of the multilateral trade system," Gao added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 01:59:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Britain pledged their support for Ukraine amid its tensions with Russia around the Kerch Strait, local media reported on Thursday. According to the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch called for the de-escalation of the tensions and urged Russia to release captured Ukrainian sailors. "The U.S. supports the right of Ukraine to defend its rights and we will continue to stand next to the Ukrainian people... And our support is not only verbal," Yovanovitch was quoted as saying during the 2nd International Maritime Security Conference in Kiev. The British Ambassador to Ukraine Judith Gough, who also participated in the conference, said Britain condemns Russia's actions in the Kerch Strait and stands ready to assist Ukraine in boosting the capabilities of its navy. "We will work for the development of the Ukrainian Navy," Gough told the conference. On Sunday, three Ukrainian naval ships attempting to sail through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov were attacked and seized by Russian forces, which claimed that the ships violated the Russian border. The Ukrainian Navy said that it had informed Russia in advance of the passage of its vessels through the strait, while Russia said it had received no such report and the ships ignored multiple warnings by the Russian border guards. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that more than 20 Ukrainians were detained during the tensions. Ukraine has accused Russia of "aggressive actions" in the Sea of Azov after Russia inaugurated a bridge over the Kerch Strait earlier this year and started inspecting commercial ships sailing through the sea and the strait. Moscow rejected such accusations, saying Russia can exercise its sovereign rights in nearby waters off Crimea and the Kerch Strait is not an international passage. Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been deteriorating since Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a local referendum, which was rejected by Ukraine and Western countries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:04:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SKOPJE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian government will give a grant of 50 million Macedonian denar (about 917,000 U.S. dollars) to the country's print media to cover printing and distribution costs. Robert Popovski, the Minister without Portfolio in charge of Communication, Accountability and Transparency, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday. He said the government will offer financial aid covering 50 percent of the costs to newspapers published in Macedonian and 50 to 70 percent to those printed in minority languages. To get the funding, the minister explained, the media needs to meet the requirements laid out in the Program Aid Print Media Printing and Distribution, adopted by the government on Tuesday. "The beneficiaries should publish articles on current developments in national politics, economy, society and culture," said Popovski. Moreover, the media outlet has to pay all the taxes, wages and social insurance contributions. Lirim Dullovi, head of the Print Media Association, said the aid will contribute to professional journalism and stop political parties from influencing media. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:09:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before leaving for the G20 Summit in Argentina from the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Nov. 29, 2018. Donald Trump said on Thursday that considering the unsolved confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, he has decided it would be "best" to cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that considering the unsolved confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, he has decided it would be "best" to cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump tweeted during his flight to Argentina that "based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting... in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin." "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" he added. The remarks marked a U-turn of Trump's previous notes hours ago before leaving for the trip that it is "very good time" to meet with Putin in Argentina. While speaking to the media before leaving for Buenos Aires, Trump said he "probably" would meet with Putin, although he threatened earlier on Tuesday to cancel the scheduled meeting due to his displeasure of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia confrontation near the Kerch Strait that separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. "I probably will be meeting with President Putin. We haven't terminated that meeting," he said. "They would like to have it. I think it's a very good time to have the meeting." He added that he would get a final report on the Ukraine-Russia tension during the upcoming flight. "I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happened with respect to that and that will determine what I'm going to be doing," Trump said. Trump also told the media that he would have been willing to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Argentina, but there was no time in his schedule. The Ukrainian Navy said Sunday that Russian forces opened fire and seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait, adding that six Ukrainian military sailors were wounded, two of them in serious condition, in the attack. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said the three Ukrainian ships, namely Berdyansk, Nikopol and Yany Kapu, breached the Russian border and conducted dangerous maneuvers in spite of orders of accompanying vessels from the FSB and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The Ukrainian Navy said in response that it has informed Russia in advance about the passage of Ukrainian vessels from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait, calling Russia's actions an "act of aggression." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:14:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A new report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Thursday shows that information and communication technology (ICT) is helping global parliaments become better connected and more transparent. The report said that lawmakers are engaging more with people through social media and instant messaging. Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, said, "A parliament that uses new technologies to be more open, transparent and accountable is also a parliament that empowers its people to be more engaged in public life by providing better information and greater access to its activities." The IPU World e-Parliament report is the fifth in a series that the IPU started with the United Nations 10 years ago. It shows how digital tools are transforming parliaments, and how new media are helping parliaments and lawmakers connect with new audiences. More parliaments than ever use social media to communicate. Social media overtook TV and radio in the last report in 2016 as the most widely used medium for communication to the public, said the IPU. The 2018 IPU report shows that 70 percent of the parliaments are now using a social network and 68 percent using Twitter. One in five parliaments now uses instant messaging (such as WhatsApp), an increase of 154 percent from the eight percent reported in 2016. The report is based on two surveys: the first on parliaments covering 114 parliamentary chambers in 85 countries; and the second on MPs based on a sample of 168 serving legislators. Gabriela Cuevas, IPU President, said, "Parliaments need to harness the power of social media and new ways of communicating to reconnect with the people they represent." She said technology is evolving every day and this has transformed the way people communicate. "With the mere click of a button the world is within our reach, allowing us to access information, goods, and services almost instantly. Politics cannot afford to lag," said Cuevas. The IPU said in a statement the IPU's World e-Parliament Conference scheduled for Dec. 3-5 in Geneva will receive the report. At the conference, the IPU will also launch the Center for Innovation in Parliament, a new resource to support the use of digital tools in parliaments. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:24:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SARAJEVO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has allocated additional 500,000 euros (569,233 U.S. dollars) to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in migration, the website of the Delegation of the EU to BiH stated on Thursday. "Our humanitarian aid will provide food, water, emergency shelter, sanitation, health care, and warm clothing," Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, was quoted as saying. The assistance will be allocated to reception centers located in the area around capital Sarajevo and in cities of Bihac and Velika Kladusa, some 300 kilometers northwest of Sarajevo, very close to Croatian border where migrants attempt to cross on their way to EU member states. The special emphasis of the aid is put on the protection of migrants and their families in the upcoming winter period when shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure needs to be upgraded to meet winter conditions. In May 2018, BiH's Council of Ministers officially requested EU assistance, after which 7.2 million euros (8.19 million U.S. dollars) were allocated, providing adequate accommodation for the country's migration and border management, asylum, border control and surveillance capacities. Migrants turned to BiH in recent months, trying to avoid more heavily-guarded routes and borders in the Balkans. Some 20,000 migrants have entered BiH since the beginning of this year until Nov. 4, mainly from Pakistan, Iran and Syria. it is estimated that some 4,000 are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. "This additional funding brings EU humanitarian assistance in the western Balkans to 31 million euros (35.2 million U.S. dollars) since the start of the refugee crisis in 2015," the website stated. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:54:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's coast guards rescued 112 illegal migrants in the Mediterranean on Thursday, the Moroccan army said. The guards on patrol in the Mediterranean assisted six boasts carrying 112 migrants, the majority of whom come from sub-Saharan African nations, added the army. The migrants were brought safe and sound to the nearest Moroccan ports, the source noted. Morocco has witnessed a significant hike in illegal migration attempts in 2018. According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, the authorities have foiled over 76,000 illegal migration attempts since the beginning of this year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 02:59:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BRATISLAVA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak resigned on Thursday after the parliament adopted a resolution, asking the government to reject the UN Global Compact for Migration. Lajcak tendered his resignation "in reaction on the resolution approved by Slovak parliament concerning the UN Global Compact for Migration", said Slovak Foreign Ministry spokesperson Boris Gandel. According to the resolution, the Slovak government should take a disapproving stance towards the UN Global Compact for Migration. It should also carry out relevant measures related to Slovakia's withdrawal from the process of adopting the document at a meeting of governments and high representatives to be held in Morocco on Dec. 10-11. The resolution also states that the UN Global Compact for Migration isn't in line with Slovakia's current security and migration policy. "Slovakia is fully sovereign in defining its own national migration policy," reads the resolution. According to the document, economically motivated illegal migration is a negative phenomenon accompanied by security risks in a national, regional and global context. The resolution states that Slovakia supports resolving the causes of migration in the countries of origin. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 03:59:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAKURU, Kenya, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday reiterated that troops will keep fighting al-Shabab militants in Somalia until peace and stability is restored to the region. Kenyatta said Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) which is part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) will continue their work in Somalia until the Horn of African nation returns to full normalcy. "Our defence forces remain steadfast in their mission to bring peace and lasting stability in the horn of Africa region with unwavering zeal and determination," he said in Gilgil when he commissioned the sixth batch of military cadets after three-year training. The military cadets underwent three years of rigorous training as part of ongoing reform efforts to keep Kenya's military on par with the best in the world. "And in pursuance of this objective and that of the international community our troops will continue being part of AMISOM until such time that our objective has been achieved," Kenyatta said. Since the Kenyan soldiers crossed into Somalia in 2011, Islamist militants have staged a string of attacks in Kenya, including April 2, 2015 massacre at Garissa University that left 148 students dead and a 2013 assault on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall that killed 67. Kenyatta called on the new officers to keep the tradition of the Kenya Defence Forces of being among the best soldiers in the world. "KDF has a track record for discipline and respect that is recognized nationally and internationally," said the president. Security experts have said poor command structures and failure to share intelligence have hampered the work of the security forces hence the training. The president said the current training program is informed by the new challenges Kenya is facing including cross-border threats such as terrorism and other forms of trans-boundary criminal activities. The newly commissioned officers have been trained under the new curriculum which incorporates academic and character development studies leading to the award of a Bachelors degree in military and security studies. This is besides the professional military training which predominantly entails tactics and physical endurance required to survive in the battle field. The degree course is administered by the Kenya Military Academy in partnership with Kenyatta University. Kenyatta said the training was revamped to respond to the complex nature of security challenges facing Kenya and the world, and is tailored to produce highly competent military officers not just for Kenya but for allied neighboring countries as well. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 04:04:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sudan and Ethiopia on Thursday underlined the importance of establishing joint forces to secure their common border, official SUNA news agency reported. The two sides voiced the opinion as Sudan's Presidential Assistant Faisal Hassan Ibrahim on Thursday met with the Ethiopian ambassador in Khartoum, the report said. Creating joint border forces could help prevent smuggling and human trafficking, they agreed. Ibrahim renewed Sudan's willingness and keenness to secure the border and enhance the bilateral ties with Ethiopia, the report said. The joint border between Sudan and Ethiopia has witnessed an increase in activities of human trafficking groups. Sudan is considered as one of major routes for human traffickers and illegal migrants. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 04:59:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior United Nations humanitarian affairs official on Thursday stressed the need to renew authorization for cross-border aid delivery in Syria, set to expire in December. "The renewal of this Council's resolution will continue to save lives," said Reena Ghalani, director for operations and advocacy in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Millions of people depend on your decision," she added, delivering the Council's monthly briefing on that matter. Briefing on behalf of Mark Lowcock, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, Ghalani recalled that between Nov. 3 and 8, the UN, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and other partners concluded a complex humanitarian assistance operation to provide life-saving aid to about 50,000 displaced persons in the southeast of Syria's Rukban camp, the first major delivery there since January. The operation was approved by the government of Syria and facilitated by the Russian Federation and the United States, she explained. The teams, together with Syria's Ministry of Health, vaccinated more than 5,000 children, she said, recalling that the humanitarian workers expressed shock at conditions in the camp. She went on to note that some 4.3 million people currently in need live in areas outside the government's control, 3 million of whom can only be reached through cross-border operations, and the UN has no alternative means to reach them. This month alone, nearly 600,000 people received assistance, including food, medicines, educational supplies and other essential items. The vaccination of more than 12,500 children against measles and rubella has just been completed in Idlib Governorate, using supplies delivered across the border, she said. All deliveries are monitored to ensure they contain only humanitarian supplies, she said. Overall, from areas under government control, across conflict lines as well as borders, the UN and its partners are reaching, on average, almost 5.4 million people with humanitarian assistance in each month of 2018. Expressing serious concern over violence this month, she cited increased reports of civilian casualties and displacements due to air strikes and ground fighting in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate. In addition, there have been reports of mortar shells containing chlorine gas hitting three densely populated neighborhoods in western Aleppo, she said, reiterating that "any confirmed use of chemical weapons is abhorrent and a clear and egregious violation of international law." Reporting the first air strikes in Idlib Governate in two months, she emphasized that they demonstrate the fragility of the agreements already reached on Syria and the urgent need to preserve them. In any case, "we reiterate that under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict must protect civilians against attack, treat them humanely and allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian relief," she noted. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 04:59:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JUBA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan health officials on Thursday declared an outbreak of the deadly yellow fever viral disease in the southwestern part of the country bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Makur Matur Koriom, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, said a suspected Ebola case found in Nzara County, Gbudue State, near the DRC border has been confirmed positive with the yellow fever after preliminary testing was conducted last week. "The ministry of health would like to inform the public that there is a confirmed outbreak of yellow fever in Supiri village in Nzara County of Gbudue State," Koriom told reporters in Juba. He said a rapid response team composed of government officials and World Health Organization (WHO) staff was dispatched to Supiri on Nov. 24 to investigate and collect sample from the suspected case. The sample was transported to Juba at the national laboratory for preliminary gene expert testing and eventually to the Uganda Virus Research Institute for confirmatory testing. Koriom disclosed that the results were confirmed negative for all Ebola species. "The advice given to local people is that they should only stay in Supiri until the results of the blood test is reviewed." "They have been advised not to travel to the DRC unless it is urgent," he said, adding that they were conducting surveillance and engaging communities on the disease. Evans Liyosi, Officer in Charge for WHO South Sudan, said yellow fever is dangerous and it can kill up to 50 percent of the people it infects and it can spread very fast within a short period. "We will work closely with MOH (ministry of health) and other partners that are on ground to make sure that we are able to deploy more teams, train more health workers along the border," said Liyosi. Yellow fever is a viral disease with symptoms which include fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pains particularly in the back, and headaches, abdominal pain occurs, and liver damage begins causing yellow skin. The disease is caused by the yellow fever virus and is spread by the bite of an infected female mosquito. It infects only humans, other primates, and several species of mosquitoes. In cities, it is spread primarily by Aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito found throughout the tropics and subtropics. The virus is an RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus. Yellow fever outbreak was reported by WHO in Sudan's South Kordofan region in 2005, and the most recent in 2012 in Darfur region. South Sudan has also increased Ebola alertness and response in the Yei, Yambio areas which border Uganda and the DRC respectively. Ebola epidemic has caused death of over 200 people in the DRC. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 04:59:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GABORONE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi will join other world leaders in Katowice, Poland for the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation in Botswana, Masisi will leave for Poland on Dec. 1 to attend the event that will run from Dec. 2 to 5. The news release said COP24 is meant to adopt the implementation guidelines aimed at accelerating the achievement of the Paris Climate Change Agreement goals. "To achieve this, the conference will strive to agree on the Paris Rule book, which will demonstrate political will and commitment on the part of the parties, to embark on an effective work plan. This will engender a collective effort towards realizing the ambitions of the UNFCCC beyond 2020," said the release. Alongside the COP24 meeting, there will also be a High-Level Summit emanating from the Talanoa Dialogue, during which heads of state and government are expected to sign the declaration recognizing the need for a low carbon economy as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. The Talanoa Dialogue is a process designed to help countries implement and enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions by 2020. It was launched at COP 23 under the presidency of the Republic of Fiji and is a year-long process. Like many other nations, Botswana is already feeling the adverse impact of climate change across various sectors of the economy through, among others, extreme weather events, substantial reductions in surface water resources, accelerated desertification in sensitive arid zones and greater threats to health, biodiversity and agricultural production. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:09:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TUNIS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The number of criminal cases in Tunisia could hit 200,000 at the end of 2018, Neji Jalloul, head of Tunisian Institute of Strategic Studies (ITES), revealed on Thursday. In the first 10 months, a total of 185,617 criminal cases were recorded in Tunisia, Jalloul said, quoting results of a study conducted by the ITES on crimes in Tunisia, at the opening of a seminar on crime prevention in Tunisia. The number of criminal cases in 2017 in Tunisia was 196,848, compared to 173,070 in 2016, the study found. About 48 percent of the prisoners in Tunisia are young people, 58 percent of whom are aged between 15 and 19 years old. The district of Grand Tunis ranked in the first place in crime rate, followed by the regions of Sousse, Nabeul, Sfax and Tataouine. These figures are both "disturbing and alarming," as they threaten the social order and security in Tunisia, Jalloul warned. Jalloul said the rise in crimes is due to several factors including political, economic and social instability, deterioration of purchasing power, unemployment, poverty, and high school dropout rate. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:30:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian air defenses destroyed all enemy missiles targeting areas in southern Syria, state TV reported, noting that the enemy attack couldn't achieve its goal. The air defenses were triggered on Thursday evening to an attack targeting military posts in the town of Kisweh in the southern countryside of the capital Damascus in southern Syria. The report said the attack was intense, adding that all enemy missiles couldn't hit any of its targets. It's not yet clear what is the exact "enemy targets," whether warplanes or rockets. The side behind the attack is not yet clear, but Israel has repeatedly targeted military positions in Syria, including in Kisweh. If Israel is behind the attack, it would be the first hit since September when it attacked military sites in Syria and confused the Syrian air defenses into mistakenly hit a Russian surveillance aircraft. After the September attack, during which Russian servicemen were killed by friendly fire, Russia and Syrian government blamed Israel and Moscow was quick to equip Damascus with the S-300 air defense missile system. In related remarks, Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, told Xinhua in September that the arrival of Russia's S-300 to Syria would push Israel to reconsider before striking Syria again. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:30:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces on Thursday arrested al-Shabab militant, a key suspect behind the bombing of Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu on Nov. 9 that left at least 50 people dead, officials said. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said that the militant will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. "The security forces arrested one of the masterminds of the attack on Sahafi hotel on Nov.9, we will bring him to justice," NISA said, adding that its forces carried out a well coordinated security operation in Mogadishu. Al-Shabab militants did not comment on the arrest of one of its fighters but instead said forces killed at least six Somalia National Army (SNA) soldiers in landmine blast outside Mogadishu earlier on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:40:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police on Thursday killed six suspected bandits who were on an attempt to rob a wealthy businessman. Lazaro Mambosasa, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, said the suspected bandits were armed with an AK47 military firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition. "One of the dead bodies had an identification card showing he was working in Burundi," Mambosasa told a news conference in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. He said police rounded and attacked the suspects at between 3.30 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time at Ubungo area where the businessman was traveling to Morogoro with a huge amount of money. "We cannot release the name of the businessman for security reasons," said the police officer. Mambosasa said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had previously stolen huge amounts of money in Dar es Salaam and Geita regions. On Nov. 16, police killed seven suspected armed robbers in Mwanza city on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. Jonathan Shanna, Mwanza regional police commander, said the gangsters were killed and one police officer injured during a fierce exchange of fire at Kishiri ward in Nyamagana district. Shanna added that the police also seized two firearms and 77 rounds of ammunition used by the armed suspects. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:50:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Syrian air defenses responded Thursday evening to a suspected Israeli missile attack on military targets in southern Syria, local media reported. State TV reported that Syrian air force fired anti-air missiles in response to the strike, adding that all enemy targets were destroyed and that the foreign attack failed to achieve its intended goals. It said the attack took place over the town of Kisweh in the southern countryside of the Syrian capital Damascus. While the official Syrian media outlets hinted that Israel is behind the attack, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitoring group based in Britain, explicitly stated that Israel carried out the attack in the southern and southwestern countryside of Damascus near the administrative border with the southern province of Quneitra. The watchdog said the Syrian air defenses were firing a number of missiles to intercept the Israeli missiles. Meanwhile, the pro-government Sham FM radio said two explosions were heard in the vicinity of the town of Al-Dimass in the western countryside of Damascus in tandem with the missile attack in southern Damascus. Israel has repeatedly targeted military positions in Syria, including Kisweh. If Israel is proved to be behind the attack, it would be the its first attack on Syrian targets since September, when it attacked military sites in Syria and led to the downing of a Russian surveillance aircraft by missiles mistakenly fired by Syrian air force in response to the Israeli attack. After the September attack, during which 15 Russian servicemen were killed, Russia and the Syrian government blamed Israel for the crash, and Moscow was quick to equip Damascus with the advanced S-300 air defense system. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told Xinhua in September that the arrival of Russia's S-300 to Syria would push Israel to reconsider before striking Syria again. Israeli usually claims that its strikes target Iranian positions or weapons in Syria that could end up in the hands of the Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 05:55:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TUNIS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A security patrol was attacked by an armed group Thursday evening in Kasserine province in west Tunisia, the spokesman of Tunisian Interior Ministry told Xinhua. Sofiene Zaak said three armed individuals in two motorcycles shot at a patrol belonging to the security units and fled. The attackers did not kill any security forces. Zaak confirmed that it was a terrorist attack. One civilian was injured in the attack and was transferred to Kasserine Hospital for treatment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:10:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ROME, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Italy resolved one of its biggest-ever tax disputes this week when social media giant Facebook agreed to pay more than 100 million euros (115 million U.S. dollars) in back taxes. But experts said the deal will do little to clarify the way digital multinationals should be taxed. According to Italy's tax authority, the agreement with Facebook would "end the disagreement connected to tax investigations by the financial police under the orders of the Milan state prosecutor for 2010 to 2016." Facebook confirmed the agreement in a statement. But Tommaso Di Tanno, a tax law professor at Milan's Bocconi University, called the agreement "a one-time transaction" and he said the construction of the agreement means that neither side admitted any wrong doing, meaning it would not set any precedent for any period after 2016 or regarding tax obligations for any other company. "This agreement provides money to the Italian state," Di Tanno told Xinhua, "But it doesn't do anything beyond that. It doesn't help define future tax rulings in any significant way." Many digital multinationals have previously struck deals with Italian tax authorities. In these cases, almost all the agreements were structured to satisfy demands of a specific tax investigation without setting a legal precedent. The new Facebook settlement continues that trend. "The companies have evidently concluded it is better to negotiate these kinds of deals on a case-by-case basis than it is to negotiate some kind of framework that will make their tax obligations predictable going forward," Di Tanno said. Even though the new deal does little to provide legal precedents for the future, Francesco Brandi, a former Italian tax official now working as a tax law professor at Rome's La Sapienza University, said that does not mean Italy will see a steady stream of this kind of tax settlement in the future. "It's true that these deals do not provide a legal framework that can be applied in future cases, but part of the negotiation process is to help the companies involved understand what they have to do to stay out of trouble," Brandi said in an interview. Though totaling more than 100 million euros, the deal with Facebook is smaller than other similar deals in recent years. Within the last three years, Apple agreed to pay tax authorities more than 300 million euros (over 345 million U.S. dollars) for tax bills dating back to 2008, while Google agreed to pay 306 million euros (352 million U.S. dollars) to settle a tax bill for the 2009-2013 period. A tax agreement between Amazon and Italian tax authorities was worth around the same amount as the new Facebook settlement. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:15:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LONDON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- One of Scotland's most iconic bridges was Thursday awarded the highest architectural honor. The Erskine Bridge has been recognised by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The bridge, which opened in 1972, is one of Scotland's most architecturally and technically designed bridges of the post-war period. It has the longest cable-stayed span of its type in the world and is one of only three bridges in Scotland with a main span exceeding 300 meters. The decision came after the public was asked for its views about the bridge. Elizabeth McCrone, head of Designations at HES, said: "The Erskine Bridge is a state-of-the-art infrastructure landmark in Scotland for its time and is recognised for its structural simplicity, economy of materials and slender appearance. "Spanning the River Clyde, the bridge was part of a highly ambitious expansion of the new motorway network in Scotland, and is directly associated with the period of ambitious transformation of Scotland's modern infrastructure in the 1960s." McCrone said the minimalistic single-cable design of the bridge, which is exceptionally rare for a large-scale road bridge, combined with its largely unchanged appearance to make it one of the Scotland's most innovative bridges of the 20th century. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:25:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said Thursday night that Syria fired a missile at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights after Damascus said Israel launched airstrikes on targets in southern Syria. The Israeli military also denied media reports that an Israeli fighter jet or an airborne target had been intercepted, dismissing them as "false." "During a Syrian surface-to-air missile launching, one launch was identified towards an open area in the Golan Heights," an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. "At this point, it remains unclear if the launch indeed landed in Israeli territory," it said, adding that Israeli troops were searching the area for possible remnants of the missile. Earlier Thursday night, Syrian state TV reported that the Syrian air defenses destroyed suspected Israeli missiles targeting military posts in the town of Kisweh near the capital Damascus in southern Syria. The Israeli statement neither confirmed nor denied the reports about the air attack in Syria. If Israel is behind the attack, it would be the first attack since September when its airstrike confused the Syrian air defenses which mistakenly mistakenly shot down a Russian surveillance aircraft, killing 15 Russian servicemen. After the September attack, Russia and Syrian government blamed Israel for the losses and Moscow was quick to equip Damascus with the advanced S-300 air defense missile system. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told Xinhua in September that the arrival of Russia's S-300 system would push Israel to reconsider before striking Syria again. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:30:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HAVANA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Thursday began a two-day visit to Cuba as part of a Latin American tour to strengthen political and cooperative ties with different nations. According to a statement by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim would be received by the island's first vice president, Salvador Valdes, and other officials. His visit, said the brief statement, is part of the "fluid and intense" bilateral exchanges due to the friendly and historical relations between the socialist countries. The visit to the Caribbean nation comes just weeks after Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel traveled to Pyongyang and met with DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Nam is likely to meet Diaz-Canel and Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, during his stay in Havana. Cuba is the second leg of his three-nation Latin American tour, as he previously visited Venezuela. In Caracas he met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and other senior officials while the two nations signed cooperation agreements for political consultations between the two governments and elimination of visas for diplomatic personnel. On Friday night, Kim will travel to Mexico to attend the inauguration of Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Dec.1. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:45:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Thursday stressed that the major outcomes of the just concluded fourth Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week have created a new momentum toward the implementation of game-changing infrastructure projects in Africa. The ECA made the comments as the PIDA Week, which was held from Monday to Wednesday in Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe, concluded with a joint call for the development of key trans-boundary infrastructure projects in Africa so as to integrate the continent economically and socially for the benefit of its people. "Addressing Africa's infrastructure gap remains an imperative that African governments should continue to take seriously if the continent is to realize the aspirations of its people as enshrined in the continent's blueprint for development, Agenda 2063, and the global agenda for sustainable development," the ECA said in a statement on Thursday. The ECA also commended the final outcome of the gathering as participants agreed to keep up the efforts to accelerate the development of key infrastructure projects in the continent. PIDA projects, especially trans-boundary infrastructure projects, will bolster regional integration and are a prerequisite for unleashing Africa's growth potential, the ECA said. Experts and policymakers, who gathered during the past three days as part of the PIDA Week, also jointly called on African countries in particular and the continent in general to increase projects under construction from the current 32 percent to 50 percent if it is to achieve its developmental aspirations, according to the ECA. The joint call urged that "the continent should create an enabling environment for the private sector to have space to buy into the continent's key priority projects," the ECA statement read. Establishing good governance frameworks and mechanisms for Africa's infrastructure projects will not only boost investor confidence, but also guarantee timely delivery of projects within budget and to specification, according to the meeting outcome communique. African countries were also urged to develop bankable and smart infrastructure with cross-border orientation to propel socio-economic growth on the continent with governments being urged to proactively engage all stakeholders, in particular communities, to make the projects inclusive and true enablers for development. Noting that de-risking of projects is necessary and critical to ensure they are bankable to attract capital that has remained largely elusive, the ECA also urged the involvement of the private sector in the development of infrastructure sector in Africa. "Infrastructure should not remain in the public sector domain with governments being urged to engage the private sector for long-term projects," the ECA said. The ECA commended the meeting outcome for its recognition to the PIDA Quality Label as a framework needed to ensure projects fulfill set criteria, as well as the establishment of PIDA project specific working groups to focus on data transparency and dissemination, advocacy work, project development, review and funding, partnerships and capacity building. During the meeting, the four major pan-African organizations - the African Union (AU), the ECA, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Agency, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) - also vowed to continue working together for the development of Africa's infrastructure sector, according to the ECA. They agreed to put in place sustainable capacity building mechanisms for key infrastructure sectors on the continent and to invest in efforts to accelerate development of key infrastructure projects. The four continental organizations have also pledged to launch and use the PIDA Job Creation Toolkit as a part of the package and means to attract and convince pertinent stakeholders, including financiers and development partners, on the benefits of key PIDA priority projects in the construction phase. The 4th PIDA Week was held under the theme "Realizing Africa's Integration through Smart Infrastructure and Good Governance." Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-30 06:50:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Nordic central banks on Thursday underlined the risk of breakdown on the digital payment systems, urging the regulators and commercial bankers to do more for cyber security. Opening the second Nordic Cyber in Finance conference in Helsinki, Marja Nykanen, deputy governor of the Bank of Finland, warned of the reluctance of the basically profit-oriented commercial financial organizations to invest in security. She said, while the previous world financial crisis could be attributed to financial risk taking, the next could originate in mistakes in the cyber sphere. Nykanen said it is important that the commercial finance sector understands its role not only in providing financial services, but also that it has this very connecting position in societies. Jan Nicolaisen, deputy governor of the Norwegian Central Bank, underlined that the risks have to be combated in a cost efficient manner. He said the whole financial sector shares the interest to fight the threats. "No financial organization can survive a successful attack. The choice between risk and cost must be made in the Board Room." Martin Floden, deputy governor of the Swedish Central Bank, said his organization has been a bit naive in focusing on efficiency in recent decades, and will have to concentrate more on safety now. The central bank directors also tackled the situation where currency issued by the central bank has increasingly ended up in a secondary role as payments have been digitized. Floden said the change has been rapid in Sweden and the cash infrastructure is no longer well functioning. One option is that central bank would issue its own digital currency. "All payments are digital in Sweden. It is not central bank currency, but money from commercial banks." Taking a step back and making a better role for cash would be difficult to put in practice as people are used to digital payments. "So we think of central bank digital currency, but there is no answer yet," he said. Meanwhile, Nykanen asked whether central banks will actually increase risks if they start issuing digital money. Nykanen explained that in Finland the establishment of a contingency payment system on a voluntary basis turned out to be difficult and now legislation is being prepared. Jukka Savolainen, a director for vulnerability and resilience issues at the newly established center on hybrid threats in Helsinki, said a situation where people cannot purchase food or medicine can be dangerous. He declared he is a supporter for keeping bank notes available. Companies could survive longer with payment problems, but for people three days may be the maximum, he stressed. The risks of the increased outsourcing of operations were discussed as well. "You can outsource work, but you cannot outsource your responsibility", Nykanen summed up. Nicolaisen said the way that "third party operators" are controlled should be reassessed. Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-29 05:28:51|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense, Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, on Wednesday tried to convince the U.S. Senate that the U.S. alliance with Saudi Arabia is worthy despite the kingdom's alleged involvement in the tragic death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and heavy civilian casualties in Yemen. However, the statements of the two senior officials have so far seemed not enough to appease the Congress rage about Khashoggi's death and the situation in Yemen. GRILLING BRIEFING As U.S. media reported that the Senate was to vote later Wednesday on ending U.S. assistance for the Yemen conflict, the closed-door defense of Pompeo and Mattis have widely been seen as key to bridging the gap between the Trump administration and the Congress, when senators of the two parties have grown increasingly over Saudi Arabia's allegedly inconsistent responses to its role in Khashoggi's death and Yemen's casualties, and threatened to take more actions to punish Riyadh. Pompeo reportedly said in the briefing that Saudi crown prince had not been proved to be directly involved in the death of Khashoggi, and the war in Yemen would be "a hell of a lot worse" if the United States was not involved in. For his part, Mattis said in prepared remarks that "I must note we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners." "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us," he said, explaining that Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to U.S. interests in Mid-East stability. The Trump administration has also tried to play down the alleged direct involvement of Saudi crown prince in the death of Khashoggi. Pompeo told reporters after the briefing that "I do believe I've read every piece of intelligence ...there is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi. And that's all I can say in an unclassified setting." However, Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said after the briefing that "I don't think there's anybody in the room that doesn't believe he was responsible," noting the Saudi leader is "out of control." HASPEL'S ABSENCE As CIA Director Gina Haspel, who had visited Turkey for Khashoggi's case and is widely seen as the key U.S. official that may know the truth, did not attend the briefing. The Trump administration seemed to have failed to persuade the Congress from taking more actions to punish Saudi Arabia. The Guardian reported earlier on Tuesday that the White House is preventing the CIA director, Gina Haspel, or any other intelligence official, from briefing the Senate on the death of Khashoggi. When asked to confirm the report, Pompeo dodged the question, only said that "I was asked to be here and here I am." Such an attitude has obviously failed to satisfy the Congress. While Democratic Senator Bob Menendez blamed the Trump administration for attempting to "stonewall" the Senate and called the absence of an intelligence official "outrageous," Corker also said he was disappointed Haspel was not present at the briefing. After the briefing, several senators noted that they were unsatisfied and may support the resolution to stop U.S. support for Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict. Other lawmakers said they wanted to impose further sanctions against Saudi Arabia well beyond those that Washington have inflicted on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing. A similar resolution fell six votes short of passage earlier this year, but some senators, including Corker, seemed to be ready to switch and support "an appropriate response" from the administration, saying the Saudi crown prince "owns this death. He owns it." For his part, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, also said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel, threatening to withhold his vote on key measures if that didn't happen. U.S. media reported that the resolution just needs a majority to advance, but could launch an amendment process that could play out for days in the Senate. In response, the White House reportedly issued a veto threat for that resolution, saying it would "harm bilateral relationships in the region and negatively impact the ability of the United States to prevent the spread of violent extremist organizations." DEBATE GOING ON After the briefing, Pompeo also told the media, "We are on the cusp of allowing the U.S. envoy, Martin Griffiths, to, in December, gather the parties together and hopefully get a ceasefire in Yemen." "So it is the view of the administration, Secretary Mattis, and myself that passing a resolution at this point undermines that. It would encourage the Houthis, it would encourage the Iranians; it would undermine the fragile agreement for everyone to go to Sweden and have this discussion," Pompeo said. Also on Wednesday, Pompeo tweeted that "the Trump Administration's effort to rebuild the U.S.-#Saudi partnership isn't popular in the salons of Washington, but ... degrading our ties would be a mistake for U.S. national security." The statement was seen by U.S. media outlets as a thinly-veiled acknowledgement of dispute between the Trump administration and the Congress over U.S.-Saudi Arabian ties. In response, Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted that Pompeo is wrong to say Saudi Arabia is a worthy partner for the U.S. side. "Pompeo gets it wrong," he said. "Saudi Arabia is not a partner worth having when it abuses human rights. Leadership isn't about an amoral pursuit of material benefit & profit. It's about applying our values to friends & foes alike, even when - especially when - it's hard." Cainele bionic, o noua inovatie medicala a unui veterinar din Rusia Catelusa Monika, un caine salvator din regiunea Krasnodar a primit patru proteze din titan, printate cu imprimanta 3D, care ii inlocuiesc labutele, potrivit Euronews . Este primul caine, din lume, cu astfel de proteze, insa nu este primul animal caruia doctorul [citeste mai departe] Stiri pe aceeasi tema - The Prime Minister-designate, Nicolae Ciuca, stated, on Monday, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, that Romanians expect from the new government "stability and solutions" to resolve the effects produced by the pandemic and the energy crisis and expressed hope that the new team at the Victoria - The Government's Department for Sustainable Development will receive the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) award for innovation and excellence in public service at a gala in December in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai, agerpres reports. According to a statement - The average gross nominal salary was 5,732 lei in September 2021, by 44 lei (+0.8%) higher than in August 2021, and the average net nominal salary was 3,517 lei, increasing compared to the previous month by 30 lei (+0.9%), the National Institute of Statistics (INS) announced on Thursday, agerpres - The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) informs on Thursday morning that 43 foreign citizens who did not meet the legal requirements were denied entry in the country, in the last 24 hours, and 10 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. - Dr. Hans Kluge, regional director of the World Health Organisation for Europe, emphasized on Tuesday that no healthcare system was ready when COVID-19 hit and that the biggest mistake was of states who didn't invest in public healthcare and didn't elaborate policies in the sector. The WHO - Autoritatile locale au transmis programul pentru iubitorii de sport care doresc sa foloseasca pista de atletism din incinta stadionului Cetate din Alba Iulia. Post-ul PROGRAMUL pentru public al pistei de atletism din incinta stadionului Cetate din Alba Iulia apare prima data in ProAlba . - As many as 37 foreign citizens who did not fulfill the legal requirements were denied entry in the country, to whom added 12 Romanian citizens who were denied exit because of various legal reasons, the IGPF (General Inspectorate of the Border Police) announced on Thursday, in a press release sent - National chairman of the National Liberal party (PNL), major at rule, Ludovic Orban said on Thursday that at the moment there is a political situation that does not benefit anyone and any departure from the leading coalition leads to the loss of majority. Orban made a "strong appeal" to Prime Minister A 23-year-old Pemberton Township man has been indicted on charges of fatally shooting another man from the township last year, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said Wednesday. Douglas Lewis, of Fort Dix Road, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and related crimes. He was being held in the Burlington County jail in Mount Holly. Lewis was accused of killing Shaquille Williams, 24, of the Browns Mills section of the township. William, who had been shot several times, was found dead inside of a vehicle in 100 block of Kinsley Road in March 2017 Murder indictment of Perberton man Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to reporters after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday. Read more WASHINGTON (AP) Defying President Donald Trump, senators sent a strong signal that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote on Wednesday was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggi's brutal killing in Turkey last month. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. Echoing Trump's public comments on the killing, Pompeo said after Wednesday's briefing with senators that there was "no direct reporting" connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mattis said there was "no smoking gun" making the connection. Pompeo argued that the war in Yemen would be "a hell of a lot worse" if the United States were not involved. Wednesday's procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year the end of the current Congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didn't attend because she "would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi." And Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that didn't happen and declared, "I'm not going to blow past this." CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the Senate intelligence committee and Senate leaders and "will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress." In another explanation, a White House official said Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after the resolution, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, fell six votes short of passage earlier this year. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said in the past he had "laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia." But he said he believes the Senate should "figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests." He said the crown prince "owns this death. He owns it." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that "some kind of response" was needed from the United States for the Saudis' role in Khashoggi's death. On Tuesday, he said that "what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world." Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggi's murder "has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies." Trump has said it may never be known who was responsible for the killing, and in public comments and a long and unusual statement last week he reinforced the United States' long-standing alliance with the Saudis. Trump has praised a pending arms deal with the kingdom that he says will provide the U.S. with jobs and lucrative payments, though some outside assessments say the economic benefits are exaggerated. Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Matthew Daly, Kevin Freking, Maria Danilova and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report. Convenience-store giant Wawa is getting into the beer game, in a partnership with 2SP Brewing Co., the award-winning brewery located in Aston, about 15 minutes from its corporate headquarters in Delaware County. Winter Reserve Coffee Stout, created by 2SP head brewer Bob Barrar, combines Wawas limited-edition Winter Blend coffee with 2SPs oatmeal stout. Wawa and 2SP say its flavor profile includes notes of sweet clove, dark chocolate, and graham crackers; a sample was not made available in advance. The beer will be launched at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Wawa store at 721 Naamans Creek Rd. in Chadds Ford, the only Wawa in Pennsylvania that sells beer. At the firkin-tapping event, the first 50 cases will be available to purchase, first come, first serve, with a limit of two four-packs per person. The beer will be available for purchase during the week of Dec. 10 through Origlio Beverage, which distributes to neighborhood bars and bottle shops in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Only 1,000 cases will be available. The idea stemmed from a 2SP meeting in October. The brew team was drinking Wawa coffee -- but each had different roasts, said Michael Contreras, 2SPs director of sales and marketing. Barrar was drinking regular, brewer Andrew Ruby Rubenstein was drinking the Reserve series, and Contreras was drinking Cuban. Next thing you know, we are trying each one, talking about the merits of each coffee, similar to the way we do with beer, Contreras said. It seemed like the only thing we agreed on that day was our taste in coffee. Then it occurred to us; Why dont we hit up our neighbors at Wawa and see if they had any interest in brewing a coffee stout with us? A week or so later, Contreras said, Wawa executives visited the brewery for a tasting and discussion of a possible collaboration. Aside from Bob being a Delco native, like Wawa, what seemed to really click was that he had a similar approach and desire for beer that Michael McLaughlin, Wawas coffee guru, had for his coffee roasts, Contreras said. The two geeked out and we could see that something pretty cool and tasty could come out of getting these two together. In the wake of Sunday's precautionary seven-hour closing of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and resulting traffic jams due to an ethylene oxide leak at Croda's neighboring chemical plant which Croda in a preliminary investigation blamed on a bad pipe gasket James Markos, a risk and reliability engineer and former chemical-plant power supervisor, sends this link to a U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazardous Investigation Board (CSB) video. It shows how ethylene oxide can endanger lives and property when it catches fire. The video and text explain an ethylene oxide explosion at a Sterigenics medical equipment sterilization plant in Ontario, Calif., back in 2004. A two-ton door was blown 75 feet, the lab was wrecked (its steel walls badly bent), and the nearby control room cut apart by blown-out windows and falling computers. Four workers were injured. There have been "numerous explosions" of ethylene oxide in industrial situations, due to incomplete monitoring and lack of training, sometimes magnified by lack of proper equipment, CSB says. In the California plant, technicians and their supervisor, while testing the unit after a successful sterilization, bypassed procedures for repeatedly flushing the gas out of the unit before opening it, because they thought the lengthy process was unnecessary with sterilization materials removed. Lacking monitoring sensors, they didn't realize the gas remained in explosive concentrations, the board found. So when the gas reached a burner flame, it ignited, with "catastrophic results." Fourteen years later, at Atlas Point, Croda installed monitors and sensors earlier this year when it finished the new ethanol-to-ethylene oxide unit where a pipe leaked Sunday. The unit remained closed after the bridge and the other operations at the 140-acre plant complex reopened late Sunday. Besides Croda's on-site monitors, state officials set up field monitors by the bridge and on other properties bordering the site soon after the leak was reported Sunday at 4:15 p.m. Fire company and Croda officials say monitors showed ethylene oxide concentrations outside the plant property did not reach dangerous levels. But the bridge was still closed as a precaution until after 11 p.m. Ethylene oxide is also toxic, and a carcinogen for people who are regularly exposed to it. But the escaped gas dissipates harmlessly, if it can be diluted before it reaches a flame or spark, company and state officials said. Firefighters poured water to spread the gas and ensure it wouldn't blow up. Delaware state environmental officials are continuing their investigation. A check of state records shows a handful of environmental violations at the site since Croda took over in 2007, and none in nearly four years: In January 2015, Croda told the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control that emissions from a new electric generator, which burns gas from Wilmington's Cherry Island landfill, "far exceeded" its permitted discharge of nonmethane organic compounds. Three days later, the company said it had fixed the problem. The state had the company detail what went wrong and how it was fixed, and give "reasonable assurance" it wouldn't happen again. In 2014, Croda missed a state deadline for its operating permit renewal, which was later granted on schedule. In May 2008, less than a year after taking over the plant from another British company, Uniqema, Croda told state environmental officials it had released 96 pounds of ethylene oxide into the atmosphere from an uncontrolled machine. "Croda did not understand which chemicals it was processing at the time of the incident, nor did it recognize the presence of ethylene oxide" in the tank that leaked, and it took too long to report the leak, according to the violation notice. The state also told Croda to document what happened, as the law requires. Earlier in 2008, an annual compliance review (partly covering the period Uniqema ran the plant) found "several instances where required monitoring (of boiler emissions) was either not conducted or not reported as required." The department threatened to pull Croda's operating permits unless it explained what happened and why it wouldn't likely happen again. A Commonwealth Court filing Tuesday by a group of current medical marijuana growers and dispensary operators raises several concerns about appearances of pay-to-play and says the participants in the research program won't be required to do more than promise to conduct scientific studies. Read more A new complaint in Commonwealth Court seeks again to stop the state's much-vaunted cannabis research program before it can get off the ground. The filing Tuesday by a group of current medical marijuana growers and dispensary operators raises several concerns about appearances of pay-to-play and says the participants in the research program won't be required to do more than promise to conduct scientific studies. Calling themselves "Medical Marijuana Advocates for Research," the current growers and operators who say they collectively have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in application and startup costs claim the research program won't deliver "high quality" scientific studies because the research requirements are weak. The group's attorney, Judith Cassel of Harrisburg, said the individual plaintiffs did not want to be identified because they feared retribution from the state Department of Health, which regulates the marijuana program. Three of the plaintiffs, however, were named in the suit: Chamounix Ventures, which operates Keystone Dispensaries in the Philadelphia suburbs, Keystone Center for Integrative Wellness LLC a dispensary owner and its sister company Parea BioSciences LLC which holds a permit to grow. The complaint names Secretary of Health, Rachel L. Levine, whose spokesman did not comment. The research program allows each of the state's eight medical schools to form an exclusive alliance with a marijuana producer. The program is called Chapter 20 after the section of the law that created it. The research program's opponents claim the state health department has unlawfully delegated authority to the medical schools to "secretly anoint" their own partners. The chosen partners do not have to go through the same rigorous scoring and selection process as commercial operators to win what is called a clinical research permit. A similar case, filed by several of the same plaintiffs in the spring, had advanced to the state Supreme Court. But it was rendered moot when the health department rewrote several of the regulations governing the program. The most recent lawsuit says the new regulations do not "cure" either the delegation problem or the "minimal commitment to research." Some in the industry expect the arrangements to be lucrative for both the medical schools and the growers. The complaint said several of the contracted growing partners submitted "poor quality proposals" in their prior attempts to win permits. Most of the medical schools are pairing with companies that lost during the first two rounds of permitting. Curaleaf, which Barron's magazine recently called an American company with deep Russian roots, was ranked 105 out of 177 applications during the first round, when 12 permits were awarded. It did not apply in the second. But last month, Curaleaf told prospective investors it planned to open six dispensaries in Pennsylvania and a 49,200-square-foot indoor growing facility in King of Prussia. The announcement like many others made by marijuana concerns was made before the state Department of Health had even received an application from the company. Curaleaf has partnered with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. MLH Explorations, which partnered with Thomas Jefferson University, failed to win a grower permit in Phase II. It placed 26th out of 71 scored applications in the latest round, when 13 permits were awarded. MLH is headed by Jefferson Health's former chair of its board of directors, William Landman. Columbia Care Pennsylvania, which the suit said is paired with Pittsburgh's UPMC, was denied a permit in Phase I, as was Elemental Health Group, which is paired with the Pennsylvania State University. The complaint: Construction workers mix with the noon lunch-hour crowd outside an Amazon Go store in downtown Seattle. Read more Amazon.com Inc. is scouting locations for physical stores in Philadelphia and will probably open one in the city within the next two years, according to the developer leading the transformation of Center City's Gallery at Market East shopping mall into a new retail complex. The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has been rolling out Amazon Books stores across the country and has opened Amazon Go cashierless grocery stores in Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco. Amazon is eyeing locations in Philadelphia for both types of shops, Joseph Coradino, chief executive of Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, said Thursday at a commercial real estate forum hosted by the Urban Land Institute think tank. Under consideration are sites on city retail streets and in shopping malls, he said. He declined to say whether Amazon is vetting a location in PREIT's Fashion District Philadelphia, as the revamped Gallery is to be known when it reopens in September 2019. An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment when asked for further details about the company's Philadelphia retail-space plans. The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority plans to begin taking bids Friday for a bundle of vacant properties in what it says is a first step toward accelerating the sale of city-owned land under its control. The properties going up for sale consist of 24 empty lots and two vacant buildings within Philadelphia's First Council District, which extends north and south of Center City along the city's eastern edge, PRA executive director Gregory Heller said Wednesday. Among them are properties in neighborhoods such as Whitman and Lower Moyamensing in South Philadelphia, and in Fishtown and Kensington northeast of Center City. The parcels are the first of about 100 across the city that the PRA has cleared for sale, but that number is steadily growing as agency staff continue to sort out complication involving titles, liens and other issues, Heller said. Successful bids, which require City Council approval after PRA selection, will be judged based on criteria such as social impact and financial feasibility in addition to monetary offers. The PRA controls 28 percent of Philadelphia's 8,447 city-owned vacant properties, with most of the rest overseen by the Philadelphia Land Bank and Department of Public Property. Jeff Hornstein, executive director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, greets a sold-out audience at Wednesday night's launch of Philadelphia Anchors for Growth and Equity, a first-ever citywide effort to get universities and hospitals to buy local. Read more By all accounts, the road ahead will not include quick victories. But the launch Wednesday night of Philadelphia's first citywide initiative to get hospitals and universities to increase their local purchasing of goods and services included an exciting revelation. Even if it involves doing laundry. Lots of laundry. "I think by the end of the year we're going to be able to announce that there's going to be a medical laundry coming to Philly for the first time in a very long time," Jeff Hornstein, executive director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, announced to an audience of a couple hundred gathered on the campus of Drexel University for the public unveiling of Philadelphia Anchors for Growth & Equity, or PAGE. It is one of the Economy League's priority projects for the next 10 years. >> READ MORE: Philadelphia launches push to get hospitals and universities to buy local Following a path plowed by other cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Chicago, and Detroit, PAGE is a collaborative effort to get Philadelphia's dominant economic sector eds and meds to help change the city's disturbing narrative as the poorest large U.S. city by flexing its substantial purchasing muscle closer to home. The inspiration is a 2014 finding by the city Controller's Office that $5.3 billion is spent annually on goods and services by the city's 34 universities and hospitals, with just $2.7 billion of it from businesses located in Philadelphia. Medical laundry is a prime example, Hornstein told an audience of government officials, heads of institutional purchasing and local business owners. The city's hospitals produce about 50 million pounds of laundry a year. "And all of that laundry gets exported about a hundred miles every day. It doesn't make any sense. No one likes it. It's just an artifact of the way the supply chains work," Hornstein said. "So if we're able to bring a local laundry to Philadelphia, we could create a few hundred jobs." That appears to be imminent. While not prepared to release details, Hornstein said the deal resulting from months of trust-building and data sharing among PAGE's participating medical institutions working in a pilot mode the last 18 months demonstrates the kind of economic gaps and opportunities PAGE hopes to fill and exploit by getting the city's anchors working together. It is as much to their benefit as it is to local companies. "This is a business proposition, this is not charity," Hornstein said. FUNDING NEEDS Yet, in following the lead of other cities already doing this, PAGE will be looking for a few handouts to sustain and propel what currently is envisioned as a plan to boost eds and meds anchors' local spending by as much as $530 million and create at least 5,000 jobs in eight to 10 years. "If there are any foundation people who want to write us a big check, we'd be grateful for that," Hornstein said during the two-hour event at Drexel's Behrakis Grand Hall. Currently, PAGE funding comes from founding partners Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Temple University, and Temple University Health System, along with the city's Commerce Department. Other project participants are Community College of Philadelphia, Einstein Healthcare Network, La Salle University, Salus University, St. Joseph's University and University of the Sciences. ADVICE FROM DOWN I-95 As the keynote speaker, Kurt Sommer, director of Baltimore Integration Partnerships, brought praise and a reality check. "The hardest work is in front of you," he said, speaking from eight years' experience. Sommer's insights included: Goal setting is challenging because institutional capacities differ. "Twenty million or 20 percent means a lot of different things to a lot of different institutions." Institutions have different business models. Hospitals do a lot of hiring; schools don't. Private schools can be nimble with purchasing; public schools work within a strict regulatory environment. Challenges to economic inclusion can be overcome by changing the internal culture, staffing to undertake inclusion, deepening community engagement, quantifying qualified firms and finding qualified labor. Manage expectations. "There are things that won't work. When things don't work, that's the opportunity for innovation." Economic inclusion promotes the city as a healthier community, fosters increased productivity, keeps more money in local neighborhoods, fosters better relations between institutions and communities, helps companies attract talent and gives employees a sense their work is having a social benefit. REACTION FROM LOCAL BUSINESS Phoebe Coles is head of Community Marketing Concepts, a 20-plus-year-old, family- and minority-owned business on City Avenue that, she pointed out to PAGE principals during a Q&A session, pays "every tax that there is." Something the tax-exempt hospitals and schools making up PAGE's participants roster can't say, Coles noted. She pushed for assurances they will buy local. Julie Ann Jones, assistant vice president of procurement at Drexel, acknowledged not having "all the answers" and noted with exasperation a decided absence of institutional business-side people at a recent national procurement conference. "Some of this has to be policy-driven and has to be very deliberate," Jones said. In an interview afterward, Coles said she was "very optimistic" by PAGE's "great start" but remains concerned about accountability. "My question is, 'How do we hold the feet of these institutions to the fire?'" Former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama pose with artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald during the unveiling of their official portraits at the National Portrait Gallery on Monday, February 12, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Read more When I first saw the paintings of Barack and Michelle Obama on Monday morning that were commissioned for the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, I thought, "Wow." Then came, "I'm not so sure about this." Artist Kehinde Wiley's majestic floral interpretation of Barack Obama coolly leaning forward, legs apart in an ornate hardback chair, sans tie is not particularly presidential, is it? Shouldn't he be in a library? Shouldn't the Capitol be a shadowy figure in the background? I wanted him to look more austere. His face, albeit rendered older, does look like him. Right down to the ears. I wasn't sure what to make of Baltimore artist Amy Sherald's Michelle Obama, either. The former first lady dons a phenomenal geometric halter gown by New York designer Michelle Smith for Milly in Obama's grayscale portrait. But where is the definition in her arms? Where is her 100-watt smile? The hair is almost right. But quite frankly, she looks more like Kerry Washington than Mrs. O. Still, I continued to stare. And stare. And stare. And then it slowly started to make sense. These portraits the first ever to be commissioned by African American artists for the National Portrait Gallery aren't about me and how I want to remember the Obamas. Nor are they about you, or how you want to see them. They are the final piece of a legacy marked by breaking the mold. They are innovative. They are a shout-out to the Obamas' beautifully unconventional way of bending the rules. When Barack Obama's lifesize portrait takes its rightful place in the Portrait Gallery's America's Presidents exhibition, it will stand out in a sea of staid, oil-on-canvas sameness. Wiley, a 40-year-old portraitist whose work has been featured on Empire, is known for his paintings of everyday folks and rappers from Biggie Smalls to Big Daddy Kane placed in regal garb like Old Masters did, and sitting in larger than life backgrounds. Obama asked Wiley to tone down the grandeur, so instead of placing him on a Napoleonic horse, Wiley placed our former president at the center of a mess of blooming foliage. The floral background was deliberate. According to Wiley, the flowers are chrysanthemums, the official flower of Chicago; jasmine, a shrub native to Obama's childhood home in Hawaii; and the African blue lily, a nod to the former president's Kenyan father. Now picture all that unconventional coolness in a gallery filled with portraits of presidents past from Gilbert Stuart's George Washington (otherwise known as the Lansdowne portrait) to Robert W. Anderson's painting of his Yale classmate George W. Bush. There's a flavor never seen in an official presidential portrait before. "It's fantastic in the sense that it disrupts the very stiff uniformity of the white, middle-aged elderly man," said Ken Lum, chairman of the department of fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania. "It's both reverential and highly irreverent at the same time." Sherald's Michelle Obama is also a modern take on a classic fine art endeavor. Her portrait will also hang in the Smithsonian, but exactly where is yet to be determined. In 2016, Sherald won the Smithsonian's Outwin Boochever Portraiture Competition. University of Pennsylvania art history professor Gwendolyn Dubois Shaw, who wrote an essay for the competition's catalog, said Sherald's distinct style clearly connected with Michelle Obama. After all, a portrait is a negotiation between the sitter and the artist. Sherald "has a tendency to idealize her sitters in a way that does soften their features," Shaw told me. "It is also abstract in a way that is not unlike great illustrators in the past. It's not photo-realistic." While the portrait was spot on in capturing her elegance, the gravitas of Michelle Obama was somewhat lost. "If it was supposed to be a photograph, they would have commissioned a photograph, not a painting," Shaw said. Whatever you may think of the works, both portraits, Lum said, balk at the conventional system of representation when it comes to presidential portraiture. Both reveal aspects of the former president and first lady's personalities, a no-no in classic pictures. He's portrayed as being thoughtful but approachable, while she reveals a vulnerability that she could not show during her tenure in the White House. At the same time, the settings in the president's, it's the flowers; the first lady's, it's the voluminous gown are up for interpretation. In other words, Lum said, this use of iconography engages the viewer. Both pictures don't rely on neutral color schemes to tell the same story. And most important, Lum said, the viewer is empowered to create dialogue around the works. There is no right or wrong interpretation. "There was a lot of pressure for the Obamas to do the same old thing," Lum said. "Their choice to break the unwritten rules of portraiture was brave. It was different. And it will distinguish them." Michelle Obama greets the crowd during her Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama tour, featuring moderator Phoebe Robinson at the Wells Fargo Center in Phila., Pa. on November 29, 2018. Read more Before former first lady Michelle Obama took the stage before a capacity crowd at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night, attendees jammed to a stellar montage of music with all of her favorite songs, from the Jackson 5 to Earth Wind and Fire. So, by the time Obama took her comfy seat next to interviewer Phoebe Robinson, the capacity crowd was sufficiently amped. Robinson, writer, actress, and one-half of the comedy duo 2 Dope Queens, started in classic girlfriend mode: "Hi, Meesh. How's it going?" Obama came to Philadelphia as part of a 10-city tour promoting her memoir, Becoming. Released on Nov. 13, Becoming sold 1.4 million copies in its first week. While the Wells Fargo Center event capped her evening, earlier in the day Obama surprised a group of Philadelphia high school girls to give them a personal pep talk. People have been talking about the rock-star nature of her tour since it was announced, with Obama selling out every arena she has been in. It's official: She won a large swath of us over with her authenticity. On stage in front of thousands, the former FLOTUS was equally candid, talking about everything from sweet potato pie to putting former President Barack Obama in the friendzone and the importance of telling diverse stories. "The commonality that we share across this country are the stories of who we are," said Obama, wearing a stunning red pantsuit featuring a high low blazer and slightly flared trousers. "It is now incumbent upon us to share our stories. We have to dig deep and know our stories and put them on the table." What does it mean to Become? It means growing up on the South Side of Chicago, where she rode a white-and purple bike and where elders wouldn't hesitate to whip the behind of any misbehaving child in a neighborhood decimated by White Flight. It means listening to jazz at her grandfather's house, where people played Spades and drank cans of Schlitz malt liquor. It means discovering that failure is a feeling before it becomes a result. And it means having to move beyond the limitations of family and friends to be your best self. She also spoke about the pressures of being the first first family of color. "We had to be excellent in ways that were exhausting," she said. Robinson, who has interviewed Obama at several stops, kept the conversation going by bringing up anecdotes from Obama's book questioning her about kids making fun of her for sounding white, or a guidance counselor who didn't think she could get into Princeton. Despite everything, Obama succeeded. "Your story, no matter how bumpy or interesting it is, makes you you," Obama said. "Don't run from it." Obama shared similar inspiration earlier in the day, when she tiptoed into the African American Museum in Philadelphia to surprise a dozen young women from area high schools. The tears flowed. Obama was sleekly dressed in an off-the-shoulder black sweater and tailored trousers, pulled together with a wide belt. Shocked, the girls were all smiles, giggles, and glee. One sprang from her seat and hugged Obama, prompting the other girls in the circle to ask for hugs, too. "Before this is over, everyone will get hugs," Obama promised. The young women are participants in the Philadelphia-based nonprofit beGirl.world. The organization, cofounded by former White House social secretary and Philadelphia native Deesha Dyer in 2014, encourages young women of color to travel. The girls, who had been given copies of Becoming and tickets to Thursday's show, had thought they were at the museum to chat it up with Dyer and Robinson. Halfway through the chitchat, Obama appeared. We learned that Sasha, the younger Obama daughter, was interested in becoming a food critic. Obama talked about how she didn't like playing with other kids in her neighborhood when she was little. (Kids are just messy, she said.) She encouraged the girls to follow their gut and assured them that they were as brilliant as the next Fortune 500 CEO, and just need to believe in themselves. You could tell by the way these girls nodded their pin-curled heads that they believed her. After all before the law degree and the first ladyship she was one of them, a young woman growing up in a tough inner city where success doesn't come easily. "I was afraid to travel when I was your age," Obama said. When she spoke, the room was silent. "I was nervous about leaving my comfort zone. That's why I'm really excited about this organization." How did Michelle Obama move past her comfort zone? She didn't let fear stop her. "Don't let fear stop you flat on your feet," Obama said. "When you let fear choke you, you miss out on a lot." Captain Carmen Maniaci Sr. center, dances with other members of the Avalon String Band during their 2018 performance. Clowns are usually a safe character. Read more The 119th Mummers Parade will cakewalk down Broad Street on Jan. 1 a little less diverse than in recent years, but a little more politically correct. Following several Twitter-fueled, exaggerated outrages that claimed affronts to various communities, in 2016 a few changes were grafted onto the parade, and the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations was ordered in like a CIA "clean team" to help wipe up the mess. A "Philadelphia Division" was created to march alongside the traditional divisions Comics, Fancies, Fancy Brigades, String Bands, and Wenches. The new division was an umbrella for nontraditional groups that wanted to participate in the parade (though "outsiders" everything from Irish clog dancers to Falun Gong marchers had long been welcome to strut with the Comics). The parade attracted groups such as the Mexican heritage musical group San Mateo Carnavalero, the Puerto Rican musical group Bomberas de la Calle, the Asian group Southeast by Southeast, and the steel band known as the Philly Pan Stars Orchestra. None of them will be marching in 2019, for various reasons, although some might return in the future. The Philadelphia Division was dropped because it was seen as segregating newcomers, and now, as in the past, nontraditional groups are steered to the Comics. For his part, Chuck Tomasco, the president of Landi Comics, welcomes them with open arms. The parade has always been open to outsiders, although most outsiders might not have known that. Trying to diversify the parade is laudable, but here's a dirty little secret: Being in the parade requires a lot of time for rehearsals, it requires money for costumes, food, and transportation, and it requires getting up very early in the morning to assemble on cold streets to entertain sparse crowds. Most people don't have the grit of dyed-in-the-wool Mummers. This year's parade will be somewhat less "diverse" because some of the "diverse" people just aren't showing up. That the parade is well over a century old and remains the largest spontaneous folk celebration in America speaks to Mummers' spirit. The other change is the continuing oversight by the Commission on Human Relations. When this was first announced, I was wary. It smacked of political re-education camps found in China But no, says George Badey, a saxophonist with the elite Fralinger String Band and spokesman for the Mummers. "When we get to the middle of the 21st century, I want people to look back at this era and see that this is when the Mummers embraced change and diversity," said Badey. "The Mummers leadership agrees to vetting their ethnic themes with individuals or organizations that can advise them of the historical accuracy and the respectfulness of their presentations," said parade director Leo Dignam. When they can't find an expert, they meet with a representative of the commission. That's what happened Monday night at the Mummers Museum at Second and Washington. Representatives of the Fralinger and Greater Overbrook String Bands and the Shooting Stars fancy brigade met with Dignam and commission deputy director Randy Duque. Rather than a critique, "it's more like thinking things through, asking the question, 'Have you looked into this, have you looked into that?'" said Duque. "We checked on costumes and makeup and music to make sure they were doing accurate representations of these cultures," added Dignam. Fralinger is using a Polynesian theme, while Greater Overbrook and Shooting Stars have Native American themes. "Any of the ethnic themes, they are required to meet with an expert on that particular culture," said Dignam. So, OK I changed my mind. If the "review" by the city will prevent accidental or even apparent offense, then it is good for the Mummers and puts the focus where it belongs on the performance rather than any gaffe. A banner depicting the Chevrolet Cruze model vehicle is displayed at the General Motors' Lordstown plant. Even though unemployment is low, the economy is growing and U.S. auto sales are near historic highs, GM is cutting thousands of jobs in a major restructuring aimed at generating cash to spend on innovation. GM put five plants up for possible closure, including the plant in Lordstown. Read more Tim O'Hara started working in General Motors' iconic Lordstown, Ohio, auto factory back in 1977, but even before then his older brother would come from his 10-hour workdays with the wild stories about life on the assembly line, where long-haired and rebellious 20-something workers clashed nonstop with their stopwatch-toting bosses over every little thing. "They had fought in the [Vietnam] war and had this attitude that management wasn't going to come in and force things down their throat," recalled O'Hara, now 59, who became vice president of United Auto Workers Local 1112 and recently retired. He recalled one day when his brother came home early at 2 p.m. and declared, "They fired Joe so everybody walked out!" Those days when working folks thought time was on their side and they could change the world seem like a long, long time ago, especially after GM on Monday announced a new round of massive layoffs that would finally end car production at Lordstown, barring some type of divine-level intervention, in March after a 52-year roller-coaster ride. Somewhat lost in the headlines over the looming end times for Lordstown and its last 1,500 workers still rolling Chevy Cruzes off its assembly line is a remarkable backstory that the name Lordstown once stood for a now quaint, if not seemingly crazy, dream. It was this idea that middle-class Americans shouldn't just be grateful for a weekly paycheck but could, and should, fight for a workplace that had meaning, and where they actually had a say in what happened there. The line at Lordstown may finally grind to a stop in three months, but the dream it once represented was slowly strangled over decades. The world was a very different place on April 28, 1966 when the very first Chevy Impala rolled off the assembly line at GM's Lordstown plant, a massive monolith that's visible from the Ohio Turnpike a couple of exits west of Youngstown. America's then-newest big auto plant used state-of-the-art technology with the ambitious perhaps overly ambitious goal of rolling 100 new cars off the line every hour and (a few years later) to stay ahead of the smaller cars from Japan that were just making their first tiny dent in the booming American market. But what passed for robotics in the mid-1960s didn't prevent GM from needing roughly 8,000 auto workers, and sometimes more, to run the line in three shifts. Nobody knew it at the time, but this was the peak and the beginning of the end of a post-World War II era of America as the world's undisputed global economic powerhouse driven by blue-collar union clout forged in often long and occasionally violent strikes. Many of the men and it was mostly men who filled the job rolls at Lordstown held two-year and four-year college degrees, because the roughly $6-an-hour pay topped all the other jobs in eastern Ohio, and offered the eventual promise of a sturdy ranch house with an affordable mortgage, a kids' college fund, and maybe a boat or vacation home in middle age "I had to take a pay cut to become a school teacher," recalled John Russo, who worked for a short while in the late 1960s at a nearby Oldsmobile plant and who later became an authority on Lordstown history as (now retired) director of Youngstown State University's Center for Working-Class Studies. Yes, it was the American Dream but there was a catch. The stereotype of the early 1970s is that union workers were hard-hat-wearing conservative "Archie Bunkers," looking to wail on anti-war hippies. And yes, those things did happen, but the reality could be much more complicated, especially at Lordstown where the late 1960s hiring surge created a workforce heavy with baby boomers, and an average age of just 24. This new generation of factory workers soaked up the patchouli-scented, bell-bottomed culture that was in the air all around them. Some grew their hair down their shoulders and sprouted beards or mustaches. Some used their coffee breaks to go out and get high. Almost all chafed at authority, not just from the factory bosses who were constantly on their case to speed up the assembly line, but also their UAW union leaders who didn't "get" this new breed. The young lords of Lordstown found the assembly line 35 second bursts of a dull, repetitive task, and a 5-second break before the next Impala or Vega rolled up to be soul-crushing work. Botched cars some of them slashed, deliberately sabotaged by angry workers piled up in the giant lot outside the factory. A good chunk of the labor force had little fear of conflict with their bosses because they'd recently returned from the front lines in Vietnam. Russo recalled that during his later research he asked a Lordstown employee if he'd been afraid of losing his job during the 1970s labor strife. "You've got to be kidding me," the man responded. "I just had 500,000 Vietnamese trying to kill me. You think I'm scared of GM?" Here's one worker's contemporaneous rant about worker alienation at Lordstown in early 1970s: "You do it automatically, like a monkey or dog would do something by conditioning. You feel stagnant; everything is over and over and over. It seems like you're just going to work and your whole purpose in life is to do this operation, and you come home and you're so tired from working the hours, trying to keep up with the line, you feel you're not making any advancement whatsoever. This makes the average individual feel sort of like a vegetable." It all boiled over in March 1972. The frequent orders from Detroit to make the assembly line run faster, faster, faster finally caused the Lordstown workers to strike for 22 days, a work stoppage that cost GM $150 million, made headlines from coast to coast and was dubbed by Newsweek as "industrial Woodstock." When its music finally stopped, the young workers did win some concessions mainly an end to the hated speed-up orders but, more importantly, gained acclaim as avatars of a new generation of laborers who valued a more meaningful work experience over a few extra bucks every new contract. The newsmagazines even called this revolt against on-the-job alienation "the Lordstown Syndrome," but what the workers were really trying to do was even more ambitious than that to renegotiate the basic terms of the American Dream. But their window of opportunity was incredibly short, and in the end it only opened a tiny crack. The utopia that the Lordstown workers really desired much greater worker input and even control of how the factory was run, based on successful models in Europe, with management actually listening to their ideas for how to design a better car were a little too radical for stodgy GM executives and even less adventurous UAW bosses. "This wasn't about more pay or shorter hours, which had been the historical struggle of the labor movement" noted Vanderbilt University historian Jefferson Cowie, who chronicled the Lordstown strike in Stayin' Alive: The 1970s and the Last Days of the Working Class. "These guys basically wanted a better life on the job. They wanted to re-envision work and how work was done" studying worker co-ops in Sweden and other models. But within five years, Americans were less worried about making blue-collar work better and more concerned about finding work, period. On September 19, 1977 known famously in the Youngstown-Warren area as "Black Monday" the massive Youngstown Sheet and Tube plant shut down on its 5,000 workers and caused an endless ripple effect of factory closings and layoffs that left a trail of foreclosed and crumbling homes, abandoned lots, and crowded jails and drug-treatment centers that has lasted to this day. For a long time, GM's Lordstown plant, as one of the automaker's more modern facilities, did a little better than its neighbors in eastern Ohio. The strikes diminished and the layoffs sometimes as long as a year-and-a-half alternated with occasional hiring surges and added shifts that cycled along with ever-changing consumer demand for bigger or smaller cars. Workers and management did cooperate much more on plant issues if not on the revolutionary level dreamed of in the 1970s with the shared goal of reclaiming GM's lost market share. But basically workers stopped rebelling both because their biggest bargaining chip the freedom of booming post-war economy was long gone, and also because they were older and less rebellious. "It was a combination of economic factors and the fact the (union) members got older, got married, started having kids they weren't going to walk out of work and lose three days pay," O'Hara told me. "They negotiated. They needed the job security. They softened their tone." What didn't soften was the steady decline of U.S. manufacturing the growing automation, the steady flow of jobs to Mexico and other lower-cost locales, the whims of American drivers who ditch smaller cars like the Chevy Cruze, produced at Lordstown ever since GM's government bailout in 2010, for SUVs as soon as the price of a gallon of gas drops a few cents. Politicians used Lordstown as a prop. Barack Obama touted his bailout there in 2009, and Donald Trump won an estimated 40 percent of the union vote and carried Ohio before he told a July 2017 rally that the state's factory jobs were "all coming back. They're all coming back. Don't move. Don't sell your house." The political blather and a Trump-signed tax cut that fattened GM's bottom line had zero impact on GM's CEO Mary Barra. She created a new "Black Monday" this week when she announced 14,500 North American layoffs that would include ending all production at Lordstown, even as new Chevy Cruzes continue to roll off a line in Mexico. Barra, who earned $21.96 million last year, or 295 times what GM median employee makes (a level not dreamed of during the worker unrest of the 1970s), proclaimed on her new "Black Monday that she's "very focused on increasing and creating shareholder value" (and indeed GM stock soared on the news of American worker misery.) She's obviously not focused on the broader stakeholders certainly not the thousands of GM workers who repetitively drilled and bolted for 30 years, in the end not for a new powerboat but for a pink slip. In 2018, 46 years after the fever of "industrial Woodstock" broke, the idea of tackling worker alienation, even as it shifts from dying auto plants to Amazon's Orwellian-named "fulfillment centers," seems as quaint as pet rocks and "Have a nice day" smiley faces. And yet it's impossible to divorce the diminishing prospects for America's working class from this week's news that the U.S. death rate is actually rising, thanks largely to suicide and drug overdoses. We can't even talk about solving these problems because we've lost the language to describe them. The young rebels of Lordstown had that language in 1972. They risked their paychecks and fought their bosses in a surreal kind of American Dream therapy, and it's hard not to imagine how history might have changed if we'd taken "the Lordstown syndrome" and the lost cause of worker alienation seriously, instead of rolling over it with 100 cars every minute. "The middle class has been under attack for years," O'Hara told me, even as leaders of his union local gamely signed up for one last "Drive It Home" campaign desperately aimed at keeping Lordstown open past the slated March 2019 end. "As for what the future brings it doesn't look good for middle-class people." In 2014, a New Jersey lawmaker introduced a bill that would allow certain children under age 6 to attend school without getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, asserting that the vaccine raised the risk of autism. Yet there is no proof that this vaccine, or any other, causes autism. While the proposal did not become law, it represented one of many such attempts to weaken requirements for vaccinating children, according to a new study led by Drexel University researchers. From 2011 to 2017, state lawmakers in 18 states proposed 92 bills that could have reduced the number of children receiving vaccines in most cases by making it easier to obtain exemptions, the study authors reported in the American Journal of Public Health. New Jersey legislators introduced 24 of the bills the most of any state. (None were in Pennsylvania.) One positive sign: During that seven-year period, lawmakers also introduced 83 bills that would strengthen vaccination rules, mostly by making it harder to obtain exemptions, and those proposals were far more likely to become law. Twelve of those bills were enacted, while just one of the 92 bills that weakened vaccine rules became law. That was a 2011 measure in Washington, allowing any health-care provider or naturopath to exempt children from getting vaccines a power that previously had been limited to physicians. The study results suggest that health officials need to increase efforts to promote the value of vaccines, said lead author Neal D. Goldstein, an assistant research professor in Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health. "I was encouraged because it shows that the legislative process works for pro-public health legislation," he said. "But it's discouraging at the same time to see the number of bills that were proposed that would hurt the public's health." The findings come amid worrisome recent outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented with vaccines. New Jersey officials this fall have confirmed 15 cases of measles in Ocean County an outbreak thought to have started with someone who contracted the illness abroad. North Carolina officials have identified 36 cases of chicken pox. Most children recover from these illnesses, but both can have severe complications such as pneumonia and even death. And the varicella virus that causes chicken pox can lead to the painful shingles rash later in life. The New Jersey bill on the hepatitis vaccine, sponsored by Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R., Bergen and Passaic), was not taken up by the Legislature in its 2014-15 session or in the following session, when she reintroduced it. In an interview, Schepisi said the reference to a risk of autism originated with a previous version of the bill, sponsored years earlier by a different legislator. "That was not my primary rationale," she said, adding that she was more concerned about other potential side effects of vaccines. For example, she said the chicken pox vaccine had caused a condition in her son called ataxia. But vaccines do not cause ataxia either, according to a review of evidence by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In fact, they can prevent it. Ataxia, a type of brain inflammation that affects muscle coordination, can be caused by infection with mumps or chicken pox illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines. As for the supposed link to autism, language in the bill illustrates the pitfalls that can occur when legislative staffers interpret medical literature, Goldstein said. The bill cites a 2009 study in which boys who got the hepatitis B vaccine were reported to be three times as likely to have an autism-spectrum disorder as boys who did not get the vaccine. There was indeed such a study, but it had severe limitations. Among them: Identification of children as being autistic was based on a parental survey, not medical records. Some of the children in the study were born years before the vaccine was recommended by the federal government. And the authors excluded three-quarters of the children in the study because their parents did not supply proof of vaccination preventing a true determination of any link with autism. The bottom line: No large, well-designed studies have found any proof that vaccines cause autism. Schepisi's bill would have allowed a child under age 6 to attend school without getting the hepatitis B vaccine if the mother had tested negative for the virus during the third trimester of her pregnancy. Transmission during pregnancy is the primary way that young children are infected with hepatitis B, so Schepisi said that if the mother does not have the virus, it is fine for a child to wait until age 6 to get the vaccine. Upon reaching age 6, such a child would have had to get the shot unless a doctor determined it was not "medically suitable." But other ways of becoming infected include: sharing toothbrushes, razors, or needles with an infected person; contact with blood or open sores of an infected person; and sex with an infected person, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It is something where, by putting it off to 6 years old, unless you fall into a category of high-risk behavior, there is no other way of transmission," Schepisi said. Such delays in vaccination make public health officials nervous. True, most young children are not exposed to hepatitis B, but the full protections of vaccines come with communitywide acceptance. Delays in vaccination raise the risk that the parent does not follow through by taking the child for a return visit to the doctor, Goldstein said. And each additional month without vaccination is a month without protection both for the child and others. "If you're postponing vaccination, not only are you putting your children at risk, you're putting the community at risk," he said. Goldstein, who has consulted for Merck on its vaccine against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus, collaborated on the study with Drexel colleague Jonathan Purtle and Joanna S. Suder, a Delaware deputy attorney general with expertise in public health issues. Goldstein said he was at a loss to explain why New Jersey had such a high number of proposals to weaken vaccine protections. Most were sponsored by Republicans, but it was a bipartisan phenomenon. For example, Sen. Shirley Turner, a Democrat who represents parts of Mercer and Hunterdon Counties, introduced legislation three times during that period that would allow students to skip vaccines if they conflicted with the child's or parents' "personal, philosophical or moral belief." The state allows exemptions only on medical or religious grounds, and Turner's proposal, like Schepisi's, did not progress in the Legislature. In response to questions about the bill, Turner's chief of staff, Meredith Rivera, said the politician was out of town and not available to speak. The senator introduced the bill after hearing from constituents who were "concerned about the frequency and timing of vaccines" and wanted New Jersey to join other states that allow philosophical exemptions, Rivera said. Joy Pollock and Burt Siegel, both active in the Jewish community in the Philadelphia area, have melded their lives and loves in the home they share in Montgomery County. Read more Just past a lovely traditional dining room comes the true drama of the Meadowbrook home shared by Joy Pollock and Burt Siegel: the view from the expansive kitchen and breakfast room windows. The vista is a wooded wonderland seemingly dropped from a mountaintop, so steep is the descent. And, no, it's not easy to care for such a site, but, Pollock and Siegel agree, the view is worth its challenges in all seasons. "We maintain it with some help," says Siegel, who retired after serving as executive director for 15 of 30 years at the nonprofit Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Philadelphia. Pollock, a social activist and retired defense lawyer who specialized in civil defense litigation, began living in the vintage 1960s Montgomery County rancher in 2010 with her husband, Jay (now deceased), and their two children, "I loved our home then, and I still do," she said. "It's a wonderful family house." Today, the family photos around the house include those of Siegel's children and grandchildren. Pollock and Siegel share the space as a committed, but unmarried, couple a clear trend among seniors who face the fact that economically, marriage can be a luxury. The two recently reflected on how they became reacquainted after knowing each other through Jewish communal life. Also, Pollock and Siegel's late wife were involved alumnae with Philadelphia High School for Girls whose paths often crossed. "Life can be full of surprises," Pollock suggests, and Siegel agrees. They merged their two households several years ago into a unified whole that reflects their joint passions. One key was as to create a kind of "man cave" for Siegel in the home's lower level. There, his vast collections, including exotic masks and butterfly art, have found a home. His book collections are housed on handsome floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and his collection of pipes of all sorts and sizes also is displayed. There's a desk nearby. So it's no surprise that they are ready for the joyful Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which begins this year at sundown Dec. 2. Hanukkah is known as "the Miracle of Lights," so named because oil predicted to burn only one day in a desecrated temple instead lasted for eight days. Two prime holiday symbols the menorah, the traditional candleholder, and the dreidel, a spinning top that children love are at the ready. Along with Judaism, art is another joint passion, with examples throughout the home. One mutual favorite is the portrait of a woman purchased at a Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts student show years ago. It hangs in the living room. Other art, much of it collected on their travels, includes string masks and abstract and realist paintings. But perhaps their favorite collection, they say, is the depictions of family babies and events such as weddings, as testimony to how families grow and expand. "We feel both proud and fortunate to live as American Jews," Siegel says. "And it's wonderful to celebrate Hanukkah together in the home we now share and love," Pollock says. "That's our miracle." Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email (and send some digital photographs) at properties@phillynews.com. Young, old, black, white, Democrat, Republican, or any other number of identifications and backgrounds Big Dave doesn't discriminate in doling out hugs and high fives. No matter who you are, he wants to make you smile. Read more If you're feeling down, David "Big Dave" Sylvester wants to help. "Free high fives, free hugs, anything to make you smile," calls out Sylvester, 53, as he stands in front of Dilworth Park on a brisk Thursday morning. In between his hands, a sign reads, "Hello, my name is Big Dave. #BigDaveHugsTheWorld," which he shifts to his left hand every time he reaches up to touch palms with those passing by. Across 30 minutes, dozens of strangers take Sylvester up on his offer, from police officers to suit-clad businesspeople to students hustling from the subway to their next destination. All reach a hand to the sky for a golden smack, occasionally to be followed by a deep embrace in Big Dave's arms. Over the last 17 years, Sylvester has clasped hands or squeezed arms with what he estimates to be around 250,000 people in 36 countries worldwide. He chronicles his journey on his website and social media, like Instagram where his handle is @thehumanhigh5. "A hug and a high five is something we can all do it's a moment of power." Outside of City Hall, that power manifests itself in the form of instant smiles across faces of those of every age. Often isolated into their own worlds, with headphones hanging down from ears to phone, people stop in their tracks to take in the unexpected nature of Sylvester's sign and welcoming vibe. Sometimes, the power generates not only a quick grin, but sudden tears, too. "I'll get people who come up and hug me and just start crying," says Sylvester. "Often they'll say little else but 'I really needed that' and then keep walking." Not everyone, of course, wants to interact with Sylvester, and many wonder whats the point of all that hes doing. This includes tons of passersby casting skeptical looks and a Center City District (CCD) security guard who not only declines a high five, but eventually kicks Sylvester out of Dilworth Park. For Sylvester, however, the goal is simple: to enhance the world one interaction at a time. Sylvester launched his continuous hugging and high-fiving mission after he lost a childhood friend on 9/11. "I felt helpless, and I simply didn't want to feel like that anymore," says Sylvester. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, he noticed a loss of trust and civility within society that he believes has only continued to grow. "There's this stranger-danger ideology," says Sylvester. "Being a large dude with a sign soliciting hugs makes me an oddity, but a smile is your biggest offense it disarms people, no matter where you are in the world, and sets the mood to let someone know that you're not trouble." His mission began on a bike trip in 2002, starting in Washington state and taking Sylvester back to his hometown of Philadelphia. It continued as he later traveled across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, in Asia from Istanbul to Beijing, in Australia from Sydney to Melbourne, and all across the United States. Last month, Sylvester visited his 50th and final state, Alaska, where he journeyed to six different cities with his #BigDaveHugsTheWorld sign. As Sylvester sees it, everyone deserves a hug one of the most basic forms of human contact. "I'll hug anyone. I've even hugged people wearing Confederate hats, in cities where there aren't many black people, and we had a good moment." says Sylvester. "I'm just trying to open people's minds, even just a little bit. Change doesn't happen overnight, but from one good moment a lot can begin to happen." And if a hug from a stranger feels just a little too uncomfortable, a high five will still create connection. "People don't always need that much to hang in there a simple hug can do a lot," says Sylvester, en route to Parliament Coffee shortly after the CDC security guard incident. Upon stepping into Parliament, a barista gives him a high five without hesitation before starting on his double-espresso order. "At first it was unexpected, but it became this sort of personal moment he'd have with all of the baristas most people don't stop to share a moment like that with you in a job like this," says Yashaswi Dixit, one of three baristas Sylvester high-fives that morning at the cafe. "It gets you out of a stressed headspace, even if only temporarily." Big Dave is well-known around a handful of coffee shops across the city. Even when he's not carrying his sign, you can find him hugging and high-fiving in most places that he frequents. "The world is going crazy and I'm just doing what I can to try to stop some of the craziness. We've become more polarized than ever, and we've simply lost sight of connecting with people," says Sylvester. "Black, white, straight, gay, Democrat, or Republican the power of a hug and a high five doesn't discriminate." Among his journeys, Sylvester makes it a point to visit places touched by violence, like San Bernardino, Calif., after the 2015 mass shooting; Sutherland Springs, Texas, after the church shooting in 2017; and Benton, Ky., after the Marshall County High School shooting earlier this year. "Initially people are staring at you, and they're wondering what's the catch. But then when people see that you're genuinely there just to hug and high-five, you can see their shoulders soften," says Sylvester. "I'm there to listen if they need me, and give people a relief from cynicism." Sylvester says he himself has been blessed by kindness from the many people he's met through the experience, including from those he serves at his current job. "I'm fortunate to work a job where I set my own schedule, but I'm not rich," says Sylvester, a personal trainer at the Union League. "I've had very supportive clients who help with airfare for trips, like to Orlando, after the Pulse nightclub shooting. They get behind the power of what my story is doing to help people and encourage me to keep pushing on." There are times on trips where Sylvester spends the night in his car, not willing to let financial issues stop him from going out and delivering hugs. Other challenges include dealing with hecklers, which Sylvester notes makes it essential to possess the ability to laugh things off and keep on moving. "Hugging people that smell or are dirty is just another hazard of the job," says Sylvester. He'll often carry two or three of the exact same outfits on his trips so that he can quickly change in his car if needed, and return to the streets without offending anyone. "A lot of those people are really sweet and some of the best huggers," says Sylvester of some of the stinkier situations he's encountered. Not one to turn his nose up at anyone, his openness doesn't go unnoticed. His vulnerability, its contagious, says Shiva Wheeler, randomly stopping to hug Big Dave after crossing paths en route to the Barnes Foundation. Hes spreading the love, and I wish more people would do that. Sharon Hopkins, grandmother of Tiyaniah Hopkins and Yaleah Hall, cries while holding their photograph during a vigil in North Philadelphia on Thursday, November 29, 2018. Tiyaniah Hopkins, Yaleah Hall and two men were shoot during a drug deal that turned into an armed robbery in Southwest Philadelphia last week. A suspect was captured and arrested. Read more Philadelphia law enforcement officials on Thursday said they had charged one man and identified two additional suspects in last week's quadruple slaying in Southwest Philadelphia, and for the first time described it as a drug deal that turned into an armed robbery and then a slaughter. Officials said the victims included two men who were attempting to sell a stash of drugs they found in a house they were renovating on the 5100 block of Malcolm Street. But the three men who came to purchase the drugs on Nov.18 instead shot the men and two females with them in the head. Police found the bodies the next day in the unfinished basement after relatives requested that they check on the well-being of the victims. Arrested on murder and other charges Wednesday was Jahlil Porter, 32. He has seven prior arrests, most for nonviolent offenses, including drug dealing, gambling, and theft, records show. A second suspect was taken into custody Thursday but has not been charged, while a third suspect is known to police but has not been arrested, Homicide Capt. John Ryan told reporters during a news conference also attended by Police Commissioner Richard Ross and District Attorney Larry Krasner. Ross refused to disclose details about the type of drugs involved and their street value, but said the motive was senseless. "Four people were violently killed, executed. It really doesn't matter how much it was, because no amount of drugs will ever justify those types of acts," Ross said. "I will tell you without going into detail that if at some point we're able to disclose [the amount of drugs], it's going to blow your mind how insignificant it was in the grand scheme of dealing with life, and just how little these individuals had regard for anybody else's life." The victims were: Tiyaniah Hopkins, 20; her sister, Yaleah Hall, 17; William Maurice Taylor, 31; and Akeen Mattox, 28. Relatives said the two men recently moved into the home and considered themselves stepbrothers because they were raised together. Ryan said the two females were not involved in the botched drug deal that led to the slayings. Ryan said Taylor, Mattox, and one of the female victims were living in the Malcolm Street home. He said it was not clear if the male victims found the drugs they were attempting to sell in that house or in another home they were renovating. "I'm glad that they made the arrest, because we've been praying," said Germaine Williams, maternal aunt of the slain women. "My sister has been going through a lot, we're trying to hold her up taking it one day at a time." She said Hopkins had been working as a packer at a warehouse and that Hall was in high school. "I just thank God that we're getting some justice," Williams said. "I'm gong to miss my babies." A vigil for the sisters was planned Thursday evening at Ninth Street and Lehigh Avenue. Their funerals are scheduled for Dec. 6 Reached by phone Thursday, Greg Brinkley, Taylor's uncle, was relieved by news of an arrest in the case one day after he buried his nephew. "Needless to say, as a family, we're anxious for a resolution to these senseless killings. It's like God answered a prayer," he said. "Our family is big and close, and this didn't sit well with us. I'm glad the cops caught them. I can't account for how much this thing has hurt our family. This shouldn't have happened. "I'm a frequent critic of the cops," added Brinkley, a retired state correctional officer. "But I need to be very clear about my appreciation to Police Commissioner Ross for the time he gave to this case. I want to thank him on behalf of my family. And I want to give major kudos to the detectives who worked on this case. What they've done helped our family big time, and it has tempered our anger." Officials did not disclose what led them to Porter and the other suspects. Krasner chalked up the break in the case to a "combination of some very old-time gumshoe tactics and some technology." He said Porter has been charged and jailed on four counts of murder, robbery, unlawful restraint, and conspiracy, and a weapon violation. "It doesn't matter how many people are killed; we care just as much about every single victim. Sometimes you're able to crack the case and sometimes you aren't. But thank goodness, here it was possible," Krasner said. Just a few miles apart, Upper Providence (Montgomery County, left) and Phoenixville (Chester County, right) have both grown in population. But different families are moving in. New homes in Upper Providence are larger, surrounded by more space; younger families are moving into denser, smaller homes in Phoenixville. Read more Demographic shifts, including an aging population that has ever-increasing numbers of baby boomers retiring and millennials entering the workforce and raising families, continue to change the makeup of the region, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. The data, released May 24 and including town and city projections, show a sustained slow decline in South Jersey, ongoing population spikes in swaths of Chester and Montgomery Counties, and stability in Bucks and Delaware Counties. "It's almost like a tale of two different age groups: Younger generations trying to move closer to cities, especially cities like Philadelphia where there's thriving growth and then you have an older generation of residents who are making a strategic decision based on property taxes, wanting to move to an area like Bucks County where you have lower property taxes but still good amenities," said Michael Hayes, a public policy professor at Rutgers-Camden. Young people want cities, with the jobs and lifestyle that come with them. As they grow older and start families, they want denser suburbs with walkable downtowns and other amenities places such as Downingtown, Chester County, or Collingswood, Camden County. Older families, especially more affluent ones, are drawn to the larger homes popping up in developments farther from the city, in suburbs such as Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, and East Brandywine Township, Chester County. Retirement can be the time to reevaluate whether you're getting your money's worth from those taxes. For people in South Jersey, especially, the answer often turns out to be no. Goodbye, Medford Lakes in Burlington County and Paulsboro in Gloucester County. Hello, Florida and South Carolina. "We've never had a huge generation leave the workforce and retire as the baby boomers are, and we've never had an entry-level generation as large" entering at the same time, said James W. Hughes, a professor at Rutgers University's Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. "And what we see virtually across industries, across everything: two new demographic groups, one ascending, one descending." A growth spurt to the west: Chester and Montgomery Counties Chester County's population is growing the fastest, with an increase of 3.9 percent between 2010 and 2017. The county has a relatively young population with far more births than deaths per year and is attracting international migration, said Ben Gruswitz, a senior planner with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The municipalities seeing the most growth include East Brandywine and West Vincent Township in Chester County and some of the traditionally less-dense areas in Montgomery County, including Upper Hanover, Salford, and Upper Providence Townships. "It's probably cheaper to build and there's space to do it," Gruswitz said of those areas. "It becomes a more obvious choice for developers to look for subdivisions that they could put in when it's just greenfield development." East Brandywine's township manager, Scott Piersol, can affirm that. He said the growth in his township better than 25 percent in seven years is likely to continue with three new developments. Ed Gomez, a Chester County real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, said families like the "outlying areas" so they can "spread their wings a little bit." Communities such as West Chester and Phoenixville, which boast walkable downtowns, are also growing. And they're popular with young professionals and people with adult children, Gomez said. "They want to be with the restaurants, they want to be with things to do that are close by," he said. "They like that village atmosphere." >> READ MORE: With a food and booze revolution, Phoenixville rises again Slow shrinkage in South Jersey: Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties You will not be shocked to hear that taxes are still high in New Jersey, where residents have long complained about the cost of living. What is changing, demographers said, is the character of the population: It's aging, and people once willing to pay the high taxes feel differently as their life stage changes. Baby boomers whose kids aren't in the schools anymore see less benefit from their taxes; as they retire from work, the equation shifts even more. The oldest boomers turn 72 this year, said Hughes, the Rutgers-New Brunswick professor. And in the United States, where the median age for retirement is 63, half of all boomers will be 63 or older by the end of the year. Many of those in New Jersey will find themselves contributing to what has been a slow, steady population decline. "In many cases, New Jersey is much too expensive for them," he said. "Some will move to Florida, some will try to stay in the area just because of family ties their grandchildren and the like but they may find the Pennsylvania side of the river a little more attractive due to lower taxes and the like." Medford Lakes Borough Manager Robert Burton blamed the town's 3.2 percent population drop on "the sheer fact that New Jersey property taxes are ridiculous." Hughes and others said New Jersey also suffers from issues on the other end: Many towns in South Jersey lack the amenities, starter homes, and other benefits that millennials are seeking. Young adults starting families want different kinds of suburbs from older adults; why pay the New Jersey property taxes when some suburbs in Pennsylvania have similar amenities for less? "These problems have been in place for a while these policies were enacted decades ago but what's exacerbating them today, making them come to the fore, is the aging population," said Kevin C. Gillen, an urban economist at Drexel University. "People are leaving and dying off." Of the 15 Philadelphia-area towns that have grown by more than 10 percent since 2010, only one was in South Jersey: Woolwich at 21 percent. Meanwhile, 23 of the 26 towns that experienced population loss of at least 2 percent over that time period were in South Jersey, and half were in Burlington County. A mixed bag and overall plateau: Bucks and Delaware Counties Bucks County's population has been relatively stable and some municipalities have lost some people, including Bristol Borough and Warminster Township in Lower Bucks. Overall, the county's population grew slightly, with central and upper Bucks County growing more than lower Bucks. "It's become like almost an outer suburb of New York," said Gillen. Million-dollar home purchases have become common in Bucks. Delaware County's population also remained stable, with growth of just 1 percent since 2010. Much of the county is already built out. Newtown Township, an outlier, grew by 9.6 percent but most municipalities saw modest growth. Michael Roedig, a senior planner with the Bucks County Planning Commission, said the county has seen "historically lower levels of residential development" in the last decade, in part because many towns are already developed. Plumstead, with its copious green space, is an exception. The Bucks County town experienced the biggest seven-year population bump, with 500 to 600 new homes in subdivisions that had been put on hold during the recession, said Township Manager Carolyn McGrory. An uncertain future Population changes vary from town to town, but an important factor particularly in South Jersey is who is leaving, said Gillen. "You're not just losing population, you're losing the wealthy part of the population," he said. "You lose that revenue, and then the quality of the public services falls, and that further reduces the incentives for people to move there and to stay there." Those towns that do grow, such as the ones booming in Pennsylvania, can benefit from an economic cycle that springs up, he and others said. Why should we care about population change and who is moving where? "The answer to that is cause and effect: the economy," said Kim Goyette, the chair of Temple University's sociology department. "You want that group of young adults that will attract employment and who will further grow employment and service industry in your area." And no one knows how long the current cycles will last. "The trend keeps going until it doesn't anymore," Hughes said. "We have yet to find a trend that will last forever." Staff writer Meghan Bobrowsky contributed to this article. A couple who kept 258 exotic animals, including an endangered species of frog, in putrid conditions in upper Montgomery County face a litany of animal-abuse charges, investigators said Thursday. Jason Wieder, 39, and Melanie Rehrig, 33, were arrested Monday, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. They each face five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, 23 counts of neglect to animals, two counts of possession of threatened or endangered species without a permit, and related offenses, court records show. Both were released after posting $25,000 unsecured bail and are unable to own pets or come into contact with animals as stipulations of their release, according to the District Attorney's Office. They will face preliminary hearings in the case in the coming weeks. It was unclear if either had hired an attorney. A county humane society police officer was tipped off to the couple's activities in October, after an investigation revealed they had been keeping nearly 100 animals in nearby Lehigh County in unsanitary conditions. Investigators served a search warrant on the home the couple rented on Station Road in Upper Hanover Township, about an hour north of Philadelphia, on Oct. 18 Inside, state troopers working with the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found an oppressive odor of urine and feces, according to Robin Royer, the zoning officer and code official for Upper Hanover. Dozens of animals were sequestered in filthy conditions, including cages filled with ferrets and plastic storage bins brimming with turtles. Other reptiles roamed freely throughout the home, including at least 100 snakes, Royer said. Among the menagerie were two Southern Leopard frogs, an endangered species native to the East Coast. Some of the animals in the house were dead, others severely ill. It appeared, Royer said, that the tenants visited the house only sporadically, likely to give the animals food and water. "The house just stank," she said. "In order for someone to inhabit that property in the future, it will have to be washed out with bleach." Ultimately, three animals seized from the home had to be euthanized, and many others were "suffering from severe dehydration," the District Attorney's Office said Thursday. Rehrig and Wieder are also awaiting prosecution in Lehigh County, where charges were filed against them for conditions at their Macungie property earlier this month. Wieder has a 2015 conviction for hoarding birds, dogs, and snakes in a home in Emmaus, Lehigh County. Jaleel Lamar Loper, 27, of Philadelphia, was charged with killing Anna Angok, 29, of Bristol Township, and her unborn child. Read more Anna Angok was strangled at the hands of her on-again, off-again boyfriend after trading angry online messages with him on the day she broke up with him, investigators said Wednesday in Bucks County Court. She was pregnant with his child. After a preliminary hearing that spanned three hours, District Judge Frank W. Peranteau Sr. ordered Jaleel Lamar Loper, of Philadelphia, held for trial on homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, stalking, and other charges. Loper, 27, sat quietly and emotionless as his public defenders told the judge no one had seen Loper at Angok's apartment in Croydon on Sept. 26, the day she was killed. Angok's 2-year-old daughter was at home at the time of the attack but was unharmed, investigators said. A medical examiner ruled that Angok, 29, a South Sudan native who moved from Kenya to the United States in 2000, was strangled with a thin cord at the Glen Hollow Apartments on Newportville Road. After her death, investigators said, Loper began to concoct lies and leave a trail of suspicious behavior. Detectives believe he placed a 911 call at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 and asked police to "please hurry" to Angok's apartment. A few minutes later, Murrey Alderfer, Angok's foster father, said he answered a call from Angok's phone number and a man whose voice he said he didn't recognize told him to "hurry up" and head to her apartment. Investigators' recounting of the couple's tumultuous relationship portrayed a dynamic rife with tension and threats, particularly in the weeks before Angok's death. "You better watch yourself at all times," Loper texted Angok on Sept. 17, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. On Sept. 26, about four hours before investigators would find her body, Angok wrote to Loper on Facebook Messenger: "I told u I was done you think I'm playing?" She then typed, "I need some time alone, this is not working out." Minutes later, at 3:32 p.m., Loper sent back: "I knew u aint love me no more." Loper, who worked at Family Food Products in Bensalem, then caught a ride from a coworker's grandmother, Diane Pacos, who picked up her grandson from his job at 3:30 p.m. most days. Pacos remembered seeing Loper standing outside his workplace, looking down as he used his cell phone, she testified Wednesday. Pacos said she was reluctant to drive Loper a stranger but acquiesced when her grandson pleaded, saying Loper only wanted to be dropped off at the Glen Hollow Apartments a few miles away. During the 15-minute drive, Loper, who sat in the passenger seat, didn't say much, Pacos said except that he "had something to take care of." Two newly elected Democrats from South Jersey Andy Kim and Jeff Van Drew voted against nominating Nancy Pelosi for House speaker in a closed caucus vote Wednesday, though they left room for maneuvering before the full floor vote in January. "I decided not to support Leader Pelosi in today's caucus vote and I continue to urge leaders in Congress to find ways to lift up more voices," Kim, of Burlington County, said in a statement. He had called for "new leadership" during his campaign against Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur. Van Drew, of Cape May County, indicated he might vote "present" on the floor, which would not penalize Pelosi. (Such votes aren't counted as cast and thus lower the threshold for a majority). Van Drew and Kim each won districts long held by Republicans, and the caucus vote presented them an opportunity to style themselves as independent-minded Democrats, though they also risked irritating liberal voters. Four newly elected Democrats from the Philadelphia region had pledged to back Pelosi, as had all three of the area's returning House members. "Nancy Pelosi's experience and negotiating skills will be beneficial for the new Congress and will aid the House's ability to get work done with a Republican majority Senate," said a statement from Rep. Susan Wild, a Democrat from the Lehigh Valley who took office this week after winning a special election and a full term. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, and Mary Gay Scanlon, and Rep.-elect Madeleine Dean, all of Pennsylvania, had previously announced their support for Pelosi, as had Rep. Donald Norcross, of New Jersey. Rep.-elect Chrissy Houlahan, of Chester County, issued a statement saying "at this moment, I believe (Pelosi) is the right choice to be ready on day one to serve as our next speaker" and to address issues such as health care, gun laws and Congressional reforms. To new members of the U.S. House of Representatives: Congratulations, and welcome to your new position. There are many reasons to celebrate: Congress will be more "American" than ever more like us as a whole, with younger, more female, and more diverse members. The country saw its highest voter turnout in over a hundred years. And, particularly pleasing to me, none of you are retiring CEOs of large corporations. I'm thankful for that. As a CEO myself of La Colombe Coffee, one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America I can attest that CEOs do not make good members of Congress or presidents. I know because I am one. Somewhere along the line, we adopted the illogical notion that experience as a CEO is great "practice" for the job of president of the United States. Keep in mind, however, that privately held larger companies, such as Trump Inc. and even mine, are more like monarchies and certainly nothing like democracies. In business, the CEO rule is complete a consensus is not a key component to the process and sharing equal power with two other branches is an outrageous concept. Share power? As CEO? Never! Instead, CEOs are neo-kings of sorts, hardly democratic leaders at all, and certainly not in a "practice job" for leadership within a large, balanced democracy. In other words, we're rulers of our own fiefdoms hardly sound background experience for the leader of a complex democracy. Worse, CEOs, to some extent, decide on their own oversight and reign supreme on hiring and firing decisions without any confirmation process at all. This is hardly the stuff that makes a good president. We saw this play out when the current president grew weary of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replaced him with Matthew Whitaker in an "acting" role. The president, unable to shake the tendencies of a CEO, ignored an existing law that mandates the deputy attorney general (not Whitaker) take on the role, altogether bypassing the Senate confirmation process. As CEOs, we are free to make high-level team changes, and our instincts often lead us to remove any "conflicts" from our ranks. Sometimes, shake-ups are needed, but they can also backfire, especially when the shift within work culture is dramatic when done by a president acting like a CEO, it creates pandemonium. As CEOs, our job is to know which areas of the business are profitable and which areas must be cut back or cut loose. But that line of argument can't apply to government decisions on policy. We can't prioritize the bottom line on health care we all need access to good-quality, affordable care. We can't decide which bridges and roads need safety inspections and maintenance based on cost accounting. And we can't or, at least, we shouldn't pass tax policies that favor one small segment of the population over all else. The current focused economic boom that the current president praises is a prime example. The president's tax breaks for corporations added jet fuel to a raging economy, increasing the price of stocks, corporate profits, and compensation for CEOs like us doubling down on the dividends that the economy was already paying the wealthiest among us. But, it does not address the economic reality for the overwhelming majority paychecks are buying less and less, resulting in Americans getting poorer month by month. None of this should be surprising. The mission statement of Trump Inc. is something along the lines of "generate more royalty revenue by elevating the brand of the namesake CEO." But, for the last two years, the president has been governing as though this mission statement is a part of his oath of office and seems to have forgotten the part where he swore to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Once a CEO, always a CEO. As you begin your terms in Congress, please realize that business leadership is not transferable to governance. Congress should be suspicious every time the president quotes his business acumen as justification for a policy decision. All CEOs who are asked to join his cabinet (or, in the case of Matthew Whitaker, given an "acting" cabinet position) should be asked to justify how their experience of running a company is anything other than a liability to the country. Todd Carmichael is the cofounder and CEO of La Colombe Coffee. FILE In this Nov. 9, 2018 file photo, firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif. A massive new federal report warns that extreme weather disasters, like California's wildfires and 2018's hurricanes, are worsening in the United States. The White House report quietly issued Friday, Nov. 23 also frequently contradicts President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) Read more The White House thought people wouldn't notice a hair-raising climate-change report if it was released at 2 p.m. on Black Friday, when we were recovering from food hangovers. But it's hard not to notice, since most people know that average air temperatures are higher than they've ever been, that there's more flooding in the East, more wildfires in the West, and more droughts in the Midwest. And, they know that global warming has weaponized our weather. The problem is getting the fossil-fuel industry, a driver of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, and other powerful forces, such as big agriculture, to stop causing lasting damage to the planet we inhabit, while unleashing brutal and damaging forces on the climate. If those who deny the facts including President Trump don't care that thousands more people will meet premature deaths and countless others will suffer respiratory ailments, or that food supplies will be scarcer, that forests are shrinking, and coastlines are retreating, then they should consider the economic arguments. How about paying for the damage of unrestrained climate change? The National Climate Assessment contains the most detailed description of the economic impacts of climate change to date. Climate-related disasters will suck up 10 percent of our entire economy by 2100. Heat-related deaths will cost $141 billion, sea-level rise will cost $118 billion, and damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure will cost $32 billion. >> READ MORE: Federal climate report details troubling findings for Pa., N.J. Ocean acidification is already killing shellfish and corals. The loss will amount to $230 million. Red tides, such as the one in Florida this summer, will be more frequent, killing fish and tourism. In just New Jersey and Delaware, rising sea levels and storm surges are expected to cost property owners $30 billion. Cities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with their abundance of pavement and lack of vegetation, will be worse hot spots than they already are. Rural Pennsylvania will have to cope with an increase in invasive plants and insects, and farmers will see crop yields and dairy production drop. But President Trump announced this week that he just doesn't believe his own administration's report. That's as practical as not believing in gravity. "You can say 'I don't believe in gravity.' But if you step off the cliff, you are going down," climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe, of Texas Tech University and an author of the report, told CNN. Last month, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said we've got 12 years to forestall the negative effects of climate change. The administration ignored that, too. There are solutions, if we act now. The Trump administration should, but is unlikely, to stop undermining coal-plant and vehicle emission standards. Congress should impose a carbon tax on polluters and encourage clean, renewable energy development as well as shore up areas in harm's way. Environmental protections can also happen at the state level. States, such as New Jersey and California, have enlightened approaches to protecting residents. But Pennsylvania's legislature has starved its environmental protection agency. Encourage Gov. Wolf to make an issue out of our survival and that of future generations with a far more aggressive response to climate change than we saw in his first term. Jaipur: BJP chief Amit Shah Thursday termed the Congress a private limited company of the Gandhi-Nehru family in which party workers are ashamed of chanting slogans for the country. He targeted the opposition party at a series of public meetings in poll-bound Rajasthan, where he also talked tough on illegal migration from Bangladesh. He said the BJP government will try to expel illegal migrants ?one by one? and asked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether he wanted 'infiltrators' to remain in the country. "The Congress is not a democratic party. It is a private limited firm of the Gandhi-Nehru family," he said addressing an election rally in Kotputli in Jaipur district. The Bharatiya Janata Party president also addressed meetings in Karauli and Nadoti in Karauli district, and in Bassi near Jaipur. Shah referred to a reported incident in Bikaner where Congress workers chanting 'Bharat mata ki jai' were interrupted by 'Sonia Gandhi ki jai' slogans. "They are ashamed of chanting slogans for the country. It is a matter of shame for the Congress," he said. On illegal migration, Shah said, "During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at the Centre, there was no control on infiltration." "Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019," he said in Karauli. "I assure you that the BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat, one by one," he added. He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control. Shah said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society. He alleged it is in the character of the Congress to spread the poison of caste and religion-based politics while the BJP's motto is 'Sabka saath, sabka Vikas' (inclusive development). Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe. Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre. Assembly elections will be held in Rajasthan on December 7. The Congress on Thursday morning released the party manifesto for the Rajasthan Assembly election 2018. In the manifesto titled 'Jan Ghoshna Patra', released by Rajasthan unit chief Sachin Pilot, the Congress promised to waive farmers loan. The Congress has also promised jobs to youth, free education to women and right to health in the manifesto for Rajasthan elections. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, among others, attended the launch event of the manifesto. Addressing mediapersons at the event, Sachin Pilot said that expectations of common people were sought before finalising the manifesto. "This is called Jan Ghoshna Patra because it is not just about the thoughts of Congress leaders and workers. We have incorporated the voice of common man of Rajasthan." Hitting out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rajasthan Congress chief said, "BJP also recently released another Ghoshna Patra. I find it amusing because they have been in power for the last five years and instead of 'Ghoshna', they should talk about the work done by them for the state, and promises that they have not fulfilled." Pilot further said that the farmers have been the worst hit under the BJP regime. One of the highlights of the manifesto is a promise to regulate the curriculum being taught in schools and colleges to allign the same with the needs of industries. "Something else is taught in school and colleges, and industries have different demands. They have to organise training programmes for all new recruits. We would re-design the curriculum as per the requirement of industries so that more jobs could be created," said Pilot. Tonk, Rajasthan: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday took aim at Yogi Adityanath and asked if he would campaign in Tonk for BJP candidate Yoonus Khan. In what was an attempt to highlight Adityanath's apparent emphasis on Hindutva, Pilot bore into the Uttar Pradesh chief minister who has been a prominent face for BJP in rallies across several states. "I will sit back and see whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," said the veteran Congress leader. Khan is the sole Muslim candidate fielded by BJP for the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan. The party, say political analysts, could be looking at carving a chunk of Muslim votes in Tonk but Pilot was confident of a Congress triumph. "There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said. Pilot, who will take on Khan in a direct fight in Tonk, is being seen as Congress' probable CM candidate although his party has not confirmed this. There have been reports of in-fighting within Congress - between Pilot and Ashok Gehlot, although both have denied these. A win in Tonk could put Pilot on the right path even as Congress maintains it is confident of returning to power in Rajasthan. The BJP, meanwhile, is confident of retaining power and has brought several leaders - including Adityanath - to its campaigns here. (With IANS inputs) New Delhi: Megastar Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar's ambitious project '2.0' hit the screens today and unfortunately it fell prey to the big web of piracy. The full movie got leaked online by Tamilrockers website, which in the past has leaked several other big films. Social media is flooded with fans urging the makers to take strict action against the notorious website. Check tweets: 2.0 print on tamilrockers. Please take action #2pointo pradeep2.0 (@kpradeep472) November 29, 2018 Tamilrockers has previously leaked Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Thugs Of Hindostan' and South superstar Vijay's 'Sarkar'. Also, Hollywood flick 'Venom' among several others found its way on the website. '2.0' is written and directed by S Shankar. This happens to be the first Indian film that is directly shot in 3D. '2.0' is a sequel to superhit 2010 Tamil film 'Enthiran' which had Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead. The sci-fi drama will see Rajinikanth reprising the roles of Dr Vaseegaran and Chitti, alongside Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson. The film is being shot simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi respectively. Academy award winning music maestro AR Rahman has composed music for the film. Reportedly, '2.0' happens to be the most expensive Indian film being made to date. The film hit the screens on November 29, 2018. A few days back, the visually powerful trailer was released and it was a VFX delight. The dialogues of this sci-fi outing are powerful and will stay with you for a long time. New Delhi: Blaming Reliance Jio for financial woes of the telecom sector, employee unions of BSNL on Wednesday alleged that the government was favouring the latest entrant over other firms and said they will go on an indefinite strike from December 3. The employee unions claimed that the government has not allotted spectrum for 4G services to BSNL in order to prevent it from competing against Reliance Jio. Reliance Jio did not comment on the allegations. "As of now, the whole telecom industry is gripped with a crisis...All these have happened due to the predatory pricing of the Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Jio. The whole game plane of Reliance Jio is to wipe out its competitors, which includes the state owned BSNL," BSNL unions said in a joint statement. All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) alleged that with its huge financial muscle, Reliance Jio is offering services at 'below-cost' rates. It said that private telecom companies like Aircel, Tata Teleservices, Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Communications and Telenor have already closed their mobile service businesses. It alleged that Reliance Jio will steeply raise call and data tariffs once the entire competition is wiped out. "It will loot the people by steeply raising the call and data charges. It is a matter of deep concern that, Reliance Jio is being openly patronised by the Narendra Modi government," the statement said. No immediate comments were received from the Prime Minister's Office. AUAB said the public sector firm has been demanding allotment of 4G spectrum but "the government has turned a deaf ear to this demand, with the ulterior motive of preventing the public sector company from putting up an effective competition to Reliance Jio". All officers and workers of BSNL are going on an indefinite strike from December 3, 2018, the AUAB said. "Demands of the strike include the immediate allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL for rolling out its 4G service, implementation of the government rule in respect of payment of pension contribution by BSNL, wage revision of the employees and pension revision of the retirees, from January 1, 2017," the statement said. It also alleged that whosoever tried to act against Reliance Jio had to pay the price, including former telecom secretary J S Deepak. "JS Deepak wrote to the Trai demanding action on Reliance Jio, for adopting predatory pricing. As a result, JS Deepak was instantaneously shunted out of the DoT... This was a clear signal given by the Narendra Modi government, as to what would happen to any one who dares to speak against Rliance Jio," the unions alleged. Deepak was named India's Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) when he was abroad to attend the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Spain. The unions said that BSNL was in a loss of more than Rs 8,800 crore in 2011-12 but due to the combined efforts taken by the employees and the management, the PSU posted an operating profit of Rs 672.57 crore in 2014-15. "BSNL's improved performance is reflected in the expansion of it's customer base also. It must be remembered that all these achievements are made by BSNL without 4G technology and with only 2G and 3G technologies, while all the private companies are armed with 4G technology," the statement said. Apart from the allotment of 4G spectrum, the AUAB is also demanding the implementation of the government's rule in the matter of BSNL's payment of pension contribution. "It is atrocious that, the Narendra Modi government is violating it's own rule, and is fleecing a huge amount from BSNL every year, in the name of Pension Contribution. This is seriously affecting the financial health of the Company," the unions said. New Delhi: The Agriculture Ministry has withdrawn from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance its report that suggested the government's shock decision to demonetise old Rs 500/1,000 notes in November 2016 affected farmers' community, according to some committee members. A panel chaired by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily had met Tuesday where RBI governor Urjit Patel had made a presentation on the state of the economy. Some members on the panel belonging to opposition parties said that the ministry had on November 20 presented a report before the panel saying farmers had to face difficulties in purchase of seeds and fertilisers due to demonetisation. But the ministry has apparently withdrawn its November 20 report and has now presented a new one before the panel, the opposition members said. The new report has stated that there was no impact of demonetisation on farmers, they added. On November 23, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had denied claims that demonetisation prevented farmers from purchasing seeds. "There was no ban on purchase of seeds with the (scrapped) Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. In the year before demonetisation, 308 lakh tonnes of seed was bought by farmers, while it reached 348 lakh tonnes during the year in which demonetisation was implemented," Singh had said. New Delhi: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will next year initiate an in-depth consultation on general principles related to spectrum including its valuation methodology, Chairman R S Sharma said Wednesday. Sharma - who chaired a meeting with telcos including Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and Airtel on Wednesday to discuss issues to be prioritised for 2019 - said the upcoming consultation will not have any bearing on the past recommendations of Trai on the auction of radiowaves. Trai, in August this year, had recommended rules and prices for the next round of spectrum auction that included radiowaves for 5G mobile services and other bands. "We have received suggestions on spectrum-related issues, policy relating to spectrum auction, reserve price valuation methodology, spectrum leasing, surrendering, trading...All these things will be deliberated upon. We will bring out a consultation paper which will have all spectrum-related issues," Sharma told reporters here. He noted that telecom companies had been of the view that valuation method being used for spectrum had certain "deficiencies" and "inconsistencies". Trai will, hence, look at all aspects of spectrum including pricing, the manner in which it is valued, how often should auctions be held. Issues pertaining to backhaul spectrum that augments signals between mobile towers and new spectrum bands for the purpose would also be part of the forthcoming consultation. Other issues that will be taken up by the regulator next year include fiberisation, review of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and creation of broadband readiness index for States -- a concept enshrined in the National Digital Communications Policy. With a view to boost fibre network in the country, the regulator will consider steps that can be taken to improve fixed line broadband, and mull new business models that can create fibre-only players. "How do you ensure that fiberisation increases in the country? Can you ensure new business models that create only fibre players or netcos so they can provide fibre to other entities on a non-discriminatory manner, much like tower companies do today," Sharma said. There may also be discussions with the states on issues related to Right of Way permission. "The telecom operators were of the view that we can consult the states and see if there can be a model where states are encouraged to participate in fiberisation of the country," he said. Regulatory framework for IPTV and re-designing of the USOF model may also be taken up next year. "USOF currently has certain objectives. The question is whether in the changed reality situation we need to redefine the objective of USO Fund. So we will consult and provide our recommendations to the government," Sharma said. The meeting was attended by senior officials of Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio as well as state-owned firms BSNL and MTNL. The industry, which is not generating enough cash to even service loans, flagged issues around high levies and GST refunds during the meeting with Trai. The industry has sought lowering of the applicable GST, currently at 18 percent for telecom services, and also raised concerns around refunds. "We will not give any recommendations on that as there is already a framework for GST," Sharma said adding that the regulator has also already suggested cut in spectrum usage charges and licence fee. The telecom sector has been bruised by falling tariffs, eroding profitability, and mounting debt in the face of stiff competition triggered by disruptive offerings of Reliance Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani. The industry has sought urgent relief measures entailing debt restructuring, cut in levies like licence fee and spectrum charges, and release of GST input tax credit locked up with the government. Billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla, who heads Vodafone-Idea - the new entity post merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular - met Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha and his department's top bureaucrat Aruna Sundararajan recently and raised concern over stress in the telecom sector. Birla is said to have expressed concern over Rs 30,000 crore locked up on account of GST payment under 'reverse charge mechanism', and sought deferring of the payment schedule for spectrum. An Assistant Commissioner of Police rank official, Prem Ballabh, allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the Delhi Police headquarters building in the national capital. The 55-year-old ACP reportedly jumped from the 10th floor of the building located near ITO in Delhi. Police personnel deployed at the ground floor heard a loud thud and rushed to the spot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. News agency PTI reported that Ballabh was posted in crime and traffic unit of Delhi Police. According to information on Delhi Police official website, Ballabh was in 2016 honoured with Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The incident occurred at 10 am on Thursday when the police official jumped from the window of his office. News agency IANS quoted ACP Anil Mittal as saying the Ballabh was being treated for depression at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for the last 28 days. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Thursday appealed to the Union government to try and solve the problem of farmers in the country. Gowda was present at the national capital's Ramlila Maidan where thousands of farmers from across the country converged on Thursday for a two-day protest to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Gowda said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should personally take note of this and solve the problem that farmers are facing, news agency ANI reported. Adding that the farmers are now more awakened than before, Gowda said that they (farmers) know how to punish. "No government can survive without the farmers," the Janata Dal (Secular) JDS leader added. Farmers began a two-day protest, backed by the Left, to press their demands. The farmers, who converged at Ramlila Ground here and will march to Parliament Street on Friday, came from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Traffic was disrupted in many parts of the city as they marched to Ramlila Ground in the heart of the city on four different routes -- starting at the Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and at Sabzi Mandi. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport. Those from Delhi and nearby Punjab and Haryana started collecting around 10.30 am, their leaders said. Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they marched in groups to Ramlila Maidan. About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital in the early hours of Thursday carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide, their leader P Ayyakannu claimed. The group from Tamil Nadu threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. Last year, the group staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to farm losses. The two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi, the AIKSCC has claimed. At Ramlila Maidan, it was a sea of red as farmers wearing caps and flags gathered, with some of them arriving here after completing a long journey of as long as 36 hours. The Maidan resonated with slogans of 'Ayodhya nahi, Karzi maaf chahiye (We dont need Ayodhya but debt waiver'.) All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) leader Atul Anjaan said Delhi Jal Board will provide them water tanks and AAP local MLAs will give food packets. Five Gurdwaras in the Delhi region have extended their help to the farmers. Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Sisganj Sahib, Rakabganj, Bap Sahib and Manju Ka Tila will provide accommodation to farmers for the night, he said. However, majority of the farmers will stay at Ramlila Maidan in tents, he said. The leader also said that AAP volunteers have put up tents in large numbers at Anand Vihar station for farmers who arrived there and are also providing snacks and water to them. Some students from Delhi University have also arrived at the maidan and are helping farmers out. Vounteers, including doctors, lawyers, professors and artists, all came out in large numbers to help. Around 600-700 volunteers of a solidarity group Nation For Farmers marched with the farmers from four assembly points -Bijwasan, Majnu Ka Tila, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar towards Ramlila Maidan. Under their campaign, Dilli Chalo, they mobilised support for the march. A cultural programme was held at Ramlila Ground in the evening. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after protests by farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices. Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the rally on Friday, when the farmers will begin their march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament Street. Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march. "Women farmers greet us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan!," tweeted political activist and former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with farmers."Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Let's stand in solidarity with them," he said. Jamun Thakur, a farmer from Parri village of Bihar's Darbhanga district, said he arrived in the city at 8 am Thursday with over 2,000 farmers mostly associated with AIKS. They started their journey on the Bihar Samprakranti Express on Wednesday morning. Traffic was affected on the stretch between Majnu Ka Tila and Chandi Ram Akhada, ISBT, Kashmere Gate, Samalkha and NH 8, Dhaula Kuan and Noida and Delhi. "Forces were deployed along the border areas and no tractor-trolley was allowed to get into Delhi," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ghaziabad, Upendra Agarwal said. Meanwhile, the police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the farmers march that will start from Ramlila Maidan on Friday and move towards Parliament. There will be a rope on both the sides of the marching farmers with the police walking along with them to ensure traffic is not affected. Patna: Contrary to reports that he has withdrawn the divorce petition, RJD chief Lalu Prasad`s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav on Thursday said he will not do so and would fight it in the court. "I have not changed my decision," said Tej Pratap, former state health minister, about his decision to divorce his wife of six months. Tej Pratap stunned political circles when he announced earlier this month that he would separate from his wife Aishwarya Rai, daughter of senior RJD leader Chandrika Rai and granddaughter of former Chief Minister Daroga Rai. He returned to Patna after spending three weeks with his ailing father, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, in Ranchi. He appeared before the civil court in Patna in the divorce case hearing on Thursday. The court posted the matter to January 8. Sources said Tej Pratap`s mother, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, had been eagerly awaiting his elder son`s return to convince him to withdraw the divorce petition. In his petition, Tej Pratap has said he no longer wanted to be with his wife since they had compatibility issues. BENGALURU: Amid an ongoing row over the Rafale fighter jet deal, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday that there was no 'scandal' associated with the defence deal. "What scandal? Just look at the facts, not at the tweets, that's my only recommendation. There is no scandal at all," Ziegler said. Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India on #RafaleDeal controversy: My very short answer to that is, just look at the facts and not at the tweets. pic.twitter.com/XFzNt8Vxf1 ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 The Frenchman said this in response to a question on whether the alleged Rafale scandal has made any dent in the partnership that France has with India. Attempting to allay concerns over alleged wrong doings in the deal, the French envoy urged people to check facts before forming an opinion or commenting on the same. Ziegler also highlighted the deep bond, 'cooperation' and 'trust' shared by the two countries. He made these remarks on the sidelines of launch of French Tech Community in Bengaluru. "...Look at the track record, look at the trust that has been built between our two countries in aeronautics. Look at their commitment for Make in India, which is impressive. Fifty per cent offset is very unique, look at the major procurement...," Ziegler. When asked to comment on allegations of HAL losing potential jobs because of the Rafale deal, Ziegler questioned whether the Bengaluru-based Indian defence manufacturer has said something about losing jobs. "Did they tell you that they have lost jobs?...I dont know what potential jobs are,'' he said while pointed out that there is a 50 percent offset clause in the Rafale contract, which is about four billion Euros or about Rs 30,000 crore that is going to be invested in Make in India. "That's huge (amount) and there will be room for hundreds of companies, including HAL, which has had a very fruitful historical cooperation with French companies," he added. The Ambassador further informed that all major French companies would be participating in Aero India, scheduled for February 20-24 in Bengaluru. The remarks from the French Ambassador assume significance as Rahul Gandhi-led Congress has been attacking the Narendra Modi government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. The main opposition party has alleged that the Modi government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, industrialist Anil Ambani has denied all charges made by the Congress party. Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, a statement from Anil Ambani said. Anil Ambani also accused the Congress party of spreading "blatant lies" for political mileage. It may be recalled that the Congress and several other political parties have been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into he Rafale deal. Rahul Gandhi's party has tagged the Rafale deal as the country's biggest defence scam. Attari, Punjab: After a rather controversial visit to Pakistan for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, Navjot Singh Sidhu returned to India, and to questions galore, on Thursday afternoon. The biggest of several controversies during Sidhu's visit to the neighbouring country has been photos of him with pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla but the Congress leader defended himself by saying he did not know who he was. Opposition leaders have flayed Sidhu for being seen with Chawla, a pro-Khalistan activist. Photos of the two went viral on social media. On his part, Sidhu put up an innocent face. "There were probably five to ten thousand photos clicked of me there. I don't know who is Gopal Chawla," he told Indian media persons. The defence though is unlikely to hold ground with several leaders questioning the Punjab minister for meeting with a Khalistan sympathiser. Union minister and Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was also in Pakistan for the ceremony, was at the forefront in flaying the cricketer-turned-politician. "He has become a Pakistani agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this," she said. (Read full report here) BJP's Prakash Javadekar also criticised Sidhu for heaping praises on Imran Khan. "It's surprising to see Sidhu showering praise on Khan at a time when Pakistan has been found involved in terrorism in our country. He should know that the event was not a 'Laughter's Challenge," he said. (Also read: If Sidhu contests elections in Pak, he would win: Imran Khan) The criticisms are likely to be a massive headache for Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh who had declined the invite sent to him for the event by Pakistan. He has maintained that Sidhu went in a personal capacity and some media reports even quoted him as saying that he had advised him to re-think his plans of attending the event. Over the last three years, fuel and fertiliser prices have shot up. But minimum selling prices of crops witnessed a marginal hike. Weak farm and crop prices combined with massive debt has made our farmers angry across the country. While the centre promises to push for development in rural and far reaching areas with better access to electricity, subsidies for cooking gas and better roads, farmers are struggling with low crop prices. "Government says they are working to double farmers` income, but instead of rising, crop prices are falling. We sold soybean at 5,000 rupees (per 100 kg) in 2014 and now we are getting 2,900 rupees," said 30-year-old farmer Anil Verma, from the Sehore district, 50 km from Bhopal told Reuters. And while voters acknowledge the improved roads, it is not enough. "We can`t eat roads. Our income should go up, which is not happening," said Ramnaryan Gour, a taxi driver in Bhopal. On Thursday, thousands of farmers accumulated in New Delhi for a two-day march to the Parliament. The farmers are demanding a special 21-day session of the Parliament on the agrarian crisis and other related issues such as debt relief and better minimum support price (MSP ) for crops. The march is being led by All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to have the support of 200 farmer outfits. The brewing agrarian crisis has led to over 3 lakh farmers committing suicide in India between 1995 and 2015, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Data after this period is not available. Previously, farmers led massive protests in drought-affected Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh, against low prices of crops and lack of storage and transport capacity. With agency inputs MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday passed the much-awaited Maratha quota bill which promises 16% reservation to the members of the Maratha community in government jobs and the education sector. The bill was passed unanimously shortly after it was tabled in the state assembly. The Maratha quota bill has now been sent to the Upper House for its approval, reported ANI. Maratha reservation bill passed unanimously in Maharashtra legislative assembly, the bill has now gone to the upper house. pic.twitter.com/5nISNczjDx ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 State's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavi has thanked all political parties for their support in passing bill with a voice vote. The state government also tabled a two-page action taken report (ATR) on the State Backward Class Commission's (SBCC) recommendations on the Maratha quota issue, ANI repored. The state of Maharashtra has seen widespread protests over the Maratha quota issue in the recent months. On the issue of giving reservation to the Dhangar community, Fadnavis said, ''We've completed a due procedure for Maratha reservation report and we're bringing a bill today. But for Dhangar reservation, we've not completed the report. A sub-committee is appointed and soon a report and the ATR will be tabled in this house.'' Fadnavis said this in the state assembly. Shiv Sena and BJP had earlier issued a whip to their members asking them to remain present in their respective houses, legislative assembly and legislative council, in view of the tabling of bill related to Maratha reservation by the state government today. Shiv Sena and BJP have issued a whip to their members to be present today in their respective houses, legislative assembly & legislative council, in view of the tabling of bill related to #MarathaReservation by Maharashtra government ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil presided over a meeting of the state Cabinet sub-committee over the issue late on Wednesday. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Patil had hinted on Wednesday that the ongoing Winter session of the assembly may be extended, if needed, to pass the Bill which provides for reservation to the Maratha community. According to the current schedule, the Winter Session of the Maharashtra assembly, which began in Mumbai on November 19, is set to conclude on November 30. It may be recalled that the erstwhile Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) coalition government had granted 16 percent reservation to Marathas in jobs and education. However, it was stayed by the Bombay High Court later The Opposition parties, including Congress and the NCP, have been demanding tabling of reports of the SBCC recommending quota for Marathas and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' report on reservation to the Dhangar (shepherd) community. Like Marathas, the Dhangar community has also been pressing for reservation under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The Cabinet sub-committee was formed last week to study the SBCC's report on reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education and take a decision on it. The government had received the report on November 15 and it was placed before the Cabinet on November 18 for approval. The Maratha community, which constitutes over 30 percent of the state's population, has been demanding quota for a long time and its agitation for the same in July and August this year had taken a violent turn. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Television's funnyman Kapil Sharma is set to tie the knot with longtime girlfriend Ginni Chatrath on December 12, 2018. The wedding preps are in full swing and the family is busy making this day a memorable one for the couple. Kapil had introduced his would-be life partner to the world on social media some time back but little is known about Ginni as yet. The ace comedian's longtime partner recently opened up about her relationship with Kapil in an interview with DNA, where she talked about how she first fell in love with the king of comedy and would bring home-cooked food for him back in college. When asked about why she disappeared from the TV scene after featuring with Kapil on reality show 'Hans Baliye', Ginni said, I wanted to concentrate on my MBA. After completing my studies, I started helping my father in his business and was busy. Talking about her love story, Ginni added, The first time I saw Kapil was back in my college in Punjab. There were theatre auditions going on, and he was impressed by my acting skills. We regularly kept meeting, since he was directing plays in my college, and thats how our love story bloomed. She added, I always knew he was the one; In fact, I was the one who fell in love with him. I would take home-made food (with some help from my mom) for him during college days. When quizzed about the wedding, Ginni said, You are never prepared till the time you are sitting in the mandap! Shaadi preparations are on in full throttle, and more than Kapil and I, our families are excited. I will go for the traditional lehenga, while Kapil is yet to decide what he is going to wear. Also, the ace comedian will resume work immediately after marriage. So, this means no honeymoon for the couple. Ginni said, No, Kapil will resume shooting for the show immediately after the wedding and Im okay with it, as this is the time for him to work hard and post that, we can have as many honeymoons as we want. The duo's marriage will take place at Ginni's hometown in Phagwara, Punjab. Later, the couple will host a reception in Mumbai for friends and industry people. New Delhi: The beautiful Katrina Kaif will share screen space with Salman Khan Ali Abbas Zafar's 'Bharat'. The team of the film recently arrived in Delhi to kick-start the next schedule after shooting in Punjab. The film has been high on buzzword ever since it was announced and the intense teaser has made us all even more excited for the release. Katrina has ditched her straight hair for the film and will be seen in gorgeous curls. The actress took to Instagram and shared yet another pic with her new look and people just can't get enough of her. Check it out here: Not much has been revealed about Katrina's role in the film as makers remained tight-lipped about it. Only recently, Salman had shared a still on Instagram featuring him and co-star Katrina looking towards the re-created Wagah border. In the photo, while Salman was all suited up, Katrina was dressed up in a heavy red-maroon saree with a curly hairdo. This will be the first time that the actress will be sporting the ethnic six-yard outfit for a role on the big screen. Bharat' has an ensemble star cast with the likes of Disha Patani, Sunil Grover, Tabu and popular television actor Aasif Sheikh playing pivotal roles. The shoot of the film began in July this year with the cast and crew travelling to Malta, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai and Punjab's Ludhiana. The film will be set in the backdrop of India in 1947 and will take us through the events during the countrys partition. Not just that, the film will showcase significant events over a period of 70 years since partition. 'Bharat' is scheduled for an Eid 2019 release and is being directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. New Delhi: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and International music sensation Nick Jonas will soon join the 'newly-wedded' clan. Pee Cee and Nick are all set to tie the knot in Jaipur's Umaid Bhawan on December 2. The wedding will most likely be a three-day affair with the mehendi and sangeet ceremonies taking place today and tomorrow. The couple was spotted at Kalina airport, heading to Jodhpur for the wedding festivities. While Priyanka wore a traditional off-white suit, Nick was seen in a lether jacket, white tee and trousers. Check out the pics here: Image Courtesy: Yogen Shah News agency ANI took to Twitter and shared visuals when the couple arrived at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Check them out here: Rajasthan: Priyanka Chopra arrives at Jodhpur Airport with her fiance Nick Jonas. The couple is tying the knot on 2nd December at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. pic.twitter.com/NjTB8Rckkr ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 The bride-to-be was all smiles as she posed for the paparazzi and we couldn't be more thrilled for her! Priyanka and Nick's wedding has been awaited upon for quite some time now. The couple performed a traditional Ganesh Puja yesterday, giving an auspicious start to the wedding celebrations. Much like DeepVeer, NickYanka is reportedly going to have two wedding ceremoniesa Hindu and Christian one respectively. Reportedly, the couple will exchange vows in a Christian ceremony on December 3, 2018, at Umaid Bhawanthe day after their Hindu wedding. The stunner of an actress will reportedly wear Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla for her wedding and a Ralph Lauren for her Christian wedding. The duo will also exchange their dazzling Tiffany & Co. bands. Pee Cee and Nick made their relationship as well as engagement official by sharing pictures from their roka ceremony in August this year. Things have escalated quickly for the two as it was only last year that reports of them dating each other had surfaced. Here's extending heartfelt wishes to the couple! New Delhi: The year 2018 saw many celebrity couples tie the knot. Beginning with Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja to the latest Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, yet another couple is all set to join the 'newly-wedded' club! Yes, we are talking about Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas who have flown to Jodhpur to kick-start their wedding festivities. The wedding is expected to be a four-day affair with the Sangeet and Mehendi ceremonies beginning today. As per a DNA report, strict security measures have been taken at Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur to ensure the couple's privary. The report revealed that most of the staff members of the hotel have been sent on leave and employees of the event management and security firms hired by the hosts have taken their place. The report further reveals that only the key management that includes the general manager of the hotel will be working over the next five days. However, usage of smartphones has been prohibited and the staff will be handed over basic phones. Even the guests aren't allowed to carry mobile phones for any of the ceremonies. The measures are being taken to prevent any leakage of photographs or videos of the wedding ceremonies. There were reports earlier that the couple has struck a $2.5-million deal with an international magazine for the pictures rights. Security has been beefed up at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur for Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wedding. As the pre-nuptial ceremonies start from today, most of the hotel staff members have been sent on leave, and their place has been taken up by employees of the event management and security firms hired by the hosts. In addition to this, the report further states that at the time of the ceremonies, jammers will be installed at the venues to block signals. Beijing: A Chinese internet technology firm is planning to launch a constellation of 272 satellites by 2026 with an aim to provide free WiFi service worldwide and rival global tech giants like Google and SpaceX, according to a media report on Thursday. LinkSure Network, founded in Shanghai in 2013, markets itself as a global innovative mobile internet company specialising in free internet access, content and location-based services on its official website. It unveiled its first satellite in the constellation plan on Tuesday. "The satellite will be launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China's Gansu province next year, and by 2020 there will be 10 satellites in space," the state-run China Daily reported Thursday. The constellation will have 272 satellites by 2026. People could use their mobile phones to search for internet services provided by the constellation and browse the internet, even in regions where telecom networks do not cover, the report said. Wang Jingying, CEO of LinkSure Network, said the company will invest 3 billion yuan (USD 431.4 million) into the plan. She expressed hope that through different scenarios, applications and modes, the company could earn in the future. According to the data from the United Nations, by the end of 2017, there were still 3.9 billion people not connected to the internet. Because of the diversity and complexity of geomorphology, some infrastructure facilities of telecom networks cannot be installed at some places, and therefore, satellite constellations might be an alternative. Currently, many companies, including Google, SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat, have already launched plans to use satellites to provide free internet access. Also, China is building the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), stated to be rival to the US' Global Positioning System (GPS). It will be the fourth global satellite navigation system after the US GPS system, Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo. India too is building its navigational system called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), with an operational name of NAVIC. NEW DELHI: Union Minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh has triggered a fresh row by calling the leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband a ''temple of terrorism". ''Earlier, Deobands name was Deovrant. I do not know what it is about this place that it produces people similar to Baghdadi (Islamic State founder) and Hafiz Saeed (Mumbai terror nattack mastermind and JuD chief). This place is not a seat of learning. It is a hub of terrorism, the minister said on Wednesday. The leading Islamic seminary is located in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The veteran Bihar BJP politician had come to Devikund to meet Seer Swami Brhmananand Saraswati at his ashram. The minister made these remarks after visiting a 'gurukul' (Vedic school) in the town. Singh stated that the children, who received education at such (gurukul) institutions, never thought of violence and ''served'' the humanity after graduating from those great institutions. The BJP Nawada MP also urged the Muslims to ''cooperate'' in the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya and said that they should not create obstacles in the way of noble cause. Singh's remarks evoked a sharp response from Muslim clerics and Opposition parties. Demanding action against Singh, Muslim scholar Matin Khan said that only an ''insane'' person could speak in such a way about the leading Islamic seminary. Khan, while claiming that Deoband had played a crucial role in the freedom of the country, also condemned Singh and said he did not deserve to be a Union Minister. The Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party too said Singh be immediately sacked for making such controversial remarks. KOLKATA: Hours after seven persons died following alleged consumption of spurious liquor in Bengals Nadia district, the West Bengal government suspended 11 officials and handed over the case to CID for investigation. The suspended officials are - Officer-in-charge of Santipur Circle, ex-officer in charge of Santipur circle, eight constables, deputy excise collector of Ranaghat Range. The West Bengal government also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Six men and one woman died while several others fell sick after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Chowdhuripara, Nadia. Deceased's family members claimed that they dead had allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Police is yet to confirm the cause of death. "Some reports suggest that this liquor was brought to Nadia from neighbouring Bihar, Jharkhand. But, CID will now carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty are brought to book," said a senior official of West Bengal Police. The cause of death is yet to be known. We are waiting for the post mortem report and only then the cause of the death will be ascertained, said Rupesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Nadia district. Locals claim that several small hubs selling country made liquor has recently surfaced in the area. People assemble in these hubs and drinking has become a major cause or concern in the local neighbourhood. According to reports, a group assembled at one such hub in Choudhuripara and consumed the liquor. After retiring to their homes, they felt uneasy and most of them were rushed to the Kalna Hospital in Burdwan district. On arrival at the hospital, four were declared dead. Three others remained critical however, all of them succumbed to illness. Meanwhile, police launched massive raids across the area and recovered several litres of spurious liquor. However, the main kingpin of the network is at large. The Imran Khan government patted itself endlessly as it highlighted its 'achievements' in the 100 days since coming to power, on Thursday. Among the tall claims made were efforts made to normalise relations with India only for a rather cold reciprocation from across the border. While PM Imran Khan has said that the two countries need to learn from past mistakes and move forward, India has maintained that talks cannot be restarted till Islamabad continues to harbour and support terrorists. At Thursday's rather gala event in a country that has a crumbling economy, none of the Pakistani government representatives spoke of terrorism. "Tensions with India are not hidden from anyone but our approach is people-centric and we need peace for people to prosper. We need peace in order to speed up the development of our country," Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn. "Imran Khan said he will take two steps for every one step India takes but they (India) refused to engage even after the letter written to Narendra Modi." Qureshi also accused India of previously trying to weaken Pakistan at the international level. "Our neighbour wanted to weaken Pakistan. We could not present Pakistans case before the world because we did not have a lawyer. That has changed now." At a time when Pakistan has been trying to get India to resume talks, New Delhi has shown a 'no-tolerance policy' towards terrorism. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said that for talks to resume, Pakistan must end cross-border terrorism. Even the United States has called Pakistan's bluff and has repeatedly warned the country to target home-grown terrorist outfits. The Imran Khan government, however, has largely remained silent on the matter and continues to claim that it is a victim of terrorism. Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday suddenly cancelled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for this week`s Group of 20 industrialized nations summit in Argentina, citing the current Ukraine crisis. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted after departing for the G20 summit. Trump's tweet was a sudden turnaround. Roughly an hour earlier, he had told reporters he would probably meet with Putin at the summit and said it was "a very good time to have the meeting." But Trump had also said he would get a final report during the flight to Argentina on the tension in the region after Russia seized Ukrainian vessels near Crimea on Sunday. Differences over Ukraine, as well as Moscow`s role in the civil war in Syria, have been an irritant in US-Russian relations for years. The administration of former President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. That in part brought ties between Washington and Moscow to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the United States has investigated Russia's possible interference in the 2016 presidential election that Trump won. Russia has denied meddling and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion. BUENOS AIRES: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. "After a 24hr journey, PM @narendramodi arrives in Buenos Aires for the #G20Summit. The next 48 hrs will witness PM's participation at the Summit as well as in many other plurilateral and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Summit," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. On the sidelines of the two-day 13th G-20 summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. "As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest," Modi had said in his departure statement. The prime minister will also speak on his flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Mudra scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and soil health card at the G-20 Summit. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. He will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering. Among the issues to be discussed will be the strengthening of the WTO. The meeting is being held amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Emerging economies, which played a major role in revitalising the growth in the global economy pursuant to the financial crisis are today facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges, Modi said. "I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good," he said. The prime minister stressed on the need to strengthen international cooperation and enhance coordinated action against fugitive economic offenders and financing of terrorism. Russias Gazprom has completed the underwater portion of the TurkStream pipeline, which will be able to carry 15.75 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas a year under the Black Sea, through Turkey, and on to Europe Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan mark the completion of the underwater section of TurkStream Jamestown Foundation Russias Gazprom has completed the underwater portion of the TurkStream pipeline, which will be able to carry 15.75 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas a year under the Black Sea, through Turkey, and on to Europe. At a ceremony marking the occasion, Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Vladimir Putin of Russia said the milestone underscored the strengthening partnership between their countries. Erdogan praised Russia as a reliable energy supplier, while Putin hailed Turkeys growing importance as an energy and strategic hub (Yeni Shafak, November 19). The worlds largest multi-purpose vessel, Pioneering Spirit, completed the two underwater sections of the 930-kilometer-long TurkStream in just six months. The first segment was finished in May. Allseas, the Swiss owner of the vessel, immediately sent it to the Baltic Sea, where it will finish the underwater segment of the 55 bcm Nord Stream Two pipeline, which will carry Russian gas to Germany and beyond (Allseas.com, accessed November 26). Gazprom recently completed a 200-kilometer segment of that project in German and Finnish waters (see EDM, November 14). Nord Stream Two will double the 55 bcm of gas capacity already available via Nord Stream One, along more or less the same route on the Baltic Sea floor. Gazprom must overcome formidable geopolitical and regulatory challenges before it can sell TurkStream gas in the European Union. In 2014, Russia scrapped a previous Black Sea project, South Stream, because of these challenges. That pipeline would have made landfall in Bulgaria (see EDM, December 9, 2013; June 9, 2014; July 17, 2014). Gazprom now needs to build the onshore component of TurkStream, which will run from Turkey to the Balkans, in a way that satisfies the EU. This pipeline would allow Gazprom to deliver gas to southern Europe without going through Ukraine. Moscow has had a contentious relationship with Kyiv that has included many pipeline disputes over the past two decades. Gazprom wants to extend TurkStream to the Balkans before its transit contract with Ukraine expires at the end of 2019. At the moment, it sends nearly 16 bcm of gas a year through the Trans-Balkan Pipeline between Ukraine and Bulgaria. Finishing TurkSteam before the expiration of Gazproms contract with Ukraine would prevent a repeat of the gas-delivery public relations disaster that Russia suffered in Europe in 2009. A Moscow-Kyiv dispute over pipeline transit fees that year led to a two-week interruption in gas deliveries to Europe. The Balkans were affected worst, with many unable to heat their homes in the dead of winter. The episode tarnished Russias 40-year reputation as a reliable gas supplier to Europe (see EDM, January 5, 13, 2009). The planned Russian alternatives to Ukraines pipeline networkTurkStream in the south and Nord Steam Two in the northwould give Gazprom more bargaining power in its gas transit negotiations with Ukraine and the European Union. Meanwhile, however, work on a rival pipeline to supply Azerbaijani gas to southern Europe is racing ahead as well. The Southern Gas Corridora chain of linked pipelines across the South Caucasus, Turkey and the southern Balkans, culminating in Italywhich will supply 10 bcm per year of Azerbaijani gas to southern Europe and beyond, is on track to open in 2020. The pipeline consortium recently linked its two westernmost segmentsthe Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) and the still-under-construction Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)at the Turkish-Greek border (Azernews.az, November 21). TAP, which is 80 percent completed, will supply gas to Greece and Italy (Trend, November 13). The Italian government approved it in October, against the wishes of the Five Star Movement, an environmentally oriented, populist political party that is part of the governing coalition. Five Star was supporting Italians who worry that the pipeline, which will emerge from the Adriatic Sea in the Puglia region, will damage the environment (Reuters, October 28; see EDM, November 26). BP and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), whose 20 percent stakes make them the largest TAP shareholders, say the project is coming in under budget. Jo Murphy, the vice president in charge of BPs work, said the companys costs are 20 percent below estimates. The final TAP price tag is expected to be $40 billion, or 9 percent below the original estimate of $45 billion (Platts, November 21). Although Gazprom and the Southern Gas Corridor consortium have said that they do not consider their projects rivals, both aim to deliver gas to southeastern Europe. The EU and the United States want other countries to send supplies through the Southern Gas Corridor, so that it becomes a full-fledged competitor to Gazprom and helps the region reduce its dependence on Russian energy exports. Options (of various likelihood) for additional exporters to join the Southern Gas Corridor include Turkmenistan, northern Iraq and producers operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev made his first official visit to Turkmenistan last week (November 23), after the five countries bordering the Caspian Sea signed an agreement specifying how much of the territorial waters belongs to each (Trend, November 23). Their agreement opens the way to a long-discussed Trans-Caspian Pipeline, which could send gas from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan and on to Europe. The energy situation in Europe is more dynamic today than it has been in many years, with a number of projects competing for investment and market share. But the outcome for medium-to-long-term European energy security will be contingent on which projects manage to come online first. Read the original text at The Jamestown Foundation. A Ukrainian warrior was injured in action due to the combat activity in Donbas on November 29. The HQ of the Joint Forces Operation reported that on Facebook. Nine attacks on Ukrainian positions were reported over Thursday; on five occasions, the enemy used Minsk-banned weapons. Russian mercenaries attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of Krymske, Volny, Luhanske, Avdiivka, Chermalyk, Hnutove, Vodyane and Taramchuk. One of the Ukrainian fighters, Serhiy Prodanyuk went missing in action; search actions are underway. Earlier, on November 26, the militants shelled the positions of the Joint Forces of Ukraine six times, which led to the injuring of two Ukrainian servicemen. The press office of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) reported on Facebook. The occupiers shelled our strongholds in the areas of Malynove, Pivdenne, and Krasnohorivka using grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Besides, the enemy used 82mm mortars near Vilny, Opytne, and Hnutove. The Russian occupiers fired 120mm mortars in the area of Malynove, which is close to Stanytsia Luhanska, the headquarters reported. The occupants performed 14 attacks, using mortars four times Two Ukrainian servicemen sustained injuries in Donbas combat zone on November 28, as the Joint Forces Operation HQ reported. Over the past 24 hours, the occupants performed 14 attacks at out positions. The enemy used Minsk-banned weapons. The militants fired 82mm mortars near Krymske, Khutir Vilny, and Hnutove. The occupants used 120mm mortars near Luhanske. November 29, pro-Russian militants fired at Ukraines defense works twice, using small arms near Taramchuk and Hnutove. Related video: Earlier, Heather Nauert, the Spokesperson of U.S. State Department, noted that the European authorities might enhance sanctions against Russian for aggression in Crimea and Donbas. In the spring of 2014, martial law would have a positive impact on the economy of Ukraine, but now it is rather harmful If we remember the managerial "spam" of the past few years and a heap of "177 reforms," two of them could be distinguished by their extremely controversial nature and drastic affects on the Ukrainian economy. It is about declaring of the martial law in the country. In February-March 2014, Ukrainian authorities had all the legal powers to impose martial law, and there were more than enough facts of military aggression of the Russian Federation. Moreover, the introduction of martial law then could stabilize the banking system and keep the national currency rate. In addition, such a status would be a fundamental basis for the declaration of a temporary moratorium on the payment of external debts. But then the National Bank (NBU) and the Ministry of Finance were entered by the shepherds of the external creditors, and the main task for a belligerent country was completely different: to repay debts and ensure uninterrupted capital outflow from the country. To please an average Ukrainian, they have created a fairy tale that allegedly 3,500 USD were left on the single treasury account in February 2014, and the country could be saved only by those external creditors. In fact, any economist can tell you that the single treasury account is a flow indicator, not a constant on a specific date. Once, there might be a billion, and after five minutes, ten times more. Or less. And the filling of the treasury account in 2014 gradually leveled off after the first shock caused by political tectonic shifts in Kyiv. And within a few days there were amounts comparable to, for example, 2018 summer balances on the treasury account. But it is not even about that. After all, the state has not only the current treasury resources, but also the gold and foreign exchange reserves of the NBU (which are being formed for a rainy day). So, in March 2014, the NBU gold reserves amounted to 15.08 billion USD, including 1.37 million ounces of gold. This is just $ 1.7 billion less than in October of this year. This money was successfully spent on the return of foreign debts and ensuring the outflow of capital from the country. By the end of 2014, the gold reserves of the NBU decreased to a critical level of 7.5 billion USD, that is, by $ 8 billion, and gold reserves lost even more: from 1.37 million troy ounces to 0.76 million (almost double!). If martial law had been introduced in February 2014, the wasted $ 8 billion could be used to stabilize the economy, as well as for a soft devaluation of the hryvnia. And as the current statements of the IMF show, cooperation with creditors does not stop at all in the case of introducing an martial law, other lending formats would be used (although all these years the authorities have been convincing us to the contrary). In addition, the martial law probably would have leveled the Russian inversion in Donbas, in any case, the army would have a more effective countermeasure than the anti-terrorist operation mode. But then martial law was not introduced solely because the new people in the government offices wanted to legitimize their power positions, even though their inaction had led to the loss of part of the country's territories. At the same time, one right decision could be distinguished. Non-declaration of martial law during Ilovaysk and Debaltseve battles. The Russian Federation then used surrogate forms of aggression and the use of the EaP regime would only aggravate the economic state of the economy, because in the fall of 2014, the gold reserves of the National Bank of Ukraine began to melt like a spring snow. By the end of the year, the country had finally lost its internal reserves and became maximally dependent on external financial injections, and therefore, could no longer pursue a sovereign policy. In 2015, the interests of the pro-government elites and the interests of the state have coincided, and martial law was not introduced then. The current situation again brought us back to a state where the political struggle to use controlled chaos for its own purposes overwhelmed not only the church walls, but also pulled national security issues into its funnel. At the moment, the parametric data of the Ukrainian economy is much worse than in February 2014. Then we were dealing with a short-term behavioral shock of the population and business, and in March it began to decline gradually. But we still had reserves and reserves of strength left over from previous years. Euro 2012 has just come to an end, when multi-billion infrastructure investments poured into the economy. Some of them were simply stolen, but no one has yet abolished the trickle-down effect on capital. The need to attract at least 5 billion USD next year to refinance old debts, and the total debt burden on the budget will be more than 14,3 billion USD or more than a third of the budget revenue. Plus huge migration risks. And what we get is an attempt to impose martial law throughout the country. By a strange coincidence, announcing martial law in Ukraine coincided with another fall in stock markets in the EU, which occurred as a result of the escalation of the US-Chinese trade war. The fall was recorded in the segment of mining companies, which is a wake-up call for the Ukrainian raw materials economy. The automotive industry is also diminishing. Shares of Thomas Cook fell by 30% altogether, indicating a decline in effective demand and the first signs of an economic slowdown in the Western economy. The shares and another tour operator TUI (-6.3%) have also declined. Under these conditions, introducing the martial law is a negative signal not only for the economic agents inside the country, but also for the external investors. Martial law is a classic force majeure and, from now on, unreliable counterparties can refer to it as the reason for non-fulfillment of contractual obligations. Moreover, the main Ukrainian ports are in a shaky situation, which could lead to a sharp rise in ship insurance. And the ports take a significant part in our exports flow. Obtaining bank guarantees and export-import financing in Western banks for Ukrainian enterprises can now also become more complicated, because operations with territories, where martial law is launched, are subject to special reservation and monitoring. Each election brings us more and more new forms of division of society. Here and now ten regions are under martial law, while the other follows their usual way of life. So far we do not feel much difference, but this is only because the initiators themselves have not yet decided what to do with this toolkit. Read the original text at 112.ua. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners. On November 28, Ukraine's State Border Guard did not let 33 Russian citizens cross the state border of Ukraine. Andriy Demchenko, the authority's press secretary reported this on Thursday. 'Most of these people during the border control procedures could not confirm the goals of their visit to Ukraine. Some of them did not have the respective documents, which give the right to cross the state border. There are also people who used to illegally visit Crimea', Demchenko reported. The Border Guard currently boosts security measures. 'We involved additional reserves and man up the units. Our patrols are increased in numbers and, if necessary, supplied with the firearms and armored vehicles (...) The operative measures are taken to prevent any incidents or provocations on the border; the citizens who appear to be in the 'risk area' are interviewed, and the cars are inspected carefully,' the message says. The boosted security measures at Ukrainian border checkpoints are related to the martial law, imposed in ten regions of the country, as well as in the Azov Sea waters. The martial law was imposed on Monday, November 26; it will last for at least 30 days, with possible prolongation. It was the response of the Ukrainian leaders to the aggression in the Sea of Azov, as Russian Navy attacked the Ukrainian vessels in Kerch Strait. Independent candidate Salome Zurabishvili supported by the ruling party Georgian Dream (billioner Bidzina Ivanishvili is its main sponsor), wins the presidential election in Georgia, as the Central Election Commission reported. 99,7% of the ballots were counted, Zurabishvili got 59,56% of the popular votes and her opponent, Grigol Vashadze from the opposition party United National Movement got 40,44% of the votes. The exit polls held by Gallup predicted the victory of Zurabishvili with 58% of the votes. The final voter turnout made 56,23% at the second round of the presidential election in Georgia. Both candidates who passed to the second round of the election are the former foreign ministers in the government of Mikhail Saakashvili. They are united by the lack of sympathy to Russia and course on the rapprochement with the EU and NATO. Future president of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili is a daughter of the Georgian migrants; she was born in France. She has both French and Georgian citizenships, however, she refused from her French passport. She worked at the French Foreign Ministry since 1974, and she also served as an Ambassador in Tbilisi. Mikhail Saakashvili, who occupied the post of the president at that moment, invited her to head the foreign ministry. Grigol Vashadze, the underdog opponent, is considered to be an ally of Saakashvili. He has been living in Russia for a long time and had the Russian citizenship but he returned to the homeland. The loss of Vashadze puts the kibosh on the pardoning of ex-president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili, who lives in the Netherlands at the moment. He is accused of different corruption crimes in Georgia. In 2017, the Georgian Parliament approved a new Constitution that turned Georgia into a parliamentarian republic. It means the president's powers will be considerably limited. The 2024 presidential election will be assigned by the election committee shaped of 300 officials. The meeting would last for about two hours The U.S. confirms that the meeting between American President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin will take place on December 1 at G20 summit in Argentina as Reuters reported citing official data of Kremlin. It is noted that Putin and Trump plan to meet at the negotiations at 14:30 UTC on the sidelines of the summit. According to RIA News, the meeting would last for about two hours. On November 29, Kremlins official stated that the leaders of Russia and the U.S. would seek ways to break the deadlock in the relations and they would discuss the issue concerning the strategic stability, Syria, Iran, and North Korea during the meeting. The meeting was doubted on November 27, when Trump claimed that he can cancel it after the capturing of three Ukrainian naval vessels by Russia near Kerch Strait. The G20 summit to take place on November 30 and December 1 in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. 22,000 police officers and security agents will be involved in the event to provide the order. Besides, Trump plans to meet the leaders of Argentina, China, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, and India. Trump refused to meet with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia due to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As we reported earlier, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy acted aggressively against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Given the tough situation in the area of Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, President Petro Poroshenko supported the offer of Ukraine's national security and defense council; it stipulates that the Ukrainian Parliament should consider the option to impose the martial law in Ukraine. On November 28, the Uriadovy Kurier, the official outlet of the Ukrainian Cabinet, published the presidential decree No.392, which activates the decision of the National Security and Defense Council in Ukraine about the 30-days-long martial law in Ukraine. On November 27-28, Kyiv District Court of Simferopol arrested all Ukrainian sailors until January 25, 2019, who were detained by Russian border officers. Related video: Open source Ukrainian political prisoner Roman Sushchenko has been brought to the penal colony where the ex-Russian law enforcers are held. This detention facility is located in Kirov Oblast, central Russia. Human rights defender Mark Feygin said that in an interview with the Ukrainian media. As is known, Ukrainian Roman Sushchenko, the reporter of Ukrinfiorm news agency, was detained in September 2016 in Moscow and accused by the FSB of espionage. For this, he faces 20 years in prison. Ukraine has appealed to Russia with a demand to release the Ukrainian journalist multiple times. Moscow City Court of Russia has sentenced Roman Sushchenko, the citizen of Ukraine to 12 years in the hard labor colony for the espionage. Russias FSB believes that Sushchenko came from Paris to Moscow to visit his cousin in September 2016 to collect information on Mariupol attack. The court session against Sushchenko took place in the closed regime and the court announced only introductory and resume parts of the decision. Gold chains for men are uniquely designed, preserving in mind the durability. The excellent gold chain for men that are... While marathon running is specifically an athletic endeavor, it is also a very publicized sport, where your picture could get... Moving to a new city can be full of anxiety and excitement. When you feel scared, you cant enjoy the... Most real estate agents have an obligation to market their business to potential clients. You have to make sure that... I Agree This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy Security Service of Ukraine received information about mining in the stores Open source Silpo grocery stores in Kyiv are evacuated in connection with the message received from an anonymous person about mining, reports the press office of Kyiv Police. It is reported that the information about the explosive in the grocery shops was sent to the Security Service of Ukraine. Since the anonymous didnt specify where the explosive is planted, police officers to check every store of the chain. It is also noted that several groups of law enforcement officers were created for the most rapid check of the supermarkets. Besides, another evacuation took place in Silver Breeze shopping mall in Kyiv. Reportedly, an explosion on the sixth armory occurred in Ichnia, Chernihiv region, on October 9. The air-space within 30 km was shut down, traffic and railway movement were stopped due to the emergency situation. Related: Evacuated civilians return home after explosions at Ukraine's Ichnia ammo depot Ukraines Defence Ministry reports that as of 7 am, October 9, the intensity of the explosions was 2-3 explosions per second. Earlier, the Military Prosecutors Office of the Central Region opened a criminal proceeding on the case of explosions on the ammunition depot in Ichnia. Later the State Emergency Service reported that over 12,000 people were evacuated from Ichnia and the adjacent localities within the radius of 16 kilometers. All workers of the department were evacuated, the rescuers work at the site The fire occurred at the building of Ukraine's Finance Ministry situated in Kyiv, as UNN reported citing the Emergency Service in Kyiv. At 7:37, the fire alarm worked at the building of the Finance Ministry, six units of the fire engines aimed to the site; the cables at the elevator shaft are burning, the workers of the ministry are evacuated, Svitlana Vodolaha, the spokesperson of Kyiv rescuers, reported. Earlier, Silpo grocery stores in Kyiv were evacuated in connection with the message received from an anonymous person about mining. It was reported that the information about the explosive in the grocery shops was sent to the Security Service of Ukraine. Since the anonymous didnt specify where the explosive is planted, police officers were to check every store of the chain. November 28, far-right group Sokil has entered Kyiv shopping mall Ocean Plaza. 200 people in black clothes with the flags of their organization were inside the mall. We take Ocean Plaza under our control, the protesters stated. The sixth kind of the violence against the sailors continues even now The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed different forms of attacks, performed by the Russian side against the Ukrainian sailors captured in Kerch Strait. Oleg Frolov, the Deputy SBU Head, made such statement, as 112 Ukraine reported. 'In fact, the Ukrainian military survived by the miracle. They sustained six various kinds of attacks. That included ramming of Ukraine's small tugboat Yanu Kapy by the vessel of Russian FSB Border Guard; the use of two air-to-ground missiles, launched from Russian multirole fighter Sukhoi Su-30; the use of two air-to-ground missiles launched from gunship Kamov Ka-52; the use of large-caliber armament of the ships (as they shelled cabin with the sailors); the boarding of Russian Spetsnaz and the physical violence against our sailors.' The sixth kind of violence against the sailors continues even now. Physical, moral, psychological pressure, illegal arrest of 24 our sailors, admission refusal, and concealing information on health of three Ukrainian war prisoners wounded as the result of the armed Russian attack, he added. As we reported earlier, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy acted aggressively against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Given the tough situation in the area of Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, President Petro Poroshenko supported the offer of Ukraine's national security and defense council; it stipulates that the Ukrainian Parliament should consider the option to impose the martial law in Ukraine. On November 28, the Uriadovy Kurier, the official outlet of the Ukrainian Cabinet, published the presidential decree No.392, which activates the decision of the National Security and Defense Council in Ukraine about the 30-days-long martial law in Ukraine. On November 27-28, Kyiv District Court of Simferopol arrested all Ukrainian sailors until January 25, 2019, who were detained by Russian border officers. Related video: Open source Ukrainian sailors detained in Kerch Strait were transferred from annexed Crimea to Moscow prison as Dzhemil Temyshev, the lawyer of captured sailor Roman Mokriak, reported on Facebook. The sailors are already in Moscow. The colleagues from Lefortovo reported this information. Today due to the technical events, Lefortovo was almost closed. And we could not meet our clients in Simferopol as supposedly they were involved in some events, the lawyer reported. He did not specify the number of Ukrainians transferred to the Russian capital. In his turn, Deputy Prosecutor of Crimea Ihor Ponochovny could not confirm the information of the lawyer to 112 Ukraine and claimed that it was not verified yet. Refat Chubarov, the Head of Crimean Tatar Mejlis, commented the information on the transfer of the Ukrainian sailors to Moscow. He said that this data is not confirmed yet. At the same time, he emphasized that the possibility of the Ukrainian diplomats in Russia to visit the captured sailors would be the positive moment in such situation. Borys Babin, the representative of the Crimean president, also confirms the information that the Ukrainians could be transferred to Moscow. Confirmation or denial of this information will be announced later, he specified. As we reported before, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy acted aggressively against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Given the tough situation in the area of Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, President Petro Poroshenko supported the offer of Ukraine's national security and defense council; it stipulates that the Ukrainian Parliament should consider the option to impose the martial law in Ukraine. On November 28, the Uriadovy Kurier, the official outlet of the Ukrainian Cabinet, published the presidential decree No.392, which activates the decision of the National Security and Defense Council in Ukraine about the 30-days-long martial law in Ukraine. On November 27-28, Kyiv District Court of Simferopol arrested all Ukrainian sailors until January 25, 2019, who were detained by Russian border officers. Related video: This decision will influence the process of providing Ukrainians with a political asylum Czech Internal Ministry extended the list of safe countries by including Ukraine in it, as Ukraines Ambassador to the Czech Republic Yevhen Perebyinis reported on Facebook. This list is used while considering the requests for political asylum. From now on, only the requests of the Ukrainians who came from Russia-occupied territories Crimea and occupied Donbas will be considered. The requests of the Ukrainians from other regions will be automatically considered baseless, he wrote. Jan Hamacek, Czech Internal Minister, explained such decision stating that Ukraine is among the countries, where Constitution provides basic rights and freedoms, including freedom of movement. Therefore, Czech does not see any reason not to include this country into the list of safe ones. Ian Lipavsky, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies, supports this idea. Martial law in some Ukrainian regions should not make us think that Ukraine is not a safe country, he noted. In addition, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis stated that his country would not host the refugees from Middle East and Africa, as it hosts a lot of Ukrainians. According to Czech Internal Ministry, the number of the Ukrainians who ask for political asylum, has dramatically increased in 2014. In particular, in 2018, mostly Ukrainians request political asylum in the Czech Republic. In total, from January 1 till June 30, 2018, 774 appeals were files, 205 of which came from the Ukrainians. Open source Former officers of Ukraines Security Service, probably two of them, took part in capturing the Ukrainian sailors and vessels in Kerch Strait, as Oleg Frolov, the Deputy Head of the service, said at the briefing, 112 Ukraine reports. We have information that two former Security Service officers were implementing tasks on capturing of our vessels, he said. As we reported earlier, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy acted aggressively against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Given the tough situation in the area of Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, President Petro Poroshenko supported the offer of Ukraine's national security and defense council; it stipulates that the Ukrainian Parliament should consider the option to impose the martial law in Ukraine. On November 28, the Uriadovy Kurier, the official outlet of the Ukrainian Cabinet, published the presidential decree No.392, which activates the decision of the National Security and Defense Council in Ukraine about the 30-days-long martial law in Ukraine. On November 27-28, Kyiv District Court of Simferopol arrested the Ukrainian sailors until January 25, 2019, who were detained by Russian border officers. Related video: According to the media, Vladislav Roslyakov was cremated Vladislav Roslyakov, the Kerch shooter, was buried in occupied Crimea, as 360 reported. Vladislav Roslyakov, who was responsible for an armed attack in Kerch Polytechnic on October 17, was cremated. Kerch shooter was buried two weeks ago under a false surname, the message says. As we reported, an explosion thundered at a college in Kerch, the town in Russian-occupied Crimea. The number of the victims reached 21. Russia's Investigative Committee opened a criminal proceeding due to Crimean blast upon the article on the terrorist action; however, later it was reclassified to the mass murder. A crime was committed by an 18-year-old student of the college, later he shot himself. The so-called Head of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov stated that the Kerch shooter had support in preparing the terrorist attack in the college on October 17. The donator promised to allocate $3,9 billion for Ukraine within the new 14-month stand-by program Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, and Christine Lagarde, IMF Managing Director Twitter Sviatoslav Tseholko Martial law will not influence the cooperation with the IMF, as Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the organization, said during a phone conversation with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, as the press office of the Head of the State reported. The Head of State informed Madame Lagarde about the adoption and the key parameters of the State Budget of Ukraine for the year 2019. Madame Lagarde noted that, according to the IMFs preliminary estimates, the key indicators of the State Budget of Ukraine are in line with the parameters agreed with the Fund, the message reads. The IMF Managing Director confirmed readiness to provide relevant technical support of Ukraine in reforming the fiscal policy and tax administration. Besides, the interlocutors discussed the further steps to be taken in terms of the session of the IMF Executive Board in December for consideration of stand-by program for Ukraine. October 19, the Government adopted the decision on the gas price increase by 23.5 percent from November 1. Within one hour after the relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, a statement appeared on the website of IMF that Ukraine and the Fund reached an agreement on a new 14-months-long support program of economic policy Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) that is supposed to replace the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which is adopted in March 2015 and expires in March 2019. Related: IMF has no legal bans on cooperation with Ukraine in martial law conditions The Monetary Fund expects that the IMF Council will adopt the program by the end of 2018 under the condition that Ukraine fulfills all agreements. That includes the adoption of the state budget by the Ukrainian Parliament, which corresponds to the recommendations of the Fund. The credit program for Ukraine in the amount of $17.01 billion was approved by the IMF at the end of April 2014, and the first tranche of Stand-By Arrangement loan in the amount of $ 3.19 billion was granted in early May. Related: Martial law seen no obstacle to IMF aid for Kyiv: Ukraine update In March 2015, the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund approved the allocation of $ 17.5 billion to Ukraine under the 4-year EFF (Extended Fund Facility) program instead of the SBA program. The SBA program has been replaced by the Extended Fund Facility due to the longer need of the balance of payments of Ukraine. Ukraine's President stated that he was convinced in further enhancement of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Georgia President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko congratulated Salome Zurabishvili on the victory on the presidential elections in Georgia, as he wrote on Twitter. I sincerely congratulate Salome Zurabishvili with the victory on the presidential elections in Georgia. I wish you success in serving for Georgia for the sake of the democratic European development of the country and consolidation of the community, Poroshenko wrote. He also added that he was convinced in further enhancement of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Georgia. Salome Zurabishvili is a daughter of the Georgian migrants; she was born in France. She possesses both French and Georgian citizenships, however, she refused from the French passport. She worked at the French Foreign Ministry from 1974 and she was the Ambassador in Tbilisi. Mikhail Saakashvili who occupied the post of the president at that moment invited her to head the foreign ministry. Grigol Vashadze, the underdog opponent, is considered to be an ally of Saakashvili. He has been living in Russia for a long time and had Russian citizenship but returned to his homeland. The loss of Vashadze puts the kibosh on the pardoning of ex-president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili, who lives in the Netherlands at the moment. He is accused of different corruption crimes in Georgia. In 2017, the Georgian Parliament approved a new Constitution that turned Georgia into a parliamentarian republic. It means the president's powers would be considerably limited. The 2024 presidential election will be assigned by the election committee shaped of 300 officials. Earlier, the EU Spokesperson Mogherini condemned Russias actions in Kerch Strait and called for the release of the Ukrainian sailors The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko thanked the European allies for their support of Ukraine and urged them to make the real steps to take all the necessary measures to influence the aggressor, as he wrote on Facebook. Thank our European allies for the long-awaited position in defense of Ukraine and condemnation of Russias actions against the Ukrainian sailors in Azov Sea and Kerch Strait despite the acting bilateral agreements and international law, Poroshenko said. The Head of the State noted that he appreciated the consolidated call of the EU to the Kremlin to provide an immediate and unconditional release of the Ukrainian sailors. I urge the EU member stated to move from declarations to real steps and take all required measures to influence the aggressor, including tightening of the sanctions to cease Russias crawling annexation of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait and restore Ukraines territorial integrity. I also expect a resolute consolidated response of the G7 with the assessment of aggressors criminal behavior, Poroshenko said. Earlier, the EU Spokesperson Mogherini condemned Russias actions in Kerch Strait and called for the release of the Ukrainian sailors. Kyiv District Court of the occupied Simferopol arrested all the captured Ukrainian sailors for two months. The deputies of Zaporizhia City Council did not get enough votes to cancel the decision made earlier Zaporizhia City Council failed the voting for the cancelation of the decision to give the Russian language a regional status, as UNN reported. November 28, the deputies considered the draft decision On cancellation of the decision of Zaporizhia City Council, which intended to cancel the following decisions: On providing Russian language with a regional status; On rebroadcasting Russian TV channels in Zaporizhia cable systems; On protection of the rights of Zaporizhia residents for information (2008); To create the conditions for the further development of Russian language in Zaporizhia (2007); On carrying out a survey on the regional status of the Russian language in Zaporizhia. 22 deputies supported the draft decision, nobody voted against, 19 have abstained. 33 votes were required to adopt the decision. Earlier we reported that the status of Ukraine's state language will be endorsed over the course of the next ten years when the government implements the respective program. On February 28, 2018, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine produced a ruling in regards to whether the law On the principles of the state language policy #5029-VI (the so-called Kolesnychenko-Kivalov law). The Law "On the Principles of language policy" was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada by MPs Vadym Kolesnichenko and Serhiy Kivalov. According to the law, the language of the Verkhovna Rada and acts of public authorities, is Ukrainian. When it comes to the language of elections, referendums, science, and education - the focus is on the human right to freely use any language. US President offered to invite the leaders of Germany and France as the mediators in the settlement of the tense situation U.S. President Donald Trump wants to know whether Ukraine warned Russia before Ukrainian military ships Nikopol, Berdyansk, and Yany Kapu moved to the Kerch Strat, as he said in the interview for New York Post in the Wight House. Trump supposed that there was a special system developed by the military of both of the countries for such situations. There was a question was a warning given? Did they [the Ukranian vessels let them know theyre coming through? Because they have a system I guess. Its been working, the President said. Trump stated that he did not like Russias capture of three Ukrainian vessels. He urged the European leaders to take part in solving the conflict, yet he avoided criticizing Russian President Putin. He offered to invite the leaders of Germany and France as the mediators in the settlement of the tense situation. Trump also stated that he talked to the Turkish President Recep Erdogan about the Azov crisis. The leader of Turkey talked to Putin and Poroshenko about this. He offered his candidacy for a mediator in the talks. Relatd video: Ukraine news on 112.international The request is based on the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, which establishes the sovereignty of Turkey over the straits joining the Black and Mediterranean Sea Open source Ukraine plans to appeal to Turkey with a request to close Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, for the Russian naval ships. Ihor Vovchenko, the Commander of Armed Forces of Ukraine, made such statement as 24 Channel reported. During the war, when Turkey is not a belligerent party, the naval vessels will use the right of full freedom of the pass and navigation in the straits under the same conditions pointed at Articles 10-18. However, the naval vessels of the belligerent countries do not possess the rights to pass these straits, excluding the cases emerging with the use of the Article 25 of the Convention and in the case of the assistance to the state, which is the victim of the aggression, owing to the treaty on the mutual help, which is compulsory for Turkey, concluded within the League of Nations Charter, registered and published in accordance with the points of the Article 18 of the present Charter. In exceptional cases provided in the previous paragraph, the restrictions pointed at the Articles 10-18 are not applied, the message said. The issue is about the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, which established the sovereignty of Turkey over the straits joining the Black and Mediterranean Sea in 1936. The convention was adopted at the Conference on the regime of the Black Sea Straits, which took place in Montreux (Switzerland). According to the document, Turkey is obliged to observe the principles of the international maritime law and provide the freedom of the merchant ships of all countries of the world to pass through the strait at the peaceful time and wartime. Turkey also got the rights to ban the pass through the straits for the naval vessels in the case if the war threatens the country itself and for the naval vessels of the countries, which are holding the war against each other. As we reported earlier the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy acted aggressively against the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. Given the tough situation in the area of Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, President Petro Poroshenko supported the offer of Ukraine's national security and defense council; it stipulates that the Ukrainian Parliament should consider the option to impose the martial law in Ukraine. On November 28, the Uriadovy Kurier, the official outlet of the Ukrainian Cabinet published the presidential decree No.392, which activates the decision of the National Security and Defense Council in Ukraine about the 30-days-long martial law in Ukraine. On November 27-28, Kyiv District Court of Simferopol arrested all Ukrainian sailors until January 25, 2019, who were detained by Russian border officers. Related video: Rob M. You can almost feel the country holding its breath and waiting for something to happen. First Sessions was sent to the chopping block, then longtime opponent of cannabis Chris Christie shocked everybody by flip-flopping and framing cannabis legalization as a states' rights issue. Just last year Christie told a crowd at New Jersey Hospital Associations conference on substance abuse that crazy liberals who supported legalizaton were willing to poison our kids for blood money. More recently Rep. Joe Kennedy III, of Massachusettsa staunch hater of the dreaded marijuana plantwrote an op ed in STAT saying that after a year of research and debate, he's come to the conclusion that the federal government has ceded its responsibilityand authorityto thoughtfully regulate marijuana. He actually said in plain text that the government needed to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and legalize it at the federal level. And here's the big one: Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told CNBC host Joe Kernen last week that federal marijuana legalization is bound to happen: (emphasis mine) Obviously its happening at the state level, and I think theres an inevitability that its going to happen at the federal level at some point soon. He also said the medical claims surrounding cannabis have not been proven, making the whole interaction weird. These days I'm loathe to print anything remotely optimistic, but these rumblings have my ears cocked. Arguments on the subject these days seem more like masturbatory political posturing than discussions concerning existential threats or the lack thereofakin to arguments about abortion or gun control: things that are unlikely to change, but highly likely to make people froth and argue for hours at the dinner table. This is a good sign, dear reader. It means that Gottlieb might be right and legalization is inevitable. Of course, it's doubtful that the next Attorney General will be friendly toward marijuana, but it can't last forever. Out of My Cold, Dead Hands A Pennsylvania doctor filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over prohibitions which prevent medical cannabis patients from owning firearms. The doctor regularly treats PTSD with marijuana and was denied a firearm when he tried to buy it. The Philadelphia-based doctor's lawsuit names acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and the directors of the FBI and the BATFE, claiming they are infringing upon his Second Amendment right to gun ownership and his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The doctor's attorney, John Weston, told reporters, The seller correctly said, 'Do you use marijuana?' The doctor correctly answered that he did. And the person at the store also correctly said then, 'I can't sell you a gun.' According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, you cannot purchase or possess a firearm if you are an unlawful user of controlled substances. This isn't a new rule, by any means. And in 2011 the Bureau published an open letter clarifying that medical cannabis still counted as a controlled substance federally, so marijuana patients weren't allowed to own firearms. Back in 2016, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ban was not in violation of the second amendment when a Nevada resident sued for being denied a gun after she admitted to possessing a medical cannabis card. Last week Missouri State Representative Nicholas B. Schroer posted on Facebook that he planned to fight the unfair statute. Plain and simple, I am against the federal government stopping law abiding citizens here in Missouri from purchasing firearms and utilizing their #2A rights, he wrote. It's doubtful that the ban will be turned over, but this story is especially beautiful because it illustrates how trying to make marijuana sit up and beg for party politics is futile. They'll tell you it's more of that Left versus Right claptrap, but theyre wrong. Don't listen, friends. Mass. Seeing Green Last weekjust in time for Thanksgivingretail cannabis shops in Massachusetts opened their doors for the first time. It's been two years since the state's voters decided to legalize recreational cannabis, and it seems the time was well spent in preparation. Unlike the recent troubles with product shortages felt by Canadian shoppers, Massachusetts' consumers found its two recreational marijuana stores well-stocked and ready to serve. The Cannabis Control Commission reported a combined total of $440,011 was made from the sale of 10,700 products from the stores. According to the Boston Globe, the state will get 17 percent of that totalthanks to a regular 6.25 percent sales tax and a 10.75 percent on marijuana taxwhich equals about $74,800 for just the first day of sales. The communities where the shops were locatedLeicester and Northamptonalso imposed a 3 percent local tax each. I sure hope our state legislators here in New Mexico read that number and felt it like a kick in the ribs. The day apparently went well for consumers, too. Despite the fact that they stood in lines for hours, suffering through a cold and rainy New England day, photos and reports depict smiles and good cheer all around. Go figure. 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!) National Young Farmers Coalition So much policy is directly governed by the Farm Bill that its fate impacts most Americans. Even if youre not a farmer, programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) probably have real-world effects on your lifeespecially in an agricultural city like Albuquerquewhether or not you see them. Which is why you should be deeply troubled that the 2014 Farm Bill has expired, and Congress hasnt agreed on a new bill to take its place. Havent heard of the Farm Bill? The first Farm Bill was introduced during the Great Depression and intended as a funding safety net for farmers during economic or weather-related disasters, but it has expanded to include new farmer grants, nutrition assistance and farmer training programs. Congress votes on the bill every five years, and its usually a highly bipartisan bill that goes through the House and the Senate without many changes and without much of a hiccup. But things went a little sideways this time. This year, when the Senate and the House presented their versions of the bill in June, they were vastly different. And after months of voting and making amendments, they still havent been able to come to an agreement. Thats a big problem, since the old Farm Bill expired at the start of October. Which, according to farmer Olivia Watkins in North Carolina, a member of the National Young Farmers Coalition, means the funding and programs put into place are on hold due to an inability to reach a negotiation consensus. People are on the side of farmers most of the time, says Casey Holland, owner of Chispas Farm in the South Valley. But on this go around the House version and the Senate version were two very different animals. The House version wanted to completely defund 2501 [the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, a unique federally funded program that aids farmers and ranchers of color] and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Programall these different programs. The Senate bill didnt. One of the most controversial aspects of the House bill has been the introduction of new work requirements for SNAP recipientswithout which the president may not sign the bill. And while Congress goes back and forth on these details, many farmers are left without the critical funding, training and support theyve been relying on to run their farms. Some of the stranded programs that are suddenly without funding include the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, which conducts research and education to help organic farmers grow and market their produce and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which is instrumental in preserving farmland and making it affordable for beginning farmers. For not only farmers but scientists, researchers and other federal employees, letting the Farm Bill lapse means sudden layoffs and cuts in funding. National Young Farmers Coalition The week of Nov. 12 to 15, 100 farmers from the National Young Farmers Coalitionincluding Olivia Watkins and Casey Hollandflew to DC to lobby for a Farm Bill that will swiftly bring back the federal funding so desperately needed by young and beginning farmers. NYFC gave a short training session on the details of each of these programs, how to effectively draft a narrative and how to approach and negotiate with legislatorsand then sent the young farmers to work. The new lobbyists spoke with their senators and representatives about the programs that they relied on, and how important it was to keep them for future generations of farmers. These individual stories are critical tools in putting names and faces to the statistics that legislators see all day. It can also educate them about programs they didnt know were important or widely usedSenator Heinrich, for instance, was surprised when he learned how much of Rio Grande Valley farmers income comes from farmers markets and the Double Up Food Bucks program. And those numbers arent specific to New Mexico, eitherone farm in South Carolina reported that 20 to 25 percent of their profits this year came in the form of SNAP dollars. The NYFC members from New Mexico largely had a receptive audience, but not everyone was so lucky. There were some farmers who walked out of these meetings in tears because they accidentally let the term climate change slip Im so glad I live in New Mexico, Holland said. [Congresswoman] Lujan Grisham is so down for the cause. She walked into the room and said Im here for youwhat do you need? And [Senator] Heinrich too. I heard them both say theyre supportive. Now Im going to hold them accountable. Of course, the push to get the Farm Bill passed has gained some urgency since the midterm elections, when it became apparent that the House will switch to the Democrats next year. While the NYFC is thrilled that there will soon be resolution, there are some who would argue that waiting to pass the bill until 2019 wouldnt be the worst thing. Im kind of hoping they dont get it together in time because it will be a totally be a different bill now, Holland says. But for the many farmers that have been up a creek since the start of October, any bill is better than no bill at this point. As always, calling your representative is a great way to get your voice heard on the importance of a strong Farm Bill. Visit 2018farmbill. org/ action to see talking points and sample phone call scripts, or just let your congressperson know about how a particular program under the Farm Bill impacts you. If you wouldnt be able to afford local produce without SNAP benefits, make a noise. If your niece/ brother/ favorite farmer relies on a federal grant to get hoop houses, and other farm infrastructure, let them hear about it. Talking to legislators about the individual impact of these programs on their constituents can make a huge difference Otherwise, its just a bunch of numbers, says Holland. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity Keller Announces Renewable Energy Plan Last week Mayor Tim Keller announced a plan to make Albuquerque move completely into renewable energy within the next four years. According to a press release, the city will be working with Public Service Company of New Mexico to build a new solar generating station as part of a new PNM program. The proposed 50-megawatt solar plant will sell 25 megawatts to the city for use on municipal properties, as the plan dictates, and sell the remaining 25 megawatts to other municipalities through PNM's Solar Direct Program. If the station receives state regulatory approval, within 2 years, 58 percent of the city's energy will come from the renewable source, according to the release. Right now only four percent of the city's energy usage comes from a renewable source. Keller's plan also includes installing more energy efficient street lighting and reducing the citys energy consumption. It's expected to be fully implemented by 2022, and officials say it will eliminate the equivalent of 93,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions every year. The plan should also lower energy costs for the city in the long run. The cost and location of the proposed facility have not been discussed. PED Rejects Changes to Grading System The New Mexico Public Education Department responded negatively to a suggestion that it alter the way it evaluates school performance. Albuquerque Journal reports the School Grades Work Group spoke before the Legislative Education Study Committee last month, recommending that the current school grading system be abolished. PED evaluates schools using an A to F grading system based on student assessments. The working group suggested that the grading system places too much focus on failure, and consequently demoralizes school leaders. Members proposed replacing the system with a dashboard model that would profile schools and communicate how each was performing. But PED Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski called the recommendation an underhanded way to reduce public accountability and transparency by schools performing poorly. He also pointed out that they met behind closed doors without participation from representatives of the department, as is required by the legislative memorial that created the group. Chairwoman of the LESC State Sen. Mimi Stewart claimed an invitation was sent to PED when the group began meeting a year ago, but it was ignored. PED spokesman Christopher Eide told reporters that no such email had been found. Courtesy NM Political Report A majority of New Mexico voters support legalizing recreational marijuana. And a governor who opposes the idea will leave office at the start of the year, giving hope to some supporters of the idea. But even if New Mexicos next governor supports the legalization of recreational marijuana, a familiar obstacle would still stand in the way: the state Senate. State Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino has sponsored legislation to legalize recreational marijuana since 2014. Hes tried with constitutional amendments in the past, but since Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports legalization, won office then the effort will go through regular statue. And he knows that even though public sentiment has shifted, 2019 still wont be the year things go his way. Its going to be tough, Ortiz y Pino told NM Political Report. The House will probably vote for it. The Senate is going to be its usual 30- years- behind- the- times self. The Albuquerque Democrat attributed opposition in part to the age of senators. I think its a generational or a cultural thing more than anything, Ortiz y Pino said. This isnt stopping supporters from working to make legalization of recreational marijuana a reality. Emily Kaltenbach, the director of the New Mexico chapter of the Drug Policy Alliance, noted that of the eight states that have legalized recreational marijuana, only one state has done so through the legislative processVermont. All other states, including New Mexicos northern neighbor, Colorado, legalized recreational marijuana through ballot initiatives. New Mexico law, however, does not provide for statewide ballot initiatives. Kaltenbach says Vermont is a model for states to follow a path to get through a legislative process. There are benefits to passing the effort through the legislative processlike no need for an expensive, likely contentious and time-consuming campaign. Kaltenbach said the Drug Policy Alliance is already working on the steps to move the bill through the Legislature. One step is to get feedback and buy-in from many stakeholders and communities, including law enforcement, the medical cannabis community and others. Kaltenbach says the Drug Policy Alliance has worked on a bill that would include protections for children, medical cannabis patients and drivers. But they still want feedback. Were holding a series of community conversations around the state, she said. We plan to take this to clinicians, we plan to take it to the business community, with the faith-based communities. The Drug Policy Alliance thinks that revenue from taxes on recreational marijuana should go towards things like funding Medicaid or programs for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Still, she acknowledges the tough pathway to legalization. We have yet to get a piece of legislation through both chambers, Kaltenbach said. So even if the governor is open to signing a bill, that doesnt mean that in this next year there is something to the governors desk. Ortiz y Pino also thinks that the revenue from marijuana sales could help the state. He previously said the money would go towards various efforts to improve the state, including money for public schools and substance abuse and behavioral health programs. The N.M. Senate In 2016, the effort reached the floor of the Senate as a constitutional amendment. Passing that legislation would have required a majority of the chamber, not just those voting, but also would have bypassed the governor and instead gone to voters for approval. The Senate voted against the proposed amendment 17-24. Six Democrats voted against the proposal, and are unlikely to change their minds. Some changes in the Senate since then include two Republicans losing to Democrats, with one Democratic supporter losing to a Republican. Ortiz y Pino thinks a change in approach could change the minds of some Republicans, giving an alternate pathway to passage. I dont want to count on them, but several of them have indicated to me its certainly something they could support if its not a constitutional amendment, Ortiz y Pino said. That was the excuse they gave previously for voting against it, that it didnt belong in the constitution. TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (the Company or Bunker) (CSE:BNKR) is pleased to announce the closing of the oversubscribed previously announced on November 13, 2018 private placement of units of the Company (Units) at C$0.075 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant exercisable into a Common Share at $0.10 per Common Share for thirty-six months (the Offering). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company sold the total of 6,458,664 Units for gross proceeds of C$484,399.80. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to the customary four months and a day holding period, and to a concurrent six month hold period in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws. The completion of the Offering is subject to receipt of approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange. The proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund the recently reinstated Companys interest in the Bunker Hill Mine and for working capital. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. About Bunker Hill Mining Corp. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. has an option to acquire 100% of the Bunker Hill Mine. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR and EDGAR databases. For additional information contact: John Ryan, Interim Chief Executive Officer (843) 290-8930 Marketing & Communications (416) 477-7771 ext. 205 info@bunkerhillmining.com Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase forward-looking information in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations. The forward looking statements made herein are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations or assumptions with respect to, among other things, the ability of the Company to successfully complete the acquisition of the Bunker Hill Mine Complex on the terms as announced or other satisfactory terms or at all, and fund the initial payments for which the Company does not have funds at this time, the Companys present and future financial condition, the Companys ability to secure financing, and the state of financial markets. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan, and may include statements regarding, among other things, the terms of the Bunker Hill Mine Complex acquisition and funding of the acquisition. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, and the Companys financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: the inability of the Company to successfully acquire the Bunker Hill Mine Complex on the terms as announced or other satisfactory terms or at all, and fund the payments for which the Company does not have funds at this time; the inability of the Company to budget and manage its liquidity in light of the failure to obtain additional financing; the inability of the Company to develop or sustain an active public market for its securities; development of changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for precious metals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking statements. These and other factors made in public disclosures and filings by the Company should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. MONTREAL, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siyata Mobile Inc. (the "Company" or "Siyata") (TSX-V:SIM / OTCQX:SYATF) announces it has filed its Q3 2018 financials, and will be hosting a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, November 29th at 9:00 AM EST (6:00 AM PST). Conference call details are set out below. Highlights: Q3 2018 revenue of $3.15-million compared with $4.9-million in Q3 2017; Adjusted EBITDA of ($898,000), versus $97,000 for Q3 2017; Gross margin of 26 per cent versus 28.7 per cent in Q3 2017; Working capital at Sept. 30, 2018, is $7.3-million; $1.3M cash balance as of September 30, 2018; $8.7M sale value of inventory and advances to suppliers. Lower Q3 revenue were mainly contributed to timing of the Israel holidays and lower margins a result of higher mix of legacy 3G products being sold. Q4 sales have already exceeded 2018 Q3 sales and are expected to be strong for the remainder of 2018 and beyond. As the 4G product portfolio commands higher margin than the 3G portfolio, the Company expects improving margins in Q4 and beyond, regardless of the geographical region (US, Canada, Israel, Europe, Australia and South America). Increased costs were from investing in key Push-to-Talk software integration, network approval testing, product samples, and marketing material in order to ensure a successful launch of the UV350 in both North America and additional target markets. The vast majority of the investment required for the commercial launch is complete and the Company expects purchase orders in Q1 2019 or potentially earlier. Subsequent Events Launched Uniden UV350 with Canadian Tier 1 Cellular Carrier; Executed U.S. distribution agreement with Ingram Micro; Completed supply agreement for UV350 with U.S. Tier 1 Cellular Carrier; Launched UV350 in Israel with Motorola WAVE PTT solution; Completed integration with several leading PTT software solutions. Marc Seelenfreund, CEO and Chairman of Siyata Mobile states, Everything we have worked towards for the last seven years is now coming to fruition. Perfecting in-vehicle cellular technology, installing hundreds of thousands of devices in commercial vehicles, working with cellular carriers, PTT software companies, and manufacturers has given our team the invaluable expertise and knowhow to be launching the worlds first and only 4G/LTE in-vehicle smartphone with the largest carriers in North America. Launching with these carriers is a very high barrier to entry and we are on the cusp of entering a multibillion-dollar market opportunity with no direct competitors. We are sitting on a large amount of UV350 inventory in anticipation of what 2019 is about to bring for our shareholders. With ~12M commercial vehicles and over 2M first responder vehicles in the United States alone, the UV350 is targeting a multibillion-dollar market opportunity, partnering with Tier 1 cellular carriers with approximately 30 times the distribution reach of the companys existing sales channels. The company will hold the conference call on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at 9:00am Eastern Time (06:00am PST) to discuss the Q3 results, along with a Q&A session with Siyata Mobile CEO and Chairman, Marc Seelenfreund. Details of the conference call: Date: Thursday, November 29, 2018 Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time North America dial-in number: (866) 521-4909 International dial-in number: (647) 427-2311 There will also be a playback of the conference call, available in MP3 format by contacting investor relations below. About Siyata A TSX Venture Top 50 Company, Siyata Mobile Inc. is a leading global developer and provider of cellular communications systems for enterprise customers, specializing in connected vehicle products for professional fleets, marketed under the Uniden Cellular brand. Since developing the worlds first 3G connected vehicle device, Siyata has been a pioneer in the industry, launching the worlds first 4G LTE all-in-one fleet communications device in 2017. Incorporating voice, push-to-talk over cellular, data, and fleet management solutions into a single device, the company aims to become the connected vehicle communications device of choice for commercial vehicles and fleets around the world. Siyata also offers rugged phones for industrial users and signal boosters for homes, buildings, and fleets with poor cell coverage. Siyatas customers include cellular operators, commercial vehicle technology distributors, and fleets of all sizes in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Visit www.siyatamobile.com and http://www.unidencellular.com/ to learn more. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of: SIYATA MOBILE INC. Marc Seelenfreund CEO and Chairman Investor Relations: Arlen Hansen Kin Communications 1-866-684-6730 SIM@kincommunications.com Sales Department: Glenn Kennedy, VP Sales Siyata Mobile Inc. 416-892-1823 glenn_kennedy@siyatamobile.com 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. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ritu Narayan, founder and CEO of Zum, the leading provider of safe and reliable student transportation for families and school districts, has been named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award in the consumer services category in the 15th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the companies they run worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the worlds premier business awards. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for crowned, the awards were presented to winners last night during a dinner event attended by more than 550 people at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel in New York City. The event was broadcast via Livestream. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 90 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women and Women Run Workplace of the Year. Narayan has won the Gold Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in Consumer Services category. Narayans Gold Stevie Award places her at the top of the Female Executive of the Year category. In the past year, Zum has grown revenue more than 300 percent and helped San Francisco Bay Area schools save more than $15 million in transportation costs, driving millions of dollars back into school district budgets. As Zum remains a mission-driven company, its accomplishments also include supporting working mothers by providing them with a flexible solution for their childrens transportation and childcare needs. Using services like Zum can help working moms balance their careers and their kids and alleviate the stress of work and school schedules. I am incredibly honored to have received this award and know it was not a standalone achievement. I am grateful to our employees, drivers, school district partners and families using the service and constantly going above and beyond to make the Zum experience one that everyone can enjoy and benefit from. There were many stand-out women nominated whove achieved so much, and I want to personally congratulate them for their incredible accomplishments. A most worthy nominee! It is refreshing to have someone put this idea in place. Zum is such a necessary service, said a panel judge. The most impressive part of the entry, though, is the $10 million dollars schools have saved. Great work and leadership at play here. Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 business professionals around the world, working on six juries. In its 15th year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received a record number of nominations. With the new Women|Future Conference preceding the announcement of winners on November 16, it was a day to celebrate the achievements of working women around the world, said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of the Stevie Awards. We congratulate all of this years Grand, Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners for their achievements. Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women . About Zum Zum is the leading provider of safe, efficient and reliable child transportation for schools and parents. Zum is committed to saving schools money and parents time by providing flexible ride options, through highly vetted drivers. Since its inception, Zum has provided over 3.5 million miles of safe and reliable rides and helped parents save over 200,000 hoursand counting. Founded by Ritu Narayan, Vivek Garg and Abhishek Garg, Zum is backed by leading venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital and Spark Capital. The company is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com . HCL Technologies sponsored the Red Ladder Women in Technology Awards in the 2018 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Zum press@ridezum.com NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX). Our investigation concerns whether Ternium has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices. On November 27, 2018, Bloomberg reported that Tenaris Chairman and CEO Paolo Rocca was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. According to the article, The judge charged Rocca after the Argentine billionaire testified that one of his companys executives paid an undisclosed amount of cash to government officials in monthly installments from 2009 to 2012. The officials were allegedly working for then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchners administration to speed up a compensation payment from Venezuelas Hugo Chavez for the nationalization of Sidor, a unit that had been seized by Venezuela. Roccas group was compensated with $1.95 billion for the unit. On this news, the price of Terniums shares fell by more than 1%, closing at $28.02 per share on November 27, 2018. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Ternium shares and suffered a loss, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Melissa Fortunato by email at investigations@bespc.com , or telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form . There is no cost or obligation to you. Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a New York-based law firm concentrating in commercial and securities litigation. For additional information concerning our investigation into Ternium please go to http://www.bespc.com/tx/ . For additional information about Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., please go to www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARHT Media Inc. (the Company or ARHT) (TSX-V:ART), the global leader in holographic telepresence, is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished business executives to the board of directors of the Company, Order of Canada recipient Timothy Casgrain and lawyer David Wetherald. Mr. Casgrain and Mr. Wetherald will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from a variety of industries at the board level, as we position the Company for significant future growth and continue to transition from proof of concept to a significant global presence, stated ARHT Media CEO Larry OReilly. Mr. Casgrain is a director of Wilmington Capital Management Inc. and former Chair of CBC Radio Canada, as well as a former Executive Vice President at Brookfield Asset Management and Vice Chair of Skyservice Business Aviation. Mr. Casgrain received an undergraduate degree from McGill University and is a Chartered Accountant. Mr. Wetherald brings over 30 years of legal, human resources and corporate governance experience to our Board. Most recently, Mr. Wetherald was a member of the senior management team at Toromont Industries Ltd. as Vice-President, Human Resources, Legal and Corporate Secretary. His portfolio also included responsibility for Insurance, Pensions and Corporate real estate and a leadership role in health and safety and environmental matters. Mr Wetherald previously enjoyed a successful stint at Torstar Corporation from 1991 to 2002 in progressively senior positions culminating as Director of Development and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Wetherald commenced his career as a Corporate Law lawyer at Davies in 1988. As part of this transition, ARHT Media Founder Rene Bharti and Director Ben Mulroney have resigned their position on the board. The Company thanks them for their significant roles in the development and adoption of the technology and in the growth of the Company. About ARHT Media ARHTs patented Augmented Reality Holographic Telepresence technology is the worlds first complete end-to-end solution for the creation, transmission, and delivery of lifelike digital human holograms. The Company's technology is protected by U.S. Patent No. 9,581,962. Connect with ARHT Media Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ARHTmedia Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ARHTmediainc LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/arht-media-inc- For more information, please visit http://www.arhtmedia.com/ or contact the investor relations group at info@arhtmedia.com. ARHT Media trades under the symbol ART on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange. ARHT Media Press Contact Salman Amin samin@arhtmedia.com Regulatory Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the appointment and resignation of directors. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; regulatory risks; risks inherent in technology operations; and other risks of the technology industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. English French MONTREAL, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX: LB) (the "Bank") has been informed today by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that the application for revocation filed by an employee of the Laurentian Bank was rejected by the Board. The union certification covers all Laurentian Bank unionized employees who have been without a work contract since December 31, 2017. The majority of these employees work in branches in the Province of Quebec as well as some in the Montreal corporate office. The Bank is fully engaged in the bargaining process for the renewal of the collective agreement and hopes to reach an agreement that will allow the transformation of its Retail Services sector to occur. About Laurentian Bank Laurentian Bank of Canada is a financial institution whose activities extend mainly across Canada. Founded in 1846, its mission is to help customers improve their financial health and it is guided by values of proximity, simplicity and honesty. Information: Helene Soulard Assistant Vice President, Communications Office: 514-284-4500, extension 40015 helene.soulard@laurentianbank.ca English French PRESS RELEASE Nexans announces a new management team to drive its new industrial project and build future successes Following the presentation of the Group's strategic roadmap on November 9 th 2018, Nexans creates and appoints an Executive Committee of 12 people replacing the two previous governance bodies: the Management Board and the Management Council which were composed of 22 members. The new Executive Committee will reflect the strategic importance of the Group's relationship with its customers, its markets and its ability to transform. The Executive team will focus on improving the Group's competitiveness through constant cost discipline, ensuring sustainable and profitable growth through strategic resource allocation, and implementing a recovery plan for underperforming activities. Paris La Defense, November 29, 2018 - Following the new strategic roadmap announced on November 9th 2018, Nexans has appointed a new Executive Committee to achieve its objectives, increase the performance of each division and drive the Group's transformation. With its simplified and more agile structure, the Executive Committee, acting as the Group's main governance body, replaces the former Management Board and Management Council. The Executive Committee will focus on: Increasing proximity with the Group's markets and customers ; Developing better anticipation and improving the organization's agility; Strengthening the emphasis on execution - cost control, innovation, development of services and transformation; Reinforcing Nexans' management with international profiles to better understand and adapt to the changes in the world. The new Group Executive Committee comprises eleven members gathered around Christopher Guerin, Chief Executive Officer: Five Executive VPs in charge of geographic areas and business groups Benjamin Fitoussi , 46, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, continues to supervise the Europe area and the Power Accessories Business Group. In addition, he will supervise the Harnesses business of the Automotive segment, as well as the Industrial Operations and Purchasing departments. Benjamin Fitoussi is French, based in Paris. He joined Nexans in 2011 as Strategy and Transformation Director before being appointed, in 2014, Executive Vice President for Middle East, Russia and Africa and Executive Vice President for Resources & Transport Infrastructure. In 2017, he also took the lead of the Industry Solutions and Projects business. Vincent Dessale , 52, Senior Executive Vice President, remains in charge of the Subsea & Land Systems Business Group. He is French, based in Oslo, Norway. Vincent Dessale joined Nexans in 2001. He held various key positions in Supply Chain in Europe before heading Operations in South Korea in 2006, extending his responsibilities to the Asia-Pacific area in 2009. He held several positions in Submarine High Voltage Business since 2012 before being appointed to his current position in February 2018. Julien Hueber , 48, is appointed Executive Vice President in charge of the Industry Solutions & Projects Business Group and continues to lead the Asia-Pacific region. Julien Hueber is French, based in Shanghai, China. Julien Hueber joined Nexans in 2002. He has a strong background in Supply Chain and Purchasing, and an excellent knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region where he held various responsibilities in Australia, South Korea and China. Vijay Mahadevan , 52, is appointed Executive Vice President Middle East, Russia, Africa and South America. He is from India and is based in Paris. Prior to joining Nexans in December 2017, Vijay Mahadevan held the position of CEO of ArcelorMittal Ostrava in the Czech Republic. He spent most of his career in the steel industry at ArcelorMittal, where he held various responsibilities across the globe, including in sales and marketing, plant management and general management. He has extensive knowledge of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the United States and the Middle East. Steven Vermeulen , 52, is appointed Executive Vice President in charge of the Telecom & Data Business Group and continues to supervise the North America area. He is from Belgium, based in Toronto, Canada. Steven Vermeulen joined Nexans in January 2016 after serving as Vice President & Managing Director Engineered Solutions within the Composite Division of Owens Corning, where he also held various positions in the United States and in Europe. Five Corporate VPs in charge of support functions Nino Cusimano , 54, Senior Corporate Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary General joined the Group in September 2018. He is based in Paris. Prior to joining Nexans, Nino Cusimano, Italian, was Group General Counsel for Telecom Italia and more recently, for CMA CGM. In addition, he has held senior global roles with multinational groups such as General Electric and PPG Industries Juan Ignacio Eyzaguirre , 35, Corporate Vice President, Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions. Native from Chile, he is based in Paris. Prior to joining Nexans in February 2017, Juan Ignacio Eyzaguirre held various positions in the investment management sector, investment banking and at the office of the President of Chile. Jerome Fournier , 49, will be appointed Corporate Vice President Innovation, Services & Growth on January 1 st 2019, replacing Dirk Steinbrink who has left the Group. Jerome Fournier joined Alcatel Cables in 1997 in the metallurgy division. Between 2007 and 2011, he was in charge of R&D at Nexans. From 2011 to 2018, Jerome Fournier worked for the Michelin Group where he held various positions as R&D Director. He will be based in Lyon, France. Jean-Christophe Juillard , 51, will join the Group on January 7, 2019 as Senior Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in charge of the Finance and Information Systems. He has more than 25 years of experience in finance in the United States and Europe, in various companies in manufacturing and energy sectors. Jean-Christophe Juillard began his career in New York with a subsidiary of Spie Batignolles and then worked in the audit department at Ernst & Young in Paris. He joined Alstom Transport in New York in 2004 as Vice President Finance for North and South America before being appointed Senior Vice President Finance of Alstom's Renewable Energy Division in 2011. Since 2013, he has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ContourGlobal Group, an American energy company successfully listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2017. Nicolas Badre will remain within the Group to ensure the transition with Jean-Christophe Juillard until the end of February 2019. A new Senior Corporate Vice President Human Resources based in Paris is currently being recruited to replace Anne-Marie Cambourieu who will leave the Group end of February 2019. Pascal Portevin, Deputy CEO, based in Paris, will take a role of special advisor and will continue to bring his experience and advice to the CEO and the Executive Committee. He will be in charge of strategic projects for the Group. "This renewed management team is built to lead the implementation of the new industrial project that aims to redesign the Group's business model and introduce a new customer-centric corporate culture, based on a profound transformation of Nexans' activities towards services," said Christopher Guerin, CEO of Nexans. "I am confident that the individual expertise and leadership qualities of each member of this Executive Committee will help Nexans drive this change and gain a considerable competitive edge in the next three years." In line with the implementation of this new Executive Committee, Nexans also announces the following appointments: Edeltraud Fabianke, as Corporate Vice President of Information Systems and Digital Transformation, reporting to the Group's Chief Financial Officer. Edeltraud, 42, is American and was previously President of the US-based Nexans Autoelectric of America (aeA). Jean-Marc Rety, as Director of the SHIFT Transformation Program, reporting directly to the CEO, in addition to his role of Corporate Vice President Purchasing since April 2014 when he joined Nexans. Jean-Marc Rety is Franco-American, 47 years old, and is based in Paris. Before joining Nexans, he held various functions as VP Procurement Group within Alstom Grid. Franck Blanchard, as Risk Management Director, reporting to the Senior Corporate Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary General. Franck Blanchard is 51 years-old, French and is based in Paris. He joined Nexans in 2008 and served as Deputy Chief Legal Officer of the Group. About Nexans As a global leader in advanced cabling and connectivity solutions, Nexans brings energy to life through an extensive range of best-in-class products and innovative services. For over 120 years, innovation has been the company's hallmark, enabling Nexans to drive a safer, smarter and more efficient future together with its customers. Today, the Nexans Group is committed to facilitating energy transition and supporting the exponential growth of data by empowering its customers in four main business areas: Building & Territories (including utilities, smart grids, emobility), High Voltage & Projects (covering offshore wind farms, submarine interconnections, land high voltage), Telecom & Data (covering data transmission, telecom networks, hyperscale data centers, LAN), and Industry & Solutions (including renewables, transportation, Oil & Gas, automation, and others). Corporate Social Responsibility is a guiding principle of Nexans' business activities and internal practices. In 2013 Nexans became the first cable provider to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group's commitment to developing ethical, sustainable and high-quality cables drives its active involvement within several leading industry associations, including Europacable, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), International Cablemakers Federation (ICF) or CIGRE to mention a few. Nexans employs more than 26,000 people with industrial footprint in 34 countries and commercial activities worldwide. In 2017, the Group generated 6.4 billion euros in sales. Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A. For more information, please visit: www.nexans.com & follow us on: Contacts : Dublin, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East & Africa Medium Speed Large Generators Market By Application (Power Generation & CHP), By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Middle East & Africa medium speed large generators market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 16% during 2018-2023, owing to rising population, increasing commercial infrastructure developments and presence of major global diesel genset manufacturers. Some of the other factors that would aid market growth in the coming years include rising per capita consumption of electricity and inadequate grid infrastructure with no proper access to grid electricity for households across the region. Middle East & Africa Medium Speed Large Generators Market, 2013-2023 discusses the following aspects of medium speed large generators market in MEA: Medium Speed Large Generators Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Application (Power Generation & CHP), By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Others) Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of medium speed large generators in MEA To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, medium speed large generators distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Few of the major players operating in Middle East & Africa medium speed large generators market are Rolls Royce Power Systems AG Wartsila Corporation Hyundai Heavy Industries Caterpillar Inc. General Electric Aggreko PLC Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Global Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value 4.1.2. By Volume 5. Middle East & Africa Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.1.2. By Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Application 5.2.2. By Company 5.2.3. By Country 5.3. Middle East & Africa Medium Speed Large Generators Market Attractiveness Index 5.3.1. By Country 5.3.2. By Application 5.4. Iran Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.5. Saudi Arabia Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.6. Nigeria Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.7. Qatar Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.8. Kuwait Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.9. Kenya Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.10. Tanzania Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.11. UAE Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.12. Uganda Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.12.4. Uganda Medium Speed Large Generators Market Attractiveness Index 6. Market Trends and Developments 7. Pricing Analysis 8. Competitive Landscape 9. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jsvs4z/middle_east_and?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the first time in more than five years, no Canadian province ranked in the top 10 most-attractive jurisdictions for oil and gas investment, according to an annual global survey of petroleum-sector executives released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan, Canadian public policy think-tank. And for the second straight year, Alberta and British Columbia ranked as the least-attractive jurisdictions in Canada for oil and gas investment. Onerous regulations, higher taxes and a lack of pipeline capacity are taking their toll on Canadas energy sector, and as a result, investors are looking elsewhere to invest, said Kenneth Green, resident scholar and research chair in energy and environmental studies at the Fraser Institute and co-author of the 2018 Global Petroleum Survey . This year, B.C. was the lowest-ranked Canadian province at 58th (out of 80) on the Policy Perception Index, a comprehensive measure of the extent policy deters oil and gas investment. Crucially, 80 per cent of respondents cited the high costs of regulatory compliance in B.C., and 81 per cent cited political instability in the province as deterrents to investment. Alberta ranked 43rd this yeara significant drop from its 2014 ranking of 14th worldwideand the province continues to decline in investment attractiveness. Specifically, almost 60 per cent of survey respondents cited Albertas high taxes, and more than 70 per cent cited Albertas high cost of regulatory compliance as deterrents to investment. Elsewhere in Canada, Manitoba (16th overall) was the top-ranked province followed by Saskatchewan (18th, down from 7th last year). Newfoundland and Labrador, which ranked 4th globally last year, dropped to 26th this year. South of the border, nine U.S. states rank in the top 10 including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, North Dakota, Alabama, Montana and Louisiana. Investors are saying very clearly they prefer the competitive taxes and regulatory regimes of the energy-producing American states over Canadian jurisdictions, said Ashley Stedman, Fraser Institute senior policy analyst and study co-author. Policymakers at the federal and provincial levels must be aware of the impact their decisions have on attracting or deterring valuable investment dollars. Canadian provincial rankings from the 2018 Global Petroleum Survey Province 2018 Global Rank (out of 80) 2017 Global Rank (out of 97) Manitoba 16 12 Saskatchewan 18 7 Nova Scotia 21 26 Newfoundland and Labrador 26 4 Alberta 43 33 British Columbia 58 76 *NOTE: 2018 data were not available for Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. MEDIA CONTACT: Kenneth P. Green, Resident Scholar and Chair, Energy and Environment Studies Fraser Institute Ashley Stedman, Senior Policy Analyst Fraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact: Bryn Weese, Senior Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute Tel: (604) 688-0221 Ext. 589 E-mail: bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook RESTON, Va., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virginia Spine Institute welcomes Spine Surgeon Ehsan Jazini, MD to their concierge specialty medical practice. Dr. Jazini joins this team of nationally-recognized spine surgeons to enhance quality of care for individuals suffering from neck or back pain and complex spinal deformity. Dr. Jazini specializes in the treatment of adult and adolescent neck and back conditions including scoliosis and kyphosis correction, revision surgery to correct failed previous surgery, and traumatic injuries. His niche expertise in spinal trauma was developed at the R. Adam Cowely Shock Trauma Center at University of Maryland. Additionally, his training in both spinal neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery from the prestigious Norton Leatherman Spine Center has positioned him as a renowned leader in the field. Through his drive to improve treatment solutions for his patients, Dr. Jazinis clinical experience is complemented by an extensive research background including over 25 peer reviewed published articles, 10 book chapters, as well as over 70 international podium presentations. He currently serves as Editor for the Spinal Research Foundations quarterly publication centered on patient education. Additionally, as primary investigator in multi-center clinical trials, he has developed a minimally invasive screw placement for surgical candidates to reduce radiation exposure, ultimately leading to safer, more effective results. Ive seen firsthand the amazing advancements the spine surgeons at Virginia Spine Institute have pioneered, says Dr. Ehsan Jazini, Spine Surgeon at Virginia Spine Institute. I am excited to join this esteemed group of physicians and continue to develop safer, more effective treatment offerings for patients. We are proud to welcome Dr. Jazini to our interdisciplinary spine team, says Dr. Thomas Schuler, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Spine Institute. This growth will enhance our unique comprehensive care model and support our mission to reshape the future of spine surgery and improve lives. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jazini, call Virginia Spine Institute at 703-709-1114 or submit an online request. As the industry leader for over 25 years, Virginia Spine Institute has improved the lives of over 85,000 patients suffering from back or neck pain conditions. This spinal healthcare destination provides a unique concierge approach and utilizes revolutionary medical advances in non-operative procedures, regenerative medicine, pain management, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27241f1b-a8a9-405c-be49-b434f4f9e0a0 A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d90e305e-a02a-4ddc-b918-0e3b58ad5289 BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Voip-Pal.com Inc. (Voip-Pal, Company) (OTCQB: VPLM) provides the following updates regarding the Companys patent infringement lawsuits against Twitter, Verizon, AT&T and Apple, asserting U.S. Patent Nos. 8,542,815 and 9,179,005 (the original lawsuits). VoIP-Pal also provides the following updates regarding VoIP-Pals patent infringement lawsuits against Amazon and Apple, asserting U.S. Patent Nos. 9,537,762, 9,813,330, 9,826,002 and 9,948,549 (the second lawsuits). In recent months, these original lawsuits against Twitter, Verizon, AT&T and Apple have all been transferred from the United States District Court for the District of Nevada to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Moreover, all of these original lawsuits have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes before the Honorable Judge Lucy H. Koh. In August of 2018, AT&T and Verizon filed separate Motions to Dismiss these original lawsuits under 35 U.S.C. 101, asserting that the '005 and '815 patents do not claim patentable subject matter. Voip-Pal vigorously opposed both AT&T and Verizons motions to dismiss separately. Subsequent to Voip-Pals opposition, both AT&T and Verizon withdrew their respective Motions to Dismiss . The Company expects a single joint consolidated motion to be filed by the Defendants which Voip-Pal intends to oppose vigorously as the Company did in responding to Verizons and AT&Ts Motions to Dismiss. . The Company expects a single joint consolidated motion to be filed by the Defendants which Voip-Pal intends to oppose vigorously as the Company did in responding to Verizons and AT&Ts Motions to Dismiss. Voip-Pals patent infringement lawsuits against Amazon and Apple, asserting U.S. Patent Nos. 9,537,762, 9,813,330, 9,826,002 and 9,948,549 (the second lawsuits) have all been transferred from the United States District Court for the District of Nevada to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Moreover, these second lawsuits have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes before the Honorable Judge Lucy H. Koh. The Company is waiting on the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision on Apples post-judgement motions filed on December 20, 2018, following the PTABs final written decisions on November 20, 2017, in favor of Voip-Pal on the inter partes reviews filed by Apple and AT&T. In total Voip-Pal has prevailed in all eight IPR challenges the Company has faced. Emil Malak, CEO of Voip-Pal said, We are very pleased to finally be in court and have the opportunity to state our case. We are looking forward to a trial by jury before the Honorable Judge Lucy H. Koh in these cases. We started with five core patents and have now grown our portfolio to twenty five allowed and issued patents. We have fought against tough odds and will continue to see our fight through to the end. Patience is a virtue. For a more detailed legal update please visit our website www.voip-pal.com. About Voip-Pal.com Inc. Voip-Pal.Com, Inc. (Voip-Pal) is a publicly traded corporation (OTCQB:VPLM) headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The Company owns a portfolio of patents relating to Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology that it is currently looking to monetize. Any forecast of future financial performance is a forward looking statement under securities laws. Such statements are included to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand managements beliefs and opinions with respect to the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor among many in evaluating an investment. While the Company believes in the circumstances that legal action is needed to monetize its patents, patent litigation involves various risks and uncertainties that could affect its ability to monetize the patents. We recognize that it is impossible to predict the specific outcomes of litigation. CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pengrowth Energy Corporation (Pengrowth) (TSX:PGF, OTCQX:PGHEF), today reported the realized pricing and differentials for Lindbergh diluted bitumen (Dilbit) for the months of October and November. For the remainder of 2018, Pengrowths market access strategy includes two apportionment protected fixed differential contracts for Dilbit with refiners: One for 12,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) at West Texas Intermediate (WTI) minus US$16.95 and one for 5,000 bbl/d at WTI minus US$17.88 (including the apportionment protection fee). Both contracts cover a total of 17,000 bbl/d of Dilbit. As a result of these contracts, realized pricing for Lindbergh Dilbit for the month of October was CA$59.29/bbl for a netback of CA$33.85/bbl of bitumen. Given current spot differentials for Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude, we wanted to provide the market greater clarity on the advantaged prices we are realizing on our Lindbergh bitumen, said Pete Sametz, President and CEO of Pengrowth. As a result of our market access strategy, Lindbergh production is well insulated from current spot pricing, with only 9% of October production and 6% of November production exposed to the spot market. October Production and Realized Pricing Lindbergh produced 18,350 bbl/d of bitumen for the month of October that, after being blended with 7,700 bbl/d of condensate, was sold as 26,050 bbl/d of Dilbit. As a result of Pengrowths market access strategy, the realized pricing for Lindbergh Dilbit in October was WTI minus US$24.00. Apportioned barrels (barrels without protection that the pipeline returns to the producer) and production in excess of plan resulted in 2,350 bbl/d of Dilbit being sold on the spot market. Dilbit (bbl/d) (1) WTI minus (US$) Contract Type 12,000 $16.95 Fixed price, apportionment protected 5,000 $17.88 Fixed price, apportionment protected 5,500 $29.32 WCS Index price, apportionment protected 1,200 $29.61 WCS Index price 2,350 $50.89 Spot 26,050(2) $24.00(3) Weighted Average Differential (1) Barrels per day are rounded and approximate (2) Actual Dilbit sales, including inventory adjustments (3) Weighted Average Differential is rounded November Production and Realized Pricing (Estimated and subject to month end reconciliation) Lindbergh has produced an estimated average of 18,700 bbl/d of bitumen as of November 27 that, after being blended with approximately 8,900 bbl/d of condensate, was sold as 27,600 bbl/d of Dilbit. So far, the realized pricing for Lindbergh Dilbit in November is estimated to be WTI minus US$28.60. Apportioned barrels and production in excess of plan resulted in 1,600 bbl/d of Dilbit being sold on the spot market. Dilbit (bbl/d)(1) WTI minus (US$) Contract Type 12,000 $16.95 Fixed price, apportionment protected 5,000 $17.42 Fixed price, apportionment protected 7,300 $47.11 WCS Index price, apportionment protected 1,700 $45.66 WCS Index price 1,600 $48.95 Spot 27,600(2) $28.60(3) Weighted Average Differential (1) Barrels per day are rounded and approximate (2) Estimated Dilbit sales, including inventory adjustments (3) Weighted Average Differential is rounded 2019 Market Access Pengrowths Market Access Strategy continues into 2019 to help mitigate the regional price discounts which are currently impacting Western Canadian producers and costing the overall Canadian economy billions of dollars. To help mitigate this cost for Pengrowth, we currently have apportionment protection on 15,000 bbl/d of Dilbit in 2019, and will continue to seek additional barrels of apportionment protection at protected pricing. This protection includes physical contracts in place that ensure market access for 10,000 bbl/d of Dilbit at an average price of WTI minus US$19.24 for 2019. It also includes secured term sales agreements at Hardisty for an additional 5,000 bbl/d of Dilbit for 2019 that are 100% apportionment protected and priced at the monthly WCS Index plus an apportionment protection fee. About Pengrowth: Pengrowth Energy Corporation is a Canadian energy company focused on the sustainable development and production of oil and natural gas in Western Canada from its Lindbergh thermal oil property and its Groundbirch Montney gas property. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and has been operating in the Western Canadian basin for more than 29 years. The Companys shares trade on both the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PGF" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "PGHEF". For investor and media inquiries please contact: Tom McMillan 1-855-336-8814 Tom.McMillan@pengrowth.com Dublin, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Electric Two-Wheeler Market, By Vehicle Type (Scooter/Moped and Motorcycle), By Battery Capacity (<25Ah and >25Ah), By Battery Type (Lead Acid & Li-ion), By Country (USA and Canada), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. North America electric two-wheeler market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% by 2023 on account of introduction of government tax waiver policies for the producers as well as users of electric vehicles coupled with rising pollution levels due to increasing GHG emissions. Moreover, development of advanced electric vehicle battery systems is further anticipated to aid North America electric two-wheeler market over the next five years. North America Electric Two-Wheeler Market, 2013 - 2023 discusses the following aspects of electric two-wheeler market in North America: Electric Two-Wheeler Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Vehicle Type (Scooter/Moped & Motorcycle), By Battery Capacity (< 25Ah & >25Ah), By Battery Type (Lead Acid & Li-ion), By Country (China, India, Japan, etc.) Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of electric two-wheeler in North America To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, electric two-wheeler distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the top players in North America electric two-wheeler market are Yadea Group Holdings Ltd. AIMA Technology Co., Ltd. Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Co., Ltd. Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Dongguan Tailing Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. Shandong Incalcu Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd. Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. Gogoro, Inc. Zero Motorcycles, Inc. Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. North America Electric Two-Wheeler Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value & Volume 4.2. Market Share & Forecast 4.2.1. By Vehicle Type (Scooter/Moped, and Motorcycle) 4.2.2. By Battery Capacity (< 25Ah and >25Ah)) 4.2.3. By Battery Type (Lead Acid and Li-ion) 4.2.4. By Country 4.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 4.4. Market Attractiveness Index (By Battery Capacity) 4.5. Market Attractiveness Index (By Battery Type) 4.6. Market Attractiveness Index (By Country) 5. United States Electric Two-Wheeler Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value & Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Vehicle Type 5.2.2. By Battery Capacity 5.2.3. By Battery Type 5.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 6. Canada Electric Two-Wheeler Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value & Volume 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 6.2.1. By Vehicle Type 6.2.2. By Battery Capacity 6.2.3. By Battery Type 6.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 7. Market Dynamics 7.1. Drivers 7.2. Challenges 8. Market Trends & Developments 9. SWOT Analysis 10. Competitive Landscape 10.1. Yadea Group Holdings Ltd. 10.2. AIMA Technology Co., Ltd. 10.3. Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle Co., Ltd. 10.4. Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle 10.5. Dongguan Tailing Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. 10.6. Shandong Incalcu Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. 10.7. Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd. 10.8. Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. 10.9. Gogoro, Inc. 10.10. Zero Motorcycles, Inc. 11. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vckl87/north_america?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Dublin, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South America Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car & Two-wheeler), By Tire Type (Summer & All Season and Winter), By Demand Category (OEM & Replacement), By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. South America UHP tire market is projected to surpass $ 1 billion by 2023 on account of rising sales of premium passenger cars and motorcycles across the region. Moreover, continuing growth is being witnessed in the sales of SUVs and CUVs across the region, which is expected to push demand for UHP tires as these vehicles usually come equipped with UHP tires. Additionally, better performance and enhanced safety features of UHP tires is further likely to aid the growth of South America UHP tire market in the coming years. South America Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market, 2013 - 2023 discusses the following aspects of Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire market in South America: Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car & Two-wheeler), By Tire Type (Summer & All Season and Winter), By Demand Category (OEM & Replacement), By Country Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire in South America To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the top players in South America UHP tire market are Michelin Bridgestone Corporation The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Continental AG Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. Pirelli & C. S. p. A. The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd Kumho Tire Co., Inc. Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. South America Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value & Volume 4.2. Market Share & Forecast 4.2.1. By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Two-Wheeler) 4.2.2. By Tire Type (Summer & All-Season and Winter) 4.2.3. By Demand Category (OEM & Replacement) 4.2.4. By Country 4.3. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 4.4. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Tire Type) 4.5. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Demand Category) 4.6. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Country) 4.7. South America: Country Analysis 4.7.1. Brazil UHP Tire Market Outlook 4.7.1.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.7.1.1.1. By Value & Volume 4.7.1.2. Market Size & Forecast 4.7.1.2.1. By Vehicle Type 4.7.1.2.2. By Tire Type 4.7.1.2.3. By Demand Category 4.7.1.3. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 4.7.2. Argentina UHP Tire Market Outlook 4.7.2.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.7.2.1.1. By Value & Volume 4.7.2.2. Market Size & Forecast 4.7.2.2.1. By Vehicle Type 4.7.2.2.2. By Tire Type 4.7.2.2.3. By Demand Category 4.7.2.3. By Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 5. Market Dynamics 5.1. Drivers 5.2. Challenges 6. Market Trends & Developments 7. Price Point Analysis 8. SWOT Analysis 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Michelin 9.2. Bridgestone Corporation 9.3. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company 9.4. Continental AG 9.5. Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. 9.6. Pirelli & C. S.p.A. 9.7. The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd 9.8. Kumho Tire Co., Inc. 9.9. Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd 9.10. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company 10. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rmv82f/south_america_1?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. PUEBLO, CO , Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: CGRW), a Liaison and Consultant providing turnkey solutions to licensed growers -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. announces Licensed Grower, Category One Botanicals, LLC, has exceeded the Production Target of nine hundred pounds for the Fall Harvest at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Grow Facility. Delmar Janovec, CEO, stated, Our licensed grower, Category One Botanicals, projected a fall harvest from the six Climate Controlled Ranger Greenhouses at nine hundred pounds. As of November 28, 2018, the entire fall harvest has been completed and all product has been dried, weighed, and is now ready for final processing/packaging. The Production Target was 900 lbs. and we are pleased to report the final numbers came in at 1056 pounds. Janovec went on to say, In addition to surpassing our targeted production estimate and due to a very calculated production planning, the grow team at Category One Botanicals is already in the process of replanting the Ranger Greenhouses with three and four-foot plants. These plants have already been taken through their vegetative cycle in the Nexus Light-Dep Greenhouse and will immediately begin to move into their flowering cycle. This method of production will be utilized throughout the winter months, ensuring continuous harvest cycles until the Spring Planting Season. Rod Clawson, Managing Director of Category One Botanicals, added, The Colorado Buffalo Ranch Grow Facility is a State-of-the-Art Facility that has far exceeded my expectations. My team and I are excited to see what the full production capabilities of the Ranger Series 2000 Climate Controlled Greenhouses can bring to market during the Winter Months. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries, will continue in its capacity of providing oversight as the Facilities Manager, working with the State/County Agencies and Category One Botanicals, LLC, the Licensed Grower for the facilities. The completion of this project will now provide the company the basis to begin generating revenues from Licensed Growers subleasing the Turnkey facilities built to the specifications of CannaGrow COO, Dr. John P. Janovec, and Consultant, Jason Wells. About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute, or sell marijuana or any substance that violate the laws of the United States of America. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2017, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2018, at: www.otcmarkets.com . The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES (All figures in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated) TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QMX Gold Corporation (QMX or the Company) (TSX.V: QMX) is pleased to announce it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $1.8 million (the Offering). In connection with the Offering, the Company issued 19,872,000 units (each, a Unit) at a price of $0.09 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company that qualify as a flow through share for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a FT Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant), entitling the holder to acquire one additional regular common share at an exercise price of $0.11 for a period of 24 months from issuance (each, a Common Share). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund the Companys current exploration activities on its Val-dOr Mining Camp property located in Quebec. In connection with the Offering, QMX has engaged Canaccord Genuity Corp. to act as its financial advisor for the Offering and paid aggregate finders fees of $112,322.00 in cash and 1,248,021 finders warrants (Finders Warrants) to certain finders. Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Share at a price of $0.11 for a period of 24 months from the date of the closing of the Offering. All of the expenditures funded with the gross proceeds of the Offering shall qualify for "Canadian Exploration Expenses" (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). In addition, the FT Shares will also qualify for the two 10% enhancements under section 726.4.9 and section 726.4.17.1 of the Quebec Taxation Act, which will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2018 to the initial purchasers of the Units in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Units. All securities issued under this Offering are subject to a statutory hold period ending four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. The securities offered under the Offering have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Board Update QMX Gold is pleased to welcome Fred Leigh back to the board of directors of the Company as Interim Chairman. Mr. Leigh was the Chairman of QMX from mid-2016 to late 2017. Mr. Leigh will replace Michael Timmins who has elected to step down from his role as Executive Chairman, effective immediately, in order to pursue other opportunities. We would like to thank Mr. Timmins for his valuable contribution to QMX on multiple corporate development initiatives including the recently announced custom milling agreement with Gowest Gold Ltd. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. About QMX Gold Corporation QMX Gold Corporation is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX-V under the symbol QMX. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property position in the Val dOr mining camp in the Abitibi District of Quebec. QMX is currently drilling in the Val dOr East portion of its land package focused on the Bonnefond plug and in and around the Bevcon Intrusive. In addition to its extensive land package QMX owns the strategically located Aurbel gold mill and tailings facility, which is expected to commence custom milling in 2019. Contact Information: Brad Humphrey Louis Baribeau President and CEO Public Relations Tel: (416) 861-5887 Tel: (514) 667-2304 Toll free: +1 877-717-3027 Email: info@qmxgold.ca Website: www.qmxgold.ca Cautionary Notes: This press release contains or may be deemed to contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the future plans, operations and activities, proposed use of proceeds of the Offering, receipt of required permits, obtaining necessary financing, and the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, its properties and/or its projects to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to those risks described in the disclosure documents of the Company filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. 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. English Estonian MANAGEMENT REPORT SKANO GROUP AS UNAUDITED THIRD QUARTER 2018 RESULTS Consolidated net sales for Q3 2018 were 3.71 million, being a 9% decrease compared to the same period in 2017. The decline in sales of fibreboards was mainly caused by reduced demand for single family dwellings in Fibreboards largest market, Finland. Sales to customers in our other markets showed a slight increase. Furniture wholesale sales were negatively impacted due to weak performance by three of the four key furniture customers. We are working to secure more customers. Furniture retail sales also showed contraction, mainly due to the temporary closure of our best performing shop for total refurbishment caused by the introduction of Skanos new retail concept. Skano Group recorded EBITDA of positive 46 thousand for Q3 2018 (vs 292 thousand Q3 2017). Total furniture profitability was in line with Q3 2017 profitability, while Fibreboard profitability was substantially reduced due to the higher cost of its main raw material, woodchips. We are now in the process of passing on this cost increase to our customers. Net loss for Q3 2018 was 211 thousand (Q3 2017: profit of 14 thousand). DIVISIONAL REVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER 2018 Fibreboard sales in Q3 2018 were 2.92 million, which is 8% less than same period in 2017. We sold our products to customers in 29 countries. The sales decline in Finland outweighed the growth from the other countries, thus resulting in sales decline for Q3. Market statistics from AC Nielsen shows us having a steady market share of about 72% in the Finnish fibreboard market, thus the sales decline is due to a change in the housing industry in Finland with consumers moving into cities to live in apartments, instead of following the traditional way of building their own houses. Gross margin in Fibreboard were negatively impacted by the higher woodchip prices. Overhead costs were reduced, thus softening the negative impact on EBITDA, which ended up being 141 thousand for Q3 2018 (Q3 2017 EBITDA was 374 thousand). Furniture wholesale sales in Q3 2018 were 630 thousand, 12% down on same period last year. Total sales to our two main markets, Russia and Finland, were 402 thousand (down 91 thousand from Q3 2017). Sales to Skanos own retail chain increased by 12% up to 177 thousand compared to same period last year (Q3 2017: 158 thousand). EBITDA for furniture wholesale for Q3 2018 was negative 31 thousand (Q3 2017 EBITDA was negative 74 thousand), reflecting the increased profitability achieved by ending our own kiln operations last Spring and instead now sourcing dried and cut material. Furniture retail sales in Q3 2018 were 333 thousand, down 11% ( 41 thousand) from same period last year. Shops in all three Baltic markets experienced sales slowdown, and especially our best-selling shop in Tallinn which was temporarily closed due to extensive refurbishing as a result of introducing Skanos new retail concept. EBITDA for furniture retail for Q3 2018 was negative 50 thousand (Q3 2017 EBITDA was negative 3 thousand), reflecting the weak sales in Q3. Total Furniture operations of Skano (wholesale and retail) EBITDA for 2018 third quarter were negative 81 thousand (Q3 2017 EBITDA was negative 77 thousand). BALANCE SHEET As of 30.09.2018 the total assets of Skano Group AS were 11.0 million (30.09.2017: 11.9 million). The liabilities of the company as of 30.09.2018 were 7.7 million (30.09.2017: 7.9 million), of which Skano has borrowings of 4.9 million as at 30.09.2018 (30.09.2017: 5.3 million). Receivables and prepayments amounted to 1.6 million as at 30.09.2018 (30.09.2017: 1.8 million). Inventories were 2.4 million as of 30.09.2018 (30.09.2017: 2.5 million). Property, plant and intangibles were 7.0 million as of 30.09.2018 ( 7.3 million as of 30.09.2017). OUTLOOK In Fibreboard, we are pushing for sales of our various applications which have more global reach than our traditional sales of windboards and insulation boards sold mainly in our traditional markets of Finland, Russia and Estonia. We are in process of implementing the annual price increases, thus aiming to alleviate the negative impact experienced from the higher cost of woodchips, our main raw material. Our marketing activities are focusing on the positive aspects of using our boards, made from fresh woodchips from spruce, compared to competing synthetic materials. In Furniture, we expect improved retail performance with the introduction of the new shop concept. This has been rolled out in our best-selling shop in Tallinn as well as in our newly opened shop in the Decco centre in Riga and will next be rolled out in our Vilnius and Tartu shops. We are exiting our other Riga shop end of November, and also look to divest of our second shop in Tallinn due to its poor profitability. In wholesale we are in negotiations to take over certain European customers from our Finnish distributor, which should help expand our customer base and have potential to secure more sales of our furniture. DIVISIONAL REVIEW REVENUE BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS thousand thousand Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 Fibreboards production and sales 2,924 3,172 8,603 9,285 Furniture production and sales 630 715 2,207 2,591 Furniture retail 333 374 1,095 1,445 incl. furniture retail Ukraine 0 0 0 64 Group transactions (177) (176) (537) (748) TOTAL 3,709 4,085 11,369 12,572 PROFIT BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS thousand Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 EBITDA by business units: Fibreboards production and sales 141 374 349 874 Furniture production and wholesale (31) (74) 15 (5) Furniture retail (50) (3) (80) 100 incl. furniture retail Ukraine 0 0 0 1 Group transactions (14) (5) (22) (17) TOTAL EBITDA 46 292 261 952 Depreciation 181 208 554 625 TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT/ LOSS (135) 84 (294) 328 Net financial costs 77 70 212 211 Income tax 0 0 0 0 NET PROFIT/ LOSS (211) 14 (505) 117 FIBREBOARD SALES The total sales of fibreboards for Q3 2018 were 2.92 million, which are 8% down from Q3 2017 sales level ( 3.17 million). We recorded solid sales increase in markets such as Portugal, Asia and Middle-East while sales were dropping in Finland and South Africa. FIBREBOARD SALES BY GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS thousand thousand Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 European Union 2,093 2,202 6,455 6,911 Russia 448 554 1,169 1,173 Asia 128 50 318 223 Middle East 74 94 248 204 Africa 62 201 137 564 Other 118 70 276 209 TOTAL 2,923 3,172 8,603 9,284 FURNITURE WHOLESALE SALES Sales dropped to 630 thousand in Q3 2018, down from 715 thousand in Q3 2017. Russian consumer confidence is still negatively influenced by the sanctions imposed on Russia while in Finland our exclusive distributor is continuing with their restructuring. Skanos retail shops in the Baltics recovered slightly from a very weak 1st half of year, with more sales compared to Q3 2017. FURNITURE WHOLESALE SALES BY COUNTRIES thousand thousand Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 Russia 254 280 892 915 Finland 148 213 596 795 Skano Retail 177 158 530 665 Other countries 51 65 189 216 TOTAL 630 715 2,207 2,591 FURNITURE RETAIL SALES Skano Group retail business recorded sales of 333 thousand in Q3 2018, which is 11% decline from Q3 2017. We started work in Q3 by introducing a more modern retail concept which provides furniture solutions for a familys total living space, thus widening our furniture appeal from the historical more narrow focus on mainly bookshelves. The new retail concept was rolled out in our main Tallinn shop end of August, which meant closure of the shop for most of August due to the required refurbishment of the shop. The implementation of the new retail concept took place in our new shop in Decco centre in Riga, opened late October, and will be rolled out in our Vilnius and Tartu shops early next year. We will close our shop in the Spice centre in Riga end of November, and we are also seeking to exit our second Tallinn shop. RETAIL SALES BY COUNTRIES thousand thousand Number of stores Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 30.09.2018 30.09.2017 Estonia 234 250 603 815 4 4 Latvia 56 59 250 317 1 1 Lithuania 43 65 242 248 1 1 Ukraine* 0 0 0 64 0 0 TOTAL 333 374 1,095 1,445 6 6 *Ukraine retail operations divested in March 2017. PEOPLE On the 30th of September 2018, the Group employed 213 people (compared to 226 people as of 30.09.2017). The average number of personnel in Q3 2018 was 213 (Q3 2017: 231). During first nine months of 2018, wages and salaries with taxes amounted to 2.7 million (first nine months 2017: 2.9 million). Payments made to management board members of all group companies including all subsidiaries with relevant taxes were 136 thousand in nine months 2018 and 152 thousand in nine months 2017. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS thousand Income statement Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 Revenue 3,709 4,085 11,369 12,572 EBITDA 46 292 261 952 EBITDA margin 1% 7% 2% 8% Operating profit (135) 84 (294) 328 Operating margin (4%) 2% (3%) 3% Net profit (211) 14 (505) 117 Net margin (6%) 0% (4%) 1% Statement of financial position 30.09.2018 31.12.2017 30.09.2017 31.12.2016 Total assets 11,012 10,937 11,917 11,965 Return on assets (2%) 0% (4%) 1% Equity 3,277 3,753 3,978 3,901 Return on equity (6%) 0% (13%) 3% Debt-to-equity ratio 70% 66% 67% 67% Share 30.09.2018 31.12.2017 30.09.2017 31.12.2016 Last Price* 0.49 0.62 0.56 0.46 Earnings per share (0,05) 0,00 (0,11) 0,03 Price-earnings ratio (10.35) 195.86 (4.94) 17.54 Book value of a share 0.73 0.83 0.88 0.87 Market to book ratio 0.67 0.74 0.63 0.52 Market capitalization, thousand 2,187 2,771 2,497 2,047 Number of shares, piece 4,499,061 4,499,061 4,499,061 4,499,061 EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization EBITDA margin = EBITDA / Revenue Operating margin = Operating profit / Revenue Net margin = Net profit / Revenue Return on assets = Net profit / Total assets Return on equity = Net profit / Equity Debt-to-equity ratio = Liabilities / Total assets Earnings per share = Net profit / Total shares Price-earnings ratio = Last price / Earnings per share Book value of a share = Equity / Total shares Market to book ratio = Last price / Book value of a share Market capitalization = Last price * Total shares * http://www.nasdaqbaltic.com/ CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONS thousand 30.09.2018 31.12.2017 30.09.2017 Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2) 42 74 312 Receivables and prepayments (Note 3) 1,611 1,215 1,773 Inventories (Note 4) 2,409 2,336 2,554 Total current assets 4,062 3,624 4,640 Investment property (Note 5) 170 170 170 Available-for-sale financial assets (Note 8) 351 182 0 Other shares and issues 0 6 0 Property, plant and equipment (Note 6) 6,391 6,908 7,055 Intangible assets (Note 7) 38 47 52 Total non-current assets 6,950 7,313 7,277 TOTAL ASSETS 11,012 10,937 11,917 Borrowings (Notes 9) 464 593 708 Payables and prepayments (Notes 10) 2,647 1,956 2,400 Short-term provisions (Note 11) 2 13 5 Total current liabilities 3,114 2,562 3,113 Long-term borrowings (Notes 9) 4,421 4,422 4,613 Long-term provisions (Note 11) 200 200 213 Total non-current liabilities 4,621 4,622 4,826 Total liabilities 7,735 7,184 7,939 Share capital (at nominal value) (Note 12) 2,699 2,699 2,699 Share premium 364 364 364 Statutory reserve capital 288 288 288 Other reserves (Notes 8; 12) 38 9 2 Unrealised currency differences 0 0 0 Retained earnings (loss) (112) 393 624 Total equity (Note 13) 3,277 3,753 3,978 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 11,012 10,937 11,917 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME thousand Q3 2018 Q3 2017 9M 2018 9M 2017 Revenue (Note 14) 3,709 4,085 11,369 12,572 Cost of goods sold (Note 15) 3,206 3,457 9,683 10,100 Gross profit 503 628 1,686 2,472 Distribution costs (Note 16) 479 501 1,460 1,574 Administrative expenses (Note 17) 150 110 444 531 Other operating income (Note 19) 2 187 13 238 Other operating expenses (Note 19) 10 121 89 278 Operating profit (loss) (Note 11) (135) 84 (294) 328 Finance income (Note 20) 0 (0) 1 4 Finance costs (Note 20) 77 70 212 215 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX (211) 14 (505) 117 Corporate income tax 0 0 0 0 NET LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR (211) 14 (505) 117 Other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 0 (40) Currency translation differences 0 0 0 (40) TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR (211) 14 (505) 77 Basic earnings per share (Note 13) (0,05) 0,00 (0,11) 0,03 Diluted earnings per share (Note 13) (0,05) 0,00 (0,11) 0,02 Torfinn Losvik Member of the Management Board +372 569 90 988 torfinn.losvik@skanogroup.com Attachment 11:22 | Paracas (Ica region), Nov. 29. According to the official, the justice reform is an on-going process that is expected to end well in order to become a seal of guarantee for the Inca nation. "We are currently in the middle of the test (referring to the December 9 referendum ), although we have seen the judicial system is able to imprison corrupt people," the BCR representative told Andina news agency. In this sense, the economist pointed out Peru might be a little behind in its implementation process linked to good public policies, which is an essential requirement to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Cuba mentioned the OECD is a club of good public policies. For that reason, it is important for the Inca nation to become a member, but it will not be enough to move forward as a country. Growth Likewise, he considered a 4% GDP growth is a good figure for businesses since more goods will be sold. However, for the Inca nation, it is too low, since its workforce is very dynamic, and 4% can barely create jobs and offers low wages. "Peru is an emerging country. According to the economic theory, the poorest countries should grow faster. We can expand up to 6%; we have done it before for almost 10 years, between 2003 and 2014," he concluded. (END) CNA/JJN/HMC/DTK/MVB Remarks were made in response to the comments by National Confederation of Private Business Institutions (Confiep) Chairman Roque Benavides at the 56th edition of the Annual Conference of Executives (CADE-Executives 2018) , which is currently underway in Paracas. On Wednesday, Benavides denounced the existence of a destruction campaign according to him undertaken by the Judiciary against the business community and private sector. Thus, citizens can agree or disagree with their decisions, which can be amended by higher-ranking courts. The lawyer said the same applies to ex-President Alan Garcia , who claims there is political persecution in Peru where clearly there is none of that According to the former Ad-Hoc State Attorney, businesspeople gathered at CADE-Executives 2018 have said mea culpa and acknowledged they had committed sin of omission by observing the unethical acts from a balcony, instead of intervening in the problem. Furthermore, he commended the initiative "Entrepreneurs for Integrity" created by businesspeople, since it demands their involvement in the country's problems, as well as signing an accord with the Comptroller General's Office. Biography A lawyer by training, he served as Ad-Hoc State Attorney of Peru in several corruption cases. During the Fujimori-Montesinos affair, his office opened more than 200 cases against 1,500 members of the Fujimori network, which brought him trouble. Vladimiro Montesinos was the long-standing head of Peru's intelligence service (SIN) under former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) 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. Within this framework, the official underlined there are numerous studies from the last 50 years proving that statement. "We do not have an estimate ( of the effects of corruption ), but overpriced and unnecessary works have been carried out, which have clearly had a detrimental effect," the BCR representative expressed. He also ruled out a lack of society's confidence in the business community following the recent events. "There may be some entrepreneurs who are questionable, but I do not think it is the whole business class," Governor Velarde said. "Banishing corruption allows the country to rely on a more honest and predictable Judicial Branch , which I think is more beneficial for all of us (). Besides, I do not believe there is an attitude against businesspeople ," he concluded. It is a virtual public access platform, prepared by Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry, to monitor the progress States make in complying with the 57 points contained in the Lima Commitment known as the " Democratic Governance against Corruption ." This document includes concrete measures on access to information, political parties' financing, transparency in public works, asset recovery, as well as measures against domestic and international bribery, among others. "Today we approved the adoption of a virtualso that all citizens in the Americas can verify the implementation of those commitments and their degree of compliance in each country," he told the media. Likewise, he recalled that the Lima Commitment was unanimously approved to adopt a series of measures aimed at combating corruption. Member "This has forged an alliance against impunity in the Americas sinceStates have agreed to prevent corruption from spreading in the continent , considering it can have a negative impact on our countries' democratic process," he pointed out. run75441 | November 29, 2018 4:20 pm Some humor, sarcasm, and disappointment. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI (The Borowitz Report)Celebrating her election victory on Tuesday night, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said that, despite predictions that her state was ready to turn the page on its shameful past, I never lost faith in Mississippis racists. For weeks, weve been hearing national pundits say that Mississippi was ready to enter the twenty-first century, Hyde-Smith told a crowd of supporters at her victory rally. Tonight, with your help, we proved them wrong. Hyde-Smith said that, despite the medias unearthing of a cavalcade of embarrassing comments and actions from her past, I never doubted that, at the end of the day, the people of Mississippi would listen to the racist voices in their heads. Choking back tears, Hyde-Smith thanked her supporters for honoring Mississippis storied heritage of hatred and cruelty. Mississippi voters do not want to tear down the relics of our Confederate past, she said. As such a relic, I am eternally grateful. Exit polls showed that Hyde-Smith performed extremely well with voters who described themselves as bigots, and dominated among those who could not correctly spell Mississippi. A Safer Pipeline The Ann Arbor Y makes peace with ET Rover. by Julie Halpert Published in November, 2018 In the July 2017, Toni Kayumi, the Ann Arbor YMCA's president and CEO, led a protest at the Y's Camp Birkett in Dexter Twp. Concerned that a proposed natural gas pipeline nearby could pose a danger to campers and nearby residents, she wanted the line rerouted. The attempts by the Y and neighbors in the surrounding community were unsuccessful: the forty-two-inch diameter, 713-mile, $4.2 billion Rover Pipeline became operational in June, 2018. In September, Kayumi held another gathering at the camp on Silver Lake. If the first was a declaration of war, this was the outbreak of peace. Reassured by additional safety precautions taken by pipeline owner Energy Transfer, she accepted a $10,000 donation from the company to fund summer camp scholarships. Kayumi and others feared that, if the line sprang a leak, there would be limited access to a quick and safe evacuation route. To address those concerns, Energy Transfer agreed to take measures that exceed federal requirements. Those included burying this segment of the pipeline sixty inches deep instead of the thirty-six inches required, making it less likely that it could be could be damaged by nearby farming and ranching activities. Rover also installed more closely spaced valves, every three miles instead of every four miles, isolating the pipeline into smaller segments and helping reduce response times if there are problems. Instead of the manually operated valves required by federal law, these can be operated remotely. If there's a drop in pressure, which is often a sign of a leak, that enables a faster response. And the line will be inspected aerially once a week, exceeding the state requirement for monthly inspections. At the behest of state rep Donna Lasinski, pipeline developers met with representatives from Washtenaw County, Dexter Township, and the Y last January to discuss an emergency response plan. In September, the Dexter Area Fire Department offered emergency preparedness training at the camp for neighbors. "I won't win every battle I go into," ...continued below... Kayumi says. But she feels that her protests helped influence Rover's decision to make the pipeline safer."We were happy to work with the YMCA to address their concerns," says Rover Pipeline spokesperson Alexis Daniel. "It is our standard practice to go above and beyond the required regulations on all our assets where possible, as safety is our first priority-the safety of the community, the safety of our employees, and the safety of the environment."Rover's $10,000 donation will provide about sixty-two scholarships for campers next summer, Kayumi says. Daniel says similar donations were provided to counties along the entire route, including Washtenaw County Emergency Management.Kayumi calls the donation "a wonderful gesture that will positively impact a number of children." The relationship with the company has improved, she says, because "they heard us. They responded, and they made additional safety requirements not mandated by law. They're trying to be corporately responsible." This past summer, the first with the pipeline operating, Kayumi says there was no drop-off in camper attendance. "People were assured the Y was making it a safe situation."Wendy Zielen, who lives on Silver Lake and also had protested the pipeline's location, believes Rover should be focused on installing a state-of-the-art warning system for those whose evacuation routes are compromised by the pipeline's path. Daniel says she was unaware of such a request, but says all the company's pipelines are monitored round the clock and provide sufficient safeguards. She says that "transmission pipelines like Rover are still the safest, most environmentally friendly way to transport" natural gas.Clifford Rowley, a spokesperson for Michigan Residents Against the ET Rover Gas Pipeline, was unaware of the donation to the Y. He says he respects Kayumi addressing the issues posed by the pipeline. "No one in our core community has come around, but I think some in the community have moved on and are finding their way to just live with it," he says. But he doesn't think Rover's actions are sufficient to address the risks and protect the public. "We can only hope that the inevitable event at the intersection of pipeline risk and a [populated] location does not happen here," he says. [Originally published in November, 2018.] Key Highlights The purchase consideration for the Mustang Ruby Assets in Mozambique is reduced to A$2,800,000 from A$9,999,999 of Fura shares by way of an A$2,800,000 Loan Agreement entered into between Fura and New Energy Minerals Ltd. (NXE, formerly Mustang Resources Limited). The final date for satisfying the conditions to Closing on the Mustang Ruby Assets is extended to February 28, 2019, which date is extendable by Fura, pursuant to a Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement Amending Agreement. Fura purchases additional and strategic ruby wash plant capacity in Mozambique from NXE for A$489,439.86. Dev Shetty, President and Chief Executive Officer: We are very pleased to assist New Energy Minerals, one of our counterparties in the several Mozambican ruby acquisition projects that are currently underway, via an A$2,800,000 Loan Agreement. The drawdown rules of that Loan Agreement are limited to assisting New Energy in its financing arrangements with Arena and closing of our transaction with New Energy. As a result of this loan, the purchase consideration for the New Energy Mozambican assets has been significantly reduced. As such, this transaction constitutes a major win-win for both Fura and New Energy shareholders. TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fura Gems Inc. (Fura or the Company) (TSXV: FURA, OTC: FUGMF and FRA: BJ43) announces that, in connection with its ongoing transaction to acquire interests in nine ruby licences/concessions in Mozambique (the Acquisition) (please see Furas press release dated July 16, 2018 for further details), it has entered into a loan agreement (the Loan Agreement) with New Energy Minerals Ltd. (formerly Mustang Resources Ltd.) (New Energy) pursuant to which Fura will loan New Energy A$2,800,000 (the Loan). Drawdown of the Loan by NXE is subject to customary conditions precedent, including NXE solvency, no event of default under the Loan Agreement, the obtaining of all necessary approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange, as applicable, as well as either (i) the statutory demand (the Statutory Demand), served on October 29, 2018 on New Energy by Arena Structured Private Investments (Cayman) LCC (Arena) in connection with convertible notes issued by New Energy, being withdrawn by Arena, or (ii) Arena agreeing to withdraw the Statutory Demand. In connection with the Loan, Fura has entered into a Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement Amending Agreement dated November 27, 2018 (the Amending Agreement) with its wholly owned subsidiary, Cobadale Ltd., New Energy, Regius Resources Group Ltd. (Regius) and Montepuez Minerals Mauritius Ltd (Montepuez), pursuant to which such parties have agreed to amend the Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement dated July 14, 2018, as amended (together with the Amending Agreement, the Agreement). Pursuant to the Amending Agreement, the total purchase price under the Agreement for the Mustang Assets and Regius Assets, as detailed below, is reduced from A$15,000,000 to A$7,800,000, and the total purchase price for the Mustang Assets shall be the amount of the Loan (the Mustang Closing Payment). Pursuant to the Amending Agreement, the Mustang Closing Payment constitutes full and final payment by Fura to Mustang under the terms of the Agreement for the purchase and sale of interests in three New Energy ruby licenses/concessions in Mozambique as follows: (i) 75% of the issued shares of Montepuez which owns a 70% interest in mining licence 5030L and an 80% interest in mining concession 8921C; and (ii) a right to earn a 65% interest in mining concession 8955C under a joint venture agreement (collectively, the Mustang Assets). Prior to the entering into of the Loan Agreement, the consideration payable for the Mustang Assets under the Agreement amounted to A$9,999,999 of Fura common shares, to be issued in three equal tranches of A$3,333,333 each at closing of the Acquisition (Closing), within 12 months of Closing and within 20 months of Closing, and at a price per share respectively of C$0.50, C$1.40 and C$1.80. The Amending Agreement also permits Fura to close separately on the Mustang Assets, on the one hand, and on the interests in six licences/concessions held by Regius, on the other hand (the Regius Assets), as follows: (i) 20% of the issued shares of Montepuez, 80% of the shares in Rio Buzi Resources Limitada (5980L/9307C), 80% of the shares in RQL Rubies S.A. (7083L and 7251L) and a right to earn interests in licences 6064L, 6106L and 8188L. In addition, the Amending Agreement extends the drop dead dates for the Mustang Assets to February 28, 2019 (the New Energy Drop Dead Date); provided, however that if any of the conditions or documents to Closing that are to be satisfied or delivered by NXE have not been satisfied or delivered by February 28, 2019, then Cobadale shall have the right to extend the New Energy Drop Dead Date by successive one month periods until such time as such conditions or documents are satisfied or delivered. Fura is also pleased to announce that it has purchased from New Energy additional ruby wash plant capacity to be deployed at Furas mining licences. The purchase consideration paid by Fura to New Energy for such additional capacity is A$489,439.86 Further to the Companys press release dated September 17, 2018, the Company confirms that it continues to expect to use the net proceeds of the recently closed private placement financing (the Financing) to complete the Acquisition, complete the acquisition of mining licence 5572L (please see the Companys press release dated July 26, 2018) (together with the Acquisition, the Transactions) and for general corporate purposes. The Company confirms that should the Company not be able to complete the Transactions, the net proceeds of the Financing will be used by the Company for general corporate purposes, develop its current mining assets and for future acquisitions. For more information about Fura Gems Inc., please contact: Fura Gems Inc. Dev Shetty - President & Chief Executive Officer Tel: +971 4 240 8760 dev.shetty@furagems.com Brad Scharfe Director Investor Relations Tel: +1 (778) 386 1313 Brad.scharfe@furagems.com Public Relations Tavistock (UK) Jos Simson / Barney Hayward Tel: +44 207 920 3150 fura@tavistock.co.uk About Fura Gems Inc. Fura Gems Inc. is a gemstone mining and marketing company which is engaged in the mining, exploration and acquisition of gemstone licences. Furas headquarters are located in Toronto, Canada and its administrative headquarters are located in the Almas Tower, Dubai. Fura is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol FURA. Fura is engaged in the exploration of resource properties in Colombia and owns a 76% interest in the Coscuez emerald mine in Boyaca, Colombia. Fura is also involved in the exploration and mining of rubies in Mozambique through its 80% effective interest in the four ruby mining licenses (4392L, 3868L, 3869L and 6811L). Regulatory Statements This press release may contain forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys ability to complete the Acquisition, the Loan and the Amending Agreement; the Companys use of proceeds of the Financing, and the Companys performance. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of exploration, development and production activities; access to sufficient financing to continue the development of its assets; regulatory risks; risks inherent in foreign operations, uncertainties with respect to the Companys assets; legacy environmental risks, title risks and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. A dedicated fire department will open in Pevek, Chukotka Autonomous Area, by the end of 2019, by the time the Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear power plant reaches the local port, First Deputy Minister of Emergencies, Colonel-General of Internal Service Alexander Chupriyan said following a meeting in Murmansk. "There will be a dedicated fire department. Our colleagues from the nuclear sector will be in charge of purchasing the equipment in the Arctic. <> Staffing for this department will be ready next year. Construction and equipment procurement are underway, and we hope to open the facility by the end of 2019," Chupriyan said, adding that the fire department would be staffed on a rotation basis. The floating nuclear power plant will replace the Bilibinskaya NPP that currently produces 80 percent of the electricity for the Chaun-Bilibino energy system. Bilibinskaya will be decommissioned over the next few years. Its first energy block will be shutdown in 2019, and the entire station will cease operations by 2021. Project 20870, the Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear power plant, is based on the technology used for reactors on ships (icebreakers). It will have two steam-generating units, each equipped with 35MW KLT-40C reactors. This is the lead project for a series of small mobile power stations that will serve major industrial sites, port cities, and oil extraction and processing complexes on the sea shelf. It is based on a series of power units for nuclear icebreakers that were subject to extensive testing in the Arctic. The floating nuclear power plant has a large safety margin and structural integrity guaranteeing that the nuclear reactors will be invulnerable even in the face of a tsunami or other major natural disaster. In addition, the onboard nuclear processes comply with all IAEA safety standards and are not a threat to the environment. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Donald Trump's private jet, a Boeing 757 used during his campaign, was caught up in a parking mishap at New York Citys LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday, according to The New York Times. A corporate twin-engine Bombardier Global Express maneuvering into a parking spot clipped the wing of Trump's parked plane around 8:30 a.m., Trump's company, The Trump Organization, confirmed, The New York Times reported. No one was on Trump's plane. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, said there were no injuries and no impact on airport operations. Trump acquired his jet for 100 million dollars from the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan will file a new complaint to the court of appeals against the verdict of the court of first instance, based on the wiretapping of the phone conversation between NSS director Arthur Vanetsyan and SIS director Sasun Khachatryan, and the press conference, the ex-presidents lawyer Hayk Alumyan told reporters. He declined to give further details. Meanwhile, the court of appeals continues examining the complaint filed against the release of Kocharyan from pre-trial detention on basis of immunity. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenia introduces insurance system in the agriculture sector, reports Armenpress. After todays Cabinet session acting minister of agriculture Gegham Gevorgyan told reporters that this solution is totally new and has never been applied in the agriculture sector. It will launch in 2019 in the form of a pilot program. Firstly it will be introduced in Ararat and Armavir provinces, but the issue of installing it in Shirak province is also being discussed. The agricultural insurance is a new phenomenon in our field, we will have an insurance from risks. In other words, the insurance companies will cover the risks over the expenditures the village makes completely. The risks are linked with natural disaster, first of all, hail and frostbite will be taken into account. Today we presented a draft in the government by which we propose compensation of damages caused to farmers, but in case of the introduction of insurance system the state will be out of this process and the insurance companies will make a compensation with a greater volume, the acting minister said. He informed that they have met with the farmers and introduced them on the program. The villagers reacted positively to the program and expressed a wish to participate. They were interested in the issue subsidizing the insurance costs. The acting minister said there will be a subsidy, there will be no great burden on the villager. Gegham Gevorgyan said the issue of anti-hail network is also being discussed. A group has been formed by the instruction of the acting prime minister to study this issue and understand the efficiency mechanisms. He said today Armenia already produces anti-hail networks. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. A contractual military serviceman has died in an avalanche in the village of Kakhakn, Gegharkunik province, caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said today in his campaigning speech. I have bad news, he said. The soldier was found dead. I express condolences to his family and friends. At Pashinyans suggestion, the attendees of the event held a moment of silence in honor of the victim. On November 28, the ministry of emergency situations said that a person is missing in an avalanche. The ministry had not specified other details. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVMEBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenian peacekeepers in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Lebanon and Mali will also vote in the upcoming general election, defense ministry spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan told ARMENPRESS. He said that the peacekeepers will cast their ballots by the same principles as diplomats in foreign countries. Peacekeepers in Lebanon will vote at the Embassy of Armenia, while peacekeepers in Kosovo, Mali and Afghanistan, where Armenia doesnt have embassies, the regional diplomatic structures will create the opportunity. Special areas will be opened for servicemen, with ballots and envelopes, he said. Armenia currently has 121 active duty peacekeepers serving as part of the NATO Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. 32 Armenian peacekeepers are serving within the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, and 40 Armenian peacekeepers are serving in the NATO-led KFOR in Kosovo. Armenia has also 1 serviceman as part of the MINUSMA mission in Mali. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Im Kayl (My Step) bloc attaches importance to maintaining the principle of gender equality. Candidate for parliament from My Step Gayane Abrahamyan told a press conference today that womens rights issues are multi-layered, and this issue wont be solved only by granting quotas. First of all the stereotypes in the society must be brought down and the issues concerning gender equality must be raised in educational institutions itself, she said. She said that gender equality principle is the main ideological basis of their bloc, on which future programs will be built. Candidate for parliament Anna Kostanyan from Lusavor Hayastan (Bright Armenia) party, in turn, said that the womens rights topic requires massive and in-depth studies. If I [get elected] to parliament, I will be coherent in designing and revising the thesis of the womens rights protection law, she said. The number of women running for parliament in the proportional lists of candidates is 32,4% this year. In 2017, the number was 29,5%. From 1326 district candidates in 13 electoral districts 33,8% are women. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The ambassadors of Armenia and Lebanon to Italy joined respected Lebanese correspondent Talal Khrais and dozens of colleagues at a reception this week marking 30 years of distinguished reporting from his base at the Foreign Press Association in the Eternal City, ARMENPRESS reports, citing The Italian Insider. In his three decades as a Rome-based scribe, Mr Khrais has become a point of reference for expertise on the constellation of complex relations between Italy and the Middle East. Risking his life repeatedly as a war correspondent in the Syrian and other conflicts, Talal has been a friend and mentor to scores of Italian correspondents. The Lebanese Ambassador paid tribute to Talals role in fostering Italys longstanding peace-keeping role in Lebanon. Colleagues from as far afield as Britain, Palestine and Egypt joined the diplomatic corps in raising a glass to the next 30 years of Talals prestigious and dedicated career. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian answered the question of an Azerbaijani student referring to Nagorno Karabakh conflict during his meeting with the professors and students of Otto von Guericke University in German Saxony-Anhalt State. ARMENPRESS reports President Sarkissian said, From the viewpoint of mankind it was a tragedy what happened in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. I dont wish to go back to historical details. What happened in Armenia may create an environment where the conflict can be resolved. Armenia has a new Government and new Constitution. I am the Head of State, but I am not the Head of the Government. Now Armenia is like Germany. According to the Constitution, the Head of the Government has to negotiate with Ilham Aliyev. My role can be limited by offering advice. I want to emphasize a very important point. People have dies not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. I think we should spare no efforts to create a fair and peaceful atmosphere for finding a solution to the issue. Will it be easy? No. But we have to try to do it today, otherwise your and our children will have to ask the same question after years. Therefore, its time to solve the issue. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan FRANCIS NII Quest for Education: from selling firewood to Yale University by Pole John Kale, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, November 2018, paperback, 148 pages. ISBN-10: 1729671144. Available from Francis Nii here for K50 (including freight) or Amazon Books here for $US8 (plus freight) KUNDIAWA - All primary and secondary schools in Papua New Guinea should have a copy of Quest for Education, an inspirational autobiography. Incredible story of success in education that can inspire the next generation of Papua New Guineans. It is my pleasure to officially announce the publication of Pole John Kale's autobiography. It tells of is progress from a typically harsh and poverty-stricken rural Papua New Guinean life to the prestigious Yale University in the United States. It is a story of the many successes of Pole John Kale of the Mian Tribe of the Gumine District in Simbu Province. VERNON, British Columbia, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. (True Leaf or the Company) (CSE: MJ) (OTCQB: TRLFF) (FSE: TLA), a plant-forward wellness brand for pets and their owners, has announced its best sales quarter ever for the three-months ended September 30, 2018. The revenues were generated from global sales of the Companys legal hemp-based True Leaf Pet products. Sales of the products totaled $572,071 (CAD), making it the Companys second record-setting quarter in a row. True Leaf also announced that for the first time, it has achieved sales of more than $1,000,000 over two quarters. Revenue for the six-months ended September 30, 2018 was $1,063,405 the Companys highest six-month revenue to date and an increase of 42 per cent from the comparable period in the prior year, which had revenue of $747,846. The Companys European operations contributed $177,734 of total revenue for this six-month period, an increase of 86 per cent over $95,727 for the same period in the prior year. Revenue growth was primarily fueled by the Companys investment in its international sales team which has expanded the commercial reach of its True Leaf Pet division into new markets. The Companys True Hemp product line is now sold in more than 2,800 stores worldwide, including Pets Supplies Plus (USA), PetSmart Canada, and Pets Corner UK. Our growing revenues and the continued success of the True Hemp product line is evidence that pet owners want access to safe, effective, and legally-compliant therapeutic cannabis products for their pets, said Darcy Bomford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of True Leaf. We are committed to being the cannabis-for-pets leader in the global pet care industry a sector expected to grow to $202.6 billion (USD) by 2025 by continuing to enter new markets and expanding our product line. True Leaf pioneered hemp-based pet supplements that provide calming support, promote hip and joint health, and help immune and heart function. The Companys True Hemp line of functional treats, supplement oils, and chew sticks for dogs and cats are also available online on Amazon and True Leaf websites in the United States at www.trueleafpet.com , and Canada at www.trueleafpet.ca . Pet owners in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany can shop True Leafs newly launched direct-to-consumer online store at www.trueleafpet.eu . Q2 2019 Financial Highlights For the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 True Leaf Pet sales totaled a record $572,071 (CAD) in the quarter, an increase of 25 per cent over the $458,729 recorded for the same period last year. This is the second consecutive record sales quarter for the Company: Earlier this year, True Leaf reported its best quarter ever for the three-months ended June 30, 2018. Sales of True Leaf Pet products totaled $491,334 (CAD) in the quarter, an increase of 70 per cent over the $289,117 recorded for the same period last year. Sylvain Toutant, a retailing expert and former Chief Executive Officer of DAVIDsTEA, was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors. The Company announced construction of True Leaf Campus, its cannabis cultivation and production facility in Lumby, British Columbia, remains on schedule for late Fall 2018 completion. Pioneer cannabis-for-pets veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Kramer, joined True Leaf as Founding Chair of its Veterinary Advisory Board. Kerry Biggs, CPA, MBA, a former lululemon executive, was appointed Chief Financial Officer of True Leaf. Recent Developments Highlights subsequent to Q2 2019 True Leaf announced it has expanded its global retail presence. Now in 2,800 stores worldwide, True Leaf is also reaching more customers online with the launch of direct-to-consumer stores in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. True Leaf Pet launched its first hemp-based product line specially formulated for cats to the European market. For further information, please refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, published on the Company's website at ir.trueleaf.com . About True Leaf True Leaf is a plant-forward wellness brand for pets and their owners. Founded in 2013, True Leaf has two main operating divisions: True Leaf Medicine Inc. and True Leaf Pet Inc. True Leaf Medicine Inc. is in the final stages of approval to become a licensed producer of federally-approved medicinal cannabis for the Canadian market. The license is subject to a Health Canada inspection to allow for the production, manufacture, and distribution of cannabis products upon the completion of the Companys cannabis cultivation facility being built in Lumby, British Columbia. The facility is expected to be completed in late Fall 2018. Established in 2015, True Leaf Pet Inc. is one of the first companies to market hemp-based products for pets worldwide. The Company is initially marketing a line of hemp-seed based supplements for pets. True Hemp chews, dental sticks, and supplement oils are sold in more than 2,800 stores across North America and Europe. www.trueleaf.com Media Contact: Paul Sullivan Director, Public Relations Paul@trueleaf.com O: 604-685-4742 M: 604-603-7358 Investor Contact: Kevin Bottomley (Canada) Director and Corporate Relations Kevin@trueleaf.com M: 778-389-9933 Joe Green (US) Edison Advisors jgreen@edisongroup.com O: 646-653-7030 Follow True Leaf twitter.com/trueleafpet facebook.com/trueleafpet instagram.com/trueleafpet Forward-Looking Statements The meeting ended without an agreed communique for the first time in its history. That APEC was a failure seemed clear enough to virtually all observers. In the event, it has been widely regarded by non-Chinese media and commentators as a diplomatic bust for Xi. CANBERRA - President Xi Jinpings attendance at the recent APEC summit in Port Moresby was meant to be the cap on a soft-power charm offensive validating Chinese influence in the Pacific. Xis central role in the forum was gazumped by the buzz about the pre-summit announcements of increased Australian aid to the region and the funding of a major electrification project by a consortium of Western allies, and by the American declaration at the summit that it would partner with Australia and PNG in reviving the Manus Island naval base. While it would be difficult to portray the APEC summit as an unmitigated success for China, it may not have been quite the disaster implied by most reports, at least from Xis perspective. The Western imagery is that somehow China had lost the plot in Port Moresby and been reduced to tantrum diplomacy to compensate for its lack of success. Certainly, there was ample evidence for this assessment, if China had been using the Joseph Nye soft-power playbook. The local and non-Chinese international media were excluded from a working dinner that Xi hosted for the leaders of the eight Pacific island nations which recognise the PRC. Highlighting Chinas severe media censorship, a PNG journalist responded, We have press freedom in this country. Another significant instance of Chinese arrogance and disrespect for the host government occurred when a number of Chinese officials reportedly tried to force their way into the office of Rimbink Pato, PNGs foreign minister, to demand changes to the draft final communique. Incidents such as these run counter to Western notions of soft power and could be expected to undermine the positive images that the Chinese state has been pursuing through its huge soft-power budget over the past decade. However, theres an argument that Xis soft-power playbook doesnt have the same roles or objectives as those in the Nye playbook. Basically, its claimed that Xi has been using public diplomacy abroad to cement his power with the party at home. In short, the Chinese Communist Party is far more concerned about its soft power within China than it is with its influence outside. That helps to explain why Xi may have felt it was more important to stage a show for his domestic audience than to worry about the optics of excluding foreign journalists from his dinner with island leaders. Indeed, Xis China Dream has some of the same elements in terms of his political base as does Donald Trumps Make America Great Again for his. He wants to show his base, the CCP, that he is securing international respect for China, its culture and its people. Xis dream is akin to the 21st-century restoration of the Middle Kingdom in global affairs. This has resulted in a studied thin skin with regard to perceived affronts which China deems to have impugned its dignity in any way. Rather than tantrum diplomacy, Chinas behaviour in Port Moresby could be seen as an extension of kowtow diplomacythat is, using the machinery of the state to demand that foreigners show deference to Chinese sensibilities. Theres a building body of evidence for this assessment in any number of disparate arenas, from tourists in Sweden and the identification of Qantas destinations, to being denied speaking rights at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Nauru. It is worthwhile looking back at APEC from the two perspectives that havent been well canvassed in the commentary to date: the Pacific island nations and Beijing. While the Chinese actions at APEC may have looked counterproductive to Western observers, its not clear that those negativities have carried through to the Pacific islands. The eight regional states that were invited to Xis pre-summit private meeting were clearly pleased to be singled out to enjoy a privileged position in Port Moresby. Moreover, the embarrassing contretemps involving China appears not to have been widely reported in the regional media. But they did cover Xis comments on SouthSouth cooperation and the regional leaders responses. For its part, Beijing will have observed that it received much credit for the Western, especially Australian, commitments made in the lead-up to, and at, APEC. These initiatives have been regularly attributed to Chinas increased role in the Pacific islands region. Of course, we dont know what pre-APEC benchmarks Beijing might have set for success at the summit. Nonetheless, it did walk away with two more Pacific island partnersTonga and Vanuatufor its Belt and Road Initiative. And it did prevent condemnation of its trade practices in the final communique that never was. Given the absence of new Chinese proposals for the summit, perhaps these were enough. For all its arrogance and brusqueness, the key to the effectiveness of kowtow diplomacy remains as it has been for more than two decades. This is what Walter Russell Mead has called sticky power, or the political consequences for smaller states when they get entangled dependently with a larger economy. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull noted the challenges of Chinese sticky power for Australias other interests when he observed, This is the first time in our history that our dominant trading partner is not also our dominant security partner. Just as Australia struggles with sticky power, so too do our Pacific island neighbours. China has emerged as a key aid, investment and trade partner for most states in the South Pacific over the past two decades. China ranks first in trade across the region and second in both investment and aid. If Xi banked on Chinese sticky power trumping any soft-power deficit resulting from kowtow diplomacy at APEC, he has yet to be proved wrong. Richard Herr is academic director of the parliamentary law, practice and procedure course in the Faculty of Law at the University of Tasmania, and adjunct professor of Pacific governance and diplomacy at the University of Fiji The top 50 beaches in the world for 2018 have been revealed. Over 1,200 travel professionals came together to compile the ranking. From red, sandy coastlines in Crete to clear waters in Micronesia, add them all to your bucket list. While city breaks are exciting and mountain escapes are refreshing, there's nothing quite like being by the sea and lounging on a beach. And if you're dreaming of your next escape to the seaside, good news: Flight Network - Canada's largest travel website - has released its second annual list of the world's best beaches. Chosen by almost double the number of travel experts as the previous year, the 2018 list was compiled by over 1,200 travel-obsessed journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies from around the world. Read more: 100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime The World's Best Beaches for 2018 has been designed to "provide travellers with a one-stop resource for the most enchanting and exotic shores in the world" and "ignite your wanderlust and inspire the planning of your next great beach adventure." From red sandy coastlines in Crete to clear waters in Micronesia, the list features beaches from all over the world, ranked based on sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, average days of sunshine, and average annual temperature. Scroll down to see the 18 best beaches in the world, ranked in ascending order according to the list. 18. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland Set between scattered cliffs and enormous cave mouths and complete with powerful waves crashing on the shore, the pure and raw natural beauty of Reynisfjara Beach's black sand and epic views are worth a trip to the south coast of Iceland. 17. Balandra Beach, Baja California Sur, USA With clear, glassy waters contrasting with the cacti-studded desert landscape of Baja, California, Balandra Beach is described as "the ideal location for a full escape from the fast pace of daily life." Story continues 16. Noetzie Beach, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Beautifully secluded, this beach is surrounded by dense forest and reached via a gravel road and a steep stairway attached to a cliff. Go between June and November to spot migrating Humpback whales. 15. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres island, Cancun, Mexico At the main beach on Isla Mujeres, the clear water only gets to around chest height, making the sea perfect for floating. If you'd rather stay on the land, stroll along the five-mile stretch of coral sands. 14. Railay Beach, Thailand This remote beach is only accessible by boat and offers not only beautiful waters but also world-class rock-climbing. 13. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, the Seychelles With soft, golden sands, coconut palm trees, and crystal clear water, Anse Lazio in the Seychelles is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and has waters with an average 27C temperature. 12. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, The Bahamas As the name would suggest, the sandy shores of this beach are an incredibly millennial-friendly, highly Instagrammable shade of pink. The sand's beautiful hue comes about because it's stained by the red and pink shells of the Foraminifera insects that inhabit the area. 11. Diani Beach, Kwale County, Kenya Known as the softest beach in the world, Diani Beach is home to the world's largest fish, the whale shark, as well as monkeys swinging through the trees on the edge of the sand. 10. Varadero Beach, Cuba Varadero Beach is considered to be the best in Cuba, thanks to its fine, white sand, bubbling blue water, and never-ending pina coladas. 9. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand Surrounded by 100-metre high cliffs and only accessible by boat, Maya Bay's turquoise waters and lush scenery have provided the location for dozens of film scenes. 8. Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue Island, the Seychelles This is the world's most photographed beach, according to Flight Network - and for good reason. The sand is dotted with boulders, the water a vivid aquamarine, and the sand shimmers at sunset. 7. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands Plentiful palm trees and turquoise water make Seven Mile Beach an idyllic ocean scene. 6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands Described by the judges as "flawless," Grace Bay has a rainbow-coloured reef just off shore and the sea is clear as crystal. The beach, which came in at number one last year, also has over 300 days of sunshine a year. 5. Tulum Beach, Quintana Roo, Mexico Not only does this beach feature postcard-perfect white sands and teal waters, but it's lined with bohemian-esque restaurants and accommodation. 4. Praia do Sancho, Pernambuco, Brazil This remote beach is nestled on the small island of Fernando de Noronha - you have to travel for about an hour off the coast of Brazil, then hike, scoot down a dark, narrow tunnel and climb down steep stairs to reach it. 3. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Philippines Hidden Beach's defining characteristic is its protruding limestone cliffs which shoot out of the turquoise-blue lagoon. 2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia Maintaining its number two spot for a second year is Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands, which is only accessible by helicopter or seaplane. "The contrast of the piercing-white sand against the fluorescent-green backdrop of the tropical forest on the island's mountains will leave you speechless," Flight Network says. 1. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, Greece Located in a beautiful secluded cove surrounded by towering golden cliffs, the best beach in the world was named as Shipwreck (AKA Navagio) Beach in Zakynthos, which is only reachable by boat. The beach is so-called because it is home to the Freightliner MV Panagiotis shipwreck, which makes a visit all the more unique. See the full list of the world's top 50 beaches here. View this content at Business Insider Australia has recently seen an increase in fintech-related activity, as the government forms fintech agreements with other countries around the world and launches initiatives designed to boost the industry. At the same time, banks are increasingly releasing innovative new products, and funding for fintech startups continues to gather pace. At present, the country remains a relatively nascent hub for fintech, but with its current rate of development, it has the potential to establish itself as Asia-Pacifics (APAC) leading fintech hub, a role that Singapore has played so far. The Australian fintech scene is currently driven mostly by its 512 domestic firms, with just 67 foreign startups in the country. However, it seems likely that, with time and continued government support, this will change and more foreign fintechs will decide to establish their APAC headquarters in Australia. That will be aided by the country's proximity to China, the use of English as its official language, and its Western laws and customs. Fintech Hubs There are two Australian cities in particular that have built reputations domestically as fintech hubs. Sydney. In addition to being Australia's financial center, Sydney has established itself as the country's top fintech hub, with 60% of Australias fintech companies located there. That's likely because Sydney has the largest population in the country, and therefore offers the greatest potential market for fintechs. It also makes the city the most likely candidate to help push Australia into a position where it can challenge Singapore as APACs leading fintech hub. Australia, largely due to Sydney's fintech activity, is already seen as stronger than Hong Kong, another major player in the fintech space. Additionally, Sydney has a plethora of accelerators and incubators, including Springboard, an accelerator that connects Australias female entrepreneurs seeking capital and partnerships, and Stone & Chalk, which claims to be the largest fintech hub in Asia. Startups can also use the University of Sydney one of the largest universities in the country to find talent for their companies. Story continues Melbourne. Although considerably behind Sydney, Melbourne has made recent efforts to become more active in the area of fintech. The State Government of Victoria has called for experienced innovation hub operators to help it establish a fintech hub in Melbourne, and plans to have an agreement with such operators in place as soon as possible. The aim of the hub will be to connect businesses with investors in order to strengthen the citys fintech ecosystem. As Melbourne has a more nascent fintech scene, startups will face less competition than in Sydney for now, and could potentially have a better chance at establishing themselves. That's likely to make the city more attractive to these firms, which will help Melbourne firm up its position as a competitor to Sydney, and make Australia as a whole more fintech-friendly. Notable Australian Fintechs Prospa: The Sydney-based alt lender for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) was the highest-placed Australian fintech in KPMGs The Fintech 100, a list that ranks fintechs by commitment to excellence in terms of customer experience and provision of better services than their competitors. In February 2017, the company secured AU$25 million ($19.7 million) in a Series B round, bringing its total raised to AU$101 million ($80.8 million). The round was led by AirTree Ventures and represented the largest Australian VC fintech investment to date. Additionally, Prospa announced that it has lent over AU$250 million ($199 million) to SMBs. It has also partnered with Australian bank Westpac and lender Reckon to offer its solution to their customers. Given its track record, Prospa will likely see continued success. Airwallex: The Melbourne-based cross-border payments startup secured AU$13 million ($10.4 million) in a Series A funding round in May 2017, and it intends to use the funds to onboard more businesses to its solution. The capital came from Chinas biggest internet company, Tencent, as well as Sequoia Capital China and Mastercard. This was the first Australian investment for both Tencent and Sequoia Capital China; their participation indicates China's interest in the Australian fintech market, and the potential some of the country's biggest investors see in it. Such investments will likely help Australian fintechs expand to China in the future, and we could see more deals from big Chinese investors for these startups. ZipMoney: Australian point-of-sale (POS) financing fintech ZipMoney has secured AU$40 million ($32 million) in funding from Westpac, one of Australia's leading banks. Additionally, the bank will invest a further AU$8 million ($6 million) based on the fintechs future performance. The deal marks the biggest Australian fintech investment, and third-largest Australian tech deal, in 2017. ZipMoney will use the capital for expansion and the development of new products. Previously, ZipMoney secured AU$260 million ($206 million) in a debt financing round led by another leading Australian bank, National Australia Bank. This means ZipMoney is now backed by two leading Australian banks, boosting its chances of success. Opportunities For Australian Fintech Supportive nongovernmental entities. Outside of government support, a number of organizations are working to promote the fintech industry in Australia. One of the latest is Australian Fintech Jobs, a website dedicated to helping fintech companies find talent and aiding people seeking jobs in the sector. Australia also has several successful fintech hubs, like Stone & Chalk, that provide work spaces for fintechs and guidance when needed. Stone & Chalk claims to have already worked with 13 startups that scaled globally, and fintechs continue to take advantage of its services. Additionally, the hub has both local and international partners, which could help Australia become more attractive to overseas fintechs. By ensuring such hubs continue to thrive, perhaps via tax relief, the government could provide the fintech industry with an additional resource without significant outlay on its own part. High fintech adoption rate. Australias fintech adoption rate the percentage of the digitally active population that uses fintech is at 37%, the fifth highest, after China, India, the UK, and Brazil. It is therefore ahead of both Singapore and Hong Kong, its closest competitors in the region. A high fintech adoption rate makes Australia an attractive location for fintechs, as the market they want to serve is already used to new fintech solutions and technologies. This could help bring in more foreign fintechs in the future, reducing the country's reliance on domestic players. Challenges For Australian Fintech Regional competition. Australia is not the only bidder for the position of APAC's leading fintech hub; Hong Kong has the same goal, while Singapore arguably already holds the position. Both are serious competitors, and Australia should not underestimate the challenges they pose. That said, Australia has a good chance of snagging the title if its fintech efforts continue, and if investment continues to flow into Australian fintechs. In particular, the country's population size of 25 million is a major advantage over Singapore's 6 million and Hong Kong's 7 million. Startups could acquire a larger user base without having to expand outside Australia, making it a more attractive location for fintechs looking to establish headquarters in the region. Location. The two biggest English-speaking markets globally are the UK and US, and Australia is far away from both, making expansion into those markets difficult. That could limit the available target market for fintech companies that don't want to deal with the complications associated with working in multiple languages. In turn, those firms may struggle to find investment. However, by inking international fintech agreements including with the UK and Canada Australia likely hopes to help its domestic startups overcome this hurdle, making it easier for fintechs to expand to English-speaking markets. While this sounds like a good approach for taking Australia's fintech scene to the next level, the effectiveness of these agreements has yet to be seen. Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insiders premium research service, provide in-depth insight, data, and analysis of everything digital. Our research is fast and nimble, reflecting the speed of change in todays business. We give you actionable insights that enable smarter and better informed decision-making. We publish in-depth reports, news, and an exhaustive library of charts and data focusing on key areas of tech: mobile, e-commerce, digital media, payments, the Internet of Things, transportation and logistics, digital health, and more. If your organisation would like to learn more about our research, including a license to republish our charts, please contact: intelligence@businessinsider.com Business investment in Australia fell unexpectedly last quarter, primarily reflecting weaker investment from miners and flat spending from services firms. However, investment in plant, machinery and equipment rose strongly, helping to partially offset weaker spending on buildings and structures. That should limit the expected drop in business investment in Australia's upcoming Q3 GDP report. Expected investment for the current financial year was revised sharply higher, driven by stronger spending plans from Australia's non-mining sectors. The result will please policymakers at the RBA who are banking upon stronger non-mining investment to help keep Australian economic growth north of 3% in the coming years. Australian companies invested less than markets expected in the September quarter but they are building a healthy pipeline of projects that bodes well for overall economic growth in the period ahead. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, private capital expenditure (CAPEX) fell by 0.5% in seasonally adjusted chain volume terms, missing expectations for an increase of 1%. From a year earlier, total CAPEX fell by 0.6%. Expenditure on buildings and structures slumped by 2.8% during the quarter, dragging on the headline reading. This outcome was largely expected given weakness in Australia's Q3 Construction Work Done report released earlier this week. However, spending on plant, equipment and machinery rose strongly, lifting by 2.2%, an outcome that bodes well for Australia's upcoming Q3 GDP report as it will flow directly into the release. The CAPEX survey captures around 60% of total business investment, excluding spending from industries such as agriculture, health and education. It therefore captures a majority of investment, but not all investment. However, the current estimate was still 5.7% higher than that offered three months ago. While the drop in CAPEX last quarter suggests it was a weak report, Capital Economics Senior Economist Marcel Thieliant said the detail "wasnt as bad as the headline suggests". Story continues "A closer look suggests that it wasnt all bad," he said. The outlook for capital spending for the following months has improved a little. "Given that firms tend to become more optimistic as the end of the financial year approaches, that figure may eventually rise to around $116.5 billion, which would imply a rather small 1.8% drop compared to the previous financial year." And that drop reflects the unwind of Australia's mining investment boom that began earlier this decade, an outcome that is unlikely to drag on headline business investment in the coming years, especially should commodity prices remain firm. Over the past year, CAPEX on buildings and structures slumped by 7%, partially offset by a 7.7% lift in spending on equipment, plant and machinery. By industry, investment by mining firms last quarter fell by 2.7% as a 7.4% lift in spending on plant, equipment and machinery was more than offset by a 5.7% decline in investment on buildings and structures. CAPEX at other selected industries -- namely services -- was relatively unchanged while investment at manufacturers rose by 2.7%. Like mining, CAPEX on plant, machinery and equipment in these sectors also increased during the quarter. Expected CAPEX for the current financial year also rose strongly, an outcome that will undoubtedly please the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) who are banking on stronger investment to help keep Australian economic growth above 3% in the coming years. The fourth estimate for 2018/19 spend jumped to $114.1 billion, up from the third estimate of $102 billion offered three months ago. That figure breezed past expectations for a smaller increase to $108.5 billion. Expected expenditure in 2018/19 for Australia's non-mining sectors rose to $80.7 billion, above the $80 billion figure that ANZ's economics team said would be regarded as a strong result. Within that figure, expected investment at services firms rose to $70.98 billion, some 13.9% higher than the previous estimate offered three months ago. Importantly, it was also 6.8% above the fourth estimate offered for the prior financial year. Similar trends were seen at manufacturers with expected investment revised up to $9.725 billion, 13.2% higher than that offered in the June quarter. The figure was also up 7.4% from the fourth estimate offered for the 2017/18 financial year. Those figures will be welcomed by the RBA who stated earlier this month that it expects non-mining business investment to increase. Partially offsetting the improvement in non-mining industries, expected investment among mining companies continued to fall, coming in at $33.36 billion, down 1.1% from the fourth estimate offered in the prior financial year. Like Thieliant, Sarah Hunter, Chief Australia Economist for BIS Oxford Economics, said there was plenty of positive news to come from the report, especially on the outlook for non-mining investment. "The survey data confirms the information from the business confidence indicators," she says. "Firms remain optimistic about the outlook, are increasingly hitting capacity constraints, and are planning to invest to expand capacity. "We continue to expect non-mining business investment to be a driver of growth over the next 1-2 years, and are forecasting a 6.6% increase for the current financial year." Nowadays it feels like everyone lives life in the fast lane. With the advancement of technology, the internet and mobile phones, were connected 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So it begs the question: when do we actually switch off? Realistically, never. More often than not, in order to recuperate and recharge, many will look into getting away from it all on a holiday. Well, if this is you we may have found the perfect luxe getaway for you. Source: Nanuku Auberge Heres five reasons why the Nanuku Auberge Resort in Fiji needs to be on your holiday bucket list. Traditional Fijian cooking For most people, cooking wouldnt be at the top of their lists in order to unwind. However, exploring the traditional Fijian way of cooking is oddly relaxing, especially in Nanukus Kokoda & Bamboo prawn cooking class. Warning: you are really put to work learning how to dehusk a coconut which, trust me, is a massive workout or maybe it just was for me. Source: Nanuku Auberge If youre feeling adventurous you can also be tasked with scraping out its contents and pressing it to create coconut milk. The prawns were then cooked in the bamboo, which I decided to leave to the experts. Seasoned with chilli and some other herbs, and voila you have your dish delicious. Source: Nanuku Auberge Fijian massage at sunset Could there be anything more relaxing than a massage at sunset? Well, yes actually there is having a traditional Fijian Bobo massage at sunset. Source: Nanuku Auberge Using the fingertips, forearms and elbows with a kneading and thumbing technique, youll have tension released in places you never even knew you had tension. The massage, combined with the sunset setting and being by the world = reaching levels of zen you never thought were possible. Yoga While its an insanely obvious activity for relaxation, when youre doing it in total silence, with ocean views and a sea breeze in your face, life doesnt get much better. Admittedly Im extremely uncoordinated and definitely what you would call a novice yogi, but even I was able to reach my inner zen. Story continues Get out on the water Whilst to some zooming out on a jet ski into the middle of the ocean may not everyones idea of reaching optimum relaxation levels, it most certainly can be. Off the coast of Nanuku you can take in the fresh sea breeze and go hours without seeing another person, because its that peaceful. Source: Nanuku Auberge If youre feeling adventurous you can grab a snorkel and explore the marine life in the clear blue waters off the coast of the resort. Or if youre looking for something of the more luxe nature, dine on a private island with a gourmet picnic and champagne. The view Sometimes we get so caught up in always being busy and having the need to constantly be doing something, we forget to just be. Something as simple as sitting back on your hotel balcony and taking in your surroundings can be the most relaxing thing of all. I mean, tell me you dont find this one of the most tranquil views youve ever seen: Source: Nanuku Auberge And while Fiji as a whole is an absolutely beautiful country, theres something about the location of Nanuku which makes it extra special. Yes, unlike Denaurau Island which is a 15-minute drive from Nadi Airport and very popular with holiday-goers, Nanuku is a far longer journey totally around three hours. However, what you get in return for the lengthy drive is total peace and serenity. This type of tranquillity doesnt come cheap though with room rates starting at $1,075 per night. But if you really need a serious reboot and recharge, then its worth every penny. Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Nanuku Auberge Resort in Fiji in September. Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletter here. Adding to her EU divorce dramas, Prime Minister Theresa May is on a landmark visit to Argentina for the G20 summit where her hosts are using Brexit to advance their claim on Britain's Falkland Islands. May arrived late Thursday on the first visit by a British premier to the Argentine capital since the 1982 Falklands War between the two countries in what is being seen in Buenos Aires as a chance to improve ties. However, the 3,400 Falkland Islanders insist their British sovereignty remains non-negotiable and say a proper thaw in their relations with Argentina remains distant. They have reason to be worried about Brexit: if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, the Falklands' economy -- heavily reliant on tariff-free squid exports to EU member Spain -- could face a hammer blow. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie made waves last month, saying Buenos Aires would exploit Brexit to enhance its diplomatic push for the Falklands. Britain's sovereignty claim to the islands, known in the Spanish-speaking world as the Malvinas, dates back to 1765 and it has held permanent administration since 1833. Buenos Aires claims the barren, windswept islands, 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Argentine coast, are occupied Argentine territory. Argentina's then-ruling military junta invaded on April 2, 1982 but surrendered on June 14 to a British task force after a brief but intense and bloody war. - 'More connectivity' - Faurie told AFP ahead of the summit that Buenos Aires was discussing with London the possibility of "creating more connectivity to the islands". "There is a lot of room still to grow in terms of confidence and trust between the two countries," he said. "Our expectation is that the rebuilding of bilateral trust... will constitute a sort of substantive material to discuss all other issues about the sovereignty of the Malvinas." Once Britain is outside the EU in March 2019, the 27 other states will no longer be obliged to support London's sovereignty position. Brexit is also an opportune moment for Anglo-Argentine ties: Britain is seeking new trade partners outside the EU while Argentina needs to find ways out of an economic crisis. "Post-Brexit, (Argentines) are imagining that if the Falkland Islands has to get its economic act in order, that may open up channels," Richard Lapper, a South America specialist at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs think-tank in London, told AFP. "The big prize for Britain is the prospect of very cheap agricultural imports. "The Argentines may say they only want to do a deal on food if we have a side agreement on the Falklands." Jimena Blanco, Americas chief and Argentina expert at risk analysts and strategic forecasters Verisk Maplecroft, said President Mauricio Macri had moved away from the Falklands "sabre-rattling" of his nationalist predecessor Cristina Kirchner. Macri's Falklands policy-makers "have a more moderate approach," she told AFP. "There is an understanding that the war, and confrontation under Kirchner, made a lot of damage that cannot be undone by one administration. "It needs to become a sustained state policy whereby future generations of Falkland Islanders no longer see Argentina as a threat but more as a neighbour that they might want to have a special relationship with." - No-deal Brexit threat - As an EU member state's overseas territory, the Falkland Islands enjoy tariff- and quota-free access to the European single market. Some 94 percent of fisheries exports go to the EU, contributing 40 percent of the islands' GDP and a third of government revenue. The second-biggest sector is meat and wool exports. It is estimated that a no-deal Brexit would shrink the Falklands government's revenue by up to 16 percent, damaging its ability to deliver public services and invest in roads and hospitals. Tariffs would "wipe out the EU as a market for meat exports", while there "really isn't an alternative market" for its squid than southern Europe, said Richard Hyslop, senior policy advisor to the Falkland Islands government. "The fishing industry is a huge success story for the Falklands and we don't want to see anything happen that damages that," he told AFP. Even so, establishing alternative trade links with Argentina seems a long way off. Their sovereignty claim is enshrined in the constitution and Kirchner-era legislation aimed at frustrating the Falklands economy remains in place. "Certainly I don't think anyone's looking at direct trade with Argentina," said Teslyn Barkman, the Falklands lawmaker responsible for Brexit, the EU and natural resources. "Regardless of Brexit, they would be trying to find opportunities to work this sovereignty conversation into any development," she told AFP. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrived late Thursday on the first visit by a British premier to the Argentine capital since the 1982 Falklands War Britain's sovereignty claim over the barren, windswept islands dates back to 1765 Argentina's sovereignty claim is enshrined in the constitution Prime Minister Theresa May is the first British premier to visit the Argentine capital since the 1982 Falklands War between the two countries Argentina's then-ruling military junta invaded the islands on April 2, 1982 but surrendered on June 14 to a British task force after a brief but intense and bloody war Friends and family of a US missionary who died on a remote Indian island believe he could still be alive. John Allen Chau, 26, travelled to North Sentinel Island off the coast of India on November 16 where police said he was killed by the locals in a bow and arrow attack before being buried. Mr Chau was said to be visiting the island to introduce Christianity. There have been a number of issues retrieving the 26-year-olds body as authorities dont travel there. The Sentinel Islanders live as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. John Allen Chau was killed by North Sentinel islanders on a remote Indian island. Source: Instagram/ John Allen Chau However, John Middleton Ramsey, a close friend of Mr Chaus, told The Sun Online the lack of a recovered body and eyewitness reports mean his mate could still be alive. His mother is a Christian too and she has said that in her prayers that she had feelings that John might still be alive, Mr Ramsey told The Sun. And there werent a whole lot of eyewitnesses and so since his body hasnt been found we shouldnt rule it out even if it is a small chance. However, he added if his friend did perish Mr Chau wouldnt want to endanger anyones life in attempting to recover his body. Dependera Pathak, a director-general of police for the area including the island, said Mr Chaus cause of death cant be confirmed until the body is recovered. He added seven people have been arrested for helping Chau, including five fishermen, a friend of Chaus and a local tourist guide. Mr Chau, pictured in Jerusalem in 2015, could still be alive, his friends and family say. Source: Instagram/ John Allen Chau Islanders are a treasure Survival International, a rights group dedicated to protecting tribal people, has urged Indian authorities to abandon efforts to recover Mr Chaus body. Indian officials have travelled repeatedly in recent days near the remote island but have not set foot on it. Scholars believe the Sentinelese are descendants of Africans who migrated to the area about 50,000 years ago and survive on the small, forested island by hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants. Almost nothing is known of their lives, except that they attack outsiders with spears or bows and arrows. Story continues North Sentinel Island. Source: AAP (File pic) Survival Internationals director, Stephen Corry, said in a statement Monday that any efforts to recover the body would be incredibly dangerous for both Indian officials and the Sentinelese, who face being wiped out if any outside diseases are introduced. The risk of a deadly epidemic of flu, measles or other outside disease is very real, and increases with every such contact. Such efforts in similar cases in the past have ended with the Sentinelese attempting to defend their island by force, Mr Corry said. He added the body of Mr Chau should be left alone as should be the Sentinelese. Mr Corrr was also critical of Indians relaxation of controls over visitors to such islands. The weakening of the restrictions on visiting the islands must be revoked, and the exclusion zone around the island properly enforced, he said. Mr Chau (right) with founder of Ubuntu Football Academy Casey Prince, 39, in Cape Town, South Africa, days before he left for North Sentinel. Source: AAP He said the islanders should get the chance to determine their own fate. All uncontacted tribal peoples face catastrophe unless their land is protected, he said. An Indian police official earlier said they do not want to disturb the islanders existence. They are a treasure, Mr Pathak said. We cannot go and force our way in. We dont want to harm them. A member of a Sentinelese tribe photographed in 2004. Source: Indian Coast Guard/ Survival International There has been no significant contact with the Sentinelese for generations. Anthropologists used to occasionally drop off gifts of coconuts and bananas, but even those visits were stopped years ago. Indian officials said earlier that they were consulting anthropologists to see how they can approach with a friendly gesture. They watched the Sentinelese from a distance in recent days. On Saturday the tribesmen were armed with spears and bows and arrows, but did not attempt to shoot them at the authorities. With Associated Press A little boy who wrote a letter to his dad in heaven has received a heartwarming response from his local postal service. Seven-year-old Jase, from West Lothian in Scotland, tragically lost his father four years ago and wrote the letter for his dads birthday. The letter, which was posted to his mum Teris Facebook page reads: Mr postman, can you take this to heaven for my dads birthday. The letter from Jase to his dad in heaven. Source: Facebook/Teri Copland Several weeks later, Jase received a touching response from the Royal Mail. This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on route to heaven, the letter said. However please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered. I know how important your mail is to you. I will continue to do all I can to ensure delivery to heaven safely. Source: Facebook/Teri Copland A photo of Jases original envelope and the Royal Mails response went viral in a matter of hours, with 176,000 shares and 33,000 comments on Teris post. Source: Facebook/Teri Copland The mum-of-two thanked the mail service for their lovely reply, saying Jase was overwhelmed by the letter. I actually cannot state how emotional he is knowing his dad got his card. You didnt have to make the effort to do this, you could have just ignored it but the fact that you have made the effort for a little boy youve never met is such a lovely thing to do. Royal Mail youve just restored my faith in humanity and thank you, it honestly means the world to him. Many Facebook users were left drying their eyes after reading the exchange, with thousands commending the Royal Mail for their kind act. Emergency crews are continuing the clean up in Sydney and surrounding areas after the region was lashed with intense rain and strong winds on Wednesday but the threat isnt over just yet. While the heavy rain has past, new warnings are in place for areas between Byron Bay and the Illawarra Coast for gale force winds. The storm described as a once in a century event claimed the lives of three people, including a 14-year-old boy who was involved a car accident, and an SES worker who collapsed and died while attending a job in the Illawarra. A tree collapsed on a house in Drummoyne. Source: NSW SES A third person, yet to be identified, was killed after their car crashed into a pole at South Wentworthville about 7pm last night, the Daily Telegraph reports. The low-pressure system which caused havoc for commuters and emergency services on Wednesday is expected to have moved on from the NSW coast on Thursday morning, easing conditions in Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter region. Isolated shower activity is expected to continue but with just a few millimetres projected and no danger of localised or flash flooding. However hazardous surf conditions will continue into Thursday morning but are expected to clear off by the evening. Commuter walk through ankle-deep water at Lewisham Station. Source: Twitter/ Leon Paap At 9pm on Wednesday Ausgrid was still attempting to restore power to 3250 homes. Crews were scheduled to work through the night to restore power and were expected to still be continuing repairs in areas including Mosman to install new power poles and restring wires. Crews were also set to worked overnight in the CBD to repair two underground substations which flooded during Wednesdays torrential rain. NSW Police warned drivers to not attempt to drive in floodwaters as Sydney city copped a drenching. Photo: NSW Police More than 6000 customers across Sydney lost power during the storm, including residents in Chatswood after a falling tree snapped a pole. Photo: Ausgrid NSW State Emergency Services responded to 1530 jobs on Wednesday and at 10pm had 200 outstanding, mostly related to the storm. Teams were expected to work well into the evening with more expected to go out on Thursday morning to finish the jobs. An SES spokeswoman advised people to still take care when travelling on roads, to keep well clear of power lines and trees and to continue to report incidents. Story continues Rain at Town Hall railway station. Source: Reddit/ sumpeeps Strong winds to batter coastline BOM issued a warning for gale force winds for the Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast and Illawarra Coast. Meteorologist Zhi-Weng Chua told Yahoo7 offshore winds along the NSW Mid North Coast could reach up to 75km/h. However, between further south from Batemans Bay (NSW South Coast) towards the lower Mid North Coast winds will not be as strong and will only reach up to 20 knots (37km/h), Mr Chua said. These winds wont be affecting the inland and will start to ease off later at night. With AAP KITCHENER, Ontario, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James E. Wagner Cultivation Corporation (JWC or the Corporation) (TSX VENTURE: JWCA), is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to licence its GrowthSTORMTM system & SOPs to Wellness Farms Inc. (Wellness Farms) for use at its proposed cannabis cultivation premises. Both parties have agreed to continue negotiations with the intention of executing a Definitive Agreement, at which time JWC will provide operational and strategic advice, including guidance throughout Wellness Farms process of becoming a licensed producer with Health Canada. The Definitive Agreement is expected to provide for licensing of JWCs proprietary GrowthSTORMTM Dual Droplet System for use at Wellness Farms facility and is expected to compensate JWC through a streaming arrangement for a fixed percentage of the total production of cannabis at the Wellness Farms facility, as consideration for the consulting services and for the technology licence and for the access to and use of proprietary information relating to the cultivation of cannabis. About GrowthSTORMTM JWCs GrowthSTORMTM system offers a number of significant advantages over other cultivation techniques, including its new advancement, the GrowthSTORMTM Dual Droplet System. The aeroponic GrowthSTORMTM Dual Droplet System technology is designed achieve a better balance of air and water at the root zone, and a more controlled delivery of nutrients. This results in significant improvements in plant health, in all measurable categories. Additionally, this proprietary system is designed to eliminate all contaminants from the cultivation facility, allowing for a truly controlled growth environment to provide clean and consistent cannabis. JWC is pleased to be working with Wellness Farms to place the GrowthSTORMTM system in Wellness Farms independently owned and operated cultivation facility. We are very proud to be working with Wellness Farms; we believe that by licensing the GrowthSTORMTM Dual Droplet System they are taking steps to ensure the success of their business and their ability to provide clean and consistent medicine to their patients and customers. Together we will build a community of aeroponic producers, in order to provide Canadians with aeroponically grown cannabis, Nathan Woodworth, CEO. Our team at Wellness Farms is thrilled to work with JWC and be part of JWCs affiliate group. Leveraging JWCs vast knowledge on cannabis, coupled with their advanced aeroponic GrowthSTORMTM Dual Droplet System, will provide us significant advantages. We believe this collaboration will ensure the success of our business, but more importantly our patients and customers will receive clean and consistent cannabis, Ryan Magee, CEO. About James E. Wagner Cultivation Corporation JWCs wholly-owned subsidiary is a Licensed Producer under the Cannabis Regulations (formally the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR)) and JWC is a premium cannabis brand, focusing on producing clean, consistent cannabis. JWC uses an advanced and proprietary aeroponic platform named GrowthSTORMTM. JWC was founded as a family company, based on family values. JWC began as a collective of patients and growers under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (the precursor to ACMPR). Since its inception, JWC has remained focused on providing the best possible patient experience. JWCs operations are based in Kitchener, Ontario. Learn more at www.jwc.ca For additional information about JWC, please refer to JWCs profile on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) or the Corporations website: www.jwc.ca Notice regarding forward-looking statements: This press release contains statements including forward-looking information for purposes of applicable securities laws (forward-looking statements) about JWC and its business and operations which include, among other things, statements regarding plant cultivation technologies and Affiliates. The forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of such words as will, expected, approximately, may, could, would or similar words and phrases. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those implied in the forward-looking statements. For example, risks include risks regarding the cannabis industry, economic factors, the equity markets generally, building permit related risks and risks associated with growth and competition as well as the risks identified in the Corporations Filing Statement available under the Corporations profile at www.sedar.com . Although JWC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on current assumptions which management believes to be reasonable. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information about this release, please contact Nathan Woodworth, President & CEO of JWC Email: nathan@jwc.ca Phone: (519) 594-0144 x421 OR George Aizpurua, Vice President of First Canadian Capital Corp. Email: gaizpurua@firstcanadiancapital.com Phone: (416) 742-5600 Ex-diplomat Salome Zurabishvili hailed her election as Georgia's first woman president on Thursday but opposition leaders denounced the result as fraud and called for protests. With all votes counted, the country's election commission said the French-born Zurabishvili, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, had taken 59.52 percent of the second-round vote. Her rival Grigol Vashadze, from an alliance of 11 opposition parties led by exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), took 40.48 percent. Zurabishvili said her election was a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe for the ex-Soviet republic. "It is now important to show that this country has chosen Europe," she told journalists after her win. "For that purpose, Georgians have elected a European woman president." "It feels great," she said, pointing out that she was one of a small number of women presidents in the world. But opposition leaders -- who have accused authorities of vote-buying and ballot stuffing -- refused to accept the result. "We do not recognise the election results, we demand the holding of snap parliamentary polls," Vashadze said in televised remarks, calling for "a mass peaceful demonstration" in the capital Tbilisi on Sunday. The election was seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks European Union and NATO membership. It was also a trial run for more important parliamentary elections in 2020, when Georgian Dream is set to face off against a range of opposition parties. The party is the creation of billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, who many see as the small country's de facto ruler. Flamboyant ex-president Saakashvili, who lives in exile in the Netherlands, claimed "mass electoral fraud" even before official results were released. "The oligarch has stamped out Georgian democracy and the institutions of elections," he said on the pro-opposition Rustavi-2 television channel, referring to Ivanishvili. "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law. I call on you to start mass peaceful rallies and demand snap parliamentary polls." International observers said there were problems with the election but that overall it had been "competitive". - Increasing tensions - "(The) election was competitive and candidates were able to campaign freely, however one side enjoyed an undue advantage," monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a report after the vote. The elections were "well administered", they said, but raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state". Tensions increased ahead of the second round, as the opposition accused the government of voter intimidation and claimed that ruling party activists had attacked Vashadze campaign staff. Zurabishvili in turn said she and her children had received death threats through text and voice messages from people affiliated with the UNM. Vashadze, a 60-year-old career diplomat, had criticised Ivanishvili's "informal oligarch rule" amid growing discontent over the government's failure to tackle poverty. The vote was Georgia's last direct leadership poll as it transitions to a parliamentary form of governance. The first round of the presidential election on October 28 saw Zurabishvili take 39 percent of the vote, against 38 percent for Vashadze. Street protests against the results could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. A smooth presidential transition, however, would be welcomed by many as a sign of stability in Georgia, which is emerging as a tourism hotspot and hopes for more foreign investment. - Daughter of refugees - Zurabishvili, a 66-year-old independent lawmaker, is the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country's annexation by the Red Army. Her career in France's foreign service culminated in a posting to Tbilisi, where then-president Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. On Thursday morning she received blessings from the influential head of Georgia's Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and was later seen by passersby sipping coffee with her children on a sunny terrace in central Tbilisi. The French foreign ministry said in a statement that Paris was looking forward to working with Zurabishvili "to further strengthen" relations. Former Georgian foreign minister and France's ambassador to Tbilisi in the early 2000s, French-born Salome Zurabishvili is supported by the ruling Georgia Dream party A smooth presidential transition would be welcomed by many as a sign of stability in Georgia, which is emerging as a tourism hotspot and hopes for more foreign investment The opposition denounced the election as a fraud. But while raising some serious concerns, foreign observers said the vote was "competitive" and well-run Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, a first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign. Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. In the teen's final moments, he was on the ground covering his head with his hands and pleading, "Sir, please don't do it", according to eyewitness testimony. Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars. "I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs," Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters. "(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices," she added. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said has been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016. Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. - 'Who gave the orders?' - Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects." However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed "intentional killing". "It shows that this country has a robust judicial system," he added. Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning. Rights advocates agreed the decision was important, but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen. "Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered," rights lawyer Romel Bagares told AFP. Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not performance of duty. Do not commit a crime". It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as a rare example of justice and accountability CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging unarmed Kian delos Santos moments before he was shot dead The family of Kian delos Santos erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder Australia's unique platypus population is shrinking under pressure from agriculture and pollution, putting the egg-laying mammals' future in doubt, researchers said in a report published Thursday. A three-year survey of the duck-billed animal suggested its numbers had fallen by 30 percent, to around 200,000, since Europeans settled the continent two centuries ago. "We have great concerns about the future survival of this unique species," said Richard Kingsford, director of the University of New South Wales Centre for Ecosystem Science. Threats endangering the platypus in its eastern Australian habitats include increased land-clearing for agriculture, pollution, dam building and fishing nets, Kingsford said in a statement. Kingsford and his team called on authorities to elevate the protected status of the platypus from near-threatened to vulnerable. They said that while population numbers varied in different regions of eastern Australia, platypuses had already disappeared from some areas. "We cannot afford as a world, let alone Australia, to let his animal go extinct and we know that it's gone extinct in some areas already," Kingsford told the national broadcaster ABC. The semi-aquatic platypus, which along with four species of echidna are the only mammals that lay eggs, is one of the world's strangest animals, with the bill of a duck, tail of a beaver, otter-like feet and a venomous spur on its hind leg. These platypus twin puggles were born in captivity in 2003 A little girl is being remembered as a beautiful princess who loved to dress up and dance after her tragic death in Melbournes northeast. She was on her way from playing in a park with her sister when she was struck by a car. Avreet Jhinger, 8, had been playing in the park with her sister when the two set off to walk home about 6.30pm on Wednesday. They were walking along a busy stretch of Victoria Street in Doncaster when witnesses claim the eight-year-old stepped out into oncoming traffic and was hit by a car. Melbourne girl Avreet Jhinger, 8, has died after she was hit by a car in Doncaster. Source: 7News The driver of the vehicle, a 64-year-old Doncaster East woman, stopped and rendered assistance at the scene, Victoria Police said in a statement on Thursday. I was inside and I heard a bang and came outside and looked down and then saw people and cars stopped and it didnt look very good from where I was, resident John Grouios said. The young girl was rushed to hospital but died overnight. Avreets devastated father took her young sister back to the scene on Thursday. They were later joined by other grieving family members who were too distraught to speak publicly, but described Avreet as their princess. They remembered her as a smart and studious girl who loved to dress up and dance. Police are still investigating exactly what happened, but are treating the case as a tragic accident. Avreets family were devastated by the tragic accident. Source: 7News They say the driver involved remains very distressed but has been interviewed. It is unlikely she will face any charges. Shaken residents say the busy stretch is notorious for crashes and they fear more will follow unless something is done to make the road and crossings safer. Cars just come speeding down the hill both ways, go through the lights, running red lights and it was just a matter of time before something tragic was going to happen around here, Mr Grouios said. Four decades after the boy pharaoh caused a sensation in the US and Europe, treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun are to tour the world again -- many for the first time. More than 50 of the 150 artworks from his tomb in the show will only ever leave Cairo once, say the Egyptian authorities, who are organising the tour in the run-up to the 2020 opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. "Treasures of the Golden Pharoah" -- which opened in Los Angeles in March -- will go on show in Paris next March at the giant la Villette arts complex. It is the show's only stop in continental Europe. The organisers have yet to unveil the other eight cities on the world tour. Previous exhibitions about the boy pharaoh have been record-breaking blockbusters, setting off "Tut-mania" around the globe. More than eight million people attended a 1973 show, "The Treasures of Tutankhamun", at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Another 1.2 million people had queued to see a smaller exhibition six years earlier at the Petit Palais in Paris in what was called "the show of the century". Mostafa Waziry of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said the tour was also to "celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy king". "The discovery of Tutankhamun's unplundered tomb revived our fascination with Egypt and its buried treasure," said Vincent Rondot, head of the Egypt department at the Louvre museum. The Louvre is lending one of its masterpieces, a statue of the god Amun protecting Tutankhamun, to the show. John Norman, of exhibitions company IMG, who has previously staged shows about Cleopatra, said the "exhibition (is) like none before. Millions of people around the world will get the opportunity to see these ancient objects in an immersive and personal context. "Tutankhamun's place in people's imaginations will be secure for generations to come," he added. The Paris show will run from March 23 until September 15, 2019. The Los Angeles show at the California Science Center closes in January. Exhibitions about Tutankhamun have attracted massive audiences - this golden mask of Tutankhamun in Cairo's Egyptian Museum is not part of the new touring show Around 1,000 Palestinians shot by Israeli forces during months of border clashes have infections that could leave them permanently crippled, medical charity MSF said Thursday, labelling it a "slow-motion healthcare emergency." Around 6,000 Palestinians have been shot by Israeli forces during often violent demonstrations along the Gaza border since March, according to the health ministry in the strip. MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres), which has provided care for thousands of Palestinians since the protests began, said the healthcare systems in Gaza were being overwhelmed by the number of cases and the often complicated treatments needed. Most of those hurt by live fire were shot in the legs, often resulting in open fractures prone to infection, MSF said. Around 1,000 have infections that could lead ultimately to amputations or even death. "This many patients would overstretch the best healthcare systems in the world. In Gaza, it is a crushing blow," Marie-Elisabeth Ingres, MSF's chief for the Palestinian territories, said in a statement. The NGO called on Israel to allow those injured out of the blockaded strip for necessary treatment and for governments to offer their medical facilities for the wounded. "The alternative ?- that thousands of patients will be left to deal with terrible injuries, with many permanently disabled and dependent on their families ?- is unconscionable when adequate treatment is within the world's grasp." Israel maintains a tight blockade of Gaza it says is necessary to isolate the strip's rulers Hamas and keep the Islamist group from obtaining weapons or material that could be used to make them. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment of the two million residents. The border protests have been backed by Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008. Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be able to return to their former homes now inside Israel. Israel says Hamas has been seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out infiltrations and attacks and that its actions are necessary to defend the border. At least 235 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since March 30, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during a blown Israeli special forces operation within the Gaza Strip. MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres), which has provided care for thousands of Palestinians since the protests began, said the healthcare systems in Gaza were being overwhelmed by the number of cases and the often complicated treatments needed If youve been caught out by a speed camera in South Australia recently, dont be too quick to fork out the cash. Thousands of speeding fines have been thrown into doubt after police were forced to dump their arsenal of laser speed guns because of a problem with the paperwork. More than a hundred fines have already been scrapped and the floodgates have opened, with anyone whos been pinged, now able to challenge it. When Jack Parry was pulled over for speeding back in may, something didnt add up. SA motorists who have been slapped with a fine have now been invited to challenge it. Image: 7 News I was probably maybe doing 61 or 60 in a 60 zone, Mr Parry told 7 News. The officer, armed with a laser gun, claimed Mr Parry was travelling at 74km/h in a 60 zone and slapped him with an $840 fine and three demerit points. It was also a breach of his Ps, which means a six month loss of licence that kicks in next month not ideal when youre a delivery driver. Ive just got my company up and running doing jobs on the daily and if I dont got a licence Im gonna have to go through the struggle of trying to find someone else to drive for me, he explained. Hes now holding out hope that his fine and suspension will be overturned following landmark court rulings where the accuracy of the devices couldnt be proven. SA Police Superintendent Stuart Mclean said they invite anyone who feels they have been affected by the decision to come forward and write to them a suggestion Mr Parry says is insufficient. Thousands of speeding fines have been thrown into doubt after police were forced to dump their arsenal of laser speed guns because of a problem with the paperwork. Image: 7 News Jack Parry claims he was slapped with an $840 fine for travelling at 61km/h in a 60 zone. Image: 7 News They should be tracking us down and sorting it out themselves because its their problem, Mr Parry added. Police cant confirm how many fines might be in doubt but lawyers warn its a huge can of worms. Over the years it would be many many thousands, Michael Woods explained. For how many years would it go back? Its going to be a nightmare for them. Police say there is no way of knowing whether you have been pinged by a hand held radar gun or one of the hand held laser guns in question, leaving the floodgates open for an extraordinary number of enquiries. The SA Government have acted swiftly. They plan to introduce legislation on Tuesday to correct the issue. DUBLIN, Ireland, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From Sept. 10-14, The European Conference on Machine Learning and Principles and Practice of Knowledge Discovery 2018 (ECML-PKDD) was successfully held at Croke Park Conference Center in Dublin, Ireland. More than 600 well-known professors and scholars from universities around the world, as well as entrepreneurs and experts in the field of computer science, had in-depth discussions and exchanges on computer science, machine learning, data mining, knowledge mining and other related topics and shared the latest cutting-edge research findings. Squirrel AI Learnings Chief Scientist Dr. Wei Cui attended the conference on invitation. He gave an insightful speech and shared the stage with many famous professors and scholars, such as Naftali Tishby, a physicist/neurologist and a professor of computer science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Corinna Cortes, a Danish computer scientist and the person in charge of New Yorks Google Research, and Martin Wistuba, a data scientist of IBM. Dr. Wei Cui presented the technological advantages of Squirrel AI intelligent adaptive system and the achievements in technology-driven application. He also shared the development and application of AI in education and how it became the area of focus for researchers and companies from all over the world. It is widely believed that ECML-PKDD is a top conference on machine learning and data mining in Europe. It has been successfully held in various places in Europe for more than 16 consecutive years. The topics of the conference mainly include machine learning, AI, data mining and their applications, covering social, economic and other important fields today. Its an international event with far-reaching influence in the global science and technology sector. Squirrel AI Learnings Chief Scientist, Dr. Wei Cui gave a wonderful keynote speech at the conference. According to Dr. Wei Cui, Squirrel AI intelligent adaptive system is a complete cycle AI-powered product launched by Yixue Education, which completes the core process of teaching and learning under the guidance of the system. It applies the intelligent assessment algorithm, ability diagnosis and student status representation model, as well as the recommendation algorithm applied in learning path and learning content planning. In addition, Dr. Wei Cui revealed that Yixue is developing algorithms for learning mode selection and early intervention using deep learning. The core is to collect and analyze learning data for AI to use the nanoscale knowledge graph to assess students target knowledge mastery in the shortest time. Therefore, it establishes personalized dynamic student portraits by measuring students knowledge status constantly, to understand each student's study status and problems, by which it designs testing and learning paths accordingly, and adjusts the teaching behaviors. Meanwhile, it constantly recommends the most appropriate learning materials in the process of learning, measures the learning effects, and establishes self-learning models and provides feedback on AI prediction and the effects of the content. Dr. Wei Cui introduced three modeling elements of Squirrel AI, which respectively are: (1) user portraits for students, i.e. the mastery of each student's personal preference and interests, learning style, cognitive characteristics, ability level and state of knowledge; (2) learning content modeling and nanoscale knowledge graph building, i.e. to present different forms of learning resources in the form of videos, texts, audios, pictures and exercises, establish an algorithm to label knowledge points and exercises, and give the corresponding difficulty coefficients, etc.; (3) personalized matching, i.e. to match the most suitable learning paths and courses and recommend personalized learning content for each student based on the data generated in the first two steps, to maximize learning efficiency. At present, apart from the chain of nanoscale knowledge point decomposition, correlation matrix and knowledge graph, Squirrel AI also recommends personalized learning paths, which are all at globally leading levels. Of course, that is not to say that robots teach students like teachers. Just like Alpha Go judges the situation of a chess game by memorizing the chess manual + machine learning, Squirrel AI precisely identifies every student's existing knowledge points through knowledge graph and the information theory. In the past, there was no clear user portrait for each student. We could only tell whether a student was a 50-point student or a 95-point student, but couldnt tell the students actual knowledge mastery based on his knowledge graph. Now, algorithms and techniques can solve this problem. Through strategic logic deduction, Squirrel AI intelligent adaptive system gives students different teaching videos and solutions to different exercises, including videos, animations, recordings, lecture notes and various exercises. That is to teach students in accordance of their aptitudes, which we are always stressing in education. At present, there is still no way to teach students according to their aptitudes in the classroom. All students listen to the teacher at a fixed pace, whether you are a 50-point student or a 95-point student. Such uniform education is like Tencent news and Sina news in the past. If we want to distribute different contents to different users like Toutiao does, we need machine learning and genetic algorithms, to let the system constantly and more and more accurately push exercises and contents that match each student's weak points, to achieve the most efficient learning effects. At last, Dr. Wei Cui mentioned a recent human vs. machine teaching competition organized by Squirrel AI Learning in 100 cities across China. Squirrel AI intelligent adaptive system competed fair and square with experienced public-school teachers. The results showed that the AI adaptive learning system is superior to human teachers in teaching quality and effects. In addition, Yixue Education has established a joint lab for AI adaptive learning with Stanford Research Institute (SRI) and a joint lab for parallel AI intelligent adaptation with CAS, to jointly explore the continuous technological innovation capability in the era of AI in the future. The ultimate dream of Squirrel AI Learning is to let every child have an AI teacher like a combination of Socrates + Da Vinci + Einstein, to teach them. In the future, no school district office will be needed in the world. Great mentors will be available not only for princes. We can use an AI system to provide a highly intelligent teacher to any child, to bring out their potential and achieve true educational equality. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ab96f71-4202-40aa-b7fb-683890ed7d60 After the conference, Dr. Wei Cui had further exchanges and discussions with famous experts and professors in data mining and computer science, such as Prof. Dr. Andreas Hotho, Professor of Data Science at the University of Wuerzburg in Germany and Chairman of DMIR Group, as well as Prof. Dr. Neil Hurley, Professor of Computer Science at University College Dublin in Ireland. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89c7fbab-ee61-496d-82c0-3f41321d93b5 Prof. Andreas Hotho, as the Chairman of ECML-PKDD 2019, is a key figure in European data science and data mining. He is currently engaged in research in mathematical mining, semantic Web mining, social media analysis and other areas. In the meantime, he is the person in charge of the DMIR Group, directing the BibSonomy project. The project involves the L3S Research Center of the University of Hanover, KDE Group and DMIR Group of the University of Kassell. He used to be a senior research fellow at the University of Kassel and an AIFB research fellow at the University of Karlsruhe successively. As the Chairman of ECML-PKDD 2018, Prof. Neil Hurley is good at research in computer science and mathematical science. He has been a senior lecturer at University College Dublin for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, he is a researcher of Hitachi Lab Dublin, responsible for lab management. After understanding the advanced algorithm models and the practical application effects of intelligent adaptive technology of Squirrel AI, they appreciated the achievements made by Squirrel AI in research and development, the application of AI in education, and its action committed to bringing fair, efficient and personalized education to every Chinese child. They expected to see Squirrel AI Learning become a global pioneer and leader of AI technology in the education sector. About Squirrel AI Learning At present, Squirrel AI Learning already has more than 1 million users. Next, it will develop an OpenAI platform, so that all institutions and individuals no longer need to develop their own intelligent adaptative systems. In addition, Squirrel AI Learning will offer 1 million learning accounts to children from poor families for free. To learn more about Squirrel AI Learning, please visit http://www.squirrelai.us/. Latin America and the Caribbean is the most violent region on the planet, accounting for 39 percent of the world's murders, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said in a study published on Thursday. That amounts to more than 2.5 million murders in less than two decades, 75 percent of which were committed using firearms. Robbery is also three times higher than the world average (321.7 against 108 per 100,000 inhabitants) and 41 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are found in the region. The murder statistic is particularly shocking as only nine percent of the world's population live in the region, and yet it is the only one where homicide is the main external cause of death (52 percent). The cities of Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, Acapulco in Mexico, the El Salvador capital of San Salvador and San Pedro Sula in Honduras are the most violent in the world and all have a murder rate of more than 80 per 100,000 inhabitants, between 10 and 20 times greater than the world average. "The region is an anomaly," according to the IDB, because violence has not declined despite increased levels of development in recent years. Between 2004 and 2014, most countries in the region experienced annual economic growth of around four percent, poverty rates fell while citizens "became healthier and reached a higher level of education." And yet the "most relevant indicators of criminality, victimization and perception of insecurity, remained high." IDB's director of citizen security, Nathalie Alvarado told AFP that people in the region have little confidence in the institutions that are supposed to protect them. "There's a need to create efficient institutions, police forces that are professional and closer to citizens," she said. In the region, only 20 out of every 100 murders result in a conviction, compared to 43 percent across the world. Things are expected to get worse, too, with the region's murder rate rising from 22 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 35 in 2030. Rapid and disorganized urbanization, stagnant productivity and youth unemployment are major factors contributing to the sorry state of affairs, IDB said. In the region there are 7.1 million youths seeking employment with another 15.1 million neither studying nor working. "Evidence shows that for every one percent increase in youth unemployment, the murder rate increases by 0.34 for every 100,000 people," said IDB. A high instance of firearm use, particularly in Central America, is one of the main factors blamed for the region's problems, along with organized crime and trafficking in drugs, people and illegal minerals. A Mexican soldier stands guard at a market in Acapulco, named as one of the most violent cities in the world President Vladimir Putin has insisted that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, but President Donald Trump expressed "deep concern" at Moscow's actions against a US ally. In his first extensive remarks since the confrontation at sea on Sunday, Putin said it had been orchestrated by Kiev as a "provocation". He said the Ukrainian ships had entered Russian territorial waters and refused to respond to requests to stop from Russian patrol boats. "What were they (Russian forces) supposed to do?" Putin said on Wednesday, when asked about the incident at an international investment forum in Moscow. "They were fulfilling their military duty. They were fulfilling their lawful functions in protecting Russia's borders. They would do the same in your country." Moscow and Kiev have traded angry accusations since Russian navy vessels fired on, boarded and captured the three Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea. After warning of the threat of "full-scale war", Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday signed an act imposing martial law for 30 days in regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. He also appealed to NATO members including Germany to send naval vessels to the region to back his country in the standoff. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he said in comments published Thursday by Germany's Bild daily. Western governments have rallied behind Kiev, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov, used by both countries, and of using force without justification. Trump on Tuesday threatened to cancel planned talks with Putin at this week's G20 summit in Buenos Aires over the incident. The White House on Wednesday said Trump and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Ukraine-Russia incident by telephone and "the two leaders expressed deep concern about the incident in the Kerch Strait and the continued detainment of Ukraine's vessels and crew members". - 'Bring our boys home' - The Kremlin said it still expected the Putin-Trump meeting to take place and played down the threat of cancellation, with foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov saying: "The meeting is equally needed by both sides." The Ukrainian vessels -- a tug and two gunboats -- were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, but were refused access and chased into international waters by 10 Russian vessels. Kiev has demanded the return of its ships and the release of 24 sailors taken prisoner during the confrontation. The sailors have been put before a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, and ordered to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Detention orders were made against 15 of them on Tuesday, including three still in hospital, and nine more on Wednesday. "We condemn this demonstration of barbarism and are multiplying our efforts to bring our boys home," Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Twitter after the court rulings. Sunday's incident was the first direct confrontation between Ukraine and Russia in the long-running conflict pitting Kiev against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east. It has raised fears of a wider escalation -- in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 -- and prompted international calls for restraint. - New S-400s deployed to Crimea - Russian military officials said Wednesday that Moscow would soon deploy more of its advanced S-400 air defence systems in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The Ukrainian parliament voted on Monday in favour of Poroshenko's request for martial law, which gives authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in certain areas. The European Union on Wednesday strongly condemned Russia's actions but, after three days of debate, failed to agree to threaten new sanctions. "We are dismayed at this use of force by Russia which, against the backdrop of increasing militarisation in the area, is unacceptable," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said. The statement will disappoint some EU members hoping for a harder joint line, after officials earlier said the bloc was considering new sanctions against Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States and Europe of encouraging Ukraine. "I think it reflects Washington's tendency to indulge any and all action taken by the Kiev regime, even inciting them to provocative actions," Lavrov told reporters in Geneva. Moscow has suggested that Kiev provoked the incident to boost support for Poroshenko, who is facing a tough re-election battle in a presidential vote set for next March. Ukraine has military boats in the port of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov Map locating the Kerch Strait, Sea of Azov and area where Ukrainian ships were seized by Russia President Petro Poroshenko said Ukraine risked "full-scale war with Russia" A court in Crimea ordered 12 of the detained Ukrainian sailors to be held in pre-trial detention for two months The Ukrainian military vessels were seized by Russian forces in the Kerch Strait A mother has expressed her fury after an airline staff member mocked her daughters name before posting a photo of her boarding pass on social media. Mum Traci Redford, from Texas in the US, said she was at Californias John Wayne Airport when a Southwest Airlines gate agent started pointing and laughing at her daughter. Ms Redfords five-year-old is named Abcde pronounced ab-city. Texas mum Traci Redford said she was at Californias John Wayne Airport when a Southwest Airlines gate agent started pointing and laughing at her daughter. Photo: ABC7 The mother said they were boarding early as Abcde suffers from epilepsy and they need to be first on the flight. The gate agent started laughing, pointing at me and my daughter, talking to other employees. So I turned around and said, Hey if I can hear you, my daughter can hear you, so Id appreciate if youd just stop, Ms Redford told ABC7. She claims the agent then took a photo of the little girls boarding pass and shared it to social media. The post was brought to Ms Redfords attention after someone else got in touch with her, saying they reported it. Ms Redfords five-year-old is named Abcde pronounced ab-city. Photo: ABC7 In a statement, Southwest Airlines offered a sincere apology to the family. We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our Customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online, it read. We have followed up with the employee involved, and while we do not disclose personnel actions publicly, we are using this as an opportunity to reinforce our policies and emphasise our expectations for all employees. Hundreds of schoolchildren took part in rival protests in Greece on Thursday over the country's name deal with Macedonia aimed at ending a three-decade dispute but which has sparked controversy. A few hundred pupils demonstrated in Athens in response to a call by leftist groups backing the deal and opposed to a rival gathering by nationalist and far-right groups in the northern city of Thessaloniki. Dozens of schools in northern Greece have been closed by sit-ins in opposition to the name deal with the former Yugoslav republic, a move blamed by the education ministry on neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn. "Clearly Golden Dawn and other neo-Nazi groups are behind it," Eleni Zografaki, a senior member of the Greek teachers union OLME, told Athens municipal radio. Under the accord, which Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev struck with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras in June, the Balkan state would rename itself North Macedonia. In exchange, Athens promised to stop blocking its entry into NATO and the EU. Greece has argued the name is an encroachment on its own province called Macedonia. Macedonia's parliament in October voted in favour of the change, part of a process that next requires a constitutional revision in Skopje. The issue has divided Greece and its landlocked northern Balkan neighbour since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, and efforts to resolve it have proven equally contentious. Both Tsipras and Zaev have staked major political capital on the deal, despite strong objections in both countries. Tsipras has been trying to hold his coalition government together ahead of elections scheduled to be held by next October at the latest, with his Syriza party trailing the opposition New Democracy conservatives. However, there is speculation that there could be a ballot as early as May. Tsipras' junior coalition partner, the Independent Greeks, have expressed strong opposition to the agreement, and Greece's foreign minister resigned last month in a cabinet spat over Macedonia. Greece's northern province of Macedonia was the heart of Alexander the Great's ancient kingdom. Many Greeks fear the deal will enable Skopje to lay claim to their cultural heritage, but Tsipras sees it as ending years of stalemate and helping both sides and the region move on. The Macedonian government hopes the agreement will allow it to pursue membership of the European Union and NATO, securing its place in western Europe over Russian opposition. A few hundred schoolchildren demonstrated in Athens in response to a call by leftist groups backing the name deal Nearly $200,000 has been fundraised for a Syrian refugee who was filmed being bullied at his school. The boy, 15, was filmed walking on a field at a school in Huddersfield, England, before being attacked. A second boy is seen bumping into him. He drags the boy to the ground and pours water from a bottle onto the boys face. Ill drown you, he says. The boy named Jamal gets put into a headlock. Source: Twitter/Mohammed Khan The boy has since been identified as a Syrian refugee named Jamal with the video going viral on social media and widely shared on Twitter. Its received more than 2.9 million views on Twitter alone. An individual named Tahir set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised $196,000 for the boy and his family. The page claims Jamal and his sister have been subject to months of bullying. Jamals family are refugees in the UK and they struggle to meet the basic necessities of life, the page reads. We want to raise money for the family to ease their situation and hopefully they can use the funds to help improve their quality of life and to put a smile on their faces. A student pours water on the boys face appearing to waterboard him. Source: Twitter/Mohammed Khan The page states that since the family has left a war-torn country they at least deserve to live in peace without being harassed. It also describes the video which circulated as heartbreaking. Jamal and his family left the Syrian city of Homs in 2010, The Sun reported. Homs has been ravaged by the ongoing Syrian civil war. The boy was also wearing a cast in the video nursing an injury from what was reportedly a separate unprovoked attack. Fundraiser questioned Some have questioned the legitimacy of the fundraiser and whether the family will receive the monies. I support the cause and the eradication of racism at the school, but what is the purpose of the fund? one man tweeted. Another asked how the money would go to the family who are yet to be named by any media outlet. Muhammed Tahir, who organised the GoFundMe, tweeted hes been in touch with GoFundMe UK. He also wrote on the GoFundMe page hes been asked by the organisation to state how hes ensured the funds will go to the family. Story continues My friend does regular charity work in Huddersfield which involves giving food donations to refugee families, he wrote. He is in contact with them and has made them aware of this GoFundMe page. My friend is also keeping me updated on any responses from them. The number of questions over the pages legitimacy has forced Mr Tahir to issue a number of statements. He claims he knows the family but they want their privacy respected. He said his reason for starting the GoFundMe is because bullying will not be tolerated. It has no place in our society, he said in a statement. They think Im different The refugee has told ITV he doesnt feel safe on campus and he sometimes tells his father, I dont want to go to school anymore. When I saw everyone looking at this video I felt ashamed of myself and why it happened, he told ITV I woke up at night and just started crying because of this problem. They think Im different. The Syrian refugee speaks with ITV. Source: ITV News Charges laid over video West Yorkshire Police said a 16-year-old boy has been charged over the video. Regarding the assault on a 15-year-old youth in Almondbury, which featured in a video posted on social media yesterday (November 27) and has been widely reported in the media, a 16-year-old youth has been interviewed and reported for summons, for an offence of assault, police said. He will appear at Youth Court in due course. Alleged attacker pens note The 16-year-old who is accused of the attack has purportedly told The Sun via a handwritten note the incident happened after a prior altercation. The incident was not isolated, and came about from an altercation between us earlier that day, the note reads. He adds he regrets his actions and fully accepts responsibility. The teen has been the victim of a number of online threats and had his Facebook page deactivated. His family has reportedly been forced to leave their home after their address was leaked. NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) today announced that Kristin Scott, currently Brand President of Hollister Co., has been appointed President, Global Brands, effective immediately. In this newly established role, Ms. Scott will be responsible for driving the growth of all Abercrombie & Fitch Co.s brands globally, reporting to Fran Horowitz, Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, the Company has announced it has eliminated the individual brand president positions and that Stacia Andersen, Brand President of Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids, will be leaving the Company. As part of this organizational change, the Company will combine the leadership of planning and inventory management into a cross-brand role, overseeing Abercrombie & Fitch adult and Hollister brands, reporting to Ms. Scott. With the aim of driving greater agility, consistency and efficiency across the global business, this change follows a streamlining of its stores management and operations organization, and several senior appointments in merchandising, marketing and design, made earlier in the year. Core customer-facing functions, including marketing and product development, remain in branded structures to ensure continuing closeness to each brands customers, and will report to Ms. Scott. Fran Horowitz said: With strong foundations in place across brands, our playbooks working, and a solid start to the holiday season, these organizational changes are part of the continuing transformation of our business to support our longer-term global growth ambitions. We look forward to Kristin taking on this important new role. Her obsessive focus on the customer has been a critical factor in Hollisters growing success. We are grateful to Stacia for the many contributions she has made to the Company, and the Abercrombie brands stabilization, and we wish her well for the future. Ms. Scott, 51, joined Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in 2016 as Brand President of Hollister. Prior to joining the Company, she held senior merchandising positions at Victorias Secret, Gap Outlet and Target Corporation. With her customer-centric approach and strategic vision, she has refined and driven consistent execution of Hollisters ambitious business objectives, resulting in eight consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales for the brand. Kristin Scott commented, I look forward to working with both brands to ensure we anticipate and meet the evolving needs of our customers, while continuing to transform the business. We have strong brand teams in place, and I am excited to work closely with them and the leadership team to advance our global growth plans. About Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) is a leading, global specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for Men, Women and Kids through three renowned brands. For over 125 years, the iconic Abercrombie & Fitch brand has outfitted innovators, explorers and entrepreneurs. Today, the brand reflects the updated attitude of the 21 to 24-year old customer, while remaining true to its heritage of creating expertly crafted products with an effortless, American style. The Hollister brand epitomizes the liberating and carefree spirit of the endless California summer for the teen market. abercrombie kids creates smart, playful apparel for children ages 5-14, celebrating the wide-eyed wonder of childhood. The Company operates over 850 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites www.abercrombie.com and www.hollisterco.com. South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered a Japanese heavy industries giant to pay compensation over forced wartime labour -- the latest in a series of decisions to strain ties between the two neighbours. South Korea and Japan are both democracies and US allies faced with an increasingly assertive neighbour China and the long-running threat of nuclear-armed North Korea. But their own ties have remained icy for years by bitter disputes over history and territory stemming from Japan's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula, with forced labour and wartime sexual slavery key examples. According to official Seoul data, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Japan during the 35-year occupation, not including the women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops. Among those forced to work at the factories for Japanese firms, six survivors filed a lawsuit against The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2000 seeking compensation. Seoul's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that the firm should pay each of the plaintiffs unpaid wages or compensation worth about 80 million won ($71,197). The same court, in a ruling on a similar, separate case on Thursday, also ordered Mitsubishi to pay compensation of 100 million to 150 million won to a group of five people for forced wartime labour at its plants. Many said they had been tricked by their Japanese teachers at elementary schools into going to Japan to "study" but were instead forced to work at Mitsubishi plants producing aircrafts with no or little pay for years. Both of the two groups filed lawsuits in Seoul after Japanese courts had dismissed their claims seeking compensation. Japan says the victims' right to sue had been extinguished by the 1965 treaty which saw Seoul and Tokyo restore diplomatic ties and included a reparation package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans. But recent court rulings in Seoul -- including Thursday's rulings -- argued that the forced labour for Japanese firms was not included in the controversial treaty. The Supreme Court late last month ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal to pay compensations worth 100 million won to four people over forced labour during World War II -- a decision that drew anger from Tokyo. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono slammed the latest rulings he described "extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable" and demand that Seoul take "immediate actions to remedy such breach of international law." "Above all, the decisions completely overthrow the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship that Japan and... Korea have developed since the normalisation of diplomatic relations in 1965," Kono said in a statement. burs-jhw/je Kim Sung-joo (in orange), a victim of forced labour by Japan, cheered in reaction to the court decision President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's president-elect Jair Bolsonaro to visit the United States, his security chief John Bolton said on Thursday after meeting with the recently elected leader of the South American giant. National Security Adviser Bolton's visit was the first high level meeting between the two administrations that have drawn comparisons over similar positions on issues such as the environment, gun control, Chinese trade and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Bolton wrote on Twitter that he and Bolsonaro had "enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion," and that the United States would "look forward to a dynamic partnership" with Brasilia's new administration, due to assume office on January 1. Bolsonaro also took to social media where he called the talks "productive and welcome." The Rio de Janeiro meeting lasted one hour. Bolton didn't speak to reporters when he left, but he later posted some pictures of the encounter on Twitter. Far-right Bolsonaro's new defense, institutional security and foreign affairs ministers were also present. Bolton had said on Tuesday he was heading to Brazil to "prepare the ground for the two leaders." "President Trump was the first foreign leader to call the president-elect," Bolton had recalled on Tuesday. "We see this as a historic opportunity for Brazil and the United States to work together, a whole host of areas -- economics, security and a range of others." Bolsonaro is a fervent Trump admirer and has made no secret of his intention to reorient Brazilian diplomacy towards Washington. The president-elect followed Trump's footsteps in announcing his intention to move Brazil's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with a half-century of diplomacy. He also alienated China, the world's second biggest economy, by accusing it of "buying Brazil," and then turning his attentions to Taiwan, which he visited in February. Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, appears set to be a key regional ally for Washington in its desire to further isolate left-leaning regimes in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. This week, Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, visited the United States as a special envoy for the new administration. There he met with political and business leaders and attended the birthday celebrations of former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, an ardent supporter of right-wing populist movements around the world. Eduardo Bolsonaro also sparked controversy when he was pictured wearing a cap supporting Trump's 2020 bid for re-election. Brazil's president-elect Jair Bolsonaro (2nd left) and US National Security Advisor John Bolton (2nd right) share a working breakfast in Rio de Janeiro US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with Russia's leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's isolationist agenda were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20, minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted, calling on Russia to return the ships and their detained crews. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko retweeted Trump's change of mind and added his own comment in English: "This is how great leaders act!" The cancellation coincided with a new eruption in the controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- an issue that also flared up when the pair held their only summit to date, in Finland in July. Trump again ridiculed the investigation into the allegations and accused his former lawyer Michael Cohen of lying, after Cohen pled guilty to misleading Congress. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted frostily to Trump's cancellation, saying it would free up Putin to hold other "useful meetings" at the G20. Ukraine's government hoped to embarrass Putin at the G20 by erecting a giant billboard outside the meeting, depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia captured the ships. But an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, said in Buenos Aires. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Ukraine's territorial integrity should be respected and added: "I hope that escalation can be contained." - Art of the deal - While the Putin meeting now appears off, Trump is still slated to sit down with various leaders on the G20 margins including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of his firmest foreign critics. However, Merkel's plans were disrupted by technical troubles that forced her official plane to make an emergency landing in Germany, and a spokeswoman told AFP that she would miss Friday's opening of the summit. Topping the billing is a working dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, when Trump will press for wholesale reform of the world's second-biggest economy in favor of access for US companies. After heaping huge tariffs on Chinese goods, and threatening more to come in January, Trump said a ceasefire in the trade war was "very close" -- but cast doubt on whether he even wanted one. "I think China wants to make a deal. I am open to making a deal but frankly I like the deal that we have right now," the president said. Referring to the China tariffs, he said: "What we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of taxes." However, economists and critics of the president's trade policies point out duties are paid by importers and thus constitute a tax on US industry and consumers that is not paid by China. En route to Argentina, Xi vowed on Wednesday that China would "make a lot of efforts to speed up market access, improve the investment environment and increase protection of intellectual property." But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine, and analysts doubt that Trump and Xi's dinner will serve up much beyond a commitment to negotiate further. - 'Useless' - Trump's tough talking set the stage for a contentious gathering in Argentina with the tensions over Ukraine and trade deepening fissures carved open by the US president on climate change -- an issue that nearly torpedoed last year's G20 hosted by Merkel. It is likely to be to the fore of the meeting of European leaders called by Macron, along with demands to resist the trade protectionism now stalking the world economy 10 years after the first G20 summit was held in the throes of financial crisis. In an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, the French president warned against the risk of "a destructive trade war for all." "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. But Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a communique in Buenos Aires. US opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now. With a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, Guterres said "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment." US President Donald Trump called off a bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20 minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, exits federal court, November 29, 2018 in New York City G20 leaders meeting in Argentina from November 30 to December 1 and a world map of the member countries. France's President Emmanuel Macron (left) speaks with Argentina's Mauricio Macri during a press conference at Casa Rosada presidential house in Buenos Aires on November 29, 2018 Turkey on Thursday lambasted an "unacceptable" decision by a British court to reject a request from Ankara to extradite a prominent businessman accused of providing financial support for the 2016 failed coup. British judge John Zani on Wednesday said the case against Akin Ipek, owner of the Koza-Ipek media conglomerate, was "politically motivated", according to his lawyers. Ipek faces charges in Turkey of funding "terrorist" enterprises linked to the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen is accused of ordering the July 2016 attempted overthrow of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but he strongly denies any involvement. Ankara calls Gulen's "Hizmet" (Service) movement a terrorist group but followers insist they are part of a peaceful organisation promoting moderate Islam and education. Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said Turkey had "strongly emphasised to the British authorities" that the ruling was "unacceptable and deeply disappointing". "The reasoning of the court to deny our extradition request is entirely unsubstantiated," Aksoy said in a statement, adding that Ankara expected the "prompt return" of suspects to then be tried before Turkish courts. Judge Zani was quoted as saying that Ipek would face "a real risk of ill-treatment in the event of return", adding that recent events in the country "give this court little comfort that the rule of law has remained undisturbed". Hours after the ruling on Wednesday, Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul also hit out at the "unacceptable" ruling in a series of tweets. Gul said Turkey expected the UK to extradite Ipek according to international laws and agreements, thereby showing "friendship" to its NATO ally Turkey. The Turkish officials' criticism marks a rare moment of public discord between Ankara and London, whose relations have flourished in recent years even as Turkey's tensions with other EU countries strained further. Tens of thousands of people have been arrested by Turkey in the crackdown that followed the attempted putsch and the Turkish authorities have also brought back suspects in secret operations from foreign countries including Ukraine and Kosovo. Ipek faces charges in Turkey of funding "terrorist" enterprises linked to the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen UN aid chief Mark Lowcock appealed Thursday for a halt to fighting in Yemen amid intense diplomacy to end a war that has pushed millions to the brink of famine. "I'd like to see a cessation of hostilities, especially around the key infrastructure, especially around Hodeida," Lowcock told reporters after arriving in the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Under heavy international pressure, Saudi-backed pro-government forces have largely suspended a five-month offensive on the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for imports and aid. UN agencies say 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation and the closure of the port would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis gripping the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. "I have come because I am very concerned about the humanitarian situation here, which has deteriorated since I was here last," Lowcock said. "I'd like to see the environment in which the aid system operates, made easier for the aid agencies. "I would like to see stronger economic support, more resources injected into the economy, salaries paid, more foreign exchange so that ordinary people have more money to buy the essentials to survive." Lowcock will spend three days in Yemen to see first-hand the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. UN peace envoy Martin Griffiths is hoping to bring the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels to Sweden in the coming days for negotiations on ending the more than three-year conflict. Lowcock, who last visited Yemen in October 2017, will hold talks with officials in Sanaa and the government-controlled southern city of Aden. The Yemen conflict, which escalated when a Saudi-led coalition intervened on the government's side in 2015, has killed nearly 10,000 people and left up to 22 million in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN figures. Rights groups fear the actual death toll is far higher. Yemeni pro-government forces on the outskirts of Hodeida on November 14, 2018 UN aid chief Mark Lowcock speaks to the media in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on November 29, 2018 A Mexican former pilot and one-time friend of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman told the kingpin's New York trial Wednesday how the defendant had ordered him dead four times. Miguel Angel "El Gordo" Martinez was extradited to the United States in 2001 and was subpoenaed to testify at Guzman's federal trial in Brooklyn. The terms of his witness protection program affording him a new identity in the United States require him to cooperate with the government. Martinez claimed that he fought "tooth and nail" against his extradition and that while he insists he never once betrayed his former friend, the paranoid Guzman ordered hits on his life. "I never mentioned Mr Guzman, I never failed him, I never stole from him, I never betrayed him, I took care of all his family and the only thing I got from him is four attacks against me," he told jurors. Martinez worked for Guzman in the Sinaloa cartel as a drugs big-wig in Mexico City, earning at least $3 million and in the process becoming so addicted to the class A drug that his nose had to be repaired. The bulky witness in his 60s, with a bald head and mustache, said he was testifying against his will, fearing that Guzman could order a fifth attempt on his life. Martinez claimed that he was in counseling for anxiety with a psychologist recommended by the US government. "I cannot sleep," he complained. Martinez said the four attempts on his life took place in Mexican prisons between his arrest in 1998 and his arrival in the United States in 2001. The first three were knifings. In the third attempt, he was stabbed in the face six times. Before the fourth attack, he said a band of musicians outside the jail played one of Guzman's favorite songs back-to-back at least 20 times, featuring the lyric "when we die we are only dust." On that occasion, a man threw two grenades into his cell, but he hid and said he avoided injury. Martinez spent nearly 10 years in prison in Mexico and the United States. After his extradition, he pleaded guilty and began cooperating with the government in exchange for a new identity for himself and his family, and in the hope of reducing his initial 18-year sentence. Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, pictured in Mexico after his recapture in January 2016, is one of the world's most notorious criminals and is on trial accused of spending a quarter of a century smuggling cocaine into the United States A top Yemen rebel leader said Thursday the Huthis will attend UN-brokered peace talks next week in Sweden if guarantees to ensure they can leave home and return back are maintained. "I think that the national (Huthi) delegation will be in Sweden God willing on December 3 if guarantees remain to ensure they can depart and return," said Mohammed Ali al-Huthi on Twitter. Huthi, who heads the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee, said there should also be "positive indications on the importance of peace from the other side". His remarks offered the first clear indication that the Iran-linked Huthis will attend the UN-brokered peace talks, although in past days they have said they supported the negotiations. It was also the first time that a key player in the Yemen war specified a date for the talks which the United Nations has said it would begin in early December in Sweden. In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks failed when the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. Yemen's internationally-recognised government, which is also backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, has already said it would attend the planned talks in Sweden. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has held talks separately in the past few days with officials from both sides as part of efforts to lay the ground work for the peace talks. He met Huthi in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa and had talks with Yemeni officials in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. According to UN figures, nearly 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition joined the conflict in 2015 to bolster President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, triggering what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Rights groups fear the actual toll is far higher. Mohammed Ali al-Huthi offered the first clear indication that the Iran-linked Huthis will attend UN-brokered peace talks The 22nd Congressional District race is, officially, over. U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney conceded defeat Tuesday, more than three weeks after Election Day. The freshman congresswoman's concession came after the Associated Press called the race for Democratic challenger Anthony Brindisi. With nearly all of the absentee and affidavit ballots counted in the 22nd district, Brindisi received 125,924 votes to Tenney's 121,957. With less than 2,000 ballots left to count, it's impossible for Tenney to overcome Brindisi's lead. NY-22 Election Night Absentees Results Brindisi Tenney Brindisi Tenney Broome 37,406 29,742 2,959 1,640 Chenango 6,803 8,755 639 531 Cortland 8,597 6,970 612 405 Herkimer 7,792 9,787 659 579 Madison 11,745 12,557 1,063 739 Oneida 38,263 37,307 1,529 755 Oswego 5,407 9,103 359 484 Tioga 1,918 2,417 173 186 TOTAL 117,931 116,638 7,993 5,319 OVERALL TALLY 125,924 121,957 "As the votes have been counted the last several weeks, it has become clear that while we remain on the right side of the issues and history, we came out on the wrong side of a very close race," Tenney said Wednesday. "Despite this setback, there is still a critical fight ahead for the heart and soul of this nation, and one which I will not give up." Tenney continued, "Serving central New York in Congress has been a tremendous honor, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish for our area, and I am grateful to all the people who supported our campaign." She wished Brindisi well and pledged to cooperate with his team to "ensure a smooth transition and good constituent services for the people of the 22nd district." Brindisi's campaign already claimed a "decisive victory" earlier this month when several counties in the 22nd district reported absentee ballot results. The Democratic state Assemblyman received more absentee votes in six of the eight counties to help pad his lead over Tenney. Brindisi held a 1,293-vote lead after election night. In a race with more than 13,000 absentee ballots to count, Tenney wouldn't concede despite her challenger's victory claim. There was still a mathematical path to victory for the GOP incumbent. That changed before Thanksgiving. Brindisi received 1,319 more absentee votes in Broome County, which he won on election night. In Oneida County, the absentees that have been counted went his way by a two-to-one margin. He also won the Cortland County absentee count. Brindisi added to his lead with a strong showing among absentee voters in counties Tenney won on election night. He won the absentee count in Chenango County 639 to 531, even though Tenney won there on election night by nearly 2,000 votes. The same was true in Herkimer County, where Brindisi picked up 659 votes to Tenney's 579. In Madison County, which Tenney won by a 12,557 to 11,745 margin on election night, Brindisi received 1,063 absentee votes. Tenney netted 739. With the election result official, Brindisi is eager to get to work. "I am extremely proud of all the volunteers and supporters who helped make this historic win possible," Brindisi said in a statement. "Our community needs an independent voice who will fight for everyone, and I'm humbled to have the opportunity to do that in Congress." Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 U.S. Rep. John Katko traveled north of the border to participate in an international security conference Tuesday. Katko, R-Camillus, participated in the Leaders Plenary of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Global Aviation Security Symposium at the agency's headquarters in Montreal. The International Civil Aviation Organization establishes guidelines and security standards for air travel. At the conference, Katko called for greater investments in aviation security screening and improved relationships between the U.S. and other countries to bolster security. Katko, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, chairs the Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security. In that role, he oversees the Transportation Security Administration, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Many of the 33 Katko-sponsored bills that have passed the House since 2015 have focused on aviation security. The central New York congressman has emerged as a leading TSA watchdog and a proponent of aviation security measures. In a statement Tuesday evening, Katko said he was invited to speak at the conference by ICAO Secretary General Fang Liu. "The free movement of people and goods is central to the American way of life and our economy, and we must seize every opportunity to close security gaps," he said. The appearance at the international security conference comes as Katko is vying to become ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee. Katko is one of two Republicans U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama is the other seeking the top GOP seat on the committee. Rogers is a longtime member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and he ran for chair in 2012. (He lost that race to U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican who chaired the committee for the last six years.) Rogers is the favorite to become the committee's ranking member, but Katko believes his work over the past four years and his previous career as a federal prosecutor would make him a great fit for the post. Katko and Rogers will deliver presentations to the House Republican Steering Committee. The committee will decide by Friday who will serve as ranking member beginning in January. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy VENICE, Fla., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zilber Residential Group is proud to announce that construction is well underway on the 272 well-appointed rental residences with all buildings and clubhouse in varying stages of completion. Located near the corner of Laurel Road and Knights Trail Road as part of the Mirasol mixed-use development, the first residents of the Treviso Grand community are expected to move into their new homes around the beginning of April, 2019. This pet-friendly community is comprised of one, two and three-bedroom residences that range in size from 574 to 1,252 square feet. Interiors offer modern kitchens complete with stainless steel appliance packages, quartz countertops, and designer cabinetry. Each residence will feature sleek fixtures and finishes including wood-style plank flooring, 9-foot ceilings and a screened-in patio or balcony. Residents will be provided with a variety of modern amenities including access to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center with on-demand system to access and participate in aerobics, Pilates, yoga and other fitness classes. A large pool deck with built-in grilling stations will overlook a heated saltwater pool. A large clubhouse with game table, cyber cafe computer stations and daily coffee service for residents will be available for community events and will be available to reserve when hosting larger groups of friends or family. This smoke-free community also includes a central lake with walking path, two bocce ball courts, tot-lot, off-leash fenced in dog park, fire pit and outdoor pavilion. The community is located within a short drive to Historic Downtown Venice with a large variety of shopping and dining options, farmers markets, and a variety of regular neighborhood events. With the perfect location, you are just minutes to work and play - the best of both worlds. To join the VIP information list please visit: www.TrevisoGrand.com or contact the property manager, Lincoln Property Company at (941) 303-4221. About: Zilber Residential Group: Zilber Ltd., headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a nationally acclaimed real estate and asset management company that is majority-owned by the Joseph and Vera Zilber Charitable Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit grant-making institution that seeks to improve the well-being of individuals, families and neighborhoods. Zilber Ltd. develops residential, commercial and light industrial properties as well as interval ownership resorts located in premier locations across the United States. Distinguished by nearly 70 years of innovative thinking and uncompromising quality, the Zilber philosophy remains the same today as it was in 1949: provide outstanding quality, value and customer care. Lincoln Property Company: Lincoln Property Company was founded in 1965 as a builder and operator of high-quality residential communities. In the early 1970's, Lincoln expanded its product mix to include commercial, build-to-suit, office, hotel, industrial, and other mixed-use assets. In 1972, Lincoln took this expertise within the United States to Western Europe and the Middle East. In 2001, Lincoln joined forces with the U.S. Department of Defense to renovate and redevelop family housing at selected bases for the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Army. Through innovative management, property rehabilitation and award-winning new construction designs, Lincoln is now one of the largest operators of military housing in the country. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Lincoln focuses on real estate investment, construction and development, in addition to property management. Their national reputation has enabled Lincoln to attract a large client base of owners and investors who count on their ability to deliver quality results and continually serve as a market leader. For more information about Lincoln Property Company, please visit www.lincolnapts.com/about/client-services or www.lincolnapts.com/communities for apartment listings in your area. Media Contact: Sheri Sandefur Killingsworth, Vice President - Marketing & Communications 214-740-3300 | corporate@lpsi.com SOURCE Lincoln Property Company Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2dd442c-ca5f-4f6f-a2ec-f225c4e023b3 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a867f6ef-80c1-403c-a32a-c9bc2f627ec1 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/850b8967-1fda-45ad-90b1-79987910f913 Auburn police said they have identified the person who made the bomb threat that closed the Cayuga County Mental Health Center Wednesday afternoon as a former client with mental health issues. Around 4 p.m. Wednesday the Cayuga County Office of Emergency Services tweeted that the county's mental health clinic, located at 146 North St. in Auburn, would be closed until 8 a.m. Friday. The tweet didn't give a reason for the closure. Cayuga County Administrator J. Justin Woods later said the building was evacuated mid-afternoon due to a bomb threat received over the phone. Woods said the Auburn Police Department handled the incident and recommended that the facility be cleared and vacated for 24 hours. Clients whose appointments are affected by the closure were being contacted by staff to reschedule, Woods said. Police said the caller has made false bomb threats in the past. The caller said the building was going to be "blown up," but no explosives were located, police said, and no danger to the public has been identified. Police don't anticipate charging the caller due to the person's mental state. The caller is currently being treated by health care professionals, and police have not released the person's name. "It's good we know who it is, it puts the threat in context," said Director of Community Services Ray Bizzari. Bizzari said on Thursday that part of the threat warned that the building should be vacated for 24 hours, and the center decided to close prior to the police discovering the identity of the caller. Staff were given the day off as a precautionary effort to keep both them and the community safe, he said. Staff are aware of the situation and Bizzari said there will be some time to debrief and talk about it. "Everybody was great, police were great, staff was great," Bizzari said. "We just learn from it." Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 5 Angry 7 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. WASSERBILLIG, LuxembourgThe pjur group has continued to expand this year, appointing an additional employee to the Marketing, PR, Quality Management, Procurement & Logistics, and Finance teams. Dennis Greveldinger has joined the Marketing department as a new Marketing Manager. We urgently needed additional support in marketing due to our success in recent years, said Michael Bart, head of Global Marketing and Online Marketing. We are delighted to have found this in Dennis Greveldinger. He will primarily be involved in conceptual and project-based work. Elisabeth Dahmen from the PR & Communications department will be starting maternity leave at the start of 2019. As a result, Johanna Hollriegl has joined the team as Global PR & Communications manager. I am delighted that we were able to find someone so quickly to take on these tasks together with Vanessa Melchisedech. Ms Hollriegl will support our team here in the long term and I am already looking forward to working with her again when I return to work at the end of 2019, said Elisabeth Dahmen. Sascha Engler joined the Procurement & Logistics team in July 2018. He is working with Sandra Wettengel in Procurement and Nike Giebel in Logistics. Sascha has a lot of experience in this field and is a real boost for our team in Luxembourg. He has already become a fully-fledged member of the team, said Ralph Ehses, COO and head of Procurement & Logistics. The Quality Management department has also grown. Nadine Dorner joined the pjur QM team as Associate QMB in August 2018. Nadine Dorner has the expertise and experience we need in the field of quality management. She is helping the pjur QM team monitor and continually optimize our quality processes to ensure our products meet the regulatory requirements of our different sales regions and can continue to be distributed in these areas, said Andrea Giebel, QMB at pjur. The fifth new employee is Rialda Tiganj, who has joined the Finance and Office Management departments. We needed an extra team player in these two departments, not just because of the acquisition of the US business. We are delighted by her commitment and support, said CFO Patrick Giebel. We have to expand our workforce to keep pace with the international success of our products and business relationships. We urgently needed additional supportnot only in Communications but also in Procurement, Quality Management, Logistics and Finance. So we are delighted to welcome these new faces and look forward to shaping a successful future together, said Alexander Giebel, Founder and CEO of the pjur group. For more, visit pjurLove.com. BROOMFIELD, Colo.Adult pleasure products distributor Eldorado Trading Company coordinated their annual Thanksgiving fundraising campaign to collect food and money donations for the Community Food Share, a local Colorado nonprofit which provides food to hundreds of local families and senior citizens in need. This is Eldorados 10th year coordinating donations to the Community Food Share, a bittersweet milestone for the company. Wanda Garland, Eldorado Chief Executive Officer noted, this company-wide effort was started by Eldorado founder, Larry Garland over a decade ago. We are thrilled to continue his tradition of community philanthropy. Through the guidance of a Food Share Committee, Eldorado employees collected more than $2,000 and approximately 400 pounds of food in their yearly effort to support the charitys mission to eliminate hunger. Since every dollar donated provides three meals and every pound of food equals one meal donated, Eldorados various initiatives delivered a total of 6400 meals to help feed the hungry and food insecure. One in eight Americans are food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. Eldorado collected food donations both in the office and at numerous local businesses. Employees also hosted multiple on-site events, like a bake sale, chili cook-off, a snack-vending cart, and a sample merchandise sale in order to raise funds. Laurie Fehler, Eldorado Human Resource Manager and chair of the Food Share Committee, is proud of how well the Eldorado employees worked together to address the needs in the local community. Its wonderful how much enthusiasm everyone has as they rally together to support an incredible organization like the Community Food Share, Fehler said. For more, visit Eldorado.net. British Bakels managing director Paul Morrow has been elected as the new Master of The Worshipful Company of Bakers. Morrow took up the role at The Worshipful Companys annual election dinner, held in Londons Mansion House on Monday (26 November). He replaces His Honour Stephen Kramer QC. In his acceptance speech, Morrow said one of his objectives for his year as Master would be to ensure the Worshipful Company was relevant to the baking trade, primarily through involvement in supporting bakery education. He will also represent The Worshipful Company at trade functions throughout the year. Born in Northern Ireland, Morrow graduated from the University of Leeds with a combined Honours degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology. Initially working in the dairy industry at United Dairies London, Morrows involvement with baking began in 1984 when he joined British Fermentation Products, parent Company of BFP Wholesale, as national sales distribution manager. He was later promoted to sales and marketing director, where he oversaw the roll-out of cream yeast and other products that are still in the market, such as Energie bread improver. He left BFP to join British Bakels as managing director in 1994 and, in 2009 was appointed to the management board of the Bakels Group as technical and purchasing director. Morrow has also been chairman of the British Society of Baking, president of the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees, and UK representative on the EU bakery ingredients trade association FEDIMA. Atlanta, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATLANTA November 29, 2018 Acuity Brands, Inc . (NYSE: AYI) today announced the launch of Atrius Assets, a software solution for delivering real-time, indoor asset tracking, asset management and analysis. The cloud-based software service includes web-based interfaces for administration (Atrius Admin) and real-time visualization (Atrius LiveView) as well as RESTful Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The real-time location of assets is enabled by the AtriusTM-Ready Sensory Network and asset tags that use Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The Atrius Assets solution provides application developers with the tools to meet the needs of end users, said Curren Shorte, Senior Product Manager for Atrius Assets. Developers can integrate asset location, movement and telemetry data within new or existing enterprise software applications. The Atrius Admin program supports configuring asset tag or beacon attribute settings, categorizing and grouping assets, defining zones, managing multi-site and user roles. Atrius LiveView functionality overlays the last 60-minutes of live data onto a venues layout to locate assets, analyze movement and monitor asset telemetry information. By leveraging Atrius Assets, developers can: Provide accurate asset location and pathing Create real-time alerts based on dwell time, count, health metrics and more Deliver trending data and analysis of asset movement Integrate asset information with other data sources Take advantage of other opportunities Additionally, all Atrius location-based services can be combined in a single web-based analytics dashboard, providing a holistic view for connected buildings, said Greg Carter, Senior Vice President, Connected Building Technologies at Acuity Brands Lighting. Atrius IoT Partners can utilize the software services to provide a complete solution to their end users. A portal is available with APIs and SDKs, knowledge-based end documentation and a developer sandbox. For more information, please visit Atrius Assets from Acuity Brands. About Acuity Brands Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is the North American market leader and one of the worlds leading providers of lighting and building management solutions. With fiscal year 2018 net sales of $3.7 billion, Acuity Brands currently employs approximately 13,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The Companys products and solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Aculux, American Electric Lighting, Antique Street Lamps, Atrius, DGLogik, Distech Controls, DTL, eldoLED, Gotham, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, Indy, IOTA, Juno, Lucid, Mark Architectural Lighting, nLight, Peerless, RELOC Wiring, ROAM, Sensor Switch, Sunoptics and Winona Lighting. Visit us at www.acuitybrands.com . Seaside Talk: Curiosities of Oregon Coast Nature, History (Video) Published 11/28/2018 at 1:59 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Seaside, Oregon) - Copious Coastal Oddities will be the subject of the next History and Hops lecture in Seaside on December 27, with a host of fun to strange Oregon coast facts regarding history, natural science, weird weather phenomena and more. (Above: the green flash at sunset). The Copious Coastal Oddities talk starts at 6 p.m. at Seaside Brewing Co. 851 Broadway St, Seaside, Oregon. (503) 717-5451. The presentation is free. Andre Hagestedt, author of the Ultimate Oregon Coast Travel series, digs deeper into items across 180 miles of the states beaches, something geared not just to travelers but to locals as well. Sand that sings, the biololuminescent glowing sands, odd little objects found in various beach towns, to how some of these villages got their names: theres a wide variety of trivia and items from the scientific world or local history. Each, Hagestedt said, offers yet another means of really enjoying the beaches on another level. Theres a lot of curiosities hiding in plain sight, he said, while other facts allow you to appreciate the area even more. Among the other discoveries attendees will make: The green flash at sunset and how to increase your chances of finding it, plus the phenomenon's even stranger relative. What landmarks of the area were once a volcano? A look into how and when the Oregon coast was formed in the way we know it. Youll hear about small, puzzling objects along the Seaside Prom, at Neskowin and Hug Point and what they might mean. Historical tidbits include the goofier sides to the story of Pixieland and Pixie Kitchen, the rough treatment of local tribes around Yachats, and the sometimes quirky tales behind how some towns got their names. There will also be a look at least one beach safety issue that is not talked about enough. Plus much more. Andre will take some items from the Ultimate Oregon Coast Travel books about Seaside, Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, and give a sneak peek into tidbits coming from other books in the series, including the upcoming releases on Yachats, Depoe Bay, Manzanita and others. A video below previews some of the aspects talked about. Hagestedt is editor and publisher of Oregon Coast Beach Connection and this year released the first three books of in the series that will eventually number ten. He started out in the mid 90s as a music journalist for the Statesman Journal in Salem, which included interviewing some of his favorite rock stars such as members of King Crimson, Yes and Jethro Tull. From 1995 to 2005, hes either written for or been employed with The Oregonian, KXL radio, The Rocket, Hipfish Magazine, Eugene Weekly and many others. Lodging in Seaside - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More curiosities covered in the talk below: Below: a shell midden in Yachats, over 100 years ago More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles NEW ULTIMATE OREGON COAST TRAVEL BOOK: Lincoln City, Gleneden Beach, Neskowin The Lincoln City book snagged the #1 new release category in Kindle's Pacific U.S. Regional Travel. See the others books as well. Sciences Unusual Book About N. Oregon Coast's Cannon Beach Released Ultimate Oregon Coast Travel: Cannon Beach Odd Facts, Fun Finds, Every Access is the first in a series of such extremely detailed guides Conference in Cannon Beach Brings Excitement and Intrigue to Learning About O... Sharing the Coast Conference will be the ultimate ticket on March 2 to 4. Cannon Beach events The Lincoln City book snagged the #1 new release category in Kindle's Pacific U.S. Regional Travel. See the others books as well. SciencesUltimate Oregon Coast Travel: Cannon Beach Odd Facts, Fun Finds, Every Access is the first in a series of such extremely detailed guidesSharing the Coast Conference will be the ultimate ticket on March 2 to 4. Cannon Beach events Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Should Beaufort County elected officials demand that every alleged incident of Child Rape be investigated in Beaufort County? Yes, without fail, irrespective of the parties involved; this heinous crime must be investigated, and the truth be known, and responsible parties prosecuted. Tom Campbell Instead of going over the river and through the woods to grandma's house we traveled east this Thanksgiving. It was comforting to see that most of the furniture, downed trees and debris that had littered roadsides since Hurricane Florence had been removed, but it was equally clear that life was far from normal in our coastal plain region.We have great empathy for all those who had damage and are glad our legislature is considering additional aid, but nowhere is that devastation greater than to our farmers.Many farmers were already in crisis before Florence. Weather, always a major determinant in how well our $87 billion agribusiness economy fares, has not been favorable to farmers in recent years, with either too much rain or not enough. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence further destroyed cotton, sweet potatoes, tobacco or peanut crops; they either drowned or rotted in fields.When the crop is ripe you harvest it and sell it or lose it. Some crops can be stored but not for long periods. Market prices play a huge factor in the farm crisis. According to statistics from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services prices for tobacco, cotton, soybeans, corn, peanuts, winter wheat and potatoes were lower in 2016 (the last year their website reports) than in 2012 and are generally on a downward trend. Recent tariffs have further restricted sales and even though our government promised relief for those affected, that relief hasn't materialized.This leads to the fourth major crisis point: cash. Farms that were literally under storm water now find themselves under water in debt. Most farms have outstanding loans used to purchase and cultivate more land, buy new equipment or construct new buildings. When the weather and markets turn against them farmers don't have sufficient cash flow to service existing debt and credit markets aren't eager to loan more for storm damages. Cash shortfalls necessitate operational cost reductions.The average age of our farmers is 58 and the younger generation isn't taking over. Young people who might want life on the farm recognize the threats or, in many instances, are being told that the farm that has been in their family for generations isn't generating enough revenue to support them and their parents. 77 percent of our farms generate less than $100,000 in annual revenues; 55 percent yield less than $10,0000.Why do we call this a crisis? Agribusiness is the number one contributor to North Carolina's economy, employing more than 700,000. Fewer profitable farms mean job layoffs in rural counties already suffering. More troubles will further exacerbate the economic and population declines and widen the urban-rural divide.Here's what it means to you and me: if farming and agribusiness aren't viable businesses in our state who is going to grow the food you eat and how much are you going to have to pay for it? And how much additional public support will be required to prop up infrastructure, health care and education?So before you finish the last of the turkey hash (by the way we are 2nd in the production of turkeys in the U.S.) contact your legislators and urge them to allocate a good helping of hurricane aid to our farmers. And if you see a farmer - thank them. LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NetworkWire Cannabis Strategic Ventures, Inc. (OTC: NUGS) announced a partnership with Feldmann Nagel Cantafio Margulis, PLLC, a boutique lawfirm formed in early 2004 by Charles Feldmann and David Nagel, with deep cannabis compliance expertise throughout the United States, Israel, and the international cannabis marketplace. As an extension of the Cannabis Strategic Ventures Team, Charles E. Feldmann, Founding Partner, will lead the legal team on matters related to cannabis enforcement, licensing, federal risk mitigation and compliance related issues at the local, state, national and international level. Attorney Charles Feldmann was a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney in the United States Marine Corps and a former states narcotics prosecutor in Colorado. He previously served as a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drug Task Force Commander and is a former lecturer and instructor with the Department of Defense and with the National College of District Attorneys. Feldmann oversees the firms international cannabis practice and its military justice international division. Cannabis Strategic Ventures is proud to partner with Charles Feldmann and the Feldmann Nagel Cantafio Margulis team for all cannabis compliance related to cultivation, distribution, retail matters for our brands, said Simon Yu, CEO, Cannabis Strategic Ventures. The ever-evolving regulatory landscape at the state and national levels, and the increasing number of countries implementing cannabis-friendly legislations, makes it became critically important to have reputable experts on cannabis enforcement, licensing, federal risk mitigation on our team. Charles Feldmann stated, Our law firm looks forward to being a strategic advisor and counselor to Cannabis Strategic Ventures, a publicly traded cannabis corporation, and providing their exceptional team with diverse legal and business expertise. Cannabis Strategic Ventures is committed to building category leaders within the cannabis and CBD space. A recent Grandview Research Report states that the global legal marijuana market is expected to reach USD 146.4 billion by the end of 2025 as legal marijuana continues to gain traction worldwide due to very high demand among consumers and increasing legalization of recreational or medical marijuana in various countries. This week, South Korea legalized medical cannabis, laying the foundation for reform in Southeast Asia. About Cannabis Strategic Ventures Cannabis Strategic Ventures is a Los Angeles based firm that incubates, develops and partners with category leaders within the cannabis sector. The Firms NUGS brand experience provides mentorship and a range of essential services to emerging and existing Cannabis consumer brands. The Company recently completed a name and symbol change from Cascade Energy, Inc. Cannabis Strategic Ventures is publically traded on the U.S. Over the Counter Market with the stock symbol NUGS. About Feldmann Nagel Cantafio Margulis, PLLC Feldmann Nagel Cantafio Margulis has a reputation for achieving exceptional results for clients in a variety of practices around the world. The firm was formed in early 2004 by Charles Feldmann and David Nagel. Charles Feldmann's roots stem from his training as a JAG prosecutor and defense attorney with the United States Marine Corps and then his transition into state and federal governmental practice as a drug task force commander with the DEA and a local state deputy district attorney. The firms attorneys are committed to providing exceptional legal services to their clients and have earned distinctions from a number of professional organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers Magazine. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by the Company and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for products and services of the company, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report. Contact: Arlene Guzman Phone:+1-310-359-6860 Email: ir@cannabisstrategic.com Website: http://www.cannabisstrategic.com Toronto 2033 is a shared-world science fiction anthology edited by the incomparable and multi-talented Jim Munroe (previously), where authors like Zainab Amadahy, Madeline Ashby, Al Donato, Kristyn Dunnion, Elyse Friedman, Paul Hong, Elan Mastai, Mari Ramsawakh, Karl Schroeder and Peter Watts were challenged to imagine a future for the city. The book's sponsored by Spacing magazine, and it launches on December 6th at Toronto's punk science fiction bar, See-Scape. In the meantime, you can read Elyse Friedman's story, We Have Everything They Have Nothing (they'll be releasing another story from the book every month for ten months). When something goes wrong with a product you own or a service you pay for, it's reasonable to expect quick, effective customer service from the company responsible for whatever it is that's giving you trouble. More and more companies are turning to online services to allow their customers to vent: line yourself up for a chat with one of the company's reps, detail the issues you're having and, hopefully, you'll get the help you need. Unfortunately, along with being given assistance, you can also expect to be surveilled as part of your online exchange. Many companies have set their customer service reps to see what you're typing before you click "send" on your message to them. From Gizmodo: Next time you're chatting with a customer service agent online, be warned that the person on the other side of your conversation might see what you're typing in real time. A reader sent us the following transcript from a conversation he had with a mattress company after the agent responded to a message he hadn't sent yet. Something similar recently happened to HmmDaily's Tom Scocca. He got a detailed answer from an agent one second after he hit send. Googling led Scocca to a live chat service that offers a feature it calls "real-time typing view" to allow agents to have their "answers prepared before the customer submits his questions." Another live chat service, which lists McDonalds, Ikea, and Paypal as its customers, calls the same feature "message sneak peek," saying it will allow you to "see what the visitor is typing in before they send it over." Salesforce Live Agent also offers "sneak peak." I mean sure, having reps see what you're typing before you've fired off a message allows for a faster responseyou'll be able to get on with your life a lot faster thanks to sneak peeking than without it. The shitty trade-off is that as you type, you're being observed, without your permission. Hitting a chat's "send" or "reply" button is a universal sign that what you've got to say is ready to be seen: You've gathered your thoughts and have explained your needs to the best of your ability. That a customer service agent can see what you're trying to say, before you actually say it, is rude and intrusive. Sadly, this sort of greasy shit isn't anything new. As Gizmodo points out, back in 2005, The New York Times reported that when we're on the phone on hold with customer service, even as we listen to hold muzak, what we do and say while we wait can be heard and recorded. Imagez: Von User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quadron Cannatech Corporation (the Company or Quadron) (CSE: QCC), is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with CBD Science Processing Corp. (CBD Science) to supply a Portable Extraction and Processing Facility, to be delivered in Q1 2019. The Portable Extraction and Processing facility is self-contained and includes turnkey components from Quadrons portfolio of machines including the BOSS next generation CO2 cannabis extraction system, a biomass preparation unit, various filtration components and additional equipment giving CBD Science the ability to process up to 2,000kg of biomass per month. We are excited to announce this agreement supporting a BC-based company in bringing high-quality cannabis concentrates and derivative products to the Canadian marketplace, states Rosy Mondin, CEO of Quadron. Cannabis concentrates are the fastest growing sector of the industry. Weve been working diligently to establish relationships with key partners and clients to strategically position Quadron as the leading provider of extraction and processing solutions as the industry prepares for the legalization and regulation of cannabis concentrates and edibles in Canada in 2019. We have the key personnel in place, along with innovative technology to mark 2019 as a key growth year for Quadron. Quadrons portfolio of machines consists of the BOSS, a next generation CO2 Supercritical Extraction System, designed and developed in-house to simplify extraction with the benefits of automation and data analytics. In addition, Quadron recently announced the BEAST, a fully-automated, touch screen control, highly effective continuous flow Ethanol Extractor. Quadron has not only impressed our engineers with the technical capability of the BOSS system, but also our management team with their business savvy aptitude and cooperation; specifically, in supporting our global expansion into the International Cannabis industry, stated Chand Jagpal, Director, CBD Science Group. About Quadron: Quadron provides equipment, products and service solutions for the authorized cannabis industry by providing a full array of end-to-end extraction and processing solutions, including sales of end user delivery options (such as vapor pens) for medical and recreational consumers. For more information, visit: www.quadroncannatech.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of QUADRON CANNATECH CORPORATION Rosy Mondin CEO rosy@quadroncannatech.com Investor Relations Contact: KIN Communications Inc. Caleb Jeffries, VP, Investor Relations 1-866-684-6730 QCC@kincommunications.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, expects and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Companys future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Takes a special kind of evil to pull off what longtime Donald Trump advisor Roger Stone and his pal Jerome Corsi did to Seth Rich's family. The "political provocateurs" and their paid assistants harassed the murdered man's mom and dad and surviving loved ones with conspiracy theories about his death, even though they knew it was all a lie. Newly released email shows the Russia truthers knew full well who supplied Wikileaks with the Clinton emails. They kept blaming a murdered staffer, even after his parents begged them to stop, reports Will Sommer at the Daily Beast: Stone became one of the first major figures in Trump's orbit to suggest Rich was murdered over the emails, tweeting on August 10, 2016 that Rich had "ties to DNC heist." In 2017, after Rich's parents begged right-wing media personalities to stop pushing conspiracy theories about their son, Corsi put the blame for the email theft on Rich in a three-part InfoWars series. In his InfoWars posts and a series of YouTube videos, Corsi portrayed Rich as a disaffected supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who stole the emails to get revenge against the DNC and paid for it with his life. Corsi wrote Rich had clearly been "implicated in breaches of email systems." The young staffer was, according to Corsi, the "likely perpetrator." Corsi's theory helped fuel conspiracists on the right who claim, without evidence, that Rich was murdered on the orders of Hillary Clinton. But emails from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia show that Corsi knew all along that it really was hackers who gave the emails to WikiLeaks. In an August 2, 2016 email, made public Tuesday in draft court papers prepared by Mueller's office, Corsi told Stone that "hackers" were behind the WikiLeaks releases. Roger Stone and Jerome Corsi Pushed Seth Rich Lie After Privately Admitting Hackers Stole DNC Emails Welcome back to The Bureau, a weekly comics and audio series on Boing Boing that pairs an electronics music soundtrack with timestamped comic book panels telling you a story of a single day at your job. If new to the story, your day began early, first clocking in at 8:55am. You were forced to make a decision at 10:18am, then had an outstanding sandwich at 11:14am, and heard a loud shot of gunfire at 12:34pm. This week greets you with reaction to the news. It appears the President has been shot. Here is your music soundtrack: Featured this week: The RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Receiver When selecting the right tool for the job, we recommend attacking the President with the one thing he can't stand: Uncontrolled Broadcast Media. This is because there's a widely known self-destruct button connected to what he says and what he does, and how that might be accurately reported. A recent diagnosis with Russian scientists determined the President's greatest phobia is radio. While you can shut your eyes to print, or cut the cable to TV, Radio is Everywhere. It passes through walls, it's an invisible chem trail! So when people discuss targeting the president, it's commonly agreed upon that doing so with shortwave radio is one of the best methods available. Shortwave Radio has no FCC control and has no borders. It was used in the Cold War for espionage, and still has a dedicated broadcast community. Listen to and control your own shortwave receiver here. But even shortwave radio itself is a filtered signal, bringing one to the immediate question, what about an UNFILTERED shortwave radio blast? Here at The Bureau, we recommend a unique shortwave radio receiver called the RF Nomad, which provides exactly such a service. Russ Hoffman, the brilliant inventor of the Nomad, describes his device as such: The RF Nomad [is] the squealy, squelchy, noisy, unpredictable vintage sounds of shortwave radio But this is no ordinary shortwave; it's been designed to be extra noisy, extra squealy, extra gritty, and just downright nasty. No built-in output filtering means that a rich spectrum of harmonic content is available on the audio output jack. Audio levels can be driven to distortion. Hissy interstation audio. Squealy heterodynes. Fading stations. Atmospheric noises. Faint voices in foreign languages from distant broadcast stations. Fire and brimstone. It's all in there, just like your granddad's old tabletop shortwave. Even better, you can control the tuning of the radio with control voltage. Great explanation of the RF Nomad here: Note that you will need a eurorack power system to use an RF Nomad, along with an RCA-connector indoor antenna. Alternately, you can pair a commercial dipole antenna with one if you opt for their Moog-unit, or 5U-sized module. This format is configured for a standard antenna PL-259 connector has a more industrial/commercial dial placement and wider audio headroom: An RF Nomad in full sized Moog/Dotcom 5U Format A 5U-format RF Nomad, with antenna reception in Texas, is used in the following sound examples. RF Nomad is the voice of the Secret Service Jump to 1 minute, 38 seconds: A modulated RF Nomad signal wakes you up in the Morning Meeting: A slow sweeping RF Nomad wash of static reception helps you as you leave for lunch: And for this week's music, the RF Nomad is the voice of State Controlled TV: Tune in next week for Part Six of The Bureau Wednesday December 5, 1:21pm PST View all Bureau installments Thank you for your continued compliance. It's getting hot in here. Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, plead guilty today to lying to Congress about a Trump real estate project in Russia. Cohen has secured a new plea deal with special counsel Robert Mueller. From CNN: According to the info being read out, Cohen made a false statement regarding Trump Tower deal in Moscow that he was working on in 2015 & 2016. He had discussion about the project even later. Cohen previously said the deal was stopped in January 2016. From ABC News, earlier this morning: Cohen is scheduled to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday where he is expected to enter a guilty plea for misstatements to Congress in closed-door testimony last year about his contacts with Russians during the presidential campaign. Once among the president's most loyal and zealous defenders in business and politics, Cohen has now promised to "put family and country first" by cooperating with prosecutors, becoming perhaps the most pivotal public witness against his former boss. Cohen's earlier plea deal with federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York implicated President Trump in campaign finance felonies. Since then, Cohen has spent more than 70 hours in interviews with Mueller's team. The questioning has focused on contacts with Russians by Trump associates during the campaign, Trump's business ties to Russia, obstruction of justice and talk of possible pardons, sources familiar with the discussions have told ABC News. Trump February 2017: "no deals in Russia" https://t.co/CduR2DgbxD Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 29, 2018 President Donald Trump appears as "Individual 1" in the criminal information on Michael Cohen's lie to Congress, reports @vicbekiempis Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) November 29, 2018 "This was solely a real estate deal and nothing more." Was that the lie? If so, what more was there to the deal? https://t.co/oyMWuC7GL4 Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) November 29, 2018 Will we finally learn whether Michael Cohen has ever been to Prague? Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) November 29, 2018 Flashback to our scoop from May Michael Cohen worked on the Trump Tower Moscow deal for longer than he told Congress https://t.co/RMkq8ZP3Uq Hunter Walker (@hunterw) November 29, 2018 I did find one false statement in his testimony ? pic.twitter.com/JVSE3gRSen Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 29, 2018 Deutschebank has been implicated in Russian money laundering AND big loans to Trump (who owed almost half a billion dollars to the bank as of 2018) and Kushner who got his $$ just before election day. #Russia #Mueller https://t.co/MG2CqKYe3v Nina Burleigh (@ninaburleigh) November 29, 2018 No Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under the United States shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) November 29, 2018 The new plea concerns Michael Cohen's statements to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Moscow before Trump ran for president, @ChrisDolmetsch reports. Cohen has been cooperating with federal prosecutors, including Mueller, as well as state investigators in New York. Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) November 29, 2018 This is a good time to remind people of @a_cormier_ and @JasonLeopold's incredible work on Trump Tower Moscow. https://t.co/77qJtmBozs Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) November 29, 2018 The expected new guilty plea in Federal District Court marks the first time the office of the special counsel, Robert Mueller, has charged Michael Cohen https://t.co/ja1gUuiIU9 The New York Times (@nytimes) November 29, 2018 Trump 2017: "I have no deals that could happen in Russia" Michael Cohen now says he made a false statement to Congress about a deal in Moscow that he was working on in 2016. He had discussions about the project even later. https://t.co/IcbFxrUOpU David P Gelles (@gelles) November 29, 2018 Michael Cohen was lying pretty regularly and publicly about Trump Organization activity in Russia. As we reported in May, Cohen told Hannity in January 2017 they had no business in Russia since Miss Universe. https://t.co/hGihutdFSY pic.twitter.com/C0RmIc7vNP andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) November 29, 2018 Retro 51 has issued this handsome series of rocket pens that celebrate NASA's launch vehicles of the space race era. The line includes a Mercury-Redstone, Gemini-Titan II, and the Apollo-Saturn V that carried all the astronauts who traveled to the moon. (No word on whether the pens work upside down.) From Space.com: The Mercury and Gemini pens retail for $50 each. The Apollo pen is priced at $60. The pens are also offered as a boxed set with matching serial numbers for $170. Retro 51 will be donating a portion of the proceeds from each pen to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Over the course of the past three decades, the Foundation has awarded more than $4.5 million to more than 500 U.S. college students excelling in science, technology, mathematics and engineering degrees. Eminent science fiction scholar Lisa Yaszek (Georgia Tech Professor of Science Fiction in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication) has edited "The Future Is Female! 25 Classic Science Fiction Stories by Women, from Pulp Pioneers to Ursula K. Le Guin," a forthcoming anthology of science fiction (and scientifiction!) by woman writers from the 1920s published last month by Library of America. In a wide-ranging interview about the book, Yaszek discusses the historical research she did on the influence women writers had on the field and the ways that their contributions were viewed, and her discovery that the received narrative (women were viewed with suspicion and wrote under androgynous or masculine pen-names to avoid stigma) is at best incomplete and often dead wrong. Instead, women who wrote under pen-names did so for a variety of reasons often because they were prolific and wanted to avoid "saturating the market" by publishing too much under one name; because their employers would frown on employing a writer; or, in the case of Alice "James Tiptree, Jr" Sheldon, because she was an ex-CIA agent and budding psychologist who didn't want to be associated with pulp literature. Moreover, editors and fans were at great pains to correct readers who mistook women writers for men, and while there was discrimination, it was complicated: John W Campbell publicly said women couldn't write good sf until Judith Merrill sold him her classic "Only a Mother" and then Campbell started to seek out and demand "domestic sf" from women writers (and rejected subsequent Merrill stories because they weren't about traditionally feminine subjects!). The period Yaszek describes was long before my time, but of course many of these woman pioneers of the field survived and I was lucky enough to know several of them. My first-ever science fiction convention panel (after I sold my first story at 17!) was with Phyllis Gottleib (who later became a good friend); I was mentored by Judith Merrill, who read and critiqued my stories from the age of about 14 on in her capacity as writer-in-residence at the Toronto library she founded, the Spaced Out Library (now the Merrill Collection); I was taught by Kate Willhelm at the Clarion Workshop in 1992 (Kate also became a friend and mentor) and the late, great Kit Reed was a longtime friend and inspiration. Despite these close associations, I learned plenty from Yaszek's interview, and I've just ordered a copy of her book. We live at the confluence of two ages: the first rush of climate change, which is bringing new species and new pathogens to territories they've never been known in; and the nascent age of genetic engineering, which holds out the promise of eliminating these pathogens, and not just in the wealthy territories they've moved into, but throughout the world, including the poor countries where they are deadly scourges. A favorite target in these crosshairs is the disease-bearing mosquito, whose dengue, malaria, zika and other pathogens are among the world's deadliest killers, and whose range has pushed relentlessly north as the world has warmed. One possibility is to use CRISPR and gene-drives to directly intervene in the genomes of mosquitoes to kill them off. But another possible less controversial tactic is to tweak the pathogens that attack mosquitoes, like Wolbachia bacteria, which can be bred into to male mosquitoes (who don't bite and therefore can be released in large numbers without concern that this will increase the number of everyday stings inflicted on people), and who will transmit the infections to females they mate with, rendering them sterile. Google sister company Verity and a company called Mosquitomate have teamed up to conduct a trial of this approach in Fresno, where an invasive population of mosquitoes has reached such mass that people can no longer comfortably sit outdoors during mosquito season. The theory goes that since the mosquitoes are invasive to Fresno, eradicating them will not stress the ecosystem by removing a key organism from the food-web. Earlier trials of the technique in Innisfail, Australia, have been successful, and in this, the second season of Fresno trials, the results are very encouraging: 2017's run reportedly reduced mosquito populations by two thirds; and this year's improved program is reporting a 95% success rate. However, the plans for this technique are not limited to territories where mosquitoes are invasive; Verity has mooted using the technique to kill all the disease-bearing mosquitoes in the world, rendering them extinct. The role these species play in food-webs is not well studied, so it may be that this creates its own raft of problems. However, I think it's pretty likely that someone will try this: when policymakers are asked to weigh the speculative harms from mosquito extinction against the public health crises created by their pathogens, the answer is likely to be a grim one for mosquitoes. In videos of the original trials, you can see Holeman, the Fresno County scientist, gingerly blowing the mosquitoes out of a tube. The release van is now filled with proprietary technology, including software that determines exactly what areas of a neighborhood mosquitoes should be released in and a laser sensitive enough to count every single one as it exits, generating loads of data that can later be used to fine-tune the process. At Verily's headquarters, the "factory" where the mosquitoes are bred incorporates even more automation. Once the eggs are laid, robots rear the mosquitoes to adulthood, packaging them in containers filled with water and air, feeding them, and keeping them warm. Still other robots sort them by sex, first by size (females are bigger) and then optically, using proprietary technology. Mosquitoes are all given a digital identifier that makes it possible to follow them from egg state to the specific GPS coordinate where they're released. With this year's season wrapping up, the company has yet to decide whether it will further expand the program next year. Verily wouldn't say how much it costs to manufacture and release tens of thousands of mosquitoes every day, but it's a safe bet that it's still an expensive proposition. Google's Parent Has a Plan to Eliminate Mosquitoes Worldwide [Kristen Brown/Quint] (via /.) Trump today canceled, via a tweet, his planned G20 meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin. He said he was cancelling their private, one-on-one, nobody else in the room visit because of Russian naval aggression against Ukraine. BREAKING: Trump cancels meeting with Putin, citing Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels. The Associated Press (@AP) November 29, 2018 Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she wasn't aware of any Trump-Putin phone call recently, but the two governments have been in communication. Trump's meetings with South Korea's Moon Jae-In and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be pull-asides at the G20 summit, she said. Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) November 29, 2018 The Kremlin says they have not been notified of a cancellation of the Putin-Trump meeting. Emily Tamkin, BuzzFeed News: One of the most anticipated events of the summer, the Global Citizen Festival, is almost upon us and South Africans are tingling with excitement. Now it's rumoured that the star of the show, Beyonce, is already in South Africa! PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Only 4 more nights before South Africa gets to experience the anticipated appearance of international music icon, Beyonce. The Global Citizen Festival takes place on the 1st of December and South Africans are edgy with excitement. According to a report by TimesLIVE, Queen Bey is already in SA, and no one even got a snap as she entered the country with her dancers and entourage. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Briefly.co.za gathered that The Backroom shared news on social media that Queen Bey's entire team has arrived in the country. Even Michelle Williams says that she might not be in SA, but Beyonce and Kelly Rowland are. READ ALSO: Nando's at it again, new ad features a black Adam Catzavelos The musical festival has a sizzling line-up and will be held in the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, Usher, WizKid, and Pharrell Williams are going to entertain Mzansi like never before. SA will be representing too, with Bonang Matheba and Cassper Nyovest as just a few local stars to expect at the festival. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za - The clash of religion and culture is an age old debate in South Africa. - Playing the role of KaMandosela, Fundi has had to face this crossroad many time and she feels that it is a personal journey. - Fundi believes that the two are able to coexist and that there is no wright or wrong answer. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! In South Africa the age old debate of culture and religion clashing continues. Imbewu actress Fundiswa Zwane has met this crossroad whilst playing her role of KaMandosela. Playing the role of a wife whose roots are deeply set into the ways of her culture, Fundi has had to learn how to adapt her Christian beliefs into her role. In a recent interview, Fundi expressed how she has had to emotionally prepare herself for a lot of the challenges that her character faces. Heart breaking family issues and other life altering challenges that are culturally based, are what make playing her role a challenge. I know that I represent the millions of women who are healing and that are going through things in their homes, expressed Fundi. Briefly.co.za learnt that being a proud Zulu Christian woman, Fundi was able to understand the crossroad that culture and religion meet. This allowed her to create a healthy balance between the two. Fundiswa is a proud Zulu Christian woman and said while she understood the conflict culture and religion could have, she was able to balance it. "I have done research into my culture and into Christianity so I have been able to strike that balance without there being a sense of guilt, stated Fundi. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app. There are a lot of cultural aspects that go against a lot of Christian beliefs. Ancestors, for example, are something that the Zulu culture values greatly, but Christianity frowns upon and sees as evil. Fundi stated that she understand that socially they are seen to be in conflict but they are separate. She believes that there are challenges but it is a personal journey. Believing that anything that brings you closer to God and uplifts your community, it is a good thing, allows Fundi to see the positive in both her religion and culture. Playing KaMandosela has really challenged Fundis personal limits. At a point, she was facing such a struggle with her characters views that she broke down in tears on set. I have had arguments with KaMandosela, where we've had screaming matches with each other and I ask her what kind of woman or mother would do such a thing. She tells me that the agreement I took when I represent her, is that I do not judge her," Fundi explained. READ ALSO: Aphiwe Dyantyi named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year At the end of the day, religion and culture are personal choices that no one can define for you. The debate of culture and religion clashing will continue until the end of time, as there is not right or wrong answer. Launched a campaign to help collect matric farewell dresses for underprivileged girls in her home province of KZN, has allowed Fundi to show how the sense of humanity is shared by both Christianity and culture. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za Oprah Winfrey wowed with her inspiration speech at the Isthunzi Sabafaz, which translated means Dignity of Women. PAY ATTENTION: Click "See first" under the "Following" tab to see Briefly news on your News Feed! Oprah Winfrey is not the queen of talk shows for no reason- she manages to move crowds with her powerful speeches. As part of the Global Citizen Festival, which is in honour of the late Madiba, Oprah joined several other notable women, including Graca Mache, at the UJ Soweto Campus on Thursday. The talk show host spoke about the empowerment of women, urging ladies to own their stories- no matter how sad they might be. READ ALSO: SA in stitches over video of cops throwing stones in traffic confrontation She also spoke about her time with Mandela and the school she opened in South Africa, TshisaLIVE reported. "I said to Mandela that one day I will build a school and it will be a school for girls because I believe that women will save South Africa. We have just had our first doctor graduate," Oprah said. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Oprah continued by encouraging young people to follow their dreams and never give up. "I want to say a word to the young dreamers. Mandela said a winner is a dreamer who never gives up. I say never give up. It is you who is going to bring about unprecedented innovation. Do not give up! Find a way," she was quoted saying. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za VANCOUVER, Washington, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY) announces that results from a recent clinical study showed that CytoDyns PCaTest provides substantial additive discriminative value for predicting outcomes of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to the Gleason score, the current standard for prostate cancer diagnosis. The positive clinical data from two groups totaling 218 patients and followed for 10 years adds to three prior clinical studies conducted in more than 350 patients that demonstrated a high predictive value for CytoDyns PCaTest in determining outcome of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The new findings support the Companys strategy for seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the PCaTest. Prostate cancer is third only to nonmelanoma skin cancer and lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer and cancer death, respectively, in men in the U.S. Worldwide, an estimated 1.6 million new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed and 366,000 prostate cancer deaths are reported annually, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Richard Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., M.B.A., CytoDyns Chief Medical Officer and developer of the PCaTest, said, Unfortunately, current tests not able to precisely determine whether an individuals cancer will result in death if not treated aggressively. On the other hand, aggressive treatment for prostate cancer has significant long-term side effects that can include incontinence, erectile dysfunction and dribbling, and should be avoided if possible. The PCaTest uses a proprietary artificial intelligence approach designed to yield a more accurate prognostic result. In essence, we believe the test is designed to identify with greater certainty patients whose lives are at risk if they dont have their prostate removed. The test is being developed to show gene signatures can help guide patients and their doctors to make better informed decisions about treatment. These positive clinical results provide critical information that support our strategy of completing development of the PCaTest quickly and cost-effectively and filing to seek FDA approval, said Dr. Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., CytoDyns President and Chief Executive Officer. This new study adds important data that is additive to the high predictive value of the PCaTest has shown in past studies compared with currently available genetic tests. We are excited about about the potential of the Prostate Cancer genetic testing platform including the PCaTest that we gained through the acquisition of ProstaGene, which is in addition to the valuable intellectual property and patents for CCR5 antagonists related to metastatic cancer, Dr. Pourhassan added. About CytoDyns PCaTest Study This retrospective clinical study assessed patients followed for more than 10 years after the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer. The purpose of the study was to determine if CytoDyns PCaTest would improve the prediction of whether prostate cancer would lead to death. Analysis was conducted of 3 subgroups based on Gleason score. Patients with a low Gleason score usually undergo continued observation, while patients with a high Gleason score typically have a prostatectomy. The study was designed to evaluate an approach for patients with an indeterminate/intermediate Gleason score. The study focused on patients with a Gleason score of 7, considered indeterminate/intermediate, and classified this group as the baseline measure. Consistent with the Gleason scoring system, all the patients in this population had a prostatectomy. Using the Cox Proportional Hazards model, the addition of the PCaTest. Score was able to further characterize patients with indeterminate/intermediate Gleason score as low risk or high risk. Patients with high risk scores identified an elevated risk of recurrence in population 1 (HR=9.44, p=2.4x10-5) and population 2 (HR=3.43, p=7.2x10-3). The results show CytoDyns prognostic test as providing substantial additional value beyond the current standard of care in determining outcome. About Prostate Cancer In 2008, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against screening men aged 75 years and older. In 2013, prostate cancer screening of men in the U.S. decreased by 18%. Furthermore, management of prostate cancer has increasingly deployed either watchful waiting or active surveillance to avoid unnecessary surgery (prostatectomy) and radiation and/or chemotherapy with its attendant side effects. Since 2004, there has been a 72% rise in metastatic prostate cancer compared. In order to more precisely guide therapeutic options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer through histological analysis of the prostate biopsy, additional predictive tools have been developed including gene signature-based tests. Several gene signature-based tests have been developed and are currently reimbursed by U.S. health providers. CytoDyns Prognostic test compared more than favorably with current tests in the market place. About CytoDyn CytoDyn is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for multiple therapeutic indications based on leronlimab (PRO 140), a novel humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor. CCR5 plays a key role in the ability of HIV to enter and infect healthy T-cells. The CCR5 receptor is also implicated in tumor metastasis and in immune-mediated illnesses such as graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) and NASH. CytoDyn has successfully completed a Phase 3 pivotal trial with leronlimab in combination with standard anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients. The Company plans to seek FDA approval for leronlimab in combination therapy and plans to complete the filing of a Biological License Application (BLA) in the first quarter of 2019 for that indication. CytoDyn is also conducting a Phase 3 investigative trial with leronlimab as a once-weekly monotherapy for HIV-infected patients and plans to initiate a registration-directed study of leronlimab monotherapy indication, which if successful, could support a label extension. Clinical results to date from multiple trials have shown that leronlimab can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV with no reported drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs). Moreover, results from a Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that leronlimab monotherapy can prevent viral escape in HIV-infected patients, with some patients on leronlimab monotherapy remaining virally suppressed for more than four years. CytoDyn is conducting a Phase 2 trial to evaluate leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD and recently received FDA approval to initiate a clinical trial with leronlimab in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. More information is available at www.cytodyn.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including statements regarding the predictive value or benefit from the Companys prostate cancer prognostic test, the Companys clinical focus, and the Companys current and proposed trials. Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as believes, hopes, intends, estimates, expects, projects, plans, anticipates and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The Companys forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements. In evaluating all such statements, the Company urges investors to specifically consider the various risk factors identified in the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 in the section titled Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A, and in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 31, 2018 in the section titled Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the Companys forward-looking statements. The Companys forward-looking statements reflect its current views with respect to future events and are based on currently available financial, economic, scientific, and competitive data and information on current business plans. Investors should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things: (i) the sufficiency of the Companys cash position and the Companys ongoing ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations, (ii) the Companys ability to complete its Phase 2b/3 pivotal combination therapy trial for leronlimab (CD02) and to meet the FDAs requirements with respect to safety and efficacy to support the filing of a Biologics License Application, (iii) the Company's ability to obtain FDA approval of PCaTest for use with prostate cancer patients; (iv)the Companys ability to meet its debt obligations, if any, (v) the Companys ability to identify patients to enroll in its clinical trials in a timely fashion, (vi) the Companys ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (vii) design, implementation and conduct of clinical trials, (viii) the results of the Companys clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (ix) the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (x) the existence or development of vaccines, drugs, or other treatments for infection with HIV that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to the Companys products, (xi) regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, (xii) general economic and business conditions, (xiii) changes in foreign, political, and social conditions, and (xiv) various other matters, many of which are beyond the Companys control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties develop, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or otherwise indicated by the Companys forward-looking statements. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements made in this press release will be subject to the safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the extent applicable. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. Additionally, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update investors upon the occurrence of any unanticipated events which may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. News / National by Staff reporter MDC-Alliance president Mr Nelson Chamisa has made a major climbdown after he was forced to abandon conditions he had set to testify before the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 Post-Election Violence that rocked central Harare and killed six people and left a trail of destruction.Mr Chamisa, together with MDC-Alliance deputy national chairperson Mr Tendai Biti, is set to give evidence today before the commission chaired by former South African president Mr Kgalema Motlanthe and respond to allegations that he incited the violence.Representatives from the commission recently held a meeting with the MDC-Alliance where Mr Chamisa agreed to abandon some of the conditions, most of which had been described as untenable.Some of the demands included a request to have the right to cross-examine Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Presidential Guard commander Anselem Sanyatwe; Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, who all accused him of fanning post-election violence.Other demands were to have the commission invite President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga whom Mr Chamisa said had equally been mentioned by witnesses. In response, the commission told the MDC-Alliance that it was its prerogative to invite witnesses.MDC-Alliance spokesperson Mr Jacob Mafume confirmed yesterday that Mr Chamisa and Mr Biti would be in attendance at today's hearings. "We have had a dialogue with the commission and we are satisfied with the explanation that they gave us," he said."We are now clear as to how we will give our testimony and the issues at hand."Commission spokesperson Mr John Masuku said today's hearings were earmarked for Mr Chamisa and Mr Biti."We are still expecting them to testify tomorrow (Monday) at 1400hrs and there is nothing that has been placed before the commission to suggest that they were not coming," he said.Mr Masuku said it was up to the cmmission to exercise its discretion whether to call President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga. News / National by Staff reporter THE resurfacing of roads in Harare under the emergency roads rehabilitation programme has stalled in other parts of the city after contractors pulled out, citing non-payment by the local authority.Bitumen World, one of the companies, has since moved off its machinery and plant equipment over a $4 million debt that has reportedly been outstanding for more than four months.The firm's finance manager, Devilious Sibanda, confirmed the development last week."Government is funding these projects through Zinara (Zimbabwe National Road Administration). What is shooting us down as contractors is the fact that when City of Harare are paid money by Zinara, they don't pass it on to the contractor right away. They raise so many issues to avoid paying, which has left us doubting whether they are genuine in wanting us to do these works. As of now, I would say we are paralysed and operations have ceased, we have to stop. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the public, we may appear as if we are sabotaging government programmes, but no, we have run out of working capital," he said.Sibanda added that owing to the delayed payments, they were now struggling to buy fuel, pay their workers and other inputs needed to fix the roads."We have exhausted our bank overdrafts, our suppliers have withdrawn credit supply options owing to the prevailing economic situation and we can, therefore, not continue with works without receiving payment," he said.According to contracts signed by Harare City Council, Zinara and the contractors, payments are supposed to be made 28 days after invoices are lodged with council.The payments have already been disbursed by Zinara to council and bureaucratic processes at Town House are being blamed for the delay.But, council spokesperson Michael Chideme, however, insisted that the local authority was up-to-date with payments. He admitted though that the progress had been stalled by some contractors who had increased their prices."The matter is receiving due attention. As you are aware, there is an issue of escalations because of price variations now. Some of the contractors are having to import bitumen from outside the country, and they want to be paid at the obtaining rate of the United States dollars. So the escalations have to be approved and we are awaiting for the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities," he said. News / National by Staff reporter ACTION Aid Zimbabwe director Joy Mabenge has challenged youths to shape their revolution if they want to change the country's political and economic environment.Speaking on the formation and consistency of movements at Activista Zimbabwe's annual conference in Gweru, Mabenge said youths' agenda usually fails because of lack of direction."Today's youths have the task of defining and shaping their own struggle if there is hope for a change from the status quo, which has crippled the young people politically, economically and socially. Our forefathers fought a strong colonial system. It was not easy, but through shaping their struggle, they succeeded. They knew they were not fighting only Ian Smith, but a system which was birthed by Smith and others. Smith was just the image behind a draconian system," Mabenge said."That's the problem we had as Zimbabweans when we demonstrated and celebrated the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe last year in November. We forgot that Zanu PF is a system rooted in principles. We thought Mugabe was the problem and by removing him from power, we would be free. We were wrong, Mugabe represented a system which is still alive and is now stronger. So I urge movements, especially led by youths to own their struggle and shape it accordingly, knowing what they are fighting and fighting for."Activista spokesperson, Alistar Pfunye said youth should take charge of their destiny."As youths, let's control our destiny. We can't have the same old people, who are three steps from their grave, define our future and our children's future. Our children and grandchildren will hold us accountable for all this, and we shall find no answer," Pfunye said."Let's unite for a common cause; let's desist from watching and not doing anything about the problems we are facing now, which will have a negative effect in the long run. The future is for us the youths; we should control the present for us to enjoy the future."Activista is a global youth empowerment lobby group made up of youth activists working with artists, filmmakers, musicians and with partner student lobby groups to create powerful campaigns.The organisation empowers and enables young people to actively participate in decision-making and political processes. News / National by Staff reporter A Chitungwiza man allegedly tendered a fake Real Time Gloss Settlement (RTGS) proof of payment in a bid to defraud a local hardware company of $14 000, a court was told last week.Kudakwashe Mudzingaidzwa appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa charged with defrauding Elotep Investments.Mugwagwa remanded him to December 6 and ordered him to pay $300 bail.As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses, report to the police twice a week and continue residing at the address he gave to the police.Allegations against Mudzingaidzwa are that he went to Elotep Investments on November 20 where he tendered a fake RTGS document valued at $14 705 intending to purchase paint.It is alleged that an employee identified as Enia Chibeke phoned the company's finance director David Chikomo informing him of the pending RTGS transaction.The court heard that Chikomo instructed Chibeke to wait for him to verify the transaction.It is the State's case that Chikomo later arrived the shop and discovered that the RTGS was fake.He reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person. News / National by Staff reporter SENATOR Tambudzani Mohadi was last week banished from a funeral wake of a cousin of Vice-President Kembo Mohadi a few minutes before the VP arrived, as the couple's relationship continues to deteriorate to embarrassingly low levels.A witness said the Beitbridge senator cut a lone figure at the home of the late Ngambeni Mohadi (96), who was buried at the Mohadi family home at Mtetengwe, some 25km west of Beitbridge town."An advance party of Vice-President's entourage arrived, and she must have been asked to leave. She did not argue, but just picked her bags and left gracefully," said the witness.All is not well between the two after Mohadi approached the High Court, seeking a formal end to their marriage. The VP, in his divorce application papers, said their union had been in turmoil for almost 18 years.He buttressed the divorce application with another appeal for a peace order in a Harare Civil Court, alleging his estranged wife, who contested the divorce, harassed him.Not to be outdone, Senator Mohadi slapped her husband's mistress Julia Muthavhatsindi with a lawsuit, claiming she was responsible for the breakdown of her marriage, a case that is pending before the courts. Prior to her departure, Senator Mohadi, who comes a stone's throw away from the couple's homestead and is a close relative, had been showering elderly people with gifts in what is now known as her trademark in the district. The two's strained relationship has torn Mtetengwe village apart, and has created glaring divisions within their ruling Zanu-PF party at district, constituency and provincial levels in Matabeleland South province."If there was another gentle way, it could have been more diplomatic. They are both our people and we love them. We love their children; they make it difficult for an entire community," said one elderly villager from Mtetengwe. News / National by Staff Reporter A CHITUNGWIZA youth accused of insulting Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Priscilla Chigumba by retweeting a message from a spoof account created in her name was yesterday removed from remand after the judge failed to appear in court for the third time.Chigumba, who was on three occasions summoned to court to testify in the case of Night Tawona Shadaya, whom she reported to the police, failed to appear in court. The investigating officer told the court that he was facing difficulties in serving her.Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa removed Shadaya from remand, saying the State would proceed by way of summons when their case was in order. News / National by Staff Reporter Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, who admitted in Parliament yesterday to selective application of the law by members of the police force, said they required at least $3,6 million for rigorous training and rebranding for them to shed off their image as a brute and corrupt force.The police chief had appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs chaired by Levi Mayihlome, together with Home Affairs ministry secretary Melusi Matshiya, where he nearly went into a verbal spat with MDC Alliance legislators when he mentioned that rebranding was required in order to avoid incidences such as what happened last week when opposition legislators were ejected from Parliament in an undignified manner.He said $95 million would be needed for patrols next year, adding that the $700 traffic fines must be upheld because there were many traffic infractions by motorists, particularly kombi drivers."There was a promise that ZRP would get $65 million for 2019, and I had also submitted to the Finance ministry that I needed about $3,6 million for the whole of 2019 because I am not happy right now with the performance and attitude of my police officers on the ground," Matanga said."To change that, we need to go through rigorous training programmes so that by the end of 2019, we positively rebrand these men and women so that they change their behaviour."Asked by Manicaland Senator Douglas Mwonzora (MDC Alliance) to explain if he wanted rebranding of the police because of their perceived role in corruption, selective application of the law and partisanship, Matanga said there was need to engage in discussions with the opposition."Yes, it is said there is selective application of the law, but in the latest incident that happened in Parliament I do not think MPs would stoop that low," Matanga said.This angered MDC Alliance MPs, resulting in Budiriro MP Costa Machingauta (MDC Alliance) pointing out that police had no business entering Parliament. Chairperson of the committee Mayihlome said the matter must not be discussed as it had nothing to do with the budget.Matanga said: "I will also need $95 million for patrols to cover the ZRP Support Unit along the borders, carrying out investigations and rations, and so our requirements for 2019, including training, would increase to about $100 million and yet we were promised $65 million."He said there was need to also ensure that Zimbabwe had a computerised national command and control centre to monitor streets, banks, supermarkets and different places using drones and cameras."If I am given this facility, you will all smile in terms of the ZRP," he said.Matanga said the police require a vehicle fleet of 7 000, but currently has 2 500, most of which are old.On the $700 traffic fines, Matanga said: "The fines must be prohibitive and I recommend that they must remain at that level."He admitted that some police officers were corrupt, adding that as long as they continued to be underpaid, it would be difficult to control corruption.Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) and MDC Alliance legislator Dorcas Sibanda (Proportional Represantation) suggested that the ZRP must have its own internal policing unit to weed out corrupt elements, adding they must be in different uniforms from regular police officers. News / National by Staff Reporter The wife of a retired army colonel who was allegedly kidnapped at his home on Sunday, has approached the High Court seeking an order compelling the government to investigate the incident and to establish his whereabouts.Elliot Piki, 58, was allegedly abducted by armed masked men, amid claims that he was due to testify before the official probe looking into the August 1 post-election shootings which claimed the lives of at least six civilians.Piki was a losing candidate in the fiercely-fought Zanu PF primary elections for Harare South which were won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's nephew, Tongai.His wife, Sibongile Sarukato, has now filed an urgent court application, demanding that the State does all in its power to find her husband, including placing adverts in all State-run print and broadcast media in this regard.In addition to this, Sarukato is also demanding that the High Court directs the State to obtain all necessary information from mobile network operators as they try to locate Piki.She is represented by Jeremiah Bamu a member of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and has cited Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, State Security minister Owen Ncube, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and the director general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Isaac Moyo as respondents.Sarukato also wants the High Court to order the setting up of a team of investigators who will work in conjunction with ZLHR lawyers to search for Piki, and to report to the Registrar of the High Court fortnightly."What happened to my husband is clearly unlawful. It does not qualify as an arrest. He is a victim of enforced disappearance. An arrest could not have been conducted in such a clandestine manner with face mask-clad personnel."If my husband was facing any criminal allegations or had been lawfully arrested, I would have been advised of his whereabouts. He would also not have been held incommunicado as is the present case. This is a clear case of kidnapping," Sarukato said.She added that the manner in which her husband was taken smacked of sinister motives as this is what happed to pro-democracy activist, Itai Dzamara who has been missing since March 9, 2015.Sarukato said upon his abduction, Piki was bundled into an unregistered Toyota double-cab vehicle.And as the unknown assailants were wrestling with Piki, one of them allegedly told him, "Takakuudza kuti regai kuita document rauri kuda kuita. Uri kuda kuprotector Chamisa. Chii chako (we warned you not to work on the document you are working on. You want to protect Chamisa. Who is he to you)?"During the scuffle, one of the alleged abductors is said to have then produced a pistol and fired two shots, before pressing the firearm against her husband's ribs as he was forced into the vehicle before the car sped off."The State, through its security agents may have a hand in this. This is particularly so as this was not an armed robbery. He was specifically reprimanded for preparing a document for submission before the commission."Gunshots were fired. A gun was pointed at him and pressed against his ribs. The motor vehicle was unmarked, and is similar in many respects to the vehicles usually used by senior army officials and other security services," Sarukato further alleged in her papers.Piki's alleged abduction comes at a time when the international community is keenly following the killings Commission of Inquiry that was appointed by Mnangagwa in September, to probe the deadly post-election violence which left at least six civilians dead.The alleged abduction has also since sparked immense anger among opposition and rights groups who say that the incident is yet another blot on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government, which is desperate to shake off the negative State image that was a permanent feature of former leader Robert Mugabe's administration.Meanwhile, the main opposition MDC claims that Piki had submitted a "damning document" to the killings probe which exposed both Zanu PF and the government on the August 1 shootings."The MDC condemns the continued use of force, violence and abductions by the State."This modus operandi reminds us of the chilling abduction and disappearance of ... Dzamara over four years ago. Up to this day, we have not seen or heard from him," the party said in a statement. News / National by Staff reporter NEGLIGENCE by doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals which resulted in a patient suffering a bile leak has proved costly after the High Court ordered the public institution to pay damages amounting to US$27 890 in expenses plus R252 546.The hospital was jointly sued with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, surgeon Dr Edwin Muguti and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe.Mrs Patricia Singizi will now be compensated for pain and suffering as well as expenses incurred when she was transferred to South Africa for specialist treatment.The woman, who was diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis due to gall bladder stones, underwent surgery called laparoscopic cholescystectomy at the hospital in 2015.After the surgery, the woman was discharged, only to be readmitted a week later due to abdominal swelling. Upon readmission, the doctors discovered that she had a bile leak, a condition that could only be managed in South Africa.She was them referred to South Africa where she incurred medical costs to the tune of R206 146,50 plus R18 900 for accommodation among others.Mrs Singizi and her husband Mr Samuel Singizi then sued the hospital for damages and medical expenses.High Court judge Justice Phildah Muzofa last week ruled in favour of the couple and ordered the public hospital to pay damages amounting to US$27 890.The judge further ordered the hospital to pay R252 546,50 for medical expenses incurred in South Africa and other expenses related to the trip.During the proceedings the hospital accepted liability, but the parties addressed the court on the quantum.The initial claim for US$40 750 and R328 900 for damages and losses suffered due to the hospital's negligence was, however, reduced to US$27 890 and R252 546,50. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT'S reform programme on 43 public enterprises has gathered momentum with Cabinet yesterday resolving to consider, for adoption, submissions on targeted entities beginning next week.Each Cabinet meeting will consider submissions on two public enterprises starting with ZISCO and Chemplex Corporation next Tuesday. Briefing journalists after yesterday's Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said there was no going back on the reforms."Cabinet considered a progress report by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development focusing on the reforms of 43 public enterprises earmarked for restructuring, partial privatisation, departmentalisation and performance review," he said."Cabinet noted with satisfaction the considerable progress already registered, with the various entities now at different stages of their reformation. Cabinet resolved to consider in greater detail, submissions on two public enterprises at each meeting with effect from next week."Government is expected to reap proceeds of up to $350 million next year from the privatisation exercise. Government has taken the decision to restructure parastatals as some of them have been posting losses perennially.In 2016, 38 out of 93 audited SOEs incurred a combined $270 million loss because of dislocated corporate governance practices and ineffective control mechanisms.Minister Ndlovu said Cabinet had also approved implementation of several projects under the 100day cycle.Programmes ready for implementation under the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry include the accelerated national solid waste management project; strengthening small scale miners capacity to comply with environmental regulations; enhancing community participation in tourism, wildlife and fisheries projects; accelerated reforestation and increased digital marketing of the country as an attractive tourist destination.Those under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education include provision of Science teaching and learning materials to primary schools; construction of Mariga Primary School and five new schools to 100 percent completion; construction of additional learning facilities in schools; learner and curriculum support through partnership and upgrading and registration of ten satellite schools in Mashonaland West and Midlands.The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare will undertake finalisation of the Decent Work Country programme (Policy); review and integration of BEAM, Social Cash Transfer, health assistance, public assistance and food mitigation programmes within a single Management Information System and finalisation of the NSSA Investment Policy Statement. Minister Ndlovu said Cabinet also received a report on progress made towards the operationalisation of the Batoka Hydroelectric Power Project."More specifically, Cabinet was advised that following a recent visit by delegations from China Power and General Electric, contractors on the project, preliminary works on the project were now due to start in January 2019," he said. DENVER, CO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Advantego Corporation (OTCQB: ADGO) today announced the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Shenzhen Jiuzhou Investment Development Co., Ltd., the privately-held holding company for the commercial sector of Sichuan Jiuzhou Electric Group Co., Ltd. (Jiuzhou), which has 34 subsidiaries. One of them, Sichuan Jiuzhou Electric Equipment Co., Ltd. is publicly traded in China (Trading data -- SHE: CN:000801). Jiuzhou engages in the research, development, manufacturing and sale of electronic products including: Digital TV Systems Digital Home Theater Equipment Multimedia Systems Networking Systems IOT Devices LED Lighting and Display Systems Mobile Smart Phones A Broad Range of Consumer Electronics Jiuzhou which celebrated its 60th anniversary this month -- generates more than $3.5 billion (USD) in annual sales to over 100 countries. Its facilities cover approximately 870,000 square meters, equipped with specialized production lines, high quality control instruments and more than 3,000 R&D testing units. The company consistently ranks as a Top Key Enterprise and Top Electronic Information Enterprise in China and currently employs approximately 10,000 people. Having recently engaged one of their manufacturing subsidiaries, Shenzhen Ferex Electrical Co., Ltd, to manufacture and distribute certain electronic products, the opportunity arose to expand the relationship to the parent company that will make available all of their products and services to us, according to Advantego CEO Robert W. (Rob) Ferguson. This will enhance our capabilities as we move forward with our business plan consisting of digital communication and enterprise software products and services, he said. ABOUT ADVANTEGO CORPORATION Advantego Corporation designs, develops and implements digital communications and intelligent software solutions as specialized Business Process as a Service (BPaaS). The elite, custom business solutions are available to large enterprises, affiliate networks and franchise operations. The Company also offers a variety of stand-alone products specific to targeted industries. Company website: www.advantego.com. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act. As a general matter, forward-looking statements may reflect our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "believes", "outlook and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon our historical performance, current plans, estimates, expectations and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. The inclusion of this forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: our business and investment strategy; our projected operating results; estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future and economic trends. News / National by Staff reporter THE Supreme Court yesterday confirmed the death sentence on a Binga man who axed his wife 11 times and chopped off her head before hiding it in a cardboard box following a domestic dispute.Wonder Munsaka (33) of Zenka Village under Chief Siabuwa was last year convicted of murder with actual intent by Bulawayo High Court Justice Nokuthula Moyo and sentenced to death by hanging.Munsaka axed his wife of 10 years, Fortunate Mutale (23) on the forehead, right palm and finger before chopping off the head in October 2014.Supreme Court judge Justice Antonia Guvava sitting with Justices Rita Makarau and Francis Bere on circuit in Bulawayo dismissed his appeal, saying the bench was satisfied that Justice Moyo could not be faulted for passing a death sentence given the circumstances under which the offence was committed."The assault upon the deceased was vicious and protracted and the injuries were inflicted by the axe and directed at her head. The appellant struck the deceased no less than 11 times," said Justice Guvava.She said Munsaka's version of events was contradictory, an indication that he changed his story as the trial progressed Justice Guvava said Justice Moyo's exercise of discretion to impose the death penalty in the circumstances could not be impugned since the murder was committed in aggravating circumstances."The murder was committed in aggravating circumstances. Accordingly, we are of the unanimous decision that the appeal both against conviction and sentence lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed," she ruled.Munsaka, through his lawyers Shenje and Company, conceded that the conviction was proper. He however, sought an order for a life imprisonment, arguing that the sentence imposed by the High Court induced a sense of shock."Wherefore, the appellant seeks to impugn his sentence and pray that it be set aside and substituted with a sentence of life imprisonment," said Munsaka's lawyers.Chief Public Prosecutor Mrs Tariro Rosa Takuva, in her head of argument, said the death sentence was proper since the murder was committed under aggravating circumstances. "It is common cause that the murder was accompanied by mutilation when the appellant relentlessly struck the deceased with an axe to the point of decapitating her head. The murder was committed in aggravating circumstances and the death sentence is therefore appropriate in the circumstances," she argued. According to State papers, on October 7 in 2014 at around 9PM, Munsaka and his wife had a domestic dispute at their matrimonial homestead. He got angry and struck his wife using an axe once on the forehead, right palm and finger and behind the right ear. Munsaka also struck her on the upper lip and nose. During the scuffle, Mutale bolted out of the kitchen screaming for help with her husband in hot pursuit.She fell down and Munsaka chopped off her head with the axe. He put the head in a large cardboard box and hid it under their bed. After committing the crime, he went to Nabusenga Dam where he washed his blood-stained clothes and the axe.Ms Agnes Mutale, a neighbour who heard the deceased screaming for help went to Munsaka's grandmother, Ms Mavu Mwinde's homestead and notified her. Ms Mwinde went to her grandson's place and found the deceased's body lying in a pool of blood in an open space in the yard and the head was missing.A report was made to the police who combed the house and found the head hidden under the bed. According to post mortem results, the cause of death was spinal cord injury, decapitation, chop wound and homicide.Munsaka took his two minor children to his parents' home where he intended to leave them before he could proceed to Zambia. However, when he returned he found neighbours and the police officers gathered at his homestead. He tried to flee but was apprehended by the police officers.Prior to the trial, Munsaka in 2014 claimed that he was mentally unstable prompting the courts to send him to psychiatrists for examinations. Dr Nemache Mawere, a psychiatrist who examined Munsaka concluded that he was mentally stable. News / National by Staff reporter MDC president Nelson Chamisa and the party vice chairperson Tendai Biti turned the tables on President Emmerson Mnangagwa after putting up a polished show that many in the opposition say exposes Zanu-PF as a violent party.Biti and Chamisa, who stand accused of inciting people to demonstrate after a delay in the announcement of poll results on August 1, painted Zanu-PF as a bloodthirsty party and chronicled the use of violence by the State since pre-independence which persists today.According to the two opposition leaders, whose testimonies before the Kgalame Motlanthe commission was broadcast live on the sole national broadcaster albeit with glitches, Zanu-PF is the one that triggered the violence on August 1 and there is also several precedents to that.Observers say Biti and Chamisa turned the tables on Mnangagwa and his government who have accused the opposition of being behind the August 1 violence when six civilians were killed during protests.Former Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo who is now living in self-imposed exile said Motlanthe now has a tall order before him after the presentation of the two former student leaders."Chamisa and Biti did the nation proud in ways that will reverberate far and wide in and outside Zimbabwe. God took over and spoke through them. The people's narrative was told. There's a huge sigh of relief & hope across the nation. It's now on Motlanthe's shoulders," said Moyo.On Chamisa, Moyo said the former Cabinet minister spoke like a president exposing the shortcomings of the electoral laws and putting it on regional leaders to intervene and make sure, in future elections, results are announced expeditiously."It was a gripping account. I'm not surprised that the national broadcaster decided to cut coverage. But its behaviour was a further indictment on the system."They just showed the Commission and the world that's watching how intolerant and repressive they are despite pretences to the contrary."Those who don't get it think the historical account was unnecessary. But it was a perfect strategy. Terms of reference require an inquiry into the circumstances leading to August 1 & to understand the events you have to learn the history of violence in Zimbabwe. That context is critical."Those around the world who watched this performance and may have forgotten the genesis of our problems will have found a great refresher. A lot has been said about the opposition movement."TB's account ticked many boxes & he represented the movement well. It was an awesome testimony presented in full knowledge of the fact that this was a stage for a bigger war of democracy," said Alex Magaisa.Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme said by tracing the genesis of violence in Zimbabwe, the two opposition leaders through historical contexts could help Zimbabwe deal with its past where wounds still fester."They put up a good show and competently explained the history of organised political violence."They did manage to expose how Mnangagwa and the military are and were involved in organised political violence and this is important for the world to know, though to anyone who follows Zimbabwe closely there was nothing new," said Saungweme.Appearing before the commission on Monday, Chamisa said his hands are clean and laid the blame on Zanu-PF."For the record, my hands are clean. My conscience is very clear and my resolve is unbreakable."These hands that you see have not spilled blood," said Chamisa as he laid the blame on Zanu-PFfor the August 1 killings. News / National by newzimbabwe ZIMBABWE Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Chigumba did not turn up Wednesday for the trial of a Harare socialite accused of insulting her, resulting the latter walking away from court a free man.Night Taona Shadaya got into trouble after reportedly retweeting a message from a supposedly fake Chigumba Twitter account sometime in August this year.The message read; "I can't wait for the elections fiasco to come to an end. I could do with a holiday and some good sex. My body needs a break."However, Justice Chigumba who is the complainant in the case again failed to turn up and testify on Wednesday.This resulted in magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa removing Shadaya from remand and advising the State to proceed by way of summons.Prosecutor Peter Kachirika told court that he tried to subpoena Chigumba to no avail."The case was set for trial, but the State failed to bring the complainant," said the government lawyer."The State has made several attempts to subpoena the witness to no avail, so we are asking for the last chance to contact her."But defence lawyers challenged further postponement of the case saying the State was not serious."They have given the same reason for postponement several times," said Shadaya's lawyer."The defence, on last appearance, put the State on notice to challenge further remand and applies for immediate release of the accused from further remand."Shadaya had initially pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted before he changed his plea after the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) moved in to represent him.He then successfully entered a "not guilty" plea, arguing that he made the initial plea under duress.ZLHR lawyers told court that they perused Shadaya's plea docket but could not find details of whether the Twitter account in the name of Chigumba was fake or real.The rights lawyers also argued that there was no charge on what Shadaya did because he merely repeated what the complainant had posted on the Twitter account. News / National by newzimbabwe A PROMINENT news presenter in the United States said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is taking America back to a "tribal" form of politics resembling Zimbabwe "where all the opposition does is say that people who win elections are crooked".The MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews told guests he had recently been reading about the southern African country."I was reading about Zimbabwe today, and I've been to Zimbabwe. I know it's a young country with all kinds of problems," he said."[Trump] is taking us back to where they are, where all the opposition does is say that people who win elections are crooked, that everything's rigged, everything nothing's on the level, there's no such thing as objective truth, everything is tribal, our side is always right, your side's always wrong."That's my judgement."Zimbabwe's opposition over the years repeatedly rejected election defeat at the hands of Zanu-PF party, accusing the ruling party of rigging the elections and brutalising its supporters.The main opposition MDC party has also rejected its defeat in the recent crunch July 30 election accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of manipulating the results in President Emmerson Mnangagwa's favour.MDC leader Nelson Chamisa insists that Mnangagwa is illegitimate despite the constitutional court dismissing his legal challenge against the election results.While President Trump's politics have often been called tribal, it is less common to hear cable news anchors compare U.S political tribalism to specific African nations.A rep for Matthews at MSNBC did not immediately respond to request for comment or inquiries about what Matthews had been reading regarding Zimbabwe.Matthews has long been one of MSNBC's most colourful anti-Trump talking heads and regularly rails against the president on his show "Hardball."But his occasionally ill-considered language has also also made headlines and headaches for his employers in the past. News / National by Times Live POOR planning by the Zimbabwe government has resulted in the country facing dwindling fuel supplies.For the past two weeks there have been long, winding queues countrywide. The most affected are motorists with petrol-driven engines.At a queue that stretched for a kilometre in Bulawayo's central business district, Charles Moyo told TimesLIVE on Wednesday morning that he had spent the greater part of his night waiting for fuel."I spent the whole night in this queue. It's now morning I have to go to work so my daughter who just finished exams will come and take over."There's hope that by midday there will be fuel because this is the only station that has been consistent since the shortages started a few months ago," said Moyo, a builder by profession.Moyo is a member of at least three WhatsApp groups that offer updates on the availability of fuel. Lately there have been inquiries more than updates."Everyone is asking the same question and no one seems to have any answer. When the situation briefly normalised last month many people exited (the WhatsApp) groups, but now out of desperation they are being added back," he said.Black market dealers have resurfaced. However, their fuel is only sold in hard currencies."We smuggle it from Botswana because there is less red tape compared to Beitbridge. We only take dollars, pulas and rands. For a litre of petrol we charge R20," said a dealer. In SA petrol costs around R15 per litre.In an interview on Tuesday night with private radio station ZiFM, finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the reason behind the current shortage was because government failed to raise foreign currency on time."We are aware of the hitches in fuel supply on the market and this has to do with timing in terms of payments and supply of the commodity," he said.Government sources said there was less than a week's supply of fuel and signs of the acute shortage were already showing with some big service stations in Harare going for days without the precious liquid.Ncube said the last quarter of the year is the lowest period of forex earning for the country as such things are bound to be tight. "This last quarter of the year, every year is the time for forex shortage in the normal cycle of foreign currency earnings for the country," he said.Zimbabwe gobbles between 120 million and 140 million litres of fuel a month and requires a monthly allocation of $100m.Presenting his 2019 budget last week, Ncube said the government would seek to increase excise duty by 7c a litre on diesel and paraffin and 6.5c on petrol to reduce the arbitrage opportunities.This means with effect from December 1, the price of fuel will go up. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Breaking: MDC A Demo @EngMudzuri booed offstage and escorted back to his car as supporters sing "tengesa uone mashura" pic.twitter.com/1hGwYcmbRE Mail & Telegraph (@TelegraphMail) November 29, 2018 Thousands of MDC supporters on Thursday booed Vice President Engineer Elias Mudzuri off the stage on Thursday at a rally held at the Africa Unity square in Harare.Mudzuri was called by the master of ceremony Amos Chibaya to give greet the masses ahead of the address by party President Nelson Chamisa. When Mudzuri held the microphone he was welcomed by a loud booing and screams that he must go.Chibaya had to save the day by taking over and started singing MDC songs to change the mood of the supporters.Senator Elias Mudzuri is accused of participating at a State House function where Parliament Presiding Officers were presented to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Senator Mudzi is the leader of the opposition in the Senate, hence his attendance.In a video clip that went viral, MDC officials who included Murisi Zwizwai and Charlton Hwende, among others, queried why Mudzuri went to State House, saying to him it was tantamount to endorsing President Mnangagwa. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's political leaders should reject violence, observe the rule of law and focus on moving the country forward, a top British government official has said.Britain is also ready to play a role in support of Zimbabwe's recovery in line with Harare's reform agenda. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said this on Monday in the United Kingdom's House of Lords in response to a written question by The Marquess of Lothian.The Marquess of Lothian wanted to know Her Majesty's government assessment of the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.The British government's calls for Zimbabwe's politicians to desist from fanning violence, put the national interest first and allow the country to move on come at a time when the opposition MDC Alliance is planning to hold demonstrations today ostensibly to protest against the prevailing economic conditions.Previous demonstrations by the opposition party have resulted in violence and the disregard of the rule of law. Mr Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the outfit, has been widely criticised for seeking to use demonstrations and rallies to achieve political goals that he failed to achieve during last July's elections.In the elections, MDC Alliance lost by almost two-thirds while Mr Chamisa himself lost the presidential contest to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.The Constitutional Court - the highest court in the land - declared the elections free and fair, but Mr Chamisa continues to dispute the outcome and refuses to recognise President Mnangagwa. Lord Ahmad noted that Zimbabwe had held internationally observed elections and was seeking to build much-needed confidence in its democratic process."It is vital that Zimbabwe's political leaders focus on moving the country forward, with all parties rejecting violence, upholding the rule of law, and putting the best interests of the country first," said Lord Ahmad, a Conservative Life Peer.He said Britain was ready to assist Zimbabwe out of its present challenges. "Zimbabwe faces its most serious economic situation since 2008, with simultaneous cash, liquidity and fiscal crises," said Lord Ahmad."The UK stands ready to play a role in support of Zimbabwe's recovery, but this must be on the basis of genuine political and economic reforms."Government yesterday welcomed the indication from London and said it would continue on the path of reform as that was the cornerstone of President Mnangagwa's administration.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana welcomed Britain's readiness to work with Zimbabwe, underscoring that the southern African nation was firmly pursuing reforms with the goal of reintegrating Zimbabwe into the international community."The Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, since November 2017, has set out on socio-political-economic reform agenda, which sets it apart from the previous administration," Mr Mangwana told our Harare Bureau yesterday.He said the July 30 harmonised elections were peaceful, free, fair and transparent."To show his commitment to the reform process in the post-election period following the unfortunate violent disturbances of 1 August 2018, which resulted in the death of six people and destruction of property, President Mnangagwa appointed an independent commission chaired by former South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe, to investigate the disturbances," said Mr Mangwana."The Motlanthe Commission is comprised of a mix of various eminent persons from South Africa, the UK, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The President has not spared a cent to ensure that the Commission unravels what happened on the day in question, and as a listening President, he will implement recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission."The Government spokesperson said apart from opening up democratic space, Government, through the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) and the 2019 National Budget has shown considerable commitment to ensuring the realisation of economic and political reform."At this rate, there is no doubt that Zimbabwe is vigorously pursuing a reformist agenda, which is aimed at re-integrating Zimbabwe into the community of nations, opening up democratic space, developing the country's economy and healing the wounds of past conflict," said Mr Mangwana. News / National by Staff reporter A PUMULA East man has appeared in court for allegedly stealing a dog and a lawnmower from his employer who had been admitted to hospital.Mncedisi Sibanda (27) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Adelaide Mbeure who remanded him out of custody on $50 bail to December 29 for the commencement of trial.Sibanda pleaded not guilty to a theft charge. Allegations against Sibanda are that sometime between September last year and September this year in Kumalo suburb, he stole a lawnmower, an umbrella, slippers and a dog that had been left in his custody.After the theft, he allegedly left his workplace without informing his employer. Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo, for the State said Sibanda resides in Pumula East and was employed at Mr Naison Msebele's house in Kumalo."Sometime between September 2017 and September 2018, Sibanda stole from Mr Naison Msebele (75). He allegedly stole a lawn mower worth $3 000, umbrella $10, slippers $75 and Msebele's dog worth $600," he said.The prosecutor said the theft occurred when Mr Msebele was in South Africa for treatment."When Mr Msebele came back from the hospital that's when he noticed that some of his property was missing," said Mr Dlodlo.Mr Msebele testified in court. He told the court that the only person who was in charge of the missing things while he was away from home was Sibanda."I was in hospital and all he chose to do was steal from me. I made a report to the police because l left my things in his custody," said Mr Msebele.The court heard that while Mr Msebele was still in South Africa Sibanda left his job without notifying his employer that he was leaving. The dog and property that was stolen is worth $3 685 and nothing was recovered. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has announced that it is engaging in a series of industrial targeted at the minister of Finance to force them to respond to teachers' concerns.In a statement released on Thursday ARTUZ said, "Today 100 % of the membership of Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ and thousands of teachers from other Unions took heed of ARTUZ's call to stay away from work."Next is salary Caravan. The stay away is in protest against the unilateral slashing of our bonus and the theft of our salaries. Teachers are demanding salaries in United States Dollars in line with the agreement reached between government and civil servants in 2012. The educators are also demanding the traditional bonus based on gross income which was slashed by Professor Mthuli Ncube in his atrocious 2019 budget."The organisation announced that the next phase will be a salary caravan that will leave from Mutare to Harare and the teachers will then camp at the Ministry of Finance offices until their grievances are addressed."The big question coming from our members and other Civil servants is what's next if our call is not heard. The fourth phase is a Salary Caravan from Mutare to Harare. The caravan will leave Mutare heading to Harare mobilizing other members of the working class to join. The Caravan will camp at Finance Ministry until our grievances are addressed."ARTUZ is inviting members of the working class to join the Salary Caravan so that we can collectively register our discontent with the government and other employers. Don't miss the caravan."Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in his budget presentation last week said this year's bonus will be calculated basing on basic salaries only, unlike in the past where allowances were included."Traditionally, payment of the 13th cheque is computed based on basic salary, housing and transport allowances. For 2017, the budget incurred expenditure of US$174,6 million. However, as we embark on austerity measures focusing on enhancing the health of our public finances, the budget proposes a 13th cheque that is computed based on basic salary only (excluding housing and transport allowances). This proposal will yield financial savings of around US$75 million per annum,"said Prof Ncube. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Walter Mzembi is critically ill. He is battling with colon cancer.The matter was revealed by his lawyer Job Sikhala on Thursday when the former minister failed to attend court.Mzembi is accused of stealing $1,6 million in donations from Mbada Diamonds and Zimplats, among other charges when he was still the Tourism and Hospitality Minister. Mzembi and his accomplices bought top-of-the-range vehicles for themselves.He is being charged together with Tourism and Hospitality ministry consultant Aaron Dzingira Mushoriwa, 62, and the ex-permanent secretary Margret Sangarwe, 59.Mzembi was Foreign Minister when a military coup ousted former President Robert Mugabe. The new government has targeted former Mugabe loyalists for criminal prosecution.Earlier this year Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai passed on due to colon cancer after undergoing treatment in South Africa. Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Claritas, a leading data company that helps brands identify and target their best customers through segmentation, has acquired Barometric, a media tracking and measurement company. Through this acquisition, Claritas is advancing its transformation by investing in new technologies that enable marketers to identify, deliver and optimize audiences with unmatched precision. Barometrics proprietary identity graph technology (developed originally as an internal tool for AdTheorent), collects mobile IDs across digital environments to increase marketing efficiency and campaign measurement. Already an expert in target identification, by adding Barometrics capabilities, Claritas now also offers clients the ability to measure advertising performance and optimize audiences across media channels in real-time using both offline and online data. The combination of Claritas and Barometric is fantastic news for any marketer who is looking for a more precise level of clarity and campaign optimization, said Claritas CEO Mike Nazzaro. By combining the best-in-class segmentation of Claritas with the unrivaled cross-platform measurement and verification that Barometric makes possible, businesses can better understand their leads behavior from mobile app to desktop to in-store, or even intra-household purchasing paths across a familys separate devices. Since our founding, Barometric has always been at the leading edge of cross device consumer identification and measurement, said Barometric Co-Founder and CEO Anthony Iacovone. Now, by leveraging our one-of-a-kind capabilities with Claritas, marketers will have increased precision in measuring and targeting their customers across media. Claritas and Barometric work with some of the nations largest consumer brands, including AT&T, Home Depot, Kroger, Peloton, Liberty Mutual, McDonalds, Progressive Insurance, Samsung, Verizon and Zions Bank. To learn how businesses can sell smarter and win bigger by taking immediate advantage of Claritas and Barometric capabilities, visit www.claritas.com. About Barometric Barometric is an advanced cross-environment media tracking and measurement solution. Originally developed as an internal tool for AdTheorents data-driven digital ad network, Barometric currently processes 3-4 billion ad calls per day. Since 2011, Barometrics technology has served, tracked and organized petabytes of data for use by brands to understand cross environment activity and gain actionable insights for ongoing optimization and campaign management. Barometric is the only solution capable of collecting mobile IDs across all environments such as web, app, rich media, video and brand studies and matching these multiple IDs to a single user, resulting in superior attribution. About Claritas Founded in 1971, Claritas helps companies find customers to sell smarter and win bigger. Its unique methodology, which combines sought after data resources with direct, original consumer research, is proven to help marketers find their best customers faster. Claritas is the only business that provides context leading to insights that inspire growth. Claritas products and services help paint a 360-degree picture of customers or prospects using unique behavior-based segments. Through Claritas core product, PRIZM Premier Segmentation, clients can better understand where their consumers live, work, play and shop for more effective and efficient marketing across all channels. More information can be found by visiting www.claritas.com or www.mybestsegments.com. ### Attachments News / National by Mandla Ndlovu President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be launching a national clean up campaign on the 5th of December in a Harare we have learnt.In line with the program, the ministry of higher and tertiary education has directed all higher learning institutions to engage in pre-launch activities by cleaning their premises.Lupane State Universities had directed all its staff to follow the following schedule in cleaning their premises. Opinion / Columnist MDC Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa is a childish political clown with an inflated ego. We think he takes himself too seriously yet he is a nonentity. He sees himself as an intelligent, eloquent speaker but serious people know that he is only a redundant speaker, who speaks as many used to do during high school debates, deploying cheap rhymes and big words where simple ones would have communicated a message more effectively. In his opinion, he has the country under his feet; it is only he who has a mind.We saw this during his campaign for the July 30 presidential elections which he lost convincingly. He promised many impossibles, issued huge threats including that he would make the country ungovernable if he lost the elections. He was defeated but instead of conceding, he approached the Constitutional Court.Armed with absolutely no primary evidence to back his claim of vote rigging but a loud mouth, Mr Chamisa predictably lost the case. This has not deterred him as he is continuing on the adversarial path.On Thursday, his MPs - fortunately they are a mere handful - attempted to cause chaos in Parliament by refusing to acknowledge the presence of President Mnangagwa. They were promptly flushed out and the business of Parliament continued.Mr Chamisa renewed his unfounded election victory allegation on Monday when speaking at the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 violence that he triggered through his incendiary rhetoric. Furthermore, his party plans to stage a demonstration tomorrow to demand negotiations for what he says is a "transitional authority" to "move the country forward," yet on July 30, millions of Zimbabweans voted for Zanu-PF.Just how would Zanu-PF forge a national consensus with an opposition party that behaves like this? It is clear that Mr Chamisa is still trapped in the old politics of simply fighting for the sake of fighting.He is spurning President Mnangagwa's consistent calls for national unity regardless of political differences. The President has introduced a new brand of politics that seeks a consensus to the running of government, tolerance and oneness. It is for this reason that he has proposed to create the office of the leader of the opposition.President Mnangagwa is so serious about creating the office that he has openly spoken about it, even during his meetings with world leaders such as the one he held with United Kingdom Minister of State for Africa Harriett Baldwin at the UN headquarters in September.Of course, that office is not meant for Mr Chamisa per se, but any political leader whose party happens to be the biggest opposition party in the country. It can be Mr Chamisa occupying the office; it can be Mr Douglas Mwonzora or Mr Egypt Dzinemunhenzwa. However, if that office is created today, the MDC leader would occupy it.In his quest to ease tensions, President Mnangagwa's administration has opened up the democratic space that has seen more people speaking their minds and MDC Alliance demonstrating multiple times with no police interference. In the old dispensation provocative demonstrations such as the one planned for tomorrow would have been banned or, if they happened, would have been crushed.We are watching with keen interest how the Government would proceed in operationalising the leader of the opposition proposal but we don't think it would be too wrong, seeing the kind of leader of the opposition we have now, to delay setting up the office for a while. We don't think there is anyone who deserves that honour yet.Also, Zimbabwe cannot be railroaded by an election loser, just because he talks too much and is good at issuing threats. Mr Chamisa doesn't have the numbers in the House to stop the running of Government anyway. He does not have the strength even outside Parliament to force Zanu-PF into any settlement.In any case, if indeed, it was true that the Zanu-PF Government is illegitimate, why does Mr Chamisa think it makes sense for him to demand talks with an illegitimate authority? Our advice to him is that before he gets the office he craves so much but pretends not to like, Mr Chamisa has to respect the will of the people as expressed in the democratic July 30 election and endorsed by the ConCourt on August 24.A member of the Motlanthe Commission, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, told him exactly that on Monday."You would agree that the harmony in any country depends on acceptance and respect of the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary," said Chief Anyaoku."The country works best when that separation of power is respected. In that context, I would have thought that you agree that the pronouncement of the highest court should be accepted and respected by everyone. The point you made about dialogue can take place and should take place but all within the context of the accepted ConCourt pronouncement."Mr Chamisa is incapable of seeing the wisdom in these remarks.Be that as it may, the time may have come for him to be shown who actually is in charge. And to simply ignore him. Opinion / Columnist Recent utterances by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations at Foreign and Common Wealth Office, that political leaders should reject violence, observe the rule of law and focus on moving the country forward is conclusive advise, of which MDC leader Nelson Chamisa should take heed of.President Mnangagwa has always been for dialogue but the egomaniac Chamisa has to meet one condition, that the latter recognises the former as the winner of the 2018 elections and is the Head of State as validated by the country's Constitution. Chamisa, testifying before the Commission of the Inquiry, said he respected the Constitution, and with that background, it is as easy to acknowledge President Mnangagwa as Head of State, if his arrogance does not get in the way.In efforts to discredit President Mnangagwa, Chamisa and the MDC have been at the fore, engaging in demonstrations that have resulted in violence, destruction of property, unnecessary injury and deaths of innocent civilians. Given such circumstances, Chamisa should come to terms with the fact that demonstrations are not going to achieve him anything except scuttle the dialogue that he now desperately want.It is important that Zimbabwe moves on from the election mode and concentrate on effecting economic and political measures that integrate the country with the international community. Social, economic and political development will only come through, if Zimbabweans themselves have the same goal and are pulling in the same direction.Democracy can only be championed through respecting the will of the electorate and making sure they are well represented. The opposition may as well borrow a leaf from President Mnangagwa, a listening President, who has been on a drive to improve the livelihoods of all citizens. It is past the time of egoism, where Chamisa believes that without him as the country's President, Zimbabwe would not move on.Chamisa and other regressive political leaders should also take to heart the utterances by US Journalist, Chris Matthews, to stop engaging in primitive politics, where, especially Chamisa is refusing to accept electoral defeat. Shouting the elections were rigged when they were not is not going to miraculously turn the defeat into a win for the opposition. Its high time they accept their loss and ready themselves to fight another day in 2023.MDC has to accept electoral defeat and desist from engaging in demonstrations that have failed time and again to produce any positive results. President Mnangagwa has already extended an olive hand to the opposition so that the country's interests are put first. It can never be reiterated enough, that dialogue is key and to achieve a common goal of rebuilding Zimbabwe, all hands should be on deck, pulling in the same direction. That said, MDC should come on board and put national interests first, ahead of self-centredness being exhibited by its leaders. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's Alberta is in talks to buy rail cars to transport 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and expects a deal to conclude within weeks, Premier Rachel Notley said on Wednesday, as the energy-rich province takes actions to move oil stuck in the region because of a lack of pipeline capacity. Notley, who says the cars are needed to help deal with stranded oil that has slashed the price of Alberta oil, told a business audience she was disappointed that the federal government was not helping fund the purchase. Reuters revealed last week that Alberta had proposed a joint purchase of two unit trains and estimated the one-time capital cost at about C$350 million. Federal officials are cool to the idea, saying that by the time the first cars come on line late next year the supply problems will have eased. Alberta estimates that it is producing about 250,000 bpd more than can be shipped using existing pipeline and rail capacity. "Alberta will buy the rail cars ourselves to move this oil," Notley said in her speech. "We have already engaged a third-party to negotiate and work is well under way. We anticipate conclusion of the deal within weeks." She later told reporters a deal could be announced before year end. The office of the federal natural resources minister, Amarjeet Sohi, was not immediately available for comment. Based on the initial talks, Alberta expects the first 15,000 bpd of capacity to come online in December 2019, ramping up to the full 120,000 bpd by August 2020, with the agreement running for three years. The added transport capacity is expected to improve the Canadian crude discount by about $4 over the three-year term, the government said. Under the expected timeline, the first rail cars would roll out just as an expansion of Enbridge Inc's Line 3 oil export pipeline is set to start operation. Two other major pipeline expansions are also in the works, though timing is unclear. Story continues Notley, who reiterated her demand for more pipeline capacity, said the cost of buying the cars would be fully recouped through royalties and the selling of shipping capacity. FEDERAL HELP WANTED Notley said there was "no excuse" for Ottawa not helping and castigated the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for proposing tougher environmental standards that she said would make it harder than ever to build pipelines. The supply glut "is happening because Canada willfully holds Alberta's economy and Canada's economy hostage," she said, estimating the losses at C$80 million a day. Ottawa denies it is being unhelpful, noting that earlier this year it bought the Trans Mountain pipeline. Several Canadian crude producers have curtailed production and asked Alberta to mandate cuts for other producers. Notley did not mention this idea in her speech. Her spokeswoman said Alberta province was not considering a "royalty holiday" to incentivize production cuts, but said a number of tools are being considered, including the way royalties are applied. She provided no other details. Last week federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau said businesses would be allowed to write off additional capital investments, something that he said oil industry executives had pressed for. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Additional reporting by Julie Gordon in Vancouver; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Leslie Adler) Prime minister Theresa May in Belfast earlier this year. Photo: Reuters The head of one of Northern Irelands leading business organisations has called on opponents of prime minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal to present their own proposals, in a veiled jab at Arlene Fosters Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). For those that are not in support of the draft agreement, it is now time to outline your alternative proposals, Northern Ireland Chamber president Ellvena Graham said on Thursday. She was speaking to some 850 attendees at the chambers annual banquet in Belfast. Graham said Mays draft Brexit deal was undoubtedly a welcome step forward for the majority of businesses in Northern Ireland and said it was definitely much better than a no-deal scenario. We therefore encourage our political representatives who support the draft agreement to do everything in their power to influence political representatives in Britain to join them. The DUP, whose 10 MPs prop up Mays government in the House of Commons, has said the agreement is worse than no deal. Its stance has led to a split with business groups in Northern Ireland, with DUP MP Sammy Wilson calling businesses backing the deal the puppets of the Northern Ireland Office. The Northern Ireland branch of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said last week that it was broadly supportive of Mays deal, and it also has been endorsed by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, which represents manufacturers, and the Ulster Farmers Union, which is traditionally close to the DUP. READ MORE: Theresa May denies giving up before agreeing Brexit deal Weve received a lot of stick in some quarters for saying this but let me say to our critics were not your opposition. Were not the enemy. We want the outcome thats best for businesses, for consumers, for the economy and for the future stability of Northern Ireland, Graham said. During a visit to Belfast on Tuesday, May noted that she had been given a clear message by the business community. The overwhelming message I get is this is a deal that does deliver for constituents, she said. The DUP is opposed to any agreement that could see Northern Ireland more closely aligned with the EUs customs and trade rules, and Foster, the partys leader, implied earlier this week that May given up before signing her Brexit deal with the European Union. Catherine Galliford says she has only left her house about 15 times in the past two years. The woman whose face was on the cover of every newspaper in the country after she broke the wall of silence about sexual harassment within the RCMP now has agoraphobia fear of crowds. She lives as a recluse in her northern B.C. home, imprisoned by internal demons. But Galliford promised herself she would come to the Lower Mainland and a coroner's inquest on the 20th floor of an office tower next to one of the busiest malls in the province this week to honour her friend, Pierre Lemaitre. "I was really trying not to be here, because I have a tremendous fear of leaving my house," Galliford said as she stood by a bank of elevators at the foot of Metrotown Tower. "But I thought I need to do this for Pierre. And I need to do it for myself. Even if I could only do it on medication. I got here, and I did it for Pierre." 'I watched him go through hell' Galliford was the last witness to appear Tuesday in a day of dramatic testimony that centred on the impacts of policing both in terms of the horrors RCMP members experience on the job and the way the force handles those traumas internally. Lemaitre died of self-inflicted wounds in 2013. But the seeds for major depression and post traumatic disorder were sown in tragedies he attended as an on-duty officer and administrative battles he fought as a media liaison. Jason Proctor/CBC Lemaitre was apparently devastated when he was prohibited from correcting initial misinformation he gave reporters after the tasering of Robert Dziekanski by four RCMP officers at Vancouver International airport in 2007. Atoya Montague, a former civilian member of the media relations unit, told the coroner's jury Lemaitre gave the public the facts investigators gave him. And when it became apparent those details were at odds with reality, he knew what the public would think. "I watched him go through hell," Montague said. "He was in agony. It was just terrible." Story continues 'The single biggest institutional betrayal' She said Lemaitre heard a popular radio host describe him as an RCMP spin doctor. He saw his face appear on split screens alongside Dziekanski's with the words "Mountie lies" written in captions beneath. All he wanted to do was tell the truth, she said. Instead, he was ostracized and shipped out to another unit where he would later overhear an officer describe him as "redundant." CBC "It was the single biggest institutional betrayal I witnessed," said Montague. Like Galliford, Montague said she was determined to set the record straight. She appeared by Skype from the United States. She sobbed as she finished her testimony in a torrent of words. "I blame 100 per cent this incident and his mistreatment for his suicide," she said. "There is no question that he was being used as a scapegoat and being betrayed so fundamentally by the very people who he was told were his tribe, his family and nowhere in this whole timeline, in the years that followed, did anyone responsible show any humility or apologize to him for destroying his career and his reputation and betraying him in this terrible way." 'It is not a normal job' Montague was medically discharged in 2017. Like Galliford, who is now retired, she has had her own public battles with the force. Both women filed lawsuits alleging sexual harassment. Galliford's was settled in 2016. Montague's outburst drew a caution to the jury from coroner Vincent Stancato. He reminded them their job is to find facts as opposed to fault. They are also expected to make recommendations accordingly. CBC To that end, three medical professionals all testified about their attempts to deal with the major depression and PTSD that turned Lemaitre from a kind, gentle and sensitive soul into a man consumed by rage, anger and anxiety. Psychologist Georgia Nemetz described Lemaitre as a "lovely man." But she said he was also proud. Nemetz said the RCMP has become more responsive to PTSD in the years since his death. But support still varies from detachment to detachment and commander to commander. "I don't believe all is being done," she said. "It is not a normal job and recruits going in should not expect to have a normal life, and they should not expect that their usual coping skills will be sufficient to protect them." 'His name has actually been cleared' Galliford walked slowly to the stand after watching Montague's testimony dissolve into tears. She spoke deliberately about her experience with Lemaitre, telling the jury he was a "genuine, kind person" who automatically garnered her trust. She detailed an incident in which he was transferred to a night shift after reporting a supervisor for sexual harassment. "It's interesting," she said. "Pierre was transferred to some throwaway place" while the supervisor ended up near a detachment where he had a holiday home. Testimony done, Galliford walked gingerly out of the inquest room and took the elevators back down to the busy office lobby. She wore a heart shaped necklace and thought carefully before looking squarely into a television camera. "I absolutely feel that this is giving him some validation," she said. "And his name has actually been cleared." You would be spoiled for ways to describe Finlands natural bounty a breathtaking tapestry of Arctic tundra, glacial fields, boreal forests, gin-clear lakes, and dramatic coastline offering easy access to the worlds largest archipelago. The landscape is as wild and untouched as anywhere on the planet; the air is relatively pollution-free, making the sunlight in Finland crisp and clear, with a magical blue period lingering over the long dawns and dusks. At the height of summer, the midnight sun shines for 24 hours, though winter days are short. Finland offers one of the worlds most snow-secure environments, with the Finnish Lapland Film Commission boasting of 200 days of snow cover a year. There is a solid and extensive road network throughout the country, and even remote regions are well-connected by plane. Lapland has five airports, with direct flights from London, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt and Zurich. Finnair will introduce a direct flight from Helsinki to L.A. in March. The Finnish government introduced a 25% cash rebate in 2017, and the turnaround is remarkably brisk: payments are usually made within three weeks. Production costs are typically lower than in neighboring Norway and Sweden, and skilled production services companies can help with both accessing the rebate and navigating the logistical challenges of shooting in remote areas under extreme weather conditions. They include Flatlight Creative House (flatlight.fi), Mutant Koala Pictures (hmutantkoala.com/production-services), Twisted Films (twistedfilms.fi), Funfar Films (funfar.fi), Komeetta (komeettafilmi.fi) and Akus Factory (akuntehdas.fi/ akun-tehdas-akus-factory). There are a number of international-grade studio facilities across the country: Mediapolis (mediapolis. fi), in the city of Tampere, boasts a variety of mixeduse spaces and the countrys largest soundstage. Other top-notch facilities include Logomo (logomo.fi) in Turku and Helsinkis Valofirma (valofirma.fi) and Angel Films (angelfilms.com), which is opening studio spaces early next year. Story continues Recent productions at least partly filmed in Finland include Our Kind of Traitor, the 2015 adaptation of John Le Carres spy thriller, starring Ewan McGregor and Damian Lewis and directed by Susanna White; and Hanna, director Joe Whites 2011 feature, starring Saoirse Ronan, about a teenage girl raised in the wilderness to be an assassin. Notable Finnish productions include crime dramas Deadwind and Bordertown, which both play on Netflix, and the Iron Sky sci-fi franchise, with a forthcoming release billed as a China-FinlandCanada co-production. Following are some of the location highlights that Finland has to offer: THE ARCTIC NORTH The countrys frigid northern frontier extends into the Arctic Circle a vast winter wonderland with few rivals on Earth. We have the biggest wilderness in Europe and great infrastructure around it, says Marko Rohr of MRP Matila Rohr Prods. Oy, which teamed up with Borsalino Prods. and Gaumont on Ailos Journey, a documentary chronicling the yearlong odyssey of a newborn reindeer in the Arctic. Thats probably the only part of the world where you can have all these elements combined. CITIES Built on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a city of contrasts, with buzzy cafes and Scandi-chic design shops abutting picturesque historical buildings nestled around the harbor. Exteriors are sometimes used to double for Russian cities, where filming can be a challenge. The long Baltic coastline and the archipelago are easily accessed, as are unspoiled wilderness areas. Its possible to shoot so many different locations just by driving 20 minutes, says Riina Hyytia of Dionysos Films, whose Nordic Noir drama series Deadwind, which was acquired by Netflix, is filmed in the capital. Finlands cities are compact, easy to navigate and film-friendly. Local officials have a can-do attitude and permits are easily acquired. LAKES AND FORESTS Producer Matti Paunio of Fisher King knew he wanted to use Eastern Finland as the setting of Bordertown, the crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in March 2017. Across 30 years of shooting in Finland, he still finds the wooded region on the border of Russia among the countrys most picturesque a ringing endorsement in a nation known for its crystal lakes, primeval forests and meadows teeming with elk, reindeer and other wildlife. Lappeenranta, where Bordertown is shot, sits on the shores of Lake Saimaa one of 190,000 lakes scattered across Finland. You just walk outside from your hotel and youre in the wilderness, Paunio says. The nature is all over. Additional information can be found through the Finland Film Commission (www.filminginfinland.fi), as well as the regional film commissions: the Finnish Lapland Film Commission (lapland.fi/film), the North Finland Film Commission (nffc.fi), the West Finland Film Commission (wffc.fi), the East Finland Film Commission (effc.fi), and the South East Finland Film Commission (seffc.fi). The city of Tampere (filmtampere.com) has a dedicated office providing assistance and information about local shoots. Taina Seitsara (taina.seitsara@hel.fi) can answer any question and arrange permits for filming in Helsinki. Photo: Ailos Journey, tracking the yearlong odyssey of a newborn reindeer in the Arctic, was lensed in Finland. Related stories Finnish Rebates Lure Shoots to Northern Wilderness Finland Prepares Warm Welcome for Productions Seeking Winter Wonderland Gaumont's 'The Emperor of Paris' Pre-Sells to International Markets (EXCLUSIVE) Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! I grew up not really thinking about my brownness. My dad came to America when he was a child, quickly learning English and eating hamburgers, and my mom is white. My heritage was easy to embrace, but also just as easy to ignore. Id look at my Indian cousins, who spoke Bengali at home and had full Hindi weddings, and felt a distance. I wasnt really Indian because I wasnt like them. Theres a sketch in Goatfacethe new Comedy Central sketch comedy special from Hasan Minhaj, Fahim Anwar, Asif Ali, and Aristotle Athirasin which three Indian dads compete on a game show. I didnt see my dad in the bit, but I saw my grandpa. His flamboyant, polyester blazers. His intonations when hed rant about some perceived slight. And then the music at the end came from my favorite Bollywood movie, Hum Aapke Hain Koun. I got it, and when you spend a lot of time anxious about your place in a community, it feels really nice to get something. The Goatface team has been making sketch comedy based on the Indian/Middle Eastern-American experience for years, but their Comedy Central special, which airs on November 27, has allowed them to go bigger and better. And they hope that what Chappelle's Show or Key & Peele were for the Black American experience, Goatface can be for the brown American experience. They tap into the shared experiences among brown people, whether it's anxiety that the latest terrorist attack will have been committed by someone who looks like you, or exhaustion with parents who keep insisting you need to go to grad school. It's universal, but it's also an inside joke. And for millions, it might be the first time they're in on it. GQ: Even though the special has a lot to do with a lot of experiences you have in common, Id love if you all could tell me about your individual backgrounds, how you grew up, and your relationship to brownness in America. Story continues Fahim Anwar: My parents are from Afghanistan and I grew up in Seattle. It's not a huge Afghan hotbed. I grew up a certain way where some Afghans would say I'm weird or I'm whitewashed. But I still felt that. I grew up on SNL and Conan [O'Brien], and since then... that was my comedy identity, [but] sometimes they look at you like, "You're weird." I always hated that. Hasan Minhaj: Fahim, by the way, it's also really funny cause your cousins in Fremont are like super, super Afghan. Anwar: Yeah, they are. I'm like a duck who got raised by some dogs or something. I don't know what I'm supposed to be. And it's weird that it's paid off much, much later in life. I'm not trying to adhere to what I'm technically supposed to be. And what I am, kind of, is what I'm supposed to be. A little bit of both. Asif Ali: I grew up in Arizona. There were no Indian people there other than my three brothers. I have Indian cousins in Arizona now! Ali: Now there's more! But we just grew up with Mexican people and white people. I guess it's kind of similar to what Fahim was saying, except he said he was weird and I always thought I was really cool. I'm just kidding. I didn't really get in touch with being Indian until I moved to Chicago to go to school after high school. That's when I really got dipped into the spicy waters. Minhaj: I grew up in Davis, California. I wrote a special on my relationship with that place. It was very similar to these guys: you're the only brown kid in a majority white town and school. And then I ended up moving to L.A. around 2009. I think if we'd grew up in a super, super vast community, I don't know if we would have had the confidence to branch out because it's already... they don't understand it. Aristotle Athiras: My parents were very poor. My mom is from a part of Iran called Tabriz, which was always kind of going back between the border of Azerbaijan and Iran. I'd meet other Iranians and they'd find out that I am essentially Turkish, because all Turks live there. There's a lot of Persian jokes that are always making fun of Turks, like they're the idiots. I always felt like a little bit out of that circle as well. But I was born in Texas, so I never really had any brown friends. I had a couple of them, but I always kind of felt like a fish out of water. I was actually looking at some old photos of me as a kid at some of my birthdays. You could tell like a lot of the white kids that were there were kind of forced to be there because their parents are like, "We have to go, we live next door. But I was always tanning in the Texas sun, so I was really dark. And all the people that were in the photos with me were always like Anwar: Ari's mom paid the pale faces to hang out with him actually. And they're still getting paid for it, so that's why they're still around. Weve made all these great strides and representation on TV and beyond, but I'm curious about pitching this. Were executives like, "No one's going to understand jokes about Ramadan"? Anwar: It was hard when we first tried to, years ago. And we thought it was a no-brainer. But no one could see it at the time. So we all got busy. Minhaj: I was at The Daily Show at the time and I had a really great relationship with Sarah [Babineau, the senior vice president, original programming at Comedy Central] and Kent Alterman [the network president], and one night over dinner they were like, "What are the other things that you're working on or things that you're interested in?" And I talked about how, to me, what Comedy Central represented was a home to these very unique singular voices, like Chappelle's Show, Key & Peele. I said, I've never seen anything like [Goatface] before. We have a body of work that core fans know about but a lot of people don't know about. And it really piqued their interest. Surprisingly, it was one of the fastest green lights that I've seen in my career. Anwar: It's one of those things I tell people, 'cause sometimes when you're a young comic, you'll do everything. You'll push so hard and you just kind of get "No"s across the board. And then other times, one of the biggest things in your life... it just comes from the skies. Ali: But I think it's the culmination of all of those things that happen in your life and in your career. It was really, really awesome. Anwar: If you put the work in. Is it that youre hitting your strides in your careers and have made names for yourselves and now these doors are opening? Or are you lucky to hit a cultural moment in which there's an appetite for comedy about brown people? Minhaj: I swing between these two pendulums a lot, [regarding] to what extent things happening in your career are [because of] sheer determination, grit, hard work, putting out a great body of work, all of that stuff, and to what extent is it [because of] trends and forces. Athiras: To me its the combo. I believe in hard work and timing. We kind of got into the habit of over-delivering because we were never the type who could go in and just audition and then get it just because of you know, I don't know... Anwar: If youre in Hollywood for a length of time, there are some people who are just kind of "stars" for whatever reason. It's sort of like the town has decided. We were never those people, so that was never a plan of attack. We couldn't afford to. Athiras: Yeah, and Fahim is this constant writer. To me that's a version of over-delivering. And Asif, when he goes to audition, he shows up an hour before the audition. He'd go there and he'd feel the environment. Some of the notes that I've gotten from Asif about how he auditions should be part of a master class. Hasan has always been a perfectionist to the point where it's like he never feels like he's done. He's always trying to figure out, "How do I make it better, better, better?" That's why his presence is always big, and you can never really ignore it. I'm probably the laziest one in the group. What do I do on this thing? Ali: No, come on. Aristotle is a great director. Minhaj: Believe it or not, Aristotle is the mastermind. I would call him the Melanin Lorne Michaels behind this entire project. A lot of the comedy you're doing comes out of your own personal experiences, and what you notice about being brown in America. How do you decide what aspects of that to joke about? Anwar: Our sensibilities as far as talking about race, ethnicity, religionI feel like we're pretty much on the same page as far as buffoonery is concerned. Ali: Yeah, it's never like Anwar: Oh, Asif always wants us to put on a mustache and be a cab driver, but were in an office. Ali: It's actually not a bad idea. Imagine me with a fake mustache in a cubicle. The second special will mostly just be me doing that. Athiras: We had a myriad of different kinds of sketches. But you know, Hasan is a really good storyteller. I mean you've seen Homecoming King. How do you not get wrapped up in thatand not just wrapped up, but like, in circles? He's very good at pulling you in with his words. Fahim is always just really good at that angle or that left turn. Almost every time Fahim came up with a left-turning sketch, it's one of those things where you're like, "Damn it, why did I not think of that?" Do you feel pressure to be good ambassadors for your community, or do you just think, "Okay it's about comedy and people can extrapolate what they want." Athiras: In all honesty, just by nature we're good ambassadors. We don't even have to try. I think we're very good representations. It's definitely not a must we have to work out or try to do. Minhaj: If you do amazing, great work and write to the highest level of your ability, then when that work is acknowledged, I think that people after the fact put that value on it. You don't have to already think about the article that's going to come out about your work being seminal or groundbreaking, you just have to tell a really, really great authentic story. Then let the people determine whether or not that resonated with them and whether it's indicative of anything larger. But I think if you try to reverse engineer that, that's a problem. Anwar: It would be very hard to live that way. I do this because I love comedy and I'm chasing my passions and following my heart. I don't do it to inspire the children. But if that happens, that's great, you know. Athiras: I do it for the money. Im gonna make that your only quote. Athiras: Please. Put it in there. I do it for the money, and when I say money, I mean the children. You obviously all have a lot of shared experiences, but you also do come from different backgrounds. Do you think there's something universal to the experience of being brown in America right now? Anwar: I think there is, and that's why it seems like this show has an opportunity to really resonate. Because there's this giant hole in America that hasn't been spoken to. There's gotta be millions of people like me. Athiras: We're all individual. We're all snowflakes. But at the same time we do have very shared, very similar experiences. Sometimes Hasan will be talking about one of his experiences growing up in Davis and Im just like, are you telling my story? 'Cause that's like exactly some of the things that have happened to me in the past. Do you have an example? Athiras: Its really sad. I had an internship at a studio in college. It was kind of a hard internship to get, so I was super excited. At the ground floor of the building there was this little cafe, and I'd go down there and I'd get like a brownie or something, and then a green tea, because I was trying to be healthy. And then I would come upstairs and just try to do everything... I had to copy strips, I was being a really good intern. One time I was down there and this guy was staring at me really hard and I thought, maybe this guy has a crush on me. I just ignore the guy. And I went upstairs and then all of a sudden there was this alert, like a fire alarm. The security guy came upstairs and said, "I don't want anybody to be alarmed, but there's a possible terrorist attack on the building. We all need to evacuate and go outside." And so, I went outside and I was just like, "Oh my god, [this is] fuckin' crazy." I go outside and everybody's lined up, and the security guy is standing outside and that guy from the cafe comes, and then the security guy came up to me and said, "Excuse me, sir do you work here?" And I said, "yeah." And I had a badge with my photo on it. Then he talked to my supervisor, and I was questioned for a good ten to 15 minutes. The whole thing was because that guy thought that I was some kind of terrorist threat to the building. And I was just there to get a brownie. And I'm telling you, I was there like a half an hour before I was supposed to start. I was doing everything to be the best. I just wanted to make the best impression I possibly could, and it was all ruined because of this assumption based on the way I looked. And that kind of crushed me. I did kind of feel like all hope was lost. I was like, this is not fair. You know what I mean? It sucks that so often shared experiences are depressing and not more positive. Anwar: But the thing is, there are ones. We just released Baba Knows Best and I love seeing people like Oh my god, that's my dad. I've seen these comments. They're tagging a friend... it's like an inside joke, so there is a shared experience where that joke hits on a deeper level, because they've lived it. It's not mental gymnastics you have to jump through to understand. Its just, oh that's my dad. Athiras: I just want to read one of my favorite tweets I got yesterday. This girl writes "Never in a million years did I think I'd see a Mohammed, an Akber, and a Nassar being regular dads on American TV." So on that level, it's such a watershed moment, and a win. And we haven't even got to the comedy, yet. It feels like we've already won, so much and it's not even out yet. Just the idea of driving down Sunset and seeing a billboard of four brown dudes, and we're not cartoonsbecause usually when you see that on a billboard we're the eighth person behind the car or some shit like that. To see front and center, four brown dudes, in the same venue that you would see an Avengers movie... Minhaj: That's good though, right. It makes you feel like you're alive. I mean it means nothing to me, because I feel nothing. No, its good. Athiras: For the longest time, I felt like Hollywood always kind of looked at us as brown first, and then funny second. And what we want to do is just show that we're funny first, and we're brown second. And it's great, because I even got a DM not that long ago, where a guy said, "You know, I finally feel proud to be openly Muslim." That to me is like, it's happening, we're moving forward and this to me is helping us be a part of the American culture. We're part of America. We're Americans. Anwar: And we're always a part of the conversation on the news and everything but now we have a comedic release valve. Finally someone can punch back a little bit, instead of just sort of taking it. Ali: And the best part about all this is we're actually four white guys that have very good tans. Athiras: My name's actually Brad. A lot of what you talk about on the special comes from the point of view of first generation people, or people whose parents were immigrants and grew up with a very strong connection to a culture in another country. How much you think that will disappear as we get more second, third, fourth generation brown people, who have no family in India or Afghanistan anymore? Athiras: I think this administration has been really good at showing how people really think these days. There's this platform where people can be outwardly hateful, and it's okay. I feel like hate has become kind of a new political kind of belief. Now you can be alt-right. It's okay now. I just don't know if it's ever going to be... we're doing the work to move forward and start that momentum to creating that change that you're talking about, but, sometimes I worry that I don't know if it'll ever completely change. Anwar: You know the Irish and the Italians suffered the same thing and it sucks, 'cause we're in the middle of it right now, but things do get better in time. But there will always be this strong connection to your roots. Like Italians are very prideful. Irish are very prideful. That will never go away. Ali: You want to get to a point where people can become comfortable in that, without feeling uncomfortable about where you're from. But as far as race is concerned in America, I feel like it's more based on what you look like than what you've done. The most American thing you can do is be racist. Ultimately, what we're trying to do is just be funny. But the by-product of people seeing themselves reflectedand seeing parts of their lives reflectedwith any sort of respect in mainstream media and not being the butt of the joke, is like huge. Athiras: As much as this country and its people want to over-intellectualize racism, I think it really just comes down to a very simple, "Hey you look very different from me." There's certain things you just can't change, and at the end of the day, that's the unfortunate thing. Racism is a childish, childish thing. Ali: I mean, obviously, Goatface is not similar to that, but look at Black Panther. Its bananas to think that it took until 2018 to have a movie like that, and to see how much it meant to people. Even if we get 2% of a similar feeling through what we're doing, hopefully our special will encourage somebody else to take it a little bit further, and that will encourage somebody else to take it a little bit further. We could have a Brown Panther. Minhaj: It'll be called, Brown Tiger: The Shere Khan Story. We've seen it from Mowglis POV, but what about the tiger? Athiras: I think we're doing Brown Tiger. NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading commercial real estate lending, investment, and advisory company, announced it has provided a $91,587,000 Freddie Mac loan for the acquisition of Lincoln Green, a 636-unit multifamily property in Philadelphia, Pa. The loan was originated by Dan Sacks of Greystones New York office for the benefit of a New Jersey-based sponsor with a 3,500 unit portfolio predominantly concentrated in the Philadelphia area. Greystone was able to optimize the sponsors value-add business plan to complete the interior renovations already underway by the assets former owner, Deutsche Bank AG. Greystone underwrote the Freddie Mac senior loan to a high debt service coverage ratio based upon demonstrating the propertys successful track record of achieved rental increases from the initial unit upgrade program. The sponsor elected to index lock the transaction early in the underwriting process. The Freddie Mac financing features a 10-year fixed rate and six years of interest-only payments over a 30-year amortization period with leverage at 80.3% of the purchase price. Built in 1986, Lincoln Green is located in the Bala Cynwyd submarket of Philadelphia, just off the intersection of Interstate 76 and City Avenue (Route 1), creating excellent connectivity to nearby lifestyle amenities, retailers and employment throughout the Philadelphia metro area. The property features high-end finishes such as wood-burning fireplaces, two swimming pools and a fitness center, on-site parking, in-unit laundry, concierge, and 24-hour security. The execution all around was stellar, and an absolute homerun for our client. That is truly what being a mortgage banker is all about, and we are grateful to have such close working relationships with our clients and our agency partners. I couldnt be happier for the sponsor and their investment group, said Mr. Sacks. About Greystone Greystone is a real estate lending, investment, and advisory company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae lender in these sectors. Our range of services includes commercial lending across a variety of platforms such as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, CMBS, FHA, USDA, bridge and proprietary loan products. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Corporation, Inc., Greystone Funding Corporation and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greyco.com. PRESS CONTACT: Karen Marotta Greystone 212-896-9149 Karen.Marotta@greyco.com Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said today her government is only weeks away from finalizing a purchase of rail cars to move oil and help close massive price gaps that have short-changed government coffers and Canadian oil producers. She also said she wants the federal Liberal government to contribute financially to the plan. "We're not wasting any time," Notley told a Canadian Club luncheon in Ottawa Wednesday, formally announcing the rail car purchase. "Alberta's oil is going to flow one way or another if not by pipelines, then by rail or by truck. "Don't mistake me this is not the long-term answer ... But until pipelines are built, we need to move more oil by rail." Notley said her government will buy two new unit trains that can transport an additional 120,000 barrels a day, increasing the amount of oil being moved by rail in Canada by a third. Notley said she hopes to announce the final details of the purchase agreement by year's end. 'Coca-Cola sells sugar-flavoured water for more. We are essentially giving our oil away for free.' - Alberta Premier Rachel Notley The amount of oil shipped on Canada's railways has reached record highs already, thanks to a bottleneck in pipeline capacity connecting Alberta's oilsands to foreign markets. The leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, Jason Kenney, said the rail car purchase might be useful in the "midterm" but does little to help immediately close the price gap "crisis" that has left the energy industry "reeling." "In the dozens of meetings I've had with industry leaders over the last number of weeks, not a single one has raised the issue of the government buying rail cars," Kenney told reporters in Edmonton. "We don't have a year to wait at a $40 price differential. We have to take extraordinary action now." Instead, Kenney proposed Wednesday that the provincial government impose a "mandatory curtailment" on oil production an even more aggressive step to shore up prices. Story continues Kenney is pitching legislation that would force producers to cut total production by 10 per cent the equivalent of 400,000 barrels of oil a day to tighten supply and drive up prices. "We are calling for a short-term, temporary measure that is well rooted in Alberta history, to save jobs and stop the giveaway of our greatest asset. It's time to act and end the fire sale of Alberta oil," said Kenney, a former federal Conservative minister. Later, in an interview with CBC's Power & Politics, Notley said she would make a decision on whether to pursue mandatory production cuts something that has been supported by major industry types like Cenovus CEO Alex Pourbaix, who first floated the idea in a week's time. "We haven't made a final decision on the curtailment issue," Notley said, saying the rail car purchase does not prevent further legislative action. Crude-by-rail at an all-time high Canada transports several types of crude oil by rail to various destinations throughout North America. Most of it is shipped to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast, where Canadian producers can fetch prices closer to the going 'world' rate, rather than the discounted rate offered by refineries in the U.S. Midwest. While shipping crude by rail is typically far more expensive than transport by pipeline, it's a flexible alternative for producers facing a dearth of pipeline space. With the Trans Mountain expansion stalled and the Northern Gateway project shelved, Alberta's producers have been forced to accept prices far below world levels for their oil. Ninety-nine per cent of Canada's oil exports are destined for the U.S. American refineries have been offering lower prices for that oil, knowing that Alberta producers have few options and are desperate to unload excess product. Western Canadian Select, which includes product from the oilsands, trades at just $11.56 US less than a quarter of the $51.49 that West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. gold standard, fetches on the open market. (These prices were current as of Wednesday.) "Coca-Cola sells sugar-flavoured water for more. We are essentially giving our oil away for free," Notley said. This price gap is costing the Canadian economy roughly $80 million a day, she said. Jason Franson/Canadian Press Notley said that while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals should be commended for buying the Trans Mountain project in a period of investor uncertainty, Ottawa now needs to partner with Alberta by helping to finance the rail car purchase. "The federal government should be at the table on this. There's no excuse for their absence. Either way, we will not allow delays to continue," she said. When asked Wednesday whether she has received any indication from Ottawa that it's willing to help pay for the rail cars, Notley said the federal government has not yet formally responded to her request. Notley said she has seen some media reports suggesting Ottawa prefers waiting for Enbridge's Line 3 to come on line (the earliest start-up date would be some time in 2019) to investing in more rail cars. She said that's the wrong approach. "Our officials are still in good discussions," she said. "Line 3 cannot, on its own, clear the market for more than a few months." Notley is not scheduled to meet with Trudeau or Finance Minister Bill Morneau during her swing through the nation's capital this week. A spokesperson for Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi said the federal government is committed to "relieving the pain felt by so many" in Alberta due to the growing price differential. "We are focused on ensuring that every barrel of Alberta oil gets its full value. That is why our government has made addressing this national issue and increasing market access in general an urgent priority," the spokesperson said in a statement to CBC News, pointing to Ottawa's support for the Keystone XL and Line 3 pipelines. The spokesperson said Ottawa is "analyzing options, including the oil by rail proposal that we have recently received from the Alberta government." Notley said Alberta would go forward with the purchase even if the federal government decides not to help. She said the additional oil-by-rail capacity would narrow the price gap by about $4 a barrel, generating an additional $1 million a day in federal revenue suggesting the purchase price would be "fully recouped" through increased royalties and by selling shipping capacity to producers. BERLIN (Reuters) - Ukraine's top diplomat in Germany urged Berlin and other Western states to punish Russia by extending sanctions, banning energy imports and putting the NordStream 2 gas pipeline on hold after Moscow seized three Ukrainian ships near Crimea. The ambassador even raised the possibility of sending German marines to the region. Several senior European politicians have raised the possibility of new sanctions against Russia after the incident on Sunday, which the West fears could ignite a wider conflict near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. "Germany must take a clear line ... and put (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in his place," ambassador Andrij Melnyk told German radio on Wednesday. "Everything is at stake." "The club of sanctions should be wielded quickly .... There should be a complete ban on gas and oil imports from Russia, NordStream 2 must be put on ice," he said, adding only such measures could stop Putin's "brutal, hoooligan-like" behavior. Ukraine is already nervous about the prospect of the NordStream 2 pipeline which increases Europe's reliance on Russian gas, fearing it will lose out on transit revenues. "In military terms, what can you do? Sending German marines to the coast of Crimea ... could help stop an escalation. If you are there, Russians have fewer possibilities to act so brutally," he said. "If you don't do anything, you can barely hope that this will come to an end," said Melnyk. So far, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for de-escalation and dialogue. The foreign minister of Austria, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, has said any extension of sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine would depend on further information about the incident and how the two sides behave. Russia opened fire on the Ukrainian boats, then seized them and their crews on Sunday. Moscow and Kiev have tried to pin blame on each other. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers and Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) As Russia prepares to blast Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques into orbit next week, back on Earth, its space program is confronting existential questions about its ability to find a niche in a rapidly evolving sector and stay relevant. Saint-Jacques' mission, his first trip into space, will also be the first manned trip to the International Space Station (ISS) since the failed Soyuz MS-10 launch on Oct. 11. The Dec. 3 event will be a moment of reckoning for Roscosmos, Russia's version of NASA. Russia's space agency is facing nothing short of an existential crisis, said Pavel Luzin, a space analyst and university professor in the Russian Ural city of Perm. "I am afraid we are not a reliable partner for the U.S. and Europeans," said Luzin, who wrote his Ph.D on Russian and American space policy. "I see decline [and] a long-term crisis that is based on our inability to adapt our economics and scientific policy to a contemporary world." Critics in Russia and abroad claim production and financial troubles, which have led to problems and launch failures in Roscosmos' unmanned space program, are now starting to affect its manned missions. Luzin said the space program is especially important for President Vladimir Putin, as it's one of the few areas Russia can still make a case for being an equal of the United States. 'Ballistic descent' October's Soyuz MS-10 mission ended in nail-biting fashion just two minutes into the flight, after the spacecraft's booster rockets failed to separate properly. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP/Getty Images That automatically triggered the crew capsule's emergency escape system, sending the Russian and American astronauts on board plummeting back to earth at three times the usual velocity a so-called "ballistic descent." Russian investigators concluded a bent sensor designed to detect the separation of the booster rockets failed. The two-centimetre-long piece of metal was apparently damaged by mechanics or engineers during assembly on the launch pad. Story continues "Thankfully, the engineers around the world have been working very hard to get to the bottom of what happened," Saint-Jacques told CBC in an interview in Moscow. "We are very confident now that we know what happened and we've found ways to make sure it doesn't happen again." Hopefully so. But Russian engineers have also been trying to explain something they discovered in September: a hole drilled in the Russian orbiter section of the ISS. At first, some Roscosmos leaders suggested it might have been a case of sabotage by U.S. astronauts on board the ISS. But it now appears to have been made on Earth, by someone at a Russian manufacturing plant who then tried to cover up their mistake. Yuri Kochetkov/Reuters Stolen money A damning report released this week by the Kremlin's own auditors demonstrates just how, well, astronomical the financial and production problems with Russia's space program are. The news agency RIA Novosti quoted Alexei Kudrin, the head of Russia's Accounts Chamber, as saying, "We have big problems with Roscosmos." Kudrin suggested there has been mismanagement. "Several billions [of rubles] have been lost that is, essentially stolen and investigations are underway." He told a Russian TV station that "irrational spending" abounds, with the agency paying inflated prices to contractors, and that Roscosmos somehow loses track of money for unfinished or idle projects. Pascal Dumont/CBC On Tuesday, Russian prosecutors revealed they had launched 16 criminal cases against Roscosmos employees, involving everything from improper procurement and fraud to the delivery of faulty or poor-quality products. The agency said more than 200 officials were involved in the violations. Among the most egregious instances cited by prosecutors was a reported $152 million US embezzled during construction of Russia's new space port in Vostochny, in the country's far east. Essential cooperation For at least the next year or so, Russia and the U.S. have no choice but to work together. Since the winding down of NASA's Space Shuttle program, Russia's Soyuz rockets have been the only way of getting NASA astronauts as well as others from Canada, Europe and Japan up to the ISS. The roughly $500 million US that NASA pays to Roscosmos each year for seats on the Soyuz, as well as for parts for other rockets, is a critical top-up of the $1.8 billion US budget Roscosmos receives from Putin's government. But in late 2019, NASA plans to start shifting the job of transporting its astronauts to private U.S. companies that are developing cheaper, reusable rockets and eventually reusable crew capsules. Pavel Luzin, the Perm space analyst, said firms such as Boeing, Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are poised to take over tasks now performed by Roscosmos. And the Russian agency has been unable to demonstrate it can compete with emerging space technologies. "Russia's space industry still works like the Soviet space industry, and cannot work in a market environment." Pascal Dumont/CBC In interviews with CBC, Roscosmos officials downplayed the challenges, and expressed optimism for the future. "The more you fly, the more risk you have," said Sergei Krikalev, Roscosmos' director of manned spaceflight, who is overseeing Saint-Jacques' mission. Krikalev expressed confidence in the investigation that followed the unsuccessful launch, and in the measures Roscosmos has implemented since. "A lot of people are working to provide safety and reliability of the hardware," he said. Krikalev said Roscosmos launched an unmanned cargo-carrying Soyuz rocket on Nov. 16 without incident, indicating the booster problem has been resolved. Though relying on technology developed over 60 years ago, multiple variants of Soyuz rockets have been remarkably durable. Roscosmos had executed 53 straight successful manned launches before the October incident. Important meeting ahead Publicly, NASA officials have been supportive of Russia's efforts to deal with the Soyuz mishap, and expressed confidence in the Roscosmos management team. But in an unusual step, NASA has asked the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, to come to the U.S. in early 2019 for a series of discussions about the future of cooperation in space. Pascal Dumont/CBC A former Russian deputy prime minister who's closely connected to Putin, Rogozin is on the U.S. sanctions list and banned from travelling to the United States. His trip requires a special waiver from the U.S. State Department, which speaks to the importance NASA attaches to such face-to-face talks. Rogozin has outlined ambitious plans for Russia's space program in the decades ahead. They include participating in the U.S. lunar space station proposal, developing new Angara heavy launch rockets and a reusable crew capsule called Federation that could one day take astronauts to Mars. Despite a decade in development, the new heavy rocket program has had just one successful launch. There's no timetable for completion of the Federation. And a new spaceport in Russia's Far East that was meant to replace the Soviet-era Baikonur Cosmodrome (which Russia leases from Kazakhstan) is not able to handle manned launches. David Saint-Jacques, who has spent the past two years learning Russian and training at Russia's Star City complex outside of Moscow, downplayed concerns about how Russia will fare in the years ahead. "Russians are extremely proud of their accomplishments in space, and they have all good reasons to be proud," he said. "There are so many new ways of getting into orbit that are coming up. And with all these players, I think we have a bright future." HARTLAND, Wis., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westbury Bank Charitable Foundation recently approved requests totaling $27,400 for the second funding cycle, bringing the Foundation to $67,400 in grants for the year. The Foundation contributed to local organizations such as Enchantment Inc., West Bend Columns Scholarship Fund, Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, NAMI Washington County, and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. The Westbury Bank Charitable Foundation was established in 2013 with a $1 million contribution. Each year, Westbury Bank contributes five percent of its assets to worthy causes throughout its surrounding communities in which employees and customers live and work. The Foundation concentrates its efforts on five meaningful pillars: Community development, affordable housing, health and human services, education, and youth programs. The Charitable Foundation doesnt just ask what if we did these things?, but also asks what if we didnt? Learn more about the Westbury Bank Charitable Foundation at www.westburybankwi.com Contact: Angela Haskey westbury bank 262-306-3903 angela.haskey@westburybankwi.com On Monday November 27th, 2018 U.S. President Donald J. Trump an Executive Order permitting the Treasury Department to prevent individuals contributing to the violence and civil rights abuses in Nicaragua from conducting business with the United States. While this indicates the United States government is now putting a more watchful eye on Nicaragua, the measure is not expected to affect the cigar industry. The Treasury Department identified Vice President Rosario Maria Murillo De Ortega (wife of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega) and Nestor Moncada Lau, who has served as a national security adviser under the Ortega regime as people subject to the sanctions. Under the sanctions, not only are the individuals prevented from doing business in the U.S., but also will have any of their assets in the U.S. frozen. Civil unrest and violence has erupted in Nicaragua against the Ortega regime back in April. At the time the government had announced plans to overhaul the countrys social security system. This triggered protests throughout the country, which in turn resulted in a heavy-handed response by the Ortega government. In late May, highway blockades surfaced in Nicaragua as a result of the unrest bringing much commerce transport within and in and out of Nicaragua to a near stand-still. During this time, the cigar industry began experiencing shipping delays and day-long strikes by factory workers. While the blockades have subsided, much of the violence remains. While the move by the Trump Administration doesnt have a direct impact on the cigar industry, some concerns could surface if a more stringent road toward sanctions occurs. The most extreme U.S. sanctions in recent years was the Nicaraguan Embargo in 1985 signed by President Ronald Reagan that banned all U.S. trade and travel with Nicaragua. It was directed against the Sandinistas (at the time run by Daniel Ortega) who came to power in 1979 during the Nicaraguan revolution. During this period, the Nicaraguan Cigar industry could not do business with the United States forcing many companies to develop brands in Honduras and elsewhere. That embargo was lifted in 1990. THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Climbing enthusiast Jim Ewing lost his left foot in the aftermath of a 50-foot fall off a Cayman Islands cliff. But Ewing is scaling rock walls again with the aid of a robotic ankle and foot he works as well as his former flesh-and-blood version, thanks to a groundbreaking amputation procedure that eliminates the "phantom limb" effect. That's a disorienting side effect that makes it hard for patients to work their prosthetic limbs properly. This August -- a little more than two years after his amputation -- Ewing successfully tackled the Lotus Flower Tower, a renowned 8,430-foot peak located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. "When I'm connected to the robotic ankle, I can use it as if it's my very own," said Ewing, 54, of Falmouth, Maine. "It's a very natural transition going from no foot to all of a sudden having my foot back. I don't have to retrain my brain or retrain my muscles to do anything. It's pretty much a one-for-one replacement." Losing a limb causes many disconcerting effects, as the brain tries to interpret signals from an arm or leg that's no longer there. One of the oddest might be the fact that not only do people feel as though they have a phantom limb, but that limb's position in their mind often doesn't match the location of their prosthetic replacement. "They can perceive a foot that is somewhere in space, but oftentimes is disembodied," said lead researcher Dr. Matthew Carty, director of the Lower Extremity Transplant Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "It doesn't map geographically to where their prosthetic foot is. It's kind of floating to the side, or they may feel it's encased in a hard block and they can't move it." These misleading signals can make it difficult for amputees to learn how to work a prosthetic limb properly. New surgery erases disconnect with prosthetic limb In July 2016, Ewing became the first person to undergo an amputation procedure designed to eliminate this disconnect. Named after him, the Ewing Amputation recreates the normal tug-and-stretch relationship of muscles that occurs during normal movement of legs or arms. When you move a limb, muscles on one side contract while muscles on the other side stretch, Carty explained. For example, when you lift a foot off the ground and move your ankle around, you'll feel muscles on both sides of your leg moving back and forth. Researchers have learned that as they work, the muscles are sending constant signals to the brain's proprioceptive sensory system. Proprioception is your ability to know the exact position of your limbs at all times, allowing you to precisely coordinate their movements. "It transmits information back to our brain where the limb is in space without us having to look at it," Carty said. Traditional amputation screws up these signals by decoupling the muscles, Carty said. The lack of push-and-pull muscle feedback confuses the brain, creating misleading perceptions of a disembodied phantom limb. A Ewing Amputation recreates the push/pull dynamic by surgically connecting muscles that normally operate in pairs, forcing one muscle to stretch in response to the other muscle contracting. Fed the normal muscle signals, the brain is better able to make a person's perception of their lost limb line up with their new prosthetic, Carty said. "The phantom limb the patient perceives maps geographically over their prosthetic device," Carty said. "When they think about moving their phantom limb, their brain superimposes that phantom limb over the prosthetic limb." Amputees also often feel sensations of itching or pain associated with their phantom limb, as the brain struggles to make sense of discordant signals. The Ewing Amputation appears to prevent those sensations, the researchers added. Success with procedure grows Since Ewing, doctors have performed this amputation procedure on 11 more patients, Carty said. Ten lost their leg below the knee, and one lost their leg above the knee. "At this point, we have enough data to say we think we've figured out a better way to do amputations, and we're in the process of testing that in a variety of different clinical scenarios," Carty said. The research team has received funding to develop the procedure for arm amputation as well, Carty added. Ewing had his climbing accident in December 2014, and at first, the damage to his left ankle was the least of his worries. He had life-threatening injuries throughout his body that required emergency treatment. However, the ankle failed to heal properly during two years of recovery, remaining painful and swollen, Ewing said. A CT scan revealed that most of the bone in the ankle had died. "It was not going to heal and recover," Ewing said. "It was not likely I would ever regain use of the foot, so I opted to have it amputated." Carty had been working with a team at MIT to create a robotic limb that would work in conjunction with the new transplant procedure his team had dreamed up. It just so happened that a friend of Ewing is a lead researcher at MIT, who put him in contact with Carty. But special surgery not for every amputee This sequence of events points out one drawback to the new procedure, said Dr. Ageliki Vouyouka, an associate professor of surgery and radiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. The procedure uses tissue harvested from the amputated limb to create the new connections between muscle groups, Vouyouka noted. Given this, people who lose limbs damaged by gangrene, poor blood flow or other diseases that kill off tissue would likely not be good candidates for the Ewing Amputation. But the new procedure is a "very interesting development" that is likely to become a new standard for amputation if further testing bears it out, said Vouyouka, who was not involved with the research. "Mostly I can see that happening for limbs lost to war trauma or civilian trauma," she said. The new amputation procedure has provided other benefits on top of easier adaptation to his prosthetic foot, Ewing said. "The muscle definition is much stronger. There's much more tissue there. My leg hasn't atrophied away to skin and bones, which happens quite a lot with amputations," Ewing said. "The thinking is the residual limb is healthier because there's all this active muscle tissue there. You have improved circulation, more muscle tissue for padding and all of that," he said. The study on Ewing's case was published recently in the online journal PRS Global Open. More information The Mayo Clinic has more about phantom pain. THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- The hearts of women who snore appear to become damaged more quickly than those of men who "saw lumber" at night, a new study suggests. Evaluating nearly 4,500 British adults who underwent cardiac imaging, researchers also learned that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be vastly underdiagnosed among snorers. This finding surprised study author Dr. Adrian Curta, who heads cardiac imaging at Munich University Hospital in Germany. "A further surprise was the different manifestation of disease according to gender," Curta said. "Females show different alterations in cardiac [measures]. A possible reason for this could be that women with OSA are more vulnerable to cardiac alterations." Loud snoring is a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea, which affects between 3 percent and 7 percent of adults in the United States, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Also characterized by brief periods where breathing stops, often followed by gasping for air, sleep apnea is becoming recognized as a contributor to serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and poor blood sugar metabolism. Sleep apnea treatment depends on the cause. Treatments include surgery to open narrowed upper airways or using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine while sleeping. Curta and his colleagues evaluated data from the UK Biobank, which follows the health and well-being of 500,000 volunteers. The researchers looked at data from nearly 4,500 participants who underwent cardiac imaging. These study volunteers were split into three groups: 38 with obstructive sleep apnea; 1,919 who reported snoring; and 2,536 without OSA or snoring. In both men and women, those with sleep apnea and snoring tended to have larger left ventricles of the heart, meaning the walls were enlarged and the heart was working harder to pump, Curta said. But when the snoring group was compared to the unaffected group, a more significant difference was found in the size of the left ventricle among women compared to men. These cardiac changes in self-reported snorers suggest earlier heart impairment in women and could point to undiagnosed sleep apnea, he said. The findings suggest the transition from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea is an evolving process linked to a potentially dangerous enlargement of the left ventricle. But the research did not prove that sleep apnea causes heart changes, only that an association exists between the two. Curta noted that researchers are still uncertain why snoring would remodel women's hearts more quickly than men's. More research needs to be done to understand this process, he said. "The most important clinical implication is that we need better prevention for OSA, such as a broader information program," Curta said. "Individuals with snoring should ask someone to observe them during sleep if they show periods of breathing cessation." Those who do stop breathing while sleeping should undergo a sleep study to determine how advanced their sleep apnea is and the proper treatment, Curta said. Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska is a sleep physician at Ottawa Hospital Sleep Center in Canada, and wasn't involved in the new research. Since obesity is a known contributor to snoring and sleep apnea, Kendzerska said losing excess weight is encouraged for those with snoring or sleep apnea. "We know that men and women report different symptoms for OSA, and as a result, obstructive sleep apnea is seriously underreported and underdiagnosed in women," she said. "Given that potential cardiovascular risk associated with sleep apnea may be greater in women than in men, first we need to identify women with sleep apnea [by] increasing awareness among health care professionals," Kendzerska added. The research was to be presented Thursday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, in Chicago. Research presented at meetings typically hasn't been peer-reviewed or published, and results are considered preliminary. More information The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on sleep apnea. No one can say that they ever look forward to a funeral, but, with Jenny, Carla, and Daisy as a trio of mourners, saying goodbye to Johnny C... Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Miami, November 29, 2018The Committee to Protect Journalists today expressed concern over the detention in Venezuela of German freelance journalist Billy Six. Venezuelan counterintelligence agents detained Six in the northwestern state of Falcon on November 17, according to his parents and news reports. After being detained at the Los Taques Beach Hotel on the northern Paraguana peninsula by the Division General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM), Venezuelas counterintelligence military service, the journalist was transferred to the Caracas headquarters of the Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional (SEBIN), the countrys military intelligence service, according to the Venezuelan free speech organization Espacio Publico. A military court on November 18 charged Six with rebellion, violation of security zones, and espionage under the military justice criminal code, Sixs parents told CPJ via email. If convicted, he could face up to 28 years in prison. Six has produced video reports about the economic and social crisis in Venezuela and Venezuelan migration, and has contributed to several German publications, including Junge Freiheit and the conservative publication Die Deutschen Konservativen eV. We are alarmed by the detention of Billy Six in Venezuela and by reports that he has been charged in a military court, which is no place for journalists or other civilians, said CPJ Central and South America Coordinator Natalie Southwick in New York. Journalists, including international correspondents, should be free to cover Venezuelas political and economic crisis without fear of reprisal. The press office of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs told CPJ that the government was aware of the case and that the embassy in Caracas was providing consular assistance. The German Embassy in Caracas did not respond to CPJs email seeking comment. None of the numbers listed for Venezuelas military intelligence service were connected at the time of publication. Six was previously detained by Syrian authorities for almost three months in late 2012 while reporting in Syria, CPJ documented at the time of his release. In recent years numerous foreign correspondents have been detained or expelled from Venezuela or denied entry into the country, including a CPJ correspondent in 2016. SAVANNAH, GA, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smoke Cartel, Inc. (Ticker: SMKC), a leading online retailer and wholesaler of glass water pipes , vaporizers , and other related accessories for the cannabis industry, today announced it has launched a new cannabis industry database with detailed information and analytics for smoke shops, vape shops, and dispensaries across the United States. The database can be of use to investors in the cannabis industry, entrepreneurs entering the industry, and other related cannabis businesses. Smoke Cartel has recently launched the new websites, FindSmokeShop.com , FindVapeShop.com , and SearchDispensary.com in order to provide online researchers and customers with up-to-date information on shops by location including social media profiles and reviews. Additionally, these sites highlight shops that are Smoke Cartel wholesale customers and carry reputable company products. Like all of Smoke Cartels websites, these new sites utilize the Companys proprietary technology Warely in order to collect data and to further define its consumer base. With the data collected from these websites, Smoke Cartel has an extensive analysis of this data that is now available for wholesale customers to purchase to gain niche certified leads, in-depth analysis, reports and data analytics for the cannabis industry. We are thrilled to launch this comprehensive database for the cannabis industry and create a new source of revenue for the Company, said CEO Darby Cox. We have succeeded as a company due to our advanced data analytics and are now giving other businesses and interested parties a chance to benefit from a selection of our data. This is just a small glimpse into the many facets Warely has to offer. The customer-facing directory sites also direct users back to the Companys main ecommerce site, SmokeCartel.com , if the customer decides to purchase products from an online store. B2B customers and researchers can purchase access to the full internal database and analysis at data.smokecartel.com . About Smoke Cartel, Inc. Smoke Cartel, Inc. (Ticker: SMKC) is one of the leading online retailers of glass water pipes, vaporizers, bubblers, spoons, oil and dab rigs, smoking accessories, and cannabis accoutrements. The Company provides a wide variety of high quality products, reliable customer service, and rapid dependable shipping. Smoke Cartel offers 24-hour support and online chat services to ensure the customer experience is timely and professional. Smoke Cartel operates a transparent business model which is important in an industry with varying state regulations and significant scrutiny. The Companys website at www.smokecartel.com offers fast load times and optimizations, making the product search process quick and seamless. (Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements, estimates and projections that involve risks and uncertainties in Smoke Cartel, Inc.s (the Company) business that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made herein. Such statements, estimates and projections constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Smoke Cartel undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. The recipient of this information is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy of such forward-looking statements or whether any of the projections included herein will be realized.) Contact at Smoke Cartel: Annie Alexander Director of Corporate Communications Phone: 828-412-0719 investors@smokecartel.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Bangkok, November 29, 2018Philippine prosecutors have in recent days filed five separate tax cases against critical news site Rappler, including criminal charges that may allow for the arrest of the sites founder and editor Maria Ressa, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the escalated campaign of legal harassment and calls on authorities to immediately drop all pending charges against Rappler. According to news reports, the Department of Justice filed four tax-related cases with the Court of Tax Appeals between November 26 and 28, including three counts of failing to file returns and one for tax evasion against Rappler and Ressa. The cases were filed despite the respondents request for a motion of reconsideration, the reports said. A separate tax evasion case was filed against Rappler and Ressa at the Pasig Regional Trial Court on November 14, a charge that Rappler only learned about today, news reports said. The mounting tax charges against Rappler are a blatant form of legal harassment and underline President Rodrigo Dutertes desperate attempt to stifle its critical reporting on his government, said Shawn Crispin, CPJs senior Southeast Asia representative. The spurious charges should be dropped before any more damage is done to his administrations already threadbare credibility. Reports said the two courts would assess whether there is probable cause to issue warrants of arrest for the charges. Ressa told CPJ that the charges were ridiculous and false, and aimed ultimately to bog down her media group in time-consuming and resource-depleting lawsuits. She said Rappler has complied with all laws and requests from tax authorities, who frequently visit her office for relevant documents. Tax evasion penalties under Philippine law carry maximum 10-year prison sentences and fines. The Department of Justice earlier this month accused Rappler and Ressa of failure to pay taxes on depository receipts in 2015, which reportedly resulted in 162.5 million pesos ($3 million) in financial gains. The new charge filed at the Pasig Regional Trial Court claims Rappler failed to supply accurate information in its Value Added Tax return in 2015. The new charges mark an escalation of the governments legal harassment of the news site. The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruled in January that Rappler violated constitutional provisions that bar foreign ownership and control of local media, and moved to revoke its registration. In July, the Court of Appeals ruled that the SEC erred in its move to revoke Rapplers certificate of incorporation, which it said should only be done as a last resort for non-compliance issues. In August, Rappler filed a motion with the court to fully annul the SECs revocation order; the motion is still pending. On November 26, CPJ and Reporters Without Borders sent an open letter to Philippine Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon calling on him to stop his departments persecution of Rappler and Ressa. On November 20, CPJ bestowed its 2018 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award on Ressa, a former CNN reporter, at its annual International Press Freedom Award ceremony held in New York City. Union Government has appointed Anil Manibhai Naik as Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). He is currently Group Chairman of engineering conglomerate Larsen and Toubro (L&T). He was awarded Padma Bhushan, Indias 3rd highest civilian award in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to economic growth of the country. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) NSDC is Public Private Partnership (PPP) under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It was founded in 2009 as not-for-profit company by Ministry of Finance to address need for providing skilled manpower across various industry sectors. Government of India (GoI) through MSDE holds 49% of share capital of NSDC, while private sector has balance 51% of the share capital. NSDC aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions. Its objective is to create training capacity in the country; fund vocational training initiatives and create market ecosystem for skill development. Its mandate is to train 150 million people by 2022. It is also involved in re-skilling and also in catering to skilled manpower requirement of overseas markets, most notably that of Japan (under TITP) and UAE. Sanchez is furious with Mourinho for dropping him for the Champions Leagueclash with Young Boys on Tuesday.Sanchez was left out of the squad completely as Mourinho made several changes to the team following the goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.Paul Pogba and Romeu Lukaku started on the bench, but Sanchez missed out on the squad altogether.After the match Mourinho confirmed he was dropped and wasn't injured after saying he was going to pick a team of fighters.Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal want Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-OdoiMan Utd news: Sanchez ANGRY with Mourinho and tells friendsAnd now the Chile star wants to quit the club and start fresh in Paris.Sanchez's move to Manchester Unitedhas been a huge failure so far.He's scored just once this season despite earning around 500,000 a week.And now he looks out in the cold with no signs of turning back.READ MORE: ALEXIS SANCHEZ TELLS FRIENDS HE WANTS TO QUIT MAN UTDReports emerged earlier this month that Sanchez had instructed his agent to find him a move away with his unhappiness growing.Sanchez is said to be struggling after the break up of his relationship and has failed to settle in Manchester.The 29-year-old has not built friendships with his team-mates and his relationship with Mourinho is fractured.At Arsenal, where he spent four productive seasons under Arsene Wenger, he was given free reign to act as he wanted and it allowed him to flourish in an attacking set up.But at United he's been asked to track back, defend, press and exert his energy in other areas of the pitch and it's led to fewer goals and assists.Man Utd: Mourinho reveals why Pogba, Sanchez and Lukaku were droppedAlexis Sanchez picks the club he wants to join after Man UtdHe is said to have already told friends he wants to move on with PSG his preferred destination.The French giants would be one of few clubs in the world who could afford to sign him - although they would need to move one of Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to make room.PSGare under pressure to meet FFP regulations and are expected to part with one of their superstars in the summer anyway with Barcelona and Real Madrid linked with Neymar.However that won't happen until the summer at the earliest so Sanchez is likely to have wait it out unless he can find another suitor in January.Real Madrid could be interested but Sanchez would likely have to take a huge pay cut or get United to subsidies his wages should be he look to move on in January. An 'exhausted' Duchess of Sussexhas pulled out of a visit to Zambia over fears about the Zika virus- deciding to spend quality time with her mother Doria instead.Prince Harrywill now complete the two-day tour of the African country alone while his pregnant wife rests up with her mother, who is visiting Britain.Officially, Harry was always supposed to make the trip alone but palace insiders say that it was intended to be a joint visit.The Duke, 34, left last night and is expected to attend an official reception with Zambian officials later today.His trip will also see him visit the Burma Barracks in the capital Lusaka, where he will commemorate the country's World War veterans.Meghan, 37, is believed to have been told to avoid foreign trips that risk exposing her to the Zika virus.An insider told the Sun: 'As far as those on the ground in Zambia were concerned both Meghan and Harry were going. But Meghan is exhausted and, understandably, expressed serious concerns about travelling to a country with even the smallest Zika threat.'In the end it was agreed Harry would go it alone and Meghan could rest-up and spend some quality time with Doria, who is down in the UK visiting.'The latest foreign trip comes less than a month after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.In October, Public Health England warned pregnant women not travel to a region of India amid fears they could be struck down with Zika.Zika can cause microcephaly for children in the womb, causing babies to be born with abnormally small skulls.WHAT IS ZIKA?The Zika virus is spread by mosquito bites, between people during unprotected sex, and from pregnant mothers to their children.It cannot be cured or prevented with medicines. Although most adults do not become seriously ill from the infection, it can cause serious birth defects if pregnant women get it.Foetuses' brains can be affected by the virus when it is passed on from the mother and it can cause microcephaly.Microcephaly is a condition in which babies' heads are unusually small, which can lead to seizures, delayed development and other disabilities.The virus can also increase the risk of unborn children developing Guillain-Barre syndrome an uncommon illness in which the immune system attacks the nerves and can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. Ithaca, NY, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GiveGab, the Nonprofit Giving Platform, was established in 2011 with the mission to make it easier for fundraising professionals to be great at their jobs. And theyve proven over the years to have done just that, helping tens of thousands of organizations raise over $1.5 billion to date. With nonprofits raising over $43 million through GiveGab on Giving Tuesday last year, it was anticipated that this years results would be even grander. Taking place on November 27, upwards of 3,550 organizations from all across the United States collected more than 75 thousand gifts, raising over $52 million through several Giving Day events and hundreds of individual campaigns launched through GiveGabs year-round products. Beyond the numbers, GiveGab has established a reputation for cultivating true partnerships with their customers through unparalleled support with an emphasis on collaboration to help fundraising professionals reach success on their terms. In their second year hosting a Giving Day with GiveGab, the Pittsburgh Foundation raised over $1.6 million on Giving Tuesday through Give Big Pittsburgh. Weve always believed that Pittsburgh is one of the most generous cities in the country, says Betsy Benson, Pittsburgh Magazine Publisher and Vice President. This years increase is phenomenal, exceeding in one day the total amount raised for all of last year. The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Ohio raised over $1.2 million for 197 Catholic organizations through We Give Catholic. We were humbled to be a part of such a successful Giving Day and just marvel at the generosity of our donors and the commitment of all of our participating organizations. We are already looking forward to next year, says Patrick Grace, Executive Director for The Catholic Community Foundation. New Yorks statewide Giving Day, New York Gives Day, raised over $2.1 million this year. United Way of New York State and New York Council of Nonprofits are delighted to celebrate another successful NY Gives Day, allowing an affordable and easy way to gain support for critical work all across the state. We are so thankful to the many generous donors who supported numerous causes across New York and proud of those nonprofits who worked hard to manage successful campaigns. Congratulations to all of the participating charities and the donors who made an impact on Giving Tuesday with us! - Emily Cote, VP of Communications and Engagement for the New York Council of Nonprofits and Brenda Episcopo, President and CEO of the United Way of New York State. Deemed the most successful Catholic crowdfunding event to date, I Give Catholic raised over $5.6 million this Giving Tuesday. Were thrilled with the turnout and participation by so many generous members of our Catholic community who collectively raised millions for organizations that make a difference in our communities, said Cory J. Howat, Associate Executive Director of The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who chose to give Catholic on #givingtuesday. VP of Customer Success, Casey Keller, established the foundation of GiveGabs dedication to customer partnerships, or what they often phrase as customer love as a way of helping fundraising professionals not only be successful but to feel truly supported and empowered to do their best work. Weve come a long way since our first Giving Day event in 2015, now with hundreds of successful events and thousands of participating organizations, and Im happy to say that weve been able to keep advancing our products and providing the best customer support available. We know success is a group effort and it makes us happy to see our partners happy. About GiveGab: GiveGab is the Nonprofit Giving Platform, providing a quick and easy way for fundraising professionals to raise money online. Designed for cause-based organizations, community foundations, higher education institutions, and public media outlets, GiveGab offers a complete suite of products and services that have helped over 35,000 nonprofits raise more than $1.5 billion through everyday giving, campaigns, events, Giving Days, and more. SRINAGAR: Top Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) commander Naveed Jutt alias Abu Hanzalla was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs central district of Budgam on Wednesday. Three security personnel were injured during the clash, the officials said. The police said that Jutt was a member of the same group of LeT cadres which had on it also 26/11 terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab. He was involved in a number a series of attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities including the murder of journalist Shujaat Bukhari, it said. Pakistan-born Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Naveed Jhatt, who was wanted in connection with the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari and escaped from custody in February, was gunned down in Jammu and Kashmirs Budgam district on Wednesday, police said. In a major success for the security forces, most wanted Jhatt, who was an associate of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab, was killed along with an accomplice in an encounter in a village in central Kashmirs Budgam area, officials said. Three Army personnel were injured in the encounter that claimed the life of the terrorist who had slipped away from the police dragnet at least six times and was involved in multiple attacks in the Valley over the years. The LeT terrorist was a Pakistani national and due process would be followed, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said. Well be writing to the Ministry of Home Affairs to inform Pakistan to take the body, Singh told PTI. The endgame for Jhatt, alias Hanzalla, started in the early hours of Wednesday when a special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir police cordoned off a house at Kuthpora Chattergam area of Budgam following an intelligence input about the presence of militants, officials said. A gun battle broke out when those holed up inside the house fired at security forces, they said, detailing the events leading to Jhatts killing. The forces retaliated and the firing intensified as the terrorists moved from one house to another. During this process, the militants fired at the police and army teams, leading to minor injuries to the armymen who were shifted to hospital. PTI Hyderabad: Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said that India would not respond to Pakistans invitation to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Pakistan because terror and talks dont go together. Addressing the media in Hyderabad, Ms Swaraj said, I have already visited Pakistan, but what happened after that? Pathankot and Uri happened due to which we have decided not to respond to invitations from Pakistan to our Prime Minister. For many years, the Indian government had been asking for the Kartarpur corridor, and only now Pakistan has responded positively. It doesnt mean bilateral dialogue will start because of this; terror and talks cant go together. Unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue and we will not participate in SAARC, Ms Swaraj added. On the campaign in Telangana, she said, Telangana was carved out for the people of the state, not for the five-member family of caretaker chief minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao. KCR is a chief minister, his son is a minister, and his nephew is a minister, she said. She said though about 2,000 students committed suicide for the formation of Telangana, the caretaker chief minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao recognised only 400. Ms Swaraj was also unhappy with the language used by Mr Rao against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. KCR speaks a language that is similar to the AIMIMs. Though we are rivals in elections, we dont become enemies. But even enemies dont speak this language. She denied rumours about BJPs tie-up with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. These rumours are being spread by those who want to damage the BJPs credibility, but whatever we do we do it openly, she declared. The external affairs minister further added, Telangana Movement leader Kodandaram started his own party, the Telangana Jana Samiti, and joined the Congress in an alliance while MLAs who opposed the formation of Telangana state are not a part of the TRS. It is only the BJP that has clarity and credibility, and this time Telangana election is between credibility versus incredibility, and BJP is credible and very committed to Telangana. Unless the Bharatiya Janata Party is voted to power, Telangana cannot be reconstructed, she said. BJP state president B. S. Yeddyurappa at a meeting with Water Resource Minister, D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday . Also present are MLA Hartalu Halappa and MP B.Y. Raghavendra DC Bengaluru: Within a month of the high-decibel battle for three Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats, state BJP president B.S. Yeddyuappa and water resources minister, D.K. Shivakumar, displayed extraordinary bonding at the latters residence here on Wednesday With his son, Shivamogga MP, B.Y. Raghavendra and Sagar MLA, Hartalu Halappa in tow, Mr Yeddyurappa arrived in Mr Shivakumars residence to discuss about irrigation projects underway in Shikaripura taluk and two other taluks in the district. Evidently, the meeting was not impromptu as Mr Shivakumar later admitted to the media that on receiving a memorandum, he discussed about progress of each of the projects with officers of the irrigation department. Construction of lift irrigation facility on the banks of the river Tungabhadra near Udugani, Talagunda, Anjananpur and Hosur hoblies, besides implementation of similar projects in Shivamogga rural and Soraba taluks were on the memorandum. The upshot: both leaders were closeted with officials for over an hour to discuss all details of the projects. Later, speaking to reporters, Mr Yeddyurappa said Shikaripura taluk was identified as backward in Dr Nanjundappa committee report and several irrigation project proposals were pending before the government. "So, we came here to discuss the lift irrigation projects with the water resources minister," he added. Mr Shivakumar scotched rumours of discussions involving politics. "We do not discriminate when it comes to development. When he was the chief minister, he helped by sanctioning developmental works. He did his bit. Now, Mr Yeddyurappa came with some proposals. We discussed at length and in the interest of people, we will do it," he added. Thoothukudi/Chennai: A little over a month after being ordered by the Madras High Court to probe the Thoothukudi police firing on anti-Sterlite protesters on May 22, the CBI has now registered a case against 'unknown' persons and officials in the police and revenue departments. These unidentified people have been booked for criminal conspiracy and disobeying law with intent to cause injury to person(s), amongst other sections. The police firing had claimed 13 lives and led to strong protests from the opposition parties and rights groups, besides demands for action against the officials responsible-particularly the officer who had given the 'shoot' order. It was alleged that only a 'deputy tahsildar' was at the area and the order came from him, even though he was not authorised by law to do so. The opposition demanded to know why the district collector was not present at the protest site. The local police had registered 243 cases in connection with the May 22 riot and aftermath which was the 100th day of anti-Sterlite agitation in the town-but the state government later transferred the probe to the Crime Branch, CID, in view of the "seriousness and sensitivity" in the case. Again, the investigation got transferred to the CBI following an order from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on August 14, while hearing a PIL from K S Arjunan, the Thoothukudi CPI (M) district secretary. The court had ordered the agency to register cases on the complaints received against officials and police allegedly involved in the happenings of May 22 at Thoothukudi and investigate. "It will be the duty of the CBI to get to the bottom of things and file such charge sheet/sheets, as the investigation revealed and necessitates", said the court, while ordering that the CBI director should appoint a special team to probe the case and complete investigation within four months. Accordingly, Deputy SP R Ravi of the CBI took over the probe, which also included the allegations of "public servant framing incorrect document with intent to cause injury, robbery, dacoity, punishment for criminal intimidation and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention". While the opposition and rights bodies protested against the police firing, the government had blamed it all on intelligence failure. Until that day, all the anti-Sterlite protests had been peaceful and even the previous night, the agitators had held a meeting and decided to march to the district collector to present a petition and disburse after raising slogans for a while. However, the morning saw a different scene enacted on the streets of Thoothukudi as the protesters changed the route of the march and eyewitnesses found 'outsiders' had infiltrated. The mob quickly turned violent and went on a rampage against public property and targeted the Sterlite residential complex. The opposition leaders and rights activists accused the police of brutality in having snipers in plainclothes taking up positions on top of police vans to aim at particular persons and shoot to kill. Videos of this shooting had gone viral, with one video having the voice of someone in the background exhorting the sniper that "at least one" must die. However, the source of that voice remained unknown, so it is unlikely to stand the test of judicial scrutiny. Justice K Chandru however feels that the CBI's FIR does not inspire confidence as it names 'unknown' persons despite the fact that the local police who had probed the incident knew very well the persons behind the firing. "The state police have got all the records and they knew very well who were posted on duty on that day in that area", he told DC. "You could say 'unknown persons' if there were anti-social strangers who carried out the shooting but that was not the case. Registering case against unknown persons does not inspire confidence in the Central agency", said Justice Chandru, retired judge of the Madras High Court. The finance, property, retail, and consumer goods sectors will continue to dominate mergers and acquisitions in Vietnam, experts say. "These are sectors that will attract the most interest from foreign investors," Dr Oliver Massmann, general director of Hanoi-based law firm Duane Morris, told VnExpress International. He said leading enterprises with good financial capacity and high growth in these sectors would attract both foreign and domestic money. "In terms of capital sources, we can expect cash flows from major Asian economies such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and, especially, mainland China to increase their [already] strong presence in the market." Massmann added that the equitisation of SOEs on a larger scale and with strong determination from the top will play a key role in driving the market. The long-awaited equitization of blue-chip firms like MobiFone and further state divestment in industry leaders like Habeco, the countrys second biggest brewery, and dairy firm Vinamilk are expected in the coming years. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have increasingly become an investment option of choice for foreign investors as indicated by a surge this year. The first 11 months of the year saw 5,882 M&A deals involving foreign buyers in Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Their acquisitions are worth $7.6 billion, up 44.4 percent year-on-year. On the other hand, investment capital in newly-licensed FDI projects is down 20 percent to $15.78 billion and expanded capital in existing projects declined 7 percent to $7.4 billion. Massmann said the surge in M&A value in the last 11 months shows investors are very optimistic about Vietnam. "Vietnam has a growing middle-class and its super rich population is growing faster than anywhere else. "In addition, the government has made several successful efforts to improve the investment environment, including a proposed amendment to the Law on Securities, which is expected to attract better financial sources to the country." The Ministry of Finance has drawn up amendments to the law removing the current 49 percent foreign ownership cap in many sectors, except few conditional ones. They are awaiting finalization and submission to the National Assembly for approval. Conditional sectors refer to industries subject to additional regulations that would override limits set out in the securities law. Dang Xuan Minh, head of AVM company, one of the organizers of the annual Vietnam M&A Forum, had also said earlier this year that real estate, consumer goods, and banking and finance would lead the M&A market this year and in the coming years. According to the forum's report, investors are most interested in property projects in big cities and new urban areas with a high population density besides downtown resorts and hotels. In the consumer goods sector, they are looking to invest in quality local brands with good distribution networks. In banking and finance, consumer finance, card and financial services companies are major draws. Telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and education also attract M&A interest, it said. Vietnam's disbursed FDI capital in January-November was $16.5 billion, up 3 percent year-on-year. Tran Bac Ha, former chairman of Vietnam's second largest listed bank, has been arrested for allegedly violating banking regulations. The Ministry of Public Security is investigating Ha, former chairman of Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), with violating banking regulations, on Thursday. Three other senior officials - Tran Luc Lang, former deputy general director at BIDV, Kieu Dinh Hoa, former director of BIDV branch in Ha Tinh Province in north central Vietnam and Le Thi Van Anh, former head of the customer service department at the branch, also face the same carges. Lang and Hoa are also in custody. Ha was investigated for his responsibility in "very serious" violations committed at state-owned BIDV, Vietnam's second largest listed bank. In its report in June, the Central Inspection Committee, the top watchdog of Vietnam's Communist Party, concluded that Ha had violated the democratic centralism principle and working regulations, was guilty of mismanagement, as well as violations of the duties and responsibilities of his position. Ha also violated credit procedures and regulations in approving a number of loans, investments and debt management decisions. In particular, he enabled 12 companies owned by Pham Cong Danh, former chairman of VNCB, to borrow VND4.7 trillion ($206 million) from BIDV. While BIDV eventually managed to retrieve this money, the loans had helped Danh steal over VND9 trillion from VNCB. At a trial in 2016, Danh was sentenced to 30 years in prison, the maximum jail term allowed by Vietnam's Penal Code. In addition to holding Ha responsible, inspectors found that the standing committee of BIDV's Party unit for the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 terms had also violated the democratic centralism principle, showed lack of responsibility, poor leadership and lack of inspection and supervision. These violations in turn enabled multiple systematic violations to occur at BIDV, causing very serious consequences and resulting in many staff members being criminally prosecuted, negatively affecting the lives of all BIDV employees, the inspectors said. Ha was expelled from the Party in June. Ha, 61, worked at BIDV for 35 years before retiring in September 2016. During the trial that opened in January regarding violations committed by Danh and Tram Be, a former deputy chairman of Sacombank who also let Danh borrow money from his bank, Ha was summoned as a witness and a person with related interests and obligations. However Ha did not attend the trial, and his lawyer said he was being treated for cancer in Singapore. The trial was eventually postponed due to a lack of evidence or a strong enough argument to press charges against Danh, Be and 44 other bankers standing trial. When the trial resumed in July, Ha was summoned again, along with 234 other people. He did not show up again, as he was reportedly still in Singapore for treatment. A source told VnExpress that after a surgery in Singapore early this year, Ha had returned to Vietnam and then moved to Laos. Details of Ha's arrest, including the location, are not yet available. Danh was sentenced to 20 years in jail while Be received four years in the July trial. Vietnam has over recent years arrested and tried several bankers over financial irregularities as it seeks to restructure a banking system still reeling from nonperforming loans, mismanagement and under-regulated lending. The BIDV arrests come amid a corruption crackdown that has ensnared hundreds of public officials and businesspeople. English French Luxembourg, 29 November 2018 (16:45 CET) - Aperam today confirms that the European Commission has initiated a Phase II review of Aperam S.A.s proposed acquisition of VDM Metals Holding GmbH (VDM Metals). Aperam filed a form CO notification for the proposed acquisition of VDM Metals on 23 October 2018 with the European Commission. About Aperam Aperam is a global player in stainless, electrical and specialty steel, with customers in over 40 countries. The business is organized in three primary operating segments: Stainless & Electrical Steel, Services & Solutions and Alloys & Specialties. Aperam has 2.5 million tonnes of flat Stainless and Electrical steel capacity in Brazil and Europe and is a leader in high value specialty products. Aperam has a highly integrated distribution, processing and services network and a unique capability to produce stainless and specialty from low cost biomass (charcoal). Its industrial network is spread in six production facilities located in Brazil, Belgium and France. In 2017, Aperam had sales of EUR 4.5 billion and shipments of 1.94 million tonnes. For further information, please refer to our website at www.aperam.com Contact Corporate Communications / Laurent Beauloye: +352 27 36 27 103 Investor Relations / Thorsten Zimmermann: +352 27 36 67 304 Hanoians were unimpressed as officials blacklisted 10 places "with signs of prostitution services" on Tuesday. Some members of the public commented that they would care more about the publication of government officials' assets. Others said officials can list all the streets they want, they were not going to stop the world's oldest business. While commercial sex services are still illegal and considered a social evil, a national debate on reforming this policy has thus far been inconclusive. However, the fact that the National Assembly actually debated legalizing prostitution signaled a significant shift in perspective. The locations publicized by Hanoi authorities include several streets, a park and a bus station in the districts of Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Hoang Mai, Bac Tu Liem and Ba Dinh. Sex workers usually stand around in the area waiting for customers or drive around on motorbikes looking for them, said Tran Quang Thuc, head of Hanoi's Social Vice Prevention Office. He also named 10 other places suspected of hosting the service in Hoang Mai, Ha Dong and Thanh Tri Districts. Suspected sex workers and potential customers on Lieu Giai Street, Hanoi, a night in 2014. Photo by VnExpress/File Hanoi launched a software to track down sex workers in 2015, when it estimated that more than 2,000 people in the city were engaging in commercial sex work. So far, the capital city said it has only got information on 472 people, all of them female. 202 are from Hanoi and the rest from other places in Vietnam. One of them is under 18. Thuc said software could only get access to information of the 472 because they had committed administrative violations and were handled by local authorities. The software operates on the basis of updating and archiving information related to sex workers that have been detected by the authorities. From then on, the authorities will keep track of the number of times they get caught providing their services, as well as their area of operations, to take measures to approach them and help them find other jobs. Yet his agency has run into difficulties when managing sex workers with the software, Thuc said. According to Vietnams law on prostitution, sex workers will be given a warning and fined VND100,000-300,000 ($4.32-13), while pimps and sex ring organizers can face jail terms. Nguyen Tan Tai calls for his relatives after he was sentenced to death at a trial in HCMC on Thursday. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa A 24-year-old man who stabbed two Saigon vigilantes to death during a robbery attempt was sentenced to death Thursday. Nguyen Tan Tai was found guilty of brutally murdering two volunteer members of the Tan Binh District Knights and injuring three other members last May. Tai and his gang were trying to steal a motorbike parked on the street when the "knights" intervened and a fatal scuffle broke out. The court sentenced Tai's accomplice, Nguyen Hoang Chau Phu, 24, to life imprisonment. Ngo Van Hung and his wife Trinh Thi Nhu were given four years in jail and a one-year suspended sentence respectively for harboring the murderer. The indictment said Tai and Phu were "professional thieves" with criminal records who'd returned to old ways after serving previous sentences. On May 13, Tai asked Phu to join him in carrying out a street robbery, but ran into a night patrol by the five vigilantes, dubbed the Tan Binh District Knights. The vigilantes spotted the two thieves acting suspiciously and followed them. When the duo tried to unlock a motorbike on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, the vigilantes stepped in to capture them. The thieves resisted and fought back, with Tai pulling a knife and stabbing two vigilantes who died on the spot. After committing the crime, Tai called Hung and asked to stay at his home in Go Vap District for some days. Though Hung and his wife knew that Tai was the murderer being hunted by police, they didnt report him and allowed him to stay. After seven years of being immobile, a young boy was enrolled in an Aikido class. A miracle unfolded. The parents cried all the way home. Eighteen months after their darling, sweet-natured baby was born, theyd been told that he suffered from cerebral palsy and had two deficient legs. Theyd consulted the doctors because at 18 months, he was not crawling, sitting or making noise like normal children. The diagnosis devastated them. Cerebral palsy is described by the U.S. based Mayo Clinic as a "disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by damage that occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth." Most of the disorders are irreversible. Tiens mother, Chau My Tuyen, decided that to focus on his care, she would temporarily postpone her university studies to be a teacher. The boy`s father, Tung, worked at an ice making facility, and their income was humble. They sold all their furniture, knocked on every door they found, from city hospitals to traditional medicine men, to registering him for physical therapy, acupuncture, and special education classes for the disabled, all to no avail. At seven, Tien was still like an infant and did not move around. He screamed in fear and cried whenever he saw a stranger. On top of that, Tien got sick very often, and had to be hospitalized for weeks sometimes. His father Tung had to use his ID card many times to borrow VND500,000 ($21.4) to pay hospital fees. Then, one day... This was the situation when, early in 2016, Tuyen took Tien one day to a Children's House for him to have fun and for her to check if it was an appropriate place for him. That day, Le Hoang Mai was teaching Aikido, a martial art. He saw the sad mother piggybacking her boy up the stairs. He walked over to them and learned about the familys situation and offered to teach Tien for free. It was a day that changed the lives of both the student and the teacher, and that of many other children with disabilities arising out of various disorders. "My sister is also handicapped like Tien, and it was very hard on my mother to take care of her. When I saw Tuyen carry her child on her back like that, it reminded me of my mother and the hard work and how the experience drained her emotionally," Mai said Then and there, he decided to open a free martial arts class for people with disabilities. Today, the free Aikido classes are offered in HCMC`s Children`s House, in Phu Nhuan District. The miracle Tien, 9 years old now, slowly crawls upstairs and leans on the balcony handrail to enter the class. Right next to him, his mother Tuyen skips a heartbeat every time he loses balance, but she restrains herself from touching him, giving him the power of independence. "He has only managed to move by himself in the last few months. Earlier, he just lay in bed and required a helper for everything," said the 28-year-old mother. On November 2, Tien asked to go out for fried chicken and pasta and his mother took a selfie on the occasion. Photo courtesy of Chau My Tuyen. Four times a week, Tien is taught to crawl, practice with sticks and rope to train his arms and legs. Tien also receives lessons to keep calm and feel the silence. He gets free massages, acupuncture and muscle tightening exercises. After the first few months of training with is Aikido teacher, Tien learnt to move on his fours. Photo by VnExpress/ Phan Than. The distance between the class and their home is 10 kilometers and because Tien cannot sit straight on his own, Tuyen had to buy a baby carrier to drive him to the class on her bike. "He cried like crazy in the first week of classes, insisting that I take him home. In the second week, he stopped crying and agreed to come and observe others practice. It took him a month to listen to other instructors showing him physical activities, how to crawl, and so on. But every slight movement made him fall, his face slamming on the ground," recalled Tuyen. At home, Tiens parents practiced on all fours with their son around the house. A month later, Tien was able to crawl. At first, he could only crawl one round around the house. This gradually increased to two, to three, and then to two hours straight. Mai explained that moving on all fours helps people release energy and exercise the whole body, important especially for children with disabilities like Tien. "Every student of mine has to move with both arms and legs on the floor, Mai said. After two years, Tien has been able to stand up without any help. "The first time he stood up on his own was about two months ago. He was on his fours again that day when his pants dropped. So he stood up and pulled it up himself. Both the teacher and I were so thrilled to see it," said an emotional Tuyen. For the past two months, Tien has managed to stand up, go to the bathroom and change his clothes all on his own. Mai (standing behind) is euphoric at seeing his student progress every day. Photo by VnExpress/Phan Than. Now, instructors are helping Tien walk, leaning on grab bars, walls or on a person to support him. Tuyen hopes that Tien will be able to walk in the future. Student motivates teacher Mai told VnExpress that he was extremely proud of Tien who he said motivated him to offer free martial arts class for the disabled since June 2016. His class now teaches 14 children with Down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. "Tien is able to stand up now because of the large amount of exercises he has been doing, which activates his muscles and stimulates the brain. It will take time and perseverance, but I believe Tien will be able to walk on his own two feet." Mai has also successfully trained another young learner whose all four limbs are paralyzed and has slow brain developmental. He is also now much sturdier and can crawl. Along with learning to walk, Tien is also homeschooled by his mother to identify colors, numbers, alphabets and names of everyone in the family. "He forgets a lot. I only teach him a little bit every day when his mood is good and he is attentive," she said. Tung, supported by his relatives, has opened a cold ice production facility in 2016. Tuyet has also graduated from university and is now a history teacher. But the joy of flourishing careers is incomparable to seeing their son make progress day by day. "He can read the three letters a, b, c, count from one to three, understand what I say, and knows names of his parents and grandparents. I am very happy. To me, that is a huge accomplishment," Tuyen said. "When he and I go out, I jokingly ask if I can piggyback him because I will not be able to do it when I am older. But he wont let me and insists on being self-reliant and doing things on his own." Philippine's President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during an event at the Emilio Aguinaldo shrine in Kawit, Cavite Philippines. Photo by Reuters/Erik De Castro A Philippine lower court found three police officers guilty of murder on Thursday for the 2017 killing of a 17-year-old high school student. The incident is deemed as the first conviction in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The three police officers were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison by a Caloocan regional trial court, in what is the first guilty verdict in an extrajudicial killing in the 29-month anti-narcotics campaign, according to human rights advocates. They will not be eligible for parole, the court said. The death of Kian Loyd delos Santos in August 2017 has stirred unprecedented public attention on what activists say are executions and systematic abuses by police backed steadfastly by Duterte. "The conviction of the three police officers for murdering Kian de los Santos is a victory for justice but it is not enough. The killings must stop," said Jose Manuel Diokno, chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). FLAG has questioned the legality of the drugs war before the Philippine Supreme Court. Close to 5,000 people have died in the anti-drugs police operations and more than 2,500 others have been killed by unknown vigilante groups in what police said were drug-related incidents. Human rights advocates said most of the victims who police said had resisted arrests were actually executed because there was a pattern on how they were killed. Police denied the allegations, saying they acted in self-defence. Duterte's government has repeatedly said there was no declared policy to kill drug users and pushers. Delos Santos was found dead in an alley with a gun in his left hand. Police said they killed him in self defense, but his family dismissed that as a lie. Security cameras showed the officers aggressively escorting a man matching delos Santos' description in the direction of the spot where he was killed. Two months after the delos Santos killing, Duterte ordered the police to stop its anti-drugs operations as the school boy's murder sparked public outrage, but he reinstated police's role in the drugs war in early December last year, saying the drug situation has worsened. Siemens said in its annual report published on Wednesday that it was fully cooperating with the authorities. Prosecutors are investigating three German Siemens employees based in St. Petersburg over allegations they violated EU embargo rules, the Hamburg public prosecutor's office said. Siemens sold seven gas turbines to Russia in 2015 and 2016, but four of them were later installed in Russia-annexed Crimea, which is subject to sanctions from the European Union, Reuters said. Read alsoSiemens turbines reportedly cause accident in occupied Crimea's TPP Ukraine officials The bloc imposed sanctions after Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula from Kyiv in March 2014, and ratcheted them up as Moscow went on to back rebels fighting against government troops in east Ukraine. Siemens said in its annual report published on Wednesday that it was fully cooperating with the authorities. While Siemens had agreed to sell 7 turbines, only 4 were delivered, an option for a further 3 turbines was never drawn. The turbines order was worth 213 million euros and the investigation had been going on since May, a spokesman for the prosecutor said. Siemens said that the turbines were ordered and delivered for a power plant project in Taman in southern Russia. But they were then transferred to Crimea by Siemens' Russian customer OAO VO TechnoPromExport and installed in new gas-fired power plants in a breach of the sales contract. OAO VO TechnoPromExport declined to comment. Siemens sued OAO VO TechnoPromExport in Russia to get the sales contract canceled. But its case was dismissed by four consecutive courts, Siemens said. WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philabundance, the largest hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley, is the recipient of a $15,000 donation from WSFS Bank. WSFS Associates and volunteers presented the donation to Philabundance at Preston & Steves Camp Out for Hunger 2018 that is taking place at Xfinity Live in South Philadelphia. WSFS Bank is a sponsor of the 2018 Camp Out and a loyal, long-time community advocate in the fight against hunger. WSFS volunteers have also collected food donations at the week-long Camp Out, which is the largest single-location food drive in the country. As the largest and longest-standing community bank in the Greater Delaware Valley, we take seriously the responsibility to support and serve our local communities, especially those individuals who face one of the most wrenching symptoms of poverty: that is hunger, said Shari Kruzinski, Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Business Initiatives for WSFS Bank. Like my fellow WSFS Associates, we recognize that individuals and families sometimes find themselves in need of assistance, so it is critical for our Bank to continue to be a local active participant in the fight against hunger. For 15 years, WSFS Associates have collected and donated nonperishable foods in annual fall drives at WSFS Bank locations across Delaware and Pennsylvania. Earlier in 2018, WSFS Bank celebrated a milestone of one million meals served from those collections to feed hungry children, adults and families in the communities the Bank serves. WSFS Bank Customers and residents of the Delaware Valley are encouraged to take their nonperishable food donations to the Camp Out, which ends Friday, November 30. WSFS Banks own fall food drive with Cityteam in Pennsylvania and the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Delaware will run through the end of the year and donations can be made at any WSFS Bank location. To find the nearest WSFS Bank, visit wsfsbank.com. About WSFS Financial Corporation WSFS Financial Corporation is a multi-billion dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally-managed bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware and the Delaware Valley. As of September 30, 2018, WSFS Financial Corporation had $7.2 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $19.7 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates from 77 offices located in Delaware (46), Pennsylvania (29), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking, cash management and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Christiana Trust, Christiana Trust of DE, WSFS Wealth Investments, WSFS Wealth Client Management, Cypress Capital Management, LLC, West Capital Management, Powdermill Financial Solutions, Cash Connect, WSFS Mortgage and Arrow Land Transfer. Serving the Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visit wsfsbank.com. Media Contact: Jimmy A. Hernandez (302) 571-5254 jhernandez@wsfsbank.com Photos accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9ce96d5-9113-4fd6-bed5-ed95c893ded3 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0919dc52-902e-4e2c-9588-fc200c0aa044 The street where the accident occurred. Albert Garcia A judge is investigating the death of an elderly woman who was hit by an electric scooter as she was out for a stroll in the Catalan town of Esplugues de Llobregat last August. This is the first known case in Spain of a pedestrian getting killed by a personal transporter, and it has raised renewed concerns about the proliferation of alternative mobility devices in cities across Spain. What happened to her could happen to anyone. When I see one of those scooters going by at full speed I get the shivers Manoli, store manager Last month, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said there would be reforms to the criminal code to try to address the conflict between pedestrians and users of these devices. The minister said that users themselves were vulnerable, but added that they can also cause significant harm to third parties depending on how they use the device. Prosecutors and the judge in charge of investigating the August incident suspect that the youth who was riding the scooter was looking down at his cellphone when he crashed into the 90-year-old woman, who was out for her daily stroll with her walker. Tourists on a Segway tour of Barcelona. Joan Sanchez The youngster is facing possible charges of involuntary manslaughter, while a second youth who was with him has been summoned as a witness in the case. Sources familiar with the investigation told EL PAIS that the rider was using the Google Maps app on his phone when he crashed into the woman. The accident took place on a pedestrianized section of the Rambla del Carme thoroughfare. The scooter was moving at a speed of nearly 30 km/h, which is normal for this type of personal mobility device. An earlier death On October 23, a woman who was herself riding an electric scooter died after falling off the device and getting run over by a truck in Sabadell, in the province of Barcelona. The woman fell and hit her head against the pavement. She was taken to Moises Broggi Hospital in critical condition, and died a few days later. Several sources said that prior to the accident she had been in good health despite her advanced age, and that she went out for walks every day. The victim was a familiar figure in the neighborhood, said Manoli, the manager of an upholstery store located on Rambla del Carme. She was always going up and down with her walker. She was very well-known, she said. City bylaws Several municipalities, including Madrid and Valencia, have already introduced rules banning the use of scooters on sidewalks. In August 2017 Barcelona moved to ban Segways and electrically-powered scooters and skateboards from the historic city center. And the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) is working on national guidelines. Manoli, the store owner in Esplugues, wants these devices to be regulated in order to avoid new tragedies. What happened to her could happen to anyone. When I see one of those scooters going by at full speed I get the shivers. The deputy director of mobility at Spain's traffic authority, Jorge Ordas told EL PAIS that his department is looking to set a national speed limit for scooters at 25 km/h. English version by Susana Urra. Spain's Pedro Sanchez and China's Xi Jinping in Madrid. ULY MARTIN In a joint declaration on occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinpings three-day visit to Spain, both countries have vowed to reinforce their ties and to fight protectionism and unilateral policies. Jinping arrived in Madrid on Tuesday on an official visit that ends today. It is the first time in 13 years that a Chinese head of state has come to Spain, and it also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. The presidents agenda includes meetings with King Felipe VI, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and with the speakers of Congress and the Senate. Jinping said China will import goods worth $70 billion over the next five years to meet the demand of a growing middle class During his stay, Jinping signed a joint statement that Beijing has described as a roadmap for the development of the bilateral relationship. The visit comes ahead of a decisive G-20 summit in which the Chinese president will meet face to face with US President Donald Trump in the midst of a trade war between both countries. In this light, the Madrid declaration represents a Spanish alignment with Beijing. In the statement, Spain and China express support for an economy that is global, open, balanced and inclusive, based on the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both nations vow to promote a more open market and the elimination of all trade obstacles in a declaration that re-launches comprehensive strategic relations with China, according to La Moncloa, the seat of government. In an address inside the former Senate floor, the Chinese leader pledged to open up his country to foreign products and investment, and to reinforce intellectual property rights. Jinping said China will import goods worth $70 billion over the next five years to meet the demand of a growing middle class, and he urged Spain to seize this opportunity to climb new rungs in the bilateral friendship and cooperation. We need a lot of development of the highest quality, which will require a lot of innovation, he said, encouraging Spain to join Chinas Belt and Road Initiative to connect Asia with other parts of the world. King Felipe VI of Spain (2R), Queen Letizia (R), Chinese president Xi Jinping (2L) and wife Peng Liyuan (L) at the Royal Palace. Carlos R. Alvarez (WireImage) The Madrid declaration underscores many points that the current US administration would be unwilling to subscribe, including support for the Paris agreement on climate change. Without specifically citing Trump, the Chinese leader warned about the unprecedented instability and uncertainty of the current global context, and called on the international community to work towards consensus. Besides the political statement, both countries have additionally signed several bilateral agreements covering a range of issues, from double taxation to scientific cooperation to the export of Spanish table grapes and pork products to China. English version by Susana Urra. Students and workers from across the public service sector marched in Barcelona on Thursday to demand a reversal of budget cuts and improved working conditions to reflect the economic upturn in the wake of a long economic crisis. Around 8,000 people demonstrated in the Catalan capital, according to local police estimates. First a group of students blocked off the Diagonal, a major city thoroughfare; university faculty and students gathered for a public protest at noon, and an hour before that doctors congregated in front of the Catalan public health agency, ICS. Students, doctors and teachers protest against cuts near Catalan regional Parliament. University students and professors march during a demonstration against cuts and academic fees. David Ramos (Getty Images) The government of Quim Torra has remained mostly silent during the days-long protests, which climaxed on Wednesday when protesters surrounded the Catalan parliament and were prevented by riot police from storming the grounds. On Thursday the pro-independence Torra tweeted that he was meeting with members of his cabinet to continue working to reach the necessary agreements for the good of our citizens. Fourth day of strikes For a fourth day in a row, more than 60% of family doctors in Catalonia walked off the job to protest the precariousness of the sector, which lost nearly a thousand doctors during the cutbacks. Doctors say they cannot cope with the number of patients. This is the first time the health sector has gone on strike in 10 years, when the crisis began. Health workers at the demonstration. Albert Garcia Under Spains system of devolved powers, public health and education are managed by regional governments. The Catalan Health Institute (ICS), the public entity that manages 80% of primary healthcare services in the region, has offered a series of measures worth over 100,000 to address the problem. Striking health workers want a minimum of 12 minutes to be guaranteed for each patient visit and no more than 28 visits a day demands that the ICS has not accepted. Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau has backed the protests and called on the regional government to take action. Public services in Catalonia are at bare minimum levels after years of cutbacks and an abrogation of responsibility by the government of the Generalitat, which has completely abandoned our local leaders Catalonia needs a government that governs. Now, no more excuses, Colau wrote in a message on Twitter. Protesters in Barcelona on Thursday. Albert Garcia (EL PAIS) On Thursday, university, primary and secondary school students and teachers joined the demonstration to demand more resources and better conditions. They say the education sector has not recovered from the effects of the austerity measures introduced by former Catalan premier Artur Mas in 2011. The teachers are asking for a return to the previous school schedule and smaller class numbers. Ramon Font, spokesman for the IAC-UstecStes union, criticized the 5 billion budget allotment for education made by the Catalan government, and noted that the amount should be closer to 16 billion to cover existing needs. Protesters in the march. Albert Garcia University students protested alongside professors to call for tuition which rose by 67% during the financial crisis to be reduced by 30%. The average cost of a university credit in Catalonia is 41.17, while the national average is 17.7. On Wednesday, university students set up barricades with chairs, tables and trash cans at each of the entry points of the campuses at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Regional government workers also stopped for two hours to join the demonstration in Barcelona. The Catalan government still owes public sector workers extra wages that were slashed in 2013 and 2014 as part of Mas austerity measures. The 160,000 civil servants in the regional government and other workers affected by the cutbacks will go on strike on December 12 if an agreement is not reached. English version by Melissa Kitson and Susana Urra. 10 days before the election: I promise to cut two ears of governor of Syunik province (video) 10 days are left before the December 9 election. Who was promising to cut the ears of Syunik governor 10 days before the 2017? How did Gagik Tsarukyan comment his return to politics? Which political party's posters were torn down 10 days before the 2017 election? Who encouraged voters to be duxov (courageous) 10 days before the 2017 election? Why did Heritage have given its seats in some precincts to RPA 10 days before the 2012 election? Why was Gagik Tsarukyan unhappy 10 days before the 2007 election? How many people have withdrawn 10 days before the 2003 election? What was Paruyr Hayrikyan's dissatisfaction with 10 days before the 1999 election? During the years of Robert Kocharyan's rule, what kind of a fact did Mikayel Kotanyan, who was later killed in the October 27 terrorist attack, present ten days before the 1999 election? On which part of a issue referring to the voting did CEC make decision 10 days before the 1995 election? Answers to all questions are presented in the video: Let's refresh our memory by trying to answer the quiz questions correctly. 116 million AMD assistance to minors with disabilities in Shirak Province from Mikayel Vardanyan Discussion on the topic IT infrastructure as the basis of the digital economy with the participation of the heads of telecommunication companies in Armenia Statement nn the ongoing Aggression by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Armenia "We condemn any attempts at borderisation, as observed since the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May" Joint statement The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan.ANTONY J. BLINKEN Statement of the MFA of Armenia Ookla has awarded Ucom with The fastest fixedline network in Armenia award UCOM keeps on supporting the 42 YEREVAN programming school Recognizing the One-Year Anniversary of the Ceasefire Declaration Between Armenia and Azerbaijan They should not be positioned near civilian communities neither in Armenia nor in Artsakh Humanitarian and human rights protection needed following the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh Galaxy Group of Companies expands its activities in Belarus: a new TIME and Pandora store launched I think its a good moment to invest in Armenia. Head of Markets at Symbiotics Vincent Lehner Ameriabank has Raised USD 17.5M Tier 2 Capital UNIGHT TO UNITE. UCOM CELEBRATED ITS REBIRTH Ameriabank and HSBC Armenia to provide their customers access to each others ATMs without additional fees Google Ad Ameriabank. 62.5% Growth in Taxes YOY Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans have provided 300 million AMD to overcome the infertility in Armenia UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13 Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk Foreign Minister of India visits the Memorial of Armenian Genocide 1217 new cases Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group At UCOM only: Tv sets at 10% discount + 1 month free UMIX package + 4k tv channel Ameriabanks Special Offer for New Clients of Hrazdan Branch "Fall forward": Gurgen Khachatryan, the Co-Founder of the Galaxy Group of Companies, addressed a message to young people in Armenia Anna Hakobyan attends event in Moscow dedicated to 30th anniversary of Spitak earthquake Anna Hakobyan, spouse of Armenias acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan, on November 28 participated in an event titled the Chronicle of Humanism in Moscows Art Academic Theater dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Spitak devastating earthquake and 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Anna Hakobyan was accompanied by Armenias Ambassador to Russia Vardan Toghanyan, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative co-founder Ruben Vardanyan, as well as a number of cultural figures and artists who delivered remarks during the event. Sharing his impression from the event Anna Hakobyan stated that it contained very important messages. Although the talk was about the tragedy that occurred 30 years ago, it was an event of gratitude, and gratitude is a high feeling and act. The event also contained a very important part relating to facts on how more than 100 countries provided support to the Armenian people. And one needs to think why today, when tens of thousands of people are being killed, displaced not due to natural disasters, but wars, people are not helping each other in the same way, Anna Hakobyan said and thanked the event organizers. The event aimed at expressing gratitude to all those people and states who showed unique humanism and provided support to the Armenian people at that difficult moment. The event was organized by the Armenian Embassy in Russia, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Aznavour Foundation. Chicago, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the latest edition of Backend Benchmarkings The Robo Report, an ongoing study that monitors the performance of the most well-known robo advisors, Zacks Advantage was ranked #1 in performance year-to-date among the top 26 Robo Advisors. This accomplishment is noteworthy considering the group monitored includes many of the largest banks and financial institutions in automated investing. To get an accurate picture of how robo advisors perform and what services they provide, the authors of the Robo Report opened, funded, and invested in specific portfolios some of the top robo advisory firms. They publish their findings each quarter, with reports on performance, fees, allocation decisions, services, and more. In the 9th edition of the Robo Report covering the third quarter of 2018, Zacks Advantage was named the top performer in the equity category and also for overall total portfolio performance year to date. An accomplishment that Mitch Zacks, principal and Senior Portfolio Manager at Zacks Investment Management says, Given the high level of competition includes dozens of large, well established financial institutions, were delighted by the recognition. According to third-quarter data provided by The Robo Report; comparable year-to-date performers were led by Zacks Advantage in the first place, followed by Fidelity Go and Wells Fargo respectively. The inevitable down market and recent heightened market volatility have put investors to the test and pressure on the stagnate, set it and forget it, robo asset allocators. Zacks Advantage is different in that respect since they actively manage their portfolios and can be more pro-active and reactive to ongoing market conditions, a distinction that Mitch Zacks further commented on, The report noted that Zacks Advantages allocation to large-cap equities helped over the quarter. While this is indeed true, the report misses what we consider the secret sauce of the Zacks Advantage platform the fact that we apply our proprietary research to our decision-making process. What ETFs to own, how to allocate to each position, how to adjust based on market conditions. Our tactical, active approach to the robo advisory platform is what sets us apart, in our view. Zacks added, this #1 ranking is a direct affirmation that Zacks Advantages unique active management approach sets our automated investment offering apart and allows us to compete effectively against the larger player in the automated investment management industry. About Zacks Advantage Zacks Advantage combines the 30 Years of Investment Expertise with Automated Investment Technology to deliver a low fee, performance-driven automated financial advisory service suitable for nearly anyone regardless of how much they have to invest. At the core of the Zacks, Advantage robo platform is the parent firms, Zacks Investment Management, unique active management take on the industry-standard Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Zacks Advantage leverages these functions and then layers on our expertise to inform the algorithm what the allocation should be. Left to their own, robo advisors wont adjust holdings based on changing economic or market conditions. For example, if a particular group of stocks gains favor or a specific sector becomes unattractive robo advisors typically cant adapt as human advisors can. But they can be programmed by a human advisor in this case, the portfolio managers at Zacks Advantage to make those changes based on our input. In this way, Zacks Advantage is taking all of the most useful applications of a robo advisor, and adding on the expertise weve accumulated over the years through the Zacks research-driven approach. For more information on ZacksAdvantage Online Financial Advisor visit www.ZacksAdvantage.com. DISCLOSURE Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. Zacks Advantage was ranked by The Robo Report as the best Year-to-Date Top Performers for Total Portfolio and Equity in the digital advice industry. In addition, Zacks Advantage ranked second in the 1-Year Trailing Top Performer. The information was taken from the third quarter 2018 - The Robo Report - Edition 9. The Robo Report is a resource for both investors and professionals interested in the digital advice industry wherein they study and monitor the most well-known advisors in the digital advice industry. The Robo Report opened up, funded, and sought specific portfolios at various robo advisors with the goal to have the most aggressive (highest stock) allocation across the portfolios; allowing The Robo Report to measure performance and compare how funds are invested as equally as possible. This ranking may not be representative of any one clients experience. In addition, it is not indicative of future performance. Use your time to learn something new every day - Armen Sarkissian President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian answered the question of an Azerbaijani student referring to Nagorno Karabakh conflict during his meeting with the professors and students of Otto von Guericke University in German Saxony-Anhalt State. President Sarkissian said, From the viewpoint of mankind it was a tragedy what happened in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. I dont wish to go back to historical details. What happened in Armenia may create an environment where the conflict can be resolved. Armenia has a new Government and new Constitution. I am the Head of State, but I am not the Head of the Government. Now Armenia is like Germany. According to the Constitution, the Head of the Government has to negotiate with Ilham Aliyev. My role can be limited by offering advice. I want to emphasize a very important point. People have dies not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. I think we should spare no efforts to create a fair and peaceful atmosphere for finding a solution to the issue. Will it be easy? No. But we have to try to do it today, otherwise your and our children will have to ask the same question after years. Therefore, its time to solve the issue. NBU permits banks to establish rules of approving affiliated persons on their own The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has permitted commercial banks to establish rules of approving the list of persons affiliated with the bank on their own. The respective initiative was approved by NBU Board resolution No. 125, amending the identification of persons affiliated with the bank dated November 26, 2018. The document came into force on November 28, 2018. Additionally, the document specifies the period during which a bank undertakes to determine a person as associated with the bank in the statistical reporting, as well as the procedure for identifying a person not affiliated due to the expiration of the signs of affiliation. The National Bank expects that this will contribute to improving the efficiency of the management of operations with persons associated with banks. Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman is going to talk with Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier about the joint management of the Ukrainian gas pipeline system, the construction of North Stream 2 pipeline, and the introduction of energy efficiency programs in Ukraine. "I have just met with Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier. We have a lot of topics to discuss. Among them are the joint management of the Ukrainian gas pipeline system, North Stream 2, and energy efficiency programs," Groysman wrote in a tweet on Twitter on November 29. SkyUp airline has expanded its fleet with third Boeing 737-800 NG plane with 189 seats made in 2013, which became the fourth plane in the airline's fleet. "On the evening of November 28, the fourth plane of SkyUp Airlines, a Ukrainian low cost airline, Boeing 737-800, landed at the Kyiv airport," Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport said on its Facebook page on Thursday. In addition to the Boeing 737-800 NG, SkyUp has one Boeing 737-700 NG with 149 seats, and by the end of December, the airline is waiting for one more aircraft of each these two modifications. SkyUp Airline LLC was registered in Kyiv in June 2016. The founder of SkyUp was ACS-Ukraine LLC belonging to Tetiana Alba and Yuriy Alba, who also own JoinUp! tour operator. The company began charter flights from the end of May 2018. In October 2018, SkyUp airline received a Third Country Operator (TCO) License, allowing flying to 28 countries of the European Union (EU), as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. In December, the airline plans to launch regular flights. The State Service for Food Safety and Consumers' Protection and the authorized agency of Tunisia have signed a veterinary certificate for poultry exports from Ukraine to Tunisia. The respective information was posted on the Ukrainian authority's website on Thursday. As reported, in July 2018, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumers' Protection and the authorized agency of Turkey approved a veterinary certificate for fresh, cooled and frozen meat to be exported to Turkey from Ukraine. In 2018, Ukraine approved veterinary certificates for exports of meat to Albania, poultry and poultry products to Ghana and Morocco, poultry and poultry products, eggs and egg products to Hong Kong, livestock-based raw products to Tajikistan. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reiterated her position: the conflict in the east of Ukraine should be resolved by diplomatic means. "There can be no military solution to the Ukrainian conflict," said Angela Merkel, speaking at the German-Ukrainian forum in Berlin. At the same time, the German Chancellor stressed that Germany supports sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with the condemnation of Russia's actions, and "restrictive measures themselves are not the goal as such." "However, we are talking about principles. We can explain something with the help of sanctions. We introduced sanctions, because it is clear that around Russia there is a belt of states that could not develop as they wanted. We cannot close our eyes to this fact," Merkel said. In addition, Merkel criticized Russia's actions in the incident in the Kerch Strait and condemned the detention of Ukrainian sailors. "We must ensure that these soldiers are released," said the Chancellor. Exports of agricultural products from Ukraine amount to $14.8 bln in ten months Exports of agricultural products from Ukraine in January-October 2018 amounted to $14.8 billion, the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food has reported. "Our main trading partners in the agro-industrial sector remain Asian countries, which rank first in the regional export structure, the European Union ranks second, and African countries rank third," Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food on European Integration Olha Trofimtseva said. According to the ministry, among the exported goods the largest shares have oil (22%), corn (17%), wheat (16.3%), and rapeseeds (5.6%). According to the ministry, the growth of agricultural products export was due to the increase in exports of poultry (by 32%, or by $102.3 million), rapeseeds (by 11.9%, $89.5 million), corn (by 3.6%, $88.3 million), and some other categories. "Imports also rose significantly - by 20.8%. Most of all the following goods were supplied to the Ukrainian market: fish, shell fish, fruits, nuts, tobacco, cocoa beans, chocolate, oil, coffee, tea, and spices," Trofimtseva added. Russia-led occupation forces over the past day opened fire 14 times on Ukrainian army positions, wounding two soldiers, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has said. "Russian occupation forces opened fire 14 times on the positions of our troops. At the same time, the enemy used weapons banned by the Minsk agreements four times. As a result of the hostilities, two JFO soldiers were injured," JFO HQ said on Facebook on November 29 morning. Enemy formations fired from grenade launchers, large-calibre machine guns and small arms at Ukrainian positions in the areas of settlements of Stanytsia Luhanska, Krymske, Zolote, Shumy, Novhorodske, Pisky, Maryinka, Krasnohorivka, Pavlopil and Hnutove. Ukrainian intelligence said four enemy combatants were killed in the fighting. The Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdiansk in the Sea of Azov have been blocked by the Russian Federation for entry and exit of vessels; a total of 35 ships have been blocked, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan has said. "As of November 28 night, the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdiansk in the Sea of Azov have practically been blocked by the Russian Federation for entry and exit of ships," the minister wrote on Facebook on November 28. According to latest reports, 18 ships are waiting for the entry into the Sea of Azov, with four of them en route to the port in Berdiansk and 14 other to Mariupol. Three vessels that have left the Berdiansk port and six ships that left the Mariupol port cannot leave the Sea of Azov and proceed to the Black Sea. Eight more ships are anchored in the two ports now. "A total of 35 ships have been blocked. The navigation is free only to the Russian ports in the Sea of Azov. In other words, Russia has blocked the Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov," Omelyan said. The minister said the actions by the Russian party are evidence of a targeted escalation of tensions in the Sea of Azov to destabilize the region. "Their goal is evident. It is to block the operation of the Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov and gradually push Ukraine out of our legitimate territories, which are protected by the norms of international law," he said. The Verkhovna Rada's Human Rights Commissioner Lyudmyla Denisova has requested that Russian ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova and Russian Presidential Human Rights Council Chairman Mikhail Fedotov provide official documents on actual health status of Ukrainian political prisoners Oleh Sentsov and Volodymyr Balukh being held in Russia. "I always hear the Russian side claiming that they are in 'stable condition', but I need official documents, which would confirm that. I demanded that Fedotov and Moskalkova provide official documents on actual health status of Sentsov and Balukh," Denisova said on her Facebook account on Wednesday. She said she constantly receives alarming reports about condition of Ukrainian convicts in Russia and noted that Sentsov and Balukh had ended their lengthy hunger strikes, which resulted in serious irreversible changes in their internal organs. In addition, the rights of Roman Sushchenko, Stanyslav Klykh, Pavlo Hryb and "all of our other political prisoners" are being violated, she said. "I called on Tatyana Moskalkova and Mikhail Fedotov to take measures aimed at restoring the violated rights of our citizens, in particular, the rights to proper incarceration conditions and medical assistance, the rights to correspondence, protection and fair trial," Denisova said. PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- CarSmartt, (OTC: CRSM), is pleased to announce they have signed a licensing agreement with 9385-6516 Quebec Inc., d/b/a CarSmartt Canada, a Canada limited liability company in Canada. Our COO Mr. Visconti commented On November 26, 2018, CarSmartt completed a license agreement with CarSmartt Canada, a Canada limited company who agreed to provide one million dollars in funding for the development of both short range, Uber/Lyft type ridesharing, and our current long-distance ride and package programs. CarSmartt will be utilizing a portion of the funds to further develop its software application to facilitate the new short-range inner-city ride programs and the additional funds will be utilized to continue the ride programs in other markets. CarSmartt Canada, and its affiliated companies, currently has available 150 passenger vehicles and a limo company in Montreal which will begin utilizing its vehicles to launch CarSmartt Canada application starting in Montreal and utilize its funds to further develop the CarSmartt application throughout Canada. Mr. Visconti states CarSmartt is engaged in completing additional agreements for licensing agreements where the licensee provides CarSmartt with additional financing for marketing and where they have existing vehicles to facilitate the launch of the new inner city ride sharing program. About CarSmartt(R) CarSmartt(R) Inc. is a startup company of the revolutionary APP.CARSMARTT.COM a ride sharing concept located in Palo Alto CA. (Silicon Valley), at CarSmartt(R) we aim to make long distance traveling safer and more affordable, while connecting with people along the way. CarSmartt(R) members can choose to share a ride or ship a package with the option of applying insurance coverage. All CarSmartt(R) drivers are subject to a background check to reassure the safety of passengers. CarSmartt(R) is currently now active in the USA, Italy, Mexico and Colombia. However, our company will soon continue to expand to Europe, Canada and Latin America. About: CarSmartt Canada 9385-6516 Quebec Inc., d/b/a Smart Cars Canada, a Canada limited liability company headquartered in Montreal, Canada. CONTACT CarSmartt(R) 228 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Website: www.carsmartt.com Phone: 650-460-7416 Email: ir@carsmartt.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT Statements in this press release that are not historical fact may be deemed 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. Although CARSMARTT(R), Inc. believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, CARSMARTT(R), Inc. is unable to give any assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the company's ability to meet the conditions necessary to, among other matters, obtain a public listing on a major national exchange. Ukraine intends to request the closure of the Bosphorus strait for passage by Russian navy ships in connection with the Russian aggression against the Ukrainian military vessels in the Kerch Strait area, Ukraine's Naval Forces Commander Ihor Voronchenko has said. "I am sure that the world community will nevertheless make a decision and recognize that aggression against the state of Ukraine was carried out ... In this regard, as per the norms of the Montreux Convention, specifically item 19, we will request the closure of the Bosphorus Straight so Russia appreciates violating norms of international law," Voronchenko said during a speech at the 2nd International Conference on Maritime Security in Kyiv on November 29. As earlier reported, on November 25, Russian border guards detained the Yany Kapu tugboat and two small-sized Berdiansk and Nikopol armored artillery boats of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Navy, sailing from Odesa to Mariupol via the Black and Azov Seas, near the Kerch Strait. The ships were convoyed to Kerch. Twenty-four Ukrainian military seamen are detained, from whom, according to various information sources, from three to six are wounded. In the course of the operation, the Russian Federation closed shipping on the Kerch-Yenikale Canal, attracted helicopters and combat aircraft. The European Union and the foreign ministries of many countries have condemned Russian aggressive actions in the Azov and Black Seas against the Ukrainian ships. Kurt Volker, Special Representative of the U.S. Department of State for Ukraine Negotiations, and Pavlo Klimkin, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, said that there was nothing in the actions of the Ukrainian side in the Kerch Strait that could be regarded as a provocation. Kyiv insists that Russia's act of aggression against Ukraine near the Sea of Azov be discussed at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna in the presence of Ambassador Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Iryna Gerashchenko, first deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said. "Ukraine insists that Russia's act of aggression and provocation against Ukraine be discussed at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on November 29 in the presence of Ambassador Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, and Ambassador [Ertugrul] Apakan, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook on November 29. Also, she said the Ukrainian party and the OSCE have initiated a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group as a video conference call on Skype. "We insisted that an extraordinary meeting be held on Skype to discuss the blatant act of aggression by Russia against the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the Azov-Kerch maritime area and demand that all the Ukrainian naval personnel taken prisoners of war and illegally detained vessels be immediately released, free navigation in the Sea of Azov be restored, and tensions raised by the aggressive and provocation actions by Russia be de-escalated," she wrote. However, the Russian party turned down such a Skype call, Gerashchenko said. "This is the second refusal by Russia in a row to sit down for talks and be taken liable for its aggression," she said. The European Union demands that civil activities in Ukraine be protected, attacks on them be investigated, and those responsible for the attacks be brought to justice, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli has said. "It is not that easy to keep an eye on the political class. It is probably the reason for the fact that in the past year more than 50 civil activists have been attacked. Kateryna Handziuk was one of the latest victims of those tragic attacks. Such a trend is very worrisome to us. We herewith call on the authorities of this country to do everything they can to protect members of civil society and bring those who ordered and carried out those crimes to justice," he said at the Seventh Forum for Organizational Development of Civil Society in Ukraine that is taking place in Kyiv on November 29. Mingarelli said the EU will continue to monitor how such incidents are investigated in Ukraine. "I would like to assure you that we will insist the authorities do everything they can to stop crimes against civil activists," the ambassador said. The diplomat mentioned that the EU is ready to share its best practices and innovative approaches in the development of civil society. "The Ukrainian authorities understand that Ukraine is interested in supporting, assisting and developing civil society here," Mingarelli said. The closing of the Bosphorus Strait for Russian ships could be an adequate response to Russia's violation of international maritime law in the Sea of Azov, Ukraine's Naval Forces Commander Ihor Voronchenko has said. "The Montreux Convention clearly states: if a conflict occurs between two countries, and one of them is the aggressor, then the Bosphorus automatically closes for ships flying its flag," said Voronchenko told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency during the 2nd international conference on maritime security in in Kyiv on Thursday. The commander of the Naval Forces of the Supreme Soviet of Ukraine noted that the topic had already been raised previously in the fall at NATO headquarters. "In September, at NATO's office in Naples, I asked the commander of the Turkish Navy: if there is Russian aggression against Ukraine, will you close the Bosphorus for the aggressor country. The commander replied: we will comply with the convention," Voronchenko said. According to Turkish media, Turkish President Erdogan on Wednesday expressed willingness to act as a mediator to resolve the situation in the Azov-Black Sea basin in connection with Russia's shelling and the seizure of Ukrainian warships. . Voronchenko earlier said Ukraine intends to ask for the closure of the Bosphorus Strait for passage by Russian ships in connection with the Russian aggression against the Ukrainian military vessels in the Kerch Strait area. A special commission of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has been deployed on November 29 to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv to carry out an audit of holy items that were handed over to the lavra 30 years ago, the press service of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate said. "The locum tenens of the abode, Metropolitan of Vyshhorod and Chernobyl, Pavlo, has discussed with members of the commission the procedure of inspection of the availability of the items. On the first day of the Nativity Fast, the members of the commission started an inspection of the availability of hallows in the Closer and Farther Caves of the Lavra," a statement on the official website of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate says. The statement said the commission's work is being supervised by monks and local personnel. This is the first inspection to be carried out at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in 30 years. The special commission made up of employees of the Ministry of Culture and the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historic and Cultural Reserve was set up by the Ministry of Culture. The commission's job is to make an audit of the existing ecclesiastical antiquities and holy items that have been handed over to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra since 1998 when the monastery there resumed operation. Ukraine's SBU State Security Service has published intercepted conversations of the crews of the Russian SU-30 aircraft and Ka-52 attack helicopter with air control dispatchers. The recordings are evidence of the aggressive armed attack by Russian ships on Ukrainian Naval Forces vessels in the Kerch Strait area on November 25, 2018. The intercepted recordings were demonstrated to a correspondent of the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency during a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. "These intercepts leave no doubt that Russia's military commanders knowingly gave an order to use weapons against Ukrainian navy vessels," SBU deputy chief Oleh Frolov said. There are two former members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) among those involved in the attack on the Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait on November 25, Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Oleh Frolov has said. "We have information that two former employees of the Security Service of Ukraine performed the task of seizing our ships," Frolov said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday, answering the question whether there are Ukrainian citizens among the Russian military who deserted to the enemy side of the Russian Federation in 2014. "The Security Service of Ukraine is checking information [about possible persons involved in the attack on Ukrainian sailors] from all sources, including the Myrotvorets (Peacemaker) website," he added. Some of the sailors from three Ukrainian Navy boats, who were arrested by a Russian court on November 26-27, have been taken to Moscow from Crimea, Jemil Temishev, lawyer for the captain of the Berdyansk gunboat, said. "The sailors are in Moscow now. This is what my colleagues from the Lefortovo [detention facility] said. The Lefortovo has eventually been closed due to some 'technical procedures' today. And we in Simferopol weren't allowed to see our clients as we were told that they were allegedly involved in some procedures," Temishev wrote on Facebook on Thursday. Interfax has currently no confirmation of the information from law enforcement authorities. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz will pay an official visit to Kyiv on November 30 - December 1, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said. According to the press service, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and his Polish colleague will visit the Bykivnia Graves State Historical and Memorial Preserve near Kyiv on December 1. On the same day, with the participation of ministers, a solemn ceremony will be held in the National Reserve Sophia Kyivska to present the honorary award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland (Pro Dignitate Humane) "For human dignity" to the family of the Ukrainian film director and political prisoner Oleh Sentsov. In addition, talks are scheduled between the ministers of the two countries, as well as a number of top-level meetings to discuss topical issues in relations between Ukraine and Poland. During the visit of Czaputowicz, the 9th meeting of the Ukrainian-Polish Partnership Forum with the participation of foreign ministers will be held, after which they will hold a joint press conference. The EU expresses its utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait in recent days which has led to the seizure of Ukrainian vessels and their crews by Russia and shots being fired at them, wounding several Ukrainian servicemen, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has said. "We are dismayed at this use of force by Russia which, against the backdrop of increasing militarization in the area, is unacceptable," reads the statement of the EU high representative for foreign Affairs released in Brussels on Wednesday evening. "We call on all for utmost restraint to de-escalate the situation immediately. In this context, we also call strongly on Russia to release the captured vessels, their crew and equipment unconditionally and without delay," the document says. According to Mogherini, "the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014 remains a direct challenge to international security, with grave implications for the international legal order that protects the unity and sovereignty of all States." "We reconfirm our condemnation of this violation of international law. The construction of the Kerch bridge constitutes a further violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mogherini said. "The European Union reiterates its full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The European Union does not and will not recognize the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia," she said. She promised that the European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation and "is determined to act appropriately in close coordination with its international partners." 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Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/868hfn/north_america?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin, following a telephone conversation with his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt on Thursday evening, said that London understands Kyiv in the context of the Russian threat and will help us by all means. "I've just had a good conversation with my British counterpart Jeremy Hunt. The British get right us in the context of the Russian threat and will help us by all means," Klimkin wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday evening. At the same time, the Ukrainian foreign minister added that over the past few days he had had "very successful talks with nearly thirty foreign ministers from all over the world." U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had cancelled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina until the Ukrainian military sailors and the naval forces of the Ukrainian armed forces captured by the Russians near the Kerch Strait are returned to Ukraine. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" he wrote on Twitter on Thursday evening. The incident which took place in the Kerch Strait on November 25 closes all political discussion about whether Kyiv should denounce its 2003 agreement with Russia on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and the strait, Yevhen Marchuk, Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) which mediates the Donbas conflict, said. "Today I don't even see a subject matter for discussion: to denounce or not to denounce the 2003 agreement with Russia on the joint use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait... Russia crossed out this agreement, and the one on [joint] national border," Marchuk said at a panel discussion during the second international maritime security conference in Kyiv on Thursday. "The only platform where Ukraine and Russia could discuss the current situation is the Normandy Four which met more than a year and a half ago," he said. Ukraine will continue to insist on the creation of a TCG subgroup on border issues to discuss the waters of the two seas, but Russia is opposed to the idea, Marchuk said. "Russia is categorically against the creation of a separate working group on border issues. And now it is clear [why]: because the Sea of Azov, too, is a border," he said. The current situation in Ukraine, primarily in the Azov Sea, will be one of the items on the agenda of the G20 summit, which will start in Argentina in the coming days, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said during his speech at the German circle of foreign policy. Since 2014, we have had a clear support of Germany. This is the support of values, respect for international law, of a sovereign state determining the vector of development and its future. What happened in the Sea of Azov cannot be ignored. Twenty-four Ukrainian military were arrested. Everyone saw the footage that has circled the globe ... It's obvious to us that after the illegal annexation of Crimea, there is an occupation of the Sea of Azov ... We expect that a dialogue on Ukraine will take place within the framework of the G20 summit. If we don't stop the aggressor regime, there will be more victims and attacks, the press service of the Cabinet quoted Groysman on Thursday night. When speaking, the head of the Ukrainian government stressed that the situation in Ukraine would affect the further development of the entire continent. PARIS/BRUSSELS/VIENNA, Nov 27 (Reuters) France and Germany are to take joint responsibility for an EU-Iran trade mechanism to minimize the risk of U.S. punishment but few now believe it will cover oil sales, heightening fears for the fate of the landmark international nuclear deal with Iran. Diplomats said the French-German gambit is a "safety-in-numbers" tactic to overcome the refusal of individual EU states to host the mechanism to sidestep the risk of being targeted by the revived U.S. sanctions regime against Iran. But with U.S. threats of retribution for sanctions-busting unrelenting, they told Reuters that the goals of the nascent trade mechanism could be scaled back to encompass only less sensitive items such as humanitarian and food products. That may well fall short of what Iran's moderates wish for to fend off anti-Western hardliners demanding Tehran ditch the 2015 nuclear deal which they opposed in the first place. "The SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle for trade) is important, but what's more important to the Iranians is oil and ensuring their exports in the long term," said a senior French diplomat. "None of the measures that we're trying to put in place will perform miracles, but what we're trying to do is a series of measures to convince the Iranians to keep to their nuclear commitments. That is our objective," he said. France, Germany and Britain - European signatories to world powers' 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its disputed nuclear program - have scrambled to come up with measures to preserve its economic benefits for Tehran after U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the accord as weak and withdrew from it in May. The European Union has so far enabled its lending arm, the European Investment Bank, to add Iran to a list of countries with which it does business and introduced a law to shield European companies from U.S. sanctions. Both measures are part of a wider package meant to show European good faith to Iran and would be complemented with the so-called SPV, a clearing house that avoids monetary transfers in dollars between the EU and Iran. The goal was to have the SPV legally in place by the time Trump reimposed oil sanctions on Iran on Nov. 5, though not operational until next year. However, after no countries came forward to host the SPV and only Austria and Luxembourg - small states with solid financial systems - refused for fear of incurring U.S. sanctions, France, Germany and Britain were forced to go back to the drawing board. "What's in the air now is that France or Germany would host or preside over the SPV," said an EU diplomat. "The French are the most pushy and the Germans are more prudent, but at the same time France doesn't want to bear the brunt for everyone else." Two other diplomats said that if Paris and Berlin took joint control of the SPV it could deter the Trump administration from directly confronting two major U.S. allies. Britain is still considering how to contribute, but is restrained by the distracting process of its pending departure from the EU and by the fact the SPV would be trading in euros, not Britain's sterling currency. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the bloc's ministers in a closed-door meeting in Brussels on Nov. 19 that the Paris and Berlin were working closely together to achieve something by year-end, two other EU diplomats said. The French, German and British finance ministers will discuss the SPV on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 summit, according to a French Finance Ministry source. NO MIRACLES Under the 2015 deal, Iran restricted its declared civilian nuclear power program, widely seen in the West as a front for developing the means to make atomic bombs, in exchange for an end to international sanctions against it. To circumvent renewed U.S. sanctions, the SPV was conceived as a possible way to help match Iranian oil and gas exports against purchases of EU goods, an effective barter arrangement. However, those ambitions appear to have been toned down with four diplomats saying the SPV could realistically only be used for smaller trade that might be tolerated by the Trump administration, for example humanitarian or farm products. Asked whether the mechanism would be able to handle oil sales after all, EU Energy and Climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said only that work was continuing. "We are developing a very sophisticated special purpose vehicle. It is not easy, Canete said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. The SPV's legal and technical aspects, such as ownership structure, jurisdiction and what banking infrastructure to use if any, were still being finalized, diplomats said. A person informed of the discussions also said the European Commission was sounding out Washington on the SPV. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that European banks and firms who engage in the mechanism would be at risk. IRANIAN OIL PRIORITIES Continued oil sales to mega-energy consumers India and China could be enough for now to satisfy Iran, easing the need for the SPV to immediately cover crude trade, the French diplomat said. But another EU diplomat was more blunt, arguing that European efforts were symbolic and ultimately any decision by Iran to stay in the nuclear deal would be political and not based on European measures. "You can't do big business with pistachios," he said, referring to one of Iran's major, but less lucrative, exports. Highlighting just how sensitive the issue is in Tehran and the possible disconnect between what the EU can do and Iran's aspirations, Iranian officials have repeated to European counterparts in recent meetings that they are under pressure by clerical and security hardliners and cited the possibility and consequences of Iran exiting the deal in the coming weeks. "Our priority is to be able to enjoy some banking system for financial transactions and to be able to sell our oil," Ali Akhbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. "If the SPV answers the two priorities that I just mentioned..., then yes it could be a workable proposal, it can be helpful in keeping the deal alive. But a senior Iranian official close to influential hardliners in the Iranian leadership said the Islamic Republic was losing time "by betting on the wrong horse. "The EU will think about its own interests. The amount of trade with Iran is like a drop compared to the (EU's) ocean of trade with America. They will eventually leave us. Besides, what have we gained so far? Just words." (Additional reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai and Leigh Thomas in Paris Editing by Mark Heinrich) Irans attorney general has said that imprisoned ecologists were agents of influence for Israel and the United States and there are documents proving the charge. Tasnim new agency linked to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps quotes Mohammad Jaafar Montazeri as saying that infiltrating environmentalist circles by Israel and the U.S. was always on the radar, especially that ecologists could go to sensitive and vital locations in the country and place their cameras with the pretense of protecting animals. Agents of influence among ecologists were arrested and unfortunately some defended them but documents showing their infiltration is all available. The Islamic Republic arrested eight environmental experts in animal protection in January and accused them of spying. It is not clear who exactly arrested them, but it is clear it was not the intelligence ministry, which is the sole official organ to pursue cases of espionage. Journalists, activists and the defense lawyer say that the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) must be responsible for the arrests. The Intelligence Ministry in May was quoted as saying that its investigation has found no proof of espionage by detained ecologists. Among the detainees was Iranian-Canadian founder of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Professor Kavous Seyyed-Emami, who was detained alongside the eight ecologists, mysteriously died last January in Tehran's infamous Evin prison. The authorities maintain that 63-year old Seyyed-Emami committed suicide behind bars, an allegation categorically denied by the environmentalist's relatives. In October, The Tehran prosecutor confirmed that four of the eight detained Iranian environmentalists have been charged with "corruption on Earth", which could be punishable by death. But despite pressure by Canada, international organizations and some Iran parliamentarians, no trials have been held for ten months. On November 9 the head of the Judiciary in Tehran province said that indictments against the detained environmentalists have been delivered to the "Revolution Court" and the specific court for their trial has been selected. There has been no news about the trial since this announcement. Nearly ten years after a harsh crackdown ended Irans youth-driven Green Movement, sometimes called the Persian Spring, it appears university students have lost their appetite for political activism amid ever tighter restrictions on freedom of speech. "Iranian students are reluctant to participate in political activities," said Hossein Salimi, the president of Allameh Tababaei University in Tehran, one of the largest universities in the country. Speaking to the state-run Iran Students News Agency (ISNA), Salimi, a former cleric, said the main reason students have lost interest in politics is that they fear the consequences of expressing their opinions. According to Salimi, 60-70 percent of the licenses his university issues for student gatherings go unused. "Although nearly all of the students' requests to hold meetings are approved by the supervisory board, most of the licenses are not used," Salimi said. Salimi, who was welcomed by students four years when he replaced a hardliner as the president of the university, says the era of certain political activities among Iranians is over. His countrymen, he says, have lost interest in expressing their thoughts and ideas at emotional meetings that lead to political instability. However, Salimi argues there is no reason students shouldnt be engaged in politics, as long as the red lines of the ruling establishment are respected, of course. According to Salimi, if student political activities go beyond what is considered acceptable by the ruling establishment, "the managers of the universities lose control and other institutions (security and intelligence entities) step in, bringing a host of other problems. The Iranian student associations, once highly active during the presidency of reformist Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), are currently under the close supervision of different intelligence and security organizations, and are effectively silenced. Hundreds of "starred" Iranian students have been kicked out of their universities for raising their voices. A star next to a students name in official university records in Iran means a partial or complete ban from state universities. Although President Hassan Rouhani formed a committee in to resolve the issue of starred students, the fate of an unknown number of them is still in limbo. Furthermore, hundreds of students' rights activists were arrested after the nationwide anti-establishment protests that swept the country in late December 2017 and early January this year. Most of those arrested were not involved in the protests but were taken into custody as a preventative measure. Many were given long prison sentences and some are still awaiting a verdict. All these developments have led to a significant decline in Iranian student participation in political activities. Even conservative student groups supportive of the ruling establishment have reason to be cautious. Last week, an ultraconservative student group asked Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to attend a gathering at Tehran University and take questions from students about the performance of the Islamic Ruling System since its inception nearly four decades ago. However, days later, under heavy pressure, the group withdrew its request, signaling that the ruling establishment prefers students, even those who support them, stay out of politics entirely. The patience of Iranian leaders is seemingly running thin as six months after the US pull-out from the nuclear deal, EU's promise to save the agreement has not materialized and its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to facilitate Iran's trade is far from operational. In the meantime, Iran does not appear to be convinced by France and Germany's promise this week to take the lead in the SVP initiative. At least three Iranian officials, Nuclear Chief Ali Akbar Salehi, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his deputy Abbas Araqchi have said during the past week that "there is a limit to Iran's toleration." Zarif explicitly told the Europeans that they should accept the cost of addressing their security concerns. "You cannot swim without getting wet," he told Europeans. In one of his latest statements on the subject, Araqchi said, "Re-instating US sanctions has reduced Iran's benefit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to nil. The balance between 'give' and 'take' in JCPOA has been disrupted The deal will not survive if Iran cannot benefit from it It is essential that EU's SVP starts to work." In another development, Iranian Atomic Energy Organization Chief Salehi warned "There will be undesirable consequences if Iran cannot benefit from the JCPOA." In the absence of a clear response on the part of Europeans to these warnings and threats, The Wall Street Journal wrote, " The European Unions announcement that it would establish a special payments channel to maintain economic ties with Iran sent a clear message to Tehran and Washington: Europe is intent on trying to save the 2015 nuclear deal," adding that the participating European states are going to own and host the financial institution that is going to facilitate transactions with Iran. Six months after the US pull-out from the deal with Iran and one month after full US sanctions on Iran were re-instated, only a six month exemption from sanctions for major customers of Iran's crude oil and natural gas delayed the full implementation of the United States' policy of maximum pressure on Iran. Europe's measures to save the deal and facilitate trade with Iran are the center-piece of Iran's resistance against the U.S. sanctions. The recent tough talk by Iranian officials could be viewed as Iran's pressure on Europe to hasten its initiative to support Iran in the short run. The fragile situation and the gap between EU's promises and actions have perhaps pushed the weakened JCPOA forward on its track to death. It is now more likely that 2018 could see the end of the nuclear agreement by world powers with Iran. Most assessments indicate that Russia and China cannot save the JCPOA and meet the Islamic Republic's minimum demands without support from EU. EU is aware of the situation and says it has the will and determination to save the agreement, but there are increasing doubts about its capability to do so. Austria and Luxemburg's refusal to host the financial channel to support Iran's foreign trade has added to pessimism and despair. At the same time, Europe's failure to implement and run the SVP has changed the balance of power inside Iran to the benefit of hardliners who have always had their doubts about Europe's ability to act on its promises. This has brought the Rouhani administration under pressure. An impeachment push against Zarif and parliament speaker Ali Larijani are indications of hardliners becoming bolder. In the meantime, the US has increased its pressures on European companies while European states cannot convince these companies to work with Iran. Iranians are aware of the situation and have minimized their demands from Europe. Nevertheless, they cannot wait forever and they cannot justify remaining in the nuclear deal if they lose their hope of support from Europe. It is unlikely that in 2019 Iran would keep its nuclear activity at the level agreed in the JCPOA if its minimal expectations from Europe are not met, although it is not clear what will Iran do if it pulls out of the deal. Iranian officials' recent warnings and threats is inconsistent with their usual claim of Tehran's nuclear program being peaceful. The West and even Russia never bought that claim. Tehran may be using these threats and warnings as a leverage to exert pressure on Europe, but Tehran's return to pre-JCPOA status would strengthen the arguments of Israel, US and Saudi Arabia and reinforce their claims about Tehran trying to threaten the Middle East and beyond through nuclear power. Iran's threat could be too costly even if officials are using them only to exert pressure on Europe. These threats, as well as IRGC commanders' recent bluster about attacking US bases in the region might escalate regional tensions. Taking uncalculated risks might encourage EU countries to forget about detente with the Islamic Republic and would bring EU's positions closer to those of the United States. The views expressed in this analysis are the author's own and do not necessarily represent those of Radio Farda. The Islamic Republic's Prosecutor-General says Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarifs recent accusations of rampant money laundering in Iran are baseless, and the conservative block in Irans parliament is threatening to have him impeached over his comments. In a highly controversial remark November 11, Zarif said that those who profit in the billions of dollars" from money laundering in Iran are spending millions from their windfalls to prevent the passage of legislation requiring more financial transparency in Iran. The foreign minister went on to implicitly accuse unspecified state agencies of mounting the campaign against President Hassan Rouhanis package of laws against money laundering, known collectively in Iran as the Palermo Bills. "We cannot challenge the scenes set by these wealthy and mighty state organs, he said. Later, Zarif clarified that he had not accused any specific state agency of money laundering. Nevertheless, allies of the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have gone on the defensive. Eight days after Zarif's comments, the head of Irans judiciary, Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, characterized Zarifs accusations as a stab right into the heart of the Islamic Republic ruling system, saying that if there is any evidence of widespread money laundering by state agencies, it should be referred to the judicial department. The Islamic Republic's Prosecutor-General, mid-ranking cleric Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, later disclosed that Zarif had written a 12-page letter to his office to clarify the controversial remarks. Montazeri said the letter, which Zarif wrote at the judiciarys insistence, was devoid of evidence supporting his accusations. The Rouhani administration has defended Zarifs comments, saying they are fully endorsed by the cabinet and reflect the government position against money laundering. "Based on reliable statistics, nearly 10-15 billion dollars are annually laundered in Iran, Zarif's first deputy, Morteza Sarmadi, told Iran Students News Agency (ISNA) November 20. Zarif has not accused opponents of the Palermo Bills of money laundering. He has only condemned individuals benefiting from money laundering. Iranian Ambassador to London, Hamid Baeidinejad, also joined the chorus to defend Zarif by insisting that the Islamic Republic's authorities have long been aware of the high level of money laundering in the country. The authorities have been monitoring the main smuggling points of entry for years and are fully aware of the precise amount of money gained through these points of entry, Baeidinejad tweeted November 20. "Smuggling narcotics in Iran amounts to $3 billion, and hard currencies and goods $12.6 billion, each year," Baeidinejad continued, adding, "Forty million liters (roughly 10.5 million gallons) of fuel are smuggled out of Iran every day. The money gained through such deals is lining the pockets of those involved in money laundering." International transparency watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has demanded that Iran adhere to anti-money laundering standards and enact laws to prevent financing of terrorism. The adoption of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws (the Palermo Bills) by Iran could also help its standing with European countries that have pledged to help Iran continue doing trade despite U.S. sanctions. The opponents of the Palermo Bills argue that their implementation is a threat to Irans security. Analysts say the real fear in circles loyal to the Supreme Leader is that adhering to the financial transparency requirements would prevent Iran from financially supporting the Lebanese Hezbollah and Palestinian Hamas militant groups. The Islamic Republic and North Korea are the only countries on the Financial Action Task Force blacklist, but the Paris-based organization has suspended counter-measures against Tehran while it works on reforms. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Iran has no interest in easing the suffering of Yemens people and the Mullahs dont even care for ordinary Iranians. Pompeos remarks coincided with a closed session of the United States Senate that debated a response to Saudi Arabia for the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The senators passed a resolution to pull U.S. support from the war in Yemen, in what is seen as a rebuke to both Riyadh and President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. Separately, Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggi's murder "has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies." With reporting by AP, Reuters English French OAKVILLE, Ontario, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As we head into the first weekend of December, the holiday parties and gatherings are ramping up. MADD Canada and Allstate Insurance Company of Canada are asking all Canadians to keep the festivities safe by always having sober transportation home if alcohol and/or cannabis are being consumed. Tragedies caused by impaired driving are 100% preventable. This year, impaired driving took on a new meaning with the legalization of recreational cannabis, said Allstate Canada President and CEO Ryan Michel. Regardless if your holiday party plans include alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance that can impair your ability to drive, remember to leave the driving to someone sober. Thousands of Canadians are killed and injured in impaired driving crashes every year. During this holiday season, MADD Canada and Allstate Canada are asking Canadians to prevent impaired driving: dont drive impaired book an Uber , call a cab, take public transit, arrange a designated driver or plan to stay overnight; , call a cab, take public transit, arrange a designated driver or plan to stay overnight; dont ride with drivers who are impaired; if you see a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911 and report it to police. While a great deal of progress has been made in the fight against impaired driving over the years, the job is not finished yet. Alcohol and drug-related crashes continue to be a deadly problem on Canadian roads and continued awareness efforts are crucial, especially now that cannabis is legal. It only takes a few minutes to plan out a safe and sober ride option, and it can prevent an impaired driving charge, or, worse, a tragic crash that kills or injures someone, said MADD Canada National President Patricia Hynes-Coates. MADD Canadas holiday awareness campaign, Project Red Ribbon, will be in full swing throughout the month of December. Sponsored by Allstate Canada, the campaign involves hundreds of MADD Canada volunteers in communities across the country distributing red ribbons and red ribbon car decals for the public to display as a symbol of their commitment to always drive safe and sober. The ribbons also serve as a powerful tribute to the thousands of Canadians killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs each year. Ribbons and car decals are available through the MADD Canada web site at madd.ca , Chapters and Community Leaders, and participating sponsor outlets. Anyone who wishes to support Project Red Ribbon with a donation can do so online through the web site, by calling 1-800-665-6233 or by texting RIBBON to 45678 (a one-time $10 donation is added to the donors cell phone bill and payable to his or her service provider.) Those looking for a safe, sober and reliable ride home at the push of a button can check out Uber, MADD Canadas Official Designated Driving App. Visit https://www.uber.com/partner/en-ca/madd-canada/ for more information. WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons deployed to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a tactic by President Donald Trump's administration to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities. The second presentation of Iranian weapons by the Pentagon, many of which were handed over by Saudi Arabia, coincides with growing concern in Congress over U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, which has led to a deep humanitarian crisis. Members of Congress have escalated their opposition to Saudi Arabia after the Oct. 2 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate. Despite administration pleas to stick with the Saudis and thereby counter Iran, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end military support for the Saudis in Yemen. If Iran were found to be shipping arms to Yemen, Afghanistan and other countries, it would be in violation of United Nations resolutions. Reuters was given advanced access to the military hangar at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling just outside of Washington where the U.S. Defense Department put the fragments of weaponry on display and explained how it concluded that they came from Iran. "We want there to be no doubt across the world that this is a priority for the United States and that it's in international interest to address it," said Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. The presentation, the second such one in the last year, is part of a government-wide effort to follow through on Trump's policy to take a far harder line toward Tehran. He pulled the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, in part for its "malign" regional activities. Iran has denied supplying the Houthis in Yemen with such weaponry and described the Pentagon's previous arms display as "fabricated." WEAPONS TO YEMEN The Pentagon offered a detailed explanation of why it believed the arms on display came from Iran, noting what it said were Iranian corporate logos on arms fragments and the unique nature of the designs of Iranian weaponry. The United States acknowledged it could not say precisely when the weapons were transferred to the Houthis, and, in some cases, could not say when they were used. There was no immediate way to independently verify where the weapons were made or employed. This included a "Sayyad-2" surface to air missile (SAM), which the Pentagon said had been interdicted by the Saudi government in early 2018 enroute to Houthi militants in Yemen. The Pentagon cited a corporate logo of an Iranian defense firm in the warhead section, which was not displayed, and writing in Farsi along the missile as evidence that it was Iranian. A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the Pentagon did not know if the Houthis had actually used this type of missile before. The Houthis, who control Yemens capital Sanaa, have fired dozens of missiles into Saudi Arabia in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict widely seen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Under a U.N. resolution that enshrines the Iran nuclear deal with world powers, Tehran is prohibited from supplying, selling or transferring weapons outside the country unless approved by the U.N. Security Council. A separate U.N. resolution on Yemen bans the supply of weapons to Houthi leaders. WAR IN AFGHANISTAN The United States has long accused Iran of providing weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan. In October, Washington targeted two individuals linked to the Quds Force of Irans Revolutionary Guards for providing material and financial support to the Taliban. The Pentagon displayed a number of "Fadjr" rockets, that it said had been provided to the Taliban. It said they were Iranian because of the unique markings on the rockets and the paint scheme, along with the markings on them. The Taliban is known to buy weapons on the black market and defense officials could not say why they were sure these missiles had not been simply bought by the Taliban. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 Trend: Today, Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) celebrates its 7th anniversary. The Higher School, which has become now a leading national higher educational institution in Azerbaijan, was set up within SOCAR structure upon the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated November 29, 2011. On May 1, 2017, the President Ilham Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the BHOS new campus, the largest one in the Caucasian region. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highly commended the Higher Schools activities and said, Baku Higher Oil School has been operating for six years. It has been very successful. Over these years, the school has earned itself a worthy place in the sphere of education in Azerbaijan. The school moves to a new campus today. All the conditions are available here to study. The most modern technologies have been applied. According to the 2017 Annual report published by the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, BHOS took the first place in the rating of the national universities in terms of average passing score earned by the prospective students at the entrance exams to the higher educational institutions of the republic. At the Baku Higher Oil School, it was 678 points. In 2018, more successes were achieved. All 13 prospective students who earned 700 points during the entrance exams for the first specialty group selected to study at the Higher School. Moreover, 26 first-year students admitted to BHOS for 2018/2019 academic year were awarded Presidential scholarship. This record made the Higher School a leader among national universities by the number of Presidential Scholars. In the seven years, two graduation ceremonies were held. Out of those BHOS alumni who wanted to start their engineering career, 100% of them are employed. As of today, all the graduates either work at local or transnational companies or continue their education at prestigious universities in Azerbaijan and abroad. The Baku Higher Oil School has developed strong partnership with many leading companies including, among others, SOCAR, BP, ABB, Emerson, Schneider Electric, Maire Tecnimont, Halliburton, Microsoft, Schlumberger, Statoil, Total, STAR Refinery and Avandsis Group. This cooperation aims at professional development of the BHOS students and training of future engineers in Azerbaijan according to international standards. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: Armenian soldiers in Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region are unhappy that they are forced to transfer money to the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, political analyst Ehtiram Ashirli told Trend Nov. 29. He said that an annual telethon of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund was held in Los Angeles Nov. 22. This time during the fundraising campaign conducted under the slogan 'Create Together', the amount of funds raised was $11,109,633, he said. With the help of these funds, illegal activity is carried out in the occupied Karabakh. However, according to information, soldiers and officers of military units of the Armenian army illegally deployed in Karabakh are forced to transfer money to this fund. Officers are required to transfer 5,000 drams to the funds account, ensigns have to transfer 3,000 drams, contract soldiers have to transfer 1,000 drams, and the military personnel has to pay 100 drams. According to the information, the servicemen who dont observe this instruction encounter problems. He noted that the Armenian Ministry of Defense annually transfers a certain amount to the funds account, but then these funds are collected from military personnel, and this causes discontent among them every year. The money from the servicemen was collected only in military units deployed in Karabakh, the analyst said. A spokesman for the Armenian Defense Ministry, calling this a terrible thing, added that he doesnt have such information and declined to give additional information. The funds raised during the telethons amounted to $12,505,456 in 2017, $15,428,777 in 2016, $10,378,465 in 2015 and $12,399,550 in 2014. 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. 29 Trend: Thanks to the efforts of State Committee for Work with the Azerbaijani Diaspora, the disinformation about Azerbaijan in the Yandex.ru search engine owned by Russia was removed from the engine, the committee said in a message Nov. 29. After the committee received information about this, Azerbaijani diaspora organizations operating in Moscow were given certain instructions to prevent the provocation. In this regard, Chairman of the organization Azerbaijan Community of Moscow Shamil Tagiyev asked Azerbaijani compatriots in social networks to appeal to the Yandex leadership. Thanks to protests by diaspora organizations and the compatriots, the disinformation about Azerbaijan was removed from the search engine. The Yandex voice search engine for smartphones contained false information, the Azerbaijani lands in the search results were indicated as the territories of Turkey and Armenia. 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. 29 Trend: Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of NATO, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a meeting with head of Azerbaijans Mission to NATO Gaya Mammadov, said the Azerbaijani mission in a message Nov. 29. Mammadov handed over his credentials to the NATO secretary general. During the meeting, Mammadov conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the secretary general. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, regional security issues. Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to participation in the Partnership for Peace program, and stressed that the country will continue joint efforts with NATO to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. He informed about the settlement process of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and stressed that the support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan, expressed in the final declaration of the NATO Brussels Summit, and the position of the Alliance calling for solving the conflict based on these principles are welcome. In turn, Stoltenberg asked to convey his greetings to the president of Azerbaijan. He expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, and also thanked for the contribution made by the Azerbaijani side to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 Trend: On November 29, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to People`s Artist of Azerbaijan and the USSR, hero of Socialist Labor, holder of state prizes Tahir Salahov. The president praised the activity of prominent representative of the contemporary art school of Azerbaijan Tahir Salahov and congratulated him on receiving "Labor" Order 1st Class. Salahov thanked President Aliyev for the phone call and congratulations. He expressed deep gratitude to the president for awarding him the highest state prize of Azerbaijan. President Aliyev wished Salahov robust health and new success in his activities. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Azerbaijan and Romania are strategic partners, Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan Dan Iancu said at an event dedicated to the Day of National Unity of Romania on Nov. 29. "We have close relations with Azerbaijan in political, economic, humanitarian and other areas of mutual interest. In 2018, we made progress in all areas of bilateral relations. Last week, the fifth meeting of the intergovernmental commission took place in Bucharest, and this created the basis for an ambitious bilateral agenda for 2019," the ambassador said. He further noted that Romania will chair the Council of Europe in 1H2019. The ambassador stressed that the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU is an integral part of the agenda of the Romanian presidency. Iancu expressed hope that a new partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan will be signed soon. Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Ali Ahmadov said the relations between the two countries have developed more actively during the years of independence. He emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Romania in the development of relations. The two countries have made very important decisions, the implementation of which successfully continues, Ahmadov said. He highlighted the importance of political dialogue between the two countries. The deputy prime minister said that Romania has always supported the fair position of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ahmadov stressed that economic relations are also successfully developing between the two countries and these ties will be further expanded in the future. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 Trend: On Nov. 29, 2018, at the Art Tower Gallery in Baku, the Embassy of Bulgaria in Baku held an opening ceremony of a documentary photo exhibition called The Power of Civil Society: The Fate of the Jews in Bulgaria 1940-1944. The event was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews during the World War II. In his opening speech, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Azerbaijan Nikolay Yankov stressed that the rescue of 48,000 Bulgarian Jews in 1943 is an outstanding historical example that shows how personal and political courage, civic conscience and determination can resist the most devastating policy. The exhibition chronicles the resistance of the Bulgarian citizens, the brave refusal of society to obey the authorities plans to send Bulgarian Jews to Nazi concentration camps. The event was supported by the Embassy of Israel in Baku and Ambassador of Israel to Azerbaijan Dan Stav also made opening remarks at the presentation of the exhibition. It is a great honor to say a few words on the opening of the exhibition The Power of Civil Society: The Fate of the Jews in Bulgaria 1940-1944, Dan Stav said. I am grateful to Ambassador Yankov for granting me the opportunity to share my thoughts you. The story of the salvation of the 50,000 strong Bulgarian Jews is unique and should be remembered for its merits as a great humanist approach of so many brave individuals. It should also serve as a constant reminder of the ability of leading individuals blessed with courage and conscience to form an active civil society that stands up firmly against gross injustice, despite facing hostile government that joined hands with Nazi Germany and very powerful fascist elements in Bulgaria, Dan Stav noted. Historically, the Bulgarian Jewry did not face the same ferocious anti-Semitism that existed in many parts of Europe, he noted. Racist approaches towards Jews were not common, though manifestations of Anti-Semitism were evident in Bulgaria including pogroms conducted by a number of Fascist organizations. The overall acceptance of Jews, however, prompted Karl Franz Reich, the German representative in Bulgaria to admit in April 1943 that transport of Jews from Bulgaria will face difficulties. He attributed it to the different approaches prevailing in Bulgaria to the so-called Jewish issue in comparison to those that prevailed in Germany. The resistance to the expulsion of Jews from Bulgaria was impressive, he added. In October 1940, 21 of the most important Bulgarian writers signed a petition urging the government not to enact the law on The Protection of the Nation that limited the Jews rights and in fact paved the way for the mass deportation of Jews. The Physician association and the lawyers bureau joined hand in expressing strong objection to that l.aw. The Metropolitans Stephan from Sofia, Cyril from Plovdiv, Naupit from Vidin and Sofronii from Vratsa were also very active in this protest. Due to these activities, the government was hesitant to push for the endorsement of that law, yet it was finally endorsed in 1941. This courageous resistance reflected a wide spread sympathy among the Bulgarian people towards the Jews. When the government finally ordered the first deportation of Jews from Kyustandil in March 1943 a delegation representing organizations from right and left warned the government against it and succeeded in preventing the deportation, he said. When the government was trying to deport the Jews of Sofia the move met with almost cross the board objection from the intelligentsia, the religious leaders and many other rank and file Bulgarians. The bottom line is that 50,000 Jews were internally displaced but not deported to a certain death in the death camps such as Treblinka. Out of 26,000 Sofia Jews, about 19,000 were internally displaced. They faced enormous hardship, harassments and suffering. One should not forget the forced labor camps in which thousands of Jewish men were interned. Yet they survived. Sadly, the same cant be said about the fate of the Jews living in Macedonia, Trace and the eastern parts of Serbia, territories that were annexed to Bulgaria during the Second World War, he noted. About 12,000 Jews from these territories were handed over to the Wehrmacht and sent to Treblinka concentration camp. As many as 50,000 Bulgarian Jews were saved by the hard work of many members of the Bulgarian civil society, he noted. By enlarge, the Bulgarian people displayed compassion for the Jews, he said. They did it at the risk to their own well-being if not even their lives. It is a matter for historians to debate about the role played by the Communist resistance movement, the partisans, ordinary people, the civil society in the rescue of the Bulgarian Jewry and to what extent the changing external circumstances contributed to this salvation. Yet the moral importance of the role played by the civil society in Bulgaria at that time of extreme trial cannot and should not be underestimated. The exhibition has been shown more than 40 times on three continents since its premiere in 2008. It was realized in collaboration with the Centre for Jewish Studies at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and State Institute for Culture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. The exhibition will stay open for visitors from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2018. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 Trend: Qatar offered Azerbaijan to join the transit agreement signed with Turkey, the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee said in a message on Nov. 29. The proposal was made by Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari during a meeting with chairman of the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, Lieutenant-General Safar Mehdiyev within the 34th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Azerbaijan-Qatar relations were discussed at the meeting. He stressed the development of relations in the customs sphere between Azerbaijan and Qatar, further prospects for cooperation and invited the Qatari minister to visit Azerbaijan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: Among the most promising areas in the implementation of joint projects between Azerbaijan and Australia are mining, IT and aerospace industry, President of the Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Australia Nizami Jafarov told Trend. While speaking about IT, Jafarov stressed that presently, the Azerbaijani company Global Service Provider (GSP) is negotiating to launch its activity in Australia. "The cooperation in the aerospace industry can be established by Azercosmos OJSC and the Australian Space Agency, created in July," he said. "The sides are considering the opportunity to exchange experience." Jafarov added that the potential of cooperation between the countries is great, but it is not fully used. "As a result, the work on the development of trade and economic relations affects all areas beneficial to both sides," he said. Azercosmos, established on May 3, 2010, is the only satellite operator in the Caucasus and is fully owned by the Azerbaijani government. The company manages two satellites Azerspace-1, Azerspace-2 and low-orbit satellite Azersky. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Australia intensified in 2017, when a business delegation consisting of Australian entrepreneurs first visited the country in October. As part of the visit, Baku hosted the first Azerbaijani-Australian business forum. The representatives of 30 Australian companies operating in various sectors of the economy, including tourism, finance, investments, real estate, media and other areas attended the forum. English Finnish Municipality Finance Plc Stock exchange release 29 November 2018 at 7 p.m. (EET) Republication of Municipality Finance Plc's Pillar III Disclosure Reports Municipality Finance Plc (MuniFin) has republished Pillar III Disclosure Report 2017 and Pillar III Disclosure Report Half Year 2018 originally made public on 7 March 2018 and 14 August 2018, respectively. The Pillar III Disclosure Reports include information required by the EU Regulation No 575/2013. These republished reports correct a technical error which has had an effect on MuniFin's ratio of tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (Tier 1 Ratio), ratio of common equity tier 1 to risk-weighted assets (CET 1 Ratio), and the ratio of total own funds to risk-weighted assets (Total Capital Adequacy Ratio). In addition, and as was disclosed in the Pillar III Disclosure Report Half Year 2018, the revised calculations reflect the fact that the guarantees granted to MuniFin by the Municipal Guarantee Board in respect of certain derivative counterparties are not taken into account in credit value adjustment risk. In connection with these corrections, MuniFin has also clarified and revised certain elements in relation to calculations. As a result of corrected calculations, MuniFin's Tier 1 Ratio, CET 1 Ratio, and Total Capital Adequacy Ratio are slightly lower in comparison to what was reported in the Pillar III Disclosure Report 2017 as well as the Annual Report 2017, and significantly higher in comparison to what was reported in the Pillar III Disclosure Report Half Year 2018 as well as the Half Year Report January-June 2018. The republished and corrected consolidated figures: 31 December 2017 Published on 7 March 2018 Corrected figures Minimum capital requirement (with capital buffers) on 31 December 2017 CET 1 Ratio 55.22% 53.01% 7.84% Tier 1 Ratio 75.51% 72.50% 9.34% Total Capital Adequacy Ratio 75.51% 72.50% 11.34% 30 June 2018 Published on 14 August 2018 Corrected figures Minimum capital requirement (with capital buffers) on 30 June 2018 CET 1 Ratio 53.95% 61.01% 7.86% Tier 1 Ratio 72.41% 81.89% 9.36% Total Capital Adequacy Ratio 72.41% 81.89% 11.36% The republished and corrected figures for the parent company: 31 December 2017 Published on 7 March 2018 Corrected figures Minimum capital requirement (with capital buffers) on 31 December 2017 CET 1 Ratio 55.71% 53.46% 7.84% Tier 1 Ratio 76.22% 73.15% 9.34% Total Capital Adequacy Ratio 76.22% 73.15% 11.34% 30 June 2018 Published on 14 August 2018 Corrected figures Minimum capital requirement (with capital buffers) on 30 June 2018 CET 1 Ratio 54.68% 61.95% 7.86% Tier 1 Ratio 73.44% 83.20% 9.36% Total Capital Adequacy Ratio 73.44% 83.20% 11.36% The correction has no effect on MuniFin's ability to meet all its obligations. The republished and corrected figures exceed by far all capital requirements MuniFin is subject to. MuniFin has also committed itself to further improve all its processes to avoid any occurrence of similar errors. Republished Pillar III Disclosure Report 2017 and Pillar III Disclosure Report Half Year Report 2018 are available on MuniFin's website at www.munifin.fi. MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC Further information: Esa Kallio, President and CEO tel. +358 50 3377 953 Marjo Tomminen, Executive Vice President, CFO, Finance Tel. +358 50 3861 764 MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland's largest credit institutions: the company's balance sheet exceeds EUR 35 billion. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. MuniFin's mission is to build a better future in line with the principles of responsibility and in cooperation with its customers. MuniFin's customers are Finnish municipalities, municipal federations, municipally controlled companies and non-profit housing corporations. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs. MuniFin's customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. It is the most active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board. The Municipality Finance Group also includes the subsidiary company, Financial Advisory Services Inspira Ltd. Read more: www.munifin.fi Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: South Korean Yoshin Engineering Corporation is interested in the implementation of a project for the construction of the Aktobe-Makat highway in Kazakhstan with a length of 455 kilometers, Kazakh media reported. Vice-President of the company Kim Keng Ho said this at a meeting with the governor of Kazakhstans Aktobe region Berdibek Saparbayev during the latters working visit to South Korea. During the meeting, the issues of Yoshins participation in the design and construction of various facilities in the Kazakh region were discussed. "Aktobe is the largest city in the west of Kazakhstan. We think that this is a very promising region, we could participate in construction and urban planning," Kim Keng Ho said. Saparbayev also met with Dong Hyun Koh, President of the Korean Dong Il Highvill construction company, which is a leader in the house construction sector in South Korea and has been operating in the Kazakh market since 2004. "The need of the population of Aktobe region in spacious and comfortable apartments is growing. Therefore, we began to attract large construction companies operating in Kazakhstan to the region. We would like to see you among them," Saparbayev said. Dong Hyun Koh, in turn, confirmed his interest in expanding partnership with the regions of Kazakhstan. The decision on cooperation will be made after a detailed analysis of the housing market of Aktobe region. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The French Development Agency (AFD) will provide Uzbekistan with 150 million euros to support budget expenditures, Uzbek media reported referring to the draft presidential decree developed by the Ministry of Finance . According to the document, on Nov. 22, the board of directors of AFD approved a loan to Uzbekistan in the amount of 150 million euros for budget support. The loan was provided in the framework of the Economic Management Improvement Program project, developed with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with a maturity of 20 years, including a six-year grace period. In July, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov said that the World Bank and ADB provided Uzbekistan with $800 million in budget support. He additionally said that the government intends to optimize the use of loans provided in order to prevent a budget deficit in the short term. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: In 2018, the share of payments through POS terminals in Azerbaijan accounted for 3-4 percent of the countrys GDP (65.2 billion manats in January-October 2018), Erdem Cakar, MasterCard country manager in Azerbaijan, said at a press conference Nov. 29. He said the figure is 40 percent in Turkey, 50 percent in the UK and 70 percent in Sweden. In this context, Cakar noted the significance of the Cashless Azerbaijan project. He noted that the project will make it possible to increase non-cash payments in the country, enhance transparency and support economic growth. Cakar also spoke about the measures taken by MasterCard to increase non-cash payments in Azerbaijan. In particular, he reminded about the cooperation with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in implementation of the Cashless Azerbaijan project, about three preferential campaigns in supermarkets, including in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the "Priceless Specials" discount program and other endeavors. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 Trend: Has the Middle Kingdom, the author of the Belt and Road Initiative, recently started a revolution in the world trade in goods? Is the New Silk Road a cause for concern? Or maybe the chance of a lifetime for global logistics operators? In autumn 2013, the Chinese authorities decided that it was high time to renew the Silk Road. The cooperative economic initiative was originally called the New Silk Road. Soon the name was changed to the Belt and Road Initiative. All the efforts were focused on supporting the globalization of the economy through the development and improvement of land and sea transport infrastructure. Developments related to land carriage mainly concerned the launch of container trains traveling to Europe. Until recently, shippers chose sea transport for around 90% of their projects, as they considered it to be the most economical option. Currently, rail is the leading choice. China Country Head at AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG, Dmitry Pokhodenko, explains what has contributed to the growing demand for rail transport. "It is worth noting that the development of land routes on the New Silk Road is a Chinese state-driven initiative of particular importance in the context of the centrally planned Chinese economic system. The increase in rail transport from China to Europe is also related to subsidies for railway operators serving European destinations. Apart from that, China has been investing in the development of railway infrastructure of countries through which the New Silk Road runs. According to the State Council of the People's Republic of China, more than 5,000 trains will operate annually between China and Europe by 2020. The number of railway stations sending trains to Europe and the CIS countries is growing systematically. Up to now, regular connections have already been established with more than 35 cities in 12 countries." In addition to the number of rail containers traveling the route, however, the speed of express trains is another important factor. "Express train delivery time from one station to another is 12-16 days. Importantly, the express train arrives within the country, so we do not waste time dealing with the cargo at a port. However, we should remember that all Chinese express trains origin stations have different timetables and price ranges. These differences precisely illustrate the "Chinese character" of business with no one set price," notes the AsstrA expert. The China Country Head at AsstrA also emphasizes that express trains are not an ideal option for everyone. This service is more expensive than sea transport but cheaper than air freight. It appears to be ideal for customers who cannot afford downtime or a long delivery time. Recently, China has been constantly in the logistics spotlight. The creation of a new truck route from China to Russia also made big waves. This step followed Chinas long-envisioned decision to ratify the TIR Convention and join the IRU. "The fact that People's Republic of China adopted the TIR Convention gave foreign carriers the possibility of delivering goods within and via China. Until now, goods were delivered to border warehouses and then transported by Chinese carriers. Thus, Chinese transport companies also gained access to foreign markets, explains EU Regional Director Andrzej Iwanow-Koakowski. The main goal of creating this route is to optimize the supply possibilities to and from China. The new corridor will allow shorter delivery times, save costs, and add to door-to-door road delivery service capabilities. In addition, the newest corridor is also a step forward in the development of the New Silk Road." The Belt and Road Initiative launched by the Middle Kingdom positively influences the attractiveness of China's export potential, making it even cheaper and thus strengthening its already powerful position in the world trade in goods. Does this mean that the fate of the global logistics industry lies in Chinese hands? AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG leads an international group of logistics and transportation companies from its head office in Zurich. It has an excellent reputation and more than 20 years of industry experience. The company is represented in 18 countries across the CIS, Europe and Asia. AsstrAs wide range of offerings includes the organization of international transportation by various modes of transport, import and export support, cargo insurance, project logistics, as well as trade, warehousing and customs services. Thanks to wide geographical reach and cooperation with professionals, AsstrA offers optimal, attractively priced logistics solutions that take into account the needs of each client and partner. AsstrA is a member of FIATA and ASMAP and holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certificates. Contact us: Email: [email protected], .: +99450 2450456 WhatsApp & Viber: +48 576147796 Website: http://www.asstra.com Fb: https://www.facebook.com/AsstrAsia/?ref=bookmarks Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: In Khorramabad county of Irans Lorestan province 3,000 hectares account for walnut trees, Murad Beiranvand, director of the agriculture organization of Khorramabad county of Lorestan province, said in an interview with IRNA. So far, more than 4,000 tons of walnuts have been harvested from that area, he said. Beiranvand added that trees in a 300-hectare-area are young and are not productive yet. This Iranian year (started March 21, 2018), the walnuts have not been fully picked, he added. Beiranvand said that last Iranian year, 6,622 tons of walnuts were picked in Khorramabad county. Last Iranian year 14,433 tons of walnuts were picked, while this Iranian year 16,821 tons of walnuts were harvested, Beiranvand said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: A controlling interest in the Uzbek leasing company Alliance Leasing has been acquired by the UK-based hedge fund Sturgeon Central Asia Balanced Fund Ltd., the press service of the Toshkent Republican Stock Exchange, where the deal took place, told Trend on Nov. 29. It was earlier announced on the exchanges website that on Nov. 27 at 10:55, 26.67 million shares of Alliance Leasing worth 8 billion soums were sold. According to the press service, the transaction on the acquisition of 72.21 percent of the shares of the Uzbek company was concluded with Sturgeon Central Asia Balanced Fund Ltd. The press service of the exchange reminded that Alliance-Leasings securities have been included in category C of Tashkent RSEs exchange quotation list from Nov. 13, 2018 by the decision of the exchange board in accordance with the regulations on the exchange quotation list, as well as on the basis of the Listing Commissions conclusion. Alliance Leasing was founded on Dec. 29, 2007. Sturgeon Central Asia Balanced Fund Ltd is a hedge fund launched by Compass Asset Management. The fund is managed by Sturgeon Capital LLP. It invests in public equity and hedging markets. It was formerly known as Kazakh Compass Fund, Ltd. Earlier, Sturgeon Central Asia Balanced Fund Ltd. also acquired shares of the Uzbek insurance company Universal Sugurta. Share of Sturgeon Central Asia Balanced Fund Ltd. in the authorized capital of Universal Sugurta is 39.6 percent. (8299,20 UZS = 1 USD on Nov. 29) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: OIC Helal EXPO 2018 started in Istanbul on November 29, Turkish Ministry of Trade told Trend. The ministry noted that the exhibition will last until December 2. Halal food manufacturers are taking part in OIC Helal EXPO 2018, the ministry stressed. The ministry noted that delegations of OIC member countries will take part in OIC Helal EXPO 2018. An international exhibition of halal products was held in Istanbul on November 23, 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The Government of Uzbekistan announced the agenda for the next phase of its bold and ambitious reforms, the World Banks Tashkent office said in its press release. The Reform Roadmap, revealed today, outlines the Governments economic reform priorities over the next three years (2019-2021). The focus of the Roadmap is to sustain the momentum of Uzbekistans transition to a competitive market-led economy. The World Bank welcomes these positive developments. It will continue its strong partnership with the Government in support of sustained economic growth and higher living standards for the citizens of Uzbekistan. The Reform Roadmap presented by the Government today contains five major pillars: (i) to maintain macroeconomic stability; (ii) to accelerate the market transition; (iii) to strengthen social protection and citizen services; (iv) to strengthen governments role in a market economy; and (v) to preserve environmental sustainability. The reform priorities within each pillar draw on lessons learned from the market transitions of other countries but are also firmly based in Uzbekistans unique context. In just under two years, Uzbekistan has achieved significant progress in reforming the economy. Importantly, authorities have placed a strong emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable citizens from the negative impact of the reforms. The Government has also invested heavily in public consultations and citizen engagement to improve feedback loops between citizens and the government. While much has been achieved in a short time, considerable challenges remain to ensure sustained growth and job creation. These include further reforms to administrative price controls, the performance of state-owned enterprises, and measures to ensure an efficient and well-functioning financial sector. These challenges are complex and will require sustained effort by policymakers. The Reform Roadmap will serve as an important tool to address these issues. Moreover, the proposed Economic Council under the Government, which was discussed today, is a welcome development. The Council could play a key role in coordinating, recommending and monitoring key economic reforms. The Economic Council could also serve as an important platform to draw on local and international expertise to ensure evidence-based analyses and decisions. The World Bank Group is committed to maintaining a close partnership with the Government as it prepares to enter a more complex phase of reforms. We will continue supporting efforts to improve the well-being of the citizens of Uzbekistan, said Lilia Burunciuc, the World Banks Regional Director for the Central Asia Region. The World Bank Group has rapidly scaled up its support to Uzbekistan since the start of the reforms. The program in Uzbekistan is one of the World Banks largest in the Europe and Central Asia region, with 18 projects under implementation totaling $3.3 billion. Focus has been on economic and institutional reforms, agriculture, healthcare, education, water supply and sanitation, energy, transport, digital and regional development. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: Anglo Asian Mining PLC expects gold production to be around 78,000-84,000 ounces in 2018 in Azerbaijan, President & CEO of the company Reza Vaziri told Trend. He said that it is expected 2018 production to be at top of the range. Vaziri said that the production is growing strongly, adding that the company commissioned a second crusher, which is a major upgrade to the production facilities. "This has been a very exciting and successful year for the company. We also started a comprehensive geological exploration program to identify future mining opportunities and released a current Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) report for our main open pit mine. Financially, 2018 is a landmark year as the company returned to net cash and last, but certainly not least for our shareholders, paid its first dividend," the CEO underlined. Speaking of the expansion of the business, the CEO pointed out that the current properties in Azerbaijan have sufficient potential for the company to grow the business in the medium term. "However, as a successful mining company we often receive offers outside Azerbaijan. As businessmen, we obviously look at these opportunities but very carefully and prudently. It must be a country that offers a stable and transparent legal framework, mining code etc, with well-developed infrastructure," he explained. Anglo Asian Mining PLC is a gold, copper and silver producer with a broad portfolio of production and exploration assets in Azerbaijan. AAM and Swiss Industrial Minerals SA signed an agreement in May 2014 on selling cooper concentrate produced at Gadabay field in Azerbaijan. Based on the production sharing agreement signed with Azerbaijani government in August 1997, Anglo Asian Mining PLC has the right to develop six fields in south-west of Azerbaijan: Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha Bulag, Gizil Bulag, Vejnali and Soyutlu. The gold produced at the fields is sent to Switzerland for purification. The ingots are delivered to Azerbaijan and are stored in the governments account. In January-September 2018 AAM produced 54,573 ounces of gold, 144,362 ounces of silver and 1,057 tons of copper. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: Azerbaijan plans to start exporting persimmon to Qatar in 2019, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Persimmon Producers and Exporters Association Gadir Yusifov told Trend. He said that samples of these products were sent to Qatar this year. In parallel, we plan to increase the export of persimmon to Dubai (UAE), he noted. The export of persimmon to Arab countries began in 2017, but the volumes were small. In the future, we intend to increase supplies not only to Arab countries, but also to Russia, which is the main market for persimmon sale. He added that Belarus and Ukraine are also permanent markets for the sale of this type of fruit. Last year, over 200,000 tons of persimmon were harvested in Azerbaijan, and about 130,000 tons of it was exported, he said. This years crop may exceed 150,000 tons. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced today that its shareholders approved the acquisition of Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (Ocean Rig), by approving the proposals presented at Transoceans Extraordinary General Meeting. We are extremely pleased that our shareholders have overwhelmingly approved our acquisition of Ocean Rig, said Jeremy Thigpen, President and CEO. Through this combination, Transocean further enhances our industry-leading fleet of high specification floaters, thus improving our competitive position. We are excited to begin actively marketing these assets into the growing list of opportunities we continue to see emerging across our global customer base. Thigpen concluded, We look forward to closing the transaction in the coming days and welcoming Ocean Rigs experienced crews into the company. About Transocean Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and believes that it operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in, and operates a fleet of 41 mobile offshore drilling units consisting of 23 ultra-deepwater floaters, 12 harsh environment floaters, two deepwater floaters and four midwater floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships; and one harsh environment semisubmersible in which the company has a 33.0% interest. Forward-Looking Statements The statements described in this press release that are not historical facts are 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. These statements contain words such as "possible," "intend," "will," "if," "expect," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, timing of the companys newbuild deliveries, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the future prices of oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the timing and likelihood of the completion of the contemplated acquisition of Ocean Rig, the benefits from the transaction, the ability to successfully integrate the Transocean and Ocean Rig business, our ability to successfully integrate our business with that of Songa Offshore SE (Songa), and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, Ocean Rig's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, and in Transocean's or Ocean Rig's other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by law. This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean. Analyst Contacts: Bradley Alexander +1 713-232-7515 Lexington May +1 832-587-6515 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: The next UK-Azerbaijan Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC) is planned to be held on April 4-5 2019 in the UK, Steve Smith, the Head of Trade and Investments Department of the UK Embassy in Baku told Trend. Currently, we are working on the proposed agenda and possible venue, he said, adding that it is hoped the next JIC will feature on energy (including renewables) healthcare, agriculture, space, e-government, environment, education, aerospace and retail. The latest session of the Commission was held in on December 14-15, 2017 in Baku. Following the meeting, the sides signed a protocol on economic cooperation, which envisages further expansion of cooperation in economy, trade, investments, industry, tourism, energy, education, culture and other spheres. Two memorandums were also signed between Azerbaijani and UK companies. As a result, Azerbaijani and British companies expressed intention to establish a joint venture for the production of pumps used in the extractive industry, as well as to create a single service center for the repair and maintenance of this equipment. In January-October 2018, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $455.59 million, of which $257.4 million accounted for exports from Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: AzerTechnoline LLC, an Azerbaijani manufacturer of pipes and other industrial goods, is in talks on the supply of its products to Israel, the company told Trend Nov. 29. The company is carrying out exports to Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia. The company also continues negotiations on the supply of its products to other countries. Since the beginning of 2018, we have already concluded a number of successful contracts that provide for the supply of products to Russia and Georgia, the company added. Under these contracts, we will supply products worth 2.5 million manats. The company also revealed the plans to expand production. In particular, it is planned to expand the range of products manufactured at the companys plants. We manufacture new varieties of products every year and continue the work to expand our product range, the company said. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Crude oil prices are predicted stable for the next 18 to 24 months, according to Wood Mackenzie research and consulting company. "The stagnant price is considering bigger supply reduction from Iran over US sanction. But on the other hand, oil supply from US will be increasing," said Wood Mackenzie Asia Pacific Upstream Oil & Gas Research Director, Andrew Harwood, in Pertamina Energy Forum 2018 held in Jakarta, said a message from the Indonesian company. "We expected that oil price to remain stable for at least in the next 18 months," he noted. Harwood mentioned that crude oil price has been driven by market supply in the recent weeks. In the same event, Head of Asia Pacific Energy & Natural Resource Practice from management consultant Bain & Company, Brian Murphy agreed by mentioning that oil price direction in the last months has been more aligned with the fundamentals than the previous few months. Earlier, Ann-Louise Hittle, vice president, Macro Oils, at Wood Mackenzie told Trend that for 2018, the company is forecasting year-on-year oil supply growth of 2.2 million b/d compared with a gain in global oil demand of 1.6 million b/d which points toward enough supply to meet demand for the year. Ann-Louise Hittle believes that political risk remains a large factor in the outcome for prices and could drive them higher, as an example, if the tensions between the US and Iran were to escalate sharply and lead to potential conflict. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Tehran, Iran, Nov.29 Trend: Iran has electricity transactions with its neighbors and by cooperating with Russia and Azerbaijan it can maintain the power consumption, expert on Iran's relations with Russia, Shuaib Bahman told Trend. "The energy cooperation between Iran and Russia is very diverse and part of it includes nuclear activities, Russia is the most important nuclear partner of Iran and in addition to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the country has more projects to establish new plants in Iran," he said, referring to Iranian Energy minister's trip to Russia that was aimed to improve energy ties. "In the current situation, Russia can play a big role as a mediator, to sell Iranian oil to Europe. Of course, there were negotiations on the issue of barter trade with Iran for 500,000 barrels of oil, which could be reinstated," he added. Iran and Russia have been discussing various ways of increasing bilateral trade, including Moscow possibly taking up to 500,000 barrels a day of Iranian oil in exchange for Russian goods that Iran needs. "Establishing hydropower plants in the southern coastline of the Persian Gulf has been discussed and it seems that the project is moving forward to operational stage and the number of power plants in the Persian Gulf will increase," Bahman said. "Power trade can be another area of joint cooperation. In recent years Iran has traded electricity with neighbors specially Russia and Azerbaijan, however the peak demand and electricity consumption level is different in each country," he explained. "Summer time is the power peak in Iran, while in these two countries, the peak would be winter, thus the process of joining Russia to the Iran - Azerbaijan electricity cooperation, would balance the power consumption in the regional countries," he added. Tehran, Iran, Nov.29 Trend: The chairman of the joint chamber of commerce of Iran and China announced that the Islamic Republic's bank-related issue has been resolved by the Chinese side. "A Chinese bank will begin its banking transactions with the Iran from December 2, Asadollah Asgar Oladi, the chairman of the joint chamber of commerce of Iran and China told Tasnim News Agency. The sale of Iran's oil to China will begin next week and its money will return within a month, he noted. The Chinese side is going to introduce its second bank for dealing with the Iranian side within a month, Asgar Oladi said. In late October, all Chinese banks suspended their dealings with Tehran in response to the new round of US sanctions against the country. Chinas Bank of Kunlun, which was processing payments to Iran, had earlier called on exporters to settle any unfinished business with Iran. It announced that the bank would no longer guarantee such payments could be made after November. Tehran, Iran, Nov.29 Trend: Bank Melli Iran has rejected the claims of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury about illegal money transfers to its branch in Iraq. "All the activities of this branch are according to regulations of Iraq Central Bank," said the bank's statement, IRNA reported. "Activities of Bank Melli branches in regional countries and around the world are in accordance with the international trade regulations and have been monitored by the Central Bank in these countries during past seven decades. The bank has a 50-year working history in the Persian Gulf area," the statement added. "The Bank Melli branch in Iraq was established in 2007 to improve development by offering services according to legal procedures while its activities are being monitored by the Central Bank of Iraq. So far, according to the audits of the host country, Melli bank performance has been assessed as accurate and well-documented," said the statement. According to the Treasury Department, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used Bank Melli to dispense funds to Iraqi Shia militant groups and Bank Mellis presence in Iraq was part of this scheme. "The OFAC 's claim about transferring money for Iraqi militias is far from reality and unaccounted for, it ignored the consistent cultural, historical, social and economic relations between two countries," claims the statement. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey and China are discussing the development of tourism sector, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism told Trend on Nov. 29. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Ersoy is currently in Beijing to discuss the development of bilateral relations in tourism sector. "During the visit to Beijing, Ersoy and the Chinese colleague will discuss joint plans for the development of tourism relations," the ministry said. Some 43,490 tourists from China visited Turkey in September 2018, which is 63.71 percent more than in the same month of 2017, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism told Trend earlier. The ministry noted that the share of Chinese citizens in the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey in September 2018 accounted for 0.91 percent. For comparison, this figure was 0.65 percent in September 2017. Some 302,952 tourists from China visited Turkey in January-September 2018, which is 83.05 percent more than in the same period of 2017. The share of Chinese citizens in the total number of foreigners who visited Turkey during the nine months of 2018, accounted for 0.95 percent. The ministry noted that 5,425,845 tourists visited Turkey in September 2018, which is 15.64 percent more than in the same month of 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Chingiz Aidarbekov held a meeting with French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Michael Roux, kabar.kg reports. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported that the French Ambassador expressed readiness to further strengthen the dialogue between the Kyrgyz Republic and France. During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as the timing of the organization of reciprocal visits at top and highest levels. The importance of enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation, political dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and France, as well as trade and economic cooperation, including in the framework of the of GSP + status granted to the Kyrgyz Republic, were noted. Member of the Kyrgyz Parliament Talaibek Masabirov proposed to the Ministry of Education and Science to prohibit the use of cell phones during the educational process, kabar.kg reports. In his opinion, if this issue is resolved in private educational institutions, where the use of telephones is prohibited, then in public schools the issue remains at the discretion of the administration. The MP outlined the harm that is done to the health of children using smartphones. To solve this issue, Masabirov suggests children to leave their phones in their wardrobes, and get them after the classes. Deputies of the Parliament have previously expressed such proposals, arguing that the phones affect the academic progress of children, as well as to protect the child from the negative impact of the Internet. The French Parliament adopted the law prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other means of communication in primary and secondary schools. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 29 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The international exhibition of production technologies for the import substitution will be held in Ashgabat Dec. 4-6, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the events organizer, said in a message. Equipment for the oil and gas, chemical, agriculture and food industries, as well as healthcare will be demonstrated at the exhibition, according to the message. The event is aimed at expanding trade and economic relations, the formation and launch of projects to improve the competitiveness of the national economy, its production potential. The corresponding state programs have been adopted in Turkmenistan. As part of the program to increase the volume of exports of products manufactured in Turkmenistan, it is planned to implement 33 projects. These projects include creation of new industries aimed at the development of the chemical industry, light industry, machine engineering, agriculture and food industry, domestic pharmaceuticals. As part of the import substitution program, 81 projects are planned to be implemented. During the programs implementation, facilities for the manufacture of construction, chemical, household and other products based on local raw materials will be built. At this stage, facilities for the processing and manufacture of various types of meat and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, as well as fish products are being built. ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endgame, the first endpoint protection platform to deliver the stopping power of a world-class SOC in a single agent, today announced its results in the first vendor assessment from MITRE across the ATT&CK matrix. This new assessment validates Endgames power in delivering the detections and data visibility necessary for intelligent, effective implementations of ATT&CK-based defenses in the real world. Endgame has championed the MITRE ATT&CK framework since its inception. It was the first endpoint protection vendor to advocate for ATT&CK as the go-to framework for threat intelligence; integrate ATT&CK into the Endgame platform; partner with MITRE for an initial evaluation; and, is now one of the first vendors to be independently assessed in MITREs inaugural vendor evaluation. In the converged endpoint security market there are numerous third-party assessments of vendor prevention capabilities which often focus on the delivery of a malicious payload. This type of testing has lost some value in the last couple of years as detection and response becomes a core competency of endpoint protection, said Ian McShane, VP of Product Marketing at Endgame. The MITRE ATT&CK evaluation extends the existing independent testing community by focusing on post-compromise activitywhat happens when prevention is circumvented and how quickly it can be detected. This test is a crucial component to evaluating converged endpoint protection products and complements other third-party tests that focus purely on prevention, said Mark Dufresne, VP of Research at Endgame. Endgame specializes in simplifying and scaling an organizations ability to tackle what would otherwise be a daunting cybersecurity challenge by automatically detecting and preventing sophisticated adversary tactics, and by enabling users of any skill level to discover and respond to malicious activity. Endgame is the first MITRE-oriented solution that requires no advanced security training or knowledge. The company recently enhanced its capabilities with new product automations and open source contributions aimed at addressing the staggering shortage of cybersecurity talent: Endgame Resolver - A visual and interactive interface that instantly identifies the origin and extent of a compromise to allow new infosec professionals to be effective immediately. - A visual and interactive interface that instantly identifies the origin and extent of a compromise to allow new infosec professionals to be effective immediately. Event Query Language (EQL) - The simplest and most intuitive hunting and real-time detection syntax to support search across the MITRE ATT&CK matrix. - The simplest and most intuitive hunting and real-time detection syntax to support search across the MITRE ATT&CK matrix. Red Team Automation (RTA) - An open-source framework that allows defenders to test their ATT&CK detection capabilities against malicious tradecraft through the practice of red-teaming. - An open-source framework that allows defenders to test their ATT&CK detection capabilities against malicious tradecraft through the practice of red-teaming. Total Attack Lookback - The industrys first forensic review feature to exceed average adversary dwell time. This new assessment from MITRE is a step in the right direction by showing how different vendors provide visibility in uncovering the techniques that criminals and nation-state attackers use today. Endgame is proud to be one of the first companies assessed in an effort to cut through the marketing hype and promote transparency about the effectiveness of cybersecurity solutions, added Dufresne. A high-level analysis of Endgames results can be found here . For more information on ATT&CK and how to use it, check out Endgames recent whitepaper: How To Develop The Best Plan Of ATT&CK . About Endgame Endgame's converged endpoint security platform is transforming security programs - their people, processes and technology - with the most powerful endpoint protection and simplest user experience, ensuring analysts of any skill level can stop targeted attacks before information theft. Endgame unifies prevention, detection, and threat hunting to stop known and unknown attacker behaviors at scale with a single agent. For more information, visit www.endgame.com and follow us on Twitter @EndgameInc . Follow Endgame: Website: endgame.com Blog: endgame.com/blog Twitter: twitter.com/endgameinc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/endgame Facebook: facebook.com/EndgameInc YouTube: Endgame on YouTube Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 29 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: A Turkmen delegation has recently taken part in the preparatory meeting of World Expo 2020 in Dubai, the Turkmen foreign ministry said in a message. The delegation included the leadership of the Turkmen Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, who met with Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Commissioner-General of World Expo 2020 Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi. A pavilion in the national Turkmen style will be created at the exhibition. The exhibition in Dubai will be held under the slogan "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". According to forecasts, about 25 million guests are expected to visit the city within six months. The new Dubai Trade Center, covering an area of 438 hectares, designed specifically for the exhibition, will be the official platform for World Expo 2020. The Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, has held important meetings with Pakistans top military leadership and discussed ways to enhance defense cooperation, IRNA reports. Heading a senior military delegation from Tehran, Rear Admiral Sayyari is participating in Pakistans 10th International Defense Exhibition and seminar, IDEAS 2018 in Karachi. The Iranian delegation comprises of senior officials from Army, Air Force, Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Rear Admiral Sayyari and Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan during a meeting have stressed the need for further enhancing cooperation between the two countries in defense sector. They also discussed cooperation in joint training programs between air forces of Iran and Pakistan. He also met with Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi during which both sides agreed to enhance marine cooperation in Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. Admiral Abbasi on the occasion underlined Pakistans willingness to sign a naval agreement with Iran. During the meeting, the two sides stressed mutual cooperation in military training, exchanging visits by flotillas, fighting insecurity in the sea, exchange of intelligence, joint military drills, cooperation in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and technical cooperation. Rear Admiral Sayyari, for his part, said, The Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan as two friendly, brotherly and neighboring states do not allow foreigners to interfere and sow discord between them at all. The Deputy Coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army also held an important meeting with Pakistans Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat on military cooperation. Baku, Azerbaijan, November 29 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: In Iran, if we take trade in goods by mode of transport, well see that road haulage is the dominant in intra-Iran trade and cross-country transit, while international flow of goods is mostly implemented by maritime transportation. Iranian ports are playing the role of a kind of oxygen conduits in the sanctions environment, where most of export-import activities are carried out physically. The US sanctions covering the activities of Iranian ports, have m ade international companies involved in loading or unloading cargo in Irans main ports very cautious, and in some cases even halt their services in the country. The US Department of the Treasury clearly stated, among other things, that providing any port operator in Iran with any significant financial, material, technological, or other support could be subject for sanctions. In this context it would be interesting to track trade activities of Iranian ports, and whether there are any signs of sanctions' impact. Statistical data available on the Islamic Republics Port and Maritime Organization (PMO) official website, cover 21 Iranian ports including those on the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In 2017 the total cargo throughput (incoming and outgoing) of the Iranian ports amounted to 153 million tons (growth of 7.9 percent as compared with the previous year). Almost 65 million tons fell on incoming goods, while 88 million tons was the share of outgoing goods. Top five types of cargo contained oil products (47 million tons), construction and mineral goods (34.5 million tons), containerized cargo (30.4 million tons), essential goods (17.4 million tons) and metal goods (9.6 million tons). In 2017 top three ports with the highest rates of throughput were: Shahid Rajaee (Bandar Abbas) with 86.5 million tons, Imam Khomeini with 43.7 million t and Qeshm with 7.1 million tons. The remaining 15.7 million tons fell on 18 other ports. Containers throughput in 2017 made 3.09 million TEU (25.5 percent growth as against 2016). Now lets proceed to this year. During the ten months of 2018 total cargo throughput of all Iranian ports accounted for 120.7 million tons as compared with 138.6 million tons within January-October 2017 (a decrease by 13 percent). Some 49 million tons fell on incoming goods, while 71.7 million tons was the share of outgoing goods. In ten months of the last year these volumes made accordingly 58.6 million tons and 80 million tons. Within the reported period, top five types of cargo contained 36.5 million tons of oil products with decrease by 14.7 percent as against Jan.-Oct. 2017, 25.9 million tons of construction and mineral goods with decrease by 18.3 percent, 22 million tons of containerized cargo with decrease by 25.7 percent, 15.8 million tons of essential goods with 10.5 percent growth and 8.7 million tons of metal goods with 2.3 percent growth. Within the ten months the same three ports - Shahid Rajaee, Imam Khomeini and Qeshm were again on leading positions in terms of cargo throughput. Total number of loaded and unloaded containers in Jan.-Oct. amounted to 2.17 million TEU against 2.995 TEU at the same period of the last year (a decrease by 27.5 percent). As a result of 10 months statistics, only essential goods, the bulk of which are incoming (14.8 million tons against 1 million tons of outgoing goods) showed a 10-percent increase, whereas the rest of the indicators lessened sometimes considerably. It is already clear that expansion and growth of port activities in Iran, which began after the signing of the nuclear deal (136 million tons in 2015, 141.8 million tons in 2016 and 153 million tons in 2017), may be replaced by a noticeable drop this year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: The investigation of German journalists about the links of the Armenian mafia in Europe with the Armenian Foreign Ministry shouldnt be surprising, because this is true, Yevgeny Mikhailov, a famous Russian TV anchor and political analyst, told Trend. He was commenting on the information published Nov. 28 on the website Crime Russia, based on the investigation carried out by Der Spiegel and MDR TV Channel in this regard. Results of a journalistic investigation carried out by Der Spiegel and MDR TV Channel implying that high-ranked Armenian diplomats patronize Armenian mafia operating in Germany under the leadership of thieves-in-law compromised the reputation of the local Armenian diaspora, sparked lawsuits, and caused diplomatic tensions between the two countries, according to the website. In early November, Der Spiegel weekly newspaper and the Thuringian branch of Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk TV Company have partially published results of their joint journalistic investigation based on the 19-page report produced by the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA), thus, announcing the forthcoming premiere of a documentary entitled Godfathers in Germany Armenian Mafia and thieves-in-law (Paten in Deutschland die armenische Mafia und die Diebe im Gesetz), the website reported. According to the journalists, a well-conspired and sophisticated Armenian mafia network infiltrates a number of big German cities running various illegal businesses, including credit frauds, counterfeiting of money, laundering of criminal proceeds, racketeering, drug trafficking, and prostitution, the report said. The publication drew attention to the fact that the Armenian Foreign Ministry often fell into extremely ambiguous situations from the time of Serzh Sargsyans rule, Mikhailov said. He noted that cases of interaction between Serzh Sargsyan and thieves in law have long been known, and it is no secret that many of the authorities were hiding in Armenia after the persecution began in Russia. Money laundering, drugs, smuggling, prostitution are only a small part of the Armenian mafias activities around the world, Mikhailov said. The fact that the German special services started the investigation shows that they are interacting with Russian colleagues who have already gained successful experience in combating criminal ethnic groups. In Russia, Armenians also often stand at the head of many criminal groups that withdraw cash money and are engaged in other criminal activities. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MatanatNasibova Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated after hearing the results of exit polls that there is no time to waste in celebrating the victory, it is time to work, Agenda.ge reports. He congratulated the Georgian Dream endorsed independent presidential candidate Salome Zurabishvili on the victory in the presidential race and stated that the government has received a message from the Georgian people. "I want to congratulate Salome Zurabishvili and the Georgian state on the victory. The elections have proved once again that Georgia is a truly democratic state", Bakhtadze said. Both the first and the second round of elections were important for the government. We have received the message from the public and we know what is needed to be done in the future. We are ready to worthily respond to all the challenges Georgia is facing, Bakhtadze said. Bakhtadze thanked the public for support in the elections. France is ready to cooperate with Georgias newly elected president Salome Zurabishvili to strengthen relations between the two countries, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Agenda.ge reports. France is ready to work with Madame Zurabishvili to further strengthen the excellent and old relationship between our two countries. The new president will be able to count on our determination to continue to act in favour of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders, read the statement. France extends its most sincere congratulations to her and wishes her every success in the performance of her duties, read the statement. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite have also congratulated Zurabishvili on her election as President of Georgia. Both presidents have sent congratulatory messages via their official Twitter accounts. Syrian terrorists shelled residential quarters of the countrys northwestern city of Aleppo overnight into Thursday, leaving several civilians injured, Sputnik reported citing local media. The militants had fired three shells on the district of Zahra in Aleppo, the Ikhbariya broadcaster reported. Several other rockets fell in the area of New Aleppo, according to the outlet. Aleppo has recently been a target of violent attacks by terrorists. In one of the recent cases on Saturday, militants fired shells that were presumably filled with the toxic chlorine gas on the city. Medics subsequently said that medical aid had been provided to 73 civilians injured in the attack. Morocco's coast guards rescued 112 illegal migrants in the Mediterranean on Thursday, the Moroccan army said, according to Xinhua. The guards on patrol in the Mediterranean assisted six boasts carrying 112 migrants, the majority of whom come from sub-Saharan African nations, added the army. The migrants were brought safe and sound to the nearest Moroccan ports, the source noted. Morocco has witnessed a significant hike in illegal migration attempts in 2018. According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, the authorities have foiled over 76,000 illegal migration attempts since the beginning of this year. The Chinese government recognizes the importance of investing in joint energy projects with Russia and plans to ensure the development of cooperation in this area through active financing, First Vice Premier of the State Council, Han Zheng, said on Thursday, TASS reports. "It is crucial to provide active financial assistance because long-term energy projects require large-scale investments. It is extremely vital to promote our cooperation in the "energy industry-financing" format, ensure the involvement of financial structures in the entire project chain, and find new models of financing," he stated, addressing the 1st Russian-Chinese Energy Forum, which is being held in Beijing. "The Chinese side supports searching for an even more important role of financial institutions in this direction." To do this, the Chinese government will exploit the potential of such large national financial institutions as China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank, Bank of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Silk Road Fund, and the Russia-China Investment Fund for Regional Development, the Vice Premier emphasized. Han Zheng also noted that financing should coincide with the process of the creation of unified standards. "It is important to work on mutual recognition of energy standards based on the standardization in the oil and gas and energy sectors in order to develop more favorable conditions for cooperation," he stressed. The 1st Russian-Chinese Energy Forum is held in Beijing with roughly 300 representatives of Russian and Chinese energy companies participating in the event. Several roundtable meetings on coal and electric power, and the oil and gas sector will be convened as part of the forum. During an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to China in June 2018, the heads of state had agreed to organize the Russian-Chinese Energy Forum. The decision to hold it was announced in August following the meeting of the Presidential Fuel and Energy Commission. This platform "will make it possible to expand cooperation between the two countries, find new areas of mutual investments, and launch promising projects in the energy sector," Putin emphasized.". Two Israeli strategists helped the first woman get elected president of the former Soviet republic of Georgia in her come-from-behind victory in Wednesdays run-off race, The Jerusalem Post reports. Salome Zurabishvili, an independent candidate supported by the Georgian Dream ruling party, barely reached the second round of voting. A month ago, following the first round of voting, the polls showed her well behind right-wing candidate Grigol Vashadze, who won the first round. Sefi Shaked and Moshe Klughaft helped her overcome serious negative momentum by successfully changing her campaign. We changed the agenda to show the achievements of the government and the party, Klughaft told The Jerusalem Post from Zurabishvilis victory party. We overcame chauvinist attacks on her and antisemitic attacks on me. I taught the party leaders to say Lhayim in Hebrew at the victory party. Shaked and Klughafts campaign linked Vashadze to violence, corruption and the silencing of senior party members. The change in campaign direction led to Vashadze plunging in the polls and to the strengthening of Klughaft and Shakeds candidate. Klughaft said the change led to former Georgian resident Mikheil Sakashvili complaining in an interview with Georgian television that Zurabishvili had a Jewish adviser alongside what Klughaft called other antisemitic statements. Klughaft required personal security during his last week in the country and was defined as a protected citizen by the government. Sakashvili has vigorously denied that he said anything antisemitic and accused Klughaft of a smear campaign against him. Zurabishvili had previously been Georgias foreign minister as well as the French ambassador to Georgia. Shaked and Klughaft also won an election for social democrats against the Right two years ago in Romania. NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sarraf Gentile LLP announces that multiple class actions have been filed against Ohio National Life Insurance Company concerning its decision to terminate trailing commissions. The actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (case numbers 18-cv-00763 and 18-cv-00769). The actions allege that in September 2018, Ohio National announced that it was terminating its agreements with all broker-dealers with regard to certain variable annuity products and that as part of that termination Ohio National would no longer pay trailing commissions to those broker-dealers. According to the complaints, broker-dealers could still service clients who bought such Ohio National variable annuity products but they and any securities representatives who do such work would not be compensated by Ohio National for doing so. No class has been certified in the above actions and until a class is certified, any affected broker-dealer or financial advisor that has not filed a lawsuit is not considered represented by an attorney. Affected broker-dealers or financial advisors may also choose to do nothing and be absent class members. Sarraf Gentile LLP has not filed a lawsuit against the defendants. If you are an affected broker-dealer or financial advisor and want to discuss your legal rights, at no cost and without obligation, please contact Joseph Gentile at Sarraf Gentile LLP (telephone: 212-868-3610, extension 12; e-mail: joseph@sarrafgentile.com). Sarraf Gentile LLP has extensive experience litigating class actions across the United States and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of its clients. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Joseph Gentile SARRAF GENTILE LLP 401 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10016 T 212.868.3610 joseph@sarrafgentile.com www.sarrafgentile.com The Israel Defense Forces' Home front Command's Search And Rescue Brigade has been accepted as a member of the United Nations' International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and will from now on operate under the UN in disaster areas along with other foreign troops, The Jerusalem Post reports. As part of the INSARAG assessment, the Home front Commands Search and Rescue brigade was tested in a variety of complex situations in the fields of preparedness, identification of trapped persons and rescue from collapsed structures. Throughout the week-long accreditation test the brigade was evaluated according to 230 different criteria, including the mobilization of the unit within a specified period of time, rapid analysis of the situation, engineering survey of buildings, provision of medical assistance, mobility, the use of advanced logistic technological equipment and simultaneous operation of two parallel destruction sites. The rescue unit consists of few hundred reservists including a few dozen female fighters, as well as four female combat soldiers from the IDF's Oketz canine unit and four firefighters from the fire brigade. These capabilities of the Oketz and firefighting troops were also examined by the accreditation. Following the completion of test the brigade was accredited and joined a small and prestigious international community of rescue units around the world, the IDFs Spokespersons Unit said. The brigade went through tests, training and inspections that lasted four years and saw Israeli troops mentored by a team from a German elite rescue unit. While Israel decided to join the alliance was made in 2012, the process was accelerated in 2014 when the military realized that we had something to learn and to contribute as part of an international search and rescue network, a senior officer in the National Rescue Unit told reporters. Based in Switzerland INSARAG is an international alliance of 80 countries which centralizes rescue units from around the world to coordinate, optimize and utilize rescue operations in disaster-stricken areas and save lives. Among the member states are the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Belarus, Germany, and Turkey. With accreditation, the Home front Commands rescue unit can now join aid missions under the auspices of the UN to disaster-stricken countries around the world- including those countries who have no formal relations with Israel or even countries considered adversaries. There are values that motivate us to increase our sensitivity and responsibility when we get to the country that needs us. The values of independence and responsibility [held by member countries] in INSARAG make troops understand that they should always be in peak readiness, the senior officer said, adding that there is also the matter of sensitivity, you do not take the honor unless it is given to you. The United Nations does not pay to countries that come to aid, and the states do it in order to save lives, and because if today they help and tomorrow they will be helped, he concluded. Ecuador's Public Prosecutor and Police seized 2.5 tons of cocaine in the western province of Manabi during a joint operation, the State Attorney General said Wednesday, Xinhua reported. The drugs were hidden in "bags of jute on a farm located in the community of Piquigua in the district of Sucre, in Manabi," the agency said on its Twitter account. Although there were no arrests, the investigation is going on, it said. Ecuadorian Police said via Twitter that in the next few hours it would provide more information on the cocaine seizure. The drugs were destined for "international trafficking." So far in 2018, the Antinarcotics Police has seized more than 60 tons of drugs, mainly cocaine, according to official data. India's Government Railway Police (GRP) have arrested a suspected corpse smuggler and recovered 50 human skeletons at the Chapra railway station in Bihar's Saran district. The arrested man, identified as Sanjay Prasad, was traveling in Balia-Sealdah Express, Sputnik reported. GRP official suspect that the skeletons, being brought from Balia in Uttar Pradesh, were meant to be smuggled to China via Bhutan, according to local media reports. According to the police, the suspect is being interrogated to ascertain if he is part of a larger syndicate engaged in the trade. "GRP men also recovered Nepalese and Bhutanese currencies, many ATM cards, two identity cards and SIM cards with Nepal mobile phone numbers from his possession. One of the identity cards had the address of Paharpur in West Champaran while the second card was issued from New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The GRP will seek the remand of the arrested person when he is produced in a court on Wednesday," deputy superintendent of GRP Mohammad Tanvir told the media. The seizure of foreign currency is a definite indication that the racket may have its tentacles spread to foreign countries, the officer added. Local scribes told Sputnik that the syndicate could be of international nature and more arrests are possible. "It is not the first time that the arrest has happened in this regard. In these border areas, arrests have been made in 2004 as well as in 2009 with more than 1000 skulls and skeletons. The syndicate is across the border and the supply area is from the poverty-stricken districts of India and remote villages. More arrests could happen soon and the police this time are trying to establish the whole chain of smuggling," Abhishek Arun, a local journalist from Chapra told Sputnik. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: A person who recruited militants for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization has been detained as part of the operation in Turkey against PKK in the countrys Kocaeli province, the Turkish media reported on Nov. 29. Reportedly, the detained recruiter, whose name was not disclosed, took an active part in the detachments of the PKK Syrian wing PYD / YPG. Eight people who are suspected of collecting "kickback" from Kurdish entrepreneurs to support PKK were also detained during the operation. Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu stated that from early 2018, 87,838 operations have been carried out against the PKK terrorist organization in Turkey. Soylu noted that 289 PKK terrorists were killed during the operations. "In 2017, 380 PKK terrorists and in 2018, 343 terrorists surrendered to Turkish law enforcement agencies," Soylu said. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has lasted more than 25 years, claiming more than 40,000 lives. PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN and the EU. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 29 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkish Parliament Speaker Binali Yildirim is preparing to resign, Turkish media reported Nov. 29. The reason for this is the expected nomination of his candidacy for the post of head of Istanbul municipality. However, his nomination hasnt yet been officially announced. The official nomination of Yildirims candidacy for the post of head of Istanbul municipality will be announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his return from Argentina and Paraguay. Erdogans visit to these countries began Nov. 28 and will last until Dec. 4. Earlier, Erdogan nominated the candidacy of Turkeys former economy minister Nihat Zeybekci for the post of head of Izmir municipality. The candidacy of former minister of the environment and urban planning of Turkey Mehmet Ozhaseki was nominated for the post of head of Ankara municipality. The municipal election in Turkey will be held on March 31, 2019. The persons who intend to nominate their candidacy for municipal election must be registered in the Supreme Election Council of Turkey (YSK) before December 1, 2018. The municipal election in Turkey is held every five years. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu A fire that devastated a rural house in the U.S. Indiana state early Wednesday morning left at least four people dead, including two children, said local police, Xinhua reoprted. The fire broke out in CLogansport, some 120 kilometers north of state capital Indianapolis. Local television WTTV reported that two adults, a mother and an adult son, were rescued from the house by law enforcement officials who first arrived on the scene. The two were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Previous reports indicated that six other people, including four children aged up to 10 years old, were trapped inside the burnt two-story home, adding they could have died in the heavy fire. In a televised press conference held Wednesday afternoon, Indiana police said they could only recovered the bodies of two adults and two children so far and the search was continuing. During the rescue operation, fire fighters had to truck in water to battle the flames as the house is located in a rural, non-hydrated area. Fire engines arrived first were reportedly out of water within five minutes. High winds and freezing temperatures also hindered the rescue. Local authorities have started an investigation into the cause of the fire. Police said they could not rule out any possibility, accidental or criminal. U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Brazils President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January, Reuters reports. Bolton described the meeting, which included members of Bolsonaros national security team, as wide-ranging and very productive. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would make a final decision on whether to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina after he receives a full report on the Kerch Strait incident, according to Sputnik. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he decided to cancel a scheduled meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 'Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved,' Trump said in a Twitter message. President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday he was close to doing something on trade with China, CNBC reported. He made the remarks as he prepared to depart for the G-20 summit meeting of world leaders in Argentina. I think were very close to doing something with China but I dont know that I want to do it, Trump told reporters. Because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes, so I really dont know. Trump is supposed to meet with Chinas president, Xi Jinping, while the two attend the summit. Trade and tariffs have been topics of increasing tension between the two countries since Trump started ratcheting up the heat earlier this year in a series of escalating tariffs on Chinese imports. China has retaliated with tariffs of its own on US imports. I will tell you that I think China wants to make a deal, Im hoping to make it a deal but, frankly, I like the deal we have right now. Overshadowing Trumps comments was a report that White House economic advisor and China trade hawk Peter Navarro would be attending the Trump-Xi dinner. The report sent the Dow briefly to its low of the day. SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VOLO Beauty today announced that it has been named a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree for the VOLO Go Cordless Dryer. The announcement was made during CES Unveiled, a tech event bringing together top media, exhibitors and industry leaders for a sneak peek of the products and trends expected at CES 2019, which will run January 8-11, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV. The VOLO Gos groundbreaking technology not only frees users from the confines of cords and outlets, but nourishes hair unlike any other dryer on the market. The quartz infrared light and heat penetrates the cortex of the hair, drying it from the inside out. Powered by the same lithium-ion battery cells found in electric cars, the VOLO Go is extremely energy efficient and performs as well as a salon-quality blow dryer. It's safer, it's faster, it's healthier and it's cordless. The VOLO Go will be available for pre-order on the VOLO Beauty website on January 6th. We are so honored to receive this distinction at CES 2019. We are excited to be a disruptor in a stagnant space and are proud of the hard work our team has done to make the vision of a cordless hair dryer into a reality, said Ryan Goldman, CEO and co-founder of VOLO Beauty. Most new hairdryers are the same thing in a different package. The VOLO Go is also better for the environment, consuming about 1/3 the electricity as an old-fashioned hair dryer. If widely adopted, this could result in a reduction of 20 million tons of CO2 per year, comparable to taking 4.2 million cars off the road! Hair appliances are a $20 billion a year market, and yet they still require consumers to be tethered to a wall, explains Jonathan Friedman, President and co-founder. Between the VOLO infrared heat element, which is healthier for hair, and the lithium-ion battery, the VOLO Go is a feat of engineering that will forever change the hot tools market. Debuting our product at a tech-driven show is important to us because it highlights the VOLO difference: this isnt just another hair dryer. This is brand new cordless technology that redefines a category and, more importantly, solves a problem by offering active women more freedom in their heat styling, as well as healthier hair. VOLO Beautys VOLO Go Cordless Dryer will be on display in the Innovation Awards Showcase at the upcoming CES 2019. About VOLO Beauty: In an industry starved for innovation, VOLO Beautys mission is to improve hair health and styling technology with innovative products. In 2016, Ryan Goldman and Jonathan Friedman set out to change the beauty industry with a product that will improve the way hair is dried, and, in turn, change the way we think about possibilities in beauty. Ryan and Jonathan were told a cordless hair dryer was impossible...but you know how that story ends. Their combined experience in beauty and in engineering paved the way for them to dream up, then execute, the first cordless and infrared hair dryer. The VOLO Go Cordless Dryer is their first in a series of heat styling tools, preceded only by their re-invented hair towel, the VOLO Hero. Ryan Goldman, Co-Founder and CEO, turned a family business into a beauty supply empire. Founded in 1945, Empire Beauty began as a wholesaler and, under Ryans leadership, grew into 21 stores and salons in Southern California. Jonathan Friedman, Co-Founder and President, is a Cornell-educated engineer with a Masters in Engineering Management from Northwestern, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Jonathan's experience in supply chain, manufacturing, and early-stage companies are a perfect fit at VOLO Beauty. Find more information about VOLO Beauty, visit www.volobeauty.com. About CES: CES is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. An annual program that celebrates outstanding design, the CES Innovation Awards recognizes honorees across 28 product categories. The CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the worlds largest and most influential technology event. Media Contacts: Jaclyn Bertrand Uproar PR for VOLO Beauty jbertrand@uproarpr.com KYODO NEWS - Nov 29, 2018 - 19:04 | Arts, All A set of Japanese folk rituals, in which people dress up as gods and visit homes, was approved Thursday for addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a committee of the U.N. body said. The rituals featuring "Raiho-shin" -- meaning a visiting deity -- stem from folk beliefs that gods visit their communities to usher in the New Year or new seasons with good luck. Those to be listed include "Oga no Namahage" in the northeastern prefecture of Akita, one of the most popular among such customs. During a meeting of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intergovernmental Committee in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, 10 such rituals from eight Japanese prefectures were announced to become part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The actual inscription on the list is scheduled to take place on Saturday, the last day of the session. Japan had pitched the significance of the Raiho-shin rituals, saying they are vital to communities concerned because they "help strengthen the sense of belonging to the community." In the city of Oga in Akita, young men wearing demon-like masks and straw capes visit local houses on New Year's Eve or on Jan. 15, disguised as a deity called Namahage. They admonish children to behave and scold idlers by shouting and wielding wooden knives. The designated rituals also include "Miyakojima no Paantou," performed on Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan. Those who play the role of visiting gods wear a mask and cover their bodies with mud, strolling in towns and putting the mud on people for good health. Local leaders in the related communities expressed their pleasure. "It's fairly easy to end traditions but hard to keep them alive," said Mikio Miura, who heads an association to preserve Namahage. The 69-year-old has been involved in activities to pass on the tradition for over 40 years. "I hope the registration will create a momentum in which more people volunteer to perform Namahage," he said. It has become more difficult for those communities to find people who can practice the rituals amid an aging and declining population especially in rural areas across the country. The Japanese government had nominated Namahage as a single element for inscription on the UNESCO list but the committee told the government its nomination was insufficient since it closely resembles another Japanese ritual, the "Koshikijima no Toshidon," that was registered on the list in 2009. Therefore, the Japanese government changed its strategy and submitted the nomination of 10 Raiho-shin rituals encompassing Namahage and Toshidon, practiced in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, to the committee in March last year. In October this year, an advisory panel to UNESCO recommended that the Raiho-shin rituals be added to the list. Each of the 10 rituals has been registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in Japan. Since the latest addition to the list is considered as an extension of the registration of Toshidon, the total number of Japan's elements on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity remains at 21. Other Japanese elements on the list include "Yama, Hoko, Yatai festivals," inscribed in 2016, and "washoku" traditional Japanese cuisine, listed in 2013. Japan is now aiming for registration of ancient wooden architectural craftsmanship on the list in 2020, officials have said. At least 17 LLB students shouted slogans before the Aluva SP Office hours after a Congress protest there was met with police resistance. St. Thomas, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) students won the 2nd Annual HP HBCU Business Challenge competition on Nov. 12. The national competition was hosted and sponsored by Hewlett Packard (HP), a multinational enterprise information technology company. The competition is designed to inspire future talent, foster emerging careers in technology and increase student business acumen. The students representing UVI were Gerald Bellot, Jamilla Connor, Joash Liburd, Joevarny Herbert, and Orian Stapleton. Each student will be gifted a HP laptop and printer. If the students choose to apply for one or more open internship positions at HP, they would have the opportunity to present an interview at the HP Boise and Palo Alto locations in California during the week of January 13th. While in California, they will have dinner with the President of HP. These students deserve all the credit for what they have accomplished. Their entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and amazing tenacity blew the HP executive team out of their seats, said Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Glenn Metts. As a group, they represent the quality of our students and the importance of UVIs Entrepreneurship Initiatives which provide them with a stage to exercise their talent. The 2018-2019 program goal was to reach a greater number of students and fostering a potential stronger recruitment pipeline for the company. The program expansion comes on the heels of a successful 2017-2018 year. More than 70 students across 22 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) worked in teams to develop business plans tackling real-world challenges that are core to HPs business, including Personal Computer (PC) Services Innovation and Office Print Relevance. In addition, students visited key HP business sites and met with executives. Following the 2017 challenge, HP hired four students as full-time interns proving the efficacy of the program to support HPs goals to be an employer of choice among diverse talent and giving fuel to scale the program. The 2017-2018 winners who represented Xavier University (Louisiana) and Delaware State University worked on real-time business issues and presented comprehensive business proposals to HPs print and personal systems business leadership. Through the Reinvent Mindsets campaign and programs such as the HBCU Business Challenge, HP strives to cultivate a future talent pool and demonstrate the importance of fostering the next generation of all talent. ### Attachment DENVER, CO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over 100 guests packed the lobby at the new headquarters for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) in the vibrant Cherry Creek North area. Governor John Hickenlooper gave an opening address before the awards ceremony and before the tour of the new building, which includes an Education Center and a future coffee shop. At the event, Global presented its 21X21 Campaign Leadership Award to Noreen Salah Burpee, Executive Director of The Salah Foundation. Noreen and her amazing family have been our champions for many years giving us guidance and helping us to grow, says Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of Global. Last year they provided a historic, extremely generous $1 million grant to Global that will underwrite The Salah Foundation Learning Zone in our Education Center where we will provide transformative educational programs to people with Down syndrome of all ages. Fred Churbuck and Megan Fearnow, two of Burpees children who also serve on The Salah Foundation board, were in attendance to support Global and receive the award. The education center was a team effort and The Salah Foundation is very proud to be a part of this team that will help so many people with Down syndrome, says Noreen Salah Burpee. This building is a tribute to the generosity and the goals of Anna and John J Sie. It is through their vision and dedication and the tireless efforts of their daughter Michelle Sie Whitten that this is all possible. Global also presented its Community Leadership Award to the Vollbracht and Winfield families. Leslie and Bill Vollbracht are the founders of Land Title Guarantee Company and have been pillars of the Colorado business and philanthropic community for years. Their daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Kirby Winfield, are carrying on that family tradition in Washington state with their two children, Katherine (Kate) and Kirby Jr. Kate is Globals Ambassador and happens to have Down syndrome. The Vollbrachts and Winfields have always been there for us from the beginning and understood the importance of the research and medical care on our childrens health outcomes, said Whitten. Alison and Kirby Winfield and the Vollbrachts daughter Dana Vollbracht were on hand to help accept their families award. "We have seen firsthand the incredible impact Global has on the lives of people with Down syndrome, says Alison Winfield. In a world where public resources and awareness are scarce, Kate and her peers need organizations like Global to advocate for their health and interests and push the envelope on evolving research and therapy. Global constantly raises the bar for how all of us include and support people with Down syndrome." Globals new headquarters is located at 3239 E. 2nd Avenue on the corner of 2nd and Adams in the Cherry Creek district, which boasts hundreds of restaurants, spas, shops, and banks. The building is an important legacy project for cable TV pioneers and community leaders, Anna and John J. Sie. Their granddaughter, Sophia, was born with Down syndrome. The Sies daughter and Sophias mom, Michelle Sie Whitten, runs the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Michelle, Tom, Sophia, and Patrick Whitten were all in attendance for the Grand Opening. The building is 53,879 square feet in total and was built by GH Phipps Construction Companies, designed by Saiber Saiber Architecture, kitted out by OfficeScapes and branding by ArtHouse Design. The second and third floors of the building are occupied by Global staff while the fourth floor is dedicated to the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation and AJS Ventures. The first floor, where the Grand Opening event took place includes a lobby, an Education Center measuring 2,480 square feet and a future coffee shop that occupies 1,624 square feet. The Education Center will open its doors by the end of 2019 and the coffee shop is expected to open sometime in 2020. This building will not only be a headquarters but a destination for inclusion, inspiration and achievement, says John J. Sie. We want to have thousands of people who are differently-abled working together with the broad-based community and finding ways to accomplish great things together. An important focus of The Salah Foundation Learning Zone and the Education Center will be vocational training toward job placement. The impressive list of event attendees included award-winning actor and Global board member, John C. McGinley, Born this Way TV phenom, Megan Bomgaars. Philanthropic leaders included Peter Kudla, Mike Fries, Don Elliman, Ellen Bruss & Mark Falcone, Laura Barton & Willy Matthews, Charlie Gallagher, Sunny Brownstein, Susan Karsh, Casey & Brett Perry, Greg Karsh, Nancy Sevo, Don & Susan Sturm, Edie Marks, Chris & Lu Law, Joy Dinsdale, Jay Mills & Kiana Akina, Michele & Michael Ritter, Mac & Rebecca Macsovits, Bob & Liane Clasen, Dick & Marcia Robinson, Arlene & Barry Hirschfeld , Kalleen Malone, Allison & Brian Levin, Brian & Shelley Hart, Brook Griese, Andy Irvine, and Katy Call. Other Community Leaders included Rebecca Chopp, Christoph Heinrich, John Reilly, Stephen & Dee Daniels, Jennifer Darling, and Miguel Lovato. ### About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is at the forefront of research, medical care, education, and advocacy dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome. Global supports the research of hundreds of scientists around the world through their advocates, partners and affiliates, including the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome. To learn more, please visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org. Toronto, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca and KUKA Canada Ltd (KUKA), a world leader in advanced manufacturing and intelligent automation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide Seneca students with state-of-the-art robotic equipment and the opportunity to enhance their manufacturing skills as future graduates within the postsecondary sector. KUKA and Seneca will jointly develop strategic initiatives focused on technology innovation and work closely on skills development through curriculum on Industry 4.0 automation. This partnership will include a modern KUKA robotics lab within Senecas new Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship at its Newnham Campus, opening in January 2019. Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution, is the current trend of automation and the utilization of data in advanced manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, along with cloud and cognitive computing. As a postsecondary leader in partnerships, we recognize the value of collaborating with industry leaders, such as KUKA, said David Agnew, Seneca President. We are delighted to work with KUKA to further enrich our unmatched cluster of engineering programs. This MOU is an important step for us to continue to meet the needs of employers across a variety of sectors that will require robotics, automation and mechatronics technology in the future. We look forward to working with KUKA on curriculum that will ensure our graduates are in-demand once they enter the workplace. KUKA will participate in the development of Senecas robotics and automation curriculum. This may include providing guest lecturers, technical workshops and offering opportunities for Seneca students to train, gain practical knowledge and experience with KUKAs portfolio of products, solutions and technologies. KUKA shares a strong strategic alignment with Seneca and we are excited to work closely with students and faculty to prepare for the future of automation and Industry 4.0. The implementation of a new state-of-the-art KUKA robotics lab will act as an automation learning platform for students and provide updated curriculum focused on advanced automation and industry 4.0 concepts, said Ed Manera, Vice President of Sales for KUKA Canada Inc. This year, KUKA is celebrating its 120-year anniversary and were continually finding ways to focus on the future of intelligent automation. Partnering with Seneca is an example of our ongoing commitment to develop and enhance advanced manufacturing skills in future graduates. The partnership also has the potential to evolve into establishing internships and/or co-op opportunities. In addition, Seneca faculty members will have the opportunity to undergo training to become KUKA qualified instructors. About Seneca Combining career and professional skills training with theoretical knowledge, Senecas expert faculty provide a polytechnic education to 30,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time students. With campuses in Toronto, York Region and Peterborough and education partners around the world, Seneca offers degrees, graduate certificates, diplomas and certificates in more than 300 full-time, part-time and online programs. Senecas credentials are renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Co-op and work placements, applied research projects, entrepreneurial opportunities and the latest technology ensure that Seneca graduates are highly skilled and ready to work. Find out more at senecacollege.ca Follow us on Twitter About KUKA KUKA is a global automation corporation with sales of around 3.5 billion euro and around 14,200 employees. As leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA offers its customers in the automotive, electronics, consumer goods, metalworking, logistics/e-commerce, healthcare and service robotics industries everything they need from a single source: from components and cells to fully automated systems. The KUKA Group is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. Find out more at kuka.com Follow us on Twitter Attachments Control of pesticides to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products VietNamNet Bridge The use of pesticides in agricultural production should be properly considered and applied, said Jason Sandahi, an expert from the US Department of Agriculture, at a seminar in Hanoi on Tuesday. Vietnamese farmers at work. The country controls pesticide levels to improve the competitiveness of exported agricultural products. VNA/VNS Photo The seminar, titled Driving Viet Nam Agricultural Exports and Food Safety: the Role of Crop Protection, was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Crop Life Asia. Sandahi said harmonisation of standards will be applied to all economies in the future, and suggested Vietnamese farmers should be given tools to promote agricultural production and export. International experts and Vietnamese agricultural managers were updated on technical requirements and trade standards for products in major markets such as Europe, the Americas and Asia. Jeroen Pasman, export sales manager from Can Tho Provincebased the Fruit Republic Co, which specialises in exporting fruits and vegetables to Europe and the US, said the biggest challenge is how Vietnamese farmers use pesticides to ensure export standards. According to Pasman, the Fruit Republic Co has signed contracts with small farms and households and guided them on how to use pesticides and manage residue and dosages to ensure their products meet import standards. Vietnam has signed free trade agreements and tried to encourage the exchange of goods; however, the fact remains that the countrys bananas are still not exported to the Philippines, its coconuts do not go to China and many of its products do not reach Japan because they do not meet these markets technical standards. Nguyen Xuan Hong, director of the Plant Protection Department for MARD, said Vietnamese agricultural export products must meet two important technical requirements: food safety and animal-and-plant quarantine. Pesticides are important in agricultural production, he said. Most countries have to use pesticides, plant protection medicine and fertilisers, but as long as agricultural products satisfy requirements of residue limits, they will still be exported. "Vietnamese producers must understand the rules of countries importing agricultural products and their consumers," Hong said. It is necessary to strengthen the production chain among enterprises, co-operatives and State management agencies." Siang Hee Tan, managing director of Crop Life Asia, said the issue is how to continue promoting Vietnams competitive advantage because of its great potential for exports. Vuong Truong Giang, chief of the Plant Protection Departments Food Safety and Environment Office, said the department has received warnings from importing countries that some products had exceeded pesticide residue limits. In 2017, there were 90 cases in which European countries returned agricultural products to Vietnam. Vietnams agricultural export ranks the second in Southeast Asia and 15th in the world. Source: VNS BANGOR, MAINE, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Husson University announced today that it will be demonstrating some of the new and enhanced technology available at its Northern Maine Campus to representatives of MMG Insurance on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 205 of the Christie Complex at Husson Universitys Northern Maine Campus, 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle. Husson Universitys Northern Maine campus is located on the campus of Northern Maine Community College. The generosity of MMG, with the donation of new video conferencing technology, helps take the distance out of distance learning. Students in Aroostook County can participate in a greater variety of face-to-face Husson University coursework and professional development opportunities without the need for travel. Instructors from the County can also share their unique Aroostook perspective with Husson students at our Westbrook and Bangor campuses, said Jennifer Flynn, M.Ed., director of Husson University - Northern Maine. One year ago, MMG Insurance pledged $50,000 in support of the proposed new Husson College of Business building at the universitys Bangor campus and technology improvements to the distance learning capabilities at Hussons Northern Maine campus in Presque Isle. This new technology demonstration will show how part of MMGs gift intention has been fulfilled by the University. Husson anticipates that the other portion of MMGs gift will be fully realized in 2020, when construction is slated to begin on Hussons Bangor campus for the new College of Business building. MMGs support is helping students in Presque Isle connect to Husson University in Bangor, said Dr. Robert A. Clark, president of Husson University. The enhanced distance learning capabilities made possible by the companys generosity will provide students in Northern Maine with the opportunity to engage and learn from our faculty many of whom are some of the nations leading experts in their fields. This technology is part of our Universitys ongoing efforts to provide education that enhances the personal and professional success of individuals, who will in turn, contribute to the economic growth of the region. At MMG we believe that by investing in educational infrastructure, such as distance learning technology, we are opening the door to a wide range of potential positive impacts said Larry M. Shaw, president and CEO of MMG Insurance. From educational opportunities for our own employees right here in Aroostook County, to developing a skilled workforce throughout Maine, we are connecting interest with opportunity. Shaw added, Husson is a proven leader in preparing graduates for career success. We look forward to continuing to work with them in carving out paths between the business community and their institution of higher education. The technology purchased by MMG includes ViewSonic visual displays, camera equipment and microphones. The event will also include a plaque presentation to MMG representatives from Husson University in recognition of the companys commitment to improving distance learning capabilities and connecting Northern Maine to educational opportunities. This includes specialized training, advanced degrees and certifications. Distance education allows students to hear from, and learn from, their peers in locations across Maine. We now offer on-site education at our three campuses in Presque Isle, Bangor and Westbrook, in addition to a number of community college, businesses and online. Connecting students to the classroom experience through technology is helping to bring Hussons quality professional education to every corner of our state, concluded Clark. MMG Insurance Company, headquartered in Presque Isle, Maine, is a regional property and casualty insurance company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Virginia. With roots dating back to 1897 and a history rich in growth, MMG has earned consistent regional and national recognition for superior service, ease of doing business and as a best place to work. Today, the company writes in excess of $185 million in premiums in partnership with more than 190 Independent Agencies across 460 locations. For more information, visit MMGIns.com. For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells, and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. According to a recent analysis by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is the most affordable private college in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu. Attachments Non Nuoc Cao Bang in the northern border province of Cao Bang covers an area of 3,000 sq.km The geopark is home to fossils, ocean sediment, volcanic rocks, minerals and especially karst landscapes It is also well known for rich biodiversity and many indigenous fauna and flora species Cao Bang province will carry out three tourism routes in the geopark area to attract more tourists In 2016, Cao Bang submited a dossier to UNESCO to seek the global geopark recognition On November 24, 2018, Non Nuoc Cao Bang received the global geopark status from the UNESCO Erlang/OTP 21's new logger With OTP-21 came a new logging library in Erlang called logger . It comes as an attempt to offer a built-in alternative to long successful projects such as lager , which have seen years of battle testing and tweaking for performance. I've seen few articles written about the new logger and what it can do, so I've decided to do just that. Lager came with a lot of performance adjustments, and structurally speaking, the new logger should be pretty fast. However, I do not know and have not measured if it is indeed the case, and I will leave this question for someone else to answer (I do believe there's a talk coming at this spring's CodeBeamSF on the topic). Instead, in this post, I'll look at the capabilities and structure of logger , to see what its new API allows and enables in projects. Spoiler alert: I think we can finally get amazing structured logging that hits all the points when it comes to logging flexibility, and I'll show how this can be done, along with some theory of what good logging should be. Structure The logger library has an interesting internal structure. It's not necessary to know about it to use the library, but it is useful to know about it when we want to extend it. This extensibility is something we'll go through a bit later, since it really makes the library shine. logger exposes three types of components with well-defined behaviours (interfaces): Log Filters Log Handlers Log Formatters These three types of elements are stored in a configuration database. The configuration database is an opaque set of OTP processes that hold all the data in an ETS table so it's fast of access (something lager did as well), but that could very well be written using the OTP Persistent Term Storage that could land in the language starting with Erlang/OTP 22.0 somewhere around mid-2019. In any case, accessing the configuration should be cheap, and should reasonably not be a critical bottleneck. This is important because it allows logging operations to take place closer to the calling source. In multiple programming languages where concurrency is rather limited, the thing you want to do is to log something, and as soon as possible, move it to a different thread or process so that your main one can keep running uninterrupted. This tends to work well when you have few of them, or when scheduling is cooperative: [P1] [Logger] [P2] | | | |---> log --->| | | |<--- log <---| | | | | | | ... ... ... If formatting and writing out the log is costly, then P1 and P2 are allowed to keep going without much of a problem, and as the logging process or thread is stalled on some disk operation, the program keeps chugging along fine. This is not the case in a language like Erlang or Elixir, where you can safely assume that if you have 32 cores, the 32 of them will be fully used, and all of that stuff you're doing has a different cost. For starters, since you're using processes for sure and not threads, you get a copying cost for your messages. But the biggest problem strictly comes from the point of view that Erlang has preemptive scheduling, and so there is no guarantee that a central process will necessarily get all of the CPU time it needs to flush data outaside from raising the process' priority, but if not done carefully, you can hog a scheduler and make everything rather unfair. In any case, you want to avoid the pattern where a lot of work is done on a single process while a lot of others can just produce logs for cheap: [P1] [Logger] [P2] | | | |----> A ---->| | | filter(A) | | format(A) | | |<---- B <----| |----> C ---->| | | output(A) | | filter(B) | | |<---- D <----| | format(B) | |----> E ---->| | | output(B) | | filter(C) | ... ... ... This is, to put it bluntly, introducing an infrastructural bottleneck into your system. You can cheaply and easily overload the central logger by spawning a lot of short-lived processes that send only one log line, and pretty much no backpressure mechanisms will be able to do anything about it without dropping logs blindly. Instead, what we want is to distribute as much of the work as possible at the call-site. Under a systematic view, it is better to have some frequent minor disruptions (hopefully so small they are not noticeable) than it would be to cause overall system imbalance that everyone notices for long periods of time. It's a bit of a tradeoff between magnitude and frequency of instabilities. By putting all logging operations at the call-site you instead get an execution flow that looks like: [P1] [Logger] [P2] | | | filter(A) | | format(A) | filter(B) |----> A ---->| format(B) | |<---- B <----| filter(C) output(A) | format(C) output(B) filter(D) |----> C ---->| format(D) | |<---- D <----| filter(E) output(C) | | output(D) | ... ... ... The logger process essentially is left with far less work to do, and whenever a log message is filteredfor example, having a debug log when the log level is set to errorit comes at no cost from the central logger process. In the diagram above, filter(E) does just that. You still need a backpressure mechanism and the possibility to shed load by dropping logs, but chances are it will be far more rare since the bottleneck isn't nearly as narrow and structural. And if the load shedding can take place from the call-site as well (by sticking it in a filter, for example), then you can fix every overload event by shedding far fewer logs for a shorter period of time. And so logger adopts this structure. By having the configuration for logs in a central store that is cheap to read concurrently, everything is in place for rapid dispatching and filtering of events at the call-site. Data Flow For every log call, the following steps conceptually take place in the caller process: the level and calling module of the log are checked against a list of global permissions to know if the logging can go further; log level and module blacklists can be set at a node-global scope to quickly filter many logs in or out of the system the format of the log's arguments are validated and annotated. String logs, format logs (such as arguments you'd pass to io:format/2 ), or reports (a data structure) are supported the locality of logs is checked: a process can log up to another parent Erlang VM or node. For this we'll assume it's all on a single local node the "primary" (node-global) configuration is fetched a list of primary filter callbacks is fetched filters are executed one after the other; they can return whether to stop the log dead in its track ( stop ), to log it (return the potentially altered log line), or to let another filter decide ( ignore ). a list of log handlers is fetched For each log handler, the following is done: a list of handler-specific filters is fetched the list of filters is applied as in step 6 the log/2 callback is called for the log handler At this point, we've gone through a set of level and module filters, a list of global filters, and then per-handler filters. All the logs past this point, for each handler, are considered to be clear and ready to format and output. Formatting is left up to each handler, but the OTP team has created a formatter behaviour so that a uniform format could be used. Each handler that decides to do so can let you specify a custom formatter, such as flatlog, and will then redirect the output the way you want it to whatever back-end it needs. So if your handler just outputs to the terminal, it may decide to format the data and then call an output function right there and then. If it instead has to write to disk (as with logger_disk_log_h ), however, it may decide to format the logs and then send them to a third party process that handles the output. So for disk logging, what you likely have is a single process holding a file descriptor, ensuring that none of the write clash with each other. It can batch up log lines into page-sized payloads that get written one after the other. In the end, the processing flow looks a bit like this: [level + module filter] --> [global filters] --> [handler] | [handler callback] <-- [handler filters] <--| + ... <--' [format] | ============|==== process ============================= | '--> [output] This is the real clever stuff: if you don't need centralized processing, you don't get it. Most loggers, lager and Elixir's Logger library included, will use a central event handler for which all logs are forwarded before calling custom handlers. With the new OTP logger , if a specific log needs to be sent to 4 different backends (console, disk, audit, crash log), that process pays that cost; but if a request log is used only for one back-end, it is not being held up by unrelated ones. This covers the information flow of what I now consider to be a good logger, but to make sense of that, let me also tell what I think makes for good logging. Good Logging Good logging is not necessarily obvious to get right, and you get better at logging once you've seen enough terrible and useless logs to know what to avoid. Eventually, you know enough mistakes to head in a generally good direction. In a nutshell, good logging requires to remain factualdon't interpret without contextand a strong separation of concerns between log producing and log consuming. Generally, all of this is easier to accomplish through structured logging. State facts The first thing to do with your logging is to be clear about your messages' content. You have to be aware that whatever you state in logs is what people debugging your system will operate with. Whatever you say in your logs will, whether you want it or not, influence how people approach debugging your system. If your log says something to the effect of "the image upload service is down" instead of "could not connect to upload service at with : for reason ", you may be training your users and operators to do either or both of: go on a wild goose chase to figure out whether the image service is down distrust the log messages as unreliable and essentially useless While the former log may be looking friendlier by trying to offer an interpretation, it is generally worse in all the cases except those where it is right. So if any problems exist with a load balancer, local firewall rules, cross-region calls, certificate validation, local resource exhaustion in sockets, the operator will not know about them. If the operator gets information from dashboards that tell them the upload service is healthy, the log line is disregarded as unreliable rather than as valuable (one side claims to be unable to connect whereas other parts of the system can connect fine). The worst example of this I recall seeing is an old piece of software that would report any impossibility to validate SSL certificates as "you are being hacked!". So necessarily, when the software became too old to properly connect to online services using newer ciphersuites and protocols, it started to tell the person that their entire network was compromised, possibly having them call their IT department (or knowledgeable relative) to figure things out from opaque reports, rather than giving information to someone knowledgeable. Of course, you have to cater to the level of expertise for your users, but you have to be careful between trying to be helpful in offering a guess, and obfuscating the truth. It may be better to say "certificate validation failed" than "you are being hacked", simply because a non-technical user would not necessarily know what to do about being hacked any more than bad certificate validation anyway. Log Storage and Consuming are Unrelated Concerns One of the biggest "mistakes" I see in various frameworks is tying down the output format and location directly to the source of the message being sent. The production and consuming of logs are different things done in different contexts by different people, and should be treated as such. Log production should be concerned with some output performance and specific retention policies, whereas log consuming is more about extracting various types of information from unpredictable patterns. Some of the worst offenders I've seen here were object-oriented projects where logs would be stored on a per-class basis. Each class would instantiate its own logger, which would then write logs to a file defined for each class name. The problem with this extreme approach is that it does not play well for retention policies. You want to be able to store and keep logs for various periods of time depending on who uses them. For a developer trying to understand things in staging, you may want to have all the logs all the time, since the dev may need to see all kinds of noise and data to make sense of it. However, that data probably needs to be stored for a short period of time. For application users and the information required for support tickets, you might want to store data for maybe 2-3 weeks. Give the customer a few days to find about the problem, confirm it's not on their end, open up a support ticket, let the support ticket escalate a few levels, land on a development team's lap, and then give developers time to address, investigate, and respond to the ticket: you might need 2-3 weeks but no longer than that. If the relevant logs are kept only for 3 days, then no ticket escalation can provide more insight than the lowest level because the data is gone. For legal and audit purposes, you may want to store all logs related to configuration changes, user logins and logouts, purchases and financial transactions, and so on. You will possibly want to store them for 6 months or more. Many of these may be generated at an info level only, a level much lower than warnings, errors, or crash logs, which you might not want for that long. And so the log's content itself should let you filter and redirect logs based on their importance. If you do the dispatching on files on disk, then the retention policies of your logger itself should let you set these. If you do the dispatching in the application so they go to different services, you will want to be able to do the dispatching at a logical level within the application. If you do the dispatching at another service after having aggregated everything in one feed through some log aggregation mechanism, then once again you need the logs to contain the information necessary to their parsing and storage. In very few of these cases it is a good idea to clog up the code producing the logs with these concerns. It should be a bit worrisome to see 4 or 5 potential log consumers result in a single function generating 4-5 log calls directly. That's hardly maintainable. So what you want is to have a single way to produce logs, and then, based on the log information, be able to dynamically dispatch them to the proper storage mechanisms, which implement the proper retention policies, which will get you appropriate performance. If all of your classes in an OO system generate a lot of logs to the point it causes performance issues, it may be fine to generate per-class logs going to various storage points, as long as they are re-aggregated laterpity the devs who use a text editor and comb through logs by handbut it has to be done for a good reason. The Advantages of Structured Logging And here we are, with the need for factual logs, to be consumed by various yet-unknown entities, which need to be dynamically dispatchable based on their content. The most logical conclusion is that all logs generated should be generated with an easily parseable format that is also human-readable. This is what structured logging is all about. The two big examples of structured logs are those using key-value pairs and look a bit like: when=2018-07-11T13:41:10.14012+00:00 level=info id=10ba038e-48da-487b-96e8 \ at=my_app:some_call:123 log=event in=my_rel/my_app what=container_backup \ result=error reason="filesystem full" container_id=0 \ container_path="/containers/containers-data/cname" container_status=up And those that use a data serialization format such as JSON, providing similar logs under the format: { "level" : "info" , "id" : "10ba038e-48da-487b-96e8" , "at" : "my_app:some_call:123" , "when" : "2018-07-11T13:41:10.14012+00:00" , "log" : "event" , "in" : "my_rel/my_app" , "what" : "container_backup" , "result" : "error" , "reason" : "filesystem_full" , "container" : { "id" : 0 , "path" : "/containers/containers-data/cname" , "status" : "up" } } The former has the advantage of working well with line-based tools (such as syslog transports, grep and awk, and human readers), whereas the latter makes it really easy to build programmatic tools which can analyse data with little data loss in the original serialisation. If you are really performance-cautious, you may want to generate the line format by hand since you can essentially output one flat log cheaply after having spent time serializing everything yourself, but you'll introduce a bunch of edge cases around serialization. What if the HTTP path that a user requested contains ?query="key=value" in there? Will you generate properly parseable data? Instead, a safer although a bit more costly approach, is to straight up generate reports as maps or structs or well-known key-value data types in your language of choice. In Erlang those might be key-value pairs or maps. Maps are preferable because they allow much faster and efficient filtering for various structures, which let you keep some of your performance in any early validation and transformations you may wish to apply. Here's how you could write a log expression in Erlang starting with OTP-21: logger : info (#{ id => "10ba038e" , in => "some_component" , what => "config_change" , result => "error" , reason => "unauthorized" , "user" => #{ "id" => 1337 , "name" => "ferd" , "role" => "member" } }). Which results in this output by default: = INFO REPORT ==== 25 - Nov - 2018 :: 09 : 49 : 23 . 433329 === id : 10 ba038e in : some_component reason : unauthorized result : error "user" : #{ "id" => 1337 , "name" => "ferd" , "role" => "member" } what : config_change If you then add a custom log formatter using something like this in your sys.config file: [ { kernel , [ { logger , [ { handler , structured , logger_std_h , #{ formatter => { flatlog , #{ map_depth => 3 , term_depth => 50 }}} } ]} ]} ]. And switch to using a macro-based call, which will automatically inject metadata about the call-site into the logs: - include_lib ( "kernel/include/logger.hrl" ). ... ? LOG_INFO (#{ id => "10ba038e" , in => "some_component" , what => "config_change" , result => "error" , reason => "unauthorized" , "user" => #{ "id" => 1337 , "name" => "ferd" , "role" => "member" } }). You will get logs like this, with all the extra metadata: when=2018-11-25T14:49:26.24935+00:00 level=info pid=<0.133.0> \ at=logchk:macro/0:14 what=config_change user_role=member user_name=ferd \ user_id=1337 result=error reason=unauthorized in=some_component id=10ba038e So what's good with this is that you are able to get a structured log format that is amenable to tooling, but also still really effective to manipulate in logger 's filters. Tying it up Since we've seen concerns about data production, storage, rotation, forwarding, and formatting, we might want to put a fully working solution together. Using only built-in logging facilities in Erlang, we're able to do something like this: [ { kernel , [ { logger_level , info }, { logger , [ %% Console logger { handler , default , logger_std_h , #{ formatter => { flatlog , #{ map_depth => 3 , term_depth => 50 }}} }, %% Disk logger for errors { handler , disk_log , logger_disk_log_h , #{ config => #{ file => "logs/error" , type => wrap , max_no_files => 10 , max_no_bytes => 52428800 , % 10 x 5mb }, level => error , formatter => { flatlog , #{ map_depth => 3 , term_depth => 50 }} } }, %% Synchronous Audit logs { handler , audit_log , logger_disk_log_h , #{ config => #{ file => "logs/audit" , type => wrap , max_no_files => 50 , max_no_bytes => 52428800 , % 50 x 5mb sync_mode_qlen => 0 , % handle all events synchronously filesync_repeat_interval => 100 , % fsync after 100ms when a change is made %% drop overload control drop_mode_qlen => 100000000 , % ridiculously large queue before we drop flush_qlen => 100000001 , % ensure we pretty much never drop silently burst_limit_enable => false , % no burst protection overload_kill_enable => false % kill the whole node, not just the logger }, %% only keep what you must filters => [ { audit_filter , { fun my_project : audit_filter / 2 , state }} ], filter_default => stop , %% Keep structured logs to one line formatter => { flatlog , #{ map_depth => 3 , term_depth => 500 % bigger term depth }} } } ]} ]} ]. There are three logging handlers defined. The first one is the standard output we've seen so far. Then we have the error handler on disk. Basically this handler's configuration will cancel out any logs that are below the error level, will store important errors to disk on a file with a given storage retention policy and some implicit overload handling. The overload handling allows things such as log burst windows, memory and message queue protections, and toggling between synchronous and asynchronous logging based on performance. Since disk writing is unpredictable, those are pretty critical features in a large system. All the details for the overload protection can be found in the user guide. The audit handler is last. It has a longer retention than the error log file (which has a much shorter rotation period based on the file count), and will expect a custom filter in my_project:audit_filter/2 , which will pick and choose audit logs to filter in. You'll note that I explicitly disabled overload protection on audit logs: not being able to leave an audit trail should be a critical problem that prevents further action. Non-repudiation is a serious thing. You'll notice that the audit logs also require a full file synchronisation on logs every few milliseconds and that all handler operations are synchronous. This lets us, through logs, make pretty sure that we reach some form of stable storage before moving on. If you must really get absolute certainty, the logger_disk_log_h:filesync(audit_log) call will do it. You might want your audit logs to not use disk files. You could instead create an audit handler that would send the logged data structures to an external service inline, or prefer to forward the logs on disk at a later point based on performance and safety requirements. Hell, you could do it on a per-log basis where financial information requires a full blocking whereas user logins and logouts can be handled with less safety. This is almost flexible enough to be the scary aspect-oriented programming (AOP) that changes execution semantics from afar that your parents told you to avoid! Expanding Scope Distributed Tracing There's even fancier stuff you can do. Remember that when we touched on the handlers and filters, I made an important point of stating that they both run within the process that currently runs. This turns out to be very interesting for distributed tracing. Distributed tracing is kind of cumbersome to set up at the application level: beyond your logs and your metrics, you need to set up a bunch of trace ids, spans, and metadata, and to set their starting and ending points. This is usually annoying as hell, and people reasonably stick distributed tracing a layer beneath the application. You read the span information in a web server's middleware, and add it to outgoing requests through a similar adapter in some SDK or HTTP client. Then you at least get spans at a service-level scope. But here's what's neat. Since you arguably already have span handling at the middleware level, you can automatically and cheaply add support for additional sub-spans based on logs data. I wrote a small prototype log handler to demonstrate this, based on the opencensus Erlang client. This library expects that you may have structured logs in your system which already respect a kind of "request --> response" log sequence, or possibly if you use a structure similar to what you'd get in message-passing systems where you implement CQRS with commands and events, where commands represent a demand intended on the system, and an event can represent the action(s) that has taken place following a command. You configure it with information such as: [ { kernel , [ { logger , [ { handler , opencensus , tracelog_handler , #{ open_close_pairs => [ % {key name, {open val, close val}} { type , { command , event }}, { part , { request , response }}, { trace , { start , stop }} ], name_keys => [ what , span ] } } ]}, { logger_level , info } ]}, ... ]. This one works by establishing keyword pairs of terms that represent respective start/stop of events, with potential fields describing names for spans. Whenever such event pairs are encountered, the logging handlers will automatically open and close an opencensus span. Since opencensus uses the process dictionary, this will integrate fine with any other spans that had been declared before. Take the following logs for example: ping () -> ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => command , what => "ping_many" }), ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => command , what => "ping_1" }), Res1 = gen_statem : call ( ? MODULE , ping , infinity ), ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => event , what => "ping_1" , result => Res1 }), ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => command , what => "ping_2" }), Res2 = gen_statem : call ( ? MODULE , ping , infinity ), ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => event , what => "ping_2" , result => Res2 }), case { Res1 , Res2 } of { pong , pong } -> ? LOG_INFO (#{ type => event , what => "ping_many" , result => ok , text => "ping working fine" }), ok ; _ -> ? LOG_WARNING (#{ type => event , what => "ping_many" , result => error , details => { Res1 , Res2 }, text => "could not get two pings to work" }), { error , badping } end . This isn't a particularly pretty bit of code since it logs too much to be of any use, but it's there to demonstrate a point. You call ping/0 and you'll then see the following in zipkin (or any other distributed tracing tool of your choice): That's pretty useful, although I haven't yet had the opportunity to try it in a production system to see how viable it is. But I think it's pretty neat to be able to lift existing logging code and suddenly get new visibility into what's going on for essentially no additional cognitive cost. Metrics I'm not a fan of carrying metrics over logs, but some services and architectures encourage it. One of the fancy things you can do with log line filters is remove or add specific information to log reports. If you must use logs for metrics, you could have a single logging point or map with all the data you can think of: ? LOG_INFO (#{ what => http_response , status => 200 , ... metrics => #{ init => 1032 , db_start => 1034 , db_end => 1042 , format => 1043 , response => 1046 , ... } }) In practice the call might look more like ?LOG_INFO(#{..., metrics => Metrics}) since you wouldn't store all timestamps literally like in the previous example, but you get the gist. We don't necessarily know ahead of times which metrics will be interesting to report on. It might be database-specific information and full request duration for users, but for implementers it might be very important to know how long formatting takes. Rather than merging all of that data down ahead of time and calculating intervals that might not be relevant, filters can be used for such transforms: user_metrics_filter ( Event = #{ msg : = { report , Msg = #{ metrics : = Metrics }}}, _) -> NewMetrics = #{ db_delay => maps : get ( db_end , Metrics ) - maps : get ( db_start , Metrics ), response_time => maps : get ( response , Metrics ) - maps : get ( init , Metrics ) }, %% filter out old metrics map, and add new values to the map instead NewMsg = maps : merge ( maps : without ([ metrics ], Msg ), NewMetrics ), %% substitute the message in the report Event #{ msg => { report , NewMsg }}. Applying this filter to the existing log lines will remove information that focuses on what users or support engineers may need, rather than a large data dump that only original developers would know what to make of. The event above could then produce log entries such as: when=2018-... level=info ... what=http_response status=200 response_time=14 db_delay=8 While this filter modifies the information in minimal ways, you might also couple it to a handler that extracts all metrics and publishes them to a telemetry system such as StatsD or prometheus based on log feeds only. As a side note, this approach where you only "tag" a few keywords with monotonic timestamps to later extract desired intervals is one of the cleanest functional way to handle metrics generation. This is especially true when you have "per-process" counters, such as gathering metrics for specific HTTP requests, specific transactions, and so on, but they are handled at varied abstraction levels (the opposite would be node-global metrics, which are easier to handle with a mutable counter.) One example of this is in vegur, a proxy library that contains a small HTTP client, handles proxying logic, and must report up to a router it knows nothing about. To do this, it generates an internal queue of metrics it keeps in memory for the client, and another one on the server side, on each connection. That way, the server side and the client can be called interchangeably without caring about each other nor how metrics fit in the whole picture. When they're done, metrics queues are returned, and the part that handles proxy logic above them can merge the queues. It then exposes them back to the router. The router can maintain its own metrics log, which it fills with route-selection metrics and other data. At the end, the router reports metrics by merging all known queues and extracting the desired and relevant time intervals from their various keys. The end result is a rather fast, well-scoped set of composable data structures that allow cross-cutting metrics to be reported over multiple components without breaking any layer of abstraction nor requiring any further collaboration between libraries. I would not generally advise to handle metrics as logs, but in some cases, it could be reasonable and you have the flexibility to do it. There are other more reasonable uses to log filters of this kind, such as scrubbing away stray passwords, session cookies, or other private details you might want to avoid and that could have slipped through. Which Fields Logs Should Contain Structured logs are the most useful when you can define common fields that all your applications will respect in terms of semantics. It kind of is annoying when you're in a distributed system, and all the services use any of user , user_id , uid , id , and so on, and in an interchangeable manner. Querying and analysing logs is near impossible then. So here's some of the log fields our team at Genetec has adopted and decided to standardize on: Name Type Needed Description Examples Notes when ISO 8601 The timestamp (with timezone information) at which the event has taken place. If the information is not available, the time of output can be substituted. Try to put this key first in the final format so logs can easily be sorted. 2018-07-11T13:41:10+00:00 2018-07-11T13:41:10Z 2018-07-11T13:41:10.1234+00:00 2018-07-11T13:41:10.1234Z A fractional portion of a second (milliseconds, microseconds) can optionally be added before the timezone. The explicit metadata logger argument can be used to override the timestamp automatically inserted by the logger's macro call. level enum log level according to RFC 5424: debug, info, notice, warning, error, critical, alert, emergency debug warning error automatically generated by the logger call id uuid a unique identifier for the log line, event, or command 10ba038e-48da-487b-96e8-8d3b99b6d18a parent_id uuid a unique identifier for the parent event or command, if any. Allows to define hierarchies of events and build a trace 10ba038e-48da-487b-96e8-8d3b99b6d18a Useful when distributed tracing is not present; lets someone do it by hand correlation_id uuid a unique identifier for all requests or logs in a group of commands, if any. Allows to define families of events all related to an initial request or user action. 10ba038e-48da-487b-96e8-8d3b99b6d18a Useful when distributed tracing is not present; lets someone do it by hand at string an indicator of where in code the call or log line was emitted module:function:line class::method::line filename.script:routine duration integer + unit If an event has a known duration, this value can let you output that. The unit must be included with the time duration. 213s 1531ms 12094s Avoid using floats in time units; instead use the next smallest integer. log enum A value defining the type of information conveyed by the log line. Can be either event , command , or trace event command trace an event denotes something that has happened, and a command an order or a request being given. The trace value is for any internal log line not meant to be either an event or a command. in string The subcomponent taking action and logging data. If judged useful, can contain a hierarchy. myrel mylib otherlib mylib/subcomponent otherlib/some_functionality this category should be chosen based on filtering needs, and may represent the domain of concern for some operations what string A value defining the purpose of the event or command that took place http_req, rest, user_input, connection, connection_open, connection_close this value can be arbitrary since the in value provides context across components, but it may help to stick to common terms. result string The result of a given operation being reported. ok error exception denied Clarify the cause of a bad result in a follow-up field, such as `details` details string Additional information explaining the result timeout "privilege level insufficient" disk_full "invalid_option:abc" src map A map containing information regarding the source of a message, request, or connection {"src": } fields defined in the table below dst map A map containing information regarding the destination of a message, request, or connection {"dst": } fields defined in the table below text quoted text Human readable content "could not load item \"a\" after 4 attempts" attempt int/int On a mechanism that is allowed to retry multiple times, set the counter as a fraction, starting from 1 up until the limit. Attempt 5/5 would mean the final attempt allowed 1/10 3/5 5/5 pid integer process identifier for a given worker or resource 1412 (OS Pid) <0.123.0> (Erlang Pid) "/user/serviceA/actor" (akka.net) highest pid level possible in the abstraction layers proc integer process identifier for an OS process 1412 use if an higher-level pid exists and is also relevant And for the Src/Dst maps: Name Type Needed Description Examples Notes host string domain name of the computer gateway-071.example.org avoid specifying useless names like "localhost" port integer port number being contacted 8080 ip4 ip ipv4 address 10.11.12.13 ip6 ip ipv6 address 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329 mac string mac address aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff Another set of standards we adopted concerns HTTP requests since they're very frequent for API calls of all kinds: Name Type Needed Description Examples Notes code integer HTTP response code 200 404 500 Only mandatory on a response result, not on a request that never managed to get out (leave empty) status string HTTP Status String OK Not Found Bad Request human-readable value supporting the returned code. May contain useful information in some cases path string The URL path being queried / /api/whatever be careful not to include personally identifiable information agent string The user agent of the request Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:62.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/62.0 as a client, the name of the HTTP library and version is likely more useful. As a server, the submitted user agent string can be useful as well. req_size integer The size of the request data, in bytes 1203 resp_size integer The size of the response data, in bytes 2048 ??? To be defined You should feel free to adapt and tweak these as you see fit. It's not prescriptive and is likely not going to work for everyone everywhere. It just helps when an organization uses all of the same logs, and while it would help to do it with libraries, it's kind of easy to patch things up to fit together by using filters, as we showed with metrics. Rewriting dynamically is costlier than just letting the logs go through, so depending on volume you may want to avoid patching things up that way. It also becomes really difficult to associate reported logs to their initial location in code. In fact it might not be a good idea at all, but it kind of shows the flexibility of the logger library. Conclusion Hell yes, use the new logger. Get better logs in your system today. English French Italian EssilorLuxottica 2018 Combined Shareholders' Meeting Charenton-Le-Pont (November 29, 2018 - 8:00 pm) - EssilorLuxottica held its first Combined General Meeting today at the Espace Grande Arche at La Defense, chaired by Leonardo Del Vecchio, Executive Chairman, and Hubert Sagnieres, Executive Vice-Chairman, of EssilorLuxottica. EssilorLuxottica shareholders approved today the proposals submitted by the board (and published in compliance with the provisions of law) regarding the ten resolutions listed below: Ordinary meeting Approval of the compensation policy applicable to the Executive Corporate Officers Increase of the Directors' fees Ratification of the co-optation of Ms. Sabrina Pucci as Director in replacement of Ms. Rafaella Mazzoli Board authorisation to proceed with the purchase of the Company's own ordinary shares Extraordinary meeting Authorisation to be granted to the Board of Directors to reduce the share capital by cancelling Company shares Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors for the purposes of deciding a capital increase reserved for members of a Company Savings Plan (French plans d'epargne d'entreprise or "PEE"), without preferential subscription rights (ceiling of 0.5% of the share capital) Authorisation to be granted to the Board of Directors to proceed with the award of free existing shares (also called performance shares) Authorisation to be granted to the Board of Directors to grant stock-options giving right to purchase existing shares subject to performance conditions Authorisation to be granted to the Board of Directors to proceed with the award of free existing shares to certain Luxottica group employees, replacing cash retention bonuses previously promised to them by Luxottica Powers to carry out formalities Leonardo Del Vecchio, Executive Chairman of EssilorLuxottica quote: "I was honored today to open the first Shareholders' Meeting of EssilorLuxottica. I face my role with a great sense of responsibility and a desire to be able to be a point of reference for all the shareholders of our new Group, while generating growth, achieving synergies and creating value for them. From today we expect the important process of integration to have an emphasis on extreme simplicity and speed of execution, focusing the two operating companies in their respective areas of excellence: Luxottica in frames and Essilor in lenses." Hubert Sagnieres, Executive Vice-Chairman of EssilorLuxottica, commented, "With its first shareholder meeting held today, we continue to lay the foundations of EssilorLuxottica. I am delighted that the Group has taken a decisive step forward to further develop employee shareholding within the Group with the support of its shareholders. The involvement of employees has always been key to Essilor's development and I am proud to see that our shareholders recognize the importance of this as a core feature of the new entity. Going forward, the Group is in a unique position to advance its mission and to fully seize growth opportunities in a very dynamic market." EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, its mission is to help people around the world to see more, be more and live life to its fullest by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. The company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters are part of the EssilorLuxottica family. In 2017, EssilorLuxottica had nearly 150,000 employees and pro forma consolidated revenues would have reached approximately Euro 16 billion. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: EL.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. CONTACTS Amazons AMZN strong efforts toward innovation of its cloud services driven by strategic partnerships are strengthening its presence in the global cloud market. The companys cloud computing arm Amazon Web Services (AWS) has extended its tie up with Lockheed Martin LMT to expand reach in satellite data. The deal enables AWS to introduce a new antenna service to its platform by combining its recently launched AWS Ground Station service with Lockheed Martins Verge antenna network. Partnership to Benefit Notably, the latest partnership is a win-win situation for both the companies. The integrated solution will enable the AWS customers to download data from multiple satellites at a single point of time with the help of Verge. With this, AWS will facilitate the accessibility of crucial satellite data. Further, customers of Lockheed Martin which primarily comprise satellite operators will be able to upload their data with the aid of AWS Ground Station, consequently integrating massive satellite data with the AWS services. We believe the two-way benefits are likely to accelerate the adoption of AWS Ground Station. Further, the move will enable AWS to provide low latency to its customers for processing the satellite data, backed by AWS Ground Station antennas that are co-located with AWS Regions. This will also provide access to other AWS services in this regard. Additionally, the latest move will aid Amazon in gaining traction among the satellite operators, government organizations and clients in highly regulated industries. All these factors are likely to drive the top-line growth of high-margin generating AWS. Notably, AWS revenues surged 45.7% year over year to $6.68 billion in third-quarter 2018. Coming to the price performance, shares of Amazon have returned 43.5% on a year-to-date basis, outperforming the industrys rally of 4.9%. Deepening Focus Toward Satellite & Space AWS has been eyeing the satellite and space area for quite some time now in a bid to explore the opportunities of space. Per Reuters, the company intends to utilize its 12 antennas in direct transmission of data from satellites to its data centers. This is in sync with its latest move. Apart from this, Amazon is in talks with the president of Chile to house and mine astrodata from Chiles giant telescopes. Moreover, Amazon hosts cloud platform for the Hubble Telescopes data and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Australia. Further, AWS won a contract from Iridium Communications IRDM to develop a satellite-based network called CloudConnect for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Notably, this has provided an opportunity for AWS to develop satellite-based cloud applications. Moreover, the company is aggressively looking to hire people who can work on its new space and satellite initiative, namely interconnecting space system networks. Notably, these robust endeavors are likely to strengthen the AWS services portfolio which in turn will aid its dominant position in the cloud market. Story continues Amazon.com, Inc. Revenue (TTM) Amazon.com, Inc. Revenue (TTM) | Amazon.com, Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Currently, Amazon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the broader technology sector that can be considered is Adobe Systems ADBE which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Long-term earnings growth rate for Adobe Systems is pegged at 16.4%. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc.s "double role" as Germanys largest retailer and biggest online host for smaller stores is the target of an antitrust probe into the terms the company sets for other sellers, the German Federal Cartel Office said. The investigation into Amazons biggest market outside the U.S. adds to European Union scrutiny of whether the company gathers information on rival sellers successes to help launch its own products. German regulators said theyd received "numerous" complaints from sellers. Europe is a tough regulatory landscape for big technology companies, with fines raining down on Google, a hefty tax back-tax bill for Apple, and the threat of new laws to straitjacket how online platforms handle their customers. Facebook is also being probed by the German antitrust authority over whether it squeezes unfair privacy terms from users. "Amazon functions as a kind of gatekeeper for customers," said Andreas Mundt, the head of the authority, the Bundeskartellamt, in an emailed press release. "Its double role as the largest retailer and largest marketplace has the potential to hinder other sellers on its platform." Working Hard Amazon "will cooperate with the Bundeskartellamt and continue working hard to support small and medium-sized businesses and help them grow," the company said in an emailed statement. Amazon shares fell as much as 1.5 percent and were down 0.5 percent at in 11:35 a.m. in New York trading on Thursday. Mundt will be looking at terms of business and related practices that breach antitrust rules. That includes liability provisions that could disadvantage sellers, contract clauses that restrict where sellers can take lawsuits against Amazon, rules on product reviews and the "non-transparent" process of blocking and closing sellers accounts. The probe will also look at withholding or delaying payment and clauses that assign rights to use information a seller must provide on the products it offers and the terms of business for delivery. Story continues The German authority must prove that Amazon holds a dominant position or that the sellers are dependent on the company. "There are indications of both," it said in its press release, adding that it saw "a possible market for marketplace services for online sales to consumers." Firing Line If regulators prove their case, they would be putting online platforms in the firing line for how they treat users, moving away from an older way of looking at buyers or sellers. EU governments largely backed new draft rules Thursday for how online platforms should treat customers fairly, including setting clear terms of service and improving how they handle complaints. They must still negotiate the final version of the rules with EU lawmakers, who still have to vote for what they want to see. Its unusual for a smaller European antitrust authority to take a similar probe to one handled by the EU. The German Cartel Office insisted its case supplements the EUs early stage inquiry. EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the German case is "totally different" from the EUs focus on "the question of sensitive data on sales" by other vendors and how Amazon might use that to its own benefit. "Weve received lots of data to do that, among others from Amazon themselves" and sellers, she told reporters at a Paris conference. "We havent opened a case with Amazon. Were still in the days of finding out if we have a case from the data we get." (Updates with Vestager comments in final two paragraph.) --With assistance from Stephanie Bodoni and Natalia Drozdiak. To contact the reporters on this story: Aoife White in Brussels at awhite62@bloomberg.net;Stefan Nicola in Berlin at snicola2@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Peter Chapman, Christopher Elser For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. HENDERSON, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Here are a few biotech/ healthcare and CBD companies that require your attention. Today we are highlighting: BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (BRTX), MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (MMNFF), Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (LDVTF), Arsanis, Inc. (ASNS), and Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL). With the holidays upon us and the enormous amount of food consumed between November and January, it's an opportune time to look at America's obesity problem. Obesity costs the US $1.72 Trillion annually between healthcare costs and decreased productivity. Companies with winning remedies to this problem will see their market cap grow like their potential patients' waists. One interesting company tackling this issue is, BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (BRTX) (Market Cap: $7.196M Share Price: $0.74) a life sciences company focused on stem cell-based therapies, developing a therapy "ThermoStem" using brown adipose (fat) derived stem cells to generate brown adipose tissue ("BAT"). BAT is intended to mimic naturally occurring brown adipose depots that regulate metabolic homeostasis in humans. BRTX just received a Notice of Allowance on the company's fourth patent for their metabolic ThermoStem program. The company's patents span US, Australia and Japan. Initial preclinical research indicates that increased amounts of brown fat in the body may be responsible for additional caloric burning as well as reduced glucose and lipid levels. This is a very promising sign for the company. Cannabis is being studied as a treatment for several conditions. Cannabis company, MedMen Enterprises, Inc. (MMNFF) (Market Cap: $1.468B Share Price: $3.31) announced the company's $120 million financing is set to close on December 4th. This deal should help the company add to its growing base of 19 licensed legal marijuana facilities. The company calls itself "the most dominant cannabis enterprise in the emerging legal marijuana industry" and is also one of the nation's largest financial supporters of progressive marijuana laws. Story continues Vertically integrated cannabis company, Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (LDVTF) (Market Cap: $2.68B Share Price: $5.75) just announced their third quarter results. During the third quarter, Curaleaf saw its revenue surge by 289 percent on a year-on-year basis to $21.4 million. The company's bottom line swung to a net loss of $33.7 million from a net profit of $500,000 a year earlier. The net loss was impacted by a $25 million one-time, non-cash, accounting entry, which was part of the company's reverse takeover. Curaleaf's gross profit, excluding the impact of biological assets, amounted to $13.8 million, an increase of 360 percent on the year. Another healthcare stock like BRTX to pay attention to Arsanis, Inc. (ASNS). (Market Cap: $43.376M Share Price: $3.03) went parabolic Tuesday after announcing that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement with privately-held X4 Pharmaceuticals under which X4 Pharmaceuticals is expected to merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arsanis in an all-stock transaction. The merger would result in a combined company operating under the X4 Pharmaceuticals name that will focus on the development and commercialization of X4's lead product candidate, X4P-001, and the advancement of X4's pipeline of treatments for rare diseases of the immune system and rare cancers. X4 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics designed to improve immune cell trafficking to treat rare diseases and cancer. Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) (Market Cap: $5.73B Share Price: $19.18) recently announced that its partner Ipsen received approval from the European Commission (EC) for CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) tablets as a monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults who have previously been treated with sorafenib. This approval allows for the marketing of CABOMETYX in this indication in all 28-member states of the European Union, Norway and Iceland. Legal Disclaimer: This article was written by Regal Consulting, LLC ("Regal Consulting"). Regal Consulting has agreed to received a $90,000 convertible note with the issuer for 90 days of service dated 7/10/18. Regal Consulting has signed an amendment to the agreement dated 7/10/18, to extend the agreement and provide additional services for an additional $80,000 convertible note with the issuer. Regal Consulting has signed a second amendment to add additional services for an additional $90,000 convertible note. All payments were made directly by BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. to Regal Consulting, LLC. to provide investor relations services, of which this article is a part of. Regal Consulting also paid one thousand dollars cash to microcapspecultors.com to distribute this article. Regal Consulting may have a position in the securities mentioned in this article at the time of publication, and may increase or decrease its position without notice. This article is based on public information and the opinions of Regal Consulting. BRTX was given an opportunity to edit this article. This article contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results predicted herein. Regal Consulting is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide or claim to provide investment advice. http://www.regalconsultingllc.com/full legal disclaimer/ Microspeculators.com Full Legal Disclaimer Click Here. Contact Information: Company Name: Microcap Speculators Contact Person: Media Manager Email: info@microcapspeculators.com Phone: 1-702-720-6310 Country: United States Website: http://microcapspeculators.com/ SOURCE: Regal Consulting, LLC U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) The U.S. is reportedly exploring some sort of a trade deal with China after all. As part of the deal, the U.S. would suspend further tariffs through the spring in exchange for talks with China, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. But despite optimism that a deal would prevent future tariffs on popular consumer items like Apple iPhones imported from China, there are still key issues that might prevent a lasting deal from solidifying, according to U.S.-China trade experts. President Donald Trump, who has threatened a new wave of tariffs on top of a 15% boost to tariffs already in place, is expected to meet China President Xi Jinping Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The president is at his heart a protectionist and he was reminding the Chinese he doesnt mind the idea of tariffs, American Enterprise Institute economist Derrick Scissors told Yahoo Finance. But there are a lot of moving parts and on the fundamental things we want from the Chinese theres just no give at all. The idea wed get a meaningful deal is wishful thinking. Some of the main points Trump has pushed for include getting China to halt its practices of forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft. The Trump administration has estimated U.S. companies lose hundreds of billions of dollars every year to Chinas theft of trade secrets. Trump bending on those issues might be less likely considering a report from the South China Morning Post that indicated controversial White House adviser and hardliner on China trade policy Peter Navarro will be in attendance for the meeting. White House trade policy advisor and China hawk Peter Navarro will be attending a crucial meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping this week, according to the South China Morning Post. (Getty Images) This is part of their growth model and China has talked about fixing it for 20 years. A broader deal would be rolling back tariffs and China more than just promising to be better on IP theft for the fiftieth time, said Scissors, adding that he only sees about a 20% chance the two sides agree to a more substantial deal that includes the lasting Chinese concessions Trump is seeking. According to Scissors, the odds of a less substantial ceasefire deal that would put a pause to Trumps proposed tariffs is a much more likely 80%. While tariffs have been Trumps main tool of applying pressure to bring Xi to the table, the proposed additional wave of tariffs could start to hit American consumers in an unpopular way. Trump noted the next wave in January could include a 10% hit to consumer goods like Apple products. They could result in negative blowback for Trump, especially if trade war concerns continue to drag the U.S. stock market lower, according to Danske Bank Chief Analyst Allan von Mehren. Story continues Trumps tolerance for pain is smaller than the Chinese partly because he needs the economy to stay strong all the way to 2020 for the presidential campaign. The market weakness I think has made him lose some of the relative strength, he said. China and the U.S. trade deficit with the country were points of emphasis when Trump was on the campaign trail before the 2016 election. However, the trade deficit with China has been growing through September it has ballooned to $305 billion, up from $276.6 billion last year. Before Xi thinks about making major concessions in a broader deal, his strategy could be more centered around buying time ahead of a potential Trump re-election in 2020, according to Scissors. Meaningful concessions, if China is prepared to make them, might not come for years and only if Trump continues to take on the countrys problematic market tinkering. If we do get a deal, were going to get a short term truce of some kind in U.S.-China relations, Scissors said. A lot of people are going to say its not much of a deal, and thats right. Zack Guzman is a senior writer and on-air reporter covering entrepreneurship, startups, and breaking news at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @zGuz. Read more: Juul surpasses Facebook as fastest startup to reach decacorn status This startup lets you write a will for free by donating to charity Joe Camel illustrator: E-cig maker Juuls marketing seems more egregious Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM intends to use renewable energy to support operations in Texas. Denmarks Orsted A/S will supply 500 megawatt (MW) of wind and solar power to ExxonMobil under a 12-year agreement. The tenure marks the largest ever renewable power contract inked by an oil company. The contracted power is enough to supply about 400,000 average U.S. homes. Beginning in 2020, ExxonMobil will purchase 250 MW of solar and 250 MW of wind power from farms in Permian. The Sage Draw wind farm, which is expected to be complete by early 2020 by Orsteds Lincoln Clean Energy, will supply wind power. Solar power will be sourced from Permian Solar farm, which is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2021. In August 2018, ExxonMobil was reportedly seeking renewable energy under long-term contracts from a group of potential developers. However, the company was accused by investors of downplaying the risks of global warming. In view of these allegations, ExxonMobil is making a conscious effort to switch to clean energy as it will become cheap and compete with fossil fuels. As the energy companies are transforming into renewable sources of energy to reduce carbon emissions, the need for wind and solar farms is escalating. The farms are being built in a region where electricity demand is rising on the back of growing oil production. While production in the Permian is soaring, the takeaway capacity is not increasing in proportion. The infrastructural bottlenecks in the lucrative Permian shale play are concerns. Due to pipeline capacity, constraints producers have to sell products at a discounted rate. Delaware Basin, a part of the Permian Basin, consumed an equivalent of 350 megawatts in summer 2018, which is three times the consumption from 2015 levels. This amount has the capability to power about 280,000 U.S. homes. The demand is expected to increase by three folds again by 2022. Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks Currently, ExxonMobil carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked players in the same sector are Eni SpA E, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. EPD and SunCoke Energy, Inc SXC, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Rome-based Eni is among the leading integrated energy players in the world. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 16.7% in the last four quarters. Headquartered in Houston, TX, Enterprise Products Partners is among the leading midstream energy players in North America. It pulled off an average positive earnings surprise of 9.3% in the last four quarters. SunCoke acquires, owns and operates the coke making and coal mining operations. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 302.6% in the last four quarters. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) : Free Stock Analysis Report SunCoke Energy, Inc. (SXC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Eni SpA (E) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stefanini , a $1B global IT provider, announced today the launch of the second stage of its Innovation Center, located at Stefaninis Southfield office. The space, created to foster innovation within its employees, community and partners is part of a worldwide Stefanini initiative that has enabled the company the ability to address clients needs, taking advantage of emerging technologies and industry standards. Stefanini uses a human-centric immersive approach based on design-thinking, design-sprint, and lean-startup methodology. According to Renata Galle, vice president of innovation and digital business at Stefanini, the company has been investing in its new Innovation Center since relocating to a brand new office in Southfield last year. Here at Stefanini, we are passionate about innovation, said Galle. We just deployed the second cycle of our Innovation Center with several new experiences related to Smart Factory, such as IoT, cognitive, predictive analytics, augmented and virtual reality and more. These experiences are designed to help tackle the current challenges of the manufacturing plants. For example, a plant manager can interact with Sophie, our cognitive platform, to check the status of the plant and urgent issues, in a much easier and faster way. In an industry as dynamic as information technology, Stefanini understands the necessity to expand and innovate. To address the needs, we have an ecosystem of strategic partners and innovative solutions that collaborate with our customers and create long-term value, offering a competitive edge and staying aligned with industry changes. Innovation Center New Experiences: 1. Industry 4.0 Smart Factory is changing how businesses operate worldwide with new technology and insights. To reinforce its solution to Industry 4.0, Stefanini is presenting how it is able to transform enterprises through integration, digital expertise, and big-picture vision. The experiences include a Smart Factory prototype where sensors are pushing data to Stefaninis IoT platform, and is also connected to Sophie. We also simulate and predict failures, said Galle. Based on that, we can involve the areas needed in a proactive way. 2. Cognitive Experience Stefaninis Innovation Center showcases the flexibility of Sophie and presents several ways in which she can be of use. For instance, a food processing company can use Sophie acting as a cognitive chef. Consumers can ask Sophie for nutritional information and recipe recommendations using brand specific products through Facebook Messenger and other channels, said Galle. Sophie can also act as an insurance agent by interacting with a customer, opening a claim, and sending help to a location. 3. Automated Warehouse The company deployed an autonomous drone solution to help its clients automate the warehouse inventory management process. The autonomous drone improves safety and increases efficiency. 4. Connected Building Experience Stefanini has helped several clients to optimize their energy consumption and monitor their assets. Based on this experience, the company implemented the Connected Building, where sensors are connected to its IoT platform, monitoring all the floors in Southfield and Manila. Based on this data, clients are able to take proactive actions to manage their assets and increase energy efficiency. 5. Augmented Reality The fast environment and high-demanding reliability and availability requirements of data centers calls for a new operational model. HoloLens, AR glasses, make it easier to identify troubled zones and display real-time data by bringing information from the equipment to the glasses, a hands-free process and personalized experience. For example, if a customer at a car dealership wants to buy a car that is currently not there, the HoloLens can show them that exact car in the color and model they desire. 6. Virtual Reality With virtual reality, we create a digital twin of the factory with all the sensor data duplicated for a real-time view of production. The simulation allows you to train and practice solving plant failures without crippling real operations. This is a safer and more cost efficient solution. Through the prototypes implemented in Stefaninis Innovation Centers, we are making digital solutions tangible for our clients where they can be hands on, experiment, and see the true benefits of the digital journey, said Galle. About Stefanini Stefanini ( www.stefanini.com ) is a Brazilian multinational with 30 years of experience in the market, investing in a complete innovation ecosystem to meet the main verticals and assist customers in the process of digital transformation. With robust offerings aligned with market trends such as automation, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and user experience (UX), the company has been recognized with several awards in the area of innovation. Today, the company has a broad portfolio of solutions that combine innovative consulting, marketing, mobility, personalized campaigns and artificial intelligence services for traditional solutions such as service desk, field service and outsourcing (BPO). With a presence in 40 countries, Stefanini was named the fifth most internationalized company, according to the Dom Cabral Foundation ranking of 2017. Editorial Contacts Carla Ferber ( Carla.ferber@stefanini.com ) Vanessa Morais ( Vanessa.morais@stefanini.com ) +1 248 263.8612 Binance Singapore It would seem that tech entrepreneurs like James Ju arent put off by the current state of the cryptocurrency market, so much so that he has rounded up a group of investors to fund his latest venture of opening a crypto exchange. Ju, who worked as the Chief Technical Officer at Huobi, recently announced that he would be launching a cryptocurrency exchange by the end the year. The exchange, which will be called BHEX, raised $15 million in equity from a wide array of institutions (such as OKEx and Huobi, Jus former employers). The exchange also ran a token round, which attracted high profile funds including DHVC, Dfund, BlockVC and Genesis Capital. According to its press release, the founding members of the crypto trading platform BHEX bring extensive experience from first-tier technology and financial companies including Google, Alibaba, and others. Ju explained that the Blue Helix technology would be open-source, once development is completed. With this technology, BHEX will be able to create a community-managed custody and clearing managed system. BHEX is touted as a next-generation digital asset trading platform, which would be powered by the decentralized asset custody and clearing technology developed by Blue Helix, a company Ju also controls. The exchange is establishing offices in Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. The digital asset platform will provide crypto-to-crypto trading, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) options and pairs of fiat currencies. Fiat to crypto option in Yuan (CNY) will be available, and this is seen as a major advantage to Chinese crypto enthusiasts who are banned from trading within the borders of their country. A former executive at Huobi, Ju was instrumental in the redesigning and upgrade of Huobis crypto trading system, streamlining the processes and making it easier for traders to use, propelling the exchange to the worlds largest exchange by trade volume. On leaving Huobi, Ju was hired as Vice President of Technology at X Financial, a financial service provider that is listed on the NYSE. Not satisfied with his achievement in the crypto sector, Ju left X Financial to start Blue Helix, a crypto-based firm which aimed to develop a new digital asset custody and trading system. Story continues Jus team at Huobi also included Tyler Wu, the current Global Managing Director at BHEX. At Huobi, Wu served as the Managing Director of the company in Singapore. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Former Huobi Executive Floats New Cryptocurrency Exchange in Singapore appeared first on CCN. By John Irish, Robin Emmott and Francois Murphy PARIS/BRUSSELS/VIENNA (Reuters) - France and Germany are to take joint responsibility for an EU-Iran trade mechanism to minimise the risk of U.S. punishment but few now believe it will cover oil sales, heightening fears for the fate of the landmark international nuclear deal with Iran. Diplomats said the French-German gambit is a "safety-in-numbers" tactic to overcome the refusal of individual EU states to host the mechanism to sidestep the risk of being targeted by the revived U.S. sanctions regime against Iran. But with U.S. threats of retribution for sanctions-busting unrelenting, they told Reuters that the goals of the nascent trade mechanism could be scaled back to encompass only less sensitive items such as humanitarian and food products. That may well fall short of what Iran's moderates wish for to fend off anti-Western hardliners demanding Tehran ditch the 2015 nuclear deal which they opposed in the first place. "The SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle for trade) is important, but what's more important to the Iranians is oil and ensuring their exports in the long term," said a senior French diplomat. "None of the measures that we're trying to put in place will perform miracles, but what we're trying to do is a series of measures to convince the Iranians to keep to their nuclear commitments. That is our objective," he said. France, Germany and Britain - European signatories to world powers' 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its disputed nuclear programme - have scrambled to come up with measures to preserve its economic benefits for Tehran after U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the accord as weak and withdrew from it in May. The European Union has so far enabled its lending arm, the European Investment Bank, to add Iran to a list of countries with which it does business and introduced a law to shield European companies from U.S. sanctions. Both measures are part of a wider package meant to show European good faith to Iran and would be complemented with the so-called SPV, a clearing house that avoids monetary transfers in dollars between the EU and Iran. The goal was to have the SPV legally in place by the time Trump reimposed oil sanctions on Iran on Nov. 5, though not operational until next year. Story continues However, after no countries came forward to host the SPV and only Austria and Luxembourg - small states with solid financial systems - refused for fear of incurring U.S. sanctions, France, Germany and Britain were forced to go back to the drawing board. "What's in the air now is that France or Germany would host or preside over the SPV," said an EU diplomat. "The French are the most pushy and the Germans are more prudent, but at the same time France doesn't want to bear the brunt for everyone else." Two other diplomats said that if Paris and Berlin took joint control of the SPV it could deter the Trump administration from directly confronting two major U.S. allies. Britain is still considering how to contribute, but is restrained by the distracting process of its pending departure from the EU and by the fact the SPV would be trading in euros, not Britain's sterling currency. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the bloc's ministers in a closed-door meeting in Brussels on Nov. 19 that the Paris and Berlin were working closely together to achieve something by year-end, two other EU diplomats said. The French, German and British finance ministers will discuss the SPV on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 summit, according to a French Finance Ministry source. NO MIRACLES Under the 2015 deal, Iran restricted its declared civilian nuclear power programme, widely seen in the West as a front for developing the means to make atomic bombs, in exchange for an end to international sanctions against it. To circumvent renewed U.S. sanctions, the SPV was conceived as a possible way to help match Iranian oil and gas exports against purchases of EU goods, an effective barter arrangement. However, those ambitions appear to have been toned down with four diplomats saying the SPV could realistically only be used for smaller trade that might be tolerated by the Trump administration, for example humanitarian or farm products. Asked whether the mechanism would be able to handle oil sales after all, EU Energy and Climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said only that work was continuing. "We are developing a very sophisticated special purpose vehicle. It is not easy, Canete said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. The SPV's legal and technical aspects, such as ownership structure, jurisdiction and what banking infrastructure to use if any, were still being finalised, diplomats said. A person informed of the discussions also said the European Commission was sounding out Washington on the SPV. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that European banks and firms who engage in the mechanism would be at risk. IRANIAN OIL PRIORITIES Continued oil sales to mega-energy consumers India and China could be enough for now to satisfy Iran, easing the need for the SPV to immediately cover crude trade, the French diplomat said. But another EU diplomat was more blunt, arguing that European efforts were symbolic and ultimately any decision by Iran to stay in the nuclear deal would be political and not based on European measures. "You can't do big business with pistachios," he said, referring to one of Iran's major, but less lucrative, exports. Highlighting just how sensitive the issue is in Tehran and the possible disconnect between what the EU can do and Iran's aspirations, Iranian officials have repeated to European counterparts in recent meetings that they are under pressure by clerical and security hardliners and cited the possibility and consequences of Iran exiting the deal in the coming weeks. "Our priority is to be able to enjoy some banking system for financial transactions and to be able to sell our oil," Ali Akhbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. "If the SPV answers the two priorities that I just mentioned..., then yes it could be a workable proposal, it can be helpful in keeping the deal alive. But a senior Iranian official close to influential hardliners in the Iranian leadership said the Islamic Republic was losing time "by betting on the wrong horse. "The EU will think about its own interests. The amount of trade with Iran is like a drop compared to the (EU's) ocean of trade with America. They will eventually leave us. Besides, what have we gained so far? Just words." (Additional reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai and Leigh Thomas in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE: DB) was set to open Thursday down 4.5 percent after German prosecutors raided its Frankfurt headquarters in a money-laundering investigation. What Happened The 2016 Panama Papers prompted prosecutors to investigate Deutsche Banks role in helping clients create offshore tax havens for criminally acquired funds. They now allege more than 900 Deutsche customers funneled 311 million through a subsidiary in the British Virgin Islands in 2016, and they accuse two staff members of processing suspicious transactions, according to reports. Deutsche Banks main office and other sites throughout the capital were searched in an operation engaging about 170 police officers and officials. Why Its Important This isnt Deutsche Banks first high-profile scandal. Earlier this month, management confirmed the bank had previously processed payments for Denmarks Danske Bank in Estonia, many of whose 200 billion volume has been deemed suspicious. In September, Deutsche Bank was sanctioned domestically for enabling money laundering and terrorist financing. German regulators ordered an independent auditor to monitor all the banks activities for the next three years. Last year, U.S. and UK regulators fined the bank $630 million for facilitating the illegal transfer of $10 billion out of Russia through its New York, London and Moscow operations. Whats Next Management said it's fully cooperating with authorities and will release details as they become available. At time of publication, Deutsche Bank shares were trading down 3.1 percent to $9.58 in the pre-market session. Related Links: Everyone Involved In The Panama Papers Scandal In 1 Interactive Map The Companies That Manipulated The Tax System, According To The Paradise Papers Why Bermuda Could Be The Next Switzerland Photo credit: Markus Bernet, Wikimedia Commons See more from Benzinga 2018 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. goldman sachs crypto custody Nearly three months have passed since Goldman Sachs, a $73 billion investment bank based in the US, said that it is not ready to facilitate the delivery of physical Bitcoin to its clients. The banking giant is still not able to hold cryptocurrencies on behalf of its clients, despite growing demand from clients. At a conference in New York, Justin Schmidt, the head of digital asset markets at Goldman Sachs, said: One of the things they ask me is Can you hold our coins? and I say No, we cannot. One of the things we have to take into consideration when were building out our business is what we can and cannot do from a regulatory perspective. When Can Goldman Sachs Enter the Bitcoin Market? Goldman Sachs has been facilitating investments into Bitcoin futures for its customers for awhile. In an interview with Bloomberg TV in China, for the first time, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon directly confirmed that the company has been clearing Bitcoin futures contract since June. We are clearing some futures around Bitcoin, talking about doing some other activities there, but its going very cautiously. Were listening to our clients and trying to help our clients as theyre exploring those things too. Goldman Sachs must evolve its business and adapt to the environment, Solomon said. The US-based bank has already entered the cryptocurrency market and has been assisting investors to trade Bitcoin in the futures market. However, Bitcoin futures markets that are currently in existence in the US market do not promise the physical delivery of Bitcoin, meaning investors are not technically buying Bitcoin from the futures markets but rather contracts that reflect the price of the dominant cryptocurrency. goldman sachs bitcoin cryptocurrency custody Bakkt, the cryptocurrency trading exchange developed by ICE, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, is set to open a futures market in January that delivers physical Bitcoin to its investors, but as of now, no regulated US futures market holds cryptocurrencies for its customers. Story continues For Goldman Sachs to hold cryptocurrencies for its clients, it needs regulatory approval to operate as a regulated and trusted crypto custodian. Several companies like Coinbase and BitGo have implemented unique methods to be approved as a custodian. BitGo, for instance, launched its own regulated custodian, BitGo Trust. Goldman Sachs executive Justin Schmidt said that custody is an important component which the bank lacks, and without regulatory approval, it will not be able to directly hold digital assets for the banks client base. Custody is this foundational piece that is absolutely necessary. Custody is part of an overall integrated system where different parts need to work well with each other and safely with each other and you have to be able to trust all the different parts in that chain, from buying something to transferring it to storing it in for the long-term, added Schmidt. Clients are Asking As Schmidt said, clients at Goldman Sachs have begun to ask the bank to provide custodian solutions to protect their investments in digital assets. Over time, as the space finds more regulatory clarity, the bank could find an appropriate time frame to begin operating as a custodian. But as of now, Goldman Sachs believes it is not ready to do that just yet. Images from Shutterstock The post Goldman Sachs Still Cant Hold Crypto on Behalf of Clients Despite Growing Demand appeared first on CCN. A coalition of European consumer organizations has accused Google of tricking people into letting it track their location, and at least eight of the groups are filing complaints against the company under the EUs strict new privacy laws. The complaints are based on the findings of the Norwegian Consumer Council, released Tuesday, regarding Googles location-tracking systems. The council said the tracking was particularly hard to avoid for users of Android smartphones, for which Google provides the operating system. The issue has hit the headlines over the last year, initially thanks to tip-offs provided by Google nemesis Oracle. Regulators from Australia to Arizona have since been looking into it, and now its becoming a big issue in Europe, where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in force as of May this year, allows for fines of up to 4% of global annual revenue. According to the Norwegian watchdog, Google tricks people into sharing their location with the company, in ways that mean it does not really have their informed consent. The Consumer Council highlighted techniques including hidden default settings, misleading information about how collected data is used, repeated nudging to turn on the Location History feature, and users being forced to turn on location tracking if they want to use the Google Assistant. If Google does not have the level of consent required by the GDPR, and also cannotas is allegedsay it has a legitimate interest to collect and process peoples location data, then it could fall foul of the regulation and face major sanctions. The consumer groups that are complaining are established in Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, Czechia, Slovenia, Poland, Denmark and SwedenGermanys VZBV group is also considering trying to get an injunction against Google. Thanks to the GDPR, users should be in control of their personal data, said Monique Goyens, the director-general of the European Consumer Organization (BEUC). Googles deceptive practices are in breach of the spirit and the letter of this regulation. We need strong, coherent, enforcement of the rules. We cant have companies pretending to comply but de facto circumventing the law. A Google spokesperson denied the allegations, saying that Location History is turned off by default, and you can edit, delete, or pause it at any time. If its on, it helps improve services like predicted traffic on your commute. If you pause it, we make clear thatdepending on your individual phone and app settingswe might still collect and use location data to improve your Google experience, the spokesperson continued. We enable you to control location data in other ways too, including in a different Google setting called Web & App Activity, and on your device. Were constantly working to improve our controls, and well be reading this report closely to see if there are things we can take on board. Google workers talking about a strike over how Google handled plans for censored search in China A long-time Google employee has started soliciting money for a fund to support workers that strike or resign in response to the latest report about Google's plans for a censored search app in China, dubbed Project Dragonfly. A report by The Intercept says that members of Googles security team were not notified about a Project Dragonfly-related meeting with the companys senior leadership The employee says that she has raised nearly $90,000 so far. Days after Google GOOGL employees published an open letter calling for the company to cancel its controversial efforts to create a censored search engine in China, some employees are talking about creating a "strike fund" to support employees who decide to strike or resign in protest. On Thursday, The Intercept reported new details about how Google handled the project, internally named Project Dragonfly. The report said that Google bypassed security and privacy staffers on certain decisions, and did not tell some of that about a Project Dragonfly-related meeting with the company's senior leadership. In the wake of that report, Google employee and inclusion activist Liz Fong Jones tweeted that she would match $100,000 in pledged donations to a fund to support employees who refuse to work in protest. Typically, strike funds are created by unions to make payments for workers on strike to help them meet their basic needs while they're not receiving paychecks from their companies. Google does not have currently have a union. However, some employees have held informal talks about the idea, according to one person familiar with the situation. Fong Jones says that people had already pledged $100,000 to the fund in the first three hours: https://twitter.com/lizthegrey/status/1068262715477688321 In her tweets, she suggested working with the Tech Workers Coalition, a community organizing group , to set up a fund. The organization declined to comment. Fong Jones notes that pledges aren't binding. But the fact that the idea has gained traction so quickly is another sign of the past year's increasing wave of tech resistance , where workers have publicly protested about multiple workplace issues, including diversity , harassment , and controversial company business contracts . Story continues Jack Poulson, a former scientist in Google's research and machine intelligence department who resigned over his concerns about Project Dragonfly in August, pledged to contribute $10,000 to a potential fund. "Tech workers now realize there is power in organizing," he tells CNBC. "I am proud to put my personal savings towards an effort to bring accountability to Google leadership." Current employee Irene Knapp, who has made a public statement about Google's diversity efforts at Alphabet's shareholder meeting earlier this year, also contributed to the fund. "I'm proud to support this fund, it's a great step forward," Knapp said. "Everyone participating in labor efforts faces personal risks, and everyone's risks are different. Those of us in a position to make it easier for others have an obligation to do so." Brishen Rogers , an associate professor at Temple University who specializes in the relationship between labor and technological development points out that contributions to labor organizations are generally not deductible as charitable contributions, as Fong Jones suggested, though there may be other ways to set it up. Fong Jones has previously posted publicly about her plans to resign from Google in coming months if the company does not commit to putting an employee representative on its board of directors. A designated board seat was one of the five demands from the organizers of a massive November walk-out, which was held to protest how Google has reportedly handled reports of sexual harassment and other impropriety. The Intercept first reported details about the censored search project, dubbed Project Dragonfly internally, in August. Since then, human rights groups, U.S. politicians, and Google employees have raised concerns around privacy and human rights. As of Thursday afternoon, 528 Google employees had publicly signed the open letter calling for the company to withdraw. Google CEO Sundar Pichai is expected to testify in Congress on Dec. 5 to discuss transparency and bias. Members of Congress will likely also ask about Google's plans in China, as they have in past government hearings . More From CNBC Activist hedge fund Bandera Partners filed a 13D regarding Luby's, Inc. (NYSE:LUB). Other hedge funds are reducing their bets on the stock. The number of long hedge fund positions retreated by 1 during the third quarter. Does it make sense to follow Bandera Partners into LUB? According to most investors, hedge funds are seen as unimportant, outdated investment vehicles of the past. While there are more than 8000 funds with their doors open at the moment, We choose to focus on the aristocrats of this group, about 700 funds. Most estimates calculate that this group of people handle most of the hedge fund industry's total asset base, and by observing their top stock picks, Insider Monkey has determined various investment strategies that have historically outrun the broader indices. Insider Monkey's flagship hedge fund strategy outrun the S&P 500 index by 6 percentage points per annum since its inception in May 2014 through early November 2018. We were able to generate large returns even by identifying short candidates. Our portfolio of short stocks lost 26.1% since February 2017 even though the market was up nearly 19% during the same period. We just shared a list of 11 short targets in our latest quarterly update. RENAISSANCE TECHNOLOGIES Let's view the latest hedge fund action encompassing Luby's, Inc. (NYSE:LUB). What have hedge funds been doing with Luby's, Inc. (NYSE:LUB)? At Q3's end, a total of 4 of the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey were long this stock, a change of -20% from the second quarter of 2018. Below, you can check out the change in hedge fund sentiment towards LUB over the last 13 quarters. So, let's see which hedge funds were among the top holders of the stock and which hedge funds were making big moves. LUB_nov2018 The largest stake in Luby's, Inc. (NYSE:LUB) was held by Bandera Partners, which reported holding $2.6 million worth of stock at the end of September. It was followed by Harvest Capital Strategies with a $0.6 million position. Other investors bullish on the company included Renaissance Technologies and Millennium Management. We view hedge fund activity in the stock unfavorable, but in this case there was only a single hedge fund selling its entire position: Ancora Advisors. One hedge fund selling its entire position doesn't always imply a bearish intent. Theoretically a hedge fund may decide to sell a promising position in order to invest the proceeds in a more promising idea. However, we don't think this is the case in this case because none of the 700+ hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey identified LUB as a viable investment and initiated a position in the stock. Luby's, Inc. (LUB) has been a true value destroying investment for the last 5 years as the stock lost nearly 80% of its value. Bandera's Jeff Gramm's letter to the company's board explains what's going on: "Bandera Partners owns 2,619,721 shares of Lubys, Inc. (Lubys or the Company) common stock (Common Stock) or approximately 8.9% of the Companys outstanding shares. We have owned Common Stock continuously for more than a decade, and have supported management and the Board of Directors for that entire time. Bandera is precisely the type of long-term shareholder that a well-managed company should want to have. I also have personal and business relationships with members of the Pappas family that run deep, and I view Christopher and Harris Pappas as pillars of their community and honest businesspeople. Story continues At the same time, I have a fiduciary responsibility to the investors in my fund, and Im writing today to tell you that whats happening at Lubys is simply not working. The Fuddruckers and Lubys restaurant concepts do not generate a sufficient return on capital to justify the investments management is making, under your direction and supervision, into the business. The strategy of plowing cash flows back into restaurants works with good concepts like Pappadeaux and Pappasitos, but it has been a failure at Lubys. Capital expenditures since fiscal 2008 have totaled $235 million dollars, about six times the companys current market capitalization. The return on this investment has been dismal, and to pay down the debt you have accumulated in the process, Lubys is liquidating the most valuable asset shareholders own, the companys real estate. Lubys owned real estate portfolio is tremendously valuable. Its appraised value (net of debt) is over $4.00 per share of Common Stock, as compared to its current stock price around $1.40.1 It is brutally painful to watch the Company chisel away at its real estate portfolio to fund low-return investments into the business. Since fiscal 2008, Lubys has sold $88 million of assets. This capital, more than double the current market capitalization, is gone and forever lost to shareholders. Given the futility of recent investments into Lubys and Fuddruckers, has the Board considered a capital allocation strategy that preserves the real estate value and returns capital to the owners of the company, the shareholders? I appreciate that CEO Christopher Pappas reduced his salary to $1, but I also believe the decision to replace the Chief Operating Officer, yet maintain him in a lesser role for $350,000 per year, shocked shareholders and could have contributed to the large sell-off of the Common Stock in late October. Shareholders already value Lubys at a huge discount to its liquidation value, probably because they expect the companys book value will continue to deteriorate. Recent events confirm the fears of many shareholders that Lubys is not serious about addressing its bloated corporate expenses. Does the Board have a detailed plan to align Lubys overhead costs with the reality of running a $40 million dollar company? I have tried to reach a mutually agreeable settlement with the company that would give Bandera sufficient seats on the companys Board to help foster positive change. Lubys has hired a very sophisticated and expensive corporate defense lawyer instead of engaging in substantive negotiations to improve the Board with fresh, independent faces. To date, almost four weeks after I responsibly engaged with the company, Lubys has evaded substantive discussion. CEO Christopher Pappas has not responded to any of my requests to speak, and only one of the Board members I have reached out to has replied. Instead of agreeing to talk with a supportive but frustrated shareholder, the director wrote, I have forwarded your request to corporate. In my opinion, these are not the actions of a Board of Directors concerned with the interests of the shareholders it is supposed to represent. I tried to settle this matter amicably, and for the good of all shareholders, but you left me no choice but to nominate a slate of highly qualified directors with deep experience in finance, real estate and restaurant operations. You could have embraced them and offered to add at least some of them to the Board, instead of snubbing us, rejecting serious discussion, and forcing us to bring real choice directly to the shareholders [emphasis added]. Besides myself, our slate includes: Senator Phil Gramm Sen. Gramm was an economics professor at Texas A&M before serving 24 years in the United States Congress. His legislative record includes several famous initiatives to reduce Federal spending including the Gramm-Latta Budget and the Gramm-Rudman Act. Since leaving public service, Sen. Gramm was Vice Chairman of UBS Investment Bank before becoming Vice Chairman of Lone Star Global Acquisitions, a real-estate oriented private equity firm. Stacy Hock Ms. Hock is a highly-accomplished philanthropist, public policy activist, and business owner. She is a Texas gubernatorial appointee as Vice Chair of the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessment and Accountability. She serves on Lt. Governor Patricks Education Advisory Council, and is Chairman of the Board of Texans for Education Opportunity. Ms. Hock serves on various other public policy, museum and business boards, and previously held management positions in the software industry, including at IBM. She has a degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from MIT, and an MBA from the University of Texas. Savneet Singh Mr. Singh is a very well-respected entrepreneur who has launched various finance, software and real estate businesses. He is a Partner at Coventure, an asset manager with funds in lending, venture capital and real estate. Mr. Singh was named to the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list, Crains 40 under 40, and the Empact 100 list of top 100 entrepreneurs under 30. Among his directorships, he serves on the board of Par Technology, a $250 million public company that sells POS systems to restaurants and retailers. Brian Wright Mr. Wright was introduced to me by a private equity investor who called him, The best multi-unit operator Ive ever worked with. He is currently CEO of Bertuccis Restaurants, where he has grown EBITDA and turned same-store sales positive. Mr. Wright led a massive restructuring at Bertuccis, closing multiple unprofitable locations, shedding bad leases through a beneficial pre-packaged bankruptcy, and facilitating a sale to new owners. He was previously COO of Au Bon Pain, President of Chevys, COO of Phoenix Childrens Academy, and SVP of Operations at Einstein Noahs Restaurant Group. I understand that Lubys directors control approximately 38% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. But I believe this is the outside shareholders last chance to salvage their investment in the company, and I feel a responsibility to take on this difficult battle on their behalf, rather than subject myself and other Lubys shareholders to another year of value destruction. If any of you would like to speak with me about Banderas slate of Board nominees or any other matters, you can reach me at 212-232-4583." By the way, Senator Phill Gramm is Jeff Gramm's father. Anyway, we believe there is a decent chance that Bandera could be successful in its attempt to taking the control of the company. That's what the market thinks as the stock appreciated 20% just this week. This isn't a very liquid stock, so we won't make any recommendations to our premium members regarding this stock. However, here is how I see it: Bandera has about $2.5 million in this stock. Proxy fights are very costly (usually it costs at least $1 million). Assuming that Bandera prevails, the stock could climb to $3-$4. So, Bandera Partners will make at most $4 million in stock gains. Jeff Gramm and his partner will keep 20% of this as performance fees. Considering that Jeff Gramm can receive at most $800K by spending at least $1 million, it doesn't make sense for him to pursue a time consuming campaign unless he is really really pissed at Christopher Pappas. By buying LUB today you are betting on a positive outcome. If that happens, the company will probably be liquidated and you will receive about $3 per share. If the outcome was negative, the stock can easily go below, $1. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Related Content VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molecular You is proud to announce it is a 2018 recipient of a TEC Edmonton Spin-Off Achievement Award for the commercialization of personalized health technologies developed in part by the University of Albertas The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC). The award was presented yesterday afternoon alongside other innovators recognized for their novel contributions. Molecular You received this honour with Dr. David Wishart, the founder and platform leader of TMIC and the Chief Informatics Officer and a co-founder of Molecular You. Dr. Wishart has made many ground-breaking contributions to science. He led the Human Metabolome Project, a multi-university, multi-investigator project that catalogued all of the known metabolites in human tissues and bio-fluids. The University of Alberta recently recognized Dr. Wishart with the title of Distinguished University Professor and the Alumni Award. The healthcare system is under increasing pressure to deliver high quality care effectively and efficiently. Population wide advances have been effective at improving health, but new technologies like those employed by Molecular You can transform health management to be tailored to each unique individual. Better matching of therapies to the individual and the disease can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of treatment. The most effective way to reduce costs and suffering is by preventing disease from happening. Molecular You is honoured to receive this award with Dr. David Wishart. His teams metabolome research has been instrumental in establishing our world-leading capabilities in personalized, preventive health, commented Dr. Rob Fraser, Co-founder, President and CEO of Molecular You. Thanks to Davids contributions, our technologies enable us to understand an individuals current health status and future health risks and provide the insights to take action to prevent chronic health issues. The foundation of this company was built with the vision to bring personalized health to Canadians and beyond, Dr. Fraser further explained. Our health assessments analyze metabolites, environmental exposures, proteins and genetics, making it the most comprehensive health assessment in North America. We are committed to advancing these world-leading technologies to deliver personalized, preventive health management, with the goal of reducing the costs and burden of chronic disease. Molecular You health assessments provide insights into personal health risks and give practical individualized nutrition and exercise plans to empower clients to manage their own health care goals. Working together with practitioners and corporations, Molecular You has a range of packages to suit health concerns and priorities, that with genetics, can also help to optimize medication efficacy and safety. About The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC) The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC) is a nationally-funded core facility that provides novel technologies for identifying and quantifying chemicals or metabolites in a wide range of biological samples. TMIC provides services to Canadian and international researchers as well as develops innovative bioinformatics tools and analytical methods for metabolomics research. The platform is led by Dr. David Wishart (University of Alberta), Dr. Christoph Borchers (Universities of Victoria and McGill), Dr. Liang Li (University of Alberta), Dr. James Harynuk (University of Alberta), Dr. Michael Overduin (University of Alberta), and Dr. Philip Britz-McKibbin (McMaster University). For more information, visit metabolomicscentre.ca . About TEC Edmonton TEC Edmonton is a business accelerator that helps emerging technology companies grow successfully. As a joint venture of the University of Alberta and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, TEC Edmonton operates the Edmonton regions largest accelerator for early-stage technology companies and manages commercialization of University of Alberta technologies. TEC Edmonton delivers services in four areas: Business Development, Funding and Finance, Technology Management, and Entrepreneur Development. For more information, visit tecedmonton.com . About Molecular You Molecular You is a personalized digital health company with a mission to deliver true personal health that empowers individuals to take control of their health. The companys AI-driven digital health platform, MY Health Intelligence, compares an individuals health data to a resource database of curated clinical and scientific knowledge, generating personal health assessments and Lifestyle Action Plans through a visually intuitive dashboard. MY Health Tracker is the companys smart phone app that helps customers conveniently track progress on the go and stay engaged with their Lifestyle Action Plans on an ongoing basis. Find us at molecularyou.com , Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact Information: Julie Jang Director Communications, Molecular You julie.jang@molecularyou.com By Charlotte Greenfield WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies Co Ltd said it was seeking clarification from New Zealand after the country's intelligence agency rejected the telecommunication industry's first request to use the Chinese firm's equipment in its planned 5G mobile network. Huawei said it had not had formal contact with the Government Communication Security Bureau (GCSB), which has cited national security concerns in declining a proposal from telecoms operator Spark New Zealand to build its 5G network using Huawei equipment. "Huawei is seeking an urgent meeting with the relevant ministers and officials to understand the government's position and get clarification of the process from here," Huawei's New Zealand deputy managing director Andrew Bowater said in an emailed statement on Thursday. He said New Zealand had not presented any evidence of wrongdoing and Huawei rejected the notion that it threatened local businesses "in any way". "Huawei would welcome the opportunity to actively address any concerns and work together to find a way forward," Bowater said. Western governments are increasingly wary of what they say is possible Chinese state involvement in fifth-generation mobile and other communications networks. Huawei has insisted Beijing has no influence over the company. Intelligence services minister Andrew Little has said that Spark - whose request was part of the country's first 5G application - could work with the agency to mitigate risk. He declined to specify the concerns, citing classified information. Huawei has done business in New Zealand since 2005, providing equipment for the country's 4G mobile system network and earlier this year testing 5G technology with Spark. "Huawei..has always worked in good faith with the government and other industry players," Bowater said. Little and intelligence officials have said that 5G networks have different security concerns to previous generations of mobile networks because it was difficult to restrict vendors considered high risk to less sensitive parts of the network. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Darren Schuettler) By Fergus Jensen JAKARTA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Indonesia President Joko Widodo urged on Thursday for an "immediate" end to issues holding up the finalisation of the state's plans to acquire a majority stake in Freeport-McMoRan Inc's Grasberg copper mine. The deal, where Indonesia and state-owned miner PT Inalum will control a 51.23 percent stake in PT Freeport Indonesia, is expected to end years of wrangling over ownership rights to Grasberg, the world's second-biggest copper mine. But the planned series of transactions that total $3.85 billion is subject to Inalum pocketing a special permit for the mine, which requires clearance on environmental matters relating to its tailings disposal, and other regulatory issues. Papua province, home to the Grasberg mine, also rejected the proposed ownership structure for the stake in which Papua would indirectly own 10 percent of Freeport's local unit. "I ask that all stages of the divestment process can be finished and final (and) we hope that before the end of 2018 everything is completed," Widodo said in a meeting with Inalum, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe and other government officials linked to the Freeport deal. The president had also requested details on the status of environmental matters, according to a press release from the cabinet secretary website. "We will use (this acquisition) to the maximum extent to improve the welfare and prosperity of the people, primarily the people of Papua," Widodo said. A spokesman for Inalum confirmed the meeting but was not immediately able to comment on the matter. Inalum, which earlier this month raised $4 billion in bonds to fund the Grasberg deal, had proposed that Papua hold the 10 percent stake in Freeport Indonesia via joint ownership of PT Indocopper Investama. "This is the most efficient mechanism financially and legally," Inalum said in a statement last week. The proposed structure was intended to prevent private companies from being involved in the Freeport transactions, Deputy State Owned Enterprise Minister Fajar Harry Sampurno told reporters on Monday. Story continues Sampurno said the government wanted to avoid a repeat of a lengthy squabble over private investment in the state-sanctioned divestment of fellow copper miner Newmont Mining Inc's local unit. In a media report on the Papua government website, the provincial governor Enembe was quoted as saying last week that the Inalum proposal "is not in accordance with a previous agreement", and that his government wanted to form a company that would control the 10 percent stake itself. Since Freeport won the right in 1988 to mine Grasberg, it has been a lightning rod for grievances over impacts on the environment and revenue sharing. The company says it is fully compliant with Indonesian environmental rules. (Reporting by Fergus Jensen; Additional reporting by Wilda Asmarini and Bernadette Christina Munthe; Editing by Tom Hogue) Photo credit: Anadolu Agency - Getty Images From Popular Mechanics Japan has cleared the way to purchase the vertical takeoff and landing version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter while looking into basing them on so-called helicopter carriers. The result would be Japans first fixed-wing aircraft carriers since World War II. The report in Nippon News Network says that Japan has finalized plans to purchase 40 F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. Unlike its siblings, the F-35B is capable of taking off and landing vertically by rotating its exhaust nozzle ninety degrees down. This makes it capable of taking off from ships not fitted with aircraft-launching steam or electromagnetic catapults. Japan has already agreed to purchase 42 F-35A fighters, the same version used by the U.S. Air Force, with deliveries ongoing. For decades the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force has slowly set the stage for introducing aircraft carriers. Japans navy built a number of ships with aviation capabilities, calling them landing ships, tank vessels or helicopter destroyers. This culminated in the 2013 launch of JS Izumo. A helicopter destroyer, Izumo and her sister ship Kaga are 813 feet long and 19,500 tons. Each has a full-length flight deck and aviation elevators designed to raise and lower aircraft from a spacious internal hangar. The two ships were reportedly designed with the possibility of operating the F-35B at some point in the future. Japan plans to use the ships to augment its air defense coverage of the southern Ryukyu and Senkaku islands. The two island chains are at the far edge of Japanese territory where they are covered by just one-possibly an additional two with aerial refueling-air bases. At the same time China is stepping up flights and maritime transits by warships through the area, particularly the the Senkaku Islands (which it claims and calls the Diaoyu islands) and the Miyako Strait. The deployment of a carrier into the area will increase Japans ability to patrol its airspace. Story continues Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaila V. Peters The Japanese government is currently studying what it would take to refit the Izumo class ships to carry F-35B fighter jets. The two ships are currently only capable of launching and recovering helicopters. Izumo and Kaga will need expanded aviation handling capabilities, including aviation fuel and weapons storage, and provisions for embarking the ALIS logistics computer system . An American-made Phalanx close-in weapon system sitting on the bow of both ships will need to be moved to a position where it will be out of the way of flight operations while maintaining an adequate arc of fire to defend the ship. In its place Japan could add a ski ramp similar to that on the British carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, allowing F-35Bs to takeoff with heavier loads of fuel and weapons. One major upgrade the ships will require is a thermoresistant coating to the aviation flight deck. Currently, the two ships have a traditional flight deck designed to provide a non-skid, weather resistant surface for launching and recovering helicopters. The F-35B however subjects flight decks to intense heating as the engine exhaust nozzle rotates downward during takeoffs and landings, literally torching the surface of the ship. The U.S. Navy has gradually applied these coatings to older Wasp-class amphibious assault ships as a step before deploying Marine Corps F-35Bs on them. Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly DiServio The development of aircraft carriers is a major departure from Japanese postwar military policy. In the aftermath of World War II, Japan swore off war as an instrument of national policy, developing ground, air, and sea self defense forces to defend the country. Whats more, Tokyo banned the procurement of offense-oriented armed forces, including long range missiles, marine infantry, bombers, and aircraft carriers. As Chinas military continues its modernization, Japan has increasingly justified procuring offensive forces such as marines as long as they are used for defensive purposes. Japan still has a long way to go before its new carrier force is operational. It still needs to order the F-35Bs, train pilots, and establish a base for them. Japan will heavily lean on the U.S. Marines to learn how to operate the aircraft from ships at sea. (For their part Japans order will make the Marines happy, as it should mean at least a slight decrease in the cost of its own F-35Bs.) If all goes reasonably well the first carrier should be operational within five or six years, or somewhere around 2025. ('You Might Also Like',) Malaysian Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has revealed that a new set of comprehensive regulations guiding the activities of crypto exchanges and ICOs will come into effect in Q1 2019. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday at the FinTech Conference 2018 organised by Malaysias Securities Commission, he revealed that the new regulations are part of efforts by the Malaysian Securities Commission (SC) to catalyse the growth of alternative fundraising and investment in new asset classes. Comprehensive Regulatory Framework At Last? Making the announcement while delivering the keynote address at the event, he stated that the system jointly developed by Bank Negara Malaysia (the countrys central bank) and the SC would serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework for all participants in the crypto industry. Lim also remarked that amidst an atmosphere of suspicion, consumer protection took priority as the overriding factor in making the decision. He said: While some parties might still be skeptical of this space, there can be no doubt that we need appropriate regulations to be put in place and enforced to safeguard the interest of investors. [] Both Bank Negara and the SC, in terms of formulating this framework will be under the auspices of the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry will lead the committee comprising of Bank Negara, the SC, and the MOF itself. According to Lim, the regulatory framework forms a key part of the Malaysian governments efforts to spur the growth of alternative financing for high potential and innovative MSMEs, which is a strategic focus of the government as it seeks to encourage private sector growth and reduce government fiscal burdens. In a financial atmosphere where conventional funding sources are either overstretched or unwilling to lend to innovation-led startups, the growth of cryptocurrency-led financing solutions such as ICOs provides a welcome alternative to Malaysias budding knowledge economy. Seeing an opportunity for economic growth here, Malaysian authorities have taken a series of steps designed to facilitate such alternative investment avenues. Story continues It has provided funding for the Co-Investment Fund, a program that works with equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer financing platforms, designed to contribute a matching 25 percent sum alongside all private investment. In Lims words: Through this, we hope to be able achieve faster fund disbursements to support a broader range of deserving MSMEs, as well as provide greater transparency to how public funding are being utilised. The move potentially comes as a significant boost to cryptocurrency adoption in the country after prior hints at coming crypto regulation. Earlier in the month, CCN reported that Lim addressed the Malaysian parliament stating that while the government is not opposed to cryptocurrency, it wants its regulatory guidelines to be followed. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Malaysias Finance Minister: Crypto Regulation to be Enforced in Q1 2019 appeared first on CCN. Manafort Pardon 'Not Off The Table' Says Trump, as Mueller Targets Stone and Corsi President Donald Trump said he wont rule out a presidential pardon for Paul Manafort, his former campaign chairman turned convicted felon and reluctant cooperator in Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election. The possibility of a pardon is not off the table, Trump said in an interview with the New York Post published Wednesday, adding that it hasnt been specifically discussed. Why would I take it off the table? Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani said Trump would not be pardoning anyone now, but reserves his power to do so if he feels it appropriate once the investigation is over. Giuliani said Trumps lawyers discussed the idea of granting pardons with the president in April, and the lawyers persuaded him not to take any action while the investigation was continuing. He is not going to pardon him necessarily, but he is going to consider it and not give up his right to, Giuliani said in a telephone interview, referring to Manafort. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, said he and Trumps other lead lawyer, Jay Sekulow, have had no conversations with Manaforts team about a possible pardon. Trump and his lawyers have previously declined to comment on whether hed consider pardoning Manafort, who in September agreed to cooperate with Muellers investigation. The seeming shift in tone comes after Mueller said in a court filing on Monday that the cooperation deal was void after Manafort repeatedly lied to authorities. The rupture could have dire consequences for the 69-year-old Manafort, who has sought to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of bank and tax fraud shortly before he agreed to cooperate and plead guilty to other charges. Dangling the possibility of a pardon could be an attempt to obstruct justice or tamper with a witness if its intended to prod Manafort to offer testimony favorable to Trump or avoid providing damaging evidence, according to Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Story continues This would be a blatant and unacceptable abuse of power, Warner said in a tweet. The pardon power is not the Presidents personal tool for protecting himself or his friends. In an unusual move, Manaforts lawyer Kevin Downing has been in contact in recent months with Giuliani and one of Trumps former lawyers, John Dowd. Downing spoke to Trumps legal team while Manafort was cooperating with Mueller to say that the president had nothing to worry about, according to a person familiar with the communications. But Downing didnt convey specifics of the debriefings or the substance of questions from prosecutors, according to the person. Giuliani said the lawyers still have a joint defense agreement in place and had about six conversations with each other during the cooperation period when Manaforts lawyers shared information they believed could be helpful to Trumps defense. Giuliani said the conversations hadnt gotten into specifics of what questions Muller was asking. He said he assumed one of the topics was a 2016 meeting in Trump Tower that included Manafort, Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer, but he wasnt certain that the meeting had come up. Manaforts lawyers have continued to tell Trumps team that they havent shared any information that could be harmful to the president, Giuliani added. They give us information at their discretion as it relates to what they think we need to know to defend our client, Giuliani said. If conversations have taken place that detail Muellers questioning, Downing was providing the equivalent of insider information on Wall Street, said Gene Rossi, a former federal prosecutor. It makes no sense why hes not cooperating, other than something thats been promised him, said Rossi, who said he believes its likely Manafort has been promised a pardon. Paul Manafort has acted in a way that is the most irrational of any cooperator Ive ever heard of or had experience with. Manafort pleaded guilty in Washington on Sept. 14 to conspiring to launder money, commit tax crimes and lie to the Justice Department, and to conspiring to tamper with witnesses. The judge has set a hearing for Nov. 30 to determine a schedule for Manaforts sentencing. In the Nov. 26 court filing, Mueller said Manafort engaged in unspecified crimes and lies that prosecutors will spell out in a later filing. Days after submitting his long-pending written responses to questions from Mueller, Trump revived his attacks on the special counsel, tweeting Tuesday that hes ruining lives of witnesses who refuse to lie. Trump has previously called Manafort a good man and asserted that Mueller treated him unfairly. Stones Role The attacks come as another former Trump associate, Roger Stone, is coming under increasing scrutiny from Mueller. Stone associate Jerome Corsi, a right-wing author and conspiracy theorist, has given what he says is a draft plea deal with Mueller to media outlets. The document says that Stone asked Corsi to get information from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange about emails hacked from Democrat Hillary Clintons presidential campaign and that Stone had advance knowledge that WikiLeaks was planning to release the stolen material. Sekulow said he received an anonymous package about two weeks ago that contained the draft plea agreement, which he reported to the Justice Department and FBI because he didnt know who the sender was. The document says Corsi understood Stone to be in regular contact with Trump during the campaign. Giuliani said Stone and Trump spoke only sporadically and here and there during the campaign and almost always by phone. Corsi, appearing on MSNBC on Wednesday night, said he told a grand jury that he had lied to the House Intelligence Committee about what he knew regarding the emails. Corsi, who over the last few weeks has said that he expects to be indicted in the Mueller inquiry, told MSNBC that he might die in jail and that he was not anticipating a pardon. Trump has publicly denied he knew anything about the WikiLeaks emails. Stone, known as a political provocateur since his work on Richard Nixons 1972 presidential campaign, said in a text message that nothing in the email exchange proves he had any advance knowledge about the stolen emails. Every politico and political reporter in America wanted to know what WikiLeaks had after Julian Assange teased it on CNN in June 2016, Stone said. There is simply nothing illegal about trying to find out what this was about. Michael Cohen Michael Cohen (Photo: Seth Wenig/AP) Michael Cohen, President Donald Trumps former personal attorney, pleaded guilty Thursday morning to lying to Congress about the timeline of a Russian real estate project pursued by Trump during the 2016 election. The new charges were brought by the office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, with which Cohen is now cooperating. According to court filings, Cohen provided written and oral testimony to the congressional investigations conducted by both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives into Russian interference in the presidential election won by Trump. In his statements, Cohen said discussions inside Trumps company to possibly build in Moscow ended in January 2016. Further, Cohen stated he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never considered asking Trumpidentified as Individual 1 in court documentsto do the same. Lastly, Cohen stated that he did not recall any communications with Russian officials about the project. These statements were knowingly false, according to court filings. Cohens statements were meant to minimize Trumps links to the Moscow project while giving the false impression that discussions about the project ended before the Iowa presidential caucus in 2016, the first in the nation, in the hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigation. In fact, prosecutors stated in their filing, the Moscow project discussion did not end in January 2016 and was discussed multiple times within the Trump Organization thereafter. Cohen was discussing possibly obtaining Russian governmental approval for the project as late as June. Likewise, Cohen discussed the status and progress of the project with Trump on more than three occasions, according to prosecutors. Cohen also made plans to travel to Russia and asked Trump about the possibility of traveling there as well during the presidential campaign, according to court filings. In May, Cohen received communications indicating a Russian official wanted to meet with him the following month in St. Petersburg, where he could potentially meet directly with Russian President Vladmir Putin or another top Russian official. Cohen took steps to possibly make the trip before backing out in mid-June, according to court filings. Additionally, Cohens statement about not communicating with Russian officials was knowingly false, as he was in touch with the office of Putins press secretary, Dmitry Peskov. Court documents state the Cohen reached out in January 2016 about the project and spoke with Peskovs assistant about possibly getting help to move it forward. Cohens appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Thursday marks the second time hes pleaded guilty to charges. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to paying hush money to women who alleged they had sexual relations with the future president. Cohens attorney, Guy Petrillo, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the special counsels office, Peter Carr, said the office would not be commenting further on the case. According to The Associated Press, Trump responded to the news Thursday morning, telling reporters on the west lawn of the White House that Cohen is a weak person who was lying" to get a reduced sentence. Additional reporting was provided by Washington, D.C.-based reporter Ellis Kim. Related: Story continues SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Under the auspices of the Marin County Office of Education, SchoolsRule Marin raises and distributes funds for a variety of enrichment programs to Marin Countys public schools. The concept began eight years ago to raise money for various educational foundations to bring about parity in school programs across the County. SchoolsRule believes that every student should have access to quality education. The program continues to grow annually, and this year over $888,000 were raised and distributed to school foundations throughout Marin County. Distribution of funds is based on a per student basis and must be used in the areas of literacy, arts, technology and health. SchoolsRule Marin is a coalition of 20 public school foundations working together to benefit every child. Foundations include Can Do!, LEAP, SPARK, Kiddo, School Fuel, Foundation for Reed Schools, YES, HeadsUp, SOAR and a host of others listed on the website at https://schoolsrule.org/about/what-we-fund/ . To date, SchoolsRule Marin has generated funds totaling nearly $3 million. The program, launched in 2010, was a joint effort between the Marin Independent Journal and the Marin County Superintendent of Schools to support public education as part of the newspapers 150th anniversary celebration. Each year more businesses realize the validity of SchoolsRule Marin and are joining in the program. Zephyr Real Estate agents Chris Backer, Mark Machado and Holly Welch are part of this endeavor, and were recently acknowledged in a publication encouraging support of businesses and individuals who support SchoolsRule Marin. We are excited to join such a worthwhile cause in our county, commented Holly Welch. A quality education for every child is the key to a better future for all of us. Zephyrs Marin County office is located at 350 Bon Air Center, Suite 100 in Larkspur, 415.496.2600. About Zephyr Real Estate Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Franciscos No. 1 independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 350 full-time agents. Zephyrs highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Whos Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco; and the regional luxury real estate affiliation, the Artisan Group. Zephyr has nine locations across San Francisco, Marin, Alameda and San Mateo Counties and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/592ef43d-db69-4c74-ad9f-f15419c708c2 BERLIN, Nov 29 (Reuters) - There are no plans to forge coalitions on trade against China or any other country at the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Argentina, a German official said on Thursday, adding that the G20 negotiations were very tough this year. Asked whether Germany could forge alliances at the G20 summit against the backdrop of the trade conflict between the United States and China, the official said: "This is not about forging alliances." (Reporting by Noah Barkin Writing by Michelle Martin, editing by Thomas Escritt) In recent times, oil prices may have risen in one or two trading sessions. But, those are dead cat bounces! Lest we forget, oil has now lost nearly a third of its value amid volatility since early October. For instance, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $51.56 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Nov 27 from a high of $76 a barrel reached on Oct 3. Some market pundits now caution that oil prices might be echoing the pattern of a few years ago, when oil prices had tanked more than half, from $90 a barrel in November 2014 to $41 in January 2016. But, what led to the steep decline? Doubts about the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) resolve to curb production amid supply overhang and demand uncertainty have come together to push oil prices down. OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, recently showed interest in trimming its output in order to stabilize prices. However, Saudi Arabia ramped up production to all-time high in November, pumping 11.1 million to 11.3 million barrels per day (bpd) during the month. Confirmation that U.S. production is booming, especially doubling in shale production since 2012, has also led to the latest oil price retreat. The supply-demand disparity, in fact, started to increase after the Trump administration decided to relax sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil by granting waivers to eight buyers of Tehrans crude. This drove oil prices lower into what would turn into an unprecedented decline. President Trump, by the way, has been rooting for lower oil prices and has warned Saudi Arabia to avoid taking any action to check the downtrend. In return, Trump wont be taking any action against Saudi Arabia for the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Meanwhile, apart from oversupply concerns, weakening demand affected the oil market. Apprehensions about a slowdown in the China economy owing to the ongoing Sino-U.S. trade disputes increased expectations of a fall in oil demand. After all, China is the worlds largest importer of oil and thus the largest driver of crude oil prices. Story continues Moreover, the recent strength in the U.S. dollar weighed on dollar-denominated prices of oil, added Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Price Futures Group. Let us now take a look at the potential winners and losers as oil prices fall at a steady clip: Falling Oil Prices Put Pressure on E&P Companies Exploration and Production (E&P) companies have always been perturbed by the continuous inflow of cash. After all, such cash inflows are required to finance their investment programs. However, such concerns were in the backburner after crude price rose this year. At the end of the third quarter, U.S. E&P companies were able to cover capital spending from operating cash flows. Most of the U.S. E&P bigwigs, in fact, on average posted cash flows that were higher than their capital spending in the third quarter for the first time since 2011, with Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM and Chevron Corporation CVX, the countrys largest oil groups registering healthy profits from U.S. operations. But, the collapse in oil prices over the past two months has raised fresh concerns about the possibility of further infusions of cash, something that doesnt bode well for E&P companies. Lest we forget, in the third quarter, WTI crude price averaged $73 a barrel, and now its trading just above $50 a barrel. Aviation, Refiners Poised to Gain Aviation stocks traditionally have an inverse relationship with the movement of oil prices. So, it isnt surprising that shares of aviation firms are rising after the sharp drop in crude oil prices. After all, fuel costs are major part of the operating costs for aviation firms; thus rise in oil prices will hit profit margins. Refineries also stand to gain from the decline in crude oil prices. Refineries buy crude oil as their raw material. So, refineries net cash flow increases when crude oil prices fall. Given this bullishness, some of the top-ranked aviation and refinery stocks one could consider are Spirit Airlines, Inc. SAVE, EnLink Midstream, LLC ENLC and Phillips 66 PSX. Spirit Airlines provides low-fare airline services. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings rose 9.4% in the last 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 11.7% against the Transportation - Airline industrys projected decline of 4.6%. EnLink Midstream focuses on providing midstream energy services in the United States. The company is involved in natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transmission, distribution, supply and marketing, and crude oil marketing. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings soared 91.7% in the last 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current quarter is more than 100% compared with the Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industrys estimated decline of 67.2%. Phillips 66 is an energy manufacturing and logistics company. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings moved up 11.8% in the last 60 days. The companys expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 100.5% compared with the Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industrys expected increase of 7.8%. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Oil Price Drop to Benefit Emerging Markets Steady drop in oil prices is also likely to benefit importers like Turkey, South Africa and India. Cheaper black gold will boost their balance of payments and support GDP growth. Capital Economics chipped in and said that with every $10 per barrel drop in the oil price, oil importing emerging economies income gain by 0.5-0.7% of GDP. This, certainly, calls for investing in fundamentally sound companies from the aforesaid emerging economies. One of the best ranked stocks you may consider is Azure Power Global Limited AZRE. The company that produces and develops solar energy carries a Zacks Rank #2, while its expected earnings growth rate for the next quarter is a whopping 1,500% compared with the Solar industrys expected increase of 111%. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Phillips 66 (PSX) : Free Stock Analysis Report EnLink Midstream, LLC (ENLC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Azure Power Global Ltd. (AZRE) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Nov 29 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories from selected Canadian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. THE GLOBE AND MAIL ** Alberta is planning to buy rail cars by early in the new year to move an additional 120,000 barrels of oil a day out of the province, as it considers calls for production cuts to reduce the supply glut that has driven Western Canadian oil prices to bargain-basement levels. (https://tgam.ca/2KFMazK) ** RBC InvestEase Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, announced on Thursday the national launch of its robo-adviser. (https://tgam.ca/2KJdz3G) ** Activist investor Jonathan Litt is renewing his calls for a big overhaul of troubled retailer Hudson's Bay Co, including selling off lucrative real estate and much of its other businesses. (https://tgam.ca/2KFpQGn) NATIONAL POST ** The head of Royal Bank of Canada, Dave McKay, says the lender is gaining ground in a customer-acquisition offensive it launched earlier this year. He said on Wednesday they had acquired 300,000 new Canadian banking clients in 2018, in addition to recording 350,000 registered users for RBC Ventures. (http://bit.ly/2KHf0js) (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom) Renesola Ltd. SOL recently announced that it was awarded 26 solar utility projects in Poland, with a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) each. All the 26 projects are under Poland's Contract for Difference (CFD) regime and are eligible for a 15-year guaranteed tariff of PLN 354.8-358.8 per megawatt hour (MWh), which is close to the highest auction price of PLN 364.9/MWh. Renesolas Outlook As of Sep 30, the company had a 783-MW pipeline of total late-stage projects, of which 71.5 MW, 236 MW, 42.6 MW, 41 MW and 16.6 MW is located in France, India, Hungary, Poland and Canada, respectively. Notably, the United States continues to be a large and robust market for ReneSola. As of the same date, the company had 347 MW shovel-ready stage projects in the United States, of which 24 MW are currently under construction. Also, it has various small utility projects in Utah, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado and ReneSola boasts a global pipeline of approximately 1.65 GW of projects in various stages. Growing Solar Demand Per the latest release from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), solar generation in the United States will rise 26.4% to 268,000-megawatt hour per day (MWh/d) in 2018 and further increase 13.1% to 303,000 MWh/d in 2019 from 212,000 MWh/d in 2017. The above projection from EIA indicates a massive addition of solar generation in the electricity production mix. Solar Energy source has been gaining momentum globally. Per International Energy Agency (IEA), the power generation via solar witnessed record growth of 34% in 2017. Also, the IEA anticipates average annual growth of solar power generation of nearly 17% between 2017 and 2030 time frame. SunPower Corporation SPWR is one of the most forward-integrated solar companies, which is fortifying its footprint in the global market, with plans to build six solar projects across many regions in Mexico. Other solar companies like Canadian Solar CSIQ, which currently has multiple late-stage utility-scale solar power projects under construction, are also solidifying their foothold in the global solar space. Another company in the same arena, JinkoSolar Holding Co. JKS, also boasts multiple global solar projects in its pipeline. Price Performance Shares of Renesola have underperformed its industry over a month. The stock has only inched up 14.5% compared with 15.6% growth of its industry. Story continues Zacks Rank Currently, Renesola has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report SunPower Corporation (SPWR) : Free Stock Analysis Report JinkoSolar Holding Company Limited (JKS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Renesola Ltd. (SOL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system is seen on Andersen Air Force Base, in Guam, October 26, 2017. U.S. Army/Capt. Adan Cazarez/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will buy Lockheed Martin's (LMT.N) $15 billion missile defense system, a U.S. Department of State spokesman said on Wednesday, after aggressive lobbying by the administration to close the deal that included a personal call between President Donald Trump and Saudi King Salman. The State Department said the Saudis and U.S. officials signed the letters of offer and acceptance documents on Monday, formalizing terms for Saudi's purchase of 44 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers, missiles and related equipment. In recent weeks the Trump administration and the U.S. defense industry worked to save the few actual deals in the much-touted $110 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia amid rising concerns about the role of the kingdom's leadership in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi critic. The THAAD deal had been under discussion since December 2016 and is now completed, the spokesperson said. Trump and King Salman discussed in a late September phone call the THAAD missile defense system deal, a Saudi official told Reuters in October. The official said at that time that the deal could well be closed by the end of the year. The State Department spokesman said the deal, first reported by CNBC, supports the "long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of the growing ballistic missile threat from the Iranian regime and Iran-backed extremist groups." Defying the White House, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, setting the stage for a possible final vote on the measure within days. Congressional approval for the THAAD missile defense system sale was given in 2017. (Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, D.C.) NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAP Air Portugal is expanding again with two new routes from the United States in 2019, adding nonstop service to Lisbon, from Washington, DC and Chicago. The 73-year-old national carrier has been breaking records in the last few years, boarding more than 14 million customers in 2017 and being named one of 2018s 10 fastest growing carriers. TAP will commence five round-trip flights per week between Chicago OHare and Lisbon on June 1, 2019, and then add five weekly round-trips between Washington-Dulles and Lisbon on June 16. Chicago flights will operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing Chicago-OHare at 6:05 p.m., and arriving in Lisbon at 7:50am the following morning. Returning flights leave Lisbon at 1:05pm, arriving into OHare at 4:05pm. Washington flights will operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing at 10:40pm, arriving in Lisbon at 10:50am the next day. Returning flights leave Lisbon at 4:30pm, arriving at Dulles at 7:40pm. TAP is the launch carrier for the new aircraft with 21 planned for delivery in the next two years. In all, TAP has a new fleet of 71 aircraft being delivered, also including 19 A320neos, 17 A321neos, and 14 A321 Long Range jets. With more than 70 new planes on the way, this is only just the beginning, said David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways and a major shareholder in TAP. We have 10 gateways from Brazil to Portugal and believe we can support the same number from the US. Todays expansion to Chicago and Washington, DC reflects what an increasingly popular destination Portugal has become, especially with visitors from the U.S. Our network beyond Lisbon is also growing. We now serve 55 destinations in Europe and 17 in Africa and fully 50 percent of our American passengers are flying us to places beyond Portugal, many making use of our popular Portugal Stopover program. The A330neo will feature the new Airspace by Airbus cabin. The economy cabin now comprises two categories: Economy and EconomyXtra. The configuration and design provide a fresh atmosphere, with more legroom, deeper seat recline, and new seat covers in shades of green and gray, and green and red in EconomyXtra. The seat pitch in regular economy is 31 inches, while Xtra offers an additional three inches legroom with a pitch of 34 inches. These two new connections will enable an even greater number of Americans to discover what Portugal has to offer as a privileged destination to visit, to live in, to invest and to study, said His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, the Ambassador of Portugal to the United States of America. In that sense, they are a major contribution to the further strengthening of the already close links between two peoples and two countries, that are neighbors across the ocean. Washington Dulles International Airport welcomes TAP Air Portugals new year-round service to Lisbon, which offers passengers visiting or living in the U.S. Capital region more choice and flexibility in their travels, said Jerome L. Davis, executive vice president and chief revenue officer for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. We look forward to supporting TAP Air Portugals market entrance and growth as we continue to strengthen Dulles International Airports strong position as the Washington regions premier gateway to the world. New direct services to Lisbon and other key international destinations at OHare are fueling Chicagos leading connectivity to the world," said Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. "The City of Chicago welcomes our newest airline partner, TAP, and thanks them for choosing the Chicago OHare market to expand their business. With TAPs commitment at OHare, we are delivering new travel choices and economic opportunity for the City of Chicago, and expanding our world class service for travelers around the globe. Fares on the new routes in the Economy cabin start at just $265 one way from Washington-Dulles, all inclusive of taxes, and from $278 one way from Chicago OHare. Round-trip fares are $569 and $595, respectively. In TAPs Executive business class, TAP offers 34 new fully-flat reclining chairs that are more than six feet long when fully reclined. Also, TAP has powered up its new business class chairs to include USB slots and individual electrical sockets, connections for headphones, individual reading lights, and more space, including more storage room. TAPs Executive business class fares on both routes start at $1,456 one way, or $2,951 round-trip, for travel to Lisbon. Business class one-way fares to TAPs popular European destinations, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and Rome, start from just $1,396 to Paris. TAP introduced the Portugal Stopover program in 2016 to further attract the beyond Lisbon guest. Travelers to all of TAPs European and African destinations can enjoy up to five nights in Lisbon or Porto along the way, for no extra airfare. So, from Washington and Chicago, travelers will be able to see Lisbon or Porto and their pick of 70 destinations throughout Europe and Africa with fares starting as low as $183 each way, from either Washington or Chicago to Madrid or Barcelona. The Portugal Stopover comprises a network of more than 150 partners who provide exclusive offers for Stopover customers for hotels discounts and complimentary experiences such as free entry to museums, dolphin watching in the River Sado and food tastings even a free bottle of Portuguese wine in participating restaurants. Travelers can also enjoy a stopover in Lisbon or Porto even if their final destination is in Portugal, such as: Faro (Algarve); Ponta Delgada or Terceira (the Azores); and Funchal or Porto Santo (Madeira). About TAP Air Portugal TAP is Portugals leading airline and a member of the global airline Star Alliance since 2005. Flying since 1945, TAP celebrated its 70th anniversary on March 14, 2015, before completing its privatization process later that year, now with the Atlantic Gateway Group as private shareholders. TAPs network comprises 84 destinations in 34 countries worldwide. The airline currently operates around 2,500 weekly flights, with a modern fleet of 63 Airbus aircraft. TAP Express, the airlines regional arm, operates an additional 17 aircraft. With TAPs privatization process, it has restructured its network, launched new fare products and is renewing its medium and long-haul fleet. TAP has 53 Airbus neo aircraft on order and, by 2020, its long-haul fleet will either have been replaced with new aircraft or newly reconfigured aircraft. TAP Express now operates a new fleet of 8 ATR 72 and 9 Embraer 190. TAP is one of Europes most awarded airlines. Global Traveler (USA) named TAP as Best Airline in Europe from 2011 to 2016, and the World Travel Awards named TAP as both Europes Leading Airline to Africa and Europes Leading Airline to South America from 2014 2017. Previously TAP was awarded Worlds Leading Airline to Africa, in 2011 and 2012, and Worlds Leading Airline to South America from 2009 through 2012. TAPs Inflight Magazine, UP, received the World Travel Award as Europes Leading In-flight Magazine for 2015, 2016 and 2017. (Adds Kremlin comment, analysis) By Roberta Rampton ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Argentina, registering his disapproval of Russia's treatment of Ukraine and casting new uncertainty over U.S.-Russian ties. Trump said he pulled out due to tensions over Russian forces opening fire on Ukrainian navy boats and then seizing them and their crew on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. His decision also comes as a federal investigation into his 2016 election campaign's ties to Russia is intensifying. Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about a proposed Trump real estate project in Russia. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted. Trump's tweet, from aboard Air Force One shortly after takeoff from Washington on the way to Buenos Aires for a Group of 20 summit, was a sudden turnaround. Roughly an hour earlier, he had told reporters he would probably meet with Putin at the summit and said it was "a very good time to have the meeting." Trump's cancelation marked a dramatic change in tone. In the past he has repeatedly stressed his desire for a warm relationship with Putin. When the two leaders met in Helsinki in July, Trump refused to criticize Putin and drew fire at home. His announcement appeared to catch Moscow by surprise, with Russian officials getting their first news of it from the media. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA news agency that the Kremlin regretted Trump's decision and said Russia is ready for contact with him. "A cancellation means that the discussion on key international isssues is being postponed indefinitely," Peskov said. Story continues Trump based his move on advice from senior advisers who have taken a harsher tone toward Russia than he has. He was briefed on Air Force One by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, White House chief of staff John Kelly and national security adviser John Bolton, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Bolton has pushed for Trump to withdraw the United States from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty over what U.S. officials called Moscow's violation of it. U.S. officials are watching with alarm the crisis surrounding Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Holding talks with Putin now could represent bad optics for the White House at a time when the president is under scrutiny over prior plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to Congress about the proposed Trump Organization skyscraper in Moscow, prompting Trump to lash out at Cohen as a "liar" and "weak person." Differences over Ukraine, as well as Moscow's role in the civil war in Syria, have been an irritant in U.S.-Russian relations for years. Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey said Trump was missing an "oppopportunity to redeem himself, stand up for American values, stand up for international law, stand up for our own national security interests, and he had that opportunity and instead he's abdicating it. It is ironic that this President cannot find his spine to confront Vladimir Putin but can challenge the closest allies the United States has across the globe," Menendez said. The administration of former President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. That in part brought ties between Washington and Moscow to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the United States has investigated Russia's possible interference in the 2016 election that Trump won. Russia has denied meddling and Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Sunday near Crimea over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, which Ukraine denies. Some of Ukraine's Western allies have raised the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia over the episode, which could deliver a blow to the Russian economy. Kiev is aiming to gain Western support for more economic sanctions against Moscow, secure tangible Western military help, and rally opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton, Makini Brice, Steve Holland and Jeff Mason in Washington and Denis Pinchuk in Moscow Writing by Steve Holland and Lisa Lambert Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell) MUKALLA, Yemen (AP) The U.S. ambassador to Yemen on Thursday accused Iran of "throwing gasoline on the fire" of conflicts across the Middle East, vowing that America will defend its regional interests and not "shy away when the problems get difficult." Ambassador Matthew Tueller's comments during an interview with The Associated Press signal that America's hard-line approach to Tehran in the wake of withdrawing from the nuclear deal will continue. His remarks also take on even more importance as Tueller is now President Donald Trump's nominee to be the next ambassador in Iraq, a country where Iranian-led militias just beat back the Islamic State group and Tehran holds political sway. "Wherever we see instability here in the region and I'm not saying that Iran is the source of all of the instability but we see that opportunistically, they're going in," Tueller told the AP at a military ceremony in eastern Yemen. "They're throwing gasoline on the fire in an area of the world that's so important to all of us." Tueller became America's ambassador to Yemen in 2014 just as the Arab world's poorest country spiraled into chaos. Rebels known as Houthis stormed into the capital, Sanaa, and later seized power from the country's internationally recognized government. The Houthis, members of a Shiite sect, pushed government forces almost entirely out of the country before a Saudi-led coalition launched a war to back them in March 2015. The war has devastated Yemen, pushing the arid nation to the brink of famine and spreading disease like cholera. The war has killed over 10,000 people, displaced 3 million and left much of the infrastructure in ruins. United Nations experts, Western nations and analysts say Iran supplies the Houthis with weapons ranging from assault rifles up to the ballistic missiles the rebels now can fire as deeply into Saudi Arabia as its capital, Riyadh. Iran denies arming the rebels. Story continues "We see Iran as one of the major forces that is trying to foster instability," Tueller said. "Step back for a moment and look at what we have in Yemen. We have a non-state actor, a militia, that has overthrown the government, and yet it is receiving arms, equipment and a support from a state, Iran." Alireza Miryousefi, a spokesman for Iran's mission to the United Nations, dismissed Tueller's comments and blamed America and its allies for "the potential starvation of 20 million Yemenis." "The region, that we Iranians actually live in, is burning mainly because of the unending illegal invasions, aggression and regime-change efforts of America and its allies," he said. After the Houthi takeover of Sanaa, the U.S. Embassy closed, sending Tueller and other diplomats to work out of neighboring Saudi Arabia. The diplomat from Provo, Utah, returned Thursday on a U.S. military cargo plane to an Emirati military base near Mukalla. There, Tueller met Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber, who wholeheartedly agreed with his assessment on Iran. "Iran creates chaos in the region, it creates chaos everywhere, in Iraq, Bahrain, Syria, in Lebanon through Hezbollah, and in Yemen," al-Jaber said. "Iran has no place in the Arabian Peninsula, it only creates chaos and terrorism everywhere. I don't think those who are capable of such acts are capable of peace." However, patience with Saudi Arabia, long a U.S. ally, has grown thin over the Oct. 2 killing and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Those allegedly involved include members of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's entourage. The U.S. Senate voted this week to move forward a measure to withdraw American support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Tueller stressed the need to end Yemen's war in a way that "restores government control of institutions." "The solution lies in the parties coming together and finding a way to peacefully share power," he said. However, such talks have yet to offer anything tangible. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition and their allies continue their push on the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, which aid groups warn could disrupt the Yemen's main gateway for food imports, pushing the country to starvation. President Barrack Obama appointed Tueller as ambassador to Yemen. However, Tueller offered an explanation of America's interests in the Mideast that sounded right on target with Trump's while speaking with the AP. "It's an area of the world so important to all of us because of the critical oil and gas resources that are here, because of the potential for conflict here and we do not want to see conflict here," he said. "And yet Iran, obviously, wherever we see them acting, they're acting not in a way to promote stability, but actually to exploit instability." ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. Follow Malak Harb at www.twitter.com/malakharb. Kroger grocery distribution centers in Fountain and Aurora employing 747 people will shift to a new operator, which will offer jobs to all workers, the new owner said Thursday. Advantage Logistics USA West, owned by wholesale grocery giant Supervalu, notified the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment that it will close the distribution centers by mid-February. But Windigo Logistics is expected to begin operations at the same facility on or soon after Feb. 3, the notice said. Windigo has offered jobs to many current Advantage Logistics (Supervalu subsidiary) employees who, assuming they accept, will continue working at the facility, according to the notice. Windigo intends to hire all employees at both centers, said company owner Greg Heying. He said Kroger, which owns the centers, approached him this year about forming a company to take over operation of the centers. He reached a deal with Kroger a week before Providence, R.I.-based United Natural Foods, a major distributor to Whole Foods, agreed to buy SuperValu for $2.9 billion. That transaction was completed late last month. Kroger decided to change partners for the management of these centers, and they approached me about setting up a new company to take over the centers, Heying said. Heying is a former longtime Supervalu distribution executive who started Advantage in 2004 to manage the centers for Kroger. He retired as senior vice president-distribution in 2010 after 34 years with Supervalu and since then has operated a consulting company in Minneapolis for distribution strategy and operations. Windigo will take over operation of the two distribution centers from Advantage on Feb. 2, Heying said. The 363,000-square-foot Fountain center distributes candy, health and beauty products, natural foods, cigarettes and other tobacco products to 329 City Market, King Soopers and Kroger stores in Colorado and five other states. Teamsters Local 455 in Denver is negotiating with Windigo so it will assume Supervalus union contract, which was reached in 2016 after a 10-day strike, said union secretary-treasurer Steven Vairma. A police light blinks in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday. Former Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Mike Miles wants to open a new charter school in the old Macys store at The Citadel mall, but he wont be able to do so under the auspices of Colorado Springs School District 11. The districts board rejected Miles 210-page proposal 6-1 on Wednesday night and relinquished charter authorization, which means Miles will need to petition the Colorado Charter School Institute, a state authorizer, for approval to open in the fall of 2019. Because the potential location of the new school, named Coperni 3, is in the geographic boundaries of D-11, organizers were required to first apply to D-11 for charter authorization. District administrators and members of the District Accountability Committee raised numerous concerns about the proposal at a Nov. 14 board meeting, including the governance model, finances, not providing transportation for students and the location being in close proximity to marijuana dispensaries and alcohol outlets such as a Hooters restaurant. It would be in both of our respective interests for D-11 to relinquish exclusive chartering authority and permit organizers to apply to CSI, D-11 Superintendent Michael Thomas said. I believe the conditional requirements and expectations that would need to be addressed would not be able to be done in a timely fashion, he said Wednesday, in issuing a recommendation to deny the application. Miles agreed to the relinquishment, Thomas said. Board member Teresa Null cast the sole opposing vote, saying sending organizers to the state authorizing body wont remove the concerns of D-11 representatives who reviewed and analyzed the application. We do not think this charter school can be ready for our students by next year, and going to CSI is not going to change that dynamic theyre still not going to be ready, Null said. Among her personal concerns: They want to put a playground in a parking lot. Coperni 3 would be the second school in a charter school network Miles is building under the name Third Future Schools. The first school in the network, Academy of Advanced Learning, opened in the fall of 2017 in Aurora, as part of Aurora Public Schools. Several teachers and administrators from the Academy of Advanced Learning addressed the board and vouched for Miles success in Aurora. Assistant Principal Kim Blair said Miles puts kids first, supports and values teachers and involves parents, which she considers to be qualities of a great leader. Stephanie Bradshaw said Miles is impacting education in an unprecedented way, and that his personalized learning model is the cure for what ails todays education system because it enables students of all backgrounds and histories to advance academically. He held me accountable and provided me with resources to do my job well, she said. I got paid well because I taught well. Miles seeks to open a K-6 school at The Citadel next fall with 420 students and grow to eighth grade with an additional 120 students in subsequent years. An anticipated 75 percent of enrollment would be students qualifying for the federal governments free and reduced lunch program, indicating poverty. About 20 percent would be English language learners, according to the application. Curriculum would focus on skills needed in the workplace in the year 2030 and combine Miles modified personalized learning model with direct instruction. The school would be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free child care and activities. A three-legged governance structure would include Miles as CEO, a school board and a school council. A self-defined education reformer and one-time Democratic candidate in Colorado for U.S. Senate, Miles worked as assistant superintendent in Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 and in 2006 became superintendent of Harrison D-2, a job he held for six years. He became known for turning around underperforming academic achievement in D-2, the regions most socio-economically diverse school district. He instituted one of the states first pay-for-performance compensation systems for teachers, which remains in place today. But Miles authoritarian leadership led to high staff turnover and discontent among the ranks. In June 2015, Miles abruptly resigned from his job as superintendent of Dallas Independent School District in Texas, after protesters calling for his removal picketed near his house. But Miles continues to have strong supporters and serves on the board of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. He has operated an educational consulting company and in June 2016 became chief executive officer of Pikes Peak Prep, a charter school east of downtown Colorado Springs. He resigned in February 2017, and is being sued by the schools management company for breach of contract, unlawful use of company resources, improperly forcing students out of the school and other complaints. The school closed at the end of last school year, after the management company sold the building it had occupied. D-11 board member Julie Ott said at the Nov. 14 meeting said she was concerned that the board of Miles Aurora charter school agreed to pay reasonable costs of legal defense for CEO Mike Miles in the ongoing lawsuit with GEO Foundation and seeking and applying any available insurance proceeds to cover any allowable costs before spending school funds, as per meeting minutes. As a taxpayer, I find that troubling, she said. How will they finance that if the insurance doesnt come through? Board President Jim Mason said Wednesday that while the board and district leaders had many legitimate concerns, This is innovative, and its going to bring a new standard to the table. You cant have new without concerns. If granted state approval, Coperni 3 would be the 11th charter school in El Paso County under the Colorado Charter Schools Institute system. Mason said if organizers obtain approval to open, You need to know you are not by yourself. You are within the D-11 footprint, and well be with you shoulder-to-shoulder, and you will be successful. Contact the writer: 719-476-1656 NEW YORK, NY, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Byzen Digital Inc. (OTC PINK: BYZN), a technology mergers and acquisitions company, today announced the launch of a strategic partnership with Precision Projects for technology recruitment and appoints Tony Summers, CEO of Precision Projects, to the Byzen Digital Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr Summers new role is one of several new appointments that Byzen Digital expects to make over the coming months as the company builds an advisory committee to oversee a planned mergers and acquisitions campaign in 2019. Mr. Summers and Precision Projects will also provide vital IT recruitment support. Byzen Digital CEO Chris Percy commented, Tonys experience in banking and fintech recruitment, as well as excellent business links in Gibraltar, Dublin and London, will be vital to the identification and restructuring of the acquisitions that we expect to make over the next two years. Tonys experience is a natural fit for the vision of the organisation going forward and we have no doubt that his leadership and vision will prove invaluable as the company puts into action a plan for rapid and sustained growth over 2019-20 and beyond. The strengthening of our management team, including the appointment of Mr. Summers, places Byzen Digital in an ideal strategic position from which to enact our strategic plans and commence due diligence on our pipeline of potential tech acquisitions. We are pleased to welcome Tony to the Byzen team and look forward to his contributions in assisting Byzen Digital in widening its commercial contacts in the ever-developing tech sector, concluded Mr. Percy. Tony Summers said, I am immensely pleased to begin working with Byzen Digital, especially at such an exciting time in the companys timeline. I look forward to putting my skills and experience to use with the company and playing my part in the ongoing success of Byzen Digital. Anthony Summers Biography An experienced C level sales and business professional with over 25 years experience in building successful sales teams and delivering revenue growth. Tonys core experience is in Executive Search and Consulting to the Technology sector. His company Precision Projects is based in Gibraltar and provides specialist talent to the Financial Services and Banking arena. His clients include tier one banks, banking software providers, system integrators and Fintech companies. With a particular interest in Blockchain Technology and its practical application outside of Crypto, Tony developed a consulting and search offering for this growth market in the BaaS, Private and Permissioned Blockchain space. This led to a synergistic interest in all things security and further development into the Cyber, Cloud and Identity Security sectors. Beyond the technology sector Tony has consulted with numerous businesses across a variety of endeavours. As well as providing recruitment solutions to clients, Tony also provides consultancy to small and medium-sized enterprises, where he can have a direct and visible impact on results. Services include; sales and marketing, executive training and product development and launch strategies. His experience in consulting assignments extends across information technology, media and digital marketing, healthcare services and healthcare recruitment, fashion, tourism and real estate. His key achievements include successfully securing investment for SMEs both privately and through facilitating an OTC Markets listing, leading a Tech Recruitment business from 8m to well over 200m turnover, developing sales in a boutique recruitment business from 11m to 23m turnover in just over 2 years and taking a Healthcare company from a $500K turnover to a $50m valuation in 3.5 years. About Precision Projects With over 25 years experience in the Banking and Fintech recruitment space Precision Projects supports specialist, technology recruitment needs for a range of clients. With executive responsibility for the delivery of hundreds of global banking retail, corporate and private banking projects, the company brings unrivalled knowledge of financial and blockchain technology recruitment. Precision Consulting also enjoys outstanding long-term relationships with companies specialising in banking technology implementation; from the global big 5 consultancies, to smaller specialist companies who focus either geographically or by specific sector. About Byzen Digital Inc. Byzen Digital is a high-growth organisation focused on mergers and acquisitions in the tech space. Originally set up to service the growing blockchain sector, Byzens scope has quickly grown beyond its initial focus to incorporate start-ups and SMEs from the wider tech arena including cybersecurity, data storage, cloud-tech, analytics, software and digital applications. The Byzen family provides vital strategic insight, global funding access and a robust corporate structure to support its incorporated ventures in positioning concepts for global success. Safe Harbor Statement This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to anticipated revenues, expenses, earnings, operating cash flows, the outlook for markets and the demand for products. Forward-looking statements are no guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon, among other things, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, including management's own knowledge and assessment of the Company's industry and competition. he company assumes no duty to update its forward-looking statements. Thirty-eight people lost their lives in shootings, stabbings or brutal beatings across El Paso County in 2017, making it the second deadliest year on record. The death toll is surpassed only by the 43 killings in 2013, according to records. Most of the deaths, 31, occurred in Colorado Springs, one less than the record of 32 in 2011. And the totals may still climb. The Police Department has two outstanding death investigations that may end up being classified as homicides, which would raise 2017's total deaths to 40 and set a city record at 33. Details about those deaths were not released while a determination is pending. "It saddens us," police Lt. Howard Black said. "One death is one death too many in our city While theres a long list of Democratic maybes, Lorena Garcia says she is definitely challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020. Garcia, a Denver resident, is the executive director of Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition. Her campaign noted she is a seventh-generation Coloradan on her fathers side and first generation on her mothers side. She has been with her wife for seven years, the campaign said. Garcias family background mirrors the diversity families represent in Colorado and across the country, the news release stated. Garcias platform will key on economic equity for all that includes health care and education. Shes an advocate for womens rights, including abortion, civil rights and more funding for public transportation, her campaign said in a news release. Its time for a new voice in the U.S. Senate, Garcia said in a statement. We are at a crossroads in our history where we can no longer accept the status quo and must take action to fix our broken government systems. Im running because we need innovative leaders who will work on behalf of the interests of every Coloradan, not for political self-interest. Besides her work with Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, Garcia also is the executive director for Namlo International, an international nonprofit that supports local communities in Nepal and Nicaragua with economic self-sufficiency. She is the former executive director of the Colorado Organization For Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights and is the former state director of 9to5 and the National Association for Working Women. Though they have not publicly announced their candidacy, two others have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission: Derrick James Blanton of Denver filed his statement of candidacy in July 2017, and Dustin John Leitzel of Denver formally joined the race in February 2017, according to FEC paperwork. A few weeks ago, with his teacher, his mother, two sisters, brother and two cousins at his side, a boy began to tell his story. The group had miraculously reunited in a Sheboygan, Wis., living room after the horrors of a life far, far away. I am a Rohingya Muslim, the 10-year-old Yasin started. The teacher, Sophie Danielson, transcribed. Danielson, 22, was visiting from her home in Colorado Springs. It was surreal, she recalls, as surreal as all of the other visits shes made around the world with the people she came to know at a refugee camp in Thailand. They are the scattered victims of ongoing persecution in Myanmar. The situation has turned to genocide in recent years, a crisis that Vice President Mike Pence recognized earlier this month during a meeting with the countrys civilian leader. It marked the Trump administrations most high-profile criticism of the state-run violence to date. It was the kind of moment Danielson had for more than three years been waiting for, since she became aware of the Rohingya as a wide-eyed graduate of Air Academy High School. College didnt seem right. She wanted to do something more, her older sister, Jenna, says. So Danielson took a job teaching English in Thailand, having no knowledge of the kids she would meet there. She didnt know about the Rohingya, about their escaping to sea from Myanmar, about families like Yasins. Fathers and husbands and brothers and sons have been taken to prisons to be starved and tortured, while women and children are whisked away to refugee camps. In Danielsons classrooms, the pictures they drew were of boats, men with guns, bodies in water, she recalls. Violent images. I was like, these kids are very traumatized. Danielson had no idea. Which is why she does not blame her fellow Americans for not knowing. How could they? she says. Thats why Im sitting here. Its part of my job to tell people about it. Shes in between her next Rohingya reunion, as she calls them, keeping an eye out for cheap flights to buy with the money she makes as a piano teacher in town. Her job, she feels, is to track down broken families, to record their stories and to share them, and also to serve as a bridge. She is dear Sophie to Khairul Boshor, Yasins uncle who lives in the Netherlands after fleeing the killing fields of Myanmar. I look upon her as my family member, he writes in an email. And while Boshor waits for America, believing that one day America (will) bring a sustainable solution for our crisis, Sophie is a source of hope. She is representing my family and other Rohingya, he writes. Danielson has reconnected families spread across eight different states and seven other countries. One young woman she knew in Thailand has settled in Atlanta, while her mother remains at a camp in Bangladesh. Danielson flew to meet the old woman, to show her pictures of her daughter and to hug and cry with her. You are my daughter, the woman said in broken English. You will always be part of my family. Also in Bangladesh, Danielson befriended a young photographer, both of them helping each other to tell stories. While taking pictures, Nihab Rahman has also assisted NGOs at the crowded camp close to his home. [F]or these Rohingyas they dont get the chance to meet and talk with their families again after separation, Rahman writes in an email. In that case, I feel very proud (of) Sophie for the work shes doing. While raising awareness in her own country, Danielson wants to reach refugees with the nonprofit she launched this month. Books Unbound aims to build an English-based learning program for the Rohingya. Danielson is developing a picture dictionary, with relatable images conveying nouns and verbs. An example: A woman squatting over a fire cooking is more relatable than a woman in some cute skirt, cooking on an electric stove, she says. Doing the work from Colorado Springs is strange, Danielson admits. Sometimes home doesnt feel like home. It hasnt ever since she finished teaching in Thailand at the end of 2015. Refugees still needed help, but now she was back in the Springs, dealing with, you know, what we call first-world problems, says her sister. Its hard, when youve seen what shes seen, to be back in the Springs, its like the opposite. In high school, Danielson was a little socially awkward, kind of intense, by her own description an overachiever in the classroom and a devoted leader of the human rights club she started. She and her siblings were taught early on to keep perspective, to think beyond their own problems. In post-apartheid South Africa, their father worked to develop poor townships, introducing his daughters to people living in shacks. The family bounced around the United States. Wherever they arrived, Danielson felt like a stranger, kind of on the outskirts, she says. This was especially the case upon her return from Thailand. It was difficult to relate to other people, she says. I kind of kept to myself. Then, last January, her phone buzzed. UNKNOWN, read the caller ID. She answered. Teacher! Teacher! shouted the woman on the other end. Sheboygan! Sheboygan! Danielson had given Yasins mother her phone number before leaving Thailand. She never thought shed hear from her, but there she was. She literally burst out crying, Jenna says of her sister. That led to another Rohingya reunion, each one ending and setting Danielson on another path to find a loved one displaced elsewhere. Sharing their stories to the world will make more awareness, Boshor says. It could turn the destiny of unfortunate children lives to the fortunate ones. So Danielson sat with Yasin one evening this month, typing his recollections. Of his father being banished from teaching. Of him leaving to find work in Malaysia, where Yasin and the others tried to go. Of stalling for 24 days on the voyage, abandoned at a secluded island, where they believed they would die. Of another ship picking them up. Of landing in Thailand, confused and hungry. Of meeting the U.N., needing clothes, shoes and more. Of meeting teacher Sophie. Of being cleared, finally, to come to America, to find a new home in Sheboygan. Danielson kept a recorder running. The next day, Yasins elementary school gathered in the gym, where he was to tell his story. Danielson was beside him. I am a Rohingya Muslim, he started. With a pharmacy in every grocery store, and Walgreens and CVS locations dotting the local landscape, you might think things are tough these days for small, independent pharmacies. And youd be right but maybe not for the reason you might assume. The competition, local independent pharmacists say, is not their biggest issue. People think that thats our primary problem, but its actually not, Hope Mullally, who with husband Sean owns The Medicine Shoppe on Medical Center Point. Were able to compete based on service, I believe. Our service is superior. The key struggle independent pharmacists face, she says, is with the complex system of reimbursement for pharmacies, a system that can find a pharmacist being reimbursed below the cost of a drug it dispenses. Its a system ruled by pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, which are seen as the middlemen between insurers, drug manufacturers and pharmacies. Theyre contracted by health plans, employers and government entities to manage prescription drug benefits; among other things, they determine what drugs will be covered under a plan, negotiate with drug manufacturers and process and pay prescription drug claims. Although PBMs have been around since the 1960s, it was in the early 2000s that they entered their prime, the Colorado Health Institute states. Thats when Congress turned to PBMs instead of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers for Medicare enrollees. According to the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents PBMs, pharmacy benefit managers reduce prescription drug costs and improve convenience and safety for consumers, employers, unions, and government programs. The National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents community, or independent pharmacists, has a different view. PBMs have done more to enrich themselves over the past 25 years than they have done to bring down drug costs, the group says. Colorado, like most states, does not have regulatory oversight or reporting requirements for PBMs, the Colorado Health Institute notes. Three PBMs Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and OptumRX control up to 85 percent of the U.S. market. Independent pharmacies say theyre getting squeezed out of business by these behemoths. However, the number of community pharmacies has been holding pretty steady for several years, says Kurt Proctor, NCPAs senior vice president of strategic initiatives. The estimated number of independent community pharmacies, according to the NCPA, is 21,909, down slightly from last year. In Colorado, the number of independent pharmacies increased in the past several years, according to a Quest Analytics analysis of NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) data from 136 in 2010 to 155 at the start of this year. In Colorado, there are four independently owned Medicine Shoppes (Medicine Shoppe is not a chain but a franchise) and a handful of other independent pharmacies. The latest to go: Village Pharmacy on the east side of Colorado Springs, which closed at the start of November with the retirement of owner Bob Shelton; a sign on the door says prescriptions have been transferred to the CVS Pharmacy at North Academy Boulevard and North Carefree Circle, which recently opened across the street from a Walgreens. They call us a dying breed, says Irene Medina, lead pharmacist at Compass Pharmacy, about a mile and a half from the Walgreens and CVS. A focus on PBMs Compass Pharmacy, which opened to the public in mid-November, has a complicated history. It was preceded by Eastside Pharmacy, which Medina started in 1998. Eastside Pharmacy changed locations several times, most recently to Maizeland Road, just off North Academy. Then Eastside was approached by Rocky Mountain Health Care Services PACE program to be an exclusive drug provider to that senior care program, Medina says. Eastside moved to the programs building on East Pikes Peak Avenue but with a name change to Compass to mark the new beginning, says Medinas son, Carlo. But after two years, the Medinas say, Rocky Mountain PACE scrapped the deal. So they moved Compass back to Eastsides former home, where Irene Medina had continued to pay the rent, and it is operating as a general pharmacy. Carlo and his sister, Carina, now own Compass, with their mom looking to retire down the road. Former Eastside customers are welcoming the opening of Compass Pharmacys doors, Carlo Medina says. But there are challenges. Its a tough world out there, he says. He points, for example, to the opioid crisis, which makes security a constant worry with addicts determined to get the drugs one way or another. We do the best we can, he says, to secure ourselves, secure our business, secure our employees. Irene Medina acknowledges the wealth of competition. We do not have deep pockets to advertise the way the chains do, she says. But the biggest problem, she says, is the PBMs. They kind of have us over a barrel, she says. The PCMA, the PBMs lobbying group, said in an emailed statement that PBMs arent hired to enrich drugstores, but instead to save money for employers, unions and government programs. On its website, it argues pharmacists have significant bargaining clout through the use of entities called pharmacy services administrative organizations. But critics accuse PBMs of unfair business practices, conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency practices that have seen some states acting to rein in PBMs. And practices that Mullally argues dont just impact pharmacists bottom lines but patients health. The PBMs can get away with practices that would not be tolerated in any other industry, she says. They can do this because they have so much power and are essentially unregulated. They determine how much our pharmacy gets paid, and there is no way for us to negotiate with them to get paid fairly. If we do not accept what they pay us, they just refuse to allow us to fill any prescriptions for any patients with an insurance company that uses the PBM to process claims. Complaints concerning transparency often center on spread pricing, the difference between what the PBM pays the pharmacy for a drug and what it charges insurers. Critics say the PBMs are getting rich on those markups, which typically are not disclosed. It should be available publicly and known to all what is the pharmacy getting paid, what the markup that the PBM is charging to the insurance company, what is the difference between the two prices, Mullally says. Another source of income for PBMs: rebates negotiated with drug manufacturers. Critics question how much of those savings are passed on to patients and what role those rebates have in determining formularies. Ive seen a lot of times where the drug that is best for the patient, they dont want to pay for that one because theyre not getting as large of a rebate, Mullally says. The PCMA says the rebates are one tool in reducing costs, along with promoting generics and other actions. Typically, PBMs pass along 90 percent or more of these savings to plans, which use them to cut premiums, out-of-pocket costs and other expenses, the PCMA states on its website. Many health purchasers require PBMs to pass through 100 percent of rebates. One tool used by PBMs that is particularly irksome to pharmacists: DIR (direct and indirect renumeration) fees. Those fees, says Proctor of the NCPA, are complex and tough to explain, but theyre leveled on pharmacies by PBMs that work with Medicare Part D plans. The fees are tied, at least in part, to performance standards mandated by the PBMs. The fees themselves are an issue, Proctor says, but the biggest problem, he says, is that they are retroactive. So when I am filling a prescription and see the reimbursement rate, in the back of my head I know Im also losing money three or four months from now through a DIR fee that the PBM is going to claw back from me. These are not small amounts of money. The fact that the major PBMs operate their own mail-order pharmacies is a source of the conflict-of-interest complaints. They set the copays for the patient to get mail order, Mullally says. They set the system up this way to steer business to their own pharmacies. How is that not a conflict of interest? The PCMA points to a 2005 report by the Federal Trade Commission that found PBM-owned mail-order pharmacies offer lower prices on prescription drugs than retail pharmacies and are effective at capitalizing on opportunities to dispense generics. Mail-service pharmacies are popular with patients because they are less expensive and can be more convenient than brick-and-mortar drugstores, the PCMA stated in its email. With mail-service pharmacies, patients can get private counseling over the phone from trained clinicians seven days a week, 24-hours a day. But patients using mail-order pharmacies are still looking to local pharmacists for information. If you knew how many people we get who call because they were forced into a mail-order pharmacy and have questions but cant get ahold of anybody, says Shannon Bethel, who owns Ivywild Pharmacy with husband Scott. CVS Healths in-house pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, has drawn special scrutiny. It has been accused of reimbursing CVS pharmacies at significantly higher rates than others. CVS opened its first stand-alone stores in Colorado Springs this year; it already had a presence in local Target stores. But CVS which on Wednesday closed its $69 billion purchase of Aetna, the nations third-largest health insurer has denied improprieties or attempts to squeeze out smaller pharmacies. CVS Caremark considers independently-owned pharmacies to be important partners in creating the networks we offer our pharmacy benefit management (PBM) clients to ensure their members have convenient access to their medications, CVS says on its website. Independent pharmacies account for about 40 percent of our network of more than 68,000 pharmacies across the country. We reimburse the pharmacies in our network fairly and, overall, independent pharmacies are reimbursed today at a higher rate than larger regional and national chains. Survival tactics So with the wealth of chain pharmacies out there, is there still a need for the community pharmacist? People do still value small businesses, not just pharmacies, Mullally says. They do value the connection they make. They do appreciate being treated like a human being instead of a number. A community pharmacist who gets to know you, who knows your health history, can be critical to helping you maintain that health, Proctor says. Some people need a pharmacy; some people need a pharmacist. At Compass, customers are assigned to certain pharmacy techs to ensure consistency of care. A client can rest easy that the same person who filled their prescriptions last month filled them this month, Carlo Medina says. My employees definitely know their clients. To stay in business, many pharmacies are working to diversify their revenues rather than depend solely on the filling of prescriptions, Proctor says. Some are getting into different niches. Maybe its a weight loss niche or a diabetes care specialist, things where they can attract a certain population. The pharmacist is very much an underutilized health care professional. Special packaging and delivery services are other ways independent pharmacies can differentiate themselves from the chains, he says. Ivywild Pharmacy offers both. Were trying to provide services that you dont get at Walgreens or CVS, Bethel says. That applies to products as well, from unique, old-time remedies such as volcanic oil to something new: CBD oil. She and Scott bought Ivywild Pharmacy, on South Nevada Avenue, in 2013; there has been a pharmacy at that corner for a century, she says. She welcomes the connection she has made with customers but laments the challenges that continue to mount. We scrimped and saved to put a down payment on this place, to buy it and make a living and make a family legacy, she says. But now she finds herself getting up in the morning and questioning their decision to buy the pharmacy. Its getting harder and harder. TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MPX Bioceutical Corporation (MPX or the Company) (CSE: MPX; OTC: MPXEF) today reports financial results for its fiscal second quarter for the three month period ended September 30, 2018 and provides a general business update. All figures are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Operational and Financial Highlights for the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2019 Record quarterly revenues of $14.7 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2019, versus $4.4 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2018, up 233%. Entered into a binding share purchase agreement to acquire Spartan Wellness Corporation ( Spartan ), a Canadian veteran advisory group. ), a Canadian veteran advisory group. Expanded Maryland footprint with the opening of its first managed Health for Life Dispensary located in downtown Bethesda. Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.0 million, a 42% sequential improvement from fiscal Q1 2019. Subsequent Events (October 2018) Announced arrangement agreement pursuant to which MPX will combine with iAnthus in an all-stock transaction with offered equity consideration to MPX shareholders valued at $835 million. Successfully upgraded U.S. share trading to the OTCQX Best Market after meeting strict financial, disclosure and third party sponsorship requirements. Expanded Maryland footprint with the opening of the second and third managed Health for Life dispensaries in Baltimore and White Marsh. For the second quarter, we again experienced strong growth, with revenue increasing $10.3 million year over year, topping $14.7 million, driven by the strong performance of our Arizona operations and much improved production from our facility in Nevada, said W. Scott Boyes, Chairman, President and CEO of MPX. We continue to execute upon our aggressive expansion strategy, as demonstrated by the successful openings of the Health for Life dispensaries in Maryland managed by one of MPXs subsidiaries. Additionally, we continue to lay the framework for growth in our international operations, with renovations underway at our Owen Sound factory in Canada. We are also working to expand our agreement with Panaxia, which we believe will strategically bolster our growth strategy. Looking ahead, we expect our expanded Maryland footprint to drive significant revenue growth, as well as our Arizona operations as we continue to ramp production of our wholesale products. Beth Stavola, COO of MPX, added, Adding to our continued growth, we are excited about the prospect of merging with iAnthus for a deal that would further support our dramatic growth, allowing us to benefit from a larger platform that would extend the combined reach to ten states. Business Overview for the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2019 and Recent Weeks Arizona : MPX continued to ramp up revenues from its Arizona operations, with sales increasing on both a year over year and sequential basis, driven by its four dispensaries and sales of its MPX-branded concentrates. MPX continues to increase production in Arizona. The anticipated addition of production and revenues from the Panaxia agreement to launch pharma-grade cannabis-based products in Arizona is expected to add to revenue growth in the state during the fiscal Q4 2019. : MPX continued to ramp up revenues from its Arizona operations, with sales increasing on both a year over year and sequential basis, driven by its four dispensaries and sales of its MPX-branded concentrates. MPX continues to increase production in Arizona. The anticipated addition of production and revenues from the Panaxia agreement to launch pharma-grade cannabis-based products in Arizona is expected to add to revenue growth in the state during the fiscal Q4 2019. California: In July 2018, the Company entered into an extraction agreement with Case Farms Collective, the largest cannabis processing facility in Southern California, marking MPXs entry into the State of California. Case Farms will provide full scale cannabis processing services to MPX, with all concentrate products manufactured to MPXs proprietary specifications and guidelines. MPX-branded cannabis concentrates will be sold through Cases network of licensed dispensaries throughout California beginning in January 2019. In July 2018, the Company entered into an extraction agreement with Case Farms Collective, the largest cannabis processing facility in Southern California, marking MPXs entry into the State of California. Case Farms will provide full scale cannabis processing services to MPX, with all concentrate products manufactured to MPXs proprietary specifications and guidelines. MPX-branded cannabis concentrates will be sold through Cases network of licensed dispensaries throughout California beginning in January 2019. Massachusetts: The Company owns the majority of Massachusetts-based cannabis management company IMT, LLC ( IMT ) and real estate holding company, Fall River Developments, LLC ( FRD ). MPX is currently building-out a 40,000 square feet cultivation and production facility and a dispensary in the community of Fall River. Both are expected to commence operations before the end of calendar Q1 2019. The Company owns the majority of Massachusetts-based cannabis management company IMT, LLC ( ) and real estate holding company, Fall River Developments, LLC ( ). MPX is currently building-out a 40,000 square feet cultivation and production facility and a dispensary in the community of Fall River. Both are expected to commence operations before the end of calendar Q1 2019. Maryland: August saw the opening of the first Health for Life branded dispensary. This was followed by the opening of two more Health for Life branded dispensaries subsequent to the quarter end, in October 2018, one in Baltimore and a second in White Marsh, Maryland. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, S8 Management, LCC, manages each of the Health for Life dispensaries as well as a production facility in the state which is already selling MPX concentrates to multiple Maryland dispensaries. August saw the opening of the first Health for Life branded dispensary. This was followed by the opening of two more Health for Life branded dispensaries subsequent to the quarter end, in October 2018, one in Baltimore and a second in White Marsh, Maryland. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, S8 Management, LCC, manages each of the Health for Life dispensaries as well as a production facility in the state which is already selling MPX concentrates to multiple Maryland dispensaries. Nevada: GreenMart NVs fully-operational cultivation, production and kitchen facilities are operating at full capacity producing MPX-branded wholesale products for both the adult-use and medical markets in Nevada. The Company is committed to growing market share in Nevada by expanding GreenMart NVs reach to include more consumers and patients. GreenMart NV has also applied for at least two dispensary licenses in the higher margin Las Vegas market which will operate under the Health for Life brand. GreenMart NVs fully-operational cultivation, production and kitchen facilities are operating at full capacity producing MPX-branded wholesale products for both the adult-use and medical markets in Nevada. The Company is committed to growing market share in Nevada by expanding GreenMart NVs reach to include more consumers and patients. GreenMart NV has also applied for at least two dispensary licenses in the higher margin Las Vegas market which will operate under the Health for Life brand. Canada: MPX acquired the outstanding shares in the capital of Spartan, an organization whose mission is to help veterans suffering from various ailments, mostly psychological, to reduce or eliminate dependencies on opioids by directing them towards medical cannabis. Spartan will direct a percentage of its sales through Canveda Inc. (Canveda), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and a licensed producer under Health Canadas Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Canveda continues to plant crops at its fully built-out 12,000 square foot facility, located in Peterborough, Ontario, with the first crop expected to be ready for sale during the fiscal third quarter of 2019. The Company also leases a property in Owen Sound, Ontario, for which an application to Health Canada has been made for a cannabis production and sales license. MPX has started work transforming part of the factory in Owen Sound into a state-of-the-art medical cannabis production facility. Furthermore, the Company is working to expand its arrangement with Panaxia. The Company plans to manufacture Panaxias products at its Owen Sound site and to market these products to patients in Canada, and potentially for export, under MPXs Salus Biopharma brand. Financial Overview Below outlines the key financial metrics for MPX for its fiscal second quarter of 2019. A more detailed discussion of these and other metrics, as well as operational events, can be found in the Companys Financial Statements, Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) filed on www.sedar.com. Revenues Revenues increased 233% to $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, up from $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Revenue growth is primarily attributable to the Companys Arizona management operations including sales from the four dispensaries in Arizona to patients holding medical marijuana cards issued by the State as well as wholesale sales of MPX branded concentrates to other licensed dispensaries within the state. Gross Profit Gross profit for the three months ending September 30, 2018, before adjustment for the unrealized gain in the fair value of biological assets, was $4.4 million or 30.1%, as compared to $1.9 million or 42.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Gross profit after adjustment for the unrealized gain in the fair value of biological assets was $6.4 million, or 43.7% of sales, as compared to $2.9 million and 65.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Lower margins reflect the impact from the recent Arizona acquisition, which included a portion of sales through a co-packed arrangement. Expenses Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $12.1 million, as compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to $7.4 million in general and administrative expenses, due largely to increases in salaries and benefits as the Company increased staffing in Maryland and Massachusetts, and consulting fees to third parties, office and general. Professional fees in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $1.8 million, as compared to approximately $758,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Share based compensation expenses were $2.3 million, as compared to approximately $182,000 in the year-ago period. Other Income and Expenses The Company recorded $11.5 million in Other Expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to approximately $466,000 in Other Expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in expenses includes accretion expenses of $1.4 million (non-cash), as compared to approximately $11,000 in the year-ago period, related to the convertible loan. The Company identified a write-down on inventory, recognizing an expense of approximately $528,000. Interest and financing costs were approximately $977,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to approximately $236,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to the Hi-Med Facility and financing costs for the convertible loan. We also incurred expenses related to the change in fair value for the Hi-Med Facility and convertible loan for $9.2 million (these are non-cash adjustments) as compared to approximately $9,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2018. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA was loss of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, a 42% improvement over the loss of $1.8 million reported in the first fiscal quarter of 2019. Net Comprehensive Loss The Company recorded a net comprehensive loss of $19.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a net comprehensive loss of $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The basic and diluted loss per MPX share for the three months ended September 30, 2018 totaled $0.05 versus $0.02 for the comparable period. The increase in net comprehensive loss is attributable to loss from operations of $5.7 million, accretion expense of $1.4 million and expenses related to the change in fair value for the Hi-Med Facility and convertible loan for $9.2 million (these are non-cash adjustments). Financing Activities The Company reported cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2018 of $36.5 million primarily due to proceeds from convertible loan of $51.9 million and proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $1.7 million. This was partially offset by advances to related parties of $1,209,821, repayment of a term loan of $12,249,300, repayment of a promissory note of $12,400, repayment of contingent consideration $573,500 and interest and financing charges paid of $3,270,549. Cash Balance and Liquidity As of September 30, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $17.7 million, up from $8.5 million as of March 31, 2018. The increase is due to proceeds from convertible loan and the exercise of warrants. Additional Information Additional information relating to the Company, including with respect to financial results, operational events, acquisitions and financings, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com in the Companys Audited Annual Financial Statements and MD&A. To be added to the distribution list, please email MPX@kcsa.com with MPX in the subject line. About MPX Bioceutical Corporation MPX, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in the U.S., provides substantial management, staffing, procurement, advisory, financial, real estate rental, logistics and administrative services to three medicinal cannabis enterprises in Arizona operating under the Health for Life (dispensaries) and the award-winning Melting Point Extracts (high-margin concentrates wholesale) brands. The successful Health for Life brand operates in the rapidly growing Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area. With the acquisition of The Holistic Center, MPX added another operating medical cannabis enterprise to its footprint in Arizona. GreenMart of Nevada NLV, LLC (GreenMart NV) is an award winning licensed cultivation, production and wholesale business, licensed for both the medical and adult use sectors in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is already selling wholesale into the Nevada medical cannabis market. GreenMart NV has also optioned suitable locations and intends to enter the higher-margin retail arena by applying for at least two dispensary licenses in the Las Vegas market which will operate under the Health for Life brand. In Massachusetts, MPX is building out and will operate a cultivation and production facility as well as up to three dispensaries and manages three full service dispensaries and one producer in Maryland. In Canada, MPX has acquired Canveda, which has received its cultivation license from Health Canada, and will operate a cultivation and production facility in Peterborough, Ontario. The Company also leases a property in Owen Sound, Ontario, for which an application to Health Canada has been made for a cannabis production and sales license. In addition, the Company will continue its efforts to develop its legacy nutraceuticals business. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, MPXs objectives and intentions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in MPXs public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although MPX believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, MPX disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. On behalf of the Board of Directors MPX Bioceutical Corporation (formerly The Canadian Bioceutical Corporation) W. Scott Boyes, Chairman, President and CEO For further information, please contact: MPX Bioceutical Corporation (formerly The Canadian Bioceutical Corporation) W. Scott Boyes, Chairman, President and CEO T: +1-416-840-3725 info@mpxbioceutical.com www.mpxbioceutical.com Media Contact: Anne Donohoe KCSA Strategic Communications 212-896-1265 adonohoe@kcsa.com Investor Contact: Phil Carlson / Elizabeth Barker KCSA Strategic Communications 212-896-1233 / 212-896-1203 pcarlson@kcsa.com / ebarker@kcsa.com MPX Bioceutical Corporation Interim condensed consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss (unaudited) (in Canadian dollars) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales $ 14,673,713 $ 4,406,091 $ 29,138,702 $ 8,781,529 Cost of sales 10,259,713 2,528,440 21,650,362 5,195,415 Gross profit before unrealized gain from changes in fair value of biological assets 4,414,000 1,877,651 7,488,340 3,676,114 Unrealized gain from changes in fair value of biological assets 1,998,869 999,430 3,845,660 1,936,390 Gross profit 6,412,869 2,877,081 11,334,000 5,612,504 Expenses General and administrative 7,316,753 2,434,384 13,046,986 4,641,251 Professional fees 1,741,737 758,297 3,116,623 1,184,529 Share-based compensation 2,312,028 181,577 4,601,019 363,837 Amortization and depreciation 746,227 520,630 1,413,485 917,796 12,116,745 3,894,888 22,178,113 7,107,413 Loss from operations (5,703,876 ) (1,017,807 ) (10,844,113 ) (1,494,909 ) Other expense (income) Foreign exchange (674,202 ) (28,643 ) 200,656 25,112 Interest income (1,562 ) 40,634 (1,529 ) (26,502 ) Inventory write-down 528,088 - 528,088 Share of loss of joint venture 44,149 - 44,149 Interest and financing charges 977,242 235,929 3,232,915 484,785 Accretion expense 1,429,579 11,332 2,027,038 13,459 Change in fair value of derivative liability 7,489,308 (1,898 ) 10,067,088 (101,367 ) Loss on the fair value of the convertible loan 1,668,636 - 2,290,905 Transaction costs 2,525 209,133 21,794 384,473 11,463,763 466,487 18,411,104 779,960 Net loss $ (17,167,639 ) $ (1,484,294 ) $ (29,255,217 ) $ (2,274,869 ) Income tax expense 321,961 527,155 1,016,017 770,636 Net loss after income taxes $ (17,489,600 ) $ (2,011,449 ) $ (30,271,234 ) $ (3,045,505 ) Net loss attributable to: MPX Bioceutical Corporation $ (17,388,830 ) $ (1,928,973 ) $ (30,108,244 ) $ (2,948,675 ) Non-controlling interest (100,770 ) (82,476 ) (162,990 ) (96,830 ) $ (17,489,600 ) $ (2,011,449 ) $ (30,271,234 ) $ (3,045,505 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income Exchange differences on translating foreign operations $ (1,733,230 ) $ (1,870,695 ) $ 8,670 $ (3,131,950 ) Comprehensive loss for the period $ (19,222,830 ) $ (3,882,144 ) $ (30,262,564 ) $ (6,177,455 ) Comprehensive loss attributable to: MPX Bioceutical Corporation $ (19,122,060 ) $ (3,799,668 ) $ (30,099,574 ) $ (6,080,625 ) Non-controlling interest (100,770 ) (82,476 ) (162,990 ) (96,830 ) $ (19,222,830 ) $ (3,882,144 ) $ (30,262,564 ) $ (6,177,455 ) Loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.05 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.02 ) Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding 384,879,900 257,415,473 384,832,577 256,477,831 MPX Bioceutical Corporation Interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position (unaudited) (in Canadian dollars) September 30, March 31, As at 2018 2018 Assets Current Cash $ 17,665,170 $ 8,503,724 Accounts receivable 2,260,359 1,286,725 Inventory 10,126,145 6,469,970 Biological assets 1,767,979 1,273,424 Prepaid expenses 538,045 587,131 Due from related parties 1,445,137 235,316 Assets held for sale 2,446,605 2,436,966 36,249,440 20,793,256 Non-current Property, plant and equipment 45,625,241 27,460,705 Intangible assets 82,952,403 60,295,209 Goodwill 41,014,839 41,226,840 Joint venture 96,341 - Deposits 686,243 629,642 Total assets $ 206,624,507 $ 150,405,652 Liabilities Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 7,851,719 $ 5,018,520 Income tax payable 284,682 33,444 Current portion of mortgage payable 8,994 8,781 Current portion of promissory note 46,338 43,467 Current portion of contingent consideration 1,173,745 1,228,018 Current portion of term loans - 12,249,300 9,365,478 18,581,530 Non-current Mortgage payable 418,430 422,030 Promissory note 1,199,145 1,218,181 Contingent consideration 887,998 1,467,764 Term loans 12,945,000 12,894,000 Lease inducement 1,744,483 1,773,136 Convertible debentures and credit facility 9,785,907 8,581,166 Option component of convertible debentures and credit facility 17,375,295 12,962,330 Convertible loan 34,813,115 - Option component of convertible loan 23,799,546 - Deferred income taxes 11,218,471 10,470,923 114,187,390 49,789,530 Total liabilities 123,552,868 68,371,060 Equity Share capital 106,687,523 85,173,626 Warrants 19,047,763 14,351,233 Contributed surplus 12,532,305 7,443,121 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (609,927 ) (618,597 ) Deficit (61,150,083 ) (31,041,839 ) Equity attributable to shareholders of the Corporation 76,507,581 75,307,544 Non-controlling interests 6,564,058 6,727,048 83,071,639 82,034,592 Total liabilities and equity $ 206,624,507 $ 150,405,652 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS Measure) Three months ended September 30, Six months ended September 30, 2016 Figures in CDN $ 2018 ($) 2017 ($) 2018 ($) 2017 ($) Loss from operations Adjustments Share-based compensation Amortization and depreciation Consulting fees settled by: Equity instruments Startup costs Massachusetts and Maryland Application fees for licences not granted (5,703,876) 2,312,028 746,227 85,139 898,478 622,621 (1,017,807) 181,577 520,630 - - - (10,844,113) 4,601,019 1,413,485 169,351 1,195,791 622,621 (1,494,909) 363,837 917,796 - - - Adjusted EBITDA (1,039,383) (315,600) (2,841,846) (213,276) The Corporation uses Adjusted EBITDA, which is not defined under IFRS. Management believes that these measures provide useful supplemental information to investors and is computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period. Adjusted EBITDA is a metric used by management which is income (loss) from operations, as reported, before interest, tax, and adjusted for removing other non-cash items, including the stock-based compensation expense, amortization and depreciation, non-cash occupancy costs, and the non-cash effects of accounting for biological assets and the non-cash effect of accounting for inventory acquired through acquisition at fair value. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial metric to assess its operating performance on a cash basis before the impact of non-cash items and acquisition related activities. Third Quarter Highlights Revenue of $3.8 million with gross margin of 56% Year to date revenue of $13.4 million, up over 30% year over year Initial operations and revenue from the Extraction Facility (as defined below) Closed $23 million bought deal financing (the Offering) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunniva Inc. (Sunniva, the Company, we, our or us) (CSE:SNN) (OTCQB:SNNVF), a North American provider of cannabis products and services, today released its financial and operational results and managements discussion and analysis for the three and nine months for the third quarter of 2018 ended September 30, 2018. All figures are reported in Canadian dollars ($) unless otherwise stated. Sunnivas financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. We continue to make progress towards completion of Phase 1, the first 325,000 square feet, of our purpose built, high-technology cannabis greenhouse in Cathedral City, California. While we have remained committed to advancing our operations in order to play a leadership role in the California cannabis market as we launch our first Sunniva branded products in the first quarter of 2019, we have maintained solid performance of our existing operations with $3.8 million in revenue and gross margins of 56% in the third quarter. We have now generated year to date revenue of $13.4 million, a 30 percent increase over this same period last year, said Anthony Holler, Chief Executive Officer of Sunniva. With our strategic assets in place in California, we are now in a position to accelerate our revenue growth by advancing upon our upstream vertical opportunities. We will soon demonstrate our ability to become one of the lowest cost operators producing pesticide-free, premium quality cannabis products, and achieving true vertical integration by: leveraging our purpose built, large-scale, high technology cGMP designed greenhouse in Cathedral City (the Sunniva California Campus); accelerating production within our licensed volatile and non-volatile extraction facility in Cathedral City, California (the Extraction Facility); producing and stockpiling inventory for Sunniva-branded product launches commencing Q1 2019; completing the pending acquisition of LTYR Logistics, LLC (LTYR) for state-wide distribution of Sunniva-branded products; aggressively pursuing dispensary retail expansion throughout California; and integrating our additions to the California management team to facilitate growth and revenues in 2019. Dr. Holler continued, In Canada, we concluded our formal engagement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. to conduct a thorough examination of the Canadian cannabis market to define Sunnivas strategy for our Canadian operations. We can confirm the Company intends to spin-out its Canadian assets (the Spin-Out) into a separate Canadian entity (Spinco). Our Canadian assets include Natural Health Services Ltd. (NHS), which owns our seven physician-based medical clinics throughout Canada and Sunniva Medical Inc. (SMI), which is our licensed producer applicant and owns the 126-acre parcel of land in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, the site for a large-scale, purpose-built cGMP designed greenhouse (the Sunniva Canada Campus). Financial Highlights Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Consolidated Financial Highlights expressed in 000s of CDN$, except per share amounts Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Change Revenue 3,739 4,562 (823 ) Cost of Goods Sold 1,634 2,834 (1,200 ) Gross Margin 2,105 1,728 377 Selling, General and Administrative 6,420 5,089 1,331 Share-based Payments 2,303 3,311 (1,008 ) Amortization Expense 751 660 91 Loss from Operations (7,369 ) (7,332 ) (37 ) Net Loss (6,781 ) (6,247 ) (534 ) Basic Loss Per Share $ (0.21 ) $ (0.25 ) $ 0.04 Weighted Average Number of Shares 32,042,054 25,374,940 6,667,114 Total Number of Shares Outstanding 32,054,215 26,623,016 5,431,199 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Change Revenue 13,372 10,215 3,157 Cost of Goods Sold 6,386 6,036 350 Gross Margin 6,986 4,179 2,807 Selling, General and Administrative 16,933 9,830 7,103 Share-based Payments 6,408 3,311 3,097 Amortization Expense 2,171 1,792 379 Loss from Operations (18,526 ) (10,754 ) (7,772 ) Net Loss (17,961 ) (17,953 ) (8 ) Basic Loss Per Share $ (0.59 ) $ (0.72 ) $ 0.13 Weighted Average Number of Shares 30,386,117 25,101,369 5,284,748 Total Number of Shares Outstanding 32,054,215 26,623,016 5,431,199 Results of Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company generated $3.7 million and $13.4 million in revenue, respectively. NHS contributed $2.5 million and $8.4 million, Full-Scale Distributors, LLC (FSD) contributed $1.1 million and $4.9 million, and CP Logistics, LLC contributed $0.1 million over these same periods. Net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $6.8 million and $18.0 million as compared to $6.3 million and $18.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The key components contributing to the change in net loss from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the prior comparative periods comprise the following: Revenue decreased by $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and increased by $3.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the respective comparative periods. NHS revenue decreased by $0.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 due to a decline in the number of prescriptions written over the comparative period; however, NHS revenue increased by $1.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to an increase in the number of clinics and Licensed Producers (LPs) under contract over the comparative period. FSD revenue decreased slightly by $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 but increased by $2.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to an increased customer base and strong first quarter 2018 results. The increase over the comparative nine months ended September 30, 2017 is also due to the acquisitions of NHS and FSD midway through February 2017. Gross margin increased by $0.4 million and $2.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to the increase of LP revenue in NHS. LP revenue provides the highest margin of all the Companys revenue streams. On a percentage basis, gross margin increased from 38% and 41% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 56% and 52% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to the increase in LP revenue. Selling, general and administration expenses increased by $1.3 million and $7.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase is primarily due to an increase in operational spend with the Companys continued expansion, higher costs associated with being a publicly-listed company and increased advisory costs related to the development of the cultivation businesses in California and Canada. The most significant increase in costs relate to professional fees, personnel costs and rent. The increase over the comparative period is also due to the acquisitions of NHS and FSD occurring midway through the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Share-based payment expenses were $2.3 million and $6.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $3.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 with the introduction of the Companys stock option plan mid-way through fiscal 2017. The Company realized a non-cash gain of $1.0 million on settlement of a secured convertible promissory note issued in connection with the acquisition of FSD in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Fair value changes in derivative instruments due to the revaluation of secured convertible promissory notes and warrants went from a gain of $0.3 million and an expense of $8.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 to gains of $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. This was due to a decrease in the Companys share price in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and significant fair value changes in fiscal 2017 with the Companys private share value increasing throughout fiscal 2017. Amortization and depreciation expense increased by $0.1 million and $0.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to a higher cost base of the assets in fiscal 2018 and the intangible assets being acquired midway through the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Companys cash position is $11.2 million as of the date hereof. Recent Operating Developments Subsequent to September 30, 2018 On October 12, 2018, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $23.0 million. A total of 4,370,000 units were sold at a price of $5.27 per unit. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for construction and operations at the Sunniva Canada Campus and Sunniva California Campus, with the remaining amount funding working capital. On October 16, 2018, the Company signed a letter of intent with a related party, the Oakland Vision Project (Vision), to acquire all the issued and outstanding equity interests of the companies that comprise Vision. Vision is jointly owned by Vinayak Shastry, the Companys President of U.S. Operations. Vision operates a licensed cultivation facility located in Oakland, California (the Oakland Facility) and currently has a contract to supply the Sunniva California Campus with clean clones to initiate production. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to a number of conditions including, among other things: the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement between the Company and Vision, completion of due diligence and receipt of regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. In November 2018, the Company transitioned from the OTCQX to the OTCQB as a consequence of the decrease in the Companys share price on the OTCQX which resulted in the Company no longer meeting the qualification requirement that it relied on for the purposes of listing. The Company will continue to trade under the symbol SNNVF and it will have no effect on the reporting obligations of the Company in the United States. On November 26, 2018, the Company signed a binding letter of intent with LTYR, a cannabis distribution company in California that is expected to become Sunnivas logistics and technology distribution platform to drive sales from Sunnivas large-scale cannabis production and manufacturing facilities and the launch of Sunniva-branded products commencing Q1 2019. LTYR will also utilize Sunnivas Cathedral City distribution and delivery license. The principal members of LTYR will also perform key management and sales roles in California. LTYR will continue to generate revenues and expand its existing relationships with over 120 licensed dispensaries throughout California. Concurrently, Sunniva is purchasing a 4,200 sq. ft warehouse in Long Beach, California that, once licensed and operational, will serve as an additional distribution hub for Sunniva and will expand the Companys distribution reach from the southern border to San Francisco. The City of Long Beach is a cannabis friendly region and the warehouse is situated in an industrial district that has been zoned for cannabis business operations. Renovations and receipt of licensing requirements are expected to be completed in Q2 2019. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to a number of conditions including, among other things: the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement between the Company and LTYR, completion of due diligence and receipt of regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Copies of our interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and related managements discussion and analysis of financial results are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . California Operations Update Construction is nearing completion for Phase 1 of the Sunniva California Campus and is expected to be completed in Q1 2019. Total production capacity of Phase 1 is projected to be 50,000 kg (50 million grams) per year of premium indoor cannabis when fully ramped up. A total of 100,000 plants from the Oakland Facility are being prepared for onboarding for the initial planting cycle in Q1 2019. Automation will move the plants through their life cycle and when operating at full capacity, the Sunniva California Campus is expected to deliver a continuous daily harvest of approximately 210 kg (2.1 million grams) of dried flower. We continue to work toward the completion of our California state licensing requirements for the Sunniva California Campus. The cultivation licenses are currently being processed and the remaining license applications are being prepared for submission to the state of California. The Company does not expect operational delays from these licensing requirements. The Sunniva California Campus will be a 489,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art, purpose-built cGMP facility capable of producing 72,500 kg (72.5 million grams) per year of dried flower at peak capacity once construction of Phase 2 is completed. The Extraction Facility, licensed for both volatile and non-volatile extraction processes, commenced operations in July 2018. The extraction team has been manufacturing and perfecting its extracted product lines and developing product formulations. Sunniva is currently stockpiling inventory in preparation for the launch of Sunniva-branded product lines in Q1 2019. The Extraction Facility has the ability to produce vape oil-distillate, ultra-pure concentrates, fresh frozen, shatter, capsules, tinctures, and edibles. The Extraction Facility adheres to cGMP standards and has the capacity to process over 10,000 lbs of cannabis biomass a month. Sunniva continues to source compliant third-party biomass and trim through existing relationships which will drive revenues in early 2019. Reliance on purchases of third-party biomass will be reduced as production from the Sunniva California Campus becomes available. We have been evaluating many retail expansion opportunities to complement our vertical integration strategy. In addition to the flagship dispensary being built at the Sunniva California Campus, our goal is to pursue other retail acquisitions to expand our footprint in this part of the integration chain. Sunniva has strengthened its California management team in preparation for full operations in 2019. We have hired Kevin Wilkerson as COO of California operations, Tom Brozowski as Vice President Operations, Andrew Pruett as Vice President of Technology, Jay Myers as Vice President of Sales, Brad Neeld as Vice President of Distribution and Victor Ide, Manager of Human Resources. Canada Operations Update Our business strategy in Canada will shift from becoming a wholesaler of cannabis to a focus on the higher margin direct to patient medicinal cannabis market. Currently in Canada, there are approximately 400,000 registered cannabis patients, with that number forecasted to grow to over two million registered patients in the next three years. NHS has 105,000 registered patients to date and with 100% ownership of seven physician-based clinics across Canada, we feel we have a significant competitive advantage in capturing additional market share in this area. We have defined a clear path to accelerate our licensing and production timelines through SMI at the Sunniva Canada Campus by starting construction of a smaller modular phased approach that will require less than $1.5 million in cash capital expenditures. Production from this modular phase will be key to achieving our goal of 20,000 registered patients in 2019 and over 50,000 in 2020. We intend to increase future production capacity through phased development of the Sunniva Canada Campus. The Company intends to spin out its Canadian assets into Spinco and apply to list the shares of Spinco on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) first half of 2019. Spin-Out Steps and Anticipated Timelines Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has been engaged to handle the legal aspects of the Spin-Out including outlining the steps, timeline, preparation of the information circular and making the necessary regulatory and court applications. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has been engaged as tax advisors to conduct the tax assessment and valuation of the Spin-Out to determine the allocation of value of the Canadian and US entities. MNP LLP has been retained as the auditors to conduct the audit of the carve-out financial statements of Spinco. Q1 2019 - set record date and mail out of information circular which will include information on the management, board of directors and financial statements of Spinco. Q1/Q2 2019 - meeting of the shareholders to vote on the transaction. Q2 2019 - shares of Spinco expected to begin trading on the TSX-V. Canada Business Plan Sunniva has the infrastructure to capture significant market share within the medicinal cannabis market: Market estimated to reach over two million patients in the next three years Insurance companies and unions providing medical cannabis coverage under group benefit plans Physicians are the gatekeepers to achieving market share High margin, LP direct to patient distribution business model BMO Capital Markets estimate medical sales price of $8.50 per gram for the next three years with the current average patient spend of $2,000 per year Patient capture through 100% ownership of NHS cannabis clinics and technology platform: Seven specialized brick and mortar cannabis clinics in four provinces (AB, SK, MB, ON) Over 105,000 registered patients 18 health care professionals (GPs, specialists) and two nurse practitioners Creating an online virtual e-commerce clinic platform for education, telemedicine and sales Planned collaboration with universities for research and development SMI received Confirmation of Readiness for a cultivation license under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation from Health Canada on May 26, 2018 SMIs application is approved and subject to initial phased build and readiness Phase 1 Modular fast- tracked facility (planned flower capacity ~5,000 kg/year) New cultivation modules expected to be delivered to site January 2019 Cannabis genetics already sourced for production Submit for cultivation license approval - January 2019 Estimate registering 20,000 medical patients in 2019, over 50,000 in 2020 Estimated costs < $2.50/gram pharma-grade, pesticide-free producer Initial capital of $1.5 million with additional production modules to be vendor financed Estimate receipt of sales license and first harvest by Q3 2019 Phase 2 458,000 sq. ft (50,000 kg per year flower capacity) State-of-the-art, purpose built, cGMP designed greenhouse Low cost < $1.00/gram pharma-grade, pesticide-free producer Subject to financing and license approvals Phase 3 301,000 sq. ft (50,000 kg per year flower capacity) State-of-the-art, purpose built, cGMP designed greenhouse Low cost < $1.00/gram pharma-grade, pesticide-free producer Subject to financing and license approvals Please see the updated Corporate Presentation and Fact Sheet at www.Sunniva.com/Investors / To be added to the Sunniva email distribution list, please email Sunniva@kcsa.com with Sunniva in the subject line. About Sunniva Inc. Sunniva, through its subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated cannabis company operating in the worlds two largest cannabis markets Canada and California. Our ability to leverage our large-scale, purpose-built cGMP designed greenhouses, offering better quality assurance with cannabis products free from pesticides, uniquely positions Sunniva as a leading supplier of safe, high quality products at scale. Through our strategically positioned cultivation and extraction facilities, we are launching Sunniva-branded products in various product categories including premium concentrates, vape cartridges, flower, pre-rolls, and beverages as well as aggressively pursuing upstream vertical opportunities including distribution and retail expansion. Sunniva's management and board of directors have a proven track record for creating significant shareholder value both in the healthcare and biotech industries. For more information please visit: www.sunniva.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains 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, statements regarding the Companys operations and growth opportunities, the Companys expansion of its footprint in the U.S., the Companys vision to become one of the lowest cost, highest quality vertically integrated cannabis producers in the markets we serve by building large scale purpose-built current cGMP designed greenhouses and expansion of retail locations, offering better quality assurance with cannabis products free from pesticides, providing better customer access to cannabis education and sourcing better therapeutic delivery devices, the profitability of the Companys facilities and operating subsidiaries, the expected dramatic increase in demand for cannabis in Canada following legalization of cannabis, the costs and expected production at the Sunniva California Campus and the Sunniva Canada Campus, the timing and conditions relating to the Spin-Out, the Sunniva California Campus being operational in Q1 2019 with the first harvest expected in Q2 2019, the ability of the Company to launch Sunniva-branded product lines in California and propagate the Sunniva California Campus with clean clones, the conditions of closing for the acquisition of Vision, the conditions of closing for the acquisition of LTYR, the expectation that LTYR will continue to generate revenues and expand its existing relationships with over 120 licensed dispensaries throughout California, the timing of renovations and receipt of licensing requirements for the warehouse in Long Beach, California, the impact of the transaction with LTYR on the Company and LTYRs expected role as the Companys logistics and technology distribution platform, the Companys expectation that there will be no operational delays from the California licensing requirements for the Sunniva California Campus, the Companys anticipated production and brand roll-out at the Extraction Facility, the reduction of reliance on purchases of third-party biomass as production from the Sunniva California Campus becomes available, the Companys goal to pursue other retail acquisitions in California, the Companys shift in focus from becoming a wholesaler of cannabis to the direct to patient medicinal cannabis market in Canada, the expected growth of the number of registered cannabis patients in Canada, the estimated medical sales price for the next three years and average patient spend, the Companys expected use of proceeds from financings, and statements regarding the plans, timing and conditions of the Spin-Out, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk factors included in the Sunnivas continuous disclosure documents available on www.sedar.com. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Sunniva has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Sunniva assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. Company Contact: Dr. Anthony Holler Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (866) 786-6482 English Dutch PRESS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION VGP acquires a warehouse let to Magna Steyr and industrial land plots in Graz, Austria 29 November 2018, 7:00am, Antwerp (Berchem), Belgium: VGP NV (VGP or the Group) today announces the successful acquisition of a warehouse let to Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG (Magna Steyr) in Graz, Austria. The new warehouse has a size of circa 17,000 SQM of gross lettable area and is leased to Magna Steyr under a 15 year term. The transaction also consists of around 9 hectares of additional development land. Jan van Geet, CEO of VGP, commented: We are very pleased with this transaction as this building, with the adjacent development land, gives us a good starting footprint in the Austrian market, which we will cover out of our offices in Germany for now. Jan van Geet concluded: The warehouse, which was delivered less than one year ago, is a classic structure and fits well into our portfolio. In addition to the standing building, this transaction gives us the ability to develop circa 45,000 SQM of future lettable area for other potential tenants, at a very desirable location, just south of the city centre, with direct access to the A9 Motorway and to the rail freight container terminal Cargo Center Graz. Magna Steyr, part of Magna International and based in Graz where it operates its primary manufacturing plant, is an iconic Austrian industrial company with over a 100 years of experience in brand-independent engineering and as a manufacturing partner for OEMs. Magna International has 340 manufacturing facilities, is active in 27 countries and has over 173,000 employees worldwide. With a growing population of currently 630,000 within its metropolitan region, Graz is Austria's second largest city and one of the countrys main economic, scientific and cultural centres. Graz is a main transport junction in south east Austria and there are motorway connections with its hinterland, other Austrian cities and the neighbouring countries of northern Italy, southern Germany, Hungary and Slovenia. Contact details for investors and Media enquiries: Martijn Vlutters (VP Business Development & Investor Relations) Tel: +32 (0)3 289 1433 Petra Vanclova (External Communications) Tel: +42 0 602 262 107 About VGP VGP is a leading pan-European developer, manager and owner of high-quality logistics and semi-industrial real estate. VGP operates a fully integrated business model with capabilities and longstanding expertise across the value chain. The company has a well-advanced land bank of actually over 5.7 million sqm and the strategic focus is on the development of business parks. Founded in 1998 as a family-owned real estate developer in the Czech Republic, VGP with a staff of around 170 employees today owns and operates assets in 11 European countries directly and through VGP European Logistics, a joint venture with Allianz Real Estate. In the first half of 2018, the Gross Asset Value of VGP, including the joint venture, amounted to 1.807 billion and the company had a Net Asset Value (EPRA NAV) of 536 million. VGP is listed on Euronext Brussels and on the Prague Stock Exchange (ISIN: BE0003878957). For more information, please visit: http://www.vgpparks.eu Attachment SINGAPORE, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Sept. 19, Yixue Squirrel AI Learnings Founder Derek Haoyang Li attended the worlds Top AI event, The AI Summit Singapore, on invitation and shared the stage with executives from enterprises such as SingularityNET, Singapore Airlines, Google, Facebook and Standard Chartered Bank. At the summit, Derek Li delivered a keynote speech titled Squirrel AI Will Surpass Human Teachers and Redefine Education. He explained how Squirrel AI uses the knowledge space theory, Bayesian Knowledge Tracing and other technologies to accurately judge students' mastery of knowledge points, provide targeted learning content and recommend personalized learning paths, to let every child receive one-on-one personalized teaching. The participants praised the achievements made by Squirrel AI in the field of intelligent adaptative education. Several organizations proposed to have cooperation. So far, AI has been applied gradually in various sectors and business fields, presenting unprecedented efficiency and improving productivity. The AI Summit is the world's first event series focusing on discussing and displaying the practical application of AI in business. It focuses on real solutions to improving business productivity with AI. This summit invited more than 40 important guests to give speeches, including SingularityNET CEO Ben Gpertzel, Singapore Airlines Vice President of Technology George Wangy, Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Jamshed Cooper. The guests covered many fields, such as retail, finance, IT, energy, healthcare, transportation and tourism. Just like Alpha Go judges the situation of a chess game by memorizing the chess manual plus machine learning, we precisely identify every student's existing knowledge points through knowledge graph and the information theory. According to Derek Li, in the past, there was no clear user portrait for each student. We could only tell whether a student was a 50-point student or a 95-point student, but couldnt tell the students actual knowledge mastery on the knowledge graph. Now, algorithms and techniques can solve this problem. After diagnosing every users mastery of knowledge points, Squirrel AI makes personalized recommendations to different students and teaches them in accordance with their aptitudes. Derek Li said: In the current teaching process, students listen to the teacher at a fixed pace, whether you are a 50-point student or a 95-point student. However, through machine learning and genetic algorithms, Squirrel AI can constantly and more and more accurately push exercises and content that match each student's weak points and distribute different contents to different users like Toutiao does, to achieve the most efficient learning effects. The subversion of traditional education by Squirrel AI is not limited to this. For example, the system can trace the source to help students fill up the loopholes in their previous knowledge. Moreover, it can strategically give up some content like AlphaGo does, to let students learn the knowledge points with the highest relative absorbance and most beneficial to test scores, with some knowledge points given up, so as to improve students' scores effectively. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6011e201-c333-4024-9323-9312073b234b As a leading adaptive education company, Squirrel AI has also made many technological innovations, including the super-nano knowledge point splitting to identify students weak points; the learning ability and learning method splitting to help students master abilities that can benefit them for a lifetime; the simulation of students and teachers, to let the AI system iterate by competing with itself like AlphaGo Zero does. In the past year, academic papers published by Squirrel AI Learning have been recognized by the world's top international academic conferences such as EDM, AIED and CSEDU. Different from other top AI-enabled education institutions in the world, Yixue Squirrel AI Learning not only develops engines and proprietary intellectual property, but also develops its own teaching content and services, and directly recruits students. Derek Li said: None of the existing videos in the market is suitable for AI-enabled education, because they are all about rough knowledge points. Its like iron. Iron is a very good metal, but it cannot be used on spacecrafts. An adaptive education system must have matching elaborate and fine teaching contents. Now all the contents in Squirrel AI are designed specifically for this engine. Only in this way can we achieve better outcomes. Now, thousands of teachers of Squirrel AI are constantly adding contents according to the standards of the intelligent adaptative system, including contents with regional differences and special contents from some special schools, as well as optimizing places where system failures are found in the teaching process, etc. Derek Li said: We must become an open ecology to absorb more contents. At the summit, Derek Li also demonstrated the remarkable effects of intelligent adaptive education in improving learning efficiency and academic performance through a series of data and real cases. For example, after the introduction of Knewton's adaptative math course at Arizona State University, the students test pass rate increased by 17%, with 45% students completing the course four weeks in advance. In all the four human vs. machine teaching competitions organized by Yixue Squirrel AI Learning, its AI teaching system defeated human teachers. A student in Shanghai who studied at Yixue Squirrel AI Learning for a year improved his math score from 126 to 146 and physics score from 69 to 86. He jumped from the middle and lower reaches of his class to the top and got admitted to a famous university in Shanghai. Additionally, the human vs. machine teaching competitions organized by Yixue Squirrel AI Learning were reported by more than 100 domestic and foreign media, including CNBC, NHK, CCTV 2, ZJSTV, The Beijing News, etc. According to Derek Li, since its establishment, Squirrel AI Learning has aspired to replace human teachers with its AI education system in an All-In manner, hoping to use AI to subvert education, a profession that hasn't changed in the past thousand years. But he also stressed that AI is not to put teachers out of work, but to free them from the job of teaching, so that they have more time to educate children. In addition to cultivating children's mastery of knowledge points, improving their test scores and developing their lifelong learning abilities and learning methods, according to Derek Li, Squirrel AI Learning is studying how to use AI teachers to develop and enhance young childrens creativity and imagination. He said: Our ultimate dream is to let every child have an AI teacher like a combination of Socrates + Da Vinci + Einstein, to teach them. In the future, no school district office will be needed in the world. Education by outstanding teachers wont be a privilege for a small number of people. We can use an AI system to give a highly intelligent teacher to any child, to bring out their potentials and achieve true educational equality. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5cb957a8-a501-4601-b21d-d0bd22a057b0 In an interview after the summit, Derek Li said: AI is versatile and know-it-all, can tell big stories from small things, has infinite computing power and is self-evolving. It will profoundly change every profession, not only simple repetitive work, but also complex intellectual work. When asked about the problems with education today and how to solve them using AI, what education would look like in 10-20 years and the prospects for AI-enabled education in Asia, Derek Li said, in the future, AI teachers will gather all the knowledges, experiences and wisdoms of the world's best teachers, so that every child will have a super teacher. In terms of technology, he believed that China's education market is huge, which is more conducive to data collection and modeling. China's AI-enabled education technology is leading in the world. In the end, Derek Li praised the summit as dynamic, diversified and dashing. About Squirrel AI Learning At present, Squirrel AI Learning already has more than 1 million users. Next, it will develop an OpenAI platform, so that all institutions and individuals no longer need to develop their own intelligent adaptative systems. In addition, Squirrel AI Learning will offer 1 million learning accounts to children from poor families for free. To learn more about Squirrel AI Learning, please visit http://www.squirrelai.us/. Dublin, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South America Tractor Market By Power Output (Less than 40 HP, 40 HP & Under 40 HP and 100 HP & Above), By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive & 4-wheel Drive), By Application (Agriculture & Non-Agriculture), By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. South America tractor market is forecast to surpass $ 4 billion by 2023, on the back of growth in construction, infrastructure and mining sectors in South America. Moreover, various upcoming greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects, improving road infrastructure and rising demand for tractors from e-commerce sector is further anticipated to steer growth in South America tractor market in the coming years. South America Tractor Market, 2013-2023 discusses the following aspects of tractor market in South America: Tractor Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Power Output (Less than 40 HP, 40 HP & Under 40 HP and 100 HP & Above), By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive & 4-wheel Drive), By Application (Agriculture & Non-Agriculture), By Country Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of tractor in South America To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, tractor distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major players are Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Deere & Co (DE) (John Deere) Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd. (TAFE) Sonalika International Tractors Ltd. AGCO Corporation CNH Industrial N. V. KUBOTA Corporation Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd. Argo Tractors S. p. A. CLAAS KGaA mbH Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. South America Tractor Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value & Volume 4.2. Market Share & Forecast 4.2.1. By Power Output (Under 40 HP, 40 HP & Under 100 HP and 100 HP & Above) 4.2.2. By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive and 4-wheel Drive) 4.2.3. By Application (Agriculture and Non-Agriculture) 4.2.4. By Country 4.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Drive Type) 4.4. South America: Country Analysis 4.4.1. Brazil Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.2. Argentina Tractor Market Outlook 5. Market Dynamics 5.1. Drivers 5.2. Challenges 6. Market Trends & Developments 7. Competitive Landscape 8. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lk52l9/south_america?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Maxima Grupe has decided to establish the new company Maxima International Sourcing in which it will concentrate centralized purchasing competencies. The new company will provide agency services to the retail chains owned by Maxima Grupe in the Baltics, Poland and Bulgaria, develop private label brands, and engage in wholesale activities. The company will be established at the beginning of next year. Maxima International Sourcing will be created by separating off activities of Franmax, which currently provides franchise and agency services for the groups companies. FRANMAX, UAB and MAXIMA International Sourcing, UAB will continue operating as separate companies after the reorganization. We will establish the new company with the aim of strengthening our international purchasing competencies. By doing that we will be able to ensure a clear division of functions among the groups companies, faster decisions, as well as seek opportunities to acquire goods in different markets on better terms and with more efficiency, says Dalius Misiunas, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Maxima Grupe. It is planned that the newly established Maxima International Sourcing will have more than 125 employees and will be based in Vilnius. Franmax will continue to provide franchise and support services for the groups companies in the areas of IT, supply chain and stores development. Contact person: Ugne Bartasiute, Account Executive, Corporate Communication at MAXIMA GRUPE, UAB, +370 614 74046, ugne.bartasiute@maximagrupe.eu TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEWS RELEASE NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT) (OTCQB:NSRCF) (NextSource or the Company), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brett Whalen, CFA as the Companys exclusive Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisor. Mr. Whalen has over 18 years of investment banking and M&A expertise, spending 16 of those years at Dundee Corporation (Dundee Corp.) where he was most recently Vice President and Portfolio Manager. During his tenure at Dundee Corp., Mr. Whalen was involved in completing approximately $2 billion in M&A deals and helped raise over $10 billion dollars in capital to the resource sector. Dundee Corp. is currently NextSources largest institutional investor with just under a 20% holding. Mr. Whalen currently sits on the boards of several TSX-listed and privately held companies and holds a BA (Honours) degree in Economics and Finance from Wilfred Laurier University. Extensive Knowledge in the Graphite and Vanadium Sector Mr. Whalen has extensive knowledge of both graphite and vanadium. Mr. Whalen served as director and Chairman of the Board of American Vanadium Corp. while it developed its Gibellini Vanadium Project (now wholly owned and operated by Prophecy Development Corp). In addition to developing the Gibellini Deposit, American Vanadium also held the North American rights to sell the CellCube Energy Storage Battery, currently the worlds most advanced and installed vanadium flow redox battery. Given the aggressive growth forecasts for graphite and vanadium for high-quality steel applications and especially for use in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, the worlds consumption of these two strategic materials is forecasted to go much higher. As such, there is going to be a significant strain on supply of both graphite and vanadium as electric vehicle and renewable energy storage demand takes off. Mr. Whalen commented, The opportunity ahead for NextSource is tremendous as they continue to make substantial progress in positioning the company as a major player in the strategic energy and battery materials sector. With their world-class graphite and vanadium assets, the potential for them to be a key supplier of critical materials essential to the battery supply chain has attracted heightened attention from global consumers. Batteries are going to permeate our lives, and I am excited to be involved during this important time in the companys development and to accelerate their growth plan." Craig Scherba, President & CEO commented, Brett will add a special dimension to moving NextSources projects forward as his proven skills are well understood and acknowledged in the capital markets arena. The company is very fortunate to have had Bretts counsel and support in the past as our largest institutional investor and we are delighted that he has chosen to be involved in the next critical steps of the companys development. Graphite and Vanadium Prices near 15-Year Highs Both graphite and vanadium prices are experiencing near 15-year highs and are capturing significant and renewed attention for their respective roles as critical battery materials. Flake graphite (+80 mesh, 96%-97% carbon (C) purity) currently sells for approximately $1250 per tonne (FOB China) while uncoated spherical purified graphite (SPG) 15 micron for anode applications in lithium-ion batteries sells for an average of $3600 per tonne. By volume, graphite is the largest raw material in a lithium-ion battery. Currently, approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade graphite is consumed annually for anodes today. Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecasts that approximately 700,000 tpa of battery-grade graphite will be consumed annually by next decade due to the expected penetration rates of electric vehicles. Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) currently sells for US$33 per pound. Vanadium was the best-performing battery metal last year, out performing lithium, cobalt and nickel with the price appreciation being driven by tightening supply and increased demand for vanadium, particularly in China where they have mandated higher vanadium content for high-strength construction rebar. Demand remains robust across all major end-use applications for vanadium and Chinas new high-strength rebar standard, designed to limit the use of inferior steels in construction, has the potential to further increase Chinas intensity of use of vanadium dramatically. The policy came into force this month and industry analysts expect Chinese vanadium demand in 2019 to further increase substantially if the policy is sufficiently enforced. Graphite and vanadium share several market consumption and growth forecast similarities. Current consumption of graphite and vanadium are primarily tied to the steel industry, which accounts for 60 percent and 90 percent of demand respectively. Both are critical in the steel-making process, however analysts expect both to experience exponential growth as critical battery materials. Graphite demand is forecasted to double in the next 5 years for its use as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, while vanadium is expected to experience significant demand for its use as both the anode and the cathode in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRB), which are widely regarded as the leading technology for industrial-scale batteries. The Molo Graphite Project an Advanced Project Using Full Modular Build Approach The Molo Graphite Project is a feasibility-stage project and ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world, and the only project with SuperFlake graphite. As announced in the Companys June 2017 Feasibility Study, the Molo Project will be built in two phases: Phase I will be a full-scale mine with a production rate of 17,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of SuperFlake graphite concentrate and with a mine life exceeding 30 years. The mine capital cost is estimated at US$18.4 million and with a build time of only 9 months. Phase I production is currently targeted for early 2020 and is subject to mine financing. Phase II of the Molo mine will consist of an expansion to over 51,000 tpa and will be implemented as soon as market demand supports such an expansion. Due to NextSource using a unique, fully modular build approach, the Molo Project will have the lowest capital cost of any proposed or competing graphite mine. The Molo Project is also verified to have one of the lowest operating costs in the industry, based on a full-cost CIF-basis. The Green Giant Vanadium Project A Unique Resource The Green Giant vanadium project is one of the largest and highest-grade vanadium resources in the world. Situated just 15 kilometres from the Companys Molo Graphite project, the Green Giant hosts a NI 43-101 indicated resource of 49.5 million tonnes grading 0.693% V 2 O 5 (756.3 million pounds V 2 O 5 ), and an inferred resource of 9.7 million tonnes grading 0.632% V 2 O 5 (134.5 million pounds V 2 O 5 ) at a 0.5% cut-off. What makes the Green Giant Vanadium Project particularly unique among the majority of vanadium deposits in the world is that it is a sediment-hosted deposit. It is estimated that less than five percent of vanadium occurrences occur in sedimentary environments. As the Green Giant Vanadium Project is sediment-hosted, it does not contain substantial iron, which must be removed for battery applications. As such, it is believed that this provides an advantage when producing the high-purity vanadium pentoxide, which is a key precursor material required to produce the high-purity electrolyte (98.5%+) needed to power a VRB. Two Strategic Assets that Position NextSource Well for the Future The global quest to efficiently harness renewable energy into a battery has been described as the holy grail of energy storage and the growth opportunities for efficient energy storage systems are substantial. Although the Company is currently focused on the development of its very advanced Molo Graphite Project into a mine, management believes that the market demand for both graphite and vanadium will be strong as these critical battery minerals are key materials in battery chemistries for large-scale energy storage systems. The Company continues to believe strongly in the market potential of VRBs as a leading technology for these applications, and in particular the off-take potential for a high-purity vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) concentrate from our Green Giant Project. Serendipitously, the two critical materials required to power a VRB are vanadium and flake graphite. As such, NextSource considers its graphite and vanadium projects to be strategic assets that complement its ambitious goal of providing the next source of strategic battery materials that will change the world. Qualified Persons Mr. Craig Scherba, P.Geo., President and CEO, is the qualified person who reviewed and approved the technical information provided in this press release. ABOUT NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC. NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that is developing its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar. The Molo Graphite Project is a feasibility-stage project and ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world and the only project with SuperFlake graphite. In addition, NextSource has 100% ownership of its NI 43-101 compliant Green Giant Vanadium Project, located just 12 kilometres from the Molo Graphite Project. The Green Giant Project is a rarely occurring sedimentary-hosted deposit that also ranks as one of the largest-known and highest in-situ grade vanadium resources in the world. For further information contact: +1.416.364.4911 Brent Nykoliation, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at brent@nextsourcematerials.com or Craig Scherba, President and CEO at craig@nextsourcematerials.com Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the terms of the Offtake Agreement, results of the updated 2017 Feasibility Study, any and all product test results and product analysis, any statements relating to the further partnership and value added opportunities, production at the Molo project, delivery of the material and pricing terms, any and all demand estimates for graphite and vanadium, and indicated and inferred resource estimates for Green Giant project. These are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions, and although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results or developments may vary and, in some instances, differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance 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 the Company will derive there from. 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 forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) commends the Government of Ontario for its new environment plan: Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. Among the many proposed climate actions that the OEA strongly supports are the following: Removing barriers to the increased adoption of low carbon vehicles Expanding natural gas conservation programs Supporting the integration of emerging smart grid technologies and distributed resources including energy storage to harness and make best use of Ontarios clean electricity Implementing a voluntary renewable natural gas option for customers Removing barriers to the expansion of compressed natural gas refueling stations and maintaining the existing tax exemption on natural gas as a transportation fuel The OEA is pleased that these initiatives in the governments plan reflect recommendations made in the OEAs recently released climate strategy submission: Continuing Achievement . In addition, the OEA strongly supports the new environment plans proposal to undertake impact and vulnerability assessments for key sectors, including energy distribution. This is a welcome new initiative. The OEA applauds the government for its new plan for addressing climate change. This plan puts forward initiatives that are practical, affordable and achievable, said Vince Brescia, President & CEO of the Ontario Energy Association. We look forward to working with the provincial government on implementing its new plan. You can access the OEAs climate strategy submission here . About the OEA The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is the credible and trusted voice of the energy sector. We earn our reputation by being an integral and influential part of energy policy development and decision making in Ontario. We represent Ontarios energy leaders that span the full diversity of the energy industry. Learn more about the OEA at www.energyontario.ca . For more information: Vince Brescia, President & CEO Ontario Energy Association 416.961.8874 vince@energyontario.ca SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envision Solar International, Inc., (OTCQB: EVSI) (Envision Solar, or the Company), the leading producer of unique and sustainable infrastructure products for electric vehicle charging, energy security and outdoor media, announced that Summit Credit Union has selected the Companys EV ARC products to provide emissions-free EV charging for employees at Summit Credit Union Headquarters in Wisconsin. As a customer-owned financial cooperative, we run our business sustainably and support our employees and members in their own sustainable practices. So, it was natural for us, when planning Summit Credit Unions new headquarters, to look into car charging stations. We were happy to find Envisions stations which allow us to offer easy access to car charging through free-standing stations that did not require costly structural support and are powered by the sun! We see it as a win-win-win for Summit, our members and employees, and the earth, said Kim Sponem, President & CEO of Summit Credit Union. Summit Credit Union partnered with J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. to find sustainable solutions for their new headquarters. They chose the EV ARC product because of its rapid and impact free installation. Summit Credit Union is the latest company to recognize the benefits of driving on sunshine with our EV ARCs, said Desmond Wheatley, President & CEO of Envision Solar. We applaud J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. for joining City of New York, State of California, City of Pittsburgh and others for using EV ARC products as their primary source for EV charging. Invented and manufactured in California, the patented EV ARC and EV ARC HP products fit inside single parking spaces without reducing available parking. EV ARC generates enough clean solar electricity to power up to 225 miles of EV driving in a day. EV ARC HP DC fast charging systems provide up to 1100 miles per day. The EV ARC systems solar electrical generation is enhanced by EnvisionTrak (patented) which causes the solar array to follow the sun, generating up to 25% more electricity than a fixed array. The energy is stored in the EV ARC products on-board energy storage for charging day or night, and to provide EV charging and emergency power during grid failure. The EV ARC product is a permanent solution that provides Level I, Level II and DC Fast Charging but because it requires no trenching, foundations or installation work of any kind, it is deployed in minutes and can be moved to a new location with ease. EV ARC products are manufactured in the companys San Diego facility by combat veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other minority demographics and highly talented, mission-driven team members. About Envision Solar International, Inc. Envision Solar, www.envisionsolar.com, is a sustainable technology innovation company whose unique and patented products include the EV ARC and the Solar Tree with EnvisionTrak patented solar tracking, SunCharge solar Electric Vehicle Charging, ARC technology energy storage, and EnvisionMedia solar advertising displays. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Envision Solar is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol [EVSI]. For more information visit www.envisionsolar.com , call (858) 799-4583. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube. About Summit Credit Union: Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds $3.2 billion in assets and has more than 181,000 members and 589 employees across 37 locations throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.summitcreditunion.com or call 608-243-5000 or 800-236-5560. For additional media information, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/about-summit/press-room or follow Summit on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . Forward-Looking Statements This, Envision Solar International, Inc., Press Release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or our expected future results that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements in this report other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as estimate, project, predict, believe, expect, anticipate, target, plan, intend, seek, goal, will, should, may, or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. Statements contemplating or making assumptions regarding actual or potential sales, market size, and demand, prospective business contracts, customer orders, trends or operating results also constitute forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ substantially from those indicated in forwarding-looking statements because our business is subject to significant economic, competitive, regulatory, business and industry risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Our operating results, financial condition, and business performance may be adversely affected by a general decline in the economy, unavailability of capital or financing for our prospective customers to purchase products and services from us, competition, changes in regulations, a decline in the demand for solar energy, a lack of profitability, a decline in our stock price, and other risks. We may not have adequate capital, financing or cash flow to sustain our business or implement our business plans. Current results and trends are not necessarily indicative of future results that we may achieve. TOKYO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CyberTech Conference Bitglass, the Next-Gen CASB company, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., its first distribution partner in Japan. The partnership will see Hitachi Solutions add Bitglass CASB to its existing portfolio of enterprise cloud security solutions; the company will also provide Bitglass sales, marketing, and technical support to Japanese customers and partners. Following an extensive evaluation, we determined Bitglass provided the flexibility of offering and strength of security needed to meet the needs of Japanese customers. said Kenshiro Usami, General Manager, Security Solution Division, at Hitachi Solutions. With this partnership, Hitachi Solutions further strengthens our cloud security solutions, enabling enterprises to reliably enforce their security policies according to standards for their industry and their unique security challenges. As more enterprises adopt cloud-based tools, Bitglass is in the ideal position to offer the data protection that they need without imposing unnecessary hurdles or restricting data access for authorized personnel. Bitglass unique, agentless architecture deploys rapidly and delivers real-time, end-to-end data protection for any application, any device, anywhere. Deployed across hundreds of enterprises, the Bitglass solution offers comprehensive data & threat protection for the widest range of applications, including managed apps like Office 365 and Salesforce, IaaS platforms like AWS and Azure, and unmanaged apps like personal Dropbox and social media. Cloud and mobile continue to be top-of-mind issues for enterprises as they strive to be more agile and give employees the data access that they need to perform their work from outside of the corporate network, said David Shephard, VP APAC, Bitglass. In recent months, weve witnessed a steady increase in the level of interest coming from customers in Japan. As such, we couldnt be more excited by this partnership with Hitachi. It gives us the ability to engage an exciting market from the inside. Well be working closely together to develop go-to-market plans capable of delivering the pace and scale required to be successful here. Bitglass will be exhibiting with Hitachi at The Cybertech Tokyo Conference November 29th and 30th, 2018, at Toranomon Hills, Tokyo. For more information, event details can be found here: https://tokyo.cybertechconference.com About Bitglass Founded in the United States in 2013, Bitglass is the Next Generation Cloud Access Security Broker. The company's cloud security solutions deliver zero-day, agentless data and threat protection for any app, any device, anywhere. With investments from venture capital firms such as New Enterprise Associates, Norwest, and Singtel Innov8, it has quickly grown into a leading security company that can protect data wherever it goes. About Hitachi Solutions Product Contact: https://www.hitachi-solutions.co.jp/inquiry/ Tel: 0120-571-488 Press Contact: Hirono, Ando Corporate Planning Department, Public Relations Office Tel: 03-5479-5013 Fax: 03-5780-6455 E-mail: koho@hitachi-solutions.com CLEVELAND, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovest Global Inc. (OTC Markets: IVST) (the Company or Innovest), a conglomerate with operations in commercial and industrial products and services, biotechnology, and construction & building materials, is thrilled to welcome four of the worlds foremost scientific experts in their fields, to its newly formed Biotech development team. Serving under the leadership of Dr. Dwain Morris-Irvin, the Biotech Division President, this world-class Advisory Board was hand selected to assist him in achieving and evaluating deal flow. The opportunities the Biotechnology Division will be pursuing involve highly complex concepts in a rapidly evolving market with life saving technologies. Dr. Morris-Irvin has been diligently laying the groundwork for the division for months and proudly introduces his colleagues and new Innovest Global team members; Introducing Dr. Laina King, Dr. Andrew Norris, Dr. Malin Parmar, and Dr. Lachlan Thompson (full biographies below). Dr. Morris-Irvin is one of the top scientists in the world in his field, and it takes such a person with his success characteristics to lead an effort of this magnitude. Im so incredibly impressed by his diligence and the focused, long-term value mindset that we all share at Innovest. After a few months with him on the job I would argue that we have quite possibly one of the most qualified, the most connected and certainly one of the most equipped biotech teams in the country. On behalf of the entire Innovest family, we are honored by their contribution and thank and welcome them enthusiastically, said Dan Martin, Innovest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Biographies: Dr. Laina King Dr. Laina King is a management consultant, administrator, researcher, external grant reviewer and tenured professor with more than 15 years of administrative experience in the for-profit, not-for-profit, federal agency and academic environments. She obtained her doctoral and postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan, Harvard and the Coverdale Institute. Her past 5 years have been with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Food & Drug Administration (FDA/CDER & FDA/OEA) and National Institutes of Health Office of the NIH Director. Prior to these engagements, she was a senior administrator and Principal Investigator at Keystone Symposia on Molecular & Cellular Biology, Associate Academic Dean and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in a college of pharmacy and a tenured Professor of Management at an AACSB school of business. Significant academic appointments include being a voting Member of the AMA/AAMC Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), Commissioner at the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools and Steering Committee Member of the CDC Health Disparities Institute Development Group. Her research, national presentations and publications are in the areas of organizational behavior, advanced academic mentoring & positioning, graduate education training program implementation and operational management. She has authored numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters and has edited a three volume book series on managed care. Her consulting experience includes work with the Military District of Washington, Japan Consultant for the Department of Defense, American Council on Education and multiple health care professional credentialing agencies. Dr. Andrew Norris Dr. Andrew Norris has a varied background in both business and the technology sector. He is Co-founder of The Midvale Group LLC in 2002, consulting in both the technology and biotechnology sector. Dr. Norris has also Co-founded BCN Biosciences in Pasadena CA (2005), which is a privately held biotechnology company whose principal focus is in the area of oncology drug development. Dr. Norris has been directly responsible for, or co-raised over $20M in funding for the technology and Biotechnology sector. He currently serves as an officer/director at BCN Biosciences and also holds a research faculty position at the University of California Los Angeles Department of Neuropsychiatry. Dr. Norris received his PhD from UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology and Chemistry. His research focused on synthesizing molecular inhibitors against cancer cells. He also trained in the Surgical Oncology Department at UCLA focusing his research on novel drug discovery for breast cancer patients. Dr. Malin Parmar Dr. Malin Parmar is a Professor in cellular neuroscience at Lund University. Together with her lab she has shown in a series of high profile publications how human fibroblasts can be converted into neurons, how glial cells can be reprogrammed into neurons in vivo, and how functional dopamine neurons can be generated from human embryonic stem cells. She is the recipient of an ERC starting grant and an ERC Consolidator grant and was recently awarded a New York Stem Cell Foundation Robertson investigator. Her research has a strong translational focus and she collaborates within European and International networks as well as Industry partners to develop new, cell-based therapies for Brain Repair with focus on Parkinsons Disease. Dr. Lachlan Thompson Dr. Lachlan Thompson, Associate Professor is a Principal Research Fellow at the Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health. He heads a research program dedicated to regenerative approaches to repair of the central nervous system, with a special focus on the use of pluripotent stem cells for functional reconstruction of circuitry affected in Parkinsons disease, stroke and motor neuron disease. He has contributed more than 50 research papers on this topic in leading journals including the Journal of Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Disease, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Brain and Cell Reports. Dr. Thompson is a partner investigator in the Australian governments major Stem Cells initiative where he sits on the committee for clinical translation and commercialisation and plays an active role in contributing to policy making on the regulation of experimental stem cell therapies. He also sits on the board of the Network for European CNS Transplantation and Repair and is president of the Asia-Pacific Association for Neural Transplantation and Repair. Dr Thompson brings a wealth of experience in cutting-edge technology driving pre-clinical research in regenerative approaches to brain repair and also in understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing clinical translation and commercialisation of stem cell therapies. About Innovest Global, Inc. Innovest Global, Inc. (OTC Markets: IVST ) is a conglomerate with operations in three divisions, which include commercial and industrial products and services, energy, biotechnology, health sciences, construction, and building materials. The primary growth strategy of Innovest Global Inc is to acquire existing companies in a select few industries and attract new customers in cost effective ways. Currently, Innovest Global Inc has a Commercial & Industrial Division, a Biotechnology & Health Services Division, and a Construction & Building Materials Division. For more information, please visit: http://www.innovestglobal.com , and follow us on Twitter and Facebook @innovestglobal . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to the Company's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could impact the Company and the forward-looking statements contained herein are included in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Contact Information Corporate Office: (216) 815-1122 info@innovestglobal.com Twitter @innovestglobal Investor Relations: Hayden IR (917) 658-7878 hart@haydenir.com TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INV Metals Inc. (INV Metals or the Company) is pleased to announce the positive results of the independent Feasibility Study (FS) prepared for its 100% owned Loma Larga gold-copper-silver project (Loma Larga or Project), located in Ecuador. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are stated in U.S. dollars ($). Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO stated, With an after-tax 24.7% IRR and 2.6 year payback period, the Feasibility Study confirms the Projects viability and demonstrates the strong profitability and economics of the Loma Larga gold-copper-silver project. During the projected 12 year mine life, 2.6 million gold equivalent ounces are forecasted to be mined, with an average of 227,000 gold equivalent ounces mined per year and an average of 294,000 gold equivalent ounces mined during the first four full years. Loma Larga will be a low-cost operation with expected life of mine (LOM) cash costs of $540/oz, all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $609/oz, and all-in costs (AIC) of $768/oz. Initial pre-production capital expenditures are estimated at $279 million, with sustaining capital of $62 million and closure costs of $22 million. The Company has received indicative terms from various smelters that demonstrate strong interest for the purchase of both of the Loma Larga concentrates and reinforces their marketability. Ms. MacGibbon added, Loma Larga is a relatively simple mining project that we are committed to executing in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. The underground mine and related processing infrastructure have been designed to have a very minimal footprint, with an estimated disturbance area of less than 80 hectares at the Project site. The process plant design, the use of paste backfill, and a filtered tailings disposal method will serve to minimize the use of surface water and reduce treated water discharge. She further added, Loma Larga is one of five strategic mining projects identified by the Government of Ecuador and will be the next large-scale mining development project to be financed and permitted in the country, following upon the success of the Fruta del Norte gold project by Lundin Gold Corp. With the demonstrated strong support of the Ecuadorian government and our surrounding local communities of Chumblin, San Gerardo, and Victoria del Portete, INV Metals plans to aggressively move the Project forward aiming to break ground in early 2020, with the goal of achieving first gold concentrate production in late 2021. The positive social and economic impacts will be important both locally and nationally, and will provide exciting new employment, training, procurement and business opportunities throughout the region. The Companys recent successful drilling programs and the significant optimization to the mine plan in the FS resulted in an increase of the estimated Mineral Reserves by 18.1% or 338,000 gold ounces from the 2016 Mineral Reserve estimates. The mine plan focuses on developing and mining high grade areas of the mine at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") in the early years, and reaching 3,400 tpd in year 5, resulting in higher average annual recovered production of 267,000 gold equivalent ounces over the first four full years and an annual average of 206,000 gold equivalent ounces recovered over the life of the mine. The Companys discovery of ore-grade mineralization up to 300 metres to the west of the current Mineral Resources, the findings of a detailed re-evaluation and study of the deposit, as well as the potential of the entire Loma Larga property, demonstrate that the deposit remains open in most directions with potential to increase Mineral Resources along strike and at depth, both of which remain largely untested, and to find additional deposits on the property. Feasibility Study Highlights (5% discount rate, $1,250/oz gold, $18/oz silver, $3/lb copper) Pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) $621 million After-tax NPV $356 million Pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 35.1% After-tax IRR 24.7% Pre-tax Payback 2.2 years After-tax Payback 2.6 years Mine Life 12 years Initial Mining Rate 3,000 tpd Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves 13.9 million tonnes (4.91 g/t gold, 29.6 g/t silver, and 0.29% copper), containing 2.6 million equivalent gold ounces which include, which include, 2.2 million ounces of gold 13.3 million ounces of silver 88.0 million pounds of copper Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources 19.8 million tonnes (4.25 g/t gold, 27.8 g/t silver, and 0.25% copper), containing 3.2 million equivalent gold ounces which include, which include, 2.7 million ounces of gold 17.7 million ounces of silver 109.5 million pounds of copper Inferred Resources 4.7 million tonnes (2.2 g/t gold, 29.7 g/t silver, and 0.14% copper), containing 0.4 million equivalent gold ounces Average annual LOM gold equivalent recovered production1 206,000 gold equivalent ounces Average annual first four full years of recovered production 267,000 gold equivalent ounces which include, which include, 223,000 ounces gold 19,000 gold equivalent ounces silver 25,000 gold equivalent pounds copper LOM Cash costs Total cash costs $540/oz All-in sustaining costs $609/oz All-in costs $768/oz Capital Expenditures (excluding taxes) Initial pre-production capex $279 million Sustaining capital $62 million Closure costs $22 million Employment During construction ~875 jobs After mine is in production ~450 employees 1 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. The FS was prepared by a consortium of independent consultants, led by DRA Americas Inc. (DRA), an international engineering firm with extensive experience both in the construction and operation of mining projects. DRA led the mine planning, Mineral Reserve estimation, metallurgy, processing and economic estimation. The FS was supported by additional leading consultants with expertise in various fields, including: RPA Inc. (RPA) for Mineral Resource estimation, Mine Design Engineering Inc. for geotechnical design, Itasca Denver, Inc. for hydrogeology and water quality, Environmental Resources Management for social and environmental, NewFields for tailings design, Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc. for paste backfill, and SGS Canada Inc. for metallurgical test work. The FS is currently being summarised into a Technical Report (the Loma Larga Technical Report) to be filed on SEDAR in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Table 1 NPV and IRR Pre-tax After-tax Net Present Value @ 5% discount rate (NPV) $621 M $356 M Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 35.1% 24.7% Payback (Years) 2.2 2.6 Table 2 Key Financial Metrics2 Average Annual (M$) LOM (M$) Net Sales Revenue $188 $2,157 Operating Costs 63 743 Operating Cash Flow 125 1,414 Taxes and Royalties 43 464 After-tax Cash Flow 79 577 Table 3 Gold Price Sensitivity3 $1,150/oz Base Case $1,250/oz $1,350/oz Pre-tax NPV $513 M $621 M $729 M IRR 31.2% 35.1% 38.7% Payback (Years) 2.3 2.2 2.0 After-tax NPV $291 M $356 M $422 M IRR 21.8% 24.7% 27.4% Payback (Years) 2.8 2.6 2.4 2 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. 3 Gold price sensitivity analysis calculated using a long-term silver price of $18.00 per ounce and copper price of $3.00 per pound, as well as a discount rate of 5%. Economic Benefits to Ecuador The FS demonstrates that the development of Loma Larga will provide substantial economic benefits to the future employees of INV Metals, our communities, and the local, provincial and federal governments of Ecuador. The development and operation of the Loma Larga mine will also provide numerous employment and business opportunities for the local communities and within the region. Various benefits will include: continuation of the Companys numerous social programs in the communities of Chumblin, San Gerardo, Giron, and Victoria del Portete; during the construction period of 18-24 months, an estimated direct employment of 875 people; when the mine is in operation, an estimated 450 permanent direct jobs; the creation of indirect jobs with local procurement initiatives and training opportunities; wages, social security and pension benefits are estimated at $15 million annually, for a total of $186 million over the mine life; employee profit sharing taxes (3%) are estimated at $27 million; taxes to the Government of Ecuador are estimated at: Corporate Income tax (25%) - $177 million State profit sharing tax (12%) - $107 million Employment taxes (35%) - $52 million VAT (12%) and import duties (0% - 5%) - $110 million Royalties (5%) - $108 million FEASIBILITY STUDY DETAILS Mineral Resources The Loma Larga gold-silver-copper deposit is classified as a high sulphidation epithermal system and alteration is characterized by multiphase injections of hydrothermal fluids strongly controlled by both structure and stratigraphy. The deposit is a flat lying to gently western dipping (less than ten degrees), north-south striking, cigar shaped body, which has a strike length of approximately 1,600 metres north-south by 120 metres to 400 metres east-west and up to 60 metres thick, beginning approximately 120 metres below surface. RPA estimated Mineral Resources for Loma Larga using all drill hole data available as of September 1, 2018. The current Mineral Resource estimate is based on an underground mining scenario and is reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Using a US$60/t Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off value, Mineral Resources effective as of October 31, 2018 are summarized in the following table. Table 4 Loma Larga Mineral Resource Estimate, Effective as of October 31, 2018 Resource Classification Tonne (M) Au Grade (g/t) Contained Au (M oz) Ag Grade (g/t) Contained Ag (M oz) Cu Grade (%) Contained Cu (M lb) AuEq Grade (g/t) Contained AuEq (M oz) Measured 2.9 7.31 0.67 34.9 3.2 0.44 28.2 8.45 0.78 Indicated 17.0 3.74 2.04 26.5 14.5 0.22 81.4 4.43 2.42 Measured & Indicated 19.8 4.25 2.71 27.8 17.7 0.25 109.5 5.01 3.20 Inferred 4.7 2.22 0.33 29.7 4.5 0.14 14.5 2.84 0.43 CIM 2014 Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are reported at an NSR cut-off value of US$60/t. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,450 per ounce, silver price of US$22.00 per ounce, and copper price of US$3.50 per pound. The formula used to calculate gold equivalence (AuEq) is: (Au g/t x 31.31 + Ag g/t x 0.44 + Cu% x 46.19) 31.31. The formula used to calculate AuEq ounces is: AuEq Oz = (Tonnage x AuEq g/t) 31.31. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Mineral Reserves and Mine Plan The estimated Mineral Reserves are shown in the following table. Table 5 Loma Larga Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate, Effective as of October 31, 2018 Ore Category Tonne (M) Au Grade (g/t) Contained Au (M oz) Ag Grade (g/t) Contained Ag (M oz) Cu Grade (%) Contained Cu (M lb) AuEq Grade (g/t) Contained AuEq (M oz) Proven 2.9 7.30 0.69 34.8 3.27 0.44 28.5 8.53 0.80 Probable 11.0 4.28 1.51 28.3 10.00 0.25 59.5 5.09 1.80 Proven and Probable 13.9 4.91 2.20 29.6 13.27 0.29 88.0 5.81 2.60 CIM 2014 Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Reserves. Mineral Reserves include long hole and drift-and-fill stopes as well as development in ore. Mineral Reserves are reported at an NSR cut-off value of US$60/t. Mineral Reserves are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,250 per ounce, silver price of U$18.00 per ounce, and copper price of US$3.00 per pound. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. Numbers may not add due to rounding. The underground mine will be accessed by a 1.2 kilometres long (5 metres high by 5 metres wide) ramp into the deposit. The ramp will serve as the access to the mine for personnel and materials, the haulage of waste and ore, and for ventilation. Due to the high-grade nature of the ore body and the positive geotechnical conditions, the deposit will primarily be mined by the long-hole stoping method, with 20 metres wide, 25 metres high and 20 metres long stope sizes. Certain zones will utilize the drift and fill method where appropriate. Initial daily ore production of 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd) is planned from primary and secondary stopes for the first four years, generating approximately 1,095,000 tonnes of ore annually. From year 5, daily average ore production of 3,400 tpd is planned to be achieved through plant optimization, generating 1,241,000 tonnes of ore annually. Ore will be trucked approximately 3.5 kilometres from the portal to the process facilities. The production averages in the tables below do not include partial production years. Table 6 Life of Mine Production Statistics Life of Mine Production Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 2,199,998 1,979,998 1,610,085 Silver (oz) 13,270,347 12,606,824 8,872,698 Copper (lbs) 88,038,862 84,517,307 58,840,171 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 191,093 181,538 127,767 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 211,293 202,842 141,217 Total Gold Equivalent (oz) 2,602,385 2,364,378 1,879,069 Table 7 Peak Production Statistics Peak Production in Year 3 Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 281,334 253,201 205,937 Silver(oz) 1,585,819 1,506,527 1,062,498 Copper (lbs) 14,222,866 13,653,951 10,194,590 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 22,836 21,694 15,300 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 34,135 32,770 24,467 Total Gold Equivalent (oz) 338,305 307,664 245,704 Table 8 Average Annual First Four Full Years Production Statistics Average First Four Full Years Production Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 247,855 223,070 181,430 Silver (oz) 1,395,746 1,325,958 935,150 Copper (lbs) 10,975,888 10,536,852 7,637,915 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 20,099 19,094 13,466 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 26,342 25,288 18,331 Gold Equivalent (oz) 294,296 267,452 213,227 Table 9 Average Annual Life of Mine Production Statistics4 Average Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 191,242 172,118 139,958 Silver (oz) 1,188,664 1,129,230 794,561 Copper (lbs) 7,718,768 7,410,017 5,163,657 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 17,117 16,261 11,442 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 18,525 17,784 12,392 Gold Equivalent (oz) 226,884 206,163 163,792 Processing Ore will be processed using primary and secondary crushing, a ball mill, and a two stage sequential flotation circuit to recover gold, silver and copper into two separate saleable concentrates which will be trucked to the port for export. No cyanide will be used in the extraction process and it is anticipated that acid will not need to be trucked to site. Extensive metallurgical test work has demonstrated estimated overall gold, silver and copper recoveries into concentrate of 90%, 95%, and 96%, respectively. The average grades of the concentrates are shown in the table below and will differ from the averages depending on the mined head grade. The estimated mass pull is 14%, with an estimated 13.3% reporting to the gold pyrite concentrate and 0.8% reporting to the gold/copper concentrate. The concentrate is expected to have a moisture content of 8-10%. Table 10 Concentrate Production Gold Pyrite Concentrate Gold/Copper Concentrate5 Recovery Total Tonnes Concentrate Produced 1,845,778 109,497 - Average LOM Concentrate Produced4 161,276 9,585 - Gold Grade g/t 27.9 92.6 90% Silver Grade g/t 102.2 1,858.6 95% Copper Grade % 0.31 29.7 96% Arsenic Grade % 0.08 8.5 - Concentrate Sales Concentrate samples and assays were sent to a number of smelters for analysis in order to receive current purchase price indications based on the potential grades and quantities estimated during the FS. INV Metals has incorporated the revenue indications into the economic estimates of the FS and is confident the concentrates are marketable. The payabilities used for the concentrates within the financial model were 80% gold and 60% silver for the gold pyrite concentrate and 88% gold, 82% copper and 80% silver for the gold/copper concentrate. These payabilities are inclusive of treatment and refining charges and any relevant penalties and result in non-comparable gross revenue to previous studies. Gross revenue under this structure is lower than the gross revenue associated with a structure where treatment charges, refining charges and penalties are expressed separately. 4 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. 5 It is estimated that 82% of the copper and 15% of the gold is recovered to the gold/copper concentrate. Tailings Storage Facility The tailings storage facility will store filtered tailings within a lined and contained area to minimize the amount of impounded water, allow for the diversion of surface water, and the collection of contact water for treatment. Approximately 6.5 million tonnes of plant tailings are expected to be placed underground as paste backfill, with 5.5 million tonnes remaining on surface in the tailings storage facility which will be covered at closure with liners and rehabilitated with indigenous plants and grasses. The Company has a nursery on site which hosts, amongst other things, over 50,000 indigenous trees and shrubs for planting during rehabilitation. Water Management Natural runoff will be diverted around the mine infrastructure to the extent possible. Contact water including water that must be withdrawn from the underground mine to maintain a safe working environment, will be collected and used for mineral processing. Excess contact water, not used in mineral processing, will be treated and discharged to meet drinking water standards in the immediate receiving environment. The point of discharge from the treatment plant has been sited outside of the watershed that supplies the City of Cuenca, which will ensure there are no impacts to water quality upstream of the city. Water management, including water treatment, will continue during the closure phase until discharge from the site meets established discharge criteria without treatment. Capital Expenditures The initial capital expenditures are estimated at $279.1 million. Sustaining and closure costs are estimated at $84.3 million. Pre-production capital expenditure per gold equivalent ounces mined is $107.26, while sustaining capital per gold equivalent ounces mined is $23.95. Table 11 Capital Expenditure Summary Pre-production (M$) Mining Underground 39.8 Mining Surface Infrastructure 10.1 Process Plant 67.9 Process Plant Infrastructure 19.8 Waste Management 18.5 Off-site Infrastructure 14.4 Total Direct Costs 170.5 Indirect Costs 59.3 Owners Costs 22.6 Contingency 26.7 Total Pre-Production Capital 279.1 Taxes and Duties (including VAT) 30.4 Total Capital incl. Taxes and Duties 309.5 Table 12 Sustaining Capital and Closure Costs Pre-tax (M$) Taxes (M$) Total (M$) Sustaining Capital 62.3 10.4 72.7 Closure Costs 22.0 - 22.0 Operating Costs The Loma Larga mine will be a low-cost operation with estimated adjusted operating costs of $69.41/tonne of mined mineralized material. The table below highlights estimated LOM operating and capital costs. Table 13 LOM Operating and Capital Costs Operating and Capital Costs1 ($/tonne) Total (M$) $/Payable3 Gold oz Mining 23.22 323 180 Processing 17.20 240 134 Paste Backfill 3.14 44 24 Tailings Management 2.26 31 18 On-site G&A 7.54 105 59 Royalties 11.03 154 86 Treatment, Refining and Transportation2 34.60 482 269 By-product Credits (29.58 ) (412 ) (230 ) Adjusted Operating Costs 69.41 967 540 Sustaining Capital 4.69 65 37 Closure 1.58 22 12 Corporate G&A 2.51 35 20 All-in Sustaining Costs 78.19 1,089 609 Pre-Production Capital Expenditures 20.46 285 159 All-in Costs 98.65 1,374 768 Operating and capital costs are presented pre-tax. Treatment and refining charges have been estimated based on the payabilities and treatment and refining charges observed on comparable projects. Payable gold ounces have been estimated based on estimated comparable treatment and refining charges. Infrastructure The Loma Larga deposit will be accessed predominately by existing public road infrastructure, which will be upgraded and widened as required. Bypass roads will be constructed where widening of the current road is not feasible. New roads will be constructed to the portal access site and within the process plant and tailings facilities. Power to the Project will be supplied through construction of a power line, which will connect into the local electricity grid. Corporate Social Responsibility The Company is committed to maintain and build upon its strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and to engage in meaningful consultation with our stakeholders within our areas of influence. We are pleased to have added Ms. Robin Weisman to our Board of Directors in 2017, who in her previous employment with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a Principal Mining Investment Officer, has significant experience with the IFCs Performance Standards and the Equator Principles, as well as advising companies on mitigating project risk through their investments in programs providing economic opportunities, shared infrastructure and capacity building to communities and local municipalities. Potential Optimizations The following opportunities were identified during the course of the FS as potential optimizations to be considered: ramp up to full design tonnage of 3,600 tpd as soon as practicable; reduce mining dilution to reduce operating costs; potential to increase payabilities of concentrates with contracts; determine potential for future bulk concentrate shipments; future drilling to potentially upgrade Mineral Resources from Inferred to Indicated for inclusion in the mine plan and Mineral Reserves; exploration at Loma Larga with the goal of increasing Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (see below for a discussion on exploration); and evaluation of processing lower grade ore to extend the mine life. Next Steps The Company will proceed with the following near-term activities: continued stakeholder engagement; environmental permit application completion and submission; and financing discussions. Loma Larga Exploration The Company continues to believe that the Loma Larga property holds considerable exploration potential. The deposit remains open in many areas with good potential to expand the deposit to the west, east, and south. Twelve of the fourteen holes that were drilled to the west of the orebody in 2017 encountered potentially economic intercepts and the area to the west represents upside potential for the deposit. High grade areas along 225 metres on the eastern edge of the orebody were not completely closed off and good potential exists to extend these further to the east. Both gold and high grade silver values continue to the south of the deposit with potential to expand the deposit to the south. The southern end of the deposit is rich in silver and high grade silver intercepts (11.6 metres @ 978 ppm Ag in hole IQD-265) exist at least 300 metres to the south of the edge of the High Grade Main Zone of the Mineral Resource. An expansion drill program has been designed to test these areas. INV Metals engaged Western Mining Services LLC to complete a thorough targeting exercise in mid-2018 that identified nine ranked prospective targets within the Loma Larga concessions. The number one ranked area encloses the northern two thirds of the Loma Larga deposit and will be addressed by the expansion drill program. The second ranked area is immediately to the west of the orebody where the 2017 drilling encountered potentially economic mineralization over an area of 300 x 400 metres. Silicification, which is the dominant alteration within Loma Larga, was encountered in all of these holes and up to 600 metres to the west of the orebody. Lithology, alteration, structure, geochemistry, and geophysics are being analyzed within this large area to identify drill targets. There is good potential to encounter additional mineralized feeder zones and Loma Larga style mineralization within the area to the west of the orebody. There is also clear potential for a mineralized porphyry at depth. A large diatreme breccia to the northwest of the deposit contains mineralized porphyry clasts. Several drill holes to the north and northwest of the deposit contain evidence of a nearby porphyry system. Hole IQD-109, around 30 metres to the north of the orebody, contains quartz veinlets with centerlines and margins of chalcocite. Hole LLD-384 was a deep hole drilled in 2017 to test for the presence of a porphyry at depth and is located approximately 60 metres to the north of the orebody. This hole encountered anomalous gold mineralized diorite and quartz diorite intrusions hosting quartz, pyrite, magnetite, and chalcopyrite veinlets plus disseminated pyrite and magnetite within intense intermediate argillic alteration (illite-kaolinite-muscovite-pyrite). Hole LLD-364, located around 100 metres to the northwest of the orebody, contains chalcopyrite and chalcocite. Further work is required to define the porphyry target. Regional Exploration The Company holds four exploration properties within Ecuador. The Companys exploration efforts in 2018 have primarily been concentrated on the Tierras Coloradas property, located in southern Ecuador. The discovery of a low sulphidation system with high grade gold mineralization within quartz veins at Tierras Coloradas was announced in September 2017 and mapping and sampling of the veins has been progressing well. Over 4 kilometres of strike length of veins has been mapped in detail on the Quemada, Aparecida, and San Vicente veins. Numerous other veins have also been identified. The Aparecida and Quemada veins contain the highest grade values, with rock chip values up to 240.5 g/t Au and 226 ppm Ag in the Aparecida vein and 61.9 g/t Au and 2,479 ppm Ag in the Quemada vein. Gold values range from <0.005 to 240.5 g/t and silver values range from <0.2 to 226 ppm in the Aparecida vein. Gold values range from <0.005 to 61.9 g/t and silver values range from <0.2 to 2,479 ppm in the Quemada vein. Both of these veins have excellent horizontal and vertical continuity of high grade samples with the Aparecida vein containing values of >2 g/t Au for more than 1.3 kilometres strike length and over a vertical distance of 370 metres. A drill program is being prepared to test these veins and drilling will proceed as soon as the required permits are received. The Las Penas property, located approximately 30 km to the NW of Loma Larga, consists of nine concessions that cover a total of 30,278 hectares. Initial mapping and sampling have been completed in the area with some follow-up mapping and sampling on the high priority targets. A prospective porphyry target and numerous low sulphidation vein systems have been identified to date. The Playas Encantadas porphyry target contains a diorite intrusion with potassic alteration that outcrops over an area of 2.1 x 1 kilometres. Potassic alteration occurs over an area of 1,200 x 600 metres. Rock chip sampling over an area of 320 x 140 metres within the southern portion of the intrusion returned 97 samples that average 603 ppm Cu and 22 ppm Mo. The range of values were between < 2 to 2,280 ppm Cu and < 2 to 120 ppm Mo. Quartz stockwork veining has been identified with quartz veinlets with pyrite sutures, magnetite veinlets, and traces of chalcopyrite and covellite. Initial geological prospection and sampling at the La Rebuscada property, located in northern Ecuador, has identified an area of 1.5 x 2 kilometres with gold in silicified structures. Rock chip sampling over an area of 1.2 x 1.9 kilometres has returned 12 of 43 samples of > 1 g/t Au. Gold values range from < 0.005 to 2.5 g/t. Carolina, located just one kilometre to the southeast of SolGold Plcs (SolGold) Cascabel property, is on trend with NW-trending mineralized corridors that SolGold has recognized on their property. First pass rock chip sampling has identified copper between 5 to 863 ppm, molybdenum between <2 to 596 ppm, and gold between <0.10 and 4.27 g/t. Multiple phases of intrusives have been recognized with microdiorites intruding the older diorite/tonalite intrusives. Technical Information The FS was led by DRA and was prepared in accordance with the guidelines for NI 43-101. The Loma Larga Technical Report summarizing the results of the FS is being prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and will be filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR within 45 days of this press release. Qualified Persons The Qualified Persons (QP) have reviewed and verified that the technical information in respect of the FS contained in this press release is accurate and approve the written disclosure of such information. For readers to fully understand the information in this press release, they should read the Loma Larga Technical Report in its entirety when it is available on SEDAR, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the information to be set out in the Loma Larga Technical Report which qualifies the technical information contained in the Loma Larga Technical Report. The Loma Larga Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The QPs who will prepare the Technical Report are: DRA: Phildi Scholtz, Pr. Eng., Daniel Gagnon P.Eng. (Mineral Reserves and Mining). David Frost FAusIMM (Metallurgy and Processing), and Silvia del Carpio P.Eng., MBA (Financial Modelling) RPA: Katharine Masun, P.Geo. (Mineral Resources) Mine Design Engineering Inc.: Kathy Kalenchuk, P. Eng. (Geotechnical Design) Itasca Denver, Inc.: Houmao Liu, Ph.D., P.E. (Hydrogeology and Water Quality) NewFields: Paul Kaplan, P.E. (Tailings Design) Environmental Resources Management: Derek Chubb, P. Eng. (Social and Environmental) Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc.: Leslie Correia, Pr. Eng. (Paste Backfill) SGS Canada Inc.: Dr. Chris Fleming, Ph.D and Erin Legault B. Eng. (Metallurgical) By virtue of education and relevant experience, the aforementioned are independent "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of NI 43- 101. Other than as set forth above, all scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Bill Shaver, P. Eng, a mining engineer and the Companys COO, or Darren King, Geologist, Registered Member of the SME and the Companys Vice President Exploration, both QPs under NI 43-101. Non-IFRS Performance Measures Adjusted Operating Costs, All-in Sustaining Costs, All-in Costs and Total Operating Costs per Tonne are non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Performance Measures. These performance measures are included because these statistics are key performance measures that management uses to monitor performance. Management uses these statistics to assess how the Project ranks against its peer projects and to assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the contemplated mining operations. These performance measures do not have a meaning within IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. Investor Day An Investor Day will be held on November 30, 2018 from 11 am to 2 pm EST to discuss the results of the Feasibility Study at the National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario. Please RSVP your attendance to pmontgomery@invmetals.com. The details of the Investor Day will be available on INV Metals website at www.invmetals.com. For more information please contact: Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO Email: cmacgibbon@invmetals.com Phone: 416-703-8416 Ms. Sunny Lowe, CFO Email: slowe@invmetals.com Phone: 416-703-8416 About INVTM Metals Inc. INVTM Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and base metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INVTM Metals primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold exploration and development property in Ecuador, and (2) its 100% interests in exploration concessions in Ecuador, including the Las Penas, Tierras Coloradas, La Rebuscada and Carolina exploration projects. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this new release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the results of the FS, gold price and exchange rate assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal or mineral recoveries, mine life and production rates; the Company's potential plans and operating performance; the estimation of the tonnage, grades and content of deposits, and the extent of the resource and reserves estimates; potential production from and viability of the Company's properties; estimates of future production and operating costs; estimates of permitting submissions and timing; the timing and receipt of necessary permits and project approvals for future operations; access to project funding, exploration results, and expected filing of the Loma Larga Technical Report. These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. In certain cases, forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as anticipates, believes, could, estimates, expects, may, shall, will, or would. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on certain factors and assumptions made by management and qualified persons in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances. The forward-looking information and statements are also based on metal price assumptions, exchange rate assumptions, cash flow forecasts, and other assumptions used in the FS. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to grade or recovery rates, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, regulatory, capitalization and liquidity risks. The FS may also be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Project. Please refer to the Companys Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2018 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for other risks that could materially affect the Company. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Boston, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duck Creek Technologies announced today that the Portuguese business unit of Ageas (Ageas Seguros), a top insurer in Europe and Asia, has selected Duck Creek Claims and Duck Creek Policy as its platform for transformation to streamline operations and offer superior service to customers in the region. As Ageas pushes forward in Portugal with an aggressive digital agenda concurrent with the acquisition of two local competitors, the implementation of Duck Creeks Claims and Policy solutions lets the insurer make better, faster decisions and support customers in the ways they prefer. Replacing multiple legacy systems with two best-in-class solutions, the insurer will be able to reduce operating costs and increase internal process efficiencies, freeing up its IT staff to focus on the companys strong digital-first strategy. As we plan our technology strategy for the future, its critical that we invest in systems and solutions that can evolve with our business rather than constrain us to outdated operating models, said Jorge Pinheiro de Melo, CIO of Ageas Portugal Group. With Duck Creek, well not only be able to offer customers better service, but the upgradable platform will also allow us to keep pace with the changing marketplace in our region. Were very happy to welcome Ageas Portuguese division into our growing family of European customers, said Eugene Van Biert, Chief Revenue Officer of Duck Creek Technologies. And were excited to partner with them on their digital transformation initiative. Ageas Seguros has taken an important step in building on the kind of agility its growing market requires. Bart Patrick, Managing Director of Duck Creek Europe added, After a hard-fought selection process, were looking forward to getting to the business of helping Ageas Seguros drive its digital agenda and transform its customer experience in Portugal. About Ageas and its European operations: Ageas operates with an important goal worldwide: to provide customers with peace of mind when they need it most - helping at every stage of their lives to mitigate risks related to property, casualty, life, and pensions. Through a number of wholly-owned subsidiaries and established joint ventures, Ageas is active in four markets in continental Europe: France, Luxembourg, Turkey, and Portugal. Across the region, Ageas offers a broad range of insurance products and services that span both Life and Non-Life. Their products can be accessed through a number of different distribution channels, including brokers and agents, but mainly via bank branches. Ageas has been operating in Portugal since 2005 through Medis and Ocidental brands and reinforced its presence after the acquisition of AXA Portugal in 2016 with Ageas Seguros and Seguro Directo. Learn more at https://www.ageas.com/ About Duck Creek Technologies: Duck Creek Technologies paves a genuine path to the future for P&C insurance companies. Decades of insurance experience underpin advanced technologies specifically designed to accommodate change - allowing carriers to navigate uncertainty and capture market opportunities faster than their competitors. Duck Creek solutions are available standalone or as a full suite. All are available via Duck Creek OnDemand, the providers SaaS solution for the P&C insurance industry. For more information, visit www.duckcreek.com. Media Contact: Paul Rechichi Racepoint Global 617-624-3295 prechichi@racepointglobal.com Attachment Tallahassee, FL, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez introduced Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) to protect LGBTQ youth from receiving conversion therapy, which falsely claims to be able to change peoples sexual orientation and gender identity, from licensed mental health practitioners, on November 21, 2018. With SB 84, Florida becomes the first state to introduce legislation to end conversion therapy in the 2019 legislative session. "In most states it is still legal to force children into conversion therapy and that is wrong. When it comes to this debunked practice, there is no conversion and there is no therapy. So-called conversion therapy does not work because youth are who they are. They should be supported rather than shamed. More importantly, the practice we seek to ban is not therapy, said Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D Miami). The long-term, even lethal, damage it does to youth is well documented. If you're going to be a licensed practitioner in Florida, refraining from harming our youth with this debunked practice should be a basic requirement." A poll released in 2017 showed 71% of Floridians support banning conversion therapy for minors. Twenty local governments in Florida both cities and counties have adopted conversion therapy bans, which is more than in any other state in the country. The Trevor Project is deeply invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because we know youth who experience rejection from their family are more than 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families, said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project, the worlds largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. Conversion therapy is a profoundly dangerous form of rejection with no basis in medicine or science. Unless lawmakers act to end the practice in every state, countless LGBTQ youth will be subjected to forms of conversion therapy in the next few years. Conversion therapy is a deceptive and utterly discredited practice that targets some of the most vulnerable in our state - LGBTQ young people, said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Floridas Public Policy Director. Its time to put an end this dangerous abuse disguised as medical treatment. Equality Florida applauds Jose Javier Rodriguez for filing this critical legislation that would protect young people from this fraudulent practice. We are grateful to Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez for kicking off what we hope will be another successful year in the fight to end conversion therapy, said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy & Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. The Trevor Projects 50 Bills 50 States campaign works to support legislation like SB 84 to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy in every state in the country and we look forward to working with leaders and advocates in Florida to turn this bill into law. The Trevor Project works with national partners such as the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as well as state leaders like Equality Florida to end conversion therapy. 34 states have historically introduced legislation to protect youth from conversion therapy; 14 states have signed them into law. Conversion therapy is widely opposed by prominent professional health associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. People can sign up to join The Trevor Projects effort to end conversion therapy by texting TREVOR to 40649. About The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org aragonn wrote: Please find my response in line. I feel the explanation given for elimination of A & E can be improved. I feel the better version can be that Lupus can be caused by several other viruses/pathogens etc.(other than from Beta-80). If total no. of lupus-affected-people in the world are 1 Million & there are only 100 who have lupus because of Beta-40 then A & E can be eliminated. Elimination of A - It may happen that out of 1 million, 200,000 are from one specific(say country X; I don't want to name any country here) non-scandivian country. ------ Do you know this information. This is a inference question. Scope is your best friend. be sure about what you know and what you dont. such as we cant pick this choice cause we don't have sufficient information. now lets look at your point. Are you sure this may happen with the ration you mentioned ( 1 million, 200,000). Do you have any basis for this ? Elimination of E - Covered above. A non-scandivian country can have a majority of those 1 million people. ---- same explanation applies to it too. My friend inference is most easy part in CR. This is one thing in which you dont need to do POE. If you sure about a choice that it is true, go ahead then. Though I will still advice to do POE. And for that look for the scope. Look for information given to you and do not go beyond that. eliminate not to choose Hi AragonnThanks for the help.I have brought in the figures toA & Ethem. I have tried to weaken A & E by bringing in some data(which if valid would weaken). This additional data can't be disputed by the argument.In this case, I assumed that Lupus is caused by several other factors as well. It is nowhere mentioned in the argument that the Lupus is only caused by Beta.X causes YA, B, C, D also causes Y When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. - Henry Ford The Moment You Think About Giving Up, Think Of The Reason Why You Held On So Long Signature Read More 1. Hua T'o is mentioned in the following context: "In his talks, Parker described the state of medical and surgical knowledge--or, rather, scientific ignorance--in China.Despite the surgical feats of legendary ancient doctors such as Hua T'o of the third century A.D., surgery did not develop to any great extent in China."(A) CORRECT. The fact that, by the nineteenth century, Chinese surgical knowledge had not developed beyond that of an "ancient" doctor underscores the need tomodernize nineteenth century Chinese medicine.(B) Hua To is the only Chinese medical figure mentioned in the passage, so the author does not mention him to trace the history of such figures.(C) The topic sentence of the second paragraph concerns the lack of medical and surgical knowledge, not the lack of leading physicians in nineteenth century China.(D) While the author recognizes Hua Tos achievements, citing the surgical feats of legendary ancient doctors, the overall context reveals that the point was not tocelebrate such achievements, but to indicate how little had been achieved since.(E) The author does not defend Chinese medicine against criticism; in fact, the author uses the example of Hua To to support Parkers opinion about the state ofscientific ignorance in China in the nineteenth century.2.This question asks which of the statements about Peter Parker is not true. Four of the statement can be verified in the text, allowing us to select the correct answer byprocess of elimination.(A) In the last paragraph, the passage states that Parker "acquired a reputation as a surgeon of such skill that the hospital quickly became a general hospital."(B) In the first paragraph, the passage states that Parker "offered free treatment for both rich and poor, so he must have believe that all deserved quality medicaltreatment.(C) CORRECT. While Parker did not feel that that nineteenth century Chinese medical practices were advanced, the passage never mentions an emotion similar to"disdain" in describing Parker's feelings towards these practices.(D) In the second paragraph, the passage states that Parker "returned to the United States to raise money and interest in his operations." Additionally, Parker "and hisBritish colleagues formed the Medical Missionary Society of China to coordinate the efforts of all the western hospitals springing up in the trading ports of Asia."(E) The second paragraph opens with the statement that Parker had, at best, modest success attracting converts to Christianity," suggesting that he did notcompletely achieve his missionary goals.3. The question asks for the primary purpose of the passage. In other words, what was the author's agenda in writing the passage? The correct answer must take theentirety of the passage into account without misrepresenting the author's intent. Typically, the opening paragraph and the topic sentences of each paragraph willreveal the focus of the passage.(A) The passage focuses primarily on the medical activities of Peter Parker in China and on behalf of China, not on the status of the medical profession in China beforehis arrival in the country.(B) The author summarizes the contributions of Peter Parker, ending the passage with the statement that Parker has thus been credited with bringing Westernmedicine to China, but does not argue that China could not have gained modern medical knowledge without the influence of Peter Parker.(C) The passage focuses on the introduction of Western medicine into China, not the state of medicine in China before the nineteenth century.(D) The only view of nineteenth century Chinese medicine presented in the passage is that of Peter Parker, who spoke on the subject in his talks once back in the West.The passage does not challenge Parkers view.(E) CORRECT. The passage as a whole concerns the activities of Peter Parker and his influence in bringing Western medicine to China in the nineteenth century._________________ Nitinaka19 wrote: Thanks for the clarification,Still there are certain queries i need to clarify, As you mention its a causative statement, which i really found very useful and really make this analysis a bit easy to understand. So going with this understanding , Criminal who took courses leads to fewer crime. Now in option A states after negating , Criminal not taking course will leads to no fewer crime and this means its not a valid assumption. (No X no Y structure is not a valid assumption) But in Option C your negated statement says " people who chose the courses were in any case likely to commit fewer crimes." whereas mine negated statement is "The group of inmates who chose to take college-level courses were already less likely than other inmates to commit crimes after being released." howcome "were already less likely than other inmates " leads to "any case likely to ? what i assume is less likely than other inmates is just a part of modifier which can be neglected while negating. Please correct my understading where i'm wrong? and answering to your questions. He is unlikely to kill anyone negated statement would be He is likely to kill anyone or can we say He is unlikely to kill no one ? i'm having doubt on the latter statement? Thanks Hi Chiranjeev,Thanks for the clarification,Still there are certain queries i need to clarify,As you mention its a causative statement, which i really found very useful and really make this analysis a bit easy to understand.So going with this understanding , Criminal who took courses leads to fewer crime.Now in option A states after negating , Criminal not taking course will leads to no fewer crime and this means its not a valid assumption. (No X no Y structure is not a valid assumption)But in Option C your negated statement says " people who chose the courses were in any case likely to commit fewer crimes."whereas mine negated statement is "The group of inmates who chose to take college-level courses were already less likely than other inmates to commit crimes after being released."howcome "were already less likely than other inmates " leads to "any case likely to ?what i assume is less likely than other inmates is just a part of modifier which can be neglected while negating.Please correct my understading where i'm wrong?and answering to your questions.He is unlikely to kill anyone negated statement would beHe is likely to kill anyone or can we say He is unlikely to kill no one ? i'm having doubt on the latter statement?Thanks likely to deter some people from crimes that they might likely to commit fewer less likely to commit Hi Nitin,Let's struggle on this togetherEven though you have rejected option A, your reason is still not correct. So, there's more to learn hereBefore we look at option A again, let's look at the simple examples of negation that I asked you to attempt:Statement: He is unlikely to kill anyone.To negate any statement, you need to first understand the meaning of the statement. Reliance on rules (negating the verb etc) is not always helpful. What is the meaning of the above statement?It means that there is very less chance that he will kill anyone. So, it is a milder version of saying that He will not kill anyone. Right?Now, what will be the negation of this statement?Negation means saying something exactly opposite of the original statement.The negation would be a milder version of "He will kill someone" (If he kills anyone, the original statement falls apart. He need not kill everybody to breakdown the original statement. Even if he kills one person, the original statement falls apart)Now, the negation would be "He is likely to kill someone".Now, what if you just said "He is likely to kill anyone". What would it mean?It would mean that any person who comes in front of him is likely to be killed. In other words, it means that he is likely to kill everyone. But you know now that this is not what we require in the negation.Hope this part is clear!If not, spend some more time on it before moving forward.Coming to option A now,The negation of option A would be:Not being able to take college-level courses while in prison isotherwise have committed.Now, here you need to clearly understand the original meaning of option A. Only then would you be able to see how exactly the above negation is arrived at.What does this negated statement means?It means that "not taking college-level courses" is actually good for some people as it deters them from crime. Right?Now, it does weaken the conclusion, which indicates that we should offer college-level courses.Right?But how should negation of an assumption affect the conclusion?Should it weaken the conclusion or break it down?The answer is that the negation of an assumption should break-down the conclusion. In other words, once the assumption is negated, we should not have any belief in the validity of the conclusion.Now, this is not the case here. Agreed that option A indicates that not taking college level course will help some people but what about the rest (or even majority) of the people? If the college level courses help majority of the people, then we should have them even if some people are benefited from not having them. (So, you can see the conclusion can still hold even after negating option A)Now coming to option C,We are both saying the same thing, NitinI am saying they arecrimes.You are saying they arecrimes.See there is a word "fewer" in my sentence, which is missing in yours.Both mean the same.I hope it helps!Please let me know if you still have questionsThanks,Chiranjeev_________________ Grand Old Partisan salutes Thomas Jefferson Henderson, born in Tennessee this day of 1824. Age eleven, he relocated to an Illinois farm with his parents. He studied law while working for a county court. This former Whig won election to the state house and attended the founding convention of the Illinois GOP. In 1854, Henderson won a term in the state house of representatives. He voted for Abraham Lincoln in a U.S. Senate election until Lincoln asked his supporters in the legislature to throw their votes to another anti-slavery candidate so that a Democrat would not be elected. He next was elected, as a Republican, to the state senate. Though choosing not to run for re-election, he did campaign vigorously for the Lincoln/Hamlin ticket in the presidential campaign. "It was my good fortune, I have always thought, to have known Abraham Lincoln, personally, from my boyhood." During the Civil War, Henderson recruited a company of volunteers and enlisted as colonel of the 112th Illinois Infantry. This regiment fought at Knoxville and Resaca and Atlanta, where he was shot in the leg. Henderson cast an electoral vote for the Grant/Colfax ticket. President Ulysses Grant appointed him a collector of internal revenue. In 1874, Henderson won the first ten terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and he would chair the Republican caucus. Infrastructure development was his top legislative priority. Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4vO2CKaJyyQ Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement. Each day, his Grand Old Partisan blog celebrates more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far. Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision. Buy the book at Amazon See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party. "This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!" "Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP." "Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan." "Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before." and "one of the best books I ever read" 2018 dealer event combines recognition, business development, camaraderie and boat testing, along with an exciting new-product preview for 2019 NEODESHA, Kansas, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premium luxury manufacturer Cobalt Boats marked another strong year with a two-day event that celebrated its World Class Dealer Network at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center near Dallas in Grapevine, TX. The mid-October event also provided a showcase for dealers to test-drive boats at the nearby Silver Lake Marina and preview the new 2019 Model A36BR. Dealer Highlights Highlights of the dealer schedule included the general business meeting, featuring sales, new-product, company and marketing information, beginning with an evening reception that included line dancing, live bands and photo ops with a Texas longhorn steer. The general meeting gave the company the chance to recognize the 81 Cobalt dealerships that achieved a Net Promoter Score of 80+, earning them the Cobalt 2018 CSI Award for customer service excellence. The keynote address came from the celebrated public speaker Andy Andrews, whose presentation about improving leadership skills was based on his international best-selling book, The Travelers Gift: Seven Decisions That Work 100% of the Time. Breakout sessions covered business development topics and a special interactive session with Cobalts engineering team on Understanding the Design Expectations of the Cobalt Customer. Accompanying these activities were boat-testing opportunities and a vendor mall where some 30 of Cobalts top vendor partners displayed products. The meetings grand finale was a cocktail reception and awards banquet, honoring these Cobalt dealers with the highest combined Net Promoter Score (NPS) and sales volume: Platinum Dealers- Singleton Marine Group, Buford, GA; Village Marina, Eldon, MO; Seattle Boat Company, Inc., Seattle, WA; Premier Marine, LLC, Middleton, MA; Arrowhead Yacht & Boat Sales, Ketchum, OK/Rogers, AR; Boat Town, Inc., Austin, TX; Gordys Lakefront Marine, Fontana, WI; Marine Sales Group, Counce, TN; Boats By George, Inc., Lake George, NY; Slalom Shop, Lewisville, TX; Walkers Point Marina, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada; The Harbor, Branson, MO; Parks Marina, Okoboji, IA; Strongs Marine, LLC, Mattituck, NY Largest Dealer, Multiple Markets- Singleton Marine Group, Buford, GA Largest Dealer, Single Market- Village Marina, Eldon, MO Top International Dealer- Cobalt Australia, Coomera, Queensland, Australia Rookie of the Year- Sundance Marine, Miami, FL CSI Regional Awards (for outstanding customer service): Central Region: Lakeshore Sports, Conroe, TX; Southeast Region: Tom George Yacht Sales, Inc., Dunedin, FL; Northeast Region: Panther Run Marina, Inc., Raymond, ME; Western Region: Arrowhead Yacht & Boat Sales, Ketchum, OK/Rogers, AR In addition, special awards were presented to long-term Cobalt team member Debbie Meigs for her 45 years of service, and to 36-year dealer partners Earl & Sharon Dunn. Product Preview The 2019 product preview focused on the new A36BR, a crossover companion boat to one of 2018s stars, the A36 Coupe. The Model A36BRs Bow Rider design incorporates a spacious bow with a deck that simultaneously allows for functional interior ergonomics and a greater variety of day-boat features. Maintaining the distinctive profile of the A36 Coupe, the A36BR offers a level cockpit floor for comfortable seating, a deep and spacious bow area that gives it its name, and a quiet running experience via improved sound insulation and sealing in the engine compartment and cabin. Matching the original A36 Coupes performance and handling, the A36BR shares an extended running surface that makes both models exceptionally smooth and stable at high speeds. Initial deliveries for the new A36BR are scheduled for early 2019. About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com Contact: Kelle Pierce kellep@cobaltboats.com 1715 N. 8th St., Neodesha, KS 66757 800-835-0256 www.cobaltboats.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a9a33e0-f680-4d96-8bd1-07d947a2e2ea VANCOUVER, British Columbia and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (PTM:TSX; PLG:NYSE American) (Platinum Group PTM or the Company) reports the Companys financial results for the year ended August 31, 2018 and provides an update on recent events and the Companys outlook. The Company has focused its business on the palladium dominant large scale, bulk mineable Waterberg Project in South Africa (the Waterberg Project). A Definitive Feasibility Study, (DFS) for the Waterberg project is advancing well and according to plan with completion targeted for the end of March 2019. A technical committee of Waterberg JV Resources Pty Ltd. (Waterberg JV Co.) is overseeing the DFS with active participation from all partners. A formal Mining Right Application (MRA) has been filed and community consultation is ongoing. Power and water planning for the project is advancing well including work under a regional water co-operation agreement with the Capricorn Municipality and engineering and permitting work with power utility Eskom. Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (Implats) made a strategic investment of $30.0 million in November 2017 to purchase a 15% stake in the project. Implats holds an option to increase their stake and a right of first refusal for smelter off-take. On October 25, 2018 the Company announced positive results from additional drilling and an updated independent mineral resource assessment. This resource assessment has been provided to the independent engineers for the mine design, scheduling and capital cost estimation as part of the DFS. The Waterberg deposit is dominated by palladium and also contains platinum, rhodium and gold (together known as 4E) as well as copper and nickel. The Company has filed a Form 20-F annual report, including the Companys audited consolidated financial statements (the Financial Statements) and Managements Discussion and Analysis, for the year ended August 31, 2018 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on EDGAR ( www.sec.gov ) and with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The annual report is also available on the Companys website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the complete Financial Statements from the Company free of charge upon request. All amounts herein are reported in United States dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. The Company holds cash in Canadian dollars, United States dollars and South African Rand. Changes in exchange rates may create variances in the cash holdings or results reported. Recent Events On November 16, 2018, the Company filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report related to the updated independent mineral resource estimate for the Waterberg Project announced on October 25, 2018. The report, entitled Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Update for the Waterberg Project Located in the Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa is dated October 22, 2018 (with the effective date of the mineral resources being September 27, 2018) (the Waterberg Technical Report) and was prepared by Charles J Muller, B. Sc. (Hons) (Geology), Pr. Sci. Nat., of CJM Consulting (Pty) Ltd. A copy of the Waterberg Technical Report can be found at www.sedar.com , at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website. On October 25, 2018, the Company published an updated independent mineral resource estimate for the Waterberg Project on a 100% basis, with 6.26 million 4E ounces now recognized in the higher confidence Measured category. Mineral resources estimated in the combined Measured and Indicated categories increased by 1.46 million 4E ounces to 26.34 million 4E ounces (242.5 million tonnes at 3.38 g/t 4E comprised of 63.04% palladium, 29.16% platinum, 6.37% gold and 1.43% rhodium). Inferred mineral resources are estimated at 7.0 million 4E ounces (66.67 million tonnes at 3.26 g/t 4E). The T zone Measured and Indicated mineral resources have increased in grade from 3.88 g/t 4E in 2016 to 4.51 g/t 4E in 2018. All of the preceding was estimated at a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off grade, which is the preferred scenario for the project. Please refer to the Waterberg Technical Report for additional information regarding the updated mineral resource estimate. The new increased confidence level mineral resources are being used for detailed mine planning in an ongoing DFS. On October 10, 2018, the Company announced that a recently filed MRA (Press Release September 4, 2018) for Waterberg Project had been accepted by South Africas Department of Mineral Resources. The application consists of a Mining Work Program, Social and Labour Plan and associated Environmental Applications. The application is supported by the Company and all of the Waterberg Project partners including Implats, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. (Mnombo). The process of consultation under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 ("MPRDA") and the Environmental Assessment regulations, for consideration of the application has commenced. On May 15, 2018, the Company announced the closing of a private placement of 15,090,999 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $2.3 million. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant with each common share purchase warrant allowing the holder to purchase one further common share of the Company at a price of $0.17 per share until November 15, 2019. The private placement was a strategic investment by Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI), a South African black empowerment investment holding company with a $1.1 billion market capitalization listed on the JSE Securities Exchange. HCI also acquired a right to nominate one person to the board of directors of the Company and a right to participate in future equity financings of the Company to maintain its pro-rata interest (including the public offering outlined below). Accordingly, the Company has appointed HCIs nominee, Mr. John Anthony Copelyn, B.A. Hons, B.Proc., Chief Executive Officer of HCI, to its board of directors. On May 15, 2018, the Company also closed a marketed offering of 117,453,862 units, including 3,453,862 units issued pursuant to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $17.62 million. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant with each common share purchase warrant allowing the holder to purchase one further common share of the Company at a price of $0.17 per share until November 15, 2019. HCI subscribed for 24,909,000 units of this public offering. From the proceeds of this offering an amount of $12 million was paid against the LMM Facility (defined below). On April 26, 2018, stage two of the Maseve Sale Transaction (defined below) to sell a 100% equity interest in Maseve Investments 11 (Pty) Limited (Maseve), owner of the Maseve Mine, plus all of the Companys remaining loans due from Maseve, was completed. RBPlat paid 4.87 million common shares, valued in September 2017 at approximately $12 million (approximately $9.4 million on April 26, 2018). Later, on May 29, 2018, the Company received the required refund of Maseves environmental bond, valued at approximately $4 million in September 2017 (approximately $4.57 million on May 29, 2018). Of the 4.87 RBPlat common shares received, 347,056 common shares were paid to Africa Wide Mineral Prospecting and Exploration Proprietary Limited for their minority interest in Maseve. On April 10, 2018, the Company paid $46.98 million in settlement of all indebtedness under a first secured loan facility provided by a group of lenders led by Sprott Resource Lending Partnership. On the same date the Company paid $6.32 million to Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC (LMM) in partial settlement of fees and a production payment termination fee under a second secured loan facility (the LMM Facility). A payment of Rand 3.26 million (approximately $270,000) was also received from RBPlat for an exchange rate variance through the closing process of the Maseve Sale Transaction and was also paid to LMM. On April 6, 2018, stage one of the Maseve Sale Transaction to sell the Maseve concentrator plant and certain surface assets of the Maseve Mine was completed. The Company received payment from RBPlat for the Rand equivalent of $58 million in cash, less the Rand equivalent of approximately $3.5 million which had been released from an escrow deposit to the Company on March 15, 2018. On March 8, 2018, JOGMEC and Hanwa Co., Ltd. (Hanwa) signed a memorandum of understanding to transfer part of JOGMECs interest in the Waterberg Project to Hanwa. The agreement is the result of a public tender on February 23, 2018 won by Hanwa. JOGMEC has started negotiation on the terms of the transfer with Hanwa. With a successful negotiation, Hanwa will secure the right to a supply of refined platinum group metals for exhaust emission catalytic converters, fuel cells for cars, and nickel and other metals for rechargeable batteries. Hanwa is a leading global trading company headquartered in Tokyo Japan with over 3,000 employees and operations spanning steel, non-ferrous metals, metals and alloys, food, petroleum, chemicals, machinery, lumber and other business sectors. On November 23, 2017, the Company and RBPlat executed definitive agreements for the sale of Maseve (the Maseve Sale Transaction), valued at the time at approximately $74 million. On November 6, 2017, the Company, JOGMEC and Mnombo closed a transaction to sell 15% of the Waterberg Project to Implats for $30 million, from which the Company received $17.2 million for its sale of an 8.6% project interest. Implats may elect to increase its stake to 50.01% through additional share purchases from JOGMEC for an amount of $34.8 million and earn into the remaining interest by committing to an expenditure of $130 million for development work on the Waterberg Project. Implats will also have a right of first refusal to smelt and refine Waterberg Project concentrate. Results For The Year Ended August 31, 2018 During the year ended August 31, 2018, the Company incurred a net loss of $41 million (August 31, 2017 net loss of $590 million). General and administrative expenses during the year were $6.1 million (August 31, 2017 - $5.7 million), losses on foreign exchange were $4.1 million (August 31, 2017 $4.6 million gain) due to the US Dollar increasing in value relative to the parent companys functional currency of the Canadian Dollar, while stock based compensation expense, a non-cash item, totalled $0.08 million (August 31, 2017 - $1.1 million). During the previous year the Company recognized an impairment charge against the carrying value of the Maseve Mine in the amount of $589 million. Also, during the current year, care and maintenance costs and interest costs were charged to earnings, whereas in the previous comparable period they had been capitalized. A gain on fair value of financial instruments of $3.7 million (August 31, 2017 - $2.1 million gain) was recognized in the current year due to a decrease in the value of the embedded derivatives in the Companys convertible notes. At August 31, 2018, finance income consisting of interest earned and property rental fees in the year amounted to $0.7 million (August 31, 2017 - $1.1 million). Loss per share for the year amounted to $0.20 as compared to a loss of $4.30 per share for fiscal 2017. Accounts receivable at August 31, 2018 totalled $0.9 million (August 31, 2017 - $2.1 million) while accounts payable and accrued liabilities amounted to $3.6 million (August 31, 2017 - $16.4 million). Accounts receivable were comprised of mainly of amounts receivable for value added taxes repayable to the Company in South Africa. Accounts payable included final severance and closure costs related to the Maseve Mine, drilling expenses, engineering fees, accrued professional fees and regular trade payables. Total expenditures on the Waterberg Project, before partner reimbursements, for the year were approximately $9.1 million (August 31, 2017 - $5.7 million). At year end, $29.4 million in accumulated net costs had been capitalized to the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the property since inception are approximately $62 million. For more information on mineral properties, see Note 7 of the Financial Statements. Outlook The Companys key business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project. Engineering work, mine planning, public consultation for a mining right, geotechnical drilling and sampling for planning and permitting of the mine infrastructure are all ongoing. The Company plans to increase its profile by focusing on the competitive nature of the large-scale, bulk mineable Waterberg palladium reserves at a time when palladium is attracting market attention and palladium supply is estimated to be in deficit. Waterberg JV Co. plans to advance the Waterberg Project to completion of a DFS by approximately March 31, 2019. The DFS is being managed by Platinum Group and a technical committee of Waterberg JV Co. with detailed technical input, at all stages, from all of the Waterberg Project partners. The ongoing DFS is considering two large scale underground bulk mining and milling options, one at 600,000 tonnes per month and a more modest, but still large, first phase at 250,000 to 350,0000 tonnes per month. Waterberg JV Co. has filed an MRA and community consultation is ongoing in a positive climate of mutual respect. An environmental assessment process is also ongoing. The Waterberg Project has the potential to be a low-cost platinum and palladium producer based on a fully mechanized mine plan. The deposit is dominated by palladium. The price of palladium has nearly doubled since 2015 due to its primary use in catalytic converters for automobiles and its limited market supply. The Company is continuing to monitor the market and uses of palladium closely. In the near term, the Companys liquidity will be constrained until financing has been obtained to repay and discharge remaining amounts of secured debt and for working capital purposes. The Company remains focussed on completing the Waterberg DFS on time and on budget. At the same time the Company has started reviewing several new business opportunities focused on platinum group element metals, including extraction opportunities and potential new uses. The Company will continue to work closely with its major shareholders and lenders on the steps ahead. The Company continues to actively assess corporate and strategic alternatives with advisor BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. NYSE American As previously disclosed, the Company is not in compliance with the continued listing standards of the NYSE American Company Guide (the Company Guide) with respect to stockholders equity, or Section 1003(f)(v) of the Company Guide with respect to the selling price of the Companys common shares. In order to increase the Companys common share price to be in compliance with the NYSE Americans low selling price requirement, on November 20, 2018 the Company announced its intention to complete a consolidation of its common shares on the basis of one new share for ten old shares (1:10), effective at 9:00 a.m. (New York time) on December 13, 2018. The Companys consolidated common shares are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and NYSE American when the markets open on December 17, 2018. The Company also advises that its Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018, included in the Company's Form 6-K, contain an audit report from its independent registered public accounting firm that includes a going concern emphasis of matter. The foregoing statement is required by Section 610(b) of the NYSE American Company Guide. Qualified Person R. Michael Jones, P.Eng., the Companys President, Chief Executive Officer and a shareholder of the Company, is a non-independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and is responsible for preparing the technical information contained in this news release. He has verified the data by reviewing the detailed information of the geological and engineering staff and independent qualified person reports as well as visiting the Waterberg Project site regularly. About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Platinum Group is focused on, and is the operator of, the Waterberg Project, a bulk mineable underground deposit in northern South Africa. Waterberg was discovered by the Company. Waterberg has potential to be a low cost dominantly palladium mine and Implats, a smelter and refiner of platinum group metals, recently made a strategic investment in the Waterberg Project. On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Frank R. Hallam CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director For further information contact: R. Michael Jones, President or Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450 www.platinumgroupmetals.net Disclosure The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management. This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of a DFS by approximately March 31, 2019; Waterberg Projects potential to be a bulk mineable, low cost, dominantly palladium mine producing platinum and palladium based on a fully mechanized mine plan; the potential for the Company to obtain financing to repay and discharge remaining amounts of secured debt and for working capital purposes; new business opportunities; corporate and strategic alternatives; completion of the share consolidation; and regaining compliance with the NYSE Americans low selling price requirement. Mineral resource and reserve estimates are also forward-looking statements because such estimates involve estimates of mineralization that may be encountered in the future if a production decision is made, as well as estimates of future costs and values. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the Companys inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise sufficient additional capital to make payment on its indebtedness, and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness; additional financing requirements; the Companys inability to sell its shares of Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited; the Companys credit facility (the LMM Facility) with Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC (LMM) is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of Platinum Group Metals (RSA) Proprietary Limited (PTM RSA), and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Limited (Waterberg JV Co.) to Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of LMM, under the LMM Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of the Companys interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project in the event of a default under the LMM Facility or any new secured indebtedness; the Companys history of losses and negative cash flow; the Companys ability to continue as a going concern; the Companys properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co., Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. or Maseve; completion of a DFS for the Waterberg Project is subject to economic analysis requirements; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; the Companys common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain or regain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Companys most recent Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Companys business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement 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 statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Estimates of mineralization and other technical information included herein have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a final or bankable feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As a result, the reserves reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7. In addition, the terms mineral resource and measured mineral resource are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and historically have not been permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC pursuant to SEC Industry Guide 7. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Accordingly, descriptions of the Companys mineral deposits in this press release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of SEC Industry Guide 7. The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoards Dairyman. The dairy groups called on the ministers to reject trade distorting actions, such as imposing unscientific, overly burdensome or trade-distorting nontariff regulations; unilaterally raising tariffs in ways that are not WTO-compliant; or providing WTO illegal export subsidies. They said these actions undermine the functioning of value chains and lead to trade diversion, more volatile commodity prices and a less efficient allocation of resources with higher costs. Joint media statement Dairy Associations representing the majority of global trade in dairy products are calling on G20 Ministers to prioritise maintaining, reforming and reinvigorating the multilateral rules-based trading system. We have come together as representatives of the dairy industries in Argentina (Centro de la Industria Lechera); Australia (Australian Dairy Industry Council); the European Union (European Dairy Association and Eucolait); New Zealand (Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand); the United States (International Dairy Foods Association, National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council) and Uruguay (Camara de la Industria Lactea del Uruguay) because of the collective importance we place on there being a rules-based multilateral system which is respected and adhered to. We strongly agree with the G20 Trade Ministers statement of September 2018, that international trade is an important engine of growth, productivity, innovation, job creation and development. The multilateral trading system has supported trade and contributed to unprecedented improvement in standards of living around the globe over the last 60 years. Since Agriculture was brought under the WTO framework, by the 1995 Uruguay Round agreement, dairy trade has nearly doubled, as regional and global food chains have expanded to provide high quality dairy products to an increasing number of consumers at affordable prices. We also agree with G20 Trade Ministers that Agro-Food Global Value Chains are one of the most important means to achieve a sustainable food future. It is therefore important that all WTO members respect their WTO commitments and work collectively to strengthen and advance the WTO frameworks. Our organisations collectively call on G20 leaders to reject trade distorting actions, such as imposing unscientific, overly burdensome or trade-distorting nontariff regulations; unilaterally raising tariffs in ways that are not WTO-compliant; or providing WTO illegal export subsidies. These actions undermine the functioning of value chains, lead to trade diversion, more volatile commodity prices and lead to a less efficient allocation of resources with higher costs. We urge G20 members to intensify efforts to establish a roadmap for the WTO that cements its important role into the future. We recognise that the WTO needs to continue to adapt to changing global economic and trading circumstances to address current concerns, maintain its relevance and lay the basis for future, sustainable growth in trade, including for dairy. We consider the changes needed include: reform of the dispute settlement system; improving transparency and timeliness of subsidy notifications; clarifying the procedures for administering tariff quotas to markedly improve fill rates; and additional improvements to address trade-distorting practices. The multilateral trading system is too important to our sectors, and to achieving a sustainable food future, to be left to one side. We call upon G20 leaders to put their collective leadership behind evolving and strengthening the WTO multilateral trading structure and architecture, including its dispute settlement system. The idea is that when an online tool discovers a fragment of information it can be added to a constellation of millions of others - revealing links that might otherwise have gone undetected or taken much longer to uncover. In 2017 legislation, the EU said that serious crimes, such as attacks on a persons life, or the threat to commit them, can qualify as a terrorist offence if they have the goal of intimidating a population or destroying a countrys economic, political or social structures. Terror groups ranging from the Islamic State to right-wing supremacist organisations use digital media to disseminate propaganda, recruit and train people, raise funds and move money around, and communicate with each other. In recent years, such content has grown in velocity, volume and variety according to Professor Babak Akhgar, director of the Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence and Organised Crime Research at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Appearing in multiple languages and media forms, this content penetrates not just the easily accessible surface web but also the deep web - accessible to an ordinary person but not to a search bot, for example, password-protected sites - and the deliberately anonymised and concealed dark web, which can only be accessed by using special software. With the rise in this material online, law enforcement agencies are looking for ways to trawl through it more efficiently, says Jonathan Middleton, acting head of international programmes at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). According to him, agencies currently tend to use different tools in isolation, and therefore may miss the connections between pieces of information. They might use one tool to do a web search, for example, and another to monitor online social media, he said. Researchers with a project called DANTE are now combining various tools into a single platform, to automate the tracking of money flows, and dig out propaganda and training materials. Fundraising Online fundraising for terrorism has shifted in recent years onto the dark web, where cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and others are harnessed to channel money made from, for example, trade in firearms and illegal drugs. Its about trying to make it more efficient and effective for the analyst.Jonathan Middleton, Acting Head of International Programmes, Police Service of Northern Ireland Ernesto La Mattina, head of the Homeland Security Unit at the Italian software company Engineering Ingegneria Informatica, and project coordinator for DANTE, says that while cryptocurrencies are renowned for being secure, each chain of transactions has to be initiated by someone and that provides a point of vulnerability, such as an email address, where identity can be probed. Linking this snippet with information extracted from other arenas can help law enforcers reconstruct the entire crime storytelling, he said. DANTE is integrating tools such as stylometric analysis in which algorithms note distinctive aspects of a text attributable to a specific person such as the frequency of use of certain words, grammatical structures and sentence patterns. This provides insights into the educational level, gender or age of the writer. In lab tests using known participants, its accuracy is around 90%, says La Mattina. The platform also includes tools that analyse audio translating, transcribing and trying to identify the speaker and videos. The video tools use algorithms to alert analysts to interesting objects or features such as weapons, tattoos or flags. The five languages chosen for the project English, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish are analysed in two ways. A deep semantic analysis of the original text is carried out as well as an analysis of its English translation. Both DANTE and another pan-European project, TENSOR, work with national law enforcement agencies which stipulate what they need in their operations. TENSOR is in fact coordinated by a law enforcement agency, PSNI, and focuses on detecting the planning of terrorist events, radicalisation and recruitment. Counterparts in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain and the UK are piloting the project. As with DANTE, TENSOR researchers are pulling together myriad types of analysis onto the same platform so the relationships between pieces of information can be collated and considered on a single computer screen. Tools include semantic analysis of the relationships between words, artificial intelligence, deep learning, social media analytics, multi-media forensic analysis and classification. Tampered A multi-media forensic tool might, for example, assess a propaganda video to see whether it has been tampered with for example, by splicing in a scene that comes from a movie, says Prof. Akhgar, a TENSOR collaborator. Classification tools arrange millions of data fragments in a graspable set of hierarchies, or taxonomies. They can be arranged like an exploding star packed with content that reveals itself in ever-increasing detail at a click. The TENSOR platform uses tools like link graphs to join up different pieces of information. Image credit - International Programmes Office Its about trying to make it more efficient and effective for the analyst, who will ultimately have to review any data thats retrieved or identified and make that recommendation on what action should be taken, said Middleton, project coordinator for TENSOR. Last month, at the first prototype testing of the TENSOR platform, Middleton says law enforcers were excited about the amount and kind of information that can be returned. Theyre seeing all those individual pieces of information in one program, in one desktop, he said. So rather than scrolling between different software solutions and trying to extract information out of each solution they are actually getting all the analytics back in a much more useable manner. All this has to be achieved while respecting privacy and legal protection, which is a great challenge, say the projects collaborators. There are lots of tools providers out there who are doing all sorts of things, said Prof. Akhgar. But as soon as they would bring that piece of kit to the operational environment they would find that its not legal to use it, or the data obtained from it is not admissible in court, or they are breaching the General Data Protection Regulation, or breaching human rights law or whatever it is within the EU framework of legislation. And the tool becomes useless. He said: It is critical that everything which we pull together is done on the basis of fundamental rights and GDPR guidelines. The research in this article was funded by the EU. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media. What a lot of blathering went on at a recent House tourism committee hearing called to chew fat about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and its nonprofit foundation, which is threatening to sell Abes stuff unless the state writes a check. The Nov. 13 shindig gave lawmakers a chance to question big shots on the foundations board, which, while reportedly sober, agreed to pay $23 million in borrowed money for relics owned by a board member. Eleven years later, and with money still owed, the foundation wants more than $9 million of taxpayer money. Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-I Wanna Be Chicago Mayor, is sponsoring a bailout bill and asked such silly questions as whether the foundation board gets along with the board of the museum, which has no board. The representative also said that he likes getting his picture taken alongside a fake Frederick Douglass whenever he visits Abe World. I prefer posing in front of the painting that depicts Bill Cellini looking over Lincolns shoulder either that or the one that includes an image of Julie First Citizen Cellini, who was on both the board of the state agency that ran the museum and the board of the private foundation that borrowed the money and is now mastermind of the Abraham Lincoln Artifact Hostage Crisis. Insiders always have run ALPLM, which was clear as foundation officials droned about how board members are selected and that the foundation follows tax laws and that audits have come out clean and that Lincoln was a great guy and blah, blah, woof, woof while the clock ticked toward adjournment. Lots of questions went unasked while lawmakers allowed the rambling to continue. For example, why didnt the price decrease when a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was originally supposed to be part of the purchase, wasnt included in the final deal cut in 2007? After all, a copy of the document signed by Lincoln sold for $2.17 million in 2016. Like infomercial hucksters, foundation officials touted a recent appraisal: Forty objects from the 1,500-artifact collection less than three percent, volume-wise are worth, by themselves, $10.3 million! OK. Who did the appraisal? What objects were included? Can we see a copy? Lawmakers never asked, and when I queried ALPLM director Alan Lowe, he said that he didnt know the answers. None of your damn business thats, essentially what Ray McCaskey, foundation chairman, said after the hearing, when he wasnt boasting that the foundation is a barebones outfit thats down to eight employees, only one of whom makes more than the governor. Will you make the appraisal public? The appraisal was made for a specific purpose, which was conversations with the legislature, McCaskey answered. If they ask for it, well certainly give it to them. But we had some agreements with the appraiser about limiting it for the purposes of our discussions with the state. I personally dont have any problem making any of that public, but wed have to find out what our agreements are. Who was the appraiser? Off the top of my head, I cant tell you who that is, McCaskey responded. Its all information we can get that kind of thing. What objects were included in the appraisal? Obviously, it included some of the better things. Which ones? I dont know. Why didnt the price change when the Emancipation Proclamation, according to a contemporaneous email from Julie Cellini, was pulled from the 2007 transaction? I wasnt even on the board at that time, McCaskey offered. I really dont know. Would you buy a car from this guy? If so, I have a stovepipe hat that might interest you. Its not hard to understand why the foundation wouldnt want an appraisal to go public. Prior to the 2007 purchase, an appraiser spotted some fake documents and also warned that questions would be asked about the authenticity of a hat that purportedly once belonged to either Lincoln or Jack The Ripper, as well as a fan that Mary Todd Lincoln supposedly toted to Fords Theater as well as a clock that once, allegedly, was in the Great Emancipators law office. With questions getting tough outside the hearing room, a guy in a suit told reporters no mas. Were going to have to go, the suited stranger said as he cut reporters off. Who are you? He didnt answer as he and McCaskey walked away. This was a decided shift. We are an open book, Sarah Phalen, foundation treasurer, had told lawmakers during the hearing. Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Skeptical, posed the best question. What are your daily duties? the representative asked foundation chief executive officer Carla Knorowski, who collected more than $256,000 in compensation in 2017. As CEO, Im chief ambassador of the institution, answered Knorowski, who lives in Chicago, 200 miles north of foundation headquarters. I raise money for the institution. I oversee, with my chief operating officer, the oversight of the staff. When it is constituted, I am liaison to the board of directors for the agency [the ALPLM, remember, has no board]. I meet with donors. Just as James Bond escapes sinking submarines, artifacts wont budge. While the foundation liaisons and ambassadors itself to the next farce, important stuff, like putting every document Lincoln ever wrote or read online, is overlooked. Just three people are employed by the Papers of Abraham Lincoln project, which is supposed to make Abe, not just his gloves, accessible to the planet. Just a few years ago, there were nine, although plans and grant applications are pending, the museum says. Precious little has been published. Turn this place over to the National Archives. Yesterday. Contact Bruce Rushton at brushton@illinoistimes.com. Photo by Stacie Lewis A question asking voters if Capital Township should merge with Sangamon County will be put to voters in the April 2, 2019, Springfield city election, if enough signatures are collected. CAPITAL TOWNSHIP SHOULD GO TO CITY, NOT COUNTY Capital Township Supervisor Tom Cavanagh called it a no-brainer that the township should merge with Sangamon County after a large majority voted yes on the townships advisory referendum on that question in the November election. The real no-brainer from the election, though, is that voters are hungry for efficiency and consolidation in government. They want their hard-earned money that they have to pay in taxes to be spent cost-effectively, and they want to abolish unnecessary and overlapping governments such as Capital Township. With its 6,963 units of local government, Illinois has more than any other state by a long shot. Much larger Texas is next with 5,417, and thats 1,816 less than Illinois! What the advisory referendum results do not show is that voters prefer to have Capital Township merge with much larger Sangamon County as opposed to it being dissolved into the city of Springfield, which has the same boundaries as the township. That question was not on the November ballot because Ald. Andrew Proctor and six other aldermen rejected Mayor Jim Langfelders ordinance to put that question to voters. That question will finally be put to voters in the April 2 city election, if enough signatures are collected. Sam Cahnman Springfield MAKE ALPLM INDEPENDENT After reading the article about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, its money woes, and not being able to authenticate several items that belonged to Lincoln (Questions not limited to hat, by Bruce Rushton, Nov. 15), I had a good laugh. The bigger issue here is not the authenticity of the items but how the Lincoln museum is going to the state for a bailout of $9 million when it should be independently run just like most other museums in the country. Because of the fact that they are a state-run entity, they do not have transparency, as Rep. Tim Butler pointed out, and can be bailed out at the taxpayer expense because of long-standing financial purchases from 2007. What is more outrageous is that some higher-level positions within the museum pay six figures with full pension and benefits. A guest to the museum would think that each of the higher positions would have to have advanced degrees or a deep museum background. Of course at the Lincoln museum it is the exact opposite, where they are political appointees and did not go to school for learning how to maintain a museum. There was absolutely no reason why Eileen Mackevich should have been director of the museum for as long she was had she not been a friend and donor to Pat Quinn. Interestingly enough, she was shown the door a couple of years into Bruce Rauners term for that exact reason. When I worked at the museum for a little over a year, I hardly saw Mackevich in her office and the only time I did see her was at special events that included high-profile people with big checkbooks. I believe one or even two things should be considered going forward. First, I think the museum should be audited, judging by its massive debt and high salaries. Second, I think the state government should strongly consider making the museum and its foundation independent, eliminating the political appointees and giving jobs back to the private sector. In this case, people who have education and background in museums, unlike people who are put there just because they are married to or know someone in government. Ben Brislawn Springfield Former alderman Frank Edwards, left, will face Mayor Jim Langfelder in the April mayoral election. Its been a dozen years since Springfield has seen a two-horse mayoral race. In 2007, incumbent Tim Davlin shellacked Bruce Strom, who got less than 40 percent of the vote, both in the primary and the general election. In 2011, seven mayoral candidates crowded the primary ballot; in 2015, there were five. And now, we are, again, down to two, with former alderman Frank Edwards being the only candidate to file against Mayor Jim Langfelder, who never has had a close call at the polls. Before winning the mayors post in 2015 with 55 percent of the vote, Langfelder had last faced an opponent in 2003, when he got nearly 60 percent in his first of three successful bids for treasurer. Edwards says he figures hes the underdog, but thats true of anyone running against an incumbent. He says he cant think of anything that the mayors done well; Langfelder says hes done plenty. The candidates views also diverge on money. Edwards, whose campaign committee filed organization papers last week, predicted a $300,000 price tag for his campaign, with the tab for both candidates exceeding $500,000. The mayor, who spent nearly $200,000 in 2017 and had $52,000 on hand at the end of September, projected his campaign budget at $100,000, noting that there will be no primary before the April 2 general election. Edwards has been in the mix since October, when he attended a meeting at headquarters for Laborers Local 477, whose business manager, Brad Schaive, at the time said he was trying to find candidates to challenge Langfelder. Edwards declined to tell Illinois Times who attended the meeting, Schaive could not be reached for comment. Rosemarie Long, chairwoman of the Sangamon County Republican Party, said that the GOP doesnt plan to issue an endorsement in the nonpartisan race. But that doesnt mean we wont work to support him, Long said. Edwards, who got party support when he ran for city treasurer in 2015, said he expects labor support in the mayors race. The mayor chuckled when asked whether he and Schaive have exchanged Christmas gift wish lists. Weve never exchanged Christmas gifts, Langfelder said before praising Schaive for being an effective union leader. Hes a great leader for his group, the mayor said. I have to represent 115,000 people. Langfelder downplayed the importance of organized labors support of his 2015 candidacy. I owe the victory to the voters of Springfield, the mayor said. They were one of many groups that helped out. Edwards last appeared on a municipal ballot in 2015, when he was beaten by Misty Buscher, whod never before run for elective office and won the treasurers office with 55 percent of the vote over the veteran officeholder. I cant explain that, to be real honest with you, says Edwards, who allows that he may have underestimated his opponent. I didnt work as hard as I should have. I wasnt out there fighting the battle that I should have fought, educating the people like I should have done. This time, Edwards says, will be different. I think its going to be an all-out fight, he says. Edwards criticizes Langfelder for pushing through tax hikes. I see people leaving, I see job loss, Edwards says. Our towns dying. And yet our taxes keep going up. Edwards says the city should be able to balance books from efficiencies as opposed to raising taxes, and he says hed instill an immediate hiring freeze if hes elected. Our finances are in terrible shape, he says. If were raising taxes, why are we hiring people? Edwards also says that crime is an issue, pointing to a real-estate website called neighborhoodscout.com, which scores cities on crime and says that Springfield is a four on a 1-to-100 scale, with 100 being safest, making the capital city more dangerous than East St. Louis, which got a six, and Chatham, which was rated at 82. Edwards said that he has not examined crime statistics published by the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that both violent crime and property crime rates in Springfield have remained essentially flat between 2014, the year before Langfelder took office, and last year, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Edwards wouldnt say whether hed replace police chief Kenny Winslow, who was on the wrong end of a no-confidence vote by officers last year. Im not prepared to say that right now, Edwards said. He said he didnt have a position on whether the city properly handled the case of Samuel Rosario, an officer fired in 2017 after getting into a fistfight with a man who had exchanged insults with the officer. Edwards said it wouldnt be appropriate to comment on the case of Sgt. Gary Wangard, who is under investigation after a woman was shot in October, five days after the sergeant was captured on video telling an arrestee that the womans son had been an informant. Edwards said he cant think of anything that Langfelder has done well. Ive tried to come up with something, Edwards said. Thats why Im running for mayor. Evidently, he hasnt followed city government very well, Langfelder responded. The mayor pointed to the citys successful effort to persuade the legislature to enable renewal of the downtown tax-increment financing district as one of many accomplishments. He also said hes made hard decisions such as pushing for Bicentennial Plaza and demolition of the YWCA building on a now-vacant block with a purpose yet to be determined. The hard decision was bringing down the Y I took the hit on it, now people see the magnificence of the (governors) mansion, said Langfelder, who added that Edwards, while an alderman, voted to purchase the property without first getting an appraisal. Weve been making the tough decisions and really moving plans forward. Contact Bruce Rushton at brushton@illinoistimes.com. 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 Ajax, Ontario, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) held its Annual General Meeting, Awards Lunch and AGM Conference on November 27th at the Ajax Convention Centre in Ajax Ontario. The AGM Conference on "Nuclear Innovation and Medical Isotopes Saving Lives" discussed new technologies for producing a variety of medical isotopes in power reactors as well as in cyclotron facilities in Canada. Keynote speaker Mr. Rencheck shared Bruce Powers long-term vision on nuclear innovation and plan to invest almost $13 B in the Bruce reactors to ensure that the Bruce Site continues to supply reliable, cost-effective and non-GHG emitting electricity for homes, businesses and hospitals in Ontario up to 2064. Mike also spoke to the 150 OCNI members and guests attending the Awards Lunch about the importance of strong collaboration across the nuclear supply chain to ensure that the nuclear industry continues to innovate and attract the best young talent. James Scongack, Bruce Powers EVP of Corporate Affairs and Operational Services then spoke about the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and its mandate to inform the public and government decision-makers about how the Canadian nuclear industry impacts millions of lives in Canada and around the world by producing medical isotopes that keep our hospitals safe and effectively treat cancer. OCNI President Ron Oberth also presented a $1000 cheque to Janette Berthelot, Childrens & Pediatric Cancer Program Coordinator at the Oshawa Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, to help with the amazing support that the centre provides for young cancer patients and their families in Durham Region. The 2018 OCNI Supplier Excellence Award winners were also announced at Awards Lunch. I am proud to recognize OCNI member companies for their achievements exemplifying the strength and depth of Canadas nuclear supply chain. said OCNI President and CEO Ron Oberth in announcing the three awards. The award winners, as selected by the OCNI Awards Committee, are: Export Award: BWXT Canada for delivering world-leading nuclear products and services to customers in Argentina, China, France, Romania, South Korea including a 2017 shipment of two 500 tonne steam-generators to a customer in the USA; Innovation Award: ATS Automation for developing innovative tooling and a high fidelity MCR Integration facility in Cambridge that will ensure safe and cost-effective execution of the Bruce MCR Program; Customer Service Award: Promation Nuclear for consistently exceeding customer expectations in designing and delivering high-quality tooling, automation and robotic systems to the nuclear industry to customers OCNI is also pleased to announce that James Gandhi of Aecon Nuclear has been elected as Chair of its Board of Directors. OCNI members also approved the appointment of three new directors and three returning directors to the 13-person Board. The full list of OCNI directors for 2018-19 includes: James Gandhi, Aecon Nuclear, Chair Doug Burton, DB2 Consulting, Vice-Chair Brian Agnew, Mirion Technologies Canada, Treasurer Elizabeth Buckmaster, Hatch, Secretary newly appointed Desiree Norwegian, Abraflex newly appointed Doug Brophy, AECOM- newly appointed Jack Scott, Alberici Constructors Narinder Bains, ATS Automation Benoit Parent, Cummins Canada Michele Cheng-Newson, Lakeside Process Controls Jun Tang, BWXT Canada Ahab Abdel-Aziz, Gowling WLG Yung Hoang, Kinectrics Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) is an association of more than 220 Canadian suppliers to the nuclear industry that employ more than 14,000 highly skilled and specialized engineers, technologists, and trades people. OCNI companies design reactors, manufacture major equipment and components, and provide engineering services and support to CANDU nuclear power plants in Canada as well as to CANDU and Light Water Reactor (LWR) plants in offshore markets. -30- Attachment TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lingo Media Corporation (TSX-V: LM; OTC: LMDCF) ("Lingo Media" or the Company), a global provider of digital and print-based English Language Learning solutions, announces its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. All figures are reported in Canadian Dollars and are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards unless otherwise noted. Lingo Media continues to focus on delivering software and content development to address international market opportunities in the government, academic and corporate training sectors. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company entered into numerous strategic agreements, including closing multiple sales contracts, a distribution agreement for the Chinese market, and a worldwide alliance agreement to provide bundled courses with online testing services with iTEP International, said Gali Bar-Ziv, COO of Lingo Media. We continue to advance a deep and active sales pipeline and have been gaining traction in the marketplace, especially in Latin America and Asia. We continue to see strong market trends for English language learners and have positioned ourselves to capitalize on this sector growth with our fully modular and scalable innovative product offerings. Q3 2018 Operational Highlights entered into a commercial alliance agreement with iTEP International LLC, the developer of the International Test of English Proficiency, to provide bundled product and online English language learning testing solutions closed a sales contract and entered into a strategic agreement with Focus Your Mind in Colombia; Focus Your Mind has purchased licenses and is working with ELL Technologies to implement Focus Campus, a new on-line English language learning program across its network of schools and facilities entered into a distribution agreement with WARP Worldwide to market, distribute, and sell ELL Technologies full product suite of English language learning products and programs in China closed sales contract with Unidades Technologicas de Santander in Colombia, secured through distribution partner, e-Training SAS Financial Highlights for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Third Quarter Ended September 30th 2018 2017 Revenue $ 186,518 $ 354,914 Operating expenses 227,378 333,087 Development costs 69,864 - Income / (Loss) before amortization, share-based payments, depreciation, finance charges and taxes (110,724 ) 21,827 Amortization, share-based payments and depreciation 16,012 407,748 Finance charges, taxes, foreign exchange 29,814 88,892 Total expenses 343,068 829,727 Net loss (156,550 ) (474,813 ) Total comprehensive loss (160,765 ) (475,632 ) Loss per share $ (0.00 ) $ (0.01 ) Revenue for the period ended September 30, 2018 totalled $186,518, compared to $354,914 in 2017 Operating expenses for the period ended September 30, 2018 totalled $227,378, compared to $333,087 in 2017 Development cost for the period ended September 30, 2018 totalled $69,864, compared to $nil in 2017 as the company previously capitalized all development costs as intangible assets Net loss for the period ended September 30, 2018 was $156,550 or $(0.00) per share (basic) based on 35.5 million weighted number of common shares as compared to net loss of $474,813 for 2017 or $(0.01) per share (basic) on 35.5 million weighted number of common shares. Loss before amortization, share-based payments, depreciation, finance charges and taxes was $110,724 compared to the income before amortization, share-based payments, depreciation, finance charges and taxes $21,827 in 2017. Financial Highlights for the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Month Period Ended September 30th 2018 2017 Revenue $ 1,227,032 $ 2,021,806 Operating expenses 802,169 1,034,861 Development cost 407,300 - Income before amortization, share-based payments, depreciation, finance charges and taxes 17,563 986,945 Amortization, share-based payments and depreciation 92,300 1,042,952 Finance charges, taxes and foreign exchange 148,698 371,739 Total expenses 1,450,467 2,449,552 Net loss (223,435 ) (472,746 ) Total comprehensive loss (227,014 ) (429,513 ) Loss per share $ (0.01 ) $ ( 0.01 ) Income before amortization, share-based payments, depreciation, finance charges and taxes were $17,563, compared to $986,945 Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 totalled $1,227,032, compared to $2,021,806 for the same period in 2017 Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 totalled $802,169, compared to $1,034,861 for the same period in 2017 Net loss for the nine months was $223,435, compared to $472,746 for the same period in 2017 The unaudited condensed interim financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 and Management Discussion & Analysis are available at www.sedar.com. About Lingo Media Lingo Media is a global provider of best-in-class digital and print-based English language learning solutions that are Changing the way the world learns English. Developed for learners of English at every level, Lingo Medias ELL Technologies products combine a vast content library with proprietary technology. ELL Technologies intuitive dashboards enable students to track and manage their progress, and allow teachers to organize and interact with students, providing ongoing support. Lingo Medias Lingo Learning division is a print-based publisher of English language learning programs in China. Lingo Medias product and program are marketed through established sales channels to key education, government and business organizations in Latin America and China and continues to extend its global reach and expand its product offerings. Follow Lingo Media On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LingoMedia Twitter: @LingoMediaCorp YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lingomedialm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lingo-media-corporation RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/LingoMedia For further information, contact: Lingo Media Kim Nguyen, Director of Corporate Communications Tel: (+1) 416-927-7000 Ext. 40 Toll Free: 1-866-927-7011 Email: k nguyen @lingomedia.com To learn more, visit us at www.lingomedia.com Portions of this press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities laws. These statements are made in reliance upon Sections 21E and 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results, performance, or expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from management's expectations and projections and thus readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Lingo Media has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "may," "should," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "estimate" and similar expressions. Lingo Medias expectations, among other things, are dependent upon general economic conditions, the continued and growth in demand for its products, retention of its key management and operating personnel, its need for and availability of additional capital as well as other uncontrollable or unknown factors. No assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by US Federal securities laws, Lingo Media undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. Certain factors that can affect the Company's ability to achieve projected results are described in the Company's filings with the Canadian and United States securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml . ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 Strategic Expansion to Tap Increasing Demand and Drive Future Growth Provides Sustainable Energy and Clean Technology to Complement Usage of Natural Gas Aspires to Become an Integrated Smart Energy Provider in China HONG KONG, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changfeng Energy Inc. (TSXV: CFY) (Changfeng or the Company, together with its subsidiaries, the Group), an energy provider in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC), announces today its results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (the Period). For the Period, the Group recorded revenue of RMB290.6 million or CAD57.5 million (same period 2017: RMB266.3 million or CAD51.1 million), up 9% period-on-period (PoP). Gross profit recorded was RMB119.6 million or CAD23.7 million (same period 2017: RMB126.0 million or CAD24.2 million). Profit from continuing operations was RMB40.0 million or CAD7.9 million (same period 2017: RMB35.7 million or CAD6.9 million), increased by 12% PoP. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations was RMB0.62 or CAD0.12 (same period 2017: RMB0.54 or CAD0.10). In Guangdong Province, Changfeng completed construction of a 2.0-kilometer pipeline connecting the provincial natural gas trunk lines to the Gaoyao Combined Heat, Power and Cold Natural Gas Power Plant (the Datang Gaoyao Plant) owned by Guangdong Datang International Zhaoqing Heat & Power Co., Ltd. (Guangdong Datang). On November 14, 2018, Guangdong Datang began a successful trial operation to transport natural gas through the Changfeng pipeline to the Datang Gaoyao Plant. Changfeng is currently in negotiations with Guangdong Datang and Guangdong Grid on a definitive agreement to provide gas transmission service to the Datang Gaoyao Plant and expects to execute the definitive agreement in the near term. The recent trial run of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment from Canada to the PRC using ISO-containers was successfully completed. The LNG shipment arrived in Shanghai on 8 November 2018, and was sent onward to Hebei. Unlike the market price of pipeline gas, which is regulated by the PRC government, LNG prices are relatively deregulated and market-oriented. Accordingly, as management has observed that in the winter months, due to higher demand for natural gas required for heating in the PRC, the available supply of natural gas may be lower and trucked LNG prices may increase, there is an opportunity for the Company to increase its supply of LNG to customers at higher prices in the winter months. The trial shipment signifies a move to strategically position the Company to seize such opportunities and to tap the potential synergy of Sino-Canadian energy trading and the natural gas supply business. Mr. Huajun Lin, Chairman, President and CEO of Changfeng, who has over 20 years of experience in the natural gas industry, said: We are very pleased to see our pipeline in trial operation, the successful LNG shipment from Canada to the PRC and the signing of the agreement to jointly of the integrated district energy distribution project in the New Economic Development Zone of Meishan City, Sichuan Province, the PRC, a hub for manufacturers of drugs, health supplements, medical equipment, and other medical related supplies. With the PRC government pressing ahead with reforming the countrys energy structure, shifting away from a coal-based economy, we expect demand for natural gas as a clean energy source to remain strong. The Group is reaching another major milestone on the path of becoming an integrated smart energy provider in China with provision of sustainable energy and clean technology to complement the usage of natural gas. Business Review This is the second year of Changfengs three-year plan to strategically shift its corporate focus to sustainable energy in combination with natural gas to realize its aspiration of becoming an integrated energy provider in the PRC. Projects in Operation Currently, Changfeng has seven projects in operation: two pipeline natural gas distribution projects, three LNG supply distribution projects, and two compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle refueling stations. Changfeng has a 30-year exclusive concession right to distribute natural gas in Sanya City and supply natural gas to factories in Hebei and Hainan Province. Projects under Development Major projects under development include an integrated smart energy project (the Haitang Bay Integrated Smart Energy Project) which combines usage of multiple clean energy sources, including solar, hydro, electricity, and natural gas (CCHP/Co-Gen), to supply cooling, heating, as well as hot water to hotels, shopping centers, and households in the Haitang Bay area of Sanya City, Hainan Province. The Group has a 30-year concession right to build, own and operate four energy-processing stations in the Haitang Bay area of Sanya City, Hainan Province. Prospects and Strategic Focus The Chinese economy is moving away from coal dependency. To capitalize on opportunities the Company sees in the Chinese energy sector, Changfeng looks to integrated smart energy and clean technology to complement the usage of natural gas. Changfeng will continue to provide natural gas to its customers, which is a cleaner alternative to coal. Building on the successful trial shipment of LNG to Hebei in November this year, Changfeng will seek to broaden its LNG supply base outside of the PRC to meet increasing demand for natural gas. For the rest of 2018, Changfeng will continue to implement its long-term growth strategy which involves the proposed Guangdong Grid pipeline gas project in Western Guangdong Province, development of the Haitang Bay Integrated Smart Energy Project with EDF Group in Sanya City, with commercial operation expected by early 2019, and commencing development of the newly acquired Meishan Project. In addition, the Group will continue to work on preparing its Hong Kong IPO and targeting a listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in the first half of 2019. Mr. Lin concluded: Since its inception over 20 years ago, Changfeng has strived to provide natural gas, a cleaner alternative to coal, to customers. We believe smart energy is on a strong growth trend in China and is loaded with development potential and opportunities. On top of helping address the strong demand for natural gas in the region, we see our strategic development efforts opening to us opportunities in the China market at large. Changfeng will continue to adhere to its development strategies and draw from its abundant experience in operating its advanced business model to provide cleaner energy, as well as generate the highest returns for shareholders. About Changfeng Energy Inc. (Toronto listed symbol: TSXV:CFY) Changfeng Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company currently traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the stock symbol CFY. It is an integrated energy provider and natural gas distribution company (or natural gas utility) in the PRC. Changfeng strives to combine leading clean energy technology with natural gas usage to provide sustainable energy to its customer base in the PRC. In 2009, Changfeng was recognized as being one of Chinas the Top Ten Most Influential Brands in the Natural Gas Industry. For details of Changfeng, please visit: www.changfengenergy.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, Forward-Looking Statements). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this document are Forward-Looking Statements, including statements regarding activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future, the execution of a definitive agreement with Guangdong Datang and Guangdong Grid in the near term, statements regarding the PRC governments energy reform policies, the decreased supply, higher demand and increased prices for natural gas in the winter months, opportunities in respect of LNG supply, including importing LNG from Canada, the strategic positioning of the Company to seize opportunities for LNG supply, the expectation that demand for natural gas will remain strong, the movement of the Chinese economy away from coal, opportunities in the Chinese energy sector, the Companys long-term growth strategy, the timing for the Hong Kong IPO and listing of the Companys shares on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the strong growth trend for smart energy in China. These Forward-Looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as will, expect, intend, plan, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue or similar words or the negative thereof. No assurance can be given that the plans, intentions or expectations or assumptions upon which these Forward-Looking Statements are based will prove to be correct and such Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such Forward-Looking Statements are not a guarantee of performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Statements. These factors include, without limitation, no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets, no changes in PRC energy policies that currently support clean energy, the availability of LNG sources at reasonable prices to the Company, and no inability for the Company to meet the listing rules of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or to complete an initial public offering in Hong Kong. Readers are cautioned that all Forward-Looking Statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Companys filings with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company urges readers to carefully consider those factors. The Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this document and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. 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. CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Investment Relations Investor.relations@changfengenergy.cn Ann Siyin Lin VP, Corporate Development ann.lin@changfengenergy.cn Tele-conference Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 Time: 10:00am (ET); 11:00pm (Beijing) Topic: Changfeng Energy Inc. 2018 Third Quarter Results Dial-in: North America: (+1) 416 764 8609 North American Toll Free: (+1) 888 390 0605 China North: 108007141938 China South: 108001401973 International Hong Kong: 800962712 VANCOUVER, B.C. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (Solar Alliance or the Company) (TSX-V: SOLR) is pleased to announce it has received TSX Venture Exchange approval to close an agreement with NuYen Blockchain Inc. (NuYen), announced on November 12, 2018, for the development of the Companys cryptocurrency mining facility in Murphysboro, Illinois. The agreement with NuYen is a joint venture with the Company pursuant to which the Company transferred the Murphysboro Facility to NuYen in exchange for NuYen reimbursing the Company US$40,000 representing the costs incurred by the Company to date. The Company retains a 2% net profits interest royalty in any blockchain mining operations conducted at the Murphysboro Facility payable to the Company quarterly. NuYen will upgrade the warehouse at its own cost for tenancy and undertake to contract the Company to fund the cost to construct and install a 1 MW solar project at the Murphysboro Facility at an agreed upon mark-up to cost. The Company will have the right of first offer to bid on an additional 4 MW solar expansion and battery storage when the Murphysboro Facility is expanded. Jason Bak, Chairman and CEO For more information: Solar Alliance Investor Relations Jason Bak, CEO (604) 2889051 jbak@solaralliance.com About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. ( www.solaralliance.com ) Solar Alliance is an international energy solutions provider focused on residential, commercial and industrial solar installations. The Company operates in California, Tennessee, North/South Carolina and Kentucky and has an expanding pipeline of solar projects. Since it was founded in 2003, the Company has developed wind and solar projects that provide enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. Our passion is improving life through ingenuity, simplicity and freedom of choice. Solar Alliance reduces or eliminates customers' vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally-friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words would, will, expected and estimated or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory and political competitive developments and technological or operational difficulties. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. 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." CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Premium Sand Inc. (TSXV: CPS) ("CPS" or the "Company") is pleased to announce today that it has entered into an Economic Participation Agreement (the "Participation Agreement") with Hollow Water First Nation ("Hollow Water") for the Company's Wanipigow Silica Sand Extraction Project (the "Wanipigow Sand Project") near Seymourville, Manitoba. The Participation Agreement reflects each party's commitment and support to advancing the Wanipigow Sand Project, and provides various economic and social benefits and opportunities, including employment, contracting and training initiatives. The term of the Participation Agreement is for the life of the Wanipigow Sand Project. The Council of Hollow Water First Nation has publicly stated: "We have listened to our elders, our community members, our environmental advisors, and our local neighbors. We have the mandate of our people to move forward in economic partnership with Canadian Premium Sand to build a prosperous future for our people in a way that protects and respects the lands we share, for the next 50 years and beyond." "We are honored to have our Wanipigow Sand Project move forward in partnership with the community of Hollow Water and highly value the support, input and guidance that local communities will bring to the project. We look forward to working together to enhance social and economic prosperity to Hollow Water and other local communities. Our Board and management would like to express our appreciation to the Chief, Councillors, Elders and community members for their courage and openness in helping to build trust and understanding of our respective goals and interests," stated Lowell Jackson, Executive Chairman. Additionally, the parties will establish several integrated committees, each with a specific mandate, to ensure there is continuous and direct dialogue between the parties on: permitting matters, environmental monitoring, employment and procurement opportunities, and managing the Participation Agreement itself. Wanipigow Sand Project The Wanipigow Sand Project is the development of a world class, completely enclosed, silica sand processing plant which will operate year-round. Silica sand will be extracted and moved to the plant where it will be washed, dried, screened for size and then transported to market. The silica sand in the operation area is a high-purity quartz that is extremely durable and has very round, uniform grains. This high quality allows for a broad range of uses including glassmaking, metal casting and production, paint and coatings, ceramics and refractories, water filtration and oil and gas recovery. The Company anticipates that the Wanipigow Sand Project will provide a significant number of local jobs for more than 50 years. This silica sand deposit on the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg, sits on top of bedrock which is more than 10 meters above the level of the lake. The Wanipigow Sand Project will have no anticipated effects on local sand beaches or the local water table or community wells. More specifically, the well water used in the processing plant will be recycled with no use of chemicals in cleaning the sand. Further, no water used in the processing plant will come from Lake Winnipeg, nor will there be water discharged into the lake. The Wanipigow Sand Project is located approximately 200 km northeast of Winnipeg within the community of Seymourville and adjacent to the Hollow Water community. The Company owns the quarry leases for the Wanipigow Sand Project. For further information and presentation material, please review the Company's website at www.canadianpremiumsand.com Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release relating to the Company's Wanipigow Sand Project and the Participation Agreement and the anticipated benefits to be derived therefrom for the Company and local communities, the Company's business plans as well as the anticipated environmental impact of the Wanipigow Sand Project are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities legislation. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on current facts and assumptions that management considers reasonable. The Company makes no representation that reasonable business people in possession of the same information would reach the same conclusions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, fluctuations in the demand for silica sand and cost overruns relating to the development of the Wanipigow Sand Project could prevent the Company from achieving its targets. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. More information about risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business is available in the Company's filings which are posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About Canadian Premium Sand Inc. CPS is a Canadian silica resource development and production company. It is currently developing an industrial silica sand deposit at Seymourville, Manitoba. Its shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "CPS". 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 press release. CONTACT INFORMATION: Canadian Premium Sand Inc. Lowell Jackson Executive Chairman and Director 403-660-3702 www.canadianpremiumsand.com English French Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. MONTREAL, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perlite Canada inc. (Perlite or the Corporation) (TSX-V:PCI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an acquisition agreement (the Acquisition Agreement) pursuant to which Richard Barabe, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Joyal, Secretary (collectively, the Principals), will acquire, through a newly formed corporation (the Purchaser), all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation, other than shares held directly or indirectly by the Principals, at a price of $0.80 in cash per share and Perlite will be taken private for a total consideration of approximately $6.392 million (the Transaction). The Principals directly or indirectly hold approximately 26.11% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation. The Transaction values Perlites equity at approximately $8.650 million. The $0.80 per-share cash consideration represents a premium of approximately 33% to the closing price of the common shares of the Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) on November 28, 2018, the last day of trading prior to the date hereof, a premium of approximately 36% to the volume-weighted average trading price of the shares in the last 20 days of trading on the TSX-V and a premium of approximately 31% to the volume-weighted average trading price of the shares in the last 12 months of trading on the TSX-V. We are very pleased to be able to allow our shareholders who have supported us for years to monetize their investment and benefit from the substantial growth in value of the Corporation during the last years while receiving a significant premium for their shares Richard Barabe said. We are pleased to present this transaction to the minority shareholders of Perlite, which will provide them with an opportunity to monetize their investment for a significant cash premium and immediate liquidity upon closing remarked Faycal Salek, Chairman of the Special Committee of the Corporation. The Transaction allows for the continued commitment of the Principals to the success of Perlite for the long term and Richard Barabe will continue as President and CEO and Martin Joyal will continue as Corporate Secretary of Perlite. The Transaction is to be structured as an amalgamation of the Corporation with the Purchaser, under the laws of the Province of Quebec. Upon the completion of the amalgamation, shareholders of Perlite, other than the Principals, will receive one redeemable share of the corporation resulting from the amalgamation for each common share of Perlite they hold. Each redeemable share will then be immediately redeemed for $0.80 in cash. Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the holders of options of the Corporation who are directors of the Corporation shall remit and surrender all of their options for cancellation, as of the effective time of the Amalgamation, without any cash or other consideration. The options owned by the other holder shall be terminated and cancelled, as of the effective time of the Amalgamation, in exchange for a cash payment by the Corporation equal to the difference between $0.80 per vested option and the exercise price of such options (less any applicable withholding) in accordance with the terms of the Corporations stock option plan. In accordance with applicable securities laws, the Board of Directors of the Corporation established the Special Committee comprised of all of its independent directors in order to, among other things, review and consider the proposed form, structure, terms, conditions and timing of the Transaction, as well as any alternative transaction proposed to the Corporation, make such recommendations to the Board as it considers appropriate or desirable in relation to any such transaction, and provide advice, guidance to the Board as to whether one or more transaction(s) is or are in the best interests of the Corporation. The members of the Special Committee, Faycal Salek and Patrick Barriault, retained Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP as its independent legal advisors and Richter Advisory Group Inc. (Richter) was retained to advise the Special Committee and to prepare a fairness opinion in respect of the Transaction, notwithstanding the statutory exemption from the formal valuation requirement set out in Regulation 61-101 respecting Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. Richter has provided the Special Committee with its opinion (the Fairness Opinion) that, as of the date hereof, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications contained therein, the consideration to be received by shareholders of Perlite other than the Principals (the Minority Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Minority Shareholders. Based on Richters conclusions, among other matters considered, and after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the Special Committee unanimously determined that the Transaction is fair to the Minority Shareholders and is in the best interests of Perlite. The Special Committee has unanimously recommended that the Board of Directors of the Corporation approve the Transaction and that the Corporation enter into the Acquisition Agreement, and, following this recommendation, the Board of Directors of the Corporation unanimously approved the Transaction (with interested directors, Richard Barabe and Martin Joyal having abstained) and recommends that the Minority Shareholders vote their common shares of the Corporation in favour of the Transaction. Shareholders of the Corporation will be asked to approve the Transaction at a special meeting (the Meeting) which the Corporation currently expects will be held in January 2019. Completion of the Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the approval of at least two-thirds of the shareholders of the Corporation voting at the Meeting and of a simple majority of the Minority Shareholders voting at the Meeting, and there being no material adverse change with respect to Perlite. The Acquisition Agreement governing the Transaction contains customary representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. Assuming the satisfaction of all conditions, the Transaction is expected to close in the week following the Meeting. Further details of the Transaction, including a copy of the Fairness Opinion, and the detailed reasons for the favourable recommendation to shareholders of the Corporation by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the Special Committee, will be contained in the management information circular (the Circular) to be mailed to shareholders of the Corporation in December 2018 in connection with the Meeting. The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition, and the Principals have confirmed that financing has been arranged to fund the Transaction through committed debt facilities. The Principals have also confirmed their intent to consummate the Transaction to the exclusion of any other alternative transaction. A copy of the Acquisition Agreement, the Circular (including the Fairness Opinion) and certain related documents will be filed in due course on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Principals. Shareholders should consult their own tax and investment advisors with respect to the Transaction, details of which will be contained in the Circular. About Perlite Canada inc. Perlite Canada inc. specializes in the processing, distribution and sale of perlite and vermiculite. Perlite and vermiculite are used in the construction, industrial and horticultural sectors. The Corporation produces expanded perlite and exfoliated vermiculite in its two Canadian plants, one is located in Lachine (Quebec) and the second is located in Saint-Pacome (Quebec). Perlites common Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PCI. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements to which are associated risks and uncertainties. Any statement contained in this present press release that does not constitute an historical fact can be considered as a forward-looking statement within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and regulations. In this press release, verbs such as may, would, should, could, expect, intend, estimate, outlook, target, goal, guidance, anticipate, plan, foresee, believe, potential, project, or continue and other similar expressions indicate generally forward-looking statements. Those statements do not warrant as for the future performance of Perlite Canada inc. and they suppose known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties in such a way that true future perspectives or results of the Corporation may be notably different of future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the anticipated benefits of the proposed Transaction for Perlite and its stakeholders, shareholder approval and the anticipated timing of the Meeting and of the completion of the proposed Transaction. ln respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated benefits of the proposed Transaction, the anticipated timing for the Meeting and the anticipated timing for the completion of the Transaction, Perlite has provided such in reliance on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary stock exchange and shareholder approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transaction; and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Transaction. The anticipated timing to hold the Meeting may change for a number of reasons. Although Perlite believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, investors and others are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the satisfaction of the conditions to consummate the Transaction, including the approval of the Transaction by the shareholders, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to termination of the Transaction, a delay in the consummation of the Transaction or failure to complete the Transaction for any other reason, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges or the liabilities related to the Transaction, the failure to realize the expected benefits of the Transaction, and the risks associated with general economic conditions. Failure of the parties to satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Transaction or to complete the Transaction may result in the Transaction not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. ln addition, if the Transaction is not completed, and Perlite continues as a publicly-traded entity, there are risks that the announcement of the proposed Transaction and the dedication of substantial resources of Perlite to the completion of the Transaction could have an impact on its business and strategic relationships, operating results and activities in general, and could have a material adverse effect on its current and future operations, financial condition and prospects. Furthermore, the failure of Perlite to comply with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement may, in certain circumstances, result in it being required to pay an expense reimbursement fee to the Purchaser, the result of which could have an adverse effect on its financial position and results of operations and its ability to fund growth prospects and current operations. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on our business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Perlite disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Perlite Canada inc. Richard Barabe or Martin Joyal: (514) 631-4251, (514) 631-4254 (Fax) A Passion for Revealing Gods Accessibility Drives Tylers Ministry First-time pastor aims to provide a relevant and engaging place to meet Christ According to the Rev. Kirkpatrick Tyler, his appointment to St. Mark AME Church is the ideal match for his type of ministry. The first-time pastor, now entering his third year in the position, dreamed of sharing Gods availability with others and believes he can fulfill his vision at St. Marks. God has always placed in my heart a passion for making the Gospel accessible, relevant and engaging as well as providing a place where folks can seek God, meet Christ and not be victimized by church stuff and St. Mark was the perfect place to engage in this type of ministry, said Tyler, who previously served five years on the ministerial staff at Second AME Church in Los Angeles. ADVERTISEMENT His enthusiasm for spreading the Word and encouraging people to apply the teachings to their everyday life is apparent as he teaches youth and adult Bible Studies or promotes other St. Mark programs such as the Monthly Employment Readiness Workshops, the Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Program and the Healthy Church Healthy Community Health and Wellness Ministry. Tyler is also looking to implement ministries focused on young adult men and mental health. He believes that offering these services in non-traditional setting will attract more participants and community members. Our mens empowerment ministry will reach out to adult males between the ages of 25-to-40 with a strong mentorship component led by the men of St. Mark, explained Tyler. We have been blessed to have strong men from various walks of life who are great fathers, brothers, teachers and love God with their whole heart. God has really convicted my heart that, we return men to the godly state that He meant for us to live in. The emphasis on attaining that godly state will complement the pastors concentration on mental health and faith working together. We believe that the best servants are those who are also equipped to acknowledge, address and overcome mental health challenges, generational trauma and the stress of living in a world and country with systems designed to keep African people as well as people of color destitute, insisted Tyler. We will do that with the power of prayer and the Word of God in concert and partnership with our brothers and sisters in the mental health services community. In addition to the congregation, Tyler said that his wife, Khamille, will be a great help in achieving his goals for St. Mark to make a difference in the South L.A. area. He also intends to follow the sound guidance of his mentors who include his grandmother, retired AME Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry; his uncle, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler; and the Rev. Dr. Cecil Chip Murray as well as recall the advice shared by the late AME Bishops H.H. Brookins and C. Garnett Henning. With those types of influences, I feel extremely driven for my ministry and the ministry of St. Mark to be a congregation that connects our spiritual development to our social advancement, that as we grow closer to Christ, we are more compelled and convicted to take action to meet the tangible needs of our community and city, Tyler said. ADVERTISEMENT Practically, that means creating sustainable partnerships with the social service community, developing economic engines that fund ministry to reduce the financial burden of ministry on the pockets of the people, creating jobs and opportunity for underserved communities and serving as a voice of moral clarity and accountability to our Black institutions, civic leaders and government officials. St. Mark AME Church is located at 12923 S. Avalon Blvd., in Los Angeles. To learn more, call (310) 329-3443. Aaron I. Bruce Named Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of ArtCenter College of Design ArtCenter College of Design President Lorne M. Buchman announced that, after a comprehensive international search, the College has named Aaron I. Bruce to the new inaugural role of vice president and chief diversity officer. With more than 20 years of experience leading initiatives focused on campus diversity, inclusion and international engagement, Bruce will officially begin his tenure at ArtCenter on December 3, 2018, and will lead the establishment of a new Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design. Since 2008, Bruce has served as the chief diversity officer at San Diego State University where he led the implementation of that Universitys diversity strategic plan. His achievements in curricular redesign, recruitment, retention, marketing and global community programming are all deeply impressive, said Buchman. His passion for art and design, together with his extensive record of research and program development in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, make him an ideal candidate for the job. ADVERTISEMENT Im excited to join such a stellar team of creative giants, said Bruce. ArtCenter represents the intersection of some of the most innovative art and design spaces in the world. The journey towards adopting inclusive art and design strategies provides us with the power to collectively change human expression in ways we cannot fully imagine. Bruce holds a PhD from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters of International Business Administration from United States International University (Alliant). As envisioned, the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design will involve students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as external communities, in robust research, exhibitions, symposia, lectures and curricular expansion on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in art and design. The proposed Center for DEI will create and support collaborative and transformative activities in the service of the Colleges values of DEI that are designed to break new ground through practice, scholarship and pedagogy. In addition, the Center will serve as a partner to ensure that DEI programs, practices and policies for faculty, staff and students are aligned with the Colleges strategic plan, values and mission. Harnessing creative energy to develop positive change globally is just one of the many characteristics that attract me to ArtCenter. Research shows that embracing the unique identities and lived experiences of artists and designers helps industries achieve higher levels of performance, said Bruce. I envision the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Designto be a nucleus, where the combined energy of our community helps us thrive. The goal is to build a flexible learning space where diverse research, pedagogy and creative expression is explored. A space where all perspectives are valued, and new skills will be adopted. The end game is to prepare students to be successful creative leaders in a highly diverse and globalized workforce. African American Voters Made Significant Impact on Mid Term Election Results For those who may secretly think their vote doesnt matter, results of a recent post election survey showed that African American voters made a huge impact on this years outcome. According to members the African American Voter Registration, Education and Participation organization, blackspoweredthe Blue Wave here in California. They also helped flip highly competitive seats in the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, AAVREP said. African American voters in California played a significant role in helping Democrats win the majority in the House of Representatives and oust long term Republicans during the midterm elections, explained AAVREP team members, who sponsored the survey. In addition, strong support from African American voters powered the re-election of Senator Dianne Feinstein and propelled Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom to the Governors office. The survey was conducted by EVITARUS, using a sample of 1099 African American voters, including 380 voters verified by the secretary of state as having returned their ballot by mail or voted early. The survey sample was drawn at random from the California Secretary of States file of registered voters. The Margin of Sampling Error (MOE) for the full sample was 2.95 percent at the 95 percent confidence level, said analysts. The margins of sampling error for subgroups within the sample will be higher. The survey results were weighted to match the age, partisanship, gender, and geographic distribution of the population of registered voters from which the sample was drawn. Other highlights of the survey included: the fact that anti-Trump sentiment runs high among African American voters Strong support of African-American voters for Democratic candidates against Republican contenders stems from their commitment to opposing the Trump administration, which many voters pointed to as one of the most important factors that drove them to the polls this November. African-American voters powered the Democratic sweep of key House seats throughout California. Southern Californias highly competitive 25th Congressional District padded the majority with over 80 percent of African American voters supporting newcomer Katie Hill. Republican incumbent Steve Knight has represented the district since 2015 with the drive of the African American vote, Hill safely defeated Knight. the fact that Californias farm belt saw radical change with the insurmountable support of more than 80 percent of African-American voters supporting first-time candidate Josh Harder in the 10th Congressional District. African American voters in the agricultural region turned to the polls to oust four-term GOP Representative Jeff Denham. 3-in-5 African American voters (63 percent) voted for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein over State Senator Kevin de Leon. Feinsteins support among African American voters outpaced her support statewide by nearly ten percentage points. Since our founding in 2002, African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation (AAVREP)s mission has been to increase African American and urban voter registration, education, and civic participation, said an AAVREP spokesperson. Through partnerships with community, labor and religious organizations, AAVREP empowers individuals and neighborhoods one vote at a time. Throughout California history, black voters have been our most consistent Democratic voting block, standing strong against conservative efforts to roll back civil rights and equal opportunity. From the State House to the White House, African Americans are currently leading the resistance to those who would destroy the progress we have made through 200 years of struggle ADVERTISEMENT Bill Cosby Counsels Inmates, Officers on Health Pennsylvania reportedly has the second highest percentage of elderly prisoners in the United States, according to statistics culled from several watchdog groups. In 1980 there were 370 elderly people in Pennsylvania state prisons, as of 2014 there were 8,000, which equaled 16 percent of prisoners over the age of 55. As of January 1, 2018, the state Department of Corrections reported 10,442 inmates over the age of 50. At 81, Bill Cosby counts among the growing number of Pennsylvania inmates or, as the comedian prefers to call them, residents of the state. Cosby is housed in the Keystone States newest, biggest and most expensive prison the State Correctional Institution-Phoenix, a $400 million and 3,830-bed high-security complex in Montgomery County just outside of Philadelphia. Although hes yet to be placed in general population, Cosby isnt receiving any special treatment nor does he seek any, said his longtime publicist Andrew Wyatt, who visited with the entertainer over the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Hes doing great. He knows he shouldnt be there, but hes focused, Wyatt said. Its quite prophetic and spiritual that Mr. Cosby is in an institution called, Phoenix, which reminds me of the quote below because its a story of resilience, vindication and/or freedom that will be awarded to Mr. Cosby sooner than later. Wyatt continued: When our world comes crashing down and we come crashing down with it, we have a chance that others dont have: we can only rise if weve fallen; we can only be reborn if weve known what it feels like to die inside. This is the story of the phoenix, Bill Cosby. Cosby, who was sentenced in September to 3 to 10 years for aggravated indecent assault, is also helping other residents and even prison employees whom he freely advises on matters like food, health and staying out of trouble. Mr. Cosby has regular and in-depth discussions about getting better nutrition for the residents and getting them on natural supplements because the residents and officers have major health problems, Wyatt said. Through Wyatt, Cosby said, every morning a message comes over telling residents to line up for their insulin shots. These are young 20, 30, and 40 year-old men, he said. Wyatt said Cosby is so concerned with the high obesity rate, not just with the residents, but the officers because theyre having to survive off of the prison food, too, he said. Asked if Cosby has sulked at all while awaiting his appeal, Wyatt unequivocally shot down that notion. He said even officers and some prison officials have suggested that Cosby shouldnt be there as he awaits his appeal on his conviction. A recent report from the Brennan Center and Time Magazine noted that 39 percent of U.S. prisoners shouldnt be incarcerated at all. Wyatt said Cosby falls into the category and, without citing those reports, his beliefs are in line with experts. At 81, Cosby likely isnt a threat to society one of the primary criterion for incarceration. The comedian was convicted based on a decades-old and previously out-of-court civil claim where the victim lives in another country. Also, Cosby has never as much as received a speeding ticket and has no prior criminal record. Public perception in large part because of mainstream medias mostly unfair portrayal of the case wrongly asserts that Cosby was convicted of rape. The comedian was never charged or convicted of such violent act he was convicted of aggravated indecent assault for providing Benadryl tablets to his victim and fondling her. Mass incarceration is the greatest moral and racial injustice of our time, Lauren-Brooke Eisen, the senior counsel and Inimai Chettiar, the director of the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, wrote in a 2016 editorial for Time Magazine. During a three-year period, the duo led a team of criminologists, lawyers, and statistical researchers to analyze criminal codes, convictions, and sentences to help pave a way forward. We found that approximately 39 percent of the nationwide prison population (576,000 people) is behind bars with little public safety rationale. And they can be released, significantly and safely cutting our prison population, the pair wrote. Many people who are in prison shouldnt have been sent there in the first place. For example, we found that 25 percent of prisoners (364,000 people), almost all non-violent, lower-level offenders, would be better served by alternatives to incarceration such as treatment, community service, or probation. Releasing these inmates would save $20 billion annually, enough to employ 270,000 new police officers, 360,000 probation officers, or 327,000 school teachers. Meanwhile, Cosby spends his time talking with his wife of more than 54 years, Camille Cosby, his friends and Wyatt. During the Thanksgiving holiday visit, Wyatt said Cosby spent their final 30-minutes by trying to dissect the mental stability of one individual hes attempting to find solutions to save from what he deems to be a self-destructive and problematic situation. Some people, Cosby said, via Wyatt. Are just worth it and their potential is so great, we cant ignore that theres a problem but its fixable. ADVERTISEMENT Nearly One-Half of the Companys 5,000 Employees Live in Areas of California Impacted by Fires Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation Employee Match Increased to $100,000 New Donation Made to Support First Responders through California Firefighters Benevolent Fund EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne today announced that as a result of the generosity of employee contributions to California wildfire disaster relief efforts, the company has increased its dollar-for-dollar match to $100,000. Approximately 2,200 of Aerojet Rocketdynes 5,000 employees live and work in the greater Sacramento and Los Angeles regions of California. In addition to the increased giving match, provided by the Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation, Aerojet Rocketdyne also is donating $25,000 each to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and the California Fire Foundation Benevolent Fund, a program that directly supports the firefighters and their families who have been impacted by the recent fires. In total, the donations from the company and its employees to relief efforts could potentially reach $250,000. Hundreds of our employees, customers and suppliers were impacted through the extraordinary devastation caused by the wildfires in both Northern and Southern California, said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. In the midst of the tragedy, the dedication of the first responders in both regions, dozens of whom lost their own homes in the fires, was beyond inspiring. As we increased our assistance to the American Red Cross relief efforts for impacted residents, we felt it was important to directly support the firefighters who have battled on the front lines and risked their lives daily to protect our communities. Aerojet Rocketdyne regularly supports relief efforts for natural disasters around the country through a long-time partnership with the American Red Cross. Since 2001, employee donations matched by the Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation have funded nearly $1 million to support recovery efforts in communities throughout the United States. Since 1999, the Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation also has contributed more than $12.5 million to schools and nonprofit organizations through grants, scholarships and matching gifts that support the companys commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen. About The Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation: The Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation, the individual philanthropic arm of the company and its U.S.-based subsidiary companies, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Easton Development Company, was established in 1999 to provide charitable resources in the communities where the company does business and where its employees live, work and volunteer. Media Contacts: Steve Warren, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 703-650-0278 Steven.Warren@Rocket.com Lynn Machon, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 916-355-3587 Lynn.Machon@Rocket.com Boy, 17, Arrested In Connection With Shooting Deaths of Sisters in Westchester Authorities today arrested a 17-year-old boy suspected in the shooting deaths of two sisters found Saturday in a burning Westchester apartment, and another juvenile was in custody on suspicion of being an accessory to the killing. The shooting suspect, whose name was not released because of his age, was the boyfriend of one of the victims, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was arrested about 9:45 a.m. in the 1900 block of 22nd Street in South Los Angeles by an LAPD-FBI fugitive task force, police said. ADVERTISEMENT Uniek Atkins, 27, and Sierra Brown, 16, were found dead after firefighters put out the blaze, which was reported about 9:05 a.m. Saturday in the 8600 block of Belford Avenue. Both victims had been shot, police said. This crime was domestic-violence related, according to an LAPD statement announcing the arrests. The juvenile murder suspect was a boyfriend of one of the victims. The victims vehicle was recovered Wednesday afternoon in the 1300 block of West 35th Place in South Los Angeles, police said. Relatives who gathered Sunday at a vigil in memory of the victims said they were both mothers and had recently moved into their apartment in a two-story building at 8650 South Belford Ave. The family members told reporters they had no idea why anyone would want to harm either victim. The case remains under active investigation and will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Anyone with information about the killings was urged to call LAPD West Bureau Homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470. After hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-247. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org. Can a Womans Coalition Survive Petulant White Women? I have had about enough of some White women! First, fifty-three percent of them vote for an odious genital-grabber. Then, they organize a womans march with momentum from the #MeToo movement, founded by Tarana Burke, but co-opted by White women like the wanna-be activist Alyssa Milano who was a mediocre actress back in the day. Then, bunches of them support Roy Moore, an Alabama pedophile who would be Senator. Then the majority of them vote against progressive candidates like Georgias Stacey Abrams and Floridas Andrew Gillum. Meanwhile, the four women who lead the Womens March Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour, and Carmen Perez are organizing for a January 19 march, and the self-proclaimed founder is demanding their resignation. Really? Theresa Shook is the Hawaii grandmother who put an idea on Facebook in the wake of the 2016 election. We should march, she said. She did little else, and activist Bob Bland picked up the baton and ran with it. She recruited other women, seasoned activists in their own right. Tamika Mallory had led a march from New York to DC to stop gun violence. Carmen Perez has worked on criminal justice reform and has worked on Harry Belafontes Gathering for Justice, now serving as its Executive Director. Linda Sarsour, a former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, has worked with Black Lives Matter and on police brutality issues. The four co-chairs of the Womens March are the very picture of intersectionality and multicultural cooperation White, Black, Latina, and Palestinian, they are the rainbow! So where does Teresa Shook get off asking these women to step down from a movement they built? She, along with wannabe activist and has-been actress Alyssa Milano have demanded that the womens march leaders denounce National of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. Why? They object to his anti-Semitic rhetoric. They object to the fact that Tamika Mallory attended his annual Saviors Day this year. They say that anti-Semitism is hateful and dangerous, and they are right. But it wasnt the Nation of Islam that shot up the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh! White peoples hatred for Minister Farrakhan is irrational and, might I say, racist. He is the only person, the only human being that Congress has censured. No David Duke, no Charlottesville murderers, none of the hatemongers that have caused the racist tension in our nation. Just Minister Farrakhan. But then our society is consistent with its double standards and its demands that Black people bend over backward to prove that we, too, sing America. ADVERTISEMENT With the fraught history between Black and White women, with their complicity in our rapes, and in the lynching of Black men, White women have no right to demand anything of Black women, let alone that leaders like Tamika Mallory denounce Minister Farrakhan. For the record, the Minister, a man who has the unique power to galvanize Black people, especially Black men, really doesnt care what people outside of the Nation of Islam, think of him. He understands this nation so well that he would accept any denouncement and keep it moving. But anyone demanding a denouncement of Farrakhan has no knowledge of American history, of African American history, of context, or of the unequal treatment that African American people experience that is a constant in our nation. And White women have consistently had little empathy for the way history has treated Black women. Shook and Milano remind me of antebellum White women, hoop skirts and all, stomping their feet when they dont get their way. Milano says she wont speak if Tamika Mallory doesnt denounce Farrakhan. So, stay home, Alyssa. We wont miss you. Other White women say they wont march. Hundreds of thousands of others will. And Teresa Shook, the so-called founder, says she is demanding resignations. What is she going to do if she doesnt get them? Shook and Milano are the antitheses of coalition building and intersectionality. In an intersectional world, we come together to work on issues we agree on, in this case, the treatment of women. We decide to disagree on other matters. And sometimes, we agree to walk a mile in another womans shoes. Black, White, Latina, Asian, Native, Palestinian and other women have starkly different experiences. We are joined by our gender but separated by the status of the men in our race, and by the differential privilege that some women experience. Miss Ann knew that enslaved women were being raped. She didnt care. Now the descendants of enslaved women are willing to work with them, not FOR them, but with them. And the descendants of enslaved women have had enough foot-stomping White woman privilege. No more. There will be no womens coalition if there is no mutual respect. Alyssa Milano and Teresa Shook and the other White women making foot-stomping demands have shown the hard-working Co-Chairs of the Womens March a corrosive disrespect. They set the notion of a womens coalition back decades. But they have also moved us forward because they have reminded us how important it is to consider history and context before we attempt to build a movement. White women, after all, are the mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives of the White men who practice oppression. Those who consider themselves woke need to check their sisters who are not. Meanwhile, Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour, Carmen Perez, and Bob Bland need to stand their ground. They built something powerful and beautiful, even though there were fissures beneath the surface.The struggle to dismantle patriarchy, racism, and predatory capitalism continues. ADVERTISEMENT Council of Black Nurses Committed to the Community The Council of Black Nurses recently held an annual event in Los Angeles in honor of The National Week against Violence, as part of their long time and ongoing efforts to serve the community, they said. They are a group, members said, who is steadfast in its commitment to the elimination of health disparities and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among African Americans. Most importantly, they want the community to know that they are accessible and here for them. We had our annual event at 51st and Vermont at the Boys & Girls Club on October 17, 2018, members said. We spoke to the children in the community about gang violence and bullying. We had as a guest speaker Ms. Amber Pope who is a MSW and who is a Founder & CEO of S.T.A.R.S. Striving Together & Reveling Strength. We had a turn out of over 50 kids whom were all very receptive Events like the one at Boys and Girls Club are only a small portion of what the organization does, their philanthropic calendar pretty much full year round. CBN-LA is committed to improving the quality of health among the underrepresented population through its membership and professional development, members explained in a statement released to the Sentinel. Throughout our history CBN-LA has focused primarily on health issues related to African Americans and the medically underserved populations. The Council of Black Nurses, Los Angeles (CBN-LA) is the oldest chapter in the national organization representing African American nurses in the Los Angeles area. CBN-LA is a 501(c) (3) organization and local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association representing the interests of more than 2,500 African American nurses. Members said that Dr. Betty Smith Williams and Barbara Johnson started the organization in 1968. Considered trailblazers of their time, both saw the need for it. There are approximately 3.2 million nurses in the US. African American nurses are less than 10 percent of the entire population. NBNA represents approximately 2,800 nurses nationally, members explained. Their next event, the Target World AIDS Awareness Month; National Safe Toy and Gifts is in December ADVERTISEMENT Crenshaw Is Now Open, Crenshaw Line Expected to be Completed in 2020 After 4 years of patience, alternative routes and waiting Crenshaw Blvd is back open for traffic, while construction continues. Metro broke ground on the Crenshaw line in early 2014, and at the time had forecast it to open in Fall 2019. For the past few years, Metro staff have been reporting that Crenshaw has been 80 or 100 or 120 days behind schedule, and the agency has dipped into contingency funds to try to stem schedule creep. As recently as September, Metro construction staff reported that the project was approximately five months behind, but declined to state a projected completion date. ADVERTISEMENT Boardmember Jacqueline Dupont-Walker expressed deep concerns that this delay would seriously impact Crenshaw businesses during the holiday season. Phil Washington, Metro CEO, reported that construction is ninety percent complete, but four to six months behind schedule. Metro had targeted the project to reach substantial completion in May 2019, after which Metro would test and train, typically for roughly six months, before opening the line to the public. Per Washington, the substantial completion date is now expected to be December 2019 (seven months behind schedule.) Metro will expedite testing and open to the public around May or June 2020. Former Fontana Police Officer Seeks Justice Against City and Fontana Police Department David Moores desire to become a police officer was cultivated at the young age of 12, while being raised in a gang infested environment. Moores dream like many police officers was to protect and serve his community. However, after 23 years in law enforcement(five years at LAPD and 17 years with the Fontana Police Department), Moore and his former partner Andrew Anderson, have been stripped of that opportunity by the Fontana Police Department(FPD)but they arent going down without a fight! Recently the former FPD officer spoke to the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper regarding the alleged wrongful termination, the racist culture of the Fontana Police Department and his plan for seeking justice. I first experienced racism early on in my career and hearing racial words in the locker room, said Moore. The word nigger was used as well as wetback and I was also a victim of an unlawful investigation at the department and every position that I applied for while I was qualified, they skipped over me. Moore goes on to say that he overheard some of the supervisors saying racial slurs about the African American officers who worked in the department. One of the most pronounced times was in the locker room at the department when I heard several supervisors referring to a group of Black individuals as a bunch of monkeys and one of the supervisors said, those niggers are known for that and I walked around the corner and there were three supervisors there. Finally, Moore decided to speak with a sergeant about some of the racism that was taking place in the department. However, his concerns were brushed off. Soon after, Moore alleges that he became a victim of retaliation and was fired in 2017 for leaving his wife on his insurance plan after they were divorced. What they did to me was totally in retaliation and it has never been done to anyone else before at the department, said Moore. Never have they ever went after anyone at the department before for leaving their wife on their insurance after receiving a court order and a letter from their attorney telling them to do so. They chose to do that and they were monitoring my divorce status. When they couldnt find anything at work, they went after my private life. After being terminated, Moore sought legal help from attorney Brad Mancuso from the Bohm Law Group, and appealed his termination. In August 2018, the Fontana City Council upheld his appeal. According to Mancuso, Moore is unable to find work at another department due to the fact that he has a termination on his record. Moores former partner, Anderson, who is Latino, also says that he experienced racial discrimination during his time with the department. Together, the two made a complaint about the FPDs culture to the Fontana Mayor, Acquanetta Warren who is Black. We had a hearing and presented [the case] to Mayor Warren and she ignored it, said Moore. There were two other individuals on the [Fontana City Council] who found that I should have been reinstated, but she chose to not reinstate me. He goes on to say that Mayor Warren hasnt done anything to improve the working conditions for minorities in the City of Fontana. [Although] she has the power to demand an investigation and look into these things, she stood by and did absolutely nothing, he said. Moore explained to the LA Sentinel how the alleged racial discrimination from the Fontana Police Department, has caused emotional trauma for him and his family. I have had to sale majority of my personal property just to make it, he said, I have liquidated my personal saving account, I have been trying my best to maintain my composure but this is stressful. My son and my family were accustomed to a corporal salary at the Fontana Police Department which was very generous and I appreciate it tremendously. But when they took that away, I had to get loans, I am most likely going to have to take money out of my retirement. Moore further explains that he may have to sale his home to make ends meet. In addition to that, the stress and anxiety this has caused me, I have sought counseling for it. I have worrisome nights and they have damaged my reputation to the point where I cant get a job anywhere in law enforcement because they have casted this stigma of dishonesty on me. Recently, Moores brother set up a GoFundMe account to help him survive. The case is set to go to trial in October 2019. Both Moore and Anderson are suing the police department for years of alleged racial discrimination and passed promotions (which they believed they qualified for). Moore is also suing for what he believes to be a wrongfully terminated. Both are seeking compensatory and punitive damages and hope that their voices will lead to change in the organizational structure of the department. The Alleged Racist Culture Within the Department According to former LAPD officer and retired state attorney Monrow Babon, this is not the first time the Fontana Police Department has been accused of racial discrimination. During the mid-1990s, a Black man was a victim of a homicide behind a KFC that took place in the city of Fontana. After the victims body was removed from the fast-food restaurant and taken to the coroners office for an autopsy. While the autopsy was being performed, the officers found it amusing to place a chicken bone in the hand of the deceased victim, take photographs of the act, said Babon. [These photos] Circulated around the Fontana Police Department for years with the story that, obviously this individual was killed whilst stealing the chicken or piece of chicken. Babon, who is representing the family members of the deceased, goes on to say that the case has yet to be solved. Although the case happened almost two decades ago, these gruesome images have recently been seen by the family through the help of former police officer Moore. A sister and two nieces became aware of the incident and [it is] needless to say the emotional trauma that it has caused them. So, I met with them about a week ago and Im looking at what actions might be brought on their behalf, relative to the Fontana Police Department and the County of San Bernardino, said Babon. The family attorney told the LA Sentinel that he is exploring all options available to the family including filing a formal complaint against the Fontana Police department and the County of San Bernardino with the attorneys general office. [I am also looking into] whether or not any federal rights have been violated in addition to whether not there would be cause for criminal prosecution and if there are any civil liberties that might be available to the family members of the victim, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Friends of Watts Towers Want Apology for Hooks Suspension The Civil Service Commission revoked Watts Towers Art Center Director Rosie Lee Hooks suspension recently, however Friends of Watts Towers members say they now want an apology from the city and they are asking community members to join them in petitioning for one. The Department of Cultural Affairs is leaving in authority the official who knowingly presented false testimony that caused Hooks suspension, they said. They are calling the situation disrespectful and a slap in the face to the Watts Community. We feel disrespected, said FOWT board member, Ed Lander who joined other members in composing the apology letter. A person who has done so much for the Watts community, as an educator for so many years she at least deserves an apology. ADVERTISEMENT A person who lied under oath, and whose testimony was the cause of her suspension should at least apologize, agreed fellow board member Chioma Agbahiwe. Hooks was suspended in April after she failed to get proper permission for a mural of jazz great Charles Mingus, who grew up in Watts, on the campus Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center building. Friends say that when DCA officials told Hooks and the artist Jacori Perry to stop painting, they complied. Hooks wasnt notified of her suspension until months later. But on September 13, the Civil Service Commission revoked Hooks suspension after it was proven she had been unaware of the permission rules, which were stated at meeting she was not a part of. While providing world-class services to the community and all the visitors to the Watts Towers, Ms. Hooks and her staff remain working for a department that appears intent to remove its director for her advocacy for Watts, instead of giving the site the greater resources it needs and deserves, the Friends wrote in a statement released to the public. One commissioner called the entire case ridiculous and a waste of time, reads a part of the letter. On October 16, at the Mayors Office WTAC Interdepartmental Task Force meeting before a City Commissioner, representatives of your office, other city departments and community groups [DCA General Manager] MS. [Danielle] BRAZELL REFUSED TO APOLOGIZE FOR MS. HOOKS SUSPENSION OR TO REMOVE MR. THOMAS FROM HIS SUPERVISORY DUTIES OVER THE WTAC CAMPUS IN ACCORDANCE, she said, WITH MY OATH TO UPHOLD THE LOS ANGELES CITY CHARTER. With disrespect to Watts, dismissing community concerns and belying her own understanding of the City Charter, Ms. Brazell refused to even acknowledge the official findings of the Civil Service Commission or the ethical questions DCAs actions have raised. This is entirely unacceptable, the Friends wrote in the letter. ADVERTISEMENT We believe theres something were not being told, said Lander, who also said that the suspension was part of a three-year effort to bring repeated charges of wrongdoing against Hooks. [Its as if] they have some intention for the site. The statement continued, Please join us to demand justice from the city of Los Angeles for Ms. Hooks and Watts. For those who wish to participate, they are asking: Put your name to the letter below (under signed) Make whatever changes in the letter you feel will best reflect your perspective. Copy and paste in the Subject line: Mr. Mayor, Concern about honesty in your administrationCopy and paste the Mayors email address in the TO line. Copy and paste all the other email addresses in the CC line Send! Please help us protect the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus, its director and its staff so they can continue to work for the people of Watts, for the City of Los Angeles and for the true spirit of art embodied in Rodias Towers. For the entire letter and information on where to send visit: https://www.facebook.com/I-Build-the-Tower-160894650597457/or https://www.facebook.com/The-Watts-Towers-Common-Ground-Initiative-162986047047905/. Inglewood Pastor Spearheads Memorial to Young Victims of Jonestown Tragedy Pastor Jynona Norwood and Martin Luther King III Dedicate Cherishing the Children Jonestown Memorial Wall November 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the mass murders in Jonestown, Guyana. The horror of that tragic event in 1978, where more than 600 adults, 300 youngster and 40 infants died, lingers strong in the memories of many, especially Inglewood Pastor Jynona Norwood. Norwood, who leads Faith I AM Center, had rescued her young son from the cult, yet she and her family still lost 27 loved ones. In fact, her relatives were the youngest, a two-months-old baby; the second oldest, her 90-years-old cousin; and the most family members to perish at Jonestown. The loss of so many lives and innocent youth weighed heavily on Norwood and she decided to do something about it. ADVERTISEMENT In 1979, she established the Jonestown Memorial Services and years later, launched a fundraising campaign to construct memorials in San Francisco and Oakland in remembrance of the victims. Officially called The Cherishing the Children Jonestown Memorial Wall, the portable structure was unveiled on Nov. 18, during the annual service held at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, California where 406 victims are buried, mostly innocent children. The wall lists the names of all of the Jonestown victims, except Jim Jones and his executioners, along with photos and ages of the children who died in the tragedy. Speaking with deep emotion, Norwood said, Truth crushed to earth will rise again. The childrens lives were crushed; their dreams were crushed to earth. Through The Cherishing the Children Memorial Wall, their lives have taken power to speak truth to future generations. The cherishing the innocent childrens wall of healing and love raises them from the pain of obscurity. Dr. E. Faye Williams, CEO of the National Congress of Black Women and an appointee of former President Barack Obama to the Presidential Scholars Commission, joined Norwood at the ceremony as well as Dr. Randall Maxey, a noted Inglewood physician; and civil rights advocate Martin Luther King, Jr. III, who emphasized the important role of young people. It is our young people we all should live for, they are our greatest commodity; our children are our most precious resource. We are here to say today that their lives mattered and yes, they do indeed have a very important legacy, insisted King. But we are here today to mourn the loss of all of the precious children of every race who perished in the mass murder at Jonestown. We have come here to dedicate this cherishing the innocent children wall of healing and love as a testament of hope, he added. Let it symbolize our determination to put an end to the brutalization of children. Norwood also received several letters of support and certificates of appreciation for her efforts to commemorate those who died at Jonestown. ADVERTISEMENT Congresswoman Maxine Waters wrote, We must never forget that tragic event. For those of us who were around at that time, the memorial will serve as a constant reminder that while the pain of losing a loved one never fades, it must also arouse in us the desire to do good each day of our lives. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi stated, Cherishing the Children Memorial Wall will provide a place of comfort and solace to the childrens relatives and loved ones as well as to those who wish to honor the memory of Congressman Leo Ryan and all those who lost their lives. Former President Bill Clinton said, My prayers are with everyone gatheredI know that your service will be an inspiring memorial to those who lost their lives so senselessly at Jonestown. Congresswoman Maxine Waters wrote, We must never forget that tragic event. For those of us who were around at that time, the memorial will serve as a constant reminder that while the pain of losing a loved one never fades, it must also arouse in us the desire to do good each day of our lives. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who issued to Norwood a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, said, In recognition of Jonestowns 40th anniversary service, thank you for your commitment to honoring the lives of the children who died, through the Children Jonestown Memorial Wall. Also, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts presented a special commendation citing, Your commitment and dedication in honoring the victims and ensuring that their memory remains alive, are worthy of the highest regard. As you unveil the Cherishing the Children Memorial, may it comfort the families to know that their families will always be cherished, revered and remembered. In her remarks at the ceremony, Norwood said, As stewards of Gods kingdom, it is our duty to protect our children and to ensure that tragedies like Jonestown never happen again. With this wall, we lift kindness, we lift up love, we lift up brotherhood and sisterhood, we lift up our role as providers and protectors, as people of God whose mission is to save our children and protect our children. This wall will bring people together to remember so that the horrors of the past wont be repeated because our core values are higher that the evils that brought these living souls down. Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Jackson Limousine Turkey Giveaway Continues A longstanding tradition of giving back to the community during the holidays continues thanks to Jackson Limousine. TyRon Jackson, son of the late Ellsworth E.J. Jackson, is continuing the legacy his father held dear to his heart. As old as at the annual event himself, TyRon shared that his fathers love for the community is something he shares as well. The last two years, Ive been there to support and really be the face for my father, said TyRon. TyRon shares that being in school and living in Orange County have kept him from being able to participate in his fathers events in the past. Since his fathers passing, he has taken an active role in representing his father and making sure the community has a turkey for Thanksgiving. This year, Jackson Limousine gave out over 10,000 turkeys to thankful families in South Los Angeles. ADVERTISEMENT It feels good just to be the face of my father and really keep his legacy going, said TyRon. It shows that his legacy is beyond the Jackson Limousine Service, its so much more than the turkey giveawayits the fact that he loved people. He had a passion for peoplehe wanted to see people make it, he wanted to see people stride and I wanted to make sure that I capture that. My dads dream was people helping people and I want to keep that going. Jackson, AKA Mr. Turkey, was founder and president of Jackson Limousine and a longtime fixture in the city of Los Angeles. He reportedly died of a massive heart attack in November 2016. Jackson was known as the chauffer to the stars but widely known and loved for his turkey giveaways before Thanksgiving. The lines for his event would encompass multiple blocks as people waited to receive a turkey. In 2017, Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., along with Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Curren Price named the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Hillcrest Drive in honor of the late businessman. The intersection marks the entrance of Jackson Limousine Service and site of his annual turkey giveaway. Ellsworth E.J. Jackson Square commemorates over three decades Jackson and his foundation provided free Thanksgiving dinners to local residents. TyRon is gladly continuing that tradition. The community was happy and so grateful, said TyRon. The thing that got me was [people] kept calling me Little E.J., they kept calling me Mr. Jackson and it almost got to the point where I became emotional because they knew I was his son and they knew I was down here to be there for them like my father wouldve been there. Tyron also shared that an LAPD officer, who has participated in the turkey giveaways for 25 years, stated to him that watching TyRon in action was like seeing E.J. again. I never knew some of the things my Dad would do like certain decisions and certain things that I was doingwalking down the lines at 4 oclock in the morning hugging [people], and buying coffee for a group of people waiting in lineapparently like father, like son. ADVERTISEMENT People are in need, said TyRon. Regardless of why theyre there, their situationthey are there. It doesnt matter, my Dad had no red tape, he cared for people, he had passion for people and that was my mission to capture that essenceto make sure people left feeling loved, encouraged and motivated. Tyron wants to give a special thanks to all the elected officials, businesses and volunteers who help Jackson Limousine meet the needs of countless families during the Thanksgiving holiday. He especially wants to give a special thanks to Congresswoman Maxine Waters and veteran actor, Hal Williams. I first met [Waters] when my father died at the press conference, said TyRon. Shes always been so encouraging and I know she just came back from a busy schedule with midterm elections but that fact that she was thereshe wasnt there just to do the opening prayer. She went around passing out water, talking to people and letting them know she was there for them. I want to thank her for that. About Williams participation at the turkey giveaway, TyRon stated, He said hes known my father since I was 7-years-old. To see him there and to see him represent as an actor means a lot. TyRon stays busy running a non-profit based in Orange County, which works with the homeless and families in need. Though he lives in another city, his heart is firmly planted in Los Angeles and committed to his fathers legacy. I was so happy to go back to L.A. and just share love and represent my father, said TyRon. Even though Im here in Orange County, Im still here for the people of L.A. and I want them to know that Im here to represent them I have not forgotten where I come from and Im proud of everyones efforts. For more information on Jackson Limousine, please visit www.jacksonlimo.com L.A. Black Worker Center Launches Citywide Survey to Demonstrate the Importance of Public Sector Jobs to the African American Community For millions of Black families in the U.S., working in the public sector has long provided a dependable pathway to the middle class. Approximately one in five Black adults work in such fields as the government, teaching school, delivering mail, driving buses and working at hospitals. Blacks are about 30 percent more likely to have a public sector job than non-Hispanic Whites, and twice as likely as Hispanics. To demonstrate how important public sector jobs are to the African American community, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center recently launched a citywide surveying effort in partnership with the Los Angeles Federation of Labor. Over the past month, Black Worker Center canvassers have been deployed in civic areas throughout greater Los Angeles to survey Black workers who have public sector jobs. The survey assesses the socio economic impact that public sector jobs have had on Black workers and their families. Ive always understood anecdotally that public sector jobs are meaningful to the Black community. But after meeting them face-to-face, it became clear how critical public sector jobs have been for Black people, their families and even their extended family members, said Malcolm Harris, Senior Lead Organizer for the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. From conducting this survey, we learned how much Black workers most of them women have held on to their public sector jobs for practically their entire careers. ADVERTISEMENT Two Black Worker Center canvassers Mesha Butler and Daniel Fuller whove combed local business districts to query public sector workers were equally moved by the experience. Most of the people we surveyed talked about how their jobs kept a roof over their heads and put food on the table, said Butler, who was recently hired to work as a painter at the new Rams Stadium in Inglewood. Fuller, a community organizer, said that the survey assignment was an eye opener. It made me understand how one person can use his or her public sector job and its benefits to take care of an entire generation in one family. One public sector worker whose job deeply impacted her family is Tiffany Hall. When the City of Los Angeles hired Hall as a 911 Operator nearly a decade ago, she said it literally became a life saver. When I first got hired, I had just given birth to my oldest child and my husband got laid off the day before, said Hall, now a mother of two who has since been promoted as a 911 Instructor, making $90,000 annually. My husband was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2011, but my job provides us with the health insurance we need. And weve become debt free, all on one income. The Los Angeles Black Worker Center began planning the survey endeavor after last years U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Janus versus American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This ruling weakens unions by eliminating their right to collect fair share contributions from working people, including those who work in the public sector. As a result, unions would have less power to collectively represent the interests of public sector workers. What makes this ruling particularly distressing for Black workers is that public sector jobs have traditionally served as the economic cornerstone for African American communities throughout the country. If the Janus ruling prevails, it will jeopardize the viability of the very unions that have long fought for the rights of Black workers and services to African American communities. Public sector jobs provide livable wages for Black workers in our communities, and unions protect them in their workplace. Unions support public officials who understand the rights of working families and how important they are for our city, said Carmen Hayes-Walker, President of the AFSCME. The Janus decision eroded those protections for our workers, especially Black workers who arent completely aware of the full impact of how unions protect them. ADVERTISEMENT Considering the impact of the Janus ruling, Los Angeles Black Worker Center organizers have reflected on the infamous question raised by President Trump while stumping for Black votes in 2016: What do you have to lose? The Black Worker Centers resounding answer is everything that African American elders have fought for. The Janus case aims at weakening the ability of unions to negotiate strong contracts that benefit workers, especially Black workers who rely on public sector jobs as well as the unions that represent them, said Lola Smallwood Cuevas, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, who noted that this case is one of a long list of civil and human rights rollbacks by the Trump administration. When unions are faced with limited resources, it silences the collective voice of all working people. When workers do well, our communities do well. So this survey is one way that we can ensure that their voice is being heard. Smallwood Cuevas added that the remaining middle-class Black neighborhoods of Los Angeles have been built and maintained by the economic stability of public sector work. Our forefathers fought for equal opportunity hiring within the public sector, and it has been Black workers who have continued to make government jobs a standard. Losing ground in the public sector for our community means all workers lose ground. The Los Angeles Black Worker Center not only conducted the survey to build a local movement against the Janus ruling, but it also served as a call to action to the City of Los Angeles. The Black Worker Center is calling for the City to make good on its promise to restore 5,000 public sector jobs that were lost during the recession. If restored, it is anticipated that many of these jobs will be filled by Black workers. The Black Worker Center also is partnering with union and community allies to pass a Civil and Human Rights Ordinance for the City of Los Angeles to more deeply protect workers against discrimination. Within weeks, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote on the Ordinance, which was co-authored by Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Herb Wesson. The results of the survey will be announced through a report released in January 2019. The Los Angeles Black Worker Center will utilize the report to reveal how much Black workers rely on union representation to give them access to better compensation, more training and workplace protections. TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Khiron Life Sciences Corp. (Khiron or the Company) (TSXV: KHRN) (OTCQB: KHRNF) (Frankfurt: A2JMZC), an integrated medical cannabis company with its core operations in Colombia, announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. These filings are available for review on the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com Key operational highlights for the quarter include: Appointed Mr. Vicente Fox to the Khiron Board of Directors. Mr. Fox is the former CEO of Coca Cola Mexico, former President of Mexico and a significant advocate for the legalization of cannabis in Mexico. Commercialized seven wellness products in Colombia with authorization from Colombias National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute (INVIMA) for production and sale. Export authorization received for four cannabidiol based products for skin and body care in Peru. Expanded agricultural land from 4.5 hectares to 17.5 hectares in Ibague, Colombia. Announced and closed a prospectus offering, resulting in gross proceeds of $12,937,500 and the issuance of 14,375,000 common shares. Started Agronomical Evaluation Tests by the Colombian Agriculture Institute (ICA) for the registration of five different varieties of cannabis, of which four were psychoactive in nature with the remaining being non-psychoactive. The company currently has approximately 56 strains involved in the registration process. Entered Chilean market through a memorandum of understanding with Fundacion Daya, the only medical cannabis license holder in Chile. The license is held through DayaCann, a joint venture between Fundacion Daya and AusCann Group Holding Ltd. Launched Kuida, the first CBD cosmeceutical brand in Colombia. Along with the formation of Khirons wellness business unit, the Kuida brand was Introduced to industry leaders, media, and beauty care influencers. Subsequent to the quarter, Khiron recognized first sales in October 2018. Key operational highlights subsequent to the quarter include: Recognized first sales in October 2018 with the commercialization of Kuida. Brand launched with store front, online and wholesale distribution channels. Announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the Latin American Institute of Neurology and the Nervous System ("ILANS"). ILANS has approximately 60 clinicians and physicians and represents approximately 100,000 patients. ILANS generates approximately $10,000,000 in revenues and $1,800,000 in earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization, as set forth in audited financial statements for financial year ended December 31, 2017. Completed a warrant acceleration for gross proceeds of $14,007,000, which resulted in the issuance of 11,672,250 common shares. Each warrant had an exercise price of $1.20. Alvaro Torres, Director and CEO of Khiron, commented: Our team continues to execute our business plan with significant operational and financial milestone achievements during the quarter. This includes entering new markets in Latin America, forming new strategic relationships and securing acquisitions to drive distribution, attracting new highly qualified members to our team and board, expanding our cultivation and production footprint, and sourcing capital to fuel our expansion. Each of these developments advances our objective to meet the medical needs of a million patients in Latin America. With over 75 employees and certified physicians and clinical staff, and an ever-expanding list of achievements, I am confident we can reach this objective. I would like to personally thank each of our stakeholders for their support of Khiron and firmly believe the future looks very bright for our company. Liquidity and capital resources: The Company as at the date of this release has working capital of $24,875,978 Please refer to the Companys profile on www.sedar.com About Khiron Life Sciences Corp. Khiron Life Sciences Corp. (TSXV: KRHN, OTCQB: KHRNF, Frankfurt: A2JMZC) (Khiron or the Company) is positioned to be the dominant integrated medical cannabis company in Latin America. Khiron has core operations in Colombia and is fully licensed in the country for the cultivation, production, domestic distribution, and international export of both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) medical cannabis. In May 2018, Khiron listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, becoming one of the first Colombian based medical cannabis companies to trade on any exchange globally. With a focused regional strategy and patient oriented approach, the Company combines global scientific expertise, agricultural advantages, branded product market entrance experience and education to drive prescription and brand loyalty to address priority medical conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, depression and anxiety in the Latin American market of over 620 million people. Khiron is led by Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alvaro Torres, together with an experienced executive team, and a knowledgeable Board of Directors that includes former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. Further information on Khiron Life Sciences can be found at www.investors.khiron.ca Investor Contacts: Chris Naprawa President T: +1 (416) 705-1144 E: cnaprawa@khiron.ca Darren Collins Chief Financial Officer T: +1 (705) 527-3564 E: dcollins@khiron.ca Media Contact: Jon Packer Vice President, Communications T: +1 (416) 543-9179 E: jpacker@khiron.ca Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements (forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Khiron undertakes no obligation to comment analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of Khiron, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). Although Khiron believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking information has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Khirons control, including the risk factors discussed in Khirons Filing Statement which is available on Khirons SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. Khiron disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Lakers Co-Owner Jesse Buss Holds Thanksgiving Dinner for South L.A. Students On the eve of Thanksgiving, Lakers co-owner Jesse Buss hosted an enchanted Thanksgiving dinner with celebrity servers at Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen for South Los Angeles students and their families. It means everything to me, having my dad [Jerry Buss] as the father figure he was, he taught me always to help your community as much as possible, said Buss. The dinner table was adorned with Thanksgiving-themed centerpieces as R&B artist Tory Lanez, Miles Brown of Black-ish, rapper Kid Ink Tory Lanez, and professional skateboarder Theotis Beasley served the families some of their holiday favorites, including sweet-potatoes, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. ADVERTISEMENT Our kids have to see success in order to know what it takes to get there, so having them show up so our kids see a pathway through their hard work is awesome, remarked TyAnthony Davis, founder of the public charter school students were invited from, Vox Collegiate School. Since the schools inception three short months ago, Buss has been an integral part of its prosperity. Just before school started, Buss provided backpacks and school supplies for every student to ensure each students preparedness for success. For the kids, its a reminder that not just their families at home and the people in the school building care about their success and are really invested in them being the future leaders of L.A, Davis emphasized. The school is situated in South L.A., near where Inglewood native, Beasley grew up. He shared laughs with some of the students before the meal along with his biggest pieces of advice. Surround yourself with the right people, Beasley told the students. Its easy to get distracted, especially out here in L.A., so you have to have a good head on your shoulders, listen to your parents, and finish school. The parents that accompanied their children were grateful for the shared experience, getting to hang out, meet new people, and be able to take a night off from cooking, smiled Virginia Marin. Both Vox Collegiate school and where the dinner was hosted, at Hilltop Kitchen + Coffee, share a common vision of establishing quality education, food and safe spaces in the South L.A. community. ADVERTISEMENT You see everybody taking their kids out of their home-schools and bussing them out to different schools, observed Marin. The school means a lot because one its small, and they pay attention to the kids, and its close to home. Hill-Top Kitchen + Coffee, which also opened three months ago, ensures healthy and fresh food options to the community. This event, in particular, was a part of the #Lunchbag initiative started by Hilltop Kitchen + Coffee co-founder, Ajay Relan. The newly opened daytime cafe hosts the #Lunchbag event at the end of every month where members in the local community gather and prepare nearly 1,500 meals to pass out to homeless people around the city. Through social media, that movement has now grown to over 150 cities all over the world according to Relan. I think the theme is just gratitude year-round, Relan reflected. Buss was eager to get involved in the #Lunchbag movement and is looking forward to continuing his charitable efforts. Relan was one of the first people Buss met when he moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago to begin working for the Lakers. Giving back was instilled in Buss from an early age by his father, the legendary Lakers owner Jerry Buss. He remembered his father once described his relationship with Los Angeles as soulmates. He really did love this city and everybody that lives here and all Laker fans around the world, Buss noted. He always taught us to help those in need, spreading love and kindness every single day not just during the holidays or Thanksgiving. Whether it is providing a meal, a safe space, or a quality education each of the participants in the evening is helping to positively impact the Los Angeles community. Man Killed Outside Baldwin Hills Apartment, Police Search For Woman 17 Los Angeles police are reportedly searching for a 17-year-old girl in connection with the stabbing death of a man in an alley behind a Baldwin Hills apartment, authorities said today. The stabbing was reported at 7:15 p.m. Thursday in the 4000 block of South Nicolet Avenue, Sgt. G. Garcia of the Los Angeles Police Departments Southwest Station said. Witnesses told police the man got into an argument with a female and they went outside an apartment before he was stabbed in the chest, Garcia said. Paramedics took the man to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. ADVERTISEMENT According to media reports, the victim was 21 years old. It is unclear what, if any, relationship he had with the 17-year-old. She was the last person who was seen with him, police said, but she left the scene. Marian Wright Edelman Stepping Aside From CDF Marian Wright Edelman, a trailblazer, freedom fighter and champion of causes that affect the nations young, has announced that shes stepping aside from the Childrens Defense Fund, an organization she founded 45 years ago. Dear colleagues, supporters, partners and friends, after 45 years as President of the Childrens Defense Fund (CDF), I have decided to transition into a new role as President Emerita in the Office of the Founder, Wright wrote in a letter posted on the organizations website. I will step away from CDFs day-to-day responsibilities and will focus all my energies towards building a lasting movement for children to end child poverty and inequality through servant leadership development at key spiritual retreats and convenings at CDFs Haley Farm and continue to provide a moral compass for CDF, she said. Born on June 6, 1939, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Edelman was the youngest of five children and credits her father with instilling in her an obligation to right wrongs. The History Makers website When African Americans in Bennettsville were not allowed to enter city parks, Arthur Wright, her father, built a park for African American children behind his church, according to her biography on A graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, Edelman became the first African American female admitted to the Mississippi State Bar while working as director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund office in Jackson. She also became nationally recognized as an advocate for Head Start, according to her biography. In 1968, Edelman moved to Washington, D.C., and subsequently became counsel to the Poor Peoples Campaign that was organized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She founded the Washington Research Project (WRP), where she focused on lobbying Congress for child and family nutrition programs and expanding the Head Start program. In 1973, the Washington Research Project became the Childrens Defense Fund (CDF), the United States leading advocacy group for children. As president of the CDF, Edelman has worked to decrease teenage pregnancy, increase Medicaid coverage for poor children, and secure government funding for programs such as Head Start. Edelman also has served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University and is the first African American female to have been on the board of directors of Yale University. Shes written many articles and books, including the autobiographical New York Times best-seller, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours. To get just a sense of what Edelman has meant to her countless admirers, one need only look at the tributes that have flooded social media before and since her announcement this week. Most of the tributes contained motivational thoughts shared by Edelman over the years. Never work just for money or power, it wont save your soul or help you sleep at night, and Education is a precondition to survival in America today, were among the many Edelman quotes that various social media users posted in her honor. Other classic quotations by Edelman that social media users posted included, Dont assume a door is closed; push on it. Do not assume if it was closed yesterday that it is closed today; and Youre not obligated to win. Youre obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. The mission of CDF has never been more important than it is today during these perilous times for children and for the nation, Edelman said this week. Though we face unprecedented challenges and threats to the safety and well-being of Americas children, we refuse to go backwards. No matter who holds the reins of political power, CDF will move forward in our mission to Leave No Child Behind and ensure that every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage into adulthood, she said. Edelman said shes proud of CDFs groundbreaking work over the past 45 years and the significant progress the organization has made for millions of children and families. However, she said, there is still much work to be done. I look forward to supporting the Board of Directors in the search for a new President to lead CDF into its next chapter; someone who is committed to taking on the challenges children face today and those that will emerge in the future, Edelman said. I am confident that CDF will not miss a beat during this transition and as the national search commences for a new CDF President. On December 31, 2018, CDFs Chief of Staff, Max Lesko, will become National Executive Director overseeing CDFs day-to-day operations and reporting to the Board of Directors. ADVERTISEMENT Maxine Waters Talks Obamacare Open Enrollment and Plans for 2019 as Chair of the Financial House Committee Open enrollment ends December 15. We caught up with Congressmember Maxine Waters to discuss the significance of the Trump Administrations actions. So many people in the Black community die from preventable diseases and of course weve been turned down for years because of pre-existing conditions. With Obamacare we were able to finely get it into law and it prevented insurance companies from turning you down because you have a pre-existing condition. Waters went on to share the importance of getting the word out about open enrollment which is in its 5thcycle, Its extremely important for everybody to sign up. The more people you have the stronger the insurance is and the less cost of the premium. If we dont have enough people signing up then the premiums increase. She continued, weve got to get the word out every way we can. Youve got to get enrolled during the open enrollment periods if we want to save Obamacare. This administration is trying to kill it. Obamacare is one of the most significant things that has happened in public policy. In 2019 Waters who is one of Trumps fiercest and harshest critics is set to become chair of the Financial House Committee. The house committees have been limited to questioning and holding the Trump administration accountable because of a Republican lead Congress. In 2019 that changes for the House of Representatives. We asked Waters what would be her focus as chair of the Financial House Committee for 2019 she stated, well theres been a lot of speculation about what Im going to do as the chair of the financial service committee. The right wing would like to say all shes going to do is use all her time to go after Trump because shes the one calling for his impeachment. Others are saying no I think shes going to focus on all the issues that are in that committee and there absolutely right. She continued, weve got a lot of work to do in that committee aside from just paying attention to the president. www.healthcare.gov To sign up for Obamacare visit. To watch the full Maxine Waters interview, visit www.lasentinel.net. ADVERTISEMENT Mayor Calls For Patience, Family Seeks Answers in Shooting The mayor of an Alabama city offered sympathy Monday to the family of a Black man killed by a police officer responding to a Thanksgiving night shooting at a shopping mall. We all want answers and we believe with patience and focus the truth will be firmly established, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said while reading a public statement in which he pleaded for patience while a state investigation continues. The shooting of Emantic EJ Bradford Jr., 21, sparked multiple protests in the suburban city outside Birmingham and calls to publically release body camera footage and other video. ADVERTISEMENT An officer killed Bradford while responding to the report of a shooting that wounded two people at the Riverchase Galleria mall outside Birmingham. Hoover police initially portrayed Bradford as the mall gunman and said officers acted heroically to take out the threat within seconds of shots being fired in the crowded mall. They later retracted the statement, and said while Bradford was seen with a handgun, evidence indicates he was not the person who shot an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old bystander. Authorities say the actual gunman remains at large. A lawyer for Bradfords family said witnesses have contacted his law firm saying Bradford was trying to wave people away from the shooting and the officer did not issue any verbal commands before shooting the 21-year-old. He saw a Black man with a gun and he made his determination he must be a criminal, Benjamin Crump, a lawyer for Bradfords family said of the officer at a news conference Sunday in Birmingham. Responding to building tensions, police and the city of Hoover on Monday offered public sympathy to the Bradford family and issued more detailed statements about the shooting and the investigation. We can say with certainty Mr. Bradford brandished a gun during the seconds following the gunshots, which instantly heightened the sense of threat to approaching police officers responding to the chaotic scene, the statement said. They later clarified the use of the verb brandished saying it meant Bradford was holding a gun. Bradfords father and other family members said they want to see body camera video from the shooting. Family members expressed frustration and anger that the young man was initially described as a gunman who shot two people. I knew my son didnt do that. People rushed to judgment. They shouldnt have done that, Emantic Bradford, Sr. told The Associated Press. ADVERTISEMENT Hoover police said Monday that body camera video and other available video has been turned over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) which is now investigating the shooting. Release of any video will be done as ALEA deems appropriate during the investigation, the statement added. The mayor said he is requesting a meeting with the Bradford family. Family members have said they learned through social media of their loved ones death. Video circulated on social media of Bradford lying uncovered in a pool of blood on the floor of the mall. Bradfords father, a former longtime employee of the Birmingham Police Department jail, said his son had a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, which issues concealed carry permits, referred questions to ALEA on whether Bradford had a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Bradford was a graduate of a Catholic high school in Birmingham and afterward joined the U.S. Army, although he had recently left the military, family said. A U.S. Army spokesman said that Bradford, Jr. reported to the Army for initial entry training in November 2017, but was administratively separated in August 2018, before completing training and being awarded a specialty certification. The shooting sparked a weekend protest at the mall, with demonstrators chanting Bradfords name as they walked past Christmas shoppers to the spot where he was killed. A group of pastors on Monday joined the called for police to release additional information. His mother deserves answers. The community deserves answers, said the Rev. Nate Brooks of the Greater Saint John Baptist Church in Birmingham. Mourners Attend Funeral for Security Guard Shot By Officer Friends and family are attending a funeral for a security guard who was fatally shot by a suburban Chicago police officer outside the bar where he worked. Witnesses say Jemel Roberson was fatally shot on Nov. 11 while holding a man at gunpoint whod been involved in an earlier shooting at the bar in Robbins, just south of Chicago. Some witnesses say Roberson was wearing a hat emblazoned with the word Security. Roberson, who was Black, was shot by a White officer from nearby Midlothian who was responding to the initial shooting. ADVERTISEMENT WGN-TV reports that some mourners attending the Saturday funeral wore shirts reading Security and (hash) JusticeforJemel. Others wore security uniforms. Friends say the 26-year-old Roberson was a father and had wanted to become a Chicago police officer. Racial Profiling and Teaching While Black at VCU Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder was forced to wonder aloud on social media and his own website about racism at a prominent commonwealth school after a black professor was questioned regarding whether she really was a faculty member. The recent experience at [Virginia Commonwealth University] is shocking, said Wilder, who expressed his displeasure on Twitter and on his own website, Wilder Visions. Caitlin Cherry, a black VCUarts visiting professor, said a colleague called campus security on her while she ate breakfast in her assigned classroom earlier this month. ADVERTISEMENT The professor said Javier Tapia, a white-Hispanic professor, walked into the classroom and did not respond to her greeting before leaving. Minutes later, a security guard entered the room and asked her if she was a faculty member, and to see her identification. The entire episode was first reported in a Wilder Visions column written by contributor Sara Elson. Cherry said she told Shawn Brixey, the schools dean, what happened. She said Brixey apologized and promised an investigation, according to Elsons column. VCUarts then turned the investigation over to VCU Equity and Access Services, a university spokesperson confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Tapia declined comment on the situation. Had I not have had my ID I dont know what could have happened, Cherry said. ADVERTISEMENT I feel a lot of different ways about this, particularly as a black woman, because now the situation escalates to the point of people dying. Elson pointed out that the event has since prompted outrage among students, and an apology from the arts department. It comes amid a string of incidents some of which have gone viral on social media in which white people called the police on black people for ordinary activities like sleeping in their university dorm and holding a barbecue in a public park. On Oct. 30, five days after the dorm and barbecue incidents, VCUarts apologized on its Instagram page and website. VCU and the School of the Arts value and celebrate diversity in all of its forms; support thoughtful, informed and inclusive action; and are committed to empowering community values in which individuals of different perspectives, life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social identities feel safe and are welcomed, department officials wrote. School officials also sent out a department-wide email to students and faculty apologizing and providing links for reporting incidents and providing support resources. Prior to publishing Cherrys incident on his website, Wilder reflected. I recently spoke at the Ribbon Cutting for the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU, said Wilder, who served in the Virginia Senate from 1970 to 1986 before being elected as lieutenant governor and then winning election to governor in 1990. Later, Wilder would also serve as mayor of Richmond from 2005 to 2009. At that time, I said I remembered when I could not come into the building and be seated at the soda fountain, he said. The recent experience of Teaching While Black at VCU is shocking. Is this what we have 50 years after the school was founded? Roderick Wright Vindicated On All Charges In 2014, former California Senator Roderick D. Wright was convicted of eight counts of perjury and voter fraud for lying about living in his district and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. However, Wright only served an hour in jail and two-an- a-half years of probation. Four years later, Senator Wright has received a second chance after being pardoned by Governor Jerry Brown on Wednesday, November 21. In his pardon message, Brown wrote, [Wright] has shown that since his release from custody he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen. The voter fraud scandal began after Wright registered to vote with an Inglewood address that was owned by his step-mother, when according to prosecutors, he lived in the Baldwin Hills area. Since Wright was registered to vote in the Inglewood area, he was able to run for office in that city. However, California law at the time demanded that all state lawmakers live within the districts they serve. Part of this episode is the whole notion that if a Black man owns multiple pieces of real estate that somehow hes committed perjury if he is voting in one of his own pieces of real estate, said Wright in an exclusive interview with the LA Sentinel. Unfortunately for a jury, you say that this house is nicer than that house but thats not the standard and it has never been the standard. I believe now as I did then that I complied with the law. Although Wright was set to serve eight years, shortly after being processed and booked, he was released due to the overcrowding in the Los Angeles County jail. Since his release, Wright has completed 1,500 of community service and followed the rules of his probation. Additionally, Wright was forced to resign his seat in the state Senate and a special election was held to determine who would fill his position. In September 2018, Gov. Brown signed Senate Bill 1250, which says that the addresses listed on the lawmakers voter registration will be considered as their residence in terms of eligibility as long as the lawmaker has lived at the location for a certain period of time. Since [Wrights conviction], the Elections Code has been amended (Senate Bill 1250) to further clarify that the domicile of a member of the legislature is conclusively presumed to be the address that is on his or her current affidavit of voter registration and that the member must reside within the district they represent but may own, rent or live at other properties outside of the district, given the unique duties which require legislators to spend significant time in the capitol, said Senator Steven Bradford who created the measure. Senator Bradford who is from the same district that Wright formerly represented, is elated that his longtime friend and colleague has been pardoned. Rod always remained committed to serving his constituency and demonstrated what it means to be an effective legislator, said Bradford. He had the uncanny ability to work across the aisle, get complex issues resolved, while representing the best interests of his district. Unfortunately, the only way he could be defeated was through the misinterpretation of our Elections Code statutes by over zealous prosecutors and political adversaries. Civil rights activist and Los Angeles Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times executive publisher, Danny J. Bakewell Sr., had this to say about the pardon of Wright: I am so thankful that Governor Brown granted a full pardon to Senator Rod Wright and [for prosecutors] to have indicted and convicted a man who has served this community for decades over a question of his home address is outrageous and clearly an abuse of power. I am happy that the governor saw through this and I am even happier for Rod and his family that his name has been cleared. Bakewell goes on to say that Wrights conviction was a waste of tax payers money and energy. [For them] to convict a man who has dedicated his life to public service while crimes against Black men and women go unprosecuted across this state and this nation, just goes to show how unequal the justice system is for U.S., he said. After Wrights pardon, there has been talk as to whether or not he is eligible to run for office again. In light of this conversation, the Sentinel spoke with president and founding partner of Ivie, McNeill, & Wyatt law firm, Rickey Ivie to get clarity on the matter at hand. There are three types of clemency: reprieve, commutation, and pardon. A grant of clemency reduces or eliminates the punishment imposed on the defendant, said Ivie. Here, the only punishment remaining against Senator Wright is the bar on his running for public office. The governors clemency removes this bar and Senator Wright is now eligible to once again seek public office. Whether or not Wright will run for public office has yet to be announced. However, he has made it clear that he has a true passion for public service. I started in the political public affairs community change efforts almost 50 years ago. I spent time with assemblywoman Waters and Mayor Tom Bradley in both of their campaigns, said Wright. We provided scholarships to several young people over that 12 year period, [provided] vaccinations to several thousand kids, gave away toys, and [created] other kinds of legislation like getting the science centers second phase completed, getting community organizations grants from the state, getting parks built in Los Angeles and some of my other cities Wright goes on to say that he loves the community that he represented and will continue serving those communities. This whole effort did take a toll but it didnt kill me, he said. It was Frederick Douglass who said what was true, in the struggle sometimes the only joy you get is to be able to continue to struggle. My life has been a struggle and it will be until I am no longer able to struggle. ADVERTISEMENT Thirteen Years After Devin Brown, Has LAPD Changed? A charade going on at the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting every Tuesday. It goes like this: The public, mostly Black Lives Matter members, are chastised and even arrested for allegedly violating house rules and protocol. The ritual involves the presence of hordes of cops, presumably to control boisterous, irreverent members of the public. Has the Commission and LAPD changed appreciably over the past decade? No, given continuing police brutality, ongoing refusal to respect the right of the public to be heard, lack of transparency and widespread community distrust, respectively. On January 26, 2007, this column was titled, Devon Brown vs. LAPD, Police Commission, Police Board of Rights and Community. Todays column revisits that one, affording an opportunity to compare some aspects of the Police Commissions policies and practice, as well as police- community relations, then and now, from a Black perspective. African Americans are up-in-arms over the Los Angeles Police Departments (LAPD) secret hearing that found Officer Steven Garcia was justified in shooting and killing 13-year-old unarmed Devin Brown on February 6, 2005. Concern and outrage also centers on LAPDs lack of transparency, exemplified in Garcias secret Board of Rights hearing. ADVERTISEMENT In 2006), the Police Commission ruled the shooting out of policy. This subjected Garcia to disciplinary action by Chief William Bratton. The City Charter authorizes the chief of police, not his bossthe police commission, to make disciplinary decisions. After the Commissions ruling, Bratton, who said Devin Browns killing was justified, ordered Garcia to a Board of Rights, which consisted of two high-level officers and a civilian and has the final say in disciplinary matters LAPD exemplifies a closed shop, militaristic management model that seeks compliance above all else. An us vs. them mentality practically ensures poor community relations, particularly with communities of color. Many, if not most, African Americans believe LAPD officers are disrespectful and insensitive to their concerns and mutual distrust characterizes their relations. Californias Police Officers Bill of Rights is little known to the general public, but critically important to the issue of police misconduct. The Bill of Rights makes it nearly impossible to effectively challenge police abuse or other misbehavior. African Americans are disproportionately in confrontations with the police and regularly report instances of police brutality; officers rights, under cover of the omnipresent Police Officers Bill of Rights virtually always supersedes citizens rights. LAPD recently closed officer discipline hearings on the advice of the City Attorney. His opinion is based on a California Supreme Court decision, Copley Press vs. Superior Court of San Diego, that restricted the use of records (documents). The court did not explicitly address hearings, but both Bratton and president of the Police Commission insist they are bound by the City Attorneys decision. Last year (2006), the Police Commission changed its policy regarding shootings and now also withholds officers names from the public. (The Community Call to Action and Accountability and other local groups strongly protested the Commissions actions with predictable results, no response.) State Senator Gloria Romero plans to introduce legislation to prohibit secret disciplinary hearings. She says failure to strike a proper balance between police rights and transparency will lead to a state which sanctions and knowingly runs a secret police. Bob Baker, Los Angeles Police Protective League president, claims the publics interest is already being served by the Board of Rights. We will fight any legislative efforts that would reduce or remove this right of privacy. (Could he have meant piracy?) The Board of Rights found that virtually all of the evidence pointed to Garcias perception that his life was in imminent danger. This finding minimizes or ignores the Departments own comprehensive, highly technically sophisticated re-enactment of the crime which concluded that Officer Garcia was probably not in harms way when he shot and killed Devin Brown. Much of this is about accountability. Secret hearings not only prevent public scrutiny and media access, but virtually ensure continuing community distrust. ADVERTISEMENT Law professor Erwin Chemerinsky points out that officers who use deadly force do not have a privacy interest in being free from scrutiny. This is about how a public employee performs on the job in the exercise of an extremely important responsibilitythe use of deadly force. A host of factors contributes to the continuing distrust of LAPD. They include: Board of Rights decision that Devin Browns killing was in policy; LAPDs policy allowing withholding of prior-related offenses (Steven Garcia had such priors); Police Commissions not revealing the names of officers involved in shootings; Police Officers Bill of Rights; City Attorneys recommendations to close disciplinary hearings; and the almost two-year delay in resolving Officer Garcias case. These suggested factors are not exhaustive yet the Board of Rights found Garcia not responsible for killing unarmed 13 year old Devin Brown. Clearly, Californias Police Officers Bill of Rights is a major factor in all officer disciplinary cases; legislative and policy strategies are valuable only if they result in demonstrable police attitude and behavior change. The communitys role is extremely important; without sustainable pressure on LAPD and local elected officials, the outcome of this, and similar cases will be substantially the same, i.e., the continuation of a stacked deck in favor of the police. Neither the police commission nor LAPD has changed appreciably since Devin Browns killing thirteen years ago,so the struggle to ensure they change fundamentally is as crucial as ever. [email protected] Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Dan Trevas has a summary of a decision issued today by the Ohio Supreme Court A former candidate for Hocking County prosecuting attorney who had sex with a court-appointed client, trespassed onto his neighbors property to use a hot tub, and lied about his actions to the presiding judge has been suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court for two years with 18 months stayed. A divided Supreme Court suspended Jason A. Sarver of Rockbridge for violating multiple rules governing the conduct of Ohio attorneys. While the Board of Professional Conduct had recommended a fully stayed suspension, the Court found actual time out from the profession was warranted. The abuse of the attorney-client relationship not only harms the dignity of the client, whose body and trust in her lawyer have been violated, but it also impugns the legal system as a whole, stated Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, writing for the Court majority. Justices Terrence ODonnell, Judith L. French, and R. Patrick DeWine joined Justice Kennedys opinion. In a concurring opinion and dissenting opinion, Justice Patrick F. Fischer stated that he agreed with the Court majoritys analysis of the case, but he believed a two-year suspension with one year stayed was appropriate. Chief Justice Maureen OConnor and Justice Mary DeGenaro joined his opinion. Attorney Begins, Covers Up Relationship with Client In 2015, a woman identified in court documents as J.B. contacted Sarver when she faced felony criminal charges. The two agreed to meet at a Columbus restaurant where they discussed J.B.s criminal case over drinks and then had sex in Sarvers vehicle in the parking lot. J.B. was charged with theft in Hocking County Municipal Court, and Sarver suggested J.B. turn off the Global Positioning System (GPS) on her cell phone to block law enforcement from tracking her. She was indicted by a grand jury several days later. But because of Sarvers advice to turn off the GPS, she avoided arrest for almost a month. The judge presiding over J.B.s arraignment appointed Sarver to represent her as an indigent client. While acting as her court-appointed lawyer, the two had sex at least seven more times in four months, and they trespassed to use Sarvers neighbors hot tub. Lawyer Seeks Office While representing J.B., Sarver filed a petition to run for Hocking County prosecuting attorney, and the rumors of his relationship with J.B. spread. The presiding judge in J.B.s case questioned Sarver twice about the rumors, which Sarver denied. The Hocking County Sheriffs Office began investigating Sarver, and detectives promised J.B. a reduced sentence if she disclosed the true nature of her relationship with Sarver. She told detectives that Sarver insinuated he would help with her case in exchange for sexual favors. She told them she had a problem saying no to the offer and that she felt kinda forced into it because she was facing seven felony counts. Criminal Charges Ensue Sarver was charged with two counts of sexual battery for knowingly coercing another person to engage in sexual conduct and with several other offenses. Through a plea agreement, the sexual battery charges were dismissed, and Sarver pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts. He also agreed to withdraw as a candidate for prosecutor. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint with the professional conduct board alleging that Sarver violated four ethical rules, including having an improper sexual relationship with a client and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The parties initially agreed to a sanction that would have given Sarver a fully stayed two-year suspension if he did not engage in further misconduct. Court Rejects Proposed Sanction The board recommended the agreed-upon sanction to the Ohio Supreme Court, which rejected it and remandedthe case to the board for further proceedings. After a hearing before a board panel, the panel recommended the fully stayed suspension with multiple conditions. Before the board recommends a sanction to the Court, it considers aggravating circumstances that could increase the penalty it imposes and mitigating factors that could lead to a lesser sanction. The board emphasized that compelling mitigating factors warranted a two-year, fully stayed suspension: the client leveraged her relationship with Sarver to get a better plea deal by agreeing to testify against him; he received a very public reprimand of sorts from the local media; he was over-indicted with 14 felonies and four misdemeanors; he spent two nights in jail; and he was forced to withdraw his candidacy. The board concluded the factors were significant because they stemmed from a consensual relationship with the client, and it adopted the panels proposed sanction and recommended it to the Court. Court Rejects Boards Recommendation Justice Kennedy wrote that in the absence of a pre-existing, consensual sexual relationship, seeking or having sex with a client is a per se violation of Prof.Cond.R. 1.8(j). The fact a client appears to consent is not a defense to a lawyers violation of the rule, and the rule does not permit consent to be a mitigating factor that leads to a less-severe sanction. She noted that the Court in several cases has imposed actual suspensions for attorneys who took advantage of their clients vulnerable circumstances for the lawyers own sexual gratification. While the board characterized the relationship as consensual, the majority opinion stated that the board seems oblivious to a number of facts, including that J.B. was an indigent, criminal client relying on the ability of her court-appointed attorney in a crisis situation, which put Sarver in a position to dominate and take unfair advantage of the attorney-client relationship. Reported cases are filled with clients who have said that they submitted to their attorneys sexual advances out of fear that refusing to submit would affect the quality of their representation at a time of vulnerability and dependence on the attorney, the opinion stated. And in keeping with the aspiration expressed in A Lawyers Creed to make the law and our legal system available to all, courts have the obligation to ensure that the lawyers appointed to represent indigent criminal defendants . . . abide by their professional duty not to initiate a sexual relationship with a vulnerable client whose liberty and right to due process is at stake. The Court suspended Sarvers license for two years. But contrary to the boards recommendation, the Court ordered Saver to serve an actual suspension of six months and stayed the remaining 18 months with conditions that he comply with his Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program contract, pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam, complete an additional 12 hours of continuing legal education focused on professional ethics or attorney-client relationships, serve two years of monitored probation, and commit no further misconduct. Concurring and Dissenting Opinion Admonishes Attorney In his concurring and dissenting opinion, Justice Fischer agreed with the majority opinion that J.B.s consent to the sexual relationship with Sarver did not provide him with an excuse or a defense. Justice Fischer questioned whether J.B. could have even given adequate, informed consent because of the inherent power imbalance between Sarver and J.B. He also noted that Sarver lied repeatedly to the court about his relationship and engaged in abhorrent behavior, boorish selfishness, and complete disregard for the legal profession. While advocating for a longer actual suspension for Sarver, Justice Fischer praised the boards newly recommended conditions, specifically probation, attached to Sarvers suspension as they will help protect the public. 2017-1081. Disciplinary Counsel v. Sarver, Slip Opinion No. 2018-Ohio-4717. A reader had noted previously that Ohio sanctions for this type of misconduct are very light. So it would seem here. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2018/11/dan-trevas-has-a-summary-of-a-decision-issued-today-by-the-ohio-supreme-court-a-former-candidate-for-hocking-county-prosecut.html VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS, OTCQB: AQSZF) (Aequus or the Company), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing and promoting differentiated products, today reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and associated Company developments. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are in Canadian currency. Q3 2018 Key Highlights Largest quarterly revenue in company history with $420,158 in reported revenues for Q3 2018, an increase of 44% compared to the three months ended September 31, 2017 (Q3 2017); Year to date revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $1,173,013, a 52% increase over the same period in 2017. Decrease in net losses of 31% over the same quarter last year, and an overall 34% decrease in losses for nine months ended September 30 when compared to the same time period in 2017. The Company successfully closed two financings with total gross proceeds of $1,575,000. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, The Company formed a Strategic Advisory Board in Ophthalmology comprised of clinical, commercial, and regulatory expertise. Our strong promotional efforts across Canada continue to yield positive results with our largest quarterly revenue in company history, said Ian Ball, CCO of Aequus. Our position within Canada continues to strengthen, with our commercial team consistently building relationships with key contacts in the industry. These relationships, along with the formation of our Strategic Advisory Board in Ophthalmology will be paramount as we continue to expand our product portfolio moving forward. Commercial Activities The Companys commercial activity generated revenues of $420,158 in Q3 2018, representing 44% growth as compared to the same period in 2017. On a year-to-date basis, the Company recorded $1,173,013 in revenues in the nine-month period ending September 30, 2018, an increase of 52% compared to the same period in 2017. The increase in revenues were primarily attributable to increased promotional activities being focused in markets with positive market access and reimbursement listings. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Aequus has formed a Strategic Advisory Board in Ophthalmology to assist in assessing and rationalizing the many ophthalmology pipeline opportunities, both in therapeutics and medical devices, available to the Company. The Advisory Board will help Aequus in determining whether a product can improve patient outcomes, integrate into a clinicians workflow, and navigate the Canadian reimbursement and commercial landscape. Development Program Activities Aequus announced an expanded market opportunity for its reformulated anti-nausea transdermal patch, AQS1303, into the European market with the approval of Diclectin, the oral reference product for AQS1303 for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, having recently received marketing authorization in the United Kingdom under the brand name Xonvea. Aequus plans to launch AQS1303 in countries where an original oral form has been approved and an accelerated path to approval may exist for reformulated products. Operating Expenses Sales and marketing expenses for Q3 2018 were $449,932 and $310,163 in the same period last year. The 45% increase was primarily the result of higher marketing costs related to Zepto and staff vacancies in Q3 2017 that were no longer vacant in Q3 2018. The expenses include non-cash expenses of $54,720 related to amortization and share based payments expenses. Depreciation and amortization, and share-based payments for Q3 2018 were $44,555 and $10,165, respectively, compared to $45,918 and $15,053, respectively, in Q3 2017. The amortization costs were primarily related to the acquisition costs of TeOra. As the sales and marketing infrastructure is now established, new products, like Zepto, can be marketed to the same customer base without material impact to overall sales related costs. The Company incurred research and development expenses of $76,275 in Q3 2018 as compared to $415,173 in Q3 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower subcontractor research costs and reduced regulatory consulting for AQS1301 and AQS1303 pre-IND related work, which completed in Q3 2017. The main development work in Q3 2018 was the advancement and optimization of AQS1303 in preparation for clinical studies. The costs of which are being realized by its partner, Corium, in exchange for exclusive manufacturing of the product. This resulted in a $328,383 decrease in Q3 2018 cost relative to Q3 2017. General administration expenses were consistent with prior quarters at $546,827 during Q3 2018 as compared to $532,085 in Q3 2017. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MD&A Investors are encouraged to review Aequus complete Financial Statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, which are available on the Companys website at www.aequuspharma.ca and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . ABOUT AEQUUS PHARMACEUTICALS INC. Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX-V: AQS , OTCQB: AQSZF ) is a growing specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. Aequus has grown its pipeline to include several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant, and a development stage pipeline in neurology and psychiatry with a goal of addressing the need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. As a complement to its focus in neurology, our most recent addition to the development pipeline was a long-acting form of medical cannabis, where there is a high need for a consistent, predictable and pharmaceutical-grade delivery of products for patients. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada alongside its current portfolio of marketed established medicines and will look to form strategic partnerships that would maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. Aequus plans to build on its Canadian commercial platform through the launch of additional products that are either created internally or brought in through an acquisition or license; remaining focused on highly specialized therapeutic areas. For further information, please visit www.aequuspharma.ca . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words believe, may, plan, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, potential and similar expressions. Forward- looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as the factors we believe are appropriate. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements relating to: the implementation of our business model and strategic plans; the Companys expected revenues; Aequus sales and marketing efforts; the Companys potential regional partnerships for its internal programs; the regulatory requirements for its transdermal pyridoxine/doxylamine program. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Aequus, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making the forward looking statements included in this release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including, but not limited to: obtaining positive results of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; general business and economic conditions; the Companys ability to successfully outlicense or sell its current products and in-license and develop new products; the assumption that the Companys current good relationships with its manufacturer and other third parties will be maintained; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Companys ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and technology offered by the Companys competitors; and the Companys ability to protect patents and proprietary rights. In evaluating forward looking statements, current and prospective shareholders should specifically consider various factors set out herein and under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Information Form dated April 30, 2018, a copy of which is available on Aequus profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and as otherwise disclosed from time to time on Aequus SEDAR profile. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties, or a risk that is not currently known to us materialize, or should assumptions underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements. VistitanTM: Trademark owned or used under license by Sandoz Canada Inc. Zepto is a registered trademark of Mynosys Cellular Devices. CONTACT INFORMATION Aequus Investor Relations Email: investors@aequuspharma.ca Phone: 604-336-7906 Wednesday, November 28, 2018 The China Law Philanthropy Report, updated in August 2018, is definitely worth reading. Here is a brief excerpt from the introduction: Since the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, Chinas legal framework has mainly followed the civil law tradition. At the same time, it has significant characteristics of a Leninist state in which all state institutions come under the control of the Communist Party of China. At present there is no civil code in China. The General Principles of Civil Law, which came into effect in 1987, intend to create a consistent framework for the interpretation of civil law. Chinas legal framework is constraining for civil society in general and philanthropic giving in particular. During the current administration of President Xi Jinping, Chinese civil society has come under a great deal of pressure. In terms of both freedom for civil society and philanthropy, China ranks very low among the worlds countries. In 2016, Freedom House gave China the lowest possible ranking of seven for political rights, along with six for civil liberties.2 Similarly, the World Giving Index 2016 ranked China near the bottom with a score of 140 for philanthropic giving. The Hudson Institutes Index of Philanthropic Freedom 2015 ranked China 52 out of 64 countries in terms of creating an enabling environment for philanthropy. Nevertheless, philanthropy has a rich and varied history in China, which is still felt in the practice of philanthropy in Taiwan and among the Chinese diaspora. In the PRC, in contrast, philanthropic traditions were largely erased as a result of the Communist Partys rigid rule from 1949 to 1978, when the state dominated all forms of social life, including voluntary giving. Even during the 1980s and 1990s, most philanthropic activity was controlled and shaped by government policies, priorities, and institutions. The government organized charitable donations, and people gave not because they wanted to but because they were politically and socially pressured to do so. There was little choice about the recipients either. Donations generally went directly to the government or to government-organized NGOs (GONGOs), which dominated the nonprofit sector and had a monopoly on public fundraising. There was also little information or transparency about the use of donations. Companies donated as well, but their donations almost always went to projects in conventional areas, such as poverty alleviation, disaster relief, education, or health, which were carried out by the government or GONGOs. During this period the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) began to gain traction in Chinese companies, but it was regarded more as means to strengthen the private sectors relationship with the government than with target communities. This situation began to change about ten or fifteen years ago, as private foundationsor what the Chinese call non-public fundraising foundations (that is, mostly corporate and family foundations)mushroomed and exceeded the number of GONGOs, many of which are public foundations or, in Chinese, public fundraising foundations (for more, see our interactive timeline The Rise of Philanthropy and Civil Society in China, 1976-2017). In addition, scandals in the philanthropic sector, primarily with GONGOs, were publicized on social media and generated public debate about reducing the governments monopoly on philanthropic activities and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the sector. At the same time, the CSR programs implemented by Chinese companies became somewhat more diverse as companies began to work with nonprofit organizations (NPOs) as well as GONGOs. International influences also played an increasingly important role as both NPOs and philanthropists looked overseas, particularly to the United States, for models for shaping the philanthropic sector. dkj https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/nonprofit/2018/11/charities-in-china.html The United Nations Climate Summit takes place next week in Poland. About 20,000 people from 190 countries are expected to take part in the conference. There, world leaders will debate how to limit climate change -- the weather events linked to slowly rising temperatures on Earth. They will discuss ways to reduce carbon emissions and other pollution which, scientists say, can cause long-term changes to our planet. For environmentalists, one area of concern is South Americas Amazon rainforest. Studies have shown that the Amazon takes in as much as 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year and releases 20 percent of Earths oxygen. About 60 percent of the rainforest is in Brazil. Scientists wonder it will be protected under Brazils next president, Jair Bolsonaro. He takes office on January 1. Bolsonaro has said that his country should withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement. Under the agreement, most nations promised to reduce carbon emissions 37 percent over 2005 levels by the year 2030. The president-elect claims a mandate from voters to develop land for agriculture and other purposes. He said that Brazils rainforest protections are standing in the way of economic success. Scientists say deforestation is a major reason for climate change. Studies have linked rising temperatures to the destruction of forests. Scientists worry about the future of the Amazon. New Brazilian government records show the speed of deforestation has increased over the past year. Carlos Nobre is a climate scientist at the University of Sao Paulo. He told the Associated Press that it is almost impossible to say just how important the rainforest is to the planets living systems. Some scientists call the Amazon the lungs of the planet. They liken it to human lungs. Each tree takes in and stores carbon dioxide from the air around it. The trees also release the oxygen we need to live. The Amazon, the worlds largest rainforest, also creates weather. Billions of trees pull up water through their roots. Then the trees release water vapor into the air. The vapor forms a thick mist, made up of tiny drops of water. These water particles move up into the clouds and later return to Earth as rainfall. Scientists estimate that the Amazon creates 30 to 50 percent of its own rainfall. During the election campaign, Bolsonaro promised to ease protections for areas of the Brazilian Amazon set aside for native peoples and wildlife. He said that indigenous lands and nature reserves restrict economic growth. All these reserves cause problems to development, he said. The president-elect also talked about taking away the power of Brazils environmental ministry to enforce laws for protecting the environment. Paulo Artaxo is a professor of environmental physics at the University of Sao Paulo. He said that if Bolsonaro keeps his campaign promises, then deforestation of the Amazon will probably increase quickly and the effects will be felt everywhere on the planet. Artaxo spoke to the Associated Press (AP). Bolsonaros team did not answer a request from the AP for comment. Some of Bolsonaros support comes from business and farming groups. One supporter, senator-elect Luiz Carlos Heinze, noted that farmers are not invaders, they are producers. He blamed the past administrations for supporting native rights at the expense of farmers. Brazil, he said, will be the biggest farming nation on Earth during Bolsonaros years." Scientists warn that if the Amazon and other tropical rainforests lose too many trees, this could affect rainfall in other areas. Nobre and others estimate that the tipping point for the Amazon system is 20 to 25 percent deforestation. Without enough trees to support the rainfall, the longer and bigger dry season could turn more than half of the rainforest into a tropical grassland. That finding was published in February in the journal Science Advances. Im Anne Ball. The Associated Press reported this story. Anne Ball adapted the report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story emissions - n. the act of producing or sending out something (such as energy or gas) from a source mandate - v. an official order to do something vapor - n. a substance that is in the form of a gas or that consists of very small drops or particles mixed with the air indigenous - adj. produced, living, or existing naturally in a particular region or environment tropical - adj. of, relating to, occurring in, or used in the tropics tipping - adj. On Tuesday, the Pew Research Center reported that the number of immigrants staying in the United States without permission fell to a ten-year low in 2016. Researchers used government data to show that from 2007 to 2016, the number of undocumented immigrants dropped from 12.2 million to 10.7 million. Pew linked the decrease to a large reduction in the number of Mexicans crossing the U.S. border illegally. However, the number of immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras trying to cross over from Mexico illegally was up. Central America is the only region for which there was an increase in undocumented immigrants during the period of the study. Arrests of Central Americans at the U.S.-Mexico border have also risen. But Pew researchers said arrests remained well below their highest number in 2014. Most unauthorized immigrants overstayed their visas Researchers found that two-thirds of adult unauthorized immigrants have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years. Most unauthorized immigrants enter the U.S. on legal visas and remain after their visas reach the end of the period of stay they permit. The latest overstay report showed that more than 700,000 holders of visas whose time limits had been reached should have left in the 2017 fiscal year. Pew said 90 percent of overstays were from countries other than Mexico or Central America. Deportations Pew noted that forced expulsions called deportations of undocumented immigrants rose during the years when George W. Bush and Barack Obama were president. Deportations reached their highest point in 2013. These deportations could have affected the decrease in the undocumented population. In the fiscal year 2016, most deportations were of people from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The report showed that based on limited data, deportations appear to have declined since then. It also shows a decline in those arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as an increase in those arrested inside the United States. Im Kelly Jean Kelly. Molly McKitterick reported this story for VOA. Pete Musto adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. How do you think the numbers of undocumented immigrants entering the United States will change over the next ten years? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story region n. a part of a country or of the world that is different or separate from other parts in some way unauthorized adj. without permission visa(s) n. an official mark or stamp on a passport that allows someone to enter or leave a country usually for a particular reason fiscal year n. a 12-month period used by a government, business, or organization to calculate how much money is being earned and spent deportation(s) n. to force a person who is not a citizen to leave a country NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prairie Provident Resources Inc. ("Prairie Provident" or the "Company") announces that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted for filing the Company's notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). The NCIB effectively renews the existing NCIB, which is scheduled to end on November 30, 2018. Pursuant to the renewed NCIB, Prairie Provident may purchase from time to time up to a maximum of 5,000,000 common shares, at such times and in such quantities as the Company may determine, subject to applicable regulatory restrictions. Purchases under the NCIB may be made through open market transactions on the TSX and any alternative Canadian trading platforms on which the common shares are traded, based on the prevailing market price. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled. Transactions under the NCIB will depend on future market conditions. Prairie Provident retains discretion whether to make purchases under the NCIB, and to determine the timing, amount and acceptable price of any such purchases, subject at all times to applicable TSX and other regulatory requirements. The renewed NCIB period will commence on December 4, 2018 and end on December 3, 2019 or such earlier date as the NCIB is completed or is terminated at the Company's election. Under TSX rules, not more than 19,330 common shares (being 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 77,321 common shares for the six months ended October 2018) can be purchased on the TSX on any single trading day under the renewed NCIB, except that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. The NCIB provides the Company with an additional capital allocation alternative with a view to long-term shareholder value. In circumstances where the prevailing market price of the common shares does not reflect what Prairie Provident believes to be the underlying value of its business and assets, a purchase of common shares for cancellation under the NCIB may provide an opportunity to enhance shareholder value by increasing the proportionate equity interest of remaining shareholders at an attractive valuation and improving per share metrics on an accretive basis. The Company has appointed Cormark Securities Inc. as its broker to make any NCIB purchases on its behalf. As of November 29, 2018, there were 172,113,876 common shares outstanding, of which 118,044,001 common shares are considered to be in the public float as freely tradeable shares not held by directors, officers or principal shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, the maximum 5,000,000 common shares that may be purchased under the renewed NCIB represents approximately 2.9% of the number of common shares currently outstanding, and approximately 4.2% of the public float. Prairie Provident previously received approval from the TSX to purchase up to 4,900,000 common shares under its existing NCIB, representing approximately 9.8% of its public float at the time of commencement, during the December 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018 bid period. In the last twelve months, the Company purchased a total of 273,000 common shares under the current NCIB through market purchases on the TSX, at a volume-weighted average purchase price of approximately $0.339 per share. ABOUT PRAIRIE PROVIDENT: Prairie Provident is a Calgary-based company engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in Alberta. The Company's strategy is to grow organically in combination with accretive acquisitions of conventional oil prospects, which can be efficiently developed. Prairie Provident's operations are primarily focused at Michichi/Wheatland and Princess in Southern Alberta targeting the Banff, the Ellerslie and the Lithic Glauconite formations, along with an early stage waterflood project at Evi in the Peace River Arch. Prairie Provident protects its balance sheet through an active hedging program and manages risk by allocating capital to opportunities offering maximum shareholder returns. For further information, please contact: Prairie Provident Resources Inc. Tim Granger President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (403) 292-8110 Email: tgranger@ppr.ca FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which include statements regarding the Company's intentions or expectations with respect to the NCIB and any common share purchases thereunder and its general strategy and areas of operational focus. Statements involving forward-looking information relate to future performance, events or circumstances, and are based upon internal assumptions, plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact constitute forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions, plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs upon which the forward-looking information is based, and the other material factors reflected therein, are reasonable, no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. In particular, there can be no assurance that Prairie Provident will make purchases under the NCIB, or that any purchases made will benefit remaining shareholders. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information, which is inherently uncertain and subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, both general and specific, many of which are beyond the Prairie Provident's control, that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated or suggested in the forward-looking information. Certain such risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Prairie Provident and its business are discussed in more detail in the Company's current annual information form and other documents filed by it from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada, copies of which are available electronically under Prairie Provident's issuer profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.ppr.ca. Statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and Prairie Provident assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new information or future events or circumstances, or otherwise, except as may be required pursuant to applicable securities laws. US Senate to end military support for S. Arabia in Yemen US senators sent a strong signal to Trump and said that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote on Wednesday was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration. The US Senate voted 63-37 to advance the bi-partisan Sanders-Lee resolution to cut off all US military support in the Saudi-led war in Yemen in Washington DC. TRUMP HAD THREATENED TO VETO IT Senator Bernie Sanders spoke on the floor, and called the vote one that would tell the "dictatorship in Saudi Arabia that we will no longer be part of their destructive military adventurism." The bill will have to pass through the House before taking effect, though US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to veto it. The resolution received broad bi-partisan support, which comes in light of the recent murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has caused global outrage and brought US-Saudi relations under closer scrutiny. Standard Chartered Plc is weighing a plan to simplify its structure as the emerging markets lender looks to control costs across its sprawling network from Zambia to Macau, said people familiar with the matter. The London-based bank, which operates in about 60 markets, is exploring how to free up liquidity and reduce funding expenses within its different legal entities, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private. Standard Chartered said in a statement to Bloomberg that it will outline how it plans to deliver higher returns when it reports its full-year results in February, without elaborating on the details. The lender is expected to unveil a strategic review to address investor concerns about rising expenses and an approximate 40 percent decline in the share price since Bill Winters became chief executive officer in June 2015. Winters is still seeking to convince investors he can revive longer-term earnings growth and generate an acceptable level of profitability while cutting costs. Hes spent much of his tenure cleaning up the balance sheet and culture of the London-based firm, which had been saddled with bad loans. The banks weakness in returns is due to costs that are too high, Edward Firth, a U.K. bank analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in London, said by email. Centralizing funding costs sounds like an opportunity, but there are likely to be hurdles involving tax and local regulatory requirements, he said. As part of the review to be announced in February, the bank is also considering cutting the number of senior posts, one of the people said. The bank had around 86,000 staff at the end of last year, up from about 84,000 in 2015. Its also still pressing ahead to create two Asian hubs one based in Singapore and another in Hong Kong, they said. Meanwhile, the lender is also reviewing its African businesses and may opt to focus on some core countries, the people said. Standard Chartered operates across a vast network in Africa including smaller economies such as Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, according to its website. The bank makes the bulk of its income from its China and North Asia businesses. As part of the review, the bank is also closely examining part of its private bank. It plans to keep its focus on the wealth management segment, the people said. Standard Chartereds Winters said in October that the lender was working on a three-year plan to improve performance. Its return on equity was 6.6 percent as of the third quarter. The bank said earlier in the year that 8 percent was achievable in the medium term. Details of its plan are yet to be finalized as the lender is still waiting to hear from the Department of Justice over a potential fine related to previous Iranian sanctions imposed by the U.S. The bank has said that it continues to cooperate with U.S. authorities on resolving the Iran sanctions probe, and that its too early to provision for any likely fine. Bloomberg News earlier reported that the bank was bracing for a potential penalty of around USD1.5 billion for allowing customers to violate the sanctions. Any plan to reward shareholders with a buyback, which was reported by the Financial Times this month, is likely on hold until there is a settlement with U.S. prosecutors, the people said. Standard Chartereds underlying profit was $1.07 billion in the third quarter, ahead of a consensus estimate of $976 million, as the bank managed to squeeze out more growth from Asian markets. Ambereen Choudhury, Stefania Spezzati, Bloomberg The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) plans to stop sending text messages to local parents regarding class suspensions during extreme weather. The service is going to be canceled due to the fact that the telecommunications service provider has also planned to suspend its service to the bureau. As result, DSEJs cell broadcasting services will be suspended. Nevertheless, the bureau will continue releasing the information on its website, app and WeChat account. 9,600 people deported from region In the first ten months of 2018, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) deported more than 9,600 non-local criminals or law violators. In the same period, the PSP immigration department detained 65 people who were suspected of being using dual identities. Moreover, 113 fake marriage cases were revealed, and a total of 251 criminal cases were transferred to the prosecution authority, representing a decrease of seven cases. Some 334 suspects were transferred to the prosecution authority, representing an increase of 35 people. Customs to install surveillance system along the coast Starting from next year, the Macao Customs Service will install a surveillance system along the coastline in order to combat illegal immigration. The bureau will install panoramic day and night thermal cameras along the coast. In a statement, it noted that illegal boats have always existed in Macaus sea area. According to the Customs Service, the system will allow the bureau to precisely identify any suspected boat. In addition, the bureau claims that, through cooperation between the mainland and Macau, illegal boat operations have been cracked down upon effectively. A former president of the United Nations General Assembly said Tuesday that he never witnessed anything improper on the part of a prominent Hong Kong businessman on trial in New York on charges of bribing government leaders in two African nations to land lucrative business deals for a Chinese oil and gas conglomerate. Vuk Jeremic reported to the indicted businessman, Dr. Chi Ping Patrick Ho, when he worked as a consultant for CEFC China Energy. Jeremic told a federal jury that he connected Ho to high-ranking officials in several countries and opened diplomatic doors for CEFC as it expanded its business around the globe. But in an interview following his hourslong testimony, Jeremic said he never had concerns about Hos dealings. I have never witnessed him say anything improper in my life, he said outside a Manhattan courtroom. Jeremic provided The AP a letter from the U.S. Justice Department that said even though he was called to testify, he has neither been charged with nor is alleged to have committed a crime. Jeremic, who leads the opposition party in Serbia, said he has been vilified and faced brutal criticism in his home country over his involvement in Hos proceedings. Its been portrayed as if I were on trial, he said. It was very important for me to clear Serbias name. Jeremic also sought to distance the United Nations from the criminal proceedings, even though one of the officials Ho is charged with bribing, Sam Kutesa, Ugandas foreign minister, also served as president of the U.N. General Assembly when Ho sought him out. Jeremics remarks came on the second day of Hos trial. Ho, a former home affairs secretary in Hong Kong, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, money laundering and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Among other allegations, he is accused of paying a USD2 million bribe to the president of Chad, Idriss Deby, in an attempt to steer oil rights to CEFC. Hos defense attorneys have argued the payments amounted to charitable donations and that they were legal and documented. AP The Brilliant and the Absurd in Vienna A geopolitical journey into the city that was once the intellectual and cultural center of Europe. By George Friedman I first came to Austria when I was six months old and left a little over a year later. Oddly, I cant seem to recall it, but in college and the years that followed, I visited many times. Austria was the borderland of the Cold War and where many journeys started. It bordered Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia. It also bordered Germany and Italy, as well as neutral Switzerland allowing access to France and beyond. And since it was neutral and weak, people from all over the world could get to Austria and, from Austria, to the rest of Europe. Vienna was a place where chaos and intrigue were easily stirred. Soviet intelligence used it as the gateway to the West. Western intelligence used it as the gateway to the East. Others used it as a way to simply get somewhere else. The cafes at the outer rings were filled with people who knew someone who knew someone who might get something done, for a fee. Nearer the center of the city were more official-looking, well-dressed men, pretending to know far more than they actually did. There were also extremely attractive women looking for official-looking men to cause them to commit a massive error in judgment. Vienna was the city in which OPEC met to plan the oil crisis of the 1970s, and where Venezuelan terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos the Jackal, kidnapped 60 OPEC representatives and their staff in 1975 and flew some of them to Algiers with a plane provided by the Austrians. He was working with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and had close ties to the KGB. He found refuge and a base of operations in Budapest, right across the border. Needless to say, Western intelligence was operating intensely in Vienna, looking for him and his KGB handlers, as well as other terrorists. Vienna, then, resembled the movie Casablanca. Everyone who came to the city wanted to go elsewhere and was prepared to make deals with the devil to get there. St. Stephens Cathedral, gray and disapproving, stood in the middle of this buying, selling and renting of souls. The cathedral is still a pillar the Catholic faith, which is very much alive in Vienna. It once brooded over denizens of the unredeemed plotting. Today, it is surrounded by the unredeemed named Giorgio Armani, Mont Blanc and Michael Kors. (I asked my wife who, in their right mind, would spend that much on clothes, pens or pocketbooks. She informed me that her handbag was from Michael Kors, that she had a coat from Armani, and that I had a pen from Mount Blanc. My point made, I let it slide.) What I didnt get to see was the Vienna I had heard of in my graduate school days: This was the Vienna of the last years of empire and the time between imperial collapse and Anschluss. This was a time when Vienna was the intellectual and cultural center of Europe. It was the time of Wittgenstein, Freud, Klimt, Schoenberg and Schrodinger. Put another way, it was the time of philosophy, psychiatry, art, music and physics. Vienna broke open new ways of thinking, brilliant insights and preposterous ideas that couldnt and shouldnt survive. Great moments are filled with a handful of brilliance and a great deal of trivia. Vienna became the center of European intellectual life, but that life was aborted by the most powerful and preposterous idea of all: Hitlers vision of the world he wanted to create. Ideas can kill, and his did. The coming of Hitler had another consequence. The brilliance and absurdity of Vienna was adopted by other countries, particularly the United States. The influence lasted. In graduate school, I wrote on Freud and Wittgenstein, declared myself incapable of tolerating atonal music and wasnt smart enough to understand quantum mechanics. Still, the degree to which Vienna fed American intellectual life was stunning. Even later, when I came to Vienna and sat for long hours with the heirs of this tradition, I had a sense of inadequacy. They were part of the tradition of Viennese intellectuals, and I was not. Wealth and Power Why do certain cities have these extraordinary moments of efflorescence? One reason is wealth. Supporting intellect requires leisure, and leisure requires wealth, whether through rich families or grants. It also, like Paris in the 18th century, requires confidence. France was powerful, and intellectuals fed off that sense of power. There must also be migrants and a culture of travel something to drive home that the laws of your city are not the laws of nature. And there has to be, from this dissatisfaction, a sense that conventions are arbitrary and that new things are needed. Intellectual uprising walks a narrow tightrope between disruption and collapse. Vienna had all these things. It was wealthy, or wealthy enough to create leisure for some. It was powerful, though its power was fading. It was a city of Hungarians, Serbs and all the random wanderers of Europe, looking for a drink and a warm bed. And it contained those who harbored deep dissatisfaction with conventions, which became more rigid as the empire declined. Empires, once great and now on the edge, make for these moments. Among the great empires was the Habsburg Empire. It was a dynasty that once dominated Spain and came to rest in Vienna. Its tentacles spread to Mexico, where a member of the House of Habsburg, Maximillian I, became the emperor in the 19th century, only to be executed by Mexican revolutionaries. The Habsburgs greatest moment came in 1683 when the Ottomans, having conquered Budapest, moved west, past the Danube, to capture Vienna. From Vienna, they could have moved south to the Italian Peninsula, which was already under attack by the Ottoman navy. This would have given the Ottomans effective control of the Mediterranean, as well as access to Spain and France. It could have also made American history very different than what it turned out to be. But the Ottomans were defeated, largely through an alliance between the Habsburgs and other European powers. This accomplished two things. It stopped Ottoman expansion in Europe, and it began the Ottomans long retreat that ultimately led to World War I and the current reality. In the Balkans, the Ottomans control was fractured. The Serbs the Ottomans most stubborn resisters did not want to become a colony of the Austro-Hungarians. This was in part due to national pride and in part due to religion. The Catholics and Orthodox played a complex game with Muslims in the Balkans. Serbian opposition to both Turks and Austrians led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Habsburg Empire buffered all of Europe against the Turks, and it was, to a great extent, configured for this purpose. Unlike other empires that aggressively demanded the subservience of client states, the Habsburgs were far more liberal. They did not seek to exploit the regions under their control economically, preferring them to be relatively well-off. This way, they were prepared to stand against the Turks, having as much to lose at the Turks hands as the Habsburgs themselves. And when the Hungarians demanded independence in the 19th century, the Habsburgs made them equal to Austria. There are two kinds of empires: the kind that rules through ruthless exploitation, and the kind that seeks to induce allies into defending themselves through economic incentives. The Habsburgs did not pioneer this. But the came close to perfecting it. Return of the Past Some in the region still speak nostalgically about the Habsburg Empire, as if it did what the European Union has tried but failed to do. And some want to turn this nostalgia into policy. Take the Three Seas Initiative , for example. The initiative promotes integration of European countries stretching from the Baltic to the Black and Adriatic seas, including Austria, Hungary and several Eastern European nations. Its seen as a supplement or even an alternative to the EU. Some proponents believe it could be a way to block Islamic migration and even Turkish influence on the Continent. In my own life, I have seen examples of the eternal return of the past in Europe. In the winter of 1944-45, my mother was taken to build roads in the Austrian town of Lichtenworth. The death camps were clogged, and bombers were attacking roads. My mother and her three sisters had the good fortune to be sent south of Vienna. Two of the sisters died; two lived. (It must not be forgotten that Hitler was Austrian, and that the Austrians greeted unification with enthusiasm. They fully participated in Hitlers exploitative empire, emptying Vienna of Freud and the rest.) Yet my mother also took refuge in Austria after I was born. She said the Austrians were both distant and kind. There was no sense of residual loathing or even resentment. Perhaps Hitler was just a bad dream we all had and then woke up from. Given that history always returns in Europe, perhaps the Habsburgs will come back with an empire ruling through indifference. And as the Austrians insist, they will speak German but will not be Germans. On Sunday, my wife and I attended a show at the Spanish Riding School featuring Vienna Lipizzaner performing horses. The horses are interesting because they are born black and turn pure white as they mature. (They reminded me of John le Carres A Most Wanted Man, in which bank accounts used to launder black money are referred to as Lipizzaners.) For my wife, this was a trip of a lifetime, as she grew up in Australia loving horses and riding her own horse. I, meanwhile, grew up familiarizing myself with money laundering. So, we both could appreciate the show. I was taken less by the horses than by the horsemen and horsewomen. Their discipline and perfect sense of place was extraordinary, particularly when saluting. The riders raised their arms to the brim of their hats with slow and utter control while sitting on a horse. They paused for a second at the brim of the hat, removed their hats in unison to the perfect point, and then together placed them back on their heads. It reminded me of superbly trained troops at a moment of significance. The Chinese researcher who claims to have created the worlds first genetically-altered babies revealed a possible second pregnancy had resulted from his project, highlighting the dilemmas facing Chinas leaders as they attempt to control a nascent industry racing to dominate genomics research globally. He Jiankui the Shenzhen-based scientist who shocked the world this week by claiming he had altered the genes of the embryos to make them resistant to HIV said the study is on hold. The U.S.-trained researcher spoke for the first time at a genetics conference in Hong Kong, where he sought to defend his work and faced probing questions from peers. I feel proud, he said of the birth of the twins, who he said were born normal and healthy. Hes claims are yet to be verified and he didnt identify the subjects of his experiment. His appearance at the summit left participants, which included prominent gene-editing researchers, with more questions than answers. He spoke softly and haltingly, and it wasnt clear if the other potential pregnancy that he referred to was still viable. The scientists appearance in Hong Kong failed to quell condemnation from the Chinese and global scientific communities, who have lashed out at him for doing work thats banned in the U.S. and many other countries. His revelations have sparked a robust debate over the ethical boundaries of genetic editing and prompted calls for stricter regulation amid fears that the world could be moving closer to producing designer babies. This is a truly unacceptable development, said Jennifer Doudna, a key pioneer behind gene-editing technology. I dont think it is credible that it is for a medical need. We are struggling to understand the implication of this work. Yesterday, He said he has submitted his work to a scientific journal for review, without identifying the publication. He also emphasized that he informed the couples involved in the study of the risks of the removal of the CCR5-related gene, which he deleted in the twins using the powerful gene-editing tool Crispr. There are questions of whether He took an unnecessary risk in altering healthy embryos. Hes work now faces three investigations in China and calls from prominent Chinese researchers for him to be punished. A senior Chinese government official has said his work is unlawful. Several times during the session, He seemed puzzled by the deep ethical questions posed to him. When asked if he had thought about how the procedure would affect the girls in their dynamics with family, friends and romantic partners throughout their lives, he said: I dont know how to answer this question. He added that using technology to help people with genetic diseases is compassion. William Hurlbut, a senior researcher in neurobiology at the Stanford Medical School, said that he was one of the ethicists that He consulted with over the past two years. Hurlbut, who served on the U.S. presidents council on bioethics, said that while he knew that He was heading in this direction, he didnt know the full-scale of the project or that it involved implanted embryos. I challenged him at every level, and I dont approve of what he did, said Hurlbut. Nobel Prize laureate David Baltimore, who also attended the genetics conference, criticized the secrecy of Hes work. Had he been more open with what he was doing, it could have been part of a national or international discussion, he said. I think he acted irresponsibly. The institutions affiliated with He, including his university the Southern University of Science and Technology and the Shenzhen hospital where he purportedly received ethical approval for the project, have said that they had no knowledge of his work. He said the university was unaware of the labs work. Harmonicare Medical Holdings Ltd., which owns the Shenzhen hospital, said in a filing Tuesday that it believed signatures on an application to the hospitals medical ethics committee had been forged, and that the committee never met to review Hes proposal. The Chinese scientific community, including several prominent research groups, have issued statements opposing Hes work and calling it a blow to Chinas scientific reputation around the world. On Tuesday, in the clearest sign yet that the Chinese government viewed Hes project as violating rules, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping said in a press briefing that China had outlawed the use of gene-editing for fertility purposes in 2003. Chinese law does not mention the use of Crispr, the revolutionary gene-editing technique that He used to alter the twins genetic code. By contrast, the U.S. and many other countries have strictly restricted Crisprs use in so-called germ-line editing, which involves changes that will impact the descendants of an original patient and is the kind He claims to have performed in China. The most recent Chinese government pronouncement, a 2017 document from the science and technology ministry, said only that gene-editing research involves great risks and urged rigorous supervision. In his Tuesday briefing, deputy minister Xu hinted at the internal debates the Chinese government has over how it should regulate burgeoning research areas like biotechnology and artificial intelligence. China wants to be a leader in the defining technologies of the 21st century, but lax regulation risks cases like Hes. We are conscious that its a double-edged sword. Sometime we feel quite anxious, said Xu. To be honest, on this question, we still havent completely straightened out our thinking. We know there will be some negatives but we also dont dare because there will be negatives to avoid technologies or advancements. Bloomberg The local governments decision- making process during the upcoming gaming concession will not be transparent, Taipei-based journalist Martin Williams claimed yesterday during a breakfast meeting organized by the France Macau Chamber of Commerce. There are various reasons why the application process [of the gaming concession] cant be transparent, said Martin Williams, who was the speaker at the event. The problem is that if you actually [measure] the quality of each applicant, if you review the process and all the numbers involved, its not going to explain why some applicants got a concession and others didnt, Martin Williams explained, further indicating that there are other influences involved in the gaming concession. Martin Williams, who is also the Asia Editor for London and Washington-based Gambling Compliance, believes that Beijing is in charge of a soon-to-come gaming concession grant. From Beijings point of view, its a reasonable point of view, as Macau is a Chinese territory, Williams remarked. Besides the gaming concessions transparency, Williams also noted the lack of ownership traceability within the Macau gaming industry. There has always been a concern about the lack of traceability of the ownership, the substantial owners. The substantial benefit is that junkets are often invisible. Clearly, thats something thats going to have to be addressed, said Martin Williams, adding that as long as the structure is kept stable, thats the more important aspect. But the thing I dont doubt, and we are seeing this from the DICJs crackdown on junkets, is that, just because the government is taking greater care with its handling of junkets, it doesnt necessarily mean that the public or the media will get more information about it, said Williams. I think the government would tend to prefer to think that the government itself is perfectly capable of doing that monitoring on the basis of legislation and on the basis of its practice, the journalist voiced. He also noted that he does not see any particular change in the law amendment regarding junket promoters. Talking about the parties involved in the gaming concession process, Martin Williams said my first piece of advice would be to go to the Hong Kong and Macau Liaison Office. Learn all about them, learn about the China Liaison Office people here. Those are the fundamentals, said Williams. Having spoken on gaming in Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, London, Barcelona and Taipei, the journalist finally remarked that the Chinese lottery is much bigger than Macau casinos, and it is growing. South Korea will send trains across the border to the North for the first time in a decade, after recent sanction exemptions paved the way to begin work to connect railways separated since the Korean War. The Koreas will run trains on two railways for 18 days starting Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry said in a statement yesterday. A train will leave Seoul Station in the early morning and arrive in the North Korean city of Sinuiju, near the Chinese border, before heading to Pyongyang. It will travel to Wonsan and other areas on the east coast for a joint survey of 745 miles of North Koreas railway system and facilities, the ministry said. South Korea plans to use the studys results to assess North Koreas rail facilities in order to modernize them in the future, according to the statement. Seoul said it would discuss holding a ground-breaking ceremony before the end of the year, but that construction depended on the progress of North Koreas denuclearization. Reconnecting the railroads was one of the key projects promised during a meeting between North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang in September. The two leaders agreed to break ground within the year. Sanctions enforced by the United Nations Security Council and the U.S. prohibit sending fuel or conducting economic activities that could generate cash for Kims regime. South Korea said last week it had won exemptions for the joint survey. Bloomberg Russia said yesterday it still expects a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump to go ahead as planned. Trump, in an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday, said he may cancel the sit-down with Putin in Argentina following Russias seizure of three Ukrainian naval ships last weekend. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters yesterday that the meeting is on and that Russia has not received any other information from our U.S. counterparts. The long-simmering conflict between Russia and Ukraine burst into the open on Sunday, when Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian vessels and seized the ships and the crew. Trump said he would be receiving a full report from his national security team on Russias recent actions in eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea. He said he would decide on a course afterward. Maybe I wont have the meeting, he said. Maybe I wont even have the meeting. Trump added: I dont like that aggression. I dont want that aggression at all. The comments were Trumps strongest to date in condemnation of Russias recent actions in Ukraine, where tensions are flaring. But White House aides were still planning for the Putin meeting after Trumps comments. The meeting between Trump and Putin is set to be just one of several high-profile foreign-policy engagements for the U.S. leader on the whirlwind two-day visit to Argentina. Trump also is set meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping over dinner this weekend, in what may be a pivotal session to determining if and how the ongoing trade dispute between their countries could be resolved. The White House on Tuesday warned Xi against trying to wait out Trump in the ongoing talks, suggesting the Chinese economy was not as resilient to a trade war as would be the U.S. economy. The warning from Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, came ahead of the two leaders high-stakes sit-down on Saturday evening. Over the last year, the two countries have levied a series of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of imports from one another, with the latest round of U.S. duties set to go into force in the new year. National Security adviser John Bolton said Trump will also be meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Argentine President Mauricio Macri, South Koreas Moon Jae-in, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the trip an opportunity for the president to cement relations with other world leaders and advance a global economic system based on free, fair and reciprocal trade. The Trump-Xi meeting would be the first since the two countries began hitting each other with import taxes earlier this year. The United States targeted USD250 billion in Chinese products, and Beijing lashed back by slapping tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods. The two sides have been in negotiations for months, but Kudlow described them as being stalemated until just a few weeks ago. Kudlow said the administration has been extremely disappointed by Chinas engagement in trade talks but the meeting between Trump and Xi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit could be a game-changer. Perhaps we can break through in Buenos Aires or not, he said. Kudlow added that if the U.S. doesnt get satisfactory responses to its trade positions more tariffs will be imposed. He said Trump is not going away. I hope they understand that, he said. Chinas foreign ministry has said a recent phone conversation between Xi and Trump about trade and other issues was extremely positive. Zeke Miller, Washington, AP Steps of Greatness: the Geopolitics of OBOR written by Francisco Leandro will be launched at the Macau Military Club today at 6:30 p.m. According to a statement by the International Institute of Macau, the study offers distinctive insights on four aspects of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, such as the multiple dimensions of the scheme and its security and geopolitical implications. According to Leandro, the OBOR initiative is a grand project, informed by geopolitical considerations and based on Chinas core interests, to resolve Chinas problems. The book offers a new point of departure besides the often-quoted argument about Chinas search for raw materials overseas and the export of excessive productive capacity, according to the IIM statement. Chinese foreign investment and industrial relocation are not driven purely by a logic of market profitability and hence [ ] land randomly on [just any place] on earth. Instead, they are instruments of broader national concerns and are embedded in geopolitical and security calculations. Their movements are thus channeled to specific strategic locations. In such a strategic geopolitical map, Hong Kong and Macau loom large in the grand scheme. The book launch will be presented by Professor Tak-Wing Ngo from the University of Macau, Jose Luis Sales Marques, president of the Institute of the European Studies of Macau, and Jorge A. H. Rangel, president of the IIM, as well as the author, Francisco Leandro. The book is jointly published in English by the University of Macau, the International Institute of Macau and the Institute of European Studies of Macau. Lu Guangs photos exposed the everyday realities of people on the margins of Chinese society: coal miners, drug addicts, HIV patients. Now, the award-winning photographer is at the center of his own stark story. He was taken away by state security agents three weeks ago for unknown reasons, Lus wife, Xu Xiaoli, told The Associated Press late Tuesday. Xu said Lu was traveling in Xinjiang on Nov. 3 when she lost contact with him. He had connected with photographers in Urumqi, the capital, one week before and was scheduled to meet a friend in Sichuan province on Nov. 5, but he never showed up. A friend of Xu helped her inquire about her husbands whereabouts in his home province of Zhejiang, where authorities said Lu and a fellow photographer had been taken away by Xinjiang state security. They did not give any further details, the friend told Xu. I know that he wouldnt have done anything illegal, Xu, 45, said in a phone interview from New York, where she is studying art design and raising their child. Lu won first prize in the prestigious World Press Photo contest for a series on poor Chinese villagers who became infected with HIV after selling their own blood to eke out a living. His photos tackle gritty subjects like pollution and industrial environmental destruction issues traditionally avoided by the Chinese press because they risk punishment for exposing societal problems that the government may consider sensitive. But Lu never had problems with the police before, according to Xu, who added that she was not aware of any photo projects he had planned for his Xinjiang trip. He has a strong sense of social responsibility, she said. He believed, after confronting the faces of the destitute, that there were things that people should know. At the very least, he believed that [his photos] might motivate them to help others, to trigger change and make things better. Lus profile on the World Press Photo website says he is the recipient of numerous other photography honors including Germanys Henri Nannen Prize in Photography and a National Geographic Photography Grant. It says Lu was the first photographer from China to be invited by the U.S. State Department as a visiting scholar. Xu said she believes it was Lus first visit to Xinjiang. A stifling security apparatus has been imposed on the region in recent years as the government combats what it calls terrorist threats from Xinjiangs predominantly Muslim ethnic Uighur and Kazakh populations. Yanan Wang, Beijing, AP Faulty equipment and Indonesian carrier Lion Airs own safety failures had pilots fighting for control of their Boeing 737 MAX 8 as it plunged into the Java Sea on Oct. 28, killing all 189 people aboard, investigators said yesterday. Briefing reporters on the aircrafts black box data, the investigators said they were still struggling to understand why the plane crashed but they cited multiple factors centered on faulty sensors and an automatic safety system that repeatedly forced the planes nose down despite the pilots efforts to correct the problem. The pilots simply may have been overwhelmed, said one of the crash investigators, Ony Suryo Wibowo. The problem is if multiple malfunctions occur all at once, which one should be prioritized? Wibowo said. The lack of the aircrafts cockpit voice recorder, which is still missing, is a dire obstacle to resolving that mystery, the investigators said. The report by Indonesias National Transportation Safety Commission repeats earlier recommendations made just after the disaster that pilots be better versed in emergency procedures and aware of past aircraft problems. Shortly after the catastrophe, Lion Air issued a notice to pilots urging them to be more proactive in reporting problems. Nurcahyo Utomo, an investigator for Indonesias National Transportation Safety Commission, told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday that four of the crashed aircrafts previous flights had experienced technical problems, with two showing no such difficulties. He said investigators were trying to understand what maintenance workers had done to try to fix the problems and if there were other steps that should have been taken. The MAX aircraft that crashed is the latest version of Boeings popular 737 jetliner. Its new automated system pushes the nose down if a sensor detects that the nose is pointed so high that the plane could go into an aerodynamic stall. The sensor, called an angle-of- attack vane, or AOA, malfunctioned in earlier flights. Pilots who flew the aircraft from Bali to Jakarta a day before the crash told investigators that the anti-stall system engaged due to erroneous airspeed and altitude indicators, but the flight crew managed to adjust the planes pitch manually by shutting the automated system off. That enabled them to restore control and land safely. Utomo said it was unclear why the pilots on the flight from Jakarta to a regional airport the next day were unable to do the same. Even if the pilot did not have time to meet with the engineer, he should be able to know what the problems experienced by the aircraft before, he said. We need to find out what happened and why the pilots took different actions. That why we really want to have the cockpit voice recorder. In a statement following the release of the report, Boeing played up the possibility of pilot error. As our customers and their passengers continue to fly the 737 MAX to hundreds of destinations around the world every day, they have our assurance that the 737 MAX is as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies, it said. The aircraft manufacturer noted that the investigators report cited actions by the flight crew that led to the crash. It also pointed to maintenance work and procedures that had failed to fix the aircrafts repeated problems. Peter Lemme, an expert in aviation and satellite communications and a former Boeing engineer who wrote an analysis of the data on his blog, likened the problems to a deadly game of tag in which the plane pointed down, the pilots countered by manually aiming the nose higher, only for the sequence to repeat about five seconds later. That happened 26 times during the 11-minute flight, but pilots failed to recognize what was happening and follow the known procedure for countering incorrect activation of the automated safety system, Lemme told The Associated Press. Lemme said he was troubled that there werent easy checks to see if sensor information was correct, that the crew of the fatal flight apparently wasnt warned about the problems on previous flights and that the Lion Air jet wasnt fully repaired after those flights. Had they fixed the airplane, we would not have had the accident, he said. Every accident is a combination of events, so there is disappointment all around here, he said. The Indonesian investigation is continuing with help from U.S. regulators and Boeing. More than 200 MAX jets have been delivered to airlines around the world. Pilots at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines complained this month that they had not been given all information about the new automated anti-stall safety system on the MAX. Niniek Karmini, David Koenig, AP The 5th Shenzhen Design Fashion Week is underway at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center until tomorrow, showcasing the works of hundreds of independent designers, including several from Macau. The Macau participants this year include local designers Chantelle Cheang and Kelvin Mac, whose CHAVIN brand advocates the idea that modern women deserve unique clothing, and Ella, whose ella epeler mix-and-match brand is a collection of fun and distinctive pieces. This years theme is Finding the Same, according to organizers, with the aim of influencing current designers to acquire new ideas and solve business development, and let designers who hold different ideas [exchange] with the market and seek shared values. The Shenzhen Original Design Fashion Week is Chinas first fashion week for ready-to-wear trade, serving as an industry platform for original design and commercial deals involving textile raw materials. Since its inception in 2014, it has been held concurrently with the Fashion Source Shenzhen International Garment Supply Chain Expo and supported by the mainlands Ministry of Commerce. The 5th Shenzhen Original Design Fashion Week plays host to 29 independent designer catwalk shows, more than 500 independent designers static exhibitions, over 70,000 professional buyers, and approximately 1,600 quality supply chain exhibitors. Some 300 media organizations are following the event, according to organizers. In addition, the Fashion Source Award, the FS Apparel Supply Chain Summit, the FS VIP Shopping Club, the FS Business Matching, the FS Forum, and the FS Party were held concurrently. A Sri Lankan court yesterday ordered the detention of the countrys top military officer for investigation in connection with the abduction and disappearance of 11 young people, including ethnic minority Tamils, during the countrys civil war that ended nine years ago. Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake ordered that Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne be held until Dec. 5, saying he could obstruct the investigation due to the key post he holds. Wijegunaratne was the former chief of the navy. Wijegunaratne has been accused of giving refuge to former navy Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, who is the main suspect in the abduction of the 11 young people in 2008-2009. They are believed to have been murdered while being held for ransom at a naval base. Wijegunaratne is also accused of helping Hettiarachchi evade police. Hettiarachchi was arrested in August, and several other navy troops have also been detained in the alleged scheme to make money. A large number of people were reported missing during the civil war that ended in 2009. Many were abducted by government paramilitary personnel for alleged links to the now-defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. Rebels also abducted civilians as forced conscripts. Many people who gave themselves up to the military in the final stages of the war are also unaccounted for. There is no clear record of the missing from the nearly 26-year conflict. A missing person commission has received 20,000 complaints. Ethnic Tamil leaders have said that more than 4,000 Tamils were reported missing in the war, and the government says most are probably dead. According to U.N. estimates, up to 100,000 people were killed in the war. Many more are feared dead, including up to 40,000 civilians who are believed to have died in the final months of the fighting. Government troops and the Tamil Tiger rebels, who fought for an independent state for ethnic minority Tamils in the islands north and east, are both accused of war crimes. AP Citi Bike is doubling its service area and more than tripling the size of its fleet over the next five years, city officials announced Thursday. The "vast majority" of the new bikesroughly 30,000 of themwill be pedal-assist e-bikes, a Lyft employee told Gothamist. The major expansion comes four months after Lyft purchased Motivate, the company that owns and operates Citi Bike. As part of that deal, the ride-hail giant agreed to put up $100 million to "improve and strengthen" the system. It's unclear where exactly that current service area will be extended, but officials promise a 35 square miles increase across the five boroughs over the next five years. New York City is one of the worlds great biking citiesand its about to get even better, Mayor Bill de Blasio, who will not be attending today's press conference, said in a statement. "This expansion means tens of thousands more New Yorkers are going to have a fast and inexpensive way to get around their city." Interestingly, de Blasio is skipping this good-news press conference, presumably because he doesn't want to talk about how he is OK with Citi's pedal-assist e-bikes but not immigrant deliverymen's throttle e-bikes Dana Rubinstein (@danarubinstein) November 29, 2018 Caroline Samponaro, head of bike, scooter and pedestrian policy at Lyft (and formerly Deputy Director of Transportation Alternatives), told Gothamist that the expansion was a "timely way to get people onto bikes and out of cars." She noted the success of the electric bikes, which are about twice as popular as the regular models. "It opens up bike riding to a larger group of New Yorkers and thats also exciting from an equity perspective," Samponaro said. A spokesperson for Lyft noted that part of the $100 million investment would go toward more resources and staff for swapping out the batteries on the e-bikes, which more often than not seem to be dead. The company also plans to introduce new pedal-assist models in the coming years. Earlier this year, the city committed to adding 2,500 docking points and 1,000 pedal-assist bikes on either side of the Williamsburg Bridge to create "a new, temporary 'shuttle' service" ahead of the L train shutdown. But New Yorkers have criticized the slow pace of expansion, and City Council Member Rafael Espinal has called on the DOT to ensure Citi Bikes are added to Bushwick and other neighborhoods along the L corridor before the shutdown. "Filling that gap and getting ahead of the service shut down are top of mind for everyone at Lyft," Samponaro said. She added that the city will begin engaging community boards immediately, and that "New Yorkers should expect to see improvements in the system and expansion kicking off in 2019." Not everyone is excited about the new expansion, however. A spokesperson for Uber, which operates the dockless bike-share company Jump, voiced disappointment that Citi Bike will continue to retain its exclusive right to the expanded service area. After five years of operating in wealthier NYC communities, Citi Bike is now asking for another five years to expand and is still not committing to serve all New Yorkers," spokesperson Alix Anfang told the Wall Street Journal. The city should work with all parties to ensure access to everyone who wants to ride a bike to get around their communitiesnot one company which has long left outer borough New Yorkers stranded. On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after 'ruling out' a presidential bid, Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to Washington for a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. Over shrimp, beef and chocolate cake, the governor tried to convince his political nemesis to contribute the promised federal funding for a desperately needed new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The Gateway Tunnel, which runs between New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station, is widely considered one of the nation's most pressing infrastructure projects. The existing 108-year-old tunnel was badly damaged during Superstorm Sandy, and experts warn of imminent emergency repair work that could cut rail capacity into Penn Station by 75 percent, making daily travel hellish for hundreds of thousands of commuters across the region. While the federal government had agreed to fund half of the project under President Obama, the Trump administration upended that deal last year, and the president has reportedly tried to use the contribution as a bargaining chip for his border wall. Despite the stakes, and the fact that Cuomo largely campaigned for reelection this year as Trump's antagonist, both politicians painted Wednesday's face-to-face meeting as easy-going and productivean improvement from last year's "inconclusive" rendezvous. "I have a good relationship with him. I like him. He likes me," Trump told the NY Post in an interview following the meeting. "We're going to look at it." Cuomo echoed the sentiment, explaining to reporters that both he and the president come from a construction background, and thus understand that governments can't be trusted with building major infrastructure. He also noted that Trump had responded positively to a video filmed last month showing the governor breaking off pieces of the decrepit tunnel with his bare hands. "It's fair to say the president was receptive to what we were talking about," said Cuomo. "The president said he wanted to take next steps to find a way forward." Those next steps won't include any sort of funding commitment just yet. For now, the two officials have agreed only to tweak the Gateway Program Development Corporation, replacing the Amtrak representative with a federal government official, alongside representatives from New York and New Jersey. The restructured corporation will soon begin the process of soliciting bids from private companies for the tunneleffectively lopping off the tunnel construction from the larger Gateway Program, which includes projects like the Portal Bridge in New Jersey. Amtrak, which owns and operates the existing linkage, expects the new tunnel will cost approximately $13 billion, while the full overhaul is estimated in the range of $30 billion (and growing). The state's "maximum budget" is $3.25 billion, or the agreed upon 25 percent of the current estimate for the tunnel, Cuomo said. The funding breakdown would be revisited once the bidding begins, and both leaders say they're optimistic the final price tag will be lower than Amtrak's estimate. According to one good-government group, the cost of the project increases by about $1 billion each year that it's delayed. On Wednesday, Cuomo seemed to acknowledge that true progress on the tunnelwhich could take a decade to completeremains elusive. "There is no clock ticking because there is no clock," the governor explained at a press conference after returning to New York. "So we are nowhere right now. The question is how we would start a clock, start a process." What if the process fails? It's not hard to imagine the president reversing his position yet again, deciding that the commuting prospects of a largely liberal metropolitan region aren't worth his investment, or that the project shouldn't go forward until his border wall gets approval. "If the president refuses, then the tunnel doesn't get fixed," Cuomo said. "There is no alternative." A little over a decade ago, Brooklyn-born billionaire Jeffrey Epstein got caught running what the Miami Herald describes as a "sexual pyramid scheme" on the backs of underage girls, allegedly committing multiple acts of pedophilia and engaging in child sex trafficking. The evidence against him appeared damning, but until now it's been kept largely out of the public eye, thanks to the efforts and missteps of prosecutors at the federal and state levelincluding President Donald Trump's current Labor Secretary and a prosecutor in Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance's office. The Herald identified 80 women who say they were victimized by Epstein as girls, speaking with eight of them on and off the record. Each independently presented a tale eerily similar to the others': Epstein, then over 50, enlisted girls to give him "massages" for money, steadily upping his demands to includein some casesintercourse. Epstein allegedly got these girls to enlist their peers, "as you as [they] could find them," one victim recalled. Eventually, his Palm Beach mansion allegedly became what the Herald deemed a "revolving door" operation, with teenage girls coming and going in a constant stream. Epstein allegedly preyed upon vulnerable young women, targeting girls whoin the Herald's words"were one step away from homelessness." He reportedly paid them a few hundred dollarsbut, in at least one case, he increased that sum to $1,000, when the victim says his abuse escalated to rape. Authorities in Florida brought charges against Epstein in 2006, and the FBI prepared an indictment in 2007 that wound up sealed. That's because Alexander Acostathen a U.S. Attorney, now Trump's Labor Secretaryaccepted a plea agreement from Epstein's high-powered legal team (Alan Dershowitz, who represented OJ Simpson; Kenneth Starr of the Clinton impeachment). As a result, Epstein served 18 months (with a daily work release) in a cushy country club jail, the Palm Beach Stockade, and had to register as a sex offender. According to the Herald, Epstein paid underage girls to service him and his friends "in every city where [he] had homes." In New York City, Epstein owned a building, allegedly used to house underage models flown in from around the world for the same purpose as his (again, alleged) Florida racket. But although his plea deal only required him to plead guilty on two (much lower level) prostitution charges, Epstein still had to register as a sex offender. And as the NY Daily News reported in 2015, the hedge funder allegedly wanted to avoid the requirement New York places on Level 3 sex offenders (the most serious designation) to verify their addresses with law enforcement every 90 days. So in 2011, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Gaffney tried to help him reclassify as a Level 1 offender. "I have to tell you, I'm a little overwhelmed because I have never seen a prosecutor's office do anything like this," said presiding Judge Ruth Pickholtz of the New York Supreme Court, according to the Daily News. "I have done so many [sex offender registration hearings] much less troubling than this one where the [prosecutor] would never make a downward argument like this." Pickholtz denied the request, maintaining the Level 3 label. On Thursday, Danny Frosta spokesperson for Cy Vance's officetold Gothamist that the Herald's story "was not news," as it had been covered by a number of outlets in years past. "Words like 'cover-up' and 'defense of Jeffrey Epstein' do not apply here," he added, because the DA had already admitted that Gaffney "made a mistake (in open court) by misreading the Sex Offender Registration Act provision about what you have to include and exclude from the score." They said the same in appeals court, Frost emphasized. 2/ Our prosecutor made a mistake at that hearing and we owned that completely. (@MiamiHerald leaves this part out.) On appeal, we told the court straight up -- our hearing prosecutor "misapprehended" the law, and Epstein should receive the highest sex offender designation. Danny Frost (@realdannyfrost) November 28, 2018 Gaffney, meanwhile, quit the D.A.'s office in October, around the same time news broke that the prosecution had to drop one of the charges in its criminal case against Harvey Weinstein. Read the full story in the Miami Herald. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new report in the Medical Journal of Australia on the country's climate change mitigation and adaptation activities is out today. Despite decades of warning from scientists, Australia remains woefully underprepared to deal with hotter, more frequent and longer heatwaves, catastrophic bushfires, severe storms and intense prolonged droughts, and higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases that climate change brings. These and other climate impacts are considered in Australia's first-ever report to the UK medical journal The Lancet's annual Countdown on Health and Climate Change, published today in the Medical Journal of Australia, which tracks global mitigation and adaptation efforts. QUT's Professor Hilary Bambrick is one of the researchers to co-author the Australian report. "The key finding is that Australia remains ill-prepared for the health impacts that come with increasing temperatures and extreme weather," said Professor Bambrick, head of the QUT School of Public Health and Social Work. "We are lagging well behind other countries in our response to climate change. The report's release coincides with a week of extreme weather in eastern Australia, with unprecedented dangerous bushfires in Queensland and severe storms and flooding in the Sydney region. Professor Bambrick looked at health adaptation planning by all levels of government in Australia, regional migration and population displacement, media reporting trends and climate sensitive diseases. "Of all the states and territories, the ACT and Queensland are the only ones with anything approaching a comprehensive health adaptation plan," she said. "At local government level, each of the eight capital cities have conducted climate change risk assessments or adaptation plans but only three of them included health services. "Even then, the most well-developed health plans focus only on heatwaves, and include impacts on emergency service responders from extra call-outs and support for vulnerable people. "The plans don't consider how we build our long-term resilience and improve our capacity to cope with other extreme events such as severe storms, catastrophic bushfires, and flooding, or with less acute events such as mosquito-borne disease outbreaks or psychological distress in drought affected areas." Professor Bambrick said climate change would drive migration and put extra pressure on under-prepared health systems. "Tasmania may have to brace itself as increasing numbers of Australians head south to avoid extreme heat," she said. "Regionally, Australia could increasingly see itself as a destination country for people from low-lying Pacific Islands as sea-level rise means significant loss of land. "Some low-lying Pacific island countries are already planning to move some or all of their population, having purchased land in other countries." "Australia's policy inaction is short-sighted. For example, we have major water shortages in the Murray-Darling Basin and 100 per cent of NSW in drought, yet the Federal Government is still only talking short-term drought assistance and is not considering what's actually behind the severity of the drought." Professor Bambrick also tracked media reporting on health and climate change from 2008 to 2017 for the report. "As taking action on climate change to protect health has become ever more urgent, Australian media coverage of the issue has halved over the past decade. "This is despite strong public desire to do something meaningful about climate change. "While Australia needs to do much more to limit climate change, we also have to manage the impacts that we're already seeing to avoid the worst health consequences. This report sets the baseline by which we can see how we're tracking on this over coming years. "This report is timely because Australia is heading into international climate negotiations at the UN Climate Change Summit in Poland next week where governments will decide how to implement the 2015 Paris agreement to limit global warming to under two degrees, with an aspirational target of not going above 1.5 degrees." Explore further 'Angry' Australian summer weather smashes records More information: The MJALancet Countdown on health and climate change: Australian policy inaction threatens lives. Med J Aust. DOI: 10.5694/mja18.00789 The MJALancet Countdown on health and climate change: Australian policy inaction threatens lives. Nick Watts et al. The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come, The Lancet (2018). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32594-7 Journal information: Medical Journal of Australia , The Lancet Osteoblasts actively synthesizing osteoid. Credit: Robert M. Hunt; Wikipedia. Every year more than 2 million older Americans experience a fragility fracture to the hip, spine or wrist. Usually the result of a fall from standing height or less, fragility fractures stem underlying bone deterioration, not high-impact forces but to. Loss of bone mineral density (BMD) - the condition known as osteoporosisis one way bones can become fragile, and screening patients for osteoporosis is the current standard for determining fracture risk in older adults. However, low bone mineral density is not the only cause of bone fragility, and the majority of older adults who sustain a fragility fracture do not meet the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis. Physicians currently lack validated means of assessing fracture risk in these patients. In the largest prospective study of its kind, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife used high-resolution tomography imaging to assess whether other bone characteristics besides bone mineral density can be used to determine fracture risk. The team found that assessing the microstructure of the two different types of bone tissuescompact bone and spongy bonemay be useful to predict the incidence of fragility fractures in those who would not otherwise be identified as at risk. The study is published today in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. "Older women are at particularly high risk of fracture. In fact, the number of women who will experience a fragility fracture in any given year exceeds the number who will experience a first-time stroke, breast cancer or myocardial infarction combined," said co-lead author Mary L. Bouxsein, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies at BIDMC. "Improved methods to identify those in whom fractures are common but whom standard clinical testing does not identify as high risk would allow us to target treatment to this important group and ultimately reduce fracture burden." The multi-national study included more than 7,000 older women and men from five North American and European countries. Participantseight research cohorts at the Mayo Clinic, the Framingham Study in Massachusetts and sites in France, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden that comprise the Bone Microarchitecture International Consortiumunderwent scanning measurements of the bones of the arms and legs. While just eight percent of participants met the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, 11 percent of participants experienced a fracture. Those who experienced fracture were more likely to be older, female, have a lower BMI, use osteoporosis medications and have a previous fracture. Participants who sustained fractures had worse bone measurements for nearly all parameters compared to those who did not fracture. The scientists' analysis demonstrated that several measures of bone density and structure at different sites on the boneincluding the density of the compact bone tissue and the thickness of the spongy bone tissue at the wristwere predictive of fracture. Failure load, the stress under which bone begins to fracture, was the bone characteristic most strongly associated with risk of fracture. "Results from this large international cohort of women and men suggest deficits in density and structure throughout the bone contribute to fracture risk independently of bone mineral density and current risk assessment tools", said Lisa Samelson, Ph.D., who is an epidemiologist at the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife and Harvard Medical School, and lead author of the study. "Further, assessment of these bone characteristics may be useful in those who would not otherwise be identified as being at high risk for fracture." Explore further Which bone measures predict fractures in postmenopausal women? More information: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, www.thelancet.com/journals/lan rticle/PIIS2213-8587 A radical culture change in the NHS, and across the health data and medical technology community, is needed to make sure that the NHS can deliver the benefits of new health technologies that use patient data for care, and to retain public trust, says a new report1 from the Academy of Medical Sciences published today. The report outlines principles that must be adopted by the NHS and industry, including medical technology developers and regulators, so that patients can benefit from digital information about them being used in smarter, more joined-up ways to revolutionise healthcare and support life-saving research. Putting into action the set of principles set out in the Academy's report will enable organisations, including the NHS and medical technology companies, to respect and protect the privacy, rights and choices of patients and the public. The principles will help provide safeguards to support patient data being used in ways that are fair, and will enable all NHS patients to benefit from the use of health technologies using patient data. Health technologies that are becoming increasingly important include wearable devices, mobile phone apps and intelligent monitoring devices. Smart insulin pumps for diabetes, artificial intelligence assisted pregnancy ultrasound scans, and houses designed with smart technology to monitor and support dementia patients and their carers, are examples in the report where patient data are already being used to develop health technologies. The report highlights the potential of the NHS to become a world leader in the use of patient data for technologies to improve healthcare, and emphasises that patients and the public expect the NHS to keep control of patient data. It calls for action to be taken so the NHS can evolve into a system that learns from itself, feeding back digital information about patients and using technology to support, not replace, face-to-face healthcare. The NHS must also share in the wider benefits of contributing patient data for these new technologies. Professor Carol Dezateux FMedSci, Chair of report Steering Group and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Data Science, Queen Mary University of London, said: "Health technologies that use patient data have huge potential to improve our health and wellbeing. We are already seeing the development of wearable monitors linked to automated treatment that are revolutionising the lives of patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes. Our workshops with the public emphasised that they want to see the NHS deliver on the potential of data-driven technologies, giving better and safer health care for all." A steering group of 12 experts, including leading clinical, biomedical and social scientists, legal, ethical and technology specialists, oversaw the development of the principles. The group based their discussions on a programme of dialogue commissioned from Ipsos MORI that explored public, patient and healthcare professionals' views on the future use of technologies that use patient data. Workshops were held in Cardiff, Sheffield and London, involving around 100 people from a wide range of backgrounds, some with long- and short-term mental and physical health conditions, and healthcare professionals including GPs, nurses, paramedics and hospital consultants. The Ipsos MORI report3 of these workshops is also published today. A follow-up meeting gave an opportunity for the NHS, regulators, funders, policy makers, data and medical technology companies and the pharmaceutical industry to contribute their views4. This Academy policy project was partly funded by a grant from the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Professor Carol Dezateux added: "The Academy report builds on what the patients and the public have told us matters most to them. By putting the public's expectations at the centre of the use of data-driven technologies, the NHS, scientists, researchers and developers will be able to work together to deliver maximum health benefits for all, while keeping public trust." Dr. Kambiz Boomla, member of report Steering Group, GP in Tower Hamlets and Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Clinical Effectiveness Group, Queen Mary University of London, said: "The National Health Service gives us the opportunity to join up all the information about patients wherever they are seen. Imagine a future where an appointment didn't start with repeating your medical history and medications because your health care professional has all that information up-to-date and accessible to them." "Recently, at my GP practice in East London, an elderly lady with dementia and her daughter came to see me. Her daughter explained that her mother had been discharged from hospital after a fall when she had been told her mother's brain scan showed she had a blood clot on the brain. As she was becoming more confused her daughter was worried this was to do with the blood clot. In two clicks of my mouse, I was ablefrom the GP surgeryto see the brain scan report. It told me the clot was old and was smaller than it had been. As a result, I didn't need to send her mother for another scan and could reassure her daughter immediately. Joined-up patient data improve patient experiences and healthcare as a whole and saves us all time in wasted trips and tests. "My patients don't want to be told 'the robot will see you now': they want to see a human. However they understand that new technologies can allow patients and their carers to manage their own health better and free up clinician time for direct care. That is the future they want us to deliver." Professor Lionel Tarassenko CBE FREng FMedSci, member of report Steering Group, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Head, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, said: "We are already seeing digital technologies that empower patients to manage their own health, for example by monitoring their own condition at home. Technology will only evolve and get more sophisticated to have a bigger impact on healthcare in the NHS in the next ten years. "If we are going to reap the benefits of these advances, we must act now. We need to see a widespread increase in digital health literacy throughout the NHS, with the full involvement of patients and the public. We also need to think carefully how we regulate and evaluate digital health products, especially when they include artificial intelligence, so that healthcare professionals and patients know that they are safe and reliable, and improve patient outcomes." Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "This report is based on high-quality, in depth conversations with members of the public, hospital doctors, GPs and nurses. We are calling for the NHS, regulators, industry and other key stakeholders to work together to adopt the principles set out in this report to make sure that patient data is used in a fair, transparent, safe and effective way. "This report also highlights the opportunity for the NHS to evolve into a world-leading learning health system, where every piece of patient information is collected and learnt from using smart technologies, to improve the health of the population." Explore further Four principles underlie patient and family partnership in care Provided by Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) Credit: CC0 Public Domain Amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade in the United States, a new Michigan Medicine-led study finds. And a disproportionate rise occurred in rural counties. Among pregnant women in all parts of the country, amphetamine-affected births (mostly attributed to methamphetamine) doubledfrom 1.2 per 1,000 hospitalizations in 2008-2009 to 2.4 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations by 2014-2015, the new research finds. The rate of opioid use also quadrupled from 1.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations in 2004-2005 to 6.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations in 2014-2015, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study sample included about 47million deliveries occurring in U.S. hospitals over the 12-year-period. For pregnant women with amphetamine use, the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality was 1.6 times the rate identified among moms with opioid use. The incidence of preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, heart failure or heart attack, and need for a blood transfusion were also higher among deliveries to moms with amphetamine use compared to opioid use. "We know from our previous research on maternal health disparities that there are disproportionately higher rates of substance affected births in rural communities," says lead author Lindsay Admon, M.D., M.Sc., an obstetrician-gynecologist at University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and a graduate of the National Clinician Scholar's Program at U-M's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. "When we looked at the specific types of substances driving this disparity, we were surprised to find that amphetamine use accounted for such a significant portion," Admon adds, noting that few, if any, studies have examined the incidence of amphetamine use in pregnancy in the last decade. "Our findings suggest both amphetamine and opioid use are growing public health crises that affect delivery and birth outcomes." Admon, the study's senior author Tyler Winkelman, M.D., M.Sc., and colleagues also recently examined 1.3 million hospitalizations related to amphetamines in the general adult population, finding that by 2015 amphetamine-related hospitalizations were associated with higher risk for in-hospital mortality and accounted for $2.2 billion dollars in hospital costs. Geography influences health, recovery An estimated 82,254 delivery hospitalizations during the decade-long study period included one or more amphetamine use diagnoses and 170,164 included one or more opioid use diagnoses. By 2014-15, amphetamine use complicated roughly 1 percent of all deliveries in the rural West (11.2 per 1,000 hospital deliveries), which was higher than the incidence of maternal opioid use in most regions. The highest incidence of maternal opioid use was identified in the rural Northeast, complicating nearly 3 percent of all deliveries (28.7 per 1,000 hospital deliveries.) Higher proportions of patients in both substance use groups were non-Hispanic white, from lower-income communities, and had public insurance compared to other hospital deliveries. "Early and adequate access to prenatal care for women with substance use has been shown to improve birth outcomes," Admon says. "However, geographic disparities have a major impact on the health and well-being of pregnant women and infants. There are significant barriers to obstetric care access in many rural communities, particularly for women with substance use." Barriers to treatment Determining treatment specifically for prenatal amphetamine use is also a challenge. While there's gold standard medical treatment for maternal opioid use, Admon says, the evidence for amphetamine use disorder treatment among pregnant women is limited. Cessation is associated with improved birth outcomes, but obstetricians could use more guidance on how to promote cessation among their patients. Federal efforts to curb access to precursor drugs used to make meth in the mid-2000s helped reduce amphetamine use overall, Admon notes. But as new methods were used to make the drug, meth use has again spiked. Rural areas have the double whammy of greater access to amphetamines but less access to addiction treatment services. Further complicating the matter are laws that criminalize substance use during pregnancy that may discourage women from disclosing the concern to their health provider. Neonatal intensive care units in rural counties may also not have adequate capacity to care for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, which describe health problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. "We have seen a significant increase in infants born with symptoms of drug withdrawal," says Winkelman, of Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis and graduate of the National Clinician Scholar's Program at U-M's IHPI. "We need to devote more resources to prevent and treat substance use in pregnancy, especially in low-income and rural communities." Neonatal abstinence syndrome accounted for $3 billion in hospital costs between 2004 and 2014, according to another study led by Winkelman and colleagues. More intervention needed The new U-M-led study follows Admon's previous research, which found that pre-existing, chronic conditions among delivering women have increased substantially and are linked to adverse birth outcomes. Prior work by Admon and colleagues also examined racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorders. Substance use were less common among African-American and Hispanic women, but, when present, were associated with a higher risk for adverse birth outcomes compared to non-Hispanic white women. "It is critical that health providers employ universal screening for substance use early in pregnancy," Admon says. "Optimizing access to prenatal care is a crucial mechanism to connect women with the services they need for their health and their baby's health." "We need to find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat maternal amphetamine and opioid use. Developing treatment programs that can reach women in the geographic areas most affected by these epidemics is key to improving outcomes for mothers and newborns." Explore further Amphetamine-related hospitalizations surged between 2003 and 2015 (HealthDay)Compared with nonranked hospitals, top-ranked hospitals have lower 30-day mortality but similar or higher readmission rates for cardiovascular conditions, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in JAMA Cardiology. David E. Wang, M.D., from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study involving 3,552 U.S. hospitals to examine whether US News & World Report top-ranked hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery perform better than nonranked hospitals on mortality rates and readmission measures. The researchers found that compared with 3,502 nonranked hospitals, the 50 top-ranked hospitals had lower 30-day mortality rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI; 11.9 versus 13.2 percent; P < 0.001), heart failure (0.5 versus 11.9 percent; P < 0.001), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; 2.3 versus 3.3 percent; P < 0.001). Compared with nonranked hospitals, the 50 top-ranked hospitals had similar readmission rates for AMI (16.7 versus 16.5 percent; P = 0.64) and CABG (14.1 versus 13.7 percent; P = 0.15) and higher rates for heart failure (21 versus 19.2 percent; P < 0.001). Compared with nonranked hospitals, the top-ranked hospitals had higher patient satisfaction (3.9 versus 3.3; P < 0.001). "It is possible that top-ranked and nonranked hospitals have focused substantial resources on reducing readmissions rather than mortality rates given the financial push of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, which resulted in generally similar readmission rates but disparate mortality rates between these hospital groups," the authors write. Two authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Explore further Lower hospital mortality for acute MI during heart meeting Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)You might love getting fresh produce at your local farmers' market, but you should wash everything thoroughly when you get home. Why? Many farmers' market vendors don't follow food safety practices meant to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, a new study found. Researchers used direct observation, state health inspector reports and vendor input to assess food safety practices at farmers' markets in Pennsylvania. "We found that our direct field observations and inspector findings were very similar, yet very different from what most vendors said they were doing," said Cathy Cutter, a professor of food science at Penn State University. "There was a chasm, if you will, between what we and the inspectors saw, and what vendors reported they were doing. The vendors think they are doing a good job, when in reality they are not," she said in a university news release. "We are not sure why there were such discrepancies. Nevertheless, they need to do better," said Cutter, who's also assistant director of food safety and quality programs for Penn State Extension. With more than 8,500 farmers' markets in the United States, food safety risks have risen, the researchers explained. Areas where vendors in the study fell short included hand-washing, personal hygiene and cross-contamination. There was low use of disposable gloves, even among vendors who sell unpackaged, ready-to-eat foods. Only 24 percent of vendors had disposable gloves at their stands, the study revealed. The researchers also analyzed samples of leafy green produce and meats sold at farmers' markets and found E. coli bacteria in 40 percent of beef samples, 18 percent of pork samples, 28 percent of kale samples, 29 percent of lettuce samples, and 17 percent of spinach samples. Listeria was found in 8 percent of beef samples, 2 percent of kale samples, 4 percent of lettuce samples and 7 percent of spinach samples, according to the researchers. The findings show the need for food safety training programs for farmers' markets vendors, the researchers concluded. The study was published recently in the journal Food Protection Trends. Explore further Farmers market vendors need training to improve food-safety practices More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on food safety Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Death rates from respiratory illnesses are higher in the UK than similar countries in Europe, North America and Australia, shows a study published in The BMJ today. Respiratory illnesses such as obstructive lung conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and infections like pneumonia are common causes of death, but death rates can be reduced through effective healthcare interventions. Death rates have been coming down in all countries, and the authors wanted to look at whether the gap between the UK and similar countries, particularly those in the European Union, had closed. In the UK, deaths fell from 151 to 89 per 100,000 in men and changed from 67 to 68 per 100,000 in women. In comparison countries, death rates fell from 108 to 69 per 100,000 in men and changed from 35 to 37 per 100,000 in women. The international research team, led by Justin Salciccioli at Harvard Medical School, extracted data on death rates for respiratory illnesses from the World Health Organization (WHO) Mortality Database for the countries of interest. UK data were compared with data from other countries which were EU member states before May 2004 (i.e., Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden) and data from Australia, Canada, United States, and Norway. Between 1985 and 2015 death rates from respiratory conditions decreased for men and remained relatively static for women in both the UK and the comparison countries. However, death rates remained higher in the UK. In the UK, death rates were higher than in the other countries for all respiratory conditions assessed except for lung cancer. These included infections of the lungs (including influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis); interstitial diseases (conditions affecting the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs); and obstructive diseases such as COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis (where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened). Previously higher UK death rates from respiratory conditions have been attributed to the UK's higher smoking rates, but smoking levels have decreased considerably since the 1970s. The researchers emphasise that this is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, but say that pollution may be a contributing factor as the UK has a higher rate of deaths attributable to household and ambient air pollution than most of the comparator countries. Further studies are required to look at how differences in the healthcare system and health behaviour differences of patients with respiratory diseases might impact on death rates, they add. "The difference in mortality between the UK and other similar nations does not exist for other chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, or death from renal disease," they conclude. Explore further Stillbirth and infant death rates are decreasing, but still vary widely across Europe After news came out on Wednesday that millennial-focused website Mic is in talks to sell to Bustle, the company informed employees Thursday morning that a majority of the staff would be laid off in anticipation of any deal. Recode reported this morning Mic CEO Chris Altchek announced the layoffs at a staff meeting today. According to sources, all of the 100+ Mic employeeswhich includes reporters, editors, sales, social media, and morehave been laid off, though Recode notes that under the proposed terms of the Bustle deal, "Altchek and co-founder Jake Horowitz would stay on after the acquisition." Former employees also tell us that they will receive severance through December. an awful day in media. there are so many incredibly talented, creative and hardworking people at Mic who were doing important, powerful work even while the company crumbled around them. none of them deserve this kelsey sutton (@kelseymsutton) November 29, 2018 I've considered Mic a bad entity ever since it laid off a pregnant editor. Bustle eating up the entirety of New York digital contractor media (Elite Daily, etc.) that way outpaced itself seemed more like an inevitability than a surprise https://t.co/f9I6yrBhUk Tonya Riley (@TonyaJoRiley) November 29, 2018 Despite Mic, which was founded in 2011, raising more than $60 million in venture funding from backers, it "couldn't find a business model to support its costs, which include a two-floor office in Manhattans World Trade Center." As many have noted, the company was dependent on Facebook traffic, and things became especially grim after Facebook recently cancelled the company's Facebook Watch program Mic Dispatch. During this morning's meeting, Altchek noted that the cancellation meant "funding has dried up and dramatically reduced interest from potential acquirers and investors." One of the most pernicious concepts in digital media is the odd idea that "creating media for millennials" should just mean "pandering to Facebook algorithms" Zach Schonfeld (@zzzzaaaacccchhh) November 29, 2018 "There are a lot of tears in here right now, but the truth is that this has felt like a long time coming, and some people are relieved to finally have an answer about what the future of the company will be," a Mic employee who was laid off today, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Gothamist. "Mic is a cautionary tale about what happens when publishers go all in on Facebook, bet big, and lose. Theyre not lying when they say that Facebook canning the Dispatch show was the death blow, but the truth is that there were a hundred bad decisions made by executives up until that point that got Mic to where it is today." In 2017, Mic joined other high-profile websites in a now widely-derided "pivot to video" strategy in an attempt to find a new source of ad revenue through Facebook. "We made these tough decisions because we believe deeply in our vision to make Mic the leader in visual journalism and we need to focus the company to deliver on our mission," Altchek wrote at the time. "As new platforms emerge and existing platforms continue to grow, we believe this will become a dominant form of news consumption for our audience." The 1.4 million study is recruiting almost 600 adults aged 65 and above. Credit: University of York Researchers are investigating the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness of a specially-adapted yoga programme for older people with multiple long-term health conditions. The results of the study will provide evidence to healthcare commissioners on whether yoga programmes should be funded in the NHS. The 1.4 million study is recruiting almost 600 adults aged 65 and above who have multi-morbidity from across 12 different locations in the UK. The main focus of the study is assessing the effect of a yoga programme on people's overall quality of life. The University of York's Trials Unit is co-ordinating the clinical trial with Northumbria University's Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation. 12-week programme Helen Tilbrook, Trial Manager at the University of York's Trials Unit, said: "The trial includes two groups of participants; one group that continues to receive their usual care without any additional support, while the second receives their usual care plus an invitation to join a 12-week yoga programme. "The British Wheel of Yoga's Gentle Years Yoga programme involves weekly group-based sessions and encouragement to perform specific yoga practices at home. "The participants' progress will then be assessed after three, six and 12 months to monitor changes in their quality of life and mental health." Quality of life Common yoga poses are adapted as part of the programme so they can be done using chairs for example; this allows inactive older adults with long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and dementia to safely participate. As well as assessing overall quality of life following the participation in the programme, the researchers will also review any changes in reported levels of depression and anxiety and if participants are having fewer falls because of improvements in physical function. Heathcare resources Associate Professor Garry Tew, from Northumbria's Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, said: "Yoga is thought to bring wide-ranging benefits, such as increases in strength, flexibility, balance and quality of life, and reductions in stress, anxiety and depression. "In older adults specifically, there is promising evidence that yoga can improve physical function and quality of life, but more work is needed to understand the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of yoga in older people with multi-morbidity. "We are also measuring participants' use of healthcare resources, which will allow us to establish the cost-effectiveness of the yoga programme. If these results are positive, they will provide evidence for healthcare commissioners to fund yoga within the NHS." Results of an earlier pilot trial demonstrated not only the benefits of exercise, but that yoga classes provided a positive social element, which helped reduce feelings of isolation. Explore further Yoga linked to improved body satisfaction In September, months after declaring the city's intention to divest its pension fund from fossil fuels and "sue Big Oil," Mayor Bill de Blasio published an op-ed in the Guardian touting New York City's effort to tackle climate change through sustainable financial policies. Alongside London Mayor Sadiq Khan, he announced the launch of a new global initiative, and encouraged local governments to "use our economic might to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy." But nearly one year after the initial divestment pledge was made, the city is still doing business with the institutions directly responsible for the climate crisis. Rather than hastening the move toward green investment, big banks are ramping up their fossil fuel investments, while collecting billions of dollars in cash deposits from the New York City government. (As expected, the mayor's largely symbolic lawsuit was promptly tossed by a judge). "We applaud the mayor [for divesting the pension fund], but we need to go further," Andy Morrison, Campaigns Director for the New Economy Project, told Gothamist. "The banks that are complicit in driving climate devastation are still benefiting from public money." The details are laid bare in a report released Wednesday by a broad coalition of environmental and economic justice groups. In the last five years, New York City's "designated banks"those deemed eligible to hold the city's cashhave committed over $100 billion toward fossil fuel extraction. Between 2016 and 2017, the largest banks increased financing to the "extreme fossil fuels," which include deep water fracking and tar sands mining, by 25 percent. JPMorgan Chase holds the largest share of city deposits, with $855 million. Despite promising to limit its involvement with carbon-intensive projects, the bank increased fossil fuel financing by more than 50 percent last yeara "uniquely irresponsible" expansion, according to the Rainforest Action Network. Both HSBC and TD Bank also saw double digit increases in their fossil fuel investments last year, while maintaining more than $300 million in combined city deposits. Citibank, which holds $425 million in city cash, increased their commitments as well, led by $522 million in financing for the Dakota Access Pipeline. In total, New York City's 26 "designated banks" contributed $2.3 billion toward the Williams Companies proposed pipeline, the report found. The expansion project would bring fracked gas through New York harbor, which NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer recently called a "a monumental step backwards" for the city's goal of cutting 80 percent of emissions by 2050. Courtesy of the New Economy Project Whether a given financial institution is eligible to receive city deposits is decided by the NYC Banking Commission, a three-member body comprised of Mayor de Blasio, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Finance Commissioner Jacques Jiha. Though it's rare for the commission to strip a bank of its designation, it's not unprecedented. Last year, following Wells Fargo's account fraud scandal, the commission voted to withdraw its $227 million in deposits, and banned the bank from running municipal bonds sales for a year. "We need to send a message to this bank and the broader industry that ethics matter," Stringer said at the time. Asked whether the same message should be applied to banks contributing to climate change, a spokesperson for Stringer's office declined to comment. De Blasio spokesman Seth Stein told Gothamist: "Our city is leading the way in divestment from fossil fuels. We look forward to more institutions, investors, and municipalities following our lead." But he did not directly address whether the commission would consider reevaluating its relationship with certain banks. Of course, the effort to cut off climate-wrecking financial institutions is somewhat complicated by the fact that just about every major bank in New York City is complicit in fossil fuel financing. The solution, environmental advocates say, is a municipal public bank. The idea has existed in North Dakota for nearly a century, and is picking up steam among left-wing politicians in Los Angeles, Oakland, and New Jersey. In New York City, a handful of elected officials, including City Councilmember Mark Levine, have thrown their support behind the plan. "Our City should put its own money to work for New Yorkers through a public bank, which would supercharge investments in critical projects throughout the five boroughs, and return financial power to the people and businesses that need it most," Levine said Wednesday. Coinciding with the release of the report, Public Bank NYCa broad coalition that includes the New Economy Project, NY Communities for Change, and NY Public Interest Research Groupgathered outside City Hall on Wednesday to vocalize their ambition. The goal would be to divert public money from corporate banks into a publicly-owned financial institution, which could help fund the needs of local communities. "Just imagine if there was a institution that had baked into its mission statement the goal of helping grow worker cooperatives, of expanding access to financial services, and of increasing affordable housing," Morrison told Gothamist. "We want to divest that money from Wall Street and redirect it to critical community needs. The money is there, it's about generating will." Good morning to everyone except the MTA, which seems to have decided that it's not going to work today and neither should you. The morning rush was marred by delays piling up on the 7, A/C/E, and B/D/F/M lines, and not all of the problems were formally announced and acknowledged on the MTA website. Meanwhile, planned work is here to derail your day before it even starts. Thursday's service change posting, as of roughly 9:40 a.m. (MTA) At time of writing, the MTA Service Change page posted good service on the G, the L, the Shuttle, and contrary to what riders on Twitter are saying, the A/C/E lines. Everyone else: You're royally screwed. Let's take a look at the damage. For the fourth day running, the 7 line's fancy new communications-based train control technology has fallen down on the job, translating to chaos during peak transit times. This may be especially frustrating for riders who met the MTA's Monday announcementfinally, the many months-long signal modernization efforts on the 7 line were complete!with excitement. "Today is the first day that modern signaling tech is live on the entire 7 line," @NYCTSubway boasted. "After we finish automating and optimizing the system and performing other signal work over the coming weeks, we'll be able to run more trains, more reliably. Thank you for your patience." Seems like there must be a mountain of "other signal work" still ahead, because just check out the situation at the Flushing Main Street stop in Queens during this morning's rush hour commute. The platform was so thoroughly and tightly packed with straphangers, "there's no way to even get onto [it]," one Twitter user commented. "It's surprising more people haven't fallen into the tracks." The subway is fine. Everything is fiiiiine @NYCTSubway This is Flushing Main St. Station. Theres no way to even get onto the platform. Its amazing more people havent fallen into the tracks. pic.twitter.com/8mo5H5cgBq Raymond Wong (@raywongy) November 29, 2018 We have reached out to the MTA for more information about the 7 line delays, but according to @NYCTSubway on Twitter, the problems can be traced back to "connectivity issues." These do not seem to have resolved themselves. 34 St-bound 7 trains are running with delays because of network connectivity issues. We are doing everything we can to keep trains moving and get you to your destination quickly. NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) November 29, 2018 As passengers threatened to overflow the turnstiles in Flushing, those who dared to take the B/D/F/M found themselves similarly thwarted, trapped like rats or forced to exit the train and walk after train brakes automatically activated at West 4th Street. At first, delays appeared confined to Northbound B and D trains, but quickly bled over to affect all four lines. Since the entire B/D/F/M line is a bust this morning, I said screw it and just walked to the W at Prince St. Total commute time so far: 1 hour 10 mins @Gothamist Brigid Black (@brigidblack) November 29, 2018 Gothamist's Jake Offenhartz had the misfortune of boarding a Manhattan-bound M train in Bushwick, and sent us the following dispatch from underground: My cursed M train has been starting and stopping every few minutes for almost an hour now. Apparently there was train traffic in front of us because of mechanical issues with an earlier train, or so we were told by the conductor about half a dozen times during our 25-minute journey between Essex and Broadway Lafayette (one stop). Every time he got on the intercom, a passenger would let out a loud, increasingly dramatic sigh. Now we're stuck at Broadway - Lafayette, not moving again. I'm slowly realizing I'm probably going to miss a scheduled conference call, so now I am sighing dramatically as well. Offenhartz did eventually make it off the train at West 4th Street, where he noticed the ceiling raining subway juicea medium-curious occurrence on a dry day. Tears of straphangers broken by our sham of a transit system, perhaps? Service on the J/Z is currently snarled due to someone in need of medical assistance. Manhattan-bound J and M trains are running with delays because someone needs medical assistance at Myrtle Av. NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) November 29, 2018 Speaking of the A/C/E lines, braking problems at Rockaway Blvd. threw things wildly off schedule, coming in conjunction with mechanical issues at Chambers Street. This reportedly stranded passengers at their stops, waiting in vain for trains that either don't show up or zoom right on by. The MTA says service has since resumed. Still no uptown c trains at Kingston Throop....seen at least 2 A trains go by. When will c train service actually resume?? Tyler Stroud (@tylerstroud) November 29, 2018 Been waiting for 30mins for a C train at Franklyn. Will it ever be one? Could you at least send A trains on the local tracks? Barbara Marcolini (@babimarcolini) November 29, 2018 Just now, we saw signs of a mega-clusterfuck forming as two separate SNAFUs merged into one superhell. Apparently, Northbound F trains (delayed) began running on the C line (also delayed). The situation has allegedly resolved, but we will be monitoring as it continues to develop. Good luck out there, comrades. Northbound F train service has resumed with delays after earlier NYPD activity at 2 Av.https://t.co/zI7RdbW9r7 NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) November 29, 2018 Update: For those of you still grumbling about this morning's shitshow on the 7 line, and already wincing at the rush hour to come, know this: Apparently, CBTC kinks take some time to work out. "We're working daily to iron out issues and will be working with the supplier over the next few weeks to optimize the system and do other signal work on the line to complete the transition," said MTA spokesperson Shams Tarek. "We thank our customers for their patienceonce the system is stabilized they will enjoy the enhanced reliability and, eventually, increased train frequencies that CBTC signaling allows, as currently seen on the L line." HA! Enjoy the ride. ARCHIVED - Spain tops the golden visa residency-for-investment table in the EU Close to 6,000 investors have been awarded residency in Spain so far this year, including 546 for spending over 500,000 euros on property The number of golden visas issued in Spain this year, allowing residency for non-EU nationals who invest half a million euros or more in property this country, is set to reach a new record, as the popularity of the country grows among the wealthier classes in other nations. In the first 10 months of 2018 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs reports that 5,778 foreigners have benefitted from the legislation which is officially known as the Law to Support Entrepreneurs and their Internationalization, including 546 who obtained residency by purchasing property: most of the rest obtained their golden visas by investing in business projects is another way to secure residency through this program, which was launched in 2013 during the economic crisis in a bid to attract investment. Since then the number of beneficiaries has grown every year, and with the totals in 2017 having reached 5,876 and 563 respectively, it appears that the upward trend is certain to continue. There are questions asked about the ethical correctness of selling passports in return for injections of capital, and also concerns over the possibility of favouring money laundering, but Spain is not alone in offering such deals. Almost half of the member states of the EU (13) operate similar schemes, with some even offering citizenship as well as residency in return for investment of one kind or another. Over the last ten years, according to Transparency International, Spain has granted more golden visas than any other EU country, reaching the figure of 24,095, and the group criticizes the fact that, as Daniel Amoedo of Transparency International Spain has been quoted as saying in national newspaper El Pais, European residency and nationality have become luxury goods: Sr Amoedo alleges that many of the applicants for residency have been involved in cases of corruption in countries such as Ukraine, Russia and Brazil. It is reported that among the golden visa applicants the most popular locations for re-settling are Barcelona and Madrid, although the Russians tend to gravitate towards Marbella, the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca. Russia is the source of the second highest total of golden visa immigrants since 2013, totalling 1,997, but the list is topped by China with 4,640. The rest of the top seven is made up of the USA, Brazil, India, Venezuela and Mexico. To view a wide range of properties for sale across Spain consult the Spanish property page. Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/. article_detail --> CareerJunction has released its latest South African salary survey, which details which jobs in South Africa pay the highest salaries. The salary review provides a true representation of cost-to-company salary packages in South Africa, said CareerJunction. It added that the information is based on up-to-date salary information using actual salary offerings on our website for the latest measurable period May to November 2018. Sectors covered in the report include engineering, IT, marketing, finance, manufacturing, medical, construction, sales, and more. The report further details the salary differences between regions KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape per sector, with Gauteng regularly offering higher salaries than the other regions. Biggest salaries in SA To find out which jobs offer the highest salaries in South Africa, based on CareerJunctions figures, we took top-paying jobs from each of the covered sectors and listed them in the table below. Certain sectors have more positions listed than others, due to the fact that multiple jobs in that sector offer high salaries in comparison to all the positions listed. Positions are their sector along with their intermediate and senior salary ranges are listed. Sectors which played host to several high-earning jobs were finance, construction and engineering, and IT. The top-paying job, based on the top end of the senior salary range, was financial management reaching R79,002 per month. SA Salaries Position [Sector] Intermediate Senior Financial Management [Finance] R58,557 R69,185 R66,956 R79,002 Structural Engineering [Construction] R30,917 R41,778 R55,072 R78,264 Plant Management [Manufacturing] R51,891 R70,286 R57,051 R72,583 Civil/Structural Engineering [Engineering] R32,388 R43,902 R53,994 R70,826 Corporate Lending [Finance] R36,759 R51,354 R56,218 R70,218 IT Management [IT] R48,059 R58,371 R55,718 R66,141 Civil Engineering [Construction] R37,179 R46,212 R50,525 R65,621 Mechanical Engineering [Engineering] R35,516 R45,471 R44,642 R59,587 Financial Analysis [Finance] R45,908 R52,506 R50,587 R59,110 Industrial Engineering [Engineering] R34,763 R43,624 R44,143 R57,573 Marketing Management [Marketing] R42,729 R52,917 R45,267 R56,275 Technical & Business Architecture [IT] R40,485 R48,897 R46,939 R56,160 Electronic Engineering [Engineering] R37,552 R52,969 R40,833 R54,861 Building Foreman [Construction] R27,093 R34,667 R39,286 R54,792 Chartered Accountant [Finance] R44,359 R51,438 R47,248 R54,435 Business Analysis [IT] R35,560 R42,236 R43,429 R54,138 Software Development [IT] R36,374 R44,306 R42,118 R53,782 Consulting Engineering [Construction] R31,587 R41,508 R40,465 R53,527 Systems Analysis [IT] R34,722 R44,484 R43,311 R53,194 Data Analysis & Data Warehousing [IT] R34,231 R43,158 R45,392 R52,974 Sales Management [Sales] R34,965 R43,085 R41,055 R52,890 IT Project Administration & Management [IT] R36,590 R47,387 R41,707 R52,517 Asset Management [Finance] R30,651 R40,646 R44,940 R52,317 Logistics Management [Logistics] R41,767 R46,960 R40,906 R52,048 Electrical Engineering [Engineering] R36,654 R47,852 R45,135 R51,054 Brand Management [Marketing] R35,357 R40,821 R41,017 R50,625 Pharmacist [Medical] R32,932 R40,087 R37,743 R46,025 Now read: Samsung Pay to add support for 5 more banks in 2019 Its that time of year again, when the holiday tree that seemed just cheerfully oversized on the sidewalk is now taking up so much of the living room that maybe you can, you know, ask it to chip in on utilities this month? We see all those books from college, and--whats this--a dusty bunch of dried flowers from your first date with your girlfriend. Babe, that was two girlfriends ago. Lets please for the love of-- clear a proper space for this years menorah, and make your apartment much less of a fire hazard in the meantime. Whatever cherished ceremony you bring into your space, it deserves, well, the space to celebrate it! But oh, ho-ho, how space in the city is limited, its true, and especially at the holidays when youve got guests coming for dinner, packages arriving in the mail, and nary an extra inch at home to accommodate it all. Consider this your holiday survival call. Manhattan Mini Storage has the solution. Think of them as an extension of your own living room. Thats right. You can not only use your unit to store things in your apartment to make way for that menorah or massive tree, you can have gifts delivered there too. Manhattan Mini Storage offers free package acceptance for any size unit, so after youve clicked till your credit card has dropped, all those gifts can be mailed right to your storage facility. Itll keep peeking roommates and loved ones away from the things you want to keep a surprise until Santa delivers. Itll mean you dont have to be home to sign for them either--Manhattan Mini Storage has someone right on site who does it for you. They sign for it and hold it for up to two days until you have the New York Minute to pick it up or store it away. Getting there is easy because there is a free--yes, free--storage shuttle available for customers to take from anywhere in Manhattan. If youve got a mountain of boxes to take home and wrap, schedule your spot on the shuttle instead of balancing it all on the sticky subway floor, or hailing a pricy cab. Like everything in New York, it books up quickly. But as long as you reserve your spot in advance, the shuttle is an awesome service. Its a one-way ride, so whether youre bringing a big item in to store, or pulling something out to take home with you, you can count on the free ride to get the job done. The living room is looking larger just talking about this, right? They have 17 locations across Manhattan, making it very easy to get to and fro wherever you, dear entertainer, have to go before all the festivities start. Manhattan Mini Storage is even open on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Theres no minimum stay requirement either, so whether its a month or two or the whole year, theyre flexible to hold furniture, seasonal stacks of clothes (like that bulky coat youre wearing now that hogs up your summer closet space), and of course, gifts for family, and all the decor and furnishings youve got to store when the big holiday bash is over. Units are available same-day--right away. (We New Yorkers like things now, thankyouverymuch.) The rates start as low as 29-bucks a month. Thats like a gift that keeps on giving. And you dont even have to keep the gargantuan tree and garland up to receive it. Visit Manhattan Mini Storage online to reserve your unit, or to learn more. Best. Holiday. Ever. This post is written by Gothamist sponsorship staff on behalf of Manhattan Mini Storage. South Korea charged nine people and two companies of illegally selling Samsung Electronics Co.s bendable screen technology to a Chinese rival. The chief executive officer of a Samsung supplier and eight of his employees received 15.5 billion won ($13.8 million) after conspiring with two representatives of the Chinese company to transfer organic light-emitting diode knowhow, according to a statement from prosecutors in Suwon. The names of the companies and individuals werent disclosed. Intellectual property theft is a national concern for South Korea as it tries to maintain its narrowing technology lead over China. The mainland is pouring billions into becoming self-sustaining in areas such as memory chips and displays, two fields where Samsung is the world leader. Curved-edge OLED screens have become a signature feature of the Suwon-based companys high-end Galaxy smartphones, including the Note 9. The U.S. is also concerned about what it considers a state-backed campaign of technology theft by China. Earlier this year a former Apple Inc. engineer was arrested in the U.S. on charges of stealing driverless car secrets. Earlier this month Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. and Taiwans United Microelectronics Corp. were indicted on charges they conspired to steal trade secrets form Micron Technology Inc. In a statement, Samsung Display said it was shocked at the results of the investigation by prosecutors, at a time when competitors are intensifying their technological rivalry, adding that it would keep a close eye on the trial. The South Korean supplier transferred 3D lamination technology and other equipment to the Chinese screen maker between May and August, violating a non-disclosure agreement with Samsung, according to the prosecutors. They were caught while loading additional pieces onto a ship headed for the mainland, they said. Prosecutors said the supplier sold the technology after its sales dipped and that the CEO set up a fake company headed by his sister-in-law. They accused him of building the equipment at another factory in an attempt to cover up the alleged plot. Samsung spent about 150 billion won over a period of six years to develop the OLED technology that is now considered highly-classified national knowledge, prosecution said. Samsung plans to release at least two versions of the upcoming Galaxy S10 with curved screens next year, Bloomberg News reported last month. Now read: Samsung building data centre to challenge cloud giants The best place to put a data center in South Korea, it turns out, also happens to be close to one of the most dangerous in the world. Barely an hour from the border with North Korea, in what used to be a civilian shooting range, Samsung Group is building a facility with the ambitious goal of challenging well-established cloud-computing providers Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Google. Its a familiar position for a company that came from behind to lead the world in smartphones, televisions and memory chips. Before setting its sights on bigger rivals, the conglomerate plans to dominate its home ground first by making customers out of its vast empire of about 60 businesses spanning electronics, construction, insurance and credit cards. And one day it may even serve as a stepping stone toward an even more audacious goal: putting data centers in North Korea, where colder temperatures can bring down the cost of keeping servers cool. Its my dream to build a data center in Kaema, said Hank Bae, an engineer leading the construction in Chuncheon, referring to the northern highland nicknamed the roof of Korea. Winter temperatures there can go down to minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit). Id go anywhere if its cool, but for now, this is our best bet for a data center. Chuncheon, where Samsung is building the cloud-computing center, boasts natural advantages. The Y-shaped building, sitting on a hill surrounded by a Buddhist temple, pine trees and an army base, is situated in the least earthquake-prone region of South Korea. The average temperature is 2 degrees Celsius lower than in Seoul, helping to cut cooling costs as much as 80 percent. The flip side of the location is that its about 50 kilometers away from the border with North Korea, where hundreds of thousands of troops are stationed. As relations between Seoul and Pyongyang continue to improve, some at Samsung hold out hope that future data centers could be located in North Korea, beyond the demilitarized zone, if the countries are reunified. Maybe someday it might happen. Jay Y. Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., visited North Korea in September as part of a business delegation led by President Moon Jae-in. With the smartphone market slowing and expectations that the boom in memory chip prices may be over, cloud offers an appealing option for Samsung. Not only is it growing, with the market for infrastructure services forecast by Gartner to more than double to $83.5 billion by 2021, but arms of Samsung already make key parts such as data storage technology. The era of cloud is coming, so if we dont do it, were going to be weeded out of business, said Kim Ho, vice president of Samsung SDS Co., the groups software and cloud-business arm that is leading the project. Lee is the biggest individual shareholder in SDS. The company already has several data centers at home, used to keep track of the products it sells around the world. But none of them are tailored for external customers like the Chuncheon center. As it looks for an edge to win clients, Samsung is targeting the more than 80 percent of large enterprises that use multiple cloud providers with a service that lets them manage their data like it was a single cloud. This is not a bad strategy for Samsung, indeed perhaps the only one that they can try right now given the maturity of the market, said David Linthicum, chief cloud strategy officer at Deloitte Consulting. However, they are really in the managed services provider world, with hundreds of companies currently playing in that space. While Samsung should be able to scale better, they need to do some things that are more creative and innovative to stand out. The company also sees potential clients increasingly switching to private servers from public clouds in order to protect their information and reduce long-term costs. Companies eventually reach a certain critical mass and realize that setting up private servers is more efficient, Kim said, citing Dropbox, which has moved to to its own storage. Especially for companies like Samsung that produce semiconductors, their data are top national secrets and we think theres demand in these areas. While cloud wasnt mentioned among the several emerging technologies that Samsung singled out in a $160-billion investment plan in August rather it was artificial intelligence, fifth-generation wireless networks and automotive electronics components that were talked about it is a central piece of the picture because it will store and handle the data they generate. Operating a data center efficiently is a major challenge and outperforming Googles or Amazons data centers will be very difficult, said Guillaume Pierre, professor of computer science at the University of Rennes, Inria. The fact that Samsung will provide its own data centers may make sense in particular if Samsungs specific hardware expertise can be used to outperform mainstream cloud operators data centers. Now read: Samsung Pay to add support for 5 more banks in 2019 New Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni has been tasked with fixing an economy that is in terrible shape. South Africa has suffered recessions, and unemployment rates continue to climb as there seems to be no respite for the average South African. Mboweni and president Cyril Ramaphosa have the unenviable task of trying to turn this around and a big hurdle they will have to deal with are our money-draining state-owned enterprises. Bailouts for SOEs One of the biggest talking points that came from Mboweni after his appointment was his R5-billion bailout for SAA, as well as a R2.9-billion bailout for the SA Post Office. This decision frustrated many South Africans due to these organisations reputations for incurring repeated, heavy losses. Mboweni noted that many state-owned companies need to be reconfigured, highlighting SAA as an SOE that needs radical measures to be taken. Ramaphosa has also criticised SOEs, calling them sewers of corruption. Recently, SAAs interim CFO Deon Fredericks said that companies who are engaged in contracts with SAA are cutting their settlement terms from 21 days to 7. This is seemingly an attempt by these suppliers to get their money before any possible SAA financial collapse. SAA is also struggling to pay lenders R5 billion, which is due before the end of November. Even if this payment is made, SAA will have to find another R9.2 billion in short-term loans by the end of March 2019. SAA faces a R3.5 billion cash shortfall in the same period, adding to its long list of woes. The problem with turning SAA around is that the board has to continuously focus on the funding issues rather than getting on with the operational plan, said Fredericks. Privatisation of public services Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane has previously called for the privatisation of poorly-performing SOEs, arguing that privatising SOEs will introduce competition in key industries. This sentiment has been echoed by economists such as Azar Jammine, who said SAAs failure to generate a profit since 2011 is a reason it should be privatised. There are, however, private businesses that already operate in competition with SOEs. Here is how they compare to their government-run equivalents. Airlines SAA is South Africas dominant airline, leaving little room for competition due to their government backing. Comair provides competition through its brand Kulula.com, as well as through operating British Airways domestic flights. SAA suffered a net loss of R5.7 billion in its previous financial year. The national airline also owes entities R16.4 billion, R5 billion of which has been settled with your tax money by the government. In comparison, Comair has celebrated year-on-year increases in net profits, with its 2017/18 profit coming in at over R325 million. Airlines Airway SOE or Private Profit/Loss SAA SOE R5.7 billion loss Comair Private R325 million profit Telecommunications Broadband Infraco is an SEO in the telecommunications sector that provides long distance network infrastructure. The latest available report on the national governments website is for the 2016/17 period. In this time, Broadband Infraco suffered a loss of R125 million. In contrast, South Africas private telecommunications giants achieved much better results. Both of South Africas dominant mobile networks Vodacom and MTN posted sizable profits. Telecommunications Network Provider SOE or Private Profit/Loss Broadband Infraco SOE R125 million loss Vodacom Private R15 billion profit MTN Private R4.5 billion profit Broadcasting The SABC is South Africas state-owned broadcaster. Alongside its free-to-air television channels, it also operates in areas such as radio broadcasting. For the 2017/18 financial year, the SABC suffered a loss of R622 million citing advertiser cut-backs, a decline in audience numbers, and tough economic conditions. MultiChoice is a leading private South African broadcasting company, and its flagship products are popular paid video services DStv and Showmax. Broadcasting Broadcaster SOE or Private Profit/Loss SABC SOE R622 million loss MultiChoice Private R8 billion profit Now read: See how much money Eskom and SAA lose every second Whether youre a home user or a business, it is important to have reliable, high speed internet. If you live in Cape Town, and are looking to purchase fibre, theres a clear winner: Faircom. Faircom offers residential and commercial packages, and also has a lot of experience providing fibre solutions to business parks, residential cluster developments, and apartment blocks. As a Faircom customer, you can expect a fast turnaround time, while their network links to the main data centres in South Africa and London ensuring low latency and high speeds. Additionally, Faircom fibre is unthrottled and unshaped, meaning that youre getting the best out of your internet connection. Faircom runs on a variety of providers infrastructure, including Openserve, Frogfoot, and Octotel. However, they highly recommend using Internect, their own Fibre Infrastructure Provider, due to the significantly cheaper prices available over this carrier-grade network. Internect is an open access network that specialises in connecting apartment blocks and commercial properties, perfect for facilities such as intercoms providing both security and internet connectivity. Here is one example of how Faircom over Internect provides superior pricing. Faircom Pricing Internect R450 pm 10Mbps down / 10Mbps up @ R450 p/m Openserve R679 pm 4Mbps down / 2Mbps up @ R679 p/m Frogfoot R799 pm 50Mbps down / 50Mbps up @ R850 p/m Octotel R899 pm 100Mbps down / 25Mbps up @ R899 p/m Clearly, Faircom over Internect provides fantastic value for money, and is the most competitively-priced network in and around the greater Cape Town area. If youre wondering if youre living in a block fibred-up by Internect and can benefit from one of Faircoms affordable packages, simply visit their website and enter the name of your apartment block, e.g. Wembley Square, into the search bar and wait for the pop-up. Visit Faircoms website to learn more about their various packages and to see if your area is covered. Samsung is not worried about competition from other mobile payment apps in South Africa, including platform-linked services such as Huawei Pay and Apple Pay. Huawei recently revealed that it expects to launch its mobile payments service in early 2019, saying that it will support contactless near field communications (NFC) technology and QR codes. It is also working on integrating a few other mechanisms for making payments, Huawei said. The project lead for Samsung Pay in South Africa, Philip Henning, said at a recent media briefing that they were first to market in South Africa, so the increased competition from next year does not concern them. While Samsung laid the foundation for other platforms to come into South Africa in many ways, there is still a lot of work that Samsung Pays competitors will have to do. Any product that comes into market, theres a lot of work for them to do that we had to do over three years, said Henning. He explained that contenders will be able to build on Samsungs groundwork with the tokenisation systems of Visa and Mastercard, but they still need to do the necessary integrations. They will also need to go through the same approvals process with the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA). PASA told MyBroadband earlier this year that Samsung had extensive discussions with it over the course of at least two years, which included checks on the use of biometrics as a form of cardholder verification. The big question for us was whether there would be any changes to the existing rules we have in place for card payments, said PASA CEO Walter Volker. PASA ultimately found that Samsung Pay was an innovative implementation of existing technologies. Since it runs on the back of the card rails the existing card payments system from Visa and Mastercard PASA could simply evaluate it in terms of the rules it already had in place. Samsungs secret weapon Magnetic Secure Transmission The big differentiator for Samsung, however, is a technology that it calls Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST). This effectively allows phones that support Samsung Pay to make contactless payments at nearly any card machine in South Africa even ones that do not have NFC. NFC is the technology that banks are integrating into cards, which enables tap-and-go payments on supported terminals. However, fewer than 50% of card terminals in South Africa support NFC, Henning said. While PASA, the banks, Mastercard, and Visa are driving contactless technology aggressively, it will still be awhile before NFC is widely adopted at stores and restaurants. This gives Samsung an early advantage in the market, as MST will allow its mobile payments app to work in over 90% of cases. It does this by emulating the magnetic stripe of a bank card being swiped through a payment terminal. Samsung is also dominant in South Africas premium smartphone market, where this technology is used, Henning said. Thanks to MST, Samsung Pay doesnt really have any direct competition. Now read: Samsung Pay is coming to smartwatches in South Africa Monique Langhorne, 43, was appointed Thursday to fill the Napa County Superior Court judgeship held by the outgoing Judge Rodney Stone. Langhorne, a Vallejo resident, has served as a commissioner in the Napa County court system since 2006, according to a press release from Gov. Jerry Browns office. A commissioner is tasked with assisting a judge in reviewing documents, cases, reports and more. Commissioners may preside over certain hearings. She also served as a deputy district attorney with the Napa County District Attorneys office for six years and was a family support officer at the county Department of Child Support Services for one year, according to the press release. Langhorne, a Democrat, graduated from the University of California Berkeley School of Law with a juris doctorate degree, according to the press release. She also attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate bachelor of arts degree. Presiding Napa County Superior Court Judge Elia Ortiz wrote in a statement Thursday that Langhorne has served the court well for the past 12 years and the court is grateful for her appointment She will assume the position on Dec. 4. 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 bid to create Napa Countys first commercial solar energy farm ended in a Planning Commission draw, with the tie-breaker to come next week. County Commissioners Dave Whitmer and Andrew Mazotti on Wednesday voted for the project. Commissioners Anne Cottrell and Joelle Gallagher voted against it. The commission will try again on Dec. 5 when Commissioner Jeri Hansen should be present. Renewable Properties President Aaron Halimi made the pitch for his companys proposed 18-acre, 12,000-panel solar farm at 2180 American Canyon Road near American Canyon. He noted it would border Interstate 80 and wouldnt be on prime farmland. This is the perfect project site, Halimi said. Renewable Properties will withdraw another application for a separate commercial solar energy farm in the rural Coombsville area near the city of Napa, he said. He didnt want this more controversial proposal to interfere with the American Canyon project. But the American Canyon proposal has also proven controversial. Critics want the county to craft commercial solar farm regulations before setting a precedent for other possible solar farms amid the countys farmland. What is the rush to judgement on the proposal before you now? Eve Kahn of Get a Grip on Growth wrote to the commission. Cottrell agreed the commission needs more guidance than existing county rules provide, guidance that would have to come from the Board of Supervisors. Theres so much about this project Im in support of, Cottrell said. I just think we need more regulations in place before going forward. Mazotti and Whitmer also supported having Napa County create commercial solar regulations, but still favored the American Canyon solar farm. The solar farm is to sell enough power for 1,000 homes to Marin Clean Energy, which serves Napa County. I think its a good project and I worry about the opportunity going away if we delay and wait for regulations to be in place, Mazotti said. The county allows in all zoning district various public utility uses, including electric generating plants. Project opponents questioned whether a private corporation such as Renewable Properties qualifies as a public utility. Just calling the project a public utility to shoehorn it into an allowable use subverts our countys entire zoning plan, resident Kathy Felch wrote to the county. County staff reached a different conclusion. County Planning Manager Vincent Smith said the project would generate power for the public through Marin Clean Energy and this qualifies as a public utility use. Cottrell didnt disagree, but saw a flaw. I think just the fact we have so much discussion on this means its not so clear as it could be, she said. A public speaker told the commission that the American Canyon property is used to board horses and other animals, including her own horse. The point struck home for Gallagher. This is clearly being used for agriculture, and my inclination is to preserve agriculture, Gallagher said. Whitmer found reasons to support the project. I think as a county we need to take seriously the realities of climate change and our role in trying to help to deal with that issue on a local basis, he said. The Dec. 5 meeting should yield the commissions decision. Deputy County Counsel Laura Anderson said after the meeting that the public testimony portion of the hearing is closed, with only continued commission deliberations and action to come. The Planning Commission first discussed the American Canyon solar farm on Oct. 17, when all five commissioners were present. It postponed the matter because Solano County Airport Land Use Commission staff wanted Travis Air Force Base officials to review the projects glare study. Smith said the county as of Wednesday morning had received no comments on the project from Travis Air Force Base. 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. Race is a biological fiction, a concept with no basis in anatomy. It is a myth, pseudoscience, a fraud, a social con job. Kwame Anthony Appiah, a professor of philosophy and law at New York University, has been hammering that fact for more than 40 years. It is, Appiah, says, "racial antirealism." Sounds like mental illness. Appiah grew up in Ghana and earned a doctorate from Cambridge. A cultural theorist, referred to by some as a "postmodern Socrates," he was presented with a National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2012. Appiah was back in Washington recently to discuss his new book, "The Lies That Bind." The title pretty much sums up our national predicament on race - a society organized into conflicting groups. One of the most critical of those lies is fueled by a delusion based primarily on skin color. While much of "the scientific superstructure of race has been dismantled in the past century," Appiah writes in the book, "the world outside the sciences hasn't taken much notice. Too many of us remain captive to a perilous cartography of color." We've seen a resurgence of that racial peril in recent years, most recently in political campaigns marred with racial invective - in Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and even in the progressive District of Columbia. In the race for U.S. Senate in Mississippi, a black man and a white woman are competing. In a state with one of the highest numbers of recorded lynchings, the white candidate has joked about a "public hanging." On Monday, state authorities removed two nooses and six hate signs from the grounds of the Mississippi Capitol. In Georgia, a robocall labeled the black female candidate for governor "a poor man's Aunt Jemima," a reference to an image that has racist connotations. In Florida, a white candidate for governor told voters not to vote for the black candidate because they couldn't afford to "monkey this up." And in the liberal District of Columbia, a white Jewish candidate for an at-large council seat was portrayed as an outsider in corners of the city where many blacks feel they're being left behind or pushed out. In an interview, I asked Appiah for his take on the emotional havoc that race is wreaking on us - specifically on white and black people, the two groups at the center of the friction. Both groups are paying a steep price for being bound by the lie. "There are a lot of anxieties around race," Appiah said. Fear and anger among white people who believe black people are less than and unequal. Fear and anger among black people for whom historic atrocities by white people make it impossible to trust fully. "I feel we are going through a low period," he said. "President Trump didn't start it," Appiah said, referring to Trump's appeal to and embrace of people and policies that have been at minimum inflammatory. But, Appiah said, Trump made it worse. Like his distorted use of the word "nationalism," which might have been the root of a shared American identity. Instead, Trump turned it into an appeal to racism. "What he is doing is dog-whistling to people who call themselves nationalist but who are really a racially identified people who want America to be a white nation. Responsible people don't do that, because in a society so divided, you get violence, and at the end of that road is ethnic cleansing and genocide. And once you set these things in motion, you can't control them." The shooting up of black churches and synagogues provides ample proof. "The fact that these people are clearly unbalanced doesn't mean that they are being affected by the trends in the culture," Appiah said. "When you encourage groups that are anti-Semitic and racist, you encourage crazy people to do bad things. Even people who are not clinically insane will sit in front of a [computer screen] sharing hateful language that can only lead to violence in the end." White people aren't the only ones to have bought into the fallacy of race. Far too many black people have internalized the legacies of the old racist structure, Appiah said. It affects how you respond to challenges, how you think about yourself, he said. "There is also a constant barrage of negativity about black people in the culture, and it's bound to affect you." Two weeks ago, I wrote a column questioning why more black men had not spoken up against the way Trump had mistreated black female elected officials and journalists. I asked Appiah what he thought about such an appeal to racial solidarity. He noted that historically, oppressed groups often band together to fight injustice. However, any notion that 40 million "black" people felt the same way because of their race was unrealistic. And unproductive. "There is a danger in making racial identities too central to our conceptions of ours," he says. But there's also no getting around it. With racial identity comes a set of norms to which members are expected to adhere, but these norms can be in conflict with personal ambition and freedom of expression. "I think it's important to know how incredibly diverse black people are," he said. "If I say, 'Imagine the face of a black man,' people will have a picture, but only a tiny proportion will fit that picture." Appiah's father, Joseph Emmanuel Appiah, was a lawyer, politician and Ghanaian anti-colonial activist. He was black. His mother, Peggy Appiah, was an English aristocrat. She was white. Asked about his own racial identification, he said, "People know I'm not white." That's how the construct of race plays out. You can't wish the race problem away, Appiah says. "A 'white' person might not want to build an identity around race, but even if you reject [seeing yourself] as white, your race still affects how you live because other people respond to it, whether you like it or not." For black people, the identity formed around race has an even greater impact - on education, jobs, housing, simply living. That's why those in power, those who have benefited from the construct of racial hierarchy, need to speak out. "When you see a situation that produces injustice, you can do something about it," Appiah said. Race, gender, political party - none of that should matter. Hundreds of years of laws implemented with the goal of keeping a group of people down on the basis of their skin color prove that it does matter. The fiction of race has become truth. Courtland Milloy is a local columnist for The Washington Post, where he has worked since 1975. He has covered crime and politics in the District and demographic changes in Prince George's County, Md. He has also written for The Post's Style and Foreign sections. Arunachal Pradesh Governor BD Mishra on Wednesday came to the rescue of a pregnant woman who was in dire need of immediate emergency assistance. Tawang Maitree Diwas was organised by the citizens of Tawang and Indian Army at Tawang main ground on Wednesday. While the martial arts demonstration by the Indian Army soldiers and cultural activities by the enthusiastic civil participants was on, Lumla MLA Jambey Tashi informed Chief Minister Pema Khandu about an expecting woman in need of immediate evacuation. He also said that there will be no helicopter flight from Guwahati to Tawang for the next three days, and the patients condition could become critical if emergency help was not provided. Governor Mishra who overheard the conversation on the dais asked the CM to prepare the patient to be sent in the helicopter he was travelling to Itanagar. The Governor accordingly directed two officers from his entourage to be dropped from the helicopter to accommodate the patient and her husband. However, the helicopter could not fly directly from Tawang to Itanagar due to lack of fuel and had to land at Tezpur for re-fuelling. After taking off from Tezpur Air Force Station, the pilot noticed a technical snag in the helicopter engine and the flight had to be aborted. Concerned about the patient, Mishra requested the Air Officer Commanding of the Tezpur Air Force Station for another helicopter. He also sought an additional helicopter as the station did not have a helicopter to carry all the passengers. The governor also arranged for an ambulance with a gynaecologist ready at Raj Bhavan helipad to take the patient without any loss of time to hospital. The patient underwent a successful emergency caesarean delivery at an Itanagar hospital. The Governor has conveyed his best wishes to the mother and newly born. Armenian analyst: Part of Armenia's Goris-Kapan motorway does not pass through Azerbaijani territory Zatulin: Opening or closure of this or that corridor is the sovereign right of Armenia, not Baku Zakharova: Russia sees good prospects for agreement on unblocking of transport links in South Caucasus Russian MFA: Conversation of experts of Moscow, Yerevan and Baku is important Azerbaijani planes still flying through Armenia's airspace (PHOTOS) NEWS.am daily digest: 25.11.21 Armenia 2nd President: I have decided not to attend 30th session of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund's Board of Trustees Armenian-Russian joint military exercise held, air force used (PHOTOS) Czech President Milos Zeman discharged from military hospital Armenian opposition party leader calls on people to free state institutions of 'Turks' Beijing protested over US sanctions against Chinese companies European Commissioner says EU will soon change its border crossing rules due to COVID-19 Armenian army's General Staff ex-deputy chief: War is very likely, but it is rare that there will be corridor Armenian political party leader: There is a need for a national unity committee in Armenia Armenian MFA: Coronavirus has decelerated course of implementation of Armenia-EU CEPA Armenia Parliament Speaker meets with IFRC Europe Regional Director in St. Petersburg Armenia Constitutional Court ex-chief of staff proposes to hold parliamentary hearings under non-stop regime Armenia high-tech industry minister: There is no need to wiretap opposition members Aram Vardevanyan: Armenia health minister was obliged to attend session of Constitutional Court today Zakharova says she has no comment on upcoming meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders Zakharova: Russia is interested in normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations Latest developments in Artsakh among issues to be discussed during Turkish National Security Council's session Armenian FM holds phone talk with Israeli counterpart Protests continue in Turkey with demand for Erdogan's resignation Armenia allocates AMD 1.44 billion to Karabakh COVID-19 in Armenia: 42 new deaths Russian peacekeepers ensure control in Nagorno-Karabakh Parliamentary hearings on demarcation and delimitation being held in Yerevan Ambartsum Matevosyan appointed Armenian deputy PM EU, WHO provide Yerevan's Surb Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center with state-of-the-art X-ray machine Armenian soldier found dead on Armenia's border in Tavush Province had been drafted in February (PHOTO) What Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia really said in response to Russian journalist's question Analyst: Iran's accession to EEU will create serious counterbalance to Turkey and strengthen Armenia's positions Armenia FM holds phone talks with Iranian counterpart Firefighters put out fire in Range Rover Sport near night club in Yerevan Putin discusses current situation in Karabakh during phone talks with European Council President Armenia's Liberation Movement holding march after rally, calling on citizens to join Greek City Times: Azeri military captured the historic Armenian city of Shushi Georgia says it's not considering possibility of joining '3+3' regional format Union of Armenia National Security Service's Reserve Officers in favor of fulfillment of Liberation Movement's demands Armenia, Russia FMs hold phone talks Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another serviceman found in Mataghis Armenia's ex-Ambassador to Iran appointed Advisor to PM Armenia's Pashinyan receives Russia Deputy PM, unblocking of communications discussed Armenia FM presents situation created after Azerbaijani aggression during phone talks with Tajik counterpart Armenia convict dies from COVID-19 at medical center Armenia Syunik Province's community heads: Nikol Pashinyan said there won't be corridor NEWS.am daily digest: 24.11.21 Newly appointed Ambassador of Germany to Armenia presents credentials to Armen Sarkissian Armenia Armavir Province governor sacked Armenia MOD: Conscript's body found at combat position, with lethal firearm injury in head area US has invited 110 countries to Summit for Democracy in December, including Armenia Requiem Service for Armenian statesman Vano Siradeghyan to be held on Dec. 3 Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker meets with Argentina Ambassador Armenia FM presents situation created as a result of Azerbaijan's aggression to Germany's new Ambassador Armenia PM receives community heads of Syunik Province Armenia ex-deputy economy minister appointed member of Eurasian Economic Commission's Advisory Board Exchange rates in Armenia Another plane heads to Baku through Armenian airspace Ambassador: Armenia may play major role in development of Iran-Eurasian Economic Union cooperation Details of Overchuk-Aliyev meeting reported 3 children hospitalized in Yerevan with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning UAE-Iran-Turkey corridor to officially start functioning after visit of Emirates officials to Tehran Sweden elected a female PM for the 1st time in history Konstantin Ishkhanov: EUFSC determined to continue presenting very best in classical music Trade Representative of Russia in Armenia: Eurasian Union and Iran are interested in using North-South direction Human Rights Watch calls on Poland to end violence against migrants Apple confirms: Eavesdropping is carried out by Pegasus spy program in Armenia WTI crude oil prices rise by close of trading in US COVID-19 in Armenia: 28 new deaths Policemen apprehend protesters who close Yerevan subway entrances Apple suspends sales of devices in Turkey due to collapse of local currency Court session kicks off as Serzh Sargsyan sues Khachatur Sukiasyan Russian peacekeepers clear nearly 2 hectares of land in Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian PM: Remains of Vano Siradeghyan will be transferred to Armenia soon Armenian PM: 40-45 square kilometer territories of Armenia under Azerbaijani control after Azerbaijan's May 12 attack Armenia premier says what the heaviest blow was during his term of office, adds that it's not the defeat in the war Armenia PM: I had planned to deliver a message on circumstances of war and negotiations on Nov. 9 PM: Armenia decides road through which communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan will be ensured Armenia PM: Karabakh conflict settlement and unblocking of communications shouldn't be discussed in '3+3' format The My Step alliances MP candidates, led by acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, on Thursday are meeting with voters in Gegharkunik Province, within the framework of their campaign rallies for the upcoming snap parliamentary election in Armenia. The My Step campaign team will be in Chambarak, Vardenis, Martuni, Gavar, and Sevan towns. Pashinyan has taken a leave until December 5, to take part in the election campaign of this alliance. Nikol Pashinyan, acting First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and National Assembly Way Out (Yelk) Faction Head Lena Nazaryan are the top three, respectively, on the electoral list of My Step alliance. Campaign season for the upcoming snap National Assembly (NA) election has gotten underway Monday in Armenia. The campaign season will conclude on December 7, whereas December 8 is election silence day, and December 9election day Eleven political forcestwo alliances and nine partiesare running for parliament. As a result of this election, the NA seats will be distributed proportionally among the political forces that have passed the respective minimum thresholds: 5% for parties, and 7% for alliances. STEPANAKERT. What is happening in Azerbaijan with the respect to the citizens of Karabakh and Armenia who for any reason found themselves on the Azerbaijani side is nothing but sabbath against humanity, spokesperson for Artsakh president Davit Babayan said. His remark came in response to comment on Azerbaijan's attempts to exert pressure on Armenia and Karabakh by using the captives. On Wednesday Azerbaijani media published an interview of Arsen Baghdasaryan. Davit Babayan recalled that all the fundamental international documents strictly prohibit drawing public attention to the person who is in captivity. But in Azerbaijan this fact is ignored. The authorities of this country are playing with the fate of the prisoners, using them for their own purposes. And the main goal is to free two terrorists and make them more heroic in the future, as it happened earlier with another criminal in other circumstances, Babayan told Armenian News-NEWS.am. If Azerbaijan is really concerned about maintaining peace in the region, why they do not want to introduce mechanisms to investigate incidents, he wonders. In this context, Babayan pointed to passive position of the international community. We can hear numerous comments and calls by representatives of the international agencies on even less serious matters. When the matter is the fate of people, they are completely silent. We can suppose one of the reasons might be a caviar diplomacy, and this requires deep and comprehensive study, he added. Asked about the interview of Arsen Baghdasaryan, Davit Babayan said it was undoubtedly made under pressure and torture. Azerbaijani authorities demand the exchange of captives based on all for all principle. However, there are no Azerbaijani POWs in Armenia. Two Azerbaijani convicts and one captive is in Artsakh. In Azerbaijan there is a citizen of Armenia and one citizen of Artsakh. Prior to the trial of Askerov and Guliyev the parties exchanged citizens. However, now Azerbaijani authorities want to return two criminals and thus block the process of exchanging captives. YEREVAN. It was clearly specified, still in the platform of the Way Out (Yelk) alliance, that Armenias accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was a political mistake which has adversely affected the countrys economy and the ensuring of its security. Bright Armenia party Chairman Edmon Marukyan, who is also a member of the Way Out Faction at the National Assembly, told the above-said to Armenian News-NEWS.am. But after the revolution [in Armenia], a situation was created when we had power which can speak with its partners as equals, he added. That is, this is a legitimate authority, which is very important from the viewpoint of voicing our problems abroad. The politician expressed a view that Armenia should resolve all its problems with the EAEU, but stressed that should the respective efforts fail, the Bright Armenia party will return to its former stance in this regard. The leader of this political force stated that the country now had an alternative: full-fledged cooperation with the European Union (EU), and which had not existed in the past. Armenia shall have higher-level relations with the EU, since there is huge untapped potential [in this regard], he explained. Moreover, those relations must reach a strategic level. But Edmon Marukyan assured that if the new Armenian authorities decide that the country shall continue its membership in the EAEUeven to the detriment of national interests, the Bright Armenia party shall act as an opponent, and demand that appropriate measures be taken toward withdrawing the country from this organization. The Eurasian Economic Union comprises Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. YEREVAN. Prosecutor General Artur Davtyans attendance to the court hearing on the matter of the preventive measure regarding second President Robert Kocharyan gives reason to ponder. Ruben Sahakyan, one of Kocharyans attorneys, on Thursday told the aforesaid to reporters at the Criminal Court of Appeal of Armenia. One of the [respective] variants is that the second President of the republic is before him; thats why the prosecutor general has decided to come; its a sign of respect, Sahakyan said. And the second variant: perhaps he is attempting to correct those mistakes that occurred before that. And reflecting on the attorney generals recent statement with respect to the need to remand Robert Kocharyan in custody again, the attorney said he disagreed with the prosecutor general, but added that he will say why solely in the courtroom. The defense on Thursday will submit several motions. It is the third day that the Criminal Court of Appeal is considering the appeal on overturning the court decision on remandingand on the grounds of presidential immunitysecond President Robert Kocharyan in custody. 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. On July 27, Kocharyan was remanded in custody for two months by a court decision. But on August 13, the Court of Appeal granted Robert Kocharyans legal defenders appeal to commute the first-instance courts decision on remanding their client in custody, and Kocharyan was released from courtroom on the grounds that he had presidential immunity. Both the Prosecutor Generals Office and the defense, however, appealed this decision. In addition, the defense argued that there were other grounds too for the release of their client. On March 1 and 2, 2008, the then authorities of Armenia used force against the opposition members who were rallying in downtown Yerevan, and against the results of the then recent presidential election. Eight demonstrators as well as two servicemen of the internal troops were killed in the clashes. But no one had been brought to account for these deaths, to this day. YEREVAN. Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan once again touched upon the accusations of his attempts to sell Karabakh during a meeting with voters in Gegharkunik province of Armenia. He reminded of his earlier statements that he is the first leader of Armenia whose son is serving in Karabakh. However, Pashinyan argued that when he was reading messages on social media he was surprised to see speculations, how can he say so phrases. Pashinyan said he could not understand the reason for activeness of some representatives of the leadership in Karabakh. Why did they become more active and why are they trying in some way to intervene and demonstrate their presence in the campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia? I have a lot of questions in this regard, and I will definitely discuss them with the NKR President Bako Sahakyan. And before that, Mr. Bako Sahakyan, I urge you to call the representatives of your cabinet of ministers to order and send them to work, he said. Once in two days the spokesperson for the Karabakh president has to comment on the words I've said, doesn't he? Could you imagine that my press secretary started commenting on any events in Karabakh? Can you imagine the consequences and results of all this? Come to senses and do your job. Of course, I will discuss with you everything that I mentioned, but after the elections. All corruption coils have been uncoiled, and they are being uncoiled. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday stated the aforesaid during his talk with the residents of Vardenis town, and within the framework of the My Step alliances campaign rallies for the upcoming snap parliamentary election in Armenia. In his words, however, a certain amount of time is needed for this because these are procedures. All the [corruption] cases [in Armenia] will be solved, he added. Pashinyan pledged that the money, which was stolen from the state as a result of all those corrupt dealings, shall be returned. People, I want to get your permission so that we first of all spend the amounts returned from those corrupt dealings, on developing our armed forces, Nikol Pashinyan added Do you agree with it, or not? YEREVAN. Elections in Armenia are again taking place without an ideological fight. Artur Avagyan, an MP candidate nominated by the Citizens Decision Social Democratic Party, on Thursday told the above-said to Armenian News-NEWS.am, during his snap parliamentary election campaign march in capital city Yerevan. In his words, the Citizens Decision party has tasked itself with introducing the element of an ideological and a program-based fight to the election campaign. All the political forces [in Armenia] practically seek to carry out their campaign by way of discrediting and blackening the opponents, Avagyan noted. [But] our party differs by [the fact] that it refuses [to use] such a method of [political] fight, and it calls on the other [political] forces to a more constructive debate. Presenting the platform of the Citizens Decision party, Artur Avagyan explained that the main items on this program were the social issues and the role of the state in resolving them. He added that the state shall have a more active part in resolving the social issues. Campaign season for the upcoming snap National Assembly (NA) election has gotten underway Monday in Armenia. The campaign season will conclude on December 7, whereas December 8 is election silence day, and December 9election day Eleven political forcestwo alliances and nine partiesare running for parliament. As a result of this election, the NA seats will be distributed proportionally among the political forces that have passed the respective minimum thresholds: 5% for parties, and 7% for alliances. The contract military serviceman, who had been trapped under snow nearby Kakhakn village in Gegharkunik Province, was found dead. The Acting Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, on Thursday said the aforementioned during his talk with the residents of Vardenis town. Subsequently, those in attendance observed a minutes silence in memory of this soldier. I extend my condolences to all of his relatives, friends and close circles, Pashinyan added. The 911 emergency hotline on Tuesday received a report that a personwho was born in 1994had been trapped under snow nearby Kakhakn village, and rescuers were needed. A fire and recue squad was dispatched to the area. The search and rescue operations, however, were halted due to the dark and adverse weather. And on Wednesday morning, two special rescue squads had resumed these operations. A brazen Taliban attack that targeted the Kabul offices of a British security company killed five of its staffers, including a British national, the company said Thursday. Afghan authorities said a sixth person was also killed in the assault, Fox News reported. Charlie Burbridge, the managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said 32 employees of the company were also wounded in the attack, five of them seriously. "Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends," Burbridge said in a statement. The attack started with a suicide bomber who rammed his explosive-packed truck into the gate of the G4S compound in eastern Kabul on Wednesday evening, followed by an hours-long gunbattle with insurgents armed with grenades and automatic rifles who stormed the compound building. The Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said it was in retaliation for a U.S. airstrike in southern Helmand province hours earlier that killed 30 people, many of them civilians. The issue of the CSTO secretary general is not the most essential, acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at the campaign in Sevan today. The issue of the CSTO secretary general is a very small and not essential issue. The issues being discussed in that pre-context are more important. We will constantly defend the interests of Armenia and Artsakh, Pashinyan said. He noted that Armenia has not worsened relations with any of the states but registered the bad and discredited situation it has inherited and not only in this establishment. Unlike previous authorities we are not going to remain silent and adjust to the situation. We attach significance to the specification of our commitments in the CSTO before our allies and their commitments before us. We raise these issues for developing relations with our partners. If we do not refer to the existing issues the situation will become worse and more and more issues will be created, Pashinyan noted. Home Expeditions Mapping Deepwater Areas in the Caribbean & South Atlantic Bight Mission Plan By Shannon Hoy, LT Nick Pawlenko, and Michael White, - NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research November 28 - December 16, 2018 From November 28 to December 16, 2018, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) and its partners will complete the Mapping Deepwater Areas in the Caribbean and South Atlantic Bight expedition on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. During 19 days at sea, while transiting from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Charleston, South Carolina, 24-hour per day operations will consist of telepresence-enabled mapping and remotely operated vehicle dives (ROV) in support of ocean exploration and federal agency and scientific community needs. Operations will focus in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos Islands. During the first part of the expedition, while transiting from Puerto Rico to the Bahamas, OER and NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer will host four undergraduate students and a professor from the University of Rhode Island who will be testing the application of 3D printing at sea. They will investigate how their resin-based 3D printer performs when subjected to at-sea motion and how to compensate for this motion. Resin-based printing like this has never been conducted at sea before and results from the testing will help further refine the technology. In the future, one potential application of this kind of 3D printing could include fabrication of critical parts while a ship is deployed at sea, eliminating the need to return to port. Strategic transit mapping during this part of the expedition will target poorly mapped areas that are likely to exhibit interesting terrain with potential seamounts and deepwater ridges. Exploration in the Bahamas will include mapping and ROV dives in support of community and partner agency needs. OER will work with the University of New Hampshire Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (UNH/CCOM) to deploy a hydrophone array in order to characterize the sound patterns of the EM302 multibeam echosounder. The EM302 can be described as the bread and butter of ocean exploration mapping operations, as the data it collects leads to high-resolution maps and images of the seafloor and water column. This project will help the scientific community understand how sound emitted from the EM302 sonar travels through the water column, an important aspect in understanding multibeam data and the potential to change the ambient environmental soundscape. After departing the Bahamas for the second part of the expedition, the Okeanos Explorer will transit to the South Atlantic Bight to conduct 24-hour per day mapping operations. These operations will focus on scientific community and partner agency mapping needs in the region, including those identified during a recent workshop focused on the Atlantic Seafloor Partnership for Integrated Research and Exploration, or ASPIRE, campaign. ASPIRE is a major multi-year, multi-national collaborative ocean exploration field program focused on raising collective knowledge and understanding of the North Atlantic Ocean. The campaign will provide data to inform and support research planning and management decisions in the region. OERs newest Physical Scientist/Mapping Lead and former Explorer-in-Training Shannon Hoy will also be sailing during the expedition, learning her roles and responsibilities as a Mapping Lead and Expedition Coordinator. Shannon will graduate from UNH/CCOM shortly and brings years of at-sea and technical expertise to her new positionglad to have you onboard! Once. But this fucking song would play at gay bars ALL THE FUCKING TIME. Reply Thread Link ugh that song was fucking everywhere for a good 2 years straight. Reply Thread Link I've only watched Frozen once. I thought it was alright. But damn, Frozenmania was fucking everywhere back then. You could not escape this movie for a good, whole year. Reply Thread Link My power flurries through the air into the ground My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast I'm never going back, the past is in the past Yup, clearly an Oscar and Grammy worthy song. Reply Thread Link I worked at a movie theater when this was out. We had Frozen from November to April. We normally opened at 3 on weekdays during the school year, but from Thanksgiving to Easter the school district didn't have a full week of school due to snow. And so we had to open early so people could take their kids to see Frozen. One of the other two managers with open availability also had some health issues that holiday so the two of us had to pick up a ton of shifts. I was so exhausted by the time we lost it lol. Reply Thread Link I hope the theater paid you enough if you did lots of OT just to accommodate this! Reply Parent Thread Link I saw this movie before it blew up and was surprised at how much I liked it. I still think its great, whatev. The hype is OTT but its...for kids. Its OK. Reply Thread Link i saw this shit once at a press screening and was like 'this is nice, cool, predictable, etc' but damn the way it blew up... i also like to think this is tainted somewhat by that TERRRIBLEE and never-ending olaf 'short' from last year Reply Thread Link NEGL, I love this song from that short. Reply Parent Thread Link Yes I actually love the songs from the short and I sing this to my daughters a lot before bed. Reply Parent Thread Link I am happy I saw Coco on opening day but also bitter that others were able to escape that dreadful "short" after they took it off a few weeks later. God that was a miserable 20 minutes and I say that as someone who enjoyed Frozen a lot Reply Parent Thread Link I cried so much at the opening of this movie. I still can't listen to "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" without crying. It hit way too close to home. This movie did make me want to work on my relationship with my sister and it's been going well. I'll always have a soft spot for it. Reply Thread Link awww i'm glad things are improving w your sister <3 i watched "brave" w my mum and even though i'll gladly admit it's flawed, that film just hit a lot of soft spots for me, and i love it a lot. Reply Parent Thread Link Also it's kind of amazing that Let It Go is the second worst song in the movie but it's the one everyone loves. Reply Thread Link I remember when I lived in SF, The Castro Theatre did a sing-along of this movie and I was invited as a date and I was like NO FUCKING THANKS! It didnt work out, naturally. Reply Parent Thread Link lol I still haven't seen this movie Reply Thread Link I rewatched it recently and its not a bad movie. I do like the message behind sisterly love instead of it being a romantic love that saves everything in the end. The movie isnt perfect and the fans are annoying as fuck, but I do like it. I like Elsa being a queen that has depression/anxiety as well. I like normalizing that for people. Aladdin will always be my favorite Disney movie ever. With BATB and TLM being my next choices. Reply Thread Link I always found the movie to be ok, it wasn't awful or amazing it was just alright. Now that the hype has slowly died down I'm starting to warm up to Frozen a little (pun intended) and curious to see where the sequel goes, I just hope they don't cave and give Elsa a love interest. All I gotta say though about Frozen is that Hans deserves better and Frozen Heart is underrated af song. Reply Thread Link God this is always on the radio at work and it drives me nuts. Also omg my friend used to have her hair cut like that when she was 12 as a ~statement~ and everyone at school used to call her half-head LOL. I'm AMAZED to see an adult sporting the look. Reply Thread Link 'Half head' omgg Reply Parent Thread Link lmaooo Reply Parent Thread Link Lmfao oh children Reply Parent Thread Link It sounds like a Gaga reject from 2008. Reply Thread Link Her songs have a dated feel, and not in a 'throwback' kinda way way The 'oh-oh-oh-oh-oh' in the chorus is a very Gaga touch Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Im such trash for this generic pop. I love it Reply Parent Thread Link I don't hate this... maybe cuz its 12:30am. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah this makes me weirdly nostalgic Reply Parent Thread Link omg at this decent pop song Reply Parent Thread Link This one is better than the psycho shit Reply Parent Thread Link A No No remix is coming w Kimberly, Belcalis, Melissa and Jermain Reply Parent Thread Link it really does Reply Parent Thread Link This yodeling bish is going to be a one hit wonder Reply Thread Link I've thought that about at least three artists in the past five years who have all been way bigger than one hit wonders. I used to be able to spot a one hit wonder with laser focus, now not so much. Reply Parent Thread Link She looks like Gaga that screengrab. Reply Thread Link Omg came here to say that. She looks like the ig model version of Gaga Reply Parent Thread Link these party city wigs ain't it i'm getting industry plant vibes tbh, the whole package feels produced Reply Thread Link it doesn't help that i literally had never heard of her until today and i just glanced at r/popheads and there were like 3 posts about her? something's rotten in denmark!! seems she's the next Girl of the Year Edited at 2018-11-29 05:33 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I feel like super sunset is getting paid dust and I'm mad Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ughh this bish always comes thru w the bops Reply Parent Thread Link Allie X deserves so much more Reply Parent Thread Expand Link SONG OF THE YEAR! I love Allie but i think it's getting to the point where it might be better for her to sell these songs to bigger artists. Camilla/Demi/Halsey/etc could take Girl of the Year top 10 worldwide. Edited at 2018-11-30 01:54 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link her whole thing is too lady gaga/ sia for her to have genuinely blown up bc most ppl have seen it before whereas both those artists at the time seemed like, avant garde Reply Parent Thread Link I would like to know how I become an industry plant. Reply Parent Thread Link i have 2 sides... The nicest guy ull ever meet ... and twisted fucking cycle path ..... BaskingBall1 (@BaskingBall1) November 14, 2018 Reply Thread Link Lmao Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Also this is the harshest post Ive seen the OP be towards anyone, really lmao. Reply Thread Link People are hyping her up a lot in her YT comments I didnt mean to come off that way oop! The cynicism jumped out thoughPeople are hyping her up a lot in her YT comments Reply Parent Thread Link It wasnt harsh at all by ONTD standards tbh lol Reply Parent Thread Link omg I love this song. Ill stan Reply Thread Link pop music is terrible rn Reply Thread Link pop is such a broad term, there is a lot of good pop music out there you just have to look for it. Reply Parent Thread Link The charts are dead, you have to be a Spotify spelunker to get at the good shit. Sad! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm good Reply Parent Thread Expand Link idk how to embed a photo on mobile but the name of this song reminds me of that old sticker series with the bunny in a straight jacket or with a knife and the caption is cute but psycho her explanation of the songs meaning is.......bizarre. Reply Thread Link happy bunny! i still have those stickers somewhere Reply Parent Thread Link I don't enjoy her music. Perhaps instead of trying for a solo career she should put together an Albanian girl group with Bebe, Rita, and Dua. Besides Rita (who's a wildly successful musician, mogul, and megastar on her own) they would all probably have better luck if they worked together. Reply Thread Link Damn this track sounds straight outta 2008 Reply Thread Link google imaged for more pics - she looks like a mix of Kylie J and Gaga She seems to be hitting those fillers too so her smile looks painful in some shots Edited at 2018-11-29 06:30 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Faced with a crisis moving oil out of the country, the provincial government in Alberta is stepping in to purchase trains in order to ease the midstream bottleneck. Western Canada Select (WCS), the benchmark for heavy oil in Alberta, continues to trade below $15 per barrel, or roughly $40-per-barrel lower than WTI. That is a hefty discount, although slightly narrower than the $50 per barrel discount WCS traded for a few weeks ago. Its worth more in the ground than it is to produce it right now, Athabasca Oil Corp. CEO Rob Broen said in an interview Wednesday with BNN Bloomberg Television. These differentials are so extreme. The problem for Alberta and for Canada is that after a decade of trying, the region is still no closer to building a major oil pipeline to move product to either the United States or to the Pacific Ocean. As pipelines have filled up, the discount has exploded. Now, the government in Alberta is in talks to purchase enough rail cars to move 120,000 bpd out of the province. Albertas Premier Rachel Notley said the deal could be concluded within a few weeks and could cost C$350 million (US$263 million). The provincial government said that the additional rail capacity could narrow the WCS discount by $4 per barrel. Alberta, as a hopelessly oil-dependent petrostate, is flailing about, looking for a solution to the pipeline bottleneck. Last month, oil sands producers asked the Premier to mandate industry-wide production cuts. Notleys challenger in next years election for premier is now trumpeting his support for mandatory production cuts. Its an odd evolution for Notley, who ended decades of rule by the Progressive Conservatives, and as a New Democrat, is decidedly to the left of the longstanding industry-friendly PCs. She even introduced a carbon tax after she took office and moved to shut down coal plants. But leftist in Alberta, if she can be called that, is not the same as leftists everywhere else. After all, the carbon tax was conjured up in order to smooth the path for new pipelines the logic being that a carbon tax and other incentives to boost renewable energy would buy the social license to operate, and might convince the U.S. government to greenlight Keystone XL. Related: The Biggest Winners Of The Oil Price Slump The green initiatives have done little to advance a new pipeline, even though the Trump administration gave the go-ahead to TransCanadas long-delayed project. So Notley is now dispensing with the green trade-off and is now using every power at her disposal to support the oil industry, including state-led intervention to buy railcars. She has also aggressively campaigned for pipelines in every direction she championed the Trans Mountain expansion pipeline that would run west, the Keystone XL pipeline that would run south, and the now-defunct Energy East pipeline that would have run to the east. Canadas federal government stepped in to nationalize the Trans Mountain expansion earlier this year, even though its construction remains an open question. Alberta is now looking to buy trains to move oil out of the province. Canada at both the provincial and federal level is at the mercy of, and now an active owner in, the oil industry. Still, the rail cars will take time to procure and bring into operation. According to Reuters, the first 15,000 bpd of rail capacity would not come online until December 2019, and wont reach the full 120,000 bpd until the following summer August 2020. Still, there are no other options. If Keystone XL or the Trans Mountain Expansion are ever constructed, those projects will come online well after 2020. However, the one salvation could be Enbridges Line 3 replacement, which is expected to come online late next year or early 2020. The good news is there is light at the end of the proverbial pipeline, analysts at Scotiabank wrote in a note on November 21, referring to Enbridges Line 3 replacement, which would provide an outlet for 370,000 bpd. The bad news is that Line 3 is still at least a year away. Between now and next winter the Western Canadian oil market is at the mercy of rail schedulers and their attempts to mobilize more locomotives, tank cars, and trained crewsan effort that has thus far proved insufficient to clear the market. Related: Goldman: Oil Prices Set For Rebound In 2019 Alberta estimates the province is currently over-producing by about 250,000 bpd. The capacity addition from the Line 3 replacement is expected to add more than that amount, and since it is scheduled to come online before the rail cars, the whole business of the government buying into rail seems odd. But Notley is unbowed. Line 3 only clears the market for three months before we find ourselves back in this situation again, Notley told Macleans. Meanwhile, the addition of $4 per barrel to the price of WCS from new rail capacity is also a relatively small payoff. Dont mistake me -- this is not the long-term answer, Notley said on Wednesday. It absolutely is not. New pipelines are the long-term answer. To reiterate, though, pipelines are not a near-term answer. In the meantime, the WCS discount of around $40 per barrel is probably too much to bear for many oil producers. Some are already voluntarily cutting back. Scotiabank says that a hypothetical 4 percent mandatory production cut (140,000 bpd) could narrow the discount from $40 per barrel to to something like $20 per barrel. That sounds more effective than a provincial-led purchase of rail capacity that will take 18 months to go into effect. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil markets appear to be full of uncertainty, awaiting the outcome of the OPEC+ meeting for more direction. But some clues about the trajectory of oil prices in 2019 may come a few days earlier in Buenos Aires. The G20 summit in Argentina is underway, where the heads of state from around the world are meeting face to face. Buenos Aires is hosting the three most important figures in the oil market Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the meeting, the supply surplus has ballooned. A significant production cut on the part of OPEC and its allied non-OPEC producers at their meeting next week in Vienna will thus be needed to rebalance the oil market next year and ensure that stocks do not rise any further, Commerzbank said in a note. Preparatory talks are already likely to be held on the fringes of the weekends G20 summit in Buenos Aires. However, if there are talks in Buenos Aires, it is unlikely that the details will be made public. Instead, the biggest news to come out of the G20 summit will be emanating from the meeting between Trump and his Chinese counterpart. The U.S.-China trade war has steadily escalated over the course of 2018, and the dispute is now at a critical crossroads. Trumps mercurial personality means that the conflict will likely either be resolved after a single meeting with Xi Jingping, or the trade war will explode into a more serious conflict. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump said that it was highly unlikely that he would delay the scheduled increase in tariffs. The 10 percent tariff that he put on $200 billion of Chinese imports is set to jump to 25 percent at the start of 2019. Related: The Oil Powerhouses Replacing OPEC Trump also said that if the upcoming meeting with Xi scheduled for Saturday does not go well, he wouldnt hesitate to move forward with his previously threat to slap tariffs on an additional $267 billion of imports from China. That would essentially put tariffs on just about every good that flows from China to the United States. If we dont make a deal, then Im going to put the $267 billion additional on at a tariff rate of either 10 or 25 percent, Trump told the Wall Street Journal. This is an opportunity, with the two presidents, to break through what have been disappointing discussions, Larry Kudlow, Trumps top economic adviser, told reporters at a meeting at the White House. This is a big deal, this meeting. And the stakes are very high. However, the tough talk belies a bit of panic from the White House. The trade war is already starting to take a toll on the U.S. economy. American farmers have been hit hard by retaliatory tariffs from China, which have tanked prices for corn and soybeans. More recently, the stock market has seen a spike in volatility, and all of the gains U.S. stocks have seen in 2018 have been wiped out in the last few weeks. Perhaps more painful was the recent announcement from General Motors that the company was closing down five factories and laying off 14,000 people. A few of those plants were in states Michigan and Ohio that Trump won in the 2016 presidential election, which makes the announcement a political threat to some degree. Automakers warned that steel and aluminum tariffs would cost the industry. Ford said a few months ago that the tariffs would cost it $1 billion, and GM said in June that tariffs would force job cuts. Related: The Biggest Losers Of The Current Oil Price Slump The GM closures likely has the White House rattled, and perhaps makes Trump more eager for a thaw in the trade war than at any other point to date. China has also been hit hard by the trade war, but Xi is not accountable to an electorate and can likely weather the storm with more ease than Trump. It is unclear how this will end up. Xi has been keener not to escalate the trade war, which could make him amenable to a deal. The flip side is that if he senses desperation from Washington, he could dig in and take a tougher line. The bottom line is that the trade war could go one of two ways after this weekend. The ramifications for the oil market are profound. Most economists are already predicting a global economic slowdown in 2019. Any escalation of the trade war will cause more headaches, potentially forcing more downward revisions in oil demand, and thus, drag down crude prices. On the other hand, Trump may give in to Xi and call off the trade war, just as he did with North Korea and the nuclear program last year. Declare victory and go home. That would remove one of the major headwinds from the oil market heading into 2019. And this will all occur before the OPEC+ meeting next week. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: West Texas Intermediate yesterday fell to US$50 a barrel, after the Energy Information Administration reported yet another weekly inventory build with production at record highs, making the United States the biggest oil producer globally. Under other demand circumstances, this would have been cause for celebration. But with demand prospects lukewarm, traders rushed to the exit once again, reinforcing the price decline. The EIA reported a weekly inventory build of 3.6 million barrels yesterday, the tenth in a row. Normally, this shouldnt be a big deal. Winter is weaker demand season, so inventory increases are normal. However, ten consecutive weekly builds are making traders nervous, especially amid growing worry about an oversupply that forced OPEC to start talking about cuts again. Speaking of OPEC and cuts, thats another factor that has been pressuring prices in the last few days. Saudi Arabia was the first to mention cuts, but this week, Khalid al-Falih made it clear that the Kingdom wont be the only one to cut. Nigeria, meanwhile, has signaled it may not be on board with another production cut. Libya has already asked for an exemption. Russia is taking its time making up its mind. In short, the outlook for the cuts is at the moment uncertain. In more bad news, the EIA said refiners margins had slumped to a five-year low on the back of record gasoline inventories. U.S. crude oil production is mostly light crude, which is made into gasoline. The usual output of a U.S. refinery features twice as much gasoline as middle distillates. Yet growth in demand for the fuel on the domestic market has been slowing down, the EIA noted, while production has been growing: refiners cant just store all that crude thats coming from the shale patch and the Gulf of Mexico. And then, of course, there is production. At 11.7 million barrels daily, U.S. production is on par with Saudi Arabias and ahead of Russias, which in October reached a post-Soviet record high of 11.4 million bpd before this month being cut by 40,000 bpd, according to Energy Minister Alexander Novak who spoke to Bloomberg. Related: Three Reasons Why LNG Prices In Asia Are Plunging As usual, when West Texas Intermediate falls, the question of whether the current production rate can be sustained rears its head. Goldman Sachs Jeffrey Currie recently told CNBC the all-in cots of producing crude in the U.S. is about US$50 a barrel, including return on capital. Basically, a lot of producers are just breaking even at US$50 per barrel of WTI based on this estimate, and they cant stop pumping because they have debts to service. Yet some see U.S. producers as more resilient, capable of maintaining current production rates even if WTI falls to US$40. Notable among them is the man who coined the term shale price band, Petromatrixs Olivier Jacob. Jacob wrote in a recent article for the Financial Times that the band was stronger than ever, at US$40 to US$70 per barrel of WTI. If this is the case, OPEC will really need to reach an agreement on those cuts. Few OPEC economies can go through another round with $40 oil so soon after the last time. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Just a few hours after WTI Crude dipped below $50, oil prices wiped out losses and started climbing on Thursday after reports that Russia has conceded that it needs to reduce oil production and join a new Saudi-led OPEC cut to balance the market. At 10:10 a.m. EDT on Thursday, WTI Crude rallied 2.05 percent at $51.32, while Brent Crude was up 1.35 percent at $59.89. Earlier in the day WTI Crude had breached the $50 support level for the first time in more than a year, following yet another U.S. crude inventory build that the EIA reported on Wednesday. Then came out a report by Reuters that Russia has started to concede that it needs to join a new Saudi-led oil production cut, but is still bargaining with its key OPEC partner over how much, how fast, and for how long it would potentially reduce its oil output. Analysts believe that Russia agreeing to reduce production would be crucial for the OPEC/non-OPEC group to hammer out an agreement to cut. Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih has already said that while the Saudis are going to do whatever it takes to stabilize the oil market, they cant and wont do it alone without a collective decision from the OPEC and non-OPEC deal participants. Russia is comfortable with oil at around $60, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, a week ahead of the OPEC+ meeting in Vienna and just two days before the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, at which Putin is expected to meet separately with U.S. President Donald Trump and with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Putin also thanked Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince for the OPEC-Russia cooperation in managing the oil market. Putins remarks show support for the Saudi prince, while analysts think that the G-20 summit in Argentina may be the more important venue for the OPEC-Russia oil cooperation than next weeks full OPEC+ meeting. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On November 7 Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, announced that Doha was looking to expand trade and investment ties with Iraq. Local media reported that the two parties proposed greater maritime cooperation by establishing direct shipping lines and relationships between ports. The government visit to Baghdad followed the September 4 signing of a commercial and economic cooperation agreement with Turkey, intended to promote bilateral trade, particularly in the services and e-commerce sectors, and ease restrictions on investment. The Turkey deal also foresees the development of closer ties in Customs, research and development, and education, and builds on increasing trade between the two countries. Qatar-Turkey bilateral trade volumes increased from $835m in 2016 to $1.3bn last year, according to data issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of October. Meanwhile, two-way trade in the first half of 2018 was valued at $695m, on track to surpass the year-end 2017 total. There is much interest from foreign companies particularly from Turkey in the Qatari market as it is generally seen as a stable investment destination with high confidence in the legal system, Hamdi Gunes, country manager of Turkish construction company Limak, told OBG. These conditions will help Qatar increase foreign direct investment inflows. Trade figures rise on the back of realignment The increase in trade with Turkey and efforts to boost ties with Iraq form part of Qatars strategy to diversify its trading partners following the implementation of an embargo by Saudi Arabia and some other regional neighbours in June last year. Along with a greater focus on increasing domestic manufacturing, improvements to port handling efficiency and the September 2017 inauguration of Hamad Port, which is expected to become the countrys main maritime logistics hub, have helped improve the flow of inward and outward shipments. Related: Shell: EV Demand To Grow Regardless Of Oil Prices Exports in the first nine months of the year totaled QR227.1bn ($62.4bn), up 28.2 percent year-on-year, according to data issued by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS), while the trade surplus was QR140.6bn ($38.6bn), 39.2 percent higher than the same period in 2017. The diversification strategy has also led to a realignment of the trade mix. While business with the GCC has dropped from 11.1 percent of overall trade in the first half of last year to 3.9 percent in the corresponding period in 2018, trade with Asia led by Japan, South Korea and China, but which also includes Turkey increased to account for 69.5 percent of total trade in the first half of the year, up from the 61 percent recorded in the same period in 2017. In particular, business with China has expanded significantly in recent years, with the country now Qatars third-largest individual trading partner, accounting for 11.6 percent of total trade. Elsewhere, activity with the EU remained largely steady, dropping slightly from 16.2 percent to 15.2 percent of the overall mix, while Qatari-US trade rose from 4.4 percent to 5.5 percent. These solid gains have also fed into GDP growth, with the economy expanding by 2.2 percent y-o-y over the first half of the year, according to the MPDS. Related: Three Reasons Why LNG Prices In Asia Are Plunging In its latest economic outlook report for the Middle East and Central Asia, released on November 12, the IMF said the effect of the economic blockade on Qatar had been contained, and that the economy would expand by 2.7 percent this year and 2.8 percent next, building on the 1.6 percent experienced in 2017. New free zones to facilitate re-export growth These positive figures should be further supported by the launch of two new free zones early next year, which are expected to boost the re-export of goods. The Um Al Houl special economic zone, located at Hamad Port, and the Ras Bunfontas free zone, next to Hamad International Airport, have been developed to support export and re-export traffic, as well as industrial activity. Qatar has already laid the groundwork for the re-export trade, with the General Authority of Customs unveiling a new service to facilitate and regulate operations in February. Under the new regulations, a range of goods including vehicles, automotive equipment, machinery, infrastructure and construction materials, electric appliances and jewellery can be imported for the purpose of re-export, subject to certain terms and conditions, such as bank guarantees and minimum trade volumes. By Oxford Business Group More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Government of Alberta has been forced into buying more oil trains to move crude from the province, the Calgary Sun reports, quoting Premier Rachel Notley as describing the situation with Albertas oil as fiscal and economic insanity. The trains will have a total capacity of 120,000 bpd and will cost Alberta US$263.77 million (C$330 million). The trains should reach their full capacity late next year and help reduce the discount of Western Canadian Select to West Texas Intermediate by about US$3 (C$4) per barrel. Thats not a lot given the discount between WCS and WTI is more than $40 a barrel, but according to Notley, it would generate US$750,000 (C$1 million) daily in new government revenues. We have already engaged a third-party to negotiate and work is well under way. We anticipate conclusion of the deal within weeks, the Premier said at a meeting with business executives. However, the new trains will likely only provide temporary relief as Albertas crude oil production is set for continued growth despite calls from the industry and from the opposition United Conservative Party for production cuts in order to erase some of the discount, at which Canadian crude is trading to the U.S. benchmark WTI. A recent economic outlook for the oil province from the Alberta Treasury Branches, a government-owned provincial financial services provider, said the economy was improving slowly, and GDP growth next year was seen at 2.1 percent. However, the Calgary Sun notes, ATB Financials chief economist who authored the report had to revise it twice, both times downward, before it was finally published. In Albertas economy, we feel like were in this suspended animation, waiting for something to happen, Todd Hirsch said, adding that more revisions were likely in either direction. Meanwhile, production is rising faster than previously expected: the National Energy Board recently said crude oil production in Canada will average 4.59 million bpd, up by 22,000 bpd from earlier forecasts. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Argentina hopes to sign this weekend a deal with China to build its fourth nuclear power plant, Juan Pablo Tripodi, head of Argentinas investment agency, told Reutersa move that would boost Chinese influence in Americas historically perceived backyard of global influence, Latin America. The agreement, reportedly worth US$8 billion, would be for the construction of the Atucha III nuclear power plant that would be financed with Chinese money. According to Chinese state funding data reviewed by Reuters, the new nuclear power plant would become one of the largest projects that China has financed in Argentina. According to the World Nuclear Association, Argentinas three operating nuclear reactors currently generate about five percent of the countrys electricity. Apart from attending the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping will also make a state visit after the meeting of the worlds top leaders ends. U.S. President Donald Trump will also attend the G-20 summit and there are plans for a bilateral meeting with Xi to discuss the trade war. Yet, as Reuters notes, the backdrop of the summit will be the competition between the U.S. and China for influence in Latin America. The region has traditionally been viewed as Americas backyard, but with the growing influence from China, U.S. officials have become increasingly uneasy about the Chinese bolstering economic, trade, and strategic ties with a U.S. ally such as Argentina. These are infrastructure projects where China is coming in and providing very low interest loans or they are just having Chinese companies do it, a senior U.S. Administration official told Reuters. Its creating an economic and political dependency on China thats incredibly dangerous. According to a Reuters analysis of data, China has four ways to increase its influence in Argentinaproviding cheap financing; investing heavily in infrastructure; a currency swap expected to be extended to the point of making China Argentinas top non-institutional lender; and boosting trade ties. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Montana District Judge Brian Morris, who earlier this month ordered the suspension of work on the controversial Keystone XL crude oil pipeline, has now allowed TransCanada to conduct preliminary activities related to the project, including engineering and planning, oil shipment contract confirmations, and the acquisition of land rights, equipment, and permits, the Associated Press reports. Morris earlier this month asked the U.S. government to review its assessment of Keystone XL and revise it, taking into account the changes in the oil markets since 2014, the latest in climate change, and the presence of cultural resources along the route of the pipeline that was planned to carry heavy oil from Alberta to U.S. refineries. The 830,000 bpd pipeline will run from the Albertan oil sands through Montana and South Dakota, ending in Nebraska, where it would connect to the existing pipeline network that goes on to the Gulf Coast. Following the order, TransCanada asked the judge to allow it to perform some work at least while Washington reviews its project assessment. The request has now been granted, signaling TransCanadas determination to start construction work on the project early next year despite the continued opposition. A one-year delay in construction of the pipeline would result in substantial harm to TransCanada, as well was to United States workers, and to TransCanadas customers relying on the current in-service date of the project, a senior TransCanada executive said in a statement for the court as quoted by the Associated Press. Such a delay would cost the company US$949 million in lost earnings and delay the hiring of 6,600 people. Keystone XL, if it ever gets built, will provide some relief to Canadian oil sands producers who are being suffocated by pipeline capacity shortages that have seen the price of their crude plunge to unprecedented discounts against WTI. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has started to concede that it needs to join a fresh Saudi-led oil production cut, but is still bargaining with its key partner in OPEC over how much, how fast, and for how long it would potentially reduce its oil output, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two industry sources. For nearly a monthsince an OPEC/non-OPEC panel signaled that there might be a need to cut oil production by 1 million bpd to balance the marketRussia has warned against any hasty decisions on new production cuts and has not officially said that a cut is needed. While Saudi Arabia and its Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih have been airing the idea of a new production cut, Russia has been less convinced that it could take part in another reduction, or at least so it lets the market to believe. Moscow, however, has repeatedly said that its cooperation with OPEC should and will continue. Just yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia was comfortable with the current level of oil prices at around $60 a barrel, and also thanked Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the OPEC-Russia cooperation in managing the oil market. Putin is scheduled to meet the prince at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires later this week. Russias energy ministry is discussing potential oil production cuts with local producers and will continue talks to come up with a position by the OPEC/non-OPEC meeting in early December, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said last week. Another meeting with Russian oil companies was held on Tuesday. Related: The Oil Powerhouses Replacing OPEC The idea at the meeting was that Russia needs to reduce. The key question is how quickly and by how much, a source familiar with the discussions between the Russian energy ministry and local oil companies told Reuters on Thursday. Most people agreed that Russia cant immediately reduce production and if it joins the cuts, it will cut output gradually, like it did the previous time, the source told Reuters. There is need of a cut, but Russia doesnt want to chip in with a large cut, a second source told Reuters. Analysts believe that Russia agreeing to reduce production would be crucial for the OPEC/non-OPEC group to hammer out an agreement to cut. Saudi Arabias al-Falih has already said that while the Saudis are going to do whatever it takes to stabilize the oil market, they cant and wont do it alone without a collective decision from the OPEC and non-OPEC deal participants. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Volkswagen plans to build a factory for affordable electric vehicles in the United States, the companys new head of North American operations, Scott Keogh told media at an industry event, as quoted by Reuters. The plan is part of the German automakers ambitious foray in to EVs that seeks to establish it as a leader in the space currently dominated by Tesla and Chinese carmakers who rule the local market, which is the biggest car market globally. We are 100 percent deep in the process of We will need an electric car plant in North America, and were holding those conversations now, Keogh said. The executives announcement comes a few days after Volkswagen said it will convert two factories in Germany to EV production to meet its deadlines for commercial production. This will make a total of three German factories the major will use for making EVs only. Volkswagen earlier in November announced a budget of US$50 billion (44 billion euro) for the development and production of electric cars, autonomous vehicles, and so-called new mobility services, over the next five years. Chief executive Herbert Diess last month told German weekly Automobilwoche that the company had struck battery production deals that would allow it to churn out 50 million electric vehicles, but a company spokesman later clarified Diess had meant the 50 million cars as a theoretical, long-term production target. Theoretical or not, Volkswagen has plans in place to release a total 27 models of electric vehicles, beginning mass production in late 2022. The initial target is 10 million, according to a Reuters report from September. To that end, the company developed a special EV manufacturing platform dubbed MEB, or modular electrification kit. With its help, Volkswagen is looking to sell 3 million EVs annually by 2025 and eventually become the leader in the EV space globally. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Photojournalist Lu Guang, who has won numerous international awards for his coverage of pressing health and environmental issues in China, has been detained in China since November 3 without word from authorities about his whereabouts or the reason for his detention, according to the BBC and other news outlets in Europe and the U.S. Nobody has heard from him in any form or fashion in 25 or 26 days, says Lus agent and long-time friend, Robert Pledge of Contact Press Images. According to Pledge, Lus wife, Xu Xiaoli, last heard from her husband on November 2 as he was traveling to Urumqi, the capital of Chinas far western Xinjiang province. Xu learned her husband was missing after being notified that he failed to show up at a charity event he was scheduled to attend on November 5 in Sichuan province. Xu eventually contacted officials in Lus home province of Zhejiang, who confirmed that security officers in Xinjiang had detained Lu. Xu finally decided to publicize her husbands disappearance after weeks of futile efforts to get any additional information from Chinese authorities, according to Pledge. He adds: There has been no official or informal notification [from authorities] to his next of kin regarding Lus whereabouts, condition or the reason for his arrest. After having tried everything, [Xu] decided to inform people in China through social media. Thats how the story was picked up by foreign media, Pledge explains. Although Xu risks angering authorities by publicizing Lus plight, her hope is that a groundswell of concern about Lus well-being will put pressure on Chinese authorities to at least provide more information. Hes such a hero on China, Pledge says. The social media response has been amazing. People are asking: What happened? Lu, a Chinese citizen, is widely admired in his homeland for his documentary projects about environmental pollution in China, as well as projects about the SARS epidemic, AIDS in China, and other issues. His work initially angered the Chinese government. But Lu has won major awards including the W. Eugene Smith Grant, the Prince Claus Fund Award, and several World Press Photo Awards. The Chinese government eventually came around to praise Lu for his work, says Pledge, who adds that a museum named after Lu is currently under construction in his home province of Zhejiang. Considering Lus status in China, Pledge says we have no idea why Xinjiang security officers picked up Lu. He had been traveling in the province for the first time on an invitation from a friend to talk to a group of local photographers, according to Pledge. Security is particularly tight in Xinjiang province because authorities there consider ethnic Uyghurs in the region to be a threat. China recently admitted widespread reports that it has interned thousand of Uyghur people in re-education camps. Pledge says you can do some guesswork that authorities in Xinjiang are particularly sensitive to journalists with cameras. [Lu] has a camera, he goes around taking pictures, hes nosy, Pledge says. He gets into trouble with local provincial authorities, because they dont want bad publicity. Pledge hastens to add, however, that he doesnt want to speculate on why Lu was detained. Since we know nothing we cant pretend we do. Pledge says Xus hope is that a social media campaign puts pressure on Beijing officials to get involved. Pledge says the campaign is less about protesting against arbitrary detention than asking why Lu is being held, and expressing concern for his well-being. Related: Shahidul Alam Released from Jail Japanese researchers have uncovered a rare, centuries-old, Ninja oath pledging never to divulge the secrets of their spying and sabotage skills -- on pain of divine retribution for generations. Written in cursive calligraphy, the oath contains six promises and was signed some 300 years ago by "Inosuke Kizu". Kizu was a Ninja from a clan in Iga, a mountain-shrouded town near the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. Expressing gratitude to his superior for passing on "ninjutsu" or "the art of the Ninja", Kizu pledged he would never pass the knowledge on -- even to his children or brothers -- and would never use it to steal unless so ordered. In his oath, the Ninja acknowledges that if he broke the promises even by a little, he'd be punished by "big and small gods in more than 60 provinces across Japan" for generations. The rare document shows how strict Ninjas were about keeping their skills and techniques secret, said Yoshiki Takao, associate professor at the state-run Mie University's International Ninja Research Center. "Thieves and Ninjas did the same thing -- sneaking into other people's houses -- but Ninjas prized morality highly," Takao said. "Ninjas were 'public servants' in today's terms, providing security services and collecting information," added the expert. Also of interest to scholars was a vow in the oath to report to his superiors any new skills, tools or firearms that were not in the "Bansenshukai", a secretive 17th-century text considered to be somewhat of a Ninja encyclopedia. Kizu noted he could show only three chapters of the "Bansenshukai" to top-ranking samurais who employed ninjas and vowed not to disclose the book's contents in other writings. This interests scholars because "it shows that Bansenshukai was actually becoming used as a textbook," Takao said, even though it left crucial points vague. The contents of the multi-volume book are now known to the public but many Ninja traditions remain hidden as important secrets were passed on by word of mouth. The oath was among some 130 ancient documents left to the university by the 16th head of the Kizu family. The existence of the oath was unveiled five decades ago in Japan but its whereabouts were unknown until now, according to Takao. Inosuke, who submitted the oath, was the fifth head and last Ninja from the Kizu family. The oath document was believed to have been returned to his family after his death, Takao said. The research centre is also based in Iga, some 350 kilometres (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Cooperating with engineering and science departments of Mie University, the institute has been trying to reproduce Ninjas' legacy including their food and tools. A centuries-old form of Georgian traditional wrestling called chidaoba on Thursday won recognition from UNESCO as a global cultural asset. The United Nations cultural and scientific agency announced at a meeting in Mauritius it had added the ex-Soviet country's martial art to its list of intangible cultural heritage. The small mountainous country rich in culture and history already has listings for its three alphabets, polyphonic singing and a unique winemaking technique using pottery jars stored underground. At a meeting in Mauritius, UNESCO also announced the inclusion of Korean wrestling and reggae music in its register of intangible culture that is worthy of protection and promotion. Descriptions of chidaoba techniques and codes of chivalry for champions appear in ancient Georgian manuscripts. Combining elements of wrestling, music, and dance, chidaoba has played an important role in Georgia's social and cultural life over the centuries and remains popular throughout the country. It was an essential part of training for Georgia's army in the 13th century but by the late Middle Ages, it had lost any combat function and tournaments were held as festive events in rural and urban communities. The tournaments are accompanied by traditional music instruments and usually end with wrestlers performing folk dances. A match lasts for five minutes, during which wrestlers wearing traditional high-necked woollen coats try to defeat their opponent using various holds. The winner is determined by the number of points he gains and how often the fighter pins his opponent to the ground. Intentional kicks, offensive blows, using holds on a felled opponent, and creeping up on an adversary who is kneeling in a defensive position are all forbidden. Chidaoba skills are passed from generation to generation in many families as well as at specialised schools and almost every small village has its own chidaoba club. Indonesia's Go-Jek launched a trial version of its ride-hailing taxi app in Singapore Thursday, ahead of a full entry planned early next year as it aims to take on market leader Grab. Go-Jek is in the middle of a $500 million expansion plan beyond its Indonesian base with a focus on Southeast Asia, and has recently introduced services in Vietnam and Thailand. It operates a fleet of motorcycle taxis, private cars and other services -- from massage and house cleaning to grocery shopping and food delivery -- available via smartphone, although the Singapore launch will only offer car taxis. "Today marks the journey for us to be in Singapore so we are super excited, super humbled," Go-Jek president Andre Soelistyo told reporters. The Singapore market has been dominated by homegrown tech firm Grab since it bought US-based rival Uber's ride hailing and food business in Southeast Asia earlier this year, ending a bruising competition. In return Uber received a 27.5 percent stake in Grab. Singapore's anti-monopoly watchdog fined both Grab and Uber for breaking competition rules during the merger. Soelistyo said Go-Jek's arrival would help to ensure "healthy competition". Go-Jek's beta app was due to be available for download from Thursday to a limited number of customers, and will only cover a designated part of the city-state. Beta versions are used to test and gain feedback from a restricted number of users before full service begins. Go-Jek has partnered with Singapore's biggest bank DBS, hoping to tap into the lender's customer base to drive market share, and offering benefits to its customers in return. Go-Jek has won financial backing from investors including Google, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek and Chinese internet giant Tencent. Southeast Asia's ride-hailing market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, according to research by Google and Temasek. PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not grant pardon to three Caloocan cops who were found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Kian Lloyd delos Santos during an anti-drug operation in August 2017, Malacanang said PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not grant pardon to three Caloocan cops who were found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Kian Lloyd delos Santos during an anti-drug operation in August 2017, Malacanang said Thursday, November 29. "The President, as I said earlier, will never tolerate policemen who intentionally kills, who have done it not in accordance with the performance of their duty. So obviously, if the conviction is murder, which is intentional, then I don't think the President will pardon [them]," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told Palace reporters. "Murder eh. It would be different kung mali ang decision ng court. Kung masyadong obvious, mahihirapan. Kung 'yung ebidensya talagang pinatay mo, if the evidence shows that you really killed without any reason or such heinous crime, I don't think, no power on earth can pardon you," he added. (It's murder. It would be different if the court's decision is faulty. But if it's obvious that it's murder, it will be difficult. If the evidence shows that you really killed without any reason or such heinous crime, I don't think, no power on earth can pardon you.) Panelo's statement came after Caloocan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 125 sentenced Police Officer (PO) 3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda, and PO1 Jerwin Cruz to 40-year imprisonment without parole in connection with Delos Santos's killing. Oares, Pereda, and Cruz were also ordered to pay civil indemnity, as well as moral, actual, and exemplary damages amounting to P345,000 to the slain teenager's family. The Caloocan court, however, found the three policemen not guilty of planting illegal drugs and a gun "for failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubts." Delos Santos, a Grade 11 student, was killed after a so-called "One time, Big Time" anti-drug operation was carried out by the Caloocan City police on August 16, 2017. Story continues Police claimed that Delos Santos fought back, but a closed-circuit television camera footage showed that the minor did not resist arrest. Panelo branded the court's ruling against the three police officers as a "triumph of justice." He added that the decision on Delos Santos's case proves that the country has a "robust" and "working" judicial system, dismissing claims of Duterte's critics that local courts lack the capability of prosecuting criminals. "It is a triumph of justice. It shows that this country has a robust judicial system. It also shows that in the Sona's (State of the Nation Address) speech of the President, for the first time, he said when he declared war on drugs, those who will abuse their authority will have hell to pay," Panelo said. "So from the very start, the administration's policy was to be intolerant with any kind of abuse coming from the military, as well as the police. And for that matter, any abuse coming from any civilian, any violation of law," he added. Panelo said the guilty verdict against the three Caloocan cops should serve as a "deterrent of any commission or any crime involving men in uniform." He then told police officers that Duterte would only defend them, if they fulfill their duties within their mandate to serve and protect the people. "We give the assurance that the President will never tolerate any intentional killing against civilians from the men in uniform," the Palace official said. "You must remember that this is a murder. There's an intention to kill [Delos Santos]. The President will never tolerate that. What he said was, 'If you do it in accordance with your job in the performance of your duty, then I will help you, not when you violate the law.' It is what he said," he added. (SunStar Philippines) Credit: University of Manchester Scientists from The University of Manchester have combined graphene with the natural fibre jute, to create a world's first for graphene-strengthened natural jute fibre composites. The breakthrough could lead to the manufacturing of high-performance and environmentally friendly natural fibre composites that could replace their synthetic counterparts in major manufacturing areas, such as the automotive industry, ship building, durable wind turbine blades and low-cost housing. It could also boost the farming economies of countries such as Bangladesh, India, and China where the jute material is mainly produced the researchers from The University of Manchester claim. The University is home to the National Graphene Institute and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre which provide an unrivalled critical mass of graphene expertise. The two facilities demonstrate Manchester's position as a globally leading knowledge-base in graphene research and commercialisation. Jute is extracted from the bark of the white jute plant (Corchorus capsularis) and is a 100 percent bio-degradable, recyclable and environmentally friendly natural fibre. It is also the second most produced natural fibre in the world after cotton and is at least 50 percent cheaper than flax and other similar natural fibres. This makes it extremely appealing to different industry sectors looking to create a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic composites. That is why natural fibre composites are attracting significant interest due to potential to reduce carbon foot print by replacing synthetically produced materials, such as glass fibre, which costs more and can be harmful for the planet. Forkan Sarker, a Commonwealth Scholarship recipient for Bangladesh, has carried out the experiments and analysis of the data for this study, and the publication showing graphene could be critical is available online. Credit: University of Manchester Professor Prasad Potluri, Director of Research, North West Composites Centre said: "Forkan Sarker, joined my group with a view to work on a PhD problem relevant to his country's economy. "This is an example of judicious combination of low-value, carbon-neutral commodity fibres with an extremely small volume fraction of high-value graphene in order to create a material system that could replace energy-intensive carbon and glass fibres in a number of light-weight structural applications." Despite their environmental credentials, natural fibre composites suffer from poor mechanical and interfacial properties which mean they're not strong enough for some industrial applications. That is why researchers from The University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute (NGI) and Robotics and Textile Composites Group have been working on a collaborative project and coating jute fibres with graphene oxide and graphene flakes to improve its strength. The results have been extremely positive and show that the jute fibres with a graphene coating have enhanced interfacial shear strength of around 200 percent, with flexural strength increasing by nearly 100 percent when compared to the untreated fibres. Dr Nazmul Karim, Knowledge Exchange Fellow (Graphene) at National Graphene Institute, said: "We have been working on graphene and other 2D materials-based natural fibres for several years in Prof Novoselov's group. It is great to translate that experience into developing high performance natural fibres composites". Dr Karim, who also conceived the idea and designed the experiments of incorporating graphene onto jute, added: "Jute, once known as 'the golden fibres of Bangladesh,' lost its glaze in the 1980s after synthetic materials like polythene and plastics were introduced. However, with growing environmental concerns with plastics, the use of natural fibres such as jute is on rise again. "Moreover, the use of jute in automobile interiors by global car giants has been growing rapidly with a current demand of 100,000 tonnes a year. I believe our graphene-based jute fibres could play a very important role in meeting the growing demand of more environmentally friendly products for various industries." Explore further Engineering behind the world's lightest graphene watch Credit: CC0 Public Domain A few years ago, Omeed Badkoobeh was living in China and often traveling to remote locations when he noticed a trend that intrigued himhow often towns were relying on fuel-based generators for power As a global studies graduate who had been studying solar power policy, Badkoobeh saw a marketand a need forclean solar electricity. Badkoobeh dove deeper into the industry, eventually moving to Austin and working at solar power companies here such as Native, while also doing a stint at Tesla, the electric vehicle company. But Badkoobeh wanted to create his own innovative device, so along with an electrical engineer he'd met named Vikram lyengar, Badkoobeh founded Yotta Solar in 2016. Two years later, the co-founders have developed a product they envision bolstering the solar energy industry. Named SolarLeaf, the technology protects batteries that are mounted on solar panels from weather conditions, giving the panels the ability to store power without being connected to a generator. Yotta has been part of both the Austin Technology Incubator and Wells Fargo's Innovation Incubator, two startup accelerator programs that have helped the company raise money and gain notoriety. Although solar panels have been around for decades, "there's always been an issue to store the power," Badkoobeh said. "We see our product on every rooftop helping to balance the energy grid." The company name, Yotta, comes from a mathematics term. Yotta is defined as a factor of 10 that has been squared to the power of 24, a huge number that Badkoobeh said symbolizes the amount of power the company is trying to harness through its device. The technology Yotta has developed centers around a thermal device that keeps batteries that are mounted onto solar panels from heating above 96 degrees or dipping below freezing temperatures. One of the biggest challenges for solar panel technology is harnessing energy and storing it at a rate that matches with its demand, according to Andreas Stein, a chemist professor at the University of Minnesota whose research has partly focused on battery materials. Creating better safeguards for batteries on solar panels is crucial, Stein said. "The importance of (Yotta's) product is pretty clear," Stein said. "People are looking for better approaches to this, so they are answering a demand." Yotta has already received recognition for its work. The company was accepted last year into the University of Texas' Austin Technology incubator, an accelerator program that helps companies raise money by plugging them into ATI's more than 300-member network in Austin's tech community. Austin is one of the top U.S. cities for solar energy, with about 4,500 rooftop solar installations present, according to a report in April by the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center. Last year, Austin Energy bought the solar power produced by a 150-megawatt facility in West Texas for $150 million. The public utility says it supports more than 6,250 residential solar energy systems and 60 municipal projects, and said then that when the solar power comes online in 2020, more than half of the city's power needs will be covered by renewable energy. In October, Yotta was also accepted into the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, a program created in 2014 and co-administered by Colorado's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to facilitate the commercialization and adoption of clean energy technology. By being accepted, Yotta will receive up to $250,000 to test and advance its product. Yotta, which now has five employees and has raised more than $1.2 million, aims to commercialize the SolarLeaf technology by the end of next year. The technology is being tested at various sites that include clean energy organization Pecan Street in Austin, Badkoobeh said, and it will soon be tested at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. When it reaches market, the company said it will target commercial solar developers and utility companies not to fully replace their energy operations but rather help them to reduce dependency on old systems, which can become unreliable during emergencies such as power outages. "The technology at the heart of SolarLeaf," lyengar said, "opens the bottlenecks that has held back integrating and co-locating solar generation and storage." Explore further Storing solar power increases energy consumption and emissions, study finds 2018 Austin American-Statesman, Texas Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Mount Etna Eruption on Jan. 12, 2011. Credit: gnuckx Scientists have developed an automated early warning system for volcanic eruptions, according to a new study. The new system helped government officials warn the public of impending eruptions in Italy and could potentially do the same around the globe, according to the study's authors. New research in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, a journal of the American Geophysical Union, details the new system that monitors volcanic noises and automatically alerts officials if an eruption is imminent. The study's authors tested this system over a period of eight years on Mount Etna, a volcano on the island of Sicily. Using the new system, the Italian government activated an emergency plan about one hour prior to an eruption for the first time in late 2015. A majority of the approximately 1,500 active volcanoes around the world are not monitored in real time. Many volcanoes are monitored with methods based on seismic waves, which are vibrations of the Earth's layers that can be triggered by eruptions. But seismic waves are often not great at telling volcanic explosions apart from other processes, like internal magma movements, earthquakes, or storms, the study's authors said. Most of the methods require input from volcano experts and alerts are sent only after volcanoes begin erupting. Aircraft pilots, for example, should know about volcanic eruptions as early as possible, said Maurizio Ripepe, a geophysicist at the University of Florence in Florence, Italy, and lead author of the new study. On several occasions in the past, aircraft encounters with volcanic ash clouds have led to engine failure. "Tens of seconds sometimes can save lives and reduce damage, like in the case of an earthquake" Ripepe said. "The need is to have something automatic that can be used to speed up the procedure to reduce risk." Volcanic noises can enable early warnings to be issued quickly and dependably, according to Ripepe. Volcanoes generate low-frequency sounds inaudible to human ears during their eruption processes, and these infrasonic waves can travel over thousands of kilometers and are more closely related to volcanic eruptions than seismic waves, he said. In the new study, researchers listened to sounds produced by Mount Etna for years with arrays of infrasonic sensors placed 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the volcano. They found the infrasound sensors can reliably identify eruption signals. From 2008 to 2016, the sensors detected 57 of 59 eruptions and sent alerts to the researchers about an hour before each eruption. "When we got this percentage of success, [the Department of Italian Civil Protection] decided to use it as an operational system," Ripepe said. "Now we send SMS messages and emails to the authorities that are in charge to start an emergency plan in case of volcanic eruption." On Dec. 4, 2015, a warning was automatically issued to the Italian government almost two hours before an eruption, which allowed the government to activate emergency plans about one hour in advance of a volcanic eruption for the first time, Ripepe said. For the last four years, the automated system has remained operational in monitoring Etna and has issued warnings without error. To extend the benefits of automated warnings to the rest of the world, researchers must study infrasound from other types of volcanoes. Early eruption phases in Etna, which allow for early warnings, may be shorter or completely absent in volcanoes with different dynamics, according to the authors. Another hurdle for global monitoring is the area of coverage required to monitor all active volcanoes around the globe, but infrasound could offer a solution, Ripepe said. The idea for a global warning system would be to use infrasonic arrays to monitor several volcanoes at once over long distances, Ripepe said. As a first step, the researchers studied an array set up hundreds of kilometers away from Etna. They found these measurements to be favorable and are now studying arrays up to 1,000 kilometers (621.3 miles) away from the volcano. "This opens a new way to do monitoring of volcanoes at the global scale," Ripepe said. Explore further Detecting volcanic eruptions More information: M. Ripepe et al. Infrasonic Early Warning System for Explosive Eruptions, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2018). M. Ripepe et al. Infrasonic Early Warning System for Explosive Eruptions,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018JB015561 This story is republished courtesy of AGU Blogs (http://blogs.agu.org), a community of Earth and space science blogs, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here. The new battery system from Aalborg University will smooth out the power output of wind turbines, benefitting consumer, distributor and producer. Credit: Colourbox The problem with wind turbines is that they produce electricity "as the wind blows." When there are high winds, production increases and the price of electricity falls; when the wind tapers off, production decreases and the price of electricity rises. This is problematic for the power grid and a bad deal for wind turbine owners. So researchers at Aalborg University (AAU) in Denmark are developing a power converter for wind turbines with a built-in battery system that can absorb and emit energy as needed, and thus even out production. The project is a partnership between AAU, rsted and ABB's Corporate Research Center in Sweden, funded with DKK 6 million from Innovation Fund Denmark. "Currently, equipment is required from multiple suppliers in order to achieve the same effect. This means challenges in coordinating and optimising the system. The solution we are proposing has significant potential to reduce costs and increase the profitability of wind turbines by combining several functions in one product," says Remus Teodorescu, Professor, AAU and the project's scientific manager. The goal is to develop the solution for a proof of concept and then evaluate the technical and financial options in order to expand into pilot installations in the future. Integrating battery storage with wind power expands the technical possibilities so that wind turbines will be able to deliver renewable energy with the same or higher levels of security and resilience as fossil fuels. The proposed solution will help optimise wind turbine operation, and it can potentially lower the price of electricity while increasing production. Both are necessary if we want to increase the proportion of renewable energy in energy systems in the future. That is precisely why large companies are already involved in the project, including ABB and rsted, formerly DONG Energy. 'rsted has an ambitious strategy for maintaining its leading position in the offshore wind industry. At the same time, we are intent on lowering the price of electricity. Unique technical solutions and products will come out of this project, and we expect to use them in the design, construction and operation of our portfolio of wind power stations, infrastructure and grid connection systems within existing and future market conditions," says Troels Stybe Srensen, Director, rsted. "For ABB, this is a really interesting project because it allows us to develop new technology for a growing renewable energy market combined with energy storage that can meet more stringent grid connectivity requirements and reduce the total cost of electricity from offshore wind energy," says Mikael Dahlgren, Director, ABB Corporate Research, Sweden. Flexible systems like this are a prerequisite for wind power to comprise an even greater proportion of electricity production while also being robust and stable. Energy storage with batteries will also minimise the risk of high-wind weather leading to negative power prices and limitations on electricity production, which was the situation in Denmark during Christmas 2016. Explore further Emissions-free hydrogen production edges closer with new pilot site in Denmark Credit: CC0 Public Domain QUT chemistry researchers have discovered cheaper and more efficient materials for producing hydrogen for the storage of renewable energy that could replace current water-splitting catalysts. Professor Anthony O'Mullane said the potential for the chemical storage of renewable energy in the form of hydrogen was being investigated around the world. "The Australian Government is interested in developing a hydrogen export industry to export our abundant renewable energy," said Professor O'Mullane from QUT's Science and Engineering Faculty. "In principle, hydrogen offers a way to store clean energy at a scale that is required to make the rollout of large-scale solar and wind farms as well as the export of green energy viable. "However, current methods that use carbon sources to produce hydrogen emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that mitigates the benefits of using renewable energy from the sun and wind. "Electrochemical water splitting driven by electricity sourced from renewable energy technology has been identified as one of the most sustainable methods of producing high-purity hydrogen." Professor O'Mullane said the new composite material he and Ph.D. student Ummul Sultana had developed enabled electrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen using cheap and readily available elements as catalysts. Credit: Queensland University of Technology "Traditionally, catalysts for splitting water involve expensive precious metals such as iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide and platinum," he said. "An additional problem has been stability, especially for the oxygen evolution part of the process. "What we have found is that we can use two earth-abundant cheaper alternativescobalt and nickel oxide with only a fraction of gold nanoparticles to create a stable bi-functional catalyst to split water and produce hydrogen without emissions. "From an industry point of view, it makes a lot of sense to use one catalyst material instead of two different catalysts to produce hydrogen from water." Professor O'Mullane said the stored hydrogen could then be used in fuel cells. "Fuel cells are a mature technology, already being rolled out in many makes of vehicle. They use hydrogen and oxygen as fuels to generate electricity essentially the opposite of water splitting. "With a lot of cheaply 'made' hydrogen we can feed fuel cell-generated electricity back into the grid when required during peak demand or power our transportation system and the only thing emitted is water." "Gold Doping in a Layered Co-Ni Hydroxide System via Galvanic Replacement for Overall Electrochemical" was published in Advanced Functional Materials. Explore further Plastic 'leaves' turn water into fuel More information: Ummul K. Sultana et al. Water Splitting: Gold Doping in a Layered Co-Ni Hydroxide System via Galvanic Replacement for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting (Adv. Funct. Mater. 43/2018), Advanced Functional Materials (2018). Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials Ummul K. Sultana et al. Water Splitting: Gold Doping in a Layered Co-Ni Hydroxide System via Galvanic Replacement for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting (Adv. Funct. Mater. 43/2018),(2018). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201870306 The Terracotta Warriors protecting the Qin Mausoleum's east front. Credit: Giulio Magli The funerary complex of the first Chinese emperor of the Qin dynasty (3 BC) is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This is, of course, due to the discovery of the terracotta statue army, intended to accompany the emperor in the afterlife. Less well known is the fact that the tomb proper (still not excavated) lies beneath a gigantic, artificial hill of rammed earth. This hill has a square shape, a base side of more than 350 meters and is over 40 meters high, and can easily be called a pyramid. Notably, all the emperors of the subsequent dynasty, the Western Han, chose to be buried under similar pyramids. These mausoleums are still visible today within the northwestern surroundings of Xian along the Wei River. Including the tombs of the queens and other members of royal families, there are over 40 such "Chinese pyramids." Of these, only two have been (partly) excavated. The new study is part of an extensive program of research on the role of astronomy and of the traditional doctrine of feng shui in the Chinese imperial necropolises, and has just been published in Archaeological Research in Asia. The work used simple techniques based on satellite images, together with field surveys to collect new data and, in particular, to study the orientation of the pyramid bases. The Egyptian pyramids are oriented with great precision to the cardinal points by virtue of the strong bonds of the funerary religion of the Egyptian pharaohs with the sky, and in particular with the circumpolar stars. The huge mole of the Maoling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu of Han. Credit: Giulio Magli Although there is no connection with the Egyptian pyramids, the Chinese emperors credited their power as a direct mandate of the heaven, identifying the circumpolar region as a celestial image of the imperial palace and its inhabitants. It was therefore natural to expect the Chinese pyramids, tombs of the emperors, to be oriented to the cardinal points. In this connection, the results of the new study are surprising. It turns out that these monuments can be classified according to two "families." One such family comprises monuments oriented with good precision to the cardinal points, as expected. In the other family, there are significant deviations from the true north, all of comparable and all on the same "hand " (to the west of the north, looking toward the monument). It is not possible that this second family resulted from errors of Chinese astronomers and architects. Rudimentary compasses existed at that time, but there is no correspondence with paleomagnetic data. The explanation proposed in the article is thus astronomical: The emperors who built the pyramids of the second family did not want to point to the north celestial pole, which at the time did not correspond to any star, but instead to the star to which the pole would approach in the future: Polaris. All this discourse may look strange at first sight, but the Earth's axis slowly shifts position in the sky. The Chinese astronomers were almost certainly aware of this. Today, the north celestial pole is identified with Polaris (although in reality the correspondence is not perfect), but at the time of the Han emperors, the pole was still far from Polaris, and with a distance in degrees approximately equal to the deviation of the Chinese pyramids from the geographic north. Explore further Experts in new bid to unravel 'secrets' of pyramids More information: Giulio Magli, Royal mausoleums of the western Han and of the Song Chinese dynasties: A satellite imagery analysis, Archaeological Research in Asia (2017). Giulio Magli, Royal mausoleums of the western Han and of the Song Chinese dynasties: A satellite imagery analysis,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.ara.2017.10.003 Provided by Politecnico di milano The Colorado River runs dry on the U.S. border with Mexico. Credit: Pete McBride, U.S. Geological Survey On Friday, 13 federal agencies and the U.S. Global Change Research Program issued an exhaustive report that warns of the consequences of climate change in the United States. The culmination of years of research and analysis by the country's top climate scientists, the 1,656-page National Climate Assessment report details the dangers of unchecked global warming on the economy, human health, and the environment. Some parts of the U.S. economy, the report's authors predict, could suffer hundreds of billions of dollars in annual losses by the end of the century. In just the last four years, damaging weather events have cost an estimated $400 billion. The report, which is mandated by Congress and released every four years, warns of the continued rise of extreme events like wildfires, floods, droughts, and storm surges. Large wildfires, like the ones that recently affected vast areas of California, will become more frequent and widespread. Crop failures, such as those experienced in the Midwest, will become more commonplace, and yields from major U.S. crops are expected to decline due to rising temperatures and pest outbreaks. The warming climate and more frequent rain in areas may also expand the range of ticks and mosquitoes, exposing more people to diseases like West Nile, dengue fever, and Lyme. Heat-related deaths will increase. The Hub caught up with Ben Hobbs, a professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering and founding director of the Johns Hopkins Environment, Energy, Sustainability and Health Institute, to discuss the significance of the National Climate Assessment report and where we go from here. Hobbs has spent the past two decades working on issues related to power generation, climate change, and air and water quality. When I first reached out, you used the word "exciting" in reference to the report. Can you clarify what you meant? Of course, I didn't mean exciting in a "gee whiz, this is good news" way. Rather, my enthusiasm was targeted to the fact that this report is a much more effective call to action than its predecessors, in that it is far more detailed and in-depth than previous national assessments. The findings, and the tone of the report, tell us we all need to pay attention to this and start doing something yesterday. The report clearly documents how we here in the United States are being affected right now, and will be affected a lot more in the future, in more bad ways than good. The evidence is undeniable. Let's talk about the "right now." The report certainly doesn't pull any punches and, as others have described it, is a rather blunt assessment of the dangers we face due to global warming, which are already playing themselves out. Yes. Just look at the example of what has happened out West in the past five to 10 years. We've witnessed warmer winters, which have led to immense tree mortality in large part through the expanded range of bark beetles, which have proliferated due to drought conditions and warmer temperatures. Huge swaths of mountain ranges through the Pacific Northwest and further inland are now brown with dead trees. This is just one example of the ecological change that scientists have predicted for quite a while. This has not come slowly or stealthily. Also, the report details how natural resources that we rely upon, such as fresh water and vegetation, will be stressed and how that will impact society. Agriculture is one of our major exports, and production will certainly be hampered by climate change in the future. Taking a step back, can you talk about the need for a report like this one and the benefits of its dissemination? This is an immediate call to action. With this reportto have all this information in one placethe consequences of our actions will be that much harder to ignore. Hopefully more people will be convinced that we can and should do something. Hundreds of the best scientists across the nation have laid bare what is happening and what will happen. Now will this all translate to political action? That is another matter. One course of action, to try to prevent this version of the future from happening, is to lessen and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. But there needs to be more immediate measures taken to adapt to the new climate. As we encounter more floods in places like Ellicott City and face further damage to our coastline, we need to start dealing with and mitigating such risks where we live. What types of buildings will we live in? How do we shape our response to increasingly frequent storms, fires, and heat waves? We need to start figuring that out now. We can't have our heads in the sand. Climate change contributes to stronger extreme weather events like Hurricane Maria, which tore through Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Credit: Yuisa Rios/FEMA Much of the coverage of the report has focused on how climate change will negatively impact the U.S. economy in the coming decades. Is this a major takeaway for you, too? I will say that climate change will hurt the economy in two very fundamental ways: what we can produce and how much we benefit from what we consume. Certain segments of the economy will be less productive. With the same amount of tractors, seed, and fertilizer, we will get less out of the agriculture system. The cost of production will go up, and that will trickle down to consumers. As temperatures warm, we will need more fuel to produce the same level of power. Destruction of infrastructure such as roads and power lines during storms and flooding is one major contributor to these production losses. Will there be $32 billion in infrastructure damage that the report is predicting? That's overly precise, and we could easily see numbers that are half or twice that figure. The damage from fires alone could be in the tens of billions. Another major economic impact will be directly on what we consume, and on our health and happiness. The effects of climate change are already destroying people's homes. But let's put aside the economy for a moment. What about the loss of landscape that we love so much? Like the forests in Colorado and British Columbia? We've already lost an entire national recreational space in Malibu. How can you put a dollar figure on land lost, or species going extinct? Populations of salmon in the Pacific Northwest are under extreme pressure. The killer whale range is shrinking. I don't know how to put a dollar figure on the loss of beauty and the integrity of our natural systems. What about the direct impact on human health? The report states that effects from climate change, such as poor air quality, extreme weather, and the transmission of disease, will increasingly threaten the heath and well-being of the American people, particularly those already vulnerable. We will face longer and more severe heat waves, like those that have hit Europe in the past decade. Tropical diseases will spread further. People were simply unprepared for that. Yes, you can adapt. We can relocate, maybe stay put and put an air conditioner in every person's home. But what about places like the South Side of Chicago? People there will be less able to insulate themselves from these types of impacts. Heat waves are already taking lives. It's not the slowly rising average temperature that kills people; it's the extreme events. What is your response to those who might dismiss or downplay the report's findings? While it's true that the Earth's climate goes through warm and cold periods, we are well beyond the range of that normal variation. What we're seeing now is consistent with what scientists have been predicting for decades. I can see for myself the water levels that flood the road near my parents' house in Connecticut. What used to be ankle deep is now up to my knees. We see the same thing happening on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Eventually, the roads will become too expensive to maintain. Some areas where people live, especially along the coast, will be abandoned. What can we do? What is set in stone, and what can we prevent? Additional change, I believe, is inevitable. But taking no action will make matters even worse and the consequences more severe. There has been a global effort to keep the warming below 2 degrees Celsius and reduce the growth of emissions to zero. Sadly, I find this hard to imagine happening. We may see a revolution in electric cars, batteries, and other technologies that can lessen our footprint. But in places like Vietnam and India, if they continue to use coal, we're not going to get the large reversals in emissions trends we're striving for. Still, I see no reason to give up or despair. We're working on technologies that could slow CO2 emissions by absorbing them from the air, and then there's geoengineering, which is the large-scale climate intervention. If we endanger the ecosystems that we treasure, and the economy is in real peril, how might we create, for example, artificial sea spray to create clouds over the Pacific? Such interventions will be costly, but perhaps less costly than the damage they can prevent, and if reversible their risks of unintended effects may be manageable. I anticipate that this report will cause people to think about these threats beyond the end of this news cycle. It's my hope that this report will galvanize local and state authorities to do more, and ultimately put pressure on the federal government and international bodies to take action. More information: Fourth National Climate Assessment In this June 20, 2017 file photo, a local temperature sign reads 120-degrees Fahrenheit as temperatures climb to near-record highs in Phoenix. Scientists say climate change is faster, more extensive and worse than they thought a quarter century ago. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) Climate scientists missed a lot about a quarter century ago when they predicted how bad global warming would be. They missed how bad wildfires, droughts, downpours and hurricanes would get. They missed how much ice sheets in West Antarctica and Greenland would melt and contribute to sea level rise. They missed much of the myriad public health problems and global security issues. Global warming is faster, more extensive and just plain worse than they once thought it would be, scientists say now. International negotiators meet next week in Poland to discuss how to ratchet up the fight against climate change in what's called the Conference of Parties . The world's understanding of global warming has changed dramatically since the first conference in March 1995. Since then the globe on average has warmed nearly three-quarters of a degree (0.41 degrees Celsius) but that's not even half the story. That global annual temperature increase is slightly lower than some early 1990s forecasts. Yet more than a dozen climate scientists told The Associated Press that without the data currently available and today's improved understanding of the climate, researchers decades ago were too conservative and couldn't come close to realizing how global warming would affect daily lives. In this April 14, 2010 file photo, a shepherd walks with a herd of sheep as he crosses a dried water bed in the outskirts of Hyderabad, India. Studies have shown climate change has worsened droughts, downpours and heat waves that have killed thousands of people. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A., File) One scientific study this month counted up the waysboth direct and indirectthat warming has already changed Earth and society. The total was 467 . "I don't think any of us imagined that it would be as bad as it's already gotten," said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, a co-author of the recent U.S. National Climate Assessment . "For example, the intensity of severe weather. We didn't know any of that back then. And those things are pretty scary." In the 1990s, when scientists talked about warming they focused on the average annual global temperature and sea level rise. The problem is that people don't live all over the globe and they don't feel average temperatures. They feel extremesheat, rain and droughtthat hit them at home on a given day or week, said Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Richard Alley. "The younger generations are growing up where there is no normal," University of Washington public health and climate scientist Kristie Ebi said, pointing out that there have been 406 consecutive months when the world was warmer than the 20th century average. More recently economists have joined scientists in forecasting a costly future. Yale economist William Nordhaus, who won the 2018 Nobel prize for economics for his work on climate change and other environmental issues, told the Associated Press that his calculations show climate change would cost the United States $4 trillion a year at the end of the century with a reasonable projection of warming. In this July 29, 2010 file photo, Moscow's St. Basil's cathedral, background, is seen through the smog covering Moscow during a heat wave. Scientists say climate change is faster, more extensive and worse than they thought a quarter century ago. Studies have shown climate change has worsened droughts, downpours and heat waves, such as the Russian one in 2010, that have killed thousands of people. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze, File) The way science has looked at global warming has changed over the last quarter century because of better knowledge, better computers, better observations, more dataand in large part because researchers are looking more closely at what affects people most. Add to that what many scientists see as an acceleration of climate change and the picture is much bleaker than in the 1990s. Back then, Michael Mann was a graduate student exploring global warming. "I honestly didn't think that in my mid-career we would be watching the impacts of climate change play out on my television" nor that they would be so strong, said Mann, now a prominent climate scientist at Pennsylvania State University. It is playing out with wildfires, rain-soaked hurricanes, flooding, drought, heat waves and other extreme weather, he said. Scientists now better understand how changes in currents in the airsuch as the Jetstreamand the rain cycle can cause more extreme weather. And recent research shows how climate change is altering those natural factors. The biggest change in the science in the last quarter century is "we can now attribute changes in global temperatures and even some extreme events to human activity," said Sir Robert Watson, a former top NASA and British climate scientist who chaired the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change from 1997 to 2002. In this Aug. 28, 2017, file photo, rescue boats float on a flooded street as people are evacuated from rising floodwaters brought on by Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston. Scientists say climate change is faster, more extensive and worse than they thought a quarter century ago. They've concluded climate change has caused more rain in hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Katrina and others. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) With improved knowledge and tools, scientists can better understand extreme weather such as hurricanes and droughts, and they can run complex computer simulations that attribute extremes to human-caused warming from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, Watson said. Scientists attribute extreme events to human-caused warming by comparing what happened in real life to simulations without heat-trapping gases from fossil fuels. They've concluded climate change has caused more rain in hurricanes Harvey , Maria , Katrina and others . Studies have shown climate change has worsened droughts, downpours and heat waves, such as the Russian one in 2010, that have killed thousands of people. And they have linked climate change to the growing amount of land in the western United States burned by wildfire, which wasn't considered a big climate issue a couple decades ago, said University of Utah fire scientist Phil Dennison. From air pollution triggered by wildfires that caused people in Northern California to don breathing masks to increased asthma attacks that send children to the hospital, medical experts said climate change is hurting people's bodies. "We're seeing surprises," public health professor Ebi said. "We're projecting changes and we're seeing them sooner than we expected." In this July 26, 2011 photo, a melting iceberg floats along a fjord leading away from the edge of the Greenland ice sheet near Nuuk, Greenland. Massive ice sheets in western Antarctica and Greenland are melting much faster than scientists figured a quarter century ago. Greenland has lost more than 5 trillion tons since 1992. International talks to fight global warming are set to start in Poland next week. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File) That includes once-tropical disease carrying mosquitoes in Canada and warm water shellfish bacteria showing up in Alaska , she said. Massachusetts General Hospital emergency room physician Dr. Renee Salas, who wrote a chapter in the medical journal Lancet's annual climate health effects reports, said these aren't abstract statistics, but real patients. "When I had to tell a tearful mother that I needed to admit her 4-year-old daughter for an asthma attack, her fourth visit in a week, climate change was truly top of my mind because I knew her disease was due to rising pollen levels," Salas said. Massive ice sheets in western Antarctica and Greenland are melting much faster than scientists figured a quarter century ago. Antarctica has lost nearly 3 trillion tons of ice since 1992, enough to cover Texas nearly 13 feet (4 meters) deep, scientists reported in June. Greenland has lost more than 5 trillion tons in the same period. In this Nov. 16, 2018 file photo, a couple wears masks while walking at Fisherman's Wharf through smoke and haze from wildfires in San Francisco. From air pollution triggered by wildfires that caused people in Northern California to don breathing masks to increased asthma attacks that send children to the hospital, medical experts said climate change is hurting people's bodies. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) Melting in Antarctica and Greenland in the last few years "literally doubled our projections of the sea level rise at the end of this century," said Mann of Penn State. Non-experts who reject mainstream science often call scientists "alarmists," yet most researchers said they tend to shy away from worst case scenarios. By nature, scientists said they are overly conservative. In nearly every case, when scientists were off the mark on something, it was by underestimating a problem not overestimating, said Watson, the British climate scientist. But there are ultimate worst cases. These are called tipping points, after which change accelerates and you can't go back. Ice sheet collapses. Massive changes in ocean circulation. Extinctions around the world. "In the early 1990s we only had hints that we could drive the climate system over tipping points," said Jonathan Overpeck, environment dean at University of Michigan. "We now know we might actually be witnessing the start of a mass extinction that could lead to our wiping out as much as half the species on Earth." 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Key insights into how the parasites behind sleeping sickness boost their ability to spread could aid efforts to beat the disease. The finding resolves a decades-long puzzle about the behaviour of the parasites, which are spread by the bite of the tsetse fly, and cause disease in people and animals. Researchers studied how parasites in the bloodstream send chemical signals to one another to undergo a physical change that is needed for them to spread disease. Scientists have pinpointed details of the signal that enables parasites to change from a form in which they can quickly boost their numbers, to one that is more suited to aiding their transmission and survival in flies. Scientists led by the University of Edinburgh found that the parasites release enzymes, called peptidases, which break down proteins in the blood into smaller molecules. These small molecules, known as oligopeptides, are sensed by a proteinGPR89which is found on the surface of the parasite. This triggers the parasites' transition into a state in which they can be taken up and transmitted by flies. Oligopeptides also act as nutrients for the parasites and are taken up by the same surface protein. Disrupting this process by designing drugs that interfere with the GPR89 protein could offer a new way of tackling the disease, the team suggests. The approach could limit drug resistance in two waysby restricting the supply of nutrients and stopping transition to the state required for disease to spread, researchers say. Researchers also suggest that the parasites could be disarmed by an artificial form of the signalling molecule. This would trick the parasites into prematurely arresting their growth. The study, published in Cell, was carried out in collaboration with the University of St Andrews and was funded by Wellcome. Professor Keith Matthews, of the School of Biological Sciences, who led the study, said: "Understanding how these parasites communicate with each other has been a mystery for decades. The mechanism we have discovered provides new opportunities to develop much-needed drugs for this devastating disease." Mike Turner, Head of Infection and Immunobiology at Wellcome, said: "This study solves one of the most fundamental questions about the sleeping sickness parasite and will help researchers around the world look for new ways to limit the severity of the disease. "This ability of the sleeping sickness parasite to regulate how they switch between states so that they can be transmitted by tsetse flies was first described in 1972 and since then many groups have failed to solve it until this beautiful study by Professor Matthews' group." Explore further Parasite insight may help curb sleeping sickness Optical image of the quasar 3C 273 (the bright stellar-like object in the center) obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. It was the first quasar ever to be identified. Credit: NASA. In 1963, astronomer Maarten Schmidt identified the first quasi-stellar object or "quasar," an extremely bright but distant object. He found the single quasar, the active nucleus of a far-away galaxy known to astronomers as 3C 273, to be 100 times more luminous than all the stars in our Milky Way combined. Now, the GRAVITY international team of astronomers, including Prof. Hagai Netzer of Tel Aviv University's School of Physics and Astronomy, have concluded that gas clouds rapidly moving around a central black hole form the very heart of this quasar. The results of the new research were published in Nature on November 29. The first measurement of the mass of the black hole inside 3C 273, using an older method, was conducted at the TAU's Florence and George Wise Observatory in 2000, as part of Ph.D. research conducted by TAU's Dr. Shai Kaspi, then a student in Prof. Netzer's group. This result has now been corroborated by GRAVITY's observations. The research is the first detailed observation outside of our galaxy of gas clouds whirling around a central black hole. According to the researchers, GRAVITY's measurements will become the benchmark for measuring black hole masses in thousands of other quasars. Taking a closer look at a black hole The GRAVITY instrument, situated in Paranal, Chile, has unprecedented capabilities. It combines the collective area of four telescopes to form a virtual telescope, called an interferometer, 130 meters across. The instrument can detect distant astronomical objects at an extremely high resolution. "Quasars are among the most distant astronomical objects that can be observed," Prof. Netzer says. "They also play a fundamental role in the history of the universe, as their evolution is intricately tied to galaxy growth. While almost all large galaxies harbor a massive black hole at their centers, so far only one in our Milky Way has been accessible for such detailed studies." "GRAVITY allowed us to resolve, for the first time ever, the motion of gas clouds around a central black hole," says Eckhard Sturm of Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), who co-led the research for the study. "Our observations can follow the motion of the gas and reveal that the clouds do whirl around the central black hole." So far, such observations had not been possible due to the small angular size of a quasar's inner regionroughly the size of our solar system, but some 2.5 billion light years distant from us. "Broad emission lines created by gas in the vicinity of the black hole are observational hallmarks of quasars. Until now, the distance of the gas from the black hole, and occasionally the pattern of the motion, could only be measured by an older method that made use of light variations in the quasars," Prof. Netzer says. "With the GRAVITY instrument, we can distinguish structures at the level of 10 micro-arc seconds, which corresponds to observing, for example, a 1-Euro coin on the Moon." "Information about the motion and distance of the gas immediately around the black hole is crucial to measuring the mass of the black hole," explains Jason Dexter, also of MPE, who co-led the research. "For the first time, the old method was tested experimentally and passed its test with flying colors, confirming previous estimates of about 300 million solar masses for the black hole." "This is the first time that we can study the immediate environs of a massive black hole outside our home galaxy, the Milky Way," concludes Reinhard Genzel, head of the infrared research group at MPE. "Black holes are intriguing objects, allowing us to probe physics under extreme conditionsand with GRAVITY we can now probe them both near and far." Explore further Most detailed observations of material orbiting close to a black hole More information: Spatially resolved rotation of the broad-line region of a quasar at sub-parsec scale, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature Spatially resolved rotation of the broad-line region of a quasar at sub-parsec scale,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0731-9 They have big plans for their little device: Lukas Meier and Zhenzhong Su. Credit: Florian Bachmann / ETH Zurich Fixposition is an ETH spin-off specialising in real-time navigation systems for use in self-driving vehicles, robots or industrial drones. Using a combination of satellite-based positioning systems such as GPS with computer vision technologies, the young entrepreneurs have managed to achieve an unparalleled degree of precision. Visits to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and to the recent World Economic Forum conference in Tianjin: Lukas Meier and Zhenzhong Su completed a strenuous two-week tour of China in September. The ETH spin-off was chosen as one of ten companies making up the Swiss national start-up team and took part in the trip to China organised by Venturelab, a funding body that supports young entrepreneurs. "It was helpful for making initial contacts with investors," Meier explains. But it was his co-founder Su who had to work the hardest. "It was often the case that we spent half an hour chatting with potential investors in English, but then Su would switch to Chinese and suddenly everyone became clear about everything." They both had to laugh as Meier tells the story from his point of view. Su had an advantage that could be crucial for breaking into China's market: he is Chinese. Founded in August 2017, the start-up Fixposition produces high-precision navigation systems that can be fitted into autonomous devices such as drones, robots or driverless vehicles. Meier shows the tiny component, not much bigger than a matchbox, and explains: "This technology enables us to pinpoint the position of a device fitted with our system with centimetre accuracy". The revolutionary aspect is that localisation is even possible in obstructed environments with a weak GPS signal, such as among high-rise buildings in cities, in forests or even underground. To make the system work, Su and Meier combine the advantages of cutting-edge satellite navigation with advanced computer vision technology. Or to put it another way: even with limited signal reception, the car, drone or robot can still operate by visually scanning the environment and checking it for recognisable details. "That's exactly how our eyes work as well," Su says. Drones a billion-dollar market To survive as a start-up, the company founders have decided to concentrate on drones for the time being. "Drones are no longer marketed purely as toys, but are increasingly being used for industrial applications," Su says. He estimates the value of the global market for commercially used drones that Fixposition wants to break into at around three billion Swiss francs. Drones are currently being used in industry for tasks such as autonomous inspection or monitoring of installations, delivering goods or spraying pesticides on crops. In China, drones are also being used in a way that is still fairly unheard of in the west: light shows in place of traditional fireworks. "Every city in China has this sort of light show," Su says and plays a video on his mobile phone showing a swarm of drones creating a magical spectacle in the night sky with intricate colour patterns above a Chinese city. China is not only a crucial market for Fixposition because so many companies are located there that need drones with high-precision navigation systems: the world's biggest drone manufacturers are based there as well. Fixposition has already signed a partnership agreement with one of them. Revenue stream in the first year Thanks to its Chinese activities and the acquisition of various other customers, Fixposition has already managed to generate revenues in its first year of trading. But the company has yet to break even and therefore still needs the support of external investors. The start-up has received initial funding from ETH Zurich's Pioneer Fellowship and from the ESA-BIC Incubation Program sponsored by the European Space Agency. The young entrepreneurs are currently in the process of concluding their first deals for a million of funding from local investors. "It's looking very good," says Meier happily. The founders want to use this injection of capital to expand their workforce from 5 to a dozen. They not only need to recruit software engineers, but also people working in marketing, sales, business development and acquisition. On top of that, they plan to open an office in China in the next few months. A stroke of luck It was actually a stroke of luck that Su and Meier linked up: they were originally following quite separate paths. While Su was studying at ETH for his doctorate on satellite navigation under Professors Alain Geiger and Markus Rothacher, Meier was writing a thesis on visual navigation for drones as part of his Master's course at ETH. Just like the other team members Tonio Gsell and Lorenz Meier, they dreamed of founding their own start-up and received a Pioneer Fellowship from ETH to pursue their dream. During this time, they got to know each other and realised that they shared a common goal: creating a high-precision and reliable navigation system for professional users. Looking back, Meier and Su say that apart from the incredible support from their mentors, one of the biggest benefits of the Pioneer Fellowship was that their paths crossed. Explore further Stalking the drones Chang-Beom Eom, right, and Mark Rzchowski inspect a materials growth chamber. The researchers have made a new material that can be switched from electrical conductor to insulator. Credit: UW-Madison, Sam Million-Weaver University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have made a material that can transition from an electricity-transmitting metal to a nonconducting insulating material without changing its atomic structure. "This is quite an exciting discovery," says Chang-Beom Eom, professor of materials science and engineering. "We've found a new method of electronic switching." The new material could lay the groundwork for ultrafast electronic devices. Eom and his international team of collaborators published details of their advance today (Nov. 30, 2018) in the journal Science. Metals like copper or silver conduct electricity, whereas insulators like rubber or glass do not allow current to flow. Some materials, however, can transition from insulating to conducting. This transition usually means that the arrangement of a material's atoms and its conducting electrons must change in a coordinated way, but the atomic transition typically proceeds much more slowly than the smaller, lighter electrons that conduct electricity. A material that can switch to conducting electricity like a metal without moving its atoms could dramatically advance switching speeds of advanced devices, says Eom. "The metal-to-insulator transition is very important for switches and for logic devices with a one or a zero state," he says. "We have the potential to use this concept to make very fast switches." In their research, Eom and his collaborators answered a fundamental question that has bothered scientists for years: Can the electronic and structural transition be decoupledessentially, can the quickly changing electrons break out on their own and leave the atoms behind? They used a material called vanadium dioxide, which is a metal when it's heated and an insulator when it's at room temperature. At high temperatures, the atoms that make up vanadium dioxide are arranged in a regularly repeating pattern that scientists refer to as the rutile phase. When vanadium dioxide cools down to become an insulator, its atoms adopt a different pattern, called monoclinic. No naturally occurring substances conduct electricity when their atoms are in the monoclinic conformation. And it takes time for the atoms to rearrange when a material reaches the insulator-to-metal transition temperature. Crucially, vanadium dioxide transitions between a metal and an insulator at different temperatures depending upon the amount of oxygen present in the material. The researchers leveraged that fact to create two thin layers of vanadium dioxideone with a slightly lower transition temperature than the othersandwiched on top of each other, with a sharp interface between. When they heated the thin vanadium dioxide sandwich, one layer made the structural switch to become a metal. Atoms in the other layer remained locked into the insulating monoclinic phase. Surprisingly, however, that part of the material conducted electricity. Most importantly, the material remained stable and retained its unique characteristics. Although other research groups have attempted to create electrically conductive insulators, those materials lost their properties almost instantlypersisting for mere femtoseconds, or a few thousandths of one trillionth of a second. The Eom team's material, however, is here to stay. "We were able to stabilize it, making it useful for real devices," says Eom. Key to their approach was the dual-layer, sandwich structure. Each layer was so thin that the interface between the two materials dominated how the entire stack behaved. It's a notion that Eom and colleagues plan to pursue further. "Designing interfaces could open up new materials," says Eom. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation is assisting the researchers with patent filing. Explore further Insulator-metal transition at the nanoscale Imposex of female dogwhelk with fully developed penis and vas deferens from Karmsundet in 1998. Credit: Lise Tveiten, NIVA The environmental pollutant TBT can mimic hormones to the extent that it sterilizes female snails and make them grow non-functional penises and vas deferens. But for the first time since monitoring started up in 1991 and the total ban of TBT entered force in 2008, only fertile dogwhelk have been found along the Norwegian coastline. "This is an excellent example that restrictions on pollutants certainly help," says marine biologist and researcher Merete Schyen at Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA). For 27 years, NIVA has monitored TBT (tributyltin) and reproductive disorder so called imposex in dogwhelk along the Norwegian coastline. NIVA has unique data on the levels and trends of the pollutant and its effects, and the news about the newly recovered dogwhelk populations are published in a scientific paper and in NIVA's research report to the Norwegian Environmental Agency. A unique health indicator The dogwhelk is abundant on the shore along the entire Norwegian coastline in more wave exposed area, and in this regard, is especially suitable for monitoring the biological effect of TBT. "The measure of imposex is a very good and easy biological measure of the chemical impact," says Schyen. "The severity of the TBT pollution in female dogwhelk can be seen with the naked eye, and can be easily assessed by measuring the length of the penis and the developmental stage of the vas deferens," Schyen says. The TBT- and imposex monitoring of dogwhelk is part of the monitoring program Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway ("Miljgifter i norske kystomrader MILKYS") which NIVA conducts, commissioned by the Norwegian Environmental Agency. NIVA has operated MILKYS since the beginning of the 1980s. Dogwhelk with characteristic thick shell, where the last turn is 80 %. The shell has spiral shaped strips and downward ribs that form a square pattern. The opening is shaped like an outer thick lip, and the tagged edge shows adult individual. The siphon channel is short and marked. The thickness and shape vary, up to 4 cm height and over 2 cm width. The shell colour varies and reflect their food. The shell is white when it eats barnacles, and grayish when the snails have eaten blue mussel. Credit: Lise Tveiten, NIVA One boat, one snail TBT was previously used in antifouling ship paints. In contact with water, TBT leaked from the paint and mixed with the water masses. In highly trafficked sounds and canals, like Frder in the outer Oslofjord, and in Karmsundet close to Haugesund, the levels of TBT built up to high concentrations. "Dogwhelk are especially vulnerable to TBT; only 1 ng per litre of sea water can harm the snail. This could be attributed to just one freight ship with TBT-containing antifouling paint sailing by," explains Schyen. Dogwhelk accumulate TBT by eating blue mussel and barnacles, both of which are filter feeders. Because TBT has an affinity to attach to biological materials and particles in the sea water, it can be easily taken up by organisms that filter sea water for food. Affects the hormone balance TBT in female dogwhelk effects the balance of oestrogen and androgen hormones. As a result, a female dogwhelk can develop a penis vas deferens. In the most severe cases, the vas deferens completely covers the vaginal opening, and the snail becomes sterile, unable to lay eggs and reproduce. This effect is irreversible for the individual, and may potentially reduce the population size. "Local dogwhelk populations over large areas in the North Atlantic Ocean have been severely reduced due to imposex and female sterility resulting from TBT pollution," Schyen says. But those times have passed. The figure shows both significant decreasing gender disturbance/imposex (black graph) and TBT concentrations (blue graph) of dogwhelk from Frder, from sick snails in the 90s to healthy snails today. The national TBT ban for boats shorter than 25 meter in length in 1990, longer than 25 meter in 2003, and the global total ban for revenue and use in 2008, are marked as red vertical lines. After the TBT ban for larger boats, the decline is significant, and after the total ban, the levels have remained low and stable the last 10 years. Credit: Dag . Hjermann Prohibition provides improvement In 2017, Schyen and her colleagues at NIVA could not find a single case of imposex in dogwhelk, for the first time since the monitoring started in 1991. Schyen finds it particularly interesting to see the prevalence of imposex in relation to the years when the various TBT restrictions entered force (See figure from Frder): "The synchronous decrease in both TBT concentrations and imposex in dogwhelk coincides with the TBT bans. The use of TBT was prohibited for marine vessels shorter than 25 meters in length in 1990. This lead to a decrease in TBT levels in dogwhelk, but the degree of reproductive disorder remained high. Decreased imposex was not evident until the restrictions were extended to vessels longer than 25 m in 2003. After the total TBT-ban in 2008, the occurrence of imposex stayed low," she explains. Important long-term monitoring Even if the TBT ban has undoubtedly been a success, NIVA is not yet done with their investigations of dogwhelk. They will continue monitoring until 2020. "Long time series are valuable for the management because time trend analyses can give an early warning of unwanted change. The authorities need strong scientific evidence to make good regulatory decisions. Long-term monitoring provides a basis for judging the success of environmental policy and regulations," Schyen explains. Downward trends in TBT concentrations is also evident in blue mussel. But even if the direct emissions of TBT from ships and land sources have ceased, the problem of TBT impact on organism is not gone. Leakage of TBT from sediments and certain landfills may persist for decades. This year's sampling of dogwhelk is already done. "I am excited to see if the levels stay low in the future," Schyen says. Explore further Caged blue mussels as environmental detectives More information: Merete Schyen et al. Levels and trends of tributyltin (TBT) and imposex in dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) along the Norwegian coastline from 1991 to 2017, Marine Environmental Research (2018). Merete Schyen et al. Levels and trends of tributyltin (TBT) and imposex in dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) along the Norwegian coastline from 1991 to 2017,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.11.011 Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2017. Miljgifter i norske kystomrader 2017. Norwegian Environment Agency/Miljdirektoratet. M-report no. 1120/2018. NIVA-report no. 7302-2018. 201 pp. ISBN 978-82-577-7037-2. ISSN 1894-7948. www.miljodirektoratet.no/no/Pu ters-of-Norway-2017/ Provided by Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) Credit: Pennsylvania State University Some lizards in the eastern U.S. have adapted to invasive fire antswhich can bite, sting, and kill lizardsreversing geographical trends in behavioral and physical traits used to avoid predators. A new study describing this reversal appears online on November 29, 2018, in the journal Global Change Biology and reveals that new environmental challenges can override the historical influences that originally determined geographical trends in traits. "Rapid environmental change, be it from changing climate or the introduction of invasive species, is putting a lot of pressure on native species," said Christopher Thawley, graduate student at Penn State at the time of the study and first author of the paper. "Usually when researchers look at how native species might respond to these kinds of threats, they might measure one characteristic of the animal and at one or a few sites. In this study, we looked at three separate characteristics of eastern fence lizards from thirteen sites spanning a thousand miles and found that these lizards are capable of adapting in a concerted way to meet the threat of invasive fire ants, and in a relatively short time frame." Some behavioral and physical characteristics within a species change gradually across geographical space, for example animals at one end of the range may have relatively short limbs that, as you move across the range, are longer. These geographical "clines" may be related to changes in temperature, precipitation, or other environmental factors that also change across the geographical range, often with latitude. "We found that fence lizards follow predicted latitudinal clines in anti-predator behavior where fire ants have not yet invadedfrom about New Jersey to northern Tennessee," said Tracy Langkilde, professor and head of biology at Penn State and senior author of the paper. "They rely on camouflage more often at lower latitudes in the absence of fire ants." To avoid detection by predators, lizards at lower latitudes typically sit still and use their mottled coloring to blend in with their surroundings. This is an effective strategy against most of their natural predators, like birds, which hunt visually. "But where fire ants are present, from central Tennessee south to coastal Alabama, that pattern reverses," said Langkilde. "Sitting still and blending into the environment is very ineffective against fire ants, which quickly swarm and sting the lizards, paralyzing and killing them. Instead, as you move southward towards the point of first invasion of fire ants, where these invaders have been around for longest, these lizards are more likely to respond as most people would when attacked by fire ants; they twitch their bodies and use their hind legs to remove fire ants and/or flee from the attacking fire ants. This strategy helps them to survive these fire ant encounters." Fence lizards in the eastern United States have adapted to invasive fire ants, reversing geographical trends in behavioral and physical traits used to avoid predators. Credit: Penn State The researchers also observed a similar reversal in patterns of hind-limb length. Museum specimens of lizards collected prior to fire ant invasionand present-day lizards at sites without fire antsshow a pattern where lizards at the southern-most sites have the shortest hind limbs. But at present day sites with fire ants, lizards at the southern-most sites have the longest hind limbs, showing a significant reversal from historical patterns. Patterns of stress physiology also shift with the presence of fire ants, with lizards at the southern-most sites with fire ants producing more of the stress-related hormone corticosterone when threatened. "The documented changes to limb length and stress physiology actually help lizards deal with fire ants," said Thawley. "Longer limbs allow for greater sprint speeds and more effective fire ant removal, and elevated corticosterone levels prime animals to perform behaviors like twitching and fleeing. So we're seeing very complex changes in these animals over a very broad geographical range. This suggests that environmental changes like invasive species can push species off their traditional trajectory for a variety of traits." While these changes might benefit lizards in the short term by allowing them to survive attack from fire ants, the costs of these changes, which seem to go against historical adaptations, are unknown. "These clines exist for a reason, so to see a complete reversal in these patterns raises a lot of questions," said Thawley. "For example, some of my previous research suggests that twitching and fleeing more frequently might make lizards more vulnerable to visual predators." The changes observed in this study are also notable because they happened over just 80 yearsabout 40 lizard generationsor maybe even less. "We usually think of evolution happening over hundreds, thousands, or even millions of years so seeing that fence lizards can adapt to a threat like fire ants in such a complex way over a short time scale is interesting," said Langkilde. "There is still a lot to learn about the broader mechanisms and consequences of adaptation to fire ants and other environmental challenges. Understanding how some species can adapt so rapidly, and the costs of doing so, will help us predict and manage our changing environment." Explore further Native Lizards Evolve to Escape Attacks by Fire Ants More information: Christopher J. Thawley et al. Presence of an invasive species reverses latitudinal clines of multiple traits in a native species, Global Change Biology (2018). Journal information: Global Change Biology Christopher J. Thawley et al. Presence of an invasive species reverses latitudinal clines of multiple traits in a native species,(2018). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14510 On ancient Mars, water carved channels and transported sediments to form fans and deltas within lake basins. Examination of spectral data acquired from orbit show that some of these sediments have minerals that indicate chemical alteration by water. In the Jezero Crater delta, sediments contain clays and carbonates. (This image combines information from two instruments on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars and the Context Camera.) Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/JHU-APL In 2020, NASA's next rover will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and head to the Jezero Crater on Mars. Jezero was once home to an ancient lake-delta system that scientists believe may have captured and preserved information on the Red Planet's evolutionand, if it ever existed there, evidence of ancient life. The location, which NASA Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator Thomas Zurbuchen announced last week, was selected from among 60 candidates for its rich geology dating back to 3.6 to 3.9 billion years. The decision was many years in the making, and before the site was finally selected, scientists from around the world gathered in Glendale, California, to lend their expertise on the four final candidate landing sites at the last of four Mars 2020 Landing Site Workshops. One of those scientists was Tanja Bosak, an associate professor in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). Her work uses experimental geobiology to explore modern biogeochemical and sedimentological processes in microbial systems. For Bosak, Jezero Crater is the ideal landing site for learning about the potential habitability of early Mars. "Jezero Crater's geology is very obvious [from orbit], and it is clear that the environment was habitable in the past," Bosak says. "It is older than any sedimentary environment preserved in the rock record from Earth. Jezero Crater preserves some of the most ideal rock types that we use to look for past life on Earth." Within these rocks are clays and carbonatesminerals known to facilitate the preservation of fossils on Earth. Bosak's work as an investigator in the Simons Collaboration on the Origins of Life (SCOL) contributed to a talk at the October workshop titled, "A Search for Prebiotic Signatures with the Mars 2020 Rover," given by David Catling. Catling is a professor in Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington and is also a SCOL investigator. In his talk, Catling argued that even if life never emerged on Mars in the first place, scientists could focus on whether prebiotic precursors were ever present in the Martian environmentinformation that is important for discerning the conditions necessary for life to occur. Roger Summons, the Schlumberger Professor of Geobiology in EAPS and SCOL investigator, also contributed to the presentation. As principal investigator of the MIT NASA Astrobiology Institute team Foundations of Complex Life, and as a member of the Sample Analysis on Mars instrument team using NASA's Curiosity rover, Summons' work focuses on the preservation of organic matter from different environments on Earth and Mars. "We know from our efforts to find traces of the earliest life on the Earth that the best chance for finding convincing and credible evidence will come from studies of well-preserved, fine-grained layered rocks that were deposited under bodies of standing water," Summons says. Earlier in the year, both Bosak and Summons contributed to "A Field Guide to Finding Fossils on Mars," a review article published in the Journal of Geophysical Research that summarized the strategies behind the search for ancient biosignatures among the different potentially habitable Martian environments. The authors of the review mentioned the favorability of sedimentary environments much like those found at Jezero Crater, because analogs to those environments on Earth, like river deltas and lakes, have the highest potential to collect and preserve both molecular fossils and body fossils of microbes. In fact, organic matter was recently detected in 3-billion-year-old mudstones at the site of an ancient lake at Gale Crater, the research site of the Mars Curiosity Rover. The findings, published in Science, fueled heightened interests in potential organic matter preservation at other landing sites on Marsincluding Jezero Crater. This is because the Mars 2020 mission, unlike previous missions to Mars, will not only perform measurements in the Martian environment, but will also collect and cache sediment cores from sites of interest to be returned to Earth during a later mission. "While much can be learned from using the imaging and spectroscopic tools that can be operated remotely on spacecraft, nothing compares to the sensitivity and specificity with the rapidly advancing chemical instrumentation we can access in laboratories around the world," Summons says. "This has been shown over and over again by what has been learned during the almost fifty years of studies of rocks that were returned to Earth during the Apollo era of moon exploration." Bosak is most excited about the images and data the rover will collect during its mission to Jezero Crater. The mission could shed light on whether carbonates present on the rim of the crater "precipitated out of the lake, just like limestones do." On Earth, "limestones from the early Earth can have shapes that record microbial interactions with sediments and microbially-stimulated precipitation of minerals," Bosak says. Ben Weiss, professor of planetary sciences in EAPS, also attended the Mars 2020 Landing Site Workshop and presented with co-author Anna Mittelholz, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, on potential studies of Mars' magnetic field. "Jezero will also be an extremely exciting place to obtain samples for understanding the history of the ancient Martian magnetic field," Weiss says. In the summer, Mittelholz and Weiss published a paper in the journal Earth and Space Science, "The Mars 2020 Candidate Landing Sites: A Magnetic Field Perspective," which details the findings they presented at the workshop. Sometime during the Martian planetary evolution, Mars lost its global magnetic field and much of its early atmosphere, which could have drastically altered the Martian environment. Planetary magnetic fields are generated by the movement of metallic fluids deep in planetary interiors in a process known as the dynamo. For example, Earth's magnetic field is generated and sustained from its molten, iron-rich core. "The most important issue is to determine when the [Martian] dynamo turned off. This would help determine if the transition from a warmer, wetter early Mars to the current cold and dry state was caused by the loss of the dynamo field," Weiss says. "Jezero is an excellent place to test this hypothesis because it contains rocks and minerals with ages spanning the time we suspect that the dynamo turned off." All in all, rover exploration and sample collection at Jezero Crater may refine scientific knowledge across disciplines. "Jezero Crater will make a great place for understanding the contribution of the dynamo to protecting the early atmosphere, and the habitability of early Mars," Weiss says. That information that could also contribute to our understanding on how and why life took hold on our own planet. "I think that this is as good as it gets," Bosak says. Explore further NASA picks ancient Martian river delta for 2020 rover touchdown More information: Anna Mittelholz et al. The Mars 2020 Candidate Landing Sites: A Magnetic Field Perspective, Earth and Space Science (2018). Anna Mittelholz et al. The Mars 2020 Candidate Landing Sites: A Magnetic Field Perspective,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018EA000420 S. McMahon et al. A Field Guide to Finding Fossils on Mars, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2018). DOI: 10.1029/2017JE005478 Journal information: Science , Journal of Geophysical Research This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Pamela Valera. Credit: Nick Romanenko/Rutgers University Negative portrayals in the news media affect how police treat black men in the United States, according to a Rutgers School of Public Health study. The study appears in the book Research in Race and Ethnic Relations. The study was based on the premise that public perceptions of male dangerousness are a factor in influencing police action and the public's willingness to accept an officer's deadly actions as legitimate. It also noted that black masculinity is often equated with hypermasculinity, criminality and hypersexuality. "Unarmed black Americans are five times more likely to be shot and killed by police than unarmed white Americans. We believe that media may play a significant role in these disproportionate deaths," said lead author Pamela Valera, an assistant professor. "The stereotypes held, consciously or unconsciously, about the criminality and 'dangerousness' of black men influence the rates at which they are stopped and engaged by the police." To illustrate their premise, researchers reviewed coverage in three newspapersThe New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Washington Postof Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, who was shot to death in 2014 by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The newspapers were selected due to their high potential to impact public opinion. The researchers examined how the media framed the perceived masculinity of Brown and Wilson in covering the case. In particular, they examined how the three newspapers used Wilson's account of the event in their descriptions of Brown. The newspapers depicted Brown through Wilson's testimony as a man of large physical size with uncontrollable aggression, but neglected the fact that the two men were of comparable size. For example, one account describes how Wilson compares himself holding on to Brown's arm to "a 5-year-old trying to hold on to Hulk Hogan." "Newspapers use sensational words to get hits. However, the words they used depicted Brown as a monster," Valera said. "Language is critical to public perception. The media should tone down emotion in its reporting." The researchers also analyzed the words used to describe Brown and Wilson's socioeconomic class and neighborhoods. Brown's status was framed by descriptions of his neighborhood: "trappings of a working-class haven" with an "edge of frustration and anger." Conversely, Wilson was portrayed as having overcome a troubled childhood to make a life in a suburban neighborhood with "brick ranch-style homes" and "manicured lawns." "This is just one snapshot of a larger, ongoing problem of aggression toward black men based on racial bias perpetuated by negative stereotypes in the media," said Valera. "Since the perceptions that Wilson held of Brown are indicative of more general attitudes of black men, it is vital that police be engaged in more intensive training to become aware of the stereotypes and implicit biases they hold, especially regarding the communities with which they have constant contact." More information: Michael Oshiro et al, Framing Physicality and Public Safety: A study of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson, Inequality, Crime, and Health Among African American Males (2018). Michael Oshiro et al, Framing Physicality and Public Safety: A study of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson,(2018). DOI: 10.1108/S0195-744920180000020010 Three Moon Rocks returned to earth from the unmanned Soviet Luna-16 Mission in 1970, are displayed at Sotheby's on November 28, 2018 in New York Three moon rocks brought to Earth nearly half a century ago and the only known documented lunar samples in private hands, sold for $855,000 in New York on Thursday, Sotheby's said. The rocks, collected by an unmanned Soviet Luna-16 Mission in 1970, went for nearly double the $442,500 last paid for them by the present-day US sellers in a Sotheby's Russian space history sale in 1993. They were originally the property of Nina Ivanovna Koroleva, widow of Sergei Pavlovich Korolevthe former director of the Soviet space programwho was given them by the Soviet Union in honor of her husband's work. Korolev was a rocket engineer, aircraft and spacecraft designer, and mastermind behind the Soviet space program during the 1950s and '60s. His work was critical to the success of numerous Soviet space programs, including the first human earth orbit by Yuri Gagarin, but he died in 1966 and never lived to see the lunar soil samples returned from the moon. In September 1970, Luna-16 landed on the moon, drilled a 35-cm (14-inch) hole in the surface and collected the sample before returning safely back to earth. It is extremely rare for authentic lunar samples to come onto the market with all those collected by the Americans in the hands of the US government, not individuals, the auction house said. "Space exploration is something that's universal," Sotheby's expert Cassandra Hatton told AFP before the sale. "Anybody can look up at the sky and get excited about it. So we have a lot of interest from around the world and in all age brackets." Hatton said moon rocks come with their "own mythology." "When you really think about the true cost ... many lives were lost attempting to get up there," she said. "The symbolism of that, the value is far greater than any dollar amount somebody would pay for it at auction." Explore further Moon dust collected by Neil Armstrong to be auctioned in NY 2018 AFP DIVVY bike with Chicago's Willis Tower in background. Credit: Paul Wasneski With the L, Divvy bikes, buses, Uber and Lyft, Chicago has no shortage of transportation options. But whether or not people actually explore all these options might be determined by the neighborhoods in which they live. A new study from Northwestern University compared Evanston and Humboldt Park residents' attitudes toward various modes of transportation. The researchers found that Evanston residents more readily accepted new active mobility modes, such as bikeshare programs. But Humboldt Park residents exercised skepticism toward such programs, viewing them as signs of privilege and gentrification. The study's results could inform policymakers on how to best understand the embedded norms and values of different neighborhoods in order to address their transportation needs. "Mobility is a critical component of transforming cities into more competitive, livable and sustainable urban landscapes, and active mobility is consistently at the core of this agenda," said Amanda Stathopoulos, who led the study. "To be successful, however, the design and implementation of smart mobility solutions need to engage various community perspectives." The study was recently published in the journal Transportation Research Part A. Stathopoulos is the William Patterson Junior Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. To design the study, an interdisciplinary research team of engineers and cognitive psychologists organized several small focus groups in Evanston and Humboldt Park, which met in summer and fall of 2016. The researchers then used machine learning to scour transcripts of the focus groups' conversations. The machine-learning algorithms first identified prevalent clusters of words that connect together to form important themes within the dialogue. A second algorithm, called sentiment analysis, was used to tease apart the participants' feelings toward various modes of transportation. "This work was incredibly interdisciplinary," said David Uttal, professor of psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, professor in the School of Education and Social Policy and coauthor of the paper. "Amanda and Alec brought the perspective of transportation engineers. I brought perspectives on spatial and environmental cognition. And Karla Sanabria-Veaz, who was a Summer Research Opportunity Program scholar, brought her perspective on Puerto Rican culture. This kind of synergy is a distinguishing characteristic of research at Northwestern." After analyzing the conversations, the researchers noted that residents in Evanston and Humboldt Park agreed that society should move away from car-centrism and toward active mobility. But they disagreed on how to meet that objective. Whereas Evanstonians feel comfortable with bikeshare systems moving into their neighborhoods, Humboldt Park's residents largely viewed these systems through a lens of distrust. "Humboldt Park is a tour-de-force of fighting against gentrification in Chicago in order to preserve its Puerto Rican heritage," said Alec Biehl, a Ph.D. student in Stathopoulos's group and the paper's first author. "A bikeshare system might seem like a threat toward community identity if residents associate it with an influx of residents with higher socioeconomic status, followed by rising real estate prices. Bikeshare stations take up space on the sidewalk that should be community space, and some local residents want to reclaim that space." Biehl noted that Evanston strives to be a leader in multimodalism, so adding bikeshare systems fits the identity that Evanston is already trying to build. And while some Humboldt Park residents are not necessarily closed-minded toward bikeshare systems generally, they dislike the lack of community consultation and view it as a general disregard for concerns of residents in traditionally underserved neighborhoods. "One reason current bikeshare usage is lower than anticipated is that some local residents may feel they did not 'consent' to its presence in Humboldt Park," Biehl said. The researchers also found that social status can pose a barrier to adopting certain modes of transportation. There is a clear disparity between Evanston and Humboldt Park regarding economic, public health and technological resources, and that tends to color attitudes toward transportation options. In Evanston, for example, riding the bus is often tied to lower social status. Humboldt Park residents, however, view the bus as simply a practical utility. Mobility policy such as Divvy bikeshare tends to be designed at city-scale. Collecting data from different types of communities and analyzing local attitudes systematically is a first step toward tailoring system features to different communities. The next step is to expand the analysis to more community areas, but also to dig deeper into neighborhoods. The researchers note that there is a lot of variability among different resident groups, including community members embracing locally grounded active mobility such as Chicago Cruisers community bike club, that they need to explore further. "It's a complex narrative, but mainly we need to make sure that public participation in transportation decision-making is maintained," Biehl said. "New mobility services are extremely important to facilitate participation in everyday activities. Communities, though, should have greater input into their implementation." "Where does active travel fit within local community narratives of mobility space and place?" was made possible by Humboldt Park's Puerto Rican Cultural Center and Diabetes Empowerment Center, the Age Friendly and Citizens' Greener Evanston task forces, and Evanston's Office of Transportation and Mobility. Explore further Bikeshare could increase light rail transit ridership More information: Alec Biehl et al, Where does active travel fit within local community narratives of mobility space and place?, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice (2018). Alec Biehl et al, Where does active travel fit within local community narratives of mobility space and place?,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2018.10.023 Jakobshavn Isbrae during Cassotto's 2012 field campaign. Look closely, a 19-seater tourist helicopter hovers above the ice. Credit: Ryan Cassotto/CIRES and CU Boulder In August 2012, in the frigid wilderness of West Greenland, the Jakobshavn Glacier was flowing and breaking off into the sea at record speeds, three times faster than in previous years. An underwater calving event had caused the massive glacier to lose its footing. But the movement was not linear like a runaway train (as previous studies suggested), but dynamic: drastically speeding up, then slowing down after a few days. Now, a new assessment by a multi-institutional, CIRES-led team has harnessed a novel, highly detailed dataset to identify the factors that caused the speedup and slowdown. As the glacier flowed faster, it became thinner and more unstableand then, in a twist, a pileup of thick ice replenished the glacier's terminus, slowing it down again. The work, published today in the Journal of Glaciology, may help scientists better predict how tidewater glaciers contribute to sea level rise. "As tidewater glaciers, like Jakobshavn Isbr, thin they become increasingly sensitive to small variations in ice thickness," said Ryan Cassotto, CIRES researcher and lead author of the new study, which was conducted while he was a doctoral student at the University of New Hampshire. "This is because water pressure at the base of the glacier counters pressure from the weight of ice above it, which impacts how fast the glacier flows." For tidewater glaciers grounded deep below sea level, thicker, heavier ice travels slower, and thinner, lighter ice, faster. It's similar, Cassotto said, to the way different sized cars hydroplane: large, heavy truck tend to be very stable and resist sliding while lightweight, compact cars readily slip." Detailed observations of Greenland's Jakobshavn Isbr help explain dynamic tidewater glacier speedup and slowdown. Credit: Ryan Cassotto, CIRES/CU Boulder Jakobshavn Isbr, the subject of James Balog's 2012 documentary "Chasing Ice," produces some of the largest icebergs and fastest speeds in the Arctic. And since iceberg calving contributes significantly to sea level rise, it's critical to understand the glacier dynamics and calving events that produce them, the researchers said. "Over the last two decades, Jakobshavn Isbr has discharged more ice than any other glacier in Greenland," said Cassotto. "It alone contributes about three percent of the current rise in global sea level annually." The research team, which included coauthors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Southeast, the University of New Hampshire, and The Ohio State University, harnessed new techniques to observe the glacier at a level of detail never seen before. They used instruments called ground-based radar interferometers to observe how the ice surface was deforming, measuring every three minutes. Calving events happen in a matter of minutes and so they often can't be caught by satellite-based instruments that repeat measurements only every 11 days. Cassotto and his team found the geometry of the fjord bed is critically important to understanding glacier speed, as others have proposed. The new work shows that even small changes at the ends of glaciers, those last several hundred feet moving out toward the ocean, can profoundly affect speed. Explore further Image: Columbia Glacier More information: RYAN CASSOTTO et al, Non-linear glacier response to calving events, Jakobshavn Isbr, Greenland, Journal of Glaciology (2018). Journal information: Journal of Glaciology RYAN CASSOTTO et al, Non-linear glacier response to calving events, Jakobshavn Isbr, Greenland,(2018). DOI: 10.1017/jog.2018.90 Credit: University of California - Santa Cruz Growing up in Michigan, Courtney Bonam moved from the predominantly black community of Oak Park to the predominantly white town of Ann Arbor. Her new middle school, which had the largest racial minority enrollment in the city, was dubbed the "ghetto school." Twenty-five years later, that language has stayed with Bonam, an assistant professor of psychology who studies racial stereotypes about physical space, including houses and neighborhoods. "Calling it the 'ghetto school' was coded languageracialized languagefor the 'black school,'" said Bonam, a social psychologist who joined the faculty this fall. "Each time someone called my school 'ghetto,' they were implicitly reaffirming a mental link between black and undesirable." Through a series of experiments and surveys, Bonam has explored the assumptions people make about neighborhoods and schools that are either predominantly black or white, and she has uncovered racial bias in the way people perceive communities. An early experiment revealed that people attribute negative characteristics to black neighborhoods, including "crime-ridden," "rundown," and "impoverished." By contrast, white neighborhoods were described as "safe," "well-maintained," and "wealthy." More recent work yielded similar splits whether people were asked to describe black and white areas that are middle-class or lower-class. "I don't think these findings are surprising at all, but it's really important to identify them and write about these patterns," said Bonam. "People don't usually think of physical spaces as potential targets of racial stereotyping, but they are." Bonam's findings broaden our understanding of the psychological processes of stereotyping, and the insidious ways racism operates in society: They reveal racially biased thought patterns that likely help determine property values and the desirability of entire neighborhoods, and that shape land use decisions, such as where schools, parks, industrial facilities, transportation corridors, and other infrastructure are placed. Ultimately, the health, safety, and wellbeing of residents of predominantly minority neighborhoods may be at stake. A different form of racism Another of Bonam's experiments asked respondents to consider a proposal to build a potentially hazardous chemical manufacturing facility near a residential area. Half the participants were told the neighborhood was mostly black; the others were told the plant was proposed for a majority white area. When respondents thought the neighborhood was black, they were less likely to oppose building the chemical plant. Bonam doesn't necessarily attribute these outcomes to overt racism directed toward black people. Rather, she explains that people can have racial biases about space that are independent of how they feel and think about people. For example, although most of Bonam's studies have been conducted with national samples, space stereotyping was also evident in a study she conducted with white and Asian residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, which is known for being diverse, liberal, and espousing racially egalitarian values. "They were still stereotyping," she said. "What we're identifying is an example of racism that most people don't think of as racism," she explained. "These findings don't necessarily involve racial animus, or negative feelings toward black people. It's a more insidious thought process that doesn't necessarily involve thoughts about people at all." Bonam calls this process an "unchecked form of racial bias." Many people are motivated to control their biasesto try to be racially egalitarian toward people. Bonam's findings indicate that people are less likely to control their biases toward physical spaces. Next up: urban planners and schools In her next project, Bonam has begun interviewing urban planners in an effort to learn more about how to mitigate the impact of these thought processes on land-use decisions that reinforce racial disparities in access to healthy neighborhoods and amenities like parks and grocery stores. Bonam is also interested in the presence of schools, especially elementary schools. "Research shows that children throughout the country are more exposed to environmental pollution, especially air pollution, than we might think should be the case given that they're a vulnerable population," she said. "Children in schools in minority neighborhoods are overexposed relative to children in white schools." Racial stereotypes toward black neighborhoods could be contributing to this overexposure, which she noted can negatively impact academic achievement. Although most of Bonam's work to date has focused on black and white neighborhoods, she sees evidence of racial stereotyping of Latino, Arab American, American Indian, and Asian American areas. She plans to explore the consequences of space stereotyping for these groups as well. Civil rights violations Bonam's findings have been featured in two amicus briefs filed by the Equal Justice Society in race-discrimination cases regarding housing and environmental decision making in Texas and New Jersey. Her research may help shift the legal standard for a civil rights violation from "discriminatory intent" to "disparate impact." "It's harder to prove intentthat people intended to discriminatewhich is the more commonly accepted standard," she explained. "Disparate impact just means that policies have disparate impacts on different populations. When using this standard, courts are saying that, even if unintentional, policies shouldn't disadvantage one group and privilege another." "My work is being used to argue for the disparate impact standard, because it shows you don't really need to be intentional in your biased behavior to still be engaging in racial discrimination," she added. Education is the path to change Bonam hopes that greater awareness of racial bias and stereotyping toward spaces will lead to change and greater equity. But she also acknowledges that breaking down these stereotypes may be challenging, in part because some patterns of racial disparity seem consistent with stereotypes she has identified. For example, compared to white Americans, black Americans are more likely to live in high-poverty neighborhoods. That pattern is consistent with the "black areas are poor" stereotype. But she points out that most black Americans do not live in high-poverty neighborhoods. "Poverty is not an essential quality of black neighborhoods," she said. "It's the cumulative effects of decades of federal and local policies that cut off black people's access to resources, like home mortgages and well-resourced schools, that has led to the overrepresentation of black people among high-poverty neighborhoods." A recent, brief intervention study by Bonam and her colleagues underscores how learning this critical history could help facilitate social change. In the experiment, some white participants listened to a short clip from the National Public Radio program "Fresh Air," during which historian Richard Rothstein discussed his research on the role of racially discriminatory housing policy in the creation of black U.S. ghettos. Most participants reported learning something new, which in turn made them more likely to acknowledge that systemic racism is a problem today. This shift is important because defining racism as systemic, rather than episodic, predicts greater anti-racist social action. Bonam plans to test the idea that learning the full history of U.S. housing policy will help counteract racial stereotypes about neighborhoods and the places people learn, work, and play. "Education is one of the best chances we have for changing the way people think about race relations and racial inequality," she said. "It's really our best shot." Catch of herbivore species from a trap fisher in Seychelles. Credit: James Robinson Reef fisheries can continue to provide food and income despite corals being lost to climate change, according to new research conducted in the Seychelles. The unexpected results of a 20-year study into reef fisheries published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution this week showed fisheries being maintained despite extreme coral bleaching. Remarkably, rapid proliferation of fishes with low dependence on corals led to catches remaining stable or even increasing. But the results also showed fishing success was 'patchy' and more dependent on fewer species. Around six million people fish on coral reefs. Each year their catchestimated to be between 1.4 and 4.2 million tonnesprovides a critical source of food and income for many millions more. But climate change-driven coral bleaching events, caused by warming seas, are damaging coral habitat and depleting fish biodiversity, which has sparked fears that these vibrant ecosystems will no longer support productive fisheries. A Lancaster University-led study set out to test this, using 20 years of fish abundance, catch and habitat data to assess the long-term impacts of climate-driven coral mass mortality and changes in artisanal coral reef fisheries in the Seychelles. As part of their study they looked at more than 45,000 daily fishery landing records from 41 different sites. They also conducted 960 underwater surveys at 12 locations. Seychellois coral reef fisher returning with catch. Credit: Nick Graham After the mass coral bleaching event in 1998, which caused substantial loss of coral habitat across Seychelles, reef fish catches have either remained the same and even increased. Although many reefs became overgrown with seaweeds, increases in algal-feeding fish communities such as rabbitfish are enabling local fishers to continue harvesting food. Dr. James Robinson of Lancaster University's Environment Centre said: "Bleaching in 1998 caused mass coral mortality, habitat collapse, and shifts to seaweed dominance on some reefs, and so we expected the fishery to be in decline. But we overlooked the potential for algal-feeding fish to benefit from higher algal productivity." "With coral bleaching events becoming more frequent and more intense as the climate warms, the unexpected news was that these fisheries continued to provide benefits for people." Calvin Gerry of the Seychelles Fishing Authority, a co-author of the study, said: "We focussed on the inshore trap fishery in this study, as it is an important sector in Seychelles, and a common gear on coral reefs globally." "Most of the fish from the trap fishery are sold and consumed locally, rather than exported internationally. Therefore, changes to this fishery have potential to influence both fishers and consumers domestically." Parrotfish species, which is fished in Seychelles and increased in abundance after coral bleaching. Credit: Tane Sinclair-Taylor The study focused on short- and medium-term impacts of climate change. But the researchers have warned that these fisheries may be more unpredictable and variable than before because the fishes contributing to catches were much more patchily distributed. Declines in healthy coral habitat reduced the diversity of species in catches, and fishers were more reliant on a few highly productive rabbitfish species. Professor Nicholas Graham of Lancaster University, a co-author of the study, added: "Although we saw that after coral bleaching the average fish catch rose or remained stable, fishing success was patchy. After bleaching, catches became either much larger or much smaller than the average." "These data from the Seychelles forewarn of changes likely for coral reef fisheries in other countries. While the news for fishers is better than we might expect, the algal-covered reefs are in marked contrast to the complex coral habitats which once hosted myriad and diverse coral reef fishes." While the rabbitfish boost was shown to give fishers a few years of respite from the effects of widespread coral bleaching, the authors caution that the longer-term outlook for reef fisheries remains uncertain. Explore further Fish give up the fight after coral bleaching More information: James P. W. Robinson et al, Productive instability of coral reef fisheries after climate-driven regime shifts, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2018). Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution James P. W. Robinson et al, Productive instability of coral reef fisheries after climate-driven regime shifts,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0715-z The Hawaiian dogfish shark was discovered by a team led by Florida Tech's Toby Daly-Engel. Credit: Florida Institute of Technology A new deep-water dogfish shark has been discovered by a team led by Florida Tech marine biologist Toby Daly-Engel. The team, which also includes scientist Amber Koch, University of Hawaii marine biologist James M. Anderson, State University of New York Cobleskill assistant professor Chip Cotton and Florida State University Coastal and Marine Lab Associate Director of Research Dean Grubbs, described Squalus hawaiiensis, also known as the Hawaiian spurdog. The research was published in this month's ZooKeys. Similar to research done in the discovery earlier this year of the new species Genie's Dogfish, the team analyzed the physical characteristics and DNA makeup of the Hawaiian spurdog species. The dogfish was compared to its nearby counterpart, the Japanese S. mitsukurii, known as the shortspine spurdog. The researchers discovered a difference in dorsal fin size and interdorsal length. Whole specimens and tissue samples from S. mitsukurii were analyzed from both prior collections and the current day. Dogfish sharks are biologically cryptic, difficult to physically tell apart due to their shared adaptation to the deep-sea environment over hundreds of millions of years. This can lead to misclassifications. But recent genetic research, combined with conventional tools, is allowing marine biologists to discover new species and re-describe old ones with more accurate data to help with conservation efforts. "The whole reason we study biodiversity is because we know the more diverse the environment, the more diverse genetically an animal is, the healthier the population or species is," Daly-Engel said. The discovery of the Hawaiian spurdog can lead to better conservation of the species to protect the area's biodiversity, she said. "There aren't that many sharks in Hawaii, and now that we know there's one that is there and potentially nowhere else in the world, we can take steps to protect it if it becomes vulnerable to overfishing," Daly-Engel added. Explore further Newly discovered shark species honors female pioneer More information: Toby S. Daly-Engel et al. Description of a new deep-water dogfish shark from Hawaii, with comments on the Squalus mitsukurii species complex in the West Pacific, ZooKeys (2018). Journal information: ZooKeys Toby S. Daly-Engel et al. Description of a new deep-water dogfish shark from Hawaii, with comments on the Squalus mitsukurii species complex in the West Pacific,(2018). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.798.28375 Professor Thomas Hanson, a microbiologist in the School of Marine Science and Policy in UD's College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, said that it is important to understand microbes because without them, human life would not exist. Credit: Kathy F. Atkinson Almost 20 years ago, the University of Delaware's Tom Hanson started studying the bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum (Cba. tepidum), an organism that only lives in volcanic hot springs, to understand how it captures energy from light and chemicals to grow in that environment. Among the reasons to study the organism, Cba. tepidum is one of the microbes that re-oxidizes sulfide, a compound toxic to humans. Because of Cba. tepidum and its relatives, we can live near parts of the earth where sulfide is produced by other lifeforms, like the ocean. Now, in a paper published in mBio, the open access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, Hanson and his colleagues have uncovered a pattern across all of life that had never been seen before, all by trying to figure out how one microbe from a hot spring makes a living. Sulfide as Snickers Hanson, a microbiologist in the School of Marine Science and Policy in UD's College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, said that it is important to understand microbes because without them, human life would not exist. "Half the oxygen that we breathe is produced by microbes in the ocean," said Hanson. "And if we didn't have microbes breaking down organic matter, we would have an accumulation of dead plant matter on land that would be hundreds of meters high. These organisms keep the carbon cycle turning, they keep the oxygen cycle turning, and in our case, they keep the sulfur cycle turning." Hanson has been specifically interested in microbes that are involved in working on sulfur, saying that just as humans breathe oxygen and make water, which is harmless, there are some organisms that breathe sulfur and make sulfide, which is toxic. If there were not organisms that re-oxidize that sulfide, humans couldn't live anywhere near the oceans. Luckily for us, organisms like Cba. tepidum find hydrogen sulfide delicious. "We think about hydrogen sulfide as rotten egg, and they think Snickers bar," said Hanson. Relatives of Cba. tepidum are present in waters as close to Delaware as the Chesapeake Bay. Luckily for life in the bay, they are present to consume their sulfide Snickers bars, keeping a cap on the sulfide coming out of the anoxic bottom water of the Chesapeake Bay and helping to keep the upper waters of the bay oxygenated. Low Molecular Weight Thiols Cba. tepidum cannot grow in the presence of oxygen, and Hanson said that he got interested in the bacterium because while it acts like a plant in that it takes light energy and carbon dioxide to make biomass, it does so in a very different way. One key difference is that while plants use water in this process and make oxygen, Cba. tepidum uses hydrogen sulfide and makes sulfate. Hanson's lab has been working to try to discover how exactly Cba. tepidum was converting hydrogen sulfide into sulfate. Other microbiologists had a hypothesis that the process of converting hydrogen sulfide back to sulfate was going to involve an organic chemical compound known as low-molecular weight thiols, which are made by all life. Thiols protect cells from oxidative stress and help them detoxify toxic chemicals in the environment. Two surprising discoveries Hanson and his team began investigating thiols produced by Cba. tepidum and ultimately made two significant findings in their search for possible mechanisms for the hydrogen sulfide-sulfate conversion. First, they found a new thiol made by Cba. tepidum turns out to be among the most widely distributed among life on Earth. Second, they showed that, despite what they and other researchers thought, this thiol does not directly help Cba. tepidum to metabolize hydrogen sulfide to sulfate, disproving the common hypothesis. Jennifer Hiras, a former doctoral student in Hanson's lab at UD who now works for Corning Inc., was the one to uncover a low-molecular weight thiol that science had never seen before. Because it was a novel thiol, she and Hanson didn't know exactly what they had found. By breaking up the molecule and looking at the pieces in a mass spectrometer, they were able to say that the newly discovered thiol shared some pieces with a thiol called bacillithiol (BSH), which is found in soil bacteria. Hanson said that these soil bacteria are as different from Cba. tepidum as humans are from oak trees. They could tell this new thiol had extra carbon and hydrogen atoms on it but were not sure exactly where they were on the molecule. Luckily for them, Chris Hamilton, a chemist at the University of East Anglia, had read Hiras' dissertation and offered to help by making versions of bacillithiol with extra carbon and hydrogen atoms. "Chris has worked on bacillithiol and could make candidate molecules in a test tube," said Hanson. "He came up with two likely candidates for what the new molecule could be. His lab made them, and one of them turned out to behave exactly like the molecule we find in Cba. tepidum." Because they knew the structure of this lab-made molecule, the group was able to determine that Cba. tepidum modifies bacillithiol by putting a methyl group on a nitrogen atom to make N-methyl-bacillithiol (N-Me-BSH), which is the name of the newly discovered compound. Orphan Enzymes Once they discovered the structure of N-Me-BSH, they hypothesized that Cba. tepidum makes it by first making bacillithiol and then using an enzyme called a methyltransferase to add the methyl group. They could show that Cba. tepidum had genes allowing it to make bacillithiol by using gene sequences from soil bacteria to search the Cba. tepidum genome. This allowed them to look for genes in Cba. tepidum that encode methyltransferases, but where they didn't know how those enzymes helped Cba. tepidum growwhich are known as orphan enzymes. "Microbial genomes contain genes that encode a lot of orphan enzymes," said Hanson. "One of my goals in science is to give orphan enzymes homes; I want to find out how these enzymes help microbes make a living in the world." Using two candidate orphan methyltransferases, Vidhya Raman, a postdoc in Hanson's lab who now works at the Noble Research Institute, was able to make strains of Cba. tepidum where the genes for these two methyltransferases had been deleted. She found that one orphan strain no longer made N-Me-BSH but only made BSH. She also deleted genes for bacillithiol synthesis and showed those strains no longer made N-Me-BSH or BSH. By analyzing those strains, Hanson's group showed that the hypothesis that a low-molecular weight thiol is used to carry sulfur atoms during sulfur metabolism is wrong. Instead, the strains that couldn't make the thiols were still able to completely metabolize hydrogen sulfide to sulfate. "Working in Cba. tepidum, an organism that only lives in volcanic hot springs, we found this new molecule and can say exactly what genes are required to allow microbes to make it," said Hanson. Using this new information, they were able to use gene sequences to predict what thiols different organisms make. Collaborating with Javiera Norambuena, a doctoral student from Rutgers University, they tested these predictions in other bacteria and showed they were accurate. Their work suggests that bacillithiol and related molecules like N-Me-bacillithiol are far more widespread across all forms of life, appearing to be the most broadly distributed low molecular weight thiols in biology. "Our human cells use a thiol called glutathione. Glutathione has had a lot of attention paid to it because it is in humans and plants, but it turns out our analysis indicates that glutathione is actually much less widespread across all of life than other thiols," said Hanson. "This shows how biology and evolution can generate different paths to the same end: a thiol that protects cells from oxidative stress and toxic chemicals. In this case, the solution in humans and plants isn't the only one or even the most common one." Explore further Microbes with a reserve pack of sulfur More information: Jennifer Hiras et al. Physiological Studies of Chlorobiaceae Suggest that Bacillithiol Derivatives Are the Most Widespread Thiols in Bacteria, mBio (2018). Journal information: mBio Jennifer Hiras et al. Physiological Studies of Chlorobiaceae Suggest that Bacillithiol Derivatives Are the Most Widespread Thiols in Bacteria,(2018). DOI: 10.1128/mBio.01603-18 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Early this year in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show, Toyota unveiled a hard-to-define self-driving concept vehicle, alongside a slate of high-profile companies that included Amazon, Pizza Hut, Uber and Chinese ride-hailing app DiDi as partners. It was called the e-Palette, and with it, Toyota pitched a vision of the future in which shared vehicles spend part of the time as traveling sneaker showrooms, part of the time as driverless package delivery vans and part of the time moving people. Before that future becomes a reality, though, Toyota has to get through the Olympics. Toyota officials said e-Paletteswhich are essentially flat platforms that serve as a base for interchangeable upper bodieswill move athletes to and from the Athletes' Village in 2020 in Tokyo. That might sound simple enough, but it's the highest profile test yet of Toyota Motor Corporation president, Akio Toyoda's charge to become a "mobility company." The automaker hopes that the 2020 Games will be a showcase for not just the e-Palette, but for the software platforms that tell vehicles where to go and when. Asked about the biggest challenge for engineers working on such a tight deadline, Junya Kida of Toyota's MaaS (or Mobility as a Service) business division replied with a wry smile. "Everything," he said. Kida said the idea was developed over a few years based on conversations with "customersthe alliance members. "We're not a service provider; they will be the service providers. So we listened carefully," he said. Alliance partners were able to lend Toyota expertise where the automaker has lesslike Amazon's voice recognition tech. Kida said he had made several trips to Plano to work with Toyota Connected leaders, too. He said Toyota hopes to start commercializing the e-Palette sometime in the 2020s. Sam Abuelsamid, a senior analyst with Navigant research, said the e-Palette is "actually a big deal" because the promising concept is both a services platform and a physical vehicle. "Vehicles are going to require a different approach," he said. "The traditional approach for a manufacturer has been to sell it and forget it." But when more vehicles are automated, they'll require regular software updates as well as hardware maintenance. Vehicle usage might become more subscription-based. If that's the case, Abuelsamid said, then the vehicle, like an airplane, will have to be in operation as much as possible. "When an airplane's in the sky, it's making money," he said. A flexible vehicle like the e-Palette gives subscribers (or owners) options to adjust how it's used based on demand. If, for example, there's more demand during the work day for a vehicle to deliver packages, then at rush hour there's more demand for ride sharing, then a vehicle that can switch over easily will maximize the amount of time it can be used. "The idea of this flexible vehicle architectureeverybody's playing around with this," he said, citing Swiss company Rinspeed's Snap vehicle as an example. Abuelsamid said if the e-Palette demonstration at the Olympics is successful, that places Toyota near the head of the pack of companies trying to crack the autonomous vehicle code. But it's still tough to say how things will ultimately shake out even five years later. "When people ask who's leading, I say it's like asking who's leading into the first turn of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (car race)," he said. "It's way too early to say who's going to win." Explore further Toyota brings the store to you with self-driving concept vehicle 2018 The Dallas Morning News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Evan Kane is an associate professor in Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Credit: Michigan Tech The Second State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR2), released simultaneously with the fourth U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA4), puts needed numbers to the rates of carbon loss and accumulation in North American terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric systems. According to the report, 11 to 13 percent of global ecosystem carbon removal can be attributed to North American ecosystems. Land use changes to these ecosystems can release more carbon into the atmosphere. For this reason, wetlands and their huge carbon sequestering power play a crucial role in preventing atmospheric carbon levels from rising. Evan Kane, associate professor, and Rodney Chimner, professor, in Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, are contributing authors to Chapter 13 of the report, which focuses on terrestrial wetlands. Globally, wetlands represent just three percent of total land area, but sequester 30 percent of all soil carbon. North American wetlands comprise 37 percent of all wetland area globally, so their value to carbon accounting cannot be overstated. North American terrestrial wetlands currently are a carbon dioxide sink of about 123 teragrams of carbon per year, with approximately 53 percent occurring in forested wetland systems. "This demonstrates how important wetlands are to the North American carbon cycle, because despite the fact that a small percentage of the landscape is wetlands, they store a huge percentage of the soil carbon," Chimner said. Rodney Chimner is a professor in Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Credit: Michigan Tech Maintaining existing wetlands, restoring damaged wetlands, and replacing wetlands removed for development are necessary to ensure soil carbon remains in soil, and is not released into the atmosphere. Though the number of wetlands restored or created anew is increasing in North America, these ecosystems remain threatened by changing precipitation patterns and wildfire. "It's no surprise that changing hydrology changes the abilities of wetlands to hold carbon," Kane said. "It's no surprise that wetlands that are dry are differentthey're more susceptible to vegetation changesand when dry, they are more susceptible to burning. It's a feedback loop." Explore further Wetlands hold the key to cutting emissions More information: N. Cavallaro et al, Second State of the Carbon Cycle Report, (2018). N. Cavallaro et al, Second State of the Carbon Cycle Report, (2018). DOI: 10.7930/SOCCR2.2018 The Second State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR2) is available via carbon2018.globalchange.gov The 4th U.S. National Climate Assessment was also released simultaneously via nca2018.globalchange.gov Scientists documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health in Boston Harbor, spurred by decades of remediation efforts including a $3.8 billion project to construct a sewage treatment plant and a 9.5-mile discharge tunnel with a 6,600-foot-long outfall diffuser. Credit: Chris Pickerell, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County In the late 1980s, more than three-quarters of the winter flounder caught in Boston Harborone of the most polluted harbors in Americashowed signs of liver disease, many of them with cancerous tumors. But now, a scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health spurred by decades of remediation efforts, including a $3.8 billion project to construct a sewage treatment plant and a 9.5-mile discharge tunnel with a 6,600-foot-long outfall diffuser. The findings appear in the Nov. 20, 2018 issue of the journal "The last tumor we've seen in a winter flounder from Boston Harbor was back in 2004," said Michael Moore, a biologist at (WHOI). "The fish aren't getting liver tumors anymore." The turnaround, Moore said, is attributed to a number of major, long-term environmental cleanup efforts to reduce sewage sludge, nutrients, and toxins in the harbor and adjacent waters, including construction of the outflow discharge tunnel completed in 2000. The tunnel is wide enough to fit two semitrailers side by side and channels millions of gallons of effluent each day from the Deer Island Treatment Plant on Boston Harbor into Massachusetts Bay 9.5 miles offshore. Moore has collaborated with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Battelle Norwell, and most recently, Normandeau Associates, to monitor the health impacts of contaminants on flounder since 1986 through annual fish surveys in and around Boston Harbor. The fish are caught, dissected, and their liver tissues are examined for signs of disease. When the monitoring program began, the Harbor's water quality suffered from a persistent buildup of pollutants: nitrogenous wastes, petroleum and pesticide chemicals, metals and nitrates from homes, commercial buildings, and industries were all discharged in millions of gallons of wastewater into the harbor each day. The toxic soup caused a spike in liver disease among flounder, and Boston Harbor, with its brownish tint and choked-off oxygen supply, became regarded as the "dirtiest harbor in America." Mounting pressure from local politicians, scientists, and residents to clean up the harbor led to a lawsuit filed by the city of Quincy, Mass., against local agencies responsible for sewage operations in the Greater Boston area. The landmark 1984 Boston Harbor Cleanup Case decision resulted in the creation of a new agency charged with the court-mandated, multibillion-dollar public works project aimed at improving sewage and runoff handling in the harbor. The harbor's water quality began responding within months of the first cleanup efforts as organic matter, nutrient and chemical loading into the harbor dropped, and dissolved oxygen levels climbed. During its monitoring, the MWRA noticed other signs that the harbor was starting to breathe easier: Fewer contaminants were penetrating sediments on the ocean floor where flounder live, and the quality of water, harbor bottoms, and beaches all improved. "In government, you often debate shades of gray," said MWRA's executive director Fred Laskey. "But in this case, the empirical data are irrefutable. The clean-up of Boston Harbor is the greatest environmental achievement of this generation." Moore said that pesticides and other chemicals of particular significance to the flounder liver disease decreased, resulting in healthier fish. The liver tumor prevalence was also a good indicator that the harbor cleanup reduced human health risk, especially for seafood consumers. Moore said that the goal of cleaning up toxic chemicals in the harbor has been met. Importantly, while the health of flounder in the Harbor has improved, there has been no decline in the health of winter flounder caught near the long outfall. In fact, levels of disease associated with contaminant exposure are lower in flounder caught near the outfall than they were in the early 1990s. "The amount of human endeavor that went into the project was staggering," he said. "You don't often see such a clear justification of the tax-payer cost for a public benefit when it comes to environmental protection, but the results of this study validate the idea that long-term investments in improving regional environmental quality actually work." Provided by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution London, 28 November 2018:- Following today's release of the second The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change report, the Global Climate and Health Alliance called on world leaders to take the actions required to limit global warming to the targets set by the Paris Agreement, making the greenhouse gas reduction commitments between now and 2020 that will limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. "The Lancet Countdown report provides a stark reminder of the consequences for people's health if we continue to procrastinate on climate change", said Jeni Miller, Executive Director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, a international coalition of health and development organisations. "With COP24 less than a week away, it's crucial that global leaders not only deliver on their national commitments under the first phase of the Paris Agreement, but move decisively toward ramping up those commitments in 2020". The Lancet Countdown provides a clear, and sobering account of how far humanity has - and hasn't - come in addressing the greatest health threat of the 21st century. The findings on heat stress within this year's report suggest staggering impact on worker productivity, with heatwaves and hotter average temperatures costing workers 153 billion productive hours (the equivalent of 3.2 billion work weeks) in 2017, in turn impacting family incomes and agricultural output to compound the risks to health. "This year's report demonstrates that climate change is already exposing hundreds of millions of people to dangerously high temperatures", remarked Kim Perrotta, Executive Director at the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE). "Phasing out fossil fuels, and other measures to mitigate climate change, are essential to prevent significantly more global warming and substantially greater damage from heat", stated Miller. According to the Lancet Countdown report, crop yield has seen measured decline in 30 countries due to global warming, raising concerns about malnutrition in some regions. Risks of dengue fever, Vibrio and malaria have markedly increased. And the increases in extreme weather events, which in 2017 numbered 712 events resulting in US $326 billion in economic losses, are bringing with them injuries and deaths, displacement, post-traumatic stress, and other short and long-term impacts to health. Climate change is also driving migration, with significant geopolitical impacts. "Many hospitals and health systems, cities and countries are working hard to adapt to these changes, but without aggressive action by national governments to drive down carbon emissions, climate change will quickly outstrip any ability to adapt sufficiently to protect people's health", continued Miller. "We are not yet seeing that action." Although 197 parties signed the Paris Agreement that emerged from the UN climate negotiations in 2015, many countries are not yet meeting their initial commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and those initial commitments fall far short of what is needed to limit global warming to below 1.5 2.0 degrees Celsius, as agreed to in Paris. Delaying action not only puts people's health at risk from climate change, but also misses major opportunities for near term improvements to health from climate action. Seven million people per year die prematurely from air pollution, which causes respiratory illness and cancer, heart attacks, stroke, and low birthweight.(1) Air quality worsened in 70% of the world's cities in 2017. It is estimated that the health benefits of mitigating climate change to achieve the 1.5 degree ambition set in Paris could more than pay for the cost of that mitigation, from reductions in air pollution alone.(2) "Air pollution is the number one environmental threat to people's health, and one of the top five risk factors for chronic disease like heart disease, cancer and asthma," says Genon K. Jensen, Executive Director of the Health and Environment Alliance HEAL, a GCHA founder and board member. "World leaders walking the talk on tackling climate change would give clean air and disease prevention a major boost worldwide by taking on the Lancet Countdown health recommendations." "Continuing to burn fossil fuels can no longer be justified in any country. All nations must look for ways to transition away to forms of energy that do not drive climate change and toxic air pollution, both of which are having such devastating impacts on people's lives around the world", insisted Fiona Armstrong, executive director of Australia's Climate and Health Alliance. "My own country, Australia, is shamefully ignoring the unfolding catastrophe as it continues to mine and export coal." "The Countdown report demonstrates the significant and immediate health benefits that can be realized by phasing out coal-fired power plants around the world and by transforming transportation systems in countries such as Canada", added Perrotta. Indeed, the Lancet Countdown advises that coal phase-out is a "crucial, no-regrets, intervention for public health." The health sector is working to do its part: "The health sector is increasingly engaged in climate action, working to reduce its own substantial carbon footprint, preparing for extreme weather events and advocating for policies that will move the world away from a dependence on fossil fuels and protect the public's health from the impacts of climate change," said Josh Karliner, International Co-Director for Health Care Without Harm. In September, health organizations from around the world, representing over five million health professionals and 1,700 hospitals and health systems, launched a Call to Action on Climate Change and Health . "Doctors, nurses, public health workers and health care institutions around the world are joining forces to take on climate change together with so many other sectors of society to call on local and national governments everywhere to take action to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The Lancet Countdown report, and the last month's Special Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC SR1.5) before it, as well as the US Fourth National Climate Assessment Vol. II , released last week, crystallize this point: urgent, aggressive action to transition away from fossil fuels and toward a global low carbon economy is essential to preventing millions of deaths in the coming century. National governments must step up to lead the society-wide transformations that are urgently needed. "We cannot let the hard truths presented in the Lancet Countdown, and the IPCC and US National Climate Assessment reports before it, become an excuse for delay; instead, we must embrace them as a spur to action. We already have the tools to make the transition to a carbon-neutral world; and mitigating climate change could largely pay for itself. Doing so would save millions of lives, protecting us, our children, and their children", concluded Miller. "The Lancet Countdown is clear: our future is in our hands." About Lancet Countdown: The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come was compiled through a collaboration of leading research institutions and international agencies, the initiative tracks 41 indicators in several domains to provide a broad-based global overview of progress on addressing climate change and protecting health, providing a comprehensive report annually. The report calculates that heat impact has reduced employee productivity, costing workers and economies a loss of 153 billion hours of labor last year due to heat (the equivalent of 3.4 billion work weeks), a 62 billion hour increase over 2000. Loss of productive capacity is greatest in the agricultural sector, and in already vulnerable geographies. Exposure to increased temperature is rising around the world, and Europe and the Mediterranean are especially vulnerable, with significant risk for people over 65 years old. The Countdown report follows fast on the heels of a special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Global warming of 1.5C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, which laid out quite starkly the implications for health if we fail to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Centigrade. Put simply, humanity is not yet taking the actions we need to take to prevent the worst consequences of climate change. ENDS Notes: The Lance report can be downloaded from The Lancet Countdown website: The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change J. Rogelj, D. Shindell, K. Jiang, S. Fifita, P. Forster, V. Ginzburg, C. Handa, H. Kheshgi, S. Kobayashi, E. Kriegler, L. Mundaca, R. Seferian, M. V. Vilarino, 2018, Mitigation pathways compatible with 1.5C in the context of sustainable development. In: Global warming of 1.5C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, H. O. Portner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Pean, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J. B. R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M. I. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, T. Waterfield (eds.)]. In Press Watts N, et al. The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come. Contacts: Jeni Miller, Executive Director, +1-510-409-2456 [email=jeni.miller@climateandhealthalliance.org] jeni.miller@climateandhealthalliance.org [/email] Dave Walsh, Media Advisor +34 691 826 764, [email=press@climateandhealthalliance.org] press@climateandhealthalliance.org [/email] About the Global Climate and Health Alliance The Global Climate and Health Alliance was formed in Durban in 2011 to tackle climate change and to protect and promote public health. The Alliance is made up of health and development organisations from around the world united by a shared vision of an equitable, sustainable future. Our vision is a world in which the health impacts of climate change are kept to a minimum, and the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation are maximised. Specifically, Alliance members work together to: Ensure that health impacts are integrated into global, regional, national and local policy responses to climate change so as to reduce them as far as possible, with a particular focus on reducing health inequalities through mitigation and adaptation; Encourage and support the health sector to lead by example, in mitigating and adapting to climate change; Raise awareness of the health threats posed by climate change and the potential health benefits of well-chosen climate mitigation policies in areas such as energy, transport, food and housing. On 8th December, the Alliance will host the 2018 Global Climate and Health Summit alongside the international climate negotiations. The event is being convened in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the European Committee of the Regions, and the Pro Silesia Association. The annual Health Summit serves as a key anchoring event for advancing health-focused action, engagement and collaboration to address climate change. Find out more... Global Climate and Health Alliance www.climateandhealthalliance.org/ @GCHAlliance Facebook Provided by Global Climate and Health Alliance 1 hour ago 'Get up!' Pope prays that Lebanon can get back on its feet ROME (AP) Pope Francis told Lebanons prime minister on Thursday that he was praying that God would help Lebanon get up and get back on its feet following an unprecedented economic crisis that has Read Article Colleagues, teachers, fans, and even the subjects of late Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) colleague Ulanbek Egizbaevs reports attended the launch of a book honoring the award-winning investigative journalists work at RFE/RLs Bishkek bureau on November 13. Ulanbek Egizbaev: In Search Of Truth is a collection of Egizbaevs articles, TV program transcriptions, feature stories, documentaries and photo galleries. The Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation funded its publication in an initial print-run of 500 copies in the Kyrgyz language, with 500 copies in Russian to be issued by the end of the year. Egizbaev, 28, died from drowning on July 22 while on holiday at Kyrgyzstans Lake Issyk-Kul. He had become a symbol of the best journalistic work in Kyrgyzstan, said RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service Director Venera Djumataeva. He was the biggest threat to corrupt politicians. Egizbaev joined the Bishkek bureau of RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Radio Azattyk, in 2012 after winning a contest organized by the service to mark the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstans independence. He reported regularly and passionately about the countrys unsung heroes and high-level corruption. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief among public figures, the journalistic community, and ordinary citizens in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov posthumously awarded Egizbaev the national Medal of Courage in August. The compilers of the book hope that it will be a beacon for young people who want to pursue the noble causes that Egizbaev championed in his career. A total of 84 farms in the Midwest have filed for chapter 12 bankruptcy protection over the 12 months ending in June, according to a 14 November report from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve--more than twice the level seen in 2014, but fewer than seen in 2010, coming off a global recession. The problem, says the Minneapolis Fed, is that nagging economic strain of low commodity prices on farmers and rancherscompounded for some by recent tariffs, which is starting to show up not just in bottom-line profitability, but in simple viability. (Click to enlarge) For now, its a curse thats hitting the Midwest hardest, and Wisconsin is reeling, in particular, accounting for 60 percent bankruptcies in the Ninth District, which includes Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. While Wisconsin is the second-largest milk producer in the United States, its a collection of small dairy farms who havent been able to weather big price fluctuations, according to the Fed. The trend is both simple and complex, says the Minneapolis Fed. For example, current numbers are not unprecedented, even in the recent past, having reached 70 bankruptcies in 2010. However, current price levels and the trajectory of the current trends suggest that this trend has not yet seen a peak. Soybeans, too, have become one of the farmers biggest bogeymen. Indeed, the worst banking conditions for farmers were in states with the most corn and soybean operations, where farmers are struggling to make loan payments. Related: How President Trump Is Undermining U.S. Oil Producers The fallout of the trade war has seen soybeans lose one-fifth of their value since April. By mid-October, according to the New York Times, soybean exports to China have dropped 94 percent, from a year earlier. The government bailout of farmers cost $25 million in September alonepart of Trumps $12-billion aid package to farmers reeling from Chinese retaliation to American tariffs. And now, Americans farmers are stuck trying to figure out what to do with all that soybean with the Chinese market effectively closed off by tariffs. Some are storing soybeans hoping for a change in the trade war, but unless that window opens up soon, they wont be able to pay their bills. American farmers were in trouble before the trade war, though, but survival now depends on an end to the tariff troubles. Speaking to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Citizens State Bank president Mark Miedtke said: Dairy farmers are having the most problems right now. Grain farmers have had low prices for the past three years but high yields have helped them through. Were just waiting for a turnaround. Were waiting for the tariff problem to go away. Perhaps no one more than American farmers will be glued to the news on Saturday, when Trump meets with his Chinese counterpart at the G20 in Argentina, where things are about to see a deal to end the trade waror theyre about to get a lot worse. Saturday and Sunday, in many ways, will determine what happens to all of that soybean; and what happens to Americas farmers. Were just waiting for a turnaround, one Minnesota banker told the Star Tribune. Were waiting for the tariff problem to go away. By Charles Benavidez for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: After losing $200 billion in value since its peak in July, with stock plummeting 40 percent in only four months, Mark Zuckerbergs longevity as Facebooks chairman of the board is under attack, but hes holding all the cards. The next shareholder meeting will vote on a proposal that would lead to an independent board chairman, and shareholders are increasingly disillusioned with the social media giant, which has dragged them through the murky waters of sinister manipulation and the spreading of false information. The blowback has been big, and Zuckerbergs responses, insufficient, most recently culminating in a damning investigative report by the New York Times. And while some will point out that Facebooks stock plunge is just part of a wider tech selloff, others will point out that the social media giants fall from grace began before this. Faced with all of this scandal, shareholders are now bemoaning the fact that they dont have any control over what happens next, now that things have gotten out of hand. Zuckerberg owns 60 percent of the voting power here. And things are about to get even wilder Over the weekend, British Parliament did something its never done before: It seized internal Facebook documents that had been acquired by a startup that is suing the company and brought into the UK by an American businessman. While the lawsuit itself relates to an app designed to find bikini shots among the photos of Facebook users and friends, for British Parliament, they are much more important. Related: Apple Reels On Trump Tariff Threat On Tuesday, a British lawmaker alleged that the seized documents show that a company engineer identified a major data collection effort based in Russia. It had never been disclosed before, the lawmakerDamian Collinsalleged. Collins chairs a parliamentary committee investigating disinformation and the use of peoples data, which is a huge concern in Europe. Facebook claims those documents, by U.S. law, have to be kept under seal: (Click to enlarge) And it isnt helping that Zuckerberg refused to show up for a hearing of the Grand Committee of Disinformation, attended by international parliamentarians on Tuesday. Facebook is getting attacked globally now, with parliamentarians from nine countries at the hearingthough all they got was Facebooks policy VP, Richard Allan, to question. In South America, theyre worried about the use of WhatsApp to spread political disinformation. In Sri Lanka, they want to know why Facebook refused to remove anti-Muslim hate speech. Belgium wants to know how Facebook is tracking its citizens who dont use the platform and how that violates Europes new GDPR privacy regulations. And the list goes on The problem for Zuckerberg now is that Facebook has lost the trust of its constituency and to get it back they will need to do something significant, CNBC quoted Daniel Newman, principal analyst at Futurum Research, as saying. Their PR ploys so far have been empty and insufficient, and with growth already stalling they need to start changing sentiment now, he said. Related: What Warren Buffett Does With His Billions Changing sentiment might be replacing Zuckerberg as chairman of the board and separating the role of chair from that of CEO, which is also held by him. The new proposal that will be voted on in the next shareholder meeting in 2019 was floated in October by Trillium Asset Management, which owns some 53,000 shares in Facebook. Trillium VP Jonas Kron told CNBC that all the scandals make it abundantly clear that an independent board chair is necessary. But the question then becomes this: Can shareholders force Zuckerberg to give up the chair when he has 60 percent control? The answer is: No. If hes going anywhere, it will mean he renounced the chair himself. His challenge now is to decide whether staying in the chair will be a social media suicide. By Josh Owens for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise(at)Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. Education Reporter Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe. " " Dopamine is often referred to as the "pleasure chemical" in the brain but it's so much more than that. Tim Robberts/Getty Images Chances are that you've heard of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which seems to get as much sensational media coverage as many Hollywood celebrities. In scores of articles on the internet, dopamine is depicted as the secret sauce for human misbehavior the thing that supposedly causes us to crave everything from sex to chocolate to betting money we can't afford to lose in blackjack. If you believe the hype, it's also what makes us check Facebook every 20 minutes and sit on the couch for hours killing zombies in a video game. Dopamine is often linked with addiction, alcoholism, sexual lust, compulsive behavior and dangerous risk-taking. As the British science journalist Vaughn Bell once complained, the mere mention of dopamine tends to make something sound like a scientifically proven vice."If you disagree with something, just say it releases dopamine and imply it must be dangerously addictive," he wrote, calling dopamine the Kim Kardashian of neurotransmitters, for its "instant appeal to listless reporting." Advertisement In truth, though, dopamine is simply a chemical that enables signals to pass through synapses, the spaces between neurons. By doing that, it enables networks composed of vast numbers of neurons to do their jobs [source: Brookshire]. All of this is actually much more complicated, which we'll get into later. So why does dopamine have such a scandalous reputation? It's because dopamine signaling is a key player in the brain's reward system, which influences us to do things that feel pleasurable, and to do them over and over. But that's only one of the numerous functions that dopamine performs in our bodies. It's also vital for important processes such as motor control, learning and memory. Malfunctions in the wiring that uses dopamine seems to play a role in numerous disorders, including Parkinson's and schizophrenia [source: Jiang]. In this article we'll explain what dopamine is and how it works in our brains and bodies. We'll also explain what dopamine isn't, and try to dispel some of the myths that have arisen around the chemical. Paul Manafort found guilty of 8 of 18 counts ... and now faces real possibility of spending many years in federal prison | Main | What might and will nationwide prisoner strike achieve? August 21, 2018 Michael Cohen, Prez Trump's fixer, cuts a plea deal to fix his federal sentence between 46 to 63 months in federal prison As reported here by USA Today, "Donald Trump's former personal lawyer and 'fixer' Michael Cohen, has pleaded guilty to charges including campaign finance fraud stemming from hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal." Here is more (with a little sentencing emphasis): The 51-year-old Cohen entered the plea in federal court in New York on Tuesday. The other charges involve bank fraud and income tax evasion. As part of his plea agreement, Cohen agreed not to challenge any sentence from 46 to 63 months. Cohen's plea follows months of scrutiny from federal investigations and a falling out with the president, whom he previously said he'd "take a bullet" for. FBI raids in April sought bank records, communications with Trump's campaign and information on payments to Daniels and McDougal. Both women claimed Trump had affairs with them, which he denies. The deal comes after reports that federal investigators were looking into whether Cohen committed bank and tax fraud worth more than $20 million, according to a media report. The New York Times, citing anonymous sources, said authorities were focusing on loans obtained for taxi businesses owned by Cohen and his family. Investigators were also considering whether Cohen had violated campaign finance and other laws when he made financial arrangements to pay women to stay silent about alleged affairs with then-candidate Trump back in 2016.... Prosecutors had reportedly considered filing charges against Cohen by the end of August. I have not yet seen the plea agreement (which I hope will soon be publicly available), but I assume from the line stressed above that the guideline calculation puts Cohen's offense level at least 23 under the federal sentencing guidelines. The guideline range for a first offender is 46-57 months at level 23 and is 51-63 months at level 24. The bottom and top of these ranges seem to be the basis for the range reportedly in Cohen's plea deal (and this shows, yet again, how the guidelines are always an integral part of plea negotiations and why I consider every federal sentence to be "based on" the guidelines in some way or another). UPDATE : The folks at Lawfare now have collected here the criminal information, waiver of indictment and plea agreement in US v. Michael Cohen. The eight-page plea agreement has lots of interesting sentencing elements, and here is language (from pp. 4-5) confirming my speculations above and highlighting why there will be no departure discussions but lots of 3553(a) discussion as sentencing approaches: Based upon the calculations set forth above, the defendant's Guidelines range is either 51 to 63 months' imprisonment under the Government's calculations, or 46 to 57 months' imprisonment under the defendant's calculations. Accordingly, the stipulated Guidelines range is 46 to 63 months' imprisonment (the "Stipulated Guidelines Range").... The parties agree that neither a downward nor an upward departure from the Stipulated Guidelines Range set forth above is warranted. Accordingly, neither party will seek any departure or adjustment pursuant to the Guidelines that is not set forth herein. Nor will either party in any way suggest that the Probation Office or the Court consider such a departure or adjustment under the Guidelines. The parties agree that either party may seek a sentence outside of the Stipulated Guidelines Range based upon the factors to be considered in imposing a sentence pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 3553(a). August 21, 2018 at 05:39 PM | Permalink Comments OTOH, I expect Cohen to get a full pardon. Posted by: Daniel | Aug 21, 2018 9:40:32 PM Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, said in a statement that the White House was looking "increasingly like a criminal enterprise." Nailed it!! Posted by: Dave from Texas | Aug 22, 2018 1:24:03 AM Trump is clearly an unindicted co-conspirator at this time. He's also impeachment proof now (with holy-roller Pence in the wings), but the day after Trump leaves office, we cann change "unindcited" to "indicted." Posted by: Emily | Aug 22, 2018 1:26:19 AM From today's New York Times editorial: "On Tuesday afternoon, the American public was treated to an astonishing split-screen moment involving two of those people, as Mr. Trumps former campaign chief was convicted by a federal jury in Virginia of multiple crimes carrying years in prison at the same time that his longtime personal lawyer pleaded guilty in federal court in New York to his own lengthy trail of criminality, and confessed that he had committed at least some of the crimes at the direction of Mr. Trump himself. Let that sink in: Mr. Trumps own lawyer has now accused him, under oath, of committing a felony. Only a complete fantasist that is, only President Trump and his cult could continue to claim that this investigation of foreign subversion of an American election, which has already yielded dozens of other indictments and several guilty pleas, is a hoax or scam or rigged witch hunt. Posted by: Dave from Texas | Aug 22, 2018 12:56:38 PM "On Tuesday afternoon, the American public was treated to an astonishing split-screen moment involving two of those people, as Mr. Trumps former campaign chief was convicted by a federal jury in Virginia of multiple crimes carrying years in prison at the same time that his longtime personal lawyer pleaded guilty in federal court in New York to his own lengthy trail of criminality, and confessed that he had committed at least some of the crimes at the direction of Mr. Trump himself." Honestly. I hope true sues them for libel. The indictment alleges no such thing. Posted by: Dabiel | Aug 22, 2018 8:35:55 PM Sigh, auto correct.. I hope he sues them... Posted by: Dabiel | Aug 22, 2018 8:36:28 PM Observation: The agreement seems to prohibit a 5K departure for cooperation from being filed, even by the government. Question: What is the point of prohibiting departures while allowing variances? That makes no sense. Why do that? What's the significance of prohibiting departures and then allowing a variance argument on similar (or even identical) grounds? Posted by: Dave | Aug 22, 2018 11:15:41 PM From experience, often the reason they prohibit departures in a plea agreement is that any departure - whether upward or downward, requires notice. Eg. either party must file notice in court (through cm-ecf) or through the USPO and the PSR that they intend to seek a higher or lower sentence based upon a guideline departure. In essence, it's telegraphed. There is no notice requirement for a variance so at sentencing. Both parties have more ability to seek a higher or lower sentence for any reason based upon the 3553(a) factors at sentencing by arguing for a variance. Posted by: atomicfrog | Aug 23, 2018 2:30:50 PM How can Trump sue the media for libel. They didn't state that Cohen was charged with acting at the direction of Trump; they reported that Cohen confessed that he had committed the crimes at the direction of Trump. While Cohen did not expressly state Trump, the language that he used clearly implied Trump such that the media companies will be able to fairly state that they reasonably believed that Cohen meant Trump. And given the tapes that have already been released in which Trump and Cohen discussed those payments, the media should be able to show that they did not act for reckless disregard of the truth. If Trump sues Cohen, he would have a more colorable argument. Not sure any person has ever been subjected to libel (or more accurately slander or defamation of character) for statements made during a guilty plea. Additionally, Trump would bear the burden of proving that Cohen's statements are false. And if Trump did file such a lawsuit, he would be subject to a deposition in which he would be asked what he told Cohen about those payments. If (when) Trump does not honestly answer that question, he could be facing a perjury charge, especially if Cohen has additional tapes of their conversations. I am sure a lot of folks hope that Trump does file such a suit; most of those folks do not like Trump. Posted by: tmm | Aug 23, 2018 4:32:16 PM I am truly sorry to say that we are experiencing the most corrupt administration since that of Richard Nixon. Posted by: anon1 | Aug 23, 2018 7:43:07 PM Trump's next cabinet meeting will be at the visiting room of Leavenworth. Posted by: Nancy | Aug 25, 2018 12:05:15 AM Post a comment "Felon-Jurors in Vacationland: A Field Study of Transformative Civic Engagement in Maine" | Main | US Sentencing Commission finalizes its priorities for coming year August 23, 2018 Prez Trump advocating for a whole new kind of sentencing reform: he says cooperation deals "almost ought to be outlawed. Its not fair." This New York Post piece, headlined "Trump says flipping should be outlawed after Cohen plea deal," reports on some notable new comments about the operation of the criminal justice system by Prez Donald Trump this morning. Here are the details: President Trump said his former lawyer Michael Cohen lied to get a better deal with federal prosecutors to reduce his jail time and suggested that flipping should be outlawed. You get 10 years in jail, but if you say bad things about somebody in other words, make up stories if you dont know. Make up. They just make up lies. Ive seen it many times, the president told Fox & Friends in an interview that aired Thursday. For 30, 40 years Ive been watching flippers. Everythings wonderful and then they get 10 years in jail and they they flip on whoever the next highest one is, or as high as you can go, he said about Cohen, who pleaded to eight felony counts in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday. It almost ought to be outlawed. Its not fair, Trump continued. Cohen was facing 65 years behind bars on the charges, but is expected to get a reduced sentence because of the plea deal. Trump said that in all fairness to Cohen, most people are going to do that. The president also tried to distance himself from Cohen, who worked for more than 10 years for Trump and was known as a confidant and fixer who once said hed take a bullet for Trump. He was a lawyer for me, one of many, the president said. You know, they always say, the lawyer, and then they like to add the fixer. Well, I dont know if he was a fixer. I dont know where that term came from, Trump said in the interview. But hes been a lawyer for me. Didnt do big deals, did small deals. Not somebody that was with me that much. He said he would see Cohen sometimes but on big deals Trump said outside lawyers and inside lawyers would take part. You know, they make it sound like I didnt live with without him. I understood Michael Cohen very well. He well, it turned out he wasnt a very good lawyer, frankly. Two of the charges Cohen pleaded to involved hush-money payments made before the 2016 election to two women who alleged they had affairs with Trump between 2006 and 2007, a possible violation of campaign finance laws. Cohen paid $130,000 to former porn star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, and arranged for $150,000 to be paid to the parent company of the National Enquirer to keep Karen McDougals story under wraps. Trump said he didnt know about the payments until later on even though Cohen has a tape of him and the president discussing them. Later on I knew. Later on. What he did and they werent taken out of the campaign finance, thats the big thing. Thats a much bigger thing, Trump said. Did they come out of the campaign? They didnt come out of the campaign, they came from me. Prez Trump is entirely right that cooperation deals can often result in false testimony and can produce considerable unfairness. In fact, Prez Trump's staff should have urged him to cite Alexandra Natapoff's great book, "Snitching: Criminal Informants and the Erosion of American Justice," in conjunction with his complaints. Here is a bit of the description of that book: Although it is nearly invisible to the public, criminal snitching has invaded the American legal system in risky and sometimes shocking ways. Snitching is the first comprehensive analysis of this powerful and problematic practice, in which informant deals generate unreliable evidence, allow criminals to escape punishment, endanger the innocent, compromise the integrity of police work, and exacerbate tension between police and poor urban residents. Driven by dozens of real-life stories and debacles, the book exposes the social destruction that snitching can cause in high-crime African American neighborhoods, and how using criminal informants renders our entire penal process more secretive and less fair. Natapoff also uncovers the farreaching legal, political, and cultural significance of snitching: from the war on drugs to hip hop music, from the FBIs mishandling of its murderous mafia informants to the new surge in white collar and terrorism informing. I doubt that Prez Trump is serious about advocating for the prohibition of cooperation deals, and I am certain few in Congress or elsewhere would even consider seriously the reforms proposed in Natapoff's book. But if Prez Trump really cares about the unfairness and other problems that can be created by cooperation deals, there is a whole lot he could and should do right away. First and foremost, he should express opposition to all mandatory minimum sentencing provisions (or at least suppose reforms like the Justice Safety Valve Act) because the threat of a significant mandatory minimum prison term often creates the most extreme pressure to deal and cooperate. Second and on-going, he could and should consider focusing at least part of his (supposed) interest in broad use of clemency powers to those persons seemingly most unfairly convicted and sentenced based on questionable evidence coming from cooperators. UPDATE : Alexandra Natapoff has this new post reacting to the President's comments, and here are her insights: The irony is that Trump is attacking snitching for its greatest strength: it enables law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the wealthy, the powerful, and the politically insulated. Think of the Enron prosecution, or the dismantling of the mafia, neither of which could have happened without cooperation deals. Also ironically, Trump is criticizing informant use in its least problematic incarnation. When Trump's "many friends" become defendants and informants, they will be well represented and informed about their rights and options, while their cooperation deals will be recorded, vetted, and publicly scrutinized. Most informants, and most defendants faced with snitch testimony, will get none of these protections. It is precisely here in the white collar and high profile political context that cooperation is best regulated, most accountable and transparent, and thus least problematic. To be sure, there are many reasons to agree that snitching "should almost be illegal." It leads to wrongful convictions; it tolerates the crimes committed by informants; it coerces the most vulnerable and rewards the most culpable. It promotes government secrecy, rule breaking, and sometimes corruption. But its potential to hold powerful people accountable is its best feature. August 23, 2018 at 10:06 AM | Permalink Comments The problem with Trump is not that he fails to speak truth at all, it is that he speaks truth only when it serves his interests...when it touches him personally. Posted by: Daniel | Aug 23, 2018 10:18:27 AM Yes, plea deals and cooperating witnesses have become the way we do justice, and now we all get an up close and personal look at co-operation and other aspects of our criminal justice system. Most commentators seem to need a civics class. Their narrative indicates that they think government agencies are suppose to operate in an independent sphere without any controlling authority from any branch of government. There is a little too much breathless angst. Posted by: beth | Aug 23, 2018 11:16:30 AM Daniel, I'm honestly not sure that Trump could tell a whole unembellished truth even when it would be enough. If he gave someone $5 he would say it was $10 just because. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Aug 23, 2018 3:42:14 PM The corruption of this administration exceeds that of Nixon's. Posted by: Harry from Vermont | Aug 24, 2018 2:19:50 PM Post a comment Despite push by Prez and VP and support of at least 70 senators, odds of a Senate vote on FIRST STEP Act still reportedly "less than 50/50" | Main | SCOTUS argument in Timbs suggest agreement on incorporation of Excessive Fines Clause and perhaps little else The title of this post is the title of this new Center for Community Alternatives' Justice Strategies report. Here is its executive summary: This study looks at the development and implementation of Project New Opportunity (PNO). PNO was created to provide reentry support to people being released from federal prison under President Obamas Clemency Initiative and the United States Sentencing Commissions (USSC) 2014 reduction in drug sentencing guidelines. Through the retroactive application of the guideline reforms, about 6,000 individuals were eligible to be released on November 1, 2016. Another 1,928 were released though the Clemency Initiative. Yet except for probation supervision and Bureau of Prison (BOP) halfway houses, there were no reentry supports available to these individuals, many of whom had served decades in prison. The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) worked with Project Director Malcolm Young to design the PNO project to provide a model of reentry support for people released under these criminal justice reform efforts. PNO is based on research both about the challenges that accompany the transition from prison to community and the role that formerly incarcerated people can play in helping newly released people make this transition. Imprisonment leaves scars including post-traumatic stress responses, a lack of familiarity with the routines of daily life, and forms of culture shock as one confronts technological and other changes that have occurred during ones time in prison. These adjustment issues contribute to recidivism, which is highest within the first 6 months of release. The key elements of PNOs model are: 1) a staffing plan that relies on formerly incarcerated people as Reentry Consultants, and 2) an inside/outside connection that introduces incarcerated people to their Reentry Consultant six months prior to their release and continues after release. The majority of PNO participants cited this pre-release connection with someone who will be there when they get out as the primary benefit of the program. PNO adds yet another example to the growing body of evidence that shows that sentencing reform, shorter sentences and early release mechanisms are reasonable and humane without jeopardizing public safely. While PNO was unable to track recidivism of its participants through official data, it was able to follow up through the Reentry Consultants and/or participants themselves. The information, while informal, is very encouraging: there were no known incidents or reports of rearrests, violations of the terms of probation supervision, or incarceration from the consultants or participants. This suggests that PNO was able to help people stabilize and avoid new encounters with the criminal justice system in the immediate aftermath of release. A Go-Jek motorcycle driver in Jakarta in 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Beawiharta) By Yoolim Lee Indonesias Go-Jek plans to roll out a preliminary version of its ride-hailing app in Singapore Thursday, bringing fresh competition to the hometown of arch-rival Grab, according to people familiar with the plan. Go-Jeks beta app will be available to a limited number of consumers before expanding it to a wider population as testing progresses, said the people, who asked not to be named because the information is not public. Many consumers and drivers have looked forward to Go-Jeks entry after Grab cemented its grip on the city-state by agreeing in March to acquire the Southeast Asian business of Uber Technologies Inc., eliminating its primary competition in the region. Ubers departure was followed by rising complaints from users about higher prices, delays and lapses in customer service. Drivers expressed frustration about reduced income. For Singapore, another ride-hailing competitor cannot come soon enough, said Benjamin Roberts, a Singapore resident unhappy with Grabs cancellations and surcharges. Go-Jek Chief Executive Officer Nadiem Makarim has said the company will enter the Singapore market with promotions, without disclosing specific timing. Its time to rebalance the equilibrium and add a lot more consumer- and driver-friendly policies and introduce some competition, Makarim said in an interview with Bloomberg TVs Haslinda Amin during Bloombergs New Economy Forum this month. But it will be a healthy competition. At the end of the day, the biggest factor will not be in the price competition but on how we treat our drivers. Grab and Go-Jek are two of the most valuable startups in Southeast Asia. Grab is valued at $11 billion, according to the research firm CB Insights. Go-Jek was said to hit about $5 billion this year. Some companies have have been filling the void from Ubers departure. ComfortDelGro Corp., Singapores largest taxi company, has benefited as consumers looking for another choice turned to its app. Its shares surged to as high as S$2.51 on June 5, a 33 percent surge from its low point in 2017 as Grab and Uber competed for market share with discounts. Story continues One ride-hailing startup called MVL Foundation Pte has signed up 23,000 drivers and 150,000 riders since launching its app called Tada in July. The service took off mainly through word of mouth. We listened to the feedback of drivers from the start and went for zero commission for drivers, compared with the 20 percent commission charged by Grab, said Kay Woo, founder and CEO of MVL. Our drivers became marketers for us. Go-Jeks international expansion marks a major milestone for a company that started out by introducing a mobile app in 2015 to let people book cheap motorcycle taxis in traffic-snarled Jakarta. Since then, the companys become a household name in its home country. Besides its ride-sharing service, Go-Jek is Indonesias largest food-delivery business and the leading digital-wallet provider. Grab CEO Anthony Tan said the looming competition will push the company to improve. The question is, who can out-execute? It shouldnt be about who has the mega P&L to subsidize crazy amounts of promos, which I am sure all of you are hoping for, he said at a dinner in Singapore Tuesday. The truth is theres going to be effectively more competition and thats the only way to keep us all honest and innovative. 2018 Bloomberg L.P On Nov 29, Singapore-based luxury developer SC Global Developments launched its latest residential offering, the 190-unit Setsu Niseko luxury hotel residence in Niseko, located in the northern perfecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Niseko, famous for its powder-like snow has three major ski resorts on Mount Niseko-Annupuri Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri, which cover most of the southeastern half of the mountain. Simon Cheong, founder and chairman of SC Global Developments, identified the 2.54-acre, prime freehold site within the village of Grand Hirafu, and purchased it in 2015. Cheong declined to disclose his purchase price, except to say that he bought it from a charming Japanese lady in her 80s who owns the site behind it as well. She wanted to sell to a credible developer who would do justice to the site, as it was handed to her by her husband, he says. Artists impression of a master suite with picturesque view of Mount Yotei (Picture Credit: SC Global Developments) Setsu Niseko is located on the Main Street (Route 343), a few minutes walk from the Hirafu Gondola Station, where skiers can easily access the ski slopes. Flanked by two mountains, Setsu Niseko enjoys unparalled views units facing the east will have breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Yotei (the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido), while those facing the west will have picture-postcard views of Mount Annupuri. The development comprises 190 luxury residences across four blocks and spanning six floors. There is also 10,000 sq ft of F&B space that will be leased to new to market operators in Niseko. Units range from studio apartments starting at 439 sq ft; two-bedroom units with tatami rooms from 994 sq ft; and three- and four-bedroom units from 1,518 sq ft. There are also penthouses with 270-degree views. Prices start from US$500,000 ($688,833) for a studio apartment. Exterior of the 190-unit Setsu Niseko, designed by Singapore architect, Mok Wei Wei of W Architects in collaboration with Japanese architects Field Four and Kume Sekke (Picture Credit: SC Global Developments) Story continues Prior to the launch, SC Global had already received more than 500 enquiries. At least 40% of the potential buyers who have expressed interest are Singaporeans. As such, private previews will start in Singapore this weekend, followed by Niseko later in December. Singapore architect Mok Wei Wei of W Architects, who designed SC Globals 241-unit luxury residences, Hilltops at Cairnhill Circle, has also been engaged to design Setsu Niseko in collaboration with Japanese architects Field Four and Kume Sekkei. While Setsu Niseko has a Japanese feel, SC Global has also injected its brand of luxury and thoughtful touches into it: Every bedroom has an en suite bathroom; there are shoji screens, tatami rooms and ski closets, as well as heated racks in the bathrooms. I embarked on this project because I felt there was a tremendous lack of such accommodation in Niseko, says Cheong. Interior of a two-bedroom unit, which comes with a tatami room that can be converted into an additional bedroom if needed (Picture Credit: SC Global Developments) According to C9 Hotelworks Market Research in June 2018, foreign visitor arrivals to Niseko outperformed domestic travellers, with y-o-y growth of 17% in 2017 and a five-year compound annual growth rate of 16%. The top five Asian visitors are from Hong Kong, mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Freehold ownership, a lower Japanese yen, and high capital gains have boosted the real estate market in Niseko, says the C9 Hotelworks report. Marketwide, the average selling price of condominiums grew 12.5% in 2017. Similarly, the average builtup price for condos in Niseko has soared 25% from last year. About 80% of the units at Setsu Niseko are one- and two-bedroom units. This is in line with market demand, as the most popular condos in Niseko are those in the 70-to-90 sq m range and priced from US$500,000 to US$1.2 million, according to C9 Hotelworks. Cheong: Were happy that were able to leapfrog into Japan, and were in a very sweet spot in Niseko.The value of the project is likely to appreciate, as demand far exceeds supply (Photo Credit: SC Global Developments) Setsu Niseko is scheduled for completion in 2021. According to SC Globals Cheong, owners will have the flexibility of using the residence when they are there on holiday for as long as they like, or putting it into the rental pool. Were happy that were able to leapfrog into Japan, and were in a very sweet spot in Niseko, says Cheong. The value of the project is likely to appreciate, as demand far exceeds supply. See Also: Global temperatures in 2018 are set to be the fourth highest on record, the UN said Thursday, stressing the urgent need for action to rein in runaway warming of the planet. In a report released ahead of the COP 24 climate summit in Poland, the World Meteorological Organization pointed out that the 20 warmest years on record have been in the past 22 years, and that "2018 is on course to be the 4th warmest year on record." "This would mean that the past four years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are also the four warmest years in the series," the UN agency said in its provisional report on the state of the climate this year. The "warming trend is obvious and continuing," WMO chief Petteri Taalas told reporters in Geneva. The report shows that the global average temperature for the first 10 months of the year was nearly 1.0-degree Celsius above the pre-industrial era (1850-1900). - 'Last generation' - "It is worth repeating once again that we are the first generation to fully understand climate change and the last generation to be able to do something about it," Taalas warned. With levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, at a record high, "we may see temperature increase of 3-5C by the end of the century," Taalas said. "If we exploit all known fossil fuel resources, the temperature rise will be considerably higher." Delegations from nearly 200 countries are due in Poland next week for the latest COP24 climate summit, aimed at renewing and building on the Paris deal and limiting global warming. World leaders have been trying to breathe new life into the 195-nation agreement amid backsliding from several nations -- most notably the United States -- over commitments made when it was signed in December 2015. It is to take effect in 2020 and calls for limiting global warming to less than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. But experts warn that global warming is on track to surpass three degrees by 2100 and urge governments to do more than first planned to rein it in. "Every fraction of a degree of warming makes a difference to human health and access to food and fresh water, to the extinction of animals and plants, to the survival of coral reefs and marine life," WMO deputy chief Elena Manaenkova stressed in a statement. "It makes a difference to economic productivity, food security, and to the resilience of our infrastructure and cities," she said. "It makes a difference to the speed of glacier melt and water supplies, and the future of low-lying islands and coastal communities." Go-Jek drivers wait for customers in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 24 May, 2018. (AP file photo) From Thursday (29 November), thousands in Singapore will be able to download and try a beta version of ride-hailing company Go-Jeks app, ahead of its official launch early next year. The Indonesia-based company declined to give an exact figure of users it is allowing to participate in this phase of the apps launch. However, the company hopes to serve hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans before going to full launch, said a spokesperson. Access to the service will be granted in batches to balance the demand and service capabilities, the spokesperson added. The app is now available on the iOS app store and will be made progressively available for Android users. Perks for DBS, POSB customers DBS and POSB customers will be given priority on its waitlist along with other perks, including a $10 voucher credit for their first two rides, on a first-come, first-served basis. These benefits come as part of Go-Jeks partnership with the bank. During the apps beta launch, Go-Jek will cover the Central Business District, Jurong East, Changi, Punggol, Ang Mo Kio and Sentosa. These areas were chosen based on population density, it added. We are launching in beta for now, while we fine-tune our service to make sure it meets the high standards expected by Singaporeans. As such, we are asking all users, whether drivers or passengers, to provide us with ongoing feedback as we work towards creating the best possible service for the country, said Go-Jek president Andre Soelistyo in a statement. While the spokesperson declined to disclose the number of drivers available during the apps beta phase, the company has seen tens of thousands of drivers signing up to its Singapore driver pre-registration portal that was launched in October. Grab Singapore responds In response to Go-Jeks launch of its beta app, Grab Singapores head Lim Kell Jay said that the company welcomed the competition. We believe more choice in the market enables innovation and promotes a higher level of service in the industry, said Lim. Grab remains focused on meeting our customers needs and building on our vision of becoming Singapores everyday superapp. Story continues Singapore-based Grab acquired Ubers South-east Asian business earlier this year. The two companies were fined a combined $13 million in September by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for their merger, which had been deemed anti-competitive. Go-Jeks announcement also comes two weeks after Mass Vehicle Ledger Foundation, the Singapore-based start-up behind ride-hailing app TADA, released a new app that allows users to book taxis. More Singapore stories: TADA Taxi app launched with pool of 2,000 taxi drivers Go-Jek partners DBS to offer regional payments Grab, Uber fined a combined $13 million for March merger Grab CEO Anthony Tan: Tremendous competition in Singapores mobility business Nov 29 (Reuters) - JiangSu Jin Tong Ling Fluid Machinery Technology Co Ltd: * SAYS OWNER SIGNS AGREEMENT TO SELL COMPANY STAKES TO UNIT OF SHAANXI'S STATE ASSETS REGULATOR * SAYS UNIT OF SHAANXI'S STATE ASSETS REGULATOR WILL BECOME CO'S OWNER, OWNING 25 PERCENT-29.99 PERCENT CO'S STAKE , AFTER THE TRANSACTION * SAYS UNITS OF SHAANXI'S STATE ASSETS REGULATOR TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING FUND OF AT LEAST 6.0 BILLION YUAN ($863.82 million) FOR COMPANY'S NEW PROJECTS Source text in Chinese: https://bit.ly/2P94ZMg Further company coverage: ($1 = 6.9459 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom) How Chinas economic reformers are using US trade war to push demands for opening up Chinese intellectuals, including several figures close to the countrys chief trade negotiator Liu He, are using the trade war with the United States to press Beijing to reform and further open up the economy. About a dozen intellectuals in government-backed think tanks have been calling for key reforms through lobbying Liu, the countrys vice-premier, and other policymakers in oral or written forms. Many of these correspond to Americas demands such as ending subsidies and preferential treatment, reducing the emphasis on state-owned enterprises, treating companies equally and making China a real market economy, according to sources involved in the endeavours. We are not organised, but found others have been doing the same thing recently, one of the sources said. We recognise the pressure from the trade war could catalyse the decision to deepen reforms. We decided not to miss the chance to influence policymakers before the showdown at the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump are expected to have face-to-face talks at the G20 summit in Argentina over the weekend and it is believed that China is ready to make a deal to defuse trade tensions. Trump has said that he had received a list of 142 items from Beijing including a lot of the things the US asked for but some things were left off. Liu, Xis right-hand man on economic policy, has been the chief trade negotiator with the US since the start of the year. Known for his pro-reform beliefs and close relationship with liberal members of the Chinese Economists 50 Forum, which he co-founded 20 years ago, there were high hopes that Liu would help to ease tensions with the US and bring forth a new round of market-oriented reforms. However, the result so far has disappointed many and prompted some to call for real reforms and opening up, such as reducing the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and breaking up their monopoly in sectors such as telecoms and energy. Story continues I think there is a robust sentiment [among Chinese intellectuals] that China needs a trade war like a hole in the head, and that while Trump is no trade angel, Beijings approach and attitude have been wrong and taking China away from re-engagement with the US, George Magnus, a research associate at the University of Oxford China Centre said. Many who are critical of Chinas direction of travel are using trade as a lightning rod to illuminate other problems affecting the domestic economy, in particular the stifling of reform and opening up in all but rhetoric, Magnus said. Mainland liberal intellectuals were extremely disappointed by the lack of progress or even setbacks in Chinas reforms and opening up in recent years, highlighted by the worsening business climate for private companies, according to Gary Liu Shengjun, president of the China Financial Reform Institute, a Shanghai-based research group. The biggest source of anxiety is the advance of state sector and retreat of private investment in companies, he said. Mixing politics with company management and letting the Communist Party play a leading role in all kinds of companies is a great setback in Chinas reforms. Xi has tried to quell these concerns and has repeatedly told overseas investors that foreign companies will be treated equally. In a meeting with domestic private entrepreneurs early this month, Xi underscored the importance of private companies and reassured executives from industries including information security, car parts, artificial intelligence and other industries that they were not regarded as economic outsiders. Such talks may be a good sign, but are not enough to dispel worries, said another source who also took part in the lobbying. The discrimination in allocating bank loans, state subsidies and other areas against non-SOE market players will only disappear after the government ceases to own companies, which is what Im calling for. The sources said they had yet to receive any feedback from the policymakers they had contacted. Zhang Lifan, a Beijing-based historian, said: Liu He undoubtedly understands what the crux is, but the problem is to what extent he can influence Xi. Intellectuals are hoping he can wield a bigger influence on Xi this time. Last Monday, Wu Jinglian, a co-founder of the Chinese Economists 50 Forum, urged the Chinese leadership to show political courage and wisdom and make pro-market reforms. The next day Liu Shijin, deputy head of the China Development Research Foundation, a government think tank, told a conference in Beijing that China should adopt high standards. He said the country should aim high when constructing a market economy and push ahead with the process of opening up to win favourable international conditions and stabilise and boost domestic confidence. This article How Chinas economic reformers are using US trade war to push demands for opening up first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Two senior US lawmakers known for their opposition to Chinas telecommunications giant ZTE warned key members of President Donald Trumps cabinet on Wednesday that the companys business in Venezuela may have violated the terms of a settlement agreement it struck with the US government. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen cited a Reuters report about ZTEs provision of a population database for the Venezuelan government. The database, which, according to the Reuters report, allows the Venezuelan government to monitor its citizens through centralised video surveillance and other methods, has components manufactured by US IT infrastructure company Dell Technologies. ZTE installed data storage units built by Dell Technologies, the letter said. Though Dells transaction appears to have been with ZTE in China, we are concerned that ZTE may have violated US export controls by misidentifying the end-user or purpose of the end-use. The Venezuelan government hired ZTE to build a database and develop a mobile payment system for a smart ID card, the letter said, citing the November 14 Reuters report. In developing the database for this ID card, ZTE reportedly embedded its employees in a unit of Venezuelas state telecommunications firm, CANTV the president of which is subject to US sanctions. The US government has in place financial sector sanctions meant to deny the regime [of President Nicolas Maduro] a critical source of financing with which it maintains its rule and protect the US financial system from complicity in Venezuelas corruption and in the impoverishment of the Venezuelan people, according to the State Department. Rubio and Van Hollen have been out front in efforts by US lawmakers to keep sanctions on ZTE. Story continues The two senators co-sponsored legislation introduced in September that would reimpose a crippling ban imposed by the Commerce Department on ZTE if it violates terms of the deal it struck with the Trump administration. The ZTE Enforcement Review and Oversight (ZERO) Act would prohibit ZTE from purchasing any American-made components, which are crucial to its products, if it is found to violate US sanctions. ZTE, the second largest telecoms equipment maker in China, was first fined in early 2017 for selling millions of dollars worth of hardware and software from US technology companies to Iran and North Korea, which were under American sanctions. The company was later found to have lied about the matter, which led the US Commerce Department this year to impose the seven-year ban. The inability to buy components from US suppliers resulted in ZTEs closing major operations within weeks. The companys survival became a source of friction in trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Trump, in what he called a favour to Chinese President Xi Jinping, directed the Commerce Department to come up with alternative, less crippling punishment. ZTE eventually agreed to pay a total of US$1.4 billion in fines and escrow funds, appoint a new board of directors and install compliance oversight managers chosen by the US, and the ban was lifted on July 13. The only punishment specified in case of future violations was the loss of the US$400 million in escrow. As part of the settlement, the Commerce Department appointed a ZTE monitor to assess the equipment makers compliance with US export control laws and sanctions. This article Chinas ZTE may have cheated on US deal by installing Dell hardware for Venezuela, senators tell White House first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. By Dave Sherwood SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Wednesday signed into law a bill allowing people over the age of 14 to change their name and gender in official records, marking a historic shift in a traditionally conservative, predominantly Roman Catholic country. The bill was first introduced by center-left President Michelle Bachelet, then faced fierce lobbying by conservative and religious groups until its eventual passage by lawmakers in September, nearly five years later. "I am aware there are varying opinions on this issue," the center-right Pinera said in an official act celebrating the law's passage. "But I am firm in my conviction that we have taken a step in the right direction." The law marks an increasingly progressive tack in Chile, an Andean nation until recently dominated by a conservative, Catholic culture. Chile legalized divorce in 2004, making it one of the last countries in the world to do so. And the country's ban on abortion, one of the strictest in the world, was lifted in 2017, though for special circumstances only. The transgender bill signed into law on Wednesday defines gender identity as a personal conviction of whether a person sees himself or herself as male or female, irrespective of their physical state or the gender or name assigned to them in the country's civic register. Children aged 14 to 18 must first obtain the consent of their parents or legal guardians. There are no official statistics for the number of trans people in Chile. (Reporting by Dave Sherwood; editing by Jonathan Oatis) HIV and Aids infection rates are rising among elderly Chinese, due to a lack of understanding about safe sex and a reluctance to discuss it with doctors, a Shanghai-based online news outlet reported on Tuesday. More and more elderly people are being infected, Thepaper.cn quoted a Hangzhou Disease Control and Prevention Centre official as saying. The biggest reason is that the elderly lack awareness of self-protection and do not know much about Aids. They are not used to using condoms and are uncomfortable going to the doctor about this. Medical staff at the centre said the earlier the virus was detected, the better the treatment prospects but elderly people were more likely to report the disease at a later stage and so had a greater risk of dying from HIV/Aids. The centre urged people to get tested if they have ever had an extramarital affair, had gay sex, or thought their partner had. The report said the biggest increase in infection was among Chinese men aged 60 and older, with the number of new HIV/Aids cases up 136 per cent in five years from 8,391 in 2012 to 19,815 in 2017. In September, Chinese officials said the number of HIV cases had risen 14 per cent nationwide in the year so far compared with 2017. More than 100,000 new infections are reported in China every year according to government figures, with many cases transmitted through unprotected sex rather than blood transfusions, which are another major source of HIV infection. In Hangzhou in eastern Chinas Zhejiang province, Aids cases among the elderly rose by half in three years, the report said. While young people accounted for most of the provinces 4,413 reported HIV/Aids cases, a growing number were among the elderly, the report said. More elderly men were becoming infected through extramarital affairs, although gay sex also was a major factor, according to the report. Elderly women were most likely to contract the disease through their male partners, it said. Story continues A Hangzhou woman in her sixties and widowed for a decade said she learned she was HIV positive when a tumour was found in her uterus during a medical examination. She contracted the virus by having sex with a man who had used prostitutes. There is no cure for HIV/Aids, but it can be managed with antiretroviral medication. More than 820,000 people in China are estimated to have HIV/Aids, according to government data. Although the virus first entered the mainland in 1982, it still carries a huge stigma in Chinese society because of its association with the LGBT community. The targets of discrimination can include family members, employers and even medical professionals, even though Chinese law deems such practices illegal. The virus has also been back in the news this week with Chinese scientist He Jiankui claiming that he and a team of researchers edited the genes of twin girls who were born to an HIV-positive father. He said his goal was to add a trait that few people naturally had an ability to resist infection from HIV. But critics say the DNA changes can pass to future generations, risking harm to other genes. This article In the dark about safe sex: HIV/Aids spreads among Chinas elderly first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. More from South China Morning Post: Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, a first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign. Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016. Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. "This is a light in the darkness. Despite the gruesome climate of killing and impunity in the country, this verdict sends the message that there is hope and justice," said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros. Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects." Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not performance of duty. Do not commit a crime". It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms. Former Hong Kong minister Patrick Ho Chi-ping apologised and said he was impressed by Chadian leader Idriss Debys rejection of his alleged US$2 million cash gift, a key prosecution witness told a New York court on the third day of Hos corruption trial. The president had felt insulted and disrespected by the alleged bribe, former Senegalese foreign minister Cheikh Gadio said in his second day of testimony. Gadio, 62, had told authorities about Hos cash offer soon after he was arrested last November, a court document uploaded on Tuesday US time revealed. He is serving as a witness for the US government under a non-prosecution agreement. In December 2014, Ho and several high-profile members of Shanghai-based private conglomerate CEFC China Energy made their second official visit to Chad to discuss the possible purchase of the countrys largest oil refinery, called Block H. Ho was the secretary general of a think tank funded by the energy giant, while Gadio was the head of Sarata International, a consulting firm that facilitated the meetings. About eight large boxes were given to Deby at the end of the meeting. Later that day, Gadio was asked to return to the leaders official residence, where the session had been held. When he arrived, he saw the president looking upset and offended. Who do they think I am? Who do they think they are? Gadio quoted Debys reaction after finding money in the boxes. Why do they believe all African people are corrupt? Deby asked to meet the delegation the next day. According to Gadio, the president said at the follow-up meeting: Among the gift boxes delivered to me was US$2 million in some of the boxes. This is not acceptable, and I need a clear explanation. He received an apology from both Ho and CEFC executive director Zang Jianjun for the money in the boxes. According to Gadio, Ho told the president that he was impressed by his reaction. This is why I was right to propose working with Chad as a gateway to Africa, Gadio quoted Ho as saying. Story continues It was a spontaneous reaction, the witness added. After a brief negotiation with Deby on what to do with the gift, CEFC offered to send an official letter from China stating the US$2 million was a donation made to the people of Chad. Zang said that if they were to take the money back, it would be humiliating to China. Gadio said he never discussed the incident with Ho afterward, as they both felt embarrassed. Ho, 69, who was Hong Kongs home affairs minister from 2002 to 2007, faces eight charges, including bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, money laundering, corruption and conspiracy. He has denied all eight counts. On Wednesday, prosecutor Douglas Zolkind questioned Gadio on his relationship with the defendant. The witness said he had, on several occasions, asked Ho for a formal deal between Sarata and CEFC to secure his compensation for his consulting and facilitating work. However, he never received an official agreement. We had worked so hard and we spent our own money to prearrange all the meetings, Gadio said when asked by Zolkind why he did not stop working with Ho and CEFC after not having his terms fulfilled. Chad badly needed the contract, and I thought I should continue. Gadio had expected to receive a 10 per cent fee for a deal between Chad and CEFC worth roughly US$3 billion, which would have come to about US$300 million. Even if we received 1 per cent of the deal, US$30 million, it would have been enough, he said. Even if we received 1 per cent of the deal, US$3 million, it would have been enough Cheikh Gadio, prosecution witness By December 21, 2014, about two weeks after the second meeting in Chad, Gadios terms were still not met. In a text message exchange presented in court, Gadio wrote to his son: Our Chinese friends are strange. Will give them another week, or we will go to Chad and destroy their reputation. It wasnt a very nice statement of me, Gadio said, recalling his frustration with CEFC and Ho. He is expected to continue his testimony on Thursday US time. While it was previously disclosed that Gadio had entered a non-prosecution agreement with the prosecution in September, in which he agreed to testify against Ho in exchange for having the charges against him dropped, a court document uploaded on Tuesday US time revealed that the former Senegalese official had started cooperating with authorities soon after his arrest a year ago. Gadio gave a lengthy, videotaped post-arrest statement, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman wrote in a legal submission to the court. In that statement, Gadio admitted this fact [of the US$2 million offered to Deby]. Gadio had waived his right to remain silent when meeting authorities after being arrested and provided further details about the case, according to a transcript of his first bail hearing on November 18, 2017. He spoke for a meaningful period of time, hours, about the facts in the complaint, which I understand in sum he admitted material facts the gift or payment to the president of Chad for example, Assistant US Attorney Daniel Richenthal said during the hearing. He added some details to those facts that, to be honest, werent even in the complaint, and that we [the prosecution] werent even aware of. Based on details of the non-prosecution agreement disclosed on Tuesday US time, Gadio had agreed to truthfully testify at the US authorities request and not make any public statement about the case until the hearing was closed. Any false or misleading testimony in court or to the authorities could lead to federal criminal prosecution. Gadio, however, was not prevented from freely meeting with and speaking to Ho and his counsel, although it was unclear if there was such communication. The agreement also showed that the US Department of Justice had dropped charges involving Gadios alleged failure to disclose his US$400,000 consultancy fee from CEFC and other related income in his tax returns between 2012 and 2016. Hos defence previously indicated that it planned to challenge the credibility of the witness. It has also moved to exclude a major part of the non-prosecution-agreement that described Gadio confirming the sum as a bribe. This article Former Hong Kong minister Patrick Ho apologised, was impressed by Chadian presidents rejection of US$2 million cash gift: bribery trial witness first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. How a grass-roots Chinese official used fake invoices and correction fluid to embezzle US$5 million An official who pocketed more than 35 million yuan (US$5 million) from Chinas special funds for poverty relief used the simplest of tricks without being noticed for 11 years. China Discipline and Supervision Daily, the official newspaper of Chinas top watchdog, reported that Chen Zhixiang, a minor official who oversaw the civil affairs of Gangkou county in the city of Zhongshan, Guangdong province, was left in control of the local purse strings of a national campaign that was pledged in 2015 to wipe out poverty. Investigators with Zhongshan Municipality Commission for Discipline Inspection said Chen took money from all of the 14 special purpose funds that he handled from 2007 to 2017. Their report said dozens of people could be involved. The watchdog said Chen committed 529 offences involving sums of between 20 and 700,000 yuan that totalled 35.87 million yuan. In 2016 alone, he took 7.26 million yuan 60 per cent of the anti-poverty funds disbursed that year. I did not expect to get the money successfully, Chen was quoted as telling told investigators. My modus operandi is very primitive. I dont know why no one found out. Chinas state Xinhua News Agency reported that Chen clumsily altered invoices and other documents. In one instance, he used correction fluid to change an amount received from 18623 to 623. Chen bought and used fake invoices from an internet vendor that looked nothing like the documents issued by the banks, Xinhua reported. Chen exaggerated the number of poor eligible for help, adding fictitious names and never striking off the names of deceased claimants. Investigators found Chen also managed to automate the embezzlement process by adding his account number to the details of fictitious aid recipients submitted to the banks so that he would receive money automatically. Story continues Peng Lixin, the investigative team leader, was quoted by Xinhua as saying that central government officials assumed that the banks would checked the numbers and names of welfare fund recipients, while the banks assumed information provided to them would not be false, so no one checked in the end. The watchdogs report implicated 22 people in the Chen case. Chens superior Wu Shaoqiong, who was the director of civil affairs of Gangkou county, was charged with negligence. Chen, who has been detained in connection with the embezzlement since May, has not yet been charged as investigations are not complete. Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to wipe out poverty in 2015. Beijing is to commit 90 billion yuan to poverty alleviation in 2019, to achieve the goal of no one living below the poverty line by 2020. This article How a grass-roots Chinese official used fake invoices and correction fluid to embezzle US$5 million first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. The Hungarian government said Thursday it will spend 1.5 million euros ($1.7 million) every year on various projects to combat anti-Semitism. Nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has been accused of fostering anti-Semitic sentiment through a virulent campaign against Hungarian-born liberal US billionaire George Soros, who is Jewish. Orban vehemently denies any anti-Semitism and has pointed to his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- who has also criticised Soros -- as proof of his good relations with the Jewish community. The money will go towards supporting a Hungarian Jewish organisation, the Action and Protection League of Europe (APLE), according to government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs. It will help the organisation fund various projects across Europe, including education programmes and a hotline to report anti-Semitic incidents. APLE will also open an office in Brussels "to make its voice heard" at European institutions, Kovacs said. Orban says Soros' Jewish identity does not preclude him from criticism and accuses him of plotting to increase migration to Europe -- a charge which Soros denies. Some of the huge billboards used by the government in its 2017 poster campaign against Soros were daubed with anti-Semitic graffiti. Hungary's largest Jewish organisation Maszihisz branded that campaign "toxic" and called for it to be scrapped. In a blog post on Thursday, Kovacs stressed the government's "zero tolerance" approach to anti-Semitism and pointed to several measures it had taken to foster Jewish life, including devoting resources to the reconstruction of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. According to a Europe-wide poll of anti-Semitic attitudes commissioned by broadcaster CNN and published earlier this week, 42 percent of Hungarians think Jews have too much influence in finance and business across the world and 19 percent admit to having an unfavourable opinion of Jews. However, according to the World Jewish Congress, Hungary's Jewish community -- Central Europe's largest -- faces only "occasional anti-Semitic incidents" and has "every facility" to express its heritage and religious life. Concerns have also been raised about the way the government has dealt with Hungary's history during the Holocaust. Acclaimed Hungarian-born Holocaust historian Randolph L. Braham -- who died last week -- returned a state honour in 2014, accusing Orban's government of minimising Hungary's role in the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Hungarian Jews to Nazi death camps. By Giselda Vagnoni ROME (Reuters) - Italy's ruling League party is working to create a single broadband network that would be put under state control, one of its senior lawmakers, Alessandro Morelli, said on Thursday. The far-right League and its coalition partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, want to create a company that combines the networks of former monopoly Telecom Italia and smaller, state-controlled Open Fiber to help Italy catch up with the broadband services of European rivals. While the 5-Star had already made clear it wanted the network to be public, the League had not. Earlier this month, League leader Matteo Salvini said he preferred the state to be in control of infrastructure dealing with public data, but did not specify broadband. "The single network must be publicly controlled, this is our hope as it is an infrastructure of national interest," Morelli, who heads the transport and communications committee in parliament, told Reuters in a interview. He said private investors were welcome in Italy, "but infrastructure of strategic importance must be in the hands of the state". Morelli did not explain how the government would control the single broadband company, but sources familiar with the matter said state lender CDP, which is a shareholder in both Telecom Italia (TIM) and Open Fiber (OF), could play a central role. CDP has a 5 percent stake in TIM and jointly controls OF with state-controlled utility ENEL. "Obviously one of the options we are looking at is giving a bigger role to CDP in the single network company," a League source said. Another source pointed out CDP already controls regulated gas and power grid companies Snam and Terna, and so the country's strategic networks were "within its mission". "The final shareholder structure will depend on the norms that will be approved by the parliament," this source said. Italy plans to introduce a framework for the merged network firm similar to a regulated asset base (RAB), which allows regulated returns on investments. Potentially spinning off TIM's network and merging it with OF has been at the center of a power struggle between the phone group's two biggest shareholders - French media group Vivendi and activist fund Elliott. Elliott won control of TIM's board in May. One of its candidates, Luigi Gubitosi, was appointed TIM's new boss on Nov 18 and vowed to look at the single network idea. TIM's former CEO Amos Genish had wanted the phone group to retain control of any merged broadband network. (Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni, Giuseppe Fonte, Stefano Bernabei; Writing by Giulia Segreti and Giselda Vagnoni; Editing by Steve Scherer and Mark Potter) The United Nations envoy on Syria signed off from his posting Thursday ruing "a missed opportunity" to help end the country's long conflict at talks in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. Staffan de Mistura, who announced his resignation last month, capped his term as peace envoy with two days of talks in the Kazakh capital sponsored by power-brokers Russia and Iran -- allies of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad -- and rebel-backer Turkey. A statement from his office noted he regretted that "no tangible progress in overcoming the 10-month stalemate on the composition of the constitutional committee" was made at the talks. The meeting in Astana was "a missed opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated constitutional committee," the statement said. The two-day negotiations that concluded Thursday, are the 11th in Astana since Moscow began a diplomatic push in early 2017 that effectively sidelined other talks on Syria led by the United Nations. The constitutional committee is viewed as a vital element in reaching a political settlement in the country. Speaking after the talks, Russia's Syria negotiator Aleksandr Lavrentyev said the committee was of "upmost importance". "I want to say that we are sufficiently close to our cherished goal," he added, without giving any date. The talks began Wednesday with a 10-week-old Idlib truce deal hanging in the balance after an alleged chemical attack in the government-held city of Aleppo on Saturday triggered retaliatory raids. The exact circumstances of the attack remain murky and bitterly disputed. The Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has blamed rebel fighters for the attack which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said hospitalised 94 people. The incident has strained an already fragile agreement reached in mid-September to fend off a fully-fledged assault on Idlib, which Syria's regime -- backed by Russia and Iran -- has said it is committed to re-taking. Speaking late Wednesday, Russia's Lavrentyev said that "additional time" would be required to secure a buffer zone in the region of three million people after an uptick in fighting. The alleged chemical attack "must be dealt with very seriously," he said, calling for qualified international bodies to visit the city to assess the incident. On Sunday, Russia said its war planes had carried out their first strikes in the zone since the deal was reached, in an apparent retaliation. - No space for Washington - The Astana talks have seen the United States and other Western countries kept at arm's length over Syria. A joint communique agreed by the three sponsors targeted Washington's continued military presence in the country. The guarantors "rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism," it said. Earlier this week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the US of using the presence of the Islamic State group in southern Syria as an excuse to keep forces stationed there. Lavrentyev also complained of the extended US presence during the talks in Astana. The United States has attended some previous Astana rounds as an observer but US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey last week ruled out Washington participating in the latest talks. The next set of Syria negotiations in Astana are scheduled for early February, according to the joint communique. Syria's grinding seven-year civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions. Over four years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 mysterious veered off course, relatives of those on board have come forward to say that they will present new pieces of debris they believe to be from the plane, to Malaysian government officials this week. On March 8, 2014, the regularly scheduled flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing mysteriously disappeared after changing course over Vietnamese airspace, and eventually flying off radar detection. Both local and international investigators have concluded that it is most likely that the plane met its end in a remote area of the Indian Ocean; however, no motive for going there has ever been ascertained. At present, 27 pieces of sundry aircraft debris have been found floating or washed up in and around different places in the world. Only three of those were ever concluded to have been from MH370. Passenger and crew next of kin informed media yesterday that they would be meeting with Malaysias Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Friday to hand over newly recovered debris. Speaking to Reuters, Calvin Shim, the husband of one of the crew members, told the outlet that five of the pieces had been recovered off of Madagascar, with the most recent debris having been found in August. No mention was made of how the group had been operating, and whether they were affiliated with any other organization. The case has become one of contemporary times most enduring mysteries, with little information on exactly where and why the plane disappeared where it did. Recent investigations by the new Malaysian government have done little to elucidate this, with a 495-page report only concluding that the planes controls were mostly likely deliberately altered to take the plane off its route, though they could not say for certain whether this had actually happened, no who was ultimately responsible for it. Prime Minister Mahathir has said that any future search will only happen if new clues come to light: A three-month, US-led sea search by Ocean Infinity on over 112,000 square kilometers made no significant findings, and previous searches led by Australian, Chinese, and Malaysian authorities ended in vain, with no discoveries. This article, Relatives of MH370 say they may have discovered pieces of debris, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. For more Coconuts stories, you can download our app, sign up for our newsletters, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PHOTO: Getty Images Police have seen a spike in scam cases involving fraudulent subscription of mobile lines this year. From January to June, 77 such cases were reported with the amount cheated totalling more than $83,000, a seven-fold increase as compared to 10 cases reported in the same period last year. The Singapore Police Force wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday (27 November) that these cases involved people being cheated into signing for handsets and mobile lines for others, usually for a commission. The scammers then disappeared, forcing the victims to pay all the charges on the line including those for line cancellation, which can amount to more than $1,000. A sample advertisement for scams involving fraudulent subscription of mobile lines. (PHOTO: Facebook/Singapore Police Force) Police said that members of the public can seek scam-related advice via the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688, or go to www.scamalert.sg If they wish to provide information related to such scams, they may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Other Singapore stories: Lawyer struck off the rolls over role in PIC scam Deliveroo to remove all shark fin dishes from Singapore platform Orchard Road public areas designated as No Smoking Zone from 1 January Thailand is attempting to change its cyber security image through a handful of legislative pushes and investment plays The Cybersecurity industry is seeing record growth worldwide, both in businesses and on the stock exchange with Gartner forecasting the industry currently stands at a valuation of $96 billion with 8% year-on-year growth expected. Sadly, the scaling of the industry, its large investment, and business valuations are all driven by the rapid increase of cybercrime which is causing palpable operational risk across the globe. Much of the western world has naturally evolved into a place where at home, and in the office, there is a minimum threshold of security. This level of protection for other regions is problematic. The dynamic and ever-changing landscape of technology leaves some nations in a limbo struggling to keep up, make pace, or even decide on when and how to start. Thailand is one such country that is facing these issues head-on; an increasingly connected population and the countrys 4.0 initiatives facing off again laws needing modernized, a workforce needing to be trained and a population that is necessary to inform. Cybersecurity threats in Thailand are intensifying and their current cybersecurity ranking, worryingly, is falling to new lows. A country typically scorned for its cybersecurity protocol is somehow seeing its reputation drop further. Also read: 4 ways to protect your business from cybersecurity threats Thailand is attempting to change this image through a handful of legislative pushes and investment plays. From the 157 countries evaluated by Symantec for cybersecurity Thailand can be found as seventh-worst in the APAC region overall, a slide from 9th in 2016. It also finds itself dipping across the IT security spectrum, dropping to 12th for SPAM email infiltrations, 21st for ransomware attacks and 11th for network attacks. The nation dropping to 18th worst from 25th in 2016, for cyrptojacking malware infections. Story continues All these infections and security breaches come as at a cost: Julian Garsany, Deputy Regional Representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, told a Bangkok seminar that the cost of cybercrime, was estimated between $120 $200 million for the ASEAN region; however Gartner and Frost & Sullivan see the potential cost to Thailand alone closer $500 million once you include indirect costs, not just the direct cost of fraud and breaches. Gartner estimated that Thailand spent around 6.7 billion baht (0.07% GDP) on cybersecurity in 2017, a number which is expected to grow to 0.35% over the next 8 years. Although the rates of cybercrime and the current levels of defense are troublesome, Thailand is inspired to make proactive positive change, opening a cybersecurity center dubbed the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC). This specialist center is designed to help train personnel from countries in the ASEAN region giving them the information to combat the rising danger of cyber threats. The center was initiated from a meeting between ASEAN members and Japans minister who are looking to develop cybersecurity coalition for everyone. The center itself is expect to turnover 700 graduates, specializing in cyber-defense, malware analysis and digital forensics with the curriculum designed by Japanese industry leaders. Every ASEAN member state is experiencing more sophisticated cyber threats, whereas the cyber security personnel are yet insufficient, said Surangkana Wayuparb, Executive Director of Thailands Electronic Transaction Development Agency, where the center is located. Thailand has also searched for international consultation and is seeking the advice of Israeli cybersecurity experts in the hopes of bolstering the nations critical infrastructure security. As well as international governments they have also enlisted the support of corporations, like NEC who will hold training exercises at the AJCCBC through May 2019, for 150 government and critical infrastructure officials and Cisco, who will train 1,000 security professionals. Furthermore, the Cyber South East Asian Games will be held for young engineers and students from each member state who will be invited to participate in a competition on cyberattack coping. Although Thailand is lagging in implementation and awareness, it is regarded as one of the most committed countries cybersecurity investment, lagging behind only Singapore and Malaysia in Asia. Also read: From Moscow to Singapore: How a global leader in cyber security found its way to Southeast Asia Tackling the cybersecurity dilemma is fraught with pitfalls and there is no one size fits all solution. ThaiCERT announced that the top 3 security threats facing Thailand were fraud, intrusion attempts and complete intrusion, usually in the form of Trojan attacks. Lawmakers are expected to enact a slew of new bills and upgrades to force companies to start implementing proper cyber security protocol. One of the main drivers for dynamic changes is the push toward Thailand 4.0 and industry 4.0 initiatives. In order to better meet these industry goals Thailand is pairing education, and technology with robust Data Protection and Cyber Security Law. Recognizing its role as a world-leading medical tourism destination and Financial and Logistical hub, Thailands leaders realize it needs to tighten up the security protocol across private and public operations. As such the government is focusing on six sectors, government services, financial services, healthcare, logistics and energy. The digital economy agency proposed 4 draft bills through 2014, as they seek cabinet approval ahead of 2019. Part of the legislation is the new Cybersecurity bill which will establish the National Security Agency, an agency that who will directly oversee the The National Cybersecurity Operation and the National Data Protection Agency all of which are looking to set up in the next 6 12 months. With 200 million baht in the coffers to start the push, Thailand is intent on seeing 1000 cybersecurity specialists in the next year. Paired with the Cybersecurity bill is the Data Protection Law, essentially the Thai GDPR, the Data Protection Law, Electronic Transaction Law and the law on the establishment of Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). It will then be forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for a final approval before a government announcement to the public in the second half of next year. It is hoped this security drive will help establish Thailand among the top countries in Asia and eventually the world as it looks to create more confidence in e-payment, e-commerce and online transactions. The dynamic change should also help in encouraging foreign investment, tackling privacy and lead to a more sustainable business environment long-term. - e27 publishes relevant guest contributions from the community. Share your honest opinions and expert knowledge by submitting your content here. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash The post Thailands great cybersecurity push appeared first on e27. President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's president-elect Jair Bolsonaro to visit the United States, his security chief John Bolton said on Thursday after meeting with the recently elected leader of the South American giant. National Security Adviser Bolton's visit was the first high level meeting between the two administrations that have drawn comparisons over similar positions on issues such as the environment, gun control, Chinese trade and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Bolton wrote on Twitter that he and Bolsonaro had "enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion," and that the United States would "look forward to a dynamic partnership" with Brasilia's new administration, due to assume office on January 1. Bolsonaro also took to social media where he called the talks "productive and welcome." The Rio de Janeiro meeting lasted one hour. Bolton didn't speak to reporters when he left, but he later posted some pictures of the encounter on Twitter. Far-right Bolsonaro's new defense, institutional security and foreign affairs ministers were also present. Bolton had said on Tuesday he was heading to Brazil to "prepare the ground for the two leaders." "President Trump was the first foreign leader to call the president-elect," Bolton had recalled on Tuesday. "We see this as a historic opportunity for Brazil and the United States to work together, a whole host of areas -- economics, security and a range of others." Bolsonaro is a fervent Trump admirer and has made no secret of his intention to reorient Brazilian diplomacy towards Washington. The president-elect followed Trump's footsteps in announcing his intention to move Brazil's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with a half-century of diplomacy. He also alienated China, the world's second biggest economy, by accusing it of "buying Brazil," and then turning his attentions to Taiwan, which he visited in February. Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, appears set to be a key regional ally for Washington in its desire to further isolate left-leaning regimes in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. This week, Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, visited the United States as a special envoy for the new administration. There he met with political and business leaders and attended the birthday celebrations of former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, an ardent supporter of right-wing populist movements around the world. Eduardo Bolsonaro also sparked controversy when he was pictured wearing a cap supporting Trump's 2020 bid for re-election. US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with Russia's leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's isolationist agenda were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20, minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted, calling on Russia to return the ships and their detained crews. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko retweeted Trump's change of mind and added his own comment in English: "This is how great leaders act!" The cancellation coincided with a new eruption in the controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- an issue that also flared up when the pair held their only summit to date, in Finland in July. Trump again ridiculed the investigation into the allegations and accused his former lawyer Michael Cohen of lying, after Cohen pled guilty to misleading Congress. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted frostily to Trump's cancellation, saying it would free up Putin to hold other "useful meetings" at the G20. Ukraine's government hoped to embarrass Putin at the G20 by erecting a giant billboard outside the meeting, depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia captured the ships. But an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, said in Buenos Aires. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Ukraine's territorial integrity should be respected and added: "I hope that escalation can be contained." - Art of the deal - While the Putin meeting now appears off, Trump is still slated to sit down with various leaders on the G20 margins including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of his firmest foreign critics. However, Merkel's plans were disrupted by technical troubles that forced her official plane to make an emergency landing in Germany, and a spokeswoman told AFP that she would miss Friday's opening of the summit. Topping the billing is a working dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, when Trump will press for wholesale reform of the world's second-biggest economy in favor of access for US companies. After heaping huge tariffs on Chinese goods, and threatening more to come in January, Trump said a ceasefire in the trade war was "very close" -- but cast doubt on whether he even wanted one. "I think China wants to make a deal. I am open to making a deal but frankly I like the deal that we have right now," the president said. Referring to the China tariffs, he said: "What we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of taxes." However, economists and critics of the president's trade policies point out duties are paid by importers and thus constitute a tax on US industry and consumers that is not paid by China. En route to Argentina, Xi vowed on Wednesday that China would "make a lot of efforts to speed up market access, improve the investment environment and increase protection of intellectual property." But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine, and analysts doubt that Trump and Xi's dinner will serve up much beyond a commitment to negotiate further. - 'Useless' - Trump's tough talking set the stage for a contentious gathering in Argentina with the tensions over Ukraine and trade deepening fissures carved open by the US president on climate change -- an issue that nearly torpedoed last year's G20 hosted by Merkel. It is likely to be to the fore of the meeting of European leaders called by Macron, along with demands to resist the trade protectionism now stalking the world economy 10 years after the first G20 summit was held in the throes of financial crisis. In an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, the French president warned against the risk of "a destructive trade war for all." "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. But Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a communique in Buenos Aires. US opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now. With a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, Guterres said "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment." Seized ivory tusks laid out in this AVA handout photo released 17 December 2015. (File photo: Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore and Singapore Customs) The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is seeking public feedback on a proposed blanket ban on the sale of elephant ivory and ivory products in Singapore. A blanket ban would mean that local businesses and individuals will no longer be able to buy or sell all forms of elephant ivory products in Singapore. Public display of elephant ivory and ivory products will also not be allowed, with the exception of display for educational purposes, such as in museums or the zoo. Do you feel that Singapore should ban the sale of elephant ivory here? Let AVA know by 27 December: E-mail to AVA_CITES@ava.gov.sg Mail to: Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (Headquarters), JEM Office Tower, 52 Jurong Gateway Road, #14-01, Singapore 608550 (Attn: QIG/Wildlife Public Consultation) And then have your say in our poll, and leave a comment below. Related stories: AVA seeks public feedback on proposed blanket elephant ivory ban WWF uses fake Singapore ivory store in awareness campaign I have a hunch that, come 2020, at least one major Democratic candidate for president is going to campaign on outright canceling a boatload of student debt. I say this for two reasons, and despite the fact that I have some pretty mixed feelings about the merits of mass debt forgiveness as a policy proposal. First, the issue is viscerally important to a lot of young, progressive voters who are drawn to politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for the simple reason that many of them are highly educated, underpaid, and struggling under a big pile of loans as a result. The burden of borrowing for school is one of the defining experiences that have shaped Millennials views of the economy, which is why student debt relief has been a constant demand from the left at least dating back to Occupy Wall Street. The desire to see those loans wiped isnt going away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, and perhaps more importantly, some recent polling suggests that the idea is broadly popular among Democrats. Back in October, the think tank Data for Progress and the debt relief advocacy group Freedom to Prosper released a report arguing at length that loan cancellation would be a political winner. At the time, I didnt pay a lot of attention to it, but after the issue popped back onto my radar last week, I asked them for some of the cross-tabs from the polling they commissioned, which asked 1,500 adults the following question: Would you support or oppose reversing the tax cuts recently passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Trump, and using any proceeds to cancel outstanding student debt? Advertisement Now, this isnt a perfect query to test support student debt forgiveness, since it contrasts the idea with the much loathed Trump tax cuts. Some people might have answered yes to the question not because they thought relieving loans was a great idea per se, but because it seemed like a better use of the governments money than slashing tax rates on corporations. But the results should at least give us a suggestion of where public opinion stands. And frankly, besides the work that Data for Progress commissions, there isnt all that much great polling out there for moonshot left-wing policy ideas other than Medicare for All. (Its certainly better than this bizarrely framed Rasmussen poll on student debt). Advertisement Anyway, the results are pretty stark. Among all survey takers, undoing the Trump tax cuts and using the money for student debt forgiveness had 41 percent in favor and 35 percent opposed. Among Democrats, however, the result wasnt even close: The net-approval was 52 percent , with about 66 percent in favor and just 13 percent opposed. Advertisement Advertisement Whats especially notable in these results is that, while a lot of Democrats strongly support the idea of forgiving student debt, relatively few strongly oppose it. One of the big political questions hanging over the concept of mass loan cancellation is whether it would anger and alienate people who have already paid off most or all of their debts, or those who did not go to college. When it comes to the Democratic primary electorate, there doesnt seem to be much danger of turning off large numbers of voters with the idea. The concept may be more polarizing in a general election, of course (among independents, 27.2 percent strongly support it, while 28.5 percent strongly oppose it). Butat least until more polling comes out suggesting otherwiseit seems like a surprisingly low-risk way to win over voters while competing for the nomination. Every Instagram influencer is only as good as her brand, and Emma Hallbergs trademark is her glow. Though the looks change and seldom, if ever, repeat, every photo spotlights a certain shine found on Hallbergs cheeks, nose, chin, and brow. That glow, or highlight as its known to the makeup world, is one of Hallbergs specialties, garnering features at Allure and Teen Vogue as well as a product collaboration with the cosmetics company Make Up Store. Hallberg has leaned into it, training her audience to expect to see her deep tan catching the light with such carefully placed dustings of gold. Advertisement That same tan now makes Hallberg and others like her conspicuous. By others like her, I dont mean influencers at large, but a muchbut not too muchnarrower coterie of online personalities whove recently been collected under the term niggerfishing (a play on catfishing). Earlier this month on Twitter, Toronto writer Wanna Thompson initiated a crowdsourced list of the white girls cosplaying as black women on Instagram. Contributors to the thread posted compilations of newer and older photos of various Instagram users with high (sometimes 100,000-plus) follower counts, letting the contrasts speak for themselves: In the before, a pale, mousy brunette; in the after, brown skin, 3c curls (or dreadlocks or box braids or Bantu knots or a wet and wavy wig), and hood fashions to match. Though Hallberg was far from the only user named, she has become the face of what the media has more palatably called blackfishing. Hallbergs before image shows her smiling at the camera in a white top and black jacket, tan but not bronze, her face slightly ruddy in the sun. In the after photo, she appears tanner, with large gold hoop earrings, wavier hair, and a thick coat of gloss accentuating her lips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juxtaposition recalls another viral sensation who was similarly exposed by a photo from her past: Rachel Dolezal. But unlike Dolezal, whose fumbled response (not her wig) paved her path to infamy, Hallberg does not deny her whiteness when asked. Though she hasnt seemed to care much about clearing up assumptions in the pasteven when accounts dedicated to black beauty have reposted her imagesshe now states herself clearly. I do not see myself as anything else than white, she told BuzzFeed earlier this month. I get a deep tan naturally from the sun. Wednesday, on Good Morning America, she reiterated the message, saying, I havent done anything to make myself look darker. Her Instagram page features an Insta Story called LET ME EXPLAIN, a more elaborate defense of her online appearance. In one image, Hallberg annotates the viral before & after diptych. The left, she writes, was taken 2 years ago right before summer with barely any makeup and my hair straightened, while the right was captured in July right after I came home from a vacation, with makeup. Another diptych shows photos of her father and brother who as you can see, says Hallberg, also tan very easily. Their smiling faces, indeed, look tan, but only in the way that many white people look tan. Advertisement Advertisement Like Hallberg herself, her defenders tend to focus on her skin and hair. How can someones natural complexion and hair be a costume? They arent listening, of course. It doesnt matter, alone, if Hallbergs follicles sprout from her head like that or are derived from another source. Hallberg does wear wigs: Shes been known to plug straight and wavy wigs sold by the vendor @Msherehair, whose Instagram page otherwise mostly displays photos of black people. But so do a lot of influencers these days, a byproduct of the industrys combined cannibalization of drag and blackness that has so many beauty influencers beating their face to the gawds with a ready yas kween. Advertisement Unlike Rachel Dolezal, whose fumbled response paved her path to infamy, Hallberg does not deny whiteness when asked. The tan and curls are not the point nor beside the point but rather a small part of a head-to-toe flirtation with signifying blacknessor at least something other than whiteness. Every photo bears the residue of black and brown hood girl couture: from the Louis Vuitton do-rag to the bright acrylics, camo, and Adidas-style track suits (shown off in a rap squat, no less). Her videos find accompaniment in the likes of Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, andof courseDrake. In one of the photos Hallberg posted to EXPLAIN, her similarly tan brother wears a white short-sleeve button down, linen shorts, and Stan Smiths, while she wears a dusky rose dress, those large gold hoop earrings, and a necklace seen frequently in her other photos: a gold chain reading Goddess, reminiscent of the nameplate necklaces that, as Collier Meyerson noted in Splinter, have long leapt off the chests of black and brown girls but now intimate the racial aesthetics of the hood for people who wouldnt set foot there. Nowhere in her Insta Story or on her page does Hallberg suggest what might be the source of her style sensibilities. No reminiscing over hip-hop culture of yesteryear or stan worship. I do not get my sponsorships, work opportunities and collaborations because of the color of my skin, she writes in the penultimate frame. I get it because of the way I style my clothes and create makeup looks. Advertisement Advertisement In Thompsons own analysis of Hallberg for Paper, building on her thread, she notes that this particular Instagram personality is not unique, deeming the platform a breeding ground for white women who wish to capitalize off of impersonating racially ambiguous/Black women for monetary and social gain. The word hood not only applies to Americas vast, regionally diverse collection of black and brown enclaves but, sadly, to a commercialized tone that is as formulaic as it is strategic. Thompson herself has written before in praise of the gaudy beauty practices that exhibited the artistic ingenuity of where she came from, mourning the ways the ghetto has been repackaged and curated to appeal to the masses whilst replacing black femmes and dark skinned women with those who look racially ambiguous. Advertisement Advertisement To mislead is the point, though it is only incidental that Hallbergs presumed biraciality would render her black according to racial codes on American soil. Discussions of Hallberg are emphatic about how she wants to be or is pretending to be black. Such phrases have become shorthand in discussions of cultural appropriation, but we might do better to remember the adage made famous by Paul Mooney: Everybody wanna be a nigga but nobody wanna be a nigga. The ambivalence Mooney describes is hidden by the clumsiness of a term like blackfishing. Hallberg is capitalizing on black aesthetics to be sure, but I dont believe she wants to be a black girl. Not when she can use blackness as a mere suggestion and instead become non-black, keeping centuries of subjection and violence at bay with the prefix and hyphen firmly in place. Advertisement Advertisement She didnt invent this calculus, but she was almost certainly inspired by it, even if she didnt and doesnt know of it as such. Its entirely possible that Hallberg found inspiration not from regula degula shmegula girls from the Bronx and the South Side and Liberty City and so on, or even from stars like Cardi B or Nicki Minaj, but from those American royals whose love and theft has haunted us for more than a decade: the Kardashians. Kim Kardashian West skillfully pirouettes upon her conditional brownness, her license to play in cornrows and Hottentot silhouettes while her facial features anglicize. Her sisters have followed suit. For all of them, tan skin is the but, the hyphen, the toggle between nigga and not-nigga that is so prized in American culture. Digital platforms enable the profitable uncanniness of racial performance, the visual and the textual so easily manipulated to infiltrate other folks business. In the case of this Swedish model, the export of a black American culture handed her the keys to the kingdom of the American racial imagination. Now context comes to her doorstep. The choice of whether to make amends or to continue to exploit us is hers. French director Luc Besson is facing new accusations of sexual misconduct, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Since May, when actress Sand Van Roy told French authorities that Besson had raped her, a total of nine women have come forward with allegations about Bessons behavior. Besson, whose films include Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, and Lucy, denied Van Roys story but has not commented on the latest allegations. The new allegations were reported by the French website Mediapart and move Besson firmly into bulleted list territory: Advertisement One of Bessons assistants claims to have been blackmailed into a sexual relationship with Besson, and provided Mediapart with multiple corroborating witnesses and a note allegedly written by Besson. Two students at LEcole de La Cite, a film school founded by Besson at his Cite du Cinema production complex, say he harassed them. A former employee at Bessons production company EuropaCorp claimed Besson behaved inappropriately. Karine Isambert, a theater producer, alleges that Besson grabbed her during a hotel room casting session in 1995. Between Van Roys report and Wednesdays news, a former casting director also came forward with claims that Besson sexually harassed and assaulted her, allegations Besson has denied. His next movie, Anna, with Helen Mirren, Cillian Murphy, and Sasha Luss, is a coproduction between EuropaCorp and the U.S.-based Lionsgate. After three years of waiting for Idris Elba to return to Luther, fans will be happy to see their favorite detective in the newly released trailer for Season 5 of the British crime drama. This comes just a few weeks after People Magazine unveiled that they had chosen the actor as the sexiest man alive of 2018. And, from the looks of it, Elba is embracing his sexy status: DCI Luther is back and its time to play dirty... real dirty. Season 5 coming soon to @bbcone pic.twitter.com/MgQFqfhQ0I Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 29, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if it werent enough to have Elba grace our screens again, the trailer reveals another surprise: Alice Morgan is back. For a brief second near the end of the clip, fans get a glimpse of the redheaded psychopath played by Ruth Wilson, who had seemingly died in a previous season. Throw in a creepy cover of Britney Spears Toxic from 2WEI, and you have an intriguing teaser for whats to come. BBC One said the new four-part season of Luther will air in the UK in time for the holidays, but American fans will have to wait until 2019 to see Elba reunited with his coat. (A guy like you, should wear a warning. Its dangerous, Im falling.) Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from around the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. This weeks Ask a Teacher panel: Brandon Hersey, second grade, Washington. Amy Scott, eighth grade, North Carolina. Katie Holbrook, high school, Texas. Cassy Sarnell, preschool special education, New York. Could you please give me some candid advice about teacher gifts? I love my childrens teachers, and I know their jobs are incredibly difficult. But Ive got four children, and four different teachers. We live in an affluent neighborhood, and I feel like the norm is to go over the top. Our family, however, is not as well-off and has trouble even affording Christmas for our family, and it really adds up. That said, I want to show them our appreciation. What do people typically give, and what is acceptable? Also, what should I do about crossing guards, bus drivers, office staff, etc.? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont Want to Be a Scrooge Dear DWtBaS, Teachers love getting gifts no matter how small. But its the act of giving, not the item, thats importantI light up even when my students give me loose Legos or bent Pokemon cards. Teachers know that the financial struggle is real, especially around the holidays. And personally, I dont expect my students to get me gifts. In fact, in a December newsletter I send out, I encourage families not to buy me gifts. I do, however, list ideas for some homemade gifts, only because my experience has shown students enjoy showing their appreciation. I light up even when my students give me loose Legos or bent Pokemon cards. These ideas include drawings, a heartfelt letter, baked goods, or any creative or simple craft you might find on Pinterest. Teachers value these types of gifts much more than anything store-bought. In fact, I often hang on to these handmade gifts for a long time, since one of my favorite things about being a teacher is watching my students grow as people and scholars. Looking back at framed photos, drawings, or letters theyve gifted me allows me to reflect on how these students have grown. Advertisement In terms of other staff, theres no rule, but in your situation, my suggestion would be to only get gifts for bus drivers and office staff if your kid has a special relationship with those individuals. If you want to simply show your appreciation, a handmade card is a great way to go. At the end of the day, I wouldnt worry about what others are doing. We should teach our kids the true spirit of the holidays isnt measured with a price tag but with thoughtfulness. Taking the time to sit down and create something that says Thank you is more than enough. Advertisement Mr. Hersey The lockdown drills my kids have to do in school make me scared. They make me sad. They make me fucking furious. How do teachers cope with them? How do you help kids feel safe at school while simultaneously explaining they might get shot there? Advertisement Locked Down Dear LD, Scared, sad, fucking furiousthat about sums it up for teachers too. How do we cope with them? I dont know. How does anyone cope with anything? Especially when it feels too big, too gnarly, too beyond your control? I put my head down and do it. I tell the kids that, just like with fire drills, were practicing for something that will likely never occur. I pull the blinds and lock the door and explain that we have to cluster in the room as far out of any line of sight as we can be, but I dont say, Thats to keep your flesh from being splattered and your bones from being shattered by a bullet. I acknowledge their nervous giggles but admonish them to rememberthis situation is serious. It could be serious. It probably wont happen, but if it did, boy would it be serious. Advertisement Advertisement I grind my teeth and commiserate with my co-workers, and I look to Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, and the other young Parkland survivors who are touring the country advocating for reason and action and who are going to save us from ourselves, if anyone can. And then, allllllllll of third quarter, I teach my students argumentative writing skills so they too can build a cogent case for enacting the changes they wish to see in the worldstrengthening gun laws, dismantling our culture of toxic masculinity, you know, whatever. Ms. Scott My sons seventh-grade science teacher has a habit of pronouncing words incorrectly, including important words like scientific terms that are part of their curriculum. For example, she says genus as though it were genius and pronounces the E at the end of Robert Hookes name (Hookey). My son has always bitten his tongue in class and brought the mispronunciations home to me. We all make mistakes, but I cant bear the thought of someone who should know better passing on errors to students who trust theyre being taught correctly. Advertisement Advertisement This happened before (and was much worse) with a different teacher in fifth grade. At the time, I brought up my concerns privately with the principal, who made it clear in no uncertain terms that she did not believe me or my son and would not pursue it. We have conferences coming up, and I see them as an opportunity to mention it to the science teacher, but Im not sure howor if I should drop the subject entirely and just focus on making sure my son knows the correct pronunciations. Advertisement Henry Higgins Dear Henry, Several years ago, I was reviewing a text with my class and noticed two boys kept pronouncing the word clergy with a hard G and then giggling. I asked what was up, and they told me that was how my student teacher pronounced it. I teach high school, and this is probably a word a high school English teacher should know how to pronounce, but did that make me doubt her competence? Not at all. Advertisement She was empathic, creative, enthusiastic, and patient. She was genuinely excited to teach every day and had true affection for each student. She was the daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. English was her second language, and here she was, teaching high school English. I knew she was going to be a fantastic teacher, even if she mispronounced a word and students gave her a hard time about it. Moreover, I have misspelled the word forest when writing it on the board. I have attributed The Iliad to the wrong author and taught the wrong lesson to a class for 40 minutes before realizing my mistake. I have accidentally released my students to lunch five minutes early and stayed in the library with one class 15 minutes into the period for my next class while students waited by the door, confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I graduated summa cum laude from a flagship university. I have a masters degree and am a National Board Certified Teacher. One time I was teacher of the year at my school. Sometimes we screw up. I dont know whats going on with your sons science teacher. Maybe English isnt her first language. Maybe shes teaching life science but actually has a degree in electrical engineering but got a composite science certification and here she is, mispronouncing genus and longing for the day she gets to teach circuits. Maybe shes exhausted and ran out of coffee and was up with a baby three times last night. (OK, maybe thats me.) If this is really important to you, you might say, My son came home and told me he was learning about Robert Hooke. I always thought it was pronounced hook, not hooky? But I gently suggest you do so with compassion. Advertisement Ms. Holbrook A recent New York Times article talked about how teachers are no longer relying on phonics to teach children reading. Instead, they focus more on simply exposing kids to reading, even though studies show kids need more than that. I remember all the Hooked on Phonics commercials from my youth. I want to help my pre-reader prepare for her reading education. What are the different theories about how to teach reading, and how are new teachers trained to teach reading? Is phonics really no longer used, even though its been proven more effective? Thanks! Advertisement Hooked on What? Dear Hooked, Reading is hard. I know that answer sounds like a cop-out, but its a fact. Learning to read is an incredibly complex and challenging process, even for typical learners. My favorite philosophy on how reading works is known as the Simple View of Reading. According to this philosophy, reading is two processes. Advertisement Advertisement The first is word recognition. Word recognition is the relationship between the letters d-o-g on a page and the big fuzzy pet that you take on walks. The second process is comprehension. That is a complicated process, one by which the reader makes the connection that those letters mean dog, which is a fuzzy pet, and then the reader takes that knowledge and seamlessly makes a further inference about the big fuzzy pet in whatever scenario is described in the readingthat the dog is hungry, thirsty, a wonderful companion, lovable, or whatnot. How to teach reading has varied over the years. Ive found that most research now recommends a balanced literacy approach, utilizing both whole-language (learning to recognize entire words on sight and practicing vocabulary skills in context) and phonics instruction, with a slightly greater emphasis on phonics over whole-word instruction. This article from Educational Connections Tutoring has a good summary of what the differences between the two are and what the specific research says, and this guide from a suburban school district breaks down how balanced literacy programs look. Advertisement Advertisement There are entire classes at most teacher-preparation programs dedicated to how, scientifically, these approaches work on their own and together. And every teacher-training program, and every curriculum from your Department of Education, and every principal and head of reading team have slightly different philosophies about what balance between the two is best. So I cant speak to what everyone is doing. I can speak to what you can do at home. As Ive said before, the single most important way you can help is not through actively teaching your child how to read but to encourage your child to want to read. It sounds corny, but there are several studies that link positive experiences with reading to success as readers. This is easy to dojust dont make reading seem like a chore. Read books with your kid, and make sure they see you reading for pleasure. Talk positively about reading. Make the library somewhere you go out of your way to go. And when you read aloud to your child, check for comprehension. Ask questions. Not only What does dangerous mean? but Why do you think she called the cave dangerous? How do you think she feels? What is something dangerous youve wanted to do? What do you think will happen if she walks through the dangerous cave? If youre engaging with the text on as many levels as you can, and asking your child to do the same, he will develop strong listening-comprehension skills, and strong listening-comprehension skills are linked to strong reading-comprehension skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also work on analytic phonics with your childthats recognizing the first sound in the word (the onset) and the ending of the word (the rime). We used to call these family words when I was a kid: rat, bat, cat, mat, etc., all have the -at rime with different consonant onsets. Likewise, you can begin your whole language skills at home by teaching them to recognize high-frequency words in books like I or dog. But I think that if your child is still a preschooler, the comprehension piece and the positive attention of reading with you are more important than the technical process. Theyll learn to read in school eventually, but you can nurture that desire to love curling up with you and a book. I would focus on that. Ms. Sarnell Often the most memorable gifts are those that bring unexpected pleasure. You untie the ribbon, peel off the paper, and feign delight at an item you never contemplated owning, only to find months later that its changed your life in some small (or large) way. With that in mind, weve rounded up Slate staff favorites that are just that: items you never knew you needed but you now cant live without. Enjoy! I am something of a hot sauce monster, which is to say I put it on everything and am constantly on the lookout for new species to sample. But even amid the ragtag bottles in my overcrowded fridge, Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp stands out. I first encountered this dream chili crisp at a friends party, where it had been plunked next to a box of pizza. And MAN is it good on pizza. It is also good on Thai noodles, on eggs, in soups, and on many other things. When it comes to texture (the crunchy caramelized chilies, the peppercorns, the fermented soybeans, the garlicky oil!), taste (intense and zesty but not insanely spicy), and sheer versatility, Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp is hard to beat. Laura Bennett, executive features director I have a lot of hair. For decades, after showering, I would wind a bath towel around my head and walk around precariously, my head listing and the towel tumbling down at inopportune moments. Then came a pivotal day in my hairs life. I was sharing a hotel room with two fellow curly-haired ladies, and I whined that housekeeping hadnt left us enough towels. Oh, I dont use a towel for my hair, one of them said. I just use an old T-shirt. The comment sent me down a curly-haired rabbit hole, where I learned hair techniques like squish to condish and the Curly Girl Method. Among them were instructions on how to use an old T-shirt to help define curls. I tried it a couple of times but found it as ungainly as the towel, only less absorbent. Yet the experience had opened my eyes to new possibilities, and I soon came upon the Turbie Twist microfiber hair towel. Now, after I shower, I twist my hair up in this handy little thing and then go about getting ready for the day. It has changed my hair, and my morning routine. Could I have figured out how to make the T-shirt method work? Yeah, probably. But the microfiber towels are cheap enough, and make enough of a difference in my life, that I dont mind throwing money at this problem. Torie Bosch, Future Tense editor I used to think tucking an unwieldy scarf under my coat and stuffing a bulky hat under my helmet were the only way I could survive riding my bike every day all winter long. Then, a cyclist friend turned me on to this balaclava. Its a seamless microfiber polyester tubethe origami paper (or maybe the sarong) of winter wear, capable of being manipulated into a dozen or more head-and-neck-covering shapes. More than thin enough to fit comfortably under my helmet, it wicks away sweat without getting saturated, and it keeps my face and ears from freezing off in the bitter wind. Depending on the temperature, I might wear it looped around my neck, pull the back part over my head like a hood, fold the front part up over my chin, or, in the extreme cold, cover everything but my eyes. Christina Cauterucci, staff writer Candle-making is the ideal craft for someone who finds escape in the kitchen. Theres meditative mixing, measuring, temperature-monitoring, pouring, waitingand at the end of it, instead of a meal youll inhale in 20 minutes or a baked good thatll relegate you to a sugar coma, youll have a lasting source of flickering warmth, calm, and olfactory delight. Give this starter kit to a friend or family member who could use a relaxing hobby, or get it yourself and make candles for everyone on your gift list. Christina Cauterucci, staff writer I dont get a lot of time to myself. Between work, family, and whatever hellfire is unfolding politically, some days my only time alone is in the shower. So Ive learned to tailor my time under the steam to work for me, which means listening to whatever I want on my shower radio. The Sangean waterproof model isnt cheap, but it has everything: an FM dial, so I can enjoy my favorite hip-hop station or NPR; a Bluetooth connection, which allows me to catch up on whatever podcast or audiobook Im hooked on; and a strap so I can hang it over my shower head. I should stress: FM radio is my morning shower preference. Theres something about listening to the live airwaves, disconnected from the internet, that makes everything seem calmer to me. But if thats not true for you, cheaper Bluetooth-only shower speakers abound. April Glaser, technology writer As a bike commuter who takes pride in not dressing like Lance Armstrong, I always figured bike gloves were a hassle that would disrupt my ride-to-work routineand my low-key aesthetic. I was wrong. Riding a bike with gloves designed for just that is a pleasure, even if Im just going a few miles. Theyre the perfect gift for the bike rider in your life. Shell feel a new sense of control. Her hands wont look like she worked in a sawmill all day, or feel like she just went for a winter swim in Lake Michigan. A good pair of gloves makes the bike better. I love these, but really any in the line will make a welcome addition to the commute. Henry Grabar, staff writer Whats the point of being indoors in cold weather if youre not wearing cozy slippers? This L.L. Bean pair, lined with lambswool, is part of my rural New England winter uniform: soft, sturdy, classic. Ruth Graham, staff writer Despite a furniture salespersons promise our linen-blend sectional wouldnt pill, it appeared ratty and worn within six months. Preparing for weekend house guests, I purchased this fabric shaver hoping to give it a facelift. Gliding the shaver over the fabric and catching the fabric bobbles was soothing and satisfying, and in under an hour, the sofa was renewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now it sits on the ironing board, and we use it on wool coats, under the arms of knits, and on the well-worn areas of denim that get a little fuzzy. Garments that were degraded to hunkering-at-home status are once again worthy of company all because of this $17 gadget. Heidi Grothaus, HR and operations In the Before Times, I never really thought about what I did with my earbuds. I just, you know, threw them into a bag or stuffed them into a pocket and then, when I needed to listen to something, spent 142 minutes untangling them, only to find that they no longer worked. Since I bought these cute square storage pouches for less than two bucks each, though, I wind my earbuds in a little circle, tuck them into the pouch, zip it up, and glory in all the time Ive saved. Dan Kois, writer and editor This wonder of a sauce was introduced to me by my partners father, who is an excellent chef. The can may look simple, but my goodness is the stuff inside complexspicy but not overly so, briney and vinegary-bright. All the things you want in a harissa! Try a dollop on basically any meat or vegetable, and for a dangerously addictive dip, mix a spoonful with Dukes Mayonnaise. Your fries will thank you. J. Bryan Lowder, associate editor Over the past couple of years, Ive gotten really into jigsaw puzzles. They are the perfect hobby for our current agea wonderful way to clear your mind, because they allow you to completely obsess over something that totally doesnt matter! Give your loved ones a jigsaw puzzle. Here is a beautiful one I just finished. For some reason, I thought starting with the oranges would be easierI was wrong, definitely start with the birds. Susan Matthews, science editor An immersion blender! I shudder when I think about the mess I made for years dumping broths and soups into a regular old blender. My wife and I got one made by Koios, and I do not want to think about what cooking through winter without it would be like. Seth Maxon, night editor When I first heard of Philip Pullmans fantasy series His Dark Materials, I doubted that I needed books in my life that were source material for a supposedly meh kids movie starring Daniel Craig and a polar bear. But after hearing my friends rapturous praise, I overcame my skepticism, and man, I was not prepared for how special these novels are. Everyone needs an alluring escape from this world, and a place to go to think about lifes grandest questions. The series offers both. They are full of gorgeous prose, big ideas, vivid characters, high stakes, suspense, and beauty. And 2018 is a notably good year to visit or revisit the story. La Belle Sauvage, the first volume in the long-anticipated sequel series The Book of Dust, came out last year to raves, and a new BBC series adapted from the original trilogy will begin airing in 2019. A complete set makes a perfect gift. Support a local bookstore and get into it. Seth Maxon, night editor I used to prop my phone up on the counter, desperately hoping its tinny sound would carry over boiling water and my stoves vent. Then I got a Bluetooth speaker. This handy device has given me hours of pleasure listening to podcasts as I cook and hosting impromptu dance parties in my kitchen. Abby McIntyre, copy chief Reading the latest installment in M.L. Longworths Provencal Mystery series is my favorite way to relax. Full of gourmet meals, silky wines, and sumptuous homes, these cozy mysteries transport you to the south of France for significantly less than the cost of airfare. Perfect for the gourmands or francophiles in your life. Abby McIntyre, copy chief Until I moved into a friends drafty Maine farmhouse, I thought of hot water bottles as something only used by Warner Bros. cartoon characters, like the rags they tie around their heads when they have toothaches. But as winter approached, my hosts icy cotton sheets became torture to slip into, and I ordered this basic model, which even comes with its own turtleneck sweater. I am now inseparable from it. Not only does it make the bed cozy each night, but I refill it in the morning and keep it on my lap while I work. Its like a pet you dont have to feed, walk, or pick up after. Laura Miller, books and culture columnist The indoor world can be a dreary place in the winter, but you can fix itwith rainbows. This elegant device, which you can attach with suction cups to your window, uses a pair of spinning Swarovski crystals to project little splotches of artificially flavored rainbow all over your room. Its a machine that creates beauty, which is to say, sure, technically, your loved ones could live without it. But what if they found out they have the option of living with it, and that you didnt get it for them? Might as well play it safe and just get them the rainbow-maker. Leon Neyfakh, staff writer I had an ugly, second-hand wooden knife block for a long time, and it never really worked for my motley collection of chefs cutlery. Then I had an in-drawer knife organizer, which annoyed me because I had to open my drawer over and over again to pull them out and put them back in. My knives always ended up in a permanent puddle on my countera situation thats both unsightly and unsafe. Then I found out about this magnetic knife block, which is very low-profile, can accommodate the randomest collection of knives, and looks much nicer than its price tag would imply. Everything is organized now, and it stays that way. Rebecca Onion, staff writer I own more encyclopedic cookbooks than anyone needs, but How to Cook Everything is the one I turn to again and again. Mark Bittmans recipes are nothing fancysauteed pork chops with a tangy pan sauce, for examplebut they are tasty, quick, nourishing, and pillars of my familys weekly dinner planning. I appreciate his variations and simplicity, but mostly I love knowing that when I need a trusted recipe for anything from hot chocolate to pecan pie, I can thumb through the book and find one. To me, theres no substitute for a hard copy of a cookbookthe grease spatters and margin notes tell their own storybut the app is great, too. Jill Pellettieri, editor, Human Interest section One day I complimented my friend Erica on the bracelet she was wearing. She turned to me conspiratorially and whispered that it was not just any bracelet but a bracelet with a special function (essentially a spy bracelet): It looks like a silver cuff with a band in the middle, but its actually a bangle made to camouflage your hair elastic! I was amazed and delighted, because I, too, had lived my life with a hair tie around my wrist, and I, too, had worried that that look was not cool. I went home to buy one posthaste, but I am told they go on sale fairly often. Heather Schwedel, staff writer Every few weeks I feel an urge to be arty. The impulse is vague but insistent. I want to make or paint or draw something, but what? Staring at a blank piece of paper does not help. A sure-fire way to scratch this itch is to pull out my Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate and get some paint or ink on paper, cardboard, or just about any other handy surface. The products tagline is monoprinting without a press, which probably wont mean much to people without an art backgroundpeople like me. Just know that you can create unique backgrounds and patterns very easily and with very little mess. Go at it for long enough, and you wont have to worry about the existential horrors of staring at a blank sheet of paper, because nothing in your house that can be printed on will ever be blank again. The plates come in lots of different sizesfrom mini shapes to 12 x 14 monsters. (Living in a small New York apartment, 5 x 7 is ideal for me.) Be warned that a $16 investment in a Gelli plate could lead to hundreds of dollars of spending on paints, ink pads, stencils, and paperand to many hours staring at YouTube videos. Its worth it to satisfy that urge, though. June Thomas, senior managing producer of Slate podcasts Lets be real: Ironing is a chore. Be a lifesaver to everyone you know and gift them a clothes steamer. This magical contraption is small, heats up in about a minute, and can easily smooth out everything from everyday rumples to tough wrinkles. You wont ever have to worry about setting up a clunky ironing board ever again. This mini one is especially great for packing in your carry-on for travel. Chau Tu, associate editor, Slate Plus When I went on a weeklong kayaking trip, I took a set of Rite in the Rain waterproof notebooks with me to record my adventures. When I returned to shore, my books and other papers were soggy, but these journals held up wonderfully against the seawater and rain. Built to withstand water, grease, and mud, these durable notebooks are a great gift for someone who loves to spend time outdoors. Sofie Werthan, nights and weekends social media editor Bees Wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. The wraps are made of cotton coated in beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, which makes them reusable and easy-to-clean (and, as a bonus, the beeswax smells nice, too). You can use them to cover bowls, wrap up bread or cheese, save leftovers, or pack a snack. Using Bees Wrap has drastically reduced my use of plastic bags, plastic wrap, and tinfoil in the kitchen. Sofie Werthan, nights and weekends social media editor This post has been updated with additional items after publication. Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication. The Hospitality State?: Mississippi retained its deep-red status on Wednesday after Cindy Hyde-Smith defeated Mike Espy in a special Senate runoff election for the rest of former Sen. Thad Cochrans term. As Jamelle Bouie writes, it was always a long shot for Espy, especially in such a polarized state where Hyde-Smith would be the beneficiary of a deeply racialized white political culture that reads black political power as an existential threat. Big, bold, broken: Former Georgia gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams is taking on the states election system with a lawsuit. According to Richard L. Hasen, the claims use a smart and untried road with potential 2020 repercussions: that the cumulative effect of Georgias system is to deny voters, especially voters of color, the opportunity to easily cast a ballot which will be fairly and accurately counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A broken system: Aaron Brusso, a New York rabbi, recalls his personal brush with the countrys unjust, punitive immigration-enforcement system. The custodian of his synagogue was taken by ICE earlier this year, and Brusso and other members of the community fought hard to plead his case, only for their appeals to be blocked and ignored at every turn. Slates Game Guide: Looking for gift or holiday activity ideas? Weve got 40 of the best (and 10 of the worst) family games, and a slew of joyful odes and valiant defenses to go with them. Among the greats: Uno is bloodthirsty, thrilling, and desperate, writes Nitish Pahwa; Ruth Graham eyes Codenames as one of the future classics; and self-proclaimed, deranged Monopoly superfan Susan Matthews defends the franchise. I even wrote about my favorite party game. Check out the full package. For fun: Who would spend $9,000 on a sterling silver ball of yarn?! Please stop telling me accouterment is a typo, Dawnthea President Donald Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen has reached an apparent cooperation agreement with Robert Muellers special counsel, pleading guilty to lying to Congress about the extent and nature of his work on a Moscow real estate deal during the 2016 election. Cohen had told Congress in closed-door testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee that the Trump Tower deal in Moscow had been halted in January 2016, when he had worked on the project at least through June of that year. The deal has been a focus of Muellers investigation, as the special counsel probes connections between Trump associates and Russians. According to ABC News, Trump, who just this week submitted written responses to questions from Mueller, had been asked about the Trump Tower Moscow project in those questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen had minimized in his testimony the amount of contact he had with Russian officials over the project and otherwise lied about the discussions surrounding the deal, which never was finalized. Cohens guilty plea Thursday is the first instance in which Muellers office has charged Cohen. He had previously pleaded guilty to campaign finance charges stemming from an investigation by the office of the Southern District of New York . Trumps former lawyer, who was known to be voluntarily cooperating with the special counsel investigation since pleading guilty to those campaign finance charges in August, gave 70 hours of interviews to the investigation, according to ABC News. The questioning focused on contacts between Trump associates and Russians, Trumps business ties to Russia, obstruction of justice, and talks of pardons. The implications of this testimony are not yet known, but it has the potential to be explosive and highly damaging to the president. Michael Cohen is lying and hes trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me, Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. Advertisement Cohens plea deal in August with federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York directly implicated Trump , and Cohen has maintained that he arranged hush-money payments to kill the stories of women who alleged to have had affairs with Trump in coordination with, and at the direction of the president. He is scheduled to be sentenced on the campaign financerelated charges in two weeks. According to reports from the courtroom Thursday, the judge has ordered an expedited sentencing report in an effort to combine the sentencing for the new guilty plea with Cohens other case. Advertisement The president has grown increasingly vociferous in his attacks on the special counsel investigation, repeatedly asserting on Twitter that it amounted to a witch hunt and McCarthyism. He also accused Mueller of viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts. This week, Mueller also accused Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager, of lying to investigators in violation of his plea deal agreement. That agreement has since been ended and it has been revealed that Manafort continued to feed information to Trumps legal team after agreeing to work with Mueller. A key court date in Manaforts sentencing comes on Friday. On Thanksgiving, yet another young black man with a gun, who seems to have been trying to help apprehend an active shooter, was mistakenly shot and killed by police, this time at a shopping mall in Alabama. Twenty-one-year-old E.J. Bradford Jr. died after being shot in the face by a uniformed officer. Coming in the wake of the death of another young black man with a gun who had just apprehended a suspect when he was mistakenly shot and killed by a police officer, Bradfords death suggests one of the biggest limits of the conservative argument that good guys with guns are whats needed to prevent gun violence: The police cant always tell a good guy with a gun from a bad guy with a gun, and when the good guy with a gun is black, the police sometimes assume hes a bad guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened to E.J. Bradford Jr.? Shortly before 10 p.m. last Thursday, gunshots were heard on the second floor of the Riverchase Galleria shopping mall. Officers from the Hoover Police Department rushed to the scene. It is not clear whether officers saw Bradford with a gun or whether they were just told that Bradford had a gun. Either way, thinking Bradford was the gunman, an officer shot and killed Bradford. Witnesses at the mall reported that the officer shot Bradford within seconds and did not give any verbal commandsno Stop, no Drop your weapon, no Get on the groundto Bradford before shooting him. After the shooting, Hoovers police chief praised the police for stopping the gunman. Thank God we had our officers very close police Chief Nick Derzis told AL.com. They heard the gunfire, they engaged the subject, and they took out the threat. Advertisement It turns out Bradford was not the shooter police were looking for. The police department issued a statement Friday night, acknowledging their mistake: New evidence now suggests that while Mr. Bradford may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that injured the 18-year-old victim. The investigation is ongoing, but at least at this point it appears that Bradfords only involvement in the altercation was that of a concerned citizen, trying to help the police apprehend the actual shooter or trying to help shoppers seeking safety from the gunman. Being a good guy with a gun did not save Bradford or Roberson. Indeed, having a gun seems to have been a major factor leading to their deaths. According to attorney Benjamin Crump, who has been hired by Bradfords family to investigate what happened, Bradford had a license to carry a concealed firearm. He may have been the proverbial good guy with a gun. And he wasnt the only one. Several shoppers were on the scene with their guns drawn, but Bradford was the only person shot by police. In many states, including Alabama, it is legal for people to carry guns. Officers in such states should be aware that an individual with a gun may be a law-abiding civilian. Therefore, if feasible, police officers should give a warning or verbal command to drop the weapon before shooting. Advertisement Advertisement This case has larger implications about the politics around our nations gun laws. President Trump has suggested that the answer to gun violence is more guns. In response to the shooting in February that took the lives of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Trump suggested teachers who agree to carry guns on campus should get a bonus. In October, in response to the shooting that took the lives of 11 at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Trump said, If there were an armed guard inside the temple, they would have been able to stop them. Maybe there would have been nobody killed except for [the shooter]. Advertisement As Bradfords death illustrates, however, the answer to gun violence is not more guns, especially not if you are black. Decades of social science research have shown that people tend to associate black men with crime and violence. In one study, for example, participants who observed two men getting into an altercation that ended in a shove called the shove aggressive and violent when a black man shoved a white man but characterized the same shove as playing around when it was a white man who shoved a black man. Another study found that individuals who were first shown a black face and then a series of pictures with dots would identify crime-relevant objects, such as a gun, in the pictures more quickly than individuals who were first shown a white face and then the same series of pictures. Numerous studies on shooter bias have found that most people, including police officers, are quicker to see a weapon in the hands of a black person than in the hands of a white person. This is true even when the black person is actually unarmed. Advertisement Advertisement As noted, Bradfords death comes on the heels of the Nov. 11 death of Jemel Roberson, a security guard who, while trying to help police apprehend a suspect in a shooting at a bar outside Chicago, was shot and killed by a police officer who mistakenly thought Roberson was the shooter. Roberson was also black, and just before he was shot, he had the actual suspect on the ground and was pointing a gun at the suspects back. Advertisement Being a good guy with a gun did not save Bradford or Roberson. Indeed, having a gun seems to have been a major factor leading to their deaths. Officers learn in training that a person with a gun in hand can lift, point, and shoot at an officer or others before officers can react. Anyone who has a gun, officers learn, poses a potential threat unless and until that person is separated from the weapon. Ultimately, it is difficult for an officer to know whether a person with a gun is a good guy with a gun or a bad guy with a gun. Bradfords death is a reminder that more guns are not the answer to gun violence. Betray the family: Employees have forced Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to reconsider their business practicesso wheres Facebook in all this? The social media giant has largely dodged repercussions for its year of scandal as its own employees remained silent. Will Oremus says its time for Facebooks workers to speak out: What has worked is whistleblowing. What has worked are walkouts. What have worked are specific, public demands. Moonlighting: Medical students are now Instagram influencers, curating photos of anatomy textbooks and surgery locker rooms alongside sponsored posts for things like protein powder and skin care products. Vishal Khetpal, a med student himself, discusses the ethical quandaries of using the white coat as a seal of approval on social media. Advertisement Lame-duck Michigan: As Gov.-elect Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, prepares to enter the governors mansion and break a Republican stranglehold on the states politicking, the GOP is firing on all cylinders to kill an extremely popular statewide measure to raise the hourly minimum wage. As Tom Perkins writes, the plan is diabolical, nefarious, and likely unconstitutional. Science rules?: Conservatives often append Im not a scientist to their public doubts on climate change, prompting incensed liberals to tell them to stay in their lane and let actual scientists do the talking. But scientists arent the only people who care about climate change, and leaving environmental policy exclusively in the hands of scientists is shortsighted and technocratic. Rebecca Onion makes the case for having nonscientists who care about climate change talk about the issue. For fun: Slates holiday gift guide! Hire a journalist, Vicky Jerome Corsi is a living testament to the truth that having a Ph.D., even from Harvard, doesnt necessarily mean that all your lug nuts are screwed down tight. For roughly the last 15 years, he has been a regular on right-wing media outlets promoting various conspiracy theories and baseless smears against both Democratic and Republican politicians. He helped Swift Boat John Kerry, wrote an Obama birther book, claimed that President George W. Bush was a secret globalist pursuing a North American Union, and maintains that Hitler survived World War II and oil does not come from organic matter. Advertisement Unsurprisingly, he was slithering around the inner circle of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign as an associate of Roger Stone and has been drawn into the Mueller investigation. Muellers interest in Corsi arises from the fact that in the summer of 2016, Stone appears to have asked Corsi to help contact WikiLeaks Julian Assange about stolen emails relating to Hillary Clinton that Assange had allegedly obtained from GRU, the Russian intelligence service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muellers team interviewed Corsi on multiple occasions but became convinced that he had lied to them. In particular, Corsi claimed that he declined to help Stone contact Assange and denied that he provided Stone with any information about what WikiLeaks might have or what it might do with that information. Muellers people have evidence in the form of emails from Corsi to Stone that these statements were false. Advertisement Confronted with this evidence, Corsi entered into negotiations with Mueller about pleading guilty to making false statements. Several days ago, Corsi announced that he was rejecting Muellers plea offer. He did not deny he told investigators things that were untrue, but claimed he was simply forgetful. Then a copy of a draft statement of facts prepared by Mueller in support of the proposed plea leaked. These documents appeared all over the press, but CNN reported that it had received the document directly from Corsi. There is no formal legal penalty for making this kind of release. Nothing in the draft appears to be classified or within the category of grand jury material required by the federal rules to be kept confidential. Advertisement Ordinarily, it would be extremely foolish of a defendant to leak a document like this for the simple reason that it angers the prosecutors. Angry prosecutors are even less likely to make a favorable plea agreement. Even if Corsi has given up on the idea of a plea, angry prosecutors are likely to file more charges and seek a substantial prison sentence upon conviction in response to this sort of action. Advertisement This being so, one wonders why Corsis lawyer would allow him to do something so potentially self-destructive. Few, if any, experienced federal defense lawyers would leak a draft plea memo. A criminal defense attorney cannot function effectively if the prosecution does not trust him to maintain the confidentiality of plea discussions. Once it becomes known that a defense lawyer cant be trusted, prosecutors either wont deal with the lawyers clients or will make negotiations far more difficult. But Corsis lawyer, David Gray, has no apparent federal criminal law experience. He runs a three-lawyer general practice firm in a New Jersey town near where Corsi lives. Hence, he doesnt have the repeat-player disincentive for allowing his client to leak that a real federal defense lawyer would have. Still, I suspect this disclosure cant be laid at Grays feet. More likely, Gray has a client he does not control. Advertisement Advertisement What I think we are seeing with Corsi is another example of a recurring problem for Muellers teamthe interaction of three factors no previous investigator of presidential misbehavior has had to face. First, a striking number of the potential witnesses (or low-level defendants) are not simply overzealous or slightly bent government officials who made questionable choices in service of a cause or a candidate. They are not John Dean (Nixon), or Oliver North (Reagan), or Scooter Libby (Bush). Instead, they tend to be lifelong con men like Paul Manafort, aspiring grifters like Rick Gates, professional dirty tricksters like Stone, or fabulist members of the right-wing lunatic fringe like Corsi. In sum, earlier presidential investigators were dealing with a better class of criminal: folks who entered the presidents orbit because of a prior career of some distinction who had a great deal to lose if convicted, or even charged, with a federal felony. Such people tended to respond to the formal rules and informal incentive structures of the criminal law in predictable ways. Advertisement Advertisement The inhabitants of Trump world dont necessarily do that because they have no good name or professional standing to lose. Indeed, guys like Corsi, Stone, and Manafort have prospered precisely by beingand being known to beunbound by conventional norms of ethics or factual accuracy. For Corsi, leaking a draft plea document may just be part of a continuing effort to keep himself in the news. Second, all the inhabitants of Trump world swim in a supportive right-wing media sea in which even being indicted and convicted by Bob Mueller would, if anything, make them even more attractive as commentators and authors in the dark niche they occupy. A guy like Corsi in particular can reasonably calculate that conviction of a federal false statements charge would, at worst, put him in prison for a few monthsduring which he could compose an insta-book about the injustice of his plight, and after which hed be in even higher demand. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney-client privilege does not cover communications in aid of the commission of a crime. Third, in Donald Trump we have, for the first time in history, a president who publicly trashes the justice system and is openly and unashamedly contemplating pardons for potential witnesses against him. Everything Corsi, Manafort, and the rest do is surely being done with one eye on the not-unreasonable hope that Trump will sweep in and save their bacon either by squashing the Mueller investigation or issuing a round of pardons. Indeed, it appears that Corsi, Manafort, and others have so-called joint-defense agreements with Trump permitting sharing of information at least arguably under the shield of attorney-client privilege. Advertisement I say arguably because of the peculiar position of Trump as president possessed of the pardon power. Attorney-client privilege does not cover communications in aid of the commission of a crime. Any discussion between Trump or his lawyers and persons like Corsi, or their lawyers, that took the form of, This is what my client might say that inculpates the president and thus the president should issue a pardon would tread closely on both criminal obstruction of justice for anyone involved in such a conversation and an impeachable offense for the president. (On the latter point, as Ive written repeatedly, abuse of the pardon power is an impeachable offense. This is doubly so in any instance in which the pardon power is used to protect the president or those close to him from legal liability.) Advertisement We know at the very least that Trump was fed the Corsi information before it was publicly released on Tuesday. Trumps lawyers say they were sent a copy of the draft statementwhich specifically mentions that a figure assumed to be Stone had been in contact with Trump around the time of the events in questionbefore Thanksgiving, supposedly in an anonymously delivered package. All this makes Muellers job more difficult because ordinary expectations of target behavior may not apply. At the same time, it makes Muellers no-nonsense, buttoned-up, by-the-book approach even more important. With luck, he, the federal judges who will ultimately sentence the twisted denizens of Trump world, and if necessary Congress will show these characters that the law equally applies to them. Slates expanded voting rights coverage is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. Earlier this month, the Texas 2nd Court of Appeals affirmed Rosa Maria Ortegas eight-year prison sentence for illegal voting. Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the decision in a triumphant press release boasting of Ortegas draconian punishment. But there is nothing just about the fact that Ortega may spend the next eight years languishing behind bars for unknowingly casting illegal ballots. To the contrary, her sentence is wildly out of proportion with her crimethe possible result of prosecutorial chicanery during closing arguments that has no place in a courtroom. And its yet another example of prosecutors using isolated cases of illegal voting to intimidate legitimate voters out of casting a ballot. Advertisement Although Paxton has presented Ortegas conduct as evidence that voter fraud is a genuine problem in Texas, her case bears no resemblance to the paranoid myth of immigrants covertly swinging elections. Ortega is a lawful permanent resident who was brought to the United States as a baby. She has a sixth-grade education and did not know that she could not legally vote. In October 2014, she sent a voter-registration application to the Tarrant County Elections Administration, in which she indicated that she was not a citizen. When the office sent her a rejection letter, she called to ask why. An employee, Delores Stevens, explained that Ortega had checked the No box for citizenship and could not register unless she checked Yes. Ortega mailed in a new application, this time checking the Yes box to indicate U.S. citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office was fully aware of the discrepancies between her two applications. It still registered her to vote. Shortly thereafter, the Texas attorney general received a tip that Ortega was voting illegally. An investigator with the attorney generals office began to examine her case and discovered that she had voted in Dallas County in 2012 and 2014. Official paperwork revealed that Ortega presented her resident alien card and Social Security card to register, acknowledging that she was not a citizen. For some reason, Dallas County registered her anyway. (She registered as a Republican.) By any measure, this punishment is extraordinarily harsh. Investigators then interrogated Ortega at her house. She stated that she was not a citizen but had checked Yes on the citizenship box in Tarrant County because Dallas County had previously allowed her to vote. Three months later, prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant, charging Ortega with illegal voting. Ortega insisted that she had simply made an innocent mistake and rejected a plea deal, believing no reasonable jury would convict her. Instead, after a trial, a Tarrant County jury found her guilty on two counts of illegal voting. It sentenced her to eight years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Ortega promptly lost custody of her four children and will likely be deported once her sentence is finished. Advertisement Advertisement By any measure, this punishment is extraordinarily harsh. Eight years imprisonment for a nonviolent crimecommitted by an individual who did not realize she was breaking the lawis grossly disproportionate. The jury could have instead sentenced her to two years community supervision and no prison. Why did it choose to lock her away for 96 months instead? On appeal, Ortega argued that prosecutors had biased the jury through inflammatory statements at the punishment phase of the trial. In urging the jury to impose a stringent sentence, one prosecutor declared: Advertisement And I just want to throw out one thought to you. You came back with the right verdict, that if you hadnt, if youd come back with a not guilty, can you imagine the floodgates that would be open to illegal voting in this county? Advertisement As civil rights attorney Sasha Samberg-Champion has noted, this admonition is totally inappropriate. Rather than encourage the jury to focus on fair punishment for Ortegas offense, the prosecutors exhorted jurors to use her as an example, warning that a light sentence would directly increase illegal voting. It is, as Samberg-Champion put it, conviction by Fox News fearmongering, raising grave due process concerns. Ortegas lawyers recognized the problem, quickly objecting that thats an improper argument here at sentencing. Advertisement But the trial court overruled the objection. So Ortega asked the appeals court to overturn the sentence, alleging, quite sensibly, that it was impermissibly tainted by this improper and inflammatory jury argument. The court declinednot because it found the prosecutors statement to be permissible but because, it insisted, her attorney had not objected correctly. Clark Birdsall, Ortegas defense counsel, should have said he objected because it was outside the record, the appeals court wrote. By failing to state the specific grounds for his objection at trial, Birdsall forfeited his ability to raise this claim on appeal. Advertisement Here, then, is the upshot of the 2nd Court of Appeals ruling: Prosecutors may well have unlawfully biased the jury, resulting in an unduly severe sentence, but there is nothing she can do about it because her lawyer failed to use three magic wordsoutside the recordwhen he objected. Ortegas case will now go to the staunchly conservative Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In his press release, Paxton said that his office would hold those accountable who falsely claim eligibility and purposely subvert the election process in Texas. But as he should recognize that Ortega did not intend to subvert anything, and her galling sentence will do nothing to boost public trust in the integrity of Texas elections. This case is about one thing: intimidating Americans into forfeiting their right to vote for fear that one mistake could land them in prison. The aggressive prosecution of voting is a potent form of voter suppression meant to deter people uncertain about their eligibility from casting a ballot. Ortegas sentence does not affirm the hallowed principle that every citizens vote must count, as Paxton stated. It proves that vote thieves like Paxton wont hesitate to destroy a hapless womans life in their ongoing quest to suppress minority suffrage. When seven women accused thenMinnesota Sen. Al Franken of sexual harassment or abuse last winter, Democrats were put in a tight spot. If they demanded Frankens resignation for alleged acts far less severe than those the sitting president has been accused of perpetrating, theyd lose a reliably progressiveand extremely popularwomens rights advocate in the Senate in order to claim a moral high ground the GOP has no interest in competing for. If they let Franken stay, theyd be normalizing sexual exploitation as a thing powerful men inevitably do, and any future calls they might make for alleged abusers to step down from public office could be dismissed as hollow and hypocritical. Advertisement New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was the first of Frankens colleagues to publicly urge him to resign, writing in a Facebook post that while its true that his behavior is not the same as the criminal conduct alleged against Roy Moore, or Harvey Weinstein, or President Trump, it is still unquestionably wrong, and should not be tolerated by those of us who are privileged to work in public service. Several other senators, mostly women, followed suit. Franken did ultimately resign, admitting to some of the allegations and refuting others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrand has been paying for her stance ever since. In June, Democratic megadonor George Soros told the Washington Post that the only potential 2020 presidential contender he cared to mention was Gillibrand, who he didnt like. Soros said shed elbowed Franken, whom I admire, out of the Senate just to improve her chances at the 2020 nomination. According to New York Times politics reporter Astead Herndon, plenty of male Democratic donors and legislators agree with Soros: Few say it publicly, but in DC Id hear it all the time from supposedly liberal men: Franken as a martyr and Gillibrand as opportunist. Advertisement Its not just men who fault Gillibrand for Frankens fall. On social media, Franken supporters of all genders say Gillibrand blew her chance at the presidency by turning on her fellow Democrat. Susie Tompkins Buell, a multimillion-dollar fundraiser and supporter of Democratic candidates, has echoed that view. She miscalculated and has shot herself in the foot, Buell said in January, implying that she would cease making donations to Gillibrand. This month, she told Politico that shes heard peoplenot Buell herself, obviously!call Gillibrand opportunistic and shrewd at the expense of others to advance herself. If Gillibrand hadnt called for Frankens resignation, it would have been fair to label her an opportunist. This wave of partisan abandonment is in some ways just another case of a woman being blamed for a mans transgressions, the way #MeToo advocates have been scolded for ruining mens lives when the men were the ones who did the things that brought them ruin. But Gillibrand hatred is also a useful window into how we perceive opportunism, a quality only male politicians are lauded for possessing. Advertisement Voters generally dont mind when legislators do things that boost their personal brands and reputations. They want leaders with strong, well-articulated visions, so long as those leaders dont sacrifice their stated values in the face of social pressurethat would be opportunism. For as long as shes been in the Senate, Gillibrand has been one of the chambers leading advocates against sexual harassment and assault. If she let Frankens admitted and alleged abuses of women go unpunished, shed be breaking a promise she made to her constituents. A politician who sells and conducts herself as a champion of womens bodily autonomy had better not soften her stance the moment it might harm a friend. Advertisement Advertisement If Gillibrand hadnt called for Frankens resignation, it would have been fair to label her an opportunist, because shed have been contravening her beliefs to avoid upsetting donors and causing intraparty conflict. In that sense, accusations of opportunism from aggravated donors are self-refuting. If she was behaving disingenuously to gain support, then wheres the support? Advertisement Gillibrand must have known that speaking out against Franken would be a political gamble: Going after a fellow party member is likely to annoy major donors, who usually prize caution over radical statements of principle. And there is no guarantee that, if she chooses to run for president, the voters she needs to win over will look kindly on an outspoken woman who helped remove a beloved politician from power. If this was straightforward opportunism, it was rather poorly thought out. But if Gillibrands gamble pays offif voters support her candidacy in part because of her stance against Frankenher opportunism will look like sound moral leadership. Advertisement Even if Gillibrand ends up losing more than she gains as a result of her stance, Democratic Party boosters shouldnt be badmouthing her for spearheading the movement to hold Franken accountable. They should be thanking her for saving the Democratic Partys reputation among young voters who have plenty of reasons to think Democrats are just as corrupt and sleazy as Republicans. Women whove been moved for the first time to progressive activism by the #MeToo movement and the presidency of an accused sexual abuser could easily be disillusioned by a party without principles. Advertisement All the donors directing disapproving slights at Gillibrand over the past year ([Gillibrand] did the damage that Republicans could not do themselves; what she did for women in politics was dreadful) have sidestepped one major thread of this story: sexual harassment and abuse. These are people more eager to fault a woman for opportunismfor having the audacity to lead on an issue she cares about, possibly with the hope of becoming president somedaythan to take bold measures to keep alleged gropers out of public office. The Democratic donors abandoning Gillibrand accuse her of putting politics over principle, of protecting her own career at the expense of Frankens. Theyre either too stubborn or too stupid to realize that theyre guilty of a much more despicable offense: protecting party loyalty at the expense of all women. The Michigan GOP has held the states legislature since 2010 because the party drew one of the nations most gerrymandered legislative maps. Republicans used that power to punish the poor with Medicaid work requirements, create rape insurance, and cut corporate taxes while raising them on the poor and elderly. But after eight years of unified Republican control of state government in Michigan, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer will break that stranglehold when she enters the governors mansion in January. The party isnt loosening its grip on power so easily, though, instead offering one final and audacious attempt to undermine the will of the voters before Whitmer takes office. Advertisement The Michigan Republican Party is using its legislative majority in the lame duck session to gut popular citizen-initiated laws that would mandate paid sick leave and increase the states $9.25 hourly minimum wage to $12 per hour for all workers, including tipped employees, by 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws were set to go into effect in March, but by a 2612 party-line vote, the GOP-controlled Senate on Wednesday approved several amendments that would significantly undermine the measures. This comes after several almost comically brassy legislative maneuvers to attempt to preempt ballot initiatives that were expected to pass in overwhelming fashion. If they succeed, state Republicans will have successfully overturned the will of the voters in a way rarely seen in this countryat least outside of Michigan. Advertisement If the House passes the Senate-approved changes next week, then workers wont see a raise to $12 per hour until 2030, and tipped workers, who now earn $3.52 per hour, will have their wages capped at $4 per hour. Employers will be expected to cover the difference if workers dont receive enough tips to make minimum wage, but its common knowledge that many do not. Wednesdays legislative vote also included significant changes that would dismantle the sick leave initiative. As it now stands, the new paid sick time law would require employers to provide nine days of sick time annually, and one additional hour of medical leave accrual for every 30 hours worked. The GOP-proposed changes cut that to four sick days and one hour of additional medical leave for every 40 hours worked. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican effort to gut the laws comes through a legally questionable maneuver never before tested by a party in power. Thats likely because those who drafted the states 1963 constitution couldnt imagine that lawmakers would so brazenly attempt to derail popular initiatives. Earlier this year, two citizen-led groups each collected nearly 400,000 signatures to put the proposals on the November ballot. Michigan law gives the legislature 40 days to take initiatives and make them state law. The rule exists to give lawmakers the power to avoid having to place popular measures on the ballot, thus saving time and resources. Advertisement But Michigans GOP is clearly using the rule for a more nefarious purpose. Sensing that the measures were likely to pass, the Republican-controlled legislature in September approved the proposals and made them law. However, it ensured the laws wouldnt go into effect until March, allowing them to be amended in the lame duck sessions. Republican leadership even publicly stated when it passed the measures to get them off of the ballot that it would make the laws more acceptable to the business community. Advertisement The plan is similar to the Michigan GOPs past legislative stunts and viewed by some as a final shriek from an often undemocratic Republican-controlled government that, over eight years, brought us the Flint water crisis; stripped local Democratic-run governments of their power to install Republican emergency financial managers; and used the 2012 lame duck period to turn Michigan into a right-to-work state and pass a repeal-proof version of an emergency financial law that voters had attempted to repeal just months before. Advertisement The GOP carried much of this out after and despite repeatedly losing the popular vote in the state. In 2014, Dems in the state House of Representatives got more votes, but the GOP held a 6347 majority thanks to an egregious partisan gerrymander. In 2016, Republican House candidates got just 3,000 more votes, but the party still held a 6347 majority. And in 2018, Dems won the House and Senate popular vote by around 6 percentage points each, but Republicans will still control both chambers. Advertisement Michigans GOP is clearly using the rule for a more nefarious purpose. By gutting these popular citizen-led initiatives, Republicans are disenfranchising voters twice overonce by gerrymandering the districts and once by derailing the popular ballot measures. Its worth noting that voters in November approved by a wide margin a proposal for an independent redistricting commission that could put an end to Republican gerrymandering, but it wont be up and running until the next round of redistricting after the 2020 census. And theres little the legislatures Democratic minority can do to respond. In the meantime, 60,000 people in Wayne County, the most populous county in the state, are stuck making less than $10 per hour and 20 percent of workers are making less than $12 per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Republicans might ultimately not be able to stymie these popular measures. Because the maneuvers have been so nakedly in violation of the state constitution, its possible that any changes to the law might be reversed by the courts. Mark Brewer, an attorney and former head of the Michigan Democratic Party, told Slate that the group that organized the minimum wage ballot proposal, One Fair Wage, will sue if Republicans approve the changes. (Brewer is also representing MI Time To Care, the group behind the paid sick time law. That group hasnt yet committed to a lawsuit.) Brewer points to a 1964 legal opinion written by thenMichigan Attorney General Frank Kelley that specifically addresses a situation like this one. The rule that gives the legislature the ability to make a ballot initiative lawfor which the technical term is adopted initiative lawwas included in the 1963 Michigan Constitution. In response to a legislators question in 1964 about the new constitution, Kelley wrote that the legislature could not amend an adopted initiative law in the same legislative session. Advertisement Brewer says that lines up with whats written in the constitution, and he believes the case is cut and dry: No legislature has dared to try to do this for the last 60 years because the constitution is so clear. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Yousef Rabhi summed up many Democrats feelings on the matter: The initiatives are supposed to give citizens a voice in the process of government. If the legislature can do this every time, then whats the point of citizen-initiated legislation? It flies in the face of the democratic process outlined in the constitution. Republican Senate and House leadership didnt return requests for comment. Should these leaders follow through with their plans, the Michigan Supreme Court will likely decide next year whether the legislature crossed a legal line and violated the constitution, not just in spirit but in letter. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi cleared what amounted to a ceremonial first hurdle toward the speakership on Wednesday, comfortably winning her caucuss nomination for the job. Running unopposed, Pelosi won votes from 203 of her fellow Democrats (including delegates) and lost 32. Another three members left their ballots blank, while one, New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, was absent with medical issues. But the work doesnt stop there. Despite a narrative that rapidly swings from shes doomed! to shes crushed the rebellion! after each development, Pelosis math problem has remained roughly the same for the past few weeks. Twenty-two Democrats, as of this writing, have publicly announced or signed letters stating that they would not support her in the floor vote for speaker in January. Assuming each House member casts a vote, she can only afford 17 defections. And though she picked off a couple of high-profile defectors the week before Thanksgiving, the number of hardened opponents has since held strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think were in pretty good shape, Pelosi, whos not very chatty about her whip counts, told reporters while the caucus vote was being held. Pelosi did neutralize the weaker of her two troublesome blocs on Wednesday. The Problem Solvers Caucus, a centrist group looking for rules changes that would effectively kneecap the speakers authority and empower centrist members, announced just before the speakers vote that it had reached a deal with Pelosi and Rep. Jim McGovern, the incoming rules committee chairman. The deal includes some increased transparency measuressuch as further notice of committee meetingsand one change that actually helps Pelosi by making it harder to overthrow a sitting speaker. Most of the other Problem Solvers proposals that would have seriously threatened Pelosis authority didnt survive, or were only agreed to with serious wiggle room, in the deal. Advertisement Pelosi has about five weeks to figure it out, during which time the holdouts will feel the sort of pressure theyve never felt before. Its easy for Pelosi to negotiate and settle with a group of representatives who have discrete asks. Its more complicated, though, to negotiate with a crowd whose one discrete ask is that she doesnt become speaker. The rebels, a term that might overstate the coolness of Reps. Tim Ryan, Seth Moulton, and Kathleen Rice, still have 16 members whove signed a letter saying theyre committed to voting against Pelosi on the floor. (Though Pelosi bought off one member of the group, New York Rep. Brian Higgins, the day before Thanksgiving, the group has since added California Rep.-elect Gil Cisneros to its ranks.) Several additional members, including Virginia Rep.-elect Abigail Spanberger, Colorado Rep.-elect Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb, and Maine Rep.-elect Jared Golden, have said they wouldnt vote for her on the floor but also wouldnt sign any showy letters. Still other freshmen and incumbents remain evasive on how theyll vote on the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early Wednesday afternoon, it briefly looked like Pelosi might wrap up all 218 votes she will need to become speaker ahead of the caucus vote. Moulton, one of the most vocal rebel ringleaders, had been wobbling in public in a way that suggested he was looking frantically for an out. And shortly before the caucus speaker vote, Moulton, along with Ryan and Rice, held a meeting with Pelosi. But the meeting didnt seem to go very welldepending on whom you ask. Pelosis side issued a terse statement saying only that the Leader listened closely to the trios concerns. (Emphasis on trio, as in: There were only three of them, getting in the way.) Rices description of the meeting suggested, though, that if the leader listened closely, she didnt listen for very long. Advertisement Moments ago we met with Leader Pelosi and tried to engage her in a reasonable conversation about leadership transition, Rice said in a statement, as if they were grown children trying to show a stubborn parent a brochure for a nursing home. Unfortunately, our concerns were dismissed outright. Moulton, meanwhile, said he was disappointed that Pelosi would not engage on producing a meaningful plan for a leadership transition. Advertisement That seems to be the question on which this rebellion hinges: Will Pelosi find some way to at least intimate to these holdouts that she wont stick around forever? Pelosi doesnt want to put a timer on when shell pass the torch for a couple of possible reasons. The first would be that she has no intention of ever leaving. The second, publicly stated reason is that she doesnt want to make herself a lame duck by announcing a departure date. Such a move weakens the speakership, as the final eight months or so of Speaker Paul Ryans tenure have shown. Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to figure out what Rice, Tim Ryan, and Moulton would accept for an answer. Speaking to reporters after the vote, Ricewho said that Pelosi doesnt have the ability to get to 218 votes on the floorsaid that she, as a practical person, understood the lame duck concern. But there has to be some succession plan, some transition, she said. What can Pelosi do, though? Buy a one-way ticket to San Francisco for January 2021 and wink three times at her caucus? Its hard to lame-duck yourself without lame-ducking yourself. Pelosi now has about five weeks to figure it out, during which time the holdouts will feel the sort of pressure theyve never felt before. The phone calls to holdouts, according to several aides, have made the transition from friendly, positive ones from prominent Democrats urging them to reconsider, to ones from their donors telling them to get in line. If persuasion wont work, maybe money will. Tyson Timbs just wants his car back. In 2015, Timbs was charged with selling heroin to undercover officers in Indiana to fund his opioid addiction. After he pleaded guilty, a private law firm filed a lawsuit on behalf of the state to confiscate his Land Rover SUV, valued at $42,000. Thats more than four times the maximum $10,000 fine for Timbs crimes. But because he briefly carried drugs in the vehicle, the firm claimed that it could seize and sell it, turning over some of the profit to Indiana and pocketing the rest. Advertisement Welcome to the topsy-turvy world of civil asset forfeiture, also known as legalized theft. Every year, the federal and state governments obtain billions of dollars thanks to the work of prosecutors who expropriate property with some tenuous connection to a crime. Most states use the money to fund law enforcement, called policing for profit. Indiana also lets private attorneys file forfeiture claims against defendants, earning contingency fees and a share of the profit. Thats what happened to Timbsso he sued, insisting that extreme forfeiture violates the Constitution. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court signaled that it agreed, with an unusual coalition of justices assailing the practice. A decision for Timbs could curb law enforcement abuses across the country, limiting one of the most scandalous components of our criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sense, Timbs v. Indiana is a pretty easy case. The Eighth Amendment bars the imposition of excessive fines, and the Supreme Court has already recognized that the forfeiture of personal property qualifies as a fine for constitutional purposes. It has also ruled that fines may not be grossly disproportionate to an offense. When the government seized Timbs carwhich, again, is worth vastly more than the monetary penalty for his crimeit would seem to have imposed a grossly disproportionate fine in violation of the Eighth Amendment. But, weirdly enough, the court has never explicitly held that this rule restricts state governments. The Bill of Rights originally applied only to the federal government, as the Framers were hesitant to limit state sovereignty. After the Civil War, Congress drafted the 14th Amendment with the intent to incorporate the Bill of Rights against state governments as well. Throughout the 20th century, the Supreme Court held that almost all these rights did, indeed, apply to states. Thats why neither Congress nor your state government may infringe upon your freedom of speech, authorize an unreasonable search, or compel self-incrimination. But the court has never had an opportunity to squarely state that the excessive fines clause is incorporateduntil now. Advertisement Advertisement There is little doubt that the justices will use Timbs to incorporate the clause at long last. Under long-standing precedent, a right that is fundamental to ordered liberty and deeply rooted in history receives protection under the 14th Amendment. And in its extraordinary brief, the Institute for Justicethe libertarian firm representing Timbsdemonstrates that the right against excessive fines checks both boxes. It was enshrined in the Magna Carta and safeguarded by most state constitutions when the U.S. Constitution was ratified. When Congress wrote the 14th Amendment, lawmakers argued that it would nullify Black Codes in Southern states that levied crippling, arbitrary fines on newly freed slaves. There is really no plausible argument that the right against excessive fines is not fundamental or deeply rooted and thus incorporated against the states. Advertisement Advertisement So when Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher approached the lectern to argue that the excessive fines clause doesnt fully apply to Indiana, Justice Neil Gorsuch pounced. Can we just get one thing off the table? he asked. We all agree that the excessive fines clause is incorporated against the states. Can we at least agree on that? Fisher hedged, but Gorsuch shot back: I think a yes or no would probably be a good starting place. Fisher tried to suggest the truth was more complicated, but Gorsuch cut him off, noting that most of the Bill of Rights was incorporated in, like, the 1940s. Advertisement And here we are in 2018, still litigating incorporation of the Bill of Rights, the justice said. Really? Come on, General. He leaned back in his chair, grinning like the cat that caught the canary. Advertisement Although Gorsuch led the charge, no justice seemed to think that the Constitution permits states to impose excessive fines. So Fisher raised a backup argument, alleging that the Eighth Amendment doesnt bar forfeitures of property, only money. The problem with this claim is that the court rejected it in 1993s Austin v. United States. So Fisher asked the court to overrule Austin, further flummoxing Gorsuch. Lets say this courts not inclined to revisit Austin, he told Thomas. Youre going to lose not just the incorporation question but the merits question too. Justice Stephen Breyer asked if Indiana could seize a Bugatti if it was going 5 miles per hour over the speed limit. Yes, its forfeitable, Fisher responded. Breyer mused: What about a Mercedes, or a special Ferrari or even jalopy? Fisher laughed at Breyers fanciful hypotheticals. But Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Gorsuchs new criminal justice ally, looked unamused. Advertisement Justice Scalia said it very well, she told Fisher, quoting Scalias opinion in Austin. For the Eighth Amendment to limit cash fines while permitting limitless [property confiscation] would make little sense. Instead, it would revive Englands notoriously lawless Star Chamber. Gorsuch nodded vigorously in agreement. Are we trying to avoid a society thats like the Star Chamber? Sotomayor asked. If we look at these forfeitures that are occurring today many of them seem grossly disproportionate to the crimes being charged. Advertisement Advertisement Shes right. In Philadelphia, prosecutors seized one couples house because their son was arrested with $40 worth of drugs. Officials there seized 1,000 other houses and 3,300 vehicles before a 2018 settlement that led to reparations for victims. In 2014, federal prosecutors used asset forfeiture to take more stuff than burglars. One Texas police department seized property from out-of-town drivers, then colluded with the district attorney to coerce these drivers into waiving their rights. Law enforcement frequently targets poor people and racial minorities, figuring they are unable to fight back. Advertisement Although he said nothing on Wednesday (as usual), Justice Clarence Thomas is one of the courts fiercest critics of civil asset forfeiture. In 2017, he wrote a solo opinion urging the court to rein in the practice. Citing its egregious and well-chronicled abuses, Thomas asserted that the Constitution likely does not allow police to seize property with limited judicial oversight and retain it for their own use. And in 1998, he authored a 54 decision, joined only by the liberals, outlawing forfeitures that are grossly disproportional to the gravity of [the] offense. So while Gorsuch and Sotomayor led the fight on Wednesday, theres probably a cross-ideological coalition of justices prepared to invalidate excessive forfeitures. Such a ruling would reflect broad agreement across the ideological spectrum that forfeiture has gone too far. Among the organizations that wrote or joined amicus briefs supporting Timbs are the progressive ACLU and NAACP; the libertarian Cato and Goldwater institutes, as well as the Pacific Legal Foundation; the conservative Chamber of Commerce and Judicial Watch; and the fundamentalist Foundation for Moral Law, which is dedicated to the defense of God-given liberties. Only Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito expressed any interest in allowing civil asset forfeiture to continue unabated. A majority of the court seems poised to rule that all 50 states must stop seizing property in a way thats grossly disproportionate to the crime committeda holy grail of criminal justice reformers. In one fell swoop, defendants will receive new protections against the legalized theft of their stuff. And Tyson Timbs, who attended Wednesdays argument, can demand that Indiana return the Land Rover that it never had a right to seize in the first place. This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy. The special counsels draft statement of offense for Jerome Corsi includes much extraordinary information. But what are the most legally significant details to emerge? At bottom, the draft court document supplies additional reason to believe that Robert Mueller can charge Trump campaign associates and the campaign itself for violations of federal campaign finance law either directly under the Federal Election Campaign Act or as part of a conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the capacity of the Federal Election Commission to enforce the FECA. The federal offense of a conspiracy to defraud the United States serves as the backbone of the special counsels February 2018 indictment of Russian nationals, which then raised the question whether the special counsel would subsequently indict any Americans for knowingly participating in the general conspiracy. The activities of Roger Stone, Jerome Corsi, and Ted Malloch, as shown by what Mueller decided to include in the draft document, point to legal jeopardy for them and any others who knowingly participated with them in this scheme with WikiLeaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft statement of offense contains direct and circumstantial evidence of the following four facts: 1. Stone was acting in collaboration with or as an agent of the Trump campaign in the pursuit of the WikiLeaks documents. 2. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange provided information directly to Trump campaign agents or associates as part of his groups effort, in collaboration with the Russian government, to help the Trump campaign. 3. Roger Stone had advanced knowledge about the specific content and timing of WikiLeaks document releases, including WikiLeaks possession of and plans to release Clinton campaign chairman John Podestas emails and documents purportedly related to Hillary Clintons health. 4. Trump campaign agents or associates coordinated campaign-related public communications with what Assange secretly told them were WikiLeaks planned activities. Advertisement As one of us has written, the February indictment of Russian organizations and individuals revealed the Kremlin to be operating, along with WikiLeaks, as a veritable super PAC in support for then-candidate Trump. The Trump campaign could not lawfully coordinate its political communications with WikiLeaks without running afoul of federal campaign finance laws. As a foreign national, WikiLeaks may not provide anything of value to an America political campaign, and Americans could not knowingly and substantially assist WikiLeaks illegal electioneering activity. The prohibition extends to solicitations of this campaign support by any agents of the Trump campaign. Moreover, the campaign finance law applies to WikiLeaks activities in two ways: as an entity pursuing its own anti-Clinton political objectives and as an agent of a foreign government, Russias, with which it was collaborating toward this end. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, Mueller is working with an expansive legal framework that Congress designed to prevent foreign national influence in our elections and that legislators repeatedly amended over the years to root out loopholes and end-runs. The draft statement of offense contains facts that would significantly strengthen the prosecutions hands in building and bringing such a case. Advertisement It is worth emphasizing several pieces of information in light of this legal framework. First, Mueller appears to believe Stone was acting in direct communication on campaign-related matters on behalf of the Trump campaign, serving as a strategic adviser well past the time his formal position ended in 2015. He spoke regularly with Donald Trump and sent the candidate memos on campaign strategy. Others such as Corsi knew of Stones role. The draft statement of offense says that Corsi understood [Stone] to be in regular contact with senior members of the Trump Campaign, including with then-candidate Donald J. Trump when Stone asked Corsi to get in touch with [WikiLeaks] about materials it possessed relevant to the presidential campaign. This dovetails with the special counsels July indictment of Russian military intelligence officers, which also conspicuously states that Stone was in regular contact with senior members of the presidential campaign of Donald J. Trump when he communicated privately with the Russian intelligence front Guccifer 2.0 in August of 2016. Advertisement Advertisement These allegations are also consistent with other publicly available information. For example, in May 2016, when Michael Caputo, senior Trump campaign communications adviser, wanted someone to meet with a Russian who promised to provide the campaign derogatory information on Hillary Clinton, text messages reveal that Caputo asked Stone to do so, which Stone did and reported back. (Stone amended his congressional testimony after the revelation of his contacts with the campaign.) Second, Stones written instructions to Corsi constituted an explicit solicitation of support: Get to (Assange) [a]t Ecuadorian Embassy in London and get the pending (WikiLeaks) emails (our emphasis added). The intent to solicit, in effect, could not be clearer. Third, the draft statement of offense includes a significant new fact in the potential coordination between WikiLeaks and the Trump circlebeyond just the release of the Podesta emails. In informing Stone about the body of materials in WikiLeaks possession and Assanges plans for releasing them, Corsi wrote on Aug. 2: Time to let more than [the Clinton campaign chairman] to be exposed as in bed w enemy if they are not ready to drop HRC. Would not hurt to start suggesting HRC old, memory bad, has strokeneither he nor she well. I expect that much of next dump focus. And, indeed, what followed was a pivot in the Trump campaign toward a focus on Clintons healthso much so that Chris Matthews observed on Aug. 16, 2016, that a series of recent remarks by Trump on the campaign trail showed that a new target seems to be the health of his opponent, Hillary Clinton. Matthews was puzzled, Well, why are they onto this? Why are they ontowhat do they know? Is there something we dont know in the health records, somethingsomething that could change this election around? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of August, other news outlets observed the same pattern: Trump surrogatespeople chosen by the campaign to speak on his behalfhave told voters that Mrs Clinton suffered a stroke and has seizures. A stroke, exactly what Corsis Aug. 2 email to Stone suggested. As an aside, we should note that the Kremlins influence campaign also considered Clintons health a focal point, according to the U.S. Intelligence Communitys January 2017 report. The report highlights the same month of August: In August, Kremlin-linked political analysts suggested avenging negative Western reports on Putin by airing segments devoted to Secretary Clintons alleged health problems. Rep. Jackie Speier also noted the timing of Trumps statements and the Trump campaigns advertisements concerning Clintons health in conjunction with the Kremlins social media campaign adopting the same theme in the same time frame. What Id like to understand is who was mimicking who? Speier asked social media companies. Advertisement But what about WikiLeaks promised document dump related to Clintons health? If that never materialized, it could indicate that Corsis information was bunk. WikiLeaks made good on its promise, however. In September, WikiLeaks highlighted one of the Clinton State Department emails housed in its document database, raising the idea that she had blood clot issues affecting her brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What about the strange reference in Corsis email to Stone referring to WikiLeaks information on Clintons health as though it were connected to documents related to Podesta? This materialized as well. On Oct. 24, WikiLeaks released documents from the trove of stolen Podesta emails suggesting that Podesta and other members of the campaign were concerned about Clintons health. The Trump circle quickly helped promote the WikiLeaks documents. Corsis own Twitter account tracks the chronology from laying the groundwork in August to capitalizing on the WikiLeaks Podesta release in October 2016. Advertisement For his part, Trump began hammering Clintons purported health problems again within two days of the Oct. 24 WikiLeaks release. At an Oct. 26 campaign rally, he made a curt remark suggesting Clinton was exhausted at the end of the second debate. The following day at a campaign speech in Ohio, Trump elaborated, suggesting Clinton almost collapsed after the second debate. Of course she had a lot of people around; they had a lot of people around her, which was smart, he added. His reference to Clintons health was a significant enough change in his regular stump speech that it made headlines. As the Washington Post reported at the time, however, no evidence has emerged that Clinton was suffering physically during or after the debates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also important to note that throughout this period, Trump, Stone, and Corsi knew that they were seeking campaign support from foreign nationals. WikiLeaks status as such was well known. By July of 2016, moreover, it was widely reported that the U.S. government had identified the Russian government as the responsible party in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. That same month, Donald Trump acknowledged the Russians involvement, publicly calling on them to find missing Clinton emails. So when Corsi refers in one of the newly revealed emails to the hackers who are supplying WikiLeaks, he would have understood, or had good reason to know, the identity of these hackers: the Putin regime. The draft Mueller document adds materially to the existing record of Trump campaign support for and coordination with the Russian-WikiLeaks scheme to influence the outcome of 2016 presidential election through a program of political sabotage. There is no reason to doubt that more from the Mueller probe is yet to come. What is known already leaves little standing of Donald Trumps repeated denial of collusion. There was collusion, and it occurred in violation of federal law. More From Just Security: Thems Fightin Words? State Department Ramps Up Iran Rhetoric. Timeline: Roger Stone and His Interactions With WikiLeaks, Russia, and More The Senate voted Wednesday afternoon to advance a resolution that would cut off U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the first time a resolution targeting the war has been approved and a sign of how fast the debate in Washington over the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia has shifted. The resolution would invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which prevents the president from introducing U.S. troops into an armed conflict without congressional authorization. U.S. support for the campaign, which has included intelligence cooperation, target assistance, and midair refueling, began in 2015 under the Obama administration. Under mounting criticism of the warwhich may have directly killed as many as 50,000 Yemenis, not counting deaths from the famine and disease outbreaks caused by the conflictthe Trump administration announced earlier this month it would halt providing midair refueling, but the airstrikes have continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar resolution, sponsored by Sens. Chris Murphy, Bernie Sanders, and Mike Lee, was tabled in March by a vote of 5544, with 10 Democrats including Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Bob Menendez and Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed siding with the Republican majority. Todays motion to discharge a resolution, sponsored by the same bipartisan trio, passed 63-37, a significantly larger than expected margin. This time, all 49 Senate Democrats voted yea, as did 14 Republicans. Those who switched their votes from March included Lindsey Graham, who appears to have had a last minute change of heart, and outgoing Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, who in comments today referred to Saudi Arabia as a semi-important country and its controversial Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as out of control. Advertisement Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both briefed the Senate this morning to urge them to vote against the measure and defend the U.S. alliance with Saudi Arabia. The briefing evidently didnt work and may even have backfired. Several senators, notably Menendez, voiced outrage that CIA Director Gina Haspel was prevented from testifying on the Khashoggi killing. Mattis also prompted some eye-rolling by telling reporters there was no smoking gun connecting the crown prince to Khashoggis murder, even though the CIA has concluded he ordered the operation. Advertisement The administration certainly seems unlikely to wind down this war on its own. Trump issued a full-throated defense of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and Crown Prince Mohammed this month as did Pompeo in todays Wall Street Journal. The U.S. has reportedly slammed the breaks on a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a limited ceasefire in the conflict due to Saudi objections. Advertisement But outside the White House, the brutality of the Yemen conflict and American culpability in it have become harder to ignore since the last vote thanks to a series of tragedies, including one in August in which 40 children on a school bus were killed by a bomb supplied by the U.S. The U.N. has warned that as much as half of Yemens population could soon be on the brink of famine. But the killing of journalist and U.S. resident Khashoggi is clearly what has done more than anything else to change the tenor of the debate. Advertisement The resolution still has a long way to go. Todays procedural vote will force a full floor debate and amendments could still be introduced. According to Murphy, Corker has indicated he could change his vote before it goes to a full debate if the administration takes further action on its own to pressure Saudi Arabia. Its also unlikely to pass the House in this session. Earlier this month, Republican House leaders used a measure inserted into a bill about removing gray wolves from endangered species list (really) to block a floor vote on a Yemen measure in the House. Similar maneuvers could come into play in the senate in the coming days. Still, the measure, and the fact that the Senate will debate it, is a significant sign of progress for the campaign to halt the U.S. role in the controversial war. That pressure is unlikely to dissipate next year when Democrats regain control over the House. However this particular resolution fares, any move by Congress to reassert its oversight powers on U.S. foreign policy is welcome. Listen to Standoff via Apple Podcasts or another podcast player. In the final episode of Standoff, our narrative miniseries on the story of Ruby Ridge, host Ruth Graham recaps Randy Weavers and Kevin Harris prosecutions, and explores how the story of the standoff became legendary among the modern far right. Slate Plus members get a bonus episode of Standoff every week. This week, Graham describes what happened to the Weaver family after the standoff, and how the story continues to resonate. Then, she talks with Tara Westover, the author of the memoir Educated, which describes an upbringing in a family of survivalists in Idaho that wasnt so much different from the Weavers. Donald Trump on Thursday called off his upcoming scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing the ongoing naval standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting, Trump tweeted. The meeting had been scheduled to take place this Saturday on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina. Advertisement Shortly afterward, the AP reported that Trump would also be calling off sit-down meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea. His talks with those leaders have been reduced to informal pull-asides on the sidelines of the summit. In addition to the Ukraine crisis, the Putin-Trump meeting would have taken place against the backdrop of new revelations from special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russias role in the 2016 election, and a plea deal for Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen for lying to Congress about Trumps business interests in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the second major gathering in a row, after the commemoration of the World War I armistice in Paris earlier this month, that both Putin and Trump attended without having a formal sit-down. (Trump did greet Putin warmly at the ceremony, and they attended a lunch together with the other leaders.) Their latest formal meeting was the high-profile summit in Helsinki in July. The Kremlin responded snippily to Thursdays announcement, saying that Putin would now have more time for useful meetings. Advertisement Trump had initially declined to respond for more than a day after the incident last weekend in which Russian ships opened fire and seized three Ukrainian vessels near the Kerch Strait between Crimea and the Russian mainland. When he did weigh in, he declined to blame Russia, saying, We do not like whats happening either way. And hopefully it will get straightened out, despite the fact that his own U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, had earlier condemned Russia for what she called an outrageous violation of sovereign Ukrainian territory. On Wednesday, Trump appears to have shifted his position on Russias actions, saying, I dont like that aggression in an interview with the Washington Post and suggesting he might cancel the Putin meeting. Advertisement Advertisement The latest crisis shows little sign of abating. A court in Russian-annexed Crimea on Wednesday ordered the captured sailors to be detained for two months, pending a possible trial for what Russia says was an illegal crossing of its borders. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for Western countries to apply additional sanctions on Russia over its actions and for NATO to deploy more warships to the area. But tougher actions from Europe or the U.S. appear unlikely for the moment, despite widespread condemnation of Russias actions. Advertisement The additional cancellations of meetings with the leaders of Turkey and South Korea seems like an attempt to downplay the significance of the Russia announcement. It will also allow Trump to avoid what would be awkward conversations about his staunch backing of Saudi Arabia and the uneasy state of nuclear diplomacy with North Korea. Trump has also made a habit of skipping events and taking off early on previous foreign trips, so his staff may just have wanted to keep his schedule light. Trump is still expected to sit down with President Xi Jinping of China for a highly anticipated meeting amid an escalating trade war between the two superpowers. And Putin will meet with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who may find himself something of a pariah at the gathering over his alleged role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The two oil-rich autocrats, both favorites of Trumps who have likely found relations with the U.S. more complicated than anticipated lately, should have a lot to talk about. Donald Trump has told Robert Mueller, in written responses to the special counsel, that Roger Stone did not tell him about WikiLeaks, nor was he told about the 2016 Trump Tower meeting between his son, CNN reported Wednesday. Two areas that Muellers team apparently has been pressing witnesses on are the Trump Tower meetingwhere a Russian lawyer told Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, and Jared Kushner that she could provide damaging information on Hillary Clintonand the possibility of coordination between the Trump campaign and WikiLeaks or the Russian government on releasing Democratic emails. Advertisement Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani told the New York Times that one of Manaforts attorneys told him that prosecutors hammered away at whether the president knew about the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting. In a document obtained by several news organizations Tuesday, prosecutors said that a Stone associate, Jerome Corsi, had told him almost two months before the Podesta emails were released that their friend in embassy [Julian Assange] plans 2 more dumps. It was also reported Tuesday that Manaforts lawyers had been in contact with Trumps legal team about Manaforts cooperation with Mueller, which recently blew up when prosecutors accused Manafort of lying to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump again floated a pardon for Manafort, who is facing a stiff jail term as his cooperation agreement with prosecutors collapsed. Trump told the New York Post that a pardon for Manafort is not off the table. He also praised Manafort, Stone, and Corsi, saying, that their apparent refusal or inability to incriminate Trump directly is actually very brave, and that the Mueller investigation is McCarthyism. Trump has publicly denied knowing about both WikiLeaks possession of Podestas emails and about the meeting between the Russian lawyer and his son, son-in-law, and senior campaign figure. But Trumps denials in the written answers to Muellers questions leave him open to criminal charges if they are proven false. CNN reported that its source said the president made clear he was answering to the best of his recollection. On Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump retweeted a fan account meme that depicted Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and a variety of other political adversaries behind bars. The caption read: Now that Russia collusion is a proven lie, when do the trials for treason begin? Journalists pointed out that it was highly unusual for a president to baselessly accuse his predecessor and his former political rival of treason. A reporter for the New York Post asked the president about a different and less prominent face in the jailed crowd. Tucked away in the back, behind Obama and John Podesta, was the face of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the Post, Trump was asked about Rosensteins inclusion: Why do you think he belongs behind bars? Advertisement He should have never picked a special counsel, Trump responded. Rosenstein appointed Robert Mueller in May 2017 after Jeff Sessions, then the attorney general, recused himself from the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Trump has repeatedly and regularly grouched about the special counsel investigation, complaining of bias and accusing the investigators themselves of being criminal. On Thursday morning, he again railed against the witch hunt. Trump has made no secret of his animosity toward Sessions and Rosenstein, both of whom he blamed for the investigation and its survival this far into his presidency. Trump fired Sessions earlier this month. Rosenstein offered his resignation in September, following reports that he discussed invoking the 25th Amendment process for removing the president and the idea of secretly recording the president. (Rosenstein denied the reports and said he had been speaking sarcastically.) Trump did not accept that resignation, and when the Post asked Trump if he intended to fire Rosenstein, the president declined to answer. Rosenstein was the only current administration official in the meme, but the list of former government officials included is long. The other people Trump seemed to endorse jailing were James Comey, Loretta Lynch, Huma Abedin, Eric Holder, James Clapper, and Mueller. President Donald Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday morning of lying to two congressional committees about the Trump Organizations attempts to make a real estate deal in Russia through the summer of 2016, well into the presidential campaign. Cohen had testified under oath to the House and Senate intelligence committees that the Trump Organizations Moscow Project to build a branded tower in the Russian capital had ended in January 2016 and that Cohen had made the decision on his own. Advertisement In fact, according to a document filed by the special counsels office in federal court in Manhattan, Cohen made the false statements to (1) minimize links between the Moscow Project and Individual 1 [Donald Trump] and (2) give the false impression that the Moscow Project ended before the Iowa caucus and the very first primary, in hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Cohen has pleaded guilty to telling bald-faced lies about the Trump Organizations efforts in Russia, his former boss, Trump, has also made several statements that are, in light of Cohens guilty plea and the news reporting on the Trump Organizations attempted dealings with Russian businesses, at best diversionary. Trump told reporters Thursday that Cohens statements were lies in order to get a shorter sentence and also were essentially old news, telling reporters, hes lying about a project that everybody knew about. We were very open with it. We were thinking about building a building. . There would have been nothing wrong if I did do it. If I did do it, there would have been nothing wrong. It was my business. So hes lying very simply to get a reduced sentence, OK? Advertisement The information filed in court Thursday says that Cohen had briefed family members of Individual 1 [Trump] within the Company about the project through June 2016 and had asked Trump about possibly traveling to Russia in connection with the Moscow Project, and asked a senior campaign official about potential business travel to Russia. Cohen had also, in January 2016, spoken with a Russian government officials assistant, and described his position at the Company and outlined the proposed Moscow Project, including the Russian development company with which the Company had partnered, according to Muellers filing, and had requested assistance in moving the project forward, both in securing land to build the proposed tower and financing the construction. The next day, another person working on the deal wrote to Cohen and said, Its about [the president of Russia] they called today. Advertisement Advertisement While in court Thursday, Cohen said that he had lied to Congress out of loyalty to Trump and so he could be consistent with the presidents political messaging after he took office . Advertisement And as soon as Trump won the electionand during the 2016 campaign, as Russia became a bigger topic after WikiLeaks release of hacked Democratic emailshe was concerned with putting to bed any doubts that he had not won the election entirely on his own, which meant repeatedly denying that he had any business dealings in Russia besides putting on the Miss Universe pageant there in 2013. July 26, 2016 Trumps denials started simply, as with this tweet almost a week after the Republican National Convention, when his campaign was responding to a lot of coverage of the Clinton campaigns allegations of Trump ties to Russia in the aftermath of the DNC email dump: Advertisement For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2016 Advertisement Oct. 10, 2016 In their second presidential debate, Hillary Clinton said that Trump had praised Putin, maybe because he says he agrees with a lot of what Putin wants to do, maybe because he wants to do business in Moscow, I dont know the reasons. Trump responded indignantly: Advertisement I notice, anytime anything wrong happens, they like to say the Russians areshe doesnt know if its the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia. And the reason they blame Russia because they think theyre trying to tarnish me with Russia. I know nothing about Russia. I knowI know about Russia, but I know nothing about the inner workings of Russia. I dont deal there. I have no businesses there. I have no loans from Russia. Advertisement Jan. 11, 2017 Less than two weeks before his inauguration, President-elect Trump started the day with an unambiguous tweet: Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017 Advertisement Advertisement Then he held a press conference to discuss the disposition of his business interests as president. When Trump was asked by a reporter, Does Russia have any leverage over you, financial or otherwise? And if not, will you release your tax returns to prove it? Trump responded: So I tweeted out that I have no dealings with Russia. I have no deals that could happen in Russia, because weve stayed away. And I have no loans with Russia. As a real estate developer, I have very, very little debt. I have assets that areand now people have found out how big the company is, I have very little debtI have very low debt. But I have no loans with Russia at all. And I thought that was important to put out. I certified that. So I have no deals, I have no loans and I have no dealings. We could make deals in Russia very easily if we wanted to, I just dont want to because I think that would be a conflict. So I have no loans, no dealings, and no current pending deals. Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 7, 2018 Shortly after arriving in the White House, Trump again said he did not know Putin (despite having said for years he had), and that had no deals in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement I don't know Putin, have no deals in Russia, and the haters are going crazy - yet Obama can make a deal with Iran, #1 in terror, no problem! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2017 Advertisement May 11, 2018 In his now infamous interview with Lester Holt, Trump said, But regardless of recommendation, I was going to fire Comey knowing there was no good time to do it. And in fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myselfI said, you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. Its an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they shouldve won, he also made a further denial of business interests in Russia, telling Holt: Advertisement [I] have nothing to do with Russia. I have no investments in Russia, none whatsoever. I dont have property in Russia. A lot of people thought I owned office buildings in Moscow. I dont have property in Russia I built a great company, but Im not involved with Russia. I have had dealings with them over the years where I sold a house to a very wealthy Russian many years ago. I had the Miss Universe pageant which I owned for quite a while. I had it in Moscow a long time ago, but other than that, I have nothing to do with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement In the strictest sense, none of these denials appears to represent a lie as far as we know, because of Trumps adherence to present-tense verbs: I have no dealings with Russia I dont do deals I have no loans with Russia. But these statements serve to mislead people about Trumps attempted deal with Russia and Cohens and Saters past contacts with the Russian government. And one claim in particular, Weve stayed away, rings particularly disingenuous. Now that Cohens lies about the attempted Moscow deal are out in the open, Trump is saying that of course they were trying to do a deal in Russia, everyone knew about it (and, in fairness, he even tweeted about it in 2013) and that theres nothing to see here. But why would Trump not mention that, for example, during the Lester Holt interview, when the president brought up the two more above-board Russian deals. Thats because at no point does Trump want to offer up any information that could substantiate any suspicions that he was somehow coordinating with or in any debts to powerful Russians during the campaign. Trumps denialsof his involvements with Russia or any other controversy he finds himself inall follow a similar pattern: say what may be, at best, literally true, in order to get out of a tight spot. If you have to tell the truth, tell what little you can and make sure it sounds as benign as possible. The problem for Trump is that hes been in the same sticky situation for more than two years, and hes only gotten more stuck. Who knows what hell have to sayor donext. In 1980, Ronald Reagan defended car emissions by comparing them favorably to the recent eruption of Mount St. Helens. Im not a scientist, he said, but I just have a suspicion that that one little mountain out there has probably released more sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere of the world than has been released in the last 10 years of automobile driving. It wasnt true (Americans many cars released more sulfur dioxide over the past decade than that one eruption), but it was one of the first examples of a dreadful turn of phraseIm not a scientistthat has haunted our discourse ever since, as chronicled by Dave Levitan in his book, Not a Scientist: How Politicians Mistake, Misrepresent, and Utterly Mangle Science. It is most frequently deployed as a sort of disclaimer that then allows the speaker to go on to spew completely false information without consequence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It happened again over the weekend, when Meet the Press hosted the American Enterprise Institutes Danielle Pletka to talk about the Trump administrations Black Friday climate change report. Im not a scientist, she said, and then followed that up with a bunch of nonsense about global cooling. The outraged response was swift and immediate: Why was this person asked on Meet the Press to talk about science when she clearly knows nothing about it? Why didnt more TV networks interview real scientists about the report? Or, as one Twitter user put it: Im not a scientist, but Then shut the fuck up, were discussing science. Michael Green (@andmichaelgreen) November 25, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement This reaction underscores one particular frustration of the Trump era: In order to defend everything we hold dear, we often find ourselves mindlessly cheerleading science without thinking too hard. But fighting the TV appearance of this not a scientist by demanding that more scientists talk about climate in the public spherewhile implying, as many did, that they are the only ones who canonly makes things worse. We should be smart enough by now to know the Im not a scientist trick for what it is. For one thing, it props up the fallacy that the existence of climate change is still up for debate. Another effect of the rights use of not a scientist is to put up a wall separating the project of science from the rest of human knowledge. Levitan calls the phrase a bit of down-home hucksterism designed to marginalize those eggheads over there who actually are scientists as somehow out of touch or silly. Take Mitch McConnells use of it in 2014: Im not a scientist. I am interested in protecting Kentuckys economy, Im interested in having low cost electricity, he told the Cincinnati Enquirers editorial board. In this formulation, a scientist couldnt be interested in protecting Kentuckys economyleave that to the people who live in the real world, like McConnell. (This idea, that science doesnt help the economy, would be a huge surprise to many scientists, but I digress.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This attempt to separate scientist from human is a trap. If we, the opponents of McConnell, presume that only scientists can understand climate change, and therefore only scientists should be asked to talk about it publicly, the next step is the idea that scientists should be the ones to make the decisions about what were going to do to fight it. By this logic only scientists can make policy and governance decisions involving science, historian of science Audra Wolfe wrote on Twitter, in responding to Dan Rathers well-meaning tweet on the topic. Thats technocracy, not a democracy. Its been a while since the left spoke so reverently of sciences righteousness. At another point of national crisis, during the worst part of the Depression, a group at Columbia Universitys Department of Industrial Engineering proposed that rigorous planning, as directed by engineers and technicians, would be the answer to the countrys economic woes. Howard Scott, an engineer, was the director of the group, which called itself Technocracy. The increased productive capability of American industry had put men out of work, and it was up to science to fix this problem, Scott argued. The group analyzed the workings of all civilization, proclaiming that everything about American life could be broken down in terms of units of energy and that the economy should be reconfigured based on their analysis. Put technocrats in control, Scott said, and things would be running smoothly once again. Advertisement This reaction underscores one particular frustration of the Trump era: In order to defend everything we hold dear, we often find ourselves mindlessly cheerleading science without thinking too hard. Contemporary onlookers, despite being steeped in a culture that lionized engineers and planners, found the idea a bit terrifying. The plans that the technocrats advanced, which involved giving out energy certificates to replace money and creating a new financial system to provide an automatic balance between production and consumption, were outlandish, Wayne Weishaar wrote in an ultimately critical 1933 essay called Technocracy: An Appraisal. It felt, to Weishaar and to many others then and later, alienating and inherently anti-democratic: [The engineers] have withheld details, saying that they are interested only in presenting them later to technicians and engineers, the only ones who can comprehend it. Advertisement Of course, this vision of technocracy never came to pass in the United States. Since the Vietnam era, liberals have maintained a certain wariness toward the idea that pure science, untempered by democratic input from the rest of us, can solve all our problems. Its only more recently, when Trump has scrambled our brains so effectively, that we seem to have fallen back on the old idea that science is perfectly virtuous. Advertisement We shouldnt let Trump and the right trick us into building up this fake division between science and the rest of the world. Some politicians on the left seem to have understood this. Charlie Crist said in 2014, while campaigning against Rick Scott, who used the not a scientist defense in responding to questions about climate change, Im not a scientist either, but I can use my brain and I can talk to one. That same year, Barack Obama said something similar to the League of Conservation Voters, acknowledging his lack of scientific training and then referring to the science adviser and other scientists in his administration he could speak with if he had questions. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, ever the picture of narcissism, told the Washington Post that he doesnt believe in climate change because hes too smart: One of the problems that a lot of people like myselfwe have very high levels of intelligence, but were not necessarily such believers, he said. He also waited longer than any president in recent history to appoint his own science adviser, who still hasnt been confirmed. Even once that adviser is in place, whos to say Trump will consult him? As Slates Brian Palmer put it back in 2016, when he argued that this president should simply go without a science adviser, Theres no scientist alive who can fix the underlying problem, because the problem is Trump himselfparticularly, his arrogance. Advertisement Advertisement You dont have to be a scientist to care about processes that are best explained by science. You dont have to be trained to talk about science with a curious and honest mind. You dont even have to be a scientist to do science. The amateur insect collectors Brooke Jarvis writes about in her recent New York Times story on the insect apocalypse are citizen scientists, and their work has been crucial to piecing together whats going on with declines in insect populations. Amateurs have long provided much of the patchy knowledge we have about nature, Jarvis writes about a long tradition of citizen science thats benefited entomology and ornithology in particular. As technologically advanced as we are, the natural world is still a very big and complex place, and the best way to learn whats going on is for a lot of people to spend a lot of time observing it. Advertisement Advertisement I know nobody railing against Meet the Press choices intended to make things worse. But wed do better to accept that the people who deploy Im not a scientist are trafficking in denialism. No amount of science-from-the-mouth-of-a-scientist is going to dissuade them, so we might as well move on. According to an April survey, 70 percent of Americans agree that climate change is happening. If we are going to come up with large-scale solutions to this obvious problem, theyll be political and scientific. Well need scientists to advise us and to participate, but well also need plenty of nonscientists to help make a plan to move forward. A force is emerging at last to check the world-bending power of Big Tech. It isnt Congress, whose hearings so far have amounted to little more than political theater. It isnt U.S. regulators, whose occasional wrist slaps have largely been ineffective deterrents of corporate overreach. And it isnt consumers, who have continued to rely heavily on internet giants products even as scandals have shaken their image. No, the calls to action that are starting to make a difference are the ones coming from inside the house. Its tech workersfrom highly paid software engineers to poorly treated contract workerswhose voices are resonating in Silicon Valley and Seattle now. Advertisement At Google this month, an employee walkout successfully pressured the company to change how it handles sexual harassment accusationsand other tech firms quickly followed its lead. Google employees previously got the company to drop a contract with the Pentagon that involved military applications of artificial intelligence. Now theyre calling publicly for the company to cancel a project to build a censored search engine for use in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon warehouse workers in Europe spent Black Friday weekend protesting their working conditions. Thats after Somali warehouse workers in Minneapolis organized last week to force Amazon executives to negotiate with them. In October, an anonymous Amazon employee spoke out against the companys work with police departments on face recognition. Employees have been protesting that project internally for months. Microsoft workers have also pushed back against their companys work with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement But there is one tech behemoth whose workers have stayed oddly quiet, even as it has been pilloried by outsiders for everything from its privacy practices to its effect on democratic elections to its role in ethnic violence around the world. Employees of Facebook, possibly Silicon Valleys most controversial company, held their peace even after a New York Times investigation that showed a pattern of company leaders conniving, dissembling, and kowtowing to conservatives as the platforms problems mounted. Its time for Facebooks workers to speak out. Past time, really. But now would be better than never. Since President Donald Trumps election, in which Facebook played a supporting role, there have been occasional rumblings of employee discontent. Facebook, to its credit, has an internal culture that encourages employees to speak up within the company or within their teaman approach that likely helps to defuse some anger that might otherwise explode beyond its walls. But Google has that too. Advertisement Advertisement What Facebook also hasmore than Google, at this point in its maturationis a culture of solidarity, a sort of us-vs.-the-world mentality in which wagons tend to circle publicly even when theyre privately at loggerheads. Its a company whose CEO used to close all-hands meetings by raising his fist and saying, Domination! A company where a top executive wrote an internal memo making the case for prioritizing growth at all costseven at the cost of human lives. A company whose staff broke out in cheers at a meeting when CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that he had tracked down and fired an employee who leaked word of a secret A.I. product to the press. As one anonymous Facebook employee explained to Recodes Mark Wagner afterward: You dont betray the family. Advertisement Advertisement That cultlike loyalty helps explain why, when Facebook was under fire earlier this year for having allowed shady app developers to harvest users profile information, the word out of Menlo Park was that Facebook employees were rallying around their chief. There were rumors of employee anger after Facebooks top policy executive, Joel Kaplan, turned up to support Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at the Senate hearing in which he was accused of sexual harassment. But even then, no one dared speak up publicly. Advertisement The silence held even after the Times reported that Kaplan, along with COO Sheryl Sandberg, had systematically downplayed evidence of Russian interference and misinformation to avoid upsetting conservatives on Capitol Hill. Bloomberg reported this week that some within the company are now questioning Sandbergs leadership. No doubt Facebooks largely liberal employees are struggling to reconcile their previously held vision of Facebook as an idealistic, mission-driven enterprise with their bosses Machiavellian machinations. But again, theyre doing it anonymously and vaguely, via back channelsperhaps partly as a way of shifting blame from Zuckerberg himself. There are no plans for walkouts at 1 Hacker Way. Advertisement What murmuring there is seems to be having little effect: Zuckerberg is both standing his own ground and standing by his right hand, saying he hopes to keep working with Sandberg for decades. The company even managed to get its outgoing communications chief to take the fall for the most explosive claim in the Times storythat Facebook had paid a D.C. political consultancy to spread an anti-Semitic smear against a civil rights group that was criticizing it. Responsibility for these decisions rests with leadership of the Communications team, Elliot Schrage wrote in an official Facebook blog post last week. Thats me. Mark and Sheryl relied on me to manage this without controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Its clear by now that Facebooks leaders respond to outside criticism defensivelyand sometimes even offensively. The companys board seems content as long as the profits keep flowing. Users have tried quitting Facebookonly to end up spending more time on WhatsApp or Instagram, both Facebook products. Congress cant agree on anything, and regulators under Trump are content to do nothing. Right now, realistically, change can only come from within. But in Facebooks case, so far, it isnt coming. Advertisement On one level, its understandable that Facebook employees have kept quiet about their companys malfeasance. Some of them probably genuinely feel that the company has been unfairly attacked. Others would like to speak up, but theyre scared. An anonymous former employee told the Guardian that despite its warm and fuzzy image, Facebook enforces secrecy by sowing fear: If anyone steps out of line, theyll squash you like a bug. But its increasingly clear that tech companies own employees are the only ones in a position to effect serious ethical reform right now. And the tactics that have succeeded elsewhere do not include quietly raising concerns up the chain of command or privately sharing doubts in internal meetings. What has worked is whistleblowing. What has worked are walkouts. What have worked are specific, public demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what the world needs from Facebooks employees. We need them to speak up about data collection, about face recognition, about political cowardice, about racial and gender bias, about the platforms propensity to spread misinformation and foster extremism. Perhaps most of all, we need them to speak up about the internal culture that allows Facebooks leaders to pretend to be listening to critics while privately conspiring to trample them. A crack in the facade appeared, at last, this week. In his final days as a Facebook employee, on Nov. 8, Mark Luckie had circulated a memo accusing the company of failing its black employees and its black users. In it, he argued persuasively that Facebooks efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have been largely cosmetic, and that the companys machinery still conspires to squelch the voices, interests, and concerns of people of color. This week, Luckie took an even bolder step: He posted his memo publicly on Facebook. Luckie told CNN that he made the memo public because Facebook does not make any meaningful change on a company level unless it is being held accountable publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Its clear by now that Facebooks leaders respond to outside criticism defensivelyand sometimes even offensively. Predictably, company officials responded by portraying Luckies experiences as unrepresentative and questioning his motives for going publiceasier to do now that hes gone. But Luckie was right: Theyre now being forced to reckon with his arguments in a way that they didnt when he raised them privately. And some others who still work at Facebook were emboldened to respond supportively to his post. One black employee thanked him for articulating what Ive so often thought and felt and not been able to say. Advertisement Perhaps Facebook will try to squash her, and others who speak up, like the proverbial bug. But that will be a lot harder now that the dissent is being voiced in public. Thats the thing about speaking out: Its contagious. Theres strength in numbers, a strength that Googles employees harnessed by organizing mass walkouts and signing their names to open letters. It may be true that speaking out isnt part of Facebooks corporate culturetoday. But cultures can change. Until recently, it wasnt part of Googles culture, either. Now it is, and both Google and the world are better off for it. Facebooks leaders and many of its employees may feel that Luckie betrayed the family. But when the family is hurting people, the real betrayal is to remain silent. Listen to If Then by clicking the arrow on the audio player below, or get the show via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Get More If Then Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to If Then Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. On If Then, hosts April Glaser and Will Oremus discuss the ongoing fallout at Facebook over the companys decision to hire a conservative PR firm to surface opposition research in order to attack Facebooks nonprofit critics by highlighting their funding ties to the liberal financier George Soros, playing into a popular, untrue, and anti-Semitic right-wing trope. As internal and external turmoil continues to rile major American technology companies, their employees are organizing for serious change. The hosts dig into what theyve accomplished so far and what continued employee pressure and mounting labor actions means down the line. Advertisement Then, an interview with Antonio Regalado, a senior editor at the MIT Technology Review, on a story he broke Sunday night: the very first efforts to gene-edit babies reportedly born this month in China.* The trio discusses the history of gene-editing technology and the debate about using it on humans. To some, gene-editing is a form of medicine, like a vaccination. To others, its a form of enhancement. How easy is this to do? And will we have a future where the health of tomorrows children, or those whose parents can afford it, will be determined before theyre even born? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14:13 - Interview with Antonio Regalado 32:02 - Dont Close My Tabs Stories discussed on the show: Advertisement Slate: Everything Facebook Admitted Just Before Thanksgiving When No One Would Notice Slate: Facebooks Former Security Chief Reflects on What Went Wrong BuzzFeed: Despite Changes To Sexual Misconduct Policies, Google Walkout Organizers Say Theres More To Be Done New York Times: How Google Protected Andy Rubin, the Father of Android MIT Technology Review: Chinese Scientists Are Creating CRISPR Babies MIT Technology Review: The Chinese Scientist Who Claims He Made CRISPR Babies Is Under Investigation Dont Close My Tabs: New Yorker: Exploding Mojitos: The First Sonic Attacks Targeting American Diplomats in Cuba May Have Taken Place Thirty Years Ago New York Times: A Business With No End Podcast production by Max Jacobs. If Then plugs: You can get updates about whats coming up next by following us on Twitter @ifthenpod. You can follow Will @WillOremus and April @Aprilaser. If you have a question or comment, you can email us at ifthen@slate.com. *Correction, Nov. 29, 2018: An earlier version of this show page misstated the scope of Antonio Regalatos initial reporting. If Then is presented by Slate and Future Tense, a collaboration among Arizona State University, New America, and Slate. Future Tense explores the ways emerging technologies affect society, policy, and culture. To read more, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our weekly newsletter. Prison inmates in South Carolina received arrest warrants and summonses for a sextortion scam involving catfishing of hundreds of military service members, a Naval Criminal Investigative Service report revealed Wednesday. With help from outside accomplices, inmates used cellphones to seek out service members on dating sites and social media, then developed romantic relationships with them behind a fake female identity. Ultimately, inmates would blackmail service members for money, the NCIS report said. How exactly did the inmates get money, you ask? After a few days of romantic conversations, including exchange of nude photos with service members, inmates would sometimes assume the role of the father of the fake female persona. The father would claim that his daughter was underage, in which case the photos exchanged would be considered child pornography, the NCIS report said. Other times, prisoners posed as police officers. In both scenarios, inmates would ask for money in exchange for not pressing any charges on the service members. Service members would then pay, fearful they might lose their careers over possessing what they were being led to believe was child pornography, the NCIS report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This elaborate sextortion scam affected 442 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, the report said, who paid out more than $560,000 altogether. The NCIS made arrest warrants as the first phase of Operation Surprise Party, an investigation aimed at catching inmates involved in money laundering schemes like this one. This despicable targeting of our brave service members will never be tolerated, said NCIS director Andrew Traver. This operation will continue until we break the back of these criminal networks. More than 250 individuals are still under investigation and may face prosecution. But this is not a unique case. There have been other examples where inmates used cellphones to continue committing crimes virtually, even as they were physically behind prison walls. Many times, the prison guards are the ones selling phones to the inmates, News 5, a CBS-affiliated news website revealed. For example, one phone may be sold for $500 and its charger for $150, the article said. Advertisement In July, judges in South Carolina and California ordered cellphone carriers to disable about 200 contraband phones being used by prisoners to prevent them from engaging in criminal activities like drug deals and gang operations, the Associated Press reported. In response to this most recent sextortion scam, South Carolina Corrections director Brian Stirling and some U.S. Marshals, are renewing a push for an even more severe measure: a total blocking of all mobile signals in prisons. The technology exists, and I know it exists, to make these cellphones of no value, to make them useless. To make them nothing but a paperweight in a cell block, U.S. Marshal Thomas Griffin told ABC News. In 2018 America, chances are high that youve come across the work of a celebrity physician in some form: Maybe youve passively watched Dr. Oz while waiting at a doctors office, or flipped through one of Deepak Chopras books on alternative medicine. Celebrity physicians often catapult to fame via their mastery of traditional media, like television or radio or books or magazines, and were used to seeing medical advice and expertise there. What you may have yet to encounter, or havent fully noticed yet, is the growing group of current medical students who are perhaps on track to achieve even greater fame, through their prodigious and aggressive use of social media, particularly Instagram. Even before receiving their medical degrees, these future doctors are hard at work growing their audiences (many have well into the thousands of followers), arguably in ways even more savvy than the physicians on social media today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fell into a digital rabbit hole that surfaced dozens of fellow med students moonlighting as social media influencers, and the partnerships grew ever more questionable. I first learned of the medical student Instagram influencer community a few months ago, when a friend shared links to a few of these accounts with me, asking if this is what medical school was really like. Curated and meticulously organized, these accounts posted long reflections after anatomy lab sessions, video stories of students huddled around a defibrillator during a CPR training session, pictures of neat study spaces featuring board-prep textbooks next to cups of artisan coffee, and 5 a.m. selfies taken in the surgery locker-room before assisting with a C-section. Initially, I cringed. Sure, they looked vaguely familiarthey were (literally) rose-tinted, glamorized snapshots of relatable moments dispersed over the past few years of my life. But interspersed, and even integrated, into those relatable moments were advertisements and discount codes for study materials and scrub clothing brands. Something about that, in particular, felt impulsively antithetical to my (perhaps wide-eyed) interpretation of medicines ideals, of service to others over self-promotion. Advertisement Sufficiently intrigued, I fell into a digital rabbit hole that surfaced dozens of fellow med students moonlighting as social media influencers, and the partnerships grew ever more questionable. Some accounts featured sponsored posts advertising watches and clothes from Lululemon; another linked back to a personal blog that included a page that allowed followers to shop my Instagram. A popular fitness-oriented account, hosted by an aspiring M.D., promoted protein powder and pre-workout supplements. A future dermatologist showcased skin care products. Another future M.D.s account highlights the mattresses, custom maps, furniture rental services, and food brand that, according to the posts, help her seamlessly live the life of a third-year med student. Advertisement In the aggregate, the ethics of these accounts left me conflicted. Many of these influencers are using their accounts and personal brands for objectively good, medically sound causesa number of them promote important public health messages like getting an annual flu shot or registering as an organ donor. I can even empathize with the impulse to partner with companies to advertise productsmed school is expensive, and I can imagine advertising is somewhat lucrative. But the companies are almost certainly targeting them because they know that med students can offer some veneer of medical objectivity to their products. By engaging in these partnerships, med students have, perhaps unsuspectingly, chosen to put their medical credentialoften prominently displayed in a name or Instagram bioup for sale. Advertisement Advertisement For now, no one seems to have descended into the Dr. Oz universe of snake oilthere are no products on the level of the rapid fat loss pills or cures for the common cold that he promotes. But the potential to take things too far is certainly there, and American medicine is full of stories of physicians promoting products of questionable or no medical value. In the past, physicians have advertised for Camel cigarettes and, more recently, partnered with Coca-Cola. Just last year, a physician in Oklahoma gained notoriety for offering Jesus shotsessentially a pricey placebo consisting of two steroids and vitamin B12to patients and potential customers for chronic pain. On Instagram, med students already toe the line by advertising for products like protein supplements, which can be high in added sugar and can strain kidney function. It doesnt take an extraordinary leap of imagination to envision a med student being paid to promote a product on Instagram like Juula potentially useful harm reduction tool for smokers but a dangerous recommendation for doctors to make for most people. And for better or worse, the stakes are pretty highfor patients and their health, but also for doctors and their credibility. Many of these influencers, with access already to audiences as large as 60,000 followers and growing, will go on to become the next faces of American medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Many outside interests are ready to take advantage of students ability to offer some stamp of medical authority. Med students arent alone herephysicians and residents have also engaged in native advertising for brands on platforms like Instagram in recent years. One example is Dr. Mike Varshavski, a family medicine physician in New York with more than 2.9 million Instagram followers. Hes promoted Quaker oats, Old Spice deodorant, and Foxs new medical drama, The Resident, just in the past year. Although ethically in the clear by the standards of professional organizations like the American Medical Association, practicing health professionals are likely more aware of both the good and the bad implications of that decision to advertise. Advertisement But for less experienced medical students, the story becomes more complicated. We, only beginning our careers in medicine, sit at the bottom of medicines totem pole, lacking the volume of clinical experience of practicing physicians. During our education, we remain in a purgatory of sorts, not quite inside medicines ivory tower but going through experiences and observing moments in medicine that most people simply dont get to see. And social media, by its nature, makes it difficult to separate our lives in lecture halls or in the hospital from our lives at home. It practically invites us to share professional opinions alongside personal views, where posts and tweets can easily get misinterpreted. Is a doctors personal devotion to a product an endorsement that its a good medical choice for everyone? The uncharted ethics of social media are already confusing, and thats before you add in the influence of outside interests, many of which are ready to take advantage of students ability to offer some stamp of medical authority to the general public about a product or idea without asking too many questions. Advertisement Advertisement This is not to say that doctors shouldnt share opinions: Many physicians already do this responsibly online. On Twitter in particular, physicians have created a virtual community that opens academic debates on evidence-based research to the public, fosters camaraderie and professional support to one another, and enables physicians to speak out about important social causes (the most recent example being the #ThisIsMyLane movement). But there is a difference between using your expertise to inform arguments and using your expertise to make some extra cash selling products to consumers. And how to ethically handle the social capital associated with a medical degree is rarely, if ever, discussed in our training. It is something we instead quietly grapple with ourselves and are expected learn how to handle with time. Advertisement Advertisement The problem is broader than Instagram, too: Ive personally seen how groups outside of medicine seek the endorsement of med students and the weight behind their future degrees. Since starting med school, political organizations have asked me and my classmates to attend protests in white coats, rather than in plainclothes as private citizens. And as both a freelance writer and med student, companies have approached me to endorse their products or even the visions of their CEOs. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, the issue shows no signs of going away anytime soon. And solutions to address it arent clear. Firm regulations by professional societies on what we can and cant say doesnt seem to be a great answerwhatever is written will quickly become outdated, given how fast social media can evolve. But on Instagram, at least, a large contingent of health professionals have pushed for transparency and self-regulation through the #VerifyHealthCare movement, which asks influencers to explicitly list out their credentials, conflicts of interests, and clarification that personal endorsements are not always professional ones. Encouraging and teaching students to carry a greater respect for the significance of the two letters that eventually appear after our names may be the best path forward. Public trust in physicians (and other institutions) has declined over the past half-century, but a majority of Americans still believe that their physician is honest and highly ethical in their practice. As outside interestsparticularly corporations and advertisersvie for our endorsements, we should do our best, for the sake of our patients, not to give it away so cheaply. Starbucks will implement a tool next year that will block customers from viewing explicit content like pornography with the stores Wi-Fi, Business Insider reports. Customers are technically already banned from watching porn at Starbucks, but the chain has never used online filters to stop people from doing so. Starbucks initially pledged to implement porn-filtering technology in 2016, though the coffee company said at the time that it was still looking for the right tool that wouldnt inadvertently block non-explicit content. The internet safety group Enough Is Enough called out Starbucks earlier this week for failing to follow up on its promise and started an online petition urging the company to start using content filters, which has amassed more than 26,000 signatures. Starbucks subsequently disclosed that it had been testing multiple tools and eventually settled on one that it believes will be discriminate in its blocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear just how big this pornography problem is for Starbucks. There have been anecdotal reports of employees having to ask customers to refrain from viewing explicit materials. There was also a case in 2014 in which a registered sex offender had been using the free internet at a Starbucks in Oregon to download child pornography. Other food service chains of Starbucks scale have already had porn filters for their in-store Wi-Fi for years. McDonalds began blocking porn in 2016 at the insistence of Enough Is Enough, and chains like Panera Bread and Chick-Fil-A had implemented filters even earlier. The film is winning awards at film festivals around the world. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Dominik Bari and his colleges in front of inscription "Oymyakon, Pole of Cold" (Source: Felipe Paiva) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Stealing someones hat is considered attempted murder in Yakutsk because of the extreme cold, Dominik Bari, a 24-year-old filmmaker from Kosice, explains what he knew about the biggest town near Oymyakon before he decided to film a short documentary. The idea of shooting a movie came about thanks to his classmate Petr Vinokurov from the International School of Film and Television in Paris, a Yakutsk native. He told Bari about the coldest populated place in the world, the Oymyakon village of about 700 citizens, where the lowest recorded temperature was -71.2 Celsius degrees. Bari started googling more information about it. Having found no documentary about the place, he knew that he would be the one to film it. Within a month, Bari put together a team of people to work on the project. His classmate, the Brazilian director of photography Felipe Paiva, who wanted to shoot the documentary. Paiva had had experiences with extreme locations like war zones in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine or the drug cartels in Latin America, Bari explained. The other people in the project helped with administration issues or language translating, as people in Oymyakon speak Yakutsk as their mother tongue. It took them a year and a half to prepare for the journey. Five days in the taiga In Yakutsk, the team spent two days making preparations. Only then did they set off on the more than 1,000-kilometre-long journey in a specially modified car through the Road of Bones, in the taiga and on frozen rivers. It lasted about 21 hours. It is said that a human is buried every twelfth metre, Bari noted, explaining that the road is named after the victims of World War II, who had been working in gulags during extreme cold to build the road. The mining company responds with a criminal complaint. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled End the Coal Age! reads a 15-metre-long banner placed on a mining tower situated at the complex of the Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza mining company in Novaky (Trencin Region) by activists from Greenpeace Slovensko. Ending the Coal Age means leave the coal in the earth and stopping its burning, wrote Julia Sokolovicova, energy expert in Greenpeace CEE, in a Facebook post. The time has come for the government to stop discussing the budget of one company and focus on the real end of coal instead, protecting peoples health and the environment. Slovakia can do more. All 12 activists were later detained, and the organisation is currently waiting for the further steps of the police. Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza meanwhile submitted a criminal complaint against Greenpeace Slovensko. Coal support will end earlier Read also: Read also: Slovaks should stop paying for coal mining in 2023 Read more Altogether 12 activists from Greenpeace Slovensko climbed the tower at 6:00, with the aim of staying in the complex until 16:00. Gradually, the vehicles of police, rescuers, mining rescue services and firefighters arrived to the site, the TASR newswire reported. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Peter Ziga (Smer) said that the coal mining will be subsidised by the state only until 2023. The original support scheme was to end in 2030. We think that this is also the date coal mining can be completely subdued in Slovakia, Sokolovicova said, as quoted by TASR. This is because electricity and heat generated from coal has the smallest share in the energy mix in Slovakia of all other central European countries. The Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza company already said that the price of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is supposed to be higher than that generated from coal. Its hard to compare the prices of electricity generated from renewable sources and coal, because there are no market conditions in Slovakia, Sokolovicova said, as quoted by TASR, adding that the prices of electricity generated from coal follows the state order to produce electricity in a specific volume for a specific price. Coal mining should end The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatisation already submitted a document concerning the transformation of mines, written probably in cooperation with Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza, into an interdepartmental review, Sokolovicova said. It contains a schedule for closing the mines, but suggesting that all coal should be extracted quicker, she specified, as quoted by TASR, adding that it does not concern all brown coal mines in Slovakia, only those situated in the Upper Nitra region. Slovakia should save the highest sum if it stopped mining and burning coal and replaced it with renewable sources. The quicker it does so the cheaper it will be. Deputy PM for Investments and Informatisation Richard Rasi (Smer) later responded that several subjects, including Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza, the municipality, businesses and third sector, had to contribute to the material concerning the transformation of the mines in the Upper Nitra region. However, he stressed that there was no mention about speeding up or slowing down the coal extraction, as reported by TASR. The operation had to be suspended The action of Greenpeace Slovensko activists resulted in an immediate halt to the operation of the mining machine and the entire mine. As a result, the safety and lives of 342 miners, who are currently underground, and the safety of mining operation have been put in danger, said Adriana Sivakova, spokesperson of Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza, as quoted by TASR. The halt in operation also threatens the workplaces in the mine and has a negative impact on climate conditions. At the same time, the changes to the pressure worsen the stability of workplaces and there is a higher risk of fire. Moreover, it can result in significant economic damages to the company, Sivakova stressed. By climbing the mining tower, the activists did not endanger only themselves, but also the miners who have nothing to do with them, she added for TASR. But the draft law might be problematic in relation to the constitution. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Economy Minister Peter Ziga (Smer) submitted a non-scheduled law for the November 28 governments session to protect a sole company: state-run Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel (SPP) gas utility. The company currently is facing problems due to the so-called Ducky bills case, after the Supreme Court last week issued a ruling in favour of the Cypriot shell company Stroden Management Limited. SPP might thus lose 30 million. The draft law, if passed by the parliament, should only stop the distrainment proceeding against SPP. It does not concern any other state or private company, the Hospodarske Noviny daily reported. The law might be problematic The law stipulates that the distrainment immunity will be applied on the property of the gas utility in which state controls 100 percent. Currently, it is only SPP. In practice, Stroden Management Limited would not be able to start a distrainment proceeding against SPP since the 30-million debt claim will be frozen on the account, Hospodarske Noviny wrote. The ministry decided for the change because the Supreme Court ruling endangers the gas utility. Read also: Read also: Harabin dismisses verdict in the Ducky notes case Read more We decided to protect it from speculators and parasites, Ziga said, as quoted by Hospodarske Noviny. However, lawyers are casting doubt on such an above-standard protection of a state company through a special law. If the law is passed, no distrainment proceeding against SPP, which is completely controlled by the state, would be possible. The draft law contains the elements of total distrainment immunity on SPPs property, which is problematic in terms of the constitution, Pavol Polacek from the Polacek & Partners law firm told Hospodarske Noviny, adding that there is also the question of compliance with EU legislation. As he explained, SPP is a natural monopoly and the draft law only strengthens its position in the market. The Constitutional Court has already dealt with similar distrainment immunity four times. In two cases it concerned health care, once the state and once heat energy. In all cases the court ruled that the distrainment immunity is a problem, Hospodarske Noviny wrote. What is the whole dispute about? The case goes back to the late 1990s, when Jan Ducky, general director of SPP, allegedly signed at least 24 controversial promissory notes, some of whose holders later tried to use them to demand billions of Slovak crowns from the state. Read also: Read also: Duckys Bills case closed again Read more Ducky was murdered in January 1999. The circumstances surrounding his death have never been explained. However, SPP is still in dispute with the owners of the promissory notes. In several proceedings, the courts have decided in favour of SPP, preventing it from paying about 108 million. The change came on November 22, when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Stroden Management Limited. While SPP says it is ready to use all means possible to protect its interests, Stroden Management Limited claims it does not own any of the Ducky bills. It reportedly owns legal and valid SPP promissory notes issued as a guarantee for the loan taken by Union Banka, as reported by Hospodarske Noviny. The safest EU country is Croatia, based on Eurostat statistics. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Only 6.2 percent of Slovaks reported crime, violence or vandalism in their area in 2017, making it the third safest country in the European Union. The EU average is 11.6 percent, the CTK newswire reported. This stems from the data presented by the Eurostat statistics office.The survey was carried out as part of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16) strategy. The Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions survey focuses on progress made in ensuring peace and personal security, in promoting access to justice and increasing trust in EU institutions, according to the Eurostat website. The safest EU country is Croatia, where only 3 percent of its citizens reported a crime, violence or vandalism in their area in 2017, while Poland placed second with 5.4 percent. On the other hand, Bulgaria posted the worst results, with 23.6 percent of respondents reporting crime, violence or vandalism in their area. Though Bulgaria reported the highest rate of people reporting crime, violence or vandalism, what is positive is that compared with previous years, the crime rate in the country has been dropping for the third consecutive year, the Novinite.bg website wrote. It reached a record high in 2009, when it comprised 28.6 percent. The Air Force Intelligence is notorious for their use of torture and rape as a means to extract a confession or as punishment writes Zaman Al Wasl. Behind bars in the prisons of Bashar al-Assad, time stops, the minutes pass slowly and heavily and the days are all alike. The faces may differ, but the accumulated suffering remains the same. Those who make it out, recount the same stories, which have the same gist but with slightly different details. Some of the painful events that have befallen me and my fellow female prisoners are firmly and perpetually entrenched in my memory. The most difficult time was in the evening, when new female detainees came from the security branches to the terrorism wing in Adra prison. The older prisoners encircle the new ones until the place becomes similar to cells of bees. They try to comfort them and to ease their pain as they divide themselves up. Some women would heat up the shower water, others would arrange the place, others would collect the rest of the food, and others would look everywhere for pieces of used clothing to no avail. After a dark and gloomy trip to the security branches, some girls managed to leave the terrorism wing of Adra prison easily, even during the first session of the Aleppo trials. Others, unfortunately, are still awaiting their release or their execution. One evening, after a month inside the cells of that terrible wing, the security branches brought a batch of female detainees to Adra prison. Most of them came from the Air Force Intelligence, including a dark skinned, tall girl, wearing a black coat, white shoes and a black veil covering her head. She would burst in bitter tears and then inexplicably calm down. Fatigue and exhaustion were visible on her, as she had dark blue spots covering her whole body, and traces of burning that suggested she was tortured with electricity. She also had other pink marks that showed further evidence of her subjugation to cruel torture. Nothing was special about this girl other than her unlimited goodness and simplicity. In an attempt to console her, I told the 23-year-old girl that I had been detained for four months. She was arrested by the security forces near the eastern countryside of Damascus. She was wearing her burqa before it was confiscated. She only had a primary education, and asked me if her bleeding down there can affect her health, and I was shocked to learn that her only concern was her potential pregnancy since she had lost her virginity in the branch of the air security after being raped by a security guard. As he was raping her, the security officer was repeating, This is what you wanted. You brought this upon yourself. Traitor. With a face filled with shame, she confirmed to me, Actually, it was not done by only one security officer. There were many of them and they took turns in raping me, every now and then. She went on saying, The dogs! They did not even care to give me a pregnancy contraceptive. And now, its been four months since I last had my period. She asked me if she should inform her family about the rapes. It was a question that I tried to evade. My pressure went up, which is a normal response considering how many women have suffered the same fate as this girl. Most of them kept the secret to themselves. She needed to speak about her horrifying experience. She told me about her torture. Security officers tortured her with the help of gunmen, in order to extract a confession. She also told me that on a daily basis she would be taken to their secret headquarters near the capital Damascus and tortured to extract a confession of a crime she had no idea about. A week later, she was asked to appear before the court responsible for terrorism cases. The judge convicted her on charges of helping and financing militants. She was returned to Adra prison. She suffered a complete nervous break down. She screamed from the bottom of her lungs,What have I done to deserve this? Somebody tell me, somebody, explain! Nobody could tell her. All the women arrested here dont know the reason of their imprisonment. The majority of the charges are of course fake; smuggling bread to free cities, providing medical assistance to revolutionaries, providing medicine. This is the lowest humanity can reach; a trivial charge can immediately send you to death row, or kill you slowly. During her time on the terrorist wing of Adra prison, with the aid of wealthier detained women, she worked to collect a small amount of money to secure her needs and to pay for telephone calls with her parents. Two and a half months after she was sent to Adra prison, she was surprised by the decision to release her. Her release came with these exact words, Arrested for similarity in shoes. In an attempt to justify their position, they told her parents that a girl working with the armed revolutionaries, who was under security surveillance was wearing shoes similar to that of the victim. In our last goodbye, she said to me in her innocent voice and her simple terms, for a similarity in shoes, I lost my virginity and they took turns in raping me. God damn them; and God damn their shoes. Assads criminal security agents could not extract any confessions from that poor girl during the time they held her underground and tortured her, but they were able, nonetheless, to mercilessly take away the most valuable thing for an oriental woman, her honor. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The Syrian Network for Human Rights have said that it is likely that Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham killed Raed al-Faris and his companion because of their activism. The Syrian Network for Human Rights has suggested that Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham was complicit in the killing of the activists Raed al-Faris and Hammoud Janeed in the city of Kafranbel in the Idleb countryside on Nov. 23, 2018, based on information related to the activists relations with the group, which controls the city. In their report, the network said that the assassination of Raed al-Faris and his companion came following their activism and contributions to a number of civil and awareness projects, and their repeated criticism of oppression and extremist groups, which made them a strategic target for these movements. The report revealed that Faris had received many death threats from officials and security figures in Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham, the pace of which increased after the group arrested the lawyer Yasser al-Saleem on Sep. 21, 2018. The report said that Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham was in near-total control of the city and, subsequently it has responsibility for protecting its residents first and foremost. It also has not denounced the killing or started any investigation. They have been content to entirely disregard the terrorist attack, which shook the city and killed one of its most important residents. The extremist Islamist group have also been known to use these types of killings and assassinations. The report said that Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham had dissolved the local police and that its fighters had become the only ones responsible for security, which indicates that the group had a direct interest in getting rid of symbolic figures, who were above their own and who were able to influence residents in their areas and openly oppose their extremist projects. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Over the course of two days, delegates will discuss the ongoing situation in Idleb, the return of refugees and the constitutional committee writes SANA. On Wednesday, the 11th round of Astana meetings, aimed at settling the crisis in Syria started in the Kazakh capital, with the participation of the Syrian Arab Republics delegation headed by Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, and other delegates. Director of Asia and Africa Department at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry Heydar, Beck Tomatov, said in a press statement that all the invitees to the 11th round of Astana meetings arrived in the Kazakh capital. Tomatov noted that a delegation from the UN, headed by UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, arrived in Astana to participate in the meeting as an observer. He added that representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will also participate in the meeting. In statements to journalists, the head of the Russian delegation, Russian Presidents Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentiev stressed that participants in the current round of Astana meetings will discuss a number of issues, including the situation in Idleb and the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland, in addition to combating terrorism and the situation related to the constitutional committee. The delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic started its meetings on the first day by holding a meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister, Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The Syrian delegation also held another meeting with the Russian delegation, headed by Lavrentiev, as the two sides held consultations on means to guarantee the success of Astana meeting. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the agenda of the current Astana meeting and the continuing coordination between the two countries in combating terrorism, in addition to the implementation of the relevant agreements of Astana, particularly those that are related to the de-escalation zone agreement in Idleb. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Since 2015, 364 people have committed suicide, with the highest reported numbers in Damascus writes Enab Baladi. On Wednesday, the regimes General Director of Forensic Science, Zaher Hajou, said that since 2015, 364 people have committed suicide in the provinces of Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo, Tartous, Lattakia and Suweida, according to loyalist media pages. Hajou added that the highest number of suicides was recorded in Damascus with 84, followed by Lattakia with 83, and then Aleppo with 42 cases. The statistics did not include Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Daraa, the Damascus countryside, Quneitra or Hassakeh due to the difficult conditions there. Dr. Ghazwan Buweidani, a specialist in psychology, told Enab Baladi that the rising suicide rate in regime areas compared with opposition areas was related to unemployment among men and spinsterhood among women. Psychological and social problems were also endured by young men, with the fear of arrest, military service and security monitoring. It is worth noting that the suicides have increased recently, which is considered strange for Syrian society. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Fighters who agreed to settlements with the regime are being told they will be sent to Idleb, despite previous reassurances that they would remain in Daraa reports Al-Modon. A dispute has erupted between members of the settlement rebel groups who joined the Fourth Division of the regime militias in Daraa province and the divisions officers, after it was decided to move more than 700 fighters to Idleb province. The groups consist of those who accepted settlements with the regime and agreed to serve in their forces, on the condition that their service be performed in Daraa province. The officers of the Fourth Division informed fighters and settlement group commanders in the Zeizoun base in the western Daraa countryside that hundreds of them had been selected to be moved to the frontlines in Idleb province. The decision created a state of rebellion among the fighters, who had obtained previous promises that their service would be in Daraa province and they would not have to participate in any battles outside the area. The Fourth Division officers threatened those who rejected the transfer order with being fired from the division and the period which they had spent within the division not being counted towards their compulsory service. The rebelling fighters responded by firing into the air in the town of al-Yadouda and closing off the main road between the town and Daraa city before, a number of former commanders gave them promises that a solution for the issue would be made with the division commanders. More than 2,000 fighters from the settlement groups joined the Fourth Division, most of them residents of Daraa and its western countryside, who were wanted for compulsory and reserve service. A reserve fighter can received up to 60,000 Syrian pounds and a compulsory fighter can receive up to 40,000 pounds, as well as security and military privileges and in addition to the main promise that they would only perform their service in Daraa province, which is now being turned on its head. Al-Modons sources said that the decision of the Fourth Division came as part of a series of measures taken by regime militias against members of the settlement groups in the western Daraa countryside specifically, expanding the influence of regime militias and its security branches in the area, which is included by Russian military police as a settlement agreement area and where the groups still have a major influence. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Before being arrested, Dr. Faten Rajab Fawaz and Layla al-Shouikani were leading figures in the early days of the revolution writes Ana Press. On Wednesday, Syrian activists mourned Layla al-Shouikani, who died under torture in the Assad regimes prisons, amid conflicting information about the physicist, Dr. Faten Rajab Fawaz, who is thought to have suffered the same fate. Activists on social media said that Dr. Fawaz had died under torture in the Syrian intelligence agencys dungeons, while no official confirmation of this has been issued. Dr. Fawaz was from the city of Douma in the Damascus countryside. She obtained a doctorate in physics and atomic science. She was arrested by the Air Force Intelligence on Dec. 26, 2011, because of her peaceful activities and her support for the Syrian revolution, according to circulated information. Ana Press was not able to clarify the reality of the incident. She spent ten months being investigated by the Air Force Intelligence Directorate, before she was transferred to the special missions branch (215) of the Military Intelligence Directorate, where she was tortured heavily. She lived in extremely difficult and inhumane conditions. Since her arrest six years ago, she had suffered from poor health, according to reported information which was published by the journalist Tawfik al-Hallaq on his Facebook page. In the same context, social media pages also circulated reports about the regime executing activist Layla al-Shouikani, an engineer in informatics, who had obtained American citizenship, two days after news from Adra prison, where she was being held, was cut off. Her family was informed of her death through a notification from the civil registry, according to reported information. Shouikani was one of the first to revolt against the Assad regime, and worked to coordinate protests in Damascus. She also worked in the medical field and brought in medical resources to areas under siege by regime forces, as well as documenting Assads crimes during that period. Shouikani was moved from Adra prison in the Damascus countryside to Saydnaya prison in 2016. It was here that she was executed. The only news leaked about her after she was transferred to the human slaughterhouse was of her martyrdom under torture. On Tuesday, the International Campaign to Save Detainees in Syria said on its Facebook page , Shouikani died under torture two years ago, however the regime did not leak this news to the civil registry department until recently. The number of women held prisoner in Syria or forcibly disappeared between 2011 and 2018 is about 10,000 women, 82 percent of whom were arrested or disappeared by the regime. The rest are distributed among the remaining Syrian factions. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. We've been enjoying one of our periodic visits from Cesar Perrin this week. Monday, we looked at our present by tasting through the cellar to get a first look at the 2018 vintage, and tasting a selection of the wines we've bottled this year to evaluate how the 2016s and 2017s are shaping up. Tuesday, we looked at our future, spending the day with our managers talking about what we want Tablas Creek to be working towards over the next five-plus years, and setting ourselves goals. This morning, we looked at our past by opening up every vintage of our Cotes de Tablas, from the first vintage (then called Petite Cuvee) in 1999 to the 2017 that's sitting in foudre and will be bottled in February. The tasting was fascinating. We hadn't looked at all our Cotes de Tablas wines since 2011, and a lot has changed since then. We've integrated the Patelin de Tablas into our mix. Our varietals have assumed more of a focus, as our sales continue their gradual move away from a focus on the wholesale market and toward our tasting room and wine club. And we've seen the end of a wet, cool cycle and the full arc of our five-year drought that began in 2012. I'll dive into the take-home lessons we feel we learned today at the end of the tasting notes, but one thing was clear from the very first wine: we've consistently underestimated (and perhaps, undersold) the sophistication and ageworthiness of these wines. Although it shows well young, even our first examples were still fresh and vibrant as they reach voting age. And these were not wines made consciously to cellar. Toss in that in the early years the Cotes de Tablas retailed between $20 and $25 (it's still only $35) and I think that the quality that they offer at their price is pretty hard to beat. Kudos to any of you who saved any of these older vintages in your cellars. I've linked each wine to its page on our Web site, if you want to look at production notes or tasting notes from when the wine was newly bottled. The notes: 1999 Petite Cuvee (65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre): This was the precursor to the Cotes de Tablas, and we made just a few hundred cases in 1999 of lots that we thought weren't up to the standards of the 1999 Reserve Cuvee (itself the predecessor to the Esprit de Beaucastel), mostly Grenache that we thought too tannic for its weight. The wine was sold only in our tasting room, and we never thought it would go this long, but it's showing admirably, with the nose pungent and fresh, with a piney, licoricey note. The palate shows strawberry and dried cherry fruit, lots of peppercorn, and a chocolaty note, with still those Grenache tannins that we worried about in the wine's youth now offering lovely counterpoint. A little heat on the finish (the wine is 15.2% alcohol) is the only sign of age to me. 2000 Cotes de Tablas (84% Grenache, 16% Syrah): Our first Cotes de Tablas, from about 600 cases worth of lots we thought pretty but not sufficiently intense to go into the 2000 Esprit, that to our surprise got a 92-point rating from Robert Parker and sold out in less than a month. There are times when an outside perspective helps you realize the quality of something you've been overlooking each day, and this was one example. This is gorgeous now, with a meaty, gamy baking spice nose sitting over dark red fruit, and red licorice, plummy and a little pruney with age. The mouth is still richly fruity, meaty, with chocolate and cinnamon warmth, and still some good tannins. It's mature and lovely, and you really can't tell it's 15.6% alcohol. I can't imagine this getting any better from here, but drink up. 2001 Cotes de Tablas (38% Mourvedre, 34% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 4% Counoise): An anomaly for the tasting, as in 2001 we decided that the spring frost had scrambled up the vintage sufficiently that we weren't going to make an Esprit de Beaucastel, and declassified nearly the entire vintage into the Cotes. So, the only vintage where Grenache was not the #1 grape in the Cotes de Tablas. The nose was spicy, not as opulent as the 2000, but with some nice savory umami meatiness. It was fresh and still reasonably tannic on the palate, less fruit-driven and showing more of the savory tobacco note I get from aged Syrah. There are still some drying tannins on the finish. It was less of a statement than the wines around it, but felt familiar to us since it's a profile we make wines in nowadays. 2002 Cotes de Tablas (45% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 21% Mourvedre, 12% Counoise): Our first Cotes de Tablas blended primarily as a wine in its own right rather than as a consequence of lots we didn't want in the Esprit. Whether because of the blend or the vintage (which was a low-acid year that made brooding wines) it tasted older to me than the preceding wines, the first that I would put in "late maturity" on our vintage chart. A deep nose of leather, dark chocolate, and soy marinade. The mouth shows sweet fruit, still fairly tannic, then a dried teriyaki beef jerky character that showed (to me at least) it was likely on the downslope. I preferred the renditions with a bit more acidity and lift. 2003 Cotes de Tablas (60% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 4% Counoise): The first wine that to me smelled like a "modern" Cotes de Tablas, with that translucent cranberry Grenache character that I associate with the Cotes now. The palate showed nice openness, freshness, and medium weight, although there were some drying cherry skin tannins that came out on the finish. Good acids. Chelsea called it "affable". I'm not sure there's the stuffing here to age much longer, so drink up while it's at its peak. 2004 Cotes de Tablas (64% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 13% Counoise, 7% Mourvedre): Neil said "here is the Cotes of today". The wine showed a lovely cool nose of minty eucalyptus, pie cherry, fresh tobacco, green peppercorn and baking spices. The mouth showed sweet fruit, but had a nice tanginess that kept it from ever being sappy. The finish showed a bright berry compote character with great tannins with the texture of powdered sugar. The wine of the tasting for many of us. [Between 2005 and 2007 we bottled the Cotes de Tablas in both cork and screwcap versions. We hadn't checked in on them in a while, so we tasted both. They weren't tasted blind, which of course influences our perceptions of them, but since some of us are screwcap proponents and others tend to favor corks, we were pleased that our impressions of the wines' relative merits were pretty consistent. I've included notes from both versions.] 2005 Cotes de Tablas (43% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre, 18% Syrah, 15% Counoise) Cork: a nose deep with soy, baker's chocolate, and meat drippings. The mouth showed some of the depth and weight of the 2002, more sweet earth and dark chocolate and tobacco, and a slightly medicinal cherry cough syrup note that felt to some of us like it was a touch overripe (or a touch past its prime). Screwcap: the nose was a little more closed, but broadly similar, more savory than fruity. The mouth was higher toned, with more freshness but less complexity and richness. It still felt a little disjointed, and we would like to have decanted it an hour or so before we tasted it. The group split pretty much 50/50 as to which closure we preferred. 2006 Cotes de Tablas (72% Grenache, 11% Syrah, 9% Mourvedre, 8% Counoise) Cork: a really nice nose, spicy and lifted cranberry, baking spice, and eucalyptus. Smells cool and fresh. The palate showed flavors of mint chocolate, red cherry, and nicely resolved tannins. Really pretty and delicious. Screwcap: the nose is a little less open and expressive, perhaps a touch medicinal. The palate is very nice, but with a touch of reduction that seemed to make it express as less fruity and maybe because of that a bit more evolved. That also made the tannins a little more evident. Almost all of us preferred the cork on this one. Of course, the first bottle we opened was corked, which drove home the risk of cork finish. That one definitely wasn't better. 2007 Cotes de Tablas (50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Counoise) Cork: a deep, meaty, gamy nose, with sweet baking spices. Quite massive on the palate, still powerfully tannic, and a little on the heavy side right now. More power than nuance, we thought. Screwcap: the nose is cleaner and more straightforward: spice and roasted meat and dark red jam. The mouth was really pretty: powerful, but fresher than the cork version. Like the 2000 in some ways: opulent but not overweight. All of us preferred the screwcap version. 2008 Cotes de Tablas (42% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 20% Counoise, 17% Mourvedre): Only bottled in screwcap. A beautiful nose, clean and lifted, with spicy notes of dried strawberry, juniper, cherry skin, new leather, and pepper. The mouth is generous but with the tanginess that we loved in the 2004, making the wine both fresh and refreshing. Nice sweetness on the finish, with an underlying chalkiness that keeps it pure. In a very pretty place, and another wine of the tasting for us. 2009 Cotes de Tablas (43% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 18% Counoise, 15% Mourvedre): Only bottled in cork (as were all subsequent vintages). The first bottle we opened was oxidized and dead (perhaps a cork flaw?) but the second was pristine: powerful on the nose, with an iron-like minerality that was more dominant than the fruit or meat that lurked underneath. The mouth was nice, but big, with a grapey Grenache character, powerful tannins, and a little alcohol coming out on the finish. From a very powerful, extracted vintage that saw yields reduced by both spring frosts and the third year of drought. More about complexity and power than charm, for me, this was the only Cotes de Tablas to ever appear in the Wine Spectator's "Top 100" list. Definitely enough stuffing to lay down for a while longer. 2010 Cotes de Tablas (46% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise): Smells like Syrah to me: iron and blackberry and loam. The mouth shows more open than the nose suggests, really nice, with black cherry, some tanginess, and good integrated tannins, with lots of black licorice on the finish. A serious wine from a very cool, slow-ripening vintage, still probably not quite at peak. Cesar commented "you feel a lot of potential". 2011 Cotes de Tablas (49% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 8% Counoise): More open on the nose than the 2010: blackberry and spice and rich dark earth, though the coolness of the vintage (the back-to-back vintages of 2010 and 2011 were the coolest in our history) still means that the fruit tones are more black than red. The mouth is velvety, with nice acids and elegant tannins. Not quite the fruit density of the 2010, but that may be a stage. This feels to me like it's emerging from a closed period, will be better in another six months, and drink well for another decade. 2012 Cotes de Tablas (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Mourvedre): Charmingly Grenache on the nose: red cherry and red licorice, loam, and sweet spices. The mouth shows cherry-chocolate, more red licorice, and a nice tanginess on the finish. It's a little light on the mid-palate compared to a great vintage, but it's easy and charming. Chelsea called it "joyous". 2013 Cotes de Tablas (55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Mourvedre): Darker and more powerful on the nose than the 2012, almost 2011-like, with iron, soy marinade, baking spices, and figs. Inviting. The mouth is really nice: licorice, raspberry and blackberry, with appealing earthiness and a nice tannic bite coming out on the finish. My favorite of the relatively young vintages. 2014 Cotes de Tablas (44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Counoise, 8% Mourvedre): Seems older on the nose than the 2013, jammier and less vibrant. Still, nice strawberry jam, sweet earth, and baking spice character. The mouth shows great tanginess, sweet fruit, good tannins, a bit primary right now with some grapiness and a little baked fruit. Maybe on a track similar to a wine like 2002 or 2005, and that's not surprising: we thought that 2014 was in many ways a throwback vintage that reminded us of the mid-2000s. 2015 Cotes de Tablas (39% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 16% Counoise, 10% Mourvedre): So focused and precise on the nose, like (to me) all our 2015 reds: spicy cranberry, young, fresh, and playful. The mouth to me is on point, with both precision and intensity, and vibrant acids. A little less rich on the mid-palate than the 2014 -- not surprising given the cooler vintage -- but for me more than made up for that with the focus. 2016 Cotes de Tablas (55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, 7% Counoise): Still young and less focused on the nose than the 2015, pungent and spicy with a cherry cola character and (I thought) a little touch of sweet oak. On the palate, like strawberry puree with tangy acids but a nice creamy, chalky mineral backbone to play off. Strawberries and cream on the finish, fun and expressive. 2017 Cotes de Tablas (53% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 12% Counoise, 10% Mourvedre): Out of foudre; will be bottled in February and go out to wine club members in the spring. A rich but lifted nose of spicy strawberry, iron, and vibrant freshness on the nose. In the mouth, red fruit and licorice, complicated by a garrigue-like herbiness and with youthful tannins that come out with black cherry and fresh fig flavors on the finish. A baby, but should be outstanding. A few concluding thoughts. First, on corks vs. screwcaps. This was the least conclusive tasting that we've done on these three vintages; with one vintage seeming better in cork, another in screw cap, and the third a split decision. But I left feeling like the decision to put the wine in cork starting in 2009 was a good one, as most people who are drinking the wines are doing it in the wine's first decade, and there's plenty of freshness to carry the wines to that age, while the added depth from the aging under cork seemed a benefit. If you are opening wines like this under screwcap, a decant is highly recommended. Of course, the one disappointing wine was the corked 2006. If you'd waited a decade and opened that, what a bummer. It's a dilemma. Second, while the Cotes de Tablas wines are a less important piece of our production now than they were a decade ago -- when they represented about 40% of our production instead of the less than 15% they do now -- we all agreed that they're still a lovely, flexible wine that can be a pleasure to open young yet still offer an incredible drinking experience if you choose to let them age out a decade or so. And what a bargain. We choose to price this less than our other wines because we want to be able to offer wines at different prices, and we usually aren't including our most intense lots in this blend. But it's still 100% estate fruit off the organic (and now biodynamic) vineyard, fermented and aged in the same way as our Esprit, and it has consistently exceeded our expectations for ageworthiness. I'm going to start tossing a case of each vintage in the back of my cellar, and try to keep my hands off. Third, although (or perhaps because) the style changed over the years and from vintage to vintage, there was something for everyone in the lineup. I asked everyone to vote for their favorites at the end, and fourteen of the nineteen vintages got at least one vote. The Cotes de Tablas that got the most votes (five of the eight of us) was the 2008. Tied for second with four votes were the 2001 and 2004. Two wines (the 1999 and 2010) got three votes. And the 2006, 2011, 2013, and 2017 all got two votes. So there were favorites young and old, from bigger vintages and from more elegant vintages, with mostly Grenache and with Grenache levels around 40%. Finally, it was great to have Cesar's perspective around the table. One of the things I'm most grateful for in our collaboration with the Perrins is that they manage to bring the best qualities of being both insiders and outsiders at the same time. Insiders, because they've worked with these grapes for generations, all over the south of France, and they've been cutting edge in experimenting with new ways to grow and vinify Rhone varieties since the time of Jacques Perrin in the 1950s. Plus, they've been deeply involved with Tablas Creek since the beginning and are regular visitors several times a year. Cesar spent the 2011 harvest working at Tablas Creek, and has been back most years since. So it's not like we have to bring them up to speed on the vision or the decisions that were made previously. But at the same time, this is not the world that they're immersed in on a day to day basis, and their mindset is in what they do in the Rhone. So, when they come, they come with fresh -- but informed -- eyes. And that's a remarkably valuable perspective, for which I am grateful. In this June 22, 2018, photo, Shan Junhua chats about privacy near his white Tesla while charging it in Shanghai. When Shan bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Automakers selling electric vehicles in China send a constant feed of information about the location of cars to the government, potentially adding to the rich kit of surveillance tools available to the regime as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) When Shan Junhua bought his white Tesla Model X, he knew it was a fast, beautiful car. What he didn't know is that Tesla constantly sends information about the precise location of his car to the Chinese government. Tesla is not alone. China has called upon all electric vehicle manufacturers in China to make the same kind of reportspotentially adding to the rich kit of surveillance tools available to the Chinese government as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. "I didn't know this," said Shan. "Tesla could have it, but why do they transmit it to the government? Because this is about privacy." More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. The automakers say they are merely complying with local laws, which apply only to alternative energy vehicles. Chinese officials say the data is used for analytics to improve public safety, facilitate industrial development and infrastructure planning, and to prevent fraud in subsidy programs. But other countries that are major markets for electronic vehiclesthe United States, Japan, across Europedo not collect this kind of real-time data. In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center sits near a data display screen in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like the one Ding oversees in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) And critics say the information collected in China is beyond what is needed to meet the country's stated goals. It could be used not only to undermine foreign carmakers' competitive position, but also for surveillanceparticularly in China, where there are few protections on personal privacy. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has unleashed a war on dissent, marshalling big data and artificial intelligence to create a more perfect kind of policing, capable of predicting and eliminating perceived threats to the stability of the ruling Communist Party. There is also concern about the precedent these rules set for sharing data from next-generation connected cars, which may soon transmit even more personal information. "You're learning a lot about people's day-to-day activities and that becomes part of what I call ubiquitous surveillance, where pretty much everything that you do is being recorded and saved and potentially can be used in order to affect your life and your freedom," said Michael Chertoff, who served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush and recently wrote a book called "Exploding Data." Chertoff said global automakers should be asking themselves tough questions. "If what you're doing is giving a government of a more authoritarian country the tools to have massive surveillance, I think then companies have to ask themselves, 'Is this really something we want to do in terms of our corporate values, even if it means otherwise forgoing that market?'" In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center speaks near a data display screen in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like the one Ding oversees in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) ___ A BIGGER BROTHER? The Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center sits in a grey tower in suburban Jiading district. One floor up from the cafeteria, a wall-sized screen glows with dots, each representing a single vehicle coursing along Shanghai's roads to create a massive real-time map that could reveal where people live, shop, work, and worship. Click a dot at random, and up pops a window with a number that identifies each individual vehicle, along with its make and model, mileage and battery charge. All told, the screen exhibits data from over 222,000 vehicles in Shanghai, the vast majority of them passenger cars. "We can provide a lot of data from consumers to the government to help them improve policy and planning," said Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the center, a non-profit that is tightly aligned with and funded by the government. According to national specifications published in 2016, electric vehicles in China transmit data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send at least 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like the one Ding oversees in Shanghai. Data also flows to a national monitoring center for new energy vehicles run by the Beijing Institute of Technology, which pulls information from more than 1.1 million vehicles across the country, according to the National Big Data Alliance of New Energy Vehicles. The national monitoring center declined to respond to questions. In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, a staff member looks at a laptop near a screen displaying live data from vehicles at the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like this one in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Those numbers are about to get much bigger. Though electric vehicle sales accounted for just 2.6 percent of the total last year, policymakers have said they'd like new energy vehicles to account for 20 percent of total sales by 2025. Starting next year, all automakers in China must meet production minimums for new energy vehicles, part of Beijing's aggressive effort to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and place itself at the forefront of a growing global industry. The Chinese government has shown its interest in tracking vehicles. "The government wants to know what people are up to at all times and react in the quickest way possible," said Maya Wang, a senior China researcher for Human Rights Watch. "There is zero protection against state surveillance." "Tracking vehicles is one of the main focuses of their mass surveillance," she added. Last year, authorities in Xinjiang, a restive region in western China that has become a laboratory for China's surveillance state, ordered residents to install GPS devices so their vehicles could be tracked, according to official media. This summer the Ministry of Public Security, a police agency, began to roll out a system to track vehicles using windshield radio frequency chips that can identify cars as they pass roadside reading devices. Ding insisted that the electric vehicle monitoring program is not designed to facilitate state surveillance, though he said data could be shared with government public security organs, if a formal request is made. The center said it has not shared information with police, prosecutors or courts, but has used the data to assist a government investigation of a vehicle fire. In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, a dialog box shows details of a vehicle from amongst thousands tracked and displayed at the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like this one in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) There is a privacy firewall built into the system. The monitoring center has each car's unique vehicle identification number, but to link that number with the personal details of the car owner, it must go through the automakera step it has taken in the past. Chinese law enforcement can also independently link the vehicle identification number with the car owner's personal information. "To speak bluntly, the government doesn't need to surveil through a platform like ours," Ding said. He said he believed the security forces "must have their own ways to monitor suspects," as other governments do. ___ DATA ON WHEELS Many vehicles in the U.S., Europe and Japan transmit position information back to automakers, who feed it to car-tracking apps, maps that pinpoint nearby amenities and emergency services providers. But the data stops there. Government or law enforcement agencies would generally only be able to access personal vehicle data in the context of a specific criminal investigation and in the U.S. would typically need a court order, lawyers said. Automakers initially resisted sharing information with the Shanghai monitoring center; then the government made transmitting data a prerequisite for getting incentives. In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, photo, Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann reacts during an interview in Beijing. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to Chinese government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) "The automakers consider the data a precious resource," said a government consultant who helped evaluate the policy and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues. "They gave you dozens of reasons why they can't give you the data. They give you dozens of excuses. Then we offer the incentives. Then they want to give us the data because it's part of their profit." There was concern that data pulled from electric vehicles might reveal proprietary information about, for example, how hybrids switch between gas and battery power, and eventually set automakers up for commercial competition with a Chinese government entity. As cars become more connected, carmakers are looking to tap new revenue streams built on dataa market McKinsey estimated could be worth $750 billion by 2030. Ding said a Tesla executive came to Shanghai and grilled him about the rules. "The first question is who are you, the second question is why you collect this data, and the third question is how to protect the privacy of the users," Ding said. Tesla declined to comment. Ding said confidentiality agreements bar the data center from sharing proprietary information. Still, he is open about his commercial ambition. He'd like to wean the center from government funding and make money from the data, without infringing on anyone's privacy or intellectual property. "We have done some explorations," he said. "But there is still a distance from truly monetizing it." In this photo taken Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann walks out for an interview in Beijing. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) ___ CHINA'S EDGE The Chinese government's ability to grab data as it flows from cars gives its academics and policymakers an edge over competing nations. China tends to view technology development as a key competitive resource. Though global automakers have received billions in incentives and subsidies from U.S., European and Japanese governments, they are contributing data to the Chinese government that ultimately serves Beijing's strategic interests. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory began a nationwide study of how electric vehicle owners drive and charge their cars. Participants gave explicit written consent to allow the government laboratory to collect their data, and even then it wasn't delivered in real time, said John Smart, who leads the center's advanced vehicles group. Instead, the team got historical data on a weekly basis. Cars were assigned random numbers for the study, so owners remained anonymous. Nothing of its kind has been done since in the U.S., Smart said. "The cost is very high to collect data," he explained. "The government hasn't felt the need to provide that money and the manufacturers making their own investments are choosing to keep the findings to themselves for proprietary reasons." In this Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, photo, Jose Munoz, the head of Nissan's China operations speaks during an interview in Shanghai, China. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo) In this Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, photo, An Baojia, right, makes a phone call near his Tesla vehicle at a charging station in Shanghai. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to Chinese government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo) In this Aug. 27, 2018, file photo, a cameraman takes video of a Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission, the Nissan's first all-electric vehicle built in China, at the Nissan factory in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File) In this April 14, 2017, file photo, a security guard moves past Tesla electric vehicle charging station in Beijing. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) In this Friday, June 22, 2018, photo, Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center speaks near a data display screen in Shanghai. According to specifications published in 2016, every electric vehicle in China transmits data from the car's sensors back to the manufacturer. From there, automakers send 61 data points, including location and details about battery and engine function to local centers like the one Ding oversees in Shanghai. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) In this Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, photo, Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann speaks during an interview in Beijing. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to Chinese government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) When it was published, in 2015, the Idaho National Laboratory's study was the largest ever done. All told, bundled with some additional data, the study helped Idaho researchers analyze 21,600 electric vehicles over 158 million driving miles (254 million kilometers). In the same amount of time it took Idaho researchers to publish their study, the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Center began gathering real-time information from more than 222,000 vehicles and amassed over 4.7 billion miles (7.6 billion kilometers) of driving history. "As a researcher, I think that data set could be used to answer hundreds of questions," Smart said. "I have a notebook a half an inch thick full of questions." Global automakers stressed that they share data to comply with Chinese regulations. Nearly all have announced plans to aggressively expand their electric vehicle offerings in China, the world's largest car market. "There are real-time monitoring systems in China where we have to deliver car data to a government system," Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann said in an interview. He acknowledged that he could not guarantee the data would not be used for government surveillance, but stressed that Volkswagen keeps personal data, like the driver's identity, secure within its own systems. "It includes the location of the car, yes, but not who is sitting in it," he said, adding that cars won't reveal any more information than smart phones already do. "There is not a principle difference between sitting in a car and being in a shopping mall and having a smart phone with you." In this Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, photo, Jose Munoz, the head of Nissan's China operations speaks during an interview in Shanghai, China. More than 200 manufacturers, including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and U.S.-listed electric vehicle start-up NIO, transmit position information and dozens of other data points to government-backed monitoring centers, The Associated Press has found. Generally, it happens without car owners' knowledge. (AP Photo) Jose Munoz, the head of Nissan's China operations, said he was unaware of the monitoring system until the AP told him, but he stressed that the automaker operated according to the law. Asked by the AP about the potential for human rights abuses and commercial conflicts posed by the data sharing, Munoz smiled and shrugged. "At Nissan, we are extremely committed to the Chinese market," he said. "We see it as the market that has the greatest opportunity to grow." Ford, BMW and NIO declined to comment. Mitsubishi did not respond to multiple requests for comment. General Motors and Daimler said they transmit data in compliance with industry regulations and get consent from car buyers on how their vehicle data is collected and used. Tesla declined to answer specific questions and instead pointed to a privacy policy buyers sign at the time of purchase, which stipulates that vehicle data can be shared "with other third parties when required by law," though there was no specific mention of the government monitoring centers in the Chinese version of the policy. Interviews with car owners suggest such disclosures aren't effective. Only one of nine electric vehicle owners was aware data from his car is fed to the governmentand he said he only knew because he is an electric vehicle engineer. "It's useless to be concerned about it," said Min Zeren, who owns a Tesla Model S. "If you're concerned about it, then there's no way to live in this country." Explore further Tesla secures land in Shanghai for first factory outside US 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. Based on Copenhagen, Denmark, Irene Tsalidis draws beautifully detailed pictures of cities and people - and she couldn't resist drawing a few of Luxembourg when she was here in the summer. We asked Tsalidis what she thought of Luxembourg when she was here, and what was behind her urge to draw it. Her answers is every bit as artistic as her drawings: "Beautiful countryside. Beautiful castles. Beautiful nature -- even in the city. Very futuristic-looking tram network. Bars full of young people. Diesel-refill stop on the way to France. Multilingual folk: German in the media, French in governments and businesses, Portuguese in every corner. So many quick different thoughts can be given of this little country -- but what I mostly like is the lovely backdrop of the mix of Germanic and Romance cultures. Getting to know Luxembourg during summer can start by visiting 'Place Guillaume II' with its flowers and its grillwurscht stands, and then getting lost while walking around the old city's alleyways with fairy tale looking architecture. Too many little details that made me, a Madrid girl currently living in Copenhagen, want to draw this often-unnoticed little country in the heart of Europe." You can find more of Tsalidis' drawings through her Instagram account - @iretsastudios - and her website, iretsastudios.com. The TransGriot is available for speaking engagements, college lectures, panel discussions, media interviews, conferences or Trans 101 education efforts for your school, business or professional organizations. For local Houston area, Texas or national events, you can e-mail me at transgriot@yahoo.com For events outside the Houston metro area, I ask that my travel and lodging expenses be covered. This is separate from my speaking fee. If you are interested in having me appear as a speaker or panelist, you can e-mail me with the date and details of your proposed event. Please book as early as possible because my speaking and event calendar slots during the year rapidly fill up. Mountain Shadows in Wayanad is just the place for a dreamy vacation Like Share Thanks! Share it with your friends! URL You disliked this video. Thanks for the feedback! Sorry, only registred users can create playlists. Specify problem Dead video SPAM Racist or hate content Copyrighted Content Report this video Processed catfish is gradually becoming a common dish on the Vietnamese dining table. Truong Hong, a resident in Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, shared with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper at a local mini-supermarket that she was searching for ready-to-cook flour-coated catfish to please her son who had been craving the dish since trying it at her friends house. I had to ask my friend where she bought it, Hong said. Ready-made catfish products might be a relatively recent introduction to the Vietnam market, but a huge selection of catfish tempura, catfish fillet, catfish karaage, and catfish fingers is already flooding supermarkets' frozen food aisles. Vo Duc Khoa, sales manager at Go Dang Company (GODACO) a frozen catfish producer said that the firm is receiving positive feedback from customers and getting repeat orders from retailers only six months after originally introducing its products to the local market. GODACO currently plans to continue pushing out as much as 15,000 metric tons of catfish from their US$30 million processing factory each year using fish brought in from closed farming chains in line with European standards, according to Khoa. Currently, at its factory in the southern province of Ben Tre, Japanese and U.S. food scientists are testing spice mixtures suitable for U.S. and European tastes in order to expand the firm's exports to Europe. Meanwhile, a group of Vietnamese culinary experts are working out which flavor combinations are best for the domestic market. Now, the positive reviews rolling in from consumers are helping company leaders breathe a sigh of relief, particularly as many claim the crispy catfish tastes better than fried chicken at fast-food restaurants." GODACOs products are currently sold at such popular grocery chains such as Bach Hoa Xanh and Thai conglomerate Central Groups Big C. The company plans to continue expanding its network of retail partners in the near future. Prior to entering the Vietnamese market, GODACO spent three years selling its catfish products internationally to the U.S., Japanese, European, and Middle Eastern markets. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams coffee export volumes for the January-November period are expected to have grown 23 percent from the same period a year ago, while rice exports are estimated to have risen 4.8 percent in the same period, government data showed on Thursday. Coffee Coffee exports from Vietnam will climb an estimated 23 percent between January and November from a year ago to 1.725 million tonnes, equal to 28.75 million 60-kg bags, the General Statistics Office said in a report on Thursday. Coffee export revenue for Vietnam, the worlds biggest producer of the robusta bean, will edge up 2.9 percent to $3.3 billion in the 11-month period, the report said. November coffee exports were estimated at 140,000 tonnes, worth $264 million. Rice Rice exports in January-November from Vietnam were forecast to rise 4.8 percent from a year ago to 5.7 million tonnes. Revenue from rice exports in the period was expected to grow 16.8 percent year-on-year to $2.86 billion. November rice exports from Vietnam, the worlds third-largest shipper of the grain, were estimated at 450,000 tonnes, worth $218 million. Energy Vietnams January-November crude oil exports were seen plunging 42.5 percent year-on-year to an estimated 3.6 million tonnes. Crude oil export revenue in the first 11 months of 2018 were expected to decline 20.4 percent to $2.1 billion. Oil product imports in the 11-month period were estimated at 10.7 million tonnes, falling 8.1 percent from the same period last year, while the value of product imports rose 15.4 percent to $7.3 billion. Vietnams January-to-November liquefied petroleum gas imports were seen increasing 1.5 percent from a year earlier to 1.3 million tonnes. 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 little girl has become an Internet sensation on Vietnamese social media after a video capturing her translating for her mother and a Vietnamese taxi driver went viral. In the video posted on Facebook by her mother last weekend, Swar Mnemosyne Ricafort, 6, translated her mothers instructions for a Vietnamese taxi driver to reach a destination on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Gigi, her mother, is a Filipina who has been living in Vietnam for almost six years. The taxi driver did not understand what I said so I asked her to translate. Otherwise we would not have been able to go anywhere. She knew that and had no option," Gigi told Tuoi Tre News on Wednesday. Ricafort speaks with the Vietnamese taxi driver in this viral video. But even Gigi was surprised by her daughters ability. Then she started to speak in long Vietnamese sentences. I was so surprised that I thought I should film it. The video I uploaded was just part of their long conversation, she recalled. Gigi did not expect her video to attract 107,000 views in just one day. So far, the footage on Gigis personal Facebook alone has received more than 280,000 views, been shared almost 3,800 times, and attracted 1,700 comments. Copied versions of the original video have also flooded social media over the last few days. Swar Mnemosyne Ricafort poses at her home. Photo: Duyen Phan/Tuoi Tre I am proud of her, Gigi said on Facebook. I've been here for almost six years and I still can't speak the language. People left comments under the video praising the little girl for her fluent Vietnamese, cute conversational skills, and lovely reactions. The litter interpreter is a first grader at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City. Ricafort speaks 'little' Vietnamese during a conversation with a Vietnamese. According to her mother, the half Filipino half American girl has been learning Vietnamese at school since August this year and has recently had a Vietnamese tutor for reading and math. Her conversational skills have probably improved so quickly from her speaking with classmates, Gigi guessed. I like her to learn Vietnamese because I think it will benefit her as well stay here for longer, the mother explained. If she cant speak Vietnamese, she will stay on one side and her classmates will be on the other. If she speaks Vietnamese well, she will have a good social life, not feel alienated from other classmates, and have the freedom to talk to anyone she likes. I want her to be able to go to the park and make friends." During her meeting with Tuoi Tre News at her home, the little girl seemed to be a little afraid of strangers at first, but quickly warmed up to new faces. Swar Mnemosyne Ricafort is now an Internet sensation in Vietnam. Photo: Duyen Phan/Tuoi Tre The young girl shyly said she could speak a little Vietnamese, especially simple words. She revealed her favorite Vietnamese food is chao (porridge) while laughing at her mother as she pronounced her favorite food bun cha (rice noodles with grilled pork and meatballs) the wrong way. With her lovely face, the girl has walked in a fashion show and sometimes does photoshoots for childrens clothing brands. She loves learning ballet, she said. Swar Mnemosyne Ricafort loves learning ballet. Photo: Duyen Phan/Tuoi Tre A Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper-backed fundraising campaign for children with cancer has so far received thousands of prayers for the 'little warriors' nationwide. For the past four years, the Toi Dong Hanh, or I accompany,' campaign has unrelentingly raised funds from sunflower drawings posted on social media for Vietnamese children who have been diagnosed with cancer. The campaign is part of the Sunflower Festival, an annual celebration held by Tuoi Tre to commemorate the life of Le Thanh Thuy, a high school girl who bravely battled bone cancer until she passed away on November 2, 2007. This years Toi Dong Hanh campaign encourages people to post pictures of drawings or paper sunflowers accompanied by messages of love and support for pediatric cancer patients to Facebook, include the hashtags #ngayhoihoahuongduong2018 and #uocnguyenhong2018, and tag three friends. VND30,000 (US$1.3) will be donated to needy pediatric cancer patients for each post. As of Tuesday, more than 3,500 sunflower drawings had been posted. Words of hope Coming into this life is a blessing in itself. You are never alone on the battlefield. We and your parents will always be there for you in times of need. Soldier on with vigor. Show em you are as resilient as a sunflower! Hien, a medical student from north-central Vietnam, wrote next to her sunflower. You little warriors have taught me how to fight without a moments rest. I am so grateful for your existence in this life and your ceaseless smile amidst your suffering, read a note posted by Nguyen Thi Thao Nhu. Scrolling through the #ngayhoihoahuongduong2018- and #uocnguyenhong2018-hashtagged submissions, it is clear that the Toi Dang Hanh has spread to every nook and cranny of the country, with thousands of Internet users, ranging from doodlers to reputable artists, joining hands to help those in need. What binds the messages together is the love each other has put into their heartfelt words. Each note encourages the little warriors to continue their battle and focus on the beauty and light of life, just like a sunflower. Happiness and optimism shall conquer all," Be strong, little warriors, trek on with a bright smile - just like a sunflower," Miracles will come before long," and May you all remain positive as ever" are just a fraction of the encouraging words wished upon the children. Stand firm for a brighter future In Ho Chi Minh City, where the 11th Sunflower Festival will take place this Sunday, the campaign is pushing along in full force. School campuses throughout the city have been filled with students and undergraduates alike who can be seen filling notebook pages with beautiful sunflower drawings since the campaign first began. For primary school student Quoc Nguyen, drawing a sunflower to support his cancer-stricken peers has been an annual tradition for the past three years. Scribbling next to each flower, he writes, Hope you guys get well soon, a simple yet earnest prayer for those who need it most. Tran Diem My chose lyrics from the motivational song Em Uoc Mong Sao (I Wish) to accompany her drawing. The song, the unofficial theme song of the Sunflower Festival, used to be performed by Hoang Ngan, a nine-year-old cancer patient, before she passed away in 2010. In a message to the youngest group of these little warriors, babies so young they cannot even stand, Tran Thao Vy wrote the following message beside her sunflower: I pray you are brave enough to withstand the heavy doses of medication; that you are strong enough to surpass the malady, and positive enough to claim back your life. Phan Thanh also included the encouraging message: Little warriors, be like a firm, stout, unswayed sunflower! Prose, idioms, and reflections might have been more frequent in their messages uploaded by adults, but regardless of the specific words, the message threading through every submission was the same: Life diminishes only when you cease all hope. Do not falter. Rise instead. The deep mire might be below your feet, but the shining sun is just a blink. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Experts in Vietnam unveiled the countrys first quality of life measurement, derived from data taken from health evaluations, paving the way for future's survey to assess public and domestic health. The set of measurements was released at a health and economic assessment conference in Hanoi on Tuesday. The data was collected and evaluated by a research group at the Hanoi University of Public Health, said Hoang Van Minh, the schools vice-president. To compile the statistics, researchers spent more than a year surveying Vietnamese citizens using European health questionnaires tailored for Vietnamese respondents. The surveys served the dual purpose of assessing public health and domestic health for segments of the population in a range of economic tiers, with the latter crucial to decisions on prioritizing and allocating limited national health resources, including public health support by the state. The measurement takes into account a number of factors such as physical mobility and self-care habits such as washing the body and clothes, as well as engagement in everyday activities such as sports, household chores, and employment. It also considers the physical pain and mental suffering brought on by worry and sadness, as well as the choice between health technology and medicine in case of illness. The quality of life measurement is expected to be released to the general public via the Internet in order to give Vietnamese citizens the opportunity to learn more about their well-being. Experts said at the conference that Vietnams healthcare costs are high in comparison to many countries around the world, and doctors and policymakers have not had a reliable database from which to choose the most suitable health intervention for each individual. 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 police officer in Ho Chi Minh City who was featured in a photo collection by a foreign photographer more than a decade ago is once again rising to social media fame as photos of him convincing a robber to surrender have began recirculating across the Internet. The pictures, taken in 2007 by photographer Dave MacMillan, capture an encounter between a robber and traffic policeman Nguyen Dang Thanh, now 34, in a back alley in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper spoke with Thanh this past Monday after photographs, many candid, began resurfacing on the Internet 11 years after the incident. Thanh shared that the event was his first-ever arrest, and though he had forgotten the day, photographer Dave MacMillan dating the photos November 24, 2007 jogged his memory. While patrolling downtown Ho Chi Minh City one afternoon, Thanh came across two men on a motorbike snatching a cellphone from a pedestrian. He pursued them and pressed them to the curb before they fell off their motorcycle and ran away. One of the thugs made sure to grab his machete before fleeing the vehicle. Thanh chased the man carrying the weapon to a dead end and used a truncheon to block several attacks from the cornered robber. After Thanh stepped back, the man held the machete to his own neck and asked the officer to release him, threatening to commit suicide if he did not let go. Nguyen Dang Thanh talks with a robber who is threatening to commit suicide in a cul-de-sac in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 24, 2007. Photo: Dave MacMillan I dissuaded him from doing that. I told him it wasnt worth taking his own life and that he should value it, Thanh recalled telling the robber. Everyone makes mistakes. What counts is that we recognize and correct them, the police officer told the man. As the criminal began to show his hesitancy to kill himself, Thanh continued with the persuasion. Im not alone here. Many people are waiting for you at the other end of the alley. You may escape from me but theyll catch you and may even beat you to death. If you put your weapon down and surrender, I promise to bring you out of here safely and escort you to the police station. The man then laid down the knife as Thanh approached him, unbuttoned his shirt, and let Thanh grip his hands behind his back as he escorted him down the main road. The robber lays down a machete on the strength of Nguyen Dang Thanhs advice in a cul-de-sac in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 24, 2007. Photo: Dave MacMillan The robber yields to Nguyen Dang Thanhs arrest in a dead-end alley in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 24, 2007. Photo: Dave MacMillan Nguyen Dang Thanh unbuttons a robbers shirt in an alley in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 24, 2007. Photo: Dave MacMillan Nguyen Dang Thanh escorts a robber (shirtless) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 24, 2007. Photo: Dave MacMillan Angry members of the public swung their arms and threw things at the robber but Thanh deflected their attacks and called for the crowds sanity. The pair eventually made it to the police station, safe and sound, as promised. The officer, who is married with two children, shared that his wife showed no worries looking at the pictures and that his family considers the encounter a normal occurrence for a policeman. Though it was his first arrest, he has since chased down several criminal suspects and assisted in subduing many robbers, he said. Eleven years on, Thanh says his enthusiasm has never ebbed. Nguyen Dang Thanh rides a police motorcycle on a street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 26, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre Nguyen Dang Thanh on November 26, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre He also admitted that he was unaware that Dave MacMillan was taking photos during the arrest and was surprised to see an album of the event appear on social media more than a decade later. Thanh has not met Dave MacMillan in person but has friended the photographer on Facebook and sent him messages thanking him for capturing such integral moments in his career. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Society -- Vietnams Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed a bill on regulating rampant riverine sand mining, which suggests removing provincial leaders from their post if the extraction is under lax oversight. -- A poor woman returned VND100 million ($4,300) worth of cash that the owner dropped on a road in Ho Chi Minh Citys neighboring province of Dong Nai. After seeing a pedestrian pick the cash bag up and hold it close to the body, she told the person that it was hers so that she could bring it to the police. -- Le Huy Toan, deputy chairman of the south-central resort city of Nha Trang, has been forbidden from leaving his residential area as he is being investigated on charges of negligence that causes grave consequences for his role in a construction project. -- Vietnam is going to set up food safety inspectorates across nine of its major cities and provinces for a one-year trial period. -- Police in Vietnams central province of Thua Thien-Hue on Wednesday seized over 2.5 metric tons of animal innards carried in a long-haul bus steered by a Vietnamese driver who failed to present licenses for the organs. Business -- State-run Vietnam Electricity has predicted frequent power cuts early next year as the country has been facing shortages of coal and water for power plants in late 2018. -- Malware attacks are increasing in number to the computer network of important enterprises, administrative government agencies and banks, with one malicious program created to infect the system every four seconds, said Do Sinh Truong technology specialist at HP Development Company at a Wednesday conference. -- Visitors to the ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam will be offered free entrance on December 4 as celebration of the towns 19th year of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A court in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday sentenced a man to death for killing and injuring five street knights during a motorbike theft attempt, while giving his accomplice life imprisonment for his involvement in the crime in May. Nguyen Tan Tai and his accomplice Nguyen Hoang Chau Phu, both 23, were tried by the municipal Peoples Court on Thursday morning. Tai was given a death penalty for murder, attempted assault, and theft, while Phu was put in prison for life on the same charges. Nguyen Hoang Chau Phu at the trial. Photo: Tuoi Tre According to the indictment, Tai and Phu scouted along Cach Mang Thang 8 Street in District 3 on the evening of May 13 with the intention to steal a motorbike. A group of seven street guardians then noticed some suspicious signs from the two men and decided to follow them. Street knights are normal residents who voluntarily patrol their neighborhoods to detect and catch criminals. As they are not recognized as authorized law enforcement officers, they are not allowed to be armed for their own protection. From left: Nguyen Tan Tai, Ngo Van Hung, and Nguyen Hoang Chau Phu. Photo: Tuoi Tre At around 8:30 pm that day, the thieves attempted to steal a Honda SH scooter parked in front of a house before being stopped by the street knights. After being besieged, Tai pulled out a knife and stabbed some of the vigilantes. Seeing that Phu was already apprehended by two other street guardians,' Tai rushed to stab them to rescue his accomplice. Nguyen Thi O, mother of deceased Nguyen Van Thoi, reacts at the court. Photo: Tuoi Tre The two thieves then escaped on their motorbike. Following the rampage, Nguyen Van Thoi, 42, and Nguyen Hoang Nam, 29, were pronounced dead at the scene, while three other were severely injured. The thieves stayed hidden at the house of Ngo Van Hung, one of Tais friends, before being arrested the following evening. The fiancee of Nguyen Hoang Nam sits next to his portrait at the trial. Photo: Tuoi Tre At the police station, Tai and Phu claimed responsibility for three other motorbike thefts in District 12 and Hoc Mon District from January to March. Tai previously served one year and six months in jail for theft in 2016. Phu was also slapped with a one-year-and-three-month prison term but his sentence has yet to be executed. Aside from the two defendants, Hung was sentenced to four years in prison while his wife, Trinh Thi Nhu, received a one-year suspended sentence for concealing a crime. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A national highway section in the south-central Vietnamese province of Phu Yen is littered with countless giant potholes now blamed for causing dozens of accidents along the road. Over the past ten days, several trucks and buses have been put into dangerous situations caused by the potholes on the strip of National Highway 1 running through the provinces Tuy An District, Bui Van Thanh, chairman of the district's administration, said, adding that many motorcyclists have also fallen off their vehicles. He attributed the problem to the massive potholes all along the roadway. Some parts of the highway are so severely damaged that vehicles are forced to travel at a snails pace to avoid crashes. The issue is drastically exacerbated after downpours, as the holes are filled with water and thus more difficult to discern. Tran Duy Khanh, a truck driver, recalled an accident along the road on the evening of November 18, when his vehicle tipped over on its side and was seriously damaged. It was raining and water was everywhere. There were more potholes than I had expected. My truck safely passed the first two holes and the accident happened when I hit the third one, Khanh elaborated. The driver said he had to spend more than VND100 million (US$4,326) on fixing the truck, adding that those who manage and developed the road had not compensated him. Local residents as well as authorities are extremely worried about the problem, said Chairman Thanh. I have made countless phone calls and sent documents to the provincial Department of Transport, asking them to work out a proper solution, Thanh stated. The highway section has only been open to traffic for three years, he added. Sluggish repair work On October 8, the Ministry of Transport ordered the developer of the road section to expand and upgrade it as potholes had already appeared on the surface. The process, however, was rather sluggish, which resulted in even larger holes, said Nguyen Thanh Tri, director of the Phu Yen transport department. Tri and his officials have worked with the Thang Long Project Management Board, the developer, urging them to expedite the repair work. Meanwhile, Vu Ngoc Duong, Thang Longs deputy general director, blamed the situation on frequent downpours, stressing that bad weather had negatively impacted their efforts. We are trying our best to finish fixing the highway section by the end of December, Duong continued. Thang Long is allowed to use about VND50 billion ($2,164) from the state budget to repair the 10-kilometer section, he stated ensuring that the street would be in top conditions following the process. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Six Vietnamese nationals appeared at a court in South Africa on Tuesday following their arrest days earlier for possession of lion bones with the intention of making highly sought-after bone paste from the wild animal parts. The suspects, aged between 33 and 60, face several charges, including illegal possession of game products, particularly lion parts and a tiger carcass, without a permit and carrying out restricted activities involving the specimen of a listed, threatened, or protected species. South African media reported that a police operation pounced on an illegal Vietnamese lion and tiger bone syndicate operating in North West Province, South Africa, around 250 kilometers from the administrative capital of Pretoria, on Sunday, after at least 40 lions were reportedly killed at a local lion farm. The suspects, including six Vietnamese and two South African nationals, were intercepted while driving in a convoy between farms in North West. After searching the groups vehicles, officers recovered lion bones, lion meat, a tiger skin, gas cylinders, gas burners, containers, a saw, knives and other equipment believed to have been used to process the lion bones. The suspects then led officers to a farm approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Klerksdorp where the lions were allegedly slaughtered, News24 reported. At the farm, a lion skin was found being dumped in the bush and large machines believed to have been used to cut the bones were also found in the garage. It is alleged at least 30 lions were killed at the farm on Saturday, while a dozen more had been killed on Friday, according to South African police. The suspects are believed to be involved in an extensive syndicate that makes and trades lion and tiger bone paste, local police said. Bone paste, typically made from tiger or lion bones, is believed to possess a range of rare medicinal properties in East Asian medicine, leading to the poaching of the wild animals despite laws criminalizing the activity in Vietnam and other countries. The eight suspects made their first appearance at a magistrates court in Klerksdorp on Tuesday, with one lawyer assigned to represent all the defendants, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Police are looking for more suspects, and further charges could be added as the Klerksdorp court date has been postponed to December 5 for further investigation and bail applications. The suspects will remain in custody, according to News24. The Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa said they are taking the necessary steps in their power to exercise protections for the six Vietnamese citizens arrested in the country. It says it consistently advises Vietnamese tourists in the country to obey local laws, including those protecting wild animals, and refrain from activities that may harm bilateral relations. In recent years, the countries police forces and justice systems have agreed to cooperate in multiple fields, including the extradition of criminals, in efforts to prevent transnational organized wildlife crimes. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Prime Minister Scott Morrison has publicly lent support to Australias most decorated former soldier, and General Manager of Seven Brisbane, Ben Roberts-Smith. Australian Federal Police have launch a major investigation into a number of men over allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan. I absolutely, like all Australians, respect the enormous contribution that Ben Roberts-Smith has made to his country, as I do for all Australian servicemen and women, Scott Morrison said today. Where there are formal processes that are under way then Ill respect those processes, as Im sure all Australians would. Roberts-Smith is currently pursuing legal action against Fairfax newspapers over unrelated allegations it published earlier this year. The article published about me in Fairfax newspapers today contains a catalogue of lies, fabrications and misrepresentations. It is the culmination of many months of malicious and highly damaging allegations, all of which will be vigorously defended, he said in a statement in August. I do want to say today that I unequivocally deny any physical abuse of any woman at any time ever, and that I have not at any stage been interviewed by Police about any purported complaint by any woman. Roberts-Smith, 2013 Australian Father of the Year, was recruited to Seven in 2015, later becoming General Manager of Seven Queensland then General Manager of Seven Brisbane. Source: Nine, News Corp Christmas is celebrated in many countries right across the world. Naturally different countries have different traditions. Some are lovely, while others are just plain scary. Here we learn about the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines, the even scarier side of "naughty or nice" in Austria, a Kentucky Fried Christmas in Japan, Christmas roller-blading and a Cavalcade of Lights. 1 Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines Ligligan Parul Sampernandu is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve each year in the city of San Fernando in the Philippines. The city is known as The Christmas Capital of the Philippines as the festival draws spectators from all over the country, as well as the world. Eleven villages (barangays) take part in the competition, vying to build the most elaborate lantern. The word parul comes from the Spanish word farol meaning lantern. 2 Krampus, Austria Santa isnt the only one who knows whos been naughty or nice. Austrias version of the Grinch is Krampus, the evil accomplice to St. Nicholas. Each year Krampus roams the streets, with clattering bells and chains, scaring the kids and punishing any that have been bad. Austrian legend speaks of Krampus capturing children and taking them away in his sack. Young men dress up as Krampus during the first week of December each year and especially on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. 3 Kentucky Fried Christmas Dinner, Japan 4 Roller-blading to church - Caracas, Venezuela 5 Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto, Canada ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Have they really found Atlantis? (Getty) A British company claims that it might have found the remains of Atlantis, the legendary city supposedly lost beneath the waves thousands of years ago. Merlin Burrows, a British firm of satellite experts say they have spotted remnants which match the descriptions written by Greek philosopher Plato 2,400 years ago. The ruin is in the Donana National Park in Spain and the firm claims that traces of concrete at the site hint it could be 10-12,000 years old, the time when Atlantis is supposed to have existed. The lost city is supposed to have possessed advanced technology, but been lost beneath the sea. MORE: Former Brexit Secretaries Dominic Raab and David Davis awarded joint prize for best resignation MORE: London letting agent demanded money from prospective tenants to view properties Bruce Blackburn of satellite firm Merlin Burrows said this week, Weve got a body of evidence that weve presented, and we have a whole host of proof points, and were quite happy for people to take a viewpoint. Blackburn says, Weve released the information, weve got some films, and we accept that there will be people who think, What a load of rubbish. The firm used satellite data from Landsat and ancient records including Plato to pinpoint a spot The firm say that what theyve observed matches up to descriptions in Platos dialogues, and that what appears to be concrete at the site is 10,000 years old. The team found what may be the remains of bases of ancient towers, and the ruins of a huge temple which they claim match details in Plato. The team also say that the details match descriptions in other ancient texts. Others are more sceptical. Speaking to LiveScience, Professor Ken Feder, of Central Connecticut State University said, Heres my problem: As an archaeologist, I know that I always need to be in the company of my bullshit detector. And these guys, they have done just about everything they possibly can to set off my bullshit detector. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK FRANCE 24's correspondent in Ukraine, Gulliver Cragg, reports from the port of Berdyansk, on the Sea of Azov, which has effectively been under sea blockade from Russia for the last six days No ships have been able to reach the Ukrainian port of Berdyansk on the sea of Azov in the last six days, FRANCE 24's special correspondent Gulliver Cragg reported on Thursday. Our journalist's report comes as Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of blocking access for Ukrainian ships to the Kerch Strait, the only crossing point between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said on Wednesday that 18 Ukrainian vessels were awaiting permission to pass from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Another nine vessels were waiting in port on the Sea of Azov to pass in the other direction. "Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov ... are effectively under blockade by the Russian Federation," Omelyan wrote on Facebook. Russia has so far denied imposing any restrictions on Ukrainian ships. (FRANCE 24 with REUTERS) Pressure is mounting, ahead of Friday's G20 meeting in Argentina, for Western powers to take action against Saudi Arabia for its role in the war in Yemen and following the murder of Saudi ... "The French government needs to stop talking and start doing things to assist people in Yemen," declares Suze van Meegen, Norwegian Refugee Council's protection and advisory officer in Yemen. France, the United States and the United Kingdom are just three of the countries selling arms and providing diplomatic support to Saudi Arabia. These arms have been allegedly used in the nearly four year war pitting the Houthi rebels backed by Iran against the deposed government supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The United Nations has described the war as one of the world's worst man-made humanitarian disasters. Along with other NGOs, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) alerted the world to what may be the largest famine in decades that is likely to affect 14 million people. "What we see on the ground in Yemen is children who are starving to death, families who have to make choices about which child they feed, which child get medicine," Suze van Meegen, who has been based in Sanaa for nearly 18 months, said. The capital is under Houthi control along with most of northern Yemen. France and Yemen NRC points out the discrepency between the position of the French government and the French parliament where MPs are pushing for a bill to open a parliamentary investigation commission on arms sales to the parties involved in the Yemen conflict. "If the French government is selling weapons, as we know they are, that have been used on Yemeni civilians, they have a responsability to use that influence on the Saudi and Emirati-led coalition to stop them from continuing to strike hospitals, schools, road and bridges that are needed to move food around the country and to start addressing some of the economic deterioration in Yemen," says van Meegen. Story continues She adds that she doesn't understand why France, the USA and the UK have not followed other European countries in their position against Saudi Arabia. Recently, the United States announced that it will not support a United Nations resolution calling for a limited ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid in Yemen for fear of angering Saudi Arabia. Political process The warring parties are expected to meet in Sweden next week for talks brokered by the United Nations. The Houthi rebels are to meet the internationally recognised Yemeni government. There are high hopes riding on this meeting; Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy for Yemen who is charged with organising the meeting, said that the enormity of the humanitarian task of trying to keep people alive in Yemen is mind boggling and that the peace process needs to start now. "Humanitarian aid is a very small plaster on a gaping wound. Humanitarian aid will help keep people alive but it's only the proper, strong political and economic measures that will prevent this crisis from getting even worse," comments van Meegen. She believes that a political solution is the only way out of this crisis. Follow Suze van Meegen on Twitter @suzevanmeegen Follow Zeenat Hansrod on Twitter @zxnt French President Emmanuel Macron has warned against this week's G20 summit turning into a China-US confrontation as he visits Argentina ahead of the international meeting. "Surprise me!" was reportedly Macron's reply when his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macri, asked what he would like to see on his first visit to a South American country. But the French leader must be hoping there will be no unpleasant surprises from his US counterpart during the summit in Buenos Aires on Friday or Saturday. In an interview with the Argentine paper La Nacion, Macron warned against "the danger of a tete-a-tete between China and the US and of a trade war that would be destructive for all concerned". China-US trade war With US President Donald Trump waging a trade war on Beijing and threatening to slap tariffs on European cars, Macron also saw a danger of the disintegration of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), "which, in spite of its faults, is the largest platform for the regulation of world trade". Some of the US's recent decisions have been made "to the detriment of its allies' interests", he commented. Macron is due to meet China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin at the summit but not Trump. The pair had a good relationship when they were first elected but while in France on Armistice Day Trump sent out a number of tweets criticising Macron's plan for a European army and mocking his poor opinion poll ratings. Culture and politics in Argentina Macri's response to Macron's appeal to be surprised was to organise a trip by helicopter to lunch in the delta of the River Parana. The French president, a keen reader, has also asked to visit the widow of Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, Maria Kodama, who will show him round the Fondacion Borges, and meet young writers at the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, housed in what was once a theatre. On the political front, he will visit the Plaza de Mayo, where the mothers of missing dissidents used to demonstrate during the years of dictatorship, and throw a bouquet of roses into the Rio de la Plata, where thousands of political prisoners were thrown alive from air force planes. Debris and mud rushed down from the barren areas left behind by an August wildfire in Trabuco Canyon, California, on Thursday, November 29. Heavy rains had prompted flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate because of the warnings. These videos were shot by Orange County Public Works at the Trabuco Canyon Road bridge over normally dry Trabuco Creek. The Holy Fire burned for more than a month in August and September, torching more than 23,000 acres. Credit: Orange County Public Works via Storyful FILE PHOTO: A boy carries his belongings at a site hit by what activists said was a barrel bomb dropped by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo's al-Fardous district FILE PHOTO: A boy carries his belongings at a site hit by what activists said was a barrel bomb dropped by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria April 2, 2015. REUTERS/Rami Zayat/File Photo By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - U.N. war crimes investigators called on Syria on Wednesday to tell families what happened to their relatives who disappeared and provide the medical records and remains of those who died or were executed in custody. No progress can be made towards a lasting peace to end the nearly eight-year-old war without justice, the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria said. After years of government silence, Syrian authorities this year released "thousands or tens of thousands" of names of detainees alleged to have died, mostly between 2011 and 2014, it said in a report released before delivery to the U.N. Security Council. "Most custodial deaths are thought to have occurred in places of detention run by Syrian intelligence or military agencies. The Commission has not documented any instance, however, where bodies or personal belongings of the deceased were returned," it said. In nearly every case, death certificates for prisoners that were provided to families recorded the cause of death as a "heart attack" or "stroke", the independent panel led by Paulo Pinheiro said. "Some individuals from the same geographic area share common death dates, possibly indicating group executions," it said. In most cases, the place of death was stated as Tishreen military hospital or Mujtahid hospital, both near Damascus, but the place of detention was not named, it said. "Pro-government forces and primarily the Syrian state should reveal publicly the fates of those detained, disappeared and/or missing without delay," the report said, noting this meant Syrian government forces, Russian forces and affiliated militia. Families had the right to know the truth about their loved one's deaths and be able to retrieve their remains, it said. In a 2016 report, the panel found that the scale of deaths in prisons indicated that the government of President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for "extermination as a crime against humanity". Story continues In Syria, a family member must register a death within a month after receiving a death notification, the report said. Failure to do so results in a fine which grows after a year. But given that there are millions of Syrian refugees abroad and internally displaced, many are not in a position to meet deadlines, it said. The lack of an official death certificate may affect the housing, land and property rights of relatives, it said, noting that female-headed households may face further challenges to secure inheritance rights. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay, Editing by William Maclean) Tributes Valerie Theoret and daughter Adele Roesholt were killed by a grizzly bear (Picture: Twitter) Tributes have poured in for a mother killed along with her 10-month-old daughter by a grizzly bear in Canada. Valerie Theoret and daughter Adele Roesholt were killed by the bear at a remote cabin in the Yukon near the Northwest Territories border. The 37-year-olds husband Gjermund Roesholt told police he was coming back from checking his traps when he was charged by a grizzly bear about 100 metres from the cabin. He shot the bear dead, but when he got back to his cabin, he found the bodies of his wife and child just outside. Valeries friends have paid tribute to her following the news, describing her as a nature-lover and a pillar of the community. Grizzly bear attacks are rare in Canada (Picture: PA) Madeleine Piuze told CBC: Its so hard to believe it. She will be remembered as a woman so strong and positive and loving and generous and respectful and respectful of nature, as well. Like, she was just a nature lover. Just an amazing woman. The best friend ever. Ms Piuze said Valeries husband, originally from Norway, had met with friends as he grieves the loss of his wife and child. MORE: Storm Diana: Met Office issues weather warnings as severe gales and heavy rain batter Britain MORE: Huddersfield bullying video: New footage emerges of Syrian refugees sister attacked at same school We feel so lucky that he was willing to come with us, she said and it made a big difference for us and probably for him too to feel that we were all together. He was just able to speak to the group about what hes been through and about how they were happy, before, on the trapline, and how beautiful it was. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK The family reportedly had their trapline for around three years, catching animals including wolves, foxes and lynx and Valerie would make products from the fur. Isabelle Salesse, executive director of LAssociation franco-yukonnaise (AFY), describe Valerie as full of energy, known across the community because she was involved in many things. What struck me was that [Theoret] was always smiling. She had this huge smile her baby was following the same way, she said. Fatal bear attacks are rare in Canada. FILE PHOTO - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gestures during an interview with Reuters on the opening day of Web Summit, Europe's biggest tech conference, in Lisbon, Portugal, November 5, 2018. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes By Scott Squires BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The United Nations is "working hard to ensure the start of meaningful peace talks in Yemen" before the end of the year, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday. Speaking in Buenos Aires ahead of the start of the Group of 20 summit of industrialized nations, Guterres said he did not want to raise expectations, due to "a number of setbacks that have taken place," but said he was hopeful talks would resume. "We are working hard to create conditions for those peace talks to start, hopefully this year," Guterres said. A worsening humanitarian crisis in the nearly 4-year-old conflict in Yemen has prompted Western nations to call for an end to the Saudi-led military campaign there. The U.N. has sponsored a series of peace talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has killed more than 10,000 people and pushed the impoverished country to the brink of starvation. The Secretary General also addressed recent Russian aggression in the Ukraine, which prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It is clear that the integrity of the Ukraine must be respected," Guterres said, adding that he hoped the international community would help to avoid escalating the conflict and pave the way for a lawful and meaningful dialogue between Russia and the Ukraine. (Reporting by Scott Squires; writing by Scott Squires and Cassandra Garrison, editing by Ross Colvin, Leslie Adler and James Dalgleish) Iranian Material Display at a Military Base in Washington Brian Hook, U.S. Special Representative for Iran, speaks about potential threats posed by the Iranian regime to the international community, during a news conference at a military base in Washington, U.S., November 29, 2018. REUTERS/Al Drago By Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday displayed pieces of what it said were Iranian weapons deployed to militants in Yemen and Afghanistan, a move by President Donald Trump's administration to pressure Tehran to curb its regional activities. The presentation of hardware by the Pentagon, much of which was handed over by Saudi Arabia, coincides with growing concern in Congress over U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, which has led to a deep humanitarian crisis. Members of Congress have escalated their opposition to Saudi Arabia after the October killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite administration pleas not to downgrade ties with the Saudis and thereby counter Iran, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end military support for the Saudis in Yemen. If Iran were found to be shipping arms to Yemen, Afghanistan and other countries, it would be in violation of U.N. resolutions. "We want there to be no doubt across the world that this is a priority for the United States and that it's in international interest to address it," said Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for international security affairs. The presentation, the second such one in the last year, is part of a government-wide effort to take a harder line towards Tehran. Iran has denied supplying the Houthis in Yemen with such weaponry and described the Pentagon's previous arms display as "fabricated." WEAPONS TO YEMEN The Pentagon offered a detailed explanation of why it believed the arms on display came from Iran, noting what it said were Iranian corporate logos on arms fragments and the unique nature of the designs of Iranian weaponry. The United States acknowledged it could not say precisely when the weapons were transferred to the Houthis, and, in some cases, could not say when they were used. There was no immediate way to independently verify where the weapons were made or employed. Story continues This included a "Sayyad-2" surface to air missile, which the Pentagon said had been interdicted by the Saudi government in early 2018 on the way to Houthi militants in Yemen. The Pentagon cited a corporate logo of an Iranian defence firm in the warhead section, which was not displayed, and writing in Farsi on the missile as evidence that it was Iranian. A U.S. defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the Pentagon did not know if the Houthis had actually used this type of missile before. The Houthis, who control Yemens capital Sanaa, have fired dozens of missiles into Saudi Arabia in recent months, part of a three-year-old conflict that is a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Under a U.N. resolution, Tehran is prohibited from supplying, selling or transferring weapons outside the country unless approved by the Security Council. A separate U.N. resolution on Yemen bans the supply of weapons to Houthi leaders. It was unclear what impact, if any, such public displays of weaponry will have on Iran, U.S. allies and militants in the region. A short-range missile on display was fired just five days after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley did a similar presentation last year. "I haven't heard anybody say this is a political stunt. This is simply putting out in broad daylight Iran's missiles and small arms and rockets and UAVs and drones," U.S. special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, told a news conference on Thursday after being asked whether the weapons display was done for propaganda reasons. Hook said that today Houthi rebels had fired missiles into Saudi Arabia and that while the United States had the military option on the table, the preference was to use diplomatic efforts to deal with Iran. The United States has also long accused Iran of providing weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan. The Pentagon on Thursday displayed a number of "Fadjr" rockets, that it said had been provided to the Taliban. It said they were Iranian because of the unique markings on the rockets and the paint scheme, along with the markings on them. The Taliban is known to buy weapons on the black market and defence officials could not say why they were sure these missiles and other weapons had not been simply bought by the militants. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Mary Milliken, Lisa Shumaker and Alistair Bell) Southwark Council in London also links rise in food bank use to new benefits scheme: Getty Universal credit is leaving claimants dependent on charity for food and causing alarming levels of rents arrears, according to a council that was among the first in the UK to fully roll out the reform. Demanding the government rethink its flagship welfare scheme, the highly critical report by Southwark Council calls for radical steps to be taken by ministers to fix ongoing issues. In the councils second annual housing survey compiled by the Smith Institute it is claimed that the average level of rent arrears among council tenants on universal credit is more than three times the level of those on legacy benefits. The council also highlights data from Pecan food bank, which operates in the area, showing an increase in demand for emergency food packages by 30 per cent between 2017 and 2018. During 2017 the food bank distributed 47 tons of food and was responsible for feeding almost 5,000 Southwark households. Of the increased demand, it is claimed 80 per cent may be attributed to the impacts of the welfare reform that aims to roll six legacy benefits into one monthly payment for claimants. The councils housing report examined a total of 1,028 rent accounts in Southwark, and included 377 who moved on to universal credit in August-October 2016 and 651 who did so between August and October in the following year. The research found little difference between the two groups and arrears over the respective periods rose by 221,000 for the 2016 group and 201,000 for the 2017 group. The increase in arrears per claimant averaged 586 for the 2016 group and 309 for the 2017 group. The evidence shows that, even 15 months after claiming universal credit, those affected were consistently underpaying rent due, the report says. For now, the government must acknowledge that the current system is unworkable and broken. We strongly argue that the rollout of UC should be halted until radical steps are taken to fix the ongoing issues outlined in this research, it states. Story continues Councillor Victoria Mills, a cabinet member at Southwark Council, said: It is a disgrace that the governments flagship benefit reform is leaving residents waiting for money to pay for the roof over their head and that huge numbers of residents are dependent on charity for food. Any delay to payments for those who are already under immense financial pressure will result in unrecoverable debt and unacceptable stress on peoples lives. She continued: The stark evidence in this second report makes it very clear that people are suffering the consequences of a system that doesnt work in its current form. A year on from our first research, the issues have simply got worse. We have to act on this evidence now and look at how we can support our residents and the pressure on our services. This situation is echoed across the country. The government needs to take rapid steps to fix universal credit or acknowledge that they have created a system that is unworkable and broken. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions told The Independent: Many claimants come on to universal credit with pre-existing rent arrears, and our research shows this falls by a third after four months. The vast majority of people are happy managing their money, and we recently announced a partnership with Citizens Advice to help vulnerable people make and manage their universal credit claims. Britain and the US have agreed a new "open skies" deal for post-Brexit flights, the government has announced. It means routes between the two countries - currently operating under the US-EU open skies treaty - will continue to enjoy the same access. America's leading airlines have previously warned that flights could have been grounded if the UK left the EU's open skies agreement without making new arrangements. The UK has also secured bilateral air service arrangements with Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco and Switzerland, while discussions with Canada are at "an advanced stage" according to the DfT. Meanwhile, under Theresa May's Brexit deal, London and Brussels have agreed to negotiate a "comprehensive air transport agreement" for UK-EU flights. Transport secretary Chris Grayling said the UK-US agreement and eight other deals were "proof that the UK will continue to be a major player on the world stage after we leave the EU". Under the deal, EU majority-owned airlines that are currently operating between the UK and US will be able to continue to fly existing routes as long as they remain owned and controlled by EU/EEA nationals or UK nationals. But any airline wanting to establish a route between the UK and US in the future that is not owned and controlled by UK nationals will need to seek a waiver from the US government. British Airways owner International Airlines Group is registered in Spain and has shareholders from around the world. Meanwhile, Sir Richard Branson is in the process of reducing his stake in Virgin Atlantic to 20% by selling 31% of the business to Air France-KLM (LSE: 0LN7.L - news) . Aviation consultant John Strickland said: "It's positive news for UK airlines operating to the US market that this agreement has been reached. "It appears that enough flexibility has been negotiated to allow for different scenarios of either UK or EU majority ownership, a point of importance for IAG, and for Virgin, which is in the process of becoming non-UK majority owned as Air France (Paris: FR0000031122 - news) takes a stake." World leaders have begun arriving in Argentina for a summit of the globes largest economies. Attention is expected to focus on issues including a trade war between the US and China, a new North American trade deal and the conflict in Ukraine. Heads of state from Italy, Canada, South Korea, Singapore and Turkey were among the first in Buenos Aires, joining the French president and Saudi crown prince who arrived the previous day. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire arrive in Buenos Aires (Martin Mejia/AP) The meeting could be a defining moment for the Group of 20, said Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canada-based think tank focusing on global governance. The G20 Leaders Summit is at risk of falling into disarray, with the summit being overshadowed by items not on the agenda, such as the United States and China trade war, Russias aggression against Ukraine and the presence of the Saudi crown prince, Mr Bernes said. The true test will be whether the other members of the G20 will act resolutely or whether we will witness the crumbling of the G20 as a forum for international economic co-operation. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been accused by Human Rights Watch of war crimes in Yemen and responsibility for the gruesome killing of newspaper columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport in Buenos Aires (G20 Argentina via AP) On Wednesday, Argentine legal authorities took initial action to consider a request from Human Rights Watch to prosecute him for alleged crimes against humanity, a move apparently aimed at embarrassing him as he attends the summit. In Moscow, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump would discuss an array of issues, including nuclear arms control at their meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the summit. Government spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the two leaders will start with one-on-one talks and then continue broader negotiations involving officials from both sides. Story continues Mr Peskov said Russia and the US need to discuss strategic stability, arms control and regional conflicts. We dont have to agree on all issues, and it wouldnt be possible anyway, but we need to talk, he said, adding that its not only in the interests of our two countries, but the entire world. It was no accident that Mr Macron arrived early. Frances President Emmanuel Macron tours the Plaza de Mayo square in Buenos Aires (Sebastian Pani/AP) He envisions himself as a new leader of the free world and desperately wants to salvage the idea of international co-operation that the G20 represents. France fears that Mr Trump will block or eclipse any progress at the G20. So Mr Macron is fashioning himself at this summit as the anti-Trump choice a champion of the Paris climate accord, defender of the postwar system of global trade and crusader against multinational tax evaders. Mr Macron initially tried to befriend Mr Trump despite their deep differences, but the two have increasingly clashed, most recently over wine tariffs, Mr Trumps nationalism and Mr Macrons idea of a European army. At 40, Mr Macron is one of the youngest leaders at the summit and sees himself as representing a new generation of world statesmen. As leader of a country ravaged by two world wars, he feels strongly about preventing a new one, and has warned that current battles over trade sound dangerously like those of the 1930s. Emmanuel Macron and Argentinas President Mauricio Macri at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires (Natacha Pisarenko/AP) He also came to Buenos Aires early in the hopes of clinching a 360 million euro warship deal with Argentinas navy. Some French chief executives are also on the trip, as French companies bid for other deals such as one for managing the Buenos Aires subway system. Taking the world stage at the G20 is a welcome relief for Mr Macron, who has faced mass protests at home over rising fuel taxes that are the biggest challenge yet to his presidency. But his party dominates parliament and neither faces re-election until 2022. Other European leaders at the summit are facing domestic struggles of their own. Britains Theresa May is fighting for political survival as she tries to pull her country out of the European Union. Germanys Angela Merkel is preparing to leave politics after announcing last month she would give up leadership of her party, a post she has held since 2000. Italys Giuseppe Conte heads a populist coalition that is clashing with the EU and suffers internal divisions. The History of the Poker Satellite: Part Two with Dara OKearney November 28 2018 Paul Seaton In the first part of our series on the history of poker satellites, we spoke to the 1983 WSOP Main Event champion, Tom McEvoy. The American won his way to live tournament glory, so we figured we would take a look in this edition at the evolution of online satellites. Unibet ambassador Dara OKearney is revered the world over for his ability to beat online satellites and he has even taught on the subject, so we went straight to the source to learn more. If you ask O'Kearney, online satellites have changed a lot since the early days. Historically, you were able to win multiple seats to the same packages or live event. Everything after number one was effectively turned into tournament money which you could use for anything. "One of the things that killed satellites on PokerStars was players like me." OKearney was one of the hundreds of professional players who made hay while the sun shone. But it was a finite strategy, great in the short term, but flawed as a long term plan. One of the things that killed satellites on PokerStars was players like me who started grinding them for the tournament money and started using that tournament money essentially as an online [bank]roll. A lot of guys concentrated on satellites, and live tournaments were a nice bonus they went to. But the real purpose was to generate as much tournament money as possible to play online tournaments. If there was a moment where OKearney knew he was excelling at satellites, it was around the time of the UK & Ireland Poker Tour. When the UKIPT satellites were at their peak, there was one season with eight stops and I won 120 seats. 112 of those went straight into my online account. It was the same with the European Poker Tour satellites. I was qualifying for every EPT 4-6 times. It was nice to go and play in the EPT, but the real objective was to run up a bankroll. A Shift in the Online Satellite Landscape OKearney was quickly aware that when the landscape suddenly changed, he needed to adapt. It was great for a while, but the problem in the long term was that others saw what I was doing. Over time, that messed up the pros-to-recreationals ratio and made it tougher and tougher, especially for recreational players. It got away from the whole ethos of what a satellite is - to try to qualify for an individual tournament. "We played all through the night, winner-take-all, the stacks barely moved." How online satellites survive is huge to the poker economy, as far back as Chris Moneymaker and the 2003 WSOP Main Event. He can remember the first time he took part in one. The first satellite I ever played was for the very first Irish Open, in February of 2008. I remember loading up paddypower and playing a satellite for the Irish Open. I remember one really memorable occasion when I qualified for the Irish Open [on paddypower]. There was only one package and I got heads at around 10:00 p.m., having started playing at 6:00 p.m. I had 100,000 chips and the other guy had 90,000, but whoever had set the tournament up had messed up and the blinds werent going up any more. The big blind was 200 and we were sitting there 500 big blinds deep. We played all through the night, winner-take-all, the stacks barely moved. When morning came, we were both onto customer support saying This tournament will never end. Around 7:00 a.m., iPoker customer support woke up and came back to us. They said sorry and gave us both packages. Modern Online Satellite Models Perhaps unsurprisingly, Unibet Poker, for whom OKearney is an ambassador, takes a different stance to him playing satellites on their site. Unibet dont allow me to play satellites which is frustrating for me but is better for the whole ethos of the system. They have a really good feeder system, so people can come in at 5, 20 level, and everybody can win one package and you have to use it for that stop; there are no deferments. Its a better model for the recreational players, its not necessarily a good model for the site, because every time someone qualifies, they stop playing them and drop out. A lot of the Unibet satellites run with overlays. "The satellites at the end are amazing, because nearly all the best recreational players on the site have qualified." Overlays in satellites are what make some sites consider limiting them, after all, sites such as PokerStars, partypoker and 888Poker need to make money on the qualifiers to be able to keep offering them to players. A lot of sites saw that they could make a lot of money by raking satellite tournaments became a big deal, but thats where Unibet dont make that kind of money from those satellites, but theyre trying to create a system where lots of recreationals come and play. Theyre taking an eco-system-wide view of what the best way is to keep the satellite structure intact. Thats what the outcome will be instead of 10 satellite grinders riding the site, running up a roll and no one else getting a look in. The satellites at the end are amazing, because nearly all the best recreational players on the site have qualified. It was how the Irish Open used to run. Satellites could easily come back full circle to how those first ones were - as direct entries into specific events. Whether the flexible dollars system is right or wrong is one for a larger debate and another time. One thing is for sure though: if youre in a satellite and see Dara OKearney at your table, you may want to adjust your strategy - or find another table. For 30 years, Amir Davijani worked as physical therapist and lecturer on the subject at an Iranian university. But when he and his wife moved to the United States to be closer to their sons, his education and experience did not translate completely. Physical therapists in the United States are required to have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree before taking the mandatory National Physical Therapy Examination to become licensed. Davijani did not have a DPT degree. But when he tried to enroll into a transitional program at other universities to earn a doctoral degree, he ran into another wall. "They always asked me if I had a license to get into a transitional program," Davijani said. "Because I didn't have a license (in the U.S.), I couldn't take the courses. And because I couldn't take the courses, I couldnt get the DPT and the license." This Catch-22 scenario is common for foreign physical therapists who have relocated or want to move to the United States. More than a year ago, the University of North Georgia (UNG) found a solution. UNG's Department of Physical Therapy started a post-professional DPT degree (ppDPT) as an extension of the current DPT program. It is designed to help international students and non-doctoral professionals elevate their own practice abroad or address certain educational gaps required for licensure application in the United States. The yearlong cohort-style ppDPT program at UNG is the only one in the South, said Dr. Mohammad "Reza" Nourbakhsh, professor of physical therapy at UNG. "We designed this innovative program that would accept professionals and international students, who don't have a license to practice in the U.S.," Nourbakhsh said. It appears to be working. The program's first cohort started this fall with six students. Five are international students three from Iran and two from South Korea while one is Marietta, Georgia, resident Amir Davijani, who is originally from Iran. The 58-year-old heard about the program from Nourbakhsh both earned bachelor's degrees at the same university in Iran and registered for the course. A South Korean native, Junghwan "Paul" Bang learned about the program through Dr. Eunse Park, assistant professor of physical therapy at UNG. Both men are part of an online community of physical therapists from South Korea. Bang, 33, said he was looking for a ppDPT program in the U.S., especially since schools in South Korea only offer a bachelor's degree for physical therapy. When he learned of UNG's program, Bang and his pregnant wife moved to Cumming, Georgia, more than two months ago, where he could take the course and earn his doctoral degree. "As a physical therapist in South Korea, we have a limited scope of practices, and we have differences in healthcare assistance in society," Bang said. "I wanted to have experience as a professional physical therapist in the U.S. to contribute more in my community in the future." He will not be the only South Korea native taking advantage of the ppDPT program. Earlier this year, UNG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Youngsan University in Busan, South Korea to create an educational pipeline between the two schools allowing South Korean students to have easier access to the ppDPT program and the potential for a faculty and student exchange program. A delegation from Youngsan is scheduled to visit UNG in November to view the facilities and the program. Park helped link the two institutions through his connections with Youngsan. Through the MOU, Park said Youngsan students will have the opportunity to enroll in the ppDPT program, while UNG students learn about South Korean culture first-hand from the international students. The exchange put UNG's ppDPT program on the forefront of the international stage. "The MOU is just the starting point of UNG extending to the world," Park said. "If UNG makes more programs and exchanges and provides resources to other countries, it helps with the reputation, diversity and service of residents of the United States at the same time." This summer, University of North Georgia (UNG) faculty member Dr. Jessica "Jess" Hartel was teaching a class about primates when she wanted to incorporate specimens to allow students to compare the species' differences. There was one problem, the biology department did not have a collection of primate skulls. Hartel, lecturer of biology at UNG, considered ordering some, but knew larger specimens cost more than $200. Then another option arose. Dr. Nancy Dalman, professor and department head of biology at UNG, directed Hartel to UNG's MakerBot Innovation Center and Dr. Jon Mehlferber, professor of visual arts at UNG. Mehlferber and Hartel devised a plan to use the center's 3D printers to replicate many primate skulls that cost less than ordering casts online. In fact, the most expensive print cost only $20 for the plastic material the 3D printers use. "We had to get permission from the Smithsonian Institution to use their digital scans to create the skulls, and then we were able to make the primate skulls for Dr. Hartel," Mehlferber said. Hartel was thrilled. "My initial thought was, 'This was 3D printed?'" she said. "I was standing about a foot away, and at first glance I couldn't tell that it was 3D printed. The replica provided enough detail for my students to see the difference between the primate species." Now in its fourth semester, the MakerBot Innovation Center has 32 single-color 3D printers at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. In addition, UNG's Gainesville Campus has a dozen more 3D printers. Mehlferber said 3D printing is the next wave of the future. "One day, you may be able to build a house in 24 hours," he said. "Or you could print with biological materials and build functioning organs such as livers and kidneys." UNG's incorporation of 3D printers started with a Presidential Incentive Award allocated by UNG President Bonita Jacobs. In 2013, Mehlferber, Technology Integration Assistant Director Enes Aganovic and former UNG faculty members from the physical therapy department, Alison Alhedeff and Dr. Terrie Millard, received funding for a research project that used 3D printing to create cost-efficient devices to help children with disabilities. The group, along with UNG graduate students, invented several devices to allow children with disabilities to pedal and steer a bicycle with minimal assistance from adults. Created by a 3D printer, the devices' prices were nominal. "If they were traditionally made by an orthotist (who designs and fabricates medical support devices), they could take six weeks to build and cost $8,000," Mehlferber said. "Using the 3D printers, we could create them in 24 hours for $20." Realizing the different applications for a 3D printer, Mehlferber approached administrators about purchasing more. Funds from the university were followed by grants and then the MakerBot company established one of its innovation centers on the Dahlonega Campus in 2017. MakerBot is a global leader in desktop 3D printing. Fourteen centers are located across the country, but UNG's lab is the only one in Georgia. Since its establishment, the MakerBot Innovation Center has created more than 500 objects, including multiple skulls and hands for Hartel's biology classes. Biology is not the only department benefiting from the MakerBot Innovation Center. Students from UNG's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Mike Cottrell College of Business, including Jacob Mahaffey, Justin Maxwell, and Blake Morgan, are utilizing the 3D printers. The three seniors designed a piece of musical equipment for a class project. They were then tasked with devising a plan to market it to customers, define who the customer was, develop a financial plan, and launch it as a viable business. While conducting research, the business majors learned it was tough to explain their product. Dr. Ruben Boling, director for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, directed Mahaffey and Maxwell to the MakerBot lab. There, the three paired up with visual arts students to print a small prototype. It was a game-changer. "We had an idea in our heads, and now it was an item we could see and feel," Mahaffey said. It also helped the students refine the product. They could spot functional problems, find solutions and fix them on the computer screen. The end result was a prototype so well-defined that Mahaffey, Maxwell, and Morgan hope to submit it for a patent. They can barely believe the technology to accomplish this was readily available to them. "I heard about 3D printing but had no idea UNG had a place to print it," Mahaffey said. "That was really neat to know that was available. I could definitely see other applications, especially in the business realm." Actor and abstract painter Jim Carrey sketched a caricature of Donald Trump's teleconference with U.S. troops ranting from his private Florida beach club that the world is a vicious place. The send-up shows the president wearing his signature smoothly coiffed hairdo and his usual scrunched up furious face as he complains about his wars against the migrants. Such was the holiday greeting from the White House and the drawing captured the hardheartedness of his message. Comic actor's comedies of a second kind Carrey has been cartooning his reactions not only to the insensitivities of Trump but also of others who support him since the 2016 election more than 100, according to a report in the New Yorker magazine in August. In one, he spoofed Sen. Lindsey Graham, when he shouted, This is all crap, referring to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee, tried to rape her. Carrey pictured the senator as deranged and told the New Yorker that such take-downs were his civic duty saying, It's my responsibility to pick up the sword..(Hold that thought for a moment). Originality needs to be part of an art conversation The actor posted his cartoons online and the one of Sen. Graham received 80,000 hits. The drawing gets my thumbs-up, too. But fellow art critic Jonathan Jones isn't a fan., As he said in The Guardian, Carrey's art is yet more proof that Hollywood stars should avoid the canvas, Granted, he was talking about the actor's abstract painting, but ignored his cartooning, as if it wasn't even worth deriding. And it isn't as if he puts cartooning outside the realm of art. After all, he has praised Roy Lichtenstein's cartoons as just that - an obsession with art itself pervades even his most apparently simple images. I couldn't disagree more. Completing the picture As I see it when it comes to cartooning, Lichtenstein's cartoons are meaningless and Carrey's are not. Discuss this news on Eunomia Consider the Pop artist's cartoon titled Wham! which shows a fighter plane's firepower blowing up an enemy plane. The vision of violence isn't even original. He copied it whole straight out of a DC War Comic book. What did he want us to think? No need to ponder the question. As he famously said, his art is anti-contemplative. Taking cartoons seriously I'd go so far as to say that Carrey's cartoons are more meaningful than his films, despite the accolades for them. I'm thinking of The Mask for which movie critics Siskel and Ebert' gave a two thumbs up and which won the actor a Golden Globe nomination it. But consider what The Mask was about mindless shootouts, bloodletting and sophomoric snickering about sex. Stack it up against his cartoons and see what the movie is not - meaningful. Australia: There's a unique case of a pilot falling asleep while at work. He was at the controls of an aircraft that was flying from Tasmania to King Island. The aircraft was flying on autopilot, and he overshot his destination by 29 miles and had to come back. The aircraft was a Piper PA-31 operated by Vortex Air. It has a seating capacity of nine people and undertakes several flights on a daily basis. It seems this particular plane completed several journeys on the day of the incident which included the flight where the pilot was incapacitated. Independent UK reports that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating this incident and available records indicate that, in spite of the overflying and detour, the flight landed safely. The authorities are treating it as a serious operational incident and will follow laid down procedures and complete their investigation by March 2019. Pilots do fall asleep when flying A survey conducted in 2013 by BALPA (British Airline Pilots' Association) has revealed that there are many instances of pilots falling asleep at the wheel. In fact, "56 percent of pilots" have admitted as much. In the opinion of experts, inadequate sleep is a more serious issue compared to napping in the cockpit. In fact, rules are strict, to the point where in order to ensure the safety of the passengers, pilots and co-pilots do not share the same meal because both should not fall sick simultaneously. Have you ever fallen asleep at work? An investigation is underway after air traffic controllers could not raise a pilot who had fallen asleep during a freight flight from Devonport to King Island. The pilot overshot his landing by 46km. (pic Vortex Air) pic.twitter.com/nFk1rhFeL3 ABC Melbourne (@abcmelbourne) November 27, 2018 A former pilot who is the safety editor for a trade magazine says that there is no known case of any aircraft crash because of a pilot falling asleep at the controls. Discuss this news on Eunomia However, there have been crashes due to fatigue. In this case, the Piper PA-31 operated by Vortex Air was flying on autopilot and, the flight takes less than an hour. The pilot was on duty in spite of lack of sleep According to The Guardian, the commercial pilot who fell asleep at the controls of the twin-propeller Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain of Vortex Air was the only occupant of the freight plane. He overshot his destination and is now under investigation. It was an early morning flight from Devonport, Tasmania, to King Island in Bass Strait. The aircraft was on autopilot and the issue became known when ground control lost contact with the aircraft in flight. Vortex Air said that the pilot was on leave and this was his first assignment after resuming duties. Media reports indicate that he had little or no sleep the previous night due to a personal crisis. 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(1) It's a crime that's shaken an entire city to its core. "This is beyond tragic. This is a total travesty and an injustice that can't be lived with," Gary Johnson, Toledo City Council member, said. An innocent toddler was shot and killed. "I don't think any parent can imagine what Malachi's parents are going through right now," Lt. Kevan Toney, Toledo Police Department, said. Wednesday, Malachi Barnes, 3, was remembered by his family and community. It's been less than a week since his tragic death. Toledo police say he was killed in his dad's car as they drove down I-75. Despite valiant attempts to save his life, Malachi died at the hospital. "It's just tragic," Lt. Toney said. "Someone close to the shooter has information that we need and we need that person to call us." Like police, the family is also searching for answers. "How can you eat? How can you sleep? How can you still be out there doing what you're doing? You killed a baby," Christian Hair, Malachi's mom told 13abc. Even city leaders are making an urgent plea for information. "Those that are out there, you know who did this," Toledo City Councilman Larry Skyes said. "Stand up and let's stop this!" "Someone witnessed this. We're asking you to come forth and we're asking you to do it now," Yvonne Harper, Toledo City Council member said. While everyone plays the painful waiting game, many hope this little one's death serves as a wake up call, sparking a change in the community. "We're going to do everything we can to stop the dumb stuff. It's crazy. It doesn't make any sense," Ray Wood, president of the NAACP said. If you have any information call Crime Stoppers, 419-255-1111. Tips can be reported anonymously and callers could be eligible for a cash reward. Joseph Hogan at The Point: But it wasnt as if, by leaving church, I could escape. In the Midwest, everything is haunted by Jesus: the Rust Belt towns, the long gray freeways; county fairs in the summer with headlining Christian bands; breweries full of wholesome Christian hipsters in warm sweaters, Iron and Wine or Sufjan Stevens on the sound system. After belief, I didnt want to drive through the suburbs and come upon some postwar church with hymnals full of David Haasand Marty Haugen songs. Even living near Lake Michigan became impossible. Id drive to the lake after work and walk along the beach as the sun set, moodily brooding. The lake had its own extra-diegetic soundtrack, from the Pure Michigan campaign, which OGieblyn describes as evoking the kind of autumnal sentimentalism that animates Starbucks ads and late-career Diane Keaton films. She notes that you can easily imagine the voice over the adsMiddle Americas dad, Tim Allenas belonging to God himself. more here. The pyramids and the Great Sphinx rise inexplicably from the desert at Giza, relics of a vanished culture. They dwarf the approaching sprawl of modern Cairo, a city of 16 million. The largest pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2530 B.C. and intended to last an eternity, was until early in the twentieth century the biggest building on the planet. To raise it, laborers moved into position six and a half million tons of stonesome in blocks as large as nine tonswith nothing but wood and rope. During the last 4,500 years, the pyramids have drawn every kind of admiration and interest, ranging in ancient times from religious worship to grave robbery, and, in the modern era, from New-Age claims for healing pyramid power to pseudoscientific searches by fantastic archaeologists seeking hidden chambers or signs of alien visitations to Earth. As feats of engineering or testaments to the decades-long labor of tens of thousands, they have awed even the most sober observers. The question of who labored to build them, and why, has long been part of their fascination. Rooted firmly in the popular imagination is the idea that the pyramids were built by slaves serving a merciless pharaoh. This notion of a vast slave class in Egypt originated in Judeo-Christian tradition and has been popularized by Hollywood productions like Cecil B. De Milles The Ten Commandments, in which a captive people labor in the scorching sun beneath the whips of pharaohs overseers. But graffiti from inside the Giza monuments themselves have long suggested something very different. More here. Such powerful emotional connections are common among people who volunteer to work with veterans. Volunteers and the organizations that recruit them say there is something particularly moving about helping in tangible ways, however small, to make life easier for people who have sacrificed so much serving their nation. Because struggling veterans across the country have so many different types of needs, there are numerous opportunities for Americans in virtually every community to give back, experts say. In VA facilities across the country, every day is Veterans Day, Edwards says. VA Health Care Facilities The first place most people turn when they decide to volunteer with veterans is the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS), which connects volunteers with opportunities at VA health facilities across the country. In the past year, more than 63,000 people worked in specific roles as VA volunteers at hospitals, community-based clinics, nursing homes and hospices. VA volunteers also work at cemeteries and help by telecommuting for assignments such as assisting with graphics and writing for VA publications, says Sabrina Clark, director of VAVS. One of the VAs priorities is to match volunteers with meaningful opportunities that suit both the skills they have to offer and the needs of the veterans they hope to serve. The most important thing to VA is that volunteers put their interests, skills, time and talents to use in ways that benefit veterans, says Clark. The work that volunteers do at and through VA facilities can range widely, from answering phones and working on hospital computers to more unusual assignments such as playing guitar and teaching rock climbing. One of the most pressing needs VA facilities have is for drivers to take veterans to and from medical appointments. Other common roles are working at the information desk, scheduling appointments for veterans, escorting patients to blood tests or other appointments, visiting patients in hospice care, and greeting new patients and showing them around the facility. Even activities that might sound routine like delivering care packages or holiday cards to veterans at a VA hospital can be moving, says Wendy Griffin, who volunteers one day a week at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. In addition to recruiting and assigning volunteers and working on the facilitys database, Griffin who suffered a spinal injury in an accident while serving with the Air Force in Honduras also helps out delivering packages and cards. The care packages include items such as snacks, calendars and handmade crocheted or quilted blankets. I handed one to a veteran and said, Happy holidays, these are a gift for you, and he cried. He didnt have any family there, she said. It makes you feel really good inside to know that youve touched another life. Griffin says one of the most valuable things volunteers offer to some veterans is human contact. Sometimes its nice just to say hello to them because thats what theyre searching for. You are the only person thats come in to say Hi to them, she says. In fact, some volunteers even offer to fill that need for a connection during the most pivotal moments. The program No Veteran Dies Alone, for example, sends volunteers to be with patients in their final days if they dont have friends or relatives who can be present. Among the other more specialized programs that welcome volunteers at VA facilities are recreation therapy programs. At the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, Griffin says, volunteers have been involved in recreation therapy programs where they take vets rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and biking. Such programs can be particularly helpful to wounded vets, including amputees, she said. For example, amputees who dont have legs can hand-cycle with their arms. In one case, she said, volunteers helped teach a Vietnam-era vet who couldnt use one arm and one leg how to do archery using his teeth. Other volunteers with expertise in diving, she says, have taken younger vets on trips to the beach in California or a lake in Utah to teach them how to dive. A lot of people with PTSD find it [diving] relaxing, she says. What I like about the VA Voluntary Service is that it takes whatever your abilities are and helps you use your abilities to help other peoples abilities. The same philosophy applies at the Maryland VA, Edwards says. If a volunteer mentions that she plays guitar, shell probably be directed to work with a music therapy group, he says. Or an artist can do art therapy for inpatients or outpatients. Volunteers also can provide relief for caregivers. Since we serve an aging population, we serve vets receiving care through home-based primary care programs. We recruit volunteers to give caregivers a break for lunch, shopping, a movie. This can be very rewarding, he says, for both the veteran and the volunteer. Most volunteering roles require no special expertise. Charles Althoff, 77, drives more than 20 miles every Tuesday to the Baltimore VA Medical Center, where he spends five or six hours transporting patients within the hospital via wheelchair or stretcher between their rooms and wherever they need to go for radiology exams, physical therapy or other appointments. Althoff says patients often ask where he is taking them, and if they seem nervous he tries to calm them. The best part, he says, is the camaraderie and friendship he experiences working with veterans and other volunteers. It gives me a feeling of being needed, he says. I get thank-yous from patients, staff and doctors. Thats all I need. If you are interested in volunteering with the VAVS, you can contact them online at www.volunteer.va.gov. Click on Volunteer or Donate Now in the drop-down menu, and that will take you to a state and facility where you can volunteer. You provide contact information, indicate any specific interests and your availability, and someone from the facility gets in touch with you. Another way to find volunteer opportunities is to call the local VA Medical Center and ask for the voluntary service office. If you dont know where your local facility is, you can call 202-461-7300 and the VA will assist you. When enemies not enemies? And why we should be thankful for them? WASHINGTON Defying President Donald Trump, senators sent a strong signal Wednesday that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trumps administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggis brutal killing in Turkey last month. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. Echoing Trumps public comments on the killing, Pompeo said after Wednesdays briefing with senators that there was no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mattis said there was no smoking gun making the connection. Pompeo argued that the war in Yemen would be a hell of a lot worse if the United States were not involved. Wednesdays procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year the end of the current Congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didnt attend because she would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. And Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that didnt happen and declared, Im not going to blow past this. CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the Senate intelligence committee and Senate leaders and will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress. In another explanation, a White House official said Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after the resolution, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, fell six votes short of passage earlier this year. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said in the past he had laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia. But he said he believes the Senate should figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests. He said the crown prince owns this death. He owns it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that some kind of response was needed from the United States for the Saudis role in Khashoggis death. On Tuesday, he said that what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world. Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administrations broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggis murder has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies. Trump has said it may never be known who was responsible for the killing, and in public comments and a long and unusual statement last week he reinforced the United States long-standing alliance with the Saudis. Trump has praised a pending arms deal with the kingdom that he says will provide the U.S. with jobs and lucrative payments, though some outside assessments say the economic benefits are exaggerated. ___ Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Matthew Daly, Kevin Freking, Maria Danilova and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report. Albuquerque police Sgt. Brian Pitzer was about an hour into his shift when an active shooter was reported at a Ben E. Keith warehouse in an adjacent area command. It was the first time Pitzer who has been with APD for 12 years had responded to such a shooting, though he said he had played the scenario out in his mind many times. Police use the term active shooter to describe a situation where someone is actively killing or trying to kill people in a popular area, such as a school or workplace. It calls for a different police response than a drive-by shooting or other violent scenarios. For Pitzer and the officers under his command, it was straight down Gibson SE to the food distribution center in the 3200 block of Broadway. They were among the first officers on scene. One person was shot and injured in the parking lot. Pitzer and his team quickly went into the facility through a south door. In an active shooter situation, thats what we do. We go in and we want to distract the gunman from hurting innocent people and focus his attention on us as quickly as possible, Pitzer said. If you are the first on scene you are going in. Thats part of the job. Your job, for example if its a school, is to distract him from hurting innocent children. Or, in this case, innocent coworkers. Our job is basically to go in and stop the threat. Once inside, the officers started making their way through the massive complex. In an upstairs office, two employees were found shot and badly injured. The officers didnt know where the shooter was or whether he still posed a threat to others. Pitzer called for officers to drag the victims to safety. When I saw (one) victim I thought he had either already passed away or was very close. The amount of blood and the look that he had was not good, and I knew we had to get him out right then and there or he was going to die. There was no time to wait, so I made the decision to drag those individuals out, Pitzer said. It was my understanding that we still had a gunman lose inside the building. But in that case, you just have to exercise good judgment. The decision to get the victims help, as opposed to continuing to search for the shooter, proved to be the right one. All three shooting victims were treated at University of New Mexico Hospital and are expected to survive. Police havent identified them. The shooter, Waid Anthony Melton, 30, had already fled the building by the time police entered. He killed himself later that night. Pitzer recalled thinking about such a situation many times. Mental preparation goes a long way with how youll perform game day, he said. Pitzer, along with dozens of other officers and firefighters, and other first-responders, were recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday held by Mayor Tim Keller. Police Chief Michael Geier said the victims of the shooting were saved thanks to the quick thinking of his police officers and others who responded to the scene. The first line of defense for those people was the first few minutes, Geier said. They survived because of that. A fast-moving winter weather system will advance east across New Mexico tonight and Friday, bringing light snow across northern and western high terrain and beneficial moisture to the drought-stricken Four Corners area, according to meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. A winter weather system will enter the Four Corners region late tonight and spread over western New Mexico and the Continental Divide overnight into Friday. Forecasters expect a dusting of snow in lower elevations and light snow accumulations at or above 6,000 feet. Several inches of snow are possible atop the Jemez, Chuska and Tusas Mountains. Strong westerly winds behind the front will create areas of blowing snow and reduced visibilities. On Thursday, if we see snow, its going to be at higher elevations and late in the day, said Kerry Jones, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Well see a strengthening wind pattern as we get into Thursday. That will be especially true across eastern New Mexico. A slight chance of showers is in the National Weather Service forecast for Farmington today, with showers likely late tonight and snow likely Friday. Chances of snow stay in the forecast through Sunday night. Frozen or not, any precipitation will benefit the parched Four Corners. It does look like as you go south Thursday and Friday, precipitation chances really do dwindle, Jones said. This will mainly be a northern New Mexico type of affair. After high temperatures in the upper 50s today, colder temperatures will arrive in the metro area, dropping temps into the mid-30s overnight. Expect high temperatures to only reach the upper 40s on Friday. Albuquerque will likely see light valley rain and snow in the Sandias Friday. Colder temperatures will continue to settle into New Mexico through the weekend and into early next week, as a stronger storm system, quickly following on the heels of the first, could affect the region beginning Sunday and continue through Monday. The system could bring chances for accumulating snow, especially in the mountains. However, Jones said uncertainty exists with the exact timing and strength of that storm system. Roads may be slick and hazardous across the high terrain. Its a unsettled stretch for the weekend, Jones said. Saturday into Sunday and possible lingering into Monday could be the most impactful period of the next seven days. A slight chance of snow is in the metro forecast for Sunday and into Monday. Pedro Martinez wants to prove people wrong by demonstrating that students who have been written off, especially because of poverty, can rise to academic challenges. Martinez, superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, has undertaken a transformation of the 50,000-student district, what he called the poorest school district in Texas and one of the poorest in the country. That transformation has included opening new schools, replacing 80 percent of principals and terminating some 200 teachers. On Wednesday, Martinez spoke to a room full of education and business leaders at the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce luncheon to talk about the gains hes made in about four years and what else he would like to see for the school district. Touting a graduation rate projected to be at 85 percent for 2018, the superintendent talked about shaking up the district one school at a time. One of his tactics was to use U.S. Census data to break up the district by median household income. He used this to analyze the needs of specific schools and to diversify schools with a collective of socioeconomic backgrounds. Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education President David Peercy said he thought Martinez had lots of exciting ideas and was particularly interested in this block analysis. The San Antonio superintendent whose family moved from Mexico and raised him in Chicago said his changes aim to recruit the best leaders in schools to turn around test scores, college readiness, and admission and graduation rates. Martinez also emphasized the importance of community partnership, which Peercy said was spot on. But the work isnt done. The school district is still in the implementation stage of some accountability systems and the superintendent has had just four years on the job. Some things Martinez is hoping to ramp up: teacher evaluation measures and SAT performance. He is also supporting data-driven initiatives, such as grading schools and districts. But the superintendent didnt sugarcoat pushback from the union or having to raise property taxes to get some of his work done. APS Superintendent Raquel Reedy spoke with Martinez about visiting the Texas school district to learn more, Peercy told the Journal, highlighting that SAISD and APS are both members of the Council of Great City Schools. Samuel Little, who may be one of the most prolific serial killers in United States history, has told FBI investigators that one of his victims a white woman in her 20s was killed in Albuquerque. Little, 78, was convicted in 2014 of killing three women in Los Angeles in the late 1980s and has recently been confessing to killing 90 other women across the southern and eastern U.S. He is serving three life sentences with no possibility for parole. Little is being held in a Texas prison while detectives investigate his ties to an Odessa murder. Ever since, he has been offering detailed explanations about the women he killed and the circumstances surrounding their deaths and investigators have confirmed 34 killings so far, according to the FBI. More cases are pending confirmation. The confessions spurred dozens of police departments and agencies across the country to begin re-opening cold cases of women who were found dead between 1970 and 2005. One of them: a 25-year-old white woman who was killed in 1974 in Albuquerque, according to a map of confessions released by the FBI on Tuesday. It is the only Albuquerque case referenced. Now, Albuquerque Police Department detectives are on the case. Gilbert Gallegos, an APD spokesman, confirmed cold case detectives have been working with federal law enforcement but he could not provide any additional details. He would not say if they know yet who the woman was. Our detectives are concerned any public disclosure of additional details could harm the investigation, Gallegos said. If the public is aware of any connections they would like them to call APD directly. FBI investigators say Little, a former competitive boxer, typically beat and strangled women, many of whom were already vulnerable members of the community, involved in prostitution and addicted to drugs. They also say that Littles method meant the deaths werent always obviously a homicide and were sometimes attributed to drug overdoses, accidents, or natural causes. In addition, DNA evidence was often not available or could not provide a clear link back to Little, according to a statement by the FBI. A large number of the killings occurred in the 1970s and early 1980s, before DNA profiling was part of the law enforcement toolbox. After DNA analysis came into play, the victims work as prostitutes complicated the ability of police to gather telling physical evidence. SANTA FE, N.M. Sexual harassment charges based on allegations by a female former political lobbyist against New Mexico state Rep. Carl Trujillo have been dismissed after the woman decided not to testify to a House ethics subcommittee, according to an order published Wednesday. Trujillo has vigorously denied accusations by former lobbyist Laura Bonar that he inappropriately touched and propositioned her as the two worked together on legislation in 2013 and 2014. The three-term legislator lost his re-election bid in the June Democratic primary shortly after Bonar posted her accusations online and urged Trujillo to resign. No Republican ran in the general election in which Democratic nominee Andrea Romero beat out a write-in challenger. Bonar and her attorney could not be reached immediately for comment. She has repeatedly declined interview requests through an attorney. Trujillo said in a brief statement that he was thankful for the preliminary order that dismisses charges and is awaiting publication of a more detailed final order before commenting further. He previously described the harassment allegations against him as a politically motivated effort to aid his primary election opponent. An investigative House panel and outside counsel previously said there was credible evidence of sexual harassment on two occasions. The new order dismisses those charges based on further recommendation by outside counsel, noting that a House subcommittee will issue a final order with reasons for and the effect of the dismissal after further consideration. The order was signed by Democratic Rep. Wonda Johnson of Church Rock and Republican Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena. An additional document from the proceedings shows that Bonar decided not to testify and recommends dismissal of the case. Trujillo was the first lawmaker to face a formal investigation under the Legislatures new anti-harassment policy, adopted in January amid efforts to make the Capitol work environment safer for women and less discriminatory. ___ This story has been corrected to fix the home town and party affiliation of state Rep. Gail Armstrong. In New Mexico you can register to vote up to 28 days before an election. You can register in person or online. You can request the form by mail, telephone or in person. You can fill one out at your county clerks office or any motor vehicle office, or at any third-party groups card table sign up outside events or busy stores. In other words, its not hard. And when interest is high in an election, as it was with the recent midterms, the 28-day registration deadline doesnt seem to suppress turnout. There were record-breaking early vote totals for a nonpresidential election year, and overall 698,976 registered voters cast ballots, a statewide turnout rate of 55.4 percent. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says we had a very active and engaged electorate in New Mexico this election cycle, and thats a positive. But instead of truly trying to expand participation by focusing on opening the states primaries which she supports she is pushing legislation on same-day registration as a way to increase voter participation. We already know that fully one-fifth of the states registered voters, around a quarter of a million people, are disenfranchised every primary because they register as Decline To State rather than pledge allegiance to a major party ideology. Many of those are age 18 to 24, the states next generation of leaders. Our closed primary system, one of the last in the nation, silences hundreds of thousands of independent voters and protects the political party machines that encourage candidates to pander to their extreme bases. And it limits voter participation in races that, because there is no general election opposition, are decisive, meaning a huge number of voters have no say in the elections that decide who will run their city, county and state governments. Yet Toulouse Oliver is more interested in signing up voters who decide on a whim much like saying yes to you want fries with that? in a drive-through to cast a ballot on Election Day. The National Council of State Legislatures says the average increase same-day registration has on voter participation is just 5 percent. Consider that New Mexico cant count and validate its votes with fidelity and public confidence with a 28-day lead time on voter registrations. Do we really think doing it all on one day will make things better? Meanwhile the Journal has long supported a modified open primary system, one that would require independent voters to pick one or the other major political party in a primary. That would allow them to join the great exercise in democracy while preventing the shenanigans a party-jumping free-for-all could inspire. A new lawsuit claiming the closed primaries violate the states anti-donation clause by using tax dollars to run elections that benefit political parties could finally open them up. The 2019 Legislature will have 60 days to pass a budget, shore up state pensions and dole out a billion-dollar oil and gas windfall, while also trying to fulfill myriad other wants and needs. It is essential residents, officials and lawmakers focus on legislation that will truly make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans and outcomes in New Mexico. And opening primaries, which would allow fully 20 percent of registered voters to finally cast ballots in those elections, will. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal After more than two decades of scandal and millions of dollars in payouts to victims of priest sexual abuse, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe on Thursday announced its plan to stanch its financial losses by filing for Chapter 11 reorganization. Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester, who appeared at a news conference at the Catholic Center in Albuquerque, said he had been contemplating filing for bankruptcy protection for a few years, but now the archdiocese is facing up to 40 active claims from alleged victims who claimed they were sexually abused by priests in the archdiocese. We could see where this was all leading and the trajectory wasnt changing. We just dont have any money, Wester said. If were not here, we cant help anybody. The archdiocese would join 19 other Catholic diocese organizations nationwide that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Nearly two years ago, the Diocese of Gallup, which covers parts of western New Mexico and eastern Arizona, concluded its Chapter 11 reorganization case in which more than $17.6 million was paid to claimants after more than three years of litigation and mediation. The Santa Fe archdiocese bankruptcy action would set aside money for current and future victims. Claimants would have an active role in the process, said Ford Elsaesser, a Sandpoint, Idaho, bankruptcy attorney retained by the archdiocese. Westers announcement came hours after he held a meeting to inform priests in the archdiocese who had been summoned to Albuquerque Thursday. The legal action isnt being pursued to avoid responsibility, the archdiocese contended. For me, one of the real points that clinched this decision for me, Wester said, is that this is an equitable way to assist all victims and not to leave anybody out. Westers announcement comes after a new wave of civil lawsuits alleging clergy child sexual abuse has hit the archdiocese this year, and a former high-profile pastor who served at several Albuquerque parishes, Arthur Perrault, is facing federal criminal charges involving a former altar boy in the early 1990s. Moreover, the state Attorney Generals Office is actively investigating at least two former priests and just this week executed a search warrant on archdiocesan offices in Albuquerque to try to collect more than 50 kinds of records. Albuquerque attorney Brad D. Hall, whose law firm has represented more than 100 victims of clergy sexual abuse in the past five years, lauded the decision by the archdiocese. We believe that all survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New Mexico will be helped in the Bankruptcy System to obtain closure and transparency, Hall said in a press release. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has always been one of the epicenters of the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the United States. With the filing of the bankruptcy, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe can fully address the scope of the priest abuse crisis in a meaningful way. Wester estimated that millions of dollars in claims have been paid by the archdiocese, through its insurance carriers and from reserve funds. Were not a rich church, its not a wealthy archdiocese. The churches, the parishes, the schools are going forward in their own way. The cases weve mediated and compensated have come from our reserves. Elsaesser said the archdiocese cannot predict how many victims will come forward in the future, but through the bankruptcy process, claimants will be asked to come forward. Once those claims have been filed so we know what the universe of claims are, we anticipate going into mediation with all plaintiffs to try to reach a global resolution of all claims, Elsaesser said. He said a fund for future claims will also be established for those who might connect the dots, so to speak, or have repressed memory and assert a claim in 2020 after the case is, hopefully, concluded. The bankruptcy action wont save the archdiocese money, Wester said. Were not saving anything. Whatever the money (is that) has to be paid to those people is going to be paid. But instead of paying current claims, and having no money to pay future victims, now those who are already here will I suppose get less, but that everyone will get something, Wester said. Wester, who has served as archbishop in New Mexico since June 2015, said the decision to file for bankruptcy wasnt easy. Initially it was kind of fear and foreboding no bishop wants to declare bankruptcy. I have to say Im at peace. I think this is the right decision and has the most promising outcome for everybody. I dont mean this as a sound bite, but victims come first. I deeply apologize for the pain that theyve experienced, and the church wishes to reach out to them in any way we can. This certainly is a very important way to offer financial compensation. SANTA FE Former New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department Secretary Demesia Padilla pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that she embezzled money from a former client and abused her Cabinet post. After the not-guilty plea was entered, a district judge in Santa Fe scheduled jury selection to begin in May for Padilla the latest in a string of public officials to face public corruption allegations with a trial likely to start shortly thereafter. Padilla displayed little emotion during the arraignment hearing as she stood next to her attorney, Paul Kennedy, and other defendants facing unrelated criminal charges. One of Gov. Susana Martinez's original Cabinet appointees, Padilla was charged in June by Attorney General Hector Balderas' office with embezzling more than $25,000 from a Bernalillo-based company, Harold's Grading & Trucking, and using her appointed position to push for favorable tax treatment. After a weeklong preliminary hearing that featured testimony from several current and former tax agency employees, a Santa Fe Magistrate Court judge ruled earlier this month that there was enough evidence to move forward with most of the charges in the case. Padilla could face up to 16 years in prison and as much as $20,000 in fines if convicted of all seven remaining charges she is facing. In addition to embezzlement, other charges against her include violating the ethical principles of public service and engaging in an official act for personal financial gain. During Thursday's hearing, Assistant Attorney General Derek Skinner asked District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer to remind Padilla not to speak with witnesses in the case. He said he personally observed Padilla speaking with two witnesses during the preliminary hearing and said he had been told she also mouthed something to another individual who was testifying. The judge did not immediately act on the request and allowed Padilla to remain free on her own recognizance. Her conditions of release include no alcohol, no contact with witnesses and no leaving the state without the court's permission. The charges against Padilla were filed nearly three years after the Attorney General's Office received a referral about possible criminal activity on her part from then-state Auditor Tim Keller, who is now Albuquerque's mayor. Padilla initially denied allegations that she pressured department employees to give preferential treatment to a former client of hers, telling the Journal in July 2015 that the allegations were just a bump in the road. But she abruptly resigned from her post in December 2016, shortly after state investigators raided the Taxation and Revenue Department's office in Santa Fe in search of tax documents connected to Padilla and her husband. Meanwhile, the public corruption case against Padilla will play out after statewide voters this month overwhelmingly approved the creation of an independent ethics commission. New Mexico had been one of six states without such a commission. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's Office arrested a man suspected of making threats to PG&E workers. David Stookey, 43, was arrested for allegedly making threats to PG&E workers in the area of Highway 70 and Scooter's Cafe in Concow. PG&E workers were clearing trees marked for removal so power lines could be replaced when they were approached by Stookey who claimed what they were doing was illegal. He then made threats against the workers. Stookey was also found to be in possession of a white hard hat and a green and orange safety vest. These were being worn by utility workers in the area. He was arrested for making criminal threats and entering an emergency area without authorization. CHICO, Calif. - Chico Police School Resource Officers have arrested a suspect in two felony vandalism cases that occurred over the past month at two different Chico Unified School locations. Jorge Delgado-Martinez, 19, of Chico, was arrested on Wednesday around 10 a.m. in connection to the incidents. The first incident occurred on Nov. 2 when police claim Delgado-Martinez drove his 2008 Dodge pickup truck onto the school grounds of Hank Marsh Junior High School causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. The second incident occurred on Nov. 25, when police say that he drove his pickup truck through a newly graded, striped and paved parking lot at Sierra View Elementary School. Police say he performed doughnuts in the parking lot causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the new lot. Video of the incidents was captured by video surveillance and was posted on social media sites. Delgado-Martinez's vehicle was identified and located. He was arrested and transported to the Butte County Jail where he was booked on two counts of felony vandalism. (CNN) - The pilots of Lion Air Flight 610 were engaged in a futile tug-of-war with the plane's automatic systems in the minutes before it plunged into the ocean, killing all 189 people on board. But investigators say they are at a loss to explain why the pilots didn't follow the same procedure performed by another flight crew the previous day when they encountered a similar issue. A preliminary report into the crash released Wednesday by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) reveals more details about the final moments of Flight 610, but acknowledges many questions remain. Data retrieved from the flight recorder shows the pilots repeatedly fought to override an automatic safety system installed in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane, which pulled the plane's nose down more than two dozen times. The system was responding to faulty data, which suggested that the nose was tilted at a higher angle than it was, indicating the plane was at risk of stalling. According to the report, the pilots first manually corrected an "automatic aircraft nose down" two minutes after takeoff and performed the same procedure again and again before the plane hurtled nose-first into the Java Sea. CNN aviation analyst David Soucie said that the circumstances created by the plane's automatic correction would have made pilot intervention "impossible." "The fact that they fought against the MCAS (multiple) times with the trim settings was an impossible scenario to recover from," he said. Problem previously corrected A different flight crew had experienced the same issue on a flight from Denpasar to Jakarta the previous day, but had turned off the automatic safety feature, known as the maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) and took manual control of the plane. The feature is new to Boeing's MAX planes and automatically activates to lower the nose to prevent the plane from stalling, based on information sent from its external sensors. Indonesian investigators have already pointed to issues with the plane's angle-of-attack (AoA) sensors, which had proved faulty on earlier flights. AoA sensors send information to the plane's computers about the angle of the plane's nose relative to the oncoming air to help determine whether the plane is about to stall. Responding to the report, Boeing said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of the Lion Air flight -- but maintained the 737 MAX 8 "is as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies," and that the company is "taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident." Wednesday's preliminary report recommends that Lion Air review its safety culture while the investigation continues, and while officials search for cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which is believed to be buried under mud on the ocean floor. It should reveal what the pilots were saying and why they didn't turn off the safety feature. "We need to know what was the pilot discussion during the flight. What was the problem that may heard on the CVR. So why the action difference, this is the thing we need to find. At the moment I don't have the answer," said the NTSC's head of aviation, Capt. Nurcahyo Utomo. Issue reported two minutes into flight The preliminary report said Flight 610 reported a issues minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital on October 29 en route to the city of Pangkal Pinang, on the island of Bangka. Within 90 seconds of takeoff, the co-pilot asked air traffic control to confirm air speed and altitude. Thirty seconds after that he reported that they had experienced a "flight control problem," the report said. After the aircraft's flaps retracted following takeoff, the automatic trim problem noted on the previous night's flight returned, until the flight data recorder stopped recording when the plane crashed. The report said the pilots on the plane's penultimate flight reported that instruments were showing inaccurate readouts from the angle-of-attack (AoA) sensors. The report said that the plane was "automatically trimming" on the previous flight -- that is, the computer was adjusting the aircraft's angle -- so the pilots switched to manual trim and, as their safety checklists didn't recommend an emergency landing, they continued to Jakarta. Further maintenance on the AoA sensor was carried out in Jakarta prior to Flight 610's takeoff the next morning. After the flight took off, the instruments recorded a substantial discrepancy in the aircraft's angle -- as much as 20 degrees. Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas called the report "very comprehensive" and said that he could not understand why Lion Air had deemed the plane suitable for service. "Clearly the plane had serious sensor issues ... why the airplane wasn't pulled out of service beggars belief," he told CNN. "Tinkering around and replacing parts isn't enough." As part of the continued investigation, the faulty AoA sensor will undergo further testing, the NTSC said. It plans to finish its report within 12 months. Captain's mother: Son said sim training unnecessary The pilot's mother Sangeeta Suneja, herself a senior commercial manager with Air India, told CNN after a family briefing Tuesday that her son was "a sunny boy. He was loved by everybody in his company." She says her son, Capt. Bhavye Suneja told her there was no updated training simulation session when Lion Air started using the new aircraft. "They said it was not required... When the transition happened, he said, 'Mama, I'm going to fly the MAX.' I said, 'How can you do that (when) you don't have (a) simulator session?' He said, 'We don't need to.'" Coming from an aviation family, she said that Suneja's sister wanted to follow in his footsteps, but that the fatal accident had shaken her faith in the technology. "Even my daughter wants to be a pilot. She was so inspired by him she also wants to be a pilot," she said. "Now I have apprehensions. I don't know. How safe it is. The trust in the machine is shaky now." She added that air safety regulation across the world needed to be re-established to reaffirm people's trust in air travel. "Whenever they (present new aircraft) to the market, where the life of the people is at stake, the regulators must re-establish three, or five, levels of crosscheck... Someone should have questioned this." Complaints about Boeing manual The Allied Pilots Association (APA) and Lion Air's operational director claim Boeing's operational manual for the MAX 8 did not contain adequate information about the MCAS system. "We don't receive any information from Boeing or from (the) regulator about that additional training for our pilots," Zwingli Silalahi, Lion Air's operational director told CNN on November 14. Both the pilot and co-pilot of Flight 610 were experienced, the airline has said, with 6,000 and 5,000 flight hours respectively. Boeing stood by the aircraft's safety record. "We are confident in the safety of the 737 MAX. Safety remains our top priority and is a core value for everyone at Boeing," a spokesperson said. The parents of one passenger is suing Boeing, alleging the 737 MAX 8 had an unsafe design. The suit alleges Boeing failed to communicate a new safety feature that hadn't existed in previous 737s. Boeing released an operational bulletin on November 6, a week after the crash, warning all airlines about how to address erroneous readings related to the plane's external sensors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later issued its own directive that advised pilots about how to respond to similar problems. Earlier this month, Indonesian investigators who examined the jet's flight data recorder said there were problems with the air speed indicator on the three flights before the crash. The plane was intact with its engines running when it crashed, at more than 450 mph (720 kph), into the Java Sea, Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee, said at the time. Tjahjono said that due to the small size of the debris found and loss of the plane's engine blades, investigators determined that Flight 610 did not explode in the air, but was in "good shape" before it crashed 13 minutes after takeoff. REDDING, Calif - The Redding Police Department and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office Boating Safety Unit are investigating the death of former Redding Chamber CEO Frank Strazzarino Jr. Strazzarino was found dead near the shoreline of the Sacramento River in Redding on Sunday. For many in this community, this announcement came as a shock. Frank was the ultimate Chamber of Commerce executive officer," said community member Marianna Johannesen. "He was Mr. Chamber of Commerce." Frank Strazzarino was the CEO of the Redding Chamber of Commerce for many years, before retiring just three years ago. In that time, those who worked with him say he was strict, professional and really turned the chamber around. There is a lot of credit of the well-oiled machine you see running today at the Chamber of Commerce," Johannessen said. But for one person who worked with him, he was a friend and mentor that will be missed. Frank was the one that tapped me on the shoulder I'd like you to consider being my successor here at the Redding Chamber of Commerce and having it come from him someone I had known and respected for many years, meant so much to me, said current Chamber CEO Jake Mangas. However, Strazzarino will be remembered for more than just his work at the chamber. He also started Piano Angels, an organization that gives free pianos to kids so they can learn to play. His love for the San Francisco Giants will also be remembered. When I arrived at the Chamber he made sure that what was in his former office, that I had something that made me feel at home. Which was a sculpture of Willie Mays making his famous catch in the 1954 World Series," Mangas said. And all those we spoke with say while the community is hurting with the news of his loss. They will each honor him every day. You know its my goal to be able to live up to the expectations he had for me to lead on here at the chamber, Mangas said. There is no word yet if or when a memorial service will take place. Stay tuned for more updates. Fourth Dimension Media solutions is pleased to announce and welcome Babu Palainswamy as Assistant Vice President of Sales, South. The Chennai based countrys number one media outsourcing company has its national presence operating with offices in Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi and Babu will be based in Chennai. Babu joins Fourth Dimension from Mega TV where, he has served as Regional head and has handled ROTN markets and south market. Prior to Mega TV he was working with Hello FM Chennai, as an expansion of second phase of radio transferred to Coimbatore and handled local market with Coimbatore as a base. There for after the launch of Thanthi TV Was transferred internally from Radio to THANTHI TV. Based at Coimbatore he has handled Coimbatore and upcountry markets also has handled different verticals across the market, apparently given additional responsibility to handle entire Kerala Market. Babu has an experience of 18 years in advertising fraternity. He has completed his MBA with Sales and marketing as the main field in Satyabama Engineering College during 1995. Therefore started his career with Raj TV based at Chennai and handling Chennai as main Market, Moved to pearl media one of the largest private produces in Chennai which has headquarters based at Delhi. Speaking on the occasion COO Bharath said Babu comes with a rich experience of handling television, radio & print and worked in the past for reputed brands. He coming on board with us would go a long way in strengthening our team in South. Sreekant and Babu joining us at the same time is sure to add a high impetus to our vision to accelerate growth Its a great pleasure to have Mr Babu Palaniswamy on board. He comes with 18 years of experience in Media. With Babu Joining us, it will further strengthen our south focus in our journey of growth said Mr. Balakrishanan, Vice President - Sales, South. Year 2018 marks the 70th Anniversary of Mondelez India (formerly Cadbury India Ltd.) and Indias favourite chocolate brand Cadbury Dairy Milk. The company is inviting all chocolate lovers to celebrate this milestone, with the launch of the New Limited Edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Vintage Tin Pack. Now consumers can relive the journey with the launch of this collectors edition box packaged with fond memories from the decades gone by. The vintage pack contains Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates packaged with covers from four distinct eras. Commenting on the milestone and the launch, Anil Viswanathan, Director - Marketing (Chocolates), Mondelez India said, We look back on our history in India fondly and it is a huge honour to commemorate this special milestone. We thank our teams as well as all our consumers who have supported us over the years and invite everyone to join us in our journey ahead. To celebrate this journey, we are thrilled to launch this beautiful Cadbury Dairy Milk Vintage Box. Consumers can take a trip down the memory lane with these retro pack designs and relive their favourite Cadbury Dairy Milk memories. Mondelez India has journeyed with India for the past seven decades, bringing new flavors and formats to the discerning chocolate loving consumers. Bringing delicious moments of joy to its consumers, Mondelez India has defined the taste of chocolate for several generations. Cadbury Dairy Milk, the power brand of Mondelez India has transcended into everyday making its consumers love and trust the brand, becoming synonymous with chocolates for Indians. Speaking on this milestone, Abhishek Ahluwalia, Head of eCommerce, Mondelez India said, These days, consumers are not just looking at products and services, but at experiences that can create long-lasting memories. We are excited to launch our yet another e-commerce exclusive proposition. On its 70th anniversary, Mondelez India, wishes to connect with the consumers on an emotional level with the help of its limited edition vintage pack. This is our way to thank the consumers who have played such a significant role in Mondelezs journey. The vintage pack is a symbol of its seven decades of consumer love and adulation and the positive leaps it has taken to become Indias favourite chocolate brand. We are committed to building on the legacy weve created in the last 70 years with the promise of bringing more moments of joy in the times to come. Cadbury Dairy Milk Limited Edition Vintage Tin Pack contains 4 Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate bars and will be available on Cadburygifting.in and exclusively on e-tailers like Amazon, Flipkart and Paytm at INR 544. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. The Aiken City Council will likely readdress the rezoning of Waterloo Street properties come early next year, according to the city's planning director, Ryan Bland. In an email sent to interested parties and Aiken residents on Wednesday, Bland said the Waterloo Street rezoning item is anticipated for the Jan. 14, 2019, City Council agenda. City Council late Monday night tabled the first reading of an ordinance that would rezone 11 lots fronting Waterloo Street. The unanimously approved pause followed a lengthy public hearing during which Waterloo Street neighbors chastised the rezoning idea and the months-long buildup. Ordinances require two approvals to go into effect. City Council member Gail Diggs was absent from the meeting and vote. Aiken City Council balks at controversial Waterloo Street rezoning ordinance Following a dicey, barb-ridden public exchange, the Aiken City Council has hit pause on an effort that would revise what has been described as The 11 properties under consideration are currently zoned limited professional, a designation rarely used throughout the city. The ordinance if passed in its Monday state would zone the properties limited business, a zoning that now precludes convenience store and liquor store uses. On Monday night, those who spoke against the prospective rezoning raised concerns of over-commercialization and lack of public input. One woman who spoke during the hearing was curious if a dollar store would call Waterloo Street home if it was actually rezoned. A majority of the Waterloo Street properties have most recently been used for commercial purposes, according to planning information. The Planning Commission, which advises City Council, earlier this month recommended rezoning the 11 properties in question to limited business. Waterloo Street is situated just west of what is typically defined as downtown Aiken. The relatively short two-lane road runs perpendicular to Hayne and Richland avenues. The UK and the US governments have agreed an open skies air services arrangement that will safeguard flights between the two countries after Brexit, when the UK leaves the European Union (EU) in March 2019. It is one of nine such arrangements already agreed by the UKs Department for Transport (DfT) with smaller countries around the world, "guaranteeing the continuation of vital routes" said a spokesperson for the department in London. UK transport secretary Chris Grayling announced the conclusion of the open skies deal with the US, saying it would ensure that the UK "remains one of the worlds leading aviation hubs after Brexit for both travellers and businesses". The arrangement will replace the existing EU aviation agreement with the US, as the UK continues to "cement global ties" in preparation for future global trading relationships outside of the EU. The DfT spokesperson that the arrangement will "guarantee the continuation of the vital transatlantic routes used by tens of millions of passengers a year, ensuring people can continue to travel easily between the UK and US and maintaining choice and good value travel. "It also protects our 50bn trading relationship between our two countries that is supported by air travel." The spokesperson added: "Todays announcement shows that the UK is open for business and is another positive step forward as the UK continues to develop as an outward looking global player with other major economies around the world, ready to capitalise on a rich range of new global aviation and business opportunities." The deal ensures that planes flying from the UK will continue to enjoy the same access they currently have with the US, ensuring that the UK "maintains its place as Europes most important aviation hub". These arrangements will allow airlines to continue to operate undisturbed and aid the development of new services for the future. Grayling said: The UK and United States have a special relationship which has helped shape the modern world and there is no better example of this than in aviation. Our transatlantic flights have helped to bring our countries even closer together, strengthening our ties and boosting our economies. This new arrangement and those concluded with eight other countries around the world are proof that the UK will continue to be a major player on the world stage after we leave the EU. Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group, which includes British Airways and Iberia, said: Its critical that Britain maintains full access to international aviation markets so it can continue to develop its global trading links. This agreement is a significant positive development which we welcome. The agreement, which closely follows the Model US Open Skies Agreement, facilitates strong competition and is clearly pro-consumer. The US is a major destination for British businesses and tourists while the UK welcomes many American visitors to its shores. The signing comes as discussions regarding a new bilateral air services arrangement with Canada reach "an advanced stage" and is one of nine new bilateral arrangements the government has already concluded with countries around the world, including Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco and Switzerland. In addition, the DfT said that the political declaration agreed between the UK and EU provides for a comprehensive air transport agreement to ensure connectivity for passenger and cargo flights through market access for UK and EU airlines. The UK government will now work closely with industry to "continue to look for opportunities to expand our global aviation network even further and remains committed to a competitive and liberalised aviation sector". The DfT added: "The governments commitment to growing and investing in the aviation sector remains strong and the aviation strategy, due to be published shortly, will build on todays announcement outlining a range of new measures that benefit the environment, passengers and businesses across the UK." Tim Hawkins, chief strategy officer, at airport operator MAG, said: The Governments new aviation deal with the US Government is hugely positive for passengers and businesses flying on US routes from our airports because it gives clear reassurance on flights post-Brexit and provides an open-skies agreement that will encourage competition and choice in the long term Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan flew to the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires today to take part in the G-20 summit, where he is due to meet with US President Donald Trump and Russian Vladimir Putin. The big question is whether he will respond positively to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans request for a meeting, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu not ruling one out. It would be the first face-to-face encounter between Erdogan and Saudi Arabias de facto ruler since the Oct. 2 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. There is little love lost between the pair, both claiming leadership of the Sunni Muslim world. And Khashoggis murder, widely believed to have been ordered by the prince, has allowed Turkey, despite gross human rights violations of its own, to boost Erdogans popularity on the Arab street, where the crown princes overtures to Israel have triggered contempt. Yet Ankaras sustained efforts to rally Trump to its side, sharing secret recordings of Khashoggis slaying by 15 Saudi operatives, have not swayed the US president, who continues to stress the United States economic interests in preserving ties to the worlds largest oil producer. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis put a further, and possibly conclusive, kibosh on Turkish expectations yesterday. Both said there was no direct evidence connecting the crown prince to Khashoggis murder even though CIA officials earlier leaked assertions that he most certainly was behind it. Turkey could continue to embarrass Prince Mohammed by keeping the tragedy alive via further leaks to the media. For one, Khashoggis body has not yet been located, hence speculation of how his remains were disposed of dissolved in acid, dismembered and buried could go on for a while. But a diehard pragmatist and a transactionalist to boot, Erdogan may well shift course. He made no mention of Khashoggi in a news conference in Ankara prior to his departure. A Turkish official quoted by Reuters appeared to signal a shift, saying, A meeting may take place. A final decision has not been made yet. Then, in words that echoed Trumps rationale, the official added, Nobody wants relations to sour because of the Khashoggi murder. If a meeting does take place, presumably the crown prince will offer incentives for Turkey to bury the case. What would it take? Turkeys closest regional ally and the princes bete noir, Qatar, has dollops of cash, so offers of Saudi investment may not fly. But Saudi Arabia, together with its Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates, is helping finance US stabilization efforts in northeast Syria, with some $100 million already disbursed from Saudi coffers directly to the United States. Turkey believes that this funding helps bankroll its enemies, the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), in their efforts to carve out an autonomous state in Syria. Ankara would much rather have the money channeled to its own Syrian Arab allies in places like Manbij, Raqqa and Tell Abyad who have family members and fellow tribesmen residing in Turkey. Erdogan will likely renew appeals in during face time with Trump for the United States to end its alliance with the YPG. The Turkish leader has in recent speeches indirectly accused Washington of using the Islamic State if not outright manufacturing semblances of it as an excuse to remain in Syria. A disgusting game is being enacted, Erdogan said Oct. 30. During an address to the Turkish Parliament this week, Erdogan expounded on this theme: I am telling the whole world from here and saying there is no IS in Syria. There are only various small gangs being trained and equipped and allowed to survive in order to divide, disrupt [Syria] and the region. If the terrorist organizations and the forces that support them who use IS excuse to continue their occupation and exploit its oil leave these areas, the problem will be automatically resolved. Russia and Iran want nothing more than for the United States to withdraw from Syria, sharing Turkeys fears that any prolonged presence of its forces would result in partition. The shared sentiments were reflected in the Turkish Foreign Ministrys statement on yesterdays Syria talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana, that brought together senior officials from Turkey, Iran and Russia with members of the Syrian opposition and the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The statement condemned attempts to create new facts on the ground under the guise of combating terrorism," reading, "The common stance against separatist groups that target Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity was confirmed. In an ideal world, however, Turkey would like the Americans to stay put until a political settlement that serves its interests is achieved provided they disarm and dump the YPG. But there is no other partner force in Syria that is as effective, disciplined and, in the eyes of the Pentagon, as trustworthy as the YPG. Veteran foreign policy analyst Sedat Ergin summed up the difficulties in his column for Hurriyet today, writing, This much is very clear: Turkey and the United States threat perceptions in Syria place them at odds in a major way. In the meantime, might lending a sympathetic ear to Ankaras Kurdish concerns help the Saudi crown prince? It's doubtful, since helping pay for the Americans to stay in Syria is supposed to contain Iranian influence in Syria. And for Saudi Arabia, Iran is the biggest threat of all. Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan is turning to US governors to retaliate against online rental operator Airbnb for its decision to delist Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Times of Israel reports that Erdan, who is tasked with combatting the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, made his case in a letter to the governors of Florida, Illinois, California, New York and Missouri. Erdan denounced Airbnbs decision as anti-Semitic and called on the governors to consider speaking out against the companys decision and taking any other relevant steps, including in relation to commercial dealings. Why it matters: Four of the five states already have anti-boycott laws or executive actions on the books, while similar legislation is pending in the Missouri state legislature. Civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union have questioned the constitutionality of many of these laws. Florida has the most stringent law, which bans state and local governments from engaging in more than $1 million worth of business with any organization that boycotts Israel. Missouri is currently considering similar legislation. Meanwhile, Illinois bans its state pension fund from investing in companies that boycott Israel. Outgoing Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has reportedly called on the Illinois Investment Policy Board to use the states anti-boycott law against Airbnb. California, where Airbnb is headquartered, has a less stringent law that requires companies to certify that they do not violate the states civil rights laws in boycotting Israel or any other foreign country. And in 2016, New York Gov. Chris Cuomo signed an executive action directing the state to divest from and create a list of companies that allegedly boycott Israel. Send in the lawyers: Although Airbnbs decision only affects Israeli settlements in the West Bank, pro-Israel litigators see no distinction with internationally recognized Israel and are using the anti-boycott laws to sue the company. Bibliotechnical Blue & White, an Israeli company in the West Bank, has filed a case in New York asking the state to ban Airbnb. The companys attorney, Daniel Abrams, argues that Airbnb has violated New Yorks human rights law. Whats next? Congress is also considering federal-level legislation that would penalize US companies and their employees from complying with international boycotts of Israel. The Senate version of the bill currently has 57 co-sponsors, while the House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced a separate version that would allow the Donald Trump administration to set the penalties earlier this year. Separate legislation would also provide legal cover for state-level anti-boycott laws. Know more: Read Al-Monitors Daoud Kuttab to find out whats behind Airbnbs decision to cease operating in the West Bank. And congressional correspondent Bryant Harris is keeping you up to speed on the latest iteration of the pending anti-boycott bills in Congress. -Bryant Harris Fresh off the midterm elections, Democratic politicians hoping to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 are starting to hone their foreign policy credentials. And Saudi Arabia makes for ideal target practice. In a foreign policy address today, Massachusetts senator and potential 2020 contender Elizabeth Warren criticized Trump for his close-knit relationship with the Saudis despite the growing backlash against Riyadh in the wake of Jamal Khashoggis murder. The president of the United States has refused to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia in part because he is more interested in appeasing US defense contractors than holding the Saudis accountable for the murder of a Washington Post journalist or for the thousands of Yemeni civilians killed by those weapons, Warren said in a speech at American University. Why it matters: Warrens speech comes after another high-profile 2020 hopeful, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., delivered his own foreign policy address last month. Sanders was equally critical of Trumps relationship with the Saudis, repeatedly zeroing in on Khashoggis murder as an example of Trumps proclivity for foreign dictators. Fast-forward to Wednesday, the Senate voted 63-37 to move ahead with Sanders resolution to force Trump to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. That same day, the Trump administration confirmed that Riyadh had inked a $15 billion deal with defense contractor Lockheed Martin for a missile defense system earlier in the week. Drain the swamp: The bipartisan backlash against Riyadh has made it easy for left-wing Democrats to use Saudi Arabia as a stand-in for their campaign against defense contractors and lobbyists working for foreign dictators longtime fixtures in Washingtons foreign policy establishment. Warren, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, used Trumps determination to preserve Saudi arms sales as an example of the stranglehold of defense contractors on our military policy. The Massachusetts Democrat also sent letters to 23 current and former Saudi lobbyists asking them to detail their dealings with the Trump administration. Earlier this year, she introduced legislation that would ban lobbyists from receiving compensation from foreign governments, but its unlikely to pass in a Republican-held Senate. Whats next? It remains to be seen how Warren and Sanders, two prominent left-wing senators, will differentiate themselves on Middle East policy if they seek to secure the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. In the meantime, the endless stream of anti-Saudi outrage on Capitol Hill will allow other potential challengers to assail Trump for his unapologetic defense of the increasingly scrutinized relationship. Know More: Read Pentagon Correspondent Jack Detschs take on Riyadhs new contract with Lockheed Martin and how Trump trumps up the benefits of Saudi arms sales. Then read congressional correspondent Bryant Harris report on the Senates historic vote rebuking Saudi Arabia and the Yemen war. - Bryant Harris When hard-liners in Iran succeeded in banning the popular smartphone messaging app Telegram, they were unlikely to have predicted that they would return to the very same platform seven months later. On April 30, the conservative-dominated judiciary ordered internet service providers to block access to Telegram, despite opposition from Iran's moderate government. The messaging app, which has more than 42 million users in Iran, played a major role in the re-election of President Hassan Rouhani in 2017. Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, the head of Iran's judiciary, said the judiciary acted against the app due to "thousands of lawsuits" against Telegram. "[We] contacted the Telegram authorities through the responsible officials [in Iran] and [we] asked them to help identify and introduce the offenders, but they did not [provide any help] on this matter," claimed Amoli Larijani on May 7. "That a messaging [application] becomes a safe haven for criminal acts and individuals [to] commit any criminal offense, from frauds to crimes against the reputation of persons and terrorist acts, is not acceptable for any country. Is it reasonable and logical to accept that a person, while offering some services in a physical and realistic way, turns that place into a safe haven for criminals? Cyberspace has exactly the same status." The judiciary thus ordered internet service providers to "block Telegram so that it wont even be accessible through proxy tools." However, the judiciarys wish did not come true, as Iranians bypassed the ban through proxies. At the same time, the conservatives asked Iranians to join local messaging apps while rejecting various reports about Iranians being distrustful of such tools. Abolhassan Firouzabadi, secretary of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, noted on Sept. 17 that Iranian usage of Telegram had decreased by 27% and that 30% of users had left the app. Moreover, Abdolsamad Khorramabadi, then the deputy prosecutor general, stated on July 21 that "29 million Iranians are active on seven local messaging applications." Despite claims by the judiciary and conservative officials, reports indicate that the ban has not produced the desired results. According to one report, Iranian users operate Psiphon, a tool for circumventing the blocking, 2.2 million times per hour. Meanwhile, a study conducted by the Intelligent System for Collection of the News of Persian Channels, a research center affiliated with the University of Tehran, argues that since the Telegram ban, visits to Persian-language channels on the app increased after a short period of decline. The study, published May 18, shows that, after the ban was imposed on April 30, daily visits of Iranian channels significantly decreased to 850 million from 2.4 billion on April 19. However, this trend reversed after May 13, with such channels getting 1.6 billion daily visits on May 17. The conservatives endeavor to persuade Iranians to join local messaging apps has also seemingly failed. According to an Oct. 13 survey by ISPA, a polling institute affiliated with the semi-official ISNA news agency, more than 47% of Iranians still use Telegram, while the number of people sticking with local versions of the app has sharply declined. Based on the survey results, the local messaging app Soroush used by about 2% of Iranians in the month of April, prior to the ban on Telegram peaked at 13.5% of the population in May, but fell to 4.3% in October. Moreover, another local app, ITA, has seen users drop from 2.9% of Iranians prior to the Telegram ban to 0.9%. Hard-line media return to blocked Telegram Before the ban of Telegram, hard-liners and conservative news agencies had used the platform to put out newsfeeds. After the ban, those same outlets left the app and tried to persuade Iranians to adopt local versions of it. Conservative and hard-line outlets used to be influential on Telegram, especially Fars News Agency. Because of their influence on Telegram, conservatives believed their departure from the app would prompt many Iranians to switch to local messaging apps where they had set up channels. However, the abovementioned figures show that the hard-liners were wrong and that their rivals, namely moderates and Reformists, won, as they were the only popular currents remaining on Telegram. Now, seven months after the ban, hard-line media outlets, including Fars and Tasnim News Agency, have returned to Telegram. This can be interpreted as a complete failure of the ban. Perhaps most importantly it means that hard-liners are giving in to the realities of Iranian society. As recently as Nov. 10, Payam Tirandaz, the general director of Fars News Agency, said, "Despite all the threats, media should be able to use all the legal potentials to communicate with its audience and play a more active role in enlightening [public opinion], where public space is filled with rumors. Thus Fars News Agency will continue its activities on all the legal messaging applications, including Hot Gram and Telegram Talai, which have more than 30 million users." After the ban on Telegram, the two apps Hot Gram and Telegram Talai (Golden Telegram) launched operations. The apps appear to be clones of Telegram, though they block access to a number of news channels. The launch of these apps also played a large role in people remaining on Telegram. They have been under fire from hard-liners who blame the government for the failure of the Telegram ban. In fact, the hard-liners and the judiciary believe that these two apps are "local proxies" backed by the Rouhani-controlled Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Indeed, ICT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi has responded to these criticisms by sarcastically saying that "victory is not achieved by blocking." All in all, the best explanation for why the hard-liners returned to Telegram comes from senior hard-line parliamentarian Mohammad Ali Pourmokhtar: "I consider the return of Principlist [conservative] media to Telegram justifiable. They should be present and respond and prevent the cultural attacks. We dont want to leave whatever number of users on Telegram alone to be subjected to the poisoned propaganda of the enemy, and for the enemy to turn them against the Revolution and the political establishment. He added on Nov. 19, Therefore, the presence of revolutionary forces [on Telegram] is necessary. We shouldnt leave the scene to the opposition forces." A group of conservative Iranian lawmakers is facing a backlash for an attempt to impeach Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. According to a November 27 letter that the parliamentarians shared with Iranian media, the 24 deputies are seeking Zarifs impeachment for 11 reasons, including his claim that money laundering is taking place in the Islamic Republic. Among the others are his not paying attention to the economy in the diplomacy of the country, lack of outreach with Asia, Latin America and Africa, not using the opportunities that the resistance has provided in the region and taking a weak position on the 2015 Mina hajj stampede, in which 464 Iranians were killed. Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a top Shiite cleric who often speaks out on political and social matters, asserted in a seminary lecture Nov. 28, In a situation in which we must be strong and united against foreign enemies, brothers and sisters in parliament are seeking to impeach ministers, and this is not advisable. He added, We must put this impeachment behind us, and if the members of parliament see problems, they must put the questions and criticisms directly to the ministers. The impeachment effort, although led by conservatives, is being driven more by hard-liners, who have longed opposed President Hassan Rouhani's administration. Khabar Online reported, The Concerned, in a pre-planned action, have started a damaging project against their opponents, the Concerned being the moniker the hard-liners adopted for themselves in expressing their opposition to the nuclear deal and the Rouhani administrations outreach to the United States, a policy that Zarif had led. Hamid-Reza Haji-Babaei, a deputy from Hamedan, said that the moderate-conservative Velayat faction in the parliament opposes Zarifs impeachment. Deputy Mohammad-Reza Badamchi, a Reformist, said that those seeking Zarifs impeachment have not presented any new information and that their case is based on nothing more than excuses and delusional claims. Some of the 11 reasons cited for impeachment were dated and thus irrelevant to the political situation today in Iran. What is likely driving this new wave of antagonism against Zarif by the hard-liners are Zarif's comments on money laundering, which are related to a parliamentary bill concerning the international Financial Action Task Force. In a Nov. 10 interview with Khabar Online, Zarif had said, Money laundering is a reality in our country, many are benefiting from it, drawing the ire of hard-liners opposed to the bill. Zarif accused those who are benefiting from money laundering of spending money to oppose the bill. If passed, the measure would make it easier for Iran to conduct financial transactions with other countries. It is currently being passed back and forth between the parliament and the Guardian Council, which vets bills. Opponents argue that if the provisions of the bill are implemented, it would divulge sensitive financial information to the countrys enemies. The signing of the impeachment letter was mired in conflicting reports. Hassan Norouzi, a parliamentarian who signed the letter, reportedly backtracked and wanted his signature removed. His name was also linked to a reported attempt to unseat the parliament speaker, Ali Larijani. The case for Zarifs impeachment has been sent to the presiding board of the parliament and will be referred to the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission. Given the backlash across political and religious lines, the action appears to have been politically motivated to taint the Rouhani administrations foreign minister. Throughout his four terms as prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has always been careful to appoint someone considered an authority on defense matters as his defense minister. In his first term in 1996, it was Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai, fresh out of the army and a new Likud member. Netanyahu fired him on the eve of the 1999 elections and appointed his old friend and defense minister in two previous governments, Moshe Arens. When Netanyahu returned to power a decade later, he named Ehud Barak as his defense chief. Barak had been Netanyahus commander in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit and had served as prime minister, defense minister and military chief of staff, instilling in Netanyahu a sense of confidence as he set about planning to attack Irans nuclear facilities. Anyone looking at this duo during those years came away with the impression that Netanyahu truly needed Barak and relied on him to manage all aspects of the countrys security. Netanyahu did not deviate from this pattern in his third term, naming former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon as defense minister in 2013. The two worked well together and Netanyahu once again entrusted him with the defense ministers job after the 2015 elections as he entered his fourth term. That was the old Netanyahu, who must have sensed that he needed an experienced defense minister at his side and feared bearing sole responsibility for managing Israels complex defense issues. After all, he knows better than anyone else how messy security-related issues can get and how ruinous they can be for political careers. In addition, handing the defense job to someone else put some space between himself and the demands of the West Bank settlers, given that the defense minister is in charge of matters in the territory. Barak, as a member of the leftist political camp, did not have a problem with this status, but Yaalon paid a heavy political price on the right. Netanyahu made sure to name worthy defense ministers and enjoyed the political protection they provided him. When Israel sought to achieve a speedy cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza during the 2012 Pillar of Defense operation, Barak was front and center. The same was true during the 2014 Protective Edge operation in Gaza most of the criticism over its somewhat hesitant conduct was directed at Yaalon. In the case of the March 2016 shooting death of a wounded Palestinian attacker by Elor Azaria in the West Bank city of Hebron, Yaalon was thrown under the bus over the decision to indict the soldier while Netanyahu managed to shield himself in large part from the fury of the right. In May of 2016, Netanyahu took a new tack when he deposed Yaalon and named Yisrael Beitenu head Avigdor Liberman to succeed him. For the first time he had a defense minister with no real defense experience, having served in the army as a quartermaster. It was a necessary political move to stabilize Netanyahus narrow coalition, but unusual given his previous experienced appointees. When Liberman resigned on Nov. 15, Netanyahu decided to keep the job for himself and took on the attendant risk. Now, for the first time, he is serving as minister of defense and the entire responsibility for the states security rests on his shoulders, as was the case with Prime Ministers David Ben-Gurion, Levi Eshkol, Yitzhak Rabin and Barak, who also held both jobs. In the two weeks since he took office, Netanyahu appears to have fallen in love with the jobs potential for his image. The social networks are full of photos and videos of Netanyahu visiting army bases surrounded by soldiers and officers. His social media team is working overtime to produce such videos with dramatic background music designed to convey a sense of military might. This week alone, within less than 24 hours, Netanyahu visited new recruits at the armys main induction center and also met with commando fighters. The videos of these events show his clear enjoyment of every minute. He sat with the new recruits for a long time, recounting his experiences as a freshman soldier, telling them about his service in the commando unit and about his brother Yoni, who was killed in the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue operation. He then had lunch with them and made a surprise call to the mother of one of the young soldiers. Everything was documented and posted. He joined Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot for a night visit to a commando unit exercise. The backdrop was perfection: Netanyahu facing soldiers and officer in the darkness, telling them, We are on the eve of Hanukkah, the spirit of the Maccabees is here and you are the Maccabees. We overcome our enemies. ... The people of Israel believe in you. Defend the state, protect yourselves. Sharp-eyed observers noticed that Eizenkot was nowhere to be seen. Netanyahu is not sufficiently generous to share the glory. These videos and photos are worth their weight in ballots, and Netanyahu, who is already in the midst of an undeclared election campaign, is exploiting their electoral potential to the hilt. His coalition woes, the Gaza problem, the investigations he faces and the impending decisions by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on whether to indict the prime minister have all fallen by the wayside. At this point, there is nothing like official visits abroad (Netanyahu announced he would soon travel to Chad) and drop-ins on army units to leave those troubles behind and focus on an unrelated agenda. An associate of Netanyahu told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that this is just the beginning, and that Netanyahu has asked for additional army visits to be scheduled. It really makes him happy, he said. But this role has a potentially explosive downside. When Netanyahu wears the hats of both prime minister and defense minister, he has no one with whom to share the less glamorous aspects of the job. This awareness, which had so far made him distance himself from the job, might have been dulled in recent days as he made his telegenic appearances at army bases, but it is nonetheless still relevant. Quite a few defense ministers have paid a heavy political price for their terms (for example, Labors Amir Peretz following the 2006 Second Lebanon War). As he stated on Nov. 18 in his first remarks after assuming office, Israel is in a sensitive security situation, the nature of which he cannot share with the public. But Netanyahu could find himself embroiled in a defense-related crisis any day on the Gazan or northern fronts that would leave him exposed to the cruelty of public opinion and heavily damage his Mr. Security image. That, surely, is his greatest fear. This visit reflects the rising status of Israel among the nations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced festively as he informed his Cabinet on Nov. 25 of the historic visit that Chads President Idriss Deby was about to begin in Israel. The following day, Netanyahu hosted Czech President Milos Zeman, who joked that not being a dictator he could not commit to moving his countrys embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as Israel hopes, but he will do his best. This week we were also informed of a behind-the-scenes diplomatic romance between Netanyahu and Sudans ruler, Omar al-Bashir, for whom there is an outstanding international arrest warrant for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The publications about contacts between Jerusalem and Khartoum suggest that the time has come for this African dictator to acknowledge these ties. In other words, he is requested to pay Israel with diplomatic currency for the public relations campaign it has waged on Sudans behalf in Washington. And so, while Israel offers to Sudan (shady) diplomatic services, it also offers other (weapons) services to other regimes. It was no coincidence that Deby said in Jerusalem, We have a shared struggle against the sickening evil of this century, which is terrorism. An Oct. 19 investigative expose in Haaretz, said to be based on some 100 sources in 15 states, revealed that one of the symptoms of the scourge to which Deby referred is the use made by despots around the world of Israeli-made spyware to monitor their political rivals and human rights activists. In other, more genteel words, those that Netanyahu himself used this week: Every week we see the implementation of our concept, of cultivating economic-technological strength alongside security-intelligence strength to receive political-diplomatic strength. Netanyahus conception is that exporting arms and cyber weaponry to dictators, plus waging public relations campaigns on their behalf, equals highly publicized visits plus public relations for Netanyahu. According to Netanyahus method, in exchange for Israeli military technology, he can get excellent media exposure. In his equation, there is no room for Israels occupation of the West Bank and its settlements there, nor for the diplomatic freeze with the Palestinians. The victorious trumpeting heralding Netanyahus recent visit to Oman, his July 2017 visit to Budapest, and his enthusiastic reception of the leaders of Chad and the Czech Republic in Jerusalem illustrate Netanyahus unique abilities. He is the only one who can accomplish all the following feats at the same time: Cultivate the settlement enterprise and perpetuate half a century of Israeli occupation, destroy the diplomatic process, cultivate Israels ties with Europe and breach the boycott of the Arab-Muslim world. This is not the first time, nor obviously the last, that Netanyahu has counted on the publics short memory span. He himself, as a young deputy foreign minister, was a member of Israels delegation to the peace conference convened in Madrid in October 1991, with the participation of a dozen Arab states. In a speech delivered two years later, the head of the US peace team, Dennis Ross, said that the Madrid conference was where the contact and rich and varied tapestry of relations between Israel and the Arab states was born (quote taken from The Road to Peace Crosses Madrid by former Foreign Ministry director Eytan Ben-Tsur). The international event also opened the gates of two superpowers Russia and China for Israel and paved the way for full diplomatic ties with India and South Korea. Netanyahu is relying on the fact that very few people know about the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, also known as the Barcelona Process, which marked its 23rd anniversary on Nov. 27-28. Ehud Barak, then foreign minister in the government of Shimon Peres, signed the initiative, which was the basis of Israels first-ever free trade agreement. The agreement, which resulted in the gradual elimination of all tariffs on industrial goods traded between Israel and the European Union, was one of the sweet fruits of the 1993 Oslo Accord between Israel and the Palestinians. In addition to Israel, other members of the Barcelona Process were Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Cypress and the Palestinian Authority, with Libya as an observer. The vision of the initiatives authors was to turn the Mediterranean region into an area of peace by strengthening stability and encouraging regional economic development. The 1995 association agreement between Israel and Europe is still in force, despite the fact that Israels right-wing governments have focused mostly on encouraging the economic development of the Jewish settlements across the Green Line. Evidently, the European Union would not have signed such an agreement had a Netanyahu government ruled Israel at the time a government that persecutes human rights organizations that receive EU funding. Were it not for the 1993 Oslo Accord, whose architects were targeted by violent incitement instigated by Netanyahu, among others, Jordan would not have signed in 1994 a peace treaty with Israel or opened an embassy in Ramat Gan. It stands to reason that had Netanyahu been in power at the time, along with his hard-line Cabinet ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, Israel would not have been able to open diplomatic missions in the Persian Gulf states, and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain would not have withdrawn from the Arab Boycott agreement in 2004 and 2005. Netanyahu relies on the fact that only a handful of Israelis remember the Annapolis Conference held 11 years ago this week on Nov. 27, 2007. In addition to senior Western figures, Egypt and Jordan accepted President George W. Bushs invitation and stood alongside then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Also attending the event were officials from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, Mauritania, Indonesia, Malaysia, Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal. In the Annapolis Declaration, Israel and the Palestinians pledged to further the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, and to launch immediate, vigorous negotiations in order to reach a permanent agreement within a year. Meanwhile, Olmert went to jail for corruption, vacating his seat for Netanyahu. The winds of peace blowing from Oslo and Annapolis made way for the evil winds of terror and siege, occupation and expulsion. Rather than basing its international standing on the principles of justice and equality, Israel is buying friends with its weapons and diplomatic seals of approval. Instead of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that for the past 16 years has held out the prospect of normal relations between Israel, the Arab states and most of the Muslim world, Israel is smacking its lips over the crumbs it gathers from the tables of despotic rulers and racist leaders. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip The Israeli opposition withdrew Nov. 21 motions to dissolve the Knesset due to the lack of majority support for such motions within the Knesset. If the opposition submits proposals now and these are voted down, then it would not be able to submit them again for another six months, according to Knesset procedure. Haaretz newspaper reported that the opposition is waiting for a more opportune time to reintroduce the motions as it wants the government to be unstable in order to guarantee that they would pass. Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni had called Nov. 14 for the dissolution of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and for holding early general Knesset elections. This came after Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman announced his resignation to protest Netanyahu's cease-fire agreement with the Gaza Strip on the evening of Nov. 13. Liberman deemed such an agreement as a kind of deference to terrorism. His resignation went into effect Nov. 18. Residents of southern Israel have also expressed their rejection of the cease-fire by taking to the streets in protest of the Israeli governments decision. They called for a war on Gaza to ensure their safety and so Israel could regain its deterrent power against Hamas. Meanwhile, Netanyahu managed to persuade leaders of the coalition parties to preserve the government's stability without following in the footsteps of Liberman. This, according to Netanyahu, would also ensure the stability of the coalition government and enable it to move forward. Netanyahu stands against early elections for security reasons. At a Nov. 18 press conference, he said that Israel is in one of the most complex security situations. At a time like this, we do not topple a government and hold an election. Its irresponsible. We have a year left. By law, elections must be held by November 2019, but the opposition is seeking to hold them in March. Israeli military analysts have warned that early Knesset elections would affect Israel's front with the Gaza Strip and could lead to war on Gaza. During speeches delivered at the annual Jerusalem Post conference Nov. 21, three Israeli ministers launched an attack on Gaza and Hamas leaders namely the movement's leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar threatening to wage a war against Gaza and deal a heavy blow to Hamas. This prompted Netanyahu to call on his government ministers to keep mum about the security situation with the Gaza Strip and respect the cease-fire decision. Mamoun Abu Amer, an expert in Israeli affairs, told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu wants to hold the elections amid a stable and calm security environment, and he has managed to portray his Gaza-related decisions such as allowing the entry of Qatari funds and accepting the cease-fire agreement as rational. After all, he said, it would not be logical to wage a war that leads to unknown results. He said that a war on Gaza would be useless for Israel and would lead to human and material losses. Such a war, Abu Amer noted, would be "harsh and unsatisfying." He cited Israeli Minister for Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi as saying, "A war on Gaza could lead to the launch of hundreds of rockets a day on Tel Aviv and paralyze Ben Gurion Airport for weeks. If we enter Gaza, at least 500 soldiers would be killed. Abu Amer added, The minister's threats might be aimed at warning Hamas that [Netanyahu] is facing internal pressure and that the movement must maintain calm in the region. Netanyahu, he said, refuses to hold early elections because he is losing popularity. According to a poll published by Israeli TV Channel 2 on Nov. 14, the Likud Party led by Netanyahu would only win 29 seats in the event of early elections. This would be the worst result achieved since March. Abu Amer added that the Likud Party is seeking to win 40 seats in the upcoming elections, and explained that Netanyahu would take decisions related to the elections based on his political interests. He said that since the start of negotiations with Hamas, Netanyahu has been betting on calm with Gaza, on his responsiveness to its demands to ease the siege and on his introduction of fuel and funds into the Gaza Strip to win popularity. He pointed out that the escalation that started Nov. 12 and that came following an Israeli security operation in the Gaza Strip, whereby Israeli soldiers had infiltrated Gaza on Nov. 11 to carry out a special intelligence operation, was an Israeli breakthrough, and it was only normal for Hamas to counter it. The outbidding strategy that the opposition initially adopted against Netanyahu has diminished, especially considering that his position is now consistent with the position of the army and the military leadership, Abu Amer noted. Hassan Abdo, a political analyst close to Islamic Jihad, told Al-Monitor that there are conflicting political agendas in Israel. While Netanyahu is seeking to calm the situation with the Gaza Strip and form an Arab-Israeli alliance to confront Iran, the opposition is seeking to wage a full-scale war on Gaza. He pointed out that all of the Israeli parties electoral propaganda relies on the Palestinian bloodshed as a means to win more votes. Such conflicting agendas stand in the way of a consensus over a broad war against Gaza, but they do not prevent the launch of limited strikes that could lead to great media fanfare, Abdo said. He noted that Netanyahu could catch Gaza off guard and proceed to a limited escalation in the event he manages to achieve his political and security gains. Abdo also stressed that Gaza does not constitute an existential threat to Israel, especially considering that by simply easing the siege on the Gaza Strip, calm could be restored. The northern front meaning Iran and Hezbollah is the biggest threat to Israel, and Israel is trying to devote itself thereto, he added. Abdo explained that the threats made by Netanyahu's coalition ministers may have to do with the truce negotiations taking place in Cairo to entrench calm with Gaza and send a message to Hamas whereby any alternative to the truce would have a destructive effect on the movement. Such threats might have also been made with the aim of restoring the Israeli deterrent force in a bid to satisfy the internal public opinion. Omar Jaara, a professor of political science at An-Najah National University, told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu wants to impose a security equation that would serve his political position and ensure his success in the upcoming general elections. He said, Netanyahu might be able to restore his popularity by establishing calm with the Gaza Strip without resorting to war. He ruled out early elections or a war on Gaza, as the Israeli army has no strategic goals to target. Jaara expects a long-term truce with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Should this happen, he said, Netanyahu would have scored a win. Jordans upper house, the Senate, passed an income tax bill on Nov. 26, a day after the House of Representatives rejected amendments it proposed. Instead of holding a joint session of both chambers, the senators opted to approve the draft law as it was passed by the lower house, which had lowered tax rates on a number of commercial and industrial sectors. On Nov. 21, the Senate voted to revert to tax rates originally suggested, stirring negative reactions from some legislators, the media and various business sectors in the kingdom. The government of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz has crossed a major hurdle by passing new income tax legislation, the issue that brought down its predecessor last June. In contrast to the popular protests that forced the resignation of Hani al-Mulkis government, the Jordanian street has been eerily quiet this time. But the general mood remains both critical of the proposed law and skeptical of the governments promises that it will not target the middle and low-income classes. While the kingdoms influential Professional Unions Association that led this summers strikes and protests remained silent as the House debated the income tax bill earlier this month, the Jordan Times reported Nov. 25 that the syndicates once again opposed the controversial bill, saying that escalatory yet democratic measures may be taken to push for its cancelation. On the same day, a small number of union members held a protest in front of the Professional Unions compound. Passing the law, which is intended to prevent tax evasion and widen the tax base, is part of an economic reform plan that the government is undertaking in an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The adoption of the law will allow the government to receive additional loans from the IMF and other creditors to deal with its budget deficit as it continues to restructure the economy. But representatives of various commercial and industrial sectors say provisions in the bill will cripple the local economy further and raise prices of essential goods. President of the Amman Chamber of Industry Fathi al-Jaghbir told Al-Monitor that additional taxes will hurt Jordanian industries and weaken their competitiveness. He pointed to an amendment that canceled an exemption of income tax on exports while another raised the income tax rate on the industrial sector from 15% to 20%. Jaghbir said that other sectors, such as agriculture, will also be adversely affected. He added that the chamber will take a number of escalatory steps against the law including holding peaceful protests and launching a social media campaign. Economic columnist for Ad-Dustour Khaled al-Zubaidi also believes the new law will hurt the local economy and chase off foreign investors. He told Al-Monitor that an amendment proposed by the Senate to impose a 10% tax on capital gains and another 10% on profits earned from trading in securities will kill an already weak financial market. The government is working against its own interest because as economic sectors become sluggish as a result of this law, its earnings from taxes will decrease accordingly, Zubaidi said. He added that when annual economic growth is at a humble 2%, the government should introduce incentives such as lowering taxes. But while the government has avoided mass protests over the income tax law, it may still face public wrath over another piece of controversial legislation it wants to pass. Last summer, the previous government had sent an amended cybercrime law to the House. The proposed draft was criticized by the Jordan Press Association, journalists, activists and political parties for imposing heavy penalties including jail on those found guilty of incitement under a vague hate speech article. The controversial article loosely defines hate speech as a statement or act that is prone to fuel religious, sectarian, ethnic or regional sedition; calls for violence or justifies it; or spreads rumors against people with the aim of causing them physical harm or damage to their assets or reputation. But even as Razzaz himself concurred that the definition is too broad, he has refused to withdraw the bill, leaving it to the legislature to make needed changes. He was quoted on Nov. 20 as saying that Jordan needs such a law to fight blackmail, fraud, character assassination and hate speech as well as pornography. Activists fear that legislators, who are constantly criticized for their poor performance on social media outlets, will cooperate with the government to pass the draconian law. A growing number of Jordanians have joined a social media campaign against the cybercrime bill. An opponent of the law, House of Representatives member Khaled Ramadan, told Al-Monitor that the government is now attempting to restrict criticism and peoples right to free speech. I believe the law will pass and that deputies will seek to impose harsher penalties, he said. He added that current laws are more than enough to deal with hate speech. Head of Jordans Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists Nidal Mansour believes that if the cybercrime law is passed, Jordans ranking in various international freedom indices will decline significantly. He told Al-Monitor that Article 11 of the bill allows for the imprisonment of journalists and social media activists and that the loose definition of hate speech will make any kind of criticism in any medium culpable, facing up to three years in prison. Its not an issue of more laws but one of culture and changing peoples behavior, Mansour said. It has to do with instilling free speech values and social responsibilities in schools so that future generations can exercise their right responsibly. The failure of the major Palestinian movements to produce any concrete results in ending the occupation has given an international Islamic movement a chance to shine. Hizb ut-Tahrir (Party of Liberation) is a unique organization that seeks the establishment of an Islamic state. They hope to recreate the caliphate system that initially ruled Islam after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The party does not partake in or support violent or military resistance activities. In Palestine, Hizb ut-Tahrir has recently focused on local social issues and not taken part in active resistance to the Israeli occupation. A spokesman of Hizb ut-Tahrir told Al-Monitor back in 2016 that Palestine is not their main cause. Hizb ut-Tahrir was established in Jerusalem in 1953, but is now active in the occupied territories and throughout the world. It has a limited but dedicated following. Hizb ut-Tahrir activists got in trouble recently in the Bethlehem area when they tried to organize a seminar that many women's organizations felt would incite violence against them. A delegation of Palestinian women's organizations went to the Bethlehem prosecutor with a petition against the event planned for Nov. 19 called Women organizations seek to corrupt women, so be aware of them. Suheir Ismael Farraj, the director of TAM, a nongovernmental organization that trains women in media skills, later told Al-Monitor that the aim of their protest was not to stifle free speech but to stop incitement. Such events incite violence against women and we can't stand idly by and allow it to happen. Farraj noted that at the time when the world is celebrating the UNs 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, it makes little sense for defamation of women to be allowed in a public setting. The protest action produced the intended results and the Palestinian government ordered the event be canceled. Mohammad Ghazali, an activist with Hizb ut-Tahrir in Jerusalem, told Al-Monitor that the topic of the seminar was purely religious and not political. We are not against women's organizations but we are from a religious perspective opposed to the mixing of men and women and call for separation in all public events. Hizb ut-Tahrir holds annual conferences in Palestine that thousands attend. The last conference was held in Ramallah on April 27, 2017, the 96th anniversary of the end of the Islamic Caliphate's rule. Said al-Ghazali, a political analyst and former reporter with the Associated Press in Jerusalem, told Al-Monitor that supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir live in a strange bubble. They still talk about British and American conspiracies and are unable to deal with many of the current challenges facing Palestinians. Ghazali said that Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters are not involved in any acts of resistance against Israel and are opposed to Hamas and Fatah. He added that in the past, they had taken provocative actions such as throwing shoes at public officials in Al-Aqsa mosque, but have settled down now to focus on communication via seminars and discussions. They attacked Egyptian and Jordanian officials when they visited Al-Aqsa in recent years, but they are now content to spend their energy on raising awareness of their ideology. Ghazali explained that unlike the Muslim Brotherhood, which works hard to build grass-roots support, Hizb ut-Tahrir takes a top-down approach. Hamas and others like them work their way up by concentrating on the family, community and the state, but Tahriris hope that one day, their supporters will conduct a coup and take over power at the top. Ghazali noted that the group is also opposed to Khomeinism and Baghdadi-style Islamic State activities, believing that the time is not ripe yet for an Islamic state. Musab Abu Arqoub, a charismatic party leader from the Hebron area and a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir's media bureau, has focused in recent days on opposing the newly established Palestinian social security program, calling it theft of private wealth. On Nov. 1, the Palestinian government introduced a social security program that requires workers to contribute 7% of their salaries toward that fund. Abu Arqoub often speaks in mosques and his anti-social security speeches receive wide support on social media. A Nov. 24 lecture in a Hebron mosque in which he trashed the social security program received 1,400 views on Facebook. The Palestinian struggle has gone through various phases without resolution. Different ideologies have been searching for a successful formula to the end of the Israeli occupation without any progress. This lack of a successful liberation strategy plays into the hands of radical groups that find in people's misery an opportunity to win over supporters. Hizb ut-Tahrir in Palestine avoids direct attempts to end the Israeli occupation, but its influence on the public pushes society, and especially women, back decades, forcing many genuine supporters of freedom of expression to make an exception in their opposition to them. Lately, official Russian-Iraqi contacts have been intensifying noticeably. On Nov. 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iraqi President Barham Salih met behind closed doors within the agenda of the Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome. On Nov. 20-21, Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian deputy foreign minister and special presidential envoy for the Middle East and North Africa, met all of Iraq's key decision-makers when he was in Baghdad. The sides agreed to further develop relations and make efforts to hold a meeting on the highest level. Russian officials' increased contacts with their Iraqi counterparts have become a virtual necessity as a result of the changes in Iraq's domestic politics brought about by the latest electoral cycle. The number, level, and scale of the meetings are indeed exceptional, and all the more so considering the constant foreign trips Iraqi politicians themselves make. For instance, Bogdanov met the new Iraqi president shortly after Salihs visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia and just before his departure to Italy; moreover, the Russian diplomat managed to meet Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, Finance Minister Fuad Hussein, Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim and parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. Bogdanovs visit may have been aimed solely at the verification of agreements and outlining the future directions of the partnership; however, it has become clear that the agenda turned out to be rather substantial. Every meeting included both sides highlighting their dedication to the partnership development. Summing up his discussion with Bogdanov, Ayad Allawi, a former prime minister as well as former vice president of Iraq, said the sides had emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations where Iraq can draw lessons from Russia, and where there can be bilateral economic cooperation. Russia can play an important role in serving stability in the Middle East. Halbousi has mentioned learning from Russias experience in infrastructure construction and in the energy industry, the fields of economy he is especially interested in. Many think Russia may help Iraq become self-sufficient in natural gas currently, the country is an importer. In this respect, one of the Russian energy giants working in Iraq, Gazprom Neft, seems to be more beneficial as a partner than its counterparts. On Dec. 6, 2017, Gazprom Neft placed a gas plant at the Badra field in operation, a project unique for Iraq. Developing the work in this direction is likely to benefit both parties. Following the meeting between Lavrov and Salih at the Mediterranean Dialogue forum in Italy, the Russian Foreign Ministry said key aspects of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Iraq, [and] the ways to develop it were discussed. The sides emphasized the importance of active implementation of the resources provided by the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, supposed to gather for the next, 8th session in early 2019 in Baghdad, the statement said. During the talks, Bogdanov conveyed invitations to visit Russia to the new Iraqi president and prime minister on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin; the Iraqi politicians reciprocated by inviting him to visit Baghdad. Russia and Iraq are indeed drawing up the agenda for Putins visit. The sides confirmed their willingness to maintain the four-sided format of the coordination and information center in Baghdad between Russia, Iran, Iraq and Syria. In this aspect, Iraq is significant for Russia as a factor in the Syrian conflict, security and counterterrorism issues. According to the public statements, Bogdanovs negotiations with Hussein about the economy turned out to be even more fruitful. The Middle Eastern politician emphasized the profound history of the relations between the nations and highlighted the importance of bank sector support mostly within the context of the purchase of Russian-produced equipment. The Russian side focused on the efforts made to organize the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, planned to be held in Baghdad in early 2019. According to some sources, the event is supposed to take place in March. Bogdanov and Hussein also likely touched upon such subjects as the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan, the sanctions imposed on Iran and the consequent launch and development of oil production in the Kirkuk area of Iraq, in which Americans, among others, had taken a significant part. It should be noted that the oil from Kirkuk is supplied to the Turkish port of Ceyhan and enters the world market from there, being transferred through the territory of Iraqi Kurdistan using a pipeline controlled Russia's Rosneft corporation. Moscow continues to be a convenient and beneficial partner for Baghdad. Russia is an additional alternative Iraq has to relationships with the United States and Iran. Iraq is not just aiming to return to regional politics; it is trying to attract actors interested in taking mutually beneficial actions. Moscow, without a doubt, is one such pragmatic and influential party. Strengthening the contacts between Russian and Iraqi politicians not only allows the exchange of opinions but also clears the ground for a more profound progress in relations, which have always been multifaceted. The invitation exchange between the national leaders indicates that common topics indeed exis and that relations are free from toxicity and can be developed further. However, the particular timing of Putins visit to Baghdad is still unknown; moreover, it is unclear whether the visit itself is set in stone. The trip is supposed to take place no earlier than the spring of 2019; if the plans are realized and Putin does actually visit Baghdad next year, that will be proof that Iraq is now playing a significant role in Moscows geopolitical agenda. In a sign of growing relations, Syria plans to participate in an honorary capacity in the 2019 Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF) in the Crimean Peninsula, set for April 17-20. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said he hopes to attend, as Syria and Crimea are seeking to develop their economic ties and encourage joint investments. Andrey Nazarov, co-chairman of the YIEF Organizing Committee, said Nov. 9 that a Syrian delegation will attend for the second consecutive year. In April, a delegation headed by Syrian Minister of Economy Samer al-Khalil and including 80 businesspeople and representatives of Syrian governmental organizations attended the fourth YIEF. During that forum, Yalta and the Syrian port city of Latakia signed a twin-city relations agreement. The forum is held annually in Crimea, which until 2014 was part of Ukraine. The gathering is organized by the local government and supported by the YIEF Fund, with direct support from the Russian presidency. Russia controls Crimea. The activities and visits herald a new stage of cooperation between Syria and Crimea. This developing relationship is prompted in part by Western sanctions imposed on both Crimea and Syria for political and military reasons. Relations between the two have become a subject of discussion in high-ranking circles and ultimately, both sides seek practical solutions to overcome the repercussions of international boycott. On Oct. 15, Crimean President Sergey Aksyonov arrived in Damascus along with an economic delegation and attended a conference Crimea: A Basis for Growth of Syrian-Russian Relations." On the sidelines of the conference, Aksyonov said the situations in Syria and Crimea constitute a good basis for developing their relations. He told Al-Watan newspaper, Our work gave good results, and we have found solutions to several problems. In the wake of the Ukrainian revolution that broke out in 2014, Russia annexed the territory. In March 2014, a controversial referendum was held in Crimea, and its results showed 96% of the people supported the annexation. But Ukraine, the United States, European Union and Canada consider the referendum illegitimate. The United States later imposed sanctions on Russia, issuing travel bans and freezing the assets of Russian figures and organizations. The EU also banned its companies and individuals from investing in Crimea and halted European exports to the peninsula. The sanctions are still in place. Taha Abdel Wahed, a Moscow-based expert on former Soviet republics, told Al-Monitor the Syrian regime will not receive any privileges for its acceptance of Crimea's affiliation with Russia, which he said amounts to Syria's political sycophancy to Russia. Syria hopes to get contracts and other deals to ensure its economic vitality, he explained, but the rapprochement is happening because Russia is seeking to launch the reconstruction of Crimea." Some observers see potential benefits for both sides, however. Crimea is a key wheat supplier to Syria, which was the second-largest buyer after Lebanon in the second half of 2017. From mid-2017 to May 2018, Crimea shipped at least 170,000 tons of wheat to Syrian ports, Reuters reported in June. Syria's agricultural production suffered hugely from the war, so by cementing relations with Crimea, the Syrian regime guarantees itself a regular flow of wheat. Wheat is considered a strategic crop for Syria, and having a strong reserve is an important factor in national security. Syrian wheat production has dropped from 4 million tons a year before 2011 to 1 million tons in 2018. The Food and Agriculture Organization said that this year has been Syria's least productive in 30 years, due to the war and drought. But relations aren't improving just because of wheat. During the Crimean presidents Oct. 15 visit to Damascus, the two sides agreed to establish the Syrian Trading House in Crimea and a joint shipping company. The coordination agreement that was signed in Yalta back on April 4 paved the way for these projects. In October, the sides also discussed plans to revive touristic cooperation and elevate trade to make Crimea a doorway for Syrian products mainly citrus fruits entering Russia. However, the rapprochement might complicate the Syrian regime's situation internationally. The West imposed sanctions on Russia after it annexed the peninsula, and the sanctions affect any Russian or foreign company that cooperates with the Crimean government. Yet Syria considers its relations with Crimea a chance to move forward. Mohamed Hamsho, a Syrian businessman and secretary at the Federation of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce, said in a press statement Oct. 16, The fields of cooperation between the two countries are very wide, in terms of investment or exports and imports in foreign trade. This is added to the organization of joint exhibitions, the mutual visits of business delegations and the participation in reconstruction operations. Businessman Samer al-Debs, head of the Chamber of Industry for the greater Damascus area, believes Crimea has many prospects in Syria in metal, mechanical and chemical engineering; oil and gas; mineral water; and food production. Construction material companies in Crimea are getting ready to participate in reconstructing Syria. They want to benefit from the Syrian governments quest for openness to new neighboring and regional markets after regaining control of most of the country's territory, including the Nassib border crossing with Jordan, which reopened in October. But Abdel Wahed doubts Crimea will be significantly involved in Syrias reconstruction. Crimea will only be able to implement some projects in sectors of the Syrian economy that are under Russian control," he said. "And this participation is only possible if the Syrian situation remains as it is if no international political settlement is reached and the international community shows no progress in its contribution to rebuilding Syria. If Crimean companies do take part in the reconstruction, the Syrian regime might face more sanctions. Their participation also could "eliminate the international communitys potential role in this area," Abdel Wahed noted. "The West is firm about all issues related to the Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions, specifically when it comes to Russias annexation of Crimea. A government-led campaign demonizing American-Hungarian billionaire and philanthropist George Soros has reached such a crescendo in Turkey that the Open Society Foundation has decided to pull out from the country. Soros who in recent years has been turned into a hated figure in countries such as Macedonia, Poland, Romania and even his native Hungary, is now being used as a tool to intimidate the opposition in Turkey. The most striking reflections of this campaign are the judicial onslaughts targeting Turkish civic society leader Osman Kavala and the Open Society Foundation in Turkey, which Kavala had co-founded. The left-leaning Kavala, imprisoned for more than a year without an indictment, has often been labeled the red Soros by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a Nov. 21 speech, Erdogan again drew a link between the two, accusing them of sponsoring the mass anti-government demonstrations in Turkey in 2013, which started at Gezi Park in Istanbul. A person who was the funding source of the terrorists during the Gezi incidents is currently in prison. Behind him is the famous Hungarian Jew, Soros, he said. Yet Erdogan was on good terms with Soros until several years ago. The first meeting between the two took place in January 2003, shortly after Erdogans Justice and Development Party came to power. Accompanied by two senior aides, Erdogan looked happy at the meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. For Erdogan at the time, rubbing shoulders with influential figures such as Soros was like a key that opened doors for him in the United States and the European Union (EU). During the Davos meeting, Erdogan told Soros, We are the open society of Turkey. You should support us, according to Ahmet Sever, an ex-adviser to former President Abdullah Gul, who was Erdogans right-hand man at the time. Soros did not remain irresponsive. An initiative led by the Open Society Foundation resulted in the creation of a group called the Independent Turkey Commission to promote the inauguration of membership talks between Turkey and the EU. Commission members among them renowned figures such as former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, former French Premier Michel Rocard, former foreign ministers Hans van den Broek of the Netherlands and Emma Bonino of Italy shuttled between European capitals, lobbying on Turkeys behalf. In June 2005, Soros met with Erdogan and his aides during an eight-day visit to Turkey. Erdogans daughter Sumeyye, meanwhile, did an internship at the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation TESEV, which received funds from Soros. In short, Erdogan had no problem with Soros until the 2013 Gezi Park protests. Rather, it was Turkeys neo-nationalists and Euroasianists who tended to see Soros hand behind every evil and argued that Erdogan was a Western-backed political project. The Open Society Foundation preceded by the Open Society Institute from 2001 to 2008 faced no legal obstacles in sponsoring projects by various Turkish associations, foundations and universities. Under Turkish law, the Directorate General of Foundations inspected its activities. Moreover, the Open Society Foundation was seen as pro-Erdogan in those years. Its former chair Can Paker says his resignation in 2011 was precipitated by an admonition from Aryeh Neier the then-president of Soros philanthropy network for being too pro-government. But when Ankara began to backpedal from reform and its EU accession talks faltered, initiatives on topics such as democratic values, freedoms and minority rights that Soros funded became a risky business. In the wake of the Gezi Park protests, campaigns vilifying civic society groups accelerated, with groups linked to the Open Society Foundation bearing the brunt. Soros became persona non grata, and his request for an appointment with Erdogan after the Nov. 1, 2015, elections was reportedly rejected. It was hardly a surprise that the probe against Kavala based on charges he sought to spread the Gezi Park protests across Turkey, create chaos and unrest, and topple the government through violence extended to the Open Society Foundation. On Nov. 18, 13 people were detained as part of the probe, among them Ali Hakan Altinay, director of the Open Society Foundation in Turkey. All but one of the detainees were later released on parole. Commenting on the detentions, Erdogan said, A person who financed the Gezi incidents is in prison. And who is behind him? Soros. A man who divides nations and has an abundance of money and spends his money for that purpose. On Nov. 26, the Open Society Foundation announced its decision to end its activities and legal personality in Turkey on the grounds that the intensification of false allegations and unmeasured speculation in the media made the continuation of activities impossible. The Open Society Foundation, which has built an extensive network in dozens of countries since 1984, spent 11.6 million Turkish liras ($2.2 million) on various projects in Turkey from 2009 to 2013, according to its own figures. Some of those projects belonged to public institutions. Its recent work included efforts in support of Syrian refugees. According to Turkeys Financial Crimes Investigation Board, some $13.5 million were transferred to the Open Society Foundation in Turkey from a sister organization in the 2011-2017 period. The government-controlled Sabah daily described that money as funds transferred by the speculator George Soros to the foundation [co-founded by] Osman Kavala, the Gezi sponsor. Another pro-government daily, Yeni Akit, wrote, Soros subsidizes coups and coup plotters. Soros, who serves the interests of Zionist Israel and the big Satan, the United States, infiltrates countries via institutions that he puts on the stage under various names, with the Open Society Foundation being the leading one. Such narratives resonate easily on Turkeys political scene, which is increasingly pervaded by extreme nationalist rhetoric. By calling Soros a Hungarian Jew while commenting on his alleged criminal links to Kavala, Erdogan has taken the issue to a dangerous point. The Jew label is one of the most effective ways of wasting people. Yet Erdogans strategy is in tandem with global trends nourishing the far right and meshes with anti-Soros messages by US President Donald Trump. Last month, Trump claimed that Soros paid people who were protesting Judge Brett Kavanaughs nomination to the Supreme Court. Erdogan seems to be telling Trump that they both have the same problem and should understand each other. As international relations scholar Ilhan Uzgel writes, Erdogan has no problem with Soros; otherwise, he would have not met and posed with him for pictures in the early 2000s. By emphasizing the Soros link, he is showing Trump and other centers across the world where he stands in the transformation of the global system, while at the same time reminding us what the price of silencing and intimidating oppositionists could be. Turkish anger at the United States over developments in Syria is on the rise again. Officials in Ankara are convinced that Washington is stonewalling their efforts to curb and defeat the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and its political wing, the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The prevailing belief is that Washington wants to establish some kind of autonomous Kurdish region in northern Syria, similar to one in Iraq, where it hopes to maintain a military foothold for the foreseeable future with a view toward pursuing its agenda in the Middle East. At a time when Turkey is combating separatist terrorism by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) at home, the thought that the area along its long border with Syria could be administered by YPG/PYD elements is a nightmare scenario for Ankara. Turkey views the YPG and PYD, offshoots of the PKK, as terrorist groups. Although Washington has designated the PKK a terrorist organization and acknowledges YPG/PYD links to the PKK, it refuses to outlaw the YPG and PYD, considering them valuable partners against the Islamic State [IS]. Meanwhile, Turkey has vowed to prevent a terror corridor from being established in northern Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to threaten military action against the YPG east of the Euphrates River, where US forces are deployed with fighters from the Kurdish group. Turkey's release of the American Pastor Andrew Brunson in October has clearly not been sufficient to improve the atmosphere surrounding US-Turkish relations to the extent that the two sides can arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution to this problem. In fact, every step Washington takes in the region these days is perceived by Ankara as evidence of a US agenda that contradicts Turkeys security interests. It remains unclear whether Erdogan is prepared to carry out his threats to mount a new operation in Syria against the YPG or if he is merely issuing warnings he hopes will be picked up in Washington. Recent moves by the United States in Syria suggest, however, that Washington is not going to second guess him and thus feels impelled to take action itself. The announcement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis that the United States will be setting up observation posts along Turkeys border with Syria is the latest development to exacerbate tensions between Ankara and Washington. Ankara has not been convinced by Mattis efforts to present the posts as being to Turkeys advantage. Explaining the reasoning behind the posts, Mattis told reporters in Washington on Nov. 21 that they were necessary because we want to be the people who call the Turks and warn them if we see something coming out of an area that were operating in. Mattis added that the ultimate goal was to get all the sides in Syria to concentrate on the primary task of defeating IS. That is not, however, how officials in Ankara see the matter. From their perspective, it is just another move by the United States to protect the YPG against possible Turkish military operations. Erdogan reflected the general sense of anger at Mattis announcement and questioned Washington's sincerity in the fight against IS. Addressing the Justice and Development Party's parliamentary group on Nov. 27, he stressed that IS is no longer in Syria, only small, dispersed bands of fighters using the group's name to wreak havoc. It is clear that those who are arming and equipping tens of thousands of men are not concerned with combating terrorism, because they are the ones that sleep and rise with, that eat and drink with terrorists, Erdogan said, referring to the United States and the YPG without naming them. It is not possible for us to turn a blind eye to all of this. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was equally blunt about the observation posts. If this decision was taken to protect the YPG, this will provide no benefit to the YPG or the U.S., Cavusoglu told CNN Turk on Nov. 23. We will do what is necessary. Cavusoglu stressed that Ankara does not want to see Turkish and US forces facing-off, but shifted the responsibility to Washington should it happen. The U.S. should not risk confronting us for the sake of a terrorist organization, he said. Sentiments expressed by nationalist deputy Ozcan Yeniceri reflected the total lack of credibility Washington has among Turkish politicians. He claimed that the United States has been undermining every step Turkey has taken in Syria to provide for its own security. In a column for the daily Yeni Cag, Yeniceri wrote, It is setting up over 20 bases in the region; it is establishing border security forces comprised of PYD/PKK members, and it is saying that all of this is temporary and tactical, merely for the sake of fighting IS. Who would believe that? Ankara appears determined to take a zero-sum approach to the YPG issue and is giving no indication that it is amenable to a negotiated settlement, especially one that legitimizes the YPG in any way. This, however, has prompted Washington to take a series of measures that has only fueled Ankaras suspicions. Turkish and US forces in northern Syria recently began joint patrols outside of the city of Manbij, which Ankara also wants to be free of YPG fighters. This was promptly followed by an announcement from Washington that joint US-YPG patrols had started along Syrias border with Turkey, causing untold irritation on the Turkish side. Ankara rejects any attempt by Washington to establish equivalence between Turkey and the YPG. The US-YPG patrols also followed cross-border shelling by the Turkish military of YPG targets east of the Euphrates in October. Washington expressed its opposition to that shelling. Retired Brig. Gen. Naim Baburoglu believes that preventing a Turkish military operation east of the Euphrates has become a priority for the United States. This, he argued in an article for the Gercek Gundem news portal, is what lies behind the observation posts along the Turkish border. This move, which is said to be intended to protect Turkey, is in fact designed to protect the YPG/PKK from any operation that Turkey mounts, Baburoglu wrote. The joint U.S-YPG/PKK patrols are also part of this protective shield. Cavusoglu argued during his interview with CNN Turk that the shelling by the Turkish military had shown what Turkey is capable of in the field. This, he said, had discomforted the US. Erdogan was hoping to make some headway in resolving this issue during a Nov. 11 meeting in Paris with President Donald Trump, which took place in a relatively improved atmosphere due to Brunson's release. Instead, he returned home empty-handed and to then face Washingtons decision to set up the observation posts. Trump and Erdogan are due to meet again on the sidelines of the G-20 summit being held in Argentina Nov. 30-Dec. 1, but few expect a breakthrough on Syria from those talks. Turkey has also been complaining that the United States has not kept its word regarding Manbij. Ankara says it was agreed in June that joint Turkish-US patrols would begin in Manbij city within 90 days, during which time all YPG elements would be evacuated from the city. Accusing Washington of stalling, Cavusoglu told CNN Turk that the stipulations in the road map for Manbij had to be completed by the end of this year. With only five weeks to go before the year ends, this is unlikely to happen given the different interpretations of the road map, whose details have not been officially released. US military officials have said, for instance, that the joint Turkish-US patrols would not take place in Manbij, but on its outskirts. This is not Ankaras understanding of what was agreed. Erdogan has on numerous occasions expressed the position that the U.S. has to choose between an ally of long standing and a terrorist organization. Developments in Syria suggest that Washington may have already done this, although it has not officially notified Turkey. Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar recently discussed the new paid conscription program colloquially known as bedelli askerlik, which roughly translates as paid military service, with the state-run Anadolu Agency. A law passed in July granted a one-time opportunity for men to complete their compulsory military service in just 21 days if they pay 15,000 Turkish liras (about $2,840) before Nov. 3. Akar said 634,415 men had applied for the program, in which 37 classes will serve through February 2020. The program has processed three classes since August. But pay to serve less time schemes, of which five have been implemented from 1987 until 2014, are controversial in Turkey. The programs worsen the divide among the countrys haves and have nots and undermine unit morale. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) high command looks down on such programs. Especially during the TSKs struggle with the Kurdistan Workers Party in the 1980s and 1990s, in which units composed of conscript soldiers did much of the fighting before they were professionalized in the 2000s, such discrepancies created a sense of injustice. Today, the new bedelli program could threaten the TSKs hard-earned prestige that it recovered with difficulty since the failed coup attempt of 2016. Durations for mandatory service are already inegalitarian in Turkey, where all men above the age of 20 who are physically and mentally fit (and apparently heterosexual) are expected to serve between six to 12 months. Graduates from four-year programs at institutions of higher learning serve either as privates, corporals or sergeants for six months or as commissioned officers for 12 months. Those with two-year college degrees and below, however, must serve 12 months as privates, corporals or sergeants. (The latter category had to serve for 15 months until 2013.) Deferments and exemptions are widely available for those enrolled in college or graduate school or if one suffers from an illness. Turkish nationals who have worked abroad for at least three years or have dual citizenship could pay 2,000 euros ($2,256) without serving. The system has suffered worse problems. Before TSK-run hospitals were placed under the Ministry of Health in 2016, a small number of military physicians would prepare fake reports to enable otherwise fit people to receive medical exemptions. Meanwhile, conscientious objectors often suffered judicial punishment because successive governments never instituted a civilian national service program for those who do not wish to serve their country but not by wearing a uniform. All this shows the sense of injustice that revolves around military service in Turkey. While many middle-class men await a round of bedelli in order not to spend their most productive years in the military, other Turkish young men who do not have access to education and/or the means to pay their way out bear the brunt. A young man who served as part of the latest bedelli program expressed his awareness of these concerns in an electronic message to Al-Monitor. But he decided to take the opportunity for the bedelli because I wanted to complete my national service to return to my professional and educational life. The man emphasized that his superiors made a point of not discriminating against or favoring the bedelli soldiers. I can say our three weeks were filled up with many subjects. We received training in drilling, standing at attention, night maneuvers, distance and targeting, firing and physical exercise. Nevertheless, he admitted that he did not possess sufficient level military knowledge to comment on compulsory military service even after his 21 days in the TSK. According to military historian Mehmet Besikci, the professional vs. conscription debate is necessary. In an email interview with Al-Monitor, Besikci wrote how conscription ensured numerically superior, young and dynamic militaries until the middle of the 20th century. In addition, these mass militaries made it easier for the military-political-cultural indoctrination of youth in an age when primary education and means of mass communication were weak. Besikci added however, Since World War II, mandatory military service could not offer advantages. Versatility and high quality, rather than mere standardization, have become the main determinants of military technology. The good news is that TSK leaders and civilian governments have been heeding the calls for professionalization for some time. Although an all-volunteer, fully professionalized TSK is not in the cards, since the late 1990s, the Turkish military has boosted its ranks with officers, noncommissioned officers, specialists and professional enlistees who serve on a contract between three to nine years for full salary and benefits and retain the option of becoming tenured potentially serving for as long as any graduate of service academies. As a result, approximately 50% of the present-day TSK, with a force of about 350,000 troops, is composed of professional personnel and the remainder are performing their compulsory service. (That figure does not include the 176,000-strong Gendarmerie, the paramilitary domestic security force that is subordinated to the Interior Ministry in peacetime.) To be sure, Turkey is not the only country that is grappling with mandatory military service. Russia has sought to end conscription since its 2008 war against Georgia. Ukraine, which has faced Russias wrath since 2014, reinstated the draft. Sweden, too, reintroduced compulsory military service in 2017 as a result of Russian actions against Ukraine and growing tensions in the Baltic region. Conscription, of course, still has its supporters. Developed countries with critical national threats and multiyear service durations, such as Israel and South Korea, are unlikely to send their young men (and women, in Israels case) home any time soon. In a referendum in September 2013, the people of Switzerland overwhelmingly voted to keep compulsory military service, which lasts about 18 weeks. Turkey probably will maintain its current position regarding conscription. In a series of electronic messages with Al-Monitor, a retired Turkish army colonel indicated that Turkey should go in Switzerlands direction. Echoing Besikcis ideas, the colonel said, Our countrys geopolitical situation necessitates a strong military [but] the meaning of a strong military has changed with technology. Numerical superiority is certainly a factor, but [a militarys] true strength lies in maneuverability. The retired officer added how full professionalization would boost the TSKs public image: If we consider the ties and love between the nation and the military, I think the military should be professionalized rapidly. Bedelli hurts a large portion of society that does not have the means to buy their sons way out of the military. But the colonel added that basic military training with a single duration of 16 to 18 weeks for everyone should be of help to mobilize a large force in a national emergency. He expressed skepticism with respect to the latest bedelli program. I mean, 21 days of bedelli? What are you going to teach [those 21-day conscripts]? But transitioning to a fully professionalized military, with a steady stream of conscripts undergoing basic training, would not be easy. Much like the retired colonel, Besikci thinks the debate should go beyond abolishing conscription, and just paying professionals to do the job. One problem, according to Besikci, is that Turkey has no serious preparation for a [fully professionalized military] and does not know how to replace [conscription]. Professionalization by paying an unemployed young man a salary is not easy. It should incorporate training, a career plan, an insurance scheme that covers the soldier as well as their family. In other words, [professionalization] shouldnt be just about a contract. On a personal note, as someone who only served for six months back in the day, I benefited immensely from meeting a diverse set of people from across Turkey. While it was clear that not all of us conscripts belonged in the military (nor did some of our supposedly professional superiors, for that matter), a national service program that caters to the countrys needs by employing young people in useful programs be they in social and environmental work, health care, teaching and, yes, defense may contribute to the declining sense of national unity and purpose that is so prevalent in Turkey today. Nearly a year after US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley first rolled out a tableau of Iranian ballistic missiles at a military base in Washington to warn of the threat from the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen, the Donald Trump administration today added to the installation. Why it matters: The Trump administration is using the display in an effort to call out Irans alleged actions through proxy groups across the Middle East. Unveiling the additions to the display, including a ballistic missile used in an alleged attack on Saudi Arabia and two drones, State Department special representative for Iran Brian Hook said the fragments are very important for nations to see with their own eyes. Hook said that representatives from 70 nations have visited the installation since December. We are one missile attack away from a regional conflict, Hook said. The international community needs to do more to get after the proliferation of Irans missiles. Stunt? At todays press conference, Hook tried to beat back criticism that the display was little more than a dog and pony show. I havent heard anyone say this is a political stunt, he said. This is simply putting out in broad daylight Irans malfeasance. He went on to invite anyone who remains on the fence to visit this weapons display. Chaos on Capitol Hill: The unveiling comes as the Trump administration and Congress are deadlocked over US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which the Senate moved to end Wednesday. In a statement of administration policy opposing the bill, the White House said the measure would harm bilateral relationships in the region and negatively impact the ability of the United States to prevent the spread of violent extremist organizations such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and [the Islamic State] in Yemen. Whats next: The Trump administration is still trying to push the Houthi rebels to the bargaining table. The UN hopes to convene peace talks as early as next week in Sweden. Know more: Read Pentagon correspondent Jack Detschs latest on why the US is asking the UN to pull a limited ceasefire resolution in the Yemen conflict and congressional reporter Bryant Harris wrap-up of Wednesdays Senate vote. - Jack Detsch The Birmingham Business Alliance has added an economic development figure from Texas to its executive panel. Brian Jennings, a 15-year veteran of economic development projects, is the BBAs new vice president of economic development. Jennings will be responsible for several economic development tasks, including recruiting, targeted marketing, managing economic development projects including site selection, incentives and supporting the expansion of local businesses. BBA President and CEO Brian Hilson said Jennings comes highly recommended. Brian has a strong background in economic development, and I am confident that his talents and experience will benefit the Birmingham region by helping to improve the quality of businesses selecting Birmingham for future growth," Hilson said. Jennings comes to Alabama from the Amarillo (Texas) Economic Development Corp., where he served as senior vice president of business development. There he led projects including the Maxor National Pharmacy Services $13 million, 400-job expansion in Amarillo, and worked with Coca-Cola, MWI Veterinary Supply Co. and GRI Renewable Industries. He is a graduate of West Texas A&M University with a bachelors degree in business administration and masters degree in finance and economics. I have heard tremendous things about Birmingham and the work of the BBA, Jennings said. I am excited to be a part of a team that is moving the Birmingham region forward and I look forward to contributing to that effort. A suspect in the Thanksgiving night shooting of an 18-year-old at the Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover was arrested Thursday in Georgia. The warrant was issued Wednesday for Erron Martez Dequan Brown, 20, in the shooting. He is charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Brian Wilson, the friend of Emantic EJ Bradford Jr., 21, who was shot and killed by police after Wilson was shot. His bond is set at $125,000. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed to AL.com Brown has been arrested in South Fulton. Brown was quickly identified as a suspect in the Nov. 22 shooting of Brian Wilson. Authorities withheld his identity while law enforcement officers searched for him. The U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force in Georgia was assisted by Alabamas Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Authorities said they captured Erron Martez Brown, 20, about 9:30 a.m. Thursday on Highwind Way in South Fulton. Brown will be taken to the South Fulton Police Precinct, where he will be questioned by local and Alabama authorities. U.S. Marshals said Brown was staying at a relatives house when he was arrested. Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr said while charges have been brought against Brown, the state investigation is not complete and remains ongoing. "We are confident ALEA is working to complete the investigation in a timely manner,'' Carr said. However, in light of the fact that so many people were present in the mall that evening, witness interviews are still ongoing. Court records show Brown previously was arrested in Madison County on May 18, 2017 on a first-degree robbery charge, but that charge was dismissed. The shooting happened late Thanksgiving night at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. Police said it began when two men got into a physical altercation and one of the men - now identified as Brown - pulled out a handgun and shot the other man - Wilson. Wilson was shot at least once in the stomach, and taken to a nearby hospital where he remains in serious condition. A 12-year-old bystander, Molly Davis, was also shot and taken to Childrens Hospital by a Hoover Fire Department rescue squad. She has since been released. Authorities have not said who fired the shots that injured Molly. Two officers who were providing security at the mall heard the gunfire and approached the area. They spotted a suspect waving a pistol and shot him. The man, Emantic EJ Bradford Jr., 21, died at the scene. Hoover police initially portrayed Bradford as the mall gunman and said officers acted heroically to take out the threat within seconds of shots being fired in the crowded mall. They later retracted the statement, and said while Bradford was seen with a handgun, evidence indicates he was not the person who shot the 18-year-old and 12-year-old bystander. Shortly after news of the arrest broke, ALEA spokeswoman Robyn Bryan said the ivestigation is ongoing, including the officer-involved shooting from the same evening and location. "The cooperation of the Hoover Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriffs Office has aided in the investigation and the expediency of identifying Brown and effecting his arrest. The SBI is also grateful for the patience shown by the City of Hoover in this process,'' she said. "It is highly likely that prematurely releasing information, including video evidence, would have hampered the investigations progress thus far, even to the point of deterring key witnesses,'' Bryan said in a prepared statement. "As other witnesses continue to come forward, it is imperative for the integrity of the investigation that SBI continue to keep confidential information Agents obtain. SBI will continue to work efficiently, thoroughly and impartially to bring all relevant facts to light to provide the DA with the most accurate facts and evidence possible in this case,'' said SBI Director John Q. Hamm, also in a prepared statement. "This is not just SBIs commitment to the people of Hoover and Jefferson County, but SBIs commitment to the citizens of Alabama in all investigations SBI undertakes. Once Browns extradition from Georgia has been affirmed, Brown will be booked into the Jefferson County Jail, Birmingham, under a $150,000 bond. Additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses. Once agents have completed the investigation, the file in its entirety will be turned over to the Tenth Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office. The City of Hoover and the Hoover Police Department expressed their appreciation to U.S. Marshal Marty Keely and the task force for their role in Browns arrest. This is an important milestone in the continued work to find answers about what happened in last Thursdays tragic incident,'' according to a statement released Thursday afternoon. The Bradford family attorney, Ben Crump, issued this statement following the arrest of Brown: We are gratified at the arrest of a suspect in the Thanksgiving Riverchase Galleria mall shooting, further underscoring the unjust death of EJ Bradford Jr. at the hands of an off-duty Hoover police officer who was serving as mall security. Right now, EJs family is focused on planning their sons funeral, to be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Boutwell Memorial Auditorium. They look forward to reviewing unaltered video evidence of the shooting next week, after properly remembering and honoring EJ and enduring the painful process of burying their son. Anyone with information regarding the Galleria shooting is asked to call ALEA at 334-462-9163. The driver of a bus, which crashed in Mississippi and left two Alabama women dead, was traveling too fast for the weather conditions that day, a lawsuit alleges. The bus was traveling from Huntsville to Tunica when it overturned on Interstate 269 on Nov. 14. It was sleeting and snowing that day in DeSoto County, just south of Memphis, Tenn. Huntsville women Cynthia Hardin, 61, and Betty Russell, 76, died in the crash. The remaining 44 passengers were injured. George and Hassie Nance were among the passengers injured in the crash. They have filed what appears to be the first lawsuit related to the crash. The lawsuit seeks payment for damages from Teague VIP Express, the company which owned the crashed tour bus, and its driver Robin Hines. Tennessee lawyer Robert Mink Jr., who represents Teague, declined comment. The bus was operating too fast for weather conditions and did lose control and overturn, the lawsuit states. Additionally, Hines commercial driver license was suspended at the time of the crash, said Josh Wright, managing partner at Birmingham law firm Hollis, Wright, Clay and Vail. Wright said he discovered the suspension while reviewing a Mississippi Highway Patrol report about the crash. The highway patrol said it cant release a copy of the crash report to AL.com. The lawsuit accuses Teague of operating the bus with a driver that was untrained and incapable to operating the motor vehicle safely. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges Teague operated the bus, despite its known history of out of service defects. Before the crash, the company had a satisfactory rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, records state. However, the company was cited for 15 violations during 2017 reviews. Those violations were not considered critical, according to the FMCSA. The violations included an oil and/or grease leak, inoperative or defective turn signals, windshield wipers and lighting, failure to maintain driver records for the previous seven days of duty status, defective or missing axle parts, a cracked or broken wheel rim, and worn, welded or missing steering system components. Teague vehicles havent been involved in any other crashes, federal records state. We want to make sure its clear these events should not happen, Wright said. Were going to get to the bottom of what happened and why it happened in this case. The bus company operated the vehicle after having notice that such driver was incompetent, not fully licensed and/or incapable to operate the vehicle safely and consistent with the laws of this state or federal regulations, the lawsuit alleges. Wright said because the bus company is based in Anniston and the drivers suspended license originated in Alabama, he filed the lawsuit in Calhoun County Circuit Court. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial. Our goal in filing this case is to compensate those who were injured by this terrible accident, Wright said, and to send a message to this carrier, and others similarly situated, that you are transporting cargo that truly matters: real people with lives who trusted that they would be delivered to their destination safely, and delivered by a driver that was capable of operating a commercial bus in the first place. A former Montgomery teacher was arrested Wednesday on charges she had sexual relations with a minor. Montgomery police officials identified the suspect as Natasha Patronsky. The 24-year-old woman formerly worked at Lanier High School, according to school officials. MPD Capt. Regina Duckett said Patronsky is charged with a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19. Police said charges resulted from an investigation that began on Nov. 16. The victim, police said, was a male student. Patronsky turned herself in to authorities on Wednesday. She was booked in to the Montgomery County Detention Facility on a $7,500 bond. Jail records do not reflect she is still behind bars, and a mugshot was not made available by police or the jail. Montgomery Public Schools administrators were notified Wednesday that the former teacher been charged with having sexual relations with a minor. Superintendent Ann Roy Moore reiterated the districts commitment to student safety. We are shocked to hear of this allegation, Moore said in a prepared statement. We support law enforcement in their work to get to the truth in this matter. Any person found guilty of putting a childs safety at risk, should be punished to the full extent of the law. A coalition of community leaders is calling on the city of Birmingham to ban the controversial practice of conversion therapy for minors. The Affirming Birmingham Coalition, led by Auburn University student Jordan Kramer, wants Mayor Randall Woodfin to support a city ordinance that would prohibit mental health professionals in Birmingham from performing conversion therapy on minors. Conversation therapy is a practice that claims to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Psychiatric Association has condemned conversion therapy saying minors who are rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity face serious health risks and are eight times more likely to report having attempted suicide. A handful of states and municipalities -- none in Alabama -- have bans that prevent state-licensed psychologists from using the therapy. Birmingham could be the first city in the Deep South to pass such a ban. Legislation passed by the Alabama State Legislature last year requires all religious residential boarding schools and boot campus to register with the state follow a set of minimum standards, including any mental health services or substance abuse recovery services be administered by licensed or certified providers. Language in the bill that would have banned conversion therapy at those schools was removed before passage. The Affirming Birmingham Coalition met with Josh Coleman, the LGBTQ liaison for the Birmingham mayors office, on Nov. 15. The coalition is made up of 24 Birmingham area religious leaders, mental health professionals, LGBTQ activists and youth advocates. Kramer said Coleman was very receptive to the prospective ordinance," and that he would like to see the conversion therapy ban fast-tracked and come before the Birmingham City Council in early 2019. This proposal could have life-saving impact across the state, he said. People travel to Birmingham for conversion therapy. In a statement to AL.com, Rick Journey, director of communications for the mayors office, said: The organization requested a meeting with the city and met with Josh Coleman our LGBTQ liaison. They expressed their concerns, and we received the information from them. Its unclear how many - if any - mental health professionals in Birmingham practice conversion therapy. Kramer said he is a survivor of conversation therapy and spent 14 months as a teenager traveling to Birmingham for the therapy. He began his activism through an internship with The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project houses 50 Bills 50 States, the largest national campaign to end conversion therapy across the nation. Alabama Superintendent Eric Mackey has completed his reorganization of the states department of education, saving taxpayers $1.7 million annually in salaries for top-level employees, according to documents received from the department in response to an information request. Our primary goal in reorganizing is to make the department as highly efficient as possible; and, secondarily, to be responsive to the local systems' needs, Mackey wrote in a statement to AL.com on Wednesday. "We have received a lot of positive feedback from the field based on the steps we have taken," Mackey added, "but we are still improving." The department has been in various stages of reorganization since former superintendent Michael Sentance began trying in March 2017. Sentance said the department was inefficient and slow to respond, and he wanted to improve in both areas. That effort was met with pushback from inside and outside the department and exposed the administration as top-heavy. Those top-level employees, known as exempt or at will, typically earn the highest salaries but also give up the protection of the state personnel merit system, leaving them to serve at the sole discretion of the state superintendent. Under Mackey, there are 23 exempt employees, totaling $3.4 million in salaries, including Mackeys $311,000 annual compensation package. Thats a savings of $1.7 million over the Sentance administration and $1.8 million from the Bice administration. Under Sentance, the department had 38 exempt employees, totaling $5.1 million in salaries, including Sentances $219,000 annual compensation package. An AL.com analysis in September 2017, just days before Sentance resigned, showed Sentance actually had fewer top-level employees and was spending less total money on those salaries than the previous state superintendent, Tommy Bice. Former superintendent Tommy Bice employed 40 exempt personnel, totaling $5.2 million in salaries, including Bice's $271,000 annual package. A breakdown of the positions, by title, under Mackey, Sentance and Bice, follows: A comparison of the top-level employees in the current and previous state superintendent administrations. Interim Superintendent Ed Richardson, appointed after Sentance resigned in September 2017, took on the effort next and, with help from the state's personnel agency, made big cuts in April, saying the education department had far more exempt positions than other similarly-sized state agencies. Richardson told board members other agencies of their size typically had around five exempt employees. Richardson said he cut 39 positions from the department overall, from 476 positions to 437 positions, resulting in a $4.7 million annual savings. No details of those savings were provided to AL.com at the time. Mackey told board members at in September there are still 437 positions at the state department, but about 50 positions are currently unfilled. Mackey, appointed on April 20, had the authority to let all exempt personnel go but kept most of the people from Sentance's administration. While Mackey had the authority to once again change the organizational chart, the structure now has in place is nearly identical to the one Richardson presented to the state board in April with one exception: Mackey reestablished the Chief of Staff position, which Jeff Langham now holds. I certainly am pleased with the remarkably talented team that we have been able to pull together, Mackey said, and the efficiencies speak for themselves. One change Mackey did not follow through on is that Richardson said in April he planned to reclassify 13 exempt positions to merit positions, cutting those 23 exempt positions down to 10 by May. There are still 23 exempt positions in Mackeys administration. The departments overall budget was also questioned under Sentance. The departments chief financial officer warned Sentance he was spending too much money and raised the question of whether the department could stay within its budget. That caught the attention of state lawmakers, who sent the message to fix it. It appears Mackey has done that. The overall budget for the state department for the 2019 fiscal year is $33.5 million, down from $33.6 million for 2018. The department's budget includes personnel costs of $22.6 million, down from $23.2 million last year. Those personnel costs went down even though state employees received a 3 percent cost of living raise approved by lawmakers effective Oct. 1, a reflection of the lower number of personnel. Hoover mayor Frank Brocato, Police Chief Nick Derzis, and City Councilman Derrick M. Murphy apologized to the family of E.J. Bradford, Jr., who was killed by a Hoover police officer at the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving night, in a meeting Tuesday evening in a second-floor conference room at the Westin in downtown Birmingham. The apology was for initially identifying Bradford as the shooter in a dispute that led to the wounding of 18-year-old Brian Wilson and 12-year-old Molly Davis, not for the subsequent police shooting of Bradford. Less than 24 hours after the Thanksgiving night shooting, however, they retracted that statement, citing new evidence that Bradford, a native of Hueytown, was not likely the shooter. I think it went well with the mayor, E.J. Bradford, Sr. said of the meeting. He was very considerate. I saw the emotion in his face. He had to collect himself. He felt it in his heart. The mayor was shaking like a leaf, said Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, who attended and helped coordinate the meeting. The family was crying; the mayor was about to cry; I was crying. In a statement, Hoover officials said: Following this tragedy, Councilman Derrick M. Murphy arranged a meeting with the family of Mr. Emantic "EJ" Bradford, Jr. Mr. Bradford's mother, father, and loved ones graciously agreed to sit and speak with Councilman Murphy, Mayor Brocato, and Chief Derzis on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, before the prayer vigil held in Mr. Bradford's remembrance. "Mayor Brocato, Councilman Murphy, and Chief Derzis expressed their sincerest condolences and prayers to Mr. Bradfords family on their loss. Chief Derzis acknowledged and apologized for the issuance of an inaccurate public statement in the wake of this tragedy that implied that Mr. Bradford was the suspected shooter. "During the meeting, city officials answered any questions that they could. "The City appreciates the Bradford family agreeing to sit down with city representatives during this difficult time. Our collective thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Bradford family in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, as they begin the healing process. Bradford, Sr. said he kind of accepted the apology conveyed by Derzis. Borderline, is how he described it. I know he has people to report to, including the mayor. Ill let them work that out. The family is still incensed that the parents did not receive confirmation that it was their son that was killed until the father spoke with a Hoover Detective whom he knew at 4:53 a.m. Friday In the meantime, graphic images of Bradford, Jr. lying in a pool of blood circulated quickly and widely on social media. They should not have let my child lay out there like that, he said. I should have been notified somewhere in that time frame instead of having to call them about my child. It hurts me because I could be there to hold my child one last time. My son laid on that floor without any type of comfort. It looks bad on them to allow him to lay there, his brains all over the floor and people sharing pictures of it. It hurts me because his mother had to see that. Itll be hard for us to get that image out of our heads. The family is demanding a better understanding of the departments procedures in notifying parents. They accepted the apology but they arent satisfied with the answers they gave, that it was the coroners job to call them, said Tyson. They should do better with notifying parents, regardless of whether its me or anyone else, Bradford, Sr. said, Bradford, Sr., who once worked for the Birmingham Police Department, said the family still wants to see all video of the deadly encounter between their son and the police, including mall and bodycam footage if it exists. He acknowledges the decision to release the video is in the hands of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, not with the city of Hoover. ALEAs going to try to hold it and go through every angle; I give them that, he said. But pressure needs to be put on them to release it as soon as possible. There was no discussion about a financial settlement or lawsuit during the near-hour-long meeting, Bradford, Sr said. We just want justice, he said, and an understanding an a rational as to why it took so long for us to find out that it was our son. Beyond Bradford, Sr. family members in attendance included Bradfords mother, April Pipkins, who collapsed while speaking at the prayer vigil later Tuesday evening and was taken to the hospital and released Wednesday morning. Shes good, said Bradford, Sr. She was just overcome. It was a bad day." Also there were family attorney Benjamin Crump, Jr, Bradfords stepmother, and uncle, as well as other family members and supporters. Representing Hoover was also represented by attorney Anthony Joseph. On Wednesday, Hoover city officials also announced they were postponing the annual tree lighting until a later date. In a statement, they said: "During this time, we continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Emantic EJ Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr. and all others affected by those events. We want healing for the community, and we invite all persons of every faith to pray for the Bradford family and encourage all houses of worship to pray for Gods help in unifying our community. " Hoover postponed its Christmas tree lighting Wednesday because of a police shooting of a black man inside a crowded shopping mall on Thanksgiving that has sparked protests. Chanting demonstrators have marched several times since the death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., and they planned to attend the holiday event, which was set for Thursday at City Hall in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover. But a statement from the city said the tree lighting was being postponed out of respect for the loss of life. The city offered thoughts and prayers to Bradford's family and hoped for healing. "We want healing for the community, and we invite all persons of every faith to pray for the Bradford family and encourage all houses of worship to pray for God's help in unifying our community," the statement said. No new date for the tree-lighting ceremony was given. A funeral service for the 21-year-old Bradford is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the 5,000-seat Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. Police have said an officer killed Bradford after seeing him with a gun moments after a shooting on an upper concourse at the mall, which already was decorated for Christmas. Authorities initially identified Bradford as the shooter but later said they were wrong. No one has been arrested in the gunfire, which injured a young girl and a man identified as a friend of Bradford. Demonstrators have urged a boycott and vowed to "shut down" Hoover, a city of 85,000 people that is heavily dependent upon retail sales from the Riverchase Galleria mall where the shooting occurred. With more than 150 stores, the shopping center is the largest mall in Alabama. Bradford's death followed a string of highly publicized police shootings of black men, and his mother, April Pipkins, said she believes her son would still be alive had he been white. "I think the whole scenario would have played out differently, I really do," Pipkins told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. Speaking during a community event Tuesday night at Birminghams historic 16th Street Baptist Church, the dead mans father, Emantic Bradford Sr., cried as he described the loss of his son. "I love my son, but I can't hear him say 'daddy,' I can't see him. And I want him to be there for me, and I don't want to bury my boy like this. I hurt me bad," Bradford said. Pipkins said she was upset that police still haven't talked to her about the shooting or released video of the confrontation. Pipkins said she had to call the coroner's office on her own to get confirmation of Bradford's death. You know, at this point it takes you this long to even think about contacting me about my child. I want to know how they would feel if that were their child laying there, Pipkins said in the interview. How would they feel from the beginning to the end? A group of citizens have launched an effort to create a memorial to African-Americans who were lynched in Jefferson County in the same spirit and style as the groundbreaking memorial that opened earlier this year in Montgomery. Organizers of the Jefferson County Memorial Project hope to have the memorial established in Birminghams Linn Park. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin joined the group for a tour of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery today. The memorial is the Equal Justice Initiatives project to memorialize more than 4,400 African-Americans who were lynched between 1877 and 1950. It opened in April. This morning, Woodfin and Jefferson County Memorial Project organizers also toured the Legacy Museum: From Slavery to Mass Incarceration, another EJI project in downtown Montgomery, where men women and children were sold in 19th century slave markets. More than 800 engraved steel slabs hang in the National Memorial, one for each county where EJI researchers documented a lynching. The slabs bear the names of the victims. Eight hundred duplicate slabs lie horizontally on the grounds of the six-acre memorial. EJIs goal is to have counties where lynchings took place claim their duplicate slabs to erect memorials in the counties. Thats what the Jefferson County Memorial Project organizers hope to do. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Joi Brown and Abigail Schneider look up at the Jefferson County monument at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. Abigail Schneider, one of the leaders of the project, said a group of Jefferson County residents who visited the memorial want the county to be one of the first to obtain its monument. The goal of it is to tell an untold history and use the retrieval of this monument to spark a larger public discussion about the history of racial violence and the legacies of racial injustice that still exist today, Schneider said. Schneider, who is a project manager for the online banking service Azlo, said the group believes Linn Park would be the appropriate site for the memorial because of its history and location. Schneider said the countys first lynching happened in the park in 1883, when it was called Central Park. The victim was Lewis Houston. He was specifically taken from the jail on Fourth Avenue North and dragged to Central Park to be lynched as a way to claim this as a white space and show that we can do this in the public and have the governments support behind it and theyre not going to stop us, Schneider said. Schneider said Linn Park was the site of protests against poll taxes in the 1930s. Efforts by blacks to gain voting rights were met with racial violence like lynching, Schneider said. T. Marie King of Birmingham, one of the organizers of the Jefferson County Memorial Project, speaks at the National Memorial for Peace and justice in Montgomery. T. Marie King, one of the organizers of the Jefferson County project, toured the EJI memorial and museum for the first time today. King said she was stunned to see a jar of soil at the museum memorializing the lynching of a relative, Ed Bracy, in Hope Hull in 1935. Jars of soil taken from the sites of lynchings are displayed at the Legacy Museum in EJIs Community Remembrance Project. King said she had known that Bracy had been murdered because of his work advocating for voting rights in Lowndes County. But she did not know that he would be listed as a victim of lynching. She said he was shot to death by the Klan. King said seeing the jar at the museum and later seeing Ed Bracys name at the memorial aroused strong emotions. I think it may have hit me in a sensation of kind of being eerily proud because I knew he was pushing to get voting rights for blacks, King said. So, him being willing to die for something that he believed in is kind of like a bittersweet feeling. King said she learned about the Jefferson County Memorial Project because of her work with Greater Birmingham Ministries and joined the effort after talking to Schneider. Once I met with Abigail and learned about what it was and knowing how important it is to make sure our young people understand all of our history, I wanted to be a part of making sure we were connecting those dots, King said. Joi Brown, marketing manager for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, said she became involved in the Jefferson County Memorial Project after learning that an ancestor was one of the lynching victims memorialized in Montgomery. Joi Brown said she spotted the name Mack Brown when she first toured the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in May. Brown said the name caught her eye became of research she had done on her family history. She followed up after seeing the name and determined that Mack Brown, a Blount County lynching victim in 1883, was her fathers great-grandfather. Brown said Mack Brown was shot by police after he knocked on the door of a white woman and she screamed. Brown said shes accustomed to dealing with difficult history because of her work at the Civil Rights Institute. But she said touring the memorial was still an emotional jolt. I came in here knowing this would be a heavy, sobering experience, Brown said. "But you never expect to see an ancestor. Youre walking through a museum and you see a name you recognize and its initially excitement because you see somebody you know in a museum but then you realize what the nature of it is. "I went through a lot of emotions. I went through sadness. I went through confusion because I felt this immense sadness but this is someone I didnt even know but I still felt that connection. Brown said the need for people to make such connections is one reason the memorials are important. The rust-colored steel monument listing 29 people who were lynched in Jefferson County at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. A citizens group from Birmingham is working to have the monument placed at Linn Park. Woodfin posed for photos with the Jefferson County Memorial Project group before, during and after todays tour. Staff members with the mayor said he would not make any public comments about the project today because it was a citizen-led effort. King said the project organizers will continue to try to build community support to make the project a reality. Schneider said EJI is expected to establish the protocol for counties to obtain their memorials next year. Edited at 10:10 a.m. on Nov. 30 to correct word in first sentence. A lockdown has ended at Sparkman High School, where a threat was made via phone earlier today, officials said. School will dismiss today at 1:45 p.m., the school announced. Classes will resume Wednesday with additional security. The sheriffs office said the campus is safe following a search. Details about the threatening phone call havent been released. Former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is building a home two blocks from the governors beach house which he pushed to have renovated two years ago with $1.8 million in BP oil spill grant money. The home is also near Bentleys former beachside residence he once shared with his ex-wife Dianne, but lost during a 2015 divorce settlement. According to Baldwin County records, the former governor obtained a building permit on November 19, to construct a three-story, five-bedroom and three-bath home on Sea Shell Drive within the Surfside Shores subdivision. The elevated home, located near the beach, consists of 2,413 square feet of heated structure, and 1,148 square feet of non-heated areas. The total estimated construction cost is $173,480, according to county records. Mike Howell, the countys building official, said that Bentleys contractor, not the governor himself, purchased the building permit. This map shows the distance between the state-owned governor's beach house and the private property where former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley recently obtained a building permit to construct a new house. (Ramsey Archibald/rarchibald@al.com). County records indicate that the project is being overseen by C.H. Builders Inc. of Lillian. A call to their office was not returned early Thursday. Howell said that the contractor has six months to begin construction, though they are allowed to request an extension. Bentley, according to Baldwin County Revenue Department records, purchased the Surfside Shores lot from Kanine Properties LLC on Oct. 14, 2016, for $137,500. It was recently appraised at $150,000. John Neiman, an attorney representing the former governor, declined comment. The new home is located within one of the oldest subdivisions within the Fort Morgan peninsula, an unincorporated resort community west of Gulf Shores. Seaside Shores became a focal point in 2016, during friction between Bentley and his administration and Baldwin County officials over the construction of a concrete security wall that blocked the view of the governors beach house. The wall, according to county surveys, encroached on public right-of-way that led Surfside Shores residents and visitors to the beach. No one with the state or within Bentleys administration applied for the appropriate permits to build the wall. It was demolished in June 2016. Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler said Thursday he was unaware that the former governor had purchased private property near the state-owned beach house. Zeigler was the chief critic of Bentleys unilateral decision to approve $1.8 million of grant money stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon to renovate the beachside house. When I first found out that then-Gov. Bentley was diverting $1.8 million in BP to renovate the governors beach house, I said that he was doing this because he had lost his private beach place in the divorce, Zeigler said in a statement to AL.com. That has turned out to be true. The beach house, a 7,400-square-foot home owned by the state for decades, was heavily damaged from Hurricane Danny in 1997. The house served as an escape for past governors dating back to George Wallace. Its unclear how much it has been utilized by current Gov. Kay Ivey. A governor spokeswoman said in October that Ivey has occasionally used the Fort Morgan residence to host local officials but that her schedule as governor limits her use of the property for leisure. Alabama taxpayers are on the hook for the operational costs of three governors residences the 110-year-old Governors Mansion on Perry Street in central Montgomery, the sprawling Blount House property in east Montgomery and the beach house. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Iveys Democratic opponent during this years governors race, questioned whether it was ethical for the state to continue paying the costs on all three properties. Zeigler has also suggested its too expensive to maintain three governors properties. He scoured the beach house in April 2017, as part of an auditors inventory he conducted on the three properties following Bentleys resignation from office after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor campaign finance violations. The infractions stemmed from an alleged affair Bentley had with former political advisor, Rebekah Caldwell Mason. But Zeigler said the Fort Morgan house has no easy resolution. He said the state could deed it back to the original property owner, but would lose out on the $1.8 million in BP money Bentley authorized for the state-owned home. But terms of the original conveyance prevent Ivey from selling the home or repurposing it. Iveys office did not respond to a request for comment. Bentley has left Governor Ivey in an awkward situation about the governors beach house, said Zeigler. It must be used as a governors residence. The Alabama Water Resources Commission voted to approve a resolution Wednesday commending David Roberson for his service on the commission despite his July conviction on bribery, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges. Roberson was convicted of bribing then-State Rep. Oliver Robinson to oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys proposal to add a polluted Birmingham neighborhood to the Agencys National Priorities List. Roberson was a vice president for the Drummond Company, one of the industries identified as a potentially responsible party for the pollution, meaning the government could try to force them to pay for the cleanup. Roberson was sentenced to two and a half years in prison in October. Roberson was appointed to the Alabama Water Resources Commission, an advisory board for the governor and state legislators on water issues, in 2014 by then-Gov. Robert Bentley. The Commission consists of 19 voting members who are selected by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house. The resolution was unanimously approved, according to Curt Chaffin of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, and thanked Roberson for his exemplary service to the Commission. Today at AL Water Resources Commission meeting, the govt body unanimously passed a resolution thanking former Vice Chair David Roberson for his service and commitment to water and the environment. #ALpolitics #thwartergate pic.twitter.com/zma3ZUNSPP Curt Chaffin (@RiverDefender) November 28, 2018 The Commission is organized by the Alabama Office of Water Resources, a division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). ADECA spokesman Mike Presley said such resolutions are a customary practice" for members who depart the commission throughout the year. Two other former commissioners -- Ashley Cousins and Thomas Buddy Morgan -- were similarly honored at Wednesdays meeting. The resolutions are narrow in scope and thank members only for their service to the commission, Presley said. The full resolution honoring Roberson and the other commissioners is embedded below. The Jefferson County judge and his daughter who were wounded in an incident that left the judges wife dead have been released from a Denver hospital. A family member said longtime Jefferson County Probate Court Presiding Judge Alan King and his daughter Kendall have been released from a hospital in Denver, where they were struck in a hit-and-run on Thanksgiving night. Kings wife, Karen, was killed in the incident. The driver of the car who struck the King family has not been found. Family said King and his daughter are starting physical therapy, and funeral arrangements for Karen have not been announced. The three were struck about 10 p.m. Thursday on Martin Luther King Boulevard and Quebec Street, according to Denver police. All three were taken to a local hospital, where Karen was pronounced dead. King and his daughter were admitted with serious injuries. One of Kings brothers, retired Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Tom King, posted about his brothers recovery on Facebook early Saturday. Though Alan and Kendall remain hospitalized, we are very hopeful that their recovery will be full and complete, Tom King posted. Judge King and his wife, a library specialist at Rocky Ridge Elementary School, were in Denver visiting their daughter for Thanksgiving. According to police, the three were struck after an unidentified driver drove through an intersection and ran a red light. The driver fled the scene after striking the King family, but witnesses described the vehicle to authorities. Police have said online they are looking for a black or dark-colored sedan with damage to the front end & windshield. King was first elected as a probate judge in 2000 and was reelected in 2006, 2012, and 2018. He has served as Presiding Judge over the court since 2007, and is also the Chief Election Official of Jefferson County. He was tapped to join President Donald Trumps Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, and became one of 11 members on the commission. Last year, he submitted a five-page report to the panel letting other members know how he felt about what he sees as an effort to keep people from voting, rather than expanding the right to vote. In 2016, King said he wouldnt run again in 2018 for the top probate spot. He changed his mind though, and won the election on Nov. 6. The 65-year-old Democrat and father of two grew up in a household filled with judges and politicians-- his grandfather was a presiding criminal Circuit Court judge, his father was a state senator, and his older brother Tom was a civil Circuit Court judge. He has also been vocal about several controversial issues during his career, including support for issuing marriage licenses to gay couples and opposing a national travel ban. Trump and Xi are unlikely to reach a deal that can resolve the current strains in relations at the upcoming G20 summit. The G20 Summit will kick off in Argentina on November 30 with most eyes focused on tensions between the United States and China over a range of trade and security issues. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, Washington has taken a harder line towards Beijing, especially on trade, and has insisted that the pressure will not relent until China comes to the table with a deal that addresses long-running concerns. The US president has played up his upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as Beijings chance to make concessions necessary for the lifting of a series of punishing tariffs put on China earlier this year. in the run-up to the meeting, Trump remarked: I know every ingredient, every stat. I know it better than everybody knows it. My gut is always right. China wants to make a deal. If we can make a deal, we will. The Trump administration has levied 25 percent tariffs on Chinese goods worth more than $34bn in July. An additional $200bn of goods are subjected to 10 percent tariffs since September. If there is no deal made in Argentina, Trump has threatened to impose even more tariffs on China in the coming months increasing the rates to 25 percent across the board. China has also been called out for its unfair trade practices such as its dumping of subsidised goods in the US market, stealing intellectual property and proliferating counterfeit goods. But the trade tensions are just a part of the picture. Earlier this month, US Vice President Mike Pence was in Singapore to attend the East Asia Summit and in Papua New Guinea for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders summit. Pence, who stood in for Trump at the meetings, mirrored Washingtons labelling of Beijing as a strategic competitor in key national security documents such as the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. {articleGUID} As a result of Pences continued articulation of Washingtons new stance towards China, APEC member states were unable to produce a joint statement after this years leaders summit they failed to agree on wording related to protectionism and unfair trade practices. This was a first in the organisations history, underlining the gravity and over-reaching impacts of the deepening tensions between the US and China. Pences actions in East Asia came on the back of an array of other US moves critiquing Chinas activities both in trade and security realms. In an unprecedented policy speech last month at the Hudson Institute, Pence had outlined a laundry list of US concerns on China from unfair trade practices and foreign interference to its regional aggressiveness in the East and South China Seas. Pence insisted that when it comes to Beijings malign influence and interference in American politics and policy, we will continue to expose it, no matter the form it takes. In light of all this, while Trump may indeed expect Xi to come to the G-20 with his arms full of concessions on trade, the reality is that anything the latter offers will likely be little more than cosmetic gestures. This will provide the US with two choices: double down on their pressure towards Beijing, or oversell any deal and claim it as another victory for the administrations America First policy. The latter, while quite possible considering the track record of the White House, seems unlikely to succeed. {articleGUID} This is true for several reasons. First, the Trump administrations tougher approach to China while often crude in its articulation (especially on trade) is grounded in long-standing bipartisan concerns about Beijings behaviour and its effect on the US and its allies in the region. The current strains in relations between Washington and Beijing, stemming from deep-rooted disagreements on a variety of issues between the two nations, are unlikely to be resolved with any lone trade deal. A clear case in point on this is Washingtons increasingly open criticism of Xis signature foreign policy strategy the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In a stinging public rebuke, Pence warned against roads to nowhere and constricting belts when talking about infrastructure development in the region. The US has also doubled down on its own counter to the BRI, announcing a plan to pour billions into the region alongside its key allies Japan and Australia to promote shared visions of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, China shows no concrete signs that it is willing to pull back from coercively enforcing its sovereignty claims in the East and South China Seas. Beijing has also been ramping up the pressure on Taiwan picking off its last few diplomatic allies and enhancing its military capabilities in the Taiwan Straits. All of these issues in addition to a long list of concerns from the US on cyber activities, foreign interference and more make any comprehensive deal out of reach in the coming months. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. The job cuts announced by GM and the shrinking of the industrial base are the bells tolling for the next crash. Whats good for General Motors once upon a time was good for the USA. Thats a reasonable paraphrase of what Charlie Wilson, the then CEO of General Motors (GM), said back in 1953. President Eisenhower had nominated him to be Secretary of Defense. During the confirmation hearings, he was asked if he could make a decision that goes against the interests of GM. Wilson said he would, but that he couldnt conceive of such a situation because for years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors, and vice versa. At the time, there was a great deal of truth in it. About one in every 200 working people in America worked for GM, and the companys revenues equalled about 3 percent of the countrys gross domestic product. Right now, however, whats good for GM is bad for the US. Its closing three car plants and will halt operations at two plants making transmissions. It will cut 14,700 jobs. That includes reducing its white-collar workforce by 15 percent, about 8,100 people. The effect of closing a plant is more like tossing a boulder in a puddle than a mere pebble in a pond. Jon Gabrielsen, a market economist who advises carmakers and auto suppliers, points out, It goes from an auto supplier all the way to the clerks at Kroger. Anywhere theres an assembly plant or an auto-related plant thats going to close, itll wipe out the town. Anyone who loses a job will have to move to get a job. Earlier this year, Ford had announced that it was reorganising and that there would be significant job reductions, though the numbers were not specified. Morgan Stanley has speculated that Ford may pare more than 20,000 jobs from its global workforce of 202,000. In May, Harley Davidson announced a US plant closure. Its a much smaller company, with a much smaller impact, but its still a harbinger. Most headlines on Harley Davidsons announcement were similar to the one chosen by NBC: Harley-Davidson workers stunned by plant closure after tax cut. All such headlines should have been followed by, Well, gosh, duh! Meaning that the workers and the media and economists should not have expected an increase in industrial jobs to follow tax cuts, they should have expected job cuts. They should have expected job cuts for two reasons one trivial and one significant. The trivial reason is that almost anything that Donald Trump promises is likely not to materialise. The much more significant reason is that history tells us job cuts usually follows tax cuts. The hollowing out of Americas industrial heartland followed the Reagan tax cuts and the hollowing out of Britains industrial heartland followed Thatchers programs. I dare not say that the relationship is causal as that would provoke heart attacks among economists, but there is an undeniable correlation. There have been various tax rises and cuts since. There is no instance in which tax cuts were followed by industrial growth. There are multiple instances in which tax cuts have been followed by job cuts. Among the most notable was the tax repatriation (bring back money from overseas at special low rates) under George W Bush, which was followed by massive layoffs by the companies that brought back the most money. What has followed tax cuts is financialisation shifts in the economy away from the production of goods and services to playing with money. This includes lots of mergers and acquisitions, lots of exciting and fun financial instruments, and vastly increased debt personal, business and governmental. Once again, the new tax cuts have been followed by all three. Quite quickly. The managements at GM and Ford both believe that they are correctly reshaping their companies to respond to both current conditions and ready them for a changing future. If theyre right, and they may well be, then when that future comes, they will be better prepared to meet it and profit from it. While autoworkers were aghast, investors welcomed the news, sending GMs shares up 4.8 percent to their highest closing price in about three months. To coin a phrase, Whats bad for autoworkers and America, is good for Wall Street! Thats the problem. Whats good for GM may not be good for the nation. The growing bubble Which is growing faster and more certainly, the revamped car companies or the bubble? Bubbles can be recognised and even defined by the distance between various markets and the real economy. The Financial Times Lexicon defines real economy as the part of the economy that is concerned with actually producing goods and services. After tax cuts, finance does not merely get disproportionately bigger than the real economy. It sucks money and activity out of it. Thats clearly whats happening. The greater the distance between finance a combination of market prices and various forms of debt and the real economy, the more unstable the bubble is. At the beginning of the year, the stock market had already reached two times the height of the 2008 bubble and four times the height of the trough after that one crashed. These jobs cuts, and the wage cuts that are likely to follow when autoworkers negotiate their contracts in the coming year, make conditions worse by reducing the amount of money going to people in the real economy workers and salaried employees the consumer base that buys real goods and services. Most accounts attribute at least some of the problems to Trumps tariffs, which were supposed to bring industrial jobs back. Theres a special negative magic to Trumps thinking when applied to actual economic activities. His gigantic investment in casinos was going to dominate the East Coast gambling industry. They went bankrupt. His overpriced purchase of the Plaza Hotel was going to make that icon even more iconic. It went bankrupt. His tariffs seem to be playing out the same way. They have probably speeded up the negatives that follow tax cuts and possibly set off the alarm signals sooner. Best guess is that these job cuts and shrinking of the industrial base again are the bells tolling for the next crash. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. An attack on a Syrian refugee teenager in the United Kingdom, captured in a widely-shared video, has sparked global outrage and prompted a crowdfunding campaign that has raised more than $175,000 for the family. The video, posted on Tuesday, showed the 15-year-old, whose arm is in a sling, being throttled by another teenager, and then wrestled to the ground at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield city. The attacker appears to choke the teen by pouring water on his face, while pinning him down, saying, Ill drown you. The video ends with the Syrian teenager walking away, without reacting, as his attacker and others are heard verbally abusing him. Speaking to a local TV channel, the teenager later said he was scared to go to the school. I woke up at night and just started crying, he told the UKs ITV on Wednesday They think Im different different from them. I dont feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad: I dont want to go to school any more. A 16-year-old teenager has been charged with the racially-aggravated assault and questioned, the British police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on October 25 and has been subject to thorough investigation, the West Yorkshire Police said in a statement. Absolutely shocking Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said the video was absolutely shocking. Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention, he wrote on Twitter. British media reported that the Facebook page of the alleged attacker contained numerous posts shared from the page of far-right British leader, Tommy Robinson. Robinson is the founder of English Defence League, a group that has organised protests against Muslim immigrants in the UK. {articleGUID} Since Tuesday, when the video of the assault first emerged, social media users across the world have raised money for the Syrian family, with the organisers saying they are close to their goal of nearly $192,000. Mohammed Tahir, founder of the crowdfunding page, wrote on Twitter that the 15-year-old boy and his sister have suffered months of bullying since moving to Huddersfield. He referred to another video that emerged showing a girl, who was wearing hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women who feel it is part of their religion, being harassed and pushed by a group, local reports said. The girl is believed to be the teens younger sister. Tasnime Akunjee, a lawyer representing the family, told Guardian that the family was considering moving away from the area and reportedly had offers to settle in Oxford. Media reports said the teenagers family had fled the Syrian city of Homs, which was under siege between 2011 and 2014 following an armed rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian war, which started in 2011, has claimed more than 465,000 lives and displaced some 12 million people, more than half of the countrys prewar population, prompting a massive refugee crisis. The video of the Syrian refugee boy being bullied. The way he just gets up and walks away Just want to give him a hug and say, its going to be ok bro. AssedBaig (@AssedBaig) November 27, 2018 This is genuinely heartbreakingthe school's behaviour has been shameful. I just wonder how many other kids who come from similar backgrounds have to go through the same https://t.co/zmhTxaA2qi Shafik Mandhai (@ShafikFM) November 28, 2018 Cant stop thinking about that poor Syrian boy. Hes managed to survive & escape a war zone & countless bombings only to end up in Huddersfield with some c*nt called Bailey who is clearly making his life even harder each day. I wish I could unsee that video. Alex (@InkedUpSHAQ) November 28, 2018 Buenos Aires, Argentina Every Thursday since 1977, a group of women march around the Plaza de Mayo, the square in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, where the presidential palace is located. Their demand? The return of their disappeared children. Tens of thousands of people were forcibly disappeared during Argentinas last dictatorship (1976-1983). Many have been confirmed dead, the whereabouts of others remain unknown. On Thursday, the group marched again, for the 2,120th time, reiterating their demand as world leaders arrived in the city for the G20 summit. There are places here where children dont have bread or meat, and the politicians are busy worrying about taking each others jobs, Hebe de Bonafini, president of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo Association, said of the upcoming summit. {articleGUID} Several hundred people gathered to support the mothers, and against President Mauricio Macri who turned to the IMF for a loan in June of this year, setting off mass protests in the country. Many also called for the release of political prisoners and a greater focus on tackling issues like poverty and climate change. Theyre [world leaders] all genocidal and they come to spend the money of our state, said Sylvia Flores, who has marched in solidarity with the mothers for the past four years. They come to chat and they dont do anything about climate change or hunger. Mothers of Argentinas disappeared march against G20 [Amy Booth/Al Jazeera] As the mothers marched around the square in two groups, the name of each person was disappeared was called. The crowd responded by saying presente to symbolise that each person was present among the group. De Bonafini criticised the G20 leaders for what she called their greed, extractivist policies, and failure to meet the needs of their people. Three of de Bonafinis children were disappeared during the dictatorship, but she doesnt speak about their stories because one of the mothers guiding principles is the socialisation of motherhood. They aim to represent all of those who lost their lives fighting for democracy, rather than specific individuals. De Bonafini and the other mothers in the association also refuse to receive any kind of compensation from the government. You cant put a price on life, especially not the life of a revolutionary, she said. There are places here where children don't have bread or meat, and the politicians are busy worrying about taking each other's jobs Hebe de Bonafini, president of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo association The mothers had to arrive in the square three hours before the march due to security measures put in place for the G20 summit. In 42 years we have never been prohibited from marching, de Bonafini said prior to the mothers heading to the square. Once they put fences up and we had to get ladders and climb up one side and down the other. We cant do that any more because were 90 but they havent stopped us before and they wont stop us now. In the early years, the mothers had to march in small groups often in pairs to avoid being arrested. Just a few months after they began their protest in 1977, a man infiltrated the group by pretending his brother had been taken. Three of the most active mothers Azucena Villaflor de Vicenti, Maria Ponce and Esther Ballestrino de Careaga were arrested, tortured and thrown from planes into the sea. Nobody wanted to come to the square after that, de Bonafini said. We had to go knocking from door to door to get them to come again. But the mothers, donning their symbolic white headscarves, and their supporters continued to march and will keep doing so every Thursday. Colombia protest: Students threaten more mass rallies It has been billed a takeover of the capital as student protests grow louder in Colombia. Theresa May and Labours Jeremy Corbyn to debate Brexit on December 9, but will it be BBC or ITV? British Prime Minister Theresa May is willing to debate her Brexit deal on television, but cannot agree with the opposition on a broadcaster and format. May and Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, are set to contest her Brexit plan on December 9 two days before a crunch vote in the British parliament. But they are yet to settle on which channel will brodcast the debate, wrangling over which primetime slot will draw a bigger audience, and on whether to include an audience or panel to ask questions. The United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union on March 29 next year, even as the nation remains sceptical over the divorce agreement. Meanwhile, smaller opposition parties such as the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Liberal Democrats are furious that they look set to be shut out from the TV debate. BBC or ITV? The back-and-forth began after the BBC announced that Conservative leader May had accepted its debate offer, but that it was still waiting to hear back from Corbyn. However, Corbyn said on Thursday that he favoured the commercial operator, ITV. While the BBC had proposed that the leaders debate alongside a panel asking questions could be broadcast, Labour reportedly objected, preferring ITVs proposal for a head-to-head format. {articleGUID} This would be the first time May has been willing to go up against the Labour leader in a live television debate after she refused to take part in any in the run-up to last years general election. Meanwhile, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said it would be a travesty of democracy if a range of political voices were frozen out. The SNP is the third-largest parliamentary party, with 35 seats in the 650-seat chamber. The Liberal Democrats said it had written to the director general of the BBC, questioning the legality of excluding them from the debate. With 12 seats, they are the fourth-largest party in parliament. Debates between leaders have become a fixture of British politics over the past decade, with months spent trying to agree on a debate format during the 2015 general election. May came in for heavy criticism during the 2017 snap general election for dodging direct TV debates with other party leaders and sending the then-Home Secretary Amber Rudd to take part instead. She later justified her decision, saying it was more important to take questions directly from the voters. Best deal for UK Ministers of Parliament in the House of Commons will vote on December 11 on the divorce deal agreed by May with the EU, with many already warning they plan to oppose it. {articleGUID} Appearing before a committee of legislators on Thursday, May repeated that the decision was up to parliament, but stressed that she had got the best deal for the UK. After securing a deal with the EU over the weekend, May has launched a nationwide campaign to drum up support for her agreement. The odds look stacked against May winning parliamentary approval for her deal with criticism coming from all sides, including the Northern Irish party propping up her minority Conservative government. Who will meet MBS? Will there be a breakthrough in the US-China trade war? What groups are leading protests? All eyes will be on Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday and Friday as leaders from 19 of the worlds top economies, as well as representatives from the European Union gather for the 13th G20 summit. This years meeting comes as tensions grow between China and the United States over trade differences, a conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates and pressure mounts to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to account for the murder of writer Jamal Khashoggi. Heres what you should watch for at this years summit: Who will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman? The Saudi crown prince, also known by his initials MBS, landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, two days before the G20 is set to begin. It will be his first chance to potentially meet Western leaders since the murder of Saudi journalist Khashoggi in Turkey. After offering several contradicting accounts, the kingdom admitted last month Khashoggi had been killed in its Istanbul consulate on October 2 and his body dismembered. {articleGUID} Riyadh has said that Prince Mohammed had no knowledge of the killing, which Turkey said was ordered at the highest level of Saudi leadership. Erdogan ruled out King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, however. The murder has strained relations between Saudi Arabia and several other countries, with rights groups and politicians calling for Prince Mohammed to be held to account. Human Rights Watch submitted a request to Argentinas federal judge on Monday, asking the country to investigate Prince Mohammed for possible war crimes in Yemen and the murder of Khashoggi. On Wednesday, a judge asked Argentinas foreign ministry to seek information from Turkey, Yemen and the International Criminal Court. Among the few leaders Prince Mohammed is expected to meet is Russian President Vladimir Putin. The pair will discuss the killing of Khashoggi, but the main aim would be developing Russia-Saudi relations, said Putins foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. Handout picture released by the G20 Press Office showing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his arrival to Buenos Aires [Handout/G20 Press Office/AFP] Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told German daily Sueffeutsche Zeitung on Tuesday that Prince Mohammed requested to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip during the summit. UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday he is willing to meet Prince Mohammed at the summit to discuss an end to the war in Yemen. On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he will meet Prince Mohammed during the G20 summit. Ive always been very clear about the issue of Saudi Arabia and I will inevitably have the opportunity to discuss it with the Saudi crown prince on the sidelines of the G20, he said at a press conference with his Argentine counterpart. {articleGUID} On Tuesday, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said there are no plans for a meeting between MBS and President Donald Trump at the summit. But White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said she could not rule out possible interaction between MBS and Trump at the G20. Trump said on Thursday, he would have been willing to meet Prince Mohammed, but no such meeting had been scheduled. Although Trump admitted last week that Prince Mohammed may have known about the murder, the president said the US will remain a steadfast partner with the kingdom. The US placed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals allegedly involved in Khashoggis murder. Argentine President Mauricio Macri said on Thursday that accusations against MBS of war crimes and torture may be discussed during the G20 summit. Rights groups have also vowed to protest against Prince Mohammeds appearance at the G20. 2. Trump-Xi meeting: Will there be a breakthrough? Trump will host a dinner for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Saturday where the pair are expected to try to come some sort of compromise on trade. {articleGUID} It will be the first meeting between the leaders of the worlds biggest economies since Washington imposed tariffs on $250bn in Chinese imports and China retaliated with its own measures. China hopes to convince Washington to hold off on hiking tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on January 1. Although officials from both countries have expressed scepticism, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Tuesday that the summit offers an opportunity to break through what has been disappointing discussions over the last several months. {articleGUID} In his view, there is a good possibility that a deal can be made and [Trump] is open to it, Kudlow told reporters. But Kudlow cautioned that if conditions are not met on a number of issues, including intellectual property theft and other practices, the president is prepared to hike tariffs on Chinese imports. On Thursday, Trump signalled he was open to making a deal with China, but was not sure he wanted one. I am open to making a deal, but frankly, I like the deal we have right now, Trump told reporters as he departed for Argentina. For Chinas part, Beijings ambassador to Washington said on Tuesday that his country is going into the G20 hoping for a deal, but warning of dire consequences if US hardliners try to separate the two economies. Speaking to Reuters news agency before heading to join Chinese President Xi Jinpings delegation G20, Cui Tiankai said China and the United States had a shared responsibility to cooperate in the interests of the global economy. {articleGUID} Asked whether he though hardliners in the White House were seeking to separate the closely linked US and Chinese economies, Cui said he did not think it was possible or helpful to do so, adding I dont know if people really realise the possible consequences the impact, the negative impact if there is such a decoupling. The lessons of history are still there. In the last century, we had two world wars, And in between them, the Great Depression. I dont think anybody should really try to have a repetition of history. These things should never happen again, so people have to act in a responsible way. 3. No Trump-Putin meeting Trump cancelled his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladmir Putin as he departed for the G20 summit. In a tweet on Thursday, the US president said he made the decision based on the escalating tensions between Russian and Ukraine. Kiev declared martial law in several of the countrys regions this week after Russia seized three Ukrainian ships near the Crimean peninsula. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously schedule meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin, Trump tweeted, adding that he looks forward to a meaningful summit as soon as the situation is resolved. The Kremlin said it had not been notified of Trumps decision. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and now controls both sides of the Kerch Strait where the incident took place. The pair were expected to discuss the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty after Trump said in October the United States would quit the agreement because Russia was not honouring it. US officials had hoped the G20 meeting between the two leaders would have been a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki. {articleGUID} At that closed-door meeting, which took place in July, the two leaders said they touched on a range of issues, including international security and trade. The Helsinki summit was overshadowed though when Trump failed to challenge Putin over interference in the US elections. He was later forced to admit he misspoke and clarify that he does accept the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia did meddle in the 2016 presidential elections. 4. No to the G20: Anti-capitalist and other protests expected As with other G20 summits, anti-capitalist and other protests are expected throughout conference. {articleGUID} The major demonstrations will kick off with the Peoples Summit on Wednesday. Participants of the alternative meeting will discuss a number of issues from food security to how to combat climate change. The Peoples Summit will continue through Friday when a large demonstration is expected. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women whose children and grandchildren were disappeared during Argentinas Dirty War, are also expected to protest on Thursday. Rights groups also plan to protest the potential appearance of Saudi Prince Mohammed over the kingdoms role in Yemen and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Members of social groups gather to protest against the Group 20 summit, in Buenos Aires [Marcos Brindicci/Reuters] Argentina has declared Friday a public holiday and suspended train service on Friday and Saturday. The government, which faces near daily protests over its economic austerity programme, has vowed to crack down on protests, saying illegal acts will not be permitted. The event will be guarded by 22,000 police and 700 security ministry agents, and the government has been in contact with a number of foreign security services, including those in the United States, Britain, Brazil, Italy and Spain, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told reporters on Tuesday, Bullrich also told local media that residents should leave the city until the summit concludes. 5. Signing of the USMCA The United States, Mexico and Canada are expected to sign a revised North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Friday, which has been dubbed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). {articleGUID} The agreement, announced in October, updates the 1994 NAFTA agreement and promises to lead to freer, fairer markets, and to robust economic growth. It is unclear who will sign the deal behalf of each of the countries. Canadian media reported on Tuesday that the final text of the agreement was also still being hammered out. If the agreement is signed, it will then be sent to each of the countrys legislatures where it must be ratified before it can enter into force. 6. May to seek post-Brexit trading future UK Prime Minister Theresa May will use the G20 to sell Britains post-Brexit trading future outside the EU. But Trump has done her no favours by mocking a hard-fought withdrawal agreement negotiated between London and Brussels. After a year and a half of arduous negotiations, the 27 leaders took less than half an hour to rubber-stamp a 600-page treaty on Sunday that sets the terms for the UKs withdrawal from the European Union on March 29 and a 26-page declaration outlining ambitions for a future free trade relationship. May now faces the arduous task of winning parliamentary backing for the deal, which foresees London following many EU rules to maintain easy trade access, with the British leader expected to face fierce resistance in the coming weeks from both supporters and opponents of Brexit within her government and other opposition parties. Follow all of the latest updates from the G20 here. Doctors without Borders says number of injuries would overstretch the best healthcare systems in the world. An international medical aid group says the vast number of patients treated for gunshot wounds from months of border protests has overwhelmed Gazas already fragile healthcare system. Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, on Thursday said thousands of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire during the ongoing Great March of Return protests were at risk of infection and disability because Gaza could not treat them adequately. In all, some 6,000 Palestinians were shot by Israeli forces during the demonstrations along the separation fence since March, according to the besieged enclaves health ministry. Around 1,000 of those have infections that could ultimately lead to amputations or even death. MSF, which has provided care for thousands of Palestinians since the protests began, said most of those hurt by live fire were shot in the legs, often resulting in open fractures prone to infection. This many patients would overstretch the best healthcare systems in the world. In Gaza, it is a crushing blow, Marie-Elisabeth Ingres, MSFs chief for the Palestinian territories, said in a statement. The NGO called on Israel to allow those injured out of the blockaded strip for necessary treatment and for governments to offer their medical facilities for the wounded. The alternative that thousands of patients will be left to deal with terrible injuries, with many permanently disabled and dependent on their families is unconscionable when adequate treatment is within the worlds grasp, she said. Collective punishment Israel maintains a tight blockade of Gaza it says is necessary to isolate the strips rulers, Hamas, and keep the group from obtaining weapons or material that could be used to make them. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment of the two million residents. {articleGUID} The border protests have been backed by Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008. Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be able to return to their former homes now inside Israel. At least 235 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since March 30, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank attacks. Two Israeli soldiers were killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another in a botched Israeli special forces operation inside the Gaza Strip. Bank employees accused of helping customers to set up offshore firms and transfer proceeds from criminal activities. German investigators looking for evidence of possible money laundering have searched multiple offices belonging to Deutsche Bank. A total of 170 officers from the Frankfurt public prosecutors office, the Criminal Bureau of Investigation (BKA), the tax fraud office and the federal police searched the head office of Germanys largest lender in Frankfurt, among other properties, on Thursday morning. A total of six properties were searched in Frankfurt, Eschborn and Gross-Umstadt, the public prosecutor said. It is suspected that bank employees helped customers set up offshore firms in tax havens. The prosecutor suspects further that proceeds from criminal activity were transferred into Deutsche Bank accounts without the bank flagging the transactions as potential money-laundering cases. The investigation was launched after evaluation of the explosive Panama Papers tax haven revelations and the previous Offshore Leaks report of offshore bank accounts, according to a government spokesman, Nadja Niesen. The analysis gave rise to suspicion that Deutsche Bank was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and the proceeds of crimes were transferred there from Deutsche Bank accounts without the bank reporting it. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers are alleged to have transferred some 311m euros to one such company set up in the British Virgin Islands, she said. The suspects are accused of failing to report the suspicious transactions even though there was sufficient evidence to have been aware of it. Deutsche Bank confirmed that authorities were conducting an investigation at a number of our offices in Germany. The investigation has to do with the Panama Papers case, the bank said. More details will be communicated as soon as these become known. We are cooperating fully with the authorities. Deutsche Bank shares slid sharply after the news broke, and were down 3.75 percent in midday trading in Frankfurt. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sanctioned the wife of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and one of his aides under a new executive order allowing Washington to target Nicaraguan officials for a crackdown on anti-government protests. The US Treasury said it had used the new executive order to punish Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo, Ortegas wife, and an aide it named as Nestor Moncada Lau, accusing them of undermining Nicaraguas democracy. This administration is committed to holding the Ortega regime accountable for the violent protests and widespread corruption that have led to the deaths of hundreds of innocent Nicaraguans and destroyed their economy, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement on Tuesday. Treasury is intent on ensuring that Ortega regime insiders are not able to access the US financial system to profit at the expense of the Nicaraguan people, he added. In announcing the sanctions, the US officials accused Murillo of dismantling Nicaraguas democratic institutions and looting its wealth in an effort to consolidate power. They also described Moncada Lau as acting as a national security adviser to both Ortega and Murillo. While he does not have an official position in the government, he is believed to have considerable influence over the police. Treasury sanctions Nicaraguas Vice President/First Lady Rosario Maria Murillo De Ortega & National Security Advisor Nestor Moncada Lau under new @POTUS EO addressing pervasive corruption, serious human rights abuse & violence in Nicaragua. https://t.co/9Np2i55kEZ Treasury Department (@USTreasury) November 27, 2018 President Ortegas government called the measures ordered against the first lady a continuation of the historical interference and interventionist policies of the North American imperial power against Nicaragua. We declare as inadmissible, inconsequential, disrespectful, false and illegitimate all the accusations that confirm the imperialist perspectives and practices of the United States of America, the government said in a statement. The step will have the effect of freezing any property owned by Murillo and Moncada Lau that falls under US jurisdiction and of barring US individuals, banks and other entities from carrying out any transactions with them. Ongoing crisis According to Human Rights groups, more than 300 people have been killed and at least 2,000 injured in crackdowns by police and armed groups on protests that began over government plans to cut welfare benefits and then escalated into broader opposition to Ortega. {articleGUID} Tuesdays sanctions, however, may fail to crimp either targets assets due to the lack of a paper trail, said Roberto Cajina, a former adviser to the ministry of defence. Neither Rosario Murillo or Moncada Lau have investments in their own names. Everything is done through front men, Cajina told Reuters. This is not an economic blow. It is a political blow. US officials said they were trying to influence Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla leader whose response to the protests has been compared with the reign of Anastasio Somoza, the dictator he helped topple in 1979. Its a message to President Ortega to find an exit strategy and to begin a process for free and fair elections, a senior Trump administration official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Its an opportunity to find some type of solution to the crisis that they have created. Ortega, who ruled the country from 1979 to 1990, has held elected office as president since 2007. The current violence comes after years of calm and is the worst since his Sandinista movement battled US-backed Contra rebels in the 1980s. Anti-Semitic incident at Columbia University comes as rising number of hate crimes are reported across the US. New York City A Jewish professors office at a university in New York City has been vandalised with anti-Semitic graffiti, including swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur, underlining recent concerns of a rising number of hate crimes against Jews in the United States. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), Elizabeth Midlarsky, a professor in psychology and education at Columbia Universitys Teachers College in Manhattan, discovered the swastikas on the wall of her office on Wednesday afternoon. There were two swastikas and the word YID on the wall, Detective Hubert Reyes of the NYPD told Al Jazeera. YID, from Yiddish, is widely considered a slur against Jews. The detective said no one had been arrested, adding that the NYPDs hate crime task force was investigating for a possible biased crime. Outraged and horrified Midlarsky did not respond to requests from Al Jazeera for comment, but the college newspaper Columbia Daily Spectator, quoted her saying that she was in a state of shock. I stopped for a moment because I couldnt believe what I was seeing, Midlarsky said. Columbia Universitys Teachers College did not respond to questions sent by Al Jazeera but, in a letter to its community, Thomas Bailey, president of the college, said: We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression. Columbia Teachers College professors office vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti https://t.co/CqUDugjyrF Columbia Daily Spectator (@ColumbiaSpec) November 29, 2018 We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society. We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community, Bailey wrote. According to multiple reports, this is the second time Midlarskys office has been defaced with anti-Semitic slurs. The first time it happened was in 2007. In speaking to the Columbia Spectator, she attributed Wednesdays vandalism to the broader rise of anti-Semitism across the country. Uptick in hate crimes The US has seen an uptick in hate crimes, particularly against African Americans, the LGBTQ community and the Jewish and Muslim communities, since President Donald Trump took office in 2016. In early November, the NYPD said there had been a 22 percent increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2018. Writing in the Washington Post following the massacre of 11 people at Pittsburghs Tree of Life synagogue in October, Rabbi Danny Schiff, foundation scholar at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, said even though anti-Semitism is at a low ebb in the contemporary US compared with any other moment in Jewish history, anxiety over an anti-Semitic resurgence is never far from the surface, and the inexorable drumbeat of anti-Semitism can hardly be said to have been silenced. Robert Bowers, who posted a number of anti-Semitic remarks on the social media site Gab, has been charged with a slew of crimes, including federal hate crimes, for the attack. Earlier this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) said the number of reported hate crimes had increased in 2017 by 17 percent, the largest increase in more than 10 years. It said it documented 7,175 hate crimes across the country through the course of the year. At least 20 percent of all incidents were linked to anti-religious bias. It also said that the number of anti-Semitic incidents had increased by 37 percent between 2016 and 2017. The FBI report corroborated earlier findings published in May by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, which found that the number of hate crimes reported to the police in the countrys largest cities had increased by 12.5 percent in 2017. The report concluded that in New York City, home to 1.1 million Jews and considered the largest concentration of Jews outside Israel, the community have consistently been the top target and the overwhelming majority of anti-Semitic attacks in the 10 largest cities. Trump sends a message these acts are acceptable Ginna Green, chief strategy officer of Bend the Arc, a Jewish social movement based in New York City, told Al Jazeera that the latest act of vandalism was a reminder that communities remain under threat by white nationalism in our government and our neighbourhoods. Green said Trumps embrace of white nationalist ideology and rhetoric has created the conditions for anti-Semitic harassment and violence. By not only failing to condemn white nationalism, but actively encouraging it and adopting it as his worldview, Trump sends a message to his supporters that these horrific acts are acceptable. Earlier this month, Bend the Arc launched the Reject White Nationalism campaign, calling on incoming members of Congress to sign a pledge denouncing white nationalism. For the recent wave of violent attacks to stop, it will require a president who stops using conspiracy theories - against anyone - Muslims, Mexicans, foreigners - as a foil to win elections. Jeffrey Herf, University of Maryland Jeffrey Herf, professor at the Department of History at University of Maryland, told Al Jazeera that the movement of anti-semitism from the margin to the mainstream is the great problem, as Trumps conspiracy theories have made evident. The otherness of Jews in the United States has to do with lingering cliches inherited from Christianity, cliches and stereotypes that are reproduced in lies and distortions about Israel and its policies, he said. For the recent wave of violent attacks to stop, it will require a president who stops using conspiracy theories against anyone Muslims, Mexicans, foreigners as a foil to win elections. Kashmir sees its deadliest year in about a decade Over 500 people have died since January in Indian-administered region after army stepped up presence, rights groups say. South Koreas top court ruled on Thursday that Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must compensate 28 South Koreans for forced labour during World War II in a ruling that drew an immediate rebuke from Tokyo. The decision echoed the Supreme Courts landmark verdict last month that ruled in favour of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japans Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal for their wartime forced labour. The court upheld a 2013 appeals court decision that Mitsubishi must pay 80 million won ($71,000) in compensation to each of the 23 plaintiffs. In a separate ruling, the court also ordered Mitsubishi to pay up to $134,000 to each of five plaintiffs or their families. Deeply regrettable Mitsubishi called the verdict deeply regrettable, saying in a statement it would discuss its response with the Japanese government. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono issued a statement condemning the courts decision, which he said was unacceptable. This fundamentally overturns the legal basis for friendly ties between Japan and South Korea and is extremely regrettable, Kono said. The five former labourers had previously pursued legal action in Japan but their cases were dismissed on the grounds that the South Koreans right to reparation was terminated by a 1965 treaty that normalised diplomatic ties between the two countries. However, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld last months ruling that Japans occupation of the peninsula was illegal. The treaty does not cover the right of the victims of forced labour to compensation for crimes against humanity committed by a Japanese company in direct connection with the Japanese governments illegal colonial rule and war of aggression against the Korean Peninsula, the court said in a statement. I feel great Kim Seong-ju, a 90-year-old plaintiff in the second case, said she was sent to Japan when she was 15 on the recommendation of her teacher, who was a Japanese national. I was told that I could go to middle and high school and study more, but it turned out I had to work at the factory all the time, Kim told a news conference after the ruling, showing her permanently injured hand. Now I feel great. Japan and South Korea share a bitter history that includes Japans 1910-1945 colonisation of the Korean Peninsula and the use of comfort women, Japans euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in military brothels. The rows over wartime history have long been a stumbling block for relations between the East Asian neighbours, sparking concern their joint efforts to rein in North Koreas nuclear programme could be affected. Its the third time this year American vessels entered the strait in a move certain to stoke tensions with China. The United States sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait, the third such operation this year as the US military increases operations in the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. The voyage on Wednesday will add to tensions with China, but is likely to be viewed in self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trumps government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. The ships transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the US Pacific Fleet said in a statement. The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows. An anonymous US official told AFP news agency that Chinese ships asserted a presence during Wednesdays sailing, but all interactions between the two navies were safe and professional. Taiwans defence ministry said the islands forces monitored the two ships in the strait and it was a normal transit through international waters. There was no immediate reaction from China. Beijing protested after the US Navy sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait on October 22, characterising the move as an affront to its sovereignty. US-China flashpoints The latest move comes ahead of an expected meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina on the sidelines of a G20 summit. The US Navy conducted a similar mission in the straits international waters in July, the first in about a year. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan, which China claims as a breakaway province, but is bound by law to help the island defend itself and is its main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan weapons valued at more than $15bn since 2010. China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island. Over the weekend, Taiwans ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party suffered heavy losses in mayoral and county elections to the China-friendly Kuomintang, which has been welcomed by Beijing. Taiwan is only one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions, and Chinas increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. Ruling is the first conviction for police killings in the Philippines drug crackdown thats claimed thousands of lives. A Philippine court on Thursday sentenced three police officers to up to 49 years in jail for the murder of a 17-year-old high school student, the first to be convicted in President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial drug war. The Caloocan City regional trial court declared the three policemen guilty for the killing of Kian Lloyd Delos Santos in August 2017 in a dark, rubbish-filled alley in a northern suburb of the capital, Manila. A shoot first, think later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilised society. Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement. The public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life, said the ruling by Judge Roldolfo Azucena. This was the first case of what human rights advocates say was an extrajudicial killing carried out by state agents in the 29-month war on drugs, which saw close to 5,000 people dead in police anti-drug operations. Police reject allegations the killings were executions, saying the drug peddlers and users were killed in shootouts and that they were acting in self-defence. The death of the teenager Delos Santos stirred unprecedented public attention to what activists say are executions and systematic abuses by police backed steadfastly by Duterte. We respect the decision of the court. We dont tolerate any erring police officers, said Benigno Durana, national police spokesman, adding the police force stand fully behind police officers engaged in the drug war, who are doing their jobs within the bounds of the law. This is murder Duterte, a firebrand leader who unleashed the ferocious war against illegal drugs after coming to power in June 2016, has more than once said he would not allow police officers to go to jail for killing drug users and pushers. But shortly after the verdict was handed down, Dutertes spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: This is murder, there is intention to kill. The president would never tolerate that. Dutertes government has repeatedly said there was no declared policy to kill drug users and dealers. The conviction of the three police officers for murdering Kian Delos Santos is a victory for justice, but it is not enough. The killings must stop, said Jose Manuel Diokno, chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). FLAG has questioned the legality of the drug war before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Respect rights Delos Santos was found dead in an alley with a gun in his left hand. Security cameras showed the officers aggressively escorting a male matching Delos Santoss description in the direction of the spot where he was killed. Justice was served for my son, Kians mother Lorenza Delos Santos told reporters outside the courtroom. We were able to prove that my son was innocent of all the accusations hurled against him. Others also praised the court ruling. This is a light in the darkness. Despite the gruesome climate of killing and impunity in the country, this verdict sends the message that there is hope and justice, said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros. Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP news agency: This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects. Roy Blunt, who voted against limiting the USs role in the Yemen war, received $19,200 from pro-Saudi lobbyists in 2017. At least five of the 37 Republican Senators who voted against advancing a resolution limiting the United States involvement in the war in Yemen have received campaign contributions from pro-Saudi lobbying groups. Roy Blunt, John Boozman, Richard Burr, Mike Crapo and Tim Scott all received financial contributions from firms representing Saudi interests between 2016 and 2017, according to a recent investigation by the Centre for International Policy (CIP). All five Republicans voted on Wednesday against advancing the resolution, which, if passed, would force the US to limit its support for the Saudi-UAE war in Yemen. Blunt, one of the two Senators from Missouri, received at least $19,200 in campaign contributions from firms representing Saudi Arabia in 2017, the CIP said, with Boozman, Burr, Crapo and Scott, representing Arkansas, North Carolina, Idaho and South Carolina respectively, receiving contributions ranging from $1,000-$2,500 between 2016 and 2017. Al Jazeera reached out to the Senators but none of them responded to our requests for comment. Last year, the oil-rich kingdom spent at least $24m to influence US policy and public opinion, according to disclosures to the Department of Justice made available through the Center for Responsive Politics Foreign Lobby Watch tool. Around $18m of that was paid to foreign agents acting on behalf of Saudi interests in 2017 and another $6m in spending has already been reported this year. According to the CIP, it made Saudi Arabia one of the top 10 countries spending on influence and lobbying in the US. But on Wednesday, the political donations appeared to have little effect when the US Senate opted to move forward with the resolution in a bipartisan 63-37 vote. I changed my mind because I'm pissed. The way the administration has handled Saudi Arabia is not acceptable Lindsey Graham, Republican Senator Its time to send Saudi Arabia a message Delivering a massive blow to the Trump administration, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he flipped sides because of the way the government had handled the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. I changed my mind because Im pissed, Graham said following the vote. The way the administration has handled Saudi Arabia is not acceptable. Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain documents certifying he had divorced his wife so he could remarry. After weeks of repeated denials that it had anything to do with his disappearance, Riyadh eventually acknowledged that its officials were behind his murder. In October, Graham had said he felt completely betrayed by the Saudis. Senators on both sides of the political divide, many of whom have historically backed the US-Saudi relationship, have vented their anger over the killing and have pulled their support for the war in Yemen in an attempt to communicate their displeasure. The Saudis, lobbyists, the Secretary of Defense, none of them have been able to stop this anger which is brewing Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Huffington Post Despotic, dishonest dictatorship Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who had also previously opposed the Yemen resolution, said it was time to send Saudi Arabia a message both on its violation of human rights and the incredible humanitarian catastrophe its creating. Yemen has been torn apart by conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels, allied with troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, captured large expanses of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia launched a massive aerial campaign against the rebels in March 2015, aimed at restoring the government of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Since then, the US has been helping the Saudi-UAE military alliance with weaponry and logistical support. Until recently, it was also refuelling the alliances planes which were responsible for the more than 18,000 raids carried out on the war-ravaged country. More than three-quarters of the population some 22 million people need humanitarian assistance, while 11 million require dire help in order to survive. Senator Bernie Sanders, who co-sponsored the bill, said the time to end the US involvement in the war was now. We have already seen 85,000 children starved to death, the UN tells us that millions of people are facing starvation, 10,000 new cholera cases are developing each week because there is no clean drinking water in the country, Sanders said following the briefing. All of that was caused by the Saudi-led invasion of Yemen three years ago, led by a despotic, dishonest dictatorship. Mounting calls to end the war The bipartisan bill intends to exploit a powerful but rarely activated provision in a 1973 law the War Powers Act that gives Congress the authority to overrule the president and withdraw troops if the former believes the conflict is not authorised. Shireen Al-Adeimi, a Yemeni political analyst and assistant professor at Michigan State University, said while it was shameful Senators were receiving campaign donations from pro-Saudi groups, anti-war activists were hopeful the resolution had advanced and could help end the war. This was just the first hurdle, she said. Now that we have permission to debate this issue, we expect a prolonged debate, over ten hours or more, which will be followed by a very long vote. Given all the setbacks this bill has faced in the past, we are hopeful that we can finally discuss it and vote upon it. The Trump administration, however, has threatened to veto the resolution if it passes. Brett Bruen, a former director of Global Engagement in the White House under President Barack Obama, said it appeared Senators on both sides were not won over by the Trump administrations claims. Its a major rebuke of the Trump administration and of Secretary Pompeo in particular, who this morning made his case about why the US support for the Saudi operations in Yemen were so critical, he told Al Jazeera. Clearly Senators were not convinced. What were seeing are several issue play out. The Trump administration for the first part of the term has been able to ride roughshod over congressional oversight. What were seeing now is both Democrats and Republicans saying: We want to look at these issues. We want to look at the direction that youre heading on whether its on Saudi Arabia, Iran or North Korea. Pressure has been mounting for the US to end its support for the conflict. According to a recent YouGov poll, 89 percent of liberals Americans and 54 percent of conservatives expressed an opinion opposing continued arms sales to the Saudi-UAE alliance fighting in Yemen. Akbar Shahid Ahmed, a foreign affairs reporter with the Huffington Post, called Wednesdays vote unprecedented. What this shows is that President Donald Trump hasnt been able to keep his own party, and his allies like Senator Graham and Senator Corker in line, he told Al Jazeera. The Saudis, lobbyists, the Secretary of Defense, none of them have been able to stop this anger which is brewing. Over the last three years weve seen the Senate get closer and closer [in pushing for a halt] to the sale of bombs, tanks etc to Saudi Arabia, but the Saudis have just continued in Yemen. They havent stopped. They keep saying: Iran, Iran, Iran. But that isnt enough for Capitol Hill anymore. Follow Al Jazeeras Faisal Edroos on Twitter: @FaisalEdroos Prospects for a UN-brokered summit in Sweden appear bolstered by a Saudi TV report and Houthi chiefs remarks. Yemens warring parties have suggested they will attend the United Nations-sponsored peace talks in Sweden next week as efforts aimed at ending a conflict that has pushed millions to the edge of starvation gather pace. A delegation of Yemens Saudi- and UAE-backed government will arrive in the city of Stockholm for the summit next week after Houthi counterparts show up first, the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television channel reported on Thursday. The Al Arabiya report came hours after Britains ambassador to Yemen, Michael Aron, said the warring factions would attend the summit in Stockholm following discussions with their respective representatives. {articleGUID} The Sweden consultations led by the UN envoy [Martin Griffiths] will take place next week the political solution is the way to move forward, Aron said on Twitter. Hopes for the summit, which would be the first of its kind since 2016, appeared to be bolstered further by the head of the Houthis supreme revolutionary committee, who said on Thursday that the groups delegation could attend the talks if their safe exit and return is guaranteed. I think that the national [Houthi] delegation will be in Sweden God willing on December 3 if guarantees remain to ensure they can depart and return, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi posted on Twitter. Huthi also called for positive indications on the importance of peace from the other side. Fragile peace efforts Thursdays developments came two months after previous efforts to secure peace talks broke down in September, when Houthi representatives refused to attend a summit organised in the Swiss city of Geneva, saying the UN had failed to meet the groups demands. Since then, the conflict in Yemen has continued unabated, with Saudi Arabia and UAE-led forces launching an assault on the Red Sea coast city of Hodeidah, which is currently under Houthi control. Aid groups have warned that the city, which serves as the entry point for most of Yemens commercial imports and vital aid supplies, is at risk of obliteration amid the ongoing fighting. {articleGUID} The UN, meanwhile, has expressed concern that an all-out attack on Hodeidah could lead to a famine in Yemen, where an estimated 8.4 million people are threatened with starvation. The Houthis have agreed to hand over the management of the port itself to the UN, but the warring sides are at odds over who should control the city. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country and home to an estimated 28 million people, began with the 2014 takeover of the capital, Sanaa, by Houthi rebels, who toppled the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Concerned by the rise of the Houthis, believed to be supported by Iran, a US-backed Saudi-UAE military coalition launched an intervention in 2015 through a massive air campaign aimed at reinstalling Hadis government. According to the UN, at least 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition entered the conflict. The death toll has not been updated in years, however, and is likely to be far higher. Those jailed as part of a crackdown call for the right to drive and an end to the kingdoms male guardianship system. Saudi Arabia continues to hold more than a dozen women rights activists in jail, months after a crackdown on dissent intensified in May. Most of them campaigned for the right to drive and an end to the kingdoms male guardianship system, which requires women to obtain the consent of a male relative for major decisions. In 1990, more than 40 women drove their cars in the capital Riyadh, the first public demonstration against the ban, which is now lifted. They also called for the abolishment of the male guardianship system. Since then, other similar protests have been held, and the government initiated a crackdown on rights activists this year. Those under arrest have been branded threats to national security and have been accused of being foreign agents. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that the reason for the arrest is to silence the women and prevent others from participating in activism. Rights organisations and governments around the world have called on the Saudi authorities to release all political prisoners, but to no avail. Last week, Amnesty International said Saudi activists, including women, who have been arrested in this years crackdown have faced sexual harassment and torture during interrogation. The activists, held in Dhahban prison on the western Red Sea coast, faced repeated electrocution and flogging, leaving some of them unable to stand or walk, the Amnesty International said in a report, citing three separate testimonies. At least one activist was made to hang from the ceiling and another woman was sexually harassed by interrogators wearing face masks, the United Kingdom-based rights group added. Yahya al-Assiri, the head of ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, said that authorities targeted male human rights activists in the past, but as the regime became more aggressive they also began targeting women. To justify that, theyre trying to say that [these women] are coordinating with embassies, or foreign countries To say to the people that they are traitors, al-Assiri told Al Jazeera. Many activists have mostly been held incommunicado, without access to their families or lawyers. Below are some of the prominent women dissidents jailed for demanding basic rights. Loujain al-Hathloul [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] Loujain al-Hathloul is a womens rights activist from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She obtained an undergraduate degree in French Literature from the University of British Columbia in Canada and then pursued a Masters degree in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For years, she advocated for the womens right to drive in the kingdom, and in 2013 actively participated in a campaign where she posted videos of herself driving in an attempt to encourage women to do the same. With an active social media presence, the 29-year-old had been arrested several times for defying the now-lifted ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia. . #CEDAWSaudi #cedaw69 (@LoujainHathloul) February 28, 2018 Translation: We are no longer an isolated country, anyone can gather information about what happens here. Thats why we much strive to develop without ignoring the pain of our sisters, we must speak out about what harms them and their existence, especially at a time where we feel that our leadership is invested in creating change for women. Al-Hathloul was most recently imprisoned in May 2018, months after King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signed a royal decree in September 2017 that said women would be allowed to drive in accordance with Islamic laws. She, along with other female activists who had been calling for the lifting of the ban, was instructed not to comment on the decision prior to its announcement, HRW reported. Two years prior to her latest arrest, al-Hathloul spent 73 days in jail and faced charges of terrorism for attempting to drive into Saudi Arabia from the neighbouring UAE in November 2014. At the time, Samah Hadid, director of campaigns at Amnesty International in the Middle East, said, The Saudi Arabian authorities continuous harassment of Loujain al-Hathloul is absurd and unjustifiable It appears she is being targeted once again because of her peaceful work as a human rights defender speaking out for womens rights, which are consistently trammelled in the kingdom. In 2016, al-Hathloul signed a petition with thousands of others calling for the abolishment of the male guardianship system. The following year, she was arrested without charge and was unable to contact her lawyer or family members until she was eventually released shortly after. In an interview with the Economist in January 2016, al-Hathloul highlighted the challenges women in the kingdom face when they are unable to drive. She said she had dedicated 30 percent of her salary to drivers, and said having to beg people to driver her around was insulting. They [government] told us that we are actually protected, that we have the right to express ourselves freely without being condemned or sent to jail but in practice its not there, al-Hathloul said. They still send us to jail for very normal, rationalised opinions. When asked what kind of country she would like Saudi to become, al-Hathloul said a Saudi Arabia that respects peoples differences and human rights. Al-Hathloul has been married to Saudi stand-up comedian and actor Fahad al-Butairi since 2014. Al-Butairi, a prominent comedian who had a large social media following, was also arrested earlier this year. Samar Badawi [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] Samar Badawi, an award-winning activist, is known for her legal battle with her abusive father, who filed a lawsuit against her when she sought refuge in a womens shelter in 2008. As a result, she was arrested and spent six months in jail on the charge of parental disobedience. She was then released after a Jeddah general court ruled in her favour and transferred her guardianship to her uncle. Since, Badawi has advocated for the abolishment of the male guardianship system, which among other things, grants male custodians the right to prevent their daughters from marrying, studying, or travelling without prior consent. In 2011, Badawi filed an unsuccessful Grievances Board lawsuit against the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for the rejection of her registration for the 2011 municipal elections. I learned that we have laws to protect womens rights, but the woman needs to search for them and to how harness them for her own benefit, Badawi said in an interview. She also played an active role in the 2012 campaign to end the ban on women driving in the kingdom, and along with fellow activists, filed a lawsuit against the traffic department for refusing to issue her a drivers licence. In March 2012, the United States Department of State honoured Badawi with the International Women of Courage Award for her work and activism. In 2014, she was subjected to a travel ban and was arrested in 2016 for her human rights work, before being freed on bail. However, the mother of two was arrested again in July 2018 along with activist Nassima al-Sadah. The arrests of Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah signal that the Saudi authorities see any peaceful dissent, whether past or present, as a threat to their autocratic rule, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, in a statement. Her latest arrest prompted a diplomatic spat between Saudi Arabia and Canada after the Canadian ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet it was gravely concerned about the detention of rights activists in the kingdom, including Badawi. Saudi Arabia accused Canada of blatant interference in the Kingdoms domestic affairs, against basic international norms and all international protocols. Samar is the sister of Raif Badawi, a prominent human rights campaigner sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2014 on charges of insulting Islam. His wife and children are naturalised Canadian citizens. Eman al-Nafjan [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] Eman al-Nafjan is a 39-year-old Saudi blogger and activist who was arrested in May 2018, along with Loujain al-Hathloul and five other female advocates amid a government campaign that accused them of undermining the kingdoms stability with financial assistance from abroad. Saudi authorities accused the activists of having suspicious contact with foreign parties, providing financial support to hostile elements abroad. According to HRW, the arrests are an attempt to silence dissent. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans reform campaign has been a frenzy of fear for genuine Saudi reformers who dare to advocate publicly for human rights or womens empowerment, HRW Middle East Director Sarah Leah Whitson said in a statement in May. The message is clear that anyone expressing scepticism about the crown princes rights agenda faces time in jail. Rothna Begum, a researcher at HRW, said the government is trying to silence critics, particularly those who champion womens rights reforms. While its not clear why they were arrested, today we have seen Saudi press reports come to suggest that these women are traitors and have been arrested because they are undermining the national unity of the country, Begum told Al Jazeera at the time. What we know is that the Saudi crown prince wants to make it clear to all of his citizens that they are his subjects who must be grateful for whatever liberties he gives them, but they must not demand any of their rights. The mother of three obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Birmingham and worked as a schoolteacher and later as a university assistant. Al-Nafjan then earned her masters degree from the same university in teaching English as a foreign language. She began blogging in 2008, writing mainly about social and cultural issues with a focus on women in Saudi Arabia, referring to the system in place as gender apartheid, according to the Washington Post. A few years later, she joined the womens driving campaign and published articles in western media outlets to shed light on the campaign to allow women to drive in the kingdom. When the ban on women driving was lifted, she wrote, The manner in which the ban was lifted seemed too simple to be real. Initially, I was overwhelmed with my own powerlessness as a woman living in a patriarchal absolute monarchy. Were our efforts the reason the ban was lifted? Or was it a decision that had been made regardless of our struggles? Prior to her arrest, al-Nafjan was working towards completing a PhD in linguistics. Hatoon al-Fassi [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] [Illustration by Jawahir Al-Naimi/Al Jazeera] Hatoon al-Fassi is a womens rights activist and writer who was arrested by Saudi authorities on June 24. Prior to her arrest, she had been under a travel ban since June 19. Considered a leading figure in the womens rights movement in the region, al-Fassi has long been fighting for the rights of Saudi women, including their right to participate in municipal elections. Al-Fassi, originally from Mecca, is an associate professor of womens history at King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia and at the International Affairs Department at Qatar University. She secured an undergraduate degree in history from KSU, and in 2000, earned a PhD in womens history from the University of Manchester. As a scholar, her work focuses on womens history and politics. Her most notable work Women In Pre-Islamic Arabia, argues women in the pre-Islamic period enjoyed considerable rights in the Nabataean state, an urban Arabian kingdom centred in modern Jordan, south Syria and northwest Saudi Arabia during the Roman empire. Women in Nabataea enjoyed more freedom than in Saudi Arabia today because Muslim leaders have misunderstood the origins of Islamic law, her research said. One of the objectives of this book is to question the assumption of subordination of women in pre-Islamic Arabia, al-Fassi said. . https://t.co/thNcoE9wJg . (@HatoonALFASSI) June 16, 2018 Translation: And what are the characteristics of sheikhs? Does this question imply perfection in men? My article deals with the truth and clarifies how much we lose when religious authority is monopolised to the exclusion of women and their perspective on fiqh and the issues that affect humanity. In 2011, she joined a campaign called Baladi, which called for womens participation in the municipal elections. To help women interested in running for election, the Baladi campaign had planned to organise training sessions to educate participants on campaigning techniques and help them create agendas. The ministry has stopped us from holding these workshops as they wanted the election programme to be more unified and centralised, al-Fassi said at the time, according to Saudi Gazette. As evidenced by the 250 female members of the Baladi campaign, women have expressed their commitment to elect the best person for the job Whether it is a woman or a man, she said. The initiatives efforts were blocked again during the 2015 municipal elections. Washington, DC The United States Senate, angered by the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, voted 63-37 on Wednesday to take up a war powers resolution that would curtail the Trump administrations military backing for Saudi Arabias bombing campaign in Yemen. The procedural vote signals a break between leading Senate Republicans and President Donald Trump. It sets up a highly public legislative fight beginning next week over the USs role in the Yemen civil war and by extension, the USs strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia in the war. The timing of the Senate vote was prompted by the killing of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, which CIA analysts have tied to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president and his top aides have said there is no direct evidence linking Prince Mohammed to the murder. Senator Mike Lee said that Intelligence suggests, despite his repeated denials, that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia himself ordered the murder. The Utah Republican and critic of the war in Yemen, added that Saudi Arabias moral depravity has only been made plainer. This is not an ally that deserves our support or military intervention on its behalf, especially when our own security is not itself on the line. More 14 million civilians in Yemen now face starvation without the flow of international food aide, senators said, citing figures from humanitarian groups. Aid groups estimate 85,000 children may have died of hunger and cholera while more than 16,200 civilians have been killed, largely by Saudi-led bombings. The bombing of children in a school bus and other civilian targets, is not something I want Americas fingerprints on, Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat and senior foreign policy leader, said. I call on the administration again to develop a cogent strategy and work with other nations to bring an end to the civil war in Yemen On August 9, a Saudi coalition air raid on the Dahyan market in Saada, using US-made weapons, killed 40 people and injured 60 more. At least 21 schoolboys under the age of 15 were among those killed, according to the UN. Mattis, Pompeo briefing Hours before the Senate vote, Trumps Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis briefed senators behind closed doors on the situation in Yemen and the wider Middle East in an effort to convey to senators the administrations view that larger issues are at stake than the Khashoggi murder. Both Pompeo and Mattis told reporters afterwards that there is no smoking gun linking the Saudi crown prince to Khashoggis murder. {articleGUID} CIA Director Gina Haspel, who has listened to an audio tape of the killing and reviewed evidence assembled by Turkish authorities, did not participate in the briefing despite senators demands to hear directly from her. We had a briefing today that was very unsatisfactory, Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in floor remarks. As to whether the crown prince was involved in this killing, I believe that he was. I believe that he ordered it. I do not have a smoking gun, but what I do know is that he was in charge of this agency that carried out the killing. Simmering for months Outrage in Congress over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen has simmered for months. The Republican-led Senate voted 55-44 on March 20 to delay action on the same resolution in order to give the Trump administration more time to try to bring the conflict in Yemen to a resolution. Now with the midterm elections behind them, amid doubts about Prince Mohammeds leadership and a lack of demonstrable progress in the Yemen war, the Senate is taking the first real steps to reassert congressional authority over US military action in the region. {articleGUID} We are assisting them in targeting the areas in Yemen where theyre going to drop their bombs, said Senator Richard Durbin, the No 2 Democrat leader in the Senate. The United States has not been on the sidelines. Weve been involved. Our military, the best in the world has been involved in helping the Saudis with this invasion of Yemen. Theyve discontinued the fueling mission, but other things continue. And the question we have to ask ourselves now is, why are we there? Under the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war against other nations. However, since September 11, 2001, the executive branch has claimed broad license for US military operations in the region including in Syria. Congress gave former President George W Bush a green light to invade Afghanistan in 2001 with carte blanche authority to attack al-Qaeda forces anywhere. Later, Congress in 2002 approved the US war against Iraq. Former President Barack Obama relied on those authorisations to conduct a global so-called war on terror, including the US campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIL) in Syria. Congress has not authorised military operations in Yemen. FBI investigators have confirmed 34 killings described by Little so far, with many more cases pending. A 78-year-old convicted serial killer has confessed to committing 90 murders in the United States over several decades, the FBI said this week. The agency said on Tuesday it is working with state and local agents and detectives to determine if all Samuel Littles confessions are true. Littles run-ins with the law date back to 1956, and there are clear signs of a dark, violent streak among his many shoplifting, fraud, drug, solicitation, and breaking and entering charges, the FBI said in a statement. But law enforcement has only recently begun unravelling the true extent of his crimes. Little began confessing to the crimes after he lost an appeal last spring to the life sentences he is serving for strangling three women between 1987 and 1989 in California. He was convicted of those murders in 2014. In all three cases, the women had been beaten and then strangled, their bodies dumped in an alley, a dumpster, and a garage, the FBI said. Authorities suspect the unsolved homicides Little said he committed took place between 1970 and 2005 and spanned across at least 14 states stretching from California to Maryland. FBI investigators have so far confirmed 34 killings described by Little, with many more cases pending. Talking with him, you can hear he actually gets excited about describing his homicides and describing how he strangled his victims, Bernie Nelson, a detective in Prince Georges County, Maryland, told the Washington Post. He looked you right in your eye and said he couldnt help himself. Hes a monster. The Georgia native has been in custody since 2012, the FBI said. Little is said to be one of the most prolific serial killers in US history. Michael Cohen admits to making false statements in 2017 about plan to build Trump Tower in Moscow. Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to lying to the Congress about a work he did on a Trump real estate deal in Russia. On Thursday, Cohen made a surprise appearance in a New York court at around 9am local time (14G) and began entering the plea. He admitted to making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen said he made the misstatements to be consistent with Trumps political messaging and out of loyalty to his former client. In August, Cohen had pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. Federal prosecutors in New York began investigating Cohen after a referral from US Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who has been investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign. Thursdays guilty plea may signal Cohen is hoping for a lighter sentence on the charges in exchange for continuing to cooperate with Muellers Russia investigation. Weak person Among other lies, Cohen said on Thursday he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. Cohen also said that in the statement to Congress, he claimed to have had limited contact with Trump concerning the project, when in fact it had been more extensive. Cohen added that he falsely told Congress he never took any steps towards travelling to Russia, when in fact he had discussed travelling there, although he never did. Cohens lawyer Guy Petrillo said his client continues to cooperate with Muellers investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. One of the prosecutors working with Mueller was present in the court on Thursday. Trump, meanwhile, denied working on the Moscow real estate project and called Cohen a weak person who is lying to get a reduced sentence. He is a weak person. And what he is trying to do is get a reduced sentence. So he is lying about a project that everybody knew about, Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Thats why we put people under oath. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the presidents company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned for a variety of business reasons. Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. He had also disclosed that Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with him on two other occasions. Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko hopes NATO will deploy warships to Sea of Azov as tension with Russia worsens. Kiev, Ukraine Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko has urged NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov following a military standoff in the area between Russia and Ukraine. Poroshenkos remarks, part of a concerted push by Kiev at gaining Western support for more sanctions against Russia, were published in an interview with German newspaper, Bild, on Thursday. In a sharp response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the comment was clearly aimed at provoking further tensions and driven by Poroshenkos electoral and domestic policy motives. {articleGUID} Asked by Bild whether German warships should be deployed to the Sea of Azov, Poroshenko said: Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now willing to deploy naval vessels to the Sea of Azov in order to support Ukraine and to guarantee its safety. Accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of wanting the old Russian empire back, Poroshenko said: The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony, he said. We cannot accept Russias aggressive policy. First, it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany also has to wonder: what will Putin do next if we dont stop him? In response, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called on Kiev to be sensible and said there was no military solution to the dispute. . . . pic.twitter.com/8J0UO5yc5k (@poroshenko) November 29, 2018 Tense standoff The tension between Ukraine and Russia reached new heights on Sunday after the Russian border patrol blocked three Ukrainian vessels travelling from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait the shared waters of both states, according to a 2003 agreement. In a further escalation of the standoff, a Russian court in Crimea later ordered a 60-day pre-trial detention for the 24 Ukrainian crew members captured by Moscow during the standoff. According to their lawyers, the detainees were sent to Moscow on Thursday. {articleGUID} Also on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities closed the administrative border with temporarily occupied Crimea for everyone except Ukrainian passport holders in connection with the introduction of martial law. Ukraine does not have military or diplomatic leverage against Russia to free the sailors whom Moscow has called prisoners of war or to end what Kiev calls the blockade of the Sea of Azov. However, it is unlikely that NATO, a military alliance that Ukraine is not a member of, would send naval vessels to the area for the moment, according to Oleksiy Melnyk, co-director of Razumkov Centre, a think-tank for foreign relations and international security in Kiev. It would be perceived as a threat not only by the Russians but also by some of the NATO members, he told Al Jazeera, pointing to the fact that NATO presence in the Black Sea is already seen as a red flag by Moscow. The Sea of Azov is shared between Ukraine and Russia, according to a 2003 accord which rules out any permanent presence of outside military forces there. {articleGUID} Melnyk said Kiev and Moscow have the right to invite a foreign force in the area only for a very limited time and after advance notice to the other party. The nearby Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula is already highly militarised. On Thursday, Russias Tass news agency announced that Moscow has sent a fourth S400 surface-to-air missile system to the occupied territory. Ukraine considers it to be a threat not only to Kiev but to the whole Black Sea region. The systems operational range is up to 400km so it places all literal states in the Black Sea region, including NATO members, under the threat of an attack. We know that those missiles can be used also for ground targets, Olexiy Makeyev, the Ukrainian foreign ministrys political director, told Al Jazeera. Will mediation work? The most realistic chance Ukraine has to secure the release of the sailors as well as regaining its share of the control over Kerch Strait is through diplomatic mediation. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he had discussed the possibility of Turkish mediation with both sides. Igor Semyvolos, director of the Centre for Middle East Studies, an independent think-tank in Kiev, told Al Jazeera that Turkey already had a successful experience of mediation between the two states. Turkey has already played a certain role in the release of Ukrainian citizens [two Crimean Tatar activists] from the occupied Crimea, he said. I think Erdogan will raise this issue [with Putin] in any case because he told Poroshenko in a phone conversation that he would do so at the upcoming G20 [summit in Buenos Aires]. However, the Kremlin has already rejected the idea of mediation. Moscow is grateful to everyone who is ready to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but does not see the need for any mediation efforts, Peskov said on Thursday after Erdogans comments. Oleksiy Haran, head of research at Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, told Al Jazeera that Ukraine would not agree to go into negotiations with Russia without a third party. Whenever we have bilateral talks, Russia violates it, says that OK we havent discussed it. There is no trust with Russia, Haran said. Semyvolos told Al Jazeera that Moscows rejection of mediation means it probably wants to use the standoff issue in talks with the United States. Moscow has repeatedly accused the US of encouraging Kiev to stand strong against Russia. Follow Al Jazeeras Tamila Varshalomidze on Twitter @tamila87v The standoff began on Sunday after Russia seized three Ukrainian vessels [Al Jazeera] US-Mexico border: Asylum seekers stuck in Tijuana Fears of disease spreading as thousands of central American asylum seekers are stuck at a camp in Mexico. While most Americans quite understandably are preoccupied with politics at home, there is restlessness in Americas backyards both south and north. Canada is more or less taken for granted by Americans as a generally calm and orderly country, a close ally and a reliable partner in world affairs. But beneath the surface, Canada is a troubled country, and the present Liberal government to a large extent deliberately has distanced Canada from the United States on matters relating to economy and national security that under the Conservative government of the former Prime Minister Stephen Harper were more or less in harmony with America. The present Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by its posturing fatally undermined Nafta this past summer. The refusal to consider seriously President Trumps reasoning for renegotiating Nafta eventually led to its demise and the launch of a new agreement, which the Trump administration negotiated bilaterally with Mexico at first, leaving the Canadian government to literally hustle in the last hour to get on board. Americans might wonder what took hold of the Canadian government to put in jeopardy Canadas most important relationship the one with the United States. On the surface it makes no sense, unless we start probing into the mindset of Justin Trudeau and his Liberal party bent upon making Canada a laboratory of the globalist agenda of unelected UN bureaucrats and the filthy rich among the crowd that ritually gathers annually in Davos, Switzerland. Justin Trudeaus embrace of globalism might well be explained in part as a filial rebellion against the more openly Pan-Canadian nationalism of his father Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who was Canadas prime minister during the 1970s and early 1980s. In October 1970 Canadians woke up to what became known as the October Crisis. An armed terrorist group, the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ), had kidnapped Pierre Laporte, Quebecs deputy premier, and James Cross, a British diplomat. It was a moment that put to test the mettle of Canadas political leaders. Pierre Trudeau, Justins father, invoked the War Measures Act. Members of the FLQ were flushed out by the military assisting Quebecs police force, James Cross was released by his kidnappers, while Pierre Laporte was found murdered. Pierre Trudeaus action received wide support across the country. Almost a half-century later what stands out in his response to domestic terrorism was the display of steel in the handling of the crisis when the country demanded it. Trudeau the elder demonstrated toughness when sorely needed assuring Canadians that no civilized government would appease terrorists of any stripe, at any time, anywhere. It was the same toughness in display during the 1980 referendum debate with Rene Levesque, Premier of Quebec, over the question of the province leaving or remaining in the Canadian federation. When asked by journalists in October 1970 after the invocation of the War Measures Act on how far he would go, Pierre Trudeau defiantly replied, Watch me. That defiance and steel and intellect were on display again when needed. He stood with the No side in the referendum and defeated Levesques bid for Quebec sovereignty. To vote for the Liberals in the Pierre Trudeau years was not inconsistent with being a proud Canadian nationalist. I could not vote in the 1974 election, as I had yet to acquire my citizenship; in the 1979 and 1980 elections I voted Liberal in support of Pierre Trudeau given his leadership against the impending threat of Quebec separatism and what it could mean for Canada. I believe a majority of Canadians who voted for Liberals in the 1980 election did so for similar reason. Soon after the 2015 election Justin Trudeau was interviewed by a reporter from the New York Times. He told Guy Lawson, There is no core identity, no mainstream in Canada. He concluded saying that Canada is the first postnational state. The ideological distance between father and son and the political consequences that follow could not have been more dramatically framed than in Justin Trudeaus words. For Justin Trudeau and his Liberals, Canada needs to be an open border global sanctuary country. It is also illustrated by the public shame Justin Trudeaus Liberals feel over Canadas past, and the unending apology offered to those claiming victimhood due to that shameful past. Pierre Trudeau felt and responded differently in respect to Canadas past. In his debates with Levesque there were no apology for any wrongs, perceived or otherwise, done to Quebec by English Canada. Pierre Trudeau knew in the deepest sense that the past needed to be assessed in the context of the past, and how a country make amends for the wrongs of the past is not by offering cringing apologies but making certain that lessons have been learned and that such wrongs are not repeated in the present and the future. Now imagine Justin Trudeau handling an October-type crisis. But one needs hardly to imagine such a scenario, since there is plentiful evidence. Evidence ranges from Justins gifting $10 million of taxpayer money to Omar Khadr, an Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist, and pandering to that large segment of Muslims in Canada supportive of Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and related organizations. The Liberal government recently handed $23 million of taxpayer money to the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), which is affiliated with the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that maintains deep connections with the MB and its Shariah-promoting agenda. Evidence exists in Justin Trudeaus Liberal majority support in parliament for the phony motion M-103 on the phony issue of Islamophobia to censor legitimate discussions on Islam or Islamism, and the real threat of jihadi terrorism in Canada. There is the recent doling out of $50 million of taxpayer money to the Palestinian Authority (PA) on the bogus notion that such support advances peace the PA seeks, while it wages an unending war against Israel and agrees with Saudi Arabia against Canada over human rights issues in the Kingdom. Justin Trudeaus policy of welcoming back home Canadians who joined ISIS and travelled to the Middle East on a jihadi junket is deeply offensive to most Canadians. Now he is set to sign the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration at an intergovernmental gathering in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 10-11, 2018. Global Compact is an agreement in the making of a borderless world administered by the UN that Justin Trudeau agrees with given his embrace of globalism. This is where Canada has arrived within a generation of father and son elected as heads of government of a G-7 country. Americans need to be more informed of political developments on its northern borders and how they may likely be affected. Salim Mansur teaches in Western University in London, and is the author of The Quran Problem and Islamism (2017). When I first saw a news headline that said "Hillary Clinton calls for curbs on European immigration" this Thanksgiving, I almost dropped a turkey leg. Was she finally admitting that liberal all-inclusive immigration policies have failed in Europe? That they have made crime rates skyrocket? Or that Islamization undermines Europe's unique civilization entity? "Probably," I thought, "Hillary can't be that honest because of 'Islamophobia.'" Mrs. Clinton's argumentation turned out to be more prosaic. "Europe must get a handle on immigration to combat a growing threat from right-wing populists," she said during her interview for The Guardian. I was not surprised: Mrs. Clinton was not worried about ordinary Europeans who paid to support Middle Eastern and African refugees while being raped, robbed, and killed in return for their hospitality. She was upset only about the rising popularity of the "right-wing populists," opponents of the open-border policies. "The use of immigrants as a political device and as a symbol of government gone wrong," she continued, "of attacks on one's heritage, one's identity, one's national unity has been very much exploited by the current administration here [in Great Britain]." So preservation of a rich heritage, unity, and identity based on core values of freedom, human rights, and democracy, which objectively are not a part of the Muslim worldview of the newcomers, or at least have a whole different meaning for them, for Clinton is merely a rhetorical tool used by the evil "populists" to deceive the voters. What is the cause of the surging popularity of the right-wingers? According to Clinton, it is people's subconscious desire to obey an authoritarian leader. "A significant part of the problem here is people's desire for a leader that is going to just push through change without regard to political pressures, you know, that 'getting things done' mentality." Clinton said "right-wing populists" in the West exploited "a psychological as much as political yearning to be told what to do, and where to go, and how to live and have their press basically stifled and so be given one version of reality[.] ... The whole American system was designed so that you would eliminate the threat from a strong, authoritarian king or other leader and maybe people are just tired of it. They don't want that much responsibility and freedom." Translating her words from Political into English, she yet again called most people "deplorables" who are "psychologically" incapable of handling freedom and responsibility. It reminded me of the Fyodor Dostoevsky's prose poem, "The Grand Inquisitor," where Jesus Christ is blasted by the Grand Inquisitor for giving people free will, since "nothing has ever been more insufferable for man than freedom!" In his opinion, people are weak, rebellious, and naive, with guidance, welfare support, and security to be valued over freedom. It is true: people can be transformed into an obedient herd that would blindly follow its shepherds. But who are "authoritarian leaders" here, and who strives to rip from people their freedom? Are these the "right-wing populists" who voice people's rightful concerns, or are these the elitist globalists, whose failed policies destabilize whole regions, including Europe itself? Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes that oppose democratic ones are studied in depth and quiet extensively in political science. Their basic characteristics include an absolute domination of one ideology: "big government," which regulates all spheres of political, social, and economic life; imposes ideological censorship of all channels of information as well as educational institutions; rejects traditional morals and submission of all social interactions to the "greater good" (everything that serves the "greater good" is considered virtuous); limits or eliminates the individual's rights and freedoms; effects a centralized and planned economy; and uses terror and physical annihilation or intimidation of its opposition. Most authors agree that autocracy is an extreme form of collectivism that blurs the lines separating the state, civil society, and the individual. The last ceases to exist, being dissolved in a collective entity. The opposite of autocracy is anarchy, and both are equally destructive for a society. It is, by the way, exactly why the American Founders established a constitutional republic in order to balance the common good and individualism. Sorry, Mrs. Clinton, but labeling your opponents "autocrats" was a huge miss. It is not they who are autocrats, but Clinton's own party and the like liberals across the Atlantic. It is Democrats who radicalize politically, embracing socialism, which has a long history of political and economic failures. (No, the Nordic model will not work in America, and it is not even socialist.) It is the Democrats who constantly attack and reject traditional moral values and introduce their twisted substitutes. It is they who root for more government and more regulations. It is they seeking to redistribute wealth in a controlled economy. It is they who kick conservative speakers off college campuses while touting diversity as a primary social strength until it comes to diversity of thought. It is they who constantly seek limitations of gun rights for law-abiding citizens. It is their "Antifa" that feels entitled to "punch a Nazi in the face" or, essentially, everyone wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat. It is their leaders who reject civility in a dialogue with their opponents until they get what they want. In the best Orwellian tradition, Mrs. Clinton attacks her opponents by accusing them of being what they are not, but what she and her party are. The dangers of autocracy lie on the left, not on the right. Most people whom the left has such a low opinion of can see it, and that's what makes conservatism popular. Image: Nathania Johnson via Wikimedia Commons. It has been over two years since Omar Mateen slaughtered 49 people and wounded 53 others at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, but journalists and authorities are still searching for answers. Just last week, Floridas St. Lucie County School Board published a 176-page report on Mateens behavior as an adolescent while attending one of its schools. Since the massacre, dozens of theories about Mateens radicalization have been proffered from troubled times at school and purported sexual identity issues to the social pressures of Islamophobia and the ostensible wickedness of the unregulated internet. But none of these theories is able to prove its case, except one: the rather obvious point that there is a link between Islamist ideology and Islamist terror. Afyermath of the Pulse Nightclub shooting (Photo credit: Walter - Flickr/Creative Commons) Curiously, this line of thinking is deeply unpopular. Only very briefly, following the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub, did a few national security experts and Muslim leaders speculate that Omar Mateen had embraced a militant form of Islam during successive trips to the Middle East to perform Umrah (a lesser, optional Islamic pilgrimage ritualistically similar to the Hajj). Not enough attention has been paid to these trips, or to the role that Islamist ideas play in the growth of Islamist violence. Commentators prefer to concentrate on the effects of societal ills factors they perhaps believe American society has a greater ability to fix. A 2016 Fox News report detailing Mateens pilgrimages noted that his trips to Saudi Arabia would have put him within a days drive of Yemen, where Al Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula has long had a large presence, and where ISIS also has gained a foothold in recent years. Yet, Mateen did not need to embark on an off-script excursion to hear the strict, puritanical, and often violent approach to Islam sermonized in parts of the Middle East. Both Mateens pilgrimages were facilitated by the New York-based Dar El Salam World Travel (DST), a global travel agency specializing in arranging trips abroad to Islams holy sites. At first glance, DST appears to be just a travel agency. But, the Islamist preachers appointed by DST to serve as religious advisors predominantly hail from a single, strictly orthodox Islamic seminary known as AlMaghrib Institute. Muslim Americans simply wanting to fulfill their religious obligations with DST may encounter extremist, radicalizing rhetoric from these ultra-conservative clerics who routinely employ virulently homophobic slurs and anti-Semitic tropes in their sermons and lectures. Although the recently concluded trial of Mateens surviving wife has caused some to doubt that he intentionally targeted a gay nightclub, there is still significant evidence suggesting that he was motivated by homophobic rage. What is abundantly clear, however, is that Mateen was twice the guest of a pilgrimage company whose clerics have a long history of inciting hate and even violence against homosexuals. Jihadi Dream Team With offices conveniently located on Madison Avenue, DST claims to be the number one Hajj and Umrah tour operator in the U.S. and Canada, scheduling religious trips for over 25 years. The agencys preacher consultants are principally drawn from the AlMaghrib Institute, a Houston-based Islamist non-profit college. Indeed, their union is so strong that DST advertises pilgrimage services that are powered by AlMaghrib Institute in partnership with the travel agency, making it difficult to determine who, exactly, is leading a journey. Muhammad Alshareef, a Canadian-born Islamic scholar who personally leads an annual Hajj pilgrimage, founded AlMaghrib in 2002 to bestow self-accredited bachelors degrees in Islamic Studies. Alshareef wears the term homophobic like a badge of honor, telling students during the Perished Nations speaker series that, Homophobia means a fear of homosexuality. Alhamdulillah [praise God], we have a fear of homosexuality. And then they will say it as if it is a derogatory term, but in fact it is a praiseworthy term. The Institutes instructors many of whom moonlight as DST lecturers in an undeniably interdependent relationship have studied at hardline Islamic seminaries. These clerics have included Said Rageah, who has called on God to destroy the enemies of Islam; and Abdullah Hakim Quick, who has claimed that AIDS is due to the filthy practices of homosexuals and that the Islamic position on homosexuality is death. Yasir Qaghi, AlMaghribs Dean of Academic Affairs with at least 14 pilgrimages under his belt, has become the face of the DST-AlMaghrib partnership in recent years and has offered practical and spiritual advice to pilgrims since at least 2012. This is a troubling sponsorship considering the imams track record of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, homophobia, and his rejection of all non-Muslims. Those familiar with Qadhis lectures will remember when he said that society has regressed not progressed since the 1980s when homosexuals were referred to by vile names and the average masses were disgusted by homosexuality. Qadhi has taught that Christians and Jews are filthy, impure, [and] dirty, and that during a state of jihad their lives hold no value. In one undated lecture, Qadhi even told his audience that killing homosexuals is all a part of our religion. This doesn't mean we go and do this in America, he added, but I'm saying if we had an Islamic state we would do this." Sheikh Hamza Yusuf has echoed his colleagues contempt for homosexuals and the West. In 2011, Mateen participated in the Sacred Caravan Umrah led by the sheikh. Yusuf, whom The Guardian once called the [W]ests most influential Islamic scholar, is reported in an Islamic Circle of North America publication to have stated, Jihad is the only way. According to Yusuf, America is guilty of war crimes and cannot win a war with Islam. I swear to God, he said, [America] must be stopped. Although Yusuf recanted many of his radical views following Sept. 11 and has publicly condemned religiously motivated violence, his statements regarding the LGBT community have remained acutely inflammatory. Yusuf has said of homosexuality that I dont want someone to say this is a normal, healthy lifestyle. Its not. Its pathogenic. He insists that there is no room in Islam for an active homosexual lifestyle. Homophobic and otherwise extreme attitudes have been so institutionalized among the ultra-conservative clerics working for DST that they do not even attempt to hide their revulsion for the LGBT community. One anonymous lesbian blogger documented her experiences facing repeated anti-homosexual statements as an AlMaghrib student, and remembers learning from Riad Ouarzazi, an Islamic scholar who leads a Journey of the Hearts Umrah for DST: I once heard Riad Ouarzazi mention his time as a taxi driver in California and his dislike and disdain for picking up gay passengers complete with full affected facial and hand gestures. Once he picked up two gay men and they embraced inside his cab so Ouarzazi made sure to break (sic) suddenly at least once or more so their heads would painfully bump against each other and their ride would be as unpleasant as possible. Another cleric, Abdul Nasir Jangda (from the hardline Deobandi sect of Islam) is a prominent DST instructor who led a DST Umrah journey as recently as March 2018. Jangda teaches the Firm Ground weekend seminar at AlMaghrib. During this course, Jangda elaborates on the scriptural prescription for punishing the crime of homosexuality, discussing reprisals that range from public stoning to imprisonment. Another DST regular, Suhaib Webb has decried the social acceptance of homosexuality in America. He resents the skinny jeans and effeminate clothing popularized by todays youth, arguing that the Prophet Muhammad cursed the man who imitates the woman. Webb also advocates the stoning of adulterers. If DST clerics are willing to openly share these views in public, what odious theological convictions are these spiritual shepherds privately sharing with their flock during DSTs guided tours and spiritual tutelage? During Mateens second consecutive Umrah in 2012, an eight day trip organized in a partnership between the Islamic Center at New York University (ICNYU) and DST, Mateen received religious guidance from New York Police Department chaplain and ICNYU Imam Khalid Latif. Although he is known for socializing in moderate Islamic circles, Latif claims that he has been surveilled by the FBI and has been on a bunch of no fly lists. Ducking Responsibility Despite Mateens involvement with DST, its religious advisors have ignored calls to condemn Islamist homophobia. Hamza Yusuf was granted the opportunity to reject homophobia when Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) reached out to him in the aftermath of the mass slayings in Florida to sign a pledge affirm[ing] the dignity of LGBT individuals and promising to eradicate all homophobic teachings in his community. A recent survey revealed that 45 percent of American Muslims accept homosexuality, and 42 percent support gay marriage. Nevertheless, Yusuf refused to respond to MPVs overture. Yasir Qadhi, meanwhile, responded to the Pulse massacre by denouncing Mateen as a homosexual in a June 2016 Facebook rant. Qadhi rejected the notion that Mateen had any ties to radical Islam, insisting that Mateen was just a mentally deranged psychopathic American closet homosexual who was battling with his sexual identity. (After conducting more than 500 interviews and combing through the gunmans web searches, emails, and other electronic data, FBI investigators found no evidence that Mateen was gay.) Islamist Conveyor Belt Mateen is not the only terrorist to have encountered AlMaghribs extremist preachers. Several terrorist alumni have called AlMaghrib their alma mater. Besides Mateen, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab -- the failed "underwear bomber" who tried to detonate an explosive device he was wearing aboard a Northwest Airlines flight in 2009 took part in AlMaghrib seminars. Likewise, American jihadist convert Daniel Maldonado (Daniel Aljughaifi) attended classes at the institute before his arrest in Kenya and subsequent conviction for receiving training from a foreign terrorist organization. Besides lying to the FBI in 2006 regarding Maldonados whereabouts, fellow AlMaghrib alumni Tarek Mehanna was sentenced to 17 years in 2012 for joining an Al Qaeda offshoot in Somalia, providing material support to a terrorist group and conspiracy to murder. In yet another case, two former AlMaghrib students were detained in Pakistan in 2009 for attempting to join the Taliban and Al Qaeda and fight U.S. troops in Afghanistan. In the past, DST has profited from a nearly one-fifth share of the annual American Hajj tourism marketplace. This means that every year, as many as two thousand Muslim Americans taking part in the most spiritually important journey of their lives could encounter the hateful rhetoric and strict, unbending interpretation of Islam that may have influenced terrorists such as Mateen. Given these circumstances, how long will it be before another student of AlMaghrib or pilgrim with DST embraces violence? Benjamin Baird is a writer for Islamist Watch, a project of the Middle East Forum. I may be signing my own Twitter death warrant with this opinion piece but so be it if I dare to criticize and accuse the man who has more power to influence American political thought than Vladimir Putin ever could dream of having. That man is Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. By silencing conservative thought, he can control much of Americas political dialogue, with his minions deliberately steering it in a leftist direction reflecting their inner beliefs, while blaming it on inanimate software. Pushed to the wall, they bleat that the algorithm made them do it. As this Congress winds down, news comes that a House Committee is belatedly investigating whether Dorsey lied to Congress during recent testimony. My only question is whether his lips were moving: A top House committee that oversees the U.S. telecommunications industry is now reviewing whether Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey lied to Congress during a hearing about Twitters controversial history of arbitrarily censoring content published by the site, an aide for the House Energy and Commerce committee told The Federalist. The committee is aware of Twitters actions and is currently reviewing Mr. Dorseys testimony, the aide said after Twitter suddenly banned Jesse Kelly, a Marine combat veteran, writer, and popular radio talk show host, without explanation. As The Federalist reported on Monday, Dorsey was not truthful about his or his companys response to death threats against prominent conservatives -- including against Meghan McCain shortly after the death of her father, former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) -- nor was he truthful about whether Twitter policies discriminated against users based on their politics. It is a federal crime to provide false testimony to Congress I want to start by making something very clear, Dorsey testified on September 5, 2018. We dont consider political viewpoints, perspectives, or party affiliation in any of our policies or enforcement decisions, period.Our policies and our algorithms dont take into consideration any affiliation, philosophy, or viewpoint, Dorsey claimed again later in the hearing. Horsefeathers. That tremor on the Richter scale is the result of conservatives like Twitter target actor James Woods is the result of Twitter conservatives falling on the floor laughing. The Twitter policy known as shadow banning is based on ideological rules that tilt sharply to the left. The followers you can reach restricted. Routine purges of conservative followers are conducted. A politically incorrect hash tag can put a crosshairs on your Twitter account. You never know if your tweet is reaching anyone at all. In the age before cable, there was an iconic sci-fi program called The Outer Limits whose opening featured a series of test patterns, flickering screens and a narrator who solemnly intoned, Do not attempt to adjust your television set. We will control all that you see and hear. Today that is a chilling reality as social media giants like Twitter routinely censor what people can see and hear on their sites. For example, Thanks to James OKeefe of Project Veritas we know some of the details of, methods, and reasons for Twitters pro-active censoring of conservatives: Twitter direct messaging engineer Pranay Singh admitted to mass-banning accounts that express interest in God, guns, and America, during a Project Veritas investigation. Just go to a random [Trump] tweet and just look at the followers. Theyll all be like, guns, God, Merica, and with the American flag and the cross, declared Singh, who was secretly recorded by Project Veritas reporters. Like, who says that? Who talks like that? Its for sure a bot. So if theres like American, guns, [in the account bio] can you write an algorithm to just take all those people out? asked one undercover reporter. Umm, yeah, its actually how we do it, Singh replied. You look for Trump, or America, or any of, like, five thousand, like, keywords to describe a redneck, and then you look, and you parse all the messages, all the pictures, and then look for stuff that matches that stuff You assign a value to each thing, so like Trump would be .5, a picture of a gun would be like 1.5, and if the total comes up above a certain value, then its a bot. Twitter has even gone after the likes of the iconic Matt Drudge, former Breitbart news editor Milo Yiannopoulos, and Dilbert creator Scott Adams, as well as engaging in a practice called shadow banning to limit the access and exposure of largely conservative accounts. Yiannopoulos is familiar with the suppression of free speech and the First Amendment by the politically correct left, having a speech at UC Berkeley canceled after violent riots by the politically intolerant left. Pundits have dubbed the suppression of conservative speakers on campus the hecklers veto which allows the arbiters of political correctness to deny a forum to those they disagree with. Yiannopoulos is also familiar with another form of suppression of free speech, this time in social media forums such as Twitter called shadow banning. Tweets of the kind President Trump is famous for are banned from being seen by other than a given accounts followers, limiting visibility. Twitter and its support team claim it is merely spanking temporarily those that violates their rules and terms of service, but Yiannopoulos thinks it is political correctness run amok with the goal of, as at Berkeley and elsewhere, of silencing conservatives: Rumours that Twitter has begun shadowbanning politically inconvenient users have been confirmed by a source inside the company, who spoke exclusively to Breitbart Tech. His claim was corroborated by a senior editor at a major publisher. According to the source, Twitter maintains a whitelist of favoured Twitter accounts and a blacklist of unfavoured accounts. Accounts on the whitelist are prioritised in search results, even if theyre not the most popular among users. Meanwhile, accounts on the blacklist have their posts hidden from both search results and other users timelines The pattern of shadowban reports, which skews towards the alt-right, the populist right, and cultural libertarians, follows close on the heels of Twitters establishment of a Trust and Safety Council packed with left-wing advocacy groups, as well as Islamic research centre the Wahid Institute... With shadowbans now confirmed by an inside source, there is little room for doubt that the platform is intent on silencing conservatives. Furthermore, it has demonstrated a complete lack of regard for transparency, concealing its shadowbanning system from users and hiding its political bias behind a veneer of opposition to online abuse Yes, it is Twitters sandbox and, yes, there are spammers uninterested in any real dialogue. Yes, there are pornbots and photos any reasonable person would find offensive. There are Twitter equivalents to yelling fire in a crowded theatre. But Twitter has gone beyond enforcing rules of civility to enforcing its view of political correctness, punishing conservatives who use social media, particularly those who are good at it. It is no accident. It is not an error. It is intentional. Ever since Twitters cofounder expressed regret in inadvertently helping Trump get elected, Twitter has mounted a deliberate campaign to make sure it doesnt happen again in 2020. Dorsey, of course, claims that mistakes have been made and he has repented of Twitters sins, but Jesse Kellys recent experience belies that. Twitter, for example, has instated a war on so-called dead-naming which can get you permanently banned. You cannot on Twitter refer to transgendered individuals by their original gender or name. Dont you dare call Chelsea Manning Mr. Manning. We know what happens when you violate Twitters rules. Lets see what happens to Dorsey for violating Congress rules. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. CNN commentator Mark Lamont Hill, described on the network's website as "one of the leading intellectual voices in the country," said in a speech at a U.N. event commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, that violent "resistance" by the Palestinians against Israel is justified and that the world should work toward a Palestinian state "from the river to the sea." Washington Examiner: "Contrary to western mythology, black resistance to American apartheid did not come purely through Ghandi [sic] and nonviolence," Hill said (see video below.) "Rather, slave revolts and self-defense and tactics otherwise divergent from Dr. King or Mahatma Gandhi were equally important to preserving safety and attaining freedom. If we are to operate in true solidarity with the Palestinian people, we must allow the Palestinian people the same range of opportunity and political possibility. If we are standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, we must recognize the right of an occupied people to defend itself. We must prioritize peace, but we must not romanticize or fetishize it. We must advocate and promote nonviolence at every opportunity, but we cannot endorse a narrow politics of respectability that shames Palestinians for resisting, for refusing to do nothing in the face of state violence and ethnic cleansing." "If we are in true solidarity, we must allow them the same range of opportunity and political possibility. We must recognize the right of an occupied people to defend themselves. We must prioritize peace, but we must not romanticize or fetishize it. We must promote nonviolence at every opportunity, but cannot endorse narrow politics that shames Palestinians for resisting, for refusing to do nothing in ethnic cleansing." "Justice requires a free Palestine from the river to the sea," Hill thunderously concluded. The phrase "from the river to the sea" has been a rallying cry for Hamas and other terrorist groups seeking the elimination of Israel, as a Palestinian state stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea would mean that Israel would be wiped off the map. This is not the first time Hill has displayed a raw, nauseating anti-Semitism. The Algemeiner reports on a series of tweets by Hill last year that are astonishing in their ignorance and hate. Earlier this month, Hill opined on Twitter that "Trump's position on Israel/Palestine is repugnant. His call for Palestine to 'reject hatred and terrorism' is offensive & counterproductive." When the tweet came to the attention of Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg several days later, and Goldberg professed to be a "bit flummoxed," Hill responded somewhat defensively, suggesting that "the context [was] missing," and that "[p]eace will not come from demanding action from only one side." A white, Jewish liberal is "flummoxed" by Hill's anti-Semitism? What happened to "shocked"? Or "outraged"? I guess Goldberg just couldn't bring himself to criticize a black man even for virulent anti-Semitism. Hill later stated in exchanges with other Twitter users that he found it "offensive to only call on Palestinians to 'behave', while normalizing/ ignoring the violence of the occupation;" he also rejected it as "offensive" to compare "Palestinian resistance to settler-colonialism to the actions of ISIS." He also declared: "We all agree that hatred and terrorism are bad things. The issue is who gets to define each term, and under what conditions." Hill's belief that a Palestinian state should run "from the river to the sea" is often expressed by those who wish to see the elimination of Israel. The "river" in question is the Jordan River, and the "sea" is the Mediterranean. Where the 8 million or so Jews who currently occupy that land would go, Hill doesn't say. Given the temperament of the Palestinians and their hatred for Jews, one can only imagine what would happen to them. As the BDS movement picks up steam, the American left is dropping all pretenses about their anti-Semitism. You rarely hear them differentiating between "anti-Zionism" and "anti-Semitism" anymore. It's just Jew-hatred pure, unadulterated, unfiltered. There are good people on the left who do not agree with Hill and the BDS crowd. But their voices are being silenced as radical leftists begin to gain political power in the Democratic Party. Of course, the media will continue to be "flummoxed" by this attitude, so rather than condemn anti-Semitism, they will eventually adopt it as their own. As the caravan camps out in self-induced misery in Tijuana, and the left calls for the entry of more refugees (and asylees) into the U.S., a new report from the Federation for Immigration Reform shows that such imports don't come cheap. According to the Washington Examiner: The Federation for American Immigration Reform Monday put the five-year price tag at $8.8 billion in federal and state costs, or nearly $80,000 per refugee. There are some 18 federal and state programs refugees can tap for financial help, including food stamps, child care, public housing and school loans. On a yearly average, it is $1.8 billion, or $15,900 per refugee. Included in that are enormous refugee resettlement costs such as $867 million in welfare, housing assistance and education. For the advocates of bigger government, that's a good thing, given the growing numbers of bureaucrats needed to "service" such clients. More clients, more costs; more costs, more bureaucrats. What's more, half of these refugees and asylees (the terms are used interchangeably in the report because refugees come from their home countries, while asylees apply from the U.S.) stay on Medicaid for five years or more, meaning their incomes stay low, either based on their low skill levels and inability to assimilate or because they have high health care costs and keep their incomes low to ensure a free ride. The Democrats want more of this. Here's one report calling for it from lefty Quartz just today. 3. Widen the scope of those who qualify for asylum Nazario says the US also needs to focus on the asylum seekers who are most at risk of violence in their home countries. In June, then-attorney-general Jeff Sessions said that immigration judges would no longer be able to consider domestic violence or gang violence as general grounds for asylum, reversing an Obama-era precedent. Sessions described domestic abuse and violence as "personal crimes." This "reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of domestic violence, harkening back to an era when rape and partner abuse were viewed as private matters as well as of the brutality and scope of gang violence," said the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). It's the usual lefty solution of throwing taxpayer money at a problem instead of going to the root of the problem, which is the problems in the refugees' home countries, as well as the benefit disparity between what's on offer in home countries and first countries of refuge and the vast banquet of benefits available to U.S. refugees and asylees inside the U.S. Seriously, we could cut the cost in half by handing each refugee a stack of $40,000 in bills in exchange for his staying out of the U.S., which shows just how bad the whole situation is. President Trump has cut the vast numbers of refugees admitted to the U.S. sharply, but that move has just brought more fury from the left, which sees these refugees and asylees, dependent as they are on government services and unlikely to change that situation, as major sources of new Democrat votes. Eighty thousand bucks could also do a lot of good in these refugees' home countries or wherever their first countries of refuge are. Pity it won't get there, given the Democrats' insistence on importing more and more of this poverty and inability to succeed in the U.S. as their means of virtue-signaling. It makes no sense. And the report's conclusion, that the U.S. should step up helping refugees in their home countries and first countries of asylum, makes a lot of sense. Image credit: PressTV of Iran, via YouTube screen shot. A Honduran national who admits he belongs to the notorious MS-13 gang was arrested on the U.S. side of the border after traveling with the caravan of migrants currently camped in Mexico near Tijuana. Agents arrested Jose Villalobos-Jobel, 29, shortly after 6 P.M. on Saturday, according to a statement released by the border patrol. National Review: During questioning at the El Centro station, the Honduran citizen confessed that he is an active member of MS-13 and had intended to enter the country illegally after traveling to the U.S. with the caravan of thousands of other migrants. He is in custody pending his deportation back to Honduras. President Trump has made MS-13 a priority in his crackdown on illegal immigration and said last month that the latest caravan, estimated to consist of as many as 7,000 people, contained MS-13 members. "You're going to find MS-13, you're going to find Middle Eastern, you're going to find everything," he said of the caravan travelers. The gang was started in Los Angeles in the 1980s and has a large presence in El Salvador and other Central American countries, where it terrorizes locals. Several crimes perpetrated by its members have made national headlines in the U.S., including the September 2016 murder on Long Island of two young girls, ages 15 and 16. Critics will downplay the arrest, claiming that Villalobos-Jobel is just one MS-13 member out of a caravan of several thousand. All I can say to that is, does anyone really believe he was the only MS-13 gang member to blend in with the caravan and try to cross the border illegally? The 7,000 migrants currently on the border with the U.S. in Mexico are not all innocent women and children. We are told that about 75% are single males. But you'd never know it, as the airwaves are saturated with images of mothers trying to protect their children from beastly border patrol agents who get their jollies by tear-gassing mothers and kids. I'm sure that most of the single males traveling with the caravan are not criminals or gang members. Whatever you can say about their efforts to enter the U.S., it takes a certain amount of courage and ambition to make a 1,500-mile trek courage and ambition that criminals don't have. But there is absolutely no doubt that some criminals and gang members have traveled with the caravan to enter the U.S. To pretend otherwise is silly. This is why we have a border patrol in the first place. Trump may be exaggerating the problem, but he is right for calling out those who claim that all people in the caravan are harmless refugees. President Trump is getting some negative feedback for interfering with the private sector for his comments on General Motors. President Trump is essentially pressuring GM to keep plants open in the U.S. by pointing out to them that they have been bailed out by U.S. taxpayers and wondering why they are closing plants here while they don't seem to be closing plants in Mexico and China. He is absolutely not telling them what to produce. I thought the best way to analyze this issue is by comparing and contrasting the way Trump treats the private sector to the way Obama and Democrats have treated the private sector. President Trump focuses continuously on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and creating new ones. President Obama and others said manufacturing jobs were gone for good. President Obama was willing to relegate U.S. trade policy to others through the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. President Trump believes that the U.S should control trade itself and pulled out of TPP. President Obama bragged that his policies would bankrupt coal companies and destroy jobs while hurting the poor and middle class with much higher utility rates. President Trump is focusing on keeping coal mines open and miners employed while holding down utility rates. President Obama continually blocked drilling and fossil fuel projects, which certainly blocked job creation and enhanced the power of Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and others. President Trump has opened up drilling projects, which creates jobs; helps keep prices lower; and reduces the power of Russia, Iran Saudi Arabia, and others. We are much more energy independent today under President Trump. The Obama administration sought to destroy for-profit education companies while failing to hold not-for-profit and government higher education institutions to the same standards. President Obama pushed high taxes and massive regulations. President Trump likes the private sector to have more control of the money and more freedom, not the government. During Obama's years, there were slush funds at the EPA, the Justice Department, and the CFPB that were used significantly to reward political supporters. The Obama administration pretended that the legal settlements, where these groups essentially blackmailed companies to settle, were used to help victims and consumers, but a large proportion of the money instead was kicked back to liberal interest groups. It is amazing the number of ways that Obama gathered money to spend as he pleased. Trump budget chief shuts down consumer 'protection' bureau 'slush fund' An educational "slush fund" used by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has come under the "strictest review" by acting director Mick Mulvaney amid concerns the Obama-era agency has been doling out cash only to Democratic cronies. Stunning report: Obama shifted 'slush fund' cash to libs Attorney General Jeff Sessions is investigating up to $6 billion in legal settlement money that the Obama administration steered toward progressive causes and allies in left-wing advocacy groups. President Obama and others intentionally violated bankruptcy law when they used billions of taxpayer dollars to protect political supporters (the unions) over more secure bond-holders and other unsecure creditors. This was one of the clearest indications that Obama cared little about settled law. Auto bailout allowed president to improperly choose winners, losers The Obama Administration, overriding the legal system, ordered the bankruptcy court to wipe out the bondholders and nonunion pension debt an unconstitutional seizure of property. Union pension benefits were secured with equity in GM and Chrysler. When the dust settled, union pensions and taxpayers owned both companies. This clearly violated U.S. bankruptcy law, and became the subject of ongoing litigation. It was wrong to use the "crisis" as an excuse to disregard the law and serve a political agenda. Bureaucrats working with Obama helped determine which dealerships would close. How Obama crushed thousands of auto dealerships In 2009, the Auto Task Force under the US Treasury Department and its head, Steve Rattner, Obama's Car Czar, entered into negotiations with Chrysler and GM (auto manufacturers) to "save" the auto industry. Herein, the auto task force, without inside knowledge of the industry, pressured the manufacturers to reduce the number of dealerships and fast tracked the government-managed bankruptcy to do just that. This did not allow for due process in the bankruptcy court. GM also got a huge income tax break. Maybe the company should remember how generous we were. GM Could Be Free of Taxes for Years General Motors Co. will drive away from its U.S.-government-financed restructuring with a final gift in its trunk: a tax break that could be worth as much as $45 billion. GM says it is closing factories that produce vehicles that are unprofitable, but it is throwing billions into loss-producing electric and self-driving vehicles. After years of development and taxpayer gifts, hybrid and electric cars sold in October 2018 totaled 34,094, or a little over 2% of the total, and if you take out Tesla, the total is under 14,000, which is less than 1%. Think of how low it would be without the $7,500 credit which I call a gift to the rich who like to buy electric toys to pretend they care. Very few poor or middle-class people buy these impractical vehicles. How many people actually believe that impractical and expensive electric vehicles will ever be popular choices for the poor and middle class unless we are actually forced to buy them? Why do we give taxpayer subsidies to GM and other car makers for cars they make in other countries? I feel so good that middle-class taxpayers subsidize rich families buying the Tesla Model X and Model S, who make between $267,000 and $503,000. New survey compares demographic of Tesla Model X vs. Model S buyer Model X owners showed a significant bump in household annual income versus Model S owners, ticking in at an average of $503,000 and $267,000 respectively. We should all be thankful every day that we have a president who wants to increase the power and purse of the private sector versus Obama or Hillary, who, along with other Democrats, continually wanted to increase the power of the government and confiscate an ever greater share of the nation's wealth for them to use as they please. Photo credit: Marlordo Roberto Duran Ortiz. The United States Congress may be able to draft a privacy bill akin to the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation as early as next year, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said at this weeks hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The 72-year-old said hes hoping the said law will be drafted early in the next caucus session which is kicking off in January. Senator Blumenthal revealed he and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) already discussed the matter and should be able to come up with a provisional draft through a bipartisan effort which already started. Senator Moran publicly voiced support for federal data-privacy legislation, though the two major political parties in the country are still in some disagreements over how potential violations of the thereof should be penalized. E.g. the Republican legislator previously said he isnt convinced that the government should turn to civil penalties in case of privacy violations, though thats precisely what the political left currently has in mind. Senator John Thune (R-SD) confirmed the Commerce Committee is considering consumer-data legislation as well, though details on the matter remain virtually non-existent. Background: The subject of data privacy has been garnering a lot of traction in the U.S. over the course of this year, primarily due to a number of high-profile scandals such as Facebooks Cambridge Analytica debacle and Googles oversight that potentially compromised hundreds of thousands of Google+ users and went undisclosed for months, ultimately prompting the firm to shutter its struggling social media network for good. Numerous advocacy groups called for Congress to draft legislation akin to GDPR, one of the strictest information privacy laws ever enacted in the West. The legislation in question went into effect in late May and already allowed for a wide variety of complaints against the worlds largest technology companies, though its effectiveness has yet to be tested in the court of law. Advertisement Shortly after GDPR started being enforced, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (AB275) which provided its residents with similar rights, allowing them to request their digital data held by private entities to be deleted and control the manner in which its collected and managed, in addition to finding out what exactly do Internet companies know about them. The law attracted significant criticism from the Silicon Valley, though the industry eventually stopped lobbying against it due to public pressure. A potential federal-level bill regulating data privacy may also pre-empt the said California legislation, though DNC lawmakers already publicly opposed such a turn of events. GOP members arent as one-minded about the issue, though its still unclear whether theyd be willing to agree to keep Californias law intact. Impact: While the current political climate in the U.S. heavily leans on the side of partisanship and polarization, data privacy appears to be one of the rare issues that both sides agree needs extra regulation. While that certainly doesnt spell good news for the tech industrys bottom line, its unlikely that Capitol Hill enacts legislation thats anywhere close to GDPR in terms of strictness; according to the new EU law, privacy violators can be fined with up to two percentage points of their annual turnover or 10 ($11.38) million, whichever figure is greater, whereas American lawmakers still arent certain whether civil penalties will even be their go-to form of punishment for such transgressions. Renders and promotional images of the Nokia 8.1 were leaked recently, providing details about the design, specifications, and software features of the device. The Nokia 8.1 will reportedly be the global variant of the Nokia X7, a device that was first launched in China last month. The leak further claims that the Nokia 8.1 can also be identified using the codename Nokia Phoenix, and there are numerous references to the codename in the marketing materials for the device. The leaked renders of the Nokia 8.1 shows that the device will include a notch located above the handsets display, while the rear panel of the handset contains the fingerprint sensor, the dual rear cameras, and the dual LED flash. Both the volume rocker and the power button are located at the right side of the handset, and the device will feature a dual-tone anodized metal frame. Furthermore, the leaked marketing materials corroborated previous reports that detailed the specifications and features of the Nokia 8.1. The marketing materials indicate that the device will sport the Snapdragon 710 SoC from the semiconductor company Qualcomm. The Snapdragon 710 chipset features an octa-core Kryo 360 CPU running at a maximum clock speed of 2.2GHz and the Adreno 616 GPU. The device will be available in two hardware variants that contain either 4GB and 6GB of RAM, and consumers may also choose among models that include either 64GB or 128GB of internal flash storage. The leak also states that the Nokia 8.1 will feature a 6.18-inch FullHD+ display. The dual rear camera setup of the Nokia 8.1 will reportedly sport one 12-megapixel and one 13-megapixel sensor and both imaging modules will be equipped with ZEISS Optics. On the other hand, the front-facing camera includes a 20-megapixel sensor which adapts to dimmer situations by combining four separate pixels into one. The marketing materials also provided additional information about the software features of the device. The Nokia 8.1 will reportedly ship with Android 9 Pie pre-installed, which means that people can take advantage of useful features like Adaptive Brightness and Adaptive Battery functionalities. Furthermore, like previous handsets of the device maker, the smartphone will be launched as a part of the Android One program. With Nokias continued participation to Googles stock Android program, buyers of the handset should continue to expect at least two software upgrades from the device maker. The leaked promotional materials also show that the Nokia 8.1 will utilize artificial intelligence to create better bokeh and portrait images, and the devices camera application will also reportedly feature Google Lens and Motion Photos. Advertisement Background: Nokia 8.1 is expected to succeed the Nokia 8, the previous generation flagship smartphone offering of HMD Global. Aside from the information provided by recent leaks, previous reports claim that the Nokia 8.1 will include two SIM card slots and a 3,500mAh battery, and it will also support 18W fast charging. Earlier changes made to the ARCore supported device page show that Googles mobile augmented reality (AR) platform will also support the handset. HMD Global will likely launch the Nokia 8.1, along with two other handsets, in an event scheduled for December 5th. Aside from the Nokia 8.1, the company will reportedly reveal the Nokia 2.1 and the Nokia 9 at the event. Impact: Based on the leaks that have recently appeared, it seems that the Nokia 8.1 will now be marketed as a mid-range device, while the rumored Nokia 9 will become the new flagship offering of the tech company. Due to this change, it is highly likely that the Nokia 8.1 will have a cheaper price tag compared to its predecessor, the Nokia 8. Beauty and the Beast ... and the Memes! Copyright exceptions under EU and national laws organised by Wikimedia Movement and the Free Knowledge Advocacy Group and presented by IPKat own Eleonora. The event will take place at 17:00 on 3 December 2018 at The Office, rue d'Arlon 80 in Brussels: all welcome! For registration and more information on the event, click here. Copyright exceptions have been partially harmonised at the EU level. But are Member States transposing them correctly? The new Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive will impose the adoption of new exceptions. What freedom do Member States enjoy in shaping national rules? This and other questions will be addressed during the eventorganised by Wikimedia Movement and the Free Knowledge Advocacy Group andpresented by IPKat own Eleonora. The event will take place at 17:00 onat The Office,in Brussels: all welcome! For registration and more information on the event, click The use and creative reuse of audiovisual works play an increasingly crucial role in education. In this context, understanding what uses are covered by licensing schemes, such as the ERA licence, and can be enabled by copyright exceptions becomes particularly important. All of this will be discussed at the Copyright & Creative Reuse - Members' Day 2018 organised by the British Universities Film & Video Council on 7 December 2018 in London. For more information see here. The use and creative reuse of audiovisual works play an increasingly crucial role in education. In this context, understanding what uses are covered by licensing schemes, such as the ERA licence, and can be enabled by copyright exceptions becomes particularly important. All of this will be discussed at theorganised by the British Universities Film & Video Council onin London. For more information see here . To book, click Kat pondering about licensing schemes The EPO and UKIPO are teaming up to make online filing easier to understand. In the EPO and UKIPO online services workshop you will learn about the EPO's web-based online filing system and the second phase of the DOCX filing pilot. Witness a live demonstration of Mailbox and hear an overview of best practice interaction with the EPO. The sessions, with speakers Richard Garvey and Michael Lindblom from the EPO, will be held on 13 and 14 December 2018 . For more information on the programme, see Registration deadline is today ! The EPO and UKIPO are teaming up to make online filing easier to understand. In theyou will learn about the EPO's web-based online filing system and the second phase of the DOCX filing pilot. Witness a live demonstration of Mailbox and hear an overview of best practice interaction with the EPO. The sessions, with speakers Richard Garvey and Michael Lindblom from the EPO, will be held on. For more information on the programme, see here The University of Notre Dame Law School in London is launching a series of lectures in Intellectual Property Law, open to Notre Dame students and UK IP practitioners. The lectures are as follows: Wednesday 23 January 2019 6-7.30pm Simon Carter on Client Interviewing The Simon Carter Story, Register here 6-7.30pm Simon Carter on Wednesday 6 February 2019 6-7.30pm Geraldine Andrews J., Judge of the High Court on The Importance of Case Analysis, Register here 6-7.30pm Geraldine Andrews J., Judge of the High Court on Wednesday 13 February 2019 6-7.30pm Damian Falkowski, Barrister of Essex Court, on Drafting & Opinion Writing: The Golden Thread , Register here 6-7.30pm Damian Falkowski, Barrister of Essex Court, on , Wednesday 6 March 2019 6-7.30pm Mr Justice Arnold J. on Patent Cases Explained - A Judge's Viewpoint, Register here 6-7.30pm Mr Justice Arnold J. on Wednesday 27 March 2019 6-7.30pm Ian Silcock, IP Barrister, on The Costs and Implications of Avoiding Mediation in IP Disputes , Register here 6-7.30pm Ian Silcock, IP Barrister, on , Wednesday 3 April 2019 6-7.30pm Anthony Tridico, managing partner of US law firm Finnegan, on Ethics and the Conditional Fee Agreement - A US Perspective, Register here Please note that space is limited. Registration must be completed seven days prior to each session . 26-29 July 2019. The European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA) is hosting itsto be held in Edinburgh onFor more information, see A new Nokia 9 PureView case has just surfaced, following a leak of a see-through silicone case that appeared a couple of weeks ago. This newly-leaked case seems to be made out of silicone as well, though this time around we get to see an all-black case for the device, and this case seems to reconfirm the Nokia 9 PureViews design. The moment you lay your eyes on the provided image, you will notice that there are seven cutouts included on the back, and those seven cutouts are there to accommodate rings that will be implemented on the back of the device, at least according to renders that have leaked in the past. You will notice that the top cutout actually has an attachment on the top, and that tiny cutout is there for a noise-canceling microphone. In any case, five out of seven of these cutouts are here to accommodate the Nokia 9 PureViews camera, the sixth is there for an LED flash, while the seventh is there for some sort of a dual sensor which will be implemented on the back of the Nokia 9 PureView. This case also suggests that the phones physical keys will be included on the right-hand side of the device, which is something the leaked renders reported as well, as this case fits those renders perfectly, it seems. A Type-C USB port is included on the bottom of the Nokia 9 PureView, while you will notice a cutout for the phones loudspeaker on one side of the cutout for the Type-C port, and a cutout for an earpiece is on the other side. This case suggests that the phone will be slightly curved on the back, which is something that leaked renders also revealed a couple of weeks ago. Those are pretty much all the details that this case revealed / reconfirmed, as only one image leaked, we dont really get to see this case from the front or left side, unfortunately. Background: The Nokia 9 PureView rumors and leaks have been surfacing for quite some time now. The phone was expected to arrive back in September, a year after the Nokia 8 arrived, but that did not happen. Reports suggested that the device got delayed on Juho Sarvikas initiative, Mr. Sarvikas is a Chief Product Officer over at HMD Global, in case you didnt know. Reports said that Mr. Sarvikas did not think that the Nokia 9 (which was its rumored name back then) is not ready to hit the market and compete with other flagships, which managed to upset some employees over at HMD Global, at least if reports are to be believed. HMD Globals employees actually thought that Nokia is missing its chance to create some additional competition in the market, and make a name for itself in the premium department. In any case, not long after that, HMD Global acquired rights to use the PureView brand, and along with that, PureView technology, of course. Those rights were acquired from Microsoft, and immediately after that, rumors started popping up that the company will implement PureView technology in the Nokia 9, while the Nokia 9 PureView name also surfaced along with it, and the phone has been referred to as the Nokia 9 PureView ever since. Advertisement Implementing PureView technology takes time, of course, so it remains to be seen if the Nokia 9 will actually ship with PureView tech, or will all of these remain a rumor, but in any case, if the Nokia 9 doesnt end up sporting PureView technology, the companys next flagship most certainly will, though, truth be said, the phone has been postponed so many times thus far, that pretty much everyone is expecting PureView tech to be included. Some rumors actually suggested that the Nokia 9 PureView will be announced at the December 5 event in Dubai, which HMD Global recently announced, as the company teased three phones for that event, but if a recent rumor is to be believed, that will not happen. That rumor suggested that the phone will launch either later in December, or in early 2019, which does seem like a more likely option, as HMD Global probably wants all the attention to be pointed at the Nokia 9 PureView during the launch event, so its highly unlikely the company will announce it alongside two other phones. Depending on which rumor you opt to believe, the Nokia 9 PureView may arrive in late December, or early 2019, which could mean either January, February, or March, who knows. The Nokia 9 PureView is expected to ship with at least 6GB of RAM on the inside, though an 8GB RAM variant is also a possibility, while the device will almost certainly ship with Android 9 Pie, and will be a part of Googles Android One project. The device will include a rather large display, and it will sport some bezel above and below the display, though those bezels will not be thick at all. The device is also expected to include an in-display fingerprint scanner, and some sort of a facial scanning technology, though facial scanning in the Nokia 9 PureView will probably utilize the phones front-facing camera, it will not come with fancy sensors as in some other phones, though that was to be expected, as that wont be the main focus of the Nokia 9 PureView, not even close to that. Impact: Considering that the arrival of Qualcomms new flagship processor is right around the corner, it would be wise for HMD Global to wait for that SoC to launch and become available, so that the company can implement it in the Nokia 9 PureView, as the Snapdragon 845 will be replaced by that SoC, which will probably be called the Snapdragon 8150. Releasing a Snapdragon 845-powered smartphone at the end of December or in January may not be the best idea, as HMD Global already learned when it announced the Nokia 8 Sirocco during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) last year, as that phone was announced as a new flagship, but it sported an older processor, and a rather high price tag HMD Global did not really sell a ton of those phones as a result. Swedish audio technology company Dirac Research will be bringing its latest solutions to the OnePlus 6T, the two companies announced Thursday. The said additions will be coming in the form of Dirac HD Sound and Dirac Power Sound, a pair of technologies meant to improve the overall audio experience produced by smartphone speakers and connected headphones. The Chinese original equipment manufacturer described Diracs software as an important part of its strategy of blending premium hardware and software in order to create the best possible customer experience. By embracing the Swedish firms solutions, the firm is hoping to differentiate its latest Android handset from its rivals and appeal to audiophiles. As part of the newly confirmed collaboration, Dirac Research has taken upon itself to optimize the OnePlus 6Ts micro-speaker with the goal of having the smartphone produce a cleaner sound with more embellished highlights, more powerful bass, and a listening experience thats generally more natural. While this partnership did not start with the OnePlus 6T, its described as being of particular importance due to the fact that the latest OnePlus device doesnt feature a 3.5mm audio jack and instead relies on a USB Type-C port for wired audio. Dirac hence paid special attention to optimizing this output format, particularly in regards to the OnePlus Bullet earbuds. Thats where Dirac HD Sound comes in, having been designed to measure and correct impulse and frequency response of any connected headphones in order to ensure a cleaner sound. Background: Dirac Research and OnePlus have been collaborating for three years now, having first started working together while the OnePlus 2 was in development. They also partnered for the OnePlus 6 earlier this year which leverages the same technologies as its direct successor. The Chinese firms marketing apparatus is currently out in full force as its seeking to make the most of the ongoing holiday season, traditionally the most lucrative period of the year for handset makers and other consumer electronics companies. Advertisement Following the release of the main OnePlus 6T series, the company also resolved to introduce limited-edition variants of the thereof, including a Thunder Purple model and one themed after Marvels Avengers franchise. Yet another such device is scheduled to be announced in mid-December in the form of a McClaren-themed gadget. Arguably the companys largest achievement of 2018 is its recently formed partnership with T-Mobile that provided it with a major entry point into the worlds largest market for high-end handsets. While the firm is yet to provide some concrete details on its commercial performance, the OnePlus 6T is already believed to be its fastest-selling product to date and one that will likely break other internal sales records in the coming months. Impact: The continuation of OnePluss partnership with Dirac Research signals the firm plans to maintain its commitment to the mobile audio segment even after ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack. By most indicators, its collaboration with the Swedish technology company will continue moving forward, helping it to differentiate its products from competing solutions by catering to audiophiles, especially now when OnePlus started transitioning toward USB Type-C connectors as the default audio output solution of its Android smartphones. OPPO will unveil its first foldable smartphone at Mobile World Congress in February, product manager Chuck Wang told Dutch news outlet Tweakers. Details on design and specifications are missing but this isnt the first time the OEM has shown signs of interest in manufacturing foldable mobile devices. In addition to unveiling a phone boasting the new form factor, the report mentions that the OEM will introduce a 5G-enabled smartphone for Europe in the first half of 2019, but once again detailed specifications have not been mentioned. Several smartphone makers have plans for releasing 5G phones next year so it doesnt sound far-fetched for the Chinese OEM to have similar plans for its mobile product portfolio next year, especially given that OPPO already performed several tests surrounding 5G technologies and mobile phones. Background: Although OPPO hasnt been the first smartphone maker to get on board the idea of a foldable smartphone, over the past couple of months several patents have emerged to confirm that the Chinese OEM is, at least, considering the creation of such devices. These patents revealed concepts of smartphones that can turn into tablets once folded out, similar to the prototype showcased by Samsung at SDC a few weeks back. At the moment, its unclear how far OPPO may have advanced the foldable smartphone project forward and whether the product set to be showcased at MWC near the end of February will be an early prototype or a device that will be closer to a market release, but judging by earlier patents the OEM might borrow a page from Samsungs playbook and deliver a foldable phone featuring a single hinge along with a flexible display that wraps around it. As for OPPOs 5G efforts, earlier this spring the OEM managed to make the first 5G-based 3D video call using a modified version of the OPPO R11s, while later in the summer, the OEM showcased a modified version of the OPPO R15 Android device in China, boasting 5G connectivity powered by the Snapdragon X50 modem from Qualcomm. The companys efforts to achieve 5G continued and in October the OEM used a prototype smartphone to establish a 5G connection to the Internet. Having said that, the idea that OPPO will introduce its first commercially-available phone in the first half of 2019 is very plausible, especially since OPPO is not the only OEM that aims to achieve this. LG is presently collaborating with Sprint to produce a 5G smartphone for the U.S. carrier and there have been reports indicating that at least one of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 variants will be 5G-enabled. Advertisement Impact: Several OEMs are slowly but surely pushing the foldable smartphone concept forward but only time will tell if these devices will become niche products or replace the usual chocolate-bar form factor in the coming years. OPPO proved time and again that it doesnt shy away from unconventional smartphone designs and the foldable smartphone seems to fit the Chinese smartphone makers usual M.O. very well. Earlier this year OPPO lost the fourth spot in the smartphone global market to Xiaomi, but these new challenges faced by OEMs in regards to 5G and foldable form factors could reshuffle their position in the market to a certain extent. OPPO seems to want to be at the forefront of these changes in the mobile world and MWC in late February will apparently be the place where the OEM will showcase its latest efforts in the new areas of technology. The Suwon Prosecutors Office on Thursday filed indictments against nine individuals and two companies for stealing Samsungs curved-display technologies and selling them to a Chinese firm. The people in question were employees of Toptec Co Ltd, a firm that produced machines Samsung used to manufacture some of its mobile displays, including the ones with curved edges implemented into the last several generations of the technology giants Android flagships. Three of the defendants were arrested, including Toptec Chief Executive Officer Lee Jae-hwan, whereas another two who were accused of being complicit but worked for another firm from China avoided having any official charges dropped on them. The company responsible for the leak signed a variety of non-disclosure agreements meant to prevent Samsung Displays 3D Lamination technology for curved OLED panels secret but ultimately ended up selling schematics and other sensitive materials to an unnamed entity from China, the indictment reads. The defendants are alleged to have established a shell company to conduct their transgressions which sold the drawings and other technical documentation in question for the equivalent of some $13.8 million. While the South Korean government usually doesnt get involved in trade secret theft cases, this particular situation is an exception as Samsung created its 3D lamination techniques under the designation of a national core technology which hence falls under the protection of Seoul. Its display-making arm claims it invested over $134 million to fun a 38-strong team of engineers over six years in order to develop the technology. The information on when exactly did the defendants allegedly transfer the stolen schematics to China has yet to be disclosed, though the prosecutors did accuse them of using burn phones, fake names, and personal email addresses in order to attempt avoiding leaving official records of their transgressions. The case is expected to take around a year until it reaches a first-instance verdict. Toptec is denying any wrongdoing and claims it will remain fully cooperative with competent authorities in order to clear its name. Advertisement Background: Samsung first commercialized curved-edge mobile OLED panels in 2014 when it released the Galaxy Note Edge which featured a single such flexible panel side. The firm promptly moved to dual curved edges which it continues to use as one of the main unique selling points of its Android flagships. Smartphone manufacturers from China have only recently transitioned to OLED panels in the non-premium segment of the market after spending years with LCD modules. Compared to the latter, OLED displays provide better energy efficiency and are able to deliver an infinite-contrast image due to the manner in which they generate true blacks as every pixel on an OLED panel is lit individually, such solutions deliver black image sections by simply not lighting up certain viewing areas. Today, Samsung controls more than 95-percent of the global OLED market for small- and mid-sized panels used by smartphone and tablet manufacturers. The increased demand from China boosted the companys profits over the last several years and combined with a rise in chip sales allowed Samsung to reach unprecedented highs, posting one record-breaking quarter after another. The firms pioneering technologies that allowed it to deliver curved-edge mobile displays have evolved to the point that its now almost ready to commercialize the first mainstream foldable smartphone. Rumored to be called the Galaxy F or Galaxy Flex, the Android handset in question is expected to be officially introduced at Barcelona-based Mobile World Congress in late February, sporting an unconventional Infinity Flex panel Samsung already unveiled last month. Every new Android flagship from Samsung released over the last half a decade pushed the boundaries of mobile display technologies and even when its designs were outdone, they were usually temporarily surpassed by panels which it still manufactured for another party, which is what happened last year with the Super AMOLED module of Apples iPhone X. Curved-edge displays are still a rarity in the smartphone industry outside of Samsungs portfolio and the only other major original equipment manufacturer that commercialized them so far is Huawei with its Mate series of high-end Android phablets. The South Korean prosecutors gave no indication of who the supposed China-based buyer of Samsungs stolen technologies is but that information is likely to become public knowledge as the case progresses. Advertisement Toptecs offices were raided by prosecutors in the Far Eastern country in mid-September as part of an incestigation that led to todays indictments. On that occasion, the firm denied leaking trade secrets and attributed the allegations to communication issues with clients, claiming the thereof were of little to no consequence. Prior to the emergence of trade secret theft allegations, Toptec was struggling to calm investors who were vary of the firms lack of investments and a declining revenue. Impact: While the alleged buyer of the curved-screen technologies stolen from Samsung has yet to be named, theres little doubt that the South Korean company wont hesitate to reveal it when the case moves to the court of law, as suggested by its established track record of patent litigation which saw it clash with some of the worlds largest technology companies such as Apple. Should the prosecution successfully prove Samsungs trade secrets were stolen and sold to the highest bidder in China, the company would have a legal basis to pursue an injunction against anyone who tries to commercialize them. That ability still wouldnt extend to the Chinese market itself which technically has intellectual property laws but has a judicial system that applies them selectively, only when it benefits domestic companies at the expense of their foreign rivals, critics often argue. The said protectionist policy is also what partially fueled the ongoing trade war between China and the United States. Should the newly started litigation confirm Samsungs stolen technologies ended up in China, that development would likely be used by Washington as yet another argument against an open collaboration with the Far Eastern country. The Trump administrations current relations with Beijing are rather shaky; it was just last month that Vice President Mike Pence reiterated accusations of China stealing American technologies. Samsung is looking to go beyond folding smartphones to include new interactions for devices that bend instead, based on a recent patent from the company that was spotted by Android Headlines at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The patent documents describe a new way for users to interact with applications that are split into two or more partitions on the screen based on the bending mechanism of a flexible smartphone. A user might hold the device in portrait mode and swipe along a verticle axis before bending the handset along a similar access. That would result in appropriate app actions and display elements being moved to either the bent or flat portion of the panel. As shown in several of Samsungs patent images, that might be useful in the camera, maps, or apps that access contacts. For instance, a user could open up their gallery application and select an image after completing the bending action in order to bring up a list of contacts that the image might be shared within the second partition. The partitions appear to be sized and actions filling those chosen based on the app in use and where the user chooses to swipe along the verticle axis. Staying within the camera application itself, a user might choose to split the apps features so that the shutter and other adjustment options are on a separate partition from the viewfinder. Samsungs description says that would allow new gesture controls to be introduced such as a circular swiping motion on the preview side of the phone since the more typical UI would be moved out of the way. Background: Samsung is only currently expected to unveil one smartphone with a flexible panel in 2019, tentatively dubbed that Samsung Galaxy F. That handset folds like out like a book and features a second display on the outside for use in either tablet or smartphone configuration. The internal Main Display portion of that is a flexible panel that measures 7.3-inches and has a resolution of 1536 x 2152. The phone-style secondary display measures just 4.58-inches at 840 x 1960, an aspect ratio of 21:9, and a pixel density of 420 dpi. The handset will bring with it a new variation on the Android OS interface thats been adapted for folding smartphones and a new version of Bixby among other things. Advertisement The display on the Samsung Galaxy F does not at all fold and bend as this new design appears to though and seems to follow other patents more closely, if it follows any of them at all. Among those that Samsung has been awarded since the above-mentioned screen was first touted at SDC 2018 several seem as though it might fit the design of the Galaxy F. One of the more recent of those, recently spotted by Android Headlines, centers its design around a watchband-style hinge. Thats comprised of minuscule gears housed inside of watchband links, complete with pins holding them in place, that fold in a single pre-set direction. The Samsung Galaxy F could utilize a similar hinge design but the final version of that hasnt been outed by the company just yet. Impact: Continuous innovations are a big part of how Samsung has managed to hold onto its position as the worlds largest and most successful Android OEM. The new method for moving elements around actually appears perfectly suited for the recent revisions to Android as well. Those changes are designed to move elements around to the left or right-hand side of the screen or between the outer and inner displays explicitly for use by folding smartphones or tablets. Samsungs newly patented method would apparently only need to make minimal changes to Androids support for the platform in order to work. At the same time, it also alters what can be done with those methods in terms of user experience and widening the available interactions substantially. The Executive Leader of Church Mission Society, the Revd Canon Philip Mounstephen, reflects on lessons learned from mission on the eve of his consecration on Friday (30 November) as Bishop of the Church of Englands Diocese of Truro. Its almost six years to the day since I was commissioned as Executive Leader of Church Mission Society in a moving service at St Aldates Church in Oxford. And this week I embark on a new phase of ministry as Bishop of Truro, overseeing the Anglican Churchs mission and ministry across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (not forgetting our two parishes in Devon). So its a good time to take stock. Its been a wonderful privilege to lead CMS over these years. I will go to Truro still as a member of the CMS Community taking with me much of what I have learnt here. But what are those key lessons? They could probably take up a book or two but let me here highlight three crucial lessons I feel Ive learnt. First of all, mission is always a creative act. A number of us on the CMS staff have a background in youth ministry, myself included, and anyone whos been involved in ministry with young people knows that creativity is absolutely essential. But its true of all mission and ministry. In my time in CMS Ive seen countless examples of that, whether thats people setting up projects to help petrol-heads talk about cars and Jesus, or working with farmers in rural Uganda discovering new ways of making the land productive, or helping churches in the UK rediscover a sense of purpose and hope through the Partnership for Missional Church process. If there is one significant threat to the church in the West, I think its probably our lack of imagination. We are very used to doing things in the same old way. But we are much less good at finding new ways of being church and making the good news known. But we need to. In the words of the recently canonised Oscar Romero, We are prophets of a future not our own. But are we, actually? Our God is creative, and creativity is one of his greatest gifts to us. By his grace, may we rediscover it, and in the process find fresh hope for the future. Second I have learnt that from start the finish the Bible is a book about mission. There used to be an apologetic about the Bible that described it as the makers instruction book, telling us what to do. Well I dont deny that it does tell us what to do but above all it tells us what God has done, and is doing. Indeed I would say that the overriding theme of the Scriptures is the going-forth of God. From start to finish the grand narrative of the Bible is about God going forth, reaching out to his world, in creation and in redemption. In other words its all about the mission of God. And if we are truly to be shaped by the Bible then we need to let it shape us for mission above all. My third lesson follows straight from that: mission is the heartbeat of God. Indeed I think you can argue that it is what he lives for. And it is indeed what Jesus died for. If the grand narrative of Scripture is all about the going-forth of God, we have to say too that above all it is about the going-forth of God in love. Now that has so many implications its difficult to know where to begin! But let me pull one out. When God came to us in love in Jesus, he accommodated himself to us. He came to us in a shape and a form we can understand. He came to us and became one of us. And that has to be our model in mission, and is why in CMS we have always taken context and culture, language and identity, so seriously. But Im not sure we always do in the Church. Too often, I fear, we invite people to come to us and be like us. But if our mission is truly-loving it will not be like that. Instead of inviting people to accommodate themselves to us we will go the extra mile and accommodate ourselves to them. And it follows that above all mission must be about love and if its not about love, its not mission. Mission is about love above all, much more than technique or text: doing and saying the right things. I was in Bolivia a couple of years ago when the world news was full of stories about the building of walls and hostility towards refugees and migrants. By contrast the projects I visited there, whether with street kids, children with HIV and Aids or people struggling with addiction, all seemed to have so much love at their heart. In other words they expressed the loving, mission of heart of God: that love to which the Scriptures bear witness, demonstrated in so many different, creative ways. And wherever God may call each of us in the future, may those always be the hallmarks of our mission too. Posted on: November 29, 2018 6:48 PM Anglican Primates from the Americas and the Caribbean have concluded their regional meeting today (Thursday) with a commitment to continue meeting regularly and working together in the coming years. The three-day meeting, at the convent of the Sisterhood of St John the Divine in Toronto, was characterised as being not just honest talks, but very honest talks which enabled us to face the difficulties in the Communion and move forward together in Christ. The meeting was the first time that all the Primates of the Americas had met together in a group. They gathered following a suggestion at the last Primates Meeting in Canterbury in October 2017, where the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, encouraged the Primates to meet. The conversations began with an acknowledgement of the need to rebuild trust within the Anglican Communion and amongst the Primates and Provinces. The Anglican Communion document, Towards a Symphony of Instruments, was used as a framework for the discussions. The Primates also discussed the Lambeth Conference 2020 and made a good contribution to the Lambeth Design Group. They said that they are asking that our reality be made a priority at Lambeth, including a range of common issues in the region: church planting, evangelism, mission, the refugee crisis, violence against women and children, economic injustice, and climate change. Every Primate in the Americas was present at the meeting, together with Bishop Leopold Friday, representing the Church of the Province of West Indies, as they await to appoint their Primate. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, also took part. Bishop Anthony Poggo, the Archbishop of Canterburys Advisor on Anglican Communion Affairs, and Phil George, the Chief Executive of the Lambeth Conference, also participated. We faced major challenges in the hope of moving forward, the Primates said at the conclusion of their meeting. We discussed these issues in the context of an ongoing reflection on the nature of Communion. The Church leaders discussed ways of strengthening relationships among the Primates in the region; particularly ways of organising themselves for continuing conversation and closer collaboration in the future. They also discussed the possibility of a conference on mission in the Americas in 2021, following the Lambeth Conference in 2020. Yesterday, Archbishop Julio Murray, Primate of the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America, was elected as the Americas regional representative on the Anglican Communions Standing Committee. Posted on: November 29, 2018 3:14 PM The Churches of Zambia will lead the countrys National Dialogue after reaching an agreement with the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (NZID). The dialogue had been planned for a couple of years, but disputes between the parties and the withdrawal of support earlier this year by the Churches led to delays. The NZID was created to resolve disputes between political parties and to strengthen inter-party democracy in the country. We the leaders of the three Church Mother Bodies namely: the Council of Churches in Zambia, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue wish to inform the nation that we have agreed on how to proceed with the national dialogue process, church leaders and NZID said in a joint statement. The agreement is that that the three Church mother bodies will lead and chair the entire national dialogue process; and that there will be a joint secretariat comprising the three church mother bodies and ZCID. We hereby make an appeal to all stakeholders and Zambians to remain committed and support this process in its entirety, they said. Together we can set the nation on a new trajectory that will ensure that we truly live in peace, unity and harmony by promoting a culture of good governance, tolerance, civility, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding as well as respecting human rights. Zambia has a history of peaceful elections and transition of power; but recent elections have seen a rise in inter-party violence by some members of political cadres. In advance of the 2016 General Election, the leaders of the political parties including President Edgar Lungu attended an indaba session at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, at which they agreed measures to calm tensions. 1. Comments must not be racist, misogynistic, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted. 2. Comments must not involve little more than name-calling and insulting remarks. 3. Comments must not be made by "anonymous" or "unknown". 4. Comments must not try to sneak in some free advertising for themselves (like spam). I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published. Thursday, November 29, 2018 Lujan Secures Top House Post As Udall Preps Senate Re-elect Bid, And: Navajo Gator Reports On And Analyzes Rez Election Outcome And as we speculated, that means he holds the highest leadership post And he's probably the highest ranking NM leader ever in either the House or Senate. We've had powerful Senate committee chairmen but none that we are aware of in the upper ranks of the senatorial leadership. You can read more about Lujan's new role on the Wednesday blog. Now on to today's action. Giving US Senators a stiff re-election challenge just doesn't seem to be in the DNA of La Politica. With Dem Senator Tom Udall indicating he will seek a third term in 2020 and prepping his fund-raising machine, there is nary a peep of even a rumor about what name Republican will surface to take him on. If circumstances remain apathetic we could have a repeat of the bust that happened this month in the Senate race that saw Dem Martin Heinrich re-elected. GOP nominee Rich was written off from the start and Libertarian Gary Johnson fizzled faster than a firecracker in a rainstorm. Obviously, Udall, 70, is hoping for something similar as he embarks on a campaign for what could be his final US Senate term. If pressed, insider R's will throw out the name of Lt. Governor John Sanchez, but unconvincingly. Sanchez's star has faded along with that of Gov. Martinez who once was talked up as a potential Udall foe. The last competitive Senate race featuring an incumbent was way back in 1994 when Republican Colin McMillan ran unsuccessfully (54-46) against Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman. And the last incumbent Senator to lose their seat was Republican Jack Schmitt back in '82 when Bingaman tripped him up. On the other hand, when we had an open Senate seat in '08 we had a pretty fair campaign between Udall and GOP nominee Steve Pearce. And when Bingaman retired the match-up for his vacant seat between Heinrich and R Heather Wilson was a race to watch. A Senate campaign is a great platform for a vigorous debate over the national scene and the state's role in it, but not so much when the seat is filled with an incumbent. The R's will need to get going if they are going to make a serious try to overturn that history. A STRANDED TRIO? The possibility that Udall would not seek another term had the juices flowing among the new generation of Democrats who saw their names prominently mentioned as possible replacements. Now you wonder what will become of them. With Udall seeking re-election and Dem Michelle Lujan Grisham in the governor's chair, there are few higher office options for the trio of Attorney General Hector Balderas, ABQ Mayor Tim Keller and BernCo District Attorney Raul Torrez. There is one long shot possibility that the trio will watch for--if a Dem president is elected in 2020 there is a chance that Sen. Heinrich could make a play to join their cabinet as Secretary of Interior. If that happened then the Governor would appoint a replacement to fill out his term. Of course, the Governor could appoint herself, again foiling the higher hopes of our stranded trio. NAVAJO GATOR REPORTS Joe: The Navajo Nation is preparing to inaugurate its newest president after a landslide victory by Jonathan Nez, the current vice president. Nez defeated former Navajo President Joe Shirley, 39,783 to 20,146 votes, with about 64 percent voter turnout in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. This election marks the end of the one-term presidency of Russell Begaye, brother of former NM Rep Ray Begaye, both of Shiprock. Nez will be joined by his vice president/running mate Myron Lizer, who is half Navajo and Comanche, a Baptist minister and Republican. There is a cloud of suspicion over the new administration, as President Begaye has charged that his vice president has taken personal travel on the tribal dime, hence calling for an investigation into Nezs spending. Meanwhile, the Navajo Council has some substantial changes, with only 9 councilors winning re-election. There are now two additional women councilors, increasing to three the number of women on the 24 member Navajo Council. It will vote for its new Speaker after the tribal inauguration day January 15, 2019. The Navajo Nation has been credited with solidifying a lot of Democratic victories in New Mexico and Arizona, like Governor-elect Lujan-Grisham and Rep Ben Ray Lujan, but most profoundly in its support of Arizona US Senator-elect Kyrsten Sinema and US Rep. Tom OHalleran. The Navajo electorate also aided the Democratic switch in the NM House race in which Republican State Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage of Cudeii was defeated by Democrat Anthony Allison of Shiprock. I hope this is helpful. Thanks, Navajo Gator. Very helpful and insightful. We cover all the angles around here, and that's why. . . . This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2018 Fringe candidate Gavin Clarkson, who was the GOP nominee for Secretary of State, is preparing a run which sounds like Mick Rich take two.If circumstances remain apathetic we could have a repeat of the bust that happened this month in the Senate race that saw Dem Martin Heinrich re-elected. GOP nominee Rich was written off from the start and Libertarian Gary Johnson fizzled faster than a firecracker in a rainstorm. Obviously, Udall, 70, is hoping for something similar as he embarks on a campaign for what could be his final US Senate term.If pressed, insider R's will throw out the name of Lt. Governor John Sanchez, but unconvincingly. Sanchez's star has faded along with that of Gov. Martinez who once was talked up as a potential Udall foe.The last competitive Senate race featuring an incumbent was way back in 1994 when Republican Colin McMillan ran unsuccessfully (54-46) against Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman. And the last incumbent Senator to lose their seat was Republican Jack Schmitt back in '82 when Bingaman tripped him up.On the other hand, when we had an open Senate seat in '08 we had a pretty fair campaign between Udall and GOP nominee Steve Pearce. And when Bingaman retired the match-up for his vacant seat between Heinrich and R Heather Wilson was a race to watch.A Senate campaign is a great platform for a vigorous debate over the national scene and the state's role in it, but not so much when the seat is filled with an incumbent. The R's will need to get going if they are going to make a serious try to overturn that history.The possibility that Udall would not seek another term had the juices flowing among the new generation of Democrats who saw their names prominently mentioned as possible replacements. Now you wonder what will become of them. With Udall seeking re-election and Dem Michelle Lujan Grisham in the governor's chair, there are few higher office options for the trio of Attorney General Hector Balderas, ABQ Mayor Tim Keller and BernCo District Attorney Raul Torrez.There is one long shot possibility that the trio will watch for--if a Dem president is elected in 2020 there is a chance that Sen. Heinrich could make a play to join their cabinet as Secretary of Interior. If that happened then the Governor would appoint a replacement to fill out his term. Of course, the Governor could appoint herself, again foiling the higher hopes of our stranded trio.We still have a bit of clean-up to do from the midterm election and we get to it with the able assistance of Navajo Gator, who files this report direct from Indian Country:Thanks, Navajo Gator. Very helpful and insightful. We cover all the angles around here, and that's why. . . .This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) As we left you yesterday Rep. Ben Ray Lujan was about to become the fourth ranking Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives. And it happened. He was chosen without opposition as Assistant Democratic Leader.And as we speculated, that means he holds the highest leadership post ever held by a NM US House member.And he's probably the highest ranking NM leader ever in either the House or Senate. We've had powerful Senate committee chairmen but none that we are aware of in the upper ranks of the senatorial leadership. You can read more about Lujan's new role on the Wednesday blog. Now on to today's action.Giving US Senators a stiff re-election challenge just doesn't seem to be in the DNA of La Politica. With Dem Senator Tom Udall indicating he will seek a third term in 2020 and prepping his fund-raising machine, there is nary a peep of even a rumor about what name Republican will surface to take him on. 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Today, 'Vozpopuli' [an online news outlet] published a video in which a group of sympathizers insulted Carles Puigdemont at the gates of the house of the Republic, his home in Waterloo. Some of them were wearing T-shirts from the organization with the slogan "In this family nobody fights alone". In the video a woman is seen climbing the wall outside the home, while another records it with a cell phone. It is at this moment when one of the security guards reproaches them for their behavior, and they tell him that he cannot do anything because they are in the public right of way. Jusapol sympathizers hurled insults at Puigdemont and his guards, some of which were homophobic. "You are not policemen or anyone," they say to the guards, who they called "dogs of that disgusting man", referring to the former Catalan president. Jusapol distances itself Speaking to 'Vozpopuli', the police organization "strongly condemned the incident" and described them as "shameful", at the same time saying that it did not know any of the people who appear in the video. Jusapol criticized the salary agreement that had been achieved between the main Spanish unions and the Spanish government. They were not able to sit down at the negotiating table, as they did not run in the last union elections and they do not have any representatives, but they have already announced that they intend to run next time. Keynote speaker Brian Day will deliver a controversial presentation on Aspiring to a Single SAR Sky over Africa. The Australian former air traffic controller will be addressing African government ministers, directors-general of civil aviation authorities and vitally, assembled Air Chiefs from African defence forces when the summit takes place on 27 & 28 February 2019. Day was Australias national manager for aviation search and rescue before becoming the ICAO HQ Technical Officer, SAR, for eight years where he facilitated the development of provisions for the delivery of global civil aviation SAR services, conducting many technical cooperation missions worldwide and assisting in the provision of emergency response to distressed States such as Kosovo, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon. For five years he managed the ICAO/AFCAC SAR Project to Africa when he evaluated and provided advice to some 35 African states, and was a SAR advisor to the UAEs Air Force and its civil aviation authority Day believes it is essential that African states and the international aviation community takes urgent action to develop a fit-for-purpose SAR network. "If a worthwhile project is to get airborne, it will need to be with support from IFATCA, IFALPA, CANSO, ACI, ICAO, IATA and, not least, the airlines," he said. The international bodies, along with airlines and CAAs will be at Aviation Africa in force. Day said that the African SAR scene is especially compelling, both in its long-continuing dysfunction and its scope for vast and rapid improvement. "The maritime SAR community has shown we aviation-types the way to better organisation by consolidating its many state Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), many of which were previously desperately dysfunctional, into five regional RCCs. We in aviation could easily do the same if the industrys will was to be so inclined," he said. "The time is now overdue for us to commit to an Africa-wide organisation of aviation RCCs that are seamlessly knit together into a single system of SAR excellence. "Just as a single sky gives prospect of improved commercial options, so a single SAR sky would provide a safety net able to ensure that when an airline catastrophe occurs over the continent, it will not be grossly magnified and ineffectually broadened by wholesale SAR incompetence," he said. Brian Day YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia is increasing the benefits for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the socially vulnerable (persons having lost breadwinner) with the purpose of overcoming extreme poverty. The governments proposed bill plans to amend the law on state benefits and increase the monthly benefits to 25500 drams. The changes will come into force from January 1, 2019. The current benefits are 16000 drams, and 21,500 for 1st people with 1st degree disabilities or disabled children. Speaking at todays Cabinet meeting, Caretaker First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan attached great importance to the bill. Socially vulnerable beneficiaries who were getting 16, 19 thousand drams until now, will receive 25,500 drams from January 1, he said. Armenia is a social state and we all have an obligation for the socially vulnerable groups and we must make our best efforts in order to fulfill this obligation as dignified as possible, Mirzoyan said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government provided 3000 and 4500 Euros to the justice ministry aimed at unconditionally implementing the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), reports Armenpress. According to the Hovhhannisyan vs. Armenia July 19, 2018 ECHR verdict, Armenia must pay 3000 Euros to the applicant within three months after the verdict comes into force. The current ECHR verdict came into force on October 19, 2018, and the deadline for payment is January 19, 2019. According to the ECHRs Ayvazyan vs. Armenia verdict, the government will provide 4500 Euros from the reserve fund for fulfilling the verdict requirements. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government approved the draft decree of the President on approving the agreement on the Mutual Protection of Confidential Information between Armenia and Cyprus, reports Armenpress. The issue has been presented by Director of the National Security Service of Armenia Artur Vanetsyan during todays Cabinet meeting. According to the explanation, Armenia attaches great importance to the strengthening, constant development of inter-state relations with Cyprus at bilateral and multilateral formats. The ratification of the agreement will contribute to ensuring mutual protection of confidential information between Armenia and Cyprus transformed and received during the bilateral cooperation, stated in the explanation. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan Russias Defense Ministry has said it will deploy new S-400 surface-to-air missile systems on the Crimean peninsula as tensions flared in the region this week following Moscow's claims that three Ukrainian vessels had violated its territorial waters near the Kerch strait. S-400 air defense system (Picture source: Vitaky Kuzmin) Russias Southern Military District spokesman Vadim Astafyev told Interfax on Wednesday that a fourth S-400 battalion would soon be deployed in Crimea near Djankoy, a small town near the "border" with Ukraine. The new S-400 systems will be operational by the end of the year. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and has bolstered the Black Sea peninsulas military defenses with three S-400 systems since 2017. On Sunday 25 November, a clash between Russian coast guards (possibly also with FSB personnel) and three Ukrainian Navy ships that wanted to enter the Sea of Azov via the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait led to the capture of the three ships off the Crimea, 24 sailors were taken prisoner, including three wounded. This is the first open armed confrontation between Ukraine and Russia since the annexation of Crimea in March 2014. Ukrainian president Poroshenko declared on 27 November that his country is near a "total war" with Russia.The UN has called both parties to de-escalation of the tension. US President Donald Trump has declared is considering to cancel a scheduled meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin at the forthcoming G20 summit because of the Russian "aggression". With a theoretical range of 400 km, the S-400 is the latest in Russia's anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems, which sees it as one of the jewels of its military industry. It has been sold to India but also to Turkey, which has angered Western allies in Ankara within NATO, including Washington, which highlight its incompatibility with the Alliance's defense systems. Do it yourself if you can We accept in principle that private equity can deliver (somewhat) excess returns over most other asset classes. But there are a lot of qualifications attached to that, and most of them are very relevant to whether and how pension funds should invest in private equity. Best Christmas Gifts Under $5 If Youre Shopping on a Budget, These Are the Best Gifts Youll Find Under $5 The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. With additions by Ashley Keegan Product photos from retailer sites. Avoiding checking your bank statement these days? We feel you. With the holidays quickly approaching, your wallet has probably taken a bit of a beating. But if youve got some unchecked gift recipients on your shopping list, or youre looking for some fun or practical stocking stuffers for the fam, then today's your lucky day because weve wrangled a bunch of great gifts thatll cost you just $5 or less. RELATED: Christmas Gifts Don't Have to Cost a Fortune Here Are 20 Under $20 Yes, you read that right. It is entirely possible to find a great Christmas gift for just a few bucks. In fact, you'd be surprised at how many unique, high-quality items fall in that price range! (We certainly were.) From eco-friendly accessories for the environmentalist to unkillable plants for the not-so-green thumb, we searched high and low across the net to find some of the best Christmas gifts under $5. And believe us when we tell you, they'll never know you scored such an awesome bargain. Millennium Falcon Keychain Bottle Opener Does the Star Wars fan on your list like to crack open a cold one every now and again? This go-anywhere bottle opener is solidly made, making it both a useful addition to their keyring and a fun way to show off their fandom and allegiance to the Rebel Alliance. $4.45 at Amazon.com Yellowbird Hot Sauce If they like to spice things up, this portable squeeze bottle of hot sauce is the perfect pocket-sized accessory for them. There are a few different flavors including serrano, jalapeno and habanero, but we think the Blue Agave Sriracha option sounds like a pretty sweet choice. If you can't decide on just one, however, go ahead and double up. At this price, two of them will still fit the "$5 and under" bill. $2.50 at REI.com Moby Dick - Paperback Edition You'd be hard-pressed to find a guy in classic literature more manly than Captain Ahab as he scours the seas for that big white whale. In a time of e-books and endless eyestrain, someone might actually appreciate getting a real, physical book these days (and a classic one at that). Plus, that sweet cover art would make a great addition to any bookshelf. $3.99 at Amazon.com Tropical Drink Recipes Playing Cards Everyones been stepping up their bartending skills these days and rummaging through all of their old party games, and this deck of cards is ready to bring it all together. Help them spice up their poker game with these fun playing cards, each with a different cocktail recipe to try. Game night will never be the same. $4.95 at Amazon.com RELATED: Best Cheap Gifts That Don't Look Cheap FEJKA Potted Plants Heres one plant or three, technically that they cant kill. This FEJKA trio adds a fashionable touch of green to any room, but without the commitment, responsibility and maintenance of a real plant. If you want to step it up a notch, you can switch out those plain pots for some cooler planters and then theyll definitely fool everyone into thinking theyre the real chlorophyllic deal. $4.99 at IKEA.com Stainless Steel Drinking Straw Single-use plastic straws are the worst. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, 500 million straws are used in the U.S. every day. And where do they all wind up? In landfills and oceans where they harm and endanger marine life. Help em finally jump on the strawless trend with this ultra-portable metal straw that collapses and fits in its very own keychain case. Best of all, it telescopes from about 4 inches to 9 inches in length so its a perfect fit for any cup. $3.99 at Amazon.com Van Der Hagen Unscented Luxury Shave Soap Upgrade his shave game with this surprisingly luxurious hypoallergenic shave soap. The formula expertly blends mango, shea and cocoa butter to deliver a long-lasting lather and lubrication that any razor will glide right over. Best of all, it reduces nicks and cuts, and prevents razor burn so he can get a close, clean shave no matter how sensitive his skin is. $4.98 at Amazon.com Nite Ize DoohicKey Keychain Multi Tool Got someone handy on your gifting list? They could definitely benefit from this incredible multi-tool that combines a ruler (standard and metric), wrench, screwdriver, box cutter and bottle opener all on one super convenient carabiner clip. Whether they take a lot of measurements for work or do a lot of DIYing at home, they're sure to find endless uses for this comprehensive contraption hooked on their keychain or belt loop. $4.47 at Amazon.com HotHands Body & Hand Super Warmers, Pack of 3 If they work outside in the elements or have been spending more time recreating outdoors, these thoughtful hand warmers are sure to be a welcome treat. Compact and convenient, they just require a little shake to heat things up, then they can stash 'em in their pockets to keep their fingers from freezing. Each one stays warm for up to 18 hours, and they're great for hikers, runners, anglers, campers, hunters and cold-weather tailgaters alike. $1.97 at Amazon.com Rienar Multi-Function Spider Flexible Grip Holder Part tripod stand, part tech attachment, this flexible grip is ultra-portable to provide a sturdy smartphone and tablet holder wherever they may need it. Not only does this eight-legged freak bend and twist to securely fit the shape of their device, but its bendy silicone legs can be shaped to form a stand or hang over the back of a chair (for example) for easy viewing. The legs can also be used to attach their device anywhere there's room to loop the leg through or around, such as a bicycle or even their wrist. $4.99 at Amazon.com Coghlan's Toilet Paper 2-Pack Okay, so this one's admittedly a bit of a gag gift, but it is a useful one at that. If they went a little crazy in recent months trying stock up on toilet paper, this handy little pack of two biodegradable rolls is sure to give them a laugh. They're made to help outdoorsy folks around the campsite, but should be appreciated by just about anyone these days, regardless of where they're doing their business. $2.95 at REI.com You Might Also Dig AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. How To Deal With Painful Sex If It Ever Hurts When You're Getting It On, You Need To Read This Unless you and your partner are doing it intentionally with some consensual BDSM play, having sex shouldnt hurt. And if either of you are experiencing pain during sex, it definitely isnt something that should be dismissed. Why? There are actually a wide variety of conditions that could be causing things to not feel right in bed some of which can be signs of bigger health issues. While the majority of conditions that cause pain during sex affect women, there are still plenty that impact men as well. If you have one, youll want to seek out a the help of a medical professional. Never try and tough it out you could end up doing more damage. Similarly, if you find your partner is trying to do the same, encourage her to seek help. That being said, addressing pain sex-induced pain can be easier said than done. To make it easier, weve compiled a few common conditions that are culprits for causing pain during sex, and what to do if you or your partner think you might be suffering from one of them. 1. Vaginismus What it is: Its tough to draw a male comparison of what vaginismus feels like but imagine that all of a sudden, your dick decides to whack itself against something hard, completely on its own, causing you to be in way too much pain to enter your partner. Its kind of like that. Vaginismus involves the sudden and painful contraction of the muscles around the vagina upon penetration, which can be highly distressful, explains Dr. Jess OReilly, Astroglides resident sexologist. Some women find the tightening sensation so severe that they cannot handle any degree of penetration, and others describe a burning sensation that develops as penetration is prolonged or deepened. What causes it: Though we dont fully understand the conditions that give rise to vaginismus, it may be linked with inflammation, injury, past trauma, vestibulodynia (hypersensitive nerve endings near the vaginal opening), stress and psychological factors, Dr. OReilly explains. What you can do about it: Talk to your doctor about your specific experiences to pinpoint or rule-out medical causes, Dr. OReilly suggests. If the cause is psychogenic, you may also want to seek counseling from a professional who can support you through a program of improvement/recovery. This type of program might include exercises in breathing, relaxation, visualization, meditation, desensitization, moisturizing, pelvic floor therapy, masturbation and gradual insertions with dilators. Pro tip: Even if the issue is psychological, dont tell your partner that this pain is all in her head. What shes experiencing is very real and really hurts. Not sure how to bring it up? Get the conversation started by showing her this article (youre welcome). 2. Dyspareunia What it is: It sounds like a scary word, but basically dyspareunia is an umbrella term that refers to pain during and after intercourse for women which affects an estimated 8 to 20% of the U.S. population. Dyspareunia is generalized pain including sudden pain after intercourse, deep pain during thrusting, and burning pain anywhere in the vagina or pelvic floor, explains Dr. Jenni Skyler, certified sex therapist, sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist for AdamEve.com. What causes it: Causes of dyspareunia can run the gamut, Dr. Skyler says, from something simple like inadequate lubrication, to previous injury, tight pelvic floor muscles, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, sexual trauma to the vagina, vaginal infection, poor reaction to birth control, anatomy issues or a past surgery. There is often an emotional component that becomes part of the negative feedback loop, she adds. If a woman has experienced past pain, she may have anxiety around sex and subsequently tighten her muscles in anticipation. RELATED: The AskMen Guide to Lube What to do about it: Seek the help of a professional to identify the cause. Once you have a diagnosis, a pelvic floor physical therapist and/or a sex therapist can help find a pathway out of pain and into pleasure, says Dr. Skyler. 3. Dysorgasmia / Orgasmalgia What it is: Known as dysorgasmia or orgasmalgia, men who suffer from this condition experience pain during ejaculation. What causes it: According to Dr. Skyler, this can be caused by a variety of things. Surgeries that involve the prostate sometimes lead to side effects around painful orgasms for men, she explains. Cysts or stones can develop, blocking a mans ability to ejaculate. Some STIs, such as trichomoniasis can also cause painful orgasm. What to do about it: Some of these issues may resolve on their own, but they are worth discussing with your primary care physician, Dr. Skyler says. If you have had a prostate cancer, or issues with your prostate it is worth mentioning because it can sometimes indicate a complication or side effect of surgery. 4. Vasocongestion What it is: You probably know what vasocongestion (aka blue balls) is but well give you the scientific answer. "Blue balls happens when the male sex organs aren't able to release the blood that swells during the arousal process," explains Eric M. Garrison, clinical sexologist, best-selling author and professor of masculinity studies at William & Mary College. What causes it: Ever wonder where the name blue balls came from? As Garrison explains, when the blood thats responsible for giving you an erection doesnt get released from orgasm, it causes congestion in your balls. "If there's too much oxygenated blood in the penis, this will make the testicles look blue," he says. The more you know. What to do about it: Get rid of the erection whether that means masturbating to orgasm, or by distracting yourself away from being aroused. "If you were right in the middle of sex and you heard someone behind you start a chainsaw, or if lightning struck, or you heard your in-laws shout, 'We're here a day early!,' any of those things would cause an immediate drop in sex drive," says Garrison. "Any response like that will cause vasocongestion to go away faster." If you dont have a chainsaw at your disposal, a cold shower should do the trick. 5. Phimosis / Paraphimosis What it is: Some bad news for men with foreskin: there are a few conditions that can cause pain during sex if you havent been circumcised. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is either damaged or too tightly constricting the head of the penis, Dr. Skyler explains. Paraphimosis is when the foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and can't be pulled forward. RELATED: AskMen Readers Weigh in on What They Think About Circumcision What to do about it: While the solve for severe cases is circumcision (dont shoot the messenger), there are other options that can help depending on your specific condition. But your first step should be to consult your doctor. You Might Also Dig: Ace Marks Cap Toe Oxford Griffin Review We Tried Ace Marks' Newest Oxford Shoes and the Verdict Is In The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. I am one of those rare guys who actually really enjoys dressing up. Granted, I am seeing more of us out there thanks to the style power of Instagram. Kid glove fist bump! A lot can go into a great looking outfit and good-looking shoes are what really brings a dapper outfit together. There have been times I have spotted a gent in a great suit and then I look down to see that he has chosen a pair of square toe shoes. Where is the eject button? Sure, a good pair of brogues is pretty easy to come by these days, but something that stands out? Thats hard, without looking too OTT. No metal spike-studded velvet slippers in my closet. That is where Ace Marks really got my attention. This artisanal brand has a vast array of styles from wingtips and monk straps to loafers and wholecuts. I ordered a pair of cap toes the Cap Toe Oxford Griffin, to be precise from the collection to try out on the social circuit. Ace Marks The Review: Ace Marks Cap Toe Griffin First off, you can tell a quality company by the box they deliver their shoes in. Ace Marks did not disappoint. The sturdy gray box revealed not only a well-packaged pair of shoes but it also included a handsome branded shoehorn a much-needed accessory. Picking out just one pair from Ace Marks was a pretty difficult decision. The company was founded in 2012, when the owners were looking to ditch the middleman in order to offer up high-quality dress shoes without the huge markup. They found a family-run factory in Italy to work with that uses premium leathers and was able to understand the desire for a high-end shoe with a contemporary twist. What I was most impressed, with upon picking up the shoe, is how light it is. That is something Ace Mark is very proud of, and makes these shoes a go-to for travel. I really went out on a limb with my pair of Ace Marks and wore them out to a four-hour charity event on the first night. Usually I wouldnt take that risk, but hey, its a shoe review, so I thought I owed it to the reader to take a chance. Luckily, these shoes are made to be flexible as well as light so there wasnt any painful break-in process. Not only did they feel great from the walk to the venue to the end of the night dance off, but I also wore them out to dinner the following evening without any issues. Ace Marks Heres What Stood Out They are a great lightweight and flexible shoe for the guy on the go. I could wear these to meetings all day and still hit the town at night and not think twice. The style really stands out. As I mentioned before, with this brand there is a high level of design across the board. The color combination and the design of the Griffin could easily be mistaken for a $1,600 shoe from John Lobb, Alden or Berluti. The attention to detail like the notch on the heel, so you dont tear your pant cuffs is impressive. Ace Marks has a buy-back system. Return an old pair and get $50 off your next purchase. They then donate your gently used shoes to Career Gear, which helps men in need get back on their feet and re-enter the workforce. My Verdict This is a super shoe for the money. The fit is fine, the design is exceptional and the comfort factor is a plus. The Griffin is designed to be a closed lacing shoe, so for guys with a wider foot or high arch, these may not be the ones for you since they dont have the give of an open lace (such as the Stuart or Vincent). $249.00 at AceMarks.com AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. Two US-headquartered firms are advising as a Thai businessman has agreed to buy the Fortune media brand from Meredith Corporation. Dechert is acting for Fortune Group Holdings Ltd, wholly owned by Chatchaval Jiaravanon, who has agreed to buy the iconic brand for US$150m. Cooley is advising Meredith on the acquisition, which is expected to close this year. Dechert said that Jiaravanon will own Fortune as a personal private investment independent of his billionaire familys conglomerate, the Charoen Pokphand Group. The businessman intends to invest in the brands digital capabilities. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 heart of the supercar has been gifted with a lower pulley upgrade, a high-flow air induction system and a custom exhaust setup consisting of long-tube stainless steep headers, stains steel midpipes and high-flow catalytic converters.As a result of those upgrades, the LT5 motor now delivers 850 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of twist. The Lone Star State specialist estimates that the said gym trip allows the machine to deliver a 2.6s 0-60 mph sprint and a quarter-mile time of 10.3 seconds at 136 mph. However, you should keep in mind these numbers involve drag radials and the prepped surface of a drag strip.The Texan specialist has released a piece of footage that showcases the pumped-up Chevy doing its thing on the dyno. And, with the help of the said exhaust goodies, the thing sounds like a bat out of hell, so please turn up the volume before you reach for that "play" button below. it's a short clip, but one that will definitely give you the giggles.Now, some of you might wonder why anybody would bother with tuning their ride for a 100 hp increase. Well, the tuner has an answer for that. Actually, you can make that two answers.You see, Hennessey actually offers a three-step upgrade program for the C7-gen Corvette ZR1 . Having already covered Stage One, we'll mention that the next two take you into four-digit territory.So you can choose between taking your supercar to 1,000 and even 1,200 ponies. And here's to hoping traction comes your way. Without further beating around the bush, the Ford Motor Company is following in the footsteps of General Motors . An updated footprint largely outside of North America will help the automaker save some greenback, but thats not all. The Blue Oval also plans to shift to five flexible architectures, translating to 20-percent savings in the time it takes from sketching to producing an all-new vehicle.As part of the plan, Ford found ways to manage up to 70 percent of each vehicle's value through increased component sharing. The CD6 platform is the perfect case in point, shared between the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, all-new Explorer, and the next generation of the Mustang. In the process, Ford has also established ten teams that will manage product lines as end-to-end businesses.Stong inventsments in autonomous and electrified vehicles were also announced, with Ford expected to invest $4 billion and $11 billion in these domains by 2022. No less than 40 electrified vehicles will be launched by then, and the Mustang-inspired electric SUV that was previewed under the Mach 1 nameplate will go official in 2020 with at least 300 miles of range.Another bullet point comes in the form of capacity utilization, which will see the balancing of capacity according to consumer demand. The shifting vehicle portfolio has one goal, and that is to bring the percentage of SUVs and trucks of the North American lineup to 90 percent by the end of 2020.Ford highlights the phasing out of slow-selling traditional sedans, all in the name of freeing up capital for new entries in growing segments. By that, the Dearborn-based automaker refers to more trucks and SUVs, as well as the electrified onslaught mentioned earlier.Last, but certainly not least, Ford came clean about the strategic alliances with Volkswagen and Mahindra. The potential collaborations cover a number of areas of our business , and the Ford Motor Company is encouraged by both sets of talks. 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. Chief Inspector Jim Corbett: To mitigate risk to the public & also offenders, we use a range of tactics including tactical contact. There has been a significant reduction in motorcycle & scooter crime with a decrease of 10,974 offences to date this year in comparison to 2017 pic.twitter.com/w1JE86WVkS Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 23, 2018 Knocking people off bikes is potentially very dangerous. It shouldn't be legal for anyone. Police are not above the law https://t.co/boptGhJYbB Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) November 27, 2018 The tactical contact strategy has actually been in use since October 2017, but it was just last week that Met Police officially confirmed it, while also revealing that it has contributed to a sharp drop in the number of moped-related crimes The Guardian reports.The confirmation came with a video of the strategy being put into action: a collage of dashcam footage showing police cars being used to hit mopeds during a chase, sending the rider flying through the air or down on the ground and eventually into police custody.As we speak, people are still talking about the surprisingly-controversial tactic. Most Londoners agree such a drastic measure was a long time coming, but there are also those that believe its wrong for cops to act this way. Among them is Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott , who believes its dangerous and illegal to knock people off their bikes, even if a cop is doing it.Until now, police were reluctant to give chase to moped thieves for a variety of reasons, their young age included (some are as young as 14). Now, thanks to the Scorpion division of drivers, they can effectively end a chase and arrest a suspect with a simple, controlled nudge, as Sgt. Tony McGovern describes it.Its just a slight nudge. Its controlled. Its incredibly quick and very dynamic. Your decision-making changes in a split second, McGovern says. Despite the myth that police will not pursue a rider without a helmet, McGovern says that not only will they give chase, but they will also nudge them if need be.The public quite rightly expects us to intervene to keep London safe. Our highly trained police drivers weigh up the risks and decide upon the most appropriate tactics in those circumstances, Commander Amanda Pearson says. Offenders on mopeds and motorcycles who attempt to evade the police are making a choice that puts themselves and others at risk. A lot of them get up and run away, looking aghast at how dare we. Jennifer Benge from Corbin, Kentucky, owns a Chrysler . She lends it to her mother-in-law on a daily basis, so she can drive to and from work, she tells NBC affiliate Lex18 The other day, a co-worker approached the mother-in-law and told her that hed recently became homeless. He asked if he could borrow her car so he could run some errands, and not once stopping to question his story, she agreed.He told her he was going to the laundromat, to do some laundry, it was really cold. So she told him to go ahead. And we ended up finding out that he robbed a bank, Benge explains for the media outlet.The police confirm that the man did rob the local bank and used the Chrysler as his escape vehicle. They also identify the man as Timothy Sample and say that he simply walked into the bank, showed a gun to the clerk and walked away with the money he had demanded.Benge has one more reason to be angry at the situation, in addition to having the family car stolen and used to carry out crime: the trunk was packed with the kids Christmas gifts.My son really loves Minecraft so there was a lot of Minecraft figurines and LEGO sets and things like that. And they arent cheap, the woman says, on the verge of tears. Still, she says she wont let this incident bring her out of the Christmas spirit and will help a fellow man in need if they ask for it. That probably means shes not upset at her mother-in-law for trying to do some good, even if it didnt end well for them. SUV Shes going public with her story in the hope that the 4 thieves who took it will be touched by it and return thethey took from her garage. Kimberly Beckett tells NBC affiliate Lex18 that she knows she was wrong to leave the car unlocked, but she still has hopes whoever took it will bring it back.The car, a 2015 white Honda CR-V Touring Edition, belonged to Becketts late mother and she says its the only thing she still has that strongly reminds her of her. It was parked inside the garage of the family home, but it wasnt locked. Beckett also left her purse inside the car, and thieves took that too.We woke up the morning of Thanksgiving and my dad went to go wash the vehicle and realized it was gone, out of the garage, she says for the media outlet.The 4 thieves were caught on surveillance camera but they made sure you couldnt see their faces. They opened the garage door by going through Becketts fathers car, which was also unlocked and parked in the street.Beckett has learned her lesson and will probably never again leave her vehicle unlocked, no matter how safe she thinks it is. Still, she hopes the car will be brought back to her.Definitely take your keys, take your purse inside, she says. Take all the security measures. Go through all the what if scenarios because they can happen.Lexington Police urge car owners to follow the 9 p.m. routine to prevent situations like this: before going to bed, turn your porch lights on, take your valuables out of your car and lock all doors, including those on the vehicle. With over thirty automotive brands in participation showing off their latest offerings, they also gave a glimpse into the bright and exciting future of mobility with concept cars such as the Mazda Vision Coupe, Mercedes-Benz EQA, MG E-Motion Concept, Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept, and Porsche Mission E (in scale). The Thailand International Motor Expo celebrated its 35 th edition this year on high as the Thai automotive industry exceeded expectations with an increase of nearly 21 percent, sales totaled to 833,515 vehicles as of October and exports rose 1.2 percent to 952,125 units. This years theme highlighted the enjoyment of driving, an interesting motif as we approach a future of driverless mobility. BMW headlined their Motor Expo participation this year with the ASEAN debut of the all-new 8-Series (G15) in the form of the top trim M850i xDrive. Honda also brought in the 10thgeneration Accord to the ASEAN market and Porsche has the updated Macan to ASEAN for the first time as well. ASEANs pick-up capital would not be complete without a new model as Mitsubishi headlined their pavilion with the newly launched and heavily updated Triton/Strada. Hyundai and Nissan electrified the show with the introduction of their EV offerings for the market. Hyundais all-new Kona EV, which debuted at this years Geneva Motor Show is an expression of quirky, clean and cool. Nissans Leaf was introduced at THB 1,990,000 (about PhP 3.176 million) with an 8-year (160,000 km) battery warranty. Market leader Toyota highlighted this years display with their ASEAN flagship sedan, the Camry. Meanwhile Honda, a close contender in the passenger car segment, brought out the updated Civic which now comes with Honda Sensing tech. Nissan displayed the recently updated Teana and Subaru launched the new-generation Forester. Audi launched their all-new A6 Avant and previewed the new Q8. Volvo showed off their new XC40 small crossover. The McLaren 600LT Coupe also made an appearance. McLaren Thailand says theyre getting one of only six thats ever going to be built. Rolls-Royce gargantuan new Culllinan SUV, which will give POTUSs Beast a run for its money, is simply opulence on four wheels that can virtually go anywhere, but you wont bring it there anyway. Lamborghinis recently launched Urus also made its Thailand auto show debut. Much like us Filipinos, Thai car owners also like to customize and tune their cars, SUVs and pick-ups. Auto accessory, car audio, tuning shops and wheel companies displayed their latest offerings. Thai organizers have long accepted that fact that some people actually go to their motor shows just to see girls. Theyve been made permanent attractions to the shows where some of them turn out as official brand ambassadors. Organizers expect this years Thailand International Motor Expo to attract 1.5 million visitors and generate about 45,000 sales bookings for new vehicles. It shows that we will still be driving exciting cars and also gives a good glimpse of whats to come to our market in the near future. The 35th Thailand International Motor Expo runs until December 10 at the IMPACT Challenger Exhibition Halls in Muang Thong Thani. Prosecutors in New York charged the younger brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Monday for allegedly conspiring to import multi-ton loads of cocaine from Central America into the U.S., among other charges. The big picture: Honduras suffers from high rates of crime and violence, and thousands of Hondurans are fleeing to seek asylum in the U.S. Now, the brother of the country's president is accused of playing a major part in that culture of crime. President Hernandez has called it a "heavy blow for the whole family," per Reuters. "I hope the justice system gives him the room to defend himself, and as a family, we will do what we can to support him." The details: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials in a statement described Juan Antonio Hernandez, a former member of the National Congress of Honduras, as a large-scale drug trafficker who worked with other drug traffickers in, among other places, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico" for more than a decade. Officials also said in the indictment that Hernandez was involved in the processing and distribution of cocaine that arrived in Honduras by planes, go-fast vessels, and, on at least one occasion, a submarine. He even has his own cocaine brand and laboratories in Honduras and Colombia that stamped packets with the symbol TH for Tony Hernandez, prosecutors say. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The Chinese government stopped the work of the research team that claims to have edited and implanted embryos that resulted in a twin birth earlier this month, ordering an investigation into their work, reports the AP. The big picture: The international scientific community has largely reacted with outrage to the Chinese team's claim, fearing the implications of such work could hinder research due to the ethical and biological quandaries surrounding gene editing. About 170 police officers took part in a coordinated raid on Deutsche Bank's Frankfurt headquarters Thursday as part of an operation related to a ongoing money laundering probe, reports Bloomberg. The big picture: The raid stems from disclosures in the Panama Papers, which revealed in 2016 that Deutsche Bank may have helped clients set up offshore bank accounts in tax havens and subsequently failed to report suspicions of money laundering. Officials said Thursday's raid, which was spread across several German locations, is not related to its role in a $227 billion money laundering scandal at Denmark's Danske Bank, which was hit with criminal charges Wednesday. Eric Bauman, the chairman of the California Democratic Party, has been accused by 10 party staff members and political activists of making "crude sexual comments" and engaging in "unwanted touching or physical intimidation" for over a decade, reports the Los Angeles Times. Details: Staffers told the Times that Bauman, who is gay, crossed a line during professional settings with sexually explicit remarks and unwanted physical attention. Bauman took a leave of absence this week after being accused of unspecified misconduct and said in a statement Wednesday that he would seek treatment for "serious, ongoing health issues and to begin treatment for ... an issue with alcohol." Go deeper: Campaigns brace for their own #MeToo moment Carry out study on Bagh Durbar again: Supreme Court The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday issued an order directing the Department of Archaeology to conduct the study of historic Bagh Durbar again and submit the report to the court. Fourteen Republicans joined every Senate Democrat to take a step toward directing the removal of U.S. support in Yemen. The big picture: In March, only 44 senators voted for the resolution. 63 voted for it yesterday, signaling how much the situation has changed since then. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), a lead sponsor of the measure, said: "The Khashoggi killing has begun a major rethinking of our relationship with Saudi Arabia. It may happen slowly, but policy with the kingdom will never be the same." Many senators were dissatisfied with the administration's briefing earlier yesterday on Yemen. A Dem aide told Axios that senators are unhappy that CIA Director Gina Haspel won't brief the Senate. The measure is expected to get a final vote in the Senate. This was a procedural vote, meaning that no senator is obliged to vote "yes" again. "Most R will flip to a no if admin gives us enough cover," texted a senior GOP aide to a member who voted for the measure. The Republicans who voted for the measure were an interesting mix of the usual independent-minded members (Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Jeff Flake, Bob Corker) and senators who have been less inclined to directly challenge the administration (Mike Lee, Lindsey Graham, Todd Young and Rand Paul). Go deeper: The Senate voted 63-37 on Wednesday to advance a resolution that aims to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which has spiraled into the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Why it matters: The resolution failed 55-44 earlier this year, but after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi embassy in Turkey, and what many senators considered an inadequate response by the Trump administration, lawmakers have decided to push the measure forward. But while this is a rebuke of the White House's desire to stand by Saudi Arabia, the resolution still needs to be debated on the floor. Meanwhile, the White House plans to veto the measure if it reaches the president's desk. SoftBank Vision Fund is now regularly employing a dual-class stock structure on its investments in big U.S. tech startups, in order to reduce the prospect of national security reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Why it matters: SoftBank Vision has always been subject to CFIUS scrutiny, most notably on its Uber investment, but there are new concerns that it could increase substantially if Senate Republicans successfully impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia, which committed around $45 billion of Vision Fund's $100 billion. What they're saying: Here is how The Information's Alfred Lee described the process, in a piece published just prior to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi: "SoftBank has split some recent venture capital deals into two parts: an initial component to acquire a voting stake just under the 10% threshold that normally would trigger a regulatory review, and a second component that involves the acquisition of non-voting shares, which tend not to be closely scrutinized by regulators." What's happening: Once CFIUS either chooses not to review the deal or does review and grant approval, SoftBank then has the option to convert some or all of its non-voting shares into voting shares, thus giving it the control it really wanted in the first place. Lee identified this structure being used in Vision Fund deals for Cohesity ($250m), Getaround ($300m) and Light ($121m). Axios, with the help of Lagniappe Labs, has also found it being used in a similarly-sized deal for robotics software company Automation Anywhere ($300m) and also in a much larger transaction: The $1.1 billion investment in smart windows company View. Speaking of SoftBank ... We simply do not yet know if the Saudi situation has negatively impacted Vision Fund's ability to do deals. Most of the recently-announced transactions were negotiated prior to the recent controversy, as Vision Fund deals are known to have a pretty long gestation period (in part because Masa usually needs to meet face-to-face with the CEOs). The bottom line: We might not really have a quantitative answer until we see (or don't see) announced deal activity early next year. Go deeper: Davos in the Desert's biggest name keeps quiet on Saudi allegations President Trump tweeted Thursday from Air Force One that he decided to cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina this weekend as a result of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" The backdrop: Trump's decision comes just hours after his former attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2017 about the length and scope of his work on plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Before taking off for Argentina, Trump told reporters he would be receiving a "full briefing" on Russia's latest act of aggression off of Crimea. A Russian Coast Guard vessel Sunday slammed into a Ukrainian navy tugboat escorting two small warships through the Kerch Strait, which separates occupied Crimea from Russia. Russia then seized the three Ukrainian vessels and took 24 sailors prisoner. That opened a new front in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been raging for four years. "In the light of day, Moscow demonstrated that it will attack Ukraine with its conventional forces," says John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine now at the Atlantic Council. Ukraine has declared martial law for 30 days in areas under threat from Russia, and President Petro Poroshenko has been calling for a show of strength and solidarity from NATO, the U.S. and European allies like Germany. In response to Trump's announcement, Poroshenko tweeted "this is how great leaders act!" Go deeper: Russia gives up on Trump President Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday that if the incoming House Democratic majority "harass" him by launching investigations into his administration, he would declassify documents related to the Russia probe that he claimed would be damaging to them. "I think that would help my campaign. If they want to play tough, I will do it. They will see how devastating those pages are." Trump told the publication The backdrop: House Democrats are already preparing for an onslaught of hearings, subpoenas and investigations from Trump's family business dealings, tax returns and the Russia probe. In September, Trump reversed his previous plan to release the documents, which include surveillance warrant applications on former campaign adviser Carter Page and text messages related to the Russia probe from former FBI Director James Comey and others. Justice Department officials had cautioned him that it would discredit special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation by revealing it was illegitimate. The details: Trump told the New York Post that it would be more powerful to save the document releases until when the new Congress convenes. He also said his attorney believes it would help him politically if he waits. President Trump told the Washington Post today he's considering cancelling a meeting later this week with Vladimir Putin after Russia seized three Ukrainian ships Sunday off the coast of Crimea. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, meanwhile, told NBC News that he's asking Trump to make a demand of Putin in the meeting: "Get out of Ukraine." The backdrop: Ukraine's parliament voted yesterday to impose martial law for 30 days in areas under threat from Russia, which is still holding 24 Ukrainian sailors after Sunday's incident. Poroshenko told CNN Russia was concentrating troops near the border, and the order was needed to "move troops more easily" and "defend our territorial integrity." The conflict is now likely to play a central role in the Trump-Putin meeting, assuming it goes ahead. The details: As Alina Polyakova of Brookings writes for Axios Expert Voices, the attack on naval vessels now opens a new front in Russias four-year aggression against Ukraine, which includes the ongoing land war in Ukraine's east and the occupation of Crimea." Trump told the Post he's awaiting a report from his national security team about the incident, and said: I dont like that aggression. I dont want that aggression at all." Poroshenko told NBC that his military is prepared to impose "a huge price" on Russia if war comes. He also said "I count on the United States" to support Ukraine. The Ukrainian president also told CNN that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had pledged full assistance, including military assistance." All of that comes after President Trump initially seemed to place blame on both sides in the conflict, saying: we do not like what's happening either way. Go deeper: As debate rages in Washington and around the world about how to slow or end the war in Yemen, the country continues to teeter on the edge of a debilitating famine. Expand chart Data: FEWS NET; Map: Naema Ahmed/Axios The big picture: The UN has said for months that Yemen is on the brink of famine, and the heads of major humanitarian organizations say the U.S. will share responsibility "for the deaths of many more Yemeni civilians" if significant action isn't taken, per CNN. Where things stand ... Yesterday, the Senate voted to advance a resolution that would pull U.S. support from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. That was a rebuke to President Trump, who has stood by the Saudis, but the resolution is a long way from passage. It's unlikely anything will move forward in the House until the Democrats take over the majority early next year (House Republicans shot down a similar effort earlier this month) and the White House has already threatened a veto. Secretaries Mattis and Pompeo have called for a ceasefire in Yemen by Dec. 1, but that deadline is unlikely to be met. However, the sides are expected to begin talks next week in Sweden. Dan Schneiderman of the International Crisis Group, and a former Yemen director at the White House National Security Council , told Axios: "It's important to remember that the Sweden talks are consultations pre-talk talks rather than a full-blown peace process. So our expectations shouldn't be that they will end with a deal." of the International Crisis Group, and a former Yemen director at the White House National Security Council told Axios: "It's important to remember that the Sweden talks are consultations pre-talk talks rather than a full-blown peace process. So our expectations shouldn't be that they will end with a deal." The Saudis plan to attend, per Reuters, as do the Houthis if "their safe exit and return is guaranteed." Previous talks broke down in September before they could really begin. Meanwhile, things in Yemen are continuing to get worse. President Armen Sarkissian met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and called for closer ties between Armenia and Germany on Wednesday during an official visit to Berlin late. Armenia views Germany as an important political and economic partner and a friendly country, Sarkissian was reported to tell Merkel at the start of their talks. He said he is looking forward to their further discussions regarding the expansion of German-Armenian relations. Sarkissian made similar comments when he met with Germanys President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday. Germany is a friend and a leading economic partner of Armenia and an active promoter of the Armenia-European Union agenda, he said, according to his office. Germany is of interest to us also as a country with a parliamentary system of government, and German experience in parliamentary democracy can be very important and useful for us, added Sarkissian, who has largely ceremonial powers. According to a statement by the office, Merkel spoke of her fond memories of her August 2018 visit to Yerevan during which she met with Sarkissian and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. Speaking after the talks with Pashinian, Merkel praised Armenia for deepening its relations with the EU while remaining allied to Russia. She also said Germany would welcome closer commercial and cultural ties with Armenia and pledged to help Yerevan implement a landmark agreement with the EU signed in November 2017. Earlier on Tuesday, Sarkissian had a lunch meeting with a group of German diplomats, parliamentarians and pundits.Photographs released by the presidential press service showed him sitting next to Cem Ozdemir, a prominent German politician of Turkish descent. Ozdemir was a key sponsor of a 2016 resolution by the German parliament that recognized the 1915 Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey. While in Berlin, Sarkissian also met with senior executives of several large German companies. He urged them to invest in Armenia, arguing, among other things, that his country has tariff-free access to the vast Russian market. Germany has long been Armenias number one EU donor. It is also the South Caucasus nations third largest trading partner. According to official Armenian statistics, German-Armenian trade soared by 40 percent, to $325 million, in the first nine months of this year. By Trend Among the most promising areas in the implementation of joint projects between Azerbaijan and Australia are mining, IT and aerospace industry, President of the Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce in Australia Nizami Jafarov told Trend. While speaking about IT, Jafarov stressed that presently, the Azerbaijani company Global Service Provider (GSP) is negotiating to launch its activity in Australia. "The cooperation in the aerospace industry can be established by Azercosmos OJSC and the Australian Space Agency, created in July," he said. "The sides are considering the opportunity to exchange experience." Jafarov added that the potential of cooperation between the countries is great, but it is not fully used. "As a result, the work on the development of trade and economic relations affects all areas beneficial to both sides," he said. Azercosmos, established on May 3, 2010, is the only satellite operator in the Caucasus and is fully owned by the Azerbaijani government. The company manages two satellites Azerspace-1, Azerspace-2 and low-orbit satellite Azersky. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Australia intensified in 2017, when a business delegation consisting of Australian entrepreneurs first visited the country in October. As part of the visit, Baku hosted the first Azerbaijani-Australian business forum. The representatives of 30 Australian companies operating in various sectors of the economy, including tourism, finance, investments, real estate, media and other areas attended the forum. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova The volume of tobacco production in Azerbaijan in aggregate expression is expected at the level of 62.7 million manats in 2018, which is 37.5 percent more than last year. This is stated in the concept of socio-economic development of Azerbaijan and the forecast figures for 2019 -2022. In subsequent years, according to government forecasts, tobacco production will expand. Thus, in 2019, this figure will be 76.9 million manats, in 2020 - 94.4 million manats, in 2021 - 115.7 million manats, in 2022 - 141.7 million manats. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the "State Program for the Development of Tobacco Growing in Azerbaijan for 2017-2021" on August 10, 2017. According to the order, the State Program is aimed at the development of tobacco growing, deepening the sphere of tobacco processing, increasing profitability and export potential as well as increasing employment of the rural population. The state program takes into account all the necessary factors for the development of this industry - control over the quality of seeds, phytosanitary. This shows that the state aims to create all conditions and provide targeted support for the development of tobacco growing. Currently, the country eyes to minimize the import of tobacco products. To this end, the manufacturer of tobacco products Tabaterra CJSC has built a factory of tobacco products in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. Director of Tabaterra CJSC Elman Javanshir told the head of state that the factory will produce international standard cigarettes under Made in Azerbaijan brand. Built using British, German and Italian technologies, the factory will have the annual production capacity of 11 billion filter cigarettes in three types. It will meet 80 percent of the country`s demand for tobacco products. Under the project, which cost $48 million, 200 jobs were created. Smoking is common throughout the world, and getting people out of tobacco dependence today is becoming a priority for many nations. Earlier, country manager of the World Bank (WB) Naveed Hassan Naqvi repeatedly made proposals to the Azerbaijani government to increase excise taxes on tobacco products and thereby, raising prices, to limit the populations access to cigarettes. In his opinion, this will increase revenues to the state budget, and will positively affect the health of the nation, limiting the number of smokers. The Azerbaijani government heard calls from the WB experts and increased excise taxes on manufactured tobacco products in the country. Currently, over 10 billion cigarettes are consumed in the country. Of these, only 1.6 billion are produced in Azerbaijan, while 9 billion cigarettes are being imported. The price of a pack of cigarettes in Azerbaijan in average amounted at $1.2, while it is $3 in Turkey, $3.5 in Russia, and $4 in Poland. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Congress braces for hostile top panel meet Leaders from the establishment as well as rival faction of Nepali Congress held separate meetings in Kathmandu on Wednesday, a day before the Central Working Committee begins discussion on the draft of party statute. By Narmina Mammadova A rise in prices for cars with a small engine was registered in Baku, general director of the consulting company MBA Group Nusret Ibrahimov told Trend. The average price of cars with an engine with a volume of up to 2 liters was 17,483 manats, and compared with the previous month, an increase of 14.25 percent was observed, he said. Ibrahimov noted that the price of cars with an engine with a volume of 2-3 liters was 33,758 manats. Cars in this segment went up by 14.27 percent. The expert said that the rise in prices for cars with a small engine is associated with high demand for them. In recent years, Azerbaijan has developed newer industries in addition to petroleum engineering. The country has achieved certain success in the development of transport engineering, namely the automotive sector. Automative sector is currently developing fast in Azerbaijan, as more plants engaged in the production of cars are being launched across the country. Presently, Iran Khodro, the largest Iranian carmaker, is expanding its cooperation with Azerbaijan. The company has begun production of its Samand model in Azerbaijan. Khazar Automobile Company is already producing a Dena sedan. According to IKCO Press, production of the new Samand model has started this weekend. Earlier, IKCO established a joint venture with the Azerbaijani automobile company AzerMash OJSC Khazar Automobile Company in the Neftchala Industrial Park on August 6, 2016. The total cost of the project is estimated at 24 million manats ($14.12 million). The Azerbaijani side has invested 75 percent, while the Iranian side only 25 percent. All vehicles manufactured at the plant comply with Euro-5 standards. The plant plans to start exporting cars next year. The Khazar plant was opened during a two-day visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Azerbaijan. The annual capacity of the plant is about 10,000 cars. These cars are expected to be delivered not only to Russia, but also to Ukraine and Central Asian countries in the future. The plant produces Khazar LD and Khazar SD models. The assemblage of a number of Peugeot and Renault models will be carried out in the future. They will cost 18,000-21,000 manats ($10,600-12,300). The cost of cars presently produced at the plant is 14,000-16,000 manats ($8,200-$9,400). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Anglo Asian Mining PLC expects gold production to be around 78,000-84,000 ounces in 2018 in Azerbaijan, President & CEO of the company Reza Vaziri told Trend. He said that it is expected 2018 production to be at top of the range. Vaziri said that the production is growing strongly, adding that the company commissioned a second crusher, which is a major upgrade to the production facilities. "This has been a very exciting and successful year for the company. We also started a comprehensive geological exploration program to identify future mining opportunities and released a current Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) report for our main open pit mine. Financially, 2018 is a landmark year as the company returned to net cash and last, but certainly not least for our shareholders, paid its first dividend," the CEO underlined. Speaking of the expansion of the business, the CEO pointed out that the current properties in Azerbaijan have sufficient potential for the company to grow the business in the medium term. "However, as a successful mining company we often receive offers outside Azerbaijan. As businessmen, we obviously look at these opportunities but very carefully and prudently. It must be a country that offers a stable and transparent legal framework, mining code etc, with well-developed infrastructure," he explained. Anglo Asian Mining PLC is a gold, copper and silver producer with a broad portfolio of production and exploration assets in Azerbaijan. AAM and Swiss Industrial Minerals SA signed an agreement in May 2014 on selling cooper concentrate produced at Gadabay field in Azerbaijan. Based on the production sharing agreement signed with Azerbaijani government in August 1997, Anglo Asian Mining PLC has the right to develop six fields in south-west of Azerbaijan: Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha Bulag, Gizil Bulag, Vejnali and Soyutlu. The gold produced at the fields is sent to Switzerland for purification. The ingots are delivered to Azerbaijan and are stored in the governments account. In January-September 2018 AAM produced 54,573 ounces of gold, 144,362 ounces of silver and 1,057 tons of copper. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The next UK-Azerbaijan Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC) is planned to be held on April 4-5 2019 in the UK, Steve Smith, the Head of Trade and Investments Department of the UK Embassy in Baku told Trend. Currently, we are working on the proposed agenda and possible venue, he said, adding that it is hoped the next JIC will feature on energy (including renewables) healthcare, agriculture, space, e-government, environment, education, aerospace and retail. The latest session of the Commission was held in on December 14-15, 2017 in Baku. Following the meeting, the sides signed a protocol on economic cooperation, which envisages further expansion of cooperation in economy, trade, investments, industry, tourism, energy, education, culture and other spheres. Two memorandums were also signed between Azerbaijani and UK companies. As a result, Azerbaijani and British companies expressed intention to establish a joint venture for the production of pumps used in the extractive industry, as well as to create a single service center for the repair and maintenance of this equipment. In January-October 2018, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $455.59 million, of which $257.4 million accounted for exports from Azerbaijan. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The "Dede Gorgud's heritage: a file on culture, folk legends and music by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey was included in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the 13th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Port Louis, Mauritius, according to a joint statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The "Dede Gorgud's heritage: a file on culture, folk legends and music promotes unity, equality and diversity in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Kazakhstan, as well as the values of family, womens role in society, hospitality and justice. Armenian provocative attempts regarding the nomination of Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere) traditional group dances of Nakhchivan were suppressed, the statement said. The Azerbaijani delegation pointed out the inadmissibility of the Armenian side's non-constructive and irrelevant position. With the support of the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO Mehriban Aliyeva, the "Dede Gorgud's heritage: a file on culture, folk legends and music, the art of crafting and playing kamancha, the tradition of cooking and serving dolma, the performance of Azerbaijani mugham (a folk musical composition), the tradition of cooking and serving lavash, Lahij copper craft, ashig art, Novruz holiday, the art of carpet weaving, tar performance, and kalaghayi art have been included to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as, Chovgan, a traditional team game on Karabakh horses, and Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere), traditional group dances of Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been included to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition "Karabakh horses" opened in Espoo, Finland with the support of the Finnish-Azerbaijani Association (FAA), a member of the European Azerbaijanis Congress. The exposition of the Latvian artist Dace Strausa is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Azertag reported. Its main purpose is to propagate Karabakh and Karabakh horses, one of the national symbols, personification of freedom and nobility. The exposition of the artist living in Finland has been demonstrated in many countries around the world. In May, Latvian artist successfully presented her works in Baku. Finnish citizens, members of Azerbaijani diaspora and representatives of different countries attended the opening ceremony. In her speech, Dace Strausa stressed that the exhibition showcases Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan. The Secretary General of the Congress of European Azerbaijanis, Vice-President of the Finland-Azerbaijan Association (FAA) Arzu Oktay thanked Dace Strausa for these paintings and gave detailed information about the Karabakh realities and Karabakh horses. The event featured Azerbaijani music and national costumes. The paintings created by the Latvian artist are endowed with a rich range of feelings and emotions, which in reality can experience these strong and incredibly beautiful animals. For the past two years, Dace Strausa has been living in Azerbaijan. Shortly after her arrival, thanks to her genuine interest and deep love for horses, she established contacts with many horse owners, paying special attention to the Karabakh horses. Moreover, through her paintings Dace Strausa seems to return to her first profession. In 1981, she graduated from the Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, having received a specialty of zootechnics. But after a while, from 1988 to 1991, she received an art education at the preparatory department of the Latvian Academy of Arts. And in 2005 she became a student of courses in a photo school in Riga. As the artist herself admits, she realized that she needed additional education to be able to master all the necessary apparatus of expressiveness, faithfully reproducing the images of her favorite horses on canvas. The refined beauty, strength, special grace of the Karabakh horses delighted artists, writers and poets, who reflected in their works the uniqueness of this horse breed. One of the numerous publications on the Karabakh horses noted that "until the end of the 19th century the Karabakh horses were the beauty and pride of the Caucasus, worthy not only of the princely, but also of the royal saddle." In the Middle Ages this breed belonged only to the Karabakh khans, and the main place for breeding purebred horses was the Khan plant. Chovqan is a traditional horse-riding game played on a flat, grassy field by two competing teams of players mounted on the Karabakh horses. In 2013, UNESCO decided to include the game of "chovqan" on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. It was an unprecedented case, when the role of the animal in preserving the heritage of mankind was recognized at the international level. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Peoples Writer Anar met with students in Shabran. The meeting held as part of the project "Voluntary Reading" co-organized by Regional Development Public Association of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Baku Book Center, Trend Life reported. The event took place in Shabran Cultural Center. The project, which involves high school students aims to expand reading skills among schoolchildren and to contribute to the effective organization of out-of-school reading. Greeting the participants of the event, the People's Writer Anar spoke about the significance of the meeting with schoolchildren. The Chairman of the Writers' Union stressed a great interest in literature in country's regions. Then the national writer answered the students' various questions related to literature. The meeting, which aroused great interest among students, discussed the novel "Ag qoc, qara qoc" (White ram, black ram). The work by Anar, who is one of the prominent representatives of modern Azerbaijani literature, occupies one of the most significant places among the novels published in recent years. Written on a socio-political theme and consisting of two parts, the novel is called "utopian and anti-utopian fairy tales." At the meeting, the authors of the interesting questions were presented with gifts. National writer presented the students his books with autographs. The event held in Shabran is the first meeting organized in the regions within the framework of the project. The project is planned to be implemented in other regions of the country. Eminent novelist and playwright Anar has greatly contributed to the national literature by adding a number of brilliant works to the word treasury. His style of connecting the national culture with East and West cultures in an inner world so naturally and organically is really impressive. An important part of his talent is manifested in the story The Last Night of the Outgoing Year which was subsequently filmed. He participated at a shooting as a screenwriter. At the age of 23, he could clearly convey the melancholy of a single mother. Anar created a character of an old-age mother who really sacrificed her life to protect her hearth and family. Writing his first works at the age of 14, Anar read them to his parents. Anars father was strongly against the "philological dream" of his son. Rasul Rza believed that educations like engineering or medical are more important. He considered writing just as a hobby, which you may be engaged in after gaining a prestigious profession. Anar's strong loyalty to his talent soon made his parents to give up and finally support him. 22-year-old Anar succeeded to publish his first two stories -- The Last Night of the Outgoing year and In Anticipation of the holiday -- in Azerbaijan magazine in 1960. Anars plays were staged in all Azerbaijani theaters. More than 60 books were translated into foreign languages and were published outside of the country. Anar, who is the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers Union is the writer of the scripts of 15 feature films. He directed three of them himself. He also made more than 10 documentaries and television movies. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Azerbaijani delegation took part in a ministerial meeting within 34th session of Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation of Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Istanbul. On November 26-27, technical issues were discussed. The meeting attended by ministers from OIC member countries on November 28-29 discussed exchange of experience gained in customs risk management and develop cooperation in this area. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made speech at the official opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting. He spoke about opportunities for expanding cooperation within the OIC, pointing out that the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have rich natural resources. Erdogan also called the OIC member states for commercial cooperation using national currencies. The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Bandar Hajjar Group also spoke in the opening ceremony, mentioning cooperation on transport, tourism, energy and investments in the OIC member states. Speaking about the rapidly growing structure of the organization, the Secretary General expressed his gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for the work of the OIC Labor Center in Baku. Within the framework of the session, panel sessions were held on the trade facilitation for regional integration, difficulties and possible solutions in the modernization of the customs system, role of the private sector in trade facilitation and other issues. OIC countries' Financial Fair was also opened. Azerbaijan is represented by a delegation led by Chairman of the State Customs Committee Lieutenant-General Safar Mehdiyev at the session on "Trade Facilitation: Risk Management in Customs". Mehdiyev noted that the overall activity strategy of the Customs Service of Azerbaijan is aimed at creating a favorable environment for the development of legal trade in the region, ensuring the international trade-supply chain security and stimulating foreign economic activity, making the trade-investment environment more attractive in the country. He emphasized that high indicators have been achieved as a result of radical changes in the fight against smuggling. In 2018, customs authorities detected 1.178 tons of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors and they were withdrawn from illicit trafficking. One of the important steps of Azerbaijan Customs Service in facilitating trade is the exchange of preliminary information with the customs authorities of foreign countries on goods and vehicles crossing the border. At present, the Azerbaijani has established a legal basis for exchanging information with the member states of Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and GUAM in this context. On the sidelines of the session, the meetings were held with the delegation of Saudi Arabia and then with the delegation of Qatar to discuss development of relations in the economic and customs spheres. Trade and Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia Majid Abdulla al-Kasabi noted that fast developing trade relations between countries is a positive indicator in customs, as well as in other areas. He said they intend to invest in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani side noted that the Azerbaijani delegation of 30 people will visit Saudi Arabia to present local products. Then at the meeting with Qatar's delegation, Economic and Commercial Minister of Qatar, Ali Bin Ahmed Al Kushari, speaking about the development of economic relations voiced the offer to join Azerbaijan to the transit agreement between Qatar and Turkey. During the talks, issues of increasing import-export operations, simplification of customs procedures, reduction of transportation costs for export of agricultural products from Azerbaijan to these countries were discussed at the meeting and exchanged views on implementation of final decisions. The Republic of Azerbaijan joined the OIC in December 1991. Azerbaijan cooperates with OIC member states within the Committee on Science and Technology (COMSTECH) and the Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). In 2006, the Organization's 33rd Foreign Ministers' Conference was held in Baku. 35th OIC Council of Heads of Governments of Islamic Development Bank held in Baku in 2010. The last ministerial meeting 33rd session of the Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation of Organization of Islamic Cooperation took place in November 2017 in Istanbul. This session of the COMCEC focused on the transnational transport corridors. At the meeting, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Salim Muslumov signed the Charter of OIC Labor Center, the headquarters of which is located in Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend On November 29, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to People`s Artist of Azerbaijan and the USSR, hero of Socialist Labor, holder of state prizes Tahir Salahov. The president praised the activity of prominent representative of the contemporary art school of Azerbaijan Tahir Salahov and congratulated him on receiving "Labor" Order 1st Class. Salahov thanked President Aliyev for the phone call and congratulations. He expressed deep gratitude to the president for awarding him the highest state prize of Azerbaijan. President Aliyev wished Salahov robust health and new success in his activities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of NATO, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a meeting with head of Azerbaijans Mission to NATO Gaya Mammadov, said the Azerbaijani mission in a message on November 29. Mammadov handed over his credentials to the NATO Secretary General. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, regional security issues. Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to participation in the Partnership for Peace program, and stressed that the country will continue joint efforts with NATO to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. He informed about the settlement process of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and stressed that the support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan, expressed in the final declaration of the NATO Brussels Summit, and the position of the Alliance calling for solving the conflict based on these principles are welcome. In turn, Stoltenberg asked to convey his greetings to the president of Azerbaijan. He expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, and also thanked for the contribution made by the Azerbaijani side to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. The history of Azerbaijan-NATO relationship dates back to March 1992 when Azerbaijan together with some Central and Eastern European countries, joined a newly established consultative forum the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC), which was transformed into the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council later in 1997. Bilateral cooperation began when Azerbaijan joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme in 1994. Thanks to regular participation in PfP activities, Azerbaijan has been able to contribute actively to Euro-Atlantic security by supporting NATO-led peace-support operations. Azerbaijans participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) since 1997 has allowed NATO and individual Allies to assist Azerbaijan in developing selected units to improve interoperability with those of the Allies. Within and alongside the PARP process, Azerbaijan develops units in accordance with NATO standards, organises force contributions for NATO-led peace-support operations abroad, and prepares a range of other capabilities for potential future missions in which Azerbaijan may decide to participate. Azerbaijan actively supported the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2002 to the end of the NATO-led operation in 2014. The country currently supports the follow-on Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. Azerbaijan also contributes to NATOs Afghan National Army Trust Fund. Azerbaijan has a long-standing interest in the protection of critical energy infrastructure, including against terrorist attacks, and the Ministry of National Security has worked with elements of NATO to establish an International Anti-Terrorism Training Centre. NATO keeps in the focus the issue of security of the oil and gas pipelines in the South Caucasus region that pass through the territory of Azerbaijan. Cooperative activities, reform plans and political dialogue processes are detailed in Azerbaijans Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), which is jointly agreed for a two-year period. NATO and Azerbaijan actively cooperate on democratic, institutional, and military reforms and other areas. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova The landslide zones in Azerbaijan occur mainly in the southern and north-eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, in the north-eastern part of the Lesser Caucasus, in the lower and middle parts of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the Talish Mountains, in large river basins. The landslide has been developed from 400-500 meters above sea level to the upper part of the middle hill and along the Caspian Sea. Land degradation and excessive rainfall, seismicity, natural-geological, geomorphologic and hydrological characteristics of the area create sliding conditions. The Republican Seismic Survey Center (RSSC) of Azerbaijan's National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) proposes to develop a program for a detailed study of landslide zones throughout Azerbaijan, RSSC told Trend on November 28. RSSC noted that the proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan. "We have studied and prepared a detailed report on the Bayil landslide zone, which has been submitted to the Presidium of ANAS. The same report was submitted to the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Cabinet of Ministers." Some residents living in the area moved to temporary shelters as the Bayil slope in Baku continued to since November of 2017. "In addition, we have also proposed to study other landslide zones located in Baku's villages of Ahmadli, Binagadi, as well as in the districts of Azerbaijan," RSSC said. Typically, when the slopes are above 15-20 degrees, the falling precipitation is high and land formed on water-resistant clayey rocks, the sliding conditions become intensified. Anthropogenic factors that arise as a result of humans activity such as destruction of forests, the movement of heavy trucks on mountain roads, the flow of dirty household water, also play a major role in increasing the sliding conditions. More than 300 settlements and hundreds of economic facilities in Azerbaijan are in danger of landslide. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz International delegates arrive in Kathmandu for Asia Pacific Summit Delegates have started arriving in Kathmandu on Thursday to take part in the Asia Pacific Summit to be held in Kathmandu from November 30 to December 3. By Trend There is an uptrend on the hourly chart of Brent crude oil and an attempt to consolidate the price above $60 per barrel, reads the daily report of the Azerbaijani investment company InvestAZ. The companys analysts recommend to be cautious when trading in oil futures. The company believes that if the Brent crude price stays above $60, a further rise in price is possible to $62.29 and $64.49 per barrel. Alternatively, the analysts believe that in case if the oil price breaks through the level of $58.4 per barrel in a downward direction, a further decrease in the price to $56.9 and $54.93 per barrel is possible. As of 16:57 (GMT +4), the price of Brent was $60 per barrel. The rise in oil prices on Nov. 28 is supported by media reports that the Buzzard oil field in the North Sea, with the production of 150,000 barrels per day, was temporarily closed after corrosion of pipes was detected. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A delegation of Russias Gazprom paid a working visit to Turkmenistan on Nov. 28, the company reported. During the visit, a meeting was held in Ashgabat between chairman of the company's management committee Alexey Miller and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the company said. The sides discussed various aspects of cooperation in the gas sector. An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation, signed in 2003, is a fundamental document of cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the gas sector. In October 2018, it was announced in Ashgabat that the sides will begin negotiations on the conditions for resuming the purchase of Turkmen gas by Gazprom from January 1, 2019. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said there are economic and external pressures due to sanctions, but when the foundation of the economy is properly constructed, there cannot be any serious influence on the people's lives. "Today, we must protect the country against those who plot against the Iranian nation and, fortunately, during the last two months, a good effort has been made by the authorities, and people are feeling somewhat calm," the president said in a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Pointing out that people still have problems with economic issues and livelihoods, Rouhani expressed hope that in next year's budget a significant part of these problems will be dealt with, and people will continue to live more calmly and everyone will help each other. Referring to the fact that some of the Central Bank's decisions were inappropriate in the past, he says, "For many years, we have been discussing with the Central Bank to free the entry of gold to the country and always the Central Bank opposed this idea, while the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade agreed to liberalize gold imports." "The Central Bank believed that if gold imports were liberalized, the price of the currency would increase, but when gold imports become free, we saw that the price of currency went down and the scientific formulations need more and more reconsideration," he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The information about laying an additional 10-kilometer railway line to develop Afghanistans Aqina railway station was voiced at a working governmental meeting in Turkmenistans Ashgabat city, Watan local TV channel reported. The corresponding project was developed at the Turkmen Ministry of Railways. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that all infrastructure facilities of this railway must be provided with equipment that meet international standards. In 2016, Turkmen specialists put into operation the railway line from Turkmenistans Kerki town to Afghanistans Aqina town. This railway section is part of a transnational railway project on the route Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan. As a result, the new railway line must connect the Afghan section of Aqina-Andkha with Atamyrat-Ymamnazar section in Turkmenistan and Pyanj in Tajikistan. A decision was made in April to build a railway from Turkmenistans Galkynysh gas field in the direction of Afghanistan. In mid-March, it was reported that the Turkmen Ministry of Railways reconstructed the railway with a total length of 13 kilometers to the Afghan station Turghundi. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The international meeting on Syria held in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, will help its participants to achieve progress on the issue of Syrian regulation and creation of an infrastructure to facilitate the return of the refugees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Wednesday, TASS reported. "Another meeting in Astana has begun literally today. It will last for two days, and I hope that on the outcomes of this meeting, we will find new grounds for progress on the solution of the issues in the sphere of military and political stabilization, as well as in the area of increasing humanitarian aid, and cooperating in the modernization of the infrastructure necessary for the refugees return. Of course, within the political process on preparing for the negotiations under the aegis of the UN in Geneva," Lavrov noted. The international meeting on Syria is taking place in Astana on November 28-29. A plenary session is set to take place on November 29. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend India has reported a whopping jump in oil imports from Iran in October in face of US sanctions that officials in Washington earlier said were meant to bring the Islamic Republics crucial sales of oil to zero, Press TV reported. Indias official figures show the country imported as much as 2.57 million tonnes of oil worth an overall of $1.42 billion from Iran over the past month. The figure marked an increase of 36 percent over the same period last year when a total of 1.89 million tonnes were shipped to India from Irans Persian Gulf ports. The administration of US President Donald Trump launched the second wave of sanctions against Iran from November 5 in which a universal ban on the countrys oil exports was cited as a primary objective. Although US officials mainly targeted Irans oil sales, officials in Tehran have repeatedly rejected the feasibility of this, stressing that international consumers cannot afford to lose Iranian supplies. India is the second largest importer of Iranian oil after China, importing 17.62 million tonnes of oil between April and October of this year. The US has temporarily exempted Turkey, China, India, North Korea, Italy, Greece, Taiwan, and Japan from the ban it imposed on countries purchasing Iranian oil. India had imported about 22 million tonnes of crude oil from Iran in 2017-18 and planned to raise that to about 30 million tonnes in 2018-19. But, as a condition of waiver, Indian oil firms will reduce their imports significantly, the source added. Indian companies can import 1.25 million tonnes a month up to March 2019, according to media reports. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Two planes could not land at Turkeys Istanbul Ataturk Airport due to air traffic congestion, the Turkish media reported on Nov. 29. Reportedly, one plane was flying from Trabzon to Istanbul while another from Hamburg to Istanbul. The aircraft were sent to land at a regional airport located in Turkeys Bursa province. Reportedly, last week several aircraft also failed to land at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport due to air traffic congestion. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The pre-election race in Armenia is a show-off game between various political levers, which do nothing, but give out empty promises and, in general, do not care about the people of the country. Elections without choice this is how the current political situation in Armenia can be described, since, actually, Armenians have to chose one among possible one. Already fierce but very strange struggle is flaming up, where everything is possible for one and nothing for others. Take at least False Start of Nikol Pashinyan in the election race. He began campaigning a few days earlier, but despite all the cries of protest from other participants in the process, he continued in the same spirit. Moreover, he declared that we are breaking and we will break the rules. In general, the election campaign is very aggressive, the parties are engaged exclusively in insulting and humiliating opponents, as if this should be the task of candidates for a mandate in parliament. Citizens of Armenia have to choose between bad, very bad and just awful. Each side has its own arguments. Pashinyan and his colleagues are gaining points, telling the citizens how bad it was. Republicans, using numerous punctures and blunders of the new prime minister, indicate to them saying how bad it has become. But it seems that the campaign will no longer follow a constructive track. Prior to the start of the pre-election race, Pashinyan said it was necessary to introduce a culture of debate during the election campaign. A few days ago, the ex-Minister of Defense, Vigen Sargsyan, the number one in the list of candidates from the Republican Party, proposed to hold a two-sided debate with Pashinyan. However, Pashinyan left this proposal unanswered. As stated by the spokesman for the Civil Contract Party, Vahan Kostanyan, the prime minister is ready for a debate with the participation of all parties. In fact, Nikol Pashinyan, feeling very comfortable in front of the crowd eagerly gazing into his mouth, was frightened by the direct dialogue with his opponents. This is very bad for the populist Pashinyan, since it demonstrates his lack of arguments and the fear of political dialogue. The revolutionary premier of Armenia has absolutely nothing to say, all that he can do is to threaten opponents making fun of him, who, by the way, are not at all in awe of his threats. On the eve of the elections, political parties in Armenia are in different moods. The RPA continues to be a threat to Pashinyan, since it has not lost its political force. Pashinyan is quite convinced in the victory, and other political parties act as outside observers. In live broadcast on Facebook, Nikol Pashinyan claimed that the time of those who robbed is over. In these elections, an Armenian citizen must send the Republican Party to the political landfill as the one which plundered the country, plundered the army, put in despair people and anti-state structure, said Pashinyan. In addition, he noted that undercover republican-mafia games will not work. Although, his speeches are quite aggressive and anti-republican, it seems that he doesnt want to meet his opponent in person. He prefers to speak online, where no one can respond to him. When the RPA announced its desire to take part in elections, opinions about the feasibility of Republican participation differed dramatically. However, there is logic in this move. As the elections will already be, so to speak, without a choice, the RPA can at least go to parliament and expand its opposition activities. The government cannot function effectively without opposition. Moreover, as it turned out now, this party still holds a great deal of political force in its hands. And, Pashinyans unwillingness to openly speak with the RPA representative, shows weakness of his arguments. On October 16, Armenian acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned in order to achieve the dissolution of the parliament and the holding of early parliamentary elections. On November 1, at a special meeting, MPs did not elect the Prime Minister for the second time, and, in accordance with the Constitution, the parliament was dissolved by virtue of law. On the same day, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian appointed to hold early parliamentary elections on December 9, 2018. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Bank Melli Iran has rejected the claims of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury about illegal money transfers to its branch in Iraq. "All the activities of this branch are according to regulations of Iraq Central Bank," said the bank's statement, IRNA reported. "Activities of Bank Melli branches in regional countries and around the world are in accordance with the international trade regulations and have been monitored by the Central Bank in these countries during past seven decades. The bank has a 50-year working history in the Persian Gulf area," the statement added. "The Bank Melli branch in Iraq was established in 2007 to improve development by offering services according to legal procedures while its activities are being monitored by the Central Bank of Iraq. So far, according to the audits of the host country, Melli bank performance has been assessed as accurate and well-documented," said the statement. According to the Treasury Department, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used Bank Melli to dispense funds to Iraqi Shia militant groups and Bank Mellis presence in Iraq was part of this scheme. "The OFAC 's claim about transferring money for Iraqi militias is far from reality and unaccounted for, it ignored the consistent cultural, historical, social and economic relations between two countries," claims the statement. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A Turkmen delegation has recently taken part in the preparatory meeting of World Expo 2020 in Dubai, the Turkmen foreign ministry said in a message. The delegation included the leadership of the Turkmen Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, who met with Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Commissioner-General of World Expo 2020 Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi. A pavilion in the national Turkmen style will be created at the exhibition. The exhibition in Dubai will be held under the slogan "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". According to forecasts, about 25 million guests are expected to visit the city within six months. The new Dubai Trade Center, covering an area of 438 hectares, designed specifically for the exhibition, will be the official platform for World Expo 2020. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years. Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years. 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. Lawmakers demand detailed report about Airbus deal The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday asked the Public Procurement Monitoring Office to present a detailed report showing whether the procurement process followed by Nepal Airlines to buy two Airbus A330 jets was legal or not. Contributing columnist Jose Gaspar is a news anchor/reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed are his own. Joseph Luiz can be reached at 395-7368 or by email at jluiz@bakersfield.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @JLuiz_TBC. Man arrested for setting own vehicle on fire to receive insurance money Police arrested two persons for setting their own vehicle on fire to collect insurance money. A Lumberton woman on trial for the killing of her boyfriend last year showed textbook signs of battered-spouse syndrome, an expert witness said on the second day of her murder trial. Elizabeth Taylor, 71, is charged in connection with the death of Larry Atwood, 58, who was shot while the pair were traveling north on the Eastex Freeway near Beaumonts Home Depot on Oct. 11, 2017. Taylor didnt know Atwood had died until the end of an hour-long interview with Beaumont Police Department the night of the incident, court testimony showed Wednesday. Oh no, she cried when she heard of his death, burying her face in her hands. Im so sorry, I didnt mean to kill him. Im so sorry, I loved him. Psychiatrist Dr. Edward Gripon, the defenses first expert witness, described Taylor and Atwoods relationship as tumultuous, volatile and combative. Gripon, who conducted a psychiatric exam of Taylor in the months before the trial, said there are reasons people with battered-spouse syndrome choose to stay with their partners. Some feel they have no choice, others are overly hopeful the abuse will stop, and still others feel they are responsible for the ongoing hurt. He described the phenomenon as a type of post-traumatic stress disorder. Abusers pick an individual they can control, someone not physically their equal, he said. In the interview with law-enforcement officials, which was played on Wednesday for the nine women and three men on the jury, Taylor said Atwood doesnt know how to treat a lady, an older lady. Taylor told authorities that she pulled out her gun that October day because Atwood had his left hand on the wheel and the other on the back of her neck, slamming her head into the dashboard. All the while, he was yelling and cursing at her, she said. He even had his hand on her nose, Taylor said, either trying to break it or to stop her from breathing. Gripon said it was likely that Taylor stayed with him because she professed to love him and had a hope that he would not hurt her again. She told police she had empathy for Atwood. Its a part of the syndrome, Gripon said. Ninety-four percent of battered spouses are female and six percent are male, he added. Larry has been so good to me in so many ways, Taylor said in the interview. Ive forgiven him but I havent forgotten. The victim in an abusive situation would ideally be able to get away without violence on either side, Gripon said. But in the case of Taylor and Atwood driving along the freeway that day, he said, no one reasonable would jump out of a moving vehicle. The fight or flight decision depends on the circumstances, Gripon said. Only later do you know which one is better. Taylor fired the first time by accident. The second time, she wasnt aiming, she said. Houston-based criminal defense attorney Christopher Tritico said battered-spouse syndrome is not only a successful defense, its embodied in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. You are allowed to raise and can call an expert witness in the form of a psychiatrist to testify as to the state of mind of the defendant at the time that she committed the murder or the killing, said Tritico, who had no knowledge of Taylors case prior to a telephone interview with the Enterprise on Wednesday evening. Tritico said the success of using battered-spouse syndrome as a defense depends on the facts of the case. Cases with a long and detailed history of spousal abuse have a higher chance of a helping a sympathetic jury understand how a spouse can get to a point in their life where they feel they have no other alternative but to resort to violence when they kill someone just to get out of that cycle of violence that ends in their getting hurt all the time, he said. But if a defendants suffering has been spotty or has occurred only a few times over a long period of time, Tritico said, its going to be much harder for a jury to understand. Neal Davis, another Houston criminal-defense attorney, agreed that juries have become more educated about the defense and can decide fairly whether deadly force was appropriate or not. phoebe.suy@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/phoebesuy Manakamana Temple opened for public The Manakamana Temple opened for public from Wednesday after the completion of its reconstruction works. Days before the start of Hanukkah, an Orthodox Jewish synagogue in southwest Houston burned Wednesday night as dozens of congregants were meeting inside, authorities said. No one was injured in the fire at the Torah Vachesed synagogue on South Braeswood Boulevard near Hillcroft Avenue. The fire started around 9 p.m. as synagogue members were participating in a group study, according to the house of worship's Rabbi Avraham Yaghobian. SPRING BRANCH: Teen shot, killed in shootout Some of the congregants heard movement around 9 p.m., Yaghobian said. Moments later, deputies who happened to be passing by the temple burst through the doors and ordered everyone out . The fire appears to have started on the back side of the building, according to Houston Fire Department Chief Herman Gonzales. It then spread up into the attic and onto the roof. Photos captured by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, who runs the nearby Torch Centre, shows heavy smoke billowing out of the top of the synagogue and pouring from the eaves of the building. Houston firefighters were able to tap the fire out quickly, Gonzales said, and save several of the synagogue's holy Torah scrolls. The Torah is the holiest book within Judaism, made up of the five books of Moses and handwritten by a scribe. The immediate uncertainty of the scroll's safety as the fire burned made some of the congregants uneasy, Yaghobian said. Some even tried to run back into the burning building to save them, an attempt thwarted by firefighters who feared for the congregants' safety. Instead, those same firefighters from Houston's southwest side made a point to save the scrolls from being charred. "I really want to thank the firefighters and police for their bravery, their sensitivity and understanding," Yaghobian said. "We were willing to jump in there, even if some of us were arrested, just to walk in and take those things. We would take whatever damage to our bodies. We didn't want our holy articles being hurt. The firefighters saw how important it was. They were caring." The scrolls enclosed in elegant silver and gold furnishings made it out of the synagogue unscathed. A pair of scrolls did sustain minor water damage, Wolbe said. But the rest of them were in perfect condition. The synagogue's celebrations for Hanukkah, the festival of light, are understandably impacted, Yaghobian said but the Jewish leaders are planning to work together with other nearby organizations to make sure they have the proper celebrations in place. It was not immediately clear Wednesday night how the fire started, although HFD arson investigators are taking a look into how it ignited. No injuries were reported. 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 A teenager is dead Wednesday night after a shootout in Spring Branch. At least two people - including the 16-year-old boy - were in some sort of altercation in the 1500 block of Big Bend Drive near Long Point Road around 6 p.m. when the gunfire erupted, according to Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson. A shootout ensued between the teenager and at least one other person that spanned t the block and spilled into a nearby apartment complex parking lot, Crowson said. Someone nearby put the ailing teenager into the back of a pickup truck and rushed him to Memorial Hermann Memorial City, where he was pronounced dead. It is unclear if anyone else was injured in the shootout or how many people total were involved, Crowson said. As of Wednesday night, no one was in custody. 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 Here are four legislative issues impacting ASCs: CMS posts payment tool comparing ASCs and HOPDs CMS has paved the way for price transparency between ASCs and hospital outpatient departments with a new tool that reveals the average payments for select procedures in both settings. The Procedure Price Lookup tool includes the national average payment amounts to HOPDs and ASCs, as well as the average copay Medicare beneficiaries without supplemental insurance would pay in both settings. Trump administration asks providers for help changing kickback laws President Donald Trump's administration asked physicians and hospitals to offer suggestions for "a new exception to the physician self-referral law" and "exceptions to the definition of renumeration." In response, healthcare providers and lobbyists have sent hundreds of letters asking the government to scale back federal fraud and abuse laws. AACU: Laws unfairly protect big players, threaten to 'dissolve' low-cost care The American Association of Clinical Urologists lauded the proposed 2019 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and ASC Payment System. AACU said the proposal tackles the "inequitable" reimbursement differential between office settings, hospital outpatient departments and ASCs, although it doesn't directly address the structural difference between ASC and HOPD payments. The Heartland Institute: Alaska's CON laws are overly restrictive for surgery centers Certificate of need laws are hurting Alaska in more ways than one, according to The Heartland Institute. While CON laws are restrictive by nature, Alaska's geographical location is reportedly hurting access to care and driving up costs because of the monopolistic tendency of the state's healthcare setting. More articles on turnarounds: 4 legislative changes impacting ASCs August 2018 Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society supports CMS' decision to remove transfer agreement, H&P requirements 3 things to know on private equity investment in ophthalmology ASCs Patients are increasingly complaining about facility fees for off-site care provided at physician offices or urgent care centers after receiving unexpectedly high medical bills, The Boston Globe reported. Facility fees can occur when patients receive off-site care at an urgent care center or physician office owned by a hospital, and the care is billed as an outpatient hospital visit. The extra charge can surprise patients since they did not receive the care at the hospital, and the charge could be more than the amount listed for an urgent care visit on their insurance card, according to the report. Patients in Massachusetts have complained to state Attorney General Maura Healey about the issue, prompting her office to investigate facility fees. Her investigation into Boston-based Partners HealthCare and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary resulted in a $175,000 settlement in September. As part of the settlement, the organizations agreed to offer patients certain billing information to ensure they know about any potential charges. The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission and lawmakers have also looked at the issue. The commission, an independent state agency, recommended banning facility fees in certain instances, according to the report. The Globe noted some state lawmakers agree with the commission's idea, and others want to solely require disclosure of the fees. Currently, some insurance companies do allow hospitals to charge hospital facility fees for certain off-site care, and the practice remains common, according to the report. Access the Globe's full report here. More articles on healthcare finance: Virginia law could save patients money on nonemergency ambulance transfers next year Michigan woman seeking heart transplant exceeds fundraising goal for anti-rejection medication 68% of provider execs project revenue cycle IT budget growth, 3 other findings The California Hospital Association, the Regional Associations and the AHA donated $100,000 to hospital employees affected by wildfires across California. The California Hospital Association and the Regional Associations donated $50,000 while the AHA donated another $50,000. The funds will go to employees who have lost their homes or been displaced by the Camp, Woosley and Hill fires. "We thank AHA for their generous gift at a time of great need in California," said California Hospital Association President and CEO Carmela Coyle. An Illinois judge has ruled that the operator of Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana must meet constitutional standards for charitable organizations in order to receive tax exemptions, The News-Gazette reports. The Carle Foundation is seeking retroactive property tax exemptions for 2004-2011 and a refund for taxes it paid to local authorities during that time. However, Champaign County Judge Randy Rosenbaum agreed with the recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling that hospitals seeking tax exemptions must not only offer as much charity care as they would have paid in taxes; they also must extend charity care to an indefinite number of people and not create any barriers to it. Hospitals looking for a tax exemption also must show they do not have any capital, stock or shareholders. Carle Foundation attorneys have argued that they need only show that the hospital complies with the terms of the hospital tax-exemption law. John Colombo, a retired law professor at the University of at Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said that the ruling is important for the Carle Foundation's upcoming trial, but does not clearly define charitable use for the future of Illinois hospitals. "The Illinois Supreme Court is going to have to say at some point, 'Here's what it takes for an Illinois hospital to be tax-exempt,'" said Mr. Colombo. Minister orders state media to muzzleand counterDr KC, Nirmala news Minister for Information and Communications Gokul Prasad Baskota personally summoned editors of all five state media publications and instructed them not to publish any critical news related to the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant or activist Dr Govinda KCs agenda, journalists from several state-owned media told the Post. Vivian Lee, MD, PhD, quietly stepped down as tenured professor of radiology at Salt Lake City-based University of Utah in April, one year after she resigned as CEO of its health system and dean of its medical school, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Neither the university nor Dr. Lee announced that she had left her post at the time, which marked the end of a contract for a final year at a $1 million salary. Here are five things to know about Dr. Lee's departure: 1. Dr. Lee stepped down as senior vice president for health sciences, medical school dean and CEO of University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City in May 2017 amid controversy over her firing of the director and CEO of the health system's Huntsman Cancer Institute. 2. A hospital spokesperson told The Salt Lake Tribune Dr. Lee is on unpaid leave through May 1, 2019. 3. Dr. Lee will remain on staff as an adjunct professor in radiology and biomedical engineering, but will not receive any pay or benefits. She is allowed to collaborate on research with other faculty. 4. If Dr. Lee wishes to return to the school before her contract ends, the department head would have to approve it. However, the spokesperson told the publication, "We're not anticipating that she'll come back. She's not engaged with the university at this time." 5. She currently serves as president of health platforms at Google parent Alphabet's life sciences arm Verily, with a focus on patient populations. A San Francisco politician is seeking to remove Mark Zuckerberg's name from the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center despite the Facebook chairman, CEO and co-founder's $75 million donation to the hospital, according to Business Insider. San Francisco politician Aaron Peskin reportedly asked the city attorney Nov. 27 to provide an outline on how to remove Mr. Zuckerberg's name from the hospital and to revisit the city's policy on offering naming rights in exchange for gifts, according to documents obtained by Business Insider. Mr. Zuckerberg and his wife donated $75 million to the hospital in 2015 in exchange for naming rights. The move to remove Mr. Zuckerberg's name comes after a protest in May by nurses at the hospital who called on hospital officials to consider changing the facility's name after news broke earlier this year of Facebook's involvement with Cambridge Analytica, a company that allegedly harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent and used that information for political purposes. "What message does it send when we are willing to brand our public facilities in exchange for one-time donations, while the entities behind those one-time donations turn around and oppose even the most modest taxes, which when allocated to our general fund actually give the citizens of San Francisco oversight for how those funds are spent," Mr. Peskin said, according to Business Insider. Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital CEO Susan Ehrlich, MD, told Business Insider in a statement: "Naming is an important convention in philanthropy that encourages additional donors, and our hospital relies on the support of the community, the city and county of San Francisco, and generous private philanthropy. We are honored that Dr. Chan and Mr. Zuckerberg thought highly enough of our hospital and staff, and the health of San Franciscans, to donate their resources to our mission." A Facebook spokesperson did not respond to Business Insider's requests for comment. To access the full report, click here. Indiana (Pa.) Regional Medical Center nurses who went on strike Nov. 26 are barred from returning to work the rest of the week and plan to conduct informational picketing to raise awareness about contract negotiations, according to The Indiana Gazette. More than 300 nurses began a one-day strike at 7 a.m. Nov. 26 over issues including wages and health insurance costs. Hospital officials said certified registered nurse anesthetists were required to return to work at 7 a.m. Nov. 28, but other nurses who went on strike are scheduled off the rest of the week because of a minimum five-day commitment required to hire temporary staff during the strike. The temporary staff, which the hospital reportedly hired for $1.5 million, will work through Nov. 30. The Indiana Registered Nurses Association, which represents the nurses and is affiliated with Pennsylvania State Education Association, said members plan to conduct informational picketing through Nov. 30. Both sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table Nov. 29. The former director of imaging at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Ind., has apologized for using a fake identity to torment employees of Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Lutheran Health Network on Facebook, according to The Journal Gazette. In a letter to the editor, Craig Sorg admitted he used an anonymous Facebook account and the pseudonym "Sajin Young" to publish "offensive and disparaging statements regarding Lutheran Health Network and some of its employees." The public apology was part of a settlement Lutheran and its parent company, Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, reached with Mr. Sorg. In a lawsuit filed in 2017, Lutheran Health Network and CHS alleged LHN's former CEO Brian Bauer and a Facebook poster who used the alias "Sajin Young" defamed CHS to disrupt the company's business. They were accused of spreading misinformation to drive down LHN's value. Although Mr. Sorg admitted to creating the "Sajin Young" account, it is unclear how many people contributed to the posts. The account was also used to harass Lutheran Health Network CEO Mike Poore. "The life of a family in the healthcare industry comes with many unseen stresses and sacrifices; added to that for my family is also caring for a special needs child. It was beyond my realm of comprehension to imagine that my family and I, along with other colleagues and their families, would ever be targets of stalking, harassment and intimidation," Mr. Poore told The Journal Gazette. "I feel the attacks by Mr. Sorg were nothing short of cruel. I would never wish this on anyone," he said. "I hope we can move forward with a spirit of unity as a community dedicated to the care and well-being of all who call Fort Wayne home." In addition to entering a settlement with Mr. Sorg, Lutheran Health Network and CHS recently settled their lawsuit against Mr. Bauer. He served as CEO of LHN from 2013 until he was fired in June 2017. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 2 former Georgia hospital CEOs fight criminal charges in kickback case 13 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements Atrium settles antitrust lawsuit over health plan contracts: 6 things to know The current Ebola outbreak hitting the Democratic Republic of Congo will be the second-largest outbreak of its kind if armed militia groups, violence and kidnapping continue to hinder infection control efforts, according to Reuters. Here are three things to know: 1. Fighting between rival militia groups is steadily becoming worse. They fight to seize control of land and resources, including vaccinations and Ebola treatments. The same armed groups have also kidnapped Ebola patients and health workers. "Sometimes the insecurity pushes us not to respond to calls, and not to go into certain areas for days," Mimi Kambere, emergency response coordinator for the nonprofit group Oxfam, told Reuters. 2. Political instability fuels the Ebola outbreak, because politicians are exploiting misinformation and fear among locals ahead of the country's presidential election in December. 3. So far, 422 infected people remain in the Congo. About 241 have died from Ebola in the last four months. The current outbreak, starting in August will become the second-largest disease outbreak if the number of cases exceeds the 425 cases recorded in Uganda in 2000. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: Ohio school to remove religious exemptions for vaccinations: 5 things to know Joint Commission: 9 ways to prevent flu transmission in hospitals 1 in 10 heart patients died at Johns Hopkins All Children's last year, investigation finds Omaha-based OrthoNebraska Hospital was among the 200 victims in an international ransomware attack and extortion case, according to The Wichita Eagle. Here are five things to know: 1. A federal grand jury indicted two Iranian men who allegedly created malware known as SamSam Ransomware. The malware encrypted data on OrthoNebraska's computers, and then the two extorted payment from the hospital through bitcoin. 2. Officials estimate the scheme caused victims to lose more than $30 million. 3. Six healthcare-related entities were affected by the ransomware attack, including Wichita-based Kansas Heart Hospital, Los Angeles-based Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health. 4. The indictment claims the two men received more than $6 million in ransom payments. The two first created the SamSam Ransomware in 2015. A revised version was developed in 2017. 5. Both men would allegedly scan computer networks for vulnerabilities and potential victims. The ransomware would be launched in a network's system before business hours to make it more difficult for the victims to intervene. Three spine surgeons weigh in on the regulatory environment. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next week's question: What are your best strategies for ensuring comprehensive clinical documentation, especially in the current era of increasing regulatory burdens? Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. CST. Question: What healthcare policies concern you the most? Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: The current rollout of opioid restrictions is emblematic of the misguided and clunky conceptions of chronic pain rampant in the current administration. Whoever is whispering into the Attorney General's ear is not only clueless, but dangerous. Again, they are not attacking the main current driver of prescription addiction the companies and the distributors. For most of my postoperative patients, I can only give five days' worth of reasonably strong opiates. Patients with chronic pain cannot function and "suck it up." The pharmacies have also come off the rails and drafted their own misguided restrictions, essentially practicing medicine. I think as physicians, we all would like to work with the DOJ, OIG, DEA and FDA. But if their solution is to crank down on the doctors (again), I urge patients with chronic pain being denied legitimate medications to vote their conscience. Rob D. Dickerman, DO, PhD. Director of Neurosurgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano (Texas) and Director of Spine Surgery at Medical Center Frisco (Texas): Continued restrictions and denials by insurance. Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): The burden of ever increasing and constantly changing government regulations that create more expense, uncertainty and inefficiency while not benefiting patient care is getting worse every year. The deliberate decline in reimbursements for spine surgery by government agencies and private payers makes it more difficult to run a stable and successful private practice and to provide best possible care for my patients. The lack of comprehensive overhaul of the medical liability policies in the country continues to add to further wasteful spending of "defensive medicine" and over-treatment, which only harms patients. If these concerns are not addressed, the healthcare industry as a whole will continue to become more expensive, less efficient and lower in quality. Across the TV world, many broadcasters have historically operated a number of different ad pricepoints, charging more or less depending on the volume of commitment from ad buyers. But what if, after two years of international outcry over the way that media are sold, you went in the opposite direction? What if, incentivising a bigger spend with a lower price, you just offered one price for everyone? That is what ad sales teams for the Netherlands public broadcaster NPO did this year and that was just one part of a strategy to clean up the way it sells inventory. In this video interview with Ashley Swartz for Beet.TV, Frank Volmer, GM of Ster Netherlands, the ad sales house for NPO, explains: We introduced one fixed price that was volume=independent. For smaller advertisers and bigger advertisers, everybody has the same price. For smaller advertisers, that came down to a reduction of the price for about 30% to 40%, and if you look at the bigger advertisers, its an increase in price of about 10% on average. Volmer says the change was a response to to things: Ster noticed bigger-brand advertisers were spending less. Demand was growing from smaller advertisers for whom TV was nevertheless expensive. With the changes, smaller advertisers now have a self-serve online ad platform where they can buy linear TV and radio ads in the Netherlands. The group has lost some of the bigger brands, but gained on the small end. But that wasnt all. We stopped with all kind of rebates and discounts, Volmer adds. We stopped with the 15%, and we stopped paying media agencies any kickbacks. We dont pay media agencies for anything anymore so that they can really give an advice that is independent of the influence of getting paid kickbacks. Volmer says other broadcasters have followed suit in abandoning the kickback system, which drew outcry when the Association of National Advertisers in the US published a report that finally blew the lid off a system of incentives that had been an open industry secret for years. Ster has even broadened the demographics against which it sells advertising. Until this year, the group had 140 target groups Now it has just six. That really delivers, Volmer says. This interview was conducted at the EGTA New York meetings hosted by Viacom. EGTA, the Brussels-based trade association of international television companies, is the sponsor of this Beet.TV series. For more videos, please visit this page. 'Leaving the EU, which is essentially a mechanism to liberalise trade and payments, will inevitably initially disrupt some of the flows of trade and payments meaning that, for the economy as a whole, there will be less efficiency.' (Yui Mok/PA) The economic analysis of the options currently under consideration, published yesterday, is a competent, professional report that deserves to be taken seriously. Leaving the EU, which is essentially a mechanism to liberalise trade and payments, will inevitably initially disrupt some of the flows of trade and payments meaning that, for the economy as a whole, there will be less efficiency. Read More There is little surprise in the conclusion that Brexit in almost any shape will have a negative influence. A 2% difference after 15 years when EU membership is compared with the Government's proposed Brexit treaty is small, but it is a downside. The critical feature of the official forecasts is not that Brexit is expected to have an initial negative outcome, it is that we now have a data on the different Brexit options. Claims that these assessments are a simple, crude fear factor or are based on flawed assumptions, are a misreading of arguments that deserve the credit of being considered as a useful contribution to the debate now gripping the political arena across the UK. To say that economic forecasts are usually wrong, or that forecasts purporting to reach ahead for 15 years are not credible because so much can go awry in the changing economic environment, is dismissive of the essential, well understood dynamics of the way that the economy works. The most advanced economic analysis used by the Treasury and independent organisations is internationally reputable. Yes, economic forecasts will usually have margins of error because so many decisions made by businesses, individuals and Government are subject to variations as events unfold. That variability should not be used as a criticism to devalue the results. The Treasury analysis will have evaluated sensibly the variables and built a logical result with a predictable margin of error. The key results published by the Government suggest that the Brexit deal now ready for debate would have a small marginal negative effect on the economy. A no-deal Brexit would hit the economy hardest: a 9% loss of income in 15 years, or possibly about 250bn. This compares with a Brexit linked to a free trade agreement that might mean a 6.5% loss of income. The Treasury papers clearly favour the deal now before Parliament for all the reasons that the Prime Minister repeats frequently. If the Government Brexit deal is implemented, Northern Ireland may expect to experience broadly the same negative influences that apply for the UK, possibly on a larger scale. The NI-Ireland backstop is a necessary part of the proposed Brexit deal, but even it would not prevent some trade and income disruption because of extra degrees of relative uncertainty. There are no official estimates of the way the Brexit options would differ when applied to Northern Ireland. However, the degree of disadvantage would be higher in Northern Ireland in a no-deal result, which could damage cross-border business and businesses. The UK loss of over 9% of gross income might be significantly higher here. At the unmerited risk of being accused of playing on the fear factor, caution suggests the Northern Ireland loss might be nearer to 15%: jobs lost, investment deterred and changed migration. John Simpson is an economist and commentator An all-Ireland accountancy body has called on Brexit negotiators to protect Irish and UK businesses' rights to retain statutory audit firms based in the Republic or in Northern Ireland. Chartered Accountants Ireland also urged negotiators to ensure that the current mutual recognition of professional accountancy qualifications between the UK and Ireland is maintained. Barry Dempsey, chief executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, said: "As it currently stands, Irish businesses can choose from NI or UK firms to provide them with audit services. "In the event of a 'no deal', UK audit clients listed on EU regulated markets will need to put a contract in place with an EU registered statutory auditor (a non-UK firm) to get a second audit report on their December 2018 accounts. This would be an unnecessary and unreasonable expense for business." Mr Dempsey said the "maintenance of the status quo will be critical to the public interest given the role of financial information in securing the stability of markets and the extensive degree of market inter-dependencies". He said: "Companies need to avoid any breakdown in the flow and availability of corporate information which could have broader repercussions on liquidity and investment. "Even where an exit deal is negotiated, Brexit may lead to some economic instability. In these circumstances, timely and reliable financial information will be essential. "Therefore we feel it is critical to avoid any disruption to the preparation of reliable information and the fulfilment of reporting requirements, which in turn could negatively impact governments in respect of tax revenues and the stability of markets." He added: "Chartered Accountants are intrinsically and systemically involved in international business and commerce, so any loss of mutual recognition of the qualification would have a significant, negative impact on Irish business." Nepal should raise Rohingya issue with Suu Kyi: Rights groups As Myanmar State Counsellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs Aung San Suu Kyi commences her two-day Nepal visit on Thursday, the government authority should draw her attention to ensure safe return of the Rohingya Muslim minorities and have a fair investigation into the alleged abuses, say human rights agencies. Low productivity here would improve if teaching in schools and universities was more aligned with the jobs that are being created here, according to new research. The Power Up Report, a UK-wide paper by business advisory firm Deloitte, also said businesses could subsidise tuition fees to target sector growth and incentivise the development of essential skills. The research focuses on how to improve productivity in the economy and incorporates views and opinions from high level individuals across the public sector, government, education and business. It notes that the economic output gap between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK has widened in the past 20 years with gross value added (GVA) per hour worked recently at 85.1% of the UK average - below where it was in 1997. Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte, said: "We have a wealth of talent and a strong record of innovation in Northern Ireland, and by working collaboratively we can create an ecosystem which harnesses this effectively. "The public and private sector leaders who were interviewed emphasised that greater co-ordination between the education sector, business and government will be needed to optimise growth and overcome the problem of low productivity growth." Power Up highlights Northern Ireland's "market-leading skills in ICT and financial services", but interviewees said more could be done to align education with the needs of business to ensure a stronger pipeline of labour. Mr Allen added: "There is a clear frustration expressed across all sectors that Northern Ireland does not have a coherent definition of what it wants to be as an economy of the future. "Northern Ireland needs to focus on what it does well on a global stage to fulfil its potential. "There was optimism that the productivity challenge can be met and economic performance can be raised, but to do that incentives to improve education and support job creation and investment must all work in the same direction." The report also revealed that interviewees believe a well-planned series of investments in infrastructure would have the biggest impact on future growth, rather than any general increase in cash for current spending from central governments. In education, they said tuition fees could be used as incentives to target sector growth, either by subsidising fees in particular areas or by combining with business to effectively pay off fees in key growth areas. Both of these would incentivise the development of essential skills by reducing student debt, it stated. Among its other findings it said that a reform of the public sector would be made possible by a reduction in the block grant over the next decade. In addition, the report also said that making public sector procurement more efficient would lead to material improvements in productivity across the economy. A High Court challenge to a gold mine planned by Canadian company Dalradian Resources in Co Tyrone will be heard next week. Greencastle, Rouskey and Gortin Concerned Community (GRG) were granted leave to seek a judicial review in March. The residents group's challenge centres around alleged failures by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) over how people in the area were consulted over the project. The case is expected to be heard next Tuesday and Wednesday. Dalradian, headed by Patrick FN Anderson, said its Sperrins project will support 350 jobs, with an average salary of 40,000, supporting a 750m supply chain spend over 25 years. It's expected to involve up to 1,500 tonnes of rock per day being processed in a large facility near Greencastle. But the use of cyanide in the process has proved controversial among people in the area. Dalradian's 10,000-page planning application, lodged in November 2017, is one of the biggest and most complex in the history of Northern Ireland. GRG has argued that the pre-application community consultation process carried out by Dalradian was "vague and ambiguous", and that the complexity of the scheme was such that it "confused impacted residents". To date, the live application has attracted 11,287 comments from members of the public on the DfI's online planning service. Three-quarters of respondents have registered opposition, with just under 24% in support. Martin Conway of GRG said: "Sadly, we believe that we were left with no choice other than to take this judicial review to challenge the department's decision to determine the application valid, which in our view is clearly flawed. "This judicial review is ground-breaking on many levels, but first and foremost it is on the basis that we believe significant flaws exist within Dalradian's community consultation from start to finish, causing confusion to the local community." A Dalradian spokesman said: "As with all significant infrastructure projects, legal challenge was anticipated. Dalradian is taking part, as a notice party, in the judicial review proceedings against the decision by the DfI. "The company has submitted evidence to the High Court and will make submissions at the hearing." Thousands of people were moved when mother-of-two Lynette McHendry went public last week about the challenges terminally ill people face when claiming benefits, but behind that brave stance is a story of even greater courage in the face of adversity. Lynette (40) from Larne, who has two boys Jay (14) and Lewis (11), has been living on borrowed time for the past three years. In June 2017 she was told she had just seven months to live but over 17 months later she is feeling good and continuing to defy the odds. While undergoing gruelling treatment she has also found the strength to campaign hard to save lives through awareness and fundraising while also building special memories with her family. An inspiration to many, she was awarded an MBE by the Queen this year in recognition of her voluntary work and the money she has raised for research - mostly while undergoing gruelling treatment. Lynette had a rare and little known form of breast cancer which was initially missed by doctors. She went for tests complaining of pain in her left breast and was stunned when a cancerous lump showed up in her right breast which wasn't giving her any problems. Told that she her left breast was fine it wasn't until some months later when she was still enduring immense discomfort and pain that it was discovered she had cancer there, too. Inflammatory breast cancer does not present as a lump and many women are unaware of the symptoms which is why Lynette has been so passionate about raising awareness. Lynette's medical journey during the past three years has been brutal and relentless. Following a double mastectomy and chemotherapy she has also had three tumours removed from her brain, had full brain radiotherapy and then faced another seven months of chemo when the cancer spread to the lymph nodes in her neck and collarbone. She has also had 19 blood transfusions in the past three years. While going through her first course of chemo and a double mastectomy she put a fundraising plan in place to raise money for research into inflammatory breast cancer. Expand Close Lynette, Lewis, Jay and Graeme on an outing / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lynette, Lewis, Jay and Graeme on an outing After just nine months she was able to hand over 28,000 to Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK which was then given to Dr Berditchevski of Birmingham University to initiate research into this aggressive breast cancer. Since then she has raised over 40,000 to help fund breast and ovarian cancer research studies ongoing at Queen's University, Belfast. In addition to this she has provided support and advice to many women diagnosed with all types of breast cancer, taking part in forums across the UK. She recalls her own dreaded misdiagnosis: "In July 2015, I visited my GP with a pain in my left breast. "I was referred for a mammogram at which stage I was told that it was glandular and nothing sinister; it was totally dismissed and I was told there was nothing there. "However the mammogram had detected a small lump in my right breast. "Following a biopsy I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in my right breast for which there is no treatment. "I had a lumpectomy but while recovering from surgery the pain in my left breast continued as well as the breast getting larger, becoming hard with dimpling and hot to touch. "At the end of September I saw my oncologist and I showed him my left breast. He took one look and sent me to have a biopsy. It confirmed I had cancer in my left breast and I started chemo for it that day. "By that stage my breast was twice the size of the other one, pure purple and I had shooting pains through it. It was also very dimpled. Those are the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer. "I went from having stage two to stage three cancer and was told I needed a mastectomy. "I know a lot of women diagnosed with cancer want to keep it very private; however I felt I needed to get awareness out to women about the symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer as it is so aggressive any delay in diagnosis could be the difference between life and death." Lynette worked in the civil service but has had to retire on medical grounds. She has emerged as a voice for people who would not otherwise have the confidence to question medical opinion. Some months after her diagnosis she arranged a face to face meeting with her surgeon to discuss why her cancer was missed and ensure it wouldn't happen again. She says: "In my previous life as a civil servant I would be required to communicate with all levels of people therefore have been the voice for ladies who would not have the confidence to question their diagnosis and treatment plans. "At every opportunity I tell people about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. "I don't refer to it as breast cancer as I want every woman to know of the very different symptoms than a lump. I have been surprised by the number of health practitioners who have never heard of it. "I met with my surgeon to ensure lessons be learned on my misdiagnosis to ensure it does not happen again. "My aim is to give women a voice, emotional support and practical advice from my own experience over the past three years. "My main advice to women is never ask for a prognosis and do not look at the statistics as I am walking evidence that you can defy the odds if you put every ounce of hope and willingness into living rather than dying." Defying the odds is something she has been doing since last June after her third brain surgery and full brain radiation. At that point she was told that at the most she should have seven months to live. She then went on to develop cancer in her collar bone and neck and went through more chemotherapy which only finished in March of this year. She has a full body scan and a brain scan every three months and so far is clear of cancer - doctors are baffled and her neurosurgeon just looks at her in wonder. She says: "I am so headstrong and I just feel for so many people who don't question things. I have had to fight for so much and I've changed trusts and oncologists and if I hadn't been the person I am I wouldn't be here today. "My doctors are baffled and my neurosurgeon has told me I am unique. "They said whatever I am doing to keep doing it. I take cannabis oil, turmeric, lemons, herbs and other healthy foods which research has shown helps. "A lot of problems start in the gut, so I take probiotics as well. I try to eat healthily although I've been on steroids for two years and have put on four and a half stone which makes it difficult to get around." While coming through so much and thinking of others she has also been focused on her family and building special memories with her husband Graeme (43) and two boys Jay and Lewis. Against her will she had to take early retirement from her job and she has used her pension to treat her family to some amazing trips abroad. Last year they visited America, touring LA, Vegas, New York and San Francisco and this year they enjoyed a family trip to Madrid. Lynette has been honest with her boys about her health and has remained very positive for them. Leaving them is something she cannot bear. She says: "I've had that difficult conversation with them and I've explained that they are only getting so many trips because I got my pension and the only reason I got my pension is because I had breast cancer. "If I am looking normal they cope okay but they don't like to see me not well, so no matter how I am feeling I try to get up in the mornings and be there for them, even if it means going back to bed when they go to school. "I watched that 50 Christmas advertisement the other day in which the mum leaves the tapes for her son and I sobbed and sobbed. "It breaks my heart and I am just going to enjoy what time I have with them and try to have a normal life." Last week Lynette again took a stand for terminally ill people when she refused to complete a benefits form in which she was asked to declare that she had just six months to live. When she was assessed for benefits, she was told she could "save some time" if her GP or oncologist completed a form to say she had just six months left to live, as there would be no need for her to complete another assessment. Lynette described it as "cruel" and like signing a "death warrant". She is just one of a number of people who have faced issues getting benefits while coping with serious illness. A local father Tom McWilliams also recently highlighted the issues facing his daughter Roisin (28) who was denied financial support despite undergoing treatment for stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma. Also the father of disabled Co Down man Declan McMullan questioned the PIP system for the approach taken towards his son. John McMullan (50) revealed how Capita staff wanted to visit and assess his son Declan, who has locked-in syndrome for PIP, despite him being "one of the most disabled people in Northern Ireland". Lynette says: "It's totally unfair. I don't want to think of my last six months of living, and I certainly don't want to think I will be spending those months filling out forms to get a payment to support me and my family. It is cruel." An independent review of PIP assessments has recommended the requirement for the terminal illness form to be completed be abolished. However, it will require a minister to be in place in Northern Ireland to make the decision on the matter. Given the continued absence of devolution, Secretary of State Karen Bradley is being urged to intervene. DUP leader Arlene Foster has rubbished the Prime Ministers Brexit withdrawal plan - but has suggested that her party may back a Norway-style deal. So what is a Norway-style deal? The Norway-plus approach is being championed by Nick Boles, a former minister close to Michael Gove, who cant support it while Mays deal is still in play, but would probably push Norway once it is dead. So would Amber Rudd, an important player now she is back in the cabinet. Hammonds words suggest he would too. Read More Norway-plus would deliver the frictionless trade that May failed to win. The UK would leave the common agricultural and fisheries policies and the remit of the European Court of Justice. The Efta court is less interfering. Budget contributions would be small compared with EU membership. The EEA option would almost certainly win the EUs backing, another pre-requisite. Under the Boles plan, it would take effect when the status quo transition period ends in December 2020. Read More It would prevent a hard Irish border, while Northern Ireland would have the same rules as the rest of the UK removing the Democratic Unionist Partys main objection to Mays deal, which is shared by many Tories. The Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats would likely buy it. The Labour leadership is cautious for now, as it wants to propose its own plan. But many Labour backbenchers would back EEA membership; 75 did so in a Commons vote in June. Norway-plus has downsides. The UK would have to retain free movement. Although the EEA allows members to apply an emergency brake in response to economic or social pressures, it is doubtful the UK would qualify. The UK would be a rule-taker, not a rule-maker, and a customs union would hinder trade deals with other countries. Both would be hard for Eurosceptics to swallow. But some might live with Norway as a staging post to a much looser Canada-style agreement, though Boles has stopped calling his plan Norway to Canada. Its unclear whether May could steer the UK in Norways direction. She would have to abandon her free movement red line. She might not even get the chance. It is true that Norway-plus might appeal to MPs reluctant to vote for another referendum. But arguably, as May claimed in Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, it would not implement the 2016 referendum because the UK would have to follow the rules without shaping them. As Svein Roald Hansen, a Norwegian Labour MP, told the BBC: If I were British, I would prefer to stay in the EU and have a say on the decisions. The Secretary of State has said any rejection of Theresa May's Brexit deal would significantly curtail the PSNI's ability to counter terrorism and serious organised crime. Warning of the security risk posed by a no-deal Brexit, Karen Bradley told the Belfast Telegraph: "Rejecting the deal we have secured will have real implications and risks increasing pressure on law enforcement authorities. "The PSNI and our agencies would have no clarity on what happens next March, but the deal means they will have certainty of an implementation period where existing tools and measures will continue, followed by an ambitious security partnership. "If the deal is rejected, then instead of that certainty, we would need to revert to old mechanisms to facilitate cross-border co-operation which are slow and would cause considerable delays. "No one wants to take a leap in the dark on something as vital to Northern Ireland as security co-operation and bringing criminals and terrorists to justice." Ms Bradley warned those who are pressing for no deal rather than backing the Prime Minister's plan that they are risking the future security of the country. "This moment calls for leadership in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland," she said. "The small minority in Northern Ireland who advocate no deal rather than this deal need to be honest that they cannot address police concerns about the security co-operation that is so critical here. "As the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and as a member of Parliament, I have to answer for how my decisions and my vote will help keep our streets and our communities safe. All of those weighing up whether or not to support this deal need to do the same." The Secretary of State's comments come after the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) called for immediate action to ensure staffing levels can cope with the implications or all Brexit scenarios. PFNI chairman Mark Lindsay said border security issues must be sorted out urgently. "The political turmoil around Brexit is for politicians to resolve, but what we are saying is accelerate contingency planning to prepare for what happens from April 1," Mr Lindsay said. "We cannot afford to sleepwalk into a situation where, at the last minute, officers are re-deployed from cities and towns such as Belfast, Ballymena or Coleraine to some of the major crossing points along the 310-mile border with the Republic of Ireland. "We need hundreds more officers if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal. The case has already been made by the PSNI for more resources and decisions are now overdue. "We simply cannot produce 300-400 officers overnight and if Government approval for an increase in the size of the PSNI isn't forthcoming quite soon, then we will be left to confront major gaps in service provision as we race to meet requirements in a hard Brexit scenario. "I'm appealing to all concerned to make this a major priority and to get it sorted out." Mr Lindsay's remarks come amid warnings from commanders on both sides of the border, and also Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, that a hard Brexit could prompt an upsurge in dissident republican activity, with the border becoming a target for violent attacks. PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has already asked for 400 extra officers to deal with the repercussions of Brexit. The PSNI confirmed talks are ongoing. They said: "There has been and continues to be high-level engagement with Government about the challenges facing PSNI in the context of a severe terrorist threat, and the potential operational implications of what will become the only land border between the UK and the EU. These discussions are addressing what the appropriate uplift for PSNI resources should be." One "appropriate uplift" could be an influx of officers from Scotland, with Police Scotland Chief Constable Ian Livingstone confirming talks have been ongoing with Mr Hamilton. Mr Livingstone said: "Planning is ongoing right across UK policing in relation to mitigating some of the impacts which may be required to manage potential consequences of Brexit. "At the end of last week I spoke at some length with the Chief Constable of the PSNI. "We agreed that we would work together to provide support to our respective services. "We are planning for an eventuality that should the Chief Constable need support, one of the first places he may ask for support is from Police Scotland. "This option is a significant part of the planning initiated." A Belfast man appeared in court today charged with having a steak knife and making a threat to kill. Ryan McKiernan (22) is also accused of criminal damage to the window of a Northern Ireland Housing Executive property. The alleged offences were committed on October 20. McKiernan, of Benmore Drive in the Finaghy area, entered the dock at Belfast Magistrates to be charged with threatening to kill another man on that date. A second count involves possession of an offensive weapon, namely a steak knife, with intent to commit threats to kill. No further details about the alleged incident were disclosed. A Public Prosecution Service lawyer requested two weeks to consider its position in the case. Releasing McKiernan on continuing bail, District Judge Liam McNally told him to return to court on December 13. A man with Asperger's who caused nearly 600 worth of damage to a hotel car park barrier was there to help a friend, a court heard today. Thomas Crossey came into contact with the blockade amid issues about a 2 parking fee at the Wellington Park in south Belfast. The 49-year-old, of Henderson Avenue in the city, was fined 100 and ordered to pay 591 compensation. He had been set to contest a charge of causing criminal damage to the barrier on May 15 this year. A potential defence of acting out of necessity was being considered. But at Belfast Magistrates' Court today his barrister confirmed the guilty plea. The case centred on Crossey allegedly lifting the barrier after he went to the hotel due to concerns about a friend. Defence counsel Jonny Connolly said the incident "started out as a 2 parking fee". The barrister said: "There's no doubt he was (there) helping his friend out." Disclosing his client's Asperger's condition, Mr Connolly added: "He's a very intelligent guy... he's been around the block and knows a bit of law." Fining Crossey and ordering 591 compensation to the Wellington Park Hotel, District Judge Liam McNally gave him 26 weeks to pay. He warned the defendant: "If you don't pay it you may have to serve up to 14 days in custody." Nepal to ask India to remove quotas Nepal will ask India to remove the restrictive quotas it has imposed on four products for nearly two decades during the upcoming Nepal-India Trade Treaty talks scheduled to be held in Kathmandu in December. A great-grandmother from Londonderry has been left heartbroken after burglars stole her wedding and engagement rings - just four months after her husband passed away. The thieves ransacked 72-year-old Marie Ewing's Irish Street home last Friday while she was at work in the canteen of Lisneal College. They made off with the wedding band, engagement ring and eternity ring that her husband Roy - who lost his battle with cancer in July - had given her. A ring with her children's birthstones in it, including that of her baby daughter Deborah who died at just 13 days old, was also stolen. "My daughter had called into my house to drop off a present she had bought me," Mrs Ewing said. "When she and her partner went into my home they saw that the safe was lying on the kitchen floor and that the drawers in the hall had been opened. "They went upstairs and found the bedrooms had been ransacked. She phoned me at work and I came straight home. When I got there the police had arrived. "I looked around and everything was on the floor. They had gone through my wardrobes and threw everything everywhere. The curtains were closed so no one could see them. They even went through my hot press." Mrs Ewing found that the thieves had taken 53 she was keeping for her grandson in an envelope - and left a pound under her pillow. After she and her family cleared up the clothes and jewellery that were scattered all over the floors, Mrs Ewing said she made a heartbreaking discovery. "They had taken my most precious things," she said. "They took my engagement and eternity rings as well as a wide wedding band that my husband bought me for our 25th wedding anniversary. "They took a silver cluster ring and a mother's ring my children had bought me for Christmas. "The engagement, wedding and eternity rings meant so much to me because my husband Roy gave them to me. "Roy died of cancer in July, just 12 weeks after he was diagnosed and those rings were so very special to me. We were married for 51 years. It's awful, Roy's not here and now they have taken the rings he gave me. "The mother's ring was very precious because it had all my children's birthstones in it, including my baby daughter Deborah, who died when she was just 13 days old in 1971. "She had spina bifida, so that ring also meant a lot because of that and that my children bought it for me." Mrs Ewing said that the burglary has now left her feeling vulnerable in her own home. She added: "I am afraid. I don't like to tell the children that, but I'm sick to my stomach. "When I come home I am going in and looking through the house to see if anything has been moved. "I have lost sleep over this. Every noise I hear I am up. "I just lost Roy four months ago and it is still very raw. "Last week I was over in England because my brother died. I didn't need this. "I have lived in this house my entire life. It was my mother and father's old house and nothing like this has ever happened." Mrs Ewing said she would like those who took the precious items to give them back to her. "Those rings have such high sentimental value," she said. "I wish the people who took them would leave them somewhere, leave them in a church or on my doorstep. I just want them back." Stephen Marron (L) died in the collision while Garda Michael Devlin was hospitalised with serious injuries A 34-year-old man has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving which caused the death of Stephen Marron in Co Monaghan on Tuesday night. He is also charged with endangerment of a Garda. The accused, James Tomany of Clay Road, Keady, Co Armagh was remanded in custody to Cloverhill prison. Mr Tomany will appear in court by video link on December 5. He faces two charges related to the incident on Main Street Castleblayney on Tuesday night. The first is dangerous driving causing the death of Stephen Marron. The second alleges reckless endangerment of a Garda contrary to section 13 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He is accused of driving on Yorke Street, Castleblayney onto Main Street Castleblayney while a member of An Garda Siochana was holding onto the vehicle in an attempt to prevent himself from falling from the fast moving vehicle and that this created a substantial risk of death or serious harm. Both those offences are said to have taken place on November 27 2018. He faces two other charges alleging assault causing harm to another person on the March 31 2018. Judge Gerry Jones was told there was consent to him being remanded in custody. Karen Bradley has faced robust questions in a Northern Ireland housing estate as local women voiced anger and frustration about Brexit and the Stormont impasse. The Northern Ireland Secretarys visit to an art class for womens groups in the loyalist Old Warren estate in Lisburn developed into an intense political grilling on Thursday as she was challenged on the mounting problems facing communities across the region. Mrs Bradley was forced to defend the Prime Ministers Brexit deal, rejecting claims from some of the women present that Northern Ireland was set to be treated differently than the rest of the UK. But while Brexit was the early focus of the exchanges at the Resurgam Trust centre, questions soon shifted to the two-year powersharing crisis, with Mrs Bradleys government accused of not doing enough to get MLAs back to work. Expand Close Karen Bradley talks with nurse Stacey McCormick on her visit to the Old Warren estate in Lisburn (Presseye/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Karen Bradley talks with nurse Stacey McCormick on her visit to the Old Warren estate in Lisburn (Presseye/PA) Stormont has been without a functioning devolved executive since January 2017 when it imploded amid a bitter row between the DUP and Sinn Fein. All subsequent political efforts to revive the institutions have failed as public services have been left in a limbo land between devolution and direct rule. Mother-of-four Emma Cairns told Mrs Bradley the situation was ridiculous. Our schools and our education it all has to continue to suffer, she said. Another woman told Mrs Bradley that schools in the area had run out of toilet roll due to budget cuts. The Conservative MP replied: Thats why I want the politicians to do the right thing, I want them to do the right thing by the people who elected them. Ms Cairns responded: Its ridiculous. They have been given more than ample opportunity to do the right thing and they are not. And who else do we go to because we are just played this constant drab of yes, we have given them a chance and we can extend it (talks deadlines) and were doing this and were doing that and nothing is showing, nothing is being done, were not feeling it here. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley faced an intense grilling today on Brexit, but mostly the Stormont impasse, as she paid a visit to an art class for womens groups in Lisburns Old Warren estate. A lot of frustration in the room. pic.twitter.com/nISIX4mx8F David Young (@DavidYoungPA) November 29, 2018 Afterwards nurse Stacey McCormick said there was a lot of frustration in the room. It started off quite calm and relaxed but towards the end it got really frustrating people started to get angry because obviously they were getting things off their chests and getting to be able to vent things, she said. If it had gone on another few minutes it might have got a lot worse. She added: We dont have anybody that wants to listen to us. Politicians dont care, they dont want to know. They only want you when it comes to voting time. The health care system is falling apart. The waiting lists have just tripled and its going to get worse because nurses are leaving the healthcare system because they dont feel welcome with Brexit coming up, its going to get worse. Heather Cairns, who asked Mrs Bradley during the visit how long she was going to wait to introduce direct rule, said she hoped the visit had genuine motives. I hope it isnt a PR thing, because in the news with Theresa May and Northern Ireland is at the forefront of all this (Brexit) and I am hoping it isnt lets just focus on it for five minutes and then just go away, I hope she genuinely is listening Of course I understand their frustration, I am frustrated too.Karen Bradley Afterwards Mrs Bradley said she welcomed hearing the views. Whats really interesting to me is the thing that exercises people the most is a lack of devolved government in Stormont and wanting to see those politicians back at the top of the hill doing what they were elected to do, she said. Of course I understand their frustration, I am frustrated too. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better, they deserve their politicians doing the right thing. It was really interesting to hear the views that I heard round the table on just get in and run those schools and hospitals, just do the right thing by the people who elected you. An independent councillor yesterday lost his appeal against a conviction for sexually assaulting a teenager. Brian Duffin (73) who sits on Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, showed little emotion as Judge Melody McReynolds said she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the he was guilty. The judge told Coleraine County Appeal Court that she had to examine the victim's evidence and the timeline of events while taking account of the "exemplary way in which the appellant has led his life to date". Describing his victim's evidence as "truthful, accurate and reliable," Judge McReynolds said she was affirming Duffin's conviction for sexual assault and warned that he was "on the cusp of the custodial threshold". When initially sentenced in August, he was handed a four-month jail term. Giving evidence against Duffin, the 17-year-old victim described how he stuck his tongue into her mouth when he kissed her, had one hand on her breast and the other on her inner thigh during the sexual assault in June 2016. During cross-examination, the second time she had to endure the ordeal of reliving the events in court, the teenager said she had tried to block out the attack as the sexual assault was "something I don't want to remember". Defence lawyer Arthur Harvey suggested to the teenager that in fact Duffin had tried to comfort her when she became upset talking about her ill grandfather. She told the lawyer: "I don't see sticking his tongue down my throat, grabbing my breast and moving his hand up my leg, I don't see that as comforting, I see that as sexual assault." Former SDLP representative Duffin, a father of 11 and grandfather of 19, from Cargin Road in Toomebridge, gave evidence on his own behalf, recounting how he was active with St Vincent de Paul. He told Mr Harvey that having gone to the house "on the spur of the moment", he put his arm around the girl to comfort her as she had become upset over her grandfather's illness, claiming she "gave me a kiss on the lips...it lasted a few seconds." The QC put a series of questions to Duffin, asking him directly if he had grabbed her breast, stuck his tongue in her mouth or felt her leg but to each question, Duffin refuted the allegation, telling his lawyer "I absolutely did not." But rejecting his appeal, Judge McReynolds adjourned sentencing to the new year, reminding the court that Duffin will remain on the sex offenders register until 2023. Former SDLP councillor Brian Duffin has resigned after losing his appeal against a conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The 73-year-old resigned his seat on Antrim and Newtownabbey Council after refusing to stand down following his original conviction. Giving evidence against Duffin, the 17-year-old victim described how he stuck his tongue into her mouth when he kissed her, had one hand on her breast and the other on her inner thigh during the sexual assault in June 2016. Judge Melody McReynolds told Coleraine County Appeal Court on Wednesday that she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the he was guilty. Describing his victim's evidence as "truthful, accurate and reliable," Judge McReynolds said she was affirming Duffin's conviction for sexual assault and warned that he was "on the cusp of the custodial threshold". When initially sentenced in August, Duffin was handed a four-month jail term. Duffin, a father of 11 and grandfather of 19, will now be sentenced in the new year. Antrim and Newtownabbey Council confirmed on Thursday that Duffin had resigned his seat. He had resigned from the SDLP in February and continued to serve as an independent councillor despite his conviction. The SDLP will be allowed to nominate Mr Duffin's replacement on council, despite his resignation from the party. "Councillor Duffin originally represented SDLP and therefore the party will co-opt a new member in due course," a council spokesperson said. Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Philip Lane addressed the Institute of Bankers in Dublin on Thursday. A hard Brexit will lead to a disruptive environment for British businesses, the Central Bank of Ireland has warned. It also said that the uncertainty surrounding the transition deal and final outcome of Brexit has had a chilling effect on investment in the UK. Central Bank chief Philip Lane said backing the draft withdrawal agreement would provide guidance to firms. Speaking to the Institute of Bankers in Dublin on Thursday, Mr Lane laid bare the impact of a no-deal Brexit. Governor Lane is speaking to the @instbank Certified Bank Director Annual Conference today, discussing macroeconomics and banking in Ireland https://t.co/RKMD6jnEgR pic.twitter.com/gjHYzPWgey Central Bank of Ireland (@centralbank_ie) November 29, 2018 In one direction, the ratification of the withdrawal agreement would provide some guidance to firms as to the general trajectory of the future UK-EU27 relationship, even if much will remain uncertain until the negotiations about the post-transition environment are concluded, he said. It follows that the passing of the withdrawal agreement could unlock business investment in the UK through a reduction in uncertainty. In the other direction, a hard Brexit would constitute a much more disruptive environment, in view of the lack of clarity about the future UK-EU27 relationship under a hard Brexit and the absence of a road map as to how this future relationship will be negotiated. Mr Lane said that even if a long-term customs agreement is negotiated between the UK and the EU, it will lead to trade frictions such as regulatory checks on goods going between Britain and the EU. Furthermore, while the common travel area between Ireland and the UK will be preserved, restrictions on the free movement of people between the UK and the EU27 will disrupt the operation of labour markets, given the high levels of two-way mobility that have developed over the last 40 years, he added. Beyond the implications for individual citizens, restricted labour mobility will also affect the dynamics of different industries in the coming years. He added that a productivity boost from specialised talent pools in specific locations will be undercut by restrictions on labour mobility. While some of these costs will only kick in after the transition phase concludes, forward-looking firms, households and investors have already responded in various ways since the referendum. One major adjustment mechanism has been the significant weakening of sterling against the euro, which constitutes a terms of trade decline for UK residents. It is also estimated that UK firms have already started to pull back from EU-orientated export strategies, in anticipation of future trade barriers. Northern Ireland's chief medical officer has told MPs that the health service in Northern Ireland could "bankrupt" Stormont. Dr Michael McBride also told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in London yesterday the Stormont impasse is preventing long-term health strategies from being implemented. Northern Ireland's most senior doctor also warned that with our growing ageing population, the health and social care service has the potential to "bankrupt" government here if it is not funded adequately. Over the next eight years Northern Ireland's population is expected to grow by a further 77,600. By 2026, the numbers aged 65 and over will have reached 74,500. Dr Michael McBride told the committee of MPs: "The health service has the potential in Northern Ireland to bankrupt all other government departments and all other public services because of the changing demographics, ageing population, rising public expectations, rightly so. All of us are living longer, but not necessarily living longer, healthier lives." He made the comment outlining the financial constraints currently facing the Department of Health. He said Northern Ireland needs a "sustainable funding baseline" instead of non-recurrent Executive funding to deal with problems such as waiting lists, which have grown since the money "dried up" in late 2014. Dr McBride said it has been "challenging" for the department in the absence of ministers. He was asked if the lack of a functioning Executive was impeding the department's progress on overhauling the health service here. "There is no substitution for democratically elected ministers," he said. Stressing while "undoubtedly" there was much preparatory strategy work the department could do, in terms of long-term permanent changes, the "machinery of government" was required. However, he said that even with the ongoing political stalemate, the department could make policy decisions in instances were it deems that there is a "compelling public interest". "If, however, these are matters that we determine are not critical, then they should rightly wait for an incoming minster," added Dr McBride. "What will not do as a department is delay decisions, or avoid decisions... that will have a fundamental impact on public health and well-being." Dr McBride was also asked about the stalled implementation of a new suicide prevention strategy. Admitting the department was "keeping it under review", he told Lady Sylvia Herman that he was not "dithering" on the issue when she criticised the department for not pressing ahead with its implementation without a minister. Dr McBride, however, said any assertion that "lives have been lost as a consequence" of the strategy not being implemented was "factually incorrect" given current services available and new ones being introduced. "It is potentially dangerous to suggest... that people are being unable to access the services they require today, tonight or this weekend. "That is quite frankly not the case," he said. Lawyers for loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson are set to appear at the High Court to challenge the legality of search warrants issued against him, a court has heard. While Mr Bryson represented himself at Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday, he told the court he had instructed McConnell Kelly solicitors and Barry McDonald QC to fight the judicial review on his behalf. The application for a judicial review is to be heard by Mr Justice McCloskey at the High Court today, Mr Bryson said. By challenging the legality of the search warrants and seizure of material, he is seeking the return of property police seized from him during an investigation into the alleged illegal supply of door staff. Last August, the prominent loyalist was arrested by police under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 as they investigated alleged criminality linked to the UVF in east Belfast. Working alongside the Security Industry Authority (SIA), officers conducted searches at two residential addresses in Bangor and Donaghadee, as well as premises in Newtownards where they seized a number of items, including a BB gun, laptops, an iPad, documents and camouflage clothing. Although arrested, Mr Bryson was freed without charge and posted an online video lambasting his arrest as "absurd". At Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday, a lawyer for the SIA agreed there were two strands to Mr Bryson's arguments - challenging the legality of the warrants and seeking the return of material "he says are subject to legal and professional privilege and journalistic privilege". She submitted the challenge to the warrants should be dealt with by the High Court. In relation to the materials Mr Bryson is seeking returned, she said "it's our submission that Mr Bryson is in fact taking the wrong application, he should in fact make the application to the County Court under the Police And Criminal Evidence Act for the return of the items". Mr Bryson submitted that this stance was a "double edged sword" for the SIA because as it now said that he should go to the County Court, "they are now admitting that they should have gone to the County Court [to get the warrants] in the first instance". "They are essentially making clear that the original warrants are not valid," declared the loyalist blogger. "They're coming here and saying that I should go to the County Court so they are now accepting that this is journalistic material, so if they are accepting that, then I would assume that they have to accept that before Mr Justice McCloskey, so I don't see any reason why the legality of the warrants could stand," argued Mr Bryson, submitting "the warrants should be quashed". District Judge Peter King said the judicial review should be dealt with first. He told Mr Bryson that while he was adjourning the case to January 9 next year, "I want to keep this application alive." Bank of England chief Mark Carney has warned that less than half of businesses are ready for a no-deal Brexit as he appealed for a transition deal to be agreed. The governor of the Bank was speaking after he released analysis suggesting the UK would be tipped into a recession worse than the 2008 financial crisis if it exited the EU with no agreement in place. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We know from our contacts with business, others know from their contacts, that less than half of the business in the country have initiated their contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit. There are a range of possible scenarios. Reflecting their different roles, the FPC focus on worst-case outcomes with implications for financial stability, while the MPC considers the progress and impact of negotiations around the new Economic Partnership. https://t.co/4GaqqrCGdv pic.twitter.com/Iju377uMaT Bank of England (@bankofengland) November 28, 2018 All the industries, all the infrastructure of the country, are they all ready at this point in time? As far as we can tell, the answer is no. Mr Carney also hit back at those who accused the Bank of scaremongering after it said no deal would result in an 8% cut in GDP, unemployment surging by as much as 7.5% and house prices falling by almost a third. He said: We have a responsibility to have systems ready for whatever happens. Asked what type of Brexit he would like to see, Mr Carney said he did not have a preference, other than to see a transition period agreed. From a financial system perspective, something in the 18 to 24 months is sufficient, he said. For the economy as a whole, and in terms of putting in place the customs arrangements of the future, the question is are those all in place? And the answer is no. His comments come as Theresa May faces a grilling from senior MPs over her controversial Brexit agenda at the Commons Liaison Committee. But she has been boosted by strong backing for her Withdrawal Agreement from a prominent Cabinet Leave supporter. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom backed the PMs stance in a letter to constituents, according to the Daily Mail. Expand Close Theresa May gives evidence to the Liaison Committee (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May gives evidence to the Liaison Committee (PA) She said it had been a challenging journey, but Mrs Mays plan was the only deal on the table, which meant the UK would quit the bloc in March, the newspaper said. But DUP leader Arlene Foster reiterated that her partys 10 MPs would not support the Withdrawal Agreement when it comes to Parliament, saying it would create a huge democratic deficit in Northern Ireland. She said: All the things that made us vote for Brexit are the things that are going to be imposed on Northern Ireland. Ms Foster also hinted that if the deal fails to get through the Commons, her party could be open to a so-called Norway-plus arrangement, where the whole of the UK stays in the customs union. She told the same programme the DUPs one red line is to make sure Northern Ireland is not differentiated from the rest of the UK in terms of customs and is not prescriptive about other potential options on the future relationship with the EU. Expand Close Arlene Foster (Michael Cooper/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Arlene Foster (Michael Cooper/PA) Her comments came as the Government confirmed MPs will debate the Brexit deal eight hours a day for five days leading up to a crunch vote on December 11. MPs will be allowed to vote on six amendments to the Government motion backing the deal during the Commons showdown. Commons Speaker John Bercow will decide which amendments are debated and decided on by MPs ahead of the so-called meaningful vote on Government proposals. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party could not back Mrs Mays plan as it failed to ensure participation in a strong single market and customs union. The move came as Labour said a new referendum would be inevitable if Mrs Mays plans are voted down. On the rise but under prioritised The state must invest in strengthening mental health management systems A 35-year-old man has been arrested after police found a quantity of class B drugs during searches in west Belfast. Detectives from PSNIs Terrorism Investigation Unit made the arrest on Wednesday during a search of a house in Lagmore Avenue as part of an operation into the activities of "violent" dissident republicans. "A 35-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B controlled drug and remains in custody at this time," Detective Inspector Adrian Brown said. We will continue to target all those involved in terrorist activity as their illegal actions only serve to blight the communities they operate in. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, having a weapon in a public place and possession of a Class B drug. It follows the report of an attempted robbery at a shop on Balmoral Link in south Belfast at around 7pm on November 27. The teenager was arrested by officers from the PSNIs Auto Crime Team but has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Detective Sergeant McCallum has appealed for witnesses. Call Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 1101 of 27/11/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A cross-party group of MPs met with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt last night to step up the campaign to secure compensation for victims of Libya-sponsored terrorism. The value of frozen Libyan assets held by the UK has risen to 12bn and pressure is growing for the Government to release it to compensate IRA victims. Jonathan Ganesh, president of the Docklands Victims' Association, has spent years campaigning for victims to be compensated after being severely injured in the 1996 London Docklands bombing. "It is very sad and heartbreaking that those who have been left severely disabled and bereaved by Gaddafi's Semtex are still waiting to be compensated," he said. "Their suffering goes on and some have resorted to taking their own lives." DUP MP Ian Paisley said: "There is a continuing injustice which needs to be addressed for those who suffered at the hands of the IRA using Libyan weapons." A passenger in a car driven by Geordie Gilmore claimed he saw one of three men accused of murder with a gun in his hand just seconds before a fatal shot was fired, a court heard on Thursday. Mr Gilmore died from a "catastrophic brain injury as a result of a bullet wound" after he was targeted in the Sunnylands area of Carrickfergus last March. Three men have been charged with murdering the 44-year old and attempting to murder his two passengers on March 13, 2017. The trio are David 'Dee Dee' McMaw (30) from Starbog Road in Larne, his brother Darren McMaw (33) from Kilgreel Road in Carrick and 36-year old Brian McClean, from Valetta Park in Newtownards. All three men have denied the charges levelled against them - which also includes a firearms offence - and are currently standing trial in a non-jury hearing at Belfast Crown Court. Opening the case against the trio, Crown counsel Liam McCollum QC said it was the prosecution's case that David McMaw and Brian McClean were present at the murder scene, that the gunman was David McMaw while McClean acted as a look-out, and that Darren McMaw involved himself in a "scouting exercise" by following Mr Gilmore in his van prior to the fatal gun attack. Mr McCollum told Diplock judge Mr Justice McAlinden that at 2.15pm on March 13 last year, a 999 call was made by George Gilmore's son, saying his father had been shot in a car at Pinewood Avenue. Mr Gilmore was bought to hospital and was pronounced dead at 12.05am on March 14. His son - who heard the fatal shots - said he saw both David McMaw and McClean in the areas immediately before the gun attack. Providing the court with an outline of the lead-up to the shooting, Mr McCollum said the fatal incident occurred after Mr Gilmore attended Belfast Magistrate's Court to support an associate charged with attempted murder. Mr Gilmore left the Laganside Court Complex at around 12.30pm and drove back to Carrick in his white Vauxhall Insignia with two passengers on board, followed by his son who was driving a Red BMW. At around 1.20pm, a work van driven by Darren McMaw, which had a tracker installed, indicated the vehicle travelled along the Marshallstown Road in Carrick then stopped and was parked in an area where the prosecution say he had a clear view of Mr Gilmore's home. This, the Crown say, is "clear evidence Darren McMaw was going to see whether Mr Gilmore was at home, in a scouting exercise" while his brother and McClean were "anxiously awaiting the return of the Gilmore party from court." Meanwhile, at 1.41pm, Mr Gilmore parked his car in the centre of Carrick then went to a bakery on North Street, where they stayed until just after 2pm. As the Gilmore party walked back to their cars, they were seen crossing the road by a man, who in turn contacted another man in a phonecall lasting 99 seconds. This, the Crown say, was "information being passed about the whereabouts of the Gilmore party." Several other phonecalls "relaying information" about Mr Gilmore were made, including a 50-second call received by Darren McMaw which prompted him to make his way to the centre of town. It's the Crown's belief that as the Gilmore party were making their way to Sunnylands, they were then followed by Darren McMaw. Mr McCollum said: "The prosecution say that when the Gilmore party were travelling towards the Sunnyland estate, Darren McMaw's vehicle was close enough to see where they were going. "This explains why, at 14.06, he called David McMaw at the murder scene. This call lasted 30 seconds, which we say is sufficient time to tell his brother the Gilmores were on the move and he was tracking them." After entering Sunnylands, Mr Gilmore drove to Pinewood Avenue. His son, who was travelling behind, saw McClean and David McMaw at the junction of Cherry Walk. The deceased's son stopped his car and saw McMaw halfway down an alleyway, trying to put something on his face. As he made his way to Pinewood Avenue, Mr Gilmore's son heard several shots being fired. When he arrived at the scene seconds later, he saw his father's car rolling slowly towards a house before crashing into a wall. Mr Gilmore's front seat passenger also said he saw McClean and David McMaw at the scene, and said he witnessed McMaw crouch down in an alleyway with a gun in his hand pulling a balaclava over his face. The murdered man's other passenger saw an armed man and shouted 'gun, gun, gun'. He said Mr Gilmore tried to speed up but after shots were fired, the car collided with a wall. Mr McCollum told the court that in the aftermath of the murder, both David McMaw and McClean "disappeared until March 16th." All three men were subsequently arrested, and denied any involvement in the murder of George Gilmore. David McMaw refused to answer police questions, including his knowledge of the Gilmores, his association with McClean and his movements on the day in question. McClean also refused to speak to police, and didn't answer questions about UDA involvement. Darren McMaw - who the Crown say "involved himself in the prelude and the aftermath of the murder - said he was aware of a feud but denied involvement. He alleged he had been previously targeted by the Gilmores but denied he was involved in murder. Citing a "strong case of joint enterprise", Mr McCollum told Mr Justice McAlinden that during the course of the trial he would hear evidence which will point to an "overwhelming inference" that all three were "inextricably involved in the plan to murder George Gilmore." He's the lost teddy bear who has brought the spirit of Christmas to a Co Antrim town and touched the hearts of people around the world. Three years ago, Bertie the Ballymena bear stormed the internet in a heart-warming festive tale before he was joined by female companion Bella the following year. Their beautiful love story has tugged on the heart strings of audiences near and far, with the Christmas video commissioned by Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) going viral. In recent years, Ballymena has seen its promotional adverts starring the ragged teddy bears rival retailers such as John Lewis, who lavish millions on their seasonal productions. This year, Bertie and Bella are back and they are reflecting on their love of Ballymena. The video also features the stars of last year's hit advert - The Martian and The Pigeon. The film was made by Ballymena-based Grafters Design Studio, while the bear was made by Michele Lowry of local gift shop Penny & Rose from linen supplied by Baird McNutt, also based in the town. Stephen Reid, owner and creative director of Grafter's Design, said this year's advert is a celebration of the Ballymena bears' adventures over recent years. "We have made a lot of really great content since 2015 so a lot of work went into producing this year's advert which takes a look back at their previous stories," he said. Stephen had a team of three people working on the production for three weeks, going through the past films to select the best bits of Bertie and Bella's story. "We created a living room and set it up to look as though the bears are watching their own story over the past few years at home on television," he added. "It's a much shorter video in length this year which reflects the fact that people are now watching much shorter content online. "The focus this year is all about companionship at Christmas. It's all about bringing people of every age back to their childhood because everyone has owned a teddy bear at some point in their life. "I always want to make people smile while watching it, but I already know of at least one person who has been moved to tears because they remembered the films of previous years." Ballymena BID manager Alison Moore said Bertie and Bella are the unrivalled stars of Ballymena at Christmas and their love story wins the hearts of viewers ever year. She said: "We're delighted that Bertie and Bella have returned to Ballymena for this year's festive season. They have become icons in their own right in Ballymena and we hope that this year's advert highlights the appeal of Ballymena to those throughout Northern Ireland and beyond." Thomas Gordon of the Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band A north Belfast father-of-four who passed away suddenly on Monday has been described as a "genuinely nice guy who would have done anything for you". Tributes have been paid to 36-year-old Thomas Gordon, a well-known and popular member of the Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band. The Glencairn man, who worked as a security guard, died following a suspected cardiac arrest. Mr Gordon's brother-in-law William Coggles said he would be "sorely missed" by all those who knew him. Mr Coggles, who is also a member of Pride of Ardoyne, said: "Thomas was a really hard working, genuinely nice guy. "He was always friendly and would have done anything for you. "He was just a really great bloke and was well-liked, as you can see from the many messages of condolence that we have received. "We are all shocked and devastated by what has happened." Since news of Mr Gordon's death broke, the Pride of Ardoyne Facebook page has received messages of sympathy from hundreds of people. "This is another tragedy that will be felt again unfortunately throughout the ranks of our band," the band's Facebook page said. "Thomas was devoted to his family and children, always going that extra bit to provide even just for the simple things. "Our thoughts are with his family at this time and he will be remembered forever by the members and officers of the Pride of Ardoyne. "When we walk, you walk." The post has been liked more than 700 times, with warm tributes from hundreds of those who knew Mr Gordon. One Facebook user wrote: "I still can't believe it... true gentleman." Another said: "So sad and such a shock. He would never have passed without speaking." Another message read: "Condolences to Thomas' wife and kids and extended family." And a further friend commented: "Another angel has got there (sic) wings RIP THOMAS x." Oldpark councillor Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston also offered her condolences to Thomas's loved ones, posting: "Sad news. Thinking of Thomas's nearest and dearest." A number of other flute bands also extended their sympathies to the family, including Pride of Lagan Valley and Blantyre Young Loyalists, based in Glasgow. A private service of thanksgiving for Thomas's life will be held at his sister's house at Forthriver Link at 3.15pm on Tuesday, December 4, followed by committal at Roselawn Crematorium. Ellvena Graham (President of NI Chamber) pictured at the NI Chamber President's Banquet at ICC Belfast earlier this evening. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has warned opponents of Theresa May's Brexit deal that business is "not the enemy" and challenged them to come up with an alternative plan. Ellvena Graham was speaking to 850 guests at the annual Northern Ireland Chamber President's Banquet at IIC Belfast on Thursday evening. Read More In a wide-ranging speech Mrs Graham also welcomed the Belfast City Deal and took stock of the impact the lack of a Stormont Executive has had on life in Northern Ireland. Guest speaker at the event was Jed Mercurio, creator of BBC hit dramas Bodyguard and Line of Duty. Addressing assembled guests, including Secretary of State Karen Bradley, Mrs Graham said that the Prime Minister's draft Brexit withdrawal agreement was a "welcome step forward" and "definitely much better than a no-deal scenario". The draft deal has been opposed by the DUP and UUP and faces an uphill battle to get through Parliament with Labour and many of Mrs May's own MPs calling for the deal to be renegotiated. The DUP is unhappy that the deal will see Northern Ireland aligned with EU rules and remain part of the single market with checks on some goods coming in from the UK to Northern Ireland, if the Brexit backstop is implemented. The DUP and UUP have called the deal a "threat to the union". Sinn Fein, the SDLP, the Alliance Party and the Greens have given their backing to the Prime Minister's deal and Mrs Graham called on these parties to use their influence to encourage other politicians to support the deal. "Weve received a lot of stick in some quarters for saying this but let me say to our critics were not your opposition," the Chamber President said. "Were not the enemy. We want the outcome thats best for businesses, for consumers, for the economy and for the future stability of Northern Ireland and well do everything we can to ensure that we get it. "It is fair to say that the Prime Ministers resilience has been matched only by that of businesses challenged by three years of nonstop political debate and continuous uncertainty. "We therefore encourage our political representatives who support the draft agreement to do everything in their power to influence political representatives in Britain to join them." Mrs Graham called on those who were opposed to Mrs May's deal to produce a better plan. "For those that are not in support of the draft agreement, it is now time to outline your alternative proposals. We are willing to listen," she said. "At the beginning of 2017, our members were identifying priorities for growth. Chief among them a functioning Executive and no hard border. "Those priorities are still uppermost today. We have a vibrant and innovative business community that wants to invest and grow but its stymied because of the prolonged absence of a regional government and the endless Brexit bickering." The Chamber President lamented the lack of political cooperation currently in Northern Ireland. "The Belfast film-maker and Oscar-winner Terry George wrote an article earlier this year recalling the days when Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson struggled through traffic in Los Angeles to visit all the major studios, lobbying for more productions to come to Northern Ireland," Mrs Graham said. "In his article, Terry asked 'Whos going to do that now?' Its a good question. Can you imagine our current leaders at this juncture sharing a car under any circumstances? "Who will nurture the creative connections now? Well, Im afraid I have no answer." Mrs Graham, who is a former head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said political progress was needed to unlock Northern Ireland's full potential. Expand Close Ellvena Graham (President of NI Chamber); guest speaker Jed Mercurio (centre) and Paul Murnaghan (Regional Director at keynote sponsor BT Enterprise NI) pictured at the NI Chamber President's Banquet at ICC Belfast earlier this evening. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press E / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ellvena Graham (President of NI Chamber); guest speaker Jed Mercurio (centre) and Paul Murnaghan (Regional Director at keynote sponsor BT Enterprise NI) pictured at the NI Chamber President's Banquet at ICC Belfast earlier this evening. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. "The Belfast Region City Deal process shows us what can be achieved when you have a genuinely collaborative relationship thats working for the benefit of everyone," she said. "But this deal isnt the end. Its a beginning. We must somehow unlock the mechanism for additional funding that is so badly needed in so many ways. "Last week, the Belfast Telegraph provided a list of all the things that are being held up by the lack of an Executive - a pile-up of more than 160 decisions affecting all aspects of Northern Ireland life, all needing the signature of a Minister." The Chamber President said that Northern Ireland was losing out due to a lack of political representation. "Big decisions are needed but who will take them? Should this just be left to our civil servants? Is this not the job of our Executive?," Mrs Graham asked. Every action, or indeed non-action, has consequences. And the consequence of a lack of real political representation means that we have no consolidated voice to speak for us at a time when we have never needed it more. The ageing warriors Betrayed by the state and the parties, its an endless wait for justice for the victims File photo of people on the Hapenny Bridge in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Protesters took over Dublins Hapenny Bridge on Thursday in an ongoing campaign to protest against Irelands housing crisis. On the day the Government published their homeless figures for October, now standing at 9,724, Take Back The City, a group campaigning for better housing conditions in Ireland, took to the bridge to display a banner in protest of housing cuts that they say adversely effect women fleeing domestic violence. Take Back the City protestors take over Dublins iconic Haepenny Bridge to protest housing conditions that they say adversely effect women fleeing domestic violence. Government figures released today say 9,724 people are currently homeless in Ireland, 3,725 of which are children. pic.twitter.com/qH6VdxdH5x aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) November 29, 2018 Michelle Connolly from the group said that the banner drop was part of the 16 Days Of Action Opposing Violence Against Women campaign. Domestic violence is a huge cause of homelessness, particularly among young families and women, many of the different groups who make up Take Back The City do tenant outreach and we are seeing people on a weekly basis who are homeless from fleeing domestic abuse, she said. We also hear about people who cannot leave horrendously abusive situations because they have nowhere to go, there is nowhere for them. We try and highlight the various aspects of the housing crisis, and domestic violence is a very bad situation exasperated by the crisis. The services that are available for victims are horribly underfunded, theyre very good but there is just not enough of them, people are often turned away, theres a lot of bureaucracy involved, some people cannot even get in because of red tape, so a lack of housing can mean there is literally nowhere to turn for some women. The group, of around 40 people took to the bridge with a megaphone shouting: Housing is a human right and Leo, Leo, Leo, Out, Out, Out before unfurling a banner on the bridge that read: Housing cuts makes women bleed. The group say they have been supporting one family in particular who have fled their home due to domestic violence. They claim the family have applied to be transferred to another area, but Dublin City Councils housing department have yet to complete this process. A statement provided by Take Back The City said: Thanks to efforts by services and grassroots groups working with the family, they are now safely accommodated until Monday. We are giving Brendan Kenny, Head of Housing in Dublin City Council until 5pm on Monday December 3 to offer secure accommodation and exceptional grounds for a housing transfer. If the family dont get this, further action will be taken. The number of homeless people in Ireland has jumped by 26 in the last month. The overall number of people who have been left homeless in the run up to Christmas now stands at 9,724. Join us tomorrow from 3pm at the Ha'Penny bridge for a really important banner drop and action. More info to come - but please make it down if at all possiblehttps://t.co/pN17C1KwHx pic.twitter.com/3DEjwo4tTZ Take Back The City - Dublin (@TBTCDublin) November 28, 2018 Latest figures show there are 44 fewer families in emergency accommodation, including 104 fewer children. Throughout the month of October, 112 families were prevented from entering emergency accommodation in Dublin, while 70 families left emergency accommodation during the same period. The total number of children who remain homeless in Ireland stands at 3,725 with 2,800 of those living in Dublin. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said there are still too many families and children experiencing the housing crisis. Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment. Irish citizens returning home from abroad are facing significant barriers to housing and social welfare, a government committee has heard. Representatives from Safe Home, Cross Care and The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas say lack of knowledge, delays in administration and the current housing problems are plunging some returning emigrants into crisis situations. The committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade heard that many people are blocked from returning to Ireland because those with children or a partner from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries are not automatically given a visa, and when applying for the visa from Ireland, the partner is not eligible to work. Richard King, from Crosscare, said: The reason a majority of people return is to be closer to family, they left Ireland after college and now want to come back to raise their family here, but this process acts as a deterrent and is difficult. One Irish citizen I dealt with in New Zealand is pregnant and cannot return home because they cannot survive if she and her partner cannot work for six months. It was noted that EU citizens who have a non-EEA partner do not face the same visa requirements, meaning returning Irish citizens have a lesser status than current EU citizens. Another growing trend for returning emigrants being refused social welfare is because of lack of access to information on the Habitual Resident Condition. The Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) is a situation that you must satisfy in order to be eligible for most means tested social welfare payments in Ireland. There is a five to nine month long delay and those surveyed said the process was intimidating, demeaning, and made them feel guiltyDanielle McLaughlin, Cross Care Danielle McLaughlin from Cross Care said the people facing these issues are some of the most vulnerable returning home. In majority of these cases individuals face vulnerable situations with no income or family support, she said. Last year, we dealt with 280 queries and worked directly on 18 cases on HRC, and every case successfully appealed. There is a five to nine month long delay and those surveyed said the process was intimidating, demeaning, and made them feel guilty. She added those dealing with the process expressed misconception, lack of information and said it was actively deterring emigrants returning home. Karen McHugh, from Safe Home Ireland, referred to one case of an Irish citizen returning to care for an elderly uncle who was turned down for carers allowance and not considered a habitual resident. The man, who was saving the state over 52,000 euro a year by caring for his family member, won his appeal five months later, however was told he would not have money for another month, which is likely to be January 2019. The committee chair, Fianna Fails Brendan Smith, said there was a totally unacceptable delay in carer allowances applications and said every committee member had faced similar issues with their own constituents. The groups asked that the 30 recommendations produced in the Indecon Economic Report on Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants be acted upon, as since the report was published no time frame has been set or seen any productive action taken. They also asked that provisions be made in the current housing allocation system for returning emigrants, especially for returning elderly people who want to spend their remaining life in Ireland. Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty told the Dail on Thursday that radical reform of the childcare sector was needed (Brian Lawless/PA) Sinn Fein has called for a radical reform to the childcare sector to assist hard-pressed families struggling with costs. Pearse Doherty described the system as being desperately in need of support and said Government measures were failing to keep pace with changes. Mr Doherty made the comments following the publication of a new Government-led report, which found the average cost of a full-time childcare place nationally has increased by 4 euro to 178 euro a week or 700 euro per month. "It's a sector which pays well below the Living Wage. We are losing experienced childcare workers to other professions. "These are skilled, trained workers that are being let down and losing them means less places and lesser quality early years education." - @PearseDoherty pic.twitter.com/ZTLR2Iy52k Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) November 29, 2018 Mr Doherty told the Dail: The reality is that the measures that are being introduced by the Government are not keeping pace with the increase in fees that are being charged to hard pressed families. Weve the highest cost of childcare in the developed world so therefore there needs to be radical action and more support and reform of the universal child credit. The Donegal TD described childcare costs as a massive issue, not only for families but for the wider society and economy. For many families, the cost of providing childcare amounts to a second mortgage every single month, he said. For some families it makes more sense for them for one or other to opt out of the workforce due to the scandalous costs involved. That simply isnt right and cant continue. The report also found capacity was decreasing and the staff turnover rate over the past year was almost 25%. Mr Doherty said in many cases workers were being paid well below the living wage and that many were deciding to leave the sector. We need to be actively working towards fair pay for those workers in the sector, Mr Doherty said. High quality affordable childcare is socially and academically beneficial to children, we all know that. It also benefits society and the economy by allowing parents to return to work. Tanaiste Simon Coveney accepted that radical change was needed within the sector, but he added that was exactly what was happening. Mr Coveney said funding aimed at reforming the sector had increased by 117% in the past four years. He said that the available budget for childcare had increased from 265 million euro to 574 million euro over four budgets, and that a report showed more families than ever were taking up childcare subsidies and supports. The research by Pobal found that the number of children attending early years services had increased by almost 10% to more than 202,600 children. Mr Coveney said there were signs that the situation was improving. There are signs, although they are only signs, that childcare costs are stabilising, he said. The cost of full time childcare has increased over the last year by 2% on average compared to an increase the year before of 4%. But he added: So it has halved, but we are not there yet. The Tanaiste acknowledged that it was an area that Ireland had not performed well in compared to EU and internal standards. But he said: Those stats are changing and the affordability of childcare in Ireland is changing and the supports available for families on lower income in particular is changing quickly but we need to continue down that path. The project is being overseen by music teacher Sarah Barry, but she said the idea and the impetus came from the students themselves (St Colmans College) A group of young students hope to bag a Christmas number one in honour of their classmate who is battling cancer. Transition year students at St Colmans College in Fermoy have recorded a version of Lean On Me, originally a hit for Bill Withers back in 1972. The release will raise money for their friend who is being treated at Crumlin Childrens Hospital in Dublin, as well as a number of charities. The project is being overseen by music teacher Sarah Barry, but she said the idea and the impetus came from the students themselves who were keen to do something for their classmate. The driving force is the boys, Miss Barry, 32, told the Press Association. The students said theyd love to do something to raise money. Hes such a big heart and hes an incredible student, and his friends have said hes really touched by whats happening. Miss Barry brought in producer Mark Cahill to help record the song and her own vocals also appear on the track alongside the boys, who are 15 and 16-year-old transition year students at the school in County Cork. And while the level of musical aptitude may vary within the group, Miss Barry says the collective sound is something special. Its the energy theyre putting behind it, she said. They sound amazing. Theres so much energy and passion behind it. The project will raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, the national childrens ambulance service Bumbleance and Crumlin Childrens Hospital, as well as the student and his family. And it has really started to gain momentum, with support Gaelic games commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh, star chef Paul Kelly and Olympian Rob Heffernan among the big names sending messages of support. Olympian athlete Rob Heffernan showing his support for #colmansstandtogether #ronaldmacdonaldhouse #cmrf #bumbleance #christmasno1 Posted by Colmansstandtogether on Monday, November 26, 2018 Now the boys have an unlikely chart success in their sights. We are aiming for Christmas number one in Ireland but as big as we can get, said Miss Barry. Who knows, maybe UK number one? But ultimately (we want) to raise as much money as possible for our worthy, worthy causes. The track will be available to download and stream from next Wednesday, December 5, with hard copies to be sold locally. DUP leader Arlene Foster has called on Theresa May to "not waste time" on her Brexit deal and instead look for a better solution to the Irish border. Reiterating that her party's 10 MPs would not support the Prime Minister's Withdrawal Agreement when it comes to Read More She said she would not join calls for a second vote as "the referendum vote at a national level was to leave and we respect that". Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mrs Foster said the current proposals contain "68 pages of regulations that will apply to Northern Ireland and will not apply to the rest of the UK". Read More "There is a huge democratic deficit coming our way if we agree to this deal, because we've no say over the rules that will apply to Northern Ireland," she added. Ms Foster said Theresa May's Brexit deal would see Northern Ireland "diverge off from the United Kingdom" as she called on her to "look for a better deal" that "takes back control of of our money, of our borders and of our laws". The DUP leader said: "All the things that made us vote for Brexit are the things that are going to be imposed on Northern Ireland." She also hinted that if Mrs May's current Withdrawal Agreement fails to get through the Commons, her party could be open to a so-called "Norway-plus" style arrangement, where the whole of the UK stays in the customs union until an agreement with the EU is reached on future trading relations. That could solve the issue of the Irish border and make the backstop redundant although there would need to be a new customs arrangement to completely avoid the need for infrastructure on the border. However, under a Norway agreement, the UK would have to accept the four freedoms of the single market - the free movement of goods, services, capital and persons - unless it could prove that be maintaining the principles it would face serious economic, societal or environmental strain and therefore opt out. The Norway premier, however, has said there could be difficulties in allowing a new member that would essentially be seeking to leave and it could take up to 12 months for talks on allowing it to become a member. Ms Foster says the DUP's "one red line" is to make sure Northern Ireland is not differentiated from the rest of the UK in terms of customs and is "not prescriptive" about other potential options on the future relationship with the EU. Asked why she supported a divergence from the UK in terms of same-sex marriage and not on Brexit changes, the DUP leader said that was because social matters were devolved to Stormont whereas customs and trade matters were for Westminster to handle. The aftermath of the blast at the security compound in Kabul (Rahmat Gul/AP) A British citizen has been killed in an unprovoked, criminal attack by the Taliban on a G4S compound in the Afghan capital, the security firm has said. Wahid Majoroh, Afghanistans public health ministry spokesman, said on Thursday that six people were killed, as well as four attackers, with dozens more left injured. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, saw a Taliban suicide bomber detonate explosives as other insurgents battled Afghan forces in Kabul. We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing.G4S Charlie Burbridge, managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said: It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured five of them seriously in an unprovoked, criminal attack on one of our compounds in Kabul. The company said four of its employees who died were Afghan nationals, and one was British. It is understood G4S has been providing security in Afghanistan to a number of bodies including non-governmental organisations and corporate clients since 2003. The secure compound which was attacked by the Taliban is called Camp Anjuman, and is where the firm runs its security operations from in the central Asian country. Mr Burbridge said the next of kin of those involved have been informed, adding that the companys thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured, and with the brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends. He added: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the British Embassy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British and Afghan armed forces, other Nato forces and other private security companies who have all assisted us as we ensure our operations in Kabul are secure and continue safely. Expand Close The blast caused a crater at the scene (Rahmat Gul/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The blast caused a crater at the scene (Rahmat Gul/AP) We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing. The Foreign Office said it is aware of the incident and it is working with the authorities to establish further details. The Taliban carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces. The latest in Kabul came hours after officials said at least 30 civilians were killed along with 16 Taliban fighters during a battle between government forces and insurgents in southern Helmand province. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack in a statement posted on Twitter. The group later said it was in response to a US air strike which led to the deaths of civilians and children in the clash in southern Helmand. The G4S website says it is the largest secure outsourcing company in the UK and Ireland. More than 10,000 customers, including 59 FTSE 100 companies, depend on G4S to provide them with a safe and secure way to deliver their services, it adds. The Countess of Wessex hosted high-profile fashionistas at Buckingham Palace to celebrate a fashion charitys 10th anniversary. Designers, artists, magazine editors and entrepreneurs were invited on Wednesday night to celebrate 10 years of the London College of Fashions Better Lives project. Sophie, who is patron of the college, looked fashionable herself in a long black skirt with a floral print and a turtleneck jumper as she met guests and spoke about her passion for sustainable and responsible fashion. Expand Close Sophie, Countess of Wessex, talks with designer BiBi Russell at the Buckingham Palace reception (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sophie, Countess of Wessex, talks with designer BiBi Russell at the Buckingham Palace reception (PA) The mother-of-two was seen chatting with designer and former model Bibi Russell, plus-size model Felicity Hayward and Vogue online editor Suzy Menkes. Other guests included Alexander McQueen boss Emmanuel Gintzburger and designers Phoebe English, Giles Deacon and Christopher Kane In her speech the countess spoke about her commitment to the Better Lives programme, which works with brands to make sustainable fashion and improve diversity and social responsibility in the community. Sophie, 53, said she was thrilled the college was working with female prisoners, giving them job opportunities such as work as seamstresses. To give female prisoners the chance to come out of prison with a genuine job opportunity is a wonderful thing to do, she said. The partnership with HM Prison Service aims to equip women with skills they can further develop during their time in prison and then use on their release. Sophie also joked: I cant claim that my track record in fashion has always been as good as it is today, but you know, we learn in time. In 2013 she became the first patron of the London College of Fashion, which is part of the University of the Arts London. The pilot was preparing to take off on a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo when he was apprehended (PA) A Japanese pilot who was preparing to take off from Heathrow Airport while about 10 times over the alcohol limit has been jailed. First officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, was arrested at the airport after failing a breath test 50 minutes before the Japan Airlines (JAL) flight was due to take off with him in the cockpit. The co-pilot was caught after security noticed he smelled strongly of alcohol, seemed drunk and had glazed eyes, while an officer later noticed he had difficulty standing straight. The prospect of you taking over control of that aircraft is too appalling to contemplate. The potential consequences for those on board was catastrophicJudge Phillip Matthews As he was jailed for 10 months at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Phillip Matthews said Jitsukawa was clearly very intoxicated prior to the 7pm take-off and had been drinking that day. You are an experienced pilot but you had clearly been drinking for a long period up to a time shortly before you were due to go into that plane, the judge said. Most important is the safety of all persons on board that very long-haul flight, potentially 12 hours or more, their safety was put at risk by your inebriation and drunkenness. The prospect of you taking over control of that aircraft is too appalling to contemplate. The potential consequences for those on board was catastrophic. Prosecutor Douglas Adams said Jitsukawa was challenged by security staff on the plane after colleagues had noticed alcohol radiating from his breath and believed he was drunk. After he was challenged, he said he had drank whisky the night before but had already passed a breathalyser test. But he said he needed to grab his blazer from the plane. Expand Close Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was jailed for 10 months at Isleworth Crown Court (Metropolitan Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katsutoshi Jitsukawa was jailed for 10 months at Isleworth Crown Court (Metropolitan Police/PA) He (the security manager) went back on the plane to find the defendant in the toilet rinsing and gargling his mouth with mouthwash, the prosecutor said. The pilot was removed from the flight deck of the JL44 to Tokyo on October 28 and some 40 minutes later police arrived to find him swinging and struggling to stand straight, the court heard. A preliminary breath test found him to be more than 10 times the limit with 93mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, while the legal flying limit is 9mg. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35mg. He was also found to be more than nine times over the limit in a later blood test. Jitsukawa, who was clean-shaven and in a grey tracksuit as he appeared on a videolink from Wandsworth prison, kept his eyes closed through much of the hearing. Bill Emlyn Jones, mitigating, said the sole carer of three young children had dreamed of being a pilot since he was a boy but the realities of long-haul travel had destroyed this. He said he became unhappy, suffered with sleeplessness, started feeling depressed. It would seem he used alcohol as a means of self-medication, the lawyer said. The pilot feels an abject disgrace and wishes to apologise to the airline, passengers and his family for the shame he had brought upon them, the lawyer added. But, he added, his client had consumed a very considerable excess the night before and was unable to say when he had stopped. The plane, a Boeing 777 holding up to 244 passengers, departed after a 69-minute delay. The judge suggested Jitsukawa, who has since lost his job, put colleagues in the position of performing a cover up or reporting him to superiors. Outside court, JAL deputy general manager in London Yasuhiro Kikuchi denied colleagues acted improperly, and added: As an organisation we are going to work together to prevent this happening again. Following Jitsukawas arrest, JAL pledged to introduce a new breathalyser system at overseas airports. Jitsukawa, of no fixed abode, admitted one count of performing an aviation function when his ability was impaired through alcohol. Pauline Chai returned to a divorce court for the latest round of a fight with Laura Ashley boss Khoo Kay Peng, (Lauren Hurley/PA) A 72-year-old former beauty queen who was married to a Laura Ashley boss has returned to a divorce court 18 months after a judge decided that she should walk away with a 64 million financial package. Mr Justice Bodey ruled that 80-year-old Khoo Kay Peng, who is based in Malaysia and is non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings, should hand Pauline Chai, who was Miss Malaysia 1969, 40% of a marital asset kitty of around 160 million. He analysed the dispute at hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and published a ruling in April 2017. The same judge on Thursday finished overseeing a private follow-up hearing which began earlier this week. Lawyers discussed issues relating to arrangements for the payment of a lump sum of around 40 million which was part of the 64 million package. Expand Close Khoo Kay Peng is non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings (Lauren Hurley/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Khoo Kay Peng is non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings (Lauren Hurley/PA) Limits have been placed on what journalists can reveal about the hearing in media reports. Another judge had at an earlier stage of the litigation made an order barring certain financial detail from being revealed in media reports. Ms Chai, who lives on an estate in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was at the hearing. Mr Justice Bodey had last year described the pairs cash battle as titanic. Ms Chai and Dr Khoo, who both come from Malaysia, married in 1970 and have five children. The judge said they had been fighting in courts in England and Malaysia for at least three years and had run up nearly 9 million in lawyers bills in England alone They had been unable to agree on whether decisions about who got what should be made in English or Malaysian courts. Dr Khoo said the marital home was in Malaysia and a judge in that country should make decisions about the division of money. He said Ms Chai was a forum shopper and wanted to fight in England because an English judge would give her a more generous award. Ms Chai said they had moved their home to Berkhamsted before separating and therefore decisions should be made in an English court. In December 2015, Ms Chai claimed victory in the fight over jurisdiction following a ruling by three Court of Appeal judges in London. Two women killed in tusker attack Two women were killed in an elephant attack at Madi in Chitwan district on Wednesday. French President Emmanuel Macron was speechless with rage over agreements between the EU and UK on fishing post Brexit, Michael Gove has said. The Environment Secretary told MPs that the Governments deal on fisheries had caused anger in Paris as he reaffirmed the UK would be an independent coastal state after Brexit. The French president said over the weekend that he would demand ongoing access to UK waters for French fishermen as the price of a future trade deal and the UK quitting the controversial backstop. But Mr Gove told the Commons, in French, that Mr Macron was wrong much to Speaker John Bercows amusement who said Mr Goves French was stunning. The Environment Secretary, speaking in English, said: The truth is that as an independent coastal state we will be able to decide who comes into our waters and on what terms. He added that Mr Macron, who he termed the Jupiterian president, was speechless with rage on Sunday when he discovered that this withdrawal agreement and future political declaration would mean that France would not have access to our waters save on our terms. His anger should be a cause for celebration across this House, he added. Tory former minister Sir Edward Leigh earlier called for more optimism from the Government over Brexit. Expand Close Scallop boats clashed with French fishermen earlier this year (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scallop boats clashed with French fishermen earlier this year (Andrew Matthews/PA) He asked: Can the minister confirm that under a clean global free-trade Brexit, the United Kingdom will be able to protect farmers with tariffs just like every other country and provide more help for smaller farmers. And that can we have more optimism from the Government and less of project fear with gumboots on? Agriculture Minister George Eustice said he had always been very optimistic about the opportunities from Brexit, adding: In a no-deal Brexit, the UK would be free to set its own trade policy unilaterally the options open to us would be to create autonomous tariff rate quotas or tariff rate suspensions or indeed a lower bound tariff on those goods where we wish to do so, but we would have independent trade policy in a no deal Brexit. Labour former minister Helen Goodman said analysis had shown a no-deal could produce a reduction in competitiveness of 35%, while the Prime Ministers deal could lead to a reduction of 7%. Expand Close Mr Macron was labelled the Jupiterian president (BBC/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Macron was labelled the Jupiterian president (BBC/PA) She asked: Could the minister confirm today that in terms of imports coming into the country, we will not allow unfair competition from countries which produce to lower standards? Defra Minister David Rutley replied: Yes, I can confirm that. And the SNPs environment spokeswoman Deidre Brock asked the Government to accept an amendment to the Agriculture Bill to keep Frankenstein foods off the tables the length and breadth of these isles. Mr Rutley said he knew amendments to the Bill had been laid and said they would be properly considered at report stage. Theresa May visited Scotland in a bid to secure support for her Brexit deal. (Russell Cheyne/PA) Holyrood will vote against Theresa Mays Brexit deal next week after all parties except the Tories teamed up and announced they will put a joint motion forward for debate. The SNP, Labour, the Greens and Liberal Democrats will work together on the issue ahead of next Wednesdays vote in the Scottish Parliament. While a vote by MSPs against the draft EU Withdrawal Agreement will not stop the deal from going through, it will become the formal position of the Scottish Parliament, making clear its overwhelming opposition to the PMs plan. The vote on December 5 will take place less than a week before MPs in the Commons have their say on Mrs Mays proposals. This unique and positive cooperation between four of the five parties at Holyrood indicates Scotlands strength of feeling on Brexit and the Prime Ministers untenable position, as well as illustrating the isolation of the Tories on this matterMike Russell, Neil Findlay, Ross Greer and Tavish Scott It comes after talks between Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell, Labour Brexit spokesman Neil Findlay, Ross Greer from the Greens and Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott. The four politicians released a joint statement saying there were confident they could agree a joint motion, which will recommend rejecting both the PMs draft deal and a no-deal Brexit. @scottishlabour @theSNP @LibDems and @scotgp will support a joint motion next week in the Scottish Parliament opposing Mays deal and a No deal pic.twitter.com/MfX4FJb7AH Neil Findlay (@Neilsocialist) November 29, 2018 In their statement Mr Russell, Mr Findlay, Mr Greer and Mr Scott said: We have been in discussion regarding a single motion for the debate next week, which would be agreed by the four parties and would represent what we hope will be the overwhelming view of the Scottish Parliament. We are now confident that we can agree on such a motion, which will reject a no deal scenario, recommend rejection of the Prime Ministers negotiated agreement and point the way towards the alternatives that exist. The statement came the day after the Prime Ministers stage-managed visit to Scotland, during which she failed to engage with any politicians or individuals who oppose her proposals. The four politicians said: This unique and positive cooperation between four of the five parties at Holyrood indicates Scotlands strength of feeling on Brexit and the Prime Ministers untenable position, as well as illustrating the isolation of the Tories on this matter. They are being used as part of the SNPs drive for a second referendum on independenceScottish Conservatives interim leader Jackson Carlaw Scottish Conservatives interim leader Jackson Carlaw said it was deeply regrettable the other opposition parties at Holyrood had chosen to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the SNP on the issue. The Tory MSP, who is standing in for Ruth Davidson while she is on maternity leave, added Labour and the Liberal Democrats were being used as part of the SNPs drive for a second referendum on independence. He said: These four parties dont seem to get it. As numerous European leaders have made clear in recent weeks, the alternative to the Prime Ministers deal is a no-deal scenario. It would be devastating for Britain. Yet that is what the SNP, Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens are risking by opposing the deal on the table. Mr Carlaw added: Its clear why the SNP and Greens want to oppose that deal. They hope a chaotic Brexit will help further their plan to break up Britain. But for Richard Leonard and Willie Rennie to help Nicola Sturgeons political games next week shows complete naivety. They are being used as part of the SNPs drive for a second referendum on independence. That they have chosen to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the SNP next week is deeply regrettable. Local Governmnet workers could go on strike in the new year (David Cheskin/PA) Trade unions representing local government workers have sent out a joint letter demanding an improved pay offer to avert strike action. Unison, Unite and the GMB have written to every Scottish council leader urging them to up their offer of a 3% increase for staff or risk widespread industrial action across the local government workforce. Members, who rejected the recent the pay offer, will demonstrate outside Fridays meeting of Cosla leaders in Edinburgh and say there will be strikes in the new year if the offer is not improved. The unions say despite assurances from Cosla about parity and fairness across all local government workers, the Scottish Government found an extra 38 million for teachers meaning some teachers could get up to 10% pay rises. How the employer-side responds over the coming days will be a reflection of how they value workers on the frontline of our vital local servicesDrew Duffy GMB The letter to the 32 council leaders sets out the unions key concerns and states: There is now a very real possibility of widespread industrial action across the local government workforce unless you take measures to improve the current offer. Unisons head of local government bargaining Johanna Baxter said: Cosla leaders have the power to prevent mass industrial action across the local government workforce by listening to, and addressing, the genuine concerns of our members. We would urge them to do so and to improve the current pay offer. Drew Duffy, GMB senior organiser, said: Cosla and the Scottish Government are running out of time to do more for the lowest paid in local government. Our members are very clear that they are prepared to move to industrial action in their fight for a better offer and after a decade of cuts to their pay and conditions, no one should be surprised. How the employer-side responds over the coming days will be a reflection of how they value workers on the front-line of our vital local services and it will also shape the unions next steps. Elaine Dougall, Unite senior national officer, said: Local government workers deserve a decent pay rise in recognition of the valuable contribution that they make in delivering crucial services across Scotland. A Cosla spokesman said: This will be an item on our leaders agenda tomorrow. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We value and recognise the contribution of all council staff However, pay for local government employees, other than teachers, is negotiated between the unions and COSLA and the Scottish Government is not part of that process. Despite continued UK Government real terms cuts to Scotlands resource budget, we have treated local government very fairly. In 2018-19, councils will receive funding through the local government finance settlement of 10.7 billion. This will provide a real terms boost in both revenue and capital funding. While local authorities are responsible for setting their own budgets, the total funding they have available will increase by almost 342 million in 2018-19. Frazer Neil was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh (David CHeskin/PA) A man has been jailed for at least 19 years for murdering his ex-partner after she broke up with him. Frazer Neil was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday for killing Hannah Dorans. He lured the 21-year-old to his flat in Hutchison Road in the city by threatening to destroy insurance documents she needed. Ms Dorans, of Dalkeith in Midlothian, had finished the relationship less than two weeks before but Neil could not accept she had another partner. Expand Close The killer had bombarded his victim with messages after the break-up, it was heard (Police Scotland) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The killer had bombarded his victim with messages after the break-up, it was heard (Police Scotland) The 25-year-olds behaviour was described as manipulative by judge Lady Scott as he bombarded his victim with messages that included threats to take his own life. It was heard he searched for information about culpable homicide and sentencing the day before killing Ms Dorans. At his flat on February 11 2017, he assaulted her, strangled her with a cord and murdered her. He called emergency services after the act and admitted killing her but claimed not to remember what had happened. Ms Dorans was soon to be trained as a paramedic. Her family is left utterly devastatedLady Scott Lady Scott said: You have been convicted of the murder of Hannah Dorans. She was only 21 years old, much loved and full of kindness. Her family is left utterly devastated. This was a vicious and violent method of causing death and requires a substantial sentence. His lawyer said Neil had great difficulty in coming to terms with the break-up and had shown genuine remorse for killing his ex-partner. Neil was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years, backdated to January. No sentence will ever be long enough for usMoira and Keith Dorans The killer will remain on licence and subject to recall for the rest of his life. Lady Scott admonished Neil for causing distress to his victims parents, Moira and Keith Dorans, by messaging them over social media while he was on bail on March 1 2017. In a statement released after sentencing, they said: No sentence will ever be long enough for us. The life of our wonderful daughter was brutally taken from her and our lives are forever changed. Hannah was a beautiful person. Her life was ended far too soon but she will never be forgotten by those who loved and cared for her. Neil has been shown to be a dangerous and manipulative individual who preyed on Hannahs trusting and caring natureDetective Inspector Stuart Alexander Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander, of Police Scotlands major investigation team, said after sentencing: My thoughts are with Hannahs family at what is a really difficult time for them. Keith and Moira, and their family, have shown tremendous dignity throughout the whole judicial process and the trial. The devastating loss of their beloved daughter and their long wait for justice to see Neil sentenced and unable to hurt anyone else has been agonising for them. Neil has been shown to be a dangerous and manipulative individual who preyed on Hannahs trusting and caring nature, and we welcome this sentence. This conviction will not compensate in any way for their loss but, hopefully, it will give them a degree of comfort that justice has been done. Prime Minister Theresa May answer questions about her Brexit agenda by British MP's at a Parliamentary liaison committee meeting on November 29. Pic PA wire. Theresa May gives evidence to the Liaison Committee (PA) The Prime Minister has rejected a suggestion the failure to get a deal with the EU would see the UK stuck with the Northern Irish backstop plan permanently. She was responding to Andrew Murrison, the Tory MP and chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, who compared it to a "post-war pre-fab". "It's sold as temporary, it's built to last, and it's likely to outlive us all," he explained. Read More However, the PM dismissed his comments, telling the Commons Liaison Committee it would only ever be a temporary solution. She added: "Neither side thinks the backstop is a good place to be." The PM admitted it will not be possible for the UK to unilaterally withdraw from it, though, but said this was a guarantee to the people of Northern Ireland there would never be a hard border in place. Police Scotland and the coastguard are searching for a couple after their car was found washed up on Drummore beach (Andrew Milligan/PA) Police are searching for a couple after their car was found washed up on a beach amid bad weather. James and Susan Kenneavys Ford Kuga was found empty on Drummore beach near Stranraer in the south of Scotland at around 7.30am on Thursday. Heavy rain had led to flooding on Drummore coastal road on Wednesday and the coastguard are helping with police searches. A force spokesman said: Officers from Police Scotland are seeking the assistance of the public in an effort to trace a couple, Susan and James Kenneavy who are missing from Drummore. Their Grey Ford Kuga, registration SJ15UKX was found washed up on Drummore beach around 7:30am this morning. MISSING PERSONS - SUSAN AND JAMES KENNEAVY - DRUMMORE Couples Grey Ford Kuga, registration SJ15UKX was found washed up on Drummore beach around 7:30am this morning. The couple are not at home and have not made any contact with family members. Do you know where they are? pic.twitter.com/kNiCQ2hh9r DumfriesGPolice (@DumfriesGPolice) November 29, 2018 Officers said they have not been seen at home and have not been in touch with family. Inspector Craig Nicolson said We are very worried about Mr and Mrs Kenneavy. We know the Drummore coastal road was closed last night due to coastal flooding, but I would ask anyone that seen the vehicle or the knows the whereabouts of the couple to contact Police Scotland. We have been carrying out searches in and around Drummore all day with the assistance of the coastguard and these searches remain ongoing at this time. Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 quoting incident number 0474 November 29 2018. The agreement aims to remove tarrifs from exports to Canada (David Cheskin/PA) An agreement that removes trade barriers made between the EU and Canada has been welcomed by the Scotch whisky industry. Earlier this month, the EU-Canada Comprehensive, Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was formally ratified by the UK. The deal, which removes 98% of duties companies have to pay at Canadian customs, has been applied provisionally since September 2017. Since 2012, there has been a 91% increase in Scotch whisky exports to Canada through Scottish ports. It aims to ensure there are fewer internal trading restrictions for the industry. Significant trading barriers for the wider food and drink industry are expected to be lifted by CETA. Scotland plays a crucial role in our trade with CanadaDr Liam Fox, UK Trade Secretary International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: CETA is one of the most ambitious free trade agreements and British businesses and consumers are already feeling the benefits since the agreement came provisionally into force last year. The agreement eliminates almost every tariff on goods traded between our two countries and we will transition it into UK law after we leave the European Union so that businesses can continue to enjoy as free and frictionless trade as possible. Scotland plays a crucial role in our trade with Canada, with over 360 million of trade between our two countries going through Scottish ports last year, and there is great potential for this to increase even further. Sarah Dickson, of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: Open markets matter to the Scotch Whisky industry. We hope the CETA committee will remove barriers to trade that will help to promote fair competition and further boost our exports to Canada, which grew 13% in 2017 to over 83 million. If the deal continues to apply to the UK it should be good for the entire UK economy and export success stories like Scotch Whisky, which supports over 40,000 jobs across the UK and accounts for 20% of all UK food and drink exports. UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both indicated they would seek to seamlessly transition CETA into a bilateral deal to allow frictionless trade after the UK leaves the European Union. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard during First Ministers Questions at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) The Scottish Government has quadrupled Tory austerity for local government, the Scottish Labour leader has said. Richard Leonard raised the issue of council funding across Scotland at First Ministers Questions at Holyrood. He pointed to a report by public finance watchdog the Accounts Commission that indicates council funding fell at four times the rate of the cut to the block grant given by the UK Government to the Scottish Government. Mr Leonard said: This time last week, the First Minister stood up in this chamber and claimed that she had given a very fair settlement to local government. Today, the Accounts Commission reports that funding for councils was cut in real terms by 220 million pounds in the past year. They also say that funding for local government from the Scottish Government decreased at a faster rate 6.92% than the Scottish Government revenue budget at 1.65%. Thats taking Tory austerity and quadrupling it. First Minister, whats fair about that? When will you stop imposing austerity on Scotland's children and start investing instead in Scotland's local services?Richard Leonard to Nicola Sturgeon He also raised concerns about letters from schools in Falkirk sent to parents warning of cuts and gave the example of a parent of a 10-year-old pupil, Lewis Sneddon, with a learning disability and epilepsy who is concerned about any impact to his additional support needs help. Mr Leonard said: It has reached a point where head teachers in schools across Falkirk are writing to parents to tell them that this so-called fair settlement means swingeing cuts. The result is that vulnerable children like Lewis and families like the Sneddons face the stress of cuts to the services and the support that they need. He added: When will you stop imposing austerity on Scotlands children and start investing instead in Scotlands local services? First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the leader of SNP-run Falkirk Council had issued an apology for the misleading impression in the letters and given assurances about education services in Falkirk. She added the education budget of the council had increased by 8 million in the current financial year to 158 million. On overall local government funding, the First Minister said the Finance Secretary had increased the local authority revenue budget in real terms in 2018-19. She said: That is ensuring that local government can protect frontline services and, of course, he managed that against a backdrop of massive cuts to the Scottish Government budget imposed by the Tories at Westminster. Ms Sturgeon said Mr Leonard would have more credibility in raising the issue if he did not back enabling the UK Government to cut the budget of the Scottish Parliament. Theresa May has pushed back against calls for a second Brexit referendum, warning it would mean unpicking the deal agreed with Brussels. Appearing before senior MPs, the Prime Minister refused to be drawn on what would happen if the Commons votes down the Withdrawal Agreement in the crunch vote on December 11. However, she insisted a so-called peoples vote was not an option as it could not be held before March 29 2019 when Britain leaves the EU. Her warning came as the BBC confirmed that Mrs May had agreed to take part in a televised Brexit debate on Sunday December 9 two days before the Commons vote. The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee that seeking an extension to the Article 50 withdrawal process to enable a referendum to be held would mean the agreement would fall and they would have to go back to the negotiating table. Any extension to Article 50 - anything like that - reopens the negotiations, reopens the deal. At that point, frankly, the deal can go in any directionTheresa May Any second referendum that would be held, if that were the case, would not be able to be held by March 29 next year. You would have to extend Article 50, she said. To extend Article 50, actually you are then in the business of renegotiating the deal. What is clear is that any extension to Article 50 anything like that reopens the negotiations, reopens the deal. At that point, frankly, the deal can go in any direction. We would simply find ourselves in a period of more uncertainty, more division in this country. Her warning came amid intense speculation that the Government is heading for defeat in the vote on December 11, with scores of Tory MPs declaring publicly that they intend to oppose the deal. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) With Labour and the other opposition parties also opposed to the agreement, shadow chancellor John McDonnell has suggested a second referendum could be inevitable unless Mrs May goes back to the country in a general election. The Prime Minister acknowledged that there was a series of practical steps which would have to follow if the Government lost the vote but refused to be drawn further. My focus is on the vote that will take place on December 11 here in this House, she said. You want to look at all sorts of options and ideas. I think it is important Members of Parliament focus on the nature of this vote. This is an important point in our history. It is a vote on which we will be deciding whether we deliver on the decision of the British people. Expand Close Michel Barnier has said the time for negotiations is over (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michel Barnier has said the time for negotiations is over (Niall Carson/PA) What has been made clear from the European Union is that this is the deal that has been negotiated and this is the deal that people need to focus on when they are looking at the vote. In Brussels, the EUs chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the time for negotiations was over and that the British Parliament needed to decide whether to ratify the agreement. Given the difficult circumstances of this negotiation, and given the extreme complexity of all the subjects related to the UKs withdrawal, the deal that is on the table this deal is the only and the best deal possible, he said in an address to the European Parliament. Meanwhile, Downing Street would not be drawn on a report that the No 10 Europe Unit drew up secret plans for a termination clause that would have allowed the UK unilaterally to leave the Northern Ireland backstop. Fears the UK could be tied to the EU indefinitely through the backstop mechanism intended to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland is one of the key issues driving opposition to the agreement. The Times reported that the scheme, which would have created a legal procedure for the UK to exit the backstop if talks over a future trading relationship broke down, was devised by the Prime Ministers chief Europe adviser, Olly Robbins. However he was said to have urged her not to make it a formal demand in the Brexit negotiations because of the hostility it would have generated among other member states. In response, a No 10 spokeswoman said that in the course of the negotiations, Mrs May and the then-Brexit secretary Dominic Raab had discussed numerous ideas around this issue with the European Commission and the Irish government. Expand Close Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has said less than half of businesses have plans for no-deal (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has said less than half of businesses have plans for no-deal (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) Earlier, the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney stepped up his warnings of the economic impact of a no-deal Brexit. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We know from our contacts with business, others know from their contacts, that less than half of the businesses in the country have initiated their contingency plans for a no-deal Brexit. All the industries, all the infrastructure of the country, are they all ready at this point in time? As far as we can tell, the answer is no. He hit back at accusations of scaremongering after the Bank warned on Wednesday that, in a worst case scenario, a no-deal break could result in an 8% cut in GDP, unemployment surging by as much as 7.5% and house prices falling by almost a third. He said: We have a responsibility to have systems ready for whatever happens. Underage marriage in Karnali puts young mothers at risk Last year, Krishna Kasera of Pipalkot village in Aathbiskot Municipality-5, Dailekh, died during labour. Married off by her parents at a tender age of 13, Krishna was just 15 during the time of her death. A 15-year-old Syrian refugee who was filmed being attacked at school has told supporters thanks for everything. The boy arrived with his father to talk to a small group of concerned people who had gathered outside his school in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on Thursday afternoon. His father said he did not want to give interviews to waiting media but, as they left, the teenager just said thanks for everything before getting into a waiting car. The footage of the boy being attacked at Almondbury Community School and threatened with drowning has been widely shared on social media and provoked widespread concern. Expand Close Imam Mohammed Amin Pandor speaking to the media (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Imam Mohammed Amin Pandor speaking to the media (Danny Lawson/PA) An online appeal set up to help the family topped 130,000 in 24 hours. The emergence of the video was followed by further footage of what was said to be the boys sister being physically abused at the same school. A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed over the attack on the boy, and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance. Video of assault against one of my constituents absolutely shocking. Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention. Understand from council that the school have taken strong action. Will be following up to ensure all available support is being given! Barry Sheerman MP (@BarrySheerman) November 27, 2018 The boy was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, with his arm is in a cast, is thrown to the ground. He is dragged to the floor by his neck before his attacker says, Ill drown you, while forcing water from a bottle into his mouth. On Thursday around 30 people gathered outside the school and a delegation then went inside the school for an hour-long meeting with headteacher Trevor Bowen. The group emerged and Imam Mohammed Pandor said the meeting was very productive. Mr Pandor, who is from Batley and described himself as a concerned citizen, said: We are confident that school is taking this case very seriously. Mr Pandor said: Clearly when someone comes from Syria, fleeing (Bashar) Assads regime, coming to a place like this, when you get treated that way, thats an issue. And the whole world is looking at us. Asked he was reassured by the meeting, he said: The reassurance is that weve had a frank discussion with them and the police are now involved. He said: We cant accept this type of behaviour whether the victim is Muslim or non-Muslim. It really doesnt matter. Mr Pandor said: Were here to support the school. Thats why we went inside the school, to listen the their point of view. And weve been re-assured by the school. Expand Close Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield (Danny Lawson/PA) Mother of three Shahelah Ali, 38, said outside the school: It was really distressing for me to even watch the video. Mrs Ali said: His parents are dealing with that and I feel like this school should have done something a lot sooner. It shouldnt have got to social media before they acted. Asked about bullying in the area more generally, she said: I didnt think it was this bad. You hear stories. But then you see it and the images will be left in my head for ages and Ive got children in high school next year and the year after. The teenager told ITV News on Tuesday: I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think Im different, different from them. I dont feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, I dont want to go to school any more. Expand Close People at a peaceful protest outside Almondbury Community School (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People at a peaceful protest outside Almondbury Community School (Danny Lawson/PA) I was just crying and I didnt do nothing because I respect the school rules. The second video to emerge shows a hijab-wearing girl, said by the familys lawyer to be the boys sister, pushed down a grass verge and shoved by a group. The first incidents alleged perpetrator has been the subject of hundreds of violent threats online. The 16-year-old gave The Sun Online a handwritten statement in which he accepted responsibility for his actions, but denied bullying the younger boy. The incident was isolated and came about from an altercation between us earlier that day. The incident was not racial as up to that time we had been on good terms, he said. West Yorkshire Police said another unconnected incident occurred on October 7 and left the teenager being attacked in the first video with a wrist injury. Three children were interviewed but officers left the matter to be dealt with by the school. Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town players Jonas Lossl and Ramadan Sobhi have invited the boy to be their guest at a Premier League game. Goalkeeper Lossl, a Denmark international, and Egypt winger Sobhi both responded to a tweet by BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey, who said he wanted to treat the boys family to an all-expenses-paid trip to a game. Hey Jake, can you connect us with Jamal from Huddersfield? It would be an honor to host him & his family for a day at Huddersfield Town @mrjakehumphrey Ramadan Sobhi (@RamadanSobhi) November 28, 2018 Lossl tweeted: Id like to show my love by inviting him and his family to a Huddersfield game as my guest. And Sobhi tweeted: It would be an honor to host him and his family for a day at Huddersfield Town. Travel company Thomas Cook has released further details of a disappointing financial year (Thomas Cook/PA) Travel company Thomas Cook has released further details of a disappointing financial year, two days after its share price plunged following a profit warning. The group unveiled a loss after tax of 163 million, compared with a profit of 9 million this time last year. As the company previously flagged in an unscheduled statement on Tuesday, underlying earnings were 58 million lower at 250 million in the year to September 30. This was put down to additional charges, including flight disruption, writedowns on money owed by some hotels, and transformation costs, as well as delayed demand for its tour holidays amid the heatwave. Revenue was up 6% on a like-for-like basis at 9.58 billion. Net debt widened from 40 million to 389 million. Shares in Thomas Cook were down 3.2% in early trading, but avoided a major drop, having already plummeted by as much as 30% on Tuesday. David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said the mood among traders was still nervous. The travel operator has been struggling in 2018, and things are getting worse as the year goes on. The group issued two profit warnings in two months, and that has sent investors running scared. The industry as a whole has been under-performing. The extreme weather this year hurt the travel industry, as the Beast from the East and the heatwave was a double negative for the sector. Adding to that, industrial action and the rally in oil price over the summer made matters worse. Lord Justice Leveson with the report from the Inquiry into the Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press (Gareth Fuller/PA) Four victims of serious media intrusion have lost a High Court battle against the Government over its decision to cancel the second part of the Leveson Inquiry. Christopher Jefferies, Kate and Gerry McCann and Jacqui Hames brought a judicial review in a bid to force the Government to reconsider. But their case was rejected on Thursday by Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Ouseley. Expand Close Then prime minister David Cameron at the Leveson Inquiry into press standards at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Then prime minister David Cameron at the Leveson Inquiry into press standards at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Lord Justice Davis said: I have a great deal of sympathy for the claimants. I can readily understand their bitter disappointment at what has eventuated. But I am afraid that sympathy cannot override the law, and I can see absolutely no basis for these grounds of claim achieving the result which the claimants seek. The second part of the inquiry was due to look into unlawful conduct within media organisations as well as relations between police and the press. Expand Close Phone-hacking victim and former Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Phone-hacking victim and former Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But then culture secretary Matt Hancock announced in March that reopening the costly and time-consuming inquiry, which reported on press regulation and ethics in 2012, was not the right way forward. The decision was taken jointly by Mr Hancock and then-home secretary Amber Rudd. At a hearing earlier this month, the four argued David Cameron made a clear and unambiguous commitment when Prime Minister that Leveson II would go ahead. Their lawyers said that commitment, made at a meeting with Mr Jefferies, Mrs McCann and Ms Hames in November 2012, meant they had a legitimate expectation it would proceed. But Lord Justice Davis said Mr Cameron made no such promise in the meeting. The judge also said he found it unacceptable that the case was based on a covert recording made of the meeting, despite everyone present having agreed that what is said in this room stays in this room at the outset. He said the case failed at almost every level. Expand Close Christopher Jefferies ahead of his evidence at the Leveson Inquiry (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christopher Jefferies ahead of his evidence at the Leveson Inquiry (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Bristol landlord Mr Jefferies, who was libelled by the press when he was wrongly accused of the murder of Joanna Yeates in 2010, told the Leveson Inquiry he was vilified by the media. The McCanns complained of press intrusion into their lives after their daughter Madeleine went missing on holiday in Portugal in 2007. Former detective and Crimewatch presenter Ms Hames received apologies and damages from News Group Newspapers, part of News UK, and Trinity Mirror over phone hacking and other illegal activity. Speaking after Mr Hancocks announcement, Ms Hames said the Conservatives had broken a promise by Mr Cameron to finish the inquiry and she had no confidence in the Government. Expand Close Gerry and Kate McCann ahead of their appearance at the Leveson Inquiry (Lewis Whyld/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry and Kate McCann ahead of their appearance at the Leveson Inquiry (Lewis Whyld/PA) Sir Brian Leveson heard the first part of the inquiry, which cost the taxpayer 5.4 million, over 17 months and delivered his report in 2012. In a letter to Ms Rudd dated January 23, Sir Brian said he believed the bulk of the inquirys scope should go ahead. Announcing the original inquiry in 2011 in response to a wave of public anger over alleged phone-hacking by the now-defunct News Of The World, Mr Cameron said it would be divided into two parts. Mr Hancock said there had been significant progress in the practices of the press and the police, including the creation of the new Independent Press Standards Organisation since Sir Brians report. The DUP has urged the government to explain what it is trying to "hide" as the row over Brexit legal advice spilled into the Commons. DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said listening has been the "problem all along" with the Government, as he and Labour pushed for the publication of the full legal advice provided by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox on the deal. Read More Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer accused ministers of showing "contempt" for the Commons over the matter, while senior Liberal Democrat Tom Brake confirmed he has written to Speaker John Bercow asking whether the Government's response to the motion approved by MPs is a matter of contempt. Read More MPs earlier this month approved a Labour motion which called for the publication of any legal advice in full on the proposed Withdrawal Agreement, with the Government committing to only giving a "full, reasoned position statement" and offering a question and answer session in the Commons with Mr Cox. Opposition parties and others want to consider the advice ahead of the December 11 vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit agreement. Read More Speaking during an urgent question on the matter, Mr Dodds said Solicitor General Robert Buckland had repeated offers which were not accepted by the Commons. He added: "So why doesn't the Solicitor General listen and the Government start listening? "This has been the problem all along. What is it they have to hide?" Read More Mr Buckland, in his reply, said: "This is not an incidence where the Government seeks to delay or hide - this is all about providing information at the right time ahead of the important debate I know he'll be playing an important part in." Sir Keir, moving the urgent question, earlier said: "It is wholly unacceptable - and frankly shows contempt for this House - for Government ministers, including the Prime Minister at the despatch box yesterday, now to pretend that the House was only asking for partial or qualified legal advice." Mr Buckland said Sir Keir's request was "wholly premature". He told the Commons: "The Attorney General is coming to this House on the next sitting day (December 3). "He will make a full statement, he will answer questions from honourable members right across this House, and it might be then for the House to judge whether or not the Government has discharged its obligations consistent with the Humble Address, but not before." Former minister Mr Brake added: "Can the Solicitor General confirm whether the Government will fight any contempt proceedings, has he identified in Government who will be the subject of contempt proceedings, and does he agree that this latest snub to Parliament leaves Members of Parliament with a sneaking suspicion that when it comes to the vote on December 11 and any votes that come after, the Government may decide to play fast and loose with what is the normal procedure in this place?" Mr Buckland said he was being asked to speculate on matters that "might not arise", adding: "There is no snub to Parliament. It's a wholly confected controversy that actually detracts from the real issues that we should be debating and will be looking at next week." Labour MP Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) said: "The Solicitor General referred in an earlier answer to the legal advice that was published around the Iraq War and he said that was exceptional. "I think that we are in a more exceptional time than ever before and actually publishing the full legal advice for all members of this House to see before they cast their vote, on a vote that's going to affect generations to come, is absolutely vital." Mr Buckland rejected the suggestion, telling MPs: "With regard to the Iraq War, a decision was made by Government as to whether or not to use armed force in another country, the legality or otherwise of that decision was quite clearly material and a key issue as to whether or not an action should be taken. "This is a different set of circumstances, this Government is taking a policy decision based on a range of outcomes with potential risks and potential outcomes that would result, wholly different." A plane carrying German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the Group of 20 meeting in Argentina has been forced to make an unscheduled landing after developing technical problems. The German news agency dpa reported that the government Airbus, which was en route to Buenos Aires, turned around over the Netherlands about an hour into the flight. It says the aircraft landed safely in Cologne in western Germany. Expand Close Police officer inspects a rubbish bin in Buenos Aires ahead of the G20 meeting (Sebastian Pani/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police officer inspects a rubbish bin in Buenos Aires ahead of the G20 meeting (Sebastian Pani/AP) It said a replacement German air force plane was being prepared to carry Mrs Merkel and her entourage to the G20 meeting that starts on Friday. According to German military blog Augengeradeaus.net, the aircraft was transmitting a 7600 transponder code, indicating a radio failure. The G20 meeting in Buenos Aires comes amid growing economic uncertainty and global displeasure with US President Donald Trumps trade policy. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/PA) President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned meeting with Russias President Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 Nations summit. The decision injected fresh drama into what already promised to be a tense gathering of world leaders. Mr Trump cited Russias seizure of Ukrainian vessels as the reason, saying in a tweet from Air Force One: The ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia. He added: I look forward to a meaningful summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Coming just hours after the Kremlin said the meeting was on track, the declaration was a departure from much of Mr Trumps past dealings with Mr Putin. Throughout his presidency, Mr Trump has sought to improve relations despite tensions over election meddling, arms control and the war in Syria. But Russias stepped-up action in the Kerch Strait, stemming from its years-long occupation of Eastern Ukraine, threw another contentious issue into the mix. Expand Close The meeting was cancelled amid renewed tension between Russia and Ukraine after ships were seized by Russia (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The meeting was cancelled amid renewed tension between Russia and Ukraine after ships were seized by Russia (AP) Russia recently seized three Ukrainian vessels and crews. Russia said Ukraine did not have permission to pass between Russias mainland and the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine insisted its vessels abided by maritime laws. The President will visit Argentina to take part in the G20 Summit on November 30 to December 1 President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) November 28, 2018 Mr Trump, who was to arrive to arrive in Buenos Aires for two days of diplomacy, threw the meeting into doubt earlier in the week when he told The Washington Post that he might cancel over the conflict with Ukraine. The two leaders met in Helsinki in July for a summit that many viewed as a low point for Mr Trumps presidency. Expand Close President Donald Trump talks with reporters before travelling to the G20 summit (Evan Vucci/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump talks with reporters before travelling to the G20 summit (Evan Vucci/AP) He was widely criticised for failing to publicly denounce Russias interference in the 2016 US election and appearing to accept Mr Putins denials of such activity. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump also will now speak informally with the leaders of Turkey and South Korea at the summit rather than in formal meetings. She did not say why the meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and South Korean President Moon Jae-in had been downgraded. Ms Sanders spoke to reporters travelling with the president on Air Force One. German authorities have searched the headquarters of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt and other offices on the suspicion that bank employees helped clients set up offshore companies in tax havens to launder hundreds of millions of euros. Frankfurt prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said the investigation was focused on two Deutsche Bank employees, aged 50 and 46, and possibly other not-yet identified suspects. Some 170 prosecutors, state police, national police and tax investigators were involved in the morning searches of six buildings in Frankfurt, and in nearby Eschborn and Gross-Umstadt, Ms Niesen said. The investigation was launched after evaluation of the explosive Panama Papers tax haven revelations and the previous Offshore Leaks report of offshore bank accounts, she said. Expand Close Police officers at Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt (Michael Probst/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police officers at Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt (Michael Probst/AP) The analysis gave rise to suspicion that Deutsche Bank was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and the proceeds of crimes were transferred there from Deutsche Bank accounts without the bank reporting it. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers are alleged to have transferred some 311 million euros to one such company set up in the British Virgin Islands, she said. The suspects are accused of failing to report the suspicious transactions even though there was sufficient evidence to have been aware of it. Deutsche Bank confirmed that authorities were conducting an investigation at a number of our offices in Germany. The investigation has to do with the Panama Papers case, the bank said. More details will be communicated as soon as these become known. We are co-operating fully with the authorities. A pardon for Donald Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort is not off the table, the president has said, prompting fears he will use his executive power to protect friends and supporters caught up in the Russia probe. The presidents discussion of a possible pardon in an interview with the New York Post came days after special counsel Robert Mueller said Manafort had breached his plea deal by repeatedly lying to investigators. Manafort denies that he lied. Mr Trumps remarks are the latest sign of his disdain for the Russia investigation, which has dogged him for two years and ensnared members of his inner circle. In recent weeks, the president, armed with inside information provided to his lawyers by Manaforts legal team, has sharpened his attacks, seizing on what he claims are dirty tactics employed by the special counsel and accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. In the interview, Mr Trump likened the Russia probe to senator Joe McCarthys pursuit of communists in the 1950s. We are in the McCarthy era. This is no better than McCarthy, he told the newspaper. Asked about a pardon for Manafort, Mr Trump said: It was never discussed, but I wouldnt take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table? Trump threatens to declassify 'devastating' docs about Democrats https://t.co/7u59BMFTtL pic.twitter.com/AGfwK0VCsP New York Post (@nypost) November 28, 2018 He only has the power to pardon for federal charges. A pardon would not shield Manafort from prosecution for state charges, although he is not currently facing any. On Wednesday, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee said that if Mr Trump pardons Manafort, it would be a blatant and unacceptable abuse of power. Senator Mark Warner said in a tweet that the presidents pardon power is not a personal tool he can use to protect himself and his friends. Manaforts lawyers have been briefing Trump lawyers in recent months on what their client has told investigators, an unusual arrangement for a government co-operator and one that raises the prospect that Manafort could be angling for a pardon. In the Post interview, Mr Trump also praised two other supporters caught up in the Russia probe conservative author and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi and long-time Trump associate Roger Stone. He said they were very brave for resisting Mr Muellers investigation. Both men have been heavily critical of the investigation, and Corsi this week said he had rejected a plea offer from Mr Muellers team. Draft plea documents show Mr Mueller accusing Corsi of lying to investigators an allegation he denies about emails he exchanged with Stone regarding WikiLeaks. US intelligence agencies believe Russia was the source of hacked material from Democratic organisations that WikiLeaks released during the 2016 presidential campaign. That included thousands of stolen emails from the private account of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta in the closing weeks of the campaign. Mr Mueller is investigating whether any Trump associates had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks plans. The special counsel earlier this week said Manafort could face additional charges related to lies he allegedly told investigators in the nearly three months since he cut a plea deal. Neither Manafort nor Mr Muellers team has said what Manafort is accused of lying about, but a federal judge set a hearing for Friday in which she will hear from both sides about next steps in the case. That hearing could yield new details about the status of the Russia probe. Manafort faces up to five years in prison on the two charges in his plea agreement conspiracy against the US and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He faces a separate sentencing in Virginia in February after he was convicted on eight felony counts during a trial last summer. Wayfair(NEW YORK) -- First lady Melania Trump decorated the halls of the White House with red Christmas trees, but it is another, much more unique tree color that is trending this Christmas. Black. Yes, black Christmas trees are proving to be the unlikely heroes of this holiday season. Searches for black trees are up 70 percent compared to last year on Wayfair.com, the home furnishings company told ABC News' Good Morning America. Treetopia, a website devoted to colorful Christmas trees, also reports that black is one of the sites top-selling colors. Treetopia sales of black trees are up 16 percent over last year, a spokesperson told GMA. There are nearly 9,000 posts on Instagram with the hashtag #blackchristmastree. On Pinterest, one black Christmas tree pin alone has been saved 12,000 times. But why black for Christmas, the most holly jolly time of the year? Misti McDermott of Florida said a black Christmas tree is actually how she gets into the Christmas spirit. She purchased her first black tree around four years ago, after moving to Florida from Missouri. "It is hard to get into the holiday spirit [here] like it is in the Midwest, where it is cold this time of year," she said. "I felt like switching it up would make a fun spin on having a Christmas tree and we get more excited about Christmas now." McDermott, who decorates her black tree in a Star Wars theme, said the tree doubles as a great conversation starter. "We always have a surprised reaction at first, having a black tree," she said. "But then it grows on everyone and they see that it is fun and very us." Julie Cassetina, a spokesperson for Wayfair, also described black Christmas trees as attention getters that come with a chance for more creativity than traditional trees. "Black Christmas trees are not only a unique statement piece, but they have their own mystical presence," she said. "[They] really help ornaments and string lights pop. You could deck them out with lighter colored ornaments thatll really stand out against the black, or simply add delicate, white string lights that almost create a feeling of evergreens at night in the wilderness." Wayfair.com has seen nearly 2,000 searches for black Christmas trees this month alone, according to Cassetina. Black Christmas trees can also be more versatile than traditional green trees, according to Jen Curlee, who for several years has had a black tree in her Colorado Springs, Colorado, home. "I have plans to make my black tree a 'holiday' tree and leave it out from October through Christmas, this way I can enjoy it longer and decorate for two other months as well," she said. With reports of a Christmas tree shortage and increased prices this season, artificial trees may see their sales soar. Wayfair and Treetopia have more than 30 options of black Christmas trees combined for sale this season. Treetopia also has a blog post devoted to decorating tips for black trees, including using patterns and bows and ornaments in white or pastel colors. The website also points out that a black tree can easily transition to a decoration for a New Year's party. Black tree devotees like Curlee and McDermott say they hope more people put tradition aside and go black for Christmas. "I hope that more people will decorate their homes how they like regardless of what their neighbor has in their window," Curlee said. "All Christmas trees are gorgeous no matter what color the branches are." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 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 Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trumps former lawyer, has made a surprise appearance before a federal judge to plead guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. Cohen told the judge in New York he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Mr Trumps political message. Cohen and prosecutors referred to Mr Trump as individual one throughout the proceedings and said he lied to be loyal to individual one. Expand Close President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. One of the prosecutors working with special counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohens lawyer Guy Petrillo said he would give the court a letter outlining how his client has co-operated with Mr Muellers investigation. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Mr Trump. The president said Cohen is a weak person who is lying to get a reduced sentence. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Thats why we put people under oath. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the presidents company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned for a variety of business reasons. He also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Mr Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. He had also disclosed that Mr Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps lawyer-spokesman, called Cohen a proven liar who is trying to get out of a lengthy prison sentence. Mr Giuliani said the documents Mr Mueller used to discover Cohens false statements came from the Trump Organisation. He said they were voluntarily disclosed by the presidents company. Mr Giuliani also criticised the timing of Cohens guilty plea, saying it is hardly coincidental it comes as Mr Trump is heading to the G20 summit with world leaders in Argentina. Ukraines president has urged Nato to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov amid a stand-off with Russia. Petro Poroshenko made the call in an interview with the German daily Bild, saying: We hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security. In Sundays confrontation, the Russian coastguard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels trying to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait, between Russias mainland and the Crimean peninsula it annexed from Ukraine. Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. The Ukrainian government said Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, a claim Russia quickly denied. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Poroshenkos request is clearly aimed at provoking further tensions and driven by the Ukrainian leaders electoral and domestic policy motives. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she plans to press Russian President Vladimir Putin at this weekends G20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the ships and crews, but added that we can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts. While Nato condemned the Russian action, the allies will be unlikely to heed Mr Poroshenkos request, which could trigger a confrontation with Russia. A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that agreement from each of the two littoral countries is required for warships from any other country to enter the internal sea. Mr Poroshenko has responded to the incident by ordering martial law in much of the country, a move that went into effect with parliamentary approval. Mr Putin accused his Ukrainian counterpart of provoking the naval incident in a bid to use martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a March election. Expand Close The Kerch Bridge (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Kerch Bridge (AP) Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. Ukraine has released what it said was the exact location where its ships were fired on by Russia, saying they were in international waters west of the Kerch Strait. Russia, meanwhile, insisted the Ukrainian vessels were in its territorial waters and refused to communicate with the Russian coast guard or accept a Russian pilot to guide them through the narrow strait. What were the border guards supposed to do? Mr Putin said on Wednesday. They fulfilled their duty to protect the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. If they had done something differently, they should have been put on trial for that. The showdown comes amid the long-simmering conflicts between the two countries, in which Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and supported separatists in Ukraines east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. The fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. The naval incident marked the first overt collision between Russian and Ukrainian militaries since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It has fuelled fears of a wider conflict and has drawn strong criticism of Russia from the US and its allies. In the interview with Bild, Mr Poroshenko lobbied the West for direct military support. Russian President Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea, he said. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. Mr Putin, for his part, criticised the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraines provocation. The authorities in Kiev are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell, he said. They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely serve them too. Amid the tensions, the Russian military said it had deployed another batch of the long-range, S-400 air defence missile systems to Crimea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine and held separate telephone conversations with Mr Putin and Mr Poroshenko on Thursday. Asked about the Turkish offer, Mr Peskov responded that Moscow is grateful to all those willing to help de-escalate the tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but doesnt see any need for mediation efforts. Those who have such opportunities could help by exerting influence on the Ukrainian authorities, Mr Peskov said. 'While it is inevitable that yesterday's publication of detailed Brexit forecasts from HM Treasury has attracted a lot of attention, we should be cautious. The experience of the Treasury's mistaken forecasts ahead of the 2016 Brexit vote when they forecast an immediate and severe recession is an important warning.' (stock photo) All economic forecasts should be handled with care. They are not really predictions about the future. Instead, they are a view of what could happen if certain assumptions are assumed apply. Therefore, while it is inevitable that yesterday's publication of detailed Brexit forecasts from HM Treasury has attracted a lot of attention, we should be cautious. The experience of the Treasury's mistaken forecasts ahead of the 2016 Brexit vote when they forecast an immediate and severe recession is an important warning. Read More Tuesday's forecasts indicate that 15 years from now UK output (GDP) could be up to 9.3% lower than it would otherwise have been in a no-deal scenario. The "hits" to output are less in the case of a Canada-like UK-EU free trade arrangement (-6.7%) and a Norway-like membership of the European Economic Area (-1.4%) but still considerable. Application of the Chequers' plan (broadly similar to the draft withdrawal agreement which is currently on the table) implies a reduction of about 2.5%. Given the structure of our economy, Northern Ireland would be one of the UK regions which might suffer a disproportionate impact although the Treasury imply they may not have fully captured difficulties relating to trade across the Irish border. None of this means we are poorer in absolute terms. It does imply that UK output and output per head in 2033 is lower than it would otherwise have been. To be fair to the Treasury document it does state some caveats. It does not, for example, allow for the full range of factors which could impact on future economic performance. Very importantly, it does not allow for policy changes in the UK. Arguably, the Treasury has underestimated the extent to which the Brexit downside could be mitigated given the growth of the service sector and the re-balancing of the world economy towards the emerging markets (and any new free trade agreements with those markets). The Treasury has not allowed for the possibility that businesses could respond to a lower supply of migrants from the EU by raising their productivity level. As always in economic modelling, the results given depend critically on the assumptions made. Crucially, the Treasury assume a very large reduction in EU-UK trade but the theoretical case for that may be flawed. They may not have sufficiently allowed for the fact that since the early 1990s the proportion of UK (and Northern Ireland) exports going to the EU has been declining. Furthermore they have assumed that there is a very strong feed through from lower trade to lower productivity. There is therefore room to debate just how big any long run negative impact on the economy will be. One thing most people will probably agree with Chancellor Hammond on is his assessment that the public's view of Brexit will be shaped partly by a perception of the political gains and losses as well as any future economic impact. Dr Esmond Birnie is senior economist at the Ulster University business school 'There is a clear harm in reducing the cooperation between PSNI and An Garda Siochana. Doing so would significantly curtail their ability to counter terrorism, serious and organised crime, as well as deliver effective day-to-day policing on both sides of the border.' The highest duty of any government is to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its people. No part of the United Kingdom knows better than Northern Ireland the importance of effective law enforcement cooperation to keep our people safe. And the people of Northern Ireland will recall all too well the problems of the past - criminals and terrorists escaping justice due to a lack of effective cooperation to bring them to justice. The people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union, and the government must deliver on that outcome. But the referendum result was not a vote to become less safe or secure. Neither were they voting to remove vital capabilities that the PSNI and other law enforcement agencies use to keep them safe. That is why the outline terms of a comprehensive future security relationship agreed as part of our deal with the EU is right for Northern Ireland. It will enable continued timely and effective exchange of important law enforcement data, such as passenger name records, DNA and fingerprints, so we can stay ahead of criminals. And it will allow us to keep working closely together on law enforcement, to ensure we bring those suspected of serious and organised crime and terrorism swiftly to justice, including through swift and effective extradition arrangements. And let's not be in any doubt that this really matters. We must not be blind to the effects of this deal being rejected. There is a clear harm in reducing the cooperation between PSNI and An Garda Siochana. Doing so would significantly curtail their ability to counter terrorism, serious and organised crime, as well as deliver effective day-to-day policing on both sides of the border. Rejecting the deal we have secured will have real implications and risks increasing pressure on law enforcement authorities. The PSNI and our agencies would have no clarity on what happens next March, but the deal means they will have certainty of an implementation period where existing tools and measures will continue, followed by an ambitious security partnership. If the deal is rejected, then instead of that certainty, we would need to revert to old mechanisms to facilitate cross-border cooperation which are slow and would cause considerable delays. No one wants to take a leap in the dark on something as vital to Northern Ireland as security cooperation and bringing criminals and terrorists to justice. This moment calls for leadership in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. The small minority in Northern Ireland who advocate no deal rather than this deal need to be honest that they cannot address police concerns about the security cooperation that is so critical here. As the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and as a Member of Parliament, I have to answer for how my decisions and my vote will help keep our streets and our communities safe. All of those weighing up whether or not to support this deal need to do the same. Karen Bradley MP is Secretary of State for Northern Ireland The plagues of Egypt are among the most impressive of Gods wonders recorded in the Old Testament. They showcase His incredible power and are what finally pushes Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and slavery behind. They are also among the events of the Bible that seem to be beyond any sort of rational explanation besides that of divine intervention. That said, science has taken a stab at explaining everything it can in the Bible. So, what does it have to say about the plagues of Egypt? Nile as Blood Frogs Bugs Wild Animals Diseased Livestock Boils Flaming Hail Locusts Darkness Death of the Firstborn The first plague was that the Nile turned red as blood. The water became noxious to drink and killed all the fish. There are two main explanations for this event. The first is that there was high rainfall that pushed large amounts of red clay from the Ethiopian highlands into the river. This would have choked the fish and caused them to die and also given the river a reddish color. The decaying fish then made the Nile stink and turned it to poison for both people and the fish remaining in the river. The second explanation is that the river turned red due to a sudden overabundance of algae. This could have been caused by a variety of different organisms, but the most likely suspect would be Oscillatoria rubescens, a freshwater algae related to the organism that causes the infamous Red Tide in oceans. This algae bloom thrives in slow moving waters that are high in nutrients, but it is poisonous. It also stains water red when it dies.The slowing of the Niles usually swift current could have been caused by rising water levels due to increasing temperatures in Egypt. They might also have come from a sudden abundance of clay in the water. Either way, a slower current could have allowed the algae to bloom and set off the domino effect that created the plagues of Egypt.The second plague was the plague of frogs. Assuming that the Nile was choked by either clay or toxic algae blooms, it makes sense that the frogs would scramble to get away from the water. As such, they swarmed out of the poisoned Nile and took to shore where they would run into people. They might well have found their way into homes as they sought shelter from predators. The frogs could have truly entered Egypt in extraordinary numbers, or their numbers could have been overestimated by shocked and horrified Egyptians. In the case of the latter, one only needs to think about how many people find a single spider, cockroach or mouse in their house and assume they have an infestation. If it is the former, the death of fish that normally ate frogs or frogspawn could have allowed the frog population to explode. Then, there were more frogs to invade Egypt when the Nile became too toxic for the frogs to continue living in its waters.The third plague is said to be a plague of keenim, a Hebrew word with no good English equivalent. It could mean anything from lice to fleas to gnats and flies. Regardless, the insect population likely boomed when the frogs began to die off.After all, frogs can only live for so long outside of water. With the Nile poisoned, they had nowhere to go. As they died off, the insect populations they normally kept under control exploded as there was a sudden dearth of predators but an increase in food in the form of frog corpses. The bugs, whatever they were, likely carried the bacteria that would later become the plagues that took the forms of diseases.The fourth plague is another that is identified using an ambiguous Hebrew word, arov. The word roughly translates to mixture, but the plague has over the centuries been identified as being one of some sort of wild animals. This could mean Egypt was suddenly inundated with invasive canines such as the African Painted Dog; an uptick in attacks by native animals such as the golden jackal Ethiopian wolf or lion; a sudden swelling of smaller creatures such as scorpions and snakes or even massive swarms of flies. What precisely caused these attacks would depend on what animals the plague was referring to. Flies, for example, would have been attracted to the vast numbers of rotting frogs and fish. Invasive species could have been pushed out of their normal range by the poisoned Nile or, in the case of disasters upriver, a lack of food. Local predators would likely have been searching for water as the Nile had become toxic which would have put them in conflict with humans.The fifth plague, the plague of diseased and dying livestock, was likely caused by the bugs that came as part of the third or fourth plagues.The disease is theorized to have been rinderpest, an infectious and lethal viral disease that has decimated populations of cattle throughout African history, malaria, bluetongue, African horse sickness or even the Bubonic plague. It could also have been caused by livestock drinking water contaminated with toxic water from the Nile or feed that had gone bad from either the water or the insects. It also might have simply been dehydration brought on by a lack of clean water. As for why the diseases did not strike Israelite livestock, this could simply be because they were kept separate from Egyptian livestock or kept farther from water sources. They simply had fewer opportunities to catch diseases from the infected livestock.The explanation for the sixth plague, that of festering boils and sores, is rather self-explanatory. The Egyptian people were by this time living with contaminated water sources, dying or diseased livestock, rotting fish and frogs absolutely everywhere, limited food supplies as the livestock and crops died off and an overabundance of disease carrying insects. The transfer of diseases from livestock to humans was almost inevitable, and the few who escaped that fate would still have had to contend with the wide variety of diseases carried by the flies, mosquitoes and other insects swarming Egypt. Some people have argued, however, that the diseases were more extreme than most people imagine. With so many people now living with unsanitary conditions, the boils could have actually been smallpox sores or even the black lumps caused by the Bubonic Plague.In fact, mummies from around the time that the Exodus is believed to have occurred have been discovered with smallpox scars.The seventh plague of fire, hail or flaming hail is one that seems like it would be the most difficult to explain with science. After all, fire does not often fall from the sky. When the Santorini volcano in the Aegean Sea erupted, however, there might have been. The ash would have mixed with natural storms to create massive balls of hail. The ash would also have turned any lightning a vivid red, making it appear that the sky was on fire. The presence of ash in the atmosphere would also have increased the amount of lightning in the storms. Volcanic ash is known to create electricity when it rubs against itself hence the phenomenon of dirty lightning in volcanic eruptions. The flaming hail could also have been still-hot pumice that was flung from the volcano. Pumice has been found in excavations of Egyptian ruins despite there not being a volcano anywhere in Egypt. The stone is light, airy and usually white or off-white. It also floats, so it could have been mistaken for hail. That said, it is cooled lava that is still searing hot when it is hurled out of the volcano by the eruption.The eighth plague was the plague of locusts in numbers greater than anyone had ever seen. There are two main explanations for this sudden surge in numbers. The first is that there were more locusts because more locusts than ever had been born. Locusts lay their eggs in the ground. After the incredible amount of hail dropped by the seventh plague, the conditions would have been ideal for locusts to form. Given the death of all the frogs from the second plague, there would also have been fewer predators than usual to consume the hungry locusts. Those locusts would also have been able to do more damage given that there were fewer healthy crops. The already damaged crops would also mean that there would not need to be as many locusts as usual to consume everything that was green.The second explanation for the swarm of locusts is that they were pushed out of their usual habitats by natural disasters. This could have been trouble upriver on the Nile that pushed the locusts into Egypt where there was still at least some small amount of food, or the volcanic eruption that caused the hail in the seventh plague could have dropped ash on the locusts usual habitats and driven them toward Egypt.There are several possible explanations for the ninth plague, the plague of darkness. One of the most popular is that the darkness was caused by the expanding ash cloud of the Santorini volcano blocking out the sun as can occur in massive eruptions. This would explain why the darkness was said to last for three days. It took that long for the ash cloud to disperse. Other explanations include easterly winds blowing dust storms across Egypt from neighboring Libya or even a simple solar eclipse. The eclipse, however, would not have lasted for days as is described in the Bible.The death of the firstborn was the final and tenth plague of Egypt. This appears to be the most miraculous of the plagues, and there is certainly not a bacterium that can differentiate between first and second born children. As such, the explanation for this plague may be cultural rather than natural. Firstborn children, especially firstborn sons, were arguably the most important members of the family. They would inherit the most and carry on the family line.As such, when times were harsh, firstborn children were taken care of first and anything leftover was giving to their siblings. Some scholars believe that firstborn children were given more to eat during the plagues of Egypt in an attempt to keep them healthy. The food stores, however, had been contaminated by mold, insect droppings, volcanic ash, algae from the Nile or a combination of such. This meant that as the firstborn ate more, they consumed more toxins. As such, they died when their siblings survived.Science attempts to find an explanation for everything with varying degrees of success. People may or may not accept scientific explanations for the plagues of Egypt. Some may feel that the explanations are not convincing while others might object to what they see as an attempt to dismiss Gods miracles. Even if the scientific explanations for the various plagues were exactly what happened, that does not make the plagues less miraculous. All it means is that the miracle was in natures timing. Former congressman and activist Satur Ocampo (third from left), joins a protest rally in Manila, Aug. 20, 2018. Police and soldiers arrested 19 people in a convoy delivering food aid in the southern Philippines, including a former and a current member of congress, for allegedly taking children from a school without parental consent, a local NGO said Thursday. The Save Our Schools Network said the convoy was part of its solidarity mission to send food and supplies to a school in Talaingad, a remote town on Mindanao island, when it ran into trouble on Wednesday. Philippine media reported that more than 70 people were with the convoy. On its way to Tagum City, they were shot twice. Two of the vehicles were flat due to iron spikes and one windshield cracked when a stone was thrown at it, the group said in a statement. Police officers and army troops later stopped the convoy and took its occupants into custody, the group said. Among those detained were Satur Ocampo, a former congressman, and France Castro, a current member of the House of Representatives. Practically, they have detained us. They are trying to find cases to charge us with, but they cant. They should immediately release us, Castro said, adding they were charged with transporting children without consent from their parents. Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesman of the 10th Army Division, said the group members were suspected of violating the countrys anti-human trafficking and child abuse laws. He said authorities determined that some minors between the ages of 14 and 17 were in the convoy, but did not release details. Area commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said the convoy was stopped after the authorities received complaints from some parents and tribal elders that their children were allegedly taken by force. One mother complained that a child had been taken by the group and was missing for five days, he said. I thank the authorities for they were able to flag down the vehicles and found the children, local politician Jayvee Tyron Uy said. Ocampo said incursions by a paramilitary group shut down the school, after the military alleged that members of the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) had infiltrated it. He said the caravan was rescuing the children, but a social welfare officer accused the group of having no clearance and authorization. Nonetheless, they charged us for transporting the children without prior clearance or consent. Im used to that kind of political harassment. I will not stop in defending the rights of the people. So I guess Ill have to risk it, Ocampo said. Cristina Palabay, secretary general of rights group Karapatan, demanded the immediate release of colleagues, students and teachers from police custody. We also received preposterous reports that Ocampo and Castro are being threatened with fabricated charges of human trafficking, when they and other mission delegates were there to provide support and aid to Lumad residents, including children, who are facing daily threats and harassment from the military in the community, Palabay said, referring to indigenous tribes. Many parents of the Lumad students have previously evacuated from the community and are awaiting their children, she said. We are dissuading the authorities from filing fabricated charges against Ocampo and Castro lest they lose face in court and be condemned for yet another form of judicial harassment, she added. The incident came amid an intensified military operation against the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Earlier this month, Vicente Ladlad, 68, a ranking leader of CPP, was arrested along with two comrades in a suburb north of Manila. Ladlad allegedly played a role in the deaths of dozens of leftist guerrillas who were killed on suspicion of being government spies. The remains of 67 people believed to be former CPP rebels were unearthed in 2006 in the central island of Leyte. Richel V. Umel in Iligan City, Philippines, contributed to this report. One of the three police officers convicted of killing 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos is escorted by police outside the Regional Trial Court Branch 125 in suburban Caloocan City, north of Manila, Nov. 29, 2018. A Philippine court on Thursday found three police officers guilty of killing a 17-year-old student, in the first known convictions of law-enforcement officials since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his anti-drugs campaign that has killed thousands. In his 35-page ruling, Judge Rodolfo Azucena Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 125, sentenced each of the officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz up to 40 years in prison, without parole, as he rejected their claims that the boy pulled out a pistol while resisting arrest. A shoot-first, think-later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilized society," Azucena said in his ruling. Dutertes spokesman welcomed the ruling as a triumph of justice, but rights groups noted that the president had repeatedly promised he would pardon officers found guilty while carrying out his war against narcotics. The three Philippine National Police members appeared before the court in suburban Caloocan City, north of Manila, amid tight security. Azucena said that while he commiserated with the police who put themselves in danger in performing their duties, he could not tolerate the violence that led to the killing of Kian Loyd delos Santos. The use of unnecessary force or wanton violence is not justified when the fulfillment of their duty as law enforcers can be effected otherwise," the judge said. Witnesses had described seeing them dragging delos Santos away and finding his body near a pigsty, contradicting the official police version that the boy had provoked a fatal shootout by pulling a gun on the officers. Following the death of delos Santos, two other teenagers were allegedly killed by police in similar circumstances, putting further pressure on Dutertes government. Mounting public anger subsequently forced the president to remove the police from a frontline role in the anti-drug operations. Rights groups had hailed the decision, only to see Duterte reinstating the national police in December. Cautious welcome Brad Adams, the director for Asia of the New York-based Human Rights Watch, hailed the landmark ruling as the first conviction of state agents implicated in a drug war killing. This is a triumph of justice and accountability and a warning to members of the Philippine National Police to respect due process and the rights of civilians as they do their job, Adams said in a statement. But Adams also noted that Duterte had also promised repeatedly in the past to pardon officers convicted in the drug-war killings. There is reason to suspect that he will keep that promise. This is why it remains important that the government create an independent commission to investigate these killings, he stressed. According to police, almost 5,000 suspects have been killed in counter-narcotics operations between June 2016, when Duterte took office, and December 2017. But international and local rights groups have estimated a higher figure of about 12,000 deaths. Two former self-confessed members of Dutertes alleged death squad, as well as families of some of those slain in the drug war have filed mass murder complaints against Duterte at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC). In response, Duterte pulled out the Philippines from a treaty that created the ICC. He has also hit out critics of his governments alleged rights abuses, and has cursed those who had questioned the killings. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the convictions of the three officers showed that the Philippines has a robust judicial system. In this particular case of Kian, if youll recall, it was the president who ordered immediately the relief, the arrest, and the detention of the policemen involved, immediately after he viewed the video showing that obviously there was salvage in that incident, Panelo said, using the common term in the Philippines for summary execution. He said it was unlikely that Duterte would pardon the officers, because he had zero tolerance for murder. We give the assurance that the president will never tolerate any intentional killing against civilians [by] men in uniform, Panelo told reporters. The President will never tolerate policemen who intentionally kill, who have done it not in accordance with the performance of their duties, he said. Ironically, his statement came just two days after Duterte himself proposed creating a hit squad targeting members of the communist movement. Not an isolated case The Child Rights Network (CRN), the largest alliance of organizations and agencies pushing for childrens rights legislation in the Philippines, said delos Santos case was not isolated. It said 74 other children or minors have been killed in separate incidents as of December 2017. The ruling was an essential step in the right direction that sends a clear message that even if it is an arduous pursuit, justice can still be attained in the Philippines, the group said. The boys mother, Lorenza delos Santos, said she was relieved that the court convicted the three cops, and emphasized that it also showed that her deceased son was innocent of drug charges. I am very happy because this is a proof that my son is innocent, she said, as she emerged from the jam-packed court. She expressed hope that policemen involved in similar incidents should now be afraid that the law can catch up with them. Jeoffrey Maitem and Luis Liwanag from Manila contributed to this report. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 64F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. The Kremlin is once again escalating the conflict with Ukraine. How should Europe react? What really happened in the Sea of Azov? Is Ukraine prepared for a confrontation with its powerful neighbour? In this BILD interview, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko talks about Putins lies, Russias aggression, and his hopes for Germanys support. BILD: Mr. Poroshenko, youve just been to an army base and have visited your troops. Russia claims that your policy is primarily a means of campaigning for the elections. Is that true? Poroshenko: Do not believe any of the lies that Putin is telling you. This is ridiculous. Do you remember when he told the world that there were no Russian soldiers on Crimea? Do you remember that, allegedly, there were no Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine? Do you remember the poisoning of his former spy in Salisbury? Putin tells the world fairy tales, and hes doing it again right now. Putin wants the old Russian empire back BILD: What happened during the encounter with the Russian navy? Porroshenko: Our navy adhered to international law. We have presented all the evidence. Everybody can see that it was Russian soldiers who attacked our navy. Auch Interessant Following this act of aggression, we had to react. Thats why, in some regions, I have declared martial law, because we must protect our country. It is like it was before, in 2014 Putin wants to annex a further part of Ukraine. He is acting exactly like he did back then. BILD: Really? Poroshenko: Putin wants the old Russian empire back. Crimea, Donbass he wants the whole country. He sees himself as a Russian emperor, and his empire cannot work without Ukraine. He regards us as a colony. This is what he wanted at the beginning of the conflict, and this is what he still wants. But since I took office, Ukraine is no longer a colony. And he hates the idea that Ukraine wants to become a part of the EU and NATO. Thats the reason behind this renewed Russian aggression. We have indications of a potential offensive on the ground that Putin may be planning. We have presented these satellite images to all of our partners. BILD: Should German naval vessels be deployed to the Sea of Azov? What would that achieve? Poroshenko: Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now willing to deploy naval vessels to the Sea of Azov in order to support Ukraine and to guarantee its safety. The only language that he understands is the unity of the Western world. We cannot accept Russias aggressive policy. First, it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany also has to wonder: what will Putin do next if we dont stop him? BILD: Can Putin be stopped at all? Poroshenko: The world must speak with one voice. We need further sanctions immediately, given this incredible Russian aggression. Putin must immediately release our soldiers and, at the same time, clear the Sea of Azov for the international marine traffic. Incidentally, it is not only Ukrainian merchant vessels that are stuck there. At this point, three German ships are also unable to proceed. BILD: Why dont you try talking to Putin directly? Poroshenko: I did call Putin directly following the incident and asked for immediate negotiations. But its just like it was in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Every time that Putins troops attack Ukraine, he simply stops communicating. BILD: Over the past few years, you have repeatedly warned of a great war as reported by BILD. What is different this time? Poroshenko: This is not about warnings, but facts. Satellite images and audio recordings clearly show this. I dont want a war. What I want is peace for our country. If Putin withdraws his troops from the border, well immediately end the state of war. Unfortunately, I have little hope that Russia will stop the aggressions. BILD: What do you expect from Chancellor Angela Merkel? Poroshenko: Chancellor Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine. With her negotiations in Minsk in 2015, she already saved our country once before. Now we are hoping that she, and our other allies, will once again support us this much. For Immediate Release, November 29, 2018 Contact: Jenny Loda, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7100 x 336, jloda@biologicaldiversity.org Tom Wheeler, Environmental Protection Information Center, (707) 822-7711, tom@wildcalifornia.org Lawsuit Challenges Trump Administration's Failure to Protect California's Shasta Salamanders From Extinction Salamander Imminently Threatened by Plans to Raise Shasta Dam REDDING, Calif. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Environmental Protection Information Center sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to act on a 2012 petition to protect Shasta salamanders under the Endangered Species Act. Since the petition was filed, the species was split into three distinct species, each of which is rare and imperiled. The salamanders are imminently threatened by plans to raise the height of Northern Californias Shasta Dam, which would result in extensive flooding of their habitat. These unique salamanders, like so many in California, are careening toward extinction and need immediate protection to survive, said Jenny Loda, a Center biologist and attorney who works to protect vulnerable amphibians and reptiles. Its shameful the Trump administration is dragging its feet on protections for these salamanders while plans to raise the dam and flood their habitat are moving forward. Work to raise Shasta Dam had stalled in recent years. But after Trump was elected, he appointed former Westlands Water District lobbyist David Bernhardt as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Westlands has long supported raising the dam to provide more water for agricultural operations. At Interior Bernhardt oversees both the Fish and Wildlife Service, which will decide the fate of the salamander, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which is responsible for the Shasta Dam project. The dam project now appears to have new life. This past spring Congress allocated $20 million in the 2018 federal omnibus bill to the project and pre-construction work started shortly after. The Bureau of Reclamation plans to award a construction contract in December 2019. Construction to raise the height of the dam would begin sometime in late spring or summer of 2020. The Fish and Wildlife Service does not plan to review whether the Shasta salamander requires protection through a 12-month finding until 2022 10 years after the petition was filed and two years after construction is slated to begin. Such a delayed decision would clearly come too late for these salamanders. There cant be a clearer case of the fox guarding the henhouse than having David Bernhardt deciding whether or not this salamander gets protection, said Loda. This dam is on a fast track, while plans to save the salamander are in limbo. Long delays in protecting species under the Endangered Species Act have been a persistent problem for decades. At least 42 species have gone extinct waiting for protection. If were going to save the Shasta salamanders, theres no time to waste, said Tom Wheeler, executive director of the Environmental Protection Information Center. With a near-perfect record at saving the species it protects from extinction, the Endangered Species Act is our best hope for keeping these rare creatures in the world. Background When the 2012 petition was filed, the salamander was known as only one species: the Shasta salamander. But new research published in April revealed that the Shasta salamander in California is actually three species each more endangered than previously thought. All three live in the vicinity of Shasta Lake. Shasta salamanders are 4 inches long and dark reddish-brown. Their restricted range, coupled with ongoing threats of habitat destruction and degradation, leaves them extremely vulnerable to extinction. The recently described Samwel Shasta salamander was named for its original discovery site, Samwel Cave, and the Wintu Shasta salamander is named for the original habitants of the region, the Winnemem Wintu tribe. All three species are found within a range of about 330 square miles in the vicinity of Shasta Lake. Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo 2018 is being attended by 25 delegations from important organisations throughout Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo 2018, opened today at Taipei City, is being attended by 25 delegations from important organisations throughout Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. At the inaugural function, Tsai Ing-Wen, President, Taiwan, pointed out, "Taiwan's Medical Device Industry is a leader in Asia. We are the number one exporter of electric wheel chairs in the world, and the second largest exporter of artificial joints in Asia. We hope that this event will generate opportunities to tap into international cooperation networks, and create endless possibilities for Taiwan's next-generation healthcare technology industries". Following the President's inaugural address, Jia-chyuan Su, President, Legislative yuan spoke, "Taiwan has become a mecca of R&D. The country has already done good progres in high end medical products and will continue to divert its technology towards healthcare development. For the first time, government medical industry, commercial industry and private enterprises have come together on a common platform. The government will continue to support the med tech industry. Taiwan is capable of designing new solutions to meet the unsatisfied demands". "The Healthcare Expo this year has 30 percent more stalls than last year. There are a total of 1358 stalls in the Expo this year", revealed Jin Pyng Wang, Chairman, Research Centre for Biotechnology & Medicine Policy; Chairperson, Taiwan Healthcare Expo Committee. Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo is the signature expo in Asia Pacific that provides solutions for medicine, health, and care. The expo is being conducted from 29th November to 2nd December 2018 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre. There are 200 business meetings planned for the entire 4 days of the event. This year, Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo will explore the health industry trend and focus on 3 central themes: Efficient Healthcare The application of clinical big data, AI, and innovative medical devices to achieve high quality, precise, and efficient healthcare. Smart Healthcare The combination of mobile and IoT technologies, user-friendly assistive devices, and new care models to achieve smart healthcare. Innovative Healthcare The utilization of personal health management technologies and tools as well as novel pharmaceutical technologies and products to achieve preventive medicine and effective therapy. The three-day extravaganza is set to be bigger, better and more engaging than ever with global participants, industry captains, futurists and innovators showcasing the proud legacy of innovation in Karnataka. The 21st edition of Karnataka State flagship Information Technology and Biotechnology event, Bengaluru Tech Summit was inaugurated today, 29th Nov at the Bengaluru Palace by the Honble Chief Minister of Karnataka, H D Kumaraswamy. The three-day extravaganza is set to be bigger, better and more engaging than ever with global participants, industry captains, futurists and innovators showcasing the proud legacy of innovation in Karnataka. The event is being organized by the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, in association with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Bengaluru, with the support of reputed national industry associations like NASSCOM, IESA, TIE, ABAI etc. Keeping in view the focal theme this year, Innovation and Impact, particularly the convergence of technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchain etc. that helps in providing solutions for the challenges faced in health, education, agriculture, energy etc., sectors. While the big players have an advantage, it is the SMEs and Startups that need encouragement. Speaking at the inauguration, H D Kumaraswamy, expressed his delight to be present at the inaugural function of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2018. Karnataka has been consistently ranked high when it comes to foreign direct investment and employability. The IT, BT and related sectors have provided direct employment to over a million people and indirect employment to 3 million people in Bengaluru alone. The number of engineering and R&D centres of Multi-National Companies in India has increased from 943 in 2016 to 976 in 2017 as per a study conducted by the consulting firm, Zinnov. 65% of the MNCs who have their global in-house centres are from the USA. 37% of the GIC centres of MNCs are in Bengaluru. This goes to prove that technology engagement in the State is the bedrock of the strong foundation for investments. Karnataka is indeed the first choice for technology investments, worldwide, he said. S Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Vision Group on IT highlighted the fact that Bengaluru is being termed as the innovation capital of India. While talking about the entrepreneurship culture that has gradually developed in Karnataka, he congratulated Biocon on completing 40 years. "This year we are proudly celebrating 40 years of the Indian biotech sector. We no longer refer to it as the biotech sector, we are now calling it the bioeconomy. This is the digital era where the bioeconomy is being valued at $53 billion. 50 per cent of this value is being contributed by the biopharma sector. The best part is that the Med Tech sector has gained a share of about $12 billion. These achievements have largely been possible due to a symbiotic relationship between academia, government and industry in Karnataka", said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD, Biocon. Adding on with the international perspective, Kate Jones, Minister for Innovation & Tourism Industry Development, Queensland Parliament, Australia said, "We have a long history of innovation and we are proud of the fact that our country is leading in the sector of medical technology. We are also investing heavily in robotics and computer 3D modeling". She also announed that the Queensland Governments first official Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy has been launched that is set to deliver a $1.5 billion trade boost to the states economy. The inaugural event also saw the unveiling of the Innovate Bengaluru, an Augmented Reality embedded book. This innovative media tech product published by Raintree media and Global Village Publishing, is all about Bengalurus innovators and innovative ecosystem. The coming 2 days of the event has the support of leading IT and Electronics Associations, such as NASSCOM, IESA, TiE, ABAI, Data Security Council of India (DSCI) etc. The conference focus would be on Blockchain, AI, ML & Robotics, Intelligent Apps and Analytics, Immersive Experience (AR/VR), IOT, Telecom, Cyber Security, BioPharma, BioAgri, BioEnergy & BioFuels, BioServices, BioInformatics, Investment & Finance and much more. Maricopa, Arizona, had largest 12-month percent job gains among 10 largest counties in June 2018 Maricopa, Arizona, had the largest percentage employment gain (2.8 percent) among the 10 largest U.S. counties from June 2017 to June 2018. Among the major industries in Maricopa, construction experienced the largest percentage increase in employment over that period (7.1 percent). Trade, transportation, and utilities had the largest over-the-year employment increase with a gain of 10,775 jobs, or 2.9 percent. Chart Image Chart Data Percent change in employment by industry for the 10 largest U.S. counties, June 2017June 2018 County Total Total private Natural resources and mining Construction Manufacturing Trade, transportation, and utilities Information Financial activities United States 1.5% 1.7% 2.9% 3.7% 1.6% 1.0% 0.4% 1.0% Los Angeles, California 1.3 1.4 -18.7 3.3 -2.4 0.1 2.3 -0.1 Cook, Illinois 0.9 1.0 0.8 3.7 0.6 0.5 -2.0 1.6 New York, New York 0.7 0.8 14.1 4.6 -3.5 -1.3 1.5 1.9 Harris, Texas 1.3 1.4 -0.5 1.3 3.0 1.4 -3.5 0.7 Maricopa, Arizona 2.8 3.0 1.3 7.1 3.6 2.9 -0.4 2.5 Dallas, Texas 1.8 2.0 15.2 2.5 2.0 2.7 -1.7 -0.9 Orange, California 1.7 1.8 -6.5 3.9 -1.4 0.2 -1.2 -0.5 San Diego, California 2.0 2.2 6.4 5.7 2.5 0.6 -2.7 0.2 King, Washington 2.5 2.7 -3.2 4.2 -0.3 2.4 7.6 3.5 Miami-Dade , Florida 0.9 0.9 4.6 3.4 0.0 1.2 0.2 0.1 Percent change in employment by industry for the ten largest U.S. counties, June 2017June 2018 (continued) County Professional and business services Education and health services Leisure and hospitality Other services Government United States 1.8% 1.7% 1.2% 1.3% 0.4% Los Angeles, California 1.2 2.4 1.1 0.0 0.2 Cook, Illinois 0.9 1.5 0.8 2.4 0.2 New York, New York 0.9 0.7 0.2 0.3 -0.2 Harris, Texas 1.4 1.1 1.6 1.3 0.9 Maricopa, Arizona 2.1 3.1 2.6 2.8 0.5 Dallas, Texas 3.0 1.4 2.2 0.7 0.4 Orange, California 2.5 3.1 1.1 0.6 1.0 San Diego, California 3.2 1.4 1.2 -1.6 0.6 King, Washington 2.3 2.2 2.6 2.1 0.6 Miami-Dade , Florida 2.2 0.6 -1.4 -0.8 0.7 All of the 10 largest counties had over-the-year percentage increases in employment from June 2017 to June 2018. Within natural resources and mining, the largest 12-month percentage gains in employment were in Dallas, Texas (15.2 percent), and New York, New York (14.1 percent). Over that period, the largest percentage decreases in employment in natural resources and mining were in Los Angeles, California (18.7 percent) and Orange, California (6.5 percent). In June 2018, King, Washington, experienced the largest 12-month percentage increase in information employment among the 10 largest counties (7.6 percent). Within that industry, Harris, Texas, experienced the largest percentage decrease in employment (3.5 percent). These data are from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. To learn more, see "County Employment and Wages: Second Quarter 2018." You can get more industry employment data for the nation, states, counties, and metropolitan areas through the data viewer tool. By Benjamin Jumbe. Property worth millions of shillings has been lost in a fire that has destroyed Bujumba fishing village,in Bujumba Sub county in Kalangala. According to the Kalangala Red cross branch managerI brahim Ssenyonga, says that fire that started at about 8:30 pm burnt down 45 residential houses and 5 commercial houses. He says although no life was lost or injuries recorded, over 150 people have been left homeless. Redcross suspects that the fire was sparked off from a house where a person was smoking as he explains 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 PHOENIX, Nov. 29, 2018 PHOENIX, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigo Partners LLC ("Indigo"), and WOW air ("WOW"), the Icelandic airline based in Reykjavik, have agreed in principle for Indigo to invest in WOW. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Following successful completion of due diligence, the parties would work to close as soon as practicable. WOW's CEO and primary shareholder, Skuli Mogensen, would remain a principal investor in WOW upon completion of the transaction. WOW air is an ultra-low-cost carrier currently serving 25 destinations across Europe and North America. "The demand for low-cost air service continues to expand rapidly worldwide, and with Indigo as a partner, we hope to take full advantage of this highly attractive market segment," said Mr. Mogensen. "I am excited to work with Indigo and I am convinced it is the best long-term move for our people and passengers." "Skuli and WOW's management and employees have done a remarkable job in creating a well-regarded, successful ULCC brand," said Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners. "We have a strategic vision for the airline, and look forward to working with its employees and agents to deliver that vision." WOW is advised in this transaction by Plane View Partners LLC, the U.S. air transportation advisory firm. About Indigo PartnersIndigo Partners is a private equity firm established by W. A. Franke in 2003 to pursue acquisitions and strategic investments in the air transportation and related industries. The firm was a lead investor in Tiger Airways based in Singapore and Spirit Airlines based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and maintains lead investments in Wizz Air Holdings, Plc, a ULCC with multiple bases in Central and Eastern Europe; Frontier Airlines, a ULCC based in Denver; Volaris Airlines, a ULCC based in Mexico City; and JetSMART, a ULCC based in Chile. Indigo is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. About WOW airWOW air is a happy low-fare, long-haul airline based in Iceland with a young, low emission fleet. The airline was founded in November 2011 and currently serves 25 destinations across Europe and North America. WOW air is committed to providing the cheapest flights to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic while providing a memorable service all the way. For more information, please visit https://wowair.us/about-us. Media Contacts:Indigo PartnersBlicksilver Public Relations, Inc.Carol [email protected] Jennifer [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indigo-partners-and-wow-air-reach-preliminary-agreement-300757948.html SOURCE Indigo Partners Canada NewsWire BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 29, 2018 BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") announced that it has agreed to issue, on a private placement basis to qualified accredited investors in each of the Provinces of Canada, $800 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes of the Company in two series (the "Offering"). The Offering includes (i) $400 million aggregate principal amount of series 2024 senior unsecured notes that will bear interest at a rate of 3.918% per annum and will mature on June 10, 2024 and (ii) $400 million aggregate principal amount of series 2028 senior unsecured notes that will bear interest at a rate of 4.488% per annum and will mature on December 11, 2028 (collectively, the "Notes"). The Notes are being offered on an agency basis by a syndicate of agents led by TD Securities, BMO Nesbitt Burns, CIBC World Markets and RBC Dominion Securities. Subject to customary closing conditions, the Offering is expected to close on December 10, 2018. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company to partially fund the redemption of its outstanding $800 million aggregate principal amount of 3.748% senior unsecured notes maturing March 12, 2019 and for other general corporate purposes. It is a condition of closing of the Offering that the Notes be rated at least "BBB" with a "Stable" trend by DBRS Limited and at least "BBB" by Standard and Poor's Rating Services. The Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there any sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Loblaw Companies LimitedLoblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and Associate-owners employ approximately 200,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. Loblaw's purpose Live Life Well puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,050 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations and close to 500 Loblaw locations; PC Financial services; affordable Joe Fresh fashion and family apparel; and three of Canada's top consumer brands in Life Brand, no name and President's Choice. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at www.loblaw.ca and Loblaw's issuer profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Loblaw's current expectations regarding future events, including the expected closing of the Offering. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loblaw's control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Loblaw's 2018 Annual Report and current Annual Information Form. Loblaw does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are qualified by these cautionary statements. SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited PR Newswire TOKYO, Nov. 28, 2018 TOKYO, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D. "Astellas") today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved XOSPATA (generic name: gilteritinib) for the treatment of adult patients who have relapsed or refractory (resistant to treatment) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.2 XOSPATA is an oral therapy and the first and only FLT3-targeting therapy to be approved by the FDA for this population. Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8362851-astellas-xospata-fda-approval-acute-myeloid-leukemia/ The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018, approximately 19,000 people will be diagnosed with AML in the U.S.3 AML has been associated with various genetic mutations. XOSPATA has demonstrated inhibitory activity against two different mutations, FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) and FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (TKD).2 Impacting approximately 30 percent of AML patients,4 the FLT3-ITD mutation is associated with worsened disease free survival and overall survival.5,6 FLT3-TKD mutations impact approximately 7 percent of AML patients4 and, although the impact of these mutations is less clear,7 they have been associated with treatment resistance.8 "Our ability to use precision medicine to help patients with FLT3-mutated AML takes an important step forward with the approval of XOSPATA," said Alexander Perl, M.D., Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania. "There is an urgent need in the clinic for more targeted agents to help patients whose disease is either refractory to the initial therapy, or who have relapsed." "XOSPATA offers new hope to patients for whom the treatment path forward is unclear," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president and global therapeutic area head, Oncology Development, Astellas. "For the first time, people with relapsed or refractory FLT3 mutation-positive AML have an FDA approved FLT3-targeting treatment available to them. The approval of XOSPATA is also a proud, landmark moment for our oncology program and marks the first approval of a medicine that will be the cornerstone of our new presence in blood cancers." The FDA's approval of XOSPATA was based on the interim analysis of the following endpoints in the ADMIRAL clinical trial: the rate of complete remission (CR)/complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CRh); the duration of CR/CRh (DOR); and the rate of conversion from transfusion dependence to transfusion independence. The CR/CRh rate was 21%. The median duration of CR/CRh was 4.6 months. The rate of conversion from transfusion dependence to transfusion independence was 31.1% for any 56 day post-baseline period. For patients who achieved a CR/CRh, the median time to first response was 3.6 months (range, 0.9 to 9.6 months). The CR/CRh rate was 29 of 126 in patients with FLT3-ITD or FLT3-ITD/TKD and 0 of 12 in patients with FLT3-TKD only. Full results from the ADMIRAL trial will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting. The safety evaluation of XOSPATA was based on 292 patients with relapsed or refractory AML treated with 120 mg gilteritinib daily. The median duration of exposure to XOSPATA was 3 months (range 0.1 to 42.8 months). The most frequent non-hematological serious adverse reactions (?5%) reported in patients were pneumonia (19%), sepsis (13%), fever (13%), dyspnea (7%) and renal impairment (5%). Overall, 22 of 292 patients (8%) discontinued XOSPATA treatment permanently due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (>1%) leading to discontinuation were pneumonia (2%), sepsis (2%) and dyspnea (1%). The most common adverse reactions (?20%) were myalgia/arthralgia (42%), transaminase increased (41%), fatigue/malaise (40%), fever (35%), non-infectious diarrhea (34%), dyspnea (34%), edema (34%), rash (30%), pneumonia (30%), nausea (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), headache (21%), hypotension (21%), dizziness (20%) and vomiting (20%). Previously, XOSPATA was granted both Orphan Drug designation9 and Fast Track10 designation by the U.S. FDA. Gilteritinib also received Orphan Designation from the European Commission (EC)11 and Orphan Drug Designation from the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW).12 The MHLW also granted SAKIGAKE designation to gilteritinib for FLT3mut+ relapsed/refractory AML and approved the treatment for this population in September 2018.13 Astellas reflected the impact from this approval in its financial forecast of the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. About XOSPATA XOSPATA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients who have relapsed or refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with a FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test.2 XOSPATA was discovered through a research collaboration with Kotobuki Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Astellas has exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and potentially commercialize XOSPATA. Important Safety Information ContraindicationsXOSPATA is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to gilteritinib or any of the excipients. Anaphylactic reactions have been observed in clinical trials. Warnings and PrecautionsPosterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been rare reports of PRES with symptoms including seizure and altered mental status with XOSPATA. Symptoms have resolved after discontinuation of XOSPATA. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XOSPATA in patients who develop PRES. Prolonged QT Interval XOSPATA has been associated with prolonged cardiac ventricular repolarization (QT interval). Of the 292 patients treated with XOSPATA in the clinical trial, 1.4% were found to have a QTc interval greater than 500 msec and 7% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc greater than 60 msec. Perform electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to initiation of treatment with XOSPATA, on days 8 and 15 of cycle 1, and prior to the start of the next two subsequent cycles. Interrupt and reduce XOSPATA dosage in patients who have a QTcF >500 msec. Hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia may increase the QT prolongation risk. Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to and during XOSPATA administration. Pancreatitis There have been rare reports of pancreatitis in patients receiving XOSPATA in clinical studies. Evaluate patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. Interrupt and reduce the dose of XOSPATA in patients who develop pancreatitis. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, XOSPATA can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XOSPATA and for at least 6 months after the last dose of XOSPATA. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XOSPATA and for at least 4 months after the last dose of XOSPATA. Pregnant women, patients becoming pregnant while receiving XOSPATA or male patients with pregnant female partners should be apprised of the potential risk to the fetus. Adverse ReactionsThe most frequent non-hematological serious adverse reactions (?5%) reported in patients were pneumonia (19%), sepsis (13%), fever (13%), dyspnea (7%) and renal impairment (5%). Overall, 22 of 292 patients (8%) discontinued XOSPATA treatment permanently due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (>1%) leading to discontinuation were pneumonia (2%), sepsis (2%) and dyspnea (1%). The most common adverse reactions (?20%) were myalgia/arthralgia (42%), transaminase increased (41%), fatigue/malaise (40%), fever (35%), non-infectious diarrhea (34%), dyspnea (34%), edema (34%), rash (30%), pneumonia (30%), nausea (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), headache (21%), hypotension (21%), dizziness (20%) and vomiting (20%). Other clinically significant adverse reactions occurring in ?10% of patients included: electrocardiogram QT prolonged (7%), cardiac failure (grouped terms) (4%), pericardial effusion (3%), pericarditis (2%), differentiation syndrome (1%), anaphylactic reaction (1%) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (1%). Lab Abnormalities: The most common lab abnormalities (>20%) that were Grade ?3 that occurred ?10% were: hypophosphatemia (12%), alanine aminotransferase increased (12%), hyponatremia (12%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (10%). Drug InteractionsCombined P-gp and Strong CYP3A Inducers: Concomitant use of XOSPATA with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A inducer decreases XOSPATA exposure which may decrease XOSPATA efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of XOSPATA with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A inducers. Strong CYP3A inhibitors: Concomitant use of XOSPATA with a strong CYP3A inhibitor increases XOSPATA exposure. Consider alternative therapies that are not strong CYP3A inhibitors. If the concomitant use of these inhibitors is considered essential for the care of the patient, monitor patient more frequently for XOSPATA adverse reactions. Interrupt and reduce XOSPATA dosage in patients with serious or life-threatening toxicity. Drugs that Target 5HT2B Receptor or Sigma Nonspecific Receptor: Concomitant use of XOSPATA may reduce the effects of drugs that target the 5HT2B receptor or the sigma nonspecific receptor (e.g., escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline). Avoid concomitant use of these drugs with XOSPATA unless their use is considered essential for the care of the patient. Specific PopulationsLactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with XOSPATA and for 2 months after the last dose. Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information. About the ADMIRAL Trial14The Phase 3 ADMIRAL trial (NCT02421939) was an open-label, multicenter, randomized study of gilteritinib versus salvage chemotherapy in adult patients with FLT3 mutations who are refractory to or have relapsed after first-line AML therapy. The primary endpoints of the trial are Overall Survival (OS) and complete remission/complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh) rates. The study enrolled 371 patients with FLT3 mutations present in bone marrow or whole blood, as determined by central lab. Subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive gilteritinib (120 mg15) or salvage chemotherapy. About AstellasAstellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information, please visit our website at www.astellas.com/us. Cautionary NotesIn this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Contacts for inquiries or additional information:Astellas Pharma Inc.Corporate CommunicationsTEL: +81-3-3244-3201 FAX: +81-3-5201-7473 United States:Media inquiries: Marjorie MoelingTEL: +1-224-205-5205 E-MAIL: [email protected] 1 American Cancer Society. What is acute myeloid leukemia? (02-22-2016). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html. Accessed 05-10-2018.2 XOSPATA [package insert]. Northbrook, IL: Astellas Inc.3 American Cancer Society. Key statistics for acute myeloid leukemia (01-04-2018). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed 03-12-2018.4 Patel JP, Gonen M, Figueroa ME, et al. Prognostic relevance of integrated genetic profiling in acute myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(12):1079-89.5 Whitman SP, Archer KJ, Feng L, et al. Absence of the wild-type allele predicts poor prognosis in adult de novo acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics and the internal tandem duplication of FLT3: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study. Cancer Res. 2001;61(19):7233-7239.6 Whitman SP, Maharry K, Radmacher MD, et al. FLT3 internal tandem duplication associates with adverse outcome and gene- and microRNA-expression signatures in patients 60 years of age or older with primary cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study. Blood. 2010;116(18):3622-3626.7 Bacher U, Haferlach C, Kern W, Haferlach T, Schnittger S. Prognostic relevance of FLT3-TKD mutations in AML: the combination mattersan analysis of 3082 patients. Blood. 2008;111(5):2527-37.8 Alvarado Y, Kantarjian H, Luthra R, et al. Treatment with FLT3 inhibitor in patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia is associated with development of secondary FLT3tyrosine kinase domain mutations. Cancer. 2014;120(14):2142-9.9 Astellas Pharma Inc. U.S. FDA Grants Orphan-Drug Designation to Astellas for Development of FLT3 Inhibitor Gilteritinib in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (07-20-2017). https://newsroom.astellas.us/2017-07-20-U-S-FDA-Grants-Orphan-Drug-Designation-to-Astellas-for-Development-of-FLT3-Inhibitor-Gilteritinib-in-Acute-Myeloid-Leukemia. Accessed 11-21-2018.10 Astellas Pharma Inc. U.S. FDA Grants Priority Review to Astellas' New Drug Application for Gilteritinib for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) (05-29-2018). https://www.astellas.com/us/news/806. Accessed 11-21-2018.11 Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Receives Orphan Designation from the European Commission for Gilteritinib for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (07-23-2018). https://www.astellas.com/en/news/10211. Accessed 11-21-2018.12 Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the Japanese MHLW for Gilteritinib (03-22-2018). https://www.astellas.com/en/news/10466. Accessed 11-21-2018.13 Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Announces Approval in Japan for XOSPATA 40 mg Tablets for the Treatment of FLT3mut+ Relapsed or Refractory AML (09-21-2018). https://www.astellas.com/us/news/14271. Accessed 11-21-2018.14 ClinicalTrials.gov. A study of ASP2215 versus salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) mutation (04-25-2018). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02421939. Accessed 04-26-2018.15 Gorcea CM, Burthem J, Tholouli E. ASP2215 in the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3 mutation: background and design of the ADMIRAL trial. Future Oncol (Epub) 03-02-2018. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xospata-gilteritinib-approved-by-us-fda-for-adult-patients-with-relapsedrefractory-acute-myeloid-leukemia-aml-with-a-flt3-mutation-300757323.html SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc. By Ritah Kemigisa. Police together with the UPDF marine team have managed to retrieve the boat that capsized on Saturday claiming the live of over 30 with others still missing. So far 33 bodies have been retrieved and the search for the missing bodies still continues. Earlier the deputy Inspector General of Police Muzeyi Sabiiti joined the team headed by Asuman Mugenyi to remove the capsized boat from Lake Victoria. It is alleged that more than 100 people were on the ill-fated boat A total of 27 people were rescued alive and have since ben interrogated by police. Preliminary investigation show that the boat which capsized as it made its way from KK beach to K Palm Beach was overcrowded. Government has since declared tomorrow, Friday as the day to mourn for the victims of this accident. By Ssebuliba Samuel. Police have arrested a Born again pastor affiliated to Living Gospel Church located in Mukono for allegedly sodomising a 16 year old male member of his flock. According to Police its alleged that the victim had requested for 20000/= from the pastor he however told the boy that the money was at his home where he convinced the victim to sleep over since it was already getting late. According to the victims account, in the middle of the night suspect forcefully sodomized him while his friends where capturing a video and still photos of the acts. According to the Kampala metropolitan police spokespersons Luke owoyesigyire investigations confirmed that this is the second time he is being arrested at Mukono Police Station on sodomy charges. The suspect is currently detained at Mukono Police Station on charges related to sodomy, rape and defilement. By Ruth Anderah. The governor Bank of Uganda Tumusiime Mutebile has said that the collective termination over 400 former employees of Crane Bank was done in accordance with the law. In his letter to the ex employees, the governor says Bank of Uganda is ready to defend itself should the employees proceed to Courts of law. On 23 October the ex employees of crane bank gave Bank of Uganda 45 days within which to pay to them 48 billion shillings for loss of their employments Through their lawyer Isaac Semakadde the employees served the Governor of Bank of Uganda with a notice of intention to sue Bank of Uganda and DFCU Bank in case he fails to pay their money in the stated period. The ex-workers led by Achan Catherine Kate contend that until 20 October 2016 they were employees of Bank and Bank of Uganda subsequently took over the management of the Crane Bank on ground that it was under capitalized as described by law and therefore posed a systematic risk to the stability of the finance system. The claim that on 27 January 2017 Bank of Uganda notified the general public that it had transferred and conveyed the asset and liabilities of Crane Bank to DFCU subject to a purchase and takeover agreement that was fraud, unfair and allegedly concealed from the workers whose rights were affected directly by the takeover process. The group says that according to the recent Auditor Generals report Bank of Uganda forced the closure of Crane Bank and other local banks and induced DFCU terminate all its employees. The former employees contend that the move to close Crane Bank was in bad faith and in breach of Bank of Ugandas duties under the constitution. The ex employees want Bank of Uganda to pay 120 million shillings to each of them as compensation for the unlawful termination of their services with Crane Bank. Related Stories.. Sacked crane bank demand for compensation from BOU 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. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Canada will sanction 17 Saudi Arabian nationals linked to the October killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday a move announced on the eve of the G20 summit to be attended by the kingdom's crown prince. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Canada will sanction 17 Saudi Arabian nationals linked to the October killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday a move announced on the eve of the G20 summit to be attended by the kingdom's crown prince. The federal government looked closely at the involvement of each person it sanctioned, Freeland said, and concluded they were either directly involved or complicit in Khashoggi's October murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The dissident writer, who lived in exile in the United States, went to the consulate in Istanbul to get papers for his impending marriage and didn't come out. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland is shown during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand The sanctions freeze the targets' Canadian assets, she said, and make them inadmissible to Canada. Earlier this month, the United States imposed its own sanctions on Saudi officials for the same reason. "The murder of Jamal Khashoggi is abhorrent and represents an unconscionable attack on freedom of expression and freedom of the press," Freeland said. Canada walked a fine line as it unveiled its sanctions on Thursday, not making a direct link between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the writer's murder in Freeland's public remarks or in documents associated with the announcement. Freeland defended that position, saying Canada wants a credible, transparent investigation to identify all involved in an act "so serious and so odious" as Khashoggi's death. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland speaks to media on the roof of the Panamericano Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018., to attend the G20 Summit. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick "It's very important to act and to speak only on the basis of real certainty," she said. "These are not steps that we take lightly, they are not accusations that we can make lightly." Canada and other countries face the difficulty of how to handle bin Salman, known as MBS, at the G20 summit set to begin Friday. The trip is the highest-profile overseas junket for the crown prince since Khashoggi's murder and it is expected to be an opportunity for other leaders to press him on what happened and why. Freeland would not say whether Canadians will speak with Saudis during the meeting of the world's top economic leaders in Buenos Aires. As part of an examination of Khashoggi's death, the head of Canada's spy agency was dispatched to Turkey earlier in November to gather information and listen to a recording Turkish authorities have of Khashoggi's killing. Canadian Security Intelligence Service director David Vigneault briefed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as other top officials upon his return. Khashoggi's murder which sparked international condemnation of Riyadh has also renewed public outrage in Canada over Ottawa's controversial $15-billion deal to sell light armoured vehicles to the kingdom. The Trudeau government has faced calls to cancel the armoured-vehicles contract but the prime minister has said the penalty for doing so would be "in the billions of dollars." The federal NDP said Thursday it plans to press the Liberal government to "have the courage" to move beyond sanctions to the immediate cessation of all arms sales to Saudi Arabia. It has been over a month since the prime minister announced the government is reviewing current export permits to the kingdom, said the New Democrats' foreign-affairs critic Helene Laverdiere. "This belated and timid response from the government does not address the full scope of challenges in Canada's relations with Saudi Arabia," she said. Amnesty International Canada also welcomed the sanctions and also said that banning further shipments of armoured vehicles should be part of Canada's response. In Buenos Aires, Freeland repeated that Canada is reviewing arms sales to Saudi Arabia in view of Khashoggi's murder, incredible explanations of his death offered by the kingdom so far (from denying he was dead to saying it was the fault of rogue Saudi agents), and Saudi participation in the civil war in neighbouring Yemen. "During this period of review, no new arms export permits are being issued," she said. For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his country's ties to Saudi Arabia following Khashoggi's murder. The president has faced accusations of ignoring U.S. intelligence that concluded, according to a U.S. official, that it was likely the crown prince himself ordered the killing. Several lawmakers have asked the CIA and other top intelligence agencies to say publicly what they have told the president about Khashoggi's death. Follow @kkirkup on Twitter WASHINGTON - The slow-motion suspense of Donald Trump's relationship with Russia sped up suddenly Thursday as Michael Cohen, the president's former lawyer, admitted to a New York judge he lied to congressional investigators last year about discussions surrounding an aborted plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Michael Cohen walks out of federal court, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, in New York. Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. He told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Trump's "political message." (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) WASHINGTON - The slow-motion suspense of Donald Trump's relationship with Russia sped up suddenly Thursday as Michael Cohen, the president's former lawyer, admitted to a New York judge he lied to congressional investigators last year about discussions surrounding an aborted plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. The surprise pivot, which the president promptly shrugged off as a last-ditch bid for a reduced sentence on Cohen's unrelated convictions for tax evasion and bank fraud, came just days after Trump submitted written answers to questions from special counsel Robert Mueller. In a statement in court, Cohen described how his role as a lawyer and fixer for Trump bridged the former chief executive's transformation from Manhattan real-estate mogul to presidential candidate in 2016, and how he followed his boss's script of "repeated disavowals" of ties to Russia. And he described telling two congressional intelligence committees that the discussions about Trump possibly building one of his trademark skyscrapers in Moscow had come to a halt by January 2016, when the presidential campaign was ramping up in advance of the Iowa caucuses. "That description was false, I knew at the time, in that I had asserted that all efforts concerning the project had ceased in January of 2016 when, in fact, they had continued through June of 2016," Cohen said. He also admitted he had "extensive communications" with Trump referred to throughout the statement as "Individual One" about the project, rather than the "limited" ones he told Congress about, and that the pair did in fact discuss the issue of travelling to Russia, contrary to what he told the committees. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with Individual One's political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual One." Trump, unsolicited, tore a strip off his former lawyer, accusing him of seeking to mitigate the damage from an earlier unrelated guilty plea on charges of tax evasion, bank fraud and violating campaign finance laws. "He was convicted of various things unrelated to us, he was given a fairly long jail sentence, and he's a weak person," Trump said before embarking on a trip to Argentina for Friday's G20 meetings. "Unlike other people that you watch, he's a weak person and what he's trying to do is get a reduced sentence. He's lying about a project that everybody knew about." Trump went on to sound all but certain that once in Argentina, he would sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk about the Russian navy's brazen confrontation with Ukraine on the Sea of Azov, only to abruptly reverse course minutes later after getting on board Air Force One. "I think it's a very good time to have the meeting," he said on the ground. "I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happened ... and that will determine what I'm going to be doing." White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the final decision was made in consultation with national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The Kremlin said it had not been formally notified of the decision, which came hours after Moscow said the meeting was on track. Cohen's admission comes just one week after Trump and his lawyers provided written answers to questions posed by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is at the helm of a sweeping investigation of the Trump campaign's links to Russia and that country's role, if any, in swaying the 2016 presidential election. It also follows Monday's decision by Mueller to call off his team's co-operation agreement with Paul Manafort, who has also pleaded guilty to a number of financial charges, upon learning that Trump's former campaign chief had lied about "a variety of subject matters" after agreeing to work with the special counsel. All of it suggests Mueller is close to showing his cards, said Capri Cafaro, executive in residence at American University's School of Public Affairs. "Something is going on," said Cafaro, a former Democratic minority leader in the Ohio state senate. "We're seeing a lot of developments come out in succession ... obviously, progress seems to be being made, because we're seeing actions being taken in the public sphere, like with Manafort and now with Cohen." Thursday's hearing reinforces the narrative first borne of Cohen's admission earlier this year that he made hush-money payments during the campaign on Trump's behalf that the president's former lawyer has become one of his biggest legal liabilities. "We had a position to possibly do a deal to build a building of some kind in Moscow. I decided not to do it ... I was focused on running for president," Trump said. "There would be nothing wrong if I did do it. I was running my business while I was campaigning." Mueller's final report could come sooner rather than later if the special counsel is at all concerned about being accused of having a political agenda, said Cafaro releasing it in the midst of a newly sworn-in Democratic majority in the House of Representatives could provide the White House with easy talking points. "It may be likely that Mueller provides this information prior to the end of this year in order to circumvent any potential optics that it may be political," she said. "Maybe Mueller will try to release this prior to the new Congress being sworn in just simply to make sure people don't think he's somehow placing any political calculus and co-ordinating the fact that the House is coming in." Cohen is to be sentenced Dec. 12. With files from The Associated Press Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Canada will put pen to paper on its new trade pact with the U.S. and Mexico on Friday, even though officials were still combing through the fine print Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/11/2018 (1092 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau depart Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on route to Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 Summit. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Canada will put pen to paper on its new trade pact with the U.S. and Mexico on Friday, even though officials were still combing through the fine print Thursday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join U.S. President Donald Trump and outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to formally sign the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement early Friday, on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the signing late Thursday after a day of some uncertainty, with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland saying there were still details to be finalized before the three countries could formally sign the "massive" deal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joins takes part in a panel discussion at the Business Women Leaders Taskforce forum on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick "Our objective has always been to sign this agreement on Nov. 30 and we are on track to hit that objective," Freeland said shortly after the Canadian delegation arrived in Argentina for the two-day summit. "A vast number of technical details need to be scrubbed and wrapped up," she added. "The fact that this is an agreement in three languages adds to the level of technical complexity and it is on that level that we are just being sure that all the Is are dotted and all the Ts are crossed." Friday is an important deadline: Saturday, a new Mexican president takes over who could scramble the agreement. Signing the deal is largely ceremonial; it still requires ratification by all three countries before it can formally take effect. Lawmakers in the U.S. have already signalled they don't expect to deal with the USMCA until after the new Congress is sworn in early next year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers short remarks during the Women's Economic Empowerment Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick But the path to Friday's signing has been bruising, and those sore spots will be impossible to ignore when the three countries' leaders gather to talk trade for the first time since 13 months of talks culminated in an 11th-hour agreement late in September. For starters, U.S.-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum exports remain in place against both Canada and Mexico, as do a raft of countermeasures. With a new deal on the table that's supposed to represent a new era of tariff-free trade, all three countries have been working on resolving the standoff before Friday. The deal 32 chapters, 11 annexes and 12 side letters sets new rules for the auto sector, including a higher threshold for North American content and rules requiring 40 per cent of car parts be made by workers paid at least $16 an hour. It preserves a contentious dispute-resolution system the U.S. dearly wanted gone, extends patent protections for biologic drugs and allows U.S. farmers a 3.6-per-cent share of Canada's famously guarded market for poultry, eggs and dairy products a concession that dismayed Canadian dairy producers. In a letter released Thursday, the Dairy Farmers of Canada warned that the text of the deal gives the U.S. too much say over how the Canadian system is managed, and urged the government to stand down until that provision is excised. "The current final text of the USMCA will cause further harm to the Canadian dairy industry," they wrote. "The existing text ... grants the U.S. oversight into the administration of our Canadian dairy system, which undermines Canadian sovereignty and ability to manage Canadian dairy without U.S. intervention." Then there are the deeper wounds. The negotiations were long and at times acrimonious, with Freeland and her delegation learning first-hand what it's like to negotiate with President Donald Trump's administration, in particular his trade emissaries U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his deputy, C.J. Mahoney. During the final week of talks, Trump punctuated the tensions during a freewheeling news conference on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly: "We don't like their representative very much," he said, an apparent reference to Freeland. Despite the symbolism of Friday's signing, Trump has no meetings with Trudeau scheduled while the two are in Argentina. With files from James McCarten in Washington Follow @kkirkup on Twitter A Cork pub has made it onto a list of top global bars "that are doing things differently". The list, developed by the Press Association in London, cites The Hi-B bar, located on 108 Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city, at number 1 in its global list of bars who 'dont fit any mould or stereotype and easily standing out from the rest.' The head of addiction services at St John of God hospital has expressed concern at plans to broadcast early morning greyhound racing from two Irish tracks. Professor Colin OGara told RTE's Today with Sean O'Rourke show that he is concerned that the move will open up gambling to a new audience. Early morning Irish greyhound racing is to be broadcast into thousands of betting shops across Ireland and the UK from two new fixtures getting underway in the coming weeks. The morning meetings the first of their kind in this country will start at Kilkenny on Wednesday mornings next month and on Thursdays at Kilcohan Park in Waterford city in the new year and will see racing getting underway at 8.18am, despite the fact that, under Irish law, shops cannot open until 10am. The fixtures will be available in Irish betting offices but also more than 4,000 shops in the UK, through the SIS broadcasting system. They will also be available to online operators as part of SISs exclusive streaming portfolio. SIS already have the rights to broadcast a number of Irish greyhound racing fixtures, including those at Limerick, Cork, Tralee, Mullingar and Youghal. Prof OGara said he is concerned at the impact an extension of greyhound racing will have on problem gamblers. The early morning meets represent more proliferation of gambling opportunities, he said. Prof OGara also highlighted the lack of a regulatory framework for the industry. We have been in a very dangerous situation for many years, weve been asking for regulation and it hasnt come in yet. Ex-Anglo Irish Bank executive Tiarnan OMahoney is seeking legal costs of his original trial for conspiring to conceal bank accounts from the Revenue Commissioners, on top of costs for his successful appeal against conviction and subsequent acquittal. Mr O'Mahoney (58) of Glen Pines, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow was originally found guilty by a jury in 2015 of knowingly furnishing false information and conspiring to defraud the Revenue as well as conspiring to have accounts deleted from the bank's internal system. The accounts were alleged to have been connected to the banks former CEO Sean Fitzpatrick. Mr OMahoney successfully appealed his conviction in March 2016 with the Court of Appeal holding that a substantial number of documents were wrongfully admitted into evidence and that the false information charge was brought outside of a 10-year time limit. A retrial was ordered in respect of Mr OMahoney, Anglos former Chief Operations Officer, which resulted in his acquittal on all charges by direction of the trial judge last year. Mr OMahoney has no convictions arising out of the so-called Anglo trials. The Court of Appeal had awarded costs to Mr OMahoney, who has not been on legal aid, for his successful appeal. However, an issue has arisen over precisely what was said in relation to costs for the original trial and retrial. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham directed that the digital audio recording of the order for a retrial be made available to both sides, on foot of an application by Mr OMahoneys lawyers. Tiarnan OMahoney Counsel for Mr OMahoney, Brendan Grehan SC, said his client was seeking costs for the original trial and the matter will come before Judge Martin Nolan on Monday next. Judge Nolan was the judge for Mr OMahoneys retrial. Mr OMahoney, who was not in court for the brief matter, originally stood trial alongside Anglos former company secretary, Bernard Daly (68) of Collins Avenue West, Whitehall, in Dublin and an assistant manager in the bank Aoife Maguire (64) of Rothe Abbey, South Circular Road, in Kilmainham. Mr Daly and Mr OMahoney successfully appealed their convictions and a retrial was ordered in respect of Mr OMahoney only. Ms Maguire successfully appealed against the severity of her sentence only and her conviction still stands. Quashing Mr Dalys and Mr OMahoneys convictions in March 2016, Mr Justice George Birmingham said they should not have had to stand trial on the charge of furnishing false information because the proceedings were not commenced within the 10-year time limit. They also successfully contended that a substantial number of documents were wrongly admitted in evidence. Mr Justice Birmingham said the documents, which the trial judge ruled admissible, were vital to the prosecution case. These documents allowed the witnesss a fraud investigator within Anglo, Patrick Peake to trace for the jury and to explain and illustrate the means by which Anglo accounts were opened, kept, how ownership was designated, how funds were sourced, moved between different accounts and how the names of different accounts were changed or re-designated at various times. In circumstances where crucial documentary evidence was admitted in breach of the hearsay rule, Mr Justice Birmingham said the court must uphold this ground of appeal. The question of a re-trial did not arise for Mr Daly because, the court concluded, there was insufficient evidence to go before the jury. Mr O'Mahoney's position was different. His omnibus ground of appeal concerning multiple complaints related to the trial in the summer of 2015 did not preclude the ordering of a re-trial, Mr Justice Birmingham said. At OMahoneys subsequent retrial, Judge Martin Nolan directed the jury to acquit him on all charges. Judge Nolan said that after considering arguments from both sides he had reluctantly come to the conclusion that the case was too tenuous to go to the jury and a conviction would be perverse. The evidence of conspiracy to do the acts with which Mr O'Mahoney is charged is too tenuous, too remote in both substance and in time. He said he was not satisfied that any properly directed jury could convict in these circumstances, as they would be asked to speculate and to fill in gaps in the evidence adduced during the trial. Judge Nolan said there was every reason to be suspicious of Mr O'Mahoney's activities in October and November 2003, and his subsequent dealings with gardai. But, he said, in the absence of formal evidence of conspiracy with Aoife Maguire this was not enough. At times during his interviews with gardai and in his court testimony, Cathal OSullivan spoke tenderly of the woman he killed - but at other times he dragged her character through the mud. That was never more evident than in his account of how she came to have 125 bruises and lacerations from her ankles all the way up to her scalp. He told gardai that Nicola Collins fell in the shower and that she struck her head of the bath tap and landed on other items in the bath. Throughout, he would repeatedly reference her attempts to scrape him and that he would have to defend himself. He said at one point she lunged at him and my hand kind of snapped back into her eye, nose and mouth adding of that event it was an accident - no one tried to make it happen. In another alleged incident when he said she had a knife that he was trying to get from her, I pushed her throat and chin area. Because I was pushing there, I could leave a mark there, like. It was just a game to Nicola. He portrayed Ms Collins as a violent, deluded drunk - drinking two-litre bottles of cider and becoming aggressive, blaming him for things. She was scraping me. I had to restrain her. I tried to prevent her doing harm to me. When she is violent she does not hold her balance too well. She has a personality disorder. She blames me for everything. She said she had the babies in the freezer. She said she had them in the shed I dont know if it is real or not. These stories a lot of the time turn out to be false. I dont know if these stories are true he told gardai. Yet, on the other hand during evidence to the court, OSullivan described how he and Ms Collins met on a 10 week-course ironically called Effective Communication for Better Relationships. He was on medication for anxiety depression and social phobia but she helped him to be a lot better person. He even described a conversation they had barely hours before she died to show how the two still loved each other. He said that on the Sunday night when Nicola Collins was in bed (she died in the early hours of Monday) he said to her: Are we OK?. And she looked at me like it was a stupid question and said, Yeah, of course. And she was comfortable. Prosecution senior counsel Tom Creed put it to him at that point: With 130 injuries she is comfortable. That she died shortly after and she was comfortable. OSullivan replied: She was happy. We were happy with the things we had. We had a plan and we were going towards it. In the same passage of evidence in the court, OSullivan told Mr Creed that the injury that caused Ms Creeds death was the fall in the bath which, he said had caused subdural haemorrhage. When Mr Creed asked him What about the other 124 injuries? OSullivan insisted the majority were caused postmortem. A number were accidental or as a result of incidents between myself and Nicola. They were not deliberate contact. There is no injury caused deliberately by me on Nicola. When the senior counsel asked him did he strike her at all, he seemed to revert to the blame game. That depends on what you mean. Did I contact her? Yes. Did I do it on purpose? No. Did I cause it? I dont know, that is English, that is where I get poor with my description. Later he said, I am not blaming Nicola at any stage. None of us were at fault. Nicola did not cause anything. I did not cause anything. These were outbursts, we cannot control her outbursts. As to the night in question and the events immediately prior to Nicola Collins death, OSullivans account seemed to verge on the bizarre. He said she had got into bed after a shower and began drinking while he was watching television. At one stage she was making a gurgling sound and blood was erupting from her mouthI put her in the recovery position. Are you alright Nicola? She told me previously she vomited blood. Later I turned off the TV. I realised she was not breathing. I started giving her mouth to mouth. She was not responsive. I wanted the blood that was there out. I started giving her mouth to mouth. I gave her CPR. I thought she was dead. I rang 999. She was comfortable around me. She passed away beside me. She was safe with me. Despite whatever drinking or fighting I thought I could keep her safe. Maybe I should have kept my arms around her but my arms were not around her. I stopped drinking. I turned on the TV. I thought everything was OK. Maybe I should have kept my arms around her. I do not like any violence. I do not want to be part of it. It is part of Nicola. I have to restrain the woman. I cannot get scratched. She would take the eyes out of you. I have to keep her away. I just think, mind this girl, take care of her. I dont look at it as self-defence. I look at it as minding her. He made a bizarre claim about her last few seconds. It was her dying with me. She was happy in her last moments. We were singing songs before she f***ing passed away. OSullivan claimed he spent up to half an hour trying to revive her doing CPR - that he eventually lost strength in his hands and started using his feet and legs instead. I did hit her a number of times trying to bring her back. I thought she was joking. I am pretty sure she was dead when the jaw thing happened, he said. The deceaseds injuries included a fractured jaw. All of that is at odds with what detectives said he told his friend Matthew Twomey in Limerick when he rang him in the early hours of that morning in question. You told him you had a fight with her, that she died and you brought her back to life, it was put to him. He replied, That is crazy. Michael Collins, father and Carly Collins, sister of the late Nicola Collins pictured outside the court today. Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Cork Courts At times during his interviews with gardai and in his court testimony, Cathal OSullivan spoke tenderly of the woman he killed - but at other times he dragged her character through the mud. The family of Nicola Collins have expressed relief at the murder conviction of 45-year-old Cathal O'Sullivan this afternoon but suggested they will be haunted by the "unimaginable terror" of her final hours. Cathal O'Sullivan was jailed for life after he was found guilty of the murder of Nicola Collins, who he beat to death at his flat in Cork city in March 2017. Nicola's father Michael and Carly Collins, her sister, spoke to the media outside the court today and said they were angry the way O'Sullivan tried to cover up what he did. Michael Collins, father and Carly Collins, sister of the late Nicola Collins pictured outside the court today. Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Cork Courts Carly Collins said that the family will be forever haunted by "the thought of the pain she must have suffered, and the unimaginable terror she surely felt in her final hours". Speaking about the "vilification" of Nicola's character during the course of the trial, Ms Collins said that the "vile allegations heard in recent days have left us feeling disturbed and embittered". She said that her sister whom she loved and admired was not the person that she had been portrayed as in court. "Nic was vulnerable. Her on-and-off struggles with alcohol were an emotional rollercoaster, the downside of which left her feeling alone at times. These issues however did not define her, did not change the fact that she was a vivacious, fun person who was dearly loved. It did not mean she was undeserving of dignity and respect. Ms Collins said that her only sister struggled with very low self-esteem and confronted many tough times in her life. "To think of her, a person in need of love and kindness, being met with cold-hearted brutality, is beyond heartbreaking." Nicola's three sons were left shocked and despondent at the sudden loss of their mother and friend, said Ms Collins. They were totally distraught at not being able to talk to her one last time, or to tell her how much she was loved. Ms Collins said that Nicola's family and friends had had high hopes for "the bright future she deserved" but that it had been taken away. "Nic was a sister, daughter, mother and friend. The shock of losing her still feels like a bad dream, one that we wish we could wake up from. Her loss will be felt permanently, for the rest of our lives." Nicola's father, Michael, said that the trial had been extremely difficult for the family. "It has been a second ordeal to us," said her father, Michael. It was excruciating to listen to the medical evidence, the vilification of Nicola's character. "She was besmirched by this man and he did nothing at all to help her even when she was in very bad pain he did nothing to help her." Mr Collins and her sister went on to say Nicola was an amazing person who would always be in their heart and minds. "She'll never get to reach her full potential - any potential," said Nicola's mother, Kay. "She was taken away at the prime of her life." The jury took three hours and 58 minutes to find Cathal O'Sullivan, originally from Charleville, County Cork, guilty to a charge of murdering Nicola Collins on March 27 2017 at a flat at 6A Popham's Road, Farranree, Cork, over the Gala store. The late Ms Collins was a native of St Brendans Park in Tralee, Co Kerry, but who had been living at Clashduv Road in the Togher area of Cork for a number of years. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed the mandatory life sentence after the nine men and three women of the jury returned with their unanimous verdict. Cathal O'Sullivan denied the charge throughout the trial and claimed Ms Collins had fallen. Additional reporting by Digital Desk More to follow. A Dublin man has gone on trial for an alleged sexual assault on a sleeping woman he met earlier in a night club. Patrick Beauchamp (26) is also accused of head-butting a man who claims he witnessed the assault and who told Beauchamp If that was my sister I'd kill you. Mr Beauchamp of Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm at his home in the early hours of May 10, 2015. The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, gave evidence that she was out in Copper Face Jack's nightclub with her friend when she bumped into an acquaintance as well as the accused for the first time. The four went back to Mr Beauchamp's house. She said she lay down on the couch and the accused put his hand up her dress. She told him to stop and pushed him away. The woman said she fell asleep and had no recollection of the alleged assault. She said when she woke up the two men were already fighting. Her acquaintance gave evidence that he saw the accused lying on top of the woman and humping her with his pants slightly pushed down exposing his backside. He said she appeared to be out of it . He said that the accused then headbutted him in the nose. He said they began to grapple and continued to do so until the older brother of Mr Beauchamp came downstairs and told them to stop. He said he then left along with the woman and her friend, only to be followed down the street by Mr Beauchamp. They exchanged words and then the accused struck him in the face with his fist. Garda Tara Power gave evidence that she was on a routine patrol that morning and observed the accused punching the man in the face. Mr Beauchamp told the jury that he had not gotten on top of the woman. He said that the other man became aggressive towards him and that he had acted in self-defence. He said he struck him with a closed fist but said he didn't headbutt him. He said he followed the group out of the house to get the woman's surname and that this man again swung at him first. Mr Beauchamp said that the woman was lying about him putting a hand up her skirt and that aside from a kiss in the kitchen he had not touched her at all. He said she had not been asleep on the couch and that she was standing beside him when the fighting began. The trial will continue tomorrow afternoon when Judge Patricia Ryan will give charge the jury of six women and six men. By Louise Roseingrave A nursing home resident choked on a piece of toast while eating his breakfast, an inquest has heard. Gerald Barry (aged 85) was sitting up in his bed at Marymount Nursing Home in Lucan, Co Dublin when he choked on his toast on May 29, 2017. A doctor and nurse examined him that morning and told him he needed to go to hospital for a chest infection. The elderly man initially refused and said no but appeared to agree when told his daughter would go with him. Clinical nurse manager Caroline Cusack said she was leaving the room following the examination when Mr Barry beckoned her back. Hed been on antibiotics since Friday. The doctor decided to send him to hospital for intravenous antibiotics. I was at the door when he motioned me back with his hand. I said 'are you okay Gerry' but he was unable to respond, she said. The doctor attempted the Heimlich manoeuvre while Ms Cusack ran to get a suction machine at the nurses' station next door. The suction machine brought up some food particles and phlegm, Dublin Coroner's Court heard. Chest compressions commenced and an ambulance was called at 9.18am. Paramedics arrived at 9.28am. Mr Barry was rushed to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. In the ambulance a ventilation tube dislodged a sizeable piece of toast stuck in the mans airway. Mr Barry was admitted to Connolly Hospital at 10am where medics continued to try to save his life but he was pronounced dead at 10.11am. A post mortem conducted by Professor Eamon Leen gave the cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia (his heart stopped) as a consequence of a choking episode with heart disease and a chest infection as contributory factors. Its the choking episode and lack of oxygen that causes the heart to stop, Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane told family members adding that Mr Barry was more vulnerable due to his heart disease and chest infection. Its a very rapid sequence of events. Very quickly the lowering of the oxygen level causes loss of consciousness and that would have happened quite soon after the piece of toast got stuck in his airway, the coroner said, returning a verdict of accidental death. By Ann O'Loughlin A hotel which has been at the centre of a High Court dispute is expected to open as accommodation for asylum seekers in the new year. The 39-room Shannon Key West Hotel at Rooskey on the Co Leitrim/Roscommon border is the subject of proceedings between Paradub Ltd which wants to develop the property into a tourist hotel and its owner businessman James Kiernan. Paradub claims it entered into an agreement to buy the hotel, which closed in 2011, from Mr Kiernan, which the company alleges he has failed to complete. Earlier this month Paradub launched proceedings after it 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. 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. Mr Kiernan denies the claims against him and opposes the injunction application. The case was briefly mentioned before Ms Justice Leoine Reynolds today. Padraic Lyons Bl for Mr Kiernan said his side had served the plaintiffs with a sworn statement in reply to the injunction application. Counsel said that an agreement was in place between his client and another party in relation to the use of the hotel. That third party, counsel said, had entered into an arrangement with the Department of Justice for the hotel to be used as accommodation for asylum seekers starting from January 7. It was now a matter for the plaintiff if it wishes to join this third party to the proceedings, counsel said. Counsel for the company Jack Tchrakian Bl said his side had only recently received the defendant's sworn affidavit and required time to consider its contents. Ms Justice Reynolds, noting the urgency of the matter, adjourned the case to next week. Previously the Judge granted the company permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings against Mr Kiernan. It claims 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. Thousands of US visas could soon be available to Irish citizens looking to live and work stateside. Last night, the US House of Representatives passed the 'E3 Bill' which would allow them to participate in the E3 Visa Programme. A woman has revealed a bizarre accident which saw a sewing needle pierce her lung. Aoife was speaking to RTE's Liveline this afternoon and recounted how the injury occurred. She was sewing in bed and missed one sewing needle when she was tidying up. Aoife's x-ray shows the needle sticking in her left lung. It wasn't until the following night when she was going to bed that she lay on the needle by accident. When she felt the pain, Aoife went to the mirror to see what it was and saw the needle sticking out of her back. When I went to reach for it, I guess the muscles in my back just pushed it in and I could feel it in my back under the skin. Although Aoife said that it didn't hurt, she "freaked out" and went to the hospital. It took over three hours to get an x-ray as Aoife says they did not believe her. Once it showed that there was, in fact, a needle in her back staff at the hospital apologised to her. Aoife had to wait a week before she underwent surgery and was put on bed rest with her arm in a sling as there was concern that movement of her shoulder blade could push it in further. They said in the following few days it could either fall out of your lung and move around your body or it could enter the lung fully and if it enters the lung fully, well we're just gonna have to keep it there. We won't have surgery. "And if it moved around my body, I could have very serious complications." Aoife, who was 24 at the time, questioned why it took so long before she could get surgery. She was told the respiratory department was too busy. They had initially done back surgery but it was not successful as the needle was further in than they had thought. The hospital told Aoife that they had never seen anything like it. To get the needle out they had to go through her ribs and collapse Aoife's lung. Aoife has not done any sewing since it happened. Listen to Aoife's full story below: The man. The music. The show - that is, Hugh Jackman is coming to Dublins 3Arena. Today, Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning performer, Hugh Jackman, announced his first world tour. The concert will see Jackman performing hit songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and more from Broadway and film, accompanied by a live orchestra. The tour will kick off with 12 shows across Europe and the UK beginning Monday, May 13 in Hamburg and will visit Dublin on May 30, 2019. Other stops include Germany, Amsterdam, Paris, Manchester, and London. Jackman garnered his first Academy Award nomination, for Best Actor, for his performance in Tom Hoopers Les Miserables. Jackmans standout performance as protagonist Jean Valjean also earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, as well as Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations, for both Best Ensemble and Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, and a BAFTA Award nomination. Most recently, he was nominated for his role as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. Sales for the soundtrack to the film have broken records the world over and reached multi-platinum status in many countries including the UK and America. For more information please visit HughJackmanTheShow.com. All together now: I bless the rains down in Africa Thats right, Toto are coming to Cork as part on 2019 Live at the Marquee. It was announced today that 80s band will take to the stage on June 15. Their Greatest Hits package titled 40 Trips Around The Sun was released earlier this year and impacted charts all over the world. The 40 Trips Around The Sun tour extends into 2019 in Europe! New shows in Sweden, Norway, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Italy and France Many more to be announced! For ticket links and more details visit:https://t.co/BCalmXqXOB pic.twitter.com/jv2bwYxE6z TOTO (@toto99com) October 10, 2018 Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations. Collectively TOTO has over a billion streams worldwide on all streaming services. With over 40 years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time: Michael Jacksons Thriller, and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. Tickets for this dates go on sale this Wednesday, Dec 5 at 9am from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. By Sarah Slater A pair of rugby boots worn by world rugby player of the year Johnny Sexton has fetched 15,500 at auction. The father of three donated his boots to raise funds for a seriously ill girl. The Irish out-half's lucky boots, which he wore playing in Ireland's Grand Slam and when Leinster won the Pro14 and the Champions Cup, went under the auction hammer on Wednesday evening. He was never been beaten in any games when he wore the boots and he has become the first Irishman in 17 years to be crowned World Rugby Player of the Year last Sunday. He was previously nominated four years ago and Keith Wood is the only Irish player to win the prize. Lot 1267, the final item of the two-day long auction was the subject of several frantic bids for a number of minutes. It is understood that the buyer is Irish. All proceeds from the sale of the well-worn rugby boots, by Shepherds Auctioneers in Durrow, Co Laois, will go towards the medical treatment of eight-year-old Anna Browne, from Mallow, Co Cork. Her family are trying to raise money to pay for ongoing treatment both in here and in the US to treat her cerebral palsy. Annas illness is restricting her mobility and she requires the use of a wheelchair. Sextons generous offer came after his godfather, Listowel publican and author Billy Keane, met the Browne family and was deeply touched by Anna's story. Contact was then successfully made with Sexton who unselfishly donated the boots. The auction catalogue details the boots as: Provenance: Jonathan Sexton. The leather skin of the instep and toe is broken from stamping studs and the pounding of giants, accidental and otherwise. These boots record the history of every kick and every step. The right shoe is the one that beat the French with the last play, Le Drop, in Paris. These are his lucky boots: the boots won the Grand Slam, the Pro14 and the Champions Cup. He has never been beaten in these boots. Theresa May has said any decision on a hard Irish border could be largely out of Britain's control. The British Prime Minister has been taking questions at a House of Commons committee on Brexit. The deal for the UK to leave the EU is being scrutinised by senior British politicians. Asked about any scenario that could see a hard border, Mrs May said it is mostly out of their control. She said: "We are not the only party to this arrangement. Obviously, there is the Irish Government, in fact, competence in this is a matter for the European Union. "We would do everything we could not to erect a hard border. It would be a decision for the European Union and the Irish Government, and the concern that they would have would be about the fact that we would then be in a different set of circumstances on customs." Appearing before the Commons Liaison Committee, Mrs May urged MPs to focus on her Brexit deal ahead of next month's crucial House of Commons vote. The British Prime Minister said the only deal on offer is the one she has negotiated with the EU. "My focus is on the vote that will take place on December 11 here in this House," she said. "You want to look at all sorts of options and ideas. I think it is important Members of Parliament focus on the nature of this vote. "This is an important point in our history. It is a vote on which we will be deciding whether we deliver on the decision of the British people. "What has been made clear from the European Union is that this is the deal that has been negotiated and this is the deal that people need to focus on when they are looking at the vote." She has rejected the suggestion passing her Brexit plan in Parliament without the support of the DUP will lead to the end of her partnership with the Northern Irish party. Its leader Arlene Foster reiterated this morning that the party's 10 MPs would not back the PM's Withdrawal Agreement, saying it would create a "huge democratic deficit" in the North. Speaking to the Commons Liaison Committee, the PM said: "Actually, the DUP have themselves said that the confidence-and-supply agreement remains in place." However, Ms Foster has called on Mrs May to "not waste time" on her Brexit deal and instead look for a better solution to the Irish border. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Foster said the current proposals contain "68 pages of regulations that will apply to Northern Ireland and will not apply to the rest of the UK". "There is a huge democratic deficit coming our way if we agree to this deal, because we've no say over the rules that will apply to Northern Ireland," she added. Ms Foster said Theresa May's Brexit deal would see Northern Ireland "diverge off from the United Kingdom" as she called on her to "look for a better deal" that "takes back control of our money, of our borders and of our laws". The DUP leader said: "All the things that made us vote for Brexit are the things that are going to be imposed on Northern Ireland." She also hinted that if Mrs May's current Withdrawal Agreement fails to get through the Commons, her party could be open to a so-called "Norway-plus" style arrangement, where the whole of the UK stays in the customs union. Ms Foster says the DUP's "one red line" is to make sure Northern Ireland is not differentiated from the rest of the UK in terms of customs and is "not prescriptive" about other potential options on the future relationship with the EU. - Digital Desk and PA 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 Odebrecht Bribery Scandal: Latin America LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475767 11-29-2018 06:36 AM Post: #1 Odebrecht Bribery Scandal: Latin America Advertisement Odebrecht Bribery Scandal Shakes Up Latin America The Brazilian construction giants admission that it paid hundreds of millions of dollars to win contracts has sparked a political crisis there and a range of reactions elsewhere Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht SAs admission to U.S. prosecutors that it paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to win lucrative infrastructure contracts is reverberating across Latin America, where the company has built some of the regions biggest projects during the last 15 years. Since 2001, Odebrecht paid nearly $800 million in bribes in 12 countries, providing the company with $3.34 billion in profits, according to an anticorruption settlement released by the U.S. Department of Justice this week. Where Odebrecht Paid Bribes - Brazil: $349 million - Angola: $50 million - Argentina: $35 million - Colombia: $11 million - Dominican Republic: $92 million - Ecuador: $33.5 million - Guatemala: $18 million - Mexico: $10.5 million - Mozambique: $900,000 - Panama: $59 million - Peru: $29 million - Venezuela: $98 million Source: Court documents https://www.wsj.com/articles/odebrecht-b...1482454732 Prosecutor opens preliminary investigation against Alan Garcia, PPK and Alejandro Toledo for the contributions of Obrecht This Friday, June 1, it was learned that the Public Prosecutor for Money Laundering, Jose Domingo Perez Gomez , ordered the opening of a preliminary investigation against former presidents Alan Garcia , Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Alejandro Toledo Manrique suspected of receiving contributions from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to finance his presidential campaigns of 2006 and 2011. https://translate.google.com/translate?s...onota%3D11 Peru seeks extradition of ex-president in Odebrecht case Peru says its formally asking U.S. officials to send former President Alejandro Toledo home to be tried for a massive corruption scheme. The Foreign Ministry said Friday that its delivered extradition papers to the U.S. State Department. Prosecutors accuse the ex-president of taking bribes worth $20 million from the Odebrecht construction firm in exchange for approval to build of a road linking Brazil and Peru. Peruvian authorities say Toledo has been spotted in the U.S. cities of New York and San Francisco. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-worl...echt-case/ Peru ex-president Garcia asked for asylum in Uruguay: foreign ministry Former Peruvian President Alan Garcia entered the Uruguayan embassy and applied for asylum, hours after being banned from leaving the country while under investigation for corruption, the Peruvian foreign ministry said on Sunday. Garcia entered the embassy and home of the Uruguayan ambassador in a residential Lima neighborhood on Saturday night and requested asylum, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-peru-...SKCN1NN0S2 Switzerland and Andorra investigate Uruguay as a key player in Odebrecht money laundering The Swiss prosecutor's office and the Principality of Andorra are convinced that Uruguay played an important role in laundering money from Odebrecht . According to his investigations, who was the promoter of this was the brother of the Uruguayan president Jose Maria Sanguinetti. Uruguay has no evidence of the corruption of Odebrecht, but it would have served as a nexus for the payment of millions of bribes in Brazil, Argentina, and also in our country. https://translate.google.com/translate?s...ht-n347715 The Brazilian construction giants admission that it paid hundreds of millions of dollars to win contracts has sparked a political crisis there and a range of reactions elsewhereBrazilian construction giant Odebrecht SAs admission to U.S. prosecutors that it paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to win lucrative infrastructure contracts is reverberating across Latin America, where the company has built some of the regions biggest projects during the last 15 years.Since 2001, Odebrecht paid nearly $800 million in bribes in 12 countries, providing the company with $3.34 billion in profits, according to an anticorruption settlement released by the U.S. Department of Justice this week.Where Odebrecht Paid Bribes- Brazil: $349 million- Angola: $50 million- Argentina: $35 million- Colombia: $11 million- Dominican Republic: $92 million- Ecuador: $33.5 million- Guatemala: $18 million- Mexico: $10.5 million- Mozambique: $900,000- Panama: $59 million- Peru: $29 million- Venezuela: $98 millionSource: Court documentsThis Friday, June 1, it was learned that the Public Prosecutor for Money Laundering, Jose Domingo Perez Gomez , ordered the opening of a preliminary investigation against former presidents Alan Garcia , Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Alejandro Toledo Manrique suspected of receiving contributions from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to finance his presidential campaigns of 2006 and 2011.Peru says its formally asking U.S. officials to send former President Alejandro Toledo home to be tried for a massive corruption scheme.The Foreign Ministry said Friday that its delivered extradition papers to the U.S. State Department.Prosecutors accuse the ex-president of taking bribes worth $20 million from the Odebrecht construction firm in exchange for approval to build of a road linking Brazil and Peru.Peruvian authorities say Toledo has been spotted in the U.S. cities of New York and San Francisco.Former Peruvian President Alan Garcia entered the Uruguayan embassy and applied for asylum, hours after being banned from leaving the country while under investigation for corruption, the Peruvian foreign ministry said on Sunday.Garcia entered the embassy and home of the Uruguayan ambassador in a residential Lima neighborhood on Saturday night and requested asylum, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.The Swiss prosecutor's office and the Principality of Andorra are convinced that Uruguay played an important role in laundering money from Odebrecht . According to his investigations, who was the promoter of this was the brother of the Uruguayan president Jose Maria Sanguinetti.Uruguay has no evidence of the corruption of Odebrecht, but it would have served as a nexus for the payment of millions of bribes in Brazil, Argentina, and also in our country. Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread The death of a key witness in a Colombian corruption probe and the cyanide poisoning of his son three days later have left a $US1 billion ($1.4 billion) dent in one of the world's great banking fortunes. Luis Carlos Sarmiento, the founder of Colombia's biggest banking group, has seen the value of his empire shrink as investigations into Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht SA cast a shadow over its former partners, including Sarmiento's Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores SA. Shares in Grupo Aval have fallen 27 per cent in dollar terms this year, the worst performance among the 20 biggest banks in Latin America. Fanny de Sarmiento with husband Luis Carlos Sarmiento. Credit:Alamy Shares in Bancolombia, Aval's main competitor, rose 2 per cent over the same period. Jorge Enrique Pizano, an auditor for one of Sarmiento's companies, warned about suspicious payments by Odebrecht as early as 2013. He died this month from what authorities said was a heart attack. His son, who returned from Spain for the funeral, then died from poisoning in circumstances that remain mysterious. Mining giant Rio Tinto has approved a $US2.6 billion ($3.5 billion) investment in its futuristic Koodaideri iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The mine will be one of Rio Tinto's most heavily automated operations, featuring robotic trains and advanced analytics as well as 3D reconstructions of the operation to help train new miners in simulated conditions. Rio Tinto's multibillion-dollar investment in a new iron ore mine in WA's Pilbara region follows similar commitments from BHP and Fortescue Metals. Credit:AFR Koodaideri is a game-changer for Rio Tinto. It will be the most technologically advanced mine we have ever built and sets a new benchmark for the industry in terms of the adoption of automation and the use of data to enhance safety productivity, Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said. Rio Tinto had originally forecast an annual output of around 40 million tonnes of iron ore, however, it has now boosted that production to 43 million tonnes a year. Myer's largest shareholder, retail billionaire Solomon Lew, has extended an olive branch to the department store's chief executive John King, comparing him favourably to a decent jockey riding a poorly trained horse. Mr Lew, who's listed retail group Premier Investments owns 11 per cent of Myer, said on Thursday there had been a rush of support from other Myer investors in his efforts to roll the department store's board at its annual general meeting on Friday. Solomon Lew said there had been a rush of support for his attempts to roll Myer's board. Credit:Jesse Marlow "The shareholders are bitterly disappointed, particularly those shareholders that came into the listing in 2009 at $4.10," Mr Lew said. "Theyve now lost over 90 per cent of their money, no dividends being paid, and the directors being paid very well for non-performance." Theres a spectrum of views from this is murder, this is homicide to what do you expect someone with dementia living with someone else with dementia to do? Professor Joseph Ibrahim at Monash University. Nursing home providers are required to report allegations or suspicions of abuse including unlawful sexual contact, unreasonable use of force or assault against care recipients to the Department of Health and the police within 24 hours under the Aged Care Acts mandatory reporting framework. But providers are not required to report suspected assaults if the alleged offender is a resident with a cognitive or mental impairment and care arrangements are put in place to manage their behaviour within 24 hours. This means that the most common types of resident-to-resident aggression incidents those involving cognitively impaired residents are never collated and publicly report on, Professor Ibrahim said. So we have no way of knowing the scale and severity of the problem." Loading Dr Sarah Russell, public health researcher and director of Aged Care Matters said the discretionary clause was outrageous. We need to collect this very important data to better manage and potentially prevent aggression incidents, she said. Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt said in limited circumstances approved providers are not required to report alleged or suspected assaults to the Department of Health but still must report them to the police. But the discretionary clause allowing providers not to report some suspected assaults did not clearly distinguish between the Department of Health and the police. The Australian Law Reform Commission has also raised similar concerns about the need for clarification. Loading In 2017-18 the Department of Health received 4013 notifications of assaults. Of these 3773 were required to be reported under the Act and 3226 were recorded as alleged or suspected unreasonable use of force. Professor Ibrahim said these figures were vanishingly small, amounting to one or two suspected assaults per home per year across Australias 2700 aged care facilities. It doesnt sound plausible that they could be capturing them all, he said. The study found 86 per cent of aggressors were male and the risk of dying from injuries inflicted by fellow residents was twice as high for men than women. Aggressors were more likely to be younger and more recently admitted to the aged care facility. The violent acts often occurred in communal areas in large facilities with 60 or more beds, in the afternoon or evening, and most often involved a push-and-fall type assault. They might say you are in my chair or my house, get out and the other bloke is thinking the exact same thing, Professor Ibrahim said. Staff are very frightened of intervening [in cases of aggression] and there are lots of occasions when staff get hurt. Theres no simple solution to it, he said. Roughly 40 per cent occurred in bedrooms, often when residents mistake another residents room for their own. "These people with dementia are only able to communicate with simple methods," he said. A lot of these situations can be averted with a consistent approach, good training and skill set among staff who understand what a person with dementia needs and an environment that allows them freedom of movement." Lead author Dr Briony Jain said without intervention an increasing number of nursing home residents will be at risk of death from aggressive acts because of Australia's growing ageing population and increasing rates of dementia. More than half of aged care residents are diagnosed with dementia. By 2028 an estimated 589,807 Australians will have dementia. By 2058 that number will tip over one million. A Holocaust survivor from Sydney's eastern suburbs, accused of indecently assaulting two young women working as his in-home carers, has succeeded in his bid to have the charges dismissed on mental health grounds. Aron Kleinlehrer, 96, faced four counts of aggravated indecent assault against the women, more than 60 years his junior, who were employed at his home in Village High Road, Vaucluse. Aron Kleinlehrer arrives at court on Thursday. Credit:AAP Court documents allege that Mr Kleinlehrer inappropriately touched one of the women, 32, on three separate occasions - on her breasts, buttocks and genitals - in April and May this year. On the third occasion, Mr Kleinlehrer allegedly asked the carer to rub cream on his legs when he touched her vagina through her clothes. A nine-year-old girl's beloved pony Flicka has gone missing, with the Queensland Police issuing an appeal for help to find the lost pony. Queensland Police are appealing for help tracking down missing pony Flicka, beloved by her nine-year-old owner. Credit:Queensland Police Flicka went missing from her paddock next to the Gregory Development Road, about 115 kilometres north of Charters Towers, on Tuesday. Her nine-year-old owner was described as "very upset" after saving her money and paying for Flicka herself. Police from Charters Towers Major and Organised Crime Squad Rural division said concerns were held for the pony's safety as it was "out of character" for her to wander away from her paddock. Troops are being rallied in Brisbanes inner west as residents plan a public relations assault on the Pig N Whistle pub and its plan to install 45 poker machines inside a family-friendly shopping centre. More than 50 residents gathered in Indooroopilly on Tuesday night to plan a boycott of the the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre pub after the state government regulator approved its application to extend trading hours until 4am and install poker machines. Residents are at their wits end and frustrated they have no way to appeal the decision to install 45 pokies inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. Credit:Lydia Lynch Now the application has been approved, there is no way for the community to appeal to the the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal - only to the Supreme Court. Indooroopilly local Robyn Pacey said residents were at their wits end. 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 Page: 1 2 Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475792 11-29-2018 10:01 AM Post: #1 Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! Advertisement He is quite good at that tho, as we know, he shot flight MH17 out of the air to make it look like Russia did it ! I hope hell is big enough to hold all the scum heading that way soon ! ''Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged Nato to send ships to the Sea of Azov following a naval confrontation with Russia off Crimea. He told Germany's Bild newspaper he hoped the ships could be relocated "to assist Ukraine and provide security". On Sunday, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews in the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Nato has expressed "full support" for Ukraine, which is not a member state. Amid worsening relations on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Mr Poroshenko of creating the naval "provocation" to boost his ratings ahead of 2019 elections. Why Ukraine-Russia sea clash is fraught with risk President Poroshenko has implemented martial law across Ukraine's border regions for 30 days in response to the crisis. What did Poroshenko say? In the interview with Bild, Mr Poroshenko said Vladimir Putin wanted "nothing less than to occupy the [Azov] sea". "Germany is one of our closest allies and we hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he said.'' https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46381166 It is quite obvious this filth sent those ships to antagonise Russia and get a response !He is quite good at that tho, as we know, he shot flight MH17 out of the air to make it look like Russia did it !I hope hell is big enough to hold all the scum heading that way soon !''Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged Nato to send ships to the Sea of Azov following a naval confrontation with Russia off Crimea.He told Germany's Bild newspaper he hoped the ships could be relocated "to assist Ukraine and provide security".On Sunday, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews in the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.Nato has expressed "full support" for Ukraine, which is not a member state.Amid worsening relations on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Mr Poroshenko of creating the naval "provocation" to boost his ratings ahead of 2019 elections.Why Ukraine-Russia sea clash is fraught with riskPresident Poroshenko has implemented martial law across Ukraine's border regions for 30 days in response to the crisis.What did Poroshenko say?In the interview with Bild, Mr Poroshenko said Vladimir Putin wanted "nothing less than to occupy the [Azov] sea"."Germany is one of our closest allies and we hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he said.'' LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 444394 11-29-2018 10:04 AM Post: #2 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! Porky is practically a retard-detector.. Seriously. Any world leader who follows this mouth-breather is an absolute retard.Porky is practically a retard-detector..Seriously. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475794 11-29-2018 10:07 AM Post: #3 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 473031 11-29-2018 10:10 AM Post: #4 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! Then Russia was foolish to respond and Russia was foolish to parade the captured on TV as trophies... the antagonism goes both ways and both are escalating issues, the pretense that only one side is always to blame is what will take us into a global conflict, but I have a feeling that is what people outside Russia, that is those who support Russia want.. The problem here is that Russia is not as strong in the conventional sense as people would like to think, China is not the ally people want to think she is of Russia.. one of the main concerns of Russia is that China will move closer to the West as that is her biggest market and where she makes her biggest investments and where in truth the real power lays for China to replace the USA as the global power. Russia is caught as it was caught with Napoleon and Hitler in terms of not being fully prepared for conflict so relies on bluster as a defence, attack while a form of defence has proven itself a bane to Russia. Not sure where it will head, but people should worry as this could move straight to all out conflict in no time at all... most of the global conflicts trip over a small state as the starting point and this certainly has the legs to make that happen unless clear heads on all sides de-escalate this.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472479 11-29-2018 10:16 AM Post: #5 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 10:10 AM) Not sure where it will head, but people should worry as this could move straight to all out conflict in no time at all... most of the global conflicts trip over a small state as the starting point and this certainly has the legs to make that happen unless clear heads on all sides de-escalate this.. Yeah what a coincidence. You mean great powers looking for a pretext for war. Silly thinking that war isn't decided long before a great power(s) with ambition creates an excuse for aggression. Yeah what a coincidence. You mean great powers looking for a pretext for war. Silly thinking that war isn't decided long before a great power(s) with ambition creates an excuse for aggression. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475694 11-29-2018 11:02 AM Post: #6 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! Now NATO is backing a NON NATO country to the hilt and taking this germs word instead of Putin's, who is an absolute gentleman ! Scheming pack of twats ! Hopefully some of them will fall if they get tangled up with the perps in the 61,000 Sealed Incitements ! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472863 11-29-2018 11:06 AM Post: #7 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! Go weep into your borscht. Triggered Ruskie threadGo weep into your borscht. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 473031 11-29-2018 11:09 AM Post: #8 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 10:16 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 10:10 AM) Not sure where it will head, but people should worry as this could move straight to all out conflict in no time at all... most of the global conflicts trip over a small state as the starting point and this certainly has the legs to make that happen unless clear heads on all sides de-escalate this.. Yeah what a coincidence. You mean great powers looking for a pretext for war. Silly thinking that war isn't decided long before a great power(s) with ambition creates an excuse for aggression. Personally, if you are asking my opinion, the die was cast during the crash of 2007/8 and the economic issues that wrought breaking the existing balance of power... much in the same way economic factors have forced us to evolve through conflict as one system comes to an end another is born. The who ends up on what side is always a question up for debate... Britain and Russia for example always tend to end up on the same side (as they have for the last 500 years) when confronting continental powers... that's even when they are in the middle of a big row and start off on opposite sides.. Personally, if you are asking my opinion, the die was cast during the crash of 2007/8 and the economic issues that wrought breaking the existing balance of power... much in the same way economic factors have forced us to evolve through conflict as one system comes to an end another is born.The who ends up on what side is always a question up for debate... Britain and Russia for example always tend to end up on the same side (as they have for the last 500 years) when confronting continental powers... that's even when they are in the middle of a big row and start off on opposite sides.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475694 11-29-2018 11:12 AM Post: #9 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 11:06 AM) Triggered Ruskie thread Go weep into your borscht. If you had half a brain, you would see how easily this stunt could spark WW3 ! Which it was probably planned to do ! If you had half a brain, you would see how easily this stunt could spark WW3 ! Which it was probably planned to do ! Uppity Me Registered User User ID: 449159 11-29-2018 11:36 AM Posts: 38,436 Post: #10 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! the CIA has been busy lately, first the Saudi prince and now this it gets down to OIL, keeping the price high and keeping me poor Quote: Les pauvres n'ont-ils des Euros ? Alors laissez les pauvres 'sh*t' dans les rues (This post was last modified: 11-29-2018 11:36 AM by Uppity Me .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475800 11-29-2018 12:26 PM Post: #11 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! NATO is too busy supporting ISIS IN Syria and helping kill kids in Yemen to help Ukraine. The more Russia, China and Iran create challenges to US power, the less able NATO is to cause trouble in Ukraine. Forces were set in motion during Bush and Obama regimes that can't be stopped. Both China and Russia repeatedly warned against the G-7 aggressions. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472863 11-29-2018 12:26 PM Post: #12 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 11:12 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 11:06 AM) Triggered Ruskie thread Go weep into your borscht. If you had half a brain, you would see how easily this stunt could spark WW3 ! Which it was probably planned to do ! LOP is overrun with Russian shills and I'm sick of it. Now they are "outraged" that after Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea Ukraine doesn't want to lose access to Mariupol and other ports in the sea of Azov. It's about time Ukraine was made a full NATO member and reversed this naked Russian aggression. LOP is overrun with Russian shills and I'm sick of it. Now they are "outraged" that after Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Crimea Ukraine doesn't want to lose access to Mariupol and other ports in the sea of Azov. It's about time Ukraine was made a full NATO member and reversed this naked Russian aggression. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475800 11-29-2018 12:29 PM Post: #13 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! LoP Guest Wrote: (11-29-2018 11:06 AM) Triggered Ruskie thread Go weep into your borscht. Russians eat kasha. Russians eat kasha. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 475132 11-29-2018 12:46 PM Post: #14 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! The West is INTENTIONALLY provoking Russia into a world war and the only way out is a nuclear strike on Switzerland. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 449258 11-29-2018 12:48 PM Post: #15 RE: Porky Pig tells Porkies to get NATO on side against Russia ! The UK and the US can go at that alone, or maybe ask Saudi Arabia to help them. Europe not going to be agressive to Russia. Advertisement Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread A Brisbane barrister was being interviewed by the Crime and Corruption Commission when a call allegedly came through on his mobile phone. It would land the alleged caller, high-profile Brisbane lawyer Adam Raydon Magill, two nights in the watch house and a further charge of breaching bail to add to fraud and money laundering accusations against him. Lawyer Adam Magill is seen leaving the Brisbane Watchhouse Credit:AAP/Darren England Facing the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, Magill, 47, was again granted bail after being charged last month over investigations into the alleged $340,000 defrauding of Legal Aid Queensland. Mr Magill's barrister, Ruth O'Gorman, said her client was unaware he could not contact barrister Alastair McDougall after his bail conditions were varied on Monday. This week, a Holstein by the name of Knickers captured the heart of the internet by standing horns and shoulders above a herd of cattle on a farm in Western Australia. And there's no arguing that the lad is large. At the shoulder, Knickers stands a mighty 194 centimetres tall, which means he's two inches taller than Arnold Schwarzenegger. And he weighs roughly 1.4 tonnes, which is the approximate equivalent of 14-and-a-half Danny DeVitos. Which is to say, Knickers is big. But also that his bigness is relative to what he is being compared to. "My mindset with nursing is to basically move wherever I have to to get the maximum experience possible," she said. "I applied for a graduate program outside of the Perth Metro area thinking moving away would increase my chances, but even then it was very tough competition. With these Scotland hospitals, Ill still be given the same, if not more opportunities to help my nursing skills." Ms Pinto said GradConnect, a WA Department of Health initiative aimed at connecting newly qualified nurses with graduate programs, sent information about the opportunity. Graduate competitiveness tied to nursing unemployment According to the WA Department of Health, a total of 1783 nurses applied for the February 2019 GradConnect program, which connects newly qualified nurses and midwives to hospitals in the states circuit. Of those, only 656 secured a position, leaving 1127 nurses and midwives without a graduate program to go through. A Department of Health spokeswoman said those who were unsuccessful would have to apply to private healthcare providers and day-surgery units in order to gain experience. St John of God Health Care group director workforce Rita Maguire. Credit:St John of God Health Care St John of God Health Care workforce group director Rita Maguire said private providers offered only 125 graduate placements to registered and enrolled nurses in two blocks annually. The number of nursing graduates in the healthcare industry reflects the slow-down in the wider economy which has resulted in low workforce turnover as nurses who are in employment choose to stay in work, she said. The latest June 2018 Australian labor market data classified registered nurses and enrolled nurses as "no shortage zones". But the data pointed to a record decade-high 2200 bachelor degrees in nursing intake. A WA registered nurse, who asked not to be named, told WAtoday the data was in line with a growing issue in universities: a sense of 'sausage-churning' of nursing graduates. It has now come to the point where universities are pumping out graduate RNs (registered nurses) when there are limited graduate programs and jobs available, she said. While nursing graduate numbers have skyrocketed, so has the job competition. Registered nurses will on average go up against 20.2 other applicants for Metropolitan WA positions per vacancy and 5.8 applicants in regional WA. And employers will only deem 3.4 candidates for metropolitan WA and 1.8 candidates for regional WA suitable. The vast majority will be classified as unsuitable, with 79 per cent of applicants deemed to have a lack of experience in specific areas like mental health, or a lack of general experience. Edith Cowan Universitys Executive Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Di Twigg, said graduate students were feeling frustrated on not being able to get jobs in a market that was growing at between 3-4 per cent per year. "Weve gone through two cycles in a boom-bust condition," she said. "A few years ago, we took in an entry of WA grads to strengthen the pipeline but with the economy tightening, there are less job opportunities. "Positions that support new graduates like staff development become less, staff cant take on too many nurses who they cant support. It takes time and energy, if wards feel they are about to bust, they wont take in new nurses. "Its just easier to take in experienced nurses with four to five years of life skills." WA Health Minister Roger Cook has said the recruitment is a collaborative effort between Western Australia and Northeastern Scotland. Credit:AAP Images/Sophie Moore How Grampian could alleviate graduate concerns WA Opposition Leader Mike Nahan said the McGowan Governments funding cuts to public health made it difficult for WA nurses and graduates to secure public work. But Health Minister Roger Cook dismissed that idea, and said NHS Grampians recruitment was a collaboration with the Department of Health Nursing and Midwifery Office that presented an opportunity for "valuable experience". "NHS Grampian is focusing solely on recruiting for graduate nurse positions [it] has approximately 540 vacant positions within its health system," he said. "It is expected that graduate nurses recruited ... will gain valuable experience and the majority are likely to return to WA as more knowledgeable, flexible and agile employees." A Scottish Government spokeswoman said international recruitment efforts like the one targeted at Perth graduates were a "comprehensive approach" to workforce planning. NHS Grampian is currently getting a $350 million fund from the government to balance shortages. Credit:NHS Grampian "Across the country as a whole, NHS Scotland has seen six consecutive years of growth in workforce numbers, with a 5.7 per cent increase in whole time equivalent qualified nurses since 2006," she said. For Scots, the recruitment comes at a time when the government is funding the NHS Grampian at 175 million ($308 million) and employing an increase of more than 800 staff. Karen Booth, President, Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association (APNA) says a better pay could help graduate nurses stay. Credit:APNA Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association president Karen Booth likened the nursing labor force to a game of musical chairs. "In WA, they get nurses from the UK and they want our nurses from here," she said. "We have 1152 nurses per 100,000 persons in this state its much less than other states. Its in a critical level." Ms Booth said nurses pay should be reconsidered to make it more attractive. A briefing for West Australian government MPs on a report into the economics of fracking from think-tank The Australia Institute was cancelled at the last minute this week, after the report's authors had already flown to Perth. The Australia Institute says two of the reports three authors were to brief MPs in Parliament House on Thursday, but the state government cancelled the meeting late on Wednesday. The state government announced its long-awaited decision on fracking in WA on Wednesday. Credit:Nathan Hondros. Premier Mark McGowan had announced on Wednesday the government would open up roughly five million hectares of WA to fracking, and on Thursday published an opinion piece saying more gas would pave the way for lower gas prices. But the Canberra-based research institutes report, Economic impacts of unconventional gas in Western Australia, found fracking in WA would bring few jobs, little revenue and could instead increase gas prices. New York: Right-wing provocateurs Gavin McInnes and Tommy Robinson have been forced to delay a planned tour of Australia because Robinson "cocked up" his diary by double-booking his visit with a Brexit protest in the UK. Tommy Robinson, former leader of the far-right English Defence League, has postponed a planned visit to Australia to attend a Brexit protest in London. Credit:AP McInnes and Robinson's speaking tour, which had been scheduled for early December, has now been postponed until February. The delay provides the Morrison government with a reprieve from a difficult decision about whether to allow the controversial figures to enter Australia. McInnes and Robinson have a history of making inflammatory statements about Muslims, women and members of the LGBT community. Liberal MP Craig Kelly has ruled out moving to the crossbench before a looming preselection showdown but is holding firm on his threat to contest the next election as an independent. Donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the face of Liberal Party legend Robert Menzies, Mr Kelly acknowledged people close to him had urged him to quit the Liberals immediately. Craig Kelly dons a Robert Menzies T-shirt in Parliament House on Thursday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer But Mr Kelly, who represents the Sydney seat of Hughes, said he wanted to contest Liberal preselection for his seat, which party officials are delaying as long as possible to avoid Mr Kelly defecting to the crossbench. "People have been urging me to do all sorts of things," he said. "I'm looking forward to putting my record on the line." Labor has backed a Government bill that will leave new migrants without key welfare payments for four years in a compromise deal that has been slammed by crossbenchers and the Greens. Under the plan, migrants will be without Youth Allowance, Austudy and Newstart for four years, up from three years at present. Not prepared to trust the crossbench: Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services Linda Burney. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen However, the Opposition did wrangle significant concessions from the Coalition, including to make all family tax benefits available after one year, and migrants will be able to access parental leave after two years. The changes will not apply to New Zealanders, nor those under either an orphan visa or remaining relative visa. But crossbenchers and the Greens are outraged that Labor accepted the deal at all, given that the party could have blocked the social services bill in its entirety. Fifteen sitting MPs lost their seats over it, some had their careers destroyed, and millions in taxpayer dollars were squandered on byelections and High Court challenges. But dual citizens are still running for Federal Parliament despite the eligibility crisis that dominated Australian politics for a year, raising concerns ineligible candidates could unintentionally disrupt the results of next year's election. Animal Justice Party candidate Katrina Love stood in the Fremantle byelection against Labor's Josh Wilson even though she was a dual citizen. Animal Justice Party candidate Katrina Love has told Fairfax Media she ran in the Fremantle byelection which was triggered by Labor MP Josh Wilson's dual citizenship while she was a citizen of the United Kingdom. While it is unlikely the revelation would change the Fremantle result or cause another byelection, ineligible candidates could lead to challenges to elected MPs after the next election. Adding to the conflicting statements, Russia's Defence Ministry on Wednesday said it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Russian warship was seen entering the Sea of Asov. Russia has steadily poured new military hardware into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014, turning it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Moscow's missile announcement followed its fire at and seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews in the Sea of Azov on Sunday over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, something Ukraine denies. Students hold posters reading "Keep calm and think with your head" and "Keep calm support the army" in front of a university in Kiev, Ukraine. Credit:AP A Russian court on the disputed Crimean peninsula sent a second group of captured Ukrainian sailors to jail on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has enacted martial law for 30 days in 10 regions, mainly those bordering areas with a Russian military presence. Poroshenko has said that the sweeping provisions of martial law which include the suppression of civil liberties would only be invoked in the case of a Russian invasion. "We need to rebuff the aggressor at any moment," Poroshenko told troops, according to a statement on his website. Two Ukrainian Orthodox priests stand next to a banner reading "no blockade of the Azov Sea!" during a rally in Mariupol, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine. Credit:AP Putin reiterated the Kremlin's accusation that Poroshenko manufactured the entire incident in order to put Ukraine on a war footing and thereby enhance his flagging support before a March presidential election that he was sure to lose. "A small incident in the Black Sea and martial law was introduced," Putin said. "It's a game to exacerbate tensions. It's dirty play within the country in order to crush their political opponents." The Kerch bridge is blocked for ships in Crimea. Credit:AP Ukraine has gathered broad Western support for its position over the disputed passage by three small naval craft through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov, which the two sides agreed to treat as joint territorial waters in a 2003 treaty. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Hamburg last year. They have another opportunity to meet in Buenos Aires this weekend. Credit:AP US President Donald Trump has said he might cancel a planned meeting with Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires on Saturday over the clash, but Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, said the Kremlin believed the meeting was still on. "This meeting is necessary for both sides," Ushakov told reporters. "It's important in view of the developing situation in the world." He noted that Putin had rejected a request from Porochenko to discuss the incident over the phone. In Ukraine, very little changed on the ground on Wednesday. But Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, said that it had stepped up its controls of who is allowed to enter the country and barred 150 people, including 80 Russians. In court, Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, objected to being characterised as a criminal and rejected Russian statements that the Ukrainian vessels had been maneuvering suspiciously. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko speak to soldiers during a visit to a military base in Chernihiv on Wednesday. Credit:AP "I am not a criminal, and I disagree with the detention," the captain was quoted as saying by a Russian news service, RIA Novosti. "About my maneuvering I only wanted to keep from hitting the Russian vessel. I wanted to save my crew and prevent the boat from overturning." State-run National Transmission Corp. asked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to reconsider its proposal to operate, maintain and manage Baguio Economic Zones power distribution system for 25 years. Peza earlier said the joint counterproposal of Transco with Benguet Electric Cooperative challenging the offer of Manila Electric Co. for the 25-year lease concession agreement failed to pass the evaluation. Peza also cited the financial reports of Beneco, TransCos outstanding distribution rates and the proposed distribution rates for the decision. TransCo president Melvin Matibag, in a letter to Peza, noted the lack of transparent process, guidelines, terms of reference, very short transaction schedule and evaluation criteria. He said these could not be the reason of Peza for rejecting their proposal. We also find Pezas procedures quite inconsistent with governments thrust for complete transparency, competitiveness, simplicity and accountability. Thus, a third-party observer might entertain a reasonable conclusion that the transaction might be giving unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to a private entity, Matibag said. He said while Benecos income statement showed negative net income, it did not mean real financial loss. Matibag said this was because the financial report of the electric cooperative did not reflect the total revenue collected from member-consumers while they were required to report non-cash depreciation expense. Matibag said there was also a difference in the financial computation of electric cooperatives like Beneco and private distribution firms like Manila Electric Co. He said Beneco had a financial rating of 30 percent, according to the National Electrification Administration which meant it did not default on its obligations to power suppliers, transmission service provider, creditors, government, employees, etc.Matibag said Beneco also scored 30 percent in technical performance because of its single-digit system loss of 8 percent to 9 percent. The efficient operation of Beneco as one of the leading and usually benchmarked distribution utilities in the country is what motivated Beneco to participate in the Peza selection process, he said. Matibag said TransCo had fully settled its tax liabilities with the government amounting to P876 million while the remaining P856 million was subject to tax abatement with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. We request Peza not to take against TransCo this tax liability for purposes of evaluating its financial performance and capability under this transaction, he said. Matibag also called out Peza for saying that the TransCo-Beneco proposal was not compliant with Pezas board approval to retain BCEZs existing rate. He said the criterial on the declaration of non-compliance, if any, was irrational and failed to meet the required standard of government in all government transactions. We believe that for this transaction, the evaluation criteria for the selection of final proponent should be who can provide the lowest rate for the locators in BCEZ and not who can give the highest concession fee to Peza. Pezas business is not to maximize revenue from concession agreements but to maintain the ecozone attractive to investors, he said. "The image of Brazil is at risk," said Carlos Rittl, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory, an environmental group. "Climate and the environment are the only issues where Brazil is a leader in global terms. We are not leaders in world trade, we are not leaders in a geopolitical sense on security issues. But on climate and environment we are leaders, and we are giving that up." Loading In recent years, Brazil's standing as an environmental exemplar has eroded as farmers, miners and cattle ranchers have razed large areas of forest cover in the Amazon with only occasional push back from the agencies tasked with enforcing environmental laws and regulations. As a result, deforestation in the Amazon is now once again on the rise. Between August 2017 and July of this year, deforestation in the Amazon rose by nearly 14 per cent, according to figures the Brazilian government released last week. That represented the highest loss of forest cover in the Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, in a decade. Guy Edwards, a Latin America expert and co-director of the Climate and Development Lab at Brown University, said Brazil's decision to back out of hosting the summit is unwise in economic terms, since it would mean the country would forgo any investment, business deals and cooperation agreements to advance low carbon growth at the time when Brazil needs an economic boost. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the former environment minister of Peru, called Brazil's decision "a bit sad", and added that it also creates a logistical hurdle for next year's climate change discussions. Loading Under the UN system, a country from Latin America is supposed to host the summit in 2019. Brazil was the only country in the region to volunteer for the task, which can cost a country as much as $US100 million. Other countries in the region still have time to step in, but it is unclear which might do so. Argentina has held climate summits in the past, but it is hosting this week's G20 talks and may not want to incur another large expense. Pulgar-Vidal said it is unlikely Peru, which spent $US72 million to host a climate summit in 2014, would do it again. "This now puts Latin America in a difficult situation," Pulgar-Vidal said. Alexander Saier, the spokesman for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said in a statement that if no countries from Latin America offer to host in 2019, then the conference will be held at the seat of the climate secretariat in Bonn, Germany. That decision, he said, will be made by the end of next month. Brazil's decision not to hostcomes days after the release of a United States government report issued by 13 agencies that warned that failing to take significant measures to slow down climate change would do tremendous damage to the US economy. Loading The issue will be on the G20 agenda in Buenos Aires this week, where the World Bank, the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development will be calling on the leaders of the world's largest economies to lower carbon emissions and overhaul infrastructure development to mitigate the impact of climate change. Latest News Pepper CEO speaks as profit guidelines revised upwards ScotPac to offer mortgages in major pivot One of Australia's biggest specialist business lenders is to offer home loans and brokers will be the first to get access A non-major bank has thanked brokers, in a week which marked seven years since it launched its broker channel. Broker groups have been defending the industry over the last two weeks after comments in the latest round of the Royal Commission. Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn last week expressed his preference for brokers to be paid a fee for service instead of commission. But now ME Bank has come out to celebrate its seventh birthday with the broker channel, the anniversary of a decision it says was important to the success of the bank. In the letter from CEO Jamie McPhee, he said brokers accounted for 70% of the banks home loans. He praised brokers for allowing ME to compete with larger banks and providing the ability for them to communicate with customers who would rather talk to brokers. McPhee said, Without brokers, ME could not fully realise its core purpose of helping Australians get ahead through home ownership. The letter then went on to acknowledge the difficult period the industry has faced, with first the Sedgewick review, the Productivity Commission and then the Royal Commission. The letter adds, With more than half of all Australians considering a mortgage broker for their home loan needs, the broking industry provides a valuable service to Australians, providing convenience, helping them navigate the complexities of the lending process, and by offering the most suitable products to meet customer needs. Brokers are also vital for maintaining choice and competition in the banking industry. As part of MEs continued public advocacy for a healthy and competitive banking industry, we will continue to support mortgage brokers, through whatever change lies ahead. On behalf of our customers, thank you for your valued partnership over the last seven years and we look forward to many more years of success together. Latest News Pepper CEO speaks as profit guidelines revised upwards ScotPac to offer mortgages in major pivot One of Australia's biggest specialist business lenders is to offer home loans and brokers will be the first to get access The former general manager of third party distribution at Westpac will be leaving the major and moving to a new lender in 2019. Today, (29 November), Tony MacRae has been announced as the new general manager of banking at MyState Bank. Up until June this year, MacRae had been overseeing Westpac Groups ongoing mortgage broker distribution initiatives as head of third party. In June, it was announced he would be national general manager of retail home ownership distribution, where he was responsible for strategic sales leadership of Westpacs physical and digital salesforce. MacRae will lead MyStates banking division which includes retail, call centres, business and agri-business, as well as the mortgage broker channel. He has also formerly held key positions such as acting CEO of RAMS ane senior roles with PMI and Virgin Money Australia. MyStates managing director and CEO, Melos Sulicich, said, We are delighted to welcome Tony to our executive team. Tony brings with him a wealth of experience in the banking sector and extensive and proven record for strategic execution and transformational growth. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC Cops are hunting for the bigoted teen who socked a Jewish boy in the face on a Williamsburg street on Sunday. The teenage bruiser ran up to the 9-year-old who police said was wearing traditional Jewish attire on Throop Avenue around 6 pm as the boy was walking home, and punched him several times at the corner of Walton Street before running off, according to authorities and video footage obtained by Yeshiva World News. The child refused medical attention at the scene following the attack, officials said. And the assault is the latest in a string of anti-Semitic incidents reported across Brooklyn. Earlier this month, two teens on Nov. 5 turned themselves in to police for scrawling swastikas and writing a racist slur on several Brooklyn Heights buildings the night before Halloween. And on Nov. 2, authorities cuffed a 26-year-old from Bedford-Stuyvesant after he allegedly set fires and scribbled anti-Semitic graffiti at synagogues in Prospect Heights and Williamsburg the day before. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 5778477. The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All tips are strictly confidential. Commercial operations of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao were delayed to middle of next year, according to an official of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines. Target [for the start of the operations] is next year, around middle of the year or thereafter, IEMOP president Francis Saturnino Juan said. IEMOP took over the operations of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the countrys trading floor of electricity, from Philippine Electricity Market Corp. in September. Juan said WESM Mindanaos commercial operations were delayed because of the ongoing software audit of the new market system. It will be the one used for WESM Mindanao, he said. Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella earlier said there were still some technicalities that needed to be resolved. WESM is a centralized venue for buyers and sellers to trade electricity as a commodity where its prices are based on actual use (demand) and availability (supply). WESM began commercial operations in Luzon in June 2006 and in the Visayas in December 2010. It was created under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to reflect the actual cost of electricity and lower power prices through more efficient production and competition. Fuentebella said the New Market Management System for WESM Mindanao remained to be completed.The system that PEMC is auditing to make it five minute intervals is taking longer so they are looking at October to make it online and applicable, he said. Trial operations for the integration of the Mindanao grid to the WESM was launched June last year. The trial operations program signaled the start of implementing test cases of a market-based mechanism for the efficient scheduling, dispatch and settlement of energy withdrawal and injections in the Mindanao grid. Mindanao posted excess generation supply starting 2016 with the entry of 748 megawatts of new generation capacity. This is expected to increase further by 1,260 MW this year. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the establishment of WESM Mindanao signals the start of a competitive electricity market in the region whose costing is very transparent. WESM facilitates a transparent electricity market with which Mindanao power generators will have an avenue to trade un-contracted power supply. WESM will provide consumers more sources of electricity to choose from, increasing their chances of lower-priced energy, he said. WESM Mindanao will enable a transparent and fair mechanism to bring in more competition, more investors and a sustainable business climate that will eventually redound to empowering consumers from Mindanao of their power of choice, said Cusi. One of the most infuriating habits of these people was their love of superfluous words, thinks the colonial district commissioner to himself in the final chapter of Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart. It is from the only section of this groundbreaking novel that is not written from the perspective of Africans. Telling of the colonisation of the Igbo from their point of view, the line foreshadows much: how colonisation will attempt to write African perspectives, deemed superfluous, out of their own histories, but also that, infuriatingly ... Eight years after announcing an ambitious coal mine, port and integrated rail project in Australia, and facing financing hurdles and green lobby protests, the has said it would fund the project on its own. Adani Mining, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, said it looks to downsize the initial phase of the project and reduce capital requirements. The project has faced opposition from environmental groups, who argue it would contribute to global warming and damage the The group has also been struggling to financially close this project, as global banks are under pressure to not lend to environmentally polluting projects. Adani Minings Carmichael mine and rail project will be 100 per cent financed through the Adani groups resources, a statement released by the on Thursday said. ALSO READ: Adani Group to fully fund troubled Carmichael coal mine in Australia It said the group would begin developing a smaller open cut mine comparable to many other Queensland coal mines and would ramp up production over time to 27.5 million tonnes per annum less than half the size of the approved project. The group refused to share the production expected from the initial phase of development and its timeline. According to the groups statement, $3.3 billion has already been invested in the Australian businesses. Initially, the project was to involve a total investment of $16.5 billion as capital cost for construction and sustaining capital for a 60mtpa mine over the mine life, railway and port terminal. has not provided an amount for this initial investment. Industry experts have estimated it would be around Australian $2 billion ($1.46 billion), an spokesperson said a response to an email query. Funding from company resources is a common practice for funding projects. The statement said all coal produced in the initial ramp up phase would be utilised for the Adani groups captive requirements. In a separate response to a query on if this would be supplied to Adani Power and Adani Enterprises and if it would be a conflict of interest, the group said, There are strict transfer-pricing rules in Australias taxation region that will ensure these sales will be at arms length and will be at market price. This ensures taxes and coal royalties are paid in full in Australia. Promoter holding in Adani Power stands at 74.97 per cent and 74.92 per cent in Adani Enterprises. Both are publicly listed entities. ALSO READ: Adani group bets big as stressed power assets may add spark in long term On any concerns arising out of conflict of interest, Amit Tandon, managing director, Institutional Investor Advisory Services, said, This would be a related-party transaction and, hence, needs to be made at arms length. It is a fair transaction if at arms length which in this case would mean coal supplied at prevailing market rates.Not everyone is convinced of Adanis new financing plans. In November 2014, State Bank of India was to lend $1 billion to Adani for the Australia project. In the present scenario, it is not clear how Adani will manage to get debt-based funding, in case that is the plan, from Indian banks, an analyst, who did not wish to be identified, said. A Reuters report quoted Australian Marine Conservation Society spokeswoman Imogen Zethoven as saying they would fight this to the end and that the company still needed some final approvals. But the group said the only approvals the project now needs are standard clearance for mine management plans. Taking off Domestic carriers, which are grappling with high cost and falling rupee coupled with cut-throat competition, are estimated to require a massive capital infusion of around Rs 350 billion over the next 3-4 years, rating agency said Thursday. These funds would help bring down the high debt-levels in the airline industry, said in a note. Significantly, all the three listed airlines, Jet Airways, InterGlobe Aviation-run and SpiceJet, are currently in red. " believes an equity infusion of about Rs 350 billion would be needed over the next 3-4 years," said Kinjal Shah, vice president and co-head for corporate sector ratings, ICRA. While the average prices have witnessed a increase of around 35 per cent during April-November this year over the same period last year, the average rupee depreciated by 7.8 per cent against the US dollar during this period, according to the rating agency. This has resulted in an increase in the cost per available seat kilometres of the airlines, not buttressed by an increase in yields, it added. In fact, yields have declined for most airlines despite the surging costs. This is due to the price-sensitive nature of the industry which is plagued by rising capacities, with domestic aviation sector likely to have significant over-capacity in the next two-three years, as per the note. The industry's financial health has nosedived, with the three listed airlines having reported a combined net loss of Rs 36.4 billion in the first half of the fiscal, Shah said adding, "that means the three listed airlines together have lost about Rs 20 crore per day during H1 FY2019." In the near-term, the balance sheets of Indian carriers are expected to remain stressed until the carriers are able to reduce their debt burden through a combination of improvement in operating performance and / or by way of equity infusion, she added. ICRA, in the note also said that while the domestic passenger growth continues to be robust, the challenges are equally confounding as airlines resort to predatory pricing so as to maintain their passenger load factors (PLFs) in an environment of increasing capacities. This has resulted in deterioration in the industry economics, and thus, financial stress, as per the note. According to Icra, in order to contain further losses, the domestic airlines have resorted to several measures, which include among others, rationalisation of non-fuel costs, network review, rationalisation of routes, and manpower reduction, among others. "Some airlines have also sought approval for deferment of payments to the vendors and lessors, and are also delaying on payment of salaries to employees, so as to tide over their short-term cash flow mismatches," the note said. Airlines are also focusing on increasing their ancillary revenues, which currently contribute to less than 10 per cent of the revenues of domestic airlines, as against much higher share of revenues (10-20 per cent) in developed markets, it said. "However, these measures are not adequate to compensate the large hike in prices and the increase in costs due to the rupee depreciation," Icra said. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. 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 Maharashtra has put on hold the process to buy land for the country's biggest oil refinery that state-run oil companies are building with Saudi Aramco, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, after strong opposition from farmers. The $44 billion refinery was seen as a game changer for both parties - offering India steady fuel supplies and meeting Saudi Arabia's need to secure regular buyers for its oil. But thousands of farmers are refusing to surrender land, fearing it could damage a region famed for its Alphonso mangoes, vast cashew plantations and fishing hamlets that ... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Volkswagen Group China (VW China), JAC Motors and SEAT, Volkswagen's Spanish car brand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 28 in the presence of Chinese President Xi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at a ceremony held at the Palace of Moncloa in Madrid. Under the agreement, three parties will join forces to develop an electric vehicle (EV) platform based on their technology strengths and product resources for production of JAC VW's models. The Sino-German joint venture will introduce the SEAT brand by 2021 and jointly electrify SEAT-branded vehicles. In addition, the agreement also says that the construction of the JAC VW R&D center will start before the end of 2018 and is planned to be completed in 2021. The joint R&D center will focus on such core areas as IoV (Internet of Vehicles), autonomous driving and other future strategic directions. The cooperative programs involved in the MoU are part of VW China's e-mobility strategy designed for the world's largest vehicle market. The German auto giant aims to launch 30 new NEV models in China over the next two years, among which 50% models will be locally produced there. What's more, the group plans to hand over around 400,000 NEVs in China by 2020 and increase the number to 1.5 million units by 2025. The seven wanted Las Pinas City police officers involved in the alleged abduction and robbery-extortion case last week surrendered to the Southern Police District, an SPD official announced on Thursday. The case had prompted Metro Manila police director Guillermo Eleazar to order the relief of Las Pinas City police commander Marion Balonglong and 36 of his men assigned to the police stations Drug Enforcement Unit. SPD spokesperson Jenny Tecson said the seven police officers assigned to the Las Pinas SDEU team gave themselves up a week after Eleazar directed the SPD to conduct a manhunt operation against the suspects. First to surrender was Police Officer 1 Erickson Rivera who reported to the office of NCRPO Regional Intelligence Unit chief Ruel de Leon. The six other suspectsPO3 Joel Lupig, PO2 Vener Guanlao, PO1 Mark Jefferson Fulgencio, PO1 Jeffrey T De Leon, PO2 Jayson M Arrelano and PO1 Raymart Gomezwith relatives and lawyers in tow, voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday to SPD director Eliseo Cruz. Further, the 36 former SDEU personnel of Las Pinas were relieved on Nov. 22 from their post to pave way to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the SPD as a result of the alleged involvement of their seven (7) colleagues who were earlier identified, said Tecson. She added that the seven police personnel were already disarmed of their service firearms and were already put into restrictive custody effective yesterday. The SPD turned over the seven policemen to Eleazar's office on Thursday.The seven were charged with kidnap for ransom case before the Cavite Regional Trial Court. An administrative case of grave misconduct were also filed against them by the SPD. "Likewise, the District, Internal Affairs Service has also started with their motu propio investigation relative to the case," Tecson added. The case stemmed from the complaint filed by Shelane Ligutan, 28, a resident of Silang, Cavite, who claimed that her policemen arrested her brother Cyrus for alleged possession of illegal drugs. The police officers allegedly demanded money from Cyrus relatives in exchange for his release. The family told the police officers they would be paid in Cavite. The family then coordinated with the NCRPO and SPD operatives, who arranged and set up the entrapment operation, but authorities were only able to apprehend a 13-year-old boy used by the suspects to do the errand for them. Recovered from the boys possession were cash money worth P30,000 and a gun replica. The police also seized a grey Yamaha MIO Soul motorcycle without a registration plate, allegedly owned by a certain PO1 Buenaventura. The study is by proprty consultants JLL. A little over 37 million sq ft is expected to get absorbed in these cities, earlier seen in 2011, it said. During the next two years (2019 and 2020), these seven markets are expected to witness net absorption of over 76 mn sq ft. We expect 126 mn sq ft of robust supply in the next three years, based on launch of ... 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 has booked a Karol Bagh-based company for allegedly defrauding its investors to the tune of Rs 100 bn by promising double returns on their investments in a year, officials said Thursday. The (CBI) registered a case against the company on Wednesday on the direction of the which in 2014 had asked the agency to investigate cases related to chit fund companies, they said. The has booked tviexpress.com having a registered office in area in west Delhi, its promoters and associates Tarun Trikha, Varun Trikha, Veena Trikha, Sikha Trikha, Shakti Sharad, Anoop Kumar and Kabita Ganguly in the case. The agency has slapped on them charges of cheating, forgery and violation of guidelines among others. The case was earlier probed by the West Bengal police which had registered an FIR in the state's Murshidabad district. It was alleged that the accused were engaged in the business of share trading, commodities trading, holiday package booking and air ticketing without any legal sanction or approval required under law. The complainant had alleged they had collected money in the name of Pacific Royal Airlines and siphoned and misappropriated more than Rs 100 bn of investors' funds. They had induced people to invest in their scheme by offering double returns on their investments within an year but these promised returns were never paid back, it alleged. The complainant has alleged that the accused had created a software through which it was promised that investors can redeem their investments, but it never worked. The money collected from the investors was transferred to different bank accounts on the directions of Tarun Trikha, it alleged. Hoping to make themselves heard in the power centre of the nation, thousands of farmers, who had converged here from across the country, on Thursday began a two-day protest, backed by the Left, to press their demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers, who converged at Ramlila Ground here and will march to Parliament Street on Friday, came from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Traffic was disrupted in many parts of the city as they marched to Ramlila Ground in the heart of the city on four different routes -- starting at the Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and at Sabzi Mandi. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport. Those from Delhi and nearby Punjab and Haryana started collecting around 10.30 am, their leaders said. Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they marched in groups to Ramlila Maidan. ALSO READ: Farmers threaten to stage naked march if stopped from going to Parliament About 1,200 members of the South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the capital in the early hours of Thursday carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide, their leader P Ayyakannu claimed. The group from Tamil Nadu threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. Last year, the group staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to farm losses. The two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi, the AIKSCC has claimed. At Ramlila Maidan, it was a sea of red as farmers wearing caps and flags gathered, with some of them arriving here after completing a long journey of as long as 36 hours. The Maidan resonated with slogans of 'Ayodhya nahi, Karzi maaf chahiye (We dont need Ayodhya but debt waiver'. All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) leader Atul Anjaan said Delhi Jal Board will provide them water tanks and AAP local MLAs will give food packets. Five Gurdwaras in the Delhi region have extended their help to the farmers. Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Sisganj Sahib, Rakabganj, Bap Sahib and Manju Ka Tila will provide accommodation to farmers for the night, he said. However, majority of the farmers will stay at Ramlila Maidan in tents, he said. The leader also said that AAP volunteers have put up tents in large numbers at Anand Vihar station for farmers who arrived there and are also providing snacks and water to them. Some students from Delhi University have also arrived at the maidan and are helping farmers out. Vounteers, including doctors, lawyers, professors and artists, all came out in large numbers to help. Around 600-700 volunteers of a solidarity group Nation For Farmers marched with the farmers from four assembly points -Bijwasan, Majnu Ka Tila, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar towards Ramlila Maidan. Under their campaign, Dilli Chalo, they mobilised support for the march. A cultural programme was held at Ramlila Ground in the evening. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after protests by farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices. Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the rally on Friday, when the farmers will begin their march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament Street. Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march. "Women farmers greet us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan!," tweeted political activist and former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with farmers."Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 100,000 farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Let's stand in solidarity with them," he said. Jamun Thakur, a farmer from Parri village of Bihar's Darbhanga district, said he arrived in the city at 8 am Thursday with over 2,000 farmers mostly associated with AIKS. They started their journey on the Bihar Samprakranti Express on Wednesday morning. Traffic was affected on the stretch between Majnu Ka Tila and Chandi Ram Akhada, ISBT, Kashmere Gate, Samalkha and NH 8, Dhaula Kuan and Noida and Delhi. "Forces were deployed along the border areas and no tractor-trolley was allowed to get into Delhi," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ghaziabad, Upendra Agarwal said. Meanwhile, the police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the farmers march that will start from Ramlila Maidan on Friday and move towards Parliament. There will be a rope on both the sides of the marching farmers with the police walking along with them to ensure traffic is not affected. Prime Minister will participate in two important trilateral meetings with world leaders here in Argentina's capital, during which they would discuss major global challenges and developments. Prime Minister Modi, who arrived here to attend the summit, will participate in the first-ever trilateral meeting between Japan, and India and the 2nd Russia, India (RIC) trilateral, which is taking place after an interval of 12 years, on Friday. US will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and then the two leaders will meet jointly with Prime Minister The trilateral meeting between Trump, Abe and is taking place in the backdrop of engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South Sea, and with in the Both the areas are said to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. China claims almost all of the Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and have overlapping claims in the waterway, which includes vital sea lanes through which about $3 trillion in global trade passes each year. The US has been conducting regular patrols in the to assert freedom of navigation in the area where has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. During the RIC meeting, Prime Minister Modi, Chinese and Russian will meet. In his departure statement, Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. The timing of the meetings are directly related to period of major global developments, PMO sources said. They said it is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world. They noted that India is now a global engine of economic growth and will be in top five economies of the world and a factor of stability in the region. Further, it was in recognition of India assuming leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure, they said. Also, it was a reflection of India's willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organistaion (WTO) and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like the Indo-Pacific region. It also reflected the fruition of India's efforts and leadership role in building awareness and consensus on key global challenges, the PMO sources said. The on Thursday extended former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's interim protection from arrest in the INX Media case till January 15. The court was hearing Chidambaram's anticipatory bail petition, seeking protection from arrest by the (ED) and the (CBI) in the case. On July 25, the court had granted him interim protection, which was later extended to November 29. The ED and the are probing how Chidambaram's son Karti managed to get clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Karti was arrested on February 28 by the for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Union Finance Minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Later, Karti was granted bail. Karti's chartered accountant S. Bhaskararaman was arrested in the case by the ED and he too was later granted bail. Senators have thrown their support to the initiative of Senator JV Ejercito to restore the P36-billion budget slashed from the P109.8-budget of the Department of Health with the impending enactment into law of the Universal Health Care measure. Acknowledging the need for sustainable funding, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said it would be difficult to implement the program without enough funding. Zubiri said that while they had committed to make health care and services accessible to all Filipinos, this cannot be properly carried out without sufficient funding. Speaking in yesterdays regular Kapihan sa Senado, Zubiri said Finance committee chairperson Senator Loren Legarda had promised to return the funds cut from the next years budget of the DOH. Senator Loren has promised to look for some funding, Zubiri said. Ejercito, the principal author and sponsor of the UHC bill in the Senate underscored te need for steady funds even as he lamented that the budget cut ln the DOH national capital outlay was a very bad timing and a step backward for the UHC. In a related development, advocates of Sin Tax Coalition have thrown their support to the DOH position to increase taxes on tobacco and alcohol, since funds from PhilHealth will not be enough to fully cover the countrys healthcare delivery system. According to Philhealth Independent Director Dr. Anthony Leachon, a marginal increase in funding will only generate a small amount of revenue, which will be insufficient to finance the UHC program.We are afraid that the UHC rollout will not happen next year because of lack of funding. This is politically unacceptable to the electorate whose expectations for improved health care have been heightened by the promise of expanded health coverage and increased health benefits, he added. Dr. Antonio Dans, public health expert from the National Academy of Science and Technology, said the proposed increase is not even an improvement of the current tax rate. Its proposed implementation in July 2019 is just six months earlier than what is currently mandated under the TRAIN Law in which the tobacco tax will be raised to 37.50 by January 2020. Worse, the legislators passed a bill that will enable 200,000 people to start smoking and get addicted to this deadly product. The Sin Tax Coalition warned that the UHC implementation may be delayed due to lack of funds after sustainable funds suffered a major blow when Congress approved a rate of 37.5 for the first year and smaller percentage increases in the following, which is still a far cry from the Salceda bill of 45 (and (Senator Manny Pacquiao) and (Senator JV Ejercito) bills of 60 and 90, respectively in the first year) followed by significant percentage increases in the following years. 37.50-2019, 40-2020, 42.50-2021, 45-2022 nand 4 percent annual indexation after 2022. We are disturbed and disappointed by the House of Representatives committee on ways and means approved rate on tobacco tax. The marginal rate increase will not only increase the number of smokers by 200,000 each year. It will likewise translate to 2,000 yearly deaths from purely tobacco-related ailments. The House ways and means committee of an increase of 2.50 per pack effective July 2019 and 2.50 per pack each year until 2022. After which, the increment will be four percent each year. The sin tax advocates also reminded politicians to remember that UHC implementation and tobacco tax increase will guarantee their votes in 2019. Pulse Asia survey showed that two out of three Filipinos favor a tax increase on tobacco to fund UHC and will support candidates favoring this. More than 3,500 police personnel will be on the streets in the heart of Delhi on Friday when farmers who have gathered from across India march to Parliament, said officials. According to a senior police officer, special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, will be deployed in the Central district. They will be augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, comprising 75-80 personnel each, he said. He said that 95 officers from the rank of ... Prime Minister on Thursday assured that he will look into the case of a 33-year-old Indian prisoner, who has been languishing in a Pakistani jail after being arrested for illegally entering the country from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. resident Hamid Nehal Ansari was arrested in in 2012. He is currently lodged in the Peshawar Central Prison after being sentenced by a military court to three years' imprisonment for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. "I do not know about it will do our best," Khan told a group of Indian journalists when asked about Ansari. Pakistani security agencies accused Ansari of using a fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and alleged that he entered through without travel documents. They charged him for "espionage" and "anti-Pakistan activities". Ansari denied the charges in his petition to the Peshawar High Court. Ansari had gone missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012 and finally in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in custody of the and was being tried by a military court. He was convicted by the military court and jailed. His prison term is about to end, said officials. Reiterating its stand that public interest was paramount, the central government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it had intervened in the infighting between Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana to ensure that nations confidence in the probe agency did not fade. Governments intervention was to protect the public confidence in CBI, which was getting negative in view of the serious fight between two of its top officials. 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 Making peace overtures, Pakistan Prime Minister on Thursday said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, as he conceded that it was not in Islamabad's interest to allow the use of its territory for terror activities outside the country. Khan was apparently referring to India's stance that terrorism and talks cannot go together and Pakistan must take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and support to cross-border terrorism from territories under its control. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside," Khan said during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists here. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Indian Prime Minister Modi and talk to him. "The mindset of people here has changed," Khan said. When asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Pakistan Prime Minister said, "Nothing is impossible." "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. "We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi," Khan said. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed, who is carrying a $10 million US bounty, he said, "There are UN sanctions against There is already a clampdown on him." minister Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a pro-Khalistan leader in even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority. He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in for the showed him with separatist Gopal Singh Chawla. Chawla, who is the general secretary of Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and is known to speak for Khalistan, had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page. Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow pilgrims access from Gurdaspur's Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them. They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousands pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know, he told reporters in Attari on his return. Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his personal capacity, even after being advised against it by Chief Minister He said the hopes of 120 million followers of Guru Nanak Dev had turned into reality with the historic decision by India and Pakistan to build the corridor. The thaw has begun and the ice is melting, he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month. I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with chief General at the Kartarpur ceremony. There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in which is his (Sidhu's) constituency, SAD said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month. If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added. Badal said Sidhu should know that Pakistan is involved in sending drugs to It is General Bajwa who is behind killing our youth with whom he shakes hands, he said, Badal said, apparently referring to an earlier row over the chief hugging the Punjab politician. Taking a swipe at president, the SAD chief said has a very good opportunity to expand his party in Pakistan by making Sidhu the head of the its unit in Pakistan's Punjab. However, MLA Raj Kumar Verka defended Sidhu. I feel Sukhbir Badal, the Badal family and the BJP are suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhu's name more than Baba Nanak Dev's, he said. Verka said Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal too had clicked a picture with Chawla at the same event, despite knowing his antecedents. Sidhu does not even know about Chawla, Verka claimed. Verka asked whether Badal would now seek Longowal's resignation as SGPC chief. Meanwhile, former Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also attended the Kartarpur event, claimed that Sidhu had avoided Chawla several times. But he managed to get a picture clicked with him, Sarna said in Attari. S. military aid to Pakistan and warned that Washington will take further punitive measures unless the Pakistani government acts decisively against Islamist terrorists. They were just one of many countries that take from the United States without giving anything in return, the president tweeted about Pakistan on Nov. 19. Thats ENDING! But while the Trump administration has freely vented its frustration with Islamabad, current and former ... 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 Industrialist left the country in "normal course" and not under suspicious circumstances as claimed by investigating agencies, his lawyer told a court here Thursday. A special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases is hearing the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea to declare a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act. Arguing before judge M S Azmi, Mallya's lawyer Amit Desai said his client is a non-resident Indian (NRI) with a permanent address in and he had substantial business overseas as well as in is accused by the ED of defaulting on to the tune of Rs 90 billion. He is also accused of diverting some of the loan amount. Advocate Desai, while opposing the ED plea, said that Mallya had cooperated with the Debts Recovery Tribunal in its proceedings in relation to the loans given to his firms. He left the country for on March 2, 2016 via Germany, where he attended a conference of World Motorsports as a director, Desai said. Mallya was then one of the owners Force India, a Formula One team, he added. The investigating agencies had claimed that he left the county under suspicious circumstances. Desai, however, argued that "Mallya left the country in normal course and before any case was registered against him." Further, FEO Act is a draconian law as it permits confiscation of a person's property even before the trial starts, he said. "As per the criminal procedure, property is confiscated only after the accused is held guilty. Under this law, the question of confiscation of property comes even before the first witness is examined," he said. ED counsel D P Singh rebutted Mallya's defence that he cannot return to because of the conditions of the bail granted by a court in the United Kingdom which restrain him from leaving the country. Mallya can give an undertaking before the UK court that he wants to return to India, Singh said. The arguments will continue on Friday. The Palace scrambled Thursday to defend President Rodrigo Dutertes idea to create an armed civilian group called the Duterte Death Squad to counteract communist assassins, saying such an operation would bring relief to the people. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Presidents proposal is still an idea, but the government needs to work for it to come to fruition. I think the President was just bringing an idea, and if that idea becomes a reality, as Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana said, the army will be in charge of that, said Panelo in a Palace press briefing Thursday. Panelo said Duterte thought of creating the DDS because of his responsibility not to let soldiers and policemen die at the hands of communist rebels without putting up a fight. He is duty-bound by the Constitution to protect them. It is included in his duties to protect and ensure the safety of the public and men who enforce the law, he added. He also said the formation of the DDS would not violate the due process rights of suspects. Why are you violating due process? Youre running after criminals. Youre running after people who will assassinate us, so how can that be? You will even prevent it from happening, he said. We have a situation here where there is a group of men who will kill with impunity. What do you want the state to do, just sit idle and watch? We cannot do that, he added. He also dismissed the possibility that the presence of a state-recognized death squad would encourage a culture of impunity where civilians might take the law into their hands and follow the Presidents mindset to take out their enemies. No, I dont think it will encourage [that]. In fact, people will be relieved that there is such. If this idea becomes a reality where there will be someone who will protect us from those who want to kill us. If it were me, I would be happy, Panelo said. Nat Mariano and Maricel V. Cruz We should, in fact, be relieved that we have a President doing everything in his power to stop all acts of violence, all acts of criminality, all acts of terrorism against the civilians, he added. Panelo also took a swipe at the Commission on Human Rights for saying the formation of the planned death squad would violate the International Humanitarian Law.He said CHR chief Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon was too narrow in his interpretation of Dutertes pronouncement. You know if you say death squad, the intention of it is just to kill but not killing in self-defense, he is right. But this is different; precisely you are going to create that to prevent the killing of these people, of civilians, he said. His point of view on this matter is just too narrow, Panelo said, referring to Gascon. On Wednesday, Duterte announced that he will form his own death squad to counteract the New Peoples Armys Sparrow unit, and team of assassins active in the 1970s and 1980s. Lorenzana expressed apprehensions about the plan, and said they would need to closely study the formation of the DDS. Also on Thursday, a panel in the House of Representatives approved a substitute resolution that urges President Duterte to resume the peace process negotiations with the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines. The House special committee on peace, reconciliation and unity chaired by Rep. Ruby Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, passed the unnumbered resolution that substituted House Resolution No. 1803. The resolution also urges Malacanang to complete the comprehensive agreements on social, economic and political reforms to lay the basis for a just and lasting peace. The adoption of the resolution comes on the heels of the resignation of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. Sahali, in her opening remarks, said that despite the resignation of Dureza, she is duty-bound to express the sentiments and interests of the people for the immediate resumption of the stalled peace talks to find a peaceful and just resolution to the decades-long armed conflict. We can start by maintaining effective communication exchanges that strike at the very root of these peace negotiations, she said. A few months after announcing his resignation from the post of chief economic advisor, Arvind Subramanian is now candid on controversial issues such as demonetisation, which he had eschewed during his stint. Demonetisation was a massive, draconian, monetary shock. It was an unprecedented move that no country in recent history had made in normal times, he notes in his new book. The decision to do away with Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes accelerated the slowdown in economic activity with growth averaging 6.8 per cent in the seven quarters after it, as against an average ... Terming the crisis as a regulatory failure, former chief economic advisor to finance minister, Arvind Subramanian, has said the (RBI) should be held responsible for the crisis at one of the largest entities it has been regulating. In a soon to be published book, 'Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy,' Subramanian says though RBI has a good reputation, it does not mean it's always right, as for years, the RBI was unable to grasp the seriousness of the loan repayment problems or identify the prolonged frauds of Nirav Modi and the likes. "Now, with the recent shenanigans involving being revealed, this failure seems to have encompassed not just commercial banks but also non-bank financial companies. For these failures, the RBI needs to be held accountable," he says in the book, published by Penguin Random House India. The book will be first launched in Mumbai on December 7 and then in Delhi on the 9th. Subramanian calls upon RBI to step up its abilities in two key areas of supervision and part with its mammoth reserves to recapitalise the ailing state-run lenders in a decisive manner. "RBI must credibly step up its supervisory abilities, or even be willing to hand this over to a new agency created for this purpose. A second area is recapitalising public- sector banks in a decisive fashion, putting them back on their feet so they can lend again," he says. Subramanian had first made this view in the 2018 economic survey wherein he had called using the excess RBI reserves, including the forex reserves and its huge reserve capital of Rs 9.7 trillion for more productive purposes. "The RBI has excess capital that can be profitably deployed for this purpose I realise that in making this suggestion, I am up against all the eminent current and former RBI officials, who argue that the RBI actually needs all the capital it has." "These officials command the respect of the public, and for good reasons. But I think they are wrong" he says and quotes the late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher who used to say, 'One man and the Truth is a majority.' Though he is critical on the central bank on the crisis, he praises the monetary authority for some of its recent steps like the asset quality review and showing the doors to erring private-sector bank heads. The RBI has done an excellent job of maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability, thanks to its illustrious governors and the strong team behind them, he says and cites the 2015 move of the RBI to initiate an asset quality review, which had an important impact on advancing the twin balance sheet challenge. "More recently, RBI has been enforcing some discipline on some of the most troubled public-sector banks via the prompt corrective action framework," he notes and terms the decision on ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Yes Bank as "impressive actions to account, and ensuring their exit." "As a result of the RBI's strong track record, it has become one of the nation's key public institutions, like the Election Commission, Finance Commission and the Supreme Court, mainstays of the nation that research has repeatedly found to be critical for long-run economic development," he says. The former CEA also calls for a radical solution to solve the twin balance sheet problem and offers privatising public sector banks by amending the Bank Nationalisation Act as an effective way to achieve that. He also flays RBI for not coming out with an effective mechanism to resolve the NPA problem and called for setting up a bad bank as a way forward. "So far, the strategy has been to solve the twin balance sheet issue through a decentralised approach, under which banks have been put in charge of restructuring. In the current circumstances, however, effectiveness has proved elusive, as banks have been overwhelmed by the scope of the problem confronting them," he says. Therefore, he says "the time may have arrived to try a centralised approach, or a public sector asset rehabilitation agency. As so far, public discussion of the bad loan problem has focused on bank capital, as if the main obstacle to resolving the TBS issue was finding the funds needed by public-sector banks." Subramanian was the chief economic adviser from October 2014 to June 2018 citing pressing family commitments and has returned to the US. In 2017 his term was extended for a year. The Election Commission, which has to hold fresh Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir before May 21 next, is likely to club it with the Lok Sabha elections due next year, highly-placed sources in the poll panel said on Thursday. The state Assembly was dissolved by Governor on November 21 citing the "impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing political ideologies" and the "fragile security scenario in the state". Mentioning a Supreme Court direction, the sources said the "outer limit" for holding fresh polls after the dissolution of a House is six months, that is May 21 next year. They also said that the apex court has made it clear that the poll panel should hold elections in the first available opportunity. "It is likely that they could be clubbed with Lok Sabha polls," they said. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has a six-year term, while other Assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term. Its term was to end on March 16, 2021. The sources in the government, meanwhile, pointed out that when security forces are deployed for the Lok Sabha polls in the state, it would be convenient for election authorities to hold the Assembly polls simultaneously. Malik dissolved the Assembly shortly after People's Democratic Party leader staked claim to form a government with the support of the National Conference and the She cited a collective strength of 56 MLAs in the 87-member House. A separate claim to form a government was made by Sajad Lone of the two-member People's Conference who claimed support of the Bharatiya Janata Party and 18 MLAs from other parties. The state Assembly was kept under suspended animation since June when Governor's Rule was imposed after the ended its alliance with the Since last year, the EC has not been able to hold bypoll to Anantnag Lok Sabha seat citing law and order situation and lack of central forces. president Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday that broke every single promise he made, including being an "honest" prime minister. He accused Modi and Telangana Chief Minister of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers. Addressing a students convention and three election rallies in poll-bound Telangana, Gandhi assailed Modi and Rao over a variety of issues, including crony capitalism, while calling the state's ruling and its "friendly party" AIMIM of Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi the 'B and C' teams of the BJP. Gandhi said Modi and Rao made "many, many promises" but did not deliver on them. "The prime minister made promises of depositing Rs 1.5 million in the bank account of every citizen, 20 million jobs to youth every year, farm loan waiver and a just minimum support price for farm produce. He also promised he will be the 'chowkidaar' of this country and not the prime minister. "You have seen that he has broken every single promise. He has broken the promise of being an honest prime minister," he told a convention of students in Hyderabad. Gandhi alleged the prime minister gave Rs 300 billion to industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal but not the farmers their due. "If the Prime Minister of India can write off (rupees) 3.5 trillion of 15 people...the richest people in the country, then he should be ready to waive the loan of India's farmers," he said. Gandhi asked the audience to recollect his speeches of the last 15 years and point out even one commitment he made and did not honour. "I am not in the habit of lying to our people. I am not in the habit of making false promises. I made a commitment to farmers about agricultural loan waiver in Karnataka and Punjab, and when we were voted to power there, we wrote them off," he said. Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state. "Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also. "We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists. Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors. Taking a jibe at the chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 3 billion palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people." Speaking at an election meeting at Parigi in Vikarabad district, the leader dubbed the and AIMIM as 'B and C' teams of the BJP. He said Owaisi's party fielded its candidates in Assam and Maharashtra assembly elections just to facilitate BJP's victory. "We will defeat the BJP, RSS and in the 2019 general elections. The TRS and MIM are Team B and C of the BJP," he said. Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry. He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 5 billion would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said,"Modi ji tells you his 'mann ki baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) mann ki baat and run Telangana according to your wishes." The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 200,000 and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce. Gandhi said he would never make tall promises like creating 20 million jobs every year or putting Rs 1.5 million in the bank accounts of people. "It is a matter of my credibility and I take that very seriously," he asserted. He also said Rao got a golden opportunity to build a newly created state and do things in a fresh way but he frittered it away by "indulging in corruption and promoting family rule". The Rajasthan released the party manifesto on Thursday, promising to waive the loan of farmers and provide free education to women and jobs to youth. Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and chairman of the manifesto committee Harish Choudhary released the party manifesto. Pilot said the manifesto was prepared after taking opinions through multiple platforms such as social media. Two lakh suggestions were received for the preparation of the manifesto, he said. Pilot said the party will waive the loans of farmers if voted to power, an announcement the party president had made during an election meeting in Jaisalmer's Pokhran Assembly constituency on Monday. He said the Congress intends to give Rs 3,500 monthly allowance to unemployed youths in the state. The party has also promised to bring a legislation for the protection of journalists in the state. The party has promised to form an implementation committee for time-bound implementation of the manifesto. The assembly election is scheduled for December 7. SYDNEYAustralian spies operating overseas will have more leeway to use force, including lethal force, under legal reforms put forward by the conservative government Thursday. Under the proposals, intelligence officers operating abroad for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service would be able to use reasonable force well beyond situations of self-defense. The measures would allow spies to use firearms more readily, as well as restrain or detain anyone posing a risk to their operations. Officers and agentsa trade craft term for any informant or operativewill also be allowed to use force to protect bystanders or hostages. Justifying the reforms, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne cited a more complex world and new circumstances unforeseen when current rules were forged a decade and a half ago. Those rules allow intelligence officers to use force to defend only themselves, other staff, or agents. Leading Australian government lawyers had expressed concern that spies could break Australian law by defending bystanders in the course of operations.The government tried to bat away allegations the reforms amounted to a license for spies to begin to operate like paramilitary special forces. ASIS does not have, nor is it seeking, an offensive armed capability, the government said in a statement to parliament Thursday. The law would still proscribe intelligence officers from planning or undertaking paramilitary activities and the foreign minister would have to authorize the deployment of weapons. Before that, the minister would also have to consult the attorney-general, the prime minister and any other relevant minister. The independent Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security would oversee compliance. The government will push harder on measures for providing liquidity in the financial system rather than changing governance norms of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Governance in RBI was supposed to be the main agenda to be discussed in the next meeting of the RBIs central board, which has top finance ministry bureaucrats as governments representatives, slated to be held on December 14. There was a relatively peaceful atmosphere between the RBI and the government in the last meeting. We want to continue that. The governance in the RBI is more ... Employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank staged a protest here Thursday demanding a rollback of the decision of Governor S P Malik-led state administrative council to treat the bank as a public sector undertaking. Scores of employees of the bank assembled at its corporate headquarters on M A Road and staged a demonstration, under the banner of All India J-K Bank Officers Federation, to demand rollback of the SAC order. "This protest, which is a peaceful demonstration as J-K Bank workforce is a peaceful workforce, is against the SAC decision. We demand that the SAC rollback its decision as soon as possible and we will not let this decision be implemented on the J-K Bank, Tassaduq Madni, president of the federation, told reporters. Last week, the SAC approved the proposal for treating the J-K Bank Limited as a PSU, bringing it under the purview of the Right to Information Act, the Chief Vigilance Commissioner guidelines and the state legislature. The SAC move has come under widespread criticism from mainstream political parties, separatists and business and trade organisations in the state. In the 1975 European Communities membership referendum, it was England that returned the biggest majority for the UK joining the common market: 69%. Northern Irelands 52% support was the smallest. Next came Scotland on 58%, though it included the only two regions in the UK that voted to stay out the Shetland Islands and the Western Isles. In the Brexit referendum of 2016, the political dynamics had reversed. Now voters in England and Wales voted to leave the EU, while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. This difference has set the tone for much of what has ... on Wednesday said that for sustainable peace, prosperity and stability in it is important that the world community continues to support the Afghan government and its defence forces to combat terror and ensure that "verifiable actions" are taken to end safe havens and sanctuaries outside the war-torn country. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said here that supports all efforts for a political settlement in which are inclusive, promote unity, security, democracy and build a self-reliant and prosperous country. He emphasised on the Afghan side having a greater responsibility in running and managing its own affairs. "For sustainable peace, prosperity and stability it is equally important that the community continue to support the Afghan government, the people and the National Defence Forces of to combat terror and violence imposed on them and ensure that verifiable actions are taken to end safe havens and sanctuaries outside Afghanistan," Singh said in a veiled attack on Pakistan. He was participating in the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in Geneva to evaluate and strategise on developmental policy achievements during the "transformation decade" (2015-24) for the war-torn country. India, he said, has been engaged in a development partnership with Afghanistan and this was based on the objectives of building capacities for governance, training human resources, creating infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting trade and investment. A robust bilateral development cooperation dialogue is in place to ensure that these are in consonance with National Peace and Development Framework and National Priority Programmes of Afghanistan, he added. Condemning the "mindless terrorist violence" against the Afghan population, Singh said the people of Afghanistan yearn for peace, security and stability. " supports all efforts for a political settlement in Afghanistan which are inclusive, promotes unity, peace, security, democracy and builds a self-reliant and prosperous Afghanistan. It is important that all such efforts for peace and reconciliation should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled," he said. "The community needs to continue to support the Afghan people and the government in their efforts so that there can be enduring peace, stability and end of terrorist violence," he said. Singh also reaffirmed India's commitment to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. He also reiterated India's development assistance commitment of over USD 3 billion to Afghanistan in keeping with Kabul's priorities under its National Peace and Development Framework. On the margins of the Geneva conference, Singh separately called on Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. He also held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of Norway and Hungary. India also participated in the side meeting on the 'Role of Regional Partners of Afghanistan' on Tuesday. Singh, on Tuesday, had participated in the high-level closed door dinner on 'Peace in Afghanistan' jointly organised by the Afghan government and the UN. "The MoS stated that for enduring peace and stability, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries need to be eliminated and there is an imperative need for any political settlement to be free of external influence," an MEA statement said. A restricted breakfast meeting on Peace in Afghanistan was also jointly organised by the Afghan government and the UN on Wednesday. In the breakfast meeting, Singh conveyed India's support to efforts of the Afghan government in the peace and reconciliation process and the need for firm action by the community against those who breed, support, sustain and sponsor terror and violence, the statement added. At the conclusion of the conference, the Geneva Communique entitled 'Securing Afghanistan's Future: Peace, Self-Reliance and Connectivity' along with the Geneva Mutual Accountability Framework document on deliverables was also adopted. Carmaker Ford backed Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Thursday to avoid a no-deal "catastrophe," but said she still needed to guarantee long-term frictionless trade, which is key to the future of its plants in Britain. Ford Europe boss Steven Armstrong told Reuters the company was considering importing more vehicles into Britain ahead of Brexit to avoid any disruption if May's deal is not approved by lawmakers. It is also working with suppliers to minimise delays and looking at potentially adapting its own port at Dagenham in southeast England, he ... When US President Donald Trump meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the margins of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires between November 30 and December 1, nothing less than a reasonably healthy global trading system and continued economic growth will be on the table. It is one of the more significant meetings between two global leaders in the modern era. The encounter will recall the high-wire diplomacy between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, which signalled the end of the Cold War and, as it happened, the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Or, ... US President jets into Argentina on Thursday for a G20 summit, keen to do battle with China on trade and sharpening his rhetoric against Russia over Ukraine. The weekend summit is confronted with increasingly dire warnings, by the Monetary Fund among others, of the potential harm faced by the world from Trump's trade wars. G20 leaders, whose countries account for four-fifths of the world's economic output, first met in November 2008 to forge a united front against the global financial crisis. A decade on, that unity has vanished as the "America First" Trump shreds the consensus underpinning trade and other G20 countries such as Brazil, Italy and Mexico turn to populist leaders. Trump has already rattled global markets by enacting tariffs on the bulk of Chinese imports, and is threatening to go further in January. He will press Chinese President to avert the stepped-up tariffs by throwing open China's markets to US competition and protecting foreign companies' intellectual property. On Wednesday, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer slammed Beijing for failing to offer "meaningful reform" on aggressive trade policies, and threatened tariffs on Chinese autos. But how far can Xi go in overhauling the model that has powered China to second place in the world economic rankings? He did vow on Wednesday that China would boost protection of intellectual property. But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine and ring hollow. At best, analysts say, there will be a temporary truce at the G20 to give both Trump and Xi something to crow about. There is doubt that a separate planned encounter at the G20 between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will even go ahead, after Russian security forces boarded and detained three Ukrainian vessels. Trump on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over the weekend incident near Crimea, and has threatened to cancel the meeting. ALSO READ: PM Modi leaves for G20 Summit to Buenos Aires with a packed schedule But the Kremlin said it remained on the calendar, as Putin defended the action. Meanwhile the US, Canada and Mexico are expected on Friday to sign a revamped version of the North American trade pact NAFTA, which Trump excoriated when running for president. If that negotiation has averted one trade war, others are brewing with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on foreign car imports, targeting Europe and Japan in particular. In a pre-G20 report, the IMF said the auto tariffs could cut three-fourths of a percent off the global Britain's "Brexit" separation from the European Union is another threat to global growth, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said. Like Trump and Xi, Prime Minister Theresa May will arrive in Buenos Aires late on Thursday to bring another intriguing subplot to the world's pre-eminent economic forum. Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falkland/Malvinas islands in 1982, and May will be the first British leader to visit the Argentine capital. In the here and now, May will use the G20 to sell Britain's post-Brexit trading future outside the EU. But Trump has done her no favors by mocking a hard-fought withdrawal agreement negotiated between London and Brussels, and May still has to win backing for the deal from the fractious British parliament. Trump has already bared its disdain for summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC, setting the stage for a fractious G20 on Friday and Saturday. Thomas Wright, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said "there's a deep division in this G20 now between democracies and authoritarians." "It's always been there but it was a little less relevant when the G20 was just about finally seeing the financial crisis or responding to these global challenges. "Now I think it's really been stripped bare," he said, adding there was an opening for a liberal leader like France's Emmanuel Macron or Canada's Justin Trudeau to make a splash in Argentina by standing up to Trump. Nissan's former chairman signed secret documents instructing aides to defer part of his salary without disclosing this to shareholders, a source close to the issue claimed on Thursday. Ghosn and close aide Greg Kelly were arrested last week for allegedly conspiring to under-report Ghosn's income by around $44 million -- about half of what should have been reported -- over five fiscal years until March 2015. The 64-year-old tycoon denies the allegations and has not been able to defend himself publicly while he is in a Tokyo detention centre. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the misreporting started in the fiscal year 2009/2010 when a new law came into force requiring any company executives earning 100 million yen ($885,000) or more to declare it. "All of a sudden, he had to disclose his pay and when that happened, he started splitting it into two parts, one part that was disclosed and paid within that year, another part not disclosed, to be paid upon retirement in theory," said this source, who is familiar with the Nissan and prosecutors' probe. Ghosn signed documents tasking a small number of his executive assistants -- excluding CEO Hiroto Saikawa, according to a local media report -- to arrange this division of his salary, added the source. The businessman denies signing such documents, according to local media. "Over the years since the law changed, the amount of undisclosed compensation grew and grew to the point where it was much larger than the disclosed amount of around one billion yen," the source claimed. Japanese law requires that the total amount -- including compensation upon retirement -- be disclosed annually, added the source. But Nobuo Gohara, lawyer and former prosecutor, said "it is very doubtful if he was obliged to report it" if the charge Ghosn faces relates to postponement of his compensation until retirement. The motive was reportedly to avoid shareholder and employee criticism over his high compensation. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun daily, Kelly has told prosecutors he had "consulted with the Financial Services Agency about ways to fill in the financial report, and got a response there was no problem" in not reporting remuneration upon retirement. The paper added that Ghosn denies any wrongdoing, telling prosecutors he consulted with Kelly "about dealing with the issue legally." Contacted by AFP, a spokesman for the FSA said the agency "cannot comment on the affairs of an individual company." Local media have also alleged in recent days that Nissan had provided Ghosn with luxury residences in four countries without any legitimate business reason, paying "huge sums" for residences in Rio de Janeiro, Beirut, Paris and Amsterdam. The source confirmed part of this, saying that the residences in Rio de Janeiro and Lebanon "were paid for by the company but secretly." The payments were made using a subsidiary based in the Netherlands and Kelly was responsible for setting up these arrangements, the source said. Nissan's internal investigation report "does mention the fact that there were several apartments for which the company paid rents that were exclusively for M. Ghosn's use and did not come out of his housing allowance," added this source. These expenses should have been disclosed as compensation but this was arranged without shareholders' approval and generally in secret, added the source. According to local media, Ghosn is also suspected of using Nissan's corporate money to pay a donation to his daughter's university and costs for a family trip. And the Yomiuri Shimbun has said Ghosn paid some "advisory deal" money to his older sister -- $100,000 annually, for a fictive job. "Bersamin and Locsin face challenging times." "Bersamin and Locsin face challenging times." Congratulations to Lucas Bersamin and Teodoro Locsin Jr. Bersamin said he does not personally know appointing power President Rodrigo Duterte and was surprised by his elevation as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In his first interview with media, Bersamin pledged that the judiciary would remain independent. Locsin, on the other hand, easily hurdled the bicameral Commission on Appointments. Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Locsin was our ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He replaced Alan Peter Cayetano who resigned as SFA to seek a seat at the House of Representatives with an eye on the speakership. Locsins appointment as the countrys top diplomat is a welcome change after Cayetano and after Perfecto Yasay, who was removed because of his questionable citizenship. Yasay lived as a resident in the United States and did not disclose that he had acquired American citizenship. Exposed for his duplicity, the CA rejected his nomination. As a speech writer for Philippine presidents, Locsin is a wide reader and his world view will surely serve him in good stead. This skill was honed in his stint at the United Nations despite the fact that he served only for a short term. President Duterte apparently knew what he needed and wanteda well-versed foreign secretary who would more than mouth his stand on international issues. This could have been the reason Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio didnt make it as chief magistrate. Carpios and Dutertes position on the South China Sea issue are on opposite poles. Carpio who was designated acting chief justice after the retirement of CJ Teresita Leonardo de Castro was consistent in his view that the government must protect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. He felt that the President was too soft on his Chinese friends. But then, who can argue against a P95-billion loan that China has signed with the Philippines to fund the countrys infrastructure projects such as new elevated roads, and bridges to solve Metro Manilas monstrous traffic problem. For sure Filipinos worry more about the traffic trap than the debt trap some sectors are concern about.Bersamins pledge of judicial independence augurs a refreshing wind of change coming after chief magistrates Renato Corona, Maria Lourdes Sereno and Teresita de Castro. Corona was ousted in a Senate impeachment trial while Sereno was removed in a quo warranto proceeding filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida. De Castro who replaced Sereno, served for only three months as she reached retirement age. Bersamin will also retire in October 2019. By then, Duterte would already have someone in mind not to mention that he would have stacked the Supreme Court with more associate justices nominated by him. Bersamin will face several key issues in his court such as the extension of martial law in some parts of the country. Imposed in Mindanao because of terrorist threats marked by the siege of Marawi, there are concerns of a creeping martial law in the entire country being done on a piecemeal basis. President Duterte has allayed the peoples concern saying he is giving the military a wider role in running the country because of corruption in government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and the lawless violence in the run-up to the mid-term election in May next year. Alarming though is the Presidents plan to form the Davao Death Squad to fight the communist New Peoples Army. The DDS became notorious for alleged extrajudicial killings during Digongs long rule as Davao City mayor. Also on the Bersamin court will be the issue of Charter change and the proposal to switch to a federalist form of government. Other developments in the Duterte administration was the resignation of Jesus Dureza as head of the Office of the President on the Peace Process. Dureza quit on the principle of command responsibility when two of his key officials were dismissed by Duterte for alleged corruption. The President also fired Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Secretary-General Falconi Millar for alleged anomalies in the agency. US Secretary of State said Wednesday that there is no "direct information" connecting Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman with the murder of in Istanbul, and he warned that it would be a "grave mistake" to degrade US-Saudi relations because of the killing. "There is no direct reporting connecting the crown to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi," Pompeo said in remarks to reporters after holding a closed-door meeting with senators to inform them of US intelligence findings on the matter. Pompeo said that degrading US-Saudi ties because of Khashoggi's murder would be a "grave mistake" for US "national security" after the meeting on Capitol Hill, in which Defense Secretary James Mattis also participated. Several days ago Donald Trump called Khashoggi's killing an "atrocity", but he said that the CIA had not reached a definitive "conclusion" about the crown prince's involvement in the murder last month at the Saudi consulate in Khashoggi, as has admitted, was murdered by a group of agents who traveled to from -- some of them close associates of the crown The journalist, who had been living in the US and writing periodic columns for The Washington Post, had gone to the Saudi consulate in on October 2 to get documents he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Meanwhile, Pompeo defended Washington's involvement in the conflict in Yemen, in which some 10,000 people have died and which has become the world's biggest humanitarian crisis at present. The US has been backing the coalition headed by that is fighting the Houthis rebels, supported by Iran. "The suffering in Yemen grieves me, but if the United States of America was not involved in Yemen, it would be a hell of a lot worse," said Pompeo in prepared remarks, adding that "abandoning Yemen would do immense damage to US national security interests and those of our Middle Eastern allies and partners". The number of undocumented migrants living in the United States has fallen to 10.7 million, the lowest since 2004, according to a Pew Research Center study, which attributed the decline to a big drop in undocumented Mexicans. Pew, which based its latest findings on government figures from 2016, said the number of undocumented in the United States peaked in 2007 at an estimated 12.2 million people. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of Mexicans in the United States illegally plummeted by 1.5 million, according to the study released Tuesday. Nevertheless, people of Mexican origin still account for half of all undocumented migrants in the United States -- about 5.4 million people in 2016, Pew said. Two-thirds of undocumented adults have been living in the United States for more than 10 years, a figure that has been rising sharply since 2007. The number of undocumented migrants from Central America, however, rose by 375,000 between 2007 and 2016, according to Pew. US President Donald Trump has made illegal immigration a signature issue since his 2016 presidential campaign, which he began with accusations that Mexico was sending drug traffickers, criminals and rapists across its northern border. This year, he used the approach of a migrant caravan from Central America as a foil for his views ahead of the November 6 midterm election in the United States, evoking images of an "invasion." Thousands of people in the caravan, including women and children, are mostly fleeing poverty and unrest in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, where brutal gang violence has fueled some of the highest murder rates in the world. On Wednesday, the US Department of Homeland Security asserted, without providing evidence, that there are "over 600 known criminals and gang members in the caravan." The Department added that agents had arrested a Honduran man suspected of being in the US illegally who admitted to being a member of the MS-13 gang, which Trump has regularly cited as a threat to the United States. A scientist who upended a Hong Kong conference with his claim to have created the world's first genetically-edited babies cancelled a fresh talk and was heavily criticised by organisers Thursday, who labelled him as irresponsible. He Jiankui had told a packed biomedical conference Wednesday he was "proud" to have successfully altered the DNA of twin girls born to an HIV-positive father, an apparent medical breakthrough. But details of the experiment, which has not been independently verified, triggered an immediate backlash and He said the trial had been halted. The founder of an HIV support group reported to be based in Beijing said Thursday that he regretted introducing families to He for the trial, according to local media. Bai Hua, the group's head, said he had introduced 50 families to He's team. "In the beginning we did not understand what it was they were really doing. Actually right now my personal feeling is that they are a bit crazy," he told RTHK. Bai added that he had spoken to two of the families involved in the trial and questioned whether the risks and ethical issues had been fully explained to them. "The team all along emphasised that the chance of success was high, and that there were risks, but they were low," he told RTHK. Professor He was supposed to speak at the summit again Thursday but disappeared from the schedule. David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate and chairman of the organising committee, told reporters it was He's decision not to attend. Organisers of the Second Summit on Human Genome Editing denounced He's "unexpected and deeply disturbing" claim that human embryos had been edited and implanted, and called for closer supervision of the field at the conclusion of the conference Thursday. "Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform with norms," they said in a statement. "Its flaws include an inadequate medical indication, a poorly designed study protocol, a failure to meet ethical standards for protecting the welfare of research subjects, and a lack of transparency in the development, review and conduct of clinical procedures," it added. University professor He, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, said the twin girls, born a few weeks ago, had their DNA altered to prevent them from contracting HIV. Eight volunteer couples -- HIV-positive fathers and HIV-negative mothers -- signed up to the trial, with one dropping out before it was put on hold. He said there had been "another potential pregnancy" involving a second couple, but it is unclear whether that pregnancy is still ongoing. Experts warned that editing human embryos can create unintended mutations in other areas -- so-called "off-target effects" -- which can have an impact through the lifetime. Southern University of Science and Technology distanced itself from He, saying he had been on unpaid leave since February and had "seriously violated academic ethics". He, who was educated at Stanford University, said the twins' DNA was modified using CRISPR, a technique which allows scientists to remove and replace a strand with pinpoint precision. Co-creator of the technology Jennifer Doudna said she felt "horrified" at hearing He's talk, adding she felt deeply concerned for the people affected and questioned whether they really understood the procedure. Summit organisers said germline genome editing could become "acceptable" in future if rigorous criteria are met, including "strict independent oversight". However, they added that there were too many scientific and technical uncertainties to permit clinical trials at this stage. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina this week for what some see as the most important meeting in years between the leaders of the world's two largest economies. After months of bitter bickering between their governments over trade and security that has raised questions about the very future of a complex but economically pivotal relationship, the two leaders took a step back from the edge with an ice-breaking telephone call early this month. They expressed optimism about resolving their ... More than nine years ago, in the morning of Nov. 23, 2009, a convoy of six vehicles, including two carrying 32 journalists, rolled out from Buluan town in Maguindanao to accompany the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Toto Mangudadatu who was set to file her husbands certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao in the Commission on Elections office in Shariff Aguak. Mangudadatu, who said he received reports that he would be chopped off if he filed his certificate of candidacy, had sent his wife, lawyers and relatives, mostly women, and requested 37 media members to witness the filing in the hope that his rival, Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of the powerful Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., would not dare touch a group of women and journalists. He was wrong. The 58-member convoy was stopped by more than 100 armed men, believed to be members of the Ampatuans dreaded private army and militia men, as they neared Shariff Aguak, herded and brought to a hill in Ampatuan town where they were executed and later buried in shallow graves, some of them still inside their vehicles. The wife of Mangudadatu was reportedly slapped and shot in close range allegedly by Ampatuan Jr. himself while some of the other women, including four female journalists, were reported to have been raped before being shot to death by Ampatuans men. The first people to arrive at the scene saw several bodies still lying near the vehicles with the others half-buried on the Ampatuan hill as the operator of the provincial government-owned heavy equipment fled after seeing a helicopter hovering above. It was a horrifying scene, described by the International Crisis Group as one of the worst acts of political violence in modern Philippine history, and the largest number of journalists slain on a single day ever, anywhere in the world. This looks like Rwanda, Peruvian forensics expert Jose Pablo Baraybar was quoted as having described the massacre site. Baraybar was referring to the tiny African nation where 800,000 Tutsis were killed by Hutu militiamen at the height of a civil war in 1994. We are narrating the events of that fateful day based on the accounts of some journalists and witnesses so that we may never forget the cruelty and barbarism of that infamous incident and in the hope that the government will finally do something to end the culture of violence and impunity in our country. A total of 197 were originally accused of multiple murders when the trials began in January 2010, but only 103 remain under trial, including prime suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr., and his brothers Zaldy Ampatuan and Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, the latter out on bail after the court granted him bail in January 2015. Twelve other surnamed Ampatuans are on the list of the accused. The patriarch, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., was also included in the charge sheet but he died in detention on July 17, 2015. The trial court has already heard a total of 273 witnesses166 for the prosecution and 107 for the defense. The transcripts of stenographic notes have reached 59 volumes, while the records of the cases are 129 volumes thick, plus 10 volumes of prosecutions evidence. Some potential witnesses have reportedly been killed while others are missing. And yet, nine years and three administrations since the gruesome murders, not one of the accused has been convicted. The Department of Justice said on Monday that Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes was expected to now set the promulgation of the case where she would decide whether to convict or acquit Ampatuan and the other accused. The decision, according to the DOJ, would most probably be reached in the first quartet of next year, as early as January.Year after year on the day of the massacre, Nov. 23, journalists and relatives of the victims light candles in the hope that it would move the government to give priority to the resolution of the case and, therefore, show that amid the darkness, the light of justice would eventually prevail. Will justice finally prevail? The need to render justice on this horrific incident becomes even more important and urgent in the wake of recent murders of media men that have increased the tally of unsolved media killings, and the recent upsurge of political violence ahead of the mid-term elections in May next year. Almost every week, we hear of mayors, vice mayors, councilors and other local politicians being ambushed or assassinated with the coming elections expected to be bloodier because of the culture of violence and impunity that has been heightened by President Dutertes reckless speechesstill six months away. Convicting and rendering the harshest possible sentence on those found guilty of the Maguindanao massacre will hopefully send a strong signal to political warlords that they can no longer decide the outcome of elections by violence, and that the rule of law still prevails in the country. The culture of impunity will continue to cast a dark shadow over the country unless the government shows its resolve to arrest the suspects of media and political killings and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law and in the fastest time possible. Finally finding justice for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre would be a good start. The reason that the culture of impunity continues is because nothing has been done to make the wheels of justice run faster. The Maguindanao massacre numbers are glaring: 58 dead, 9 years, 0 justice. Will it finally become 58 dead, 9 years, 103 guilty? Will the yearly candles finally bring justice into the light amid the darkness that has prevailed over our country for decades? [email protected] Val Abelgas is a former managing editor of Manila Standard. He now lives inand continues to write fromthe United States. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday registered a case against Tamil Nadu Police and Revenue Department officials after 13 protestors were killed in police firing during Anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, on May 22. 13 people were killed and more than 60 injured in the alleged police firing during the violent protest against Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi. The people were protesting against the construction of the Sterlite copper plant, claiming that it was polluting groundwater, and was hazardous for the environment. Taking note of the people's demand, the Tamil Nadu government on May 28 ordered the closure of the plant. In August, the Madras High Court ordered a CBI probe into the police firing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maratha Reservation Bill was unanimously passed by both the Houses of Maharashtra State Legislature on Thursday. The Bill was passed by both the Houses in less than an hour after it was tabled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill will be now sent to Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for his assent. The Bill gives 16 per cent reservation to the members of the Maratha community in government jobs and admission in government institutions, under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of Citizens (SEBC). The state already has 52 per cent reservation for OBCs, SCs, and STs in government jobs and admission in academic institutions. With 16 per cent reservation for Marathas, the total quota percentage in Maharashtra goes up to 68 per cent, the highest in the country after Tamil Nadu where the quota is up to 69 per cent. "I thank all the parties including Shivsena, Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party (SP), All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Shetkari Kamgat Paksh (SKP), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and all that every one has supported this Bill unanimously.. I propose this Bill for discussion and request everyone to support it," Fadnavis said while tabling the Bill. He also highlighted various aspects of the Bill at the time of tabling. The Bill got overwhelming support from all political parties and it was passed immediately without having a debate on it. Congress' Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Leader of Opposition in , responded by saying: "I announce that we support this Bill." Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and leader of opposition Ajit Pawar said: "I announce that we also support this Bill too. And I request everyone to unanimously pass it." Shetkari Kamgat Paksh leader Ganpati Rao Deshmukh also supported the Bill. The state government proposed the reservation on the basis of the Backward Commission report. The reservation is proposed under Article 15 (4) (5) and 16 (4) of the Constitution of India as the Government of Maharashtra has concluded from the Backward Class Commission report that Maratha is a socially and educationally backward community. Before tabling the Maratha Reservation Bill, the Chief Minister and other senior ministers visited the Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Assembly premises and took blessings. Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray was also present in the Assembly premises. In the Assembly, the government rejected the demand of 30 per cent reservation by some people of the Maratha community. The State Government also proposed that there would be no changes in the present structure of existing reservations in the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the state assembly: "We have completed the due procedure for Maratha reservation report and we are bringing a bill today. But for Dhangar reservation, we have not completed the report, a sub-committee is appointed and soon a report and ATR (Action Taken Report) will be tabled in this house." Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had issued whips to their respective members directing them to be present in their respective houses- legislative assembly and legislative council- in view of the tabling of the Maratha Reservation Bill. On November 18, the Maharashtra government had approved the Maratha Reservation Bill, for which the community has been protesting since 2017. Fadnavis had on earlier occasion said that as per the recommendation of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission, the state government will give independent reservation to the people belonging to the Maratha community under a category called SEBC. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission had submitted its report in the matter to Chief Secretary D K Jain on November 15. It had suggested a 16 per cent reservation for the Maratha community, stating that the community is socially and economically backward. The Maratha community accounts for 33 per cent of the state's total population. In August this year, around 194 people were detained for alleged rioting and arson after a protest seeking reservations for the Maratha community turned violent. In 2014, the then Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government had announced 16 per cent reservation for Marathas and five per cent reservation for the Muslims. However, the Bombay High Court stayed the decision in response to a PIL. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday appealed to his party workers to withdraw protests against TV5, a regional news channel of Karnataka. A story was allegedly aired by the channel on Wednesday claiming that Kumaraswamy will step down from his position on health grounds. "I respect the freedom of expression of the media in Indian democracy. I am not ill as telecasted in the media. The blessings of God, my parents and the good wishes of the people of the state are the protection shield for me. My priority is to work for the people. Hence, I appeal to the party workers not to be upset with such reports and to withdraw their protests immediately," he said in a statement. "The news on some TV news channels that I'm resigning because of illness is far from the truth, and all the material being broadcast is unfounded," read Kumaraswamy's tweet. Besides, Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Wednesday went on to further clarify that the Chief Minister will not resign and rejecting the reports about his stepping down. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress and called it a private limited firm belonging to the Gandhi-Nehru family. Addressing a public rally here, Shah said, "Today Congress party has become a party which needs to be seen with a telescope on the map of India. Congress party is not a democratic party, it is just a private limited firm belonging to the Gandhi-Nehru family." Shah is today addressing a number of rallies in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan. During his poll addresses Shah is outlining the various schemes being implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government such as Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana among others. He also commended the state government for implementing various public friendly initiatives such as smart kitchens under Annapurna scheme and loan waivers to around 74,000 state farmers. Earlier in the day, he had also lambasted Congress president Rahul Gandhi for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi on development issue in the BJP-ruled state, Rajasthan. In his previous rally at Karauli town of the state, Shah said, "I have brought farmers with me. Tell them what the Congress party did with Rs 1 Lakh 9 thousand crores taken from the Centre for farmers during their rule in Rajasthan?" The 200-member Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled to go to polls 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.) The exact date of the peace talks between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels is unconfirmed, but they will take place in Sweden in Hoda El Turk, the spokesperson for the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told Sputnik on Thursday. United Kingdom Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron said earlier in the day that the consultations in Sweden would take place next week, adding that he had already booked his trip. "It will be in Sweden, but we don't have an exact date," the spokesperson said. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that the consultations might be held in Sweden in early December, adding that the conflicting parties had not reached the agreement on attending yet. Earlier this year, an attempt to hold such talks in Geneva fell through, as the Houthi delegation did not show up, citing security concerns. Yemen has been torn apart by the violent conflict between the government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi movement. The coalition has been carrying out airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas since the spring of 2015. The conflict has led the country to a dire humanitarian situation, with civilians suffering extreme food shortages and disease outbreaks as well as direct impact from the military operations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down at the Buenos Aires' Ministro Pistarini International Airport today to attend the 13th G-20 summit amongst other high-level meetings scheduled to be held on the summit's sidelines. He is slated to attend the Yoga for Peace Event at the La Rural Fairgrounds in a few hours from now, after which he will be heading out to hold a meeting with the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Prime Minister Modi has a string of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings lined up during this short trip from November 29 to December 1. Apart from attending the 13th G-20 Summit, he is scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He shall also be calling on Xi Jinping, the President of China, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last ten years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade. We will deliberate on the situation of global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure, and sustainable development," Prime Minister Modi had earlier stated in a release issued on November 27. He had further mentioned that he would be highlighting the need for reformed multilateralism during his trip. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi also underscored the "serious" need for the strengthening of international cooperation and enhance coordinated action against fugitive economic offenders and the financing of terrorism in the statement. He will be returning from Argentina on December 2. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh has stirred a controversy by calling the leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband, located in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a ''temple of terrorism". "Earlier, Deoband's name was Deovrant. I do not know what it is about this place, it produces people similar to Baghdadi (Islamic State founder) and Hafiz Saeed - Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief. I got to know that both of them were the students of Deoband. I believe that this place is not a temple of learning. In fact, it is a temple of terrorism," Singh had said on Wednesday when he had gone to meet Seer Swami Brahmananand Saraswati at the latter's ashram. With regards to the adjournment of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit case by the Supreme Court, the BJP leader sent out a stringent warning to Muslims, asking them not to "test Hindus' patience" "I want to make an appeal to Muslims that these 100 crore Hindus are also their brothers. You erected three lakh mosques here and no one stopped you. But now don't test Hindus' patience. Lord Ram is my faith and his temple will be made in Ayodhya. Ram is the cornerstone of the faith of Hindus. The Congress has decided to make it a Hindu-Muslim issue. Hindus are running out of patience," he added. Responding to the Union Minister statement's, Deobandi Ulema Qari Sayyid Ishaq Gora condemned the statement and demanded an immediate apology. "The statement by Giriraj Singh is baseless and unfortunate. He should take back his comment and apologise not only to a particular community but to the whole nation. The way he has given the baseless statement shows his wrong thinking. If he believes that Madarsas are the hub of terrorism, then, I would like to suggest him to take admission to a Madrasa to see what kind of teaching the students get in this institution. We teach students love and respect for our nation," he told ANI. Meanwhile, another cleric, Mufti Asad Kasami, challenged Singh to prove that Baghdadi and Hafiz Saeed used to be students of Darul Uloom Deoband. The cleric also said that the institution always stood by the country in the fight against terrorism. "Through media, I would like to say that Union Minister Giriraj Singh always gives such kind of irresponsible statements to spoil the atmosphere in the country. His only aim is to do divisive politics on Hindu-Muslim. I want to challenge Giriraj Singh to show proof that Baghdadi and Hafiz Saeed were the students of Deoband. The Deoband has always stood along with the country to fight against terrorism. Hence, such statements are very disheartening and unfortunate," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A documentary on the life of Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein will be aired in the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. The documentary directed by Ursula MacFarlane traces the rise and fall of Weinstein, who used to frequently visit this festival, reported Page Six. The ongoing federal investigation in sexual assault cases filed against Weinstein will look more deeply into the manner in which the producer went about in the movie business. A total of 112 films will be showcased in the upcoming edition. It includes movies like 'Untouchable' and director Chiwetel Ejiofor's debut 'The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind'. One of the highlights will be director Ryan White's 'Ask Dr. Ruth', which will aim to focus on a new angle from the life of the famed sex therapist. The film fest will be graced by the who's who of Hollywood, which includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Toni Collette, Julianne Moore, Jim Parsons, Michelle Williams, Jon Hamm, Rose Byrne, and Keira Knightley to name a few. Sundance Film Festival will be held from January 24, 2019, to February 3, 2019. On November 25, New York's Manhattan district attorney dropped a financial crime case against Hollywood producer, in connection with settling his sexual assault victims. On November 01, an aspiring actor accused the filmmaker of sexually assaulting her when she was 16-year-old. The former Polish model, identified as Jane Doe, in the court papers, said that in 2002, she met Weinstein for a business lunch and later ended up at his apartment in Soho, where he "aggressively" demanded sex from her. Notably, more than 80 women, including actresses Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Rose McGowan, have revealed similar stories about the movie mogul. Some accused him of using physical force to compel them to have sex, while others said he offered roles in movies to actors in exchange of sexual favours and also threatened to ruin their careers if they did not fulfill his demands. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filipinos see their heroes differently. There are the intellectual heroesthinkers who met in secret and expressed their outrage through their writing. They were learned and used their advantage in protest and change the plight of their suffering compatriots. And then there are the skillful negotiators and mediators who navigate through the murky waters of politics and human behavior. There are strategists who led the country in times of conflict. They made sacrifices for their troops and for the country, and even though they did not see the results of their selfless acts, they are remembered nonetheless. And then there is Andres Bonifacio, whose birth anniversary we commemorate today. Bonifacio was a prominent figure in the Philippines struggle to break free from the clutches of the colonial master. His humble means did not deter him from leading men and women alike in the quest for freedom. We picture him holding his bolo and uttering rallying cries. He reminded his companions that love for country and fellowmen is enough to make them fight on, anyway, despite looming uncertainty and danger.We remember Bonifacios passion today, amid challenging times. We are nominally free from the clutches of colonizers but we continue to struggle in asserting what is rightfully ours and the rights we are entitled to. Problems of our own doing and which we have left unaddressed have festered over decades. There remain entrenched cultures of corruption and patronage. The people keep electing those who portray themselves as larger than life instead of those who simply show up to do the work, no fuss. We see the people who are supposed to be protecting us and we wonder whether they indeed will instead of causing us more harm. We are at a loss in determining who is telling the truth and who are peddling lies. These are reasons why Bonifacios virtues of boldness and bravery continue to be relevant today. We should be bold enough to question and not be deterred by possibilities of harm that can befall usso long as love of country and fellow Filipinos drives us. A Delhi Court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Ghaziabad Station House Officer (SHO) for not appearing before it with a detailed report on why the former Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) officials convicted in the Hashimpura massacre case have not yet surrendered. The Tis Hazari Court further directed Ghaziabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to appear before it on December 5. Out of the total 16 former PAC officials who are convicted in the case, only 10 have surrendered before the court as of now. On November 22, five former PAC officials had surrendered before the court, after which non-bailable warrants were issued against the remaining convicts. 5 more officials surrendered before the court five days later. In October this year, the Delhi High Court had awarded life imprisonment to 16 former PAC personnel for killing around 42 people of a minority community during a riot in Hashimpura district in Uttar Pradesh. The bench had also observed that it was a targeted killing by the security personnel. The High Court had overturned the judgement of the trial court which had acquitted all accused. A major turnaround, however, came when 78-year-old Ranvir Singh Vishnoi, who was posted at the police line during the massacre, produced a police general diary as additional evidence after the case was reopened in the Delhi High Court on the Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) appeal. As per the details of the general diary, information of PAC jawans, weapons and bullets were sent to the PAC at Pillokhari police post on May 22, 1987, at 7.50 pm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the current economic growth of the country and stated that India should have been a five to six trillion US dollar economy. "Today, the Indian economy is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former Finance Minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy," Mukherjee said while addressing a seminar at the Greenwood High International School here. However, the former President appreciated the country's achievements in the field of science and technology. "We are the only country till today out of 184 members of the United Nations, who succeeded in sending its orbiter to Mars in its very first attempt," Mukherjee said. "We are the third military power of the world," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany is in favour of the expansion of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). "This fantastic idea should be expanded geographically," German Ambassador to India Martin Ney said on Thursday. Speaking at an event, Ney pitched for the expansion of the ISA in an effort for all the countries to come together to step up its fight against climate change and promote solar energy. He informed that Germany has applied to become a member of the ISA. "The International Solar Alliance is a fabulous idea. This fantastic idea must be expanded geographically. We have applied to become a member of the ISA," he said. On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Argentina to attend the G20 Summit, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister will request other countries, which are not between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, to join the ISA. Terming India and Germany as "natural partners", Ney said that there is a lot of mutual trust and equal partnership and Germany supports India to achieve sustainable development. "India is one of the fastest growing economies, but there are some challenges. Still, 22 per cent of the population is below the poverty line. According to WHO, 20 of the most polluted cities are in India. Germany is ready to cooperate on providing a solution to these challenges," Nay added. He underlined that Germany can be an important partner for India in the energy sector and is seeking to increase its cooperation in solar energy. Talking about Germany's expertise in cleaning the Ganga River, the German Ambassador said, "We're helping to clean the Ganga. We're helping institutionally. It's still in a half clean situation. It's a holistic approach." He added that there is an ongoing study on high-speed train project in India. Underlining that safety is a very important factor, Ney said that Germany is working on the same. Meanwhile, Claudia Warning, Director General for Asia at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation, said that the German government is trying to do major developments in the energy and climate sectors. Expressing concern about climate change, Warning elucidated, "India will be the hotspot for climate change till the next few years. This is due to the rising temperature and change of monsoon patterns. In Germany, we have also experienced drought-like situations." Terming India as a "good partner" for cooperation in solar energy, Warning toyed with the idea of promoting rooftop plants in India. "In Germany, we are on the way of this. We will try to bring cooperation in both environmental and solar energy," she said. "India is providing knowledge to German agriculture also. Germany gets understanding of sustainable soil as Indian agriculture researchers share knowledge on this. India has a lot to give to the in terms of knowledge," Warning added. She further said that there is active cooperation between India and Germany in the African region and efforts are being made to further extend collaboration over the same. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. After receiving credible information, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces gunned down the terrorists in a joint search operation in Khrew. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the slain terrorists. The police stated that no collateral damage took place during the encounter. The identities of the two terrorists are yet to be ascertained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commenting on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, on Thursday asserted that people should go by "facts and not the tweets." Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Ziegler, when asked about the ongoing controversy over Rafale deal, said, "My very short and simple answer to that is, just look at the facts and not at the tweets." Congress has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of irregularities in the high-profile defence fighter jets contract, alleging the Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was procuring aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In 2012, during the UPA's tenure, India had planned to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France, with 108 others to be assembled in the country by the state-run aerospace and defense company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). BJP-led NDA government scrapped the UPA's plan and announced that it would buy 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. On November 14, the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on the filed petitions that demanded a court-monitored probe into the Rafale deal in which the central government bought 36 ready-to-fly jets in a government-to-government deal with France. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of ousting HAL as Rafale's offset partner and choosing Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited to save the company's debt-ridden chairperson and his business. Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, in an exclusive interview to ANI earlier this month, had rubbished allegations made by Gandhi that the former lied about the details of Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation for lying. In my position as CEO, you don't lie," said Trappier when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. Gandhi, at a press conference on November 2, had alleged that Dassault invested Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani, which was used to procure land in Nagpur. "It is clear the Dassault CEO is lying. If there an inquiry in this regard, Modi is not going to survive it. Guaranteed," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada on Thursday imposed sanctions on the 17 Saudi Arabian nationals who were allegedly involved in the murder of former Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The sanctions would freeze their assets and bar their travels to Canada. Al Jazeera quoted the Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland saying in a statement, "The sanctions target individuals who are, in the opinion of the government of Canada, responsible for or complicit in the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018." In addition to this, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he would be raising the issue with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of theG20 Summit to be held in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. "I will no doubt have the opportunity to mention it with the crown prince on the margins of the summit," Al Jazeera quoted Macron informing the journalists in Buenos Aires on Thursday. In a Tweet later, Macron added, "I have always been clear with Saudi Arabia. It will be one of the subjects we will talk about among Europeans. I wanted us to have a coordination meeting before the opening of the G20 on this subject and all the challenges at the summit." Meanwhile, on Wednesday [November 28], Al Jazeera quoted saying United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo that there was no report on the direct involvement of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the killing of former Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The statement came after Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told the Senate that weakening of ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia over the killing would adversely affect the national security of America. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minutes after the union Home Ministry granted sanction to prosecute Satyendra Kumar Jain, Minister in Delhi Government in a case registered by Central Bureau of Investigation for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, Delhi Government spokesperson Nagender Sharma said that Narendra Modi government cannot even do witch hunting properly. While reacting on the Ministry of Home Affair's (MHA) sanction to prosecute Jain, Sharma on Thursday took to social media micro-blogging site Twitter to say: "Modi government's discredited caged parrot CBI which is gasping for survival registers a fake case against Satyendra Jain and Modi government's MHA says it has given prosecution sanction. Modi regime cannot even do witch hunting properly." Earlier in the day, official sources revealed that MHA has granted permission to prosecute Satyendra Jain in a case registered by CBI on August 24, 2017, for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India. Badal's statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country. Reacting to the same, Badal told ANI, "He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there." Earlier at the ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Imran Khan said, "I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don't know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab. He will win." Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony. "In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it's time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said. Several dignitaries and ministers from both the countries attended the Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony held in Lahore. The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a fresh turn of events, Mumbai special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Thursday rejected Vijay Mallya's plea seeking a stay on hearing of Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to declare him a fugitive. The decision from the judicature came after five parties, including a family member of Mallya, sought court dossiers with regard to the ED seeking to get Mallya declared a fugitive economic offender under the new law. The special courts, under the new law, have a right to declare a person a fugitive economic offender. The courts can order immediate confiscation of the offenders' properties and other assets. A fugitive economic offender is a person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued for committing a scheduled offence and who has left India to avoid criminal prosecution, or being abroad, refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution. Mallya is also facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both, ED along with Central Bureau of Investigation have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him. On November 22, the United Kingdom (UK) High Court issued an order asking Mallya to pay a hefty amount of GBP 88,000 to UBS Investment Bank, which had issued GBP 20.4 million in the mortgage loan for his London property, and ruled in favour of UBS to take possession of Mallya's palatial Cornwall Terrace home. Mallya is residing in the UK from the past two years. His extradition case is reportedly in its final stage at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court which is expected to deliver it ruling by the year-end. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ranveer Singh is turning out to be the man of all our dreams and the doting husband that we thought he would be, as for him, nothing else matters apart from his dear wife Deepika Padukone's happiness. Deepika and Ranveer, who recently got married in Italy, have hardly spoken about their relationship or their feelings for each other. And now, in an interview with Filmfare, the new groom in town has revealed that merely six months into the relationship, he knew she was the one. "I nurtured the relationship accordingly. It's been six years now. She's too good, too lovely. She's a force of nature. I understood that almost immediately," he added. After being together for six years, the star couple tied the knot in Italy 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. When asked about the reason behind the couple's decision of getting married at the picturesque Lake Como, the 'Simmba' star simply stated that his ladylove DP's wish was his command. "That's the first step in being the husband of the millennium. Whatever her vision of getting married, I wanted her to realise it. Whatever she wanted, it was done exactly in that manner. She deserves every bit of it. I too deserve happiness and my happiness comes from her happiness. It's that simple," gushed Ranveer. The 33-year-old also spoke about deciding to take the plunge amid the couple's work commitments. "I believe when the feeling is right, it's the right time. I have been feeling its right for a long time. This could have happened three years back as well. Now that she's also feeling right about it, it's perhaps the right time now. When two people feel right about it, it's the right time," said Ranveer. DeepVeer (as they are lovingly called by their fans) met and fell in love while shooting for their first film together, 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela... Ram Leela' and have since been shelling out couple goals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A global symposium held here underscored the need for establishing "a stronger aviation security" and "a risk-based approach" to deal with emerging challenges in the field of aviation security. A delegation of India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) led by its Director General Rajesh Ranjan attended the Global Aviation Security Symposium (AVSEC 2018) organised by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), headquartered at Montreal, Canada. The two-day long symposium, the theme of which was 'The Need To Know,' was held on November 27-28 and discussed various subjects like "effective risk awareness, application of enhanced security measures, need for the establishment of a stronger aviation security and the need for a risk-based approach to aviation security." Ranjan, Director General CISF, in his deliberations, highlighted the unique expertise of his force in protecting critical infrastructure including those in aviation sector from the perspective of both anti-hijacking and anti-terror threat, which would benefit other regional contracting states and encourage them to adopt similar enabling systems. GASeP or Global Aviation Security Plan, a future aviation security policy and programme framework, introduced by ICAO was also discussed during the symposium. The panelists highlighted the need for working together with a shared common goal of enhancing aviation security worldwide by the stakeholders and aviation institutions like ICAO. CISF delegation, which comprised among others MA Ganapathy, Additional Director General, Airport Sector and Ajay Kumar, AIG (APS), also met Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Alok Shekhar, representative of India at the ICAO. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on Wednesday said that there was no report on the direct involvement of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the killing of former Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi," Al Jazeera quoted Pompeo as saying. The statement came after Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told the Senate that weakening of ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia over the killing would adversely affect the national security of America. "Security interests cannot be dismissed as [the US] seeks accountability ... for Khashoggi's murder," Al Jazeera quoted James Mattis as saying. "I must note we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis added. In a blog post, Pompeo wrote, "The October murder of Saudi national Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading US-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the US and its allies." Pompeo reiterated that Saudi is an important ally of the US, especially to take control of Iran, secure Iraq's democracy and to fight the Islamic State terrorists and other armed groups. The statements from the US officials came despite Central Intelligence Agency's announcement that the Saudi Prince Salman had ordered the killing. On October 22, Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had admitted that the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a mistake and a rogue operation. While talking to Fox News about the incident, al-Jubeir said, "The individuals who did this, did this outside the scope of their authority. There obviously was a tremendous mistake made, and what compounded the mistake was the attempt to try to cover up. That is unacceptable in any government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton accused US President Donald Trump of being complicit in hiding the truth about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Sputnik quoted Clinton saying during a speech in Toronto, "We have a president who is part of the cover-up as to what happened in that consulate or embassy when Mr. Khashoggi was murdered." She also suggested that Trump and 'those closest to him' have their 'own personal commercial interest' in concealing the incident around Khashoggi's murder. President Trump came under fire for suggesting on November 20 that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman 'had knowledge' about Khashoggi's murder and saying that the US would remain a strategic partner for the Riyadh despite the ongoing scandal. He noted that it would be 'foolish' to terminate weapons exports contracts with the kingdom, a move mulled by Congress ever since it became known that Khashoggi had been murdered. Saudi officials denied involvement of the royal family, specifically of the crown prince in Khashoggi's killing. Riyadh insists that he was murdered as a result of a 'rogue operation'. The Saudi Prosecutor's Office announced that in total, some 21 individuals were arrested following the investigation of the murder, with 11 of them already facing charges. Five of those charged face the death penalty if they are found guilty of the charges. Saudi columnist for The Washington Post Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2. His body was dismembered and still hasn't been found. Turkish investigators claim that a group of 15 perpetrators, who arrived in Istanbul not long before the incident, was responsible for the killing. Turkey also shared audio evidence of the murder with several Western states, including the US. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region's status to that of an interim province in principle. Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. It is a part of what India refers to as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan broke up its part of the annexed area into two parts - 'Azad' Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls 'Azad' Kashmir - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan's earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as "free". Earlier this month, a high-level reforms committee was established by Khan to look into the constitutional, administrative and governance reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan, as per directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Prime Minister had, on Wednesday, asked for the recommendations of the reforms committee with regards to the legal status of the region to be presented in front of the Cabinet, while granting approval for the change in the status of Gilgit-Baltistan. The high-level reforms committee was of the view that the region should be given provisional status and representation in the National Assembly and Senate. Reports suggest three seats each have been proposed for GB in both houses of parliament besides representation in constitutional bodies. During Thursday's meeting, which will be presided over by Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, would be presenting a summary of the recommendations put forth by the reforms committee, according to The Express Tribune. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A large number of activists gathered in front of the District Press club in Kotli, here to protest and condemn the blatant abuse of power by the local police. The protest erupted in the wake of the arrest of human rights activist and chairman of publicity board of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) Imtiaz Butt. Condemning the police action, all the leaders expressed solidarity with Butt. The human rights activist who was released later and stated that he was harassed in the custody. On November 24, as many as 200 policemen barged into Butt's house, extensively searched his place and subsequently arrested him citing his involvement with Tehreek-e-Labbaik, a far-right Islamist political party in Pakistan which on more than one occasion has incited violence and anarchy in the country. While squarely condemning the police action, Sajid Hussain, the Information Secretary of United Kashmir People's National Party- Europe Zone, said "They proceeded to systematically intimidate, harass and threaten Mr. Butt and his whole family members. The police entered in the peaceful political activist Imtiaz Butt residence and conducted the illegal raid under the pressure of Pakistani Secret intelligence agencies. During the raid, the police team made vulgar, insulting remarks and derogatory comments about the leader of UKPNP, Imtiaz Butt and his whole family". Hussain also asked Pakistan to stop its policy of harassment and bullying to systematically intimidate political activists and leaders. "UKPNP is going to take up all the human rights violations and role of Pakistani Secret intelligence agencies behind these raids, arrest, and victimization including systematic intimidation, harassment, into all international institutions like European Union, United Nations and other human rights organizations," he added. It is to be noted that unscrupulous PoK police released Imtiaz after failing to present any concrete evidence against him. However, UKPNP has urged Islamabad authorities to expeditiously bring the culprits to justice. He also vowed that his party would hold demonstrations outside Pakistan embassies across the It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan has been exposed time and again for its increasingly active role in human rights violations across the illegally occupied region of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. It has ramped up its atrocities ever the objective and reasonable political voices have started questioning its rule in the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in two important trilateral meetings with leaders here in Argentina on the sidelines of ongoing G-20 summit, said sources. The leaders will discuss major global challenges and developments during the meetings. The Prime Minister will participate in the first-ever trilateral meeting between Japan, America and India and the second Russia, India China (RIC) trilateral meeting, which is taking place after an interval of 12 years. It can be noted that 'I' (India) is the common factor in JAI and RIC which is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the The timing of the meetings is directly related to the period of major global developments. India is the global engine of economic growth and will be in the top five economies of the world and is also the factor of stability in the region. India's diplomatic front reflects the recognition of the country in assuming the leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure. These meeting also signify India's willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like WTO and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like Indo-Pacific. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit, will hold a bilateral meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and United Nations Secretary-General Antonia Guterres on Thursday, said sources. In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed. The UN Secretary General has reached out to the Prime Minister for the second time in two months. The two leaders give utmost importance to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before COP24 (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Katowice, Poland. It reflects the respect in which the Prime Minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance. In October, Guterres visited India for a three-day official trip. Prime Minister Modi will also hold multiple bilateral and plurilateral meeting sduring the course of his visit. He will engage with several leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia's Rosneft and China's Beijing Gas energy companies have signed an agreement on establishing a joint venture to develop a network of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in Russia, the Russian energy giant said on Thursday. Back in September, the two companies agreed on the main conditions for creating the joint venture during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the Russian city of Vladivostok. "An agreement to set up a joint venture for construction and operation of a network of CNG stations in Russia on the basis of Vankor UTT was signed by Rosneft and Beijing Gas Group Company Limited (hereinafter, Beijing Gas) during the first Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum. Under the agreement, Beijing Gas will have a 45% stake," Rosneft said in a statement. Under the agreement, the sides plan to build about 170 CNG stations in Russia and explore the possible use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a motor fuel. The statement added that the agreement would enable the two companies to expand strategic cooperation in the use of natural gas as an environmentally friendly fuel. Beijing Gas Group Company Limited is part of the Beijing Enterprises Group Limited, which is one of the leading companies in the natural gas sector, gas infrastructure and energy production in the Beijing region. In June 2017, Rosneft and Beijing Gas closed the sale of a 20 percent stake in Rosneft subsidiary Verkhnechonskneftegaz to the Chinese company for $1.1 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia and Argentina will be signing an agreement on strategic nuclear cooperation during the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Latin American country, Russian Ambassador to Argentina Dmitry Feoktistov has said. Putin will be attending the G20 Summit in Argentina November 30and December 1. Sputnik quoted Feoktistov as saying, "One of the documents that will be signed [during Putin's visit] is the agreement on strategic nuclear cooperation between Russia and Argentina. [The agreement] will cover various aspects of this cooperation, including the possible construction of a big nuclear power plant [NPP] of the Russian Generation III+ design." The ambassador pointed out that this would be an expensive project. "Russia is ready to propose a project on turnkey basis and to construct an NPP, provide it with maintenance services and sell electrical power to the Argentinian partners for the fixed price," Feoktistov noted. According to the ambassador, Moscow and Buenos Aires are also discussing the construction of a smaller NPP, "maybe joint construction of a floating nuclear power plant similar to the Akademik Lomonosov plant, or selling such a plant to the Argentinian partners." Feoktistov added that the parties were also discussing a roadmap on the nuclear cooperation. Russian Ambassador also said that Russia's Gazprom gas giant and Argentina's YPF energy company may sign a document on the work on a specific gas field during the upcoming visit. "[The parties are going to sign] a document between Gazprom and YPF. The process is at the final stage and, hopefully, we will manage to sign this document. This document will focus on a particular gas field, I cannot disclose all the details of the agreement" Sputnik reported. In April, Argentine Ambassador to Russia Ricardo Ernesto Lagorio told Sputnik that Gazprom and YPF may sign an agreement on joint exploration and extraction of gas at Argentina's Estacion Fernandez Oro field in the near future. In 2015, Gazprom and YPF signed a framework agreement on joint hydrocarbons exploration and extraction in Argentina. In April 2015, the two companies signed a memorandum of cooperation, which stipulated cooperation in the area of exploration, production, and transportation of hydrocarbons in Argentina and third countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The on Thursday issued an order stating that students aged 25 years or above can appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in 2019. The apex court also directed the to extend the November 30 deadline for submitting forms by one week for prospective candidates. However, the top court bench, headed by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, stated that admission to the courses will be based on the final verdict of the top court, which is presently hearing petitions challenging the upper age limit for taking the test fixed at 25 years for general category students. This decision from the top court came after a petition was dismissed by the challenging the decision to fix the upper age limit 25 years and 30 years for general and reserved categories, respectively, for undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS and BDS. Moreover, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare also issued a notification stating that the Veterinary Council of will use (UG) 2019 qualified merit list for admission of students to B.V. Sc, and A.H. degree courses during the academic year 2019-20 for filling up for seats in recognised Veterinary Colleges (except Jammu and Kashmir) under 15 per cent all quota. "All those students desirous to take admission to BV Sc and AH Degree course under 15 per cent seats on All Basis are hereby advised to appear in (UG) 2019 to be conducted by (NTA) on 5th May, 2019," the notice read. In January, the bench had accepted the petition and agreed to examine the validity of an amendment to the (MCI) Regulations on Graduate Medical of 1997 fixing the age limit. Qatar has said it is still expecting a formal invitation for next month summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Media Bureau spokesman Al-Sayed Hassan told Russian Sputnik agency that Doha hasnt yet received an official invitation to take part in the regional summit. We are working closely with relevant authorities to obtain a confirmation of participation in the summit of GCC leaders, Hassan was quoted as saying. Qatar continues to call for peaceful, open dialogue to try to resolve this conflict, he said. Qatar has fallen out with three other GCC members (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain) in addition to Egypt. The four countries in June last year severed ties with the tiny gas-rich country over accusations that it sponsors terrorism. The boycotting countries also imposed a sea/air/ground blockade on Qatar. A top Kuwaiti diplomat had said earlier this month the summit could be an opportunity to put an end to row. Qatars foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani blasted the Saudi-led side for refusing to heed global calls to defuse the diplomatic crisis. We still see them (Saudis and Emiratis) continuing with the same behavior, continuing not to be responsive to any attempt of the international community to end the conflict, the Qatari top diplomat said. On Tuesday, during Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salmans visit to Egypt, Riyadh and Cairo reiterated their refusal to make any concessions towards Doha and said that the blockade would remain in effect until further notice. Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday claimed that he was photographed "thousands of times" during his visit in Pakistan and asserted that does not know who pro-Khalistani leader Gopal Chawla is. Sidhu was replying to a question posed to him by scribes soon after he returned to India through Wagah Border. On being asked about his photograph with Pro-Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla, Sidhu said, "There was so much love in Pakistan that every day probably 10,000 pictures were being taken of me alone and with several people there (in Pakistan), I don't know who Gopal Chawla is." During his controversial Pakistan visit, Sidhu landed himself in another soup after Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla posted a photograph with the Congress leader on social media. Chawla posted the snap on his Facebook page, where he is seen standing next to Sidhu during the latter's visit to Pakistan for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor. Yesterday, Pakistan broadcaster PTV also showed Khalistani Gopal Chawla meeting Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa during the same event. The foundation stone of the route was laid down by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khanon on Wednesday. The Kartarpur corridor along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev died in 1539. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Starting next year, if you think about leveraging the free Wi-Fi service at Starbucks for surfing inappropriate content, you will be in for some hard luck. The beverage company has decided that it will introduce a filter that will prevent its customers from viewing porn or other explicit material in stores. Starbucks said that viewing illegal or egregious content is not permitted, The Verge reported. The new filter will be rolled out to Starbucks' US locations in 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr Rajat Kumar has asked the authorities to make polling stations tobacco-free during the polls on December 7. Kumar has instructed all District Collectors and District Election Officers and the Commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to ensure that all polling stations in their respective jurisdictions were free from tobacco. The CEO has also ordered the authorities to paste "No-Smoking area" stickers already supplied inside the booths as well as outside. The Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on December 7, in a single phase. The result will be announced on December 11 along with that of other four states-- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said that a pardon for Paul Manafort is "not off the table," while stating that it has never been discussed by him before. "It was never discussed, but I wouldn't take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?" he said during an interview with The New York Post. Trump further lambasted special counsel Robert Mueller's probe and stated that he (Mueller) had asked Manafort, Roger Stone and Jerome Corsi to lie. "If you told the truth, you go to jail. You know this flipping stuff is terrible. You flip and you lie and you get - the prosecutors will tell you 99 percent of the time they can get people to flip. It's rare that they can't," The New York Post quoted Donald Trump, as saying. He backed the trio by calling them "brave" and stated, "And I'm telling you, this is McCarthyism. We are in the McCarthy era. This is no better than McCarthy. And that was a bad situation for the country. But this is where we are. And it's a terrible thing." Trump's statements come just a few days after Mueller claimed that Manafort had breached his plea agreement with the Justice Department by lying to him and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mueller is investigating the Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, during which Trump surpassed Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton to become President, and a possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's electoral campaign. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of United States President Donald Trump's planned meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G-20 summit in Argentina, the US has called for the release of two young American citizens who have been held back by authorities in China since June this year. Siblings Victor Liu, 19 years old, and Cynthia Liu, 27 years old, and their mother, Sandra Han, have allegedly been denied permission to leave China, in what US officials believe is a pressure tactic on their father, Liu Changming, to return to China. Changming is wanted in the Asian nation over financial crimes, according to CNN. "These Americans need to be allowed to return home," John Bolton, USA's National Security Advisor had tweeted previously. Both the siblings hold an American passport but are viewed by Beijing as Chinese citizens who fall under their country's jurisdiction. CNN reported that China has claimed that the family is involved in economic crimes, and their current location in the country is unknown. "Out of concern for the security of these young Americans, we will refrain from public comment as we continue our efforts to constructively and directly engage the Chinese government to allow them to return home," Liu family's lawyer David Pressmanhe told CNN. Representatives for the Liu family have stated that the family hopes that Trump will take up their case with Jinping during the planned meeting. China had issued a worldwide Interpol red notice in 2009 against their father, Changming, who has been accused of issuing illegal loans worth billions of dollars before taking off. He has also featured on China's list of 100 top fugitives in 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in Delhi, which is preparing the vision document on how to protect Taj Mahal from pollution, on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that the process of the project is nearing finalisation and will be submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government within a few days. On declaring Agra a heritage city, Uttar Pradesh government told the Apex Court that a study is being conducted by Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology on declaring areas surrounding the Taj Mahal as heritage, and it will take some more time to finalise it report. The Uttar Pradesh government on July 24 submitted a draft vision document to the Supreme Court on the restoration of Taj Mahal. The state government assured the Apex Court that it will take several steps for the conservation of the heritage structure. The proposed draft vision also envisages declaring entire area near Taj Mahal a plastic-free zone including ban on bottled water, impose a complete ban on construction activities on the riverbed of the Yamuna and have better traffic management with more space for pedestrians. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Washington has confirmed the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump on the G20 sidelines, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday. "Washington confirmed the meeting, so I don't know how to answer your question," Peskov said when asked how the Kremlin assessed the fact that Washington did not confirm the meeting, and whether there were any concerns that Trump could cancel the meeting at the last moment. "Putin and Trump will first briefly talk tete-a-tete and later, about an hour will be devoted to expanded talks. No plans for separate Putin-Theresa May meeting at G20, but if sides wish, they could talk on sidelines," said Peskov. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik, who dissolved the state assembly last week, has said that he would not lose the gubernatorial job, but he is also facing the "threat of transfer." Speaking at a function here on Tuesday, Malik said, "Transfer is not in one's hands. I will not lose my job but the threat of transfer remains." At a function in Gwalior on November 24, Malik had said that if "he had looked to Delhi, he would have had to install a government led by Sajjad Lone and would have become a dishonest man forever." His remarks had drawn flak from various political parties. The Governor had dissolved the Assembly late on November 21 night, hours after arch-rivals the Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) joined hands with the Congress Party and staked their claim to form the government in the state. The three-way alliance claimed to have the numbers to form the government. Hours later, the Governor dissolved the Assembly. PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that she tried to fax the letter to the Governor, claiming to form the government, but could not do so. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form the government but he too failed to fax his letter to the Governor's office. Defending his decision to dissolve the state Assembly, the Governor said that he did not want the formation of a government by the 'unholy alliance.' "These are the forces that are against democracy at the grass root level. Once they felt that the situation was slipping out of their hands, they formed an unholy alliance to form the government," Malik told ANI. A Raj Bhawan spokesperson also said that Malik acted in an objective and impartial manner while making his decision to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Jammu and Kashmir has been under the President's Rule since June when the BJP withdrew its support to the alliance partner PDP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in association with PHDCCI have made a prognosis, stating that the exports of Indian grapes to China are likely to increase by 200% both in quantity and value terms by 2020. Currently, the estimated exports of Indian grapes away to China are pegged at 600 million tonnes. APEDA is making efforts to expand its export market to China. The collective efforts of Ministry of Commerce and Industry through APEDA in association with the grape growing states, and the National Research Centre for grapes is making efforts to improve the quality of fresh grapes. The promotional schemes of Central and State Governments will boost the export of Indian grapes and other tropical fruits. Chairman, APEDA, Paban K. Borthakur informed that on the initative of Ministry of Commerce and Embassy of India in Beijing, and series of meetings of officials of both the sides, it was decided to send a delegation of Chinese importers to have B2B meetings in Mumbai followed by trust building visit to the vineyards and packhouse facilities in Nashik. He informed that 19 companies with 25 representatives have participated along with over 100 representatives from 54 companies. APEDA and PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the organisers of the RBSM elaborated that India is the fruit basket of the world and provides a large number of varieties of quality and tasty tropical fruits of large range. He informed that India is among the first ten countries in the world in the production of grapes. The 5 major producers of grape are Italy, France, Spain, USA, Turkey. This crop occupies fifth position amongst fruit crops in India with a production of 2.6 million tonnes (around 3% of world's production of 77 million tonnes) from an area of 0.13 million ha. The area under grape is 2 % of the total area of fruit crops in the country. Production is 2.8% of total fruits produced in the country. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Hu Wei, led a six-member delegation to India to discuss various issues of market access for different products like milk and milk products, agricultural products like soy meal, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and pharmaceutical products for which India has been seeking market access from China. Departments of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare and Health and Family Welfare and associated agencies participated in the meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting was coordinated by the Department of Commerce. Both the Indian and Chinese sides appreciated each other's concerns and agreed to resolve the market access issues expeditiously to achieve the vision of the leaders of both the countries by promoting a more balanced trade. A protocol on Hygiene and Inspection requirements for the export of Fish Meal and Fish Oil from India to China was signed today. The signing of Protocol formalises the consensus reached by both sides on hygiene and inspection requirements of fish meal and fish oil to be exported from India to China, and will enable India to commence export of fish meal and fish oil to China. China imports fish oil to the tune of USD 143.29 million, and fish meal to the tune of USD 263.43 million, and signing of the protocol between the two countries paves the way for export of Indian fish oil and fish meal to China. In the last 6 months this is the second product to get clearance from China. A few months ago, during the meeting of two leaders in Wuhan, the protocol for Indian rice export to China was signed paving the way for export of Indian rice to China. 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 cellular culprit as well as a possible treatment for a common, sometimes life-threating post-surgical complication has been identified by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The condition arises when abnormal fibrous connections called adhesions form after abdominal surgery, tethering our normally slippery organs together or anchoring them to the abdominal wall. Symptoms can include chronic pain, female infertility, bowel obstruction and, occasionally, death. According to the National Institutes of Health, the annual cost of treating post-surgical adhesions in the United States surpasses $1 billion. This is a very common surgical complication, but its not been well-studied, said Jonathan Tsai, MD, PhD, a former medical student at Stanford and now resident physician at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. Until now, it wasnt even known what cell type was involved in originating the adhesions. Now weve come up with a way to isolate the injured tissue before they form the adhesions, and identify the molecular pathways involved. The researchers developed and studied a mouse model of adhesion formation to identify the cell responsible for the initial steps. They also showed that an antibody-based therapy could break down those that had already formed. The hope is that similar techniques could help treat post-surgical adhesions in humans. Tsai is the lead author of the work, which was published Nov. 28 in Science Translational Medicine. Yuval Rinkevich, PhD, a former Stanford postdoctoral scholar, and Irving Weissman, MD, professor of pathology and of developmental biology, share senior authorship of the study. Weissman is the director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and of Stanfords Ludwig Cancer Center. The researchers found that a combination of two antibodies one that targets the cells responsible for adhesion formation and another that silences a dont eat me signal that cancer cells use to evade the immune system could significantly reduce the severity of established adhesions in the animals. Although we used a mouse model to study adhesion formation, Weissman said, we found similar characteristics in adhesions from patients, which makes us think this approach could be translated into the clinic. A common complication Normally the surface of our abdominal organs and the lining of our abdominal cavity are covered with a slippery membrane called mesothelium. The mesothelium allows our organs to glide smoothly past one another when we bend, twist or run. When the mesothelium is disturbed, fibrous connections form between neighboring surfaces, ranging in severity from single threads to vast, immobilizing webs. The NIH estimates that about 93 percent of abdominal surgeries result in adhesions and that about 20 percent of surgical patients will be re-hospitalized for adhesion-related complications. Neuland Laboratories rose 5.82% to Rs 518.05 at 15:05 IST on BSE after the company announced that USFDA has completed inspection at manufacturing facility of the company at Sangareddy District. The announcement was made during market hours today, 29 November 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was 455.57 points, or 1.28% to 36,172.52 On the BSE, 17,000 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 3,160 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 557 and a low of Rs 488 so far during the day. Neuland Laboratories said that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspected one of the manufacturing facilities of the company (Unit 2), located at Pashmylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy District, from 26 to 29 November 2018. The inspection at Unit 2 by the USFDA has been successfully completed, with no observations under Form 483. Net profit of Neuland Laboratories rose 83.33% to Rs 4.40 crore on 29.89% rise in net sales to Rs 168.74 crore in Q2 September 2018 over Q2 September 2017. Neuland Laboratories is a leading manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and an end-to-end solution provider for the pharmaceutical industry's chemistry needs. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, urged the textiles industry to prepare a road map in order to tap into the export market. Addressing a Global Conclave of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry in New Delhi yesterday, Prabhu said that Government is willing to extend all possible support to the textiles industry. Suresh Prabhu said that the contribution from textiles and apparel can be increased by scaling up and increasing investments into the industry along with cost optimization and vertical integration. Investing in new and more efficient technologies and processes will lead to more superior products. The Minister said that the Indian textile industry should modernize their approach as well as the technologies and gain competitive advantage over neighboring countries and diversify product range across the value chain. The Minister said that the Commerce Ministry is making all efforts to onboard all line ministries for greater synergy in order to promote exports. Suresh Prabhu further said that textiles industry should look forward to exporting their products to countries other than the US and EU. For this, the Government of India has been making all efforts in identifying potential export partners and strengthening relationships with them. He noted that a free trade agreement with EU would relieve the pressure on the industry and enhance competitiveness. The Government is also looking to fast track negotiations of Free Trade Agreements with EU and Australia. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As President Donald Trump went on another verbal rampage this week, decrying climate change, and the Federal Reserve chairman, one is reminded of John Adams, the second president, who said, "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." Had the recent American midterm elections occurred in a normal election year, the incumbent President would have leveraged the booming economy, and robust job creation, in support of his party's claims for re-election. But the leader of the free world chose instead to spew hate on behalf of his constituents. Two issues consumed his support base -- the recent Senate confirmation of US Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh and the "caravan" of bedraggled refugees fleeing Central America's violence and poverty, hundreds of miles away from the US border. A ruthlessly efficient opportunist unfettered by morality or ethics, Trump defined the caravan, initially as "illegal aliens", gradually raising the threat perception to "infiltrators" and finally to "invaders" with all its undertones of a demographic and cultural takeover, whipping up his core constituency into a hysterical frenzy. Republicans managed to hold the Senate, partly due to Trump's divisive campaigning. Donald Trump's governance strategy rests at the confluence of endangered White Privilege and subjugation of the truth. With the midterm elections, the US Congress symbolises the fierce partisan division of America. The House of Representatives, now in the hands of the Democrats, represents the major cities and the suburbs, with its pool of diverse, educated voters. The Senate, in Republican control, represents the almost overwhelmingly white rural America, with its large number of non-college educated males. The spectre of the recent Senate judicial confirmation hearing hung over the midterm elections. In 1995, US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan called the Senate judicial confirmation hearings a "vapid, shallow charade". The Senate confirmation of Kavanaugh as US Supreme Court judge elevated the process to a pantomime of the absurd. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, was understated, anguished and, at times, almost clinically detached. Kavanaugh had been the picture of majestic serenity in earlier television interviews. But in the Senate, apparently primed by the White House, he was the embodiment, not of privileged entitlement, but of red-faced fury and injured betrayal. The current composition of the US Senate may even be considered a repudiation of the vision of James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers, who had envisaged the Senate as a more deliberative body than the House. Madison, the fourth American President, expected the Senate to act as a check so that Congress would not "yield to the impulse of sudden and violent passion and be seduced by factious leaders into intemperate and pernicious resolutions". He added that "a body (the Senate) which is to correct this infirmity, ought to be free from it". The expectations of the fourth President, and the realities foisted on the nation by the 45th President, would perhaps go down as one of the enduring ironies of history. In his 2016 election campaigning, Trump and his acolytes spoke against "political correctness" which quickly morphed into a dismantling of accepted civility in public discourse, even a negation of history regarding the civil rights movement. From there it was but a short step to making racism and xenophobia chic. Perhaps no other action of the Trump administration has caused as much anguish and revulsion as the recent separation of children from their parents at the US border. The then Attorney General Jeff Sessions quoted Apostle Paul to say that the action had biblical sanction. An almost immediate response came from New York Cardinal Timothy M Dolan, who said, "For one, St. Paul always says we should obey the law of the government if that law is in conformity with the Lord's law, all right? No pun intended but God's law trumps man's law, all right?" As the recent victory of the Democratic party demonstrated, there is a resurgence of the political Left in the American body politic. To paraphrase John Stuart Mill, the American electorate has got a "clearer perception and livelier impression of the truth, produced by its collision with error". In America, as in the rest of the world, the rise of nativism has led to the decimation of the political center. Even as the Right remains strident, Democrats, exhilarated by their recent victory, nevertheless face pressure from the Far Left. As civility has disappeared, nuances in political discourse too seem endangered. The long term ravages of Trump's administrative actions too could linger awhile. Indeed, the full consequences of such actions as the rolling back of climate change regulations and the ever-widening income inequality could be in play years after Trump leaves office. It is one of the tragic legacies of history that millions should suffer for the sins of a few. Two former Indian prime ministers, Manmohan Singh and Inder Kumar Gujral were fond of quoting the poet Muzaffar Razmi: Ye jabr bhi dekha hai Taareeq ki nazron ne Lamhon ne khata ki thi Sadiyon ne saza payi (A freewheeling translation: History has been witness to this injustice, for the mistakes of a moment, generations have paid the price.) (Ashok Easwaran is a Chicago-based journalist who has reported from North America for over two decades. The views expressed are his own. He can be contacted at ashok3185@yahoo.com) --IANS ashok/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Blaming Prime Minister for economic stagnation and social unrest in the country, Chief Minister and TDP President N. on Thursday said that anybody as Prime Minister will be better than The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, who is trying to form a front of anti-BJP parties, alleged that Modi's "negative attitude" created problems both on economic and social fronts. "There is no development, no freedom and no happiness under Modi," said Naidu while interacting with a select group of journalists here. Naidu, whose party pulled out of BJP-led NDA in March, recalled that as a party supporting the Vajpayee government, he was the first to demand the resignation of as the in the wake of post-Godhra riots. "All these things may have been on Modi's mind but I thought he has changed. In fact everybody thought he is a changed man and that's how BJP got absolute majority in 2014 but he misused it," said Naidu. The TDP chief said Modi not only failed to fulfill the commitments made to but also used central agencies like CBI, and Income Tax to target political rivals. He said that despite an absolute legislative majority of the Modi government, there was no growth rate and claimed that even the coalition governments in the past did extremely well. "Nobody is able to even telephone freely. I never faced this problem in my lifetime," said Naidu, who alleged that nobody in the media, among politicians and even corporate sector raised voice against such suppression. Naidu said as a senior politician and someone who worked with the National Front and United Front, he decided to stand up and bring all the non-BJP parties together to "save the country and democracy". Naidu said that while for 37 years TDP fought against the Congress, their differences were political and not ideological. "We had ideological difference with the BJP from the beginning but we used to adjust politically. However, we never compromised on ideology." Naidu said that without the party, it was not possible to have any front at the national level. "They are the anchor." "Today we don't have democratic compulsions. The democratic institutions are under threat. All the parties have to decide where they stand." The TDP chief said that the December 10 meeting of non-BJP parties would discuss the future course of action. Naidu said he was in touch with leader and chief He hoped that would take a decision after the ongoing in five states. Naidu did not confirm or deny if he was in touch with Odisha Chief Minister While reiterating that he is not in the race for Prime Ministership, Naidu said the Prime Minister candidate could be decided after the "We have many leaders who are efficient and able administrators." "You are trying to create confusion," Naidu said when a reporter asked if the Prime Minister will be from party or a regional party. Naidu claimed that an anti-Modi and anti- wave was building up and predicted that the BJP-led NDA will loose the 2019 general With five more deaths since late Wednesday night, the toll in the hooch tragedy in West Bengal's Nadia district rose to 12 with 28 people admitted in hospitals, official said on Thursday. "The death toll has risen to 12, as five more people died since late last night. As many as 19 people have been admitted at the district hospital while nine others have been referred to Kolkata as their condition is critical," said Nadia district's CMOH Tapas Roy. The incident took place in Nrishighapur village under Santipur block, prompting the state government to order a Criminal Investigation Department inquiry. A compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the closest kin of each of the deceased has also been announced. "Four people involved in illicit liquor trade have been arrested in the case," police said. Eleven excise officials, including deputy excise collector of Ranaghat range and eight excise constables, have been suspended. The tragedy has also triggered a political slugfest, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Finance Minister Amit Mitra accusing peddlers from Jharkhand and Bihar of smuggling in the spurious liquor into Bengal. The state government has asked the CID to probe the angle. However, the state BJP has rubbished the allegation and blamed the Bengal administration of turning a blind eye to the rampant hooch trade. --IANS bdc/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Embassy International Riding School (EIRS) on Thursday hosted the FEI World Jumping Challenge under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). The Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) is being organized between November 29-December 9 and the competition will be held on Friday, December 2 and December 9. FEI World Jumping Challenge (FEI WJC) is divided into ten geographical zones and India falls into Zone 9 which also includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Pakistan and the Philippines. The FEI WJC has three categories of levels of Jumping and is spread over three competitions of two rounds each. The Category A is 1.20-1.30 metre; Category B is 1.10-1.20 metre and Category C is 1.00 -1.10 metre. --IANS kk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activist on Thursday appealed to Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to secure the release of a Mumbai techie who is serving a jail sentence in Pakistan and is slated for release next month. The 27-year-old youth from Andheri, Hamid Nehal Ansari, was accused of entering Pakistan illegally from Afghanistan on November 12, 2012. "A humble request to speak to Prime Minister Imran Khan to expedite release of Hamid Ansari, who is serving term in a Pakistan jail. Hamid completes his jail term in mid-December. His relese will bring relief and joy to his aged parents," said BJP activist Krishna Hegde, a former Congress legislator. Ansari entered Pakistan on a fake identity card given by a friend from Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and lived with him for a few days. The Pakistani intelligence nabbed him from a hotel in Kohat town some days later. In December 2015, a military court found him guilty of spying and anti-national activities. However, Ansari refuted the charges and even challenged his conviction in the Peshawar High Court where the Pakistan government said he would be deported as soon as his jail sentence ended. "We have also appealed to Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj who has assured us of all help," Hegde told IANS. Pakistan has declined consular access for Hamid or grant visa to his parents to visit him. --IANS qn/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Vijender Gupta on Thursday met Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal to urge him to prevail upon the Delhi government not to deny the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojna to the citizens. Gupta, along with other Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs O.P. Sharma and Jagdish Pradhan, also wrote a letter to Baijal demanding the same. "We would like to draw your kind attention to the fact that whereas around 1.25 lakh patients all over India have sought complex tertiary care procedures in the last two months under the Central government's flagship health scheme, the Delhi government has persistently refused to be its part, thereby depriving benefits of the scheme to more than 20 lakh poor and vulnerable citizens who have hardly any access to medical facilities including hospitalisation", they wrote. Gupta said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, out of political "ill-will", is denying the benefits to the poor. "Most of the states and Union Territories have adopted the scheme, but AAP government's insistence on certain unreasonable changes sound politically motivated... There is no logic in depriving the poor people of the benefit of the scheme. We seek your kind intervention in the matter and request you to advise Delhi government to adopt the scheme." The Centre's health scheme was launched in September across the nation. The MLAs also urged Baijal to restart and strengthen the Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) scheme to strengthen the ration system in Delhi. "It can be built on the pattern of a similar scheme in Haryana and on the basis of the terms and conditions signed a deal with a company named BEL. When the process for identifying fake ration cards started in accordance with the scheme, all of a sudden in November 2017, Kejriwal started talking about cancellation of this scheme and for adopting Door Step Delivery system," Gupta told the media. Gupta added that in December 2017, referring to some complaints, Delhi's Food Minister issued instructions to ban the E-PoS scheme. It must now be fully restored. --IANS nks/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP MP G.V.L. Narasimha Rao has written to the Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha, alleging involvement of TDP MPs C.M. Ramesh and Y.S. Chowdary in "massive financial bungling and fraud" and has sought their disqualification over a "serious breach of ethics." "I've complained to Ethics Committee to sought disqualification of the TDP MPs -- Y. S. Chowdary and C.M. Ramesh --, who have earned the dubious title of 'Andhra Mallyas' with massive financial scandals. Chowdary defrauded banks of Rs 5,700 crore and Ramesh evaded hundreds of crores in taxes," Rao, a Rajya Sabha member from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said in a tweet. Chowdary was Minister of State for Science and Technology in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government before the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) pulled out of it in March this year. The letter has been written to Narayan Lal Pancharia, the Chairman of the Ethics Committee. "I am writing to bring to your kind notice serious breach of ethics on part of two members of Rajya Sabha namely C.M. Ramesh and Y. S. Chowdary. Both are involved in allegations of massive financial bungling and fraud," he said. Rao said he has submitted "documentary proof" of allegations against the two leaders. "Ramesh is involved in benami operations and evaded income taxes running into hundreds of crores. His public conduct has also been repugnant and unbecoming of an MP. In a recent TV debate, he has used obnoxious language and slur language against me, unbecoming of an MP," he said in the letter. Rao said that because of such cases of financial misappropriation and misconduct, the stature of Parliament and public faith in the great institution has been "damaged". He said that the Rajya Sabha has suffered a serious dent to its image due to financial allegations against Vijay Mallya, a former member of the house. He alleged the case of Y.S. Chowdary was even more serious than Vijay Mallya's, "as his business operations remain shady and seems thousands of crores" have been borrowed using political clout and patronage." "Y.S. Chowdary has been charged by several public sector banks of defrauding them and registered FIRs against his companies which resulted in the Enforcement Directorate probe," he said. The BJP leader said it is the mandate of the Ethics Committee to ensure that Members of Parliemant (MPs) maintain high standards of integrity. "I am writing to you to examine my complaint and to initiate suitable action against the two members to ensure the dignity and respect of Parliament is restored," Rao said. He also demanded that Chowdary should recuse himself from the deliberations in this matter except as an accused appearing before the committee to offer his explanations, as he was a member of the committee. Chowdary had denied the allegations a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on his firms and issued him summons. He has said that none of the companies established by him were involved in any irregularities and termed the allegations as a conspiracy by the Centre to politically harm him. --IANS bns/ps/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Mobility service, as a burgeoning industry that provides ground for companies to deploy EVs and test autonomous technologies, is attracting more and more traditional automakers to get involved . Aside from such domestic automakers as Geely, SAIC Motor and FAW Group who have already launched their own ride-hailing service platform, many prominent global car makers are also flocking into China, the world's largest automobile market, to develop mobility service business along with their partners there. Gasgoo hereby summarizes the major events about global automakers deploying mobility services in China this year. Basically, most of them chose to undertake the cause in the form of building joint ventures (JVs) with their existing partners in China. Audi, FAW Group sign MoU for a mobility service company On March 7, FAW Group, Audi AG, Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group China and FAW-Volkswagen jointly signed two memoranda of understanding for the creation of two new companies for sales as well as mobility and digital services. With these measures, the partners will fundamentally restructure their businesses in China. The to-be-built FAW-Audi Mobility Service (China) Co., Ltd. will be co-invested by FAW, Audi, FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen China. The new company will focus on emerging digitalized sharing and mobility field in order to provide personalized high-end mobility experience for Chinese customers. What's more, the new mobility company will take over Audi on demand +, a premium mobility service launched in Beijing in September, 2017. It is known that both Chinese and German shareholders are adding investment in FAW-Volkswagen because they believed that China holds great potential in premium vehicle market. In 2018, FAW-Volkswagen Changchun Qplant and Foshan base, which will manufacture Audi models, will be finished construction and begin production. By 2020, five new NEV models under Audi brand will be introduced into the Chinese market. At the same time, all parties will jointly invest more to start Audi's brand upscale plan, and collect more customers' feedbacks from the Chinese market. Volkswagen in talks to manage Didi fleet, co-develop autonomous cars It was reported in May that Volkswagen AG was in talks to form a joint venture with China's Didi Chuxing to manage part of the ride-hailing service platform's car fleet and help develop "purpose-built" vehicles for Didi's services. A senior executive at the carmaker revealed that under the partnership, Volkswagen will initially manage a fleet of about 100,000 new vehicles for Didi, among which two thirds will be Volkswagen Group's cars. The automaker would also jointly buy new cars with Didi to help the Chinese partner expand its fleet. The two companies eventually plan to co-develop and use autonomous driving cars, he added. The executive did not give more details of the deal but disclosed that Volkswagen will get a slice of the revenue once the venture's operation starts. In late April, Volkswagen joined the "Torrent alliance" formed by Didi with 31 automakers and auto parts supplies. The ride-hailing company has said it formed the alliance to collaborate on, among other things, eventually developing cars purpose-built for its services. Ford Smart Mobility, Zotye Auto sign contract for smart mobility JV On September 27, Ford Smart Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor, and Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd (Zotye Auto) signed the final contract for a 50-50 joint venture, which will work on providing tailored intelligent EV mobility solutions for ride-hailing service providers and drivers. The joint venture, dubbed Zotye-Ford Smart Mobility Joint Venture, still awaits governmental approval. It is designed to provide Chinese ride-hailing operators and drivers with one-stop services, including pure electric vehicle rental, fleet management as well as intelligent connectivity and on-board infotainment services. Involving a registered capital of $20 million, the new joint venture will be located in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. Under the joint venture contract, the Zotye Z500EV pure electric sedan will be first leased to operators and drivers for ride-hailing services. Boasting a spacious seating room inside, the Zotye Z500EV features a combined range up to 330km. The EV model is equipped with advanced in-vehicle infotainment and intelligent connectivity systems in order to enhance users' driving experience. Daimler Mobility Services, Geely Group Company announce premium ride-hailing JV in China Daimler Mobility Services GmbH and Geely Group Company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group's new business subsidiary, announced on October 24 that they will build a joint venture in China to provide premium ride-hailing services, according to Geely's official WeChat account. The 50-50 JV will be headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The JV will work on providing ride-hailing services in some Chinese cities using premium cars, including but not limited to Mercedes-Benz branded vehicles. At the initial stage, the fleet will include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and V-Class and Maybach vehicles and could deploy premium electric vehicles from the Geely Group later. The financial terms and investment plans of the JV have not been exposed yet. The establishment and operation of the JV should be approved by the merger control authorities. Geely Group Company and Daimler Mobility Services will be equally represented on the board of the new JV. In the future, both parties will jointly develop the software infrastructure required for extending businesses in China. BMW given license to launch ride-hailing service in China BMW Group became the first international carmaker that nabbed a license to deploy ride-hailing service in China, confirmed by BMW China's public relation department in late November. It is a prelude for the Germany premium carmaker to launch ride-hailing services in Chengdu from December 14. BMW Mobility Service Co.,Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group founded in April, was given the ride-hailing license from the authority of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, BMW said. It is reported that the automaker will deploy 200 BMW Series 5 sedans in Chengdu during the early days after the mobility service subsidiary starts operation. Those vehicles, including fueling-burning cars and PHEVs, will be allocated to exclusive drivers as part of BMW's efforts to offer luxury ride-hailing service. The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday postponed elections in Ramgarh Assembly constituency under Alwar district of Rajasthan following the death of Lakshman Singh, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. Singh died of heart attack in the wee hours of Thursday. According to Election Commission officials, the state shall go to polls for 199 seats out of the total 200 seats on December 7. The date for election in Ramgarh will be declared later, said the official. The Congress party's Safiya Khan is contesting from Ramgarh, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sukhwant Singh for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. --IANS arc/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre on Thursday defended its decision to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his charge, saying the action was necessary to restore the confidence of people in the investigating agency that was getting dented over trading of graft charges between the top two -- Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana. The Central government also told the bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice K.M. Joseph that the Centre being the appointing authority of CBI Director was also empowered to intervene in such situation and there was no need to go back to the selection committee. The selection committee for the appointment of CBI Director comprises the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition or leader of the single-largest party in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. Defending the government interventions, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal said it acted in "larger public interest" so that the "CBI does not lose its credibility" and the government was concerned because of adverse publicity" as the top two were at "loggerheads". The argument of Alok Verma and others that the government could not have acted on its own and should have gone back to the selection panel for divesting him of his charge, the Attorney General sought to draw a distinction between the selection panel and the appointing authority, suggesting that the role of selection committee ends with the recommendation of the Director. Chief Justice Gogoi asked the Attorney General how could government have acted on the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)'s recommendation which were based on its power to monitor the premier investigating agency CBI in corruption cases. As the Attorney General referred to the complaint against Verma by Special Director Asthana to the Cabinet Secretary, Justice Joseph asked: "Had the government and the Cabinet Secretary applied their minds on the allegations against Verma before taking a call? "The Central government is not concerned about A or B," AG Venugopal replied apparently to show its neutrality in the matter. As arguments remained inclusive and would resume on December 5, there were indications that the hearing could last long as Chief Justice Gogoi said: "If it becomes necessary for us to go through the CVC report, then we might have to defer the hearing (on December 5) to allow all parties to respond on the report." The Attorney General told the court that if it decides to look at the CVC report, then it should not interfere with October 23 order divesting Verma of his charge, giving it to M. Nageswara Rao and sending both Verma and Asthana on forced leave. At the outset of the hearing on Thursday, Chief Justice Gogoi asked different counsels to confine their arguments to the question of law whether it was incumbent upon the government to have gone back to the selection committee even for divesting CBI Director Verma of his charge. Nariman, along with senior counsel Dushyant Dave, Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan asserted that the government should have taken prior consent of the selection panel before transferring Verma and given his charge of Acting Director M. Nageswara Rao and cited several judgments of the top court to buttress their point. Nariman said divesting Verma of his charge amounted to his transfer. In the course of argument by Sibal, Chief Justice asked: "Is it absolute (requirement to go back to the selection committee), no matter what they do?" While Sibal asserted that the government was "absolutely" required to approach the selection panel before interfering with the fixed two-year term of the CBI Director as provided under the law, Nariman said the law governing CBI mandated prior nod of the selection committee for the transfer of CBI Director. He referred to Section 4B(2) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 which says, "The Director shall not be transferred except with the previous consent of the Committee referred to in sub-section (1) of section 4A." In response to a query by Justice Joseph on "what happens in the extreme situation when a person is caught red-handed taking bribe", Nariman said: "Then the government has to approach the selection committee or the court." Sibal told the court that not only for divesting Verma of his charge as the CBI chief but also for giving it to Nageswara Rao, the government should have approached the selection panel. Taking a dig at the way government interfered in the CBI, Sibal said tomorrow it could be the turn of the CVC, CAG or the election commissioners. If the appointment of CBI head is on the recommendation of the selection committee, then every remedy to address the crisis situation too has to be according to the procedure, he said. Rajeev Dhavan said that the core of fixed two-year term of the CBI, the selection committee and the judgments of the top court starting with Vineet Narain is the "autonomy" of the investigating agency. At the outset of the hearing, in an apparent reference to CJI Gogoi taking objections to certain media relating its hearing of the matter, Nariman said "that (reports) has nothing to do with his client (Verma)". Senior counsel also said that media could not be prohibited from carrying report. He referred to a five-judge constitution bench judgment which said the media reporting of a matter before the court could be postponed but for that there was procedure to be followed. --IANS pk/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Home Ministry has granted sanction to prosecute Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain in a disproportionate assets case registered by the CBI in 2017. Jain is accused of floating several shell companies in Delhi including Akichan Developers Private Ltd, Indo Metal Impex Private Ltd, Paryas Infosolutions Private Ltd and Manglayatan Projects Private Ltd during 2009-10 and 2010-11 for alleged money laundering. "These shell companies do not have any real business. Jain had laundered black money of Rs 16.39 crore during 2010-11 to 2015-16 through 54 shell companies of three hawala entry operators of Kolkata namely Jeevendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani and Rajendra Bansal," said an official in the Home Ministry. Jain has denied all these allegations saying the CBI action is politically motivated. --IANS bns-rak/ps/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Home Ministry on Thursday granted sanction to prosecute Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in a disproportionate assets case registered by the CBI in 2017, triggering an angry response from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Jain is accused of floating several shell companies in Delhi including Akinchan Developers Pvt Ltd, Indo Metal Impex Pvt Ltd, Paryas Infosolutions Pvt Ltd and Manglayatan Projects Pvt Ltd during 2009-10 and 2010-11 for alleged money laundering. "These shell companies do not have any real business. Satyendar Jain had laundered black money of Rs 16.39 crore during 2010-11 to 2015-16 through 54 shell companies of three hawala entry operators of Kolkata namely Jeevendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani and Rajendra Bansal," said an official in the Home Ministry. Jain, who holds seven portfolios including Health, Home and Public Works Department, has denied the allegations, saying the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) action is politically motivated. Kejriwal criticised the Centre's move, saying the BJP's decision to registered the case amounted to an attack on people residing in unauthorised colonies. "Satyendra Jain made the scheme to regularise unauthorised colonies. The Center did not pass it, instead registered a case against him. The BJP is strictly against the move to regularise unauthorised colonies. The BJP is the enemy of Delhiites," he tweeted, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi "harmful for Delhi". The CBI initiated a probe against him in April 2017 and registered a FIR on August 24 this year. Besides Satyendar Jain, the CBI has named his wife Poonam, his alleged associates Ajit Prasad Jain, Vaibhav Jain, Sunil Kumar Jain and Ankush Jain as accused in the case. "After laundering of unaccounted cash and receipt of equivalent in amounts in cheques through hawala entry operator and by using black money in the form of unaccounted cash, more than 200 bigha of agricultural land were purchased in names of companies controlled by Satyendar Jain in the vicinity of unorganized colonies located at Karala, Auchandi, Nizampur and Budhan areas in Delhi's North and North-West areas during last five years," said the official. The official claimed that the Delhi Minister, after being prosecuted by the Income Tax Department, surrendered Rs 16.39 crore of "black money", which was laundered using Kolkata-based shell companies for purchasing 200 bigha land under Income Disclosure Scheme 2016 on benami names of Vaibhav Jain and Ankush Jain. On enquiry, it was found that Vaibhav Jain and Ankush Jain were in no way connected with the four shell companies floated by Satyendar Jain, said the official, claiming that Kolkata-based hawala entry operators also told the Income Tax department that the money laundering was done on the instruction of the Delhi Minister. "Since Satyendar Jain has declared unaccounted income of Rs 16.39 crore in benami names and tax was paid on this amount, separate proceedings under Benami Property Transaction Act have been initiated. These proceedings are presently pending before the Income Tax Department." The re-assessment proceedings referred to cases have detected hawala transactions and instances of unaccounted cash payments in purchase of land, said the official. The official said that Satyendar Jain had admitted in a writ petition in the Delhi High Court that black money totalling Rs 16.39 crore was actually laundered using shell companies controlled by three hawala entry operators of Kolkata. "The efforts of the AAP government to regularize unauthorized colonies during its first tenure from December 28, 2013 to February 14, 2014 and present tenure is linked with the investment in agricultural land by Satyendar Jain. The proposed regularization of unauthorized colonies will convert these agricultural lands into residential and commercial land which will provide huge returns on the investment by the Minister," the official claimed. --IANS rak-bns/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said the Central government should first take action against BJP chief Amit Shah for financial irregularities. He was reacting to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao's petition to the Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha, seeking disqualification of Telugu Desam Party MPs C.M. Ramesh and Y.S. Chowdary. "Is Amit Shah superior? Are there no allegations of financial irregularities against him? What Modi is doing?," Naidu asked referring to the allegations against Amit Shah's son. "Narasimha Rao should first go to Modi and ask him to take action against Amit Shah, then only they will have moral right to talk about others," the TDP chief said. Naidu said the Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate raids on his party MPs were part of the conspiracy to target them. "For a cause, you have to take some suffering also. We are fighting for right cause. They are harassing us," he said. The TDP leader said they would continue their fight despite this harassment. When asked if he anticipates raids against him and his family members, Naidu said they were not afraid of anybody as they had done nothing wrong. --IANS ms/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, credited for developing the IT sector in Hyderabad, returned to the tech hub, this time to campaign for his Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Naidu, who spent almost his entire political life here, turned emotional as he hit the roads around Cyberabad, the IT district which took shape during his nine-year stint as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Campaigning for 'People's Front' candidates for a second consecutive day on Thursday, he conducted road shows in constituencies in and around the city, projecting himself as the architect of modern Telangana. He termed Cyberabad as his brainchild. "Who built Cyberabad? Who brought Microsoft to Hyderabad? Is it not me?" he asked the crowd at every meeting he addressed. He recalled how he placed the city on the world IT map by bringing in global giants and creating world-class infrastructure. "Who built the international airport? Who built 165-km long world-class outer Ring Road?" he asked amid loud cheers from the crowd. In the 2014 elections held in the aftermath of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation, the TDP had an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It bagged 15 seats out of the 26 it contested in the 119-member Assembly. This time, Naidu has joined hands with the Congress to contest 13 seats. "My party people wanted more seats. I told them the number of seats is not important, winning is important," he told a select group of journalists on Thursday. TDP is part of Congress-led 'People's Front', which also has the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) as its other constituents. Naidu, whose party lost almost all its legislators elected in 2014 to the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the last four years, is out to prove a point - that there is no space in Hyderabad for TDP, a party which the TRS dubs an 'Andhra party'. "I am a citizen of this country. Don't I have a right to come to Telangana?" asked the TDP chief on TRS' jibe that what work he had in Telangana. "I have not come here to become the Chief Minister. I can't become. This is a reality," said Naidu, who also dismissed TRS' allegation that if 'People's Front' came to power in Telangana, Naidu would work against the state's interests. "I have always worked for the development and welfare of Telangana. This is a region dear to my heart," said the TDP leader, who believes that Hyderabad with the ecosystem he built had the potential to become a key global destination. Though currently focused on developing Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati, Naidu is keen to see Hyderabad cash in on its geographical advantage and talented human resources to realize its true potential. "Can a lower riparian state stall the projects," was his counter to TRS allegation that he was creating hurdles for irrigation projects in Telangana. --IANS ms/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deutsche Bank premises in and around Frankfurt were raided by the police and tax investigators on Thursday in relation to suspicions that the bank helped clients set up offshore entities in tax havens and failed to alert authorities to possible money laundering. Prosecutors said the raids targeted two Deutsche Bank employees as well as other unidentified company officials. Over 170 police officers and tax investigators participated in the operation, CNN reported. Both the lender and prosecutors said the probe was related to the Panama Papers, a 2016 investigation into money laundering networks and shell companies set up by Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca. The bank said it was fully cooperating with authorities and would release more details in due course. The prosecutors' office said that after the police analyzed the so-called "Offshore Leaks" and "Panama Papers" reports of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, "the suspicion arose that Deutsche Bank helped clients with the establishment of so-called offshore entities in tax havens". Deutsche Bank was also suspected of helping clients transfer funds from illegal activities to German accounts and failed to notify authorities of the suspected money laundering. According to the Guardian, several banks including the Swedish lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken had already been fined for violating money laundering rules as a result of the Panama Papers. Prosecutors said that a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank in the British Virgin Islands had served over 900 customers, generating 311 million euros ($353 million) worth of business in 2016 alone. Deutsche Bank shares fell 3 per cent following the news of the raid. Paperwork and electronic documents were seized by officials during the raids on the bank's properties. The bank has been connected with another huge money laundering scandal surrounding Denmark's Danske Bank. Earlier this month, Deutsche said that it was involved in processing payments for the Danish bank in Estonia. An internal investigation by Danske found that about 200 billion euros in payments were funnelled through its Estonian branch. After that Deutsche said it had terminated its relationship with Danske in 2015 after "identifying suspicious activity". Deutsche Bank has been sanctioned earlier also for failing to tackle money laundering. In September, Germany's financial regulator ordered the bank to take action to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. It also appointed an independent auditor to monitor Deutsche Bank's efforts over three years. In 2017, Deutsche Bank was fined $630 million by US and UK regulators in connection with a Russian money laundering plan. --IANS soni/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.) At least eight fishermen from Andhra Pradesh were among 22 Indian fishermen apprehended by Pakistan Marine Security Agency off Gujarat coast on Thursday, officials said. The fishermen were detained near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea on charges of entering Pakistan's territorial waters. The fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagarm districts of north coastal Andhra had migrated to Gujarat and they were among a group of 22 who had ventured into the sea on three boats. The fishermen were reportedly taken to Karachi. Andhra Pradesh's resident commissioner in New Delhi, Arja Srikanth, through officials in foreign ministry contacted the Indian High Commission in Pakistan to seek the help for the fishermen's release. The officials in Indian High Commission have contacted Pakistan officials. Every year, fishermen from coastal Andhra go to Gujarat in September and return in March. The families of fishermen apprehended by Pakistan were worried over their safety. They appealed to the state government to take steps to ensure their immediate return. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese tech company Baidu, popularly known as China's Google, on Thursday said its third party app "Facemoji Keyboard" now supports over 200 international languages including 22 scheduled Indian languages. The app also includes multiple Indian vernaculars such as Maithili, Santhali, Dogri, Konkani, Bodo, Kashmiri and Assamese amongst others, the company said in a statement. The technology player is also working closely with regional institutions to improve its dialect accuracy for vernaculars, that will allow the app to suggest emojis, GIFs and stickers to users. Facemoji is a keyboard input application that enables its users to jazz up their conversation with over 1,200 contextual emojis, more than 1,000 stickers and thousands of GIFs. The application also creates personalised avatars of its users by leveraging AR (Augmented Reality) technology. All a person needs to do is click a photo or shoot a short video, use its rib-tickling filters, and convert them into Face Emojis, the company said. Facemoji is expected to cross the 100 million mark by the end of 2018. The app can also be used as a game keyboard in multiple gaming applications such as Clash of Clans, Rules of Survival, Free Fire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Garena Lien Quan Mobile. --IANS rt/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of farmers from across the country on Thursday reached the Ramlila ground in the national capital for a mega protest march to Parliament Street on Friday demanding higher crop prices and farm loan waiver. The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which has organised the Kisan Mukti March, has not yet been given the required permission by Delhi Police to hold the rally. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader and Member of Parliament from Hatkanangle in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) Raju Shetti said if permission is not granted for the rally, the working committee of the AIKSCC would decide the next course of action. "We were told that our rally would affect traffic in the city. But what happens when traffic is stopped for hours during the Prime minister's movemnet? Can't they spare even one hour for farmers who are fighting for their rights?" Shetti told IANS. Many political leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, have confirmed their participation in the rally, he said. National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav are among the other leaders who will address the protesting farmers on Friday. "(Former Prime Minister) H.D. Deve Gowda will also join us," Shetti said. On Thursday, several groups of farmers held 'Chalo Dilli' marches from Delhi's Nizamuddin, Sabzi Mandi Station, Anand Vihar Terminal and Majnu Ka Tila under the banner of the AIKSCC. Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj India led a 26-km protest rally from Bijwasan to Ramlila Maidan, which was joined by farmers from Odisha, Haryana and Rajasthan. "We are protesting loot and exploitation of farmers. The entire country is with us. Journalists, doctors, students, artists have pledged their support," said Yadav, adding Friday's March would be "historic". Many women farmers and students, particularly from Delhi University, were seen in the rallies raising slogans for the cause of farmers. Two trains carrying farmers, one from Maharashtra's Miraj and other from Bengaluru, were expected to reach Delhi on Thursday night. All protesting farmers started congregating at the Ramlila ground where a cultural programme in their honour was held. On Friday morning, farmers would take over the road leading to Parliament to put forward their demands before the Central government. 'The Kisan Mukti March' will end at Parliament Street and, subsequently, 'Kisan Sansad' (Farmers' Parliament) will be held, in which farm issues will be discussed and speeches will be delivered, an activist said. Social activists, including Medha Patkar and activist-journalist P. Sainath, have extended their support to the rally and said the situation of farmers in the country has deteriorated. Also, several prominent writers, intellectuals and artists, including Nayantara Sahgal, K. Satchidanandan, Ganesh Devy and Damodar Mauzo, have expressed solidarity with the farmers. The Friday's rally would be fourth major farmers rally being held by the AIKSCC, which represents over 200 farm outfits. It has been protesting against "anti-farmer" policies of the BJP government following the Mandsaur firing episode last year, which led to death of six farmers. Shetti has introduced two private member's Bills in the Lok Sabha in 2017, seeking a loan waiver and a guaranteed remunerative prices for agricultural commodities based on the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. The AIKSCC has demanded a special session of Parliament so that these Bills are discussed and passed. It said 21 political parties have extended their support to the Bills. It has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the protest march.AA On Monday, a book authored by Yogendra Yadav detailing how the Modi government's policies have led to a drop in farmers' income and caused rural distress across the country was launched in the capital. --IANS spk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adding a controversial new element to the stalled UN Security Council (UNSC) reform process, German Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz has proposed that France should give up its permanent seat to the European Union (EU). Scholz's proposal -- if Bonn follows through with it - would mark a break from the joint stand Germany has taken with India, Brazil and Japan for increasing the number of permanent seats on the Security Council. The group of the four countries known as G4 has been a leading voice for Security Council reforms and the members also mutually support each other's claims to permanent seats. To enable the EU to "speak with one voice", Sholz said in Berlin on Wednesday: "France's seat on the Security Council could be converted into a seat for the EU." Neither German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas nor has the German government publicly endorsed his proposal. The French government has not formally reacted to the proposal, but its Ambassador in Washington, Gerard Araud dismissed it. "This is legally impossible because it is contrary to the Charter of the UN. The change would be politically impossible," he tweeted. In his speech, Scholz, who is also the Finance Minister, focused on European unity and enhancing its clout -- an issue of importance since the US under President Donald Trump is retreating from its traditionally robust global role. He cited Trump's decision to back out of the Paris Agreement on climate change and said: "We have to move forward at the European level if we are going to have an impact as a global influencer." He called for "a common foreign policy approach" and said: "The EU should also speak with one voice in the UN Security Council." This could be achieved by turning over France's seat to the EU and "in return, France would then have the right to appoint the EU ambassador to the United Nations in perpetuity", he added. He acknowledged that "this might require a little persuasion work in Paris, but it is a bold and shrewd goal". A translation of the speech at Humboldt University was posted on the website of the German Finance Ministry. While Araud was right that giving the French permanent seat to the EU would be against the UN Charter, so would adding new members Security Council unless it is amended. Charter amendment would require the votes of two-thirds of the UN membership -- France and other permanent members could veto the amendment. When Britain leaves the EU next year, France will be the only permanent member from that bloc on the Security Council. The permanent seats with veto powers were distributed among themselves by the five victors of World War II - Britain, China, France, the US and what was the Soviet Union and is now Russia. Germany with a far stronger economy with a gross domestic output of $4 trillion to France's $2.7 trillion has assumed a greater role in European affairs and sees itself as having a strong claim to a permanent seat. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis) --IANS al/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada-based International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has stressed on the need for a global aviation security plan with a shared common goal of enhancing aviation security worldwide, a CISF statement said on Thursday. The recommendation came at an International Aviation Security Seminar attended by a delegation of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) led by its Director General Rajesh Ranjan. "The symposium discussed the need of effective risk awareness, robust application of enhanced security measures in the wake of emerging threats, need for establishment of a stronger aviation security oversight regime and capacity building through training of human resources. An intense discussion also took place on the need for risk-based approach to aviation security," said the statement. The need and deployment of new technologies, like Computed Tomography-based screening system for cabin baggage, Automatic Tray Retrieval System, artificial intelligence, bio-metrics-based access control was also deliberated upon during the panel discussion. "Global Aviation Security Plan, a future aviation security policy and programme framework, was introduced by the ICAO," said the statement, adding the panellists emphasised the need for working together with a shared common goal of enhancing aviation security worldwide. Information sharing was also recognised as a key factor for a better security regime, said the statement. During discussions of common interest, CISF Director General suggested for a mutual appraisal of system and processes between all contracting states of ICAO in order to enable sharing of best practices. In this context, the official highlighted the unique expertise of the CISF in protecting critical infrastructure including those in the aviation sector from the perspective of anti-hijacking and anti-terror which would benefit other regional contracting states and encourage them to adopt similar enabling systems. He also offered to share CISF expertise in effective aviation security management through an enhanced participation in workshops and panel discussions organised by the ICAO. The CISF delegation, comprising Additional Director General (airport sector) M.A. Ganapathy and AIG (airport sector) Ajay Kumar, visited the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada to attend the two-day symposium, the theme of which was "The Need To Know", held on November 27-28. The CISF delegation also met ICAO President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu and Alok Shekhar, the representative of India at the event. --IANS rak/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa Police on Thursday busted a chemical drug manufacturing laboratory operating from a rented home in the beach village of Anjuna in North Goa and seized synthetic drugs worth nearly Rs 1 crore, while also arresting an Austrian national for running the facility. Speaking to reporters police inspector in-charge of the Anjuna police station Chetan Patil said that several chemicals used to manufacture amphetamine-based drugs and MDMA were seized in the raid. The premises was rented to the accused Austrian. "We have arrested Christian Koller,35, an Austrian national for possession of drugs and running the drug laboratory," Patil said. Koller has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances act. Located 20 km from Panaji, Anjuna is a known narco-tourism destination and the village is known to host drug-fuelled rave parties which are popular with tourists, both domestic and foreign. --IANS maya/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Philippines congresswoman Imelda Marcos, the widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, on Thursday withdrew her candidacy for the governorship of Ilocos Norte region after her conviction for graft made her ineligible to hold public office. On November 9, the anti-corruption court found Imelda Marcos, 89, guilty of seven counts of corruption while she was the Governor of Manila (1975-86) and sentenced her to between six and 11 years in prison for each charge. The former first lady still represents Ilocos Norte in the lower house of Parliament and was seeking to run for Governor during the May 2019 elections, according to Efe news. Her grandson Matthew Marcos Manotoc, who served as her deputy, will replace her as a candidate for the Governor's post, Manotoc said on his official Facebook page. Currently, the Governor's seat in Ilocos Norte is occupied by Imee Marcos, 60, daughter of Imelda and Manotoc's mother, who seeks to enter national politics by running for senator. The court had sentenced the former first lady for embezzlement of $200 million from public coffers into Swiss accounts. It had also issued an arrest warrant against Imelda Marcos, who obtained bail for 150,000 pesos ($2,850). On Monday, she filed a motion before the anti-corruption court to transfer her case to the Supreme Court, where she seeks to appeal the sentence and which could delay the trial for years. Imelda Marcos was the first lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when the country was ruled by Ferdinand Marcos. Nine of those years were under martial law (1972-81), during which at least 3,240 people were killed, 70,000 imprisoned and 34,000 tortured, according to Amnesty International. A peaceful uprising brought down the government in 1986 and the Marcos family went in exile to Hawaii, where the former President died in 1989. Imelda Marcos returned to the Philippines along with her children in 1992 to face more than 400 trials. The Presidential Commission on Good Government had calculated that Marcos illegally accumulated between $5 billion and $10 billion, most of it stacked away in hidden offshore accounts. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India saw the output of its workforce decline seven per cent -- equivalent to the loss of 75 billion man hours -- last year due to heatwave conditions, the 2018 Lancet report on health and climate change said on Thursday. The figure is almost four times that of China and a little less than half of the 153 billion manhours lost globally in 2017. It said the Indian government and related public health agencies must identify "heat hot-spots" through appropriate tracking and modelling of meteorological data and promote the timely development and implementation of local heat action plans, with strategic inter-agency coordination and a response which targets the most vulnerable groups. Urging a review of existing occupational health standards, labour laws and regulations for worker safety in relation to climatic conditions sector-by-sector, the report also asked India to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, particularly from coal, for the sake of public health. Globally, 157 million more vulnerable people were subjected to heatwaves last year than in 2000, and 18 million more than in 2016. Lancet Countdown, a research collaboration among 27 academic institutions and inter-governmental organisations, said 153 billion hours of work were lost globally in 2017 due to extreme heat as a result of climate change. China alone lost 21 billion hours, the equivalent of a year's work for 1.4 per cent of its working population. Rising ambient temperatures are placing vulnerable populations at increased risk across all regions of the world. Heat greatly exacerbates urban air pollution, with 97 per cent of cities in low and middle-income countries not meeting WHO air quality guidelines. Heat stress, an early and severe effect of climate change, is commonplace and the health systems are ill-equipped to cope. From 2010 to 2016, air pollution worsened in 70 per cent of cities around the globe, with coal use accounting for approximately 16 per cent of premature mortality related to ambient fine particulate matter. The frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves in India has increased over the past half-century, with 1985-2009 showing worse trends than 1960-1985. According to more recent data provided by the Lancet Countdown, which tracks the change in exposure as compared to a 1986-2008 baseline, there has been a marked increase both in the number of vulnerable people over 65 years of age exposed to heatwaves as well in the duration of the heatwaves in the last two decades. In absolute numbers, there were an additional 40 million heatwave exposure events in India in 2016 as compared to 2012, representing a dangerous surge in the impact of heatwaves on health. Mortality trends during the Ahmedabad heatwave showed markedly elevated all-cause mortality during the peak heatwave season, with a 43 per cent increase over reference periods. Data reflected inequities in access to preventive and cooling strategies and adequate healthcare, therefore signaling an urgent need to allocate resources for prevention and mitigation action in disadvantaged populations. The recent Special Report on Global Warming by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) outlines the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial era, rather than the two degrees which is the main target of the Paris Agreement. It found that "global warming is likely to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate," and that "global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide would need to fall by about 45 per cent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching anet zero' around 2050, to stay within 1.5 degrees". A recent report places India amongst the countries that most experience high social and economic costs from climate change: each additional tonne of carbon dioxide emission costs India $86, followed by US at $48 and Saudi Arabia at $47.5. The implications of climate change for India cannot, therefore, be understated, the report added. --IANS vg/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday ordered a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into 11-year-old sensational case of a Andhra pharmacy student's rape and murder. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice S.V. Bhatt asked the Central agency to register a fresh First Information Report (FIR) and take up the investigation. The court also entrusted to the premier investigation agency the probe into the destruction of records relating to the case. The bench passed the orders on a petition by parents of Ayesha Meera, a 19-year-old pharmacy student who was raped and murdered brutally in a hostel at Vijayawada in 2007. They had sought handing over of the case to the CBI. Last month, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the case, had informed the High Court that the records were destroyed in the trial court. Ayesha was raped and murdered on December 27, 2007. Her body was found outside the toilet on the second floor of the Sri Durga Ladies Hostel in Ibrahimpatnam, where she was staying. In 2008, police claimed that one Satyam Babu, arrested in a cell phone robbery case, confessed to Ayesha's murder. Ayesha's parents had alleged that police pinned the crime on Satyam Babu to misdirect the investigation as a relative of former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Koneru Ranga Rao was involved in the crime. The Mahila Court in Vijayawada, on September 10, 2010, convicted and sentenced Satyam Babu to life imprisonment. Last year the Hyderabad High Court acquitted Satyam Babu. It also ordered action against the police officials who investigated the case. Subsequently the state government constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh probe. The High Court was supervising the probe by SIT earlier this year. Expressing its unhappiness over the manner in which SIT conducted the probe, the court reached a conclusion that only a probe by CBI would be proper. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has remained firmly committed to peace and is also determined to use all its might to protect its sovereignty, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday. "Whenever it was required, our brave men and women in uniform have dealt with security challenges forcefully and effectively. Our armed forces, exemplified by the air warriors who stand before us, reflect our firm resolve to defend our nation," Kovind said . He was speaking at the Indian Air Force station in the city's Azara area after presenting the President's Standard to the 118 Helicopter Unit and the President's Colours to the Air Defence College. The President, who has just returned from a visit to Vietnam and Australia, said that the world today looks at India differently. "I have just returned from my visit to Vietnam and Australia. I held discussions with leaders of both these countries on different areas of mutual interest such as defence, international security, trade and culture. The deliberations made one thing clear that the world looks at India differently today. "India is seen as an eminent power, expected to play a prominent role in shaping the global paradigm with regards to international security, trade and commerce, and environmental protection. India's rise in the international order has many dimensions to it. And it draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our Armed Forces," the President added. The 118 Helicopter Unit or "Challengers" was raised on November 22, 1971 at Chabua and initially flew Mi-8s. "Whether flying the Mi-8 or the formidable Mi-17 helicopter today, the Unit has a remarkable operational record," said Kovind. The Air Defence College has achieved significant milestones in the past 60 years. The college provides professional training not only to Indian Air Force officers but also to sister services from friendly countries. "In recognition of their outstanding performance, I am pleased to award Standards to 118 Helicopter Unit and the Colours to Air Defence College. I compliment the personnel and families of the Units, past and present, for their devotion and service to the nation. "The Indian Air Force is a fine force known for its prowess and professionalism. With your constant readiness to protect our borders and air space, you leave every citizen feeling safe and secure. India is indeed proud of you," the President said. --IANS ah/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana is ranked third in terms of providing employable skills to its youth, breaking into the top 10, according to the India Skill Report 2019, an official said on Thursday. The Department of Technical has played a significant role in ramping up the state's ranking by providing quality through its various polytechnics, engineering colleges and technical universities. Anil Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Technical Education, Haryana, informed that in the last few years the Department had taken several initiatives to boost admissions, examinations, placements and overall personality development of students. In the last academic year, 94 per cent of the students from state-run polytechnic and engineering colleges were placed with various multinational companies as well as Indian companies of repute or have been admitted into higher educational programmes, he said. The skill report was released on November 22. Setting up of Centres of Excellence to provide specialised training to the Diploma and Degree Engineering students for making the youths job-ready is another key step taken by the Department of Technical to enhance employability. "Major companies like Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., HeroMoto Corp, Power Grid Corporation of India, NTPC-HPGCL, Daffodil have signed agreements with the Department for establishing Centres of Excellence at various government polytechnics," Kumar said. --IANS pradeep/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India-UK joint naval exercise "Konkan-2018" has started at Goa and would go on till December 6, the Indian Navy (IN) said on Thursday. The Royal Navy of UK will be represented by HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Class Destroyer equipped with an integral Wildcat helicopter. The Indian Navy will field INS Kolkata, the first ship of latest Kolkata class destroyers, equipped with integral Seaking and an IN submarine during the sea phase between December 2 to 6. In addition, Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft Dornier will also participate in the exercise. The harbour phase is already underway from November 28 to 30. The thrust of the exercise this year would be on anti-submarine warfare, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and seamanship evolutions. The Konkan series of exercises commenced in 2004, and since then has grown in scale. Both navies have, over the years, undertaken bilateral activities such as training exchanges and technical cooperation. "The bilateral Konkan exercise provides a platform for the two navies to periodically exercise at sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices," a Navy release said. --IANS mak/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma has said that the issues raised by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over negligence in preservation of Sun Temple in Konark are not justified. In a letter to the Chief Minister released to media on Thursday, Sharma said the statement about replacing 40% of original carving is not true as nowhere such action has been taken. "For structural stability, where there is no evidence of decorations/carvings, the plain stone work has been applied. However, some restorations of original features have been done where enough evidence of original existence was available," said the Minister. The temple represents a chariot of Sun God and is one of the world heritage sites declared by UNESCO. He said all such works have been carried out keeping in view the tenets of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conservation manual and other prevelant international conservation charters and guidelines. "In addition, the intricately carved stone panels are duly taken care by ASI by regular monitoring and cleaning with paper pulp and other suitable methods thereby considerably reducing the rate of deterioration of stone surfaces," he added. He also said that care has also been taken to control the environs of the monument thereby reducing the impact of salt laden winds as well as sand particles on the temple surfaces. "Thus due to continuous care, conservation and maintenance work by the ASI, the Sun Temple Konark is in a good state of preservation and the issues raised are not justified," said the Minister. Notably, the Chief Minister, basing on media reports, had requested the Central government to conduct an inquiry about the replacement of artistic stone carvings at Konark Sun Temple with plain stones. IANS cd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The frontrunners to replace Joseph Kabila in long delayed presidential polls in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have outlined their manifestos. The elections are due to be held in December and will pit Kabilas preferred candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, against heavyweights such as Felix Tshisekedi, son of one of the DRCs most well-known opposition politicians, and Martin Fayulu. Many had predicted that the 47-year-old president, in power since 2001, would run for a third term, despite being barred from doing so by the constitution. Kabilas candidacy was opposed by the US and EU, as well as significant regional actors. Felix Tshisekedi who returned home to Kinshasa on Tuesday was greeted by tens of thousands of supporters as he kicked off his campaign. He vowed to deploy teams of observers to combat election fraud, while his running mate Vital Kamerhe, a former speaker of parliament, said on Twitter that the pair made a winning ticket. According to an opinion poll published in late October, Tshisekedi and Kamerhe were leading the pack ahead of the December election with 36% and 17% respectively. Under an agreement reached on Friday, if Tshisekedi wins the presidency in the December 23 polls he will appoint Kamerhe as his prime minister. On the other hand, the Kabila coalitions candidate unveiled an $86 billion five-year development plan for the sprawling central African country. The DRC, which has significant natural resources, has never known a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The vast mineral-rich country is plagued by corruption, inequality and unrest. Employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Thursday staged a protest here seeking rollback of the government's decision to treat the bank as a public sector undertaking (PSU). They protested at the corporate headquarters of the bank. The state government had decided to bring the bank under the purview of the RTI Act and treat it as a PSU. There were widespread opposition to the decision with political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), terming it a move to curb J&K's financial autonomy. Established in 1938, the majority shares of the largest bank in J&K are owned by the government. --IANS sq/in/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected the Congress criticism of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) back series data as "malicious and fraudulent jugglery", saying it was realistic and not fictional. He said the data released on Wednesday was based on facts and best global practices, and was being rejected by the Congress as it took away "the last of its surviving arguments" that the GDP growth during the UPA era was higher compared to the present regime. "Data is realistic. It is not fictional. And this formula is globally more comparable. So what was welcomed by the UPA in 2015 is now being criticised in the year 2018, because it revises it (growth) downwards," he told reporters. "The Congress Party's reaction is given by those who perhaps have a nodding acquaintance with the subject," he later wrote in Facebook. He said the Central Statistics Office (CSO) was a highly credible organisation and it completely maintained an "arms length distance" from the Finance Ministry. "In fact, we also come to know about the data only when it is finally released," he said. "No one in India has ever imputed motives to the CSO. The sooner the Congress party realises that its policy paralysis pushed India into the Fragile-Five, the better it will be for the party and its leadership," he said. The Congress on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of resorting to "malicious and fraudulent jugglery" of GDP figures to hide the "enormous body blow" caused by them to India's economy. Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that "failed Modinomics" plus a "pakoda economic vision" has sunk India's economy in complete turmoil. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the NITI Ayog's revised GDP numbers were "a joke, bad joke and worse than a bad joke". "The numbers are the result of a hatchet job. Now that the NITI Ayog has done the hatchet job it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body." Chidambaram said. Jaitley said the immediate impact of the revision based on the new GDP series was on the last two years of the UPA government, and was welcomed by the Congress. "For the year 2012-13, the growth rate was revised from 4.7 per cent to 5.1 per cent and later again to 5.5 per cent. Similarly, for 2013-14 the GDP growth rate was revised from 5 per cent to 6.9 per cent and later revised to 6.4 per cent," He wrote in his Facebook post. He said his predecessor Chidambaram publically welcomed the new series, saying it would end misconceived charges that the UPA mismanaged the economy, and that it, in fact, succeeded to revive the economy. "Now, in continuation of the same exercise applying the same yardstick, the new series has been made applicable from FY 2004 or '05. So, the growth on the basis of the new series may be revised either upward or downward, depending on the applicability of the data," he said. The Finance Minister said that the formula was the same. So, while comparing it, the "yardstick" has to be the same. "Consequently, the same basis which improved the growth estimate in the last two years of the UPA government somewhat downgraded it in the earlier years. Those who took after the new series in 2015 now consider the new series to be a 'hatched job' and a 'bad joke'. What humours some when data shows an upward trend depresses them if it moves in the reverse direction," Jaitley said. In a joint press conference with the NITI Aayog, the CSO on Wednesday released the much-awaited back-series estimates for India's GDP, which showed a lower rate of growth during the UPA years between 2005-06 and 2011-12 than what was estimated using the earlier methodology. --IANS vv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected the Congress criticism of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) back series data released on Wednesday as "malicious and fraudulent jugglery", saying it was realistic and not fictional. "Data is realistic. It is not fictional. And this formula is globally more comparable. So what was welcomed by the UPA in 2015 is now being criticised in the year 2018, because it revises it downwards," he told reporters. He said the CSO was a highly credible organisation and it completely maintains an "arms length distance" from the finance ministry. "In fact we also come to know about the data only when it is finally released," he said. The Congress on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of resorting to "malicious and fraudulent jugglery" of GDP figures to hide the "enormous body blow" caused by them to India's economy. Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that "failed Modinomics" plus a "pakoda economic vision" has sunk India's economy in complete turmoil. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the Niti Ayog's revised GDP numbers were "a joke, bad joke and worse than a bad joke'. The numbers are the result of a hatchet job. Now that the Niti Ayog has done the hatchet job it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body". Jaitley said the GDP growth rate in the last two years--FY 12-13 and FY 13-14-- of the UPA government, was welcomed by the people in the then government. "In fact they said that the new GDP series has conclusively re-established that we did not mismanage the economy. "Now in continuation of the same exercise applying the the same yardstick, the new series has been made applicable from FY 2004 or 05. So, the growth on the basis of the new series may be revised either upward or downward, depending on the applicability of the data," he said. The Finance Minister said that the formula was the same. So while comparing it, the "yardstick" has to be the same. The government on Wednesday released the much-awaited back-series estimates for India's GDP which showed a lower rate of growth during the UPA years between 2005-06 and 2011-12 than what was estimated using the earlier methodology. --IANS ravi-bns/vsc/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Thursday lauded Jharkhand for registering 19 per cent growth in the agriculture sector and advised farmers to adopt dairy and organic farming. "Jharkhand is the only state in the country that has achieved a 19 per cent growth in the agriculture sector in last four years," Kant said at the Global Agriculture and Food Summit 2018 here. He said the Centre is taking several steps to bring a revolution in the agriculture sector. "The government of India has taken many steps to increase farm production through the use of technology. In my view, farmers should not just rely on agriculture but also adopt dairy farming. We should learn water management from Israel," said Kant. Amul India Managing Director R.S. Sodhi said that Jharkhand could generate Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore by boosting daily production of milk by 25 lakh litres. "Jharkhand is a deficit state in milk production. The state produces 52 lakh litres of milk, but it requires an additional 75 lakh litres of milk to meet the national average," said Sodhi. --IANS ns/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Ranjan Gogoi said on Thursday that the judiciary is losing its aura and majesty, expressing his concern over young lawyers showing unwillingness to become judges. The CJI's remarks came while he was addressing a programme hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association to bid farewell to Justice Kurian Joseph, who retired as the apex court judge on Thursday. The CJI appreciated Justice Joseph's contribution saying he was a good judge and that the court needs his replacement. However, Justice Gogoi said young lawyers are not willing to become judges. "One of the reasons is that the office of judges in higher judiciary is losing its aura and majesty," he said, adding it is the aura and majesty of the office of judges that attracts young talents. He said young lawyers are ready to make sacrifices and do hard work. He urged bar associations to help in encouraging lawyers to join judiciary. CJI Gogoi said that he and Justice Joseph came from different parts of the country -- Kerala and Assam-- but both had a strong association of six years in the apex court. Justice Joseph said that judges must have compassion as without compassion, there is no point in interpreting laws. "I wanted to touch upon constitutional compassion. Compassion from the court is not the charity of a judge, it is the bounden duty of a constitutional court," Justice Joseph said. He pointed out that many litigations came in the form of public interest, which results in wastage of time of courts. In his address, Justice Joseph said that he was warned by his wife that he is going to wear a crown of thorns when he was chosen to become a judge. "I told her (wife) that I can make it a crown of roses. I made it a crown of flowers if not roses. I tried my best," Justice Joseph said. He called his farewell as an emotional occasion and said that he tried his best to keep the oath that he has taken with clear conscience. he said he can hold his head high and tell the world that he has done his best. --IANS akk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Isabelle Kaif, who is set to make her Hindi film debut with her forthcoming film 'Time to Dance', has said her elder sister Katrina Kaif has advised her to keep her head down and work hard to sustain in the film industry. Isabelle Kaif was interacting with media after becoming brand ambassador of Bandhan Jewels on Thursday in Mumbai. Isabelle Kaif is younger sister of Hindi film's leading actress Katrina Kaif. "Keep your head down and work hard," Isabelle said when asked what advice her elder sister has given her before starting her career in films. In 'Time to Dance', Sooraj Pancholi reportedly plays character of a street dancer and Isabelle Kaif plays character of a ballroom latin dancer. "It was great," said Isabelle about working with Sooraj Pancholi. "He is really a good dancer and is hard working. We had great time shooting for the film with our director Stanley D'Costa. Everyone working in the film was very passionate about it." Katrina Kaif plays role of an actress in Anand L. Rai's forthcoming film 'Zero'. "I was very excited by the trailer. I feel everyone is eager to see her in this new avatar and a new role so, I also can't wait to see the film," said Isabelle. 'Time to Dance' is a dance-film directed by Stanley D'Costa. It is co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Remo D'Souza. It features Sooraj Pancholi, Isabelle Kaif and Waluscha De Sousa in the lead roles. It is scheduled to release early 2019. --IANS iv/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra Legislature on Thursday unanimously passed a Bill granting 16 per cent reservations to the politically influential Maratha community demanding quotas in education and jobs amidst slogans of "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai". The Action Taken Report tabled in the legislature earlier by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government proposed to give 16 per cent reservations to the Marathas under a new Social and Economically Backward Class (SEBC) category. The Bill was passed unanimously without any discussion, marking a major political achievement in an election year. Fadnavis said that the relevant formalities for implementing the quotas would be completed before the model code of conduct for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections was enforced. However, the report on quotas for the Dhangar community was yet to be completed for which a sub-committee has been appointed and its ATR would be tabled in the legislature soon, he added. Top leaders of Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and other political parties greeted the development terming it as "a historic day for the Marathas" who comprise nearly 30 per cent of the state's population. Maratha leaders and activists who have been holding protests at the Azad Maidan welcomed the passage of the Bill and raised slogans of Shivaji and "Jai Marathas" as they sang and danced and also distributed sweets. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Leader of Opposition in the Council Dhananjay Munde welcomed the developments terming them as "a triumph for the Maratha community". "The decision of the former Congress government has been again approved by the state legislature... It's a huge victory for the Marathas who took out 58 peaceful processions in the state, the sacrifices of 40 people and the continuous efforts of the opposition parties for achieving this," Vikhe-Patil said. Since the Maratha reservations come under a new SEBC category, they will not affect the existing quotas for Scheduled Castes, Schedules Tribes and Other Backward Classes (SC/ST/OBCs). The State Backward Classes Commission (SBCC) had submitted its report to the state government on November 15, recommending 16 per cent quotas for Marathas under the SEBC category, without disturbing other existing quotas. The ATR described the Marathas comprise a socially and economically backward class who are without adequate reservations in education and government jobs. Accordingly, they are entitled to the quota benefits enshrined in the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution and the government could initiate suitable measures to address the issues. The previous Congress-NCP regime had also made a similar 16 per cent quota proposal but it was stayed by the Bombay High Court. The Marathas have been organising massive silent protests all over the state for nearly two years, including agitations in July-August which had turned violent. --IANS qn/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US First Lady Melania Trump has called the opioid epidemic the "worst drug crisis" in American history, as she urged more public attention to it. Speaking on Wednesday at the Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, Trump talked about the importance of understanding the severe and fatal effects of opioids and eliminating the stigma surrounding drug dependence, reports Xinhua news agency. She said "opioid addiction is an illness that has truly taken hold of our country" while calling for more public discussion about the epidemic so that people can get help. President Donald Trump's administration has declared a "national health emergency" in the wake of the crisis. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 130 people in the US die each day due to overdosing on opioids. In 2017, the overdoses accounted for more than 72,000 deaths, more than any previous year on record. In 2016, an estimated 40 per cent of opioid deaths involved a prescription drug. Taking on the opioid epidemic is a pillar of the First Lady's "Be Best" youth initiative, which was launched in May. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A total of 625,000 people moved to Britain and 351,000 people emigrated over the year in June 2018, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed on Thursday. According to the ONS figures cited by Xinhua news agency, non-EU net migration was the highest since 2004, with 248,000 more non-EU citizens arriving than leaving Britain. Increases in immigration for both work and study were seen in the most recent year, particularly for Asian citizens, the report said. The number of people arriving for post-graduate studies in 2018 from countries such as China and India was up by 10 per cent, ONS said. The overall number of EU citizens coming to Britain continued to add to the population, with 74,000 more EU citizens coming to the UK than leaving. This was the lowest estimate for EU net migration since 2012 and the lowest immigration level since 2014, added ONS. According to the report, the number of EU citizens coming to Britain for work continued to fall. In the most recent period this was driven by a decrease in citizens from EU 15 countries, such as Germany, Spain and Italy, arriving in Britain with a definite job, it said. Net migration among EU8 citizens, which included Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, had seen a sharp decrease over the last two years and it was now estimated that 14,000 more citizens from those countries left the UK than arrived. This was driven by a decrease in EU8 immigration, particularly for work, and an increase in emigration over the last two years, the report said. Away from Europe, citizens coming to work in Britain from around the world had seen a gradual increase over the last five years, the study showed. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said there is "no military solution" to the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations following a naval confrontation in waters off Crimea. Poroshenko's request came following the confrontation with Russia on Sunday where the latter opened fire on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews in the Kerch Strait, the BBC reported. Merkel blamed the crisis on Russian President Vladimir Putin, but said "issues like these can only be solved by sensible dialogue". Talking to Germany's Bild newspaper, Poroshenko said: "Germany is one of our closest allies and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security." "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany, too, has to ask itself: what will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" In a tweet later, Poroshenko said his country would impose restrictions on Russian citizens in Ukraine. His office could not immediately confirm what those restrictions were. A NATO spokeswoman did not comment on Poroshenko's request for warships, but said that "since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO has substantially increased its presence in the Black Sea". The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area. Putin accused Poroshenko of creating the naval "provocation" to boost his ratings ahead of the 2019 elections. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring vessels from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled strait of Kerch, the Guardian reported. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said. Russian state media reported that Moscow delivered a battalion of S-400 surface-to-air missiles to north Crimea and also has plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station there. Poroshenko also called on Germany to halt the undersea pipeline Nord Stream 2 project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told the German media group Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drivers Protest against High Prices on Fuel Georgian drivers and citizens protested against the high fuel price in the country, saying while the petrol price went down in the world, it still remains high in Georgia.The protesters held rallies at several locations in Tbilisi, mainly at the large petrol stations.The people reminded the authorities their pre-election promise that the prices on fuel would be reduced by GEL 1.The government lied to us when they promised the petrol price would be decreased. The price hit the highest rate lately, a driver told Rustavi 2.The citizens accuse the oil importer companies in cartel dealing with the government. They demand the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party fulfilled their promise and regulated prices on the Georgian market.The protesters were joined by the opposition party United National Movement (UNM)."There is a resource for the fuel prices to be reduced, which will improve the bad economic conditions of our citizens, but there is no political will from the Georgian Dream," said Kote Ioseliani, a member of the UNM.Grigol Vashadze, United Oppositions presidential candidate, also commented on the issue. According to him, the only country where the new price on oil products are not reflected is Georgia.The only reason why this happens in Georgia is that there is a monopoly in this field. There is a cartel, whose members agree on prices and the whole tax and income received from the population, goes to the election headquarters of the ruling Georgian Dream, the candidate stressed.Fuel importing companies say that the price on the global market went down last week, adding that earlier imported fuel is being sold and when it runs out, the price will decrease.When we import new production the corrected prices will appear on the Georgian market as well, Vasil Khorava, a Wissol representative stated.The increase of the oil products price is directly linked with other products. The organizers of the rally claim they will not stop until the reasonable prices are introduced in the country. Chinese smartphone maker Oppo India's Managing Director Yi Wang has resigned from the company and the handset manufacturer has accepted his resignation, said a regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Wang will relinquish office on November 30. His resignation coincides with the increasing losses to the handset maker in the country. "In a captioned meeting, the Board of Directors of the company discussed and passed the resolutions with respect to the following -- resignation of Yi Wang, Managing Director of the Company, with effect from 30 November," read Oppo's regulatory filing with BSE late on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the company on Thursday announced it will invest 10 billion yuan (around $1.43 billion) in Research and Development (R&D) across its global markets in 2019. Tony Chen, Founder and CEO of Oppo, announced at its technology-focused "2018 Oppo Technology Exhibition" an increase in R&D spending to 10 billion yuan in 2019 which is a 150 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase and that the company would continue to increase investment on a yearly basis. "5G is a trend Oppo must embrace. In addition to striving to become the first manufacturer to launch 5G smartphones, Oppo's exploration of application opportunities in the 5G+ era will determine the value of 5G," Chen stressed. --IANS ksc/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress and other opposition parties on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over demonetisation after former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian blasted the note ban in his upcoming book. The Congress said on Twitter that former CEA "finally reveals his true feelings about the destruction by demonetisation. Obviously criticizing a decision by the supreme leader while in government would have been completely outside the realm of possibility." Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari said there was a whole amount of "opacity" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation of November 8, 2016 and said that Subramanian owes "responsibility" to the nation to tell "how it happened". He said the real story of how the ban on Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency came about had still not fully come out. "Since Subramaniam was the CEA then, he owes a responsibility to the country to (say) what exactly happened? When did the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) meeting take place, was it cleared by the Cabinet or the Cabinet cleared it post-facto?" Tewari said. "How did the whole process of demonetisation play out, was there any inter-ministerial consultation, was there any substantiated deliberation on the implementation? "There is a whole amount of opacity around the whole issue," Tewari said. "Subramaniam, who remained in service, should actually tell the country how exactly it came about." The Congress leader's remarks came a day after Subramanian described demonetisation as a "massive, draconian, monetary shock" that accelerated economic slide to 6.8 per cent in the seven quarters after the decision against the 8 per cent recorded prior to it. Subramanian, who quit the post earlier this year after a four-year tenure, has devoted a chapter in the upcoming book "Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy", published by Penguin, has kept to himself on whether he was consulted over demonetisation. Besides the Congress, CPI-M and Trinamool Congress leaders also slammed the Modi government at the Centre over the note ban. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury described demonetisation as an "unmitigated disaster". "Demonetisation was an unmitigated disaster and Modi's mishandling and destruction of Indian economy has only unleashed misery and hardships for the people, especially farmers, workers and the poor," he tweeted. Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien said that demonetisation was a massive shock for Indian economy. "Ladies and gentlemen, he (Arvind Subramanian) is not an official spokesperson of Trinamool Congress or Congress or DMK or Telugu Desham Party or RJD or Aam Aadmi Party or BSP or SP or Left. Demonetisation was draconian, massive shock for Indian economy, says Arvind Subramanian," he tweeted. The Congress and opposition parties have been critical of demonetisation saying that it not only failed to unearth black money but destroyed economy by pulling down the GDP and caused immense damage to informal sector, small and medium enterprises besides the common man. --IANS aks/vsc/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of farmers, sharecroppers and agricultural workers on Thursday converged in the heart of the city at the end of a two-day long 52-kilometer march from Singur in West Bengal's Hooghly district. The 'Singur to Raj Bhavan' campaign, which culminated at Rani Rashmoni Road, pressed for a eight-point charter of demands that included remunerative prices for farmers and industrial jobs for rural youth. Communist Party of India-Marxist peasant bodies in West Bengal All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and All India Agricultural Workers Union (AIAWU) organised the march that began on Wednesday from Singur. "Around 50 thousand farmers took part in the march," said a CPI-M leader. ACPI(M) West Bengal state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) state Secretary Amal Halder, All India Agricultural Workers' Union (AIAWU) State Secretary Amiya Patra, AIAWU State President Tushar Ghosh addressed the gathering at Rashmoni Road. The campaign was a corollary to the all India 'Kisan Mukti March', that started in New Delhi on Thursday. The New Delhi farmer mobilisation is being organised by the All India Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella organisation of over 200 organisations. Left leaders at the rally strongly condemned the Trinamul Congress for running a campaign against Tata Motors' small car manufacturing project in Singur, and forcing them to abandon the plant. The situation in Singur is bleak as landholders who gave up their plots can no longer cultivate on the destroyed soil, even as their children scrounge around for jobs, they said. Mishra strongly condemned the present Trinamul Congress government for its failure to create employment in the state and for its pro-farmer pretentions. He said, instead of focusing on core issues, both Trinamul Congress, and BJP, are now playing dangerous communal games. "The Trinamool- BJP nexus is continuously trying to dismantle the secular fabric of the state. BJP is supposed to take out three Rath Yatras from the three different corners of West Bengal. We warn them, that if they try to destroy communal harmony and peace, then people of Bengal will simply smash their chariots," said Mishra. The marchers are demanding the state's present rulersAtake initiative to set up industries on lands earlier acquired by the state government for industrialisation includingASingur. Among other demands of the marchers areAwork for all, waiver of agricultural debt, end of discrimination amongASingur's farmers, peasant and sharecroppers in providing government welfare schemes and implementation of the M S Swaminathan Commission recommendations. --IANS ssp/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistani government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan rolled out its first 100 days performance report on Thursday and vowed to pursue reforms in every field and revitalize economic growth through its tenure till 2023. A special ceremony was arranged at the Jinnah Convention Centre of Islamabad to present the report, reviewing Khan's first 100 days in power, Dawn online reported. Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister credited his wife, Bushra Bibi, for putting up with his tough schedule, adding that "I have taken just a single day off in the first 100 days". Speaking of the government's performance, Khan said they tried to benefit the common man from their policies, adding that the same reason was behind friendship with India as it will help increase trade between the two countries. Adviser to Prime Minister Mohammad Shehzad Arbab said the government achieved 18 out of 34 targets while work was in progress on the other 16 projects. The adviser, who was also in charge of the 100-day agenda, said the government laid a strong foundation in six major areas, including transformation of governance, strengthening the federation, revitalization of economic growth, uplift of agriculture and conserving water, revolutionizing of social service and ensuring national security. Khan said his government was trying to introduce a uniform education curriculum across the country and that they also formed a task force to fix government hospitals. He said the government was also devising a system to alleviate poverty in Pakistan. Talking about corruption, the Prime Minister said they were seeking details of accounts through which money was laundered abroad, dating back to before the Panama Papers leaks. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also addressed the gathering where he said that the Foreign Office was more active than before. "In last five years, there was no one to present Pakistan's stance before the world," he said. Qureshi also discussed Pakistan's bilateral relations with India, saying: "Tensions with India are not hidden from anyone but our approach is people-centric and we need peace for people to prosper. We need peace in order to speed up the development of our country." However, the opposition parties termed the 100-day performance of the government as "unimpressive, ridiculous and full of lies and U-turns". They said that the government totally failed to deliver on almost all the fronts, particularly the economy and the law and order situation. After assuming office on August 18, Prime Minister Khan set a 100-day agenda for his government to achieve progress in the next five years. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived here to take part in the G20 summit during which he will have several bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G20 countries to review the work of G20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," Modi said in his pre-departure statement. Modi will also be part of a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the summit. In a press briefing at the White House, US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that Trump's bilateral with Abe "will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting" with Prime Minister Modi. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said in New Delhi on Tuesday that a meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. Modi would also meet the United Nations Secretary General, presidents of Argentina and Chile, German Chancellor and the prime ministers of Spain and the Netherlands. During the meeting, Modi is expected to highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and urge more countries to join the International Solar Alliance. --IANS mak/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday sought Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's personal intervention in the formation of a joint venture to establish a proposed plastic park at Paradip. In a letter to Patnaik, Pradhan requested him to instruct the concerned authorities to complete formalities for the joint venture (JV). Indian Oil and the state government-controlled Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) have jointly proposed to develop the plastic park. "The joint venture needs to be ready as soon as possible, which would take care of requirements of investors and work on further infrastructure developments," said the Union Minister. Pradhan said that six investors have applied for land in the plastic park. A polypropylene project would be on stream at Paradip Refinery by February 2019 and hence units at Paradip plastic park can use polypropylene raw materials as feedstock, he said. He said the Petroleum Ministry has already obtained the no objection certificate (NOC) from NITI Ayog for the JV. The Chemical and Fertiliser Ministry has sanctioned Rs 40 crore as grant-in-aid to the plastic park as assistance for infrastructure development. Indian Oil will infuse Rs 32.72 crore after signing the JV papers, said Pradhan. --IANS cd/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Senate on Wednesday voted to advance a resolution that could halt support for the Saudi-led military operation in Yemen. The bipartisan resolution aims to push forward the legislation that would end US support for the military operation of the Saudi-led multinational coalition in Yemen, a rebuke to Saudi Arabia and the US administration, which had argued that Saudi Arabia is key to containing Iran in the Middle East, buying US weapons and keeping the global oil price stable,reports Xinhua news agency. The 63-37 vote, setting up the start of a floor debate on the resolution next week, was widely considered as a strong signal of the Senate's rage over Saudi Arabia's alleged role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Earlier on Wednesday, US Secretaries of State and Defense, Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, briefed the Senate to lobby against the resolution. However, their efforts seemed to have little sway on senators of the two parties that have been enraged over Saudi Arabia's allegedly inconsistent responses to its role in Khashoggi's death and casualties in Yemen. Pompeo said after the briefing that the vote would be "poorly timed" as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen are underway. Khashoggi has been missing since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. The Saudi authorities said Khashoggi died in a "brawl" in its consulate.Congress has urged a thorough investigation into the murder, and threatened to take more action against Saudi Arabia if those responsible were not held accountable. However, the administration has been reluctant to further punish the Saudi government. Pompeo said in an article sent to the media on Wednesday that the death of Khashoggi has "heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on". --IANS kk/sc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actors Seth Rogen and screenwriter Evan Goldberg will be producing "Console Wars", which will be a limited series, for the small screen. Legendary Television has closed a deal to develop the Blake J. Harris novel "Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo and the Battle that Defined a Generation" as a limited drama series, reports variety.com. The books tells the behind-the-scenes story of how Sega took on the juggernaut Nintendo and revolutionised the video game industry. Jordan Vogt-Roberts will direct with Mike Rosolio to write the pilot. It was announced in 2014 that Rogen and Goldberg had signed on to write and direct a "Console Wars" movie. Rogen later commented that a documentary version would be released first before he and Goldberg began working on the film. The limited series will now be produced in lieu of the film. This marks Rogen and Goldberg's latest TV project. Through Point Grey, they have also produced shows like AMC's "Preacher" and "Future Man" for Hulu. They are also currently prepping for "Black Monday" and "The Boys". --IANS dc/nn/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alleging non-serious attitude of the Nitish Kumar government towards Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases and deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, opposition lawmakers led by Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday marched to the Raj Bhawan and met Governor Lalji Tondon. "The Supreme Court has repeatedly slammed the Bihar government over Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases. Yet, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is silent and his government is trying to protect the accused," Tejashwi Yadav told media after he met the Governor. Tejashwi alleged the state government was busy destroying evidence and was "weakening" the case to save main accused Brajesh Thakur, currently lodged in Patiala jail in Punjab. RJD's senior legislators and allies Congress and HAM leaders took part in the Raj Bhawan march. Tejashwi along with former chief minister Jiran Ram Manjhi, who is president of HAM, and state Congress president Madan Mohan Jha also met the Governor. "The Governor listened to us carefully and agreed that Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases are serious and that the government should take action against the accused," Manjhi said. Earlier, opposition members protested inside and outside the Bihar Assembly over the shelter home cases. Tejashwi Yadav demanded that the mobile phone details of Brajesh Thakur, the key accused in the shelter home cases, be made public. --IANS ik/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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The government is organising a start-up conference in Goa in December for budding entrepreneurs to woo global funding, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday. Addressing the TiE Global Summit here, Prabhu said that the government had been taking several steps to promote the start-up ecosystem in the country. "We are working on a policy to provide mentorship to start-ups. We are having a series of talks with the regulator for reducing the regulatory burden, as well as meeting global funds for providing funding support to start-ups," he said. Describing India as one of the most congenial ecosystems for start-ups, the Minister said that efforts were underway to make these the "new drivers of growth for India". Noting that over 30,000 start-ups had already been registered in the country, Prabhu said that these numbers did not reveal the actual existence of many more which had not approached the government for assistance. In 2017 alone, 15,000 start-ups were registered, he said. Prabhu also said that since start-ups help create jobs and boost economic growth, the government was working on strengthening the ecosystem for them in various sectors, including in agriculture and services. --IANS bc/in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on demonetisation, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian has distanced himself from the decision to junk high-value currency notes, but he should have resigned on the issue and those guilty of the "huge scam" will be punished. In a tweet, Gandhi said demonetisation, like the Rafale deal, was "a crime against India" and noted that former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had distanced himself from the deal to purchase fighter jets to "save his skin." "Demo (demonetisation) like Rafale was a crime against India and a huge scam. Parrikar distanced himself from Rafale to save his skin. Subramanian is doing the same with Demo. I wonder why he didn't resign when he disagreed so much? Don't worry India, the guilty will be investigated and punished," Gandhi said. Subramanian kept a studied silence on demonetisation till he was the Chief Economic Adviser to the Union Finance Ministry, but six months after quitting the job he has described the note ban as a "massive, draconian, monetary shock" that accelerated economic slide to 6.8 per cent in the seven quarters after the decision against the 8 per cent recorded prior to it. He has said that he does not have a strongly-backed empirical view apart from the fact that the welfare costs, especially on the informal sector, were substantial. Subramanian has written his views in his upcoming book "Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy." --IANS ps/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladeshi artist Mahbubur Rahman, a close associate of recently-released photojournalist Shahidul Alam, says that as a cultural activist-artist, he feels "suffocated" since Alam was "openly taken away" for his open anti-government stance. Rahman, whose works speak of dislocation, the agony of farmers and Bangladeshi sweatshops, is displaying his works here from Thursday. "In Bangladesh and South Asia, we need to merge culture with activism and raise our voices through art, and otherwise. (But) very recently, I felt suffocated and muzzled. After Shahidul Alam, I have a big question: Who are we doing this for," Rahman asked while speaking to IANS. Rahman, who works with the camera along with other media and is "close to Alam", has collaborated with him for the curation of the last two editions of Chobi Mela, a photography festival. "Imagine someone taking your colleague in front of you, he was openly taken away for just speaking," the Dhaka-born artist, who with other artists had taken to the streets after Alam's detention in August, lamented. Alam had criticised the government's violent means to suppress widespread student protests in the country's capital. He was released recently after spending over a 100 days in prison. "The problem with this government is that it tries to muzzle your voice. My question is that when I'm speaking for your people, why are you muzzling my voice. We have to criticise ourselves. Everything we do is not right. We are a family, and we have to point out internally what's wrong," Rahman said. Known for his fierce visual commentaries on society and polity, Rahman adopts various media such as installations, video, and performance to search for "a genuine Bangladeshi identity in the 21st century". One of his iconic installations on view here, making use of a hexablade, takes inspiration from the 2013 Rana Plaza incident in Bangladesh when over 1,100 workers (mostly readymade garment-makers) died when the building they were working in collapsed. It took several days for all the survivors to be rescued. Rahman spoke to a worker who happened to be out of the building at the time of the collapse and returned to rescue many lives. "He had to cut the leg of a woman to rescue her and save her life. I reimagined that person cutting the leg, and his feeling at the moment. The sound of the hexablade felt like someone playing violin to me, because although he was sawing away her leg, the man gave her the gift of life," he explained. The exhibition is titled "Sounds from Nowhere" after the incident, since Rahman heard the invisible violin -- "a sound that wasn't". More works, including a scissor-based installation of a uniform made of scissors and blades, explores the sharp scrutiny south Asians are subjected to, when they go outside the region. In many ways, then, Rahman's works investigate identity issues in a contemporary Bangladesh. Another work, "Transformation" is a performance-based photograph, reflecting the plight of indigo farmers of the colonial times, many of whom had to plough the land themselves in absence of farm animals. Rahman also pointed to a metal-based work based on a theatrical text where a farmer and his child couldn't help but scream out of agony and starvation. Some of his works also deal with the trauma of partition and war. "Sounds from Nowhere", then, also seems like an exhibition surfacing stories from the lesser-known hinterland of developing and underdeveloped countries -- the "nowhere" of the world. Rahman's second solo exhibition in India opened at the Bikaner House on Thursday and will conclude on December 2. Entry is free. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) --IANS sj/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taiwan's Defence Ministry on Thursday confirmed the passage of two US Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait, the third time in a year that American military ships have sailed between Taiwan and China. Beijing condemned the passage of the ships and urged Washington to exercise caution and work with it to resolve tensions, Efe news reported. The US Navy has said it carries out freedom of navigation operations to assert the right of its vessels to sail in international waters. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that the US ships sailed southwest after entering the Strait from waters northeast of Taiwan on Monday morning, in confirmation of the announcement made by the Pentagon on Wednesday. It said the two ships -- a destroyer and a replenishment vessel -- sailed through the international waters of the Strait and added that the island was capable of defending its maritime territory and its aerospace security. In previous days, Taiwan justified the sail-by operations by US ships through the Strait and in international waters, saying the actions contributed to peace and stability in the region. The Mainland Affairs Council, the Taiwanese agency responsible for policy towards China, also expressed on Thursday its commitment to America's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and promised to continue working to maintain peace and stability across the Strait. The agency also asked Washington to support and promote communication and dialogue across the Strait in order to address existing tensions between Taipei and Beijing. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In his over a decade-long-journey in Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan has made a name with a filmography consisting of movies like "Refugee", "Yuva", "Bunty Aur Babli" and "Guru". The actor says stardom does come with a price tag and there is sacrifice in everything that one does. Abhishek made his acting debut in 2000 with the film "Refugee". He was later seen in commercially successful films like "Yuva", "Dhoom", "Guru", "Happy New Year" and "Sarkar" and the latest release "Manmarziyaan". Asked if he believes stardom comes with a price tag, Abhishek told IANS here: "Of course. Everything comes with a price tag. There is sacrifice in everything you do. To gain something, you have to give up something and the law of nature is as simple as that. But it's fine and good." The actor has also faced failure with films like "Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon", "Kuch Naa Kaho", "Run" and "Naach". Is he happy with his filmography? "No. I don't think any actor is happy with their filmography. The tragedy of a filmography is that these are the things that have happened in the past. You need to look towards newer horizons, you need to look forward... you need to continue to strive and better yourself. So, I don't think any actor is satisfied. The day an actor is satisfied is kind of a death of the creativity within you," said the son of megastar Amitabh Bachchan. The "Raavan" actor said he is looking forward to what is going to happen next. "I am very hungry... I am very excited to see what more can be done, how to explore new horizons." Abhishek has lent his voice to the character of Bagheera in the Hindi version of Andy Serkis' forthcoming film "Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle", which is slated to have a global release on the streaming site Netflix on December 7. The actor said he has done voice-overs before, but this was the first time he dubbed and found it challenging at first. Asked if he is as protective towards his daughter Aaradhya as Bagheera is to Mowgli, Abhishek laughed and said: "Aaradhya is a lady cub! Bagheera is a character that grows with you. When we were kids everyone loved Baloo because he was the fun loving one... Bagheera was the serious one.... "As kids you don't relate to him as much, but as you grow older you start understanding the importance of the character. He is actually Mowgli's anchor in some way. He's the only character matures with you. "The responsibility that he shares, his immense love for Mowgli, which are values I like to share with him, that's what I find very relatable... The way he feels for Mowgli and the way he puts Mowgli before him are qualities, I think, I have. I don't know if it would be correct to say whether I share that with any particular person but yes, these are nice qualities to have." (Durga Chakravarty is in Mumbai at the invitation of Netflix. She can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in) --IANS dc/nn/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Campaigning in Telangana for the December 7 Assembly elections has reached a crescendo with top guns of major parties hitting the roads. With less than a week to go for the electioneering to end, ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and opposition Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and others intensified their campaign. Addressing rallies and conducting road shows, top leaders of the major parties were trying to woo the voters by highlighting the promises made in their respective party manifestos and targeting their rivals. While Chief Minister and TRS president K. Chandrashekhar Rao was already on a whirlwind tour, addressing at least half-a-dozen rallies every day, the national leaders of Congress and BJP also plunged into the electioneering. A day after their joint campaign, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday campaigned separately for the candidates of 'People's Front'. While Rahul Gandhi addressed three public meetings at Bhupalapally, Armoor and Pargi, Naidu conducted road shows in Hyderabad. Standing atop his special bus, Naidu addressed the gatherings at five places in constituencies in and around the city. Burying their 37-year-old rivalry, Congress and TDP have joined hands along with Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and Communist Party of India (CPI) to form 'People's Front'. Rahul Gandhi and Naidu shared the dais at their first election rally at Khammam on Wednesday. They later conducted road shows in Hyderabad. Continuing his whirlwind tours across the state, Chandrashekhar Rao addressed public meetings in Adilabad district on Thursday. Targeting Congress, TDP and BJP, he urged people to give fresh mandate to TRS so that it can continue its good work to make Telangana a "golden state". Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed BJP's election rallies in Nagarkurnool, Zaheerabad and Wanaparthy. BJP's general secretaries Ram Madhav and Muralidhar Rao also campaigned for the party on Thursday. On his second leg of campaigning in Telangana, BJP president Amit Shah had addressed a public meeting in Adilabad on Wednesday and later conducted road show in Hyderabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two election rallies of BJP at Nizamabad and Mahabubnagar on Tuesday. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati also addressed a few public meetings in the state during last two days. The BSP has fielded candidates in some constituencies. The elections for 119-member Assembly are scheduled on December 7. TRS and BJP are contesting all seats on their own. Congress has fielded candidates in 94 constituencies, leaving 13 for TDP and the remaining for other allies. Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) is contesting eight seats in Hyderabad but is backing TRS in other constituencies. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has cancelled a meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in Argentina because the Russians continue to hold Ukrainian vessels and sailors seized last weekend in an incident in the Black Sea. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!," Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday. The president made the announcement from Air Force One en route to Buenos Aires for the gathering of the leaders of the 20 major economies, Efe reported. The Kremlin on Wednesday said that the US and Russian presidents were set to meet December 1 in the Argentine capital to discuss topics such as terrorism and nuclear disarmament. And a statement released on Tuesday by the White House detailing Trump's summit schedule referred to bilateral sessions with Putin as well as with the leaders of Argentina, China, Germany, India, Japan and South Korea. Last Sunday, a Russian coast guard vessel intercepted two Ukrainian gunboats and a tug just off the Crimean Peninsula in the Kerch Strait, a body of water linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. Russian vessels opened fire on and seized the ships, injuring at least three Ukrainian seamen in the process. The detained sailors have since been put on trial in Simferopol, Crimea. The incident came six months after Russia opened a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014 following the overthrow of Ukraine's elected president. Since the opening of the bridge, Russian authorities have drastically stepped up inspections of Ukrainian civilian and military ships passing through the Kerch Strait, seen by Russia as part of its territorial waters. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told state news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday. The meeting will be held in the Park Hyatt hotel in Buenos Aires and is expected to last for over two hours, according to the news agency. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin plans to discuss bilateral relations, strategic security and regional conflicts with Trump. "Bilateral relations-connected issues will come first. We should give thought to how to start discussing bilateral relations, strategic security, disarmament and regional conflicts," Peskov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency. He added that Moscow and Washington didn't need to agree on all global issues but they needed to hold talks in the entire world's interest. The meeting was yet to be confirmed by the White House. But Trump had suggested in an interview on Tuesday that he might cancel his get-together with the Russian leader depending on the results of a "full report" about last weekend's maritime clash between Russia and Ukraine, CNN reported. US National Security Adviser John Bolton said that if the two leaders did meet, Trump would discuss security, arms control and regional issues with Putin. "I think it will be a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki," he said. Bolton did not confirm whether the situation in Ukraine would be on the table. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is "close" to striking a trade deal with China, although he added that he does not know if that hypothetical pact will become reality. "I think we're very close to doing something with China, but I don't know that I want to do it, because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the US in the form of tariffs or taxes," Trump told reporters upon leaving the White House to travel to the G20 meeting in Argentina. "I will tell you that I think China wants to make a deal," he continued. "I'm open to making a deal, but frankly, I like the deal we have right now." the US President was quoted as saying by Efe on Thursday. Trump made his remarks before meeting on the weekend in Buenos Aires with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid tense trade relations between the two world powers. Washington in July launched a bold trade war with the Asian giant by imposing increased tariffs on Chinese imports valued at some $34 billion. In September, the US slapped a 10 per cent tariff on an additional $200 billion in Chinese imports, and that levy will rise to 25 per cent in January 2019, and Trump threatened to include another $267 billion worth of Chinese exports in the punitive measure. Beijing has criticised Washington's aggressive trade policy for its "harmful consequences" and has implemented reciprocal measures on more than $60 billion in US imports. The US in 2017 sold China goods and products valued at $130 billion, while Beijing exported $506 billion worth of goods to the US market. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Tuesday, Trump said that it was "very unlikely" that he would postpone raising tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, as Beijing wants while the two nations continue negotiations. Trump said that if he does not come to an agreement with Xi to open the Chinese market to US exports, he will continue exerting trade pressure on the world's second largest economy by including goods heretofore not subsumed under the increased tariff structure. In addition to meeting with Xi, Trump will also meet in Buenos Aires with his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macri, and with the leaders of Germany, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and India. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Consequent to instructions issued by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday asked all universities and colleges to conduct a test based on legal rights of women to generate awareness among them and ensure that they are conversant with pertinent laws. The apex funding body for the universities took the decision to direct the institutions acting on NCW's letter, issued in August this year, asking colleges to hold an examination between September 1 and December 31 on laws related to women's rights. The top prize for the test has been decided to be Rs 2,000. The second runner-up will be Rs 1,500 and subsequently there will be five prizes of Rs 1,000 each, to be given to each college. Apart from the prize money, the NCW will bear additional expenses worth Rs 20,000 for each college likely to be incurred for paper setting, invigilation, refreshments, etc. All colleges will be free to prepare their own question paper carrying 75 questions and multiple choices for answers. The questions may be based on the Constitution of India, its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, NCW Act, 1990, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and several other acts related to harassment of women and minorities, the NCW said. --IANS vn/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UK on Thursday announced that it has signed a bilateral deal with the US that will allow uninterrupted air services after Brexit. UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the open skies deal would ensure the country remained a leading global aviation hub once it has left the European Union (EU), reports Efe news. "This new arrangement and those concluded with 8 other countries around the world are proof that the UK will continue to be a major player on the world stage after we leave the EU," Grayling said. The government said the deal was to replace the current framework under EU regulation. The CEO of International Airlines Group, Willie Walsh, said it was paramount that the UK retained its access to the global aviation market. "The agreement, which closely follows the Model US Open Skies Agreement, facilitates strong competition and is clearly pro-consumer. The US is a major destination for British businesses and tourists while the UK welcomes many American visitors to its shores," he said. Talks for a similar agreement with Canada were at an advanced stage, the government said, while it had already struck agreements with Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco and Switzerland. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jamaican Reggae music has been allocated a spot as one of the UN' global cultural treasures, the organization said on Thursday. Unesco, the UN's cultural heritage organization, made the announcement at a meeting in Mauritius, Efe news reported. "(Reggae music's) contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual," Unesco said in a statement. "The basic social functions of the music -- as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice and a means of praising God -- have not changed and the music continues to act as a voice for all," the statement added. Unesco said Reggae music in Jamaica was a jambalaya of earlier Jamaican/West African music influences as well as other music strands from the Caribbean, North American and Latin America. "In time," Unesco said, "neo-African styles, soul and rhythm and blues from North America were incorporated into the element, gradually transforming Ska into Rock Steady and then into Reggae". --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government over reports of a Muslim youth being killed by the state police in a 'fake encounter'. The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of media reports which mentioned that Irshad Ahmad, 20, was killed in a 'fake encounter' in Muzaffarnagar. Ahmad was shot dead in an alleged fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday. His father has said that Irshad had no criminal history and was killed in cold blood in a fake encounter. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news reports, if true, raise the serious issue of the violation of human rights of the victim and his family. Accordingly, it has issued notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report within four weeks. --IANS md/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Senate has issued a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump, easily advancing a resolution that would end American military support for the Saudi-led campaign in Yemens civil war despite a White House effort to quash the bill. The administration on Wednesday launched an 11th-hour lobbying frenzy to try to head off momentum for the resolution, dispatching Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Capitol Hill in the morning and issuing a veto threat less than an hour before the vote started, The Hill magazine reported. But lawmakers advanced the resolution, 63-37, even as the administration vowed to stand by Saudi Arabia following the outcry over the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "There's been a lot of rhetoric that's come from the White House and from the State Department on this issue," said Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. "The rhetoric that I've heard and the broadcasts that we've made around the world as to who we are have been way out of balance as it relates to American interests and American values." The vote advances the resolution out of the Foreign Relations Committee, making it available for action before the full Senate. The small step is a significant victory for supporters of the resolution, which fell six votes short of passage in March. Senators were increasingly frustrated with Saudi Arabia amid growing questions about Khashoggi's death and whether Riyadh was actively trying to limit civilian deaths in Yemen. The next Senate vote on the measure is uncertain. The Senate is expected to delay any additional votes related to the resolution until next week as the chamber works through a slate of previously scheduled nomination votes. Senators were also privately discussing amending the resolution on the Senate floor, which would set up the sort of unpredictable outcome Republican leadership likes to avoid. In addition to briefing senators, the Pentagon and State Department took the rare step of publicly releasing Mattis and Pompeo's closed-door opening statements ahead of the briefing, and Pompeo spoke to reporters in the Senate basement afterward, The Hill reported. In the briefing, Mattis and Pompeo argued that withdrawing US support from the war would undermine efforts to improve Saudi targeting and broker peace at a time when those talks appear on the precipice of starting. The White House had warned that it "strongly opposes" passage of the resolution and that advisers would recommend Trump veto the bill if it reaches his desk. But the Trump administration's tactic appeared to backfire, with several senators coming out in support of taking up the resolution after the briefing, saying the administration's argument was unconvincing and that the White House made a fatal miscalculation by not sending CIA Director Gina Haspel to speak with Senators. The CIA denied that the White House made the decision not to send Haspel. But even senators who did not support the resolution nonetheless said the briefing was inadequate without her. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday demanded an "unqualified apology" from Chief Minister over his remarks about Hazrat Ali, a revered figure in Islam, at an election rally. The party urged others in the country to desist from using religions and religious personalities for political gains. Adityanath had recently targeted leader over a leaked video of his meeting with Muslim leaders where he was seen asking them to ensure 90 per cent of electors from the community voted for the party. "I was reading a statement of senior leader He said they don't need SC, ST votes. They just need the votes of Muslims. You keep your Ali, for us Bajrang Bali will be enough," the chief minister had said addressing an election rally in Senior leader Naeem Akhtar said Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is one of the leading lights of Islam and dragging his name in election speeches is "blasphemous". "The BJP leadership and must offer an unqualified apology for the speech in which name of Harzat Ali was used in a bid to stoke communal passions and achieve electoral gains," he said in a statement. The major political parties, instead of talking about governance and development issues, convey an impression through their speeches and wide media coverage that Muslims are the only problem facing this country, he added. "It is unfortunate that at the time when unprecedented upsurge is being witnessed in unemployment, religion is taking the centre stage in the country and Muslims have been turned into punching bags," Akhtar said. The leader said the Indian political spectrum cannot wish away the 200 million Muslims from the country. "You have to learn to live with them and grant them the dignity that they deserve and desist from making them a part of your electoral strategy," Akhtar said. He said Muslims have given this country their blood and are an asset for it. "Unfortunately, Muslims are now looked down upon as a problem and a liability. They are being converted into whipping boys every time there is an election," the leader said. At least 12 state government officials were detained Thursday when they tried to stage a protest near the state secretariat 'Nabanna' demanding Dearness Allowance (DA), police said. "They had gathered in an area which is a high security zone and such assembling is not allowed here. We have detained them," an officer of Howrah Police said. The protesters had raised slogans before they were taken off in police vans to Sibpur police station. The Calcutta High Court has ordered that DA is a legally enforceable right of workers. The order has set aside an earlier order by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) that the DA was payable at the government's discretion because it was a "donation". The SAT had said DA was discretionary, sending workers organisations to challenge it in the High Court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An 18-month-old child was killed after being hit by a scooter allegedly being driven by a 15-year-old boy in northeast Delhi's Khajuri Khas, police said Thursday. Police said the boy has been apprehended and sent to a juvenile home. According to police, they were informed at around 8.50 pm on Wednesday about the accident. The victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead, they said. Police said a video of the incident has surfaced and it purportedly shows the boy hitting the child after he lost control over his scooter, they added. During preliminary investigation, it was found that the teenager was riding the scooter and hit the child, police said. Police are probing how the juvenile managed to get the keys of the scooter and will take appropriate legal action against the owner of the vehicle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around 195 exhibitors, including 37 overseas exhibitors from eight countries, would participate in the biennial agro technology and business fair, CII Agro Tech 2018, next month, organisers said Thursdau. President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the four-day international agricultural fair on December 1 here, B Thiagarajan, the Chairman of 'States of India' Pavilion, CII Agro Tech India 2018, told reporters here. "We are proud that countries like Canada, China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the US are participating," said Thiagarajan. The UK is a partner country this year. "Punjab and Haryana will be the host states for the four-day international agricultural expo," he added. Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore, Haryana Governor Satyadev Narayan Arya, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal are among the prominent dignitaries who will attend the inaugural session. "The coming together of eight countries makes CII Agro Tech India 2018 a truly international platform to showcase agricultural advancement. It highlights the growing importance of agriculture and food processing sector in India..." he added. Domestic exhibitors from 14 states and more than 40,000 farmers are expected to visit the fair. Giving details of the fair, Sanjay Chhabra, Chairman, Good Earth, CII Agro Tech India 2018 said the event will play a pivotal role in creating a common platform for the farmer community to engage with the industry to explore, learn and adopt new and emerging technologies and farming practices aimed at improving overall productivity and consequently rural income. CII has also scheduled a roundtable with progressive farmers on doubling farmers' income. "The objective is to come out with a roadmap and clear action plan for all the stakeholders to work towards achieving the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double farmers' income in the next five years," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Police rescued two women who claimed to have entered into prostitution due to their poor financial condition, an official said Thursday. The women, who are in their early 20s and hail from Mumbai and Odisha, were loitering near the Calangute beach in North Goa district on Wednesday when they were picked up for questioning, police inspector Jivba Dalvi said. The police suspect that they were trying to solicit customers near the beach. When quizzed at the Calangute police station, the two women claimed that the poor financial condition of their families back home forced them into flesh trade, Dalvi said. They were later shifted to a state-run protection home, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The biennial Natya Ballet Dance Festival, in its second edition, will focus on dance in film and theatre and showcase works that transcend a single medium. The festival organised by Natya Ballet Centre in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi is scheduled to begin on November 30, and will be hosted at the akademi premises. The three-day event, which promises to bring the best of both local and global art forms along with talks by living legends of Indian dance, will see participation of artists from India and abroad. "The performances, this year, will emphasise on the female power in dance and theatre," organisers said. The event will open with a master class by Ananya Chatterjea, a US-based choreographer. It will introduce Yorchha -- an intensive contemporary Indian dance technique that brings together movement principles from Odissi, Vinyasa yoga, and MayurbhanjChhau. A contemporary retelling of the Hindu epic "Mahabharata", employing the Japanese technique of Bunraku, masks and shadow theatre and elements of Chhau and Kalaripayattu, will be brought alive by Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust later in the evening. "The performance will explore the inner dilemma of the fifteen prominent characters of the epic tale, through a stream of conscious narrative of their past and present motives," organisers said. Renowned contemporary dancer Astad Deboo will take the stage on day two to talk about the dance style he pioneered at a time when innovations in the Indian dance world were not welcome. Besides thought-provoking and mesmerizing performances, the festival will also feature talks, presentations and film screenings. A tete-a-tete between Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj and acclaimed musicologist Manjari Sinha will also be part of the event. "We wanted to go beyond just dance to showcase the various aspects of it inside and outside the proscenium space, and more importantly in the context of theatre and film. "We are very excited to bring bold and assertive works from India and abroad that reinvestigates conventional storytelling in today's context for a discerning audience and delves in a deeper discourse on how art can push boundaries to mobilize social change," Radhika Hoon, Chairperson, Natya Ballet Centre, said. The festival will continue with its 'Dance in Theatre' segment, where renowned theatre artist, stand-up comedian and social activist Maya Krishna Rao will talk about her experience of how dance and theatre collides and flows into each other on the rehearsal floor. Its 'Dance in Film' segment will see award-winning filmmakers like Saba Dewan, Justin McCarthy, Sharada Ramanathan and Vikram Iyengar showcasing their dance films. The festival will come to a close on December 2. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand has left states of the south behind in fisheries and established itself as one of the leading states in producing fish, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said Thursday. The minister credited Chief Minister Raghubar Das for this. This is the faith of the farmers in Chief Minister Raghubar Das that Jharkhand has left states of the south behind and becoming one of the leading states in the country in fish production, Singh said. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with West Bengal and Gujarat have been leading producers of fish. Addressing on the first day of the two-day Global Agriculture & Food Summit here, Singh said two lakh tonne fish were produced in 2018/19 compared to one lakh tonne in 2013/14. In the production of fish seeds, the state produced 1060 crore seeds in 2018/19 compared to 100 crore fish seeds in 2013/14, he added. State Emergency Fund had Rs 33 crore four years ago, set up to help the farmers, and he has gone up to Rs 61 crore in the last four years, he said. He also said the MSP for paddy has risen to Rs 1750 this fiscal compared to Rs 961 in 2013/14. A total 250 clusters have been created for organic farming in Jharkhand, Singh said. The state government has also provided Rs 12.37 crore to purchase tools on lower rates, Singh said, adding there was no such fund in 2013/14. Similarly, the state government has granted Rs 1,128 crore for lac production compared to Rs 600 crore four years ago, the union minister said. The Indian Institute of Bio-technology will be inaugurated in Hazaribagh in January next year, the minister said, adding skilled human resources could be readied through this institution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'very poor' category Thursday due to unfavourable meteorological conditions that slowed down dispersion of pollutants even as authorities forecast "significant deterioration" in pollution levels over the weekend. The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 353, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The CPCB said seven areas in Delhi -- Ashok Vihar, Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Rohini, Vivek Vihar and Wazirpur -- recorded 'severe' air quality. Twenty areas in the national capital recorded 'very poor' air quality while it was 'poor' in six areas, it said. The level of PM2.5 -- particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres -- was recorded at 206 and the PM10 level was recorded at 360, it said. In NCR, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality while Gurgaon fell into the 'poor' category, CPCB data showed. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the wind speed and ventilation index are "extremely unfavourable" for dispersion of pollutants. Ventilation index determines how fast pollutants can get dispersed. The ventilation index of around 6,000 sqm/second gets rid of pollutants, but it fell to 2,500 sqm/second on Thursday in the city. According to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), the air quality is 'very poor' and likely to improve due to a slight increase in the wind speed. It will, however, remain in the 'very poor' category for the next two days. "Due to cold front up in the north, the wind speed has increased, so a decline (in pollution levels) is expected. However, at the time of withdrawal (of high wind speed) after two to three days, a lot of moisture may enter Delhi which is not favourable for the air quality. The contribution from stubble burning is nil," the SAFAR said. The government agency SAFAR further said the air quality of the national capital is expected to "significantly deteriorate" on Sunday due to a decline in temperature which might lead to entrapment of pollutants. It, however, said the air quality even after "significant deterioration" is likely to stay in the 'very poor' level and not reach the 'severe' category. The CPCB has come out with a list of nearly six lakh diesel and petrol vehicles that are over 10-years-old and will not be allowed to ply in Haryana. The list gives details of the registration mark series, name of the authority and registration numbers of these vehicles plying in Haryana, including NCR cities of Gurgaon, Sonipat and Bahadurgarh. As many as 2,87,613 petrol vehicles that were older than 15 years have been listed while 3,07,453 diesel vehicles more than 10-years-old have also been named, the CPCB said on its website. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of all duties by the Centre and sent on leave, told the Supreme Court on Thursday that he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and cannot even be transferred. Challenging the government's decision, his counsel and senior advocate Fali S Nariman said Verma was appointed on February 1, 2017 and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred". Making his submission before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, the advocate said there was no basis for the Central Vigilance Commission to pass such an order recommending to send him on leave. "There has to be strict interpretation of the Vineet Narain judgment. This is not the transfer and Verma has been denuded of his power and duties...otherwise there was no use of the Narain judgement and the law...," Nariman said. The Vineet Narain decision, delivered by the apex court in 1997, relates to the investigation of allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials in India. Before 1997, the tenure of the CBI director was not fixed and they could be removed by the government in any manner. But the apex court in the Vineet Narain judgment fixed a tenure of a minimum of two years for the CBI director to allow the officer to work with independence. Nariman referred to the terms and conditions of appointment and removal of the CBI director and concerned provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. At the outset, Nariman told the bench, which on November 20 had expressed deep anguish over the purported leak of CBI Director's response to the CVC's findings against him, that the court cannot prohibit the publication of the content of the petition as Article 19 of the Constitution is paramount. He also referred to the apex court 2012 judgement in a case on the issue. The bench was irked over the publication of allegations levelled by agency's DIG Manoj Kumar Sinha in a separate plea. The senior lawyer said, "If I file something tomorrow in the Registry then it can be published." He added that if the apex court later prohibits then the matter cannot be published. When Nariman suggested the apex court to mould a rule to postpone media reporting in some cases of scandalous allegations, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for CBI Deputy SP A K Bassi, the former probe officer of the bribery case against the Special Director CBI Rakesh Asthana, said he has serious reservations about his advice. The CJI, however, said the court does not intend to pass any orders. Dhawan said, "It is unfortunate that last time you said that none of us deserve to be heard" The CJI said, "Unfortunate it may be, but we will hear you today". The hearing is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Another Canadian diplomat in Havana has been diagnosed with a mysterious brain trauma that in 2016 starting afflicting Canadian and US officials in the Cuban capital, a senior official said Thursday. The latest case, identified in the "early summer of 2018," brings the total number of afflicted Canadian diplomats and their family to 13. Meanwhile a review of Canada's diplomatic presence in Cuba has been launched, a senior Canadian government official speaking on condition of anonymity told reporters. "Medical testing has now confirmed that an additional employee has been affected by the unusual health symptoms," the official said. "These are simliar to those previously experienced by diplomatic staff in Cuba as identified earlier this year." The official said in regards to the review that "all options to secure the health and safety of our diplomats in Havana are open," but offered few details. The Canadians continue to receive care while a federal police investigation in collaboration with US and Cuban authorities remains open. Canadian and US authorities had initially suspected an attack using some sort of acoustic weapon, which led to heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Caribbean island nation. But Ottawa later concluded that to be "unlikely." American doctors and officials have pointed to "a new type of a possible acquired brain injury" outlined in a February issue of Journal of the American Medical Association by health experts at the University of Pennsylvania, who treated 21 US diplomats. Canada has accepted that theory. Those who were afflicted included global affairs, immigration and national defense staff at the embassy as well as their spouses and children, officials said. In April, the families of Canadian diplomats posted in Havana were ordered home as a precaution. But Canadian tourists are not believed to be at risk. The symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, hearing and vision complications, a loss of balance, nausea, and an inability to concentrate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adding to her EU divorce dramas, Prime Minister Theresa May is heading to the G20 summit in Argentina, a country using Brexit to advance its claim on Britain's Falkland Islands. The visit -- the first by a British premier to the Argentine capital since the 1982 Falklands War between the two countries -- is being seen in Buenos Aires as a chance to improve ties. However, the 3,400 Falkland Islanders insist their British sovereignty remains non-negotiable and say a proper thaw in their relations with Argentina remains distant. They have reason to be worried about Brexit: if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, the Falklands' economy -- heavily reliant on tariff-free squid exports to EU member Spain -- could face a hammer blow. Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie made waves last month, saying Buenos Aires would exploit Brexit to enhance its diplomatic push for the Falklands. Britain's sovereignty claim to the islands, known in the Spanish-speaking world as the Malvinas, dates back to 1765 and it has held permanent administration since 1833. Buenos Aires claims the barren, windswept islands, 400 kilometres from the Argentine coast, are occupied Argentine territory. Argentina's then-ruling military junta invaded on April 2, 1982 but surrendered on June 14 to a British task force after a brief but intense and bloody war. Faurie told AFP in New York in November that Buenos Aires was discussing with London the possibility of "creating more connectivity to the islands". "There is a lot of room still to grow in terms of confidence and trust between the two countries," he said. "Our expectation is that the rebuilding of bilateral trust... will constitute a sort of substantive material to discuss all other issues about the sovereignty of the Malvinas." Once Britain is outside the EU in March 2019, the 27 other states will no longer be obliged to support London's sovereignty position. Brexit is also an opportune moment for Anglo-Argentine ties: Britain is seeking new trade partners outside the EU while Argentina needs to find ways out of an economic crisis. "Post-Brexit, (Argentines) are imagining that if the Falkland Islands has to get its economic act in order, that may open up channels," Richard Lapper, a South America specialist at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs think-tank in London, told AFP. "The big prize for Britain is the prospect of very cheap agricultural imports. "The Argentines may say they only want to do a deal on food if we have a side agreement on the Falklands." Jimena Blanco, Americas chief and Argentina expert at risk analysts and strategic forecasters Verisk Maplecroft, said President Mauricio Macri had moved away from the Falklands "sabre-rattling" of his nationalist predecessor Cristina Kirchner. Macri's Falklands policy-makers "have a more moderate approach," she told AFP. "There is an understanding that the war, and confrontation under Kirchner, made a lot of damage that cannot be undone by one administration. "It needs to become a sustained state policy whereby future generations of Falkland Islanders no longer see Argentina as a threat but more as a neighbour that they might want to have a special relationship with." As an EU member state's overseas territory, the Falkland Islands enjoy tariff- and quota-free access to the European single market. Some 94 per cent of fisheries exports go to the EU, contributing 40 percent of the islands' GDP and a third of government revenue. The second-biggest sector is meat and wool exports. It is estimated that a no-deal Brexit would shrink the Falklands government's revenue by up to 16 percent, damaging its ability to deliver public services and invest in roads and hospitals. Tariffs would "wipe out the EU as a market for meat exports", while there "really isn't an alternative market" for its squid than southern Europe, said Richard Hyslop, senior policy advisor to the Falkland Islands government. "The fishing industry is a huge success story for the Falklands and we don't want to see anything happen that damages that," he told AFP. Even so, establishing alternative trade links with Argentina seems a long way off. Their sovereignty claim is enshrined in the constitution and Kirchner-era legislation aimed at frustrating the Falklands economy remains in place. "Certainly I don't think anyone's looking at direct trade with Argentina," said Teslyn Barkman, the Falklands lawmaker responsible for Brexit, the EU and natural resources. "Regardless of Brexit, they would be trying to find opportunities to work this sovereignty conversation into any development," she told AFP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said his government will soon impart training to its employees and all MLAs to make them more efficient in discharging duties. The state government in coming days will give more emphasis on training of legislators and its employees to make them aware of all the plans and policies of the government," Khandu said while laying the foundation stone for the district secretariat building at Tawang, bordering China. This is also for them to have the necessary ability, knowledge, skill and competency to serve the people efficiently. We will be able to serve the public effectively only when we first ourselves become efficient and capable as well as aware of our own duties and responsibilities, the chief minister said. Khandu said, the state cabinet had recently decided to take up all those left out districts where mini secretariats are yet to be sanctioned. Funds have been sanctioned in all such districts and Tawang is among them, the chief minister said. Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi, Lumla legislator Jambey Tashi, Seppa West MLA Mama Natung, P D Sona (Mechuka), state BJP President Tapir Gao and Tawang Brigade Commander Zubin Bhatnagar were also present on the occasion, an official release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The overall profitability of Asian steelmakers will stay strong in 2019 despite softening demand, Moody's Investors Service said Thursday. In its latest report titled '2019 Asia Steel Outlook', Moody's said its outlook for the steel industry in Asia in 2019 was stable, based on assessment of broadly steady profitability for rated steel makers over the next 12 months. "In the coming year, demand for steel in Asia is likely to stay at levels similar to that in 2018, indicating a softening from the robust growth seen in 2018," Kaustubh Chaubal, Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer said. As for profitability, rated Asian steel makers will see their profitability levels weaken mildly because of a decline in Chinese demand growth but stay strong overall, he said. The strong profitability is underpinned by robust demand in south and southeast Asia, as well as China's capacity cuts and strict environment protection measures, Moody's said. The Chinese steel industry drives the outlook for the sector in Asia as China is by far the region's largest steel customer and producer. "Our forecast of flat steel demand in China for 2019 reflects higher infrastructure spending that will limit the negative effects of the ongoing Sino-US trade dispute, and slower growth in China's real-estate investments," Kai Hu, Moody's Senior Vice President said. The escalation of the Sino-US trade dispute will have a limited effect on Asian steel demand, given the moderate indirect impact through supply chains and manageable direct macro impact, Moody's said. However, the spillover effects could be greater, and potential US tariffs on imported vehicles pose key downside risks to Japanese and Korean steelmakers. Moody's expects China's capacity cuts and stringent environment protection measures to mitigate weaker steel demand growth in the country. The stable outlook also reflects China's Purchasing Managers' Index which remains above 50 indicating expansionary manufacturing activity despite declining in recent months. Business conditions and profitability will vary by company and the particular economy that steelmakers operate in, it said. In India, in particular, the consolidation in the steel sector and solid demand will support the robust profitability of Tata Steel (Ba3 positive) and JSW Steel (Ba2 stable). "With Japanese and Korean steel makers, the profitability of rated companies will diverge because of their different exposures to various end-markets. For Japanese companies, profitability will hold steady or improve slightly, but for Korean steel makers like POSCO (Baa1 stable) and Hyundai Steel Company (Baa2 stable), profitability will fall moderately in 2019," Moody's added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Thursday called for stronger ties with the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region saying that the state was willing to play a bigger role in securing closer economic relations with the region. The LAC is an extensive area, extending from Bahamas to Chile and Argentina. Speaking at the India-LAC business cooperation meeting organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here, Mitra said that in the last 4-5 years, diplomatic relations with the region has slowed down. "Only five leaders (from the LAC) had visited India compared to 10-15 leaders visiting earlier," he said. Mitra also called for more Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with the LAC region since it has "taken a backseat" under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime. Trade between India and the LAC region has grown from USD 2 billion in 2000 to USD 35 billion in 2017-18. In October, the 8th India-LAC Conclave was held in Chile. "After slowdown in trade and diplomatic relations, Bengal will now play a role in the economic domain with state-to-state level cooperation," he said. This is the first time that such a huge delegation of ambassadors from the LAC countries visted West Bengal. Ambassadors of 18 countries including Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Ecuador, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Peru, Suriname, Bolivia, and Uruguay were part of the meeting on Thursday. Mitra said there should be sector-specific engagements in areas like leather, textile, manufacturing and Information Technology. He also invited them to the next Business Summit in the state which is likely to be held in January 2019. In Bengal Global Business Summit, the state's showpiece business meet, Mitra expects the number of partner countries to increase this year. Last year, the summit had 9 partnet countries. Mitra said that already 6 partner countries have confirmed participation while talks are on with 4-5 others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP Thursday coined a new gotra' for Congress president Rahul Gandhi, mocking his Italian lineage through his mother and party leader Sonia Gandhi. Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party chief Mahendra Nath Pandey called it "gotra Itlus. This is the latest remark in the row over Gandhi's gotra. A priest at Pushkar lake in Rajasthan recently said Gandhi gave out his gotra during a ritual as Dattatreya, who are Kashmiri Brahmins. Some BJP leaders challenged the claim, reminding that Gandhi's paternal grandfather was a Parsi, not a Hindu with a 'gotra'. Pandey told reporters here that Gandhi has no gotra, going by the traditional male lineage. And if we take his gotra going by his mother, it should be gotra Itlus, he said. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had said Tuesday that the 'gotra' mentioned by Gandhi while offering prayers at Pushkar was that of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and not of the Congress president. Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have come and offered prayers at the ghat and it is recorded with us, Pushkar priest Dinanath Kaul had said. The priest claimed he possessed old records showing this. Mahendra Nath Pandey also said the BJP supported the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, which will built through any means. The case is in court and we hope that the decision will be in our favour. However, the temple will be constructed by any means, the BJP leader said, referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute the Supreme Court is hearing. But he added that the BJP had never contested elections on the Ram temple issue and the party's agenda was always development. He also defended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for an alleged remark in which he called Lord Hanuman a Dalit. Pandey said the statement should be seen in a wider context. "The chief minister expressed his views about Hanuman, the one who was behind uniting all in the Ramayana. But people who worry about 'gotra' started finding caste and 'gotra' in this too," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Boko Haram jihadists have killed three soldiers in an attack on a military base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state near Lake Chad, military and civilian sources said. Fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) driving in several trucks attacked the base in Cross-Kauwa village on Tuesday and engaged troops in an hours-long gunfight, the sources told AFP late Wednesday. "We lost three soldiers in the fight," said a military officer who asked not to be named. "The soldiers fought the terrorists but were overpowered and had to withdraw from the base," he added. A Cross-Kauwa resident said the Islamists stormed the village in trucks fitted with anti-aircraft guns around 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). "The insurgents fought the soldiers for three hours and forced them to abandon the base," said the resident who wanted to be identified only by his first name, Bukar, for fear of reprisals. Buba said troops withdrew to the garrison town of Monguno, 18 kilometres (11 miles) away while others stopped at another base in nearby Kekeno which Boko Haram has made several failed attempts to overrun in recent weeks. The of the attack was slow to emerge due to a lack of communications in the region following destruction of telecom facilities by the jihadists. Boko Haram has in recent months intensified attacks on military targets in Borno and Yobe states in the northeast. Since July, AFP has tracked 17 attacks on military bases, most of which were claimed by ISWAP. In the most audacious attack on November 18, ISWAP fighters killed at least 43 soldiers when they overran a base in Metele village near the border with Niger, although soldiers who survived the raid said more than 100 of their colleagues were killed. On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari visitied troops in Maiduguri, the epicentre of the insurgency and urged the military to show more commitment in fighting the jihadists. The Nigerian leader was due in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, on Thursday for talks with his regional counterparts in a fighting force against the jihadists. Buhari who came to power in 2015 on the promise to end the violence has come under pressure following the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks as he seeks re-election in February polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government should show the same urgency in bringing an ordinance for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya as it did to amend the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, senior VHP leader Alok Kumar said Thursday. He also said passing an ordinance in Parliament was the "only option" left to facilitate the temple's construction. The VHP will organise a massive rally at the Ram Leela ground here to press for a law for the temple's construction. This rally will be held on November 9, two days before Parliament's Winter Session begins, the organisation's international working president said. Kumar expressed hope that the BJP-led NDA government will bring the Bill in the Winter Session, as, he claimed, the saffron party was part of the Ram Janambhoomi movement in 1992. "They (BJP) fought with us, shoulder-to shoulder, during the 1992 Ram Janambhoomi movement, and the construction of temple is part of the party's manifesto. I am hopeful that the government will bring law in the upcoming Winter Session," he said at an event here. Referring to the passage of Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill in Parliament, Kumar claimed that the Bill was passed even when a review petition was listed before the Supreme Court. "The way the government showed urgency in passing bill to overturn a Supreme Court order concerning certain safeguards against arrest under the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe law and to restore in its original, why can't it be done in this (temple's) case?" he asked. On the Supreme Court's approach on the Ram temple issue, Kumar said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has waited quite long for the court's judgment, but it cannot wait forever. The VHP was hopeful that the apex court would pronounce its judgment by October, before the retirement of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, but "some elusive powers" brought an impeachment motion against him and also suggested that the court hear the matter after May 2019, he said. "The Supreme Court has said that heavens may fall but justice will be done, why don't they apply it. "If the judgment can be pronounced on Section 377, on Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, why not on this all important issue of faith," Kumar said. Without naming the Congress, he claimed that some elusive powers even moved an impeachment motion against Misra, when he was chief justice, to put pressure him on Kumar retreated that the VHP will organise 543 rallies across the country, a rally each in Lok Sabha constituency for demanding a law on Ram temple and will meet all MPs across the country to seek their support for bringing an ordinance in Parliament. The VHP leaders will approach Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and seek their support on this issue of national interest, he said. Speaking at the same event, BJP MP Rakesh Sinha said a revolution for building Ram temple in Ayodhya has begun in the country which is equivalent to quit India movement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May is willing to debate her Brexit deal on television but cannot agree with the opposition on a broadcaster and format, it emerged on Thursday. May and Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, are set to contest her Brexit plan on December 9 -- two days before a crunch vote by MPs. But they are yet to settle on a channel amid wrangling over which primetime slot will draw a bigger audience and on whether to include an audience or panel to ask questions. Meanwhile smaller opposition parties such as the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Liberal Democrats are furious that they look set to be shut out. The back-and-forth began after the BBC announced Conservative leader May had accepted its debate offer but that it was still waiting to hear back from Corbyn. However Corbyn said Thursday that he favoured commercial operator ITV. While the BBC had proposed that the leaders debate alongside a panel asking questions, Labour reportedly objected, preferring ITV's proposal for a head-to-head format. Meanwhile SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said it would be a "travesty of democracy" if a range of political voices were frozen out. The SNP is the third-largest parliamentary party, with 35 seats in the 650-seat chamber. The Liberal Democrats said it had written to the director general of the BBC questioning the legality of excluding them from the debate. With 12 seats, they are the fourth-largest party in parliament. MPs in the House of Commons will vote on December 11 on the divorce deal agreed by May with the European Union, with many already warning they plan to oppose it. Appearing before a committee of lawmakers Thursday, May repeated that the decision was up to Parliament, but stressed that she had got "the best deal for the UK". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Thursday said it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest the CBI director of his duties under whatever circumstances or whether the selection committee headed by the prime minister must be approached before moving against Alok Verma on corruption allegations involving him. The court took this stand after making it clear that for now it was not going into the allegations and counter-allegations involving Verma and CBI's No.2 officer and Special Director R K Asthana both of whom have been stripped of their powers and sent on forced leave following their bitter feud. Verma's two-year tenure ends on January 31 next. The top court also clarified it has not taken judicial note of Verma's reply given to the court in a sealed cover on the probe findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) against him. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph said the hearing on the issue relating to the powers of the Centre will continue on December 5 and deferred hearing on the report of the CVC probe for a later stage. The report found that some charges against Verma needed further investigations. "We will first go into the limited aspect whether the CBI director can be touched by any government order in whatever may be the circumstances or the government has no other option but to approach the selection committee before moving against him," the bench said. During the hearing on Verma's petition seeking a stay on the Centre's order contending it was against the guidelines laid down by the top court, his counsel Fali S Nariman said that he was appointed as CBI chief for a fixed tenure of two years and cannot even be transferred. Nariman submitted if at all there was any proposal to clip the wings of the CBI director, then the proposal should have first gone to the selection committee or the government should have moved the court. But Attorney General K K Venugopal said it is the Centre which is the appointing authority of CBI director and the selection panel of Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and the leader of single largest opposition party only recommend the name to the government for appointment. He said after making its recommendation for the CBI chief, the Committee is 'functus officio' and hence the question of going back to the same panel for any action doesn't arise. 'Functus officio' is an officer or agency whose mandate has expired because it has accomplished the purpose for which it was created. At one stage, justice Joseph asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, what will happen if a CBI Director is caught red-handed for any offence. Sibal responded that if this happens the government has no choice but to go back to the selection panel. "Remedy of acting against the CBI director lay with the selection committee and I am not saying that no action can be taken against the CBI Director," he added. The apex court said if the need arises it may ask the Centre and the CVC to file replies over the CVC report and even directed the probe agency to keep the record of all transfers of officers made after Verma was divested of his duties. "We have not taken judicial note of Verma's reply. We will go into the report and reply of Verma only if it becomes necessary and then we may seek response from both of you (Centre and CVC)," the bench said. Venugopal said CBI was in disgrace with all that is happening and the probe agency was getting adverse publicity which made the government to step in to protect its sanctity in public interest. Observing that the CVC exercised its power of superintendence over CBI under section 8(1)(a) and (b) of the CVC Act with respect to a corruption case, the bench asked the AG under which provisions did the government issue order for divesting CBI chief of his duties. The AG replied that the government acted under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act which deals with superintendence over all other matters of the CBI. The CJI then asked the AG whether the order for divesting CBI chief of his duties was to be of the Centre or the CVC. Venugopal said the Department of Personnel and Training(DoPT) order of October 23 was an independent one and the CVC's power was activated by a complaint received by the Cabinet Secretary. He said Verma continues to be CBI director and is getting all perks and residing in the same official house. "I am on pure question of law. CVC passed an order on October 23, following which DoPT also passed the order without even consulting the selection committee. As per the provisions, the CBI director cannot be transferred without prior permission of the committee," Nariman said. "There has to be strict interpretation of the Vineet Narain judgment. This is not the transfer and Verma has been denuded of his power and duties...otherwise there was no use of the Narain judgement and the law...," he added. The Vineet Narain decision, delivered by the apex court in 1997, relates to probe of allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials in India. Before 1997, the tenure of the CBI director was not fixed and they could have been removed by the government. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO 'Common Cause' which has come in support of Verma, said even if a person is facing the corruption charges the issues like transfer of the CBI director have to go before the selection panel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari Thursday day said the Centre's decision to prosecute AAP minister Satyendar Kumar Jain exposes "lies and misdeeds" of Kejriwal government. He demanded that Jain should be sent behind bars for facing serious "corruption" charges. "The truth is coming to the fore now. Kejriwal is misusing his post of Chief Minister. Decision to prosecute Jain exposes lies and misdeeds of AAP government," Tiwari said. The Centre has granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Kumar Jain in a case related to alleged possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, officials said Thursday. The CBI has claimed that Jain allegedly purchased 200 bighas of agricultural land in the names of companies controlled by him in Delhi during lasts five years and "laundered black money" to the tune of several crore of rupees. Tiwari said Kejriwal government and his party will be punished by Delhi people for its "corruption". Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said the prosecution of Jain will pave way for the fall of Kejriwal government. "We hope Jain will be soon behind the bars and Kejriwal government will come to an end," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which has strained ties with the BJP-led central government, reacted strongly with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claiming the case was registered against Jain as he was working for the regularisation of the city's unauthorised colonies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China said Thursday that it had expressed concerns to the US over the passage of a pair of Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait, days ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that Taiwan was the "most important and sensitive issue" in relations between the sides. "We have expressed our concerns to the US," Geng said at a daily briefing. "The Taiwan issue has a bearing on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US ties," Geng said. China's defence ministry also said it had closely followed the warships' passage. Monday's passage of the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and guided missile cruiser USS Antietam marked at least the third time this year that the Navy has sailed through the strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China. The 160 kilometer-wide waterway is split down the middle between Taiwan and China, but there is no international law restricting civilian or military shipping from passing through it. Tensions between the two militaries have been high over US challenges to China's claim to sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea. In late September, a Chinese destroyer came close to colliding with the destroyer USS Decatur in the South China Sea in what the US Navy called an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver." Despite that, contacts between the sides have endured and China gave permission last week for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to dock in Hong Kong. Trump and Xi are due to meet in Argentina on Saturday amid tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea and an increasingly bitter trade war between the sides. China regards Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary. The sides split amid civil war in 1949 and most Taiwanese favour retaining their current de-facto status of political independence while maintaining close economic ties with China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said Thursday broadly, there has been no violation of Indian airspace by China, barring one to two incidents due to navigational problems, in with both sides maintaining the perceived line of actual control. He also said the Air Force's fields were developed to improve air connectivity in the Northeast and civil operators were welcome to operate flights. "We have confidence building measures (CBM) on both sides. Our fighter aircraft don't come less than 10 or 12 km from the perceived line of actual control. But in the broad picture, the CBMs are being maintained and both sides did not violate each other's airspace," the IAF chief told a press conference here. Dhanoa was replying to a question on if there was any violation of Indian airspace in the state recently by China. He, however, admitted that there might have been one or two violations due to navigational problems. "On both sides, even during the Doklam crisis and subsequent huge exercise Gagan Shakti there was no violation of peace time profile. The CBMs are in place and both sides respect this confidence building measure," the IAF chief said. Chinese and Indian troops in July last year faced off on the disputed Doklam plateau between Bhutan and China after the Chinese People's Liberation Army began building roads through the area. Held in April, Gagan Shakti was the biggest exercise by the (IAF) in three decades in which over 11,000 sorties were carried out by combat, transport and rotary wing aircraft of the force to test its combat readiness. The air chief marshal also said during his meeting with the Chinese air commander of the western theatre in February last year, it was decided that "we must meet more often on ground and not meet each other in the air". On permitting civil aviation flights to use the Air Force's landing grounds in along the China border, he said, "The Eastern Air Command has seven to eight brand new and refurbished air field facilities at Tawang, Along, Tuting, Mechuka, Zero... "All of them are ready and some of them have already got civil traffic coming in, tourism has increased," he said. Our airfields are open for people to use and "we would be willing to take anybody willing to come to our air fields to operate their services regularly", Dhanoa said. There is no objection from the side of the force to operation of flights by civil operators in the Northeast, he said. China says it has assembled a standby force of thousands of United Nations peacekeepers, furthering its leading role in the global body's efforts to tamp down conflicts worldwide. Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told reporters Thursday that the 8,000-member force had passed an assessment last month approved by UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. That fulfils a pledge made at the U.N. three years ago by Chinese President Xi Jinping. China provides the most peacekeepers of any permanent UN Security Council member and is the second-largest contributor to the operations' multi-billion dollar budget, at slightly over 10 per cent. Ren says China has also trained more than 1,500 peacekeepers from more than a dozen countries. The UN currently runs 15 peacekeeping missions, the bulk of them in Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee on Thursday said the governing body of Behala College, which had witnessed clashes between two groups of Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad members, will be disbanded. Visiting the college campus, which falls under his assembly constituency, Chatterjee told reporters the recent developments in the college were unfortunate and he would ask all stakeholders, including the college administration, to work for restoration of proper academic atmosphere in the institute. To a question, he said the governing body of the college will be disbanded and the government will decide the future course of action in the best interest of the college. Chatterjee said he had discussions with the students and teachers and other officials of the college and was happy to see the academic activity of the college was running smoothly on Thursday. Being the representative of people of the area, any untoward incident in the college pained him a lot, he said. A section of students had agitated at Behala College on Saturday, alleging that those having less than 60 per cent marks were asked to pay a large sum of money to some union leaders for allowing them to appear for under-graduate examinations. The union members had denied the charge. Clashes between two groups of students had also broken out in the college on Tuesday prompting the minister to visit the college. On November 24 when he was asked to comment on reports of members of TMCP being allegedly involved in extortion activities at Behala College, Chatterjee said, "If we get specific complaint about any such malpractice, we will investigate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that approval for construction of a drive-in theatre and other commercial structures on a plot of land in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) here was legal. The government filed an affidavit before a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik as per a previous order of the court on a Public Interest Litigation. The affidavit, filed by the revenue department, also denied an allegation in the PIL that commercial development has been allowed in a mangrove buffer zone. As per the petition filed by Santosh Daundkar, this plot of land in Bandra Kurla Complex was initially reserved only for a drive-in theatre. Later, the floor space index (FSI, the construction permitted per square metre of land), was increased illegally and construction of a shopping complex, a hotel, and offices was also allowed, said his lawyer Aditya Pratap. The project will now be spread over 80,800 sq metres and encroach on a part of mangrove buffer zone, he said. The government and the private agency which is constructing the theatre and other commercial structures denied the allegations. The land was leased for commercial development in 1969 through a transparent and legal tender process, they said. The state government said in the affidavit that in 1993, it legally amended the rules to permit "50 per cent additional commercial redevelopment" on this land, so the proposed construction will be legal. However, advocate Pratap urged the court to direct the government to take back the land and allot it for the construction of a new building for the high court. The bench asked him to file a reply to the state's affidavit within two weeks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The report of the State Backward Class Commission tasked with studying the social, financial and educational statusof the Maratha community, had in its report included a sample survey of 40,962 families. The Maharashtra Legislature Thursday passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. The government in June 2017 asked the Commission to carry out the study. The Commission conducted public hearings at 21 places and was given 1,93,651 personal memoranda. Altogether 814 memoranda were also submitted by various organisations. Based on the panel's recommendations, the government declared Maratha community as socially and educationally backward class of citizens (SEBC) and proposed 16 per cent reservations in jobs and The report said representation of Marathas in the state public employment in higher grades A, B, C and Dwas found to be inadequate not only in proportionto their state populationshare of around 30 per cent but also because of inadequate number of graduates, which is the minimum educational qualification for such posts. The report said presence of Maratha community in pursuit of academic career as professors and such other positions of academic excellence is marginal. On an average 4.30 per cent academic and teaching posts are occupied by persons of Maratha community, it said. Lack of conventional degree level is landing them in lowly labour oriented employment such as mathadi, hamals, dabbewalas, it said. Low earnings and livelihood engagements of seasonal nature required temporary or permanentmigration to urban ghettos which impact smoothschooling and school attendance by their children, it said. About the social status of Marathas, the Commission says around 76.86 per cent of families have been found to be engaged in agriculture and agriculture labour for their livelihood. Around six per centof Marathas are in government or semi government services and most of these positions are occupied in the Group D state service, it said. About 70 per cent of Maratha families are found to be residing in 'kachcha' dwellings, it said, adding only 35.39 per cent Maratha families have personal tap water connection. In July2014, an ordinance was promulgatedfor providing reservations in jobs and education to Marathas. In January 2015, theordinance was promulgated into Act whose Constitutional validity was challenged in the High Court which stayed implementation of the acton April 7, 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attacking the Congress, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Thursday alleged it had a proclivity for peddling "soft Hindutva" and compromising with communalism and said religion should be separated from Speaking at a press briefing at the Indian Womens Press Club (IWPC) he tore into the government's demonetisation decision and said 'notebandi' would spell doom for the BJP, just like 'nasbandi' or vasectomy campaign did for then prime minister Indira Gandhi. When asked about Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's temple visit and the party's recent manifesto which promises Gaushalas in each Gram Sabha if the party came to power in Madhya Pradesh, he said, "We have always maintained the Congress has this proclivity for soft Hindutva and compromising with communalism." "This has been the history of the Congress and we have always protested against it. When the secular, democratic character of our Constitution is to be upheld, religion should be separated from our government and politics," Yechury said. He also said the thousands of farmers, who had converged in the national capital Thursday, were the 'real India' and they highlight the livelihood issues that the country was facing. The CPI(M) leader alleged the present government was ignoring these demands and concentrating on the "communal Hindutva votebank". "Notebandi (demonetisation) will do to (PM Narendra) Modi what nasbandi (vasectomy) campaign did to Indira Gandhi," he said referring to the 1977 elections when the Congress lost power for the first time in independent India. On the lack of a united opposition against the BJP, Yechury said given the demographic of the country there could never be an "all India" coalition prior to elections and such partnerships would be limited to the states. "It is the people's pressure from below that is forcing all the parties to come together to ensure that this government is removed," he said, adding that Indian political history had shown that there were hardly any pre-poll alliances. "Even the Congress led United Progressive Alliance came together after the results of 2004 general elections. I am confident that an arrangement will come into place to bring in an alternate secular government," he said. Yechury alleged the BJP government was raking up the Ayodhya and Sabarimala issues to polarise the country for votes and said it was the "worse form of votebank politics". Countering allegations that the absence of a prime ministerial face against Modi had weakened the opposition, Yechury said that in 2004 also it seemed that there was no one worthy of countering BJP's Atal Behari Vajpayee, but still he lost. On the Pakistan government's invitation to the prime minister for the SAARC meet, which India has dismissed, Yechury said dialogue between the two countries should continue while making terrorism non-negotiable. "The road for dialogue should always be kept open. This, however, does not mean that we don't condemn terror. We are saying that terrorism is a non-negotiable issue. It is strictly anti-national. But dialogues should continue, please do not stop it," he said. He also claimed the present government had reduced India to a "junior partner of the US" and it had lost its stature as a country with an independent foreign policy. "Now, this is the first time we find that India has been openly, blatantly aligning as a junior partner of US," he said, adding that in the last five years the country's relationships with neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka had deteriorated. On the Kartarpur corridor, Yechury said he was hopeful that the move would expand greater people to people exchanges which would be hugely beneficial for both the countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress;s Rajasthan unit has lodged a complaint against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his remark on Lord Hanuman with the Election Commission. During a poll rally in Malakheda of Alwar district on Tuesday, the chief minister had said, "Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west". "This was his resolve as it was Lord Ram's wish. Just like him, we should also not rest till we fulfil that wish," Adityanath, one of the BJP' star campaigners, had said. Congress general secretary Sushil Sharma said in a statement Thursday that a complaint has been lodged against the Uttar Pradesh chief minister with the Election Commission and Rajasthan's Chief Electoral Office. The Congress said it fears that Adityanath's statement to call Lord Hanuman a 'Dalit' can harm communal harmony. Such a statement in the poll-bound state is against the model code of conduct and is a punishable offence as per law, the party said. On Wednesday, a right-wing group had served a legal notice to the UP chief minister for his remarks yesterday. Polls in Rajasthan are due on December 7. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Slamming the revision of GDP data under the UPA as a "bad joke", the Congress on Thursday alleged that the Niti Aayog has done disservice to the nation with its "hatchet job" at the behest of the Modi Government and demanded that the body be disbanded. The opposition party also hit out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for defending the exercise, which it termed as a "brazen assault on the very sanctity of Indian statistics". "Niti Aayog's revised GDP numbers are a joke. They are a bad joke. Actually they are worse than a bad joke. The numbers are the result of a hatchet job. Now that Niti Aayog has done the hatchet job, it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body," Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram said. Senior party leader and former Union minister Anand Sharma also lashed out at the planning body saying, "by fudging the GDP data to massage the ego of Prime Minister Modi and hide the miserable performance and mismanagement of the Indian economy, the Ministry of Statistics and Niti Aayog have done a disservice to the nation." He said the integrity of Indian data has become suspect internationally and in one blow the credibility of Indian statistical institutions and experts who prepared the earlier GDP data has been severely damaged. "Pathetic to see the Finance Minister defending the brazen assault on the very sanctity of Indian statistics" Sharma said. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said "the venerable Central Statistics Organisation (CSO) has now been converted into a NAMO (Numbers Adjustment and Manipulation Organisation)", adding "Mahalanobis must be fuming" He was referring to P C Mahalanobis, revered as the father of Indian statistical research. Chidambaram said that the earlier numbers were calculated by the National Statistical Commission and asked whether the Commission has been disbanded. Agreeing to former Chief Statistician Pranab Sen, he said Niti Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data. "I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate on the data than telling journalists that their questions are 'undeserving of an answer'," said Chidambaram. "New data: Growth faster under NDA than UPA. True growth in: jumlas, manipulating (CSO , NSSO's data), falsifying outcomes (eg on paper 'electrified' villages in reality 'darkness'), lies (eg October 29, 2017 Modi said Government launched DBT, scheme launched in 2013 under UPA)," tweeted former minister Kapil Sibal. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday defended the revision in India's GDP growth rate during the previous UPA era, saying it was done by a "highly credible" organisation, the Central Statistics Office, which maintains an arm's length distance from the finance ministry. He said the revised numbers, based on a new formula with 2011-12 as the base year, are globally more comparable as they take into account a far greater representation of the Indian economy and are more reflective of its real state. Taking on opposition Congress for criticising the revision, he said the Congress had welcomed the upwards revision in growth numbers of the last two years of the UPA regime by the same CSO and had gone to the extent of saying that the "the new GDP series has conclusively established that we did not mismanage the economy". Later in a blog post, Jaitley said the revised economic growth data has taken away Congress party's last surviving argument "my GDP growth was higher than yours". The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hopeful that its 'grand alliance' against the ruling will succeed in polls, the expects a big jump in its tally by winning at least 75 seats in the 119-member assembly. The state unit working president Ponnam Prabhakar Goud said there is a direct fight between the and the Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the is no where in the picture for December 7 polls. The Congress, which had won just 22 seats in 2014 state polls, is part of a grand alliance this time along with (TDP), CPI and Jana Samiti (TJS). "The grand alliance is not an experiment and we are hopeful it will succeed. Our party will win at least 75 seats," Goud told PTI in an interview. The 52-year-old leader called this election a "do or die" situation for the Congress, saying its fight is not only against the candidates but also against the "money power of KCR" and communal forces led by the at the Centre. chief and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar's party has fielded candidates in 107 seats, while Congress is contesting in 94 seats as part of the grand alliance. Asserting that the TRS is "scared" of the grand alliance, the Congress leader said, "Instead of talking about their achievements, the TRS is attacking us and our leader Rahul Gandhi." The TRS is not even giving reasons for advancing polls by eight months, he added. While the Telangana assembly polls would have otherwise happened along with elections in 2019, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, dissolved the assembly ahead of time and the state elections therefore got clubbed with four other states -- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan. Out of these five states, voting will take place in Rajasthan and Telangana on December 7, while other three states have already voted. Counting of votes for all five states is scheduled for December 11. Goud, an OBC leader, is contesting from the Karimnagar constituency, which is 160 km from Telangana's capital Hyderabad. In his fight against the TRS and the in the assembly election, Goud is banking heavily on his "good work" done during his term as an MP from 2009 to 2014. While the TRS has renominated G Kamalakar, who won both the 2009 and 2014 elections, the BJP has fielded B Sanjay Kumar, who lost to the TRS candidate in the last election. Asked about the TRS's performance in the constituency, the Congress leader said there has not been any development but the incumbent chief minister claims that it has been developed like New York. "The CM thinks Karimnagar has been developed like New York. I challenge him to go around the constituency and see the plight of roads. There is no development at all. I will withdraw my candidature (if proven wrong)," he said. The Karimnagar constituency was one of the hotbeds for the separate Telangana statehood agitation. "TRS won on the basis of the Telangana pride. People voted them after getting attracted to their welfare schemes, but not all promises have been fulfilled," Goud said. He claimed the TRS activists are now joining the Congress as they are unable to bear the "torture and monarchism" of some TRS leaders. Senior TRS leaders, however, rubbished these claims. In Karimnagar assembly constituency, there are 2,77,236 voters including 1,39,065 men, 1,38,135 women and 36 others. Four men who had forced a Congress worker to rub his nose on the ground after his vehicle splashed mud on them were made to apologise after villagers intervened in the matter in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district. The Former Zila Pramukh Bhagwati Lal Roat was going to attend a rally of Congress state president Sachin Pilot on Tuesday when his vehicle in Jhosawa village of the district splashed mud on few men. The angry men chased the car and stopped him at the bus stand. Roat was purportedly forced to rub his nose on the ground and apologise to the youngsters. On Wednesday, seniors members of the Patidar community called the four men and Roat to Bhaimai village in the district where the men were asked to apologise to the Congress worker in the same manner. "They misbehaved with Roat following which senior members of their own community made them apologise to him Wednesday," Dinesh Kumar, the president of Dungarpur district Congress told PTI on Thursday. No complaint was filed in this case, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against the BJP MP from Bansgaon, Kamlesh Paswan, and four others in a land dispute. The BJP MP said he will challenge the decision of Chief Judicial Magistrate Yasmin Akbar, who has directed the police to lodge the FIR against the five at Cant police station. The court's directive came on an application moved by Narendra Pratap Singh a resident of Pratap market, in Cant area alleging that land belonging to his father Late Fuddi Singh was encroached upon by some people who constructed Baldev Plaza there. The petitioner alleged that Sudha Prasad, wife of Lt Yogendra Prasad, and her son Kaustbh Prasad and Kandarp Prasad along with the MP tried to prove ownership of the land with fake documents in 1999 . The then ADM administration, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, found during investigation that the true owner of the land is Late Fuddi Singh, he claimed. Kamlesh Paswan said, "We will challenge the CJM order in high court. The case is of 2015 and Narendra Pratap Singh has claimed his ownership on the land. We will also file defamation case against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI(M) Thursday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to prove her "anti-BJP credentials" by stalling the saffron party's proposed 'rath yatra' in the state next month. CPI(M) politburo member and state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra alleged that the proposed rath yatra is actually "vote yatra" which is being organised to polarise the people of the state on communal lines. "Both TMC and BJP are engaged in a mock fight to fool the masses. If she (Mamata Banerjee) has the guts, let her stop the rath yatra and arrest them as Lalu Prasad Yadav did in Bihar (during L K Advani's rath yatra in 1990)," Mishra said while addressing a farmers' rally in Kolkata. In 1990, Lalu Prasad Yadav, the then chief minister of Bihar, had arrested BJP leader L K Advani at Samastipur during the latter's rath yatra to Ayodhya. The BJP, which has set a target of winning 22 seats in West Bengal, is scheduled to start three rath yatras in Bengal beginning December 7 from Coochbehar district covering all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state. "If you observe the decisions and statements made by both Banerjee and Prime Narendra Modi, you will find similarity in various aspects. Actually, both parties are two sides of the same coin. They are not serious but only want to divide the people on religious lines and reap political benefits out of it," Mihsra said. On Thursday, over 40,000 farmers from various parts of the state converged on the state capital demanding loan waiver and other sops. Around 10,000 farmers and agricultural workers of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the CPI(M)'s farmers wing, on Wednesday kick-started the 'Singur to Raj Bhavan' march, to highlight the "series of crisis" engulfing the farm sector in West Bengal. AIKS general secretary Hannan Mollah said the march has been organised to voice farmers' demands and proper implementation of the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Mishra said the state government should immediately take steps to waive agricultural loans of the farmers. "We want industry and employment for the youths of our state. We have seen our chief minister going abroad to attract investments. We would like to know the amount of investments and status of projects in Bengal during the past seven years," he said. The farmers have also been demanding an end to discrimination among Singur's farmers, peasant and sharecroppers in providing government welfare schemes and implementation of the M S Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. According to CPI(M) sources, the AIKS chose Singur as the starting point of the programme because people of Bengal have understood "how they were misguided by the then opposition TMC against the land acquisition for industry". Singur holds a special place in the political landscape of Bengal. Land acquisition for Tata Nano car plant in Singur was a political flash-point in the state for a few years beginning 2006. The anti-land acquisition protests spearheaded by the then opposition Trinamool Congress has been regarded as one of the main reasons behind the fall of the 34-year-old Left Front government in 2011. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Communist Party of India (CPI) Thursday said it supports the farmers agitation and urged the entire country to stand up in solidarity with the community as the government has been "insensitive" to their demands. CPI national secretary D Raja said the farmers who have come to the national capital are knocking on the doors of Parliament and the government to hear them out and take measures to bring them out of the crisis of indebtedness. "We support the demands of farmers, as the farmers are passing through unprecedented distress. "Farmers who reached Delhi in the national capital to knock on the doors of Parliament and the government are demanding a loan waiver and adequate MSP for their produce. They at least want the Parliament to listen to their woes by having a special session," he said. Raja trained his guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying while he keeps talking about doubling of farm income, farmers in thousands are committing suicides. "Indebtedness is the primary reason for suicides," he said, calling upon the government to take steps to put and end to their problems by announcing a farm loan waiver. Raja said the Swaminathan Commission is being cited by various parties and leaders but the report has not been implemented yet by any government. "The government continues to be insensitive to the suffering and distress of farmers. "It is of concern for the whole country, which should stand up in solidarity with the farmer community," he said. Hoping to make themselves heard in the power centre of the nation, thousands of farmers, who had converged here from across the country, began a two-day protest, backed by the Left, to press their demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers, who converged at Ramlila Ground here and will march to Parliament Street on Friday, came from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Sylvester Stallone has announced that his days as iconic on-screen boxer Rocky Balboa are officially over. The 72-year-old actor in a video posted on Instagram said the recently released "Creed II" marks his "last rodeo" as Rocky aka Italian Stallion, a character he played in eight films over 40 years. "Well, this is probably my last rodeo because what I thought happened, and has happened, I never expected. "I thought Rocky was over in 2006; I was very happy with that. Then all of a sudden this young man presented himself (gesturing towards actor Michael B Jordan) and the whole story changed. It went on to a new generation, new problems, new adventures," Stallone said in the video. The actor said the story of Rocky has been told and it is time for "a whole new world that's gonna be opening up for the audience, this generation." "Thank you very much, (director Steven Caple Jr.), and you, Michael, for making this all possible. Now you have to carry the mantle," Stallone added. Stallone first played the iconic boxer in 1976 feature "Rocky", which he had also penned. At the 49th Academy Awards, the film bagged three Oscars, including the Best Director and the Best Picture. Since then, the franchise has spawned seven sequels: "Rocky II" (1979), "Rocky III" (1982), "Rocky IV" (1985), "Rocky V" (1990), "Rocky Balboa" (2006), "Creed" (2015) and "Creed II" (2018). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vodafone Idea said Thursday that CRISIL has downgraded the rating on non-convertible debentures of Rs 6,000 crore and has re-affirmed its rating on commercial paper of Rs 2000 crore of erstwhile Vodafone Mobile Services. "CRISIL vide its communication uploaded on its website today, has downgraded its rating on non-convertible debentures of Rs 6,000 crore and has re-affirmed its rating on CP Programme of Rs 2,000 crore of erstwhile Vodafone Mobile Services Limited (VMSL), which has since been migrated to Vodafone Idea Limited (the Company) pursuant to amalgamation of VMSL with the Company," a BSE filing said. According to statement, the rating of Non-Convertible Debentures has been downgraded to CRISIL A+ (Negative Outlook) from existing CRISIL AA- (Negative Outlook). The rating for commercial paper programme has been re-affirmed at CRISIL A1+. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court has sentenced a cultist to life imprisonment for killing a seven-year-old boy to cure an ailing girl. Additional District Sessions Judge V K Pandey also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the accused after holding him guilty under relevant sections of the IPC. According to the prosecution lawyer, the minor had gone to school on December 9, 2014, when the cultist abducted and killed him. During interrogation, it was revealed that the boy was sacrificed for curing an ailing girl. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government is "sitting" on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) file on corridor between Delhi and Meerut that aims to de-congest the national capital, the Centre told the Supreme Court Thursday. The apex court should give a direction to the Delhi government on this issue, the Centre told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta. "The Government of India and Uttar Pradesh are committed on their shares. We are yet to get it from the Delhi government. We want a direction from this court for Delhi government as they are sitting on it," said Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre. The issue cropped up before the court when it was hearing a matter relating to air pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the top court as amicus curiae in the matter, raised this issue and said RRTS was a "very important" project as it would have two corridors -- Meerut-Delhi and Panipat-Delhi. "It will connect Delhi with Meerut and Panipat. Delhi government is sitting on this file," Singh said. During the hearing, the bench observed, "They (Delhi government) will say they have no money". To this, the amicus said, "Rs 1,000 crore is lying in ECC (environment compensation charge) and it could be used for this. It (RRTS) will help in de-congesting Delhi". The bench said it would take up this issue for hearing next week as no counsel was appearing on behalf of the Delhi government. The bench also dealt with the issue pertaining to draft rules of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on hologram-based, colour-coded stickers for vehicles that would indicate the fuel being used by them. The amicus had Wednesday claimed in the court that Union Law Ministry was "sitting" since August on the draft rules sent to it by the MoRTH. During the hearing Thursday, the ASG said that the Law Ministry had earlier posed certain queries from the MoRTH. MoRTH had replied to the queries, he said, adding that the Law Ministry has now sent the file back to the ministry. The apex court had on August 13 accepted the proposal of MoRTH to have hologram-based, colour-coded stickers for vehicles plying in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) which would indicate the nature of fuel used in them. MoRTH had said that hologram-based light blue colour sticker would be used in vehicles using petrol and CNG fuel, while an orange sticker would be put on diesel-run vehicles. The date of registration of the vehicle would also be printed on these stickers, the ministry had said. On August 13, the court had said that decision for stickers of light blue colour and orange colour should be implemented in the NCR Region by October 2, 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite long-standing restrictions, new weapons have continued to reach South Sudan's battlefields, often via neighbouring countries, a detailed report by an arms monitoring group said Thursday. A four-year investigation, by London-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR), into the supply of weapons that have helped keep South Sudan's civil war alive since December 2013, has revealed the important role played by neighbouring countries, particularly Uganda, in circumventing arms embargoes. While the UN Security Council did not impose an arms embargo on South Sudan until July 2018, more than four years into a war that has killed an estimated 380,000 people, the EU has banned direct sales of weapons by member states to Sudan since 1994, amending the embargo to include newly-independent South Sudan in 2011. Nevertheless, the government army -- known as the SPLA, or Sudan People's Liberation Army -- has been kept well supplied with weaponry, often funnelled through Uganda and sometimes originating from Europe or the US. The rebel SPLA-IO (SPLA In Opposition) has had less success in sourcing weapons, the researchers found, relying heavily on scavenging arms. CAR executive director James Bevan said his group's "comprehensive, on-the-ground survey of the weaponry used" included documenting hundreds of weapons and more than 200,000 bullets. "The result is a forensic picture of how prohibitions on arms transfers to the warring parties have failed," he said. CAR found that, despite numerous allegations and rumours, no new Chinese weapons reached South Sudan after May 2014, six months into the war. Nevertheless, two large shipments of Chinese weapons to Juba, via Mombasa in Kenya, while legal due to the lack of any arms embargo, ensured the SPLA was well-supplied for the ongoing civil war: the shipments included more than 27 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition, as well as rockets, grenades, missiles, pistols assault rifles and machine guns. CAR found that, while Chinese ammunition had previously accounted for "less than two percent" of bullets in circulation in South Sudan, once the shipments arrived over half the ammunition in use was Chinese. "The logical conclusion is that the 27 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition legally transferred to the SPLA from China in 2014 have sustained SPLA operations in the years since," CAR said. Meanwhile, Uganda "has continued to be a conduit for materiel" to the SPLA, CAR said. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is a stout supporter of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir. Kampala is alleged to have transferred to South Sudan weapons legally supplied to Uganda in 2014 and 2015 from manufacturers in Europe and the US, most likely without the knowledge of the companies involved. The re-transfer of weapons may contravene clauses contained in the so-called end-user certificates that are intended to ensure weapons are used by the countries they are originally sent to. The armaments have included military aircraft as well as ammunition sold to the Ugandan military. CAR also found evidence of long-suspected Sudanese weapons deliveries to SPLA-IO, but not recently. The researchers' work also underscored how isolated the rebels, under former vice president Riek Machar, have been, leaving fighters short of both external supporters and bullets. "Despite allegations made by the SPLA during 2017, CAR has found little indication of external resupply to the SPLA-IO since mid-2015," the report said. Efforts by Machar in early 2014 to seek delivery of a "shopping list" including 43 million rounds of ammunition, mortars, rockets, rifles and surface-to-air missiles failed. Instead rebels have been forced to rely on defections, or capturing weapons after battles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ISRO's workhorse rocket PSLV-C43 Thursday successfully injected into orbit India's earth observation satellite HysIS along with 30 co-passenger satellites from eight countries. The rocket lifted off majestically into cloudy skies in a burst of orange flames at 9.57 am from the first launch pad at this spaceport at the end of a 28-hour countdown. The HysIS was placed into orbit 17 minutes and 27 seconds after lift-off. ISRO chief K Sivan and the space agency's scientists broke into cheers as the earth observation satellite was injected into sun-synchronous polar orbit. During the launch however, scientists had to restart the fourth stage engine twice for placing the 30 co-passenger satellites. According to an official, the fourth stage engine was cut off after the earth observation satellite was separated at an altitude of 636.3 km. Scientists also had to reduce the altitude from 636 km to around 504 km to place the 30 satellites in the sun-synchronous polar orbit one by one. The mission was one of the longest mission for ISRO. A similar operation was undertaken when scientists injected eight different satellites including the country's weather satellite SCATSAT-1 and five from other nations in two different orbits on September 25, 2016. The primary mission of the Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), whose life is five years, is to study the earth's surface in visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission, which is on its 45th flight. The mass of the spacecraft is about 380 kg, and the satellite would be placed in 636 km-polar sun synchronous orbit with an inclination of 97.957 degrees, ISRO said. The co-passenger satellites have been contracted for launch through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited. PSLV-C43, is the 'Core Alone' version of PSLV. It is the lightest version of the launch vehicle. This is ISRO's second launch in the month. The space agency had launched its communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the farmers' march that will start from Ramlila Ground on Friday and move towards Parliament Street. Meetings are being held with the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, to gather details of the likely turnout on Friday. There will be a rope on both the sides of the marching farmers with the police walking on the other side of the rope to ensure traffic is not affected, police said, adding that they will ensure minimum inconvenience is caused to commuters. Meanwhile, police has warned of traffic congestion on Thursday evening as the farmers are marching towards Ramlila Ground. Police said commuters might face jams as the farmers are marching towards the venue. Traffic is affected at Dhaula Kuan, Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Connaught Place Outer Circle, Minto Road and commuters are advised to avoid these roads, said a senior police officer. The roads around Anand Vihar, Vikas Marg, Rajghat, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg are affected due to the march, he added. Banded under the AIKSCC, many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport to Delhi and later converged at Ramlila Ground to press for their demands. Among other demands, the farmers want debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hospitality firm OYO Thursday said after 12 months of operations in China, the company has emerged as one of the top five hotel chains in the country. The company, currently, has over 1,80,000 franchised and leased rooms and more than 4,000 hotels under various formats in China, OYO said in a statement. "During our last round of funding, we had committed approx USD 600 million to the China market, of which USD 300 million will be used for renovation and infrastructure investments," OYO Hotels Founder & Group CEO Ritesh Agarwal said. This additional investment will help OYO drive the next wave of growth in China, which is already ahead of India, that too in a much shorter span, he added. With this in mind, OYO has built a strong local team of over 5,500 employees in China, the statement said. The company has also launched six OYO Skill Institutes in Shenzhen, Xi'an, Suzhou, with more in the pipeline to fuel the hospitality ecosystem, it added. China was the third overseas market for OYO Hotels, after successful ventures in Malaysia and Nepal. OYO currently has over 12,000 franchised or leased hotels and over 3,000 homes as a part its chain. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Georgia's newly elected President Salome Zurabishvili on Thursday hailed her victory as a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe for the ex-Soviet republic. With all votes counted, the country's election commission said the French-born ex-diplomat, backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, had taken 59.52 per cent of the second-round vote. Her rival Grigol Vashadze, from an alliance of 11 opposition parties led by exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), took 40.48 per cent. The opposition denounced the election as a fraud. But while raising some serious concerns, foreign observers said the vote was "competitive" and well-run. "It is now important to show that this country has chosen Europe," Zurabishvili said told journalists after her win. "For that purpose, Georgians have elected a European woman president." "It feels great," she said, pointing out that she was one of a small number of women presidents in the world. The election was seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks European Union and NATO membership. It was also a trial run for more important parliamentary elections in 2020, when Georgian Dream is set to face off against a range of opposition parties. The party is the creation of billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, who many see as the small country's de facto ruler. "(The) election was competitive and candidates were able to campaign freely, however one side enjoyed an undue advantage," monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a report after the vote. The elections were "well administered", they said, but raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state". Ivanishvili's great rival, the flamboyant ex-president Saakashvili, claimed "mass electoral fraud" even before official results were released. "The oligarch has stamped out Georgian democracy and the institutions of elections," he said on the pro-opposition Rustavi-2 television channel, referring to Ivanishvili. "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law. I call on you to start mass peaceful rallies and demand snap parliamentary polls." But Vashadze's opposition alliance distanced itself from Saakashvili's remarks, saying it would hold an evening gathering of supporters to discuss further steps. Tensions increased ahead of the second round, as the opposition accused the government of voter intimidation and claimed that ruling party activists had attacked Vashadze campaign staff. Zurabishvili in turn said she and her children had received death threats through text and voice messages from people affiliated with the UNM. Rights groups have accused government officials of vote-buying on a "widespread" and "unprecedented" scale and of election fraud, including through the alleged printing of fake ID cards. Zurabishvili, a 66-year-old independent lawmaker, is the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country's annexation by the Red Army. Her career in France's foreign service culminated in a posting to Tbilisi, where then-president Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. On Thursday morning she received blessings from the influential head of Georgia's Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and was later seen by passersby sipping coffee with her children on a sunny terrace in central Tbilisi. The French foreign ministry said in a statement that Paris was looking forward to working with Zurabishvili "to further strengthen" relations. Vashadze, a 60-year-old career diplomat, had criticised Ivanishvili's "informal oligarch rule" amid growing discontent over the government's failure to tackle poverty. The vote was Georgia's last direct leadership poll as it transitions to a parliamentary form of governance. The first round of the presidential election on October 28 saw Zurabishvili take 39 per cent of the vote, against 38 per cent for Vashadze. Street protests against the results could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 on the break-up of the Soviet Union. A smooth presidential transition, however, would be welcomed by many as a sign of stability in Georgia, which is emerging as a tourism hotspot and hopes for more foreign investment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is past midnight and a group of farmers are raising chants of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' while a few volunteers are offering tea to other peasants at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to beat the cold. Thousands of farmers from across the country converged Thursday at the historic Ramlila Ground after journeys that took some as long as 36 hours to complete to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. They are spending the night at the ground before marching to Parliament on Friday. Kartar Singh, 50, a sugarcane farmer from Sambal district, Uttar Pradesh, is anxious about the march tomorrow and cannot sleep, but he's not complaining. "We have not come here to sleep. Farmers have converged in Delhi to remind the Union government that the party leading it had made promises of waiving off loans in its manifesto. And, its been four and a half years since they came to power," he said, with an edge of anger in his voice. Singh, a father of two sons is from Fatehpur Sarai village and, his younger son (22 years) has taken the field work while he is away. "My wife and children have told me, that I should fight and stay even for a week in Delhi, if needed," he told PTI. Inside the tents, farmers, both men and women, from all parts of India try to sleep in a chilly night, while many sat huddled together, discussing the next strategy and family issues. But, a group of volunteers, belonging to welfare organisation 'Khudai Khidmatgar' are trying to offer some comfort to these wearied farmers in the cold weather. Shahjeb Jamal, a civil engineering student at Jamia Islamia and a volunteer with the group is lugging around a steel container and a hands out paper cups to farmers as they huddle around. "Our organisation's philosophy as envisioned by its founder Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, is service and public harmony, and so we are here. We Stand its the farmers," he said. Jamal said Friday morning another batch of volunteers would be coming to offer tea and some breakfast to them. A group of 25-30 doctors also offered medical aid till about 11 pm, some of them took off from work to volunteer. Rashid, a junior resident at AIIMS was among the doctor's volunteers who attended to people till night. "I took an off today from work, as I had to be here. They feed us, and we are not doing any favour by helping them, we are serving them," he told PTI. Doctors also came from Aligarh Muslim university and Rohtak and Chandigarh and other Delhi hospitals to assist farmers, many of whom complained of body ache as they had travelled long distance. "One person had fainted, so, after first aid, we sent him to LNJP Hospital," said Mahtab Alam, a doctor at a Delhi government hospital. The historic ground, known for hosting big political events over the years, resonated with slogans like 'Ayodhya nahi, karz maafi chahiye' earlier in the day. Now, many are waiting for the crack of dawn, for start of a new day, filled with unwavering hope. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa police have arrested an Austrian national and allegedly seized drugs worth more than Rs 1 crore from him, a senior official said Thursday. Christian Kollar, nabbed Wednesday night, had set up a laboratory at a rented place in Anjuna village of North Goa to produce chemical-based narcotics, he said. The 35-year-old was booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act after he was found in possession of different narcotics and also for producing amphetamine at the laboratory, said Police Inspector C L Patil said. The accused was initially searched for narcotics at Anjuna following his suspicious behaviour, he said. "During the initial raid, he was found to be possessing charas and MDMA (a common recreational drug) collectively worth Rs 3.10 lakh," he said. The police stumbled upon something bigger when they raided his house at Anjuna where they found a full-fledged laboratory set up to produce chemical-based narcotics, Patil said. "During the house search, it was noticed that he had started the laboratory in order to produce amphetamine drug powder and another liquid," Patil said. The police recovered 21 bottles of different types of chemicals, one bottle of poison and around 500 gm raw amphetamine, all worth Rs 1 crore, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to expedite the formation of a new joint venture for the proposed plastic park in Paradip. Pradhan's request came in the backdrop of a Rs 3,150 crore polypropylene project being built by Indian Oil Corporation which is all set to go on stream at Paradip Oil Refinery in February, 2019. The plant will have a capacity of 7 lakh tonne per annum and offer feedstock to the proposed polymer park. "The joint venture needs to be ready as soon as possible, which would take care of requirements of investors and work on further infrastructure developments. I, therefore, request you to personally intervene in the matter and instruct the authorities to complete all the formalities for the joint venture formation at the earliest, Pradhan said in a letter addressed to Patnaik on Wednesday. Pradhan said that at least six investors have applied for land in the proposed plastic park at Paradip. "If the formalities for the joint venture is not completed then the investments could be affected," the Union minister said adding the Chemical and Fertiliser Ministry has already sanctioned Rs 40 crore as grant-in-aid to the plastic park as assistance for infrastructure development whereas Indian Oil has approved a proposal to infuse Rs 32.72 crore after signing of the joint venture agreement. Pradhan said the Indian Oil has joined hands with Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) for development of the park near Indian Oil Refinery. Pradhan said that Indian Oil has always associated IDCO in various investors meets and exhibitions organised at different locations. Such events have been held at Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar and other places to woo investors to the proposed plastic park. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, who was admitted to the city-based Lilavati Hospital, was discharged on Thursday after undergoing treatment for mild chest pain, an official said. Jogi, who contested the recently-held Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, was admitted to the hospital three days back. "He was under treatment for mild chest pain. He has now been discharged and has left for Chhattisgarh," a senior official of the hospital said. The Chhattisgarh Assembly polls were held in two phases earlier this month. Jogi, who had earlier floated the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), was in the fray from Marwahi seat in Bilaspur division of the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday laid foundation stone for 50 Food Processing Units worth Rs 271 crore and which will provide nearly 6000 jobs. They also launched Jaivik Jharkhand to facilitate organic farming on the first day of the two-day Global Agriculture & Food Summit being organised here. Addressing the gathering comprised of state ministers, business and foreign delegates and farmers, Singh said that Mahatma Gandhi used to say India is a country of villages and the countrys soul resided there. His clear message was to strengthen the villages after independence, which in turn meant, strengthening the farmers. Stating that the credit of introducing Kissan Credit Card went to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and several other reforms took place like rural road development and in agriculture sector during Vajpayee regime, Singh said Jharkhand government is on the right direction to realise Vajpayees dreams. Jharkhand has great agriculture potential. It will give real strength to the country. Small and marginal farmers have to be given special attention to uplift their situation, he said. Stating that soil health card has greater role in the uplift of farmers, he said till 2014 there was no yardstick for soil health card, but since 2014 till now 54 lakh soil health cards were made. India is the largest producer of milk now and the country is moving faster towards micro irrigation, he added. Coming down heavily on pending agriculture projects despite Swaminathans report placed in 2006, Singh said that the Narendra Modi government has taken many steps in the agriculture sector. The centre increased agriculture budget, he added. Farmers are being given loans. Production of pulses has gone up tremendously and has become cheaper. Government has given safeguard and provided sufficient cushion to the farmers, he said. Predicting Jharkhand will become number one in fish farming, Singh said that Chief Minister Raghubar Das is committed to better the life of the farmers and the Centre is providing all help and support. Saying that livestock is also the backbone of village economy, the union minister said that the Modi government has set up Gokul Mission. Five partner countries---China, Tunisia, Mongolia, Israel and the Philippines are participating in the two-day Summit, besides Morocco being the focus country and there will be more than 50 foreign delegates. Besides this, about 10,000 farmers & delegates are also participating in the two-day event. The objective of the Summit is to showcase the rich agriculture eco system of Jharkhand and utilize the untapped potential of agriculture and food sector and to develop sectoral value chains, which enables forward and backward market linkages. Also to provide platform for networking to business community, government representatives, progressive farmers, agriculture entrepreneurs and other stake holders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France is launching a new campaign to ban the smacking of children, a practice which, though condemned by the UN, still enjoys widespread support in the country. Attempts by previous governments to ban the practise have run afoul of conservatives. A 2016 bill condemning physical punishment of children was struck down by the Constitutional Council, which vets legislation, because it was adopted as an amendment to an unrelated law. The National Assembly on Thursday was set to take up the matter once again, debating a government-backed bill put forward by a centrist MP. The bill on "corporal punishment or humiliation" seeks to ensure that parental authority is exercised "without violence" of any sort, including "physical, verbal or psychological". French governments have traditionally taken a kid-glove approach to smacking, fearing the wrath of the 70 percent of French people who oppose a ban on the practise, according to a 2015 Ifop poll. Schools have long been banned from physically punishing children, but -- to the dismay of many Europeans, including Swedes and Germans -- not French parents. Crucially, the bill would not sanction parents who continue to "discipline" their children as its main goal is "educational" -- a way to encourage society to mend its views, according to Maud Petit, the MP from the centrist MoDem party who sponsored the measure. "We can all suffer parental burnout" and lash out at our children, Marlene Schiappa, a junior minister responsible for anti-discrimination policy acknowledged in Thursday's Le Parisien newspaper. "What counts is that (parents) realise that what they've done is bad for their child and that they talk to him about it. "Sending parents to prison because they smacked their child has never been at issue; it's all about education," said Schiappa, herself the mother of two young daughters. But for Nicolas Bay, a member of the European Parliament for the far-right National Rally, equating "an educational slap" with physical violence is "a political mistake". Smacking a child "allows one to set limits", and "it has educational value, providing it's done with the love and care parents give their children," he said. The bill takes aim at a 19th-century addendum to the Civil Code's definition of parental authority -- read out to couples taking their wedding vows -- which specifically allows for "disciplining" children. In March 2015, the Council of Europe human rights organisation singled out France for failing to ban smacking, unlike most other European countries. A year later, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child took up the case, calling on France to "explicitly prohibit" all forms of corporal punishment of children. Only five members of the 28-strong European Union -- France, Britain, Italy, Belgium and the Czech Republic -- still allow parents to smack their children, according to the Britain-based Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. Adopting the bill would make France the 55th state to ban smacking children. Those in favour of a ban point to scientific studies that link smacking to psychological problems. Centrist MP Patrick Mignola suggested that those who oppose the measure should remind themselves that not so long ago no-one batted an eyelid when husbands beat their wives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German Chancellor Angela Merkel's plane, headed for the G20 summit in Argentina, made an emergency landing in Cologne on Thursday due to a technical problem, the Chancellery said. "Following a technical problem, the official plane landed safely in Cologne," it said, without indicating when she could leave again. The Airbus A340-300, named Konrad Adenauer after Germany's first post war chancellor, was met on the tarmac by fire engines, the German agency DPA said, adding that Merkel was waiting for a replacement plane to taker her to Buenos Aires. The plane turned back from the Netherlands and landed in Cologne because it was the only base with a a replacement plane, the agency said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gabon's President Ali Bongo arrived in Morocco on Thursday to convalesce after a month's treatment at a Saudi hospital, a Moroccan diplomatic source said. Bongo, 59, had been at the hospital in Saudi Arabia since October 24 when he fell ill at an economic forum. The official Saudi Press Agency said Bongo had departed from Riyadh's King Salman airbase on Wednesday night, and that Saudi foreign ministry officials saw him off. After his arrival in Rabat on Thursday morning, the Gabonese leader was taken to a hospital in the Moroccan capital, the diplomatic source said without giving further details. His transfer was "in accordance with the wishes of his excellency President Bongo, in agreement with the constitutional institutions of the Gabonese Republic, and in accordance with the opinion of the doctors," the Moroccan foreign ministry said in a statement. After an extended period of silence, the Gabonese presidency eventually admitted Bongo was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery, while insisting he was on the mend. His recovery would take weeks, or even days, according to a source in the presidency. The Gabonese president and Morocco's King Mohammed VI have had a close relationship since their youth. Over the past month, the Gabonese presidency has released only two statements on Bongo's health, first saying on October 29 that he had been taken to hospital "suffering from severe fatigue". Then on November 11, Bongo's office admitted he was "seriously ill" and had undergone surgery. Lack of official -- along with memories of the secrecy-shrouded death of Bongo's father Omar Bongo in 2009 after decades at the helm -- had sparked numerous rumours, including speculation he was incapacitated or even dead. Earlier this month, a foreign source close to Bongo and his French-born wife Sylvia told AFP the Gabonese president had suffered a stroke. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP Thursday of governing and misleading people by 'jumlas' (rhetoric). Gehlot launched the attack at the BJP at a poll rally in Rajasthan ahead of the state assembly elections. "The BJP government had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in everyone's bank account and bring black money. It was a 'jumla' and they are master in that. No one got the money," Gehlot said. He accused Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of not taking plight of people in the last five years. He alleged that the BJP government stalled and delayed various public welfare schemes, including a petroleum refinery in Pachpadra, the Banswara-Dungarpur rail route, Jaipur metro and irrigation projects in Hadoti region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German prosecutors raided several offices in the Frankfurt area Thursday over suspicions of money laundering based on revelations from the 2016 "Panama Papers" data leak. The investigation centres on allegations that Germany's biggest lender helped clients set up off-shore companies in tax havens to "transfer money from criminal activities", the Frankfurt prosecutor's office said in a statement. Some 170 police officers and investigators from the Frankfurt prosecutors' office were searching six of the bank's premises in and around the city, it added. The Uttar Pradesh government will work to make the state a leading agriculture producer in the country, a state minister said Thursday. "Though Uttar Pradesh has made a record jump from 18th place last year to third place this year, as per a survey conducted by a top national magazine, I would only be satisfied when the state attains the highest position in the country," Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said. Admitting that it is a herculean task to attain the first position, the minister said he was confident that the dream will translate into reality through consistent efforts. The direct transfer of subsidies to the accounts of farmers and the government's loan waiver were the reasons for the jump in the state's ranking, Shahi said. The production increased because farmers started investing again as they were free from loan worries, he stated, adding that policies were also simplified. Subsidy and grants worth Rs 456 crore were transfered through direct benefit transfer for purchase of seed, sprinkler sets, solar pumps, burmi compost and accessories among 22.5 lakh farmers, Shahi said. The government increased coverage under Prime Minister Crop Insurance scheme and provided soil health cards to 2.05 crore farmers, he said. The state recorded an increase of 18 lakh metric tonne in production of grains as farmers were trained about new techniques of agriculture through the million farmers school. The government also prevented exploitation of farmers by brokers and middlemen by making proper arrangement for purchase of wheat, paddy, pulses, oilseeds etc. According to the minister, changes made in Mandi law also paid the dividend as trade of Rs 4,500 crore was achieved through e-marketing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court Thursday continued an earlier order restraining Mumbai Police from filing its charge sheet or taking coercive steps against actors Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and director Karan Johar and others accused in an obscenity case. The celebrities had approached the high court in 2015 after a case was lodged against them in February that year under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 292 and 294 pertaining to obscenity. A charity event by the name of 'Roast' was arranged by comedy group AIB in December 2014. The video of the event was uploaded by the AIB in January 2015. The video was removed a few days later after it faced ire for its alleged vulgar and obscene content. In February 2015, an activist, Santosh Daundkar, filed a complaint before a court here seeking direction to police to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against AIB's founders and the show producers and celebrities who took part in it. A magistrate court had then ordered that an FIR be registered against 10 people, including AIB founder Rohan Joshi, film-maker Karan Johar, and actors Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. After the FIR was lodged, the accused persons moved the high court seeking for the case to be quashed. In 2015, the HC had directed police not to take any coercive steps or file charge sheet in the case. When the petitions came up for hearing on Thursday, Daundkar's advocate Aditya Pratap sought for stay on the probe to be vacated and to permit the police to finish its investigation and file a charge sheet. A division bench of Justices B P Dharmadhikari and S V Kotwal, however, refused to do so and said since the petitions are directed to be tagged with a public interest litigation (PIL) on the same issue, the HC registry department shall do the needful and place matters before the appropriate bench. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to file its response to the petition filed by the Reserve Bank that challenges an order passed by the (CIC) asking it to disclose the names of large The CIC had on July 4 directed the RBI to disclose the names of large and also the letter written by former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to the PMO on bad loans. The HC seeks govt view on RBI plea against CIC order on naming The CIC, which was hearing a petition filed by Delhi resident Ajay Gupta, also asked RBI to provide the information within four weeks. When it failed to do so, the CIC earlier this month had issued a show-cause notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel for "dishonouring" a Supreme Court judgment on disclosure of the names of the wilful defaulters. The CIC had asked Patel to explain as to why a penalty should not be imposed on him for not implementing an apex court order that upheld a decision taken by then information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, calling for disclosure of names of wilful defaulters. ALSO READ: CEOs of public banks empowered to stop wilful defaulters from fleeing India On November 18, the CIC had once again asked the RBI to submit the list and also Rajan's letter on bad loans to the PMO. The central bank earlier this week approached the Bombay High Court challenging the July 4 CIC order as well as the show-cause notice issued to Patel. The petition came up for hearing on Thursday before a Division Bench of justices BP Dharmadhikari and SV Kotwal. Since Central counsel DP Singh sought time to file the response, the court posted the matter for further hearing to December 18 and said the interim stay granted earlier would continue on implementation of the CIC order. The RBI in its petition said the Union Home Ministry gives information on wilful defaulters to it in a confidential manner and has also asked the RBI to not disclose the same as it can jeopardise security. "The RBI is only maintaining and respecting this confidentiality. In August, the RBI addressed a letter to the Union Home Ministry apprising it of the CIC order. The ministry replied that the said information was confidential and ought not to be disclosed," the RBI said in its petition. The central bank also termed the CIC order as arbitrary and bad in law as the RBI was not the proprietor of the information being sought. The RBI further said it only passes on information received from the Union home ministry to the banks concerned and does not maintain a database of the said information. It further said disclosing such information will have an impact on security as well. The toll in the hooch tragedy in West Bengal's Nadia district rose to 12 with the death of five more people, an official said Thursday. The condition of 25 other people, who were undergoing treatment at a hospital, was quite serious, District Magistrate Sumit Gupta said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the spurious liquor was being supplied from neighbouring states and asked the police to take strict action in this regard. She also asked the excise department to be proactive and conduct regular raids throughout the year and not just after an incident is reported. Eleven excise department officials have been suspended following the liquor tragedy at Shantipur area of Nadia. "The death toll is 12 now, including a woman. The condition of the 25 people, who are undergoing treatment at the Shantipur State General Hospital, is quite serious. Depending on the nature of their treatment, we will think of shifting them to hospitals in Kolkata," Gupta told PTI. The state CID, which has taken over the case, has so far arrested four people in connection with their involvement in selling spurious liquor in Shantipur area, a senior officer of the agency said. Asked whether the liquor was brought from outside the state, the officer said, "So far, the arrested people have not told us anything of such sort. We are conducting tests of the liquor and trying to find out whether they were mixed with any chemical from outside." The CID investigations would be able to throw light on whether the spurious liquor is being smuggled into rural Bengal from Bihar and Jharkhand, Finance Minister Amit Mitra said Wednesday. The state government announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. On Wednesday, people of Nrishinghapur village in Nadia district consumed spurious liquor, officials said. A majority of the dead and the sick were brick-field labourers, the locals said, alleging that the spurious liquor was brought from nearby Kalna in Burdwan district. "The hooch is coming from outside (the state). We have borders with many states. We have to deal with this strongly," Banerjee said during an administrative meeting at Sripur in West Burdwan district. Asking the excise department to conduct raids regularly, Banerjee said, "You cannot conduct raids only after an incident is reported.... You have to be proactive." BJP state president Dilip Ghosh held the Trinamool Congress government responsible for the incident and said the party would initiate a big movement against the death of common people. "Such incidents are repeatedly happening in West Bengal. The state government is shrugging off its responsibility by a compensation of Rs 2 lakh. There is no administration here," he said. The BJP leader also questioned why there were no rallies or protests when hooch tragedies occur. He said, "If one Bengali died in Assam, the TMC, the CPI(M) hold rallies here. Why are they are silent now?" He apparently referred to TMC leaders' visit to Assam after suspected ULFA(I) militants shot dead five Bengali speaking people in Tinsukia on the night of November 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Thursday though the state has a sizeable contribution of around 10 per cent in the armed forces, efforts are being made to increase their strength. While speaking at the Civil Military Liaison Conference here on Thursday, Khattar offered all support and cooperation. He said he would provide land to the Army for setting up an armed forces preparatory institute in the state so that maximum youth could join the forces. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command Lt General Surinder Singh, Chief of Staff of the Western Command P M Bali and other senior officers of the state government and the Army were also present on this occasion. While describing Haryana as the state of 'Jawan and Kisan' (land of soldiers and farmers), he said that at present the contribution of the state in the armed forces is nearly 10 per cent, which he said was "significant". "To achieve this, we are ready to give all support and cooperation including the land to the Army for the setting up of a preparatory institute in the state so that maximum youth could join the armed forces. Recently, the village panchayat Khanda in district Sonipat has offered 50 acres of land for setting up of Armed forces' preparatory institute," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four decades after the boy pharaoh caused a sensation in the US and Europe, treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun are to tour the world again -- many for the first time. More than 50 of the 150 artworks from his tomb in the show will only ever leave Cairo once, say the Egyptian authorities, who are organising the tour in the run-up to the 2020 opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. "Treasures of the Golden Pharoah" -- which opened in Los Angeles in March -- will go on show in Paris next March at the giant la Villette arts complex. It is the show's only stop in continental Europe. The organisers have yet to unveil the other nine cities on the world tour. Previous exhibitions about the boy pharaoh have been record-breaking blockbusters, setting off "Tut-mania" around the globe. More than eight million people attended a 1973 show, "The Treasures of Tutankhamun", at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Another 1.2 million people queued to see a smaller exhibition six years earlier at the Petit Palais in Paris in what was called "the show of the century". Dr Mostafa Waziry of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said the tour was also to "celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy king". "The discovery of Tutankhamun's unplundered tomb revived our fascination with Egypt and its buried treasure," said Vincent Rondot, head of the Egypt department at the Louvre museum. The Louvre is lending one of its masterpieces, a statue of the god Amun protecting Tutankhamun, to the show. The Paris show will run from March 23 until September 15, 2019. The Los Angeles show at the California Science Center closes in January. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) I am a 'sevak', not a 'pilot' -- This is how the BJP candidate Yoonus Khan is pitching himself in his electoral fight against Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot for Tonk seat in the state assembly polls. Khan, Transport and PWD Minister in the Vasundhara Raje government, has been fielded by the BJP in the Muslim-dominated Tonk assembly constituency, replacing the party's sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta after the Congress gave ticket to Pilot here. Talking to PTI while campaigning in the rural areas of Tonk, Khan said the decision to field him was based on strategy and equations and not on his religion. "Don't weigh this as a Hindu-Muslim fight because if you look at it from that perspective, Muslims are lesser in number in comparison to Hindus. This election is not about caste and religion," said Khan, who is widely considered as one of the most powerful ministers in the Raje government. Asked about being the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP and if his nomination marked a departure from the party's strategy to not field any candidates from the minority community, he said: "I don't know about elsewhere, but in Rajasthan, Yoonus Khan and (late BJP leader) Ramzan Khan have been fighting polls since the 80s." Khan said he has been the party's lone Muslim candidate once earlier also. Asked if Tonk having a large number of Muslims was one of the reasons behind his candidature, the BJP leader said the election here will be on the basis of performance and agenda. "The election will be on who can serve Tonk better. I have given my vision... As a minister I connected Sawai Madhopur road to a two-lane road. I have given a bypass. "We will give this district special status and a customised package. We want to bring industry here and that will provide jobs to people. Our first priority is to bring industry and through it create jobs for youths in Tonk," the 54-year-old leader said. He also vowed to solve the problem of drinking water faced by the residents of Tonk. Pitching himself as an underdog in the high-stakes electoral battle, Khan took a swipe at his Congress rival and said, "He (Pilot) has come for the first time, I have been a minister for long...I know the workers here." "For Sachin ji it is a new place, people are new and apart from his dream to become an MLA and chief minister, he does not have any other dream. I am a people's servant. You can make me serve in Deedwana (his earlier constituency) and you can make me work in Tonk," Khan said. Khan said Pilot was the one who has been switching constituencies, while he has been fighting from the Nagaur district (under which Deedwana falls) and has come here now on the party's instructions. "I will become MLA and that is my status, but Sachin Pilot ji is a big man, he is a 'Pilot'. I am just a sevak (servant)," Khan said. While addressing a gathering in Chironj village, Khan again pitched himself as a small worker of the party who is here to serve. "I am a sevak, not a 'pilot'. Tonk also needs a sevak not a 'pilot', he said. In another jibe at the Rajasthan Congress chief's surname, Khan asked the crowd: "Do you have an aeroplane. Do you have a helicopter?... No, then you don't need a pilot." Talking to PTI, he acknowledged both he and Pilot were outsiders in Tonk, but there was one difference -- "through the power that I had in my pen (as a minister), I have given roads worth Rs 2,000 crore." On the Congress's charge that Khan's ticket was cut from Deedwana and was finally given one from Tonk because of his religion, he said the opposition party gives statements according to its convenience. "They cannot say that it is due to a strategy that I have been fielded. The Deedwana seat was also not declared till the last minute," Khan said. Asked if the contest in Tonk was as keen as the one in Jhalrapatan between Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh, who was earlier with the saffron party, Khan said it was on-sided contest there and "Vasundhara ji will defeat him by about 1.25 lakh votes". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Nursing Council (INC) organised an international conference in the national capital, with the support the Health Ministry, to emphasise on the important role of nurses and their contribution towards achieving the target of universal health coverage. The three-day conference was inaugurated Thursday by Union minister Suresh Prabhu. Referring to the government's ambitious programme, Ayushman Bharat, he said nurses play a critical role in healthcare and outlined the importance of quality nursing education in this context. The minister of commerce and industry said his ministry was working on a scheme to facilitate a large number of Indian nurses to work in other countries and assured all support to promote the profession of nursing. The event was organised by INC in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) endorsed by International Council of Nurses (ICN). The INC in a statement said nurses were the primary provider of healthcare and were the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Indian Nursing Council is an autonomous statutory body, under the Health Ministry, with the objective of maintaining uniform standards and regulation of nursing education across the country. A High Level Expert Group (HLEG) report on Universal Health Coverage in India emphasises the need for increased reliance on a cadre of well trained nurses which will allow doctors to focus on complex clinical cases. The conference would bring together nurses and midwives from across the globe to explore strategies, approaches, and best practices to prepare nurse leaders to work within and promote universal health coverage, the statement said. It will create a common platform for nurses and midwives from various countries to share their country's policy and plans. The conference will provide a platform for presentation of best practices, innovations and research results in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and nurses' role in achieving it. It also provides opportunity to explore the scope of inter-professional collaborations, inter-sectoral partnerships and utilisation of technology in strengthening the nursing cadre to improve the health outcomes, it said. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 National Nurses Associations (NNAs), representing more than 20 million nurses worldwide. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The militaries of China and India should "work hand in hand" for the benefit of people of the two countries, the Chinese defence ministry said Thursday, as the armies of the two countries are all set to resume joint military exercises next month after a gap of a year following the Doklam standoff. The 7th India and China joint military exercises, 'Hand in Hand', focussing on counter-terrorism operations will be held in southwest China's Chengdu city from December 10 to December 23, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang told a media briefing here. Each side will send 100 troops to take part in the 14-day drill, he said. The exercises will be held after a gap of one year as both the sides were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border in 2017. "The two sides are preparing for the exercises now. The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism," Col Ren said. "True to its name - 'Hand in Hand' - we believe China and Indian militaries should work hand in hand for the benefit of people in both the nations," he said, adding that the exercises will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training. After the Doklam standoff, the militaries of the two neighbours made efforts to improve the strained relations following the first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April this year. The two sides participated in the 9th Defence dialogue held here on November 13. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt Gen Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Central Military Commission, participated in the talks and discussed bilateral relations, military ties, border control as well as regional and international issues. The two sides agreed to follow the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries to promote military relationship under the principle of maintaining peace and tranquillity and enhancing the trust, friendship and cooperation, Col Ren said. Besides resuming the defence dialogue, top leaders from both the countries also met on November 24 at the 21st India-China border talks held at Dujiangyan near Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took part in the talks during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute. Commenting on the talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media here on November 26 that the two sides put forward a host of forward-looking and workable proposals and suggestions on advancing boundary talks, upholding peace and stability and promoting cooperation in the border areas during the meeting. "It is fair to say that the two sides in general shared similar views and thinking in many areas," he said. Col Ren also said China and Pakistan will hold 7th joint air force exercises in Bholari air force base in Pakistan from November 30 to December 23. China will send its fighter jets and bombers and early warning AWACS planes to the exercise, he said, adding the exercise will help improve combat capability of both sides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The militaries of China and India would hold a joint 14-day drill from December 10 in southwest China's Chengdu city to improve their capabilities in fighting terrorism and promote mutual understanding, the Defence Ministry said here Thursday. Each side will send 100 troops to take part in the 7th India and China joint military exercises - 'Hand in Hand' - which will focuss on counter-terrorism operations, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang told a media briefing. The exercises will be held after a gap of one year as both the sides were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border in 2017. The strained relations between the two sides later improved resulting in an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chinese city of Wuhan in April this year. "The two sides are preparing for the exercises now. The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism," Col Ren said. The exercises, which will conclude on December 23, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training, he said, adding that true to its name, 'Hand in Hand', China and Indian militaries should also work hand in hand for the benefit of people in both the nations. Earlier at the 9th Defence dialogue held here on November 13 between Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt Gen Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Central Military Commission, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, military ties, border control as well as regional and international issues. The two sides agreed to follow the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries to promote military relationship under the principle of maintaining peace and tranquillity and enhancing the trust, friendship and cooperation, Col Ren said. Top leaders from both the countries also met recently on November 24 at the 21st India-China border talks held at Dujiangyan near Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi who are the designated Special Representatives took part in the talks. Col Ren also said China and Pakistan will hold 7th joint air force exercises in Bholari air force base in Pakistan from November 30 to December 23. China will send its fighter jets and bombers and early warning AWACS planes to the exercise, he said, adding the exercise will help improve combat capability of both sides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India hopes for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, Modi said, "I wish to convey India's strong support for the Palestinian cause and to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, independent and united State of Palestine co-existing peaceful with the State of Israel. He said as the Day is marked, we hope for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Modi underscored that historical ties between India and Palestine have further strengthened in recent years, adding that his visit to Ramallah in February this year was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine. "The visit was an assertion of India's strong commitment for the development of Palestine." India has announced an increase in the annual scholarships for Palestinian students, six new projects including construction of a specialty hospital and an increase in its annual contribution to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). "Our financial and technical assistance is an expression of our strong resolve to strengthen Palestinian institutions," Modi said. In his message Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side-by-side as sovereign nations is still "the only option" for lasting peace, and containing the situation is not sufficient." Guterres said more than 40 years ago, the General Assembly established an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people to remind "us of our collective, unfinished task of resolving the question of Palestine. Over the decades, this has become one of the most intractable challenges for the international community, and we know only too well the tragic results."He called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders "to restore faith in the promise" of the UN General Assembly resolution of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state. This, he said, was "the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." India increased its annual financial contribution five-fold to the agency's core budget, from USD 1 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018. India is also committed to contribute USD 5 million dollars in 2019. As part of its ongoing assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts focused on institutions, services and training personnel, India provides 150 places for Palestinian professionals every year in its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A UK-based Indian-origin investment firm underwriter is planning to switch to a more old fashioned car model after his hi-tech 4x4 was twice targeted by thieves who stole it after hacking its locking system. Jas Hara said car-hackers were caught on CCTV unlocking his 72,000-pound Volvo XC90 from his driveway using a scanning device and then driving away in it. The 41-year-old said the same model was taken from his driveway in October last year using the same method. "It's terrible. We feel devastated. It is so distressing for it to happen not once but twice," he told the 'Evening Standard' newspaper. "These thieves are using a new technology more powerful than before. The only consolation is that eventually karma will come around to them," he said, adding that he and his wife had taken extra precautions the second time but it failed to deter the thieves. "Now I think we will stick with a bog-standard (old fashioned) car, and I would rather use a normal key from now on," he said. In the latest incident, Hara noticed the car was missing when he woke up last Friday for his morning trip to the local gurudwara. Car-hacking, or "relay attack", is becoming a common form of vehicle theft in the UK, with keyless entry cited as the "main driver" in the rise in offences. The crime involves thieves using a "relay box" to pick up a signal from a real key. There have been calls to make it illegal to sell or own the boxes. Advice to car owners includes storing keys in a metal-lined container, keeping them well away from the front of the house, and turning off their radio signal. The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating Hara's case but nobody had been arrested for either theft so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Skilled professionals from India dominated the landscape of work visas issued by the UK government over the past few months, according to official statistics released on Thursday. The UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS) found in its analysis of UK Home Office data for the previous year that while the pressures of Brexit meant a decline in migrants coming to the UK from within the European Union (EU), non-EU migrants from countries like India registered an increase across different segments. There were 2,266 more Tier 2 visas granted to Indian skilled professionals, which reflected the majority (55 per cent) in the visa category largely used by Indian IT companies to move around their workers to work on UK projects. "Visa grants for Tier 2 (Skilled) account for more than half of all work visas and saw an increase of 15 per cent compared with the year ending September 2017, in particular, there were increases for Indian nationals," the ONS report said. Indian students coming to study at the UK institutions also registered an increase over the same period to hit 18,735, marking a 33 per cent increase in the number of student visas granted to Indian nationals. Indians also dominated the tourism figures in the UK, with the largest visitor visa increase of all other countries at 41,224 to hit a total of 4,68,923, marking a 10 per cent hike in the number of visitor visas granted. "Chinese and Indian nationals alone accounted for just under half of all visit visas granted," the Home Office said. Indians were also granted 881 more visas for family-related reasons over the previous year, with Pakistanis dominating this category with 1,895 more visas over the previous year. Against the backdrop of ongoing controversial negotiations over Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) which will bring an end to free movement of people from within the 28-member economic bloc, the ONS found that 219,000 EU citizens arrived in the UK and 145,000 left, making net EU migration the lowest it had been since 2012. Jay Lindop, director of the Centre for International Migration at ONS, said: "Net migration continues to add to the population and has remained fairly stable since its peak in 2016, with around 270,000 more people coming to the UK than leaving in the year ending June 2018. "Due to increasing numbers arriving for work and study, non-EU net migration is now at the highest level since 2004. In contrast, EU net migration, while still adding to the population as a whole, is at the lowest since 2012." In another reflection of Brexit uncertainty, the number of EU nationals applying for British citizenship also registered an increase by almost a third over the past year, with 43,545 requests in the 12 months to the end of September this year which marks a rise of 32 per cent on last year. Overall, the figures show that net migration the difference between how many people came to the UK for at least 12 months and how many left was 273,000 last year. The issue of migration continues to be a highly contentious one in the country, with control over borders to end free movement of people from EU member-countries having played a crucial part in the campaign for leaving the EU in the June 2016 Brexit referendum. Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed that Brexit would level the playing field for migrant workers coming to work in the UK, with EU migrant workers no longer being able to "jump the queue" ahead of those from countries like India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Karnataka Innovation Authority would be set up through a statute with powers to relax and overcome legal hurdles faced by startups engaged in innovative technologies and ideas, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday. The Authority would be headed by the Chief Minister. Addressing the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2018, an annual event, here, he said the government was also creating a legal framework for protection of intellectual property. A blockchain-based intellectual property registry would be established, wherein ideas would be protected for enabling commercialisation, he said. The government has been encouraging and promoting innovation by funding under the 'Elevate' programme, the Chief Minister said. A grant of upto Rs 50 lakh is provided by the government to startups having innovative ideas for providing solutions to challenges in the socio-economic sphere, he said adding that 77 startups have been approved for funding this year. "A sum of Rs 16 crore has been earmarked for this," he said. "Further, to ensure that the backward regions of the state, particularly the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, to also benefit from such initiatives, we have started the 'Accelerated Assisted Elevate' for the startups in the region," he said. As many as 10 startups from that region have been selected for a funding of Rs 111 lakh this year, he said. The government has also begun forging global innovation alliances with countries in developing the eco-system for innovation and entrepreneurship, Kumaraswamy said. "Bengaluru is ranked 20th among the global innovation cities of the world," he said. The information technology, biotechnology and related sectors had provided direct employment to over a million people and indirect employment to three million people in the city alone, he said. The number of engineering and R&D centres of MNCs in India had increased from 943 in 2016 to 976 in 2017, he said citing a study by consulting firm Zinnov. As much as 65 per cent of MNCs who have their global in-house centres were from the USA and 37 per cent of the such centres of MNCs were in Bengaluru, which proves that technology engagement in the state was the strong foundation for investments, Kumaraswamy said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Thursday extended till January 15 the interim protection from arrest granted to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on his pleas seeking anticipatory bail in the INX Media case lodged by the ED and the CBI. Justice A K Pathak listed the matter for further hearing in January next year as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was not available today. The central government's standing counsel Amit Mahajan mentioned before the court that the law officer was not available today. Chidambaram was represented in the hearing through advocates Pramod Kumar Dubey and Arshdeep Singh. On July 25, the high court had granted interim protection to Chidambaram from arrest and directed the ED not to take any coercive step till August 1 against him in the INX Media money laundering case. Prior to that on May 31, the high court had protected him from arrest in the case lodged by CBI. On August 1, the court had extended the interim protection to September 28 and then to October 25 in both the cases. On October 25, the interim relief was extended till November 29. The court had also directed Chidambaram to cooperate with the investigation in both the cases as and when required. The senior Congress leader's role had come under the scanner of various investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. It was during his tenure as finance minister in the UPA-I government that clearances from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) were given to the two ventures. In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Thereafter, the ED had last year lodged the money laundering case in this regard. A trial court here had also granted protection from arrest till August 7 to Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case in which he and his son Karti were named in the charge sheet filed by the CBI. Chidambaram's petition had said that though no summons had ever been served on him by the ED in this case, he had an apprehension of arrest in view of the summons issued to him by the CBI, which was investigating the scheduled offence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The closure of iron ore mining in Goa since the last eight months has adversely impacted the state's economy which is facing Rs 1,500-crore revenue loss every month from the sector besides jobs taking a hit, said officials and industry bodies. The Supreme Court, in its February 7 order, had quashed 88 mining leases, which had to wind up their operations from March 16, bringing the entire industry, a key source of revenue for the government, to a grinding halt. Goa Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had last week told reporters that revenue to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore is being lost per month due to closure of the mining industry, which has also impacted the livelihood of around 2.5 lakh people. "The revenue source is shrinking right now due to closure of mining. We are losing around Rs 1,500 crore every month. The resumption of industry is necessary to save the state from facing an economic slowdown," he had said. The Federation of Indian Minerals Industries (FIMI) fears the economy of the coastal state is staring at downward spiral. "If you calculate the total impact, almost 25 per cent of the states economy has been impacted due to mining closure. "In the long run, the economy will continue to unwind and it will have disastrous impact," said Haresh Melwani, FIMI Managing Committee member and a mine owner from Goa, Thursday. He said Rs 6,000 crore of "fresh money" was being injected monthly into the states economy through exports of iron ore, which has stopped now. "This was helping the country earn foreign exchange in a big way. The discontinuation of iron ore exports has stopped this money from flowing into the state," he said. While economic slowdown is one of the concerns, workers are staring at job losses due to the closure of mining operations. The Goa Mining Peoples Front, a union of mining dependents, has said 4,000-5,000 people, who were employed with various mining firms, have lost their jobs in addition to 6,000 truck drivers. "Markets in Goa's mining belts are deserted. People are controlling their spendings as they dont know when exactly the industry would resume," said GMPF president Puti Gaonkar. He warned that if mining operations do not resume soon, there would be catastrophic impact on the state's economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Thursday dubbed as "politically motivated" the ACB's affidavit claiming major lapses on part of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and others in the alleged multi-crore irrigation scam. NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik questioned why the probe was lingering for four years "while it could have been completed in a year", and accused the government of using it "as a tool" against the party. "It is a politically motivated move. We will definitely keep our position before court, and the court will decide, as dada (Pawar) has already said," Malik added. Pawar had yesterday declined to comment on the issue, saying the matter was sub-judice and that the response would be filed in court. Besides questioning the time taken to complete the probe, Malik sought to know why the contracts concerned have not been cancelled yet "if at all there was any corruption". He also sought to know why payments were still being made to the contractors, and noted that cost escalations were also happening. "So, they are using it as a tool. And if at all corruption has taken place there...all the contractors belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The BJP will also have to explain if they too were part of the corruption," he said. Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan had Wednesday said there was no political interference in the probe into the alleged irrigation scam when the previous Congress-NCP government was in power. The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) informed the Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench on Tuesday that its probe into the alleged scam has revealed major lapses on part of Pawar and other government officials. The scam, pegged at around Rs 70,000 crore, relates to alleged corruption and irregularities in approval and execution of various irrigation projects in Maharashtra during the Congress-NCP rule. Pawar was among the NCP ministers who were in-charge of the irrigation department at different times between 1999 and 2014 during the Congress-NCP coalition rule in Maharashtra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli jets on Thursday bombed several areas near Damascus as well as in southern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. "Israeli forces bombarded for an hour positions in the southern and southwestern suburbs of Damascus as well as in the south of Syria at the border of Quneitra province," the Observatory's chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Earlier, Syrian state media said air defences downed a number of "hostile targets" close to the capital. "Our air defences fired on hostile targets over the Kisweh area and downed them," the official SANA agency reported, citing a military source. The area south of Damascus has been targeted by alleged Israeli strikes in the past, which a monitor said have killed members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards force and other pro-Iranian Shiite militias. Abdel Rahman said there are "weapons depots belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah (group) as well as Iranian forces" in Kisweh. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets. Syrian air defences in September opened fire to intercept alleged Israeli missiles targeting ammunition depots in the northwestern province of Latakia, but instead downed a Russian jet. Abdel Rahman said Thursday was the first time Syria's air defences had been called into action since the incident on September 17 in which 15 Russians were killed. Moscow pinned responsibility for the downing of its jet on Israel, saying its plane used the larger Russian one for cover, an allegation Israel disputed. Following the incident, Russia sent advanced air defence missiles to Damascus. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia his country would continue to hit hostile targets in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing a military presence across the border. He added that Israel would "continue security coordination" with Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday said the government will provide free mobile phones to 28 lakh farmers and a separate electric feeder for them for agriculture purpose. The mobile phones will be given to the farmers by 2019/2021 with an aim to keep the middle men away and also help farmers to have greater information about the market, he said while speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day Agriculture & Food Summit here. This will also help them (farmers) know about market rates and other information relating to agriculture, Das said. Addressing the function in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and other dignitaries, Das said a separate electric feeder would be set up by May next year for farmers for agriculture purpose, providing them six hours of uninterrupted electricity. Das reiterated that power supply will reach to every household by December this year and by May, 2019 separate feeders would be set up for agriculture, for households and industrial usage. By August, 2019, 24x7 power supply will be available in rural areas, he added. He gave credit to the farmers for the state jumping to 14 per cent agriculture growth from minus 4.5 per cent registered four years ago. To give more fillip to the agriculture growth, we have to make you (farmers) modern farmers, ensuring production at international yardstick and for that this Summit has been organised, he said. He said the state government has sanctioned sufficient funds for the development of agriculture and allied activities and framed a food processing policy, which is focused on bottling and packaging as food processing was important link between the farmers and the urban customers. On the on-line foundation laying ceremony for the 50 food processing units, Das said it would create employment for the youth and the farmers would get right cost for their products. He said that the condition of villages did not change in the 67 years and it was only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi that steps were taken to improve the condition of the farmers and a goal was set to double the income of farmers by 2022. The chief minister suggested the farmers to try and earn one/third of their income from agriculture, another one/third from animal husbandry and yet another 1/3rd from horticulture/floriculture. He also asked the farmers to embark upon solar farming on barren land, which would help them increase their income, and the government will procure through grid at three rupees per unit. The chief minister also announced that the government will foot the premium of interest generated from loans taken by farmers if the latter returned the loan amount within one year of taking the loan. Calling upon the farmers to use modern technology in farming as they are living in an era of globalization, Das asked the farmers to also focus on dairy production and bring white revolution by 2022 in the state, besides focusing on organic farming----all of these will help double their income by 2022. In his address on the occasion, NITI Ayogs CEO Amitabh Kant said that no other state in the country has seen as much turnaround of farmers life as Jharkhand in the last four years and expressed hope that in the coming years the income of farmers would climb to four times. Work to taking forward farmers is being successfully going on in Jharkhand. No other state in the country has seen as much change as in Jharkhand farmers life, Kant said and expressed hope that in the coming years the income of farmers would not only double up but would climb to four times. Kant commended Jharkhand for achieving 19 per cent growth rate in agriculture. He also said the state is working on how to produce maximum yield with minimum water while the state registered 83 per cent growth in fish production. Stating that the central governments goal is to double the income of the farmers by 2022, Kant said that efforts were on to produce tomatoes, onions, peas and other vegetables. Kant encouraged the farmers to take up organic farming. Jharkhand Chief Secretary Sudhir Tripathi said that the state is doubly-blessed----mineral-rich and agriculture-rich. Tripathi said in the last four years several initiatives in the agriculture sector has been taken up----single window, soil health card, women self-help groups, farm producers groups, revival of water resources and krishi bazaar modernization among other steps. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- This past week, Analytics India Magazine released its rankings on the top data science training institutes in the country and Jigsaw Academy has been ranked the top data science training institute in the country by Analytics India Magazine. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791393/Jigsaw_Academy.jpg ) These rankings are released annually by Analytics India Magazine, one of India's foremost analytics journals. With the latest announcement, Jigsaw Academy has now been ranked #1 in data science training for four years (2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013), having also topped the list in 2018. The team at AIM takes a variety of parameters - course content, comprehensiveness, faculty details and their expertise, student experience during and after a program, placement assistance, pedagogy and more - into account for their assessment of the various institutes. Jigsaw Academy expressed its gratitude towards students in a statement made after the ranking was announced. "We want to thank all our students, past and present, for their continued support and engagement," said Gaurav Vohra, CEO of Jigsaw Academy. "We're very proud of the fact that we have been able to deliver a high standard of to every person who enrols in any of our courses and that is a standard we are constantly striving to maintain. The first time we topped the rankings, we saw it as an achievement. Our ambition led us to doing so the second time. And now, it has become a commitment, to every person who has ever studied with us, or intends to do so." This announcement follows two other major announcements, where the Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Machine Learning course by University of Chicago and Jigsaw Academy was ranked number 2 in the list of executive data science courses in India and the Full Stack Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence was ranked number 4 in the list of best courses and programs on artificial intelligence in India. Jigsaw Academy offers a wide range of data science programs, covering topics such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Data Science, Business Analytics, HR Analytics and more. Jigsaw Academy also collaborates with stalwarts in the educational and professional spaces, such as the University of Chicago and IBM. The Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Machine Learning is one of the elite flagship programs offered by the University of Chicago and Jigsaw Academy. They also provide a variety of teaching methodologies, including online video classes, in-person instructor-led sessions by faculty and industry experts, as well as self-learning. About Jigsaw Academy Jigsaw Academy is a global award-winning online analytics and Big Data training provider, headquartered in Bengaluru, India. Founded by the duo of Gaurav Vohra and Sarita Digumarti, Jigsaw Academy has helped over 50,000 students in 30+ countries build a successful career in analytics with their specialized industry oriented courses. Ranked No. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drug firm Thursday said its subsidiary and Development Solutions Ltd (DDDSL) has entered into an agreement to acquire 10 per cent stake in Inipharm Inc USA for around $ 28.5 million (over Rs 1.99 billion). The company's wholly-owned subsidiary has entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire 534,194 shares of common stock of firm Inipharm Inc USA, for a cash consideration of $ 534.20 per share, said in a filing to The indicative time period for completion of the acquisition is three months, it added. Shares of were trading at Rs 740.50 per scrip in the afternoon trade on the BSE, up 6.61 per cent from their previous close. Bar leaders Thursday bid adieu to retiring Justice Kurian Joseph, terming him as one of the most "popular" judges in recent times with a "pleasant smile" and urged Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi to replace him a judge having a similar smile. Justice Joseph, the third senior-most judge who was elevated to the Supreme Court on March 8, 2013, was sitting in the crowded courtroom along with the CJI and Justice S K Kaul in the morning. Lawyers showered praises and wishes when the special bench was about to rise. At the outset of day's proceedings, CJI Gogoi, while issuing notice on a petition, said, "Today, I will not disagree with with my brother (Justice Joseph)." After around 30 minutes, senior lawyer and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh rose to bid farewell and said: "Bar wishes farewell to one of the most popular judges". He said though a formal farewell function would be held in the evening, "I want to say that Justice Joseph has been one of the most popular judges in recent times." Attorney General K K Venugopal praised the judge saying, "We are going to miss Your Lordship's smile". Former Attorney General and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi also joined his successor in praising Justice Joseph and said, "I urge the Chief Justice to replace him with a judge who has same pleasant smile". Overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of praises inside the courtroom, Justice Joseph said, "Life is worthwhile with a smile. If you smile, others smile at you and there is a mile of smile and all because life is worth a smile." He then left the courtroom with the CJI and Justice Kaul. Senior advocates Rajeev Dhavan and Indira Jaising also praised Justice Joseph. Later in the day, Justice Joseph came to press lounge inside the Supreme Court premises and thanked the scribes for accurately reporting judgements and proceedings of his court. "I thank you. The spirit of the judgment is always conveyed by you journalists," he said and extended invitation to journalists for a cup of tea at his official residence here. Justice Joseph had assumed office as a judge in the Kerala High Court on July 12, 2000 and had served as the Acting Chief Justice of the high court twice. He was later appointed the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court on February 8, 2010 and was then elevated to the apex court on March 8, 2013. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Makers of Kangana Ranaut-starrer "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" are yet to clear dues of approximately Rs 1.5 crore to the workers and junior artists, according to Federation of Western India Cine Employees. The film, which is due to be released on January 25 next year, is currently under post-production. The makers have been shooting some portions of the film at Filmcity in suburban Mumbai. The shoot was halted Wednesday afternoon mid-way because of non-payment of dues of workers, technicians and junior artists. "It has been three months but they have not cleared dues of daily wage workers, which is about Rs 40 lakh. About Rs 90 lakh are to be paid to light vendor and Rs 25 lakh to junior artists. The producer (Kamal Jain) had promised to make the payment by October but he has not fulfilled his commitment," Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) told PTI. The Film Studio Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union workers stalled work on the sets. The workers union then approached FWICE to seek their help in this matter. "There was some patch up work that was remaining. We spoke to Kamal Jain in the first week of November to sort out this payment issue. But now he has stopped answering our calls. He had told he will not pay the workers if the shooting comes to a halt," Dubey said. Dubey said FWICE is planning to write a letter to Prime Focus, a company working on the post production of "Manikarnika" and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to not work on the film and give it clearance till the payments are made. "The producers should understand the plight of these workers, technicians and junior artists, there is no safety and security on the sets, there is no insurance for them. Besides this, the quality of food on the sets is not always good and there is also an issue of hygiene. "We are also planning to meet Kirit Somaiya, who is the chairman of Labour committee," he added. When contacted Jain, he remained unavailable for comments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ten-day assembly session beginning from December 10 at 'Suvarna Soudha',the legislature complex in Belagavi, is likely to be stormy as the opposition BJP has planned to highlight the alleged injustice to farmers inside and outside the assembly, the party said Friday. A 'mega' farmers' rally would be held outside the Suvarna Soudha, modelled on the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat in Bengaluru, the party said. Inside the assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party would highlight its findings on the government's "failure" to carry out relief work in the drought and flood-hit regions, state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa told reporters after the legislative party meeting. Prior to the assembly session, six teams, comprising party leaders, would fan out to various parts of the state to review the damage due to drought and flood and government's "failure" to provide relief to the affected people, he said. "On December 10 at 1 pm, more than a lakh farmers will stage a demonstration (near Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi). Inside the assembly, we will highlight the plight of farmers," Yeddyurappa said. Led by former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, union minister D V Sadananda Gowda, former deputy chief minister R Ashok, K S Eshwarappa, Srinivas Pujar and union minister Ramesh Jigajinagi, these teams would start touring from December 3-6, he said. BJP state general secretary Arvind Limbavali said, "The Centre has alreadyreleased funds for flood affected Kodagu but the stategovernment failed to make good use of them." Limbavali said the party would also highlight the issue of farmers committing suicide, unsuccessful farm loan waiver, drought situation in the state and various demands of the farmers during the session. On the rally outside Suvarna Soudha, Limbavali claimed people from Belgavi, Bagalkote, Bijapur, Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri and Bombay-Karnataka region would take part. The party also introspected its performance in the recent bypolls at Shivamogga, Mandya, Ramanagar, Ballari and Jamkhandi. While the BJP blamed "misuse" of government machinery for its debacle, the party accepted that some leaders did not take the bypolls seriously. "We did deliberate the shortcomings in our party, mainly caste based and misuse of money power. The ruling party used them meticulously. Also, some leaders had a feeling that the bypolls will not happen and hence, they did not work hard," Limbavali said. In the November 3 bypolls, the BJP won the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat but lost Ballari to the Congress, which also bagged the Jamkhandi assembly segment. Congress' coalition partner JDS won the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and in Ramanagara assembly constituency, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's wife Anitha was elected. This would be the first assembly session for the coalition government in Belagavi after coming to power in the State. Belagavi in north Karnataka, bordering Maharashtra, has been hosting the legislature session once a year since 2006. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people. "There is one big Modi in Delhi and small Modi here in the form of KCR (as Rao is popularly known). People are scared of the duo. Both are cheating people," he said referring to "unfulfilled" electoral promises made by them. Addressing a road show here as part of campaigning for the Congress-led four-party People's Front for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, he also claimed whoever posed questions to Modi would be subjected to searches by the CBI or the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate. Prime Minister Modi was destroying constitutional bodies. "A situation is emerging where there is no democracy. I cannot keep quiet. That is why me and Congress decided to work together to save democracy," Naidu, whose party is part of the front, claimed that the TDP was the brain behind the development of Hyderabad and Telangana, saying 'Cyberabad (IT district here) was his brainchild and he had brought software giants like Microsoft. Earlier, talking to reporters, the TDP supremo defended joining hands with the Congress, saying they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party. Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi at a couple of campaign meetings Wednesday in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform. "Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he said. "But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress. The Congress has roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the assembly polls. Naidu, who snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA earlier this year on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, said the saffron party had no chance of winning any of the five states which were presently under various stages of the election process. He said the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones. "Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much... But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed. On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would be no formal invitation to any party. On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, there were efficient people and able administrators who would take the role. "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that," he said. Naidu, who has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the recent weeks, ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership. "I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative," he said. The TDP chief asserted that the People's Front was going to win the coming polls and form the government in Telangana. At the roadshow, Naidu said TDP was committed to the development of Telangana and he had no intention of entering into the state and would confine himself to Andhra Pradesh. TDP is contesting in 13 seats in the Telangana polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korean companies have expressed willingness to invest, especially in IT companies, in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and in UT Chandigarh, an official said Thursday. Korean companies are keen on developing information technology, internet of things, artificial intelligence, smart factories, and infrastructure projects, including smart cities, transportation, and power generation & transmission, said Shin Bong-Kil, Ambassador of South Korea in India, while visiting Infosys technology facility in the city. "Korean companies are good in developing technology and manufacturing, while Indian services and IT companies are well-known for their expertise. If both join hands and form joint companies, they can do wonders globally," according to a release quoting the Ambassador. Korea is keen to forge business ties, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers and develop other inter-trade mechanisms such as appointing dealerships and distributor channels with the industrialists from northern India, especially Chandigarh, Punjab, Himachal and Haryana, he said. He also referred to the recent visit of Korean President Moon Jae-in the country and various steps taken by India, including the launch of 'Korea Plus', a special initiative to promote and facilitate Korean investments in India. "Steps for ease of doing business and creating an ideal investment environment coupled by success of several existing Korean companies in India, a large number of new companies are interested in investing and setting up industries in India and becoming a key partner in 'Make in India' initiative," he said. He said the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has a potential to take bilateral trade relations between the two countries to new highs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The H D Kumarawamy-led JDS-Congress ministry in Karnataka would be expanded before the winter session of the state legislature commencing on December 10, state Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said Thursday. Speaking to reporters here, he said the Congress and the JDS would decide on their respective nominees to the six-month old cabinet, whose expansion was expected last month itself. "I had said cabinet expansion will be done before the assembly session. Session begins on 10th (December), before that cabinet expansion will happenwe will do it," Rao said. His statement came amid speculation that the expansion was likely to be delayed further. Recent comments by Deputy Chief Minister GParameshwara and former chief minister Siddaramaiah that theywere waiting for appointment to meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is busy with elections in five states, to discuss about the expansion had triggered the speculation. There is growing clamour from legislators, especially of Congress, for the expansion at the earliest. According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are now six vacant ministerial positions leftfor the Congress and two for the JD(S). This will be the second expansion of Kumaraswamy's ministry, who currently heads the 26-member cabinet. Meanwhile, several Congress leaders from Hassandistrict, reportedly upset over the style of functioning of Kumaraswamy'sbrother and District in-charge Minister H D Revanna, Thursday met senior leaders including KPCC chief Rao and Siddaramaiah here, requesting them to "save" the party in the district. "We have been fighting against JD(S) and Revanna (Minister) over years, we remained silent (on joining hands) obeying high command's orders... now we are being targeted. Their intention is to suppress Congress for their survival in Hassan," Congress leader Putte Gowda told reporters. According to sources, the leaders have petitioned the Congress leadership against Revanna. However, Rao said, they hadcome to explain about the party and political situation in thedistrict and not to complain against any one. "They had come with issues relating to party workers and seeking more representation for them in any government related nominations," he added. Revanna, on his part, said, "let Siddaramaiah or Parameshwara speak to me if there are such issues. I don't do hate ...there is no such thing." Hassan, the home town of H D Deve Gowda and his sons Kumaraswamy and Revanna, is a JD(S) strong hold and Congress had been fighting the party bitterly over the years. Both parties joined hands to form government in the state after the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung verdict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a shocking incident, a labourer was killed and two persons injured after a lion attacked them in Devalia Safari Park in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Thursday. The lion first attacked a labourer, identified as Rajnish Keshwala (32), and dragged him inside the park this morning, said D T Vasavada, chief conservator of forests (CCF) (Junagadh Wildlife Circle) told PTI "When another labourer, Dinesh Sakhat, tried to save Keshwala, the lion attacked him also. While Sakhat managed to flee, the lion dragged Keshwala inside the park's forest. Dinesh then alerted the staff about the incident," he said. Sakhat, who was severely injured, was taken to the Junagadh Civil Hospital and forest officials immediately launched a search for Keshwala, the CFO said. "During the search operation inside the park, the staff found Keshwala's body. While the body was being recovered, the lion also attacked a forester," Vasavada said. The forester sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, he added. Keshwala's body has been recovered, Vasavada said, adding that an inquiry would be conducted into the incident. The officer did not rule out the possibility of more than one lion being involved in the attacks. Devalia Safari Park is situated close to Gir National Park, the last abode of the endangered Asiatic lions at Sasan in Junagadh district, about 350 kilometres from here. The forest department has employed a number of labourers to help in maintenance of the park spread over an area of 412 hectares. The park, also known as Gir Interpretation Zone - Devalia - was established to reduce the tourist burden on the Gir National Park. It is a closed facility secured by chain link fencing. Apart from Asiatic lions, the park houses leopards, blue bulls, sambhar, chital, jackal, black buck and wild boar, among other animals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan Parliament Thursday overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed premier by President Maithripala Sirisena in a controversial move that plunged the country into a constitutional crisis. The motion was passed with 123 lawmakers voting in favour of the motion and none opposing it in the 225-member House as Rajapaksa's supporters boycotted the session. "Such a motion cannot be presented by the Opposition. It must be presented only by a government minister," SB Dissanayake, a member of Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) party, said. Observers opine that the passing of the motion, stripping prime minister's secretary from spending money from the state account, was yet another indication that Rajapaksa lacked simple majority of 113 in the House to continue as the premier. The motion, which was approved, read, "Parliament resolves that from November 15, Secretary to the Prime Minister has no authority to approve any expenditure drawn from the funds of the Republic and any person taking any action in violation of this resolution will be dealt with according to the law." Lanka is witnessing a political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has officially conveyed that the House does not recognise Rajapaksa as the legal prime minister until he proved his majority in the House. The United National Front led by Wickeremesinghe has moved three motions of no trust against Rajapaksa. However, he refused to step down. The parliamentarians comprising members of the UNF, JVP and TNA filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the former president, challenging him to prove on what authority he is holding office as the prime minister after the Parliament voted twice to defeat him on November 14 and November 16. The November 16 session witnessed unprecedented violence as lawmakers threw furniture and chilli powder at each other. Jayasuriya had called the police into the House as lawmakers were seen breaking furniture to attack the police, while there were video images of some MPs carrying sharp objects and an MP was seen throwing chilli powder mixed with water at the policemen. The violence had left some lawmakers injured. The Speaker Thursday announced he has appointed a committee to probe the violence in the Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Realty major Lodha Developers is likely to raise Rs 700 crore from Canadian pension fund CDPQ for the development of its ongoing 4,500-acre integrated township 'Palava City' near Mumbai, according to sources. The talks are in advance stages and the deal is likely to be concluded soon, they added. Mumbai-based Lodha Developers, which aims to launch an over Rs 5,000 crore IPO when the market condition improves, has also decided to exit the UK property market and is in advanced stage to sell its two residential projects in central London for about Rs 4,200 crore. With these two deals in pipeline, the company would be raising nearly Rs 5,000 crore and this fund would be utilised to prepay/repay its debt of around Rs 18,000 crore. The sale of housing projects in London and fund raising for its township project Palava city are part of the company's strategy to reduce debt and strengthen its balance sheet. A spokesperson of the company declined to comment on the Palava deal. On India business, Lodha Developers' MD Abhishek Lodha had said on Wednesday that the company achieved sales bookings of Rs 4,200 crore in the first six months of this fiscal and sales have been good in October and November. The company expects its sales bookings to cross Rs 9,000 crore for the entire 2018-19 financial year. "Our 50 per cent of business is mid-income housing," Lodha had said. The company is also developing rental assets worth Rs 10,000 crore, of which one-fourth is completed. Its annual rental will be Rs 175 crore by March 2019. Meanwhile, Lodha Developers got approval in July to hit the capital market with an initial public offer (IPO) of about Rs 5,500 crore. The share sale, if successful, would be the second biggest IPO in the real estate sector after DLF that raised close to Rs 9,200 crore in 2007. This would be the second attempt by Lodha Developers to launch a public issue and list its shares on the stock exchanges. Lodha Developers had posted a 32 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit at Rs 790 crore during the last fiscal from Rs 599 crore in the previous year. Total income rose by 22 per cent to Rs 9,700 crore in 2017-18 from Rs 7,957 crore in the previous year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he would raise the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit. "I will no doubt have the opportunity to mention it with the crown prince on the margins of the summit," Macron told journalists in Buenos Aires. The de facto Saudi ruler arrived in Argentina on Wednesday bidding to shrug off international outrage over the murder in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The land for a proposed India-UAE-Saudi Arabia oil refinery in Maharashtra will be allocated in the coming weeks, a UAE envoy said Thursday as he sought to assuage New Delhi's concern over fuel deficit in view of US sanctions against Tehran. The remarks by emirates' envoy Ahmed Albanna on the allocation of land in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district came at a time when the project was facing opposition from the locals as well political parties, including the Shiv Sena. In a media briefing this week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise the issue of volatility in global oil prices at the G20 Summit in Argentina. Responding to a question on whether there will be a demand-supply mismatch, especially once the six-months' relief given by the US to cut down oil imports from Iran ends, the envoy said fuel prices were determined by demand by different markets globally. "Will there be a shortage? I don't think so. Yes India was given relief from US boycott with seven other countries. Even if that had not taken place, if you go back to history, in previous times, the UAE and Saudi always stood very strongly and supplied and covered any shortages of oil or fuel to India. So I don't think there is a major concern over that," Albanna told reporters ahead of the 47th National Day of his country. India's top three oil suppliers are Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The UAE is also one of the major oil suppliers to India. Earlier this month, India was given a six-month relief by the US to bring Iranian oil imports to zero under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), aimed at hitting the Russian, Iranian and North Korean entities hard. In June this year, the world's biggest oil producers, Saudi Arabian oil company Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc), the state-run oil firm of the UAE, and India came together to jointly develop the refinery and petrochemicals complexes in Ratnagiri. Fearing that the land in the area would lose fertility and be a threat to Alphonso mangoes and fishing hamlets, the locals were opposing the project. The Shiv Sena, a BJP ally at the Centre and in the state, also opposed it. "The state of Maharashtra is in a stage of allocating land. The land will be allocated in coming two weeks or months," the UAE envoy said. Responding to a question on the extradition of Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman wanted by Indian investigative agencies in the Rs 3,600-crore AugustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, Albanna said the matter should be left to the judicial system in the UAE. This month, a Dubai court ordered Michel's extradition to India. He said the two countries have a Joint Commission meeting in Abu Dhabi on December 4 led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart. He added that both sides were keen to review the air services agreement to bring down prices and increase flight operations without interfering with individual carriers to benefit passengers. Fifty-five per cent of Indians travelling overseas transit through the UAE, he said. The envoy said an agreement would soon be signed between the UAE and India for setting up a fast-track single window system for investments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it would pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the father of a 24-year-old man who was lynched by a mob in Pune in 2014. Sadiq Sheikh had approached the high court seeking Rs 10 lakh -- Rs 5 lakh each from the Union government and the state -- under a scheme which offers compensation to victims of communal violence. His son Mohsin, who was working with an IT firm in Pune, was beaten to death by a mob on June 2, 2014. There was communal tension in Pune's Hadapsar area after morphed photos of late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were circulated on social media. Mohsin and his friend were stopped by the mob when they were returning home. While his friend escaped, Mohsin was lynched. Additional government pleader Manish Pabale Thursday told a division bench of Chief Justice N H Patil and Justice M S Karnik that the compensation amount would be paid to Sheikh in a week. The court then posted the petition for further hearing after two weeks and asked the government to file an affidavit stating if the amount has been paid. Police had arrested several members of right-wing group Hindu Rashtra Sena for the alleged murder. The charge sheet had named 23 members of the group, including its head Dhananjay Desai. The trial in the case is still on. While some of the accused were released on bail, Desai is still lodged at the Yerwada prison in Pune. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said he was sure majority of the people in India would appreciate the steps taken by the two countries in building the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. The foundation stone of the much-awaited corridor was laid by Khan on Wednesday at Kartarpur in Pakistan in a grand ceremony. "The India I know -- majority must be appreciating it (Kartarpur corridor)," Khan told reporters here. The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev. The corridor is expected to be completed within six months. Thousands of Sikh devotees from India visit Pakistan every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India had proposed the corridor to Pakistan around 20 years back. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday called for bringing a change in the government at the Centre in the Lok Sabha polls and alleged that the BJP dispensation has caused hardships to the people of the country. Banerjee said her party will contest elections in states neighbouring West Bengal such as Jharkhand and Assam to protect the people from alleged attacks by the BJP. The TMC supremo, who is organising a mega rally of opposition parties at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on January 19, urged the people to change the government in Delhi in the general elections. "We gave the slogan for defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha poll. You should also raise the slogan 'badal do' (change it)", Banerjee said. She claimed that the Modi government has failed to solve the unemployment problem and the common people are not getting loan from banks. "The people are fed up with the Modi government. They are saying enough is enough", she said. Banerjee had stated on Wednesday that the TMC will play an "important" role in the next Lok Sabha elections. Several opposition parties have confirmed their participation in the mega rally in Kolkata, she had said. "Leaders such as Chandrababu Naidu, Hardik Patel, Tejaswi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, M K Stalin, Farooq Abdullah and Arvind Kejriwal have confirmed their participation at the rally," the chief minister had said. Accusing the saffron party of attempting to divide the nation on religious line, Banerjee urged the people not to fall prey to any provocation. "Our party (Trinamool Congress) will contest elections in the neighbouring states to protect people from saffron attacks," Banerjee said while addressing a public meeting here in the state's coal belt in West Burdwan district. She claimed that the BJP was bringing paid goons from neighbhouring Jharkhand to foment trouble in West Bengal districts, and Bengalis and Biharis are being driven away from Assam where the BJP is in power. "We will contest Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Jharkhand in the future. We will also contest in Assam and Odisha," Banerjee said in the meeting. Referring to the BJP's alleged attack on the adivasis in Jharkhand, she claimed that the tribal land was being grabbed there. "We sent our team there to fight for their cause. The fight will continue in the future," Banerjee said. "Bengalis and Biharis are also being driven away from Assam. We want good relations with our neighbouring states. We have decided to contest elections there. If an adivasi is persecuted there, we will fight for them," she said. Charging the BJP with trying to incite violence and divide the nation, Banerjee said her government will not allow this to happen. Banerjee blamed the BJP and the CPI(M) for instigating people against implementation of projects in the state. These two parties were also asking people not to cooperate with the administration for rehabilitating residents of the subsidence-prone areas in Asansol, Raniganj and Jamuria, the Trinamool leader claimed. Stating that the state-run Durgapur Projects Ltd (DPL) would be restructured, she said huge employment opportunity would be created through development of the world's second largest coal reserve at Deocha-Panchami near here. On agriculture, she said, "Bengal is the only state where khajna tax on agricultural land has been waived. We have done away with mutation fees on agricultural land." During the last five years, she said, her government has brought a total change in the district by introducing a new airport, several hospitals, university and colleges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maratha community members Thursday called off their protest after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray assured he will ask the Maharashtra government to accept their key demand of withdrawing "false" cases lodged against agitators during the reservation stir in the state. Thackeray's party is a key member of the BJP-led ruling coalition in the state. Members of the Maratha Kranti Thok Morcha had been on an indefinite fast at the Azad maidan here for the last 10 days in support of a slew of demands, including withdrawal of cases against "13,700 protesters". They were also demanding that the kin of those who had lost their lives in the quota protests be given a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each besides a government job to one member of their family. They were also seeking a complete loan waiver for farmers, among other demands. Thackeray, who visited the protest site in South Mumbai, assured them that all "false" cases lodged against protesters would be withdrawn and those arrested let off. "I will meet the Chief Minister and ask him to withdraw all false cases against protesters. Also, I have assured them that those who have been wrongly arrested be let off," Thackeray told reporters. The politically powerful community had been agitating for quota in government jobs and education. Over the last few years, they took out numerous marches across the state in support of their demand. The Maharashtra Legislature Thursday passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier assured partial withdrawal of police cases filed against Maratha community members. Such cases related to damage caused to properties during the protests. "However, criminal charges like assaulting police officials will not be withdrawn," the chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, had said. Fadnavis, speaking during the cabinet meeting here Thursday, said except serious offences, including those lodged for assaulting police personnel, all other cases will be withdrawn, sources said. The Shiv Sena had raised the issue of withdrawal of cases in the Cabinet meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The much-awaited draft Bill which provides for reservation to the Maratha community will be tabled for passage in the Maharashtra Legislature on Thursday. A two-page action taken report (ATR) on the State Backward Class Commission's (SBCC) recommendations on will also be tabled along with the Bill, a government source said. The meeting of the state Cabinet sub-committee, headed by Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, over the issue was held late Wednesday evening after being postponed twice in the day. Patil had said in the Legislative Council on Wednesday that the ongoing Winter session of the state Legislature may be extended, if needed, to pass the Bill which provides for reservation to the Maratha community. According to the current schedule, the Winter session, which began in Mumbai on November 19, will conclude on November 30. The previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) coalition government had granted 16 per cent reservation to Marathas in jobs and education, but it was stayed by the Bombay High Court. The Opposition Congress and the NCP have been demanding tabling of reports of the SBCC recommending quota for Marathas and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' report on reservation to the Dhangar (shepherd) community. ALSO READ: Maharashtra govt committee yet to finalise Maratha quota percentage The Dhangar community has been pressing for reservation under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The Cabinet sub-committee was formed last week to study the SBCC's report on reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education and take a decision on it. The government had received the report on November 15 and it was placed before the Cabinet on November 18 for approval. "The government proposes to provide reservation to Marathas under a new category, called the 'Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC)', without disturbing the existing quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)," the source said. The Maratha community, which constitutes over 30 per cent of the state's population, has been demanding quota for a long time and its agitation for the same in July and August this year had taken a violent turn. Legal experts and political observers opined Thursday that the BJP-led Maharashtra government should be prepared to fight a legal battle over its decision to grant quota to the Maratha community. The Maharashtra legislature on Thursday passed a bill giving 16 per cent quota to the Marathas in educatinal institutes and government jobs. The provision will be contrary to the Supreme Court's directives in Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, where the court imposed a ceiling of 50 per cent on overall reservations, said Ulhas Bapat, an expert in constitutional law. "The bill has taken the total quantum of quota to 68 per cent, significantly above the SC's cap of 50 per cent. If it is challenged, the state will have to submit a detailed report backing its decision," he said. "The sad part is the bill was passed without any discussion in both the houses," he said. He also expressed surprise that the government refused to release the report submitted by the State Backward Class Commission on social and economic backwardness of the Maratha community. Hari Narke, a writer and political observer, said, "If the Maharashtra government's proposal to include Marathas into the category of backward communities is accepted by the Centre, they will be part of OBCs at the Central level, and it could create unrest among existing OBCs." Social thinker and writer Sadanand More said the Maratha community had not demanded any political reservation. "They needed quota in education and government jobs and the state has given it to them," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The DMK Thursday announced a protest demonstration on December 4 at Tiruchirappalli to urge the Centre to rescind its nod for a Detailed Project Report to Karnataka for building a dam at Mekedatu across Cauvery river. After chairing a meeting of allies -Congress and IUML- and friendly parties including the MDMK and VCK, DMK chief M K Stalin told reporters a "massive protest demonstration," will be held at the delta town in which leaders of all friendly parties will take part. Demanding a special session of the Assembly to pass a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw its permission to Karnataka for preparing the DPR, the Leader of Opposition appealed to leaders of all political parties to take part in the stir transcending party lines. Recently, the Central Water Commission had allowed Karnataka to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a balancing reservoir cum drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery. On Tuesday, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had urged the Centre to withdraw its permission to Karnataka for preparing a DPR for the dam project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists have successfully created 'mini-placentas' that can provide a window into early pregnancy and help transform our understanding of reproductive disorders such as still-birth and miscarriage. Many pregnancies fail because the embryo does not implant correctly into the lining of the womb (uterus) and fails to form a placental attachment to the mother. Yet, because of the complexities of studying this early period of our development, very little is understood about what is happening normally and what can go wrong. Animals are too dissimilar to humans to provide a good model of placental development and implantation. "The placenta is absolutely essential for supporting the baby as it grows inside the mother," said Margherita Turco, from the University of Cambridge in the UK. "When it doesn't function properly, it can result in serious problems, from pre-eclampsia to miscarriage, with immediate and lifelong consequences for both mother and child. But our knowledgec of this important organ is very limited because of a lack of good experimental models," said Turco. Organoids -- often referred to as 'mini-organs' -- enable insights into human biology and disease. At the University of Cambridge, scientists are using organoid cultures to grow everything from 'mini-brains' to 'mini-livers' to 'mini-lungs'. The team was able to grow organoids using cells from villi -- tiny frond-like structures -- taken from placental tissue. These trophoblast organoids are able to survive long-term, are genetically stable and organise into villous-like structures that secrete essential proteins and hormones that would affect the mother's metabolism during the pregnancy. Further analysis showed that the organoids closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas. In fact, the organoids so closely model the early placenta that they are able to record a positive response on an over-the-counter pregnancy test. "These 'mini-placentas' build on decades of research and we believe they will transform work in this field," said Graham Burton, from Cambridge. "They will play an important role in helping us investigate events that happen during the earliest stages of pregnancy and yet have profound consequences for the life-long health of the mother and her offspring," Burton said. "The placenta supplies all the oxygen and nutrients essential for growth of the fetus, and if it fails to develop properly the pregnancy can sadly end with a low birthweight baby or even a stillbirth," he said. In addition, the organoids may shed light on other mysteries surrounding the relationships between the placenta, the uterus and the foetus. The organoids may also be used for screening the safety of drugs to be used in early pregnancy, to understand how chromosomal abnormalities may perturb normal development, and possibly even provide stem cell therapies for failing pregnancies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 32-year-old transgender-activist Chandramukhi M, who is contesting the December 7 Telangana Assembly elections, appeared before the police here after she reportedly went missing on Tuesday, police said Thursday. Chandramukhi M, who is contesting on a CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front or BLF ticket from Goshamahal constituency in the city, allegedly went missing from her house and a 'case of missing person' was registered, they said. Late Wednesday night, she appeared before police, but did not say where she had gone, assistant commissioner of police K Srinivasa Rao told PTI. Chandramukhi also told police that she was safe, the official said. After she reportedly went missing, Chandramukhi's friends from the transgender community lodged a complaint with the police, saying she was feared kidnapped and her mother was in a state of despair. As an activist with 'Telangana Hijra Intersex Transgender Samiti' Chandramukhi had protested against the alleged atrocities on the transgender community. Chandramukhi's decision to contest the polls was to uplift her community, her supporters have said. "We fear for her safety and condemn the lack of protection for transgender candidates and women, which prevents them from joining politics," they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers. Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state. "Prime Minister Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also. "We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Gandhi told the rally. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists. Gandhi said the previous UPA government brought the law which gave immense benefits to tribals. The Telangana government has been accused of diluting the Act by outlawing traditional methods of forest land cultivation. The Congress president said tribals could not reap full benefit of the law in Telangana because of dilution of its provisions. Gandhi assured that contract workers of Singareni Collieries would be regularised if the Congress-led alliance came to power in Telangana and the cases of employees who lost their jobs for various reasons would be sympathetically examined. He also slammed the prime minister for his "habit" of privatising public sector undertakings. Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors. Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people." Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi industry. He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Targeting the prime minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Gandhi said,"Modi ji tells you his 'mann ki baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) mann ki baat and run Telangana according to your wishes." The Congress president said while Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajnikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer '2.0' portrays the ill-effects of "unregulated growth of mobile services" and objections of the telecom industry are bogus, the film's production house Lyca Productions has said. Telecom industry body COAI had earlier this week requested the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) to revoke the certification of the film, saying its trailers show mobile phones and towers in a bad light. In a strongly worded letter to the CBFC, Lyca said the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has "no rudimentary knowledge of law and film production" and "they appear to be a puppet in the hands of a rival film producer". "The theme of the film is not against development or mobile services, but against unregulated growth of mobile services. While the objections of the COAI is bogus and empty and revolves around 'no effect' of electronics waves on human beings and commercial view of its members, we as film producer have chosen a subject that has fantasy and fiction as well," Lyca said in the letter dated November 26. The film, with a reported budget of around Rs 600 crore, released Thursday. Meanwhile, COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews said the filmmakers have clarified that the movie is fictional and not based on scientific evidence. "We have raised concern before appropriate authorities. We hope people will understand that it is fiction and not ask for removing cell phone towers. In case there is unwanted activity against networks then it will be for the government to handle it," Mathews said. In its letter, Lyca said the producers of the film need not accept COAI's views that there are no ill-effects of mobile towers. "We are under no obligation to toe the line with the said Association... the film does not hunt or defames anyone," Lyca said, adding that it does not make documentaries or had been appointed as an 'agent' of any telecom association. "The COAI has claimed that radiations on human being are a subject matter of various researches. The very fact that a cell phone tower is ordered to be distanced from habitation prima facie shows that it has an impact on living beings," Lyca said. It said that the censor board, which cleared the film, did not find anything serious or objectionable. "The complainant viz COAI cannot force the hand of the government and other statutory bodies to stall its release. We request you to not to entertain any vexatious letters at the instance of this interloper," it said. The COAI, whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has alleged that the promotional videos are based on the theme that electromagnetic field emissions from mobile phones and towers are harmful to living creatures and the environment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday Narendra Modi has broken every single promise of his, including being an "honest" prime minister. Speaking at a students' convention in poll-bound Telangana, he also made a strong pitch for farm loan waiver. Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and caretaker Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao "make many, many promises" but do not deliver on them. "The prime minister made promises of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen, two crore jobs to youth every year, farm loan waiver and a just minimum support price for farm produce. He also promised he will be the 'chowkidaar' of this country and not the prime inister. "You have seen that he has broken every single promise. He has broken the promise of being an honest prime minister," he said. Gandhi alleged the prime minister gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal but not the farmers their due. "If the Prime Minister of India can write off (rupees) three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...the richest people in the country, then he should be ready to waive the loan of India's farmers," he said. The Congress leader said what he was asking for was fair treatment to everyone. "If you are treating the richest people in the country (well), and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country also," Gandhi said. Addressing the convention organised by private educational institutions, he said the Congress party believes in fairness and all its policies are designed to create a level playing field for different sections of people. He also said Rao got a golden opportunity to build a newly created state and do things in a fresh way but he fritted it away by "indulging in corruption and promoting family rule". Gandhi asked the audience to recollect his speeches of the last 15 years and identify even one commitment he made and did not honour. "I am not in the habit of lying to our people. I am not in the habit of making false promises. I made a commitment to farmers about agricultural loan waiver in Karnataka and Punjab, and when we were voted to power there, we wrote them off," he said. Gandhi said he would never make tall promises like creating two crore jobs every year or putting Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of people. "It is a matter of my credibility and I take that very seriously," he asserted. Gandhi alleged the TRS government had favoured large corporate institutions. Referring to the Congress manifesto, he promised health insurance for the staff of private educational institutions recognised by the government, "reasonable" power tariff and reduction in municipal and property taxes. If voted to power, the Congress-led alliance will also try and revive thousands of minority institutions that failed as a result of the policies of the TRS government, he said. A 39-year-old Indian Navy commander has been booked by Pune police for allegedly uploading objectionable and morphed pictures of his wife on an online photo application, a police official said Thursday. The victim in her complaint to police on Tuesday claimed that her husband, currently posted in Delhi, had "pornography addiction", Kondhwa police station's inspector Mahadeo Kumbhar said. The woman, who is a former Army officer, mentioned that she had recently moved to her parent's place here along with her children as her husband did not give up his habit, despite several efforts by her and other family members, he said. After being fed up of her husband's behaviour, the woman shifted to Pune and also filed a divorce case at a family court here last month, he said. While moving from Delhi to Pune, she brought along her husband's mobile phone and on checking it, she found the objectionable pictures uploaded on the photo app, Kumbhar said quoting the complaint. Besides uploading the victim's photos, her husband had also posted objectionable pictures of his colleague's wife and some other women on the app, he said. "As per the complaint, the accused used his e-mail account to upload his wife's pictures on the photo app," Kumbhar said, adding that they have so far not received any complaint from the other women. The accused was also allegedly having an affair with his colleague's wife, he said quoting the complaint. A case was registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, the police official said. "We will write to Navy authorities seeking permission to question him in the case," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 260 cadets, including some from foreign countries, were conferred degrees at the convocation ceremony of 135th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla near here Thursday. The chief guest at the convocation ceremony was Prof Furqan Qamar, Secretary General, the Association of Indian Universities, said an official release. A total of 253cadets were conferred the degrees from the Jawaharlal Nehru University - 48in science stream, 146 in computer science and59cadets in arts stream. Eight cadets from friendly foreign countries were also awarded degrees during the programme, it said. Air Marshal I P Vipin, Commandant, NDA, addressed the ceremony after which the academic report of Autumn Term - 2018 was presented by the academy principal. Qamar, in his convocation address, congratulated the cadets of the passing out course for undergoing the training with dedication and hard work. He emphasised about the role and importance of armed forces in shaping India and also motivated the future military leaders to carry forward the professionalism, ethos imbibed at the academy towards the service of the nation. Academy Cadet Captain Jaipreet Singhwon the Chief of Army Staff Trophy for standing first in science stream. CQMS Risabh Guptagot the Chief of Naval Staff Trophy for standing first in BSc (computer science). SCC US Ganeshbagged the Chief of Air Staff trophy presented for standing first in social science stream. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has stressed the need for broader cooperation between the and the (SCO) to "fully disrupt" terror organisations and networks and take strong measures against those who provide sanctuary to terrorists. became a full member of the SCO in June 2017 after an administrative process that began two years prior. Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said. "The fight against terrorism and drug trafficking can be an important area of broader cooperation between the and the SCO," he said said at the 2nd?? High-Level Special Event on UN and Cooperation. Lal said it is only through collective cooperation that the international community will be able to "fully disrupt the terror organisations and networks, identify and hold accountable, and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists." He said looks forward to an increased cooperation and the signing of the MoU between the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and the UN's Office for Counter-Terrorism. "Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively," he said. Lal noted that the current global landscape is one of multiple conflicts and terrorism that are impacting security across borders. "These and other challenges are straining the spirit of international cooperation. It is a time when multilateralism needs to be strengthened to ensure our collective peace and prosperity," he said. He emphasised that the UN with its universal membership and various important regional organisations such as the SCO represent common endeavours to address the world's common challenges. He added that the UN needs additional capabilities to deal with contemporary threats. "Given the specialised knowledge functional expertise and understanding of regional contexts, organizations like SCO will be able to enhance the work of the UN in strengthening peace, security and stability," he said. While the SCO is a comparatively young organisation, having been founded in 2001, Lal said it has been successful in contributing to managing the transition in the Central Asian region in the last two decades by enhancing the level of trust and security in the region. "The SCO has focused on the fight against terrorism, which continues to be a major threat to global peace and security," he said adding that the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent is a useful mechanism for coordinated action against terrorism and drugs. Lal underlined that India brings a range of capacities to the various SCO activities and remains committed to working with its partners both in the SCO and in the UN towards a better future for all. India has sought broader cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to "fully disrupt" terror organisations and networks and take strong measures against those who provide sanctuary to terrorists. India became a full member of the Beijing-based SCO in June 2017. Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said. "The fight against terrorism and drug trafficking can be an important area of broader cooperation between the United Nations and the SCO," he said said at the 2nd?? High-Level Special Event on UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Cooperation. Lal said it is only through collective cooperation that the international community will be able to "fully disrupt the terror organisations and networks, identify and hold accountable, and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists." He said India looks forward to an increased cooperation and the signing of the MoU between the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and the UN's Office for Counter-Terrorism. "Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively," he said. Lal noted that the current global landscape is one of multiple conflicts and terrorism that are impacting security across borders. "These and other challenges are straining the spirit of international cooperation. It is a time when multilateralism needs to be strengthened to ensure our collective peace and prosperity," he said. He emphasised that the UN with its universal membership and various important regional organisations such as the SCO represent common endeavours to address the world's common challenges. He added that the UN needs additional capabilities to deal with contemporary threats. "Given the specialised knowledge functional expertise and understanding of regional contexts, organizations like SCO will be able to enhance the work of the UN in strengthening peace, security and stability," he said. While the SCO is a comparatively young organisation, having been founded in 2001, Lal said it has been successful in contributing to managing the transition in the Central Asian region in the last two decades by enhancing the level of trust and security in the region. "The SCO has focused on the fight against terrorism, which continues to be a major threat to global peace and security," he said adding that the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent is a useful mechanism for coordinated action against terrorism and drugs. Lal underlined that India brings a range of capacities to the various SCO activities and remains committed to working with its partners both in the SCO and in the UN towards a better future for all. The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001, with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as founding members. It expanded to include India and Pakistan in 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Nepal Army on Thursday convicted 173 personnel, including 23 officers, for their involvement in corruption in the last year's recruitment process. After a month-long investigation, a court martial found them guilty of soliciting bribes from aspiring soldiers and assuring them jobs, including those who managed to get entry into the force. Apart from jail term and explusion from the Army, the court also slapped a fine of 32.28 million Nepali rupees on them, according to a press release from the Nepal Army headquarters. Two soldiers were sentenced to six years imprisonment and expulsion from the Army, six soldiers, including two officers, have been sentenced to one month to three years of imprisonment and expulsion, one soldier would be expelled from job and promotion of dozens of others have been halted as per the court martial. The Giri-led army court also sacked 112 personnel, among them 101 were the new recruits who managed to secure the job through bribery, it said. They, however, aren't disqualified to get government positions in the future. This is probably for the first time in the history of the Nepal Army that such a large number of soldiers have been court-martialed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) E-pharma portal Netmeds.com Thursday announced its foray into offline space through franchise model and is eyeing over 1,000 stores across the country in five years. The fully-licensed company is opening its first brick-and-mortar store Netmeds Pharmacy in Nanded, Maharashtra, the company said in a release issued here. "We believe that the neighbourhood chemist shop and the local pharmacist will continue to play an important role in the overall healthcare landscape, especially when it comes to serving acute needs," Netmeds.com founder and chief executive Pradeep Dadha said. The company is looking at previously unserviced or underserved markets especially tier III and IV towns, he added. "The franchise enrolment process is under way and the applicants are being vetted. The five years plan for this programme is to open a minimum 1,000 stores across the country," Dadha added. The Netmeds franchise programme will see the launch of a number of branded stores across the country, including metros like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi to tier II, III cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, Pali, Rajasthan and Balurghat, West Bengal. "Currently about 65 per cent of our online business comes from non-metros. While we fully intend to continue to serve them through Netmeds.com website and app, we believe we can enhance the customer experience and improve access with Netmeds Pharmacies. The stores will offer access to medicines that may not be in stock locally, through our well-established supply chain, at lower prices," Dadha said. Going forward, Netmeds plans to offer more in-store benefits and lower prices as the two models integrate logistics and point-of-sale and merchandising systems. The company will maintain operations under the Netmeds brand and continue to source from trusted vendors and partners, he added. Netmeds.com is promoted by Dadha Pharma, a Chennai-based company and backed by investors including MAPE Advisory, OrbiMed, Tanncam, Sistema and Daun Penh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Services the fastest-growing sector with 15.6% growth in 2017-18 Housing prices declined in Q4 2016 after DeMo, but recovered within 4 quarters to register positive growth West Bengal's new IT policy to disseminate the IT-ITeS activities across the state for the benefit of the population in the fringe and rural areas. This will be a game-changer for the state's real estate market as well as its larger economy. This is one of the many highlights of the report 'Kolkata: The East's Icon of Balanced Growth' by knowledge partners ANAROCK at CREDAI StateCon today. The report emphasises that West Bengal's aim to spread the reach of IT/ITeS across the state will help replicate the success of Eastern Kolkata in other parts of the state. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701435/ANAROCK_Logo.jpg ) Anuj Puri, Chairman - ANAROCK Property Consultants, says, "While West Bengal's real estate market has witnessed only marginal capital values appreciation since 2015, some significant reforms by the State Government have infused a fresh spark into it. Controlled supply and stable housing absorption will be the order of the day. Though 1,25,000 units were launched in Kolkata between 2013 and Q3 2018, there was a serious supply-absorption mismatch in 2014. Fortunately, the supply became more controlled after that. Kolkata saw 86,000 units sold during 2013 - Q3 2018, with 2016 recording the highest absorption levels." Property prices increased from INR 4,160 per sq. ft. in Q1 2015 to INR 4,405 per sq. ft. during Q3 2018, registering a growth of 2%. Residential price trends witnessed a nominal decline during Q4 2016 due to DeMo, but recovered in less than four quarters to register positive growth. The report, which also covers West Bengal's current and upcoming infrastructure scenario and real estate dynamics, affirms that IT and electronics-related developments will propel housing demand here going forward. The State Government's action plan to exterminate roadblocks and rev up the growth engine will indeed be a game-changer for West Bengal. Nandu Belani, President - CREDAI Bengal, says, "West Bengal has witnessed a strong transformation of its IT-ITeS sector, with 12 established IT parks and 13 more to come. Despite initial hiccups and certain inherent growth-inhibitors, the state has now seen a mature resurgence in its work-culture, investment ambience and an uptick in its perception quotient. This report highlights the positives as well as some lacunae in West Bengal and presents a balanced view as a basis for further change." Overall, the state is showing very positive signs: Exports improved by 10.5% during FY 2016-17 over the previous fiscal Debt as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) reduced from 40.65% in 2010-11 to 33.72% in 2016-17 West Bengal has topped the list of states in the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) with a 99.73% implementation score Click here to download the report 'Kolkata: The East's Icon of Balanced Growth' About ANAROCK Property Consultants Pvt. Ltd.: The ANAROCK Group is India's leading specialized real estate services company with diversified interests across the real estate value chain. Anuj Puri, the Group's chairman, is a highly-respected industry veteran and India's most prominent thought leader in the real estate domain. He has over 27 years expertise in leveraging Indian and global real estate opportunities. ANAROCK Group's key strategic business units are Residential Broking & Advisory, Retail Transactions & Advisory, Capital Markets, Hospitality, Investment Management, and Research & Consulting. ANAROCK's growing business teams account for 1,500 of the real estate industry's most qualified and experienced professionals. With operations across all major Indian markets and dedicated services in Dubai, ANAROCK also has global business coverage via over 80,000 hand-picked channel partners. Every facet of ANAROCK's rapidly-expanding business portfolio is governed by the Firm's core assurance to its clients and partners - Values over Value. Visit: http://www.anarock. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajya Sabha member Narayan Rane claimed Thursday that passage of a bill granting reservation to the Maratha community was his victory, even as he gave credit to Maratha outfits and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Maharashtra legislature passed a bill granting 16 per cent quota to the Maratha community earlier in the day. "I don't see any difference between the earlier bill or report I had prepared and the present bill. Therefore, your victory is my victory," said Rane, a former chief minister. Rane, himself a Maratha leader, had headed a committee formed by the previous Congress-NCP government on the issue of Maratha reservation. In his report, he had discussed how Marathas could be given separate reservation beyond the existing 52 per cent overall reservation in the state, he said. The credit for the passage of the bill does not go to a single person, Rane said. "Leaders of several Maratha organisations pursued the matter for the last three years.... The credit for it doesn't go to any single person but to the entire Maratha community and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and therefore I am thanking him," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday conceded that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries and said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to bring peace between the two neighbours. Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities in India. Referring to his call for improving ties with India, Khan at the same time said one-sided initiative will not last long and that Pakistan was willing to wait for reciprocity from India till general elections are held there. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside our country," Khan, who completed 100 days in office Thursday, told a group of Indian journalists. After a spate of terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups including on the Pathankot air force base, India refused to engage with Pakistan till it contains cross-border terrorism. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue, adding the mindset of Pakistani people have changed and they want peace. "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding "nothing is impossible" when asked whether it is possible to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue. Asked whether his government will take action against India's 'Most Wanted' terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, Khan evaded a direct reply saying, "We can't live in the past. We should leave behind the past and look forward. We also have a list of wanted people in India." On whether Pakistan will show some "grand gesture" like taking action against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed to make the ground for normalisation of relations with India, Khan skipped a direct response, but suggested that India's response to peace overtures was important for any possible grand gesture. "There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed and his organisation. The sanctions are severe. There is already a clampdown on him," he said. Saeed's Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit. Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was responsible for the attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009. On trail of the 26/11 accused, Khan said he inherited the issue and that the case is sub judice. "I canot take responsibility for the past," he said. Elaborating on the Kashmir issue, Khan said, "India should look at the Kashmir issue differently and not as a territorial issue. If nothing else, we want the government of India to o something for people of Kashmir." On India taking objection to his mentioning of the Kashmir issue during his address at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday, Khan said he was only trying to explain that a solution to the issue is not impossible if both sides sit together and talk. The Pakistan Prime Minister emphasised that Kashmir was a major issue between the two countries and said even former prime minister Manmohan Singh few years back had commented that the Kashmir issue was holding both India and Pakistan back. Khan also referred to meeting with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and quoted the former prime minister as saying that if the BJP had not lost 2004 elections, there was a possibility of resolution of the Kashmir issue. "I said nothing is impossible. In that context, I mentioned Kashmir (at Kartarpur event)," said Khan. "From the very first day I have been saying that we want to improve ties with India Why would anyone be scared of dialogue," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The told the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday that the vision document on protecting Taj Mahal, being prepared by School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, should be made public once finalised as there is "nothing secret" about it. A Bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta was told by SPA that the process of preparing vision document would be completed within a "few days" and as per terms of reference they would submit it to the UP government. "It (vision document) should be made public. It is a vision document. There is nothing secret about it. You place it on record also," the Bench told the counsel representing Uttar Pradesh. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the Bench that the first draft of the heritage plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, was ready and it would be finalised within eight weeks. He said that once the heritage plan is finalised, it will be sent to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) along with the vision document. The Bench also dealt with the issue of declaring as a heritage city and the Centre told the court that they had written to the UP government about it. Advocate Aishwarya Bhati, representing Uttar Pradesh, told the Bench that they have sought assistance of Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, which would conduct a study on this. When Bhati said it would take around 24 months to carry out the study, the Bench asked. "Why 24 months?". She said in Ahmedabad, the entire city was not declared as heritage, and it took around eight to nine years to complete the process. Professor Meenakshi Dhote, the project coordinator of vision document on Taj, told the court that they had received several feedbacks on vision document and her team would finish the work within the next few days. The Bench also dealt with several pending applications, including those which have raised the issues of expansion of industries in in contravention of the top court's order and construction activities and traffic congestion there. The court told the applicant, who has raised the issue of expansion of industries, to approach the principal secretary of department of industries of Uttar Pradesh with his grievance. The Bench has posted the matter for further hearing in the first week of February. On September 25, the top court had extended till November 15 the time for Uttar Pradesh government to come out with vision document on protecting and preserving the 17th-century monument and asked it to consider declaring a portion of the area surrounding it 'heritage'. The state government had said that "in-principle" there cannot be any objection in declaring all of a heritage city but that would have several ramifications. It had said it would be difficult to declare the entire city heritage but some portion of it could be brought within its ambit, covering sites like Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. The top court had earlier asked the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of and green cover while preparing a vision document, saying there would not get a "second chance" to preserve the While observing that the would "of course be the centrepiece" of the matters to be considered, the apex court had said other issues like vehicular traffic, from the industries operating in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and the water level of the Yamuna river should also be looked into while preparing the vision document. The TTZ is an area of about 10,400 sq km spread over the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Environmentalist M C Mehta, the petitioner in the case relating to protection of Taj Mahal, had told the apex court that green cover in the area has reduced and there were encroachments inside and outside the Yamuna flood plains. The top court, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj, had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Thursday of what use will be the Kartarpur corridor if Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism against India. Puri, who represented the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor, said while Kartarpur was a "corridor of hope and goodwill" it cannot be insulated from the ground reality. The corridor links Darbar Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur. "The fact of the matter is that the ground reality is characterised by one state using terror as an instrument of policy against a neighbouring state," he said here on the sidelines of the Cement Manufacturers Association of India's annual convention here. Puri, the Union minister of state of Housing and Urban Affairs (independent charge), also said,"Now what use of the corridor would be, if these kind of acts of terrorism or elements which are committed to creating trouble (continue)." Reiterating the government's stand on dialogue with Pakistan, he said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has already gone "on record that terror and talks do not make a good companion". "So you cannot have talks when the other side (Pakistan) has terror," Puri said. He also cautioned against the blind euphoria over the corridor, saying that "all I have to say is, let us build on this and its goodwill on both sides". "If you can see reduction or curtailment of terror, which is unleashed on us all the time, yes (then) it could become a corridor of hope," Puri said. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pitted against the BJP's lone Muslim candidate in the state assembly polls, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot has a poser for the saffron party -- Will Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come to Tonk to seek votes for Yoonus Khan. On his campaign trail covering nine panchayats and the city throughout the day on Wednesday, Pilot accused the BJP of playing of caste and religion. In his campaign speeches one after another in Tonk, Pilot is pitching his electoral contest with Khan as a battle of ideologies and not of individuals. The state Congress president, who is fighting his debut assembly election and that too from a seat outside his regular parliamentary constituency, is drawing massive crowds at meetings in urban as well as rural areas and is convoy is forced to stop every now and then by people wishing to garland him and those raising slogans in his support. The city is also abuzz with talk of a CM probable contesting from this town, who is his supporters feel could usher in major development works in the city which lags behind in infrastructure and facilities. "Be it Yoonus Khan or Chenghiz Khan, it doesn't matter. Pilot will win the polls," said Jagdish from Mor Bhatiyan village where Pilot rode a bullock cart in a show of people's affection towards him. Another supporter at the gathering, Meghraj, said Pilot's win was a foregone conclusion and he would also be the chief minister of Rajasthan. During his campaign on Wednesday, people in villages welcomed Pilot in novel ways -- from making him ride a bullock cart and a rath to weighing him with fruits. Pilot happily obliged and also asked the people of Tonk at all his meetings to ensure that his victory margin is the biggest in the state. Beginning his day's campaign with Ariyali gram panchayat, Pilot moved from one panchayat to another and at all meetings launched a scathing attack on the Vasundhra Raje government. "There is a BJP government at the Centre and in the state. People had hoped for development. But it makes me very sad that for the first time (in the state) farmers had to commit suicide. This is a blot on our society," he said at Ariyali. "Are you getting urea? Prices are skyrocketing, petrol and diesel prices are also touching record heights. How much does a gas cylinder cost now? It costs Rs 1,000," he said. At all his election meetings, Pilot flayed the government over issues like unemployment, corruption, and farmer suicides. Another common theme of his speeches is his poser -- Whether Yogi Adityanath, known for his speeches with Hindutva overtones, will come to Tonk to ask for votes for Khan or not. "He is going to various parts of the state, will he come here," Pilot said, adding that the BJP was indulging in of religion and caste. Speaking in Hamirpur panchayat here, Pilot said that after he filed his nomination papers and the BJP fieded Yoonus Khan, he was asked what would he do. "I said I will sit back and see that whether Yogi Adityanath will come to Tonk to ask for votes for him (Khan) or not," he said to a rapturous applause. Pilot's swipe came as the BJP's move to field Khan, who is the party's lone Muslim candidate in the state, was seen as an attempt to cut into the votes of Muslims which are about 55,000 in number. Pilot, in his various speeches, also said the time was up for the people who were ruling from forts and palaces and it was time for the children of farmers in Rajasthan. Another key feature of his speeches that struck a chord with the people present in his election meetings was Pilot's promise that a Congress government will ensure that surplus water from Bisalpur dam will be brought to Tonk. In his speeches, he said that when elections come, the BJP starts talking of "mandir and masjid". "They want to play the card of caste, community and religion, which I think is bringing down the narrative of our political debate. They are resorting to things which they know best -- that is to take up divisive issues," Pilot told PTI during his campaign. He asserted that there was no problem in managing his campaign here and in the rest of the state, as the people of Tonk were leading his campaign here. Late evening, Pilot moved to the city for various campaign programmes -- he met Bairwa community members and visited a Muslim-dominated locality and was welcomed with rose-petal shower from roofs of houses at both places. As he wrapped up his day, Pilot reiterated his promise to transform the district and give it a complete makeover. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) He was only 13 when he joined acting to financially support his family but now that the wheels of fortune have turned in his favour, Christian Bale believes he owes it to himself and his audience to "choose interestingly". Considered one of the finest contemporary actors of his generation, Bale has an enviable filmography that boasts of the mega-successful Batman trilogy besides critically acclaimed performances in "The Prestige", The Machinist, American Psycho, American Hustle and "The Fighter", for which he won the best supporting actor Oscar. His turn as former US vice president Dick Cheney in "The Vice" is already being seen as an award season favourite. The 44-year-old actor, who was in India to promote Netflix's Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, said he did not always have the power to choose in his career. "I have been fortunate enough now but it hasn't always been the case. In fact, I started acting because my family needed the money. It was the only way we could support ourselves. So, we did not have that option," Bale told PTI in an interview. "But then I found myself to be incredibly fortunate and there is a great deal of luck involved in that where I'm able to choose right now. It might change in the future. But since I am able to choose, I owe it to myself and to the audience to try to choose interestingly and as well as possible," he added. Directed by Andy Serkis, who is considered the expert in performance capture technology, Mowgli features Bale in the role of Bagheera, the brother-mentor panther to man-cub, played by Rohan Chand. It is also an accidental debut for the actor on the streaming platform as the film was earlier supposed to be released theatrically by Warner Bros, who sold the project to Netflix. But Bale does not concern himself about how a story is presented. "What this new platform does allow, in conversations I had with directors, is that sometimes you have to cherry-pick so much to fit the story into two-hours that it does seem like there is a liberation now in being able to tell film quality stories of maybe six hours. "The nerd in me adores that because you get to explore a character so much more, provided obviously, the director can keep that entertaining," he said. The film also gave Bale a chance to be a part of the performance capture technology. "It is new for me. I knew that Andy is a master at it so he would guide me through it. I think it's got incredible potential and I'm intrigued to see how it progresses and what more can be done with it. But it was really enjoyable, he said. With the film's world premiere and then media interviews, not much time was left for the actor to explore India but he landed here earlier to tick off some of the places from his list, including Chand baoli stepwell that featured in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. Bale said he had only managed to scratch the surface of the country but hopes to return in future. "We had an absolutely eye-opening time here. I brought my family and we spent the last four days going from New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, the whole golden triangle. Speaking of Batman', we visited the stepwell that inspired Christopher Nolan to include those scenes in The Dark Night Rises'. "But obviously, it's just scratching the surface. It's just a fascinating country. We had a wonderful time here. I loved the food, I mean I grew up eating Indian food. My family will be returning, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) apprehended 22 Indian fishermen and seized three boats off Gujarat coast Thursday, Porbandar-based National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) said. The boats and the fishermen belong to the coastal town of Veraval in Gir-Somnath district of Gujarat, said Manish Lodhari, secretary of the NFF. The PMSA apprehended them near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian sea, he said. The fishermen were on board three boats -- Kusum, Annapurna and Kajal. The PMSA regularly captures Indian fishermen off Gujarat coast, accusing them of crossing into Pakistani waters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Press Council of India (PCI) Thursday took note of the alleged misbehaviour with the journalist of a daily in Mumbai by the local police and said it views with concern such incidents. A statement by the Council referred to the Tuesday incident at Azad Maidan in Mumbai during coverage of the protest against a proposed oil refinery. "A Notice for Statement in Reply has been issued to the government of Maharashtra and the concerned sub-inspector.The Council views with concern such incident, which tends to undermines the freedom of press," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires to attend the 13th G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. "As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest," Modi had said in his departure statement. The prime minister will also speak on his flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Mudra scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and soil health card at the G-20 Summit. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. He will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering. Among the issues to be discussed will be the strengthening of the WTO. The meeting is being held amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Emerging economies, which played a major role in revitalising the growth in the global economy pursuant to the financial crisis are today facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges, Modi said. "I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good," he said. The prime minister stressed on the need to strengthen international cooperation and enhance coordinated action against fugitive economic offenders and financing of terrorism. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. "After a 24hr journey, PM @narendramodi arrives in Buenos Aires for the #G20Summit. The next 48 hrs will witness PM's participation at the Summit as well as in many other plurilateral and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Summit," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. On the sidelines of the two-day 13th G-20 summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. "As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest," Modi had said in his departure statement. The prime minister will also speak on his flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Mudra scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and soil health card at the G-20 Summit. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. He will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering. Among the issues to be discussed will be the strengthening of the WTO. The meeting is being held amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Emerging economies, which played a major role in revitalising the growth in the global economy pursuant to the financial crisis are today facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges, Modi said. "I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good," he said. The prime minister stressed on the need to strengthen international cooperation and enhance coordinated action against fugitive economic offenders and financing of terrorism. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday expressed his pleasure on organising the two-day Global Agriculture & Food Summit (GAFS) here and reiterated his government's resolve to double the income of the farmers by 2022. Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Randhir Kumar Singh read out the message of the PM at the venue before Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Chief Minister Raghubar Das, other union and state ministers, thousands of farmers, Indian and foreign delegates. It is pleasure to learn that GAFS is organised in Ranchi on (November) 29 and 30th, 2018. Agriculture continues to be a major source of livelihood for our country. So we are working to double the income of our farmers by 2022," said the message. Jharkhand has developed multi pronged strategy to improve the quality of agri products and farmers, he said and added that GAFS 2018 is good platform for domestic and foreign investors. I convey good wishes for the summit, read the PM's message. The two-day Summit got off on Thursday. Five partner countries---China, Tunisia, Mongolia, Israel and the Philippines are participating in the event. Morocco is the focus country of the meet. Around 10,000 farmers & delegates are participating in the meet in Jharkhand's capital city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court Thursday sought response of the city government on a prisoner's plea seeking direction that the LG be provided with all the material relating to premature release of life convicts for his independent consideration. Justice Najmi Waziri was hearing a lifer's petition in which it was claimed that the premature release of convicts serving life term was not fairly dealt with by the Sentence Review Board (SRB) of the Delhi government. The court listed the matter for further hearing on February 27 next year. The petition was filed by 33-year-old Jitender Kumar Singh, who has been serving life imprisonment in a murder case and has undergone over 17 years (with remission) in jail. He is presently out on parole. Advocate Amit Sahni, appearing for Singh, submitted that even speaking order is not passed by the SRB while recommending or rejecting premature release of a life convict. "The SRB considers agenda, brief synopsis and other material placed before it for its consideration for deciding the fate of life convicts on their pre-mature release and then forwards its recommendations to the competent authority for latter's approval, which may or may not agree with the decision of board," he said. The plea said that the material considered by the SRB for arriving at a conclusion was not forwarded to the competent authority, that is Lieutenant Governor, and only the board's recommendations are sent. "Thus, the LG cannot apply its independent application of mind upon the material, considered by the SRB because the entire material is not sent to the LG for its independent consideration and evaluation of the decision/ recommendations of SRB," it said. The plea said that the board held a meeting on October 4 and only recommendations were forwarded to the LG and not the documents. It said the petitioner has made a representation to the LG on October 30 stating all the facts and irregularities committed by SRB. There are several other petitions pending before the high court where the decisions of the board have been challenged, including that of tandoor case convict Sushil Sharma. The SRB, chaired by Delhi Home minister, comprises principal secretary (Home), principal secretary (law), director general (prisons), joint commissioner of police (crime), chief probation officer and a district judge. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Rajinikanth's much awaited 3D science fiction trilingual film "2.0", which brings backs robot Chitti, was released Thursday amid frenzied expectations from his fans and followers. A sequel to 2010 blockbuster "Enthiran", "2.0" by ace director Shankar saw fans flocking to movie halls as early as 4 AM. The halls were decorated with giant sized cut-outs and posters of Rajinikanth welcoming the fans. Touted to be one of the most expensive films, reportedly about Rs 550 crore, "2.0" has world class VFX and 3D and revolves around Rajinikanth's dual avatars as scientist Vaseegaran and the reloaded robot 'Chitti' as they battle 'villain' Akshay Kumar. Amy Jackson also plays a key role as a robot. Music for the film is scored by Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman. In keeping with a typical Rajinikanth's movies, fans burst crackers, poured milk to the actor's cut-outs while several others lighted camphor on their palms as a mark of their reverence. A fan Abinesh tweeted saying "...watched #2Point0, it was simply a top notch." He lauded the clarity and brightness of the film. Director Shankar visited theatres including Vetri here during the movie's screening. Another fan tweeted,"What a performance from Thalaivar @rajinikanth as 2.0 is something remarkable." @NikileshSurya of Rohini silver screens said in his twitter handle "#2Point0 hours before release is the highest pre-booked movie of the year with more than 22k tickets sold @RohiniSilverScr Blockbuster opening for a non-holiday end of the month exam time release!! Thalaivar! Actor Simran tweeted, "Congratulations on #2Point0 Marvellous creation it is! Social message+Tremendous graphic.@rajinikanth sir this is Ultimate! Big salute to @shankarshanmugh sir! @akshaykumar joins the league making it an entertaining visual treat. Thoroughly enjoyed & watched it with my kids."A publicist of the movie told PTI that the film --dubbed in Hindi and Telugu -- has been released in over 10,000 screens across the world. Lyca Productions, the film's producers, said "2.0", also available in 2D format was also released in Pakistan, Indonesia and Africa. The movie released in Mumbai with similar fanfare as fans flocked to theatres as early as 3.30 in the morning to catch the first day first show of the film, which made it to movie screens after some delay. Fans, who came from far off places like Navi Mumbai and Virar, performed a small aarti before entering the screen to watch their Thalaivar on screen. President of Maharashtra State Head Rajini Fans Welfare Association, Thalapathi SK Athimoolam said the organisation planned to make the film's release a grand event, just like all Rajinikanth movies. At IMAX Wadala, Rajinikanth fans took out a rath yatra where a cardboard of the megastar was carried in a small carriage. People were seen entering the carriage and bowing down in front of their idol, a lot of them wearing T-shirts with Rajinikanth's picture imprinted on them. Before the 6 AM show, fans performed 'abhishek' on a 69-feet-long cut-out of Rajinikanth, a ritual that gets repeated with every new release of the superstar. At the Aurora cinema, hub for south Indian movie screenings, several pamphlets of Rajinikanth as robot Chitti hung from ropes outside the theatre as part of the decorations to celebrate the film. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh BJP president Mahendra Nath Pandey on Thursday said the party supports construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the shrine will be constructed through "any means". But he also claimed that the party had never contested elections on the Ram temple issue and its agenda has always been development. "We support construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya," Pandey said. He said the party stood by a proposal, passed during a meeting of its national executive council in Himachal Pradesh in 1989, for Ram temple construction. "The case is in court and we hope that the decision will be in our favour," he said, referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. "However, the temple will be constructed through any means," the BJP leader told reporters. Speaking about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial remark about Lord Hanuman, Pandey said the statement should be seen in wide context. "The chief minister expressed his views about Hanuman, the one who was behind uniting all in Ramayana. But people who worry about 'gotra' started finding caste and 'gotra' in this too," he said. At a recent election meeting in Rajasthan, Adityanath had said, "Bajrang bali hamari bharatiya parampara mein ek aise lokdevta hain jo swayam vanvaasi hai, girvasi hain, Dalit hain, vanchit hai (Hanuman was a forest dweller, a Dalit and deprived)." Pandey expressed confidence about the BJP's victory in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Other parties can forge alliances with each other, but we make alliance with people and will win 2019 with massive number of votes, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) Thursday appealed to the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani to release the pending rebate on state levies (ROSL) to the garment sector. The ROSL claims have not been cleared for the sector for the past three months, which are given to compensate the embedded taxes on petro products and electricity that were not included in the ambit of goods and services tax (GST), president of the association Raja M Shanugham said in a press statement here. The garment export sector, after passing through a declining trend for the past one year, has made a turnaround only in October last, the release quoted Shanmugham as saying. The pending ROSL claims for Tirupur cluster work out to Rs 105 crore and the settling of the claims would help the exporting units at a time when they were operating under wafer-thin margin, the release said. Besides, the units were struggling to sustain themselves in the price-conscious global market and were competing against countries like the EU and US which enjoy duty-free status, the release said. It was also a fact that the exporting units have been taking various measures to cut costs down to stay competitive in the world market, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Fernando Pezao, was arrested Thursday over allegations he received bribes as part of the sprawling "Car Wash" graft probe, according to Brazilian media. The Globo television channel showed live footage of federal police at the residence of the governor, who was having breakfast at the time and remains in his home in custody. Pezao is accused of taking bribes when he was vice governor under Sergio Cabral, who is currently in prison after being sentenced to a cumulative 180 years for corruption. The police also raided the Guanabara Palace, headquarters of Rio de Janeiro's government, searching for documents. The Superior Court of Justice issued the arrest warrant based on the confession of Carlos Miranda, a former Cabral associate, who cooperated in exchange for a sentence reduction. According to Miranda's testimony Pezao would have received a monthly payment of 150,000 reais (USD 40,000) as well as end-of-the-year bonuses of up to one million reais. The money would have been paid by companies and intermediaries bound by contracts with the Rio de Janeiro government during a period from 2007 to 2014. The state of Rio de Janeiro is on the verge of bankruptcy and plagued by insecurity. Wilson Witzel was elected in October to govern the state and is set to take office January 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korean President Moon Jae-in's approval rating has dipped below 50 percent for the first time, a poll showed Thursday, as economic hardship bites and concerns rise over a rapid drive toward reconciliation with the North. Moon's popularity hovered near 80 per cent in May -- an all-time high for any South Korean president at the end of their first year in office -- in the wake of a landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But it tumbled to 48.8 percent in a Realmeter survey of 1,508 people carried out this week, extending a downward trend for the ninth week running. The sharp drop reflected public discontent over "economic struggles" amid stagnant growth, rising joblessness and persistent income gaps, the pollster said. "Expectations for economic recovery have plunged as economic indicators such as unemployment and investment remain sluggish," it added. Realmeter said stalled nuclear talks between the US and North Korea also fuelled negative views of Moon as concerns rise that he may be going too fast in his reconciliation drive with Pyongyang. Moon took office in May 2017 after his predecessor Park Geun-hye was impeached over a nationwide corruption scandal, and had enjoyed high public support with his open, down-to-earth image. The approval rating of Moon's ruling Democratic Party also slipped for the ninth week to 37.6 per cent -- the lowest in nearly two years -- while support for the main opposition Liberty Korea Party rose to 26.2 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiromani Akali Dal asked the Punjab government Thursday to announce a state advised price (SAP) ofRs 350 per quintal for sugarcane farmers. The SAD also demanded the government release Rs 400 crore of outstanding payment to the farmers. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal warned the state government that it would stage a sit-in before every sugarmill if it did not accede to its demand. Addressing a gathering of farmers outside a sugarcane mill here, Badal said it was shocking that the government had not announced any enhanced SAP above last year's price of of Rs 310 per quintal. He said Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had already announced a SAP of Rs 325 per quintal and Rs 335 per quintal, respectively. Badal also alleged that the "wrong policies" of the state government were forcing growers to commit suicides. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Thursday came down heavily on the West Bengal government for its inability to give the exact time needed for making available the requisite courtrooms and residences for judges to be appointed in lower courts in the state. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on its own had taken note of over 5,000 vacancies for judicial officers and directed all the 24 high courts and 36 states and UTs to apprise it of remedial measures. The bench, which also comprised Justices Kurian Joseph and S K Kaul, directed the West Bengal government to submit the deadlines for completion of construction of 422 courtrooms and 630 residential units for subordinate judges and also asked the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary to appear before it on December 6. "Where do our judges stay? What is the budgetary allocation for the judiciary in the state," the bench asked, adding that it was "shocked and surprised" by the apathy of the state government in providing the requisite infrastructure for the lower courts and their judges. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, who is assisting the court as the amicus curiae, referred to the affidavit of the Chief Secretary and said that 75 court halls and 39 residential units were under construction. There was a requirement for 422 courtrooms and 630 residences for judges in trial court in the state, Divan said. The bench said "the lethargy and unwillingness" on the part of the state government was writ large as despite the directions, no response has come as to when the under construction projects would conclude and when the other projects would commence. "The Chief Secretary is putting the cart before the horse. If you don't know the date, how would you make a start," the bench said. The bench, however, took note of the fact that the state government has said that there was no deficiency of funds for constructing the courtrooms and residences for the judges, but rapped it for coming out with the specific responses. "We want the government of West Bengal to tell the Supreme Court as to when these courtrooms and residences would be completed and nobody seems to be knowing anything. Judges have to be appointed and residences have to be built for them... what is the budgetary allocation of the state for the judiciary," the bench asked. It fixed the case for further hearing on December 6 and asked the Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court to remain present. The bench was also critical of the Delhi High Court and the city government. It rapped the High Court registry for the delay in appointment of judges in lower judiciary in the national capital. "The judges have to be appointed by the High Court. Why you people are not doing this. The manpower and infrastructure have to be provided by the Delhi Government and the high court must appoint judges," the bench said. "Fill up the vacant posts. If infrastructure is not there, it does not mean that you (HC) will not appoint judges," it said, making clear that the High Court would examine the proposal of the Delhi government on construction of 167 courtrooms in Delhi for judicial officers. It said the apex court would ensure that the Delhi government provides the infrastructure for trial courts and their judges. It said the government will have to provide courtrooms for 167 judges who would start functioning from July 2020. It asked the Delhi High Court and the city government to give their representations on or before December 12 on completion of the courtrooms and the residences for judges in the national capital and fixed the case a day after for hearing. Earlier, the apex court had said "Enough is enough" while expressing displeasure over tardy approach of different high courts and state governments in filling up vacant posts for judges in lowers courts and providing proper infrastructure for them. It had taken stock of the situation in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and the North-Eastern states. The Delhi High Court Registry and AAP-led city government were also at the receiving end when they told the bench that there were 201 vacancies in lower judiciary in the national capital, but it had advertised for 100 posts in two separate recruitment processes. The bench, however, had expressed satisfaction with progress made in Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh and some north-eastern states. The apex court would now take up case of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Kerala and would be assisted by senior advocate and amicus curiae K V Vishwanathan. It had said there were 22,036 posts of higher and lower judicial officers in lower courts in the country and, as on date, 5,133 posts are vacant. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Thursday came down heavily on the Centre for not taking appropriate steps itself for ensuring speedy trial for undertrial prisoners but "criticising" the criminal justice system and the judiciary for it. Making hard-hitting observations, a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said the government authorities do not want to do their work and instead criticise criminal justice system for the problems. "Nobody wants to work and they criticise the criminal justice system. MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) just criticises the criminal justice system but they do not want to do any work. Tell your people to stop criticising criminal justice system and judiciary," the bench, also comprising justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, told the Centre's counsel. The court's observation came after Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aman Lekhi, appearing for the Centre, placed before it a note of MHA which contained possible reasons for large number of undertrial prisoners in the country. The court was hearing a matter related to deficiencies in jails as highlighted by two apex court judges, one of whom has retired, during their visit to Faridabad jail and an observation home in June this year. The bench, while referring to the MHA note, told Lekhi that one of the reasons given there was that the trial courts were functioning slowly. "Again the judiciary is to be blamed. Everybody is to be blamed except MHA," the bench said, adding, "Unfortunately, we (Supreme Court) are always right but still nothing is happening". The bench also asked why courts should tell the government how to do its work. "It is like heads, we win, and tails, we win. That is the answer of the Government of India so far as judiciary is concerned," Justice Lokur observed. Lekhi told the bench that the government was not working in isolation and he has never said that judiciary should be blamed for all this. To this, the bench said, "Yes. You have not said so but your client (government) has said so". The ASG told the court that there were 164 vacancies in the Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) across the country and process was underway to fill up the posts. He said that out of 167 vacancies, 97 were for scientific posts while the other 67 were technical posts. Regarding vacancies in forensic science laboratories (FSLs), he said so far the Centre has received information in this regard from 19 states only. "Some states have not given us the information. We have been pursuing them very vigorously. All states are party here," he said. The bench noted that several states, including Rajasthan, Goa, Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, have not yet given information to the Centre with regard to filing up of vacancies in FSLs. "We direct the states to provide information to the Union of India at the earliest," the bench said. It noted that in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra, the vacancies in FSLs were around 50 per cent while in Uttar Pradesh, it was around 80 per cent. The court asked MHA to file an affidavit indicating the time line within which vacancies in CFSLs would be filled up. With regard to the issue whether observation homes, where minors in conflict with law were kept, and juvenile justice boards (JJBs) were equipped with video-conferencing facilities, the ASG said they were awaiting the response from the Ministry of Women and Child Development on this issue. He said that the Ministry of Women and Child Development has also written to all the state governments for information about video-conferencing facilities in JJBs. Advocate Gaurav Agrawal who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the matter told the bench that retired apex court judge Justice Amitava Roy, who is heading a committee on jail reforms, has been provided with sufficient space to carry out his work at the office of Bureau of Police Research and Development here. On November 22, the apex court had pulled up the Centre for the pathetic condition prevailing in jails across India and wondered whether prisoners were considered as humans "in the eyes of the authorities". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu played-down Thursday his appearance in a photograph with a "pro-Khalistan leader" Gopal Singh Chawla during his visit to Pakistan for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor. "They showered love so much there. Every day ten thousands pictures were clicked. Among them who is Chawla or Cheema that I do not know," Sidhu said after returning from the neighbouring nation. Sidhu was strongly criticised by the opposition parties for the photograph. The Shiromani Akali Dal Thursday asked the Punjab cabinet minister whether "India is his priority or not". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday visited Cyclone Gaja-hit areas in Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu and assured full support by the Centre to the affected people. She conducted an aerial survey of the badly affected Nagapattinam district and also undertook an on-ground review and walkthrough around Kodiyakkarai, near Vedaranyam, about 300 km from Chennai, interacting with the local people. Sitharaman, the first union cabinet minister to visit the cyclone hit areas, reviewed the relief works undertaken by the local authorities, Navy and the Coast Guard at a meeting where the top district officials briefed her about the situation. "Smt @nsitharaman expresses the deep concern of the central government for all those affected by Cyclone Gaja and assured continuance of full support and relief (by the Centre)," an official tweet said. Addressing reporters and villagers, Sitharaman said permission for construction of houses, under the Prime Minister's scheme, would be granted immediately to the needy people. Earlier, on arrival at the IAF air station at Kodiakarai, she held a meeting with state Ministers R B Udhayakumar, S P Velumani, and P Thangamani and senior officials, who received her. The Defence Minister was accompanied by Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area Rear Admiral Alok Bhatnagar among others. A defence statement said the minister reviewed the relief operations by the Navy through air, road and sea at the worst hit village of Arucottuthurai in Nagapattinam district. Sitharaman later visited neighbouring Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts, which are among the 12 districts hit by the November 16 cyclone that claimed 63 lives and left a huge trail of destruction damaging houses, crops, disrupting electricity supply and uprooting lakhs of trees. Chief Minister K Palaniswami had last week met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum seeking a central assistance of around Rs 15,000 crore with an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore toward the relief and rehabiliataion works. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Thursday met President Maithripala Sirisena and apprised him about the negative impact of ongoing policy crisis on the country's currency, foreign investments and arrival of tourists. Jayasuriya's meeting with the President is being seen as attempt to end the impasse that the island nation is facing since the sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by Sirisena and appointment of strongman Mahinda Rajapaksha as the country's premier over a month ago. The island nation is witnessing a political crisis since Sirisena's controversial move to sack Wickeremesinghe and install Rajapaksa as the prime minister in his place on October 26. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Jayasuriya, in a statement released after his meeting with Sirisena, said that he pointed out the adverse economic impact from the impasse on the Sri Lankan rupee, foreign investments and the slump in tourist arrivals. "He promised to take appropriate action tomorrow in consultation with the Leader Of the Opposition and the leaders of UNF," the statement said. Sirisena and Jayasuriya are said to be not on the same page. Jayasuriya's decision not to recognise Rajapaksa until he proved his majority had led to a clash with the executive. He is accused of being biased against Rajapaksa and Sirisena, further escalating the impasse. Also, Sirisena's UPFA has continued to boycott of parliamentary sessions in protest against the speaker. Earlier in the day, a Sirisena loyalist Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who was the only legislature from Sirisena's party who took part in a debate on the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, invited Jayasuriya to hald talks with the President to end the crisis. Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe has held on to the post despite his sacking as he maintained that his removal was illegal in terms of the 19th amendment to the constitution. Sirisena has said he would never appoint Wickremesinghe as the prime minister as he found it personally hard to work with him. Wickremesinghe claims that Constitution do not allow for personal prejudices and the president would be duty bound to accept the person who commands majority in Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) University students turned up in large numbers Thursday to support farmers, who converged here from across the country, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers, converged at the Ramlila Ground, on Thursday began a two-day protest and will march to Parliament Street on Friday. Several Delhi University students and professors, under the banner of DU for Farmers, mobilised support ahead of the march and distributed food packets to the farmers. Members from Left-backed students' groups All India Students' Association (AISA) and Students' Federation Of India (SFI) were at the Anand Vihar, Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations to meet farmers and take them to the ground. The farmers are coming from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. "Our members will be sleeping at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday and will march along with the farmers to the Parliament on Friday. "There were around 50 students from JNU, Jamia, DU and Ambedkar University on Thursday," said AISA DU secretary Madhurima Kundu. Despite their exams, many Delhi University students came to Rajghat and distributed food packets to the farmers on way to Ramlila Ground. "The first time, I participated in a protest was during the time when people came out in large numbers after the Nirbhaya gangrape. After that, I have always participated in protests. "Even two years ago, I participated in the peace march held in Delhi University after violence at Ramjas College. More than the exams, showing solidarity towards the cause of farmers is my priority," said Nabila, a first year History (Hons) students at the St Stephen's College. Evita, a first year student of BA (programme) at St Stpehen's also distributed food packets to farmers said the least she could do was show solidarity with the movement. "Many students are here who have exams tomorrow or in the next few days. I did not want to regret later and think, 'I should have been there'. It is because of these farmers that we are getting food. I think the least we can do is show solidarity when they are in our city," she said. Ex-students of TISS Mumbai, Saqib Khan and Pankaj, who had participated in the march by farmers in Mumbai early this year, said they will participate in the Friday march to Parliament Street. "It was quite hot and humid in Mumbai at that time but we had walked around 30 km at that time. After getting to know about this march, we came here since we are now based in Delhi," said Pankaj. Khan said they will be marching with the farmers on Friday towards the Parliament. Bhuvaneshwari, a PhD student from Ambedkar University, said she came to the Ramlila Ground after listening to journalist P Sainath who had urged students of different universities to join the cause. Along with her friend, she had marched with farmers from Nizamuddin Railway station to Ramlila Maidan. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, said the two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left-affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after protests by farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The suspension of five RJD MLCs, who were found guilty of showing disrespect to the Chair on Wednesday, was revoked on Thursday. Deputy Chairman Haroon Rasheed made the announcement on the floor of the House in keeping with his assurance given to legislators of the RJD and the Congress, who had sat on a dharna the previous day inside the well in protest against the suspension. As the House assembled around noon, senior CPI MLC Kedar Nath Pandey rose and requested the Chair to revoke the suspension underscoring that in a democracy the ruling dispensation and the Opposition complement each other. The Chair, accordingly announced withdrawal of suspension of Radha Charan Seth, Subodh Kumar, Dilip Kumar Rai, Qamar-e-Alam and Syed Khurshid Ahmed and directed that the members be guided to their their seats with due respect. RJD legislators led by Rabri Devi had on Wednesday staged noisy protest in the state's upper house over demand for immediate discussion on the "political misuse" of CBI, following which five of its MLCs were suspended for the remaining two days of the Winter session. Irked by the suspension, RJD MLCs in company of those from its ally in mahagathbandhan, the Congress sat on dharna inside the house under leadership of Rabri Devi,wife of RJD president Lalu Prasad. The RJD has nine MLCs in the 75-member Bihar Legislative Council, while Congress has a strength of three. The ruling JD(U) has 32 members, while its ally BJP has 22 MLCs. The Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD had raised the issue of "political misuse" of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) vociferously in the Legislative Assembly too, resulting in the disruption of the House during the day. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav also joined the MLCs' agitation. The RJD has been alleging that the NDA government at the Centre was "misusing" the CBI against opposition leaders, including Lalu Prasad, who is presently in a Ranchi jail following conviction in fodder scam cases. But, later hearing pleas of RJD and Congress leaders, Council's Deputy Chairman had given the assurance to withdraw suspension of members. After the assurance, the RJD had lifted their dharna. After announcement of revocation of members' suspension, the Council resumed its day's functioning. RJD MLC Ram Chandra Purve and Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra rose from their seats with the request for an urgent discussion on the lynching of an octogenarian in Sitamarhi district last month and setting up of a committee of the House to probe the matter. The Deputy Chairman, however, adjourned the House till 2.30 P.M. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030 and Paris climate change agreement are unattainable without Indian cooperation, Germany's Ambassador to India, Martin Ney, said Thursday. Germany also pledged to provide a funding of 765 million euros in 2019 in big ticket projects like Smart Cities mission and Clean Ganga. The ambassador was addressing the media on the 60th anniversary of development cooperation between India and Germany. "India is the among the largest recipients of development cooperation. Without Indian cooperation, goals like 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris climate change agreement are unattainable. India is placed at 131 out of 180 at the World Development Index. Out of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, 12 are in India. "But India assumes responsibility for dealing with challenges and we help them enforce the programmes institutionally," the ambassador said. The German Embassy Thursday signed an agreement with the Indian government for investing 765 million euros for 2019 for different projects in the country. "This morning only, we signed an agreement for providing an investment of 765 million euros in support of Indian development parties," said Professor Claudia Warning, Director General for Asia at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation. "Germany will continue to support India in establishing smart cities developing sustainable energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity and building better lives for its people," Warning added. Between 2013 and 2018, Germany has pledged 6.428 million euros for new projects, including an average annual committement of 1.1 billion euros. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday stressed on boosting bilateral trade between Nepal and her country. Addressing a gathering at the opening day of the 'Nepal Chamber Expo-2018' here, she invited Nepalese entrepreneurs to invest in Myanmar and said the country has created a safe and favourable environment for foreign investors. "Nepal and Myanmar need to increase their economic activities, business and people to people contact," Suu Kyi said. There is enough room for better cooperation and collaboration between the two countries to increase the volume of bilateral trade between them which currently stands at just USD 3.86 million, she said. Besides Myanmar, industries from several other countries, including India and China, showcased their products in the expo being organised by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce. Suu Kyi also said countries in the South-Asian sub-region can cooperate in the areas of trade, tourism, technology, human resources, agriculture and fisheries to improve the life of people in the respective nations. The Myanmar leader arrived here earlier in the day to attend the Asia Pacific Summit, which will bring together heads of states and governments, lawmakers, eminent leaders, businessmen and leaders of civil society of the Asia Pacific region. The summit is scheduled from Friday to December 3. Suu Kyi will also meet President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepalese government officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Mozambique Foreign Minister Jose Condungua Antonio Pacheco Thursday held talks reviewing the spectrum of bilateral ties and explored ways to intensify the relationship between the two countries, the External Affairs Ministry said. The India-Mozambique Joint Commission on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation held here also discussed the growing defence cooperation between the two nations and the potential such collaboration offers for enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region. In particular, the commission highlighted the importance of working together to prevent non-traditional threats like smuggling, terrorism, piracy, poaching, a statement said. "The two governments agreed to consider new bilateral agreements for promoting cooperation in defence and security, judicial and consular systems, traditional medicine, and cultural exchanges," it said. The joint commission expressed satisfaction at the growing trade and investment links between the two countries, and noted that last year India was the largest destination for Mozambican exports, accounting for about 35 per cent of its total export revenue. The two sides also reviewed the large Indian investments in coal and natural gas mining in Mozambique, noting that the African nation was among the largest destinations for Indian outward investment in Africa. They also discussed ways to expedite progress of these investments, while noting the potential for greater Indian investment in areas like agriculture, agro-industry, infrastructure, mining, energy, and tourism. "The joint commission reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, and noted the excellent government-to-government ties, strong business exchanges, growing trade and investment ties, vibrant development partnership, and long-standing people-to-people links between the two countries," the statement said. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the president of Mozambique, visited India in August 2015 while Prime Minister Narendra had visited the African nation in July 2016. The joint commission appreciated that the India-Mozambique development partnership, particularly through Lines of Credit and grant-assistance, was helping to enhance the capacity of Mozambican institutions in areas like food security, small and medium enterprises, electricity, roads, drinking water availability, solar energy and information technology. It also expressed satisfaction over the recent progress in implementation of important projects such as the Tica-Buzi Highway being funded through an Indian credit-line of about USD 150 million, and also other major LOC projects in areas of electricity and housing. Both sides agreed to further deepen and widen the ambit of their development cooperation, the statement said. An MoU was signed between the National Archives of India and the National Documentation and Information Centre of Mozambique, for enhancing cooperation in the area of archival management. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syrian air defences on Thursday targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" close to the capital Damascus, state media said. "Our air defences fired on hostile targets over the Kisweh area and downed them," the official SANA agency reported, citing a military source. The area south of Damascus has been targeted by alleged Israeli strikes in the past, which a monitor said have killed members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards force and other pro-Iranian Shiite militias. Head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami Abdel Rahman said there are "weapons depots belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah (group) as well as Iranian forces" in Kisweh. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets. Syrian air defences in September opened fire to intercept alleged Israeli missiles targeting ammunition depots in the northwestern province of Latakia, but instead downed a Russian jet. Abdel Rahman said Thursday was the first time Syria's air defences had been called into action since the incident on September 17 in which 15 Russians were killed. Moscow pinned responsibility for the downing of its jet on Israel, saying its plane used the larger Russian one for cover, an allegation Israel disputed. Following the incident, Russia sent advanced air defence missiles to Damascus. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia his country would continue to hit hostile targets in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing a military presence across the border. He added that Israel would "continue security coordination" with Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE) Thursday said it has inked an agreement with Japan's ISEKI & Co to manufacture compact tractors in India. ISEKI & Co is the third largest Japanese agricultural machinery manufacturer for tractors, planting and harvesting machinery and engines. "Under this agreement, ISEKI will offer product technology to TAFE for manufacturing these products for the Indian market," the company said. It further said the scope of the agreement will also cover sourcing of components/assemblies through TAFE, which will also sell ISEKI's premium light utility compact tractors in the 35-54 hp range in India. The tractors will be manufactured in TAFE's Madurai plant and are expected to roll out by 2020, it added. These multi-utility light weight tractors are suitable for puddling operations, orchard and plantations land preparation, tilling, inter-cultivation and spraying applications, among others, the company said. Commenting on the agreement, TAFE Chairman and CEO Mallika Srinivasan said, it brings together ISEKI's global experience in light utility compact tractor segment and TAFE's strong position in the Indian market, along with its strong manufacturing capability and robust supply chain. She said the association will help "offer Indian customers an international product range that will meet their requirements in new, emerging applications through a unique value proposition. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has said it plans to harness India's skills and expertise and work towards making advanced vehicles in and for the country. Speaking at the soft launch of the new National Automotive Innovation Centre in Warwick recently, JLR CEO Ralf Speth said the UK-based car manufacturer had grown to become a global player in the luxury, premium and performance marketplace under the Tata Group's ownership. "The opportunity for today and tomorrow is to harness India's rich expertise and skill in a new mobility ecosystem. Not just to Make in India, but to Make with India and to Make for India," said Speth. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 'Make in India' is a lion's step. From the home of the British Jaguar, we encourage and support you in taking this Indian 'lion's step'," he said. The National Automotive Innovation Centre, a 150-million-pound facility, is dubbed as the largest single automotive facility in Europe, now renamed as Lord Bhattacharyya Building in honour of the Indian-origin founder and chairman of the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). Bhattacharyya said that Tata Motors' JLR specialists have already started working together with academics and experts from WMG to develop the cars of the future, and that the new centre will become an "innovation hub". JLR experts noted that autonomous, connected, electrified and shared vehicles will define future mobility, something that has been categorised by the company as Destination Zero zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. "Collaborations are vital for no company alone can deliver Destination Zero. This is why JLR, Tata and WMG have together now invested 150 million pounds in the largest single automotive technology facility in Europe, now officially named as Lord Bhattacharya building," said Speth. "Ten years ago, (Tata Group Chairman Emeritus) Ratan Tata had the vision to bring Jaguar Land Rover into the Tata family. Since then, JLR has grown to become a global player in the luxury, premium and performance marketplace, an exemplar of British invention and engineering excellence," he added. The soft launch of the new centre, which took place last week, coincided with a conference jointly hosted by WMG, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and the Consulate of India as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Festival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Oil prices fell more than 1 per cent on Tuesday, in conjunction with sagging stock markets after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened more tariffs on Chinese imports ahead of the coming G20 summit. On one hand, if he manages to pressure Saudi Arabia into going back on the agreement and the oil price will continue to decline, he will manage to appease the population, which will pay less for the gasoline. One thing seems certain, though: market volatility. How will emerging markets handle the price drop? Trump has repeatedly called on the Saudis to work on lowering prices, and could have extra leverage now as USA lawmakers threaten punitive measures against senior officials following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Large importers, including India, have been granted waivers. Apart from an intermediate bounce due next, which could extend if there is significant Opec intervention, we expect a much broader setback within 2019. Here's a Bloomberg Economics chart showing net oil imports (or exports) as a percentage of GDP - cheaper oil helps those at the top of the chart and hurts those at the bottom. Now that the market has overshot to the downside and producers are the losers, talks of production cut are sure to revive. Where would the market go from here? Analysts estimate the Saudi government's budget for 2018 is based on a conservative price of $50-$55 a barrel. This is especially because in the bourses, speculative net long positions have reached a three-year low and further exit of such positions is rather limited. "What Trump's asking Saudi Arabia to do is commit the ultimate act of self-harm - to continue to oversupply a market when they are having their own fiscal constraints", said Helima Croft, chief commodities strategist at RBC Capital Markets LLC in NY. Also, we can not lose sight of the fact that waivers on Iranian oil are temporary. Crude oil futures were almost flat Tuesday morning, amid divided opinions as some analysts point to the likelihood of increased inventories adding to bearishness, while others see the bigger selloff as mostly done. The tweet also coincided with Trump's support for the Saudi government, which many countries are calling to be punished for the assassination of a journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Its budget deficit swelled to a record $100 billion in 2015 (15% of GDP) and the International Monetary Fund warned that some Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, could run out of money within five years if prices stayed low. Earlier this month, as prices were tumbling, the kingdom said its oil output would fall by 500,000 barrels in December. A 52-year-old employee of the Tiruppur Municipal Corporation was Thursday sentenced to five years imprisonment by a court for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 to clear a building plan six years ago. Chief Judicial Magistrate S Jagannathan awarded a five-year jail term to Ramalingam, an assistant engineer, under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on him. According to prosecution, he was caught by sleuths of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption while accepting the money from Loganathan for approving the building plan in August 2012. Ramalingam was produced before the court and later lodged in the central prison here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TMC president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday said her party would contest elections in neighbouring states such as Jharkhand and Assam to protect the people from alleged attacks by the BJP. Accusing the saffron party of attempting to divide the nation on religious lines, she urged the people not to fall prey to any provocation. "Our party will contest elections in the neighbouring states to protect people from saffron attacks," Banerjee said at a public meeting in the state's coal belt here in West Burdwan district. She alleged the BJP was bringing in paid goons from Jharkhand to foment trouble in the districts adjacent to the state, and Bengalis and Biharis were being driven away from Assam which was ruled by the saffron party. "We will contest Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Jharkhand in future. We will also contest in Assam and Odisha," Banerjee said in the meeting. Referring to the BJP's alleged attack on tribals in Jharkhand, she said the land of the tribals was being grabbed there. "We sent our team there to fight for their cause. The fight will continue in future," she said. "Bengalis and Biharis are also being driven away from Assam. We want good relations with our neighbouring states. So we have decided to contest elections there. If an Adivasi is persecuted there, we will fight for them," she said. Charging the BJP with trying to incite violence and divide the nation, Banerjee said her government would not allow this to happen. She blamed the BJP and the CPI(M) for instigating people against the implementation of projects in the state. These two parties were also asking people not to cooperate with the administration for rehabilitating residents of the subsidence-prone areas in Asansol, Raniganj and Jamuria, the Trinamool Congress leader claimed. Noting that the state-run Durgapur Projects Ltd (DPL) would be restructured, she said a number of employment opportunities would be created through development of the world's second largest coal reserve at Deocha-Panchami near here. About agriculture, she said "Bengal is the only state where khajna tax on agricultural land has been waived. We have done away with mutation fees on agricultural land." During the last five years, she said, her government had brought a total change in the district by introducing a new airport, several hospitals, university and colleges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu police has registered a case against two French journalists for allegedly trespassing into a prohibited area here to shoot videos for a a documentary on beach sand mining, a senior police official said Thursday. The official, who identified the French nationals only by their first name Arthur and Jules, said they came here on November 26 on tourist visa, and shot videos, clicked pictures and interviewed some people about environmental issues like beach sand mining in the area. When the duo attempted to get into the Indian Rare Earths Limited premises at Manavalakurichi, they were intercepted. "They were stopped at second gate of the IREL. They did not take pictures or videos inside the premises (of the PSU). However, they had taken pictures in the vicinity for their documentary," Kanyakumari Superintendent of Police N Shreenath told PTI. Being foreigners visiting the country on tourist visa they had violated the law by carrying out professional journalistic activities, he said. They did not have permission to do such things even in a non-prohibited area, he said. A case has been registered against them under provisions of the Foreginers Act and the IPC for offences including criminal trespass, the officer said. When asked about their whereabouts, he said, police had information that they have already returned to France. Two Tamil Nadu men, who helped the duo, including a freelance jouralist, were summoned for questioning. While one did not appear despite receiving summons, the other did not accept the formal communique. "They have to be enquired," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's main Tamil party TNA on Thursday demanded President Maithripala Sirisena to reinstate sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Mahinda Rajapaksa, appointed as premier by him on October 26, has failed to to prove his majority. The island nation is witnessing a political crisis since Sirisena's controversial move to sack Wickeremesinghe and install Rajapaksa as the prime minister in his place on October 26. In a letter to Sirisena, signed by 14 of TNA's 16 legislators, the party said that Rajapaksa, who was appointed as prime minister by Sirisena on October 26, had not been able to prove his majority although one month has lapsed since then. "Therefore, the TNA will support the restoration of the government headed by Wickremesinghe's UNP that existed prior to October 26," the letter said. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament. While Rajapaksha had failed twice to prove his majority in Parliament. The TNA's communique assumes significance as Sirisena-Rajapaksa combine has been claiming that Wickremesinghe lacked the 113 votes required to get a majority to become the prime minister. The letter came after Speaker Karu Jayasuriyas met Sirisena, in what is being seen as a crisis meeting to end the impasse. During a debate in Parliament this morning, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, a Sirisena loyalist, who was the only one to take part in the debate to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, invited Jayasuriya to hold talks with Sirisena with a view to end the crisis. Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to Rajapaksa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With little over a week left for Telangana state polls, K Chandrashekar Rao's party TRS has a new formula to check Chandrababu Naidu -- invoking the Telangana pride. Minister T Harish Rao, widely known as a key troubleshooter of the ruling party, said Naidu is a "betrayer" of Telangana people and there was a need to stop him from "indirectly controlling the state". "Had Naidu not entered Telangana, we would not have talked about Telangana pride. The issue would not have arisen if the Congress had gone solo. Since Naidu is part of the 'Maha Kutami' (a grand alliance of opposition parties), definitely Telangana pride will come into play," Rao told PTI on his campaign trail. From door-to-door visits to addressing rallies, Rao is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that his uncle KCR, as the state's first chief minister is known as, returns to power for the second time. Rao exuded confidence that his party will win 90-plus seats in the 119-member assembly and will not take support from other parties. He also asseeted that Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM will not be a part of the government despite having friendly ties. The Telangana pride is all about self-respect, Rao said adding that the TDP joining hands with the Congress is a "blessing in disguise" for his party. TRS is contesting in 107 assembly seats of the total 119, while TDP is a part of the Congress-led 'Maha Kutami' or grand alliance of four parties which also include the CPI and the TJS. Voting will take place on December 7 while counting of votes is scheduled for December 11. Claiming that 'Maha Kutami' is an "utter flop", the TRS leader said his party is maintaining equal distance from both the Congress and the BJP. Rao, who is contesting for the sixth time from Siddipet, has never lost an election since 2004. He said he is not even campaigning in his area and is focussing all his efforts in Gajwel, the seat KCR is fighting from. On allegations about TRS indulging in dynasty politics, Rao said it was the case with the Congress as well, with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi all being from the same family. "We have not come indirectly into politics, we are winning in elections," he said adding that the Congress has no locus standi to talk about dynastic However in Congress, there is no leader and direction, he said. "Congress cannot rule our state. In the past, chief minister was changed thrice in five years. They are mere power-mongers. On the other side, we don't even take BJP into consideration." He rubbished reports of any power tussle within his family. "It is nonsense. As opposition has no public issue to raise, they talk about family tussle and family dynasty. In elections, you should talk about development and expose corruptions if any," Rao said. On welfare schemes denting the state exchequer, he said that the state has borrowed funds for development purpose. "It is not wrong if you are spending for welfare of the state and even the US and other developed nations are doing." Asked about Telangana people's discontent with the TRS for giving construction contracts to the Andhra settlers, especially the Reddy community, Rao said: "These contractors are working all over India. The contracts are not given directly to individuals but through a bidding process. Whoever quotes less, get the contract."Companies owned by Andhra settlers like GVK group are implementing projects not only in Telangana but across the country and even abroad, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The toll in the hooch tragedy in Nadia district rose to 12 with five more people dying here, District Magistrate Sumit Gupta said Thursday. Of the 12 deceased persons, one was a woman, he added. "The death toll is 12 now. The condition of the 25 people, who are undergoing treatment at the Shantipur State General Hospital, is quite serious. Depending on the nature of their treatment, we will think of shifting them to hospitals in Kolkata," Gupta told PTI. The state CID, which has taken over the case, has so far arrested four people in connection with their involvement in selling spurious liquor in Shantipur area, a senior officer of the agency said. "All the four people were produced before a court which has ordered police remand for all of them," he said. Asked whether the liquor was brought from outside the state, the officer said, "So far, the arrested people have not told us anything of such sort. We are conducting tests of the liquor and trying to find out whether they were mixed with any chemical from outside." The state government announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. Eleven excise officials have been suspended, police said. On Wednesday, locals at Nrishinghapur village in Nadia district consumed spurious liquor, they said. A majority of the dead and the sick were brick-field labourers, the locals said, alleging that the spurious liquor was brought from nearby Kalna in Burdwan district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump jets to Argentina Thursday for a G20 summit, keen to do battle with China on trade and sharpening his rhetoric over Ukraine against Russia ahead of a meeting with its leader Vladimir Putin. The weekend summit is confronted with increasingly dire warnings, by the International Monetary Fund among others, of the potential harm faced by the world economy from Trump's trade wars. G20 leaders, whose countries account for four-fifths of the world's economic output, first met in November 2008 to forge a united front against the global financial crisis. A decade on, that unity has vanished as the "America First" Trump shreds the consensus underpinning international trade and other G20 countries such as Brazil, Italy and Mexico turn to populist leaders. Trump has already rattled global markets by enacting tariffs on the bulk of Chinese imports, and is threatening to go further in January. He will press Chinese President Xi Jinping to avert the stepped-up tariffs by throwing open China's markets to US competition and protecting foreign companies' intellectual property. On Wednesday, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer slammed Beijing for failing to offer "meaningful reform" on aggressive trade policies, and threatened tariffs on Chinese autos. But how far can Xi go in overhauling the model that has powered China to second place in the world economic rankings? He did vow on Wednesday that China would boost protection of intellectual property. But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine and ring hollow. At best, analysts say, there will be a temporary truce at the G20 to give both Trump and Xi something to crow about. French President Emmanuel Macron warned against the risk of "a tete-a-tete between China and the United States and of a destructive trade war for all" ahead of the summit, in an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion. "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. Despite doubts that a separate planned encounter at the G20 between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin would go ahead, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday that Washington had "confirmed the meeting." Trump had threatened to cancel the meeting as he expressed "deep concern" over a weekend incident near Crimea that saw Russian security forces board and detain three Ukrainian vessels -- an action Putin defended. But Peskov said the meeting in Argentina would start around noon on Saturday with "brief talks between the leaders," followed by broader Russia-US talks that could last around an hour. Meanwhile the US, Canada and Mexico are expected on Friday to sign a revamped version of the North American trade pact NAFTA, which Trump excoriated when running for president. If that negotiation has averted one trade war, others are brewing with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on foreign car imports, targeting Europe and Japan in particular. In a pre-G20 report, the IMF said the auto tariffs could cut three-fourths of a percent off the global economy. Britain's "Brexit" separation from the European Union is another threat to global growth, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said. Like Trump and Xi, Prime Minister Theresa May will arrive in Buenos Aires late on Thursday to bring another intriguing subplot to the world's pre-eminent economic forum. Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falkland/Malvinas islands in 1982, and May will be the first serving British leader ever to visit the Argentine capital. In the here and now, May will use the G20 to sell Britain's post-Brexit trading future outside the EU. But Trump has done her no favors by mocking a hard-fought withdrawal agreement negotiated between London and Brussels, and May still has to win backing for the deal from the fractious British parliament. Trump has already shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC, setting the stage for a fractious G20 on Friday and Saturday. Thomas Wright, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, said "there's a deep division in this G20 now between democracies and authoritarians." "Now I think it's really been stripped bare," he said, adding there was an opening for a liberal leader like France's Emmanuel Macron or Canada's Justin Trudeau to make a splash in Argentina by standing up to Trump. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with the Russian leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's assault on the international order were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20 minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships, as "it's a very good time to have the meeting." "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," he tweeted. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump added, shortly after taking off aboard Air Force for the two-day meeting starting Friday. The cancellation coincided with a new eruption in the controversy over whether Putin's government meddled to help elect Trump to the White House. Trump again ridiculed probes into the allegations and accused his former lawyer Michael Cohen of lying, after Cohen pled guilty to misleading Congress. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said prior to Trump's Twitter announcement that even if it may be "impossible" to agree on all issues, "we need to talk" for the sake of global stability. Reacting afterwards, Peskov said Russia had not been informed formally by the White House. "If that is the case, the president (Putin) will have a few extra hours in his program for useful meetings on the sidelines of the summit." While the Putin meeting now appears off, Trump is still slated to sit down with President Xi Jinping on the G20 margins to press for wholesale reform of the world's second-biggest economy in favor of access for US companies. After heaping huge tariffs on Chinese goods, and threatening more to come in January, Trump said a ceasefire to the trade war was "very close" -- but cast doubt on whether he even wanted one. "I think China wants to make a deal. I am open to making a deal but frankly I like the deal that we have right now," the president said. Referring to the China tariffs, he said: "What we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of taxes." However, economists and critics of the president's trade policies point out duties are paid by importers and thus constitute a tax on US industry and consumers that is not paid by China. Trump's tough talking set the stage for a contentious gathering in Argentina with the tensions over Ukraine and trade deepening fissures carved open by the US president on climate change -- an issue that nearly torpedoed last year's G20. It is likely to be to the fore of the meeting of European leaders called by Macron, along with demands to resist the trade protectionism now stalking the world economy 10 years after the first G20 summit was held in the throes of financial crisis. In an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, the French president warned against the risk of "a destructive trade war for all" emanating from the G20 discussions. "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a communique in Buenos Aires. Trump now has an ally on that issue in Brazil's incoming, far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, their skepticism defying scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat is real and needs policy redress now. G20 countries account for four-fifths of the world's economic output but the group's consensus on the biggest challenges is under assault as other members such as Italy and Mexico also fall under the sway of populist governments. En route to Argentina, Xi vowed on Wednesday that China would "make a lot of efforts to speed up market access, improve the investment environment and increase protection of intellectual property." But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine, and analysts doubt that Trump and Xi's talks over a working dinner will serve up much beyond a commitment to negotiate further. The G20 summit is already confronted with dire warnings, by the International Monetary Fund among others, of the potential harm faced by the world economy from Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods and his stated threats of action to come against European and Japanese cars. The IMF said Trump's threatened auto tariffs could lop three-quarters of a percent off the global economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Turkey could play a mediation role to ease tensions between Russia and Ukraine after the seizure of three Ukrainian ships by Moscow sparked a major new crisis. Ankara's often brittle relations with Moscow have flourished since mid-2016 in a rapprochement that has sometimes troubled the West. Turkey is working closely with Russia on the Syria conflict and is also purchasing sophisticated Russian air defence systems. But Erdogan has always sought to emphasise the importance of Turkey's traditionally strong relations with Ukraine, even as Kiev and Moscow remain at loggerheads. "Here we could take on a mediator role and we have discussed this with both sides," Erdogan told reporters at Istanbul airport before heading to the G20 summit in Argentina. His comments came after intense telephone diplomacy on Wednesday which saw Erdogan hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko. Erdogan also talked to US President Donald Trump. "Both Mr Putin and Mr Poroshenko in our talks made requests. We will convey the (Ukrainian) demands to Mr Putin in our meeting in Argentina," added Erdogan, saying the issue would also be discussed in his talks with Trump in Buenos Aires. Turkey is keen not to see any further escalation in the conflict between its fellow Black Sea littoral states which could bring further instability to the region. Moscow and Kiev have traded angry accusations since Russian navy vessels fired on, boarded and captured the three Ukrainian ships off the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea which was annexed by Russia in 2014. After warning of the threat of "full-scale war", Poroshenko on Wednesday signed an act imposing martial law for 30 days in regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Kiev has demanded the return of its ships and the release of 24 sailors taken prisoner during the confrontation. Tensions between Kiev and Moscow spilt over into confrontation when pro-EU protests in Ukraine led to the ousting of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. Russia annexed Crimea while pro-Moscow separatists seized parts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of eastern Ukraine, declaring unrecognised breakaway statelets in a conflict that remains unresolved. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Georgia's ruling party-backed candidate, who favours balancing the ex-Soviet republic's relations with Moscow and the West, has won the presidential runoff, according to partial results published on the electoral body's website on Thursday. However the vote is also seen as an indicator of how parliamentary elections in 2020 could go. Georgian Dream was founded by billionaire banker Bidzina Ivanishvili, the country's richest man, and critics say he rules the country from behind the scenes. "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law". If these exit polls are confirmed by official results, it means Salome Zurabishvili will become the country's fifth president. Ivanishvili sought to ease tensions with Russian Federation, largely without success, after the countries fought a 2008 war over two breakaway territories. He now lives in the Netherlands. Earlier, two exit polls also showed Zurabishvili, a former French career diplomat who served as Georgia's foreign minister from 2004 to 2005, with a clear lead. The opposition has complained of voting irregularities and attacks on its campaigners, but this has been denied by the ruling party. Opposition supporters will be watching for reports from foreign election monitors, including from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to see if their claims of voter fraud are supported. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. Zurabishvili said she and her children had received death threats during the election campaign from people affiliated with the opposition United National Movement (UNM), headed by exiled former President Mikheil Saakashvili. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. Zurabishvili finished less than one percentage point ahead of Vashadze in the first round of voting on October 28. / -- The MoU will help Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA) and its members navigate through the changing international trade scenarios with TV SD's in-depth understanding of country specific and buyer specific quality and regulatory needs TV SD, the German training, consultancy, testing and certification giant, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA). Through the signing of this MoU, TV SD becomes a preferred technical and quality partner to provide quality assurance services to ILPA and members. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/568955/TUV_SUD_South_Asia_Logo.jpg ) The Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA) is a premier representative body of manufacturers and exporters of leather and leather products across the country. ILPA works actively to bring together manufacturer-exporters and merchant-exporters of leather products of India on a common platform to stimulate growth and development of the leather sector. ILPA being a non-profit making association strives to provide a host of services and activities to the leather goods industry at very reasonable charges. TV SD as a premier third party quality assurance organisation works very closely with the industry in providing them with the right expertise in the areas of testing, inspection and auditing. With its suite of service offerings, TV SD would partner with ILPA and its members to offer them an unparalleled knowledge base and be the partner of choice for their quality assurance requirements. While ILPA is looking to ramp up their exposure levels within the buying community and thereby bring in additional business to their member base, TV SD as an independent entity provides the confidence to not only ILPA but also the buying community as a whole about sourcing from India. With the ability to produce and sell a wide range of products, ILPA and its members would further require the expertise of a global institution to guide and direct them through the ever dynamic and complex regulatory and country specific requirements. TV SD with its vast and deep understanding of the existing and changing norms of international trade proves to be the ideal sounding board for ILPA and its members. Mr. Adhar Sahni, President of ILPA while signing the MoU said, "India's leather industry is the second largest in the world and accounts for almost 13% of the world's leather production. The industry has grown exponentially over last few years. We aim to continue the growth momentum by further strengthening the quality of our products. We believe TV SD's global expertise will help us achieve an international benchmark in both domestic and international markets and help us to navigate through the changing international trade scenarios, to understand the complexities and dynamics of international trade while expanding our footprint in newer markets." TV SD, in its role as a preferred partner to ILPA, would co-operate with ILPA in assisting their members and helping them gear up to match the buying community requirements, be it with updating their system compliance or technical capabilities or even benchmarking their product quality to be the best in the industry, with its world-class laboratories, technical resources or auditing capabilities. Commenting on the partnership with ILPA, Mr. Ezhilan Neelan, Senior Vice President, Product Services, TV SD South Asia said, "We are proud to partner with ILPA and extend our services. India is a leading leather market exporter and thus it becomes critical to maintain high quality standards to match the international quality. The Leather Goods domain is a labour-intensive industry where more than 30% of the workers are women and skill development in today's state of technological advancement is critical. Through this association, TV SD affirms its commitment to help the leather industry deliver the best quality products to the world. Through our collective effort we are confident that all the members will be immensely benefited." With this association, ILPA and its members get more clarity in their journey towards meeting and exceeding global buyer and retailer requirements and TV SD is proud to be partnering with them in this foray. About TV SD TV SD is a premium quality, safety, and sustainability solutions provider that specialises in testing, inspection, auditing, certification, training, and knowledge services. Since 1866, the company has remained committed to its founding principle of protecting people, property and the environment from technology-related risks. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, TV SD is represented in more than 1,000 locations worldwide. TV SD operates globally with a team of more than 24,000 multi-disciplinary experts recognised as specialists in their respective fields. By combining impartial expertise with invaluable insights, the company adds tangible value to businesses, consumers and the environment. The aim of TV SD is to support customers with a comprehensive suite of services worldwide to increase efficiency, reduce costs and manage risk. For further information, visit http://www.tuv-sud.com About TV SD South Asia TV SD South Asia is the leading consulting, testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company with presence across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. With more than 1300 employees, TV SD South Asia has serviced over 10,000 clients to date through the past two decades. It is present at 32 locations including 19 labs across the three countries. Today, TV SD South Asia is internationally competent to provide TIC solutions cutting across a wide range of sectors that include management systems, conventional and renewable energy, water, sanitation, environmental technology, infrastructure, transit systems, real estate, food, supply chain, agriculture, toys, consumer electronics, textiles, leather and related products, automobile and components, and technical as well as soft-skills training Source: TV SD South Asia Pvt. Ltd. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, both close aides of outfit commander Riyaz Naikoo, were killed Thursday in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. "Based on a credible input about presence of terrorists at Sharshali in Awantipora area of Pulwama district, a cordon and search operation was launched swiftly by security forces in the early hours of Thursday," a police official said. The official said as the searches were going on, security forces were fired upon by militants. The fire was retaliated by security forces, leading to a gunfight. "In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were neutralized and the bodies retrieved from the site of encounter," he said. The slain militants have been identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone alias Uqaab and Adil Bilal Bhat alias Umair al Hizbi. "Both of them were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen," the official said. As per police records, Lone was self-styled district commander of Hizb for Pulwama. "Lone was one of the top commanders of HM and had a long history of terror crime records since 2015. He was a close associate of terrorist commander Riyaz Naikoo and had escaped from an encounter site in Srinagar earlier," he said. Both militants were wanted by the law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities, the official said. "Bhat, being a close associate of Riyaz Naikoo, was also involved in several terror crimes. Among other terror offences, he also figured in killing of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain at Awantipora in October 2017," he said. Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the official said. More than two dozen militants have been killed in encounters with security forces over the past eight days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Ukraine government plan to embarrass Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit failed Thursday when an Argentine company refused to erect a protest poster outside the meeting. Kiev planned to mount a giant billboard depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia's capture on Sunday of three Ukrainian ships sparked a pre-summit crisis. But the move was thwarted when an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, told reporters in Buenos Aires. The prime objective was to win the release of 24 Ukrainian sailors "illegally detained" by Russian forces, she said. "We hope that the summit, the meetings of the leaders -- like the president of the United States, who is going to meet Putin -- will result in the Ukrainian prisoners being released," she said. Trump later announced he was cancelling his planned meeting with Putin "based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to the Ukraine from Russia". Dzhaparova echoed Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's call on NATO to send ships to the region as a show of force against Russia. Poroshenko retweeted Trump's change of mind about the Putin meeting and added in English: "This is how great leaders act!" Putin insists his forces were right to seize the ships as they had intruded into Russian waters, a claim denied by Kiev. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend. But Poroshenko charged that Putin "wants nothing less than to occupy the sea. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. "Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin. Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression". NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences". Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine. "In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies. "Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added. "As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unilever chief Paul Polman is "retiring" from the consumer giant, the firm said Thursday, a month after it was forced to ditch a controversial post-Brexit plan to move its headquarters from London to the Netherlands. The Anglo-Dutch group, maker of iconic brands like Marmite and Dove soap, will be headed from January by Alan Jope, the current chief of its huge beauty and personal care department. "Unilever today announced that CEO Paul Polman has decided to retire from the company," the company said in a statement, adding that he had been in the post for 10 years. Polman, 62, tweeted that he had decided to "step down from my role as CEO", adding: "It's been a great honour to lead this team for the past 10 years and together build a sustainable business that has made a difference to millions of lives." "I have no doubts that I will be leaving the company in excellent hands. Under Alan's leadership Unilever is well-placed to prosper long into the future." Neither Unilever nor Polman made any mention of the headquarters plan, but his position had been in doubt since it fell through on October 5. Unilever had faced mounting opposition from key shareholders, including Aviva Investors, Royal London, Columbia Threadneedle, Legal & General Investment Management, Lindsell Train, M&G Investments and Brewin Dolphin. Many were angry that the plan would have ended Unilever's dual listing on the London and Amsterdam stock exchanges, meaning that many would have had to sell shares in Britain. The group had originally unveiled the planned switch in March in a symbolic decision that was largely interpreted by analysts as a blow to post-Brexit Britain. It also followed a failed hostile bid by US rival Kraft Heinz last year, which analysts said played a key role in Unilever's decision as the Netherlands has stronger rules to protect companies against takeovers. Jope, who currently leads the firm's largest division, said it would be a "huge privilege to lead Unilever". Polman is due to retire as CEO on December 31 but will stay at the company for six months working on the transition with Jope, the firm said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a significant victory for the Indian IT outsourcing industry, a California jury unanimously sided with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), saying the Indian consulting major did not discriminate against non-South Asian workers in the US as alleged in a lawsuit. According to a report in legal portal law360.com, the unanimous nine-member jury found in an Oakland, California court Wednesday that the TCS did not have a "pattern or practice" of intentionally discriminating against non-South Asian workers due to their race or national origin. The verdict came after one day of deliberations, ending a trial that began on November 5 over a class action lawsuit brought by three former TCS employees, Christopher Slaight, Seyed Amir Masoudi and Nobel Mandili, who claimed in the suit that they received fewer work opportunities and were eventually fired because of their races and national origins. The report said that their attorney Daniel Kotchen presented data showing that the company has fired fewer than one per cent of its South Asian employees, who are mostly Indian, in the US, compared with 10.6 per cent of its non-South Asian employees. The suit also alleged that the TCS let go of 78 per cent of its non-South Asian workers who were taken off job assignments, or "benched" from work, between 2011 and 2014, while only 22 per cent of benched South Asians were fired, even though they made up half of the company's US workforce. The TCS executives testified at trial that the company had recently raised its year-over-year retention rate to 82 per cent from 69 per cent and that the company had increased the number of US residents it hires and retains, the law360.com report said. It added that in closing arguments, Tata's counsel Terry Garnett of Loeb & Loeb LLP, argued that the company's employment data show there's been a 400 per cent increase in local hires since 2011. Garnett also said at trial that most of the workers who alleged they had been fired were let go for refusing to relocate for a job. A report in the East Bay Times quoted Garnett as saying that the nine-member jury unanimously ruled that TCS "did not discriminate on the base of race or national origin." The report cited a Tata representative as saying that they have always believed the claims in the case were baseless and are gratified that the jury agreed. The verdict came as the Trump administration is doubling down on immigration and its tough stance is impacting companies from hiring and retaining foreign workers on the H1B work visas, which is the most-sought after among Indian IT professionals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Life expectancy in the United States dropped yet again as drug overdose deaths continued to climb -- taking more than 70,000 lives in 2017 -- and suicides rose, a US government report said Thursday. The drug overdose rate rose 9.6 per cent compared to 2016, while suicides climbed 3.7 per cent, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. As a result, the average life span in America dropped to "78.6 years, a decrease of 0.1 year from 2016," said the report. The data comes as the United States grapples with a vast opioid epidemic, fueled by addiction to prescription painkillers as well as street drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids including fentanyl. "The latest CDC data show that the US life expectancy has declined over the past few years. Tragically, this troubling trend is largely driven by deaths from drug overdose and suicide," said CDC director Robert Redfield. "Life expectancy gives us a snapshot of the nation's overall health and these sobering statistics are a wakeup call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable." Overdoses were a major factor when US life expectancy dropped slightly in 2015 for the first time in decades. Another downtick was reported by the CDC in 2016, though those data were later revised to show a flat year, said Robert Anderson, chief of the mortality statistics branch at the NCHS. Overall, the statistics show a "downward trend in life expectancy since 2014," a time period in which Americans have lost 0.3 years of life, he told AFP, describing the trend as "very concerning." Anderson said declines like this haven't been seen since the great flu pandemic of 1918 and World War I -- though those losses were steeper. The peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s also saw a nationwide drop in life expectancy. "We're a developed country, we have a lot of resources, we should have increasing life expectancy, not decreasing life expectancy," he added. Canadians live on average three years longer than Americans. Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world, at almost 84. Drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl -- which killed the musicians Prince and Tom Petty -- and tramadol increased by 45 per cent between 2016 and 2017. The rate of heroin deaths was seven times higher than in 1999. CDC figures showed that a total of 70,237 people died of overdoses in 2017. Most of these deaths were unintentional in nature. The rise -- although dramatic at nearly 10 percent year-on-year -- was about half the spike seen a year earlier. In 2016, 21.6 percent more people died from overdoses compared to 2015. Separately released preliminary government data for the first part of 2018 have also appeared to show a leveling off in overdose deaths. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said at a health conference in October, when that data came out, that the "seemingly relentless trend of rising overdose deaths seems to be finally bending in the right direction." But experts urged caution in interpreting the results to mean the opioid epidemic has peaked, or is anywhere near an end. "It is encouraging to see the trajectory of this start to decrease, without a doubt," said Harshal Kirane, director of addiction services at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the data collection. "What would be a signal of some real change would be when the total number of overdose deaths year to year is actually decreasing," he told AFP. "Seventy-thousand deaths is hard to digest in any way as a positive outcome. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Palestine Thursday accused the US of not being a "fair mediator" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and said the Trump administration's stance on the issue has "blown the cover" of its foreign policy in the Middle East. Palestinian envoy in New Delhi, Adnan Abu Al Haija, thanked India for its support for the cause and hoped that the Indian leadership will continue to "guide and support" it. "Some people say (US President) Mr Donald Trump is the worst thing to happen to the Palestinians. I don't agree. Because, in what he is and what he does, he has blown the cover of the American foreign policy in the Middle East," he said at an event here to mark the 'International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People'. The envoy alleged that the US was never a "fair mediator" when it came to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The pro-Israel bias of the US has always been there for everyone to see, irrespective of whether it was Democrat or a Republican (administration). "The US used to give an impression of impartiality (on this issue). With Mr (President Donald) Trump, that fake veneer is gone, and the real and true face of the American policy is out for everyone to see," Al Haija said. The event was hosted by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) at Sapru House and Head of the Mission, League of Arab States, Alyaa Ghannam and UN Resident Coordinator in India Yuri Afanasiev. Former ambassadors of India Sanjay Singh and TCA Raghavan also addressed the audience, which included members of the diplomatic corps, retired foreign service officers, foreign policy experts and scholars. India has been supportive of the Palestinian struggle and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message to mark the occasion, said, "We hope for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Afanasiev read out the message of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the occasion. "This year's International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People takes place at a time of turmoil, trouble and torment. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is providing indispensable services and needs our full support," Guterres said in his message. "I also urge, Palestine and all others with influence to restore the promise and viability of the two-state solution premised on two states living side by side in peace, harmony and withing secure and recognised borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both," he said. The Palestinian envoy, in his speech, accused Israel of adopting "unlawful methods" of appropriation of land in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including claiming land as 'state land'. Last July, Israel adopted a "racist" law that crossed all the red lines and called it the 'Nation-State Law of the Jewish People', Al Haija said. This law "denies the connection" of the Palestinian people to their historic homeland and "dismisses their right to self-determination" and their history, and heritage, as well as the UN resolutions relevant to the Palestine question and the agreements concluded with Israel", he said. "This law will inevitably lead to the creation of one racist state, an apartheid state, and nullifies the two-state solution... This law constitutes a gross breach and real danger, both politically and legally, and reminds us of the apartheid state that existed in South Africa. "We therefore reject and condemn it in the strongest terms," he said. The envoy appealed to the international community to reject and condemn it, too, as a "racist, illegal law" and "deem it null and void". Thousands of Jews and Israeli citizens have rejected and protested this law and "56 Knesset (Israeli parliament) members, out of 120 voted against it", Al Haija said. The Palestinian envoy said a clear example of Israel's policy of "collective punishment" is that the decade-long "inhumane and illegal blockade" against the Gaza Strip, and the long-standing restriction on movement of people and goods to and form Gaza, leading to an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis". "Since last March, the Israeli military forces have killed more than 220 and injured 25,000 civilian protestors, children, women, medical teams, journalists, and others in Gaza," he said. Al Haija said the US withdrew the funding given to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and Palestinian hospitals, believed it will make us "buckle at the knees and accept its illegitimate demands". But, many "brotherly nations", including India have stepped up and the deficit in UNRWA funds is "just 10 per cent" of what it used to be before the US decided to pull out, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adoption of drone technology along with artificial intelligence (AI) will change the face of the irrigation and agriculture sectors in the long-run, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said Thursday. Addressing the first workshop of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India at the Sahyadri Guest House, he said new technologies will also improve predictability, which will help farmers plan the agricultural produce well in advance. The World Economic Forum had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Maharashtra to set up the centre in the satellite city of Navi Mumbai. The multi-million dollar centre will help the larger society benefit from industrial revolution 4.0 technologies including IoT, blockchain, AI among others. "Industrial revolution with artificial intelligence is changing the face of every single business which we used to do. It is making it more predictable more reliable more efficient," Fadnavis said. He said even though the irrigation sector has seen some technological advancement, there is no proper evaluation tool for accurate assessment. "But now with the drone technology associated with AI capabilities, information will be very assessable and I think that would increase the efficiency and accuracy of the department and we would really know that what we claim is correct. This would also increase the revenues of the department," Fadnavis said. Similarly, he said, agriculture sector also requires sustainability considering the weather uncertainties and climate change, which can cause huge distress. "All this can be assessed through drones and AI and we can actually reach the farmers before distress happens," he added. Davis further said that if data can be collated from automated weather stations in the state's 2,000 revenue circles, AI and drones, an effective tool or platform can be created to make the entire agriculture space more predictable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Expressing concern over adult children abandoning their parents, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Thursday said the neglect and abuse of the elderly was "abhorrent and completely unacceptable." In spite of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, he said the number of cases of children abandoning their elderly parents (in the country) was on the rise. Pointing out that "our civilisation has always been proud of the way we treated the elderly," the Vice President said it was the duty of the youngsters to take care of the elderly. India traditionally enjoyed a robust joint family system and the fast-changing socio-economic conditions were leading to its disintegration, he said after inaugurating the 18th National Conference of Senior Citizens organised by the All India Senior Citizens Confederation (AISCCON) here. Whenever the family system fails in its duty to protect the elderly, the community, civil society and the government have to step in to fill the vacuum," Naidu said. He noted that currently there were an estimated 10.5 crore elderly in the country and the figure would reach 32.4 crore by 2050. There would be 64 countries, including India, where 30 per cent of the population would be 60-plus. Noting that more than 70 per cent of elders in India reside in rural areas, he said the rise in rural population of senior citizens was owing to large-scale migration of the younger generation to urban areas. Stressing the need to provide physical, financial and social security and dignity to the elderly, he said the National Policy on Older Persons must be implemented by all state governments in letter and spirit. Pitching for expansion of geriatric healthcare facilities in hospitals, he said, "Our cities and the facilities in them should be accessible to the elderly." Naidu also urged the companies to expand their CSR activities by including elders' issues. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Syrian man who spent more than 200 days living in a Malaysian airport and nearly two months in detention has finally been released and is on his way to Canada. It was understandable. After all, he had just spent most of those months stuck in a Malaysian airport's transit area and the remainder detained by local authorities. The group said people from around the world helped raise the funds to bring Mr Kontar to Canada. His three-month tourist visa to Malaysia had expired. Mr. Kontar, who is from Syria, was working in the insurance industry in the United Arab Emirates when the civil war broke out in his country. "I'm originally from Syria but for 200 days, I'm living - stuck actually- in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, terminal two", he tells SBS in the video, shot from inside the airport terminal. Mr Kontar, from Suweida, south of Damascus, had applied for asylum in Ecuador and Cambodia, but was unsuccessful. "I am a human being and I don't consider it right to participate in war". He's also Druze, a minority religious group in Syria that has been targeted by extremist groups. A whole lot of it. "It all seemed impossible: I'm a mom who lives in a little log cabin and he was living in an airport", said Cooper. He posted videos of himself knitting, exercising and dancing. Eventually he found some allies in that struggle. Kontar lived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport for almost seven months, after he was denied entry into Malaysia after overstaying his visa. Unable to find a country that would issue him a visa and unwilling to return to Syria, he became stranded in the transit area of the airport where he started documenting his existence on social media with posts that were sometimes amusing and sometimes heartbreaking. He became a permanent resident on landing in Canada because the country had already recognized him as a refugee. The video follows weeks of concern about the Syrian national's safety, as he was threatened with deportation back to Syria, where he faces military conscription or jail. The bus is no longer with us. And when he finally touched down Monday in Vancouver, Cooper was waiting with a hug. "I'm very grateful that Canadian officials, when Hassan was truly in peril, worked very, very hard to expedite the process", said Cooper. In other moments, he made the best of his situation. The Syrian refugee spoke with SBS' Go Back To Where You Came From from the airport. "The last ten months, it was very hard and cold". And after thanking those who offered him support, he returned to the topic of his fellow Syrians. "Let's keep the prayers for those who need it the most, in refugee camps and detention camps all over the world". "I hope they will be safe and legal as soon as possible, too". The West Bengal Assembly on Thursday paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, and former Leader of the Opposition in the state, Pankaj Banerjee. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who shared a cordial relationship with the three politicians, especially Vajpayee, is currently on an administrative tour to the districts and was not present in the Assembly. Mamata Banerjee was the railway minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, State ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya, Firhad Hakim, and BJP's state president Dilip Ghosh were among those who paid homage to the departed leaders. Ghosh recalled his first meeting with Vajpayee during a party rally in Mumbai and how the former PM had handled a situation with his wit. Vajpayee passed away in August this year at the age of 93. He was the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete his five-year term. Satgachia MLA Sonali Guha recollected meeting Somnath Chatterjee, a ten-time MP and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who too passed away in August. Guha described the meeting as an "experience of a lifetime". The veteran Marxist leader was expelled from the CPI(M) after he refused to quit the post of Speaker of the Lok Sabha following the party's withdrawal of support to the then Manmohan Singh government over its plans to sign a nuclear deal with the US. Hakim said that the passing away of the three leaders created a void that would be very difficult to fill. Hakim also paid homage to Pankaj Banerjee and acknowledged his immense contribution to the Trinamool Congress. Pankaj Banerjee, the former Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, was a founding member of the Trinamool Congress. He passed away in October this year. After Trinamool Congress became the biggest opposition party in 2001, Banerjee became the Leader of the Opposition, a post he served till 2006. Banerjee, however, had announced his retirement from in 2006. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari Thursday lashed out at AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over the sealing drives here and challenged the chief minister to issue an order authorising him to break locks of properties sealed by municipal corporations. The BJP leader's remark came after Kejriwal Wednesday said Tiwari should stop doing "drama" and if he has the "guts, he should de-seal shops" in the national capital. Tiwari advised the chief minister to focus on development of the city instead of indulging in "petty politics" and spreading "lies" on sealing issue. Kejriwal addressing a "Mahapanchyat" on the sealing issue on Wednesday, had attacked Tiwari over his act of breaking the lock of a property sealed by a municipal corporation in East Delhi. "Manoj Tiwari is doing just drama...If he has guts, he the should de-seal shops across Delhi. This is not the way. Even people know that he is doing drama...," Kejriwal had said. The chief minister is "misleading" the people of Delhi by "fabricating lies" on the issue of sealing and has become a "habitual liar", Tiwari alleged at a press conference here. "He should give me an official order in writing for breaking the seal of the properties in Delhi and I will get down to it from tomorrow," he said. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court dropped a contempt case against Tiwari while chastising him for breaking seal of the property in east Delhi's Gokalpur. Tiwari held the Kejriwal government responsible for paving the way for sealing drive in Delhi by filing an affidavit in the court. "Sealing was started in Delhi after Kejriwal government filed an affidavit in the court. After this affidavit the court ordered its monitoring committee to start a sealing drive," the BJP leader claimed. The BJP ruled municipal corporations in the city are undertaking sealing and demolition action against properties found in violation of the provisions of the Delhi Master Plant 2021 and Unified Building Bylaws-2016 on the instructions of Supreme court mandated monitoring committee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India would ensure that the proposed free trade agreement RCEP is "beneficial, equitable and balanced" for all participating countries, a senior Ministry of External Affairs official said here Thursday. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) bloc comprises 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. The government is presently negotiating the free trade agreement with the participating countries. "I can assure you that the progress has been very good. We are, of course, determined to ensure that we get a RCEP which is balanced, equitable and beneficial to all the participating countries," Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary (Asean- ML), Ministry of External Affairs said at a seminar here. The RCEP bloc comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Laos and Vietnam and their six free trade agreement partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The participating countries are currently negotiating the agreement. There were multiple rounds of negotiations at the official and Commerce Ministers' level, he said. While speaking on the Indo-ASEAN partnerships and relations, Bhushan said connectivity remained the overarching issue in its relationship with the regional bloc. India is also looking to enhance air and maritime connectivity with ASEAN, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mounting bank loans, crop failure, lack of avenues to pay off debts and large dependent families form the common thread tying together the numerous women farmers who hit the streets Thursday. Hoping to make themselves heard in the power centre of the nation, thousands of farmers, who had converged here from across the country, began a two-day protest, backed by the Left, to press their demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Raising the banner of protest among them are women farmers who see themselves as worse than their male counterparts. Rita Messi, 45, travelled around 200 km from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh to the national capital with a hope of sustaining her livelihood as a farmer and making her demand heard at the Kisan rally. Rita, who supports 11 family members as a sugarcane farmer, has struggled over the years due to crop failure and her inability to pay off the debts. "I took big risks by taking loans from banks with the hope of doing well. But a drought like situation in the first year, flood in second year and lately, storms have destroyed all my hopes. Now I am unable to repay my loans," she said. At the Kisan rally, Rita has been huddled with others from her village who all hope that the establishment will finally wake up to the agrarian distress. She said she took a loan of Rs 5.5 lakh from Rudrapur branch of Allahabad Bank for sugar cane cultivation, Rs 3.5 lakh from Bhumi Vikas Bank and another loan of Rs 3.5 lakh from Zila Sahkari Bank for maize farming. "Now the people from the bank come to my house, serve notices for loan repayment. Sometimes they even call me to their office. The government should waive off all farm loans. "We are facing loss after loss in our farming. It is not only in case of sugar cane cultivation, but in paddy and maize cultivation as well. If the government does not do something, I will have no option but to take the extreme step," Rita said. Sugar cane farming, a traditional agricultural practice of several families in Rampur district, has taken a hit in recent years, the farmer said. Geeta Rani, a farmer from Hasan district of Karnataka, said the southern state had witnessed agricultural failure for two continuous years. "Two continuous years of agricultural failure in our state has added to our woes. We have no support. Big farmers always have government blessings. The government should also think about people like us," she said. Geeta, who owns only four bigha land on which she cultivates coconut and rears ducks, was accompanied by her 80-year-old mother Saroja Bai. She said it was becoming difficult for people like her to survive in rural areas as prices of essential commodities have been skyrocketing in recent times. "There is no proper irrigation facilities for agriculture. We have no support of banks. We have heard of many government schemes, but nothing has reached us," Saroja said. Around 140 women, under the banner of Karnataka Raja Sagar (KRS), assembled for the protest in the national capital. The farmers, who converged at Ramlila Ground here and will march to Parliament Street on Friday, have come from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The world sees India as an eminent power which is expected to play a prominent role in shaping the global paradigm with regard to international security, trade and commerce, President Ram Nath Kovind said here on Thursday. "I have just returned from a visit to Vietnam and Australia. I held discussions with the leaders of both these countries on different areas of mutual interest...The deliberations made one thing amply clear that the world looks at India differently today," he said. "India is seen as an eminent power, expected to play a prominent role in shaping the global paradigm with regards to international security, trade and commerce, and environmental protection. India's rise in the international order has many dimensions to it and it draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our armed forces," Kovind said. He said though India remains firmly committed to peace, it is determined to use all its might to protect its sovereignty. "Whenever an occasion demanded, our brave men and women in uniform have ensured that the nation has dealt with the security challenges forcefully and effectively," he said. Awarding the Standards to 118 Helicopter Unit and Colours to Air Defence College here, Kovind said both these units have a rich history of professional excellence and have discharged their responsibilities with distinction. The nation honours them today for their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity, he said. "The unit has also contributed towards humanitarian assistance and relief operations during natural disasters. The motto of the unit 'Aapatsu Mitram', which means 'friend in distress', is indeed an apt one," he said. Kovind said the Air Defence College has achieved significant milestones in training in the past 60 years. The college provides professional training not only to officers of Indian Air Force but also to services and officers from friendly countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive crater marked the spot where a vehicle bomb detonated outside a British security firm's compound in Kabul, killing at least 10 people, as the number of wounded rose Thursday to 29. In the latest Taliban-claimed attack in the Afghan capital, militants detonated the bomb and then tried to fight their way into the compound housing G4S security company late Wednesday, authorities said. "Five attackers were involved, one detonated his vehicle at the gate, and four others were on foot and they entered the building," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish told AFP. He said the 10 dead were Afghans, but police spokesman Abdul Basir Mujahid said authorities were still working to identify the nationalities of the victims. G4S has not confirmed if any of its employees were among the dead, and the British embassy in Kabul has not yet made any statement. Mujahid said foreigners were among the wounded, but did not give their nationalities. An AFP photographer could see the shattered remains of a small van lying in the middle of the debris. Parts of nearby buildings in the industrial area of eastern Kabul were twisted by the violence of the blast. One survivor, Abdul Mohammad, told AFP he and his nephew had just passed the compound when the bomb detonated. "I lost consciousness but regained it in a few minutes," he told AFP from his hospital bed. "I felt a lot of debris hitting us. I tried to pick my nephew up but couldn't do it... I realised he was dead." "The ones in power are all betrayers and have made Afghanistan a battlefield," Rohullah Azimi, whose brother was among the wounded, added. G4S, which according to its website provides security for British diplomats in Kabul, was also targeted in an attack in March, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives before reaching the entrance of the complex. Two civilians were killed in that attack. Wednesday's assault came hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the insurgents. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and UN officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the 17-year war. At an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva, Ghani said the 12-person negotiating team includes both men and women and will be led by his chief of staff Abdul Salam Rahimi. But the Taliban have once again rejected Ghani's overtures, saying in a statement Thursday that it considered the government in Kabul "impotent" and a "waste of time". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yemen's Huthi rebels have said they will attend UN-brokered peace talks next week in Sweden if guarantees to ensure they can leave home and return back are maintained. "I think that the national (Huthi) delegation will be in Sweden God willing on December 3 if guarantees remain to ensure they can depart and return," Mohammed Ali al-Huthi said on Twitter on Thursday. Huthi, who heads the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee, said there should also be "positive indications on the importance of peace from the other side". His remarks offered the first clear indication that the Iran-linked Huthis will attend the UN-brokered peace talks, although in past days they have said they supported the negotiations. It was also the first time that a key player in the Yemen war specified a date for the talks which the United Nations has said it would begin in early December in Sweden. In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks failed when the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. The Huthi's top political leader Mahdi al-Mashat confirmed in a statement published by the rebels' agency later Thursday that their negotiating team was ready to head to Sweden. He called for a reduction in hostilities ahead of the talks and said rebels were exercising "high levels of self-restraint". Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is also backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, has already said it would attend the planned talks in Sweden. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in a statement to mark Yemen's Independence Day insisted the government was committed to peace and not "calling for war". Despite the latest calls for peace, both government and rebel media reported ongoing clashes across the country. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has held talks separately in the past few days with officials from both sides as part of efforts to lay the ground work for the peace talks. He met Huthi in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa and had talks with Yemeni officials in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. According to UN figures, nearly 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition joined the conflict in 2015 to bolster Hadi, triggering what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Rights groups fear the actual toll is far higher. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yes Bank Managing Director and CEO Rana Kapoor is unlikely to be in the fray for the post of chairman which fell vacant following the resignation of Ashok Chawla earlier this month, sources said Thursday. Besides, as Kapoor still remains the head of the bank until January next year, the possibility of him proposing for the chairman post looks bleak, added the sources. Chawla, a former bureaucrat, had resigned from the post of non-executive chairman, which, according to sources, was triggered in the wake of controversy on his continuance on the board of the bank while his name appeared in a CBI chargesheet in the Aircel-Maxis case. "Yes Bank announces that Ashok Chawla, non-executive independent part-time chairman, has tendered his resignation from the bank's board, with immediate effect, mentioning that during the current transition period, the bank would need a chairman who could devote more time and attention," the bank had said on his resignation. The private sector lender will recommend the name of new chairman for approval by the RBI after the meetings of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (N&RC) and the board of directors scheduled for December 13. The bank has seen the exit of three independent board members, including Chawla, in November. Rentala Chandrashekhar, former telecom secretary, and Vasant Gujarathi were the two others members who quit the board. Also, one new member -- Uttam Prakash Agarwal -- has joined the board, taking the current strength to seven. Also, Yes Bank's Search and Selection Committee (SSC) and the N&RC are scheduled to meet on December 12 to discuss the final shortlist for new MD & CEO appointment as Kapoor cannot continue beyond January 31, 2019, as the RBI earlier in September declined to give him extension beyond this period. It is also learnt that the bank will suggest the name of candidates for the MD & CEO post to the RBI by mid-December. Continuing the slide further, the stock of Yes Bank witnessed an intra-day fall of 9.5 per cent but managed to close the session lower by 0.77 per cent at Rs 160.45 on the BSE following ratings downgrade by Moody's Investors Service, ICRA and CARE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - Ashtead Group's Chief Executive Geoff Drabble has decided to step down after almost twelve years at the helm, the British industrial equipment rental firm said on Thursday.He will be succeeded by Brendan Horgan, the head of the group's U.S. business Sunbelt, which made up 87 percent of Ashtead's revenue last year. Horgan is expected to take his new role on May 1. (Reporting by Tanishaa Nadkar in Bengaluru; editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - Belgian molecular diagnostics company Biocartis Group said on Thursday it had entered into an agreement with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to obtain faster lung cancer molecular diagnostic biomarker results in Europe.Following the agreement, a prospective lung cancer study with Biocartis's Idylla EGFR Mutation Test will be conducted in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy."We are very excited to be collaborating with AstraZeneca in the area of lung cancer ... For Biocartis, this is yet another important collaboration to support the further roll-out of our Idylla platform," Biocartis ... The others are in Ohio, Maryland, and Ontario, Canada. "I spoke with GM (Chief Executive) Mary Barra to express my deep disappointment in the closure", Trudeau tweeted on Monday. "The first thing I said was, 'What can we do?'", Ford said Monday, recalling his phone call Sunday with GM Canada CEO Stephen Carlisle. Ford added: "To say we're disappointed is an understatement". Basically the ship has already left the dock. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday the federal government will also do what it can to help laid-off GM workers "get back on their feet", while federal Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said Ottawa stands ready to assist those workers any way it can. The closure of the Oshawa plant and the almost 3,000 jobs that will be lost have raised concerns of ripple effects through the supply chain, with Unifor estimating every job represents seven spin off jobs in the local economy. The head of the union representing General Motors Co. workers in Oshawa, Ont.is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to do everything possible to save the assembly plant, warning that the USA automaker is heading for a complete divestment in Canada. The new trade agreement struck by the United States, Mexico and Canada in September leaves significant room for Canadian plants to increase duty-free exports. He said the plant has won "every award" and was the best by "every matrix". "The government has done everything they could to keep them afloat". "The PC government is also asking the federal government to work with their USA counterparts to remove all tariffs so that impacted auto parts suppliers can remain competitive after the Oshawa Assembly Plant closes its doors". "I've moved my family twice for this company and they do this to me". The Cruze cwill be discontinued in the USA market in 2019, although GM may continue building it in Mexico for other markets, Barra said. By Sonali Paul and Tom WestbrookMELBOURNE/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Global miner Rio Tinto on Thursday formally pledged to plough billions of dollars into a futuristic iron ore mine in the red dirt of Western Australia, upping expected costs by nearly a fifth while lifting its projected output.Approval for the $2.6 billion facility at Koodaideri, in the resource-rich Pilbara area, marks the biggest investment commitment by the world's No. 2 iron ore miner since 2016, when it signed off on a $5.3 billion underground expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. Rio has previously called ... (Reuters) - A consortium led by Intu Properties Deputy Chairman John Whittaker has dropped plans to buy the British shopping centre group that owns Manchester's Trafford Centre, the company said on Thursday.Intu also said two members of the consortium, Peel Group and Saudi Arabia's Olayan Group, remain interested in their 29.9 percent stake in the company."Given the uncertainty around current macroeconomic conditions and the potential near-term volatility across markets, the consortium is not able to proceed with an offer within a timeframe which is manageable," Intu said in a statement.Intu ... By Hallie Gu and Dominique PattonBEIJING (Reuters) - China may soon buy pork for its state reserves to support farmers struggling to sell their pigs amid an African swine fever epidemic that has ravaged the nation's hog herd, according to people who attended a government meeting this week.Pork prices in some parts of China, the world's top producer and consumer, have fallen more than 20 percent since August when the fatal African swine fever hit the country's hogs, in a blow to farmers.It is not known how much Beijing would buy but the purchase would support prices in areas that have not been ... By Arno Schuetze and Tom SimsFRANKFURT (Reuters) - (Removes 10th paragraph in earlier version that incorrectly said that Nordea and Handelsbanken had been fined by regulators as a result of the papers. They had been fined for violating money laundering rules but not as a result of the papers.)Police raided six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Thursday over money laundering allegations linked to the "Panama Papers", the public prosecutor's office in Germany's financial capital said.Investigators are looking into the activities of two unnamed Deutsche Bank employees alleged to ... (Corrects number of labourers in paragraph 1)By Hyonhee Shin and Joyce LeeSEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's top court ruled on Thursday that Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd must compensate 10 South Koreans for their forced labour during World War Two, a ruling that drew an immediate rebuke from Tokyo. The decision echoed the Supreme Court's landmark verdict last month that ruled in favour of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. for their wartime forced labour. It upheld a 2013 appeals court decision that Mitsubishi must pay 80 million won ... By Paul SandleLONDON (Reuters) - The publisher of Britain's Daily Mail said volatile advertising and falling circulation would hit its media business next year, sending shares in the group down 10 percent after it published full-year results on Thursday.Daily Mail & General Trust(DMGT), which owns the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and Metro and the MailOnline website, reported a 16 percent drop in profit to 182 million pounds ($232.4 million) for the year to Sept. 30 on flat underlying revenue.Chief Executive Paul Zwillenberg said the company, which also has business-to-business operations in ... By Arno Schuetze and Tom SimsFRANKFURT (Reuters) - Police raided six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Thursday over money laundering allegations linked to the "Panama Papers", the public prosecutor's office in Germany's financial capital said.Investigators are looking into the activities of two unnamed Deutsche Bank employees alleged to have helped clients set up offshore firms to launder money, the prosecutor's office said. It focuses on the years 2013 through to 2018, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office said.Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors ... LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. carmaker Ford, Britain's biggest automotive engine builder, warned that a no-deal Brexit would be a "catastrophe" and that the agreement between London and Brussels should be approved."A no-deal Brexit would be a catastrophe," Ford Europe boss Steven Armstrong told a conference in London. "It's important that we get the agreement ratified that's on the table at the moment." (Reporting by Costas Pitas, editing by Sarah Young)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the Indian unit of Unilever Plc, on Thursday said it cannot disclose details on whether it is planning to buy GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Indian Horlicks nutrition business, citing confidentiality obligations.Sources told Reuters on Wednesday that Unilever has emerged as the leading bidder for Horlicks and other Indian consumer healthcare assets of GSK, in a tight contest which also involves European consumer giant Nestle.The GSK business, which includes the popular malt-based drinks Horlicks and Boost, is likely to fetch less than $4 billion, people close to the ... ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Wednesday said the government was not looking to cut its 2019 deficit target by more than 0.2 of a percentage point of gross domestic product (GDP). When asked a question about whether the ruling coalition was in talks with the European Commission to cut the current 2.4 deficit/GDP target by more than 0.2 of a percentage point, Salvini said, "No". Salvini was speaking to reporters outside of parliament. Italy is facing possible disciplinary action by the commission for breaking European Union spending rules. European Commission ... By David ShepardsonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge in San Francisco on Wednesday ordered the U.S. Justice Department and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV to hold new talks with a court-appointed settlement master to try to settle the government's civil suit over the Italian-American automaker's diesel vehicle emissions.The Justice Department is seeking "substantial" civil fines from Fiat Chrysler in a suit filed in May 2017 accusing the company of illegally using software that led to excess emissions in 104,000 U.S. diesel vehicles sold since 2014.A person briefed on the matter said the ... By Toby SterlingAMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Renault and Nissan "emphatically reiterated" their commitment to one another on Thursday as executives gathered for talks likely to address the future of the alliance, rocked by the arrest of Chairman Carlos Ghosn.Senior managers from the two companies and Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi Motors were seen arriving at alliance offices in Amsterdam around 6 a.m (0500 GMT). They avoided questions from waiting reporters as they entered the building via an underground parking lot."Over the past few days, the boards ... emphatically reiterated their strong ... By Hyonhee Shin and Joyce LeeSEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's top court ruled on Thursday that Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd must compensate 28 South Koreans for their forced labour during World War Two, a ruling that drew an immediate rebuke from Tokyo. The decision echoed the Supreme Court's landmark verdict last month that ruled in favour of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. for their wartime forced labour. It upheld a 2013 appeals court decision that Mitsubishi must pay 80 million won ($71,000) to each of 23 plaintiffs in ... US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday that he was examining all available tools to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the 40 percent duties that China is now charging on U.S.-produced vehicles. Lighthizer said in a statement criticizing China's "egregious" tariffs on U.S. autos that he was taking such action at the direction of President Donald Trump. The statement came just days before Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires in a showdown that could ease or worsen the trade war between the world's two ... By Jeff MasonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals on Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one, just as he left for Argentina for a meeting with President Xi Jinping."I think we're very close to doing something with China but I don't know that I want to do it," Trump told reporters as he left the White House to fly to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires."Because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes," he ... By David ShepardsonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the U.S. layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week.Trump said on Twitter that the 25 percent tariff placed on imported pickup trucks and commercial vans from markets outside North America in the 1960s had long boosted U.S. vehicle production."If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here," Trump said, "and G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, ... WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and United Kingdom on Wednesday reached a deal on a new open skies aviation agreement to govern air travel after Britain exits the European Union, the UK government said.The UK said in a statement the deal "will guarantee the continuation of the vital transatlantic routes used by tens of millions of passengers a year, ensuring people can continue to travel easily between the UK and US and maintaining choice and good value travel."Without a deal, U.S. airline ownership rules could have posed an issue for some UK carriers. (Reporting by David Shepardson; ... By Sarah YoungLONDON (Reuters) - Unilever's Chief Executive Paul Polman will step down next month after 10 years in the job, leaving insider Alan Jope to step into his shoes after the Anglo-Dutch group's failed attempt to shift its headquarters.A UK investor revolt forced Polman and the Unilever board to scrap a plan in October to move the headquarters of the dual-listed company, which makes Dove soap and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, to the Netherlands.Company veteran Jope, 54, is the boss of the beauty and personal care division which is Unilever's largest, accounting for almost half of group ... By Sarah YoungLONDON (Reuters) - Unilever Chief Executive Paul Polman is retiring less than two months after a damaging row with shareholders and will be succeeded in January by Alan Jope, the head of the Anglo-Dutch group's beauty business.Polman's exit comes after the maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerry's ice cream was forced to scrap a plan to move the consumer goods group's headquarters to the Netherlands in October, following an investor revolt. Company veteran Jope, 54, is the boss of the beauty and personal care division which is Unilever's largest, accounting for almost half of group ... The United States and United Kingdom have reached a deal on a new open skies aviation agreement to govern air travel after Britain exits the European Union, the British government said on Wednesday. The deal "will guarantee the continuation of the vital transatlantic routes used by tens of millions of passengers a year, ensuring people can continue to travel easily between the UK and US and maintaining choice and good value travel," it said in a statement. The biggest concern has been over post-Brexit bilateral rules that would require airlines to have substantial US or ... WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration, which has had sometimes strained relations with high-technology companies, will meet with top tech executives next week for a roundtable discussion on innovation, several companies attending said on Thursday.Chief executives expected to participate include Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella, Alphabet Inc's Sundar Pichai and Oracle Corp's Safra Catz. Microsoft and Oracle confirmed they would take part.President Donald Trump has had many run-ins with technology companies since he took office, including his accusations without evidence of bias by ... Quantitative trading is on the march and machines are likely to handle a much greater share of dealing in assets in the years to come, diluting or replacing the role now played by human beings, according to Scott Kerson, head of systematic strategies at Gresham Investment Management LLC. The more commoditized the activity, the more likely itll be taken over by machines, Kerson said in an interview at an event organized by the London Metal Exchange in Singapore. So anything thats kind of the same all the time, theres the kind that you want to ... 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 Businessman Gautam Adani's Carmichael mine and rail project in Central Queensland, Australia, will generate around 1,500 jobs, the company has claimed. The company said the project will be 100 per cent 'self-financed' through the Adani Group resources. However, reports say the company dramatically thinned down its original project plan to make it fully self-financed and avoid any investment risk. The Queensland mine project was earlier considered worth $16.5 billion, but eight years of legal hurdles and the company's failure to secure private funding forced Adani Mine to change strategy. Several groups had opposed the project citing it would encourage more mining activities in Australia's Galilee Basin that has vast coal reserves. "We will now begin developing a smaller open cut mine comparable to many other Queensland coal mines and will ramp up production over time to 27.5mtpa," Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow said. Unlike its previous plan of producing 60 million tonnes coal a year, the company will now produce 10 million tonnes, which could go up to 28 million tonnes. The revised project cost is estimated at around $2 billion. All coal produced in the initial ramp-up phase will be consumed by the Adani Group's captive requirements, said the company. The project will give direct jobs to 1,500 people and indirect employment to around 7,000 people in Australia, the Sunday Morning Herald reported, adding that this is lower than the company's earlier promise of creating 10,000 jobs in the area. Adani Mine is in the last phase of finalising the required management plans of the mine site before the coal production starts. "The process is expected to complete in the next few weeks," the company shared with the stock exchanges. The Adani Group has been working on the mining project for the past eight years in Australia. "We expect Adani Mining will be treated no differently than any other Queensland mining company," Dow said, adding that the construction and operation of the mine will begin soon. The Australian government is investigating the Adani Group for polluting Great Barrier Reef. "We've minimised our execution risk and initial capital outlay. The sharpening of the mine plan has kept operating costs to a minimum and ensures the project remains within the first quartile of the global cost curve," Dow said. He informed the company has invested $3.3 billion in Adani's Australian businesses. "We will now deliver the jobs and business opportunities we have promised for North Queensland and Central Queensland, all without requiring a cent of Australian taxpayer dollars." In addition to jobs in Australia, the Carmichael coal plant will be a power source to improve living standards in developing countries, said Dow. Edited by Manoj Sharma With the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September directing Yes Bank to find replacement for the position of MD and CEO by January 31, Rana Kapoor reportedly has his eye on a new designation. According to draft consent pact being negotiated between the two promoters of the bank, Kapoor will be either the non-executive chairman, or MD and CEO, or a non-executive director, Mint reported. Kapoor and Madhu Kapur, who is his sister-in-law, are the estranged co-promoters of Yes Bank. People close to Kapur told the daily that the consent agreement - a part of the ongoing negotiations to settle their legal disputes - has not yet been finalised and there could be more negotiations. "The successors, legal representatives and assigns of Ashok Kapur [the bank's other co-founder] confirm that subject to approval of RBI and the shareholders of Yes Bank, they will consent and approve the appointment of Rana Kapoor either as non-executive chairman or MD & CEO of Yes Bank and such consent shall be deemed to be given by them at all times," the document reportedly reads. "In every other case, the Indian partners will have the right to jointly recommend the name of the non-executive chairman and MD & CEO of Yes Bank." This development follows the ratings downgrade by Moody's Investors Service on Tuesday courtesy concerns over the transition in leadership as well as the governance issues. Yes Bank's stock took a further beating today after ratings agencies ICRA and CARE also downgraded their ratings. In a regulatory filing Yes Bank yesterday disclosed that it will consider proposals for the appointment of independent directors at its upcoming board meeting on December 13, as well as recommend names for the chairman's post to the regulator. However, Kapoor will have to wait till at least February 2021 to get back into the MD's seat. As per existing norms, a whole-time director on the bank's board cannot be reappointed before two years from the date of stepping down. According to the daily, Kapoor confirmed in the draft consent agreement that the nominee director that he appoints on the board "shall at all times be a non-independent non-executive director", except in the case where appointment of Kapoor himself [nominated by Kapoor and Kapur] is approved by RBI as either MD & CEO or non-executive chairman or a non-executive director. If Kapoor is appointed as the chairman, he will be on the bank's board as a non-independent executive director, according to the document. It further states that the one director nominated by each Indian partner [Kapoor and Kapur] will not be liable to retire by rotation. "Further, the successors, legal representatives and assignees of Ashok Kapur confirm that the one nominee director that they appoint on the board of Yes Bank shall at all times be a non-independent non-executive director," the pact reads. Significantly, the draft consent terms imply that the feuding promoters will end their differences with each other in court over the terms mentioned in the bank's articles of association that was legalised by MCA in 2005. The Kapoor and Kapur families have been clashing over board-level appointments, bonuses, dividends and other business-related issues for over a decade now, since Ashok Kapur's death. "Madhu Kapur and her family want the bank to bear the former's legal expenses since they are co-promoters of the bank. This is one of the demands, which is also a part of the ongoing negotiations between the two promoters, but is not mentioned in the consent agreement," a source familiar with the discussions told the daily. If things go to plan and the co-promoters agree on the terms of consent, the pact will reportedly be solemnised by the Bombay High Court and will be annexed with the existing articles of association. Edited by Sushmita Agarwal 29 Nov 2018, 12:15 PM Unilever likely to trump Nestle in race for GlaxoSmithKline's Horlicks nutrition business Unilever has emerged as the leading bidder in a tight contest for GlaxoSmithKline's Indian Horlicks nutrition business, three people familiar with the situation told Reuters on Wednesday. If it is able to clinch the deal, Unilever will trump fellow European consumer giant Nestle, the other main contender to buy Horlicks and other GSK consumer healthcare assets in India. One source said Unilever had been given "preferential treatment" to complete the deal but did not have exclusivity in negotiations, so it was possible GSK might re-open talks with Nestle if it could not agree terms with Unilever IKEA reports a 26% drop in operating profit IKEA Group on Wednesday reported a 26 per cent drop in operating profit for its fiscal year through August and said increased investments to meet rapidly changing shopping habits weighed on results. Operating profit at the world's biggest furniture group was 2.25 billion euros ($2.54 billion)against 3.03 billion in the previous fiscal year.IKEA, known traditionally for its out-of-town self-service stores, is in the midst of transforming its business model. TCS pips Reliance Industries to become most valued company again Tata Consultancy Services once again became the most-valued Indian company by market capitalisation following a smart surge in its share price Wednesday. Reliance Industries (RIL) on November 16 had pipped Tata Consultancy Services to become the most-valued company in terms of market capitalisation. At the end of trade on BSE Wednesday, TCS commanded a market valuation of Rs 7,41,677.60 crore RIL arm acquires substantial stake in media startup NEWJ Reliance Industries arm has acquired substantial stake in media startup New Emerging World of Journalism (NEWJ) with an initial investment of Rs 10.3 million.NEWJ is a tech-media startup focused on curating and producing video content for the smartphone-obsessed young Indians. The venture was founded by a team of young entrepreneurs led by Shalabh Upadhyay," sources at NEWJ said. NEWJ will harness this synergy with a data-driven and tech-focused approach in creating a distributed content model, they added. Himachal Pradesh first state to launch single emergency number '112' Himachal Pradesh became the first state to launch a pan-India single emergency number '112' where all kinds of immediate help can be sought in urgent matters. Under this project, an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) has been established in Shimla along with 12 district command centres (DCCs), covering the entire state. The single number for various emergency services, which is similar to the '911' all-in-one emergency service in the US, will be gradually rolled out across the country, an official said. Triumph to launch 6 new bikes in India by June next year British superbike maker Triumph Motorcycles Wednesday said it plans to launch six new products in India by June next year. The company, which has completed five years in India, also aims to grow its sales in the country by 10-12 per cent annually going ahead. The company also intends to expand its sales network from the current 16 dealerships to 25 over the next 3-4 years. Music streaming service Spotify to debut in India; in talks with T-Series, Eros Music Eight months after Spotify's CEO and co-founder Daniel Ek announced at the company's investor day presentation that an India launch was "imminent", things are finally moving towards fruition. Industry executives told The Economic Times that the popular music streaming service is in the final stages of negotiations with top Indian labels T-Series, Times Music, Eros Music and Zee Music for local content as it prepares to debut in the country in the next six months. Honor 8C to launch today in India Huawei's sub-brand will launch Honor 8C in India at 12 p.m. today as an Amazon exclusive device. Honor 8C is coming to India only a few weeks after its China launch. The notch phone has a 19:9 display panel with face-unlock capabilities. Honor 8C is expected to give tough competition to the sub Rs 15,000 phones of Xiaomi like Redmi Note 6 Pro. New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Bengaluru-based vehicle sharing marketplace, Drivezy Wednesday said it has raised USD 20 million and has secured an additional USD 100 million in an asset financing deal. The USD 20 million funding round was led by existing investor, Das Capital. Other investors who participated in the series B round included Yamaha Motor Co Ltd, Axan Partners and IT-Farm. With this, Drivezy has accrued cumulative equity investments of USD 31 million. The funding will be used to expand its presence into new markets and integrate advanced services, Drivezy said in a statement. Detailing out the asset financing deal, the statement said, Drivezy plans to induct over 50,000 vehicles under the plan. The company said, Harbourfront Capital (a SPV), a subsidiary of Anypay Inc, will invest USD 100 million in purchasing cars, motorcycles and scooters over the next three years. Drivezy has a revenue-sharing deal with Harbourfront Capital under which these assets will be listed on Drivezy's platform. The sharing economy in India is thriving and has picked up real pace in the past five years, especially within the mobility sector, Drivezy CEO Ashwarya Singh said. "This fresh investment will allow us to cement our foothold as the market leader in a growing Indian vehicle sharing market," Singh added. The company is aggressively scaling its bike and scooter rental divisions which have added 3,000 scooters in Bengaluru and Hyderabad this year under a partnership with Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India. Drivezy (formerly JustRide) plans to deploy an additional 10,000 bikes and scooters in the two cities by December, the statement said. Co-founded in 2015 by Ashwarya Singh, Abhishek Mahajan, Hemant Sah, Vasant Verma and Amit Sahu, Drivezy operates peer-to-peer vehicle sharing network with over 2,000 owners as its partners. Drivezy has more than 7,000 operational cars, motorcycles and scooters on its platform, which are rented by over 37,000 customers every month. PTI SR DRR Chandigarh, Nov 27 (PTI) The RSS Tuesday demanded an ordinance or a law to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya at the earliest, saying the Supreme Court's decision to defer the hearing in the land dispute case "hurt" Hindu sentiments.The Supreme Court put the case to January next year. They said they have own priorities, said RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar, questioning the apex court's decision. Maintaining that it was a matter of faith for crores of Hindus and justice must not be delayed, Kumar asked, "From whom can we have hope?" "The answer is government," he said, addressing a seminar on Ram Janam Bhoomi Se Anyaay Kyun (Why Injustice towards Ram Janmbhoomi)?" "The government will bring a law or an ordinance and they should do so, but till December 11, the model code is in force (due to the assembly polls in five states). The government's hands are tied till then," he added. "So, at this stage anyone who curses the government for not bringing an ordinance or enacting a law, will also be deemed to support injustice, he said."The government is preparing to bring the legislation. May be some people will go to the Supreme Court after that to challenge it and may be they will even get a stay, but the people of this nation have decided that temple will be built," he said. "The country will not burn (if Ram temple is built at Ayodhya), we have seen this in the case of Triple Talaq, he said.Refusing to accord an urgent hearing on the Ayodhya land dispute case, the apex court has deferred the politically sensitive matter to the first week of January to fix a schedule for its hearing.The apex court order has triggered a chorus of demands from within the BJP and various Sangh Parivar outfits for promulgating an ordinance, or enacting a law in the Winter session of Parliament, to build the Ram temple before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls without waiting for the verdict.The public is ready, the government is ready, but there will be a few people who will oppose the law. But some miscreants would pose no problem, he said.The RSS national executive member said such an atmosphere should be built in the country that all parties are forced to support it when the government brings an ordinance or law to build the Ram temple. And those who do not support it, must be shown the door by the public, he added.He said the culture of violence was never tolerated in this country and will never be tolerated in future either. Kumar said foreign invaders came to rule and not to develop the country.From Mohammad Bin Qasim to Aurangzeb, none of them wanted to undertake development here, he said."The sole purpose of those rulers was to push the country, known for its rich civilization, its history and its universities to the brink of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy so that they could freely rule over it," he said.Kumar also justified the Yogi Adityanath government's decision to change the rename Faizabad district as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj and asked its critics where they were when Ayodhya was changed to Faizabad and Prayagraj to Allahabad and if that provided employment or solved the problem of hunger."You wipe out the history and then raise questions asking if renaming Faizabad to Ayodhya would give employment. Why such questions were not raised when Ayodhya's name was changed? With history you commit rape and injustice. You laugh over it, you don't feel ashamed, he said, slamming the opponents. Kumar asserted that there must be a unique Ram temple in Ayodhya just like a unique Vatican, Kaba and the Golden Temple exist. There may be lakhs of temples, gurdwaras, churches and mosques but there is only one Vatican or the Kaba or the Golden Temple. Similarly, Lord Ram's birthplace is one," he said.There can be lakhs of Ram temples, but the question is if there is one at his birthplace, he asked. Speaking to reporters later, Indresh also hit out at Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for visiting Pakistan to attend the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kartarpur Sahib corridor on the other side of the border on Wednesday.Equating him with historical character Jai Chand, he said Sidhu was invited in personal capacity as Imran Khan's friend and he should have avoided going to Pakistan.Meanwhile, Indresh said, the RSS' minority outreach wing, the Rashtriya Muslim Manch, will hold a meeting of its activists on December 16 in Delhi. PTI SUN VSD RAXRAX (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) NEW DELHI, November 27, 2018/PRNewswire/ --This year will soon come to a close with another memorable moment of pride and honour for the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). India's leading chain of hospitality management institutes has taken another giant leap into the global arena by starting its ninth centre at Uzbekistan in Central Asia. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/789972/Samarkand_IIHM_Campus.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/789971/Mr_Abdukhakimov_Meets_Dr_Bose.jpg )The new centre will be located at Samarkand, one of the oldest cities of Central Asia that upholds rich cultural, educational and architectural heritage. IIHM in Uzbekistan is the result of the collaboration between IIHM and Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services. The new centre was officially announced at a meeting this month at Samarkand between Dr Suborno Bose, the Chief mentor of IIHM and other officials of Uzbekistan. Dr Bose and his team were greeted at Samarkand with traditional Uzbek hospitality that also included a dinner with officials with a spread of authentic Uzbek cuisine. The new IIHM centre at Samarkand comes as a blessing for the students of Uzbekistan and the neighbouring countries, who aspire to become future hospitality professionals.The Inception: The idea of starting a hospitality institute in Uzbekistan in collaboration with IIHM came from His Excellency Farhod Arziev, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, and soon Mr Uzokboy Shoimkulovich, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan visited the IIHM centre in Delhi, along with Mr Ulugbek Kasimhodjaev, the Acting First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development. Mr Uzokboy was impressed by the methods of teaching, quality of education and infrastructure of IIHM and he also expressed his interest for starting a similar institute in Uzbekistan.Operations at IIHM Uzbekistan: The IIHM centre in Samarkand will start operations as of September 2019, which is when the new academic session begins in Uzbekistan. Teaching will take place in English, although there are three languages in the country, namely, Uzbek, Tajik and Russian. Although the mode of teaching will be English, students who will need clarifications will be given so in the local language. The admission process will start from March onwards. The authorities are currently looking at a batch of 100 students to start with in 2019. The faculty will be a mix of Indian and Uzbek. Core subjects will be taught by teachers from IIHM campuses across India, who will travel to Samarkand from time to time. Some local professors will also be teaching at the institute. International faculty of IIHM from across the world will also be visiting the campus to teach special subjects.A bright future for Hospitality in Uzbekistan:The signing of the MoU was a historic moment for both IIHM and Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services. Dr Suborno Bose, the founder and chief mentor of IIHM, said, "We are delighted to sign the MoU with the Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services, one of the top educational institutes in Uzbekistan. The government of Uzbekistan is very positive and supportive of this initiative and it's a great feeling for IIHM to be associated with this prestigious educational institute. We look forward to share a long-lasting and fruitful association with the institute, Samarkand and with the government of Uzbekistan."Mr Pulatov Mukhiddin Egamberdievich, the Rector of Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services, said, "The MoU signing of IIHM with Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services is a historic event. IIHM is a well-known institute for hospitality education in India and around the world. This memorandum will be beneficial not only for students of the two institutions, but also for students of Central Asia. Tourism is important for Uzbekistan and training students in hospitality will only help to increase tourism in the country. I see this association as a bright future for students who wish to take up the profession of hospitality management in this part of the world."The Prime Minister of Uzbekisthan, Mr Aziz A Abdukhakimov expressed his delight for this association. He said, "We are delighted to welcome you to Uzbekistan and bring global hospitality education to our country." The Ambassador of India to Uzbekisthan, Mr Vinod Kumar, tweeted, "Delighted at announcement of IIHM Hotel School Campus at Samarkand."About IIHM IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) is the largest chain of premier hospitality and hotel management schools across India that started its journey in 1994 at Kolkata. IIHM is a part of Indismart Group, the conglomerate that operates the Indismart Hotels. IIHM campuses are located across nine national and international cities with the associate institute IAM-IHM located in Kolkata, Goa and Guwahati. Students passing out of IIHM are armed with an international degree from the University of West London and equipped with global hospitality skills that enable easy placements in any hospitality brand across the world. IIHM is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in teaching and placements. Real time experience is the key to success in hospitality and that makes the institute popular. In recent years, IIHM has been instrumental in organizing the Young Chef Olympiad, a unique idea and initiative inviting young culinary talents across the world to participate in the biggest cookery reality shows of all times. The countdown has already begun for the fourth edition, Young Chef Olympiad 2018, slated to take place from January 28 to February 2.The institute has bagged several prestigious awards in the past 24 years. The list includes the Best Education Brand Award from Economic Times in 2017. IIHM was also awarded as one among the World's Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-16 by URS International (IMEA - Process Reviewer PriceWaterhouseCoopers PL) and also received the Best Institute in Hospitality Education 2017 Award by Assocham from Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon'ble Minister of State for HRD (Higher Education), Govt. of India.For more information, please visit: http://www.iihm.ac.inSource: International Institute of Hotel Management PWRPWR (Eds: Adding more information) New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) India and African country Gabon Wednesday discussed ways to increase economic cooperation in various sectors, including logistics, infra, energy, agriculture and tourism.The discussions were held between Gabon's Foreign Affairs Minister Regis Immongault and Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu here.It is possible for the two countries to work together in sectors like logistics, infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, services and tourism, the commerce ministry said in a statement quoting Prabhu.The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 440.47 million and is yet to realise its full potential, it said."Both sides will have to work together to improve bilateral trade in the coming years," it added.Indian companies are already operating in wood, plywood, mining and fisheries sectors in Gabon.Gabon has shown interest in entering into a Bilateral Investment Treaty with India.The ministry also said India has suggested that Gabon may give a complete list of minerals for Indian industries to consider investing in for mining projects.Gabon has the sixth largest reserves of manganese in the world. Manganese Ore India Ltd (MOIL) team visited Gabon in July to explore possibilities of joint collaboration with Gabonese mining companies.The African nation is making efforts to attract investment from India in construction of railway lines in key mining clusters. Later, Immongault also met Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and discussed upon topics of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation."Had a fruitful discussion upon topics of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation with delegation from the Gabonese Republic led by Foreign Minister Regis lmmongault and Minister of Equipment, Infrastructure and Mining Christian Magnana," Singh said in a tweet.The delegation has been assured all possible support in the form of India's technical expertise in the field of mineral exploration as sought by the Gabonese government, he added. PTI RR ABI MR (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) MUMBAI, November 28, 2018/PRNewswire/ --No findings or instance of any stock manipulation by Promoter or Promoter group entitiesSecurities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), had conducted an investigation into the trading activities of certain entities in the scrip of Vakrangee Limited. Please take note that there were no findings or instance of any stock manipulation by Promoter or Promoter group entities.There have been rumours and various media reports and articles over the past few months about the Company's promoters being under SEBI's scrutiny on charges of stock manipulation. However, the latest development indicates that the rumours were totally baseless.We would like to inform that the Company promoters have also received a clean chit from the office of Economic offences wing (EOW). A complaint was filed with the office of Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against the Company and its Promoter/ Managing Director & CEO Mr. Dinesh Nandwana relating to price/ volume manipulation and accordingly EOW had conducted an enquiry. The Company had provided all the satisfactory replies along with supporting documents to the queries that were raised by the office of EOW. Upon completion of their investigation, the office of EOW have communicated to the Company that they have not found any substance in the complaint and hence closing the enquiry, thereby giving clean chit to the Company.However, During the SEBI investigation it was observed that promoter entities viz, NJD Capital Private Limited along with Vakrangee Holdings Private Limited, Mr. Dinesh Nandwana and Dinesh Nandwana (HUF) (being members of promoter and promoter group), had increased their shareholding from 38.71% of share capital to 41.61% of share capital between June 2015 to August 2015. They were required to make disclosures related to the above transactions to the company / stock exchanges pursuant to the provisions of SEBI (PIT) Regulations, 2015 and SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 within the time frame specified thereunder. It was observed that there was a slight delay in intimating the same to the company and to the stock exchanges. The aforesaid matter was reviewed by SEBI and it was intimated to the promoters to be careful in future to avoid recurrence of such instances.Commenting on the same, Mr. Dinesh Nandwana, MD & CEO, Vakrangee Limited, stated, "We have always maintained that these rumour-based media articles relating to stock manipulation by Promoter or Promoter entities are false and completely baseless. We are proud to state that we have been proven right today, as observed by the outcome of the investigations from EOW and SEBI.We continue to remain positive and confident with respect to our business model. Meanwhile, we have adopted a strategic decision to upgrade all our existing Vakrangee Kendra stores into a standardised Next Gen store format. We are happy to share with you that as a result of our progressive efforts and a strong and positive response received from our franchisees, about 3,500-4,000 Vakrangee Kendra outlets will be upgraded as per the Next Gen model during the quarter-ended December 31, 2018, and these are currently in advanced stages of completion. These outlets are spread across 380 districts and 2,548 postal codes of India, of which over 2,500-3,000 outlets belong to Tier 5 & 6 cities. Simultaneously, the process of upgrading the remaining 41,000 outlets into Next Gen Vakrangee Kendras is already underway, and these will get upgraded before the end of CY 2019." About Vakrangee Limited:(BSE: 511431) (NSE: VAKRANGEE)Incorporated in 1990, Vakrangee Limited is a unique technology driven company focused on building India's largest network of last-mile retail outlets to deliver real-time Banking & Financial Services, ATM, Insurance, e-Governance, e-Commerce and logistics services to the unserved rural, semi-urban and urban markets. Its Assisted Digital Convenience stores, called as "Vakrangee Kendras", act as the "One-stop Shop" for availing various services and products. Vakrangee currently operates more than 45,000 "Vakrangee Kendra" outlets across India.The Company has been at the forefront in the financial inclusion space in India. It has signed the "Common BC" and "National BC" agreements with various public sector banks for offering real-time banking to the unserved and underserved rurban population in India. Banking at "Vakrangee Kendra" outlets is a unique experience with disruptive technology such as APS, e-KYC, inter-operability and real-time transactions. In addition to banking, "Vakrangee Kendras" also provide insurance products, e-Governance services and e-Commerce products.Under a strategic initiative, the Company is upgrading the existing Vakrangee Kendra outlets into the Next Gen format. These Kendras boast of a modern and standardized format with a uniform look-and-feel in all the outlets and is aimed towards building consistent service levels and uniform consumer experience. The model also embodies technological advancements, including mandatory ATMs that enable the ease of financial transactions; centralized monitoring with the help of CCTV Cameras which would provide remote assistance to these pan-India Kendras; digital advertising through digital signage for brand partners; and biometric and pin pad devices to enable all kind of payment mechanisms.The Company has successfully launched 50+ Next Gen Vakrangee Kendras in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and another 40+ Next Gen Vakrangee Kendras in the NCR region.Source: Vakrangee Limited PWRPWR Not content with its decision to close its land borders with Morocco since 1994, Algeria has just announced it deployed a barbed wire wall of nearly 6,000 km along its borders, equipped with surveillance cameras and tens of control towers. Moroccan Al Massae daily, which reported the news Thursday, commented that Algeria has sealed its borders with Morocco, a few years after the Kingdom installed a sophisticated security device along its eastern border. According to the newspaper, citing Algerian sources, the barbed wire wall runs over some 6,000 km, and is strewn with hundreds of control towers equipped with new generation radars operating around the clock. In parallel, joint patrols, formed of army brigades, border guards and the Gendarmerie, were deployed along the wall, to avoid any surprises, the Algerian sources were quoted by the daily as saying. However, the daily notes, Moroccan-Algerian borders do not exceed 1,600 km in length and have already been strewn with several trenches and control towers equipped with infrared cameras. This time, Algerians are using mobile radars and air devices, including drones. Officially, they claim they want to secure the borders to fight different forms of trans-border crimes, the daily added. According to the Algerian sources quoted by the daily, this package of security measures does not concern borders with Morocco only, but also borders with other neighboring countries. Besides Morocco, Algeria has borders with Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya and Tunisia. Some of these borders are actually closed for political reasons, others are quasi-closed on security grounds. The daily recalled that Morocco installed, a few years ago, a 3-meter high fence, equipped with electronic sensors, to foil any intrusion attempt by members of extremist groups inside the Moroccan territory. (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with PR Newswire. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2018/PRNewswire/ --Extending visa services for the Netherlands Operating eight out of nine regions The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has awarded VFS Global the global tender to provide visa services in eight out of nine regions worldwide. Under this new mandate, VFS Global will significantly extend its operations on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands across the world. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624234/VFS_Global_Logo.jpg )VFS Global will operate for the Netherlands government in Africa, North America, Central and South America, Asia and Pacific, Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, in Western Europe; and in India.VFS Global has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2006 and under the new contract will provide Schengen visa services, Caribbean visa services, long stay national visas, Dutch Travel Documents and Civic Integration Exams.Chris Dix, Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, "VFS Global is delighted that we will continue to serve the Netherlands Government. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for well over a decade, and welcome this opportunity to enhance our service capabilities on their behalf. We look forward to opening our facilities in 40 new locations to offer Netherlands visa applicants best-in-class visa solutions, and a seamless application process."Since August 2018, VFS Global has signed visa service contracts with nine existing and new client governments from Europe to extend their visa service network. This includes contracts to provide additional visa services for client governments such as Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia and The Czech Republic.About VFS Global VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. VFS Global, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has Swiss parentage and is a portfolio company of EQT, a leading global private equity firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.With 2776 Application Centres, operations in 141 countries across five continents and over 184 million applications processed as on 31 October 2018, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 62 client governments.Source: VFS Global PWRPWR The government is planning to transfer Rs 29,000 crore of Air India's total debt of Rs 55,000 crore to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The move will help the airline reduce its interest outgo to a great extent, a top aviation ministry official in the know of the development told the Economic Times. Once implemented, the revival plan would reduce the airline's overall loans by half to Rs 26,000 crore. A majority of this accounts for the carrier's aircraft loans. Also, the airline's annual loan interest liability payout of Rs 4,400 crore would be drastically reduced by Rs 2,700 crore to just Rs 1,700 crore, which will help it in paring the debt. While talking to reporters on Thursday, Aviation Secretary RN Chaubey confirmed the development, saying the government was mulling whether the funds should be transferred to SPV from Air India or it should be used to raise further loans. The funds will be transferred to Air India Asset Holding Limited, which will be headed by the Air India Chairman. The other six board members of AAHL will comprise Air India's director, finance director and secretaries from the aviation ministry, among others. Also read: Govt plans to sell Air India's real estate, ground handling subsidiary Besides, a plan is being implemented that will result in annual financial benefits worth Rs 2,000 crore by way of cost cutting and revenue enhancement measures, a senior official told the news agency PTI on Wednesday. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu also said Air India is facing a legacy problem. "What is Air India's problems and we are addressing it by strategy... we will request the Finance Ministry to give us some more money (for Air India)," he said in response to a query on how the airline can improve amenities to passengers. The government also decided to sell some of the Maharajah's real estate along with the strategic sale of the airline's ground handling subsidiary Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL) on Wednesday. A ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley gave the green light to sell 27 acres of Air India's land in the capital's upmarket Vasant Vihar to public sector company NBCC. This land will be used to build high-end luxury apartments. The panel reportedly also took an in-principle decision to take up the sale of a large plot on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, in Central Delhi, which can be taken up for commercial use. As per government estimates, the sale of AIATSL and some of the other subsidiaries, along with the monetisation of Air India's land assets, could help the debt-ridden carrier raise over Rs 10,000 crore, which will be used to repay lenders. Amid hectic election campaign home and diplomatic commitments abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will clock hundreds of hours travelling in the next few days, official sources said Wednesday. After visiting Singapore and Maldives during the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh campaign, the Prime Minister Wednesday left for Argentina to attend the G20 summit, in the midst of campaigning for the Rajasthan and Telangana elections, they pointed out. From November 23, Modi has been on the campaign trail every day. Beginning with Mizoram on November 23, the Prime Minister has campaigned across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana in the last six days. Wednesday saw him address two election rallies in Rajasthan, in the course of a seven hour journey, involving both plane and chopper. "Barely ninety minutes after landing in Delhi, the Prime Minister emplaned for Argentina," a functionary said. The journey from Delhi to Buenos Aires involves two legs of nearly 12 hour duration each, with a short technical halt in Cape Town, South Africa. The total travel time to Buenos Aires is 25 hours, and consequently, the to and fro trips will involve a combined journey time of nearly 50 hours. In between these two trips, the Prime Minister will be in Buenos Aires for just over 50 hours. This time period includes two nights. In the space of 50 hours, the Prime Minister has over 25 scheduled engagements. These include the various sessions of the G20 summit, sideline meetings including the BRICS informal meeting, and bilateral meetings with various world leaders. Modi will return to India in the wee hours of December 3 only to take off again within 12 hours to resume his political campaigning in Rajasthan and Telangana for the next two days. On December 3, he will campaign in Jodhpur and Hyderabad. Unilever's likely acquisition of the nutrition business of Glaxosmithkline could give a huge fillip to the FMCG giant's food ambition in India, which till date has never taken off. Apart from its fairly robust tea and coffee business, most of its food bets are either fledgling or have failed. The company had acquired Modern Foods in 2000, which it eventually sold to Nimman Foods (backed by Everstone Group) in 2016. Its staples brand, Annapurna, also didn't take off. Food and refreshments contribute 18 per cent of the revenues of HUL, whereas the proportion of food and beverage for Unilever globally is 41.7 per cent. "If Unilever Plc acquires this business, our sense is the same will be merged with HUL. Once this happens, the overall revenue pool for HUL for foods and refreshments will increase to 27 per cent," points out Abneesh Roy, Senior Vice-President (Institutional Equities Research), Edelweiss Securities. Roy says that this acquisition could make Unilever India one of the largest food and refreshment companies in India. "GSK's EBIT margins have been consistently higher than HUL's food and refreshment business. In FY18, it was higher by 340 bps. Thus GSK will be margin accretive to HUL's F&R business." Food industry experts believe that getting GSK's nutrition business into its fold will give HUL a strong anchor brand, which it could never create on its own. "Horlicks is an extremely powerful brand and will help HUL's food business immensely for its next level of growth. HUL till date doesn't have a strong food brand," says Kannan Sitaram, Venture Partner, Fireside Ventures. Raghu Vishwanath, MD of brand valuation company, Vertebrand, says that HUL should ride on the brand equity of Horlicks without tinkering with it. "Horlicks will grow incrementally through the distribution muscle of HUL. The brand should be left as it is for a while as it already enjoys an extremely strong equity." Vishwanath says that HUL will borrow equity for its food business from Horlicks and not vice-versa. Back in August the Modi government had faced considerable embarrassment when back series data on GDP, prepared by the Committee on Real Sector Statistics, suggested that the economy grew at a faster pace under the UPA government - with the 10 year average at 8.1% - against 7.3% by the current government. The current government had then dismissed these results as "experimental results" and has now followed it up by releasing revised GDP data for the years spanning 2005-06 and 2011-12 that has lowered the growth rate under the previous regime. The new data not only shaves off over 1 percentage point from the only year when India previously posted double-digit GDP growth post liberalisation - under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - but also from each of the three years (FY06-FY08) that had shown expansion of over 9%. By recalibrating data of past years using 2011-12 as the base year instead of 2004-05, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has now estimated that India's GDP grew by a much slower 8.5% in FY11 against a previously estimated peak of 10.3%. The average growth for the UPA years after the back series revision for FY06 to FY12 declines to 6.82% from 7.75% earlier. Significantly that's well below the 7.35% growth posted during the four years of the Modi government. "Congress and P Chidambaram's only argument that our growth was better than yours stands demolished when brought on par, basis GDP growth measured by new series, over the UPA and NDA eras!" BJP Party tweeted on its official Twitter handle. At a joint press conference along with Chief Statistician Pravin Srivastava, Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar yesterday said that the variation in the two sets of GDP numbers was due to the recalibration of data in certain sectors of the economy, including mining, quarrying and telecom. "A complex exercise has been carried out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to update the National Accounts Series. The new series has made significant methodological improvements," Kumar said. He added that the New Series, with its supporting back series, is "internationally comparable and in sync with UN Standard National Account". It's worth mentioning here that the government had moved to a new base year of 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05 for national accounts in January 2015. When asked whether it was a coincidence that only UPA tenure GDP numbers were revised downwards, Kumar replied in the negative. "No it was not a coincidence. It was a matter of hard work done by the CSO officials who had taken the pain to do all the recalibration of economy that they have done," he said, pointing out that the methodology adopted has been vetted by leading statisticians. According to Kumar, the government has no intention to "mislead or try and do something purposefully" which does not reflect the reality. But nobody has missed that the new GDP figures come bang in the middle of Assembly elections and a few months ahead of the 2019 general elections. So, naturally, the Opposition has unleashed a war of words protesting the revised data. Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P. Chidambaram took to Twitter yesterday to criticise the figures. "Niti Aayog's revised GDP numbers are a joke. They are a bad joke," read one tweet, followed by, "Actually they are worse than a bad joke. The numbers are the result of a hatchet job." He also questioned whether the National Statistical Commission had been disbanded as it did not calculate these numbers and suggested that it was time to "wind up the utterly worthless body", referring to the think-tank. Responding to Chidambaram's comments, Niti Aayog's Kumar tweeted: "It would be far more in keeping with your acumen to give us details of why the new back-series data is wrong than merely to assert that they are wrong. I challenge you to prove them to be technically deficient." Meanwhile, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala termed the step a "classic" case where "the operation is successful but the patient is dead". In a statement he further claimed that the revised data "reflects the desperate attempt of a defeatist Modi Government to undermine India's growth story over last 15 years. Modi Government and its puppet Niti Aayog want the people to believe that 2+2=8. Such is the gimmickry, jugglery, trickery and chicanery being sold as back series data". Branding the new GDP data as "Excel sheet management" Surjewala added that the move "has completely undermined the NSC (National Statistical Commission), the autonomous body for deciding data transparently and in accordance with global standards of calculating GDP as per Market Price Linked Methodology". The UPA vs NDA debate notwithstanding, according to independent experts the new GDP numbers do not alter the overall trajectory. "Directionally, the new series is similar to the old series, which suggests that the latter was not misleading the policymakers on whether the pace of growth was accelerating or slowing down," Aditi Nayar, principal economist, ICRA, told the Economic Times. In a similar vein, Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist, India Ratings, pointed out that the revised data shows minor change. "Even this data shows deceleration in investment rate from 39.8% in FY11to 30.6% in FY18 and decline in gross savings rate to 29.6% in FY17 from 36.2% in FY11. These are major economic challenges which Indian economy is currently facing," he explained. However, according to former chief statistician TCA Anant, the changes are quite substantial and based on data related to hotel, retail and wholesale trade. "When we got final trade survey based data in 2010-11 from NSS survey, we found trade estimates in old series were significantly overestimated," he said. With PTI inputs (Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal) Also Read : Why GDP growth rate under Manmohan Singh-led UPA has been lowered Almost three quarters of SMEs plan to give corporate gifts this Christmas. Thats according to new research by Musgrave MarketPlace, the Irish wholesale supplier to SMEs, foodservice and retailers. The survey into corporate gifting was carried out among 568 Irish SMEs as part of Musgrave MarketPlaces Christmas Made campaign. The campaign aims to make Christmas a hassle-free experience for SMEs with a range of gifting options available in-branch and online. Two thirds (65%) send gifts to thank clients and only 11% say their gift giving motivation is to drive sales. Forty percent will spend between 500 - 1,000 on gifts. Although they say its not a factor, over half of SMEs say they did notice an improvement in business due to corporate gifting. Over half of SMEs will spend up to four hours getting gifts ready for clients this festive season while 16% will spend 5-6 hours. Over 3 in 4 (78%) will involve at least two employees in the process during what is already a busy time for companies. For 41% of SMEs, organising the delivery of a corporate gift is the most stressful part of the task but finding a gift thats suitable is also tricky for 37% of respondents. According to the Musgrave MarketPlace research, a resounding 70% see the value in corporate gifting but 30% feel it takes up a huge amount of time. Source: www.businessworld.ie There was celebration in Letterkenny last night after the town was named overall winner of the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2018. The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards recognise and reward towns and urban villages, where businesses and the community have come together, to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. This year 83 towns and urban villages from almost every county nationwide were represented on the night and 35 received awards. At last night's event, representatives from Letterkennys National Enterprise Town Awards Committee were presented with a trophy and 33,000 cash prize fund by special guest, the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. and Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Bank of Ireland, at a gala reception in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny. The prize fund is for investment in the further development of enterprise activity in the town. The town of Kells, Co. Meath walked away with the Rising Star Award for the work they have done to date in restoring the Kells Old Printworks, which had lain derelict for over 35 years in the town. The 20,000 cash prize fund will be used to complete the restoration project of the antique printworks in 2019 in order to make Kells a more attractive tourist destination. Other special category winners on the night included, Galway City, Dunleer, Co. Louth and Kinsale, Co. Cork who were awarded 10,000 each for the continued development of enterprise in their communities. Speaking last night, Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe said, "People from right across our country are represented at these awards; ranging from city centre urban communities, to pretty seaside towns, bustling western cities and rapidly growing suburbs. The diversity of entrants, and that which brings everyone together, with their unique set of historical, geographical, infrastructural, economic and social opportunities and challenges, is a cause for celebration. It is encouraging to see the way in which these communities and businesses come together in this way and I congratulate all those who have taken part for their efforts." CEO of Bank of Ireland, Francesca McDonagh added, "Tonights awards are about recognising the enterprising activity being undertaken by towns and communities all over Ireland. I have been impressed with the energy, commitment and sheer hard work that we have seen from the awards entrants across the length and breadth of the country." Source: www.businessworld.ie The Council of the European Union adopted Thursday (Nov.29) in Brussels the new fisheries agreement with Morocco, European sources said. The councils move comes just one day after the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the EU, known by its French acronym COREPER, approved the new fisheries agreement. The agreement needs to be ratified by the relevant committees of the European Parliament before its final adoption in plenary session. Vessels from 11 EU countries (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, The Netherlands, Ireland, Poland and United Kingdom) will resume their activities in Moroccos waters as soon as the agreement is ratified. European observers in Brussels noted that the adoption of the agreement by the EU Member States is a clear response to the maneuvers and attempts to disrupt the longstanding partnership with Morocco. The adoption of the agreement also responds to those who were doubting the inclusion of the Moroccan Sahara in the agreement, as the text clearly specifies that the fishing zone extends from Cape Spartel in northern Morocco to Cape Blanc in the south of the Kingdom. Under the new sustainable fisheries agreement signed in Rabat last July 24, the two sides agreed on the content of the deal, the areas it covers and its implementation protocol. The text specifies explicitly the fishing zones and access conditions for European trawlers, according to the categories of fleets and target species, the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries had said in a statement following the signing of the deal. The level of compulsory landings and fishing categories remain unchanged compared to the former agreement, while the number of vessels concerned by the new agreement would reach 128, the statement said. Under the former agreement that expired on July 14, the number of European trawlers authorized to operate in Moroccan water was set at 120. The new agreement provides for an increase of 30 percent of the financial payment to Morocco, which will thus go up from 40 million a year to 52.2 million, the Ministry said. The two sides also agreed on the implementation of improvement measures to increase benefits for the local populations in the concerned areas, the release pointed out, adding that these populations will benefit from the socio-economic advantages of the agreement, mainly in terms of infrastructure, basic social services, enterprise creation, vocational training, development projects and modernization of the fishing sector. The number of boarding contracts for Moroccan sailors and fishermen aboard European fishing vessels will also increase. To bolster the socio-economic impacts on the fishing areas covered by the deal, the text provides for a compulsory landing volume, the same as in the previous agreement, but increases penalties from 5 percent to 15 percent in case of non-compliance with the landing requirements. Besides, several technical conditions have been included in the new agreement in order to preserve the sustainability of fisheries resources and protect the marine environment, such as a review of catches of small pelagic in the south. In order to preserve some species, octopus and shrimps are not included in the agreement. The Mediterranean Sea is excluded from this perimeter in order to preserve its resources, which are overexploited. Fisheries monitoring and control system was also strengthened by making the presence of observers compulsory for some categories that were not provided for in the former agreement, the Moroccan Ministry had said. (Bloomberg) Chinese authorities have made scathing criticism of ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing over its safety practices as the startup promised to fix its shortcomings. The Ministry of Transport demanded that Didi implement key changes, from shutting down its Hitch carpooling service until it ceases to be a danger for users to speeding up the dispute resolution process with drivers. The authorities also said that relevant departments would impose fines on Didi and some of its executives. The probe followed the deaths of two female passengers, both allegedly at the hands of their Didi drivers. The companys management of the offline people and vehicles is out of control and criminal cases have occurred from time to time, the ministry said in a statement on its public WeChat account. Driver qualifications and background checks are not in place. Didi, which has been valued at $56 billion by CB Insights, has been subject to a storm of criticism by state media after two female passengers died within the space of three months. Users began publicly deleting the app, forcing the company to make an apology and promise to prioritize safety over growth and also remove some executives. The ministrys statement on Wednesday reported that emergency systems were weak and ineffective with inadequately-trained personnel and poor links between the relevant divisions and policing bodies. It also said that user information has been improperly stored in plain text. In response, Didi said it has indefinitely suspended Hitch and will implement a program to fully comply with regulatory requirements. It will also beef up training for drivers and strengthen cooperation. As a young company, Didi still needs to work on many shortcomings and imperfections that have brought the public great concern, the company said in an emailed statement. Contact editor Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) By Ke Baili / Nov 29, 2018 03:50 PM / World U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a press conference on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: IC The most important event at the G-20 summit this weekend will be a dinner between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump a meeting that could de-escalate trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies and prevent the spat from further damaging global growth prospects. But many observers are pessimistic. There's been little sign that the two sides will reach an agreement on key issues like China's trade surplus with the U.S., its alleged intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers from U.S. companies, and an industrial upgrading plan called Made in China 2025. Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Monday that it is highly unlikely he will postpone tariff hikes. If no deal is reached, he will impose tariffs on the remaining $267 billion of annual U.S. trade with China, he said. Other G-20 developments could include a plan by China to make reform of the WTO more inclusive of the developing world, after a Trump adviser suggested Beijing be thrown out of the body. Perhaps more than anything, the gathering will be a test of multilateralism, after the recent APEC summit ended in an unusual failure to agree on a communique. Support independent journalism from China. Subscribe to Caixin Global. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, and Representative Barbara Lee at a press conference on April 28, 2017. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York defeated Representative Barbara Lee of California on Wednesday in the race to be the Democratic Caucus chairman. Jeffries declared his intention to run three weeks ago; Lee announced her bid in July, a short time after the current chairman, Representative Joe Crowley, lost his primary to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a democratic socialist. A challenger from the left, then, put the role up for grabs, while less progressive challenger will fill it. Lee, who cast a lone vote against the invasion of Iraq in 2001, is a consistent left-wing presence in Congress. As Rebecca Traister previously reported for Intelligencer, Lee once organized with the Black Panther Party and entered political life as a delegate for Shirley Chisholm at the 1972 Democratic Convention. She opposes the Hyde Amendment, which blocks public funding for abortion services, and joined the Medicare for All Caucus when it formed in July. Jeffries, like Lee, is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He also signed onto former Representative John Conyerss Medicare for All bill as well as Lees EACH Woman Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment. But in contrast to Lee, he often sounds more moderate, as a passage from a September profile in The Economist aptly demonstrates: Mr Jeffries is not a member of the moderate New Democrats faction, but he often sounds as if he should be. He is a fan of charter schools and fiscal rectitude. Though he supports the principle of universal health-care coverage, he speaks of the importance of market forces and getting things done in a responsible fashion. Quoting Ronald Reagan approvingly, he suggests this means promoting a flourishing private sector outside the legitimate functions of government. The eternal quest to strike the right balance between the two is the American dream, he muses. Jeffriess victory adds some much-needed age diversity to House leadership: he is 48, and Lee is 72. But it also puts a relative moderate in the fourth most powerful position in the Democratic caucus. The chairman presides over caucus meetings, and acts as a liaison between party leadership and rank-and-file members. The position is generally considered a stepping-stone to higher leadership positions within the party, like speaker of the House. Lee would have been the first woman to hold the position, and the first black woman to hold a leadership position in either party. I feel some disappointment only with the institutional barriers that I recognize that were out here during this campaign, Lee told the Washington Post after her loss. Im really disappointed in that. Fellow California Democrat Jackie Speier appears to agree: Fellow Bay Area @RepSpeier: Barbara Lee had the votes and some people flipped. Speier calls for open, public leadership elections in the future so members cant pledge their vote to candidate then flip flop. Speier says there may have been ageism and sexism involved Scott Wong (@scottwongDC) November 28, 2018 In a more detailed statement released by her office, Lee said that she hopes her campaign will inspire other women, and women of color in particular, to run for elected office and seek leadership positions, and noted the words of her mentor, Chisholm, who lost a race for the same leadership position. She used to tell people, If they dont give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair, Lee continued. My vision is a leadership table where chairs are no longer required. And I will keep working, alongside my colleagues, to realize that future. Lees loss is jarring, and not only because women of color earned so many Democratic victories on Election Night. At a time when the partys base seems ready to turn left, House members seem reluctant to follow suit. Lees progressive politics are still further afield than many intend to go. November 29, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced targeted sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act against 17 Saudi nationals linked to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The sanctions target individuals who are, in the opinion of the Government of Canada, responsible for or complicit in the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018. These sanctions effectively freeze the assets of these individuals in Canada. Their listing also renders them inadmissible to Canada pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. While Canada has imposed sanctions on these 17 Saudi nationals, we continue to call for a transparent and rigorous accounting of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Khashoggis murder. The explanations offered to date by Saudi Arabia lack consistency and credibility. Canada is committed to supporting human rights defenders and will continue to promote freedom of the press around the world. Kushner. Photo: Al Drago - Pool/Getty Images Jared Kushner, senior adviser and son-in-law to the president, has a lot to do. Already, as head of the Orwellian-titled Office of American Innovation, the 37-year-old is responsible for solving the opioid crisis, resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reforming the prison system, and unleashing American business. But it appears that this smorgasbord of policy moon shots is not enough. According to a new report from Politico, Kushner is lobbying for a close ally, assistant to the president Brooke Rollins, to become the director of the White Houses Domestic Policy Council. An overlooked office with outsize influence on President Trumps policy agenda, the 15-staffer council shapes legislation for all noneconomic domestic policy, including education, transportation, housing, labor, and health care; under Trump, it has crafted legislation to repeal Obamacare and drafted an executive order on welfare reform. According to a Republican close to the White House, Kushner has had his eye on the council as a way to extend his sphere of influence further into domestic policy, and sees Rollins, with whom he worked on prison reform, as an ideal proxy. Under prior DPC head Andrew Bremberg who has been nominated to become the next ambassador to the U.N. Mission in Geneva the council split its priorities: senior advisor Stephen Miller grabbed immigration, and the DPC took everything else. If Rollins is appointed, it appears that Millers unofficial role will be formalized, giving him the opportunity to create a dreamscape of far-right border policies. Meanwhile, Kushner could influence the rest of DPCs broad purview, further siphoning policy control into fewer and fewer hands in the West Wing. As one former senior administration official told Politico of the White Houses attitude toward whos officially at the helm in the DPC: Does it matter? If the plan shakes out, Kushner could have effective control over another insanely comprehensive policy shop an exciting occasion, since hes already done so much. Since becoming son-in-law-in-chief, Kushner has seen his security clearance downgraded; helped to get James Comey fired; stamped a new name on the same old NAFTA; got an award from Mexico for doing that; acted as a leverage point for Chinese and Emirati officials to influence the administration; lobbied to sell $110 billion to the Saudis; and created new looks in the military-industrial-casual dress code. All this while paying almost no federal taxes, and bleeding out the family company at 666 Fifth Ave. The good news is that the Domestic Policy Council supervises infrastructure policy, meaning that this competent adult son will ostensibly plan future infrastructure weeks a time that has brought so much calm into our lives over the years. comment Bec Cody's foolish focus on the triviality of place names in the ACT is a result of her not having a justifiable workload in the Assembly. Cody is one of the beneficiaries of the arbitrary expansion of the membership of the Assembly to accommodate long-serving party hacks from across the political spectrum who were agitating for a sinecure. They were given those sinecures in the Assembly by an autocratic decision without any checks or balances available through the ACT's constitutional provisions. The irrelevance of Cody's initiative is commensurate to her irrelevance to the governance of the ACT. Patrick Robertson, Rivett Jim Derrick highlights the complexity of Bec Cody's moniker-makeover project with the example of William Slim Drive (Letters, November 26). Lauded for his command of the "forgotten army" in Burma and yet subject to allegations of criminality during his time as patron of Fairbridge Farm, Sir William Slim has been someone squarely in Ms Cody's sights. I drive down William Slim Drive all the time and haven't given the name a second thought, so thank God Bec Cody is on the case instead of tackling homelessness like Mr Derrick suggests. But what to do? Clearly, Ms Cody needs to establish a parliamentary committee to work out an appropriate ratio for good and bad and how that might be proportionately applied to our place names. So, for example, William Slim Drive could become Good William Slim Drive for 66.8 per cent of its duration and then change to Bad William Slim Drive for the remainder. Or maybe that first 66.8 per cent could be sealed while the rest could be left as dirt. Of course, I use these percentages and arrangements loosely, by way of example. Clearly there is going to need to be a lot of committee meetings in order to reach a more rigorous solution. I expect resources for the committee could be drawn from essential ACT services and could also fund a number of overseas study trips to assure the committee they are operating in accordance with international best practice. And who knows, sometime in the future we might even honour our bold Bec with a place name of her own. I'm thinking the ACT's longest burrowing stretch the Bec Cody Tunnel. Simon Cobcroft, Lyneham I should like to draw to the attention of Ms Bec Cody a couple more names for her crusade to wipe undesirable figures from the historical record. H C Coombs has a suburb called after him. He bears a heavy responsibility for the current appalling state of Indigenous people in remote communities. It was largely due to his ideological fixations that the policy was developed of isolating Aborigines in "traditional" ways of life instead of allowing them to assimilate and thereby better themselves. We can all see the disastrous and lethal effects of these misguided utopian ideas. Australians, particularly Aboriginal Australians, have nothing to thank Coombs for. And what about E G Whitlam? He has a whole suburb too. We may recall his comment reported by Clyde Cameron about the Vietnamese boat people fleeing the communist terror: "I'm not having hundreds of f---ing Vietnamese Balts coming into this country." With that comment he not only betrayed his grossly racist contempt for the refugees, but also cruelly dismissed the protests of Baltic Australians against his recognition of the USSR's brutal annexation of their countries. This had happened first in 1940 according to the terms of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, and Whitlam apparently had no concern for the continuing oppressive and murderous Soviet rule in the Baltic. Small countries were an annoyance to him. We might reflect that even people we admire have probably committed serious offences. If we expunge all humans with flaws from the record, can we be sure that any of us would survive the test? Alan N Cowan, Yarralumla In the aftermath of the Victorian election the Liberal Party is in the process of re-energising its shifting base. As a consequence of loss of support from women, under 35s, the better educated and informed voters, the search for the Liberal Party base has intensified. It is rumoured that Eric Abetz, Craig Kelly, Zed Seselja, Kevin Andrews, Tony Abbott et al are scrounging around retirement villages and old people's homes to round up their likely supporters. Guest visits by Peta Credlin, Rowan Dean and Andrew Bolt to gee up the troops are also in the offing. Rumour has it that they are offering free walking frames and mobility enhancers to all and sundry, if they will turn up on election day and hand out how-to-vote cards on behalf of the Liberal Party. Jon Jovanovic, Lenah Valley, Tas Scott Morrison proposes to strip citizenship more widely. This is bad policy made worse. First, the people from whom citizenship could be stripped include a majority of Australians. If the Prime Minister thinks you may have an entitlement to other citizenship, you can be stripped. That means that all those caught up in constitutional impediments to being elected, and most of those who would have been caught but have disclaimed other citizenship, could lose citizenship. And they could do so even if any claim for other citizenship is actually rejected. Where was one of your grandparents born? Second, any "terrorism" offence, however minor, could lead to stripped citizenship. Looking up something on the internet, or joining (however innocently) an organisation which has or had suspect links or which has or had suspect office bearers, can be charged as terrorism offences. Our definition of terrorist organisations already applies to very many organisations against which no action is presently taken, from lay Catholic organisations to charities for relieving suffering in conflict zones. Of course, racists usually don't get charged with terrorism offences; when they are charged at all, it's with non-terrorist criminal offences. And special laws which are generally applicable but only selectively applied destroy the rule of law. But that doesn't matter to our bad government. Christopher Hood, Queanbeyan We are entitled to wonder just who is really lobbying for "the ACT government to prioritise a major revitalisation of the city centre" ("'Not fit for purpose'", November 22, p4). It might be the Canberra Business Chamber making the pronouncement but Canberra Metro (the tramway) and ActewAGL are among the principal members of that group. The propriety of funds from privatised functions of our town council, that is public moneys, being used to lobby our town council is worthy of consideration. Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor While it is hard not to sympathise with the reasons for Julia Banks' defection from the Liberal Party, one could argue that a member should not be allowed to change parties or sit as an independent without consulting their voters. Ms Banks was elected as a Liberal Party candidate and should be obliged to remain as such until the election and then seek to recontest her seat as an independent. She may argue that the party no longer reflects the wishes of her electorate but that can only be tested by an election campaign. The election of Kerryn Phelps and Ms Banks' defection means the Liberal Party has lost its majority, resulting in further political instability, an early budget and an early election. Surely the Australian political system has lost its bearings. Rosemary Crossland, Ngunnawal If members of parliament are disaffected by their party of any persuasion, they should have the good grace and integrity to resign from Parliament and let the voters decide if they want them to continue as their representative. Tuesday's defection by Julia Banks from the Liberals to sit as an independent flies in the face of the patronage of her party, without which she would not be in Parliament, all those who campaigned for her and financed her election. If she wants to recontest as an independent she should stump up her own support and finance not ride on the back of her party. It has become too easy to put personal interests above commitment to serve in return for their support base's commitment to them. Senator Cory Bernadi is another example of such selfish, opportunistic and irresponsible behaviour. Using any particular social or policy issue should be no excuse. Yes, have your say. Disagree if you will. But show some backbone and loyalty I suspect that I am not alone in being more disaffected by the behaviour of politicians, albeit gleefully turned to equally unprincipled advantage by any opposing party. In the national interest? I think not. Len Goodman, Belconnen Here we go again! Yet another MP deciding that their personal merits entitle them to a seat in our national Parliament as an "independent" when clearly the only reason they got there in the first place was the party affiliation they have now chosen to betray. The disrespect this shows their electorate is exceeded only by their personal arrogance and the stupidity of the electoral laws that permit it. Charles Smith, Nicholls It seems to me that there is more than a little shifting in the political tea leaves going on at present. The abandonment of conservative candidates and policies in Victoria, the growing frustration at the political barriers faced by women on the conservative side, the increasing agitation by Millennials and younger families for more action on issues relevant to them (especially housing affordability and climate issues), the protests by soon-to-be-voters schoolchildren, and the desire by electors for a more diverse, modern, younger, less divisive, relevant representation point to massive problems for the federal government. Kelly O'Dwyer has latched onto the shift in attitudes - so has Julie Bishop and now Julia Banks. They can see the abyss but the hard right troglodytes stubbornly refuse to and the end result is inevitable. John Mungoven, Stirling Monkey bars, and indeed all monkey drinking places, have long been places of concern to be. Ape-like behaviour being particularly apparent on Friday nights and weekends, ensuring meaningful employment at many hospital emergency rooms, but monkeys will drink, frequently to excess. As for children and non-drinking monkey bars, they are perhaps less of an urgent OH&S; issue. Any form of outdoor activity is to be encouraged, among the mobile phone/connected generation, unless you can find some shares in Australian Diabetes Ltd to buy. Fitting 'spontaneous' activities like these into the tightly scheduled day of current school-aged children may prove to be a more aspirational target than one that is physically achievable, unless of course monkey bar skills performance is added to future NAPLAN testing. If this was the case, then surely the high-fee private schools would need to be compensated and additional property acquired for their future multi-million dollar monkey bar facilities. Perhaps though, with our pool of talented programmers in mind, a compromise could be reached, in the form of virtual monkey bar apps being made available, to rural, remote and public school children? These virtual monkey bars could also provide teachable moments, with gravity being adjusted to simulate Earth, Moon and Mars levels of gravity? Garry P Dalrymple, Earlwood, NSW The fact the ACT government can justify $5500 to change the "walk/don't walk" images on Braddon traffic lights ("City gets same-sex pedestrian lights", November 27, p6) to that of a same-sex couple should be seen as a sign of a government in touch with its sexuality but out of touch with reality. Consider the wants and needs of the ACT public. We have a hospital system in chaos with insufficient funding; we have a prison system overflowing; we have the worst rate of Indigenous incarceration in Australia; we have every relevant body, including the unions, in opposition to the wholesale destruction of the compulsory third party insurance scheme and yet we have a government apparently more concerned about window dressing its progressive, libertarian views of modern sexuality than addressing these issues. Before you point the finger of prejudice at me, let me say I voted wholeheartedly for same-sex marriage; I support gender equality and I support sexual variety of every colour or hue. I don't support irresponsible profligacy and this government should take a long hard look at its expenditure priorities. I'm sure the ACT public would like to know which government genius thought this was money well spent. Jack Pappas, barrister-at-law CODY'S STRONG STANCE Bec Cody is to be thanked, not criticised for advocating the Sir William Slim road name be changed. She's bravely persevering in the face of opposition (P2 November 26th). Could Jim Derrick possibly consider that Slim's "achievements" make up for his abuse of several children and the pain that these individuals must endure every time they use that road? I'm not one of them but I feel offended when I see the name so prominently and proudly displayed. Jan Clifford, Kaleen DON'T TREAT US AS IDIOTS As the federal election campaign monster begins to stir, candidates in the show would do well to bear in mind that voters resent being treated as idiots, especially by fools. M. F. Horton, Adelaide CROSS BENCH GLORY More and more honest thinkers are shedding strait jacketed party rule and going to the cross bench. This is healthy! Barrie Smillie, Duffy SCIENCE TAKES BACK SEAT John McKerral (Letters, November 20) is petty point scoring when he writes that "science is not Peter Coleman's strong point". It was obvious Coleman was writing about electricity generation, not suggesting a violation of the law of conservation of energy. On the other hand, McKerral's persistent advocacy of fossil fuel use while disregarding the costs of greenhouse gas emission suggests that science is not McKerral's "strong point". Peter Campbell, Cook RULES OUT THE WINDOW Bin Salman gets away with it. Another dagger in the back of the "rules based order" from its premier spruiker, the US. I suppose the UK will follow suit, for the same reason money. We will too; we're on the same side as the money, even though we don't actually get any of it. Why shouldn't Russia and China continue to treat the "rules based order" as the joke that it is? SW Davey, Torrens BRADBURY OF POLITICS Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been described to me as the Steven Bradbury of Australian politics. I think it is proving to be true. Jane Timbrell, Reid I'LL TAKE THE OLYMPIAN People who liken Scott Morrison to Steven Bradbury demean our most famous speed skater. At least Steven Bradbury was good at his job! Andina Faragher, Kaleen COOL ON ELECTION RESULT Why worry about the next federal election outcome. There was a wonderful Monty Python skit many years ago where an "expert" commentator claimed at the end of counting that "the result is as exactly as I predicted, conservative landslide, oh except the other side won". Time will tell. Linus Cole, Palmerston Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610. Keep your letter to 250 words or less. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published). /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/c8833fa3-adb1-4d86-8aa2-590d92e77379/r0_298_5568_3444_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news CHAMPAGNE IN THE ROSE GARDEN Are you sick of waking up, only to smell the roses? Well do it with a side of champers. Pop-up bar House of Bubbles is coming to the National Rose Garden, with champagne, Prosecco, beer, cider, soft drink and snacks on offer. They'll also have chairs, tables and rugs so you won't have to, like, burrow into a rose bush. National Rose Garden (behind the lobby), Parkes. Friday 4-8pm. Card only. SUITCASE RUMMAGE While rifling through someone's luggage is typically frowned upon - unless you're sneaking in some surprise chocolates for their journey - this Saturday you can 100 per cent get away with it. The Canberra Suitcase Rummage is back. This mini-market will feature books to pore over, clothing to drape yourself in, records to boogie to and handmade paper for your DIY Christmas cards, all sold out of suitcases. You can browse, sell or swap. NewActon. Saturday, 10am. Register as a seller for $25 via suitcaserummage.com.au/act. RUSSIAN BAZAARIf you know the delicious difference between a piroshki and a pelmeni, or would like to, check out the Russian Christmas Bazaar. There will be traditional Russian fare including cakes, kvass and the aforementioned dumplings and buns, plus a range of stalls where you can pick up early Christmas gifts. Russian Orthodox Church Hall, Narrabundah. Saturday 10am-2pm. Free entry. FAMILY POOL PARTYAs Canberra heats up, transforming into the devil's butt crack right before your sweat glands, you've got two options: head to the coast or jump in the pool. As you might be saving your trips to the bay for all that upcoming Christmas leave, Canberra Olympic Pool has the event for you. For Icon Water Safety Week, they'll be splashing about with an inflatable aqua run, a mega slip 'n' slide, a snag sizzle, aqua aerobics, mums and bubs swimming lessons, face painting and a DJ spinning live music. There will also be safety demos with Royal Life Saving to get you and your clan prepared for the summer ahead. Canberra Olympic Pool, Civic. Sunday 9am-5pm. More info via Facebook. $5-7. VEGAN MARKETFor a cruelty-free Saturday, check out the Living Green vegan market. There will be delicious plant-based food, drinks and sweets, live entertainment and not-for-profit stalls promoting social issues. Albert Hall, Yarralumla. Saturday 3-8pm. Free entry. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/22296dab-0aa9-4ff0-a1d8-70edb9e30046/r0_168_2048_1325_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news We're told they're about a size 38, and from what we can see they are the Italian brand Rodo. No FSW here. Julie Bishop's sparkly red satin pumps, which she wore to the August press conference announcing her resignation from federal cabinet, are now safely behind glass at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, aka Old Parliament House. And while Ms Bishop donated the shoes to the museum's permanent collection, the Dorothy-esque heels will be on public display only until December 16. We dont usually display anything permanently other than heritage furniture," a museum spokesperson said. "Most items in the collection have display limits so they dont fade or deteriorate. "The shoes are in what we call a pop-up display, which is used temporarily to display new collection items, to give the public a chance to see them. "The shoes will then go into storage, and be used in future in exhibitions when they are deemed to be appropriate for a particular display. Ms Bishop said at the shoe handover this week that she had no idea the impact of wearing them to the press conference would have. Since that time, many people have told me the colour red should be a symbol of solidarity andempowerment among Australian women. The red shoe emoji has taken on a life of its own," she said. I give my red shoes to the Museum of Australian Democracy as a tribute to the aspirations of allwomen." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/c4ac5993-1d3e-4190-937b-a38940c1ab08/r0_696_3024_2405_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The Anglican School Googong is temporarily suspending its Indonesian language course from 2019 while it reviews its languages program. It is the second school this month to consider dropping Indonesian, following a similar move by Canberra's Narrabundah College, which sparked a petition from students to save the language class. A member of the school community, who asked to remain anonymous, said that students at the Anglican School Googong engaged very positively with the Indonesian language and they would be significantly disadvantaged without it. Were supposed to be preparing children for a globalised society. Its what parents signed up for when they took a chance with a new school that opened in 2015," the community member said. "Those values have been left [by] the wayside without parent consultation and have devastated the parent trust with the executive. Through a lack of understanding of Indonesia and of their customs and their language we have absolutely damaged our relationship with Indonesia. Australian National University Indonesian expert George Quinn said there was a huge gap in our education when it came to Indonesian language and culture. Indonesia is a huge nation, right up on our doorstep, and an immediate neighbor whose economy is taking off in an extraordinary fashion. The education system is failing to notice and take advantage of this," Dr Quinn said. There are tremendous commercial opportunities that are being passed up. You cannot maximise your opportunities if you stick with English alone, and it gives the impression that Australia is slack and incompetent in [its] approach. Dr Quinn said Indonesia was one of the great non-English speaking parts of the world, and that "if you want to get your foot in the door beyond the hotel lobbies, you need the language. He said dropping Indonesian in schools would mean Australian students were left behind on the world stage. "Bilingualism is becoming the norm. Your average mainstream Australian is not bilingual so we are becoming more and more marginalized when it comes to languages," he said. Principal Merryn Clarksmith said she would "never not have languages" at the school. "It is a momentary pause while we make sure were on the right track so its the best possible program for our students. I place great value on the learning of language and thats why the review is taking place," she said. Ms Clarksmith said there was a great deal of support for Indonesian in the school and that she imagines it would be one of the many possible languages that came back in. The kids love it. Theres good parent support for the Indonesian language and we know they are our close neighbours ... that places Indonesia as an important language to consider. Ms Clarksmith said there would be community consultations in the first term of 2019 as part of the review. She said it wasnt necessary to suspend the teaching of the language, but that she had made the choice to do so to give us the best possible platform to run our review from to look at our strategies. I cant predict the outcome but we will engage with the school community, with students and various agencies in order to make the best decision for the school," she said. The member of the school community said as far as staff and parents were concerned it seemed the decision had "been timed at the end of the year as a last minute decision to hush it up and provide minimum opportunities for feedback. They described the school's response as extremely negative both for the loss of the language and the staff. A petition to reinstate Indonesian at the school has reached 76 signatures. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/8fd01c59-e2da-464d-902c-629667e74c28/r0_347_3968_2589_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news A planned government review into place names in Canberra has been slammed as "overreach" and a waste of taxpayer money by the co-chair of the advisory group which helps oversee naming decisions in the territory. After a fiery debate in the ACT Assembly on Wednesday, Labor backbencher Bec Cody pushed through an audit of the way places are named in the capital, which will single out William Slim Drive and Haig Park for immediate scrutiny. But she stopped short of her initial suggestion to review every place name in the ACT. Historian David Headon of the ACT Place Names committee said the review appeared to a symptom of misunderstanding around the current processes for naming decisions, which he described as robust. "She hasn't contacted us or asked us to look at any particular names," he said. Ms Cody led the push for the review, which will examine both the volunteer committee and current naming regulations in the ACT, in response to community concerns that past decisions had commemorated "villains as heroes". She said she had been contacted by a number of Indigenous and Jewish community groups, as well as sexual abuse survivors, who spoke of their personal distress to see some places in Canberra still named after people who had committed criminal or abhorrent acts. Speaking on radio on Thursday, Ms Cody called the review a good "first step" towards correcting the record of history. "In some cases I think there still needs to be a review but this is a start," she said, adding she was pleased that, while residential place names would escape scrutiny, William Slim Drive and Haig Park would be reviewed as a priority. William Slim Drive commemorates Australia's 13th governor-general, who was later accused of molesting migrant children at Fairbridge Farm in NSW during the 1950s. Haig Park recognises supreme commander of British and imperial forces in World War I, Field Marshal Douglas Haig, whose battlefield decisions have since drawn criticism. Dr Headon said both places had been named well before the committee's establishment in 1999, but it had discussed them both in recent years at the request of the government. For Haig Park, updated signage providing more information about the general's actions had been arranged. In the case of William Slim Drive, he said the committee was certainly aware of the sensitivities around the issue but had decided to await the findings of the recent royal commission into institutional child sexual abuse, as well as the ACT government's response, before going ahead with a change. "The evidence is still being considered," he said. "We don't want to ever be in a position where we ourselves are making a decision on the facts of the case, we're waiting for them to be presented to us, probably from the government." Changing a place name involved extensive consultation with relatives and rigorous historical evidence, he said, and had never before been undertaken by the committee for such a reason. In the past decade, the committee had made about half a dozen name changes for safety reasons, he said, including confusion or duplication. All requests for a change were considered and the public could write to the committee or the directorate directly. A government spokeswoman also said requests were infrequent with none received "in some years". "To date this year we have received two requests regarding existing names, one querying the spelling of a street name," she said. While the procedures for the new review put forward by Ms Cody had yet to be formulated, the spokeswoman said it would be undertaken internally by the government, not the committee. "The names of Haig Park and William Slim Drive have previously been raised with the directorate and are the subject of continuing investigation," she said. Dr Headon questioned what could be gained from a review of the committee itself, which already had a number of representatives from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds and an even gender split. Under the direction of former chief minister Jon Stanhope, he said, the committee's remit had already been updated to include increasing the number of places named for women in Canberra, given their current under-representation. Ms Cody's call to bring place names into line with community standards was impossible, Dr Headon said. "Standards change all the time, approximately the first dozen of our prime ministers were fierce advocates of the White Australia policy, does that mean we should change all the suburbs named for them?" he asked. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/14323c03-d64a-4d97-8440-f2f717188ee6/r0_300_5568_3446_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg 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 Protesters attend a rally outside the Supreme Court held by Our Childrens Trust on October 29, 2018. The group rallied in support of the Juliana v. U.S. lawsuit brought on behalf of 21 youth plaintiffs that argues the federal government has violated constitutional rights for more than 50 years by contributing to climate change. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images It has not been a good couple months for the climate but then, when was? In October, the U.N.s IPCC released its doomsday report; last week came the American equivalent, the National Climate Assessment, which basically endorsed those findings. One horrifying new study found that, by 2100, if warming continues unabated, parts of the world could be pummeled by as many as six climate-driven natural disasters at once heat waves, flooding, drought, crop failures, among others. In the U.S., new EPA boss Andrew Wheeler has proved much more effective than his hack predecessor at rolling back environmental regulations making the Executive branch, once Obamas tool for climate action, an even more powerful force for corporate interests and deregulation. And while the House is now set to pass into the hands of the more climate-conscious party, on the same Election Day the Senate got redder and more resistant to climate legislation, and voters in liberal states from Washington to Colorado delivered blows to state-level efforts at climate regulation. That leaves, by process of elimination, one branch of government. So could the courts save the planet? It may not be as far-fetched as it seems. In the U.S., courts have not been consistent progressive forces, to say the least. But they have often seized the moral mantle dropped by indifferent executives and legislatures in Brown v. Board, Obergefell v. Hodges and courts elsewhere are already embracing the role. Last month, at the Hague, in a decision not much noticed in the U.S., an appellate court upheld a radical judgment that would actually force the Dutch government to much more dramatically cut down on their emissions than it was planning to. In other words, a lawsuit brought by a small group of citizens single-handedly changed the climate policy of their country essentially binding the state to honor not just what are often referred to as the nonbinding commitments of the Paris accords, but to go even further, committing it to enact climate policies that reflected its own (quite dire) assessments of the scale of the climate threat. This is, of course, just one court in just one country, but it is an absolutely extraordinary feat. And it opens up a whole new avenue for climate action to make those nonbinding agreements real rather than rhetorical, and to force nations to push through not just the climate-denialism peculiar to the U.S. but the resistance of domestic oil companies and other carbon-dependent corporate interests elsewhere, as well as the seeming reluctance of individual citizens and consumers everywhere in the world. How significant would that be? On the one hand, very. No major industrialized country is on track to meet the emissions-reductions pledges it made in Paris. This is, at the moment, a very big problem; lawsuits like this one could, theoretically, eliminate it. On the other hand, even if each of the 196 countries that signed on to the Paris accords were to honor those commitments down to the subclause, it would only limit global warming, according to our best models, to between 3.2 and 3.4 degrees. That recent IPCC report declared, more or less, that just two degrees would bring unconscionable climate catastrophe. Paris lands us more than a degree north of that as much warmer than that two-degree-catastrophe threshold as that threshold is from where we are today. And that is only if those models bear out there are some very serious scientists who believe, given the nature of the climate system, just hitting two degrees would unleash feedback loops that would bring us very quickly to four or five degrees of warming. The effectiveness of climate policy is also an open question. The IPCC report announced that a global, World War IIstyle mobilization was required to stop warming short of two degrees; presumably, policy of that ambition and scale, involving federal direction or nationalization of industry and something like broad conscription into a war on climate change, would reliably bring down our emissions. But what about the tools we are already using? There are many places in the world with working carbon taxes; none of their emissions are declining. There are even more places in the world with climate-focused environmental policies in place, and yet, as the economist Lyman Stone put it on Twitter recently, Theres basically no correlation between strictness of environmental policy and change in CO2 emissions. That is farther than I would go, personally. But it is still remarkable that the Paris accords notorious fugitive, the United States, has had the most impressive years of emissions reductions of any country in the world since they were signed in 2016 and had the best 2017, which it accomplished under Trump and his war on regulations. (Market forces are, indeed, really powerful, and green energy is really cheap in the U.S. now.) As Trump has pulled the U.S. from global climate leadership, a lot of praise has been heaped on Xi Jinping and China for taking a much more aggressive rhetorical stance on climate, but in 2017 Chinas emissions grew the most of any nation in the world. Europes acclaimed green-energy leader, Germany, is not just insufficiently cutting emissions its growing them. But a lawsuit proceeding through the U.S. courts gives hope even in this deeply dispiriting context. That lawsuit is the much-mooted Juliana v. United States, often called Kids vs. Climate, because the plaintiffs are all minors, and because their claim is that the federal government has violated the equal-protection clause by choosing to expose them to climate suffering rather than take action during the lifetime of their parents. It is, of course, very unlikely that this argument would get a sympathetic hearing at the Supreme Court, especially one with Brett Kavanaugh sitting on it. But in a surprising decision earlier this month, that same Supreme Court declined the federal governments request to throw the lawsuit out, allowing it to proceed to trial in district court in Oregon (by the way, a quite liberal district). Presumably, at least: Theres no trial date set yet, and the government will likely continue to push to dismiss it. Juliana has been much-lauded as a moral crusade plaintiffs between ages 11 and 22, fighting to make their government take their own future on the planet seriously. But I dont think most people, even most who follow climate issues quite closely, understand just how radical the claim the lawsuit makes really is and just how radical a transformation of the country it would require, should the claim be upheld. To me, a legal amateur, the equal-protection argument is a persuasive one if innovative and therefore more or less untested as a litigation strategy. But what would it actually mean for the U.S. government to accept its terms, and commit itself to extending equal protection, when it comes to climate damages, to future generations? The standard would be, essentially, impossible to meet because American policy only governs about 14 percent of global emissions, because previous generations suffered essentially no climate damages, and because just the one degree the world has already warmed promises to inflict an enormous amount of suffering on those teenagers bringing the lawsuit (and their children, and their grandchildren). In other words, if Donald Trump, compelled by the Supreme Court, were even able to act by global fiat and immediately halt all global emissions, the Juliana kids would still suffer more considerably more from climate change than their parents and grandparents. Where does that leave things, legally? What would a good-faith effort to extend equal protection to climate change look like? It is not entirely clear, but even a squishy, more modest mandate like action on emissions with all reasonable urgency would produce enormously dramatic action, far larger and more far-reaching than the court-mandated desegregation efforts that came out of Brown: say, for starters, the end of oil subsidies and massive investment in green energy that would dwarf the (very significant) ones made as part of the stimulus during the Obama years; far more stringent emissions standards for cars, perhaps even a hard, short-term deadline beyond which only hybrid or electric cars could be produced; an entirely new airplane fleet, required by federal law; a total overhaul of the energy grid and national infrastructure more generally; a command-and-control-style remaking of our agriculture. It might even reboot our trade policy, since we now buy so many carbon-intensive products from elsewhere in the world we are essentially outsourcing emissions to China. If that all sounds like a lot well, it is. It also happens to be about the bare minimum we need to do to save the planet from rolling climate chaos. Globally, we have to cut emissions in half in 12 years, remember. Instead, they are still growing. If the worlds presidents and prime ministers and parliaments and legislatures cant see that math, maybe its courts will. In the meantime, God bless the Dutch. Not a lot to be cheery about on the health-care front. Photo: Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images Americans are dying younger, the Centers for Disease Control announced on Thursday. Life expectancy in the U.S. declined again in 2017, falling one-tenth of a year, to 78.6 years. While the top ten causes of death havent changed, certain causes have become deadlier over time, as the nation totaled 69,000 more deaths in 2017 than it did in 2016. The CDCs National Center for Health Statistics found that overdose deaths reached a new high in 2017, topping 70,000, while the suicide rate increased by 3.7 percent, according to CNN. Suicide rates are concentrated in rural areas, and deaths from diabetes complications also increased. American life expectancy has declined by three-tenths of a year from its peak of 78.9 years in 2014. And while Americans get sicker, their counterparts in other developed nations have begun to live longer lives. Life expectancy is 84.1 years in Japan and 83.7 years in Switzerland, first and second in the most-recent ranking by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The U.S. ranks 29th on that list, Marketwatch reported. The old canard that correlation isnt causation still holds, but its worth mentioning that most other developed nations have some sort of robust public option for health-care coverage in place. Japan, for example, has publicly financed national insurance, and monthly premiums are determined by a persons income. The U.S., meanwhile, remains heavily dependent on a privatized system. Thats beginning to change, as more states pass Medicaid expansion, but the nations health-care system contains gaping cracks through which the sick and the poor routinely fall. Insulin prices tripled from 2002 to 2013, CBS News reported in May, and costs for the drug from two manufacturers rose almost 8 percent in 2017. A Yale University study released in 2018 found that the lower a diabetic patients income, the likelier it is that theyve tried to ration insulin in order to save on expenses. Rationing can become deadly, as two high-profile cases illustrate: As reported by the New York Times, Alec Smith died of ketoacidosis, a serious complication of his disease, after trying and failing to find a health-insurance plan that would defray the costs of insulin and testing strips. And as I previously reported for The New Republic, Shane Boyle died of the same complication not long after starting a GoFundMe campaign to buy insulin. When he died, he was $50 away from his goal. The Trump administration is notoriously hostile to the Affordable Care Act and its Medicaid expansion provision, a sentiment expressed not only in the rhetoric of Trump and his officials but in the explicit policy of the White House. Through the introduction of short-term health-insurance plans with skimpy coverage and other regulatory tricks, Trump has tried to bleed the ACA to death. While that effort hasnt succeeded, he did introduce new volatility into the American health-care system, an act that will have consequences for Americans who have difficulty paying for basic health expenses. Though the trends recently stabilized, premiums initially went up and insurers left the ACA marketplaces. Another report, released on Thursday by Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families, found that the number of uninsured American children has begun to rise. In 2017, 3.9 million children were uninsured, up from 3.6 million in 2016. As Dylan Scott reported for Vox, this increase reverses a previous trend; the national rate of uninsured children had in fact been steadily decreasing. The report suggests a number of probable causes Trumps regulatory war on the ACA and last years lapse in funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program, to name just two and adds that most uninsured children live in states that have refused to expand Medicaid. In fact, 3 in 10 uninsured kids in the U.S. live in either Florida or Texas, the two biggest states that have refused to expand Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, Scott wrote. A lack of health insurance can be deadly for anyone, including kids; a 2009 study by Johns Hopkins University found that children without health insurance are 60 percent more likely to die in the hospital than are children with health insurance. Considering these dismal reports on the state of Americas health, its not very surprising that running on health care worked out so well for Democrats this year. 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. The nursery admission in the national capital, Delhi, for the academic session 2019-20 is all set to begin from December 15. A lot of new rules and regulations were introduced for the coming academic session. The most important among them is the upper age limit. The government has set an upper age limit for admission to nursery, kindergarten and class I. According to the sources, the admission process for the entry-level classes begins in Delhi's private schools with instructions from the Directorate of Education (DoE). Over 1600 private schools are there in Delhi under DoE. The last date to submit the application forms for nursery admission is January 7, 2019. Here are the complete dates related to Delhi Nursery admission 2019. How To Improve Learning Abilities Of Students Delhi Nursery Admission 2019: First Allotment List Over 1500 schools in Delhi has published the first list of selected candidates for nursery admission. The list has been released for the first list of selected candidates. It is also expected that the second list of the general category will be released on February 21. The second list will be available along with waiting list students. Any queries related to Delhi nursery admission 2019, parents can approach Directorate of Education. The queries on the first list of selected candidates for nursery admission will be answered from February 5 to 12. Upper Age Limit For Delhi Nursery Admission 2019 Nursery: 4 years Kindergarten: 5 years Class I: 6 years Delhi Nursery Admission 2019 Dates Online admission process: December 15 Last date to submit application forms for nursery: January 7, 2019 Uploading the details of children for open seats: January 21, 2019 Uploading of marks for admission under open seats: January 28, 2019 The first list of selected candidates: February 4, 2019 The second list of selected candidates: February 21, 2019 Admission process will be closed: March 31, 2019 The sources also added that 25% of seats are reserved in pre-school, pre-primary and Class 1 for economically weaker sections/disadvantaged groups (EWS/DG). The DoE has also instructed all the schools to upload their criteria (with points for each criterion) for admission before December 14 on the official website. Constitution Day: 10 Facts Students Should Know About The Constitution Of India Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (HARTRON) has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the post of Junior Engineer. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. The engagement of employees is on a contract basis. The application process and fee payment are offline. The application fees costs INR 1,180. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 30,419 per month. The last date to apply for this government job is 10 December 2018. HAL Recruitment 2018 For Air Traffic Controller Trainee HARTRON Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Junior Engineer Organisation Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited Educational Qualification Degree or diploma in civil engineering Experience 5 years Skills Required Proficiency in drafting in English and computer knowledge Job Location Gurugram Salary Scale INR 30,419 per month Industry Electronics Application Start Date November 28, 2018 Application End Date December 10, 2018 Maximum Age Limit: 63 years Also Read: BEL Recruitment 2018: Become A DGM And Earn Up To INR 2,20,000 How To Apply For HARTRON Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for HARTRON Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Prepare your resume and application form. Step 2: Attach attested copies of your documents. Step 3: Send the application to HARTRON. HARTRON Recruitment 2018 Application Format And Mailing Address Superscribe on the envelope, "Application for the post of Junior Engineer" and send it to: Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd, O/o AGM(P&A), HARTRON Bhawan, Bays No.73-76, Sector-2, Panchkula. Follow the link - http://hartron.org.in/images/haryanait/11-2018/JE-----EligibilityCriteria.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Syndicate Bank has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the post of Housing Loan Counsellor. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. The intial period of empanelment is two years. The selection process will comprise a written test and an interview. Selected candidates can earn up to industry standards. The last date to apply for this government job is 11 December 2018. Bank Job: BOB Recruitment 2018 For Industry Specialists Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Housing Loan Counsellor Organisation Syndicate Bank Educational Qualification Graduate degree in any field Experience 3 to 7 years Job Responsibilities Generation of leads for home loan and ensure completion of applications in all respects Skills Required Banking skills Job Location Agra Salary Scale Not mentioned Industry Banking Application Start Date November 28, 2018 Application End Date December 12, 2018 SBI Recruitment 2018 For 38 Specialist Cadre Officers: Apply Before Dec 6 How To Apply For Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the Syndicate Bank official website. Step 2: Click the Career tab on the right-hand side of the home page. Step 3: The list of vacancies will be displayed on the screen. Step 4: Click the application form link against the post you want to apply for. Step 5: The application form will open in a PDF file. Step 6: Save it to your computer and take a printout of it. Step 7: Send the completed applications to Syndicate Bank. Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2018 Application Format Superscribe on the envelope, "Application for the post of Housing Loan Counsellor" and send it to the regional manager in your area. Follow the link - https://www.syndicatebank.in/RecruitmentFiles/Empanelment_of_Hosing_Loan_Counselors_RO_AGRA.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Photo: Police photo A Surrey man who attacked an autistic man at a Toronto-area bus terminal has been sentenced to time served. Ronjot Dhami was one of the three B.C. men caught on video in the vicious attack on March 13. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated assault, CTV News reports. Dhami was handed a 12-month sentence, but was released from custody with credit for time served. He'll also be on probation for two years. "I'm sorry for what I have done," Dhami told the court. Parmvir Singh Chahil and Jaspaul Uppal were also charged in the attack. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau depart Ottawa for G20 summit. Canada says it is on track to sign a new North American free-trade agreement on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, but Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland would not provide a firm confirmation on Thursday. Freeland, speaking on a sunny patio at a hotel in Buenos Aires shortly after the Canadian delegation landed Thursday, said that details must be finalized on a "massive" three-way deal. "Our objective has always been to sign this agreement on Nov. 30 and we are on track to hit that objective," Freeland said. Canada has been in touch with the Americans and the Mexicans since arriving in Buenos Aires, she added. "A vast number of technical details need to be scrubbed and wrapped up," she said. "The fact that this is an agreement in three languages adds to the level of technical complexity and it is on that level that we are just being sure that all the Is are dotted and all the Ts are crossed." The minister is part of a Canadian delegation attending a high-stakes G20 summit set to begin on Friday and draw global attention over trade tensions between China and the United States. The Liberal government is also eyeing the issue of international security, after Canada and its allies condemned the seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels near Crimea on Monday. Freeland said she has spoken to the Ukrainian foreign minister and is in very close contact with other G7 countries on this issue. She also said Ukraine is expected to be the topic of a "robust conversation" at a NATO foreign-ministers' summit in Brussels next week. Mueller is under his skin. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/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 panic over Mueller, Mike Espys loss in Mississippi, and the deal Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta negotiated for multimillionaire and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The flurry of Mueller-related headlines this week have led some observers to speculate that the investigations endgame may be in sight, but news of Paul Manaforts continued communications with the White House, Jerome Corsis leak of a Mueller draft document, and changes to Roger Stones story have muddied the waters. If Mueller is close to issuing a report, how will he cut through the noise? The whole point of the incessant lying by Donald Trump and Manafort and the apparent lying of Stone and Corsi as well is exactly that: to muddy as many waters as possible so any Mueller report will be drowned out by what Kellyanne Conway once labeled alternative facts. Right now we only know bits and pieces of Muellers findings. (Nor do we know whether he is close to issuing a report or not.) But the thing about stories built on actual facts, as Muellers will be, is that they tend to be powerful and command attention because they add up. People like solid crime stories. And so even now, even amid all the current racket, at least one such story is emerging loud and clear: the bridge that connects the Trump campaign to the trove of Democratic emails stolen by the Russians and publicized by WikiLeaks to sabotage the Clinton campaign. Two of the biggest sources for this story are Stone and Corsi themselves. The more they try to portray their WikiLeaks ties as innocent Corsi even gave a blabby interview to the less-than-friendly outlet of MSNBC on Wednesday the more they poke holes in their own flimsy cover stories and incriminate the president. Not for nothing did Trump promote WikiLeaks email cache at least 164 times in the last month of the 2016 campaign, in the calculation of the journalist Judd Legum. Everything adds up. It also adds up that Trump remains in the panic that has consumed him since he returned from his calamitous trip to rainy Paris nearly three weeks ago. He just keeps tweeting maniacally about his innocence and Muellers witch hunt even as heads to the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, Muellers tale of his collusion with Russia gains traction by the moment. A Washington Post scoop overnight detailing profuse late-night phone calls between Stone and Trump at crucial junctures in 2016 suggests that it was Trump himself, not merely the Trump campaign, who had direct knowledge of Russias conspiracy to tip the election in his favor. Today has brought Michael Cohens surprise guilty plea in a Manhattan court, where he conceded he was lying to Congress when he claimed that Trump had stopped pursuing business deals in Russia in early 2016. Given that Trump has vehemently denied such dealings, Cohens revelation is another big chapter of the story. Who knows what additional plot twists will arrive tomorrow when Muellers prosecutors face off against Manaforts lawyers in a federal courtroom as ordered by a judge this week after Manafort broke his plea deal. Mueller likely has many other stories to tell. As they become clearer, they are making Trump so nuts that he has given new meaning to the concept of protesting ones innocence too much. First among them, no doubt, is the Trump Tower meeting with Jared, Donald Jr., Manafort, and Russians who apparently had nothing to do with the WikiLeaks story line. For those who are wondering why Trump doesnt just go ahead and pardon Manafort and the rest, or have his new thug Attorney General Matthew Whitaker shut down Mueller, I suggest the answer is simple: Someone has gotten it through Trumps head that such blatant moves will not prevent Muellers stories from getting out, not successfully protect all the presidents guilty men (and possibly women) from criminal exposure, and not necessarily be constitutional if the aim is to exchange pardons for silence. What Trump would succeed in doing instead is adding another chapter or two to still another Mueller true-crime tale, the one about obstruction of justice. With his loss to Cindy Hyde-Smith in the runoff Senate election in Mississippi, Mike Espy joins Andrew Gillum, Stacey Abrams, and others in a wave of high-profile black candidates who lost closer-than-expected elections for major office in the South. Will their campaigns be a turning point for the region? Closer than expected is a good thing, but the fact remains: Gillum, Abrams, and Espy all lost to white Republicans who played the race card with a vengeance. Ron DeSantis, who beat Gillum for the Florida governorship, said his opponent would monkey this up at the start of his campaign. Abrams lost her Georgia gubernatorial race to Brian Kemp, the states secretary of state, who literally had charge of an electoral process notorious for throwing impediments in the path of minority voters. Hyde-Smith not only cracked a joke about a public hanging but had a well-documented history of endorsing her states Confederate legacy. Continuing demographic shifts may well make a difference in elections to come in Florida and Georgia. But not in Mississippi, the nations poorest state, where the white majority is large, entrenched, and not likely to be challenged by an influx of new industry and its more diverse workforce anytime soon. But the bigger issue is how these races confirm the reality that the Republican Party has proudly and uninhibitedly come out of the closet as the standard-bearer for white supremacy in the Trump era. This racial animus has deep roots, after all, in a GOP that first employed its race-baiting southern strategy a half-century ago under the aegis of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew. In 1980, just 16 years after three civil-rights workers were murdered near Philadelphia, Mississippi, Ronald Reagan chose that spot to deliver a states rights speech right after sewing up the presidential nomination. (Hyde-Smith took nearly 71 percent of the vote in Neshoba County, where Philadelphia is located.) George H.W. Bush ran as much against a previously obscure black criminal, Willie Horton, as he did against Michael Dukakis, and George W. Bush appointed Chief Justice John Roberts, who castrated the Voting Rights Act. Even now, the Republican-majority Senate is on the verge of confirming Thomas Farr as a federal judge in North Carolina. Farr was a protege of the unabashedly racist Senator Jesse Helms, and an author of the 2013 North Carolina law so restrictive of minority voting rights that the federal court which overruled it three years later declared that it had targeted African-Americans with almost surgical precision. Trump has made Jim Crow great again for his nearly all-white party. This is a banner it will likely fight under for years to come, no matter what Trumps fate, as it tries to ward off its demographic fate. A Miami Herald investigation into the 2007 sweetheart plea deal given to multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein found more than 80 women who say they were molested or abused by Epstein, many while in their teens, though Epstein was allowed to plead guilty to just two charges and any potential co-conspirators were granted immunity. The deal was negotiated with Trumps current secretary of Labor, who was then a federal prosecutor in Florida; Epsteins lawyers included Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr, and his friends famously included Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. What does the Herald report add to what we already know about Epstein and his circle? This is an astonishing if stomach-churning feat of investigative reporting by the Herald. If you read it in conjunction with the new Times investigation of Leslie Moonves, you will be sickened all over again by the quantity of sexual assault that not only took place in the highest echelons of American society but that was then successfully covered up by corporations, lawyers, and supposed law-enforcement authorities. In Epsteins case, the Herald located not just forgotten victims among a large, cult-like network of underage girls but also uncovered, among other evidence, the full unredacted police investigation conducted in Palm Beach, where most (but not all) of Epsteins crimes were carried out in a waterfront mansion. What stands out is how Alexander Acosta, then Miamis top federal prosecutor and now Trumps secretary of Labor, presided over a sweetheart plea deal that both allowed Epstein to escape serious punishment and shut down an FBI investigation of additional crimes. (Epstein also was let off the hook in New York by the office of the DA Cyrus Vance.) The Herald presents a sordid picture of the powerful lawyers who ran Epsteins defense, including Dershowitz and Starr. Irony is too weak a word to wield in talking about Starr, the pious Clinton pursuer who, in addition to fiercely advocating for the sex-criminal Epstein, looked the other way when a sexual-assault scandal unfolded at Baylor University while he was its president. In the Times new story, there is a comparable narrative about the high-powered lawyers CBS employed to investigate Moonves and ended up protecting him. It leaves you wondering what might have been covered up in CBS investigations of Charlie Rose and Jeff Fager as well. Clinton and Trumps see-no-evil friendships with Epstein are appalling. Surely one of the most chilling sentences in the Herald account is its reminder of how in 2002 Epstein flew Clinton and Kevin Spacey, among others, on a private jet as part of a fact-finding AIDS mission in support of the Clinton Foundation. As for Trump, you have to wonder if Acosta is Labor secretary as well as a potential choice for attorney general because of what he might know about what went on at Mar-a-Lago, from whose workers ranks, the Herald reports, Epstein plucked at least one victim. Iran's cement exports rise 7% 29 November 2018 Irans cement exports increased seven per cent YoY to 3.8Mt in the first seven months of the Iranian year started 21 March, according to Abdurreza Sheykhan, chairman of Iran's Cement Industry Employers Association. Exports of clinker bricks also rose in the same period, increasing 13.6 per cent to 3.84Mt. However, Mr Sheykhan also noted that there is a probability that cement exports may decrease in the upcoming months. Sanctions and increases in both internal and international transportation expenditures resulted in falling exports in the eighth month of the countrys year. Published under Tajikistan reports 30% increase in exports 29 November 2018 Tajikistan exported 1.1Mt of cement to neighbouring countries in the first 10 months of 2018, an increase of 30 per cent compared to the year-ago period, according to the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies (MoINT). In the 10M18, the country exported 670,000t to Uzbekistan, 423,000t to Afghanistan and 80,000t to Kyrgyzstan. Tajik-Chinese joint ventures Chzhungtsai Mohir Cement, Huaxin Gayur Cement and Huaxin Gayur Sughd Cement reportedly accounted for 38.5 per cent, 32.6 per cent and 24.2 per cent of Tajikistans exports in the period, respectively. Furthermore, average monthly volumes of cement exports have advanced 30.1 per cent YoY to 110,000t, compared to 84,200t of 10M17. Production In the first 10 months of the year, Tajikistan saw a 20 per cent YoY increase in cement production to 3.2Mt from 2.5Mt. Chzhungtsai Mohir Cement, Huaxin Gayur Cement, and Huaxin Gayur Sughd Cement accounted for 30.9 per cent, 28.1 per cent and 25.9 per cent of the local production in the 10M18, respectively, according to Asia-Plus. Published under A Yemeni man carries his child, suffering from malnutrition, into a treatment center at a hospital in Sanaa on October 6, 2018. Photo: MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP/Getty Images The government of Saudi Arabia has been bombing and starving the Middle Easts poorest country for about three years, now. One recent estimate suggests that 85,000 children under 5 years old have already died from malnutrition as a result of Riyadhs intervention in Yemens civil war. If the Saudis airstrikes and blockade continue, Yemen is poised to face the worst famine humanity has seen in 100 years, according to the U.N. The United States bears much of the responsibility for all of this: Our federal governments steadfast commitment to an alliance with the Saudis has led America to support Riyadhs monstrous campaign by supplying it with weapons, logistical support, and midair refueling services for Saudi fighter planes. Without that last form of support, much of the Saudi campaign would be impossible. The U.S. has no real interest in the outcome of Yemens civil war whether that impoverished country is ruled by Shia rebels or a Saudi client is of a little consequence to a global superpower based in the Western hemisphere. On the other hand, allowing the Saudis to drop American-made bombs on school buses and to commit other crimes against humanity with our visible assistance significantly increases the risk of terroristic blowback against the U.S. And yet, Saudi Arabia donates a lot of money to D.C. think-tanks, and also orders a great deal of weapons from American arms manufacturers. In recent years, it has also softened its opposition to Israel. And so the vast majority of American elected officials (in both parties), declined to mount any serious opposition to the war crimes our government was abetting. But then, the Saudi government ordered the murder and dismemberment of a U.S. citizen who wrote for the Washington Post, and had personal relationships with influential people in our nations capital. And now, the Senates lonely critics of the Saudi war in Yemen have finally persuaded a critical mass of their colleagues to at least give their case a hearing. In a 6337 vote on Wednesday, the Senate advanced debate on a bill that would revoke U.S. support for the Saudi intervention. This was a remarkable result, given how hard the White House had lobbied against the measure. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had addressed the entire upper chamber, in a closed, classified briefing, in the hopes of persuading them to block a debate on Yemen. In public remarks, Mattis warned that withdrawing U.S. support would jeopardize peace talks that are expected to begin next month in Sweden. But then, Mattis and Pompeo also told the Senators that no direct reporting ties Jamal Khashoggis murder to Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman a claim that stands at odds with the CIAs analysis. Wednesdays vote is a victory for senators Bernie Sanders, Chris Murphy, Mike Lee, and Rand Paul, who have long been pushing for an end to U.S. support for the Saudi intervention. That said, it is far from clear that there are enough votes in the Senate to actually pass the bill and it is almost certain that the lame-duck Republican majority in the House will not take it up. The Speaker of the House is helping promote bogus complaints involving the slow count of ballots in California this year. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Some Republicans were so busy on the evening of November 6 spinning a poor midterm showing into a vindication of their party and president that they apparently missed the fact that the election wasnt quite over. And later on, they professed mystification at the final results. I say professed because its hard to believe Speaker Paul Ryan is as stupid as he sounds here: The California election system just defies logic to me, Ryan said during a Washington Post event. We were only down 26 seats the night of the election and three weeks later, we lost basically every California race. In Wisconsin, we knew the next day. Scott Walker, my friend, I was sad to see him lose, but we accepted the results on Wednesday, Ryan said. In California, their system is bizarre; I still dont completely understand it. There are a lot of races there we should have won. The slow count from California should not have come as a surprise: It happened in the June 5 primary as well, and in the 2016 primary and general election. And it was mainly the product of a 2015 change in state election laws allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within three days to count. Since the share of Californians voting by mail has been going up regularly in recent elections, were talking about a lot of votes. Since mail ballots have to go through signature verification (just like in-person ballots go through at polling places), it takes a while to count them. Theres nothing new or nefarious about either of these practices. Voting by mail (or as the practices proponents prefer to call it, voting from home) is now quasi-universal in three states: Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. And much longer than California, Washington has for years allowed ballots postmarked by Election Day to count, leading to slow counts in that state as well. A Washington election official had an interesting reaction when asked back in 2012 about the consequences of a slow count: News reporters are the only people who complain about the vote-counting delay, said [Katie] Blinn, adding that Washingtons system is relatively inexpensive, accurate and encourages turnout. Apparently Speakers of the House also complain now. While a spokesman for Ryan hastened to say he didnt intend to claim a election fraud, his complaints echoed those of a California member of the Republican National Committee, Shawn Steel, who suggested just that in an op-ed for the Washington Times. Citing Republican congressional candidate Young Kims 14-point lead at one point on the evening of November 6, Steel ask: How does a 14-point Republican lead disappear? Merciless and unsparing, California Democrats have systematically undermined Californias already-weak voter protection laws to guarantee permanent one-party rule. To those unfamiliar with GOP rhetoric, I should explain that voter protection laws means laws making it as hard as possible to vote. Consider Steels interpretation of the rule allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day: In California, voting doesnt stop on Election Day. Absentee ballots need only be postmarked by Election Day, with ballots counted that arrive up to three days late. If ballots are sent to the wrong county, the ballot is valid for an additional four days.That means you literally have seven days after an election where a county could still be receiving legitimate ballots. Again, thats been the practice in Washington for years, without complaint (other than from reporters). And when you think about it, why should we respect ballots cast on Election Day more than those filled out on or before Election Day that are duly placed in the mail, at their own expense? Should such voters have to guess how long it will take the postal service to deliver their ballots? This complaint only makes sense to someone who wants to make voting inconvenient, and hence rarer. Steel goes on to suggest that voting by mail is itself nefarious: In just four years, the number of absentee ballots distributed in California has increased by 44 percent. Nearly 13 million voters have received a ballot in the mail, compared to just 9 million in the last gubernatorial election in 2014, notes Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc. First of all, these arent absentee ballots. As is the case in a growing number of states, voting by mail is considered normal, not something you have to construct an excuse to do. And of course the number is rising: In California you can register as a voter by mail and you will receive mail ballots automatically so long as you keep voting. Steel points to an experiment that allowed a handful of counties this year to mail ballots to all registered voters as though that somehow encourages fraud. Again, that is the universal practice in voting-by-mail states; whats the beef? You can vote by mail, vote in person, or not vote at all. Nothing has changed. Heres another bogus complaint from Steel, about what he calls, without a shred of evidence, motor voter fraud: Every person in California that interacts with the Department of Motor Vehicles is automatically registered to vote. This has predictably led to tens of thousands cases of voter registration problems. The states Motor Voter program has come under fire for double registering as many as 77,000 people and registering as many as 1,500 ineligible voters. The states bipartisan oversight agency expressed concerns about serious problems with ensuring that the New Motor Voter Program works as intended and promised. This is called automatic voter registration and 15 states (plus the District of Columbia) have similar systems. Californias just went into effect this last April, and those 1,500 ineligible voters (who were duly purged from the rolls) were out of the 1.4 million enrolled by September, when the errors were discovered and cured. One more bogus complaint that you can hear other Republicans make involves something Steel confusedly calls conditional voting: California has effectively adopted same-day voter registration with the introduction of conditional voting. This election cycle, voters who missed the 15-day voter registration deadline could request to cast a conditional ballot. Same-day voter registration is in effect in 17 states (plus D.C.). And provisional ballots have been in effect nationwide since the passage of the 2002 Help America Vote Act. Its actually a means for ensuring against voter fraud, since provisional votes are not counted until their validity can be established. Yes, provisional ballots slow down vote counts, but the alternative giving voters the benefit of the doubt and counting them all isnt likely going to be endorsed by Republicans. All in all, the situation in California was well summarized by the statewide elected official in charge of the system, Alex Padilla, in a tart response to Ryan: It is bizarre that Paul Ryan cannot grasp basic voting rights protections, Padilla said in a statement to The Hill. In California, we believe in an inclusive and accessible democracy. We provide voters as many opportunities as possible to cast their ballots, Padillas statement continues. That is why we have no excuse vote by mail, automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, and early voting. These reforms helped drive Californias historic registration and a 30 year high in midterm turnout. This brouhaha might not matter if it did not feed the same myths of voter fraud that led Donald Trump to claim without a hint of evidence after the 2016 elections that millions of illegal votes had been cast for Hillary Clinton in California, robbing him of a popular-vote plurality nationally. Going into 2020, this sort of loose talk needs to be debunked wherever possible, unless we want to risk the possibility of a GOP election defeat that is not simply questioned but denied. A dozen of the guns found in the hotel room of the Las Vegas shooter were fitted with bump stocks. Photo: AFP Contributor/AFP/Getty Images The Trump administration will soon ban bump stocks, the aftermarket devices allowing semiautomatic weapons to fire multiple shots in rapid succession, CNN reported Wednesday. The move will come nearly 14 months after Stephen Paddock used bump stocks to help him kill 58 people at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas. Days after the shooting, President Trump said he would look into banning bump stocks. And for a moment, it looked as if he might have had the National Rifle Association on his side. The group said at the time that devices designed to allow semiautomatic rifles to function like fully automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations. But less than two weeks after the Las Vegas shooting, the ban lost momentum. Congressional Republicans backed away from a legislative fix, endorsing a change to ATF regulations instead. Months went by without any movement, and by February of this year the NRA made it clear that it was no longer interested in banning bump stocks. Trump, however, forged ahead. On March 23, weeks after the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, and one day before the March for Our Lives, he announced a new regulation to ban bump stocks. At the time, thenAttorney General Jeff Sessions called the move a critical step in our effort to reduce the threat of gun violence. Thats nonsense. The bump-stock ban is, and has always been, a smoke screen. Making these devices illegal will do nothing to reduce gun violence in the U.S. Thats why theyve become an easy target for the Trump administration. Banning bump stocks wont make people safer, but its a simple way to pretend to. Bump stocks are a novelty. Few people knew what they were before the Las Vegas shooting, and those who did largely considered them unreliable and impractical. There are also other devices that have the same effect on semiautomatic weapons. Making bump stocks the boogeyman made perfect sense for gun-rights advocates. Focusing on them takes attention off of the weapons themselves, and banning them would take away only one method of bump firing a semiautomatic rifle. Eager for a win, gun-control advocates have pushed the bump-stock ban too. But their proposals went further than Trumps. The Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act, introduced last year by Senator Dianne Feinstein, would have banned the sale, transfer, importation, manufacture or possession of bump stocks, trigger cranks and similar accessories that accelerate a semiautomatic rifles rate of fire. Crucially, it also would have implemented those changes in a law. But the Democratic effort was also about the bigger picture. As Nancy Pelosi acknowledged, passing that law could have, in an ideal world, led to more legislation for stricter gun-control measures that, unlike a bump-stock ban, would actually result in fewer mass-shooting deaths in the U.S. (Editors Note: Dr. Wayne Shearer, 94, is a retired optometrist and retired colonel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve now living in Hixson. In his early 90s, he decided to sit down and write from memory and a few records he still possessed his recollections of going through Army Air Corps pilot training at several bases in the United States during World War II. A lifelong writer, he wanted to pen them as he remembered them happening at the time. This is the second in a series of regular excerpts from it.) * * * * * About the time we were graduating from Cordele (Ga.) High School, the headline in The Atlanta Constitution on Wednesday morning, June 3, 1942, said, BATTLE OF MIDWAY ISLANDS. This was the start of one of the greatest early airplane victories. It opened with ineffective attacks by land-based American Air Force B-17s on the approaching Japanese fleet. Many aircraft were destroyed on both sides. Planes from the Hornet, Yorktown and Enterprise carriers found their targets. GENERAL DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER ARRIVES IN LONDON, said the headline in the Cordele Dispatch, on Thursday, June 25, 1942. He took command of all American forces in Europe. In the inside page was a half page devoted to: CADETS FOR NAVAL AVIATION TAKE THAT SOMETHING EXTRA HAVE YOU GOT IT? A photo above the title showed a Naval cadet climbing into the cockpit of a trainer airplane. If you have, your country NEEDS you in a Naval plane NOW, it added. Recruits were to be given a comprehensive course of training requiring ten months to complete and were to be commissioned an ensign at a salary of $245 a month. To be eligible to take the training, the candidate had to meet these requirements: Age 18 to 27; Citizenship at least 10 years; Education accredited high school with transcript of courses; Height 5 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet 4 inches; Vision 20/20 in each eye without eyeglasses and normal color vision; Hearing normal; Weight 124 to 200 pounds; Blood pressure Systolic of 105 to 135; Teeth minimum of 18 round teeth, two of which shall be opposing molars; Marriage Status must remain unmarried until completion of pilot training. Right then, cadets were being accepted for training in four navigator squadrons in Atlanta. Four flying squadrons of hometown boys! Buddies who will live together, train together, take to the air together! Talk it over with your buddies; consult your parents youve got to act quickly, the article said. Only four squadrons of 30 men each were planned. Cadets to win the coveted berths would fill the quota quickly! An Atlanta address for the Naval Aviation Board was listed. This type of advertisement got the adrenalin flowing in us want-to-be pilots. The Army Air Force pilot training recruitment advertisements were similar requirements, as the age was 18 to 26 years, and in addition to the above required at least a grade of 75 on a tough, approximately two-hour written exam on various subjects; plus a preliminary physical exam to be passed on exam site. Qualifying to be an aviation cadet was more stringent for Army Air Corps pilot training. A short article about the Naval Aviation advertisement stated that their recruiters are to be at the Cordele High School auditorium from Atlanta on Wednesday of the next week. This sounds like opportunity to those of us who had built model airplanes, and our heroes were World War I pilots. After a quick conversation with my dad about him and me attending, he agreed to take me. He reminded me of my longtime aviation interest in World War I flying magazines about American and German pilot aces. He stated he did not want me to be in the Army, as he had been in the Argonne Forest, etc., trench warfare in World War I. The skies looked bluer as a pilot! About a dozen of us 17- and 18-year-olds showed up with our fathers, since with your fathers written permission at age 17 you could join, the small article stated. We all enjoyed the flying talk, the aviation photos, etc., but in the end Dad reminded me that I was still 17 and had been accepted at North Georgia Military College (NGC) for the fall quarter. My decision was to get as many quarters of college after my 18th birthday in August, which would prepare me for flight training in either Naval Aviation or the Army Air Force. I still couldnt get flying an AAF P-40 fighter out of my mind. On the news front, the Cordele Dispatch on Monday, June 27, 1942, said: HEAVY RAF RAID. The Royal Air Force airplanes conducted a heavy night-time incendiary attack on Hamburg, Germany. The RAF bomber crew said that on the flight return to the English base that, looking back, they could see the city burning for a distance of about 100 miles. Also on June 27, at Americus, Georgia, an old World War I Army Air Field, Souther Field, where in May 1923, Charles Lindbergh paid $500 for a Jenny airplane and first soloed, the RAF cadets were training there, a story said, and had been since 1941. They would occasionally attend the Cordele Methodist Church in their blue uniforms. Could some of these pilots have been on the Hamburg mission? In not-so-good reading, the Atlanta Constitution on Sunday morning, July 26, 1942, said: SECOND ATTACK BY BRITISH FAILS AGAINST ROMMEL. This ended the first battle of El Alamain in North Africa. On the 13th of August I became 18 years old! Four days later, a headline in the Cordele Dispatch said, FIRST U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES HEAVER BOMBER RAID IN EUROPE. The Sotterville railroad yards in Rowen, France, was the target. As one last summer fling before going off to college, two carloads of us boys headed for the Jacksonville beaches on Labor Day. We got up early that Sunday morning and left at 4 a.m. to spend two days at the beach. We headed south on Highway 41. Four of us were in a 1939 Ford and the other four in another fathers 1938 Plymouth. We were happily and sleepily chugging along trying to follow the 65 miles per hour speed limit. Our friends in the Plymouth led the way. Being in the backseat of the Ford, I was half asleep but remembered passing Tifton, and when we got to Adel, we turned east to Waycross. There was no air conditioning in those cars, so windows were rolled down because it didnt cool off at night. Someone remarked about the training of the aviation cadets at the Advanced Flying School at Moody Army Air Field at Valdosta farther down Highway 41. Several of us who were interested in getting into pilot training knew that Valdosta was fortunate to have been able to get a full AAF training base. Wed heard our dads discuss it. Poor old Cordele could only get a concrete landing strip for touch and go landings by cadets from Albanys Turner Army Air Field. According to well-placed Cordele businessmen, the talk was that no local farmers wanted to sell the government a few thousand acres for an AAF base. The government found the land 65 or so miles north of Cordele and named it Robins Army Air Field. And, so, the farmers kept their land for cotton, peanuts and watermelons to the Cordele Chamber of Commerces displeasure! As we got closer to Waycross, we discussed their Army Air Field, which was used at first to help the overload of final stage bomber training from Hunter Army Air Field of Savannah, later becoming a replacement facility for training fighter pilots. This fueled our increased interest of joining and being a part of the military. The cars turned south on state Highway 23 toward the Okefenokee Swamp and went through areas where no fencing was allowed in some sections for livestock to run free. Folkston, Georgia, was not far away. The morning sun was beginning to pierce the fog and mist of the Okefenokee and we were driving through it. The expectation of girl watching at the beach became more and more the topic of conversation. Suddenly we heard a large bump sound with pig squealing from our friends car in front of us. Immediately focusing attention ahead as bright braking taillights lit up, we saw a large hog inverted, flying up from the cars hood. So pigs do fly! The squealing pig landed on its back on the cars roof with all four legs thrashing wildly. As it slid off the cars roof, the hogs feet struck the Plymouths rear attached spare tire, causing it to break loose and roll across the northbound highway lane. Then it became like the circus get-away clown car! Next, as our car was applying brakes, it appeared as if the hog was chasing the rolling spare tire across the highway, all in front of a Florida turnip truck going north closely followed by a chicken truck. As the turnip truck slammed on its brakes, so did the poultry truck with a crate of chickens falling off and breaking open, and clucking chickens appearing to be chasing the hog into the swamp. All of this happened in a few seconds. As we got stopped and pulled off the side of the road, we could hear the hog squealing and thrashing through the swamp undergrowth as it kept running with the chickens not far behind. The damage to our friends car was a dented hood and top of car with the loss of his spare tire and wheel. He decided not to go back and look for them. Meanwhile, we couldnt stop laughing about the humor of the scene of the flying pig as we continued on to Fernandina Beach at Jacksonville. The beach was nice and the girls were pretty, but it didnt take us long to decide that the sailors from Jacksonville Naval Base were whom the females were interested in. We knew it must have been the military uniform that wed all be wearing before long! The sunburn we got was a cause of painful concern as we drove back the next afternoon to Cordele with college on our minds. * * * * * To see the previous entry in this series, read here. https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2018/11/17/379935/Wayne- Shearers-World-War-II-Memoir. aspx * * * * * Dr. Shearer can be contacted at docshearer@epbfi.com. Danielle Ivens, a Kindergarten teacher at East Side Elementary, received an I Am Hamilton T-shirt for her work with the bright young children in her classroom. The district presents the special shirts to individuals for efforts that positively impact Hamilton County Schools and the children we serve. It is all about seeing the children grow because they may have tough struggles, but they keep trying, and they persevere, said Ms. Ivens. Just seeing the smile on their faces when they are successful is what keeps me going each day. I am Hamilton spotlights the contributions of alumni, teachers, parents, students, support workers, and community members providing opportunities for children in the classrooms of Hamilton County Schools. Moneymaker. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Shortly after waking Thursday morning, the president of the United States announced that a high-profile federal investigation was actually illegal and exorbitantly expensive. When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 There are a few reasons to treat Donald Trumps estimation of the Mueller probes cost with skepticism. For one thing, the president appears to have some doubts about it himself ostensibly, his own first reaction upon typing the number was to question whether such outlandish spending was even possible. For another, just 48 hours ago, Trump referred to the Mueller investigation as the now $30,000,000 Witch Hunt. Now, perhaps Robert Mueller decided Wednesday that his team needed a Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta in order to chase down Roger Stone. But it seems more likely that the president is picking large numbers out of thin air, in a bid to discredit the investigation into his campaigns alleged ties to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Another point in favor of theory No. 2: As of September, the fiscal cost of the Mueller investigation was roughly $0.00. By that point, the probe had spent roughly $26 million. But, by striking a plea agreement with Paul Manafort for his myriad white-collar crimes an agreement that required Trumps former campaign manager to forfeit five multi-million-dollar properties, a life-insurance policy, and the contents of multiple bank accounts Muellers investigation had acquired somewhere between $26 million and $42 million worth of revenue for the federal treasury. The Mueller probes (apparent) profitability is indicative of more than just Donald Trumps mendacity: It also reflects the fact that there are few forms of law enforcement more cost-efficient than cracking down on super-rich tax cheats and money launderers. And yet, for some strange reason, the federal law enforcement has not made punishing the financial malfeasance of the super-rich a top-tier priority. With temperatures dipping down into the low 20's, McKamey Animal Center is receiving more requests for dog houses and straw then what is available. Admissions Supervisor Rebecca Ross said, Our Animal Service Officers are delivering dog houses all over the city and filling them with straw as fast as they can. We ran out last week and looks like were about to run out again. MAC provides dog houses and straw for dog owners who are unable to keep their dogs indoors but lack an adequate shelter to protect them from the Tennessee weather. Ideally, McKamey officials prefer dogs be kept indoors during the cold weather but realize this is not always an option for dog owners who maintain dogs outdoors despite the cold weather. In this case MAC wants to ensure that those animals have what they need to protect them from the elements. MAC is seeking donations of medium to large portable dog houses to help pet owners who need assistance during the cold temperatures.MAC provides dog houses and straw for dog owners who are unable to keep their dogs indoors but lack an adequate shelter to protect them from the Tennessee weather. Ideally, McKamey officials prefer dogs be kept indoors during the cold weather but realize this is not always an option for dog owners who maintain dogs outdoors despite the cold weather. In this case MAC wants to ensure that those animals have what they need to protect them from the elements. The bitter cold and numbing wetness of winter can create life threatening conditions for those animals kept outdoors, especially when the animal is without the proper shelter or body condition--hypothermia rapidly sets in, said Executive Director Jamie McAloon. These dog houses, along with the donated straw, are saving lives. Freezing temperatures quickly take a toll on dogs without proper shelter. These dog houses and straw prevent animal suffering. Continuous tethering can cause severe physical damage such as cracked and bleeding paws, frostbite and hypothermia. Tethered and dogs in kennels also need to have clean water and plenty of food provided while outside. Dogs burn more calories trying to keep warm. MAC Field Services is asking the public to take special precautions when leaving their pets outdoors when temperatures drop. Officials are urging residents to report outdoor pets who do not have proper shelter and protection from the elements. The State of Tennessee requires outdoor dogs have proper shelter. The shelter has to be adequate enough to retain the dogs body heat. The MAC Pet Food Bank and Dog House Program is a year round service for the pet owners of Chattanooga who need assistance on a temporary basis. According to McKamey staff the food bank is often low on supplies due to the demand. According to Director of Field Services Tiffany Newcomb, In 2017 we distributed over 14,000 pounds of pet food and supplies to residents of Chattanooga. There is such a need for this program that were always running on empty. Families who are struggling to feed their pets can receive free food through this program that is funded solely through donations. To donate pet food, a dog house or straw to the shelter, citizens can bring their donations to 4500 North Access road in Chattanooga or call 423 305-6506 or email edassist@mckameyanimalcenter. org What TVA is trying to do to these property owners is unconscionable. Why should TVA have an open check book for the purpose of litigating this land grab yet the property owners will have to use their own personal finances to defend their property rights. TVA executives and other high level figures need to be held accountable for dragging these property owners through this mess, particularly if thousands and thousands of taxpayer dollars are used to further their cause. At the very least if the property owners can only spend $5,000 to defend their position then that's all the government can spend to prosecute their position. It's time to reign in government. Ron Ray In partnership with the National Park Service, Eastern National would like to invite you to meet author, Perry Short on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 2-5 p.m. Mr. Short will be available inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center to sign his title, Generation of Warriors. Review of Generation of Warriors: Generation of Warriors - Have you ever thought of the families who lived on lands where Civil War battles took place? What did they do when fighting broke out at their front doors? The Dyers, along with the Brothertons and the Kelleys, were among families who resided in North Georgia where the Battle of Chickamauga occurred in September 1863. Did these families engage in battle? Did they survive? This historical novel presents a plausible scenario of events that places its focus on the family of thirty-five year old Spillsby Dyer, an officer in the Confederate Army, who lived on these grounds and was a father of eight children during the Civil War. Loaded with historical facts, Shorts writings allow the reader to recognize the impossible circumstances that these families encountered. About the author: Perry Short, a resident of Bartlett, TN near Memphis, attended the University of Memphis. Short spent much of his time traveling to the Chickamauga Battlefield to research Spillsby Dyer. Passionate about Civil War History, Short has been involved with re-enactments and has played a part in the Civil War movies Glory, Gettysburg, Gods & Generals, and North and South II. A gang member who was involved in a heroin distribution scheme that operated in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Atlanta has been sentenced to serve 10 years in federal prison. Brandon Moore appeared before Judge Curtis Collier. Moore was in the same conspiracy as Marlon Eberhardt, of Chattanooga, and others, including Chicago gang member James Silas who was just found guilty by a jury. On June 28, 2106, Moore was traveling in Bartow County, Ga., when his vehicle was stopped. Officers found $4,000 on him and another $15,000 in a purse in the trunk. Moore admitted that he was traveling to Atlanta to purchase heroin from Percy Richard, his main supplier. Moore was stopped again on Aug. 24, 2016, in Knoxville with $4,257. He admitted to agents that he was a heroin dealer. He said he had gotten supplies of heroin from Silas in Chicago twice in 2016. He said Silas was a high-ranking member of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords street gang. Moore said he was in the same gang. He said he had a falling out with Silas and began getting his heroin from Richard. Richard earlier received a 10-year sentence. Silas is facing a much-longer term after going to trial. Jaden Smith is the son of famed actors, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Will is best known for his blockbuster movies and his role in the 1990s hit television series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jada is best known for her roles in the Madagascar movie trilogy and Gotham. Both have singing careers, also. Besides being successful double-threat Hollywood elites, the Smith family is also well known for their phenomenal co-parenting skills with Wills ex-wife, Sheree Fletcher, and their freestyle views on parenting which have sometimes come under fire. The two home-schooled both their children. Jaden was born on July 8, 1998, in Malibu, California. He began acting early in his childhood, sometimes with his superstar father. Smith is also a dancer, rapper, and songwriter. After a lengthy home-school career, Smith and his sister, Willow, attended the New Village Leadership Academy. How much is Jaden Smith worth? At the age of twenty, Jaden Smith is worth approximately $8 million in his own right. That may not seem like much when you consider the fact that Tom Cruise was paid an incredible $75 million for the second, third, and fourth Mission Impossible movies but for someone who cant even legally drink yet, we think $8 million is a pretty hefty sum. With several different pursuits already in the works besides acting (see below), Jaden Smith has the potential to eventually possess a net worth as much as his father, who is reportedly worth $300 million. When did Jaden Smith begin acting? His first acting credit was as a baby when he joined his father in a video short called Just the Two of US. For his first named credit in his own right, Jaden Smith appeared as Reggie in the television series All of Us. He played the recurring role between the years 2003 (when he was five) until 2006 (when he was eight). What was Jaden Smiths most successful movie? The 2010 remake of The Karate Kid was probably Jaden Smiths most successful movie. He played the main character of Dre Parker for a salary of $3 million. The Pursuit of Happyness, which he played in as a child with his father, was also a big success for Jaden Smith. What else has he played in? Jaden Smith has played in several other movies and television shows. These include After Earth, The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Get Down, and Neo Yokio. Smith has appeared as an actor or dancer in a few music videos. For his father, Will Smith, he appeared in the video shorts for Just the Two of Us and Nod Ya Head (Black Suits Coming). He made appearances in The Black Eyed Peas Where is the Love and Justin Biebers Never Say Never. In fact, Smith wrote Biebers hit song. Jaden Smiths music career After several mixtapes which date back to the 1990s, Jaden Smith released his debut full-length music album, Syre, in 2017. His top music hits include Fallen, Icon, Welcome to the Get Down, and Losing Your Mind. Hes a humanitarian Many times, when a child is born into a rich family with celebrity parents, they tend towards being spoiled. Smith, however, is well-known for his charitable humanitarian pursuits starting at a young age. His most notable was his work done with Project Zambia, where he assisted in caring for children who had lost their parents to aids. Jaden Smith has his own clothing line In 2013, Jaden Smith launched his own clothing line called MSFTSrep. The line includes a diverse offering, from casual hoodies and T-shirts to more formal trouser and vest ensembles. This is in line with Smiths own unique style, which has become his signature. Weve all fallen in love with some of the most addicting reality television shows including Married at First Sight. However, its hard to believe two people could actually get married at first sign. But were all wondering the same thing while we watch it: How real is the show? When contestants initially signed up, they didnt know it was for Married at First Sight When the show first got its start in both the United States and the United Kingdom, those who signed up werent actually told what it was for. One former U.K. contestant told Cosmopolitan that an advertisement for a social experiment came up on his Tinder, so he decided to fill out his information. He was chosen for the show but didnt find out until after hed already been through a few rounds of interviews. The same goes for the U.S.; initially, people didnt know they were auditioning for a show especially not one that required marriage. The show says it does an extremely thorough matchmaking Both contestants and those who work on the show say there is an extremely thorough matchmaking process that requires both a scientific section (such as measuring height, weight, fingers, etc.) and a 500-question survey. The survey is meant to determine what people are interested and not interested in, their sexual activity, religious views, political views, and more, according to Cosmopolitan. And the show has sociologists on board to make sure everything runs smoothly. According to E! News, once the contestants found out the shows premise, many of them left. However, some do stay and are genuinely interested to see where things go. The process begins with an application, then the pool is sorted through and the producers get down to about 200 people. From there, they meet with everyone and visit people at their homes to truly get a feel for what theyre like before deciding if they should be on the show. But some past contestants say there was no matchmaking at all The show has been filmed in various countries, and one woman from Australia claimed the man she married had never even applied for the show. She also said the network made her reshoot the wedding scene several times and that she was forced to walk down the aisle four times to get it right. She also said her on-screen husband had suggested he was only in it for the networking and to get noticed, which made her lose faith entirely in the matchmaking process. The contestant said conversations between her and her husband felt forced, and the two only talked when the cameras were on them they had seemingly no connection at all. But the marriages are real While the connection might not be real, and the process might differ per contestant (as far as whether people actually apply for the show), the marriages between the two are entirely and legally real. The couples must remain married for eight weeks, then at the end of the eight weeks, they decide if they want to continue the marriage or not. The experts are around for the entire eight weeks to help the couples through the beginning of their marriage. As of 2018, the show had a 22.2% success rate, so its up for prospective contestants to decide if its worth giving it a shot. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Prince William and Kate Middletons children are still very young now but as members of the royal family, a good amount of decisions about their future have already been made. Given their place in the line of succession, a lot will be expected of the young royals. Many have questioned things like what their jobs might be when they get older and will serving in the armed forces be part of that? Heres what we know about whether the Cambridge children will join the military and what their Uncle Prince Harry has to say about it. Which royals have served in the military? The British royal family has a long military history. As sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II is the official Head of the British Armed Forces and she herself has served in the armed forces. Her husband, Prince Philip; each of her sons as well as her grandsons, Princes William and Harry, were all in the military too. Therefore its a safe bet to assume that future king Prince George and his siblings will do the same. Why Prince Harry really wants George and Charlotte to join Prior to the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges third child, Prince Louis, Prince Harry was asked about whether he wanted George and Charlotte to join the military just as he and his brother did. I would definitely encourage George, and Charlotte if she wants to, to have some sort of involvement in the armed forces, guaranteed and I know that William and Catherine would probably echo that as well, depending on the situation for them in those years to come, the now-Duke of Sussex said via The Daily Mail, adding, Its done no harm, just good, for me, and I know its the same for William. Its hard to say anything else on that because, as a parent, its your choice. Harry may also be hoping his niece and nephew consider joining because he witnessed firsthand just how beneficial the military was not only for him, but for so many others he knew. The army has done amazing things for me and more importantly to me, the prince explained. What Ive seen the army do to other young guys I was a troop commander in Windsor for three and a half years. I had 11 guys under my command and some of these guys were I mean naughtys not the word they were on a different level. And their backgrounds and the issues they had. Then over those three years to see the way that they changed is huge, absolutely huge. Just like other royals before them, the Cambridge kids will learn that it is an honor to serve in any branch of the military and will likely join, which will make their uncle very happy. Read more: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Cutest Moments Follow The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Donald No Collusion! Trump Photo: Ron Sachs/Getty Images Earlier this summer, President Trump asked his lawyers about pardoning his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort. Giuliani told the president such a maneuver would be inadvisable and could expose Trump to a possible obstruction of justice charge. We sat [Trump] down and said youre not considering these other pardons with anybody involved in the investigation. He said yes, absolutely, I understand, Giuliani told the Washington Post, The real concern is whether [Robert] Mueller would turn any pardon into an obstruction charge. Yesterday, Trump went ahead and dangled a pardon for Manafort anyway. It was never discussed, he told the New York Post, falsely, before continuing, but I wouldnt take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table? Dangling a pardon like this is an extremely serious offense. It was one of the very crimes for which Nixon was going to be impeached. This naturally raises the question of why Trump would obstruct justice so blatantly. Trumps explanation is that he feels badly for Manafort, who he believes is being treated unfairly by the Department of Justice. So, by this account, Trump is putting himself at risk of an obstruction charge just so he can defend his former campaign manager (who he has dismissed as someone who came into the campaign very late and was with us for a short period of time. That doesnt sound like something Trump would do. Yet Trump has taken this risk over and over. From the moment he learned about the Russia investigation, he asked the FBI director to go easy on its principal subject, Michael Flynn. He hasnt stopped obstructing justice since. He fired Comey for failing to show loyalty, fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the same reason and admitted in public he hired Sessions only because he expected loyalty and replaced him with a hack who had already indicated agreement with his views of the case. Trumps lawyers have formed joint defense agreements with Jerome Corsi, who Mueller appears to have dead to rights on both perjury and attempts to collude with Wikileaks. More recently, Trumps legal team got Manafort to brief them on his interactions with Robert Mueller, a violation that could also expose Trump to obstruction of justice charges, reports NBC. This is an extremely risky legal strategy that, as lawyers such as Harry Litman and Ken White have observed, may allow Mueller to delve into the Trump lawyers conversations with Mr. Manaforts lawyers. A common theory of the Russia scandal is that it consists of nothing more than some low-level shenanigans. Perhaps some cheap grifters attached themselves to Trump and took some inappropriate meetings, but Trumps campaign did not collude with Putin, and Trump himself has nothing to fear. Trumps evident rage at the investigation, by this theory, is simply his indignation at the notion that his great victory has been tainted as a cheat with Russian help. But how could this theory explain the extremely risky moves Trump keeps taking? The endless obstruction of justice, while binding his legal fate ever more tightly to the low-level crooks who supposedly cant be tied to him the latter of which requires the assent of Trumps lawyers all make no sense. Unless Trump is, in fact, guilty. Islamic radical group Boko Haram expands raids into Niger, kidnaps 15 girls Christian Post Contributor | 29 November, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov Islamic terror group Boko Haram has expanded its deadly raids into the country of Niger, killing seven workers at a mining company and kidnapping 15 girls from nearby villages. The radicals, who since 2009 have been active in Nigeria but have also attacked neighboring Cameroon, reportedly killed seven people at the French mining company FORACO in the Diffa region in Niger last week. Later in the week the terrorists raided the villages of Blaharde and Bande in the municipality of Toumour, kidnapping 15 girls, Fides News said. Boko Haram is renowned for kidnapping masses of schoolgirls throughout Nigeria, including many Christian girls, and attempting to force them to renounce their Christian faith and marry jihadi fighters. Politicians in Diffa responded to the latest raid by calling on the Army to locate and rescue the hostages. "We ask the government, despite all the efforts already made, to take urgent measures to find the abducted women, and return them to their families," parliamentarians said in a statement. "Other events could occur: if we do not anticipate the deadly actions of Boko Haram, we will live more difficult situations. We ask the government to consider our requests, not only as elected officials in the Diffa region, but also on behalf of the peoples of the region who are experiencing moments of extreme difficulty," they warned. There had been hopes that the terror group is being defeated under the presidency of Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari, but attacks in several countries have continued and increased in the past few months. AFP reported that Buhari is planning on visiting with military troops fighting the Islamic State terror group-affiliated rebels, in the wake of clashes that have left scores of soldiers either dead or missing. As many as 100 soldiers are believed to have been killed during a massive Boko Haram raid on a base in Metele village near the border with Niger on Nov. 18. "There is need for a change in the war strategies. Our troops should be more proactive rather than reactive," said security consultant Don Okereke to AFP. "We have to find out why the insurgents have more superior firearms than our soldiers. What has happened to our huge defense budget?" More than 27,000 are believed to have been killed by Boko Haram in Nigeria since the start of the attacks in 2009, with thousands of women and children held in captivity and used for ransom. Read more about Boko Haram on The Christian Post. 'It's a miracle': Actor Kevin Sorbo reveals how Calif. blaze suddenly stopped just feet from his home Pureflix.Com | 29 November, 2018 by Billy Hallowell Actors Kevin and Sam Sorbo are among the celebrities expressing gratitude that their home was spared during the recent California wildfires. The husband and wife duo recently revealed the miracle that unfolded when flames approached their home. Read Also: 10 Amazing Christmas Movies You Can Watch Right Now "We survived the fires and our house is intact, even though the fire approached and got very close," Sam Sorbo said in a recent holiday video released by PureFlix.com. Kevin Sorbo explained that the flames came within three feet of the house but that the blaze mysteriously stopped short of touching the house. "Why it stopped, I don't know," he said, expressing gratitude that the family home was safe during the deadly blaze. "It's a miracle." The fire tragically destroyed homes on the Sorbos' street, including the house next door, with Kevin urging prayers for those impacted. The couple also expressed gratitude to the many people who prayed for their safety and home. Read more about Kevin Sorbo on The Christian Post. Pastor in India severely beaten for preaching Gospel vows not to stop despite persecution Christian Post Contributor | 29 November, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov An Indian pastor who was severely beaten alongside members of his congregation earlier this month in Bihar state has vowed to continue preaching the Gospel just like the heroic figures of the Bible did. "Since I am working for the Lord, I have always prepared myself for any kind of eventuality, persecution, or danger. I am prepared to pay the price for serving my God," said Pastor Bangali Das in an interview with International Christian Concern while wrapped in bandages and breathing heavily due to injuries he sustained during the attack. "Great men of God in the Bible like Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and their friend Daniel were persecuted. So I feel that it's an occasion for me to glorify God, like them. I will continue to work for the Lord in spite of all such obstacles and pain," he added. Das, who has been a pastor for the last 12 years, was accused by others in the village of Tetua of carrying out forceful conversions, which is a charge often used against Christians in villages across the Hindu-majority country. With his congregation having increased to over 200 worshipers, for months he also faced issues with local police. In February, they evicted him from the premises that he rented for church services, due to noise complaints. But Das refused to give up on ministering to people in Tetua and explained that he had to carry out services at an open place. He said that a number of men and women from the local Manjhi caste "accepted Jesus and they offered me an open place to conduct worship." As many as 150 non-Christian Manjhi attacked a worship service on Nov. 4, however, accusing the pastor of forcefully converting people, and demanding that he stop preaching. "When our believers requested them to give some time to buy a place and build a worship hall, they surrounded us and started beating us," Das explained. "Two men caught me and began to rain blows on me with their hands. I got hurt in my chest very badly and my arm was injured. They threw me on the ground and beat me until I became unconscious." Christians have been under a wave of persecution in several Indian states this year, which has resulted in pastors being beaten and churches being destroyed. Pastor Singh, who leads a congregation in India's Madhya Pradesh State, shared of how Christians are being threatened to stop following their faith back in September. Hindu radicals threatened to beat and kill Christians, leading to 15 families becoming too reluctant to go to church. Read more about "Pastor in India severely beaten for preaching Gospel vows not to stop despite persecution" on The Christian Post. Twitter declares war on biology Christian Post Contributor | 29 November, 2018 by Michael Brown I recently did a little computer-generated test to help determine my "physiological age" as compared to my "chronological age." (Thankfully, I was 8 years younger than my chronological age, 55 rather than 63.) One of the first questions I was asked was whether I was male or female. Why? It's because brace yourself! men are biologically different than women. What a revolutionary concept! But if a computer program is going to determine your physiological age vs. your chronological age, it needs to know something about your biology since, to repeat, men are different than women. Medical science understands this. Genetic studies understand this. Common sense understands this. But it appears Twitter no longer understands this. So, Twitter has updated its terms of service, adding further information under the category of "Repeated and/or non-consensual slurs, epithets, racist and sexist tropes, or other content that degrades someone." Specifically, Twitter explains, "We prohibit targeting individuals with repeated slurs, tropes or other content that intends to dehumanize, degrade or reinforce negative or harmful stereotypes about a protected category. This includes targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals." Note carefully that last sentence, which singles out "misgendering" and "deadnaming." And what, precisely, do these terms mean? To misgender would be to refer to Bruce Caitlyn Jenner as "he." To deadname him would be to call him Bruce rather than Caitlyn. Twitter now forbids this usage, meaning that Twitter forbids you from being scientifically and biologically correct. To do so is to risk being banned. This is completely outrageous, not to mention irrational. It turns upside down the very true statement that "biology is not bigotry," determining instead that biology is bigotry. And if you dare raise your voice in protest against this social madness, you risk being banned. Who cares about your conscience and convictions. Who cares about scientific reality. Speech that falls outside the lines of transgender political correctness is absolutely forbidden. I was filling out information on a website recently, and because it was ascertaining medical information, it asked whether I was male or female. (There's that knotty question again!) But no sooner did I click "male" than a message popped up on the screen, assuring me that this company was "inclusive." They simply needed this information for medical purposes. That, my friend, is a picture of the upside down world in which we live today. From the LGBT perspective, Twitter has done something wonderful. As explained by the Advocate, "Twitter has banned the misgendering and deadnaming of transgender people, earning it widespread praise from trans users and their allies. "The social media platform updated its terms of service on this matter in October, but it was not widely reported until last Friday, Pink News notes. Twitter made the move in an effort to stop anti-trans abuse, which often involves using the wrong gender or old name in describing a trans person. Misgendering and deadnaming are sometimes used to out people as transgender, something that can put them at risk of physical harm." Certainly, I stand with the LGBT community in wanting to protect trans-identified people from physical harm. Absolutely. Count me in. But I'm not about to sacrifice truth and science and personal integrity in order to comply with an increasingly radical social agenda. Not a chance. A headline on the Federalist recently announced, "Twitter Permanently Bans Feminist For Writing That 'Men Aren't Women'." The feminist in question, Meghan Murphy, had this to say about her ban: "What is insane to me, though, is that while Twitter knowingly permits graphic pornography and death threats on the platform (I have reported countless violent threats, the vast majority of which have gone unaddressed), they won't allow me to state very basic facts, such as 'men aren't women.' This is hardly an abhorrent thing to say, nor should it be considered 'hateful' to ask questions about the notion that people can change sex, or ask for explanations about transgender ideology. These are now, like it or not, public debates debates that are impacting people's lives, as legislation and policy are being imposed based on gender identity ideology..." Unfortunately, today, perceptions trump science, and we're informed that some men menstruate and that not all women have vaginas, and children in our elementary schools are subjected to special presentations designed to undermine the idea that boys will be boys and girls will be girls. (Perish the thought! Such thinking is bigoted and antiquated.) So, in case you haven't heard, "Leaders at a college in Michigan decided to cancel its production of "The Vagina Monologues" because it's discriminatory, given 'not all women have vaginas.'" The decision was made at Eastern Michigan University "after the resource center conducted a survey, asking respondents about 'The Vagina Monologues.' Those opposed to the drama said they were concerned about the fact that the production excludes some women, namely those who don't have vaginas." And who might those excluded women be? You can be assured the focus was not on intersex women with biological abnormalities. No, it was on men who identify as women. Lest you question my logic here, a Washington Post editorial in March argued that women's protests should drop the vagina symbol because "it leaves out some women namely, trans women. Not all women have vaginas, and not all vagina-havers identify as women. A rhetorical strategy whose goal is universality falls short if it excludes some of the most marginalized women." Read more from "Twitter declares war on biology" on The Christian Post. Editor's Note, December 3, 2018: Since this article was published CNN chose to fire Hill. According to Independent, Hill was fired on Thursday after he made comments about Israel which some critics are arguing echo the language of Hamas and other groups which seek to eradicate Israel. CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill spoke on Wednesday at the opening meeting of the United Nations commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People where he urged for the elimination of Israel. Hill started his speech by noting, what he called, the blatant violations of human rights implemented by Israel against Palestinians. He said, This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. "The Israeli nation continues to restrict freedom," Hill asserted. "There are more than 60 Israel laws that deny citizenship rights to Palestinians just because they are not Jewish." Hill said, From housing to education, family reunification, it is clear that any freedoms naturally endowed to all human beings are actively being stripped away from Palestinians through Israeli statecraft. He continued, While human rights promises the right to life liberty and the security of person, Palestinians continue to live under the threat of random violence by Israeli military and Police. Disproportionate violence in the West Bank and Gaza, unprompted violence in the face of peaceful protest, and misdirected violence by an Israeli state that systematically fails to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Hill continued emphasizing a persons right under the Universal Declaration for Human Rights to not be tortured. He then asserted that the Israeli criminal justice system has repeatedly violated that protection by subjecting Palestinians to unprecedented torture including placing them in solitary confinement. Hill said, Palestinians continue to be physically and psychologically tortured by the Israeli criminal justice system, a term I can only use with irony." Hill goes on to note the United States decision to move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem noting that this was not a uniquely Donald Trump decision, but in fact, he was simply following through on legislation that was passed by Congress in 1995. According to the video of the conference, Hill also notes that this decision to move the embassy largely coincides with American policy. He said, As an American, Im embarrassed that my tax dollars contribute to this reality. No American president has taken a principled stand for Palestinian rights. Im saddened though not surprised that Trump has further emboldened Israels behavior. He added, "Donald Trump is not an exception to American policy, but a more rather he is a more transparent and aggressive iteration of it. According to Arutz Sheva, Hill then encouraged those in the international sphere to engage in boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel until which point it allows a Palestinian State on the pre-1967 borders. Hill ended his speech saying, We have an opportunity to not just offer solidarity in words, but to commit to political action, grass-roots action, local action and international action that will give us what justice requires, and that is a free Palestine from the river to the sea. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Bennett Raglin/Stringer Video courtesy: The United Nations Months after a group of Honey Grove Middle School students were scolded for praying for a fellow student at lunch, the Texas school has made the decision to permit its students to openly pray once again. Eighth-grade student Hannah Allen gathered together with a few fellow students back in September to pray for a classmate who had recently been involved in an accident. CBN News reports that while meeting during lunch, the group assembled around a vacant table, held hands and prayed. Not long into the prayer, Principal Lee Frost approached the students and declared, Yall dont do that again, although the prayer was both initiated and led by the students. The following day, Principal Frost told Allen and the rest of the group that they were only allowed to pray if they were doing so behind the cafeteria stage curtain, outside or when the gym was vacant. First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit legal organization, swiftly jumped to the students defense while contending that Principal Frost's actions violated their rights. Keisha Russell, associate counsel for First Liberty Institute, stated the following in a letter: "Students should not have to hide or be exiled to pray for each other. School officials need to remember that students don't lose their First Amendment rights at the school house gate. We're hoping this issue can be resolved quickly and easily." After receiving the letter from First Liberty, school officials promptly reversed the policy. Allen and her friends are now allowed to pray in front of other students. The same is true for any other student who would like to pray, on the condition that it is not causing a disruption. Pleased with this outcome, Russell mentioned: "We are grateful to Honey Grove school district officials for acting swiftly to ensure that students can freely exercise their right to pray." She continued, "Students are free to pray together at school as long as it's not disruptive. Our client is very pleased that she and her friends can continue to pray together for each other, their fellow classmates, and their teachers." Photo courtesy: Ben White/Unsplash In 2020, we were the church on our heels. A global pandemic shut down much of our world. But the church has been on the move since it was birthed; it will continue to be on the move until God makes all things new. Christian House of Prayer Founder Nathaniel Holcomb Dies at 66 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Nathaniel Holcomb, founder and longtime pastor of the Christian House of Prayer, one of the largest churches in Central Texas, died Tuesday. He was 66. Holcombs death was first announced in a brief statement on his churchs website and social media. "Our beloved apostle, bishop and Pastor Nate Holcomb received his promotion this afternoon and is now in the presence of the Lord," the statement read in part. The news of the beloved preachers death spread quickly on social media, prompting reactions from many in his community. Im saddened by the news that Bishop Nathanial Holcomb, pastor of my church the Christian House of Prayer has passed away and gone on to be with the Lord, Killeen City Councilman Gregory Johnson began in a statement on Facebook. He lived a rich and fruitful life that inspired many generations to follow and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He has left a true legacy and example for aspiring servant leaders like myself to follow. Over the years, Ive come to admire his professionalism, meekness, faith in God and dedication of service to those he was called to serve, he continued. Rest in Peace, sir. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Christian House of Prayer family. Bishop LaDell Thomas Jr., with Cathedral of Deliverance and Praise in Harker Heights, Texas, said Holcomb will never be forgotten. One by one God is taking us away ... another giant and prophetic voice has paused through the silence of death. Yes, for the moment we mourn the transition of our dearly beloved brother and friend, the Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb, he said in a statement shared on Facebook. Today as loving humanity, we mourn but at the remembrance of the tremendous impact this man has made on our very being, Gods grace and favor will enable and inspire us to smile again. When our tomorrow emerges, and it shall, this voice of the late apostle Nate Holcomb, a man sent from God, will continue to echo throughout generations of friends, family, sons and daughters to come!!! R.I.P my friend. We will see you later, he noted. According to the churchs website, Holcomb and his entire family accepted Jesus in 1977 at a time when he had a very promising and lucrative recording contract with Motown Records. His convictions led him to void this commitment, the church said, and he chose instead to follow the call of God into ministry at age 28 while serving in the U.S. Army. Stationed first at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and later at Fort Hood, Texas, he made full proof of his calling with manifestations of signs, wonders and miracles. He arrived at Fort Hood, Texas, in January 1980, and immediately began a Bible study that took roots (sic) and blossomed in the first week, the church said. With just 13 people, he eventually started The Christian House of Prayer Ministries and it grew to become one of the largest ministries in Central Texas with a global influence. His church currently has a 2,000-seat sanctuary, on Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen. Devil Next Door, new A&E series to take closer look at controversial Word of Faith Fellowship Church Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The A&E Network is set to begin airing a new, six-part original docu-series on Tuesday night called The Devil Next Door based on the decades old controversial evangelical sect, Word of Faith Fellowship Church in Spindale, North Carolina. 'The Devil Next Door' takes a look at Spindale, North Carolina. It appears to be an average American town but hidden inside lies a church that is steeped in scandal, a summary of the series begins on A&E. The Word of Faith Fellowship, led by Jane Whaley, proclaims to be a devout Christian church, but former members tell a different story: one of violence and exploitation. Its the mission of these former members to convince those still inside, including their own loved ones and children, to break away from the church. Is Janes power finally about to come to an end? it ends. The six-part series will air on A&E starting at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday. Episodes will air weekly through Dec. 18 and then the last two episodes will air in January 2019, the Times News Online said. We have interviewed or spoken with about 30 ex-members over the entire period weve been working on the project. Some did not want to participate on camera but were willing to speak to our producers and share their stories. The six episodes do focus on the stories of six specific ex-members who have opened up their lives to us, Melissa Koshir, senior manager of publicity for A&E, told Times News Online. Word of Faith Fellowship Church, founded by Jane Whaley and her husband, Sam, in 1979, describes itself as a nondenominational, Protestant church with classical Christian conservative beliefs. It also operates Word of Faith Christian School. Officials from the cable network like Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming for A&E, said the victims of the church will provide powerful testimony in the series which they hope will help to convince their loved ones who still remain a part of the church to break free. A&E Network prides itself in finding truth and conviction through powerful storytelling, Bryant told Times News Online. The victims of the Word of Faith Fellowship Church have shocking and timely first-hand accounts that need to be shared and A&E is proud to provide them this very necessary platform so we can ensure their voices will be heard. Last summer, officials in Brazil and the U.S. announced that they were investigating Word of Faith Fellowship Church after the sect was accused of enticing young members of the Brazilian branch of their church to come to the U.S. on tourist and student visas, then coercing them to work illegally "like slaves" with little or no pay. Prior to the announcement of the federal investigation, 16 Brazilians alleged in an Associated Press report that they were forced to work "like slaves" while in the U.S. after being lured with the chance of coming to America to sightsee as tourists or study. "Everybody knew these trips were not about tourism," Paulo Henrique Barbosa, 23, who now works in information technology in Sao Paolo, told the AP. "I didn't want to go, but I had no choice." All in all, it was a good year to be a donkey. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto Just over three weeks after the so-called Election Day (increasingly a misnomer in a country with so much early voting and late counting), the last House race was finally called, ending the 2018 midterm elections. Yes, there remain secretary of State runoffs in Georgia (December 4) and Louisiana (December 8) that matter a great deal locally. But from a national perspective, the House, Senate, and gubernatorial contests that involved and absorbed the country are over. The final House race to be called was in some respects emblematic of the entire struggle for House control. In the 21st District of California (a Central Valley district carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016), incumbent congressman David Valadao was called as the winner by the Associated Press on election night; he had a solid 4,000-plus vote lead, and was never considered a likely loser during the campaign (his race was rated a noncompetitive Likely Republican by the Cook Political Report). But late ballots, mostly from votes-by-mail that met the states condition of having been postmarked by Election Day, steadily eroded Valadaos lead (as it did the votes of most GOP statewide and congressional candidates in California in the days following the election), and ultimately gave Democrat TJ Cox the victory, as called today by the Los Angeles Times. It means Democrats flipped a remarkable seven House seats in California this year, and it brought the Democratic Partys total net gains to a nice even 40 seats (they flipped 43 seats and lost three of their own). Those gains are well above the average postWorld War II midterm House gains (over 18 previous cycles) for the party that does not control the White House (26 seats), and significantly above the average gains when the presidents approval rating is below 50 percent (33 seats). The non-presidential party won more than 40 House seats in 1946, 1958, 1966, 1974, 1994, and 2010, and won less than 40 in the other 12. Given the GOPs advantages via its control of redistricting and the more efficient distribution of its voters, it was a pretty impressive performance by the Donkey Party, reflected not just in seats gained but in an eight-point margin in the national House popular vote. Add in the fact that this midterm generated the highest turnout (an estimated 49.4 percent of eligible voters) of any non-presidential election since 1914, and it was a banner year altogether. Democrats obviously fell short in their hopes of flipping the Senate as well as the House. But the unlikelihood of that ambition is demonstrated by the fact that Democrats won 22 of 35 contests (counting the Mississippi runoff on November 27), including eight in states carried by Donald Trump in 2016, and still lost two net Senate seats. That result was very good news for an otherwise battered GOP, and will preserve their ability to block Democratic legislation and confirm Trumps appointees. But given the landscape, it would have taken a truly enormous Democratic tsunami to have taken back the Senate. At the state level Democratic gains could have been larger; Republicans won several very close gubernatorial races (notably in Florida, Georgia, and Iowa) that Democrats would have dearly loved to have taken away from them. But the net gain of seven governorships and seven state legislative chambers went a considerable distance to get Democrats out of the deep hole they dug themselves in the 2010 and 2014 midterms, with one more cycle available to make additional gains before the next decennial redistricting occurs. There were several state results, moreover, that had real psychic value to Democrats everywhere: the defeat (after repeated failures) of the hammer-headed conservative villain of Wisconsin, Scott Walker; the rejection by voters of the latest extremist determined to wreck Kansas, Kris Kobach; and the elimination of the highly frustrating GOP lock on the New York Senate. In any event, the 2018 midterms should have gone a long way toward removing the bitter memories of 2016 in many Democratic minds. Politics wont taste sweet to left-of-center Americans until Donald Trump is a bad memory and they can return to arguing with each other about how to govern a troubled and divided country. And Republicans need to look at the results and perhaps rethink their decision to sink or swim with their strange and erratic leader. Its a miracle: Actor Kevin Sorbo reveals how Calif. blaze suddenly stopped just feet from his home Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Actors Kevin and Sam Sorbo are among the celebrities expressing gratitude that their home was spared during the recent California wildfires. The husband and wife duo recently revealed the miracle that unfolded when flames approached their home. Read Also:10 Amazing Christmas Movies You Can Watch Right Now We survived the fires and our house is intact, even though the fire approached and got very close, Sam Sorbo said in a recent holiday video released by PureFlix.com. Kevin Sorbo explained that the flames came within three feet of the house but that the blaze mysteriously stopped short of touching the house. Why it stopped, I dont know, he said, expressing gratitude that the family home was safe during the deadly blaze. Its a miracle. Watch the Sorbos and other celebrities discuss the California fires below: The fire tragically destroyed homes on the Sorbos street, including the house next door, with Kevin urging prayers for those impacted. The couple also expressed gratitude to the many people who prayed for their safety and home. Read Also:20 Bible Verses About Strength: Gods Word on Faith in Hard Times Other actors, including Kirk Cameron and Dean Cain, also shared their experience with the fires. Cameron, who was in Thousand Oaks, California, was evacuated alongside his family. Despite their situation, he expressed gratitude for their safety. In the midst of this the fires and the mass shootings just a day before the fires broke out in our city Im thankful to know that theres a loving, Almighty God whos still on his throne, Cameron said. And Im so thankful to have all of my kids and my wife safe with me. Cain expressed thankfulness to the firefighters who helped save his home as well. Stay tuned for more messages from these celebrities as the Christmas season draws near. This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free, one-month trial here. Billy Hallowell, author of "The Armageddon Code," has contributed to TheBlaze, the Washington Post, Human Events, the Daily Caller, Mediaite, and the Huffington Post, among other news sites. Through journalism, media, public speaking appearances, and the blogosphere, Hallowell has worked as a journalist and commentator for more than a decade. My Pillow guy Mike Lindell invests $1 million in pro-life film 'Unplanned' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Mike Lindell, the founder and CEO of My Pillow, has invested $1 million in the production of the pro-life film Unplanned. I'm pro-life and I'm happy to do it, said Lindell in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Lindell has a small role in the film where he bulldozes a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. The millionaire businessman is known to many Americans as the "My Pillow guy," which he's described as in the TV commercials he appears in to promote his product My Pillow. Lindell previously served as executive producer of Church People, a Christian comedy film starring Stephen Baldwin. Scheduled for release in March 2019, Unplanned is based on the life of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood abortion clinic director-turned-pro-life activist. In May, The Christian Post visited the set of "Unplanned" which chronicles how Johnson left Planned Parenthood following conversations with 40 Days for Life intercessors who were praying outside her clinic. Johnson told CP in an interview earlier this year that she prays for former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards fervently, every single day. I know that her heart is there, that she believes she is being compassionate. Because she's hearing it from all these other women saying things like Planned Parenthood 'saved my life,' said Johnson. So I would just want [Richards] to know my desperate prayer for her is that I want her to be lavished in God's mercy and to know Him. Last year, Johnson wrote an opinion piece for The Federalist in which she said that pro-life protesters will not convince pro-choice women to join them "by screaming at them." I do not believe we will ever win hearts through intimidation or illegal tactics. We won't be able to help women if we scare them, wrote Johnson in 2017. I have seen women literally run into the abortion facility because someone was yelling Bible verses at them or pushing a graphic image in their faces. I recognized that they saw us, the abortion clinic, as a safe haven. A former drug addict who eventually became a born-again Christian, Lindell founded My Pillow in 2004 and is a successful businessman said to be worth $300 million. He's also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, having spent last Easter with the commander in chief at Mar-a-Lago. Michael was a supporter of ours right from the beginning, which I really appreciate, President Trump once said of Lindell, according to The Daily Wire. Church hosts continuous worship service for 1 month straight to protect refugees from deportation Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A church in the Netherlands has maintained a continuous worship service 24 hours a day, seven days per week for the last month in order to prevent an Armenian refugee family from being deported. Sasun and Anousche Tamrazyan and their three children have been living in the Netherlands for the past nine years after they fled from Armenia after Sasuns political activism resulted in death threats. According to Quartz, the family was initially granted asylum in the Netherlands by a judge after years of court proceedings. However, the government was successful in its attempt to overturn the earlier court ruling that granted asylum to the family. The Tamrazyan family then applied for a childrens pardon through a program in which permits to stay in the country are given to refugee families with children that have been living in the country for over five years. But, the familys request for a childrens pardon was denied earlier this year. The Tamrazyans were previously living in a refugee shelter in Katwijk for two years. But after they learned that a deportation order had been issued in September, the family then looked for churches in which they could seek shelter. The local church that the family first turned to was a bit too small to house all five members. They eventually wound up at Bethel Church, a Protestant church in The Hague, where they had been given sanctuary on Oct. 25. Under Dutch law, police officers are barred from entering churches during religious services in order to enforce immigration orders. Pastors from across the country have taken turns in holding worship services at Bethel Church to ensure that the service does not end so that a police officer cannot come to detain the family. According to The Huffington Post, the church has used a rotating cast of about 400 pastors and lay people to conduct the never-ending service. In all, the church claims, as many as 3,500 people from across the country have visited the church to support the family. Since Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m., the church has held over 800 consecutive hours of worship service. There is no indication on when the service will end. [W]e do all this by continuously praying, singing, listening to sermons and worshipping, Bethel Church pastor Alex Wicke wrote in a tweet. The Tamrazyan family is literally living in a protective house built by prayers and worship. Theo Hettema, chairman of the General Council of Protestant Ministers, told Quartz that part of the purpose of the worship service is to demonstrate to government leaders the urgency of the Tamrazyan familys situation. Wicke told the Austrailian outlet ABC that the Tamrazyan family is fleeing from more than just threats. "We know from the family that he also got abducted several times he was politically active and people in the country were wanting him dead," the pastor detailed. In a release, the church explained it is looking to create rest and safety for the family and offer some respite to the family during which we invite politicians to discuss with us the familys fate and the effects of the Child Amnesty Arrangement. Wicke wrote on Twitter that the church is receiving massive support for its efforts to protect the family. So we keep going, also because there still are many talks going on with politicians behind the curtains, some of which give reason to hope, Wicke explained. Churches Defend Asylum Seekers as Trump Sends 5,200 Troops Against Immigrant Caravan 'Invasion' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Churches in America have defended asylum seekers and opposed military action at the U.S.-Mexico border, as President Donald Trump sent in 5,200 extra troops against the migrant caravan. Various Roman Catholic charity groups, including Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA, spoke out in an official statement issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops calling for humane action toward the asylum seekers, many of whom are coming from Honduras. "While nations have the right to protect their borders, this right comes with responsibilities: governments must enforce laws proportionately, treat all people humanely, and provide due process," the charities declared. "We affirm that seeking asylum is not a crime. We urge all governments to abide by international law and existing domestic laws that protect those seeking safe haven and ensure that all those who are returned to their home country are protected and repatriated safely," they added. "Furthermore, we strongly advocate for continued U.S. investments to address the underlying causes of violence and lack of opportunity in Central America. Our presence throughout the Americas has convinced us that migration is a regional issue that requires a comprehensive, regional solution. An enforcement-only approach does not address nor solve the larger root causes that cause people to flee their countries in search of protection." As Trump told Fox News on Monday, the 5,200 extra support troops deployed to America's southern border will seek to contain the wave of migrants seeking asylum, and make sure that due process is followed and no one gets into the country illegally. "When they are captured, we don't let them out," Trump told Fox host Laura Ingraham. "We're not letting them out ... We're not catching, we're not releasing ... We're not letting them into this country." "We're going to put tents up all over the place," the president described the actions that are to be taken. "We're not going to build structures and spend ... hundreds of millions of dollars. We're going to have tents, they're going to be very nice and they're going to wait and if they don't get asylum, they get out." One migrant wave approaching the U.S., fleeing violence and economic crisis in Central America, reportedly includes about 4,000 people. Hundreds more are said to be migrating in a second wave as well. As he has in the past, Trump claimed that there are dangerous criminals hiding among the migrant masses. "Many gang members and some very bad people are mixed into the caravan heading to our southern border," the president said. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our country and our military is waiting for you!" he warned. The board of directors of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church released a statement the day of the announcement of extra troops, which was adopted following its meeting last week. "A delegation of four of our members traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to better understand the root causes of migration, the right to asylum and the criminalization of migrants," the UMC statement said. "All of the faith, nonprofit, and government leaders our delegation met shared great concern and fear about U.S. troops being deployed in response to the group of migrants traveling through Mexico to the U.S.-Mexico border," it added. "We were, therefore, alarmed to learn that the administration will most likely send U.S. troops to the U.S-Mexico border." The church continued by stating that it denounces and opposes "the rise of xenophobic, racist, and violent reactions against migrants in the United States, and support all efforts to build relationships among people, instead of building walls among diverse ethnicities and cultures." Evangelical relief group World Relief echoed the sentiments, and retweeted a previous post from August, writing: "U.S. law gives the right to any person seeking asylum in the U.S. to access a designated port of entry. We're committed to protecting the rights of immigrants lawfully seeking refuge in the U.S., partnering w/ organizations to offer legal services to families seeking asylum." Conservatives, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, have also argued that the migrant waves are an attempted "invasion," however. "America is great because immigrants helped make it great but what's brewing at the border is NOT immigration it's an invasion! @realDonaldTrump cannot allow people to overrun the borders," Huckabee tweeted last week. Evangelical Leaders Reject Trump's Demonization of Migrants Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Ahead of the midterm elections, President Donald Trump has been demonizing a group of migrants while evangelical leaders responded by urging a compassionate response. Trump defended his decision to place troops on the southern border in response to the migrant caravan by arguing that there are violent elements within the large group. Thousands of migrants fleeing political and economic hardship in Central America have been traveling to the southern border of the United States of America, with President Trump sending several thousand soldiers to the border in response. Trump was interviewed Wednesday by David Brody and Jenna Browder of CBN on Air Force One, with the interview scheduled to air on The 700 Club on Friday. Excerpts from the interview were emailed to The Christian Post by CBN on Thursday morning, including an exchange in which Trump talked about the caravan. During his remarks, Trump stated that there have been violent incidents associated with the caravan. "You see a caravan that's pouring up to our country with thousands of people, maybe ten thousand people now, and then you see the violence that was caused by a second caravan that's forming on the northern Mexico side," said Trump, as quoted by CBN. "You look at what's going on in Guatemala and Honduras and you look at the violence and people being hurt. Mexican soldiers being hurt and police. They're throwing rocks in their face." Trump went on to tell CBN that when it came to the people in the caravan, "these are not angels as you would say, these are not angels." "Look, we're not going to let them come into our country. We have ten and we might even go up to 15 thousand soldiers on our border. We are building a wall in its own way," continued Trump. "We're putting up walls and barb wire and when you look at what we're doing, they're just not coming into our country. They might as well go back down." Trump similarly tweeted a campaign ad Wednesday depicting the migrants fleeing persecution as murderers. The caravan's headline-grabbing presence has reignited political debate over immigration policy, including the admission of refugees and President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. Entities like the Evangelical Immigration Table have called for a "compassionate response" to the migrants by churches and the administration. "Beyond the role of the government, we encourage churchesboth in the U.S. and in Latin Americato respond with Christ-like love to the vulnerable families and individuals who form this caravan," stated EIT. "We also invite you to continue to join us in calling for a comprehensive solution to our deeply broken immigration system, which limits our government's ability to effectively manage a large influx of asylum seekers and to protect those whose lives are in danger." EIT member and Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore stated, "People fleeing for their lives are not to be used as political props. Those escaping violence and persecution in Honduras and elsewhere bear the image of God and should be treated with dignity and compassion. As Christians, we should share the heart of Jesus for refugees and others imperiled. Applying for asylum is legal in the United States of America, and the law should be carried out for everyone who seeks to apply. Not everyone will receive asylum, but everyone should have the opportunity to follow the law." Galen Carey, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Evangelicals and an EIT member, stated that the caravan is not an "invasion," as Trump has described it. "Politicians and journalists sometimes sensationalize news reports while obscuring the real story. A few thousand desperate people fleeing violence and seeking a better life does not mean that our country is about to be invaded. Our borders are relatively secure, and our laws, while urgently in need of modernization, at least provide an opportunity for those fleeing persecution to present their case and be considered. We should be proud that our country has historically been the world's leader in welcoming refugees. We urge our leaders not to overreact, and to allow those seeking asylum to have their day in court," he said. In response to Trump's campaign ad tweet, conservative Washington Post columnist and evangelical Michael Gerson said, "Anyone involved in this effort Trump, but not just Trump is tainted by bigotry. How can young people look at the GOP as a realistic option for moral people?" He also urged Republicans to reject any candidate who doesn't oppose Trump's demonization of the migrants. "Here is a project for active, responsible citizens. This video filled with toxic ethnic bigotry should be shown to every GOP candidate. They should be asked if this represents their views and their conception of the GOP's future. Those who aren't disgusted should be defeated," Gerson added. The Reverend Tony Suarez, executive vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and member of the president's evangelical advisory board, expressed sympathy for the migrants. "There's nothing wrong or illegal with people approaching our border & applying for asylum. That doesn't mean we have to receive everyone that comes but they certainly can apply. This is one of those 'right ways' that people can come...like Ted Cruz's father when he sought asylum," tweeted Suarez in October. "If it's wrong to seek asylum, remove this plaque from the Statue of Liberty 'Give me your tired your poor your HUDDLED MASSES yearning to breathe free the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these the homeless tempest-tossed to me I lift my lamp beside the golden door!'" Google blocks gender-based pronouns from new AI tools to avoid offending users Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Months after introducing new AI technology in Gmail that makes automatic suggestions to complete sentences for users as they type, Alphabet Incs Google has tweaked it to avoid suggesting gender-based pronouns to avoid offending users. Google officials told Reuters that due to the highly sensitive debate currently raging on the issue of gender and gender identity, the risk of offending users with their Smart Compose technology by incorrectly predicting someones sex or gender identity was just too high. Paul Lambert, a Gmail product manager, told the news agency that a company research scientist discovered the problem in January when he typed I am meeting an investor next week, and Smart Compose suggested a possible follow-up question: Do you want to meet him? instead of her. Smart Compose was introduced by Google in May as an extension of its Smart Reply feature which was introduced last year. Because the technology operates in the background, users can write an email normally and Smart Compose will offer suggestions as they type. If they see a suggestion they like, they can simply click the tab button to use it. Lambert said Smart Compose currently assists on 11 percent of messages worldwide sent from Gmail.com. He noted that even though consumers have gotten used to embarrassing suggestions from technology like autocorrect on smartphones, Google wants to do things better. Not all screw ups are equal, Lambert told Reuters. Gender is a big, big thing to get wrong. Investing in more culturally sensitive technology, he said, is part of the companys plan to build support for their brand and draw customers to their AI-powered cloud computing tools, advertising services and hardware. Gmail currently has 1.5 billion users. Not everyone, like Sean Davis, co-founder of the conservative online magazine The Federalist, thinks Googles move on blocking gender-based pronouns is a step in the right direction. Banning entirely value-neutral words that describe objective reality definitely isn't biased at all, he wrote on Twitter. The company is being overly cautious on the issue of gender, explained Reuters, due to a number of high-profile embarrassments the resulted from their predictive technologies in the past. In 2015, for example, Googles image recognition feature from its photo service labeled a black couple as gorillas. In 2016, the company was forced to change its search engines autocomplete function after it suggested the anti-Semitic query are Jews evil when users sought information about Jews. Expletives and racial slurs are currently banned for Googles predictive technologies as well. Googles announcement comes on the heels of social media giant Twitter's updates to the companys hateful conduct policy, banning users from tweeting the birth names of trans-identified persons or referring to them by using biologically appropriate pronouns. We prohibit targeting individuals with repeated slurs, tropes or other content that intends to dehumanize, degrade or reinforce negative or harmful stereotypes about a protected category, the policy notes. This includes targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals. Deadnaming refers to calling a person by their legal name given at birth when that person has selected a new name consistent with the gender identity they have chosen. Misgendering refers to the use of a persons biological pronoun rather than their preferred trans-affirming pronoun. John Chau was listening to Gods voice, would not want his body recovered Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment John Chau, who was killed this month while trying to spread the Gospel to an isolated tribe, took the voice of God seriously," said a member of the missions organization he was a part of. He listened to the voice of God and had been following the calling of God since the age of 17," Pam Arlund, a member of the International Leadership Team at All Nations, told The Christian Post. She described the 26-year-old, a graduate of Oral Roberts University, as humble and as one of the greatest learners I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He read about one book every three days, about missions, reading books that I would recommend to him. He had a particular passion that he pursued for a very long time to learn about the Sentinelese people and prepare himself for eventual contact with them. To prepare for it, he took many short-term mission trips. I know he went to short-term mission trips in South Africa, and more difficult places, like Kurdistan and Iraq, Arlund explained. Chau prepared and trained to share the Gospel and he pursued it very well, she noted. Mary Ho, international executive leader of All Nations, told The Kansas City Star that Chau was emotionally, culturally, physically, intellectually very, very well prepared. He was trained to be prudent, to take certain precautions, to understand culture, to understand languages, to understand what others have done before that may have worked, she explained. According to Ho, Chau was already determined to reach the Sentinelese with the Gospel even before coming to All Nations. Ho admitted that before Chau, the missions organization had never trained a missionary to be sent to a place like North Sentinel Island, where the people are known to be violent and attack anyone who comes near. Chau, who wanted to stay with the tribespeople for many years, also was aware of the dangers and risks. In his first attempt to make contact with the tribe on Nov. 15, they shot arrows at him and one struck his Bible. He wrote in his journal that he was scared and appealed to God, writing, God, I dont want to die. Who will take my place if I do? He went out again the next day, helped by fishermen to get near the island. The following day, the fishermen saw tribesmen drag Chaus body and bury him. He is believed to have been shot dead by arrows. Arlund pointed out that All Nations had no contact with Chau since Oct. 16, and the specifics of how he contacted the North Sentinelese were known to him, but not known to us." She also noted that Chau believed it was legal at the time to approach the Sentinelese. The Indian government had lifted certain restrictions for travel this year to boost tourism, she pointed out. India media, including the Times of India, highlighted the removal of Restricted Area Permit requirements for foreigners who want to visit any of the 29 islands in Andaman, including North Sentinel Island. But the local media also noted that approvals from the government were still required to visit reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal reserves. Following Chaus death, a Ministry of Home Affairs source in India attempted to explain that the removal of the RAP requirement was only meant to promote tourism and ease of travel, but it did not mean people could go anywhere on the North Sentinel Island. There are three other requirements to visit the island. You need to inform the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office, and also take approval from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He (John Chau) had not done any of these things, the anonymous MHA source told The News Minute. In the end, Arlund admitted that in regards to the official laws, we dont know what he (Chau) knew and what he didnt know. Many have criticized Chaus moves. Southern Methodist University History Professor Kate Carte looked at Chau's efforts through the context of early American history and as a representation of "American power." As an American, as a person who was funded by Americans, he represented that in many ways to the people he was trying to missionize, Carte argued, according to KUOW.org. It looked to me like a violent act. They did not want him there, and he came anyway. We should think carefully about how our actions are perceived in the world. Lets just say his actions didnt sit well with me. Wei-Han Kuan, state director of the Church Missionary Society in Victoria, Australia, told The Gospel Coalition that he doesnt have any hesitation in calling Chau a martyr if a martyr is one who is killed in the process of living openly and faithfully for Christ. But, he added, I dont worship martyrs or pretend that they got everything right. All death is a great grief and an offense against Gods promise of life. If we are to put ourselves or our missionaries in harms way, we must do so with much prayer and careful consideration. Im praying that John Allen Chau will indeed inspire much prayer, reflection and action that the most unreached people in the world might have the opportunity to be introduced to life in Jesus Christ. Indian officials have reportedly decided to suspend efforts in trying retrieve Chau's body so as to not disturb the Sentinelese people. An official, who did not wish to be named, told BBC News that a boat was sent to the area on Tuesday morning. "In the initial days several attempts were made to find the body after the tribesmen were seen dragging it. We know the general direction of where it was taken, but we still don't know where exactly it is," the official said. The decision to suspend the search follows the advice of rights group, such as Survival International, which warned that trying to retrieve the body would be "incredibly dangerous." "Such efforts in similar cases in the past have ended with the Sentinelese attempting to defend their island by force," Survival Director Stephen Corry said. Arlund said that while All Nations has not been in contact with the Indian government, Chau himself would not want his body retrieved. I can tell you that John did not want his body being recovered if something were to happen to him, she shared. Another question that has been the point of contention is what, if any, consequences there should be for the particular tribespeople who killed Chau. International Christian Concern, a persecution watchdog group that monitors attacks on Christians and ministries around the world, including in India, had said last week that "a full investigation must be launched in this murder and those responsible must be brought to justice. On Monday, the group clarified that it was using boilerplate language in that statement, however, as it regularly deals with governments who fail to prosecute perpetrators of religiously motivated violence. "John Chau was fully aware of the risk of his visits and returned to the island even after being shot at with arrows where he narrowly escaped, ICC wrote. We have no wish to see his killers prosecuted even though the Indian police called for such in early statements to the Indian media. Arlund also said that All Nations kindly requests that no charges be filed either against the North Sentinelese or against any other Indians that are in the area. We recognize the tragedy of the circumstance and it has grieved us deeply but we are ready to forgive, she continued. That forgiveness was echoed in an Instagram post by Chau's family, who said that he was a "beloved son, brother, uncle," but also a missionary who "loved God" and "helping those in need." "We forgive those reportedly responsible for his death," the family said. As many continue to reflect on the tragedy, Arlund said All Nations would encourage people to seek an intimate relationship with God and to seek His voice. Liberal Lutheran pastor to melt purity rings into vagina sculpture to 'take down' church teachings about sex Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Liberal Lutheran pastor and author Nadia Bolz-Weber has encouraged women to send her their purity rings to be melted down and recast into a golden vagina in protest of evangelical purity culture. On Twitter, Bolz-Weber, founding pastor of Denvers House for All Sinners and Saints, issued a call for people to send her those rings for a massive art project. Beginning November 12th, until December 17th, youll have the opportunity to send in your purity rings to be melted down and recast into a golden vagina, she explained on her website. This sculpture will be unveiled at the 2019 Makers Conference. The website states that those who send in their rings will then receive a certificate of Impurity as well as a SHAMELESS, impurity ring. In some evangelical Christian circles, purity rings, also known as promise or chastity rings, were given to young girls as symbols of a promise they made to abstain from sexual activity until marriage. The controversial pastor first announced her art project at the 2018 Makers Conference, where she explained she wants to take down the church's teachings around sex and evangelical purity culture. This thing about women that the church has tried to hide and control and that is a canvas on which other people can write their own righteousness its actually ours, Bolz-Weber told HuffPost. This part of me is mine and I get to determine what is good for it and if its beautiful and how I use it in the world. Pastor Tom Brock, who left the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America over its stance on abortion, homosexuality and universalism, has denounced Bolz-Weber's comments and the ELCA for not disciplining her. Bolz-Weber said she has never been criticized by her denomination. She is scheduled to have a new book published next January titled Shameless: A Sexual Reformation, in which she argues that church teaching on sexuality has caused harm to many people. Earlier, she sparked controversy after she said there should be no shame in consuming pornography, especially if it is "ethically sourced." The purity movement of the 1990s and 2000s was spurred in part by Joshua Harris 1997 book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. The book, which sold millions of copies worldwide, argues that romantic relationships should exist only as a means to preparing for marriage and highlights the problems with contemporary "recreational dating," presenting "biblical courtship" as an alternative. Harris has since apologized for his book and discontinued its publication, explaining that while it promotes some good ideas like the fact that "you don't have to be in a dating relationship to be a whole person" it also presents a damaging and unhelpful view of sexuality, relationships and dating. "I didn't leave room for the idea that dating could be a healthy way of learning what you're looking for in a long-term relationship, that it could be a part of growing personally," he admitted. "I gave the impression that there was one formula that you could follow, and if you followed that, you'd be happily married, God would bless you, and you'd have a great sex life and marriage. Obviously, the real world doesn't work that way." "Fear is never a good motive," he said, adding, "Fear of messing up, fear of getting your heart broken, fear of hurting somebody else, fear of sex." Tim Challies, an author and pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario, recently praised Harris for his apology and urged the Church to find ways to address sex and purity in a healthier and more biblical way. There are times, he said, when a kind of weirdness settles over evangelicalism, when for a while people are swept away by strange and flawed ideas. This usually happens when Christians are attempting to counter ideas that are prevalent outside the church. Instead of reacting in a measured way, we collectively over-react. I think the purity and courtship movements were two examples or perhaps one example, since they were so closely aligned, he said. Challies concluded: The dating and courtship movements represented a weird phase in evangelicalism and, as they finally fade, I think we are in a position to speak in much healthier and much more biblical ways about sexuality, about purity, about marriage, and about relationships. This time, lets try to do so with wisdom, balance, and discernment instead of those radical extremes that simply lead to more error. Melania Trump urges Liberty U. students to help opioid addicts, end stigma Sponsored by Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment First Lady Melania Trump spoke at Liberty University as part of a town hall on the opioid epidemic in the United States, telling students that they should help those affected and end the stigma of addiction. I believe in the power of all of you," Trump said at the university's convocation on Wednesday morning. Together with all of you, I know we can make a real difference and save lives. You have a responsibility to yourself and also to those around you who may be struggling. While you may never personally become addicted, the chances of you knowing someone who struggles with it are very high. The first lady also explained that there needed to be an end to the stigma facing those who suffered from opioid addiction. We must commit to removing the stigma of shame that comes with addiction and helping change public opinion so people find evidence-based treatment before its too late, she said. Trump has spoken with her 12-year-old son, Barron, about the dangers of drugs. I teach him what is right, what is wrong. I will always tell him that drugs ... could be very dangerous and they could mess up your mind and body, and to love yourself more than you love drugs, she said. The town hall event also featured conservative author Eric Bolling, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar II, author and actress Dianna Hart, and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. During his remarks, Bolling explained that he became involved in combating the opioid epidemic after his son died of an accidental overdose. He was a sophomore. Hes not unlike many of you sitting right here. Good student, talked to him every day. Hes gone, said Bolling. Since this happened, Ive made it my passion to talk to people, to talk to young people, to talk to families, to talk to parents, to talk to coworkers about the dangers of opioids. During a question and answer session, Azar also echoed the need to help end the stigma associated with drug addiction, stating that this addiction is not a moral failing. It is a medical issue and there are medical ways that we can help bring you out of it, Azar noted. It might even be a lifetime of recovery, but there are ways we can help you. Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in deaths related to prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs among Americans. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 42,000 Americans overdosed on opioids in 2016, which is five times higher than in 1999. Last year, HHS declared opioid addiction and overdosing a public health emergency and in March, President Donald Trump rolled out a plan to combat the epidemic, which included a controversial proposal to give the death penalty for certain drug traffickers considered to be "big pushers." In May, the American Association of Christian Counselors held an all-day event, titled "The Opioid Crisis: Creating Church and Community Collaboration," at Grace Fellowship Church in York, Pennsylvania. AACC President Tim Clinton told The Christian Post in an earlier interview that his organization chose to focus on the opioid epidemic because it is "a problem that is impacting communities, churches and families throughout the nation." "No one entity can stem the tide ... we must work together to help people recover from opioid addiction," explained Clinton. "We are determined to help eradicate this horrible scourge from devastating our society. This event showcases a model of community, civic, and church collaboration that should be reproduced nationwide to help those ensnared by opiates and other substance use disorders." NewSpring Church volunteer caught on camera molesting 3-year-old boy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A NewSpring Church volunteer was arrested after he was caught on camera performing oral sex on a 3-year-old child. Jacop Robert Lee Hazlett, 28, charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, was denied bond on Wednesday, WCSC reported. The incident occurred on Sunday at the South Carolina megachurch, when Hazlett escorted a 3-year-old boy into a bathroom. The suspect performed oral sex on the boy after the boy used the restroom, before pulling his pants back up. An investigator revealed that the crime was caught on camera that was stationed outside the bathroom. NewSpring released a statement, explaining that it was made aware about Hazlett's alleged actions on Monday. Once we were made aware, we reviewed video footage from the past 90 days in which Hazlett served as a Kidspring volunteer. In the videos, it appears there was inappropriate conduct by Hazlett, the statement explained. We immediately took steps to prevent Hazlett from volunteering in any capacity at our church in the future and, at the same time, we reported this information to law enforcement. NewSpring is fully cooperating with law enforcements ongoing investigation. The church insisted that it is steadfastly committed to safety and security, and because of this commitment, we have an extensive screening process for all adults before they are allowed to volunteer with children, birth through 12th grade. The church said that it carried out a background check on Hazlett when he started volunteering in March, but it came back clean. As a part of NewSprings child safety and security program, we perform criminal background checks, interview each potential volunteer candidate one-on-one, and provide detailed training for volunteers serving with children of all ages, the church said. Our background check includes verification of Social Security number, address history, National Criminal Database Search, National Sex Offender Search, and re-verification of no records of criminal convictions or use of aliases. Hazlett successfully completed our volunteer screening process before he was allowed to volunteer. Also, as part of NewSpring's commitment to safety and security, every KidSpring room contains video cameras. North Charleston Police spokesman Spencer Pryor said that investigators are working with church officials and examining whether there could be more victims. Hazlett's next court date has been set for Jan. 14, 2019, WCIV reported. NewSpring, which has an average attendance of 23,055 people, has undergone a number of changes in recent years. It fired its senior pastor, Perry Noble, due to alcohol abuse and other "unfortunate choices and decisions" back in 2016, and according to its website has since replaced him with Jesus Christ. "We are a true team approach to ministry now. I was senior pastor for one year but now our church has one senior pastor and we've literally in our new bylaws named Jesus Christ as our senior pastor. So we are structured differently now. It's a true team approach and let me tell you, I love it," Teaching Pastor Clayton King said in September. Photo: Courtesy of the retailer. In our advice column, Ask the Strategist, we take your most burning shopping questions and scour friends, call up experts, and draw from personal experience to answer them. As always, please comment with one of your own were here to help. Question: Ive been on a rabid hunt for a work portfolio/padfolio for over a year without any luck, and I wanted to ask if you knew of any good ones! Im not looking for a big clutch or a big wallet, which is what most work portfolios I find these days turn out to be, but a nice folder-like folio that I can carry to meetings, which holds a pad, business cards, pens, and the like. Ive found some old-school ones, but theyre all like the ones dads used in the 80s! Bulky, cheap-looking, and not chic at all. Are there any stylish work padfolios out there?? Ive checked all the department stores and tried Goyard, L.V., Hermes nothing. Ugh! Smythson Grosvenor A4 Lippiatt Writing Folder $725 First, if your budget is truly in the Hermes and Goyard range, you might consider splurging on one of these Smythson folders. Caroline Weaver, the owner of Orchard Street pencil shop CW Pencil Enterprise, tells us she was on a similar mission a few years back and hit a wall with it until she stumbled upon this Smythson item on sale. Its really hard to find a good portfolio/folder. I searched high and low for one a couple of years ago because I was writing a book and wanted something nice to motivate me to actually use it. Smythson is her general go-to for splurgy stationery and leather goods (Ive been a Soho diary addict for many years) and what made their portfolio a winner was its ample storage space and lack of frills. A lot of alternatives either dont have enough slots or pockets for things or have too many. This is just enough for a few writing instruments, some paper clips, and some mailing supplies. Its also roomy, so it can hold a lot of papers and things without getting too messy. Besides that, its beautiful enough that Ill always be excited to work in it. $725 at Smythson Buy Poketo Medium Minimalist Folio in Blush $40 We got another tip from graphic designer Gopika Setlur, owner of the social-impact design studio Elefint, who uses this minimalist folio from L.A. store Poketo. She likes the synthetic leather finish (not a fan of products that use real leather) and says it fits her Muji notebooks perfectly. This is great for anyone who has a collection of notebooks and wants a versatile folio that is brand-agnostic. Theres space for a phone or small tablet as well, although I keep mine electronics-free. Its really nice to be able to take all your essentials with you in one grab-and-go piece! For what its worth, weve been eyeing this one for ourselves, and the Cuts a fan of it, too. $40 at Garmentory Buy Appointed Document Folder (Set of Four) $30 And if you want something even thinner that can hold some sparse files, business cards, and a pen or two (or even just something nice to present your resume in thats not a manila folder), we love the look of these sleek Appointed cases. Interior designer Stephanie Michaan first tipped us off to the Japanese brand last month shes a fan of their minimalist desk stationery, too. $30 at Need Supply Buy MYO String Tie A5 Planner Organizer v2 $54 In the same price range, Alyx Cullen, the special projects manager at CW Pencil Enterprise, suggested Seattle-based stationary store MochiThings, co-founded by a husband-and-wife team whose goal was to create more functional and cute things. They offer a range of work folios and pouches, but heres one thats described as an organizer. It has a leather shell with a separate section for a notebook, a dedicated pen slot, plus pouches for small notepads and business cards. The tie closure is a nice touch, too. $54 at MochiThings Buy MochiThings Second Document Folder $16 This one from MochiThings also falls in the folder category youre looking for, though it might look cheaper than a leather folder like the Smythson. We do love the translucent outer compartment for holding your pens and cell phone, though, plus the interior compartment for papers and files. $16 at MochiThings Buy Freitag F27 Notebook $125 $125 Designer Hamish Smyth, the co-founder of independent graphic design bookstore Standards Manual, loves the look of Swiss brand Freitag for storing files and things. All Freitag products are sourced from recycled truck tarps, which is catnip for a graphic design person like Smyth. This is weird, but one of my favorite things about Europe is the graphics on the truck tarps. (For the enthusiasts: my favorite area is northern Italy, in the industrial zones around Milan.) he says. So to be able to own a piece of that to carry my stuff in is cool. Freitag does not mess around, either these things are pretty much indestructible. Heres a refillable notebook with pockets for cards and notepads, plus a place to hang your pen. $125 at Freitag Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. Young missionary who spent year sharing Gospel worldwide killed by suspected drunk driver in Denver Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A 27-year-old woman who spent nearly a year of her life bringing the Gospel to various corners of the world was killed in a car crash caused by a suspected drunk driver in Colorado last weekend. Kelly Anne Broderick passed away last Saturday morning after the car she was riding in was struck by a wrong-way driver on Denvers Santa Fe Drive, police revealed. According to 9News.com, the crash occurred at around 2:30 a.m. after a vehicle driving southbound on the northbound lane of the roadway sideswiped the car that Broderick was in. Police say that Broderick died at the scene. Broderick, who participated in the 11-month Christian mission trip The World Race in 2016, was being given a ride from a friend to the airport when the crash occurred. She was to depart to Iceland. Brodericks friend was injured in the crash and has since been released from the hospital, according to the family. Denver police arrested 27-year-old Amanda Morris for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular homicide. The police claimed that Morris had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol at the scene of the accident. Broderick was originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but moved to Denver in the summer of 2017. A memorial service has been planned for Dec. 8 in Jacksonville, Florida. Brodericks participation in The World Race allowed her to serve the least of these in countries like Albania, Cambodia, Greece, Lesotho, Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and the United States. Our ministry was mainly relational anywhere we went and had us spending most of our time with teenagers and loving them through playing card games or ping pong, having girls/boys nights to pull them away from their phones, and hearing their stories, Broderick wrote on her blog. According to her blog, she had to raise $16,627 to participate in The World Race mission trip. Jesus did not come and die for us so we would walk with our heads low comparing ourselves to others and constantly tearing ourselves down, Broderick wrote before she left for her trip. He came so I could claim my place in His eternal kingdom and title as His daughter. Not so I would have to earn it, but so I would be freely given it. He came so I would be given a white wall every day for Him to create in me what He has. While on her trip, Brodericks uncle died and she was not able to attend the funeral. Those who had interactions with Broderick voiced their sorrows on Brodericks memorial website. Those who knew her said she was a strong athlete, had an infectious smile and just wanted to help people. When I think of Kelly Anne I think of walking into church on Sunday mornings, churchgoer Elizabeth Baur wrote on the website. Im not sure if she volunteered as a greeter every Sunday or was just always standing there each week ready to say hi to everyone with her joyful smile; I always loved walking in and seeing her. Like many have said, she brought joy with her wherever she went and her smile was so contagious. Over 4,500 people have participated in The World Race and over 80 countries have been reached by World Racers. Trump defends the faith, has admitted his faults, says Franklin Graham Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Prominent evangelical leader the Rev. Franklin Graham has reiterated his support for President Donald Trump, explaining in recent comments that the commander-in-chief defends the faith. In a recent interview with Axios on HBO, excerpts of which were posted online on Sunday, the head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association talked about various topics including President Trump. Now people say 'Well Frank but how can you defend him, when he's lived such a sordid life?' I never said he was the best example of the Christian faith, said Graham. He defends the faith. And I appreciate that very much. Trump has admitted his faults and has apologized to his wife and his daughter for things he has done and said. And he has to stand before God for those things. Graham also rejected concerns that American Christianity, including evangelicalism, was becoming too closely associated with the Republican Party. I'm going to support politicians that are going to support the Christian faith whether they're Democrats, Republicans, independents, continued Graham. Politicians that are going to guarantee my freedom of worship. And I appreciate the president has appointed now two conservative judges that are going to defend religious freedom, so amen to that. Graham has periodically been criticized, sometimes even by fellow social conservatives, for his strong support of Trump, even amid revelations of moral failings on the presidents part. For example, Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank, took to Twitter in January to criticize Grahams defense of Trump regarding the Stormy Daniels pornstar payoff controversy. Watching Franklin Graham do all he can to yet again shield Trump from criticism, after having done the same thing on behalf of Roy Moore, is painful, discouraging and corrosive to the Christian witness, wrote Wehner. The best you can say is he's blind to the damage. Julie Roys, conservative Christian author and former host of Moody Radios Up For Debate, took to social media on Monday to say that she partly agreed and partly disagreed with Graham's comments. Like Graham, I appreciate that Donald J. Trump defends Christians and religious liberty, wrote Roys on her official Facebook page. Trump has been a faithful supporter of policies near and dear to evangelicals and for that, I am grateful. But I disagree with Graham that Trump's treatment of women is a moot point simply because he apologized to his wife and daughters. Has he apologized to the women he abused and tried to make restitution? Hardly. Roys added that she wished that we evangelicals could praise our current president for what he does right, yet hold him accountable when he does wrong. I think we'd maintain a lot more credibility with the public if we did that. Plus, I think that's what Jesus would do. I can't see Him giving blanket support to any candidate, Roys added. At World Visions Give-Back Gift Shop, a tree full of hopes and prayers and a push from Sadie Robertson Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment NEW YORK - There were scores of them scribbled on neat little postcards dangling quietly on a Christmas tree in the middle of the outdoor pop-up shop hopes and prayers. I pray that hatred, intolerance & bigotry will stop. That all creatures of this planet will have enough to eat, said one note. Lord, please bless my family, friends, our city and our world. Help us to live for you and let our light shine, another said. The tree full of hopes and prayers is a special feature of global Christian humanitarian organization World Visions interactive pop-up shop inside Bryant Park's Winter Village. I think thats really special. I love analogies. I love visuals and so this is a great visual to tell kids, what do you hope for for kids around the world? and bring this hope into this tree and show that when you hope for something it lights up this tree, Sadie Robertson, actor and former reality television star known for the A&E show "Duck Dynasty," told The Christian Post. Robertson who began working with World Vision this year after they became sponsors of her Live Original Tour, said she was inspired to support the organizations Give-back Gift shop after learning about the many projects World Vision works on at home and abroad to improve the lives of those in need. Its a great analogy for kids to see when you start to hope for people around the world it lights up the world this is just a great example of the holiday season, this is what we really want kids to start doing, to keep praying, keep writing letters, she said about the hopes and prayers. For the second year in a row, through their Give-back gift shop, World Vision is giving New York Citys urbane crowd a chance to offer more than just thoughts and prayers to those in need around the world. Through a number of options in the organization's 2018 holiday gift catalogue, people can donate different kinds of gifts that would help families in the developing world get better access to clean water or empower them economically with the purchase of a goat or some chickens or even commit to sponsoring a child. The pop-up shop with a donkey, sheep and other farm animals on display brought many of these gift ideas to life. I had the privilege of raising 12 children. I have four natural children and I had the privilege of raising 12 additional children. Six of them were Native Americans. I tell you that because I believe that God placed a burden for children on my heart. So now I have the privilege of being part of World Vision which is huge for children and giving children the opportunity to be all that God created them to be, said Dee Billing of New Jersey, who has sponsored 12 children over her lifetime rough World Vision and influenced about 250 other people to become sponsors. I encourage other people. The people that become sponsors in my opinion are a special kind of people. Ill sit at a booth for hours and people pass by, but when that one person comes up, they are the ones. They put their finger on that child and they sponsor that child and make that childs life better, Billing said. Last fall, World Vision featured a 5-year-old girl from Kenya named Cheru as a part of the shop's water walk activity, designed to give people a taste of what it's like for a child who walks hours a day to collect water in the developing world. This year, officials reported that Cheru and her village now all have access to clean water and they no longer have to walk for miles to get a drink of water. Cheru is now attending school. Now shes able to go to school because sometimes her journey for water would be so long she cant make it to school. Its a beautiful thing, said World Vision staffer Wendy Pinero-DePencier. Peter Habyarimana, another World Vision staffer who said he got help as a child as a result of World Visions work in Uganda was happy to be promoting the water walk experience at the shop because it is a story he knows all too well. Thats what I did every day. I travelled four miles to get drinking water and I travelled one mile to just get dirty water for washing dishes, he said. When it comes to the issue of access to clean water, Robertson believes it is an issue that many in the developed world find it difficult to understand. The water [issue] is really crazy. I think for us its the hardest concept to get we have water. At our house we have bottled water and its very accessible for us. People dont realize that kids in other countries not only do they have to walk so long, but that water weighs as much as a microwave in your house [and they have to carry it for long periods], Robertson said. The former Duck Dynasty star says she has been impressed the multi-faceted approach World Vision has taken to helping people in need through providing clean water, child sponsorships and providing Hope Kits for women who have been victims of trafficking in the U.S. and overseas. I am so thankful that they have this especially for women being trafficked in the U.S. Honestly, not everybody knows that its in the US. Sometimes people think of it as something thats outside of the U.S. but its happening right here, Robertson said. Through their work this year, Robertson said World Vision has helped to shed light on the issue of trafficking and also given people an opportunity to help victims. I know a lot of people that work in trafficking in the U.S. and have been a part of many rescues so Im able to know the impact that a toothbrush has, the impact that all of these things have. For us we have all of these things but for them its oh wow, we get back to this normalcy just with our brush and our toothbrush, she said. On top of that the first thing they see is a letter from somebody here [at World Vision] that takes the time to say you know what? Tomorrow is going to be a better day and I love you and Im with you. Imagine being a person in that situation and receiving this little Hope Kit, thats going to lift their spirit so much. I think its very timely for this year for that to be happening. Its awesome that World Vision is getting behind that and seeing the need and responding to it and we get to be a part of it too, she said. Robertson is now hoping that people who want to make a difference in the world will turn their hopes and prayers into action and unite to make America and the world a better place. I think that a lot of times we say [things like] we want to be the generation that ends world hunger, we want to be the generation that stops sex trafficking and slavery and its like if you want to be that generation, then youve got to do it. Youve got to get behind it and give. Give of your time, give of your money, selflessly, in love, she said. The Give-back Gift Shop's last day of operation will be on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. 8:30 p.m. HOA opposed family's Christmas display because it might offend atheists, attract Walmart 'riff-raff' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An Idaho family that won a four-year legal challenge against its neighborhood over its elaborate Christmas decoration was targeted because of their faith, details from the trial revealed. A North Idaho jury awarded Jeremy and Kristy Morris $75,000 in their lawsuit against the West Hayden States First Addition Homeowners Association at the U.S. District Court in Coeur dAlene. The HOA engaged in religious discrimination, violating the federal Fair Housing Act, the jury ruled. Details that emerged during the trial, which took place late October, have highlighted the extent of the religious discrimination the family faced. The Morris family is known for putting on extravagant, five-day Christmas celebrations, consisting of bright lights, hymns, decorations, live music, animals and actors who perform the Nativity. The couple, who pay for the entire presentation themselves, have said that theirs is a message of faith. With free food and drinks, the show attracts thousands of visitors each year and raises money for local charities, including for children battling cancer. Jeremy Morris told the Couer d'Alene Press that the trouble began after the family decided to move to a new home in Idaho in 2015. The family had been open about their intention to continue with their big Christmas celebrations which he called his "ministry" to the public but received a letter from the HOA board that cited neighborhood rules about lighting, traffic, sound. The letter also addressed religion: "I am somewhat hesitant in bringing up the fact that some of our residents are non-Christians or of another faith and I dont even want to think of the problems that could bring up we do not wish to become entwined in any expensive litigation to enforce long-standing rules and regulations and fill our neighborhood with the hundreds of people and possible undesirables. The Couer d'Alene Press obtained an earlier draft of the letter that was discovered during the trial, which contained more anti-religious undertones. That particular draft read: "I am somewhat hesitant to bring up the fact that some of our residents are avowed atheists and I dont even want to think of the problems that could bring up we do not wish to become entwined in any expensive litigation to enforce long-standing rules and regulations and fill our neighborhood with the riff-raff you seemed to attract over by WalMart Grouse Meadows indeed!!! We dont allow those kind in our neighborhood. The letter was written by a number of people on the HOA board, Morris said. The father-of-three, who is a lawyer, proceeded with the lawsuit on the grounds that the family's religious freedom rights were being obstructed. A neighbor, Angie Cox, had also testified, according to Couer d'Alene Press, that when she asked Jennifer Scott, who was heading the HOA, whether the matter was really about the Morris family breaking rules or not wanting the family in the neighborhood, Scott responded, "We just dont want him here." Spokesman-Review columnist Shawn Vestal criticized the family and "Christians picking fights over imagined minor slights." He argued, "Morris victimhood was planned and plotted, right down to his intentions to call in air strikes from the conservative medias grievance machine." The Morrises, who have been harassed, have insisted that their purpose is to live out their faith, however, and following their lawsuit victory, said that they could consider living in another HOA neighborhood. Our family will live wherever we want to live to spread the message of Jesus Christ and the birth of our savior, Morris said. Were looking forward. Were positive. Were excited. HOA, which filed counterclaims in the case, said through attorney Peter Smith that it is looking forward "to seeing the final result once this case works its way through the court system. Megachurch founder accepts prison sentence as Gods judgment after allegedly counting crime a blessing Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment John Bishop, founder of Living Hope Church in Vancouver, Washington, who was pushed out from leadership for prescription drug and alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct, will spend the next five years in prison for a federal drug-smuggling charge and has accepted his sentence as what God wants. One hundred percent, your judgment is what God wants, a contrite Bishop told U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz at his sentencing last Wednesday, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. In his heyday as a pastor, Bishop attracted some 15,000 worshipers to an Easter Sunday service in 2007. Moskowitz added that Bishop also served in the U.S. Air Force before starting Living Hope Church in 1996, according to The Columbian. Bishop began drinking, abusing prescription drugs, and had an affair with someone at Living Hope Church as his star power grew and it led to him being pushed out of the church he founded. He later went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to work in the timeshare business but ended up smuggling marijuana. Last December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped Bishop at the California-Mexico border as he tried to smuggle almost 300 pounds of marijuana into the country. He pleaded guilty in February to unlawful importation of marijuana. Somewhere this went awry, Moskowitz said. Even though he lost his way, Bishop told Moskowitz he still believes that God was with him for every step. I fell off the way. But my God has never forsaken me, he said. According to The Columbian, the church Bishop started with his now estranged wife, Michelle, grew to be one the largest churches in Clark County that targeted people who dont do church as well as Christians in need of grace and a second chance. When Bishop stepped down as senior pastor in November 2015 he was said to have gone to Mexico for alcohol abuse treatment. He also was reportedly involved in ministry there. Prosecutors argued that Bishops cellphone records provided a different picture of what he was doing in Mexico which show his wife and son as eager accomplices, according to The San Diego Union Tribune. An FBI analysis of text messages between the family suggest that the Bishops adult son, David, who was also living in Los Cabos, held a position in a cartel operating in the area. In November 2017, David questioned if his father was in the right place to talk like real business partners. Bishop responded: I have been dead f---ing serious about sleeping. Working. I got a haircut and bought business clothes. I am doing what I have to do and there are elements of risk and even danger. He continued: International trafficking is kind of a big problem if you get caught. If I am am [sic] going to be in this biz at any level, it has to be with different people. His wife, Michelle, often encouraged his smuggling and was in turn happy to direct how the money he earned was spent, including on a cruise, a Disney trip, schooling and a car, prosecutors said. Be honest and tell them how the money was acquired Just kidding ... We have a house baby, Bishop texted his wife, according to the FBIs evidence reported by the Tribune. In one text message, Bishop allegedly wrote: Are you happy is the main thing ... Cleaning money. Your job Would you have imagined we would be in this place? What a blessing. Birth of world's first genetically edited babies 'rewriting blueprint of life' stirs major debate Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment News that the worlds first first genetically edited babies have been born in China has stirred debate over the ethical implications. The Associated Press reported on the claims of a Chinese researcher, who announced that twin girls were born with a powerful new tool capable of rewriting the very blueprint of life. He Jiankui of Shenzhen, the researcher, says that he altered the DNA of a number of embryos for couples during fertility treatments, with a goal to increase resistance to possible future infection with HIV. He did not provide details of who the parents of the twin girls are, and AP clarified that his work has not been published in a journal, which would allow other experts to vet it. I feel a strong responsibility that its not just to make a first, but also make it an example, He said. Society will decide what to do next with such science, the researcher continued. Talking about the twin girls, the Stanford University-educated scientist added: The girls are safe and healthy as any other babies. The MIT Technology Review provided further details of the gene-editing tool, CRISPR, which looks to eliminate a gene called CCR5. Hopes are that removing the gene would make babies resistant to HIV, smallpox, and cholera. The embryos reportedly have their DNA modified before they are transferred into womens uteruses, resulting in permanent changes to the gene pool. Trial listing data has shown that genetic tests have been carried out on fetuses at 24 weeks, or six months. Beside He's claim of the birth of the twin girls, it is yet to be confirmed whether the other embryos he worked on have been aborted, or are also due to be born. Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a University of Pennsylvania gene editing expert and editor of a genetics journal, was one of many experts to question Hes work. Its unconscionable ... an experiment on human beings that is not morally or ethically defensible, Musunuru said. Dr. Eric Topol, who heads the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, added that such DNA editing is far too premature. Were dealing with the operating instructions of a human being. Its a big deal, he said. Others, such as Harvard Universitys George Church, said that HIV is a major and growing public health threat which would justify such attempts, however. The Guardian reported that news of He's work has prompted an investigation by Chinese health authorities. Chinas National Health Commission said late on Monday that it will seriously investigate and verify the work that has been done. Orthodox Christian author and political commentator Rod Dreher warned on Sunday on The American Conservative website that the technology could be quickly exploited by the rich and powerful to create an elite class of Ubermenschen [super humans] who are far more mentally and physically stronger than the masses, who will be progressively reduced to a servant class and even under Chinese-style authoritatian technocracy turned into dalits, or untouchables. The amelioration of inequality under that scenario will depend on the broad-mindedness of the elites. Good luck with that. Moreover, if you can genetically engineer humans with traits that make them smarter, you can do the same to make them more docile, he said. Science fiction writers have known this for a long time. But its not fiction anymore. Canadian church threatened with losing charity status for revoking woman's membership over same-sex relationship Canadian church threatened with losing charity status for stripping membership from woman in same-sex relationship Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Activists in Canada are petitioning the government to remove a church's tax-exempt status because it removed a woman from its membership roll after learning that she's in a same-sex relationship. Kimberley Mills lost her membership at Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa, Ontario, after it was discovered that she was in a relationship that was, according to a letter quoted by local media, in disobedience to the Scriptures. After hearing about the church's actions toward Mills, Mac Moreau, a political activist in Oshawa, launched a letter-writing campaign to the Canada Revenue Agency earlier this month demanding that the government entity review Calvary Baptists status as a charity. Charities that allow their resources to be used for activities that promote hate and intolerance shouldnt receive benefits from the Canadian government benefits that all Canadians contribute to, stated Moreau on Facebook. Calvary Baptist Church sent The Christian Post a statement on Monday explaining that while they love and care for everyone church membership is based on a voluntary association of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to the teachings of the Bible. Those who choose to become members of Calvary Baptist Church share our theological and doctrinal beliefs and agree to live in accordance with those beliefs, church leadership said. When an individual ceases to hold those beliefs or live in accordance with them, as has recently happened, that individual may be removed from membership but always remains welcome to attend our services and other programs. Some viewed the news of Calvary Baptists membership decision regarding Mills and the possibility of the church losing its charitable status over the decision as further evidence of Canadas growing hostility toward churches that oppose homosexuality. Justin Trudeaus Liberal government has already placed an ideological litmus test (which includes LGBT issues as well as abortion) as a prerequisite for gaining access to the Canada Summer Jobs Program, and soon enough LGBT activists will turn their attention to those churches (and other religious institutions) that still hold to the traditional biblical teaching on sexuality, a LifeSiteNews blog argued last week. LGBT activists will soon demand that governments strip charitable status from any church or institution that disagrees with their ideology of sexuality, and will accuse any politician who declines to do so of being a homophobe or a transphobe. Dany Morin, spokesperson for the CRA, emailed CP on Monday explaining that due to confidentiality provisions in the Income Tax Act, the agency cannot comment on whether a particular charity is or is not being audited. The CRAs actions can only be made public when an audit results in a charity being revoked, annulled, suspended, or penalized, Morin explained. The CRA posts such cases in its list of charities. This provides transparency to Canadians regarding the decisions of the CRA with respect to charities. Morin also explained to CP that if a charity restricts access to its premises or its programs in any way, the nature of the restriction must be clearly linked to the benefits provided by the charity. For example, a charity operating a womans shelter would be justified in restricting access to its programs and facilities to women; while a charity operating a community center would generally be required to make its facilities open to the public at large, noted Morin. If the CRA identifies noncompliance as a result of an audit, it uses an education-first approach where possible. This means the CRA will generally give a charity the chance to correct its noncompliance through education or a compliance agreement before it resorts to other measures such as sanctions or revocation. Its important to note that the facts of the charitys case will determine which compliance approach the CRA will take. Ex-imam explains what Muslims get wrong about Jesus, details family's persecution for following Christ Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Correction appended A former Nigerian imam-turned-pastor who says Islams holy book helped confirm to him that Jesus Christ is the son of God, has detailed the persecution his family has endured because of their Christian faith. The pastor, who for security purposes will be referred to as John, recently spoke with The Christian Post for an hourlong interview about his familys ordeal in which one of their sons was murdered after they were forced into hiding in different states across Nigeria before traveling to the United States this year to seek asylum. John was born to a Hausa Fulani family in the Kaduna state of Nigeria and grew up to become a banker and a congregational prayer leader at his mosque. John also met a Christian woman whom he was able to convert to Islam and marry. His wife, however, eventually reclaimed her Christian faith after she had an encounter with Jesus in a dream. Her reconversion to Christianity was condemned by their community and Johns family, and she was considered an apostate. John faced pressure from his family to divorce his wife because of her faith as many in the community wanted her dead. But John was confident that God would give him the wisdom to convert his wife back to Islam because God gave him the wisdom to do it the first time. But John would prove to be wrong. And in 1995, John was presented with a theological reality that he says is present both in the Bible and in the Quran. This reality came to him when he drove his wife to a church crusade about 45 minutes away from where the couple were living at the time. John dropped his wife off and on the first two nights of the crusade he didnt stick around for the event. On the third night, however, John dropped his wife off and listened to the proceedings from the parking lot of the outdoor venue. I sat on the trunk of my car and I was listening on the trunk of my car to this man preaching about Jesus Christ, John explained. In the middle of this preaching, he was saying that Jesus was arrested, Jesus was crucified, and Jesus died and rose from the dead and they killed the Prince of Peace. And the Prince of Peace rose after the third day, and the Prince of Peace ascended back to Heaven. When he heard this, John said that a passage from the Quran came to his mind specifically Surah 19:33. In that passage, Jesus (who is considered a prophet in Islam) declared: Peace be upon me the day I was born and the day I will die, and the day I will be raised up alive. His preaching was confirming for me what is in the Quran but he was preaching from the Bible, John recalled. The things he was preaching, these things are written in the Quran. But the Muslims are translating it the other way around. For instance, the Quran said that the day Jesus was arrested, allah took the image of Jesus and put the image of Jesus on the face of an innocent Jew, he continued. The Jew was arrested and crucified instead of Jesus and allah took Jesus alive to Heaven. John said he thought it was weird that God would need to deceive His own people in order to save His prophet and messenger. As I was asking myself that question, the man made an altar call after he prayed for a deaf and a dumb girl. He prayed for those who are sick, John said. Before my eyes, I saw a deaf boy and dumb girl. The girl that was dumb, she spoke. The boy that was deaf heard. I was celebrating with them that this is a miracle. I know that in the Quran, Jesus performed miracles. This is something that we dont go about preaching. The Muslims dont go about preaching it at all. John explained that Muslims claim that Jesus will die for the first time when he comes back again and at that point, Surah 19:33 will be fulfilled. "I saw that as an error. An error in the sense that if allah took Jesus alive for himself without Him first dying, then it is a violation of that Scripture in the Quran," John said. "If the Quran said, Peace shall be upon Jesus the day He was born, peace shall be upon Jesus the day He will die, peace shall be upon Jesus when He was raised from the dead and peace shall be upon Jesus they day allah takes Him, then allah will have violated that Scripture for taking Him up without him dying or without him raising up from the dead. This was my conviction." John didn't formally give his life to Christ that night. Instead, he went home to analyze the text of his wifes Bible and his Quran. Over the course of the following three weeks, John examined the scriptures at night after he got home from his day job. After 21 days, John knew that he needed to come to Christ and announced to his wife the discovery he'd made. So I was now asking myself if Jesus is the word of God, if Jesus is the spirit of God in the Quran, what am I doing as a Muslim? John said. John went to church with his wife that Sunday and agreed to become a Christian if he could be convinced during the service that Jesus is the Son of God. As the pastor was preaching, God was giving me answers to the questions I was to ask that man, he said. As he led altar calls, I went and give my life to Christ. Following this decision in November 1995, John said he stopped going to the mosque where he was an imam. But John said it didnt take long before people from his mosque came looking for him at his home. The first day the group came John was at work. So the group of Muslims killed the familys dog and came back the next morning at 4:45 a.m. When they came back to the house, all they did was tell me to leave that house immediately, John said. They came with their sticks and their knives. I kept quiet and I didnt tell them anything because the worst would have happened at that time. John, his wife and six children fled their home. The church his wife was attending provided the family with a room to take refuge in. John was not only let go from his job because of his newfound faith, but was also nearly ambushed by a group of Muslims as he was driving to work. Fortunately, John said he received a tip off about the planned ambush and was able to turn around before he was in danger. He was also told that there was an announcement made about him at the mosque demanding that he leave Kaduna. Facing death threats, John decided it was best to flee Kaduna and go to the Rivers State in southern Nigeria. In 1999, John attended First Bible Institute in Port Harcourt in the Rivers State. After John passed through pastor training he went on to become a pastor in Borno state in northeast Nigeria. There, John faced harassment from Muslims while he preached. He said Muslims even threatened to kill his 11-year-old son. Following those threats, John and the family moved to Taraba state. It was there that Johns 11-year-old son was killed by a Muslim man who ran over him with a car and left him for dead in September 2000 because of the familys faith in Christ. Six months after his sons death, the church John was preaching at was demolished by a Muslim mob. The family then moved again to Abuja, John said. However, Muslims from Taraba and Kaduna eventually discovered where John was living, so the family was again forced to move, he added. Even though John and his wife ended up being embedded within a Christian community in yet another state, they felt it was best to scatter their children at boarding schools across the country. I have to hide myself and my family, John said. I was in hiding all the months until I arrived in the U.S. John and his wife arrived in the U.S. earlier this year on a six-month visa. They have retained immigration attorneys and plan to apply for asylum in the U.S. Their children, meanwhile, remain scattered throughout Nigeria, hopeful that asylum will be granted by the U.S. All we are looking for is help, John said. Back home, our government cannot help us. Our government cannot do anything. An earlier version of this article reported that John's 11-year-old son was shot and killed by a Muslim man. His son was not shot, but was the victim of a hit-and-run perpetrated by a Muslim man who left him to bleed to death, his father said. Islamic radical group Boko Haram expands raids into Niger, kidnaps 15 girls Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Islamic terror group Boko Haram has expanded its deadly raids into the country of Niger, killing seven workers at a mining company and kidnapping 15 girls from nearby villages. The radicals, who since 2009 have been active in Nigeria but have also attacked neighboring Cameroon, reportedly killed seven people at the French mining company FORACO in the Diffa region in Niger last week. Later in the week the terrorists raided the villages of Blaharde and Bande in the municipality of Toumour, kidnapping 15 girls, Fides News said. Boko Haram is renowned for kidnapping masses of schoolgirls throughout Nigeria, including many Christian girls, and attempting to force them to renounce their Christian faith and marry jihadi fighters. Politicians in Diffa responded to the latest raid by calling on the Army to locate and rescue the hostages. "We ask the government, despite all the efforts already made, to take urgent measures to find the abducted women, and return them to their families, parliamentarians said in a statement. "Other events could occur: if we do not anticipate the deadly actions of Boko Haram, we will live more difficult situations. We ask the government to consider our requests, not only as elected officials in the Diffa region, but also on behalf of the peoples of the region who are experiencing moments of extreme difficulty, they warned. There had been hopes that the terror group is being defeated under the presidency of Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari, but attacks in several countries have continued and increased in the past few months. AFP reported that Buhari is planning on visiting with military troops fighting the Islamic State terror group-affiliated rebels, in the wake of clashes that have left scores of soldiers either dead or missing. As many as 100 soldiers are believed to have been killed during a massive Boko Haram raid on a base in Metele village near the border with Niger on Nov. 18. "There is need for a change in the war strategies. Our troops should be more proactive rather than reactive," said security consultant Don Okereke to AFP. "We have to find out why the insurgents have more superior firearms than our soldiers. What has happened to our huge defense budget?" More than 27,000 are believed to have been killed by Boko Haram in Nigeria since the start of the attacks in 2009, with thousands of women and children held in captivity and used for ransom. The story of 15-year-old Leah Sharibu who was kidnapped from a school in February has drawn international attention, as the Christian girl has refused to convert to Islam to gain her freedom. Boko Haram has demanded a ransom payment of $275 million for Sharibu's release, and has warned they will hold her captive and use her as a slave for life if their demands aren't met. New scientific discovery supports Bible's Adam and Eve story, science writer says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A "provocative and misunderstood" scientific study published this year supports the Bible's Adam and Eve story by demonstrating that all humans are descended from a common mother and father, a prominent science writer and public speaker claims. Author Michael Guillen, president of Spectacular Science Productions, who has taught physics at Harvard and was a science editor for ABC News, commented on the scientific discovery from May regarding human ancestors in a Saturday op-ed for Fox News. Summarizing the discovery, announced by a team of U.S. and Swiss scientists, Guillen wrote that "all humans alive today are the offspring of a common father and mother an Adam and Eve who walked the planet 100,000 to 200,000 years ago, which by evolutionary standards is like yesterday." "Moreover, the same is true of nine out of every 10 animal species, meaning that nearly all of Earths creatures living today sprang into being recently from some seminal, Big Bang-like event," he added. As Mark Stoeckle at Rockefeller University and David Thaler at the University of Basel explained back in May, they based their findings on analysis of DNA bar codes of 5 million animals from 100,000 different species. Experts have interpreted low genetic variation among living humans as a result of our recent expansion from a small population in which a sequence from one mother became the ancestor for all modern human mitochondrial sequences, Thaler said back them. Our paper strengthens the argument that the low variation in the mitochondrial DNA of modern humans also explains the similar low variation found in over 90 percent of living animal species we all likely originated by similar processes and most animal species are likely young. Thaler later added: Scholars have previously argued that 99 percent of all animal species that ever lived are now extinct. Our work suggests that most species of animals alive today are like humans, descendants of ancestors who emerged from small populations possibly with near-extinction events within the last few hundred thousand years. Responding to the resurfacing of the study, Franklin Graham, who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, affirmed that when God spoke, there was a big bang, which he said was Creation itself. This is really just science confirming what the Word of God tells us, Graham said on Facebook in response to the research. Even though science points to the truth of Scripture, they still want to give it an evolutionary spin. God created the first man and the first woman Adam and Eve. He created the Heavens and the Earth, and everything in it. Gods Word is true from cover to cover! he added. Ken Ham, a Young Earth Creationist who heads Answers in Genesis, meanwhile urged scientists to accept that the Genesis account of Creation is true. To find out the truth about speciation and how observational science confirms the Bible's account of created kinds as per the biblical timeline, people need to read some up-to-date research that devastates the millions of years/evolutionary account, he added on Facebook, before linking to an AiG article from July, providing an analysis of the mitochondrial DNA tests. In his Fox News op-ed, Guillen suggested that there are two main ways in which Stoeckle and Thalers study lines up with the Bible. First, it affirms that we and our fellow creatures on Earth arose from a recent and profound Creation event, orchestrated by some unknown mechanism. And second, the DNA bar codes reveal that species are quantized, he said. Instead of there being a continuum of animal varieties, as one might expect from millions of years of gradual evolution, creatures fall into very distinct, widely separated populations what the Bible describes as kinds, from the Hebrew word min. Students from standard nine to twelve from the parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Kuwait attended an awareness session, entitled Crossroads on November 22, which dealt with issues like peer pressure, choices, problems faced by teenagers.The session was aimed at making youth aware of the many hurdles they may face as they go out into the world for higher studies either to their homeland or elsewhere, and to ensure that the teens are armed with the knowledge of what difficulties await and how to combat them, in order to feel free, happy and secure. 100 students participated in the programme.The event was organised by the Salesian Cooperators of the Kuwait Unit under the guidance of their Rector Father Derrick Misquita, who inaugurated the event by welcoming the students and the speakers.Have a nice day, enjoy yourself and dont forget to thank the Cooperators, the resource persons, and your parents, Father Misquita said.Father Lionel Braganza, Principal of the Don Bosco school, addressed the youth, and said, Run, jump, talk and laugh. If you dont run, jump, talk and laugh, then you are just like the ordinary human being, just come to occupy space.Eminent speakers were invited to address the august gathering. Doctor Navniit Gandhi, enlightened the children on values of true friendship. In her eloquent style, coupled with her long-standing experience as an educator, she brought home the importance of humane experience in every relationship. "You may be having N number of friends but only on social media. Befriend people who you trust and have at least one true friend in whom you can confide," Doctor Gandhi said, wishing the children a bright future.Christopher Pereira, a member of the Salesian Cooperators, introduced creative and innovative methods in choosing ones career. He put forth the point that nobody can decide for you what you choose to do in life, they may suggest, but at the end of the day, it is up to each one to decide their goal in life.Joelle Nasr made the teens aware of all the difficulties faced by students moving out to study further in another country. She explained in a very subtle manner the harsh facts that students could face, example food, studies, peer pressure, money issues, and making the right friends who are genuine and care for you. Father Blany Pinto, the Parish Priest of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church, informed the students how God is important in their lives. Scripture tells us about how God bonds the communication between us and Him. We sort out our problems by praying to God. Do your best and surrender to God and God will see that you get the best. Give God the first place, Father Pinto said.Sam Francis, a member of the Salesian Cooperators brought together a panel of youth who went out of Kuwait for further studies, to share their bad and good experiences. The main points were: make good friends, keep in touch with your family, join youth groups attached to the church, stop eating junk and eat healthy, be in touch with God and Scripture by reading the Holy Bible and attend Sunday mass.He also put forward very gently the sensitive topic related to Good touch and bad touch for both boys and girls.This session was very spiritual, encouraging, optimistic and with a depth of knowledge. These sessions really help in various ways and this was the best. Thank you and keep us amazed, Sephanie Figueredo, a student of class 11 said.The course helped me to deal with the present problems faced by teens. It has made my ideas on many issues more clear. I will now be able to make better choices at this stage of my life, Gaynelle Morais from standard 10 said. Buildings lit up red in solidarity with persecuted Christians The Vatican and the British Houses of Parliament were lit up red on Wednesday in a mark of solidarity with Christians around the world being persecuted for their faith. Red Wednesday is held each year to remember those suffering for their faith and call for religious freedom to be upheld around the world. The campaign is the initiative of Aid to the Church in Need UK and was held this year in partnership with Christian Solidarity Worldwide, two organisations that lobby for and support persecuted Christians globally. Other buildings turning red on Wednesday included Westminster Cathedral, Lambeth Palace and the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St George. Lambeth Palace lit up red in solidarity with our brothers and sisters persecuted for their Christian faith - and with all who suffer for their peaceably held beliefs. #RedWednesday pic.twitter.com/YInu0InkOF Lambeth Palace (@lambethpalace) November 28, 2018 #RedWednesday Stand up for Faith and Freedom pic.twitter.com/pkJ3HgukIj Aid to the Church (@aidtochurch) November 27, 2018 Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, Archbishop Angaelos asked people to join him in praying for those of all faiths and none, particularly those in the Middle East, who are suffering because of their beliefs. He also appealed to Christians to advocate for those who are less able to speak for themselves - the 'truly voiceless,' he said. 'So today please join me in prayer in advocating for and in constantly remembering and reminding others of the plight of our sisters and brothers around the world, Christians, those of many faiths and those of no faiths who are maybe persecuted just for following their conscience and expressing themselves as we are so free to do here,' he said. In addition to buildings being lit up in solidarity, people were being encouraged to mark the day by wearing red. ACN and CSW also led a candlelit procession to Amazing Grace, where Christians gathered outside to sing 'Amazing Grace'. Israeli artist beats Gaza rockets into Hanukkah lamps The clang of hammer on metal and the roar of a blowtorch can be heard long before you walk into Israeli metal sculptor Yaron Bob's workshop. Featured prominently in his workshop is a quotation from the Book of Isaiah: 'And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares.' Bob is doing something close to that in his studio in Yated, an agricultural community near the border where Israel, Gaza and Egypt meet. His raw material is rockets and mortar shells fired into Israel by Palestinian militants from Gaza, just 4 km (2.5 miles) away. The twisted shrapnel is dropped off at his smithy by police and Bob, 47, crafts artwork and religious symbols from the metal, selling his creations in Israel and abroad. In the run-up to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, he was busy crafting a monumental hanukkiyah, a candlestick with nine branches that is used during the eight-day festival that starts this year at sundown on Sunday. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah commemorates the 2nd century BC victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt in Judea against armies of the Seleucid Empire. Light is key to the holiday because, Jewish tradition says, the Maccabees found only enough ritually pure oil to fuel a ceremonial lamp in the temple in Jerusalem for one day, but it burned for eight days. Bob also makes the seven-branched menorah, a symbol that appears on the emblem of the State of Israel. 'The idea of turning rockets into menorahs and hanukkiyot is turning the symbol of death and destruction into a symbol of light, and hanukkiyah is the symbol of light,' Bob said. Israel and Gaza militants have fought three wars in the past 10 years, and violence occasionally erupts along the frontier. This year alone, more than 230 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and two Israeli soldiers and one Palestinian killed by Hamas militants either in border protests or conflict. Israel maintains tight conrol of the enclave's land, air and sea borders while the wider Israeli-Palestinian peace process has been stalled for several years. But the skies have been empty of rockets and missiles since a flare-up in mid-November in which more than 400 projectiles were fired from Gaza and Israel mounted dozens of air strikes. 'We have only between 10 to 15 seconds to run for shelter, so every millisecond counts, and because of that we are in anxiety,' Bob said. 'When I'm taking the rockets and I cut them and I put them in the furnace and I'm working with them or with the blow torch and I'm working, I'm like destroying, annihilating the rockets. So, this is my therapy.' Niger orders closure of Marie Stopes clinics Niger has become the second African country to take action against abortion provider Marie Stopes International in recent weeks. After Kenya demanded that the charity stop providing abortions earlier this month, Niger has now followed suit by ordering the closure of two centres, AFP news agency reports. Explaining the closures, the Niger government alleged that the centres have violated the country's abortion regulations. 'We have decided to close this charity on grounds of a 2006 law which bans abortions,' said Health minister Idi Illiassou, according to AFP. 'Our inquiries have shown that this non-governmental organisation is enabling the voluntary interruption of pregnancy,' he continued, adding that this was 'not authorised' in Niger. On its website, Marie Stopes says it opened its first centre in Niger in 2016 and that it provides family planning information and contraception in the country. It makes no mention of abortion services but also claims that in 2017, it 'prevented' 12,472 unintended pregnancies and 4,748 'unsafe abortions'. A representative told Reuters that Marie Stopes Niger was cooperating with authorities and that services outside of the two centres were running as normal. The action by the Niger government comes just weeks after Kenya accused Marie Stopes of promoting abortion in radio adverts and demanded that it stop performing abortions at its centres across the country. Marie Stopes Kenya denied any wrongdoing. 'At no point did we promote abortions,' marketing director Christopher Wainaina told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. 'Our media campaign talks about the legal status of abortion in Kenya, the stigma of abortion that exists and how it is leading to high numbers of women becoming victims of botched backstreet abortions and dying as a result.' Stop going to church, Philippines president tells his people Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has urged people to stop going to church and said they could build their own chapels instead. Duterte has faced fierce criticism from Catholic bishops over his 'war on drugs', which has seen thousands murdered in apparent extra-judicial killings. Police say they all died in gang shoot-outs. Yesterday he caused further outrage when he said he would set up a 'Duterte Death Squad' to kill members of the Maoist New People's Army. He has previously said 'God is stupid'. According to UCA News, Duterte said of bishops who had criticised his no-quarter drugs policy: 'You don't have to go to church to pay for these idiots.' He has accused Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who has criticised drug-related killings, of giving church donations to his own family, saying in a November 22 speech: 'You, David, you be quiet. You go on asking for contributions... Where does the people's money go?' He said: 'You know, the truth is, I tell you, the offerings, the pineapple, avocado, bananas, where do they go? You want to know? I will show you. [They go] To his family. 'The fool just keeps on asking there is even a second collection.' Duterte said he thought David might be taking drugs himself, to which the bishop replied on Facebook: 'No sir, I'm not into drugs of any sort, whether legal of illegal. Never been.' Theresa May brushes off reports that she blocked Asia Bibi asylum offer The Prime Minister has dismissed reports that she blocked an offer of asylum to a Pakistani Christian woman being hounded for her faith. Asia Bibi has been forced into hiding after being acquitted of blasphemy charges at the end of October. She spent the last eight years in solitary confinement in a Pakistani prison before being released three weeks ago. But her release sparked angry protests across Pakistan and calls for her death from Muslim hardliners. Her family has made appeals for asylum to several Western countries, including the UK, US and Canada, but a formal offer has not yet been forthcoming. The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Theresa May had refused an appeal by Home Secretary Sajid Javid to offer the family in the UK. According to the newspaper, the request was turned down by the Prime Minister over fears that it could stir up tensions among British Muslims and compromise the safety of British officials in Islamabad. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith asked May if there was any truth to the reports and whether the UK was planning to offer the family sanctuary. In her reply, May said the minister 'should not necessarily believe everything he reads in the papers' as she insisted that Britain was working for the 'safety and security' of Bibi and her family. 'The position that the Government take is very clear: our prime concern must be the safety and security of Asia Bibi and her family, and we want to see a swift resolution of the situation,' she said. 'Obviously, there is a primary function for the courts and Government in Pakistan. The Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has publicly supported the Supreme Court and has promised to uphold the rule of law, while providing continued protection for Asia Bibi. 'We could approach this in two ways. We could go out there and say something, just to show that the UK is doing that, or we could ask what is right for Asia Bibi. We are working with others in the international community and with the Pakistani Government to ensure that our prime aimthe safety and security of Asia Bibi and her familyis provided for.' Politicians have joined Christian campaigners in calling on the UK to offer asylum to Bibi. John Pontifex, of Aid to the Church in Need, told the Guardian that the family are fearing for their safety as tensions continue to run high over her acquittal. 'Mullahs had been reported in their neighborhood going from house to house showing photos of family members on their phones, trying to hunt them down,' he said. Earlier this month, Rehman Chishti resigned as Conservative Party Vice Chairman and the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Pakistan, citing Britain's failure to offer asylum to Bibi as one of the reasons. '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,' he wrote in his resignation letter. '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.' One of the most important European royal portraits to come to auction for a generation Old Masters specialist Jonquil OReilly illuminates the story behind Anthony van Dycks sumptuous Portrait of Princess Mary, Daughter of King Charles I of England, who was married at the age of 9 to cement Anglo-Dutch relations On 6 December, Sir Anthony van Dycks highly important Portrait of Princess Mary (1631-1660), daughter of King Charles I of England, full-length, in a pink dress decorated with silver embroidery and ribbons will be offered in the Old Masters Evening Sale at Christies London, during Classic Week. The rare work, which comes from an eminent private collection and has distinguished royal provenance, highlights not only Van Dycks significance as a royal court painter, but also his skill as a portraitist of children. In 1632, Van Dyck by then well-reputed for his spectacular portraits of many of the most important noble dynasties of Europe was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to their Majesties by King Charles I in London. A passionate collector and patron, Charles had long hoped to attract a painter of such status to his service, and found in Van Dyck an artist not only capable of fulfilling his desire for magnificent portraits, but also one who shared his tastes, especially for Venetian pictures. In 1641 Van Dyck was commissioned to paint a series of pictures to celebrate the marriage of the kings eldest daughter to William II, Prince of Orange a union intended to cement Anglo-Dutch relations. In this portrait, which was one of the last commissions Van Dyck undertook before his premature death at the age of 42, Mary is wearing the wedding ring and diamond brooch that William gave to her on 3 May 1641, the day after their marriage. She is using her hand to pull her skirt to one side, notes Christies Old Masters specialist Jonquil O'Reilly in the above short film, so youre instantly drawn to that wedding band. Marys spectacular coral-coloured gown, which falls in broad, heavy folds and is trimmed in rich, silver thread, is thought to be similar to the one she wore for her marriage to the prince. You can see the pure quality of that fabric from the way that the light bounces off it, its so lustrous, says the specialist. Van Dyck is an absolute master at recreating these textures. This portrait really draws you in and makes you think of Mary as a real person and not just a stiff and stately figure Jonquil OReilly Nuclear propulsion, spaceport development and improved education in science, math and technical subjects are among priorities that the National Space Council should examine as it crafts policies for returning humans to the moon and spurring more commercial activity in space, according to attendees at Houstons annual Space Commerce Conference and Exposition. The National Space Council was revived on June 30, 2017, having previously operated between 1958 and 1973 and again from 1989 to 1993, to advise and assist the president with national space policy and strategy. The Council has so far issued three Space Policy Directives. The first directed NASA to return humans to the moon. The second called for streamlined commercial space regulations, and the third related to space traffic management. An afternoon session on Wednesday, the second and final day of SpaceCom, featured three panel members from the Councils advisory group. Theyre charged with providing expertise and industry representation for the National Space Council chaired by Vice President Mike Pence. On Wednesday, they asked audience members to do the same. Today is about you doing for us what we do for the Space Council, said Tory Bruno, CEO of rocket company United Launch Alliance. So we are here to listen to you. An early priority named by audience members involved processes and regulations that would allow commercial companies to bring nuclear power used to move spacecraft or generate electricity into space. NASA has a process for such activities, but there is no approved way for a commercial company, said Pamela Melroy, director of space technology and policy for the Australian professional services firm Nova Systems. She is also a former NASA space shuttle commander. And audience members inevitably wanted to know about the Space Force that President Donald Trump directed the Department of Defense to establish as a sixth branch of the Armed Forces. Melroy said the National Space Council is discussing this, though it has not asked for opinions from the advisory group. I am thrilled that the topic is being discussed by the National Space Council right now, she said. Eric Stallmer, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and member of the Space Councils advisory group, also supported the creation of a Space Force. Space is a war-fighting domain, he said. Just like the seas are, and we needed a Navy. Just like the air is, and we needed to control the high grounds. We needed an Air Force. As for the Space Policy Directives, George Sowers, a professor of space resources at the Colorado School of Mines, said they would have a large impact on growing the commercial space sector. Suddenly you have a mandate to go exploit the resources of the moon or near-Earth asteroids, said Sowers, who is not on the Space Councils advisory board. Bruno, the chief executive of United Launch Alliance, also discussed the moon during his keynote speech Wednesday morning. The company expects to launch its new Vulcan Centaur system in 2021. This rocket is designed to offer a lower-cost ride for the increasingly popular small satellites as well as larger satellites. Bruno outlined a potential vision where humanity would no longer worry about the Earths limited amount of resources, specifically industrial metals. Citing NASA research, he said there are roughly 17,000 near-Earth objects, or asteroids, in the cislunar region of space holding more than 1,000 years of Earths total annual production of industrial metals. Less than a weeks journey from where you and I stand in this very room resides such abundance it defies human imagination, he said. We are living in an age where you and I, in our lifetimes, are going to see that developed and exploited for the benefit of humanity and it will completely change everything here on Earth. Oil climbed for the first time in three days as Russia expressed a willingness to join Saudi Arabia in curbing global supplies. Russia wants more predictability and "smooth price dynamics" in world crude markets, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview in Argentina. The remarks presaged a G-20 summit where Russia's Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman are expected to discuss oil supplies ahead of a broader meeting of top petroleum exporters next week. West Texas Intermediate crude has fallen 21 percent this month, on track for its its worst monthly showing in a decade. Yet after sliding below $50 a barrel earlier on Thursday -- a key budgetary marker for U.S. shale drillers -- some traders saw an oversold market, said Bart Melek, head commodity strategist at TD Securities in Toronto. EARLIER: Oil slumps as U.S. inventory rise adds pressure for supply cut "Sub-$50 crude would stress shale producer finances," Melek said, "suggesting the upward production trajectory could slow." West Texas Intermediate for January added $1.16 to settle at $51.45 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent for January settlement, which expires Friday, gained 75 cents to $59.51 on London's ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark traded at an $8.06 premium to WTI. The more-active February contract rose 82 cents to $59.51. INVENTORIES: Oil prices fall on 10th straight inventories build Putin praised the Saudi crown prince on Wednesday and said Moscow is ready to cooperate further. He also said crude around $60 a barrel is "balanced and fair" and well above the level needed to keep his government's budget in surplus. By contrast, Saudi Arabia needs oil at more than $80 a barrel to balance its budget. "Nobody is interested in either an artificial deficit or an oversupply," Ryabkov said. --With assistance from Tsuyoshi Inajima and Heesu Lee. 2018 Bloomberg L.P. Whats lurking in the muddy brown waters of Houstons bayous? Alligator gars, yes, and the occasional, actual alligator. But researchers were astonished recently to discover what may be a robust population of a threatened species that was not known to exist in the citys waterways: Alligator snapping turtles. To date, wildlife biologist Eric Munscher and his team from the Turtle Survival Alliance have tagged 60 of the fearsome looking creatures in Buffalo Bayou during the early stages of a study that will last a decade. To date, theyve found the turtles in sizes ranging from small juveniles to a 132-pounder that could be 80 years old. (Alligator snappers can live to be about 150.) The largest turtles in the U.S., they are an ancient and unique species with an important ecological function. While they also eat live fish, they scrub riverbed floors of carrion making them the vultures of the deep. And they dont have to float and sun themselves to raise their body temperature for food digestion, like other turtle species. The females come to land to lay eggs, but the secretive males spend their entire lives underwater, only poking their snouts above the surface once an hour or so to breathe. In spite of their fierce looks, alligator snappers are timid and will flee disturbances in the water until someone tries to touch them. Which could be problematic: The massive jaws of a large male can inflict as much as 1,200 pounds of bite pressure. In Texas, alligator snappers are protected by law as a threatened species. Anyone caught capturing or molesting them without permits from Texas Parks & Wildlife may face criminal punishment. ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS: 'Nobody in their right mind would think of Buffalo Bayou as a refuge.' How the turtles were discovered. molly.glentzer@chron.com Check out the slideshow above to see how we would make Luby's cool and profitable again... For generations Luby's has been a dining institution in the state of Texas. But lately there has been some dire news out of Lubyville about the company's financial outlook. This week the Houston Chronicle's Paul Takahashi wrote about an investors recommendation that the company should bring on new board members to turn around the struggling restaurant chain. RELATED: Activist investor calls for "fresh faces" to turn around struggling Luby's Luby's, in its latest annual financial report, said it had $365.2 million in sales over the year, down 3.7 percent from the previous year. Same-store sales fell a half percent. Those of us who grew up going to Luby's with family have fond memories of the place. Famous for its LuAnn platters, "square" fish planks, rich macaroni and cheese, and easy-going dining experience, Luby's has become a Texas comfort food staple. RELATED: The story of how Luby's became a Texas comfort food staple Cafeteria-style food has a place in Texas culture. There is something about loading up a tray with a meat, sides, bread, and dessert that scratches an itch for the true-blue Texan. It's perhaps one why local places like Treebeards, Cleburne Cafeteria, and Harry's in Montrose have had such longevity. In a world of Shake Shacks, Snooze, and others where can Luby's fit in? Let's figure out a way to make Luby's cooler than ever. It will just take some crazy thinking. RELATED: Houston's best breakfast spots, served all day long Houstonian Michael Bell thinks that a subtle name change is in order. That's the key to modern relevance. 'We should change the name from Luby's Cafeteria to Luby's Food Hall," Bell said this week. A cafeteria has a connotation of boring old people food. A high class food hall, like the newly opened Finn Hall and Conservatory in downtown, screams excitement and sriracha-infused vodka to millennials. "They want to walk into a 'food hall' that has ten different types of food available, counter-service instead of waiters, and line long enough to feel like they're in on the hashtag experience," bell added. "Guess what, y'all, that's called a Luby's and they've been doing it since the 1940s." 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 A proposed extension of North Landing Boulevard to NASA Road 1 aimed at increasing mobility in League City, Webster and other communities will be the topic of a Dec. 13 public hearing by the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of League City. Scheduled from 5:30 at Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St. in League City, the hearing will cover how the proposed 1.7-mile extension would provide an additional north-south roadway to ease congestion on FM 518, Bay Area Boulevard and Interstate 45, said Susan Oyler, the citys senior project manager. In addition to hearing from the public, TxDOT and city officials will offer details on the project. The open house portion of the meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. when engineering displays and environmental documents will be available for review, and a formal public hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. The work, which is in the preliminary design phase, would extend North Landing Boulevard, which now ends in a cul-de-sac just north of FM 518 in League City, to NASA Road 1 at a roundabout intersection west of Interstate 45 in Webster. League City and TxDOT have partnered on the project, which would cost $15.5 million for construction plus $1.5 million in engineering and design costs. A ground-breaking is proposed for 2022. The road would mostly consist of a raised 2,800-foot bridge over Clear Creek, Newport Ditch and undeveloped park land known as Myrtle Park, all of which are in a floodplain, Oyler said. Based on preliminary assessment, approximately 4.3 acres of the project is within a regulated floodway and approximately 10.8 acres lie within the 100-year floodplain, reads a description of the project on League Citys website. The proposed project could possibly impact up to approximately 3.21 acres of wetlands, the description says. Public Information Meeting What: Public hearing on proposed extension of North Landing Boulevard to NASA Road 1 When: Monday, Dec. 13. Open house will be at 5:30 p.m., public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Where: Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St., League City Details: Call the Texas Department of Transportation at 713-802-5000 or 713-802-5076 To Submit a comment Verbal and written comments from the public may be presented at the hearing, submitted in person or by mail at: TxDOT Houston District Office 7600 Washington Ave., Houston, Tx. Email: hou-piowebmail@txdot.gov Comments must be received on or before Jan. 4, to be part of the official hearing record. Include TxDOT Houston District project number: 0912-00-519 See More Collapse The roadway wont be running through Myrtle Park, Oyler said of the 50-acre plot of undeveloped land that the city intends to use as a park. The land hugs Clear Creek on the south side, just west of Challenger Seven Memorial Park. The road, however, will span part of the park via a bridge. The utility of the area will be impacted, but no car traffic through the park, she said. We cant proceed with final design phase til the final environmental clearance, she said. Which is what this public hearing is a part of. The road would be divided by a raised median varying in width from 4 to 16 feet and include two 12-foot lanes in each direction. It would also feature a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on one side of the roadway and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path for cyclists and walkers on the other side. A 100-foot bridge would span a narrow drainage channel, according to information from League Citys website. In addition to involving acquisition of less than an acre of the proposed Myrtle Park, the road extension would require 25 acres of new right-of-way and could potentially displace one commercial property. The degree of the road projects interaction with the floodplain and the wetlands should not impact flooding, Oyler said. Its a bridge structure that will be spanning over that 100-year floodplain. But there will be support structures that will be in it, she said. There wouldnt be any displacement of the actual floodplain. The portions of the road on either side of the bridge would be at ground level and outside of the floodplain, Oyler said. TxDOT spokesman Danny Perez said the the environmental assessment is taking place concurrent with the preliminary design phase and that the final design would not take place until the project received clearance through the National Environmental Policy Act, which is anticipated for early 2019. NEPA is a process overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which makes its own assessment of environmental impacts. The wetlands that are impacted will be mitigated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which could include work to compensate for any loss to wetlands for the road, Oyler said. Wrote Perez, We do not anticipate this project to worsen flooding. League City has hired WSP, a transportation and infrastructure consultant firm, for the project. The firm has been coordinating with Harris County Flood Control District through the development of the design. For those who cannot attend the public hearing, comments are accepted by mail to TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007, via email to hou-piowebmail@txdot.gov or in person at the Houston office and must be received no later than Jan. 4 to be a part of the official public hearing record. Include the TxDOT Houston District project number of 0912-00-519. jaimy.jones@chron.com WASHINGTON - Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Thursday that the United States needed to expand its energy infrastructure to meet the increasingly diverse sources of energy powering the nation. Speaking at an event hosted by the Consumer Energy Alliance, Perry cataloged strides in oil and natural gas production, advances in solar and wind technology, as well as the importance of nuclear energy. "Today's consumers have more choices, more information, more say on their energy sources than ever before," he said. "If we're to seize this amazing moment in American energy, it is imperative we build more energy infrastructure." The former Texas governor said that should include not only pipelines and power transmission lines but infrastructure in energy-producing regions like West Texas, including roads and schools. RELATED: Senate moves McNamee forward for FERC, despite Dems' objections Perry also talked at length about cyberattacks, saying the threat level was now approaching those of the period leading up to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. "Protecting our energy infrastructure against those attacks is our highest priority," he said. "We must rise to the occasion." The speech was perhaps most notable for what Perry did not talk about, namely the coal and nuclear bailouts pushed by President Donald Trump. The administration at one point considered using its emergency powers to stop coal and nuclear plants from closing, according to a memo leaked this summer, but so far no action has been announced. Perry left the event without taking questions from reporters. Google maps A man was shot dead Thursday at a house in the Cypress area, officials said. Authorities are looking for the gunman who opened fire at the home in the 10800 block of Gates Randal Court. The man killed was shot during a possible burglary or robbery, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. A time of the incident was not available. A vote tonight by the Liberty city council will decide the fate of Liberty Police Chief Thomas Claunch. Claunch was placed on administrative leave with pay on Nov. 5 while an investigation was completed. The city called the special session for 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 at city hall. There was no formal announcement made by the city and City Manager Tom Warner would not elaborate on the cause for the leave. He said that it was a personnel issue and declined to comment further. An announcement was expected before the Thanksgiving holidays, but it did not happen. Unconfirmed reports that the chief had already resigned were not true, according to the city attorney. As of this time the City does not have a copy of any resignation letter from Chief Claunch, said Liberty city attorney Brandon Davis. He is currently still on paid administrative leave. Mayor Carl Pickett in an earlier interview said the city had contracted with an outside attorney to look into the matter and did not want to render any judgement until the investigation was complete. Claunch was hired on March 10, 2015 to head the department and his first official date of hire was April 1, 2015. Claunch previously served as assistant police chief for Webster, Texas for 11 years. dtaylor@hcnonline.com LEVY PARK 3801 Eastside; levyparkhouston.org The Polar Express On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on an adventure to the North Pole while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. 6:30 p.m. Friday ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA 2707 Commercial Center, Katy; drafthouse.com/houston Step Brothers Two aimless middle-aged losers still living at home are forced to become roommates when their parents marry. 7:30 p.m. Friday Bram Stokers Dracula The centuries-old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harkers fiancee, Mina Murray, and inflict havoc in the foreign land. 9 p.m. Friday Dracula: Dead and Loving It Mel Brooks parody of the classic vampire story and its famous film adaptations. 9 p.m. Friday Elf A man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to New York in search of his true identity. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday Miracle Mile A young man picks up a random pay-phone call from a frantic soldier who warns of a nuclear attack that will hit L.A. within the hour. 4:30 p.m. Saturday New York Dog Film Festival Festival offers canine-themed films from around the world that inspire, educate and entertain about the human-canine bond. 12:30 p.m. Saturday Rodents of Unusual Size A story about giant swamp rats invading coastal Louisiana and the defiant people who are defending their communities, culture and livelihoods from the onslaught of this curious and unexpected invasive species. 3:30 p.m. Sunday New York Cat Film Festival A curated medley of short films and documentaries that honor the mysterious felines. 1 p.m. Sunday MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON 1001 Bissonnet; mfah.org Paris, Texas An aimless drifter who has been missing for four years wanders out of the desert and must reconnect with society, himself, his life and his family. 7 p.m. Friday British Arrows A showcase of innovative and daring commercials from the creative world of British advertising. 1 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 5555 Hermann Park Drive; hmns.org Pandas 3D In Sichuan, China, a researcher forms a bond with a panda that is about to experience nature for the first time. Multiple screenings daily. Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation Exploration of the contribution of volcanoes to the wildlife ecosystems, their impact on humans and the world we live in. Multiple screenings daily. Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D A journey of discovery transports the audience to the mysterious world of Earths oceans. Multiple screenings daily. RIVER OAKS THEATRE 2009 W. Gray; landmarktheatres.com Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Indiana Jones is asked to find a mystical stone; he then stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human sacrifices in the catacombs of an ancient palace. Midnight Friday and Saturday DISCOVERY GREEN 1500 McKinney; discoverygreen.com Home Alone An 8-year-old troublemaker must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation. 7 p.m. Thursday RICE CINEMA 6100 Main; film.rice.edu The Refuge Focuses on the Gwichin people of Alaska and Northern Canada and their fight to protect the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling and other threats. 7 p.m. Thursday Humble ISD is home to many National Merit Scholars, according to a press release from the school district. Created in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program has students grades nine through 12 a compete to receive academic recognition and financial support. Approximately 1.6 million students take the qualifying test each year, while about 50,000 of the highest scorers have the chance to be considered. In September, two-thirds of those high-scorers about 34,000 were named Commended Students and one-third about 16,000 were Semifinalists, per the programs entry and requirements page. There are 23 Commended Students and 10 Semifinalists in Humble ISD. Though Commended Students dont get to advance further, they become candidates for corporation and business-sponsored scholarships. Humble ISDs students who have this title include: Morgan Marinelli and Aden Smith from Atascocita High School. Kieran Tillis, Timothy Bates, Tyson Butterfield, Paige Colbert, Jack Dempsey, Megan Tragesser, Jaden Dick, Jaclyn Taylor, Sean Ferguson, Adelaide Meier, Max Grimes, Ryan Sullivan, Austin Hodges, Tristen Milam, Brendan Smith, and Alyssa Rodriguez from Kingwood High School. Nick Logan, Kyle Celaya-Alvarez, and Andrea Unwin from Kingwood Park High School Nicole Saito from Quest Early College High School Jeffrey Gutke from Summer Creek High School. Ten students from Humble ISD were named Semifinalists, meaning they are among those who score the highest in the state of Texas. They are: Asad Danka, Erin Peters, and Jordan Wells from Atascocita High School. Jacob Bass, Serena Doan, Grayson Graham, Robin Hormann, Jamie Lee, Lilly Tian, and Ian Padhye from Kingwood High School. To be considered as a Finalist, and later on the winner of the scholarship, the Semifinalists will have to satisfy additional requirements including an endorsement from a school official and consistent performance. Students of Hispanic and Latino descent who take the scholarship programs qualifying test may also be recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Eight from Humble ISD have the honor of being a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, and some are also Commended Students or Semifinalists. Jordan Wells and Erika Valdez from Atascocita High School. Isabel Bauhs, Catherine Childs, Grayson Graham, Max Grimes, and Vanessa Rodriguez-Corrales from Kingwood High School. Nicole Saito from Quest Early College High School. More about the National Merit Scholarship Program can be found on the National Merit Scholarship Corporations official website (www.nationalmerit.org). nguyen.le@chron.com It sucks growing old, especially when you age as fast as dogs do. Meet Malato, a 10-yr-old Maltese mix, who was surrendered by his owner because he was moving. It's not just that Malato has no home, he also has cataracts. Everything that was familiar to him - his environment, routines, smells and the people he was bonded to - is now gone. The Harris County Animal Shelter medical team thinks his cataracts can be corrected so he can see a little better. Through a new charity organization called Houston Thong Tin, members of the Houston Vietnamese community have been helping one another and also serving Houstons homeless. On Monday, Nov. 26, founder Vo Hoai Trung, co-founder Danny Nguyen, Charity Leader Tran Tri Hoang, Admin Hung Dinh and about two dozen volunteers gathered at Bun Cha Ca Da Nang, the Vietnamese restaurant that Vo owns in Alief. They prepared 250 fishcake sandwiches and loaded them into cargo vans, along with 250 cakes, 100 sleeping bags, 100 tents, 30 beanies, 10 pillows and 200 pairs of socks and gloves, ready to distribute first in Alief and then in downtown Houston. Both longtime Houstonians, Vo and Nguyen have seen a lot of people in need in the city. They started Houston Thong Tin to try to improve the situation. In just three months, the group has gained nearly 17,000 members on Facebook, mostly from the Vietnamese community. We are here to help our community. We are new here, so we start off with the Vietnamese community first. So we did helped them already, Vo said. Now, were expanding a little bit to help the homeless first, so pretty much what were doing here is everyone, you know, [wants] to help a hand to build a better community and give back. Nguyen, an insurance business owner, said the group is there to help the Vietnamese community prosper and grow through answering questions its members may have and providing consultation services, all free of charge, using the expertise of some its professional members like lawyers and business owners. Some of the services it provides include helping someone become a United States citizen, deal with a traffic ticket or get a document notarized. We do this because first we help each other out. Second, we do that because we have a good heart: we do that because we think its a good service to do for the community, and also it builds the community stronger, Nguyen said. That way, they will get the help that they need in their life. Members of the group can also use the Facebook forum for exchanging books needed for school, finding a room to rent or buying a car. There are also volunteer teams that will go out and assist members with issues like dead car batteries or flat tires. HTT plans to do the charity projects monthly. The first three outings have been funded mostly by the restaurant but also through some small donations from HTT members and other Alief businesses. According to Vo, the Nov. 26 project cost the restaurant about $2,000. He said transparency around funding is critical, noting that detailed lists are posted on Facebook within a couple of days after each project, showing exactly how each dollar was used and where it came from. The idea, Vo said, is really starting to take off. Now, the community actually believes in us and trusts us with the funds, Vo said. We get small donations like $10 or $20. It adds up. We use all this money to buy things that we need. Vo said at first, some in the Vietnamese community asked why he wanted to help homeless people, many of whom look differently than they do. You think the colors matter? Homeless is homeless, Vo responded. If they need your help and you can help, why dont you help? So I told them straight up, I dont care black, yellow, blue, gray I dont care. This is charity. The way charity means you are helping everyone. Nguyen said the work Houston Thong Tin is doing makes him proud. I am very proud because we do a good deed, a good service to [the] community for free of charge, and we are here to stand strong, united as one community to reach to all [who] need help, he said. As the volunteers prepared to hand out the food and gear, Vo said giving during the holiday season was particularly appropriate. He said a lot of his motivation to do good in Houston comes from his faith. Everybody has their own faith. Some people are lucky like me. You know, Im fortunate that I have a good job, a good life, but some people dont, he said. Not every homeless [person] chose that way - its the situations. We feel blessed that where were at right now, we have something to eat: warm food, warm blanket. So, you know, its just a small thing that you can help, but it makes a big difference to that person. Bun Cha Ca Da Nang is located at 12168 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 333, and specializes in fish noodles. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/BunChaCaDaNangHouston/. The next outing is budgeted to cost about $2,000, and monetary donations to help or items like pillows and tents can be dropped off at the restaurant. For more information about Houston Thong Tin or to join the group, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/754607671346948/?source_id=437135213481734. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is reaching out to the public for help in identifying and locating a suspect in a burglary at a Stafford-area bakery. The Sheriff's Office reports that about 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, deputies were dispatched to the Aishwarya Bakery and Restaurant in the 2000 block of Fifth Street in the Stafford area of Fort Bend County. Crosby Cougar Pride partnered with Crosby ISD this fall to help raise funds to replenish items that were cut from the general budget amid the districts financial crisis. For instance, Crosby Cougar Pride a creation of the Crosby Education Foundation used the money that was raised in their annual Crosby Education Foundation gala in September to pay teachers overtime to stay after school and help students prepare for the STAR Test. The foundation currently has about $62,000 to help pay teachers overtime to tutor students for the STAR Test. With all of the negative talk of the financial problems and all the changes that have been going on in the district, the kids achievements are being lost, theyre not being highlighted at all, Crosby Education Foundation Coordinator Melissa Murray said. DRASTIC MEASURES: Crosby ISD cuts Pre-K hours The Crosby Education Foundation started Crosby Cougar Pride this fall to bring some positive news to the community to counter balance the news of budget cuts and layoffs. Crosby Cougar Prides long-term goal is to fund everything that was cut from the budget that the district needs. Their short-term goal is to come up with fundraising ideas and find ways to get the community more involved. Yes, we are going through a lot of changes right now and yes, mistakes were made and yes, were having financial difficulties but the one thing that everyone in this community can agree on is these kids, teachers and staff all deserve to be showcased for the good things theyre doing, Murray said. Crosby Cougar Pride is comprised of the Education Foundation members, CISD employees and community members. CODE RED: Crosby ISD parents create volunteer group to fill in gaps for cash-strapped district The new support group is not only focusing on spreading the good information around Crosby, but they are also working on fundraisers that can help re-supplement the items and services that were cut from 2018-19 budget. Murray said one fundraising idea Crosby Cougar Pride is working on is selling T-shirts that will be designed by a Crosby High School student. We are hoping to launch in a couple of weeks a Facebook contest for the public and the community to vote on the winning design T-shirt, Murray said. That should be a really fun way to introduce our vision, introduce this movement that we have in mind and get people involved. kaila.contreras@chron.com Houston area drug dealers looking to eliminate the competition are in luck. The Rosenberg Police Department is offering to help drug dealers save money and claim more territory by offering a free service through Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. Drug dealers who want to report their competition can contact a narcotics detective or crime stoppers for free, according to a Facebook post from the RPD. All jokes aside, officials with the RPD said this is the first time they've run the creative crime prevention ad. "We are just reaching out to the community to try and liven things up [and] bolster attention to the police department," said RPD Lt. Justin Crocker. Crocker said as of Wednesday afternoon no suspected drug dealers have actually fallen for the prank and called to report any competition. His hopes are not set high that any will. CREATIVE COPS: Sheriff goes on 24/7 neighborhood watch after creating life-size, cutout signs "We don't expect any real responses," Crocker said. "We've just gotten a lot of engaged comments, a lot of positive comments. People understand its a joke and they appreciate it and think its funny." Crocker said the department might re-post the ad again once a year due to the community response it received. He added that despite the tongue-and-cheek ad, any resident aware of a suspected drug dealer should take the matter seriously. "Always if you suspect or see suspicious activity or are concerned with anything in your area, contact local law enforcement regardless of where you live," Crocker said. "We are always here to help." 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 A man who was picking up a victim of a home invasion in southeast Houston was shot to death Wednesday night, according to the Houston Police Department. Four or five men had forced their way into an apartment in the 7700 block of Adrian, not far from Berkley and the South Loop, about 10:25 p.m. A former MD Anderson Cancer Center scientist accused of possession of child pornography had his case dismissed Wednesday after a Harris County grand jury declined to indict him on charges brought by university police. Keping Xie, a 56-year-old researcher in pancreatic cancer, resigned from the cancer hospital in April, some three months after University of Texas-Houston police launched their investigation into contents of his work computer. The research hospital is part of the UT System. Xie was arrested Aug. 20, on allegations that his computer had five child pornography images and faced a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted. He vehemently denied the accusations. On Wednesday, he expressed sadness that so much time and resources were wasted by the hospital administration in trying to build a criminal case against him. Its sad they wasted taxpayer dollars, he told the Houston Chronicle in an exclusive interview. They wasted time, time that could be used for cancer research, education and patient care. His attorney, Nathan Mays, said Xie is considering filing a lawsuit against the MD Anderson and University of Texas-Houston police for malicious prosecution. The attorney said the criminal case was put together after Xie was forced to resign from the renowned Houston hospital. Xie, and his wife who is also a cancer researcher, left MD Anderson for the University of Arizona and took their four National Institute of Health grants that totaled $12 million. Those grants typically follow the researcher, not the institution, Mays said. It was because of those grants, Mays said, that the hospitals police force filed reports to get Xie charged. They acted with intent to damage Dr. Xies professional reputation, Mays said, and ultimately impaired and hindered his ability to conduct the extremely important research that he does and has done for 28 years. Officials with MD Anderson released a statement with the University of Texas-Houston police department saying they had a duty to turn over the information. As with any case involving suspected images of child pornography, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has legal and ethical obligations to turn over such images to authorities, according to the statement. We appreciate the District Attorneys efforts in pursing these charges, and we respect the Grand Jurys decision. Even though he is considering litigation against the institution, Xie left open the possibility of returning to MD Anderson, because of his long history there and deep friendships with colleagues. I would like to go back to MD Anderson, he said. I have been an advocate for MD Anderson for as long as I can remember, 28 years. So, I have a lot of work to do and I would like to go back. Xie has had a complicated relationship with the institution, which he successfully sued in 2011 to gain tenure. After he said he was forced to resign, he was hired as chairman of the department of interdisciplinary oncology at the University of Arizona in July. After the charges were filed, he was placed on administrative leave. Xies employment contract was rescinded in October because grant money had not been transferred to the University of Arizona, Mays confirmed. The attorney said Xies employment contract still guarantees the job, so Xie may have to sue to stay there. Officials with the University of Arizona declined to comment on the situation. Instead of blaming the Harris County District Attorneys Office for charging Xie, Mays said he blamed the UT-Houston police force, who submitted reports that prosecutors relied on to charge Xie with the felony offense last summer. The district attorneys office was not fully informed when they filed charges, Mays said. The DAs office confirmed the charges were dismissed but said little else. Every bit of evidence was presented to grand jurors, and with their vote, the community has determined that criminal charges are not warranted, DA spokesman Dane Schiller said. Typically under Texas law, police officers file charges against suspects and the DAs office accepts those charges. Then, within 90 days, a grand jury reviews the information in secret to make sure there is enough evidence to go forward and hands down an indictment. In a few rare cases, like Xies, the grand jury decides there is not enough evidence and signs a no-bill, which results in a dismissal. The case began in January, when a computer security officer, using a program to monitor what Xie was doing on his MD Anderson computer, saw the researcher appear to alter a restaurant receipt using Photoshop. He referred the matter to the University of Texas at Houston police to investigate as a possible case of tampering with a government record, which is typically a misdemeanor. Xie agreed to cooperate with the investigation and consented to a search where police took more than 80 electronic devices out of his home and lab, including laptops and external hard drives, Mays said. UT police arranged to have a judge sign a warrant at 1 a.m. to search Xies computers in case he refused, his attorney said. That data, about 40 terabytes, contained years of test results and other work, including those of his assistants. UT police hired an outside firm to conduct a forensic investigation of the data as part of their investigation of tampering with a government record. In March, that firm notified UT police that they suspected five images to be known child pornography, although they were not able to determine how the images were downloaded to the computer. The police at UT took that report to the Internet Crimes Against Children unit at the Houston Police Department, according to a sworn affidavit filed by the police with the charges. But HPD did not seek charges and instead sent the case back to the UT police department. It was an unusual move, Mays said, because HPD typically arrest suspects once child pornography is detected. In June, the UT police got another search warrant to search Xies computers again but found nothing new, according to court documents. Two months later, after Xie had moved to Arizona with his grant money, he was arrested. After Xie was arrested, there were anonymously sourced reports that the FBI was investigating the cancer researcher for possible espionage on behalf of China. Xie denied the allegation and Mays called it ludicrous. This child pornography charge is the second against an MD Anderson professor since 2015. Dr. Dennis Patrick Hughes, a pediatrician, remains in a federal prison in Bastrop after being sentenced to seven years in December 2016. He was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in June 2015. In that case, MD Anderson immediately reached out to Hughes patients to disclose those activities. There was no such disclosure of the allegations against Xie. An MD Anderson spokeswoman said that was because he was no longer employed by the institution when he was charged and never was involved in patient care. Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of 164 wanted parole violators in the Houston area as part of an ongoing multi-agency operation. In addition to parole violations, the suspects' charges range from theft to sexual assault to murder, authorities said during a press conference. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said 16 surrounding agencies, including sheriff's offices in Harris, Waller and Montgomery counties, met in September to coordinate a system that targets parole violators across the region. RELATED: Suspected serial killer expected to face 3 capital murder charges He said local agencies wanted to take a closer look at those offenders after two parolees cut their ankle monitors and killed four people between them in July. "When people are not complying with the terms and condition of parole, that doesn't mean they've been hanging out in church finding God," he said at the press conference. "We know that four people lost their lives at the hands of two suspects ...who had cut their ankle monitors." One of those suspects was Jose Gilberto Rodriguez, who eluded police for almost two weeks during an alleged nine-day killing spree. Two people were killed at a local mattress store and a woman was found dead in her home. He's facing three capital murder charges in that case. At Tuesday's press conference, Acevedo said the arrests were made over a two-week period, and the agencies plan to conduct these large-scale operations every quarter. A Waller County Sheriff's Office sergeant said one of their high profile parole violators admitted to sexual assault, theft of a firearm and another theft in Fort Bend County. The sergeant did not identify that suspect. RELATED: Son charged in mom's stabbing death held without bond Officials with the Harris County Sheriff's Office said they were able to clear 34 warrants after arresting 25 parolees during the operation. And Houston PD released mugshots of all 86 parolees arrested by their agency. One suspect arrested by Houston police, 37-year-old Regina Havard, showed visible facial injuries in her booking photo. Houston Police Spokesman Victor Senties said she sustained the injuries during an incident in Lufkin unrelated to her arrest. Kirk Bonsal, the chief deputy at the Harris County Pct. 3 Constable's Office, expects the community will greatly benefit from the ongoing team effort. "Really, you get down to it, it's a quality of life issue," he said. "You're taking these bad guys out of these neighborhoods and its a better place for their families." 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 Pearland police say they believe that thieves traveling in stolen vehicles are behind a rash of recent vehicle break-ins in Shadow Creek Ranch. For example, at least eight motor vehicle break-ins occurred within blocks of each other during early morning on Nov. 21 in Shadow Creek Ranch, Pearland police said. Police detectives believe thieves are arriving in stolen vehicles, committing the burglaries and then abandoning the vehicles they came in, police officer James Wells said. Our detectives are knee-deep in these break-ins, Wells said. While saying that the investigation is in its infancy and that We dont want to tip our hand, Wells said police have a list of potential suspects. In the meantime, Wells urged residents to heed the departments lock-take-hide advice, whether at a business or at home. Make sure to lock your vehicle, take out anything of value and secure or hide it in the trunk, he said. Especially with the holidays upon us, were going to have tons of gifts in the car, Wells said. Secure those things in the trunk, and at nighttime, take those inside. In the Nov. 21 cases, officers filed two motor vehicle burglary reports in the 13600 block of Evening Wind Drive and one each in the 13400 block of Great Creek Drive, 13800 block of Juniper Springs Drive, 13800 block of Laurel Loch Court, 13500 block of Mystic Arbor Lane, 13600 block of Orchard Wind Lane and 2300 block of Seabreeze Lane. Also in Shadow Creek Ranch, motor vehicle burglaries were reported Nov. 19 in the 2000 block of Shore Breeze Drive, in the 11000 block of Shadow Creek Parkway and in the 13200 block of Barons Cove Lane. Police filed two vehicle motor burglary reports Nov. 20 in the 2100 block of Pearl Bay Court, and another vehicle break-in was reported that day in the 1000 block of Bass Pro Drive, police said. These break-ins follow reports of early morning vehicle burglaries that occurred Nov. 18 in the master-planned community on Balsam Lake, Breezeway, Castlewind, Running Brook and Split Creek lanes and on Crestwind and Shore Breeze drives. Turkey troubles lead to assault report Holiday stress appeared to reach a breaking point last week in one Pearland household, authorities said. A woman claimed her daughter assaulted her during a dispute involving a turkey, according to a police report filed Nov. 25 in the 2800 block of Brownstone Place. Assault Police filed an assault, family violence report involving a deadly weapon and serious bodily injury Nov. 21 in the 3200 block of Warren Road. Assault charges were filed Nov. 22 in the 1700 block of Old Alvin Road, police said. Police issued citations to a Pearland man, 51, and woman, 18, for assault Nov. 22 in the 4300 block of Twin Lakes Trail. Police arrested a Pearland man, 32, for assault, family violence Nov. 22 in the 2900 block of Dawn Haven Lane. A Pearland woman, 32, was arrested for assault, family violence Nov. 25 in the 4700 block of Cypress Bend Court, police said. Burglary Burglary of a habitation was reported Nov. 21 in the 2300 block of Halbert Drive, police said. Police filed a motor vehicle burglary report Nov. 23 in the 2900 block of Cullen Parkway. Motor vehicle burglary was reported Nov. 23 in the 3400 block of Business Center Drive, police said. Police filed a motor vehicle burglary report Nov. 24 in the 2700 block of Miller Ranch Road. Police filed a report for attempted vehicle burglary Nov. 24 in the 1000 block of Main Street. Burglary of a building was reported Nov. 25 in the 2700 block of Manvel Road, police said. Motor vehicle burglary was reported Nov. 25 in the 3200 block of McLean Road, police said. Theft Police conducted a theft investigation Nov. 19 in the 2500 block of Business Center Drive. Theft was reported Nov. 19 in the 2700 block of Westland Lane, police said. A Houston woman, 21, was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm Nov. 20 in the 15200 block of Texas 288, police said. Police filed a theft report Nov. 20 in the 900 block of Peach Blossom Drive. A purse was stolen between Oct. 1 and Nov. 13 from a residence in the 9700 block of Excalibur Court, according to a Nov. 20 police report. A debit card from the purse was used without consent, police said. Police filed a motor vehicle theft report Nov. 20 in the 11000 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. Shoplifting occurred between Nov. 2 and Nov. 20, according to a police report filed Nov. 21 in the 15800 block of Texas 288. Police took a Houston woman, 62, into custody for shoplifting Nov. 21 in the 1900 block of Main Street. Three unknown suspects stole merchandise Nov. 22 from Walmart, 12600 Broadway St., police said. Theft occurred Nov. 21, according to a police report filed Nov. 24 in the 4600 block of Cypress Bend Court. Theft of a motor vehicle was reported Nov. 24 in the 1000 block of Main Street, police said. Police filed a report for theft and fraud Nov. 24 in the 3500 block of Old Holly Drive. Theft was reported Nov. 24 in the 2500 block of Pearland Parkway, police said. Police arrested a Pearland woman, 22, for shoplifting Nov. 24 in the 1900 block of Main Street. Police conducted a shoplifting investigation Nov. 25 in the 11200 block of Broadway Street. Theft occurred Nov. 22 in the 2500 block of Barry Rose Road, according to a Nov. 23 police report. Robbery Robbery occurred Nov. 20 in the 2600 block of Pearland Parkway, police said. Fraud, forgery Police filed a credit or debit card abuse report Nov. 19 in the 6500 block of Hillock Lane. Prescription forgery occurred between Sept. 30 and Nov. 19, according to a police report filed Nov. 19 in the 12800 block of Broadway Street. A check for $200 was forged between Nov. 8 and Nov. 19, according to a police report filed Nov. 20 in the 2300 block of Main Street. A suspect used counterfeit money to purchase an item Nov. 20 in the 2100 block of Kingsley Drive, police said. Credit or debit card abuse occurred Aug. 28, according to a police report filed Nov. 21 in the 9400 block of Jacky Cochran Drive. Police filed a forgery report Nov. 21 in the 9500 block of Broadway Street. Credit or debit card abuse occurred Nov. 19, according to a police report filed Nov. 23 in the 1800 block of Pearland Parkway. Credit or debit card abuse was reported Nov. 25 in the 2400 block of Lynn Drive, police said. Evading arrest, detention Police took a Cypress man, 51, into custody for evading arrest or detention Nov. 19 in the 1000 block of Main Street. Driving while intoxicated Police arrested a Pearland man, 39, for DWI Nov. 19 in the 12600 block of Broadway Street. A Pearland man, 39, was arrested for DWI with a child passenger Nov. 21 in the 2400 block of Main Street, police said. Police took a Mansfield woman, 23, into custody for DWI Nov. 21 in the 3000 block of Business Center Drive. Police arrested a Houston man, 29, for DWI with a child passenger Nov. 21 in the 8400 block of Broadway Street. A 36-year-old Friendswood man was arrested for DWI Nov. 22 in the 16700 block of Texas 288, police said. A Houston woman, 23, was arrested for DWI Nov. 22 in the 1800 block of Cullen Parkway, police said. Police arrested a 22-year-old Pearland man for DWI Nov. 23 in the 2000 block of Main Street. Police took a Pearland man, 41, into custody for DWI Nov. 23 in the 2700 block of Cullen Parkway. A Houston man, 30, was taken into custody for DWI Nov. 24 in the 2500 block of Cullen Parkway, police said. A Houston woman, 25, was arrested for DWI Nov. 25 in the 2900 block of Smith Ranch Road, police said. Police arrested a Missouri City man, 24, for DWI Nov. 25 in the 6500 block of Broadway Street. A Pearland woman, 54, was taken into custody for DWI Nov. 25 in the 3300 block of Edgewater Bend Lane, police said. Harassment Harassment occurred between Nov. 10 and Nov. 18, according to a police report filed Nov. 20 in the 2900 block of Oak Road. Police filed a harassment report Nov. 21 in the 4700 block of Linden Place. Narcotics Police arrested a 22-year-old Houston man for marijuana possession and unlawfully carrying a weapon Nov. 21 in the 2300 block of Main Street. A Richmond woman, 37, was arrested for marijuana possession Nov. 21 in the 11200 block of Broadway Street, police said. A Houston woman, 41, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and a traffic warrant Nov. 23 in the 1500 block of Cullen Parkway, police said. A Pearland man, 30, was arrested for marijuana possession and DWI Nov. 24 in the 3000 block of CR 59, police said. Police arrested a 25-year-old Houston man for marijuana possession Nov. 25 in the 11100 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. A 17-year-old Houston man was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia Nov. 25 in the 2300 block of Main Street, police said. Found property Five cell phones were found Nov. 22 in the road along the 2700 block of Shallow Creek Drive, police said. Criminal mischief An unknown male suspect entered a business and committed criminal mischief Nov. 24 in the 3100 block of Cullen Parkway, police said. Police charged a Pearland woman, 29, with criminal mischief after she allegedly damaged a vehicle during an argument Nov. 25 in the 4500 block of Broadway Street. Sex offender registration Police filed a report for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements Nov. 24 in the 11300 block of Broadway Street. Traffic Police arrested a Pearland man, 45, for driving while license invalid and Houston warrants Nov. 21 in the 3700 block of Broadway Street. A Missouri City man, 29, was arrested for no drivers license Nov. 23 in the 2600 block of McLean Road, police said. Houston ISD trustees agreed in October to treat each other with respect following a rancorous public meeting. The truce didn't last long for two board members. Trustees Jolanda Jones and Elizabeth Santos engaged in a 30-second shouting match during a workshop Tuesday, with Jones shouting for Santos to "be quiet" and Santos calling Jones a "liar." The brief argument came during an otherwise respectful five hours that trustees spent discussing transportation issues, district values and potential partnerships with private organizations to run low-performing schools. The back-and-forth started when Jones insinuated some trustees have been disingenuous about wanting to provide raises for bus drivers, and Santos called for a "point of order" to rein in Jones' animated comments. The conduct of trustees has been closely monitored following the October meeting, during which a few trustees lobbed accusations of racism, hypocrisy and unethical behavior against their colleagues amid a covert attempt to replace Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. In the following days, after receiving criticism for their behavior, trustees agreed to a "resolution concerning reconciliation," in which they committed to "reconciling with one another," "treating each other with respect" and engage in "ongoing team building." Trustees had been generally respectful of one another during public meetings prior to Tuesday's tiff. A top Texas Education Agency official offered Tuesday to work with the HISD board to dramatically overhaul its governance operations, which have been marred by in-fighting and unproductive behavior. The official, Deputy Commissioner of Governance AJ Crabill, said he would offer his services free of charge, on the condition that all nine trustees agreed to his presence. His offer was not in response to the argument between Jones and Santos. Jones, who has been vocally hostile toward TEA officials, declined Wednesday to answer questions from the Houston Chronicle on whether she would accept Crabill's offer, repeatedly telling a reporter, "I'm not talking to you." A Navasota High School student was arrested Thursday morning after district leaders were notified of a potential threat, officials said. No injuries have been reported at the high school in Grimes County, northwest of Houston. The district reported about 7:20 a.m. that a potential threat had been made against the school. About 25 minutes later, the district reported Navasota Police Department detained the student. A warrant was then executed and the student arrested, the district said. No information about the potential threat was immediately available. It all started with a late-night dice game. Earl Perry was hoping to win some money in the parking lot outside Ts Restaurant. But sometime around 2 a.m. on a June night in 1997, an argument started outside the Cavalcade hotspot. Maybe it was loaded dice, or maybe it was an unfriendly competitor with his own game to protect two decades later, that's still not clear. Either way, Perry ended up dead in the parking lot, shot in the back and left in a clutter of beer cups and chicken bones. Three years afterward, a Fifth Ward man named Lamar Burks was convicted of killing him and sent to prison for 70 years. Now, Burks attorney is asking the Harris County District Attorneys Office to review the case after one of the Drug Enforcement Administration agents involved Chad Scott was indicted in New Orleans on a slew of federal charges, including perjury and falsifying evidence in an unrelated case. They havent proven it in court yet, but defense attorney Michael Wynne is convinced that sort of thing happened in Burks case, too, according to claims laid out in a recently filed appeal and a letter to the district attorneys office. The scope of the allegations against former Agent Scott only strengthens our belief that Lamar Burks has been wrongly imprisoned for 18 years, Wynne said. The case raises some troubling questions about what can happen with rogue agents, but were hopeful the DA will take another look. But prosecutors say theyve done that, and that Burks whos already lost two appeals is welcome to continue pursuing a third appeal if he doesnt agree. Our Conviction Integrity Division thoroughly reviewed these claims months ago at the request of the defendants family, DA spokesman Dane Schiller said. Additionally, the chief of that division has cooperated with the defendants post-conviction lawyer, including meeting with him in person, answering his questions, and facilitating his review of the states file. Scotts attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Recanted allegations After the shooting, Burks was initially set to go to trial in 1998. But on the day it was slated to begin, prosecutors dismissed the case because they couldnt find some of the witnesses. At first it appeared that Burks had gotten off. But at the same time, the DEA was investigating Houston hip-hop mogul James Prince, founder of Rap-A-Lot records, according to a Dallas Morning News report in 2000. The case netted roughly two dozen drug arrests and, even though the DEA apparently set its sights on Prince, he was never charged. The years-long federal investigation was called off abruptly, sparking a congressional probe and murky allegations of political pressure. But leads developed during the abandoned case helped prosecutors secure a second indictment against Burks, the Dallas paper wrote. This time, though, the charges focused on Burks and another man, an admitted drug dealer named Derevin Lil D Whitaker. When police first questioned him in prison, Whitaker said he wasnt there that night, according to court records. But then he changed his story blaming Burks and another man for the slaying and winning dismissal of his indictment. That was no coincidence, according to Wynne. Instead, the defense lawyer blames Scott, the now-indicted DEA agent. Whitaker was telling the story Scott wanted him to tell in exchange for a plum deal, Wynne wrote in his letter to the district attorney. The man Whitaker pointed to as Burks partner in the crime Clayton Brown took a five-year plea deal and has since been released. Neither he nor Whitaker could be reached for comment. Another of the witnesses, Randy Lewis, has since recanted, according to a sworn statement filed with the most recent appeal. In it, Lewis claims Scott and his partner bullied him into offering up false testimony. I went in front of the Grand Jury and I told them that Lamar Burks shot and killed Earl Perry, he wrote. That statement was not at all true. He didnt come forward sooner, according to the appeal, because he was scared the DEA agents would kill him. The point was not just to put Burks behind bars but to pressure him into giving up his friend Prince, according to Wynnes theory of the case laid out in court filings and in the November letter. Burks refused to lie, and he has paid a terrible price for that decision, Wynne wrote. Murky trail of questions The allegations echoed charges against Scott spelled out in a multi-count federal indictment stemming from a sprawling probe into the DEA task force he ran during his years in Louisiana. In the 2017 indictment, prosecutors alleged Scott pressured a man to lie and say hed witnessed specific drug deals when he had not. Then, Scott allegedly lied on the stand when later questioned about it, all as part of an effort to win a conviction against a suspected heroin dealer. On top of that, according to court filings, Scott allegedly took $10,000 to push prosecutors to reduce a mans prison sentence, stole money from drug seizures and falsified records. Two former members of the task force have already pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate, and a third was indicted on similar charges. Meanwhile, in Burks case, prosecutors have not filed a response to any of the claims raised in the latest appeal filed in state district court. But district attorney spokesman Schiller pointed out that Scott never testified in the trial, which focused more on Whitakers eyewitness testimony. Lawyers make claims on behalf of convicted clients every day, and we have an entire division dedicated to such matters, Schiller said. An eyewitness who testified at trial has said he saw Burks shoot Earl Perry, that he witnessed the killing of a man who died over dice. But, in a murky case with a trail of unanswered questions, even that is in dispute. After the slaying, police only recovered one die, surrounded by shell casings on the concrete. keri.blakinger@chron.com Following the implosion of Paul Manaforts cooperation agreement with special counsel Robert Mueller, a lawyer for President Donald Trump casually announced that Manaforts lawyers had been briefing Trumps lawyers about his sessions with the Mueller team all along. This revelation, far from routine, in fact is jaw-dropping - and it has significant legal and political implications. First, and least, it represents another breach of the demolished cooperation agreement that Manafort entered into in order to avoid the expense and near-certain conviction in a second trial. Some defense attorneys have asserted that it is common for cooperating witnesses to share information with other suspects (as we know the president is here) or putative defendants. Not so. Once a witness enters into a cooperation agreement with the government - which he does for the very valuable consideration of a potential reduction in sentence - he has agreed contractually to a full, no-holds-barred provision of information. The government in turn will frame questions and possibly share evidence with the witness, all of which reveal the governments thinking. The universal understanding is that the witness will not run back and reveal the governments case to potential suspects. A witness is normally free to talk to defense attorneys if he chooses. A cooperator is not (and that holds whether or not it is expressly spelled out in the agreement). Second, whatever Team Trump may assert, the conversations between some combination of Manafort, Trump and the lawyers for both of them were not privileged, and Mueller is entitled to know their contents. Defendants are entitled to enter into privileged conversations with their own lawyers, and the government cannot force the attorney to reveal them. This is entirely proper and part of the constitutional guarantee of effective assistance of counsel. A corollary to this principle permits co-defendants and potential defendants to share certain information - essentially the same information that would be shielded by the attorney-client privilege for either of them - on the grounds that they have a common interest. This interest is generally set out in a joint defense agreement, or JDA, which confirms the umbrella of covered discussions. Crucially, however, the JDA can operate only among parties who do in fact have a common interest. A defendant cannot simply pick and choose people he wants to talk to and thereafter claim that a conversation is privileged. And when Manafort entered into the cooperation agreement with the government, he ceased to have a common interest with other defendants, including the president, as a matter of law. As former U.S. attorney Chuck Rosenberg put it, having signed with the Yankees, he couldnt give scouting reports to the Red Sox. Thus, Mueller is fully entitled to subpoena Manafort counsel Kevin Downing and whichever Trump counsel spoke with him (one trusts it wasnt Emmet Flood, who is too savvy for such shenanigans) and force them to reveal every word of the discussions. But thats where political considerations possibly intercede. It is possible that Trumps counselors bank on Mueller staying his hand to avoid loud (if bogus) cries of foul play from Trump apologists, renewed rants from Trump about a witch hunt, and even, possibly, a refusal from acting attorney general Matthew G. Whitaker to permit the subpoenas to go forward. Finally, the open pipeline between cooperator Manafort and suspect Trump may have been not only extraordinary but also criminal. On Manafort and Downings end, there is a circumstantial case for obstruction of justice. What purpose other than an attempt to influence, obstruct, or impede the investigation of the president can be discerned from Manaforts service as a double agent? And on the Trump side, the communications emit a strong scent of illegal witness tampering (and possibly obstruction as well). Proving those charges would require a fight. The lawyers would be expected to assert privilege, and cries of overreach would sound from the White House and pro-Trump journalists. Whitaker could impede or countermand the effort. But its critical to understand the stakes of the battle. Even more than the presidents potential criminal liability, there is a set of burning questions about exactly what happened in 2016, the extent to which Russian efforts to influence the presidential election found purchase in the United States, and what part was played by high-level Trump campaign officials or the president himself. It is intolerable to consider that the truth of these consequential matters would be smothered and kept from the American people indefinitely. But thats exactly what the presidents overall strategy aims to do, and with the support, at least tacitly, of a complicit still-Republican-majority - for now - Congress. Is there nobody in the GOP with the guts to stand up to the president and the resolve to see that the truth will out? Litman teaches constitutional law at the University of California at San Diego. He has served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and deputy assistant attorney general. input file 20181128WPBLOOM___WASHPOST__manafort-litman-comment.xml Ignore the incendiary rhetoric coming out of Washington D.C., the new political climate south of the border has never been more favorable, especially toward green energy providers. And the United States, Mexico and ultimately Texas, have a lot to gain through greater and mutually-beneficial collaboration. As the largest producer of alternative energy in the United States, Texas is defying stereotypes. But we shouldnt stop there. The appetite for renewable energy in Mexico has never been stronger, putting anyone with expertise in wind and solar energy in a position to capitalize on the potential benefits of entering such a huge market. The recent political elections in Mexico ushered in energy-focused leadership at the highest levels. On Dec. 1, both the new president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and the new Mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, officially took office. Both ran on platforms vowing to tackle Mexicos worsening environmental problems. Mexico City is one of the most polluted urban centers on the planet. Each day its 21 million inhabitants battle with inadequate public transport, epic traffic jams, air pollution and frequent water shortages. Many worry Lopez Obradors left-leaning rhetoric is likely to scare off foreign investment. But being able to provide more affordable energy to Mexicans will probably lessen any protectionist sentiment within his ruling coalition. And its not just the new, more favorable political climate in Mexico that makes now a good time for green energy providers in the United States to enter the market. The law is on their side too. Efforts to reform the Mexican energy market have been ongoing since 2012, and many of the initiatives agreed upon six years ago are coming on line now. The Market for Clean Energy Certificates initiative, for example, is a key tenet of a broader Mexican effort to provide more diverse energy sources. This state-led initiative created an open, competitive market for alternative energy. Private companies bid for market share, and whichever offers the most competitive rate is awarded a Clean Energy Certificate. The new system only became fully operational this year. Authorities already aim to increase the amount of electricity generated from clean energy sources to 35 percent of total national output in five years and to 50 percent by 2050. In Texas, the vast majority of alternative energy being generated comes from wind farms. In order for Mexico to achieve its own proposed targets for energy diversification, the country has three years to complete the same wind farm capacity that took Canada more than two decades to develop. Texas and California have a great deal of experience in deploying solar systems on the micro scale that are efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting. Any affordable solar power system that could be deployed into individual households thereby affording Mexicans the ability to sell their surplus energy back to the grid would be, to put it mildly, very popular. Any collaboration, however, must be on equal terms. The new Mexican leadership may be more open to diversifying their energy portfolio but not at the expense of the people who elected them. Successful collaboration between Mexico and the United States, and ultimately Texas, will hinge upon American companies not only hiring personnel locally but also training Mexicans to a level that furnishes the local community with the requisite expertise to take over operations at some point down the road. Given the existing political climate, U.S. companies should try to engage directly with the new Mexican leadership instead of using more conventional diplomatic channels. This is not simply an exercise in political expediency. American companies will need to gain the trust of their Mexican counterparts who have had ample reason to be skeptical of the motivations of U.S. enterprise in the past. Entering the Mexican green energy market is not without challenges. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. However, the conditions have never been more favorable for greater energy-related cooperation, and managed carefully, it could be a win-win situation for both sides: something the U.S. and Mexico desperately need right now. Torres-Verdin is a professor of petroleum and geosystems engineering in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Google's parent Alphabet is working overtime to eradicate mosquito-borne diseases in the Fresno County, California. The project is being undertaken by Verily Life Sciences, a research organisation run by Alphabet. If the trials at the Fresno County succeed then Google will look to implement the method at places where such mosquitoes spread dengue, chikungunya and Zika that kill thousands of people each year. Verily plans to infect thousands of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Wolbachia, a common bacterium, and release them out in the open. This breed of genetically altered male mosquitoes, which don't bite humans, would then mate with the females, and pass on Wolbachia. Now, if the female mosquitoes lay eggs, those eggs will not hatch! "When those 80,000 lab-bred Wolbachia-infected, male mosquitoes mate with their counterpart females in the wild, the result is stealth annihilation: the offspring never hatch", said Jacob Crawford, a Verily senior scientist, according to the Bloomberg report. Aedes aegypti is originally an African mosquito but is now found in tropical regions in more than 120 countries, including India. Meanwhile, Bloomberg says, "it is unclear what will happen if the mosquitoes are wiped out worldwide, though some scientists say they are unnecessary to the larger ecosystem". A similar study was conducted in northern Queensland, Australia and it was found that the population of mosquitoes in the trial release zones fell by more than 80% in just over three months. Edited By: Udit Verma In January, Democrats will take full control of the New York state Senate for the first time in a decade. After years of the GOP blocking progressive initiatives, particularly political reforms that would weaken the partys grip on power, the new majority might finally overhaul New Yorks weak campaign finance laws. A coalition of unions and progressives organizations are gearing up to push for a public matching funds system with contribution limits for state candidates modeled on the existing program in New York City. Heres how the citys program works: Candidates for city office can see their small donations matched $6-to-$1 with public money (soon to be $8-to-$1), if they participate in this generous system in return for accepting strict limits on fundraising and spending. Participating City Council candidates cant receive donations from individuals greater than $2,850 and cannot spend more than $190,000 during a primary. (There is no requirement to participate in the system, however, and self-funding candidates like the billionaire former mayor, Michael Bloomberg, are able to still spend whatever they want.) A state-level system would follow citys example, with a $6-to-$1 match, and would lower astronomical donation limits while closing of the notorious LLC loophole, which allows businesses and wealthy individuals such as real estate developers to evade contribution limits by using limited liability corporations to donate to candidates. This proposal would be a vast improvement on the status quo, arguably one of the very worst state systems in the country. (There is no agreement yet on what state donation limits would be lowered to candidates for state Senate currently can accept up to $18,000 from an individual, while the governor is able to rake in $65,100 from an individual.) State lawmakers, however, should consider another, even better option for fixing our campaigns in New York: democracy vouchers. Instead of public matching funds, state lawmakers should attempt to create a statewide democracy voucher program, the first of its kind in America, giving every resident in New York state a chance to donate to chosen candidates and incentivizing candidates and elected officials to appeal to ordinary people instead of those who can afford to donate their own money. The program would be modeled on Seattles, where a democracy voucher program was successfully implemented for municipal elections last year. Eligible residents received a voucher worth $100 to donate to local candidates of their choice. Candidates who participated in the program had to agree to strict guidelines on how to spend the money received, such as $75,000 for a city council primary and $400,000 for a mayoral primary. A city council candidate in the voucher program can only receive up to $250 from individuals. The idea behind the program was pretty simple: Give money to residents, including the many who would normally not be able to donate campaign cash, creating a much bigger well of potential donors to combat the influence of big money in politics. One early analysis of the program found it greatly diversified the pool of people who donate to elections, increasing political giving by younger people, people of color and those who have low incomes. The program has not necessarily been a panacea for solving the big-money-in-politics problem but neither has New York Citys campaign finance system, either. Without a repeal of the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court decision, corporations, labor unions and super PACs will still be able to spend unlimited outside money on local and national races. Any attempt locally to restrict their spending would run up against the Supreme Court. So why should the coalition of progressive groups and labor unions gearing up for a public financing push look at democracy vouchers? First, it should be stated again that any public financing system would be a vast improvement over the states current laws. As a former candidate for state Senate, I know this firsthand donation limits for my race were higher than races for New York City mayor and Congress. The state Board of Elections barely enforces campaign infractions. While the public matching funds system in New York City has represented a step forward for local democracy, it remains flawed. A well-wired donor class still drives political giving in local politics. Powerful lobbyists, real estate developers and those who seek to buy influence continue to drown out the voices of ordinary people. Despite a robust matching funds system, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has repeatedly shown his top donors still buy far more access to him than everyone else. Pay-to-play allegations havent disappeared. The real estate industry still drives policy in City Hall. Four years ago, City & State investigated the downside of New Yorks set-up. Because the city is doling out public money, the New York City Campaign Finance Board maintains stringent oversight of participating campaigns the exact counter-image to the states lax Board of Elections. The problem, though, is the CFB has evolved into an unusually punitive body, regularly doling out devastating fines while creating barriers to entry for first-time candidates. This is the irony of running for office in New York City: While the matching funds encourage people who are not wealthy or politically connected to run, any campaign must immediately hire a highly experienced treasurer or accountant to wrangle with reams of potential violations that, years later, can saddle a candidate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Due to its power to dole out funds, the unelected CFB can effectively determine the outcomes of campaigns. Candidates denied matching funds are handed a de facto death sentence. This is what happened to John Liu when he ran for mayor in 2013. Liu, then the city comptroller, had been ensnared in a straw-donor scandal that led to the convictions of his campaign treasurer and fundraiser. Liu himself was not implicated. Late in the campaign, the CFB denied him matching funds, curtailing his ability to spend during the most crucial phase. What irked Liu and his defenders was a lack of due process once the CFB makes a decision, there is little reasonable recourse in the midst of a campaign. At the same time, matching funds are occasionally abused or handed out to campaigns that dont need them or maybe never deserved them in the first place. New Yorkers may be unhappy to learn that their taxpayer dollars went to support stunt New York City Council campaigns of the blatantly anti-Semitic Thomas Lopez-Pierre and the Donald Trump-supporting, climate change-denying Republican Bob Capano, who received nearly $89,000 in public money to net 579 votes. Letitia James, running in a noncompetitive re-election campaign for public advocate last year, made a mockery of the system when she received more than $750,000 in public matching funds to defeat a little-known, underfunded Republican opponent. James spent a half million in a single day, funneling the public cash to one powerful consultant, Global Strategies Group. A democracy voucher program would eliminate many of these pitfalls. Public money would be sent directly to voters. The political consultant-lobbyist-industrial complex would be disrupted. Public money wouldnt be spent on campaigns that dont need or deserve it. Next year, state lawmakers should look to Seattle not just New York City for the future of campaign finance reform. Fundraising Live, the event specifically designed to give fundraisers a voice on the things that really matter, will return to the ILEC Conference Centre on 7 February 2019. Join us to celebrate Plan Internationals ten-year anniversary with corporate partner Credit Suisse, learn how East Anglian Air Ambulance took their fundraising team to the next level, and access a step-by-step guide from British Heart Foundation explaining how to revolutionise your supporter engagement on a 30 budget. At Fundraising Live you will have ample opportunity to network with your peers during the speed networking session, interactive breakouts and with a complimentary drinks reception at the end of the day. In order to improve your delegate experience and guide you to the discussions most relevant to your work, each charity speaker is marked according to income size as follows, please download the PDF programme to view the key. Programme 07 February 2019 8.30AM - 9.15AM Registration, refreshments and networking Registration, refreshments and networking 9.15AM - 9.20AM Chairpersons welcome Stephen Cotterill, editor, Fundraising Magazine 9.20AM - 10.00AM Is "fundraising" dead? Looking to the future of supporter engagement and donor relations Exploring the way British Red Cross is putting people, not money, at the centre of its strategy Examining the language we use and how it impacts the way we engage with supporters and raise money Paul Amadi , chief supporter ocer, British Red Cross Plenary presentation, chief supporter ocer, British Red Cross 10.00AM - 10.50AM Speed networking A unique opportunity to break the ice, meet new people and make more of those valuable connections early in the day!Take just 3 minutes to introduce yourself and exchange contact info. 10.50AM - 11.20AM Networking and refreshment break Networking and refreshment break 11.20AM - 12.10PM 1A. Improve employee retention and build a dynamic team of great fundraisers Understanding what drives great fundraisers to move job and what motivates them to stay Keeping fundraisers engaged with the work of the charity Supporting fundraisers to innovate, develop new skills, build condence and problem solve Karen Bolton , head of community and events fundraising, marketing and innovation, Mind and Ikhlaq Hussain , head of major gifts, Orphans in Need Panel discussion, head of community and events fundraising, marketingand innovation, Mind and, head of major gifts, Orphans in Need 11.20AM - 12.10PM 1B. A trusts perspective: Building the perfect grant application An overview of what trusts and foundations look for in applications from proposed grantees Bringing the experience of the strategic consultation undertaken by the City Bridge Trust to inform its ve-year review of its ways of working Discussing examples of best practice in relationships between funders and grantees and suggestions as to how to create a transparent and ecient approach to grantmaking Alison Gowman (Alderman) , chair, City Bridge Trust Presentation, chair, City Bridge Trust 11.20AM - 12.10PM 1C. CHOOSE LOVE: How a 3-year-old charity has made giving a lifestyle and instigated a new movement in humanitarian aid Keeping fundamental values at the core of fundraising Gauging the motive and capturing the attention of young supporters Building a ubiquitous brand through merchandise and inuencers How Help Refugees uses rst and third party events in order to promote and fundraise for its cause Philli Boyle , head of events and community fundraising, Help Refugees Case study presentation, head of events and community fundraising, Help Refugees 12.10PM - 12.50PM 2A. Story of success: Action for Children BAME mentoring What lessons can fundraisers learn from corporate mentors? Why is it important to have development schemes specically for people of colour? What can schemes such as this do for the general wellbeing of fundraising teams? Siobhan Corria , head of inclusion, Action for Children, Jaipreet Kaur , philanthropy manager, All We Can SMALL and Justina Omotayo , business development manager, Slaughter & May Fireside chat, head of inclusion, Action for Children,, philanthropy manager, All We Can SMALL and, business development manager, Slaughter & May 12.10PM - 12.50PM 2B. The role of your personal brand in fundraising Establishing your individual fundraising identity Building a personal network through social media Maintaining the integrity of your organisation while using your stamp of originality Turning your fundraising persona into income for your charity Encouraging your supporters in the development of their own fundraising brand Amy Petterson , Head of Community Fundraising, Royal Air Forces Association. Presentation, Head of Community Fundraising, Royal Air Forces Association. 12.10PM - 12.50PM 2C. Transforming charitable funding and fundraising through digital Highlighting the potential of digital technology to connect grants, donations and fundraising activities Assessing the inuence of the fourth industrial revolution on fundraising Forecasting how digital integration is driving fundraising change Innovating to create a joined-up society, that consolidates the work of local and national charities, policy makers, volunteering networks, businesses and money to solve sector challenges Ed Gairdner , chief operating ocer, The Good Exchange Presentation, chief operating ocer, The Good Exchange 12.50PM - 1.50PM Lunch Lunch and networking break 1.50PM - 2.35PM Innovation to accelerate growth and supporting the new fundraiser Plenary presentation Sandra Luther , head of growth accounts, consumer solutions, JustGiving Blackbaud 2.35PM - 3.10PM 3A. Using strong leadership to take fundraising teams to the next level Learning how to build and shape new teams - moving from a at to a dynamic structure Implementing the three Es in team development Emotional intelligence Employee wellness Eective team working Convincing trustees of the long-term benet of employee investment Sarah Atkins , head of HR and Joanna Dew , director of fundraising, East Anglian Air Ambulance Case study presentation, head of HR and, director of fundraising, East Anglian Air Ambulance 2.35PM - 3.10PM 3B. Plan International & Credit Suisse celebrate 10 years of partnership Case study presentation Key efficiencies to long term partnering How a partnership prevents complacency Managing account manager turnover Securing internal support for long term partnerships with NGOs Sam Davies , head of major partnerships, Plan International and Eva Halper , director, corporate citizenship, Credit Suisse 2.35PM - 3.10PM 3C. Turning stories into pounds and projects Why WWF has invested in storytelling to boost the bottom line How to tell stories that make people want to give How to make supporters feel connected to the work on the ground in the digital world Kerry Blackstock , director of relationship marketing, WWF-UK and Nicole Itano , director of media and content, WWF-UK Presentation, director of relationship marketing, WWF-UK and, director of media and content, WWF-UK 3.10PM - 3.40PM Networking and refreshment break Networking and refreshment break 3.40PM - 4.25PM 4A. Fundraising standards and accessibility Highlighting the motivation and benets of improving accessibility to The Code of Fundraising Practice Reviewing changes made to The Code of Fundraising Practice Assessing the importance of setting strong fundraising standards Gerald Oppenheim , chief executive, Fundraising Regulator Presentation, chief executive, Fundraising Regulator 3.40PM - 4.25PM 4B. Dont reinvent the wheel, just realign it Examining how Meningitis Now turned around the income of a declining community event Operating on a budget Reinventing an established event Getting back to core values Tracey Lee , community fundraising & events manager, Meningitis Now Case study presentation, community fundraising & events manager, Meningitis Now 3.40PM - 4.25PM 4C. Why its important to put lived experience at the heart of your organisation Panel discussion This panel discussion will explore the reason why it is vital that people with lived experience are at the heart of your organisation Those who have experience of a condition/ situation that your organisation is supporting will be able to share experience and knowledge with your board and staff, allowing real change that will make a difference to take place People should always be in the Lead, and organisations should be people led to achieve maximum impact Moderator: Graham Finegold , director of finance and resources, Locality Speakers: Derek Bardowell , senior head of UK portfolio, Big Lottery Fund Balijeet Sandhu , Clore Social Leadership Peter Atherton, founder and managing director, Community Led Initiatives CIC 4.25PM - 5.00PM Diversifying the way we work and fundraise Diversifying income streams through local and international partnerships and philanthropic fundraising Setting and achieving ambitious fundraising goals Highlighting how diversity of individuals contributes to better and more productive fundraising teams Jhumar Johnson , director of development, The Open University Plenary presentation, director of development, The Open University 5.00PM - 6.00PM Drinks reception Drinks reception Sponsors & exhibitors Headline sponsor: Associate sponsors: Exhibitors: We're excited to announce that Momentous Photo Booth will be joining us on the day and offering photos and GIFS for you and your colleagues to share on social media with the hashtag #fundraisinglive http://www.momentousphotobooth.com/ Prices Great ways to save! Be an early bird! Book your place now to save 50.00 off the ticket price. Attend with your team! Ensure your whole team benefits from a great day's learning. With the Charity Team Ticket you can send up to four people for less than 150 each, saving your charity 197. Ticket type Early bird (before 30 November) Post early-bird ticket Charity delegate 199 249 Charity Team Ticket (up to four places) 599 649 Non-charity delegate 699 749 Venue ILEC Conference Centre 47 Lillie Road London SW6 1UD Tel: 020 7666 8470 Email: [email protected] Testimonials Fantastic opportunity to share with colleagues in the fundraising world Sara Wheater, The Joshua Tree Very informative and inspiring Yoana Barakova, Christian Aid Inspiring, valuable Evelyn Len, MyBnk Great to find out what is happening outside the silo of my charities Clive Tulloch, Tax Volunteers Well worth the cost and time Sarah Cochrane, HALO Trust One of the best fundraising conferences currently available Nicky Paterson, Toybox The networking opportunities are outstanding and the content brilliant Jesper Juul Jensen, BetterNow It was my first fundraising conference and was very enjoyable. The sessions were interesting and informative Isobel Watson, Family Holiday Association Today was a great chance to hear from other organisations and individuals. My challenge now is to pick out the very best ideas and apply them to a very small organisation! Sarah Browning, ABC to Read A great opportunity to network and share ideas with others in the industry. The talks were engaging and useful. I left feeling very motivated to grow our charity Katie Hale, Born Free Foundation Really interesting and enlightening speeches but thought the best bit was the networking opportunities Nadia Martini, Team Margot My first time attending Fundraising Live and it was just great. Inspiring presentations and plenty of opportunity to meet other fundraisers, Ive come away feeling refreshed with lots of new ideas Liz Gunson, Kidney Research UK It was brilliant. I learned a lot, heard some very interesting talks and met some great people Harry Owens, Sepsis Trust Best fundraising conference there is. Most relevant subjects and more insights than other conferences Joanna Dew, East Anglian Air Ambulance I always hesitate at taking a day away from work to attend an event such as this but am a complete convert. It was an invaluable day and I have taken loads of ideas and wisdom away as well as having made some great contacts. Thank you! Jane Backlog, Magic Bus UK Really good day with lots of interesting discussions Ruth Crane, St Helena Hospice Definitely worthwhile. Good to get a cross-sector view Tom Dixon, Oxfam Good spread of topics and an interesting mix of people to talk to. I havent been to these sorts of events for a while and was pleasantly surprised Kim Gutteridge, RSPB A conference lives and dies by its speakers and I found the vast majority of those I listened to engaging, knowledgeable and interesting Sally Barney, Royal Parks Good value and content for a small charity. Cannot always get that at the IoF Convention! Mervi Slade, Arthritis Action Contact For sponsorship and exhibition queries contact Yvette Micallef For speaker queries contact Jenni O'Donovan For registration queries contact Carys Pugh For media partnerships and marketing queries contact Kirsty Brown Terms & Conditions Please note that speakers and topics were confirmed at the time of publishing, however, circumstances beyond the control of the organisers may necessitate substitutions, alterations or cancellations of the speakers and/or topics. As such Civil Society Media Ltd reserves the right to alter or modify the advertised speakers and/or topics if necessary. Any substitutions or alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible. Substitution and cancellation policy: On receipt of your booking form, your place is confirmed. Delegate substitutions are allowed. Refunds on cancellations will only be issued (less a 15% administration charge) up to and including 14 days prior to the event. Refunds will not be issued after this date. Confirmation of cancellations MUST be in writing and sent or faxed to Civil Society Media at 15 Prescott Place, London, SW4 6BS 020 7819 1200 (fax: 020 7819 1210). The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has announced it is making a further 15m worth of Tampon Tax funding available to charities. In an announcement this morning, DCMS said that each successful charity will receive at least 1m in funding, and encouraged charities across the UK which support victims of domestic violence or work to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness among women to apply. DCMS said that the money would also be made available to charities that; help vulnerable women through music therapy, encourage them to participate in sport to improve their physical and mental wellbeing or charities that make onward grants to smaller organisations, so they can deliver tailored services to support women. The fund opened today and applications will close on Sunday 20 January 2019. Since the Tampon Tax Fund was first launched at the 2015 Autumn Statement, DCMS has redistributed some 47m to 70 charitable projects supporting women across the UK. This latest 15m tranche of funding will bring the total to over 60m. However the sector has been critical in the past of the way in which DCMS has gone about releasing Tampon Tax funding. In December 2017, Acevo called on DCMS to remove a clause in its Tampon Tax funding that effectively gagged charities receiving the funding from using it to advocate or raise awareness about issues. Mims Davies, the new minister for sport and civil society, said: It is vital that disadvantaged women and girls and those who face violence or homelessness are given the help they need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. This fund is already having a resoundingly positive impact across our country and I am delighted that thousands more women and girls will be helped as a result of this round of funding. The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Buddhist charity Rigpa Fellowship over serious concerns about adult safeguarding at the organisation. According to the regulators announcement, the Commission has been engaged with the charity since August 2017, and its concerns regarding Rigpa Fellowship have escalated in the course of this engagement leading to the opening of an investigation. The Commission said its inquiry will examine the charitys governance, policies and practices with regards to adult safeguarding particularly in relation to the charitys response, general handling and disclosure to the Commission and other agencies in relation to serious adult safeguarding incidents. The regulator will also examine the charity's recruitment and supervision of employees and volunteers; financial controls and its "responsibility to maintain its reputation as a charity". There have been national media reports accusing one of its former Buddhist teachers of seuxually abusing his students. The London-based charity lists its objects as to advance the Buddhist religion and provides religious education, training and activities. It also runs a number of Tibetan Buddhism yoga and meditation centres. The charity, which also operates in Birmingham, Hampshire, Norfolk and in France according to the charity register, had an income of 324,800 and spending of 370,407 according to its set of accounts for the year ending 31 December 2017. Riga Fellowship has been approached for a comment. Shelter has opened its seventh boutique charity shop designed by celebrity Wayne Hemingway after commercial success at similar stores. The shop on Tranquil Vale in Blackheath was opened by Hemingway on 21 June and is the seventh "Boutique by Shelter" opened in London. The first one opened on Finchley Road in October last year. Hemingway also designed a boutique shop for the charity in Glasgow. A spokesman for the charity told Civil Society News that the boutique stores have taken in more money on average than the charity's regular shops, but was unable to release figures due to commercial sensitivity. He said the charity is also planning to open two further boutique stores in London. Shelter is recruiting volunteers at the new shop and offering training for a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in retail skills, team leadership and customer service to successful applicants. It is also calling on Blackheath locals to visit the shop and donate clothing, books, and other household items. A free collection service is available. Hemmingway said: Im over the moon to be able to officially launch the latest addition to the Shelter family of charity shops, which is a bright and friendly addition to this community. Shelter is a charity very close to my heart, and every penny spent in their boutiques contributes a huge amount to helping the millions of people and families fighting bad housing and homelessness. Everyone should have access to a safe, secure and affordable home and what better way to help make that happen than by donating to this new store, or coming in to bag a bargain? "Having started our business selling second-hand clothes 38 years ago, and understanding the value of charity shops, the HemingwayDesign team have relished helping Shelter develop their new store format and are heartened by the increase in takings that is resulting. We are sure that Boutique by Shelter here in Blackheath will add to that success." Civil Society Media's Charity Shop Survey is now open for participants. For more information, and to take part, click here. In August, ProPublica investigative reporter Nina Martin shared a Washington Post story about Beyonce and Serena Williams serious pregnancy-related health complications, along with a challenge to her journalism colleagues via Twitter: Hey fellow journos: When writing abt black maternal health, surely we can find actual black maternal health experts to talk to? Why quote a white guy who's not even an expert on maternal complications? https://t.co/CzL4rANyGt Nina Martin (@ByNinaMartin) August 7, 2018 In response, Twitter users suggested dozens of black individuals and organizations who could help flesh out future maternal health coverage. ICYMI: The Guardian publishes a bombshell. Then, the chaos begins. As reporters cover the USs startling pregnancy mortality statistics, they encounter what ProPublica termed one of the widest of all racial disparities in womens health: black women are three to four times more likely to perish from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Since Williams story broke, theres been a crush of explainers or quick takes from writers who have little experience covering maternal health. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project Its been a fast conversation evolution, says Martin. In 2017, Martin and NPRs Renee Montagne covered the death of CDC epidemiologist Shalon Irving, who researched racial disparities and died from hypertension weeks after giving birth. Martin concedes that few journalists can work the 10 months she and Montagne took on that story. Still, she says, a lot of people are jumping in. In their haste to cover an urgent health crisis, reporters risk perpetuating another racial disparity: a dearth of black experts in maternal health stories. Black expertsbe they midwives, nonprofit staff, sociologists, or public-health researchersoften have relevant lived experience or have cultivated deeper relationships with black patients and communities. The factors that underpin this lack of black expertise in stories are complex. Some, such as competing definitions of expertise and barriers that constrain numbers of black advanced-degree holders, are specific to an experts field. Othersdeadline pressures, the challenges of reporting on technical material, unconscious biasimplicate news outlets. My job is to be well-sourced and to look for sources who have been overlooked, and that tends to be black women. Privileging physician or researcher voices has consequences for the racial makeup of sources. Most OB-GYNS, some 77 percent, are white. If journalists unconsciously favor quotes from people with doctorates, theyre picking from a tiny cadreabout 2 percent of US residents have a PhDand the subpool of black doctorate-holders is infinitesimal. Birthworkers such as doulas and case managers appear far less frequently in news coverage, which perpetuates the adage that doctor knows best. Monica McLemore is among those who tweeted source names to Martin. McLemorea nurse, assistant professor at the University of California San Francisco, and a member of the Black Mamas Matter Alliancesays seemingly unconnected biases can mean that many sources go underrepresented. Theres the supremacy of medicine and physicians. Its rare you hear from a nurse, a midwife, or a patient, says McLemore, who adds that experts quoted in stories are often people without [relevant] published papers, without data, or who havent sat with a woman who has experienced things like miscarriage, stillbirth, or postpartum hemorrhage. And they are almost never social scientists or other thinkers in fields like critical race theory, which studies race and power, McLemore says. ICYMI: Newsrooms should follow two simple rules for reporting on womens bodies Cultivating sources is a journalistic imperative, says Nation contributor and freelancer Dani McClain, who has written extensively about reproductive health and shared her own pregnancy-complications story. My job is to be well-sourced and to look for sources who have been overlooked, and that tends to be black women, says McClain. Sometimes, that means abandoning the much-quoted authority, the accessible source, or the person with a media relations machine backing them. It also means widening her source circle by engaging a variety of people in purposeful conversation without the pressure of a deadline. The reality, she says, is that people talk to who they know, who they feel comfortable with, and who they are directed to. When I needed to know about maternal health, I called Monica Simpson at [reproductive justice organization] SisterSong, who said you really need to look at birth workers. McClain reads other longform journalists and also studies that scrutinize, for example, how notions of race might impact health-care providers work. She recommends the work of Martin, Miriam Zoila Perez, and Linda Villarosa, whose April New York Times Magazine feature focused on quotidian racisms cumulative impact on black womens maternal health. Few high-profile stories about the maternal health crisis are written by black journalists, says McClain. Ive turned down interviews because what journalists often want to hear is stories of scarcity, that black communities dont have enough housing stability, economic stability, or food access, without talking about why. Public health research itself holds an argument for more black sources and reporters on the health beat. Racial concordance refers to instances when patients and health-care providers come from the same racial or ethnic background. Research shows that patients of all races report higher satisfaction with doctors who share these characteristics. If black patients are more at ease with a black health-care provider, that provider may gather different, better informationwhich makes such a provider a more valuable source to journalists. Jessica Roach, an independent scholar and former nurse, believes that journalists dont listen enough. Ive turned down interviews because what journalists often want to hear is stories of scarcity, that black communities dont have enough housing stability, economic stability, or food access, without talking about why, says Roach, who founded Restoring Our Own Through Transformation, a Columbus, Ohio nonprofit that provides doula services, mostly to black clients. Roach questions whether journalists want to hear more complicated narratives, report on both structural inequality and how communities of color help themselves, and consider successes. When asked if talking frankly about racism in maternal health makes black researchers less quotable, ProPublicas Martin demurs, saying that the idea of racism as a key factor in maternal health has become mainstream. By focusing everything on race and racism, I think the story can get stuck, says Martin. Ive wanted to walk this line between it being part structural and [acknowledging] what makes bad doctors bad is not just that theyre racist. Theyre bad because they dont know what theyre doing, because theyre not doing what they need to do to keep everyone safe. But I dont want to let systems off the hook. Talking to media about racism as something baked into health care means Roach is never sure if those comments will make the final cut in an article. Journalists may not be more comfortable explicitly naming racism than the average American and arent immune from racism themselves. And theres the ever-present question of expertise and evidence when the conversation turns to race, says Roach. While I have expertise, so do the patients, the people who are inside the hospital room, the ones who are doing the home visit, says Roach. When journalists ask her how she proves racisms impact, Roachs answer, she says, is, 400 years of history, and talk to our doulas. Related: Youre probably not quoting enough women. Let us help you. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Cynthia Greenlee is a historian and senior editor at Rewire.News, a nonprofit publication devoted to coverage of reproductive health, rights, and justice. She received a masters in journalism from the University of North Carolina and a doctorate in American history at Duke University. As Californias catastrophic wildfires recede and people rebuild after two hurricanes, a massive new federal report warns that these types of disasters are worsening in the United States because of global warming. The White House report quietly issued Friday also frequently contradicts President Donald Trump. The National Climate Assessment was written long before the deadly fires in California this month and before Hurricanes Florence and Michael raked the East Coast and Florida. It says warming-charged extremes have already become more frequent, intense, widespread or of long duration. The report notes the last few years have smashed U.S. records for damaging weather, costing nearly $400 billion since 2015. The recent Northern California wildfires can be attributed to climate change, but there was less of a connection to those in Southern California, said co-author William Hohenstein of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A warm, dry climate has increased the areas burned over the last 20 years, he said at a press conference Friday. The report is mandated by law every few years and is based on more than 1,000 previous research studies. It details how global warming from the burning of coal, oil and gas is hurting each region of the United States and how it impacts different sectors of the economy, including energy and agriculture. Climate change is transforming where and how we live and presents growing challenges to human health and quality of life, the economy, and the natural systems that support us, the report says. That includes worsening air pollution causing heart and lung problems, more diseases from insects, the potential for a jump in deaths duringaheat waves, and nastier allergies. Annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many U.S. states, the report says. Itll be especially costly on the nations coasts because of rising seas and severe storm surges, which will lower property values. And in some areas, such as parts of Alaska and Louisiana, coastal flooding will likely force people to relocate. We are seeing the things we said would be happening, happen now in real life, said another co-author Katharine Hayhoe of Texas Tech University. As a climate scientist it is almost surreal. And Donald Wuebbles, a co-author from University of Illinois climate scientist, said, Were going to continue to see severe weather events get stronger and more intense. What makes the report different from others is that it focuses on the United States, then goes more local and granular. All climate change is local, said Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Richard Alley, who wasnt part of the report but praised it. While scientists talk of average global temperatures, people feel extremes more, he said. We live in our drought, our floods and our heat waves. That means we have to focus on us, he said. The Lower 48 states have warmed 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) since 1900 with 1.2 degrees in the last few decades, according to the report. By the end of the century, the U.S. will be 3 to 12 degrees (1.6 to 6.6 degrees Celsius) hotter depending on how much greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, the report warns. Outside scientists and officials from 13 federal agencies wrote the report, which was released on the afternoon following Thanksgiving. It was originally scheduled for December. The report often clashes with the presidents past statements and tweets on the legitimacy of climate change science, how much of it is caused by humans, how cyclical it is and whats causing increases in recent wildfires. Trump tweeted this week about the cold weather hitting the East including: Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter ALL RECORDS Whatever happened to Global Warming? Fridays report seemed to anticipate such comments, saying: Over shorter timescales and smaller geographic regions, the influence of natural variability can be larger than the influence of human activity Over climate timescales of multiple decades, however, global temperature continues to steadily increase. Releasing the report on Black Friday is a transparent attempt by the Trump Administration to bury this report and continue the campaign of not only denying but suppressing the best of climate science, said study co-author Andrew Light, an international policy expert at the World Resources Institute. During a press conference Friday, officials behind the report repeatedly declined to answer questions about the timing of its release and why it contradicts public statements from Trump. Report director David Reidmiller said questions about the timing were relevant, but said what was in the report was more important. Trump, administration officials and elected Republicans frequently say they cant tell how much of climate change is caused by humans and how much is natural. Citing numerous studies, the report says more than 90 percent of the current warming is caused by humans. Without greenhouse gases, natural forces such as changes in energy from the sun would be slightly cooling Earth. There are no credible alternative human or natural explanations supported by the observational evidence, the report says. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Artificial intelligence is helping improve safety along a stretch of Las Vegas busiest highway. The Nevada Highway Patrol says a yearlong partnership between public safety agencies and a startup technology firm resulted in a 17 percent reduction in crashes along a portion of northbound Interstate 15 just west of the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Waycare, a provider of artificial intelligence-based mobility products and services for smart cities, helped lead the crash prevention pilot program. They hope to use it in other parts of the Las Vegas Valley, including a stretch of U.S. 95 between I-15 and the Rainbow Boulevard curve. The program uses in-vehicle information, cameras, sensors and other traffic data to develop prediction models to reduce congestion. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation and the Nevada Highway Patrol teamed up for the pilot program with Waycare. The Israeli startup already carried out a similar program in Tel Aviv, and it started a crash prevention program last year in Tampa, Florida. The Nevada Highway Patrol says the results from the initial project on I-15 in Las Vegas between Charleston Boulevard and Russell Road came without any additional resources from state or local agencies. Groundbreaking partnerships like this enable Southern Nevada to continue to lead the way in leveraging advanced technologies to dramatically improve traffic safety and efficiency, RTC general manager Tina Quigley said. These latest statistics coupled with the fact that we are identifying accidents up to 12 minutes faster with the Waycare platform helps translate what public and private partnerships can do and that AI is working to modernize and create a better transportation system for all. The platform uses in-vehicle information and municipal traffic data to understand road conditions in real time. When an area at high risk for an incident is identified, Waycare alerts traffic agencies when and where to take preventive action. The RTC uses dynamic message boards to relay advanced warning of an incident, alerting drivers to reduce speed and drive cautiously. The NHP then deploys its vehicles in high-visibility mode along the freeway in conjunction with NDOT, which assures that safety barriers are in place for the police officers on freeways. During the program, 91 percent of drivers traveling at more than 65 mph slowed down to under 65 mph in areas where preventive measures were deployed, RTC said. The results of this pilot program are a clear signal that AI and deep learning, when deployed in collaboration with traffic management and enforcement agencies, can have a dramatic impact on improving the safety of even our busiest and most at-risk freeways, said Noam Maital, co-founder and CEO of Waycare. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The number of Coloradans whose homes are at risk from wildfires soared 45 percent in five years, reflecting the states booming population and changing uses of agricultural land, state officials said Monday. The Colorado State Forest Service said 2.9 million people now live in the wildland-urban interface, defined as places where homes are built in or near areas that are prone to wildland fire. That represents about half the states population, estimated at 5.7 million as of July. In 2013, the last time the state estimated the number of people living in fire-prone areas, it was 2 million. The new statistics come as states across the West are faced with larger and more destructive wildfires, especially California. A Northern California wildfire this month killed at least 85 people. The biggest single reason for the growth of Colorados fire risk is the conversion of agricultural land to other uses, said Mike Lester, Colorados state forester and director of the State Forest Service. Agricultural land is being added to the wildland-urban interface either because it is turned into housing developments or because it is taken out of farming and reverts to grassland, which is more fire-prone than farmland, Lester said. An estimated 53,000 people moved to Colorado between July 2017 and July 2018, according to Natriece Bryant of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Thats an average of more than 4,400 a month. We certainly arent seeing the wildfire risk reducing the popularity of living in Colorado, said Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. Colorado has the third-fastest-rising homeowner insurance rates in the country, she said, and while fire risk is part of the reason, hail storms play a bigger part. Colorado is one of the most hail-prone states in the country, and hail is responsible for seven of the 10 most expensive catastrophes in state history, measured by insurance losses. Hail combined with a tornado was responsible for another one of the 10 worst. Wildfires accounted for only two of the worst 10, ranking fourth and fifth. The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs in 2012 destroyed nearly 350 houses and caused $493 million in damage, in 2018 dollars. The Black Forest Fire outside Colorado Springs in 2013 destroyed more than 480 homes and caused $450 million in damage. Walker said Colorado still has a stable homeowners insurance market with plenty of providers, but insurance companies are taking an increased interest in wildfire mitigation keeping homes safer by persuading homeowners to clear away flammable vegetation around their houses and use more fire-resistant building materials. The emphasis really has to be on educating them, making our communities safer, she said. Also Monday, the State Forest Service updated its online mapping tool for determining the fire risk of specific areas, called the Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal or CO-WRAP. Clicking on Weld County in northeastern Colorado, for example, produces a pop-up window that reads, This location only has a minimal chance of being directly impacted by a wildfire. But the message about parts of Mesa County in western Colorado warns of very high fire intensity and great potential for harm or damage to life and property. Lester said the mapping tool is more useful for community planners and firefighters than for individual homeowners, because the scale of the map isnt sufficient for pinpoint information. Planners can use the mapping tool to determine what parts of the wildland-urban interface are most at risk and focus their mitigation efforts there, Lester said. Theres not enough resources in this state to deal with all the mitigation problems we have, he said. Residents can find fire mitigation tips on the State Forest Service website, Lester said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ECP sent second notice to Khadim Hussain Rizvi regarding party registration-funding The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday ordered the district election commissioner of Lahore to personally deliver a second notice to Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the chief of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in a case regarding his party's registration and funding. A five-member commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, heard the case today. Neither Rizvi, who was taken under "protective custody" last week, nor his counsel appeared before the commission. At this, the ECP issued another notice to the TLP chief and instructed the district election commissioner to ensure that the orders are obliged to. The ECP adjourned the case till December 5. The case against TLP was initiated after the Supreme Court lambasted the ECP earlier this month for registering a party that had disrupted life in the twin cities last year. The top court had expressed surprise that the right-wing party had been registered with a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) by an individual residing in the United Arab Emirates. Supreme Court was also amazed that the ECP's director general of law could not even answer if the person, who applied for TLP's registration as a political party, was a Pakistani citizen, a dual national or a foreign citizen. AKRON, Ohio The 17th annual Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes event, showcasing contemporary and historic Greater Akron homes, is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The Sugar Plum Tour is a fundraiser for the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation. The tour has offered attendees a look at the holiday decorations of more than 90 homes since it launched in 2001. Last years Sugar Plum Tour raised more than $100,000 to support programs that impact the local LGBTQ+ community. This year the tour will showcase five homes in Fairlawn, Norton and Bath, including a French country manor; a restored farmhouse and barn; an equestrian-inspired home; a restored Tudor mansion; and a contemporary home with a dramatic floor plan. A private party for sponsors is set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at a Huntington Valley-inspired brick home in Fairlawn Heights owned by a local interior designer. A featured home in the 2017 Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes. General admission tickets are $35 and include the five-home, self-guided tour. Sponsorships begin at $500 and include the self-guided tour, the sponsor party and a locally crafted stained-glass ornament. Cash-only general admission tickets will be available the day of the event at Angel Falls Coffee Company, 792 W. Market St. in Akron. Tickets can be purchased online here. Both printed and digital tour guides with maps of the home locations will be available. Visit the Sugar Plum Tour website for more information. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. BEREA, Ohio -- Assault-aggravated rioting, East Bagley Road: Two girls, 16 and 15 -- both residents at OhioGuidestone, 202 E. Bagley -- were arrested at about 12:30 a.m. Nov. 25 after they attacked a staff member inside the counseling center/foster home. According to OhioGuidestone workers, the older girl awoke from sleep at about 11:15 p.m. Nov. 24 and started waking up other juvenile residents. The 16- and 15-year-old then tried to steal a staff member's keys. When he resisted, the two girls punched him in the head, chest and stomach. A third girl, 17, also started hitting the victim and tried to steal his keys. The victim managed to lock himself in an office, away from the girls. He called police. When police arrived, the victim exited the office to let them in. The 16-year-old pulled the victim's hair to prevent him from opening the front door, but the victim was able to step outside the building and meet police. Police saw five girls pressing themselves against the glass of the front door. They tried to break the glass and escape the building by pounding on the glass. They screamed and yelled at officers through an intercom. More officers arrived, and a police K-9 was sent into the building. The girls ran toward a common room. The girls had tied bedsheets together to form a rope. They tied the makeshift rope to a door handle on one side of the common room and a door handle on the opposite side of the room to keep officers from entering. Police nevertheless managed to enter the common room. Police ordered all the girls back to their bedroom. The 16-year-old told police they should arrest her because she would only act up again. Damaged property, West Bridge Street: The owner of Marmee's Heirlooms, 33 W. Bridge, called police at about 2:30 p.m. Nov. 28 after finding a broken window in her business. The victim said the window was unbroken Nov. 26, which was the last time she was at the business. She believes debris from a snowplow might have broken the window, because ice was sprayed on the building and door. CLEVELAND, Ohio The head of a group of people who installed credit-card skimmers on gas pumps in five states, including many cities in Northeast Ohio, was sentenced Wednesday to more than six years in federal prison. The sentencing of Ranset Rodriguez, a Miami resident, to 81 months in prison is the culmination of a prosecution against 12 people who stole personal information from thousands of people, according to federal court records. Of the dozen indicted, 10 pleaded guilty to federal charges. Two remain at large, including a Parma man. The U.S. Attorneys Office said the defendants worked to install skimmers that steal credit-card information at gas stations in Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Utah and other states between August 2014 and July 2017. They used that information to make counterfeit credit cards. The skimmers stole information from thousands of people, prosecutors said. They were found at gas stations in Cleveland, Rocky River, Solon, Stow, Hudson, Fairview Park, Medina, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Norton and Austintown, among other cities, prosecutors said. Members of the group traveled from Florida to install the skimmers and worked together to distract gas station employees while installing them, prosecutors said. Members then used the fraudulent credit cards at stores. Rodriguez, 41, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan. Also sentenced Wednesday were Jose Manuel Iglesias, and Eddy Pimentel-Vila, both of New Jersey. Iglesias, 52, was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison, while Pimentel-Vila, 46, got a two-year sentence. One of the defendants, Lester Castaneda of Hialeah, Florida, was charged in a similar case in federal court in Ohio. He pleaded guilty in both cases and was sentenced most recently to six months in prison, followed by six months house arrest. Juan Carlos Banos of Parma, and Carlos Rodriguez Martinez of Aurora, Colorado, are still at large, prosecutors said Wednesday. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments section. Jamas nos callaran Fisica y culturalmente Nec plus ultra, nec variatur Precio del Brent To get the BRENT oil price, please enable Javascript. Precio del WTI To get the oil price, please enable Javascript. Paginas vistas en total Dolar USA Vs Euro Sin ellas, no seremos Deja vu Nada que celebrar Hasta cuando? Colombia Hoy Para nunca olvidar 'Parasite' painted on a statue of Queen, Elizabeth in Kent, England Sin palabras La UE le apunta a la paz Cada vez mas solo Precio del Oro To get the gold price, please enable Javascript. LULA y su Pueblo Bye Bye Homenaje al genial Quino Fueron ellos Una imagen que resume Tan bajo ha caido que se deja tocar el trasero? Porky y el Nene (archiconocido narcotraficante) Ladrones al poder Asi mira el perrito a su amo Crazy Clamor popular La nueva inquisicion Bolivia Chile Hoy Eso es todo amigos! Piensalo! Pinerachet No More Trump Adios Macri, hasta nunca La Marioneta se desinfla Asi o mas cinico Almugre Mexico en 1794 Mas arrastrado imposible Hasta cuando! La pura verdad Solidaridad con Palestina Serie Capitalismo Espejismos de la clase trabajadora Asi es! Comerciantes o delincuentes No pasaran! Asi es la vida USA HOY 01/01/1959 La avaricia no tiene limites AYUDA HUMANITARIA? Chile Hoy Asi son las cosas Mapa Electoral de Venezuela Patagonia argentina? Un aniversario mas del mayor genocidio de la Humanidad Retrato del franquismo en Espana Visca Catalunya! El Chulo de Madrid Cuando la policia se roba la democracia Una imagen dice mas que mil palabras La purita verdad Asi gobierna la maldita burguesia Mi pobre clase media Como Chavez nadie Comparte La Colmena via twitter Twittear Programa de la MUD Asi o mas clarito Por que Trump no ataco Corea del Norte? Hace 15 anos Por que la OEA no se pronuncio? Una verguenza nacional La luz que nos guia La Union Europea Premio Nobel de la Paz? Feudalismo ayer y hoy Obama, el mentiroso Curiosa coincidencia Un mundo de cerdos No es extrano? La Marioneta Los ricos protestan, los pobres celebran MARICORI Y OBAMA Cuantas muertes este ano? 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Por culpa de Chavez Cerveza Polar Algun dia Colombia volvera a la ideologia de Bolivar Translate LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares? Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano... Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos: Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias. Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera. No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje. En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio. Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida. Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella. Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal. Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista. Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen. Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che? Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio. Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora. Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo. Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo. Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania. No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar. Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga. Alguna duda? Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia. OZ1 OZ2 OZ3 OZ4 Homenaje a Jason Galarraga La Victoria de Samotracia Odalisca Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008 La Sierra Nevada de Merida Nuestro precioso Churum Meru Homenaje a Picasso Autoretrato Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola? La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar. Mi profesion? Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos. Sal en la Coca Cola? A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar. De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla: Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido) azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa) Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas Mucha Cafeina Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja. Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos. Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja. En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero). Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma. La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate. Bebidas Light? Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal. Publicado por loretahur En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina: 1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias. 2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina. 3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard. 4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos. 5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla. 6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos. Ahora... sobre la margarina: 1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) . 2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias. 3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno). 4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer. 5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna. 6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo. 7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina. Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas: * No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo). * No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!! No a la guerra, Si a la Paz Misterios de la ciencia... Los costos de la guerra medicos y capitalismo... Capitalismo... medicos (2) Quien educa a nuestros hijos? Los Medios... Sin Palabras... Chistes feministas - Cual es el problema, Eva? - Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas. - Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas... - Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti. - Que es un hombre? - Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente. - Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente. - Cual es el truco?. - Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion. - Cual? - Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer. Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Ellas... Ellas (2)... Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1 Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije: -Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro. Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria. Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre? -Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa! VENGANZA NUMERO 2 Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris. A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita: - Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!! Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta. La mujer paso quince dias en Francia. El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla. Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es: - Y amor me trajiste mi francesita?? - Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina. VENGANZA NUMERO 3 El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion. - No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo. - Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz. Te quiero confesar algo. - Esta bien, esta bien. Habla! - He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga. - Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!! machismo y cibernetica Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston. -Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide. -Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!. .Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos. Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco. Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas Gol !!!! Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso! Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy! CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland Municipal Court judge set bond Thursday at $2 million for a man accused of killing a mother of two during a carjacking in a church parking lot while setting up for her daughters quinceanera. Michael Preston, 23, faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated murder, court records show. Preston is charged in the Nov. 15 death of Lesley DeJesus, 33, in the parking of the Archwood United Church of Christ. Police have not yet identified a second person who police say helped Preston during the deadly carjacking. DeJesus, her two children and her husband about 3 p.m. that day were setting up for their daughters ceremonial 15th birthday party at the church. Their daughter and 10-year-old son were also at the church at the time. Preston and another man hot-wired DeJesus van. DeJesus and her husband ran outside and fought with the carjackers, police said. Both grabbed onto the van as the carjackers tried to speed away. The van rolled over DeJesus twice and her husband was hurt after being dragged, according to police. DeJesus died at the scene. The carjackers left the van a few blocks away on Denison Road. Preston turned himself in Tuesday, one day after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Judge Pinkey S. Carr said Preston is to have no contact with DeJesus' family or any witnesses in the case. The no contact order also applies to Prestons family and friends, Carr said. Preston is set to appear before Carr for a Dec. 10 preliminary hearing. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One man died and another man was hurt in a shooting Thursday morning at a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority apartment on Clevelands east side, according to Cleveland police. Officers responded Thursday morning to an apartment on the 2400 block of Morris Black Place, part of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authoritys Woodhill Homes properties, police said. Two men were shot, police said. One of the men died at University Hospitals. Police did not provide any further details about the incident, such as whether anyone has been arrested. This post will be updated when more information becomes available. To comment on this story, visit Thursdays crime and courts comment section. WJW Channel 8 FEATURED STORIES Sheriff officials: Internal investigation underway after student was tased at Wayne County career center (WJW Channel 8) Lorain serial killer confesses to vicious murders in Cleveland and Akron (WOIO Channel 19) Man caught on camera in Akron clinging to SUV driving around the city (WEWS Channel 5) Don't Edit cleveland.com file photo CRIME 2 young teens dead after shooting in Akron, reports say (cleveland.com) Man sentenced for leading group that installed credit-card skimmers at Northeast Ohio gas stations (cleveland.com) Bond set at $5 million for man accused in Mayfield Heights arson, deaths of woman, daughter (cleveland.com) Man charged in deadly shooting outside Cleveland convenience store (cleveland.com) Judge gives 21 years to Euclid man who carried out brutal torture of his girlfriend (cleveland.com) Kalahari shooting suspect pleads guilty (Sandusky Register) Don't Edit cleveland.com Two top Cleveland officials suspended without pay for breaching security at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Two top-level officials in Mayor Frank Jackson's administration will be suspended without pay for bypassing security in October at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Fred Szabo, the assistant director for the city-owned airport, was suspended 10 days without pay, the administration announced in a news release. Szabo also will lose airport privileges for 90 days, including his ability to bypass security and to escort others through security. Darnell Brown, the mayor's chief of operations, was suspended for five days without pay. (cleveland.com) Don't Edit cleveland.com file photo CLEVELAND / CUYAHOGA COUNTY Cleveland aims to provide free legal representation for tenants in eviction cases (cleveland.com) MetroHealth receives $1 million Bank of America grant for campus transformation (cleveland.com) Bald eagles suddenly gathering in large numbers in Cleveland's Industrial Valley (cleveland.com) Special agent in charge of FBI's Cleveland office set to retire (cleveland.com) Don't Edit Willoughby Fire Department LOCAL NEWS EAST No one hurt in fire that destroyed Willoughby home (cleveland.com) Man dies after getting shot during hunting outing in Ashtabula County (WEWS Channel 5) Euclid NAACP seeks positive change to curb lingering tensions (WOIO Channel 19) Don't Edit Don't Edit cleveland.com file photo AKRON / CANTON AREA Akron, DAP offer help navigating downtown during Main Street Corridor Project (cleveland.com) Don't Edit cleveland.com STATE Ohio House votes to block local bans, fees on plastic bags (cleveland.com) Ohio Senate passes bill to increase penalties for domestic violence strangulation (cleveland.com) Ohio lawmakers seek to make it harder for voters to change state constitution (cleveland.com) SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Friends of Euclid Creek and the Euclid Creek Watershed Council are asking residents to attend one of two upcoming meetings being held to gather input about the watershed's future well-being. The open houses will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Mayfield branch, 500 S.O.M. Center Road in Mayfield Village, and Dec. 10 at the Beachwood Community Center, 25325 Fairmount Blvd. The open houses are being held to help the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District update its Euclid Creek Watershed management plan. Residents will be asked for input on topics such as eroding sections of streams within the watershed, areas where improved management of stormwater and flooding are needed, and areas that should be protected for public greenspace and wildlife habitat. While it may seem that these topics could be better addressed by environmental experts, Elizabeth Hiser, Euclid Creek Watershed program manager for the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, said that such a belief is not necessarily correct. Residents can provide the best eyes for watershed planners. "Stormwater can literally be in residents' back yards," Hiser said. "Or, people may notice land eroding near their homes, or know of a place that has never flooded before that is now flooding. There may be more ponding or drainage issues in places near their homes. "We'd like people to tell us if there is a vacant lot near them that might be an opportunity for preservation," she said. The Euclid Creek Watershed encompasses 23.3 square miles and parts of 12 communities -- Beachwood, Cleveland, Richmond Heights, Shaker Heights, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield, Willoughby Hills, Euclid, Highland Heights, Lyndhurst, South Euclid and Pepper Pike. Euclid Creek is a direct headwater tributary to Lake Erie, originating at Wildwood Park in Cleveland. Included in the watershed are more than 40 miles of stream, 30 miles of which is open channel. The remaining 10 miles is culverted, or buried. Because 85 percent of the watershed is located within developed areas, it is characterized by impairments such as organic enrichment, nutrients, alteration of its flow, and habitat degradation. Hiser said that the last watershed management/action plan was finalized in 2006, following two years in which public meetings were held. "Things change as the years pass and some new issues pop up," she said. The action plan, she said, "Is like land-use planning, but for the streams." The updated plan will formally identify causes and sources of water quality and habitat degradation in the watershed and recommend strategies and specific projects to address these issues. The open houses are held as part of the process of developing these plans, to explain the process to the community, and to gather information and ideas from community members. Such planning helps establish a blueprint that communities can utilize while planning for economic development and conservation. Since 2002, the Euclid Creek Watershed Program has leveraged a total of $3.8 million for restoration projects, education and outreach efforts, as well as plans and staffing necessary to implement a plan. "A healthy watershed provides a better habitat for fish, all water life, and for us," Hiser said. LYNDHURST, Ohio -- Assist resident, Lyndhurst Road: At 2:05 p.m. Nov. 25, a woman, 29, reported that her former boyfriend, 34, was harassing her by sending text messages, making phone calls and driving by her house. The man then contacted police and claimed that the woman was harassing him. Police advised the man that if he again tried to contact the woman, it would result in a harassment charge. Police, when patrolling, then gave special attention to the woman's house. Theft from auto, Brainard Road: At 8:25 a.m. Nov. 25, a resident reported that someone had broken into his car, which had been parked in his driveway overnight, and stolen his wallet. Receiving stolen property, Edenhall Drive: At 12:40 a.m. Nov. 25, an officer came across a stopped, occupied car. When the officer approached the car, the man inside got out and ran. It was discovered that the car had been reported stolen from a Rocky River address. The suspect, a Cleveland man, 22, was eventually apprehended. While in custody, the suspect said he did not feel well. Paramedics checked the suspect's blood sugar level and he soon felt better. He was then jailed. Drug abuse, Richmond Road: At 7:55 p.m. Nov. 24, an officer stopped a car that was being driven with expired license plates. It was then discovered that the driver, a Euclid man, 27, had a suspended license and possessed marijuana. The man was arrested and a licensed driver called to drive away his car. Assault, Harleston Drive: At 1:20 a.m. Nov. 23, a woman reported that her ex-boyfriend had assaulted her, then pushed her to the ground. The Chagrin Falls man, 31, then drove away from the woman's home. The woman suffered a rib injury, but refused transport to the hospital. A warrant was issued for the man's arrest, but he has yet to be apprehended. Domestic violence, Sunview Road: At 9 p.m. Nov. 20, a caller reported that her neighbors -- a man, 53, and a woman, 59 -- were on their front lawn, arguing and fighting. Neither of the combatants was injured and no charges were filed. It was discovered, however, that the woman was wanted on a Solon police warrant. The woman was arrested and turned over to Solon police. Fraud, Brainard Road: At 4:55 p.m. Nov. 19, a man reported that he had been contacted by a caller who said he represented the Social Security Administration. The man gave the caller personal information, but did not turn over any money. Police advised the man to monitor his credit report. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Aggravated robbery, Colony Road: A woman, 22, reported at 2:15 a.m. Nov. 17 that her car was stolen from her at gunpoint by three unknown male suspects just west of Warrensville Center Road. The suspects fled from the area at a high rate of speed and were not located. The woman also reported her cell phone and debit and credit cards stolen in the incident. Impaired driving, South Green Road: A South Euclid man, 47, was arrested for OVI after he was found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle at the Mayfield Road intersection around 3 a.m. Nov. 22. His 9-year-old daughter was sleeping on the back seat, which led to an additional charge of child endangering. The man has three previous OVI convictions. Departmental information, South Green Road: A woman said Nov. 21 that the father of her 13-year-old grandson makes the boy walk six blocks to the police station for custody exchanges between his parents. She felt it was too far for the boy to walk at his age and that it goes against a court order from the domestic relations judge. She asked that the information be logged for future custody issues. Domestic violence, East Berwald Road: A boy, 15, was arrested at his home for domestic violence Nov. 21 after an incident involving his mother and other family members. Officers had been at the home earlier for a domestic incident between the boy and his 23-year-old brother, who requested that assault charges be filed. Theft, Mayfield Road: A warrant was issued for the arrest of a 48-year-old East Cleveland resident Nov. 20 in connection with the theft of $100 worth of liquor from Giant Eagle. Domestic violence, Merrymound Road: A resident reported Nov. 18 that he was hit in the head with a bottle his girlfriend threw at him. He did not require medical attention. Menacing, South Green Road: A man said Nov. 17 that he was threatened at an auto repair business by two of his former employees. Officers spoke to the suspects, who both denied threatening the man. Felonious assault, Mayfield Road: A Marco's Pizza employee was stabbed Nov. 16 after an altercation between a female employee and an unknown suspect behind the store. The suspect fled the area and was not located. The incident is under investigation. Disturbance, Greenvale Drive: Officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the street Nov. 16 between a woman and a man. The woman said she had been in an argument with her boyfriend regarding a child's birthday party. The woman left the area with a family member and no further police involvement was required. Aggravated robbery, Mayfield Road: Two Cousins Beauty Store was robbed at gunpoint Nov. 15 by two unknown male suspects wearing hoodies. The staff said the suspects had them open the cash register and safe and give them the money. One of the suspects stuffed the money down his pants and they both fled on foot and were not located. An estimated $5,098 was reported stolen. See more South Euclid news at cleveland.com/lyndhurst-south-euclid. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. AKRON, Ohio Two teens were killed Wednesday night in an apparent accidental shooting and suicide, according to police. Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards says the two boys, ages 14 and 15, were with a group of several teens in the basement of a home on the 200 block of Grand Avenue at about 7 p.m. Edwards says the 15-year-old pulled out the handgun and it fired a shot, striking the 14-year-old boy in the head. The 15-year-old then turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the head, Edwards said. Both boys were pronounced dead at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. The Summit County Medical Examiners Office will conduct autopsies. Police are withholding the identification of the victims pending positive identification and family notifications. To comment on this story, please visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio Attorneys for a Cleveland civil rights law firm met with Cuyahoga Countys administrative judge this week to talk about conditions in the county jail, two days before the judge alerted his colleagues about what he believed would be a forthcoming lawsuit about the jail. Attorneys Sarah Gelsomino and Terry Gilbert of Friedman & Gilbert met with Judge John Russo on Monday, Gelsomino said. The firm, which also includes attorney Jacqueline Greene, said it is exploring a lawsuit against the county to address conditions in the jail. We are investigating these human rights violations and considering all options to force Cuyahoga County and jail administrators to take the necessary steps to immediately improve conditions in the jail, including through a federal civil rights law suit, the firm said in a statement. It is clear that these deplorable conditions have been festering for years. In light of the Countys woefully inadequate and indifferent response, independent intervention and oversight are necessary to ensure real reform. The firm released its statement about an hour after news broke about a letter Russo sent to his 33 colleagues that said he was aware of a lawsuit that would seek a federal court to take over the beleaguered county jail. Russo asked each of the judges to review the numbers of defendants they have locked up in jail because I feel this lawsuit may put us under scrutiny, according to a copy of the letter obtained by cleveland.com. The letter comes in the wake of a report by the U.S. Marshals Service that found widespread inhumane conditions in the jail. The investigation was launched this year after seven people died inside the jail during a four-month span. The countys director of corrections resigned earlier this month. Friedman & Gilberts statement makes it clear that the idea of a lawsuit is still being explored. No lawsuits have been filed based on the Marshals' findings. The statement also said common pleas judges should immediately reduce the number of people in the jail through other means, including a systematic assessment of the jail population and bond reductions. Russo confirmed Thursday that he met with Gilbert earlier this week about the potential lawsuit. The judge said he asked Gilbert if the judges were going to be named as defendants, and Gilbert did not say. Cleveland.com reporter Cory Shaffer contributed to this story. COLUMBUS, Ohio A nun who once taught at a Catholic high school in Lancaster, Ohio, has been accused by a former student of sexual abuse, according to reports. Because of the accusations, Sister Lisa Zuccarelli has been restricted from unsupervised contact with any minor or former student, Fox 28 reports. She also is undergoing a psychological assessment at a center that specializes in therapy for religious and clergy. The Dominican Sisters of Peace says in a news release that the reported abuse occurred in 1982, when Zuccarelli was teaching at Fisher Catholic High School, according to 10tv.com. A police report says the female victim had left her home because of abuse and Zuccarelli told her she could stay in her room at St. Mary Convent in Lancaster. The victim says Zuccarelli molested her that night, then told her to sneak out of the convent in the morning. Authorities were made aware of the accusations when the former student wrote a letter to the Dominican Sisters of Peace in July. An outside investigation conducted in October revealed the accusations are credible, 10tv.com reports. We consider this conduct reprehensible, and we are deeply sorry for the pain it has caused," Sister Patricia Twohill, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, says in a news release. "We have approached the situation with as much transparency as possible, while being respectful of the privacy of the victim. We are doing all that we can to support the healing of all involved. Twohill says anyone who has experienced abuse should contact her or Lancaster police. To comment on this story, please visit Wednesdays crime and courts comments page. MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Burglary, Webster Road: A resident told police that she left her house at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 and returned at 11:50 p.m. that night. She found her front door frame damaged and the front room TV gone. She then left the house and called police. Also stolen were a TV in her bedroom, a sound bar and two TV stands. She did not believe anything else was taken. The victim's boyfriend, who lives a few doors away, arrived and said his house also was burglarized. His side door was damaged. A radio and stereo system were missing. The detective bureau is investigating the burglaries. Lost property, West 130 Street: A woman noticed her wallet was missing after shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club Nov. 21. She did not find it after returning to the store. No one turned it in to store employees. There were no fraudulent charges on any credit cards that were in her wallet. Police recommended that she check the three major credit bureaus due to her driver's license being in her wallet. Drug possession, Interstate 71: Strongsville police alerted local authorities at 11:53 a.m. Nov. 25 that two women had taken a car from a deceased man they found in an area motel. An officer found the car on Bagley Road and followed it as it weaved several times and closely followed the car in front of it. The officer stopped it and waited for a back-up unit. The driver had a suspended license and an active warrant out of Westlake. The passenger also had a suspended license. The driver was arrested as she placed a bag of marijuana into a larger bag on the floorboard. The officer also found drug paraphernalia for cocaine in the car. The women said the items were not theirs and became upset after learning that the man at the motel had died. Strongsville police took custody of the women. Warrant, Engle Road: An officer checked a car's license plate at 8:56 a.m. Nov. 26 and learned that the owner had a warrant for his arrest. He stopped the car. The motorist acknowledged that he had a warrant and no driver's license. He was arrested. Theft, Engle Road: A woman told police that she had placed her cell phone on a table in the breakfast area of Hampton Inn & Suites at 9:20 a.m. Nov. 24. She then went to help her son. When she returned to the table, her phone was gone. Fraud, Galemore Drive: Police are investigating an incident that came to their attention Nov. 22 that may involve elder abuse and financial fraud. Burglary, Ivy Lane: A resident contacted police at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 after finding that someone had broken a window to enter her home. The culprit went through dresser drawers. The victim said her checkbook was missing. Warrant, Engle Road: An officer noticed a car idling in the Days Inn parking lot at two different times Nov. 18. The officer spoke with the driver. He discovered that the passenger had several active warrants involving drugs. She was arrested. Police found a small container that had white powder inside. Both people in the car denied it was theirs. Medina police arrived to take custody of the woman. Weaving, Lucerne Drive: An officer stopped a vehicle at 1:18 a.m. Nov. 18 after seeing it weave several times across lanes. The driver, who admitted that he had had a few alcoholic drinks, did not understand why he was stopped. The officer noted a strong smell of alcohol on him and administered field sobriety tests, which the motorist failed. He was arrested. Police found an open 12-pack of beer in the car, with several empty cans in the back seat. The driver measured a .183 blood alcohol content level. He was also charged with not wearing a seat belt and drunken driving. Dangerous drugs, Bagley Road: Police went to the Speedway gas station at 11 p.m. Nov. 16 for a man who was not breathing. They arrived where paramedics were administering to the man. Paramedics gave three doses of Narcan to the victim, who was taken to the hospital and was doing well. The man's girlfriend told police that she went into the station's store to buy food, returned and found him unresponsive on the ground. She said he had a history of using heroin. No drugs were found at the scene. 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 CLEVELAND, Ohio Nov. 6 was a good night for Ohio Republicans. But one overlooked winner is Jane Timken, who came up big in her first major election since President Donald Trump helped install her as the leader of the Ohio Republican Party. Timken has worked to consolidate her position since she ousted a chairman close to Gov. John Kasich in January 2017, including fending off a challenge to her leadership. Shes also walked a tightrope as Kasich has continued to be one of Trumps most prominent Republican critics. Democratic gains would have given fuel to Timkens detractors within Ohio Republican circles, who are still out there. But as Bob Paduchik, an Ohio political operative whos close to Timken and influential with both the state and national GOP, put it: You cant argue with success. Under Timkens leadership, the state party in 2018 successfully executed a campaign to motivate Trump supporters to vote Republican at levels comparable to 2016. They swept all five executive statewide offices and held all 12 of their congressional seats, amid a climate where Democrats saw major gains elsewhere, including in states like Kansas and Michigan. A major blemish: Sen. Sherrod Browns 7-point victory over Rep. Jim Renacci, who failed to mount a viable, well-funded campaign. The race, in which Brown outspent Renacci by more than 10-to-1, has seeded a narrative Brown has used as hes explored running for president. In an extended Wednesday interview with cleveland.com, Timken said she plans to seek another two-year term in January, and expects that shell have the support of governor-elect Mike DeWine and all the other statewide, elected Republican officials. They are supportive of me, as Ive been very supportive of them, she said. She also addressed other topics, including the 2018 and 2020 elections. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. So what do you think went right on Election Night? I think our ground game was top-notch, and we had great data modeling. I think President Trump coming to Ohio and appealing to our voters made a difference. We had great fundraising, and that gave us the ability to be effective in these races. From my perspective, part of what I did when I became chairman was not stay in Columbus, but engage our voters throughout the state in all 88 counties. And I think thats a large part how you build that ground game, how you build our volunteer base. We started in 2017, we had eight regional field directors whose jobs were to work with local counties and their candidates, and start to develop the grassroots ground game. And we continued that on through 2018. We had great candidates, and they worked really hard. I was all about teamwork and I think when we all came together and worked together as a team, it was a very successful election night. Do you think Ohio is a red state now? Theres been a lot of discussion of this, including within Ohio Democratic circles. One could make the argument that Ohio is a red state. But one thing Im keeping my eye on is the urban county vote. We need to do a better job at engaging those voters. And I continue to think that Ohio will always be the focus. But the reason why Ohio is a red state is because Republicans have been very successful, and theyve shown to our voters that people win with Republicans. The economy is better, their take-home pay is better and they just feel better under Republican leadership. Democrats saw gains in places like the suburbs of Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. What can you do better in the suburbs? We tried this a little bit in this cycle with our targeting. We need to have targeted, differentiated messages. For example we largely kept our Trump voters, and our message to them was if you like the job that President Trump is doing, if you support the president, you need to come out and vote for these Republicans. Then theres who we call our Republican disengagers, those who traditionally voted Republican but are maybe are leaning away from the party. The message needs to be a little different. It needs to be that with fiscally conservative leaders, you can benefit under a growing economy. And look, Im part of that suburban, white female demographic. And I talk to a lot of women, and I think that narrative that the suburban woman are completely turned off by Republicans does not hold true entirely. And I honestly in the next cycle would like to recruit more female candidates. The state party recruited Jim Renacci to run against Brown. Do you regret how things worked out there? I think that Jim Renacci was a strong candidate. I think that if you look at the circumstances, Josh Mandel dropped out in January of 2018, and Jim Renacci stepped in. And look, Sherrod Brown had the resources to outspend our candidate I think 13 to 1. And when you have that kind of money flowing, it becomes a challenge. But I would say that Sherrod Brown underperformed his previous election results in the last two cycles, so I wouldnt necessarily say its a feather in his cap. Renacci has complained about lack of national support his campaign got. Do you agree that he got hung out to dry by national Republicans? All I can do is speak to what the Ohio Republican Party did. We were very supportive of Jim Renacci. We worked with his team hand-in-hand. We were always supportive of him, so thats my perspective. Jim and I have talked, and he knows the state party was fully supportive of him. Would another candidate have done better? Or do you think it was just a difficult situation? Its hard to speculate on that. I dont know how that would be, but I think that I knew Jim Renacci and his history of beating incumbent Democrats, and I had worked with him in almost every single one of his races since 2010. So I knew that he had the capacity and I thought that he could beat Sherrod. Sherrod Brown is using his win as part of his pitch to be a 2020 candidate. How formidable of a candidate do you think hed be in Ohio and elsewhere? I think that Sherrod Brown is overplaying his hand on that one a little bit. I see a lot of vulnerabilities in Sherrod. I dont know if he would have national appeal. Look, I think that hes got a lot of competition from the other potential Democrat primary candidates. My honest assessment is I think that hes likely fundraising off of this, and is not a legitimate candidate. Do you think that Democrats can win in 2020 in Ohio? You never know what the environment might be like in 2020. Id say that clearly the election results from 2018 are that those 1 million Republican voters who came into the party because of President Trump, they stayed with us, and I think when you look at that environment and that fact, it would be less likely for a Democrat to be successful in Ohio. What do you think about John Kasichs potential presidential bid? I dont know what his plans are. We have an incumbent Republican. The Republican National Committee is going to be backing President Trump, and so is the Ohio Republican Party. You have said you want to recruit more women and minority candidates into the Republican Party. How will you do this? I give a speech where I talk about when women run or think about doing something, they tend to try to check every single box and say it has to be absolutely perfect before they take that risk. And what Id like to do is encourage more women to run. There are a lot of strong Republican women in this party, and I think they have a great voice and I think theyd be great leaders. Id like to encourage them to run. It improves our party by expanding our elected officials, but also by expanding who is representative of the Republican Party. Who are some examples of women and minority candidates you view as potential up-and-comers? We just had two female candidates elected to the House of Representatives, Jena Powell and Susan Manchester. Obviously we have Dorothy Pelanda who was a Secretary of State candidate early on in the cycle. We have Laura Lanese, we have Sarah LaTourette. [Both are state representatives.] Of course, Mary Taylor was a gubernatorial candidate. I would also look at the success of someone like Jeff Pastor down in Cincinnati whos an African-American city council member. And Haraz Ghanbari whos on the Perrysburg City Council as well. People around you like to suggest you might run for elected office someday. What do you think about this? I think for now, Im focused on 2019 and 2020, and to speculate on that is for another day. A Republican won a previously Democratic state senate seat near Youngstown, an area that has drifted to the political right recently. Do you think the GM plant closure in Lordstown will pose a political challenge for Republicans? The way I see it is the presidents always been a strong advocate for the forgotten man and woman, the American worker, and hes said publicly that hes their champion. And he is very unhappy about the Lordstown plant closure. Hes looking at options, Mike DeWine and Sen. Portman also are working with GM to come up with a solution. I think at the end of the day, with all three of them working with GM, they want to protect those jobs, and I believe that well likely have a successful outcome. President Donald Trump has said from the trail, including near Youngstown, that all the old factory jobs will re-open. Do you think hes overpromised what he can deliver? No, because if you look at the number of jobs created since the president took office, its an incredible number of jobs. If you look at Ohio, also we have record unemployment and record job creation. I think he is delivering on that promise. I think there are great people who are working in the Mahoning Valley, and GM in my opinion is making a mistake by walking away from that area. Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown stopped finger-pointing over the impending closing of General Motors' Lordstown assembly plant long enough on Wednesday evening to discuss an auto jobs bill that Brown introduced this summer. Brown sought a telephone conversation with Trump after GM announced a series of closings that would result in more than 14,000 jobs lost at facilities in the United States and Canada, including roughly 1,600 Lordstown jobs. In a statement released after the phone call, Brown said he asked Trump to support legislation he introduced after GM announced it would be building Chevy Blazers in Mexico rather than the United States. According to Brown, Trump said he liked the bill, which would give customers a $3,500 discount when they purchase American-made cars, and fully tax overseas profits from car manufacturers who cut U.S. jobs while increasing their foreign workforce. Im glad the President said the right things tonight, but now he needs to follow it up with action, Browns statement said. "Ive been calling on him to help save these jobs for months, and its long past time we stop subsidizing corporations that send jobs overseas and start supporting American workers. On July 25, 2017, President Trump visited Youngstown, OH and said he would bring jobs back to our area. Today, GM is shutting down the Lordstown Plant and 4 more across North America - a loss of over 14,000 jobs. The President has yet to tweet about GM today. pic.twitter.com/gKNv8ieq9N Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) November 27, 2018 Democrats including Brown have blasted Trump for failing to deliver promised economic renewal in the industrial Midwest. Last year, he assured workers in the Mahoning Valley that were going to fill up those factories or rip them down and build brand new ones." Trump fired back by telling the The Wall Street Journal that Ohio wasnt properly represented by their Democrat senator, Senator Brown, because he didnt get the point across to General Motors. Brown retorted that Trump gave companies tax breaks to shut down American factories and lay off workers, and said hed compare his record of standing up for Ohio and American workers to Trumps any day. I join a long line of people that the President, never taking responsibility himself, points his fingers at, said Brown, who noted that clothing and tableware businesses that Trump operated made their products overseas. The reason that the small truck business in the U.S. is such a go to favorite is that, for many years, Tariffs of 25% have been put on small trucks coming into our country. It is called the chicken tax. If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2018 .....and G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, Michigan & Maryland. Get smart Congress. Also, the countries that send us cars have taken advantage of the U.S. for decades. The President has great power on this issue - Because of the G.M. event, it is being studied now! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 28, 2018 Earlier Wednesday, Trump suggested on Twitter that he might impose tariffs on foreign cars coming into the United States. And on Tuesday, he suggested the government might cut subsidies it gives to GM, and end tax breaks for electric vehicles. The countries that send us cars have taken advantage of the U.S. for decades, said Trump. The President has great power on this issue - Because of the G.M. event, it is being studied now! And on Thursday morning, he declared the closures an aberration in an otherwise booming economy. General Motors is very counter to what other auto, and other, companies are doing, Trump tweeted. Big Steel is opening and renovating plants all over the country. Auto companies are pouring into the U.S., including BMW, which just announced a major new plant. The U.S.A. is booming!" Ohio Democratic congress members Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Tim Ryan of the Niles-area held a press conference on Thursday to invite Trump to visit Ohio with them to meet with displaced auto workers. President Trump was in our congressional district the night before the election this year, giving a speech in Parma Heights, said Kaptur. He knows where this region of Ohio is. We want to invite him back to meet with workers and correct his trade and tax policy so we can have thriving manufacturing in this country. Ryan said he spoke with GM CEO Mary Barra by phone on Thursday morning to discuss his disappointment with the Lordstown layoffs, and how GM could use the Mahoning Valleys other resources to have the factory build a new product. The Mahoning Valley is rich in resources that can help GM stay in Lordstown, whether its the Youngstown Business Incubator or the Tech Belt Innovation Center, we are second to none when it comes to additive manufacturing and 3-D printing, said a statement from Ryan. It doesnt matter how many calls, letters, or meetings it will take, I am committed to finding a solution with GM, this Administration, and Congress to keep our jobs in Lordstown and protect American workers. Wadsworth Republican Rep. Jim Renacci, a former General Motors dealer who decided to run for Congress when his dealership was shuttered as part of a government restructuring effort, disputed contentions that last years tax bill benefitted GM and encouraged it to ship jobs overseas. Renacci, a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee who lost a Senate bid to Brown earlier this month, said that due to the companys loss carry forward, no amount of tax cuts would reduce their tax liability. Any politician that says #TCJA benefitted GM doesnt understand the tax law. Due to GMs loss carry forward, no amount of tax cuts would reduce their tax liability. It's frustrating that opponents of the bill falsely claim that provisions in the bill impacted GM's decision. Rep. Jim Renacci (@RepJimRenacci) November 29, 2018 It is important to remember that under the old tax law, U.S. corporations were generally not taxed on profits earned overseas until they brought those profits back into the United States, said a statement from Renacci. Now, thanks to a new provision, theyre paying 10.5%. Thats revenue that was generally not getting taxed under the old law. Anyone pointing toward this does not understand the tax code and are focusing on unsubstantiated claims. We should be focusing on the fact that after taking billions, GMs announcement is a slap in the face to the people of Ohio, he continued. GM should be required to pay those dollars back for moving jobs to Mexico. The conversation needs to be focused on the government-sponsored bankruptcy of 2008 that bailed out a company who is now moving jobs overseas. Congress should be working together today with the President to get those dollars back. COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday threw out the latest attempt of death row inmate Anthony Apanovitch to get his murder conviction overturned. The high court ruled that under Ohio law a Cuyahoga County trial court wasnt allowed to consider Apanovitchs post-conviction petition. Apanovitch has been on death row since 1985. He was convicted of rape, burglary and murder of Mary Ann Flynn of Cleveland. Flynn was a 33-year-old nurse in the summer of 1984 when she hired him to paint her Archwood Drive home. He raped, beat and strangled her, prosecutors said. Flynn had previously told friends he had propositioned her and she was afraid of him. The Supreme Courts decision reverses the lower courts ruling to vacate Apanovitchs rape charges and order a new trial for the remaining charges. Apanovitch had petitioned the court, post-conviction, on the premise of DNA testing completed in 2000 that was not available at the time of his trial. The majority opinion, written by Justice Patrick Fischer, noted that Apanovitch has unsuccessfully tried to overturn his conviction several times, including through multiple post-conviction petitions. The right to file a post-conviction petition is a statutory right, not a constitutional right, which means that any right to post-conviction relief must come from Ohio laws. The opinion said that Apanovitchs latest petition did not meet the criteria under Ohio law for a state court to consider it. Justices Judith French, R. Patrick DeWine and Mary DeGenaro joined Justice Fischers opinion. Justice Terrence ODonnell concurred in part and dissented in part. He disagreed with the majority on the courts decision to remand the case to the trail court for further proceedings. ODonnell believes the matter has come to an end. Chief Justice Maureen OConnor joined ODonnells decision. Justice Sharon Kennedy separately concurred in part and dissented in part without a written opinion. CLEVELAND -- Former judge and brutal wife-beater Lance Mason didnt land a job at Cleveland City Hall as part of some second-chance program for criminals. The second-chance concoction is whats being peddled by those desperate to justify a hiring that will haunt Mayor Frank Jackson for the rest of his mayoralty. But all the lipstick in the world wont make that pig look like something its not. Second-chance programs are for the poor kid from Glenville or Old Brooklyn who did six months in prison for a nonviolent drug offense. If run right, they represent good public policy. But second-chance programs are not for a University of Michigan Law School graduate who in 2014 brutally beat his wife in broad daylight, punching her more than 20 times, slamming her face against a car dashboard, while Lance and Aisha Fraser Masons two children watched in horror from the backseat of the same car. Those two kids get will get no second chance. Every day, for the rest of their lives, they will live with that memory. Mason served nine months in prison for what he did to his wife that August day in 2014. In August 2017, the Jackson administration hired him to run the citys minority business development program. A little more than a year after that, Mason allegedly stabbed Aisha Fraser Mason to death. This was, at its core, a political hire. Mason is a product of the local Democratic Partys Marcia Fudge and Stephanie Tubbs Jones wing. He was extremely close to the late congresswoman and to Fudge, her successor. Thats why he was hired. And but for Masons political connections, its impossible to imagine him landing the job Jacksons administration gave him. Thats especially true given the barbaric nature of his 2014 crime. Everything about this sordid thing runs contrary to the national awakening over criminal mistreatment of women. In fact, a Nov. 25 report issued by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime found that, of about 87,000 women and girls murdered in 2017, about 58 percent died at the hands of a relative or intimate partner. How would the mayor or anyone else defend Masons hiring to a roomful of brutally battered females? Would they have the courage to even try? Its 2018 in the real world. Not at City Hall. Meanwhile, its not too early to worry about where the mayors fourth term is headed. As he was pondering a campaign that would make him Clevelands longest-serving mayor, Jackson promised to never become one of those officeholders who stays too long. What I dont want to be is like an old fighter not knowing to get out of the ring, Jackson told me in the fall of 2016. If he ever became an impediment, Jackson added, then Im gone. Jackson is an earnest man. Especially now, there are reasons to feel empathy for him as he wrestles with an extraordinarily difficult job. But thinking beyond the citys borders has never been part of Jacksons leadership DNA. And that fourth, four-year term voters graciously rewarded him 13 months ago already seems to lack any sense of urgency or purpose. More than at any time in the past 40 years, Cleveland now needs a mayor who can inspire, someone who can articulate and help implement a communitywide vision for all of Greater Clevelands future. Because absent a truly regional approach to problem solving, any other effort aimed at building a better future would be a colossal waste of time. The disappearance of good-paying manufacturing jobs made the quality of a regions workforce more important than ever. And Greater Clevelands workforce is utterly ill-equipped to fill 21st-century jobs. That workforce readiness problem makes meaningful growth all but impossible. It is frightening to think where wed be without our world-class hospitals and the educational and cultural gems of University Circle. The people who live here deserve better than what theyre getting from their leaders. Some of those so-called leaders are now behind a phony reform movement that would reduce the size of Cleveland City Council. Thats not necessarily a defense of council. Its a recognition that any list of 100 suggestions to make this community a better place wouldnt include council reduction. The reduction campaign diverts attention from the regions real problems. Its a scheme fathered by people with personal agendas, people who dont give a damn about this community or its future. And its the last thing Cleveland needs right now. Brent Larkin was The Plain Dealer's editorial director from 1991 until his retirement in 2009. To reach Brent Larkin: blarkin@cleveland.com Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. The Wall Street Journal broke the story this week that Ohio will become the first state to accept cryptocurrencies when the Ohio treasurer starts accepting bitcoin for business tax and other payments -- a decision made by outgoing Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, who says the state treasurer has the authority to determine in which manner taxes will be paid. Cleveland.coms Emily Bamforth and Andrew J. Tobias report that Ohio will use BitPay, a third-party vendor in Georgia, to process bitcoin payments and to ensure against volatility in bitcoin value in exchange for a 1 percent fee to be paid by the payor -- less than the 2.5 percent cut that credit card companies now take, according to Mandel. Mandel expressed confidence the program would continue under Treasurer-elect Robert Sprague, who was noncommittal when cleveland.com asked. For now, Ohios bitcoin payment policy only applies to businesses, not individual taxpayers. The Ohio announcement comes just before Cleveland hosts a four-day blockchain solutions conference starting Saturday seeking to make the region Blockland Cleveland. Featured speakers for the Dec. 1-4 conference reflect corporate Americas interest in commercializing aspects of the blockchain model to make payments easier, cheaper and more secure: Oracle CEO Mark Hurd; IBMs vice president for blockchain technology, Jerry Cuomo; AT&T CEO John Donovan; KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Beth Mooney; and Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger, among others. The Blockland Cleveland concept has been vigorously pushed by car dealer Bernie Moreno, who acknowledged to cleveland.com that he discussed the bitcoin payment idea with Mandel over the summer. So what do we think of the state of Ohio taking bitcoin for state tax payments? Is it cutting edge or cruelly blind to bitcoins more slippery and volatile attributes? Our Editorial Board Roundtable offers some thoughts -- and we welcome yours in the comments. Ted Diadiun, editorial board member: Calling bitcoin a gimmick marks me a Luddite, but I fail to see how allowing people to pay their state taxes with it helps us. We ought to insist on checks or bank transfers, reserving credit cards for Christmas shopping and leaving bitcoin to drug dealers laundering their money. Thomas Suddes, editorial writer: One of our readers beat me to it: What could go wrong? Eric Foster, editorial board member: While this is surely a pioneering move by the state of Ohio, my thought is Ohio may be one of the first states to do this because there is no real demand for this, either. According to an October 2018 survey conducted by the Global Blockchain Council, only 5 percent of Americans own bitcoin. And with the cryptocurrency losing so much of its value since the 2017 gold rush, I do not see that ownership percentage rising anytime soon. Lisa Garvin, editorial board member: As one who routinely deals in cold, hard cash, its hard for me not to look askance at bitcoin. Its very name, cryptocurrency, conjures up images of shady deals done on the dark web. While it may be forward-thinking for Ohio to accept cryptocurrency for tax payments, I wonder if the state has jumped the gun, and could even end up losing money due to bitcoins ongoing volatility. Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member: Volatility is desirable for explosives, not for currency. Moneys value in our society always demands some leap of faith. But without standardization and government backing, using bitcoin seems more like a daredevil stunt highly rewarding, but only if you survive. Cryptocurrency will undoubtedly stabilize and gain traction over time. For now, however, the state of Ohio should protect taxpayer dollars (literally) and steer clear of bitcoin. Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, cleveland.com: Flash in the pan, anyone? This feels a lot like a publicity grab, not serious policy. No doubt there is a currency-free future for most of us, one whose commercial implications Northeast Ohio businesses are wise to explore. Nor does it hurt to dispel Ohios stodgy old-school image. But this is far from the real reform and innovation Ohio needs to bring smart young people and investments to the state. Editors note: This roundtable was updated on Dec. 3 to clarify that the 1 percent fee on bitcoin payments made to the Ohio Treasury will be paid by taxpayers, not the state, similar to the 2.5 percent charge for credit card payments. Have something to say about this topic? * Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the "Follow" option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. * 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 board roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. SOLON, Ohio -- Theft, Hamilton Court: At 7:50 p.m. Nov. 26, a man, 70, went to the police station to report being the victim of a scam. The man told police that, at 11:30 a.m. that day, he had received a call from someone who said he represented the IRS. The caller said that the man was delinquent for several years on his tax payments. The caller instructed the man to purchase Apple and Google play cards. The victim complied and shared the cards' numbers with the caller. The cards totaled $1,650. Police advised the victim to contact the Ohio attorney general and the treasury inspector general. The detective bureau is investigating. Assault, Aurora Road: At 3:15 p.m. Nov. 21, a Solon man, 20, reported that he had been punched and kicked by an East Cleveland man, 23, near the rear of D&M Food Mart, 33630 Aurora Road. A warrant was issued for the suspect's arrest. OVI, Aurora Road: At 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23, an officer noticed a car stopped at the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing. The officer stopped and asked the driver, a Wickliffe man, 48, if he wanted help pushing the car off the road. The driver did not understand what the officer was asking. The officer noticed that the man was having dexterity difficulties. Field sobriety tests were administered and it was determined that the man was impaired. The man was found to have a blood-alcohol content of .004, below the state minimum for drunk driving of .08. A urine sample was also taken. The man was charged with OVI, with additional charges pending lab results. OVI, Ohio 91: At 11:20 p.m. Nov. 23, an officer stopped a car that was not maintaining its lane of travel. The officer spoke with the driver, a Macedonia woman, 70, who smelled of alcohol and seemed confused. Field sobriety tests showed that the woman was impaired. She had a blood-alcohol content of .149. Police charged the woman with OVI, prohibited blood-alcohol content and with a marked lanes violation. OVI, Copley Avenue: At 11:10 a.m. Nov. 24, police were informed about a car that was having difficulty maintaining its lane and that went on to strike a tree stump before driving away. Police checked the home of the car's owner, a Solon man, 47, and found him exiting the car through the passenger side door. The driver side door was too damaged to open. The man, who was unsteady on his feet, had urinated on himself and his speech was slurred. The man failed field sobriety tests, but refused to take a breath test. He was charged with OVI. OVI, Hamilton Court: At 7:45 p.m. Nov. 24, police were called about a suspicious parked car. As police approached the car, its driver flashed the auto's headlights. Next, the driver drove the car forward, then parked the vehicle. When police spoke with the driver, they noticed marijuana debris on his lap and the odor of marijuana inside the car. The driver, a Solon man, 18, failed field sobriety tests, and was found to have a blood-alcohol content of .001. A urine sample was taken. Police charged the man with OVI. Further charges are pending lab results. Domestic violence, Louise Drive: At 9:30 a.m. Nov. 27, police received a call from a woman who was concerned that her daughter was being harmed by her boyfriend. Police went to the home and found the boyfriend in the driveway. The daughter, 31, was asleep in the house. The woman had given birth to the couple's child a week earlier. Police woke the woman, who said she feared for her safety and that of their child. Officers noticed bruises, allegedly caused by the boyfriend, on the woman's arm. Police arrested the man, 21, and charged him with domestic violence. Theft, Aurora Road: At 10:40 a.m. Nov. 28, police were called to the Market District store, 34310 Aurora Road, where a shoplifter was in custody. The manager had seen the suspect walk out of the store with merchandise for which she had not paid. Police issued the suspect, a Bedford Heights woman, 42, a misdemeanor citation for the theft of groceries worth $85. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. This story has been updated: Parent company of Frontier Airlines to rescue Icelands Wow Air CLEVELAND, Ohio Icelandair has called off its purchase of competitor Wow Air, leaving the Icelandic-aviation industry in turmoil. Both carriers this year launched new service from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Reykjavik, Iceland, though Wow canceled its route last month. Icelandair suspended its Cleveland service in October, with plans to resume the flights in May. The two carriers, which both use Reykjavik as a stopover to dozens of destinations in Europe, have been fierce competitors in recent years, expanding rapidly in the United States. Both airlines have experienced significant financial stress this year, partly as a result of the competition, increasing fuel costs and other factors. Earlier this month, Icelandair announced its intention to buy Wow, contingent on the completion of several conditions, which apparently did not occur. "The planned acquisition of Icelandair Group of Wow air will not go through. The Board of Directors and management of both companies have worked on this project in earnest. This conclusion is certainly disappointing, said Bogi Nils Bogason, interim president and CEO of Icelandair Group, in a press release. The development leaves the future of Wow up in the air. The airline this week sent four of its planes into storage in cooperation with lessors, according to a spokeswoman. As a result, several routes, including service from Pittsburgh to Reykjavik, are in jeopardy. The Pittsburgh route, which is year-round, has been suspended starting Jan. 12. Wow spokeswoman Anna Romano said the airline has not canceled the Pittsburgh route. But the fleet reduction forced some necessary restructuring. The winter schedule is currently under re-evaluation due to changes in Wow Airs fleet, but nothing has been finalized, she said. Pittsburgh service started in 2017, a year before Wow launched in Cleveland. In addition to canceling Cleveland service last month, Wow also eliminated routes from Cincinnati and St. Louis. Not one of Benjamin Franklins better-known works, but one worth reading nonetheless, is a brief 1751 essay called Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, &c. Franklin covers a lot of ground in just a few pages, and brings up quite a few ideas worth commenting on, but I wanted to highlight one paragraph and its relevance for the birth dearth we see in the West today. Franklin explains, Home Luxury in the Great, increases the Nations Manufacturers employd by it, who are many, and only tends to diminish the Families that indulge in it, who are few. The greater the common fashionable Expence of any Rank of People, the more cautious they are of Marriage. Therefore Luxury should never be sufferd to become common. First we should note that Franklin unequivocally considers population increase a good thingnot exactly what we hear from many quarters nowadays. Franklin explains many potential hindrances to population growth, but I wanted to pause over his comments on luxuries because they seem particularly applicable to our increasingly childless society. Franklin says that too great an indulgence in luxuries leads to a materialistic outlook and being cautious of marriage. I think he is largely correct. Why are children inexpedient today, and what has taken their place? Why is our age seemingly more cautious of marriage than any prior age? Is it perhaps because the luxuries Franklin warns of have become so widespread? The question goes beyond economics to culture. In our prosperity, basic survival is a given for most. The culture encourages rather the pursuit of fulfillment, which is presented in many different ways. Career, accomplishments, travel, the iPhone X, sexual freedomwe may have heard all this before, but its good to bring up again because it has profound consequences in the long run. The idea of marriage has devolved into individualistic expectations of romance, which is just another species of material fulfillment. Marriage, and even stable relationships, are not in vogue. Add easy access to birth control, and the consequences arent hard to predict. On top of this, consider the pervasive and annoyingly persistent idea that population growth is an evil to be avoided. Such an attitude goes back a long waysee a certain Thomas Malthus, or even farther back, Tertullianbut for the past few decades it has been standard fare in the West. It cant be denied that this has had an impact. Another factor, one that includes economic considerations, is a common conception that today children are simply harder to afford. This is true in the limited sense of their not being an asset in the same way they were in agrarian societies of yesteryear, but doesnt give the full story. The wealthiest countries, for instance, are where birth rates have tended to drop the most. I wonder if it may not be more accurate to say that many in wealthy countries choose not to afford kids. Whats more important, a child or an exotic vacation and a new car? Not that theres anything intrinsically wrong with thoseIm simply pointing out that children may have more competition than they did in the past, and the competition is winning out. Children are counted as one luxury among many, and sometimes even considered the first luxury to get rid of. When I was in grad school, one of my professors posted some stats measuring the environmental impact of a bunch of different behaviorshaving one fewer child, having no car, skipping a transatlantic flight, going vegetarian, drying your clothes on a clothesline, and on and on and on. In the end, the post counseled, if youre going to do one thing to reduce your carbon footprint, have one fewer child! Or none at all. Aside from the reductionism of such an approach (for instance, Aleksandr Stoletov invented the photovoltaic solar panelimagine if his parents had decided to not have him in order to reduce their carbon footprint), this is where materialism and radical individualism lead. When luxuries are whats important for our own ideas of fulfillment, children become an inconvenience, an inconvenience that society teaches us to feel good about avoiding. The fundamental problem behind the demographic winter isnt political or economic. Obviously political and economic problems are there, and improving on them will help, but we have to look to the cultural and spiritual side of the demographic crisis if we want to solve it. The West may be prosperous, but its widespread materialism is fertile ground for, well, infertility. Whats needed is a recognition of the spiritual and cultural value of the family, together with a sense of hope for the future and a less egoistic view of the present. Ben Franklin may not have foreseen our present circumstances, but I hope he would agree. (Photo credits: public domain.) The stock market is headed higher but investors should make some changes in their portfolios to accommodate shifts in the landscape, Credit Suisse chief equity strategist Jonathan Golub told CNBC on Wednesday. "You don't want to be in cyclical stocks going into next year, because I think the economy is going to be weaker," he said on "Fast Money." In fact, he just downgraded industrials and materials. "I think growth wins again." Cyclical stocks, which include companies that sell discretionary products, tend to not do as well when the economy slows because consumers turn away from them. Consumer staples, on the other hand, usually maintain demand. "We upgraded health care because in an environment where you have slightly weaker growth again, not recessionary, slightly weaker you buy stuff like that," Golub said. He also has more confidence in tech stocks. He argued that October's sell-off, which ravaged tech companies, was a "technical sell-off" that was less about fundamentals and more about positioning. "In the near term, I think that tech is going to bounce very hard," Golub said. Disclaimer After a months-long search, Lyft has hired a leader for its growing health care business, which helps patients get rides to non-emergency medical appointments. The company is set to announce it's hired Megan Callahan, formerly the chief strategy officer for Change Healthcare, a company that merged with McKesson in 2017, as its health lead. The hire comes as Lyft is looking to ramp up revenues ahead of a possible IPO 2019. The company's chief business officer David Baga told CNBC by phone that health represents a "sizable chunk" of Lyft Business, which is set to achieve a annualized revenue run rate of $1 billion by the end of the year. Lyft told CNBC that the number of health care rides tripled from the third quarter of 2017 to the same period a year later. Lyft's primary competitor, Uber, also views health as a growth opportunity. Both companies have built out dedicated teams in health, and have formulated a strategy to work with stakeholders in the industry to help patients who need help to get to the doctor's office on time. Non-emergency medical transportation is attractive for both ride-sharing companies because insurers, including some Medicaid and Medicare plans, will often cover the cost of the ride for patients. There's a huge incentive for health plans to make transportation easier, as studies have found that a lack of transportation is a key reason why patients avoid the doctor's office. Lyft's focus is to forge partnerships in health care with traditional players, including health systems, medical transportation brokers and health IT companies. For instance, in March it signed an exclusive deal with medical record technology provider Allscripts to make it easier for doctors to book Lyft rides for their patients. To that end, Baga, the chief business officer, told CNBC it needed to hire an operator from the industry to maintain and build on these relationships. "We wanted someone for the job who lives and breathes health care," he explained. "But we also wanted someone who could understand the key challenges, and be willing to break from the status quo." Callahan told CNBC she joined Lyft because of the opportunity to improve access to health care services, particularly for low-income or elderly users. She also said that Lyft's deep knowledge about health stood out relative to other technology players. "I was gobsmacked by the level of understanding on HIPAA and PHI," she said, referring to the complex web of federal privacy rules and regulations that govern how health data is stored and shared. "They (Lyft) had clearly taken the time to understand the industry." Lyft is also moving into other areas, including working with pharmaceutical companies to people get to clinical trial sites and arranging rides for physical therapists to treat patients in their homes. Experts say that's the tip of the iceberg for Lyft and other new transportation entrants. "There's home care, there's delivery of goods and supplies -- it becomes a market in the tens of billions of dollars if you're looking at logistics opportunities in health care," said John Brownstein, co-founder of a company in the space called Circulation Health that partners with Lyft. Circulation was recently acquired by one of the largest brokers in the space, Logisticare. Callahan didn't rule out any of these sorts of opportunities, but said her near-term goal was to look for more ways to increase rides and reduce missed appointments. The Trump administration's widening trade war will raise prices for U.S. consumers, but it won't bring back many manufacturing jobs that have moved overseas. That's what more than 800 companies said in a survey released Thursday by IHS Markit, a London-based economics research firm. When the administration ramped up tariffs in July, President Donald Trump insisted the higher duties would encourage U.S. manufacturers to bring overseas jobs back home. Instead, more than 4 in 10 companies surveyed said they plan to raise prices to offset the higher cost of production. Just 1 in 10 said they plan to reduce the share of total output produced outside the U.S. Roughly the same number said the tariffs would encourage them to move more jobs offshore. Trump has touted occasional announcements of U.S. job creation as proof that his strategy is working. On Wednesday, he cited a steelmaker's plan to create 600 new jobs. (tweet) But those gains would be dwarfed by news earlier in the week that General Motors planned to cut some 14,000 jobs in a widespread restructuring forced in part by fading sales growth. Though the company did not specifically cite Trump administration tariffs, U.S. automakers have been hit hard by the rise in steel prices brought by higher U.S. duties on imported steel. Though many companies have tried to hold the line on price increases, the cost of higher tariffs will eventually be borne by consumers. One recent study estimated the economic impact of lost wages and higher prices at $2,400 per household in 2019. Citing unfair trade practices, Trump imposed 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports in September. China retaliated by imposing taxes on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. The U.S. duties are set to increase to 25 percent in January. Trump has also threatened to impose duties on $267 billion more of goods if Beijing does not meet his demands. That would expand U.S. tariffs to almost all of China's exports to the U.S. When Trump first sparked global trade tensions with major U.S. trading partners in July, U.S. businesses had hoped the disputes would be resolved quickly. But while the U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to sign an updated trade deal on Friday, negotiations with China have shown little progress. Just days ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent from the current 10 percent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Trump told The Wall Street Journal it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on Jan. 1. "The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States," Trump told the Journal. "As far as other countries are concerned, that's up to them." Trump, who is due to meet Xi at a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires this weekend, said that if negotiations were unsuccessful, he would also put tariffs on the rest of Chinese imports. Qualcomm is in a winning position when it comes to the fifth generation of cellular service, more commonly known as 5G, and the shift to 5G communication will come as soon as 2019, CEO Steve Mollenkopf told CNBC on Wednesday. "The entire world is going to transition to 5G," Mollenkopf said in an exclusive interview with Jim Cramer. "We think it's a big opportunity for us. We think the first mover gets the advantage, and we're going to be it." The rollout will start in the spring of 2019, with the United States and Korea being first to adopt 5G, followed by Europe and China later in the year. "This is the first generation of wireless where the Chinese carriers will launch wireless service in the same calendar year as the American carriers. That never happened before," Mollenkopf said on "Mad Money." "And it's because it is so important, not only to the cellular industry, but to many other industries like automotive or health care or the industrial companies. So it's going to be a very transformative change and it's definitely captured the attention of governments." The immediate effects for consumers will be much faster internet speeds and "more capability" coming from carriers like Verizon, said Mollenkopf, whose company makes semiconductors and telecommunications equipment. The Qualcomm chief said the transition will affect the entire cellular industry and, eventually, every organization that wants to connect to the internet. "This is the biggest change, I think, to the industry meaning the cellular industry and the relevancy of its roadmap that I've seen during the 25 years that I've worked at Qualcomm," he told Cramer. The rise of 5G could even mark the beginning of the end for cable television, the CEO suggested. "If [consumers] look at their wireline spend and they decompose it into, 'There's a certain amount that I pay for content and a certain amount that I pay for the transport or the connectivity,' there's a real opportunity with 5G," he said. "The economics are such that the wireless operators can just give you the connectivity piece and you can bring your over-the-top service." Younger consumers are already starting to adopt this logic, leading to a decline in cable television viewership and the early innings of the "business model evolution" that 5G will bring, the CEO said. "They spend much less time on linear TV. Now, we are going to provide the technology to enable that to happen," Mollenkopf said. "That's just one of probably 30 different industries that will be disrupted by 5G." Qualcomm's stock ended Wednesday trading 1.94 percent higher, at $56.65 a share. Also on "Mad Money," Mollenkopf forecast an end to his company's ongoing dispute with Apple. Canadians might be known as the United States' friendly neighbor up north, but is there any truth to the stereotype that Canadians as nicer than Americans? While there is no hard evidence to suggest that Canadians and Americans have different personality traits, new research has found that there might be some truth to that when it comes to the language people use on Twitter. For the study "National character stereotypes mirror language use: A study of Canadian and American tweets," which was published earlier this month in the journal PLOS One, linguistic experts from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada looked at 40 million tweets from American and Canadian Twitter accounts to see how their language might differ. They isolated the words, emoticons and emojis used most disproportionately on Twitter by people hailing from each country, collecting data from February 2015 to February 2016. Interestingly enough, the researchers found that the language differences between Americans and Canadians on Twitter mirrors their national stereotypes: Canadians were much more positive and polite on Twitter and used words like "great," "thanks," "good," "amazing" and "happy"; meanwhile, Americans were more prone to use negative words, like "hate," "miss," "mad," "feel," "swear" and "tired." "The most distinctive word choices of Americans and Canadians on Twitter paint a very accurate and familiar picture of the stereotypes we associate with people from these nations," Daniel Schmidtke, co-author of the study and a post-doctoral researcher at McMaster, says in a news release. Canadian tweets also featured emojis of hearts, smiley faces and thumb's up. And while American tweets also included a number of positive emojis, like smiling faces and heart-eye faces, they also often included crying faces and skulls, according to the study. Another notable difference in American tweets is the presence of racial slurs and profanity. Still, "The Twitter behavior we observe doesn't actually reflect the real underlying personality profile of an average American or Canadian," Schmidtke emphasizes. Don't miss: People are going wild for these boozy baked goods Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook! U.S. President Donald Trump, center, Mike Pompeo, U.S. secretary of state, left, and James Mattis, US secretary of defense, listen during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Two senior U.S. Cabinet members urged senators on Wednesday not to downgrade ties with Saudi Arabia over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but lawmakers from both parties said they could not turn a blind eye to reports that the country's de facto ruler was involved in last month's killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said there was no hard evidence that the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind the killing, seemingly contradicting an assessment by the CIA about Khashoggi's death in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "We have no smoking gun the crown prince was involved, not the intelligence community or anyone else. There is no smoking gun," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon. Mattis said he had read all the U.S. intelligence reports about the incident and a transcript of what is believed to be an audio recording of the killing. After repeated calls from members of Congress for a strong U.S. response to Khashoggi's death, both Mattis and Pompeo briefed the Senate behind closed doors about Saudi Arabia, the Oct. 2 murder of Khashoggi and the war in Yemen. Echoing similar comments from President Donald Trump, they said downgrading U.S. ties with ally Saudi Arabia would harm national security. Pompeo acknowledged to the lawmakers that the Yemen conflict in which Saudi Arabia is deeply involved has taken a terrible toll on civilians, but he argued that the Saudis provide an important counterweight to Iran in the region. "More broadly, degrading ties with Saudi Arabia would be a grave mistake for U.S. national security, and that of our allies," Pompeo said in his prepared remarks to the Senate. "The Kingdom is a powerful force for stability in an otherwise fraught Middle East." Pompeo told reporters after the briefing that there was no direct evidence connecting Crown Prince Mohammed to Khashoggi's murder. However, Pompeo and Mattis did not seem to sway leading Senate foreign policy voices, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans, who said they believed taking no action would send a more dangerous message to the world. Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said after the briefing it was apparent to everyone in the room that the crown prince was responsible for Khashoggi's death. Senate to vote on Yemen war "We have a problem here. We understand that Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country," Corker said. "We also have a crown prince that's out of control." Corker warned that Congress would act if the administration does not. "I think 80 percent of the people left the hearing this morning not feeling like an appropriate response has been forthcoming," Corker said. Defying the White House, the Senate voted on Wednesday to advance a resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, setting the stage for a possible final vote on the measure within days. And if retailers are not shutting stores, the focus is on negotiating with landlords over how to cut rent and other expenses. Real estate analysts say it's the retailers, not the mall and shopping center owners, that still have the upper hand in most negotiations today. Now, a slew of specialty retailers like Gap and L Brands are getting serious about downsizing, which will leave more vacant storefronts within malls until landlords are able to replace tenants. Mall and shopping center owners across the U.S. are preparing to be hit by more store closures, following a brutal year that included department store chains like Bon-Ton and Sears going bankrupt, Toys R Us liquidating and even Walmart shutting dozens of its club stores. "Our early read on 2019 is more of the same ... with both malls and [shopping centers] facing another year of tepid earnings growth and store closure-related headwinds," Mizuho analyst Haendel St. Juste said. The CEO of clothing retailer Express, David Kornberg, told analysts Thursday morning the company is "benefiting from reduced occupancy costs, which are expected to continue based on recent lease negotiations." Express has 60 percent of its leases up for renewal over the next three years, and will be in a position to argue for slashed rents because of that, he said. Express currently has more than 600 stores, including outlets, across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The comments come after Gap earlier this month warned it could shut hundreds of stores for its namesake brand "quickly" and "aggressively." "There are hundreds of other stores that likely don't fit our vision for the future of Gap brand specialty store, whether in terms of profitability, customer experience, traffic trends," CEO Art Peck said. Then, L Brands CFO Stuart Burgdoerfer told analysts earlier in November the company is going to "take a hard look" at its real estate "over the next several months." He said L Brands hasn't had much flexibility to shut stores of late, without incurring a penalty, as leases in the U.S. typically last for 10 years, and can be 15 years in the U.K. But he hinted the company hopes to take a more aggressive stance, moving forward. "We're doing some more purposed testing for Victoria's [Secret] around closing some stores that may not be as obvious financially, but really observing the sales transfer effects," Burgdoerfer said. Victoria's Secret has been viewed as dragging down Bath & Body Works, which is also owned by L Brands and is seeing improved sales trends for its lotions and candles as its stores are being remodeled. Bucking the trend, Abercrombie & Fitch said Thursday morning it plans to close fewer stores this year than it previously anticipated, based on a regained momentum of its apparel business. It's now planning to shut just 40 locations in malls, compared with a previous target of 60. But it also still has 60 percent of its leases expiring by 2020, giving the company more flexibility in the coming months to sign better deals with property owners. Abercrombie currently has more than 850 stores globally, including those under the Hollister banner. "I would say, we retain a lot of flexibility with our leases ... based on lease expiration," CEO Fran Horowitz told CNBC. "We work with our landlords. We negotiate with them." All things considered, U.S. mall owners like Simon, Macerich, Taubman, Seritage, Brookfield and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield must look for new ways to fill these gaps, as there aren't many retailers today opening new stores at the same size and scale as before the Great Recession. Some are turning to co-working spaces, apartment complexes and health facilities to replace department stores. Others are building spaces that house multiple e-commerce brands on a rotating basis. There's a wave of digital brands like Casper, Warby Parker and Untuckit opening bricks-and-mortar locations. "We continue to believe that we're still in the earlier stages of the reshaping of the retail landscape and facing a challenging backdrop marked by defensive landlords/weak pricing power, more anticipated store closures, and selective capital," St. Juste said. German antitrust officials are investigating whether Amazon is preventing fair competition in the country's online marketplace. The Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office) said in a press release Thursday it had "initiated an abuse proceeding" over the online giant's treatment of third-party sellers on the website Amazon.de. "Because of the many complaints we have received we will examine whether Amazon is abusing its market position to the detriment of sellers active on its marketplace," said Bundeskartellamt President Andreas Mundt. The statement added a list of practices that might be considered abusive practice by Amazon, including withholding payments, blocking seller accounts without explanation, and use of sellers' information. The office said it would also closely examine if Amazon's dominance is hindering other online retailers and if sellers have become dependent on Amazon to make sales. A separate investigation into Amazon's use of data is already underway by the European Union's Competition Commission. Margrethe Vestager, who runs the commission, is targeting Amazon over concerns it is sucking up product data from successful rival sellers and then bringing cheaper copycat products to market. The German cartel office said that while it would keep focusing on Amazon's impact on German sellers, the two probes would "supplement each other." A spokesperson for Amazon told CNBC via email on Thursday that the firm was ready to "cooperate fully with the Bundeskartellamt and continue working hard to support small and medium-sized businesses." The firm added that "tens of thousands" of small and medium sized German firms use Amazon.de, and through the platform more than 70 percent export products to customers around the world. WATCH: Trump wants to prove that Amazon is costing the Post Office billions, here's why it's not that simple Brexit uncertainty is "unhelpful" for those seeking to buy a home and the U.K. Parliament needs to move forward with the country's departure from the EU, the CEO of the U.K.'s largest housebuilder by volume told CNBC Thursday. The industry has struggled with the uncertainty surrounding the process of leaving the European Union, mostly when it comes to house purchases. Some buyers believe that prices should be lower due to the lack of clarity as to what will happen to the economy once the U.K. leaves the EU in March. And as a result, some are waiting for a drop in prices before making a decision. "We definitely recognize that with Brexit there is a lot of uncertainty and clearly from our point of view, we recognize for our customers buying a house is a huge purchase and (the) uncertainty is an unhelpful backdrop," David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Developments, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." "So we would like to see us moving forward," Thomas said. "We would see it as positive if we can reach an agreement with the Europe and move forward." The U.K. Parliament is due to vote on the country's withdrawal agreement with the EU on December 11. However, it's unclear at this stage how the voting will pan out, with many analysts predicting that U.K. lawmakers will reject the agreement. The U.K. voted to leave the EU on June 23, 2016, and time is running out before the official departure date of March 29, 2019. U.K. housebuilders have seen a resurgence over the last decade due to ultra-low interest rates aiding their ability to borrow. The last financial crisis also allowed these firms to purchase land at cheaper prices. But the market is still tight in places like London where housebuilding just can't keep up with demand. "We have clearly seen long-term trends of rising house prices because we haven't been building enough homes. You can see from the government or from a Labour party (perspective) that we need to build a lot more homes. Last year we built 200,000 homes, the government said we need to be building 300,000 homes. I think that's a positive backdrop for a housebuilder," Thomas said about the prospects for the sector. Cowen's aerospace analyst named Boeing as his number one stock pick for 2019, saying in a note on Thursday the airplane maker "is in a production sweet spot" heading into next year. "Most investors miss the power of BA's favorable production environment and potential to deliver extended cash flow ramp," Cowen's Cai von Rumohr said in a note to clients. "Concern over recent headline risks (Lion Air crash, Saudi arms sale restrictions, etc.) also look overblown," Cowen said. Boeing's stock is up more than 13 percent this year, even after shedding more than 6 percent in November as Indonesian investigators analyzed the Oct. 29 crash of a Boeing 737 MAX plane in which 189 people were killed. The Wall Street firm said it sees Boeing getting a cash-flow bump next year from five areas: "(1) gradual production uptrend, (2) maturing mix, (3) stable pricing with supplier step-downs, (4) no upcoming labor negotiations, and (5) 787 delivery shift to more profitable Dash 9/10 models." Cowen has a $445 a share price target on Boeing. The firm said the aerospace giant is primed for smooth growth next year, with quarterly earnings beats "as it consistently did in 2013 [through 2017]." "Given visibility of a seven-year backlog and still-solid traffic growth, it would take a sharp economic slowdown to disrupt the favorable current production outlook," Cowen said. WATCH: Here's how and why airlines bump passengers The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note dipped under 3 percent Thursday morning after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said he believes interest rates are close to a neutral level. Treasurys rallied overnight, with the 10-year yield touching 2.997 percent; the rate was last seen at 3.043 percent at 2:24 p.m. ET. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond rose to 3.339 percent and the 2-year inched higher to 2.813 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. In Powell's speech on Wednesday he said that he sees the Fed's benchmark interest rate to be near to a neutral level; which marks a change from comments made in previous months. He also said that the Fed's policymaking arm is not on a preset hiking path and could adjust its plans as needed. In October, the Fed chair stated that the U.S. was a "long way" from hitting neutral, when it came to interest rates which suggested to markets that more rate hikes were on the horizon. Following Powell's comments on Wednesday, short-term Treasury yields came under pressure. "Interest rates are still low by historical standards, and they remain just below the broad range of estimates of the level that would be neutral for the economy that is, neither speeding up nor slowing down growth," Powell told the Economic Club of New York. Powell's address followed that of Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida, who on Tuesday said that interest rates are "much closer" to a level that neither stimulates nor restricts growth. A growing number of central bank officials, including Powell and Clarida, have emphasized the importance of the Fed's reliance on financial data when considering further increases to the federal funds rate. Weakness in financial markets both in the U.S. and overseas have led some investors to wonder whether Fed members may temper the pace of their rates hikes. Tepid inflation, a plunge in oil prices and subsiding effects from President Donald Trump's tax cuts have also added to concerns that the robust economic growth in the U.S. over the past year may be coming to a end. That could influence Fed policymakers, who may be less apt to hike borrowing costs if gross domestic product growth slows. Net migration of European Union citizens to Britain fell to its lowest level in nearly six years during the year to June, extending a decline seen since Britain voted to leave the European Union in 2016, official data showed on Thursday. The number of EU citizens moving to Britain, minus those leaving, dropped to 74,000 over the period, its lowest since late 2012 and down 28 percent compared with the year to June 2017, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Net migration of EU nationals into Britain has fallen markedly since voters, many motivated by a desire to reduce immigration, opted to leave the bloc in a June 2016 referendum. "These latest statistics highlight the continuing trend of falling net EU migration amid growing shortages across all skills levels in the UK," said Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director at the Confederation of British Industry. An analysis of different Brexit scenarios published by the government on Wednesday showed losses to economic growth would worsen significantly if net migration from EU citizens was to fall to zero. The figures showed a net fall in immigration from the eight eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004, hundreds of thousands of whose citizens moved to Britain over the past decade. However, tens of thousands of immigrants continued to arrive from the EU's two poorest members, Romania and Bulgaria, whose citizens have only been able to work legally in Britain on an unrestricted basis since 2014. Thursday's data showed net migration to Britain of non-EU citizens rose to a record 248,000 in the year to June 2018 -- the highest since 2004, thanks to a surge in student numbers. However, the ONS warned that non-EU student numbers in the immigration statistics have looked erratic in the last few years, citing a sharp drop in late 2016 that was not reflected in other sources of data like visa numbers. Overall net migration, combining EU and non-EU citizens as well as a net outflow of 49,000 citizens, stood at 273,000 in the year to June 2018. As Russia's relationships with the West become increasingly fragile amid ongoing economic sanctions, Moscow continues to look towards China for economic opportunities and energy is one space where that relationship is flourishing. "The relations between the Russian Federation and People's Republic of China are on the rise," President Vladimir Putin said in a welcome message at a Russian-Chinese Energy Forum in Beijing on Thursday. "An important part of these relations is energy cooperation which has lately received significant development." Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping organized the first Russian-Chinese energy forum during their meeting in June 2018, a meeting where the leaders vowed to pursue economic initiatives and to oppose the trade protectionism promoted by Donald Trump. This perspective was articulated by the head of Russia's major oil company Rosneft, Igor Sechin, who spoke at the Russian-Chinese Energy Forum on Thursday. Sechin said that "certain aspects of the current political conditions in the world, increasing protectionism and threat of trade wars in the world economy serve as additional incentives to cooperate more closely and make decisions faster," according to Russian news agency TASS. "In many ways, Russia ties prospects for increasing economic growth to advancing development of Eastern territories and development of natural resources there. China, in turn, is interested in ensuring its energy security and reliable supply channels," Sechin said. Such a pivot towards China and its neighbors has been no less apparent that at this year's Russia Calling investment forum taking place in Moscow this week, with business leaders in the energy sphere. Held by Russian bank VTB, the forum has seen the trend continue with Russia eyeing more opportunities in China, especially in the energy sphere. VTB Bank President and Chairman Andrey Kostin told CNBC on Wednesday that Russia has an "extremely close relationship with China" that it wants to develop further. His comments came after it was announced in September that a group of Russian and Chinese businesses are considering 73 joint investments worth more than $100 billion. "We have quite a big economic interest, our trade is now $100 billion and China is Russia's largest trading partner. China will not substitute Western investors or the West for us, but China is now quite important for Russia and we are very eager to develop further our relationship with China, in all areas," he told CNBC's Julianna Tatelbaum at the investment forum. At the crossing for a realigned Kansas Avenue, west of State Route 43 in Kings County, crews are excavating what will be the passageway for high-speed trains. Source: California High Speed Rail Authority A new state audit raises questions about flaws in California's $77 billion high-speed rail project, adding pressure on Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to consider cutting back the construction of the train or make other major changes. The independent audit is the key focus of a Joint Legislative Audit Committee oversight hearing planned for Thursday in Sacramento, where top officials from the California High-Speed Rail Authority are expected to be questioned by lawmakers. According to the audit, the state risks having to pay back as much as $3.5 billion in federal funds on the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles project. "Whatever fantasy the next governor has in mind, he has to deal with a huge multibillion-dollar shortfall between getting anything between Central California and Silicon Valley that is high speed," said Assemblyman Jim Patterson, a Republican from Fresno and longtime critic of the bullet-train project who pushed for the audit. "This audit is so damning that it basically says there is no path to completion and has now triggered a federal audit." 'Poor contract management' State Auditor Elaine Howle's report said the high-speed rail authority's "flawed decision making and poor contract management have contributed to billions in cost overruns and delays in the system's construction." It estimated at least $600 million in overruns so far on three active projects on the initial 119-mile Central Valley segment as well as $1.6 billion in additional costs to complete the projects. "The auditors identified a number of areas where they believe we can improve how we do business," rail authority board member Mike Rossi said following the Nov. 15 release of the report. "Many of the recommendations are similar to steps we have previously identified through our own internal reviews." Newsom, who takes office in January, was an early supporter of the 2008 rail bond issue to help finance the project, but he later expressed concerns. Newsom declined comment for this story. In October, Newsom told the Los Angeles Times that the high-speed line from the Central Valley to Silicon Valley made sense but the more ambitious 500-mile plan to connect it to Los Angeles was "an open-ended question." The Democrat said during the gubernatorial campaign that high-speed rail could benefit the two valleys and promote significant economic growth. If completed, the mega-train could allow more tech workers to live in the Central Valley, where housing costs are lower, and commute to Silicon Valley. Private sector money Newsom has indicated that expanding the high-speed line into Southern California will likely require private sector money. The business plan released in June for the high-speed rail claims the "system is projected to generate significant revenues and positive cash flow" over time, which it believes "will create the opportunity for private investment to support expansion." California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom greets supporters as he makes a campaign stop at Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi's re-election office on September 11, 2018 in Torrance, California. Digital First Media | Torrance Daily Breeze | Getty Images Regardless, some are skeptical the project will generate much private sector interest. "There's no way there's going to be a profit on this thing, so there's not going to be private interest in it," said Baruch Feigenbaum, an assistant director of transportation Policy at Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank. He believes the project was designed to go through the Central Valley for political reasons and won't be competitive with air travel. An initiative could be on the 2020 ballot that would halt the project. It is being touted by some of the same backers who organized Proposition 6, the ballot measure earlier this month that sought to repeal the state's 2017 gas tax hike. The bullet train line's 119-mile Central Valley segment is under construction and is scheduled to open by 2022, and the partial route between San Francisco and Bakersfield isn't likely to be operational until 2029, according to the project's timeline. As of October, about 2,400 construction workers were on the project. Federal probe Meantime, a federal audit of California's high-speed rail started in April and is expected to be completed soon. The U.S. probe is looking at the Federal Railroad Administration's oversight of funds awarded to the project. There's a risk the Trump administration could force the state to pay back $3.5 billion if the project misses a new deadline or if it finds misspent funds. The state has four years to meet a federal deadline but could miss it unless the Central Valley construction progresses essentially twice as fast as it has to date, according to the state audit. Critics have dubbed the project a "train to nowhere." Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, has been an ardent supporter of the project he inherited from former GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. "It's not a train to nowhere," Newsom told the Times. "It's insulting to suggest the Central Valley is nowhere. This is an economic development project, connecting the fastest growing and most dynamic economic regions in the country. That project is achievable and realistic." Patterson, a former mayor of Fresno, said Newsom should put the brakes on the project when he takes the reins of state government. Political insiders say Newsom is unlikely to pull the plug on the entire project but may force changes in the rail authority. Tunneling challenges "What Gavin Newsom is suggesting cannot be done," said Patterson. "My experience with Gavin Newsom is he talks a good political game but he's absolutely short on the details and how to get it done." For one, Patterson said there are challenges posed by the tunneling through the Pacheco Pass that is required to connect San Francisco to the Central Valley. He said there's "no plan and no financing" to do what the audit calls "complicated tunneling." According to the state auditor, the rail authority has identified funding of over $28 billion that it believes "will be sufficient to complete initial segments" of the line between Madera and north of Bakersfield and between San Francisco and Gilroy. Of the total, though, less than $13 billion in funding has actually been secured. At the same time, there's not enough money to complete the rest of the system between San Francisco and Los Angeles since that is now estimated to cost over $77 billion, according to the audit. The business plan issued earlier this year warned the cost of the system could approach $100 billion. Cap-and-trade auction Below is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Guy Diedrich, VP & Global Innovation Officer, Cisco and CNBC's Akiko Fujita. The interview took place at CNBC's inaugural tech conference, East Tech West, in Nansha, Guangzhou. AF: Thanks for the introduction, Mandy, and Guy, it's great to have you here today. I do want to get to the CDA program, obviously, which is what you're tasked with, but I have to start with the big overhang, and the discussion that has been happening a lot here at the conference, which is the question about where US and China trade relations are headed, because your CEO and Chairman, Chuck Robbins, has been quite vocal about the price pressures that this has created on the business. As you look to where the White House is headed, uncertainty around the policy, and the price pressures that continue to build up, as a result of the tariffs, how has that forced a rethink in the company, in terms of the strategy? GD: Well, Cisco, being a very dynamic global company, is very surgical, very focused on whatever cost increases we have to pass along to our customers, but, simultaneously, we optimize our supply chain. For instance, we're constantly reconciling with the volatility of memory prices. And so, we have not seen a dramatic fall-off at all, in fact, we've seen quite good growth in our enterprise business, so we're not seeing any real impact right now, and continue to watch, but no major change or fluctuation in strategy. AF: As you look to the CDA program, which we'll get in to, is there concern that a lot of countries, as they see the global macro environment maybe cooling down a bit, will hold back on some investments as it relates to technology? GD: We're actually seeing the opposite. What we're seeing is, is that they are seizing this opportunity, to leapfrog, and to accelerate, which is what this program is all about. They see it as an opportunity, where maybe others may be a little less aggressive, our customers, our countries, are being very aggressive in their growth opportunities for digitization in the digital age. AF: So, let's talk about the program-, GD: Yeah. AF: We're about three years in now? GD: That's right. AF: Country Digital Acceleration, CDA for short, this is a very ambitious project which you were brought in, tasked with immediately, to digitize, not just countries like China, but those like Azerbaijan, as you point out-, GD: Yes. AF: Where are you, in the process? You know where you started, you know where your ambitions were. Are you moving along a lot quicker than you expected? Give me a sense of where you think your success marker is right now. GD: To be honest, yes, we never would have imagined that so many countries would have stepped up to this challenge. What CDA is, or Country Digital Acceleration is, more than anything, is a process, and it allows us to go in to these countries, we're starting to see many of them coming out with their Country Digital Agendas, right, typically they'll work with a McKinsey, or a Deloitte, or one of the large consultancies, to develop this digital agenda, and many of them are very ambitious, very targeted, to the particular needs of that country, but they had no execution plan. And so that's what our process does, we come in with a process that allows you to build an architecture for the entire country, against four key pillars: research and education; business and innovation; digital platforms for economic development; and infrastructure. We then, with the agreement of the government, and our partners, will build an execution plan down to the task level, including budgets, and then when the government signs off on it, on what they believe to be the key things that are really going to move the needle for that country in the short-term, we start executing, and they know exactly how much it's going to cost, we have all of the partners built in, sure, we bring Cisco products and services to bear, but we also bring in the local partners, the local companies, that can help us. And then we go to our larger, global network, of 60,000 partners around the world, that Cisco works with directly, to fill in the remaining gaps. AF: You've worked with dozens of countries so far-, GD: Yes. AF: As you decide what your next market is, is there a checklist? What is that selection process like? GD: The first criteria is a very strong, engaged, visionary leader, and I mean the President or Prime Minister. Without that visionary leader, we really can't move as quickly as we need to. We then look to the next tier of government leadership, to make sure that we have the right track partners, so it could be education, transportation, healthcare, IoT, cybersecurity. Whatever those key areas are, we have to have the right functional partners, at the government level. And then we look to the actual industry infrastructure, what vendors and other partners we can bring to the table. If it passes all of those criteria, then we know we have a country we can really accelerate with. AF: There's a lot of people who will listen to this, and say, 'This sounds like a great vision-,' GD: Mm-hm. AF: 'But Cisco's not just doing this out of the goodness of their heart. You've got to have a business case for it.' So what is that case? GD: Well, it-, it-, so we have a tremendous amount of money that we do invest in these countries, but the way that we invest is we-, we invest in proofs of concept. So, let's say, for instance, in India. India, right now, we are in our-, starting our third year in India, we have 55 active or completed digitization projects, that we've funded around the country, and one of them was what's called a 'smart mile'. It was one mile, in a very busy city center, that-, loaded up with all things Smart City, all things IoT, just about everything we and our partners could bring to the table. And then we tested it, as a proof of concept, we found out what was relevant, what wasn't, what actually provided a return on investment, and then we optimized that solution, and then started replicating it around the country. Prime Minister Modi is prepared to undertake 100 Smart Cities, and we're on number 17 now. So, it really is around making sure that the country gets off on the right foot. It's-, sure, it's a business proposition for Cisco, and for IT, as a whole, but it's really about making sure that the right decisions are made upfront, so that money isn't being thrown down a black hole. Technology is only the enabler, right? We want to make sure that the focus is on the outcomes: GDP growth, jobs creation, and building up a sustainable innovation ecosystem. AF: And of course, for Cisco, when you talk about really making sure that a country is digitized, you want to be right there, so that when they do make that transformation, they do have that partnership with Cisco in place, for that business opportunity. Is there a number that you can-, that the company can point to, to say, 'This is how much growth we see for the company, in initiating the CDA program'? GD: It's not directly linked to the CDA program, that's what's important. This is very much a long-term growth strategy for Cisco, but also for our industry, and for that country. So, there isn't a particular dollar figure tied to it, no. AF: You point to India, this was a really interesting example for me, because I've certainly seen the transformation there, being on the ground, on a few trips, and Narendra Modi, as you point out, has been a huge advocate about this digital nation-, GD: Mm-hm. AF: And yet, what you have seen is a lot of fragmentation. You talk about, you know, access to internet, and yet women, oftentimes, are being marginalized in that way-, GD: Yes. AF: Each home may have a smartphone, but women don't necessarily have access to it, there are cultural pushbacks. How do you deal with something like that? GD: Well, like many in this room, we acknowledge that, you know, technology is agnostic. Technology is an enabler. It doesn't know borders. What we do, as a company, is establish the greatest opportunity for success, and, potentially, for change and evolution. I'll give you a quick example of a little town called Palghar, about 2.5 hours outside of Mumbai. It is your typical, very poor, you know, dirt road village, in India. And I was just there, and we connected them to the internet for the very first time, they'd never had access. And I watched as a group of little girls got out of school, and you - maybe some of you have seen this - where they are dressed impeccably, right, beautiful uniforms, flowers in their hair, hair pulled back, and no shoes, and walking down the dirt road. And what you realize is that, in connecting this village, like so many other villages, or so many other parts of the world, these young ladies are now going to have the opportunity to be doctors, and lawyers, and engineers, and scientists, and journalists, and things that they never would have had the opportunity to do before. So, it is incremental change, but it's change, and it's change for the better. AF: That leads me to the question of inclusion, because what we often see are, tech companies offer these grand solutions, and yet there are only certain parts of the society that can afford to tap in to that solution. GD: Mm-hm. AF: How do you address that issue? Because, you bring up this example of the village in India, you know, how do you make sure that the technology, and the solutions you are providing, is accessible to all parts of a country? GD: Well, see, that's the thing about the digital age, and what's fundamentally different. So, as you all know, Cisco, you know, connected the world, in the information age, still 70% of the world's traffic crosses through Cisco equipment. Yet we were limited in our ability to deliver for the world, for all the reasons you've just said, economic circumstances, cultural circumstances, etc. In the digital age, there are no more excuses. Everyone should be connected. At this point, it should be a human right, to be able to be connected and included in the rest of the world. And we can do that this time. We're going to go from 20 billion connected things, today, to 500 billion connected things, and people, uh, by 2030. Maybe you've seen-, I think we have all seen that-, that satellite picture, that goes around the world at night, and it shows Europe lit up, it shows China lit up, it shows the United States lit up, and you get to Africa, and it's a giant dark spot, with just the tiniest little glimpse of light down in South Africa. We have no excuse for that to be the case in ten years anymore. We should light up Africa. We should light up the rest of the world. And we have the capability to do it. With healthcare, there's no reason why a person in far, southern reaches of a country, the most rural region of a country, couldn't have access to oncologists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, through technology. It's all there. AF: Let me ask you about another question that has popped up a lot in the tech sector, which is the question of responsibility, whether responsibility lies for these tech companies in the changes that they are creating globally. GD: Yes. AF: In the case of Cisco, as you digitize these countries, naturally that leads to more automation, there will be more people, the thinking goes, that will be replaced by machines. GD: Mm-hm. AF: And so, what is the responsibility, for a tech company like Cisco, to make sure that those who are displaced, in those jobs, have the skills that are necessary? Is that contingent on you, to make sure, or Cisco, to make sure that you do retrain these workers, so the jobs, when they become available, they are ready for that? GD: See, that is one of the key tenets of the Country Digital Acceleration program. We don't just do tech. We also do training, and education. So, for instance, right here in China, we signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education, to train 400,000 students in three years, and I'm happy to say we've just trained our 286,000th member, and we're just a year and a half in to the program, we're just under two years in the program, so we'll reach that goal. You have to do that. Because when you digitize, you do create an obsolescence for certain jobs, it is just a part of the process. Certain jobs aren't going to be necessary anymore, or certain jobs are going to be done by mechanical, or other, or robotic means. AI is going to change the landscape completely, 5G is going to change the landscape. What's happening, though, is that those jobs-, it's-, it's not that they disappear. It's a churn, an economic churn, where the old jobs are swept away, but the new jobs emerge. If you had told me, back when-, when-, I used to have a software company, many years ago. If you'd told me, back in the early 90s, that the job that I really need to get is in cybersecurity, I would've said, 'What is that?' because it didn't exist. So many of the jobs that our kids will be doing don't exist today, and it's because of the transformation that's taking place. So, yes, there will be some jobs that go away, out of necessity, and they should, but they are replaced with much better jobs, long-term jobs, better paying jobs, jobs more associated with an innovation economy, rather than an agrarian economy, for instance, and it is incumbent upon governments, and industry, to work together to retrain those people, because the government isn't going to be able to predict the future. Industry is a little bit better at it, because we're in the middle of it, and we do have people that think about five and ten years out. Combined, we can create those next-generation jobs, and have them well-trained, leading up to it. AF: I know we're out of time here, but we didn't-, GD: Okay-, AF: Get in to any audience questions, so I wonder if there's anybody that would like to ask a question, before we go. ENDS 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. The chief of a Chinese health care payments firm explained the procedures his company uses to protect patient data, calling that information "one of the key things we have to defend." IHD Pay makes a digital payment system designed to cut costs for the health industry and reduce waiting times for patients. But holding those patients' data is a huge responsibility, especially in an era of high-profile cyberattacks. "We pay tremendous amounts of attention ... to make sure that data privacy is well protected," Eric Ho, the group CEO at IHD Pay, said at the East Tech West conference in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, China. German police raided Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt on Thursday in a probe of money laundering against the country's flagship lender. Two Deutsche Bank staff members are suspected of helping clients set up off-shore businesses to launder money gained from criminal deeds. Some 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors searched six of Deutsche Bank's offices Thursday morning, Frankfurt's public prosecutor's office said in a statement. Numerous written and electronic business documents were seized, it added. A police officer passes a gate outside the headquarters of Deutsche Bank AG in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Andreas Arnold | Bloomberg | Getty Images "We confirm that police are currently investigating our bank at various locations in Germany. The investigation concerns the Panama Papers," Deutsche Bank said in a statement, according to a CNBC translation. "We will share more details as soon as we have them and we will cooperate with authorities," the bank added. Shares of the bank slipped toward the bottom of the European benchmark on the news, down 3.4 percent at 4.45 p.m. London time (11.45 a.m. ET). Panama Papers The public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt said an evaluation of data from the Panama Papers had triggered suspicion that the bank may have helped customers create offshore companies in tax havens around the world. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers with a business volume of 311 million euros ($353.6 million) were thought to have been cared for by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary based in the British Virgin Islands, the prosecutor said. "We thought that we had provided to the authorities all the relevant information regarding Panama Papers and of course we will now cooperate closely with the prosecutors here in Frankfurt. As it is also in our interest to clarify the facts as soon as possible," Joerg Eigendorf, global head of communications at Deutsche Bank, told CNBC's Annette Weisbach on Thursday. Snap's former chief strategy officer believes that while companies should be wary of their competitors, they must not forget to focus on their customers. "I think that so many companies always forget who their customers are," Imran Khan told CNBC's Deirdre Bosa during a fireside chat at the East Tech West conference held in the Nansha district of Guangzhou, China. "Once you identify who your customers are, you have to be maniacally focused on serving that customers the best." Khan recently left Snap to start a new e-commerce business that will put him in direct competition with tech juggernaut Amazon, which is predicted to take nearly half of the U.S. online retail market by year's end. "Big is not always better," he said. "If you look at the history of innovation, if big was always better, new companies would never come up." Khan explained that despite Amazon's massive presence, the U.S. e-commerce market, as a percentage of total retail sales, was still small. That left enough room for smaller companies to innovate and take some market share. "I think you should always be very fearful of your competition but you shouldn't let fear drive it," he said when asked if he was worried about Amazon. Energy business Equinor's "first step into solar energy" has been connected to the grid and is in commercial operation. The 162-megawatt Apodi Solar Plant, in Ceara State, Brazil, is expected to produce around 340,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, Equinor said Wednesday. This is enough to provide energy for over 170,000 homes. Pal Eitrheim, Equinor's executive vice president for New Energy Solutions, described the news as a "strategic milestone" for the business. In October 2017, the firm formerly known as Statoil set up a joint venture with Norwegian solar power company Scatec Solar to construct, own and operate "large-scale solar plants in Brazil." Earlier this month, Equinor acquired a minority shareholding in Scatec Solar. Equinor and Scatec each own 43.75 percent of the Apodi facility, with the remainder owned by holding company Apodi Participacoes. "The Apodi project was our first step into the solar industry," Eitrheim added. "With the plant now in operation and through our excellent collaboration with Scatec Solar, we are complementing Equinor's portfolio with profitable solar energy." Equinor employs more than 20,000 people and develops oil, gas, wind and solar. The Norwegian state owns 67 percent of the business. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: President Donald Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about a Trump real estate project in Russia, and the extent of the president's involvement in and knowledge of that deal. Cohen's plea in federal court in Manhattan, his second in four months, came as part of a new deal with special counsel Robert Mueller. Prosecutors said Cohen lied in order to minimize links between Trump and his Moscow building project, and to give the false impression that the project had died before the Iowa caucuses in February 2016, the first contest on the path toward a presidential nomination. On the White House's South Lawn after Cohen's court appearance, the president accused his former fixer of lying about his most recent admissions in order to "get a reduced sentence." "He's a weak person and not a very smart person," Trump said. Trump's lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, attacked Cohen's credibility: "Michael Cohen is a liar." Cohen, 52, did not previously have a formal cooperation agreement with Mueller, but it is known that he has been speaking for the past several months to the special counsel's office and other law enforcement entities. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible coordination between Trump campaign-related figures and the Kremlin, as well as possible obstruction of justice by Trump. Cohen told a judge Thursday that he lied in 2017 to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a proposed Trump Tower development in Moscow in order to be consistent with Trump's political messages and out of loyalty to the president. Cohen's violation carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release, according to his plea agreement. Read Cohen's plea agreement here Giuliani said in a statement that "It's no surprise that Cohen lied to Congress": "Michael Cohen is a liar. It's no surprise that Cohen lied to Congress," Giuliani said. "He's a proven liar who is doing everything he can to get out of a long-term prison sentence for serious crimes of bank and tax fraud that had nothing to do with the Trump Organization. It is important to understand that documents that the Special Counsel's Office is using to show that Cohen lied to Congress were voluntarily disclosed by the Trump Organization because there was nothing to hide. It is hardly coincidental that the Special Counsel once again files a charge just as the President is leaving for a meeting with world leaders at the G20 Summit in Argentina. The Special Counsel did the very same thing as the President was leaving for a world summit in Helsinki. With regard to the hotel proposal in Moscow, the President has been completely open and transparent." A court document laying out the special counsel's allegations refer to Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, through the respective pseudonyms "Individual 1" and the "Company." The special counsel in a court document said Cohen "knowingly and deliberately" lied when he told the Senate committee that the Moscow proposal "ended in January 2016 and was not discussed extensively with others" in the Trump Organization. In fact, Cohen discussed the Moscow project with another individual as late as about June 2016, and briefed Trump on it more times than he had claimed to the Senate committee, the special counsel wrote. Mueller's team adds that Cohen "briefed family members of [Trump] within the Company about the project." President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen exits Federal Court after entering a guilty plea in Manhattan, New York City, November 29, 2018 Andrew Kelly | Reuters Joan Cros | NurPhoto | Getty Images Chinese technology giant Huawei warned on Thursday that American ambitions to lead the world in the next generation of mobile internet may not be realized if Washington continues to block the company from participating in the U.S. market. That widely heralded new technology, known as 5G, could allow consumers to download movies in seconds and it could support infrastructure such as smart cities that will require lots of data. The U.S. and China are both in a race to become leaders in the space. But Huawei, the world's largest maker of networking equipment, has been barred from the U.S. since 2012. Speaking in Mandarin, Eric Xu, one of the rotating chairmen at Huawei, told CNBC on Thursday that the United States' move could hurt the country's ambitions in the next tech frontier. "For Huawei, as leader in 5G technology, we don't have the opportunity to serve the U.S. consumer with 5G solutions and services, then the U.S. market is a market without full competition while still blocking leading players from participation. Now, I'm not sure whether they can really deliver their objective of becoming the world's No. 1 in 5G," he said, according to a translation that was verified by CNBC. Xu emphasized that blocking Huawei from the anticipated 5G market will mean less competition which could result in consumers paying higher phone bills and telecom companies having to spend more. "Without the participation for 5G technology leaders, without full competition, telcos would have to spend more to buy 5G equipment for network rollout. Consumers will have to spend more to get 5G services that are not as good from a quality point of view as other markets with leading players," Xu said. In 2012, the U.S. government barred Huawei and China's ZTE from selling network equipment in the country, saying the companies were a national security risk. Washington alleged the companies' equipment could provide backdoor access for the Chinese government into U.S. telecommunications networks. That's a claim both Huawei and ZTE have repeatedly denied. But against the backdrop of the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, the American government is trying to pile on more pressure. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Washington is trying to persuade mobile carriers in allied countries to avoid using Huawei equipment. Xu suggested politics may be more at play than actual security concerns. "There is one question that has been lingering on my mind. The U.S. government as a national authority, why have they been targeting Huawei as a business corporation? Is it because we are too good on 5G or whether there are reasons I am not sure (of)? Saying 5G would bring cybersecurity issues, I would say these remarks are out of political motivation and not at all based on facts. All these ... suspicions do not have any substantiated facts," Xu said. On top of that, Huawei is blocked from selling 5G hardware in Australia and New Zealand regulators declined a proposal from one of its telecommunications firms wishing to use the Chinese company's equipment. Despite such headwinds, Xu said Huawei will not seek the help of the Chinese government to resolve the issues. "Huawei has not sought and we will not be seeking help from the Chinese government to address the challenges we face. We are going to rely on ourselves, on our good products, on our good services," Xu said. "We are fine even if certain countries do not choose us. But I believe in the wisdom of different governments around the world. I believe they know for sure what they want and what they don't." The Huawei rotating chairman pointed to the support his company has received from the U.K. telecoms industry. Last week, Neil McRae, the chief architect of British telecoms network BT, claimed Huawei is the "only one true 5G supplier" and that others need to catch up. Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung are all rivals of Huawei on the mobile networking front. Last week, Xu's company announced it had signed 22 commercial contracts for 5G around the world. 5G advantages Jack in the Box, a U.S. hamburger restaurant chain with more than 2,000 restaurants, is exploring options that could include a sale of the company after divesting its Qdoba brand earlier this year, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. A sale would be the latest in a series of deals in the fast food sector this year, including the sale of drive-in burger chain Sonic to Arby's owner Inspire Brands for about $1.57 billion. Jack in the Box started talks with potential buyers this month, including private equity firms, the sources said. There is no certainty that any deal will be reached, added the sources, who asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Jack in the Box did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Its shares rose 6.6 percent on the news to $89.14 on Thursday afternoon, giving it a market capitalization of $2.3 billion. Jack in the Box has been grappling with decreased consumer demand for fast food, as well as with higher wages for its workers. It has been investing more in marketing and has updated its menu to include items such as the "Cholula Buttery Jack" and Teriyaki bowls. It beat revenue estimates in its two most recent earnings quarters, following a string of misses. The company has also had to contend with dissatisfaction from its own operator base, the National Jack in the Box Franchisee Association, which last month demanded the company replace CEO Lenny Comma, saying the 2,240-outlet company's current strategy was harming its 2,000 franchise-owned restaurants. Jack in the Box reached a settlement with activist hedge fund Jana Partners last month, agreeing to expand its board and give Jana a say over who fills two board seats. Earlier this year, Jack in the Box sold its Qdoba Restaurant Corp unit, which operates and franchises more than 700 Qdoba Mexican Eats restaurants, to private equity firm Apollo Global Management for about $305 million cash. This story is developing. Please check back for updates. After an outbreak of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce took the popular salad green off the shelves, prices for other types of lettuce soared, according to United States Department of Agriculture data. In a weeks' time, the cost of a 24-count carton of iceberg lettuce rose anywhere from 168 percent to 119 percent. On Nov. 19, one day before the advisory, iceberg lettuce sold for $16.56 to $20.85 per carton. By Nov. 21, suppliers fetched between $36.65 and $39.56 for the same box. On Nov. 26, the day the advisory was lifted, the price had climbed to $44.35 to $45.65, according to the USDA's National FOB Review, which tracks daily produce prices. The numbers cited are for 90 percent of the sales tracked. The USDA also said supplies of iceberg were light, and said demand exceeded supply. Prices of other lettuces, including Boston, red leaf and green leaf varieties, followed a similar pattern. Trevor Suslow, the vice president of food safety for the Produce Marketing Association, said consumers turned to other lettuces to substitute romaine. "As always seems to happen, there is an initial response when you take a major component out of the marketplace and others start to fill that gap," he said. "Prices certainly have taken an increase." For the 52 weeks ended Nov. 10, U.S. lettuce production was valued at $1.6 billion, according to the latest Nielsen figures. Romaine accounted for about 38 percent of the total lettuce category. Growers and produce associations said demand for lettuce was good in the days before the advisory was issued on Nov. 20. Romaine lettuce 24-count cartons cost between $18 and $25.45 on Nov. 19. After the advisory was lifted, 24-count cartons of romaine sold for $24 to $30.65 on Nov. 27 and demand was moderate, according to the USDA. The USDA did not track data on romaine lettuce from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26 because there were no sales during the advisory. The Food and Drug Administration narrowed the source of the E. coli outbreak to six California counties. Now that romaine lettuce grown outside of Northern California has been deemed safe for consumers, some farmers expect a spike in price as suppliers rush to fill demand over the next few days. "Certainly as romaine is now going to start entering the marketplace for some period of time those that have it, those that are following the new labeling recommendations are commanding a very high price," Suslow said. The Food and Drug Administration asked producers and distributors to label romaine lettuce with a harvest location and harvest date, and advised consumers not to eat romaine without a label. Yuma, Arizona farmer John Boelts said past advisories on leafy greens lowered consumer confidence and prices. He thinks this time may be different. "We've seen, maybe, folks have regained confidence more quickly here with romaine," he said. "We're seeing OK demand so far, but we'll see how that holds." WATCH: Here's who gets rich from school lunch President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to a new charge Thursday, revealing in detail how he had lied to Congress last year to back up Trump's claims of having no business ties to Russia. Now Cohen's confession may have created additional legal peril for Trump as the president is being eyed by special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen's lies are related to an aborted plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. He admitted in federal court in Manhattan to misleading Congress in written statements in August 2017 about the extent of Trump's personal involvement in that project. Cohen, 52, also said he lied by telling Congress that any contact with Russian nationals by the Trump campaign or the Trump Organization had "all terminated before the Iowa Caucus." That Feb. 1, 2016, event marked the formal beginning of the electoral process to select the Republican nominee for president. Cohen told a judge Thursday that he lied to the Senate "to be consistent with Individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual 1." Cohen had noted earlier during his plea hearing that the "Individual 1" mentioned in the charging document filed against him is "the former CEO of the Trump Organization and now President of the United States." Trump last week submitted a series of written answers to questions from Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the presidential election. ABC News reported Thursday that answers included responses to questions about the Trump Tower Moscow project. Trump's written answers came after it was publicly known that Cohen was cooperating with Mueller's investigation on the heels of his first guilty plea in August. Those earlier charges included tax fraud and facilitating hush-money payments shortly before the 2016 election to women who claim they had sex with Trump. The timing of Cohen's latest guilty plea comes just days after those answers were transmitted, immediately sparking speculation by former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and others that Cohen's account of Trump's involvement in the project could conflict with what the president has told Mueller. Such a conflict could open Trump to a possible charge of lying to federal investigators. Tweet Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for Trump, did not reply to about a half dozen requests for comment from CNBC. However, Giuliani told The New York Times that Trump's memory of the Trump Tower project jibed with Cohen's account, and that the president had described, in his written answers to Mueller, his conversations with Cohen about the project before it died. "The president said there was a proposal, it was discussed with Cohen, there was a nonbinding letter of intent and it didn't go beyond that," Giuliani told the Times, while declining to reveal either the wording of Mueller's questions or of Trump's answers. Giuliani later told NBC News that Trump's written answers to Mueller about building a Trump Tower in Moscow were consistent with what Cohen said in court. Trump earlier on Thursday told reporters that Cohen is "a weak person" who "is lying" to get a reduced criminal sentence. U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter asked Cohen on Thursday to "tell me what it is that you did that makes you guilty of" making false statements to Congress. Cohen began by noting that he had served before the election as executive vice president and special counsel to Trump at the Trump Organization, the Manhattan-based real-estate firm. By 2017, Cohen said, he was no longer in that job, but "continued to serve on several matters as an attorney" to Trump. Cohen said he continued to also "follow the day-to-day political messaging that both" Trump "and his staff and advisors repeatedly broadcast." He also said he stayed "in close contact" with Trump's advisors. "As such, I was aware of Individual 1's repeated disavowals of commercial and political ties between himself and Russia, his repeated statements that investigations of such ties were politically motivated and without evidence, and that any contact with Russian nationals by Individual 1's campaign or the Trump Organization had all terminated before the Iowa Caucus, which was on February 1 of 2016," Cohen said. Cohen said that when he was scheduled to appear before the Senate intelligence committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence about whether Russia was involved in or interfered in the campaign and election, he submitted a written statement to Congress about the Trump Tower Moscow project and other issues. His description of the project "was false, I knew at the time, in that I had asserted that all efforts concerning the project had ceased in January of 2016 when, in fact, they had continued through June of 2016," Cohen said. Ohio has a message for blockchain enthusiasts: The Buckeye State wants your business. That memo was a key driver of the state's decision to accept bitcoin for taxes, Ohio's state treasurer Josh Mandel told CNBC this week. As of Monday, Ohio became the first state where business can pay their taxes in cryptocurrency. Mandel, 41, said the decision was twofold: It increases "options and ease" for taxpayers, and it opens the door to software engineers and tech start-ups. "We're doing this to plant the flag in Ohio as a national and international leader in blockchain technology," Mandel told CNBC at the Consensus Invest conference in New York this week. "We really want to roll out the red carpet and welcome all sorts of blockchain companies to Ohio not just in the cryptocurrency space but in a variety of different use cases." States tend to compete for software engineers and new businesses, Mandel said. By being open to bitcoin, the idea is that blockchain companies may follow. Forty-one-year-old Mandel, a former U.S. marine who served multiple tours in Iraq, led the cryptocurrency charge after learning about bitcoin a few years earlier. The bitcoin-tax process started in the middle of this year, he said. For now, the payment option is only available to businesses. Companies can go to OhioCrypto.com, enter their tax information, then third-party payment processor BitPay verifies the transaction on blockchain. It converts the cryptocurrency to U.S. dollars, then transfer those dollars to the state of Ohio. For now, Ohio is the only bitcoin-friendly state for taxes. But Mandel hopes the move will inspire others, including the IRS. "By leading the charge at the state level, we hope that will inspire other states and ultimately the federal government to allow people to pay their federal taxes." Bitcoin seemed like "a good place to start," Mandel said, but the state will eventually would look to accept individual taxes and a range of other cryptocurrencies. One benefit is price. While there is no fee to pay taxes with a check, or ACH deposit, paying by credit card incurs a 2.5 percent fee. Paying in bitcoin is a 1 percent fee, collected by BitPay. "Not only is this a new option, it's actually a less expensive option," Mandel said. Bitcoin can be a divisive topic with its fair share of critics. CEOs like Jamie Dimon and Warren Buffett have repeatedly warned investors of the hype and risks. News of hacks and fraud in initial coin offerings have also muddied the reputation of cryptocurrencies. Still, Mandel said he hasn't seen resistance from state policy-makers. "We haven't seen pushback," Mandel said. "Thankfully, not yet." Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who is considered a possible Democratic contender for the 2020 White House race, is coming out against President Donald Trump's renegotiated trade deal with Mexico and Canada, just as the president and his counterparts are set to sign it at the G-20 summit. The deal, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is intended to replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump repeatedly assailed on the campaign trail and in the Oval Office. In remarks prepared for a speech Thursday afternoon, Warren said as it's currently written, "Trump's deal won't stop the serious and ongoing harm NAFTA causes for American workers. It won't stop outsourcing, it won't raise wages, and it won't create jobs. It's NAFTA 2.0." The U.S., Canada and Mexico are expected to formally sign the agreement Friday in Buenos Aires. But the deal must still be approved by Mexican and Canadian legislatures and Congress. Warren sites items Democrats have long complained about: labor standards, lower environmental standards and rules protecting pharmaceutical companies patents. "The new rules will make it harder to bring down drug prices for seniors and anyone else who needs access to life-saving medicine," said Warren. The agreement is also facing opposition from GOP lawmakers. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., laid out his objections to the deal, including the sunset provisions, which require the deal be reviewed every six years and renewed every 16 years, rules of origin with wage requirements and weakened investor protections. He's also highly critical that the tariffs on steel and aluminum were not removed in the deal. "I would be a 'no' in its current form," said Toomey. He was pushing for passage during the lame-duck session, but it's more likely this will come in the new Congress. In a tweet, Sen. Marco Rubio said he spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer about how bad the deal is for seasonal growers, "It will allow Mexico to continue unfair practices that will literally put many Florida farmers out of business." The details of the USMCA are still being negotiated and there has yet to be a resolution on the steel and aluminum tariffs that Mexico and Canada have retaliated against. But that could be a moot issue if the U.S. can reach an agreement with China to suspend tariffs. In addition, Democrats are urging Trump to maintain his tough stance on China. "We have seen disturbing reports that you may be considering backing down on further action against China in order to reach an agreement at the G-20," wrote Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., along with Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in a letter to Trump. "We urge you to stand firm against China if meaningful concessions are not made." Power generators using gas-powered engines stand at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger Ltd. plant in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, on Monday, July 4, 2016. South Korea's top court ruled on Thursday that Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must compensate 28 South Koreans for their forced labor during World War Two, a ruling that drew an immediate rebuke from Tokyo. The decision echoed the Supreme Court's landmark verdict last month that ruled in favor of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. for their wartime forced labor. The court upheld a 2013 appeals court decision that Mitsubishi must pay 80 million won ($71,000) to each of the 23 plaintiffs in compensation. In a separate ruling, the court also ordered Mitsubishi to pay up to 150 million won to each of five plaintiffs or their families. Mitsubishi was not immediately available for comment after the ruling. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono quickly issued a statement in which he said the court's decisions were "totally unacceptable". "This fundamentally overturns the legal basis for friendly ties between Japan and South Korea and is extremely regrettable," Kono said. Previous cases the five former laborers had brought in Japan were dismissed on the grounds that their right to reparation was terminated by a 1965 treaty normalizing diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo. However, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld last month's ruling that Japan's occupation of the peninsula was illegal. "The treaty does not cover the right of the victims of forced labor to compensation for crimes against humanity committed by a Japanese company in direct connection with the Japanese government's illegal colonial rule and war of aggression against the Korean peninsula," the court said in a statement. European stocks lost some of the steam seen earlier in the session, as trade concerns began to take center stage. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index ended provisionally higher by 0.20 percent in late afternoon with stocks in the Basic Resources basket among those leading the gains. The mining and oil heavy FTSE 100 saw gains, helped by a recovery from Brent Crude and a decline in pound sterling. Investors are waiting for a G-20 summit due to start Friday. President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping are due to meet on the sidelines in an attempt to improve their trade relations. Meantime, European traders are mulling over whether Trump will slash a 25 percent tariff on European carmakers. The Autos sector moved higher on Thursday. But the biggest driver to Europe's stock market on Thursday was Wednesday's highly-anticipated speech from the chair of the Federal Reserve. Speaking in New York, Jerome Powell said that he deems the Fed's benchmark interest rate to be close to a neutral level, marking a step away from comments made in recent months. President Donald Trump on Thursday accused his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen of "lying" to federal prosecutors about a proposed real estate project in Russia in order to get a reduced sentence for a new guilty plea and for a prior one. Trump spoke to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House about an hour after Cohen entered a new guilty plea in federal court in Manhattan to lying to Congress about details of that Trump Tower project in Moscow. Cohen admitted in that plea to misleading a committee about the extent of Trump's involvement in and knowledge of that project, which never came to fruition. "He's a weak person and not a very smart person," Trump said of Cohen, who had served as his lawyer and fixer for years. "Michael Cohen is lying," Trump said. "He's lying, very simply to get a reduced sentence." A reporter asked the president: "If Cohen is such a bum, why did you hire him, have him on your payroll for 12 years and have him do so much of your dirty work?" Trump replied: "Because a long time ago he did me a favor. A long time ago he did me a favor." The president did not elaborate on the nature of that favor. Cohen as part of his plea signed a cooperation agreement with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, possible collusion by the Trump campaign, and possible obstruction of justice by the president. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday that he was examining all available tools to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the 40 percent duties that China is now charging on U.S.-produced vehicles. Lighthizer said in a statement criticizing China's "egregious" tariffs on U.S. autos that he was taking such action at the direction of President Donald Trump. The statement came just days before Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires in a showdown that could ease or worsen the trade war between the world's two largest economies. Automotive duties on both sides have been increased by tit-for-tat tariffs. The United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on Chinese vehicles on top of the 2.5 percent it normally charges. China had lowered tariffs for all other countries to 15 percent, but imposed an additional 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. vehicles. The Trump administration is seeking sweeping changes to China's state-driven economic policies, including new protections for U.S. intellectual property, an end to joint-venture requirements, more access for U.S. firms to China's vast market and cuts to China's industrial subsidies. "As the President has repeatedly noted, China's aggressive, State-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to U.S. workers and manufacturers," Lighthizer said. "We are continuing to raise these issues with China. As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform." WATCH: Twelve US execs explain how Trump's trade war affects their bottom lines President Donald Trump and Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown hold at least one common goal: getting General Motors to abandon its plan to lay off workers at an Ohio plant. The political rivals spoke on the phone Wednesday evening about how to save up to 1,600 factory jobs the automaker plans to cut at the Lordstown, Ohio, facility, Brown's office said. Brown, a potential challenger to the president in 2020, pushed Trump to support a bill he introduced earlier this year which aims to encourage auto manufacturing in the U.S. "The President said he liked the bill. My office sent a copy of the bill over to the White House [Wednesday night] and we will continue doing everything we can to fight for Ohio jobs," the Ohio Democrat said in a statement. "I'm glad the President said the right things [Wednesday night], but now he needs to follow it up with action." "We're going to move forward and hope we can get this through Congress," the senator also told CNN on Thursday morning. The call continues efforts by both Trump and members of Congress to get GM to scrap plans to slash production at five North American facilities in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Canada and cut up to about 14,000 factory and white-collar jobs. Trump has publicly threatened GM as he tries to follow through on campaign promises to boost American manufacturing which he reiterated during a rally near the Lordstown facility last year. As he has done with several companies since he took office, Trump promised retribution for GM if it closes the plants. On Tuesday, he tweeted that "we are looking at cutting all GM subsidies, including for electric cars," in retaliation to the restructuring. A day earlier, he said GM "better damn well open a new plant" in Ohio. Brown introduced his American Cars, American Jobs Act in August after GM announced plans to build its new Chevrolet Blazer in Mexico. It would give vehicle buyers a $3,500 discount for purchasing an American car. The bill would also cut out a provision in last year's Republican tax overhaul that Brown argues encourages overseas manufacturing. The United Auto Workers Union which pledged this week to fight GM's restructuring moves has supported Brown's legislation. The bill "takes important steps to level the playing field for the Ohio auto industry," said Rich Rankin, director of UAW Region 2-B, which encompasses Ohio and Indiana, in a statement when Brown unveiled it. Brown, a frequent critic of Trump who nonetheless often aligns with him on trade issues, has now talked to Trump twice about GM, his office said. He spoke to the president in June after the automaker announced plans to cut its second shift at the Lordstown factory. The White House did not immediately respond to a request to comment on Trump and Brown's call. Earlier this week, Trump singled out Brown, who has said he is thinking about running for president himself, for criticism after GM announced its layoff plans. In a Wall Street Journal interview, Trump claimed "Ohio wasn't properly represented by their Democratic senator, Sherrod Brown, because he didn't get the point across." Brown has said he repeatedly tried to get GM to keep the plant open in recent months. The state's Republican Gov. John Kasich and GOP Sen. Rob Portman have also pushed the automaker not to cut jobs. "There's a Republican president, Republican House of Representatives, a Republican Senate, a Republican governor, a Republican Supreme Court, and the president looked all over Ohio and he found a Democrat he could point to and blame," Brown told CNN on Thursday morning. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. President Donald Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at this weekend's G-20 summit in Argentina. Trump in two tweets blamed the cancellation of Saturday's expected encounter with Putin on the failure of Russia to return three ships and their sailors seized from Ukraine last weekend in the Black Sea. But the social-media scuttling of the sitdown came an hour after he personally told reporters that he would probably meet with Putin. And it came just two hours after Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the president's involvement in an aborted real estate deal in Moscow. Tweet "I will probably be meeting with President Putin. We haven't terminated that meeting," Trump had said outside the White House on Thursday, shortly before departing for Buenos Aires. "I was thinking about it, but they'd like to have it. I think it's a very good time to have the meeting. I'm getting a full report on the plane as to what happened with respect to that and that will determine whether I will be meeting." President Donald Trump, left, and Jerome Powell, the new chairman of the Federal Reserve on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump may be unhappy with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, but he has no authority to remove the central bank head from office, Morgan Stanley said. Still, a new report from Bloomberg cites four sources saying Trump has discussed firing the central bank head. In fact, Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell, blaming the Fed chair for stock market distress and automaker General Motors' plans to close plants and cut jobs. Powell became Fed chair in February this year after being nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate. "The President can nominate a chair but once the chair is confirmed, the president is out of it and the only way you can remove a chair from office is literally if they broke the law. Congress will have to find a cause to remove them from office through a vote and a procedure," Ellen Zentner, Morgan Stanley's chief U.S. economist, told CNBC's Sri Jegarajah last month. U.S. law says Fed officials and those of other independent agencies can be "removed for cause," according to a report by The Washington Post. The "cause" often means more than a policy disagreement with the president, the Post added. So far, no Fed chairman has been removed by a president, according to the Post. President Donald Trump slammed General Motors again, three days after the automaker announced plans to cut 14,000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada. In a tweet Thursday morning, Trump said GM was "very counter" to what other companies were doing "pouring into the U.S., including BMW, which just announced a major new plant. The U.S.A. is booming!" Trump Tweet The Detroit automaker announced plans on Monday to idle five factories in North America and two overseas and cut about 14,000 jobs in the company's most significant restructuring since its bankruptcy in 2009. GM warned this summer that the Trump administration's trade war could force job cuts in the United States. Trump was irate with GM's announcement this week, tweeting on Tuesday that he was "very disappointed" with the company and CEO Mary Barra for idling plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. "Nothing being closed in Mexico & China. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get," Trump tweeted on Tuesday. He also threatened to cut all of the company's federal subsidies, following up on Wednesday with the announcement that the administration was studying all tariffs on cars imported to the U.S. because of the "G.M. event." Of the 14,000 job cuts, 2,250 workers have already taken voluntary buyouts, according to a company spokesman. Roughly 5,750 salaried workers and 6,000 hourly employees will be laid off. Half of the hourly workers are in Canada with the other half in the U.S., where the company will work with union officials to try to move to other plants, GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said. WATCH: How big Harley-Davidson is and why it's a trade-war target President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday he was "close" to doing something on trade with China. He made the remarks as he prepared to depart for the G-20 summit meeting of world leaders in Argentina. "I think we're very close to doing something with China but I don't know that I want to do it," Trump told reporters. "Because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes, so I really don't know." Trump is supposed to meet with China's president, Xi Jinping, while the two attend the summit. Trade and tariffs have been topics of increasing tension between the two countries since Trump started ratcheting up the heat earlier this year in a series of escalating tariffs on Chinese imports. China has retaliated with tariffs of its own on U.S. imports. "I will tell you that I think China wants to make a deal, I'm hoping to make it a deal but, frankly, I like the deal we have right now." Overshadowing Trump's comments was a report that White House economic advisor and China trade hawk Peter Navarro would be attending the Trump-Xi dinner. The report sent the Dow briefly to its low of the day. That is impacting a number of automakers with manufacturing operations in the U.S., including BMW and Ford, as well as Volvo. The $1.1 billion factory opened earlier this year and was expected to earmark about half of its capacity for export markets, including China, where Volvo's parent, Zhejiang Geely, is based. But the Chinese market for American-made vehicles has largely dried up as a result of tariffs the Chinese have enacted in response to Trump's import tariffs. Volvo is scaling back plans for its new assembly plant just outside Charleston, South Carolina, as a result of the trade war triggered by President Donald Trump . Volvo's North American CEO, Anders Gustafsson, warned earlier this month that the tariffs could force the company to rethink plans to ramp up production and hire new workers at the South Carolina plant. A company statement issued this week confirmed that "trade issues may impact the pace of the expansion." Volvo's global CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, went a step further, telling some reporters at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday that Volvo is slowing the pace at which production is being ramped up in Charleston, a move that will also result in a slowdown in hiring, a company spokesman confirmed. The factory started producing the S60 sedan and will add the next-generation XC90 sport utility vehicle in 2021. The initial, 1,500-man workforce was originally expected to grow to about 4,000 once up to full speed. But that now appears to be a figure in play. "We thought Charleston could build cars for China," Samuelsson told USA Today. "That will not work." The big question, Gustafsson and other Volvo officials have told CNBC, is whether the trade war with China is a temporary matter or one that could drag on for some time. Volvo appears not to be taking chances and is now making plans to shift at least some of the production of the new Volvo S60 sedan to one of its two plants in China. BMW is studying similar options, the company has confirmed, for some of the sport utility vehicles produced at its own South Carolina assembly plant. The plant has become "the highest value exporter of U.S.-made vehicles," North American CEO Bernhard Kuhnt said during a Los Angeles Auto Show presentation. Ford has not said whether it will have to make cuts at any of its own U.S. plants producing vehicles like the Mustang that it had been exporting to China. Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever said its CEO Paul Polman was retiring and would be replaced by Alan Jope, head of its beauty unit, from January 1. Polman has been at the helm of Unilever, which makes Dove soap and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, for 10 years but angered shareholders this year with a plan to move its headquarters to Netherlands. Investors rebelled, forcing him to abandon the plan. Unilever said on Thursday that Polman would stay on for six months to support Jope's transition into the role. The United States and China are exploring a trade pact that would halt further tariffs from Washington in exchange for new talks looking at major changes to Beijing's economy policies, officials from both governments told The Wall Street Journal. Discussion between the two nations has reportedly occurred via telephone over the past several weeks, with both sides eager to quell mounting trade tensions ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping at a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. The new talks would center around so-called trade "architecture," the Journal reported, a broad term referring to a barrage of issues the U.S. has wanted Beijing to remedy, including protection for intellectual property and subsidies to state-owned enterprises. Though both sides appear hopeful a trade truce can be reached, there has been little room for optimism that the two economic powerhouses will reach a deal in the near-term. A official confirmed to CNBC's Eamon Javers that White House trade policy advisor and well-known China hawk Peter Navarro will be attending the crucial meeting between Trump and Xi this week. Navarro, a proponent of the Trump administration's use of tariffs said earlier this min that any agreement between the two countries will be on Trump's terms and not subject to Wall Street intervention. The White House has slapped multiple rounds of tariffs on goods imported from China throughout 2018 as a part of the president's move to protect American business interests. Trump, along with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, hope that the sanctions will force overseas counterparts to entertain more favorable trade deals. The president has had mixed success with the tactic, producing both a revised version of the North American Free Trade Agreement as well as headaches for longtime economic allies like Canada and the European Union. Trump has specifically targeted Beijing with tariffs for alleged intellectual property theft as well as contributing to the massive trade imbalance between the two nations. In September, the White House announced a round of tariffs on another $200 billion of products imported from China at a 10 percent rate. Should Trump and Xi fail to broker a trade truce before 2019, the tax will climb to 25 percent. Click here for the original story from The Wall Street Journal. WATCH: Twelve US execs explain how Trump's trade war affects their bottom lines The United States and United Kingdom have reached an agreement to maintain air service between the two countries after Brexit. U.K. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the so-called open-skies agreement on Wednesday. The deal will maintain the same access to the U.S. that planes flying from the U.K. enjoy under the current U.S.-Europe air treaty. The U.K. will no longer be under that U.S.-Europe treaty after it leaves the European Union. Airlines for America, a trade group representing most big U.S. airlines, is praising the agreement, saying it will ensure the continuation of key transatlantic routes. Flights between the two countries carry about 20 million passengers a year, accounting for nearly one-third of all air travel between the U.S. and Europe. President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the front patio of the Mar-a-Lago estate after a bilateral meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, April 7, 2017. The tariff dispute between the U.S. and China is more about strategic dominance than it is about trade, said Citibank's Asia Pacific regional head of investments. "It's not something that's likely to go away just because of the meeting that's going to happen on Saturday," said Shrikant Bhat, Citibank's regional head of investments for Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was referring to a much-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, Bhat added, any effort to douse tensions such as the U.S. postponing higher tariffs on Chinese imports that were due to take effect in January will be seen as positive news for the markets. On Thursday, Asia markets traded higher ahead of the crucial meeting between the two leaders, which many are hoping would help ease trade tensions between the two economic powerhouses. 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. This story contains graphic language used in police documents. CNN chose to quote directly from those records rather than use vague or euphemistic language that fails to convey the violence of the crime. Natasha told social workers he hurt her. She told them many times. So that morning in July 2004, the day she said her father raped her, she ran to them once more. The 16-year-old, whose social services file showed she had an IQ of 69, used child-like language to describe what happened: Her father had climbed on top of her, startling her from her sleep, and forced his peterwee inside her. Social workers took the teen to a hospital where a nurse probed her vagina and swabbed her flesh. A pediatric doctor said semen was collected during the forensic exam. Fayetteville police sent the teenagers panties and rape kit to the state crime lab for testing. With that evidence went a suspect kit containing DNA taken from her father. He willingly gave police samples of his blood, hair and saliva. He let officers search his house, too. After all, he was innocent, he said; Natasha was a thief and a runaway, telling another of her many lies. He had said this of his daughter often, according to a voluminous child protective services file which details her history of stealing and acting out and her fathers use of harsh physical punishment. Social workers sustained a finding of neglect against him for striking Natashas hand and leaving a knot when the girl was 12. Three years later, in late 2003, they found hed physically abused her by beating her bare legs repeatedly with a two-by-four. As he awaited trial, Natashas father wore an electronic monitoring device and told reporters that police got it all wrong, and his daughter was a liar. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Natasha also told social workers her father had been creeping into her room at night, fondling her breasts and touching her vagina. He denied that accusation, too, and child welfare workers concluded in December 2003 that there was insufficient evidence to make a case against him. According to the social workers file, Natasha was not consistent with her disclosure and had smiled and laughed during an interview behaviors child trauma experts say should not be used to judge the merits of a teenagers disclosure of abuse, especially one who is learning disabled. Nonetheless, a social worker determined that the risk of abuse and neglect for Natasha was high if she continued living with her father, and she was sent to a relatives home. But when Natasha used profanity in front of their children, family members got fed up and kicked her out. Social workers allowed her to return to her fathers home in February 2004. Five months later, on July 22, 2004, Natasha reported she had been raped. CNN does not typically name victims of sexual assault. Though Natasha agreed to be photographed for this story, CNN is not using her real name or the name of her father to protect her identity. Natasha gave authorities this account of the assault: She was watching Snake Island, a horror movie, with her father. The movie frightened Natasha so much she went into her fathers room to watch The Lion King. She fell asleep on the bed and woke to find her father, completely nude, on top of her. He asked if he could suck her breasts. When she told him no, he pinned her arms behind her and did it anyway. He removed her shorts and underwear while she told him to stop. She crossed her legs but he forced them open. For a moment she managed to escape from the bed. He pulled her back and raped her. The case was assigned to Detective Timothy Tew, who detailed Natashas account of the rape in the case file. He also noted that she repeated allegations that her father previously assaulted her by penetrating her vagina with his finger. She told the detective that on those occasions her father had used a rope to tie her hands and feet to a bed rail. Tew searched the home but could not find the shirt Natasha said she wore during the rape, nor did he see a bed with rails, according to his report. The detective wrote that he didnt find rope in the house, but discovered some in her fathers car. When Tew interviewed relatives, they told him Natasha was a liar. The day after the reported rape, July 23, 2004, Tew sent Natashas rape kit and her fathers DNA to the lab. The detectives next entry was nearly a year and a half later, on December 15, 2005, when the crime lab reported it had found sperm belonging to Natashas father on her panties and the vaginal swabs in her rape kit. In the 17 months between the detectives initial investigation and the lab findings, social workers continued to document their concerns about Natasha. She cycled through at least a dozen foster and group homes kicked out of some, running away from many. Social workers feared for her safety. She was cutting and threatening to kill herself. One social worker wrote that Natasha was incapable of living independently. A social services document dated December 2005 listed the teen as a runaway. It was nearly two months before Tew followed up on the labs DNA report, according to the case file. The detective wrote on February 1, 2006, that he called social services and received a phone number for a relative of Natashas. That relative, however, told Tew she hadnt seen the teenager for a couple days. A family member was surprised to learn that a lab found the semen of Natashas father in her rape kit. Until then, shed thought Natasha, right, was accusing an innocent man. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Natasha is known to be running around the city, the detective wrote in his report, and no one can determine her whereabouts. He didnt know whether the teen wanted to pursue the case. But she had his phone number and pager, he noted, so until she called, he was ending the investigation. Nine years later, in the fall of 2015, the Fayetteville police chief held a brief press conference, announcing that his department regrettably had destroyed more than 300 rape kits. One belonged to Natasha. Tew had authorized the destruction of Natashas rape kit the same year he closed the case, records show. Police also destroyed the DNA samples taken from her father. In interviews after the chiefs press conference, police told CNN that many of the investigations that ended in kit destruction were so poorly conducted, they couldnt be revived. An estimated 85% of the destroyed kits were never tested. But Natashas case was different. Though her kit was gone, police had the lab report showing the DNA match. Her case might offer a win, they believed, a chance to right their wrong. But they would need Natashas help. Springfield is a college town of 167,000 in southwest Missouri, not far from the Ozark Mountains. It promotes itself as the Birthplace of Route 66 and is home to the first Bass Pro Shop, a mega tourist attraction. Paul Williams became chief of police in the states third largest city in 2010. He said the department has long struggled to keep up with the volume of reported sex crimes. Last year, police recorded 352 rapes and attempted rapes, a jump of about 20% from the previous year. Law enforcement professionals who have overseen sex crimes units said a detective working violent felonies should handle fewer than 100 cases a year. McDowell, who was not the only detective working those crimes in Springfield, shouldered 124 to 164 sexual assault cases a year between 2009 and 2014, according to Williams. (The department did not provide numbers for 2012.) In 2015, Springfields primary sex crimes detective carried a load of 208 sexual assault cases, Williams said. Because of the heavy caseloads, Williams said, detectives were encouraged to determine whether an investigation was going anywhere within 30 days. I know 30 days sounds quick, but back then that was a necessary evil to spend investigative time on cases that the victim was cooperative, and we thought there was some benefit of prosecuting. The 10-day letter used by McDowell and others, the chief said, is a department-sanctioned tactic intended to spur victims to work with investigators. Though there are no written guidelines on use of those letters, the chief said, they should be sent only as a last resort, after detectives have exhausted all other means to reach victims. McDowell and at least one other investigator did not always use the letter that way. McDowell investigated 57 cases between 2006 and 2013 in which rape kits were destroyed before the statutes of limitations expired. She sent the letters in about 20% of those cases, six on the same day she was assigned to investigate. The chief declined to discuss several examples of McDowells work but defended her handling of the 2009 case involving the woman who reported that her assailant cut out the crotch of her pants. The victim never got back in touch with investigators, Williams said, and it was reasonable for McDowell to authorize destruction of the kit after two years. Springfield is a city of 167,000 in southwest Missouri, near the Ozark Mountains. CNN Another officer, Corporal Rod Noble, who is still on the force, also used the 10-day letter. He sent it in almost one-third of the 28 cases he investigated between 2008 and 2012 in which kits were destroyed before the statutes of limitations expired. Noble, who did not respond to requests for an interview, sent the letter as early as five days, and on average 17 days, after being assigned to a case including one in which a victim repeatedly said she needed more time. That woman reported being raped in 2010 by her ex-husband who she still lived with and told a patrol officer she was going to get a restraining order and relocate with her children. Asked if she wanted to press charges, she said she needed time to consider the results of her decision to prosecute, the records show. Noble got the case and, in what he indicated was his first conversation with the woman, she told him she wished to have more time. According to the case file, he emphasized the importance of a timely investigation and noted that the woman would try to give him a decision in six days. When he did not hear from her, he called and left a message. Six days later, he mailed her the 10-day letter. She did not respond, and he ended the case six weeks after she reported being assaulted. Two years later, her untested kit was authorized to be destroyed. It sat on a shelf about another two years, then was disposed. Based on the offense listed in the case file, there was no time limit to prosecute. In police vernacular, its called trauma-informed protocol. But in laymans terms, its training designed to help sex crime investigators understand what a rape victim goes through. After an attack, a victim might feel afraid, intimidated and reluctant to work with police. Avoidance and withdrawal are common symptoms of post-traumatic stress. But a victim who reports an assault and then begins to retreat from an investigation may cooperate if given time and support. Victims should not be asked to make complex, pivotal decisions about their cases right away. Springfield detectives, experts said, failed to follow trauma-informed practices, such as working at a pace comfortable for the victim and refraining from discussing prosecution with victims before investigations are complete. Its easy to discourage rape victims from working with us, said Tom Tremblay, a former Vermont police chief who trains officers in best practices in sex crimes investigations. Springfields destruction: A breakdown CNN found that since 2010 Springfield police destroyed 108 rape kits tied to cases in which a prosecution was still viable under the law. Seventy-five percent were destroyed without being analyzed for DNA evidence. Reporters determined the statutes of limitations based on the offenses police listed in the case files. Those cases, CNN found, were all reported between 2006 and 2014. Missouri has had no statute of limitations for forcible rape or forcible sodomy since March 2002, yet police destroyed kits in 47 cases that police classified with those offenses. In cases classified as other felony sex crimes, CNN applied the shortest statute of limitations for any felony three years, also in effect since at least 2002 and found that 61 kits were also destroyed before the time limit expired. The Springfield case files he reviewed showed, a real lack of trauma-informed approaches, he said. Victims have lost control of the most personal decision we make who we choose to be intimate with. They want some control back. When we send them a letter saying, Yeah, do this or else, (it) sounds very demanding, it sounds very much like what they may have experienced with the offender. Springfield police asked victims soon after they reported their rapes whether they would pursue prosecution of their attackers and provided a form for them to sign. Sexual assault victims should never be given these so-called prosecution waivers, experts said. McDowell gave one to a woman on the day she reported her rape. In that 2011 case, the victim said a man went crazy and raped her after they had done meth together, according to the investigative file. Go inside the Rape Files SPD 11-0043192: Victim who used meth given prosecution waiver The suspect admitted injecting the woman with drugs but denied sexual contact, records show. His assertion could have been challenged by analyzing the womans rape kit to see if it contained his semen or DNA. But that never happened. McDowell explained the whole investigative process and court process to the woman, according to the detectives notes, and the woman decided to put this incident behind her. The woman signed the waiver just hours after she said she had taken drugs, records show. If she ever changed her mind and wanted to pursue charges, police would be hard pressed to make a case: The kit was destroyed, at McDowells request, less than six months later. Guidelines issued as far back as 2005 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police say officers should not introduce any forms for a victim to sign declining an investigation. The associations president, Louis Dekmar, said he was surprised to learn a department was still using waivers years after the group recommended against it. Police should not discuss prosecution with a victim before a thorough investigation demonstrates that charges are possible, said Dekmar, a police chief in Georgia. And whether someone is charged is a prosecutors decision not a victims. You dont do that in other crimes call folks up and ask, Are you going to prosecute? he said. Theres a presumption at the time people report that police are going to do their job and investigate. A thorough investigation includes testing all evidence. Until recently, that was not the practice in Springfield. Chief Williams said his agency typically did not submit kits for analysis unless a prosecutor agreed to file charges in a case. But testing kits, experts said, could give a prosecutor precisely the corroborating evidence needed to take a case to court. Testing can confirm abuse, identify a suspect or connect a suspect to other crimes. By uploading test results to the national DNA database system known as CODIS, police have a chance to compare them to more than 17 million profiles taken from crime scenes, convicted offenders, detainees and arrestees. A mother told police her 4-year-old daughter was possibly assaulted somewhere in this park in Springfield. The girl talked about a bathroom with the red roof. CNN In 2014, Springfield police trashed a 4-year-olds rape kit and the shorts she wore the day of her alleged assault without ever testing the evidence. The girls mother said she saw a wet spot on her daughters shorts that might have contained bodily fluid left behind by the girls alleged abuser. Go inside the Rape Files SPD 11-0043192: Child: Uncle hurt my pee-pee' Police had taken the case to a prosecutor, who declined to file charges. The attorney explained her decision in writing: Unfortunately, no corroborating evidence. Thats shocking, said Nicole Gorovsky, a former Missouri prosecutor who reviewed this case and others for CNN. No corroborating evidence? Yeah, because you didnt test it. If the suspects DNA is on the victim anywhere near her genitals, game over for the suspect. The prosecutor should have directed police to get the kit and shorts analyzed, Gorovsky said. The investigator, Chelsea Taylor, did not respond to CNNs attempts to reach her. The Greene County assistant prosecutor who declined the case, Ami Miller, is now an assistant US attorney in Missouri. CNNs request to interview her was declined by the office, citing a policy that prohibits her from speaking about cases she reviewed elsewhere. Her former boss, Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson, said the evidence could have been sent off for testing. At the time the case was reported, the statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse was, minimally, 30 years after a minor victim turned 18. Patterson acknowledged the long statute of limitations. It might have been useful to maintain the kit, he said. Documents also show prosecutors in his office checked a box that said release/destroy the evidence when declining to bring charges in at least seven cases in which kits were destroyed before the statutes of limitations expired. Three of those kits were not tested. Patterson said prosecutors made that choice when they believed rape kits were not going to help prove a case. As an example, he pointed to instances in which suspects claimed sex was consensual. Go inside the Rape Files SPD 11-0043192: Rapist returns, urinates on door But testing kits in those cases could recover a DNA profile that matches an unidentified attacker in another rape. In other words, one victims known rapist may be another victims unidentified rapist. Testing could also link that suspect to other crime scenes where DNA was found. Chief Williams told CNN his department began submitting all kits to a lab for analysis in 2014 and preserves that evidence. Data and documents show the agency destroyed two untested kits in 2015. He said he was unaware of that destruction. In August, Missouri enacted a law requiring police to submit rape kits to labs within 14 days of receiving the evidence. Though many sex crimes have no statutes of limitations, lawmakers decided to require that rape kits be kept for 30 years in cases that have not been adjudicated. They treated me like trash Eight years after Christine reported being gang-raped, police reopened the case. How destruction of a rape kit scarred a survivor and handicapped the search for justice. Editors note This story contains graphic language used in police documents. CNN chose to quote directly from those records rather than use vague or euphemistic language that fails to convey the violence of the crime. Shell never forget that phone call and the way the police officer stumbled trying to get the words out: Were sorry, she recalls him saying, but we destroyed your rape kit. It took her a moment to digest what shed heard. It was late 2015, and she had seen the news a few weeks earlier: The Fayetteville police chief was on TV announcing that the department had regrettably destroyed hundreds of rape kits. Now the officer on the phone was making an offer she couldnt quite believe. Would you like the department to reinvestigate your rape? Would you like for us to try again? In a matter of seconds, his words yanked her back eight years. She was in an apartment. Naked. Four men shouted commands at one another: do this to her, do that. She was drunk, out of it. Terrified. Christine says four men raped her. A detective told her no law was broken. The officer was wrong. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN The next day, February 26, 2007, she told a Fayetteville patrol officer that she had been gang raped. She submitted to a forensic examination of her body. The nurse asked her to describe every detail, every place the men forced themselves, she said, so her body could be positioned for closer inspection. The exam felt to her like a second violation. But she endured it because she believed her rape kit and the DNA it could possibly hold would help police in their investigation. Learning that her kit had been destroyed was jarring, said the woman, who will be referred to only by the pseudonym Christine because CNN does not typically identify victims of sexual assault and she asked that her name be withheld. But over the years shed grown resigned to the idea that police had gotten nowhere with her case. I was furious, she said. I counted on the police to do what they were supposed to do to investigate what happened to me and to test that evidence. Instead, they treated it like trash. They treated me like trash. Christines rape kit was among 333 that the Fayetteville police trashed between roughly 1997 and 2009, according to an audit of the destruction conducted by Lieutenant John Somerindyke. The kits were destroyed even though North Carolina has no statute of limitations on rape. That means authorities could bring assailants to justice at any time, but evidence that might have facilitated those prosecutions was thrown away. At the time, detectives had the authority to order the disposal of rape kits in their cases, Somerindyke said, and they were discarded for one reason: We were just clearing space in the evidence room. The gun in Christines nightstand is a reminder of the fear she still fights today. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Somerindyke discovered the destruction in early 2015. As the head of a new cold case squad, he was reviewing old rape files. Almost every case I was coming across was workable so I figured, Hey, lets get the evidence and test the evidence. But time and again, he discovered that the kits that corresponded with the cases he was reading had been destroyed. Somerindyke estimates that about 85% of the destroyed kits were never tested, but he did not keep an exact count. In failing to analyze the evidence, police forfeited the chance to recover DNA the kits might have contained. That material could have been used to identify unknown suspects or link them to other crimes. Police stopped trashing rape kits in late 2009, Somerindyke said, before North Carolina enacted a law prohibiting the destruction of biological evidence in unsolved rape cases. But the destruction of kits continued across the country. A CNN investigation found that since 2010 law enforcement agencies have destroyed hundreds of rape kits before the statutes of limitations expired or when there was no time limit on prosecution. Evidence was trashed as recently as 2016, the year reporters requested the information. Christines case is just one example of how that practice can scar a victim and handicap the search for justice. Fayetteville police refused to provide CNN with case files tied to the 333 kits it destroyed. But Somerindyke read documents from those investigations to a reporter. Many cases were poorly investigated. Leads were not followed and suspects and witnesses were not pursued. Investigators indicated that rapes did not occur when, in Somerindykes estimation, they likely did. And rape kits were destroyed in open investigations at least 55 times, he said. Lieutenant John Somerindyke discovered the department had destroyed rape kits when he began looking for the evidence tied to promising cold cases. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN A lack of training including in how a traumatized victim may behave led investigators to mishandle cases, Somerindyke said. But those failings existed because the department fostered a culture that didnt take rape seriously. The priority was homicides. After that, it was business robberies and aggravated assaults. The emphasis wasnt placed on rapes, he said. Detectives were working rape cases probably like we work a crackhead that got robbed in the projects at 2 in the morning. Somerindyke believed the way to right the departments wrongs was to tell victims their kits had been destroyed, offer to reopen their cases and, this time, properly investigate. Detectives, at his direction, started making calls. When Detective John Benazzi reached Christine and offered to reopen her case, she was working to become a mental health counselor. She was in college at the time of the assault and tried hard to tamp down her trauma and grief in order to graduate. That was the one thing I felt I could control, she said. Everything else was out of control. But over the years, the assault shadowed her. She was riddled with anxiety when she would leave her home, afraid she might run into one of her attackers. Her Christian faith steadied her. But she wanted to avoid the notice of men, so she asked God to make her ugly. She bought a gun. Eventually, she said, she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and underwent therapy. That helped relieve her incessant urge to check and recheck the locks on the windows and doors of her house. With time, she could sleep through the night again. She could trust people. She fell in love, got engaged. The evidence obtained in Christines forensic exam, stored in a box like this one, was approved for destruction about seven weeks after her first and only interview with police. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Christine worried that reopening her case could retraumatize her and undo all that progress. But she believed the department was sincerely remorseful and wanted to make good. I guess I was hopeful, she said. There was some hope of prosecution or justice. I held on to that. At Benazzis request, Christine went to the Fayetteville police station in November 2015 to give another interview about that night in 2007. She also recounted it for CNN. It was February 24. Christine went with her roommate and other girlfriends to local bars. They met a group of guys, and they drank together. Christine recognized a few of the men. They were members of the Army, she thought, based at Fayettevilles Fort Bragg. Christine talked to one man who seemed like a good guy; she believed someone she knew had dated him. Her roommate overheard another man make derogatory comments about Christine, who was intoxicated. Christine said she was going home with the guy she was talking with. Her roommate urged her not to, but Christine refused to listen. She went with him to an apartment. The two began to take their clothes off and kiss, but then he left the room. When he returned, he had three friends with him. Christine recognized them from the bar. I didnt consent to have three, four men have their way with me, she told CNN. Thats not what I consented to. I told them no. I told them thats not what I wanted. And they didnt honor that, or respect that or or stop. Christine will never forget. I was fearful that if I made a noise or fought back that something worse would happen. So I just laid there and took it until it was over. Which felt like a lifetime. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN One acted as the ringleader, she said, directing the others on what to do and whose turn it was. And I remember him saying at one point, She likes it. I had my head in the pillow and I was crying. So they couldnt see that, no, I didnt like it. But they were too busy trying to get off. I was dying inside. I was screaming inside for help, she said. They were all much stronger, much bigger than me. Im in a location I dont know. I dont know how to get home. I was fearful that if I made a noise or fought back that something worse would happen. So I just laid there and took it until it was over. Which felt like a lifetime. At some point, Christine fell asleep. The next morning she woke to find the man with whom shed left the bar lying next to her. Im thinking, Was that a nightmare? It just seemed so horrifying what happened, she said. Hes lying there like everything was normal and OK. And I didnt know where I was. I was terrified. I didnt have any words. I didnt say anything to him. I think I just asked him to take me home. Her roommate, whod been at the bar with her, was not home. Christine cried and slept for hours. She was afraid to go to police, ashamed. When her roommate returned, Christine told her what happened. (CNN reached the roommate, who declined to be interviewed.) Shes the one that really encouraged me to go to the hospital to get a rape kit done, Christine said. At the hospital the next day, a Fayetteville patrol officer spoke with Christine and took her kit into evidence. Detective John Benazzi, left, and Lieutenant John Somerindyke spent months trying to reach victims whose rape kits were destroyed to ask if they wanted their cases reinvestigated. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Christines case was given to Detective Danielle Hart to investigate. Several days after reporting her assault, Christine went to the police station for an interview with the detective. It was not recorded. Police would not provide CNN with a copy of Christines case file. Christine, however, shared the copy she obtained. Harts entire investigation is documented on a single sheet of paper. Christines account of the night is contained in a single paragraph. Christine began a sexual endeavor with one man, Hart wrote, and while they were engaging in sex, three other individuals came into the room. The detectives notes and Christines initial statement to a patrol officer reflect that Christine provided the first and last names of two men and the first name of a third. They would take turns with her, Hart wrote, but she does not know who was doing what to her. According to the file, Hart made a quick assessment of the merits of the case: After hearing the nights events, Hart stated in her report, I explained to (Christine) this incident was not a crime. Hart reached that conclusion based on her reading of the law, which she believed required Christine to have verbally or physically resisted the men or to have been mentally or physically incapacitated. Being drunk, she believed, was not enough to consider Christine incapable of giving consent. The detective wrote that she read the law to Christine. I retrieved my crimes book and read her the elements necessary for 1st and 2nd Degree Rape. Hart wrote. She advised she understood. She asked if I could speak with the subjects about the incident. I explained I would attempt to speak with them but I was not sure when I would be able to go to their residence. Hart never tried to interview the men. Experts who examined Christines case say it was improperly labeled unfounded a term that means no crime occurred or was attempted. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN Sometime after Christine left the police station, the detective closed the case by labeling the reported rape unfounded, a police term that means no crime was attempted or occurred. The following month, on April 23, 2007, Hart authorized the destruction of Christines untested rape kit, according to police documents. The kit sat in the evidence room for a year until, records show, it was destroyed on April 21, 2008. Christine was not informed of any of this. All she knew, when she walked out of the police station, was how she felt: as if she wasnt believed. She told me at the end, See, what happened to you wasnt rape, Christine told CNN. I thought, if the police department if this detective doesnt believe me, who is going to believe me? And, I mean, I have to live with that. Those words still stick with me. Shortly thereafter, Christine said she gave up hope that her rape would be investigated. I had to find a way to bury it for myself. Harts decision to label Christines case unfounded and authorize destruction of her rape kit was based on an incorrect interpretation of North Carolina law, according to several legal experts interviewed by CNN. Under the law, a victim does not have to physically or verbally resist her attackers, and being significantly intoxicated could mean the victim is not mentally or physically capable of giving consent, experts said. A Fayetteville prosecutor, Alicia Marks, criticized Harts decision to interpret the law on her own and close the case without interviewing the suspects and conducting a thorough investigation. Such an investigation would have included going to the bars to identify witnesses and obtaining surveillance video and other potential evidence that might establish Christines level of intoxication. Ive had cases where the suspects are interviewed and say, Oh, this person was totally wasted. Sometimes the suspect will give you lack of capacity from their own statement because they think that voluntary intoxication should be a defense, said Marks. Paul Callan, a CNN legal analyst who worked as a prosecutor in the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office, agreed that Hart mishandled the investigation and misread the law. He noted that Christine acknowledged consuming a large amount of alcohol. Given Christines statement, the case cried out for further investigation to see if her story could be corroborated, Callan said. Audit in Fayetteville, NC Police Chief Harold Medlock went public about the 333 rape kits his agency destroyed and asked for an audit of sex crimes investigations. Source: Fayetteville Police Department In a pair of interviews with CNN, Hart repeatedly defended her handling of the case. As she had with Christine, she retrieved a book of North Carolina law from her shelf and read aloud to a reporter the language for first- and second-degree rape, which is the same today as it was in 2007. She repeated that Christine did not resist verbally or physically and said that being really drunk did not make it a sex crime. She was awake and aware of what was going on. If she had passed out and (was) unaware of what was going on then I probably would have gone further with the investigation. But she said she was awake. She was just intoxicated. The patrol officers report noted that Christine did not remember telling them to stop. In interviews with CNN, Christine said she told Hart that she resisted her attackers by telling them no and that she blacked out several times during the assault. Harts report does not document any such statements being made. When told that legal experts disagreed with her reading of the law, the detective dismissed their positions. Thats their opinion, said Hart, who now works as an investigator for the Fayetteville public defenders office. And Im glad for them. Christine says she had given up on seeing her rape investigated. I had to find a way to bury it for myself. Melissa Golden/Redux for CNN When informed that experts also believed she should have conducted a more thorough investigation, Hart said she handled the case as she had been trained. I dont believe that I ever was malicious in my investigations, she said. I followed the law to what I was taught, and to the best of my ability. If I did something wrong then I hope somebody can correct it. At the end of the interview, asked if she had any regrets, she acknowledged for the first time that she could have done more investigative work, such as interviewing Christines friends and roommate and the suspects. I couldve gone further with the investigation, I guess, Hart said. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. 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 October 2020 brought a lighter-than-usual crop of patches. For the first time in recent memory, there were none at all for Internet Explorer or the (Chromium-based) Edge browser. The cumulative updates went in with few reports of problems, although there were many complaints about printers not working after the update. Strange things happened, though, outside the usual monthly patching schedule. The day after Patch Tuesday, Microsoft announced a(nother) fix for a security hole in the HEVC codec CVE-2020-17022 distributed, once again, only through the Microsoft Store. HPs Secure Click Enterprise started falling over immediately after installing this months Windows cumulative updates. HP released a Win10 update-friendly version a couple of days later. It continues to astound me that a mainstream product from a major manufacturer isnt tested before the cumulative updates roll out. There was a security hole plug specifically for Visual Studio programmers, CVE-2020-17023. Then theres the security patch for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce, CVE-2020-16943, that was announced but never appeared. Its still missing in action. Something in there about counting chickens before theyre hatched. As usual, we had dire warnings galore from the usual patch-right-now sources (Microsoft warns beeeelions of customers to patch immediately!). As usual, we havent seen any immediately exploited security holes, with the possible exception of SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019. The usual grab-bag of bugs Every month for the past year or two, weve seen a big accumulation of bugs arrive on the heels of Patch Tuesday. This months no exception. You can see a motley collection of blocked update error messages, error codes, blue screens, crashes, and peripheral problems in Mayank Parmars article in Windows Latest, Lawrence Abrams piece for BleepingComputer, Venkats rundown in Techdows, Gunter Borns post in Borns Tech and Windows World, and countless parrot sites around the web. I dont see any particular pattern to any of it, which has become increasingly common. New patches just seem to bring along a trove of unrelated bugs, any one of which can be hugely frustrating but none of which seem to be particularly widespread. The one exception: Ive seen many reports of printers that stop working after the latest cumulative update gets installed. In every case Ive seen, pulling the plug on the printer and plugging it back in solves the problem an easy task for individuals, not so much for admins. 'Windows cant verify the publisher of this driver software' Some people are reporting an unexpected error when installing certain drivers. Microsoft describes the situation in the Resolved issues portion of the Windows Release Information Status page: When installing a third-party driver, you might receive the error, Windows cant verify the publisher of this driver software." You may also see the error No signature was present in the subject when attempting to view the signature properties using Windows Explorer. This issue occurs when one or more of the following is present in a driver package: An improperly formatted catalog file is identified during validation by Windows. Starting with this release, Windows will require the validity of DER encoded PKCS#7 content in catalog files. Catalogs files must be signed per section 11.6 of describing DER-encoding for SET OF members in X.690. A driver catalog file extension is not one of the supported extensions. Thats a feature, not a bug. Microsoft suggests that you contact the driver manufacturer and ask for an update. If your hardware vendor isnt real interested in keeping up with Windows 10, well, jokes on you. Gunter Born puts it succinctly: Windows is a huge hardware exterminator, rendering still working devices as electronic waste, because drivers can no longer be installed. 'Optional' .NET previews arent optional any more Weve seen this problem for several months, and it still hasnt been fixed. Windows Update doesnt handle the .NET Preview monthly rollups the way you (or at least, I) would expect. Cumulative Update previews have to be manually approved by clicking a Download and install link. .NET Previews dont even offer the option. Theres a convoluted set of rules about Windows automatically installing .NET Previews. @abbodi86 has unrolled the behavior this way: The new .NET Previews are nothing different from all previous non-security .NET cumulative updates. They just have the term Preview in label. If youre a seeker (click Check for updates in Windows Update), the .NET Preview update will be installed regardless of your other settings. If you arent a seeker, when a normal update scan takes place, one of two things will happen. (1) If the previous .NET Security update is not yet installed, the .NET Preview update will be flagged as potentially superseded, and Windows Update will not offer it. (2) If the latest .NET Security update is already installed, the .NET Preview update will be installed. If that isnt confusing enough for you, @abbodi86 has full details here. I have no idea why Microsoft thinks that its preview (i.e., not-yet-ready-for-prime-time) patches should be installed on machines without any warning or opt-out capability. But there you have it. Microsoft pulls back on potentially unwanted PWA apps When is a PUP installer not a PUP installer? When its a Windows beta, of course. Somebody at Microsoft decided it would be a good idea to jury-rig some beta test versions of Windows 10 so they automatically installed the new PWA (progressive web app) versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. Several beta testers took umbrage at an operating system that cavalierly installed potentially unwanted programs. A couple days later, Microsoft changed course, claiming that the pushy behavior was a bug. Right. Sean Hollister at The Verge has details. Office 2010 and Exchange Server 2010 hit end of life As of Oct. 13, both Office 2010 and Exchange 2010 fell off the support cycle. You wont get any more patches. A pity, really, because Office 2010 (in spite of its interface peculiarities) was a real workhorse. Patch Lady Susan Bradley has details. Version 20H2 (or is it 2009?) rolling out Microsoft is starting to make Win10 version 20H2 available for the masses although you have to click Download and install to get it. At least, thats the theory. Considering version 2004 had almost no new worthwhile features, and 20H2 has fewer still (theme-related shading on Start tiles? Alt+Tab switching Edge tabs? Puh-lease), the push to 20H2 is now under way. Think of it as yet another cumulative update, except it doesnt plug any new security holes. If you ever needed a concrete example of why twice-a-year upgrades for Win10 make absolutely no sense at all, now you have it. Patching problems? Hit us on AskWoody.com. When Microsoft released Office 2019 for Windows this fall, it did so not with a bang, but a whisper. In years gone by, Microsoft typically trumpeted new Office releases with great fanfare and hoopla, but this time it released a blog post or two with few details and left it at that. Theres good reason for that: Microsoft is pushing Office 365, the subscription of version of Office, over the perpetual version of the suite. When you purchase a perpetual version of Office, such as Office 2016 or Office 2019, you pay a one-time fee for it and own it forever and it never gets new features. Thats in contrast to Office 365, which requires an ongoing subscription fee and is constantly updated with new features. Its clear that Microsoft wants people to move to Office 365, so it wants to draw as little attention as possible to any new perpetual Office release. Theres another reason that Microsoft whispered. It used to be that whenever Microsoft released Office with a new version number for example, Office 2016 that version was more powerful than any other available. Thats no longer the case. Office 2019 is considerably less powerful than Office 365. Theres nothing new in Office 2019 that hasnt already been available for quite some time to millions of Office 365 subscribers (the company says it has more than 31 million subscribers to consumer editions), and in fact, Microsoft left several features out of Office 2019 that it had introduced in Office 365 over the past few years. So the company had nothing new to wow the world with when talking about Office 2019. So whats new in Office 2019? And which is better for you or your organization, Office 2019 or Office 365? To help you decide, weve taken a look at Office 2019s most important new features below, and then compared it to Office 365. (In addition to the features covered here, Office 2019 gets improved support for digital ink across the entire suite, including what Microsoft calls roaming pencil case support, which lets you write by hand and also move around sections of documents with a digital pencil.) One final note about Office 2019 before we get into the nitty-gritty: Unlike previous releases of the perpetual version of Office, it will run only on Windows 10. There will still, however, be both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of it. New charts and formulas for Excel There are a few nice tidbits for Excel users in Office 2019, but dont expect anything dramatic. Excels new features focus primarily on data analysis, including funnel charts and 2D maps, new functions and connectors, the ability to publish from Excel to PowerBI, and enhancements to PowerPivot and PowerQuery. Funnel charts are useful when you want to display values at multiple stages in a process. A funnel chart can show the number of sales prospects at every stage of a sales process, for example, with prospects at the top for the first stage, qualified prospects underneath it for the second stage, and so on, until you get to the final stage, closed sales. Generally, the values in funnel charts decrease with each stage, so the bars in the chart look like a funnel. Overall theyre a nice-to-have addition to Excel. IDG Funnel charts, available in Excel 2019, let you display values at multiple stages in a process. (Click any image in this story to enlarge it.) Map charts are useful as well, and probably have wider applicability for most people. They let you compare data across different geographical regions, such as countries, regions, states, counties or postal codes. Among the functions added to Excel are TEXTJOIN and CONCAT, which let you combine text strings from ranges of cells with or without using a delimiter separating each item, such as a comma. You only need to refer to the range and specify a delimiter, and Excel does the rest. Two other functions added are the IFS and SWITCH functions, which help specify a series of conditions, for example, when using nested IF functions. And two more, MAXIFS and MINIFS, make it easier to filter and calculate data in a number of different ways. Get more details about them all from Microsoft. The upshot for Excel 2019: Nice new additions. Too bad there arent more of them. Translator for Word The only significant new feature Word gets in Office 2019 is the Translator pane, useful for those who need to work in multiple languages. To translate words or phrases with it, you select them, then right-click your selection and choose Translate from the menu that appears. Note that Translator is part of what Microsoft calls Intelligent Services, the artificial intelligence behind such Office features as Smart Lookup and Researcher. If its the first time youve used one of these AI-driven features, a screen appears asking if you want to turn Intelligent Services on. Click Turn On. That happens once. You wont have to do it again. After that, the Translator pane appears. The top of the pane shows your selection, and the bottom shows the translation. The top pane attempts to identify the original language. For me, its worked correctly every time. If it does misidentify the language, though, just select the right language. After that, in the bottom of the pane select the language you want to translate to. The translation appears. To insert it somewhere into the document, move your cursor to the spot where you want it to appear, and click Insert at the bottom of the pane. You can also copy and paste any part of the translation into the document or another document. IDG Word 2019s Translator feature in action. To translate an entire document, go to the Ribbon and select Review > Language > Translate > Translate document. The Translator pane appears. Select the documents language, then the language you want to translate it to, and click the Translate button. The translated document opens in a new Word window, which you can then save or copy portions of. Translator is also available in PowerPoint and Excel 2019 for translating selected words or phrases, but you cant use it to translate whole files in those apps. Beyond the Translator pane, there are a few other small additions to Word 2019, including a black theme, speech-to-text capabilities and accessibility improvements. But the changes are generally slim pickings. Youll likely be disappointed in how little new you get in Word 2019. Morph and Zoom for PowerPoint The most important of PowerPoint 2019s new features are Morph and Zoom. Morph is a simple-to-use tool that makes it easy to create animated transitions between slides. That solves a long-term, nagging PowerPoint problem: Its Animations tab, while packed with plenty of power, is tough to use. And creating animations with it can be quite time-consuming. Morph lets you show motion in transitions and inside slides, but without having to resort to using the Animations tab. To do it, you duplicate an existing slide, and then make changes to the duplicate slide, such as shrinking an element or elements in it, growing them, moving them to new locations or rotating them. Then when you apply Morph to the slide, PowerPoint automatically creates an animated transition between the slides. Onscreen, they look like a single slide morphing, hence the features name. IDG Morph is a simple way to create animations in PowerPoint 2019. Zoom creates a kind of visual table of contents for your presentation that lets you quickly zoom from one section to another. When youre in a presentation, select Insert > Zoom, then choose the slides you want displayed in the Zoom slide. A new slide is created with thumbnails of those slides. When giving a presentation, youll be able to jump to any slide instantly by clicking its thumbnail. Most everyone who creates presentations will find Morph and Zoom useful. Because of them, PowerPoint is the Office application most improved in Office 2019. Outlooks new Focused Inbox The only significant change to Outlook 2019 is what Microsoft calls the Focused Inbox. Its designed to deal with the email overload most of us put up with every day the frustrating mix of newsletters you dont recall signing up for, retail come-ons, pointless messages, important messages and so on. Focused inbox uses artificial intelligence to figure out which messages are most important to you and puts them into a Focused tab. The rest get put into an Other tab. You can manually move messages from one folder to the other and tell Focused Inbox to automatically filter them in that way in the future. To turn on Focused Inbox, select the View tab from the Ribbon, then click the Show Focused Inbox icon. From now on, youll have two tabs in your Inbox, Focused and Other. The Focused tab should have the most important messages, and the Other tab should have less-important messages. IDG Turning on Focused Inbox in Outlook 2019. Although Focused Inbox isnt an earthshaking change, Ive found that it makes handling email moderately more easy. So Outlook users have something to be pleased about in Office 2019. What IT needs to know about Office 2019 Under the hood, theres a handful of useful changes for IT in Office 2019, notably the way in which IT will install Office 2019. It is now installed using the Click-to-Run (C2R) deployment technology launched in Office 2013 instead of the older Windows Installer. Microsoft cites these advantages of C2R: predictable monthly security updates, up-to-date apps on installation, reduced network consumption through Windows 10 download optimization technology, and an easy upgrade path to Office 365 ProPlus. For more details, head to the Office 2019 Click-to-Run FAQ. Choosing between Office 2019 and Office 365 For those trying to decide between Office 2019 and Office 365, whats not in Office 2019 but is in Office 365 is whats really important. And theres plenty that Office 365 gives you that Office 2019 doesnt. In fact, theres so much that Ill only cover the more important features here. You wont be able to collaborate with others in real time in Excel 2019, as you can in Excel for Office 365, which is a serious drawback for anyone who works with others. Word 2019 doesnt have the Researcher pane that is available in Office 365 that lets you easily do research via the internet directly from Word. It doesnt have the full Editor pane of editing tools, either. Although neither of these is a must-have, they can cut down the time it takes to create and edit documents. PowerPoint 2019 doesnt include either Designer or QuickStarter. Designer suggests new slide designs for you as you create a presentation, based on graphics you add to slides. And QuickStarter jump-starts your presentation by helping you with research and outline creation. These are big, important features that are real losses for anyone who spends much time creating presentations. And none of the Office 2019 apps offers the extremely useful AutoSave feature available in Office 365; it makes sure you dont lose the latest edits to your files and lets you examine, use and revert to older versions of your files. Office 365 also has a redesigned Ribbon that Office 2019 users dont get. The new Ribbon is streamlined and stripped-down, and is simpler and easier to use than the one in Office 2019. Just as important as all this is the fact that Office 365 subscribers constantly get new features, while Office 2019 is frozen in time. What you see today is what you get forever, because it never gets updated with new features. (It does, however, get security updates.) If you want new features and dont want an Office 365 subscription, youll have to wait for the next perpetual version of Office and buy that and even then it wont include all the features in Office 365. Another major difference between Office 2019 and Office 365 is their cost and how many copies of the Office suite you get when you buy them. When you buy Office 2019, you can run that one copy on a single computer for a single person. The Home & Student version costs $150 and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for Windows 10. At $250, the Home & Business version includes all that plus Outlook. The $440 Professional version has all that Home & Business offers plus Publisher and Access (for Windows only). Enterprise options include Office Standard 2019, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher, and Office Professional Plus 2019, which includes all that plus Access and Skype for Business; pricing depends on volume. As for pricing for Office 365, the Office 365 Home version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote; costs $100 a year; and can be used by up to six different people and installed on an unlimited number of devices. Each person gets 1TB OneDrive cloud storage and can be signed into five devices simultaneously. Office 365 Personal includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive (with 1TB storage), plus Publisher and Access (for Windows only). It costs $70 a year and can be installed on an unlimited number of devices, although only for a single user. Business and enterprise plans for Office 365 are more complex and range from $99 per user per year to $420 per user per year. (Cheaper plans are available, but they dont include Word, Excel, or the other main Office apps.) Beyond that, if you want to use Office on smartphones and tablets, Office 2019 gives you apps with only basic editing features, while Office 365 offers mobile apps with more advanced tools such as tracking and reviewing changes and features such as WordArt, Morph for PowerPoint, customized PivotTables for Excel, and much more. (For a rundown of the differences between Office 2019 and Office 365, see Microsofts "What's the difference between Office 365 and Office 2019?") If it seems that you get far more value with Office 365 than you do with Office 2019, thats not accidental. Its clear that Microsoft would like to kill the perpetual version of Office, but enough people and businesses still want it that theres no practical way for Microsoft to do it in. Why do people still want the perpetual version? Many are uncomfortable with the idea of having to pay a smaller amount every year to keep using Office; theyd rather plunk down a larger sum once and own the suite outright. And some businesses are unwilling or unable to move to a cloud-based platform. If youre not convinced Microsoft is pushing people away from Office 2019 and towards Office 365, consider this: Microsoft recently increased prices for both commercial and retail versions of Office 2019 by as much as 10%, depending on the version. Around the same time, Microsoft announced that it would allow consumer versions of Office 365 to be installed on an unlimited number of devices. Between the stick of higher prices for the perpetual versions and the carrot of unlimited devices with a subscription, Microsoft is doing whatever it can to move everyone to Office 365. So should you choose Office 2019 or Office 365? For most individuals, the answer is simple: Choose Office 365. You get the latest features today and into the future, lots of free storage and the ability to use Office apps on an unlimited number of machines. For families, Office 365 Home makes the best sense, since it allows up to six users for $30 per year more than the Personal plan. From my point of view, the choice is as close to a no-brainer as it gets. Who should buy Office 2019? Only someone who has only a single computer and expects never to get a second one, wants only the most basic Office features, and doesnt care about additional storage or using advanced features on mobile devices. As for businesses, Office 2019 is best for organizations that dont have constant access to the cloud or arent yet willing to go full-bore to software that works so closely with cloud access. Otherwise, Office 365 makes more sense for most. The bottom line Office 2019 is an underwhelming version of the Office suite, but thats not a failure on Microsofts part; the company has created it that way on purpose. Microsoft doesnt feel it can offend the shrinking user base for the perpetual version of Office by simply killing it off. So while the company continues to lavish new features on Office 365, it left most of them out of Office 2019, which Microsoft hopes will be so unappealing that few people will buy it. Odds are youll be one of the many who eschew it in favor of an Office 365 subscription. If youre using your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, then it is reasonable to imagine you travel with the device. If you do, then you simply must ensure you put every form of protection you can in place to protect the valuable data on your Apple tablet. Protection at the edge I cant stress enough how important it is to secure your devices try searching Twitter for iPad security, and see how many people accidentally leave their devices on trains and planes, not to mention the risk of theft. You absolutely do not want to make it easy for others to access your personal information of confidential data simply because your iPad is left insecure. [ Also read: The iOS Security Guide ] (If you are using a work-issued device, then you may want to discuss additional security protections with your support staff first, in order to stay within enterprise security policies.) Read the complete series You should make sure to install Apples regularly published Software Updates when they appear, as they help make the platform significantly more secure than competitors. Disable Face or Touch ID You can choose which services you can access with Face or Touch ID and which ones you limit. Open Settings>Face ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode. Now you can disable these for unlocking your iPad, using iTunes & App Store, Apple Pay and Password Autofill. Why would you do this? Many travelers disable the unlock feature when making a journey in order to make it harder for officials to look inside their iPad. Get wise about Wi-Fi Hackers can use off-the-shelf tools available on the Dark Web for a few dollars to steal passcodes and other confidential data sent using Wi-Fi networks. Thats just one of the reasons public Wi-Fi networks are not as secure as closed Wi-Fi networks. The smart-looking person in the coffee shop working on their computer may be using these tools to steal bank account details, access codes for confidential corporate sites, or just run man-in-the-middle attacks in an attempt to trick you into installing malware. Within this, heres how to use public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is never secure, so never access secure services. Always check the network name with staff its not unusual for hackers to create fake networks such as CoffeeShop_FREEWIFI to trick you into using them. If you need to access secure services, use 4G. At the very least... Always use VPN When traveling, you should always use a VPN (virtual private network), as this makes it much harder for others to monitor or intercept your Internet traffic. Your company may provide you with one of these, and you should use it. If they dont, then be sure to reach for reputable services, as a VPN service provider will actually have access to all your traffic. Thats a problem, as not every service claiming to offer VPN protection is transparent about who owns them or where they store your data. Simon Migliano at Top10VPN warns that over half of the most popular VPN apps available at the App Store are run by Chinese companies, for example. I use NordVPN, while CyberGhost and ExpressVPN appear to be good fee-based options. Windscribe is Top10VPNs recommended free VPN service, while many like to use TunnelBear. I think that choosing a VPN service remains a little complex, and I hope to take a close look at these services in future. The bottom line? If you use your iPad for professional tasks, you should use a VPN or encourage your company to provide you with one. Think secure If you are using your iPad for work, then it is essential you use a strong alphanumeric passcode you only need to enter it once in order to activate Face or Touch ID for most use. You may already have a passcode set, but you can create a stronger alphanumeric one: Open Settings>Face ID & Passcode. Youll be asked to enter your passcode. Scroll down to Change Passcode. Enter your passcode again. Choose Passcode Options. And then choose Custom Alphanumeric Code. You can make these as long and convoluted as you like. A six-character code consisting of both letters and numbers provides much better protection than the standard four-character code without being too much of a chore to type. NB: You should also review the passcode you use for your Apple ID. If its not alphanumeric or complex, or is the name of your dog, cat or Kanye, change it. There is one exception if your organization provides you with an iPad Pro, as well as the Apple ID password so you can install or purchase apps, you should not change the security questions IT has already created for you, as this will brick your device. If in doubt, speak to support. Allow Access When Locked Now that youre in Face ID & Passcode, it makes sense to exercise some of your other security options. (Im going to assume you wish to continue using Face ID, but some enterprises may insist you turn this off.) The Allow Access When Locked section provides a bunch of useful ways to solidify security on your device, not least by enabling you to control what is visible on the iPad lock screen. I suggest disabling all these items for maximum protection. This prevents any confidential information from appearing on a locked iPad screen. While I concede theres a little risk, I tend to keep Notification Centre and Control Centre active myself, but I do severely limit the apps that are capable of sending me Notifications when the device is locked. You should certainly disable the USB Accessories toggle, as doing so requires the passcode to connect USB accessories, including those black box iOS access devices some criminals may use. Erase Data You shouldnt stop there theres a profitable industry in attempting to crack the security of Apple devices, so do ensure to activate additional protection. In this case, open Face/Touch ID & Passcode and ensure the Erase Data option is on (Toggle to green). This will erase all the data on your iPad after 10 failed passcode attempts. Find My iPad Apples Find My iPad system works with your Apple ID to give you a chance to find a lost device. You should enable this in Settings>Your Name>iCloud>Find My iPad, where you should toggle it to on (green). I recommend you also enable the Send Last Location feature youll find on the same page, as doing so means the device will automatically send you its location as battery power gets critically low. The system isnt foolproof. Thieves have learned to switch stolen iOS devices off while they find someone to reset the device (though the new USB Accessories protection makes it much harder to do that). Despite those limitations, once this protection is enabled, you may be able to find your lost iPad via iCloud just log in to your Apple ID from any browser, and choose Find My iPhone or use the app of the same name on another device. Stop a thief Theres a way to make it a little harder for a person who has hold of your iPad to turn off Find My iPad. Open Settings>Screen Time>Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap Location Services. In the next pane tap Location Services and choose Dont Allow Changes. This will lock the settings for use of all Location services, including Find My iPad. Back in Screen Time, choose Use Screen Time Passcode and create a new 4-digit passcode. In order to disable Find My iPad, an attacker will now need to also figure out your new Screen Time passcode. The only snag being that this set of changes will prevent new apps from using location services. This may not matter to you, but this tip will be of no use if it does. What apps on your device do you permit to access your location data? Find out in Privacy>Location Services where you can revoke access to any apps you dont entirely trust. You should use two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another level of security to any attempts to login to your Apple ID. When you have it in place, you will be required to enter a special code to access your account from a trusted device. To enable the feature, open Password & Security in Settings and turn on two-factor authentication. You will also be asked to enter a Trusted Phone Number here this will be used to receive verification codes by text message or automated phone call. Apple has made this much easier to use in iOS 12. The OS now automatically recognizes and can use a 2FA code once it is received. Safer Safari Apple has moved to prevent some of the more egregious data mining and surveillance tools used to monitor what you do online in iOS 12, but here are a few more suggestions to make your browsing safer: Change your search engine to DuckDuckGo in Settings>Safari>Search Engine, because the search engine doesnt collect information about you. In Settings>Safari ensure all your Privacy & Security settings are enabled, and always surf in Private Mode. These include: Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: This tries to stop websites tracking you. Block All Cookies: Some enterprise web services you use may require you to enable cookies, but you should remember to switch them off again once youre done. Ask Websites Not to Track Me: This tries to stop websites tracking you. Fraudulent Website Warning: This provides useful protection against Spoof websites. Camera & Microphone Access: Turn this off to prevent sites from accessing these, and you will have to give manual permission for them to use these features. Check for Apple Pay: Keep this active if you want to be able to pay for items using Apple Pay. Switch this off if you want to prevent others from using this feature if they get inside your iPad. Audit your passwords I think more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of using unique passcodes for everything they do online. Password managers, including Apples Keychain, 1 Password and Dashlane make it much easier to manage all these passwords, but many users may still have some legacy passwords that are the same. Apple has also made it much easier to audit existing passwords in iOS 12. Open Settings>Passwords & Accounts Open Website & App Passwords When you look down your list of passwords, you may see a warning triangle beside the service name. This indicates a password used across two or more services. Click that item, and you will see a little information concerning where else you have used the code, and a feature called Change Password on Website. Tap this, and Apple will open the site in Safari. You should then use that sites tools to change your password to something unique. I do hope this short guide helps you secure your iPad. Id actually argue that security is one of the great strengths of using an iPad instead of a laptop and thats even stronger with these tips. Please follow me on Twitter, and join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe. KATHMANDU, Nov 29: State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said that trade relations between Nepal and Myanmar should be promoted. Addressing the 'Nepal Chamber Expo-2018' organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce at local Bhrikutimandap, the distinguished guest Suu Kyi said that activities related to economic development and prosperity could be run by utilizing human resources of both countries. She expressed the view that the two countries' economy could be made strong by increasing investment in agriculture, hydropower and technical sectors, urging the Nepali entrepreneurs to invest in Myanmar. DBS to double staff in Dubai to tap wealth of Middle East businessmen and rich NRIs In order to capitalise on the growing wealth of Middle East businessmen and rich Non-Resident Indians, DBS plans to almost triple its revenue in the region. For this, it will also double its Dubai banking staff by 2023. Southeast Asias largest bank plans to expand its wealth management operations in the region tapping prospective clients including wealthy Middle East business people, family offices and NRIs. DBS said it planned to double the headcount, which now stands at more than 20, for its private bank in Dubai by 2023. DBS plans to expand its wealth management operations in the Middle East region. Photo courtesy: DBS Revealing the reason for expanding the service in this region and increasing the headcount, Tan Su Shan, DBSs group head of wealth management and consumer banking said, This region is not yet a big part of our wealth management revenues today as we are an Asian bank but it is the fastest growing part. It's been growing at double digits." Wealth management contributes about SGD2.6 billion to DBS revenues, she said. The recent Knight Frank 2018 Wealth report has highlighted that the number of people in the Middle East with individual assets of more than USD500 million is projected to grow by 28 per cent to 500 in 2022. The other pertinent trend in recent time is the shift of the banks from European countries and the United States towards Asia as highlighted by top executives of the bank. Rudiger von Wedel, managing director and head of international at DBS Private Bank, said, In the past, clients in the region would focus investments towards Switzerland, the United States and Britain. The whole focus of the region is shifting towards the East. What I have seen since 2012-2013 is more and more shift towards Asia, he added. Other reputed banks including Citibank has also planned to expand in the Middle East region. Citibank aims to lift its wealth management customer base by 18 per cent in the United Arab Emirates in 2018 and 24 per cent in 2019. Citi's wealth management business would see a 21 per cent growth in revenue in 2018 in the UAE, said Venkat Mahadevan, retail bank head for the Middle East at Citibank. Andrew Boff is a member of the London Assembly. Last Friday, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced plans to ban junk food advertising across the entirety of the Transport for London estate. He told Assembly Members that his proposals amounted to a small price to pay to help reduce childhood obesity. There are only two things wrong with this statement. It wont be a small price and it wont help reduce childhood obesity. Sadiq Khan is basing his policy on what the Dutch rolled out in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Healthy Weight Programme was a comprehensive approach to tackling obesity in school-children which came to incorporate a ban on advertising unhealthy food on the Citys urban transport system. Studies showed that between 2012-15, there was indeed a significant loss of weight in a sample of 11-16 year olds in Amsterdam. But the ad ban did not come in until January of this year, well after the studies were complete. Therefore no inference about its impact can be drawn. Since then, there has been no further appreciable decline in childhood obesity rates. As Conservatives, we need to learn the true lessons of this example, not the Mayors warped take. Voluntary, self-regulated, and localised initiatives are the right approach. The Dutch encourage physical activity in and out of schools, improved nutritional education for kids, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. That is more likely to work than state-imposed diktats. When you think about it, is it likely that the type of billboard ads you see on the tube are really likely to influence childrens behaviour? Especially when you bear in mind that less than three per cent of tube travellers are kids and theyre bombarded by ads on social media platforms all day long? Of course not. But this does get to the nub of what his proposals are fundamentally about hes not really interested in controlling what kids get to see, hes interested in controlling what fully functioning adults get to see on their daily commute. His proposals are much more far-reaching than you might expect. For a start, its not just about junk food. The State Advertising Commissar hell need to appoint to implement these regulations could well end up banning, under the Mayors rules, the advertising of staples like butter, milk and cheese; there would be no more advertising Christmas Mince pie treats, or Dine In Meals for Two that feature a tasty chocolate pudding. He could even ban the advertising of summer barbies that show sausages sizzling on the grill. In truth, Sadiq wants to be the Nanny of London every bit as much as the Mayor of London. The other sinister element of this proposal is who will pick up the tab? The simple answer is hard-pressed, ordinary Londoners. The Mayor has been doing his level best to pretend there will be little or no cost implications to his proposal. He believes that advertisers will continue to willingly fork out large sums to advertise quinoa salads, organic muesli bars, or kale and cucumber smoothies, in place of their usual fare. More likely, they will simply switch advertising platforms to ones which are not encumbered by the complexities introduced by this Mayors flights of fancy. Less advertising revenues coming in means TfL is going to lose out. Big time. Even TfL, who have an interest in underplaying the cost of the Mayors recklessness,reckon they will lose 13 million. Once the full extent of the ban is known it may be much, much more. Thats no small beer, on top of the 1 billion TfL deficit which this incompetent Mayor has helped to create. At some point something is going to have to give, and that something is likely to be fares. Of course, slippery Sadiq wouldnt dream of pumping them up before the next Mayoral Election, but God forbid if he was ever to be returned At the end of the day, the Mayor justifies this outrageous policy on the basis that its popular. But is it? He states that 82 per cent of those who responded to his consultation supported a ban. However, this is a self-selecting minority who can be bothered to reply to his question. Other statistically-valid, representative samples of Londoners tell a different story. They show that Londoners, quite sensibly, doubt the effectiveness of any ban, that they demand proof before one is introduced, and they are horrified at the prospect of their fares being increased to pay for it. How to tackle childhood obesity is a complex question demanding multifaceted solutions. The Mayor of London simplistic ban on unhealthy food and drink advertising is the wrong answer. We Conservatives need to find the right ones. Benedict Rogers is the East Asia Team Leader at the international human rights organization CSW, the co-founder and Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, the co-founder of the International Coalition to Stop Crimes against Humanity in North Korea, the co-founder and Chair of Hong Kong Watch, and author of three books on Burma. Two months ago I came face-to-face with the shrieking, ferocious, thuggish human face of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the Conservative Party Conference. As we were concluding a fringe meeting on Hong Kong hosted by the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission and Hong Kong Watch, Kong Linlin, a reporter for China Central Television (CCTV), the CCPs propaganda arm, screamed abuse at me. It was yet another example of Chinas tantrum diplomacy. I had ended by saying that I am pro-China, even if I am critical of the regime. I have spent much of my life in China and I want China to succeed. But, I argued, it is in Chinas interests for Hong Kong to succeed, so China must honour its promises to the people of Hong Kong. With a venom which I have never before encountered, Ms Kong yelled out: Liar, liar. You are anti-China. You want to divide China. She continued to yell at me and our three speakers from Hong Kong Martin Lee, founder of Hong Kongs Democratic Party, and Benny Tai and Nathan Law, leaders of the Umbrella Movement. Then, when she refused to sit down, she slapped a young student, Enoch Lieu, three times after he politely asked her to leave. Part of the incident was captured on video and went viral. She was arrested and charged, although last week the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges. After that experience, it was a shock to learn that CCTV is opening their largest media hub outside China in Chiswick next month, employing over 300 staff. The thought of hundreds of CCP agents roaming around Britain is alarming. Kong Linlins behaviour is part of the Chinese regimes growing pattern of thuggery around the world, and it should not continue unchallenged. That is why I was delighted when Peter Humphrey, a former Reuters journalist-turned-corporate investigator, filed a complaint last Friday with Ofcom. At a press conference after filing the complaint, Mr Humphrey was joined by Swedish human rights activist Peter Dahlin to launch a new report on Chinas use of forced televised confessions, titled Trial by Media: Chinas new show trials and the global expansion of Chinese media. Humphrey and Dahlin have first-hand experience of the CCPs most brutal behaviour. Both have been imprisoned in China Humphrey and his wife for 23 months in a Chinese jail, Dahlin for 23 days in secret detention. Humphrey was forced to confess on television twice. They drugged me, locked me to a tiger chair, and placed me and the chair inside a small metal cage, he says. CCTV journalists then aimed their cameras at me and recorded me reading out the answers already prepared for me by the police. No questions were asked. His confession was broadcast on CCTV, before his case had even come to trial. Humphrey was subjected to a catalogue of abuse: an overcrowded cell, poor sanitary conditions, meagre food rations, sleep deprivation, separation from family, denial of legal representation or consular access for part of the time and denial of medical treatment for cancer. The aggregate of these different types of duress adds up to what the UN would describe as torture, he says. Complicit in this torture was CCTV. In his complaint to Ofcom, Humphrey writes: CCTV was working in active collusion with the police and the Chinese state. Under duress, Humphrey was paraded on CCTVs domestic and international broadcasts, confessing to crimes he had not yet been convicted of. Seven years ago, Ofcom ruled that Irans Press TV was in violation of Britains Broadcasting Code for airing a forced televised confession. Press TVs license in the UK was revoked. It was this precedent that prompted Humphrey to file a 17-page complaint with Ofcom, detailing 15 violations of the Broadcasting Code by CCTV. Dahlin was subjected to psychological torture in secret detention. His organisation Safeguard Defenders has published two previous books The Peoples Republic of the Disappeared and Scripted and Staged: Behind the scenes of Chinas forced televised confessions. Their new book, Trial by Media, provides analysis of CCTVs key role in Chinas apparatus of repression. Forced televised confessions, filmed and broadcast by CCTV, are now commonplace in China. Typically, Dahlin explains, confessions fall into three categories defend, deny or denounce. The person giving the statement must defend the CCP, deny any mistreatment, and denounce their own crimes and the regimes critics. Chinese-born Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, who was abducted from Thailand in 2015 and continues to be held in China, was forced to read a statement denouncing Sweden. My own experience pales into insignificance compared to the trauma which these two men endured, and the even worse treatment to which Chinese detainees are subjected. All I have experienced is being denied entry to Hong Kong on Beijings orders, receiving seven rather absurd anonymous threatening letters to me, my neighbours, employers and mother, and a woman screaming at me. I didnt even get slapped. But what I have experienced gives me a glimpse into CCTVs character and its relationship to the CCP, and what I have heard from these two brave men leaves me in no doubt that allowing CCTV to build its media centre in London without reference to our Broadcasting Code would be an appalling surrender of our values. When I asked Peter Humphrey what he made of Kong Linlins behaviour, he responded with stark clarity: Kong Linlins conduct reminds me of the woman who interrogated me while I was strapped to a tiger chair in a small metal cage a total viciousness that is in the bloodstream of the CCP. Yet it is important to emphasise that at the heart of this are the values that make Britain different from China. We believe in a free press. Strangely, after Kong Linlin was arrested by West Midlands Police, the Chinese Embassy tried to portray her as a victim, suggesting that her right to freedom of expression as a journalist was denied. In the next sentence, the Chinese Embassy demanded that the organisers of the meeting apologise, because apparently we have no right to discuss Hong Kong. Without a hint of irony, the CCP defends the freedom of its representatives to assault people, but denies the freedom of expression of the co-signatory to the Sino-British Joint Declaration to discuss Hong Kong. The truth is, if she had asked a question or made a comment, however hostile, in an appropriate manner, she would have been welcome to do so. And Dahlin is clear that the Ofcom complaint is not about trying to drive CCTV out or to silence them, even though most western media is banned in China. This is not about revenge or retaliation, he said. On the contrary, we want them to participate in the conversation but on the same rules as everybody else. We want this to influence their behaviour. China, he adds, should not be afforded special treatment. That is all that Humphrey and Dahlin seek. They want Ofcom to enforce its own Broadcasting Code, and act according to precedent. I hope Ofcom will respond accordingly. Broadcasters cannot be accomplices to torture. Jonathan Clark was a Fellow of Peterhouse; at Oxford, he was a Fellow of All Souls College; latterly he has been Visiting Professor at the Committee on Social Thought at Chicago, and Hall Distinguished Professor of British History at the University of Kansas. His latest book is a study of Thomas Paine. As foreshadowed in her Lancaster House speech, Theresa Mays Letter to the Nation promises that her 585-page deal would ensure that the UK takes back control of its borders, its money, and its laws. But that is not what the text sets out, as enough analysts have carefully demonstrated. She has therefore placed herself, or has been placed by her advisers, in the position of arguing that night is day, or that a square is a circle. She was already famous for the phrase nothing has changed, but her U-turn over financing the care of the elderly was minor compared to this. Her letter expresses the wish that exit be a moment of renewal and reconciliation for our whole country. It must mark the point when we put aside the labels of leave or remain for good and we come together again as one people. But is this plausible? It seems more likely that the label BRINO, Brexit In Name Only, will be hung round her neck, just as securely as appeasement was hung round the neck of Neville Chamberlain. But any such facile comparison needs careful reconsideration. Chamberlain was an able public servant, as Lord Lexdens recent short study emphasises, and his rehabilitation is under way. There were far stronger grounds then for thinking that the UK needed time for rearmament than that UK industry now needs time for a transition to a trading relationship still undefined. It was more plausible then to hope that the German problem might be managed than it is now to say that the evolution of a trade association into a United States of Europe with its own army, foreign policy and taxation system is not taking place. But there are more important differences between the two cases, and they point to far more domestic conflict ahead for the UK today. In the 1930s, the few Westminster politicians who warned of the rise of Nazi Germany won scant reception, preoccupied as public opinion then was by the slaughter of the First World War. Public debate was limited. Now, the choice between Leave and Remain has been fought as an epic ideological battle, as the debate over appeasement in the 1930s never was. Europhiles and Europhobes have set out their cases with economic, constitutional and historical sophistication, and also with effective passion. They have struck a chord, or two chords, in public opinion. Remainers especially see their cause as one that goes to heart of their very beings. Friends, and even families, are divided. Second, the outbreak of war in 1939 largely ended the debate over appeasement. It created national unity to a remarkable degree. But no such unification is now in prospect. Indeed, the reverse is the case. As the implications of a legally binding exit treaty become evident in practice, the outcry against its terms and its authors could only grow. The future economic relationship between the UK and the EU would be explored in lengthy, and seemingly unending, agonies of negotiation: the UKs bargaining weakness, as a result of Mays exit deal, would regularly rub salt into these wounds. Appeasement did not break up the Union, although the Irish Republic stood neutral in 1939; in 2018, BRINO would have major implications for Northern Ireland and Scotland. The chorus of mutual blame in the UK could only escalate, and these flames could only be fanned as the 2022 general election approaches. If this results in a Corbyn victory, the Conservative Party would see a decade or two of introspective recrimination. In the 1997 general election, the Conservatives lost 11.2 per cent of the votes and 178 seats, ending with just 165; a loss on this scale in 2022 is perfectly plausible. One hopes that Tory MPs have their new jobs lined up. For how long would such turmoil last? Other divisive episodes have occurred in the British past. But for a comparable example of an ideological division among the elite coinciding with passionate division among the people one would have to go back beyond Irish Home Rule or the repeal of the Corn Laws to the Revolution of 1688, when one of the two great parties in the state changed the succession to the throne by a palace coup. As historians now appreciate, it split the nation for decades, arguable until the 1760s. The consequences of BRINO would probably be similar in kind, if unknowable in extent. Would the consequences be equally shared? The Labour Party seems least likely to be damaged by this issue: the near prospect of ministerial office is the strongest political glue yet invented. But commentators are now reporting confidently on rival groups of Conservative cabinet ministers about to resign if their positions do not win the day. They remind us that there are some situations in life in which a compromise is impossible. In 1939, the UK either went to war with Germany, or it did not. There was no middle course, and there could be no transition period to make possible a middle way. Then, Chamberlains ministry took a decision and Parliament backed it. Now, the ministry has adopted a deal that satisfies neither Leavers nor Remainers. If Parliament nevertheless backs it, the resulting Heath Robinson machine may end in wreckage. The long-term consequences for the standing of the UKs parliamentarians would then be considerable. Coming after the financial crisis of 2008 and the MPs expenses scandal, the institution of Parliament itself will be ripe for reform in a future Labour government. Is there, even now, a way out? The least bad tactical scenario may prove to be that there is no parliamentary majority for any option. Perhaps a change of Prime Minister will slow things yet further. Time would run out. If so, the UKs political elite by its mediocrity, its clumsiness, its self-deception and its careerism would blunder unintentionally into the best outcome of all, a Brexit on WTO terms. The law of unintended consequences may yet take precedence over human inadequacy. Alex Morton: Whether you like her plan or not, the Prime Minister is right to prize reducing immigration over everything else Alex Morton is Director of Policy at the Centre for Policy Studies, and was a member of David Camerons Downing Street Policy Unit. Whatever you think of the Prime Ministers deal, one of the central criticisms is deeply unfair. Theresa May has been assailed for prioritising immigration over other issues. But the Brexit vote wasnt about that, cry her critics. It was about sovereignty and free trade. In fact, May is right. The evidence is that immigration was a critical part of the Brexit debate with laws and money next, and trade a distant last. For instance, the British Social Attitudes Survey found Leavers number one priority for Government was reducing immigration and 66 per cent agreed with the argument leaving the EU would make immigration lower. They found a clear correlation between views on migration and how people voted on Brexit. Ipsos-Mori found in June 2016, just days before the vote, that the number of immigrants coming into Britain was the biggest single issue for Leave voters with 52 per cent saying it was a key issue for them. Polling in 2018 found 39 per cent of the public recalled controlling immigration as being key in the 2016 campaign, vs 21 per cent who said that more money for the NHS was. Only one per cent thought new trading opportunities were at the heart of the debate. Yes, the need for decisions about the UK to be made in the UK also came out top in some surveys, and in some cases, scored ahead of migration (e.g: Lord Ashcrofts survey). But even here immigration as a separate issue scored very high. In addition, because decision encompasses both laws and migration, saying laws not decisions (which excludes immigration) tended to relegate laws to second place behind migration. For many people, immigration was the most tangible element of decisions being outside the UKs control and the decision they most wanted back. In particular, Leave voters were fairly ambivalent about trade and globalisation (see Ashcroft again, where only six per cent thought trade opportunities would be better outside the EU than inside and pro-globalisation voters split 50/50 Leave/Remain but anti-globalisation voters largely backed Leave). Of course, it is not that simple, so for example on trade, given voter focus on cost of living, which CPS polling finds voters top concern, it is claimed if we cut tariffs on clothes and food we could reduce overall prices for households by up to eight per cent according to some estimates, which voters would notice. But in terms of being seen to deliver on the 17.4 million votes for Brexit, May is right controlling immigration is clearly critical. On top of this, the idea that people no longer want to reduce immigration that Brexit has solved the issue is simply false. Immigration is still very high on YouGovs list of top issues, consistently polling ahead of the economy. Even during the Windrush scandal earlier this year, polling showed very clearly that attitudes to immigration have not really changed, with YouGov finding very strong support for the hostile environment policy, and 63 per cent saying immigration in the last ten years had been too high, and seven in ten wanting reductions (see ). It is true that there has been a dip in the number of people citing immigration as one of the top issues facing the country since the Brexit vote. But this is due to clear promises made, both by the Leave campaign before the vote and by the Government after it, that Brexit would mean lower migration. At present, people think we will have more control over immigration after Brexit by 62:32 per cent, and what people want from control is a reduction in numbers. If the Brexit process does not deliver that, and immigration does not fall from its current levels, people will feel angry and misled. Neither no deal nor EEA option stops us achieving the net tens of thousands figure It is clear that immigration is key to persuading the public Brexit has occurred successfully. Currently, net migration is running at +271,000. Bringing this down to the net tens of thousands would, for many people, illustrate that Brexit has been a success. (As for the argument we should ditch the tens of thousands target, talking about the real figure of 614,000 not 271,000 people entering the country each year might not exactly reduce calls to limit migration). If Theresa Mays deal falls, the two options are either No Deal or a version of EEA, as I discussed a fortnight ago. With No Deal, clearly immigration is entirely within the hands of the UK. It might cause other problems, but lack of control over immigration is not one of them. This leaves the EEA option. This option is more compatible with reducing migration than might be assumed. In the most recent year, up to March 2018, of the 614,000 migrants entering the UK, just 100,000 were EU migrants with a definite job offer, the group that an EEA-style relationship would require us to admit without question. A further 128,000 from the EU fell into other categories notably students, those looking for work, and the retired. Since Brexit, the net flow of EU migrants has fallen from +184,000 to just +87,000 already. This group could be reduced further by limiting the number of low value university degrees (which would reduce the number of institutions EEA nationals can study at). Crucially, as an EEA worker, you are not entitled to UK benefits in general other than jobseekers allowance for a maximum of six months, during which time strict conditionality tests can apply. After six months, if you cannot find work you will be deported. This ensures that companies have access to the skills they need while addressing public concern about benefit tourism. But realistically this is all only an option if you take action on non-EU migration. The majority of net migration in the most recent year was from outside the EU, which saw a net +235,000 migrants enter the UK. If we wanted to reduce migration down to the net tens of thousands figure we would continue to need to reduce students (who across the board make up nearly 200,000 migrants which somewhat destroys the myth we are currently turning away Oxbridge-level physicists) and tighten up chain migration. The danger instead is that we decide we should replicate whatever system we agree under an EEA-style relationship to avoid preferring EEA area migrants to non-EEA migrants. This would at best see numbers remain the same and could even increase them. This would be a disaster. We are in danger of ignoring what Leave and Conservative voters want in order to (fruitlessly) try to win over a fairly small group of voters who are usually neither. If the Conservatives try to go into the next election, whenever it is, claiming to have delivered Brexit but having failed to reduce immigration, and possibly instead increased it, it is very likely that they will lose. The detail around goods and services product regulation is complex. Migration rising or falling is not. Try to picture knocking on doors to say we heard what the public wanted when they voted Leave, so we increased immigration and you see how frankly stupid this sounds. In short, May is right to prioritise immigration. Even if her deal does not pass, the Conservatives need to remember that. Johnson urges DUP to bring down the withdrawal deal Boris Johnson has urged the Democratic Unionist Party to stand firm and vote down the Prime Ministers Brexit deal during a high-profile speech at their party conference, the Times reports. The former Mayor of London was reportedly given an enthusiastic reception as he warned that the backstop would threaten the Union and leave Northern Ireland governed by Brussels. He also urged the DUP to maintain its parliamentary alliance with the Conservatives, citing the necessity of keeping Jeremy Corbyn out of Downing Street. Also praying in aid of the threat of a Labour government, with markedly less success, was Philip Hammond. The Chancellor warned the Unionists that defeating the deal would risk a general election and Tory defeat. But despite what the Sun called a surprise cash boost for Northern Irish schools worth 66 million, the DUP remain thus far unmoved. In fact Arlene Foster, the DUP leader and former First Minister, went so far as to say that the proposed withdrawal agreement is actually worse than the prospect of a Corbyn premiership. In an interview with the Times, she explained that a legal settlement which carved Ulster away from the mainland was a bigger strategic challenge than Corbyn and pointed out that even he has attacked the backstop on those grounds. Foster also revealed that her party is engaged in what the Daily Telegraph calls secret talks with ministers about a Plan B for if the Government loses the meaningful vote scheduled for December 11th. In other news, the security dimension of the Northern Irish question came into tighter focus this week. First, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged the Government to guarantee funding for extra officers to patrol the border in the event of a no-deal Brexit, in order to prevent the urgent redeployment of hundreds of officers away from cities and towns elsewhere. Second, representatives of Ulsters loyalist paramilitary groups the Ulster Defence Association, Ulster Volunteer Force, and Red Hand Commando expressed deep opposition to the Prime Ministers proposals. However they did insists that this opposition was purely political, and not a threat by any of the groups to resume activities. Jones accused of pre-judging allegations against Sargeant Carwyn Jones, the outgoing First Minister of Wales, has been accused of pre-judging allegations against a former minister who went on to take his own life, Wales Online reports. An inquiry convened after the suicide of Carl Sargeant heard that he got in touch with prior complainants after receiving new allegations against the then-cabinet secretary for communities and children in 2017. He is believed to have committed suicide in part because he was sacked without the opportunity to hear the allegations against him. Leighton Andrews, a former minister in the Welsh Government, has criticised Jones irresponsible conduct during the reshuffle, and claimed that TV interviews given by the First Minister helped contribute to Sargeants later actions. On the other side, Jones barrister claimed that a senior Labour councillor (and friend of Sargeants) may not have told the truth in his own evidence to the inquiry. Meanwhile, Welsh households have been receiving literature explaining the new Welsh taxes they will soon be paying as a rsult of the latest round of devolution. Sources suggest that this has been a source of some consternation, at least amongst Tory-leaning voters. Sturgeon tells May to stop hiding behind independence The Prime Minister and First Minister of Scotland have clashed this week, with each accusing the other of exploiting the issue of Scottish independence to distract from their own political problems. Speaking in Scotland as part of her national tour to sell the Brexit deal, Theresa May urged Nicola Sturgeon to stop trying to use Brexit to whip up support for independence, insisting instead that Scottish businesses stood behind both her deal and the Union. She also attacked Scottish Government analysis claiming to show that the deal would cost Scots 1,600 each. In response, the First Minister demanded that May stop trying to shift the focus to independence to sidestep her own problems, and urged her to take responsibility for Brexit. This comes in the same week that Sturgeon started trying to crowbar her way into the mooted TV debate on the withdrawal deal between May and Jeremy Corbyn. It is beguilingly easy to be drawn into treating Project Fear Two, in full flight yesterday with the Treasury and the Bank of Englands economic projections, as though they were being published in the same context as those that were during Project Fear One. But there is a difference. Last time round, the audience was roughly 35 million potential voters. This time, it is a mere 650 of them members of Parliament. These are relatively unlikely to be swayed by the claims and counter-claims one way or another. In an important sense, therefore, the Governments campaign grid is a distraction misdirection, to draw an analogy with magicians stagecraft. While Leavers, Remainers and others point to and shout at Theresa May, Philip Hammond, Mark Carney and so on, the real action is quietly taking place elsewhere. For many, perhaps most, Tory MPs, arguments about Brexit itself will not be decisive when they file through the lobbies on December 11. What will count at least as much is a jumble of the following: party unity, Association opinion, personal ambition, domestic circumstances (never underestimate the impact of the views of spouses or partners), and, above all, the implications of the vote, and its aftermath, for their seats at the next election. While Ben Wallace takes centre-stage at the circus today, the whips will be whispering away to their charges in the stalls. They, Downing Street and the Treasury have reason not to be put out by claims that roughly 100 Conservative MPs will oppose Theresa May when the meaningful vote comes, and that the Government could lose it by 200. On the one hand, it is true that revolt breeds more revolt, that there is safety in numbers, and that wavering Tory backbenches may feel that the reported growing number of rebels gives them cover to oppose the deal. On the other, it is worth peering a bit more closely at the figures. The present estimates tend to lump together MPs who originally went public to oppose Chequers, say, and those who have made a specific commitment to vote against the deal. The figure of 100 dissidents, having been reported, then tends to be re-reported and, as is the way with these things, gain a life of its own. But are these caculations reliable? Some of the original Stand Up for Brexit supporters, for example, signed up to oppose the Chequers plans during the summer. However, to commit to standing up for Brexit for example, by opposing those plans isnt exactly the same as committing to oppose the deal. Our test is a simple one. Have the MPs concerned pledged specifically to vote against the plan? (Saying one doesnt support it isnt quite the same thing: any MP who uses that form of words might abstain instead.) If an MP says he will oppose it as it stands, can that be counted as a firm commitment? Be ready for some trade either way. Some MPs who have not yet come out against Mays plans will do so. Others who have done so will resile, calculating that an about turn will have little impact in Chuffnell Poges or Sin City South-West or wherever their seat happens to be. We will be producing our own estimate shortly. In the meantime, ponder the possible consequences of an expectation that the Government will lose the meaningful vote by 200and it actually losing it by, say, 50. Disaster would suddenly be spun as triumph. So were we Downing Street, we might not be displeased by those present reports about the numbers. They might make preparing for a second vote a bit easier potentially useful, given the daunting position for the Prime Minister on a first one. Hints at honours, pledges of promotion, help with a constituency by-pass or new hospital wing: all these will be deployed. Plus fear of Jeremy Corbyn and a general election Fixed Terms Act or no. There is the best part of a fortnight to go before the vote on December 11. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. Kathmandu, Nepal: Most of the dignitaries from various Asia-Pacific countries have landed in Kathmandu to attend in the Asia-Pacific Summit 2018, which is scheduled to be held on November 30 to December 2 in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Nepal is hosting the regional summit for Asia-Pacific nations. The slogan of the summit is fixed as Addressing Critical Challenges of Our Time: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values. The organizer- Universal Peace Federation, Nepal chapter, has a claim that this summit will be an event of high significances in the world geopolitical scenario, majorly in bringing a strategic shift in the positioning of Asian nations. Various dignitaries from the Asia-Pacific countries including Burmese State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Vice-President of Philippines, former prime ministers H D Deve Gowda of India and other dignitaries from the Asia-Pacific nations are going to attend in the summit. Likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other many dignitaries from Nepal are also going to attend in the summit. GULFPORT, Miss. -- An Illinois man living in Pascagoula pled guilty on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola for failing to register as a sexual offender, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. Clynn Partee, 46, of Pascagoula, was convicted in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Ill., of predatory criminal sexual assault. This sexual offense, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office was perpetrated against a 12-year-old female victim, and Partee was sentenced to eight years with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Partee was deemed a Tier III sex offender and has a lifetime registration requirement. After his conviction, Partee acknowledged his continuing requirement to register as a sex offender. In or around June 2015, Partee was released from Illinois state custody. Partee moved from Illinois to Mississippi in late 2015 and did not register as required when he departed Illinois, nor did he register within the required time of his arrival in Mississippi. He was issued a Mississippi State Identification card in or around Sept. 2015, with an address in Richton, Miss., and ultimately relocated to Pascagoula. In Sept. 2018, Pascagoula Police responded to a disturbance call at a hotel in Pascagoula and encountered Partee. While Partee was not arrested during that encounter, a National Criminal Information Center database check was conducted regarding him. It was brought to the attention of a sex offense investigator with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, that Partee was a convicted sex offender, and that he had been listed as a non-compliant sex offender in Illinois. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office Investigator contacted the U.S. Marshals Service, which further investigated Partee's status. The Marshals Service learned that Partee was not listed as a registered sex offender in the State of Mississippi, via the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry. Subsequently, the Marshals Service contacted the Mississippi Department of Public Safety concerning the Defendant's current sex offender registration status. Mississippi authorities provided the Marshals Service with a letter certifying that Partee was not listed as a registered sex offender in Mississippi. The state also had not received a notification from the State of Illinois indicating his intent to relocate to Mississippi. It was conclusively determined that Partee had never registered as a sex offender in the State of Mississippi. The Marshals Service investigation concluded that Partee's current residence was at a Pascagoula hotel that also routinely houses a wide variety of people including children. He was arrested by local law enforcement officials as a non-compliant sex offender in Sept. 2018. Subsequent to his federal indictment, Partee was arrested by the U.S. Marshal's Service in Oct. 2018. Partee is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola Feb. 21, 2019, in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison in addition to a $250,000 fine and a minimum of five years to life of supervised release. The number of cruise ships calling has steadily been on the rise since 2014 and last year was a record for us, this year will match that, said a spokesperson for the port of Osaka. Some 49 calls are expected before years end. The port added new bollards and fenders for megaships in 2016, which resulted in the Quantum of the Seas calling. Next on the agenda is a complete refurbishment of the ports cruise terminal, scheduled for 2019. As the terminal undergoes construction, port officials plan to set up a temporary terminal on the pier. To also drive traffic, the port dropped all fees for cruise ships in 2014. Guests heading to Osaka via cruise ship can look forward to a number of nearby, walkable attractions, including a large ferris wheel. Universal Studios Japan is a 10-minute ride from the port. There are 96 Michelin-starred restaurants spread throughout the city. Osaka plays an essential role as a tourist gateway to the Kansai area with easy access to Kyoto and Nara, which both have world heritage sites. Port officials are eying future turnaround business, as the Kansai International Airport is a short distance from the dock. We are looking to having more berths in the future, said the spokesperson. We want to become one of the main homeports in Japan. Working with cruise lines and tour operators, the port has also developed a custom shore excursion offering, presenting the various tours available in Osaka. The PCI Security Standards Council (SSC), which drafts many payment card industry security standards, meets annually in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America to share new standards, gather feedback from the community, and discuss the burning issues of the day. Security professionals who have to comply with PCI standards need to stay abreast of these updates. What follows is a summary of key points from those meetings that are relevant to the security community, including point-to-point encryption (P2PE), encryption in the cloud, and small business compliance. Encryption is still key, but not always implemented I was happy to see that data devaluation, including encryption and tokenization, was front and center in the keynote address at the Vegas and London meetings. Criminals have been rather busy over the past couple of years as 2.6 billion data records were compromised in 2017 alone, according to Gemaltos Breach Level Index. Less than 4 percent of breaches had some sort of data devaluation in place, such as encryption. Said another way, 96 percent of breaches had no encryption in place at all. If it has value, devalue it. If its important to you, encrypt it! A massive team of security companies and federal agencies worked together to shut down an enormous click fraud operation. Although 3ve, pronounced Eve, started as a small botnet, by the time it was sinkholed, it was using 1.7 million infected computers to falsify billions of ad views, which resulted in businesses paying over $29 million for ads that no real human internet users ever saw. A Google-released whitepaper (pdf) revealed that 3ve generated between 3 billion and 12 billion or more daily ad bid requests at its peak. When announcing the unsealing of a 13-count indictment against eight defendants, the Department of Justice said the FBI took control of 31 domains and took information from 89 servers that were part of the botnet infrastructure engaged in digital advertising fraud activity. US-CERT published a technical alert about the malware associated with 3ve, Boaxxe/Miuref dubbed Methbot in the WhiteOps paper and Kovter malware, as well as potential solutions proposed by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you believe you were a victim of the malware or hijacked IPs, you are urged to submit a complaint to www.ic3.gov using the hashtag of #3ve in your complaint. [ How much does a cyber attack really cost? Take a look at the numbers. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ] Other cybersecurity news FBI made fake FedEx site and deployed NIT to track down cyber crooks The FBI created a fake FedEx website and deployed a Network Investigative Technique (NIT) after a failed attempt to learn the real IP address of cyber criminals. The fake FedEx page, according to Motherboard, would deliver the message Access Denied when the crooks tried to access it from behind proxies. The FBI then booby-trapped a Microsoft Word document that required the target to exit protected mode in order for an embedded image to connect to an FBI server to reveal where the criminal was located. Popular Google Play apps found to be committing ad fraud Researchers from Trend Micro and Kochava warned of bad apps on Google Play. Kochava said, Eight apps with a total of more than 2 billion downloads in the Google Play store have been exploiting user permissions as part of an ad fraud scheme that could have stolen millions of dollars. Trend Micro identified seven Android apps in Google Play with FraudBot instances. Massive iOS malvertising campaign hijacked 300 million iOS browser sessions in 48 hours Researchers at Confiant revealed a monster of an iOS malvertising campaign that is estimated to have racked up 300 million impressions in a 48-hour period. The targeted iOS devices, mostly in the U.S., were forcefully redirected to fake youve won a gift card or adult content landing pages. The pages usually attempted to phish visitor data for affiliate marketing-related fraud or to steal personal identification data. The session is hijacked without user interaction, the researchers said. Third-party biller breach exposes 2.65 million Atrium Health patients Thanks to a dreaded third-party, a vendor used for billing services, hackers managed to get hold of the personal information of 2.65 million patients. AccuDoc Solutions, the third-party vendor, notified Atrium Health that an unauthorized third party accessed its databases. Atrium Health said the 2.65 million compromised patient records included names, addresses, dates of birth, insurance policy information, medical record numbers, invoice numbers, account balances and dates of services. Atrium estimates about 700,000 of the exposed records may have also included Social Security numbers. Microsoft warns of inadvertently disclosed digital certificates that could allow man-in-the-middle attacks Microsoft issued a security advisory warning of a fairly significant oops that two applications, Sennheiser HeadSetup and HeadSetup Pro, accidentally installed two root certificates on users PCs, thus allowing man-in-the-middle attacks. How very Superfish. The advisory notified customers of two inadvertently disclosed digital certificates that could be used to spoof content and to provide an update to the Certificate Trust List (CTL) to remove user-mode trust for the certificates. The disclosed root certificates were unrestricted and could be used to issue additional certificates for uses such as code signing and server authentication. Secorvo Security Consulting published a vulnerability report (pdf) and proof-of-concept code showing how easily an attacker could exploit it to extract private keys. Microsoft updated the Certificate Trust List to remove user-mode for the certificates. Vulnerable customers with the software were advised to install an updated version of the HeadSetup and HeadSetup Pro applications. Every Thursday into the new year, the Connecticut Post will publish brief stories about local residents or families in need of a helping hand to get through the winter months and holiday season. Each case includes an estimated amount to help people pay bills, afford presents for the holidays, pay for groceries and more. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the people in need. The names of those included have been changed to protect their privacy. James Case 011 James is a devoted father to three children, two 8-year-old twin girls and a 2-year-old boy. James worked three jobs, starting at around 6 a.m. and coming home around 11 p.m. Recently, James lost two of his jobs and his cars radiator broke. He has struggled to support his family, pay rent and provide groceries and clothing for his family. A gift of $500 would help James get his car back up and running and help provide groceries for his family through the holiday season. Elsa Case 012 Elsa is a single mother of three living in Bridgeport. Over the past six months, Elsa has experienced acute medical problems on top of chronic conditions she has battled for years. Three months ago, Elsa had a stroke that left her partially blind for a few weeks. More recently, Elsa had a heart attack while she was at a psychiatric visit at LifeBridge and was rushed to the hospital. Early this year, she helped her son and his family immigrate from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria destroyed their home. Elsa is looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her grandchildren, but because of financial and health setbacks, she worries she wont be able to. A gift of $500 would help Elsa and her family push through the holiday season. Paul Case 013 Paul is a hardworking father of three young children. He is currently the sole provider for his wife and three children, pending the arrival of his wifes green card. Paul and his family spend a great amount of money on diapers and formula. A gift of $500 would help Paul and his family afford diapers and formula this winter until his wife can apply for jobs when she gets her green card. Silvia Case 014 Silvia recently gave birth to a baby girl. Though she works full-time as a teacher, she was ineligible for maternity leave through her employer. Silvia was forced to take the next six to eight weeks off without pay, leaving her husband with taking on all the household bills, including the new baby expenses, until she can return to work. A gift of $400 would help this family afford diapers, formula and basic necessities until Silvia can return to work in the next few weeks. Lawrence Case 015 Lawrence is a 14-year-old Bridgeport resident and client of LifeBridge Tech Connection program. Lawrences mom had to throw away his bed because of a bed bug infestation in their home. His mom is a single mother with two children working part-time at a factory job and is unable to currently afford a new bed for him. A gift of $500 would help Lawrences family to buy him a new bed and bed frame. Marshall Case 016 Marshall is a hardworking single father with three children. He has been a part of LifeBridge for a few years. He has full custody of his children, but his work is seasonal and hes only able to do odd jobs throughout the winter. Recently, he and his longtime girlfriend, who helped with bills and oil costs throughout the winter months, separated. Marshall is growing worried about how to pay his heat bills throughout the winter. A gift of $500 would help Marshall and his family stay warm over the next few months until work picks up again. Leon Case 017 Leon is a 35-year-old quadriplegic Bridgeport resident. He is full of life and laughter and would greatly benefit from a gaming system. Leon was adopted as a young child and persevered despite his disability and being wheelchair-bound. He has struggled with the tragic loss of his niece about a year ago. Leon is 100 percent reliant on others for things like getting dressed and showering. A gaming system would give Leon some independence and allow him to develop a sense of connection with others who play. A gift of $400 would help purchase a gaming system that would have a lasting impact on Leon. Anna Case 018 Anna is a single woman in her early 20s and has been a consistent client at LifeBridge. Despite many obstacles, she has remained positive and continued to thrive with minimal help and resources. Anna works two jobs and recently saved up enough money to get her first apartment on her own. She paid her security deposit and first and last months rent, but it didnt leave her with much money to work with. Moving into her own place, Anna finds that having to pay for electricity and heating during the winter months can be expensive. A gift of $250 would help Anna with the cost of her heating and electric bills over the winter months during this adjustment period. Sandy Case 019 Sandy is a widowed mother of three from Bridgeport. She lost her husband suddenly, which impacted her life and her childrens lives. Sandy works multiple jobs over long hours to provide for her family, but she is still struggling to put food on the table. She is worried that her children wont have much for Christmas this year because of her financial struggles. A gift of $300 would help Sandy provide a memorable Christmas for her kids and pay for some groceries. Mirna Case 020 Mirna is a full-time sophomore at Southern Connecticut State University. She participates in the LifeBridge Tech Connection program. She also works part-time to help pay for some of her expenses at school. Her mom is a single parent, working hard to care for her family and make sure her kids get a great education. A $300 gift would help Mirna enjoy the holiday season and get through the winter months. BRIDGEPORT - Park Cemeterys embattled manager, pushed into the courtroom Thursday morning in a wheelchair, promised a judge that she will no longer conduct any business there. Ive stayed away, Ive been trying to get out of the cemetery for 10 years. Ive been ill, Dale LaPrade told Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis. The judge then ordered her to stay away from the cemetery. We accomplished what we wanted, that she (LaPrade) not serve in any capacity at the cemetery, said Cheryl Jansen, who has generations of family buried at the Lindley Street cemetery and sued to remove LaPrade. Later, Jensen surveyed the two junked cars, a truck and a boat inside the Lindley Street entrance to the cemetery. Hopefully in two years, with help, this cemetery is going to look a lot better, she said. LaPrade has been accused of burying new bodies over old graves and moving headstones to accommodate new graves at the 140-year-old cemetery. During a previous court hearing, police detectives Jorge Cintron and Kimberly Biehn testified that dozens of headstones, some dating back to the 1800s, had been moved so that the newly dead could be buried in plots stacked on old graves. New dirt was put over older graves and new graves were put there, Biehn testified. There was fresh soil over old head stones and they were in the process of building an access road through the stones, Cintron testified. In the woods we found old head stones and human bones that had just been thrown around. Cintron said a grave digger told him that he had been ordered by LaPrade to throw old bones and caskets away to make room for new graves. But during Thursdays hearing before Judge Bellis, LaPrade, who had previous ignored two orders to come to court, said she had only buried families together with permission. Bellis ordered LaPrade to stay away from Park Cemetery except to visit family members interned there. This is a final order and believe me I will enforce it, the judge said. The judge also ordered LaPrade to turn over the financial records of the cemetery to police who are investigating the situation there. When LaPrade responded that she would need to go back to the house on the cemetery grounds to get the records, the judge retorted that she could only do so with a police escort. Initially LaPrade told the judge that she has been living in the house and would need two weeks to remove her personal property. But after a recess, and a reminder from Jensen that LaPrade actually lives in Stratford, LaPrade asked to change the record. Im not known as a liar, LaPrade told the judge. I came to the cemetery in 1985 and I had been living in the house but now there are two homeless men living there. Contributed Photo / Monroe Police Department / Contributed Photo MONROE The state Department of Transportation plans to start construction on the bridge on Route 34 on Dec. 3, weather permitting. The work is to rehabilitate the bridge over Boys Halfway Brook in Monroe. STRATFORD A North Carolina woman faces charges after an investigation into an embezzlement scheme at a Stratford company, the Department of Justice said on Thursday. An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury, charging 43-year-old Susanna Kurus, of Garner, N.C., with six counts of wire fraud. The charges stemmed from an embezzlement scheme, the DOJ said. Malfunctioning voting machines, inaccurate registration rolls and ill-trained poll workers resulted in thousands of Georgians being unable to cast ballots in the Nov. 6 election, according to a lawsuit filed this week by two groups, including one started by Stacey Abrams, who lost a close race for governor this month. The suit by Fair Fight Action, a new political action committee formed by Abrams, and another group accuses state elections officials of violating residents' constitutional and civil rights. It asks a federal court to force Georgia to fix what it says are numerous deficiencies with how it runs elections. Although the suit names Georgia's current secretary of state, the allegations that the general election was "grossly mismanaged" and marred by "voter suppression tactics" are aimed at the previous occupant of that office, Gov.-elect Brian Kemp. The Republican, who declined to step down from his position overseeing statewide elections while running for governor, was declared the winner 10 days after the polls closed, with 50.2 percent of the vote. The 66-page complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, is a continuation of the long-running battle between Abrams, a former Democratic leader of the Georgia state House, and Kemp, who served for eight years as secretary of state. The two have clashed over voting rights in a traditionally red state where demographic changes have given Democrats hope of gaining an edge in the not-too-distant future. Asked whether Kemp had any comment on the lawsuit or allegations of problems in the state's election system, spokesman Ryan Mahoney said the governor-elect is focused on other issues. "This week, Governor-elect Brian Kemp is meeting with public safety and economic development leaders. He is focused on building a safe and prosperous future for Georgia families," Mahoney responded via email. Candice Broce, a spokeswoman for the interim secretary of state, referred questions about the lawsuit to the Georgia attorney general, whose office declined to comment. In an email, Broce defended the state's election system. "It has never been easier to register to vote or make your voice heard at the ballot box in our state," she said. "Along with thousands of local elections and registration officials across our state, we remain committed to secure, accessible and fair elections for all voters." Abrams, who was seeking to become the nation's first black woman to serve as governor, has long worked to register and mobilize hundreds of thousands of African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and young people to vote. Exit polls of the governor's race showed that she dominated Kemp among those groups. Kemp, who was supported by President Trump, pursued strict voter registration and identification policies throughout his tenure as secretary of state. He has argued that the measures are necessary to safeguard against voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States. Critics and voting rights advocates said those policies disproportionately affected people of color, who make up about 40 percent of Georgia's population. Kemp was forced to revise or abandon some of those policies after courts found that they would violate voters' rights. In the days leading up to and just after the election, federal courts ruled in favor of plaintiffs in at least four lawsuits challenging voter registration policies and how some types of ballots were counted. The new lawsuit, which was filed along with Care in Action, the political arm of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, is a signal that Abrams will remain visible and vocal in Georgia politics. In a recent interview, Abrams did not rule out a future run for office. She said the aim of the lawsuit and her new PAC is to "ensure that anyone who runs for office faces a fair fight," including Republicans. She noted that a Georgia Superior Court judge ordered a new election for Republican state Rep. Dan Gasaway, who lost his primary in May by 67 votes after voters were given ballots for the wrong district. The new primary will take place during Georgia's Dec. 4 runoff election. Lauren Groh-Wargo, who was Abrams's campaign manager and is now head of Fair Fight Action, was more blunt. She said the lawsuit "will look broadly at all of the ways our secretary of suppression, Brian Kemp, suppressed the vote." Abrams and Kemp have been fighting over voting rights since 2014, when she founded the New Georgia Project. She has said that the group signed up more than 200,000 potential new voters, but that most of them never made it onto the rolls. Kemp accused the group of voter fraud and opened an investigation that found no wrongdoing. The group, which Abrams left before starting her gubernatorial campaign, has been party to several suits against the secretary of state. The new suit centers in part on Kemp's move to strike tens of thousands of people from the rolls because they were infrequent voters. It alleges that the removals were particularly aggressive in the run-up to the gubernatorial campaign. "In 2017, when he was running for governor in the upcoming 2018 Election, then-Secretary Kemp purged over 665,000 people under the "use it or lose it" policy," the suit says. "In a single night in July 2017, he struck over 500,000 people from the voter rolls - approximately eight percent of Georgia's registered voters." Kemp also drew scrutiny when the Associated Press reported a month before the election that his office had placed 53,000 voter registrations in "pending" status because the spellings of potential voters' names were not an "exact match" to other state records. Applications were flagged for such discrepancies as hyphens. The AP reported that 70 of the affected registrants were African American. During the campaign, Kemp often deflected responsibility when asked about voting problems, referring questions to local officials who are in charge of running aspects of elections. The lawsuit points a finger back at the secretary of state, saying, "While Georgia counties have responsibility for some aspects of Georgia elections, the Secretary of State and the State Election Board have broad authority to oversee, manage, and train the counties on implementation of their duties." The suit expressly blames the secretary of state for pursuing policies that it described as voter suppression. Under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Georgia was one of several states that, because of its history of voter suppression, was required to get approval from the Justice Department for changes to its voting laws and procedures. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down that provision. The lawsuit states that with the removal of the "preclearance requirement for voting changes, Georgia began again to erect discriminatory voting barriers reminiscent of the Jim Crow era." Problems with long lines, broken or inadequate numbers of voting machines and poorly trained staff members occurred in areas where a majority of the voters were people of color. The suit alleges that the secretary of state violated the 15th Amendment, which prohibits denying citizens the right to vote based on race. "Defendants' misconduct irreparably harmed voters of color in Georgia by imposing severe burdens on their right to vote, sometimes resulting in complete disenfranchisement," the suit states. Without being forced to address the problems, the suit states, voters of color will continue to be disenfranchised. Kemp and his supporters have dismissed allegations of voter suppression, noting the historic turnout in the election - more than 3.9 million ballots were cast, 1.3 million more than in the 2014 gubernatorial election and just over 200,000 more than in the 2016 presidential election. Ralph Reed, who heads the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition, said in an interview that Abrams's strong support - her 1.9 million votes were more than any Democratic candidate in a Georgia statewide race - showed that "if Brian Kemp was suppressing the vote, he's the most incompetent vote suppressor in the history of western civilization." But Groh-Wargo argued that Abrams was competitive despite Kemp's efforts. "From the beginning of the campaign, we knew voters would likely face massive irregularities due to the Secretary of State's office," she said via email. "We prepared accordingly by establishing a robust voter protection team, creating a voter protection hotline, and assembling a top-notch legal team. As voters faced problems at the polls, we helped them fight for their right to have their vote counted." Abrams, in the interview, said that despite the challenges, she is proud of "what we were able to do in this campaign." She said that Fair Fight Georgia will work to register voters and educate them about their voting rights with the goal of making the case to national Democrats that "we are a swing state and they need to see Georgia as a place worthy of investment." Kevin Tubbs, founder of the Hemp Plastic Company, sees the world through bioplastic glasses. The Denver-based company specializes in flexible bioplastic packaging containers made from byproducts of nutritional hemp processing. We expect market dominance in bioplastic hemp, Tubbs says. Outside of cash crops like hemp hearts and CBD oil, theres a lot of waste in hemp processing. So I started experimenting. Take the waste products and you can do one of two things with them: You can either make hempcrete -- a building material -- or hemp plastic. Tubbs said the choice was easy after 20 years making eco-friendly packaging. We need plastic. Bioplastics, meaning any plastic that is plant based, biodegradable, or both, replaces fossil-based carbon in plastic with carbon from renewable sources such as corn or hemp. Tubbs, now manufacturing about a million pounds of hemp-based bioplastic a week, is confident that hemp bioplastic will overtake petroleum-based raw polymer in coming decades. Thanks to a confluence of consumer demand for more sustainable goods, corporate initiatives and falling manufacturing costs, production of bioplastics is poised to take off. By 2020, bioplastics are predicted to control 5 percent of the plastics market, rising to 40 percent by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Related: Hemp Is the Multibillion-Dollar Cannabis Opportunity Few Have Heard About Tubbs advises potential investors to think about raw material costs. When the price of oil rises, watch the cost of bioplastic. Take a pound of raw polymer and compare it to a pound of hemp raw material: the hemp is cheaper. Every ounce of it I add to the other polymers it makes the polymer cheaper. Greener and cheaper. So why hemp? What other biomaterial could you use? Tubbs asks. It has very unusual characteristics for a plant. Its ridiculously strong, almost as strong as spider silk. Industrial hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains under 0.3 percent of the psychoactive compound THC that gives marijuana its potency, works well as a raw material for bioplastics for some other reasons as well: It grows well in most soils with few chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It grows fast, furiously absorbing carbon from the atmosphere from germination to harvest. That carbon is then transformed into the high cellulose content needed for bioplastic manufacture, around 65 to 70 percent of hemp biomass. By comparison, wood contains 40 percent cellulose, flax has 65 to 75 percent and cotton leads the pack with up to 90 percent. However, cotton requires 50 percent more water to grow than hemp, and four times more water to process. But cotton, corn and wood have the advantage of being legal. The cultivation of hemp of any kind was outlawed in 1937 (though the ban was lifted during World War II to provide critical raw materials). Importation of hemp became legal in 1997 and demand for hemp hearts, hemp milk, hemp protein powders, hemp-based cosmetics and extracted oils, as well as clothes, textiles and sustainable bioplastics, has grown steadily ever since. The 2014 Farm Bill took a step towards domestic cultivation by making it legal for states to allow industrial hemp pilot programs. While 40 states did so to some degree, only 15 states grew hemp in 2016, with four more joining their number in 2017. Colorado led the pack with 9,700 acres of hemp in cultivation, followed by Oregon with 3,469 acres, Kentucky with 3,271 acres and North Dakota with 3,020. Only two other states -- New York and Minnesota -- cultivated more than 1,000 acres of hemp, according to the advocacy group Vote Hemp. But the 2014 Farm Bill expired on September 30, and the conference committee has yet to issue its report combining the House and Senate versions of a 2018 Farm Bill. The Senate version that passed in June included, in its entirety, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which would remove hemp and its products such as CBD oil from the purview of the Controlled Substances Act, legalizing cultivation in all 50 states. Final passage of the Farm Bill may be kicked into the lame duck session or early 2019. But the biggest proponent of hemp decriminalization, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, is unlikely to abandon a bill whose provisions would allow his state to continue to capitalize on a crop that he says made Kentucky farmers $16 million in 2016 and could replace tobacco as a major cash crop. Related: Can Marijuana Replace Lost Steel Jobs? Pennsylvania Town Has High Hopes. The hemp farming provisions McConnell supports would make industrial hemp legal to grow for the first time since the 1930s. Legalization of industrial hemp will make available a large quantity of domestically grown, high-cellulose raw material for renewable bioplastics. The question isnt if it will become an important commodity for a booming industry, its when. Bioplastics are developed to work in existing injection molding equipment and possess the versatility of petroleum-based plastics to be formed into virtually any kind of packaging, furnishings, medical equipment and more. Bioplastics require neither new infrastructure nor the development of new technologies. Some early adopters are already exploring the potential of hemp packaging. Single use plastics are used for a moment in time, then discarded, says Ron Basak-Smith, founder and CEO of Sana Packaging, which aims to fill a tidy niche within the cannabis industry with reusable, child-safe, hemp-corn composite bioplastic vials and boxes for medical and recreational marijuana. Plant-based plastic packaging represents a great opportunity to put renewable plastics into peoples hands. Related: Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What's the Difference? Until hemp is more mainstream, Basak-Smith says, well continue to fill a small niche of consumers who really want sustainable packaging. Brand image is important, and the number of people who want sustainable options drives how many options exist. Kevin Tubbs sees the same competitive advantage to sustainable packaging. If your competitor is using raw polymer and youre using hemp bioplastic, you have an advantage, Tubbs says. As soon as someone tests out new bioplastic packaging with us, we see their competitors come knock at our door. The demand for hemp bioplastic is there, Tubbs says, who says otherwise he never would have gotten involved with it. Id love to tell you it was my dream and I was always a hemp plastic guy, but it wasnt, Tubbs says. It just happened. We couldnt escape it. Our company is built 100 percent on demand. Related: The Next Big Thing in 'Green' Packaging Is Hemp Bioplastic Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What's the Difference? FDA Welcomes Public Comments on Marijuana Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The psychology professor pulled open the heavy oak doors of Horace Mann Hall, which boasts 16-foot ceilings and varnished wood floors, and headed to her fourth-floor office. Filing in behind her were students preparing for a 1:30 p.m. lab meeting on Wednesday. As they entered her workspace, they passed a mezuzah, a small box containing Hebrew religious texts, affixed to her doorpost. But the sight that met them next made the professor and her students stop in their tracks. Anti-Semitic graffiti had been spray-painted on the office walls of Elizabeth Midlarsky, a clinical psychologist and Holocaust scholar at Columbia's Teachers College on the Upper West Side of New York. The vandalism included swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur, "Yid," painted in bright red on the white walls of her office foyer. The outer door had been closed but not locked, one student said. "I was shocked. I couldn't believe it," she said in an interview with The Washington Post. "I'm usually not a fearful person, but they got me. I'm afraid." Midlarsky notified security, and she said the New York Police Department was investigating the incident. The professor said she had "no idea who was behind it." The episode comes amid mounting concerns about anti-Semitism, rebooted for the 21st century as memory of the Holocaust begins to fade. In February, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the number of anti-Semitic incidents was nearly 60 percent higher in 2017 than in 2016, marking the largest single-year increase on record and the second-highest number reported since the organization began collecting incident data. Meanwhile, many Americans lack basic knowledge about the Holocaust, such as the name of a single concentration camp, according to a survey released in April. The problem is not limited to the sort of symbolism that marred the professor's office walls. It's been just over a month since 11 congregants were massacred in a Pittsburgh synagogue, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the nation's history. Nor is prejudice limited to the United States. One in three Europeans believe that Jews use the Holocaust to "advance their own positions or goals," according to a CNN poll released this week. Documenting the true legacy of the Holocaust in Jewish life has been a focus of Midlarsky's academic work. She has applied clinical psychology to the meaning of rescue during the 20th-century genocide of European Jews and the response by survivors and their descendants. In a 2005 article, "Personality Correlates of Heroic Rescue During the Holocaust," she asked whether certain personality traits, such as tolerance and empathy, could help explain why some people became "non-Jewish heroes" during the Holocaust and others stood by as the Nazis pursued the Final Solution. The vandalism uncovered Wednesday didn't mark the first time that her office has been defaced by anti-Semitic iconography. In 2007, she became the target of repeated harassment. A swastika was painted on her office door about a week after she found two anti-Semitic fliers in her mailbox at work. The same flier had appeared for the first time earlier that month. "I think there's a very hate-filled person who is an extreme coward," she told the New York Sun at the time. "It makes my blood run cold." Around the same time, a noose was found on the office door of a black professor at the Teachers College. These incidents were condemned by leaders of the college, the nation's first and largest graduate school of education, as hate crimes. On Wednesday, as Midlarsky again found herself the target of anti-Semitic animus, the president of the Teachers College, Thomas Bailey, issued a statement pledging to work with police "to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act." "We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society," he said. "We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community." Midlarsky attributed the graffiti to a "tremendous upsurge in anti-Semitism" but said she couldn't understand why she had been singled out. The experience, she said, differed from a decade ago, when she was "shocked but not surprised" to face anti-Semitic abuse. At that time, she was active in campus debates about Zionism, religious strife and the conflict in the Middle East. In particular, she was involved in protests against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech in September 2007 at the Ivy League university. "Back then, I was doing things that anti-Semites would hate me for, but I've not been so visible recently," she said Wednesday evening. That fact, she said, made her feel all the more vulnerable, as if her Jewish identity alone were enough to make her a target. "I'm a Jew at this college - one of the only ones who acts like a Jew," she added, suggesting that she doesn't shy away from her religious identity. "My writing has to do with Jewish topics." After Midlarsky discovered the vandalism and called security, she waited with her students, who snapped photos and checked to see how extensive the vandalism was. "I was afraid to be alone," she said. "I was afraid to be in my office alone." Your recent article on tolls quoted Jim Cameron, a founder of the Commuter Action Group, and I quote: the anti-toll candidates who said tolls are a tax were refuted and rejected at the polls. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am completely against tolls, but voted for the lockbox. Why? Simple, to keep the slimeball politicians from stealing from the transportation fund as they have in the past. WASHINGTON Sen. Chris Murphy scored a decisive win Wednesday in his campaign to end U.S. military involvement in Yemen, aided by his colleagues anger at how the Trump administration is responding to the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. On a 63-37 vote, the Senate approved moving forward a resolution sponsored by Murphy and Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, that would require President Donald Trump to end support for Saudi Arabias military actions in Yemen by pulling all U.S. troops currently in or affecting Yemen within 30 days. The vote was on a procedural motion, not the resolution itself. But if Murphy and his allies prevail on another procedural vote next week, which is likely, debate will begin for the first time on the resolution itself leading to a final vote. The first time Murphy tried to move a similar resolution forward, in 2016, his effort garnered only 27 votes. The Saudis are our ally, but we dont blindly support our friends when their values and interests conflict with ours, Murphy said. The Saudi war in Yemen has gone off the rails and their disregard for human life has become impossible to ignore. Todays breakthrough vote in the Senate is a signal to the administration that they must quickly reorient their policy toward Saudi Arabia or Congress will do it for them. The White House issued a veto threat of the legislation Wednesday evening, saying it would harm bilateral relations in the region and negatively impact the ability of the United States to prevent the spread of violent extremist organizations such as Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS in Yemen. But, in a floor speech, Sanders said the vote on the resolution was one of the most important foreign policy votes that we have cast in recent years. It is a vote that will tell the despotic dictatorship in Saudi Arabia that we will no longer be part of their destructive military adventurism, Sanders said. Key senators who voted against a similar measures in 2015 and, more recently, in March voted Wednesday to allow the resolution to proceed, aiming to send a message to Saudi Arabia that U.S. support should not be taken for granted. The vote occurred hours after senators received a closed-door briefing Wednesday from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on what the administration knows about Khashoggis murder in October at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Turkey. They were angered that the session did not include CIA director Gina Haspel, whom they wanted to question about the agencys assessment that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated Khashoggis murder. Trump and Pompeo, however, have defended Saudi denials that the crown prince was involved in Khashoggis death. Haspel has traveled to Turkey to listen to a tape recording of Khashoggis murder and review evidence in the case. Trump, Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton have all pointedly said they have not listened to the tape, and say there is no reason to do so. One key GOP senator said he would withhold his support for other measures until Haspel briefs the Senate. I am not going to blow past this, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Anything that you need me for to get out of town I aint doing it until we hear from the CIA. Cyber Attacks On Australia Reveal A Pattern China's leading security agency has directed a surge in cyber-attacks on Australian companies over the past year, breaching an agreement struck between Premier Li Keqiang and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to not steal each other's commercial secrets . An investgation by journalists for Fairfax Media and Nine News says it has confirmation that China's Ministry of State Security has been increasing its cyber-attacks on Australian businesses. The attack operation is known in cyber circles as "Operation Cloud Hopper" and was first described in detail by the international consultancy PwC in a 2017 report, though it fell short of blaming China outright. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has denied the reports. The attacks breach an agreement between Premier Li Keqiang and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull not to steal each other's commercial secrets. Head of cyber security at PwC New Zealand Adrian van Hest, who was part of the investigation, told reporteres there was no evidence to suggest New Zealand had been targeted in the attacks. He said he passed the information from the investigation onto the New Zealand Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to look into it further. "They (GCSB) have looked out for, the fingerprint if you will, of this activity, but as far as a definitive smoking gun of a New Zealand organisation being affected, I don't have any visibility on that," he said. Mr van Hest said Japan businesses that provide IT services to other companies were particularly targeted in the attacks. He said by targeting those businesses, the attackers had a back door entrance to the intellectual property of their clients. "It's perceived as getting information that helps the nation state of China, or whoever, build up their capability in an industrial domain. "They effectively skip the whole research and investment cycle and just take how you do something." Mr van Hest said the theory behind China's attacks is that it's systematic and that they're going after industries the country competes with. RadioOnz: AFR: You Might Also Read: Staying One Step Ahead Of The Cyber Spies: Google Challenged Over Location Tracking Google has been accused of flouting European data protection laws when it tracks users' locations. Seven European consumer groups filed complaints against Google with national regulators Tuesday 27th November, accusing the internet giant of covertly tracking users' movements in violation of an EU regulation on data protection. The complaints cited a study by the Norwegian Consumer Council that concluded the Internet giant used "deceptive design and misleading information, which results in users accepting to be constantly tracked." Council official Gro Mette Moen charged that "Google uses extremely detailed and comprehensive personal data without an appropriate judicial basis, and the data is acquired by means of manipulative techniques." Complaints against Google were filed in the Czech Republic, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden. They are based on the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which took effect in May. Google is accused of tracking users' movements via its Location History and Web & App Activity applications, which are built into all Google accounts. "For users of mobile phones with Android (operating systems), such as Samsung and Huawei phones, this tracking is particularly difficult to avoid," the Norwegian council noted. According to the internet site Statcounter, almost 70 percent of European mobile phones run on the Android system. "Location data can reveal a lot about a person: real time movements, frequently visited places, daily routines, interests, etc," the Norwegian complaint said. "Constant location tracking and aggregation of location data over time can be used to build very detailed profiles of individuals and to infer religious beliefs, political leanings, and sexual orientation, among other things," it added. Monique Goyens, director general of The European Consumer Organisation said: "Google's data hunger is notorious but the scale with which it deceives its users to track and monetise their every move is breathtaking. "The situation is more than alarming. Smartphones are being used for spying on our every move." The Dutch organisation Consumentenbond insisted that "this tracking must stop." Google responded by saying that "Location History is turned off by default, and you can edit, delete, or pause it at any time. If it's on, it helps improve services like predicted traffic on your commute. "If you pause it, we make clear that, depending on your individual phone and app settings, we might still collect and use location data to improve your Google experience." NDTV: BBC: You Might Also Read: GDPR Alert As Average ICO Fines Double In A Year: GDPR Survey Shows 80% Non-Compliance: Pa. election audit: Private company vows to protect voters' information The company contracted by state Senate Republicans pledged to be fair and protect voters' sensitive information in its election, but didn't elaborate. Ducks Housing is the Housing and lifestyle publishing group of Emerald Media Group, University of Oregon's independent student media organization. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Cloudy and windy. Periods of light rain this morning. High 64F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. The event is a chance for investment connectivity and cooperation, production expansion and search for consumption market to increase the added value of Vietnamese coffee products. The program will also advertise and introduce images, potentials and strengths of Dak Nong province to call for investment. Dak Nong is the third largest coffee growing province in Vietnam with over 127,000 hectares. By DONG NGUYEN Translated by Hai Mien Flying in a private jet is a luxury that is far from attainable for most people, but a new selfie installation resembling the inside of a plane is helping Instagrammers fake their lavish lifestyles. The Private Jet Experience, a traveling project that launched in Los Angeles, is a replica of the interior of a Gulfstream G3 jet, built solely for the purpose of a cool Instagram snap. The set was created by 33-year-old LA-based artist and entrepreneur Matty Mo, aka The Most Famous Artist, and his new company SelfieCircus. Insta life: The Private Jet Experience is a replica of the interior of a Gulfstream G3 jet that is built solely for the purpose of a cool Instagram snap Location: The traveling project was originally stationed inside the Fred Segal store on LAs Sunset Boulevard Lifestyles of the rich and famous? People flocked to the store to strike a pose on the faux leather seats Feeling posh: Some people couldn't resist taking snaps with a glasses of bubbly in their hands Originally stationed inside the Fred Segal store on LAs Sunset Boulevard, the installation is a perfect way for people to fool Instagram followers into thinking theyve chartered a private jet. People flocked to the installation to pose on the faux leather seat with a glass of bubbly in hand. Complete with plush carpeting and round plane windows, the fake private jet is simply a set with two chairs, but is a much cheaper experience than actually chartering a private jet, which could cost upwards of $1,100 per hour. The Private Jet Experience might not be equipped for air travel, but the project is set to tour the country to allow everyone the chance at an awesome Instagram photo. The installation just ended its tenure at Fred Segal and is en route to Art Basel in Miami, where it will stay until December 6. Really selling it: One woman went as far as bringing props, which included her pup, a plush blanket and a newspaper Really making you think: The project makes a statement on the falsehood and unreliability of social media Brilliant: The set was created by 33-year-old LA-based artist and entrepreneur Matty Mo, aka The Most Famous Artist, and his new company SelfieCircus Fair: 'Most people cannot afford a real jet, so we made one that democratizes access to a backdrop previously reserved for the rich and famous,' Mo explained Beginning in January, the faux private jet will travel to 30 locations across the U.S. throughout 2019, including Atlanta, New York and Austin. With the Private Jet Experience, social media users have to ask themselves, in the world of Instagram, does it matter if you actually do something cool or if you take a picture that makes it look like you did something cool? The artist has a repertoire of installations and artworks that challenge how we see social media and opens our eyes to the impact of social media and technology on society. The Private Jet Experience was created because we wanted to be able to take pictures on a private jet like all of the celebrities we see online. 'Most people cannot afford a real jet, so we made one that democratizes access to a backdrop previously reserved for the rich and famous, Mo said in a statement. Surprise! Complete with plush carpeting and round plane windows, the fake private jet is simply a set with two chairs Moving around: Beginning in January, the faux private jet will travel to 30 locations across the U.S. throughout 2019, including Atlanta, New York and Austin Earlier this week, Kim Kardashian posted a video touring the private Boeing 747 jet she and Kanye West chartered, which left fans outraged. The plane had multiple bedrooms and could accommodate up to 660 seats, but was not filled nearly to capacity. Fans took to Twitter to complain about the waste and environmental impact of using such a large plane for a small group of people. The fake Private Jet Experience works to take away the glitz and glamour from the celebrity private jet posts like Kardashians because it allows everyone to share a chartered plane experience on their social media. We are purposefully commoditising [sic] a symbol of excess, ultimately nullifying the status boost people receive from posting photos on real private planes, thereby forcing everyone to be more creative and seek out the next great symbol of influence, Mo said of his private jet installation. The artist's previous works have spiked a huge social media interest as well. In 2016, Mo sold artworks made from stacks of cash with undisclosed values to make a statement about value within art. The stunt earned him a large social media following. In recent years, the traditional facial has been supplemented with a variety of radical treatments. From cosmetic acupuncture to vampire blood extractions, the days of simply having a light serum rubbed into your visage at the salon are long gone. One of the most popular trends emerging across Australia is dermaplaning, a form of face shaving which exfoliates skin by removing fine hairs and fuzz with a surgical blade. The process, which costs between $75 and $140 on average, is painless and involves gently removing the outer layer of the epidermis which becomes clogged and dull over time leaving skin looking lacklustre. Scroll down for video Dermaplaning involves facial shaving with a surgical blade, and is often combined with chemical peels to produce smooth, glowing skin Tori Crowther, a journalist from Pop Sugar Australia, tried the treatment for herself. While you might expect hair to grow back thicker and faster as it does after razor hair removal, Ms Crowther confirmed this was not the case post-surgical shave. According to Dr David Jack from London's Harley Street Clinic, hair follicles are not touched by the blade so growth patterns remain unchanged. And while dermaplaning can be an expensive penchant, Ms Crowther revealed there is no commitment needed after your first session as doing it as a one time trial will do no harm to the skin. Tori Crowther, a journalist from Pop Sugar Australia (pictured), tried the treatment for herself and confirmed facial hair does not grow back thicker or stronger The treatment is said to improve skin texture and tone, as well as making it easier for the face to absorb serum and moisturiser. The procedure is often paired with a glycolic peel which removes the waterproof layers of the epidermis to allow vitamins and nutrients from skincare products to penetrate deeply and effectively. Dermaplaning also enables smoother makeup application. The treatment is said to improve skin texture and tone as well as enabling the complexion to better absorb vitamins and nutrients through skincare products Salon clients report immediately glowing skin in the aftermath of dermaplaning Australian author Zoe Foster Blake is reportedly an avid advocate of the practice, with devotees stretching back as far as Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. Dr Joseph Hkeik from luxury Sydney clinic All Saints Double Bay previously told Marie Claire what people notice immediately after dermaplaning is 'beautiful, glowing skin'. Ms Crowther cautioned her face was significantly drier than normal in the days after dermaplaning, something to consider for anyone with a dry or flaky skin type. A Russian woman who says she was 'penniless' when she arrived in the UK has shared a glimpse of the flash lifestyle she now enjoys after building up her own slimming empire. Galia Grainger, 60, admits she 'married well', but has since established a famously gruelling weight loss programme, Slimmeria, that's helped to pay for her impressive property portfolio - and a luxurious lifestyle to boot. The businesswoman, who appears in Britain's Flashiest Families on Channel 5 tonight, owns an old Georgian mansion in Sussex, where she runs her weight loss retreats, a flat overlooking Battle Abbey, the site of the Battle of Hastings, and a plush central London apartment with a view of the Royal Albert Hall. She showed the film crew around her London pad, which has been fitted with a 100,000 kitchen she admits is used largely to store champagne, and an extravagant 70,000 bed made using ostrich feathers and stingray skin - and featuring a mini-bar in the headboard. Galia said on the show: 'I spend over the top because I am an over the top person.' Galia Grainger, 60, (pictured) made her fortune building up her property empire and running her own weight loss programme called Slimmeria Galia's weight loss retreats are held at an old Georgian mansion in Sussex (pictured), which she owns and refurbished Galia was born in the former USSR and lived in Latvia, before moving to Britain where she worked in administration for a while, eventually moving into property development, transforming once neglected homes. Galia now owns a portfolio of 10 properties, and divides her time between her London flat and the Sussex base for her weight loss retreat, which guests pay between 800 and 1,200 a week to join. In London, her apartment has been decked out according to her unusual - and expensive - tastes, adorned with giant animal ornaments and fine art. Galia also owns a flat in Knightsbridge, London, which is home to her pride and joy, a 100,000 kitchen (pictured) that she only uses to store champagne In the property she has a bed worth more than 70,000 (pictured), which is made of ostrich feathers and stingray skin She said: 'I am a lover of antiques and everything unusual, its just very unfortunate that everything I love is extremely expensive.' She is very proud of her designer kitchen, which she says is a 'piece of art' and an 'investment'. But she doesn't use it for cooking, only to store her bottles of champagne. Galia continued: 'It's that type of kitchen where you only use the fridge to keep the champagne, you only use the sink to crush the ice and you only use the dishwasher to wash the glasses afterwards.' The London flat has views of the Royal Albert Hall (left) and Galia (right) says the most important thing about her properties is that they have good views Galia's 70,000 bed also has a secret minibar hidden in the headboard (right), and she said she isn't concerned about her splurging Her pride and joy is her extravagant bed, which Galia had no qualms about forking out for. 'If you want something special I'm afraid in this life you have to pay for it,' she said. True to her word, the Channel 5 cameras followed Galia as she threw a 'light' themed party, shelling out hundreds of pounds on decorations, and hiring two classically trained ballerinas to perform for guests - at a cost of 700 for four minutes. She also owns a flat overlooking Battle Abbey (pictured from the window), the site of the Battle of Hastings Galia (pictured) built up her fortune with a property empire and her weight loss retreat Slimmeria, at which slimmers only consume 450 calories a day Galia's notoriously tough weight loss programme counts Emmerdale star Lisa Riley = who lost 12 stone on the restrictive regime - among its fans. Alcohol, caffeine and carbohydrates are forbidden at the retreat, where slimmers consume just 450 calories a day. Treats include a few slices of apple and a single raisin. Guests practise 'window eating', where they stop eating at 6:30pm and won't eat until 1pm the next day. Bedtime is a stringent 9pm and the wake-up call comes at 7.15, while all guests are expected to do a two-hour walk every day. Britain's Flashiest Families airs on Thursday at 10pm on Channel 5 This Christmas get ready to see a little less holly and ivy and a few more flamingos and mermaids. That's because Christmas is going millennial in 2018, according to new research. American Express Shop Small found that 45 per cent of the UK's households will be swapping traditional ornaments in favour of alternatives this year. The research also found that Brits find the earliest most acceptable day to put up the decorations is the first of December. According to American Express Shop Small, 45 per cent of the UK's households are choosing less traditional ornaments (pictured) for their Christmas trees this year, including mermaids and flamingos According to the research, which was undertaken ahead of Small Business Saturday this weekend, the most popular decoration among millennials are woodland creatures, with 38 per cent saying they are their first choice. Of 2,000 people surveyed, 24 per cent said they liked unicorn and dog ornaments while 14 per cent liked dinosaurs. And it's not just about the ornaments, as Christmas trees are getting a millennial makeover too, with many preferring pink to the traditional festive green. Caroline Bouvet, VP at American Express said: 'While many of the Christmas traditions hold firm, tree decorations are one area where it seems consumers are looking to express their personality and have some fun. Millennials most popular choices in Christmas tree ornaments include unicorns (pictured), which 24 per cent said they will have on their tree this year The research also found that Brits find the earliest most acceptable day to put up the decorations is the first of December. Pictured: A more traditional Christmas tree 'Whether it's a unicorn or a reindeer you're looking for, we'd like to urge shoppers in search of festive adornments this Small Business Saturday to show their support for local independents and to shop small.' Ten of the most prevalent millennial Christmas decorations 1. Woodland Creatures 38% 2. Unicorns 24% 3. Mermaids 17% 4. Dogs 17% 5. Dinosaurs 14% 6. Prosecco Bottles 14% 7. Flamingos 12% 8. Rainbow Cakes 10% 9. Rockets 9% 10. Llamas 9& Advertisement A Christmas decorations expert previously told FEMAIL how to get the perfect tree. Dan Cooper, Head of Christmas at John Lewis & Partners, advises buying your baubles in sets of six, positioning your decorations in a zigzag pattern, and wrapping lights around the trunk of the tree. He revealed that the store has also seen a rise in millennial decorations and a fall in the more traditional ornaments. Dan said: 'We expect our customers will be making bold choices this Christmas and continue the trend for maximalism and colour that we are seeing in home decorating. 'We're anticipating seeing lots of pictures on Instagram and Pinterest of sublime, colourfully decorated trees, whether rainbow, or one solid block of colour positioned as a centrepiece of a room rather than decorated to blend in. 'This year's top selling baubles are the narwhal, an oyster and an octopus.' A dress that belonged to Princess Diana has emerged for sale at 100,000, 24 years after it was bought in a second-hand shop for just 200. The ivory silk gown was designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel - who was also Diana's wedding dress designer - for the Princess to wear on a state visit to Bahrain, which formed part of her 1986 tour of the Gulf. A few years later it was donated to a second-hand dress shop by a housekeeper of the nearby Mynde Park estate in Herefordshire, which was home to Diana's close friend Caroline Twiston-Davies. The stunning designer piece was then spotted by an unnamed shop assistant in 1994 while working part-time in the shop. Not knowing its importance, she paid just 200 for the full-length dress, which she had intended to wear to a hunt ball. But she never attended the event and the dress remained in her wardrobe, with the owner only realising its significance when she saw a documentary of Diana wearing it in the Gulf. She has now decided to part with it and it is due to go under the hammer with Kerry Taylor Auctions of Bermondsey, South London, which has given it a pre-sale estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000. The dress was worn by Diana during her tour of the Gulf States, when she and Prince Charles attended a banquet hosted by the Emir of Bahrain A dress worn by Princess Diana to a Bahrain banquet in 1986 will go on sale for 100,000 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, twenty-four years after it was bought in a second-hand shop for just 200 Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said there remains a huge market for anything relating to Diana. She said: 'The owner paid 200 for the dress. She knew it belonged to Diana but didn't realise its importance until several years later. 'She watched a documentary on the Princess that showed her wearing the dress and she realised it was the one sitting in a box in her wardrobe, unworn, in all that time. 'Although there are millions of Princess Diana fans, there are relatively few people with the funds to afford a gown like this. 'However, it is a very important dress and we expect fierce bidding on the day. 'It is in perfect condition and is a unique one off piece.' Designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, who was also behind Diana's wedding dress, the gown has long sleeves and floats down to the ground. It was specifically designed to cover as much of her body as possible in a bid to conform with local customs in the Gulf States. There is a large bow behind the left shoulder and glistening jewels encrusted along the sleeves and top half of the dress. There is a large bow behind the left shoulder and glistening jewels encrusted along the sleeves and top half of the dress The princess famously wore the gown when she and Prince Charles attended a banquet hosted by the Emir of Bahrain. At the time, Diana matched it with a glittering tiara and diamond and pearl droplet earrings. The Emir later re-counted a conversation with the Princess, who had asked him what he would think 'if his son were to marry a tall, blonde English woman?', before he had replied that he would be 'very jealous'. Also in the same sale is one of Diana's blazers which was also donated to the same shop. The 1980s Chelsea Design Company jacket has lightly padded shoulders with low-set gilt buttons. The blue piece is expected to collect up to 3,500, although has suffered damage thought to be from moths. Mrs Taylor added: 'The blazer, which is moth and mouse attacked, will probably attract even more people as it is more affordable, though less important.' The dress is embellished with tiny pearls and diamonte and was specifically designed to cover as much of her body as possible in a bid to conform with local customs in the Gulf States Spanish beauty queen set to become the first transgender Miss Universe contestant has spoken of her desire to become a mother. Angela Ponce, 27, from Seville, told how she sees motherhood as far more than 'just having ovaries' as she puts the final touches on preparations for the pageant next month. 'The orphanages are full of children wanting to be adopted and I can be a mother like anyone else,' she said in an interview on Spanish TV this week. Beauty queen: Angela Ponce, 27, from Seville, is set to become the first transgender Miss Universe contestant. Pictured, shortly after winning the title of Miss Universe Spain in June Dreams: Miss Ponce, pictured in a photo shared on Instagram, said she sees motherhood as far more than 'just having ovaries' and that there are children waiting to be adopted Pioneer: Miss Ponce, born Angelo (inset), became the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Universe Spain when she won the title in June. Pictured, a post about her success The brunette beauty will soon jet out to Thailand for the Miss Universe competition, which kicks off on 17 December. She became the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Universe Spain when she won the title in June. In a separate interview with TIME this week, Miss Ponce spoke of the importance of representing transgender women in the competition. 'Im showing that trans women can be whatever they want to be: a teacher, a mother, a doctor, a politician and even Miss Universe,' she said. Nail-biting: Miss Ponce, right, in the moments before she was named Miss Universe Spain 2018 Glamorous: The beauty queen reclines on a sofa in one of her many stunning photographs Dazzling: The beauty queen, left on stage and right at an event, will jet off to Thailand for Miss Universe Crowning glory: Miss Ponce after being named Miss Universe Spain at the national contest in June She continued: 'Trans women have been persecuted and erased for so long. If they give me the crown, it would show trans women are just as much women as cis women.' Miss Ponce, who first identified as female aged three, previously represented Cadiz in the 2015 Miss World Spain contest, but lost to Miss Barcelona Mireia Lalaguna who went on to win the top prize. Despite Angela's participation, at the time the Miss World Organization did not accept transgender contestants. In response, Angela said: 'At least I have the regional (Cadiz) crown on my head.' Stylish: The Miss Universe contestant poses in a photo shared on her Instagram account Backstage beauty: The pageant queen shows off her hair and make-up before taking the stage Keeping fit: Miss Ponce flashes her toned stomach in a selfie shared on her Instagram account In 2012, rival contest Miss Universe announced that it would allow transgender beauty queens after Canadian model Jenna Talackova successfully sued Miss Universe Canada organisers for initially disqualifying her for being transgender. When she was 16, she started hormone therapy and at age 24 she underwent a vaginoplasty operation. Miss Ponce wrote on Instagram shortly after winning Miss Universe Spain in June: 'Bringing the name and colours of Spain before the universe is my great dream. 'My goal is to be a spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect and diversity not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for the entire world.' The activist frequently shares updates with her 376,000 Instagram followers. According to Mr. Thanh, the export turnover has already topped US$200 billion since early this year, increasing 14.2 percent over the same period last year. Of these, domestic sector got $60 billion, up nearly 17 percent. The remaining amount was from foreign direct investment (FDI) sector. Major export items posting high export turnover include phone and parts with $41 billion, garment-textile $26 billion and electronics-computer-components $25 billion. Machine-equipment, tools-accessories and footwear maintained the growth rate of 10-30 percent for the last many years. Talking about export advantages, delegates at the forum said that lot of domestic companies have taken advantage of incentives from free trade agreements (FTAs) which Vietnam has attended. So far the country has signed 13 FTAs with 10 having taken effect. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is expected to take effect in February next year. Quoting the export development strategy which the Government has approved, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh said that Vietnams export import turnover is expected to balance by 2020. The country will enjoy trade surplus since 2021. In fact, it has obtained trade surplus which is predicted to hit $7 billion this year. On the other hand, economic experts said trade surplus unsustainable for depending on FDI firms. Currently, the sector makes up 70 percent of total export turnover. In addition, most equipment, technologies and materials for export have mainly depended on import accounting for 60 percent so added value has not been high. Moreover, surveys by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) show that only 40 percent of domestic firms have been able to take advantage of incentives from FTAs. Logistics service plays a significant role in export promotion but the service has showed limitations in Vietnam. Mr. To Chi Binh from Bee Logistics Company said that Vietnamese businesses have supplied only 25 percent of logistics service with the remaining part falling in the hands of foreign firms. Delegate at the forum said that over 90 percent of domestic firms are small and medium sized. At present only 21 percent of them supply support products for foreign firms. Hence it is necessary to improve their production capacity for better export ability. Mr. Tran Van Cong, deputy head of the Farm Produce Processing and Development Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the ministry is working with authorized agencies to assist production businesses and farmers to practice farming according to global standards. In the upcoming time, the ministry will coordinate with authorized agencies to classify major products having export potentials and create advantageous conditions for businesses to invest in these fields. By AI VAN Translated by Hai Mien Holly Willoughby's lifestyle website has finally launched - two months after the star 'stepped away' due to work commitments. Truly, a joint venture between Holly and entrepreneur Peter Jones which was two years in the making, sells fashion and homeware and was billed as a 'one-stop shop for all you need to lead a good life'. But after landing the I'm A Celebrity presenting gig in September, the star reluctantly pulled out in a move that is said to have upset Jones, who is a close family friend. Now that the site is finally live, all mentions of Holly have been removed - with the star's glamorous head shot replaced by a plate of croissants. The 'Register' landing page now features a lifestyle shot of an artfully-arranged continental breakfast instead, and Holly's signature has also been removed. Scroll down for video Holly Willoughby, pictured on the set of I'm A Celebrity last week, was forced to pull out of her lifestyle site Truly with close friend Peter Jones because of filming and family commitments Meanwhile, the 'About Us' section of the Truly website focuses heavily on Jones and his wife Tara Capp - who is described as 'the heart of the brand'. Said to have been inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle franchise Goop, Truly incorporates six lifestyle areas home, fashion, baby, wellness, living and travel. The lucrative project had been tipped to double Ms Willoughbys fortune, which already stands at an estimated 10 million. Holly has said of her shock decision to pull out: 'To launch a brand needs total dedication and at the moment, with so many other commitments, this is not something I feel I can do without it starting to affect my family time at home. I wish Truly all the success for the future.' The termination of her position as a director of the brand was confirmed on 10 October, according to Companies House. Before: Holly was intended as the face of Truly, and her image appeared heavily on the website before its official launch on 22 November (pictured on the 'Register' page last month) The 'Register' landing page now features a lifestyle shot of an artfully-arranged continental breakfast instead, pictured, and Holly's signature has also been removed The TV personality initially announced the venture in the spring, inviting fans to sign up for updates on the brand's dedicated website ahead of its launch. A description on the website read: 'Truly is a new lifestyle brand for you that launches later this year. 'It's about beautiful things that are the highest quality, surprisingly affordable and designed to make your life easier.' Holly is currently filming I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in Australia where she has stepped in for trouble host Ant McPartlin. Lady Kitty Spencer has shared a glimpse of her surprise birthday bash - even though she won't turn 28 for another month. The niece of the late Princess Diana took to Instagram on Wednesday to thank her 'amazing' friends for throwing her the Mexican-themed bash in London, held before the model jetted to New York and her social circle scattered ahead of the festive season. The model was seen blowing out the candles on her chocolate cake as her pals danced in the background to Will.I.am's hit song 'It's My Birthday', before Kitty cut the cake and got up to dance with the group. Lady Kitty, who celebrates her birthday on the 28th December, later posted snaps of her arrival in New York - and a visit to celebrity chef Daniel Boulud's Upper East Side cocktail lounge Bar Pleiades. Lady Kitty Spencer has shared a glimpse inside her early birthday celebrations as she prepares to turn 28 next month, enjoying a surprise party complete with chocolate cake from her pals In the clip shared by Kitty, which has been liked over 11,000 times, the model is wearing a red flower crown and a black jumpsuit with bell sleeves. Laughing as her friends, one wearing a sombrero and the other shaking maracas, dance to the music, Kitty is seen covering her face bashfully before beaming and blowing out the candles on what appears to be a chocolate cake. 'Could ask for better friends! I love you guys so much & thank you from the bottom of my heart for a surprise EARLY birthday celebration before we all head our separate ways for the holidays', Kitty wrote alongside the post, paying tribute to her pals. Kitty, who was born in Cape Town, is based in London but later shared a snap of her passport as she headed to New York. Laughing as her friends, one wearing a Mexican hat and the other shaking maracas, dance to the music, Kitty covers her face in embarrassment After cutting her cake Kitty was seen jumping into a pal's arms as they danced to hits including Will.I.Am's hit 'It's your birthday' 'Could ask for better friends! I love you guys so much & thank you from the bottom of my heart for a surprise EARLY birthday celebration before we all head our separate ways for the holidays', Kitty wrote alongside the post, paying tribute to her pals Having arrived, Kitty later posted a snap as she visited Bar Pleiadas in New York, a bar loved by the likes of actor Richard Gere. The venue is described as a 'chic cocktail lounge serving seasonal cocktails'. New York is the latest in a long line of breaks and working holidays Kitty Spencer has enjoyed this year. Her work as Bulgari's ambassador has taken her to Italy, France and Beijing in the last few months alone. Laughing her friends, one wearing a Mexican hat and the other shaking maracas, dance to the music as Kitty prepares to blow out the candles on her cake She is seen beaming as she blows out the rich chocolate cake before cutting into it as she presumably makes a birthday wish Kitty's post, which has been liked over 11,000 times, sees the model wearing a red rose head band and black jumpsuit with bell sleeves The Tatler cover girl has had a busy year, recently jetting back from Rome where she walked for Dolce & Gabbana, and is notching up the engagements after turning up at a never-ending reel of celebrity parties and society weddings. Kitty boasts 459,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts endless photos showcasing her glamorous modelling career and glitzy social life. The socialite grew up in South Africa, reading psychology, politics and English at the University of Cape Town. And she could be set to make up to 2million a year if she continues to secure lucrative contracts with fashion brands, a branding expert recently revealed. She is on warm terms with William and Harry, and is an ambassador for homelessness charity Centrepoint -of which William is patron, but is not in their inner circle. 'Good morning I love New York!' Kitty, who was born in Cape Town, is based in London but later shared a snap of her passport as she headed to New York Advertisement The artist behind a new portrait of the Queen has said painting Her Majesty was a 'nerve-wracking experience' but 'enormous fun'. Nicky Philipps' oil painting of the 92-year-old monarch was commissioned to enhance visitor experience at Holyrood House and has already taken pride of place in the Scottish palace's Royal Dining Room. The portrait shows the Queen in her grand ceremonial robes and collar of the Order of the Thistle. Scroll down for video The new painting of the Queen by artist Nicky Philipps shows Her Majesty in her ceremonial gown, with a view of Salisbury Crags, a series of cliffs in nearby Holyrood Park in the background Philipps admitted that her very regal commission was 'nerve-wracking' but called it 'enormous fun' Bon appetite! The new oil painting has already been hung in the Royal Dining Room at Scottish residence Holyrood House The background to the image is a view of Salisbury Crags, a series of cliffs in nearby Holyrood Park, depicted with imposing, dramatic grey clouds on the skyline. Holyrood House in Edinburgh is the Queen's official royal residence in Scotland, and the room is still used by the Windsors for private functions. Realist painter Philipps, who has painted the Queen before, as well as Princes William and Harry, said of the commission: 'It's nerve-wracking, but it is enormous fun.' Visitors to the palace will be able to see the portrait in the ornate dining room with its sage green walls and table dressed with candelabra. The picture hangs alongside a portrait of the Queen Mother, painted by Sir William Oliphant Hutchison in 1967, in which she wears the sash, badge and star of the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland. Side by side with the Queen Mother; Philipps' work has been placed next to a portrait of the Queen Mother, painted by Sir William Oliphant Hutchison in 1967 The royal artist, pictured with her paint palette, has painted Her Majesty before as well as Prince William and Prince Harry The portrait was commissioned by The Royal Collection Trust to help enhance the experience of visitors touring the palace In 2013, the artist painted the Queen for the first time for the first class stamp series celebrating the 60th anniversary of her Coronation. Commissioned by Royal Mail, the ensuing portrait depicts HM The Queen in her robes of the Order of the Garter and sees her surrounded by her corgies. The picture is now on display as part of the Royal Collection in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Philipps captured a double portrait of Princes William and Harry, both in uniform, in 2009, which Prince Charles has said is one of his most prized possessions. The painting was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2010 to wide critical acclaim. She has also painted Prince Charless friends, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland (owners of Alnwick Castle), actor Hugh Bonneville and author Ken Follett. Prince Charles today paid tribute to police officers who take care of the royals while they're in situ at the Queen's Sandringham estate during a visit to Norfolk. The Prince of Wales, 70 met with officers and staff for the official opening of the refurbished King's Lynn police station, and was given a tour by Chief Constable of Norfolk Police Simon Bailey during his visit. According to the Eastern Daily Press, the Prince told staff, 'I know first hand of the marvellous work you do, as many of the police officers who look after us while we're at Sandringham come from of course this very police station. 'I realise that some of the close protection officers here today are part of that Sandringham team, and I suspect I've seen some of you when giving long service and good conduct medals over the last I don't know how many years.' The Prince of Wales met PC Gary Morris (left) and PC Tom Semmens during his visit to Kings Lynn, Norfolk Prince Charles was given a tour of the recently refurbished King's Lynn Police Station, Norfolk by Chief Constable of Norfolk Police Simon Bailey (centre back) The Prince also met with cadets, special constables and local high school pupils. During his visit he met PC Gary Morris and PC Tom Semmens and seemed to be on good form as he smiled and chatted with police staff. Charles laughed as he watched crime scene investigator Sam Powell dusting a window for fingerprints during a demonstration by the forensics department. He also chatted with occupational therapist Lauren Soames who showed him around the station's fitness centre. The Prince joked, 'It looks like torture,' as he looked at gym equipment. Prince Charles unveils a plaque to officially open the recently refurbished King's Lynne Police Station in Norfolk The Prince of Wales chatting with Chief Constable of Norfolk Police Simon Bailey during his visit to Kings Lynn Charles, who recently turned 70, has been in East Anglia on various engagements this week. On Thursday he visited Kings Lynn in Norfolk Charles and his wife Camilla have been on a whistle-stop tour of East Anglia over the past few days. The royal couple visited the areas of Cambridge, Ely and Wisbech earlier in the week. The pair split up initially with Charles first visiting Ely Cathedral. Charles, who recently turned 70, appeared to be in high spirits as he waved to locals who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royal. The Prince met with officers, cadets, special constables and local high school pupils during his visit Charles smiled as he watched crime scene investigator Sam Powell dusting a window for fingerprints during his visit to the station The Prince of Wales met with occupational therapist Lauren Soames during his visit to King's Lynn police station Charles was then lead inside the cathedral where he was shown the stained glass exhibition on display. The royal is patron of the the Stained Glass Museum and was visiting on Tuesday to mark its 40th anniversary. He later met up with the Duchess of Cornwall at Ely market in the afternoon. A rather windswept Prince Charles visited Ely Cathedral earlier this week Charles and Camilla were in Ely earlier this week. The couple took part in a walkabout where lucky Camilla was presented with several bunches of flowers by local school children The couple were met by hundreds of well-wishers all hoping to be introduced to the royal pair. One group of school children assembled to present a delighted Camilla with a bunch of flowers. Charles couldn't resist indulging in a tipple as he browsed the historical market The Prince of Wales paused to enjoy a glass of red wine at one of the vendor's tables which appeared to get the royal's approval. He could later be seen admiring an array of chocolaty treats on display from a local bakery before joining the Duchess of Cornwall on a walkabout. Joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles sampled a local red wine at one of the stalls at Ely market on Tuesday Ivanka Trump looked like that cat that got the cream as she left her Washington, D.C. home on Thursday morning, wearing a chic gray coat - and a very large smile. The first daughter, 37, happily grinned and waved for the cameras as she made her way out of the house she shares with husband Jared Kushner and their three children, before making her way into a waiting SUV, which drove her to join her husband, as well as President Trump and Melania, for a flight to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. Mother-of-three Ivanka looked incredibly chic for her 8:45am departure, modeling a gray $199 Zara coat with a large collar that had a sparkling $150 bee-shaped pin from Kenneth Jay Lane pinned to the lapel, and what appeared to be a black dress. She's in a good mood! Ivanka Trump was grinning and waving as she made her way out of her Washington, D.C. home on Thursday morning Happy as can be: The first daughter happily flashed a big smile at the cameras Feeling of success? Ivanka's happy disposition comes just one day after she spoke out to defend her use of a personal email account for government business Ready to go: Ivanka was still smiling when she reached Andrews Air Force Base, where she joined her husband Jared Kushner, and President Trump and Melania to fly to the G20 summit Parents' trip! It is not known who will be looking after the couple's three children - Arabella, seven, Joseph, five, and Theodore, two - while they are away She paired the outfit with some chic over-the-knee heeled boots and her favorite $3,400 Chanel Executive Tote, which has been her bag of choice in recent months, taking the place of her once-beloved Ivanka Trump-brand accessories. Ivanka also shook things up with her beauty look, opting to wear her blonde locks in a straight style with a side part, eschewing her signature center part in favor of a different style. Despite the bitter chill in D.C. on Thursday, she chose not to add any winter accessories to her look, but she certainly ramped up the ensemble with a glamorous makeup look that she finished off with a nude lip gloss. She also chose to exit her home from the top door and walk down the front steps outside the property, rather than making her way out of the lower gated entrance as she does on most other days. Both Ivanka and her husband Jared were later pictured boarding Air Force One with President Trump and Melania to fly to Buenos Aires for the G20 summit. It is not known who will be watching Ivanka and Jared's three children - Arabella, seven, Joseph, five, and Theordore, two - while the couple are away, however they are not thought to have joined their parents on the trip, and will likely remain in Washington, D.C. with a family member or their nanny. Ivanka's happy mood comes just one day after she spoke out to defend her use of a personal email account for government business in an exclusive interview with Good Morning America. Slide me Sleek: She chose to change up her signature hairstyle for the day, opting to part her hair on the side rather than in the center as she so often does Defense: The mother-of-three insisted that there are no comparisons to be drawn between her personal email use, and that of Hillary Clinton Glammed up: Ivanka looked incredibly chic in a gray collared coat, black dress, and black over-the-knee boots Just days after the news broke that the first daughter had been accused of sending official emails from a personal email address - with many drawing comparisons to the similar controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton - Ivanka denied that there is any 'connection' between the two cases. During the ABC interview, she also brushed aside concerns about her legal exposure in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's expansive Russia probe, and said she 'frequently' disagrees with her father on policy issues but defended his action in the face of 'heartbreaking' photos of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The first daughter has come under fire for some emails she sent and received during the early tumultuous weeks of the administration and the weeks leading up to Inauguration Day. President Donald Trump spent nearly two years blasting Clinton, his 2016 opponent, for a far broader arrangement that used a private home-brew email server in her basement for tens of thousands of emails during the four years she was secretary of state. 'All of my emails are stored and preserved. There were no deletions. There is no attempt to hide,' Ivanka said. 'There's no equivalency to what my father's spoken about.' She also confirmed that none of the emails that have generated snickers and finger-wagging from congressional Democrats this month contained classified information. Clinton maintained the same thing for months in 2016. But 110 examples were later discovered of material sitting on her unsecured server, open to prying eyes, that was classified when she sent it. Strutting her stuff: Ivanka's delighted mood was perhaps due to her G20 trip A new day: Ivanka also changed her habits as far as her preferred exit, choosing to leave her home from the top door and walk down the front steps, rather than exit from the lower gate Warm enough: Despite the winter chill, Ivanka chose not to wear a scarf or gloves Theme: Ivanka kept her accessories to a minimum, wearing just a simple pair of pearl earrings - which matched the pearl that could be seen on her broach Ivanka said commingling personal and government material wasn't strictly prohibited, citing legal advice about an easy and common way to remedy it. 'There is no restriction of using personal email,' she said. 'In fact, we're instructed that if we receive an email to our personal account that could relate to government work, you simply just forward it to your government account so it can be archived.' The president has defended his daughter, pointing out that while Clinton and her attorneys deleted more than 33,000 emails messages they deemed 'personal' before eventually turning the rest over to State Department record-keepers, Ivanka's have already been made part of the government's records. Congressional Democrats are crying foul, suggesting that they'll launch an investigation in 2019 after they take over control of the House of Representatives. Ivanka may also face scrutiny from Special Counsel Mueller as he moves forward with a Russia probe that Ivanka said he should wrap up soon. 'I think it should reach its conclusion,' she said. 'I think it's been a long time that this has been ongoing, but I want it to be done in a way in which nobody could question that it was hurried or rushed.' But 'we're well beyond that point,' she added. The first daughter insisted, however, that she isn't worried about how Mueller's findings might impact her. 'I know the facts as they relate to me and my family, and so I have nothing to be concerned about,' she said. Speaking out: On Wednesday, Ivanka told GMA that her use of a private email account for some government business is nothing like Hillary Clinton's As one of two members of the president's family who advises him day-to-day the other is her husband, Jared Ivanka said her father always 'knows exactly where I stand on any issue,' and insisted that she 'frequently' disagrees with him in private. Ivanka's lawyer Abbe Lowell has already dismissed comparisons between her email situation and Hillary Clinton's. 'Ms. Trump did not create a private server in her house or office, no classified information was ever included, the account was never transferred at [the] Trump Organization, and no emails were ever deleted,' Lowell's spokesman Peter Mirijanian told reporters last week. Clinton similarly denied having classified emails on her private server. 'I did not send classified material, and I did not receive any material that was marked or designated classified,' she said on the campaign trail in August 2015. White House ethics officials learned of Ivanka Trump's personal email use when reviewing emails gathered last fall by five Cabinet agencies to respond to a public records lawsuit, sources familiar with the matter told The Post. Trump said she was not familiar with all the rules. The private email account came from a domain she shares with Kushner. They set up personal emails with the domain 'ijkfamily.com' through a Microsoft system in December 2016, after Trump won the presidency and the couple was preparing to move to Washington D.C. Melania Trump cut a stylish figure in a bright purple leather pencil skirt as she jetted off to Argentina on Thursday morning with her husband, President Donald Trump, who is attending the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. For the 10-hour flight, the 48-year-old first lady paired her eye-catching Derek Lam skirt that retails for approximately $2,500 with a $5,990 brown leather coat from Ralph Lauren. Melania wore the light fall coat unbuttoned to show off her form-fitting brown sweater, which was tucked into her high-waisted skirt. Outfit of the day: Melania Trump wore a leather coat and skirt for her flight to Argentina on Thursday morning Designer duds: The first lady's eye-catching Derek Lam skirt retails for approximately $2,500 while her brown leather coat from Ralph Lauren costs $5,990 Jet set life: The couple will be spending just 48 hours in Buenos Aires while the president holds meetings with fellow world leaders at the G20 summit With its vibrant color and front slit, her purple skirt served as a statement piece for her otherwise demure outfit. She topped off her outfit with a pair of brown snakeskin stilettos and tortoiseshell sunglasses to shield her eyes from the morning sun. Letting her sleek ensemble take center stage, Melania opted for minimal accessories aside from the diamond bands on her fingers. The first lady seemed to be in good spirits ahead of her trip, and she flashed a bright smile as she and her husband made their way across the South Lawn of the White House to board Marine One. Melania's caramel-colored hair was worn down around her shoulders in her signature style, and she sported natural-looking make-up for the lengthy flight. She and the president held hands before boarding Marine One, which was headed to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Sky high heels: Melania topped off her outfit with a pair of brown snakeskin stilettos The look: She wore the light fall coat unbuttoned to show off her form-fitting brown sweater, which was tucked into her high-waisted skirt Protected: Melania donned tortoiseshell sunglasses to shield her eyes from the morning sun Feeling affectionate: The first lady and president held hands before boarding Marine One, which was headed to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland After they landed, Melania followed behind her husband as he stepped off the helicopter and made his way across the tarmac to board Air Force One. The couple will be spending just 48 hours in Buenos Aires while the president holds meetings with fellow world leaders. Trump spent 12 minutes talking to reporters before he left the White House, mainly about the fact his former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his business talks with Russia during the 2016 campaign. But he also told reporters his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, set for Saturday, was on. The president did a 180 shortly after takeoff, tweeting that the sit down was canceled, citing three Ukrainian ships seized by Russia. There was a mere hour's worth of time between his contradicting statement. Arrival: After their short flight to Maryland, the president led the way as they stepped off of Marine One In good spirits: Melania had a smile on her face during their travels Next stop: The wind blew threw Melania's hair as they made their way across the tarmac to board Air Force One Minimalist: Letting her sleek ensemble take center stage, Melania opted for minimal accessories aside from the diamond bands on her fingers They're off! They each gave a wave before stepping inside Air Force One 'Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting... '...in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!' Trump wrote in a pair of tweets from the presidential plane.' The meeting would have come under the cloud of questions about Cohen's relationship with Moscow and what he told the president while Trump was trying to win the White House. Trump is likely still feeling the sting of his last sit down with Putin, which was their Helsinki summit in July, when the president was criticized for appearing to deferential to his Russian counterpart. The president bashed Cohen, his former confidant, as he left the White House, saying he's 'making up a story' and 'lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence.' Change of heart: Less than an hour after he boarded Air Force One, Trump tweeted that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was canceled Reasoning: The president cited the three Ukrainian ships seized by Russia as the reason Keeping busy: Melania also tweeted from the presidential plane, posting a video of a town hall on opioid addiction she attended at Liberty University on Wednesday Travel partners: Spotted leaving with the first couple were Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump Style: Ivanka, 37, was bundled up in a $199 gray wrap coat from Zara, which had a $150 bee-shaped pin from Kenneth Jay Lane pinned to the lapel Greeting: Other world leaders have already arrived. Argentine President Mauricio Marci and his wife, Juliana Awada, received French President Emmanuel Marcon and his wife, Brigitte Melania also tweeted from the presidential plane, posting a video of a town hall on opioid addiction she attended at Liberty University on Wednesday. 'I believe education and learning is key to making the right decisions on your own behalf,' she wrote. With a long flight ahead of them, there is plenty of time to tweet more. Spotted leaving with the first couple were Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump along with the president's outgoing personal aide Jordan Karen. Ivanka, 37, was bundled up in a $199 gray wrap coat from Zara, which had a $150 bee-shaped pin from Kenneth Jay Lane pinned to the lapel. The first daughter topped off the look with a pair of black over-the-knee boots and her beloved Chanel Executive Tote that retails for about $3,400. Other world leaders have already been spotted arriving for the G20, including Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire; French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron; and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. She's had a busy week celebrating the tenth anniversary of her charity Street Child. But the Duchess of York, 59, let her hair down tonight as attended a Christmas party at Claridge's Hotel in London. Fergie, as she is affectionately known, mingled with a host of celebrities including model Alexa Chung, 35, at the unveiling of the hotel's Christmas tree, which this year was made in collaboration with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. Prince Andrew's ex-wife cut a stylish figure in a purple blouse and black miniskirt for the festive occasion. The Duchess of York, 59, (pictured) attended the launch party of the Christmas tree at Claridge's Hotel in London on Thursday night Fergie posed for photographs with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (right), who designed this year's tree Fergie wore her famous red locks loose around her shoulders and accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings, a watch and a delicate silver bracelet. Keeping out the cold, she teamed her short skirt with black tights, which were worn with a chic pair of black stilettos. She posed for a number of pictures with other high-profile guests at the event, including von Furstenberg, 71. Claridge's Christmas tree was unveiled on Tuesday and is 'inspired by Diane's passion and strong belief in the power of love', according to the hotel's website. The tree (pictured with the designer) is a six-metre tall sculpture that is decorated 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts Fergie (middle with Heather Kerzne) cut a stylish figure in a purple blouse and black miniskirt for the festive occasion The Duchess teamed her short skirt with black tights, which were worn with a chic pair of black stilettos (pictured middle) Fergie (pictured) wore her famous red locks loose around her shoulders and an accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings, a watch and a delicate silver bracelet The tree is a six-metre tall sculpture that is decorated 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts. Tonight's party was hosted by the fashion designer, alongside British Vogue editor Edward Enninful. Also on the star-studded guest list was Chung, Lady Sabrina Percy, 28, and Viscountess Weymouth, 32. Earlier this week Fergie opened up about watching her youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, 28, marry Jack Brooksbank, 32, last month. Claridge's Christmas tree was unveiled on Tuesday and is 'inspired by Diane's passion and strong belief in the power of love'. Pictured: Fergie (left) with von Furstenberg (right) Also at tonight's party was Emma, Viscountess Weymouth, 32 (pictured), who wore a navy jumpsuit with a matching featured jacket The party was hosted by Edward Enninful, the editor of British Vogue, (right) who posed for pictures with photographer Alec Maxwell (right) Also at tonight's high-profile event was Alexa Chung (left), who wore a black dress with kooky sleeves, and Lady Sabrina Percy (right) who shimmered in a silver number Speaking to Hello! magazine, she described the groom as: 'Just the twin flame of [her and] that beautiful man he looked like James Bond that day. 'And Jack is my son-in-law, and to have a son-in-law is just a blessing.' The mother-of-two went on to praise the couple's 'inclusive' approach to their nuptials and says it is something they will continue into married life. She added: 'Their wedding was about love, inclusivity and future and then they go forward with strength because that's who they are. They will always, always be on the edge of inspirational change.' Oreo has outdone itself with its most outrageous flavors yet. While the cookie brand has introduced some controversial limited-edition flavors over the years, the reaction to their newest variety will likely be unanimously disgusted. Parent company Mondelez International announced last week that it is now selling Wasabi and Hot Chicken Wing-flavored Oreos in China, with the brand describing the spicy varieties as 'BIG and BOLD flavors' on social media. Would you dare? Adventurous eaters can now buy Wasabi and Hot Chicken Wing-flavored Oreos Unfortunately for curious and daring taste testers in the US and Europe, the two new flavors can only be bought in China for the time being - but that hasn't stopped people around the world from expressing their surprise, and in some cases their horror, at the new additions to Asia's Oreo line-up. 'Noooooo is that real?!' one person responded to a tweet about the new launch, while another commented: 'They need to give up on this. Even good-sounding ones like Apple Pie are just not that great.' One chimed in: 'Stop Oreo just stop.' Anyone outside of China who is daring enough to try the new flavors, which launched on August 21, can turn to eBay, where a few packets of the peculiar new cookie are currently being sold. Satisfying your spice craving will come at a cost, however: the Oreos available on eBay currently range in price from $13.99 to $23.99 per box. Of course, these aren't the only unexpected flavors the brand has launched. In China, in particular, there have been Oreos that taste like 'Milky Banana', a combination of Raspberry/Blueberry, a combo of Mango/Orange, and a mix of Grape/Peach. Spicy meets sweet: The Chicken Wing flavor is only available in China And dunk them in milk? However, both (including the Wasabi flavor, pictured) are popping up on eBay Meanwhile, in the US, there have been a wife variety of sweeter options, including Cotton Candy, Limeade, Caramel Apple, Root Beer Float, Swedish Fish, Peeps, Waffles & Syrup, and Cherry Cola. While the odd new spicy cookies are certainly sparking curiosity, Oreo has been in the news recently for far less favorable reasons. Earlier this month, Hydrox a competitor that came out with an earlier version of the sandwich cookie, which later inspired Oreo accused parent company Mondalez of deliberately sabotaging them. The brand announced on Facebook that it had filed an official complaint against Oreo with the Federal Trade Commission, alleging that Mondelez has been 'undertaking a national program to damage our brand and stop us from competing'. The statement said they 'have been very frustrated with the hiding of our cookies at major retailers by the folks @oreo.' 'We finally filed an official complaint with the Federal Trade Commission last week, in which we claim they have been trying to make it hard to find our cookies in stores nationally, in hopes of lowering sales volume and having us discontinued,' the post went on. 'We believe in competition and choice, but we firmly believe the folks @Mondelez (the owners of Oreo) have been undertaking a national program to damage our brand and stop us from competing. Yikes! Mondalez made the announcement on social media last week Ew: In case the peppers on the box don't make it clear, the fire does these are hot! Um, OK... They's certainly make for an odd sushi hybrid 'Many of you over the last few years have been great at taking pictures when you see #hydroxcookies being moved or blocked from store shelves and we really appreciate your help.' And, in fact, they posted several of those images and while it's possible there are other explanations, the evidence is certainly damning. In several the Hydrox cookies are set up directly behind hanging displays, making them hard to see in grab. In one picture, the cookies have been turned sideways, so the label is invisible. And in another, the Hydrox cookies have been moved from their designated spot on the shelf (so visible because of the pricing label) and put higher up. In their original space? Oreos. Captioning that picture, the people at Hydrox said that even the local store manager noticed the issue, yet every week the Hydrox are moved back to the incorrect space. The Facebook post went on: 'Some of you have asked, "How can those guys hide Hydrox in so many stores?" The answer is quite simple. 'Mondelez uses what's called in the industry "DSD" or "Direct store distribution." What that means is, they have their own trucks and personally deliver and restock supermarket shelves nationwide a few times a week, versus Hydrox which are restocked by supermarket employees at night and moved from their own warehouses. Uh oh! Earlier this month, Oreo competitor Hydrox (right) alleged Mondelez, which owns Oreo (left), had 'undertaken a national program to damage our brand and stop us from competing' Damning: Hydrox alleges that Mondelez is instructing its delivery people to hide Hydrox cookies so they are less visible than the Oreo options 'We had no idea a competitor hiding our cookies was going to be a problem until a buyer for one of the largest store chains in the US sat us down and said, "We're going to bring Hydrox into our stores, but you're going to have a major issue to deal with. 'We then asked, "What's the issue?" The buyer responded, "Mondelez is going to hide your cookies all over our stores to make sure you don't get any sales, in hopes of being discontinued. They will see you as a major threat to their market and will do anything to ensure you're not successful. You're going to have to hire people to go into each of our stores and make sure Hydrox is not being hidden."' Hydrox then called on customers for support, asking them to call the cookie buyers at their local supermarket's corporate offices to complain. 'We hope the Federal Trade Commission will start the investigation very soon. We understand there is already case law on this issue and we hope to utilize it in our case against Mondelez.' A spokesperson for Mondelez told Today that the company had not yet been 'contacted' about the claim but 'are confident that this accusation has no merit.' 'Much of our shelf placement is due to the fact that Oreo is the #1 cookie in the U.S., and retailers typically align premium placement to the fastest selling products, based on consumer demand. We always operate with integrity, and we are proud to be Americas favorite cookie,' the spokesperson said. Drug overdose deaths soared by 10 percent in 2017 topping 70,000, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals. It means that, in the last 20 years, the overdose death rate has increased nearly four-fold, from 6.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 to 21.7 last year. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine, was the driving culprit, alone accounting for a 45 percent increase in deaths between 2016 and 2017. Those worst affected are white men aged 35 to 44 years old. US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar insists the tide has turned and that statistics from next year will show a downturn. But experts say that after legislation in several states set limits on prescription painkillers, users turned to illicit opioids like fentanyl to feed their addiction, worsening the already deadly epidemic. Drug overdose deaths soared to 70,237 in 2017, a nearly 10 percent increase from the 63,632 deaths in 2016 Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine, was the driving culprit, alone accounting for a 45 percent increase in deaths between 2016 and 2017 Dr Daniel Ciccarone, a professor of family and community medicine at the University of California San Francisco, told DailyMail.com that doctors have made efforts in recent years to reduce the amount of prescribed painkillers in circulation. 'We know the rates to curb prescription pills are working because prescription rates and use have gone down,' he said. Over the last decade, a record number of prescriptions were dished out. The report found that 20 US states and the District of Columbia had overdose death rates that were statistically higher than the national rate, which is three states fewer than 2016. West Virginia saw the worst overdose death rates at 58.7 per 100,000 and was closely followed by Ohio, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and Kentucky. 'It speaks to the wide practice variation of opioid prescribing,' Dr Marty Makary, a professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, told DailyMail.com 'It can be culturally accepted in some places to prescribe 50 opioid pills for a minor procedure.' But the overall national opioid prescribing rate has been declining since 2012 and, in 2017, the prescribing rate had fallen to the lowest it had been in more than 10 years. OPIOIDS IN AMERICA: BY THE NUMBERS Opioid prescriptions are going down across the US, but overdoses are not. Last year, the rate of opioid overdose deaths hit a record high, with around 200 Americans dying every day, according to new figures, published by the DEA earlier this month. US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar insists the tide has turned. However, doctors warn the boom in prescriptions flooded the market with unused pills, some of which may have made it onto the black market. An in-depth analysis of 2016 US drug overdose data shows that America's overdose epidemic is spreading geographically and increasing across demographic groups. Drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016 and increased to 70,237 in 2017. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Overdose deaths increased in all categories of drugs examined for men and women, people ages 15 and older, all races and ethnicities, and across all levels of urbanization. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement Secretary Azar said at the town hall at Liberty University that since January 2017, legal opioid prescription use is down more than 23 percent. However, many people can't afford prescription painkillers anyway and end up turning to street drugs. Dr Makary says this particularly applied to the 35-44 age group, which had the highest death rate at 39 deaths per 100,000 people. 'I have patients who can't afford a $20 co-pay for their prescriptions so they'll get $10 of heroin for more of a rush,' he told DailyMail.com. Users don't just turn to heroin but fentanyl, a man-made opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine. 'Heroin deaths and fentanyl deaths are at a high level,' said Dr Ciccarone. 'The question is are we driving the illicit opioid epidemic as we curb the prescription one? I say we are.' The pattern of drugs involved in overdose deaths has changed in recent years, moving away from heroin and natural opioids to synthetic opioids including fentanyl. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, 68 percent of fentanyl and precursors used to make the drug originate in China These factory-produced drugs, cheap and easy to make, are sold either directly to the US or via trafficking networks set up in Mexico. But new legislation signed by President Donald Trump will have the US Postal Service screen overseas packages from China for fentanyl. Some lawmakers argue that bill would stop certain areas of China from shipping any packages to the US. But most congressional leaders say the bill will do more good than harm. 'Much of the fentanyl is still coming from China through the mail,' Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said at a forum at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Wednesday. 'About a pound of fentanyl can cause 150,000 deaths. That's how fatal fentanyl is.' Gunner Bundrick (pictured) and his friend Jake Morales, both 19, died earlier this month after they each took a pill they believed to be Percocet but was actually fentanyl Dr Leo Beletsky, an associate professor of law and health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, says that when state governments made efforts to curb prescription use, they did not account for foreseeable problems. 'When you rapidly reduce the supply of these drugs, you have to anticipate that people still might need drugs for pain management because they're addicted or for other reasons,' he told DailyMail.com. 'The problems don't simply go away when the pills do, people shift to other alternatives.' The US had seen more and more drugs, including painkillers, heroin and cocaine, laced with fentanyl. Earlier this month, two 19-year-old boys from Arizona died after they each took what they believed to be Percocet, a painkiller that contains the highly addictive oxycodone. What they didn't know was each pill may have contained up to 20 milligrams of fentanyl, enough to kill 10 men. West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania had the highest death rates in 2017. Meanwhile, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota had the lowest death rates So how do we tackle this problem? Doctors have a few suggestions. 'We shouldn't be focusing on the supply but rather fixing structural problems that are driving this: employment, economic instability and so on,' said Dr Beletsky. Dr Ciccarone says lowering prescribing rates is a good first step but there is still a great amount of work to be done. He suggests more doctors employ harm reduction, which is using policies and programs reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs. 'So, for example, working with active heroin users on ways to stay safer,' Dr Ciccarone said. 'People may not be ready to go to treatment so, in the meantime, they can be taught how to discern fentanyl from heroin, how to dilute, how to use it safely.' He says the goal is to then encourage treatment as users wean themselves off of the drugs. 'We then promote access to treatment because if they stay alive, the hope is they will rethink their drug use,' said Dr Ciccarone. 'If they die, then our treatment system has failed.' Aid workers battling an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now having to fend off a spike in malaria cases at the same time. Experts say people suffering from Ebola and malaria are becoming mixed up, making it more difficult to control the fast-spreading virus. The African country's Ebola outbreak, which began in August, is showing no signs of slowing down and 19 more people died this week, bringing the death toll to 242. And the number of people catching malaria has spiked this year in the North Kivu province where the outbreak is happening there are now 2,000 cases a week. Some 242 people are now believed to have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak, which has infected 422 people 375 of the infection cases have been confirmed as Ebola, as have 195 of the deaths Health workers say half of people turning up at medical centres with suspected Ebola actually just have malaria, but the Ebola outbreak is spreading this way when people go near infected areas (pictured: a health worker preparing to give out an Ebola vaccine) Many children are catching the incurable fever when visiting medical centres with malaria, and half of people suspected of having Ebola actually just had malaria. 'It will make things a lot easier if malaria is taken out of the equation,' said Stefan Hoyer of the World Health Organization (WHO). Health workers in the city of Beni, at the centre of the outbreak, have a launched a four-day door-to-door blitz to try and stem the flow of malaria cases. They will be giving out mosquito nets and anti-malarial drugs to 450,000 people to stop them going to medical centres where they may catch Ebola. The WHO thinks it can cut Ebola cases in half by separating the two groups of patients. North Kivu province, in the north-east of DRC, has seen an eight-fold increase in cases of malaria since last year, and now sees 2,000 cases a week. And the country is the second worst in the world for malaria, second only to Nigeria. Mr Hoyer said there were no more mosquito-blocking bed nets left in North Kivu, an eastern province that is battling both conflict and disease. The World Health Organization hopes the number of Ebola cases will reduce by half if people without the infection stop going to medical centres where they are using up resources and exposing themselves to the virus (pictured: health workers in the city of Beni) An unusually high number of children have been infected in this outbreak, officials say pictured, a worker carries a swaddled four-day-old baby thought to have caught the virus Malaria can normally be diagnosed with a rapid blood test, but the risk of transmitting Ebola through blood means health workers have to rely on an assessment of symptoms, he said. This normally results in an over-reported number of cases but not as many as eight times more, Mr Hoyer added. Starting on Wednesday, health workers planned to go door-to-door for four days delivering mosquito nets and anti-malarial drugs. The aim is to treat people who already have malaria and prevent it spreading, freeing up resources to focus on the more serious disease, it said. 'We can assume that the suspected Ebola cases to be triaged would at least go down by half,' Mr Hoyer added. HAS THE DRC HAD AN EBOLA OUTBREAK BEFORE? DRC escaped the brutal Ebola pandemic that began in 2014, which was finally declared over in January 2016 - but it was struck by a smaller outbreak last year. Four DRC residents died from the virus in 2017. The outbreak lasted just 42 days and international aid teams were praised for their prompt responses. The new outbreak is the DRCs tenth since the discovery of Ebola in the country in 1976, named after the river. The outbreak earlier this summer was its ninth. Health experts credit an awareness of the disease among the population and local medical staff's experience treating for past successes containing its spread. DRCs vast, remote geography also gives it an advantage, as outbreaks are often localised and relatively easy to isolate. Advertisement This is what happened in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, when people with malaria were filling Ebola treatment centres during the West African outbreak in 2014, he said. The treatment of Ebola itself has taken an experimental turn in DRC, where scientists are now conducting a real-time study of how well pioneering drugs work. More than 160 people there have already been treated with the drugs, and the way people are treated won't change, but scientists will now be able to compare them. The announcement came after two devastating weeks in which the death rate has been high and officials confirmed even newborn babies are catching the virus. Four experimental drugs are being used to try and combat the disease mAb 114, ZMapp, Remdesivir and Regeneron. Patients will get one of the four, but researchers won't know which they were given until after the study. By comparing how well these work, scientists will be moving towards curing the disease and slashing the death tolls in future outbreaks. 'While our focus remains on bringing this outbreak to an end, the launch of the randomised control trial is an important step toward finally finding an Ebola treatment that will save lives,' said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Because the data collected in the North Kivu epidemic is unlikely to be sufficient for a complete study, the country's health ministry said the clinical trial may extend over a five-year period to cover Ebola outbreaks in other countries. 'Our country is struck with Ebola outbreaks too often, which also means we have unique expertise in combatting it,' said DRC's minister of health Dr Oly Ilunga Kalenga. 'These trials will contribute to building that knowledge, while we continue to respond on every front to bring the current outbreak to an end.' The outbreak has been plagued by security problems, with health workers attacked by rebels in districts where the virus has been spreading. Of the 422 people thought to have been infected with Ebola during the DRC's outbreak, 375 of those have been confirmed pictured, medical workers at the Doctors Without Borders treatment centre in Butembo help a patient whose illness has not been confirmed Health workers had to be evacuated from their hotel after it was hit by a shell in a nearby armed rebel attack earlier this month. Some 16 World Health Organization staff were taken out of the city of Beni. The organisation's director general said he heard 'heavy gunfire' over the phone, and a shell hit the workers' hotel but didn't explode. Violence is common in the central African country and has made it difficult to stop the Ebola outbreak earlier in the same week eight United Nations peacekeepers and 12 local soldiers died in an ambush. Armed groups have kidnapped and killed people trying to treat the sick, and ongoing conflict has made locals suspicious of official health workers. Dr Ghebreyesus added: 'We honour the memory of those who have died battling this outbreak, and deplore the continuing threats on the security of those still working to end it.' Because of the difficulties facing health workers, experts have warned the epidemic is likely to rage on into the middle of next year. Following the proposal of the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Finance, Peoples Committee in yesterday gave the green light to reduce tuition fee for junior high school students. Accordingly, students in secondary schools just pay VND60,000 instead of VND100,000 enjoying a reduction of VND40,000 ($1.7) a month. For those in outlying suburbs including districts Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Can Gio and Nha Be, they just pay VND30,000 per month for tuition fee. The Peoples Committee will submit to Peoples Council at the session in December. If approved, it will be applied in January, 2019. To remit tuition fee, the authorities will take VND150 billion from the city budget to subsidize per academic year. By THU TAM - Translated by UYEN PHUONG Three-quarters of addiction treatment centers in the US follow the 12-step model, inspired by Christian beliefs - and it may be to the detriment of many patients, says a Harvard University doctor and recovering opioid addict. Dr Peter Grinspoon is a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and is 11 years clean from the opioids he misused beginning in medical school at Harvard. Thirteen years ago, he found himself writing and filling prescriptions in the name of his children's nanny, was caught, and sent to rehab for treatment required to get his medical license back and avoid jail time. Dr Grinspoon completed the program, and got his medical license back, but he came away from the experience appalled that he and many other doctors were treated not according to science, but according to spirituality. Programs like the one he attended largely refuse to incorporate proven medication-assisted treatment (MAT) into their regimen. Instead, Dr Grinspoon says, he was forced to quit not just opioids but doctor-prescribed psychiatric drugs which endangered his life, but also inspired him to push for rehab reform - especially for doctors. Dr Peter Grinspoon became addicted to opioids while in medical school and had to attend faith-based rehab in order to get his license back. Now, he advocates for science-based treatment An often-cited statistic says that one in every three Americans knows at least one person struggling with addiction. But far before opioids were considered an epidemic among Americans, addiction has been a quiet but common plague among physicians. By some estimates, as many as 15 percent of doctors are suffering from an addiction. Dr Grinspoon was one of them, and his opioid addiction began before his career even officially had. 'Doctors are under stress, dealing with burnout and have tremendous access' to drugs, Dr Grinspoon explains. 'We get samples, we can write prescriptions, people bring in bottles to check their doses ... doctors medicate away stress, anxiety and fatigue. 'Then addiction takes on a life of its own.' The patients knew a lot more about science than the people treating them Dr Grinspoon was at the beginning of a promising carer in medicine, but his addiction had him calling in prescriptions for Vicodin for his children's nanny - who had moved back to New Zealand. 'It didn't take the pharmacist long to figure out that I wasn't a 19-year-old woman,' he recalls. 'I'm not proud of it.' The pharmacist called the police, Dr Grinspoon yelled at her and stormed out of the store. 'It culminated in the DEA and state police raiding my office in February 2005,' he says. Dr Grinspoon was placed on probation, and his medical license was suspended. If he ever wanted to practice medicine again - and to stay out of jail - he would have to complete a rehab program. Dr Grinspoon wrote a memoir about his experience with addiction and rehab, explaining why treatment should science-based 'I'm white and middle class, that's probably why I didn't go to prison. If I'd been poor or a minority, I probably would have [gone to prison],' he acknowledges. 'It's a really sad fact of our justice system.' Instead, the Physicians Health Service of Massachusetts sentenced him to 90 days in a Virginia rehab facility (which he declined to name). Like 74 percent of all addiction facilities, his program followed the 12-step model, which essentially guides people with addictions through a process of admitting wrong-doing, making amends and carrying forward lessons learned. In its original form, all of these efforts are addressed to and done for God, in the Christian tradition. 'It leans very heavily on spirituality and is very thin on science,' Dr Grinspoon says. 'I have nothing against spirituality if it helps someone, but it shouldn't be something you force on a professional. Science should be the necessary component and faith should be complementary.' Research on the 12-step model is fairly new, controversial and doesn't generally 'prove' that it is truly effective, by scientific standards. Research on MAT - especially using buprenorphine - however, shows that it offers a pretty clear advantage over treatment without assistive medication. Dr Grinspoon says that stands to reason because addiction - physicians now widely agree - is a disease. 'I wouldn't prescribe you spirituality for your cancer or diabetes, so why anyone would prescribe it for you addiction doesn't mean any sense to me,' he says. Dr Grinspoon was made to quit opioids cold turkey, and to do the same with the Klonapine his psychiatrist had prescribed, instead of titrating off it over the course of months, as is the recommended protocol. The rehab physicians prescribed him three drugs - including another controlled substance - to keep him off Klonapine. He says that quitting both, but especially opioids, that way 'increases the risk of death because the only thing shown to help is [MAT].' 'A lot of people on board with the 12-steps think that if you use MAT, you're just substituting one drug for another. 'But with the 12-steps, you don't really address their addictions except with [instruction] to repeat the platitudes.' It didn't take the pharmacist long to figure out that I wasn't a 19-year-old woman. I'm not proud of it So, after a treatment program is over, a recovering addict is unmedicated, often in search of their drug, and has lost their tolerance, leaving them extremely vulnerable to overdose. The patients at his program were 'a lot of health care professionals, but also teachers and coal miners,' Dr Grinspoon says. 'It didn't seem that many people that were treating people there were very savvy. The patients knew a lot more about science than the people treating them.' Nonetheless, Dr Grinspoon made it through treatment and ultimately got his license back after three years. But he still wonders what his recovery would have been like in a different treatment program. Now, more programs across the nation are adopting the use of MAT at the urging of physicians like Grinspoon as well as addiction specialists. After he'd resumed practice, Dr Grinspoon spent two years as an associate director for the Physician Health Service - the same group that sent him to the 12-step program. 'I was sitting at the same table, but on the other side of it,' he says. There, he pushed the committee to be more receptive to treatment plan requests from other physicians struggling with additions. And he's penned a memoir about his experience, called Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction, in which he recounts the harrowing and sometimes hilarious road he took for police raid, through rehab and back to practice. Now, he continues to push for a more science-based approach to treating addiction, namely, by using medication - especially for scientists themselves. 'These programs are participating in the same kind of stigmatizing that most physicians know we shouldn't be putting on people,' Dr Grinspoon says. 'A lot of people might say that their lives have been saved by the 12 steps, but it shouldn't be imposed upon people or relied upon given that the only thing proven to work exceptionally well is MAT.' Suicide rates in the US surged by nearly four percent between 2015 and 2016 alone and have risen 33 percent since 1999, new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures reveal. Across the country, hardly a life is untouched by suicide. It affects men and women of all ages races and income levels, claiming the lives of 14 out of every 100,000 Americans who died in 2017. But rates, and particularly increases, are especially astonishing in some groups of Americans. Driven by growing isolation and shrinking access to support, rates of suicide are now nearly twice as high in rural communities as they are in urban ones. Suicides have climbed steadily in the US since 1999 among men and women, but rates have increased at an alarming rate in rural America, the CDC's latest data reveal Though men continue to take take their own lives more frequently than women do, rate of suicide among women increased by 53 percent between 1999 and 2017 - climbing at twice the pace male suicides have. Suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the US - a tragic figure that experts say won't change without hard - and expensive research. The high-profile suicides of late celebrities Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain in the past year, as well as the controversy that follows Netflix's 13 Reasons Why have drawn suicide into the public eye, perhaps more than ever. This might suggest the dissipation of stigma - thought to be a significant risk factor - but it certainly hasn't stopped rates of suicide from creeping steadily upward in the US. In 1999, 17.8 out of every 100,000 men's deaths were suicides, as were every four out of 100,000 women's deaths. Last year, those numbers had increased to 22.4 and 6.1 per 100,000 deaths, respectively. We might be seeing suicide more, but we don't understand it much better. The pathology of suicide is far from uniform and difficult to study for both practical and ethical standpoints. But we do know some risk factors that drive higher rates among some groups than others. For example, while women have historically attempted suicide at higher rates, men have completed the act of taking their own lives more frequently. As Dr April Foreman, a psychologist who serves the Veterans' Suicide Prevention Network, and a member of the American Association of Suicidology's board of directors puts it: 'Women attempt more often but men pick things that will kill you faster.' Research on the 'why' of this tendency remains thin, but last year's data suggests an alarming shift. Speculatively, Dr Foreman says that it 'looks like women are attempting more often or choosing more lethal means.' This many mean that there are new or different strains or stressors affecting women and/or they have increased access to more lethal means, but we don't yet have the data to know for sure. The more isolated people are in rural America, the greater the risks of suicide are, as confirmed by the CDC's latest data showing that 20 out of every 100,000 rural deaths were suicides in 2017 (light purple, far right) Access to lethal means is often suggested as one significant factor - but hardly the only one - contributing to the high rates of suicide in rural America. Numerous studies have shown that suicide is more prevalent where guns are too. But isolation, economics and ever-receding access to health care and suicide crisis services play critical roles in suicide rates as well - and suicide goes hand-in-hand with the opioid epidemic. Dr Bart Andrews, a psychologist with Telehealth and Home/Community Services at Behavioral Health Response notes that there is an 'overlap between the opioid epidemic and the suicide crisis.' 'Where the economy has changed dramatically and is faltering you see opioids used a lot.' Dr Foreman adds: 'its pretty easy to get opioids, but not mental health care' in rural areas. Dr Andrews calls our current economic a 'tale of two countries' that has become a perfect storm for suicidality in rural America. He says that suicides increased after the 2008 economic collapse. So it might stand to reason that the current economic boom is driving them down - but not so, says Dr Andrews. While urban areas boom, rural communities 'experience population loss as those that can get jobs do get jobs and get out. The folks that stay have a weakened community and don't have particularly good care,' he says. And that population leaves growing gaps between people in rural areas, feeding feelings of isolation. 'One of the most protective things for people who are suicidal is to be around people,' says Dr Foreman. As that resource is disappearing, so is funding for regional and state suicide crisis hotlines, and the hotlines themselves. Meanwhile, Dr Andrews notes that suicide prevention training is only required of primary care doctors in 10 states - and most doctors are totally unfamiliar with the skill set. 'Many suicidal people don't ever hit the behavioral health system or reach out for help,and when they do, we don't do a good job with the people who are hitting the system at a regional level, and we don't have a scaleable way to do suicide prevention on a national level,' Dr Andrews says. Genes which come into play late in life could be the answer to why women suffer poorer health than men in old age even though they live longer. A study has revealed going through the menopause causes women to accumulate genes evolved to benefit males, which are bad for female health. But because men can remain fertile long into old age, their bodies do not suffer the same decline when they pass middle age and they feel better for longer. Women are still likely to live longer in the UK their life expectancy is 82.9 years while men's is 79.2 but they can expect to be in worse health. Scientists put the effect down to a genetic 'sexual conflict', where different genes benefit or harm the sexes in different ways and are in a constant 'tug of war'. Men are thought to be healthier into old age because they generally speaking remain fertile for their whole lives whereas women's genes change during the menopause in middle age Scientists at the University of Exeter did experiments on flies to track how genes change after the female body stops preparing to reproduce the menopause. They found because women no longer need to pass on their genes after middle age, they don't produce as many which would keep them healthy in later life. Whereas men remain fertile for longer so might need to pass on their genes at any time, meaning they are programmed to stay healthy and prepared to have children. Past research has found women tend to feel worse in old age, even though men have shorter lives and are more likely to die at any given time. This is called the male-female health-survival paradox. 'Shared genes tether the sexes together in an evolutionary tug of war,' said Professor David Hosken, study co-author. 'Selection is trying to push females and males in different directions, but the shared genome means each sex stops the other from reaching its [optimum]. 'Basically, certain genes will make a good male but a bad female, and vice versa. 'However, after females reach menopause, they no longer reproduce to pass on their genes which means reproduction on females is greatly weakened. 'So, after that point, any genes that improve late-life male fitness will accumulate, even if they harm female fitness.' The researchers said understanding why men's and women's health is different in old age is key to keeping people healthy as they live for longer, The Times reported. Professor Hosken said it was important to note that survival and health are not the same thing. The study found when flies of both sexes were bred to make sure the males were strong and fertile in old age, the females became sicker as a result. And data from this experiment supported findings of mathematical models the scientists made to use on humans. This showed genes that are better at late-life male reproduction tend to be worse for females' health. The paper Intralocus sexual conflict resolves the male-female, health-survival paradox was published in the journal Nature Communications. A mother-of-three claims she spent ten days in a psychiatric unit after being struck down by a number of physical and mental health problems that she has blamed on a contraceptive implant. Charlene Baldwin, 38, says her life was ruined after undergoing a ten-minute procedure eight years ago to insert the Essure implant, which has now been withdrawn. Ms Baldwin, from Rochester, Kent, said she felt 'destroyed' by the implant, and, traumatised, refuses to speak of the mental breakdown she experienced. She can now only walk with crutches, is unable to work and has to allow her nine-year-old daughter to help her get dressed after her health deteriorated following the non-surgical insertion. The Essure implant, which has driven women to the brink of suicide, has been withdrawn from sale across the world. The mother is one of thousands of women calling for the manufacturer Bayer to be held accountable for her 'years of suffering' and is seeking legal advice. Charlene Baldwin, 38, says her life was ruined when she had the Essure implant eight years ago. She spent ten days in a psychiatric unit due to the distress and pain it caused her The Essure implant, which has driven women to the brink of suicide, has been withdrawn from sale across the world. Women suffered problems such as chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancies, which was regarded as a 'fantastic new product' Ms Baldwin said: 'I started losing weight and bleeding heavily, I was in agony. I would be crying one minute, angry the next and just didn't know what to do with myself. 'Essure has destroyed me. My nine-year-old has to help get me dressed - no child should have to do that 'She has never known me to be well because she was only ten months old when I had it done.' Ms Baldwin claims she has been 'fobbed off' during repeat trips to doctors and just given other contraception. The former volunteer was quick to sign up to the procedure after her gynaecologist told her about the 'fantastic new product'. WHAT IS ESSURE? Essure is a permanent birth control procedure that involves inserting a tube into women's fallopian tubes. It is non-hormonal and causes the build-up of scar tissue that prevents eggs from reaching the womb. Accoding to Essure.com, it is 99.3 percent effective when used as a sole method of contraception. Vaginal bleeding, abdominal discomfort and cramping are expected after the procedure. Long-term risks include pain of varying intensity. In the US, more than 15,000 women have reported complications to the FDA, including pain, allergic reactions and 'migration of device'. Allergic reactions are thought to occur due to the device containing nickel and polyester. Advertisement This new product was Essure, a flexible coil is inserted into the fallopian tubes via the vagina and cervix. It was withdrawn by the manufacturer last year after claims some women suffered problems such as chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancies. More than 34,000 women across the world have complained of side effects in the years since it was marketed. It worked by blocking eggs from moving out of the fallopian tubes and into the womb. The device, inserted via the vagina, works by triggering the formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes. Ms Baldwin had the implant inserted eight years ago and spoke publicly about how it was so easy she was told to stop laughing half way through. Then aged 30, Ms Baldwin did not even require anaesthetic and was able to go straight home from Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham and prepare dinner for her daughters. The two tiny coils became surrounded by tissue barriers and her risk of an unplanned pregnancy were eliminated. Ms Baldwin, of Rochester, Kent, underwent an emergency hysterectomy five years ago to remove the implant. She was so desperate to have it removed she threatened her GP she would remove it herself with a pen knife. Five years later, her condition has not improved Ms Baldwin's nightmarish experience began less than a year later when she started having hot flushes and thought she was going through the menopause. Ms Baldwin claims to have spent 10 days in a psychiatric unit during her ordeal. However, she has not revealed when this was or where she stayed. She said: 'I started to think the problems must be linked to the implant. Then about four years ago I found a forum for women in a similar position. 'Out of 80 or 90 known side effects I've experienced all but ten and the problems were getting worse.' In some women, the devices have migrated or disintegrated, and the nickel titanium metal alloy and polyethelene terephthalate (PET) plastic fibres they are made from, have caused debilitating allergic reactions or cut into tissue, leaving women in excruciating pain or suffering nerve damage. Ms Baldwin, holding the medication she takes, is one of 34,000 women worldwide who have complained of side effects since having the implant In some cases, the device has been accused of puncturing holes in the fallopian tube, and even becoming dislodged before embedding elsewhere in the body. Ms Baldwin said: 'I went back to my gynaecologist and told him if he did not remove it I'd take it out with a pen knife - I was that desperate.' Five years after her implant was inserted, Ms Baldwin underwent an emergency hysterectomy - the only way to remove it other than taking out the oviduc due to how the coil attaches to the fallopian tubes. But Ms Baldwin's condition has not improved. Of the one million women worldwide estimated to have had the implant, thousands are to have had it removed. One gynaecologist who has removed 500 described it as becoming like a 'calcified nail' after a couple of years and can move around and risk piercing the Fallopian tubes. Manufacturer Bayer has stopped selling the product in the US, Europe and Australia - citing commercial reasons and negative publicity - but still denies there are any major problems with Essure, which has been shown to be 99.3 per cent effective. A spokesperson for Bayer said the company supports women and healthcare professionals who have 'questions or concerns' about the implant but urged women to first seek the advice of their doctor. She said: 'Bayer takes all reports of potential side effects very seriously and keeps the product information for all its products under constant review.' But Mrs Baldwin said she was never told what caused her health problems and that the medical report after her surgery was 'vague'. Medway Maritime Hospital said no formal complaints have been made from the 33 implants that have been carried out by the trust. Gurjit Mahil, chief operating officer for planned care at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'I'm very sorry to hear about Ms Baldwin's situation and I will ensure that her concerns are investigated if she would like us to do so. 'Every woman is entitled to safe and appropriate treatment. 'The Trust no longer offers the Essure implant to patients and has not undertaken any Essure implantation since the use of the device was suspended across Europe in 2017. 'A number of women in the UK and worldwide have experienced side-effects from the Essure implant in the years since it was approved for use, although it is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be due to unrelated gynaecological or wider health conditions. 'Although the Trust only implanted a small number of Essure devices before it was withdrawn from use, we are ready to support any women who are or suspect they may be experiencing side-effects from it. 'Please contact your GP in the first instance, and they will arrange an appointment with us if you need one.' The NHS is set to face a more challenging winter than last year, experts have warned on the back of a damning report. There were 102,821 vacancies for doctors and nurses across all trusts at the end of September, according to an NHS Improvement report. The number of people waiting more than a year for treatment at the end of the summer was 3,156 - compared to 1,778 for the same period in 2017. And trusts even announced they were 4.3billion in debt last quarter - the second in the 2018/19 period - due to rising patient demand. 'All trusts are warning that, despite improvements, this coming winter is likely to be more challenging than the last,' said Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers - the trade body that represents NHS services. 'The reality is, however hard trusts work, they cannot keep up with the growth in demand for care.' The health service is set to face a bleak winter, an NHS Improvement report suggests (stock) Figures also showed a quarter of a million more people visited A&E during the summer than during the same period in 2017. There were 940 more emergency admissions made every day between July and September compared to the hot months of last year. A total of 6.18million people visited A&E last summer - which is 252,360, or 4.3 per cent, more than the same period in 2017. The high A&E demand meant people had to wait longer for planned treatment, said NHS Improvement, which is responsible for all NHS-funded care The report also found NHS staff treated more emergency patients within the four-hour A&E standard - 5.52million compared with 5.34million for the previous quarter. Mr Hopson said trusts must be given realistic financial and performance targets over the next year. He added the report's figures 'reflect a very difficult summer for trusts and their staff'. '[Staff] have worked flat out to grapple with an unholy combination of rapidly rising demand, an ongoing financial squeeze and a once-in-a-generation workforce shortage problem,' he added. 'Once again, trusts have delivered a heroic performance, treating more patients than ever before within the A&E target, improving discharge rates and continuing to deliver stretching levels of financial savings. 'We have to be honest about the demand and workforce pressures in front of us and what it will take to meet these challenges. JUST HOW STRETCHED IS THE NHS? Waiting times at over-stretched A&E units are at their worst level since records began, according to official figures in April 2018. Experts said the NHS was in the grip of an 'eternal winter' and many hospitals are still struggling to cope with the unprecedented pressure. Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt was forced to admit it was the 'worst winter ever' amid a severe outbreak of flu and cold weather. Chiefs cancelled thousands of operations in a controversial move to ease pressure. And experts have suggested this may be the only option to stop a crisis next year. The latest monthly data from NHS England also shows that waiting times for routine operations, such as knee and hip replacements, are at their highest since 2004. And violent assaults on staff have risen by 10 per cent in a year partly driven by frustration with waiting times. Advertisement 'Trusts must be given realistic financial and operational performance targets next year that they can actually deliver. They must be properly funded to break the current cycle of ever worsening performance. 'And we still need more urgent action to address workforce shortages.' Ian Dalton, chief executive of NHS Improvement, added: 'The NHS is working flat out to ensure record numbers of patients get the care they need. Frontline staff and managers deserve tremendous praise for their heroism. 'But this achievement continues to come at a cost with performance targets not being met nationally and hospitals being unable to balance their books to cover the increased demand on their services. 'The long-term plan is our opportunity to fundamentally redesign how the NHS works so that it can continue to provide high-quality care for patients.' Trusts have identified savings they can make throughout the year and are planning to end 2018 80million better off than they were at the start of the financial year, the report added. At the end of the year, the sector forecasts a deficit of 558million, according to NHS Improvement, which is responsible for overseeing foundation trusts, NHS trusts and independent providers that provide NHS-funded care. The long-term plan for the NHS, which is being led by NHS Improvement and NHS England, is expected to be published next month. NHS Improvement said it will 'set out a clear path to recovery' to both sustain and improve patient care in England over the next decade. The plan will include how the 20.5billion of additional funding from the Government will be spent over the next five years from April. It will focus on preventing ill health and a commitment to invest 3.5billion a year in primary and community healthcare services to cut avoidable hospital admissions and help patients return home sooner. Women who snore are at greater risk than men of suffering a heart attack or stroke, research suggests. Scans showed women with sleep apnoea which can make sufferers snore have thicker heart walls than their male counterparts. German scientists found the same was true for women who snored but didnt have the common condition. Thicker heart walls can stiffen the muscle and make it harder for blood to be pumped around the body, reducing how much oxygen is sent to the muscles and brain. The researchers have yet to pinpoint why sleep apnoea affects the heart in this way and hope to perform larger trials in the future to confirm any link. Snoring is more dangerous for women than men, research suggests (stock) Researchers from Munich University Hospital analysed 4,481 people from the UK Biobank who had undergone a heart MRI scan. The participants were divided into three groups: 118 who were diagnosed with OSA, 1,886 who claimed to snore and 2,477 with neither. 'Our analysis showed that in both genders of the OSA and snoring groups there was an increase in left ventricular mass, lead author Dr Adrian Curta said. He added this means the walls of the heart's main pumping chamber are enlarged, making the heart work harder. When comparing the snorers to those who slept peacefully, the researchers found women had a larger left ventricular mass than the men. 'We found that the cardiac parameters in women appear to be more easily affected by the disease, Dr Curta added. He continued that women who snore or suffer from OSA may be at greater risk for cardiac involvement. The findings suggest snoring can gradually evolve into OSA in a process that is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy - a large, thick left ventricular wall. Dr Curta presented the study at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago. The researchers fear thousands arent being diagnosed with OSA because the prevalence of the condition in the study was extremely low. Dr Curta stresses people who snore should get screened for OSA, while those diagnosed with the condition should ensure they are being properly treated. 'I would encourage people who snore to ask their partner to observe them and look for phases during sleep when they stop breathing for a short while and then gasp for air,' he said. 'If unsure, they can spend the night at a sleep lab where breathing is constantly monitored during sleep and even slight alterations can be recorded.' Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting breathing. Loud snoring is a common symptom of the condition, as well as laboured breathing, gasping for air and daytime fatigue. OSA is thought to affect between four and 10 per cent of people in the UK. In the US, around 22million people are believed to suffer. Treatment depends on a patient's OSA cause. Weight loss, for example, can improve the condition in overweight people. Cutting down on alcohol and sleeping on your side can also help. Surgery and special machines can also keep the upper airways open at night. Zapping parts of the brain with electricity could beat the blues, a new study suggests. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), say they have found an 'effective target' in the brain for electrical stimulation to improve the mood of people suffering from depression. Their findings, published in the journal Current Biology, show stimulation of a brain region called the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) reliably produced 'acute' improvements. The study was small - involving just 25 patients - but its results were promising, and may point scientists toward a new and improved target for treating even the most difficult cases of depression. Delivering electrical impulses to the poorly-understood OFC region of the brain consistently helped depressed epilepsy patients within just three minutes in a new small study (file image) Nearly half of depression patients (an estimated 45 percent) have treatment resistant forms of the mood disorder. Talk, behavioral and drug therapies all fail these patients, leaving them at dramatically increased risks of suicide. Doctors are trying to develop alternative therapies to provide those with treatment resistant depression some relief, experimenting with everything from electroshock therapy to ketamine, psychedelic drugs and, of course, brain stimulation. The brain's regions communicate with one another through electrical impulses that form connections between these brain areas. In depressed brains, there is often too much activity in some areas of the brain or too little in others. Deep brain stimulation is sometimes used to help treat some forms of Parkinson's disease, but trials fr depression have yielded mixed results. Most areas that scientists have tried 'zapping' with the rather invasive procedure have not provided consistent benefits. The few that have shown more solid signs of working have been tested in small trials with slightly shaky methodology. Though it's still small, the new UCSCF study mad the more superficial OFC brain region look like a better safer target. Patients' symptoms improved almost instantly when their brains were zapped. The effects were not seen in patients without mood symptoms, which the researchers say suggests that the brain stimulation works to normalize erratic activity in mood-related neural circuitry. Dr Kristin Sellers, a postdoc researcher at UCSF said: 'Patients said things like 'Wow, I feel better,' 'I feel less anxious,' 'I feel calm, cool and collected'. 'And just anecdotally, you could see the improvements in patients' body language. They smiled, they sat up straighter, they started to speak more quickly and naturally.' She added: 'Although OFC is a more superficial target, it shares rich interconnections with several brain regions implicated in emotion processing.' Dr Sellers said that made the relatively small brain area an attractive target for therapeutic stimulation. A team led by Dr Sellers and Dr Vikram Rao in the lab of Professor Edward Chang studied 25 patients with epilepsy who had electrodes placed in the brain for medical reasons to pinpoint the origin of their seizures. Many of the patients also suffered from depression, which is often seen in people with epilepsy. With the patients' consent, Prof Chang's team took advantage of the electrodes to deliver small electrical pulses to areas of the brain thought to be involved in regulating mood. Dr Rao said: 'Stimulation induced a pattern of activity in brain regions connected to OFC that was similar to patterns seen when patients naturally experienced positive mood states. 'Our findings suggest that OFC is a promising new stimulation target for treatment of mood disorders.' Previous studies have explored deep brain stimulation (DBS) for mood disorders, but its success depends critically on target selection. Targets in other mood-related areas deep in the brain hadn't always led to reliable improvements. For the new study, the researchers focused their attention and the electrical stimulation on the OFC, which is a key hub for mood-related circuitry. But the region also widely regarded as a bit of a mystery compared to other parts of the brain. The researchers used the implanted electrodes to stimulate OFC and other brain regions while collecting verbal mood reports and questionnaire scores. The changes in brain activity the researchers observed after stimulation closely resembled those seen when people are in a good mood. Prof Chang said: 'The OFC has been called one of the least understood regions in the brain, but it is richly connected to various brain structures linked to mood, depression and decision making, making it very well positioned to coordinate activity between emotion and cognition.' The researchers say their findings show that mood can be immediately improved by electrical stimulation of a relatively small area of brain. and also add to evidence that mood disorders are the result of dysfunction in brain circuits. But they said that plenty of work remains before DBS could enter routine clinical practice. Dr Rao said: 'Ultimately, it would be ideal if activity in mood-related brain circuits could be normalised indefinitely without patients needing to do anything.' Dr Heather Dawes, who helped to oversee the research, added: 'The more we understand about depression at this level of brain circuitry, the more options we may have for offering patients effective treatments with a low risk of side effects. 'Perhaps by understanding how these emotion circuits go wrong in the first place, we can even one day help the brain 'unlearn' depression. A New York couple has died of carbon monoxide poisoning just days after arriving in Mexico for a short vacation. Edward Winders and his partner Barbara Moller, both 76, of Burnt Hills, were staying in San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico. The owner of their Airbnb rental went to check on them on November 24 after she hadn't heard from them in several days and found them dead. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas known as a silent killer because it is virtually undetectable by humans without technology. Authorities revealed the apartment the couple were staying in did not have a carbon monoxide detector and now their children are facing legal and language barriers to bringing them home. Edward Winders and Barbara Moller both 76, of Burnt Hills, New York, checked into their Airbnb rental in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, on November 15. Pictured: Winders and Moller After not hearing from them for several days, the owner of the property went to check on them and found them dead. Pictured: Winders and Moller Winders's son Eric told WNYT that the couple checked into their apartment on November 15 but hadn't contacted anyone for several days. Eric said he thought this was unusual because his father usually called or messaged him every day. He and his sister Jennifer received calls from the US Embassy in San Miguel the day after the couple's bodies were found. Privacy laws prevented San Miguel authorities from telling Eric and Jennifer much aside from telling them they needed notarized documents to prove they are the next of kin. Eric and Jennifer were also told that if they didn't claim the bodies in 48 hours, they would be buried in a common grave, as dictated by San Miguel law. 'Not knowing and not being able to talk to the police that well about it, we sort of went into panic mode,' Eric told WNYT. 'They both wanted to be cremated and so how do we make sure that we can claim the bodies?' The children traveled to San Miguel where they learned police were holding onto the bodies while they conducted an investigation. Officials in San Miguel have determined that Winders and Moller (pictured) died of carbon monoxide asphyxiation and that the apartment the couple was staying in did not have a detector Authorities told them that Winders and Moller died of carbon monoxide asphyxiation from a heating unit. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by burning fuels such as wood, oil, coal and gasoline. When there is too much CO in the air, the body replaces oxygen found in red blood cells with the gas. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. If left untreated, large amounts of CO can cause you to lose consciousness and suffocate to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO poisoning contributes to more than 5,600 smoke inhalation deaths annually in the US. The gas is referred to as a silent killer because it is virtually undetectable by humans without technology. CO detectors analyze levels over time and set an alarm off if there are dangerous levels in the air, giving people adequate time to leave the space. The Airbnb apartment the couple was renting did not have a carbon monoxide monitor. 'This type of thing shouldn't happen when it comes down to it,' Eric said. 'There's no reason that anyone should die this way.' Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. When there is too much CO in the air, the body replaces oxygen found in red blood cells with the gas, which can cause you to suffocate. Pictured: Winders with his children, Eric and Jennifer The couple's children are now facing legal and language barriers to bring the pair home so they can be buried. Pictured: Winder (second from right) and Moller (far right) with friends Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring the couple's bodies home. So far, more than $12,000 has been raised out of a $15,000 goal. Eric is urging everyone who may be traveling over the next month for the holidays to check that where they are staying has a carbon monoxide detector and, if not, to buy on themselves. 'We put people in these places where there's a perceived level of trust involved whether it be facilitating or having rentals facilitated online and also trusting a landowner or a building owner,' he said. 'Unfortunately their trust was broken in this manner and they lost their lives because of it.' Eric says the family has not decided on whether or not to press charges. This is not the first time vacationers have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Mexico. In May, a family of four from Iowa died from poisoning while staying in rented condo in Tulum, a town on the Gulf. A mother-of-three who has been tormented since she was a child has learnt to accept her facial deformities that once left her suicidal. Christine Mae Brown, 56, was treated so cruelly by schoolchildren that at 13 years old she 'wanted to die'. Mrs Brown, from Invercargill, New Zealand, had sticks thrown at her and was told she 'ruined photos' by bullies that were scared of catching the genetic condition that 'invaded her face'. Mrs Brown, a volunteer co-ordinator, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) after noticeable spots began to appear on her face when she was five years old. Now married with three children, one of which has NF1, she has learnt to live with her condition, after having 20 surgeries including to debulk the growths, a face lift and facial reconstruction surgery. NF1 is a common genetic condition that affects one in 3,000 people in the UK to some extent. It is incurable. Christine Mae Brown, 56, pictured in 2012, has neurofibromatosis type 1 for which she has had 20 surgeries for. The genetic condition affects one in 3,000 people in the UK Bullies who feared 'catching' the condition threw sticks, stones, and faeces at Mrs Brown, as well as calling her names such as 'rock muncher' (pictured as a teenager) Mrs Brown, 56, a volunteer co-ordinator, said strength from her family have taught her to accept herself. Pictured, her husband of 26 years Lee, daughter Farrin, now 18, and Cohen, now 25, who also has NF1, in 2012 NF1 is caused by a faulty gene, which can result to tumours developing in the nervous systems. While the tumours are of the non-cancerous kind, they may cause a range of symptoms such as; pale, coffee-coloured patches, clusters of freckles in uncommon places like the armpits, groin and under the breast, and problems with the bones, eyes and the nervous system. Mrs Brown said: 'Tumours appeared and my face and grew, dragging down the right side of my face, eye and ear and the tumours started to appear on my body. 'I didn't know or understand the full impact of bullying until I got to school. From the age of five I was bullied right through school and it continued even after that. 'I was called names like; fat face, rock muncher, rocky, freak, ugly. I was beaten with sticks and stones were thrown at me. 'I was pushed, kicked, pinched, had poo thrown at me and I was also locked in a cupboard at school by kids and vomited on.' She added: 'I managed to turn myself off when looking in a mirror, it's actually quite hard to explain. 'I wanted to fit in, I wanted my kids to fit in, but society didn't understand. They never asked or were afraid to talk to me in case they "caught" what I had.' Mrs Brown had her first operation at the age of seven. They continued roughly once a year until she was the age of 13, when the operations became more frequent. Mrs Brown, pictured with her two brothers, Tony (left) and Alan (right), was diagnosed with NF1 when she was five years old when noticeable spots, and then tumours, appeared on her face Children were scared of catching Mrs Brown's condition, which is genetic, throughout her whole school life. (Pictured second row on far right) She said: 'Until this day, I can hear the cries of children as they were lowered into salt baths to soak of bandages while I was in the children's ward.' At the age of 18, Mrs Brown decided to take a break for a few years as she felt they weren't making much difference. 'I have always accepted what I could not physically change, however, it was society that made my life difficult through bullying to a point that at the age of thirteen I had enough and wanted to die.' The torment followed Mrs Brown even into adulthood, when she married her partner of 33 years, Lee, in 1992 and had her three children, Janina, 31, Cohen 25, and Farrin, 18. She said: 'It also affected my children who received a lot of name-calling because of the way I looked. 'My youngest child was even told to go and kill herself. I would avoid photos after being told many times that I ruined photos.' Mrs Brown's believes her condition came from her grandmother on her mother's side and it was passed on to Mrs Brown and her brother, who died of pneumonia and kidney failure when he was 23 years old. At 13 years old, Mrs Brown 'wanted to die' following the cruel torments from bullies (pictured at age 13) Mrs Brown has endured 20 surgeries including face lifts and facial reconstruction (pictured in hospital during an operation) Mrs Brown married in 1992 to her husband Lee. 'We were prepared to face whatever came our way,' she said, speaking of having children who would potentially have NF1 'We are not really sure where NF in our family came from it can be traced only as far back as my grandmother on my mother's side. 'My mother and her sister both had NF1. This was passed onto me and my younger brother who died at 23.' Mrs Brown's son, Cohen, has inherited the condition. 'I knew when we chose to have children that it was possible that we could pass on the gene,' said Mrs Brown. 'But we were prepared to face whatever came our way and my son who is now 25 does not hold this against me.' Mrs Brown's surgery journey picked up again last year, when she was offered to have bone inserted into her face as reconstruction. It was the solution to persistent ear infections, but was what Mrs Brown had been 'promised' all her life. In July 2017, she had the biggest surgery in her history, lasting 16 hours. She said: 'They removed bone from my right leg and shaped and inserted it into my face. They hooked it up my ear and eye. 'Then in February this year I had another operation. This time bone was removed from my skull and inserted into my face to give me a cheek bone. 'I am waiting to have one more final operation - a small one to lift my a bit more.' Through the love of her family and sheer strength, Mrs Brown, has decided to embrace her condition to teach her children how to accept themselves. 'I can forgive but I cannot forget although I have healed from that by talking openly about the effects of NF and bullying. 'I love myself for who I am and how I have grown up - to help others and advocate against bullying. Mrs Brown, who has done a number of anti-bullying talks in New Zealand, took comfort in reading as a child when she was at her lowest. She said: 'I never fought back physically or verbally... As a child I turned to reading and Enid Blyton books, which became my saviour - I could take myself away to a world of make-believe and fantasy. 'You could become a fairy or an elf and, in her books, bullies always made friends with the kids they picked on. As I got older, I continued to ignore it the best I could. 'Telling someone would only make things worse and the friends I had were good but were only kids too. I was lucky enough to grow up in a cul-de-sac street and it was my safe area as was my home.' Mrs Brown has embraced her condition to teach her children, who were also bullied because of her condition, how to love themselves. Pictured with her husband (left) and daughter (right) Mrs Brown has grown to focus on the positives in life, such as the grandchildren she now has. She said: 'My family love me for who I am and always have done, I have brought them up to accept people for themselves as beauty comes from within. 'I only have a few friends but not close. However, I now receive positive comments on how good I look. 'Remember we are not 'NF', we are a person with feelings. See the person first - you cannot catch it from us - understanding and asking is a big thing. 'People should not stare although we know it's hard, but we are not alone; many others have NF and other health issues and conditions.' Mrs Brown added: 'We don't have the right to judge a person on how they look in any way - think before you speak as words cut deep to our very souls. 'Be open - yes I know it is hard to open up, but sharing is the only way we can make people understand. 'I know it is hard to ignore the stares and the words which are negative, but you are you and a person with a heart and feelings. Stand strong and be a voice.' Cohen has recently been approved medical cannabis to help with the pain he gets from NF1. However, it is not funded by the government and the family are trying to raise money with a fundraising page. The number of pregnant women who are hooked on meth and opioids has risen dramatically, a new study has found. Researchers say the rate of meth-affected births doubled from 1.2 per 1,000 in 2008 to 2.4 in 2015. Meanwhile the rate of opioid-affected births quadrupled from 1.5 per 1,000 deliveries in 2004 to 6.5 in 2015. The rural Northeast was found to have the highest incidence of maternal opioid use with almost three percent of all deliveries experiencing complications because of it. The research team, from the University of Michigan, says more and earlier intervention is vital especially among meth-addicted pregnant women before this newer epidemic becomes as large of a scale as the opioid crisis. A new study has found the rate of meth-affected births doubled from 1.2 per 1,000 in 2008 to 2.4 in 2015 and the rate of opioid-affected births quadrupled from 1.5 per 1,000 in 2004 to 6.5 in 2015 Methamphetamine declined in popularity in the mid-2000s after Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Act. The law limited over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine - a sinus decongestant used to make meth - and required pharmacies to keep a record of all purchases made. However, as cheaper methods were found to make meth, the drug experienced a resurgence. For the study, the team looked at 47 million deliveries occurring in US hospitals between 2004 and 2015 from the National Inpatient Sample compiled by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). OPIOIDS IN AMERICA: BY THE NUMBERS Opioid prescriptions are going down across the US, but overdoses are not. Last year, the rate of opioid overdose deaths hit a record high, with around 200 Americans dying every day, according to new figures, published by the DEA earlier this month. US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar insists the tide has turned. However, doctors warn the boom in prescriptions flooded the market with unused pills, some of which may have made it onto the black market. An in-depth analysis of 2016 US drug overdose data shows that America's overdose epidemic is spreading geographically and increasing across demographic groups. Drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016 and increased to 70,237 in 2017. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Overdose deaths increased in all categories of drugs examined for men and women, people ages 15 and older, all races and ethnicities, and across all levels of urbanization. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement HCUP is a federal index that catalogs various hospital care data, including information on in-patient stays, ambulatory surgery and services visits, and emergency department encounters. Researchers found more than 82,000 deliveries included one or more meth use diagnoses. On top of that, more than 170,000 deliveries had one or more opioid use diagnoses. In both groups, the highest proportion of women were white, from lower-income communities and were using public health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. A disproportionate rise of meth and opioid use was also found to occur in rural counties. By 2015, the highest incidence of meth-use was found to be among pregnant women in the rural West, complicating about one percent of all deliveries. Opioid use was highest among pregnant women in the Northeast, complicating a staggering 28.7 per 1,000 deliveries. 'In the mid-2000s, meth use dropped off the radar of the scientific community,' co-author Dr Lindsay Admon, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of Michigan's Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, told DailyMail.com. 'So when we looked at the specific types of substances driving this disparity, we were surprised to find that meth use accounted for such a significant portion.' She adds that there are few to no studies that have looked at meth-use in pregnancy in the last decade. The 'gold standard' of treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder is medication such as methadone to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. Unfortunately, the same is not true when it comes to treating meth addiction, with the primary source of treatment being cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr Admon says that rural counties have experienced some of the worst of the epidemic, with residents having greater access to opioids and limited access to treatment centers. 'In rural areas, pregnant women have more difficulty accessing addiction treatment because there are few providers that may feel comfortable treating pregnant women with addiction,' she said. She also adds that there are laws in many states that criminalize pregnant women who use or abuse drugs. 'It may discourage them from disclosing their drug use,' Dr Admon said. 'Not only do they have limited treatment resources already, but we could be making it potentially more dangerous for them. Disproportionate use was found in rural counties, especially the rural West for meth and the rural Northeast for opioids The authors also note that NICUs in rural areas may not have adequate resources to provide care to babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is when a baby experiences health issues while withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. Several studies have shown the devastating consequences opioid use disorder can have on both pregnant women and their babies. According to the Mayo Clinic, opioids can cross from the mother's blood stream to the placenta and enter the fetal central nervous system. Complications that can be faced include preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and even miscarriage. However, the new study found the risk of maternal morbidity and the above complications was 1.6 times higher among meth-addicted pregnant women than opioid-addicted pregnant women. The team says more intervention is needed and hopes its findings lead to the development of treatment programs in the geographical areas most affected by the epidemic. 'Some interventions we can implement are screening woman and screening women consistently,' Dr Admon said. 'But it's not just about screening but doing something with that information. These are mechanisms we need to implement to convince pregnant women with addiction enter to evidence-based treatment.' It comes on the heels of new figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which showed that drug overdose deaths soared by 10 percent in 2017 topping 70,000. It means that, in the last 20 years, the overdose death rate has increased nearly four-fold, from 6.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 to 21.7 last year. MickeyCZ/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Nearly 160,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Europe in 2017, the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe said in a news release Wednesday, calling the latest figures "alarming." The figures are drastically different within the European Union, though, when compared with the eastern part of the region. WHO says that within the EU, new diagnoses actually fell. They attribute that news to a 20 percent decrease in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men since 2015. More than 130,000 of the new diagnoses came from the eastern part of Europe. Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, called the figures "unacceptably high," adding that the region is "not on course to meet the 90-90-90 standards by the 2020 deadline." Those standards, proposed by the United Nations program on AIDS in 2013, would see 90 percent of all people living with HIV be aware of their status, 90 percent with diagnosed HIV be receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 90 percent of those receiving antiretroviral therapy be experiencing viral suppression. The standards were considered ambitious at the time. Despite our efforts, HIV still damages the lives of so many people, and causes not only much suffering and illness, but also discrimination and stigmatization," said Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. "A lot of progress has been made, but there is still much more we must do." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The U.S. Constitution contains an implicit guarantee of an education, argues a new federal lawsuit, and the failure of public schools to prioritize civics is depriving students of that right and preventing them from effectively exercising other key rights, like voting. The lawsuit is the latest in a recent wave to attempt to locate a constitutional right to an educationa holy grail of sorts for education advocates . But its a right that federal courts have been reluctant to recognize since, ruling more than 40 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court said that the Constitutions 14th amendment equal-protection clause did not cover disparities in local school district funding. Filed in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island on behalf of more than a dozen students there, A.C. v. Raimondo alleges that the state has violated students rights under multiple sections of the U.S. Constitution by failing to provide an education that prepares them adequately to vote, to exercise free speech, petition the government, actively engage in civic life and exercise all of their constitutional rights. The lawsuit advances several new legal theories to make this case. And while it doesnt explicitly spell out just what would constitute adequate preparation for citizenship, it is clearly higher than the minimally adequate standard that has been used in a variety of state funding lawsuits. We have a much more robust definition of what basic education for citizenship is compared to other education lawsuits filed in federal court, said Michael Rebell, the lead counsel on the case and an education law professor at Teachers College, Columbia University well known for his work on state level school-funding lawsuits. And were going to be as creative as possible. Multiple Previous Attempts Nixed Historically, the biggest stumbling block to this kind of litigation has been the precedent set in 1973s San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that that the Constitution did not contain an educational guarantee under the 14th Amendments equal protection clause. As a result, education funding lawsuits pivoted to states for the next 40 years, because nearly all enshrine a right to education in their own constitutions. Many of those lawsuits have been successful, and others less so. But the tantalizing notion of having federal courts affirm an implied right to education in the U.S. Constitution has emerged again, not only because of its symbolism but also because it could force sweeping changes in many states. In recent years, high-powered education lawyers have been testing out a series of different approaches, in a variety of federal courts. They argue that the much-cited Rodriguez case also opened the door tobut didnt addressthe question of whether the Constitution might guarantee some level of minimum education to become a productive citizen. In the intervening 40 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled on that question; the new spate of lawsuits have sought to force an answer. In a 2016, a legal team argued that the failure of Michigan to give Detroit students access to literacy instruction deprived them of their constitutional right to equal protection . A separate case seeking more school choice options in Connecticut, also filed in 2016, argued that students in poor-performing Connecticut schools were similarly deprived of equal protection under the 14th amendment. Both cases were nixed by federal district court judges. The new lawsuit is broader in its aims and moves forward on several new prongs. For one, it explicitly ties the lack of civics education in Rhode Island to young peoples inability to exercise a host of constitutional rights Links to Other Constitutional Rights Not only does the lack of education fall afoul of equal protectionthe argument the prior lawsuits have centered onbut it also contravenes the 6th and 7th amendments, which establish protections for a jury trial. In effect, the lawsuit says, citizens cannot effectively serve on a jury or be tried before one if they are not guaranteed an education capable of preparing them for that crucial duty. In an unusual new feature, the lawsuit also says that Rhode Island has breached Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitutiona portion of the document that has been rarely cited in modern legal arguments. That section contains the a guarantee that every state will establish a republican form of government. Whats an obscure section of the Constitution doing in this lawsuit? The theory of action behind this charge, though not elaborated on in the filing, appears to be derived from a Stanford Law Review article from earlier this year. Written by Derek W. Black, a professor of law at the University of South Carolina, the law review article notes that the during Reconstruction, as the U.S. government began to approve Southern states acceptance back into the union, it forced those states that did not already have a public education system to guarantee one in their own constitutions to meet the Article 4, Section 4 requirement for a republican government. And following the ratification of the 14th amendment, the U.S. government also required Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia to do the same, which means that the provision of education is implicit within the 14th Amendment, too, Black argued. I believe theres an extremely strong, historically easy-to-see argument for why theres a fundamental right to an education, Black said in an interview. I think theres a better chance of getting a substantive answer out of the Section 4 claim than on the 14th Amendment claim made in the other cases ... Does that mean theyll get one? No. But I think theres a better chance. Black is not involved in the new litigation. In a sense, then, the lawsuits arguments are as much historical as they are legal. The filing makes a point of emphasizing Horace Mann and other early public school advocates, whose purpose in setting up common schools was explicitly for preparing young citizens. Education Weeks ongoing series, Citizen Z: Teaching Civics in a Divided Nation is now live! Check out the new stories. The lawsuit also faults the standards movement of the past three decades for prioritizing reading and math at the expense of other subjects. Districts are cannibalizing civics education because they need to comply with standards in math and reading, and in order to be economically well off, you need both, said Samuel Zurer, one of the lead lawyers for the plaintiffs. The students in the lawsuit, all Rhode Island secondary students, said that they felt something was missing in their preparation. Too many classmates are apathetic or uninformed about their civic responsibilities, said senior Ahmed Sesay. At Classical High School, supposedly the best in the stateBlue Ribbon, U.S. News and all thatall those qualifiers still dont get the school to recognize that a lot of students are leaving the best school in the state still unprepared for making actual adult decisions, he said. Ive had students in class with me who are old enough to vote and would just be like, I dont want to because I dont see how its going to affect me, or I dont think its going to change much. In fact, while the plaintiffs could have filed the lawsuit in any federal court, they said in a press call with reporters that they selected Rhode Island thanks to a confluence of factors. The state does not require students to take or pass any civics courses or exams. (Education Week came to a similar conclusion in its recent survey of states high school history and civics requirements .) Several state-level lawsuits seeking to secure greater funding for Rhode Island schools have failed to gain traction in the state judiciaryin contrast to lawsuits in states like New Jersey, Washington, and Kansas. And the state pays for little teacher training in civics and government Whatever the judge decides at the district court level is nearly certain to be appealed, and could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Thats more likely to happen if district courts reach different conclusions on the matter; earlier this week, the legal team bringing the Detroit case appealed the lower courts decision. Rebell said hed welcome it if the Supreme Court combined and took up both cases. Daarel Burnette II contributed reporting from Providence, R.I. Image: Getty Speaking at the event, Lao Consul General to HCM City Somxay Sanamoune affirmed under the guidance of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the country gained great achievements in building and protecting the country over the past 43 years. He also highlighted the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in various fields between the two nations. Vietnam has a total capital investment of more than US$4.1 billion in Laos, ranking third among countries and territories investing in this country. Vietnam-Lao bilateral trade turnover reached US$758 million in the first 9 months of this year. By THUY VU Translated by Kim Khanh A woman's lips swelled to twice their normal size after she had mouth fillers at a 'Botox party' in a friend's living room. Rachael Knappier, 29, only intended to have the wrinkle-erasing injection in her forehead but, after a few glasses of Prosecco, decided to have her lips plumped at a cost of 220 at the end of August. The beautician mistakenly injected the filler into an artery, which caused her mouth to swell within hours, cutting off the blood supply to her lips. After being sent home from A&E, Ms Knappier, of Leicestershire, took it upon herself to contact a cosmetic-surgery expert, who warned she may lose her top lip if the tissue started to die. Three days later, Ms Knappier was left screaming in pain while doctors injected her lips with a dissolving agent. Three months on, her mouth is almost back to its normal size. Rachael Knappier's mouth swelled to twice its normal size after she had fillers injected into her lips at a 'Botox party' in a friend's living room. Pictured before the incident, which took place at the end of August, her lips are only just getting back to normal three months later Pictured at their worst, experts told Ms Knappier the beautician likely injected the filler into an artery, which could have caused the tissue to die and meant she nearly lost her top lip Botox and fillers make up around nine out of 10 non-surgical treatments performed in the UK, and are a multi-billion pound industry. Lip fillers cost around 300 at specialist clinics but are available on the High Street for as little as 99. Nikki Milovanovic, a spokeswoman for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, warned that although it is a prescription-only medicine, many unscrupulous 'practitioners' get hold of Botox online. Legally, fillers can only be injected by a prescribing clinician or under their supervision. But Ms Milovanovic warned courses to inject fillers can take just half a day. MOST HAVE BOTOX TO GET A 'COMPETITIVE EDGE' AT WORK The boom in Botox is being driven by patients wanting to look better at work, a small survey found last August. To get a better idea of the trend, researchers at Northwestern University polled 511 people to get an idea of what's motivating them, in the first multi-center observational study ever performed. They found one of the most common reasons for patients getting Botox or fillers was to look 'better' in a professional context, while those who wanted the procedures for themselves were in the minority Dishearteningly, the vast majority (69.5 per cent) had turned to cosmetic surgery 'not simply to look attractive, but to address serious psychological and emotional issues'. Advertisement Ms Knappier previously had Botox in her forehead and once had a small dose of filler in her top lip to even out a bump she has had since she hit her face against a door as a teenager. Although she planned on getting her lip 'topped up', she did not intend to have the injection at the party until the beautician pointed out the bump on her lip - which Ms Knappier calls her 'weakness'. This combined with copious amounts of alcohol persuaded Ms Knappier to have the procedure. 'There was fizz and cake and it was a bit of a conveyor belt with girls sitting in the kitchen waiting their turn with local anaesthetic cream on their faces,' she told The Sun. 'The beautician who I assumed at the time was a nurse didnt ask me to sign any consent forms so alarm bells should have rung. But being at a party with friends took away all the seriousness of having filler injected into my face.' Her lips began to swell within just a few hours, which left Ms Knappier in excruciating pain Ms Knappier rushed to A&E, where she was told it was not an allergic reaction. Wanting a second opinion, she contacted a cosmetic-surgery expert, who injected a dissolving agent into her lips while Ms Knappier cried out in pain. She has since sworn off Botox parties for life Once the reaction set in, a panicked Ms Knappier Facetimed the beautician in distress, who told her to get to A&E. While there, doctors reportedly told her she was not having an allergic reaction and should have the filler dissolved by a beautician. Still concerned, Ms Knappier rang her mother, who suggested she contact the 'non-surgical facial rejuvenation' company Consultant Clinic. The owner reportedly told her it looked like the filler had been injected into an artery, which can kill the tissue if its blood supply gets cut off. With her lips almost back to normal, Ms Knappier said she will never attend a Botox party again and just assumed people who inject fillers have been to medical school. Antonia Mariconda, founder of the Safety in Beauty campaign, is urging the Government to ban non-healthcare professionals from carrying out these procedures and encourages women to seek out medical experts when having Botox. A mother-of-three with twins on the way has finally found a perfect match to donate bone marrow and save her life from leukemia just a few days before she is due to give birth. Susie Rabaca, 36, of Carson, California, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in September, when she was approaching the third trimester of her pregnancy. To beat the blood cancer, she needs a bone marrow transplant, but only one of her family members was even close to a match, and even out of 300 million registered donors on BeTheMatch.org, no one was a perfect fit for Rabaca. So, she took to TV last week, begging anyone and everyone to register, and see if they might be a match for her or any of the other 12,000 Americans waiting for a donor. Her story went viral, and another 50,000 people signed up for BeTheMatch, a record for the nonprofit, NBC reported. And one of those was people was a perfect match for Rabaca. Her daughter (unidentified, left) keeps Susie Rabaca's (right) helped her mother make a public call for more bone marrow donors and now Rabaca has found her perfect match Rabaca's fast-moving blood cancer mutates the bone marrow, which produces new blood cells. It can quickly take over the production of these cells, forcing the marrow to instead churn out malfunctioning blood that can't fight infection or clot as well. AML is among the most aggressive forms of leukemia, but can sometimes be cured - if a patient gets a bone marrow transplant. But that is easier said than done for Rabaca, whose blood profile is difficult to match because she is both Latina and Caucasian, Fox11 reported. She intends to have a transplant just after her twins are born - on December 6 if all goes to plan - but with just weeks to go, Rabaca was still searching for a donor until she took her story public. Leukemia comes in many forms, some of which strike children, while others are more likely to develop in adults. Because they affect the blood, leukemias don't form tumors, but can become widespread throughout the body. Broadly speaking, leukemia is expected to strike about 60,300 people in the US this year. The first indications of leukemia are somewhat subtle, including joint or bone pain, unusual levels of fatigue, dizziness, fever or loss of appetite. A little less than one third of these will be AML, according to the American Cancer Society. Rabaca was one of those people. In September, her doctors told her that she would need a bone marrow transplant if she was going to survive. Treatments and prognoses for leukemia are as diverse as the types of the blood cancer and the people that get it, and quite different from other cancer treatments. Rabaca has an aggressive form of leukemia that saps her energy, but that hasn't stopped her from tirelessly advocating for more people to donate bone marrow While surgery would be the first line of treatment for many cancers in their earlier stages, neither an operation nor radiation therapy are typically used to treat AML. Chemotherapy is an effective way to kill cancer cells of most types, but it has to be used judiciously because it can be so destructive to healthy cells. This is certainly the case for AML. Because it produces new blood cells, the bone marrow is too precious to target to heavily with chemo on its own. But when chemo drugs are given with stem cells in a bone marrow transplant, the body is more resilient. Doctors are certain that this is the treatment plan that Rabaca needs - but they can't find bone marrow to treat her with. Rabaca tried family members. Only her sister was a match at all, and only a partial one, so if her marrow was used, the grueling procedure might not even work. Rabaca is mixed race - Caucasian and Latina - which makes it far harder for her to find a match, even among 30 million donors So Rabaca joined BeTheMatch.org, a system meant to match donors with recipients in need. When none of the 40 million registered donors had similar enough genes, she resolved to widen donor pool herself. On NBC News, she made a call for anyone and everyone to give her and the other 12,000 or so people who need a marrow donor the ultimate gift this holiday season. 'What I need people to do is join and they send you a kit, a little swab for your mouth, send it back, and if youre my match its as simple as a blood draw, and that can possibly save my life,' she said in a tearful interview with Fox11. In order for a bone marrow transplant to be safe and effective, a donor and recipient have to have sufficiently similar DNA, at least in a group of genes called the HLA system. People of the same ethnic groups tend to have the most similar clusters of these particular genes. So if you are from a smaller minority group, there are fewer people with similar HLA genes to yours. If you are mixed-race, the odds become even more slim. Some 50,000 donors and just a few days later, Rabaca has her match. 'Finding my match is everything to me, so I can be here for the three children I have, and the two that I have on the way, its everything,' she told Fox11. 'Its so easy, theres no painful procedure, theres no surgery its just swab your mouth and its as simple as a blood draw, and you can save somebodys life, if not mine, somebody else's.' Now, Rabaca will be living proof of that mantra. 'Oh my god, to me its beyond amazing joy and happiness, it really is. Its so exciting, its the best Christmas gift,' she told NBC. For the first time in a decade, the number of uninsured children in America has risen, a new report has found. Researchers from Georgetown University in Washington, DC say that in 2017 - the first year of the Trump administration - around 3.9 million kids did not have insurance, an increase of 276,000 from the year before. Shockingly, 75 percent of the children who lost coverage were confined to the 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage, which is a provision of the Affordable Care Act. Health experts say the findings are troubling because the economy is improving and the unemployment rate is low, which usually leads to a decrease in kids without health insurance. A new report has found the number of uninsured children in America has risen from 3.6 million in 2016 to 3.9 million in 2017 Around 75 percent of the children who lost coverage live in states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage, which is a provision of the Affordable Care Act According to the report, no state - except for the District of Columbia - experienced a significant decrease in uninsured children. However, more than 40 percent of kids without health insurance were found to live in four states: California, Florida, Georgia and Texas. Florida and Texas are the two largest US states that have not expanded Medicaid, the report notes. The Lone Star State had 80,000 more uninsured children in 2017 while the Sunshine State had 37,00 more uninsured kids. The report also found that Hispanic and Native American children were up to 2.5 times more likely to be uninsured than white or black children. 'The absence of significant progress across the country suggests that even states with the best intentions were unable to withstand strong national currents to protect children from losing health coverage,' the authors wrote. Although there is no single factor at fault, Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of Georgetown's Center for Children and Families, blames the Trump administration and Congress's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cap federal Medicaid funding. 'There are two trends going on. In 2017, Congress spent a lot of time trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act and, while that was happening, the Senate let the Children's Health Insurance Plan run out of funding,' she told DailyMail.com 'So there was this unprecedented delay for Congress to fund CHIP and meanwhile there was so much media coverage about how insurance coverage was going away. More than 40 percent of kids without health insurance live in four states: California, Florida, Georgia and Texas. Florida and Texas are the two largest US states that have not expanded Medicaid, the report notes Researchers blame the GOP's attempts to repeal of Obamacare and cap federal Medicaid funding for the rise The report said other factors likely included the repeal of Obamacare's individual mandate, which would require any American who did not buy health insurance to pay a penalty. The authors also say the Trump administration cutting the Affordable Care Act's enrollment grants and shortening the enrollment period likely played a role. 'All of these changes in the national political and policy realm mark a sharp reversal after many years of successful efforts to reduce the uninsured rate for children and families,' they wrote. Another factor for the rise in uninsured children could be the actions of the Trump administration against immigrants. A proposed rule put out by the White House in September, called the 'public charge' rule, would make it harder for legal immigrants to get green cards if they had accepted some forms of government assistance including food stamps and Medicaid. Alker said this likely led to both legal immigrants and undocumented parents with children who are US citizens not signing eir children up for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program 'I think this will be a growing issue for families because parents might be worried about interacting with government whether it's fear of being deported for using government assistance or being undocumented,' she said. Alker recommends there are number of ways to reverse this trend, including expanding Medicaid coverage and making it easier for kids to get coverage. 'We need to refocus on creating a welcoming climate for families,' she said. 'States can check eligibility procedures to make sure there's not a lot of red tape and to make then when kids are enrolled that they dont fall off coverage.' What are the signs? Police figures show both women and men might suffer from financial abuse Domestic abusers use coercive tactics of many kinds, and one is to use money to control their partner. Police figures show both women and men might suffer from this form of controlling behaviour. Hargreaves Lansdown personal finance analyst Sarah Coles explains how to spot it happening, ways to break away from an abusive partner, and what resources are available to get your finances sorted again. Like any form of abuse, financial abuse rarely starts in full force on day one of a relationship. It can begin innocently enough when your partner asks to see the supermarket till receipt or accidentally opens a bank statement. Over time, their behaviour tends to get increasingly extreme, until victims have no control over their own financial life, and can be dragged further and further into debt. As with any kind of domestic abuse, its difficult to understand from the outside. You might wonder why the victim doesnt stand their ground, challenge the behaviour, or leave. However, financial abuse makes all these things incredibly difficult not least because the victim has no money to start again. It may also come alongside other forms of emotional or physical abuse, which means the price to be paid for pushing back is simply too high. Fortunately, since it became a criminal offence in 2015, its starting to become better understood. Financial companies are more aware of financial abuse, so if you get in touch to explain your circumstances, they can freeze accounts and work with you to help manage debts. If working through all of this seems too daunting, there is an awful lot of help out there, from the police, legal professionals, charities, family and friends. There are no easy answers, but you dont have to go through this on your own. What are the signs of financial abuse? If these are your experiences, you could be a victim of financial abuse. And if anyone you know is suffering abuse, these signs could help tip you off that they have a problem. Sarah Coles: 'Financial abuse rarely starts in full force on day one of a relationship. It can begin innocently enough when your partner asks to see the supermarket till receipt' * Stopping you from studying or working * By contrast, forcing you to work while they refuse to * Insisting you hand over your salary and any benefits * Taking control of your bank account * Forcing you to ask for money for household expenses * Insisting on seeing receipts for every expense * Paying a household allowance that forces you into hardship * Not allowing you to spend money on yourself or your children * Paying for things and expecting something in return * Denying access to information about the household finances * Applying for credit in your name * Withholding child maintenance payments * Continually returning to court after separation with the aim of depleting resources What are the obstacles to solving the problem? First, there are dangers in challenging the behaviour. A study by the Co-operative Bank asked women if they had challenged the abuse. Some responded that they were too afraid to, others that if they challenged it they would be shut down, and others that if they challenged it, they would escalate the issue into one about lack of trust or gratitude. Second, the way Universal Credit operates is also causing problems for victims. Usually couples who live together will make a claim as a couple and the money will be paid into one bank account. This poses a risk for victims of financial abuse. You can request that the money is split and paid into more than one account in special circumstances. However, in cases of coercive control it isnt always possible to make this request. Third, leaving without money can be incredibly difficult. An abuser can make sure you leave with no money and no job, and can withhold any maintenance or support for children so the abuse continues even after separation. What can you do to escape financial and domestic abuse? Get help: The difficulty of making a break alone means its essential to get help. Depending on the threat posed by the abuser, this may mean contacting the police: coercive or controlling behaviour within a family relationship became a criminal offence in 2015. Even if you plan to leave without police intervention, you can still call on their help later. They can take legal action to force your partner to leave your home, and not come within a certain distance. If you have been forced to flee without your belongings, they can accompany you home to fetch essential items. If you have sufficient resources, it can be incredibly valuable to contact a solicitor. They will push to ensure your rights are upheld and can establish court orders to keep you safe. If you cannot afford legal help, and you dont qualify for legal aid, charities can help. If its safe to do so, you can call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline run by Refuge and Womens Aid, to talk through your situation and get clear advice on your options. Making plans to leave: Financial abuse can mean the victim has no money to start again Make plans: It can also be very helpful if theres any way to make plans to leave. It helps to gain a picture of your finances, any joint accounts and any debts in your name. It can also make things far less stressful if you have key financial documents. Finally, because the abuser will often leave you without money, its a good idea to save a small emergency fund, and possibly get a family member or friend to look after it for you. If you are concerned that these moves will put you at risk, its much more important to stay safe. For practical help in finding somewhere to live for the short term, domestic abuse charities such as Womens Aid, Refuge and the Domestic Violence Helpline can help with the process. They may also be able to find you space in a refuge, where you will get more help in finding your feet. Its also important to speak to family and friends. Research has found that people can feel so humiliated to find themselves in this position that they dont reach out for help, but the right help at the right time can help you start again. Rebuilding: Once you have left, you should freeze joint accounts, to prevent a former partner doing more financial harm. On joint credit cards, check if you are the primary or secondary account holder. The primary account holder is responsible for all the debts, so if you are the secondary holder you can just have yourself removed. If you are the primary account holder, you should have your ex removed, but then you will need to repay the debts. If you have moved out of the family house, contact the service providers including phone, media, broadband, water, gas and electricity and tell them the date you left. This will make it harder for your ex to run up big bills in your name. If your partner has put you into financial difficulties, a group like Citizens Advice can get in touch with organisations you owe money to and explain you are a vulnerable customer, and need additional support. If you are struggling to, for example, explain to lenders that loans were taken out in your name by someone else, Citizens Advice can speak to them on your behalf. The charity Stepchange has debt advisers who can provide guidance and help you find solutions. They also have benefit specialists who will help you claim everything youre entitled to. Schadenfreude: Hedge Funder Crispin is the big winner from Brookfield's collapsed takeover of Intu Buffoonish hedge funder Crispin Odey is a winner from the collapsed takeover of Intu. He staked a 40million bet against the shopping centre owners shares, which yesterday fell 40 per cent. Back-from-the-dead Odey, whose heart soars at the first sign of crisis, once gleefully declared: Bad days tend to be good for us. City grandees including Michael Spencer, Roland Rudd and Paul Drechsler were out in force this week for the Sunday Times Business party at Claridges. No sign of Topshop tycoon Sir Philip Green, once the life and soul of the well-attended shindig until BHSs collapse was first uncovered by the newspaper. His narrow-eyed public relations man Neil Bennett, however, was more willing to accept a flute of the Murdoch fizz. Jacob Rees-Moggs description of Bank of England governor Mark Carney as a failed second-tier politician is an escalation in tensions. The pair sparred regularly during Treasury select committee hearings but this breaks new ground. Two years ago, Jacob opened proceedings by thanking Carney for his invite to the Banks Christmas party. I doubt theres a seasonal stiffy in the post to Castle Mogg this year. A peculiar postscript to Donald Trumps sacking of matronly Federal Reserve chairman Janet Yellen, whom he replaced earlier this year with hawkish silver fox Jerome Powell. The Washington Post reports the President was very impressed when he interviewed her about serving a second term but took issue with her physical stature. He reportedly told aides on the National Economic Council that, at 5ft 3in, the old dear simply wasnt tall enough to lead the central bank. Barmy, but the Donald appears riddled with petty prejudices. Chancellor Philip Hammond attended a reception on Wednesday for the Abraham Fund Initiatives, where he was guest of honour. Despite his Eeyorish public persona, Im told that Hammond was witty and engaging company. Aides practically had to drag him away from guests to catch his flight to Buenos Aires for todays G20 summit. Certainly a more dignified spectacle than the one his Cabinet colleagues put on across town at the Spectators backslapping Parliamentarian awards. Platinum producer Lonmin made 53m in the year to the end of September MINING PROFIT Platinum producer Lonmin has made an annual pre-tax profit for the first time since 2013. It made 53million in the year to the end of September, up from a loss of 939million last year. It is being bought by South Africas Sibanye-Stillwater in a 285million deal. OIL DIVI Explorer Tullow Oil will start paying investors a dividend again from 2019, handing out at least 78million for a yield of around 3 per cent. IRON WORK Miner Rio Tinto will spend more than 2billion on building its most technologically advanced mine in Western Australia, with work due to start next year. SOLDIER DEAL Tech firm Microsoft has won a 375million contract from the US military to supply 2,500 augmented reality headsets to soldiers. APPLE SALES Top Apple executive Greg Joswiak says the new iPhone XR is its best seller ever, denying rumours of a slump after reports that parts suppliers are expecting lower demand. ALLIANCE PLEDGE Car makers Renault, Mitsubishi and Nissan have reaffirmed their commitment to their 1999 alliance, despite the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn. AIR BOOST Passenger numbers at Gatwick Airport grew 0.5 per cent to 26.5m in the six months to September 30, compared with a year earlier. Revenue increased 5.4 per cent to 512.5million while profits fell 1 per cent to 139.1million. ASIA START Toy seller Hamleys has opened its first store in Japan and plans 30 more in east Asia. AMAZON PROBE Germanys competition watchdog is probing Amazon after complaints that the online shopping giant is piling unfair charges on companies which sell their goods through its website. JOBS AXE Pharma group Bayer is axing 12,000 jobs and selling some businesses after its 49billion takeover of seed company Monsanto went disastrously wrong. It will divest its animal health division, seek a buyer for its 60 per cent stake in German group Currenta and is looking at options for its consumer health unit. DRINKS FIZZ Pepsi maker Britvic posted higher than expected profits as its low and no-sugar drinks proved a hit. Revenues climbed 5.1 per cent to 5.2billion in the year to November 29. Profits rose 5 per cent to 146million. Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on cars imported to the US Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on cars imported to the US after General Motors announced more than 14,000 job cuts and five factory closures. The US President has criticised the car maker and said it should have shut facilities in other countries instead. And he pointed to the US's 25 per cent tariffs on imported pick-up trucks and vans, tweeting: 'If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here.' The US has a 2.5 per cent import tariff on cars and SUVs but the White House is said to now be considering raising it to 25 per cent. The proposals have spooked European car makers, with shares in BMW falling yesterday. Coco the Alaskan Malamute might be the most pampered pooch in the world. The pet dog has apparently been given eight iPhone 7 handsets by his doting owner, the only son of China's richest man Wang Jianlin, worth 23 billion, according to Chinese media. Pictures have emerged on China's social media showing the lucky canine posing next to a stack of eight boxes believed to contain a 800 phone in each. World's most pampered pooch? Wang Sicong, the son of China's richest man, has apparently bought her pet dog Coco (pictured) eight iPhone 7 handsets They are all mine! Pictures of the dog and her phones have attracted thousands of comments Coco's eccentric owner Wang Sicong, 28, was educated at Winchester College and is already worth 430 million. These pictures were believed to be uploaded by Wang Sicong to the dog's very own social media account on Weibo, which has nearly 1.9 million followers and is ironically named 'Wang Keke is a bitch'. The images were posted in the afternoon of September 16, the first day the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 went on sale. Along with the pictures, a post read: 'Not sure what people are showing off on Moments (a Chinese social media platform)! There is nothing to show off. I was forced to take action.' Lucky dog: Wang Sicong doted on his dog so much that he's bought her two Apple Watches Controversy: The pictures of Coco wearing her timepieces sparked debate on social media Fatherly love: Coco is pictured playing with Sicong whose mega rich father is worth 23 billion The pictures have been widely shared by Chinese media, including news sites cnbeta.com and on.cc. The post has also gathered thousands of shares and comments. Some people said the dog was cute while others hoped Wang Sicong could give them a free iPhone 7 too. One Weibo user named 'M mi jia' said: '[The dog] is so cute.' While another user called 'wo shi lao duan zi' said: 'Does the dog plan to host a lucky draw?' Some people were envious of the dog's fortune, such as 'Free liu te' who said: 'Coco is richer than me!' 'Zha lao ban' wasn't impressed as the user commented: 'I can't even live as well as a dog.' In China, an iPhone 7 costs 6,988 yuan (803) while an iPhone 7 Plus costs 7,988 yuan (918). Coco owns countless costumes. Pictured she was wearing her new clothes last Christmas Having fun: Coco celebrated her birthday in April frolicking with her friends at a lavish party Spoiled: Coco was given wads of cash in a red envelope by Sicong on the Valentine's Day Sicong is a successful businessman and one of the richest entrepreneurs under the age 30 in China. As the pet of Wang Sicong, Coco has some how become a celebrity in her own right in China as her owner calls her: 'The dog princess of the people.' Through her Weibo account, Sicong shows off the ostentatious lifestyle he has created for his dog with luxury products most animals can only dream of. This is not the first time Coco has impressed the public with her cutting-edge gadgets. In May 2015, the pooch was pictured wearing not one, but two 800 Apple Watches given to her by her generous owner. The pet was also given a pink Fendi handbag by his owner in the same month. Pig out: Coco enjoyed two fancy doggie cakes on her second birthday earlier this year Luxurious accessories: The pooch receives swanky presents almost on a daily basis. She owns designer handbags (right) and expensive footwear (left) Earlier this year, Sicong posted pictures of Coco posing with a wads of cash, which he claimed is her present on Valentine's Day, In April, t he pampered pooch celebrated her second birthday with an extravagant birthday party and two cakes. Her multi-millionaire owner spelt her name in balloons and tied them to his super car. On social media Coco was pictured tucking into her two cakes at her own birthday celebration. As if all is not enough, Sicong opened an online shop to mark her birthday. The new online shop, called Coco Wang, sells a line of doggie-inspired toys and accessories, from tote bags, flasks to mobile phone cases. All of them carry cartoon illustrations of the fluffy pet. And when Coco goes on holiday, she travels in first-class style. In last November, she rode on a private jet and was chauffeur driven to the luxury accommodation during a winter break. Life of luxury: Wang Sicong (pictured) is the only child of Wang Jianlin, a property tycoon worth 23 billion Birthday bash: Sicong spared no effort in celebrating Coco's birthday. He spelt the pooch's name in balloons attached to a luxury car The only son of mega-rich property tycoon Wang Jianlin, 61, Wang Sicong is the golden boy with the gentle manner, cut-glass English accent, who is the sole heir to his father's fortune. Wang Jianlin is worth a whopping $30 billion (23 billion), according to Forbes. As China's most eligible bachelor, Sicong is the darling of China's tabloids due to his enviable lifestyle and a roster of beautiful girlfriends. Like most privileged children of China's mega-wealthy, he was educated abroad first at a primary school in Singapore and then at 30,000 a year Winchester College one of England's top public schools and on to University College London where he studied philosophy. Back in China, in 2009 he was handed a gilded position in the Dalian Wanda conglomerate by his father and 53 million to start his own business. 'I told him I would allow him to fail twice. If he fails for the third time, he would have to come back and work in my company earnestly,' his father told China Central Television (CCTV). He set up Pusi Capital, a private equity firm based in capital city Beijing, to invest in projects and companies he likes. His private equity firm has invested in 22 companies in the past seven years, from online gaming firms to film-making studios to Korean restaurants. This is the heart-stopping moment a daredevil leaps from a 1,381ft tower in Kuala Lumpur. 'Sketchy' Andy Lewis made the terrifying jump wearing just a parachute in the incredible footage filmed on his GoPro on Friday. He can be seen walking across the wobbling baseline on Kuala Lumpur Tower as the camera shows stomach-churning footage of the scenery far below. The adrenaline junkie then leaps into the air and somersaults over once as he tumbles towards the ground. Releasing his parachute, he steadily glides to safety and skillfully touches down on the concrete below. The enormous Kuala Lumpur Tower in Malaysia is the tallest telecommunication tower in South East Asia and a popular landmark among baseline jumpers. This is the heart-stopping moment daredevil 'Sketchy' Andy Lewis leaps from a 1,381ft tower in Kuala Lumpur He can be seen walking across the wobbling baseline on Kuala Lumpur Tower as the camera shows stomach-churning footage of the scenery far below, before leaping off The adrenaline junkie somersaults over once as he tumbles towards the ground in the terrifying footage Mr Lewis, from California, is known as 'Sketchy Andy' because of his willingness to try his hand at any jump - no matter how high. In 2012, he brought slacklining into popular culture by performing alongside Madonna at the 2012 Superbowl half-time show. Madonna was so in awe of the sportsman that she asked him to come on tour with her. But Mr Lewis turned the offer down because he wanted to continue travelling the world living the 'slacklife'. He described this lifestyle as 'about finding your passions and doing your best'. After releasing his parachute he steadily glides to safety as the camera tracks his nail-biting descent Footage shows him skillfully touching down on the concrete below after the incredible jump Muslim aerospace engineer Munir Zanial displayed a Malaysian flag (stock image above) at a party at a lake in Wichita, Kansas A Muslim aerospace engineer has sued for religious discrimination after his Malaysian flag was mistaken for a US flag defaced with 'ISIS symbols'. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the Spirit Boeing Employees Association on behalf of Munir Zanial. The Malaysian national of Indian ancestry had rented out a lake in Wichita, Kansas, for a party last year to celebrate Malaysian Independence Day. The national flag was displayed at the gathering and the guests included people of Malaysian Indian ancestry, some wearing hijabs. But he was reported by the association for desecrating an American flag with 'ISIS symbols'. Spirit filed a complaint with the FBI and terminated his rental benefits. The lawsuit alleges the association reported him out of fear he used the lake to hold an Islamic State meeting. The association declined to comment. The rehearsal attracted 100 officers and IT technicians from state units as well as major IT businesses in the southern region of Vietnam. All participants practiced to analyze an Advanced Persistent Threat APT. They had to investigate the issue, and then identify the origin of the attack, along with a list of IP addresses that the malware links to, weaknesses of victim devices, the attack method, as well as the affected scale of this attack. The rehearsal is expected to help participants develop essential and practical skills for real life use. Reports from VNCERT show that until the end of the third quarter of 2018, there have been 8,319 cyber attacks in Vietnam, including 1,575 cases of malware, 4,829 cases of deface, and 1,915 cases of phishing. Noticeably, since 2011, all advanced persistent threats (APT) have always been in the top of the cyber security danger list due to their complicated attacking methods. By TAN BA Translated by Yen Nhi An American woman whose husband died fighting for ISIS has spoken about life in the 'caliphate capital' in Syria for the first time. Sam El Hassani claims her husband Moussa tricked her into crossing the Syrian border during a holiday to Turkey in 2015, where he joined ISIS as a jihadist fighter. She reveals she found herself living with their children in Raqqa, along with two Yazidi girls her husband kept as slaves in their home, which he 'repeatedly raped'. Speaking out: Sam El Hassani, from Indiana, U.S., spent two years in ISIS's then-capital Raqqa in Syria with her ISIS fighter husband In a documentary for PBS Frontline and BBC Panorama, Mrs El Hassani details how she went from happily married in Indiana to a widow with four children in a Kurdish prison in Syria. The couple had been married for five years and were living 'a great life' in Indiana with their two children. But - she claims - she did not see that her husband, a Moroccan national, was becoming radicalized, and in 2015 he lured her and the children into Syria and to ISIS's now-defeated 'capital'. 'We ended up in Raqqa,' she says in an interview from the upcoming documentary. 'The first thing I say to him is, "Youre crazy and Im leaving," and he said, with a big smile on his face, "Go ahead. You can try, but you wont make it..' Childhood destroyed: The couple's oldest child Matthew is seen in the U.S. before the move left, and right, as a puppet in an ISIS propaganda video in Raqqa last summer Happier times: The couple are seen on their wedding day in Indiana in 2011 When asked why she did not take her children and run, she says; 'You have to understand, I was afraid for our lives.' During their time in Raqqa, Mrs El Hassani had two more children, and was forced to watch her oldest son used in an ISIS propaganda video that shocked the world. Last July, ten-year-old Matthew could be seen calling U.S. President Donald Trump 'a puppet of the Jews' in a video which saw him threaten terrorist attacks on the West. 'Allah has promised us victory and promised you defeat,' Matthew is seen saying while standing on the rubble of bombed buildings in Raqqa. 'The battle is not going to end in Raqqa or Mosul, its going in your lands. By the will of Allah, we will have victory, so get ready for the fighting has just begun.' Changed man: Mrs El Hassani claims her husband Moussa, pictured in the U.S. before joining ISIS, became radicalised and tricked her into taking their children to ISIS in Syria Shocking: Matthew's face was seen around the world in the 2017 propaganda video where he called Trump ' a puppet of the Jews' and threatened terror attacks on the U.S. Mrs El Hassani says she understands how the video can make it look like her son poses a danger to the U.S., but insists that this is only because this was ISIS's goal. 'Thats the way its meant to look. Its propaganda. But how can you convince somebody that sees something like that? I dont know.' Moussa died fighting for ISIS last year, and Sam and their now four children were captured by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces when Raqqa fell. The interviews for the Frontline and BBC film were carried out under supervision from her Kurdish guards, but despite being imprisoned, she told the documentary makers she had no desire to go back to the U.S. Her family are trying to help them return to the U.S., but in the documentary, even Mrs El Hassani's sister Lori acknowledges that she is likely to be sent to prison. A Syrian man has been stranded in Kuala Lumpur airport for more than a month in constant fear he will be forced to fight for Assad's army. Hassan al-Kontar survives on chicken and rice meals from AirAsia and the occasional McDonald's burger, and showers in a disabled toilet. He has no clean clothes left, is dangerously close to running out of cash, and can' leave the transit terminal for fear of being deported to Syria. Hassan al-Kontar has been stranded in Kuala Lumpur airport for more than a month in constant fear he will be forced to fight for Assad's army The 36-year-old got stuck there 37 days ago after a series of failed attempts to find asylum somewhere to avoid mandatory military service. 'I'm desperate for help. I can't live in this airport any longer, the uncertainty is driving me crazy. It feels like my life hit a new low,' he told the BBC. 'I don't know what to do. I have no-one to advise me on where I can go. I really need help because I believe the worst is yet to come.' Mr al-Kontar was working as a general manager and marketing lead for energy companies in the United Arab Emirates until he was deported in 2016. The UAE revoked his work permit and visa when the Syrian civil war intensified and he was sent to Malaysia as it was one of few companies to give Syrians a visa on arrival. He overstayed his three-month tourist visa and saved up enough money to fly to Ecuador and seek asylum, but wasn't allowed to board the flight. He survives on chicken and rice meals from AirAsia and the occasional McDonald's burger, and showers in a disabled toilet, posting this photo of his 'bed' to Twitter Instead he went to Cambodia in the hope of flying to South America from there, but was again sent back to Malaysia. Mr al-Kontar claimed he was interrogated about his finances by several immigration officers and his passport confiscated. 'They took my passport. They humiliated me actually they took a photo of me standing against the wall like a criminal,' he told the Phnom Penh Post. Cambodian officials said Syrians could be turned away if they failed to meet 'requirements' like having enough money or a return ticket. 'Anyone can apply for the visa on arrival. But we need to check what their purpose is,' they said. Now an illegal immigrant in Malaysia, Mr al-Kontar has been trapped in the airport with no idea how he could escape. A member of the Druze minority from Swaida in Syria, he blamed his situation on racism and took to posting daily videos in Arabic on his Twitter page. 'Lonely, weak, unwanted, rejected. No one is accepting us,' he said of being Syrian in one of them. 'In the end I can't blame anyone, this is our fate. We caused this problem to ourselves,' he said of the outbreak of the civil war. Mr al-Kontar was working as a general manager and marketing lead for energy companies in the United Arab Emirates until he was deported in 2016 The 36-year-old got stuck there 37 days ago after a series of failed attempts to find asylum somewhere to avoid mandatory military service He also hasn't seen his mother, sister, and brother since his last visit to Syria in 2008 and feared he would never seen them again. Mr al-Kontar said there was an arrest warrant for him in Syria since 2011 for dodging his military service, but he refused to fight even if he never left the airport. 'I am a human being and I don't consider it right to participate in war. It was not my decision,' he said. 'I'm not a killing machine and I don't want any part in destroying Syria. I don't want blood on my hands. War is never the solution but unfortunately, even from where I am now, I am paying the price of its actions.' The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said it was 'aware of this case' and had 'reached out to the individual and the authorities'. A Malaysian court has today handed a Danish man a one-week jail term for breaking a law against 'fake news', the first person to be punished under controversial legislation. The law, passed in early April, makes the deliberate dissemination of false information punishable by up to six years in jail and a hefty fine. It has sparked outrage from rights groups, which believe it is aimed at cracking down on dissent. Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, a 46-year-old of Yemeni descent, admitted making and posting on YouTube a video accusing emergency services of responding slowly after a Palestinian Hamas member was gunned down in Kuala Lumpur. Danish national Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, second from right, escorted by police, arrives at a court house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was sentenced to a week in jail after he pleaded guilty to maliciously publishing fake news, the first person to be punished under the controversial law Fadi al-Batsh, said to be a rocket-making expert, was on his way to dawn prayers on April 21 when he was assassinated by motorbike-riding gunmen, a killing his family have blamed on Israel's spy agency. The Jewish state has denied it was behind the murder. The Dane, who did not have a lawyer and was wearing white robes and a green skullcap during a court appearance in Kuala Lumpur, said he was not aware of Malaysia's laws. Fadi al-Batsh was killed while on his way to dawn prayers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 'I agree I did a mistake because I didn't ask what is the law of this country,' he said, speaking in English, his hands trembling. A clip of the video played in court, which lasted almost two minutes, showed him speaking in Arabic and complaining about what he claimed was the slow response of the police and ambulance services after the shooting. However, authorities have disputed his claims. Judge Zaman Mohamad Noor sentenced him to a week in jail, including time already served since his April 23 arrest, and fined him 10,000 ringgit (1,856). If he cannot pay the fine, then he will have to serve another month in jail, the judge said. The Dane, who had been on a 10-day visit to Malaysia when the crime was committed, said he did not have enough money to pay the fine. He said he had three wives and six children. The law banning fake news has sparked concern the government is seeking to crack down on criticism, particularly with a general election looming on May 9. Leading independent news portal Malaysiakini last week mounted the first legal challenge against the legislation, arguing in the Kuala Lumpur High Court that it breaches constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech. Malaysian legal reform group Lawyers for Liberty said they were 'surprised and disappointed' that Monday's prosecution went ahead even though the law was being challenged in court. 'Bringing criminal charges against a person is a serious matter,' said N. Surendran, an adviser to the group, in a statement. 'Surely where the legality of the law has been a question of national debate, enforcement should await the authoritative decision of the courts.' A jubilant President Trump tweeted on Thursday to announce that five of the 'Most Wanted leaders of ISIS' have been captured after they were lured from Syria to Iraq with fake Telegram messages. Iraqi officials used the cell phone of already captured ISIS lieutenant Ismail al-Eithawi to send instructions via the app for the four other leaders to come to Iraq, where they were seized. The encrypted app was officially named by ISIS as one of its favored mobile messaging services in 2015 and has been regularly used by the terror group for private communication and to spread propaganda. Al-Eithawi, who also uses the alias Abu Zaid al-Iraqi, was captured in February by Turkish intelligence and handed over to the Iraqis. Eithawi was a direct aide to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, responsible for fund transfers to the group's bank accounts in different countries. Saddam al-Jamal, a Syrian who was accused of taking part of a massacre in the province of Deir Ezzor in 2014 which killed 700 members of a tribe that rose up against ISIS, was the second most senior member to be captured. President Donald Trump rejoiced on Thursday after Iraqi agents captured a group of high-ranking ISIS leaders. He is pictured upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland Trump tweeted about the capture, which included two of the highest-ranking ISIS commanders ever to be taken alive Investigators used a phone belonging to Ismail Alwan al-Ethawi (pictured in an Iraqi government release) to send a Telegram message luring the four other commanders to Syria Saddam Jamal, one of the five captured commanders, is the notorious Syrian who served as ISIS's governor of Syria's eastern Euphrates region Apart from al-Eithawi and al-Jamal, the operation captured three field commanders: Syrian Mohamed al-Qadeer and two Iraqis, Omar al-Karbouli and Essam al-Zawbai, Hashimi said. Iraqi intelligence released images of the five men on national television on Wednesday. Al-Eithawi and al-Jamal are the two most senior Islamic State figures ever to be captured alive. The former served as ISIS governor in Syria's eastern Euphrates region and as a minister in charge of the group's so-called education department. Al-Jamal, meanwhile, had previously been a commander in the Free Syrian Army and then leader of a western-allied 'moderate' Islamist group called Ahfab al-Rasoul. This was effectively destroyed by ISIS following a military campaign, and al-Jamal reappeared in an ISIS video to say he had defected from his former group which he branded 'stooges' of the West, according to The London Times. As head of ISIS in Deir Ezzor, he is accused of overseeing the murders of 700 members of the Shaitat tribe after it rebelled against ISIS. Al-Jamal is said to have ordered the execution of children, sometimes in front of their parents. Field commanders Mohamed al-Qadeer and Omar Shehab El-Karboul are seen on Iraqi television ISIS field commander Issam Abdel Kader al-Zawba'i pictured in the Iraqi National Intelligence Service news release The operation to snare the four was carried out in cooperation with U.S. forces, part of an American-led coalition fighting against Islamic State on both sides of the Iraqi-Syrian border. Following Eithawi's capture, Iraqi and American intelligence agents were able to uncover bank accounts used by the group and also secret communication codes he used. Baghdadi declared himself ruler of all Muslims in 2014 after capturing Iraq's main northern city Mosul. He is now believed to be hiding in the Iraqi-Syrian border region after losing all the cities and towns of his self-proclaimed caliphate. One of the captured men is a top aide to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured preaching in 2016) How Telegram became the app of choice for ISIS terrorists Telegram (logo pictured) has become one of ISIS's favorite means of communication Telegram is a free app that lets people exchange messages, photos and videos in groups of up to 5,000 people. It has attracted more than 200 million users since its launch in 2013, promising end-to-end encryption and the ability to store data on the cloud rather than each individual device. Although many of its users are political activists, groups such as ISIS favor the app because it allows them to communicate both in one-to-one chats and large public groups. They use it to recruit members, raise money and coordinate terrorist activity. ISIS also set up large public groups to issue claims of responsibility, such as after the Manchester Arena terror attack, and broadcast news. In 2015, Telegram was named on a list of recommended messaging applications released by the ISIS propaganda office, which lauded it for being 'secure'. Telegram founder Pavel Durov dismissed concerns about ISIS using the app at a TechCrunch conference in September 2015, telling the audience that the 'right to privacy is more important than our fear of bad things happening'. Just two months later, ISIS murdered 130 and wounded a further 350 in Paris during the deadliest attack on French soil since World War Two. Telegram now claims to remove ISIS accounts from public channels but still refuses to intervene in private chats. Source: Counterextremism.com Advertisement Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said last month he would 'take all necessary measures' against militants based in Syria. The Iraqi air force has carried out several air strikes since last year against Islamic State positions in Syrian territory. Abadi declared final victory last December over the ultra-hardline group within Iraq. But the militants still pose a threat along the border with Syria and have continued to carry out ambushes, killings and bombings across Iraq. Islamic State militants last month restated their loyalty to Baghdadi, in what is believed to be their first public pledge of allegiance to him since his self-proclaimed caliphate collapsed last year in both Syria and Iraq. Pauline Hanson has accused a Malaysian-born Labor senator of 'playing the Asian card' after she took offence at a senior cabinet minister joking she was channelling the One Nation leader. Penny Wong, a senior Labor frontbencher who has an Asian father, clashed with Finance Minister Mathias Cormann during a parliamentary estimates hearing today in Canberra. The Liberal minister joked the Malaysian-born Opposition senator was 'channelling Pauline Hanson', who has called for a dramatic cut to Australia's immigration rate. Penny Wong, a senior Labor frontbencher who has an Asian father, clashed with Finance Minister Mathias Cormann during a parliamentary estimates hearing today in Canberra Senator Wong immediately took offence and cited Senator Hanson's maiden speech to parliament in 1996 where the former Ipswich fish-and-chips shop owner declared Australia was 'in danger of being swamped by Asians'. 'Actually, that's a little offensive. She thinks people like me were swamping Australia,' Senator Wong said. 'We don't channel Pauline Hanson. You're the ones who cozy up to her and let her write tax policy and government policy. 'Don't tell me I channel Pauline Hanson. I find that personally offensive. 'You should withdraw it. Someone Asian. "You're channelling Pauline Hanson?".' The Liberal minister joked the Malaysian-born Opposition senator was 'channelling Pauline Hanson', who has called for a dramatic cut to Australia's immigration rate Senator Hanson hit back at Penny Wong, telling Sydney radio 2GB presenter Ben Fordham the Labor politician was the one playing the race card. 'She finds it offensive? What a load of hogwash,' the One Nation leader said. 'I've heard her comments on the floor of parliament aboutmany different issues and she's playing the Asian card, she's playing the female card and I'm sick and tired of it.' Senator Hanson hit back at Penny Wong, telling Sydney radio presenter Ben Fordham the Labor politician was the one playing the race card Senator Hanson described Senator Wong as a 'great actress'. 'This is a great performance on her part,' she said. Ben Fordham, who occasionally fills in as a Today show presenter on the Nine Network, said Senator Wong had displayed 'poor form'. 'Penny, you are not a protected species,' he told his 2GB listeners. 'Youre one of 226 politicians who sit in parliament and everyone has to be tough enough to handle the heat.' The Australians shot down on flight MH17 were killed by Russian soldiers, it was officially confirmed today. Flight MH17 was headed from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia when it was shot down by a BUK missile over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. The missile was fired by a Russian anti-aircraft missile brigade based in the city of Kursk, near the Ukrainian border, Dutch investigator Wilbert Paulissen told a press conference today. All 298 passengers and crew, which included mainly Dutch citizens but also Brits, Malysians and Australians, were killed in the disaster. Here we picture the Australian citizens and residents who never made it home. Emma Bell (left), originally of Lithgow in NSW, was a passionate teacher who was returning from a trip to Europe to start the new school term in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Jack O'Brien (right) of Sydney, was 25. His family said he was 'loved so much' Dutch language teacher Dafne Nieveen (left) was killed while flying home to Perth. Melbourne-based IT security consultant Marco Grippeling (right) is one of 10 Victorian residents killed in the MH17 flight disaster Dutchman Itamar Avnon (left) was on a trip to Israel for a wedding and stopped over in Amsterdam to visit friends before boarding MH17 Flight. He was studying Australia. Emiel Mahler and girlfriend Elaine Teoh (right), both 27, were on their way to a wedding in Malaysia but lived in Melbourne Liliane Derden (left) was a public servant from Canberra whose two daughters changed their Facebook profile pictures to photos of their mother in a touching tribute. Gary Lee, a retiree, ran a Chinese restaurant while his wife Mona (right) was a schoolteacher Retired Wollongong couple Michael and Carol Clancy (left), in their 60s, were on a three-week European holiday. Gerry Menke and his wife Mary (right) owned an abalone pearl company in Mallacoota. Their business recently won a prize at the East Gippsland Business Awards Shaliza Dewal (left), 45, and her Dutch husband Hans Van Den Hende (centre) were travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with their three children, Piers, 15, (top right) and Marnix, 12, (top back) and daughter Margaux, 8, (top centre) Left: Edel Mahady was returning to Perth for the start of the school term at Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, Kelmscott. Right: Helena Sidelik was travelling home from a friend's wedding in Europe, back to the Gold Coast where she lived Recently retired couple Wayne and Theresa Baker had two sons, aged in their 20s. The Bakers were based in Buddina on the Sunshine Coast but also lived in Darwin Left: Nick Norris was travelling with his three grandchildren. Centre: Victorian real estate agent, Albert Rizk. Right: Marie Rizk was travelling with her husband on board MH17 Children Mo, Otis and Evie Maslin from Perth, who perished in the terrorist attack on MH17, were travelling home with their grandfather, Nick Norris, after a family holiday Arjen Ryder and wife Yvonne from Albany, Queensland, were travelling together. Right: Victor Oreshkin was a religious man who was involved in church ministry NSW resident Sister Philomene Tiernan (left), and Frankie Davison and her husband, Liam (right), were on the plane Recently retired pathologist Roger Guard (left) and his wife Jill (right) from Toowoomba in Queensland, have also been identified from the MH17 flight Mr Horder and his wife Susan, both 63, of Albany Creek, were among the Queenslanders aboard flight MH17 when it was shot down Fatima Dyczynski's lifelong dream of moving to Perth ended when the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement: 'Today the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), of which Australia is a member, has released findings that provide further evidence of Russias pivotal role in the tragic downing of MH17 on 17 July 2014. 'The JIT, which also includes member nations - Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine - has concluded that the BUK missile system that was used to down MH17, belonged to the Russian Federations 53rd Anti-Aircraft Military Brigade. 'This follows earlier findings of the JIT that the BUK missile system was taken from Russia to eastern Ukraine and back after the downing, and that the missile launch site was an agricultural field controlled by pro-Russian fighters. 'That a sophisticated weapon belonging to the Russian Army was dispatched and used to shoot down a civilian aircraft should be of grave international concern. We are discussing these findings with our partners and considering our options. 'We have full confidence in the independence of the JIT and in its thorough investigation. 'Australia and our JIT partners are united in pursuing justice for those who lost their lives, including 38 people who called Australia home, and their loved ones, and to hold to account those responsible for this atrocious act.' Russian projectile: The damaged Russian missile that shot down flight MH17, killing all 298 people on board, is put on display in Bunnik, Netherlands, today Wilbert Paulissen said in the press conference today: 'The Joint Investigation Team has come to the conclusion that the BUK-TELAR that shot down MH17 came from 53rd Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade based in Kursk in Russia. 'All the vehicles in a convoy carrying the missile were part of the Russian armed forces.' The investigators had previously concluded that the plane was brought down by a BUK missile fired from territory in Ukraine held by Moscow-backed rebels, but had stopped short of directly saying who pulled the trigger. Now the team has painstaking recreated the route taken by the missile convoy from Kursk across the border into Ukraine using videos and photos. Paulissen added the team had 'ascertained that the BUK-TELAR has a number of unique characteristics. These characteristics as such served as a type of fingerprint for the missile.' Evidence: Russian writing can be seen on the side of the damaged missile put on display Horror: Debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is shown smouldering in a field on July 17, 2014 in Grabovo, Ukraine near the Russian border Last shot: This photo shows Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 leaving Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on July 17, 2014 The probe being led by The Netherlands is focusing on some 100 people suspected of having played an 'active role' in the incident, but investigators have not yet publicly named any suspects. Chief investigator Fred Westerbeke said Thursday the probe was now in its 'last phase' but added there was 'still work to be done'. Over the past years 'we've gained a lot of proof and evidence but we are not ready yet' to move towards bringing charges, he told the press conference. Dutch officials have announced that the trial of any suspects arrested in the shooting down of flight MH17 will be held in the Netherlands under an agreement reached with the countries leading the joint probe. Downed: The reconstructed wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 which was shot down by a Russian missile over eastern Ukraine in July 2014 is seen in The Netherlands BUK are a series of surface-to-air missile systems developed by Soviet and subsequently Russia, who has always denied involvement in the downing of the jet. MH17 crashed in Grabovo, Ukraine an area near the Russian border which at the time was under the control of pro-Russian militias. The plane was shot down in the early stages of the Ukraine War, which began with the Russian annexation of Crimea - a military muscle-flexing exercise by President Vladimir Putin attempting to show off his strength to the West. This and the anti-government 'revolution' that had shaken the capital Kiev for months, sparked protests by pro-Russian groups in the Donbass region in the east. This escalated into a full-blown armed conflict between pro-Russian separatists, backed by Moscow, and the Ukrainian government which is still ongoing. Hundreds of foreign-born ISIS jihadis being held in Syria remain a threat to the West, a British military commander warned today. Major General Felix Gedney, deputy commander of the coalition fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq, warned the group is still capable of launching terror attacks in Europe despite being on the retreat. He urged the development of a strategy to deal with the captured jihadis as they are 'very bad people' who will 'come back to attack us' if let loose. Speaking at a briefing for journalists, Gen Gedney said: 'In the short term, they're relatively secure. Major General Felix Gedney is deputy commander of the coalition fighting ISIS in Syria 'In the medium to long term, we have to find a pathway to make sure they can be dealt with. And that's a question for national governments. 'If we don't they will continue to be a threat to us, and, potentially, to our nations. 'As the deputy commander on the ground I can tell you that we have to find a way of doing this because the alternative is really bad. These are very bad people. 'They continue to be a threat. If we let them come loose they will come back and attack us. 'We have to find a way, a pathway, to make sure that these threats are not a threat in the future. 'A lot of effort has gone into taking these people off the battlefield. And now nations are going to have to find a way of dealing with those individuals that are being held in detention.' Gen Gedney said he was not aware of any Nato country that had taken back their citizens captured as IS fighters in Syria. The general said he did not have a precise number for the foreign fighters captured in Syria, but said it stood at more than 400 a month ago and had increased 'by hundreds' since then. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has ruled out UK-born IS fighters returning to Britain, stating: 'I do not believe that any terrorist, whether they come from this country or any other, should ever be allowed back into this country.' The general said he did not have a precise number for the foreign fighters captured in Syria (pictured), but said it stood at more than 400 a month ago and had increased 'by hundreds' since then Despite success against IS, which the Government refers to as Daesh, Gen Gedney said the organisation was still a worldwide danger. He said: 'While the Syrian democratic forces have liberated more than 98% of the Daesh-held territory they remain a global threat. 'The terrorist organisation retains senior leadership, media capabilities, financial resources, and technical expertise to conduct attacks and will attempt to re-emerge in the liberated areas.' Asked if the group was capable of striking Europe again, Gen Gedney said: 'I think the risk remains. I think we have significantly diminished their capability.' Gen Gedney said UK and allied forces tried to avoid civilian casualties in the battle against IS. 'The global coalition goes to huge lengths to ensure that our operations minimise the risk of civilian casualties. This war has been the most precise war in history.' After their historic meeting in Singapore, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un signed a 'historic document'. In the statement, the US president committed to 'provide security guarantees' to North Korean while Kim Jong-un declared his 'unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula'. Reaction to the joint statement was greeted with cheers by people in South Korea watching the events unfold. China, North Korea's backer, said the two nations were 'creating a new history'. Here is the full text of the statement the two leaders issued: Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018. President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted a comprehensive, in-depth and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new US-DPRK relations and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump sign the statement after their meeting in Singapore Convinced that the establishment of new US-DPRK relations will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and of the world, and recognizing that mutual confidence building can promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un state the following: 1. The United States and the DPRK commit to establish new US-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity. 2. The United States and DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. 3. Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula 4. The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified. President Trump shows off a signed copy of the statement with his and Kim Jong-un's signatures on the bottom Having acknowledged that the US-DPRK summit - the first in history - was an epochal event of great significance in overcoming decades of tensions and hostilities between the two countries and for the opening up of a new future, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un commit to implement the stipulations in the joint statement fully and expeditiously. The United States and the DPRK commit to hold follow-on negotiations, led by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and a relevant high-level DPRK official, at the earliest possible date, to implement the outcomes of the US-DPRK summit. President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have committed to cooperate for the development of new US-DPRK relations and for the promotion of peace, prosperity, and the security of the Korean Peninsula and of the world. DONALD J. TRUMP President of the United States of America KIM JONG UN Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea June 12, 2018 Sentosa Island Singapore A picture released by China's top aircraft carrier builder might have revealed the design of the country's next warship by accident. The image of a poster in the boardroom of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation showed three aircraft carriers, whereas Beijing currently only has two. Reports have suggested that the extra ship could well be China's third - and most advanced - aircraft carrier. Scroll down for video China's potential third aircraft carrier, released on June 20, was pictured in the background of a conference among China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) executives in Wuhan city China currently has two aircraft carriers: Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier, and Type 001A, the country's first domestically developed carrier. China's third aircraft carrier: What we know so far China's third aircraft carrier reportedly will have a displacement of more than 80,000 tons The new warship is equipped with a flat-top flight deck and an electromagnetic aircraft launch system Construction has started last year in Shanghai and sea trials are expected to begin in three years Advertisement Sources told South China Morning Post that Beijing started building its third warship at a Shanghai shipyard last year while Singapore's Zaobao.com claimed the new warship would be completed in three years' time. However, the Chinese government is yet to confirm those claims. The picture containing the alleged third vessel appeared in a social media post on June 20 by China's top shipbuilding firm, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). But it was later deleted on the same day. The image of the vessel was pictured in the background of a conference among senior CSIC executives in Wuhuan city, central China. The new unidentified aircraft carrier is seen flanked by Liaoning and Type 001A. Liaoning (pictured) was commissioned to the China's People's Liberation Army Navy in 2012 Liaoning arrived in Hong Kong waters on July 7 last year (pictured). China plans to have four aircraft carrier battle groups in service by 2030, say experts While its predecessors are equipped with angled, jump-rack decks, the new mysterious warship has a flat-top flight deck, making an electromagnetic aircraft launch system possible, according to a report on the English website of the Chinese People's Liberation Army citing Global Times. Additionally, three catapults shown on board the carrier would mean high speed launch capabilities, high frequency take-offs and quick responses, according to military expert Song Zhongping. A giant 'island', or command center on the deck, could indicate that the warship is a conventionally-powered carrier rather than a nuclear-powered one, the report added. Although the picture has prompted much discussion on the internet, CSIC has yet to release any comments about it. The 50,000-tonne Type 001A is the first to be entirely built and designed in China. It has just successfully completed its one-month-long maiden sea trials China's first aircraft carrier is a retrofitted Soviet-era ship called the Liaoning, which was commissioned to the China's People's Liberation Army Navy in 2012. Its second aircraft carrier, The Type 001A, has just successfully completed its one-month-long maiden sea trials. The 50,000-tonne Type 001A is China's first aircraft carrier to be entirely built and designed by the country's engineers, and is set to enter service by 2020. Naval experts claimed that China plans to have four aircraft carrier battle groups in service by 2030, according to South China Morning Post. Apart from building and designing many prominent naval vessels, CSIC disclosed in February its plan to build China's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as part of planned weaponry upgrades for the Chinese Navy by 2025. The son of ISIS boss Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed fighting for the jihadists in Syria, the terror group has claimed. Hudhayfah al-Badri, one of the terror mastermind's five children, died as fanatics stormed a thermal power station in the Syrian province of Homs, ISIS said in a statement. Al-Badri was killed in an 'operation against the Nussayriyyah and the Russians' the group said in a statement alongside a photo of a young man holding an assault rifle. Hudhayfah al-Badri, one of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's five children, has been killed fighting against Russian and regime soldiers in Syria Nussayriyyah is the term used by ISIS for the Alawite religious minority sect of President Bashar al-Assad. ISIS declared a cross-border 'caliphate' in Syria and Iraq in 2014, seizing a third of Iraq during a sweeping offensive. The jihadists have since lost much ground to separate counter-offensives by Syrian and Iraqi forces as well as US-led operations, and the jihadist presence is now confined to a few holdouts. ISIS is estimated to control no more than three percent of Syria's territory. Last December the Iraqi government declared victory over ISIS but the military has continued regular operations targeting mostly desert areas along the porous Syrian border. Baghdadi has been reported killed several times but is believed to still be alive and hiding in Syrian territory near the Iraqi border The group's leader Baghdadi, who has been pronounced dead on several occasions, remains alive in Syrian territory by the Iraqi border, an Iraqi intelligence official said in May. Baghdadi was said to move around with only a small group of followers Originally from Iraq, Baghdadi has been dubbed the 'most wanted man on the planet' and the United States is offering a $25 million reward for his capture. The Iraqi official said the noose was closing around the jihadist leader after Iraqi forces captured five top ISIS commanders in an unprecedented raid in Syria on March 24. Last September, in the last voice message attributed to Baghdadi, the ISIS leader called on his fighters in Syria and Iraq to 'resist' their enemies. He had four children with his first wife and a son with his second wife. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2018 2018/11/29 Q: We have noted that the Foreign Ministry today announced that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit China. Could you give us more information on this visit? How does China comment on the current China-Germany relations? What is China's expectation for this visit? A: At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany will pay a state visit to China from December 5 to 10. This is Mr. Steinmeier's first state visit to China after he assumed the presidency. During the visit, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang will hold talks and meet with him on separate occasions, during which the two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Germany relations, China-Europe relations and major international and regional issues of mutual interest. Besides Beijing, President Steinmeier will also travel to Guangdong and Sichuan. Since this year, China-Germany relations have been developing at a high standard with a sound momentum. The Chinese Premier and German Prime Minister visited each other within this year and the fifth China-Germany intergovernmental consultation was held successfully. Vice Premier Liu He has just paid a visit to Germany and attended the 8th "Hamburg Summit: China meets Europe". The upcoming visit of President Steinmeier to China once again testifies to the closeness of bilateral ties, especially in terms of the high-level exchanges. Our practical cooperation in economy, trade and investment has been making new outcomes and the bilateral trade volume is expected to hit historic high again this year. Meanwhile, China and Germany, as comprehensive strategic partners, have conducted good coordination and cooperation on jointly upholding multilateralism and free trade system, building an open world economy and promoting the peace, stability and development of the world. President Steinmeier visited China many times in the capacity of German Foreign Minister and made positive contributions to the growth of China-Germany ties. China hopes that this visit can further enhance the political and strategic mutual trust between our two countries, marking a perfect ending to our high-level exchanges in this year and inject new impetus into the all-round cooperation between our two sides at the bilateral, China-Europe and global levels. Q: China's General Administration of Customs today issued a notice, allowing the imports of rice from Niigata, Japan. After the Fukushima accident, China has been restricting importing products from relevant regions. What are China's considerations behind making such kind of decision? Will China lift restrictions on importing food from other places of Japan? A: Just like you said, this morning China's General Administration of Customs issued a notice and I believe that you have seen it. In principle, China always attaches importance to the safety of imported food. We will continue to follow the scientific principle to deal with the issue of food imports from Japan. The competent authorities of the two countries will continue to maintain communication. Q: The US Navy has sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. What is China's response? A: The Chinese side has been closely monitoring from start to end the passage by the US warships through the Taiwan Strait. We have expressed our concern to the US side. The Taiwan issue concerns the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. It is the most important and sensitive issue in the China-US relations. We urge the US to observe the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiques and prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues so as to avoid undermining China-US relations and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Q: Yesterday the US Trade Representative threatened tariffs on Chinese automobiles and said that China's aggressive and state-directed industrial policies were harming US workers and manufacturers, and China taxes US cars more than double the rate it charges other countries. What is your comment? A: At this moment a press conference is also being held in the Ministry of Commerce. Your colleague may ask this question there, since they would give you more professional answers. (the journalist laughed) As far as I know, since July 1, China has cut its vehicle import tariffs from 25% to 15%. But due to the trade disputes provoked by the US, starting from July 6, China imposed additional 25% on top of the 15% rate for most of the automobiles imported from the US on China's list for tariff increases, thus pushing the total rate to 40%. That is to say, were it not for the trade disputes and the tariff impositions initiated by the US, the tariff rate for automobiles imported from the US would have been 15%. In addition, due to differences in resource endowment and industrial competitiveness, it's very difficult for two economies to realize absolute reciprocity and openness and tariffs also vary from industry to industry. I believe you all understand that. A case in point is China's tariff on unshelled peanuts, which stands at 15%. But according to WTO statistics, the US tariff rate for unshelled peanuts is 163.8%, around 11 times of that of China. So when it comes to a specific industry, there is no such a thing as absolute reciprocity. The most pressing issue is that the two sides need to resolve trade disputes and existing issues through dialogue and negotiation. Issuing constant threats through media and wielding the big stick of sanctions will never help. Q: The US Embassy voiced concern over the disappearance of the US-based photographer Lu Guang and in a comment condemned China's "worsening human rights abuse". What is your comment on that? A: Yesterday I already gave my reply when a journalist raised this question. I am not aware of the specific case. As to the comment on China's human rights situation by the US side, I believe the Chinese people, rather than the US government, have the best say about China's human rights. Besides, we also hope the US side will follow the principle of not interfering in others' internal affairs just as they once said. Just as they don't want others to meddle in their internal affairs, we don't want them to meddle in ours, too. Q: I noted the TV footage showing that at the welcoming banquet for President Xi Jinping in Spain, all Chinese officials were dressed in Zhongshan suits (Note: Chinese-style formal dress), including State Councilor Wang Yi. Is this the first time for such a case or not? A: I believe it is not the first time that Chinese leaders wore Chinese-style formal dress on such formal occasions as this grand welcoming banquet held by the Spanish King. Follow-up: I have seen Chinese officials attend events in Zhongshan suits before, but I suppose it's the first time that all of them were dressed in such suits? A: Like I just said, that was a very formal occasion, and wearing Chinese formal dress conforms to the dress code of such an occasion. Besides, thank you for your interest in our diplomatic events. An Iranian man has been caught on film threatening to shove a tear gas canister down a woman's throat for refusing to wear a headscarf. In the footage the man can be seen approaching the woman with the canister in his hand while other people try to stop him. The woman can be heard asking him what he's doing with the canister before he responds: 'Yes, I'm going to shove tear gas down your throat. 'Then you won't be able to speak for two days.' An Iranian woman filmed as a man threatened to shove a tear gas canister down her throat after she went outside without wearing a hijab The man can be seen shouting at the woman as others try to pull him back before he jumps into his car and drives off up the street But instead of attacking the woman the man then walks off, climbs into his car and drives away up the street. It is not known exactly where in Iran the footage was captured, but it was uploaded to Twitter by Masih Alinejad who founded the White Wednesdays and My Stealthy Freedom campaigns. Both campaigns aim to fight against laws which require women to wear the hijab in Iran and fight for women's rights generally. After the video appeared online, the My Stealthy Freedom Twitter account posted a message from the woman involved, which said: 'Look at this man. 'He was driving a car without a license plate. He was even carrying tear gas with him. His mission is to impose hijab on women. 'The only thing that occurred to me at that moment was to take a picture of this ruthless person. These people are the Iranian version of ISIS.' The video comes after Shapark Shajarizadeh, 42, who was arrested in February after removing her headscarf in Tehran, claimed she has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars. She posted on her personal website that she had been jailed for 'opposing the compulsory hijab' and 'waving a white flag of peace in the street.' Shajarizadeh was released on bail in late April after Amnesty reported that she had been charged with 'inciting corruption and prostitution'. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and there has been no immediate comment from Iranian officials. In a video posted on Twitter, Ms Shajarizadeh said she had fled the country upon being released on bail because she feared for her own safety. Sentenced: Shapark Shajarizadeh, 42, says she has been jailed for 20 years for taking off her hijab in public in Iran's capital Protest: Ms Shajarizadeh was arrested in February after she was filmed standing on a traffic island in the Iranian capital Tehran, while waving her headscarf around on the end of a stick In the month of February alone, Iranian police arrested 29 women for removing their headscarves in public as part of a campaign known as 'White Wednesdays.' Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer who represented Shajarizadeh and other women, was arrested last month. The Islamic dress code, in place since the 1979 revolution, considers veiling obligatory for any female above 13 in Iran and says they should cover themselves from head to toe, while disavowing any figure-hugging clothes. Breaking the rules can result in fines of up to 500,000 rials (17) and up to two months in prison. President Hassan Rouhani, who came to power in 2013 promising a more moderate stance, has previously said it is not the job of police to enforce religious rules such as those forcing women to cover their hair. But in April 2016, officials said there were 7,000 undercover morality police reporting on things like 'bad hijab' - a blanket term usually referring to un-Islamic dress by women. Figures are rarely given, but Tehran's traffic police said in late 2015 they had dealt with 40,000 cases of bad hijab in cars, where women often let their headscarves drop around their necks. These cases generally led to fines and a temporary impounding of the vehicle. AirAsia is offering bargain flights to keen travellers to escape the winter blues. Flights from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur are up for grabs for less than $100. The airline has launched $51.50 flights from the Malaysian city to Avalon Airport, Victoria, on scattered dates between March and August 2019. For less than $100 keen travellers can jump on a plane to Kuala Lumpur (pictured) from Melbourne AirAsia (pictured) has launched the dirt cheap flights for $51.50 from the Malaysian city to Avalon Airport, Victoria, on scattered dates between March and August 2019 The eight-hour flight will cost $99 one way from Melbourne Airport to the Asian capital, according to Escape. For those who want to travel in luxury, the airline offers a 'value pack' option, which includes 20 kilograms of luggage and meals during the journey for an extra $60. As of December 5, AirAsia will be the first to fly internationally from Avalon Airport, about 50 minutes south of Melbourne Airport. Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings said the 'unique low-cost' flights were a great opportunity for eager jetsetters. The flights are expected to leave from the airport twice daily, mid-morning and at night. The A330-300 planes will include premium flatbeds and 354 economy seats. Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian President, has cautioned President Donald Trump to not take military action against his state after the US leader threatened to pursue hostile policies against Tehran amid the decision to withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear program deal. President Rouhani addressed a number of Iranian diplomats after the Twitter showdown and stated that without peace between the two countries, which have been at odds since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, there would only be regret. Trumps threat to halt Iranian oil exports was scoffed at by the President of Iran and he explained that the Middle Eastern state was in a dominant position in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. But who is Hassan Rouhani? President of Iran Hassan Rouhani addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York Hassan Rouhani Born Hassan Feridon on November 12, 1948 in Sorkheh, Iran, he is a Shiite Muslim and has studied at the University of Tehran and Glasgow Caledonian University, receiving a Masters and PhD at the latter college. Rouhani was arrested a number of times in the 1960s and 1970s as a follower of Ayatollah Khomeini, the former leader of Iran, and in 1977, because of threat of a subsequent arrest, he left Iran to join him in exile in France, as reported in CNN. Between 1980 and 2000, after the Shah was overthrown, Rouhani served in the National Assembly for five terms and during this time, was a member of the Supreme Defense Council, Commander of the Iranian air defenses, Deputy commander of Irans Armed Forces and National security adviser to the President, to name a few roles. In 2013, he was sworn in as the seventh President of Iran and soon after wrote a column in The Washington Post, calling for a constructive approach to Irans nuclear weapons program, having acted as Irans chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005. In a dramatic move, President Rouhani condemned the actions of the Nazis during the Holocaust and had the first direct conversation an Iranian leader has had with a US leader, at the time former President Barack Obama, since 1979. President Barack Obama makes a statement after he spoke with Iranian President Rouhani Two years later in Vienna, a deal was struck that would see restrictions on uranium enrichment and research in exchange for economic sanctions relief, which Rouhani stated was a dream. In the same year, the Iranian President addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations, stating: A new chapter has started in Irans relations with the world. He also went on to mention that America and Israel are somewhat at fault for the rise in terrorism across the world. If we did not have the US military invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the United States unwarranted support for the inhumane actions of the Zionist regime against the oppressed nation of Palestine, today the terrorists would not have an excuse for the justification of their crimes, he said. A year later, however, Rouhani accused the US of a lack of compliance with the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in 2015 and also discussed how the US Supreme Court had undertaken illegal actions when they allowed US victims of terror to claim nearly $2 billion in compensation from Irans central bank. In 2017, Rouhani won re-election, with 57 per cent of the vote. After Trumps own speech to the UN General Assembly, he called for an apology to Iran for the offensive comments and baseless accusations after the US President claimed the Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy. Since becoming president, Rouhani has stated there would be no overnight solutions to the countrys problems. While the nuclear deal may have ensured that sanctions were lifted, the benefits have been slow, as reported in the BBC. President Rouhani also pledged to free reformist opposition leaders that have been held without trial since 2011 and promised an era of increased freedom. However, activists and journalists remain in jail and the number of executions in Iran has soared. In addition to this, censorship has not eased and the internet is still tightly controlled. Trump announces his decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal Hassan Rouhani wife President Rouhani married Sahebeh Rouhani in 1968 and the couple have five children, the eldest of whom died in 1992. While she is not a political figure herself, she is known as a philanthropic one and in 2014 constructed ten schools. However, these charitable events have occasionally been condemned; in 2014, the Iranian President was criticised for what was considered to be a lavish ball organised by the first lady, as reported by Reuters. Held in a palace, the all-female charity dinner celebrated Womens Day, which also coincided with the birthday of the Prophet Muhammads daughter Fatima, a paragon of virtue. However, many saw this as the president indulging while so many others were suffering amid the economic hardship. Trump Twitter In May 2018, Trump was poised to make his decision on the Iran nuclear deal after stating that it was too lenient and accused the Middle Eastern country of breaking parts of the agreement. After refusing to sign off on the agreement, he also called for sanctions against the Revolutionary Guard police force. Trump took to Twitter to issue a warning to Hassan Rouhani amid the looming sanctions against Tehran, after the Iranian President warned his US counterpart to not play with the lions tail. President Trump let rip: 'To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.' 'WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!' What did Rouhani say? However, this only meant that Iran found his reaction passive and said that he wont dare launch an attack. Gen. Gholam Hossein Gheibparvar, the chief of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards volunteer Basij force, added that Trump's tweet amounts to nothing more than 'psychological warfare'. He said: 'We will never abandon our revolutionary beliefs. We will resist pressure from enemies... America wants nothing less than (to) destroy Iran ... (but) Trump cannot do a damn thing against Iran.' Although, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's 'strong stance' against Iran and welcomed an end to world powers 'pampering' the regime. Rouhani had earlier warned that 'Iran is the mother of all peace' before adding that 'war with Iran is the mother of all wars'. 'Don't play with fire, or you will regret [it],' he continued. 'Iranian people are the master and they will never bow to anyone, the Iranian President said. He also warned against any US attempt to destabilise Iran by encouraging protests and said: 'You are not in a position to incite the Iranian nation against Iran's security and interests.' What did Mike Pompeo say? US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted at such efforts while speaking in California at the weekend and promised backing for Iranian dissents as he referred to the country's leaders as a 'mafia'. He also went on to dismiss Rouhani and the rest of his government as 'merely polished front men for the ayatollahs' international con artistry.' Pompeo also announced that the US government is launching a 24-hour television, radio and digital information channel in Farsi to broadcast American propaganda across Iran. The service would insure that 'ordinary Iranians inside Iran and around the globe can know that America stands with them'. Iran has unveiled its next generation short-range ballistic missile with a warning that its 'will to enhance our defence power in all fields will increase'. The Fateh Mobin rocket was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. 'As promised to our dear people, we will not spare any effort to increase the missile capabilities of the country and we will certainly increase our missile power every day,' Hatami said. It comes as Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that there would be neither war nor negotiations with the United States. 'Recently, U.S. officials have been talking blatantly about us. Beside sanctions, they are talking about war and negotiations,' he said via his official Twitter account in English. 'In this regard, let me say a few words to the people: THERE WILL BE NO WAR, NOR WILL WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE U.S.' Iran has unveiled its next generation short-range ballistic missile (pictured) with a warning that its 'will to enhance our defence power in all fields will increase' It comes as Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured today) said that there would be neither war nor negotiations with the United States Earlier, Hatami described the new version of the Fateh Mobin missile as '100-percent domestically made... agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. 'Be sure that the greater the pressures and psychological warfare against the great nation of Iran, our will to enhance our defence power in all fields will increase,' he added. The new missile's range was not given, but previous versions had a range of around 200 to 300 kilometres, according to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. US officials told Fox News last week that a 'Fateh-110 missile' was test-fired by Iran during naval exercises in the Strait of Hormoz last week. A US general described the exercises as designed to send a message, following threats from Iran that it could shut down the vital, oil-shipping waterway in retaliation for renewed sanctions. The new missile's range was not given, but previous versions had a range of around 200 to 300 kilometres, according to the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Footage has emerged online purportedly showing the rocket The Fateh Mobin rocket was described by Iranian defence minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as '100-percent domestically made - agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided' US officials said last week that a 'Fateh-110 missile' was test-fired by Iran during naval exercises in the Strait of Hormoz last week 'Nothing can stop this missile because of its high degree of flexibility,' said Hatami, adding that the new version of the Fateh Mobin was '100-percent domestically made... agile, stealth, tactical (and) precision-guided'. 'Be sure that the greater the pressures and psychological warfare against the great nation of Iran, our will to enhance our defence power in all fields will increase,' he added. President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and world powers in May. Iran's missile programme is a major bone of contention, particularly with the United States and its allies, but is seen as vital by Iran to its defensive posture in a troubled region. The husband of British mother jailed in Iran Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said new Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is their 'lucky charm' after her three-day release. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 40, was locked up in Tehran in April 2016 after being accused of spying on the Islamist regime and jailed for five years. Her husband Richard, of north London, has fought an uphill battle and was overjoyed when she was released on a three-day furlough yesterday. Speaking on TV this morning he credited the new Foreign Secretary with 'making strong noises' to get her released. He said 'there was baggage' with his predecessor Boris Johnson, who was forced to apologise after he accidentally told Parliament the charity worker was training journalists in Iran, rather than on holiday. He told This Morning: 'The Government has been making some quite strong noises. 'Jeremy Hunt, the new foreign secretary was very clear yesterday in saying that this should be permanent, that she should be coming home and that she's innocent. 'That gives hope. But she's still in Iran. Until it's all over, it's not all over.' But asked how much the new secretary of state has helped their situation, he replied: 'Before we had some baggage with the former foreign secretary. He then clearly tried to do his best. It got to a certain point but then it got to a lull. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is pictured cuddling her four-year-old daughter Gabriella after being released from prison in Iran on a three-day furlough yesterday 'Then Jeremy Hunt has come in and he's been our lucky charm. 'He's made some strong noises. Obviously there's been work going on behind the scenes all along. So it's not to give him all the glory or equally his predecessor all the blame. It will have been battled. 'But I'm pleased with our Foreign Secretary at the moment.' He expressed his hope she would be out of prison for more than three days and is due to find out whether the furlough has been extended on 'Saturday or Sunday'. He has Skyped her three times since his wife's release. He said: 'It's ups and downs. But this is definitely good news. 'We'll see on Saturday or Sunday if it gets extended how good the news is.' He revealed his wife and their now four-year-old daughter slept next to each other yesterday and were able to have a bath together this morning. Little Gabriella was excited to give her mother a bunch of flowers, seen in images released yesterday, after she noticed other prisoners being given bouquets, he added. He told hosts Mark Wright and Mollie King: 'Today and yesterday very good days. I couldn't believe it was true. Nazanin's husband Richard appeared on This Morning today to discuss her temporary release Bagagge v Lucky charm: Mr Ratcliffe said the former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (pictured left) had caused the family 'baggage', but said his successor Jeremy Hunt (right) has been their 'lucky charm' 'It's the simple stuff that you miss. And having that again. Of course it's overwhelming, you can't put it into defined words. You are just like wow.' He continued: 'They had a bath together this morning. 'And last night they slept next to each other. In the morning Gabriella said 'oh it's you mummy, I thought it would be grandma'. 'It was also really important for her yesterday to have a bunch of flowers. 'She'd seen other prisoners get bunches of flowers. So she wanted to cut the flowers and to have the flowers for her mummy. That's why she's looking so proud in those photos.' Speaking to hosts Mark Wright and Mollie King (left) he said Jeremy Hunt has been his family's 'lucky charm' Asked how much Gabriella understands what has happened to her mother, he replied: 'As they get bigger they understand more. She's been asking more questions. 'She understands prison is for naughty people. But she says 'you're not naughty mummy.' 'She sees someone get released and she says 'well why haven't you been released?' As she understands more she questions more.' Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained at Tehran airport in April 2016 while travelling home with her daughter and was accused by Iran of plotting against the government. The Thomson Reuters Foundation worker denied the charges against her and maitained she was in the country to introduce her daughter to her parents. She faced further propaganda charges as time went on, a situation inflamed by Mr Johnson's blunder. There were reports the mother-of-one was suicidal and worried for her mental and physical health. But now her husband says the three-day release has given the family hope. He said: 'Yeah, it's a big bit of hope. We've been battling for so long. Baby Gabriella is pictured with her mother and father before she was jailed in April 2016 'I was on this sofa talking to Phil and Holly before and been all over the media mostly telling sad stories and complaining. 'And then yesterday I was going around telling a happy story.' He said he spoke to his wife on Skype for the first time in two years yesterday, seeing her 'smiling face' for the first time. He said: 'It's the first time I've seen her in two years. 'To see that big smiling face. I couldn't believe it. 'I didn't say anything particularly profound, just gosh it's been such a long time coming.' He said there was a big family gathering in Iran, with his wife's mother - who she hadn't seen in two years. Mr Ratcliffe also told the Mirror Gabriella had been frank with her mother about her appearance, which he claims is skinnier than before. Gabriella told her mother: 'In pictures you look a lot younger and more beautiful than you do now.' Her father added: 'That's the brutal logic of a small child.' He also said their Hampstead home has taken on a 'bachelor quality' in the absence of his wife, promising to clear it up when she returns home. Jeremy Hunt told reporters yesterday: 'It is extremely positive and we want to thank the Iranian authorities for what they're doing, whilst not forgetting that she should not be imprisoned in the first place. 'Nazanin is innocent. She has a four-year-old daughter, Gabriella. 'She has a devoted husband. She has friends in both Iran and the UK and frankly every day that she is in prison is a reminder to the whole world of a gross injustice. 'So we call on the Iranian authorities to capitalise on the goodwill from today's announcement by going the whole way and releasing Nazanin and allowing her to go back to her family and come back to the UK, which is where her home is, and end this totally appalling injustice.' A member of the Uighur minority on Monday detailed torture and abuse she says she experienced in one of the internment camps where the Chinese government has detained hundreds of thousands of religious minorities. Mihrigul Tursun, speaking to reporters in Washington, said she was interrogated for four days in a row without sleep, had her hair shaved and was subjected to an intrusive medical examination following her second arrest in China in 2017. After she was arrested a third time, the treatment grew worse. 'I thought that I would rather die than go through this torture and begged them to kill me,' Tursun, 29, told reporters at a meeting at the National Press Club. Mihrigul Tursun, right, speaks at a event at the National Press Club in Washington on Monday. Through a translator she said she spent several months in detention in China where she was beaten, tortured with electric shock and given unknown drugs Entrance to a jail which locals say is used to hold those undergoing political indoctrination program in Korla, Xinjiang. Local laws have been revised to allow such establishments Paramilitary policemen gesture to stop a photographer from taking pictures after an explosives attack hit Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region May 23, 2014 Human rights groups say China has detained up to two million Uighurs to promote what the government calls 'ethnic unity' in the country's far west. On Monday, over 270 scholars from 26 countries released a statement drawing attention to 'mass human rights abuses and deliberate attacks on indigenous cultures' taking place in China. 'In the camps, these detainees, most of whom are Uighur, are subjected to deeply invasive forms of surveillance and psychological stress as they are forced to abandon their native language, religious beliefs and cultural practices,' the statement said. 'Outside of the camps, more than 10 million Turkic Muslim minorities in the region are subjected to a dense network of surveillance systems, checkpoints, and interpersonal monitoring which severely limit all forms of personal freedom.' Raised in China, Tursun moved to Egypt to study English at a university and soon met her husband and had triplets with him. In 2015, Tursun traveled to China to spend time with her family and was immediately detained and separated from her infant children. When Tursun was released three months later, one of the triplets died and the other two developed health problems. Tursun said the children had been operated on. She was arrested for a second time about two years later. Police officers check IDs of people as security forces keep watch in Kashgar, Xinjiang A demonstrator wearing a mask painted with the colours of the flag of East Turkestan and a hand bearing the colours of the Chinese flag attends a protest of supporters of the mostly Muslim Uighur minority and Turkish nationalists to denounce China's treatment of ethnic Uighur Muslims in Istanbul on July 5, 2018 A Uighur man looks on as a truck carrying policemen travel along a street during an anti-terrorism oath-taking rally in Urumqi. The characters on the banner read, 'Willingness to spill blood for the people. Countering terrorism and fighting the enemies is part of the police spirit' Several months later, she was detained a third time and spent three months in a cramped, suffocating prison cell with 60 other women, having to sleep in turns, use the toilet in front of security cameras and sing songs praising China's Communist Party. Tursun said she and other inmates were forced to take unknown medication, including pills that made them faint and a white liquid that caused bleeding in some women and loss of menstruation in others. Tursun said nine women from her cell died during her three months there. One day, Tursun recalled, she was led into a room and placed in a high chair, and her legs and arms were locked in place. 'The authorities put a helmet-like thing on my head, and each time I was electrocuted, my whole body would shake violently and I would feel the pain in my veins,' Tursun said in a statement read by a translator. 'I don't remember the rest. White foam came out of my mouth, and I began to lose consciousness,' Tursun said. 'The last word I heard them saying is that you being an Uighur is a crime.' A Muslim ethnic Uighur woman and her daughter try to cross the road as Chinese paramilitary police drive past near the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi in China's farwest Xinjiang region A UN panel says up to one million ethnic Uighurs may be held in Chinese internment camps An officer standing guard as local Muslims arrive for the Eid al-Fitr morning prayer at the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar She was eventually released so that she could take her children to Egypt, but she was ordered to return to China. Once in Cairo, Tursun contacted U.S. authorities and, in September, came to the United States and settled in Virginia. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not return a request for comment. Chinese authorities have denied that the internment camps exist but say petty criminals are sent to 'employment training centers.' The State Department estimates that since April 2017, the Chinese government has detained 800,000 to possibly more than two million Uighurs, Kazakhs and other Muslims in political re-education camps. 'The United States will continue to call on China to end these counterproductive policies and free all those arbitrarily detained,' the State Department said. 'We are committed to promoting accountability for those who commit human rights violations and abuses, including by considering targeted measures against Xinjiang officials.' A businessman pained over the destruction to the town of Paradise caused by the deadly Northern California wildfire has given $1,000 each to students and staff members from the local high school. Real estate developer and restaurant owner Bob Wilson arrived in the nearby city of Chico Tuesday with two suitcases stuffed with checks totaling $1.1million for Paradise High School's 980 students and 105 teachers and staff members. Wilson is from the San Diego area and said he thought of the donation after reading a Los Angeles Times story about the high school still standing with students scattered and separated from each other. Wilson is 90 and said in an interview that his memories of high school in the 1940s inspired him to act. Real estate developer and restaurant owner Bob Wilson arrived at Paradise High School Tuesday with two suitcases full of checks totaling $1.1million Wilson says learning about the students' difficulties broke his heart The blaze that started November 8 leveled Paradise, destroying more than 13,000 homes and left about 90 percent of the students with charred homes. School Principal Loren Lighthall said he thinks about 900 students lost their homes because of the Camp Fire. The Butte County Sheriff's Office says more than 560 names remain on the missing list and at least 85 people have been killed. One student said he missed spending time with his friends at local hangouts and another said she cries constantly. Wilson said his intention was to make the kids smile and 'give a little freedom to do whatever they wanted to do and maybe take their minds off what happened for a short period.' He gave each student and teacher a $1,000 check in the wake of wildfires The town of Paradise was leveled and more than 13,000 homes destroyed, including the homes of about 90 percent of the students Residences leveled by a wildfire line a neighborhood in Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 15, 2018 He said reading about the hardships faced by the Paradise high school students broke his heart and he wanted them to know that someone cares about them. 'High school had a great impact on my life,' he said. 'In fact, I would say it was the first, last and only truly carefree time.' Principal Lighthall said: 'Bob's donation puts money in each kid's pocket right now for food, gas, clothes, for essential things.' Students and teachers hugged Wilson as he handed them their envelope with the golden check inside. He doesn't even know us ... it makes my heart smile,' student Samantha Pipkin told KGO. Megyn Kelly has given DailyMailTV a peek into her holiday season, admitting she cries every time she hears Silent Night and revealing her family treats It's A Wonderful Life like the Rocky Horror Picture Show with full audience participation. The journalist showed her softer side when she reminisced about Christmases growing up, including the year she was ecstatic upon receiving toys Stretch Armstrong and the Incredible Hulk, saying not even a pony could have made her happier. The 48-year-old, who lives in New York City with her novelist husband Doug Brunt and their children Yates, nine, Yardley, seven, and Thatcher, five, said she would love to start caroling with her family, but can't seem to get anyone on board with the idea. But Megyn said the joyous season is somewhat bittersweet after losing her father when she was a teenager just a few days before Christmas in 1985. Listed below are Megyn's 10 favorite holiday traditions, memories and decorations that she shared with DailyMailTV. Megyn Kelly has given DailyMailTV a peek into her holiday season, admitting she cries every time she hears Silent Night. Pictured: Megyn with her novelist husband Doug Brunt at the White House Christmas party in 2014 Favorite holiday tradition: 'We play It's a Wonderful Life and treat it like the Rocky Horror Picture Show with full audience participation - we hiss when Mr. Potter comes on, ring bells when Clarence is on screen, and ''hee haw'' with Sam Wainwright.' Favorite holiday song: 'Silent Night has sentimental meaning to my husband Doug and me I will never, ever forget holding my oldest child Yates on my lap at Christmas Eve mass when he was four. 'He had learned the song in school, and in a candlelit church with decorations all around and the choir singing, Yates, in that sweet, innocent voice only a child has, softly sang every word. I can't hear it to this day without crying.' Favorite Christmas morning tradition: 'Doug and I are always up before the kids, counting down the moments until they wake up. 'We have finally realized we need to pre-make the coffee the night before so it's just a button press the next morning (critical!). 'When they go out to the living room one of us runs ahead to videotape their reaction - it's always poorly lit and too long for video but the moment is too precious to let it pass without trying to stop time for a minute.' Megyn said her favorite Christmas morning tradition is watching her children rush to open their presents, adding: 'The moment is too precious to let it pass without trying to stop time for a minute'. Pictured: Two of Megyn's children in their Christmas pajamas Megyn admitted the joyous season is bittersweet for her after losing her father when she was 15 years old just a few days before Christmas in 1985. Pictured: Megyn as a child with her father Edward Kelly in Selkirk, New York in 1976 Most important Christmas lesson: 'Nothing matters except the people around the tree. My dad died ten days before Christmas 1985. He was 45 and I was 15. 'It was a sudden heart attack, and it changed my family forever. My last sight of him was of him sitting on the couch, looking at the Christmas tree. 'What I wouldn't give now to have that moment back. To have just one more chance to tell him how much I love him.' Favorite tradition I'd like to start: 'Caroling. I have tried for years to get everyone to go but let's just say not every family member is as enthusiastic as I am. 'The first Christmas I ever spent at Doug's home with his family I suggested we do it and everyone was all for it so we did and it was amazing. 'Doug's mom looked over at me about halfway through, freezing cold and said, 'so you do this with your family every year?' 'Oh no! Never!' I told her, 'you're the first ones to ever take me up on it!' She was stunned. But maybe a little bit more merry?' The mother-of-three said Silent Night has sentimental meaning because of her oldest child Yates and that she can't hear the song 'to this day without crying' Favorite movie: 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - who doesn't love this sweet misfit who just wants to belong and winds up a hero thanks to the nose he's so self-conscious about? Plus I love the sound of Burl Ives' voice as the snowman.' Favorite Christmas gift: 'It's a tie between Stretch Armstrong and the Incredible Hulk. I got both one year when I was a kid and not even a pony could have made me happier. 'This was 35 years ago and both toys are still available. The classics never go out of style.' Favorite thing to eat: 'Peppermint bark. Pretty much from anywhere, but Williams Sonoma makes a delicious one the problem is I can't eat just one piece so someone else needs to be in charge of it!' Favorite decoration: 'We bought an old-fashioned TV a few years ago that has inside of it a magical motorized skating rink and Christmas scene. 'We got it not at some Vermont Christmas store but at a casino in Vegas! When our then three-year-old first saw it, he pulled up a chair and, watching the skaters inside, said 'I want to be in there.' Same!' Megyn said her favorite holiday tradition is watching It's a Wonderful Life and treating it like the Rocky Horror Picture Show with full audience participation, saying: 'We hiss when Mr. Potter comes on, ring bells when Clarence is on screen, and ''hee haw'' with Sam Wainwright' When asked what her favorite Christmas gift was, Megyn said: 'It's a tie between Stretch Armstrong (left) and the Incredible Hulk. I got both one year when I was a kid and not even a pony could have made me happier' Charity traditions: 'We collect toys, old and new and donate them to the toy drive in our neighborhood. 'We also pack care packages for our troops serving overseas - my kids love writing notes for the soldiers and it's a good way to talk to them about what our troops sacrifice for us. 'We are big lovers of the Salvation Army too - we donate every year and love listening to the carols of the Salvation Army band at one of our favorite restaurants each December.' Samuel Little, 78, who is imprisoned in Texas for three California murders has confessed to the longest running cold case in Prince George's County in Maryland, plus 89 other killings and is being investigated as possibly the most prolific serial killer in US history A 78-year-old drifter in prison in Texas for three California murders has confessed to the longest running cold case in Maryland's Prince George's County, along with 89 other killings and is now being investigated as possibly the most prolific serial killer in US history. Samuel Little preyed mainly on drug addicts and prostitutes during a decades-long murder spree that stretched from coast to coast, with 34 killings verified, the FBI said in a report. In the case of the 1972 murder of an unidentified Jane Doe, Little described the signs he saw, the dirt roads he drove and the U-turn he took, and then explicitly pinpointed the spot where he left the woman's body, all of which was on point with what police knew about the murder site. 'The FBI is working with the Department of Justices Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Texas Rangers, and dozens of state and local agencies to match Littles confessions with evidence from women who turned up dead in states from California to Florida between 1970 and 2005,' the report read. 'Littles run-ins with the law date back to 1956, and there are clear signs of a dark, violent streak among his many shoplifting, fraud, drug, solicitation, and breaking and entering charges. But law enforcement has only recently begun unraveling the true extent of his crimes.' In one murder confession of a 20-year-old Florida woman, Little told an investigator 'God put him on this earth to do it.' Samuel Little preyed mainly on drug addicts and prostitutes during a decades-long murder spree that stretched from coast to coast, with 34 killings verified, the FBI said in a report. Little is pictured listening to opening statements as his trial begins for the murders of Carol Alford, Audrey Nelson and Guadalupe Apodaca in Los Angeles in the 1980s on August 18, 2014 Because his victims were mostly drug addicts and prostitutes, in some cases the women were never identified and their deaths were not investigated. Little, a six-foot-three-inch-tall former boxer also known as Samuel McDowell, was arrested at a homeless shelter in Kentucky in 2012 and extradited to California to face drug charges. Once there, DNA evidence linked him to three cold cases and Little was convicted in 2014 of murdering three women in Los Angeles between 1987 and 1989. Those victims were 41-year-old Carol Alford, whose body was found on July 13, 1987; 35-year-old Audrey Nelson, found on Aug. 14, 1989; and 46-year-old Guadalupe Apodaca, found on Sept. 3, 1989. All three had been beaten and strangled. Little was convicted of the 1989 murder of Audrey Nelson, 35 (left), in Los Angeles in 2014. The cold case of the 1982 murder of Rosie Hill, 20 (right), in Ocala, Florida was closed on November 15 following Little's confession to the slaying Little was arrested at a homeless shelter in Kentucky in 2012 and extradited to California to face drug charges. Once there, DNA evidence linked him to the three cold cases and Little was convicted in 2014 of murdering the three women in Los Angeles between 1987 and 1989. Little (right) is pictured appearing unfazed after being convicted on three counts of first degree murder on September 2, 2014, in Los Angeles Superior Court Sentenced to three life terms in prison, Little was transferred to Texas in connection with the investigation into the murder of Denise Christie Brothers in Odessa, Texas. Pearl Nelson (left) is shown holding a photo of her mother, victim Audrey Nelson, as she is hugged by Mary Louise Frias, whose Godmother, Guadalupe Apodaca Zambrano, was also a victim of convicted serial killer Little Sentenced to three life terms in prison, Little was transferred to Texas in connection with the investigation into another murder. Bobby Bland, district attorney of Ector County where Little is being held, said the elderly man eventually confessed to the 1994 murder of Denise Christie Brothers in Odessa, Texas. And after a Texas Ranger named James Holland gained his trust, Little began confessing to dozens of other murders committed between 1970 and 2005, Bland said. During the course of an interview in May 2018, Little 'went through city and state and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place,' FBI crime analyst Christina Palazzolo said. 'Jackson, Mississippi - one; Cincinnati, Ohio - one; Phoenix, Arizona - three; Las Vegas, Nevada-one...' Palazzolo said. Investigators from Prince George's County in Maryland traveled to Texas to interview Little, and once there were warned that the convicted killer showed absolutely no remorse for taking the lives of so many. 'We were told directly not to ask him, "Lets do this for the family," because he did not view his victims as deserving of any type of remorse,' Prince Georges Police Sgt. Greg McDonald told the Washington Post. 'So if you went into a room and asked him, "Want to do this for the family?" he would shut down.' The Maryland investigators said Little described the crime scene from Prince George's County's longest running cold case with such detail that they were sure he had committed the murder of Jane Doe, who they had hoped he would help them identify. It's one of only two homicide cases in the county with unidentified victims, police said. Bobby Bland, district attorney of Ector County where Little is being held, said the elderly man eventually confessed to the 1994 murder of Denise Christie Brothers in Odessa, Texas. Little is pictured leaving the Ector County Courthouse after attending a pre-trial hearing Monday in Odessa, Texas for the 1994 murder of Denise Christie Brothers A crime scene is shown from a 1972 murder in Prince George's County in Maryland, which investigators believe Little was responsible for, based on an interview with matching details He revealed he had known the woman who was from Massachusetts for a few days, that she had a child, and had recently become divorced, all of which were new details the Maryland police didn't know. Little told Texas Rangers before Maryland police came to interview him that met 20-something woman off New York Avenue at the old Greyhound Bus Station in the District. The two eventually drove together to a wooded area up Interstate 295, where she suggested they pull over at Maryland Route 197 to have consensual sex on a dirt road, where Little claimed to have killed her and dumped her body. Little said he strangled her to the point of unconsciousness, but she came back to and tried to flee, so he had to catch up with her and make sure she was dead. Little also said that he strangled the women for sexual gratification, and took joy in reliving the details of his murders, which is why he was confessing to so many heinous crimes after all these years. 'Talking with him, you can hear he actually gets excited about describing his homicides and describing how he strangled his victims,' Bernie Nelson, one of the county detectives, said. 'He looked you right in your eye and said he couldnt help himself. Hes a monster.' Maryland police are now awaiting DNA results from the woman's bones, and hope to use some of this new information to finally identify her. On November 15, the Marion County, Florida Sheriff's Office closed the cold case of the 1982 homicide of Rosie Hill, 20, after Little also confessed to that killing, the agency announced in a Facebook post. On November 15, the Marion County, Florida Sheriff's Office closed the cold case of the 1982 homicide of Rosie Hill, 20 (pictured), after Little confessed to that killing MCSO Major Crimes Detective Sergeant Michael Mongeluzzo interviewed Little while he was in custody in Texas after he was incarcerated for the murders of the California women, which is when he confessed to killing Rosie Hill (pictured) and dumping her body, reportedly telling an investigator that he killed Hill 'because God put him on this earth to do it' 'On Monday, August 16, 1982, at approximately 6.00pm, Rosie Hills remains were discovered in a wooded area off of County Road 326 in the vicinity of a hog pen,' the post read. 'During the investigation, it was determined that Rosie was either strangled or suffocated by her attacker. Several witnesses came forward saying that Rosie left a bar with an unknown male and was not seen again. The witnesses gave a description of the suspect and his vehicle, which matched Littles. 'In December 1982, Little was arrested for the attempted murder, aggravated assault and rape of two prostitutes in Pascagoula, Mississippi. 'MCSO detectives interviewed Little there and he claimed that he did not know Rosie and he invoked his right to an attorney. MCSO detectives did not have enough evidence at the time to charge Little with Rosies murder and ultimately, he was never charged in the Pascagoula case. 'In 1983, Little was arrested and ultimately acquitted, in Alachua County, Florida for the homicide of Patricia Mounts.' MCSO Major Crimes Detective Sergeant Michael Mongeluzzo interviewed Little while he was in custody in Texas after he was incarcerated for the murders of the California women, which is when he confessed to killing Rosie Hill and dumping her body. 'Little told Sgt. Mongeluzzo that he killed Rosie because God put him on this earth to do it,' the MCSO said. 'Due to his three life sentences and recent indictment in the state of Texas for murder, the MCSO and the State Attorneys Office for the Fifth Judicial District will not be pursuing murder charges against Little in the death of Rosie Hill.' Little admitted to a total of 90 murders in all, authorities said, of which law enforcement officers have so far verified 34 killings. 'Little will be confirmed as one of, if not the most, prolific serial killers in US history,' Bland said in a statement. Prior to his confessions, the deadliest known US serial killer was believed to be Gary Ridgway, the so-called 'Green River Killer' convicted of 49 murders who is serving a life sentence in Washington state. The FBI said it was working with the federal, state and local agencies to match Little's confessions to unsolved murders across the country, many of which were not classified at the time as homicides. According to the FBI, Little 'remembers his victims and the killings in great detail' but is 'less reliable, however, when it comes to remembering dates.' 'Little's method of killing also didn't always leave obvious signs that the death was a homicide,' the FBI said. 'The one-time competitive boxer usually stunned or knocked out his victims with powerful punches and then strangled them,' it said. 'With no stab marks or bullet wounds, many of these deaths were not classified as homicides but attributed to drug overdoses, accidents, or natural causes.' Little grew up in Ohio, dropped out of high school and lived a 'nomadic life,' shoplifting or stealing to buy alcohol and drugs, the FBI said. His criminal record dates back to 1956 with arrests for shoplifting, fraud, drugs and breaking and entering. He was accused of murdering women in Mississippi and Florida in the early 1980s but was not convicted. The FBI said Little is in poor health and is likely to spend the remainder of his days in prison in Texas. The FBI did not say what ailments he suffers from but Little is wheelchair-bound and has heart disease and diabetes. Patagonia, the outdoor gear company, is passing along the $10 million it saved from tax cuts to non-profit environmental groups. The Ventura, California-based company's CEO Rose Marcario said on Wednesday that the donation is in addition to the 1 per cent of sales it gives to environmental groups every year. Corporations received a windfall from the GOP's sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code last year, which slashed corporate rates to 21 per cent, from 35 per cent. Marcario called the tax cut 'irresponsible' in a statement, adding: 'Taxes protect the most vulnerable in our society, our public lands and other life-giving resources. In spite of this, the Trump administration initiated a corporate tax cut, threatening these services at the expense of our planet.' Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario (above in 2015) said on Wednesday that the company would donate its $10 million in tax savings to environmental non-profits 'Far too many have suffered the consequences of global warming in recent months, and the political response has so far been woefully inadequateand the denial is just evil,' Marcario wrote. The donation is being made on the heels of the recent National Climate Assessment, which Patagonia cited in its announcement. 'Our government continues to ignore the seriousness and causes of the climate crisis. It is pure evil,' said Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder. 'We need to double down on renewable energy solutions. We need an agriculture system that supports small family farms and ranches, not one that rewards chemical companies intent on destroying our planet and poisoning our food. And we need to protect our public lands and waters because they are all we have left.' Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario (second from left) reacts as then-President Barack Obama mentions her in his remarks at a 'Champions of Change' event in 2015 The report warned that natural disasters are worsening in the U.S. because of global warming. It said violent weather and floods have led to costs of nearly $400 billion since 2015 and the potential for annual losses hundreds of billions of dollars. Though economists agree with the general financial conclusions related to climate change, President Donald Trump has rejected the report's assessment regarding the potential economic impact. Patagonia has joined a flurry of lawsuits challenging Trump's decision to chop up two large national monuments in Utah. It also endorsed Democratic Sens.-elect Jon Tester of Montana and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, both who won against GOP incumbents. The company described them as champions of public lands and the outdoor industry. The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Google CEO Sundar Pichai will testify next week at a congressional hearing on the company's business practices, just three months after aides put up an empty chair to symbolize his refusal to appear. Pichai's scheduled Dec. 5 appearance before the House Judiciary Committee comes after he traveled to Washington in late September to meet privately with lawmakers peeved by his refusal to appear. After that private meeting, Pichai promised to come back to testify. Among other things, lawmakers are expected to grill him on whether Google rigs its influential search engine to stifle conservative voices. Google CEO Sundar Pichai (seen above in New York on November 1) will testify next week at a congressional hearing on the company's business practices, just three months after aides put up an empty chair to symbolize his refusal to appear Pichai's scheduled Dec. 5 appearance before the House Judiciary Committee comes after he traveled to Washington in late September to meet privately with lawmakers peeved by his refusal to appear. The empty chair left for him is seen above on Capitol Hill on September 5 President Donald Trump asserts that Google's search engine favors media coverage that he believes distributes 'fake news.' Google didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Giant tech firms like Google, Twitter, and Facebook are increasingly unpopular these days because of the companies' business models which rely on monetizing the personal data of its users to turn a hefty profit. European consumer advocacy groups have accused Google of 'tricking' its users into letting the search engine track their location. They say Google is tracking the location of its users and gets people to turn on their location settings with a combination of manipulative techniques. Google uses location tracking on its Android operating system to improve search results and the location history is stored once a person activates the feature. The complaints say complexities and a lack of transparency when setting up an Android device, hidden default settings, misleading and unbalanced information are all contributing to the issue. The groups across the EU are claiming the firm is in breach of data protection rules brought in this year as part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This past summer, it was reported that users of Google's email service, Gmail, allows third-party app developers to read the messages in users' inboxes, according to The Wall Street Journal. Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey (right) and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg (left) answered questions from lawmakers during the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on September 5 Last year, Google admitted that it scanned Gmail users' emails in order to decide which ads to target them with, though the company said that it halted the practice. Twitter also collects information about its users that enable the company to track them whether they use the service on their phone or their laptops, according to CNET.com. The web site also collects data from web sites that users visit which include content from Twitter - and that's even if you didn't log into the service. Twitter also collects information about users' family, friends, acquaintances, business contacts, or anyone else who has your email address or phone number in their contacts and then upload that data into Twitter itself. Facebook also engages in a similar practice. Twitter does this in order to tailor the advertisements which it believes will appeal specifically to each individual users. Facebook has also been in the headlines in recent months over its policies toward users' private data. The social network came under fire again on Tuesday from lawmakers from several European countries who accused the firm of undermining democratic institutions and left out an empty chair for chief executive Mark Zuckerberg after he declined to be questioned by the British parliament. Facebook is being investigated by lawmakers in Britain after consultancy Cambridge Analytica, which worked on Donald Trumps presidential campaign, obtained the personal data of 87 million Facebook users from a researcher, drawing attention to the use of data analytics in politics. Giant tech firms like Google, Twitter, and Facebook are increasingly unpopular these days because of the companies' business models which rely on monetizing the personal data of its users to turn a hefty profit Concerns over the social media giants practices, the role of political adverts and possible foreign interference in the 2016 Brexit vote and U.S. elections are among the topics being investigated by British and European regulators. 'Weve never seen anything quite like Facebook, where, while we were playing on our phones and apps, our democratic institutions ... seem to have been upended by frat-boy billionaires from California,' Canadian lawmaker Charlie Angus said at a special international hearing at Britains parliament. 'So Mr Zuckerbergs decision not to appear here at Westminster (Britains parliament) to me speaks volumes,' he said, later suggesting Facebook could be broken up to help address the issues. Facebook says it complies with EU data protection laws, but Richard Allan, the companys vice president of policy solutions who appeared in Zuckerbergs stead, admitted it had made mistakes. The 24 representatives from nine countries, who demanded answers from Facebook over its use and treatment of data, posed for a picture with an empty chair behind a desk with a nameplate for Zuckerberg on it. Sandberg (left) and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg have been under fire for Facebook's policies on the spread of fake news and sharing of user data. A protester (above) wears a mask of Zuckerberg in London after he failed to appear for questioning before the UK parliament Last week, Facebook hired former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to lead its global affairs and communications team, as the social network deals with a number of scandals related to privacy, fake news and election meddling. Facebook said Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg were closely involved in the hiring process, and started talking to Clegg over the summer. 'Our company is on a critical journey. The challenges we face are serious and clear and now more than ever we need new perspectives to help us though this time of change,' Sandberg said on a Facebook post congratulating Clegg. Facebook has faced a barrage of criticism from users and lawmakers after it said last year that Russian agents used its platform to spread disinformation before and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, an accusation Moscow denies. An independent autopsy has revealed that the Honduran transgender migrant who died in ICE custody appears to have been abused. Tennessee-based civil rights attorney Andrew Free released details of an independent autopsy this week that noted deep bruising along Roxsana Hernandez's ribs that wasn't evident externally, contusions on her back and injuries around her wrists that were likely caused by handcuffs. An attorney representing the family claims the 33-year-old did not receive adequate medical care and was physically abused. The autopsy also concluded that Hernandez likely died as the result of severe dehydration complicated by HIV. Immigration authorities maintain that Hernandez wasn't abused while in their custody and any allegations suggesting that she was are false. An independent autopsy to determined 33-year-old Honduran migrant Roxsana Hernandez had deep bruising along her ribs but likely died of HIV complications ICE said she was being held in the transgender unit at the Cibola County Detention Center in Milan, New Mexico, when she began suffering from complications related to HIV and died in May Free is working with the California-based Transgender Law Center to represent Hernandez's family. He has filed a notice of intent to sue over her death, saying he has requested documents from various federal agencies about the conditions in which the woman was kept. 'We will not rest until those responsible for Roxsana's suffering are held to account, and until the systems of oppression that gave rise to her suffering are abolished.' Hernandez arrived in the United States in the spring as part of a highly publicized caravan of Central American asylum seekers. She was taken into custody in San Diego and was later transferred to El Paso, Texas, before being taken to the Cibola County Detention Center in western New Mexico. The 33-year-old died May 25 at an Albuquerque hospital where she was admitted after showing symptoms of pneumonia, dehydration and complications associated with HIV, federal authorities have said. An official autopsy was conducted by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. That report has yet to be completed and released. The independent autopsy was done by Kris Sperry, a pathologist in Georgia. Sperry made headlines in 2015 when he abruptly quit as that state's chief medical examiner following an investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that revealed he had taken on more than 500 private cases as a paid forensic expert while working for the state. She was the sixth detainee to die in ICE custody since October 2017. Hernandez is seen far left talking with her friends in Tijuana, Mexico in this file photo A review of Hernandez's death by ICE medical professionals confirmed that the woman suffered from a history of untreated HIV and that hospital personnel who treated her did not raise any issues of suspected physical abuse. Advocates say the detention center in Cibola County has the highest number of asylum seekers and the country's only pod specifically for transgender women. They say government data show LGBTQ immigrants are 97 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than other detainees and that transgender women are often held in prolonged detention and solitary confinement. Allegra Love, an immigration attorney and executive director of the Santa Fe Dreamers Project, said authorities haven't provided adequate medical care at Cibola and that she sees medical negligence with each of the group's clients. Love said ICE routinely puts transgender women in solitary confinement without due process and for extended periods of time. The women in the transgender pod have 'slam-dunk' asylum cases and shouldn't be held in detention, she said. 'All they had to do was keep her alive,' Love said. 'We would have gotten Roxsana out. She just needed more time.' The number of foreigners trying to cheat the partner visa system has doubled in just two years, it has been revealed. In the past four years around 1500 foreign nationals have had partner visas rejected after they were caught out by immigration officials. Most individuals were found to be providing misleading information, using fake passports or forged marriage and birth certificates. The number of rejected partner visa applications jumped from 278 in 2015-16 to 668 in 2017-18, according Freedom of Information figures obtained by The Herald Sun. The Australian High Commission in New Dehli recently warned Indian nationals wanting to live permanently in Australia to be aware of organised marriage scams (stock image) The rejected applicants included a pregnant woman who allegedly paid $80,000 to enter a sham marriage so she could stay in Australia. In another case, a woman married a man with Australian residency living abroad so she could stay in Melbourne. Another man came to Australia on a fake passport before he tried to apply for a partner visa. Some foreigners, whose partner visa applications were refused, went as far as appealing to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. If an applicant is refused a partner visa for providing bogus document or false information, they will not be granted any other visa for three years, according to the Department of Home Affairs website. Their family members could also be banned from obtaining any other type of visa. A growing number of foreigners are going to great lengths to try and dupe Australia's visa system by using fake passports (stock image) The department enforces a range of measures in its partner visa program, including a detailed assessment of documentary evidence, conducting interviews and home visits, and limitations on the number of times a person can sponsor a partner to Australia. 'Most fraud in the partner program occurs in the form of contrived relationships, where parties make false statements and claims around the nature of their claimed relationship,' a department spokesperson said. Earlier this month, the Australian High Commission in New Dehli warned Indian nationals wanting to live permanently in Australia to be aware of organised marriage scams targeting South Asians. The number of rejected partner visa applications has almost doubled in the last two years from 278 in 2015-16 to 668 in 2017-18 (stock image) The warning came after Australian Border Force shut down an alleged fake marriage operating in Sydney, which resulted in 164 foreign nationals having their applications for a partner visa refused. 'Some of these clients paid significant amounts of money, for no immigration outcome,' the Australian High Commission statement read. An Indian national Jagjit Singh, 32, faced a Sydney court last month over his alleged role as the main facilitator in the scam. He denied the allegations. His case was adjourned until January. The Australian High Commission in New Dehli warned Indian nationals wanting to live permanently in Australia to be aware of organised marriage scams targeting South Asians He faces the prospect of 10 years in jail and a penalty of up to $210,000 if he's found guilty. A further four Australian citizens are facing charges for allegedly convincing individuals to fraudulently marry non-citizens so they can obtain permanent residency. Australian Border Force Acting Investigations Commander, Clinton Sims said the syndicates undermine the integrity of Australia's visa program and exploit desperate individuals. The Australian Border Force recently shut down a fake marriage syndicate allegedly operating in Sydney. It resulted in 164 foreign nationals having their partner visa applications refused 'Those seeking a visa through a contrived marriage also need to understand that paying a facilitator will not buy them a permanent visa pathway in Australia. There is rarely any financial recourse in the event that their partner visa application is unsuccessful,' Commander Sims said. 'Protecting the integrity of the visa system is an operational priority for the ABF and anyone found to be involved in, or facilitating sham marriages should expect to be investigated and face criminal prosecution. Registered agents and marriage celebrants also face losing their registration.' Anthony Mundine is the most prepared he's even been, and will break upcoming opponent Jeff Horn 'in half', his father says. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph about the November 30 fight, Tony Mundine said his son Anthony is free from distractions and in killer form. 'Seriously, Anthony is going to hit him with a bomb,' he said. Scroll down for video Seen here at a training session on November 15, Tony Mundine (pictured right) says his son, Anthony Mundine (pictured left) is the best prepared he's ever seen him For some this is a surprise prediction considering Mundine has had to trim down, stripping seven kilos in order to make the 70kg weight limit. But Tony, who is also Anthony's trainer, reckons his son has lost none of his punching power. 'I'm the one whose been holding the pads. He's actually hurt me a few times from the power he's got. I can't recall him hitting this hard', Tony said. Tony Mundine (pictured), trainer and father of Anthony Mundine, reckons his son will hit opponent Jeff Horn 'like a bomb' Tony Mundine (pictured left) reckons Anthony Mundine (pictured right) has lost none of his punching power despite stripping 7kgs for the fight in Brisbane tomorrow night. It also helps that Anthony is free of any distractions and able to put 100 per cent into the fight, he says. 'There's been none of his usual entourage hanging around,' he said. 'I can honestly say this is the first fight of his career that he's really settled down with a complete focus on the job. The TAB and bookies disagree, however, with Horn as short as $1.25 to win the fight, while Tony Mundine's prediction of an eight round stoppage is a $60 chance. 'Seen at a pre-fight press conference, Anthony Mundine (pictured right) unleashed the trash talk on upcoming opponent, Jeff Horn (pictured left) One thing that is certain, according to Mundine Snr, this will be the 43-year-old Anthony's last fight win, lose, or draw. While this may be the case, Mundine has not been short on confidence, letting loose with some bristling 'trash talk' at the pre-fight press conference in Brisbane. Describing himself as the 'main attraction' he said Horn was 'boringhe's like watching paint dry'. Mundine didn't let up: 'I'm a different beast. There's extraordinary athletesandI'm in the extraordinary bracket' he said. Whichever way the fight goes, interest is sky-high, with a crowd of 30,000 expected at Suncorp Stadium, while Foxtel's Main Event sales into clubs and pubs across Australia are already the third highest in history. The Pentagon has released the names of three U.S. servicemen killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. They are Army Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, age 29, of Lexington, Virginia; Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, age 39, of Brush Prairie, Washington; and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, age 25, of Hookstown, Pennsylvania. They were killed in Ghazni province, an area where the Taliban is resurgent. It was the deadliest attack against U.S. forces in Afghanistan this year. Ross and Emond were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Elchin was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Army Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, of Lexington, Virginia was identified as one of three U.S. servicemen killed by an explosive device Tuesday in Afghanistan Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond (left), 39, of Brush Prairie, Washington; and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin (right), 25, of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, were identified as the other two fatalities This attack came on the heels of two Taliban attacks on Monday which left 30 dead and close to 100 injured in the country One American contractor was also wounded. This attack came on the heels of two Taliban attacks on Monday which left 30 dead and close to 100 injured in the country. Taliban members killed 20 officers when the group ambushed a police convoy in the western Farah district and 10 troops in the northern Faryab province at an army check point. The Taliban have an extremely active presence in Ghazni province and attempted to take over the capital in August. Ghazni was the only province that did not hold parliamentary election in October. The Taliban view the US-backed government in Kabul as a dysfunctional Western puppet and have refused repeated offers to negotiate with it. The protesters in western Kabul were rallying to denounce the arrest of Abdul Ghani Alipoor, a Shiite militia leader in western Ghor province. The Afghan intelligence service accuses Alipoor of leading an illegal armed group that is behind extortion and other mafia-like behavior in the region. On Sunday, hundreds clashed with police during a similar Shiite protest in Kabul. In that demonstration, three policemen were shot and wounded and 20 were injured by stones thrown by protesters who also torched two police checkpoints. Army Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso, 25, was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan on Saturday. It was his third tour Army spokesman Lt. Col. Loren Bymer said Sunday that Jasso (pictured in 2012) was wounded by small arms fire and was immediately treated and evacuated to the nearest medical treatment facility, where he died of his wounds. Beside Kabul, there were also protests on Monday in northern Balkh and central Bamyan provinces but no reports of violence there. A total of five American servicemen have been killed this month in Afghanistan. On Saturday, Pentagon officials say Army Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso, 25, of Leavenworth, Washington, was killed during combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Loren Bymer said Sunday that Jasso was wounded by small arms fire and was immediately treated and evacuated to the nearest medical treatment facility, where he died of his wounds. The incident is under investigation. Jasso was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He was on his third deployment to Afghanistan after enlisting in the Army in 2012. 'Sgt. Jasso was a humble professional who placed the mission first, lived the Ranger Creed and will be deeply missed,' said Lt. Col. Rob McChrystal, commander of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in a statement. On November 3, Major Brent Taylor, 39, a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and the mayor of North Ogden, Utah, died in an insider attack in Kabul On November 3, Major Brent Taylor, 39, a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and the mayor of North Ogden, Utah, died in an insider attack in Kabul. Taylor, a father of seven, was on his fourth deployment and a second tour of Afghanistan. Insider attacks have been a growing problem for the U.S. in Afghanistan. In a separate incident two Afghan soldiers also died Saturday when their helicopter made an 'emergency landing' in the southern Kandahar province due to a technical problem, Defense Ministry spokesman Ghafor Ahmad Jawad said. He said two other soldiers were wounded when the helicopter caught fire after landing. The Taliban claim to have shot the helicopter down. Australia has highest rates of melanoma in the world with 30 diagnosed per day Cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionise skin cancer detection and could save thousands of lives a year. The 'spectacular' 3D imaging machines scan the body to create an avatar, which doctors will use to track skin spots. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation will provide a $9.9 million grant to fund 15 of the walk-in capsules in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Scroll down for video Cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionise skin cancer detection and could save thousands of lives a year The University of Queensland will lead the establishment the ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis at the UQ Diamantina Institute. The new department will collect and collate data across all three states. More than 350 people die from skin cancer in Queensland each year and it is known as the 'cancer capital' of Australia. A director from UQ Diamantina Institute said: 'A flagship diagnostic centre to improve the early detection of melanoma will be established with a major $9.9 million grant. 'The ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis is set to revolutionise the early detection of melanoma.' The 3D imaging system takes a total body image in milliseconds and dermatologists will be able to diagnose patients from the other side of the country. The University of Queensland will lead the establishment the ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis at the UQ Diamantina Institute Approximately 100,000 individual scans from high-risk groups will be completed in the first three years. According to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, the cutting-edge imaging technology will significantly enhance the capability of clinicians and researchers to detect and understand melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which typically occurs on parts of the body which have been over-exposed to sun. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body and symptoms might include a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. Australians experience 12 times the global incidence of melanoma. On average, 30 Australians will be diagnosed with the disease every day. Over 1,200 people nationwide die from the disease every year and it is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 39. Australians experience 12 times the global incidence of melanoma. On average, 30 Australians will be diagnosed with the disease every day (stock image) Jackie Chan has admitted to being a 'total jerk' in his personal life by treating women badly and letting his rage get so out of hand he threw his baby across the room. The martial arts superstar said that he used to strut around in a gold chain, sleep with prostitutes and drive drunk all the time - crashing a Porsche one morning and a Mercedes Benz later that night. In his explosive new memoir, Never Grow Up, published on December 4, Chan says that he was 'terrible' with his first girlfriend and would come home and go straight back out gambling and drinking if he saw that she was also home. When Chan met his future wife Joan Lin he was so paranoid that she was a gold digger that he hid his money from her - and later cheated on her with actress and former Miss Asia Elaine Ng. Chan also reveals he was so busy with his career that he was barely around for his family and chucked his baby son Jaycee into a sofa during a fight. The martial arts star writes that he looked himself in the mirror and said: 'You're a real b***ard' and vowed to change his ways. Chan, 64, blames his behavior on his insecurities and his immaturity but despite his candidness, Chan fails to mention his estranged 19-year-old daughter, who claimed she was left homeless by 'homophobic parents' months after she revealed that she is a lesbian. Jackie Chan, 64, says he was a 'total jerk' in his personal life, he reveals in his new memoir. The actor said he gambled, slept with prostitutes and drove drunk all the time, crashing a Porsche one morning and a Mercedes Benz that night Once while fighting with his life Joan Lin, Chan took his anger out on his son Jaycee and picked him up with one hand and threw him across the room. Jaycee, who was a toddler at the time, went crashing into the sofa, leaving Lin 'terrified'. Pictured: Chan with Jaycee in 2012 Despite Chan's candidness, he fails to mention his estranged 19-year-old daughter Etta Ng (pictured with her wife), who has claimed she was left homeless by 'homophobic parents' months after she revealed that she is a lesbian Chan's daughter is Etta Ng, who he had with former beauty queen Elaine Ng Yi Lei after having an affair in 1999 while he was married to Taiwanese actress Joan Lin. At the time of Elaine's pregnancy, Jackie held a press conference to address his affair, saying: 'I have made a mistake that many men in the world make.' Jackie Chan's autobiography Never Grow Up is out on Tuesday Chan has never reportedly sought a relationship with his daughter, and this week Etta married her girlfriend, Canadian Andi Autumn and wrote on Instagram that she 'never felt love' during her childhood. In a YouTube video that went viral last April, Etta and Andi claimed they had 'been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents'. Etta said in the video: 'Hi I'm Jackie Chan's daughter and this is my girlfriend Andi,' she says. 'We've been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things.' According to Gay Times, Jackie was asked about his feelings towards Etta's coming out while promoting the film Foreigner. 'If she likes it, that's fine,' he said. Chan went from growing up in a working class family in Hong Kong to become the second highest paid actor in the world, according to Forbes, and raked in $50 million last year - with only Robert Downey Jr ahead of him. His personal fortune is estimated at $350 million on the back of hits like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour. In 2016 he was presented with an Oscar for lifetime achievement. Chan was born Chan Kong-sang and learned martial arts from his father who sent him to a brutal boarding school because he was a bad student. Chan writes that it 'fills me with shame' that he never actually learned to read or write or do math because he was so busy playing pranks. Even today his black American Express card, which has no spending limit, has no signature on the back because he can't write it. Chan (pictured in 1980) was born Chan Kong-sang and learned martial arts from his father who sent him to boarding school because he was a bad student. At the China Drama Academy Chan was forced to learn martial arts and got up at 5am every day after just six hours sleep At the China Drama Academy, Chan was forced to learn martial arts and got up at 5am every day after just six hours of sleep. Students also learned acting, singing and performing and were able to get parts in movies but their master took $60 of the $60 they earned each day. When he was 15, Chan met his first love, a girl he calls Chang who stuck with him even though her parents disapproved of him. But he was a 'terrible boyfriend' who took any job he could get, often traveling away from Hong Kong because he didn't want to be with her. Chan admits he behaved like a 'rebellious child, or a wild horse throwing off its reins'. Sometimes they would be out for a stroll and he'd pick a fight just for fun. When they broke up; Chan found out that Chang was running a clothing store and sent his friends in to buy her clothes to help her out. When she found out she shut the store down because her only customers were from Chan and she didn't want his money. Looking back Chan says he feels 'ashamed of myself' for the way he behaved but Chang loved him so much that years later when she heard he was in financial trouble she gave him $2,500. Chan's career slowly began to take off in 1973 when he was cast as an extra in Enter the Dragon, the Bruce Lee film that brought martial arts to a Western audience. Chan's career slowly began to take off and in 1973 he was cast as an extra in Enter the Dragon. He starred in a string of dud films until he became an overnight success in 1978 with three movies, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Drunken Master and The Fearless Hyena Chan (pictured in 1985) eventually began to have more say over the kinds of films he wanted to make. He developed his signature style which involved comedy as well as martial arts and 'every man' characters viewers could relate to Chan got jobs as a stuntman but he blew all his money on gambling and prostitutes, including one woman he regularly slept with, who he only knew as 'Number Nine'. He writes that working as a stuntman, we 'all knew that if something went wrong we wouldn't live to see the sun rise the next day. We had a short term mentality which means recklessly spending our money'. Chan became a fight scene director through the famous Hong Kong production company Golden Harvest thanks to his friend Sammo Hung, who went to the same school and was more established in the industry. Chan starred in a string of dud films until he became an overnight success in 1978 with three movies: Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Drunken Master and The Fearless Hyena. Golden Harvest offered him a $650,000 contract and people began asking him for autographs on the street. In his book Never Grow Up, Chan writes that he had a 'big chip on my shoulder' and now that he was rich he was going to take it out on people, starting with a girl at a designer clothing store who looked down her nose at him when he was poor. Chan writes that he went back to the store with his entourage and tried on dozens of shirts, making her take them all out of their boxes as he bossed her around. He took $63,000 in cash and bought his entire stunt team the most expensive watches he could find. Chan's worst accident was a brain injury he sustained while filming his movie Armor of God. Chan writes that he fell out of a tree and hit his head on a rock, causing bleeding out of his mouth, ears and nose and his crew feared he would die Chan writes: 'I started to carry large amounts of cash at all times. After you live in poverty cash gives you a sense of security. I like having lots of people around me and every meal was with a big gang. All of Jackie Chan's injuries throughout his career Head Hit so hard during filming of 'Hand of Death' he passed out Brain injury when he fell from a tree onto a rock while filming 'Armor of God', his worst injury Face Permanent hearing loss due to injury during 'Armor of God' Eyebrow ridge shattered during 'Drunken Master' Broke nose during 'To Kill With Intrigue' Cheekbone broken during 'Police Story 3' Teeth kicked out of his mouth during 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' Jaw was so messed up After 'Dragon Lord' he couldn't speak for months Neck Strangled during 'The Young Master' Fell 25ft from a clock tower during stunt for 'Project A' Arms and Shoulders Stabbed in the arm in 'Snake in the Eagle's Shadow' Burned hand during 'Police Story' and twisted or bones damaged on other films Shoulder Dislocated during 'City Hunter' Chest and Back Bad chest injury during 'The Young Master' Multiple back injuries; almost snapped vertebrae during 'Police Story'. Hurt it again when wire snapped during 'Chinese Zodiac'. Pelvis Dislocated during 'Police Story' Legs Thigh hit by car during 'Crime Story' Dozens of knee injuries over the years Ankles nearly broken while filming 'Rumble in the Bronx' but carried on filming in plaster cast Stabbed himself in the foot with a Swiss Army Knife on the set of 'Who am I?' Advertisement 'Around 10 years ago I spent $2 million in one year paying for other people's meals. I gave out extravagant gifts too; watches, cars, custom-made leather jackets, cases of expensive wine'. Chan bought a tiger cub and fed it milk and brought it to work until it slashed his face one day. A friend of his gave him a hawk that used to perch on his shoulder and he bought two huge Saint Bernard dogs, which cost him $400 a month on food. His bad behavior continued when he dated Taiwanese actress Teresa Teng who was far classier than him and made him feel inadequate. To compensate Chan acted out like when she invited him to a private room in a posh French restaurant. Chan writes: 'She suggested I have my steak cooked medium and I said: ''No, I want it well done''. 'She ordered red wine; I insisted on having beer. When our soup arrived she dipped her spoon elegantly into the bowl while I picked up my bowl and drank straight from it'. Chan wolfed down his meal so fast that Teng pretended she was done too out of politeness and as they departed Chan told her: 'Never bring me to this sort of restaurant again'. Chan writes: 'I behaved so badly because of my deep insecurities. Ever since I was a little boy I'd been looked down on by rich kids. 'Any whiff of snobbishness or superiority set me on edge. This attitude reflected by relationship with Teresa. But it wasn't her fault. She'd done nothing wrong and I'd been horribly unfair to her'. Around this time Chan started to have more say over the kinds of films he wanted to make. He developed his signature style, which involved comedy as well as martial arts and 'every man' characters viewers could relate to. He also became famous for doing his own stunts - something that led to him getting seriously injured numerous times such as shredding his hands when he slid down a Christmas tree covered in lights. His worst accident was a brain injury he sustained while filming his movie Armor of God. Chan writes that he fell out of a tree and hit his head on a rock, causing him to bleed out of his mouth, ears and nose, and his crew feared he would die. A specialist surgeon from Switzerland happened to be at a conference in the former Yugoslavia, where they filming, and operated on him - and he was back on set a week later. Chan met actress Joan Lin (pictured together), who he calls 'the love of my life', while in a trip to Taiwan, where she is from. Chan says that she was a 'beloved actress with a respectable image while I was a vulgar kung fu guy who was unworthy of her' Chan writes that he foolishly believed his sexist friends and thought that Lin might have got pregnant on purpose so he 'constantly thought of ways to keep my money from her'. Thinking back now he calls his behavior 'wicked'. Pictured: The couple in July 2017 Chan cheated on his wife with beauty queen with Elaine Ng Yi Lei (pictured) and when the affair became public in 1999 it scandalized Hong Kong. At the time Chan said publicly: 'I have made a mistake that many men in the world make' Chan met actress Joan Lin, who he calls 'the love of my life', while in a trip to Taiwan, where she is from. Chan says that she was a 'beloved actress with a respectable image while I was a vulgar kung fu guy who was unworthy of her'. They tried to keep their relationship secret but in 1981 she became pregnant and they decided to get married at a rooftop coffee shop in Los Angeles. Chan admits that he 'worked through her whole pregnancy' and didn't visit her in California once where she was preparing to give birth. He writes that he foolishly believed his sexist friends and thought that Lin might have got pregnant on purpose so he 'constantly thought of ways to keep my money from her'. Thinking back now he calls his behavior 'wicked'. Chan calls their marriage 'less than conventional' and says that being apart from each other for so long was actually the key to their relationship. He writes: 'I was selfish and didn't know how to empathize with others. I was also too easily influenced. Yet Joan set me free to make my own way. I respect her a lot and am grateful to her for sacrificing so much for me'. That didn't stop Chan from cheating on her with Ng and when the affair became public in 1999 it scandalized Hong Kong. At the time Chan said publicly: 'I have made a mistake that many men in the world make'. Privately he writes that he looked at himself in the mirror and said: 'You're a real b***ard'. Years earlier after rowing with Lin, Chan took it out on Jaycee and picked him up with one hand and threw him across the room. Jaycee, who was a toddler at the time. went crashing into the sofa, leaving Lin 'terrified'. Pictured: Chan and Jaycee in 2009 Chan has never reportedly sought a relationship with his daughter, and this week Etta married her girlfriend, Canadian Andi Autumn and wrote on Instagram that she 'never felt love' during her childhood Etta and her mother have a troubled relationship and she has twice called the police on her He called a family meeting and told his wife and Jaycee, their young son: 'I've made an unforgivable mistake and I don't know how I can explain it, so I won't'. Lin started to cry and Jaycee glared at him - but they both forgave him. That was far from the only family drama. Years earlier after fighting with Lin, Chan took it out on Jaycee and picked him up with one hand and threw him across the room. Jaycee, who was a toddler at the time, went crashing into the sofa, leaving Lin 'terrified'. Chan writes that Lin told him: 'He's just a child. Why did you do that?' Chan apologized and said he would never do it again. Reflecting on his family life Chan says that over the years he has admitted that 'I've done well by a lot of people but not my own family'. He says that 'I've not been a good father or a good husband but I did my duty to my son and his mother'. But he doesn't address Etta, his daughter with Ng, as if he is trying to erase her from his personal history. Ng has since claimed that Chan has given her no money and that she has even had to cover their daughter's school fees. Etta and her mother have a troubled relationship and she has twice called the police on her. Speaking of her father, Etta has said: 'He is not my dad. I have no feelings for him. He is my biological father but he is not in my life'. Chan (pictured in April) finally broke into Hollywood in his 40s with Rumble in the Bronx and hit the big time with Rush Hour alongside Chris Tucker Jaycee, a musician and actor, has been in trouble too and in 2014 he was arrested for marijuana possession. He was jailed for six months and his father publicly apologized for his behavior. Chan finally broke into Hollywood in his 40s with Rumble in the Bronx and hit the big time with Rush Hour alongside Chris Tucker. He was flattered to be invited by Sylvester Stallone to the set of his film Demolition Man where he discovered that Stallone had tapes of all his films. Chan was stunned when the crew said that whenever they ran out of ideas they just watched one of his movies. Since then Chan has appeared in Kung Fu Panda, The Tuxedo and a remake of The Karate Kid, bringing the total number of films he has been in to more than 200 over 50 years in the movie business. Along the way Chan has attracted obsessed fans like the man who gets the names of his films tattooed onto his body. Another woman bought a one way ticket from the Philippines to Hong Kong and stood outside the front of his office every day. She then stalked him around the world, turning up in California where she tried to get into his hotel room by saying she was his girlfriend. Chan writes that he was conned out of $2 million by a business associate but bizarrely, he did not mind. Yet when a close friend cheated him out of a tens of thousands of dollars from the sale of a Rolls Royce he sued and bankrupted him. Chan's success helped a generation of Chinese stars like Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li to make it in Hollywood and for directors like John Woo to establish themselves. Reflecting on the changing movie business, Chan writes: 'Hollywood learned from us (the Chinese) then became better than us and now they don't need us. 'If we were to go head to head with the Hollywood stunt people these days, do you think the Chinese would win? No way'. Jackie Chan's book Never Grow Up is out on Tuesday and available here. Dumped Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull engineered the resignation of Julia Banks and is assisting independent MP Kerryn Phelps after she won his blue-ribbon seat in a vindictive plan to 'bring down the government'. That's according to Liberal sources who claimed Mr Turnbull has been 'consumed by' plotting the demise of the party since losing the leadership and exiting the Sydney seat of Wentworth, which was won from the Liberals by Dr Phelps. One of Mr Turnbull's staff members worked with Dr Phelps as part of a 'handover' - and the former Prime Minister has been in regular contact with his successor, The Australian reported on Thursday. A Liberal MP told the paper the contact between Mr Turnbull and Dr Phelps 'speaks for itself and confirms everybody's suspicions'. Dumped Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured with wife Lucy) engineered the resignation of Julia Banks and is assisting Independent MP Kerryn Phelps, a Liberal souce claims The former prime minister on Thursday morning accused his critics of 'paranoia' on Twitter Dr Phelps was reportedly instrumental in the resignation of Ms Banks, who sensationally quit the Liberal Party on Tuesday to move to the crossbench. The unnamed source claimed to the paper that Mr Turnbull's 'hands were all over' her resignation, which has threatened Scott Morrison's hold on power. But Mr Turnbull on Thursday morning accused his critics of 'paranoia'. 'Blaming others for the consequences of your own actions is a common symptom of paranoia,' Mr Turnbull tweeted in response. 'Imaging ''invisible'' people are out to get you is also a classic symptom.' The accusations levelled at Mr Turnbull came amid an internal crisis in the federal Liberal Party, which will lose government at next year's national election if the polls are correct. Dr Phelps (pictured left) was reportedly instrumental in the resignation of Ms Banks (right) A number of factors had been blamed for its recent polling woes, which began with the loss of Wentworth with a 19 per cent swing against the Liberals and the Victorian party's near wipeout in the state election last weekend. Critics attributed the voter dissatisfaction to the messy ousting of Mr Turnbull in August, amongst other factors. While Mr Turnbull had been helping Dr Phelps, her office said that was limited to ensuring a smooth transition as she took over as the local member. Mr Turnbull declined requests to publicly support Liberal candidate Dave Sharma during the by-election campaign and instead travelled to New York with wife Lucy. The unnamed source claimed Mr Turnbull's 'hands were all over' Ms Banks' resignation, which has threatened Scott Morrison's hold on power A University of Wisconsin chancellor is in hot water after he paid porn star Nina Hartley to speak at the La Crosse campus. UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was reprimanded by the system President Ray Cross in a letter released Wednesday, two weeks after Gow issued a public apology on November 13. Gow had invited Hartley to speak on campus earlier this month during Free Speech Week and paid the 59-year-old actress $5,000 from his discretionary fund. During the 90-minute address, Hartley told students it's acceptable to enjoy pornography, not enjoy it or be confused by it. She also stressed that pornography is fantasy. Nearly two weeks later, Gow apologized for the 'sensationalist' media attention Hartley's appearance had attracted, saying he was naive about the possibility that her profession would overwhelm her message. He also promised to personally reimburse the school for the $5,000. Joe Gow (left), the chancellor of University of Wisconsin's La Crosse campus, has been reprimanded by school officials for inviting porn star Nina Hartley (right) to speak on campus It's now been revealed that Cross sent the letter to Gow one week before the chancellor issued his apology. In the letter Cross questions Gow's judgment and warns that he may not be getting a raise at the end of the year. He also noted that he was upset to have learned about Hartley's speech after the fact through media coverage. UW System President Ray Cross (above) wrote a letter decrying Gow's judgment after the speech November 1. The letter was released by the UW system on Wednesday Cross informed Gow that he would launch an audit into his discretionary spending, saying the Hartley invitation could jeopardize funding for the entire system. Republican legislators who have long been critical of the system are expected to start work on its next two-year budget as part of the larger state budget this spring. 'Therefore, you are being reprimanded for exercising poor judgment and for a lack of responsible oversight with respect to the use of state funds,' Cross wrote. Gow told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday that he was trying to promote the system's academic freedom and freedom of expression policy. He said he was looking to invite someone with a 'perspective very different from our own and someone who wouldn't be hateful and target groups,' he said, and found Hartley through an internet search for college speakers. 'She seemed like a person who had a life experience dramatically different than the rest of us,' the chancellor said. Gow apologized for the 'sensationalist' media attention Hartley's appearance had attracted and said he was naive about the possibility that her profession would overwhelm her message This is the sickening moment thugs laugh as a young man throws a pet rabbit at a ceiling before dropping it off a balcony. The RSPCA is hunting the young man who can be seen in one video flinging the defenceless white bunny against the ceiling before it drops on the floor and hops away, while others can be heard laughing. A second video of the same rabbit being dangled over a first floor balcony before being dropped has also appeared online. Footage has appeared on social media of the sickening moment thugs laugh as a young man throws a pet rabbit at a ceiling before dropping it off a balcony The young male can be heard shouting 'bye bye' as the animal falls before hitting the cement and remarkably, scurrying away. Authorities believe the videos were shot in Melbourne's western suburbs and happened within the last two weeks before they were circulated in Snapchat. RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate Team Leader Karen Collier told Yahoo News they are now seeking the people involved in the incidents. 'RSPCA Victoria has been made aware of disturbing footage depicting the mistreatment of a rabbit,' she said. 'Inspectors are seeking further information from the public to help identify the persons involved and ascertain where and when the incident took place.' Acts of animal cruelty are highly illegal and offences like the one in the video carry fines of up to $40,297.50 or 12 months imprisonment. Ms Collier urged anyone with any information on the location of the incident or those involved to make a report via rspcavic.org or call 9224 2222. A family has claimed their beloved dog is being 'held hostage' by a pound over rescue fees - and they can't afford to pay the $300 cost. Ken-Lee Franklin's shih tzu Bella escaped from their home in Coomera on the Gold Coast in Queensland, but the owner must pay a fee in order to have her returned. 'It's an unreasonable amount of money to think that anyone could just fork out $300,' Ms Franklin told Nine News. Ken-Lee Franklin's shih tzu Bella escaped from their home in Coomera on the Gold Coast in Queensland, and the owner must pay a fee in order to have her returned Ms Franklin's daughter Gabrielle Mavros (pictured) is distraught about the loss of her pet dog 'It's an extremely large amount of money when you're running a family household, and especially this time of year.' She said the family is unable to afford to make the payment upfront, and have started a crowdfunding effort in order to raise the money before Friday's deadline. Ms Franklin's daughter Gabrielle Mavros is distraught about the loss of her pet dog. 'I can't cuddle in the bed with her, and I can't play with her, it's like we don't have no one to play with outside,' Les Richardson of Gold Coast Lost and Found Pets said the local council should introduce a payment plan option to allow families without the full amount of required funds to have their animals returned to them. Ms Franklin (left) said the family is unable to afford to make the payment upfront, and have started a crowdfunding effort in order to raise the money before Friday's deadline 'It's very unfair, and we believe the council should be offering people a way where they can pay it off,' he said. Mr Richardson said an up-to-date microchip may have spared Ms Franklin from having to pay for her pet to be returned. A City of Gold Goast spokesperson said owners are required to pay a release fee of $129 as well as a daily sustenance charge of $23 for care and shelter of the animal, and that it does not provide payment plans. Animals that are not claimed by their owners are re-homed after being held for five working days by the council. The step-mother of a British DJ murdered in Lebanon has said she would like to 'string up' his killers after two Syrian men confessed to the slaying. Gavin Ford was beaten and choked to death inside his apartment in the village of Boumana, overlooking Beirut, the day after celebrating his 53rd birthday. Step-mother Tissy Ford, 77, told MailOnline: 'We don't know if it was random or whether these two knew who Gavin was. 'If it was up to me, I'd string them up.' Scroll down for video Gavin Ford (left) was murdered inside his apartment near Beirut hours after celebrating his 53rd birthday on Sunday night, when he filmed this video alongside two men (right) On Thursday two Syrian men - identified only as Aa.A. and H.B., who are different to the men seen in the video - confessed to killing Mr Ford during a botched robbery Mr Ford had celebrated his birthday on Sunday night when he uploaded a video of himself inside his apartment along with two other men to social media. He then went to record his usual radio show on Monday morning, which is Lebanon's most-listened-to drivetime show, before returning home. The two men who confessed to his murder - who are different to the two men seen in the video - said they arrived at his home on Monday afternoon intending to rob him. The suspects - identified by their initials as Aa.A. and H.B. and who are aged 27 and 23 - admitted strangling Mr Ford and hitting him over the head with a sharp object. Gavin Ford's step-mother Tissy Ford (left), 77, told MailOnline: 'We don't know if it was random or whether these two knew who Gavin was' The men fled Mr Ford's home using his stolen BMW and having taken his iPhone. They parked the car close to a busy market on the outskirts of Beirut and hid his phone and car keys at one of their homes. The suspects said: 'We went to the victim's [Gavin Ford] house on Monday afternoon on 26 November to commit a robbery. 'We choked him to death and hit him with a sharp object, knocking him unconscious. We left the area in his car.' Tissy and Bob Ford, who live in Gloucester, said they only learned of their son's death when they got a text from a friend which said 'condolences, so sad about Gavin.' Tissy, 77, said: 'At that point we didn't understand the text which came from a friend in Australia. 'But minutes later Gavin's sister burst in looking like death and said: "Gavin's dead". His lifeless and bloodied body was discovered next to a four-poster bed after police were called to his apartment (above) A friend of Ford's says his dog Fred (pictured with the radio DJ) was also stolen from his home Retired hairdresser Bob, 79, who is recovering from a cancer operation, said he and Tissy are in shock. Mother-of-seven Tissy added: 'We are waiting to hear more - our son-in-law has flown out to make the necessary arrangements.' The elite Information Divison unit of Lebanon's Internal Security Force, which is investigating the murder, issued a lengthy statement following the men's confession. It also released photographs of the suspects, but taken from behind. The statement said: 'Gavin Ford was found dead and tied up in the town of Broumana. 'Through examination of the body it was found that the cause of death was suffocation and him being beaten on the face with a sharp object. 'Within a few hours of the crime the Information Division of the Internal Security Force found the victim's car which had been stolen at the time of the crime. It was found outside the Sunday Market area, on the outskirts of Beirut. 'As a result of investigations a Syrian man became a suspect. He is identified in this statement as Syrian, Aa. A born in 1991. 'On the 28 November following investigations the ID was able to arrest the suspect in the Beirut district Nabaa, where the suspect lives. 'During interrogation the suspect confessed to murder Gavin Ford in conjunction with a Syrian identified as H.B. born in 1995. 'Aa.A claimed he did not know where H.B. was. 'In less than five hours the second suspect was located and arrested in the Jnah area of southern Beirut. 'He also confessed to carrying out the crime. Friends and neighbours in the picturesque leafy mountain village of Broumana where Ford lived say he will be greatly missed 'They said they went to the victim's house on Monday afternoon on 26 November to commit a robbery. 'The perpetrators of the crime are not the two people who featured in a video published by the victim in the hours before his death. 'The investigation is on-going.' According to officials close to the investigation, it will be at least another day or two before fingerprints, CCTV footage and telephone records can be gathered. Friends and neighbours in the picturesque leafy mountain village of Broumana where Ford lived say he will be greatly missed. 'He was a great guy, a real gentlemen and we consider him to be a something quite special which has been robbed from us,' said Alex Jeraco, a jeweller. 'These people...just filthy people. Who would do that to Gavin? 'I mean, they took his car, his phone... even his dog. Where is the dog?' Fred was eventually found and taken in by an animal rescue centre in Beirut. Other neighbours were in a state in shock about Ford's death when approached by MailOnline. 'He was so kind and polite, very polite. And we liked him a lot which is why we forgave him for his ways,' an elderly lady living in the apartments said. Another neighbour added: 'Gavin himself was such a gentle man who was obviously a good sort.' Another neighbour, a middle-aged woman, said she saw Ford arrive home at around 10.30am on the day he was murdered. Colleagues at Beirut's Radio One raised the alarm when he failed to turn up for work Monday She said it was 'the normal time he came back from the radio station.' She also claimed that she saw him walk from the car park where he left his black BMW and he was alone at the time. The police report confirms officers arrived at Ford's apartment at 11.15pm that night. One of the neighbours claimed officers hadn't needed to break down the front door before entering to find Ford face down in a pool of blood. A team of more than 20 officers arrived at the scene, including a pathologist and a doctor who specialises in crime scenes. The police report confirmed Ford was strangled and his body was found with his hands bound behind his back and his ankles also tied together. His body which was covered in bruises, according to the report was also covered with what appeared to be a curtain. Colleagues at Beirut's Radio One raised the alarm when he failed to turn up for work on Tuesday morning. Abdo Kahale, the director of Radio One, described Ford as a 'super guy' and a 'gentleman.' 'I can't replace Gavin. He was really a legend for 15 years and we'll truly miss him,' he said. His lifeless and bloodied body was discovered next to a four-poster bed after police broke down the front door of in his exclusive apartment Mr Ford's body was discovered at his apartment in the suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday morning 'I'm looking forward for the police to get the culprits as soon as possible,' he added. A former colleague who knew Ford well for two decades added: 'He was just so incredibly gentle and kind and that's how I and many others will remember him, and also a little gullible. That was Gavin. Just too kind. 'He often would give up his time unpaid to help university students or chair panels for the Lebanese, people he loved, for a country he felt at home in. He's going to be really missed.' Britain's ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, said he was 'shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Gavin Ford, one of Lebanon's most popular morning breakfast hosts'. 'The thoughts of all at the embassy are with his family, friends and colleagues at this terribly difficult time,' he tweeted, also posting a photograph of Ford. A spokesman in the British Embassy in Lebanon added: 'We are in contact with the Lebanese authorities following reports of the death of a British man in Beirut, and our staff are providing assistance to his family.' Ford's death is the third time in two years that a Brit has been murdered in Lebanon. A man has been filmed being brutally taken down by police officers after he allegedly tried to interfere in another arrest. The 18-year-old Schoolie was jumped on by police outside Cavill Avenue mall in Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast just after 12am on Wednesday. Dramatic footage obtained by Nine News shows one officer lunge at the man before punching him in the back and tackling him to the floor. A man was brutally taken down by police officers after he allegedly tried to interfere in another arrest (pictured) The 18-year-old was jumped on by police outside Cavill Avenue mall in Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast just after 12am on Wednesday Another two officers then jump in to help restrain the man. The person recording the horrific ordeal can be heard encouraging polices actions. Go! Go! Go! Yeah buddy! Yeah buddy!,' he said. 'Oi solid good elbow there, that was a good elbow,' he told the officers once the man was restrained. A Queensland Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the man attempted to interfere and incite violence toward the arresting officers. 'Officers attempted to arrest the 18-year-old for public nuisance, but it will be alleged that he resisted, running from the scene,' the spokesperson said. 'The man was arrested a short distance away and police have now issued the man with infringement notices for obstructing police and language. 'He has also been banned from attending the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach Safe Night Precincts.' A man - who was high on drugs when he jumped out of a moving car and off Auckland Harbour Bridge - has lived to tell the tale. Shocked bystanders said the vehicle was moving at around 80km/h when the man leapt out at around 7.30am on Thursday morning. He then sprinted to the edge of the bridge before jumping into the freezing water below water and swimming to shore. A man who jumped out of a car on Auckland Harbour Bridge and into the water while high on drugs has lived to tell the tale (stock) Bystanders said the vehicle was moving at around 80km/h when the man leap out on Thursday morning The man's friends had been taking him to hospital after he suffered a 'bad trip' when he made his escape. After he was found he was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition, the NZ Herald reported. The bridge towers 64 metres above the water at its highest point, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency. Motorist Matt Albert-Wihone saw the incident unfold. He estimated that the car was travelling around 80km/h when he saw the man get out as though the car was 'stationary'. 'All of a sudden the back door of the car in front of us swings open and next thing I see is a guy stepping out and rolling down the side of the lane, just missing me as I hit the brakes,' Mr Albert-Wihone told Daily Mail Australia. 'I got my door open and the belt was stuck and I looked up he had climbed over the barrier and was about to leap, desperately I shouted "NO DONT DO IT" and he was gone.' With relief Mr Albert-Wihone saw the man had survived the huge jump and had started swimming. 'I looked over the side expecting to see someone floating and there he was swimming away as if he was in a pool going for a summer dip.' He alerted police who responded to the incident and took the man to hospital for non life-threatening injuries. Emergency room doctors have reported a sharp increase in the number of injuries from riding electronic scooters, as e-scooter sharing services expand across the country. As companies such as Bird and Lime have brought dockless rental e-scooters to nearly 100 US cities, a detailed new report from CNet examines the public safety impact of the relatively new service. Though detailed data on e-scooter injuries and deaths is not yet available, cities where the services are popular have seen a boom in ER visits - with one Austin, Texas hospital reporting an average of 10 injured e-scooter riders a day. The popular services typically cost $1 plus 15 cents for every minute of riding time, and scooters can be found scattered throughout participating cities by using the companies' apps. 'This is disruptive technology,' Dr. Christopher Ziebell, emergency room medical director at Austin's Dell Seton Medical Center, told the outlet. 'But this time the disruption is disrupting forearms, elbows and heads.' A woman rides a Bird shared dockless electric scooter along Venice Beach in August. Doctors say the devices' growing popularity has led to an uptick in injuries A hospital photo and X-ray show the injuries a 31-year-old woman says she sustained in a scooter accident in Santa Monica, California in California. She broke three bones in her ankle and required surgery, a metal plate and screws Ziebell said that most of the e-scooter injuries his hospital treated were minor, but some were significant. The Austin hospital reported 37 severe traumas since April, including eight head injuries, 23 orthopedic injuries, four facial injuries and two 'other' injuries. Nationwide, there have been at least two fatalities while riding shared e-scooters: a 20-year-old man struck by an SUV while riding one in Washington DC, and a 24-year-old man who suffered a fatal head injury after falling off of one in Dallas. In addition to Austin, hospitals in San Diego, San Francisco and Denver also reported an uptick in injuries from riding e-scooters, according to CNet. San Francisco reported about 10 injuries a week and San Diego saw about 10 injuries a month. The cases only count e-scooter riders, not pedestrians struck by the devices. 'We are seeing some scary injuries,' Dr. Chris Colwell, chief of emergency medicine for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, told the outlet. 'There's still a lack of recognition of how serious this can be.' Anecdotally, the injuries are due to a wide range of causes, including rider errors, careless drivers, and in some cases malfunctions of the e-scooters themselves. In one case, 63-year-old Pat Brogan told CNet that the brakes on her Lime scooter malfunctioned on a steep hill, causing a crash that broke several bones. A dockless, rentable Lime-S electric scooter is seen in San Jose in June. Emergency room doctors say they have seen an increase in injuries from riding the devices A class-action lawsuit has already been filed against Bird and Lime, as well as e-scooter manufacturers Xiaomi and Segway. Law firm McGee, Lerer & Associates filed the suit on behalf of behalf of nine clients in October, alleging 'strict products liability, negligence, gross negligence, breach of implied warranty, and public nuisance.' A spokeswoman for Bird said of the lawsuit: 'Class-action attorneys with a real interest in improving transportation safety should be focused on reducing the 40,000 deaths caused by cars every year in the US.' Both Bird and Lime insist that they are dedicated to rider safety. They say there is no evidence that e-scooters are more dangerous than bicycles. As with most bike sharing services, helmets are not provided with the rental e-scooter, and many riders neglect to wear a helmet, despite urging from the companies. Earlier this month, Lime launched a $3 million safety campaign called 'Respect the Ride' that promotes safe riding behavior and gives out free helmets. Bird says it has given away more than 50,000 free helmets and will send one to any rider that uses its service. Among major US cities, New York remains a holdout in the e-scooter craze, and the devices are still banned there. However, on Wednesday New York City Council members introduced legislation that would legalized both e-scooters and e-bikes in all five boroughs. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has expressed opposition to e-bikes in the past, calling them a nuisance, but a spokesperson for the mayor said he is open to reviewing the new proposal. Donald Trump has no idea whether his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has ever met WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, his lawyer Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday. And if the two men did get together during the 2016 election season or before, Giuliani insisted, the president never heard about it. Manafort has denied meeting with Assange, calling reports that he secretly visited him in Ecuador's UK embassy totally false.' Giuliani sought to distance Trump from the he-said, she-said squabble that has prompted Manafort to threaten a lawsuit and Assange to crowdfund for attorney's fees to do the same. Donald Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani said this week that the president has no idea if Julian Assange and Paul Manafort ever met, because Manafort never spoke with Trump about it Allegations: Paul Manafort, (left) reportedly visited WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange (right) at the Ecuadorian embassy in London on at least three occasions in 2013, 2015 and 2016 Assange's WikiLeaks released thousands of emails that Russian operatives stole from Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman; the massive document-drop was timed to help Donald Trump 'I have no idea if Paul Manafort met with Julian Assange. The president has no idea if Paul Manafort met with Julian Assange,' Giuliani told the Huffington Post. 'I dont care if he met Assange over the years,' Giuliani added. 'I know there were no conversations between the president and Manafort about Assange.' Manafort, 69, released a statement hours after The Guardian published a story Tuesday alleging he met Assange at least three times, including once in 2016 around the time he was hired by the president to twist delegates' arms at the Republican National Convention. 'This story is totally false and deliberately libelous. I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him,' Manafort said through a spokesman. 'We are considering all legal options against the Guardian, who proceeded with this story even after being notified by my representatives that it was false.' The news outlet claimed Manafort allegedly visited Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he has been holed up since 2012, on three occasions in 2013, 2015 and 2016, citing anonymous sources. They also quoted a document written by the Ecuadorian intelligence agency SENAIN which lists 'Paul Manaford [sic]' as a 'well-known guest' of Assange. WikiLeaks has denied the claims, saying it is willing to 'bet the Guardian a million dollars and its editor's head that Manafort never met Assange'. Manafort's final visit took place 'around March 2016', just a few months before WikiLeaks published tens of thousands of Democrat Party emails hacked by Russian intelligence, according to the outlet. Manafort, who was hired by President Trump on March 29, 2016, was jailed this year and was a key person in the Mueller probe. Hitting back: WikiLeaks tweeted that the Guardian's sources were 'serial fabricators' and that they would 'bet the Guardian a million dollars that Manafort never met Assange' The claims were published as an apparent criminal complaint against Assange in the subject of a federal court hearing in Virginia. Free-press advocates want a judge to unseal the complaint after prosecutors in an unrelated case inadvertently mentioned charges against Assange. Prosecutors have opposed the motion, arguing that the public has no right to know whether a person has been charged until there has been an arrest. The government also says the accidental reference to charges against Assange does not mean he has actually been charged. Complications: Manafort's final visit reportedly took place 'around March 2016', the same month he was hired by President Donald Trump Meanwhile, special counsel Robert Mueller accused Manafort on Monday of violating his plea agreement by repeatedly lying to federal investigators, an extraordinary allegation that could expose him to a lengthier prison sentence - and potentially more criminal charges. The torpedoing of Manafort's plea deal, disclosed in a court filing Monday, also results in special counsel Robert Mueller's team losing a cooperating witness from the top of Trump's presidential campaign who was present for several key episodes under investigation. That includes a Trump Tower meeting involving Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer he was told had derogatory information on Democrat Hillary Clinton. The move signals a return to the acrimonious relationship Manafort has had with the special counsel's office since his indictment last year. Before his plea agreement, Manafort aggressively challenged the special counsel's legitimacy in court, went through a bitter trial and landed himself in jail after prosecutors discovered he had attempted to tamper with witnesses in his case. In the latest filing, Mueller's team said Manafort 'committed federal crimes' by lying about 'a variety of subject matters' even after he agreed to truthfully cooperate with the investigation. Prosecutors said they will detail the 'nature of the defendant's crimes and lies' in writing at a later date to the judge. Through his attorneys, Manafort denied lying, saying he 'believes he provided truthful information' during a series of sessions with Mueller's investigators. He also disagreed that he breached his plea agreement. Still, both sides now agree they can't resolve the conflict, and U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson should set a date to sentence him. Manafort, who remains jailed, had been meeting with the special counsel's office since he pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy against the United States and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He cut that deal to head off a second trial after being convicted last summer of eight felony counts related to millions of dollars he hid from the IRS in offshore accounts. Both cases stemmed from his Ukrainian political work and undisclosed lobbying work he admitted to carrying out in the U.S. in violation of federal law. Special counsel Robert Mueller is accusing Manafort, pictured, of violating his plea agreement by repeatedly lying to federal investigators As part of his plea agreement, Manafort pledged to 'cooperate fully, truthfully, completely, and forthrightly' with the government 'in any and all matters' prosecutors deemed necessary. That included his work on the Trump campaign as well as his Ukrainian political work, which remains under investigation by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors there are looking into the conduct of longtime Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta, former Obama White House counsel Greg Craig and former Republican congressman and lobbyist Vin Weber to determine whether they violated federal law by failing to register as foreign agents with the Justice Department. None of the men has been charged with any crimes. As part of his plea deal, Manafort also forfeited many of his rights as well as his ability to withdraw the plea if he broke any of the terms. In return, prosecutors agreed to not bring additional charges against him and to ask a judge for a reduction of his sentence if he provided 'substantial assistance.' But with prosecutors saying he breached the agreement, Manafort now faces serious repercussions such as the possibility of prosecution on additional charges including the 10 felony counts prosecutors dropped when he made the deal. Manafort already faces up to five years in prison on the two charges in his plea agreement. In his separate Virginia case, Manafort's potential sentencing under federal guidelines has not yet been calculated, but prosecutors have previously said he could face as much as 10 years in prison on those charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced in that case in February. His co-defendant, Rick Gates, who spent a longer time on the campaign and worked on the Trump inaugural committee, has not had a sentencing date set yet. He continues to cooperate with Mueller. President Donald Trump is attempting to brush back Democrats vowing to commence extensive oversight of his administration by threatening to unleash 'devastating' classified information he would put out as a form of retaliation. Trump has already spent months calling to declassify materials he claims will show the FBI in a bad light, and his own Justice Department has negotiated with congressional Republicans over documents they demanded be put out in unredacted form. Now, with Democrats set to take over powerful investigative committees in January, Trump is trying to avoid oversight by threatening punitive countermeasures. GLOVES OFF: President Trump is threatening to declassify documents if Democrats engage in what he called 'harassment' 'If they go down the presidential harassment track, if they want go and harass the president and the administration, I think that would be the best thing that would happen to me,' Trump said. 'I'm a counter-puncher and I will hit them so hard they'd never been hit like that,' he told the New York Post. He didn't specify what would constitute harassment versus legitimate oversight that Congress has routinely exercised for years, although the Trump administration has had little trouble contending with the Republican-run House and Senate. Trump's language didn't dwell on the substantive merits of the material he might put out. 'I think that would help my campaign. If they want to play tough, I will do it. They will see how devastating those pages are,' Trump warned. He told the paper holding back was to his advantage. 'It's much more powerful if I do it then, because if we had done it already, it would already be yesterday's news,' he said. House Republicans have wanted to put out un-redacted materials from the start of the Russia probe, including the surveillance warrants for Trump foreign policy advisor Carter Page. Such information, if out, could potentially aid Trump's effort of muddying investigators who have been pursuing his associates. They claim it would show FBI malfeasance. 'If they want to play tough, I will do it,' Trump threatened Trump has also pushed for the release of texts and emails involving fired FBI director James Comey and ousted FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, only to face internal pushback. Democrats have been threatening a raft of investigations of the adminsitration, even as party leaders have tamped down talk of impeachment. As part of the probes, Trump's family businesses could get a fresh look, as could recent disclosures that Ivanka Trump used personal emails when she first joined her father's staff. Probes could cover the hurricane related deaths in Puerto Rico, provide a venue for Robert Mueller to testify, or force cabinet officials to justify their jet travel. A 92-year-old Native Hawaiian princess has changed her trust amid an ongoing court battle over her fortune, to ensure her wife receives $40million as well as her pooch. Abigail Kawananakoa is considered a princess in Hawaii as she's a descendant of the family that once ruled the islands before the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown in 1893. This week her lawyers filed for her trust to be amended so her wife, 64-year-old Veronica Gail Worth, who she married last year, receives $40million, all her personal property and her beloved Chihuahua 'Girlie Girl', according to court records. They want a judge's approval for the changes amid a months-long court battle after she suffered a stroke in September 2017. This week Hawaiian princess Abigail Kawananakoa, 92, (right) filed for her $215million trust to be amended to give her wife Veronica Gail Worth, 64, (left) $40million, all her possessions and her Chihuahua 'Girlie Girl' (pictured in Kawananakoa's lap). The couple pictured above in Hawaii court in September 2018 The legal battle over her $215million trust is centered on the future of the charity she founded - the Abigail Kawananakoa Foundation - which is set up to benefit Hawaiian causes. Many Native Hawaiians are keeping a close eye on the case, concerned over the fate of the foundation. Kawananakoa inherited the wealth by being the great-granddaughter of James Campbell, an Irish businessman who made his fortune as a sugar plantation owner and one of Hawaii's largest landowners. In September Judge Robert Browning ruled that the heiress lacked the mental capacity to manage her $215million trust after suffering a stroke last year. He appointed First Hawaiian Bank to serve as trustee and removed Jim Wright, her longtime attorney who stepped in as trustee after her stroke. Abigail Kawananakoa is considered a princess in Hawaii as she's a descendant of the family that once ruled the islands before the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown in 1893. Pictured above in November 2009 The legal battle over her $215million trust is centered on the future of the charity she founded - the Abigail Kawananakoa Foundation - which is set up to benefit Hawaiian causes. In September a judge deemed the heiress unfit to manage her trust. The couple pictured above on March 15, 2018 Kawananakoa maintains that she's fine and capable of managing her trust. After the stroke she fired Wright and then married Worth, her girlfriend of 20 years, in October 2017. She attempted to amend her trust to remove Wright and replace him with three others, including Worth. Kawananakoa wants to create a new foundation that will benefit Hawaiians and exclude board members appointed by Wright, but Browning refused to allow her to select new trustees. 'I will not contribute any further assets to that foundation because I do not want those individuals having anything to do with my trust, my estate, and any charitable gifts I make during my lifetime or at my passing,' she said in the amended trust. The heiress, pictured at the age of 55 in 1982 stands in the hallway of her palace Kawananakoa suffered a stroke in June and a state probate judge turned over control of her $215million trust to her longtime lawyer James Wright. Her home the Iolai Palace pictured above in Honolulu A view of the lavish Iolani Palace grounds pictured above The current foundation is asking a judge to appoint a guardian for Kawananakoa. The foundation is also concerned about artifacts, including a key to King Kalakaua's crypt, the amended trust says will be given to Worth, said Rosie Goo, an attorney representing the foundation. 'It is our understanding that these are museum-quality artifacts that she had intended to be in a museum. This is not what she chose for herself when she was fully in control of her decision-making,' Goo added. 'This all comes down to not honoring Ms. Kawananakoa and what she chose for herself when she had full mental capacity...Is she making the decisions herself? Are the people acting on her behalf really acting in her best interest?' Goo said, according to Hawaii News Now. Kawananakoa's attorney Michael Lilly said she 'is in fine health' and hasn't commented on the foundation's court filing. The bank is still deciding whether to accept the trusteeship, he said. China has defended billionaire Jack Ma as a 'superstar of Chinese society' after he was outed as a Communist. Ma was revealed to be a member of China's 89-million-strong Communist Party by the People's Daily, the party's official mouthpiece, in an article praising contributors to the country's development. After the revelation made headlines around the world, China defended the founder of tech giant Alibaba as one of the 'superstars of Chinese society.' An article in the pro-government Global Times says the decision to become a member of the Communist Party, whose founding principle was the equality of wealth among citizens, is a 'free choice for private entrepreneurs.' It says private entrepreneurs were once considered the 'exploiting class,' but now, 'successful private entrepreneurs are superstars of Chinese society.' It adds: 'There is no conflict at all between being a Party member and doing business.' Scroll down for video Jack Ma's membership of China's Communist Party had not been known until now as China's richest man had previously suggested that he preferred to stay out of politics Ma, 54, is not the first nor likely the last Chinese super-rich capitalist to join the party, which counts property titan Xu Jiayin and Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin among its billionaire members. But Ma's membership had not been widely known until now as China's richest man had previously suggested that he preferred to stay out of politics. Ma, a former English teacher and the founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba, returned to the top spot on this year's Forbes China Rich List with a net worth of $34.6 billion (27.18 billion). Just two weeks ago, his company raked in 213.5 billion yuan (23.8 billion) within 24 hours in sales revenue during China's annual digital shopping extravaganza, known as the Singles Day. Billionaire Jean: Mega-rich Jack Ma, a former English teacher, loves Western culture. Pictured, the founder of Alibaba group showcases his Michael Jackson dance routine to his employees during the company's annual party in Hangzhou last September Chinese property titan Xu Jiayin and Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin are also members of the nation's Communist Party. In China, company chiefs need the backing of the Communist Party - which is headed by Xi Jinping (pictured) - in order to achieve business success In Monday's article, the People's Daily said Ma was a party member who has played an important role in pushing China's Belt and Road global trade infrastructure initiative - a pet project of President Xi Jinping. Jack Ma, founder of Chinese tech giant Alibaba, has been revealed as a Communist Party member He has also been honoured as one of the 'outstanding builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics in Zhejiang Province', where Alibaba is based, the daily said. Joining the party can be helpful to private businessmen and women in the country as they navigate a complicated business environment where the state-led economy dominates many industries and private business can be unwelcome. In China, company chiefs need the backing of the Communist Party to get rich, but they also need it to survive. It is a relationship that - when the political winds change - can hang them out to dry, experts say. Party membership did not prevent the abrupt fall of oil tycoon Ye Jianming, chairman of CEFC China Energy, who disappeared from public view this spring and is thought to be under investigation in China. Ma's business rivals, Tencent CEO and Chairman Pony Ma and Baidu's Robin Li are not affiliated with any party, the People's Daily said. Xi has renewed a push to expand the Communist Party's influence in private business, requiring any company with more than three party members to set up a party cell, or lacking numbers, join with nearby firms. Three in four private companies already host party organisations. 'We must do a good job in the education and management of party members and guide them to play an active role,' Xi told officials in Shanghai earlier this month, noting the increase in private employment and new types of employment. Microsoft founder Bill Gates talks with Jack Ma during the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre on November 5 in Shanghai Jack Ma co-founded Alibaba, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies, in 1999 Xi is pushing to further intertwine the party and business, with the latest rewrite to the rules for party organisations published Sunday by official news agency Xinhua. In private companies party cells should 'guide and supervise the enterprise to strictly abide by national laws and regulations,' the draft order says, according to Xinhua. Ma did not reveal his Communist Party membership in paperwork filed for Alibaba's 2014 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. It is not known if Ma was a member at the time. A spokeswoman for Alibaba declined to comment. Alibaba bought Hong Kong's English language newspaper, the South China Morning Post (SCMP), in 2015 and controversies have swirled over the editorial slant of its coverage since the purchase. Ma told the paper he wanted to offer a 'fair chance to readers' to understand China when Alibaba purchased it. Just two weeks ago on November 11, Jack Ma's Alibaba raked in 213.5 billion yuan (23.8 billion) within 24 hours during China's annual shopping extravaganza Singles Day A delivery company courier sorts packages in Beijing on 13 November after the Singles Day 'The political affiliation of any Alibaba executive will not impact or influence SCMPs editorial or operational decisions,' SCMP spokeswoman Andrea Leung told AFP in an emailed statement. Despite being known for its in-depth coverage of China, the paper had yet to publish a story on the party membership of China's top capitalist by Tuesday evening. Ma - who announced in September that he would step down as head of Alibaba next year - has previously indicated he preferred to keep the Chinese state at arm's length. 'My philosophy is to be in love with the government, but never marry them,' he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2007. But party members must hold up their right fist and recite an oath upon joining. 'Be loyal to the party, work actively, fight for communism all one's life, always be prepared to sacrifice everything for the party and people, and never betray the party,' they recite. Real estate tycoon Wang Jianlin (pictured), who is worth $22.7 billion (17.8 billion) according to Forbes China Rich List, is also a member of the Communist Party of China A grey-haired motorcyclist who was shoved by no-nonsense strike force officer Raptor 13 has been charged with disobeying police. Veterans Motorcycle Club member Michael 'Magic' Parr was involved in a confrontation with the well-known 'super cop' - real name Senior Constable Andrew Murphy - during a charity bike ride in the rural New South Wales town of Woodenbong in March. Mr Parr was approached by Raptor 13, who told him to 'move it' before adding: 'I'm not asking, I'm telling you. Move it'. This week, 'Magic' successfully defended a handlebar defect notice issued to him during the ride. But after leaving Kyogle Local Court, he claims Raptor 13 was waiting for him, with the officer again asking to see his licence and inspect his motorbike, The Motorbike Writer reported. However, Raptor is not believed to have found any infringements or problems with his licence. A veteran motorcyclist who was shoved by no-nonsense strike force officer 'Raptor 13' (pictured) has been charged with disobeying police Veterans Motorcycle Club member Michael 'Magic' Parr (centre) was involved in a confrontation with the well known 'super cop' during a charity bike ride During March's incident, Mr Parr - seemingly angered by Raptor 13's demands - could be seen leaning in towards the top cop. Raptor 13 reacts by shoving him away using both hands as several other officers flank him. 'Hold on, I have not touched you,' the shocked motorcyclist could be heard saying as the officers closed in around him, with Raptor 13 in the centre. Mr Parr could also be heard telling Raptor 13 not to talk down to him. Mr Parr was approached by Raptor 13, who told him to 'move it' before adding: 'I'm not asking, I'm telling you. Move it' The constable - who is part of an elite police unit that tackles violent bikie gangs - said: 'I'm talking directly to your face, now move it.' He then told Mr Parr his name and gives him one last chance to comply with his orders. Mr Parr eventually agrees to move his motorcycle around the corner and walks away from the officer. Mr Parr is due to appear in court again in Ballina on December 13 on a criminal charge stemming from the interaction with Raptor 13 during the 26th annual Good As Gold ride. NSW Police had reviewed footage of the interaction between Raptor 13 and Mr Parr, a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. 'NSW Police Force has reviewed footage of the alleged incident, which includes that supplied by a member of the public and police holdings (body worn video),' the spokesman said. 'An independent assessment has been conducted by the State Crime Commands Professional Standards Unit, finding that the officer acted appropriately in dealing with this matter. 'Further, based on the information reviewed, the conduct of all officers involved in the police operation were in accordance with their duties and within police guidelines.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Veterans Motorcycle Club for comment. During a separate incident, Raptor 13 was seen measuring up a motorbike after a rider was pulled over From challenging bikies to issuing defect notices and confrontational traffic stops, the constable has earned a reputation as one of New South Wales' toughest officers. Raptor 13, whose real name is Andrew Murphy, is part of an anti-gang police enforcement squad called Strike Force Raptor, established in 2009. The strike force is a unit understood to be made up of 55 top cops with the primary goal of dismantling violent bikie gangs. Over the past two years, officer Raptor 13 has caught attention for a series of incidents caught on camera by members of the public. Included among them was a confrontation with a group of men travelling in limousines to slain Comanchero president Mick Hawi's funeral. Senior Constable Andrew Murphy is part of an police enforcement squad called Strike Force Raptor, established in 2009 to tackle Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) Further footage of the police officer shows him throwing a motorcyclist's licence to the ground Mr Murphy was seen drawing his taser and shouting 'You're going to get searched' as tensions flared between the group of burly men. He has previously been seen on camera refusing to show a driver his speed radar, and holding a metal pole to a man's head. In September, Mr Murphy pulled over Sydney truck driver Ramzy Ali, slapping him with two tickets for a defect passenger seat and an expired registration label. After an inspection of the vehicle by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and a thorough check of their website, it soon emerged that neither case was valid. 'RMS inspectors said the seat meets manufacturer guidelines, as well as Australian compliance standards,' Ali told Daily Mail Australia. Disgraced former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon has complained that he earns 'zero dollars' and claimed that he's unable to control his behaviour. Nixon, who was at the top of the AFL agent heap before becoming embroiled in a shocking scandal with the 'St Kilda Schoolgirl' Kim Duthie, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court for a series of traffic offences. Nixon pleaded guilty to four charges of speeding between September 2012 and March last year, two counts of failing to stop at traffic lights between 2012 and 2016 and using his mobile phone while driving in 2016. Disgraced former player agent Ricky Nixon shows his disrespect for the media outside court Kim Duthie leaves the Victorian Supreme Court in 2015 He was also stung for a boating trip on Port Phillip Bay in 2014 in a boat that failed to have safety flares. Among the swag of fines were five parking fines from Port Phillip Council. Nixon had an excuse for those fines, blaming them on a truck that constantly blocked access to his driveway. 'It's ridiculous,' he said. Nixon was fortunate not to be hit with several more fines from Melbourne City Council, which failed to lob into court. A load of toll infringements were also withdrawn by prosecutors. Nixon escaped conviction, but was ordered to pay $250 of Port Phillip Council's $754 legal costs, and an additional $300 fine. He must also be of good behaviour until May next year. Ricky Nixon lines up outside the Melbourne Magistrates' Court Ricky Nixon exudes charm as he makes his way into court yet again Nixon was treated with 'special consideration' on the driving offences after producing a document from his doctor stating he struggled to 'understand or control his behaviour'. Nixon told the court he hadn't seen the doctor since last year and couldn't even remember what he had submitted to the court in September last year. The court heard Nixon had enjoyed 'significant health improvements' over the past year and that he planned to open a 'health business' next week. The 55-year old refused to tell Judicial Registrar Angela Soldani anything further because he didn't want it reported. 'They report every breath I take so I'd like to leave commentary to that,' he said. Ms Soldani said while she accepted the doctor's claims might have impacted on Nixon's offending in relation to the parking fines, she could not accept it played a role in his speeding or using a phone while driving. Nixon could face losing his licence altogether if he has received enough demerit points from the offences. Nixon told Ms Soldani he worked sporadically mainly doing speaking engagements. 'My income is zero at the moment,' he barked. Ricky Nixon continues to find himself in trouble with the law Ricky Nixon claimed he had been unable to control his behaviour at the time of his offedning Nixon again showed his disdain for the media spotlight as he walked into court, flipping his middle finger at a waiting photographer. Nixon has form for poor behaviour outside of court rooms. He once threw coffee on a court photographer after a foul-mouth rant. That followed the furious player managers first court meltdown after being told an alcohol interlock device was to be fitted to his car for a year He was one of the most high-profile men in sport when he was caught on a bed in his underwear in the hotel room of the St Kilda schoolgirl in 2011. There were reports Nixon did drugs and had sex with the schoolgirl at the Causeway 353 hotel in Melbournes CBD. Ricky Nixon's relationship with Kim Duthie brought about the end of his career as an agent The schoolgirl said she did have sex with him and took a lie-detector test on the Sunday Night program, which found she was telling the truth. But Nixon refuted the claims in his 2016 book and said while theres no denying he was filmed on a hotel bed in his underpants, there was no proof in the video he was having sex or taking drugs. Nixon had his licence revoked in 2011 by the AFL Players Association accreditation board for breaching its standards of conduct, over his dealings with the girl. In 2013, he pleaded guilty to bashing his partner Tegan Gould. Magistrate Simon Garnett told Nixon he would have jailed him but for his lack of prior convictions for violence, his guilty plea, his charity work and his excellent prospects of rehabilitation. Nixon had managed 46 players before his shocking fall from grace. Parents have been forced to make alternative arrangements for their children as nearly 200 schools close for the day while 3,000 teachers go on strike. South Australian teachers rallied outside the education department's building in Adelaide at about 9.30am on Thursday. One in five public schools and preschools have been closed until 12.15pm as teachers strike for more pay, extra sick leave and smaller classes. Nearly 200 schools have closed in South Australia as 3,000 teachers go on strike South Australian teachers rallied outside the education department's building on Flinders Street Police have had to close off Flinders Street as protesters in red held signs and sang John Farnham's 'You're The Voice' and Aretha Franklin's 'Respect' A total of 194 schools, which are open, have had to modify their lessons and combine classes due to staff shortages caused by the strike, reports The Advertiser. Police have had to close off Flinders Street as protesters in red held signs and sang John Farnham's 'You're The Voice' and Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'. Teachers and union members said they were pleading the State Government for smaller classes, more funding for children with special needs, increased rates of permanency and a more manageable workload. The state government claims an interim of 3.5 per cent pay ride demand by the union is the real reason for the strike. South Australia Treasurer Rob Lucas said the demand for a teacher's pay rise would cost '$80 million a year'. He said including an extra hour of non-teaching time per week for 'collaboration with peers' would cost $59 million, two more days of sick leave costing $15.3 million and extra time for student report writing being $28.8 million. Teachers have rallied for smaller classrooms, more sick leave and more pay The state government claims an interim of 3.5 per cent pay ride demand by the union is the real reason for the strike Australian Education Union (AEU) state president Howard Spreadbury said conditions, not salary, were the issue. AEU state vice-president Dash Taylor Johnson said teachers were at 'breaking point' due to excessive workloads. Mr Johnson said teachers in South Australia were the second-lowest paid in the nation. The last teacher's strike was a decade ago with close to half of the state's schools and preschools having shut down. Rallies also started in regional areas within South Australia as such as Berri, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln. AEU state vice-president Dash Taylor Johnson said teachers were at 'breaking point' due to excessive workloads On the streets of Rotherham, you will occasionally see a white mother shepherding along a darker-skinned child who is not the product of a loving relationship, but the shameful legacy of the epidemic of sex grooming of girls by heartless Asian gangs that began decades ago. Only recently has the true scale of this atrocious crime become apparent, after being covered up and denied for years by the police, social workers and council officials. Paralysed by institutional political correctness and fears of being called racist, the very bodies responsible for safeguarding the vulnerable in society refused to investigate what was happening. Sammy Woodhouse was raped as a teenager and gave birth to her son aged fifteen - but the baby's father was only jailed in 2016 When I first exposed the sex grooming epidemic in this South Yorkshire town back in 2010, little did I realise that these same organisations aided by secretive family courts were compounding the nightmare suffered by hundreds of victims. Tormented But now it has emerged that mothers who chose to keep the children conceived during their ordeal have been tormented by social workers, councils and judges demanding that the rapists responsible should have a say in their childrens lives. This week, a brave victim called Sammy Woodhouse waived her anonymity to insist on a change in the law that, apparently, encourages such a thing to happen. She revealed that her jailed abuser, serial rapist Arshid Hussain, was invited by Rotherham council officials to seek access to him. The council says it is only following family court directions. Yet anyone with a scintilla of humanity would be appalled that it was considered appropriate for Hussain to be consulted on the boys care. Ms Woodhouse has understandably demanded new rules to ensure that no rapist will ever be able to access a child conceived of rape or abuse. Within hours her Twitter posting had been viewed 300,000 times and her demands have since been endorsed by MPs including Rotherhams Sarah Champion and Shadow Policing Minister Louise Haigh. They are calling for ministers to issue crystal-clear guidance on the law to make sure rapists and abusers have no right to comment on the future of their victims children. The Government pledged yesterday that it will work urgently with Rotherham council to address the failings in her case. It described the nightmare of Ms Woodhouse as a very distressing incident. Arshid Hussain (pictured) raped and impregnated Woodhouse then asked to get visits with the child Yet as Ms Woodhouse points out, her case is far from a one-off. This isnt just happening to me, she says. This is happening all over the country. Its wrong and its got to stop. Children are being removed, being given to rapists and murderers, for their families to have access. She has asked for other mothers to come forward and share their experiences of the family courts where these alarming diktats about rapist fathers seeing their children are rubber-stamped. A seemingly unrepentant Rotherham council which presides over a town where no fewer than 1,400 girls, some only ten, were ensnared by grooming gangs over 16 years responded by saying like all councils we must comply with legal requirements and that includes giving notice of proceedings to parents with or without formal parental responsibility. It is a shocking response but one that, sadly, does not surprise me. When I was first contacted by distressed mothers about sex grooming scandals plaguing towns and cities across Britain it has affected 72 such places, according to a Commons research document I was repeatedly assured by police forces in Yorkshire and Lancashire that they were not happening. The gangs did not exist, I was told. The girls were crying wolf. And their frantic parents many decent, upright people who begged in vain for the authorities to help rescue their daughters were hysterical and over-reacting. A spokesman for one Northern police force told a Muslim charity to inform me I was on the wrong track. He told the charity not to help me with my investigation because sex grooming of girls by Asian gangs does not happen. The charity duly refused to co-operate with me about the scandal happening in front of its eyes. I have been informed by a former councillor in Rotherham that when the terrible truth about the horrors in the town started trickling out publicly, some local politicians frantically held a closed-doors meeting to discuss whether the laws could be changed so that sex with underage girls was no longer illegal. The offensive suggestion would, some of them argued, take the heat off their male relatives in the gangs. I know of an alarming case in a Midlands city plagued by grooming gangs where social workers recently told a victim that her daughter, in the process of being removed against her will for forced adoption, would have to be handed to a new family with the same cultural and religious background as the rapist who fathered her. The truth is that a pernicious combination of officialdom, political correctness and craven institutions hiding behind an interpretation of the law devoid of all common sense and compassion has led to monstrous injustices. Yesterday, a former social services director at Dorset County Council said Sammy Woodhouses case illustrated the perverse contemporary fashions and ideologies underpinning the notion that the perpetrators are victims and hence deserve equal status to those whom they abuse. Robin SeQueira blamed politicians for creating a legal and social framework that allowed such attitudes to thrive. Ms Woodhouse was a teenager when she was groomed by her rapist Arshid Hussain known as 'Mad Ash' For Ms Woodhouse is right her case is far from unique. I know of a young woman living on the outskirts of London who was groomed by a sex gang which kept her in captivity for years after snatching her from the street as a teenager. Violent They forced her to have multiple abortions. But by hiding her pregnancies from the men, she gave birth to a boy and, more recently, a girl, each fathered by different members of the violent gang. The boy, little more than a toddler, is being well looked after by this mother, helped by her own family. But that has not stopped social workers trying to introduce the rapist father into his life. They told the rapist he could get involved, according to a family friend. He turned up at the family court where the boys future was being decided. The mother was shaking from top to toe at the sight of her abuser. She became angry when he was consulted about access to his son by the judge. The friend added: The sex groomer put on a good show. He cried crocodile tears, admitting the boy was his son. But finally, to the mothers relief, he said it was better for the child to have a new life away from him. As for the girls daughter, there was another near escape. The childs father was tracked down by social workers and told that he could apply for parental responsibilities. But when he was informed that criminal record checks would have to be done on him and his entire extended family if he was to care for the child, he disappeared. Arshid Hussain was jailed for 35 years after being convicted of raping Ms Woodhouse and assaulting young girls. He was shot in the stomach in 2005 and now uses a wheelchair The scandalous behaviour of social services towards this young mother was raised in the House of Lords recently by Baroness Cox, a crossbench peer who campaigns on behalf of grooming-gang victims. It is appalling that she was forced to confront one of her alleged rapists at the court hearing where he was asked about his sons upbringing, she said. How can the courts and social services allow this cruel treatment? The mother herself told me: Across the room at court was the man who beat me and conceived my son through an act of rape. Up to that point, this man had shown no interest in the care of his son and was being, potentially, introduced by social services as an influence in his life. The idea keeps me awake at night with horror. What is so poignant about this woman and brave Ms Woodhouse, who spoke out with the permission of her son is that both clearly adore their children. Other sex-victim mothers I know in Rotherham, Oxford, Rochdale and Derby also love their offspring despite the shocking circumstances of their conception. Which makes it all the more despicable that, after everything they have suffered, they have to countenance the prospect of the criminals who abused them being part of their childrens lives. Australian actor John Jarratt has been committed to stand trial over allegations he raped a teenager more than 40 years ago. The 66-year-old, best known for his starring role in Wolf Creek, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape. The accuser alleged in December 2017 that Jarratt assaulted her in the apartment they shared in the Sydney suburb of Randwick in September, 1976. She was 18 at the time. Australian actor John Jarratt has been committed to stand trial over an alleged rape more than 40 years ago The 66-year-old, best known for his starring role in Wolf Creek, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape A magistrate on Thursday committed Jarratt for trial - which his lawyer said would be 'short' and 'sharp', the ABC reported. The trial will be held in the NSW District Court late next year. Jarratt also appeared in the 1975 Australian classic Picnic at Hanging Rock and the movie Australia, as well as on TV shows McLeod's Daughters and Play School. More to come. John Jarratt (right) arrives a the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday The number of unconditional offers made to budding university students has rocketed to record levels, incentivising them to slack off in their A-level exams. New figures show more than a third of students received an unconditional offer in 2018 up from a quarter last year and just one per cent in 2013. The incredible rise has been driven by desperate universities competing to snap up as many students as they can and the money that comes with them regardless of whether they end up getting good A-level grades. New figures show more than a third of students received an unconditional offer in 2018 The data also shows students who get unconditional offers are more likely to miss their predicted grades than those who receive conditional ones. The figures, released by admissions body Ucas, show A-level results are becoming increasingly irrelevant to university entry. Critics say the practice amounts to dumbing down entry standards, as teenagers no longer have to meet the rigorous grades previously required by universities. The report yesterday prompted Education Secretary Damian Hinds to call on the Office for Students (OfS) regulator to crack down on prolific offenders. Education Secretary Damian Hinds called on the Office for Students to crack down on offenders He said: 'This very steep rise in their use is disturbing. 'This report shows that many students could be distracted from the final year of their schooling and achieve A-Level grades lower than they are capable of. 'The systematic use of unconditional offers is not in the interest of students.' Data shows 87,540 34.4 per cent of 18-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland applying for a place this year had at least one unconditional offer, up from 25.9 per cent last year and 1.1 per cent in 2013. The trend is due to the removal of the cap on the number of students universities can recruit. Matt Waddup, head of policy at the University and College Union, said: 'Unconditional offers have made a mockery of exams.' A body found in North Carolina has been preliminary identified as a 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped outside her home three weeks ago. Investigators revealed on Wednesday that state crime lab tests indicate the body found near Lumberton is that of Hania Aguilar. While a final determination will be made with dental records, investigators believe the body is hers. 'This is the outcome that we all feared,' Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill said. 'We did not want to hear this. We wanted to bring Hania back home and bring her back home alive to our community. It hurts.' The body of 13-year-old Hania Aguilar has been in North Carolina after she was abducted from outside the mobile park home where she lived three weeks ago He pledged to bring whoever is responsible to justice. Investigators said they don't currently have a suspect or person of interest. Hania's body was found in a body of water in Robeson County about 10 miles south of the mobile home park where she was kidnapped on November 5 after going outside to start a relative's SUV before school. Authorities wouldn't elaborate on whether the body had been concealed, but said it was not visible from the road or obvious to people passing by. Investigators spent Wednesday combing the area in daylight after finding the body the previous night. The cause of death hasn't been released, pending an autopsy. Investigators would not describe the condition of the body. An FBI official said he did not have any information as to whether Hania was killed where she was found or elsewhere. Police said a man forced the teenager into an SUV outside her home and drove off. The SUV was found several miles south of her mobile home park and her body was found a few miles farther away. A memorial was held for the 13-year-old girl at a church in Red Springs, North Carolina on Wednesday night. Photo courtesy of WPDE Investigators spent Wednesday combing the area in daylight after finding the body the previous night near Lumberton (pictured above) Hania was kidnapped on November 5 from a mobile home park. Police said a man forced the teenager into an SUV and drove off. The SUV was later found dumped several miles from the mobile home park McNeill has previously said that a witness saw a man dressed in black with a yellow bandanna grab Hania in the Rosewood Mobile Home Park in Lumberton. Police said the eighth grader had taken her aunt's keys to start the vehicle to prepare to leave for the bus stop. They say the man forced her into the green Ford Expedition and drove off. The FBI soon joined the search, offering reward money and transmitting her picture around the country. The SUV was found abandoned several days later, but signs of the girl or her remains eluded investigators for several weeks. Drones, dogs and scores of searchers on foot spent the following weeks combing the county about 100 miles (161 km) south of Raleigh. A $30,000 reward remains in place for information related to the kidnapping, the FBI said. Australian spies may soon be allowed to gun down enemies posing a threat to hostages and innocent bystanders during overseas undercover operations. The federal government wants the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) to be able to use 'reasonable force' to protect others caught up in overseas missions. As it stands and under laws introduced in 2004 spooks can only use their weapons to defend themselves, other ASIS staff, and people co-operating with the agency. The new law could see ASIS agents allowed to shoot enemies posing threats to hostages and innocent bystanders during overseas undercover operations. Cabinet minister Paul Fletcher, cited a rapidly changing security environment over the past 14 years as justification for introducing the proposed law to parliament on Thursday. Mr Fletcher said officers on the security front lines were being deployed increasingly to war-like zones and other hazardous locations. In a statement, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: 'As the world becomes more complex, the overseas operating environment for ASIS also becomes more complex'. The proposed law would also let ASIS agents use their weapons to keep 'uncooperative' people safe from immediate danger. Juma Omar (pictured) had been driving around London uninsured and without a licence for two years when he sparked a major terror alert An Uber driver who sparked a major terror alert when he ploughed into a crowd of tourists had been driving around London uninsured and without a licence for two years. Tanzanian Juma Omar, 48, floored the throttle of his Toyota Prius outside the Natural History Museum and careered over the pavement, sending pedestrians flying into the air as others ran screaming from his path. He claimed the brakes had failed, but he was convicted of dangerous driving by a jury at the Old Bailey. The court heard Omar came to Britain as an asylum seeker in 1995, but was told to get out the country in 1998. He met his wife shortly afterwards and they had four children together. Omar applied for a replacement passport in another man's name and used that identity to pass his driving test. He got a job with Uber using the fake documents and did not have insurance when hit the pedestrians in on October 7 last year. Up to 11 people suffered non-life threatening injuries and Omar was wrestled to the floor and detained by members of the public, including Pixie Lott's boyfriend, Oliver Cheshire. Dozen of armed police arrived fearing another terror attack was in progress in the aftermath of the London Bridge and Westminster attacks earlier that year. Omar admitted having a passport in a false name after his application for asylum was rejected. He also admitted having a false private taxi licence as well as having no insurance and no driving licence. Jailing him for 15 months the judge, Mr Recorder Oliver Sells, QC, said the driving was 'appallingly dangerous.' Omar, 48, floored the throttle of his Toyota Prius outside the Natural History Museum (pictured) and careered over the pavement, sending pedestrians flying into the air 'The public is entitled to assume that the driver of an Uber car is who he says he is and they have proper qualifications - licence, insurance and the necessary paperwork ' the judge said. 'You flouted those important safeguards so the public was at risk whenever you were driving.' Turning to the incident the judge said: 'You drove that Toyota Prius with your foot on the accelerator at 100 per cent pressure for over six seconds reaching speeds of almost 30mph. 'Witnesses spoke of being run down thrown on to the bonnet of the car and railings as you careered around. 'The crowds fled in fear of their lives, leaving the injured lying on the ground. 'It is no thanks to you that nobody suffered really serious harm. It was an act of utter recklessness with the most serious consequences.' Prosecutor Bill McGivern said: 'Mr Omar was waiting for his passenger when his vehicle shot forward, mounting the pavement and hitting a number of pedestrians. Omar got a job with Uber using the fake documents and did not have insurance when hit the pedestrians in on October 7 last year. Stock photo 'People thought it was some kind of attack going on - this man put his foot down on the accelerator and instead of taking his foot off he kept it down. 'He ploughed through the people who were in the vicinity of the vehicle, knocked them down and this, the crown say, amounted to dangerous driving. 'Members of the public were fleeing, they thought this might have been a terrorist attack. 'This was a classic case of pushing the wrong pedal and then continuing to push it.' CCTV footage played to an Old Bailey jury showed the heart-stopping moment Omar slammed on the accelerator, launching members of the public into the air. People can be seen running in panic as Omar's car drove across the pavement before doing a U-turn and continuing to hit those in his path. Omar's out of control Prius was only halted when he smashed into two parked cars. Fortunately no one suffered any serious injury, only 'cuts and bruises.' Omar emerged from the car frantically saying 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.' He was then wrestled to the ground and detained by passers-by. Omar insisted that the car had started moving on its own when he leant out the door to wave to a customer. 'As soon as the car started I pressed the car brake but the car didn't stop, I don't know why,' he told the jury. 'The car went forward and hit two stationary people.' 'I am sorry for everyone who got injured, I didn't mean that. That is from my heart.' But investigators who inspected Omar's car found it was in perfect working order before the crash. Any of those injured would not have been able to claim compensation from Omar's insurance, or Uber. Omar, of Barking, east London, was convicted of dangerous driving. He slumped over the dock as he was convicted and looked sadly at friends and relatives in the public gallery as he was led to the cells. The whole of the political class agrees about one thing. Theresa May has several alps to clamber over if the Governments Brexit deal is going to get through the House of Commons in 12 days time. The odds against her appear gigantic. If she pulls it off against the expectations and predictions of the commentariat, it will be one of the most extraordinary political achievements of modern times. It follows that she needs to call in every favour and twist every arm. Will her hopes have been raised and her spirits sent soaring when the Chancellor of the Exchequer stepped into the prime slot on Radio 4s Today programme yesterday morning? Its true that the two of them have had a shaky relationship. But politically she and Philip Hammond find themselves in the same ditch or at any rate neighbouring ones and the pragmatic Chancellor has previously given every indication of supporting the deal. Yet what he said during the interview did not in any sense strengthen her precarious position. On the contrary, it weakened it. The question is, how much of his virtual demolition job was deliberate and how much accidental? The oddity is that, during a febrile day in which the Chancellor failed to offer Mrs May any useful support, the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, produced some apocalyptic predictions of short-term disaster in the event of no deal. These were apparently designed to bolster the Prime Ministers approach and convince Tory MPs and others to back the Brexit deal she is proposing. Theresa May has an extraordinary task in front of her - but she appears to be facing many troubles with her own Conservative allies after the Chancellor failed to convincingly sell her Brexit plan during a radio interview Mr Hammonds first failing was to avoid identifying himself strongly with an agreement that is, after all, supposed to be official Government policy, underwritten by all members of the Cabinet. On seven occasions he referred to the Prime Ministers or Mrs Mays deal, option, plan or proposal. Not once did he insert the word Government before any of these nouns, or specifically associate his office as Chancellor with the agreement. By repeatedly representing the deal as somehow belonging to the Prime Minister alone, Mr Hammond unhelpfully encouraged the idea that it had very little to do with him. This impression was heightened as he tried to explain the Treasurys latest forecast. He asserted with oracular authority that in 15 years time the economy will be slightly smaller in the Prime Ministers preferred version of the future partnership than it would be if Britain remained in the EU. Why on earth did he venture down this dangerous path? For the Governments official position is that staying in the European Union is not on the table. So there is little logic in referring to a possibility that has been formally excluded. More seriously, it is idiotic to predict the size of the British economy in a decade and a half with any claim of accuracy. No one except God can know if it will be bigger or smaller as a result of Mrs Mays I should say the Governments deal than it would be if the UK were still part of the EU. After all, official short-term forecasting has already been shown to be defective. A Treasury document issued before the June 2016 referendum stated that, if voters plumped for Leave, within two years Britains economy would be tipped into a year-long recession with at least 500,000 jobs lost and GDP around 3.6 per cent lower. If the Treasury can get its stargazing so dreadfully awry looking only two years ahead, why should we have any degree of confidence when its boffins peer 15 years into the future? I dont say that all economic forecasting is wrong-headed, only that it should always carry the severest health warning. Mr Hammond signally failed to offer this yesterday, using the word will rather than the judicious phrase might possibly. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond referred to the Prime Ministers or Mrs Mays deal, option, plan or proposal It is noteworthy that on Monday in the Commons Theresa May herself expressed proper scepticism about crystal ball-gazing. I think it would be interesting for this House to debate the extent to which economic forecasts can be described as facts, she said. Presumably she knew that Philip Nostradamus Hammond would shortly be taking to the boards with his sheaf of astrological charts, and wanted to throw a small spanner in his works. Following the publication of the Treasury figures yesterday morning, Mrs May didnt jettison her suspicions during Prime Ministers questions. Her statement that the analysis shows the deal we have negotiated is the best deal for the economy and delivers on the results of the referendum was at odds with Mr Hammonds gloomy prognostications on the Today programme. Was the Chancellor being calculatingly subversive? He is an intelligent man who weighs his words carefully, so it is hard to think he was unaware of the effect of what he said. Instead of distancing himself from Mrs Mays plan and suggesting that economically it would be less advantageous than remaining in the EU, he could have issued some dire warnings to unrealistic hard-line Brexiteers. The truth is that the Treasury forecast that GDP will be between 7.7 per cent and 9.3 per cent lower in 15 years time in the event of a no-deal Brexit is practically worthless. As custodian of the nations finances, Mr Hammond would be better employed in persuading rebel Tory MPs of the probable short-term consequences over the next one, two or three years of our leaving the EU without any agreement and, it must be said, with virtually no preparation. Few Brexiteers still advocate no deal as their preferred outcome. Nevertheless, should they vote decisively against the Governments plan, that could conceivably lead to our tumbling out of the EU without any agreement. If Mr Hammond believes as I suspect he does that such an eventuality would lead to a collapse in house prices, economic contraction and a recession, he should say so. This is what the Bank of England did yesterday. It suggested that leaving the EU without a deal would trigger a deep and damaging recession with worse consequences for the UK economy than the 2008 financial crisis. However, it believes the banks could cope with such an eventuality. Philip Hammond and Theresa May have no agreed over Brexit over the last two years of negotiations Some will say the Banks alarming warnings mark a revival of Project Fear. But in contrast to the Chancellors harping on the outlook 15 years hence, they offer a spine-chilling short-term forecast that only the boneheaded will ignore. To return to Mr Hammond. The suspicion inevitably lingers that he believes the vote on December 11 is a hopeless cause, and so is contriving to undermine a deal he thinks is doomed. Was he, by alluding to the economic advantages of staying in the EU, signalling his readiness to consider a second referendum when, as he apparently believes will happen, the vote is lost? Possibly. More likely since he has not so far been viewed as a supporter of a so-called Peoples Vote he was indicating his readiness to consider alternative solutions such as the so-called Norway option. This would involve Britain staying in the single market and unable to control EU immigration. I dont know what will happen if the vote is lost. No one does. My fear is that a near-irresistible bandwagon in favour of a second referendum would then be set in motion by the Labour Party, SNP, Lib Dems and some Tories. All the more reason for fighting for the Governments Brexit plan while there is still time. The Prime Minister is entitled to expect that the Chancellor, whatever disagreements they may have had in the past, will at this perilous hour train his guns in the right direction. My father was born in 1910. He rarely called underpants underpants. He called them indescribables or unmentionables, and into them he put his benders, underpinners or wait for it crural appendages, better known as legs. I have a very Victorian way with words simply because I still use the vocabulary my father used. And, sad to say, it seems its going out of style. Edward Allhusen, a publisher from Devon, has this month produced a list of 600 glorious English words that were once on everybodys lips and now are on almost nobodys. To me its heartbreaking because many of the words on the endangered list are among my favourites. They are part of why the English language is the richest language in the world. Words are going extinct from the English language because they are not used anymore The French have about 100,000 words in their vocab and that includes le weekend, le snaque-barre and le Brexit. We have more than 500,000 in ours, even if (lets be fair) quite a few were French in origin. Thats why English is so rich. It isnt pure. Its a mongrel tongue. The American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson called it: The sea which receives tributaries from every region under heaven. It has taken almost 2,000 years to evolve. Of course, new words are coming along all the time. World War I spawned umpteen of them including binge, camouflage, cushy, scrounge, zoom and the word umpteen itself. World War II gave us blackout, blitz, boffin, bulldozer, Jeep and wishful thinking. In the past few years, we have seen the arrival of the verb to google and the transformation of a tweet from the sweet sound a bird makes to the U.S. Presidents means of communication. More people in the world speak English as a second language than as a first. Lets relish its diversity and its heritage. Lets not lose some of our most interesting and useful words simply because theyre outdated. So here they are: my unfashionable favourites an A to Z of splendid English words that Allhusen warns are on the brink of disappearing. Please help me haul them back from oblivion by picking them up, dusting them off and using them in your conversation, texts and tweets. Zounds! We can have some sesquipedalian fun here Antediluvian dating from a time before the flood in the time of Noah. My wife tells me that both my dress sense and my jokes are antediluvian. Bindlestiff an old American word for a tramp; while a blatherskite is an old English word for someone who talks too much. And a boborygmous is a gurgling sound that emanates from your intestines. Curmudgeon a bad-tempered or surly person. Some people say the word derives from coeur mechant, the French for evil heart, but nobody really knows. No one knows, either, the origin of my other favourite C-word: conk, meaning a huge hooter or a large nose. The British have more than 500,000 words in their vocabulary, while the French have 100,000 Deipnosophist comes from the Greek for a meal, deipnno, and wise men, sophist, and means someone who has mastered the art of dinner table conversation. While dipsomania is an early 19th-century term for alcoholism. The word, based on the Greek word dipso, meaning thirst, was coined by a German doctor to describe an irresistible craving for alcohol. Emolument a fee or salary, a reward for services rendered. It comes from the Latin word molere, meaning to grind and once related to the money paid to the miller for grinding the wheat to make bread. We still talk about the daily grind. Fiddle-faddle to waste time doing trivial and unimportant things. My father also used Fiddle-faddle! as an exclamation meaning balderdash, baloney, bilge, bunkum, claptrap, codswallop, fiddlesticks, flapdoodle, hogwash, hooey, poppycock, tommyrot and twaddle. You get the idea. Gallimaufry a jumble, a hotchpotch, a mishmash. It originates from the 16th-century French word for a stew, galimafree, made from assorted cuts of meat. Hugger-mugger secretively or conspiratorially. The word has been around since Shakespeares day and probably derives from huddle and mucker (meaning to conceal). Ignoramus a stupid person. It is derived from the Latin for We do not know. At the end of the Fifties I went to an old-fashioned prep school, where the masters all wore gowns and threw chalk at the boys who fell asleep in class. When I translated in loco parentis as my dads an engine driver, the Latin master called me an ignoramus and rapped me over the knuckles with a ruler. Juggins a simple-minded, gullible person, a bit like a muggins. You silly juggins! (Isnt it a great word?) And I love the sound of a jerepigo. Its a sweet fortified wine. A jujube is a fruit-flavoured sweet, used to soothe a cough, while a jube is a gallery in a church. Kickshaw little bits of what you fancy, which do you good. They can be toys or trinkets, fancy dishes or little delicacies. A favourite word of Shakespeares. Lickspittle a toadying, grovelling individual, sometimes a servant, but more often someone who is trying obsequiously to find favour. I love it as a word because it does exactly what it says on the tin. Micturate another word for urinate. Its not a euphemism like powdering your nose or spending a penny (a phrase that dates back to the 1840s when public lavatories for women were introduced and to enter you had to put a penny in the slot). Micturate comes from the the Latin mingere, meaning to have a pee. Nincompoop a simpleton, The word, which has been around since the 17th century, may derive from Nicodemus who, in the New Testament, is noted for the simple-minded questions he asked Jesus. I love a word that sounds right and this one sounds perfect. Oenology the science of viniculture and the knowledge and study of wines. Too much of a good thing and you can end up ossified, which literally means turned into bone, but in my dads day meant getting pie-eyed, stinko, squiffy, tanked, tiddly or just plain woozled. Pettifogging a wonderful old word meaning putting undue emphasis on unimportant details and dates back at least 500 years to a time when lawyers who spent time engaged in trivial litigation were known as pettifoggers. Quidnunc a gossip and a busybody. Once the word was used on a quotidian basis that means daily. Now both words have almost totally disappeared. Rapscallion a scamp, a rascal and a rogue, while a rumpus is a row or a noisy disturbance. Sesquipedalian Long winded, from the Latin for a foot-and-a-half long. Shilly-shally is a muddled-up version of Shall I and means to be indecisive. Trollop a promiscuous woman. It is a 17th-century word possibly deriving from trull, German for prostitute. Dont confuse it with a termagant, a bad-tempered and overbearing woman. Perhaps its a good thing that some of these words are falling out of favour. (Or perhaps not. To tergiversate is to keep changing ones mind.) Uxorious doting on ones wife. Im certainly uxorious. (Even when she ululates which means baying like a Banshee or screeching like an owl, which happens if shes severely provoked.) Vamoose comes from the Spanish vamos and means to depart swiftly, which Im about to do after that last entry. Xenodocial hospitable to strangers, which is what the English language has always been, and long may it continue. Yoicks! A happy hunting cry, like tally-ho! Yex is an old English word for a burp or a hiccup and very useful in Scrabble. Zany a bit eccentric. I like the sound of Zounds! Its an old exclamation of indignation or surprise. Just as people still say Crikey or Cripes instead of Christ, people used to say Zounds or Gadzook instead of Gods wounds or Gods hooks. Have You Eaten Grandma? by Gyles Brandreth is published by Michael Joseph/Penguin The final product: After being wrapped, the venison gets bagged before it is frozen at Austin's Deer Processing in Hanover, Maryland, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (Photo by Chris Tulp) ANNAPOLIS (November 29, 2018)Some Maryland deer hunters now can claim a credit against their state income taxes for donating their processed venison to the hungry.A new law allows hunters to receive a $50 tax credit for each antlerless deer they harvest and pay to have butchered. The maximum credit hunters may claim in one tax year is $200, for up to four antlerless deer.The expenses of butchering and processing the deer will be offset by this tax credit as long as the venison gets donated to an organization that helps provide meals for those who are hungry and less fortunate.Participating butchers charge $60-$65 to butcher one deer, according to Josh Wilson, executive director of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, a group that has used donations and grants to pay butchers to prepare venison slated for donation.The group has seen its funds wither in recent years, and the lawnew this hunting seasonis intended to offset that decline.Until the funds the group allocates to a particular butcher run out, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry pays the bill.This is a discounted rate of around 20 percent off the normal price of about $80 for having a deer processed.After the funds are depleted, hunters would have to pay the processing bill directly to the butcher and ask forand savetheir paid receipt. They may then claim the $50 credit when filing their Maryland income taxes.Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 by former teacher Rick Wilson (Josh Wilson's father) as a ministry of his Lutheran church in Hagerstown, Maryland.Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry has expanded to over 25 states with more than 130 coordinators working to help feed the needy.Since 1997, the group has paid to process over 2 million pounds of venison donated by hunters in Maryland, according to Josh Wilson. The donations have provided meat for more than 8 million meals to the hungry through relief organizations in the state, according to Wilson."The hunter brings the deer in and we skin it and cut it," said Kristin Trossback, owner of Austin's Deer Processing in Hanover, Maryland. "We then freeze the meat to be picked up by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank."The venison goes to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout Anne Arundel County, according to Marta Jones, volunteer coordinator at the food bank."We allocate a specific number of deer to each butcher shop that we can afford to pay them for processing based on the funding we have available in our program budget from contributions and fundraisers in their area," said Wilson.As those grants have waned, lawmakers have tried to make up the difference with the tax write-off.The tax credit applies to bow and arrow (Sept. 7 through Jan. 31), muzzleloader (Oct. 18 through Dec. 29) and firearms (Nov. 24 through Dec. 8) seasons.The law went into effect on July 1 after it was sponsored by Delegate Johnny Mautz, R-Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico, and signed on April 24 by Gov. Larry Hogan. Hogan is a member of the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus while Mautz is a member of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus."The tax credit came about from a lawmaker's (Mautz's) concern that they (the grants) wouldn't be able to support the group"Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungrysaid Paul Peditto, wildlife and heritage service director for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. "It is a reasonable way to incentivize hunters and farmers to donate venison to help those who are hungry.""We couldn't use revenues from hunting licenses to fund"Farmers and Hunters Feeding the HungryMautz told Capital News Service. "The only option left was to go to Gov. Hogan to ask for funds."According to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, food banks informed them that meat is the least available food item due to the high costs, so they gratefully accept these venison donations.Venison is a meat that is high in protein and low in fat and it is given to places such as church pantries, church feeding ministries, the Salvation Army, community food banks, emergency assistance programs, rescue missions and children's homeswhere it is distributed and served."Certain places where we can donate the venison are given to us by" Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, said Gregory Jackson, owner of Harwood Butcher Shop, in Anne Arundel County. "It's usually one or two local food banks or organizations close to where we're located.""The meat is all picked up directly from the butchers by these local food banks, ministries and relief organizations for use in their feeding program," said Wilson. "They are already in place to handle distribution, so we (Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry) just provide the meat to them to add to their inventory."In the past, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry received significant amounts of grant funding from various places, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, Maryland Soybean Board, Cabela's Outdoor Fund and the Walmart Foundation, but most of these are no longer available due to budget cuts, so they rely almost entirely on individual donors and supporters, according to Wilson."We have received several community grants from the Walmart Foundation through two local Walmart and Sam's Club stores this year in Frederick and Wicomico Counties," said Wilson. "Those grants typically start at around $500 and can go as high as several thousand dollars."However, the statewide Walmart Foundation Grant is larger, as it was worth $50,000 last year, but this year, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry has no grants from them anymore, or any other statewide grants."Their state giving program changed this year to an invitation-only process," said Wilson. "They selected a number of charities from some key areas of the country to submit requests."Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry reached a high point during the fiscal year of the 2013 hunting season with total revenue from grants and donors totaling just under $382,000."That year included significant grants from Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Soybean Board and the Maryland Grain Producers and Utilization Board," said Wilson. "For the current fiscal year, we are projecting total revenue of around $121,000 with zero grant funding from those sources."Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is not federally funded, said Dave McMullen, an Anne Arundel County volunteer coordinator for the group. "If each hunter donated $3 to $5, this would cover funding needs. When the funding is there, the program has the ability to expand."McMullen continued, "All hunters and the public should know that the more money that gets donated, the more deer can be processed, and the more money can be given to local or county food banks. It's a win-win situation that takes care of the overpopulation of deer and takes care of people, providing them with high quality meat."The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Deer Project is responsible for managing the populations of native white-tailed deer and non-native sika deer."Deer numbers have been stable in Maryland across most of the state for the past decade," said Brian Eyler, deer project leader of the wildlife and heritage service for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. "That being said, there are still issues with too many deer in many of our urban and suburban areas. There are currently approximately 225,000 deer in Maryland."Hunting remains the most cost-effective and efficient population-control mechanism available in most Maryland landscapes, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.According to a legislative summary, state general fund revenues are expected to decrease by an estimated $50,000 annually in fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2023 as a result of credits claimed against personal income taxes.The Maryland comptroller's office reported that it will incur a cost of $54,000 to add the tax credit to returns.Any unused amount of the tax credit can't be carried into another tax year and the program terminates June 30, 2023. Women at high risk of breast cancer should undergo regular scans from the age of 30, say researchers. Current NHS policy is to invite women from the ages of 50 to 70 for checks every three years. But a study suggests those with a family history of the disease or with dense breast tissue should be considered for regular mammograms from the earlier age. Breast density is one of the biggest risk factors, increasing the chances of developing breast cancer by up to six times. Breast density is one of the biggest risk factors, increasing the chances of developing breast cancer by up to six times Dense breast tissue contains more glandular tissue and less fat and, although no different to the touch, it contains many more cells with the potential to turn cancerous. Previous research has suggested the NHS screening programme could be missing 3,500 cases of breast cancer among women with dense breasts each year. But this could be dramatically reduced if screening simply started from a younger age, the new study suggests. Researchers from New York University examined nearly than six million mammograms of 2.6million women in the US. They picked out women with dense breast tissue, those with family members with breast cancer, and those who had been diagnosed with the disease before. And they found cancer was significantly higher in women with at least one of the three risk factors. Dr Cindy Lee, presenting her findings at the Radiological Society of North America, said: Women with at least one of the risk factors may benefit from screening mammography beginning at 30. Previous research has suggested the NHS screening programme could be missing 3,500 cases of breast cancer among women with dense breasts each year Current breast risk prediction models incorporate different risk factors, which are weighed differently and can produce different results for the same patient. This complexity can lead to confusion and uncertainty for both doctors and patients. Our study defined increased breast cancer risk in a simpler and more inclusive way. Last week, experts said breast cancer screening should also be extended to the over-75s, as a significant number still develop the disease in their late 70s and 80s. A study of women around the age of 80 by the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, New York, found many with the disease at that age were suffering from an advanced and dangerous form. A cross-dressing Santa sporting white underpants and stockings has been unveiled on top of a popular shopping centre. The Ponsonby Centre, in Auckland, installed their 'Santa Poppins' on Thursday, just days after questionable comments from Simon Bridges. The New Zealand opposition leader sparked controversy by saying: 'Mary Poppins is a woman, Santa Claus is a man. That's how it should be. A cross-dressing Santa clad in Mary Poppins-style clothing has been unveiled on top of a popular shopping centre The Ponsonby Centre, in Auckland, installed the scantily clad Father Christmas, complete with fishnet stockings, a bag and an umbrella But not everyone is happy with the contemporary depiction of Father Christmas which has sparked outrage online 'You guys this morning are telling me that man didn't walk on the moon, now you're telling me Santa's a woman - I just want a few things I can believe in,' he told The AM Show earlier this week. The team behind the gender fluid Santa say they wanted to challenge mainstream perceptions of Father Christmas. 'Our representation of Santa can be Mary Poppins or whatever race/gender/persuasion we prefer and can imagine. 'The Coca-Cola company doesn't have a monopoly on what he/she looks like,' a spokesperson told the NZ Herald. Ponsonby Central wrote on their Facebook page: 'He has had many changes over the years but he is always on trend (& a wee bit cheeky!). 'This year he is Santa Poppins, the ultimate nanny (or should we say "manny").' But it seems that not everyone was ready to embrace the very modern depiction of Santa. Nathan Mills wrote on Facebook: 'How is this on trend? Kids love Santa, it's not all about you, believe it or not. Can you not leave just one this alone from your political BS?' Tim Faulkner added: 'FFS remove this abomination. Christmas and Santa are for children. This stupidity has got to stop. Catering for a confused minority is a joke. 'What next? Santa holding a rubber fist? Get lost you pack of losers.' 'Yea... very f***ing funny. If the intention is to stop people like me with young kids going to the Ponsonby then job done,' one person tweeted. The shopping centre claims that their Santa statue has nothing to do with Mr Bridge's comments. Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of seeking to annex his entire country and called in interviews with German media for Chancellor Angela Merkel to come to Kiev's aid in the crisis. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Sunday near the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014, over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters - a charge Ukraine strongly refutes. In interviews with Germany's Bild newspaper and the Funke newspaper group on Thursday, Poroshenko rejected Russia's charge that the vessels' entry into the Azov Sea - a body of water shared by Ukraine and Russia on which the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk sit - was a provocation. President Poroshenko called for Germany to come to his country's aid against Russia 'Don't believe Putin's lies,' he told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it. 'Putin wants the old Russian empire back,' he said. 'Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire can't function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony.' The seizure of the navy vessels drove tensions to their highest since 2015, when Moscow-backed rebels rose against the Kiev government in the eastern Donbass region, sparking a war that has killed tens of thousands. Poroshenko called on Germany, the largest and wealthiest buyer of Moscow's gas exports, to halt the building of an undersea gas pipeline that would allow Russia to supply Germany directly, cutting out Ukraine. 'We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour,' he told Funke. 'That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.' Germany regards the pipeline, which is being built by Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom, as a private investment. But Merkel recently acknowledged its 'political dimensions' and said Ukraine must continue to be a conduit for Russian gas sold to western Europe. German officials said on Wednesday that their position on the pipeline remained unchanged and that talk of tighter sanctions against Moscow, demanded by the United States and many European politicians, was 'premature'. Poroshenko also called for the stationing of NATO vessels in the Sea of Azov. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt Editing by Sonya Hepinstall) A Russian woman thought she'd won Chris Hemsworth's heart when she was told 'she was pretty' in an online chat - before she was scammed out of $20,000. The married woman, 42, who lives in eastern Siberia, received a series of messages on Twitter from a conman posing as the 35-year-old megastar Australian. 'Hey, I am Chris Hemsworth, I am a famous actor from Australia, I live in California. You are so pretty, can we chat?,' the first read, according to The Siberian Times. The woman told local media she was 'not a fan' of Hemsworth, but did some research to find he was a married father-of-three. A Russian woman who thought she had won Chris Hemsworth's heart when she was told 'she was pretty' in an online chat has been scammed out of $20,000 The woman said 'Hemsworth's lawyer' sent her a this driver's license with the actor's picture 'as a guarantee of a payback' 'I thought, what if he was in the same situation as I was, that on the face of it we were both married and at the same time very lonely,' she said. 'Hemsworth' asked the woman to fly to Australia to meet him, but later changed the plan and said he would travel to Russia. The woman said she was then contacted by a man claiming to be Hemsworth's lawyer, who said his client was 'going through temporary financial difficulties'. She was told 'Hemsworth' needed money for a private jet, insurance and a visa - before 'his lawyer' sent her a fake driver's license with Hemsworth's picture 'as a guarantee of a payback'. Not suspecting anything suspicious, the woman took out a 980,000 roubles [AUD$20,000] loan - and transferred the money. The social media accounts the messages were sent from were then abruptly deleted. The woman said she was contacted by a man claiming to be Hemsworth's lawyer, who said his client was 'going through temporary financial difficulties' 'Hemsworth' asked the woman to fly to Australia to meet him, but later changed the plan and said he would travel to Russia. The real actor is seen in the water in his hometown, Byron Bay Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky moved to Byron Bay on the New South Wales north coast in 2014 and do not live in California. He's also unlikely to being going through 'financial difficulties', having being named one of Forbes Magazine's World's Highest Paid Actors, earning AUD$43.59 million last year. Russian authorities have urged people not send money to 'people you are not familiar with'. France could become 'the permanent EU ambassador to the UN' Germany has called for France to give up its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council so it can be turned into an 'EU seat'. Finance minister Olaf Scholz said he recognised the move would 'take some convincing in Paris', but added that it would be a 'bold and smart goal'. It comes after the leaders of France and Germany backed the creation of an EU army, a proposal Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has described as 'crazy'. Mr Scholz, who is also Germany's vice-chancellor, said: 'If we are to take the European Union seriously, the EU should speak with one voice within the UN Security Council. In the medium term, France's seat could be converted to a seat for the EU.' German Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives a speech on Europe at the Humboldt university in Berlin on Wednesday He said to lessen France's pain, it could become 'the permanent EU ambassador to the UN'. Mr Scholz also said European Union governments needed to work more closely on defence spending and creating weapons. But his suggestion of taking France's seat was shot down by the French ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud. He described it as 'legally impossible' and 'politically impossible'. France has been one of the five permanent Security Council members since the body was established after the Second World War to prevent another large-scale conflict. UN Security Council meet to discuss Ukraine crisis. Other permanent members also include Britain, Russia and America, the victors of the war, plus China Angela Merkel and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz arrive to attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Berlin, Germany this week. The permanent members also include Britain, Russia and America, the victors of the war, plus China. They are the most influential in the 193-member United Nations because they hold the right to veto UN resolutions. When Britain leaves the EU, France will be the union's only permanent member of the Security Council. One year after he was fired from NBC, Matt Lauer is reportedly dating several women in the Hamptons while living in his guest house as his divorce progresses. Thursday will mark a year since the former Today host Lauer was terminated after a female employee accused him of sexually harassing her at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Now, after beginning divorce proceedings earlier this year with his wife, 51-year-old Dutch model Annette Roque, Lauer, 60, is said to be back playing the field. 'Matt is casually dating several ladies in the Hamptons,' one source told Radar. 'As far as Matt is concerned, he had a consensual affair and he's been punished. Now he's moving forward with his life.' Matt Lauer is seen without his wedding ring in Sag Harbor last December. The disgraced former Today host is reportedly living in his guest house and dating several women Matt Lauer is seen with wife Annette in 2014. The couple grappled with the fallout from his firing over sexual misconduct claims and are now in the midst of a divorce 'Matt is still Matt,' the source added. Meanwhile, People reports that Lauer is living in the guest house of the Long Island compound he shares with Roque and their three children: sons Jack, 17, Thijs, 12, and daughter Romy, 15. The couple initially grappled with Lauer's firing and what it meant for their marriage, but came to the decision that a split was for the best, a source told the magazine. 'They were working through their issues at first they were never hopeful of working it out,' the source said. 'But it took her a long time to work through it.' 'Annette needed time to figure out what she wanted and wrap her head around it all,' the source added. 'From the beginning, it was never like 'We are done.' It was like, 'What is this?' She needed time to figure things out and she realized and he did, too that the best thing was to split up.' Lauer's family compound in Watermill, New York is seen above. He is reportedly living in the guest house and focusing his time on his three children A year on, Lauer is still struggling to adapt to his new life out of the spotlight. 'It has been hard for him. He went from being a super busy person to having nothing but time on his hands,' one source close to Lauer told People. 'He is not doing well.' Another source close to Lauer told the magazine that he has given up hope of returning to television. 'He's trying to get by putting all his energy into his kids,' says the source. 'He is working on his relationship with his kids. They have a good relationship, but they've been through a lot.' Meanwhile, NBC's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade continued last week without Lauer for the first time since 1998. Hosted this year by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, the parade showed no steep decline in viewers without Lauer, with 23.7 million watching this year versus 24.1 million last year. More business leaders including a prominent Brexiteer lined up to support Theresa Mays Brexit deal yesterday, urging MPs to put the good of the country before politics. Bosses from chemicals giant Ineos and aerospace group Airbus said the deal would give the UK time to decide future trade arrangements while avoiding the chaos of a no deal scenario. Jim Ratcliffe, the boss of Ineos and Britains richest man, called on MPs to rally behind the Prime Minister and warned leaving without a deal posed significant risks. The billionaire backed Brexit during the EU referendum campaign. Jim Ratcliffe, the boss of Ineos and Britains richest man, called on MPs to rally behind the Prime Minister and warned leaving without a deal posed significant risks. He is pictured receiving a knighthood at Buckingham Palace on October 31 An Ineos company statement added: We would hope that our parliamentarians would now put the good of the country ahead of political considerations and ensure a safe passage for the deal through Parliament. And Katherine Bennett, the UK head of Airbus, came out in support of the deal during a hearing of the business committee in the Commons. She told MPs Mrs Mays deal would allow the company to emerge from a holding pattern that has seen it hold back from big investment decisions due to uncertainty. Executives from the pharmaceuticals industry also welcomed a transition period secured by Mrs May and told MPs it would keep vital medicines flowing into the country after Brexit day. Executives from the pharmaceuticals industry also welcomed a transition period secured by Mrs May (pictured in Glasgow yesterday) and told MPs it would keep vital medicines flowing into the country after Brexit day The group included the boss of Novo Nordisk, the UKs biggest insulin supplier a drug the Prime Minister relies on personally as a type 1 diabetic. Their interventions came as a welcome boost to her as she fights for support for the exit deal in Parliament, ahead of a vote on December 11. Later, Mike Thompson, chief executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, also said Mrs Mays agreement would be vital to keeping the supply of medicines flowing. GREENBELT, Md. (November 29, 2018)Mitchell Oren Smith, age 28, an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, pleaded guilty today to abusive sexual contact with a child, which occurred while he resided at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Adanto D'Amore, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Joint Base Andrews. According to his plea agreement, from at least July 22, 2017 and continuing for several months, Smith engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child victim who was under 10 years of age. In the course of his abuse of the child, Smith also admitted that he photographed the abuse. Investigators recovered a digital photograph from Smith's cellular phone documenting his abuse of the victim. All of these events occurred while Smith resided at Joint Base Andrews. As part of his plea agreement, Smith will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Smith and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Smith will be sentenced to between 240 and 448 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for February 15, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page. United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Jennifer R. Sykes, who are prosecuting the federal case. Director Peter Jackson (pictured above) said the original film had a slightly 'romanticised' view of what happened Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson is set to reveal the secret history of the iconic Dambusters raid in a film remake after purchasing the rights to previously declassified information. The new movie will include details that had previously not been featured, as they had been protected by the Official Secrets Act. The original 1955 film, starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave, told of the Operation Chastise which set out to destroy three dams deep within Germany's Ruhr valley in order to set back the Nazi's war effort, a task that was thought near impossible. However Mr Jackson has now said the movie was a 'romanticised' portrayal and skipped out on vital details due to the secrecy act that was in place. He has now confirmed his plans for a remake after trying to get the project off the ground for almost ten years. 'We are clinging on to the rights for The Dam Busters and we have them for another year or two, A Lancaster Bomber during the Second World War. The Avro Lancaster was a British four-engine Second World War heavy bomber made initially by Avro for the Royal Air Force A close up of a 'bouncing bomb slung in position beneath a specially converted Lancaster bomber of 617 squadron The Dambusters in 1943, with Wing Commander Guy Gibson front row (centre ). On the night of May 16/17 1943 they engaged in one of the most legendary air raids of the war, using hydro-statically detonated bombs to devastate German dams 'It's just a great story. It's always been a great story. But it's an even greater story now than it was in 1955 because back then there was still so much of the story that was under the Official Secrets Act. 'They couldn't show the bomb spinning because the fact that they applied backspin to the bomb to make it jump on the water was still a state secret. Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Jackson added: The film had a slightly romanticised view of what happened. It's reasonably accurate but the real story is so much more interesting. It's a story of politics, of ingenuity and peril, and it's also a story about trying to make a weapon to destroy these dams and that cost an awful lot of money. 'You see some of that in the original movie but there's a lot more that took place and that's as much of an interesting story as the actual raid itself.' A graphic explaining exactly how the daring Dambusters raid was carried out The crew of 617 squadron's G board the Lancaster bomber, from left to right: Trevor-Roper, Pulford, Deering, Spafford, Hutchison, Guy Gibson, Taerum Aeronautical engineer, Barnes Wallis, who designed the airship R100, Wellington bomber and the 'bouncing' bombs which destroyed the Mohne and Eder dams Mr Jackson has bought the rights to James Holland's bestseller, Dam Busters: The Race to Smash the Dams, which includes declassified information unavailable in the Fifties. Author Mr Holland is credited as a historical adviser on the project. He told the Daily Telegraph: 'All the actual science of it was kept secret in the Fifties. What they were actually dropping was a depth charge, not a bouncing bomb. 'The idea is that it bounces, hits the wall of the dam, rolls down until it sinks to a certain point, then there is a timing fuse so that by the time it has sunk it explodes. 'And at the moment of explosion it has the right amount of depth to create this weight of water pressure above it, which will exacerbate the explosion and do enough damage. Left: A wartime photograph showing the damage inflicted on the German Eder dam by the RAF's 617 Squadron, the 'Dambusters' Right: The Dambusters squadron was formed by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, right Another wartime view of the devastation caused by the 'Dambusters' raid of May 1943. Bouncing bombs were used by the RAF's 617 Squadron to cause breaches in German dams In 2013 a as part of events marking the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters a Lancaster bomber flies over Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire 'In the film you see them flying low and it all looks like fun. But the whole process of getting deep into the heartland of Germany at night in a 102 ft wide, 30-ton machine with a four-ton rotating bomb underneath is almost impossible and [in the film] none of that comes through.' He also added that the 1955 film was 'terrific' but contained many small inaccuracies. 'Barnes Wallis is portrayed as this brilliant amateur fighting against a brick wall of desk wallahs, and it just wasn't like that. Some people were all for it and some were against it. That is really important and one of the brilliant things about the British in the Second World War there were lots of enlightened people prepared to back crazy ideas in the interests of furthering the war effort.' 'At every turn the drama, the excitement, the machinations, the two steps forward and one step back is better than the film and better than most people think.' Advertisement Elizabeth and Kasimir Berger were Londoners through and through. All of this changed when they left their corporate careers behind in 2013 in search of the highest quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a life in Italy. Elizabeth, formerly Marketing Director of Champagne Bollinger and with almost two decades of experience tasting, buying and studying wine and Kasimir, with a background in start-ups and specifically emerging technology platforms met in 2001. Their journey in to serious, pure, highest quality extra virgin olive oil began at Marco Violas door in Umbria. They were travelling around the region hiking and exploring when they came across Viola olive oil in a restaurant in Montefiascone and both of them were blown away by the quality and intensity it was unlike anything they had ever tasted before. So they decided to take a detour and find out where Viola came from. Driving up to the unassuming frantoio in S.Eraclio di Foligno, they knocked on the door, and awoke someone from a post-prandial sleep. Elizabeth and Kasimir Berger were Londoners before they left their corporate careers behind in 2013 in search of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil and a life in Italy Olio nuovo. Freshly pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil is vibrant, full of peppery spice and incredibly good for you Olive Harvest begins in Tuscany. Green olives are shaken down from the trees on to nets and then collected in to small baskets to be taken to the press Frantoio olives in Southern Tuscany. May the harvest begin! Elizabeth Berger, founder of Frantoi.org having her first taste of the new season extra virgin olive oil They scrambled together all the Lire they had and bought two bottles of Violas oil. They then spent the next 15 years seeking olive oil of a similar quality but never found anything as good. So when they moved to Tuscany with their young children, the mission began: to seek out the very best Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the country, produced by artisans who own their own trees and own mill and therefore completely control the quality. On this voyage of discovery, they have learned a huge amount about the health benefits of olive oil, particularly if green olives are used and if it is consumed when it has recently been pressed. Their mission is to change the way you buy your extra virgin olive oil by sending it directly from the Frantoio in Italy immediately after it has been pressed to offer as much pleasure and benefit as you get from a mid-summer tomato or a glass of mature fine wine. To avoid bruising the olives, men are taking in small baskets to the Frantoio The groves that are hardest to reach require even more hours of manual labor. Harvest is a particularly demanding moment for these artisans Paolo Cassini, an incredible food hero pressing his Taggiasca olives in Liguria, Northern Italy As such, they offer the new season olive oil for just eight weeks of the year to give the maximum health benefits and enjoyment window. Elizabeth has applied her knowledge of wine to olive oil, identifying different flavors from different cultivars that are indigenous to different regions of Italy and pairing them with different foods, so olive oil becomes a real ingredient rather than an after thought and this has begun somewhat of a revolution amongst dedicated foodies. The health benefits of their oils are now being widely documented and their customer base includes leading nutritionists and doctors as well as some of the top chefs around the world and celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow. Their 2018 oils are available to order only until Tuesday 4th December for global delivery in time for Christmas. The olives are hand sorted on arrival at the Frantoio and then thoroughly washed before pressing begins The Olive paste, from here malaxing begins to coax out the droplets of oil Advertisement The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lights have now been turned on as part of the longstanding tradition that ushers in Christmas time in New York City. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio flipped the switch on Wednesday night to light the Christmas Tree following a televised extravaganza that featured performances by Diana Ross and Tony Bennett. The 72-foot-tall tree is decorated with 5 miles of multicolored LED lights and a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. Rockefeller Center has hosted the annual ceremony since 1931. The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lights were turned on Wednesday night as part of the longstanding tradition that ushers in Christmas time in New York City Thousands of spectators flocked to the area on Wednesday night to catch a glimpse of the towering tree Police officers flooded the area in New York City and spectators were funneled through security ahead of the traditional event. The 75-year-old tree was donated by a couple in Wallkill, roughly 60 miles north of the city. It will remain on display until January 7 before it will be given to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes. The nationally televised extravaganza was hosted by NBC News personalities, including the Today show's Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin. The evening included musical performances by John Legend, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, and Diana Ross. They sang festive Christmas carols while they were joined by the Radio City Rockettes. But the festive spirit was momentarily interrupted when de Blasio's name was called out so he could flip the switch. The Mayor was booed by some in the crowd during the nationally televised event. The festive spirit was momentarily tarnished when Mayo Bill de Blasio's name was called out so he could flip the switch. He was booed as he stood on stage by Jerry Speyer and his son Rob, who are the chairman and CEO of Tishman Speyer The televised extravaganza on Wednesday featured performances from the likes of John Legend, who wrapped up in a camel colored coat in the cold New York temperatures Diana Ross also took to the stage at the 86th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday night The Radio City Rockettes are pictured performing before the 86th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Diana Krall and Tony Bennett were also among the performers at the star-studded event in the heart of New York City Christmas songs: Pentatonix delivered several Christmas songs He was joined on stage by Jerry Speyer and his son Rob who are the chairman and CEO of Tishman Speyer, the real estate investment firm that bought Rockefeller Center. Although de Blasio handily won re-election last year, his popularity has been dropping in recent months against the backdrop of newspaper headlines about alleged corruption in his administration. The crowd jeering at de Blasio during the lighting quickly sent social media into a frenzy. The towering tree was donated for the first time by a same-sex or Latina couple in the history of the tradition. Shirley Figueroa, who donated the Norway spruce with her wife, told the New York Times that she grew up in the Bronx with absolutely no trees on her block. The couple, who are both Puerto Rican, moved to Wallkill last year where they had an abundance of trees at their fingertips. 'Just the fact that I have a tree that I can donate when I came from somewhere that had no trees - it's so surreal,' Figueroa said. The iconic Rockefeller tree's history dates back to 1931, during the Great Depression when workers put up a 20-foot tree in the plaza, but the first formal tree wasn't erected until 1933. Rockefeller Center has hosted the ceremony since 1931. The event was televised nationally by NBC It will remain on display until January 7 before it will be given to Habitat for Humanity to help build homes Police officers flooded the area in New York City and spectators were funneled through security for the event The 900-pound Swarovski crystal star is seen in the above photo The two-hour televised event on Wednesday night opened with John Legend singing Stevie Wonder's 1967 hit What Christmas Means To Me, which appears on Legend's new album A Legendary Christmas. The 39-year-old musician's second song was Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Next up was a cappella group Pentatonix with the festive 50s number It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Near the end of the show the Texas group returned with Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree. Jazz greats Diana Krall and 19-time Grammy award-winner Tony Bennett crooned out Bing Crosby's I'll be Home For Christmas. The duet, who have an album Love Is Here to Stay, also performed The Christmas Song. Country music icon Brett Eldridge then hit the stage with Sleigh Ride. The platinum selling artist returned with Glow, the title song of his new Christmas album. He was followed by 32-year-old American Idol star Kellie Pickler with Santa Baby and Joy to the World. A love letter to New York came from 46-year-old rock star Rob Thomas. His song New York City Christmas was written to bring hope after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Martina McBride, a 52-year-old country music singer-songwriter/record producer, did the 1930's classic Walking In A Winter Wonderland. McBride also beamed through Happy Holidays, from her album It's the Holiday Season. McBride was followed by 24-year-old R&B star Ella Mai, with a cover of Donny Hathaway's This Christmas. Mai, who has six million You Tube hits, also did a version of the 1818 carol Silent Night. Dancer Daniel Ulbricht, from The New York City Ballet and students from The School of American Ballet performed Candy Cane from George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Teenage ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer grinned her way through Michael Buble's Jingle Bells with her bunny Petunia. The Radio City Rockettes also dropped by for one of their signature high-kicking numbers in gold lame dresses. Japanese heavy industries giant, Mitsubishi, has been ordered to pay compensation to victims of brutal forced wartime labour, by South Korea's top court. Six survivors of the abuse at factories in Japan, during the 35 year colonial rule of South Korea, filed a lawsuit against The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2000, seeking compensation. Seoul's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that the firm should pay each of the plaintiffs unpaid wages or compensation worth about 55,918 Kim Sung-joo (C bottom) and relatives of other victims raise their hands to celebrate the Supreme Court verdict in Seoul The same court, in a ruling on a similar, separate case on Thursday, also ordered Mitsubishi to pay compensation of 69,897 to 104,846 to a group of five people for forced wartime labour at its plants. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono slammed the latest rulings which he described as 'extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable' and demanded that Seoul take 'immediate actions to remedy such breach of international law.' 'Above all, the decisions completely overthrow the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship that Japan and... Korea have developed since the normalisation of diplomatic relations in 1965,' Kono said in a statement. The rulings on Thursday had been expected following a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court on October 30, which found Japans Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal guilty of exploiting forced labor. In that case, the court ordered the company to pay 69,467 in compensation to each of four South Korean victims. Many seeking compensation said they had been tricked by their Japanese teachers at elementary schools into going to Japan to 'study', but were instead forced to work at Mitsubishi plants producing aircrafts with no or little pay for years. Both of the two groups filed lawsuits in Seoul after Japanese courts had dismissed their claims seeking compensation. Victims of Japan's forced labor and their family members show the sign ' Mitsubishi Heavy Industries apologize and compensate victims' at the Supreme Court in Seoul Japan says the victims' right to sue had been extinguished by the 1965 treaty which saw Seoul and Tokyo restore diplomatic ties and included a reparation package of about 600 million in grants and cheap loans. But recent court rulings in Seoul -- including Thursday's rulings -- argued that the forced labour for Japanese firms was not included in the controversial treaty. Relations between the two countries have been icy for years due to bitter disputes over history and territory stemming stemming from Japan's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula, with forced labour and wartime sexual slavery key examples. According to official Seoul data, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Japan during the 35-year occupation, not including the women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops. South Korea and Japan are both democracies and are faced with an increasingly assertive neighbour China and the long-running threat of nuclear-armed North Korea. A Liberal MP fell asleep in Parliament as his party colleague was delivering a speech on energy. Backbencher Ian Goodenough repeatedly closed his eyes and nodded off as Andrew Laming spoke about the merits of coal-fired power and reliable electricity. The Perth-based member for Moore certainly appeared to be out of energy during a House of Representatives speech in Canberra on Wednesday afternoon. As Mr Laming, the Brisbane-based member for Bowman, stood up to speak Mr Goodenough, a former accountant, nodded politely. Before the first minute of the 4pm speech, his eyelids appeared to be heavy but they didn't fully close. After the four-minute mark, he really struggled, closing his eyes and leaning towards his microphone. On several occassions, he opened his eyes and nodded only to close them again, doing this until Mr Laming had finished his five-minute matter of public importance address, which covered rising electricity prices and Labor's renewable energy targets. A Liberal MP fell asleep in Parliament as his party colleague was delivering a speech on energy Backbencher Ian Goodenough (right) repeatedly closed his eyes and nodded off as Andrew Laming (left) spoke about the merits of coal-fired power and reliable electricity Mr Goodenough, a member of Parliament since 2013, told Daily Mail Australia he had not slept well the night before. 'I was a little tired yesterday afternoon,' he said on Thursday. 'As you have probably noticed I have been hobbling around Parliament House this week due to a sore leg and not been sleeping too well at night.' Many Liberal MPs in marginal seats have been lying awake at night, following backbencher Julia Banks's defection on Tuesday from the party to the crossbench. The first-term Melbourne-based member for Chisholm blamed a 'reactionary and regressive right-wing' for her decision to quit Prime Minister Scott Morrison's minority government. Another Liberal backbencher has flagged quitting the party, with the Sydney-based member for Hughes Craig Kelly floating the idea of running as an independent at the next election as he faces a preselection challenge from a moderate. The national president of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang has taken a fresh swipe at police in protest of strict anti-consorting laws. Moudi Tajjour, 34, took to Instagram reminiscing of a time before the controversial laws were in place. He said: '#beautifuldestinations before the laws changed...' Tajjour, a convicted killer, refers to Australia as one of the 'worst destinations' for his gang. Moudi Tajjour, 34, took to Instagram comparing a time before the controversial laws were in place ''#beautifuldestinations before the laws changed... now I call Australia worst destinations cause all these bikie laws can't even breathe from the heat,' Tajjour said on Instagram New Nomads president Moudi Tajjour (pictured) has taken a fresh swipe at police in protest of strict anti-bikie laws 'Now I call Australia worst destinations cause all these bikie laws can't even breathe from the heat,' Tajjour said on Instagram. The post was accompanied with a photo of the Nomads in their colours gathering in a car park. But since tough anti-consorting laws were introduced in NSW in 2013, it has become illegal for bikies to congregate in groups of more than three people. The laws were introduced after a spate of violent crime by gangs and have been used by Strike Force Raptor to break up bikies criminal syndicates in NSW. Tajjour's latest dig comes just two months after more than 20 Nomads members reunited in Canberra. The members of the Nomads OMCG were trying to prove a point after the stricter laws prevented them from gathering in New South Wales and Queensland. New Nomads president Moudi Tajjour (pictured) has taken a fresh swipe at police in protest of strict anti-bikie laws They were forced to load their motorbikes in trailers to Canberra because the laws prevented them from riding together. The anti-consorting laws also give police more power during raids. Under the laws, police executing a warrant on outlaw bikie clubhouses can search anyone on site and compel any person to reveal their name and address. In a previous statement state premier Ms Berejiklian said: 'NSW has the toughest organised crime laws in Australia and our Police will now be better equipped than ever to tackle dangerous outlaw bikie gangs. 'The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will not tolerate criminal behaviour which undermines community safety.' Labor has come under fire after supporting a move that will force migrants to wait up to four years to claim welfare payments. Under the new measures, migrants granted a permanent skilled or family visa after January 1 next year will have to wait four years for payments like Newstart or concessions cards. Also, the wait for carer payments, parental leave pay, as well as dad and partner pay will be extended to two years, while carer allowance and family tax benefit part A will result in a one year wait. No wait times will apply to single parent migrant families or those with one income earner. Labor has supported the coalition's move to force migrants to wait up to four years to access some welfare payments. The LaborCoalition deal has come under heavy attack from the Greens. Greens senator Nick McKim accused Labor of inflicting poverty, misery and homelessness after the party supported the coalition's measures. Saying Labor had done a shady deal under the cover of darkness, Greens senator Nick McKim, also called the move 'Trump-esque'. 'It is a Trump-esque punishment of migrants in this country that Labor has stitched up with the Liberal Party so they can get a few budget savings in before they take government next year,' Senator McKim said. Labor senator Doug Cameron has hit back arguing the opposition has worked constructively on the bill and claimed the Greens didn't have to be responsible because they will never form a government. 'Common sense and the Greens don't go together - should never be in the same sentence,' Senator Cameron said. Much of the Green's criticism centres on the fact that with independents Tim Storer and Derryn Hinch and Centre Alliance's two senators opposed, Labor could have teamed up with the Greens to block the legislation. Greens senator Nick McKim (pictured) has slammed Labor's support of the new measures as 'Trump-esque' One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (pictured) has praised Labor for supporting the new deal Labor senator Doug Cameron (pictured) has hit back at the Green's criticism, arguing that the Opposition has worked responsibly on the deal But by lending its support, Labor claims it has taken the 'rough edges' off the bill to save it being left to One Nation to negotiate. After negotiation with Labor the government agreed to shorter periods for a range of payments after initially wanting all welfare payments to have a four-year wait time. Despite these changes the measures have still attracted the praise of One Nation's leader, Pauline Hanson, who said she was proud of Labor for lending its support. Hanson said migrants coming to Australia should provide for themselves because they have not yet given anything to the country. Special Counsel Robert Mueller asked President Donald Trump about a change to the Republican Partys convention platform about U.S. arms sales to Ukraine, it has been reported. The question was one of several that Mueller submitted to the President, who gave written answers that were completed last week, according to ABC News. Mueller is investigating whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government in an effort to sink Hillary Clintons candidacy during the 2016 elections. Both Russia and those associated with Trumps campaign deny the allegations. Special Counsel Robert Mueller asked President Donald Trump about a change to the Republican Partys convention platform about Ukraine, it has been reported. Trump (left) is seen with then-campaign chief Paul Manafort at the convention in Cleveland in July 2016 In July 2016, as Republican Party delegates were set to meet for the convention in Cleveland to officially nominate Trump, a change was made to the official platform. The original language called for the U.S. to provide weapons to Ukraine in order to help defend it from Russia. But that language was altered. The new version was watered down so as to call for appropriate assistance to Ukraine. At the time, tensions between Russia and Ukraine were escalating as it became clear that Russian bolstered its military presence near Crimea. The convention was organized by Paul Manafort, who at the time was chairman of Trumps campaign. In his political consulting career, Manafort, a lifelong GOP operative, was known to have close ties with Russian-backed leaders in Ukraine, chief among them Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych was a supporter of closer ties with Russia and opposed Ukraine membership in NATO, according to NBC News. Mueller (seen above in 2014) is investigating whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government in an effort to sink Hillary Clintons candidacy during the 2016 elections Trump told Mueller that he was not aware of the platform change. The President said the same thing when he was asked about it at the time by ABC News George Stephanopoulos. I wasn't involved in that. Honestly, I was not involved, Trump said at the time. In addition to the convention platform change, Trump was also asked by Mueller about the Trump Tower meeting between his son, Donald Trump Jr; his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner; Manafort; and a Russian lawyer. The meeting was arranged after the lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, suggested that she may have dirt on Clinton. Trump replied to Mueller that he was never aware of any such meeting both before and after it supposedly took place, according to CNN. Another question posed by Mueller had to do with Roger Stone, Trumps longtime associate. A Ukrainian soldier takes his position near frontline with Russia-backed separatists in Shyrokyne, eastern Ukraine on Wednesday. In July 2016, the Republican Party watered down language about U.S. arms sales to Ukraine in order to deter Russian aggression Mueller asked Trump about Stones suspected links to WikiLeaks. Trump wrote to Mueller that he could not specifically recall being told by Stone about any ties he had to WikiLeaks. Stone and his associates are being investigated by Muellers team for allegedly having prior knowledge of hacked emails obtained by WikiLeaks that were damaging to the Clinton campaign. I never received anything including allegedly hacked e-mails from WikiLeaks or Julian Assange or the Russians or anyone else, Stone has said. [I] never passed them on to Donald Trump or the Trump campaign or anyone else. Devastated relatives and friends have rallied around the teenage driver of a car that crashed during Sydney's huge storm, killing his little brother. Dylan Langhorne, 14, died during a nightmare commute to Pennant Hills High School in the city's Hills district about 9.30am on Wednesday. His brother Isaac Langhorne, 17, a P-plate driver, was behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla when it crashed into a 4WD and then two parked cars. Relatives and friends rallied around Isaac Langhorne, 17, (centre) the driver of a car that crashed during Sydney's huge storm, killing his little brother Dylan (left). The boys are pictured with their father Shane He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition, his injuries incomparable to the pain of Dylan's death. Dozens of people wished the 'brave' boy a speedy recovery, many in reply to a heartbreaking tribute by the pair's mother hours after the accident. 'I'm here for you, man, anything you need I'm here. I love you,' his friend Khya Clancy wrote on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery. Isaac replied: 'Thanks, [that] means a lot.' He also changed his Facebook cover photo to a photo of himself and Dylan with their father Shane Langhorne. The death of a young teenager in the storm also shocked strangers online, many of whom said they hoped Isaac wouldn't feel guilty over the crash. Dylan Langhorne, 14, (pictured with his father Shane Langhorne) died in a car crash during Sydney's wild storm on Wednesday The Toyota Corolla (pictured) driven by his brother Isaac, 17, crashed into a Land Rover and two parked cars on the way to Pennant Hills High School in the city's Hills district The brothers were on their way to school when their Toyota Corolla, bearing P-plates, crashed into a Land Rover on The Esplanade in Thornleigh. The car then collided with two parked cars as it span out of control on the flooded streets as heavy rain battered down across Sydney. Dylan's mother Janda Thompson wrote a heartbreaking tribute to her third son, promising their family would never forget him. 'If only I could hold my boy another time. I will never forget our special bond we had and you could tell me anything,' she said. 'Love you my darling, and if you could see the most amazing support we are getting today, which you would hate. 'You will always be by my side and I will always say I have five beautiful, gorgeous children.' Dylan's mother Janda Thompson wrote a heartbreaking tribute to her third son, promising their family would never forget him Ms Thompson also told her husband Shane Langhorne (pictured carrying Dylan on his back) 'we were the best parents and he knew it'. Ms Thompson then turned to her tribute to her husband Shane Langhorne, telling him 'we were the best parents and he knew it'. The devastated mother thanked many of the dozens of friends who sent their best wishes, and noted that many of them had visited to console the family. Pennant Hills High, where Dylan was a Year 8 student, expressed its own sorrow over the loss of a 'dearly loved student'. 'Today our hearts broke as we learnt about the passing of one of our dearly loved students,' the school said in a statement. 'We cannot begin to explain the heart-break this has brought upon our school and its community. 'Our thoughts, hopes & prayers are with the family, friends, students and teachers who are grieving' The Land Rover the car carrying Dylan and his brother collided with on The Esplanade in Thornleigh about 9.30am on Wednesday The school said there was support available for students who were affected by Dylan's death. 'In times like these, we are not torn apart, we unite and are only brought closer together. We will find the strength to get through these incomprehensible times,' it said. Thornleigh was one of the worst-hit areas in the storm that wreaked havoc on Sydney for most of Wednesday, dumping two months worth of rain in hours. It was the city's worst November storm in 34 years as 120mm fell after 5.30am and gale-force winds ripped off roofs and downed trees and power lines. Parts of the city received almost two months' worth of rainfall since 5.30am in what was described as a 'once in every 100 years' event Flash flooding hit many suburbs and police told motorists to avoid driving where possible Emergency services labelled the conditions some of the worst they had ever seen in Sydney There is no respite in sight for the city as more downpours and wild winds lash Sydney on Thursday morning, but they are expected to clear by Friday The 84.6mm average rainfall for the whole month had already fallen before 7am and more rain fell over the course of the day than since 1984. Emergency services labelled the conditions some of the worst they had ever seen in Sydney. Traffic was at a standstill, more than 130 flights were cancelled due to only one runway being open at Sydney Airport, and trains had huge delays. Dylan was one of three people killed and several others injured as falling trees and terrible visibility made life difficult for drivers. A 40-year-old State Emergency Service volunteer suffered a heart attack as he was clearing debris with a crew in Shellharbour in the Illawarra. In another crash, a male driver died when his car smashed into a pole on Old Prospect Road at South Wentworthville in Sydney's west about 7pm. WASHINGTON (November 29, 2018)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee option modification to previously-awarded contract N00178-17-C-0001 to continue to support commercial satellite-based network services for the Department of Defense in the areas of satellite, ground node, user equipment/terminal software and hardware development, integration and testing. This award is a follow-on requirement to procure continued communication support services that may be implemented for use in tactical, operational and strategic-level activities. Work will be performed McLean, Virginia (50 percent); and Tempe, Arizona (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2019. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $300,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded, in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) - only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The, is the contracting activity.No applicable data.Contracts For Nov. 23, 2018No applicable data.No applicable data.No applicable data., is awardedfor modification P00056 to increase the ceiling of a previously awarded fixed-price incentive contract (N00019-09-D-0008) for additional Joint Performance Based Logistics support for the Marine Corps MV-22 and the Air Force and Special Forces Operations Command CV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (46.6 percent); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (41.4 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Florida 6.1 percent); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (4.3 percent); and St. Louis, Missouri (1.6 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2019. No funding will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor cost, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price task order N0001919F2578 against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00019-16-D-1000). This task order provides for security, project engineering, sustainment engineering, integrated logistics support, material support, program support and training for the VH-3D/VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (88 percent); and Quantico, Virginia (12 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2019. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,976,124 will be obligated at time of award; all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00014 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-16-C-0068) to exercise an option for information assurance services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Divisions Information Technology/Cyber Security Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (99 percent); and Lakehurst, New Jersey (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2019. Fiscal 2019 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $4,035,039 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity. 'You have bowel cancer'. They're four words no 27-year-old expects to hear, but for Lain Adam, it suddenly all made sense. The Perth student had suffered stomach cramps and fatigue for about 12 months and was told his condition could be linked to a lactose intolerance. 'I'd been sick for quite some time, stomach pains and significant weight loss, as well as constant tiredness,' Mr Adam told Daily Mail Australia. 'Going to the toilet constantly throughout the day, frequent blood in stools... I had several tests through my doctor and they all came back normal.' Doctors were baffled. Lain Adam suffered stomach pains for about a year before he suddenly lost about 20kg. When doctors finally ordered a colonoscopy it was revealed the 27-year-old had bowel cancer He was offered steroids and antibiotics to fight any potential parasite or infection that could be eating away at his body. When that didn't help - and he then dropped nearly 20kg in a matter of months - he was finally booked in for an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. With his father by his side, Mr Adam remembers sitting patiently in the hospital waiting room, as doctors prepared for the procedures. After being anaesthetised, the next thing he recalls was waking to earth-shattering news. 'They told me [I had cancer] when I had just woken up from anaesthetic and was alone in a hospital bed... which was not tactful,' Mr Adam said. Mr Adam, from Perth, was told his condition could be linked to a lactose or gluten intolerance 'I asked the nurse to get my dad who had brought me and was in the waiting room and was left alone to process what had been said. It was a mixture of emotions. 'All sorts of things running through my head... the scariest being ''yep, they definitely said cancer''. My hazy state made it hard to comprehend. 'When dad came into the room, I realised they hadn't told him the news and he asked me how it went. 'I had to break the news I had just been given and it made me upset to say it out loud for the first time.' His father called his older brother and mother, telling them they needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. 'I sent texts to my other two siblings letting them know about it - a move I regret now,' Mr Adam lamented. 'A phone call would have been a more courteous and respectful way to inform them.' Doctors told Mr Adam that bowel cancer has always been more common in people aged over 50. His diagnosis was unexpected, they said. He was offered steroids and antibiotics to fight any potential parasite or infection that could be eating away at his body The 27-year-old urged others with similar symptoms to get checked as soon as possible. 'If the tests are denied because of age then push for it because you know your body well enough to know that something is wrong,' he said. 'The sooner you can recognise the symptoms and have them seen to, the less aggressive the treatment will need to be.' After two surgeries, as well as two six-month bouts of chemotherapy and radiation, Mr Adam in now cancer free. 'It was a very aggressive treatment but obviously worthwhile as I'm out the other side,' he said 'I wish I could say unscarred, but there are many permanent or lasting side effects from it all.' A surfer bitten by a shark at Manly Beach on Wednesday evening said it felt like his foot had been 'caught in a steel trap'. German architect Mike Ruttkowski, 28, had been on his surfboard just 15 metres offshore when the attack took place shortly after 6.30pm yesterday. The shark bit his right foot, leaving it badly swollen and covered in multiple small puncture wounds. Scroll down for video. German architect Mike Ruttkowski (pictured), 28, had been on his surfboard just 15 metres offshore when the attack took place shortly after 6.30pm yesterday 'Something grabbed and pulled at my foot there was a lot of pressure, it felt like my foot was caught in a steel trap,' he told the Manly Daily. 'It was wriggling around and felt like it was tangled around my footI shook it off and looked down and there was a lot of blood in the water.' Mr Ruttkowski, who is originally from Dusseldorf but is in Australia on a working holiday visa, had only been in the water for about 20 minutes when the shark attacked. 'Something grabbed and pulled at my foot there was a lot of pressure, it felt like my foot was caught in a steel trap,' he told the Manly Daily The surfer didn't see what bit him but he said it could have been a 'baby shark' and a first aider said the wounds to the top and bottom of his foot were consistent with a shark bite When he noticed the blood, he paddled to shore as quickly as possible where Manly Life Saving Club patrol vice-caption Annie Gee gave him first aid. The surfer didn't see what bit him but he said it could have been a 'baby shark' and Ms Gee said the wounds to the top and bottom of his foot were consistent with a shark bite. Manly surf club patrol caption Tom Crawford and his wife Bec arrived shortly after and rang the shark bell. Mr Ruttkowski was treated in the back of an ambulance by paramedics but was not taken to hospital. He was advised to visit a doctor to have the wounds examined. Mr Ruttkowski was treated in the back of an ambulance by paramedics but was not taken to hospital and rather advised he visit a doctor to have the wounds examined Mr Ruttkowski is originally from Dusseldorf but is in Australia on a working holiday visa, and had only been in the water for about 20 minutes when the shark struck He said the experience was 'pretty scary', but added that it would 'make an amazing story for my family back home', and is planning on getting back into the water as soon as possible. The water had been very murky with a lot of swirling sand when the shark attacked, and lifeguards have since placed 'shark sighted' and 'beach closed' signs on the beach. The activation of the shark alarm comes after several shark sightings at Australian beaches in recent days. Annie Gee from Manly Life Saving Club was first to reach Mr Ruttkowski and gave him first aid The water had been murky with a lot of swirling sand when the shark attacked, and lifeguards have since placed 'shark sighted' and 'beach closed' signs on Manly Beach (pictured) A four-metre long shark was seen 150 metres offshore of Maroubra Beach, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, on Saturday, forcing the beach's closure. Days earlier, another 4.6 metre great white was hauled in from the same beach. That shark was captured by Trapman Bermagui, also known as Jason, who shared the details of the find on social media last Monday. 'A 4.6m Great White Shark was caught in the beach shark net,' he posted on Facebook. Also on Saturday, a two-metre long shark was been spotted lurking inside a shark net at a popular family beach, forcing swimmers out of the water. Swimmers at Middleton Beach in Albany, Western Australia spotted the shark which was believed to be a bronze whaler. And on Tuesday, video emerged of lifeguards coming to the aid of a Port Jackson shark that washed up on a Sydney's Bondi Beach and paddled it back out to sea. A woman who decided to deactivate all her social media had to undergo an 18-month battle to reclaim her identity. Brisbane woman Louise, who did not disclose her surname for privacy purposes, lost access to her Facebook, Instagram and Gmail account within months. 'That's when I realised that someone is on my case, they are hacking everything,' said the IT professional. She was a few months into her Facebook break when her partner noticed her name was online. 'He clicked on my profile and said, 'I thought your Facebook was deactivated',' Louise told 9News. A woman who deactivated all her social media did not foresee she would have to fight a hacker to reclaim her identity Brisbane woman Louise was months into her Facebook break when her partner noticed her name was online Louise, who works as an IT professional, attempted to log into her Facebook but found out her password was changed. She then strangely lost access to her Instagram account and received a notification saying her Gmail password had been changed. The hackers used the information from her social media accounts to gain access to her bank and Centrelink accounts. She suspended her bank account when she was alerted of suspicious activity going on with her online access. The address on her Centrelink account was changed to one she wasn't aware of. The IT professional reported the matter to Facebook several times and even sent through photos of her ID to prove her case but never received a response. When Louise decided to message the hacker through her partner's account, she noticed the message was read within hours. The IT professional's bank accounts were also hacked after her hacker gained access to ALL her social media 'The moment that I saw it had been read I just felt so horrified and helpess,' she said. 'This person was seeing everything clear copies of my bank details, cards, visa and passport details, copies of my drivers' licence, Medicare.' She reported the matter to Queensland Police who said they weren't able to help. Louise also reported to Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) and ID CARE but weren't able to assist her either. 9News contacted Facebook and helped Louise gain control over her social media within the span of 48 hours. A Facebook spokesperson said in a statement the company was 'committed to safeguarding the integrity' of their services and 'work hard to protect' their community from hackers. Security expert Troy Hunt warned social media users deactivated accounts were just as prone to being hacked as normal accounts. Canada says another one of its diplomat in Cuba has fallen ill from a mysterious health incident. That brings the total number of Canadian confirmed cases to 13. Twenty-five American embassy workers in Cuba have also been affected by mysterious health incidents, suffering a range of symptoms and diagnoses including mild traumatic brain injury, also known as concussion. The 13 Canadians includes diplomats posted to the Canadian embassy in Havana and some of their family members, who have come down with a mysterious illness that causes dizziness, headaches and trouble concentrating. Several Canadian diplomats who suffered mysterious brain injuries in Cuba say they have been abandoned by their own government and have faced an ongoing battle to have their conditions treated and recognized Global Affairs Canada said late Wednesday the government continues to investigate the cause. The department is allowing diplomatic personnel to return to Canada if they wish. The government also plans to hold a conference call with media on Thursday. The news comes as the 12 other Canadian diplomats who suffered mysterious brain injuries in Cuba said earlier this month they have been abandoned by their own government and have faced an ongoing battle to have their conditions recognized. In an interview with Canada's Globe and Mail, the anonymous diplomats have spoken out for the first time since they were forced to leave Havana last year after falling ill. A dozen staff from the Canadian embassy and some of their family members started experiencing symptoms in April 2017. U.S. diplomats at the Havana embassy (pictured above) described hearing strange sounds before they too developed symptoms linked to brain injuries It occurred soon after U.S. diplomats described hearing strange sounds before they developed symptoms. They include severe nosebleeds, ringing in their ears, headaches, nausea and dizziness. The Canadians, including eight adults and four children, returned home sporadically between June 2017 and this past summer. Some say they are still suffering from brain injury symptoms that have left them unable to work. 'We all love our jobs. We want to represent our country, and we know there is hardship involved in doing that, we know there is a price to pay,' one diplomat told the Globe and Mail. 'But we did not expect to be abandoned, or more precisely, sacrificed that's how we're feeling now.' Some say they have been left $10,000 to $15,000 out of pocket for travel expenses related to the medical tests. They have been told they will be reimbursed. A diplomat said that while the government has devoted resources to investigating the incident, not enough has been patient-orientated. A teenager has plunged to his death from a high rise-during Schoolies celebrations. Sydney-born Hamish Bidgood, 18, fell from a balcony at the Surfers Regent Apartments in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast about 5am on Thursday. There are claims that he had inhaled nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas or nangs, before he fell, the Courier Mail reported. Authorities are currently awaiting the results from a toxicology test to determine whether any drugs or alcohol were in the young man's system, though the death is being treating as 'non-suspicious', a police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. Teenager Hamish Bidgood (left) has plunged to his death from a Gold Coast balcony Bidgood, 18, fell to his death from a balcony at the Surfers Regent Apartments (pictured) Bidgood was understood to be from Turramurra High School on Sydney's upper north shore. He was staying at the Surfers Regent apartments to celebrate the end of his high school studies when he fell off the balcony. Bidgood had fallen into the grassed pool area of the hotel, with friends jumping the fence to check on him, the Daily Telegraph reported. The same group say two police officers frantically performed CPR before paramedics also jumped the fence to attempt to revive him. The area has since been cordoned off. Bidgood's (pictured) friends have returned home following the tragedy on Thursday morning Red Frogs coordinator Andy Gourley declined to comment but confirmed the volunteer group was speaking with police. Counselling is being offered to fellow school leavers on the Gold Coast following the teen's death. The group of friends he was partying with prior to the tragedy have reportedly returned home. 'I'm absolutely gutted,' one of his friends said. 'He was such a great kid.' Police will now prepare a report for the coroner. Bidgood fell into the grassed pool area of the Surfers Regent Apartments. Pictured is a balcony from the building Bidgood was believed to be celebrating with a friend from Turramurra High School (pictured) The tragedy comes just days after police warned skylarking on high-rise balconies at Schoolies, known as 'ledging', was a 'disaster waiting to happen'. Videos shared across social media show teens teetering on the edges balconies while drinking from their shoes. The hijinks prompted calls for high-rise balconies to be locked off during the end-of-school celebrations. A 17-year-old girl also fell to hear death from a balcony during Schoolies in 2012. In that instance, Isabelle Colman fell from the 26th floor of the Chevron Renaissance, only two kilometres from the Surfers Regent Apartments. In the month before, three others had fallen to their deaths from Gold Coast skyscrapers. The family of a college student who died after drinking 'tainted' alcohol at an upscale Mexican resort has filed a lawsuit accusing the company of negligence. The family of Wisconsin student Abbey Conner, who was 20 when she died in Playa del Carmen in January 2017, filed the lawsuit against Iberostar resort on Wednesday in Florida. The suit alleges that Iberostar and its Spanish parent company 'knew that alcoholic beverages being served at the Hotel Iberostar Paraiso del Mar were tainted, substandard, poisonous, unfit for human consumption and/or otherwise failed to meet bare minimum standards for food and beverage safety'. The complaint lays out in detail how Abbey drowned in the shallow end of the hotel's pool just hours after arriving for winter break with her brother Austin, mom and stepdad. Wisconsin college student Abbey Conner (above) was 20 when she died in Playa del Carmen in January 2017 after drinking a tainted shot and drowning in the resort pool Abbey (left) was on winter break with her mother and stepfather (together center) when she and her brother Austin (right) both became incapacitated in the resort's pool Abbey and Austin were swimming in the pool soon after arriving at Iberostar at 3.30pm on January 7, 2017 when they were offered tequila shots from the swim-up bar, according to the suit. Austin, 22, has said he remembers swimming around for a little while after that, and then suddenly 'the lights went out'. Other guests alerted the hotel staff that Abbey and Austin were drowning in the pool. Hotel employees found Abbey floating face down and Austin kicking and splashing in distress, the complaint states. They were rushed to a hospital. Meanwhile, mother Ginny and stepfather John were waiting in the hotel lobby for the two children to join them for dinner. Finally, they asked hotel staff to call Abbey and Austin's room, and were informed what had happened. At the hospital, they found that Austin had regained consciousness, but Abbey was had a broken collar bone and remained unconscious after prolonged oxygen deprivation. Doctors told Ginny and John that Abbey had to be transferred to an intensive care unit in Cancun - but demanded a $6,371.13 payment plus a $10,000 deposit for the Cancun hospital before they would transfer her, the lawsuit says. One of the pools at Hotel Iberostar Paraiso del Mar is seen above. Austin and Abbey were offered shots from the swim-up bar when they suddenly became incapacitated Abbey, who was found floating face-down in the pool, had her life support removed after being declared brain-dead. Austin suffered a severe concussion after hitting his head, but survived Eventually, the family was able to have Abbey airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, doctors informed the family that she was brain dead. Because Abbey had long expressed her desire to be an organ donor, her body was kept alive until recipients could be found. The incident sparked a multi-part investigation into tainted alcohol in Mexico by the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal, which found over 100 accounts of travelers who blacked out after consuming a small amount of alcohol a all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. The report detailed accounts of American tourists who had been robbed and raped after becoming incapacitated by apparently tainted or poisoned alcohol. Others reported being extorted for medical services. The investigation even found rampant claims that tourists who tried to warn others about their horror experiences but had their descriptions removed from hotel review site TripAdvisor. Abbey was airlifted to a US hospital but was found to be brain dead. She had insisted on being an organ donor and her body was kept alive until recipients could be lined up Iberostar, which owns the Paraiso del Mar hotel (above) where the incident took place, has denied that it is responsible for Abbey's death After the US State Department issued a travel warning last July, Mexican authorities raided 31 resorts and seized 10,000 gallons of illicit alcohol from an illegal distillery in Playa del Carmen. The lawsuit alleges that the bootleg distillery was in fact a distribution and delivery service that Iberostar contracted with to supply alcohol to the resort. Illicit booze, often disguised as the genuine article by being served in the empty bottles of legitimate brands, can contain dangerous amounts of methanol, a deadly toxin. Iberostar has said it adheres to strict regulatory standards and only purchases 'sealed bottles (of alcohol) that satisfy all standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.' Gary Davidson, an attorney with Miami-based Diaz Reus & Targ who is representing the family, told the Journal Sentinel that the notion that Abbey and Austin Conner were simply drunk is impossible. 'Do people get drunk? Of course. Do people get sick from alcohol? Of course. But people do not, two people, do not lose control of their bodily functions at the same time in the shallow end of a swimming pool,' Davidson said. He noted that Abbey and Austin had very different body sizes and both became simultaneously incapacitated. 'There's a big difference between being drunk and losing self control. 'Combine that with what we know has happened in the Playa del Carmen area over the last few years ... Clearly there is a fundamental problem, or there was at the time when Abbey died, as a result of having consumed this concoction, whatever it was, which was portrayed as normal alcohol, which it was not.' Billionaire hedge fund manger Jeffrey Epstein was given a sweetheart deal by Miami prosecutors to do just 13 months in jail for sex crimes against minors that could have landed him behind bars for life Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was a key federal witness in a case against two prominent hedge fund managers around the time that he secured a deal to serve just 13 months in prison after being accused of sex-trafficking minors. Records obtained by the Miami Herald show that Epstein received 'valuable consideration' for giving investigators information related to the prosecution of two executives at Bear Stearns in 2008. The global financial firm went under in 2008 after being accused of corporate securities fraud. Epstein, who was one of the fund's biggest investors, was a key prosecution witness in the case that eventually saw the two executives acquitted. It is not clear if the case had a role in Epstein's information remarkable plea deal. It also emerged from the Miami Herald's year-long investigation that President Trump's Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta played a critical role in securing Epstein's deal. Despite Epstein facing a 53 page federal indictment that could have seen him in prison for the rest of his life, the billionaire instead quietly did 13-months behind bars in the Palm Beach County Jail. He was handed the sweetheart deal sentence a decade ago in 2008. The Epstein deal was developed over a breakfast between Miamis then-top federal prosecutor, Acosta, and a former colleague, Washington, D.C., attorney Jay Lefkowitz. Trump's current Labor Secretary Alex Acosta (right) was the top federal prosecutor in Miami that allegedly brokered the deal to have Epstein serve just over a year behind bars where possibly over 100 sex crime victims were involved. Otherwise, Epstein could have been facing life behind bars The underage girls were allegedly lured to Epstein's mansion in Florida with the lure of a couple hundred dollars to give him a massage- he allegedly sexually assaulted many of them According to the Herald, Acosta agreed that the deal, which was called a non-prosecution agreement, would also be kept secret from other victims. The agreement effectively shut down an FBI investigation into whether there were other sexual assault victims. Prosecutors alleged the minors would be lured with the promise of a couple hundred dollars to give an older man a massage. According to police, the victims have for the large part all told the same stories. He would be ready for the massage before things turned to a sexual nature. Some of the alleged abused victims were sexually assaulted. Once that deal was approved by a judge, it was sealed and stopped any chance that the girls or anyone else who could show up in court and try to derail it. Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two prostitution charges in state court. His four potential accomplices were also immune from prosecution under the deal. So that granted immunity to 'any potential co-conspirators'and those potentially involved were not named in court documents. This July 30, 2008 file photo shows Jeffrey Epstein in custody in West Palm Beach, Florida That stipulation led to the inference that possibly other influential people could have been having sex with underage girls at Epstein's various homes or on his plane. The eccentric hedge fund manager had friends in high places far and wide including the likes of former President Bill Clinton, future President Donald Trump and Prince Andrew. Acosta is in Trump's cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Labor, role which includes overseeing international child labor laws and human trafficking. He is touted as a possible successor to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who resigned in early November. Two looming court cases should cast some new light on the tangled web of litigation. In two unrelated civil cases, one set for trial on December 4, is aiming to reveal more about Epstein's crimes. The December 4 case is in Palm Beach County state court. The case is particularly of note since it will be the very first time Epstein's victims will have their day in court, with several of them scheduled to testify. A second lawsuit, known as the federal Crime Victims' Rights suit, is pending in Florida. That seeks to invalidate the non-prosecution agreement and aims to send Epstein to federal prison Spectators from across the country traveled to Maryland to watch oral arguments in the high-profile case of Adnan Syed, whose murder conviction was chronicled in NPR's 'Serial' podcast. Maryland's Court of Appeals heard about an hour's worth of oral arguments on Thursday as prosecutors sought to reinstate the conviction after it was vacated and a retrial was ordered in 2016. Syed has been serving a life sentence since 2000 after he was convicted of strangling his high school sweetheart and burying her body in a Baltimore park. The 'Serial' podcast caught the attention of millions of amateur detectives convinced that a miscarriage of justice had occurred as Syed himself maintains his innocence. Chris Hendrixson, who drove in all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio, told AP he wanted to see the court hearing for himself and meet some of the people that he follows on the podcast. 'Like so many people, we just became captivated by this case and this story through "Serial",' Hendrixson said outside the Annapolis courthouse. Maddy Corporan drove two hours from Lewes, Delaware, to attend. She says she has been fascinated by the case, which has made her question the American legal system. Spectators from across the country traveled to Maryland on Thursday to watch oral arguments in the case of 'Serial' podcast subject Adnan Syed (pictured) as prosecutors seek the reinstatement of his murder conviction, which was overturned in 2016. A Baltimore judge vacated Syed's conviction two years ago and a court ordered a new trial after concluding that his trial lawyer, Cristina Gutierrez, provided ineffective counsel because she didn't contact an alibi witness. The state appealed. Earlier this year, the special appeals court upheld the lower court's ruling. The state appealed that decision, too. On Thursday, state prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah asserted that Gutierrez understood the 'gist' of what that witness, Asia McClain, might have told her at the time. Syed, 38, has been serving a life sentence in prison since being convicted of strangling his 18-year-old high school sweetheart Hae Min Lee (pictured) in 2000 Gutierrez died of a heart attack in 2004, about four years after Syed was convicted of murdering 18-year-old Hae Min Lee. 'The record is not silent on whether or not Ms McClain was contacted. The state agrees with that. The record is silent on the critical question of why,' he said. Vignarajah suggested that it is not clear why Gutierrez decided to take one investigative path over another and said that it's wrong to conclude that Syed's constitutional right to effective counsel was violated. The defense team countered that it's entirely irrelevant why Gutierrez failed to contact McClain, who said she saw Syed at a library about the same time prosecutors say his ex-girlfriend was killed in 1999. Defense attorney Catherine Stetson told Maryland's highest court that Syed's original lawyer's failure to contact the witness were 'objectively unreasonable' and any possible reasons don't matter. She said Gutierrez 'had an obligation to pursue that witness,' among others. By late Thursday morning, the appeals panel of seven judges wrapped up the day's oral arguments. It's not clear when their review of the Syed case will be completed. Syed's mother Shamim Rahman is seen wiping away tears outside the Maryland Court of Appeals on Thursday after about an hour of oral arguments Justin Brown, an attorney for Adnan Syed, told reporters he is optimistic about the case review University of Baltimore law professor David Jaros said that the fact that a lower court had found that there was 'ineffective assistance of counsel' was itself remarkable since it happens so rarely. That alone makes Syed's case something of an outlier, he said. 'Ineffective assistance of counsel claims are exceedingly hard to bring. And the bar for what is an effective assistance of counsel is remarkably and shockingly low, with courts actually holding that defendants had effective representation even though their lawyer fell asleep at the trial,' Jaros said in a phone interview with the AP. But what makes Syed's case particularly notable is the huge amount of attention it has received. Syed became a sort of cause celebre due to the hugely popular 'Serial' podcast, which debuted in 2014 with its entire first season dedicated to the case. The show shattered podcast-streaming and downloading records. 'Serial' revealed little-known evidence, raising new questions about the case and whether Syed was indeed guilty. Rabia Chaudry, a staunch supporter of Syed's who brought his case to the attention of the host of 'Serial' and also wrote the 2016 book 'Adnan's Story: The Search for Truth and Justice after Serial,' said Syed is feeling positive about his fate. 'A few years ago, Adnan thought that he has to come to terms with maybe dying in prison, and now he feels like there's a chance that he's going to come home. He feels good. We all feel good,' Chaudry said. Syed is still in prison, having been kept there as a retrial was immediately order after the murder conviction was vacated. A storm moving into California on Thursday will bring heavy rains that threaten to unleash debris flows across wildfire-scorched areas - causing even more headaches for residents still reeling from the devastating infernos earlier this month. In Southern California, mandatory evacuation orders were issued Wednesday in parts of Riverside County southeast of Los Angeles, where officials say downpours could trigger mudslides along the burn scar left by the Holy Fire over the summer. 'People in these zones MUST GO NOW,' the county declared. Mandatory evacuations were also ordered for a small section of the city of Lake Elsinore beneath a burn zone from the Holy Fire, which torched more than 36 square miles in August, leaving many hillsides with no vegetation to hold back possible mudslides. In Northern California, a watershed emergency response team is working around Paradise to identify spots that could be prone to flash floods and mudslides. Crews cleared drainage ways and removed burned trees that could topple, Butte County spokeswoman Callie Lutz said. The town of 27,000 has been under mandatory evacuation orders for nearly three weeks since the deadliest wildfire in state history swept through, razing thousands of structures and killing at least 88 people. Residents could begin returning to survey what's left of their homes early next week, but only if the upcoming storm doesn't hinder efforts to clear roads and restore power, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Storm systems moving into California are expected to bring heavy rains that threaten to unleash flash floods and mudslides across wildfire-scorched areas - forcing many residents still reeling from the infernos to evacuate In Paradise (pictured), a watershed emergency response team is working to identify spots that could be prone to mudslides. The town of 27,000 has been evacuated for three weeks Earlier this year mudslides ravaged areas of Southern California in the wake of last summer's Thomas Fire. A home in Montecito, outside of Santa Barbara, is pictured in the aftermath Up to an inch of rain could fall Thursday in the burn zone about 140 miles northeast of San Francisco, followed by another one to three inches through the weekend, according to meteorologists The National Weather Service has issued a watch for possible flash flooding and debris flows from areas ravaged by major fires throughout the state. 'Trees and other vegetation have burned away, and where the fire was intense, soils can become hydrophobic,' Dr Chris Renschler, an associate professor of geography at the University at Buffalo, told Accuweather. 'This means the soil absorbs much less water than before, if any, [which] can lead to increased surface runoff, creating a higher risk of flash floods and landslides that can endanger both people and property.' Renschler, who is an expert in integrated watershed management and disaster response, warned that people living downstream from burned areas need to be made aware of the risk they could be facing even after the fires have been extinguished. 'Even with less extreme runoff after a storm, ash with all kinds of contaminants all these toxins are being rushed down into streams and rivers. From an ecological perspective, streams will be impacted,' he said. Renschler stated that any rainfall of 0.4 of an inch or more per hour will create debris flow risk. 'One of the biggest problems now is that these fires are happening with a frequency and a scale that we havent seen before,' he said. 'The sheer size of these burned areas changes the conditions of the landscape in terms of its land cover and rainfall-runoff behavior. 'If you have a very high fuel load and a very intense fire, then the hydrophobicity can be significantly higher than in areas where the fire just went through with a relatively low intensity.' Up to an inch of rain could fall Thursday in the burn zone about 140 miles northeast of San Francisco, followed by another one to three inches through the weekend Experts warn that areas left in the wake of the wildfires earlier this month are at a high risk for mudslides as the flames have flattened any vegetation that would hinder debris flows A thick cloud hangs over San Francisco on Wednesday as heavy rains are predicted in the region and throughout the state over the weekend On the coast near Big Sur, the California Department of Transportation closed a 12-mile stretch of Highway 1 because of potential instability on Thursday morning. The scenic route perched between towering mountainsides and the ocean has been dogged by slides since 2016. But the one that hit in May 2017 was monumental, requiring extensive work to rebuild the highway. CA WILDFIRES BY THE NUMBERS Camp Fire 88 people killed, 196 missing 153,336 acres burned, 100% contained 18,793 structures destroyed, including 13,972 homes Woolsey Fire 3 people killed 96,949 acres burned, 100% contained 1,500 destroyed, 341 damaged Hill Fire 4,531 acres burned, 100% contained 4 structures destroyed, 2 damaged Updated November 29 Advertisement West of Los Angeles, residents were urged to be prepared for rain in the vast area where the Woolsey Fire burned through nearly a dozen communities this month. The US Geological Survey released an interactive map that shows which parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties are facing the biggest risk of debris flows given rainfall estimates. 'Due to continuing and potential new power outages in parts of Malibu, it is possible that residents may not receive alerts,' officials for the City of Malibu warned in a release. Free sandbags are available in several spots throughout Malibu, Thousand Oaks and other areas, though supply is said to be running low. 'I'm trying to strategically place them so that the runoff goes off into the street instead of into our house or into the pool...so that's kind of the strategy,' Agoura Hills resident Bridget Van Gelder told ABC7. Last January, the Santa Barbara-adjacent community of Montecito was savaged by massive, deadly debris flows when a downpour hit mountains stripped bare by a devastating fire. A Holocaust survivor has been cleared of sexually assaulting two young female carers on mental health grounds. Aron Kleinlehrer, 96, fronted Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday facing four counts of aggravated indecent assault. The women were employed at Kleinlehrer's home at Village High Road, Vaucluse, in Sydney's east. The incidents are alleged to have happened in early 2018 and December 2017, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Sydney man and Holocaust survivor Aron Kleinlehrer, 96, (pictured) had sexual assault charges against him dismissed on mental health grounds Extensive testing was done on Kleinlehrer and it was determined he suffers from dementia which has side effects which include being sexually aggressive and losing control of his impulses. Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge told the court the basis of the charges being dismissed were centred around Kleinlehrer's mental state and advanced age. 'Realistically, someone at 96 does have degenerative conditions. At this stage, he will be looking back on his life and the atrocities he suffered in World War II and the loss of his family in the most horrific of circumstances,' she said. The court had heard allegations that Kleinlehrer had indecently assaulted one of his carers, a 32-year-old woman, three different times. Kleinlehrer (pictured with his hand over his face) was alleged to have sexually assaulted two young female carers Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge told the court the basis of the charges being dismissed were centred around Kleinlehrer's (pictured) mental state and advanced age He allegedly grabbed her breasts, genitals and buttocks in April and May before touching her genitals again on during the third incident. Another carer, a 21-year-old female, also alleged that Kleinlehrer had forced her to kiss him on the lips on Christmas Day last year after asking for a kiss on the cheek. The carer alleged Kleinlehrer grabbed the back of her head and wouldn't let go. Magistrate Milledge said their was sufficient evidence in favour of the accused but still dismissed the charges on mental health grounds. Thats the number of transgender women that have been killed this year. These women were shot or violently killed. Disproportionately, they are women of color. There are many issues related to reporting crimes of violence against transgender people. The local police still continuously misgender victims in police reports. This years Transgender Day of Remembrance commemoration on Nov. 20 at the CIC in Miami with Arianna Center, SAVE and Human Rights Watch was a poignant reminder about the violence towards the transgender community and how excessive it truly is. Many of these events start with a candlelight vigil, church services, or reading a list of names of the lives who were lost since Nov. 20 of the previous year. Arianna Lint of the Arianna Center and Translatina Coaltion of South Florida, decided to have different type of memorial this year. Instead, she invited all of her sisters, her warriors as she calls them, to give impassioned speeches and to share their stories. Lint welcomed everyone, and introduced Congresswoman Elect Donna Shalala. There has been 369 killings of transgender people across the world, 22 just in the United States alone [in 2018], Lint said. We need as much support as possible, especially with this administration. Shalala started off joking that SAVE used to be known as SAVE Dade, but should possibly be renamed SAVE Shalala because without their efforts, Shalala wouldnt have been elected. Shalala began speaking about Sylvia Ray Rivera of the Stonewall Riots, the civil rights pioneer, the activist, and founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance. t was my first encounter with a trans woman, it was a long conversation, Shalala said pausing. That was probably 40 years ago, I had a conversation with her [Sylvia Rivera] and I remember conversation and all the pain, and especially today as we remember all of those that we have lost in this country. As long as our leaders in Washington or Florida embolden white supremacy, trans phobia, and gender discrimination of any kind, they are not friends of the LGBTQ community. When Shalala finished, Lint introduced Lala Zannell and invited her to the podium to speak about how important it is to have allies, and what being an ally truly means. Lala Zannell, the lead organizer at the New York City Anti-Violence project who also oversees their Rapid Incident Response team which responds to incidents of hate violence, sexual violence or intimate partner violence impacting the LGBTQ and HIV positive community spoke passionately about how disproportionately violence is affecting the transgender and gender non conforming people of color. Have you every seen a trans woman before? Oh, then you should already know thats cause for celebration, Zannell said. When you see a trans person walk in through that door, you better treat them like Beyonce, because you dont know what it took to get here, and you dont know if I make it home. Zannell also spoke about what it means to be an ally to the trans community. Being an ally means, you show up, not for a badge, not for some tax [break], it means you show up. Youre not looking for praise, youre there because its the right thing to do, Zannell said pausing for a moment, then continued, I am a privileged black transwoman, I am blessed to have a job, I am blessed to have a salary, and benefits and roof over my head, I feel affirmed, but I aint forgot about when I had to work the highways and byways and hit that track and going into that car just praying that I make it out of that car alive, praying that I didnt get arrested, praying that I didnt get beaten and killed. Zannell continued to speak with that same fervor and vigor for the entire speech. She also spoke about how to get involved in the local trans community, simply by reaching out to trans organizations such as Arianna Center, or TransInclusive, and TransSocial, and how ally-ship can be as simple as just showing up, providing a safe ride, helping with finding employment, giving clothes, giving food, or even providing a safe space. A British woman facing the death penalty for allegedly stabbing her husband to death has appeared in court in Malaysia. Samantha Jones, 52, appeared before magistrates in the town of Langkawi where she faces death by hanging for allegedly murdering 63-year-old John Jones. She was barefoot and handcuffed as she was escorted into the courtroom by prison guards, before smiling at her sister and four relatives in the public gallery. Scroll down for video Samantha Jones, 52, appeared in court in Malaysia charged with stabbing husband John, 63, to death with a 12-inch kitchen knife (file image) Jones was barefoot and handcuffed as she was escorted into court where she was greeted by her sister and four relatives in the public gallery (file image) Jones is facing death by hanging for stabbing husband John (together right) to death in the early hours of October 18, though she claims she acted in self-defense Jones looked pale and tired according to the Mirror, which saw her in court. Samantha is charged with murdering her husband between 1am and 3am on October 18 at their 200,000 home overlooking paddy fields in a quiet village. Murder carries a mandatory sentence of death by hanging in Malaysia, although her claim of self-defence could lead to her being convicted under a different section carrying a prison term. The court heard John Jones died of a single stab wound to the chest, with the blade puncturing his liver. Samantha nodded when asked if she understood the charge which was translated to English for her by a court interpreter. She did not speak during the brief hearing. No plea was entered and magistrate Adibah Husna Zainal Abidin remanded her in custody until November 29 as the investigation and forensic reports into the killing in the early hours of October 18 continue. Samantha, 51, has spent the past 12 days in police cells in Langkawi after the killing which she has admitted but says was in self-defence after he kicked and punched her in the villa they have lived in for 11 years. Her sister, who flew out from the UK to support Samantha shortly after her arrest and has visited her regularly, was in court but refused to talk to reporters. Samantha bowed her head to avoid being photographed as she was led into court at midday after being taken to court in a police car escorted by female officers. Her lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo said after the hearing Samantha: 'My client is okay and doing quite well given the circumstances. It is very overwhelming (for her) at the moment.' Recalling the moments leading up to her husband's death, Mrs Jones said she stabbed him through the heart at their home for 11 years in Malaysia (pictured) during a row about how late he had been out. She said he was goading her to stab him when she picked up the knife Ms Deo declined to comment on Samantha's claims that she had been physically abused by her husband before the killing. MailOnline previously revealed how Samantha has told investigators her husband punched her in the face and kicked her in the stomach after a night of drinking before the killing, following years of physical abuse. She claims she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself and he goaded her to stab him before she fled to the bedroom holding the knife. Samantha says she only thrust the knife into the chest of the burly retired fire-fighter when he chased after her and lunged at her in a renewed attack. She then ran out of the villa and alerted an expatriate woman neighbour. When they tried to go to John's help as he lay stricken, he pointed at Samantha and said in his dying words: 'Stay away. You stabbed me, you stabbed me.' The single knife thrust pierced Harley Davison fan John's heart and he was dead by the time an ambulance crew arrived at the couple's 200,000 villa Petite Samantha, a former insurance clerk from Somerset (pictured being arrested) is expected to be charged with murder early next week and transferred from police cells in Langkawi to a prison on the Malaysian mainland as she awaits trial Samantha (pictured in a police van) faces a mandatory sentence of death by hanging under Malaysian law if convicted of murder but the sentence could be reduced to a jail term if the court accepts her claims that she killed her husband, also 62, in self-defence Samantha, a former insurance clerk from Somerset, is expected to be transferred from police cells in Langkawi to a prison on the Malaysian mainland in the next 24 hours. The island's police chief Superintendent Mohamed Iqbal told Mail Online a medical investigation of Samantha after the killing found no evidence of any injuries to support her claim John kicked and punched her. 'There were no injuries (to Samantha) at all,' he said. The couple lived in a single-storey home with views over paddy fields in a tiny village two miles from the sea built 11 years ago under Malaysia's My Second Home programme which has seen hundreds of Britons gain residency on the island. Harley Davidson-riding John, who has two grown-up children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren, was a popular and gregarious figure on the island and a regular at bars and restaurants along the lively Centai Beach tourist strip. Friends say the couple temporarily split while in Malaysia because of his violent outbursts. John, from Stourport, Worcestershire, underwent treatment to control his temper and his drinking before they reconcil But despite their seemingly sunny lifestyle, Samantha has told police John was a heavy-drinking wife beater who she twice reported to police in the UK for assault before the couple emigrated to Langkawi. Friends say he couple separated temporarily while in Malaysia because of his violent outbursts. John, originally from Stourport in Worcestershire, underwent treatment to control his temper and his drinking before they reconciled. John, who was chief fire officer in Yeovil, Somerset, immediately before his retirement, had returned from a visit to his family in England shortly before his death. On the day of the murder, the couple went for sunset drinks together on Centai Beach, a popular area for expatriates to meet and drink out of sight of their teetotal local neighbours on the predominantly Muslim island. A close friend of the couple, who asked not to be named, said: 'Sam went home after a while because she wasn't feeling well and John told her he would be home by 9pm. 'He ended up in another bar drinking with a friend. She kept trying to contact him through a friend to tell him to come home he doesn't carry a mobile phone. John didn't go home until after midnight. I just wish I 'd been there to tell him it was time to go home.' A fierce row broke out when John returned home which Samantha claims escalated when John kicked her in the stomach and punched her in the face. A police source said: 'She went into the kitchen and took out a kitchen knife to hold him at bay but he reacted by goading her and pointing to his chest and saying 'Go on then, stab me'.' Samantha tells police she then went into the bedroom holding the knife and stabbed her husband once in the chest when he came after her and lunched towards her as she backed up against a wardrobe. Samantha is being held in police cells on the island of Langkawi and is expected to be charged with murder next week Detailing what happened that night, Samantha told police a fierce row broke out when John got home which escalated when John kicked her in the stomach and punched her in the face Mohammed Kamal, 26, (pictured), a neighbour of the couple, said that John was 'a very good guy'. He added: 'Everyone around here liked him. We are all very shocked at what has happened' She then ran to her neighbours for help and returned with the wife, a middle-aged British expatriate, who witnessed John's dying words as he lay on the villa floor. Another expatriate friend of the couple, who also asked not to be named, said: 'John and Sam had had had problems in the past and separated for a while and that John went into rehab to get himself sorted out. 'But we thought they'd put all of that behind them. They were absolutely devoted to each other and John even had her name tattooed on the inside of his arm. 'Everyone is just trying to get their heads around what has happened. They were the nicest people you could meet. But who knows what goes on behind closed doors?' In a tribute to John in his hometown newspaper, relatives said: 'John was a loving family man who thought the world of them. He moved to Malaysia after retiring but often returned to see his family. 'He even came back earlier this year to complete the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell, with his daughter. He spent his whole working life with the fire service and he will be greatly missed.' Although murder currently carries the death penalty in Malaysia, the government has announced it is preparing to change the law to abolish capital punishment. More than 1,200 people are currently on death row in the country. A British mother who flew to the US to marry a convict with a Nazi tattoo on his face said her own parent doesn't approve of the relationship. Travis Thompson has SS emblazoned under his left eye and the word hatred plastered across his forehead. Self-confessed true crime obsessive Becci Brennan married him last Friday and today said her mother's old-fashioned values prevent her from taking to his appearance. 'My mum's quite old school when it comes to stuff,' she told Good Morning Britain. 'My mother unfortunately doesn't agree with it, my brother and my friends they think I'm mad.' Thompson, 32, is serving a jail term of almost eight years for gun and drug offences at Mule Creek State Prison in California. The British mother appeared on Good Morning Britain today to tell presenters that her mother doesn't approve of her husband's tattoo that reads 'hatred' Ms Thompson said she has no concerns about introducing the convict to her children despite his white supremacist past Becci Brennan flew to California to marry former gang member Travis Thompson (pictured together) But 29-year-old Ms Thompson isn't worried about introducing the former white supremacist gang member to her children, she told the show's presenters, as she revealed the reason he left the group was because it was only about money and power. 'I've been very open with the children and as much as they can understand,' she said. 'His actions have been quite great towards me he's really great with the kids when he's spoke to them sends them Christmas cards.' When asked if she had any concerns about introducing him to her children, she said: 'No not really there's no reason to be concerned. He did something wrong but he's served his time.' But she admitted that the former tattoo artist had second thoughts about the 'hatred' tattoo, saying: 'It is one of the ones he does regret.' Becci fell in love with former gang member Travis Thompson after connecting on writeaprisoner.com, a website that links single women to inmates. She has flown to California to visit Thompson several times in the past year despite her only source of income being benefits and child support, a friend told The Sun. She left her three daughters and son at home in Stanwell, Surrey, to wed Thompson in Oregon, California, The Mirror reported. She met Thompson on writeaprisoner.com, a website that links single women to inmates She then took to Facebook to share pictures of the pair together. 'Today I married my inmate lol!' Ms Brennan, who has now changed her surname on Facebook to Thompson, wrote alongside the pictures. 'Started off as a penpal journey and now husband and wife. Super happy right now.' She added: 'I know it's crazy. The whole thing is crazy but I don't regret it.' The mother promised her friends that she'll have an 'actual wedding when he is out,' according to The Sun. He is due to be released in 2023. She also told pals that she can spend a night with Thompson in the New Year when she returns to California. Ms Brennan, who split from the father of her children five years ago, has been messaging Thompson for more than a year. According to pictures on Facebook, he has sent her children birthday cards during that period. He described himself as 'passionate, optimistic and loving' on his Write A Prisoner profile, which has since been deleted. He claimed he was looking for 'someone that I couldn't imagine living my life without.' Thompson was jailed for seven years and eight months in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges including possession of a firearm, according to The Sun. He had also been sentenced to two years and four months for possession of a controlled substance in 2012. Thompson is serving a jail term of almost eight years for gun and drug offences at Mule Creek State Prison (pictured) in California He was jailed for 100 days in 2007 after pleading no contest to burglary, court records show. Thompson is serving his sentence at Mule Creek State Prison, which has previously housed criminal cult leader Charles Manson. The prison became the only California state prison exclusively for Sensitive Needs Yards (SNY) inmates in 2005. SNY inmates are separated from the general prison population for their own safety. Many are informants, gang dropouts, sex offenders and former police officers. The council that told a rapist he had a right to see the child he fathered in the Rotherham grooming scandal has today been slammed by a former chief prosecutor. Nazir Afzal questioned the South Yorkshire council's move to inform serial sex offender Arshid Hussain of court proceedings at which his victim, Sammy Woodhouse, was present. Miss Woodhouse, 33, is campaigning to change the law after her rapist was told he had access rights to to her child after the council said it was simply following the law. But Mr Afzal today today said that she shouldn't even have to do that - and that the council could simply have applied to the Family Court for the right to inform Hussain, who is serving 35 years for raping nine victims. 'They couldve done this without a change in the law - they couldve done this using their common sense,' he told Good Morning Britain. Clearly there was tremendous opportunity here to prevent this harm occurring and they chose not to do it. Sammy Woodhouse told Good Morning Britain this morning of her mortification at the rapist being allowed access to her child Mr Afzal says that the council should have exercised some basic common sense as the law provides room for vulnerable people to be protected Arshid Hussain was jailed for 35 years after being convicted of raping Ms Woodhouse and assaulting young girls. He was shot in the stomach in 2005 and now uses a wheelchair Sammy Woodhouse was raped as a teenager and gave birth to her son aged fifteen - but the baby's father was only jailed in 2016 Mr Afzal prosecuted the Rochdale grooming gang in Greater Manchester and his central role was brought to life by Ace Bhatti in the BBC One series Three Girls. His remarks echo those previously made by a Government spokesman, who said: 'Existing court rules are very clear that applicants in care proceedings should only ever notify people who have parental responsibility for the child.' Linzi Williams (pictured) spoke out in defence of Sammy Woodhouse. The pair were both raped by Arshid Hussain Rotherham Council yesterday revealed it is consulting with the Ministry of Justice on whether it should have contacted Hussain, who is serving 35 years in prison for multiple rape offences against nine victims some as young as 11. Last night a second victim impregnated by the rapist said it was 'absolutely disgusting' that he was told he had access rights. Linzi Williams spoke out in defence of Miss Woodhouse, who waived her right to anonymity after she was left 'scared and angry' by South Yorkshire town's council ruling. Ms Williams, who Arshid Hussain also impregnated when she was 15, said: 'I am speechless that this would be allowed to happen. 'Social services supposed to protect children and people from paedophiles and rapists not give them contact. 'It's just another massive betrayal by social services how are people supposed to start trusting in them when they do something as stupid as this?' Hussain, 43, was the ringleader of the notorious grooming gang and was not named on Miss Woodhouse's son's birth certificate. He had no parental responsibility for the child, who was born after his mother was raped, aged just 15. Ms Williams was impregnated by Hussain when she was just 15-years-old Ms Williams has spoken previously about the abuse she suffered at the hands Hussain and the depraved sex gang operating in the Yorkshire town. She told Channel 4 of the agonising decision she had to make about whether to keep the baby, and admitted she still sees girls that she instantly knows are living the same horror she had to. She said: 'It was torture, I couldn't tell anyone I was pregnant because he was older. I think I told a couple of friends, but one minute I was wanting to keep it because I thought "oh he's going to be with me and everything's going to be fine" - obviously it wouldn't have been.' She added: 'We know it's still happening. You drive down the town centre road and you see the men in their cars with the girls.' 'It's hard to trust anybody or get close to anyone. I've got attachments problems, not just with relationships, but everyone else in your lives. It does get better, though. 'We've had to support each other through court and everything. 'We've had it easier because I've been able to speak to her and she fully understands. 'If I can't explain myself right, she knows what I'm trying to say and how it feels, and the same vice versa.' Miss Woodhouse is now fighting to have the law changed to deny rapists access to children they fathered in depraved attacks. 'As a rape victim Im constantly told hes got his human rights,' she told BBC2's Victoria Derbyshire show yesterday. 'What about my human rights? My main issue is I have to fight every single day for something just to be treated like a human being.' She said Rotherham council should have opposed taking the step to give Hussain access to her child. They should've fought for that child,' she said. 'What they've done is hand my son over on a plate to a rapist.' 'I was completely shocked and mortified,' she said. 'I thought when I testified in court and he was sentence to 35 years I thought that was it, I can move on. 'Yet here I am within 12 months later knowing at any moment he could walk through that door. 'This is happening all over the country and it needs to stop. Children are being removed, being given to rapists, to murderers, for their families to have access rape victims are having to go to support centres to share access.' Hussain, who is of Pakistani origin, opted not to get involved with the boy. But the South Yorkshire council's decision to contact him was criticised as 'perverse' and 'ridiculous' by victims' charities and campaigners. 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. Belarus has executed two estate agents who conned six vulnerable people into giving up their homes then killed them and buried them alive. Igor Gershankov, 37, and Semyon Berezhnov, 32, were ordered to kneel then shot in the back of the head with a pistol by a state executioner in a Minsk jail. The killers rented flats for a day and pretended they were selling them to customers, taking their old houses before spiking their vodka and murdering them. Gershankov's wife Tatiana, mother of the couple's two children, was sentenced to 24 years, escaping the death penalty as Belarus - the last country in Europe to carry it out - does not execute women. Semyon Berezhnov, left, and Igor Gershankov, right, have been executed in Belarus for their role in an estate agent scam in which six people were murdered A fourth member of the gang of 'evil' estate agents, Boris Kolyosnikov, 22, was jailed for 22 years. Hardline president Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for almost a quarter of a century in what has been dubbed Europe's 'last dictatorship', refused to pardon the pair. Their families were not informed in advance that the men would be killed nor permitted a final meeting. The group were convicted of persuading six lonely 'alcoholics' who lived on their own in Mogilyov region to swap their flats for smaller apartments and a cash sum. The victims were shown their 'new homes' - in reality a flat the 'evil' estate agents had rented for a day - and signed over their old residence to a gang member. The estate agents offered them vodka to celebrate completing the deal, but the shots were spiked with medication Clonidine to make them drowsy. Then they were taken to 'abandoned places' and killed - or in several cases, according to police, were buried alive. Three empty graves had been prepared for 'future victims', a court heard. Tatiana Gershankova breaks down in tears as she hears her sentence. The mother of Igor Gershankov's two children, she was handed 24 years in prison The four gang members at court, with Tatiana Gershankova hiding her face. Belarus is the last country in Europe which still uses the death penalty The fourth conspirator, Boris Kolyosnikov, 22, was jailed for 22 years. The killers conned victims by pretending a flat they had rented for a day was a property for sale The death sentence verdicts were upheld by Belarus's Supreme Court on 20 December last year. The men filed appeals to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, but appear to have been executed before the due process had completed. They had claimed confessions were 'forcibly' extracted from them. It is unclear exactly when the executions were carried out as the authorities routinely do not give details, but they are said to take place at a jail known as SIZO No 1 in Minsk. The former head of the facility Oleg Alkaev said that on occasions he had to take two or three shots if the doctor present recorded a heart beat after the first bullet. The method of execution is similar to that used in Soviet times under Stalin. Gershankov's mother 'received confirmation that the sentence was carried out from the Mogilyov regional court on November 28,' said human rights group Vesna. Earlier in a court hearing footage showed a tearful Tatiana Gershankova pleading from a court cage surrounded by armed police: 'I have two children. I am not responsible for these crimes. Why me?' Tatiana Gershankova (left) was spared the death penalty as Belarus does not execute women, but her husband Igor (right) was one of the two men shot with a pistol in a Minsk prison Police exhuming the body of one of the estate agent gang's victims. Then they were taken to 'abandoned places' and killed or even buried alive Longtime strongman Lukashenko, a 64-year-old former collective farmer, is known to have pardoned only one death row inmate. The EU, the OSCE and a strong of international organisations have condemned the death penalty in Belarus. The United Nations Human Rights Committee said this month that the death penalty 'continues to be imposed and enforced' and the country has not complied with its requests for a delay in sentencing or execution in six recent cases. It also condemned the practice of not informing relatives of the date execution and not allowing them to bury the body as 'traumatic' and 'inhumane treatment.' This month Amnesty International said only action by Lukashenko could ban the death penalty in Belarus. There have been suggestions a referendum should be held but a spokeswoman for the organisation said: 'As history shows, a majority of the population are in favour of retaining the death penalty.' A sex club in Benidorm has been raided by police over accusations a criminal gang was over charging British tourists. The Polish-led criminal gang are accused of cheating punters at the holiday resort sex club out of thousands of pounds by adding a zero to their bill. Officers in the Costa Blanca in Spain say they have already discovered the gang swindled victims out of around 47,000 in just eight months as inquiries in the allegations are continuing. A number of Brits are believed to be among those swindled out of cash because of the location of the unnamed sex club and the fact that pound notes were seized during a search of the premises along with euros. Three Polish women working at the unnamed club in Benidorm were arrested along with the 34-year-old manager who was held after the raid Police say officers have already discovered the gang swindled victims out of around 47,000 in just eight months Three Polish women working at the unnamed premises, aged 22, 23 and 27, were arrested in initial detentions before the 34-year-old Polish manager was held after the recent search. A spokesman for Spanish National Police said: 'With these arrests 20 cases of fraud have been solved.' Police say the club specialised in offering stripteases as well as services with women who charged for their time. An investigator said: 'Victims were often targeted because they were drunk. On occasions an erotic dancer would distract a client by getting between him and an accomplice who was charging services to his credit card.' The spokesman said police began investigating after a number of complaints were made by punters. He added: 'Officers in Benidorm have dismantled a Polish-led criminal gang whose members ran a sex club they used to cheat customers using credit cards. Officers raided the club in the Costa Blanca resort out of thousands of pounds by adding a zero to their bill Police say the club specialised in offering stripteases as well as services with women who charged for their time 'The total we know about so far that has been defrauded comes to around 47,000. 'The manager and three employees have been arrested until now. 'The premises opened its doors in April and the first complaint was received by police the same month. 'Investigators began to receive a steady number of complaints about fraudulent use of bank cards at the premises from that point on. 'All the people who filed complaints said they had been swindled out of money in the same way after agreeing a service for a set fee. 'The payment had to be made by credit card. When it came to charging the client, an employee allegedly modified the amount, mostly by adding a zero which meant the client paid around 10 times the agreed amount.' Jean Paul Ogou who was about to board a flight from Sao Paulo to London when he was arrested A British Airways steward was arrested just moments before take-off suspected of trying to smuggle 1.5million of cocaine into Britain. Jean Paul Ogou, 43, was reportedly about to board a flight from Sao Paulo to London when officers discovered 2st (13kg) of the drug in what was alleged to be his carry on bag. It is claimed he attempted to walk past security without passing his hold-all through the x-ray machine reserved for flight crew. But he was stopped by police at the airport in Brazil, and they allegedly found pure cocaine inside, stashed in plastic bags and pillow cases. Photos released in Brazil showed the cocaine haul and scales weighing in the haul at 12.983kg. Flight BA246 took off slightly late at 17.08 on Monday with other staff having to be drafted in to fill in. The suspect lives in France and commutes to London, The Sun reported. He is said to have flown for BA for ten years and have family links to the Ivory Coast. Airline bosses sacked Mr Ogou as he was locked up in a Brazilian jail where he is awaiting charges. An insider told The Sun: 'Anyone buying that amount of cocaine will need to fork out around 150,000. Photos released in Brazil showed the cocaine haul and scales weighing in the haul at 12.983kg Airline bosses for BA (pictured) sacked Mr Ogou as he was locked up in a Brazilian jail where he is awaiting charges 'The thinking is the money was smuggled out of the country to Brazil on a BA flight in hard cash. 'Once cut, and sold for 50 or 60 a gram, this amount of drugs has a UK street value of around 1.5million.' Ex-Flying Squad chief supt Barry Phillips said: 'The quantity indicates the involvement of organised crime.' British Airways said Mr Ogou 'no longer works for the airline.' Kian Delos Santos was murdered by police officers in a Manila alleyway in 2017 The first conviction of police officers carrying out the Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte's, war on drugs has been praised by human rights advocates. The three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to up to 40 years in prison without parole, for murdering Kian Delos Santos, during an anti-narcotics sweep. President Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing in a dank Manila alley. Police said the teenager was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage and witness accounts revealed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. However, security camera footage that surfaced today (Friday August 18), along with witness accounts, seem to contradict this version of events. The footage appears to show the police officers frog marching the blindfolded youngster to the place where his dead body was later discovered. Witnesses also claim the teenager was handed a gun by officers, before being instructed to fire it and run away. Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters after the conviction: 'I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs. '(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices,' she added. Police officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz were found guilty of murder by a City of Caloocan trial court. Two police officers (centre, wearing yellow) convicted of murder are taken out of a trial court building by police in the City of Caloocan, Philippines Police officers Arnel Oares, Jerwin Cruz and Jeremias Pereda were found guilty of the teen's killing. Pictured in 2017 Saldy delos Santos, father of Kian delos Santos, stands next to the coffin of his son who was killed during a police anti-drug operation, during a wake at his home in Manila. - Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016 Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: 'This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects.' However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed 'intentional killing'. He added: 'It shows that this country has a robust judicial system.' Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning. Human rights advocates agreed the decision was important, but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen. 'Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered,' rights lawyer Romel Bagares said. A photo of Kian Delos Santos, 17, on top of the hearse during his funeral on August 26, 2017 Funeral workers carry the body of one of three men killed during a police operation against illegal drugs in Caloocan, Metro Manila, Philippines, August 17, 2017 Police officers clear one side of a road to make way for a convoy transporting police officers convicted of murder in the City of Caloocan, Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: 'It was really bad. That was really not performance of duty. Do not commit a crime'. It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms. The behaviour of Australia's most notorious inmate is so bad he can no longer have a deck of playing cards inside his cell, let alone receive visits from his family. Bassam Hamzy is allowed just one phone call a week, one visit a fortnight - not from a family member - an hour of exercise each day and just five photos on his cell wall. The 39-year-old's deprived life inside Goulburn Supermax prison was laid bare as he represented himself before the New South Wales District Court on Thursday. Hamzy has also lost the ability to have board games in his cell, cannot use a toasted sandwich machine or a kettle, and has lost the right to associate with other inmates. But despite the crackdown on his already limited rights, the ISIS sympathiser has been allowed to keep his religious materials, which include a Koran and a prayer mat. Scroll down for video Bassam Hamzy appears via video link in the NSW District Court on Thursday (pictured) The 39-year-old's deprived life inside Goulburn Supermax prison was laid bare in court, as he complained about losing his privileges after a string of bad behaviour When his face first popped up in the court via video link, Hamzy beamed a smile after noticing the 11 family members who had packed into the court to support him. At times it appeared the convicted killer was on the verge of losing his composure as his family waved, pulled faces and even took photos of him up on the large screen. Among the crowd was his father Khaled, who told Daily Mail Australia outside court it was the first time in more than a decade he had seen his son, a moment he described as 'lovely'. 'I haven't seen him for nearly 12 or 13 years,' Mr Hamzy, who himself was jailed in the 1990s on drugs charges, said. 'The family's the same, they are always knocked (back). They put in a request and it's rejected... it's really unjust, we are meant to be a democratic country. 'His niece told him she wanted to come and visit him, but he said: 'Look they are going to put me on box visits, it's hard for me to see you or hug you or kiss you'.' 'It was lovely to see him. The huge smile on his face - he was always a smiling boy, he had such a great sense of humour. 'Now he has nothing, so of course he is always going to react and he's been in jail for a long time so it changes you I am sure. Hamzy's father Khaled (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia it was the first time he had seen his son's face in 12 years A small army of family members packed out the court in supportof Hamzy as he represented himself in his NSW District Court appeal At times it appeared the convicted killer was on the verge of losing his composure as his family members (pictured outside court) waved, pulled faces and even took photos of him up on the large screen 'But they try to make him out to be like a monster. They are always pushing him into a corner and if you push a lion into a corner they will attack you.' Hamzy's strict jail conditions were revealed as part of his appeal against a conviction for assaulting a prison officer in August 2017. That attack saw Hamzy - already regarded as an 'extreme threat inmate' - lose more of his minimal prison privileges. But in addition to his privileges penalty Hamzy was also convicted externally over the assault in court. Now the founder of the notorious Sydney gang 'Brothers4Life' claims the sentencing both in and out of prison is 'invalid'. 'If an inmate is punished externally they are not to be charged internally (as well),' he told the court. 'No other punishment was allowed to be imposed on me... it's an abuse of power.' NO GANGSTER'S PARADISE: WHAT BASSAM HAMZY HAS LOST IN JAIL PRIVILEGE: - Telephone calls - Visits - Inmate associations - Exercise out of cell - Money transactions - Buy up food - Activities/buy ups - Recreational materials - Books/newspapers - Clothing - Employment - Educational materials - Religious materials - Other property BEFORE: Up to 2 per week Contact visit a fortnight One inmate at any time Minimum two hours $100 per week Up to $50 Approved items Cards in cell Up to 3 items at once CSNSW* issued clothing NIL NIL Approved items Maximum 20 photos NOW: Up to 1 per week Box visit a fortnight Loss of privilege Minimum one hour $100 per week Up to $40 Loss of privilege Loss of privilege Up to 1 item at once CSNSW issued clothing NIL NIL Approved items Maximum 5 photos *CSNSW - Corrective Services New South Wales Advertisement The Supermax division of Goulburn prison (top) is home to some of the nation's worst criminals Hamzy (pictured) claims he was unfairly punished for his assault of a prison officer in August 2017 But in his submissions to the court, Crown prosecutor Tony McCarthy claimed there was little merit in Hamzy's self-organised argument. 'What's occurred, even at its worst, does not amount to an abuse of process,' he told the court. Hamzy first made the headlines after being convicted of the 1998 shooting murder of Kris Toumazis outside a Sydney nightclub. During a night out at a bar on Oxford Street, one of Hamzy's friends became involved in an altercation with a friend of Mr Toumazis. As the two groups went their separate ways one of Hamzy's friends kicked the car Mr Toumazis was in, causing he and his friends to retaliate. It is then that Hamzy pulled out a gun and began shooting at Mr Toumazis and his two friends, fatally wounding the 18-year-old. Since then, his time in the prison has been littered with headline-making incidents. Hamzy (pictured) gives cameras the thumbs up as he walks out of court flanked by supporters Before being convicted of the shooting murder of Kris Toumazis, a sullen-faced looking Hamzy opens the front door to his family home A young Bassam Hamzy (right) sits on the couch with one of his uncles, years before he wound up in Goulburn Supermax In 2008, he masterminded a methylamphetamine ring from Lithgow jail, delivering more than a kilogram of the drug to Melbourne under the guise of a truck business. Running the business through a phone hidden in his cell, Hamzy made 19,523 calls in just a matter of weeks. That same year Hamzy used his smuggled phone to threaten a man who owed him $12,000. 'Now, I'm about to cut your ears off. I told you I'm going to compensate myself,' he told the man over the phone. That same week Hamzy instructed an associate to threaten a different man: '(Tell him) I'm gunna cut all his fingers off next time I'll take his ears and make them into a necklace.' Hamzy is first eligible for parole on June 1, 2035. This is the shocking moment a woman is violently mugged by a female attacker as passers-by stand back and do nothing. The woman, who is in her 40s but whose identity has not been revealed, was getting money out of a cash machine in Leytonstone, east London yesterday afternoon when the brutal assault took place. Her attacker was caught on CCTV pretending she was in the queue behind her before throwing herself towards the woman and punching her in the head. She is believed to be in her late teens and is being hunted by police. This is the shocking moment a woman (pictured wearing pink headscarf) is violently mugged by a female attacker (pictured wearing black with long hair) as she tries to get money from a cash point in Leytonstone, east London yesterday afternoon The victim, who is seen wearing a pink headscarf and carrying a black shoulder bag, is almost thrown off her feet as she desperately tries to defend herself. The mugger spins her around a number of times trying to take her handbag and repeatedly slapping her in the face. The women grapple with each other for nearly a minute, with the victim putting up a brave defence, before the mugger, seen wearing a black coat and wearing her black and blonde hair in dreadlocks, finally takes the bag and runs way. Meanwhile three pedestrians and a number of cars go by and do not intervene to help. The incident was captured on the local Post Office's CCTV cameras. An employee told MailOnline the woman was 'badly assaulted' and received help from staff inside the Post Office after she was attacked. He said the police were called within 15 minutes of the assault, which has shocked thousands of local residents. The CCTV footage was posted on social media following the assault, which took place just after 3pm outside the Leytonstone High Road Post Office yesterday and has been viewed more than 60,000 times. The attacker was caught on CCTV pretending she was in the queue behind her before throwing herself towards the woman and punching her in the head People commenting praised the efforts of the victim, while others slammed the bystanders who failed to intervene. One person wrote: 'Sister did good fighting back,' while another posted: 'That sister put up a good fight, that is shocking!' Another person commented: 'How can the people just see and walk by? Ridiculous!' Neighbouring residents in east London warned other women to be vigilant and wary of potential attackers. One person who shared the clip said: 'The sister didn't let go! May Allah protect her. Be wary sisters. Police better get this culprit.' Another wrote: 'Wow please be careful when your drawing out money.' A Met Police spokesman told MailOnline in a statement: 'Detectives in Newham are appealing after a woman was robbed in the street. The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, is seen trying to get the woman off her, while people walk by (pictured right) and do nothing 'The offence happened on Wednesday, 28 November at about 15:10hrs on Leytonstone Road, Newham. 'The victim, a women in her early 40s, was withdrawing money from a cashpoint, while a second woman was waiting behind her. 'This second woman then approached the victim, punched and slapped her, and then stole the money she had just withdrawn. The victim did not require medical treatment. 'The suspect is a black woman in her late teens. The incident was recorded on CCTV and police are releasing the images to assist in locating the suspect.' Detective Inspector Steve Bluemore of Newham CID, added: 'This was a shocking attack in broad daylight and we know a number of people were passing at the time. I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the suspect to contact police immediately. 'Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Quote CAD 4628/28NOV' An overwhelming majority71 percentof district administrators are concerned about the security of their network against malicious attacks, according to a Project Tomorrow and iboss report. The report, The State of K-12 IT, released this week, surveyed more than 3,000 administrators in 2017 about data privacy concerns and the use of cloud computing in schools. The report was conducted by education nonprofit Project Tomorrow, in collaboration with iboss, a company provides network security services. The survey findings show that district leaders seem to be more concerned about cyber threats than they have been in the past. Among Project Tomorrows survey results are: 58 percent of technology leaders say their top concern with cloud applications is ensuring data privacy 33 percent of technololgy leaders are concerned about teachers lack of understanding about how to protect student data 61 percent of district administrators say teacher professional development on student data privacy is a top priority 8 percent of teachers recognize they need that type of professional development According to the report, 70 percent of survey respondents said their school district has hardware and software in place to protect student data, while 45 percent said their district has a staff person assigned for data privacy and security. However, the report doesnt touch on whether schools have experienced a cybersecurity breach, or if schools have the resources to manage their own cybersecurity issues, said Doug Levin, CEO of consulting firm EdTech Strategies . Last year, a survey by the Education Week Research Center and the Consortium for School Networking found that most of the countrys K-12 information-technology leaders dont see cybersecurity threats such as ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and data breaches as a significant problem. As schools increasingly turn to education technology and cloud computing, they become more vulnerable to hackings. There have been more than 380 cybersecurity-related incidents involving U.S. public schools since 2016, according to Levin. The Project Tomorrow report shows that cybersecurity is an issue that still hasnt been solved, Levin said. Schools need more resources, including money devoted to solving the issue as well as expertise. Levin said schools have very few experienced IT staff members and often have difficulty retaining those who are in the educational system. Schools also tend to have older equipment, which are more vulnerable to attacks. Marie Bjerede, principal of leadership initiatives for the Consortium for School Networking, said in an emailed statement that a good practice for protecting against malware or other cyber threats is keeping current with software patches for all appliances and devices. While cybersecurity attacks arent only happening in K-12 schools, an increasing number of organizations and federal agencies are voicing concerns about student data privacy. The FBI warned in September that the proliferation of ed-tech tools, platforms and strategies in schools and poses privacy and safety risks. To combat the problem, however, there are resources, including toolkits on how to protect student and teacher data . Perhaps just as important as hardware and software that guards against malicious attacks is raising awareness about them and providing training to staff, students, and parents, Levin said. Bjerede agreed that the biggest challenges in cybersecurity are people, not technology. The big hitter in protecting your systems and data is to train all staff on detecting and not clicking on fraudulent phishing e-mails, and on exercising good password hygiene, she said. All it takes is one person to click on a link to bring the whole place down, Levin said. Image: Getty See also: Bulger, who was killed on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in a West Virginia prison, in a 2011 mugshot Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger Jr. wrote several letters to a friend that detailed how his health was rapidly declining and how he wanted to die peacefully - before he was later transferred to a West Virginia prison where he was beaten to death. The letters were written to former convict Charlie Hopkins, 86, and Bulger revealed how he had a series of heart attacks and blackouts while at Coleman prison in Florida. The former mob boss, 89, was wheelchair-bound but prison officials claimed that his health had improved - prompting his transfer to Hazelton prison in West Virginia on October 30. Just hours later, he was bludgeoned to death, with his eye sockets gouged out. The letters to Hopkins were written over the past several years after the former convict contacted Bulger. Hopkins said he heard how Bulger had paid for the funeral of another convict and that prompted him to write to the South Boston gangster. They both served time at Alcatraz, though they never met, with Hopkins spending 11 years in prison for kidnapping. Hopkins shared the contents of some of the letters to the Boston Globe, to 'get justice' for the murdered former mob boss. One letter from Bulger, written while he was at the Florida prison, read: 'I prefer to stay here and hope to get a peaceful death.' After being on the run for 16 years he was finally arrested in Santa Monica in 2011 and in 2013 was sentenced to two life sentences, convicted of killing 11 people. Pictured in 1959 In another letter, from July 10, 2017, he detailed a heart attack he suffered, speaking about how he could barely breathe and had to be helped to a doctor. The same letter also revealed how medical staff wanted to transfer Bulger to a local hospital - but the former gangster refused to be shackled to a bed. Bulger was no longer strong enough to walk and was even relying on a wheelchair to move around. Officials at the Florida prison attempted to transfer him to a medical facility in April, where he would receive round-the-clock care. The transfer request was denied, however, and a few months later authorities said Bulger's health had improved significantly. Despite his apparent ill-health and years at prisons with medical care facilities, Bulger was transferred to Hazelton in West Virginia. At his funeral mass Bulger's body was presented in a closed casket. In a private burial he was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston The prison has worse medical facilities and two other prisoners had already been killed there in the months prior to Bulger's transfer. He would go on to become the third murder victim after he was bludgeoned to death with a padlock in a sock. The decision to transfer Bulger has been a source of confusion since his death - prompting Hopkins to share his letters. He hopes that the letters make it clear how poor Bulger's health was before his transfer. He said: 'He told me three or four times in the past 18 months that he was having blackouts. A couple of times he felt sure that he was dying.' A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson told the Boston Globe that Bulger was transferred out of the Florida prison because of a threat he had made to a staff member. End of an era: For some in the Boston area his death has brought the end of a reign of terror after his mob wreaked havoc for decades. Bulger pictured in undated photo released to the public on December 30, 1998 A Coleman prison official added that Bulger told a female nurse in February 'your day of reckoning is coming.' This led to the former gangster being moved to solitary confinement for 30 days. However, he was kept there until eventually being transferred in October. The official also claimed that the Florida prison considered Bulger a nuisance and lowered his needed care level to make it easier to transfer him. His transfer is now being investigated by federal authorities who want to know why Bulger, a longtime FBI informant, was placed in general population alongside Massachusetts organized crime figures. Hopkins was shocked by his friend's death and claimed that officials would have known what would happen to Bulger after his transfer. 'They knew what would happen if they put him in a place like that, and I think that was the sole purpose of transferring him,' Hopkins said. Unlike Bulger, Hopkins said he stayed out of trouble after prison, working in Florida as a carpet installer until his retirement in 1995. In his letters, Bulger complained that prosecutors cut deals allowing killers to go free in exchange for testifying against him. He also frequently complained about his failing health. On May 23, 2017, he wrote: 'I dread going back into the hospital again. ' I've been in that situation three times heart attacks have had four running out of my nine lives.' A teenager who punched an unsuspecting woman in the back of the head has escaped time behind bars as the magistrate says she would be a 'victim in jail'. Tannah Knight-Olsen, from Sydney's Barden Ridge, appeared in court this week for breaching her bond conditions over the 2017 assault where she bashed an unsuspecting patron at the Miranda Hotel. Knight-Olsen was allegedly caught with the drugs ice and cannabis earlier this year - which contravened her bond conditions, The Daily Telegraph reported. Tannah Knight-Olsen (pictured) from Sydney's Barden Ridge appeared in court this week for breaching her bond conditions over the 2017 assault where she bashed an unsuspecting patron at the Miranda Hotel Tannah Knight-Olsen was allegedly caught with the drug ice and cannabis earlier this year - which goes against her good behaviour bond She was charged with possessing 0.37g of marijuana on May 30. She was also charged with possessing 0.19g of ice on July 24. She has also faced violence charges, including incidents where she smashed a landline phone and a pot plant during disputes with family members - which she pleaded guilty to. During sentencing, Sutherland Court magistrate Glenn Walsh said Knight-Olsen needed to break the cycle of her bad behaviour. 'Whilst I understand that youre looking for something in life that eases your pain, (the drug use) makes you a worse person. 'She needs assistance and she needs that in the community - she'd just be a victim in jail.' The 19-year-old was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, to be served in the community. A teenager is in a serious condition after being shot in the back as he sat in the front passenger seat of a car in Birmingham. The 18-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious condition after the attack, which occurred around 11.10pm last night, in the busy Sladefield Road, Alum Rock. A shocking video shows the teenager slumped in the silver car, which has three bullet holes in the front passenger window - as he appears to be assisted by passers-by. An 18-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being shot in the back while sat in a car in Birmingham. A shocking video shows the teenager slumped in the front passenger seat of the car, which has three bullet holes in its window, as he appears to be treated by passers-by Footage also shows a crowd of people stood around the car, which had its boot open, and filming the man on their mobile phones. No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses. West Midland Police said in a statement: 'Police were called to reports of a shooting in Sladefield Road, Alum Rock, at around 11.10pm last night (Wednesday 28 November). 'A man, believed to be aged 18, was taken to hospital in a serious condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the back. 'The area has been cordoned off while enquiries continue. 'Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.ukbetween 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log number 2902 28/11.' Several video clips of the incident have been posted online. One shows an armed police officer patroling around the vehicle. In another clip, those at the scene are heard shouting 'call an ambulance'. West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call saying they received a report about the incident but could not find a patient. Footage also shows a crowd of people stood around the car and filming the man on their mobile phones No reports of any arrests have been made and police appealed for witnesses. They were then called to Heartlands Hospital where they transferred a patient to another hospital for 'specialist treatment'. A spokesman said: 'We were called to Pelham Road, Alum Rock at 11.10pm to reports of an assault. We dispatched a paramedic officer and an ambulance but there was no patient. 'We were then called to Heartlands Hospital and transferred a patient to another hospital. We sent two paramedic officers, a Merit Trauma Doctor and an ambulance and transferred a patient for specialist treatment.' In the video, one man is heard shouting: 'We were just by the shop when he was shot. He looks rough.' Another man opens up the car door and can be seen pressing tissues against the boy's neck as he sits motionless with his head slumped forward. West Midlands Police officers cordoned off the area and spent Thursday morning scouring the road for clues. Birmingham Live reported, an eyewitness who arrived at the scene after the shooting said: 'There was a Volkswagen Passat. 'He was shot in the passenger side and there were three bullet holes through the window. 'There was a big Police Incident Unit and the armed response were there. 'The Passat was initially uncovered and then covered with a large plastic blue sheet. 'The officers came out of the Police Incident unit with cameras and tripods. 'The eyewitness said it was quiet at first but then people were driving by asking what had gone on.' Another witness said: 'The boy got shot three times by a gunman who fired through the passenger window. 'I heard the victim was hit in the ribs and neck and it's looking touch and go if he'll survive. 'I didn't see the shooting but people said the gunman was on foot. It's shocking how many people are getting shot on our streets.' The scene remained sealed off throughout Thursday morning's rush hour, with reports of 'crawling' traffic in the area. Police officers are conducting a fingertip search of the scene. A team of specialist officers are combing the road and pavements around the car. A mother-of-two was brutally beaten with a flashlight by her veteran husband after telling him that she wanted a divorce. Ashley Bolt, 29, was also tied up and smothered with a pillow by Travis Kilburger, 32, moments after telling him she wanted their marriage to end at their home in Red Bluff, California. Their children were sleeping just meters away when former Navy engineer Kilburger launched the horrific attack. When Ashley survived the attack, Kilburger tried to blame her horrific injuries on one of her horses kicking her in the middle of the night and smeared her in mud to try and cover it up. Ashley Bolt with her then-husband Travis Kilburger and their children John and Audrey. Ashley has revealed how Kilburger attacked her with a massive flashlight He then dropped her at a hospital but was later arrested when a nurse noticed rope marks around Ashley's wrists. Kilburger is now serving nine years in jail for the attack on Ashley - who has since divorced him. Mother-of-two Ashley said: 'I still find it hard to believe that I could have married such a monster.' The couple first met while working at a horse sanctuary as teenagers in 2006 in Los Molinos, California. They married in March 2008 and just three months later Ashley gave birth to their son John, now 10. Ashley with Kilburger on their wedding day. He attacked his wife after she told him that she wanted a divorce A year after that their daughter Audrey, now nine, was born. Cracks began to appear in the couple's relationship. Ashley said: 'He was always on a boat. I had to spend long periods of time alone with two children. 'He was also financially controlling. We had a joint account and I worked as a vet tech and trained horses. Ashley was left with bruises all over the body after the attack, with Kilburger using a massive flashlight to beat her She said he reacted calmly initially but she woke up to find him beating her and smothering her with a pillow 'I was putting a good amount of money into the account but only he had access. I had to beg for money to pay bills or buy feed for the animals. 'Finally I made up my mind to end the marriage.' Ashley told Kilburger she wanted a divorce on May 25, 2014 and he appeared to take the news well at first. She said: 'There was no fight. He wanted us to go into counselling but I refused. We disagreed and I went to bed in a separate room. 'I wasn't frightened that he might hit me. If anything, it was just awkward.' When Ashley woke up, Kilburger - who had never been violent before - had bound her feet together and was beating her with a flashlight. Kilburger later took Ashley to the hospital where he explained her bruises and injuries as being from a horse kicking her However, a nurse later became concerned when she noticed the rope burns on Ashley's ankles She said: 'I just woke up and my face hurt. He was on top of me, my feet were tied and he was hitting me with a massive flashlight, the kind the police use. 'He said: ''If I can't have you, nobody will". I thought I was going to die that night. My daughter and my son were in their rooms just yards away. 'I drifted in and out of consciousness. Every time I came to, he was strangling me or trying to suffocate me with a pillow. 'The last time I woke up, I was on the ground. He had untied my feet. 'I asked him what had happened. I knew exactly what he'd done but I thought it was safer to pretend that I didn't remember. 'He told me that one of our horses had kicked me.' Former navy engineer Kilburger was sentenced to nine years in 2015 for the attack on Ashley Ashley again lost consciousness and when she woke up, she was in a car with Kilburger on a gravel road. She said: 'I thought he was going to kill me but instead he got out of the car and smeared mud all over me.' Kilburger then dropped Ashley at St Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff, California, telling medics she had been involved in an accident with a horse. But a nurse became concerned when she noticed rope marks on Ashley's ankles and called the police. She said: 'He was arrested that night. He left the hospital as soon as he dropped me off and there were rope burns on my ankles so the nurse called the cops. 'Officers found him trying to leave our property with a loaded gun and our children who were just toddlers at the time.' Kilburger was sentenced to nine years in 2015 for felony spousal battery with special enhancements and false imprisonment by violence. Ashley says that her and her children's lives had been changed forever after the attack and they had their lives changed forever Ashley said: 'The trial lasted two years and he tried every trick to get out of prison. He blamed the attack on PTSD and his time in the military. 'I had been told that he would get 15 to 20 years, but he was only sentenced to nine years. 'I was shocked - he got a lesser sentence just for admitting he had done it. I don't feel like I got justice.' Kilburger's attack changed the lives of Ashley and her children forever. She said: 'I have permanent scars on my ankles. I suffer seizures and cluster headaches. My doctors think it is due to a lack of oxygen during the attack. 'I'm unable to work and I've had my driver license taken away because of the seizures. 'I was a pretty confident woman before. I owned my home, I had an education, I had my own career. I went from decent money to being on disability and welfare. 'You can't find a job working with livestock when you have seizures.' She added: 'My son has the memory of an elephant. 'When the sheriff took them back into the house to get my clothes, little John saw my blood and hair all over the room. 'They know more than they should. They've had their worlds turned upside down. 'All I can do right now is be the best mum to my kids that I can - and I'm determined that Travis won't take that away from me as well.' This is the heartwarming moment a deer stranded on an icy lake was rescued by a hunter in a boat - just two days before hunting season begins. Footage shows the buck desperately trying to move off a frozen section of Greeley Lake in Greeley, Pennsylvania on Saturday morning. At the start of the video, it lies forlornly on the ice, about 100m from shore, having been stuck there for three hours. It manages to get up several times - but struggles to get very far as its hind legs fail to find any traction. The buck stops here: This poor deer tries and fails to get off a frozen section of Greeley Lake in Greeley, Pennsylvania on Saturday morning Ice to see you: Josh Davis, a hunter, carefully makes his way towards the stranded buck, which has been stuck on the lake for three hours Josh Davis, a hunter, is then seen in a small boat, edging towards the deer. He and his friend Ed Schmalzle told Fox News that they didn't want to see the animal suffer so launched a rescue mission. 'I wouldn't want to see the deer suffer. I am a hunter. There's a giant difference between an animal being harvested humanely and one being left out to die on the frozen ice,' Davis said. Cold comfort: Davis attaches a rope to the deer, saying later that he hoped to rescue the animal because he didn't want to see it suffer Tugs on the heartstrings, doesn't it? The hunter is towed back to shore, 100m away, by his friend Ed Schmalzle After a few failed attempts, Davis loops some rope around the deer and the boat is towed back to shore, all caught on video by photographer Jeff Sidle. After its ordeal, the buck gets up and makes its way back to Pike County woods. Pennsylvania Game Commission posted on Facebook: 'Thanks to Josh Davis and Ed Schmalzle, this buck, stuck on a thin layer of ice, made it back into the Pike County woods on Saturday. 'We appreciate their care for this animal and their efforts to ensure their own safety while rescuing the struggling animal.' Pennsylvania's hunting season, with firearms, for antlered deer, opened on November 26. A man was left with fishing spears impaled through his mouth after a brawl outside his home in India. Biswajit Tikadar, 49, said he was attacked with the harpoons during a fight with his neighbour in Dhara Pukara village in West Bengal last week. He claimed he was cleaning the verandah of his house when the brawl started and alleged that in the heat of the moment harpoons were hurled at him. Two of the sharp objects pierced through his mouth and came out of his neck and below his ear. Biswajit Tikadar, 49, suffered gruesome injuries during a brawl outside his home in India and needed a four-hour operation to have the fishing spears removed from his body He walked to Bongaon Hospital holding the harpoons in his hand after suffering the gruesome injuries. He was referred the same day to R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which is 64 miles away from his home, for advanced medical help. There, a team of doctors performed four-hour-long surgery to remove the spears from his body. Mr Tikadar was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday [November 28] and said he was happy to be home. Sudhu Adham Batabyal, Principal Professor at the hospital said: 'The operation was complicated but he is fine now. 'He will need regular medical check-ups.' Stephen Prosser (pictured) has lost his case against British Airways A holidaymaker who took British Airways to court after claiming he suffered a back injury from being sat next to a fat passenger has lost his case. Stephen Prosser tried to sue the national air carrier for 10,000 citing personal injury and loss of earnings after being forced to squeeze into a seat next to a 23-stone, 6ft4 man 'the size of Jonah Lomu'. The self-employed civil engineer, who is only 5ft 3, said he was left in agony after the 12-hour flight from Bangkok in Thailand to London Heathrow in January 2016. He claimed was unable to work properly for three months afterwards. However District Judge Andrew Barcello dismissed his claim and ruled in favour of BA. Sitting at Pontypridd County Court, Mr Bercello said that there appears to be no physical encroachment from the neighbouring passenger despite his large stature. Indeed he suggested Mr Prosser may have reignited an old back injury by refusing to get out of his seat for the entirety of the flight. Mr Prosser (pictured in Thailand) was furious when he says he had to squeeze into a seat next to an obese man The flyer complained of being in agony during the BA flight when he had to sit next to a very large man He said: Having heard his evidence, I have formed the impression that Mr Prosser had expectations of his flight experience that were unrealistic, given the class of cabin that he chose. In stark contrast to the passenger in 37J, who on all accounts was very tall and was large in stature, Mr Prosser himself is of a slight build and more than a foot shorter in height. There was a significant disparity in their sizes and it is possible that Mr Prosser felt that he was towered over and may well have been of the impression that his space was being encroached upon. Mr Prosser complained when he was sat on a flight and claimed he was forced to squeeze into a seat because of a 23 stone passenger The civil engineer complained of loss of earnings as well as a back injury after the 12-hour flight However, in my judgment, it was not. I have formed the conclusion that the likelihood is that Mr Prosser simply did not wish to come into bodily contact with his neighbouring passenger, a risk that was heightened owing to his neighbour being of a large stature. It may be that this caused him to sit in an awkward manner, however his sitting position was not forced upon him by there being any physical encroachment upon his seating area. Alternatively, there is a very real prospect that the injury was simply caused by Mr Prossers apparent reluctance to mobilise whilst upon the flight. Mr Prosser's injury may have been caused by his apparent reluctance to mobilise while on flight, the court heard He is a man with a pre-existing back injury. One that could have been exacerbated by sitting in a normal position for long periods of time. Me Barcello said that when checking in for a flight on an aeroplane, it is a matter of chance as to the physical characteristics of neighbouring passengers, or if indeed there are neighbouring passengers at all. He added: In this instance, a large man sat next to Mr Prosser. As a result, Mr Prosser chose to remain in his seat for the entire flight and may have sat in an uncomfortable position, wishing to avoid any contact with the neighbouring passenger. In my judgment, there was nothing either unusual or unexpected about there being a large person sat next to Mr Prosser. The passenger in 37J fitted within the confines of the armrests, could use a standard seatbelt and did not encroach upon Mr Prossers seating area. This was not an unusual event external to Mr Prosser. What may have been unusual were Mr Prossers internal reactions, namely choosing to remain in his seat for almost the entire flight and potentially, choosing to adopt an awkward seating position. Mr Barcello cited the view of a chiropractor who Mr Prosser had seen on January 18 this year who said on the balance of probabilities it was sitting in an awkward position that caused an exacerbation of Mr Prossers symptoms of his degenerative condition. He also highlighted his concern as to the reliability of key aspects of Mr Prossers account and said he had a propensity to exaggerate aspects of his evidence to bolster his claim. One example was Mr Prossers description of the extent to which the neighbouring passengers body spilled into his seat which he said was three inches and then later in excess of three inches and a good few inches. Mr Barcello said: In my view, his statements were intended to increase the size of the claimed encroachment and to create an exaggerated picture, rather than a genuine account. BA today hailed the judges decision. A spokesman said: We are pleased that the court agreed that Mr Prosser had room to fly comfortably. Our cabin crew will always do their best to make sure all our customers have a smooth journey, and in this case provided extra pillows and blankets to help Mr Prosser sleep. Mr Prosser told the court earlier this month that he was left with a continual back spasm and an injury causing his sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his spine to dysfunction. He 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.' 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. Speaking to MailOnline a day before the court case, Mr Prosser from Penygraig in Tonypandy, South Wales, said he saw a private chiropractor for two years. He also said that his pelvis was seven degrees out of alignment as a result. Advertisement This is the terrifying moment a free diver gets up close and personal with a 'monster' Saltwater Crocodile and even fearlessly lays underneath the reptile. Videographer Florian Fischer, originally from Munich, Germany, shot the footage whilst on a marine trip to atoll reef Banco Chinchorro, Mexico. He was making a short documentary about the three-metre-long crocodiles, that can grow to be more than five-metres long and weigh 450kg, earlier this year. A fearless diver swims under the American Saltwater Crocodile while filming at the atoll reef Banco Chinchorro in Mexico Throughout the footage, the diver can be seen getting extremely close to the huge American Saltwater crocodiles - spending a lot of time in biting range of the reptiles. One of the fearless divers even lays underneath the crocodile, bravely reaching his hand towards the croc's legs while in another shot he puts his face precariously close to its jaw. A camera is also held directly in front of the crocodile's mouth so that its impressive and sharp teeth can be shown off as the divers move around the animal. A croc also appears from behind moving sand to be staring straight down the camera lens - and at the diver sitting behind the screen. The crocodiles seem to be interested in the diver, moving their heads to follow the swimming human, but do not become aggressive or start to move away from their visitor. Close up shots show the crocodile's large, sharp teeth and scales which are perilously close to the filming diver's head The crocodile gets extremely close to the diver but doesn't panic or become aggressive at the unusual human visitor Aerial shots show the diver at work in the water and expose how close he gets to the huge crocodile. Videographer Florian Fischer said 'supporting spotters watch the crocodiles from the surface' while the filming is taking place Videographer Mr Fischer acknowledged there is always a risk when working with animals, but said his team were well experienced. He said: 'There is always a potential risk when dealing with wildlife. 'In this case it is important to know the behaviour of the crocodiles and to make sure we have supporting spotters to watch the crocodiles from the surface. 'In the past we have done films like this about Sharks, Killer Whales, and Anacondas, so we're well seasoned in dealing with potentially dangerous animals.' Florian and his film crew have plenty of experience in the art of wildlife videography, noting the people involved know what they're doing and understand the risks. Florian added: 'The person in the water handling the crocodile has many years of experience with these animals.' The experienced diver lingers within biting range of the calm croc before moving backwards and getting to a safer distance A crocodile appears from behind a cloud of sand to be staring straight down the lens and at the diver behind the camera A British man killed in a bomb blast in Kabul has been named as Luke Griffin. The 33-year-old died along with five others in the bomb and gun attack in Afghanistan, late on Wednesday. The Briton from the Merseyside area, who had worked for British security firm G4S for eight years was killed in the attack on the security firm's compound. The Briton died alongside four Afghan workers after the Taliban launched a bomb and gun attack on a compound belonging to G4S. Five other Britons were among 32 people hurt in the attack which included 11 Nepalese and 11 Afghans, police sources told the New York Times. Wahid Majoroh, Afghanistan's public health ministry spokesman, said on Thursday that six people were killed, and four attackers were shot dead, taking the incident death toll to ten. Luke Griffin, 33, was named as the Briton killed alongside four others in Afghanistan when a G4S compound was attacked The 33-year-old, from the Merseyside area, had worked for the company for eight years when he was killed Mr Griffin was killed along with five others in a huge gun and bomb attack in Afghanistan One Briton and four Afghans were killed in a bomb and gun attack on a compound in the Afghan capital of Kabul belonging to British security firm G4S Five Britons are also reported to be among 32 people injured in the attack that included 11 Afghans and 11 Nepalese A Taliban suicide bomber detonated a car bomb at the gates to the compound before three gunmen stormed inside and were shot dead According to social media Mr Griffin became a father in December 2106. A Taliban suicide bomber detonated a huge car bomb at the entrance of the compound belonging to British security firm G4S before three others stormed in. All of the terrorists were killed in the ensuing gun battle. Colonel Bismillah Taban, the local police chief, said the majority of those killed and injured inside the compound were hurt in the initial blast. Images released on Thursday show a huge crater where the gates used to stand after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives. A G4S spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured, five of them seriously, in an unprovoked, criminal attack on one of our compounds in Kabul on 28 November 2018. 'Next of kin have been informed and our thoughts at this difficult time are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends. 'We are offering support and counselling to all of those affected.' A British Foreign Office spokesman added: 'We are working closely with G4S following the attack on its facilities in Kabul, which led to the death of five of its workers, including one British national.' The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack saying it was in retaliation for an earlier US airstrike which killed at least 30 people, including civilians and children. A Taliban spokesman said the attack was in revenge for an earlier US airstrike in Helmand province which had killed civilians and children An Afghan boy who was wounded in the suicide bombing is treated at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital in Kabul on Wednesday An injured Afghan man receives medical care after a car bomb blast which targeted British security contractor group G4S in Kabul Afghan special forces had come under heavy fire from Taliban fighters during a night operation in Helmand province. They then requested airstrikes against Taliban positions, prompting the Americans to swoop in. Afghan and Western officials said 16 members of the Taliban were killed, but admitted there were civilian casualties. They put the number at 16, but locals reported 22 civilian deaths. Basir Mujahid, spokesman for the Kabul police chief, says the Taliban targeted G4S because the company offers training for Afghan security forces. The complex attack on a well-protected site underlines how insecure Kabul remains despite efforts by the United States and the Afghan government to open peace talks with the Taliban to end more than 17 years of war. The insurgents' main spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack had caused heavy casualties and had been launched in retaliation for casualties caused by security forces in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar. G4S, one of the world's biggest security groups, is one of a number of foreign security contractors operating in Afghanistan and provides guards for the area around the British embassy. An official from the public health ministry said 11 wounded had been taken to city hospitals and reporters saw at least one dead body but gathering accurate casualty figures was hampered by the continuing fighting. A young Afghan boy wounded receives treatment. Basir Mujahid, spokesman for the Kabul police chief, says the target of the attack was security company G4S An Afghan injured man receives medical care at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital after a car bomb blast which targeted a British security contractor group G4S An Afghan injured man receives medical care in hospital. Last week, more than 50 people were killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber targeted a banquet hall Earlier the president, who faces a re-election battle next year, told a U.N.-sponsored conference in Geneva of plans to appoint a team to seek a peace deal, which he said would take at least five years to implement. Efforts to open talks with the insurgents have picked up following the appointment of U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, but the violence that kills thousands every year has continued. Three U.S. service members were killed close to the central city of Ghazni on Tuesday and at least 30 Afghan civilians were killed in a U.S. air strike overnight, officials and local residents said. Last week, more than 50 people were killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber attacked a banquet hall where a meeting of religious leaders was taking place. Security officials have warned that violence is likely to escalate alongside peace moves as the Taliban seeks to strengthen its position before any formal negotiations. Pushing back against an explosive "60 Minutes" report about his immigration policies, President Donald Trump revived false claims that downplay his controversial practice of separating immigrant families at the southern border. The episode of "60 Minutes" highlighted the saga of more than 2,600 children who were separated from their parents after illegally entering the US this year. The report revealed that the policy began earlier than acknowledged and detailed an internal probe at the Department of Homeland Security that found major problems with the plan's implementation, including that computer systems erased data meant to link children to their parents, complicating efforts to reunite families later on. The centerpiece of Trump's pushback, which he tweeted Sunday night after the show, is that he "had the exact same policy as the Obama Administration," regarding family separation. He repeated this on Monday, telling reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, "Obama had a separation policy. We all had the same policy ... but people don't like to talk about that." Trump also suggested former President George W. Bush followed similar practices. Simply put, this isn't true at all. Trump and former President Barack Obama did not have "the exact same policy." In some ways, they had opposite policies. The family separation crisis was triggered last spring when Trump tweaked the status quo he inherited from Obama and ramped up strict enforcement of federal immigration laws that were already on the books. "It certainly wasn't the exact same policy," said Jessica Bolter, a researcher with the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute who has published 200 pages of reports on Trump's immigration policies. Under past administrations, some border-crossers were occasionally prosecuted, and were thus separated from their families. Children were separated from parents when authorities had concerns for their well-being or could not confirm that the adult was in fact their legal guardian. Prosecution was more common in cases with more severe crimes, like drug-running. The Trump administration told a federal court that more than 2,600 children were separated from their parents during the crisis this summer. Comparable statistics from previous administrations aren't available because the blanket practice was not in place and separations were more sporadic, according to immigration experts. "There were some instances of parents being separated from their children" in the past, said David Bier, an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. "But no administration has institutionalized the practice of family separation on such a scale, as intentionally and as broadly as the Trump administration attempted over the summer." The main difference between Trump and Obama, as both experts noted, centers on how they handled immigrants caught near the US-Mexico border. Under Obama, the Justice Department was given broad discretion on who should face criminal charges, and federal prosecutors rarely went after families. But in April, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Justice Department would prosecute 100 percent of illegal border-crossers in a policy known as "zero-tolerance." Adults went to jails and awaited criminal proceedings. Children were sent to detention centers run by the Department of Health and Human Services, and some were eventually placed in foster care. This specific change "led to the inevitable separation of parents and children," Bolter said. The internal DHS report mentioned in the "60 Minutes" segment concluded that the agency struggled to accurately maintain complete and reliable data on children that got separated. "This wasn't a common practice in the past, so records were not well-kept," Bier said. "That's the best evidence that we have that this practice was not something in regular occurrence." In a carefully crafted statement attacking "60 Minutes," DHS spokeswoman Katie Waldman didn't go as far as Trump did in his tweets. She accurately noted that past administrations separated some families, but never claimed that Trump and Obama followed identical policies. "Most significantly, 60 Minutes continued to ignore the reality that at least the last two Administrations had held children separately from illegal alien adults in cases where it was necessary for the welfare of the child or to prosecute a federal crime," Waldman said. The difference is in the syntax. Waldman is stating the fact that families were separated under Obama and Bush. That's true. Some families were torn apart. But there was no blanket policy of separation, and the number was significantly lower, according to experts Bolton and Bier. Advertisement A grandmother has spent 30,000 on transforming her house into a Christmas grotto every year - to the despair of her Scrooge-like husband who is sick of her putting up the tree in August. Betty-Ann Jones, 76, has decorated her home in Pontardawe, Wales, with 2,000 different decorations and no less than 14,000 indoor lights every year since 1989. The grandmother-of-three has a seven-foot sleigh in her living room, complete with a family of 73 snowmen. But her husband Keith, also 76, is not as much of a fan of Christmas as she is, saying her obsession is 'bonkers' Betty-Ann Jones, 76, of Pontardwe, Wales (pictured) has been decorating her home with 2,000 different decorations since 1989 but will be hanging up her Christmas stockings and transforming the house into a grotto for the last time this year Scrooge! Mrs Jones's husband Keith, 76, (pictured right) says her obsession with Christmas is 'bonkers' and he is fed up of having the festivities taking over every room in their house Let it snow! A large family of snowmen are pictured in the window of the Jones's home in Portardwe, Wales this year The Christmas-obsessed grandmother-of-three is pictured putting the finishing touches to her grotto at home in Wales But after spending the last 30 years dedicating her time to the festive season, Mrs Jones is finally hanging up her stockings after claiming she's getting too old to put all her decorations up. The grandmother-of-three said: 'Keith is sick to death of the house being a Christmas grotto. 'I have spent over 30,000 on my collection which sounds crazy but it is over a long period of time and I do have over two thousand decorations now. I love the festive period which is why I start it all in August 'All photos on the wall have been replaced by stockings, one for each member of the family, and like it or not, even Keith has one up there. 'My husband hides upstairs. He once said that it was all a load of rubbish. Even my son thinks I've lost the plot. From a 7ft sleigh (pictured) to 73 snowmen in her living room, every inch of Betty-Ann's home is full of festive decorations Mrs Jones's Christmas grotto takes a lot of work, with the grandmother (pictured hoovering her front room) confessing she went up and down her ladder more than 100 times in one day to make sure everything was perfect Mr Jones (pictured next to her inside the grotto) said: 'She's bonkers - she might as well close the door and leave it there for next year. It is a happy house but even the toilet has a Christmas tree.' The Christmas-obsessed grandmother puts up her Christmas tree (pictured with her husband in the background) in August There are a total of 14,000 indoor lights and 2,000 different decorations that cover the family home at this time of year 'But I have decided that this is the last time we're turning the house into a grotto. I was up the ladder 100 times or more one day which is too much when I'm this old.' Her husband added: 'She's bonkers - she might as well close the door and leave it there for next year. It is a happy house but even the toilet has a Christmas tree.' The grandmother confessed she does manage to keep one room free from the festivities. It's Santa! This life-size Father Christmas is one of thousands of festive decorations that cover the Jones's home in Wales Over the years Betty-Ann Jones (pictured) has opened her home to hundreds of local children to raise money for charity The couple, both 76 (pictured together) are seen outside their home complete with a Nativity scene and light-up trees She said: 'I started back in 1989, and my collection has grown from then. I've got Christmas decorations from Florida, from Las Vegas, and all the different Christmas Markets in Germany. 'I once bought a 6ft Santa from there, and brought it all the way home with me. My friends think I'm mad but there you go.' Over the years, Mrs Jones has opened her home to hundreds of local children. Asking for a charitable donation, she's been known to let families experience the thrill of her home, and has even let Father Christmas take up residence in her sleigh in the living room. The home of John and Helen Attlesey is lit up with a wide range of different Christmas lights in Soham, Cambridgeshire The house in Soham, Cambridgeshire, has a wide variety of interesting Christmas lights. The couple cover their house in the light display every year to raise money for East Anglia Children's Hospices, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Dreamflight A sculpture by London based Italian artist Matt Marga "One Million Queen" which depicts a profile of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is illuminated on Park Lane in central London this evening. The sculpture is made of approximately one million crystals embedded in an optically clear glass sheet, that also contains 53 real diamonds that represent the number of countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations A man looks at trees that are illuminated at a preview for this year's Enchanted Christmas at the Forestry Commission's Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury, in Gloucestershire, England Giving out warm punch, she's a neighbourhood favourite, raising money for Macmillan, and for various local causes including a boy seeking treatment in America. The pensioner said: 'I do it because I love Christmas and seeing the kids faces as they experience our very own grotto. 'I'm going to make sure this is the best one yet as it'll be the last.' As December creeps closer and closer families across the UK are getting their Christmas decorations out of the loft to sprinkle their communities with festive magic. A family in Gateshead are kitting out their home with extravagant decorations for the 21st years. They add new lights every year, covering their property from top to bottom. This house in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, has been lit up with extravagant Christmas decorations for 21 years Nigel Farage today congratulated his arch nemesis Michel Barnier on beating the UK in the Brexit talks - declaring Brussels had won 'game, set and match'. But he warned the deal is so loathed in Britain that it does not stand a chance of getting backed by MPs and the UK could be set to crash out without a deal at all. It came after Mr Barnier said the agreement thrashed out with Theresa May is the only deal on the table. Speaking in a half empty chamber in the European Parliament for a standard plenary session this morning, Mr Farage it is a 'good deal' for the EU but hated in Britain. The ex Ukip leader said: 'It is a good deal for the European Union. For the UK, I think it is probably the worst deal in history.' He added: 'Mr Barnier, I have to say, I wish you were on our side really, because it is game, set and match to you.' Lashing the PM's divorce deal, he said it 'shattered any illusion' that Britain will become an independent country after March next year. Nigel Farage today congratulated his arch nemesis Michel Barnier (pictured together in the EU Parliament) on beating the UK in the Brexit talks - declaring Brussels had won 'game, set and match' He said: 'There is the backstop, which means that the United Kingdom can be held effectively a hostage for many years to come.' He tore into Mrs May for signing the UK up to what he said is woeful deal which keeps the UK tied to the EU customs union and EU rules. Turning to Mr Barnier, who was sat next to him in the Chamber, he said: 'You probably can't even believe your luck that you came up against a British Prime Minister who met every single demand of yours while at the same time trying to deceive the British public. 'And you took it to the big summit on Sunday and in 38 minutes it was all agreed and it was done and dusted, and off to lunch. 'Well, I have to say we will be leaving on March 29 next year but any illusion at home that we are going to be an independent country, I am afraid, has been shattered.' Mr Farage said that 'before the ink was even dry' on the deal, Emmanuel Macron began firing off threats against Britain. The French President last week said he would use all his leverage to force Britain to let French trawlers fish in UK waters in return for a trade deal. The ex Ukip leader warned the French threats are a sign of things to come as the UK will be 'very much open and at your mercy'. He said: 'And that is why this is going to fail in Parliament and probably fail by a very big margin. 'Mr Barnier, you say this is the only possible deal, but this deal isn't going to be accepted. 'So perhaps we all need to grow up and actually recognise that there is a strong chance now of the UK leaving on March 29 on a WTO no deal. We need a negotiated deal to deal with sensible border issues. 'I wonder Mr Barnier, are you prepared for that? Because you seem this morning to have assumed that the British Parliament is going to ratify that.' His withering assessment of the deal comes as Mrs May faces a titanic battle to try to get her deal passed in the face of overwhelming opposition from MPs. The PM is bracing herself for a humiliating defeat as nearly 100 mutinous Tories have vowed to join Labour and the SNP in voting down her deal. But Mr Barnier today insisted that the agreement is the only deal on the table. He said: 'Given the ... high degree of complexity of all the issues surrounding the UK's withdrawal, the orderly withdrawal treaty that is on the table is the only deal possible. This is now the moment of ratification.' A veteran of the war in Afghanistan whose 'Trump 2020' flag was torched has been sent a replacement by the President's son. Gus Klein, from Burlington, Vermont, said his flag was ripped from its pole before being burned and discarded on his porch while his family slept. Eric Trump tweeted yesterday after learning of the story: 'Gus, Thank you so much for the support and thank you for your service to our country! Get us your address - a new Trump 2020 Flag will be coming your way! Keep up the fight!' Gus Klein, a veteran of two tour of Afghanistan, stands on his porch in Burlington, Vermont, where he discovered his 'Trump 2020' flag burned Eric Trump, the President's second son with his first wife Ivana, tweeted yesterday afternoon that he wanted to send the veteran a new flag Eric Trump then tweeted a follow up to his earlier statement a few hours later saying that he was sending a new flag to the veteran and would continue to do so if another was burned And it appears Klein responded as Eric sent a follow up tweet hours later saying a new flag was on its way to Vermont. Klein told WCAX, 'There is fear in my mind and its not right. I should be able to come and go as I want, and we should be able to sleep at night in our own property, so there is fear.' But he told the broadcaster he would not relent and would continue to support the President in the run up to 2020. A Twitter user called John Lilley tweeted his reaction to the flag burning, implying it was orchestrated by 'progressive communists' Another Twitter user said the only purpose for a Trump flag could be for fuel, asking America to 'wake up' Alongside his older brother Don Jr., Eric Trump is a trustee of The Trump Organization One of Klein's neighbors said it was a huge surprise to see such a violent act in their peaceful neighborhood. Police in Burlington are investigating the vandalism. Burlington, which lies in Vermont's Chittenden County, was heavily in favor of candidate Hillary Clinton, who received a 66 per cent share of the vote in 2016. Eric Trump is President Trump's third child and second son, from his marriage with former Czech figure skater and model, Ivana. Alongside his older brother, Don Jr., Eric works as a trustee for The Trump Organization and is a fervent supporter of his father, often appearing on television to back him. Jacop Robert Lee Hazlett, 28, was arrested after allegedly abusing the 3-year-old child on Sunday A church volunteer who was allegedly caught on a security camera performing oral sex on a toddler is being held. Jacop Robert Lee Hazlett, 28, was arrested after police say he escorted a three-year-old into a bathroom where he sexually assaulted the child on Sunday at the NewSpring Church, in Charleston, South Carolina. An affidavit states that Hazlett was recorded on cameras leading the child to the bathroom where he performed the sex act. In a statement handed out yesterday by the church, they stated: 'In the videos, it appears there was inappropriate conduct by Hazlett. 'We immediately took steps to prevent Hazlett from volunteering in any capacity at our church in the future and, at the same time, we reported this information to law enforcement.' The NewSpring megachurch in Charlottesville, South Carolina where Hazlett allegedly assaulted the toddler In addition the church added that if any parents believe Hazlett had inappropriate contact with their child to call the police or the pastor immediately. The NewSpring church said they had carried out all requisite checks into his background, including whether he was a sex offender, and all came back clear. WCSC-TV reported Hazlett was jailed by a judge pending the police investigation. This is the shocking moment a crane topples over and smashes into an industrial lifter - leaving a dock worker dangling 60ft above the ground. The freak accident occurred at a port in Guatemala when a large red crane was moving a counterweight from an even taller grey one. Footage captured by a worker last Wednesday shows the red crane lose its balance and collapse to the ground. Just moments before the freak accident at a port in Guatemala, the red crane moves a counterweight from a taller grey one, in footage shot by a dock worker The red crane loses its balance and topples over - smashing into an industrial lifter containing two men. While one of them grips onto a rail, the other almost falls out and is left dangling by his fingertips 60ft in the air As the heavy machinery falls, it smashes into the industrial lifter - causing its two occupants to stumble. One manages to hang on to a rail on the lifter platform but his co-worker nearly falls out, just holding on by his fingertips. Miraculously, both survived uninjured. The dock worker who shot the video said: 'They didn't have a harness for this kind of accident, so it shows that in Guatemala there are no safety measures in this line of work.' He later added: 'Thank God no one was seriously injured.' The owner of Britain's first long barrow tomb built in over 5,000 years has been hit with a 5,000 tax bill because officials say it is a storage unit. Tim Daw has been told he must pay business rates for his burial mound where people pay to inter the ashes of their loved ones like they did in the Neolithic period. Usually, church graveyards and burial grounds are exempt from the tax as they are seen as places of worship. Tim Daw has been told he must pay business rates on his burial mound on his Wiltshire farm Mr Daw built the neolithic-style burial mound on his Wiltshire farm so people could bury the ashes of their loved ones especially if they were followers of Paganism or Druidism Mr Daw spent some 200,000 building the structure on his farm near Devizes But Mr Daw has been told by the government's Valuation Agency that his long barrow is a commercial storage facility and he must pay the tax. He said the rule means mourners and visitors to his tomb will have to 'pay to pray'. And he said the move discriminates against non-Christian forms of worship like Paganism as Druids often use it. Mr Daw said: 'I got an email from the business valuation office saying they considered my long barrow as a place for storage, like a warehouse you'd store car parts in. 'They said because of that I should be paying business rates. 'I couldn't believe it. It's not right and it should be treated the same as a Christian church. It feels like discrimination. 'We are being told we must pay to pray. There is one rule for the established Christian religions and another for ancient pagans.' The burial mound has 340 niches, each of which have already been reserved at 1,000 Mr Daw said graveyards and cemeteries are normally exempted as they are places of worship Mr Daw's long barrow, pictured, is believed to be the first new such structure in 5,500 years Long barrows were in widespread use in the early Neolithic period and examples still exist today, but the burial method fell out of use by about 2,000BC. In 2014 Mr Daw, a farmer, decided to create the first newly-built one in 5,500 years, in response to the decline in people who want traditional Christian burials. He used traditional materials and stone working techniques to create the unusual site at his farm in All Cannings near Devizes, Wiltshire. The tomb is designed on an alignment that means the sun shines down the central chamber on the Winter Solstice, which also makes it a popular place of worship with Druids and Pagans. The build, which took nine months, cost Mr Daw about 200,000. The long barrow is about 220ft long and 20ft tall and has stone chambers with a series of shelves, called niches, where people pay to have their loved ones' ashes stored. It has 340 niches that can hold two or three urns and each niche carries a one-off charge of 1,000. All of the niches are now reserved, although only 40 are currently filled with urns. Mr Daw said he has covered his build costs and now makes an average of 1,000 a year from it by changing 100 for inurnments. He said he will have to charge visitors more if he had to pay 5,000 a year in business rates. Mr Daw said that anyone, whatever their religion, was welcome at the long barrow. He said: 'The long barrow is built like an ancient Druid temple and we've had Druids come here to worship. 'It has also become used for a loose kind of Pagan worship, so I just always assumed it was a place of worship and that was that, like a church. 'We are a non-profit organisation. We have a 100 charge for inurnments, which goes towards our costs and the maintenance of the barrow. Mr Daw said to describe the service he provides as 'storage' is demeaning to the relatives of those who are being commemorated inside the long barrow Mr Daw said he is very worried that the Valuation Agency views his long barrow as 'storage' 'We probably bring in about 1,000 a year but the Valuation Agency came back and said their estimate of the business rates I should be paying was between 4,500 to 5,000 a year. 'Aside from the fact it's a place of worship, that figure just doesn't work. 'Burial grounds attached to a church are exempt and council cemeteries pay very low rates, something like 60 a year. 'Them describing it as "storage" is demeaning to the families whose loved ones are buried here. It's a matter of principle.' Mr Daw said he has since had confirmation from a different government agency, the registrar, accepting the long barrow as a place of worship. He has sent this information on to the Valuation Agency but is still waiting for a response from them. He added: 'Getting that confirmation was a bit of light at the end of the tunnel but until they respond and accept it as a place of worship I'm still really worried.' A spokesman for the Valuation Office Agency said they could not comment on specific cases. The headquarters of Germany's Deutsche Bank was raided on Thursday amid allegations of money laundering linked to the Panama Papers leak. Prosecutors have accused two of the bank's staff of helping to launder money obtained through criminal activity. In total around 170 police officers raided six properties belonging to the bank and seized electronic and paper documents. Police raided the headquarters of Germany's Deutsche Bank on Thursday as part of an investigation into money laundering sparked by the Panama Papers leak Prosecutors believe two of the bank's employees helped criminals launder their ill-gotten gains through a offshore companies The Panama Papers were a leak of millions of financial documents obtained from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca which were leaked to the press in 2016. They contained evidence of widespread abuse of the global financial system including tax avoidance and evasion by celebrities, politicians and corporations. Prosecutors said that, as a result of the leak, they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank assisted clients to set up offshore companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to their bank accounts could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. In 2016 alone, over 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered on the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of 311million euros, the prosecutors said. Lawyers added that Deutsche Bank employees are alleged to have breached their duties by neglecting to report money laundering suspicions about clients and offshore companies involved in tax evasion schemes. This investigation is separate to another Panama Papers probe which also involves Deutsche Bank. In that case, prosecutors are investigating whether Danish lender Danske Bank violated anti-laundering laws by funneling more than 200billion in payments through its Estonian branch. Sources have told Reuters that Deutsche Bank helped process the majority of those payments. A Deutsche Bank executive director has said the lender played only a secondary role as a so-called correspondent bank to Danske Bank. Speaking about the latest investigation, a Deutsche Bank spokesman said: 'Of course, we will cooperate closely with the public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt, as it is in our interest as well to clarify the facts.' In total 170 officers were involved in raids on six of the bank's properties and seized paper and digital documents, prosecutors said Deutsche Bank is also involved in another money laundering probe linked to the Panama Papers, in which Danish lender Dankse Bank is accused of skirting anti-laundering laws The news comes as Deutsche Bank tries to repair its tattered reputation after three years of losses and a drumbeat of financial and regulatory scandals. Christian Sewing was appointed as chief executive in April to help the bank to rebuild. He trimmed U.S. operations and reshuffled the management board but revenue has continued to slip. Deutsche Bank shares were down more than 3 per cent by midday on Thursday and have lost almost half their value this year. Deutsche and Danske banks are not the first to be stung following revelations contained within the Panama Papers. Scandinavian lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by regulators for violating money laundering rules. Weaknesses in Deutsche Bank's controls that aim to prevent money laundering have caught the attention of regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The bank has publicly said that it agreed it needed to improve its processes to properly identify clients. In September, Germany's financial watchdog - BaFin - ordered Deutsche Bank to do more to prevent money laundering and 'terrorist financing,' and appointed KPMG as third party to assess progress. In August, Reuters reported that Deutsche Bank had uncovered further shortcomings in its ability to fully identify clients and the source of their wealth. Last year, Deutsche Bank was fined nearly $700million for allowing money laundering through artificial trades between Moscow, London and New York. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is still ongoing. Deutsche Bank has been under pressure after annual losses, and it agreed to pay a $7.2 billion settlement with U.S. authorities last year over its sale of toxic mortgage securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. The Lion Air jet that crashed into the sea killing 189 passengers and crew was deemed airworthy before it plunged into the ocean, investigators say. Indonesian officials scrambled to clarify their comments on Thursday after media outlets reported on Wednesday that the jet was declared unfit to fly. '[We] never stated that [the aircraft] was not airworthy,' said investigator Nurcahyo Utomo. Investigator, Nurcahyo Utomo, holds a model of a Boeing 737 to show how the doomed jet crashed into the sea during a press conference in Jakarta Parts of an engine of the ill-fated Lion Air jet were recovered from the sea during search operations in the Java Sea earlier this month The issue of airworthiness is crucial because of concerns over technical issues with new Boeing 737 MAX jets and questions over the airline's safety procedures. Investigators clarified their position even as they revealed problems with the airpseed indicator caused a computer on board the plane to pull the nose downward to avoid what it wrongly thought was a stall. Information retrieved from the flight data recorder on board the plane showed that on a trip the day before the accident, instruments were warning of a stall throughout most of the flight. The captain was using his controls to bring the airline's nose up, even as an automated anti-stall system was pushing it down. Pilots used switches to shut off the system and used manual controls to fly and stabilise the plane, Indonesia's transport safety committee (KNKT) said today. The pilots of that flight reported problems to Lion Air's maintenance team, which checked the jet and cleared it for take-off the next morning. Contact with the jet was lost 13 minutes after it took off from the capital, Jakarta, heading north to the tin-mining town of Pangkal Pinang. In a preliminary report, the KNKT committee focused on the airline's maintenance practices and pilot training and a Boeing Co anti-stall system but did not give a cause for the crash. Members of the National Transportation Safety Committee lift a box containing the flight data recorder from a crashed Lion Air jet on board a rescue ship anchored in the waters of Tanjung Karawang, Indonesia, earlier this month Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) sub-committee head for air accidents, Nurcahyo Utomo, speaks at a press conference The report unveiled fresh details of efforts by pilots to steady the 737 MAX jet as they reported a 'flight control problem', including the captain's last words to air traffic control asking to be cleared to 'five thou' or 5,000 feet. The report said: 'The flight from Denpasar to Jakarta experienced stick shaker activation during the takeoff rotation and remained active throughout the flight. 'This condition is considered as un-airworthy condition' and the flight should have been 'discontinued'.' After the crash, Lion Air instructed pilots to provide a 'full comprehensive description' of technical defects to the engineering team, KNKT said. In a statement, Boeing drew attention in detail to a list of airline maintenance actions set out in the report but stopped short of blaming ground workers or pilots for the accident. The company, which has said procedures for preventing an anti-stall system activating by accident were already in place, said pilots of the previous flight had used that drill but noted the report did not say if pilots of the doomed flight did so. Boeing's statement did not make any reference to a revised anti-stall system introduced on the 737 MAX which U.S. pilots say and Indonesian investigators say was missing from the operating manual. Family members of the victims of Lion Air flight boarding a bus provided by Lion Air after their meeting with National Transportation Safety Commission (KNKT) officials in Jakarta A woman placing flowers on her husband's grave, who died in the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610, during the funeral in Bekasi, West Java province last week Boeing says the procedure for dealing with a so-called runaway stabiliser, under which anti-stall systems push the nose down even when the plane is not entering a stall or losing lift, had not changed between earlier version of the 737 and the newly delivered 737 MAX. Pilots however say the control column behaves differently in certain conditions, which could confuse pilots who have flown the earlier model. Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air, said he had not yet read the KNKT report but will comply with all of the investigators' recommendations. The report provided new recommendations to Lion Air on safety on top of earlier recommendations about the flight manual that have already been implemented by Boeing. The pilot of the doomed Lion Air flight was said to have fought continuously' against malfunctioning computers that were trying to force the plane's nose down before it crashed. An official examines a wrecked turbine engine from Lion Air flight JT610 on November 4 after the jet crashed into the Java Sea The nose dipped more than a dozen times during the 11-minute flight on October 29, but the crew managed able to pull it up repeatedly before they finally lost control and the Boeing 737 crashed into the Java Sea. The information was taken from the flight data recorder and appeared to back investigators' theories that the on-flight computers were to blame for the tragedy. The software - called the manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system - is meant to stop the nose from rising too sharply and stalling the plane, according to an early report by Malaysian officials seen by the New York Times. 'The pilots fought continuously until the end of the flight,' said Captain Nurcahyo Utomo, the air accident investigator who is leading the probe. So far, investigators have said the doomed aircraft had problems with its airspeed indicator and angle of attack (AOA) sensors, prompting Boeing to issue a special bulletin telling operators what to do when they face the same situation. The nose dipped more than a dozen times during the 11-minute flight on October 29, but the flight crew were able to pull it up repeatedly before they finally lost control. File photo An AOA sensor provides data about the angle at which air is passing over the wings and tells pilots how much lift a plane is getting. The information can be critical in preventing an aircraft from stalling. The APA, a US airline pilots union, said that carriers and pilots had not been informed by Boeing of certain changes in the aircraft control system installed on the new MAX variants of the 737. The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee has retrieved one of the plane's black boxes - the flight data recorder - but is yet to locate the cockpit voice recorder. Black box data showed the plane had an airspeed indicator issue on multiple earlier flights, investigators said. Concerns have been raised by news that Lion Air kept putting the plane back into service despite repeatedly failing to fix the problem in the days leading up to the fatal flight. Authorities have called off the grim task of identifying victims of the crash, with 125 people officially recognised after testing on human remains that filled some 200 body bags. Thieves have raided two Adelaide toy stores and stolen an estimated $30,000 worth of Lego, leaving the shop owners stripped of valuable stock in the lead-up to Christmas. Southern District Police were investigating a break-in by two men at a toy store in St Marys, a southern suburb of Adelaide, in the early hours of Thursday. The took Lego sets valued at around $10,000, and cash from the till. The Adelaide Advertiser reported the stolen sets included rare R2D2 and Batman items. Southern District Police are investigating a Wednesday night break-in at a toy store in St Marys, a suburb of Adelaide, where thousands of dollars worth of Lego was stolen Police said the men loaded the goods into a Mazda van, which had been stolen overnight from Barnetts Road at St Marys. Police were investigating whether the incident was linked to a break-in at a nearby Daw Park toy store where an estimated $16,000 of Lego was stolen on Monday. 7 News obtained CCTV footage of the Thursday theft and police hoped someone might recognise the two men in the video. Steve Campbell from the St. Marys store said the thefts came at the worst possible time. 'It would take two weeks for insurance to pay out, then at least another week to reorder and that leaves us just a few days before Christmas when no one is buying,' Mr Campbell told The Advertiser. 'Im only going to be running on about one third of (popular) stock in the run in to Christmas.' Anyone with information regarding the theft of the Lego or the van are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A man has been arrested after trying to take 20 people hostage in Italy, leaving four people injured. The 28-year-old man was arrested after attempting to take 20 students hostage when he stormed a job training centre in the central Italian town of Fiuggi today. Four people, including three police officers and a female student, were injured, Italian media are reporting. He was said to have dragged the director of the Corso Nuova Italia institute into a classroom where there were 20 students about to start a class and took them 'hostage'. The suspect is thought to have been enrolled in the cooking class when he suddenly grabbed the director of the course by force, throwing him down the stairs, then barricading himself in the classroom, according to Corriere della Sera. The 28-year-old man was arrested after attempting to take 20 people hostage when he stormed job centre offices in the central Italian town of Fiuggi The man from the nearby town of Alatri, was said to have dragged the vocational job training centre director into a room with 20 students, then grabbed a female student and told everyone not to move. Police were called to the scene after one of the students managed to escape and raise the alarm. Soldiers from the Carabinieri and national police force were said to have broke into the building and used pepper spray supplied to subdue the man. According to Italian media the unarmed man was taken to a psychiatric hospital in Frosinone after storming into the job centre at around 8.30am today. An officer from the national Carabinieri military police, two local police officers and a female student were said to have been injured. Soldiers from the Carabinieri and national police force were said to have broke into the job centre building and used pepper spray supplied to subdue the man The young woman was taken to hospital with minor bruises, while the Carabinieri officer reported a slight leg bruise and two policemen suffered bruises, Italian media reported. Italian media say the suspect was being treated at the Center of Mental Hygiene. Fiuggi is a town in the Lazio region of central Italy, around 54 miles (88km) east from the capital Rome. Earlier this month another man took 12 people hostage in a post office of the northern Italian city of Pieve Modolena. But he later released them and surrendered to the authorities. The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate a national injunction that is currently blocking the presidents proposed ban on transgender people in the military. The Trump administration tried this procedural move in September in one of four lawsuits challenging the trans ban; but its earlier request was more complicated than just ending the injunction, and the Trump administration eventually withdrew it. In response to the Trump administration petition Nov. 23, the Supreme Court gave attorneys for the parties challenging the ban until Dec. 24 to file briefs regarding the injunction request. The Trump administration will be given a chance to reply to that brief. So, it will likely be January or later before the Supreme Court either grants or denies the administrations request to review its arguments to vacate the injunction. In his Nov. 23 petition to the high court, Solicitor General Noel Francisco argued that waiting for the normal judicial process to run its course would jeopardize the readiness, good order and discipline, sound leadership, and unit cohesion which are essential to military effectiveness and lethality. The Trump administration petition asks the Supreme Court to intervene now in three of four lawsuits where a district court has put an injunction in place. It also asks the court to rule on the overall dispute. Jennifer Levi, director of the transgender project for LGBTQ Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), says the issue before the court is on the injunction but the court could take up the trans ban itself. There are a number of things that make the request extraordinary, Levi explaiend. One is that they are leapfrogging the appeals process in filing a cert petition before judgment from the appeals courts. The other is that they are angling to try to get the court to review the constitutionality of the ban on the merits. Both are extraordinary and not supported by precedent. But time will tell, of course, what the Court decides to do. And the court, added Levi, can do whatever it wants. The timing of the Trump administration request puts it up against another extraordinary moment in the history of the Supreme Court and the White House. Two days before the administration filed its petition with the Supreme Court, President Trump derided the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals (where two of the four trans ban cases are pending) as a disgrace. He was angry that a district judge in the Ninth Circuit had blocked his executive order to severely restrict the ability of immigrants to apply for asylum. In an extremely rare move, Chief Justice John Roberts responded, rebuffing Trumps suggestion that a federal judge appointed by President Obama was biased against Trump when he issued a temporary national injunction against Trumps asylum plan. Roberts told Associated Press, We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. The independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for." Because a public statement with such political implications from the Chief Justice is such a rare event, Roberts comment was widely publicized and discussed. President Trump then attempted a response on Twitter, saying, Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have Obama judges, and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country. With the trans ban injunction, three out of four lawsuits have been granted a national injunction pending judicial review of the constitutionality of the ban. Those three are from Los Angeles (Stockman v. Trump), from Washington State (Karnoski v. Trump), and from the District of Columbia (Doe v. Trump). The latter case is one that prompted the Trump administrations first request for Supreme Court intervention. In September, a judge for the federal district court in Washington, D.C., ruled that a revised policy banning transgender people was essentially the same as the original policy Trump announced in 2017. She refused to vacate the initial national injunction. The Trump petition November 23 suggests all four cases could be consolidated on a review of the constitutionality of the proposed ban. The fourth case is from Maryland (Stone v. Trump). All were filed soon after President Trump announced in 2017 that he intended to ban trans people from the military. He later revised the wording of the proposal to ban, with few exceptions, anyone with a history of gender dysphoria and require those without gender dysphoria to dress consistent with their identified gender at birth. GLAD, which along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is representing plaintiffs in two of the lawsuits, says that vacating the injunction alone would dramatically upend the lives and families of thousands of trans service members and enlistees, and disrupt the military as a whole. Lambda Legal, which is leading one of the Ninth Circuit lawsuits, called the Trump petition to the Supreme Court wildly premature and inappropriate. It seems the Trump administration cant wait to discriminate, said Lambda attorney Peter Renn. There is no valid reason to jump the line now and seek U.S. Supreme Court review before the appellate courts have even ruled on the preliminary issues before them. Of the three cases cited in Trumps petition, all have cleared the district court phase on the issue of an injunction against the policy. But but only one has reached the three-judge appeals panel phase on the injunction issue and that panel has not yet issued its opinion. No court has yet to hear arguments on the constitutionality of the proposed ban itself. Sarah McBride, a national spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign which is a plaintiff in one of the four lawsuits, said she believes Trump officials are trying to circumvent normal judicial procedure because they know that every day that transgender people continue to enlist and serve with distinction is another day that the courts and the public see this irrational policy for what it is. John Alford arrives at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court ahead of his trial for attacking two police officers Former TV star John Alford has had his case for assaulting two police officers adjourned saying he hadn't yet seen video evidence taken on police body-worn cameras. The 47-year-old former Grange Hill and London's Burning actor, whose real name as John Shannon, who appeared unrepresented at Highbury Corner Magistrates, now faces trial in late January. Shannon, who also had three top 30 hits in the UK, has admitted criminal damage to a bin lorry during the incident in a street near his home in Holloway, north London, in September 1. Visibly agitated during the hearing, he pleaded to magistrates: 'I'm sorry to waste the court's time, it's the last thing I want to do. 'I've just received the body cam footage from the CPS two days ago. 'I've tried three DVD players, two TVs and there's nothing on these CDs. 'I find myself asking for the court's mercy and for more time so I can view the body cam footage with my solicitors. 'I had a meeting with my new colleagues at Hacked Off who had instructed solicitors for me and they will be representing me, a solicitor called Mark Watts.' When the prosecutor said all evidence had been posted to Shannon weeks before, he insisted: 'I think my learned friend is a bit confused about the timescale. They haven't showed me anything, they haven't sent me anything.' The application to adjourn was opposed by the prosecution but magistrates refused and bailed Shannon to return to the trial on January 29. This was despite prosecutor Matthew Groves and the court clerk warning them case law stated delays in criminal cases were 'scandalous' in law. Alford played Billy Ray in London's Burning (right in left-hand picture) after appearing as Robbie Wright in Grange Hill in the late 80s (right) Chair Caroline Wagner said: 'While we note the CPS complied with all releases of evidence and all evidence was served including the body worn and the unused in a timely manner... unfortunately this coincided with a change of solicitors and a slow appointment of an alternative. This case is adjourned until the 29th of January.' Shannon, who appeared clean-shaven, with short hair wearing a black suit and dark shirt with an undone top button, said: 'Thank you, have a nice Christmas.' Prosecutor Matthew Groves told the court the video footage was sent in a format intended for lawyers, that would be 'difficult' for a lay person to play. He confirmed the CPS received an email from Shannon's new lawyers, Cartwright King Solicitors, asking for an adjournment last Friday. Mr Groves said the email said: 'Mr Shannon has parted ways with his previous solicitors. We have only been instructed in this matter yesterday. 'It showed up on Mr Shannon's case yesterday, the 27th of November and its content was reviewed by the reviewing lawyer who makes a number of observation in respect of it.' Mr Groves explained the CPS sent papers including links to body worn video to Shannon's then solicitors Lewis Nedas two weeks after his trial date was set on October 1. The solicitors firm applied to revoke their representation for Shannon to the court on October 30. Mr Groves said: 'So some time has then elapsed before Mr Shannon instructed the new firm of solicitors who have contacted us saying they were instructed on the 22nd and so the first query really that that raises is why did it take three weeks to approach a replacement firm of solicitors?' He added: 'Notwithstanding that Lewis Nedas no longer represents Mr Shannon or in the circumstances there were no longer representing him, the reviewing lawyer posted hard copies of the prosecution papers... including links of body worn footage and unused material to his home address on November 12. 'Mobile telephone footage of part of the incident to which this trial relates was sent to him on the 21st of November again in the post. 'But that material was effectively a duplicate material that was widely available in the public domain in any event. 'Effectively a member of the public has provided the footage that is exhibited in the case to news media that has then been put out in the internet. 'So the exhibit that the defendant might have relied on in trial was freely available but we served it in any event. 'So from the Crown's perspective the evidence in its entirety went to Mr Shannon's former solicitors when there was a good two weeks for instructions to be taken.' Alford muttered and shook his head in court before Mr Groves opposed the adjournment and offered to play the three video clips, which were between five and eight minutes long, to him before the trial started. Mr Groves pointed out to law saying delays in trials were 'scandalous' and added: 'The Crown oppose the adjournment on the basis that we are ready for trial, I've got four police officers outside and as far as the Crown are concerned we have served everything relied on.' Disclosure of further documents of 'unused materials' was sent to the firm on November 3. Former President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Tom Bingham in 1990 ruled: 'It has been said time and time again that delays in the administration of justice are a scandal, and they are more scandalous when it is criminal proceedings with which the court is concerned.' An overweight child nicknamed 'Little Buddha' due to his chubby appearance has shot to internet fame in China. The five-year-old boy from Changchun, Jilin province, is actually suffering from a life-threatening kidney disorder. As a result of his medication, the boy is only one metre (3.3ft) tall and weighs a whopping 35kg (77lbs), almost two times heavier than his peers, local media reported. To earn money for his medical treatment, the child has been posting live-stream videos from his home with the help of his parents. An overweight child bearing an adorable resemblance to the Buddha has shot to internet fame in China. The five-year-old boy is actually suffering from a life-threatening kidney disorder As a result of his medication, Little Rock is only one metre (3.3ft) tall and weighs a whopping 35kg (77lbs), almost two times heavier than his peers, Chinese media reported To earn money for his medical treatment, the five-year-old has been posting live-stream videos from his home in Changchun, Jilin province with the help of his parents The boy's plump appearance and charismatic monologues in his videos has won the hearts of thousands of people, with each clip gathering around one million views. A video compilation of his vlogs shows the boy rapping, dancing, performing tai chi and narrating family trips to the zoo and Disneyland. The boy, also nicknamed 'Little Rock', currently has nearly one million followers on Kuaishou, one of China's top short video site, according to a local report cited by The Paper. The boy, whose name was not revealed, was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage - when he was 14 months old The boy's chubby appearance and charismatic monologues in his videos has won the hearts of thousands of people, with each clip gathering around one million views Little Rock currently has nearly one million followers on Kuaishou, China's top short video site The boy, whose name was not revealed, was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage - when he was 14 months old. His parents have used their entire life savings of 300,000 yuan (34,000) and even sold their house to fund his treatment, according to the report. Little Rock's mother is a property manager and his father is a labourer. Their combined income barely covers the cost of his regular medication, which is more than 7,000 yuan (790) every month to keep him in remission. Despite suffering from horrible side-effects of his medication including gaining weight and coughing up blood, Little Rock has never given up on himself and remained positive. The boy, whose name was not revealed, was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage - when he was 14 months old A video compilation of his live streams shows the boy rapping, dancing, performing tai chi and narrating a trip to the zoo. Each clip has gathered around one million views on social media As the five-year-old's delicate condition has prevented him from going to school, the boy said was able to make friends online via his live-steam videos What is nephrotic syndrome? Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine. This can lead to a range of problems, including swelling of body tissues and a greater chance of catching infections. Although nephrotic syndrome can affect people of any age, it's usually first diagnosed in children aged between 2 and 5 years old. The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome can usually be controlled with steroid medication. Source: NHS Advertisement 'I have to earn money myself and help my father and mother. I believe I can get better,' he told reporters. As the five-year-old's delicate condition has prevented him from going to school, he was able to make friends online via his videos. Despite his parents' concerns of hostile comments and internet trolls, Little Rock refused to give up his live-streaming hobby. 'Because there are a lot of uncles, aunties, brothers and sisters who care about me and I can earn money for my treatment,' he said. Live-streaming videos have been a dominant trend in China, where many young people have become online celebrities and millionaires by broadcasting their daily lives, including filming themselves singing, dancing and eating. Lady Elizabeth Wellesley is pictured arriving at the High Court in London The cash-strapped daughter of a wealthy earl is suing for a slice of the 1.3million he left in his will so she can afford to buy the council house she now calls home. Lady Elizabeth Wellesley, 56, was estranged from her financier father, the seventh Earl Cowley, for over 30 years until he died aged 81 in 2016, a court heard. On his death, Lord Cowley, whose title was created in 1857 for the Duke of Wellington's diplomat brother, left an estate valued at over 1.3million after tax. But he bequeathed just 20,000 of that to Lady Elizabeth, his oldest child by the first of his four marriages. But now Lady Elizabeth, who lives with her son in Gospel Oak, north London, is asking Judge John Linwood to increase her share. Her father's will failed to make 'reasonable provision' for her and should be re-written to put that right, her lawyers argue. Diego Soto-Miranda, for Lady Elizabeth, said she suffers from ADHD which affects her ability to hold down a job. And, although she wishes to pursue a career in fine art, she is in desperate need of a cash injection from her father's estate. Existing on state benefits, she lives in a council house which she hopes to buy at a discounted price of 265,000. Much of the family wealth went to her brother, Graham Wellesley, the eighth earl, and his widow, the Dowager Countess, was granted a regular income. Much of the family wealth went to her brother, Graham Wellesley (left), the eighth earl, and his widow, the Dowager Countess (right), was granted a regular income Four of Lady Elizabeth's five step-sisters were also left half of the capital in Lord Cowley's estate in equal shares, the High Court heard. Ranged against her in court are Earl Cowley, 53, and step-sisters - Heidi Itatcabal, Hillary Ryan, Sarah Mosier, Johanna Wellesley. Her fifth step-sister, Jennifer Emery, is not a beneficiary under the will and is not involved in the case, the court heard. Mr Soto-Miranda added: 'The defendants rely on the late earl's will and say that her financial misfortunes are of her own making. 'We dispute that, the medical evidence will show that ADHD has affected her since childhood.' In earlier years, Lord Cowley tried to support his daughter as she struggled to set up her own business, the court heard. But Constance McDonnell, for the family, said her behaviour 'continued to deteriorate' and her father became convinced she was taking drugs. 'Lord Cowley believed that she was a 'lost cause' and her choices in life saddened, depressed and embarrassed him deeply,' the barrister added. She and Lord Cowley had a fraught relationship even when she was a youngster, with him viewing her as a 'disruptive' influence, said Miss McDonnell. By her late teens, Lady Elizabeth's rowdy behaviour had 'worn her father down', and he was struggling to cope with her, she told the judge. She came home late at night and 'treated his house like a hotel', the barrister alleged. But Lady Elizabeth retorted: 'I dispute that I treated the place like a hotel, although I might have gone to the odd nightclub.' She was asked why she expected to inherit anything from her father, given their three decades of estrangement. 'Although he had not provided you with financial support, you nonetheless expected to inherit something when he died?' the barrister put to her. 'Yes - as his only daughter, his blood, yes,' replied Lady Elizabeth. She had done her best to build bridges with her father over the years, and she told the judge: 'I tried to get in touch with him; I hoped he was thinking of me'. 'I did try to reconcile with him on a number of occasions, but he just refused to contact me,' she added. And she claimed her attempts at a rapprochement 'didn't seem to get much encouragement' from the rest of the family. The seventh earl was born in the United States, where he studied and served in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps, before carving out a career in finance. He married four times, and Lady Elizabeth had an often stormy relationship with her various stepmothers, the court was told. Her childhood was overshadowed by her parents' divorce and by her mother's mental health problems, said Miss McDonnell. And, although Lord Cowley tried to create a stable home for her, Lady Elizabeth would not heed parental discipline, she claimed. 'She refused to attend school or to accept any form of discipline or domestic structure and ended up living in a foster home in her early teens,' she added. In the witness box, however, Lady Elizabeth denied being unruly in her childhood or playing truant from school. As for claims that her father sent her to a 'good school', she insisted it was simply the local state school. And Lady Elizabeth said she ended up feeling like 'excess baggage' after her father remarried. She claimed his second wife, Isabelle, made clear her 'distaste' for her, however much she tried. Miss McDonnell said the earl's third 'incredibly caring' wife, Paige, went out of her way to help Lady Elizabeth as a child, even hand-stitching her Christmas stocking. But Lady Elizabeth said she had found it 'impossible to please Paige'. Miss McDonnell claimed Lady Elizabeth confronted her father in her 20s, making clear her repugnance for the aristocratic world and its trappings. 'You came home and said that you hated the aristocratic life that he and the rest of the family lived, and their superior attitudes, and that you wanted nothing more to do with any of them,' the barrister said. But Lady Elizabeth said she had no recollection of the spat, adding: 'I didn't have an aristocratic life, I was living in absolute poverty.' When the barrister put to her, 'your father thought you were taking drugs,' she responded: 'I was not taking drugs'. Miss McDonnell said Lord Cowley had made clear to his fourth wife, now the Dowager Countess, that he never wished her to meet his daughter. 'He wished her to remain excluded from his life because she had been a disruptive influence during his marriage to Paige - his third wife,' she added. 'She had been more and more troublesome as she grew into her late teens and early 20s.' 'She had not focused on her studies or getting a job and was not prepared to conform with Lord Cowley's standards.' The High Court hearing continues. The Tory party paused its civil war over Brexit last night to quaff wine at a lavish awards bash that saw Theresa May's deal ridiculed by a Cabinet minister and both her ex-Brexit secretaries rewarded for 'best resignation'. Politicians from both sides of the Commons and across the Brexit divide turned out for the Spectator's Parliamentarian of the Year awards. Joined by Westminster journalists the boozy bash continued late into last night. David Davis and Dominic Raab jointly collected Cabinet resignation of the year for quitting over the Brexit deal. And Tracey Crouch picked up a gong for her own incendiary walkout from Government over delays to curbs on fixed odds betting terminals. The best jokes of the night were reserved for host Liz Truss, who quipped she hoped Ruth Davidson's new baby would grow up to a 'world where we are out of the backstop'. Ex Brexit Secretaries Dominic Raab (left) and David Davis (centre), alongside Tracey Crouch (right) were all rewarded for quitting the Government last night Chief Secretary Liz Truss (right with Aid Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Health Secretary Matt Hancock) ridiculed Theresa May's Brexit deal and many of her Tory colleagues Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott (left) was also at the party, alongside Boris Johnson's sister Rachel (right) Launching an all-assault on her Tory colleagues the Chief Secretary to the Treasury said: 'Now I know that my jokes havent always gone down well with some of my colleagues and friends. 'So I decided that I was going to do it right this time and I was going to consult them. I asked Michael Gove to send me a joke, but hes still not taken my calls. 'The DUP sent me a joke but unfortunately they charged me 1 billion for it. Jacob Rees-Mogg promised me five jokes, but he only sent three through. 'And finally I asked the Chancellor for a joke just kidding I didnt actually.' Ms Truss also mocked Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley, Trade Secretary Liam Fox and former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab. She quipped Chris Grayling's car was 'stuck somewhere near Crewe' and joked she might join the 'pizza club' of Brexit rebels - just to get a slice of pizza. Labour MP Jess Philips (left) and ex Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith (right) were also in attendance at the boozy party Mr Davis and Mr Raab were handed the 'best Cabinet resignation' award at the Spectator party in central London Remain campaigner Nicky Morgan was also at the dinner, held every year to highlight the most prominent MPs in the political year Controversial columnist Toby Young, who resigned from the Office for Students in January amid a scandal over his writing, was also at the party The minister said snap elections and Treasury forecasts should be banned but not before 'Andrew Bridgen is banned from speaking to any journalists'. And Ms Truss mocked Donald Trump - even putting on a dreadful American accent - to suggest how he might endorse the deal with 'extracts' from his speech. She said: 'People of Britain with deal we are going to start winning again. Going to win to a new level, win on the economy, win economically, win so much you're going to get tired of winning. 'Don't listen to those total losers Corbyn and McDonnell.' Still imitating Trump, Ms Truss said it was a 'huge and beautiful' Brexit deal that 'contains the best words'. And she quipped: 'If it were not just on paper I would date it.' Sky News's Adam Boulton posed Labour MPs Stella Creasy (left) and Jess Philips (right) at the Parliamentarian of the Year awards A Russian model and beauty blogger who lost her newborn baby has shared her pain with her online followers by posting a heartbreaking picture of her stillborn son. Yana Yatskovskaya, 27, posted the picture to show support to all mothers who have delivered a stillborn baby or lost a child. The picture shows Yatskovskaya holding the tiny body of her dead son just after delivering him at home, according to the Russian model. Yatskovskaya said that she was six months pregnant when she decided to go on holiday to the Maldives with her husband and three-year-old daughter. Yana Yatskovskaya holding the tiny body of her dead son just after delivering him at home During the holiday, she stopped feeling her baby's movements and went to a local hospital. The doctors examined her and said that the baby's heart was not beating. According to the model, who is from Moscow, she went 'home' and delivered her stillborn son. She did not give any further details on how the stillborn baby was delivered. She said: 'I did not give my baby to anybody and nobody took him away from me. I delivered him at home and we buried him because he is a member of our family. 'He has become an angel and now protects our family from heaven.' The model explained that she wanted to support all mothers who have lost their children by sharing the picture with her 772,000 Instagram followers. Yatskovskaya said that she was six months pregnant when she decided to go on holiday to the Maldives with her husband and three-year-old daughter Yana Yatskovskaya with her husband and daughter during their holiday on the Maldives, during which she stopped feeling the baby's movements and went to see a doctor She said: 'It hurts so much. All mums experiencing such incredible pain should not remain silent.' Some commenters expressed their support for Yatskovskaya after she posted the heartbreaking picture online. Elena Soloveva said: 'What a heartbreaking picture. My thoughts and support go to the poor mother. I wish you all the strength in the world to overcome your grief.' Yana Yatskovskaya, pictured left with her husband and right while she was pregnant. She went 'home' to deliver the baby stillborn although it was not clear if she returned to Russia Posting online, the 27-year-old Russian model said: 'I did not give my baby to anybody and nobody took him away from me' The Russian model and beauty blogger, pictured, said she posted the picture online in solidarity with other mothers who had lost their children The Russian model, who has thousands of Instagram followers, poses with her family The model, pictured right posing in a kitchen, explained that she wanted to support all mothers who have lost their children by sharing the picture with her 772,000 followers Frazer Neil, 25, pictured, has been jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years behind bars for murdering ex-fiancee Hannah Dorans A controlling and manipulative thug has been jailed for life after murdering his former fiancee by strangling her two weeks after she broke up with him. Frazer Neil, 25, will serve at least 19 years behind bars after killing Hannah Dorans, 21, when he lured her to his flat in Edinburgh. Neil convinced her to come to the property by threatening to destroy car insurance documents and later claimed her death was a Fifty Shades of Grey sex game gone wrong. His behaviour was described as 'manipulative' by judge Lady Scott as he 'bombarded' the aspiring paramedic with 800 messages following the break up that included threats to take his own life. It was also heard he searched for information about culpable homicide and sentencing the day before killing Ms Dorans. The High Court in Edinburgh heard Ms Dorans, of Midlothian, had finished the four-year relationship just two weeks before but Neil could not accept she had another partner. He lured her to the flat in February 2017 and sexually assaulted her before strangling her with a cord. Neil then called emergency services after the act and admitted killing her but claimed not to remember what had happened. Lady Scott said: 'You have been convicted of the murder of Hannah Dorans. 'She was only 21 years old, much loved and full of kindness. Her family is left utterly devastated. 'This was a vicious and violent method of causing death and requires a substantial sentence.' During his evidence Neil denied being jealous but told the court: 'In some way, shape or form Hannah died at my hands.' He also claimed that he and his former girlfriend had a shared interest in Fifty Shades of Grey-type sex games. His lawyer said Neil had 'great difficulty' in coming to terms with the break-up and had shown 'genuine remorse' for killing his ex-partner. Neil was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years, backdated to January. The killer will remain on licence and subject to recall for the rest of his life. Miss Dorans, 21, was strangled to death after being lured to Neil's flat in Edinburgh after he threatened to destroy her car insurance documents Lady Scott admonished Neil for causing distress to his victims' parents, Moira and Keith Dorans, by messaging them over social media while he was on bail on March 1 2017. In a statement released after sentencing, they said: 'No sentence will ever be long enough for us. 'The life of our wonderful daughter was brutally taken from her and our lives are forever changed. 'Hannah was a beautiful person. Her life was ended far too soon but she will never be forgotten by those who loved and cared for her.' Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander, of Police Scotland's major investigation team, said after sentencing: 'My thoughts are with Hannah's family at what is a really difficult time for them. 'Keith and Moira, and their family, have shown tremendous dignity throughout the whole judicial process and the trial. 'The devastating loss of their beloved daughter and their long wait for justice to see Neil sentenced and unable to hurt anyone else has been agonising for them. 'Neil has been shown to be a dangerous and manipulative individual who preyed on Hannah's trusting and caring nature, and we welcome this sentence. 'This conviction will not compensate in any way for their loss but, hopefully, it will give them a degree of comfort that justice has been done.' An unverified bogus Twitter account claiming to belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended after going undetected for six years. The account, @PutinRF_Eng, managed to attract more than one million followers and was mentioned in tweets sent by several high profile names. World leader ncluding former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, and former Argentina president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner all tweeted the bogus page. Earlier this year, the Kremlin confirmed that the account in question was not run by Mr Putin nor managed by a member of his team. The fake account regularly posted photos and updates of the Russian president's activities and stated in its description that it was official. The fake account regularly posted photos and updates of the Russian president's activities and stated it was official, but did not have a blue tick The Twitter account @PutinRF_Eng attracted more than one million followers and was left undetected for six years But the fake account it did not have Twitter's verified blue tick, which helps users know whether accounts for recognised and famous names are real. The Putin impersonator account was reportedly created in 2012 and posted mainly official links to the president's public appearances. 'We suspended @putinRF_eng for impersonation based on a valid report we received from Russian officials', Twitter announced. Impersonation is against Twitter policy, unless the account states that it is a parody, commentary, or fan account that is not affiliated with similarly-named individuals. In September a tweet from Silvio Berlusconi's official account to @PutinRF_Eng thanked the Russian president and was accompanied by a picture of the Italian billionaire sitting at a desk on the phone and surrounded by gold wallpaper. 'Best wished from my friend': Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi tweets the fake Putin account in September The tweet said: 'Best wishes from my friend @PutinRF_Eng are always special ... , thank you!' Twitter has taken a tougher stance on suspicious and inactive accounts on its platform, purging millions of locked accounts in July designed to 'improve the health' of conversation. Social networks have also beef up their effort against accounts suspected of misleading political behaviour, with Twitter deleting 284 accounts in August for 'coordinated manipulation' in the lead up to the US mid-term elections. China is planning to build its first undersea high-speed railway tunnel. The underwater passage will be 16.2 kilometres (10 miles) long and support trains that operate at the speed of 250 kilometres per hour (155 miles per hour), according to a plan which is under evaluation by Beijing. The underwater high-speed railway is part of a new 40 billion yuan (4.5 billion) train line, the Yong-Zhou Railway. It is set to connect the cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in Zhejiang province. China is planning to build a tunnel under the East Sea for high-speed trains (file photo) The passage will be 16.2 kilometres (10 miles) long and trains will travel at 250 kilometres per hour (155 miles per hour), according to a plan which is under evaluation by Beijing (file photo) The undersea tunnel will link the Beilun District of Ningbo with the Jintang Island of Zhoushan The tunnel will run under the East Sea and link the Beilun District of Ningbo with the Jintang Island of Zhoushan. The Yong-Zhou Railway is set to be a rail-road project, which will facilitate high-speed trains as well as vehicles, according to Zhejiang News citing a statement from the Ningbo government. The traffic link will be 77 kilometres (48 miles) long and have seven stations. Trains and cars will travel across the sea in two separate tunnels - both to be constructed. The railway is expected to shorten the travel time between Ningbo and Zhoushan from around an hour and a half to just 30 minutes. The report said experts were currently studying the feasibility of the construction plan. A recent discussion was held in Beijing and experts were positive about the project. The 4.5 billion railway connects Ningbo, the second largest city in Zhejiang, with Zhoushan. Pictured, passengers carrying wait for trains at Ningbo Railway Station on January 30, 2016 Built on an archipelago, the city of Zhoushan (pictured) is renowned for its fishing industry The news comes just a month after China opened the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, which runs 55 kilometres (34 miles) and includes a 6.7-kilometre (four-mile) undersea tunnel. Earlier this month, Chinese workers finished building a tunnel under the Yellow Sea for subway trains and it reached as deep as 88 metres (288 feet). The passage is about 100 feet deeper than the Bosphorus rail tunnel in Istanbul, which is said to be the world's deepest underwater railway tunnel. Fears were raised over the safety of a British Airways flight to Nairobi after it was spotted circling Canterbury with its wheels down. The 747 left Heathrow Airport at around 11.23am, around an hour later than scheduled, and was due to land in Kenya just before 8pm UK-time. British Airways said the plane had a 'minor technical issue' and was returning to Heathrow as a precaution. According to reports on social media, the plane's nose gear became stuck after take-off. The 747 touched back down at Heathrow at around 1pm. A British Airways 747 circled Kent today with its nose landing gear down, pictured, ahead of returning to Heathrow due to a technical issue Reports suggested the plane, bound for Nairobi, had to return to the airport because the landing gear became stuck The plane had to circle the area at around 8,000ft, and then flew over The Channel to dump fuel. A BA spokesman said: 'The aircraft has a minor technical issue and is returning to Heathrow purely as a precaution. 'We apologise to customers for the disruption to their journey and we aim to have them on the way again soon.' The plane was circling Kent at around 8,000ft and caused a stir on social media Rahim Mohammadi, 42 (mugshot pictured) killed Lea Adri-Soejoko, 80, with a lawnmower flex and hid her body at the Colindale allotments in north west London A one-eyed Iranian refugee who was granted asylum in Britain has been found guilty of strangling an elderly widow to avoid being thrown off his allotment. Rahim Mohammadi, 42, killed Lea Adri-Soejoko, 80, with a lawnmower cord in February 2017 to silence her complaints about his violent behaviour on the Colindale allotments in north west London. The allotment secretary was found dead in a locked lawnmower shed wearing her Wellington boots and an apron with the keys in her pocket. Mohammadi, who was given his plot by a charity for Iranian torture victims, repeatedly clashed with Mrs Adri-Soejoko in the months leading up to her murder and accused her of a 'conspiracy' over the running of the vegetable garden. He called her a f****** b**** and had flooded her with abusive emails claiming he could run the site better. Her body was found after her daughter Tessa raised concerns about her failing to turn up to a meeting. When she accompanied police to the allotments she rang her mother's phone, which they heard coming from inside the shed - leading to the discovery of her body. Mohammadi, nicknamed 'glass eye', of Bethnal Green, east London, was today found guilty of her murder following a retrial at the Old Bailey after DNA was found on the lawnmower. Allotment secretary Lea Adri-Soejoko, 80 (pictured) was friends with her killer but the pair had fallen out over control of the site in Colindale, north west London The pensioner's body was found in a locked lawnmower shed (pictured) in Colindale, north west London, after her daughter rang her phone and police officers heard it coming from inside On the way to murder: Iranian refugee Rahim Mohammadi is pictured going through the barriers at Colindale Tube Station in north west London at 12.32pm on the day of the killing Mohammadi was caught on CCTV again walking along Sheaveshill Avenue in Colindale in the direction of the allotments after coming out of the Tube station The former allotment holder was seen walking back and forth from the site three times on the day of the murder. Victim: Mrs Adri-Soejoko was found when police heard her phone ringing inside her pocket He was caught on CCTV coming out of Colindale Tube station at around 12.30pm on February 27, the last day Mrs Adri-Soejoko was ever seen. He was then captured walking down Sheaveshill Avenue in the direction of the allotment site. Mrs Adri-Soejoko left her home, which was only 100 yards away from the community gardens, at around 3pm. Mohammadi was seen on CCTV walking from the allotments to some nearby shops at 3.42pm, 5pm and 5.26pm before finally heading home to east London at 5.48pm. The killer, who is of Kurdish origin, came to the UK looking for political asylum in 2005 after being tortured by the Iranian regime. Known by the nickname 'Glass eye', he had scarring on his body and ongoing health problems as a result of his ordeal and was provided with a bedsit room in north London. In 2008 Mohammadi was referred to the Colindale Allotment Association - which has a seven-year waiting list for plot spaces - through the group Freedom from Torture's Medical Foundation. Rahim Mohammadi: From sheltered asylum seeker to murder 2005 Iranian national of Kurdish origin Rahim Mohammadi is granted asylum in the UK after being tortured by the Iranian regime. He suffered persistent health problems as a result of his torture injuries and was given a bedsit room in London. 2008 He was referred to the Colindale Allotment Association by the Freedom From Torture Foundation, who gave him a space on the north west London plots despite it having a seven-year waiting list. He shared his garden with other immigrants of African, Iranian and Afghan origin. April 2016 Mohammadi gains sole control of his plot and is invited onto management committee by Mrs Adri-Soejoko September 2016 He shouts at Mrs Adri-Soejoko at an allotment committee AGM and she told him to 'shut up' October 2016 After Mrs Adri-Soejoko apologises for the row she gives him responsibility of changing locks on gates February 27 2017 Mohammadi strangles and kills the 80-year-old allotment secretary March 5 2017 Mohammadi is arrested November 29 2018 He is found guilty of murder after a second trial Advertisement At first he shared his plot with people from Africa, Iran and Afghanistan and visited it twice a week for therapy sessions with Jochen Enke. By April 2016 he had gained sole control over his own plot where he grew potatoes, peas and a range of fruit and he was invited on to the management committee by Mr Critchley and Mrs Adri-Soejoko. Mrs Adri-Soejoko, who lived 100 yards away from the allotment was dedicated to the running of the association, did the accounts and acted as a 'peacemaker' during any disputes. She took pity on Mohammadi - who claimed she nicknamed him 'Little Puppy' - and even lent him money and let him visit her home regularly. But over the next 10 months Mohammadi grew to resent the way Mrs Adri-Soejoko ran things and felt he could do a better job. On 11 September 2016 Mohammadi shouted down other committee members during the Annual General Meeting (AGM), prompting the chair Mrs Adri-Soejoko to tell him to 'shut up'. Mohammadi responded with by ranting at her and calling her a 'f****** b***' before storming out. Mrs Adri-Soejoko later apologised for telling him to shut up but Mohammadi never said sorry and instead wrote a series of emails complaining about her role on the committee. Mohammadi wrote: 'She don't like it committee asking her from the day she became secretary for one bank statement but she never bring that bank statement - if this is not called a conspiracy then what? 'She does not understand every member has the same rights she has. I don't understand why she scared to show a bank statement to others!!!' This is the lawnmower that Mohammadi used to strangle his victim with the machine's cord CCTV footage captured Mohammadi walking from the allotment towards some local shops and back three times on the afternoon of the murder In another he said: 'She got that wrong if she thinks she got elected from the parliament, I had my opinion and I said it, people can agree with it or disagree with it.' He also wrote to Mrs Adri-Soejoko: 'I am in the committee and I will stay in the committee until I am in this country. 'You said something very bad in meeting for no reason and I got angry and I answer you. You came to my shed and you apologised and I did the same.' Mrs Adri-Soejoko replied: 'I apologise to you as I may have provoked you but you did not apologise to me for the foul language you used in your outburst.' Her granddaughter Amber Tomlinson told the court: 'She was definitely concerned. Mrs Adri-Soejoko's daughter Tessa is pictured outside the Old Bailey. It was her phone call to her mother's phone that led police to her body Mrs Adri-Soejoko's granddaughter Amber is pictured leaving the Old Bailey after giving evidence 'She definitely knew there was something wrong. She told me not to tell the rest of the family about the incident. She didn't want them to worry.' Despite the rift, Mrs Adri-Soejoko gave Mohammadi responsibility for putting new locks on the allotment gates after they were broken three times in the space of a month between September and October 2016. She even paid him for the work. In the week leading up to the murder, Mohammadi and Mrs Adri-Soejoko clashed again over another dispute between two neighbouring plot holders, which was reported to police but did not result in any action. Mohammadi later admitted he spoke to Mrs Adri-Soejoko about the row on the day of her death, but she asked him not to get involved. Mrs Adri-Soejoko left her home for the last time on 27 February last year to visit the allotment at around 3pm. She had spoken to her friend Adrian Darby on the phone at 2.34pm to arrange to meet him later that day so they could attend a meeting of another allotment group in Barnet at 7.30pm. But when Mr Darby rang her at 6.08pm, 6.22pm and 6.57pm he got no answer and contacted her daughter Tessa. After a fruitless search they reported Mrs Adri-Soejoko missing at 1.15am before heading to the allotment with police while ringing her phone in an attempt to track the sound. The allotment site in Colindale where the search for grandmother Mrs Adri-Soejoko ended The scene where Mrs Adri-Soejoko's body was found in 2017. Her relatives reported her missing but found her dead with their own search party Mrs Adri-Soejoko, who was described as being 'of robust good health' for her age and was 5ft 5 inches tall and weighed 11 stone, was resting on a wooden pallet next to a Mountfield lawnmower. The starter cord had been pulled out of the mower to almost its full extent and wrapped tightly around her neck. She had also suffered bruising to her arms, left wrist, left shoulder, right hand and left knee, bruising and abrasions to the face, a fracture of the spine at the base of the neck and two fractures to the fifth and ninth ribs on the left side. The injuries suggested she had been assaulted first before being dragged into the shed and strangled. Prosecutor John Price, QC, told the court Mrs Adri-Soejoko had been 'beaten up'. Despite there being no sign of Mohammadi ever having assaulted the grandmother before, the prosecutor told jurors 'all was not well between them'. 'He has on occasions revealed a measure of frustration at her tolerant, indulgent and diplomatic style of management,' he said. 'She in turn did not care for his interference and on that issue could stand her ground.' Mohammadi's outburst at the committee meeting months earlier may have been allowed to pass, but there would have been 'no willing to overlook, no forgiveness' for lashing out and striking her on the allotment on 27 February. Mohammadi is pictured in handcuffs leaving Wimbledon Magistrates Court in March last year 'As he pondered what he had just done to her in temper, Rahim Mohammadi will have feared that he would never again be allowed to return to the allotment and much else besides,' Mr Price said. 'And so, this time acting in cold blood, he killed her.' CCTV footage also captured Mohammadi walking from the allotment towards the shops and back three times on the afternoon of the murder, first at around 3.42pm, then at 5pm and finally at 5.26pm, when he was carrying a bottle of water. Mohammadi left Colindale to return to his home in east London at 5.48pm. When he was arrested he told police he visited Mrs Adri-Soejoko at her home twice that afternoon to discuss the allotment and return a measuring tape. Detectives believe Mohammadi was the only other plot holder on the allotment with a key to the mower shed at the time of the killing of Mrs Adri-Soejoko. Mrs Adri-Soejoko's keys were in her pocket, another committee had left the allotment at 9am, one was on holiday in Peru and another's key was bent out of shape and no longer fit the lock. Mohammadi was charged with murder on 5 March last year but the police investigation was almost derailed on 13 April when a DNA match was made on the Police National Computer to Ghanaian criminal Mubarick Duat, 37. Mohammadi will be sentenced tomorrow. President Trump put pressure on the special counsel to wrap up its work on Thursday as he prepared to sit down with the Russian president. Trump is bracing himself for for the outcome of the probe into Russian election meddling in 2016. He has accused Mueller and his investigators of witness intimidation, undisclosed conflicts of interest and political bias this week as he impatiently awaited the results. He asked hours before he left the White House for Argentina, where he's supposed to sit down with Vladimir Putin, 'When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? 'After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous!' President Trump put pressure on the special counsel to wrap up its work on Thursday as he prepared to sit down with the Russian president Trump is bracing himself for for the outcome of the probe into Russian election meddling in 2016 and impatiently awaiting the rsults Trump has said that the Mueller investigation has impeded his ability to have normal relations with Russia, ignoring the malign behavior that led to sanctions on Moscow and probes in the Justice Department ad Congress. He is weighing pardons for at least one former associate caught up in Mueller's web after the special counsel sent him to prison for financial crimes that were not directly related to the probe's purpose of uncovering which U.S. citizens might have been assisting Russia. The president publicly acknowledged the possibility of using his virtually unchecked pardon authority to spare Paul Manafort even as newly empowered Democrats are warning that any attempt to use the power to try to sway a potential witness could amount to obstruction of justice. Although special counsel Mueller's investigators apparently have soured on Manafort, they wanted him enough as a cooperating witnesses that they agreed to a deal that would have allowed for reduced jail time despite his conviction on corruption charges. 'It was never discussed, but I wouldn't take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?' Trump said of a pardon, speaking in a sit-down interview with the New York Post. Trump's casual talk about a potential pardon came a day after White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tried to avoid the topic. And it came despite explicit warnings from Democrats and legal experts that the president could face personal legal exposure if he is seen as using a power to try to interfere with a witness while federal prosecutors investigate Russian election hacking. Incoming House Judiciary chairman Rep. Jerold Nadler told CNN this week Trump 'should understand that even dangling a pardon in front of a witness like Manafort is dangerously close to obstruction of justice and would just fortify a claim or a charge of obstruction of justice against the President.' Sanders said at one of her increasingly infrequent White House briefings Tuesday when asked about it: 'I'm not aware of any conversations for anyone's pardon involving this process.' Trump also expanded on his relentless attack on Mueller from Wednesday morning, where he accused prosecutors of pressuring key witnesses to lie following developments that could land Manafort in jail for the rest of his life. 'If you told the truth, you go to jail, Trump vented. 'You know this flipping stuff is terrible. You flip and you lie and you get the prosecutors will tell you 99 percent of the time they can get people to flip. It's rare that they can't,' Trump said. ATTACK MODE: Trump went after the media and prosecutors on Wednesday He has complained in the past about the ways prosecutors entice witnesses to cooperate, using the jargon 'flipping' that is used by mobsters and shows up in legal thrillers. The president also identified the three people he was complaining about in an earlier tweet where he went after Mueller and the media. 'But I had three people: Manafort, Corsi I don't know Corsi, but he refuses to say what they demanded. Manafort, Corsi and Roger Stone,' Trump said, identifying the people he claims were pressured by prosecutors, without providing specifics. Corsi is a reference conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi. Trump, who has repeatedly called the Mueller Russia probe a 'witch hunt' and attacked the special counsel as 'conflicted,' on Twitter alleged prosecutorial misconduct but without saying against whom or providing evidence. 'While the disgusting Fake News is doing everything within their power not to report it that way, at least 3 major players are intimating that the Angry Mueller Gang of Dems is viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts & they will get relief,' the president claimed on Twitter Wednesday. 'This is our Joseph McCarthy Era!' Trump charged, invoking the Wisconsin senator known for his leveling charges of communist infiltration without providing evidence. Trump's outburst at prosecutors came amid new twists in the Mueller probe including prosecutors claiming in a court filing that Trump's former campaign chair Paul Manafort committed 'lies' contrary to a plea agreement even as he remains confined in a Virginia jail. If a judge agrees with prosecutors and finds him in breach of his cooperation agreement, he could be looking at an extended prison sentence or face additional charges. It also emerged attorneys representing Manafort kept the President's team briefed on what he told the Mueller probe, it has emerged. Rudolph Giuliani, one of the president's personal lawyers, confirmed the conversations had taken place but defended them as a valuable insight into the Mueller inquiry on Tuesday. Although the president didn't specify which three people he was referring to, one likely figure is conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi, who gave media interviews Tuesday blasting Mueller's investigators. Corsi says prosecutors want him to agree to a plea deal and admit to perjury, but he told NBC he would ''rather sit in prison and rot' than admit to a lie he says he didn't commit. The network obtained a document laying out some of the information prosecutors had obtained, including emails from Stone and Corsi. In one email on July 25, 2016, Roger Stone told Corsi - a former Washington bureau chief at InfoWars - to 'get to [Assange] at Ecuadorian embassy in London'. Corsi replied on August 2, saying: 'Word is friend in embassy plans 2 more dumps. One shortly after I'm back. 2nd in Oct. Impact planned to be very damaging.' WikiLeaks released thousands of Democratic emails during the 2016, dramatically upending the race. The third figure Trump may have been referring to is his former campaign chair Paul Manafort, whose lawyers have been passing information to Team Trump drawing charges that he may be clamming up in hopes of securing a presidential pardon. Meanwhile, attorneys representing Manafort kept the President's team briefed on what he told the Mueller probe, it has emerged. Manafort's lawyers have 'repeatedly' reported back to the President's team for the last two months, the New York Times has revealed. Rudolph W. Giuliani, one of the president's personal lawyers, confirmed the conversations had taken place but defended them as a valuable insight into the Mueller inquiry on Tuesday. Legal experts believe the conversations may have been staged as an apparent bid from Manafort, 69, to obtain a presidential pardon or have any potential sentence reduced. Trump himself appeared to indicate he had insider knowledge of meetings between Manafort and Mueller on Tuesday, as he tweeted: 'Wait until it comes out how horribly & viciously they are treating people, ruining lives for them refusing to lie.' And earlier this month he posted: '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.' Manafort is facing up to 10 years in prison for two conspiracy charges and eight counts of financial fraud. But despite little being known about the conversations between his lawyer, Kevin Downing, and special counsel Mueller's team, it appears Manafort has not implicated the President in any wrongdoing. Giuliani said Manafort's lawyer Kevin M. Downing said prosecutors grilled Manafort over whether the president knew about the June 2016 meeting between his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials, in which they promised to give up compromising information about Hillary Clinton. 'He wants Manafort to incriminate Trump,' Giuliani said of Mueller. The revelation comes as Manafort was forced to deny meeting with Julian Assange, calling reports that he secretly visited the Wikileaks founder 'totally false.' Manafort released a statement on Tuesday, hours afterThe Guardian published a story alleging that the two met at least three times, including once in 2016 around the time he was hired by the president. 'This story is totally false and deliberately libelous. I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him,' Manafort said through a spokesman. 'We are considering all legal options against the Guardian, who proceeded with this story even after being notified by my representatives that it was false.' The news outlet claimed Manafort allegedly visited Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he has been holed up since 2012, on three occasions in 2013, 2015 and 2016, citing anonymous sources. Morris denied trying to meet the child following a sexual grooming trial and said he had been 'distracted' after being told he was a schoolboy. Morris is pictured outside Newcastle Crown Court today A former British Airways pilot who was sacked after trying to lure an underage boy to his elderly parents' home for sex escaped jail because a judged deemed 'losing his job was enough'. Gary Morris, 46, was tricked by a fake profile of a boy called Tom created by the paedophile hunters Guardians of the North on the gay dating app Grindr. Morris who has since been sacked by British Airways was found guilty of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming after a trial last month at Newcastle Crown Court. Today Judge Edward Bindloss handed him a 12-month jail sentence suspended for a year after telling Morris: 'You have been suspended as a British Airways pilot, which is a prestigious job and a job with a substantial income. 'In my judgment, that, to some extent, is a substantial punishment to you.' The court heard the 46-year-old, who lives in Brighton with his husband had been duped by Guardians of the North who set up fake internet profiles to expose adults looking for illegal contact with children. An earlier hearing last month heard, Morris had gone to a pub in the city centre and drunk around eight pints between 3pm and 11pm before getting a lift home from his father. Morris, who had 20 years flying experience, was visiting his parents in Sunderland on December 28, 2016 and invited Tom over to their house for sex. He had plotted to sneak the 'teenager' into his house while his elderly parents were asleep. Morris denied trying to meet the child following a sexual grooming trial and said he had been 'distracted' after being told he was a schoolboy. He is pictured outside Newcastle Crown Court at a hearing last month The group tipped off police and, when Morris answered the door thinking Tom had arrived, he was faced by officers who arrested him. At the earlier hearing, he claimed to have 'missed' the message which stated the boy's age. He downloaded Grindr and began talking to other males online when he began talking to 'Tom'. He told jurors to would download and delete the app as he did not want his husband finding out. Morris previously denied trying to meet the child and said he had been 'distracted' after being told he was a schoolboy. John Dye, defending, said: 'It was moments of madness two years ago which the defendant has had time to reflect on.' Judge Edward Bindloss said the case was aggravated because Morris had claimed to be 38 and because he had discussed engaging in oral sex with the decoy. The judge said Morris was also of 'positive good character', hard-working and a kind and caring friend. 'It is unlikely, following the conviction and sentence, that British Airways will re-employ you.' The judge said Morris, who has been in no trouble before or since the offence, had been described in references to the court as being 'responsible, sociable, kind, caring, hard working and a good friend'. Judge Bindloss told him: 'I am confident you are going to stay out of trouble.' John Dye, defending, said Morris is a 'gentleman who is susceptible to assistance' from the authorities and said no real child was actually involved in the offence. Mr Dye added: 'It was moments of madness on that night two years ago, which the defendant has had time to reflect on.' A spokesperson for British Airways said: 'He no longer works for then airline and has not flown since his arrest in 2016.' Morris must also carry out rehabilitation requirements and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years. A Syrian refugee who was 'waterboarded' in a bullying attack turned up at the scene of a protest outside his school today. Jamal, 15, said 'thanks to everyone' as he arrived at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield to be greeted by 30 members of the public. The youngster, who is alleged to have been head butted and had water squirted in his face in an attack captured on a shocking video, smiled as he was brought to the scene by his father. He was surrounded by protesters showing support for his family in the wake of the incident, and just a few minutes later got back into a car which drove off. He spoke after the total raised to support his family - who have said they want to move out of the area - hit 135,000. It is the first time Jamal has been seen in public and his family's lawyer said they are happy for him to be pictured. Jamal, 15, said 'thanks to everyone' as he arrived at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield Mr Akunjee also said he is considering taking legal action against Tommy Robinson on the family's behalf after the water-boarding victim was wrongly linked by the former EDL leader to an attack on a schoolgirl. 'This is something that has just added to the terrible situation Jamal is in.' The protest was organised on Facebook by a group called 'British Asians' and in a post said that it wanted to 'show our support and demand answers.' Imam Mohammed Pandor, from Batley, said: This is a symptom of dis-obedience from young people against parents and school teachers. He was surrounded by protesters showing support for his family in the wake of the incident and just a few minutes later got back into a car which drove off 'Schools need to have more anti-bullying policies. We are satisfied that the teachers at this school are taking this matter seriously. And we will see how things progress from here. There were a lot of questions that we asked the teachers but I could not respond because of legal reasons. We are confident that the school and the council are giving support to the family. The shocking video shows the moment a bully grapples with the Syrian boy on the floor and squirts water in his face Earlier it emerged the boy's family said they will use more than 135,000 in donations from well-wishers to move to another area. The boy, who escaped war torn Syria with his parents and sister, has suffered two years of bullying since they arrived in Huddersfield. Now they want to leave the town and start a new life somewhere else because the level of abuse has got too much. So far more than 135,00 after a shocking video of an assault on the boy went viral, showing him being pinned down by his attacker, and water squirted in his face. The young Syrian boy was so distressed by the alleged bullying he said he woke up crying in the middle of the night The video filmed at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield sparked a national outcry and a huge outpouring of support after it was shared thousands of times on social media. Later it was claimed his sister had also suffered bullying and had her headscarf ripped off in a school playground attack. The family's lawyer says they are 'extremely grateful' for the amount raised, but will be using it to move out of their home. Mr Akunjee told the MailOnline: 'They will be using this money to relocate from Huddersfield. The Syrian girl's headscarf is tugged at as she is shoved and falls down a grassy slope at school 'They don't want to live there anymore, the level of abuse the children have received has become too much. 'It is early days on exactly where they will relocate to, but I have been advising them that they need to think about that now. Tommy Robinson sparks fury after wading into refugee bullying scandal Anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson has provoked outrage after wading into the refugee bullying scandal by accusing the victim of attacking a girl before he was 'waterboarded'. English Defence League founder Robinson - recently made an adviser to Ukip - has now claimed the boy who was bullied on the school field had himself attacked a white girl. But his incendiary claims have caused anger, with others insisting the girl's mother has already denied the young refugee was involved. Robinson was yesterday accused of having influenced the bully, after it emerged the boy had shared his Facebook posts. The 36-year-old today told his followers that he had received messages from a mother from the area, who claimed the bullied boy got involved in an attack on her daughter. But other Facebook users shared images of messages in which the girl's mother denied the Syrian boy was involved in the attack, and her message to Robinson had been misunderstood. The woman behind the claims appears to have since removed her account from Facebook. In a separate post, Robinson shared a message apparently from the bully's brother, also claiming the refugee boy had himself bullied a girl, hitting her with a hockey stick. Critics accused Robinson of 'stirring up hate and division' with his online comments, with another saying the activist was 'trying to make the country hate a child'. Advertisement 'They now need to take stock and get over the shock of it all. The children need to move on with this, and get on with their lives.' The organiser of the page, Mohammed Tahir, posted an update which read: 'Just a quick update. 'Go Fund Me has been in contact with me via email and she will help me to ensure that all the money gets to [the victim] and his family. 'As this is my first time setting up a Go Fund Me page, I'm unaware of the full process but I have the right help from the right people to make sure this gets to the intended persons. 'The support has been unreal, and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated/shared the page, couldn't have done it without you.' In a heartbreaking interview with ITN, the boy told how he was so upset and 'ashamed' of the attack, which happened in October, he dreaded returning to school and cried himself to sleep. He said: 'I was feeling unsafe everywhere - even to go to the shop.' 'I was feeling like I couldn't study or do my homework. 'I woke up at night and just started crying because of this problem. 'When I saw everyone looking at this video I felt ashamed of myself and why it happened. I was really upset about that.' The family fled from the Syrian city of Homs which was under siege from May 2011 to 2014 following protests against dictator Bashar al-Assad. The video shows the boy dragged to the floor despite already having his broken arm in a cast. . After the attack, the victim frees himself and appears to calmly walks away. Despite a large crowd gathering, none of the other children follow him as he walks off, alone. 'I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad I don't want to go to school anymore,' he said to ITV. 'I was disappointed when I came to the UK because I was thinking my life is going to be good, my future is going to be really good if I study at school. And I didn't achieve any of that.'. Police outside the Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire today, where the attack happened The handwritten note released by the alleged attacker in which he claimed the incident 'was not racial' Within hours of outcry, police said a boy, 16, will be charged with assault. Following the video going viral the other boy involved denied being a bully. How did the youngster get to the UK? The family of the bullied boy are understood to have come to Britain under a UN resettlement programme after fleeing war-torn Syria. They are believed to have been living in the city of Homs, which has one of the highest death tolls of any city caught up in the conflict. It is said the boy's relatives were tortured and murdered by the Assad regime, causing them to escape the carnage of the country's civil war. They are understood to have got into neighbouring Lebanon - where there are a number of large refugee camps - from where they were given safe passage to Britain. In 2015, the Home Office announced plans to bring 20,000 displaced people from the region to the UK. Around 550 of those were placed in West Yorkshire and the boy's family are understood to have been among the 130 sent to the Kirklees area. At the time, a council spokesman said: 'The families who are escaping persecution in Syria were identified as being some of those most in need of support. 'The families were relocated to the area as part of the vulnerable persons relocation (VPR) scheme.' Advertisement The boy claimed he had not been bullying his classmate before the incident and was previously on 'good terms' with him. The teenager charged over the attack issued a handwritten statement. It said: 'I regret [the incident] but wish to make it clear I was not responsible for breaking his arm, nor had I been bullying him over a period of time as has been reported,' he wrote. He continued: 'The incident was isolated and came about from an altercation between us earlier that day. The incident was not racial as up to that time we had been on good terms. 'I have now been charged with common assault, not racially-aggravated as has been reported.' However, thousands have flocked to support the teenager from Homs and bemoaned how he escaped war only to allegedly be abused by youngsters in the UK. Yesterday claims also emerged the victim's sister was assaulted at school. The girl, who has been subject to so much playground abuse she once tried to kill herself by cutting her wrists with a shard of glass, was attacked yesterday by her tormentors. In the video the young sister can be seen in the playground, wearing a bright pink headscarf before the attack begins. As she stands facing another - much larger girl - another child comes and pushes her from behind. As she turns on her heel the larger girl shoves her using both hands and she tumbles down a hill. More than 100 Syrian refugees were brought to Huddersfield under a programme from 2015 The larger girl runs after her and also tumbles as she grabs at the smaller girl's headscarf. The footage ends there but it is claimed the girl had her headscarf completely torn off. Teenager accused of 'water-board' attack on 15-year-old Syrian refugee is 'a Britain First supporter' who has shared posts from Tommy Robinson on Facebook The schoolboy who allegedly 'waterboarded' a Syrian refugee on a school field shared posts from the Facebook page of EDL founder Tommy Robinson. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also uploaded links to right wing organisation Britain First, it emerged today. In one he said the organisation 'do right' and re-posted links to Robinson mocking burkas. In another post he shared a link to an extremist blog that threatened to 'expose Islam' and alleged that Muslims claimed raping white British children was 'part of their culture'. He also shared a parody video with an actor dressed up as Adolf Hitler, titled 'Are you fed up with being labelled 'FAR-RIGHT'?' Another of the posts, shared from the page of English Defence League founder Robinson, apparently referenced comments by Boris Johnson about Muslim women wearing veils, read: 'Should Britain ban letterboxes because of all the trouble they're causing?' Robinson was jailed for contempt of court earlier this year after posting videos about a child grooming trial involving a group of Asian men from Huddersfield. He was later freed on appeal. West Yorkshire Police today said the teenager has been interviewed and reported for summons over the incident at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, and will appear before a youth court 'in due course.' The boy was quizzed over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, whose arm is in a sling, is headbutted, then pinned down and squirted in the face with water. Advertisement West Yorkshire Police said the teenager featuring in the initial video has been interviewed and reported for summons over the incident on a school field and will appear before a youth court 'in due course.' The boy was quizzed over the footage in which a boy, whose arm is in a cast, apparently headbutted, then pinned down and squirted in the face with water. Mohammed Tahir, who set up the crowdfunding page for the family said he had been overwhelmed by the support it had received. He said: 'I can't thank everyone enough for the generous donations they have made.' Mr Akunjee said they have contacted the school and the local authority, but have not been given any information on what action was being taken. Locals named who they claimed was responsible for the attack online, and bystanders said police were at the teen's house. Family members of the alleged attacker received death threats online. A police presence still remains outside the semi-detached home of the alleged bully this morning. One van is stationed outside the home while Police Community Support officers are patrolling the street. A Facebook account believed to belong to the boy features numerous posts shared from the page of English Defence League founder Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. One of those posts, apparently referencing comments by Boris Johnson about Muslim women wearing veils, read: 'Should Britain ban letterboxes because of all the trouble they're causing?' Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, received criticism for retweeting the video of the attack on Twitter. But last night Mr Ellwood defended himself and said he fears Britain is 'becoming a walk on by society where we're allowing space for these things to happen'. He told BBC Newsnight: 'I worry that we are becoming a 'walk on by' society where we're allowing space for these things to happen. 'We saw another event on the 17th of September where a female police officer was dragged across the ground. 'What did people do there? They laughed as they recorded it on social media. Cars drove by without stopping. That is absolutely wrong. It's that, that I want to challenge. It's that, that I want to change.' The victim's family fled the Syrian of Homs which was under siege from May 2011 to 2014 following protest against dictator Bashar al-Assad When challenged on retweeting the video, he replied: 'You seem to be condoning this behaviour. This is absolutely wrong. Somebody head-butting another child. Where does this bully get these ideas from? That is the question that we all need to pose ourselves. Let me explain. 'My little boy went to pre-school. Day one and he came back with a black eye. When I asked how he got this, he said he stepped in for his friend who was being beaten up by somebody else. Now I can't tell any parent what they should do with their children. 'I can't ask anybody what conversations should be had. What I'm saying is we should all ask ourselves: 'how is it that it's becoming the norm, with social media, to record these things, find them funny and amusing, and walk on by?' That is the piece that I want to challenge. And that's what I was seeking to do by actually putting it out on social media myself. 'Let's get back and understand what our values are and defend them. Let's get back to being strong about what Britain should be. Let's get back to making sure that when kids grow up they know the difference between good and bad so this sort of thing doesn't happen.' Why have refugees fled Homs for the West? Rebels and civilians withdrew from strongholds in Homs in May 2014, surrendering to President Bashar Assad. The city was once dubbed the 'capital of the revolution'. Few people have returned, and large parts of the once vibrant old city were abandoned and destroyed. Trouble in the western Syrian city began to face trouble in April 2011 when a huge 'sit-in' protest in the city's mains square against Bashar al-Assad's regime was disrupted by government security forces with 62 people killed. In December 2011 the city became a a major base for the Free Syrian Army and it came under siege by the Syrian Army and Hezbollah for three years, with frequent bombing and shelling attacks against the militants. In December 2016 than 2,000 rebels and their families began leaving the last insurgent-held area in the city following several years of combat after reaching a ceasefire with the government. Despite this, at least 32 people were killed and 90 injured in two bomb explosions in the Zahra district in the middle of the city days later, with ISIS claiming responsibility for the attacks. Homs has one of the highest death tolls in the conflict, with the Syrian Martyrs group predicting more than 17,000 deaths in the city, not including government forces. Advertisement 'You're right to mention the vigilantes. They're arguably as bad as the bullies themselves, and have taken these matters into their own hands. And you're also right to say I hope the majority of us do not participate in this behaviour. The point though is, if the majority of us walk on by, we're ignoring the problem. We need to own the problem and solve this. We can only do that if we move on from this walk on by society.' The footage was called 'heartbreaking' by presenter Jeremy Vine. He said on Twitter: 'I'm trying to resist naming the bully in this film. More important, is it possible to do anything for the victim? 'A Syrian refugee who already had a broken wrist, apparently from a similar attack. Heartbreaking.' Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, said he has been supporting the teenager's family. He said: 'Video of assault against one of my constituents absolutely shocking. 'Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention. 'Understand from council that the school have taken strong action. 'Will be following up to ensure all available support is being given!' Head teacher of Almondbury Community School Trevor Bowen said: 'The safety and welfare of students is of paramount importance to us and this was a very serious incident. 'We are not able to comment further as we are supporting the police with their investigation but I want to be clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any sort in our school.' In a letter to parents, Mr Bowen said: 'You will be aware of widespread media reports about an incident which took place in school. 'The incident happened on our Fernside site a number of weeks ago. 'The safety and welfare of students is our number one priority and I can assure you that this situation is being taken extremely seriously. 'The matter is subject to an ongoing police investigation and, as I am sure you understand, we must be guided by the authorities in the amount of detail we are able to provide. 'However, I can confirm we are working with the police to support their enquiries. 'Since the incident occurred in October, the school, the local authority and the police have all taken action. 'We must allow the legal process to take its course, but I want to be absolutely clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any sort in our school. 'I can also assure you that we are working very hard to ensure it is 'business as usual' across the school and that there is no disruption to the children's education. 'The wellbeing of students is of paramount importance to us and a high level of support is available to anyone who may need it.' A spokesman for Kirklees Council said on Twitter: 'A police investigation is underway into the video from a local school. 'Neither us nor the school condone violence in any form and behaviour like this will not be tolerated.' The family of a young refugee 'waterboarded' at his school have threatened to sue anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson over his claims their son was involved in an earlier attack. English Defence League founder Robinson - recently made an adviser to Ukip - attempted to counter the outrage over the bullying video shared online earlier this week. In an online rant, he alleged the Syrian boy, who is called Jamal, had earlier joined in an attack on a white girl at the school. But his incendiary claims were immediately challenged by others online, who posted messages in which the girl's mother denied Jamal was involved. Jamal's family, who fear they may have to move out of the area over the furore, have now said they are considering legal action. Their lawyer told MailOnline: 'This is something that has just added to the terrible situation Jamal is in. I am considering legal action over this.' Tommy Robinson could face legal action after he accused a bullied refugee boy, Jamal (pictured, right, today), of taking part in an earlier attack on a white girl The Syrian family's lawyer later tweeted this letter which he had sent to Tommy Robinson Robinson was yesterday accused of having influenced the bully, after it emerged the boy had shared his Facebook posts. The 36-year-old today told his followers that he had received messages from a mother from the area, who claimed the bullied boy got involved in an attack on her daughter. But other Facebook users shared images of messages in which the girl's mother denied the Syrian boy was involved in the attack, and her message to Robinson had been misunderstood. The woman behind the claims appears to have since removed her account from Facebook. In a separate post, Robinson shared a message apparently from the bully's brother, also claiming the refugee boy had himself bullied a girl, hitting her with a hockey stick. Critics accused Robinson of 'stirring up hate and division' with his online comments, with another saying the activist was 'trying to make the country hate a child'. It comes after West Yorkshire Police said that a 16-year-old has been interviewed over the attack on the refugee boy, and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance. The boy was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, with his arm in a cast, is thrown to the ground. The video shows the moment a bully grapples with Jamal and squirts water in his face Police outside the Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, where the attack happened Attack victim thanks public for support as he arrives at school Jamal, 15, said 'thanks to everyone' as he arrived at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield today. He was surrounded by protesters showing support for his family in the wake of the horrific assault, and just a few minutes later got back into a car which drove off. It is the first time Jamal has been seen in public after his family's lawyer said they were happy for him to be pictured. Advertisement The video shows Jamal being dragged to the floor by his neck before his attacker says, 'I'll drown you' and forces a water bottle into his mouth. ITV News reported the victim fled war-torn Homs with his family and now feels unsafe going to the school following the incident last month. 'I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think I'm different - different from them,' he told the broadcaster. 'I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, 'I don't want to go to school anymore'. I was just crying and I didn't do nothing because I respect the school rules.' Supporters say they are organising a peaceful protest outside the school on Thursday. He appears not to have been the only victim, with a fresh video emerging of a hijab-wearing girl pushed down a grass verge and shoved by a group. The family's lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said it is the boy's 14-year-old sister and she was attacked on Tuesday morning. The young Syrian boy was so distressed by the bullying he said he woke up crying in the middle of the night West Yorkshire Police said: 'We have been made aware of a video showing a girl being assaulted at Almondbury Community School yesterday (27/11). 'The incident had not previously been reported to the police but we are now liaising with the girl's family who we are continuing to support. 'Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Kirklees District CID via 101.' The first incident's alleged perpetrator has been the subject of hundreds of violent threats online. A Facebook account believed to belong to him features numerous posts shared from the page of Robinson. One of those posts, apparently referencing comments by Boris Johnson about Muslim women wearing veils, read: 'Should Britain ban letterboxes because of all the trouble they're causing?' Robinson was jailed for contempt of court earlier this year after posting videos about a child grooming trial involving a group of Asian men from Huddersfield. He was later freed on appeal. A Southwest Airlines agent has been shamed for laughing at a five-year-old epileptic girl who is named Abcde (pronounced ab-city) as she boarded a flight earlier this month. Traci Redford, the girl's mother, spoke out about their experience on Wednesday. She told how the unidentified Southwest agent ridiculed her daughter as they boarded a flight at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, on November 4 after she handed over their boarding pass. They were flying home to El Paso, Texas, at the time. Not only did she laugh loudly at the gate, but the agent also uploaded a photograph of the boarding pass onto Facebook to share with friends. Traci said Abcde was upset and confused by the incident. Five-year-old Abcde (pronounced ab-city) Redford and her mother Traci were boarding a flight at John Wayne Airport in Orange County earlier this month when a Southwest Airlines agent made fun of the epileptic five-year-old's name The agent even uploaded a photograph of her boarding pass to Facebook The agent has not been named. Southwest apologized for the incident 'She said "Mom, why is she laughing at my name? And I said not everyone is nice and not everyone is going to be nice and it's unfortunate,"' she told ABC 7. Redford said she was horrified enough when the agent laughed in their faces at the gate. 'The gate agent started laughing, pointing at me and my daughter, talking to other employees. So I turned around and said, "Hey if I can hear you, my daughter can hear you, so I'd appreciate if you'd just stop,"' she said. When she was later told about the post on Facebook, her disgust worsened. 'While I was sitting there, she took a picture of my boarding pass and chose to post it on social media, mocking my daughter. 'It was actually brought to my attention by somebody who had seen it on Facebook and reported it to Southwest Airlines. 'And after two weeks of doing a formal complaint, Southwest hadn't done anything,' she claimed. Southwest Airlines issued her an apology but refused to reveal whether or not the agent has been fired or faced any other kind of disciplinary action. 'We extend our sincere apology to the family. We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our Customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online. 'The post is not indicative of the care, respect, and civility we expect from all of our Employees. 'We have followed up with the Employee involved, and while we do not disclose personnel actions publicly, we are using this as an opportunity to reinforce our policies and emphasize our expectations for all Employees,' the company said in a statement. Stubborn residents have been dodging police and ignoring evacuation orders as more than one hundred bushfires ravage Queensland. While more than 10,000 people fled their homes under the state imposed orders, dozens of others chose to stay behind. Baffle Creek resident Karen Smallmon said many of those people simply believe they know what to expect. 'They don't think they're in danger, they think they can see it coming,' she said. About 10,000 people were told to flee immediately as more than 100 fast-moving blazes tear through Queensland as the state's bushfire crisis rolls on Officers are said to be doing one final sweep of the area of Deepwater but after that, residents will be on their own But Deputy Police Commissioner Bob Gee said people who stubbornly stay put are putting their lives at risk. 'People will burn to death,' he said. 'Their normal approaches probably won't work if this situation develops the way it is predicted to develop. 'It is no different to a Category 5 cyclone coming through your door.' 'If you have children with you, you need to think really hard about not losing a house, but losing the people you care most about.' But Ms Smallmon said some residents wouldn't leave without a fight. A firefighter is seen feeding water to a dehydrated puppy in Queensland on Wednesday The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' Rural Fire Service declared the Capricornia and Central Highlands and Coalfield regions a catastrophic fire danger on Wednesday, the highest level on the scale 'They're all just dodging the police because if the police catch them they'll escort them out,' she said. 'I know of one person they had to put in handcuffs because they wouldn't go.' Despite the danger, no lives have been lost and most of the 10,000 evacuees from Wednesday were allowed home on Thursday. Conditions have eased but 132 fires were still burning across the state by early evening on Thursday. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was still an enormous task ahead to contain the blazes that have been difficult to predict due the heatwave and winds. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was still an enormous task ahead to contain the blazes that have been difficult to predict due the heatwave and winds Residents have been dodging police and ignoring evacuation orders as more than one hundred bushfires ravage Queensland While more than 10,000 people fled their homes under the state imposed orders, dozens of others chose to stay behind 'This is a huge job with five more days of intense weather,' she told reporters. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services inspector Garry McCormack said three fires are of the most concern. The first of the three most troubling fires on Thursday evening was one near the tiny Fraser Coast community of Tinnanbar, which has been cut off. 'We are holding that fire at the moment and we are very confident we will protect that community,' he said. More than 250km up the coast, the monster Deepwater fire at the epicentre of the crisis is still actively burning and has been fought on two fronts. Multiple houses have been lost in the region but an exact number won't be determined until the fires have cleared. More than 250km up the coast, the monster Deepwater fire at the epicentre of the crisis is still actively burning and has been fought on two fronts What they're saying about the QLD fires * 'If you have children with you, you need to think really hard about not losing a house, but losing the people you care most about. People will burn to death. The normal approaches probably won't work if this situation develops the way it is predicted to develop. It is no different to a Category 5 cyclone coming through your door.' Brian Smith, Regional Manager for the Rural Fire Services Central Region, says experts have predicted catastrophic conditions in the area south of Bundaberg. * 'This is something we don't want to overstate, but they're comparing this to the conditions in the Waroona fires in Western Australia, which completely wiped out a town a few years ago, and also to the recent California fires,' he told AAP. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the conditions reminded him of the Ash Wednesday fires in Victoria. * 'I'm sure that some people have probably got very good and elaborate systems of pumps and dams and systems and they believe that 'I'll be OK and I know what I'm doing and I've done this before'. Today is not one of those days. Today is different. We are expecting a firestorm.' Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford warns conditions are so dangerous people could die. * 'What we're expecting in Queensland today is the kind of conditions (that other states) have seen in the past - these are the kind of days where people could lose their lives.' Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warns people who refuse to leave might not be rescued. * 'We may not be able to rescue you once the fire reaches containment lines. Even if you are on the beach, the wind conditions are so dangerous we will not be able to send people in to remove you.' Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Advertisement If it breaches Baffle Creek it could impact on the community of Winfield to the south, so they have been warned the safest place to be is elsewhere. Residents have been told to leave Captain Creek, not far from Baffle Creek where fires have been burning for almost a week. Communities in the Rockhampton area including Stanwell, Kabra, The Caves, and Broken River, east of Rockhampton, which has been ringed by fire for days, were also told to leave. Ms Palaszczuk flew to the fire zone on Thursday and ironically had not long left Kabra when an alert was issued for residents to leave. At least one home was destroyed at Kabra on Wednesday, while 8000 people were told to leave nearby Gracemere. 'We have just come back from Rockhampton and Kabra and Gracemere. You don't understand what it is like until you are on the ground - the conditions are intense,' she said. The third worry for firefighters was a blaze in the south of the state at North Stradbroke Island, due to the risk of it affecting major infrastructure including powerlines. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the damage officially tallied to date had been two houses, 15 sheds, two cabins, a bus, an excavator destroyed, and with damage to 14 sheds, three cabins, 14 houses, three vehicles, a boat, a truck and a trailer. Fifteen firefighters have suffered heat stress and fatigue. Bureau of Meteorology state manager Bruce Gunn said there was no relief in sight. 'The fire danger was well below the catastrophic levels of Wednesday but it is still in the very high to severe range and that is serious enough to get fires going again and continue them on,' he said. 'There is no significant rainfall expected to stop these fires so while we don't have the catastrophic conditions, the fires will continue until we can find another way or another to put them out.' The Queensland Fire and Emergency Twitter account is sharing a live stream with information regarding evacuations and the locations of fires. Residents of Dalrymple Heights, Captain Creek and Carmila are the latest in a long line of communities that have been placed on standby to prepare to flee. Police in Russia's fourth-largest city of Yekaterinburg have seized children's drawings over what they consider to be depictions of gay love. Officers were dispatched on Thursday to check a report in a government-friendly website about the artworks, and have seized 17 for examination. The school drawing competition on the subject of tolerance featured several drawings which depicted same-sex couples, according to the website Ura.ru. Russia passed a bill in 2013 outlawing the public display of what it described as 'gay propaganda' towards children under 18. Police in Russia's fourth-largest city seized these children's drawings in a competition about tolerance at their school, which appeared to depict same-sex couples. The caption on the right-hand drawing says: 'We are tolerant. And you?' One of the drawings features silhouettes of what appear to be same-sex couples, one with two men and one with two women. The caption for the drawing says: 'We are all unique. We don't get to choose looks, race, orientation. We are all unique in our own way' Another one cited by the website RTVI said: 'We are tolerant. And you?', while another read: 'We are for the world! We are for tolerance!' Psychologists were also sent to the school to offer 'explanatory' advice to the children, it was reported. The aim of the competition was said to be 'friendship, respect, mutual understanding and acceptance of the values and attitudes of other people.' Earlier this week the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia's ban on LGBT rallies is a violation of human rights. The court said Russia's blocking of public LGBT events could not be justified by any concern about public disorder and it breached the right to freedom of assembly. The ban 'had clearly been motivated by the authorities' disapproval of the theme of the demonstrations,' the court concluded. Brittany Horton, 28, was sentenced to five days in jail for failing to send her child to school The mother of a young girl has been sentenced to jail on truancy charges after her child had 26 unexcused absences from school. Brittany Horton, 28, from Twin Lake in Michigan has been sentenced to five days in jail after she refused to cooperate with repeated attempts to help her get her child to attend school, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office. The student had 26 unexcused absences, according to the prosecutor's office. It does not count excused absences when considering truancy charges, the Muskegon Chronicle reported. Her punishment had been delayed because the prosecutor's office wanted to give Horton a chance to solve the problem. Instead Horton's child missed another 14 days at school - bringing her total number of days off to 26. Students are flagged for intervention once they accumulate nine days of unexcused absences. The days off were missed from the beginning of the school term in 2017 to when Horton pleaded guilty on May 27. A statement from the Prosecutor's office read: 'When parents like Ms. Horton refuse to make reasonable efforts to address the truancy problem, our office is committed to making sure the children of our community are not deprived of an education'. The prosecutor's office agreed it would dismiss the charge if her child did not have any additional unexcused absences and deferred sentencing when she pleaded guilty on May 17. She also agreed to work with county prosecutor DJ Hilson, the school and service providers. The child's school wrote to Horton twice in October and December in an effort to resolve the issue. A meeting with the school was then organised but she failed to show up. Judge Harold Closz (left) sentenced Horton to five days in the county jail after county prosecutor DJ Hilson (right) gave Horton several chances to rectify the problem The school subsequently contacted the prosecutor's office but and another meeting was organised in February. She failed to show up. But on November 16, Muskegon County District Judge Harold Closz sentenced Horton to five days in the county jail and nine months of probation. She was also ordered her to pay $525 in costs and fines. No information about the child's father was provided to the school or the prosecutor's office. The statement added: 'Had Ms. Horton met with us, the school or service providers, she would have been provided any services needed to address any possible issues. '[This] includes but is not limited to transportation issues, daycare arrangements, counseling, mental health services or anything else necessary to address barriers in getting her child to school'. The office said that it does not file charges against parents who are genuinely trying to resolve the issues and said that the vast majority of chronic truancy cases never end up in court. A school leaver who plunged to his death from a balcony on the Gold Coast made an eerily prophetic social media post shortly before he died. Hamish Bidgood, 18, from Sydney's north shore, fell from a high-rise balcony at the Surfers Regent Apartments in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast about 5am on Thursday. Earlier in the night, Bidgood had been filmed by his friends in a chilling Snapchat video captioned: 'This is the beginning of the end for Hamish Bidgood'. An eerie video predicting the 'beginning of the end' of Hamish Bidgood (pictured) was made hours before he died In the video, which has since been deleted from social media, Bidgood can be seen partying with his mates, the Daily Telegraph reported. Hours later, he fell 11 storeys from the high-rise and died. Distraught friends of the school leaver jumped the fence of the grassed pool area of the hotel he had fallen into. Two police officers attempted CPR before giving way to paramedics who unsuccessfully attempted to revive him. Bidgood, 18 (left) was filmed partying with fellow Schoolies before he plunged to his death The tragedy occurred at Surfers Regent Apartments (pictured) in the centre of the Gold Coast Bidgood's friends, who were also from Turramurra High School in Sydney's upper north shore, have ended their celebrations early and returned home. 'I'm absolutely gutted,' one of his friends said. 'He was such a great kid.' Counselling has being offered to fellow school leavers on the Gold Coast following the teen's death. Meanwhile, the 18-year-olds devastated parents, Des and Lyn Bidgood, along with his brothers Daniel and Oliver, made their way to Surfers Paradise on Thursday afternoon. Bidgood's (pictured) friends have returned home following the tragedy on Thursday morning Bidgood fell into the grassed pool area of the Surfers Regent Apartments. Pictured is a balcony from the building There are claims he had inhaled nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas or nangs, before he fell, the Courier Mail reported. More than a dozen canisters used for administering a 20-second high were found in the vicinity of the hotel. Authorities are waiting for the results of a toxicology test to determine whether any drugs or alcohol were in the young man's system, though the death is being treating as 'non-suspicious', a police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. Red Frogs coordinator Andy Gourley declined to comment but confirmed the volunteer group was speaking with police. Police will now prepare a report for the Coroner. Balcony safety during Schoolies Dangerous behaviour on balconies can lead to eviction and even police arrests. The Queensland Government has issued some tips on balcony safety to keep young people safe during their Schoolies week. Don't sit on, lean over, climb or hang off the side of balconies. Accidents happen you could slip and fall Never 'room hop' from balcony to balcony. One wrong move could prove fatal Avoid overcrowding. Take it inside or head down to the beach party Don't throw objects Schoolies is a very busy time and there may be people walking below. Objects thrown or dropped from a height can become dangerous projectiles when they reach the ground Source: QLD Government Advertisement Bidgood was believed to be celebrating with a friend from Turramurra High School (pictured) His death comes just days after police warned skylarking on high-rise balconies at Schoolies, known as 'ledging', was a 'disaster waiting to happen'. Videos shared across social media show teens teetering on the edges balconies while drinking from their shoes. The hijinks prompted calls for high-rise balconies to be locked off during the end-of-school celebrations. A 17-year-old girl also fell to hear death from a balcony during Schoolies in 2012. In that instance, Isabelle Colman fell from the 26th floor of the Chevron Renaissance, only two kilometres from the Surfers Regent Apartments. In the month before, three others had fallen to their deaths from Gold Coast skyscrapers. A missing 13-year-old North Carolina girl has been found safe more than 900 miles away from home. Aubrey Acree, of Mooresboro, was found in Checotah, Oklahoma, with a 23-year-old man on Wednesday night - three days after her family reported her missing. Jacob Gardea, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is facing abduction charges in North Carolina. Additional charges could be pending. Missing 13-year-old Aubrey Acree, of North Carolina, was found in Checotah, Oklahoma with a 23-year-old man on Wednesday night - three days after her family reported her missing Jacob Gardea (pictured), of Albuquerque, New Mexico , is facing abduction charges in North Carolina. Additional charges could be pending The FBI said Aubrey's family has been notified and arrangements are being made to return her 'to her loved ones in North Carolina'. 'Law enforcement is grateful to a keen eyewitness who helped begin our investigative process with a strong lead that brought us to this joyful outcome,' the FBI added in a statement. Family members had last seen Aubrey on Sunday night. She was reported missing on Monday. The FBI said Aubrey's family has been notified and arrangements are being made to return her 'to her loved ones in North Carolina' Family members had last seen Aubrey on Sunday night. She was reported missing on Monday Aubrey was found 900 miles away from her home in Moorseboro, North Carolina A missing person alert sent out by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office had an 'extreme' level of severity, meaning there was an 'extraordinary threat to life or property'. Authorities said Aubrey was believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment, according to WSPA. An eyewitness reported seeing Aubrey get into a car with an unidentified person in Mooreseboro on Monday. Officials said the vehicle of interest was a white Subaru manufactured between 2005 and 2007. An eyewitness reported seeing Aubrey get into a car (pictured) with an unidentified person in Mooreseboro on Monday Officials said the vehicle of interest (pictured on surveillance footage) was a white Subaru manufactured between 2005 and 2007 After canvassing surveillance footage from local businesses, investigators were able to locate and identify an image of the exact vehicle. They located the vehicle in Checotah just before 11pm on Wednesday night. Those involved in the search included the FBI, the US Marshal's Service, US Department of Homeland Security, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. The FBI is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. A gay New York couple shared how their Uber driver went on a homophobic tirade before dragging one of them in his car for half a block. Taray Carey and his husband, Alex, were riding in Manhattan's East Village on Tuesday night with a friend when they claim their driver - Denis - launched a verbal and physical assault on them. 'Tonight I was thrown out of an #uber by a homophobe,' Taray said on Facebook. 'I tried to step out, and he gunned it while my husband was still in the back seat.' 'My friend jumped out when we got to a red light, while the #Uberdriver continued to call us f****ts, and told us we would be beheaded in his country. This is not ok!' Taray Carey and his husband, Alex, were riding in East Village on Tuesday night when they claim their driver verbally assaulted them 'Tonight I was thrown out of an #uber by a homophobe,' Taray said. ''I tried to step out, and he gunned it while my husband was still in the back seat' The post included photos of Taray's bruises. His knuckles and knees were left bloodied and his right buttcheek also suffered a bruise from where he was dragged. The 27-year-old real estate agent and city contractor spoke with the DailyMail.com about the traumatic experience. Taray shared that he and Alex, a 33-year-old architect, had been riding with a friend from Hell's Kitchen to East Village at approximately 1.30am on Wednesday morning. He said that the ride started out normal and the driver was quiet while the recently wedded couple caught up with their groomsman. The post included photos of Taray's bruises. His knuckles and knees were left bloodied His right buttcheek also suffered a bruise from where he was dragged 'Towards the end we were just talking and asked if our friend was dating anybody,' Taray said. And when the driver saw Taray put his arm around Alex, he allegedly asked the trio if they were 'f*gs'. In pure disbelief, Taray inquired what the driver had said and proceeded to argue with the man. It was then that the driver told them that they would be beheaded in his country. 'I just told him to 'Shut your mouth,'' the Whitehall, Pennsylvania, man said, adding that the driver continued on with his onslaught of verbal abuse. Taray shared that the ride started out normal and the driver was quiet while the recently wedded couple caught up with their groomsman Once at the destination and while stopped at a red light, Taray said that his friend started getting out of the car. But as he tried to exit the Toyota Camry, Taray said the light turned green and the driver immediately began speeding off. Taray hung on to the car and his husband's arm as the vehicle dragged him half a block down East Fourth Street. Alex was stuck inside, screaming at the driver to stop. 'I was just holding onto Alex's arm and trying to help him out,' added Taray. ' I was then flung from the car and fell in the street. I did a couple rolls and had a knot on the back of my head.' But Taray's adrenaline kicked in and he quickly got up to see what had happened to his husband. And when the driver saw Taray put his arm around Alex, he allegedly asked the trio if they were 'f*gs' 'Alex said he was just ignoring him,' Taray said of the driver who kept speeding until he got to the next light and had to stop. Alex hopped out the car and the two ran to hug each other. Their friend saw the whole ordeal but was further down the block as he had been let out earlier. After all the commotion, the couple decided to call the police from the 9th precinct. They saw a squad car nearby and proceeded to speak to the two officers there. 'Emotions were high and we were freaked out,' said Taray. 'I tried to calm down and started telling the officer to put out some information because he was still nearby, but he told me to not tell him how to do his job.' Taray added that the officers were 'dismissive' and said that the trio 'probably deserved it.' 'It was the most insulting thing that I ever heard,' Taray added. According to Lieutenant John Grimpel, a spokesman for the NYPD, officer's bodycam footage didn't show that same scene. After reviewing body camera video from the responding Police Officers, at no time did any of the officers mock the victim, tell him that he probably deserved it or laugh at him,' the NYPD said in a statement. 'A complaint report was filed for leaving the scene of an accident with injury and is being investigated by the 9th Precinct Detective Squad.' The NYPD also said that the victim 'appears drunk and belligerent' and said that bodycam footage showed Taray making negative comments about the officers appearance. The real estate agent said that he could tell that the police hadn't filed the report immediately, adding that he tried to contact them on Wednesday but they didn't have the report. He also said that his lawyer will request the footage so that they can see it as well. 'They treated us like two children on the playground who had just gotten into an argument,' he said. The whole ordeal has served as a traumatic reminder to Taray that even with progress, there is still a ways to go for acceptance. He said: 'We had just celebrated one of the best days of our lives and you think you're past a lot of the things we've been fighting for for so long, but this is a reminder that we still have a ways to go. You get married and start doing things that you should be doing but then to be devalued and disrespected in such a way is not okay.' Uber shared that the driver has since been removed from the app (stock) The couple have spoken at length with their lawyer and are seeking council on what to do next. Taray shared that after the ordeal, the trio used Find My iPhone to locate the groomsman phone. He had dropped the phone in the Uber while rushing to exit the vehicle. When they found the phone, the three discovered that not only was it thrown in a garbage can not too far from the scene but it was also broken in half. Uber shared that the driver has since been removed from the app. 'What's been reported is very concerning to us and Uber does not tolerate any form of discrimination,' the ride sharing app said in a statement. 'The driver's access to the app has been removed as we continue to investigate.' Uber shared that they would help police with an investigation and have refunded the trip back to Taray. A Vermont colonel was reportedly forced to resign in 2015 after he allegedly flew an F-16 to Washington, DC, for a rendezvous with a woman. It was revealed on Wednesday that Colonel Thomas Jackman, 55, the former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard, swapped flirtatious emails while on the job between December 2014 and January 2015, according to VTDigger.org. The woman, who was an Army colonel working at the Pentagon at the time, reportedly sent a series of photos of herself to Jackman. His replies included, 'you look beautiful' and 'cant help but notice every part of you'. Former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard, Colonel Thomas Jackman (pictured in 2014), was reportedly forced to resign in 2015 after he allegedly flew an F-16 to DC for a rendezvous with a woman But it was on January 27, 2015, that Jackman, who was married at the time, allegedly made the flight in the fighter jet to DC to meet with the woman. And despite a snow storm bearing down on Vermont, Jackman, who commanded the 158th Fighter Wing, flew the F-16 nearly 500 miles from Burlington. It's unclear whether or not Jackman landed at the Andrews Air Force Base outside of DC or the Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. Jackman reportedly set up the meeting with the woman under the guise of a work trip. According to VTDigger.org, Jackman booked a room at The Morrison House in Alexandria, Virginia, for January 27 and also reserved a hotel room at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC for January 29. Once officials from the Air National Guard got whiff of the rendezvous, Jackman was flown back to Vermont on a commercial flight. Another pilot retrieved the jet. According to VTDigger.org, he was then pressed to step down and allowed to retire with full benefits. He was also allowed to keep his security clearance. At the time, Vermont's adjutant general, Maj Gen Steven Cray did not specify why Jackman resigned. Despite a snow storm bearing down on Vermont, Jackman, who commanded the 158th Fighter Wing, flew the F-16 nearly 500 miles from Burlington to the DC area. But it's still unclear whether or not he landed at the Andrews base in Maryland or the Langley base in Virginia Jackman, who was married at the time, was pressed to step down and allowed to retire with full benefits. He was also allowed to keep his security clearance. Pictured is an F-16 Cray did say that he had lost confidence in Jackman as the leader of the Vermont Air National Guard. The news site didn't identify the woman involved in the incident, but she had been working at the Pentagon for two months before their arranged meeting. Jackman, whose 32-year military career included two tours each in Iraq and Afghanistan, has claimed that he was not involved with the woman. 1st Lt Mikel R. Arcovitch, the Guards press representative, told the news site that it is 'not common practice' for pilots to fly fighter jets to work conferences. 'When it has occurred, pilots conduct training and complete annual requirements to and from the conference location,' he said. The hourly operating cost of the F-16 is about $8,000, according to the Department of Defense. It's unclear if Jackman was required to reimburse the Air National Guard for flying the plane. Jackman now works as a postmaster for the US Postal Service in Vermont. Florida rescuers battled for hours to free a 17-year-old boy who got trapped inside an abandoned bank vault after he and a friend broke in to explore it. The two curious teens ignored 'no trespassing' signs at the Bank of America building in Hollywood, and one boy found himself locked inside a tiny 14x14 foot vault. His friend finally called the emergency services 90 minutes after realizing he wasn't getting out easily. Officials - including the Hollywood Fire Department, Broward Sheriff Tactical Rescue Unit and at least two private vault technicians - spent a few hours trying to drill through a concrete wall and considered ways to remove a huge steel door to get access to the child but it didn't work. Scroll down for video Two boys entered an abandoned Bank of America Florida vault on Wednesday afternoon and one 17-year-old got trapped inside at 1.30pm The trapped boy (pictured left) was finally freed around 5pm thanks to rescuers The walls are approximately 2ft thick and steel rebar prevented them from successfully getting through with saws, WSVN reported. 'Unfortunately, there were two juveniles that were playing around inside an abandoned bank and they didn't know that the vault was still active,' Hollywood police Officer Christian Lata said. '(While) playing inside the vault, one of them got trapped inside and, luckily, the other one was outside and was able to call 911.' The boy had a former employee to thank for getting him out. Authorities said they went through a 'convoluted' process, speaking to a chain of people to get the teen out. He first entered at 1.30pm and was eventually released around 5pm. But the boy who was with him waited 90 minutes before calling emergency services Rescuers included the Hollywood Fire Department, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue's technical rescue team and at least two private vault technicians but they couldn't get in at first The walls are approximately 2ft thick and steel rebar prevented them from successfully getting through with saws. They considered dismantling a large steel door Officials finally freed him by consulting someone who used to work in the building, and is now based across the street at the bank's new offices. The employee was able to come up with a combination that worked and led to his release, CBS Miami reported. Authorities say they kept constant communication with the teen by speaking to him through the vault until they got him out. Concerned parents of the teens were on the scene as rescuers struggled to get the boy free that afternoon and law enforcement said they had a reaction of anger but also relief when the ordeal at 5900 block of Dewey Street was over. The boy's parents were said to be angry but relieved their boy was freed from the vault No charges were immediately reported in regards to the teenage boys EMTs checked the boy who was stuck for medical concerns but said he was okay before releasing him to his parents. Officials don't know how the boys broke into the building or why they decided to go in. 'Their stories are conflicting about how the door closed behind him,' Hollywood Firefighters Division Chief Chris Del Campo said according to South Florida Sun Sentinel. 'They were probably just doing kid stuff and exploring the building. 'That's not our job to figure out how he got there. We just take care of the rescue and leave the scene.' No charges were immediately reported. President Trump put pressure on the special counsel to wrap up its work on Thursday as he prepared to to attend a summit with the Russian president. Trump is bracing himself for for the outcome of the probe into Russian election meddling in 2016. He has accused Mueller and his investigators of witness intimidation, undisclosed conflicts of interest and political bias this week as he impatiently awaited the results. He asked hours before he left the White House for Argentina, where he's supposed to sit down with Vladimir Putin, 'When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? 'After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous!' President Trump put pressure on the special counsel to wrap up its work on Thursday as he prepared to sit down with the Russian president Trump is bracing himself for for the outcome of the probe into Russian election meddling in 2016 and impatiently awaiting the rsults Trump has said that the Mueller investigation has impeded his ability to have normal relations with Russia, ignoring the malign behavior that led to sanctions on Moscow and probes in the Justice Department ad Congress. The president also claims Mueller is intentionally ignoring 'crimes' committed by Democrats such as former rival for the Oval Office. 'Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. A total disgrace!' he tweeted. Trump is weighing pardons for at least one of his former associates caught up in Mueller's web after the special counsel sent him to prison for financial crimes that were not directly related to the probe's purpose of uncovering which U.S. citizens might have been assisting Russia. The president publicly acknowledged the possibility of using his virtually unchecked pardon authority to spare Paul Manafort even as newly empowered Democrats are warning that any attempt to use the power to try to sway a potential witness could amount to obstruction of justice. Although special counsel Mueller's investigators apparently have soured on Manafort, they wanted him enough as a cooperating witnesses that they agreed to a deal that would have allowed for reduced jail time despite his conviction on corruption charges. 'It was never discussed, but I wouldn't take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?' Trump said of a pardon, speaking in a sit-down interview with the New York Post. Manafort (pictured) is facing a jail sentence of up to 10 years on conspiracy charges and eight counts of financial fraud Trump's casual talk about a potential pardon came a day after White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tried to avoid the topic. And it came despite explicit warnings from Democrats and legal experts that the president could face personal legal exposure if he is seen as using a power to try to interfere with a witness while federal prosecutors investigate Russian election hacking. Incoming House Judiciary chairman Rep. Jerold Nadler told CNN this week Trump 'should understand that even dangling a pardon in front of a witness like Manafort is dangerously close to obstruction of justice and would just fortify a claim or a charge of obstruction of justice against the President.' Sanders said at one of her increasingly infrequent White House briefings Tuesday when asked about it: 'I'm not aware of any conversations for anyone's pardon involving this process.' Trump also expanded on his relentless attack on Mueller from Wednesday morning, where he accused prosecutors of pressuring key witnesses to lie following developments that could land Manafort in jail for the rest of his life. 'If you told the truth, you go to jail, Trump vented. 'You know this flipping stuff is terrible. You flip and you lie and you get the prosecutors will tell you 99 percent of the time they can get people to flip. It's rare that they can't,' Trump said. ATTACK MODE: Trump went after the media and prosecutors on Wednesday He has complained in the past about the ways prosecutors entice witnesses to cooperate, using the jargon 'flipping' that is used by mobsters and shows up in legal thrillers. The president also identified the three people he was complaining about in an earlier tweet where he went after Mueller and the media. 'But I had three people: Manafort, Corsi I don't know Corsi, but he refuses to say what they demanded. Manafort, Corsi and Roger Stone,' Trump said, identifying the people he claims were pressured by prosecutors, without providing specifics. Corsi is a reference conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi. Trump, who has repeatedly called the Mueller Russia probe a 'witch hunt' and attacked the special counsel as 'conflicted,' on Twitter alleged prosecutorial misconduct but without saying against whom or providing evidence. 'While the disgusting Fake News is doing everything within their power not to report it that way, at least 3 major players are intimating that the Angry Mueller Gang of Dems is viciously telling witnesses to lie about facts & they will get relief,' the president claimed on Twitter Wednesday. 'This is our Joseph McCarthy Era!' Trump charged, invoking the Wisconsin senator known for his leveling charges of communist infiltration without providing evidence. Trump's outburst at prosecutors came amid new twists in the Mueller probe including prosecutors claiming in a court filing that Trump's former campaign chair Paul Manafort committed 'lies' contrary to a plea agreement even as he remains confined in a Virginia jail. If a judge agrees with prosecutors and finds him in breach of his cooperation agreement, he could be looking at an extended prison sentence or face additional charges. It also emerged attorneys representing Manafort kept the President's team briefed on what he told the Mueller probe, it has emerged. Rudolph Giuliani, one of the president's personal lawyers, confirmed the conversations had taken place but defended them as a valuable insight into the Mueller inquiry on Tuesday. Although the president didn't specify which three people he was referring to, one likely figure is conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi, who gave media interviews Tuesday blasting Mueller's investigators. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort's lawyers 'repeatedly briefed the President's team on what he told Mueller probe investigators' Attorneys representing Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort kept the President's team briefed on what he told the Mueller probe, it has emerged. Manafort's lawyers have 'repeatedly' reported back to the President's team for the last two months, the New York Times has revealed. Rudolph W. Giuliani, one of the president's personal lawyers, confirmed the conversations had taken place but defended them as a valuable insight into the Mueller inquiry on Tuesday. Legal experts believe the conversations may have been staged as an apparent bid from Manafort, 69, to obtain a presidential pardon or have any potential sentence reduced. Trump himself appeared to indicate he had insider knowledge of meetings between Manafort and Mueller on Tuesday, as he tweeted: 'Wait until it comes out how horribly & viciously they are treating people, ruining lives for them refusing to lie.' And earlier this month he posted: '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.' Manafort is facing up to 10 years in prison for two conspiracy charges and eight counts of financial fraud. But despite little being known about the conversations between his lawyer, Kevin Downing, and special counsel Mueller's team, it appears Manafort has not implicated the President in any wrongdoing. Giuliani said Manafort's lawyer Kevin M. Downing said prosecutors grilled Manafort over whether the president knew about the June 2016 meeting between his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials, in which they promised to give up compromising information about Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Corsi says prosecutors want him to agree to a plea deal and admit to perjury, but he told NBC he would ''rather sit in prison and rot' than admit to a lie he says he didn't commit. The network obtained a document laying out some of the information prosecutors had obtained, including emails from Stone and Corsi. In one email on July 25, 2016, Roger Stone told Corsi - a former Washington bureau chief at InfoWars - to 'get to [Assange] at Ecuadorian embassy in London'. Corsi replied on August 2, saying: 'Word is friend in embassy plans 2 more dumps. One shortly after I'm back. 2nd in Oct. Impact planned to be very damaging.' WikiLeaks released thousands of Democratic emails during the 2016, dramatically upending the race. The third figure Trump may have been referring to is his former campaign chair Paul Manafort, whose lawyers have been passing information to Team Trump drawing charges that he may be clamming up in hopes of securing a presidential pardon. Meanwhile, attorneys representing Manafort kept the President's team briefed on what he told the Mueller probe, it has emerged. Manafort's lawyers have 'repeatedly' reported back to the President's team for the last two months, the New York Times has revealed. Rudolph W. Giuliani, one of the president's personal lawyers, confirmed the conversations had taken place but defended them as a valuable insight into the Mueller inquiry on Tuesday. Legal experts believe the conversations may have been staged as an apparent bid from Manafort, 69, to obtain a presidential pardon or have any potential sentence reduced. Trump himself appeared to indicate he had insider knowledge of meetings between Manafort and Mueller on Tuesday, as he tweeted: 'Wait until it comes out how horribly & viciously they are treating people, ruining lives for them refusing to lie.' And earlier this month he posted: '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.' Manafort is facing up to 10 years in prison for two conspiracy charges and eight counts of financial fraud. But despite little being known about the conversations between his lawyer, Kevin Downing, and special counsel Mueller's team, it appears Manafort has not implicated the President in any wrongdoing. Giuliani said Manafort's lawyer Kevin M. Downing said prosecutors grilled Manafort over whether the president knew about the June 2016 meeting between his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials, in which they promised to give up compromising information about Hillary Clinton. 'He wants Manafort to incriminate Trump,' Giuliani said of Mueller. The revelation comes as Manafort was forced to deny meeting with Julian Assange, calling reports that he secretly visited the Wikileaks founder 'totally false.' Manafort released a statement on Tuesday, hours afterThe Guardian published a story alleging that the two met at least three times, including once in 2016 around the time he was hired by the president. 'This story is totally false and deliberately libelous. I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him,' Manafort said through a spokesman. 'We are considering all legal options against the Guardian, who proceeded with this story even after being notified by my representatives that it was false.' The news outlet claimed Manafort allegedly visited Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he has been holed up since 2012, on three occasions in 2013, 2015 and 2016, citing anonymous sources. Some of Australia's most notorious criminals could have their convictions quashed amid claims of police misconduct during the Melbourne gangland war. Dozens of jailed criminal figures are set to lodge appeals against their sentences next week, claiming 'systematic wrongdoing' compromised their cases, the Herald Sun reported. There are also calls for a Royal Commission into police misconduct, sanctioned by their high-ranking officials, that took place during and after the infamous war. At least 20 underworld figures - including Carl Williams, Andrew 'Benji' Veniamin and several members of the Moran family - were murdered. There are claims police and high ranking officials were complicit in 'systematic wrong doing' during the course of the Melbourne gangland war to gain arrests like that of Carl Williams Williams was killed in HM Prison in Barwon in 2010 when Matthew Johnson bludgeoned him to death with a metal pipe Tony Mokbel (left and right) was among those jailed amid the gangland war. He fled to Greece while he was facing drug charges before being extradited The bloody war erupted when Williams, a former associate of the Moran's Carlton Crew, turned on the infamous gang, before waging war against its members for the next decade. From January 1998 until August 2010, up to 36 people were killed in the tit-for-tat underworld war as Victoria Police tried desperately to stem the bloodshed. Sir Ken Jones, Victoria's former deputy chief commissioner, had raised concerns about the conduct of officials and police as they grew ever desperate to end the bloody street war. A 2014 email he wrote said he had began to hear whispers of the wrongdoing as early as 2010. Andrew 'Benji' Veniamin (pictured) was shot dead by Mick Gatto, who was acquitted on grounds of self-defence Lewis Moran (pictured centre) was among those killed in the bloody Melbourne gangland war Williams (pictured) was one of the biggest gangland scalps for police and it was alleged he was helping them with further investigations at the time of his death '(Systematic) abuse of the Victorian criminal court process and distortion of trials over many years. Serious crimes and imprisonable contempts of court committed by amateur police sleuths,' he wrote, according to the paper. He said there are potential issues of misconduct that would likely be levied against a number of senior police. Williams and the Carlton Crew, including Jason Moran (pictured) were at war for a decade in Melbourne Mr Jones claims that when he attempted to address the whispers of misconduct he lost his position as deputy chief commissioner. Police conduct from 1999 to 2014 will be subject to scrutiny with some senior legal officials claiming police tactics and conduct at the time was 'out of control'. Senior police and former politicians are expected to be questioned about what they know of the claims. The convicted criminals from that time period in Melbourne are lodging appeals with hopes any findings against the conduct of police could slash time from their sentences. Williams, one of the leading figures during the gangland war, was killed in HM Prison in Barwon in 2010 when another inmate bludgeoned him to death with a metal pipe. Williams was one of the biggest gangland scalps for police and it was alleged he was helping them with further investigations at the time of his death. Nine African-American workers at a General Motors plant in Ohio have filed a lawsuit accusing the automaker of turning a blind eye to racially charged incidents involving nooses, hate symbols and verbal abuse directed at people of color. According to the complaint filed in late September, between March and May 2017, five nooses were discovered hanging from the ceiling at the GM Powertrain & Fabrications plant in Toledo. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of bad news for the car maker, which announced this week plans to close three assembly plants by the end of next year, drawing the ire of President Donald Trump. The complaint lists multiple examples of racial harassment directed at African-American staff, including swastikas, stick figures with nooses around their necks and 'whites only' signs painted on bathroom stalls; white workers wearing shirts emblazoned with Nazi insignia under their coveralls, and white workers telling their black co-workers to go back to Africa and calling them 'boy.' Mark Edwards (left), Kenny Taylor (right) and seven other black workers at GM's Powertrain & Fabrications plant in Toledo, Ohio, are suing the company claiming the automaker failed to put an end to racist incidents One of the nooses was suspended directly above the work station of Mark Edwards, an African-American employee who has worked for GM for 40 years. 'I was startled, really startled by it,' Edwards, who lives in Detroit and commutes every day to work in Ohio, told the Detroit Free Press. 'I couldnt understand who in my work area disliked me that much or had that much hatred to hang a noose by my job.' His co-worker Kenny Taylor, who is also black, saw the noose that someone had left for Edwards on March 22. Now, both men are plaintiffs in the lawsuit claiming that GM has done nothing to address the culture of discrimination in the workplace and failed to protect its workers. According to Taylor, who has worked for GM since 1978, expressions of racial hostility at the factory in Toledo were not limited to nooses. 'When Id go to the bathrooms, I saw Nazi symbols on the walls and "Hate blacks" and "Blacks shouldnt be here,"' he told the paper. In April of last year, Edwards said he was seated at a computer station when a white co-worker walked up to him, informed him that he was in his seat, called him the N-word and then pulled the chair from under him. Both Edwards and Taylor, who witnessed the incident, reported what happened to their union representative and the plant's human resources, but they say nothing came of their complaint. Edwards says he took this photo after discovering the noose hanging above his work station at the plant in March 2017 For Edwards, the alleged lack of action was nothing new: the veteran factory worker said he has endured racial discrimination for years without anyone in management doing anything to stop it. GM has pushed back against Edwards' version of events, saying it had workers at the Toledo plant undergo anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training following the noose incident last year. 'Every day, everyone at General Motors is expected to uphold a set of values that are integral to the fabric of our culture. Discrimination and harassment are not acceptable and in stark contrast to how we expect people to show up at work,' the car maker said in a statement. 'General Motors is taking this matter seriously and addressing it through the appropriate court process.' But according to the recently filed lawsuit, the harassment targeting black employees continued, including one instance in which a white plant worker reportedly threw a rope at a black colleague, which earned him a 30-day suspension. The complaint lists examples of racial harassment directed at African-American staff, including 'whites only' signs painted on bathroom stalls (pictured) The lawsuit alleges that on one occasion, a white supervisor said during a meeting: 'what's the big deal about nooses? There was never a black person who was lynched that didn't deserve it.' GM officials told the paper that after the March 2017 noose incident, the company and the workers' union together produced a memo saying that the automaker has a zero tolerance policy for workplace violence or harassment. The memo was given out to each of the plant's 1,700 employees. GM said it has taken a host of other steps to ensure that the work environment is 'safe, open and inclusive,' such as training sessions at multiple plants, employee meeting and newsletters. GM said that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable, and that the company has been conducting training sessions for staff In March 2018, months before the lawsuit was filed against GM, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission found probable cause that 'GM engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices and ordered the company to take immediate action in order to provide its staff with a work environment free of harassment and hostility. A GM spokesperson said the automaker fully cooperated with the commission's investigation but disagreed with its findings. The lawsuit brought against the car maker seeks monetary compensation for lost wages and mental anguish, and also demands that GM fire employees responsible for creating a hostile work environment as a necessary step in overhauling the workplace culture. The complaint also calls for the company to step up security at the Toledo plant and erase any racist graffiti. The family of a man who was killed by his 'white witch' ex-wife say they are still haunted by the images of what happened to the man with a 'heart of gold.' Former bikini model Raquel Gaelle Hutchison showed little emotion as the family of her ex-husband gave their victim impact statements during her sentencing hearing. Brett Walker - who's been given a pseudonym - died after he was ambushed and assaulted in his home by Hutchison and her then-fiance Paul Andrew Wilkinson in October 2014. Former bikini model Raquel Gaelle Hutchison (pictured) showed little emotion as the family of her ex-husband gave their victim impact statements during her sentencing hearing Hutchison, who gained a considerable amount of weight while in prison, feared her ex-husband was abusing children and exposing them to ghost hunting, demonology and other paranormal activity, their trial heard He was blinded with Exit Mould, punched and gagged before the pair drove him around in the boot of a car for hours before leaving him in an isolated track. His body was found the next day on road in Wisemans Ferry, in Sydney's north-west. Hutchison and Wilkinson were found guilty of manslaughter this month by New South Wales Supreme Court Justice Peter Hamill, who identified Hutchison as the major aggressor in the attack. During the trial, the court heard how Hutchinson thought of herself as a 'white witch' and used spells and created a voodoo doll to replicate her ex-husband. Text messages between Hutchison and Wilkinson were also exposed during the trial, which included a message that read: 'S**t c**ts always win except when someone stops them'. Mr Walker's family on Thursday shared with the Supreme Court how they fear for the day Hutchinson is free from prison after the 'brutal and calculated' killing. Mr Walker's sister Amanda told the court she was haunted by the images of what happened to him and Hutchinson's lack of remorse had made it more difficult. She said the family fears for their safety. 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 'The possibility of her getting out scares us,' she said. A young girl, who appeared via video link, told the court she suffers panics attacks and has trouble sleeping since Mr Walker was killed. Mr Walker's mother Helen said the pain from her loss was overwhelming. 'The whole situation becomes unbearable and the pain of it all eats away at your stomach,' she said. 'It is with us forever and is now part of our family history.' She told the court she had flashbacks to her son's suffering, especially during Hutchison and Wilkinson's trial when there were 'attempts to make him, the victim, into the perpetrator'. Police seized bloodstained clothing after Brett Walker was killed in Sydney's north-west in 2014 A police image of blood soaked paper towels which were shown in court A police image of a knife which was shown in court during the trial of Hutchison An 8.4m long cord was found nearby to the victim partly covered in blood, the court heard Hutchison, who gained a considerable amount of weight while in prison, feared her ex-husband was abusing children and exposing them to ghost hunting, demonology and other paranormal activity, the trial heard. She and Wilkinson, who both dumped Mr Walker by an isolated dirt road north of Sydney following the assault, said they only intended to extract a confession. Justice Hamill in his verdict earlier this month said he wasn't required to make a finding on whether Mr Walker abused children. He said he had no doubt Mr Walker exposed children to strange things 'due to his interest in esoteric paranormal activities' but there was also evidence Hutchison considered herself a Pagan or white witch. Hutchison and Wilkinson will be sentenced in 2019. President Donald Trump's private jet, an instantly recognizable Boeing 757 used during his campaign, has been clipped by another aircraft at LaGuardia Airport. A corporate jet maneuvering into a parking spot clipped the wing of Trump's parked plane around 8.30am Wednesday, Trump's company, The Trump Organization, confirmed. The plane was parked and not in use, it said. The corporate jet, a twin-engine Bombardier Global Express, had three crew members aboard. It had just completed an 18-minute flight from Islip, on Long Island, and was being guided by ground personnel along a ramp near the general aviation terminal. No one was on Trump's plane. Donald Trump's private jet was clipped by a corporate jet maneuvering into a parking spot at LaGuardia on Wednesday Trump's private jet is the instantly recognizable Boeing 757 he used during his campaign Trump used the jet throughout his 2016 run for the White House but hasn't done so since taking office, opting for Air Force One instead. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, said there were no injuries and no impact on airport operations. The extent of damage to the planes wasn't immediately clear. According to the aviation tracking website FlightAware, the corporate jet flew Wednesday afternoon to Hartford, Connecticut, where Bombardier has a service center. Trump's plane is blocked from being tracked on the site. Trump bought his jet, a retrofitted commercial airliner, from the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011 for $100 million. It was previously used by a low-budget Mexican passenger carrier. Trump flexed the jet as a symbol of wealth, power and convenience during his presidential campaign, using it to commute almost every night to New York, home to his Manhattan penthouse apartment. Good old New York fender bender: Trump's jet was clipped while it was parked at LaGuardia airport in Queens The plane - painted black and red, with the Trump name in big, gold letters - features a bedroom, 24-karat gold-plated fixtures and leather seats, according to a Trump Organization video. During the campaign, it became known as Trump Force One and was a familiar backdrop for Trump's airport hangar rallies. Lately, the plane has turned into something of a LaGuardia landmark, with fliers snapping photos from passing jets and posting them on social media. Wednesday's incident wasn't the first involving a Trump campaign plane at LaGuardia. A Boeing 737 charter plane carrying then-vice presidential candidate Mike Pence overran a runway while landing in the rain on October 27, 2016, about two weeks before the election. No one was hurt. Two young girls were saved from drowning by grabbing hold of a fisherman's line to stop themselves being dragged further out to sea. Hernan Maria Galarza saw the three young girls who had been on the beach nearby were missing and realised they had been swept out to sea. The girls were in the El Chino Beach in Mar del Sud in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina when they were dragged further into the water by the high waves. In the strong waves the fisherman saw what he thought were two packages floating in the sea, until he realised they were the children on the beach earlier. After calling out to them he noticed his line was twisted as one girl had wrapped it round her hand to stop herself getting dragged further out to sea. Hernan Maria Galarza struggled to hold onto his fishing rod as the girls are bobbing up and down in the high waves of the El Chino Beach in Mar del Sud, Argentina Although one girl managed to get out unaided, two children aged 11 and 13 years old were unable to get to safety unaided. A 17-year-old aspiring lifeguard, Jean-Paul Choinski, was passing the beach when he jumped into the sea to rescue the two remaining girls as they were clinging onto the fishing line. Galarza's wife filmed the rescue and footage captured on her phone showed her husband struggling to hold on to the fishing rod as the line was hooked on to one of the girls being dragged out to sea by the strong current. He told the Argentinian newspaper Clarin: 'We were fishing in Mar del Sud, and there were three girls next to where we were. They were first near a stream, sunbathing. The three girls got into difficulty after playing on the beach near where Galarza was fishing 'A while later, when assembling the [fishing] cane, I turned and saw something in the water I did not think it could be them, but when I looked for the stream I did not see any of the three. 'I realised the ones that were in the water were them, they were already several meters in the sea and they were not able to get out. 'The girls do not know how they did to see the line in the water, but I turned around and saw that the rod was completely twisted, I thought I had caught something, but when I got close to the rod I realised that the nylon line was travelling towards the location of where they were.' Galarza said the rescue was tense and it was lucky his fishing line managed to hold the girls and did not break. A 17-year-old aspiring lifeguard jumped into the sea and pulled the two remaining girls to safety as they held on to the fishing line Hernan Maria Galarza said he the rescue was 'tense' and that it was lucky his fishing line was able to hold them both so they could be rescued He added: 'They started shouting, to ask for help. Then I screamed at her not to let go and that I was going to help her, and thank God it did not release her', the fisherman told Teleocho TV station. 'It was a tense moment, it would have been horrifying to see them die, it would have stayed in my head for the rest of my life if I did not do anything.' The girls were taken to a first aid room for treatment after their ordeal. Mar del Sud, is a small town on the Atlantic Coast, around 37 miles (60km) from the city of Mar del Plata. The spa known as 'El Chino' is renowned for its dangerous waters and five years ago a man drowned the same area. 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. The president condemned his former attorney Michael Cohen as a liar on Thursday, less than an hour after his longtime legal confidant pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about Trump's exploration of a real estate venture in Russia during the entire time he was slicing through the 2016 Republican primary field. The Trump Tower project in Moscow never got off the ground, but the Trump Organization didn't shelve it until June 2016, long after the future president had locked up the GOP's White House nomination. The revelation is giving Trump's Democratic adversaries new reasons to trumpet their belief that the president has long maintained ties with Russia that he hasn't acknowledged. With Mueller's Russia probe appearing to gather steam and House Democrats eager to wield subpoena power when they take over in January, pressures on the White House are intensifying. An hour after Cohen emerged from a Manhattan courthouse, Trump canceled a planned one-on-one meeting with Vladimir Putin that was to have occurred during this week's G20 summit in Argentina. The White House said the move was a reaction to the Russian navy firing on and seizing three of Urkaine's ships in contested waters. One detail inthe Cohen case could be especially damaging to the president: Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team charged that Cohen had promised Trump would visit Moscow personally to pitch the building project, but not until after the 2016 Republican National Convention when he would have the security of being the GOP's presidential nominee. The president was combative on Thursday, saying as he left the White House that Cohen is 'making up a story' and 'lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence.' 'He's a weak person and not a very smart person,' Trump told reporters, contending that 'he's trying to get a much lesser prison sentence by making up a story.' Cohen admitted falsely telling House and Senate Intelligence Committee investigators earlier this year that the Moscow project didn't extend past January 2016. Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, was in federal court on Thursday to enter his latest guilty plea President Trump bashed his former confidant as he left the White House, saying he's 'making up a story' and 'lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence' Trump also abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was to occur at the G20 summit kicking off Friday in Argentina Special Counsel Robert Mueller charged Cohen with lying to Congress about a plan to build a Trump Tower project in Moscow Cohen, seen smiling as he was driven away from court, faces sentencing on Dec. 12 for his guilty pleas, including one involving a hush-money payment to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels at President Trump's direction Prosecutors wrote in a charging document that Cohen lied in order to 'minimize links' between Trump and his proposal, and to 'give the false impression that the Moscow Project ended in early 2016 before "the Iowa caucus and the very first primary," in hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigations.' Trump said before boarding the Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn of the White House that even if Cohen were telling the truth, 'it doesn't matter. Because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. I was running my business.' He said 'I'm not worried at all' about the implications of Cohen's actions, and boasted that he would have resumed work on the Moscow undertaking if he had lost the election to Hillary Clinton. Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani told The New York Times on Thursday that when the president supplied Mueller with written answers to his questions a week ago, he documented his conversations with Cohen about the Moscow project. 'The president said there was a proposal, it was discussed with Cohen, there was a non-binding letter of intent and it didnt go beyond that,' Giuliani said. CNN correspondent Jim Acosta noted Thursday that Trump and Giuliani 'have had very harsh words for Michael Cohen, but they are not alone.' 'I talked with a source close to the White House earlier today who described Michael Cohen as a, quote, "rat," adding that inmates hate rats,' Acosta said. Asked Thursday at the White House why he ever hired Cohen for a top-tier Trump Organization job in the first place, given his recent characterization of the attorney as dishonest, Trump responded: 'Because a long time ago he did me a favor.' Cohen helped Trump in 2003 during a dispute with condominium owners in Trump World Tower. He had hiked condo fees by tens of thousands of dollars per unit in order to recoup legal expenses from suing New York City in a case that resulted in $94 million in tax savings for the building. Trump's other handing Russsia thread is Paul Manafort, his former campaign chairman who faces a decade or more in prison for charges Mueller reportedly used as leverage to encourage him to implicate the president in crimes; The president has said he hasn't ruled out pardoning him THREAT? CNN's Jim Acosta reported that a person close to the White House warned that Cohen was a 'rat,' and added that 'inmates hate rats' Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who will take over the reins of the House Intelligence Committee in January, blasted Cohen and Trump on Twitter. 'To help Trump, Cohen lied to Congress about Trumps business interests in Russia. The Presidents own denials during the campaign were also false or misleading, and underscore the importance of investigating any financial entanglement between Trump and Russia,' Schiff wrote. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that Cohen's plea 'shows that the Trump family did have business dealings in Russia despite President Trumps repeated statements to the contrary.' 'It raises serious questions about the presidents relationship with Russia and whether he and his family have been honest,' she said in a statement. Democrats also howled on Wednesday when Trump confirmed that a pardon for Paul Manafort, his former campaign chairman, is 'not off the table.' 'It was never discussed, but I wouldnt take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?' the president said in an interview. Manafort is awaiting formal sentencing for making millions representing Russian oligarchs and a Ukrainian strongman without registering as a foreign agent in the U.S., and without paying taxes on the income. The crimes occurred years before he and Trump met. A pardon is thought to be unlikely because some of the crimes Manafort stands convicted of are also covered by state laws in New York and elsewhere. A 150-year-old legal tradition holds that presidential pardons cannot cover state-level convictions because the U.S. and individual states are 'separate sovereigns.' The Supreme Court could overturn that doctrine in a matter of weeks, however. The high court is weighing the fate of a man who was charged with both state and federal crimes for the same illegal gun possession. Overturning the 'separate sovereigns' tradition could change the equation for Manafort, if not for Cohen. In this courtroom sketch, Michael Cohen, center, read his statement Thursday in a New York City federal courtroom. He pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on a canceled project to build a Trump Tower in Russia Trump's current personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said Thursday that written answers the president sent in response to Mueller's questions included one about the Moscow project, and that he had answered truthfully Special counsel Robert Mueller charged that Cohen lied to Congress in a written statement that described an ultimately shelved Trump Tower project in Moscow Contrary to his initial written testimony, Cohen discussed the status of the Trump Tower project with the future president on more than three occasions, prosecutors wrote According to the government's criminal indictment, known as an 'information,' Cohen made false statements in writing to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees about the length of discussions about the project, and about his related conversations with Trump Organization figures. His false statements included claiming that the deal wasn't discussed extensively, that he never agreed to travel to Russia to promote it and 'never considered' asking Trump to travel there, and that he didn't recall a Russian government response. The information says Cohen 'knowingly and deliberately' lied. 'In truth and in fact, and as Cohen well knew, Cohen's representations about the Moscow Project he made' to Congress were 'false and misleading,' according to prosecutors. Cohen discussed the project with the future president 'on more than the three occasions,' briefed Trump and his family members about it, and had multiple discussions with an unnamed person about Trump making a Moscow visit. That unnamed individual is likely project backer Felix Sater. In one May 4, 2016 email, Sater wrote that he 'had a chat with Moscow' about the real estate venture and said the question was whether Trump would go 'before or after the [Republican] convention' for a meeting between the 'big guys.' Cohen responded that he would go 'before Cleveland,' the site of the Republican National Convention, and that Trump would take a trip 'once he becomes the nominee after the convention.' A May 5 email includes an invitation from Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitri Peskov, inviting Cohen to St. Petersburg for an introduction to either the president or prime minister of Russia. 'Individual 2,' likely Felix Sater, emailed Cohen about the lawyers potential visit to Moscow. Cohen responded that his own trip would be before Cleveland and Trump would go once he becomes the nominee On January 14, 2016, Cohen emailed Putin spokesman Dmitri Peskov about the Trump Tower project Prosecutors also found proof that on Jan. 20, 2016, exactly a year before Trump took office, Cohen spoke to a Peskov assistant for about 20 minutes. He 'requested assistance in moving the project forward, both in securing land to build the proposed tower and financing the construction,' the criminal information says. Sater contacted him the following day to ask about the call, writing that it was 'about [the President of Russia that] they called.' Cohen's courtroom comeuppance on Thursday came after he gave Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team a reported 70 hours of interviews. They pressed him on Trump's real estate business ties in Russia, possible discussions with the president about pardons, and obstruction of justice. Cohen appeared outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan with his lawyer Guy Petrillo, who told reporters: 'Mr. Cohen has cooperated. Mr. Cohen will continue to cooperate. Sentencing is set for December 12.' Trump said that even if Cohen were telling the truth, 'it doesn't matter. Because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. I was running my business' Cohen's courtroom comeuppance came after Cohen gave Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team 70 hours of interviews. Cohen appeared outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan with his lawyer Guy Petrillo, who told reporters: 'Mr. Cohen has cooperated. Mr. Cohen will continue to cooperate. Sentencing is set for December 12' He has already testified in a Manhattan courtroom that he made an illegal hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, a pornographic actress who claims to have bedded Trump a decade ago, 'in coordination with, and at the direction of' Trump. Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner told reporters that Cohen's admissions were part of a 'rollout of close Trump allies' pleading guilty 'almost always to their trying to hide their ties with Russia and the Russians attempt to infiltrate the Trump campaign.' 'Youve got all these close associates of the president one after another pleading guilty, often pleading guilty, about their ties to Russia and Russians. And what are they covering up for?' 'If anything the president said is true, that theres no there there, why are all his closest associates being found guilty of lying about their ties to Russia?' Warner asked. The latest twist in his saga will come with an attached string of dozens of hours of of testimony that could be criminally damaging to the president. Cohen's new charge comes from Mueller. His previous ones, bank and tax charges to which he has already pleaded guilty, were lodged by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. At issue is Cohen's testimony before two congressional panels in September 2017 during the course of their own Russia investigations. At the time, he was still considered a loyal Trump footsoldier. Some of his testimony related to the construction of a Trump World Tower Moscow, a project that involved the Agalarov family who was also involved in the effort to set up a Trump Tower meeting with Russians in 2016. Cohen testified before Congress that the tower project had fizzled, saying the 'proposal was not feasible for a variety of business reasons and should not be pursued further,' Yahoo News reported in May. However, Cohen's communications with Moscow-born developer Felix Sater revealed that the contacts continued beyond what Cohen admitted during his sworn testimony. Sater handed over his texts and emails to Mueller's investigators. The texts and other communications revealed Cohen and Sater were discussing the project as late as May 2016. That puts the high-level talks about a plan to build the tallest building in Moscow well into the Republican nominating process. Trump during the campaign said repeatedly he didn't have business dealings with Russia. Emails between Sater and Cohen revealed Sater's efforts to pitch the skyscraper project to the Trump Organization. Sater said he could get Russian President Vladimir Putin to say 'great things' about Trump. In a statement released before his closed-door sessions with congressional investigators, Cohen said he 'had nothing to do with any Russian involvement in our electoral process' and 'never saw anything not a hint of anything that demonstrated [President Trumps] involvement in Russian interference in our election or any form of Russian collusion.' Cohen has testified that he paid off Stormy Daniels for her silence with Trump's knowledge and at his direction He is expected to be sentenced to between four and five years in prison in December for his first federal case. It's unclear if the new guilty plea will involve more jail time. Cohen has publicly turned against President Trump since the FBI raided his home and offices in April. Prosecutors deemed the $130,000 Stormy Daniels payment illegal because it was intended to help Trump avoid an embarrassing electoral loss to Hillary Clinton and was therefore an 'in-kind' political contribution far in excess of the limits of the law. Cohen's earlier plea also covered his role in arranging an illegal payment from the parent company of the National Enquirer to Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who claimed to have had a Trump affair. At Cohen's request, American Media Inc. bought the rights to McDougal's life story and sat on it without publishing anything, in a practice known as 'catch and kill.' American Media's chairman and CEO, David Pecker, is a longtime Trump friend. The Mueller probe has been a consistent thorn in the president's side, turning Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein into his bete noire for having appointed the special counsel. On Wednesday he defended his decision to distribute a Photoshopped image that showed 11 of his foes in a prison cell together, including Rosenstein. A New York Post reporter asked the president, 'Why do you think he belongs behind bars?' 'He should have never picked a special counsel,' Trump responded. President Trump used his Twitter account on Wednesday to forward posts from a fan account, including a graphic that depicted his Democratic opponents in prison, along with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein This image from 'The Trump Train' includes 9 of Trump's partisan opponents behind bars, and shows Robert Mueller (far left) and Rosenstein (3rd from left, back row) joining them Trump has long resented Rosenstein for hiring Mueller to investigate the unproven allegation that campaign aides in 2016 colluded with Russian agents to tilt the election in the president's favor The president had hours earlier retweeted a series of posts from a fan account, including the cartoonish image that also depicts Special Counsel Robert Mueller joining nine prominent Democrats in lockup. 'NOW THAT THE RUSSIA COLLUSION IS A PROVEN LIE, WHEN DO THE TRIALS FOR TREASON BEGIN,' its caption reads. Among the 'imprisoned' Democrats in the collage are former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton; Hillary Clinton, her former campaign chairman John Podesta and top aide Huma Abedin; former Attorney Generals Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder; and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Trump has long resented Rosenstein for hiring Mueller to investigate the unproven allegation that campaign aides in 2016 colluded with Russian agents to tilt the election in the president's favor. The special counsel appointment became inevitable after Trump fired Comey last year. That followed a decision by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from the matter because he was a Trump campaign adviser and investigators could consider him a witness. Trump has grumbled publicly and exploded privately about Sessions' move, saying he never warned him before he got the job that the recusal would be part of the deal. Slovakia could soon join the list of countries opting out of a United Nations pact seeking to promote an international approach to safe and orderly migration. The country's lawmakers rejected the UN pact Thursday in a 90-15 vote in Parliament, saying the pact is not in line with the country's policies on migration and security. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was approved in July by all 193 UN member nations except the United States, which backed out last year, and is due to be ratified formally in December. Voting no: Slovakian Parliament rejected the United Nation's Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in a 90-15 vote on Thursday, days after Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said he did not support it Austria, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Switzerland and Australia have already dropped their support for the deal and said they won't attend the meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on December 10-11 to formally approve the compact. The pact was conceived after the biggest influx of migrants into Europe since World War Two, many fleeing conflicts and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and beyond. The Slovakian Parliament has asked the government to reject the deal when it likely makes its decision on the document next week. Slovak leaders are divided over the pact, with Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini making it clear last weekend that he did not want his country to support it. 'Slovakia will not support this United Nations pact under any circumstances and will not agree with it,' Pellegrini told reporters in Brussels on Sunday. Louise Arbour, the U.N. envoy for international migration, pictured in 2011, said the member nations' rejections of the migration pact are 'puzzling', as pact is not legally binding A Slovakia rejection of the migration pact could lead to a shake-up of Pellegrini's government, given that Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak has threatened to resign if the government shuns the agreement. Lajcak was President of the United Nations General Assembly when the migration pact was adopted. Pellegrini said that he believed Lajcak would stay even when the pact is rejected by Slovakia. 'I will do everything I can to keep him in his seat,' the prime minister said. The Slovakian Parliament's rejection of the pact came as the U.N. envoy for international migration said some countries are reneging on their support for 'bizarre' reasons. Former Canadian judge and U.N. human rights commissioner, Louise Arbour said the rejections of the pact are 'puzzling' because it is not legally binding. After the pact's formal adoption at the December meeting 'there is not a single country that is obligated to do anything that it doesn't want to.' 'Many of them have expressed it, in frankly, rather bizarre terms,' Ms Arbour said. 'Some have said, for instance, we will not sign which is rather strange because there's nothing to sign. It's not a treaty. Others have said we will not come. Others have said we don't endorse the compact.' Arbour said that unfortunately 'migrant' has been a bad word for a long time, 'and it's extremely misunderstood.' She cited 'the unbelievable confusion' between refugees who flee conflict or political persecution and are granted asylum in another country, and migrants 'who overwhelmingly follow legal channels to access a country' by obtaining tourist, student or work visas, either for a short term or on a path to citizenship. Nonetheless, Arbour said 'we expect a very large participation, an overwhelming participation of U.N. member states' to formally adopt the compact by consensus. But she said she didn't know the number of countries that will attend the meeting, or how many world leaders, though there will definitely be some. Wing Commander John Wynn, pictured, was on a bombing mission over Germany on March 14, 1945 when his aircraft was badly damaged forcing his crew to bail out The head of the RAF has paid tribute to a hero pilot who lead one of the most daring WWII missions - when he escaped being chased by over 100 German planes. Wing Commander John Wynne has died aged 97 - more than 70 years after a brave raid to bomb a Nazi oil refinery. His crew were tasked with jamming enemy radar by flying low over the refinery in their B-17 plane. During the mission, Wynne managed to evade more than 100 enemy fighters prowling the skies but they were eventually hit by a shell from an anti-aircraft gun. It caused an engine fire and the Wing Commander ordered his crew to parachute out to safety. He flew the crippled bomber back across the Channel despite its broken propeller - and flew standing up because he was trapped by the pipe supplying oxygen to his mask. Wynne was unaware his men had been captured and executed by the Hitler Youth - and didn't learn of their fate for 50 years after secret files were opened up. His seven men were captured by a German lynch mob who were given orders to kill them after the mission at the Lutzendorf refinery on March 14, 1945. Four were murdered by a firing squad against the wall of Huchenfeld Church in Pforzheim, southwest Germany and two survived the war in a prison camp. One of the airmen managed to escape - but was recaptured and murdered. Wynne - by that time a farmer in Wales - did not know his men lost their lives until 1992 when officials tracked him down. Only years after the war did Wing Commander Wynne, pictured, with his wife Jenny, discover that he crew was murdered on the ground by the Hitler Youth - Wynne managed to pilot his crippled aircraft back to safety Sir Stephen Hillier, head of the RAF said: 'Wing Commander John Wynne DFC was a gentleman and a character. 'He was part of the extraordinary cadre of heroic aircrew to whom we owe a great debt, our freedom was fought for and won by them. 'Their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten - lest we forget.' Wynn, who became a hill farmer in Llanbedr, Gwynedd, Wales, after the war died on November 19. Discussing the daring night raid, Wynn said he knew 100 or more enemy night-fighters would have been directed towards his B-17. In order to avoid the deadly night fighters, he was forced to drop down to below 3,000 feet - where he was at greater risk from ground fire. Wynne saw two bombers ahead of him hit by ground fire and altered course, dodging flak which was coming up at them 'like ping-pong balls'. He said: 'We were doing very nicely. Then suddenly a shell hit the port landing wheel, ricocheted and exploded. 'There was a bang and then a flash and some of the hot fragments hit the inner port engine. One was used to being hit.' Fortunately no shots hit the B-17 which had a 'bonfire on the wing' and an engine fire. He then ordered his crew to parachute to safety and miraculously flew back to Britain. The target that Wednesday night, March 14, 1945, was the oil refinery at Lutzendorf, a few miles south of Leipzig. Germany was only months away from defeat but the Allied bombing campaign was continuing in the hope of hastening the end. On this raid Wynne's bomb-bay was empty because his task was not to drop explosives on the oil refinery - but to fly above the main wave of 244 Lancasters, jamming radar. Wynne's family friend and neighbour, Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd Edmund Bailey, praised his sterling military record - and said he was a 'tall man of good looks'. He said: 'He was held in extremely high regard by his friends and fellow villagers. 'He had an exemplary Air Force record and was one of the few surviving WW2 pilots left. 'During a particular tragic bombing mission over Germany, his plane was badly damaged and felt it safer for the crew to parachute out. 'They landed near Baden Baden and were captured there. 'Seven of whom were trucked to Pforzheim and then marched to Huchenfeld whereby they were locked in the primary school boiler room. 'Pforzheim had been badly damaged previously by numerous bombing raids and the District Governor wanted revenge. 'He organised a group of Hitler Youth to kill the remaining seven. Three of the airmen escaped but four were shot in the churchyard. 'One of the escapees was recaptured and murdered but the other two survived the war in a prison camp. 'Wing Commander Wynne, unable to leave the pilot's seat was compelled to stay with the plane but through great skill and determination and missing a propeller managed to bring the plane back to England but was for ever saddened by the cruelty shown to his crew.' In 1992, Dr Heinemann-Gruder, a former army officer, erected a plaque for the British aircrew on the wall of the church in Huchenfeld with the words 'Father, forgive'. This led to the confession of one of the murderers - at the dedication service to the crew. The elderly man broke down in tears and admitted: 'I was one of the boys who killed them.' The widow of murdered airman Harold Frost then unexpectedly stepped forward to forgive them. A journalist tracked down Wynne after hearing the story - and broke the news of his crew's fate. The wing commander was stunned - and commissioned a Welsh artist to make a wooden rocking horse that he and wife Pip donated to the kindergarten at Huchenfeld in 1994. The horse was called Hoffnung, the German word for 'hope', and bore the inscription: 'To the children of Huchenfeld, from the mothers of 214 RAF Squadron'. It sparked a special relationship with the Wynnes and the German town - who were linked by the massacre. Huchenfeld is now twinned with Llanbedr - and the friendship scheme has led to an exchanged between school children living in both places. Former Llanbedr school head Selwyn Griffiths said: 'John was a wonderful man who saw peace as a way forward after his experiences. 'When I was headmaster of Llanbedr school he came in to talk about the wooden horse he had given to Huchenfeld school as a sign of friendship. 'He was extending a hand of friendship following an event that happened during the war as he believed that this was very important. 'John Wynne was a special man, a very special friend that I will never forget and a friend who showed to us all the importance of building bridges of friendships between communities.' He is survived by his wife Anne Wynne (Pip), daughter Elisabeth Grant, daughter-in-law Jenny Wynne and grandchildren, William, Taisie, Katie and Angie. He sadly survived his 68-year-old son Ben Wynne by just 11 days who was tragically killed in an accident involving a tree on the family farm His funeral is on Friday at St Peter's Church, Llanbedr at 1.30pm. Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, pictured, was arrested at the airport after failing a breath test just 50 minutes before he was due to fly a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo This is the moment a Japanese Airlines pilot is arrested after being found nine times over the alcohol limit following a 24-hour drinking binge. Drunk first officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, is pictured being arrested just 50 minutes before the Japan Airlines (JAL) flight to Tokyo was due to take off with him in the cockpit. He was due to fly a Boeing 777 aircraft which holds up to 244 passengers and shortly after being challenged over his behaviour he was seen gargling mouthwash in the plane toilet. Judge Phillip Matthews described the co-pilot as 'very intoxicated' ahead of the October 28 flight, as he sentenced him to 10 months' imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday. 'You are an experienced pilot but you had clearly been drinking for a long period up to a time shortly before you were due to go into that plane,' the judge said. 'Most important is the safety of all persons on board that very long-haul flight, potentially 12 hours or more. Their safety was put at risk by your inebriation and drunkenness. 'The prospect of you taking over control of that aircraft is too appalling to contemplate. The potential consequences for those on board was catastrophic.' After initially being challenged over his behaviour, Jitsukawa was later found gargling mouthwash in a plane toilet. He is pictured being arrested Douglas Adams, prosecuting, said: 'This concerns an incident on the 28 October this year. The defendant was the co-pilot or first officer for Japan Airlines to Tokyo scheduled to leave Heathrow at 7pm that day. 'Together with the rest of the crew he went through security checks. 'It was thought by some of the security staff doing the checks that this defendant was under the influence of alcohol. 'They spoke to a security manager and he decided he would go and speak with the defendant and he approached him. Yasuhiro Kikuchi, Vice President, General Affairs, EMEA for Japan Airlines speaks to media outside Isleworth Crown Court today 'He and his flight crew members were waiting to go on the coach which would take them across the tarmac. 'He made an initial approach toward Mr Jitsukawa - but nothing was said at that stage. 'The security manager returned to security crew just to make sure he understood what he thought had happened. 'They confirmed their impression was that the defendant was drunk and that he had smelt of alcohol. 'He then went back to speak to Mr Jitsukawa but by this stage he and the rest of the crew had journeyed across the tarmac onto the air bridge. 'By this stage he had gone onto the air bridge and onto the plane itself. 'Stewardess were waiting to receive passengers but they had not yet boarded the flight. 'He asked Mr Jitsukawa to come out off the plane so that he could speak to him. 'He could also smell alcohol on his breath and so he had the impression that he was under the influence of alcohol. 'Mr Jitsukawa told him he had had whisky but was breathalysed and cleared. 'The defendant said that he wanted his blazer from the flight deck. 'He agreed and then he felt perhaps he shouldn't have let him and he went back on the plane to find the defendant. 'He found the defendant in the toilet rinsing and gargling his mouth with mouthwash.' Jitsukawa, who was clean-shaven and in a grey tracksuit as he appeared on a videolink from Wandsworth prison, kept his eyes closed through much of the hearing. It was said on his behalf that he was struggling with life as a pilot and suffered with insomnia. He is the sole carer of his three young children and was unhappy as he was spending a significant amount of time away from them. The pilot has since been dismissed from Japan Airlines, the court heard. A judge said the prospect of Jitsukawa being at the controls of the plane was 'too appalling to contemplate' (file picture) Bill Emlyn Jones, defending, said: 'My client asks me to convey apologies to customers of the airline he worked for, his employers, his colleagues, his family and this court for the shame he brought on them. 'Being a professional pilot is the only career he has ever known. It is the only career he had ever wanted. 'Some 30 years ago as a little boy growing in Japan he used to dream of growing up and flying a plane. 'Through his hard work, dedication and application he turned that little boys dream into a reality and became a pilot for Japan Airlines. 'Now he is 42-years-old still in the prime of his life and all that he worked for lies in ruins. He fully accepts he is the author of his own downfall. What is the alcohol limit for pilots? Pilots are subject to much stricter alcohol restrictions than drivers. The legal alcohol limit for pilots is 9mg per 100ml of breath, but for a driver it is 35mg per 100ml. The restriction on alcohol in the bloodstream is 20mg per 100ml for pilots and 80mg for drivers. Advertisement 'He was spending long periods of time away from his family and young children, working irregular hours he became unhappy he suffered with sleeplessness with his sleeping patterns. 'He turned to alcohol for a means of self medicating against unhappiness and insomnia. 'He couldn't actually remember when he stopped drinking. He drank the night before from the evening and into the night. Your honour may come to the view he was drinking in the day itself and on the reading that must be right.' The judge said Jitsukawa would serve half of the sentence before being released on license. He added that if it were possible to repatriate the former pilot to Japan the court would welcome it. Outside court, JAL deputy general manager in London Yasuhiro Kikuchi denied colleagues acted improperly, and added: 'As an organisation we are going to work together to prevent this happening again.' Following Jitsukawa's arrest, JAL pledged to introduce a new breathalyser system at overseas airports. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said Jitsukawa pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol limit at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 1. Japanese media reported that police were alerted by the driver of a crew bus who smelled alcohol on the pilot. Tests revealed he had 189mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system, almost nine times the 20mg limit for a pilot. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg. JAL issued an apology and pledged to 'implement immediate actions to prevent any future occurrence', adding that 'safety remains our utmost priority'. Airline executives told reporters that Jitsukawa cleared an in-house breath test before arousing the suspicions of the bus driver who was taking him to the plane from Heathrow Airport. A second breath test before takeoff showed that he had consumed 'excessive alcohol', the co-pilot was arrested by British police and required to undergo a blood test which confirmed those results, the company said in a press release. 'We are certain (the in-house breath test) wasn't conducted properly,' Muneaki Kitahara, JAL's head of communications, told a press conference. The plane departed London for Tokyo's Haneda airport after a delay of one hour and nine minutes, forcing the airline to operate the flight with two pilots rather than the customary three. Long haul flights, particularly those longer than 12 hours, are normally piloted by two captains and a co-pilot so they can rotate breaks. 'The company sincerely apologises to the passengers and to all affected by the employee's actions,' JAL said in the press release. The Met Police is considering sending out armed foot patrols around crime hotspots in London to battle gang violence. Scotland Yard commissioner Cressida Dick said the 'extreme circumstances' would be a reaction to 'serious outbreaks of violence'. Patrols would be made up of officers currently serving in armed response vehicles that provide support to neighbourhood teams in the capital and can be deployed at any time. Speaking at the London Assembly police and crime committee, Ms Dick said it would only be a small change to the roles armed officers currently play. The Met Police could deploy armed foot patrols around London to combat the wave of violent crime, Commissioner Cressida Dick said (file picture) According to the Evening Standard, she said: 'We are not doing this by stealth. It would only be done in unusual circumstances.' The plan was criticised by Labour member Len Duvall, who said armed patrols on ordinary streets could 'sneak out and become the norm' and questioned why there had not been more consultation. Ms Dick said some consultation had started in London and the aims was to 'enhance public and unarmed officer safety' and 'improve, not hinder, community confidence'. An email seen by the Standard said Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) patrols are an option for the Met but are not 'routinely used' due to the 'potential for adverse community impact'. A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed its tactics were 'under constant review' as part of its aim to tackle serious violence. The spokesman said: 'Currently officers across the boroughs and Violent Crime Taskforce are supported by colleagues from specialist units such as the Territorial Support Group and the Specialist Firearms Command (SCO19). 'One tactical option available within SCO19 would be to deploy armed foot patrols. 'The Met recognises the significant change in tasking officers in this way and the impact it may have on our communities. 'As such an email was sent to our independent community group, the Firearms and Taser Reference Group, for their initial views on how they believe their community may perceive such patrols. No decision has been made.' Ms Dick said armed patrols would only be used in 'unusual' and 'extreme' circumstances Police firearms operations across the UK rose by 19 per cent in the past year as the number of armed officers was increased amid the growing threat from terrorism and violent crime. Home Office statistics revealed such operations in England and Wales had reached their highest level in seven years. Police in England and Wales carried out 18,746 armed operations in 2017-18. Officers opened fire on 12 occasions, up from 10 the previous year, including the fatal shooting of three terrorists to stop the London Bridge attack in June 2017. It would not be the first time armed foot patrols have taken to the streets in London. In 2009 Scotland Yard mobilised such teams in Haringey and Lambeth in a pilot scheme in response to rising gun crime. But the move was scrapped after it provoked outrage over a lack of consultation with councils. Sister Lisa Zuccarelli, formerly og the Diocese of Columbus, has been accused of sexually abusing one of her high school students in 1982 An Ohio nun who taught at a Catholic high school has been accused of sexually abusing a former student. Sister Lisa Zuccarelli, formerly of the Diocese of Columbus, allegedly molested one of her female students from Fisher Catholic High School in 1982, according to a news release by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. The female victim had left her home due to abuse and Zuccarelli told her she could stay in her room at St. Mary Convent in Lancaster, Ohio. The girl obliged and claims Zuccarelli molested her that night then told her to sneak out of the convent in the morning. Police were alerted about the decades-old allegation when the former student wrote a letter to the Dominican Sisters of Peace in July. A police investigation was conducted in October and found the accusations to be credible, according to 10tv.com. 'We consider this conduct reprehensible, and we are deeply sorry for the pain it has caused,' Sister Patricia Twohill, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, says in a news release. The alleged abuse took place in 1982 when a female student at Fisher Catholic High School stayed with Zuccarelli at St. Mary Convent (above) in Lancaster, Ohio 'We have approached the situation with as much transparency as possible, while being respectful of the privacy of the victim. We are doing all that we can to support the healing of all involved,' she added. As a result of the allegations, Zuccarelli was removed from her ministry in July 2018 and has been restricted from having unsupervised contact with minors and former students. She is also undergoing a psychological assessment at a center that specializes in therapy for the religious and clergy members. Prioress Twohill said the organization has encouraged anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct by a member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace to contact law enforcement or the Diocese. Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane is beginning a prison sentence for leaking grand jury material and lying about it. Kane showed up at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility just before 8am Thursday to begin a 10 to 23-month term for perjury, obstruction and other counts. The Democrat, 52, from Scranton had once been considered a rising political star in the state, but resigned after her 2016 conviction. The state Supreme Court on November 26 declined to take up her appeal, leading a county judge to revoke her bail. A booking photo of Kathleen Kane (above) provided by Montgomery County Correctional Facility A county judge appointed a special prosecutor to investigate Kane after former prosecutors with the attorney general's office alerted him that secret grand jury material had been leaked to a newspaper. Kane asked the high court to hear her case earlier this year, after the state Superior Court affirmed her conviction for perjury and for leaking grand jury information to hurt a rival. She had argued among other things that a special prosecutor who first built the case against her lacked legal authority. The justices, in their unanimous decision, did not provide an explanation for their denial. Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy ordered Kane to report to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility 'Given that the rationale for (the) defendant remaining at liberty pending appeal has expired, post-sentence bail is revoked'. Montgomery County district attorneys office formally requested the order earlier Tuesday, arguing the Supreme Court decision was the end of the legal road for Kane. In October, she was granted a divorce from her husband, Christopher, whose family runs a trucking business, the Scranton Times-Tribune reported. They have two teenage sons together. Kathleen Kane was all smiles as she was driven to Montgomery County Correctional Facility by an unidentified friend Kane looked as though she didn't have a care in the world as she began her jail term which could see her behind bars for up to 23 months after she was found guilty of perjury District Attorney Kevin Steele wrote: 'Two different appellate courts have reviewed her case, yet her judgment of sentence remains. 'She received a fair trial, her guilt was proven beyond a reasonable doubt and now it is time for her to serve her sentence'. Kane was convicted of two counts of felony perjury and seven misdemeanors, including obstruction and conspiracy. She had argued before Superior Court that she should have been allowed to use evidence of a pornographic email scandal that rocked the states judicial community. Kane was then escorted by a police officer into the facility where 400 women are imprisoned Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane leaves court in handcuffs after her sentencing in October 2016 She also has to use evidence related to the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case that her former office prosecuted. Kane had been critical of the Sandusky investigation while running for office in 2012, creating resentment among prosecutors in the case who told the judge about the grand jury leaks. 'This is war,' Kane wrote in a 2014 email that was aired at trial. Kane believed ex-state prosecutor Frank Fina (right) was behind a March 2014 story that revealed that she had secretly shut down a sting that captured Democrats accepting gifts Her other appeal arguments included claims that evidence against her was illegally obtained and that she had been the victim of selective and vindictive prosecution. Kane became involved in a personal feud with another former prosecutor - a clash that eventually led to her political undoing. She believed ex-state prosecutor Frank Fina was behind a March 2014 story in The Inquirer and Daily News that revealed that she had secretly shut down a sting investigation. The sting captured Philadelphia Democrats on tape accepting cash, money orders or gifts from an undercover operative. Kane will serve her term at the Montgomery County jail in Eagleville, about five miles from Norristown Fina, for many years the head of corruption cases for the Attorney General's Office, launched the sting before Kane took office in 2013. Kane later orchestrated a leak of confidential grand jury information about an investigation once run by Fina. She believed that he had failed to aggressively pursue corruption allegations against the onetime head of the Philadelphia NAACP, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. While she was looking for information to discredit Fina, she discovered a series of emails containing pornography and offensive content that were exchanged between state prosecutors, defense lawyers and judges. The scandal became known as 'Porngate' and it led to the retirements or resignations of more than a half dozen high profile public officials, including onetime Supreme Court justices Seamus P McCaffery and J Michael Eakin. Kane will now join about 400 other women imprisoned at the Montgomery County jail in Eagleville, about five miles from Norristown. The women are held in a mix of dorms and multi-person cells, according to Warden Julio M Agarin. An Army soldier and her adorable canine pal enjoying an emotional reunion as she returned home from deployment just in time for Thanksgiving. Casandra Cabrera had just returned home to Sacramento, California, after being deployed in Djibouti, Africa, when she was reunited with her pup, Missy May. As her whole family watched the sweet moment unfold, Missy May couldn't help but show Casandra how much she missed her during her 11-month deployment. Army soldier, Casandra Cabrera, and her canine pal, Missy May, had an emotional reunion as she returned home to California just in time for Thanksgiving As her whole family watched the sweet moment unfold, Missy May couldn't help but show Casandra how much she missed her during her 11-month deployment The sweet pooch is seen jumping up and down in excitement as Casandra laughs and tries to keep her balance In the heartwarming video, Casandra holds out her arms and Missy May immediately jumps in them. The sweet pooch is seen jumping up and down in excitement as Casandra laughs and tries to keep her balance. Missy May continues to jump and lick Casandra on her cheeks as she whines. According to Casandra's mother, Robbi, Missy May was barely a year old when her daughter left for Africa. Robbi shared the tear-jerking video on Facebook. It has been viewed more than 33,000 times. 'We had the BEST THANKSGIVING HOMECOMING EVER [sic] I am so blessed to have MY SOLDIER HOME!' Robbi wrote in the video's captions. Casandra and Missy May are apparently inseparable. Several photos show the two lounging around and sharing outdoor adventures with the family's horse. The pair are often seen wearing matching bandannas. According to Casandra's mother, Robbi, Missy May was barely a year old when her daughter left for Africa 'We had the BEST THANKSGIVING HOMECOMING EVER [sic] I am so blessed to have MY SOLDIER HOME!' Robbi wrote in the video's captions A second Leveson inquiry will not go ahead after victims of press intrusion failed in a High Court challenge. Culture secretary Matt Hancock announced in March that reopening the 'costly and time-consuming' inquiry, which reported on press regulation and ethics in 2012, was not 'the right way forward'. But lawyers for campaigners including Kate and Gerry McCann, Christopher Jefferies and Jacqui Hames claimed former PM David Cameron had made a 'clear and unambiguous commitment' to the second inquiry at a meeting in 2012. They said cancelling it was therefore 'unlawful', because the four had a 'legitimate expectation' it would go ahead. Judges were asked to examine the legality of the government decision to pull the plug on a follow-up to the press ethics inquiry and gave their decision today. Sir Brian Leveson, who oversaw the first inquiry into press ethics. High Court judges have no found there is no legal reason to overturn a government decision not to hold a second inquiry Judges Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Ouseley rejected the case, finding the government decision was lawful. Lord Justice Davis said he had 'a great deal of sympathy for the claimants' and understood they would be disappointed. But the judge added: 'I am afraid that sympathy cannot override the law and I can see absolutely no basis for these grounds of claim ... achieving the result which the claimants seek.' Lord Justice Davis said Mr Cameron made 'no such promise' of a second inquiry at the 2012 meeting. Campaigners claimed David Cameron promised the second part of the inquiry would go ahead, but judges said no such promise was made The judge also said he found it 'unacceptable' that the case was based on a covert recording made of the meeting, despite everyone present having agreed that 'what is said in this room stays in this room' at the outset. He said the case failed 'at almost every level'. Lawyers for the government has said a statement made by Prime Minister could not be legally binding on the Government. After the ruling today, a spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: 'We welcome the court's judgment. The Government remains committed to ensuring that the inexcusable practices that led to the Leveson Inquiry never happen again. 'The media landscape has changed significantly in the six years since the Leveson Inquiry was first published and we believe that the steps we have taken mean that continuing with Part 2 is no longer appropriate, proportionate, or in the public interest.' Sir Brian Leveson heard the first part of the inquiry, which cost the taxpayer 5.4 million, over 17 months and delivered his report in 2012. Kate and Gerry McCann were thrust into the spotlight when their daughter Madeleine went missing in Portugal in 2007. Bristol landlord Mr Jefferies was libelled by the press when he was wrongly accused of the murder of Joanna Yeates in 2010. And former Crimewatch presenter Ms Hames received apologies and damages from News Group Newspapers, part of News UK, and Trinity Mirror over phone hacking and other illegal activity. A fitness trainer has no regrets after he pummeled a suspect who attempted to rob a bakery, despite breaking a bone in his hand in the process. A close circuit camera mounted in a shop in the Argentine city of Villa Adelina captures the heroic moment father-of-five Leandro Pugens came to the aid of a female employee and thwarted the robbery. The Good Samaritan heard the commotion while he was shopping for pastries on Sunday afternoon and raced to the counter after a 30-year-old Chilean male tried to reach the cash register. Leadro Pugens, a father-of-five daughters (center), broke up a robbery at a bakery in Argentina A 30-year-old Chilean man (pictured) tried to reach behind a counter and steal money before a customer jumped into action and placed him in a choke hold before other joined in to beat him 'A lot of people do things they can't do. I knew I could handle him,' Pugens told Cronica TV. The 44-year-old suffered a broken bone in his right hand which was placed in a cast. X-rays have not determined whether he will require surgery. The suspect, who tried to hide his identity by placing a black bag in front of his face during the attempted robbbery, is seen in the video retreating after the cash register attendee blocked his path to the counter while she was ringing up a customer. The thief is then confronted by Pugens who quickly placed him in a WWE-like choke hold to subdue him. The buff Argentine man then slams the criminal to the ground and delivers a series of kicks to the delinquent. The suspect (left) attempts to steal from a cash register counter before customers beat him down A customer ((second clockwise) squares up before he punches the robbery suspect in the face The Chilean national attempted to run out the store but not before the bodybuilder immediate grabbed a hold of him once again. As if the choke hold and the kicks weren't enough, another male shopper then punched the thug in the face. The thief was arrested but punched in the face by a different man as he was led out the store in handcuffs by cops. Although the suspect was unarmed, Pugens is regretting his sudden decision because he figured it could have been his daughter working behind the register. The fitness buff (pictured) thought about his five daughters when he decided to help out a female employee who was working behind a cash register when a man tried to rob the bakery Another customer (right) rears up and delivers a blow to a man (left) who tried to rob a bakery in Argentina as he is led away 'Some say why you did you not think about your family Leandro, you have five daughters... That's why I did it, for my five daughters,' Pugens said. 'Tomorrow my oldest daughter can be at that register. A guy like me here can solve the situation and [then decides not to get] involved.' A young boy had a lucky escape after getting his head stuck between a metal window guard and a ledge. The three-year-old boy was eventually freed after a rescue team spent 20 frantic minutes trying to safely remove him from the tight spot outside the ground floor of a home in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. A cellphone video captures the dramatic moment a special unit of rescuers and firefighters pull the iron structure away from the house's exterior brick wall and the child is removed from harms way. Cronica and other Argentine outlets did not report the date of the recent rescue effort, and it is not known why the boy decided to place his head there in the first place. A concerned mother (left) tries to keep her son calm while a rescue unit in Argentina works to free her son, who was playing around and got stuck in between a metal window guard and a window ledge. She is seen (right) carrying her son away after he was freed 'Relax my son, you'll come out,' the mother could be heard amidst the toddler's anxious cries. Video shows the moment rescuers pulled out the lower part of the metal protective barrier, which pinned the frighten boy's tiny neck against the window ledge. Another group appears in the video trying to push on the steel bars as others pulled. A short while later, an adult male official with the Argentine Civil Defense department rescue unit places a towel around child's neck while another man inside the home pushes his head out. The mother held on to him and led him away from the tense scene. 'It's all well, champ,' she said. 'How scary!' No injuries were reported. A California man who married his Mexican fiancee in a ceremony at the San Diego border that went viral last year has been sentenced to prison for drug smuggling. Brian Houston and Evelia Reyes fell in love through drinking and gambling-fueled binges in Tijuana last year, but their relationship hit an impasse when they realized that neither of them would be able to cross into the other's country. They turned to the Door of Hope - a large steel maintenance door in the fence along California's border with Mexico where families could unite with their loved ones. Border Angels, a non-profit organization supporting immigrants, organized Houston and Reyes' Border Patrol-approved wedding in front of the Door of Hope at Border Field State Park on November 18, 2017. The world - and plenty of Border Patrol agents - watched as the pair tied the knot in a heartwarming ceremony attended by nearly a dozen pre-screen families. It wasn't until after that authorities learned why Houston had been unable to cross into Mexico. Months earlier he had pleaded guilty to charges of smuggling heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine into the US. This week Houston was sentenced to 41 months in prison, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Houston and Evelia Reyes tied the knot last year at the Door of Hope on the US-Mexico border. They are pictured with her two children Houston underwent a background check before the ceremony was approved by Border Patrol, but his felony smuggling arrest from earlier that year did not initially appear on record Houston said at the time that the couple were marrying in the special ceremony because he could not cross the border - but declined to elaborate. He failed to mention his February arrest in which agents say they found 43 pounds of heroin, 47 pounds of methamphetamine and 43 pounds of cocaine in his Volkswagen as he crossed through the San Ysidro Port of Entry. 'The agents are upset, feel like they were taken advantage of, feel like they were duped,' said Joshua Wilson, vice president and spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council Local 1613 to the San Diego Tribune. 'Turns out we provided armed security for a cartel wedding.' Upon learning of Houston's criminal past, the incensed Border Patrol closed the Door of Hope permanently. Border Angels pleaded ignorance, saying in a statement: 'Border Angels has never done any background checks, as the Border Patrol advised us they will do all background checks and advise us which families have been cleared.' Border Patrol spokesperson Takae Michael said Houston was 'screened through an internal vetting process based on biographical information provided to us' by Morones. 'A review of the provided information, through our DHS systems, did not indicate criminal activity,' Michael said. Border Patrol officials were livid when they learned of Houston's criminal record after having overseen the ceremony that was watched around the world The wedding was organized by Border Angels, an immigrant rights advocacy group that started the Door of Hope program to help families reunite across the border The Border Patrol said that after the wedding, 'a subsequent review of Houston's information was completed and confirmed a match for a previous arrest for drug smuggling.' 'We were shocked to learn this past week of Brian Houston's very serious criminal situation. That goes against everything Border Angels stands for,' the organization's executive director Enrique Morones said. Soon after Houston's criminal past was revealed, the Door of Hope was closed permanently. The heavy steel gate that was opened six times between 2013 and 2017 is now only opened for maintenance. It sits in a small strip of land where families from both sides can see one another, but not touch, any time they want. During the wedding that ultimately brought its downfall, Evelia Reyes arrived from the Mexican side wearing a white wedding dress, a long flowing train and a white veil. She was accompanied by three children from her previous marriage, including a young daughter also dressed in white. 'For a relationship this wall does not exist, for love there are no borders,' Reyes gushed. At the gate a Mexican judge promptly married her to Houston, who approached from the US side dressed in a smart grey suit. The wife of the mayor of Tijuana and the local Mexican Human Rights commissioner served as witnesses. 'It's a statement that love has no borders,' Houston told reporters during the ceremony. 'Even though we are divided by a giant fence here, we can still love each other on both sides of the fence.' Reyes, a native of the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, said she met Houston in Tijuana three years prior. Houston and Reyes are still together, though it is unknown when they will be able to reunite At the time of the wedding Houston said the couple were marrying in the special ceremony because he could not cross the border - but declined to elaborate Court documents indicate that smuggling drugs through the San Ysidro Port of Entry on February 28, 2017, was rock bottom for Houston, who first became addicted to alcohol and gambling in college at San Diego State University. While attending the school he would take frequent trips to the city where he would later meet his wife. 'Brian acted on a primitive level of obtaining money so that he could continue to make that one more bet that was going to take him out of his debt and misery,' defense attorney Russell Babcock wrote in a sentencing memorandum obtained by the Union-Tribune. In a letter to US District Judge Dana Sabraw, Houston described how gambling got its grip on his psyche, leading him to drop out of San Diego State, leaving behind a promising future in music to go to gambling school. He later moved to Las Vegas, where the addiction worsened. 'As the booze were unlimited and free while I was gambling, I always felt it necessary to drink as much as possible to get my moneys worth,' Houston wrote in the letter. 'The more alcohol that I would consume, the more outrageous bets I would place which was a recipe for a disaster.' When he moved back to San Diego, the trips to Tijuana started back up again. It was there that he met Reyes and her two children, who gave him hope of turning his life around just before he was arrested for drug possession. Houston pleaded guilty to the charges. While out on bond he underwent intensive treatment for his gambling and alcohol addictions. He and Reyes are still together, though it is unknown when they will be able to reunite. UK aid spending topped 14billion for the first time in 2017, official figures on taxpayer cash spent in other countries reveals today. The amount spent on aid rises every year because the Government is committed by law to spending 0.7 per cent of national income on it. If the economy grows the share also rises. Aid spending is deeply controversial among Tory MPs who insist more money should be spent at home on public services or on defence. Pakistan received the most direct cash from the UK, receiving more than 400million in development assistance. Nigeria was second on 327million. Almost 530million was also ploughed into multi-national efforts to respond to humanitarian crises caused by wars in Somalia, Syria and Yemen. UK aid spending topped 14billion (red line) for the first time in 2017, official figures on taxpayer cash spent in other countries reveals today. The Government now spends 0.7% of national income on aid since a law change in 2013 (blue line) Aid to the poorest countries in the world increased by 234million as the target of spending is redirected by Aid Secretary Penny Mordaunt (pictured in Downing Street on Monday) away from middle income nations A Government spokesman said: 'The UK was at the forefront of delivering lifesaving aid in humanitarian emergencies around the world in 2017, from wars in Yemen and Syria, to the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, to famine in South Sudan. 'We are spending UK aid where it is most needed, saving lives and helping poorer countries prosper. 'Poverty reduction is at the heart of what we do but UK aid is also tackling global challenges like disease, terrorism and conflict, and creating a safer, healthier and more prosperous world for us all. 'This is a win for the UK and a win for the developing world.' Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg slammed the inflated budget. He told MailOnline: 'This extravagant approach to overseas aid does not fit comfortably with the continued austerity at home.' Almost three quarters of UK aid is spent via the Department for International Development - but the figure is falling as other departments spend abroad. Money spent by the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence now makes up a bigger share as the Government focuses on work aimed at boosting the UK interest directly. About 63 per cent of aid spending is ploughed directly into other countries by the UK, with the remaining 37 per cent spent via multinational aid agencies. Pakistan received the most direct cash from the UK, receiving more than 400million in development assistance. Nigeria was second on 327million Over the past 12 months projects have included the first ever cholera vaccination campaign in Yemen. The UK's Emergency Medical Team - which can rapidly set up a field hospital overseas in response to a disaster or emergency - was deployed to help curb the outbreak of diphtheria amongst Rohingya people in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh. Aid spending was also used to respond to new Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supplying vaccines and personnel to treat patients. Aid to the poorest countries in the world increased by 234million as the target of spending is redirected from middle income nations. 'County lines' drugs gangs have set up at least 2,000 routes to move heroin and cocaine from big cities into smaller towns, it emerged today. Police say Britain is plagued by the gangs, who exploit addicts around the UK and use young children as runners. It was revealed today that the groups are making 3million a day from the trade, which is spreading violence and misery around the country. County lines drugs gangs are moving substances from big cities into smaller towns The brazen gangs showed Sky News's Jason Farrell the large hunting knives they hand out to the 'kids' that do their bidding for them. One gang leader said: 'Most of our business is outside of London. Me and my buddy go somewhere and find a crackhead. I'll give them some rock (crack cocaine) for their numbers, their friends. 'Once an area is established, I'll get the kids to go out there for me.' The gang leaders nonchalantly admit they kill anyone who gets in the way of their 'business'. The Mail has previously highlighted the growing scourge of county lines gangs, which recruit youngsters to transport and sell drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas. Youths are lured with promises of friendship or gifts, but once they begin work they are threatened with violence and trapped. It is believed up to 50,000 are being exploited, with children in care prime targets. Police smash down the door of a suspected county lines drug dealer in Liverpool this month Nine out of ten police forces are battling the county lines gangs, with half of the forces having encountering child drug runners, according to National Crime Agency figures. Earlier this month, police launched coordinated raids in Merseyside, Greater Manchester, South Wales, Devon and Cornwall in a fightback against the gangs. They arrested 14 people and seized 5 million in cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. Earlier this week, families minister Nadhim Zahawi said too many youngsters in care are getting caught up in the criminal system after being coerced by drugs gangs. In the first guidance of its kind, he is urging police, social workers, teachers and the courts to spot the signs of grooming and intervene before it is too late. The owner of a cafe called 'Nice Baps' has slammed trolls who threatened him because he was once jailed for 'aiding and abetting' his infamous rapist brother. Kevin Baker, 55, recently won a battle with officials who wanted him to change the name of his business after it was deemed rude. His Nice Baps cafe has become the top-rated food destination in all of Cornwall on TripAdvisor, and his customers include former prime minister David Cameron. But since the name row went public Kevin has revealed he has been sent death threats by people who learned about his 31-year-old conviction. Kevin says he is now facing a battle to save his reputation after revealing his part in his brother's rape of a 19-year-old girl In Bideford, Devon in 1986. Kevin Baker (pictured with wife Laura) says he is now facing a battle to save his reputation after revealing his part in his brother's rape of a 19-year-old girl In Bideford, Devon in 1986 Richard Baker worked as a resort DJ on the Costa del Sol, where he would slip Rohypnol into victims' drinks before stalking them and launching an attack as they walked home alone Kevin was sentenced to four years in prison in 1987 for aiding and abetting his rapist brother DJ Richard Baker - a notorious sex offender. Richard Baker was given four life sentences in 1999 for a series of rapes in the previous year which he committed after returned from working in Spain. He had already been jailed for six years for rape in 1987 and is suspected of raping more than 100 women, including scores of teenagers. Kevin admitted that he also served 17 months of a four-year sentence for 'aiding and abetting' his brother when he was 24 on the night of the Devon rape. Richard Baker (pictured) was given four life sentences in 1999 for a series of rapes But it is a charge he has always denied and Kevin says he is being bullied by people who call him a rapist and say the 'Nice Baps' name is inappropriate. Kevin says the trolls are unaware of the 'true' facts behind his conviction. He said: 'My involvement in the 1987 incident will haunt and hound me for the rest of my life. 'Yes, I did drive the vehicle away from one of his crimes in 1987 when I was a young man. 'I voluntarily told the police that the person they were looking for was Richard Anthony Baker and I was the driver of the vehicle. 'I have pleaded my innocence from that day to this but I do admit to driving the van away from the scene, unknowingly. 'I did not know he had jumped out on a girl and dragged her to the ground outside a vicarage. 'People are saying I "helped him" but "helping him" was driving the vehicle away. I wasn't there. I went back to pick the van up. 'The very next day I saw a report on the news of a rape that had been committed in North Devon with a brown corduroy jacket left at the scene with DNA samples on it. 'I knew that jacket was my brother's. I went to the police station in Bodmin voluntarily on the same night my house caught fire and burned to the ground.' Kevin and his wife Laura say they had not slept since they started receiving threatening phone calls after the allegations came to light Kevin says the recent success of his cafe, in a shipping container on the A39 near Wadebridge, Cornwall, had led to what he describes as a 'witch-hunt'. He says he is regularly called a rapist by online trolls and he has also received death threats with people telling him 'we will get you'. He added: 'I have people shouting "rapist" every day as they drive past the cafe. Richard Baker: Good-looking DJ who preyed on drugged women Richard Baker was given four life sentences in 1999 for a series of rapes in the previous year which he committed after returned from working in Spain. He worked as a resort DJ on the Costa del Sol, where he would slip date rape drug Rohypnol into victims' drinks before stalking them and launching an attack as they walked home alone. He had already been jailed for six years for rape in 1987 and is suspected of raping more than 100 women, including scores of teenagers. He was caught after his brother recognised him on a Crimewatch appeal and contacted police. In 1995 he was jailed for 12 months for having a relationship with a 15-year-old girl and having sex at least five times. The jury of five men and seven woman took just over four hours to unanimously find him guilty on all ten counts. In 2016, Baker was sentenced to an additional six years in prison after a jury found him guilty of nine offences of possessing and making indecent images of children. Advertisement 'I am 55 now and that was 31 years ago and yet I am still having to explain my past and my "right-doing" in convicting one of the biggest serial rapists in British history.' Kevin and his wife Laura say they had not slept since they started receiving threatening phone calls after the allegations came to light. He claims he knew when Nice Baps reached No 1 on TripAdvisor that it would 'bring all this up again'. Mr Baker, who has not seen his children - aged 26 and 25 - from his first marriage for 20 years, said: 'I lost my daughter and son the last time this was reported and I don't want it to happen again. 'My wife and children, who are three and 10, are the most precious things in my life. 'I am not prepared to be bullied, held accountable, ridiculed and threatened by any other person now I have spoken about this. 'I will go all the way and do anything if anybody trips me up and affects my family. I will hound and expose them. 'If my business and my life are ruined again by so-called witch hunters and trolls then so be it. What more can you take away from me? 'I am a broken man. I'm not going to be working at the cafe anymore, it will just be Laura. That's what the trolls want. 'I've had windscreens smashed and saw two men running away after smashing every window in my car. 'A man came into the cafe once with a bottle and asked me if I was Richard. When I told him I wasn't, he put the bottle away - I know he'd come to maim me. 'We're so tired of it all. This has ruined us. People want to take away something we are so passionate about.' Kevin says the recent success of his cafe, in a shipping container on the A39 near Wadebridge, Cornwall, had led to what he describes as a 'witch-hunt' Kevin's wife Laura, 34, added: 'I actually got the police to visit me to explain exactly what happened on that day. 'I told them, "you convicted somebody for being in the wrong place at the wrong time; a person who turned himself in because he realised he had driven the van away". 'The police told me he had to be prosecuted at that time - I'm sure it wouldn't happen now. 'What happened in 1987 we can never change, but we can correct people when they come to the wrong conclusion. 'They are reading lots of different stories from 30 years ago, many of which didn't report the correct details, and are putting two and two together. 'It's a hard thing to constantly remind people that what Kevin did saved so many girls and women from being raped. He shouldn't be punished for it.' Laura also denied accusations that the naming of the cafe was in poor taste in relation to Mr Baker's conviction and his brother's notoriety. She added: 'It was me that named it Nice Baps. It had nothing to do with Kevin. It was literally because we had nice baps supplied by Malcolm Barnecutt's Bakery.' A shrine has been built in memory of Britain's most prolific burglar who racked up more than 700 break-ins before he was 18. Bradley Wernham, 27, was branded a 'one-man crimewave' after taking more than 1million in stolen goods between the ages of 12 and 18. He sparked national outrage when a judge took pity on him in 2009 after he confessed to 17 burglaries and asked for the other 645 he had committed to be 'taken into account'. The career criminal, originally of Harlow, Essex, only ever spent a year and a half in prison and was living with his partner Louise Upton. But he was found dead in a field in Gilston, Hertfordshire on November 23 after disappearing from a pub drinking session on November 19. As a way of paying tribute to him mourners have erected a shrine in Harlow town centre. Britain's most prolific burglar Bradley Wernham (pictured in his mugshot aged 19 left and recently aged 27 right) has been found dead in a field at the age of 27 The day after his death his partner posted on Facebook: 'You meant the world to me Bradley Wernham u were the best thing that happened to me. 'I miss ur cuddles and kisses,I miss ur smell and ur snoring,I just miss u. 'I'm heart broken right now,but I take comfort in knowing that u loved me and u got me,and I got u,I love u babe xxxx.' She told the local newspaper: 'He was amazing. I saw him every day. He was there for me and he was changing his life.' His grandmother Pauline told the paper: 'He made people happy and he was very funny.' His mother Sharon added: 'If he saw homeless people he would go and get them chips and make sure they had been fed. He will never be forgotten.' Her son started his life of crime aged 10 regularly targeting people's homes, garages, pubs, schools and even a church. He was also known for taking people's cars, including a 85,000 Mercedes, a 50,000 Porsche Cayman and a 30,000 Land Rover Discovery. Wernham escaped jail in October 2009 and was given a curfew and 150 hours community service. As a way of paying tribute to him mourners have erected a shrine in Harlow town centre A missing person poster implores anyone who thought they had seen Wernham to tell police He was able to live rent-free in his own flat and was sent to college at the taxpayers' expense after the judge made him promise to turn his life around. But just three months later he was arrested in wake of a '500 per cent spike' in burglaries in Chelmsford, Essex. He was jailed for five years in August 2010 at Chelmsford Crown Court after confessing to aggravated vehicle taking and attempted burglary, but was released after 18 months. Speaking at his 2009 court hearing at the same court, Judge Christopher Ball, QC - in sparing him jail - said: 'This is a unique solution 'This is about as unusual a sentencing hearing case I have ever come across. 'To find someone who owns up to over 640 offences covering a six-year period whilst he has another 20-odd before court is a very, very unusual situation.' Pictured: Bradley Wernham was 'changing his life' according to his partner At his case in 2010 the same judge told him: 'You cast yourself as a victim and you're not. 'Until you are a man, or man enough to appreciate that fact, there will be little hope in you changing your conduct.' A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed this week that the body of Wernham had been found at 1pm and that his death is currently being treated as 'unexplained but not suspicious'. He said: 'A 27-year-old man from Harlow was reported as missing on November 19 and we carried out enquiries to try and find him. 'The search was suspended following the discovery of a man's body near Gilston in Hertfordshire on November 23.' White liberals tend to alter the way they speak when talking to African Americans to make themselves look less competent, according to a new study. The 'well-intentioned' but 'ultimately patronizing' shift in speech patterns suggests that white liberals are drawing on stereotypes about minorities having low status or low competence levels, according to the study to be published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 'There's a lot of research focused on biased individuals and how holding bias, especially implicit bias, can influence social interactions, but that leaves a lot of people out' said co-author Cydney Dupree, assistant professor of organizational behavior at Yale School of Management. 'My hope is that this work will help include well-intentioned people who see themselves as allies but who may be unwittingly contributing to group divides,' she added. 'There is a broader need to include them in the conversation.' A new study by researchers at Yale and Princeton finds that white liberals tend to alter their speech to appear less competent when talking to African Americans Dupree and co-author Susan Fiske of Princeton University started their research by analyzing the words used by Democratic and Republican presidential candidates on the campaign trail. They found that the Democrats tended to shift their speech in front of different audiences, while Republicans did not alter their speaking patterns though 'it was harder to find speeches from Republicans delivered to minority audiences,' Dupree told Yale Insights. 'It was really surprising to see that for nearly three decades, Democratic presidential candidates have been engaging in this predicted behavior,' she added. Of 74 speeches, roughly half were addressed to mostly minority audiences while the other half were directed to mostly white audiences. It was really surprising to see that for nearly three decades, Democratic presidential candidates have been engaging in this predicted behavior. -Cydney Dupree, Yale School of Management Researchers reviewed the speeches for words that fall into two categories: competence and warmth, saying that they are two critical dimensions that reveal how we see others and what we try to convey about ourselves. Words related to warmth are about friendliness think 'supportive' and compassionate' and have to do with one's intentions toward other people. On the other hand, words related to competence are related to ability or status for example, 'assertive' or 'competitive' and indicate one's ability to carry out their intentions successfully. Bentley Gibson, an Atlanta-based psychologist researching implicit racial bias, said she was not surprised by the team's findings - and that they reflect patterns she's seen in her own work training people to recognize and break away from their own unconscious biases. '(Liberals are) highly aware of the stereotypes, but it also means their pro-white biases are higher,' she told DailyMail.com. 'When you don't have a strong white bias and don't see white as "better" and black as "lesser," then you don't do these things,' she added. 'If you unconsciously see black as a lower status you won't even realize in the moment (that) you are dumbing yourself down.' Dupree and Fiske ultimately decided to take their research a step further, creating a series of experiments in which white participants were asked how they would respond in interactions with a hypothetical person in hypothetical situations. Half of participants were assigned a hypothetical partner with a stereotypically white name (Emily, for example), while the other half were given participants with stereotypically black names (for instance, Lakisha). The subjects were then given a list of words to choose from to compose an email to Emily or Lakisha. In some cases the email was work related, while in others it was just an introduction. Each of the words was scored on how warm or competent it was. For example, 'euphoric' is high in warmth and competence, while 'happy' is high in warmth and low in competence and 'melancholy' is low in warmth and high in competence. Racism and white supremacy cannot remain so ingrained in our society solely based on those who express racism explicitly. - Malik Russell, NAACP Participants were then scored on how competent and warm they presented themselves to be. Again, people who identified as liberal were less likely than conservatives to use words that made them appear highly competent when talking to a person who was presumed to be African American. 'It was kind of an unpleasant surprise to see this subtle but persistent effect,' Dupree says. 'Even if it's ultimately well-intentioned, it could be seen as patronizing.' Dupree and Fiske suggested that white liberals are aware of real and perceived differences in their own status and privilege and may be attempting to compensate to look less 'stereotypically high in status' when they alter their speech patterns around African Americans. 'One thing is clear, implicit bias affects all aspects of our society, regardless of how we see ourselves,' NAACP spokesperson Malik Russell told DailyMail.com. 'We know that racism and white supremacy cannot remain so ingrained in our society solely based on those who express racism explicitly, he added. 'There has to be conscious or unconscious buy-in to stereotypes by those who consider themselves liberal as well.' President Trump says he would have met with the Saudi crown prince in Argentina this week at the G20, only his schedule won't allow for it. Trump has acted as Mohammed bin Salman's defender in the press, saying maybe he did know about Jamal Khashoggi's killing and maybe he didn't. As he left the White House on Thursday for summit, the president shrugged off a meeting with MBS to discuss the journalist's murder last month at a Saudi consulate, telling DailyMail.com, 'It wasn't set up. 'It only wasn't set up, I mean, I would have met with him, but we didn't set that one up,' Trump contended. 'I'm making about three or four meetings, we just didn't have time.' Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman deplanes at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday for the G20 Summit in this handout photo provided by the summit President Trump says he would have met with the Saudi crown prince in Argentina this week at the G20 summit, but his schedule didn't allow for it. He's seen here leaving the White House Shortly after Trump's remarks, French press announced that bin Salman would be meeting at the G20 with Emmanuel Macron, who had earlier derided the U.S. president for making decisions that are 'detrimental' to Europe. Trump apparently has time to meet with Japan's Shinzo Abe, India's Narendra Modi, Germany's Angela Merkel and China's Xi Jinping. 'I'm meeting with President Xi, which is a very important meeting have to do with trade, and as you know,' the president on Thursday noted. Yet, he won't be hearing from bin Salman directly, he confirmed on Thursday on the White House's South Lawn, about charges that the crown prince not only knew about but personally ordered Khashoggi's murder. Trump has been insisting for weeks that he is right not to condemn Saudi Arabian leaders for Khashoggi's murder and continued to claim Tuesday that the nation's crown prince may have been in the dark about the attack The president's schedule became a lot freer after his conversation with reporters. He cancelled a planned summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin an hour after taking off from Washington for Argentina. Russia took three Ukranian ships and their crews hostage this week an an act of 'aggression' the United States says it will not tolerate. Planned meetings with Turkey's Recep Erdogan and South Korea's Moon Jae-in were downgraded to 'pull-asides' the White House announced during the president's flight. How Trump would fill the gap in his schedule at the G20 was not immediately clear. He does not currently have meetings set up with Britain's Theresa May or France's Emmanuel Macron, either. Erdogan gave the U.S. a recording of Khashoggi's death that is not public but has not had its authenticity disputed earlier this month as he left for an Armistice Day celebration in Paris. The audio reportedly makes it clear that Khashoggi was murdered but doesn't contain a smoking gun that would directly implicate bin Salman. Trump and Erdogan discussed the murder during a dinner in Paris, the White House told DailyMail.com. Still, Trump said earlier this week that he still has not received convincing intelligence that the crown prince was pulling the strings. 'Maybe he did and maybe he didnt,' Trump told the Washington Post on Tuesday as he prepared to travel to Argentina for Group of 20 summit. 'But he denies it. And people around him deny it.' Trump danced around an assessment that bin Salman almost certainly knew about the assassination by saying, 'The CIA did not say affirmatively he did it.' 'Im not saying that theyre saying he didnt do it, but they didnt say it affirmatively,' he stated. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he told senators on Wednesday, 'There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi.' Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters after the briefing that none of the lawmakers believe that bin Salman, known by his initials, MBS is innocent, however. 'I don't think there's anybody in the room that doesn't believe he was responsible for it,' Corker stated. CIA Director Gina Haspel was not at the briefing that the White House claims it didn't bar her from attending. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key ally of Trump's, said that until he gets a briefing from the CIA, he wouldn't vote on any legislation, which would include a spending bill next week to keep the government open. 'I am not going to be denied the ability to be briefed by the CIA, that we have oversight of, about whether or not their assessment supports my belief that this could not have happened without MBS knowing,' Graham said. Saudi King Salman presents President Donald Trump with the highest civilian honor, the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Court Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a visit in May of 2017 The president had previously been called out for his claims about the MBS by Democrats, including the ranking member of the House Intelligence committee. Rep. Adam Schiff said that Trump was being 'dishonest' when he claimed that the CIA offered no assessment on the crown prince's involvement. Trump has been dogged by the claims that resurfaced on Tuesday at the White House during a briefing for reporters in advance of his trip to Buenos Aires. His national security adviser admitted that he had not listened to an audio tape provided to the American government by Turkey that allegedly documents the Washington Post columnist's final moments. 'Why do you think I should? What do you think I'll learn from it?' John Bolton testily told a reporter. 'Unless you speak Arabic, what are you going to get from it?' The president left Washington on Thursday for Buenos Aires, where the Bolton says he'll sit down with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan but not bin Salman. Bolton cited a busy scheduled at the Group of 20 summit as a reason he would not sit down with the crown prince face to face after repeatedly professing his supposed innocence in the Khashoggi murder. Trump has been insisting for weeks that he is right not to condemn Saudi Arabian leaders for Khashoggi's death and continued to claim Tuesday that the nation's crown prince may have been in the dark about the attack. 'Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event maybe he did and maybe he didn't!' Trump said in a statement a week ago that irked Republicans and Democrats. Trump claimed, 'We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi' and therefore the U.S. 'intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region.' The Saudis have seized upon Trump's refusal to condemn bin Salman as evidence that the CIA's point connecting him with the murder is incorrect. Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Saudi officials initially denied his death was murder but later conceded he'd been killed. They called it a 'rogue operation' without the knowledge of bin Salman and imprisoned everyone known to have been involved. The CIA has confidentially assessed that couldn't plausibly be the case. It's unlikely that the de facto ruler of the kingdom was unaware of what was happening inside the consulate where Khashoggi was tortured and then murdered. Speaking to that point, Schiff said Sunday on CNN that while he could not disclose the contents of the CIA's report on the Khashoggi killing, 'I can say that I think the president is being dishonest with the American people. 'It would be one thing if the president were leveling with the American people and saying, OK, this is what happened, this is what we know, this is what took place, but, nonetheless, we need to maintain a relationship with the kingdom. But that's not what he's doing. 'And I just think that it causes our standing in the world to plummet. It telegraphs to despots around the world they can murder people with impunity, and that this president will have his -- their back, as long as they praise him, as long as they do business with him, potentially. And that cannot be the guiding principle behind our foreign policy,' Schiff said on 'State of the Union' as he lectured the president. Donald Trump insisted he was right not to condemn Saudi Arabian leaders for journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder after harsh criticism of his pronouncement that the crown prince may have been in the dark, because of the low cost of oil prices Trump has held the declining price of oil, of which Saudi Arabia is the top exporter, as a reason for maintaining a positive relationship with the kingdom without explicitly saying that's why he's letting bin Salman off the hook. 'Theyre keeping the oil prices low. I see that yesterday, one of the papers, I was blamed for causing traffic jams because I have the oil prices so low. Well, I have the oil prices low because Im jawboning them and others all the time to keep them low. Nobody ever did that,' Trump proclaimed on Thanksgiving Day. The president claims that Russia and China would sweep in and take Saudi investments for themselves if America introduced tough new sanctions on the oil-rich nation. 'Theyre buying their equipment from us. And remember this: They dont have to buy it from us. They can buy it from Russia and they can buy it from China,' he asserted. Trump's original position entirely ignored the CIA's findings that MBS had to be aware of the killing. His comments prompted an immediate backlash from prominent senators. 'I never thought I'd see the day a White House would moonlight as a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,' Corker tweeted. But as Trump on the White House's South Lawn had explained a day before: 'It is all about America first - it is America first. 'We're not going to give up hundreds of billions of dollars of orders and let Russia, China, everybody else have them,' he said. The president has claimed a $110 billion investment from the Saudis in defense equipment that would disappear if the U.S. sanctioned the nation's military sector. 'If you think I'm going to let Russia have that money or those things, if you think I'm going to let China make the military equipment hey, China and Russia would love to make a hundred billion dollars worth of military equipment from Saudi Arabia. We have the contracts. They wanted those contracts,' he said last Tuesday. 'That would be a big fat beautiful gift to Russia and China. They are not going to get that gift.' If he were to act against the kingdom, Trump suggested there would be a global economic meltdown. 'Right now we have oil prices in great shape. I'm not going to destroy the world economy, and I'm not going to destroy the economy for our country by being foolish with Saudi Arabia.' He added, 'I think the statement was pretty obvious what I said. It's about America First.' Trump's stunning remarks came as he was departing the White House for a family holiday at Mar-a-Lago. And it was just days after the president admitted he had not listened to an audio tape provided by the Turkish government of Khashoggi's murder, because it was too gruesome. 'It was very violent, very vicious and terrible,' Trump told told Fox News. Trump said then that he didn't know if MBS was lying to him when he told him that he had no knowledge of the murder. In the interview for 'Fox News Sunday' the president replied: 'Well, will anybody really know? All right, will anybody really know? But he did have certainly people that were reasonably close to him and close to him that were probably involved. 'You saw we put on very heavy sanctions, massive sanctions on a large group of people from Saudi Arabia. But at the same time we do have an ally and I want to stick with an ally that in many ways has been very good,' he explained. The president says he is still open to sanctions that could be imposed by Congress in the lame duck session but would only support them if they were in the United States' national security interests. He insisted, 'The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone.' Yet, the U.S. president said he would take no further action because the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia is too valuable. 'That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' he again asserted. 'They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region.' Stormy Daniels could soon be facing new legal woes after two of her closest friends filed a police report involving her and her estranged husband Glendon Crain. The Blast reports that Keith Munyan and J.D. Barrale filed a police report with the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday after Crain accused the men of stealing $25,000 in a series of vulgar and homophobic texts. 'Now you've f***ed with my daughters money, which means youve now f***ed with me,' reads one text from Crain, in which he appears to be referring to his young daughter with Daniels. 'Rest assured I will get that 25,000 back that you two F****TS decided to keep to spite Stormy.' In the text, which was also obtained by The Blast, Crain goes on to say he will take the money 'out of your ass.' Scroll down for video Fractured ties: Stormy Daniels and her husband Glendon Crain are the subject of a police report that was filed on Wednesday by Keith Munyan and J.D. Barrale (l to r: Barrale, Michael Avenatti, Daniels and Munyan) Happier times: The two men, who are partners, claimed they were attacked by Daniels' estranged husband Crain for allegedly stealing $25,000 (Munyan and Barrale above with Daniels in May) Daniel allegedly began to accuse the two men of stealing approximately $25,000 from her online store in recent weeks, money the men claim they put back into the business. The two believe that the texts are a threat on their life which is why they have filed a police report. They also believe that Crain is acting on Daniels behalf in sending these texts, despite the fact that he filed for divorce in July. Daniels did not respond to a request for comment, and if she is indeed behind these texts it would mark a shocking split between her and Munyan. The two had a father-daughter relationship, and Munyan took most of her photos for the past few years. He is in a relationship with Barrale. The photographer was one of the people named in her lawsuit against Michael Cohen, and would allegedly listen in on her phone calls with former paramour Donald Trump. Threat?: 'Rest assured I will get that 25,000 back that you two F****TS decided to keep to spite Stormy,' wrote Crain 'He would call all the time. That man can talk about nothing for hours,' Munyan told The Daily Beast. He also claimed in that interview that Trump had offered to get Daniels a condo in New York City or Florida. Daniels refused both of those offers. Meanwhile, the man whom Daniels filed that suit against was in court on Thursday. Cohen made a surprise appearance before a federal judge in New York on Thursday and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress to cover up that he was negotiating a real estate deal in Moscow on Trump's behalf during the heat of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump called Cohen a 'weak person' who is lying to get a lighter sentence. The charge was brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the presidential election, and was the result of his cooperation with that probe. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements about the project in 2017 to Senate and House intelligence committees, which at the time were investigating possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. His comments made clear that his communications with Trump about the project were much more frequent than he had suggested. President Donald Trump canceled his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin here at the G20 summit on Thursday just an hour after he said it was on Thursday morning. 'Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting...in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin,' the president tweeted. 'I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!,' Trump added in a pair of tweets after he boarded Air Force One to fly here for 48 hours of meetings with world leaders. But, a mere hour earlier, as he was leaving the White House to go to Joint Base Andrews for the trip, he told reporters the sit-down was on on after he threatened to cancel his it earlier this week. President Trump, seen leaving for Argentina with first lady Melania Trump, tweeted he was canceling his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin An hour earlier Trump told reporters the meeting was on Trump tweeted the cancellation less than an hour after he boarded Air Force One He cited the three Ukrainian ships seized by Russia as the reason 'I probably will be meeting with President Putin. We haven't terminated that meeting,' he told reporters at the White House before he left for the summit. 'I think it's a very good time to have the meeting.' Trump had said he would review a report on the Ukraine crisis on the plane. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Trump made the decision during his flight to the summit. She said she wasn't aware of a conversation between Trump and Putin about it. Trump during the flight spoke with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House Chief of Staff Kelly and made a call to National Security Adviser John Bolton, according to Sanders, who said the U.S. and Russian governments had communicated. Trump exited the White House at 10:30 am and took reporters' questions for about nine minutes Thursday. During remarks, he delivered an angry denunciation of Michael Cohen, calling him 'weak' and accusing him of lying to get a lighter jail sentence, while also saying it was a good time to meet Putin. Trump's tweet announcing the summit was off came out at 11:34 AM. The summit, if it had happened, would have placed Trump in the potentially uncomfortable situation of being seen with Putin following yet another Russian move against its neighbor and violation of international norms. Its actions in the confrontation has already received condemnation in Europe. Trump, who has displayed little interest in confronting Putin in public or in private, also would have been seen with his Russian counterpart just days after new details about his planned Russian business venture were revealed. Cohen, Trump's longtime lawyer, is revealed in a government information as reaching out to a top Putin official to discuss land and financing for the potential Trump tower project. Those discussions continued into the GOP primary process. Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani fumed about the new charge Thursday and brought up the G20 summit. 'It is hardly coincidental that the Special Counsel once again files a charge just as the President is leaving for a meeting with world leaders at the G20 Summit in Argentina,' Giuliani wrote. 'The Special Counsel did the very same thing as the president was leaving for a world summit in Helsinki. With regard to the hotel proposal in Moscow, the President has been completely open and transparent,' he added. Mueller's team indicted 12 Russians for hacking on the eve of Trump's Helsinki summit. Trump nixed his summit with Putin not long after Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, was in federal court on Thursday to enter his latest guilty plea Having the summit raised the prospect of putting Trump's posture on Putin and Russia once again under the microscope at a critical time. The president was hounded for his Helsinki summit with Putin where he failed to criticize Russian election hacking and passed on Putin's denials of interference. Trump's 180 on the summit came after a chaotic morning where his former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his business talks with Russia during the 2016 campaign. A criminal information released by the government stated that Cohen made false statements about the number of times he spoke with Trump about the project and that that it continued months beyond January 2016, when he had told Congress it had fizzled. Indeed, email discussions included in the document discuss a pre-convention trip to Moscow by Cohen as well as a Trump trip 'once he becomes the nominee after the convention.' The information spells out the negotiations over a potential major Trump business deal in Russia at a time when Russians were hacking Democratic emails and when the candidate was calling for closer ties with Moscow. Trump canceled the summit under the shadow of an international crisis of Moscow's making. Russian military forces on Sunday attacked and seized three Ukrainian vessels that were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait, resulting in international condemnation. Trump had threatened to cancel the meeting with Putin over the incident earlier this week, telling The Washington Post on Tuesday: 'Maybe I won't have the meeting. Maybe I won't even have the meeting. We're going to see.' But on Thursday he said the meeting was still on and he would receive a report on Air Force One about the incident with the Ukrainian ships. 'I'm getting a full report on the plane in respect to what happened,' he said. Less than an hour after he boarded the plane, he tweeted the cancellation notice. Sanctions on Russia for the 2014 incursion into Ukraine are still in place. The meeting between the two leaders was to focus on security issues, arm controls issues, and regional issues including Middle East, National Security Adviser John Bolton told reporters at the White House on Tuesday. But that agenda was released before the news of Cohen's plea and the news that he had lied to lawmakers about how long his talks with Russia had gone on while Trump was seeking the Oval Office. Cohen admitted in federal court that he misled federal lawmakers about a proposed deal to build a Trump Tower project in Moscow something he was working on in 2015 and 2016 while Trump was running for the White House. Cohen has previously said the project was shelved in January 2016, but it extended until June of that year, throughout the entirety of the Republican presidential primary process. President Trump bashed his former confidant as he left the White House, saying he's 'making up a story' and 'lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence.' President Putin will meet with Trump on Saturday 'He's a weak person and not a very smart person,' Trump told reporters, contending that 'he's trying to get a much lesser prison sentence by making up a story.' Trump said that even if Cohen were telling the truth, 'it doesn't matter. Because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. I was running my business.' Trump and Putin spoke briefly in France when both men were present for celebrations celebrating the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I but they have not had a formal sit down since their July summit in Helsinki, where Trump made news for backing Putin's assertion Moscow did not meddle in the 2016 presidential election, contradicting conclusions from U.S. intelligence agencies. The president later walked back his remarks. A seven-year-old Maryland girl is in a coma after she was hit by a pickup truck that sped past a school bus with flashing lights and a stop sign, police said. Skyla Shirriel was exiting her school bus around 3.45pm following a day at TC Elementary in Bryantown on Tuesday. She was then struck by a 35-year-old woman right in front of her home. Skyla was airlifted to a nearby hospital following the crash and placed in a medically-induced coma on Tuesday night and is fighting for her life. The driver's name has not been released. Police said the woman stayed at the scene and waited for officers to arrive. Skyla Shirriel, seven, is in a coma after she was hit by a pickup truck that sped past a flashing stop sign as she was getting off her school bus, police said Authorities are investigating the incident but said it is 'clear' that the driver did not stop for the stop sign and blinking lights on the school bus. Mike Wathen, who is housemates with Skyl and her father, was told by a witness that his children were almost hit by the driver as well. Skyla (pictured before the accident) was placed in a medically-induced coma on Tuesday night 'The other three little boys were pretty shook up,' he told WJLA.'They had a tough time last night.' 'They just had questions about what happened to her. They all saw it.' The horrific accident comes just weeks after three Indiana siblings were killed when a 25-year-old ran into them with her pickup truck. Police said twins Xavier and Mason Ingle, six, and their sister Alivia Stahl were boarding their school bus, which had its stop-arm activated, when Alyssa Shepherd slammed into them. Alivia died while trying to shield her brothers. Shepherd was charged with three counts of reckless homicide and one count of passing a school bus and resulting in bodily injury. A new Brexit referendum could staged within 22 weeks of Theresa May's deal being defeated, Justine Greening said today. The former education secretary said a national ballot could start being arranged immediately after the Commons showdown on December 11 - and would potentially be held in May. The claim came as Remainers stepped up their bid to force a rethink on the Brexit process. But Mrs May has again dismissed the idea of a referendum, saying it would harm 'trust in politicians' and mean tearing up the deal she has struck with the EU. Speaking at an event in London alongside ex-minister Jo Johnson today, Ms Greening said: 'I've worked out that you could plan and hold a referendum in 22 weeks. Former education secretary Justine Greening (pictured today) said a national ballot could start being arranged immediately after the Commons showdown on December 11 - and would potentially be held in May 'We could actually, after this vote on December 11, hold a referendum, potentially, on May 30 next year. 'We could, alongside that, choose to extend Article 50, I've suggested, by four months to July 29.' Ms Greening insisted the necessary legislation could be passed during the time frame and the referendum question could include three options; remaining in the EU, leaving on the terms of Mrs May's agreement, or leaving without a deal. The ex-Cabinet minister said voters could list their choice in order of preference, as in mayoral elections. Ms Greening said voters had to decide on the issue because they were tired of a 'Game of Thrones-style' approach to Brexit in Parliament. Speaking at the same event in London, Mr Johnson - who quit as transport minister earlier this month in protest at Mrs May's Brexit agenda - said a new referendum could have a positive impact on the country. Mr Johnson said that a new referendum would allow the Government to concentrate on domestic issues. He said: 'Some say giving the public the final say will tear the country apart. 'In fact, I believe an honest debate in light of the experience we have all had as a country over the last two-and-a-half years could be part of a necessary healing process that will allow us to return to the agenda the PM herself so eloquently outlined on the housing crisis, our poor social mobility, our poor productivity.' Mr Johnson, whose brother is arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson, urged MPs to vote against Mrs May's deal as it was a 'worst of all worlds Brexit' and bad for the country and the Tory party's election chances. The ex-transport minister said the Conservatives risk an election disaster on the scale of 1997 if they back Mrs May's plans. Theresa May (pictured at the Liaison Committee today) has again dismissed the idea of a referendum, saying it would harm 'trust in politicians' and mean tearing up the deal she has struck with the EU He said: 'Both the deal and no deal would be disastrous for our economy. 'The Conservative Party's reputation for economic competence would be undermined by implementing a botched Brexit, especially one that the Government's own analysis suggests will cause economic harm. 'Brexit is seen as a project driven by the Conservative Party and this half-baked, worst of all worlds Brexit could trigger an electoral defeat on the scale of 1997, or worse, with this 'Tory Brexit' label an albatross around our necks for years to come.' Body camera footage shows Virginia police restraining a naked man who was high on Fentanyl moments before he died. Six Fairfax County police officers were cleared in the June death of 31-year-old Christopher Paul on Wednesday after prosecutors determined that no excess force was used in restraining him while he suffered a psychotic episode. Video released by the Fairfax County Police Department earlier this week showed officers putting a naked Paul in handcuffs and restraining his legs to prevent him from hurting himself or others just before he went unresponsive. Medics attempted to revive him with the overdose-reversing drug Narcan, but he was soon pronounced dead at a hospital. Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler addressed reporters Wednesday and said Paul's death is a tragic example of the opioid epidemic 'which is ravaging our nation and our county', according to WTOP. Roessler said officials determined the officers involved had used the amount of physical force necessary to restrain Paul, and that there is no indication the restraint contributed to his death. Six Fairfax County, Virginia, police officers have been cleared in the June death of Christopher Paul, 31, who was high on Fentanyl when he died in police restraints. Bodycam footage shows the officers responding to reports of an overdose at Paul's home in Franconia on June 26 In the video released by the Fairfax County Police Department this week, officers try to calm Paul down as he flails around in his living room grunting and knocking over furniture After Paul falls on the floor, an officer appears to press a taser into his back to subdue him Officers then put Paul in handcuffs and leg restraints to stop him from hurting himself or others Bodycam footage shows the officers responding to a call about a suspected overdose at a home in Franconia on June 26. Family members were waiting outside the home. Paul, who was suffering what was described by authorities as a mental or medical health episode, had struck a family member on the head. At the time he was high on Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, authorities say. Paul can be seen stumbling around the houses living room, knocking over furniture and grunting as officers trained in crisis intervention attempt to de-escalate the situation by talking to him. 'Hey, bud, whats going on, man?' one officer asks. 'Chris, whats happening to man? Talk to me, bud.' The police report claims Paul was 'actively trying to harm himself'. After he falls to the floor, officers appear to use a taser on his back before they 'safely placed him in handcuffs to prevent further harm to himself or others'. After being handcuffed, Paul continues to flail around on the ground as officers place another restraining device on his legs to protect first responders from being kicked. During a medical assessment Paul 'became unresponsive' and was treated on the scene before being transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Paul went unresponsive as he was restrained so medics stepped in to administer Narcan His living room is seen in disarray after the apparent psychotic episode fueled by Fentanyl According to the Fairfax County Police Department, six officers were placed on routine administrative leave pending criminal and administrative investigations. On Wednesday Roessler said the video proved the officers were not aggressive in how they handled the situation. 'This is the training that values human life,' he said. 'This did not end with an awful use of deadly force. 'We cared for this young man and we got him aid So our training worked here. Unfortunately, opioids killed him.' He continued: 'Its unfortunate that he died from an opioid overdose, but these are the perils that we are facing as law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel throughout this nation. Opioids are just killing great people.' Roessler said there have been 621 opioid overdoses in Fairfax County this year along, 62 of which were fatal. Last year, 113 people died from opioid overdoses. The department recently rolled out a pilot program to equip officers with Narcan, which can be used to reverse overdoses. So far, about 387 officers out of some 1,500 officers on the force have been armed with Narcan and another 443 officers are trained in whats known as 'crisis intervention training'. A woman who married the son of a hell-raising lord has been left living on a boat after losing a divorce battle with a man she called a 'financial sinkhole'. Shop assistant Ellen Wodehouse married Henry Wodehouse, the son of six-times married Lord Wodehouse, the fourth Earl of Kimberley, in 1992. Despite being born into a wealthy family the 66-year-old's Millfield School-educated husband was not great with his cash and was twice made bankrupt. When the couple separated in 2011, they had been reduced to sharing a semi-detached house in Alton, Hampshire. Henry Wodehouse (left) and Ellen Wodehouse (right) had attended a hearing at the Court of Appeal Since the divorce she has been left sofa surfing around three properties and spends most of her time with her brother and his dog on a boat. Following their divorce, a judge had ordered Mr Wodehouse, 62, to pay his ex-wife 90,000 and split his 8,000-a-year pension from his time as a policeman with her. The judge said that the money could come out of a trust fund set up by Mr Wodehouse's noble father for the benefit of members of the family. But Mrs Wodehouse today saw the 90,000 payment taken away from her after her ex took the case to the Court of Appeal. The decision means that Mrs Wodehouse will be left with a small pension, as well as bearing the brunt of 97,000 in debt left over from the marriage. Due to his bankruptcy claims, he husband is no longer liable for any part of the debt, a court heard. The Earl of Kimberley was known as the most-married man in the peerage after taking five wives in 25 years before settling until his death with his sixth, Janey Consett (pictured with Lord Kimberley) who he met on a Caribbean beach Barrister, Nicholas Barnes, told the Court of Appeal that Mr Wodehouse had been a 'financial sinkhole' to his wife. After the divorce, she was unable to work, having had two hip replacements, and had to give up her rented home because she could not pay the bills. Senior family judge, Sir Andrew McFarlane, said: 'The wife is entitled to have the sympathy of any court looking at the facts of this case. 'She has my sympathy, but this is a court of law and these orders have to be orders that are compatible with the law.' The Wodehouse fortune was built up over centuries but, through high-living and trips to divorce courts, much of it was frittered away by Mr Wodehouse's father. The fourth earl was sometimes referred to as Britain's 'most married peer', an alcoholic who also sat as vice-president on the World Council on Alcoholism. After selling the family's Queen Anne brick mansion Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham, Norfolk, he said all he could think about was 'buying a new Aston Martin'. From his marriages, he had four boys. Henry, the third son, was by the earl's third wife, Cynthia Collins, who he ultimately divorced in 1961. Henry's first marriage lasted nine years to 1988 and he and Ellen were married in 1992, before separating in 2011. He was made bankrupt in 1990 and 2010. Appealing the divorce orders, the husband's barrister Philip Blatchly said all that was left when the couple split was bank debt and some equity in the family home. But the home did not sell for the price expected and is currently under offer for less than the debts secured against it, he said. Pictured: Carmel Dunnett, who was married to the Earl from 1949 to 1952 Pictured: Cynthia Westendarp, to whom the Earl was married from 1953 to 1961 The family seat was Queen Anne brick mansion Kimberley Hall (pictured), near Wymondham, Norfolk, which the late earl sold Pictured right: Diana Legh, who was married to the Earl from 1945 to 1949 Mr Blatchly said it was wrong for a judge to order any lump sum payment to Ellen when there were no assets to pay it. And it was wrong to order that the money come out of a trust which was not a party in the divorce proceedings. Although it had been assumed that Mr Wodehouse had a right to a share in the trust, he is actually guaranteed nothing from it, said Mr Blatchly. Ellen Wodehouse (pictured above outside Court of Appeal after hearing in divorce from husband, Henry Wodehouse 'It would appear there was a complete misunderstanding as to the nature of the trust and the entitlement, if any, he would have in the future,' he added. Mr Wodehouse also appealed to strip his ex of her share of his police pension, which he insisted was not a 'matrimonial asset'. For the wife, Mr Barnes asked the judges to leave the pension sharing order in place, as the 4,000 a year is financially crucial to her. 'The facts of this case leave the wife in an unenviable debt situation,' he told the court. 'The pension is the only thing she receives any cash from. It is a significant difference to her. 'The simple fact is her income could be written on the back of a postage stamp.' 'She isn't living a life of luxury. She still can't afford to rent. 'The pension isn't icing on the cake or a cherry on the icing.' Sir Andrew, sitting with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Coulson, said Mr Wodehouse's appeal would be allowed and the 90,000 lump sum quashed. However, the ex-couple would continue to share Mr Wodehouse's police pension, Lady Justice King added. 'For her, the modest pension - half of 8,000-a-year - will make a significant difference to her life, which is always going to be operated on a very modest basis,' she said. 'One hopes now that the matrimonial home is also sold, she will be able to re-establish herself to the extent that she will be able to rent a modest property.' Millennials are waiting longer to get married, buy a house and a new report finds many are also putting off moving out of their parents house. Nationwide, 35 percent of people age 18-35 still live with their parents, but the proportion varies from one state to the next. Nearly half (47 percent) of Millennials in New Jersey live with their parents, a higher proportion than anywhere else in the country, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by the Detroit Free Press. Connecticut came in second, with 42 percent of its young people still at home, followed by Rhode Island and New York (41 percent each), and Florida (40 percent). California and Maryland tied with 39 percent of Millennials living with mom and dad, while Delaware and Mississippi each had 38 percent and New Mexico came in tenth with 37 percent. This map illustrates the percentage of people age 18-35 who live with their parents in every state. The darker the shade of blue, the higher the concentration of Millennials living at home. The national average is 35 percent The states with the fewest Millennials living at home tended to have lower costs of living for example, North Dakota at 16 percent, followed by South Dakota (19 percent), Nebraska (21 percent), Iowa (22 percent) and Wyoming (23 percent). A quarter of the Millennials in Colorado live at home, followed by Washington State and Oregon (26 percent each) and Arkansas (27 percent). New Jersey may have the highest proportion of young people living at home because it has a high cost of living, with an average rent of $1,284 in 2017 fifth-highest in the nation. The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,848 per month, coming in second-highest in the U.S. Meanwhile, New Jerseys median wage is around $40,000 among people age 25-34 not enough to comfortably start a life outside of mom and dads house. The more affordable states in the Midwest tend to have lower rents (ranging from $700-1,000 a month) and mortgages ($800-$1,200). Millennials may have a hard time moving out because they make less than their parents did at their age, according to a report issued earlier this year by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The net worth of an average family headed by someone born in the 1980s remained 34 percent below expectations in 2016, the most recent year for which data was available. The economic downturn that began in 2008 is largely responsible for those circumstances, and debt from education and credit cards have only compounded the problem, the report said. It was families led by people born in the 1980s who were worst off in terms of wealth accumulation nearly a decade after the recession. Unlike all other generational groups, the typical 1980s-generation family actually fell further behind from 2010-2016 - which was otherwise 'a period of rapidly rising asset values that buoyed the wealth of all older cohorts,' the study said. Lower pay early on in their careers could make it harder for the younger generation to bounce back from ongoing pain from the recession. Despite financial obstacles, Millennials retain an inherent optimism, with 53 percent saying that they believe they will one day millionaires, according to a separate report by TD Ameritrade. Perhaps the optimism is due to Millennials graduating in record numbers with the overall college completion rates rising nearly 4 percent in 2017, according to another study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Bea-Sullivan Knoff (above) is suing Chicago after she was restricted from performing nude by a venue in the city in 2016 A transgender performer is challenging a Chicago law which prohibits women, but not men, from exposing their breasts in certain public venues. The ruling from US District Judge Andrea R Wood rejects a city request to throw out the lawsuit taken by Bea Sullivan-Knoff. Sullivan-Knoff, a 26-year-old transgender performance artist, appears fully nude and invites the audience to objectify her in her show, she told The Washington Post. The performance is supposed to be ironic and a depiction of the way she and other transgender people feel when the government dictates the terms of their bodies, she claims. However in 2016 she was informed by a venue where she was scheduled to perform that she could not perform fully nude because a Chicago ordinance prohibits it. She later agreed to change her performance and then she sued the City of Chicago in federal court. She argued that the ban on the exposure of 'female breasts' in establishments that serve liquor is unconstitutional. In her case, lawyers argue that that laws barring women but not men from exposing their chests are unconstitutionally discriminatory and based on little more than society's sexualization of women. She is also questioning the definition of 'female breasts' with regard to transgender people and whether authorities can fairly apply laws based on binary gender to gender-non-conforming people. The problem, she claims, extends beyond ordinances censoring breast exposure. Knoff argued that the law when applied to transgender people is unconstitutionally vague Her performance is a depiction of the way she and other transgender people feel when the government dictates the terms of their bodies In a ruling earlier this month, Judge Andrea R Wood said she would consider the legal questions posed Sullivan - Knoff's lawsuit, the Washington Post reported. In the November 12 ruling she said: 'These questions pose serious concerns in the abstract, as nothing in the text of the Ordinance provides a clear answer'. The judge seemed to be unmoved by the city's defense that female breasts are treated differently than male breasts because they 'create a sexual environment'. Federal Judge Andrea R Wood is allowing the lawsuit to proceed She allowed Sullivan-Knoff's case to move forward on her claims that the ordinance violates the Constitution's Equal Protection guarantee. This would infer that it is discriminatory against women and that when it is applied to transgender people it is unconstitutionally vague. Sullivan - Knoff told the Washington Post: 'Stating 'female' and assuming we can all understand whether that applies to us doesn't work when you start to look at trans and intersex folks. 'You can find so many different kinds of bodies tied to those two gender markers. The diversity gets lost when you just say it's either an F or an M'. Chicago's attorneys argued that the intention of the law is to 'combat the secondary effects resulting from the combination of nude and semi-nude dancing and alcohol consumption,' but Wood called that into question. In court, the city of Chicago argued that displaying bare breasts 'almost invariably conveys sexual overtones'. Sullivan-Knoff appears with her body wrapped in a sheet and her head covered by a brown paper bag, which has 'Touch Me' written on all four sides,' the lawsuit states. The audience is invited to 'touch plaintiffs body' In court, the city of Chicago argued that displaying bare breasts 'almost invariably conveys sexual overtones'. It cited the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruling that upheld a ban on female toplessness in 1998. But Wood was skeptical of that reasoning, noting that 'the heightened sexual nature of female breasts might just be a product of societys sexual objectification of women'. After spending nearly two decades in prison for a brutal murder they did not commit, Justly Johnson and Kendrick Smith emerged into the cold Michigan air as free men thanks to a witness' boyhood memory. The Wayne County prosecutor's office said on Wednesday it was dropping murder charges against Johnson, 44, and Scott, 40, four months after the Michigan Supreme Court said the men deserved a new trial in the 1999 shooting death of Lisa Kindred. A short time later, family, friends and supporters greeted Johnson and Scott with loud cheers and applause as they walked out of the Wayne County Jail with smiles on their faces. Free at last: Kendrick Scott (left) and Justly Johnson (right) are seen walking out of a Detroit jail as free men after 20 years Wednesday Scott, 40, is seen hugging his wheelchair-bound mother, Earnestine Smith, moments after regaining his freedom Johnson, 44, embraces his mother outside the jail amid a large crowd of well-wishers and reporters 'I feel great to finally be home after all these years,' Scott told the jubilant crowd after embracing his wheelchair-bound mother. He added that he has not lived, smiled or felt relaxed for 20 years, and now he can finally enjoy life and his newfound freedom. The 40-year-old said he never lost faith that one day he would walk out of prison because he knew he was innocent. Johnson and Scott were convicted of murder mostly on the testimony of two people, Antonio Burnette and Raymond Jackson, who were under the influence of alcohol and drugs on the night of the killing. They later recanted, claiming that they were pressured into giving false testimony, according to the University of Michigan law schools Innocence Clinic. 'I'm just happy to be free,' a beaming Johnson told the assembled press. 'It's amazing. It's awesome. It's wonderful. I've dreamed of this moment for 20 years.' Scott (left) said he has not lived, smiled or felt relaxed for 20 years. Johnson (right) went on the offensive against the Detroit Police Department, calling the miscarriage of justice 'sickening' This photo shows Johnson and Scott with the University of Michigan attorneys and student attorneys who helped exonerate them through the Innocence Clinic But before long, Johnson's mood went from celebratory to enraged as he reflected on all the time he and Johnson had lost. 'It's a tragedy and it's sickening that we had to suffer for 20 years in the first place for the mistakes of the Detroit Police Department,' he declared. Johnson also had a message for others who may find themselves in a similar situation. 'I'd like to tell men that's incarcerated, continue to fight, fight for what's right, continue to pursue justice,' he said. As Fox 2 first pointed out, under Michigan state law, Johnson and Scott are eligible to receive for $50,000 for each year they were wrongly imprisoned for murder, for a total amount of about $900,000 each. Lisa Kindred, 35, was shot through the heart by a lone gunman while sitting in a van on Mother's Day in 1999. Johnson (left) and Scott (right) have been exonerated in the 1999 murder of a mother-of-three in Detroit after spending nearly 20 years in prison According to court documents, investigators believed the mother-of-three was killed as part of a murder-for-hire plot. Her son, Charmous Skinner Jr, was eight years old and also in the vehicle with his dying mother. Lisa Kindred, 35, was shot through the heart on Mother's Day in front of her three children as part of a suspected murder-for-hire plot His recollection of the shooter - mid-30s, big nose, short hair - is different than the evidence offered at trial against Johnson and Scott, who were both in their early 20s in 1999. Skinner, who is now 27 and lives in Pennsylvania, was never interviewed by police or defense attorneys, reported The Detroit News. Scott Lewis, now a private investigator, began investigating the case for Johnson when he was a WXYZ-TV reporter in 2009. He interviewed Skinner in 2011, and that prompted efforts to reopen the case. After listening to Skinner, a Wayne County judge had rejected a request for new trials, saying the boy probably was asleep in the van and that his testimony was 'almost impossible to believe.' Her son Charmous Skinner Jr, was eight years old at the time (left), and it was his recollection of the gunman that played a key role in Wednesday's exoneration. Skinner is now 27 and lives in Pennsylvania (right) But Michigans highest court in July of this year ruled said Judge James Callahan made the wrong call. 'When considering Skinners testimony in its entirety, it is clear that his testimony is not wholly incredible,' said Justice Richard Bernstein, writing for the majority. In court Wednesday, Johnson and Scott, dressed in green jail garb, smiled broadly when it was announced that all charges against them have been dismissed. Their families and friends were on hand in the audience to witness their exoneration. Scott's wheelchair-bound mother, Earnestine Smith, exclaimed: 'he's coming home!' Rseearchers created a touch-sensitive dress to track how often women are groped during a night out and the results were shocking. The project Dress for Respect wanted to visualise how rampant sexual harassment is for women in Brazil. Marketing agency Ogilvy Brazil made a dress fitted with sensors to record every time the wearer is touched and how hard on behalf of beverage company Schweppes. And when three women wore the dress to a club in Sao Paulo, the technology found they were touched without consent a combined 157 times over the course of less than four hours. Project Dress for Respect wanted to visualise how rampant sexual harassment is for women Marketing agency Ogilvy Brazil made a dress fitted with sensors to record every time the wearer is touched The data was shared with a control unit via Wi-Fi so researchers could track the harassment in real time. A video shows the dress lighting up like a heat map in the areas where the women are touched, primarily the lower back, backside and arms. Schweppes said it decided to create an experiment that would visualise a women's experiences of unwanted touching during a night out. Eighty-six per cent of women in Brazil say they have been groped in a night club, research from Think Olga found. The beverage company said it hopes the shocking results will encourage men to change their behaviour. A video shows the dress lighting up like a heat map in the areas where the women are touched President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took off for Argentina Thursday morning, preparing for 48 hours worth of meetings with world leaders and tweeting from Air Force One. Their departure comes after the president spent 12 minutes talking to reporters before he left the White House, mainly about the fact his former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about his business talks with Russia during the 2016 campaign. But he also told reporters his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, set for Saturday here, was on. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took off for Argentina Thursday morning They left the White House after President Trump talked to reporters for 12 minutes The president did a 180 shortly after take off, tweeting that the sit down was canceled, citing three Ukrainian ships seized by Russia. There was a mere hour's worth of time between his contradicting statement. 'Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting... ...in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!,' Trump wrote in a pair of tweets from the presidential plane. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner walk to board Marine One to travel to Argentina Trump tweeted the cancellation less than an hour after he boarded Air Force One He cited the three Ukrainian ships seized by Russia as the reason The first lady also tweeted from Air Force One But the meeting would have come under the cloud of questions about Cohen's relationship with Moscow - and what he told the president while Trump was trying to win the White House. Trump is likely still feeling the sting of his last sit down with Putin, which was their Helsinki summit in July, when the president was criticized for appearing to deferential to his Russian counterpart. The president bashed Cohen, his former confidant, as he left the White House, saying he's 'making up a story' and 'lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence.' Melania Trump also tweeted from the presidential plane, posting a video of a town hall on opioid addiction she attended at Liberty University on Wednesday. 'I believe education and learning is key to making the right decisions on your own behalf,' she wrote. With a 10-hour flight ahead of them, there is plenty of time to tweet more. Spotted leaving with the first couple were Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump along with the president's outgoing personal aide Jordan Karen. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport in Buenos Aires Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire arrive in Buenos Aires Emmanuel Macron and Argentinas President Mauricio Macri at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires with their wives Other world leaders have already been spotted arriving for the G20, including Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire; French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron; and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This is the stunning moment a chimpanzee returned a selfie stick to its owner after it was stolen by its companion. The incredible footage was captured by a tourist at Qinghuangdao Wild Animals Zoo in northeastern China. The video shows a chimp in a caged area stealing a selfie stick from a little girl and trying to take it into the enclosure. One chimpanzee is captured on video stopping the attempted the theft of another However, another chimp goes to stop it immediately and gives the stick back to the girl who is watching on tentatively. The chimpanzee's extraordinarily human-like reaction surprised a group of tourists who were watching on. The clip was captured in Qinghuangdao City in Hebei Province on November 10 and comes after another extraordinarily human-like video involving a chimp this month. This is the moment the would-be thief took the selfie stick from the little girl in China This heroic chimp on the left stepped in to stop the theft and return the selfie stick An adorable two-year-old chimp called Limbani was captured on video in Miami Zoo in Florida lathering up for bath time. In the clip Limbani can be seen sitting on the floor and carefully rubbing soap on his arms and patting it into his stomach. As he rubs his belly, more bubbles are formed and Limbani smiles as his hands become covered with the soap. A female Spanish language teacher at an Alabama high school has been charged with having sex with a male student. Natasha Patronsky, 24, turned herself in to police in Montgomery on Wednesday and was arrested on a charge of engaging in a sexual act with a student under the age of 19. Police launched an investigation into Patronsky on November 16, and she resigned her position at at Sidney Lanier High School four days later. Natasha Patrnosky, 24, a Spanish teacher from Alabama (pictured left in her mugshot), has been charged with engaging in a sexual act with a student under the age of 19 Her alleged encounter with the student, the exact nature of which has not been disclosed by investigators, took place on November 8, reported the Montgomery Advertiser. Patronsky was in her first year of teaching high school, having been hired by the local school district in early August. She was booked into the county jail on $7,500 bond Wednesday, but as of Thursday afternoon her name was not listed on the inmate roster. The charge against the young educator carries a sentence of two to 20 years in prison. Patronsky was a first-year teacher at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama; she resigned her position on November 20 We are shocked to hear of this allegation. We support law enforcement in their work to get to the truth in this matter, the school districts spokesperson said in a statement. Any person found guilty of putting a childs safety at risk, should be punished to the full extent of the law. According to her cached Instagram page, Patronsky graduated two years ago from the University of South Alabama, where she majored in global studies and Spanish. Her first job out of college was teaching second grade at an international school in Panama, as Heavy.com first reported. The 24-year-old identified herself online as a Christian. This is the incredible moment an 82-year-old woman completes her bucket list after travelling 7,000 miles to jump out of a plane 13,000 ft above Dubai. The woman, called Hilde, had been transfixed by skydivers she'd seen falling from the sky over the Emirate city when visiting family there. The retiree then made the decision to travel all the way from her home in South Africa to complete a jump of her own. Hilde (pictured) had been transfixed by skydivers she'd seen while visiting family in UAE Hilde, from South Africa, said skydivers on previous visits to Dubai inspired her to have a go 'I would watch [the] skydivers in the sky It's something I've always wanted to do,' she said. The stunning footage shows Hilde joined by a professional diver as the plummet towards one of the most recognisable features of Dubai. 'The highlight for me was just being able to sail along, looking at the Palm from above. It was wonderful,' said Hilde. The 82-year-old completed her bucket list in dramatic fashion from a dizzying 13,000 ft 'I would watch skydivers It's something I've always wanted to do,' she said She completed her bucket list in dramatic fashion, whilst also vising family. Skydive Dubai, who she completed the leap with, dubbed her 'fearless'. 'Thank you for choosing to skydive with us, Hilde. We wish you many more adventures and may you continue to inspire!' they said on their Instagram. Tributes to Hilde flooded in on the Instagram page with dozens of people lauding her for the leap. 'What a cuutttieeee!!! go granny gooo!!,' said one user while another added: 'Wow...superb.' Authorities say they have captured the man responsible for the Thanksgiving night shooting at a crowded Alabama shopping mall, where police killed a soldier they thought was the shooter. Acting on a tip that Erron Martez Dequan Brown, 20, was at a family member's home in Georgia, police obtained a warrant for his arrest. Police say he was apprehended at 9.30am Thursday at the Atlanta home, a week after the incident that resulted in police shooting and killing Emantic 'EJ' Bradford Jr., 21, believing he was responsible for opening fire and injuring two people at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says Brown of Bessemer was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Brian Wilson, who was a friend of Bradford's. Wilson was shot at least one in the stomach, and taken to a nearby hospital where he remains in serious condition, according to AL.com. A 12-year-old bystander, Molly Davis, was also shot and taken to Childrens Hospital. She has since been released. Erron Martez Dequan Brown, 20, was arrested at a relative's home in Atlanta following a week long manhunt, with his new mugshot pictured right (pictured in a previous mugshot left) Emantic Bradford Jr, 21, who was army vet, was mistaken for a shooter and killed by police at an Alabama mall on Thanksgiving night Video footage from passerby shows the Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr's body laying on the ground in a pool of blood at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Alabama Thanksgiving night Brown was taken to the Fulton County jail for an extradition hearing to be sent back to Alabama. His bond is set at $125,000. Those who saw the incident take place seemed to think Bradford was innocent and likely obtained a permit to hold a firearm, as heard in a video from the night that has circulated on Facebook. 'They just killed that man in cold blood. They just seen that man had a gun on him. They shot that man down for no reason,' someone in the video posted by Noland Moore can be heard saying in the clip. The soldier was shot by cops and witnesses immediately believed he was innocent. Passersby filmed scenes and are heard saying he was killed for 'no reason' Police initially said Bradford had shot two people but later retracted the claim He then adds: 'The police see that boy had a gun. He probably got a gun license and everything. 'He just walked passed us and they've probably just seen that man's gun and shot him... they just killed that black boy for no reason.' Witnesses can be heard talking among themselves as they watch the life leaving Bradford's body, describing him as 'bleeding out'. Some passersby ask if the witnesses saw what happened. One woman responds: 'That's not right. Ain't nobody filming this?' The caption on the video reads: 'Damn I just look back it's sad that they didn't try to help him look at the dot.' Father Emantic Bradford Sr. (left), his family's attorney Benjamin Crump (center) and mother April Pipkins (right) appeared at a community vigil at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Tuesday Pipkins collapsed at the civil rights landmark in Birmingham and was taken to hospital Bradford, 21, was armed with a gun at the Hoover shopping center but also had a concealed weapons permit. His family is demanding surveillance footage of the incident is released and also wish to see body-cam footage from the officers responding to incident where an 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl were shot by a suspect who is still on the loose. Around 200 people turned up for a community vigil at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Tuesday to show support for Bradford's mother April Pipkins. The distraught parent received a standing ovation but collapsed at the civil rights landmark, still in disbelief her son died on Thanksgiving Day, and was taken to hospital. Like many others, Pipkins believes Bradford was gunned down without a second thought simply because of the color of his skin. She had previously said 'the whole scenario would have played out differently' with Hoover police if her son were white. Around 200 people showed up to support the family after Bradford was killed by cops 'I have to go bury my baby boy,' CBS News reports father Emantic Bradford Sr. said. 'And it hurts me to the core because being at home every day ain't going to be no fun because I can't talk to my child.' Bradford, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, added: 'I can't hear him say 'daddy' no more.' The family's lawyer said that despite talk that more Americans should be armed to ensure their safety, this incident proves that's not the case. 'There's some suggestion that to stop the bad guys with guns we need to have the good guys with guns. Well, EJ Bradford was a good guy with a gun,' Benjamin Crump said. The lawyer said witnesses had contacted his law firm saying Bradford was trying to wave people away from the shooting. Pipkins described her son as a loving, friendly young man, saying he had gone to the mall with friends on Thanksgiving evening. Bradford, Jr. (left), 21, was believed to be waving people away from the shooting scene when he was gunned down. Pipkins (right) said her son would still be alive if he had been white She said the officer 'should be punished for what he did' after her son was killed last Thursday. Pipkins said she did not find out what happened to her son until Friday morning when she returned a call from one of his friends who had tried to reach her during the night. 'I can't get it out of my head. I cannot get the scene out of my head of my child laying there, nobody around him trying to help him, just laying like a piece of trash where everyone can walk around and parade and post pictures of him on social media,' she said. Speaking from the pulpit, regional NAACP field director Kevin Myles said Bradford's killing was part of a pattern of police killing black men without cause. 'This is our personal Katrina. The helicopters are not coming, nobody is coming to bring us water. If we are to be saved we will save ourselves,' he said, in an analogy to the devastating hurricane of 2005. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, who was a leading contender to replace Nikki Haley at the UN, has fallen out of the running, and defeated Senate candidate John James is under consideration, according to reports. James, a businessman, was defeated in his run against Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, but managed to win 46 per cent of the vote. He would become one of only a few senior black officials in the Trump administration. President Donald Trump had talked up Nauert's chances publicly following the announcement that ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley was stepping down. But her stock appears to have fallen. FOGGY BOTTOM IS OKAY, TOO: Department of State Spokesperson Heather Nauert has been mentioned as a possible pick to be US ambassador to the UN Politico cited a senior administration official who said she was out of the running entirely. That is a turn around from weeks ago, when Trump talked up Nauert's prospects as the administration was losing its most prominent female policy voice, days before an election with a record number of women candidates. Trump said Nov. 1 that Nauert, a former Fox News cohost, was 'under very serious consideration,' adding: 'She's excellent. She's been with us a long time.' People close to the president said she fit his 'central casting' credentials, according to Politico. Bloomberg reported this week that Trump was considering James for the post. James runs a family warehousing business in Detroit. Her flew Apache helcipters in the Iraq war and graduated from West Point, but doesn't have other foreign policy or diplomatic credentials. Another woman, former deputy national security adviser Dina Powell, took herself out of consideration soon after her name got floated in October. The U.S. ambassador to Germany, Ric Grennel, also has been mentioned, though he is said to be enjoying his posting. Heather Nauert is a former Fox News cohost John James, right, and Vice President Mike Pence campaign with Republican candidates at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids on Monday, Oct 29, 2018 A suspected neo-Nazi on trial for a woman's killing was 'scared to death' when he plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters in his car after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, his defense team argued in opening statements today. Prosecutors painted a different picture of James Alex Fields Jr, telling the jury on Thursday that the 21-year-old Ohio man came to Charlottesville 'with anger and images of violence in his mind.' Fields is charged with 10 criminal counts, including first-degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal and social activist, on August 12, 2017. Scroll down for video Trial got under way in Virginia Thursday in the case of suspected neo-Nazi James Alex Fields, 21 (pictured in a court sketch Tuesday, left), accused of running over and killing a woman during the unrest in Charlottesville last year Fields attorneys, Denise Lunsford, left, and John Hill, right, are arguing self-defense, claiming their client was 'scared to death' Attendees wait outside the Charlottesville Circuit Courthouse during a recess during the murder trial of James A. Fields Jr. on Thursday He also faces hit-and-run charges and eight counts of causing serious injury. Lawyers for both the prosecution and defense said that while the basic facts of the case were not contested, the key issue was Fields' intent and state of mind at the time of the incident. 'There will be no dispute about many of the facts,' prosecution attorney Nina Antony told the jury. 'You will not hear how Mr Fields was not the driver of that car.' 'This is about what his intent was,' she continued, adding that the prosecution 'will present evidence of the defendant's actions before, during and after the incident.' Victim: Heather Heyer, 32, was a paralegal and activist who opposed white nationalists Arguing for the defense, lawyer John Hill agreed: 'This is not a whodunnit case. This is not where we need to figure about who was in that car.' Hill instead painted a picture of a day of chaos where 'fights were breaking out' between protesters and counter-protesters, some of whom were heavily armed. After Fields was detained, he expressed remorse at his actions, and told police that 'he feared for his safety and that he was scared to death,' Hill added. During pretrial hearings, a Charlottesville police detective testified that as he was being detained after the car crash, Fields said he was sorry and sobbed when he was told a woman had been killed. Fields later told a judge he is being treated for bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and ADHD. On Day 1 of Fields' high-profile murder trial, the prosecution argued that a mountain of photographic and video evidence would show that Fields acted with pre-meditation. 'Watch what he did that day. Listen to the words he's chanting. Look at the facial expressions he makes. What are those telling you? What are the options he was presented with and what choices did he make?' Both sides agree that there is no dispute that it was Fields behind the wheel of his Dodge Challenger that plowed into a crowd of anti-protesters in August 2017 (pictured) The incident left one dead and several other people injured following a white nationalist rally The silver Dodge Charger driven by Fields Jr passes near the Market Street Parking Garage moments after driving into a of counter-protesters on Water Street Shortly before Fields drove his Dodge Challenger into the crowd, she said, he came to a 'full and complete stop a distance from the group' and began revving his his engine while watching the group. 'There was no one around the car. There was no one behind the car.' She went on to cite two images Fields posted to Instagram in May 2017. 'And in both those images you'll see a group being struck, described as protesters,' she said. 'On August 12, James Alex Fields Jr was here in Charlottesville with anger and images of violence fixed in his mind. 'The case is about his decision to act on that anger and those images.' Fields was photographed hours before the attack with a shield bearing the emblem of Vanguard America, one of the hate groups that participated in the rally, although the group denied any association with him. One of Fields' teachers has said he was fascinated by Nazism and admired Adolf Hitler. The rampage capped two days of confrontations between white supremacists protesting the removal of a Confederate statue and counter-demonstrators. The violence shook the country, and became a symbol of the growing audacity of the far right under President Donald Trump, who later said at a press conference that there were 'very fine people on both sides,' referring to the white nationalists and the counter-protesters. A teenager accused of attacking a 15-year-old Syrian refugee has fled the country with his mother after a video of the incident went viral, his brother has told MailOnline. The 16-year-old who is set to be charged with assault is no longer in Huddersfield after the footage from October at Almondbury Community School led to him and his mother being threatened, according to his older brother. However, he also boasted of an 'army' surrounding the teenager as a police van remained outside the family home. Defending the youth, he said his younger brother had reacted the way he did in the video because the Syrian teen, now named as Jamal, was involved in an earlier incident. The boys brother said his younger sibling and mother had gone abroad to stay with relatives. Jamal outside Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield where he was filmed being attacked He added: 'Theyve left Huddersfield and theyve left the UK for the time being. My brother doesnt have any bail conditions so its not been a problem. There are rumours that hes been beaten up in revenge attacks but I think thats nonsense, although I havent spoken to him since all this blew up. There have threats though but weve got a good group- a big army - around us so theres no reason to worry. My brothers not a bully and that Syrian kid is not the innocent hes been made out to be. The sickening video showed the 15-year-old being set upon by an attacker who dragged him to the floor and said 'I'll drown you' before pouring a bottle of water on his face as others watched on. In the clip Jamal is walking alone when he is approached, headbutted, strangled and pinned to the floor. He twists out of the boy's grip and walks away, saying nothing. The alleged attacker yesterday denied it was a racially-aggravated attack and bizarrely boasted he was only 'charged with common assault'. The 16-year-old claimed he had not been bullying his classmate before the incident and was previously on 'good terms' with him. The handwritten note released by the alleged attacker in which he claimed the incident 'was not racial' The teenager who will be charged over the attack when he appears in court, issued a handwritten statement to the Sun Online. 'I regret [the incident] but wish to make it clear I was not responsible for breaking his arm, nor had I been bullying him over a period of time as has been reported,' he wrote. He continued: 'The incident was isolated and came about from an altercation between us earlier that day. The incident was not racial as up to that time we had been on good terms. 'I have now been charged with common assault, not racially-aggravated as has been reported.' Thousands have flocked to support the teenager and bemoaned how he escaped war-torn Homs only to be abused by youngsters in the UK. A fundraising campaign for the boy and his family has soared past 143,000 in less than 24 hours. More than 80,000 has been raised for a teenage Syrian refugee after a video of him being bullied at school was posted online. The victim, in white and wearing a blue cast on his left arm, was approached on the school field as others looked on In the video, the attacker, carrying a water bottle, headbutts him, and pushes him to the ground The bully then holds his victim's throat she her pours water over his face One woman who donated, named Rose, said: 'I struggle for words when I think about everything your family has been through escaping Syria and starting a new life in a country that treats you like this. I want to help in any way possible.' Another donor, Simon Porter, said: 'Syrian refugee children who have fled a war torn country being bullied in a UK school is unacceptable.' David Paton added: 'Poor boy. He manages to escape war and tyranny, only to be bullied by some low life thug in the UK. What an absolute disgrace this bully is, shame on you.' Mohammed Tahir, who set up the crowdfunding page for the bullying victim, said he had been overwhelmed by the support it had received. He said: 'I can't thank everyone enough for the generous donations they have made.' MP Nadine Dorries called for 'serious action' over the bullying and added the UK should 'open its arms' to those facing persecution Others also took to social media to back the victim and called the incident 'shameful' Tory MP Nadine Dorries called for 'serious action' over the bullying and added the UK should 'open its arms' to those facing persecution West Yorkshire Police today said they will charge a 16-year-old boy with assault as it emerged the victim's sister had her headscarf ripped off in another attack. Officers said he had been interviewed and reported for summons over the incident on a school field and will appear before a youth court 'in due course.' Tonight Kirklees Council said alleged incidents at Almondbury Community School are very serious matters and that they are fully focused on their work with the police and the school. A spokesman added: We have been working in partnership for a number of weeks and our shared priority is the safety and welfare of all students. Due to the ongoing police involvement we cannot go into further details, but any reports that safety may be compromised are taken extremely seriously. Safeguarding issues are always thoroughly explored. A top Moscow TV presenter given British citizenship is suspected of being a career Russian spy, it was claimed tonight. Sergey Brilev, 46, known as Vladimir Putin's 'top television propagandist', admitted this week to holding a UK passport and owning a 700,000 London flat amid accusations of hypocrisy in Moscow. Brilev was today strongly defended by Vladimir Putin's spokesman who said had done nothing wrong in having British as well as Russian citizenship since he was not a state official - and was an 'absolute patriot' to the Kremlin. Sergey Brilev (circled) listening to Vladimir Putin during Eastern Economic Forum in 2018 Russian TV presenter with British citizenship Sergey Brilev (pictured in London in 2017) is suspected of being a career spy Brilev is known to have worked in Britain in the 1990s as a TV correspondent. He later received British citizenship. But now a Russian journalist who led investigations into the GRU military intelligence attack on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury has raised the startling question of whether Brilev is or was a spy for the SVR foreign espionage agency. Espionage expert Sergey Kanev said: 'A source is signalling me that UK citizen and at the same time a presenter of Russian State Broadcasting TV and Radio company Sergey Brilev is allegedly an SVR staffer who earlier worked in London under cover of 'journalist'. Brilev is known to have worked in Britain in the 1990s as a TV correspondent. He later received British citizenship. Kanev, who worked in recent months as part of an Anglo-Russian journalistic investigation to unmask the real GRU identities of 'novochok poisoners' Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, said: 'I don't know about Brilev Jr but his father (Boris) was indeed KGB/SVR - and served at military spying unit 21247 on Akademika Anokhina street in Moscow.' Sergey Brilev reporting from London in 1996. Despite being a British citizen, Brilev is listed as serving on the public council of the Russian Ministry of Defence which led the annexation of Crimea 2014 TV presenter Brilev was born in Havana, the Cuban capital. He has been quoted saying his parents 'were experts in Latin American countries and worked in the trade mission of the USSR in Cuba then in Ecuador (and) Uruguay, so I have had a lot to do with Latin America since childhood'. Sobesednik newspaper said Boris was engaged in 'secret' diplomatic work. Despite being a British citizen, Brilev is listed as serving on the public council of the Russian Ministry of Defence which led the annexation of Crimea 2014. Brilev has not so far responded to the Kanev claim on his social media. Kanev is now living in exile outside Russia, and in September claimed he expected to be targeted by a Moscow hit squad. The 55 year old reporter warned: 'I think I have half a year until I am killed. 'They need to figure out a plan, approve it, find arms, test it. 'They need to find a killer and also find me. It takes time. 'So I've got half a year to peacefully walk about.' Sergey Brilev (front right with back to the camera) speaking to Vladimir Putin during hotline in 2005 Kanev works for The Insider, which collaborated with British-based investigative journalism platform Bellingcat in seeking on the Skripal case. Brilev is a prominent anchorman on Rossiya-1 channel as well as a top executive at VGTRK, the Kremlin-controlled media holding company. He is seen as a top media cheerleader for Putin. He has hosted the Russian president's televised phone-ins and fronted coverage of his inaugurations. The block in Chiswick, west London where Sergey Brilev's wife Irina owns a 700,000 apartment Putin famously used Brilev to get out his message that the GRU pair sent to poison Sergei Skripal were innocent tourists. The strongman told his favourite anchorman the two - accused by Britain of being novichok poisoners - had been 'found'. The Russian leader assured Brilev they were 'civilians' not spies and insisted there was 'nothing extraordinary and criminal' about their presence in Salisbury. Cuban-born Brilev failed to quiz him in detail about his claims that they were not Russian spies. Teachers have been caught urging students to skip school so they can take to the streets for an organised protest. Thousands of people are expected to take part in the nationwide Big School Walk Out for Climate Action on Friday, which will start in Sydney outside the NSW Parliament House at 12pm. Events are planned in all capital cities, along with 20 regional areas. Organisers have encouraged primary and high school students across the country to abandon classes and attend. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged students to attend classes, saying he didn't want to see 'activism in schools'. Thousands are expected to take part in the Big School Walk Out for Climate Action on Friday The Sydney protest will start outside NSW Parliament House at midday on Friday. Demonstrations are planned on the day nationwide A union-affiliated group praised the group for its 'heroics'. 'Your heroic example is an inspiration to us all and we wish to convey our sincere support for you all on this vital issue,' secretary of the Inner City Teachers Association, John Gauci, wrote, The Daily Telegraph reported. Students told the publication some teachers have advised them of a loophole that can help them avoid punishment for truancy. '[A teacher] said that in order to strike and have it not marked down as truancy you had to bring a note from your parents explaining you were attending the strike,' one told the publication. The prime minister's response to the protests drew criticism from politicians and students alike. Organisers encourage primary and high school students across the country to abandon classes and attend the protest Some teachers had even advised students on how to avoid being punished for truancy 'He's still debating whether or not it's a real issue,' Melbourne-based high school student and protester Jagveer Singh told Daily Mail Australia. 'His [Scott Morrison's] comments yesterday showed that he has no interest at all in listening to young people. 'He doesn't want to listen to us and this fires me up even more to be at the Climate Strike and make our voices heard. 'He has have failed to represent us, he has failed to stand up to the climate deniers in his party and he has failed to show courage.' The prime minister's response to the protests drew criticism from politicians and students alike Mr Morrison prefaced his response in parliament by saying climate change is a 'very real and serious issue' that demands attention. He said the government was targeting climate change through initiatives such as the emissions reduction fund and the renewable energy target. 'We are committed to all of these things, but I will tell you what we are also committed to - kids should go to school,' he said. However, 14-year-old Sydney student and protester Jean Hinchliffe said students would not have to put away the books for a day if politicians 'listened to the science'. Thousands of Australian high school students staging strike for climate change action 'We want more learning in schools and less activism in schools,' Scott Morrison (left) said in parliament on Monday. 'His comments yesterday showed that he has no interest at all in listening to young people,' Melbourne student and protester Jagveer Singh (right) said 'We're sick and tired of politicians playing politics with our futures. We're striking to say enough is enough. People's lives are on the line,' she said. Greens MP Adam Bandt backed the student protesters and took a swipe at Mr Morrison. 'These students want a leader to protect their future, but they got a hectoring, ungenerous and condescending rebuke from someone even worse than Tony Abbott,' he said. 'The PM is unbelievably out of touch with young people, not only in Australia but around the world,' Greens MP Adam Bandt (above) said 'The PM is unbelievably out of touch with young people, not only in Australia but around the world.' Australian Youth Climate Coalition spokesperson Laura Sykes said Mr Morrison had shown 'irrational outrage' to students who care about their education. 'It was shocking see our prime minister condemning students as young as eight, who are sacrificing a day of schooling to stand up for a safe climate future,' Ms Sykes said. 'When young people try to have a voice in politics, Scott Morrison is shutting them down, yet he's happy to listen to the coal lobby and big corporations who continue to profit from making climate change worse.' A foster mother from South Carolina has been arrested on a neglect charge involving a six-year-old who police say was forced to wear an electric dog collar and endured months-long physical abuse. Deborah Ann Jarrell, 61, of Myrtle Beach, was arrested Wednesday and charged with unlawful neglect of a child. A Horry County police incident report says a representative with the Children's Recovery Center contacted police after a forensic interview with the child in October. South Carolina foster mother Debbie Ann Jarrell (left and right), 61, has been charged with unlawful neglect of a six-year-old child Jarrell was arrested in Myrtle Beach, where she lived with at least one foster child (house pictured) According to the report cited by Myrtle Beach Online, the representative provided documentation saying that the victim was made to wear an electric dog collar and was hit with a spoon-like object between January and July. Jarrell remained jailed at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center of Horry County as of Thursday evening on $2,500 bond. Social media posts suggest that Jarrell is originally from West Virginia and is reitred. Her Facebook page reveals that the 61-year-old has a grown daughter and a grandson. It is unclear how Jarrell came to foster the six-year-old, whose gender was not immediately reported. Photos from 2016 show what appears to be a boys' bedroom with a Spiderman-themed bunkbeds. Jeremy Farmer calls for universities to draw 'a line in the sand' on ceremonies Father of student who died after pub crawl ceremony urges universities to take action and expel students who organise initiation events Ed Farmer, 20, an economics student at Newcastle University, died of alcohol poisoning after attending an 'initiation' held by the university's Agriculture Society two years ago The father of a student who died after a night out after drinking 27 vodkas has urged universities to expel students who organise 'initiation' ceremonies. Ed Farmer, 20, an economics student at Newcastle University, died of alcohol poisoning after attending an 'initiation' held by the university's Agriculture Society two years ago. His father, Jeremy Farmer, has called for 'a line in the sand' on initiations. In an interview with BBC Radio 4, he said that many university bans on ceremonies were not being enforced. He said: '[Universities should] draw a line in the sand so that from here on in everybody knows initiations are banned and if you step over that line you will be removed from university'. An inquest earlier this year revealed Ed Farmer was five times the legal alcohol limit when he was admitted to hospital and had suffered 'unsurvivable' brain damage as a result of a cardiac arrest. He died the next day with his parents, Jeremy and Helen, by his side. Scroll down for video An inquest heard Ed Farmer had suffered 'unsurvivable' brain damage as a result of a cardiac arrest. He died the next day with his parents, Jeremy and Helen, above, by his side The ritual saw first year students ordered to stay silent and drink four 'triple vodka orange' drinks in each bar they visited. In the radio interview, Jeremy Farmer also said he did not blame the university or the students. He said: '"It's just a lack of understanding on the university's part of the problem that they have got and I think it's been quite a shock to them to understand the seriousness of the problem." Ed Farmer (left, in the black and white jumper) died aged 20 after a Newcastle Society Agricultural Society event on December 12, 2016. He is seen at a bar a week before he died The drink-fuelled ritual - in which students drank vodka from a pig's head and bobbed apples in urine - had been going on for at least 40 years, a coroner heard. Between bars they stopped in alleyways, glugged from bottles of spirits and were made to eat raw eggs, dog food, chicken feet and horseradish sauce. They then got the train to the house of society chairman James Carr, where they carried out rituals including apple bobbing in urine and having their heads shaved. He was then placed inside the hallway of Mr Carr's house along with four other freshers who were being 'violently ill and sick', and was heard to be snoring loudly. Mr Farmer remained in the hallway until 4.45am when students discovered he was not breathing and he was rushed to hospital. The Farmer family earlier this year decided to release CCTV footage of the ritual after his inquest. Ed is seen collapsing in a train station before being picked up by members of the group and carried through the station. They said at the time: 'We have had to make the most difficult decision on the disclosure of CCTV taken during the events of that evening in order to try as best we can to effect a positive cultural change. 'The CCTV images are not how we want Ed to be remembered but we have made this decision trusting the images will be used to bring home to students and universities the very real dangers of the practice of initiations. 'We can only hope that lessons can be learned but it is devastating to us that it is at such cost. 'We hope they introduce a positive and interactive approach with students at their induction to university of the potential of drinking rapidly and to excess of that drinking alcohol can be fatal, and those affiliated to university will be taught first aid.' 'We urge that those who can effect change do so in honour of Ed's memory.' Police in Majorca boarded a London-bound flight to arrest a Chilean man suspected of a string of break-ins on the holiday island before trying to flee to Britain. The alleged serial thief had already buckled up for the flight when Civil Guard officers came aboard on Wednesday afternoon and took him away in handcuffs. 'You've got me,' he told officers before they detained him, Diario de Mallorca reports. Five alleged accomplices were also held in the early hours of Thursday morning at an apartment in the Majorcan capital of Palma where they were staying. The gang of alleged thieves have been linked to a wave of house burglaries around Majorca The gang of alleged thieves have been linked to a wave of house burglaries around the island. Detectives believe they are responsible for nearly 40 break-ins and stole jewellery, luxury watches, electronic equipment and cameras worth almost 100,000. The crimes took place in a short space of time in towns including Marratxi and areas like El Toro, a neighbourhood in the municipality of Calvia. The suspects are thought to have sent many of the stolen belongings back to their homeland, repeating the modus operandi of the Chilean burglary tourism gangs who fly from South America to target British homeowners. Detectives believe they are responsible for nearly 40 break-ins and stole jewellery, luxury watches, electronic equipment and cameras worth almost 100,000 Chilean thieves have been blamed for a spate of break-ins across the UK, including in London's commuter belt. More than 75 have been held in the past two years - with the Metropolitan Police in London alone making 36 arrests already this year. Four Chileans were convicted of stealing jewellery from 1.6 million house in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, at a court in nearby St Albans in April and jailed for two years. In September, Chilean police chief Ivan Villanueva, who heads a crack national unit in Santiago combatting violent crime, said he was working with counterparts in Europe to stop the gangsters and revealed he was preparing to fly to Spain for meetings to address the problem. The crimes took place in a short space of time in towns including Marratxi and areas like El Toro, a neighbourhood in the municipality of Calvia A spokesman for the Civil Guard said the stolen items would be on public display on Friday morning and Monday He also said Chilean police had lots of intelligence they could share with their British counterparts about the criminals and said he hoped the two forces could end up working together on 'live investigations' on a regular basis. Itinerant Chilean gangs have been a problem in parts of Spain and Italy for several years now, and the problem they pose in the UK has come to light in recent months. The man arrested as he was about to fly to London was held around 5.30pm on Wednesday afternoon. It is not yet clear what his links to Britain are and if he had been living in the UK before spending time in Majorca. They are display at the force's HQ in Palma so their rightful owners could claim them A spokesman for the Civil Guard said the stolen items would be on public display on Friday morning and again on Monday at the force's HQ in Palma so their rightful owners could claim them. He said: 'The Civil Guard has arrested six people and dismantled a very active group specialising in burglaries at houses in El Toro, Bahia Azul and Marratxi. 'Their modus operandi consisted of forcing doors and windows and stealing objects inside which were easy to transport once they had forced entry. 'The detainees have been accused of 35 residential burglaries but investigators believe they could be behind more crimes. 'A large number of items taken during the burglaries, including jewellery, have been seized.' Tawni Fuller (above), a 34-year-old former nurse anesthetist at Ohio State University, was sentenced to two years in prison Wednesday for lying to friends about a terminal lung cancer diagnosis to scam them out of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts An Ohio nurse who lied to friends and coworkers about a terminal lung cancer diagnosis to scam them out of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts has been sentenced to two years in prison. Tawni Fuller, a 34-year-old former nurse anesthetist at Ohio State University, pleaded guilty to theft and telecommunications fraud in October. At a sentencing hearing Monday she was slapped with two years in prison with another three on probation and was ordered to pay $47,000 in restitution. Fuller's elaborate scam was uncovered in August 2016 after she told the community that had showered her with sympathy and the employer that had offered her paid leave that she was cancer free. In text messages exchanges obtained by the Columbus Dispatch, Fuller described her 'miraculous' recovery that 'boggled' her doctors. Scroll down for video Fuller tricked friends into showering her with sympathy and her employer into giving her paid sick leave by wearing a headscarf (as she is seen with here) and using a cane or walker During the trial, many of who testified against Fuller expressed their anger at the woman who duped them in part by wearing a headscarf and using a cane or walker. One witness, Heather Gschnell, described Fuller as 'cunning' and a 'mastermind'. Another, Tina Dalzell, recounted a time that Fuller had claimed to have seen her deceased husband in the afterlife during a 'near-death' experience while she was lying about being sick. 'Only a cruel, narcissistic person could watch me go through such pain and suffering,' Dalzell told the court. 'I am offended and disgusted that she mocked cancer patients.' Carrie Malfatto, who drove Fuller to get pedicures, said: 'I spent hours crying about Tawnis case and how I couldnt make it better.' She added: 'This persons moral compass is broken.' Fuller previously admitted to the Ohio Medical Board of Nursing that she falsified her condition, placing the blame for her actions on depression, according to Fox28. During her sentencing hearing Fuller apologized to those she'd wronged. 'I was suffering so stuck and lost that I couldnt get out,' she said. 'I never wanted to hurt any of you.' Delaware Common Pleas Judge Everett Krueger, however, was not convinced. 'Its almost evil what I heard today. Its just plain evil,' he said. 'Its just like nothing Ive ever heard in all the years Ive been doing this.' There is no end in sight to the bushfire crisis in Queensland, with severe heatwave conditions forecast to spread across the state. Thousands of people have been forced from their homes as firefighters battle up to 140 wildfires during the unprecedented six-day emergency. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll said crews have been confronted with high temperatures and 'unimaginable' conditions. '(But) due to all the proactive work conducted over the last several days, we have lost a minimal amount of houses, thankfully,' she said on Thursday. There is no end in sight to the bushfire crisis in Queensland, with severe heatwave conditions forecast to spread across the state Thousands of people have been forced from their homes as firefighters battle up to 140 wildfires during the unprecedented six-day emergency Two houses, two cabins and 15 sheds have been destroyed, with a further 14 homes damaged, since the crisis began on Saturday. 'This number could have easily been greater,' she said. Ms Carroll says the extreme temperatures have also caused 15 firefighters to suffer from heat stress, with more hot days forecast. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged residents to remain indoors and said the crisis would continue for days. Two houses, two cabins and 15 sheds have been destroyed, with a further 14 homes damaged 'There's going to be a lot of fire around Queensland today - a lot of smoke. So can I please ask residents if they are concerned, to stay inside,' she told Channel Nine. 'If you don't need to be outside, don't. Because this smoke could have effect, especially on asthmatics and our elderly. 'So please take care today. But another big day. We're not out of this. It's going to go on for four more days.' Three blazes of significance continued to burn late on Thursday at Tinnanbar, south of Hervey Bay, Deepwater and North Stradbroke Island. The small isolated community of Tinnanbar was cut off by bushfire and told to seek shelter as fire bombers and more than 20 fire crews fought the blaze. Six other towns were ordered to pack up their valuables and evacuate as fires continue to rage in central Queensland. In the state's south, a blaze on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island threatened campers and powerlines. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a severe heatwave that began in the state's north to move south in coming days. 'Around Capricornia, up around MacKay and inland, it'll be very hot again, so we're talking temperatures getting well up into the mid to high 30s for a lot of places, maybe even touching 40 in the odd spot,' meteorologist Rick Threlfall told AAP. Three blazes of significance continued to burn late on Thursday at Tinnanbar, south of Hervey Bay, Deepwater and North Stradbroke Island Nearly 10,000 people were told to flee immediately as more than 100 fast-moving blazes tore through Queensland on Wednesday 'The hot conditions will persist over the weekend and continue in the fire areas, and in fact spread to many other parts of the state.' Thousands of people were evacuated from communities in central Queensland after catastrophic fire conditions on Wednesday. Early on Thursday, residents of two more communities - Campwin Beach and Sarina Beach south of Mackay - were woken by police and emergency text messages telling them they were in danger and to move to safety immediately. About 140 bushfires were burning across an almost 2,000km stretch from Yungaburra, south of Cairns, to Mount French, west of the Gold Coast. QFES Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack warned anyone who had not yet left on Wednesday to evacuate immediately About 140 bushfires burned across an almost 2,000km stretch from Yungaburra, south of Cairns, to Mount French, west of the Gold Coast QFES Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack warned anyone who had not yet left to evacuate immediately. 'Leaving their home is the safest option, for them and their families. They need to take advice as given,' he told the Nine Network on Thursday. Reports emerged on Thursday morning of looting in at least one community. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said homes and lives were under threat, with firefighters struggling to have any effect on the blaze. A firefighter is seen feeding water to a dehydrated puppy on Queensland on Wednesday Thousands of people were evacuated from communities in central Queensland after catastrophic fire conditions on Wednesday. Roughly 8,000 people were ordered out of Gracemere, near Rockhampton, on Wednesday, with hundreds of them spending the night in an evacuation centre at the Rockhampton showgrounds. Thick, billowing smoke surrounded the town, as the blaze edged closer to homes and shopping precincts in the region. 'People will burn to death,' Queensland's deputy police commissioner Bob Gee warned on Wednesday. Rhonda Anderson evacuates herself and her horse to safety near Mount Larcom, Queensland 'Their normal approaches probably won't work if this situation develops the way it is predicted to develop. 'It is no different to a Category 5 cyclone coming through your door.' 'If you have children with you, you need to think really hard about not losing a house, but losing the people you care most about.' Dangerous conditions prevailed again on Thursday. But they didn't rival what was seen on Wednesday, when Queensland's fire danger rating reached catastrophic for the first time in the state's history. There are currently 140 fires burning across the state, but favourable conditions overnight allowed firefighters to make some progress Advertisement A 40 million mansion home left to rot for 33 years by a friend of Robert Mugabe remains dilapidated two years after he slammed 'peasants' who complained about its condition. The Hamilton Palace property and grounds is set amidst rows of lush trees and resplendent greenery, but has been dubbed the Ghost House of Sussex by disgruntled locals. Notorious slum landlord Nicholas van Hoogstraten - who is a personal friend of ex-Zimbabwean despot Robert Mugabe - has been building the 40 million palace, replete with golden-domed mausoleum, near Uckfield in East Sussex, since 1985. Locals have continually vented their anger at the incomplete and rotting property, despite the works starting more than 30 years ago. When they complained the businessman had left it to rot two years ago Hoogstraten, who now lives in Zimbabwe where he owns a huge plot of land, said: 'Even the most moronic of peasants would be able to see that we have been busy landscaping the grounds of the Palace so as to prepare for scheduled works.' But images and aerial footage secured by MailOnline show the spectacular pad is still in a dire state, with the enormous property covered in scaffolding and the grounds unkempt and messy, with containers littering the back lawn. Nicholas Van Hoogstraten purchased the property near Uckfield, East Sussex, in 1985. Hoogstraten who is a personal friend of ex-Zimbabwean despot Robert Mugabe - has been building the 40 million palace, replete with golden-domed mausoleum, near Uckfield in East Sussex, since 1985. The main palace is still covered in scaffolding and the grounds are disheveled A second building close to the water is also still under construction and clearly still has scaffolding on it. After anger from locals the property magnate previously dismissed criticism that the building was falling into disrepair and said it would last for thousand of years An aerial shot showing the location of the partially constructed mausoleum, abandoned construction equipment and the dome on top of the main building An entry point into the estate with gates and barbed wire. Hoogstraten made his fortune as a slum landlord in Britain but is better known for his court case regarding the gruesome gangland slaying of a business rival, who was stabbed five times before being shot in the head Nicholas Van Hoogstraten (pictured) owns the spectacular Palace property and grounds, set amidst rows of lush trees and resplendent greenery, which has been dubbed the Ghost House of Sussex Van Hoogstraten outside Hamilton Palace. The property and grounds is set amidst rows of lush trees and resplendent greenery, and but has been dubbed the Ghost House of Sussex by disgruntled locals It has been two years since the last images were taken of the property and very little seems to have changed, with builders nowhere in sight. Scaffolding still adorns the main building, and smaller side builder near the lake and the main grounds look uncared for. The property magnate previously dismissed criticism that the building was falling into disrepair and said it would last for thousand of years. 'Hamilton Palace is far from 'crumbling' and was built to last for at least 2,000 years. The scaffolding only remains as a part of ongoing routine maintenance such a property would require until completion,' he claimed. The inside of the sprawling East Sussex mansion, showing scaffolding across the windows and rainwater flooding the floor A close up of the main building, showing clearly the amount of scaffolding that still surrounds the property in Uckfield, East Sussex Hoogstraten also previously ruled out letting the building be used to house the local homeless community. He said: 'The 'homeless' the majority of whom are so by their own volition or sheer laziness are one of the filthiest burdens on the public purse today. 'The chance of my offering an opportunity for them to occupy Hamilton Palace is just ludicrous. 'Likewise, my offering accommodation to these Muslim 'migrants' and to encourage their besiegement of our country and the unwarranted plundering of its resources is ridiculous. We should remove them all.' Hoogstraten made his fortune as a slum landlord in Britain but is better known for his court case regarding the gruesome gangland slaying of a business rival Mohammed Raja, who was stabbed five times before being shot in the head at his home in south London. The mansion features a vast open field as its front lawn, while a second building is partially constructed on the nearby body of water. Once described by a judge as a 'self-imagined devil who thinks he is an emissary of Beelzebub', Hoogstraten was born in Bognor in 1946 and as an 11-year-old schoolboy started selling stamps to noted collectors The rear of the property, showing the constriction materials in the grounds which have been left to overgrow. Hoogstraten previously ruled out letting the building be used to house the local homeless community In 2002, van Hoogstraten was convicted of manslaughter over the death of Mr Raja and jailed for 10 years, but the verdict was overturned on appeal. Three years later, Mr Raja's family was awarded 6million in a civil case after the High Court ruled that, on the balance of probability, Van Hoogstraten had been involved. In a ruling in 2005, Mr Justice Lightman found that van Hoogstraten recruited two thugs to murder Mr Raja over a lawsuit between the two. Another High Court judge in November 2016 ordered van Hoogstraten, now 71, to pay the family 1.5million in legal costs that have still not been paid to the family. The large palace looks far from completed and is covered with scaffolding. It is not clear if anybody is currently residing in the large property. At the back of the estate the area looks cluttered and patches of what looks like dead grass is on the expansive front lawn Van Hoogstraten pictured holding construction plans in front of the mansion in 1998. The property is now thought to be owned by Messina Investments, which is run by Mr Van Hoogstraten's four eldest children Van Hoogstraten pictured outside the Old Bailey in 2003 (left) He was sentenced to 10 years in jail for hiring hitmen to kill Mohammed Raja, but he was later cleared on manslaughter on appeal. Pictured right: Van Hoogstraten in July 1967, when he was fined for using obscene language to a policeman Once described by a judge as a 'self-imagined devil who thinks he is an emissary of Beelzebub', Hoogstraten was born in Bognor in 1946 and as an 11-year-old schoolboy started selling stamps to noted collectors. It later transpired that the young Hoogstraten, who claimed to have a stamp collection worth 30,000, had hired classmates to steal the stamps for him from specialist shops. By the time he was 14, he had taken to wearing a suit to school and would excuse himself from lessons to sit in an empty classroom, where he would read the Financial Times and attend to business deals. As a teenager, he started a loan-shark business that saw him take property deeds as collateral for loans. He also ran nightclubs in Brighton and once called Rod Stewart, the rock star, a greedy 'little runt' in a row over takings. He also picked up a conviction for organising a henchman to throw a grenade at a priest, as well as the 2002 conviction for manslaughter for the killing of Mr Raja. Construction containers can be seen littered at the back of the lavish property, which is located near Uckfield, in East Sussex Van Hoogstraten bought an estate in Zimbabwe aged 19 in 1964. He has been a close associate of Mugabe, who is currently under house arrest in Zimbabwe. He once described the former president as '100 per cent decent and incorruptible.' But 2013, he owned 1,600 square miles of land in the country. He once boasted of being a philanthropist, claiming that he paid for the education of three children in every school in Zimbabwe. He told the Observer in 2006: 'Actually it doesn't cost a lot of money in real terms but I've set up things like that that will continue.' In 2008 van Hoogstraten was accused in Harare of demanding rents in US dollars rather than in Zimbabwean dollars, which is forbidden by law. A court dismissed the charges. It has been two years since the last images were taken of the property and very little seems to have changed, with builders nowhere in sight Locals have continually vented their anger at the incomplete and rotting property (pictured) despite the works starting more than 30 years ago The aerial footage shows the sheer scale of the estate surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside. Uckfield Town Council, were contacted about the property and said: 'Hamilton Palace is a private property, we are therefore unable to comment' Hamilton Palace is now thought to be owned by Messina Investments, which is run by Mr van Hoogstraten's four eldest children - Maximilian, 30, Alexander, 28, Britannia, 25, and Louis, 25. They share the surname Hamilton and were handed control of their father's investments and companies in 2002 after he began a prison sentence for manslaughter. Maximilian (whom his father originally liked to call Maxi-million) is by Rosemary Prouse, daughter of a former tenant, with whom he also has daughter Britannia. His other two sons, Alexander and Louis are by Nigeria-born Caroline Williams. They are followed by Orrie, Mr van Hoogstratens teenage son by Agnes, a Cannes-based ex-mistress who also has an African heritage. As Mr van Hoogstraten said in a 2006 interview, he prefers the company of black women. Or, as he put it: Once youve had black, you never go back. Finally, he has a six-year-old son by a fourth mistress, Linda, and has named him after Cecil Rhodes, the imperial adventurer. Uckfield Town Council, were contacted about the property and said: 'Hamilton Palace is a private property, we are therefore unable to comment.' A woman who claims she had a one-night stand with Chris Watts detailed her experience with the murderer in an interview with investigators. Amanda McMahon says that the two first connected on Tinder, and agreed to meet up one night in March of 2018 at the parking lot of a local Chick-fil-A. The date was not meant to be the start of a relationship however, and McMahon said that the two were only joining up for physical purposes. That is why they made their way to McMahon's house shortly after they met up and engaged in intimate relations. It was a very one-sided tryst though according to McMahon, who said that Watts was clearly playing out a 'rape fantasy' on her that night. Scroll down for video Another mistress: Amanda McMahon (above) met up with Chris Watts in March after the two had been speaking on Tinder. They went to her place and had sex Mugged: Watts was moved from the Weld County Jail to the Colorado Department of Corrections on Monday following his guilty plea to murdering his wife and daughters (Watts mugshot on Monday left and in August on right) 'When I asked her to explain she said Watts was very rough and described seeing Watts face and tattoos,' wrote the investigator who spoke with Watts in the report. 'I asked Amanda to tell me what happened after they left the Chick-fil-A. She said Watts followed her to apartment, [redacted]. Upon arrival they went inside her apartment and described things as "really fast and aggressive."' The investigator then pressed her for more details. 'I asked Amanda to describe what she meant about Watts being aggressive with her. Amanda said she was told not to say too much without an attorney present to prevent incriminating herself. I informed her I was interviewing her as a witness and not as a suspect,' said the report, which was obtained by DailyMail.com. 'Regarding Watts alleged rough behavior, Amanda said she was humiliated, it was weird and that Watts attempted to "stick it in her butt." Amanda said Watts also pulled her hair and put his arms around her neck. She described it as a "rape fantasy." The report continued: 'Amanda explained (and demonstrated) she had to push Watts off her at one point.' There was nothing that Watts did however which led McMahon to believe that he would have killed his family or carried out the violent killings of his wife and daughters. 'Amanda said their meeting was just about sex and "Its kinda funny now" because Watts is a "killer,"' read the report. Textual relations: McMahon had previously been posted on a message board (above) 'Amanda explained she didnt suspect anything and "no radars went off or anything" but that it was scary because Watts was in her home.' She also revealed how she learned of the murders. 'Amanda said she received numerous messages regarding the Facebook post but no longer had the messages. She said the messages started after she posted in a sleuth chat group she met Watts on Tinder,' read the report. 'Amanda said after making that post she was being harassed and contacted by many people including media reporters.' It then went on to state: 'Amanda said Nicole Utoft was her manager at Supercuts in 2013 and was also Shananns best friend. Amanda said she saw Nicoles Facebook post about Shanann missing.' Gone: Watts met up with McMahon months before the death of wife Shanann (pair above) Watts was seen in a new mugshot earlier this week after being transferred from the Weld County Jail to the Colorado Department of Corrections, one week after his conviction. The convicted murderer, who is serving five life sentences without parole for the deaths of his pregnant wife Shanann and their daughters Celeste and Bella in August, looked emotionless in the photo, which showed him freshly shaved and without his glasses. His grim future was spelled out in the accompanying inmate information, which revealed there would be no future parole dare or hearing for Watts. And next to his estimated discharge date was '12/31/9998.' At the same time, the parents of Shanann have filed a wrongful death lawsuit for the murders of their daughter, two granddaughters and the unborn grandson that Shanann was carrying at the time she was killed by her husband. Shanann's parents are already set to receive $41,807.98 in restitution from Watts as ordered by the judge in his criminal case. That amount was increased on Wednesday by just over $4,000 after a court ruling. German investigators have ruled out sabotage on Chancellor Angela Merkel's plane after her flight to the G20 summit in Argentina had to make a dramatic emergency landing last night. The Airbus A340 government plane was forced to turn back shortly after taking off from Berlin on Thursday after its entire communications system broke down. The accident forced the crew to turn around over the Netherlands and land in Cologne using an on-board satellite phone to speak to air traffic control. Authorities had initially investigated whether a incident had a 'criminal background' but the air force said today there was no foul play. The Chancellor is now back in the air on a commercial Iberia flight to Buenos Aires after a military jet took her as far as Madrid, but she will miss the start of the summit. The mid-air drama was so 'dicey' that Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen had to be informed, and spent several hours trying to arrange a replacement plane, Der Spiegel reported. Scroll down for video People gather around German Chancellor's Airbus 'Konrad Adenauer' on on the tarmac of Cologne's airport after an emergency landing The Chancellor's office said in a statement that 'following a technical problem, the official plane landed safely in Cologne.' Today the air force said it was caused by the failure of an electric distribution box. The German leader stayed the night in a hotel in Bonn, the former West German capital, where she paid tribute to the crew after what she called a 'serious disruption'. A backup plane was reportedly available in Berlin but the crew decided it was too risky to travel all the way back across Germany with a broken communications system. The plane apparently faced further problems when it landed, as it was carrying so much fuel for the long flight that the brakes overheated, forcing the fire brigade to come out. The aircraft had to come down on a short runway as part of the airport was under renovation, it was reported. Security sources told the Rheinische Post that investigations would consider the possibility of sabotage. But an air force spokesman said on Friday that there was 'absolutely no indication of a criminal act.' Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz resumed their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday after just three hours' sleep. The Chancellor flew to Madrid on a military plane on Friday morning and boarded a scheduled flight from there to Buenos Aires with a slimmed-down entourage, ARD reported. A fire engine is seen near German Chancellor Angela Merkel's plane after it made an emergency landing in Cologne due to a technical problem Luggage stands in front of the Chancellor's Airbus 'Konrad Adenauer' in Cologne on Thursday Instead of flying her usual Airbus jet with bedroom suite, secure communications and an anti-missile system, the Chancellor is flying with Spanish airline Iberia. Her husband Joachim Sauer opted to skip the event. However the 15-hour flight time means Merkel will arrive after world leaders start their discussions. She had been due to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday but will now not arrive until the evening. The captain on last night's flight told passengers aboard the plane he decided to switch aircraft at the Cologne-Bonn airport in northwestern Germany after the 'malfunction of several electronic systems.' He said there had been no security risk. Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called 'Konrad Adenauer', as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby. No details were immediately available about the cause of the technical issues. The flight had to turn around and land at Cologne Airport, Germany, due to electronic system failure about an hour after take off The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane's transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction. The delay will complicate Merkel's schedule at meeting where the G20 members already expect to face very difficult negotiations on myriad issues. Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after rats had chewed through cables of the Konrad Adenauer, disabling the aircraft for days. In June, problems with the hydraulics system on the same plane forced President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to take an alternative aircraft to Minsk. And in 2015, technical problems with the Konrad Adenauer forced Merkel and five ministers to make a flight to India on a A310 military troop transporter. The government aircraft was carrying Angela Merkel (above, file photo) and the German delegation to Buenos Aires An 18-year-old Army National Guardsman who helped save the life of the 12-year-old shot at a mall in Hoover, Alabama on Thanksgiving night has paid tribute to the solider who was shot and killed by police. Emantic Bradford Jr. was gunned down by law enforcement officers responding to a two people coming under gunfire last Thursday. After he died rumors spread that he was responsible for shooting two people but it later emerged he was a soldier helping to clear the area. After being branded a 'hero' for his quick-thinking when he tended to Molly Bennett's gunshot wound, Rashad Billingsley has pointed out how his fate could have quite easily been the same as Bradford's. Rashad Billingsley helped save the life of Molly Bennett, 12, who was shot at a mall in Hoover, Alabama on Thanksgiving night Army National Guardsman Helps Girl after Mall Shooting Anyone inside the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving Night was trying to get out the mall when shots rang out, but one teen stayed behind to help. 18-year-old Rashad Billingsley, an Alabama Army National guardsman relied on his military training and family upbringing to keep a 12-year-old gunshot victim calm in the middle of chaos. WBRC FOX6 News Full story here: http://www.wbrc.com/2018/11/27/year-old-hailed-hero-after-riverchase-galleria-shooting/ Posted by Jamiese Price on Monday, November 26, 2018 He was branded a 'hero' for his quick-thinking when he tended to the Julie Bennett's daughter's gunshot wound 'It could have been me,' Billingsley told Fox 6 about the 21-year-old who died. 'He was in the army like I am. I send prayers to his family.' Billingsley rushed to the aid of Bennett who was shopping with her grandmother when the incident happened and she took a stray bullet in the crossfire. Bennet's mother publicly shared a heartfelt thank you to the man who cared for her child on the evening he only went to Riverchase Galleria to buy a pair of sneakers. 'Not a minute after we got in the store the gunshots were fired,' he continued. 'Molly was complaining that her back hurt. I saw she had blood on her shirt and when I lifted it up, I saw she had a bullet wound.' Although many people were fleeing the scene, Billingsgate bravely stayed by the youngster, took a shirt off the store rack and applied pressure to the injury until paramedics were able to make it. Bennett has since been discharged from hospital and is planning on meeting Billingsley one day. The Army National Guardsman said Molly was the real hero and thanked his army colleague for the medical training Billingsley went to Riverchase Galleria to buy sneakers but admits he could have been killed while helping like fellow black soldier Emantic Bradford Jr., 21 'She's a strong, brave little girl. I'm glad she made it through,' Bradford said. Billingsgate took such good care of her that the little girl had no idea she had even been shot until she heard her grandparent on the telephone her mother Julie Bennett said in her Facebook post. She continued: 'A military medic, Rashad Wilson, took care of her until the paramedics arrived. A nurse came to help, and assured my mom that the medic was doing everything exactly right.' The mother explained how her daughter was taken to the operating room and had an incision made from about two inches above her belly button to two inches below it which resulted in more pain than the gunshot wound. The bullet had gone in her back at an angle and lodged really close to her spine and morphine was making her vomit but she was predicted to be able to go home Tuesday or Wednesday. But her biggest takeaway was how the kindness of strangers is truly amazing. Blake Maske is is the combat medic who trained Billingsley was praised for his work too 'I am so thankful for everyone who helped us, for those who were at the hospital with us, and for all the messages and prayers. Yeah, bad guys are out there. But what I learned from this is that there are so many more good guys and girls who are willing to go above and beyond to help a stranger in need. I love every single one of you!' she wrote on the social media website. An hour later Billingsley shared his own post but was reluctant to take credit. He thanked his faith and training from his army colleague for helping save Bennett's life. 'Let me just say first say all thanks to God for me being in that store. I'm a STRONG believer and believe everything happens for a reason... and my reason for being there was to help little Molly,' Billingsley posted. 'Under no circumstances, did I do anything for recognition. I was at the right place at the right time and saw that she had been wounded so I followed protocol. But I wouldn't have been able to help her if it wasn't for my training. Blake Maske which is the combat medic whom trained me plays a big role in this. Molly's mother Julie Bennett said in her Facebook post: 'There are so many more good guys and girls who are willing to go above and beyond to help a stranger in need' 'If it weren't for him I wouldn't know what to do in that kind of situation. Julie Moore Bennett I'm glad that I could be a help with molly and your family. Molly is the true hero and warrior here.' Unfortunately, at the same time another black man serving his country, Bradford Jr., was gunned down, with officers initially stating he was 'brandishing' a weapon. However those who saw the incident take place seemed to think Bradford was innocent and likely obtained a permit to hold a firearm, as heard in a video from the night that has circulated on Facebook. Emantic Bradford Jr, 21, was mistaken for a shooter and killed by police at an Alabama mall last Thursday night The soldier was shot by cops and witnesses immediately believed he was innocent. Passersby filmed scenes and are heard saying how he was killed for 'no reason' in the Facebook clip 'They just killed that man in cold blood. They just seen that man had a gun on him. They shot that man down for no reason,' someone in the video posted by Noland Moore can be heard saying in the clip. He then adds: 'The police see that boy had a gun. He probably got a gun license and everything.' Bradford was armed with a gun at the Hoover shopping center but also had a concealed weapons permit. His family is demanding surveillance footage of the incident is released and also wish to see body-cam footage from the officers responding to an incident where an 18-year-old man and Bennett were shot by a suspect who is still on the loose. Father Emantic Bradford Sr. (left), his family's attorney Benjamin Crump (center) and mother April Pipkins (right) appeared at a community vigil at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Tuesday Around 200 people showed up to support the family after Bradford was killed by cops Bradford, Jr. (left), 21, was believed to be waving people away from the shooting scene when he was gunned down. Pipkins (right) said her son would still be alive if he had been white Around 200 people turned up for a community vigil at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Tuesday to show support for Bradford's mother April Pipkins. Like many others, Pipkins believes Bradford was gunned down without a second thought simply because of the color of his skin. She had previously said 'the whole scenario would have played out differently' with Hoover police if her son were white. The family's lawyer said that despite talk that more Americans should be armed to ensure their safety, this incident proves that's not the case. 'There's some suggestion that to stop the bad guys with guns we need to have the good guys with guns. Well, EJ Bradford was a good guy with a gun,' Benjamin Crump said. Heaven help any male number-crunchers at the Treasury who question Chief Secretary Liz Truss's sums. She did double maths A-level and is the first female Conservative to hold the post of Treasury Chief Secretary, which means she's effectively the Deputy Chancellor. Truss, 43, speaks with a bluntness you might expect from someone who went to primary school in Paisley, Scotland, one of the poorest areas in Britain, and then to a comprehensive in Leeds. Liz Truss is the first female Conservative to hold the post of Treasury Chief Secretary. This summer she made an outspoken attack on ministers who she thought were demanding too much for their departments, saying it was 'not macho' to push for bigger budgets When she says she is 'not a natural Tory', it is an understatement. Her father John, a maths professor, is an anti-Brexiteer who supports the Green Party; her Bolton-born mother Priscilla is pro-CND and pro-Brexit. As an eight-year-old, Truss joined them on Ban the Bomb marches as well as playing Maggie Thatcher in a school debate during the 1983 election. At Oxford University she became a Lib Dem activist demanding an end to the monarchy. So no, this was not the natural path for someone who, after a career in the City, became Conservative MP for South West Norfolk in 2010. Even once she'd established her Tory credentials, her rise through the party's ranks came shuddering to a halt when she was demoted from Lord Chancellor in 2016 after judges savaged her for failing to back them over a Brexit ruling on the triggering of Article 50. Truss, 43, speaks with a bluntness you might expect from someone who went to primary school in Paisley, Scotland, one of the poorest areas in Britain, and then to a comprehensive in Leeds The episode left her badly shaken and she went away to lick her wounds. But she has reinvented herself, using Instagram and Twitter to develop a new social media savvy Tory profile. And judging by her performance this week as presenter of The Spectator magazine's parliamentary awards, she has recovered her bounce. She brought the house down in a self-deprecatory speech, reeling off joke after risque joke about her Cabinet colleagues and sending up her party, torn apart as it is by Brexit, as 'just one big happy family'. She did double maths A-level and is the first female Conservative to hold the post of Treasury Chief Secretary, which means she's effectively the Deputy Chancellor to Phillip Hammond, above When we meet over a coffee in Westminster, she says immediately: 'I feel I've come home at the Treasury.' Her accent is somewhat discordant part Glasgow, part Leeds, part Oxford and with a modern, Kiwi-style rising inflection at the end of each sentence. The tone is reminiscent of another precocious Yorkshire Thatcherite, William Hague. Britain has had two female Prime Ministers, but no female Chancellor, she points out. 'Economics and finance is the final frontier for women; it's the last thing they will conquer because controlling finance is at the heart of everything in government,' she says. And it's clear this is a frontier she intends to cross. Liz Truss, pictured with Phillip Hammond and senior Treasury officials on Budget day this year. Abrasive and irreverent she may be, but Truss is no #MeToo militant. 'I'm a protagonist. I get stuff thrown at me, but enjoy the fight,' she says 'I'd love the job of Chancellor one day,' she says, while denying reports of clashes with the current incumbent Philip Hammond: 'We have a lot of banter. When I introduced him to my husband, Hugh, Philip said, 'I'm only Liz's boss in the loosest sense of the word'.' Truss and her husband, accountant Hugh O'Leary, have two daughters. So which one controls the purse strings at home? 'We have a joint account it's a power-sharing arrangement!' As the Treasury minister responsible for keeping a lid on ministers' budgets, Truss has benefited from her clash with the judges it has stiffened her resolve to stand up to her mostly male Cabinet colleagues. This summer she made an outspoken attack on ministers who she thought were demanding too much for their departments, saying it was 'not macho' to push for bigger budgets. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was so incensed by her intransigence that he threatened to close an RAF base in her constituency. She also took a swipe at Michael Gove over the Environment Secretary's planned crackdown on wood-burning stoves to stem pollution, calling them 'wood-burning Goves' and making jokes about the 'hot air and smoke at the Environment Department'. She does not take kindly to being patronised by men. 'I hate being called feisty, bubbly and bossy, words always attributed to women,' she says. 'Chris Grayling has never been described as feisty,' she grins. 'Or bubbly,' I observe. 'When men call women ambitious they mean pushy,' she adds. Liz Truss, right, with her mother, top left, and brother bottom left with a CND banner. Her father John, a maths professor, is an anti-Brexiteer who supports the Green Party; her Bolton-born mother Priscilla is pro-CND and pro-Brexit Abrasive and irreverent she may be, but Truss is no #MeToo militant. 'I'm a protagonist. I get stuff thrown at me, but enjoy the fight,' she says. 'People say you shouldn't be offensive to women, blah, blah, blah. But if women want true equality you have to take offensive comments sometimes. 'The most offensive thing is not being listened to. 'We need more women MPs, but they must be prepared to take a bit of flak. I don't want to be there just because I've got a pair of boobs. I want to be there because of my ideas and what I have to say. Identity politics can go too far.' She says the hostile male reaction to her irreverence and her jokes is double standards. 'When I'm cheeky, people ask, 'Are you really trying to be funny?' The answer is yes, I like a laugh.' Truss campaigned for Remain but supports Theresa May's Brexit deal: 'People have written her obituary before but she's always the last person standing. She'll get it through.' Truss pictured with Chancellor Phillip Hammond, centre, and Theresa May before his budget speech earlier this year. Britain has had two female Prime Ministers, but no female Chancellor, she points out She has nothing but contempt for Boris Johnson's antics. While Mrs May 'worked like a Trojan' to get an EU deal, Classics scholar Johnson merely 'studied the Trojans'. Truss suggests, surprisingly, that once the UK has left the EU it could ignore parts of the deal it doesn't like. 'We can do what we want. Some things are set in treaties but no parliament can bind its successor.' 'We can just rip it all up?' I ask. 'We can renegotiate,' she replies. Brussels may have other ideas. She says Brexit is a chance to tackle the parts of Britain that have become 'furred up. We've had 40 years of people blaming EU red tape. Those excuses are now gone. 'But we'll have to take on vested interests; Nimbys who don't want homes next to them, lawyers who launch judicial reviews on everything.' She clearly hasn't forgotten what the men in wigs did to her. Truss is pictured arriving at a Cabinet meeting last week. Truss campaigned for Remain but supports Theresa May's Brexit deal She warns against abandoning Conservative principles, saying the Tories must not become 'Labour lite' and copy high-tax-and-spend Jeremy Corbyn. 'He wants everyone to live in a commune,' she says. 'I became a Tory because I hated being told what to do and kept in my place by government. We must offer low taxes and show that earning and making money is a good thing.' I feel myself falling into an elephant sized #MeToo trap when I comment on Truss's outfit in small talk as she leaves. 'They're tangerine culottes, I wore them specially,' she says sarcastically, making me squirm. And proving that Liz Truss always wears the trousers. A man accidentally shot himself in the groin while inside an Arizona Walmart The gun slipped as he carried it unholstered in the waistband of his sweatpants (file photo) A man from Arizona is in hospital after shooting himself in the groin while browsing the shelves at a Walmart. The shooting appears to have been accidental while the weapon was tucked inside the man's waistband. It happened at the superstore in Buckeye, Maricopa County. Local police tweeted that they were working on what appeared to be a 'self-inflicted accidental shooting' inside the Watson and Yuma Walmart. 'An adult male accidentally shot himself in the groin area inside the Walmart Watson & Yuma and is being transported to hospital. There are no other injuries,' Buckeye PD tweeted. The incident occurred around 6:30pm on Tuesday when semiautomatic handgun, which was not in a holster, began to slip. Buckeye PD tweeted updates as the situation unfolded. It soon became clear it was an accident The gun went off as the man attempted to reposition it. When police officers responded to the gun shots, the man was found in the meat section of the Walmart store with 'survivable injuries' according to The Arizona Republic. Officers said they filed a report for the unlawful discharge of a firearm but it was believed to be accidental. It is still not known whether the man will be charged by the local police department. The accidental shooting happened in the meat section at the Buckeye Walmart Over the years, Walmart has been host to several wince-inducing groin injuries, reports Newsweek. In May this year, a man who had just got out of jail was left with a bruised scrotum after attempting to flee a Walmart in Vidor, Texas, by jumping over a fence. Ryan Allen Prajzner had been trying to get a refund for items taken from the shelves. Last year, a drunk woman who had allegedly been consuming beer inside the story grabbed a paramedic by the testicles as he was evaluating her. And in 2016, paramedics were summoned to a Walmart parking lot in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a man shot himself in the groin also. A community group desperately searched through the night to find the boy She had last seen him playing with older children she did not recognise His mother noticed he was missing when he did not come in for dinner A missing six-year-old boy, who sparked a mass search involving hundreds of people, was found safe and well this morning. Walter Everitt, from South Auckland, New Zealand, had stayed overnight with a friend but did not tell his distraught mother Barbara Bichan. Ms Bichan alerted friends and neighbours after Walter failed to come home for dinner on Thursday evening. They started a search party, but when Walter still wasn't found at around midnight his panicked mother called the police. After 12 hellish hours Walter made a reappearance on Friday morning - just before hundreds of people were about to start searching the local beach. A six-year-old school boy has been found following a mass overnight search Walter Everitt was missing from his home in South Auckland for over 12 hours, sparking a desperate search consisting of family and community members Ms Bichan had last seen Walter playing with some older children she did not recognise the evening before, Stuff reported. She first noticed he was missing at 6.30pm and began searching for him and calling friends around 7pm. When Walter had still not appeared at around midnight, she alerted police. Family and community members were desperately searching the missing boy all night. The group had been knocking on doors and searching properties in the area. Walter's aunt, Meri Everitt, posted on Facebook early on Friday morning that his mother was 'beside herself'. Police released CCTV footage of Walter entering a Warehouse store accompanied by two adults at 8pm - asking for witnesses to come forward. On Friday morning the community gathered at Walter's school, Weymouth Primary School, before searching the shoreline. The boy has since been found but questions still remain as to where Walter had been for over 12 hours since his mother noticed he was missing The relieved group dispersed after being told Walter had been found. Earlier, Walter's father Kyle Taimerua had told Stuff that his son wasn't allowed to go out by himself. It is still unclear why Walter's friend or their parents did not tell Ms Bichan or Mr Taimerua where their son was. After Walter was found police have thanked members of the public for their help in the search. Credit recovery has come under increasing scrutiny as a quick, sub-par way to get high school diplomas into the hands of academically struggling students. And the schools likeliest to rely heavily on credit recovery are the ones that serve large populations of low-income and minority students, according to a study published Thursday. The report, issued by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, represents the most recent attempt to compose a heat map of the places that use credit recovery to help students graduate. With that map laid out, and questions about the misuse of credit recovery multiplying, the report poses the question: What should be done to curb abuses and ensure that students finish high school with good academic skills? First, the main findings. High concentrations of credit recovery are most likely in urban schools , and in schools that serve large percentages of low-income or minority students. These two charts show how poverty and race correlate with the chances that a school will have 20 percent or more of its students enrolled in credit recovery: , and in schools that serve large percentages of or students. These two charts show how poverty and race correlate with the chances that a school will have 20 percent or more of its students enrolled in credit recovery: Charter schools are less likely than other kinds of schools to offer credit-`recovery courses. But when they do offer those classes, charters are more likely than non-charters to have large shares of students taking them. The average credit-recovery participation rate in charters that offer credit-recovery is 32 percent, compared with 9 percent across all school types, the Fordham study found. A Focus on Typical High Schools These findings dont include all 15,500 U.S. high schools. Co-authors Adam Tyner and Nicholas Munyan-Penney wanted to focus on typical high schools, so they excluded alternative, vocational or online schools, or schools designed for students in detention facilities or with special needs. From the resulting group of 12,451 schools, they found 8,57369 percentwith active credit-recovery programs, and focused their study on that group. On average, 8 percent of students in those schools were taking one or more credit-recovery courses. But at nearly 1 in 10 of those schools, 20 percent or more students are taking those classes. The findings in the new report echo and reinforce the conclusions from a study on credit recovery released in September by the American Enterprise Institute , which identified schools with elevated or peak levels of credit-recovery use, and a much stronger likelihood that they serve large populations of minority and low-income students. Neither report dives into the question thats been taking on more urgency as credit recovery gets more popular: How good is it? Research is particularly thin on the question of program quality. The few rigorous studies on that question have produced mixed results. The Need to Reexamine Credit Recovery Use A pileup of anecdotes from high schools around the country, however, raises questions about the rigor of credit-recovery courses and suggests that more than a few schools are misusing them to speed students through school even though they havent mastered the required coursework. Skeptics have noted that even as the national high school graduation rate reaches an all-time-high of 84 percent , there have been no parallel improvements on states standardized high school tests, or the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Tyner, Fordhams associate director of research, said he hopes the new study can shine a light on credit recovery and encourage policymakers and local administrators to examine their programs for appropriate quality and use. Theres been all this pressure to raise graduation rates and not a lot of questioning of how thats being done, he said. If [credit recovery] is a way of getting students to graduate without having learned much, maybe we havent incentivized our schools the right way, and we need to make sure theyre doing the right thing. Done Right, Credit Recovery Can Work Even as the Fordham authors urge a close examination of credit recovery, they caution policymakers and educators against seeing it as universally deficient. Its premature to make sweeping generalizations about the value and efficacy of these programs, they say in the report. Like most educational interventions, we can find places that are experiencing genuine success as a result of the intervention, but we can also find places that manifest dismal failure. To combat the problem of varied and uneven quality, the co-authors issued recommendations for districts whose schools use credit recovery, including: Set credit-recovery policies with clear eligibility requirements. Courses should be reserved for students who have failed classes. Rigorously vet and monitor online credit-recovery programs. States should consider evaluating and rating course options, and perhaps even requiring districts to adopt only highly rated programs. Automatically audit programs with high enrollment. Require students to pass an outside assessment, such as their states end-of-course exam, to verify that they mastered the same course content in credit-recovery as in the standard course. Related: What We Are Getting Wrong About Credit Recovery Get High School & Beyond posts delivered to your inbox as soon as theyre published. Sign up here . Also, for news and analysis of issues that shape adolescents preparation for work and higher education. We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. US officials claimed Thursday that Iran is violating the United Nations arms export ban after military equipment was reportedly seized from the country. Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, said the equipment confirms Iran is increasingly supplying weapons to militants across the Middle East and is continuing its missile program unabated. At a military hangar in Washington, Hook showed reporters a collection of guns, rockets, drones and other gear. 'We need to get serious about going after this stuff,' Hook told reporters. Brian Hook (pictured), the US special representative for Iran, said the equipment confirms Iran is increasingly supplying weapons to militants across the Middle East and is continuing its missile program unabated At a military hangar in Washington, Hook showed reporters a collection of guns, rockets, drones and other gear. The US military displays what it says is a Iranian Sayyad-2 surface-to-air missile system The remains of a destroyed Iranian drone 'on loan from Saudi Arabia,' which US officials say is 'evidence' that Iran is arming dangerous groups with 'advanced weapons' Some of the weapons had been intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz en route to Shia fighters in the region while others had been seized by the Saudis in Yemen, the Pentagon said Some of the weapons had been intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz en route to Shia fighters in the region while others had been seized by the Saudis in Yemen, the Pentagon said. The presentation - very similar to a December 2017 event led by the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley - is part of an ongoing push by President Donald Trump's administration to increase pressure on Tehran and shame Western allies into doing more to tackle Iran's regional influence. The centerpiece of the display was what Hook said is a Sayyad-2 surface-to-air missile system that the Saudis had intercepted in Yemen this year. Farsi writing along the white rocket's side helped prove it was Iranian made, he said. 'The conspicuous Farsi markings is Iran's way of saying they don't mind being caught violating UN resolutions,' Hook told reporters, adding the missile was destined to Huthi rebels who are fighting the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Hook said the seized weapons are 'clear and tangible evidence' that Iran is fueling instability in the Middle East. Hook said the seized weapons are 'clear and tangible evidence' that Iran is fueling instability in the Middle East. This Iranian Towsan-1 anti-tank guided missile was on display at the Iranian Materiel Display press conference on Thursday These are said to be recovered Iranian 107mm Fadjr rockets that were on display during the press conference Hand grenades were on display at the Iranian Materiel Display at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington Fragments from Iranian short range ballistic missiles (Qiam) are displayed at the press conference 'The Iranians wanted to deliver this to the Huthis, who would have used it to target coalition aircraft up to 46 miles away.' The material shows Iran is determined to send 'even more weapons into the hands of even more of its proxies,' Hook said. The presentation came a day after US senators voted to advance a measure that could end US military support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Lawmakers have grown increasingly frustrated with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose death has been tied to Riyadh. Hook also displayed anti-tank guided missiles that the US says Iran had provided to the Taliban in Afghanistan. 'Iran has been providing material support to the Taliban since at least 2007,' Hook said. They were recovered in Kandahar by the Afghan army, he said. The material shows Iran is determined to send 'even more weapons into the hands of even more of its proxies,' Hook said. Pictured is a part of a wind bolt cover that the US Department of Defense said is confirmed as a Qiam ballistic missile manufactured in Iran Debris from a UAV (Qasef) is displayed with a sign that reads "On Loan From Saudi Arabia" at the Iranian Materiel Display This photo shows recovered Iranian small arms on display during the press conference Washington this year pulled out of a pact with Iran aimed at constraining its push for nuclear weapons (pictured). Hook said that since leaving the deal, US officials have found 'freedom and leverage' to tackle Iran's regional influence Washington this year pulled out of a pact with Iran aimed at constraining its push for nuclear weapons. Hook said that since leaving the deal, US officials have found 'freedom and leverage' to tackle Iran's regional influence, and he chided other nations for not getting on board. 'The current international environment has created unacceptably low expectations for the regime in Tehran,' he said. If 'the demands of ... the Iranian regime seem too many, it is because Iran's malign activities are too numerous.' Hook did not specify when the weaponry had been seized, but the UN Security Council in 2007 expanded an embargo on arms sales to Iran to include arms exports from Iran. Even under the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal the export ban remains in place until 2021 for conventional weapons and until 2024 for missiles. Hook did not specify when the weaponry had been seized, but the UN Security Council in 2007 expanded an embargo on arms sales to Iran to include arms exports from Iran. Pictured is a recovered Iranian Shahed-123 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Even under the sanctions relief provided by the nuclear deal the export ban remains in place until 2021 for conventional weapons and until 2024 for missiles. A Qiam ballistic missile is seen above An Indonesian teacher who reported her boss for sexual harassment was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $47,000 after he claimed she defamed him. Baiq Nuril recorded conversations over the phone and face-to-face with her principal in an attempt to collect evidence and put a case forward for sexual harassment. The 37-year-old kept the recordings on a colleague's laptop before it was distributed without her knowledge, the ABC reported. Once the recording was spread, the principal called the police and told them Ms Nuril defamed him by circulating indecent content. Baiq Nuril (pictured) recorded conversations over the phone and face-to-face with her principal in an attempt to collect evidence and put a case forward for sexual harassment 'This is not fair to me because I feel like I'm not guilty at all,' Ms Nuril said. The controversial decision by the country's Supreme Court has caused widespread discussion regarding Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) laws. The law is supposed to protect Indonesian residents from cyber bullying and cyber crimes. However, the law was altered in 2016 and experts say the revision has suppressed the country's freedom of speech. According to the South-East Asia Freedom of Expression Network more than 380 people were charged under the revised ITE law in less than two years. Before the law was changed, there had only been 71 cases over the eight years since its implementation. Up to half of the hundreds of recent cases were reports of defamation, with many others regarding hate speech. Experts believe the laws are surrounded by 'ambiguous language', which is what causes people to be 'victimised' by them. 'The articles are too open to interpretation and are never clear on the definition of defamation, and that [ambiguity] has been misused,' Furqan Ermansyah, an association member of ITE said. The public is calling for Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (pictured) to grant the 37-year-old teacher amnesty from her conviction Since Ms Nuril's case came to light, Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rudiantara, acknowledged the law was being misused. Mr Rugiantara said there would be no amendments made to the law, but they would look to ensure it would no longer be misused. The public is calling for Indonesia's President Joko Widodo to grant the 37-year-old teacher amnesty from her conviction. Mr Widodo said he would not intervene in the ruling and suggested the public respect the legal process. Advertisement It has been a little-known part of her intriguing family history... until now. The Duchess of Sussex has spoken of her special feelings for Malta and its people and revealed that her great-great-grandmother was born there. Now the Daily Mail can fill in some of the missing pieces in her connection to the Mediterranean island and to Windsor Castle. This week, a picture of her emerged wearing a ghonnella, a traditional Maltese cloak. These extraordinary photos show a happy and carefree Duchess of Sussex on holiday in Malta just over a year before she first locked eyes with her future husband It was taken when Meghan Markle, then a US actress, made a trip there in 2015 the year before she met husband Prince Harry. She sampled the food and posed for pictures. In a candid interview, she said the trip was 'about trying to understand where I come from' and 'fitting in a piece of the puzzle'. According to research carried out by the Daily Mail, the tale of her link to Malta begins in mid-19th century Ireland with her great-great-great-grandmother Mary Bird, nee Smith. Having moved from Ireland, Mary is thought to have worked in the kitchens of Windsor Castle as a teenager, around 160 years before Meghan married there. George Merrill (right) was born in the state to parents who were born there too, and lived with his British-born wife Mary Bird (Left) George David Merrill - born July 25, 1861 Mary married Irish shoemaker Thomas Bird, a decorated British Army officer with the 2nd Cheshire foot regiment who served in Ireland and India. The couple moved to Malta with the Army. They had two children on the island, including Meghan's great-great-grandmother Mary in 1862. The family spent 20 years in Malta, which at the time was thriving culturally and economically as a key stop on the trade route from Britain to India. The Birds migrated around 1881, first to Canada, then to Meredith, New Hampshire. Young Mary married George Merrill. Records show the couple had nine children, including Meghan's great-grandmother Gertrude. In 1907, Gertrude married Frederick Sanders and they had four children, including a daughter Doris in July 1920. In March 1941, Doris Sanders married gas station owner Gordon Markle. In 1944, they had a son Thomas Markle Meghan's controversial father. Prince Harry shares a connection with Malta. His grandparents lived there from 1949 to 1951 when Prince Philip was First Lieutenant on HMS Chequers and took his wife, then Princess Elizabeth. Meghan visited the island three years ago when she took part in a photoshoot for Elle UK magazine. She described the 'bucolic bliss' of the Maltese countryside in an Instagram post at the time. The future royal confessed to feeling a special connection with the Commonwealth nation The island is clearly important to her the Maltese rock-centaury was among the national flowers embroidered on her wedding veil in May. Meghan said in the 2015 interview: 'To come somewhere where you so quickly settle in to feeling welcomed is really special... I started to say, 'Oh my gosh I do sort of blend in'. The photo of Meghan in a cloak was posted online this week by Majesty magazine and printed in yesterday's Daily Mail. Malta has a special place in Meghan's heart as her great-great-grandmother Mary was born there 1862, and the future royal confessed to feeling a special connection with the Commonwealth nation. Meghan shares a joke with her companion as the pair pose in front of a dramatic rural backdrop. The rare images came to light after being tweeted by Joe Little of Majesty magazine earlier this week All smiles: Meghan strikes a pose as she explores Malta in 2015. The country has a special place in Meghan's heart as her great-great-grandmother Mary was born there 1862. Meghan also described the 'bucolic bliss' of the Maltese countryside in an Instagram post written at the time According to local news sites, Meghan visited Mdina, Valletta, Victoria and Dwejra during her brief stay, during which she took part in a shoot for glossy fashion magazine ELLE UK. The Suits actress was in Malta to learn more about her ancestry and sample Maltese food and wine, according to 89.7 Bay - and later confessed she 'blended in' with the locals. Meghan said at the time: Coming to Malta has been really important to me because my great-great-grandmother lived here, so weve been trying to trace the ancestry. 'This trip was mostly about trying to understand where I come from, my identity. There is something so lovely about fitting in a piece of the puzzle. To come somewhere where you so quickly settle in to feeling welcomed is really special. Its this Maltese hospitality that is really special to the place. The future Duchess of Sussex, dressed in a black polo neck and boyfriend jeans, cracks a smile during her 2015. Malta visit. The rare images came to light after being tweeted by Joe Little of Majesty magazine earlier this week A casually dressed Meghan soaks up the local culture in Malta in 2015. Prince Harry also shares a connection with Malta, as his grandparents lived there in 1949 when Prince Philip was made First Lieutenant on HMS Chequers A beaming Meghan can't hide her delight as she explores Malta with her guide. Prince Harry also shares a connection with Malta, as his grandparents lived there in 1949. It is believed the remarkably candid snaps were taken in March 2015 - just four months before she met Prince Harry and eventually swapped the showbiz world for Kensington Palace 'Before I came, people were telling me, "When you go to Malta, everyone will look like you," and I started to say, "Oh my gosh I do sort of blend in," and its the loveliest feeling. The Maltese people have been so kind. In an interview during her stay, she said: 'In Gozo I loved the fresh goats milk cheeses, particularly the pickled ones with the black pepper on them. Im about to have the spaghetti with rabbit, which Ive been waiting to try. This morning, for breakfast, I tried the pastizzi with peas and ricotta. Oh my goodness theyre delicious! So my suitcase will be filled with all sorts of Maltese treats. Meghan also described the 'bucolic bliss' of the Maltese countryside in an Instagram post written at the time. It is believed the remarkably candid snaps were taken in March 2015 - just four months before she met Prince Harry and eventually swapped the showbiz world for Kensington Palace. Casually dressed in a grey t-shirt and baggy jeans, the future Duchess of Sussex looks decidedly happy and carefree in the images. Ready for lunch! Meghan visited Mdina, Valletta, Victoria and Dwejra during her stay, during which she posed for a photo shoot for glossy fashion magazine ELLE. Meghan felt she 'blended in', calling the locals 'so kind' in an interview Blending in: This photo sees Meghan with the Marquis de Piro and his wife Frances at their home Casa Rocca Piccola, while dressed in a traditional gonnella headdress. Meghan later mused: 'This trip was mostly about trying to understand where I come from, my identity. There is something so lovely about fitting in a piece of the puzzle' Future royal: Casually dressed in a grey t-shirt and baggy jeans, the future Duchess of Sussex looks decidedly happy and carefree in the images, which were taken in 2015. She said of her stay in Malta: To come somewhere where you so quickly settle in to feeling welcomed is really special. Its this Maltese hospitality that is really special to the place' She appears to be wearing her beloved 1,600 MaxMara 'Manuela' Coat, which has not seen the light of day since Meghan became a fully-fledged royal. One photo sees her with the Marquis de Piro and his wife Frances at their home Casa Rocca Piccola, while dressed in a traditional gonnella headdress. The rare images came to light after being tweeted by Joe Little of Majesty magazine earlier this week. He wrote: 'In Valletta on Saturday I was shown this pic of the then Meghan Markle with the Marquis de Piro and his wife Frances during her visit to the island in 2015. The future Duchess of Sussex exploring the streets of Malta in 2015. Before marrying into the royal family, Meghan, then an up-and-coming actress, spent a few days on Malta soaking up the local culture and learning about her ancestry Meghan is a self-confessed foodie and said during her 2015 trip: Im about to have the spaghetti with rabbit, which Ive been waiting to try. This morning, for breakfast, I tried the pastizzi with peas and ricotta. Oh my goodness theyre delicious! So my suitcase will be filled with all sorts of Maltese treats' 'Meghan, whose great-great-grandmother was born on Malta, wears the gonnella national head-dress. #duchessofsussex.' Prince Harry also shares a connection with Malta, as his grandparents lived there in 1949 when Prince Philip was made First Lieutenant on HMS Chequers. The Queen's friend and bridesmaid Lady Pamela Hicks told the Mail: 'The Princess really loved Malta because she was able to lead a normal life, wander through the town and do some shopping. 'It was the only place that she was able to live the life of a naval officer's wife, just like all the other wives.' Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dared the president to 'throw a temper tantrum' over the holidays on Thursday after Donald Trump threatened to shut down the government until Congress approves his border wall spending. 'If President Trump wants to throw a temper tantrum and shut down some departments and agencies over Christmas, thats certainly within his power,' Schumer said in a floor speech. He said it would be a 'shame if the country suffered because of a Trump temper tantrum' in response to the president's warning that he's 'totally willing' to incur a government shutdown on December 7 if Democrats don't agree to the $5 billion expenditure. 'This isnt actually about border security, this is the president trying to manufacture a shutdown to fire up his base,' Schumer charged. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dared the president to 'throw a temper tantrum' over the holidays on Thursday after Donald Trump threatened to shut down the government until Congress approves the funding he needs to complete his border wall If the government does shut down, Schumer said only the president would be responsible. He encouraged him to accept a proposed $1.6 billion for fencing on the border. 'It would protect our border far more effectively and far more quickly than any wall,' he argued. Schumer challenged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and prominent Republican voices such as Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham to 'buck the president' on his border wall demand because 'they know hes wrong.' 'The only position that cannot garner sixty votes is the presidents position,' he said of the number of votes needed in the Senate to overcome a filibuster. The Democratic leader added, 'He is adamant about having a partial shutdown. He keeps repeating over and over again that he wants a shutdown. And make no mistake about it, he is the only reason there would be a shutdown. Trump made the threat most recently in an interview that was published on Wednesday morning. 'We need border security in this country, and if that means a shutdown I would totally be willing to shut it down,' he told Politico. 'And I think it's a really bad issue for the Democrats.' The president insisted that with the midterm elections behind him, he's not playing politics. 'I don't do anything ... just for political gain,' he stated. 'But I will tell you, politically speaking, that issue is a total winner.' Historically, Americans upset about government shutdowns tend to blame whichever party controls Congress, in this case the GOP. But Trump argued that Republicans would be the winners based on the bad optics of migrants attacking law enforcement on the southern border. 'People look at the border, they look at the rush to the police, they look at the rock throwers and really hurting three people, these very brave border patrol folks I think that it's a tremendous issue,' he said. Trump inspected border wall prototypes in San Diego on March 13. He has repeatedly warned he could shut down the government if he doesn't get the funding he needs to move forward with them In places like Tijuana, Mexico, tall border walls give way to shorter fences that require military guards to keep illegal immigrants out Senate Democrats say they're willing to put $1.6 billion on the table, a number that's far from what the White House wants. It will take 60 senators to approve a budget that would keep the government functioning. House Republicans are willing to green-light Trump's border wall proposal, but they will lose their majority status and with it the ability to move legislation when the new Congress is sworn in. That creates a narrow window of time for Trump to act. Not every federal agency would be covered by a shutdown. 'Essential' workers would continue on the job, along with military servicemen and women, postal employees, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller's operation, which is funded independently. Trump met Tuesday with Republican leaders to hash out a spending plan. He made the wall a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign and originally said Mexico would pay for it. Now he is stepping up pressure on Congress. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, called Tuesday's White House meeting 'very productive' and said Trump 'is very solid with where he wants to go and what he needs to have a secure border.' House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana took a hard line on the negotiations, saying Democrats will soon face a crucial question: 'Are they going to shut down the government because they don't want to keep America safe?' Trump said he is considering a backup plan if Congress rejects his demand for the $5 billion, possibly including the continued use of troops and razor wire to prevent migrants from entering the country. He told The Washington Post that if he doesn't get the money, there are other ways he could get it done. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Trump administration hasn't even spent the $1.6 billion Congress approved in the current budget for the wall. Trump supporters in hard hats held signs reading 'Finish the Wall' at a Mississippi rally last month With Republicans in control of the presidency, the House and the Senate, 'a shutdown is on their back,' Schumer said Tuesday. 'Stick to the $1.6 billion.' Democrats and GOP leaders struck a deal earlier this year to fund nearly three-quarters of the government into next year. Left undone, however, is funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the border, and a few other agencies. They're now running on stopgap funds set to expire Dec. 7. Complicating border negotiations, Democrats also want to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and any possible coordination with Trump associates. 'I didn't know Robert Mueller needed protection,' McCarthy told reporters, adding that there's 'nothing out there' for Mueller or Democrats to fear from Trump or his administration. 'But I do know the southern end of our country needs protection.' McCarthy, whose party lost more than three dozen House seats in the midterm elections earlier this month, urged Democrats to work with Republicans on the wall and other legislation, including a long-stalled farm bill, a new tax cut package and criminal justice reform. 'The election is over. Let's put people before politics,' McCarthy said. 'We've got a problem before us. Let's solve that problem.' Schumer said Democrats support strong border security and believe that $1.6 billion for border security, including physical barriers and technology along the U.S. southern border, 'is the right way to go.' White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Trump and GOP leaders discussed a range of legislative priorities, including the California wildfires, the farm bill and 'the great need for border security at this crucial time,' as well as prison reform and the budget. The group also talked about Monday's announcement by General Motors that it will shutter five plants and slash 14,000 jobs in North America, Gidley said. Two university chiefs suspended this week are embroiled in a storm over a 200million building project. Swansea University put its vice-chancellor Richard Davies and management school dean Marc Clement on leave while they face investigation. The inquiry centres on an unidentified member of university staff who accepted shares in a private company involved in plans to build a wellbeing village near Swansea. Theresa May arrives at Swansea University and is greeted by Vice-Chancellor Richard Davies and his senior colleague, Professor Marc Clement, in March 2017 There were concerns of an inappropriate conflict of interest whereby the employee could profit from public money invested in the project, despite making key decisions about it, a source said. It was claimed the staff member changed their mind a few days later and said any profits from the shares would go to a trust fund for the people of Llanelli, the town near Swansea where the village would be based. Swansea Universitys registrar later obtained emails in which the shares were discussed and began an investigation, the source said. Professor Clement has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and vowed he will do all it takes to clear his good name. The alleged impropriety is said to have happened under Professor Daviess nose. Swansea University has been heavily involved in the 1.3billion Swansea Bay City Deal, a series of 11 regeneration projects in South-West Wales, including the proposed wellness village. Theresa May met Professor Davies and Professor Clement last year when she signed off the deal, which involves 637million from the public sector. Professor Davies, who earns 252,000 a year as vice-chancellor, and Professor Clement played a significant role in brokering the Swansea Bay City Deal through their roles at the university. Both are board members on the body, ARCH, which will hand out the next series of private contracts for the plan. The 200million Wellbeing Village at Delta Lakes will include a wellness hotel as well as sports, spa, leisure and healthcare facilities. Questions have been raised over Professor Clements role due to his close relationship with the Delta Lakes projects development partner, a private company called Sterling Health Security Holdings Ltd. Professor Davies (left) and Professor Clement both met the Prime Minister last year when she signed off the deal, which involves 637million from the public sector A source told the Daily Mail: Sterling was brought in initially by Swansea University to develop the concept. The problem is they are connected to [Clement]. Another source added: The concern is a lot of public money was put at risk. Investors have been left alarmed after both professors were told not to speak to business associates. Sterling Health director Franz Dickmann said: It doesnt fill us with confidence. Professor Clement was a director at Mr Dickmanns company Kent Neurosciences Limited, which came up with the vision for Delta Lakes. In a letter of support for the two men, members of the universitys medical school said: To see these men treated in this manner brings grave concern for what our university is becoming. Professor Clement has instructed lawyers to lodge a formal grievance against the universitys registrar. Professor Davies could not be contacted. A Utah woman murdered by her boyfriend's ex-wife while decorating a Christmas tree has been remembered by her mother as 'magic'. Lisa Vilate Williams, 26, was shot dead inside a Salt Lake City apartment on Sunday night in front of her boyfriend Travis Cook and his three-year-old twin daughters. Her boyfriend's ex-wife, Chelsea Watrous Cook, has been arrested over her murder. Williams was decorating the Christmas tree with handmade ornaments she had made with the three-year-old girls when Cook allegedly opened fire. Lisa Vilate Williams, 26, was shot dead inside a Salt Lake City apartment on Sunday night in front of her boyfriend Travis Cook and his three-year-old twin daughters Her mother, Tawny Williams, has described Cook as an 'evil killer' and a 'monster' who ripped her daughter's life away. Chelsea Watrous Cook, 32, was arrested on Sunday night in Salt Lake City for allegedly shooting dead her ex-husband's girlfriend 'She was so kind, sweet, generous, loving, and brought joy and excitement to every aspect of life,' she said of her daughter. 'Please share the beauty of her life rather than the monster that ripped her from ours. 'She was magic, and I want her remembered for how she lived and not for how she was killed.' Cook, who is a 32-year-old health teacher, had come to the apartment to give one of the twins cold medicine. She allegedly locked herself in a bathroom when her ex-husband asked her to leave. Cook eventually came out of the bathroom and grabbed a gun from her coat, according to police. She then allegedly fired the gun multiple times at Williams while her daughters were watching. Police said Cook came to her ex-husband's Salt Lake City apartment on Sunday night to give one of their three-year-old twins cold medicine but refused to leave Her ex-husband Travis told police that Cook sat in a recliner chair near their daughters and watched as he tried to help his injured girlfriend The victim was shot twice in the torso and fell back onto the couch. Her ex-husband told police that Cook sat in a recliner chair near their daughters and watched as he tried to help his injured girlfriend. When she got up and tried to get her coat, her ex-husband pinned her to a wall until police arrived. Williams was pronounced dead when she was rushed to hospital. Cook was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder. She is also currently facing separate domestic violence charges related to an incident in October to which she has pleaded not guilty. The charging documents in that case are sealed but it is related to abuse in front of children. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend the signing of President Donald Trump's North American trade deal, his office announced Thursday evening, after questions over his appearance caused concerns the pact was in jeopardy. Trudeau, outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, President Trump and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland will attend Friday's event, the prime minister's office said Thursday evening, according to the CBC. Left unclear was the fate of steel and aluminum tariffs the U.S. imposed. Questions arose after Trudeau's official schedule for the G20 summit doesn't list the Friday signing for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade deal that will replace NAFTA, or the USMC as Trump likes to call it. And the prime minister told reporters before he boarded his flight to Buenos Aires that Canada is 'still in discussions with the Americans' about the trade deal. The signing for President Donald Trump's new North American trade deal appeared in jeopardy Thursday night The signing ceremony for the trade agreement is not on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's schedule for the G20 The three nations had a bitter, year-long fight over the trade pact before reaching an 11th-hour deal in October, right as the deadline hit. Friday's signing ceremony should be a crowning moment for Trump, who loves to tout his deal-making prowess. When the agreement was reached in October, the president called it 'truly historic news for our nation and the world.' If Trudeau sent a deputy instead of going himself, it would have been seen as a major snub to the president. There is no formal meeting between Trump and Trudeau on either leader's schedule for the Friday and Saturday summit. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters here on Thursday that there was still some fine tuning to do on the new trade pact before they would sign. 'Our objective has always been to sign this agreement on Nov. 30 and we are on track to hit that objective,' Freeland said shortly after the Canadian delegation arrived in Argentina, according to the Canadian Press. And Canadian sources told Reuters it was unclear whether the three countries would sign a final deal or something more informal, leaving the more contentious details to be worked out later. It's unusual that the details are still be worked on so close to signing. 'This is normally the time when people are focused on ... (finalizing) the celebratory news release,' a source told the news wire. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire arrive in Buenos Aires President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump leaving for Buenos Aires There are a few areas still to iron out. U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum remain in the agreement, something the three sides have been trying to iron out. And dairy remains a sticking point with the influential Canadian dairy lobby urging Trudeau's government not to sign the trade deal as it gives the United States expanded access to Canada's dairy, egg, and poultry markets. 'A vast number of technical details need to be scrubbed and wrapped up,' Freeland said. 'The fact that this is an agreement in three languages adds to the level of technical complexity and it is on that level that we are just being sure that all the Is are dotted and all the Ts are crossed.' Neither the White House nor Trudeau's office responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment. The Friday deadline is important as new Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrado is being swore into office on Saturday and he could scramble the hard-fought agreement between the three nations. Outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is attending the G20 meeting. The legislatures in all three countries would still need to ratify the USMC before it can go into effect. Outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will also attend the signing Trudeau and Trump discussed their plans for the G20 summit in a November 27 phone call, according to the White House. 'President Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau this morning,' spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. 'The two leaders discussed their disappointment in the announced closures of General Motors plants in their respective countries and their plans for the upcoming G20 Summit.' Trudeau's readout on the same call also mentioned lifting the tariffs the U.S. imposed on steel and aluminum. 'The Prime Minister and the President agreed that the new trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico would enhance North American competitiveness,' his office said of the call. 'The Prime Minister also reinforced the importance of both countries lifting the tariffs on steel and aluminum.' Ukraine's president has warned that Russian tanks are massing along the border and banned all Russian men of military age from entering the country. Petro Poroshenko claimed to have evidence that Russian tanks are lining up just 11 miles (18km) from the border, close to where Russia stores its ammunition and multi-rocket launch systems, Sky News reports. Russian anti-aircraft missile launchers were also seen amassing close to the Ukrainian border on Thursday night. Triumf surface-to-air missile systems as part of an anti-aircraft military unit of the Russian Air Force and the Russian Southern Military District entered combat duty near the Crimean town of Dzhankoy, just 12 miles away from Ukraine. Poroshenko made claims of a Russian military build-up on the border just hours after accusing President Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his whole country. 'This is the tank base just 18km from our border, this was happening in September, October, and now,' Poroshenko told Sky. Scroll down for video S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems as part of an anti-aircraft military unit near the Crimean town of Dzhankoy on Thursday night The unit was seen entering combat duty near the Crimean town of Dzhankoy 12 miles away from the Ukrainian border President Vladimir Putin departing his plane upon arrival at Ezeiza International airport in Buenos Aires for the G20 summit today 'This is 18km from my border, this is the same warehouse where they have their ammunition, the same where they have multi-rocket launch systems, we should be prepared to protect my country.' He added: 'If the whole world has no reason to trust Putin, Ukraine definitely doesn't have a reason to go with him.' President Poroshenko also said the country has barred Russian men between 16 and 60 from travelling to the country. The move comes as the long-simmering conflict between the two nations escalated in the Black Sea on Sunday when Russian border guards opened fire on and captured three Ukrainian vessels and their 24-member crew. Poroshenko tweeted today that the restrictions on Russian travellers have been taken in order to prevent the Russians from forming 'private armies' fighting on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine's president Petro Poroshenko has warned that Russian tanks are massing along the border He showed Sky News what he claimed is evidence that Russian tanks are lining up along the border, close to where Russia stores its ammunition Poroshenko claimed to have evidence that Russian tanks are lining up just 11 miles (18km) from the Ukrainian border Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Poroshenko's request is 'clearly aimed at provoking further tensions' and driven by the Ukrainian leader's 'electoral and domestic policy motives.' Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Sunday near the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014, over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters - a charge Ukraine strongly refutes. The Russian coast guard fired on and seized the three Ukrainian vessels that sought to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait. Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. In interviews with Germany's Bild newspaper and the Funke newspaper group on Thursday, Poroshenko rejected Russia's charge that the vessels' entry into the Sea of Azov - a body of water shared by Ukraine and Russia on which the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk sit - was a provocation. 'Don't believe Putin's lies,' he told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it. 'Putin wants the old Russian empire back,' he said. 'Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire can't function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony.' Putin as he gets into a waiting car at an airport in Buenos Aires. The G20 powers open two days of summit talks on today after a stormy build-up dominated by tensions with Russia and US Soldiers of a Triumf surface-to-air missile system crew f the Russian Air Force and the Russian Southern Military District A serviceman walks near a Ukrainian military helicopter flying during military drills near Urzuf village not far from the city of Mariupol, eastern Ukraine yesterday He added that there needs to be increased pressure on Moscow, including stopping the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is being built under the Baltic Sea and would bypass Ukraine to deliver gas directly to Germany. Poroshenko said the government will impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in response to the seizure of the three Ukrainian vessels and their crews. He that the one-month period of martial law introduced this week in Ukraine wouldn't restrict travel, cash withdrawals or currency purchases by Ukrainians but Russians will face some constraints. The Ukrainian leader tweeted Thursday that 'there will be restrictions regarding Russian citizens, which I believe are quite justified.' He did not elaborate. The seizure of the navy vessels drove tensions to their highest since 2015, when Moscow-backed rebels rose against the Kiev government in the eastern Donbass region, sparking a war that has killed tens of thousands. A Tupolev Tu-144AK airliner flying by, an S-400 Triumf missile system on standby President Petro Poroshenko called for the stationing of NATO vessels in the Sea of Azov and Germany to halt the building of an undersea gas pipeline that would allow Russia to supply Germany directly, cutting out Ukraine Ukraine's president accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his whole country A Russian government-appointed ombudswoman said on Friday the three commanders of the Ukrainian vessels captured near the Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula last weekend are being transferred to Moscow. The Tass news agency on Friday quoted Russian government-appointed ombudswoman Lyudmila Lubina as saying that the vessels' commanders are being transferred to Moscow for interrogation. The other 21 remain in custody in Crimea. A Crimea court earlier this week ruled to keep the Ukrainian seamen behind bars for two months pending the investigation. Poroshenko called on Germany, the largest and wealthiest buyer of Moscow's gas exports, to halt the building of an undersea gas pipeline that would allow Russia to supply Germany directly, cutting out Ukraine. 'We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour,' he told Funke. 'That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.' Putin is welcomed by Argentina's President Mauricio Macri as he arrives for the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires A Ukraine Border Security Force soldier in the machine-gun turret of an armoured vehicle on a patrol of the coast of the Azov Sea near Mariupol Port Ukraine's Border Security Force soldiers patrol the coast of the Azov Sea near Mariupol Port on Thursday Germany regards the pipeline, which is being built by Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom, as a private investment. But Merkel recently acknowledged its 'political dimensions' and said Ukraine must continue to be a conduit for Russian gas sold to western Europe. German officials said on Wednesday that their position on the pipeline remained unchanged and that talk of tighter sanctions against Moscow, demanded by the United States and many European politicians, was 'premature'. Poroshenko also called for the stationing of NATO vessels in the Sea of Azov. Lawyers for Harvey Weinstein have called for the case against him to be thrown out, claiming they have proof of police corruption and evidence that accusers lied. The Hollywood mogul had been vilified by a vicious media assault, they said, and evidence never critically examined or investigated because of the public pressure to prosecute him. Weinsteins team last night revealed they had damning evidence which they say proves former production assistant Mimi Haleyi had sent loving messages to Weinstein after he allegedly raped her in 2006. In one, two years after the alleged assault, she says it was great to see Weinstein at Cannes film festival. Harvey Weinstein's (pictured) lawyers have called for the case against him to be thrown out, claiming they have proof of police corruption and evidence that accusers lied Another unnamed woman had tried to fabricate evidence to support her claims, solicitors say. And police had withheld evidence which would have potentially exonerated the film producer, his legal team has said. Officers also allegedly tampered with witness evidence and told one woman, whose evidence was not brought before the court, that less is more. Bombshell documents filed at the New York Supreme Court this week, and seen by the Daily Mail, claim that the lawsuit has been irreparably tainted and rendered defective by police misconduct. Thousands of emails handed over prove women who allege they were sexually assaulted had for years engaged in loving and often intimate conversations with Weinstein before and after the date of the alleged assault, papers claim. The documents, filed by Weinsteins lead attorney Benjamin Brafman, have plunged the case, which has been rumbling on for almost a year, into chaos. In a statement last night, Mr Brafman said the case was falling apart. Lawyers for Mr Weinstein told of a shameful campaign by the police to force the District Attorney to prosecute Mr Weinstein. The startling reality is that the District Attorney seems most willing to sacrifice the truth in this case on the altar of political expediency, papers add. The latest revelations come after one of the six criminal charges against Weinstein was last month thrown out. These related to an aspiring actress he was said to have assaulted in 2004. Lucia Evans claimed Weinstein had forced her to perform a sex act on him when she was a 21-year-old university student. Since October last year scores of women have come forward to claim they were inappropriately treated, sexually assaulted or raped by Weinstein, 66. But last night his lawyers said that if the case against him is not thrown out, a full hearing should be held during which all of the evidence of police corruption is presented before a judge. The documents allege that a police officer involved in the case, Detective Nicholas DiGaudio, had spoken to an independent witness who had completely undermined the testimony of Miss Evans. The woman, who has not been named, reportedly told officers Miss Evans had lied about her relationship with him. Detective DiGaudio is alleged to have told the witness that less is more suggesting that some information was intentionally held back. Another accuser, referred to as CW1 in court papers, was allegedly told to clean up her phones by the detective. A defence witness said she had spent time with CW1 who spoke about her relationship with Mr Weinstein in the most glowing and loving terms. The judge will rule next month on whether the case will go ahead. If you've ever wanted to get your hands on the Mona Lisa, you may just be in luck. For researchers have found a way for art fanatics to create their own version of a priceless masterpiece, through a combination of AI and 3D printing. The replicas have been made by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) using a piece of software called 'RePaint'. Scroll down for video Researchers have found a way for art fanatics to create their own version of a priceless masterpiece, through a combination of AI and 3D printing The replicas have been made by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) using a piece of software called 'RePaint' (pictured) Despite the progress so far, the team says they have a few improvements to make before they can whip up a dazzling dupe of 'Starry Night.' 'If you just reproduce the colour of a painting as it looks in the gallery, it might look different in your home,' says Changil Kim, one of the researchers from MIT that published a paper on the system, which will be presented in December. 'Our system works under any lighting condition, which shows a far greater colour reproduction capability than almost any other previous work.' A number of oil paintings were created by an artist for the project and they were then recreated using RePaint. Researchers claim that RePaint was more than four times more accurate than state-of-the-art physical models at creating the exact colour shades for different artworks. The physical reproductions were made the size of a business card to minimise costs as the project is currently still expensive. MIT researchers used a special technique called 'colour-contoning', which involves using a 3-D printer and 10 different transparent inks stacked in very thin layers. This allows for a wider range of colours and hues to be created than with traditional 2D printing. A number of oil paintings were created by an artist for the project and they were then recreated using RePaint Researchers claim that RePaint was more than four times more accurate than state-of-the-art physical models at creating the exact colour shades for different artworks MIT researchers have trained a deep learning model to predict the optimal stack of different inks. It was then fed images of paintings, and used the model to determine what colours should be used in what particular areas for specific paintings According to mechanical engineer Mike Foshey, they couldn't completely reproduce certain colours like cobalt blue due to a limited ink library They combined their method with a decades-old technique called 'halftoning', where an image is created by tons of little ink dots, rather than continuous tones. Combining these, the team says, better captured the nuances of the colours. The team trained a deep learning model to predict the optimal stack of different inks. It was then fed images of paintings, and used the model to determine what colours should be used in what particular areas for specific paintings. According to mechanical engineer Mike Foshey, they couldn't completely reproduce certain colours like cobalt blue due to a limited ink library. Ron Burke is a numbers guy. You would expect as much from a trainer juggling a 250-horse stable of trotters and pacers and has been the best in the harness business for a decade. Burke, based in Washington, Pa. at The Meadows as well as a nearby farm, never misses one of his pupils starts, be it in person or via a computer or television screen. He will have his eyes peeled this coming Sunday (Dec. 2) when he sends out both Filibuster Hanover and Rockin Ron in the $100,000 Potomac Pace at Rosecroft Raceway. Not only does Burke, 49, know his business in and out, he also knows the storyline of outstanding accomplishments by others in the Standardbred community. He took notice last weekend when Aaron Merriman, a regular at both The Meadows and Northfield Park in northeastern Ohio, became the first driver in harness history to win 1,000 races in two seasons. Aaron drives for me. Ive done what hes done twice as a trainer. Im hoping to do it again this year, said Burke who has sent out 924 winners this year through Nov. 28. Im very proud of having that many wins. And a stack of purse dollars, as well. Burke became the first harness trainer to cash for more than $100 million in career earnings (in 2014) and this year soared over the $200 million mark. Another Burke milestone was becoming the first trainer to earn $20 million in a single season. He has done so six consecutive years, including this season. The $28,414,071 his stable banked in 2014 is the highest by a trainer of any breed. All this from a 6-foot-5 horseman who once told The New York Times that, as a youngster, I was scared to death of (horses), and thats not a lie. Yannick Gingras and Filibuster Hanover, pictured winning the 2017 Little Brown Jug Burke, won the inaugural Potomac Pace in 2016 when his All Bets Off rallied to prevail by a nose over Split The House while equalling Rosecrofts then-track-record of 1:48.2. All Bets Off finished second in last years Potomac renewal. The race has been good to me, said Burke. Burke believes that while Rockin Ron has banked $532,311 this season, Filibuster Hanover gives him his best shot at winning this years Potomac. Hes ready to roll, said Burke. Hes been facing the best of the best all season. Filibuster Hanover, who has drawn Post 4 for the eight-horse Potomac, has won five of 18 starts and $636,601 this year. His biggest victories came earlier this year when he won the May 27 Commodore Barry Invitational at Harrahs Philadelphia and May 20 Confederation Cup at Flamboro Downs. Filibuster Hanover ran into the red-hot McWicked (12 for 19 for $1.5 million this year) in the October 27 Breeders Crown Open Pace Final and had to settle for second money. Hes only four and that was a big effort in the Breeders Crown, said Burke. Im confident hell race well in the Potomac. (Rosecroft Raceway) Google and the FBI have busted a major ad-fraud operation that hijacked almost two million devices. A 13-count indictment unsealed on Tuesday brings charges against eight people surrounding their involvement in a digital advertising fraud scheme referred to as '3ve' and Methbot. Not only did the scammers siphon off millions of dollars from the advertising industry, but at the height of its operation, 3ve infected about 1.7 million computers, 5,000 counterfeit websites and about 60,000 accounts with ad companies. Scroll down for video A 13-count indictment unsealed on Tuesday brings charges against eight people surrounding their involvement in digital advertising fraud schemes referred to as '3ve' and 'Methbot' WHAT ARE 3VE AND METHBOT? Methbot was a sprawling advertising fraud scheme. It involved scammers collecting false clicks on ad campaigns by linking them to false IP addresses. The operation netted the scammers as much as $5 million a day. Security vendor WhiteOps eventually shut the scheme down in 2016. Similarly, 3ve was an ad fraud operation that distributed malware on millions of devices to generate fake clicks on ad campaigns. Scammers infected some 2 million devices and created 60,000 fake accounts with digital ad companies. It raked in an alleged $29 million. Advertisement The defendants listed in the indictment include eight nationals from Russia and Kazakhstan, while five other suspects are said to be at large. Among the charges listed are wire fraud, computer intrusion, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, according to the indictment. 'As alleged in court filings, the defendants in this case used sophisticated computer programming and infrastructure around the world to exploit the digital advertising industry through fraud,' U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue said in a statement. 'This case sends a powerful message that this Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will use all our available resources to target and dismantle these costly schemes and bring their perpetrators to justice, wherever they are.' '3ve' hoped to siphon off as much as $250 billion from the ad industry. It was unsuccessful in those efforts, but still managed to bring in an alleged $29 million. Meanwhile, Methbot raked in about $7 million, which resulted in the schemes scamming companies out of a whopping $36 million. Google said it created a working group comprised of Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, security software vendors and law enforcement officials to tackle the operation The scams were first discovered by officials in 2016 and they quickly became a 'very complex, ever-shifting maze,' according to the FBI. They spread malware packages to infect PCs in emails and downloaded files. As a result, the bots would click on ads, generating fake ad dollars for the scammers. '3ve operated on a massive scale: at its peak, it controlled over one million IPs from both residential botnet infections and corporate IP spaces, primarily in North America and Europe (for comparison, this is more than the number of broadband subscriptions in Ireland),' Google wrote in a paper describing the findings. 'It featured several unique sub-operations, each of which constituted a sophisticated ad fraud scheme in its own right. 'Shortly after we began to identify the massive infrastructure (comprised of thousands of servers across many data centers) used to host 3ve's operation, we found similar activity happening within a network of malware-infected residential computers,' the firm continued. 3ve spread malware packages to infect PCs in emails and downloaded files. As a result, the bots would click on ads, generating fake ad dollars for the scammers Not only did the scammers siphon off millions of dollars from the advertising industry, but at the height of its operation, 3ve infected about 1.7 million computers, 5,000 counterfeit websites and about 60,000 accounts with ad companies In some cases, average internet users encountered these fake ads. The scammers went to great lengths to have their bots simulate real internet activity, by having them open and play videos, among other things. Some of the defendants outlined in the indictment were involved in Methbot, which was reportedly shut down in December 2016, as well as 3ve, which continued running until October 2018. Google said it created a working group comprised of Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, security software vendors and law enforcement officials to tackle the operation. 'We had to shut the operation down for good, which called for greater, more calculated measures,' Google explained. 'To that end, it was critical that we played the long game, endeavoring to have a more permanent, more powerful impact against this and future ad fraud operations.' Global car makers are feeding real-time location information and dozens of other data points from electric vehicles to Chinese government monitoring centres, as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens. The data-gathering generally happens without car owners' knowledge, the Associated Press found. More than 200 car makers selling electric vehicles in China including Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Mitsubishi send at least 61 data points to government-backed monitoring platforms, under rules published in 2016. Global car makers are feeding real-time location information and dozens of other data points from electric vehicles to Chinese government monitoring centres, as President Xi Jinping steps up the use of technology to track Chinese citizens The firms say they are complying with local laws, which apply only to alternative energy vehicles. Chinese officials say the data is used for analytics to improve public safety, facilitate industrial development and infrastructure planning, and to prevent fraud in subsidy programmes. But critics say the information collected exceeds those goals and could be used to undermine foreign car makers' competitive position, or for surveillance. Under Mr Xi's leadership, China has unleashed a war on dissent, marshalling big data and artificial intelligence to create policing system that can quickly neutralise perceived threats to the stability of the ruling Communist Party. There is also concern about the precedent these rules set for sharing data from next-generation connected cars, which may soon transmit more personal information. At the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Centre, a wall-sized screen glows with dots. Each represents one of more than 222,000 vehicles connected to the system, coursing along Shanghai's roads to create a massive real-time map that could reveal where people live, shop, work and worship. Data also flows to a national monitoring centre run by the Beijing Institute of Technology, which pulls information from more than 1.1 million new energy vehicles. Those numbers are about to get much bigger as Beijing pushes electric vehicle development as part of its 'Made in China 2025' industrial development plan. Pictured is Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Centre Ding Xiaohua (pictured), deputy director of the Shanghai centre, said monitoring is not designed to facilitate state surveillance, though data can be shared with police, prosecutors or courts, if a formal request is made Ding Xiaohua, deputy director of the Shanghai centre, said monitoring is not designed to facilitate state surveillance, though data can be shared with police, prosecutors or courts, if a formal request is made. The centre is registered as a non-profit but is tightly aligned with and funded by the government. There is a privacy firewall built into the system. The data centre has each car's unique vehicle identification number, but to link that with the owner's personal details, it must go through the car maker a step it has taken in the past. Chinese law enforcement can also link the vehicle identification number with the owner's personal information. Many vehicles in the US, Europe and Japan transmit position information back to car makers, who feed it to car-tracking apps, maps that pinpoint nearby amenities and emergency services providers. But the data stops there. Government or law enforcement agencies would generally only be able to access vehicle data in the context of a specific criminal investigation. A staff member (pictured) looks at a laptop near a screen displaying live data from vehicles at the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Centre At the Shanghai Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting, Monitoring and Research Centre, a wall-sized screen glows with dots Car makers initially resisted sharing information with the Shanghai monitoring centre, until the government made transmitting data a prerequisite for getting incentives. The firms stressed they share data to comply with Chinese law and obtain consent from car owners. Nearly all have announced plans to aggressively expand electric vehicle offerings in China, the world's biggest car market. Volkswagen Group China chief executive Jochem Heizmann said he could not guarantee the data would not be used for government surveillance, but stressed that VW keeps personal data, like the driver's identity, secure within its own systems. 'It includes the location of the car, yes, but not who is sitting in it,' he said, adding that cars will not reveal more information than smartphones already do. 'There is not a principle difference between sitting in a car and being in a shopping mall and having a smartphone with you.' Jose Munoz, the head of Nissan's China operations, speaks during an interview in Shanghai China has blocked all research by the controversial scientist responsible creating the world's first gene-edited babies. Dr He Jiankui claimed this week that he modified the DNA of twin girls to make them resistant to infection with the AIDS virus. China's Vice Minister of Science and Technology has condemned the 'unacceptable' research, and said ministry is strongly opposed to the reported experiments. The Chinese government has ordered a halt to work by the entire medical team that claimed to have helped Dr He in his research. Universities and police are also investigating. It also emerged today that a group of leading scientists has declared that the world isn't ready for gene-edited babies, following Dr He's shock claims. Scroll down for video Scientists gathered in Hong Kong this week for an international conference on gene editing. Pictured is Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore delivering a speech during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong Scientists gathered in Hong Kong this week for an international conference on gene editing, the ability to rewrite the code of life to try to correct or prevent diseases. Many argued it was irresponsible to alter the genes of eggs, sperm or embryos except in lab research because not enough is known yet about its risks or safety. The comments follow claims from controversial researcher Dr He Jiankui, who on Sunday announced he had created the world's first genetically modified babies. His remarks sparked outrage from the global scientific community, with some experts calling the work 'monstrous'. Researchers in Hong Kong echoed these concerns, saying it was still too soon to make permanent changes to DNA that can be inherited by future generations, as Dr He claims to have done. It also emerged today that China's government has halted research by Dr He's team, stating that the ministry 'strongly opposed' Dr He's efforts. The conference was rocked by the Chinese researcher's claim to have helped make the world's first gene-edited babies, twin girls he said were born earlier this month. Conference leaders called for an independent investigation of the claim by He Jiankui of Shenzhen, who spoke to the group Wednesday as international criticism of his claim mounted. A statement issued Thursday by the 14-member conference leaders says the work was 'irresponsible', although the science holds promise for helping people in future. There is no independent confirmation of what Dr He says he did. He was scheduled to speak again at the conference on Thursday, but left Hong Kong early. A statement sent through a spokesperson said: 'I will remain in China, my home country, and cooperate fully with all inquiries about my work. My raw data will be made available for third party review.' The comments follow claims from controversial researcher Dr He Jiankui, who on Sunday announced he had created the world's first genetically modified babies. In this image, Dr He speaks during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong on Wednesday Several prominent scientists said the case showed a failure of the field to police itself and the need for stricter principles or regulations. 'It's not unreasonable to expect the scientific community' to follow guidelines, said Professor David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate from California Institute of Technology who led the panel. There already are some rules that should have prevented what Dr He says he did, said Dr Alta Charo, a University of Wisconsin lawyer and bioethicist and a conference organiser. Several prominent scientists, including Professor Baltimore, said the case showed a failure of the field to police itself and the need for stricter principles or regulations This graphic reveals how, theoretically, an embryo could be 'edited' using the powerful tool Crispr-Cas9 to defend humans against HIV infection WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DOUBTS SURROUNDING DR HE'S CLAIMS? Several scientists reviewed materials that Dr He provided to the AP and said tests so far are insufficient to say the editing worked or to rule out harm. They also noted evidence that the editing was incomplete and that at least one twin appears to be a patchwork of cells with various changes. 'It's almost like not editing at all' if only some of certain cells were altered, because HIV infection can still occur, famed Harvard University geneticist Professor George Church said. Church and Dr Kiran Musunuru, a University of Pennsylvania gene editing expert, questioned the decision to allow one of the embryos to be used in a pregnancy attempt, because the Chinese researchers said they knew in advance that both copies of the intended gene had not been altered. 'In that child, there really was almost nothing to be gained in terms of protection against HIV and yet you're exposing that child to all the unknown safety risks,' Dr Musunuru said. The use of that embryo suggests that the researchers' 'main emphasis was on testing editing rather than avoiding this disease,' Church said. Even if editing worked perfectly, people without normal CCR5 genes face higher risks of getting certain other viruses, such as West Nile, and of dying from the flu. Since there are many ways to prevent HIV infection and it's very treatable if it occurs, those other medical risks are a concern, Dr Musunuru said. There also are questions about the way Dr He said he proceeded. He gave official notice of his work long after he said he started it - on November 8, on a Chinese registry of clinical trials. It's unclear whether participants fully understood the purpose and potential risks and benefits. For example, consent forms called the project an 'AIDS vaccine development' program. The hospital linked to the controversial project denied approving the procedure and accused Dr He of forgery. Advertisement Dr He's claims sparked outrage this week from the global scientific community, with some experts calling the work 'monstrous'. Pictured is the scientist speaking Wednesday during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong 'I think the failure was his, not the scientific community,' Dr Charo said. Gene editing for reproductive purposes might be considered in the future 'but only when there is compelling medical need,' with clear understanding of risks and benefits, and certain other conditions, said Dr Victor Dzau, president of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, one of the conference sponsors. 'Not following these guidelines would be an irresponsible act,' he added. Dr He revealed on Wednesday that a second gene-edited pregnancy was underway despite a wave of backlash following his first announcement. The audience reacts as He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, speaks during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong, Wednesday He revealed the possible pregnancy while making his first public comments about his scandal-hit work at the same Hong Kong conference. The second potential gene-edited pregnancy is at a very early stage and needs more time to see if it will last, Dr He said. It also emerged yesterday that the private hospital where Dr He performed the work accused him of forging the paperwork needed to approve his experiments. Harmonicare Women and Children's Hospital in Shenzhen said it had asked the police to investigate. He Jiankui speaks during an interview at a laboratory in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong province. The Chinese scientist claimed on Sunday to have helped make the world's first genetically edited babies Gene editing is banned in Britain, the US many other parts of the world, largely because its long-term effects on mental and physical health are poorly understood. The technique carries the risk that altered DNA will warp other genes - potentially dangerous mutations that may be passed down to future generations. Speaking Wednesday, Dr He, of Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, said he was 'proud' of his work. He added that 'another potential pregnancy' of a gene-edited embryo was in its early stages. London City Airport has insisted that plans for construction on the capital's new Tulip tower should be halted because it could confuse air traffic controllers. Technical experts have raised concerns that the rotating gondolas which will carry visitors around the top in a loop will interfere with their radar systems. They say construction on the 1,000ft (305m) skyscraper must not go ahead until a full assessment has been carried out on the impact of the radar coverage. Officials told the authority considering planning permission that the gondola rides will confuse air traffic controllers at the airport six miles to the east. Scroll down for video London City Airport have insisted that plans to build the tulip tower should be halted because it could confuse air traffic controllers. Technical experts have raised concerns over the rotating gondolas that they say will interfere with their radar systems Architects Foster+Partners put forward the plans in early November. The 12-storey egg shaped bubble on top of a concrete stem will have rotating glass spheres which would move visitors around the tower's tip. It is more than twice the height of the London Eye, the next-tallest moving visitor attraction in the capital. Radar coverage can be impacted significantly by tall buildings, as they may prevent aircraft from being detected. The building could also prompt the displaying of false aircraft positions to controllers. Modern radar systems have built-in safeguards to differentiate aircraft from buildings but London City Airport says that the moveable nature of the Tulip could confuse these systems. A London City Airport spokesperson told Mail Online: 'The aviation regulator, the CAA, has a tall buildings policy in place that, for the safety of the London airspace, all new development proposals in London must adhere to.' London City said National Air Traffic Control noted 'the gondolas will be moving and therefore may have a slightly different effect than a static element of the building'. They say construction on the 1,000ft (305-metre) skyscraper must not go ahead until a full assessment has been carried out of the impact on the radar coverage. Officials told the authority considering planning permission The 12-storey glass bubble erected on top of a concrete stem will be filled with bars, restaurants, a viewing gallery and 'a classroom in the sky'. It is more than twice the height of the London Eye, the next-tallest moving visitor attraction in the capital Foster+Partners say that the skyscraper will be filled with bars, restaurants, a viewing gallery and a 'classroom in the sky'. The firm are also responsible for the design of the Gherkin skyscraper nearby, as well as a 1.3 billionn ($1.7bn) European Headquarters for Bloomberg. The proposed plan has already attracted some opposition from local residents. The Tulip by numbers Building name: The Tulip Architects: Foster + Partners Location: Adjacent to 20 Bury Street Planning application: November 2018 Estimated construction: 2020 to 2025 Site Area: 31,100 sq ft (92,889m) Height: 1,000ft (305.3m) Diameter of widest floor: 113ft (34.5m) Advertisement One resident of Petticoat Tower said: 'I don't understand why we need this phallic-shaped attraction, with little aesthetic merit. 'As a resident, I object to this construction project. 'It will create noise and turn the neighbourhood into a construction site for years to come, affecting property prices and residents' daily comfort.' Another said it 'would fit better into Dubai than London'. Foster and Partners told Mail Online: 'As part of the planning process, interested parties have the opportunity to respond to the proposals and raise any questions or seek clarification. 'We look forward to working collaboratively with London City Airport, and other stakeholders, to work through planning matters during the current consultation period.' London City said National Air Traffic Control noted 'the gondolas will be moving and therefore may have a slightly different effect than a static element of the building'. Global temperatures in 2018 are set to be the fourth highest on record, the UN has said, stressing the urgent need for action to rein in runaway warming of the planet. In a report released ahead of a climate summit in Poland, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) pointed out that the 20 warmest years on record have been in the past 22 years. It found that 2018 is on course to be the 4th warmest year on record and we're the 'last generation to be able to do something about it'. The UN agency said in its provisional report that 'the past four years - 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 - are also the four warmest years in the series'. Scroll down for video Pictured is a graph showing how much warmer surface air temperatures have been between January and October this year. The greatest increases were seen in the Arctic and Europe (circled). Sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Tropical Pacific (circled) were cooler than usual, showing signs of a return to El Nino conditions The 'warming trend is obvious and continuing,' WMO chief Petteri Taalas told reporters in Geneva. Other tell-tale signs of climate change, including sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification and sea-ice and glacier melt continue, whilst extreme weather left a trail of devastation on all continents. Figures released by the WMO showed that the planet was nearly 1C (1.8F) above pre-industrial levels for the first ten months of this year. The temperature for 2018 was recorded from five independent data sets. If these trends continue temperatures could rise by as much as 3.5C (6.3F) by 2100, researchers warn. Figures released by the WMO showed that the planet was nearly 1C (1.7F) above pre-industrial levels for the first ten months of this year. The temperature for 2018 was recorded from five independent data sets TEMPERATURE INCREASE (IN C) FROM PRE-INDUSTRIAL LEVELS YEAR 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 TEMPERATURE 0.51 0.67 0.82 0.6 0.6 0.73 0.82 0.81 0.74 0.88 0.83 0.82 0.7 0.82 0.89 0.77 0.81 0.85 0.91 1.06 1.17 1.07 0.98 Advertisement The Paris Agreement, which was first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and limit climate change. It hopes to hold the increase in the global average temperature to below 2C (3.6F) 'and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C (2.7F)'. 'We are not on track to meet climate change targets and rein in temperature increases,' said Mr Taalas. 'Greenhouse gas concentrations are once again at record levels and if the current trend continues we may see temperature increases 3.5C (6.3F) by the end of the century. 'If we exploit all known fossil fuel resources, the temperature rise will be considerably higher,' he said. 'It is worth repeating once again that we are the first generation to fully understand climate change and the last generation to be able to do something about it,' said Mr Taalas. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on Global Warming of 1.5C (2.7F) reported that the average global temperature for the decade 2006-2015 was 0.86C (1.54F) above the pre-industrial baseline. The average increase above the same baseline for the most recent decade 2009-2018 was about 0.93C (1.67F) 'These are more than just numbers,' said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Elena Manaenkova. 'Every fraction of a degree of warming makes a difference to human health and access to food and fresh water, to the extinction of animals and plants, to the survival of coral reefs and marine life. 'It makes a difference to economic productivity, food security, and to the resilience of our infrastructure and cities. Sea levels in London could rise by 3.8ft (1.15m) by 2100. A Swiss report on climate scenarios released on 13 November said that Switzerland is becoming hotter and drier, but will also struggle with heavier rainfall in the future and its famed ski resorts will have less snow THE PARIS AGREEMENT: A GLOBAL ACCORD TO LIMIT TEMPERATURE RISES THROUGH CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS The Paris Agreement, which was first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and limit climate change. It hopes to hold the increase in the global average temperature to below 2C (3.6F) 'and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C (2.7F)'. It seems the more ambitious goal of restricting global warming to 1.5C (2.7F) may be more important than ever, according to previous research which claims 25 per cent of the world could see a significant increase in drier conditions. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change has four main goals with regards to reducing emissions: 1) A long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels 2) To aim to limit the increase to 1.5C, since this would significantly reduce risks and the impacts of climate change 3) Governments agreed on the need for global emissions to peak as soon as possible, recognising that this will take longer for developing countries 4) To undertake rapid reductions thereafter in accordance with the best available science Source: European Commission Advertisement 'It makes a difference to the speed of glacier melt and water supplies, and the future of low-lying islands and coastal communities. Every extra bit matters,' said Ms Manaenkova. The WMO report adds to the authoritative scientific evidence that will inform UN climate change negotiations at the COP24 summit from 2-14 December in Katowice, Poland. The IPCC report on Global Warming of 1.5C (2.7F) said that this target was physically possible but would require unprecedented changes in our lifestyle, energy and transport systems. It showed how keeping temperature increases below 2C (3.6F) would reduce the risks to human well-being, ecosystems and sustainable development. A UK assessment published on 26 November warned summer temperatures could be up to 5.4C (9.7F) hotter and summer rainfall could decrease by up to 47 per cent by 2070. Global temperatures in 2018 are set to be the fourth highest on record, the UN has said, stressing the urgent need for action to rein in runaway warming of the planet (stock image) Sea levels in London could rise by 3.8ft (1.15m) by 2100. A Swiss report on climate scenarios released on 13 November said that Switzerland is becoming hotter and drier, but will also struggle with heavier rainfall in the future and its famed ski resorts will have less snow. This year started with a weak La Nina event, which continued until March. By October, however, sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Tropical Pacific were showing signs of a return to El Nino conditions, although the atmosphere as yet shows little response. If El Nino develops, 2019 is likely to be warmer than 2018, scientists say. Arctic sea-ice extent was well below average throughout 2018 with record-low levels in the first two months of the year. The annual maximum occurred in mid-March and was the third lowest on record. The number of tropical cyclones was above average in all four Northern Hemisphere basins, with 70 reported by 20 November, compared to the long-term average of 53, leading to many casualties. 'The evidence, if we needed any more, continues to stack up', said Greenpeace's Head of Delegation Jens Mattias Clausen. 'The record-high heatwaves, record-low Arctic sea ice, above average tropical cyclones and deadly wildfires are an alarm bell impossible to ignore. 'We're in the midst of a climate crisis and this meteorological report spells out the worsening threat in startling clarity. It's no longer our future that is in peril; our today is at risk', he said. It may seem from a dog's friendly demeanour and ability to perform tricks that they are smarter than most animals but a new study suggests this is not the case. Psychologists from Exeter and Canterbury University examined the cognitive abilities of 'man's best friend' when compared with other animals - including cats. Experts concluded that canines do not possess particularly higher intelligence than their feline rivals, as well as a number of other creatures. Researchers used data on observations of the behaviour of dogs, cats, wolves and chimpanzees to see if pooches possessed any specific special skills. They found that dog's mental faculties are not exceptional compared to other species and were even bested in many categories. Scroll down for video A new study has discovered that dogs may not be as smart as many people perceive them to be. Psychologists examined how the cognitive abilities of dogs compared to those of other animals and concluded that canines do not possess (stock image) The study, led by Professor Stephen Lea and Dr Britta Osthaus, was titled Canine Cognition in Comparative Context, and published in scientific journal Learning and Behaviour. After the findings were covered there was a fierce backlash from dog owners. Dr Osthaus was vilified and attacked on social media with accusations that she is distorting science and 'has an anti-dog agenda'. One link to a review of the work, posted on Twitter, had 3,000 angry comments but the actual account with the link was reported to for having 'offensive content'. One wrote: 'We once had a beagle who could open the refrigerator with his paws.' Another calling himself 'Mr Dog', branded it 'Fake News'. Dr Osthaus defended the study and said that dogs are special but that every animal is special. 'But they are not small little furry humans. They are carnivores, social hunters and domesticated animals. They have different needs to us and it is important to remember that or we do them a disservice,' she wrote. Dr Osthaus and Professor Stephen Lea compared canine cognition to other carnivores, social hunters and domestic animals. Various aspects of a dog's intelligence were analysed, including sensory, physical, spatial and social cognition as well as self-awareness. Cats were found to be good at locating hidden objects, though relying primarily on egocentric cues. Physical cognition is not a domain in which dogs excel, and their performance is at least equalled by other members of all three of our comparison groups (stock image) The team used a series of tests to assess how different animals reacted. Examples included the ability to follow human pointing, which indicated that dolphins, seals and pigs were top of the class in this respect. When it came to pulling strings to release food, wolves, cats and racoons were more effective at learning the ropes than dogs. Professor Lea and Dr Osthaus said that dogs appear to be no better than other animals at associative learning. They gave an example of when they're being trained to respond to social cues by an owner. When it came to physical cognition, how dogs understand objects around them, they were 'at least average'. HOW DO DIFFERENT ANIMALS REACT TO BEHAVIOURAL TESTS? Findings from the study revealed other species perform just as well as dogs in the following domains: Following human pointing goats, pigs, dolphins, seals, sea lions Identifying humans by their smell pigs Identifying humans by their faces sheep, pigeons, chimpanzees Identifying humans by their voices cats Detour solution (whether an animal can find its way around a barrier, often away from the visible goal) donkeys, mules, horses String-pulling (where pulling a string releases food) wolves, racoons, hyenas Tool use dolphins, chimps, giant pandas, American badgers, two species of bear, sea otters Referential communication (sounds referring to something external, such as a predator) goats Mirror self-recognition (dogs don't do this) chimpanzees, dolphins Episodic-like memory (the ability to remember the what, where and when of an event not present in dogs) pigs, pigeons, chimpanzees Advertisement Their social cognition was above average, especially when they are taking cues from humans. 'Dogs have an impressive ability to use other animals' behaviour (particularly the behaviour of humans) as a cue,' they said. Physical cognition is not a domain in which dogs excel, and their performance is at least equalled by other members of all three of our comparison groups. In spatial tasks, dogs have shown good performance, but the same is true of other species Cats are good at locating hidden objects, though relying primarily on egocentric cues. Researchers used existing information on the behaviour of dogs, cats, wolves and chimpanzees to see if canines possessed any specific special skills. They concluded that 'dog cognition does not look exceptional' (stock image) They referred to studies that dogs have been used in countless behavioural and psychological experiments over the years due to their status as 'model organisms'. They gave an example of Ivan Pavlov's 1927 study on the way in which dogs salivate when presented with food. They were simply choosing to use canines in the experiments as a matter of convenience. The scientists explained that early research didn't compare the cognitive abilities of dogs to other animals. While many may think that dogs have the best sense of smell in the animal kingdom, the researchers found that pigs ' might even be better than the dog's'. Professor Lea and Dr Osthaus found that horses were 'just as able' to communicate with humans just as well as their canine peers When it came to physical cognition, how dogs understand objects around them, they were at least average. Their social cognition was slightly above average, especially when they are taking cues from humans (stock image) Instagram has announced today that it is rolling-out new features to help the visually impaired navigate the photo sharing app. The new tools will enable blind or partially sighted users to hear a description of the photos uploaded to the network. The company is using Artificial Intelligence to write 'alt' text describing the picture in the post, as well as the written caption. Photo descriptions, known as 'alt text,' are widely used online and are now being built into Instagram to enhance their accessibility. Scroll down for video Instagram have announced today that it is rolling-out new features to help the visually impaired navigate the photo sharing app. The new tools will enable blind or partially sighted users to hear a description of the photos uploaded to the network The text will be read by a screen reader to provide the visually impaired with a 'richer, more complete app experience'. The first tool uses object recognition technology on pictures to accurately identify and provide an audio description. The feature will also be available for photos across the users feed as well as their own profile. For users who don't want AI translating their pictures for them and want to control how their posts are being translated, Instagram also offers a second feature. When a user uploads a photo, they now have an option to write their own alternative text under the advanced settings. This also would enable a user to create a more detailed description of a photo when it is being uploaded. Facebook, which now owns Instagram, has been using AI to describe photos to blind users since 2016. The updates will be available starting Wednesday. The first tool uses object recognition technology on pictures to accurately identify and provide an audio description. The feature will also be available for photos across the users feed as well as their own profile (stock image) Getting through airport security is now as simple as scanning your face. Delta Air Lines today launched what it's calling the first 'biometric terminal' in the US at the international terminal in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Customers use facial recognition to verify their identity as they check in at self-service kiosks, move through security and board their flight. Scroll down for video Getting through airport security is now as simple as scanning your face. Delta Air Lines today launched the first 'biometric terminal' in the US at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport HOW DOES IT WORK? Users enter their passport information on Delta's website during online check-in. For now, the biometric kiosks are only located in the international terminal. To use it, customers click 'Look' on the screen at the kiosks. They can also approach the camera at the ticket counter, when boarding or going through security. Face scans are matched with passport or visa photos already in a Customs and Border Protection database. Once a green check appears on screen, they're able to proceed. Advertisement The facial recognition system is opt-in only, meaning that passengers aren't required to have their face scanned to verify their identity. To use it, customers click 'Look' on the screen at the kiosks located in the lobby, or approach the camera at the ticket counter, when boarding or going through security. Passengers' face scans are matched to passport or visa photos that are in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's database. After a green check mark appears, they're able to proceed. So far, Delta says the majority of travelers at the Atlanta airport are taking advantage of the facial recognition features. Of the 25,000 customers who travel through Hartsfield-Jackson's international terminal, only 2 percent have opted out of the technology, according to the airline. Customers click 'Look' at kiosks, or approach the camera at ticket counters, when boarding or going through security. After a green check mark appears, they're able to proceed Not only that, but the airline says the system has helped reduce the long lines and traffic jams that have become customary at many airports. 'Based on initial data, the facial recognition option is saving an average of two seconds for each customer at boarding, or nine minutes when boarding a wide body aircraft,' Delta said. Delta launched the system with the idea that passengers will no longer need to use their passport to get through checkpoints around the airport. However, customers will still need to keep their passport on hand for use in other airports without biometric security systems. Delta launched the system with the idea that passengers will no longer need to use their passport to get through checkpoints around the airport. However, customers will still need to keep their passport on hand for use in other airports without biometric security systems Delta has been testing its biometric security technology at several airports over the past several years, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City 'Were removing the need for a customer checking a bag to present their passport up to four times per departure which means were giving customers the option of moving through the airport with one less thing to worry about, while empowering our employees with more time for meaningful interactions with customers,' Gil West, Delta's chief operating officer, said in a statement. While it's limited to the international terminal in Atlanta for now, Delta hopes to bring the technology to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in 2019. Delta has been testing its biometric security technology at several airports over the past several years, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The firm has also tested a 'biometric bag drop' system at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and biometric boarding at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Of the 25,000 customers who travel through Hartsfield-Jackson's international terminal, only 2 percent have opted out of the facial recognition technology, according to the airline Unsurprisingly, privacy advocates have raised concerns about how data collected by the biometric security systems could be misused. Jennifer Lynch, a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the facial recognition systems are a threat to individual privacy. In particular, it threatens 'our constitutional "right to travel" and right to anonymous association,' Lynch said. Importantly, Delta's facial recognition software uses U.S. Customs and Border Protection's traveler verification service. Facial recognition is about to become more common at US airports. TSA has published a roadmap for how it plans to integrate new biometric data into airports across the country What's more, it relies on software by NEC Corp. Customs, which is required by Congress to collect biometric information from foreign visitors as they leave the U.S., according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. It comes as the Transportation Security Administration recently published a roadmap for how it plans to integrate new biometric data systems into airports across the country. This includes plans to use fingerprints and facial scans at airport checkpoints, potentially leading to shorter lines. It could also mean travelers may be able to leave their passports at home in the future. An amateur metal detectorist has discovered an ancient signet ring believed to date back to 200AD in a Suffolk field. Kevin Cracknell. 59, first thought he had unearthed a modern ring lost by a farmer when he dug up the jewellery - which had the initials 'DM' inscribed on it - last year. However, an inquest has heard it is in fact a silver Roman relic dating to around 200AD, which had been buried at Cretingham. Suffolk Coroners Court heard how the ancient ring with the inscription was likely to have belonged to a local leader rather than a Roman. Scroll down for video An metal detectorist has unearthed a Roman signet ring with the inscription 'DM' on it while searching in a field in Suffolk. Kevin Cracknell. 59, first thought he had unearthed a farmer's signet when he dug up the ring last year but an inquest has found that it is from 200AD Mr Cracknell said: 'This was a real eye opener and when I first found it I thought it was just a signet ring that had fallen off a farmer's finger. 'I have found general bits, coins and the odd thimble but nothing like this. 'It is amazing to think that you are the first person to pick it up since someone wore it hundreds of years ago. Rings similar to this have been sold at auction for more than 3,000 ($3,831) in the past. Suffolk farmland regularly yields archaeological discoveries with the unearthing of time pieces from the Roman era. There is sufficient circumstantial evidence to suggest the Romans passed through Ipswich and that there was a scattered settlement taking advantage of the south-facing slope of the valley. Suffolk farmland regularly yields archaeological discoveries with the unearthing of time pieces from the Roman era. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Romans passed through Ipswich and that there was a scattered settlement (stock image) Mr Cracknell, from Framlingham, Suffolk, said he hopes that museums will take interest in the ring. He added: 'I came to the inquest today just to hear about the ring's history. 'It would be great to see if a museum takes interest in it so other people get the chance to see it.' The value of the ancient piece of jewellery is still to be determined and Kevin is likely to receive a cut of the price if a museum purchases it. Among the other treasure items at the inquest were a 600-year-old piece of a gold pendant, a fifth century cold Anglo Saxon belt stud and a gold Roman intaglio ring. If you find treasure, by law you have to report it to the local coroner within 14 days of finding it. Ancient human ancestors settled in Northern Africa much earlier than previously thought. Researchers have discovered artifacts and animal bones bearing the cut marks of stone tools at sites in Algeria dating 1.9 million and 2.4 million years old. While its long been assumed early hominins and their culture originated in East Africa, the discovery suggests their dispersal was actually far more widespread, with human ancestors roaming across the Sahara around the same time. The team discovered archaeological materials in two levels of a geological formation at a site called Ain Boucherit dating to 2.4 million and 1.9 million years ago (pictured) . Later excavations uncovered a trove of tools and cut-marked bones The oldest form of stone tools, known as the Oldowan, and the associated fossil bones can be traced as far back as 2.6 million years to Gona, Ethiopia. In the new study published to the journal Science, researchers now reveal similar tools had already made it to the northern tip of the continent not long after, by 2.4 million years ago. The Ain Boucherit archaeology, which is technologically similar to the Gona Oldowan, shows that our ancestors ventured into all corners of Africa, not just East Africa, says Dr. M. Sahnouni, the lead author and director of the Ain Hanech Project. The evidence from Algeria has changed earlier views regarding East Africa being the cradle of humankind. Actually, the entire Africa was the cradle of humankind. Researchers with the Ain Hanech Project have been investigating Northern Africa sites for the last two decades, uncovering new clues on early hominin presence. The team discovered archaeological materials in two levels of a geological formation at a site called Ain Boucherit dating to 2.4 million and 1.9 million years ago. The team found stone tools and animal bones bearing the marks of skinning and defleshing, as seen above Following the initial discoveries in 2006 and 2008, excavations from 2009-2016 uncovered a trove of tools and cut-marked bones. The many tools made from locally available limestone and flint, likely sourced from a nearby ancient stream bed, include everything from chopping tools to sharp-edged cutting instruments used for processing animal carcasses. According to the researchers, these artifacts line up with other Oldowan discoveries seen throughout East Africa, though with subtle variations. Bones from all sorts of savanna-type animals were found at the ancient site, including mastodons, elephants, horses, rhinos, hippos, wild antelopes, pigs, hyenas, crocodiles. And, many of these show the marks of skinning, evisceration, and defleshing activities, the team says. The effective use of sharp-edged knife-like cutting stone tools at Ain boucherit suggests that our ancestors were not mere scavengers, Dr. Isabel Caceres, the project taphonomist. Sites of ancient hominin presence have been found across the globe, beginning in Africa around 2.8 million years ago. These have included stone tools (blue) and fossils (red). The oldest form of stone tools can be traced as far back to Ethiopia Researchers have discovered artifacts and animal bones bearing the cut marks of stone tools at sites in Algeria dating 1.9 million and 2.4 million years old. This means human ancestors were in the Northern tip of the continent much earlier than previously thought Not clear at this time whether or not they hunted, but the evidence clearly showed that they were successfully competing with carnivores for meat and enjoyed first access to animal carcasses, Caceres says. The life of early hominins in North Africa is still largely a mystery, and much of what is known of these ancestral groups is derived from the tools themselves. A recent discovery in Ethiopia, however, suggests an early group from the genus Homo was around roughly 2.8 million years ago. The researchers say this same species is likely behind the materials found in both East and North Africa. WHEN DID HUMANS START USING TOOLS? It is hard for scientists to say precisely when humans started making tools because the more primitive remains look like a natural object rather than a human artefact. The oldest-known instruments are the Oldowan stone tools from Ethiopia, which date back about 2.6 million years. The Acheulean tool technology period - up to 1.76 million years ago - featured large stone hand axes made from flint and quartzite. Towards the end of this period, the tools became more refined and then followed the so-called Levallois technique, which saw the creation of scrapers, slicers, needled and flattened needles. About 50,000 years ago more refined and specialised flint tools were made and used by Neanderthals and it is believed it was at this stage tools were constructed out of bone. As human culture advanced, artefacts such as fish hooks, buttons and bone needles were used. Cut marks have found on animal bones that have been dated to be 3.4 million years old - around the time that a squat ape-like ancestor called Australopithecus afarensis - known as Lucy - roamed Africa. Advertisement Obviously, hominins that are contemporary to Lucy (dated ~ 3.2 Ma) probably were roaming across the Sahara, and their descendants may have been responsible to leave the archaeological signatures now discovered in Algeria, dated to ~2.4 MA, that are near contemporary with East Africa, says co-author Dr. Sileshi Semaw. While there is a great distance between the two sites, the researchers say it may have been a case of rapid expansion, or even a multiple origin scenario for stone tools. If so, the team says artifacts as old as those seen in East Africa could one day be found in North Africa, too. Future research will focus on searching hominin fossils in the nearby Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene deposits searching for the tool-makers and even older stone tools, Dr. M. Sahnouni says. Police in New Zealand have announced that an additional 13 charges have been laid in the ongoing Operation Inca, which initially made the mainstream news earlier this fall when ten people were arrested and charged in relation to alleged corruption in harness racing. Multiple Down Under news outlets have reported (here, here, here and here) that the additional charges were filed by police on Wednesday (Nov. 28). New Zealand Police Detective Inspector Stu Mills has commented on the updated charges, stating that 12 of the additional charges have been laid against current defendants all in relation to match fixing. Mills went on to state that one charge has been placed on a new defendant and further explained that the person is known in the industry. The defendants will now appear Wednesday, December 6, in the Christchurch District Court, Mills explained. For the background information on Operation Inca, click here. The U.S. Army has awarded Microsoft Corp a $479.2 million contract to supply prototypes for the Army's augmented reality systems helping soldiers in training and combat missions. It follow a major revolt from some employees who do want the the firm to work on military technology. 'Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions,' a Microsoft spokesperson said. Scroll down for video The U.S. Army has awarded Microsoft Corp a $479.2 million contract to supply prototypes for the Army's augmented reality systems helping soldiers in training and combat missions. 'This new work extends our longstanding, trusted relationship with the DoD to this new area.' The contract could eventually lead to the military purchasing over 100,000 headsets. It is intended to increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy, according to a government description of the program. Bloomberg, which first reported the deal, said the contract went though a bidding process with key tech companies including Magic Leap participating in the auction. Both the U.S. and the Israeli armies have already used Microsofts HoloLens devices in training. Microsoft recently said it plans to continue to provide its technology to the U.S. military, despite worries among the software maker's own employees that advances in the field of artificial intelligence could empower weapons to act autonomously and kill people. HoloLens is intended to increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy, according to a government description of the program. The company laid out its reasoning in a blog post by Brad Smith, Microsoft's president. He wrote that he and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed employee concerns about the issue in a meeting Thursday, and conceded not all the workers were satisfied. 'We want the people of this country and especially the people who serve this country to know that we at Microsoft have their backs,' he wrote 'They will have access to the best technology that we create.' 'Our work as a company in this space is based on three straightforward convictions,' he wrote. 'First, we believe in the strong defense of the United States and we want the people who defend it to have access to the nation's best technology, including from Microsoft. 'Second, we appreciate the important new ethical and policy issues that artificial intelligence is creating for weapons and warfare. We want to use our knowledge and voice as a corporate citizen to address these in a responsible way through the country's civic and democratic processes. 'Third, we understand that some of our employees may have different views. THE HOLOLENS HEADSET The HoloLens development edition includes the headset, a clicker for interacting with applications, a carrying case, nose pads and overheads straps. The headset is designed with multiple environment understanding sensors and powered by a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an Intel 32-bit chipset. The device weighs just a little over one pound and consists of 64GB of Flash memory and 2GB of RAM. The battery lasts for about two to three hours, with up to two weeks of standby time, says Microsoft. HoloLens has a 'see-through holographic lens' that uses an optical projection system to create multi-dimensional full-colour 'holograms'. The HoloLens development edition includes the headset, a clicker for interacting with applications, a carrying case, nose pads and overheads straps. According to Microsoft, 'the key to a great holographic experience is holograms that are light point rich, they have a high holographic density and are pinned, or anchored, to the world around you. In order to achieve this, the device has an optimal holographic density of 2.5k radiants. Advertisement 'We don't ask or expect everyone who works at Microsoft to support every position the company takes. We also respect the fact that some employees work in, or may be citizens of, other countries, and they may not want to work on certain projects.' Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos made similar remarks last week at a conference in San Francisco. In a letter published on blogging site Medium, the employees wrote that they joined Microsoft with 'the expectation that the technologies we build will not cause harm or human suffering.' MICROSOFT'S MILITARY HISTORY Microsoft has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on a 'longstanding and reliable basis' for four decades. 'You'll find Microsoft technology throughout the American military, helping power its front office, field operations, bases, ships, aircraft and training facilities. 'We are proud of this relationship, as we are of the many military veterans we employ. ' Advertisement 'When it comes to the U.S. military, as a company, Microsoft will be engaged,#' pledged Stone. 'We believe that the debate about the role of the tech sector and the military in this country has sometimes missed two fundamental points. 'First, we believe that the people who defend our country need and deserve our support. 'And second, to withdraw from this market is to reduce our opportunity to engage in the public debate about how new technologies can best be used in a responsible way. We are not going to withdraw from the future. In the most positive way possible, we are going to work to help shape it.' Microsoft employees earlier this month hit back at the firm's plan to bid for a controversial $10bn Pentagon contract. In a letter published on blogging site Medium, the employees wrote that they joined Microsoft with 'the expectation that the technologies we build will not cause harm or human suffering.' They also accused Microsoft executives of betraying the company's artificial intelligence principlesones that state A.I. should be 'fair, reliable and safe, private and secure, inclusive, transparent, and accountable'in pursuit of 'short-term profits.' MICROSOFT BOOSTS CLOUD TO BID FOR $10BN PENTAGON CONTRACT Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday its expanded Azure cloud service to help government clients save data on their own servers would be available by the end of the first quarter of 2019, as it battles with Amazon.com for a $10 billion Pentagon contract. The two companies are left in the fray for the lucrative contract after Alphabet Inc's Google dropped out on Monday, saying the company's new ethical guidelines do not align with the project. Pentagon's JEDI, or Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, cloud computing solution contract is part of the Department of Defense's efforts to modernize its IT infrastructure. The expanded Azure Government Secret cloud service will make Microsoft 'a strong option for the JEDI contract,' said Julia White, corporate vice president of Microsoft Azure, adding that the company is capable of meeting the highest classification requirement for handling 'top secret U.S. classified data'. Advertisement It comes after Google dropped out of the bidding for a huge Pentagon cloud computing contract that could be worth up to $10 billion, saying the deal would be 'inconsistent with its principles'. The decision by Google left a handful of other tech giants including Amazon and Microsoft in the running for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) contract aimed at modernizing the military's computing systems. The Microsoft post specifically mentioned comments by Department of Defense Chief Management Officer John H. Gibson II that the JEDI program 'is truly about increasing the lethality of our department.' 'We need to put JEDI in perspective,' it said. However, it was unclear how many employees were behind the letter. 'This is a secretive $10 billion project with the ambition of building 'a more lethal' military force overseen by the Trump Administration. Google says it is not bidding on a $10 billion cloud computing contract for the US military GOOGLE'S SEVEN RULES OF AI Google says for its AI to be used, projects must: 1. Be socially beneficial. 2. Avoid creating or reinforcing unfair bias. 3. Be built and tested for safety. 4. Be accountable to people. 5. Incorporate privacy design principles. 6. Uphold high standards of scientific excellence. 7. Be made available for uses that accord with these principles. Advertisement 'The Google workers who protested these collaborations and forced the company to take action saw this. We do too. 'So we ask, what are Microsoft's A.I. Principles, especially regarding the violent application of powerful A.I. technology? How will workers, who build and maintain these services in the first place, know whether our work is being used to aid profiling, surveillance, or killing?' When it pulled out, Google said in a statement 'we couldn't be assured that [the JEDI deal] would align with our AI Principles and second, we determined that there were portions of the contract that were out of scope with our current government certifications.' The principles bar use of Google's artificial intelligence (AI) software in weapons as well as services that violate international norms for surveillance and human rights. Google was provisionally certified in March to handle U.S. government data with 'moderate' security, but Amazon.com and Microsoft Corp have higher clearances. In June, Google chief executive Sundar Pichai unveiled a set of principles on the company's use of artificial intelligence, saying that the company would not participate in 'technologies that cause or are likely to cause overall harm' and would stay away from 'weapons or other technologies whose principal purpose or implementation is to cause or directly facilitate injury to people. Google employees appear to be divided over the future of the search giant's controversial 'Project Dragonfly,' which aims to build a censored search engine there. In a surprising new letter, some 500 employees urge the company to continue work on Project Dragonfly, saying it falls in line with Google's broader mission 'to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful,' according to TechCrunch. It comes as hundreds of Google employees, human rights organizations and politicians have cast doubt on plans for the search engine, saying it would help prop up China's authoritarian government. Scroll down for video In a surprising new letter, 500 employees urged Google to continue work on Project Dragonfly, saying it falls in line with Google's broader mission 'to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful.' Pictured are protesters of the project WHAT IS GOOGLE'S DRAGONFLY PROJECT? Recent reports have suggested Google plans to build a censored version of its search engine in China, as part of a project called 'Dragonfly.' The app would have to comply with China's rigid censorship laws, which would mean restricting access to content that government officials consider unfavorable. Search terms about human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protests will be blocked from the app. Linking searches with a user's phone number would allow officials to easily track activity on the platform, potentially allowing them to target political activists, journalists and dissenters. Advertisement 'Dragonfly is well aligned with Googles mission,' according to the letter, a copy of which was obtained by TechCrunch. 'China has the largest number of Internet users of all countries in the world, and yet, most of Googles services are unavailable in China. 'This situation heavily contradicts our mission, to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful." 'While there are some prior success, Google should keep the effort in finding out how to bring more of our products and services, including Search, to the Chinese users,' the letter continues. The letter is unsigned but has reportedly been shared internally at Google. As TechCrunch pointed out, while 500 signatures may seem sizable, it's still only a fraction of Google's broader 85,000 workforce. The letter does concede that creating the search engine is a 'challenging' project, given China's strict regulations, and that if 'we are not careful enough, the project can end up doing more harm than good.' Despite this, it says work on the project should continue in order to give Google a fair shot at re-entering China, which it left in 2010. In a new letter, managers and engineers rail against Google's Project Dragonfly for its potential to 'enable state surveillance' and 'aid the powerful in oppressing the vulnerable' 'Nonetheless, we believe that continuing work on Dragonfly is needed, and will be helpful to all Googlers regardless of their backgrounds and expectations,' the letter notes. 'Given the good motivation and the challenging nature of the project, we believe that Google should continue on Dragonfly, which benefits both Google and the massive user base in China.' Meanwhile, the other letter, which has racked up almost 500 signatures from senior managers and engineers, labeled the project as one that would 'enable state surveillance' and 'aid the powerful in oppressing the vulnerable.' On Wednesday, Amnesty International held several protests across the globe calling for Google to end the controversial project. It comes as a new report from The Intercept details the internal controversy at Google as the idea for Project Dragonfly was being explored. Meetings about the project were held as far back as February 2017, where it was discussed that Project Dragonfly would have to operate using data centers in Beijing or Shanghai, which meant that Chinese citizens' search records could be accessed by the government there. Google has said little about its plans for Project Dragonfly, aside from an Aug. 31 letter to six senators made public in October. In it, Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said the company was 'thoughtfully considering a variety of options for how to offer services in China Details about the plan were held tightly under wraps, with executives going so far as only speaking verbally about the project and refusing to leave a paper trail, the Information said. Only a hundred Google employees were briefed on the plan, which seemed unusual to Yonatan Zunger, who ended up being in charge of leading the privacy review of Project Dragonfly. 'They [leadership] were determined to prevent leaks about Dragonfly from spreading through the company,' a current Google employee told the Intercept. 'Their biggest fear was that internal opposition would slow our operations.' Sources told the Intercept that employees were told they could lose their jobs if they broke confidentiality rules. Early on, Zunger raised several red flags about Chinese citizens facing interrogations or being jailed if they used Google to look for banned search items, according to the Intercept. Google is currently wrangling with what is arguably the toughest period in the company's 20-year history. Thousands of high-paid engineers and other Google staff walked out of their offices in protest last week over over the company's male-dominated culture (file photo) CHINESE INTERNET CRACKDOWN While China is home to the world's largest number of internet users, a 2015 report by US think tank Freedom House found that the country had the most restrictive online use policies of 65 nations it studied, ranking below Iran and Syria. But China has maintained that its various forms of web censorship are necessary for protecting its national security. It has cracked down on VPNs after the passing of a controversial cybersecurity bill last November that tightened restrictions on online freedom of speech and imposed new rules on service providers. Since the regulation took effect this June, authorities have closed dozens of celebrity gossip blogs and issued new rules around online video content to eliminate programmes deemed offensive. Advertisement As part of Zunger's privacy review of Project Dragonfly, he hoped to find out whether the search engine would be safe from state and non-state hackers and if Chinese users would be able to control their data, among other things. Zunger reportedly received pushback from Scott Beaumont, Google's head of operations in China, who didn't feel the surveillance concerns were pressing enough to stop work on the project. His review ultimately found that it 'would be difficult, if not impossible' for Google to resist information requests from the Chinese government or even refuse to build systems for the purpose of surveillance, as well as tell users how their data would be used, the Intercept explained. Zunger, who worked at Google for 14 years, eventually left the company, but said he hopes Google will 'end up with a Project Dragonfly that does something genuinely positive and valuable for the ordinary people of China.' So far, Google has given few clues as to the future of Project Dragonfly. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has backed the project but said it was unclear if the firm 'would or could' launch the search engine there. However, staffers have been told to prepare to launch the project between January and April 2019, the Intercept noted. He's rumoured to be following in the footsteps of Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins as the next Bachelor. And on Wednesday, Jett Kenny certainly looked the part as he hit the runway at the David Jones Collections launch rehearsal at Sydney's Fox Studios. Cutting a dapper figure in a tailored back suit, matching tie and crisp white shirt, the 23-year-old son of Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny gave his best Bond impression as he stormed the catwalk. He certainly looks the part! Jett Kenny cut a dapper figure as he hit the catwalk for David Jones Collections launch rehearsal...as he talks THOSE Bachelor rumours Pulling his sandy locks back to emphasize his impossible square-jaw, the hunky blond commanded attention while trailed by a gaggle of well-heeled models. The sophisticated display comes as Jett addressed those circulating Bachelor rumours sparked by a report in New Idea on Monday. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia backstage on Wednesday, he poured water on the red-hot gossip. Kenny...Jett Kenny! Cutting a dapper figure in a tailored back suit, matching tie and crisp white shirt, the 23 year-old son of Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny gave his best Bond impression as he stormed the catwalk 'There's been no actual talk of me being The Bachelor and I don't think I'm Bachelor-worthy,' he admitted. 'I don't think it's one of those things I see myself doing anytime soon.' After he thrilled audiences with his recent striptease on Seven's The Full Monty, starstruck fans will be very happy to learn Jett's single and ready to mingle. Leave your hat on: After he thrilled audiences with his recent striptease on Seven's The Full Monty (pictured), starstruck fans will be very happy to learn Jett's single and ready to mingle He also revealed those living near his Sunshine Coast base have an immediate advantage. 'I am single,' he said, before adding, 'My ideal person (is) someone close for starters. On the Sunshine Coast would be nice.' Recently crashing out of Australian Ninja Warrior in spectacular style, Jett also revealed he turned down the chance to star in dating reality show, Love Island. Previously speaking to News.com.au, Jett said: 'I did get asked to go on Love Island but it would be pretty hard to find me on a dating show, it's not really my thing,' Jett said. She has been on a weight loss journey for the last three years, losing around 12kg. And it appears that celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, 58, may have slimmed down even more in recent months. The British TV personality showed off a noticeably slender figure while leaving her Sydney hotel on Wednesday. Scroll down for video Has Nigella Lawson lost even more weight? The celebrity chef showed off a noticeably slender frame while running errands in Sydney on Wednesday (right), following her 12kg weight loss. Pictured left: Nigella in London on March 1, 2018 Clad in an all-black ensemble, the Simply Nigella author stepped out in a pair of understated trousers and a cardigan. She also flaunted her flawless complexion by going makeup free for the outing. As she made her way to a chauffeured car, the domestic goddess was seen reaching for something in her cross-body handbag. Stunning: Nigella cut a slim figure while arriving in Perth Airport earlier this month (right). Pictured left: Nigella in London on March 25, 2014 She is currently in Australia for her speaking tour, An Evening With Nigella, in which she shares her culinary tips and tricks. It's no secret that Nigella has been on a weight loss journey over the past few years. Back in 2015, she revealed how she had dropped from a size 16 to a size 12. Transformation: Nigella has been on a weight loss journey for the last three years, losing around 12kg. However, it appears she has slimmed down even more in recent months. Pictured in London on August 10, 2018 Speaking to Good To Know magazine, Nigella said she had lost an impressive 12kg. And she previously told Good Housekeeping that her svelte figure was the result of yoga and portion control. 'As you get on in life, you value feeling well as opposed to looking well,' added the mother-of-two. Public image: Glamorous Nigella is well known for her voluptuous figure and culinary double entendres. Pictured in 2013, in a promotional photo ABC's The Taste It comes after Nigella recently admitted she had cut down on drinking alcohol because she found it was giving her anxiety. 'I feel I'm quite an anxious person and drink can really exacerbate that anxiety,' she explained. 'It gets rid of it at first but then, afterwards, that horrible tight feeling of worry and generally not feeling quite right [returns].' It's supposed to be a prestigious ceremony that celebrates the best of the Australian music industry. But D-listers dragged the ARIAs into the gutter on Wednesday, as former Love Island and Married At First Sight stars mingled with the likes of Rita Ora, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. The evening quickly descended into a debauched reality TV reunion, with some attendees raising eyebrows with their outrageous antics. Scroll down for video Shameless PDAs, endless selfies and a late-night dinner at McDonald's: D-list stars took over the ARIAs on Wednesday as they turned the prestigious ceremony into a boozy reality reunion The raunchy antics of the Love Island Australia cast showed no sign of slowing down, despite the show being filmed months ago. While enjoying the musical performances, Dom Thomas was caught licking his girlfriend Tayla Damir's face in the audience. Tayla, who was livestreaming the event via Instagram, also offered a bizarre running commentary for her online followers. 'Oh my god! Girl crushing so hard. Oh my god, Rita Ora, you are the hottest thing I've ever seen!' she shouted from the crowd. Get a room! Love Island Australia stars Dom Thomas and Tayla Damir couldn't keep their hands off each other during the awards ceremony Tayla was sitting next to fellow Islander Millie Fuller, who had overindulged in the free food and drink available to attendees. A mess of discarded sushi, ice and a spilled drink had accumulated into a sticky pile by her feet, just centimeters from another guest's designer handbag. Cassidy McGill was also taking advantage of the complimentary booze, sharing several clips of herself guzzling from a glass of champagne during the show. Messy! Millie Fuller (right) overindulged in the free food and drink available to attendees. A mess of discarded sushi, ice and a spilled drink had accumulated into a sticky pile by her feet, just centimeters from another guest's designer handbag (left) Thirsty work! Cassidy McGill (pictured) was also taking advantage of the complimentary booze, sharing several clips of herself guzzling from a glass of champagne during the show Cassidy also appeared starstruck at one point after noticing techno producer Fisher sitting nearby in the audience. 'HOLY F**K,' Cassidy captioned a photo she took of Fisher without his knowledge. She eventually plucked up the courage to ask for a selfie, which she later shared to Instagram alongside the caption: 'MY LIFE IS MADE I'M DONE.' 'HOLY F**K': Cassidy also appeared starstruck after noticing techno producer Fisher sitting nearby in the audience (left). She later posed for a selfie with the electronic musician (right) Lone wolf: Comedian Ryan Gallagher (pictured) represented the cast of this year's Married At First Sight, attending the awards ceremony solo Meanwhile, comedian Ryan Gallagher represented the cast of this year's Married At First Sight, attending the awards ceremony solo. Sitting alongside the Love Island stars, he shared several selfies while enjoying performances from ARIA winners such as Amy Shark. Before arriving on the red carpet, he also shared a photo of himself wearing Budgy Smugglers instead of underwear beneath his tuxedo. Interesting choice! Before arriving on the red carpet, he also shared a photo of himself wearing Budgy Smugglers instead of underwear beneath his tuxedo. Pictured right with Cassidy Making the most of it! Clutching two bottles of Victoria Bitter, Ryan posed alongside Cassidy in several video clips shared to Instagram in the early hours of the morning Later on, Ryan appeared in very high spirits indeed when he attended the ARIAs after-party with Cassidy. Clutching two bottles of Victoria Bitter, he posed alongside the blonde in several video clips shared to Instagram in the early hours of the morning. Cassidy's evening later took an unexpected turn when she was unable to pay for her McDonald's meal on the ride home. 'Taxi driver paid for my Maccas because I didn't have my card,' she told her social media followers. She worked up an appetite! Cassidy's later eventually took an unexpected turn when she was unable to pay for her McDonald's meal on the ride home Hayden and Sara Vale also rocked up to represent the The Block, after being crowned winners of the Channel Nine renovation show in October. Although the couple's evening was notably more laid-back than their reality TV peers, it seems their star status may not have been appreciated. While most celebrities shared professional red carpet photos to social media, Sara and Hayden's content was distinctly 'low-fi'. In their only photograph from the event, the couple were pictured standing at the end of the red carpet alongside a paparazzo's abandoned backpack. Hayden later posed solo by the media wall, awkwardly standing at an angle while other guests faced the event's official photographers. Not famous enough? Hayden and Sara Vale (pictured) also rocked up to represent the The Block, after being crowned winners of the show in October. But while most celebrities shared professional red carpet photos to social media, Sara and Hayden's content was rather 'low-fi' Kim Kardashian and Kayne West are helping photographer friend Marcus Hyde after he was severely injured in a car crash late last month. The social media maven and rapper/fashion designer just donated $25k to Hyde to help him with medical costs. Meanwhile, Hyde remains in critical condition, still in the hospital dealing with serious head injuries after driving his Mercedes over the side of a Malibu ravine. Generous: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West donated $25k to help personal photographer Marcus Hyde, after he was several injured in a car crash last month Kim and Kanye made their donation via a recently started GoFundMe page for the photog. They made their donation public to bring more attention to the page, according to an insider who spoke to TMZ. The celebrities' donation helped the fund soar past its original $10k goal. Marcus was seriously injured back on October 29 where he lost control of his vehicle while driving along Pacific Coast Highway. TMZ reported that the Los-Angeles based artist suffered several seizures after the crash and was airlifted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Still healing: Hyde remains in critical condition, still in the hospital dealing with serious head injuries after driving his Mercedes over the side of a Malibu ravine Fundraiser: They made their donation public on the GoFundMe to bring more attention to the page, according to an insider who spoke to TMZ The car he was driving, a Mercedes AMG CLS, was completely destroyed as a result of the crash. One witness told TMZ that Marcus went down 200 feet from the main road. It is understood that a female companion was in the car with Marcus and she was also hospitalized. Marcus, who regularly shoots for Kim, Kanye and other members of the Kardashian family, is a seasoned car aficionado. Inner circle: Marcus regularly shoots for Kim, Kanye and other members of the Kardashian family He has scheduled night drives with high-end exotic cars on Sunday nights. Originally from Virginia, Hyde has built a reputation as one of the most talented young photographers since moving to Los Angeles five years ago. He's taken photos with artists like Childish Gambino, Migos, Chance the Rapper, and Jhene Aiko. More details have emerged about the top-secret Game of Thrones reunion special, which was taped in Belfast, Ireland back in June. Rather than air on HBO, producers are saving the reunion for the ultimate box set containing all eight seasons, which will hits stores next year - according to EW. Last month, SAG Award winner Sean Bean revealed that he was there for the taping, and it was moderated by Conan O'Brien. 'Moon of my life!' More details have emerged about the top-secret Game of Thrones reunion special, which was taped in Belfast, Ireland back in June (Jason Momoa and Emilia Clarke pictured June 4) DVD special feature: Rather than air on HBO, producers are saving the reunion for the ultimate box set containing all eight seasons, which will hits stores next year 'They decided to get all the characters together for a bit for this big show in Belfast and he kind of hosted the evening,' the 59-year-old Englishman - who played the late Ned Stark - told THR. 'It was good! It's funny with work, you don't really keep in touch. You do so many types of jobs in that part of the world. It's just like whenever I see old friends or even old drama school friends, it's just the same, we pick up where we left off last time.' Conan was, in fact, visiting Belfast at that time where he was spotted curbside sipping on Guiness and buying drinks for Pizza Punks patrons. 'I'd never been there before. I went to Belfast to work on a little outside project,' the 55-year-old Emmy winner vaguely explained on the June 6th episode of his TBS talk show. Spilled the beans! Last month, SAG Award winner Sean Bean revealed that he was there for the taping shot, and it was moderated by Conan O'Brien (pictured May 13) The 59-year-old Englishman - who played the late Ned Stark - told THR: 'They decided to get all the characters together for a bit for this big show in Belfast and he kind of hosted the evening' Fan sightings: Conan was, in fact, visiting Belfast at that time where he was spotted curbside sipping on Guiness and buying drinks for Pizza Punks patrons The 55-year-old Emmy winner vaguely explained on the June 6th episode of his TBS talk show: 'I'd never been there before. I went to Belfast to work on a little outside project...I did some work there' (pictured May 31) 'I was having plastic surgery and I went to Belfast to do it because I heard they do the best. I went to Belfast, I had a really nice time there. I did some work there.' That same week, Jason Momoa posted several snapshots from his trip to Belfast including several of himself posing with former castmates at a party photo booth featuring a prop throne of swords. 'I'm so grateful to be apart of the greatest show on earth,' the Honolulu-born 39-year-old - who played the late Khal Drogo - gushed at the time. 'Im so grateful to be apart of the greatest show on earth': That same week, Jason Momoa posted several snapshots from his trip to Belfast (pictured with Kit Harington, R) The Honolulu-born 39-year-old - who played the late Khal Drogo - gushed: 'I'm honored to be able to come to Ireland and celebrate with my friends. I'm just here for kisses and hugs and the black stuff [aka Irish dry stout Guinness]' (pictured with Rory McCann) Hint? The Aquaman action star posed with Peter Dinklage (L) and Mark Addy (R), who also likely returned for the reunion as his character King Robert Baratheon died in season one 'I'm honored to be able to come to Ireland and celebrate with my friends. I'm just here for kisses and hugs and the black stuff [aka Irish dry stout Guinness].' The Aquaman action star posed with Peter Dinklage and Mark Addy, who also likely returned for the reunion as his character King Robert Baratheon died in season one. Fans can catch the final six episodes of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, which airs sometime in April on HBO. She's considered one of the most beautiful supermodels in the world. And Cindy Crawford proved on trend as she was spotted heading out to the gym in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 52-year-old stunner flautned her flawless figure in a tight grey tank top and dark leggings for her midday excursion. Cover girl: Cindy Crawford, 52, proved on trend as she was spotted heading out to the gym in Los Angeles on Wednesday Daring to impress, the cover girl showed off her toned and tanned arms as she stomped the streets in a pair of box-fresh sneakers. Meanwhile, Cindy and husband Rande Gerber nearly lost their beachfront Malibu home recently as a wildfire whipped through the picturesque town. Cindy took to social media to assuage the concerns of fans who were worried about her house. 'Missing this place, but so grateful to hear that we still have a home to return to,' the beauty wrote on Instagram. Impressive: Daring to impress, the cover girl showed off her toned and tanned arms as she stomped the streets in a pair of box-fresh sneakers A photo showing the Pacific ocean from inside of the Gerber family home accompanied the post. 'There has been so much loss in our beloved Malibu community this week,' Cindy continued. 'We are committed to help rebuild this place that we love so much.' The couple, who married in 1998, have two stunning children together. Giving back! The Gerbers donated hams for Thanksgiving to the locals who've been impacted by the recent wildfires The Gerber children, Kaia, 17, and her 19-year-old brother Presley, are the modeling world's newest 'it' family. Calvin Klein recently tapped the pair to star in a new campaign together. Kaia, who is the spitting image of her model mother, is carving out an impressive place in the fashion world in her own right. She made her NYFW debut with the CK label in 2017 in Raf Simons' highly anticipated debut collection following his shocking and short lived tenure with Dior. Paris Hilton has publicly addressed her split from fiance Chris Zylka for the first time. The 37-year-old socialite broke things off with the 33-year-old actor earlier this month after an 11-month engagement. During an appearance on The Talk on Wednesday Hilton told the hosts that she's doing good despite ending things with Zylka after a whirlwind romance and believing she'd found her 'happy ending'. 'It wasn't the right decision': Paris Hilton says she thought she'd found her happy ending with ex-fiance Chris Zylka 'Im just really having my 'me time,'' Hilton said. 'I just feel that when I fall in love, I fall in love fast and hard and it was this whirlwind romance and I've always been obsessed with Disney stories and love stories and I thought it was going to be my happy ending, and I just realized after time it wasnt the right decision.' She continued, 'But I wish him the best and one day I would love to get married and have children, but for right now Im just focused on myself and my work.' When the break-up was reported on November 19, sources revealed it was Hilton that called it off. 'I've always been obsessed with Disney stories and love stories' Paris said she got swept up in the fairytale of her romance with Chris before realizing it wasn't right Paris added: 'I wish him the best and one day I would love to get married and have children, but for right now Im just focused on myself and my work.' 'The relationship moved very fast, and she realized it wasnt right for her,' the source said. 'She is traveling the world for her skincare and perfume. She wishes him all the best and hopes they can remain friends.' Sources told People that Hilton's close pals felt that the relationship wasn't meant to be. 'This wedding was never going to happen,' the insider said. 'They never had an engagement party and Chris' parents never even met Paris' parents.' It appeared all was not well in the relationship when the couple pushed back their wedding to 2019 due to their busy schedules, postponing their November 11 ceremony. Whirlwind: The couple became engaged in Aspen in January where Chris presented Paris with a 20-carat $2 million pear-shaped ring They failed to reschedule the nuptials. Sources claim that Hilton was just 'caught up' with wanting a wedding like her siblings Nicky and Barron. 'She just didnt think about the marriage part. It was never going to work with Chris.' they said. Zylka proposed in Aspen, Colorado on January 2 during a ski trip, presenting Hilton with a 20-carat $2 million pear-shaped diamond ring. It was reported Tuesday his wife Beth Chapman's throat cancer had returned, after she underwent an emergency surgery to remove a life-threatening blockage. Now, Dog The Bounty Hunter has confirmed his Beth is battling throat cancer once again. In an interview with Us Weekly, Dog - real name Duane Chapman - shared details of his wife's surgery, revealing the newly discovered lump in her throat was double the size of the mass she had previously. 'She had a lump in her throat twice the size of last time': Dog The Bounty Hunter has confirmed his wife Beth Chapman's throat cancer has indeed come back (pictured January 2017) 'She had a lump in her throat twice the size of last time, and they performed an emergency surgery yesterday,' the star, 65, said. 'They cut a hole in her throat so she can breathe; she can still talk.' In light of the medical emergency, Dog explained his wife was 'doing her best' and is staying 'incredibly strong.' Dog also revealed Beth will be undergoing a second biopsy on Wednesday after doctors discovered 'something in her lung, which may also be cancerous.' Staying strong: In light of the medical emergency, Dog explained his wife was 'doing her best' and is staying 'incredibly strong' TMZ reported Tuesday Beth had been rushed to an LA hospital for emergency surgery to remove a life-threatening blockage in her throat. The television personality was brought to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning after it was difficult for her to breathe overnight according to TMZ. The publication reported that doctors had found a large mass in her throat, which doctors later determined to be the return of throat cancer. Just last year the American-Italian bounty hunter had underwent surgery to have a cancerous tumor removed from her neck but was found to be cancer-free shortly thereafter. Dog and Beth rose to fame on A&E series Dog The Bounty Hunter which aired for eight seasons from August 2004 to May 2012. They then moved on to spin-off Dog and Beth: On the Hunt which aired for three seasons from April 2013 to August 2015. Sofia Richie was spotted out for lunch with a gal pal in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The 20-year-old model kept it casual in a white sweater and jeans as she brunched at E Baldian upscale Italian restaurant. She teamed her ensemble with chunky white sneakers and a black crossbody bag. Quality time: Sofia Richie was spotted out for lunch with a gal pal in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The 20-year-old model kept it casual in a white sweater and jeans as she brunched at E Baldian upscale Italian restaurant Richie, who wore her hair in natural waves, was seemingly makeup free on the outing. She attempted to keep a low profile in black sunglasses as she walked arm in arm with her unidentified friend. This outing comes just days after Sofia was mistaken for Kourtney Kardashian in an Instagram post. Natural beauty: Richie, who wore her hair in waves, was seemingly makeup free on the outing Joined at the hip: Sofia attempted to keep a low profile in black sunglasses as she walked arm in arm with her unidentified friend Boyfriend Scott Disick recently skipped Thanksgiving with Richie in favor of spending the holiday with Kourtney and their three kidsMason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three. According to Hollywood Life, the daughter of Lionel Richie 'can't help but wonder if this is the beginning of the end of their relationship.' 'When Sofia saw Kourtney post the pics of Scott with her and the kids together, looking like a happy family, it was like a dagger in Sofia's heart,' a source said. '[She] feels like no matter how hard she tries to be everything to Scott, she can never compete with Kourtney, who has given Scott his kids.' Peek-a-boo: The model's vintage denim featured a rip just below her backside Disick and Richie have been dating since May 2017. And Kourtney is even making an effort to get to know her 20-something replacement. Earlier this month Kourtney, Sofia, and Scott met up for dinner at celebrity hot spot Craig's in West Hollywood. He husband Joe Giudice, 46, has been ordered to be deported back to his native country Italy. And while the court case continues for the currently incarcerated entrepreneur, Teresa has been spending the past few days holidaying with her daughters in Turks and Caicos. According to her social media, the 46-year-old appears to have been enjoying her time abroad, even stripping sown to her risque bathing suit for some photos. Hot mama: Teresa Giudice showcased her enviable bikini body on Wednesday during her vacation to Turks and Caicos with her daughters 'Iguana Island,' Teresa captioned one of the shots. She was dressed in a red and yellow two-piece ensemble that only just kept her modest with its triangular top and skimpy matching bottoms. The reality star had her tanned European physique on show and completed her look with a full face of makeup. Mommy's girls: The Real Housewives of New Jersey star also took to social media to share a sweet shot alongside two of her daughters Gabriella, 14, and Milania, 13 Teresa's hair was kept out natural and wet from the crystal clear water. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star also took to social media to share a sweet shot alongside two of her daughters Gabriella, 14, and Milania, 13. 'Mommy & Daughters time together there is nothing like it,' she captioned the photo. Stunner: Teresa was dressed in a blue tie-dyed style dress that featured a low v-neck cut and fell down to her ankles Teresa was dressed in a blue tie-dyed style dress that featured a low v-neck cut and fell down to her ankles. She teamed the look with strappy silver platform heels and styled her hair out over her shoulders. The teenage sisters were dressed it coordinating ensembles of loose-fitting striped pants that they paired with nude and black wedges. Tough times: The girl's trip comes as Joe is currently fighting the deportation order to send him back to his native Italy Mom-of-four: Teresa is the mom to Gia, 17 (left), Gabriella, 14 (center), Milania, 13 (back), and Audriana, nine (right) Gabriella styled her look with a white singlet top whilst Milania opted for a matching cropped wrap style blouse. Teresa is also the mom to daughters Gia, 17 and Audriana, nine, who she shares with husband Joe. The girl's trip comes as Joe is currently fighting the deportation order to send him back to his native Italy. Caught: In 2014 Teresa and Joe pleaded guilty to 41 counts of fraud. There were also unpaid taxes that totaled $200,000. Teresa served 11 months in 2015, with Joe currently serving 41 months Immigration Judge John Ellington handed down the deportation order, after he determined that his crimes were considered an 'aggravated felony. In 2014 Teresa and Joe plead guilty to 41 counts of fraud. There were also unpaid taxes that totaled $200,000. Teresa served 11 months in 2015, with Joe currently serving 41 months. His sentence is up next year, and if this deportation order stands, he will be sent back to Italy. 'I get no joy in telling a family this news,' Judge Ellington said at the hearing last month. 'Mr. Giudice, no matter how this turns out, I wish you the best. I decided this case as a matter of law.' They were BFF's who worked on six films together over a decade. Now, after years of talk and rumors about a fall-out, director Kevin Smith has revealed why he longer speaks with Ben Affleck, and it took a curious fan to pose the question on Twitter. 'Sometimes I wonder what really happened between Ben Affleck and Kevin Smith that made them not talk to each other,' that fan shared on Monday. About an hour-and-a-half later Smith took the blame and said: 'If I had to guess? It's because one of us has a big mouth and told too many candid stories that sometimes weren't his to tell, and the other one is Ben.' Admission: Kevin Smith took the blame for his fallout with former BFF Ben Affleck; the two are pictured together back in 2006 Social media banter: The 48-year old director made the admission by a curious fan on Twitter The Clerks director, himself, has been among those who has contributed to the talk of a fallout with Affleck over the years. 'We're not f*****g tight. I have not been close with him in decades,' Smith told Yahoo! Movies in 2014. 'That's old Ben. He's got a wife [Jennifer Garner] that don't care for me at all. And plus, honestly, he probably don't care for me at all anymore. He's a triple-A-list movie star and s**t like that. If he's Jimmy Carter, I'm Billy Carter, to put it in '70s terms. And I'm not even related and s**t.' Garner and Affleck got married in 2005, separated in 2015, and finalized their divorce in October 2018. Old Mates: Smith previously claimed that he hadn't spoken to Affleck since 2013 In 2016, he told TMZ he hadn't spoken to Affleck in three years. 'Not in a way of like I'm mad at him, I just haven't seen him in three years,' he explained to a photographer. 'The last time I saw him was the Argo premiere (2012), and last contact with him was when he got cast as Batman (2013).' And then in 2017, Smith gave his former friend unwanted attention when he claimed at a film festival that Affeck said: 'A man kissing another man is the greatest acting challenge an actor can ever face,' which was a reference to his kiss with co-star Jason Lewis in Smith's film Chasing Amy. Tossing blame around: Smith previously said Affleck's marriage to Jennifer Garner contributed to their friendship fallout; the former couple are pictured in 2014, a year before they separated At the time, actress Evan Rachel Wood was among those that hit back: 'Try getting raped in a scene. Also, grow up Ben,' as reported by People. To date, Affleck has starred in six films that were directed by Smith over a 10-year span. They include Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Jersey Girl (2004) and Clerks II (2006). Michael Sheen has revealed his relationship with Sarah Silverman indirectly ended because of Brexit and Donald Trump's presidency. The Welsh actor, 49, and American comedian, 47, who had been living together in the States, parted ways in December 2017 after four years together. The Masters Of Sex star explained that they split because of long distance - as he went back to the UK to explore why Brits voted in favour of Brexit, while Sarah chose to tour the US to interview people in the wake of Trump becoming president. It's over: Michael Sheen has revealed his relationship with Sarah Silverman indirectly ended because of Brexit and Donald Trump's presidency Sheen said that he and Sarah felt in 'different ways' that they wanted to 'get more involved' in the political climate after Brexit and Trump's election. 'That led to her doing her show I Love You America [in which Silverman interviewed people across the political spectrum], and it led to me wanting to address the issues that I thought led some people to vote the way they did about Brexit, in the area I come from and others like it,' he told The Telegraph. He revealed that it was 'difficult' to return to the UK, but he felt sure that the split was the right thing for both of them. 'I felt a responsibility to do something, but it did mean coming back here which was difficult for us, because we were very important to each other. But we both acknowledge that each of us had to do what we needed to do,' he said. Ahead of the curve: In the same interview, Michael revealed that he and his Masters Of Sex co-star Lizzy Caplan established 'guidelines' for their sex scenes long before the #MeToo movement No more: The Welsh actor, 49, and American comedian, 47, who had been living together in the States, parted ways in December 2017 after four years together Sarah reiterated Michael's thoughts in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live last year. 'I was with Michael [Sheen]. We broke up over Christmas. As you know, he moved back to the UK and his life is really there and my life is really not there,' she said. She had announced their split by saying they had 'consciously uncoupled' - a phrase made famous by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin in describing their own split. 'The great Michael Sheen and I consciously uncoupled over Christmas,' she wrote on Twitter. 'I mean, not "over Christmas" like that wasn't the fight that ended it. No fight. 'We just live in different countries and it got hard. Felt we should just tell y'all so you stop asking, "How's Michael/How's Sarah?" ' Split: The Masters Of Sex star explained that they split because of long distance - as he went back to the UK to explore why Brits voted in favour of Brexit, while Sarah chose to tour the US to interview people in the wake of Trump becoming president 'We were very important to each other': He revealed that it was 'difficult' to return to the UK, but he felt sure that the split was the right thing for both of them Michael previously dated Underworld actress Kate Beckinsale, 45, who he has a 1-year-old daughter Lily Mo with. They got together in the mid-nineties but called it quits in 2003. Elsewhere, Sheen revealed that he and Masters Of Sex co-star Lizzy Caplan introduced cautionary rules into their sex scenes long before the #MeToo movement. He and Lizzy played pioneering sexologists Masters and Johnson in the TV drama, which ran from 2013 until 2016. In the wake of 2017's #MeToo movement, HBO introduced 'intimacy co-ordinators' for its shows - but, Sheen revealed Masters of Sex was ahead of its time in handling sex scenes with care. Groundbreaking: Elsewhere, Sheen revealed that he and Masters Of Sex co-star Lizzy Caplan (pictured) introduced cautionary rules into their sex scenes long before the #MeToo movement Caution: In the wake of 2017's #MeToo movement, HBO introduced ' intimacy co-ordinators' for its shows - but, Sheen revealed Masters of Sex was ahead of its time in handling sex scenes with care Sheen said that while he and Lizzy were 'comfortable' during their scenes, they felt there needed to be established guidelines that everyone should follow. 'It became clear very quickly that there needed to be guidelines for people who didn't have that kind of status, who would probably not speak up. We started talking about that, and decided there need to be clear rules,' he said. He added that sex scenes should be treated the same way as other scenes where there could be danger, like 'stage-fighting' or 'pyrotechnics'. Decisive: 'It became clear very quickly that there needed to be guidelines for people who didn't have that kind of status, who would probably not speak up. We started talking about that, and decided there need to be clear rules,' he said She has a hidden passion for anthropology and archaeology. And on Wednesday, Megan Fox was busy promoting her new Travel Channel series Legends Of The Lost. The 32-year-old dazzled in a pinstripe blazer dress and sky-high heels for her appearances on Extra and The Today Show. Boss babe: On Wednesday, Megan Fox was busy promoting her new Travel Channel series Legends Of The Lost Fox's blazer mini dress featured a plunging neckline and pleated sleeves. She paired the sultry ensemble with Mary Jane heels despite the chilly Big Apple weather. The Transformers star wore her hair in soft waves, while her makeup included a muted pink lip. Fashionista: The 32-year-old dazzled in a pinstripe blazer dress for her appearances on Extra and The Today Show Legends Of The Lost With Megan Fox will follow the actress as she digs deeper into various archaeological mysteries across the globe. 'I grew up with a general love and interest for ancient religions and the idea of why are we here, who are we, and the story of humanity,' she told Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford of The Today Show. '[In another life] I would have been an archaeologist, an anthropologist, or a paleontologist.' Picture perfect: The Transformers star wore her hair in soft waves, while her makeup included a muted pink lip Celeb status: Fox signed a few pieces of Extra merchandise following her interview Megan, who created the series, is both the host and executive producer of the four hour-long episodes. The New Girl star traveled all over the world to various archaeological hotspots including Norway, Sweden, and Turkey. Legends Of The Lost premieres on December 4. Megan Marx recently confirmed she was dating Jake Ellis again, several months after the Bachelor in Paradise stars broke up. And the 29-year-old enjoyed a date night with her boyfriend, 32, on Wednesday at the launch of new Brisbane hotel, OVOLO The Valley. In the couple's first public appearance since getting back together, Megan showed off her slim figure in a black mini dress and combat boots. Rekindled romance: Bachelor in Paradise's Megan Marx and Jake Ellis made their first public appearance as a reunited couple on Wednesday. Pictured at Brisbane's OVOLO The Valley Her figure-hugging floral dress featured a V-neckline and spaghetti straps. She completed her look with natural-look makeup and styled her blonde hair in loose, tousled curls. Jake, meanwhile, looked smart in tight jeans and a pink collared shirt. The pair appeared in high spirits as they mingled with other guests, including former Bachelor stars Keira Maguire and Faith Williams. If you've got it! Megan (left) showed off her slim figure in a black mini dress and combat boots Fancy seeing you here! The pair appeared in high spirits as they mingled with other guests, including former Bachelor stars Keira Maguire (left) and Faith Williams (right) Last week, Megan and Jake confirmed they were back together. However, fans had long questioned whether the pair had really 'split' after they were frequently spotted together over the past few months. Some people had even speculated they they staged a break up in order to reunite on the second season of Bachelor in Paradise. Back on! Last week, Megan and Jake confirmed they were back together Warning: It comes after Megan revealed she regretted undergoing cosmetic treatments because she ended up looking like 'Catwoman'. Pictured left: on The Bachelor in 2016, and right: in September 2018 It comes after Megan revealed she regretted undergoing cosmetic treatments because she ended up looking like 'Catwoman'. 'A while back I had the unfortunate experience of being "overfilled"... It scared me off doing anything for a while,' she said on Tuesday. Megan has previously admitted to undergoing a nose job, 'lip lift' and cheek fillers. Regrets? 'A while back I had the unfortunate experience of being "overfilled"... It scared me off doing anything for a while,' Megan said on Tuesday Former Channel V host Yumi Stynes has recalled the moment she found out she was being paid considerably less than her male co-host while working for the program. The 43-year-old mother-of-four, who is now a cook book author, said she made the discovery after she was given the wrong pay slip by her employers. She said she was shocked to find out she was earning less that he was, considering they were doing the exact same job. 'I saw he was being paid A LOT more!' Yumi Stynes discovered she was earning LESS than male co-host while presenting Channel V...but claims it wasn't Osher Gunsberg 'I was given, by accident, my colleagues pay packet,' she told Who. It was addressed to me, so I opened it and then saw what he was getting paid. She added: 'And I was doing the exact same work and he was getting paid a lot more. A much-loved face on the music channel back in the early 2000's, Yumi worked alongside presenters including James Mathison, Danny Clayton and Osher Gunsberg. Way back when: A much-loved face on the music channel back in the early 2000's, Yumi worked alongside presenters including James Mathison, Danny Clayton and Osher Gunsberg. Yumi is pictured (middle) alongside host James Mathison (left) while interviewing popstar Stephanie McIntosh (right) 'It wasnt him! Yumi, 43 denied Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg (pictured) was the mystery man in question But the media personality denied Bachelor host Osherwas the mystery man in question. Id rather not say - but it wasnt him,' she said. Yumi's revelation comes a year after Lisa Wilkinson quit the Today Show to join The Sunday Project. Imbalance: Lisa Wilkinson walked after Channel Nine failed to match her salary to that of co-star Karl Stefanovic, at the time believed to be earning close to $3 million a year The TV star walked after Channel Nine failed to match her salary to that of co-star Karl Stefanovic, at the time believed to be earning close to $3 million a year. And in January this year, Australian actress Abbey Lee Kershaw hit out against gender salary disparity in the movie industry. 'In my workplace, I get paid less purely for the fact I am a female. We [women actors] work the same hours, often more because we have more hours in hair and make-up, ' she told Sydney Morning Herald. Pete Davidson has returned to Instagram for the first time since his split from Ariana Grande. The SNL star, who is 25, had deleted his entire profile in the wake of the separation. But on Wednesday he posted his first set of pics, promoting his upcoming film, Big Time Adolescence. I'm back: Pete Davidson returned to Instagram for the first time since his split from Ariana Grande on Wednesday 'See you at sundance muthf***as,' he captioned the set of seven stills from the movie. The comedy also stars American Vandal star Griffin Gluck and rapper Machine Gun Kelly. Pete and Ariana split this month after a five month engagement, and six month relationship total. They have been busy erasing thier short but passionate time together, either covering up or inking over the 11 tattoos they got for each other between them. Wiped: The SNL star had deleted his entire profile in the wake of the separation Promo: But on Wednesday he posted his first set of pics, promoting his upcoming film, Big Time Adolescence She reportedly returned the $100k engagement ring, but kept the pet pig Piggie Smalls they adopted together. Ariana appears to refer to the doomed relationship in the new video for her latest track, Thank U, Next. The 25-year-old pop star has actors tweaking iconic lines from Mean Girls as one character says: 'Ariana Grande broke off an engagement, so I found a guy to propose to me and I broke off an engagement.' Coming soon: 'see you at sundance muthf*ckas,' he captioned the set of seven stills from the movie Co-stars: The comedy also stars American Vandal star Griffin Gluck and Machine Gun Kelly October was actually the second time the comedian wiped his profile this year; the first time he explained he was taking a break from social media because the internet 'is an evil place'. In response to fan speculation about his reasons for removing his photos, he said in an Instagram Story: 'No, there's nothing wrong. No nothing happened. 'No there's nothing cryptic about anything. I just don't wanna be on Instagram anymore, or on any social media platform.' [sic] He is said to have been paid a six figure salary to star in a commercial for Warburtons bread. Yet in a bizarre twist of fate, just days after he landed the gig, Robert De Niro is said to have lost a tooth whilst enjoying a slice of toast. The 75-year-old actor was reportedly left in agony and forced to visit an emergency dentist, making him an hour late to the stage in Birmingham for An Experience with... Robert De Niro on Tuesday. Ouch: He is said to have been paid a six figure salary to star in a commercial for Warburtons bread. Yet in a bizarre twist of fate, just days after he landed the gig, Robert De Niro is said to have lost a tooth whilst enjoying a piece of toast A source told The Sun: 'He couldn't believe his luck when it fell out. An emergency dentist had to fix him up so he could fulfil his function. 'He is going to get the tooth fixed properly at his regular dentist when he gets back to Los Angeles. 'But he saw the funny side because it fell out as he chomped toast the day before he was due to start work on the Warburtons ad.' MailOnline has contacted Robert's representatives for comment. Late: The 75-year-old actor was reportedly left in agony and forced to visit an emergency dentist, making him an hour late to the stage in Birmingham for An Experience with. . . The reports come amid claims he's set to follow in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone by fronting a Warbuton's commercial. A source told The Sun: 'Warburtons absolutely love getting big names to front their adverts and they don't come much bigger than De Niro. They've set the bar higher than ever.' It's reported that the actor has travelled to the UK to film the commercial at a secret location. Warburtons is a family-owned British company founded by Thomas Warburton in 1876. The brand, that's based in Bolton in the north of England, is the largest bakery brand in the UK. A-list bread: Warburtons previously had Sylvester Stallone front its commercials and with De Niro, the brand has 'set the bar higher than ever', a source told The Sun It comes on the heels of news that De Niro and his wife of 21 years Grace Hightower, 63, have separated. PageSix.com claimed on Tuesday that the Goodfellas and Raging Bull star and Hightower 'are no longer living together.' The couple have two children together - son Elliot, 20, and daughter Helen, six. It is not the first split for the pair, who were wed in 1997. Two years after their marriage, De Niro filed for divorce two years but it was never finalized. They later reconciled and went on to renew their vows in 2004. Nick Knowles reportedly paid for his estranged wife Jessica to go on holiday before entering the I'm A Celebrity! jungle. The DIY SOS host, 56, and Jessica - who have a 26 year age gap - married in Rome in 2012, but announced their separation in January 2016, He allegedly sent his former love, their four-year-old son Eddie and her new partner to an exotic resort in the Indian Ocean so they can stay out of the limelight while he's Down Under. Rumour has it: Nick Knowles reportedly paid for his estranged wife Jessica to go on holiday before entering the I'm A Celebrity! jungle 'Nick and Jess are in a much better place than they were previously the public rows have stopped and they're staying on good terms, not least for the sake of their son,' a source told The Sun. 'But the reality is he wanted her to be away while he's on the show. He knew there would be lots of interest in him and didn't want it all flaring up again with Jess when he's stuck in the camp.' The insider added: 'He's had to dig deep to pay for the trip, but he thinks it's worthwhile.' MailOnline has contacted Nick's representative for comment. Claims: He allegedly sent his former love, their four-year-old son Eddie and her new partner to an exotic resort in the Indian Ocean so they can stay out of the limelight while he's Down Under It's over: The DIY SOS host, 56, and Jessica - who have a 26 year age gap - married in Rome in 2012, but announced their separation in January 2016 Nick and Jessica share toddler Eddie. He is also father to three other children; sons Charlie and Tyrian-J and daughter Tuesday. In January it was claimed Jessica was asking for more than 48,000 a year from him in light of their bitter divorce battle. According to The Sun, Jessica, who is currently receiving 4,000 a month as part of their settlement, demanded an extra 2,000 a month in order to fund their three-year-old son Eddie's education. Nick reportedly refused to pay Jessica the money and has said that he will pay Eddie's school the required fee directly. Could it be? A source said: 'He knew there would be lots of interest in him and didn't want it all flaring up again with Jess when he's stuck in the camp' (pictured with Jessica and Eddie in Barbados) In August, Jessica appeared to take a series of digs at her ex as she called out 'a**holes' who 'abandon' their families and then pay minimal child support. Taking to Instagram, she shared a picture with son Eddie alongside a lengthy caption about the struggles of being a single mother. 'Next time you are talking to a woman - be it a friend or someone you barely know, about the fact that she was LEFT by her partner to raise their child or children alone, please for the love of God don't say 'At least he pays for him/her/them',' she wrote. 'The man's financial lifestyle will change very little as he will potentially give half (if he's very generous - this is unlikely) but normally a quarter of his earnings to his ex partner who will be expected to raise the child or children on this amount. Big bucks? The insider added: 'He's had to dig deep to pay for the trip, but he thinks it's worthwhile' 'He will allocate the rest of the money to himself and life will, for him, continue as usual. So the abandoned family have less money, and the Mum has no support in the house by way of raising the child or children anymore.' However, over the summer it appeared the pair had found common ground, with Nick claiming they were back on good terms. The DIY SOS host told The Mirror: 'It took me a while to figure stuff out. I'm really proud of the fact that Jess and I are really good. 'She's a great mother. Coming out of a marriage is hard, so I just want to make sure it stays respectful. I really care about my ex. She's got a new chap and I'm really pleased. They seem really happy.' Farms run by Japanese Americans once numbered around 200 on the Peninsula. Now, Rancho Palos Verdes will evict the last such farm next summer. She is one of the stars of Wildlife, which has been lauded by critics ever since it premiered at Sundance back in January. And Carey Mulligan led her fellow cast-mates down the red carpet, while attending a Calvin Klein hosted event for the film. The 33-year-old actress cut a chic figure in a beige full pencil skirt before speaking as part of a panel. All smiles: Carey Mulligan led her fellow cast-mates down the red carpet, while attending a Calvin Klein hosted event for the film She tucked a tight black blouse into the skirt, which highlighted her long, slender figure. The Great Gatsby star puled her blonde tresses into a loose bun, tucking a few rambunctious locks behind her ears. Carey added a pair of understated, yet stylish nude heels and painted her lips a glimmering magenta. Chic: The 33-year-old actress cut a chic figure in a beige full pencil skirt before speaking as part of a panel Gorgeous: She tucked a tight black blouse into the skirt, which highlighted her long, slender figure Zoe Kazan looked gorgeous in a sky blue frock that tumbled down to her ankles. The 35-year-old actress, who co-wrote the movie's screenplay, let her brunette tresses full freely in gentle waves across her shoulders. Carey's co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, 37, donned a mismatched dark grey suit with a bright blue turtleneck underneath. Stunning: Zoe Kazan looked gorgeous in a sky blue frock that tumbled down to her ankles Beauties: The 35-year-old actress, who co-wrote the movie's screenplay, let her brunette tresses full freely in gentle waves across her shoulders Mixing it up: Carey's co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, 37, donned a mismatched dark grey suit with a bright blue turtleneck underneath Paul Dano directed Wildlife and co-wrote the screenplay for the flick, but was not in attendance for the event. This is the first movie that Paul Dano has directed, and it is based on a Richard Ford novel of the same name. After premiering at Sundance, the picture was picked up by IFC Films and was released across the United States on October 19. Gathering: Paul Dano directed Wildlife and co-wrote the screenplay for the flick, but was not in attendance for the event Teresa Giudice gave a blow out to a cow on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey. The women went to a cattle show in Oklahoma where they groomed the cows in preparation for competition. 'It's basically a beauty pageant for cows,' explained Margaret Josephs, the 51-year-old 'powerhouse in pigtails,' who runs her own fashion business. Cattle show: Teresa Giudice participated in a cattle show on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 'I've never been a fan of larger animalsI don't know what they're thinking,' frowned 46-year-old Teresa. The episode titled Housewives & Heifers opened with new cast member Jennifer Aydin bragging about the size of her house and how she conducts random bag checks on her staff when they leave. 'You trust people with your children but not with your silverware, it just makes no sense to me,' said fellow newcomer Jackie Goldschneider in disbelief. 'I don't know if I'm more tired of the smell of the cow or Jennifer's bulls***,' added Jackie, who won the competition. Cow grooming: The 46-year-old reality star held a dryer to give a cow a rear-end blow out Teaming up: Teresa teamed up with Dolores Catania during the cow grooming contest Large animals: The RHONJ star admitted that she's never been a fan of larger animals Show newcomer: Jennifer Aydin bragged about the size of her house and how she conducts random bag checks on her staff when they leave 'I will take payment in the form of Chanel,' she joked. Jennifer continued her boasting throughout the trip, while the others rolled their eyes. 'I've had it [her house] compared to Monte Carlo or a hotel in France,' said the 41-year-old mother of five, who is married to successful plastic surgeon Dr. Bill Aydin. One upping: The mother-of-five said her house has been compared to Monte Carlo and a hotel in France Eye roll: Jackie Goldschneider rolled her eyes as Jennifer kept bragging about her house 'That house better be spectacular,' said Margaret. After the cattle show they cut loose at a hoedown. 'These Jersey hoes are ready to hoedown,' said Melissa Gorga, as Teresa danced with a cowboy called James. Hoedown time: Melissa Gorga said the New Jersey gals were ready for the hoedown in Oklahoma Two stepping: Teresa learned the two-step dance from a cowboy called James Jennifer declined all dances for fear her conservative Turkish husband would find out. 'Docey doe, how about docey don't,' she said. 'I have never been called ma'am so much, and I am loving it,' said Dolores Catania. Loving it: Dolores Catania was enjoying being called 'ma'am' all the time Teresa was annoyed that her brother Joe didn't help entertain their father Giacinto Gorga enough after the passing of their mother Antonia. 'I do have four kids, I have a lot on my plate, just saying,' she said. Jennifer got drunk and insulted Margaret's friend Polly by belittling Oklahoma. Drunk talk: Jennifer got drunk on tequila and insulted Margaret Josephs's friend Polly by belittling Oklahoma 'I want to go where it's sunny, where it's glamorous, but Oklahoma, what you going to do? Go cow tipping?' she asked. Jennifer later complained about the music saying: 'What was that country music? What a snore, she could have played some house music or something.' 'You have the worst manners I think I've ever seen,' snapped Margaret. Worst manners: Margaret finally snapped and told Jennifer that she ahd the 'worst manners' Took offense: Polly admitted that she was offended and insulted by Jennifer's remarks Sincere apology: Jennifer apologized to Polly for being rude and hugged her 'I was embarrassed,' she continued angrily as she finally had enough of Jennifer's sniping. Back in New Jersey, Margaret's husband Joe was taking care of Marge Sr, who was demanding everything from mash potatoes to Advil to foot rubs as she recovered from plastic surgery. 'I'm going to owe him so much after this,' said Margaret as she alluded to sexual favors. The RHONJ returns next Wednesday on Bravo. Post surgery: Margaret Sr was recovering from plastic surgery in New Jersey where Margaret's husband Joe was looking after her In addition to being Australia's favourite Bachelor, Sam Wood is also a successful businessman and gym owner. And the 38-year-old has used his skills to help design a gym for the tenants of the One Wellington apartment building in Melbourne's St Kilda. In addition, he has also created workout plans for the future residents. From The Bachelor to The Block? Sam Wood has helped design a modern gym for a Melbourne apartment building to encourage tenants to get in shape. Pictured with wife Snezana Markoski 'The main reasons people don't get into shape is lack of time or it's inconvenient,' he told the Herald Sun of the project. 'So we're giving [the residents] a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, high ceilings and cardio and strength option that are easy to use. You don't have to be a big gym junkie.' Several companies had contacted Sam - who is known for his popular 28 By Sam Wood exercise program - to design gyms. Making it easier: In addition to offering his design expertise, Sam has also created workout plans for the future residents of the One Wellington apartment block in Melbourne 's St Kilda However, it was LAS Group Developments that managed to get his attention. According to the One Wellington website the gym 'balances innovative technology with impeccable design.' Residents will also have access to a lap pool, spa and sauna. Stellar views: The gym overlooks a lap pool (pictured) and boasts all the equipment one would expect to find at a local fitness outlet The gym overlooks the pool and boasts all the equipment one would expect to find at a local fitness outlet. Sam, who originally hails from Tasmania, added that he loves St Kilda because of the 'history' in the area. He currently lives in Melbourne with his wife Snezana Markoski, who he met on The Bachelor 2015, and their two daughters. She attended Duchess Meghan Markle's wedding to Prince Harry back in May. But it's been reported that the newlyweds will not be returning the favor when Priyanka Chopra marries Nick Jonas later this week. According to an Us Weekly source, the Duchess will not be travelling to India due to her pregnancy. Scroll down for videos Declined the invite: It has been reported that although Priyanka Chopra attended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Wedding, the couple will not be attending her wedding to Nick Jonas in India this weekend 'Meghan will not be going to Priyanka's wedding, especially now that she's pregnant,' offered an insider. The news comes as the Indian beauty is set to tie-the-knot with her boyfriend of six-months on Sunday in her hometown. Back in May, Priyanka was there to watch her friend Meghan walk down the aisle in England and marry her prince. She got a front row seat: Back in May, Priyanka was there to watch her friend Meghan walk down the aisle in England and marry her prince Love: Meghan and Harry tied the knot back in May The pair have been friends since January 2016 when they met at the Elle Women in Television event and hit it off from there. 'Priyanka is unbelievable,' Meghan told the Press Trust Of India in July that same year. 'She has become a really good friend. Elle Magazine in the US hosted a dinner celebrating Women in TV, and we met that night - turns out she really likes Suits.' The former actress added that they had hit it off straight away. 'You know when you meet someone and you just click? It was just an easy, natural progression. We've managed to keep in touch via email and text, and try to see each other whenever we're both in the same town.' Meghan on her friendship with Priyanka: 'You know when you meet someone and you just click? It was just an easy, natural progression. We've managed to keep in touch via email and text, and try to see each other whenever we're both in the same town' Bride-to-be: The Indian beauty is set to tie-the-knot with her boyfriend of six-months on Sunday in her hometown In November 2016, Priyanaka shared a photo of them enjoying a drink out in LA, captioning the shot: 'Girls just wanna have fun...' Ahead of the Royal Wedding back in May 2018, the Quantico star couldn't help but gush over the star. 'I've known Meghan for three years and I'm so happy the way the world has responded to her because as long as I've known her, she's a relatable young woman of the world today,' she told Us Weekly. 'She's that girl who thinks out of the box. She has always been an activist. She has always had a strong voice. She's an ambitious girl of today. I think the world needs strong role models like Meghan.' Michael Turnbull's girlfriend Natasha Candyce turned down a starring role on the upcoming season of Married At First Sight for chance at love with him. And it appears things are going swimmingly, for the couple delivered some serious PDA at a swimming pool in Brisbane over the weekend. Flashing plenty of flesh in a tiny black Calvin Klein bikini, the model, 27, gave passers-by an eyeful as she flaunted her perfect derriere in tiny bottoms. That's cheeky! Michael Turnbull packs on the PDA with girlfriend Natasha Candyce at a swimming pool as the former Bachelor in Paradise star confirms the couple are living together Placing his hand on her pert behind, Michael, 37, closely embraced his leggy lady. Clad in vibrant blue boardshorts, the former Bachelorette star showcased his physical prowess by effortlessly scooping up the beauty in his arms. The loved-up display comes as Michael confirmed the couple are now living together. Loved-up: Clad in vibrant blue boardshorts, the former Bachelorette star showcased his physical prowess by effortlessly scooping up the beauty in his arms Speaking of their romance, he told Daily Mail Australia: Natasha and I are very excited to be living together and we are very busy building our property management business here in Brisbane.' And while it's well documented Natasha passed up the chance to participate in the new season of Married at First Sight, the hunk hinted he was courted for the forthcoming series of Bachelor in Paradise. 'Im glad we dedicated to not go on Married At First Sight and Bachelor In Paradise as love in the real world is so much better! he said. Natasha and I are very excited to be living together and we are very busy building our property management business here in Brisbane.' The loved-up display comes as Michael confirmed the couple are now living together Speaking to Who magazine in September, Natasha revealed she traded a shot at fame on MAFS for a relationship with Michael. '[The producers] flew me up to Sydney to meet with them... They were going to shoot my backstory this weekend, so Michael had to take a decision fairly quickly!' she said at the time. Michael added: 'I certainly wouldn't deny Natasha an opportunity like MAFS if I wasn't 100 per cent serious. And that was one of the things I had to figure out as well.' His name is being bandied around as an early Oscar contender. But the Academy Awards looked like the furthest thing from Christian Bale's mind as he attended the Los Angeles premiere of his new Netflix film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle on Wednesday evening at the ArcLight Hollywood with his beautiful wife, Sibi Blazic. The 44-year-old actor looked casual as he wore a button-up navy blue shirt with black slacks - both from Rag & Bone - and dark brown boots. He looked svelte and sported a goatee at the luxe Hollywood premiere. Scroll below for video Out and about: Christian Bale, 44, attended the Los Angeles premiere of his new Netflix film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle on Wednesday evening at the ArcLight Hollywood with his wife, Sibi Blazic, 48 Blazic, 48, was clad in a black pantsuit, also from Rag & Bone, with pointed black heels. The beauty, who shares two kids with Bale - daughter Emmeline, 13, and son Joseph, four - wore her lustrous brown locks parted and down. The Oscar-winning star of The Fighter is joined by an ensemble cast in the Rudyard Kipling adaptation, which also includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hollander, Naomie Harris, Freida Pinto and the voice of Cate Blanchett. Other notable names who attended the premiere Wednesday included actresses Katherine McNamara and Amiah Miller and Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay. The U.K.-born performer is currently garnering Oscar buzz for his performance as former Vice President Dick Cheney in the upcoming drama Vice, a part which he gained 40 pounds for. Critically-acclaimed: The U.K.-born performer is currently garnering Oscar buzz for his performance as former Vice President Dick Cheney in the upcoming drama Vice Parents: The couple shares two kids, daughter Emmeline, 13, and son Joseph, four Actors Bale's stiffest competition for the gold statue include A Star Is Born's Bradley Cooper, Green Book's Viggo Mortensen and Bohemian Rhapsody's Rami Malek. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is set to begin streaming on Netflix December 7, while Vice hits theaters Christmas Day. Actors Kate Mara and Jamie Bell have been going strong as a couple for more than three-years. And on Wednesday the couple were the picture of young domesticity, when they stepped out to pick up some groceries at a store in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Keeping things super casual, the couple both opted for comfort in sweatpants. Low key: Kate Mara and husband Jamie Bell picked up groceries in LA on Wednesday Kate went with dark grey and matched t with a light grey t-shirt from Z Supply underneath a black bomber jacket and checkered slip-on sneakers. She pulled her long brown tresses off of her face and into a ponytail. Her hubby paired his black sweatpants with a black t-shirt and white sneakers. Both of them went with a pair of dark sunglasses to help keep out the California glare out of their eyes. Easy does it: The couple both opted for casual comfort in sweatpants, t-shirt and sneakers Impressive resume: The 35-year old actress has starred in a slew of Hollywood hits including Brokeback Mountain, Iron Man 2, Shooter, Transsiberian and The Martian The couple have been married since July 2017. Jamie was previously married to his five-year old son's mother, Evan Rachel Wood; they separated after 19 months together in May 2014. Currently, the British born actor is shooting the biographical musical Rocketman, which is based on the life of music legend Elton John. The Billingham, UK native plays the role of John's songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. His film resume also includes roles in Undertow (2004), King Kong (2005), Jane Eyre (2011) and 6 Days (2017). Family: Kate helps raise Jamie 5-year old son, whom he shares with actress Evan Rachel Wood Kate's been working on the second season of the TV drama series Pose alongside co-stars Evan Peters and James Van Der Beek. It's expected to premiere sometime in 2019. She has appeared in a slew of Hollywood hits that include: Brokeback Mountain (2005), We Are Marshall (2006), Shooter (2007), Transsiberian (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Transcendence (2014) and The Martian (2015). The Bedford, New York native is the old sister of actress Roony Mara, 33, whose breakout role was as Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. She was a breakout child star who appeared in huge hits like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Batman Forever and Scream. In more recent years, Drew Barrymore has branched out as an entrepreneur with her own cosmetics line. And on Wednesday her Flower Beauty brand launched in Mexico City, Mexico. 'Im so honored. We have officially launched in @liverpool_Mexico for @flowerbeauty,' the 43-year gushed on his Instagram. Shining Star: Drew Barrymore flashed her trademark smile during launch of her Flower Beauty cosmetics line in Mexico City on Wednesday The Charlie's Angel added: 'I have traveled all through Mexico my entire life. The country and its culture has been very close to my heart, and to have this be our big international launch is true to who I am and what I love! We hope to make it a great success because #BEAUTISFOREVERYONE and we love you Mexico!' She concluded with: 'Thank you Antera for all your guiding light and support of our brand. #flowerbeauty #mexico #liverpoolmexico' Barrymore first launched Flower Beauty in in the US in 2013. Standing out: The 43-year old rocked a candy-red dress with black hearts on it Entrepreneur: The actress first launched Flower Beauty in the US in 2013 Wow: The blonde spirited beauty spent part of her Wednesday at a launch party, where she soaked in the spotlight on the red carpet and met with the media Gorgeous: She rocked red lipstick with wavy tresses The blonde spirited beauty spent part of her Wednesday at a launch party, where she soaked in the spotlight on the red carpet and met with the media. She stood out in a candy red full length dress with black hearts on it that had a black belt that tied around her waist. And for the occasion she wore her golden locks long with her natural waves and, most importantly, flashed that trademark big beaming smile that has endeared her to fans all over the world since the 1980s. Always one to be a people person, Barrymore also made a stop to a Liverpool store that has her cosmetics line on full display. Over the moon: Barrymore also stopped by a stop that has Flower Beauty on full display When in Rome: The ET actress wore a Mexican-inspired dress for a stop to the local store Proud owner: The Charlie Angels star stood in front of her cosmetics display Instyle described Flower Beauty as products that are 'cruelty-free, highly efficacious, luxurious yet affordable and most importantly designed to empower by highlighting individual beauty,' 'For me Flower Beauty is so personal and such a part of who I am,' the California native said in a recent press release announcing the Australian launch. Barrymore first delved into fashion and cosmetics when she became a CoverGirl Cosmetics' model and spokeswoman in 2007, which led to other endorsements. She also launched a women's fashion line in the fall of 2017 in conjunction with Amazon.com called Dear Drew, which featured a pop-up shop in New York City that opened in November 2017. Emily Blunt beamed as she promoted her the highly-awaited musical film Mary Poppins Returns in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The 35-year-old actress wore a white top with red horizontal stripes with a long suede button-up ginger skirt at the junket. Emily, who appeared in the hit A Quiet Place with her husband John Krasinski earlier this year, rounded out her ensemble with white slip-on shoes, and had her shoulder-length blonde locks parted at the promotional event, accessorizing with silver bracelets. Beauty: Emily Blunt, 35, beamed as she promoted her the highly-awaited film Mary Poppins Returns in Beverly Hills on Wednesday The London native was out as her spouse Krasinski, appearing on Ellen Wednesday, called the remake 'honestly one of the most beautiful films' he's ever seen, and 'pure joy' at the movies at the perfect time of year. 'It's, I think, exactly what everybody needs at the holidays,' he said. In the appearance, he admitted that he welled with tears - lots of them - when he got to see his wife in the modern-day adaptation of the 1964 Disney classic. 'I was crying so much, I blew through the tissue box in 20 minutes,' Krasinski said. 'Had to go to the napkins and when I ran out of napkins, it's just all sweater.' Busy: The London native is working hard promoting the forthcoming musical Big shoes to fill: Emily commandeers the role played by Julie Andrews in the 1964 movie Teary: Emily's husband John Krasinski said the movie made him cry profusely, describing it as 'exactly what everybody needs at the holidays' Strike a pose: The stunning star had her hand on her waist in the photo shoot He said that he showed his family the movie over the holiday weekend, and 'tried to prepare them for how emotional it is.' Krasinski said Blunt was unsure if he enjoyed the film when they watched it together for the first time. 'Emily said, "Do you not like it? I've never seen this happen." And I was pushing through all the muffins and bagels that were in the back looking for napkins. I was like, "I need anything to stop this crying,"' he said. Chosen: The actress was the first choice of director Rob Marshall for the iconic role Coming soon: Emily will light up the silver screen when Mary Poppins Returns opens in theaters December 19 Blunt, in her own appearance on Ellen earlier this month, described the film as 'a sequel that is set 30 years after the original. 'It's set during the Great Depression, so it's a bit of a darker backdrop - we need hope to appear from the skies and amazingly Julie Andrews has turned into me!' she said. Blunt's co-stars in the movie include Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Colin Firth, as well as the legendary Dick Van Dyke, who appeared in the original motion picture. 'He's so sprightly and sharp and cool still,' Blunt said of the 92-year-old Hollywood icon. Mary Poppins Returns opens in theaters December 19. He found love with Sam Frost on The Bachelorette in 2015 before they called it quits 18 months later. And it appears Sasha Mielczarek may have found love again. The 33-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to share a snap of himself cosied up to a blonde beauty named Tori May, beside the Berry Donut Van, in Berry. 'I feel extremely grateful to have an amazing and caring lady in my life': Sasha Mielczarek gushes over busty blonde Tori May... two years after split from Sam Frost 'Of course I found her at the Berry donut van #emojigamestrong,' he wrote in the caption, along with strawberry, donut and truck emojis. 'Happy 40th Birthday @_torimay_! I feel extremely grateful to have such an amazing, caring and compassionate lady in my life.' He continued, 'I love hanging out and talking shop even if it means I have to listen to one of your less interesting stories! Hope you have an amazing day.' Grateful: He wrote in his caption, 'Happy 40th Birthday @_torimay_! I feel extremely grateful to have such an amazing, caring and compassionate lady in my life'. Pictured: Tori and Sasha at an event back in August Sasha hashtagged the post, '#wellamazingneveningbecauseiforgottopostthisearlier #sendem #strongindependentwoman #howyagoin.' Tori, who appears to be currently on holiday in Thailand according to her Instagram, replied back, 'Babe your supposed to take off 10 years not add them, but thanks for the bday love. See you soon.' His friend, model Kris Smith seemingly giving his seal of approval in his comment, 'Cutest couple of 2018 happy birthday Mrs Milkcrate @_torimay_,' which Sasha liked. Another one of Sasha's friends commented, 'Insta official, this is the real deal big guy, great news. Happy birthday mrs milkcrate.' Cute: Tori, who appears to be currently on holiday in Thailand according to her Instagram, replied back, 'Babe your supposed to take off 10 years not add them, but thanks for the bday love. See you soon' Seal of approval: His friend, Kris Smith seemingly giving his seal of approval in his comment, 'Cutest couple of 2018 happy birthday Mrs Milkcrate'. Another one of Sasha's friends commented, 'Insta official, this is the real deal big guy, great news' Double date: This is not the first time Sasha has shared a snap of himself with Tori. Back in June, the pair enjoyed what appeared to be a double date with Kris Smith and his partner Sarah Boulazeris (right) This is not the first time Sasha has shared a snap of himself with Tori. Back in June, the pair enjoyed what appeared to be a double date with Kris Smith and his partner Sarah Boulazeris. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Sasha Mielczarek and Tori May for comment. Sasha first rose to national stardom as the man who won Sam Frost's heart in the first season of The Bachelorette andhappily dated for 18 months until they called it quits in December 2017. In May 2017, he told The Daily Telegraph their breakup left him 'absolutely heartbroken'. Kanye West was feeling on top of the world on Wednesday. The rapper, 41, celebrated the success of his latest song, Mama, by rapping the hit track on board a flight back from Japan. The new song is a collaboration between Kanye, Nicki Minaj, and jailed rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, and quickly became the number one song on the iTunes charts after it's release on Tuesday. It's a hit! Kanye West celebrated the success of his latest song, Mama, by rapping the hit track on board a flight back from Japan There was no raining on Kanye's parade as the rapper gleefully danced and sang. Kanye's wife Kim Kardashian posted the moment to her Instagram stories, showing off just how happy her husband was. Rapping, dancing, and smiling from ear to ear, Kanye couldn't have looked any happier celebrating his latest big hit. Dressed in a hot pink sweatshirt and black cap, the rapper was comfortably dressed for his grueling flight ahead. Success! Rapping, dancing, and smiling from ear to ear, Kanye couldn't have looked any happier celebrating his latest big hit Sing it! The new song is a collaboration between Kanye, Nicki Minaj, and jailed rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, and quickly became the number one song on the iTunes charts just hours after it's release Kim sparked controversy over the weekend after revealing she and her husband would be traveling on board a private Boeing 747 with just a hand full of people. The couple jetted into Tokyo on Tuesday to visit contemporary artist Takashi Murakami at his studio, on the same day Kanye's new song was released. It was unclear if the couple were traveling on board the same plane on Wednesday. Where to? It was unclear if Kanye was on board the private Boeing 747 he and his wife traveled to Tokyo in Work of art: The couple visited contemporary artist Takashi Murakami at his studio in Tokyo on Tuesday, the same day Kanye's new song was released Mama is from Tekashi 6ix9ine's highly anticipated new album Dummy Boy, which is already dominating charts after it's release on Tuesday. Four of Tekashi's tracks were in the top 5 on iTunes - with two more at the 8 and 9 spot - as the 22-year-old awaits trial after he was arrested on an array of federal charges last week. Tekashi pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering and firearms charges in New York on Monday morning. There has been much speculation over who will take over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig - and Richard Madden has said he would love to have a go. Talking to GQ, the 32-year-old Bodyguard star tries on the iconic spy's suit for size as he walks away from the wreckage of a car. He said: 'I'm more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I'm very flattered and thankful. It's a really brilliant thing to be in.' The name's Madden: Bodyguard star Richard, 32, has said he would be flattered to be chosen to play the next James Bond as he tries on the secret agent's suit for size for GQ A hard act to follow: Daniel Craig has played Bond since 2006 when he appeared in Casino Royale (a still from the movie) Refusing to rule out that he has been offered the role, he said: ' I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that. 'If you talk about it, you'll curse it.' Richard, who admits to being a big fan of the movies and the books did give the element of doubt that he will be the next secret agent to be sipping on martini and saving lives. He said: 'This is what happens with all these shows, like Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager. Then there's the next one. I'm the next one. 'Everyone just loves the rumour mill on that topic. I'm just the current one. There'll be a different one next week.' Could it be? Refusing to rule out that he has been offered the role, he said: ' I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that' Also in the running so far has been Idris Elba and Tom Hardy. Actress Lily James was also asked by the publication on whether she thought Richard would be a fine replacement for Craig. She said: 'He'd be great! It would be great having a Scottish Bond. There's a cheekiness to him that works really well with Bond. 'That wryness and glint behind the eyes. You don't know what's going to come next.' Game changer: Richard admitted that he considered giving up acting following his starring role as war veteran David Budd in The Bodyguard And his Game Of Thrones co-star Kit Harington said: 'I don't want to curse him. Any time anyone starts to get rumoured for Bond, it becomes a curse on them. 'And the reason I don't want to do that is that I actually do think he would make a very good Bond. He's got this natural charm. 'He's proven with Bodyguard that he has that muscle for it. And wouldn't it be nice to go back to a Scottish Bond?' Richard also spoke about his role as Robb Stark Game Of Thrones role during the interview. Sad: After hanging up his cloak of Game Of Thrones' Robb Stark, he said: 'I sobbed and sobbed on that Friday. I was hysterical actually. I was so exhausted. I cried all the way home'[ He said: 'I sobbed and sobbed on that Friday. I was hysterical actually. I was so exhausted. I cried all the way home. 'The air stewardess kept asking if I was OK. And then people moved and the rows behind me moved. I was sobbing and covered in blood. I looked like I'd murdered someone and got on that flight.' He also admitted that he considered giving up acting following his starring role in The Bodyguard. He said: 'Yeah. I finished Bodyguard and didn't want to act again. Really. It had taken so much out of me physically, mentally and personally. 'I didn't see any of my friends for months, unless they came to set. It was just relentless. You didn't get a day off. 'My character doesn't get a second off. It took more out of me that anything else I've done.' And it sounds like if he does play Bond, he will have his work cut out for him. Daniel Craig has previously spoken out about the gruelling role and famously said he would rather 'slash his wrists' than play Bond again. And this was before he agreed to step into the famed 007 shoes for a fifth time, netting an eye-watering pay check for his reprisal. The is said to be picking up 50million for his role in the next Bond film, which will be released on October, 25, 2019. Read now: See the full feature in the Jan/Feb issue of GQ The mammoth salary beats the 37million the Hollywood hunk reportedly made for Spectre. Speaking in 2015, when asked about returning to the role, Craig told the Guardian: 'Now? Id rather slash my wrists. No, not at the moment. Not at all. Thats fine. Im over it at the moment. Were done. All I want to do is move on. 'I dont know what the next step is. Ive no idea. Not because Im trying to be cagey. Who the f**k knows? At the moment, weve done it. Im not in discussion with anybody about anything. If I did another Bond, it would only be for the money.' In March, director Danny Boyle teased he was working on the Bond 25 script. He said: 'We are working on a script right now. And it all depends on that really. 'I am working on a Richard Curtis script at the moment. We hope to start shooting that in six or seven weeks. Then Bond would be right at the end of the year. But we are working on them both right now.' See the full feature in the Jan/Feb issue of GQ, available on digital download on Thursday 29th November and newsstands on Thursday 6th December. She recently jetted off on a private plane with her beau Nicolo Oddi to spend the Thanksgiving holiday together. But it was back to business for Alessandra Ambrosio on Wednesday, as she posed up a storm in the California sunshine during a modelling shoot. The 37-year-old model looked sensational as she went topless for the tasteful photo op, covering her modesty by wrapping her arms around her chest. Sensational: Alessandra Ambrosio wowed as she went topless for a tasteful photo shoot on Wednesday Alessandra donned a pair of very distressed jeans, while styling her look with just a simple silver bangle and a pair of stud earrings. The star appeared fresh out of the shower as she wrapped her locks into a towel, while leaning against a white wall. She shared a couple of the shots to her Instagram page, giving a sneak peak into the shoot, including a sultry snap of herself pouting while a make-up artist applied her lipstick. Following the shoot, hands-on-mum Alessandra was straight out to go and pick up her children from school in Pacific Palisades. Casual cool: Following the shoot, hands-on-mum Alessandra was straight out to go and pick up her children from school in Pacific Palisades She nailed off-duty style in a two-tone sleeveless jumper, which she teamed with a pair of blue cargo-style trousers. Keeping it casual she added some chunky white trainers with red and green detailing, while carrying her essentials in an oversized leather bag. Shielding her eyes from the rays, Alessandra wore a pair of tortoiseshell rounded shades. She wore her chestnut locks in loose natural waves, while also opting for a subtle make-up look. Alessandra had been engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur in 2008, although they never got married and their 10-year engagement ended in March 2018. They had two kids together, 10-year-old Anja and six-year-old Noah, before she started dating Nicolo Oddi in March, an Italian model and fashion designer. The pair fell in love on The Bachelor in 2013 and later married in June this year. And it appears the honeymoon period isn't over for The Bachelor couple, Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards as they enthusiastically stepped out for a date night in Sydney on Thursday. The reality television lovebirds beamed as they showcased their flawless frames in neutral-hued resort wear at The Iconic's annual Swim Show at Barangaroo Reserve. Scroll down for video Love is in the air! The Bachelor's Anna Heinrich (right) and Tim Robards (left) look smitten as they attend The Iconic's Swim Show in Sydney Anna, 31, showcased her lean physique in a sandy-coloured linen dress, embellished with ruching around the bust. The blonde Bachelor winner could have fooled fans into thinking she had just stepped off a yacht from the South of France as she flaunted her sunkissed decolletage in the strapless number. She completed her coastal luxury glam silhouette by slipping into a pair of ankle-strap tan high heels, adorned with silver studs. Coastal luxury glam! Anna, 31, showcased her lean physique in a sandy-coloured linen dress, embellished with ruching around the bust. Meanwhile, Tim, showed off his muscular frame in the lightweight ensemble consisting of a white linen shirt and a pair of light pink shorts The lawyer-turned-reality-TV-star, who recently revealed she keeps her skincare routine 'fairly basic' opted for a minimal makeup palette, consisting of a generous slick of foundation and neutral lipstick. Meanwhile, fitness fanatic, Tim, showed off his muscular frame in a lightweight ensemble consisting of a white linen shirt, light pink shorts and a pair of canvas shoes. Tim also offered onlookers a generous glimpse of his bulging biceps as he casually posed with one hand in his pocket. The Neighbours star who took on the guest role of investment banker Pierce Greyson this year, looked every inch the mover and shaker as he posed in a pair of trendy aviator sunglasses. SO Sydney! The reality television lovebirds beamed as they posed against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Barangaroo Reserve on Thursday for the fashion parade 'I then use a body lotion and hand and nail cream by the same brand, before applying my makeup': Earlier this week, Anna revealed a number of her beauty secrets The sighting comes after Anna revealed her beauty secrets to Daily Mail Australia earlier this week. Admitting her skincare routine was 'fairly basic', the blonde said she used Blessed by Nature's Sensitive Moisturiser following a shower. 'I then use a body lotion and hand and nail cream by the same brand, before applying my makeup,' she said. When it comes to makeup, Anna said she loves having eyelash extensions at all times, admitting it makes her 'wake up feeling fabulous'. 'It finishes off a natural look without overdoing it and is definitely a must-have for me': Anna revealed it was a nude lipstick that she wore every day. Pictured in Hungary earlier this year 'I also wear a nude lipstick every day,' she said. 'It finishes off a natural look without overdoing it and is definitely a must-have for me. Meanwhile, Tim and Anna's relationship appears to be going from strength to strength as they recently purchased a new home in Sydney's affluent suburb of Rose Bay. The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish Italian wedding in June, recently settled on a three-bedroom harbourside pad, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph. She was left devastated when her 'hopes of a fairytale romance' with ex-fiance Chris Zylka came to an end earlier this month. But Paris Hilton put on a brave face amid her heartache to show her support to her stylist pal Rachel Zoe's Palisades Village Holiday Celebration in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The hotel heiress, 37, put on a racy display for the bash as she slipped into a leopard print blouse and leather skirt. Romantic woes: Paris Hilton put on a brave face amid her heartache to show her support to her stylist pal Rachel Zoe's Palisades Village Holiday Celebration in Los Angeles on Wednesday The leopard print shirt sheathed over Paris' svelte frame and featured a key-hole design at the bust. The former Simple Life star amped up the glamour with a thigh-skimming leather miniskirt and black PVC knee-high boots. Styling her blonde locks in a sweeping side ponytail, Paris complemented her sun-kissed tan with fluttery eyelashes, bronzed cheeks and a glossy pink lip. Turning heads: The hotel heiress, 37, put on a racy display for the bash as she slipped into a leopard print blouse and leather skirt Fashionista: The leopard print shirt sheathed over Paris' svelte frame and featured a key-hole design at the bust Racy display: The former Simple Life star amped up the glamour with a thigh-skimming leather miniskirt and black PVC knee-high boots as she posed with Rachel Having a blast: Rachel, who has been giggled as she chatted to Paris and her mum Kathy Cute: The trio showed their love for one another with a sweet hug Touch of sparkle: Paris kept accessories to a minimum with just a pair of diamante studded earrings Despite her romantic woes, Paris appeared in good spirits as she attended the event with her mum Kathy. Earlier in the day, the reality star publicly addressed her split from fiance Chris Zylka for the first time. The socialite broke things off with the 33-year-old actor earlier this month after an 11-month engagement. Blowing kisses: Despite her romantic woes, Paris appeared in good spirits as she attended the event with her mum Kathy (L-R) Paris, Rachel, Kathy, Kyle Richards Sophisticated: Matriarch Kathy looked elegant in a monochrome jumper, slim scarf and diamante encrusted trousers Shoulder to lean on: Kathy, 59, looked incredibly youthful as she proudly stood next to her daughter Exciting: (L-R) Soleil Moon Frye, Michelle Alves, Rebecca Gayheart looked delighted to be attending the fashion launch Trendy: Jaime appeared to be taking fashion tips from Zoe with her dazzling lace ensemble During an appearance on The Talk on Wednesday Hilton told the hosts that she's doing good despite ending things with Zylka after a whirlwind romance and believing she'd found her 'happy ending'. 'Im just really having my 'me time,'' Hilton said. 'I just feel that when I fall in love, I fall in love fast and hard and it was this whirlwind romance and I've always been obsessed with Disney stories and love stories and I thought it was going to be my happy ending, and I just realized after time it wasnt the right decision.' She continued, 'But I wish him the best and one day I would love to get married and have children, but for right now Im just focused on myself and my work.' Gorgeous: Styling her blonde locks in a side ponytail, Paris complemented her sun-kissed tan with fluttery eyelashes, bronzed cheeks and a glossy pink lip (posing with Jaime King) Dressed to impress: Katharine McPhee (L) and Sarah Wright (R) looked sophisticated in their glamorous ensembles Velvet: Comedy writer Erin Foster (L) stunned in a velour dress while sister Sara (R) wore a plush faux fur black shawl When the break-up was reported on November 19, sources revealed it was Hilton that called it off. 'The relationship moved very fast, and she realized it wasnt right for her,' the source said. 'She is traveling the world for her skincare and perfume. She wishes him all the best and hopes they can remain friends.' Sources told People that Hilton's close pals felt that the relationship wasn't meant to be. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Kathy and Kyle posed for photos at the festive holiday event 'This wedding was never going to happen,' the insider said. 'They never had an engagement party and Chris' parents never even met Paris' parents.' It appeared all was not well in the relationship when the couple pushed back their wedding to 2019 due to their busy schedules, postponing their November 11 ceremony. Flair for fashion: Television star Rebecca Gayheart looked ravishing in a red velvet suit and black sparkly glitter top Chic: Jaime King (L) complemented her statuesque frame in a gold foiled fringed minidress, while Sarah Wright Olsen (R) channeled Hollywood glamour in a black lace dress Festive fun: (L-R) Michelle Alves, Serena Levy, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Meyer, Sarah Meyer, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Anna Schafer, Rachel Zoe, Sara Foster, Nikki DeRoest, Sarah Wright Olsen, Soleil Moon Frye, Anne Marie Kortright, and Kimberly Muller, (Bottom L-R) Jaime King, Kathy Hilton, Erin Foster, Kyle Richards, and Rebecca Gayheart attended the Rachel Zoe Resort Holiday Presentation at Rachel Zoe Boutique Pioneer: Rachel, with the help of reality TV star Nicole Richie, became the pioneer of the 'boho-chic' look Metallic: The collection featured an array of sparkly jumpsuits and sequin dresses They failed to reschedule the nuptials. Sources claim that Hilton was just 'caught up' with wanting a wedding like her siblings Nicky and Barron. 'She just didnt think about the marriage part. It was never going to work with Chris.' they said. Zylka proposed in Aspen, Colorado on January 2 during a ski trip, presenting Hilton with a 20-carat $2 million pear-shaped diamond ring. Shirley Ballas enjoyed a rare outing with mum Audrey Rich on Wednesday, days after revealing she's been diagnosed with cancer. The 58-year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge attended the Macmillan Cancer Ball 2018 in London's Dorchester Hotel, with her 81-year-old putting on a glamorous display her recent health battles. It came after Shirley revealed on Sunday that she's 'learned to be a nurse' following her mum's diagnosis earlier this year, adding that she's decided to forego chemotherapy. Glamorous: Shirley Ballas enjoyed a rare outing with Audrey Rich on Wednesday night, as they attended the Macmillan Cancer Ball 2018 in London's Dorchester Hotel Putting on a typically dazzling display, Shirley made a glamorous entrance for the bash in a baby pink gown covered with delicate leaf detailing, with the fitted body flowing down into a fishtail hem. The stunning Queen Of Latin had her dark raven tresses loosely curled, while Audrey showed off her own sense of style in a black dress and tiger-printed scarf. After a fun evening raising funds for the cancer charity, the duo were seen exiting the hotel to drive home together, after Shirley recently revealed she's to take on nursing duties for her ill mother. Pretty: Putting on a typically dazzling display, Shirley made a glamorous entrance for the bash in a baby pink gown covered with delicate leaf detailing Chic: The stunning Queen Of Latin had her dark raven tresses loosely curled, while Audrey showed off her own sense of style in a black dress and tiger-printed scarf Close bond: After a fun evening raising funds for the cancer charity, the duo were seen exiting the hotel to drive home together Sweet: The duo's incredibly close relationship was apparent as they left the bash in the back of the same car It comes after Shirley spoke for the first time on Sunday about her mother's diagnosis, after revealing she's taken on the role of nursing her. Speaking to The Sunday Mirror she said: 'I came over to her in the summer to take care of her and I had to learn to be a nurse.' She also revealed Audrey has decided to forego chemotherapy, Shirley said she and son Mark, 32, fully support the decision. Since the diagnosis, Shirley has spent her time cooking for her mother despite being 'a terrible cook' and admits the pair speaks at least four times a day. Touching: It comes after Shirley spoke for the first time on Sunday about her mother's diagnosis, after revealing she's taken on the role of nursing her Tough time: Speaking to The Sunday Mirror she said: 'I came over to her in the summer to take care of her and I had to learn to be a nurse' Rough ride: She also revealed Audrey has decided to forego chemotherapy, Shirley said she and son Mark, 32, fully support the decision Touching: Since the diagnosis, Shirley has spent her time cooking for her mother despite being 'a terrible cook' and admits the pair speaks at least four times a day Shirley joked: 'I would put her food down on a tray on her bed and I would be standing there like, "Is this okay?" And she would say, "You did good. Maybe a bit more salt next time".' The duo have always been close and Shirley spoke out about the heartbreak of her brother David's suicide. 'It was in the Christmas period that David died so as we run up to it now I normally find my mood changing. No one saw it coming', she said. Shirley, who is now single, has been married previously to Sammy Stopford between 1980 and 1984 and again to Corky Ballas from 1985 to 2007 and previously spoke out about raising brother David's daughter as her own. She recently welcomed her first child, son Theodore, with husband Spencer Matthews. And Vogue Williams commanded attention as she attended the launch for Evening Standard's new luxury digital magazine at Mayfair's Sketch restaurant on Wednesday. The Irish DJ, 33, turned heads as she rocked up to the event in a plunging floral print mini dress, which skimmed at her lean legs. Working it! Vogue Williams commanded attention as she attended the launch for Evening Standard's new luxury digital magazine at Mayfair's Sketch restaurant on Wednesday Injecting more glamour into her look, the presenter boosted her frame in a pair of pointed heels and toted a black textured clutch. Vogue, who gave birth to her son two months ago, dazzled with a pair of silver dangle earrings, her glitzy wedding ring, and sported a pair of headphones around her neck. Taking her appearance up a notch, the star swept her tresses into a messy bun to reveal her stunning features, enhanced with pink and blue eyeshadow. Yummy mummy: The Irish DJ, 33, turned heads as she rocked up to the event in a plunging floral print mini dress, which skimmed at her lean legs She looked every inch the working mummy as she took to the DJ decks during the event. Meanwhile, Vogue and Spencer's love story has been quite the whirlwind romance, with the pair falling in love on The Jump last year and tying the knot after a four-month engagement. The couple were married in a romantic ceremony in Scotland in June earlier this year following Spencer's proposal at the West End and before Vogue gave birth to their son, Theodore. All eyes on her: Injecting more glamour into her look, the presenter boosted her frame in a pair of pointed heels and toted a black textured clutch Looking good: Vogue, who gave birth to her son two months ago, dazzled with a pair of silver dangle earrings, her glitzy wedding ring, and sported a pair of headphones around her neck (pictured with Ashley James) Beaming: Taking her appearance up a notch, the star swept her tresses into a messy bun to reveal her stunning features, enhanced with pink and blue eyeshadow Busy bee: She looked every inch the working mummy as she took to the DJ decks during the event In a cosy chat with MailOnline, former Made In Chelsea star Spencer, 29, explained fatherhood has given him a 'new meaning of life'. He gushed: 'I mean life has a whole new meaning as any parent will tell you. It's wonderful.' The couple have since revealed that they would like more children and are already planning baby number two. In good company: Posing up a storm, she cosied up to former Made In Chelsea star Ashley and Charlotte de Carle Stunning: Model Amber Le Bon looked glamorous in a floral off-shoulder dress, paired with brown sandal heels End of the night: The trio appeared in high spirits as they headed home in a black cab Speaking to new! magazine, the reality star revealed: 'There was a chat about having baby number two a few years after baby number one, but we love baby number one so much that it may be sooner rather than later.' The TV personality gushed the tot has been a solid sleeper since he was just five-weeks-old and has only cried at the top of his lungs 'twice in two months'. Spencer enthused: 'Vogue and I are very relaxed parents and he's always with one of us. We haven't let him take over our lives. We're still busy, we still go to work. We're introducing him to an active lifestyle - he's been on a plane several times already!' He also admitted the couple aren't planning to stop after baby number two, adding: 'We hope to have at least three kids, hopefully four.' The ex-husband of returning pop star Cheryl sparked romance rumours on Wednesday evening after leaving Macmillan's Cancer Supports annual fundraising dinner hand in hand with a sultry brunette. Looking appropriately smart in a black tuxedo, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini was joined by model Larissa Goldner as he left Londons Dorchester Hotel, venue for the star-studded charity event. The French restaurateur held Larissas hand while guiding her out of the lavish Mayfair address, where they were on hand to help raise money for the cancer charity through its annual ball, dinner and auction. Let's go: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini was joined by model Larissa Goldner as he left Londons Dorchester Hotel after attending Macmillan Cancer Supports annual fundraising dinner on Wednesday evening Earlier that night the pair were side by side as they posed on the red carpet, with Larissa leaning into Jean-Bernard as they greeted photographers. The model looked glamorous in a sweeping silver gown with a heavily embellished bodice while making her presence felt at the event, where she rubbed shoulders with guests including Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones. Strappy heels gave the look a conventional flourish, while a faux-fur jacket kept her warm as she made her way out of the venue with Jean-Bernard. For a good cause: The French restaurateur guided her out of the lavish Mayfair address, where they were on hand to help raise money for the cancer charity through its annual ball, dinner and auction New girlfriend? The ex-husband of returning pop star Cheryl sparked romance rumours on Wednesday evening Evidently in high spirits, Larissa posted a series of fun snaps from the event, including one in which she and Katya posed in ballroom masks. The model, who is represented by Body London, also shared a snap of her menu as she settled down to eat a three course meal with her French date. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Jean-Bernard revealed he was still single but looking for a potential new girlfriend. Close: Earlier that night the pair were side by side as they posed on the red carpet, with Larissa leaning into Jean-Bernard as they greeted photographers 'I've been in Cannes for 15 years. I've come to Cannes with three ex-girlfriends, so it just goes into the same box,' he said via video link. 'There's nothing weird. Another year with a future girlfriend, and hopefully this one will be the right one.' Asked whether he had found love again, Jean-Bernard replied: 'Not yet. Right now, after quite a while and solving a lot of personal problems, I'm in a very happy place and open now to start something new.' Jean-Bernard first met ex-wife Cheryl at a party in 2014 and they married after just three months, much to the shock of her fans. After just a year together, they swiftly ended the marriage in 2015. Coronation Street fans couldn't hide their upset on Wednesday night, as Sally Metcalfe was sentenced to a staggering four years in prison for fraud. Taking to Twitter in droves viewers raged that Sally did not deserve such a harsh sentence after being wrongfully found guilty for the crime, with one saying Sally seemed 'broken' as she collapsed in tears before being taken down. To make matters worse, angry viewers lambasted Sally's husband Tim for believing the claims she had an affair with the conman Duncan after being fed the lies by his sister-in-law Gina, as she secretly plots to break up the fan favourite couple. Irate: Coronation Street fans couldn't hide their upset on Wednesday night, as Sally Metcalfe was sentenced to a staggering four years in prison for fraud In a tense double-bill, Sally (played by Sally Dynevor) was brought before the judge once again to hear her sentence, after being found guilty of fraud, money laundering and bribery. While the villainous Duncan got off lightly with 200 hours of community service, Sally was told she would spend four years behind bars for the crime, leaving her and the family devastated. As she was sent down Sally broke down in hysterical tears before being comforted by her cellmate Abi. Heartbroken: Sally's loved ones were left in tears as the former mayor was given four years behind bars, despite being wrongly found innocent for the crime Hysterical: Breaking down in tears, fans branded Sally 'broken' as she was taken back to prison Fans were quick to share their views as they branded Sally's sentence incredibly harsh, with some keen to set a campaign in motion mimicking the iconic Free The Weatherfield One. One wrote: 'Four years! Sally totally broken!' while another added: 'Poor Sally and her own sister stabbed her in the back too.' A third also wrote: 'Poor Sally and her own sister stabbed her in the back too!' Angry: Furious viewers slammed the sentence as harsh, with many already plotting a campaign to rival the iconic Free The Weatherfield One And to make matters worse, Sally seems to have been left all alone in her most dire hour of need, as her husband Tim (Joe Duttine) began to believe claims that she and Duncan had an affair. Of course fans know the entire story is false, and Gina (Connie Hyde) has been planting the lies in brother-in-law Tim's ear, as she desperately plots to break up the couple. As expected fans were left similarly fuming with Gina's behaviour, with many calling for producers to axe the character. One wrote: 'Imagine having a sister like Gina though. Who needs enemies?' Another added: 'Get rid of Gina what a disloyal disgusting sister she is. Hope when Sally comes out she boot her to the other side of the world. B****' Plotting: Meanwhile Sally's sister Gina has been secretly plotting to split her and husband Tim up, so she can have him for herself Raging: Angry viewers also slammed Sally's sister Gina for planting lies in Tim's head, with many calling for producers to axe the character Fans had threatened to boycott Corrie on Monday night after Sally was found guilty of the crimes, despite an emotional plea that she was innocent . Viewers have been waiting with baited breath to hear about the trial verdict, and it seems that her sister Gina may have sealed her fate as she admitted to the jury that she wasn't 100 percent sure that she wouldn't have cheated. During the trial, Sally begged the jury to believe her, as she said: 'I have never stolen any money. I have never had an affair. I love my husband. I would never cheat on him. He is everything to me!' But alas it was to no avail, as they named her guilty, and all Sally could do was cry out 'I didn't do it' as she was taken back to prison. Fans have likened the unfair trial to Deirdre Barlow and her false imprisonment, as well as the historic 'Free the Weatherfield One' campaign of the 1990s. With many calling for the show to 'free Sally', some even went so far as to blast the showrunners' decision to present the justice system in such a way. One wrote: '#Corrie The Sally guilty storyline is so horrible, that I am boycotting Coronation Street until Sally is released!' Outraged: It came after fans were also quick to slam Sally's guilty verdict on Monday night, with many likening it to Deirdre Barlow and her false imprisonment Another user added: 'So glad I only watch #ClassicCorrie now. Where it's 1992 & young Sally has just given birth to Rosie. Life was better back then.' While another slammed: 'I'm so bloody fed up of Corrie having innocent people being found guilty in court all the time. It happened with Anna, now it's happened AGAIN with Sally. We NEED to see justice PREVAIL. Anything else is just an unsatisfactory end to a court battle storyline.' One Twitter user said: 'Shows how British society has deteriorated. 20 years ago the nation demanded justice for Deirdre, now poor Sally is rotting away in prison and no one gives a damn. While she is going to prison, Sally won't be leaving the show as viewers can expect to find out the length of her sentence, as well as see her life behind bars. She is the popular morning TV presenter known for her usually professional demeanour. But Kate Garraway made a rather cheeky confession about her underwear during Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain. The 51-year-old star confessed she leaves her knickers lying around everywhere in the studio, as she chatted about I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here with former contestant Iain Lee. Scroll down for video Confession: Kate Garraway made a rather cheeky confession about her underwear during Thursday's episode of Good Morning Britain Taken aback: The 51-year-old star confessed she leaves her knickers lying around everywhere in the studio, as she chatted about I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here with former contestant Iain Lee Radio DJ Iain, 45, was discussing a segment from the previous night's episode which saw current campmate Nick Knowles admit he didn't want to handle the women's underwear as he did laundry. A whimsical Kate then asked who had been walking around the camp 'without knickers on.' Iain responded that he wasn't too bothered about dealing with people's underwear when he competed in the jungle in the 2017 series. Discussing his fellow campmate, Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine, 34, he said: 'I used to dry her knickers with a stick over the fire.' Jungle return: Radio DJ Iain, 45, was discussing a segment from the previous night's episode which saw current campmate Nick Knowles admit he didn't want to handle the women's underwear as he did laundry Cheeky: A whimsical Kate then asked who had been walking around the camp 'without knickers on' A playful Iain then asked GMB co-presenter Ben Shephard if he would dry Kate's underwear if it came to it. The blonde beauty then retorted: 'I leave my underwear everywhere.' Ben, 43, then shot back: 'Yeah, Kate and her big pants' as the group laughed. Last month Kate returned to the Good Morning Britain sofa following a terrifying meningitis scare. Revelation: A playful Iain then asked GMB co-presenter Ben Shephard if he would dry Kate's underwear if it came to it leading her to retort: 'I leave my underwear everywhere' The presenter had two weeks off work after falling ill backstage and being rushed to hospital. The star explained to her co-hosts, Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard, that doctors were worried she had contracted the serious illness due to her sensitivity to lights and an extremely high temperature. Luckily for the host it wasn't meningitis, and while she didn't clarify her exact diagnosis she later alluded to a 'virus'. Multimillionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes, 45, recently denied rumours he's dating Montana Cox, 25, months after his split with the mother of his kids Kate Fowler, 28. But despite Justin and Montana denying the speculation of a blossoming romance, it could have been awkward for Montana and Kate to cross paths at a Sydney event this week. The pair both attended the VIP Cartier Precious Cargo Party on Thursday night. That's awkward! Millionaire Justin Hemmes' ex-partner Kate Fowler (right) attends the same event as Montana Cox (left) who recently denied rumours she's dating the wealthy businessman Montana paraded her taut stomach at the event in a black crop top and tailored trousers. Briefly posing on the red carpet at the star-studded event, Montana later smiled for the cameras inside the party. Meanwhile, Kate happily posed up a storm on the red carpet in a chic green silk dress that hugged at her slim frame. 'We're just friends': Multimillionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes (ABOVE), 45, previously denied rumoured he was dating model, Montana Cox, 25, months after splitting with long-term partner Kate Fowler, 28 Taut-al babe! Montana paraded her flat stomach and svelte figure at the event in a black crop top and tailored trousers Looking good! Meanwhile, Kate happily posed up a storm on the red carpet in a chic green silk dress that hugged at her slim frame Kate appeared in high spirits as she attended with her Victoria's Secret model sister Georgia Fowler. The Sunday Telegraph previously claimed Kate's multimillionaire ex Justin 'began seeing' former David Jones ambassador Montana in April. The report came after Justin announced his split from the mother of his two children, Kate, in July, after nearly five years together. Earlier this month, the Merivale CEO, who has a reported net worth of $951 million, denied he was romancing the model, telling Private Sydney he and the brunette beauty were 'just friends'. Despite the denial, Private Sydney claimed that Justin 'turned a deep shade of crimson' when asked about his rumoured relationship with Montana. All smiles! Kate appeared in high spirits as she attended with her Victoria's Secret model sister Georgia Fowler Meanwhile, Montana, 25, also denied widespread whispers that she and Justin, 45, were an item. Speaking with The Sun-Herald's The Goss, the stunner stated: 'We are just friends, we have always just been friends, I think people just like to talk about things'. Upon confirming his split from Kate in July, Justin said they had actually separated six months prior. Justin and Kate share two daughters together - Alexa, two, and 15-month-old Saachi. Caroline Flack has given Love Island fans a sneak peek of the first ever Christmas special. The show host, 39, delighted viewers by offering a glimpse behind the scenes, as finalists Megan Barton Hanson, 24, and Wes Nelson, 20, led the excited cast members making their way to the TV reunion. Sharing a video from his car journey with Megan to his 1.6 million Instagram followers, Wes revealed the couple - one of only four from the series still together were on the way to filming and will be on social media lockdown. Christmas special: Love Island's Wes Nelson, 20, and Megan Barton Hanson, 24, filmed a video as they headed to film the Christmas reunion in a mystery location on Wednesday Wes said: 'Filming the Christmas reunion. It's about to go down.' In a separate post, the reality star said he was 'gonna be quiet for a couple of days'. Caroline also teased the upcoming special to fans, sharing a series of clips to get her followers excited for the reunion and admitted it felt odd to film the sun-kissed series in the middle of winter. The Love Island presenter teased the location of the reunion by posing outside a stately home, wearing an embellished skirt and one-shoulder top. She also posted on Instagram wrapped up in a parka jacket, the TV presenter shared a snap of herself and wrote: 'Off to film a bit of Christmas Love Island today... feels weird in the winter.' Exciting times: Show host Caroline Flack, 39, wowed in an embellished silver and black skirt with a frill-trim one-shoulder top as she posed outside a stately home Jumping for joy: Caroline couldn't hide her excitement for the reunion as she leaped into the air The host later shared a glimpse at her reunion script and the Love Island Christmas Reunion cue cards. The location for the special has been kept top secret but Caroline looked to be in luxurious surroundings as she relaxed in a spa and showed fans a glimpse of the huge pool. Love Island alumni Georgia Steele, 20, also told of her excitement ahead of the special. She shared a snap on the way to filming, writing that she had a 'two hour drive' ahead of her. Kinky boots: Caroline shared a snap of her festive attire including a pair of thigh-high boots Sneak peak: Caroline shared a series of clips to get her followers excited for the reunion and admitted it felt odd to film the sun-kissed series in the middle of winter Sharing a clip of herself chowing down on a meal, the former dance student told of her excitement about being reunited with her former cast mates, including ex-boyfriend Sam Bird, 25. Georgia said: 'So I'm here eating my last supper before I go back to see everyone from Love Island. So excited.' Paul Knops, 31, who was linked with Laura Anderson, 29, on the series, also announced he was on his way to the reunion and would be going off social media. He wrote: 'Destination unknown @LoveIsland. I shall be offline for a couple of days too.' Preparation: The TV presenter later shared a glimpse at her reunion script and the Love Island Christmas Reunion cue cards Reunin: The location for the special has been kept top secret, but Caroline looked to be in luxurious surroundings as she relaxed in a spa and showed fans a glimpse of the huge pool Only four couples from the show remain united, with a series of splits blighting the series' stars in the weeks and months following the final. Winners Jack Fincham, 26, and Dani Dyer, 22, are still together and filming their own reality show, while Adam Collard, 23, and Zara McDermott, 20, have recently moved into their first flat. Along with Megan and Wes, Kazimir Crossley, 23, and Josh Denzel, 26, are also still loved-up. Journey: Georgia Steel, 20, also told of her excitement ahead of the special, sharing a snap on the way to filming, writing that she had a 'two hour drive' ahead of her Most of the couples who got together in the Mallorca villa have gone their separate ways since the cameras turned off. Georgia and Sam Bird confirmed their split on Instagram in October, with Sam admitted he was 'devastated' by the break-up while Georgia insisted she will 'always care about him'. Paul and Laura broke the string of success' for the finalists' relationships as they called it quits shortly after the series ended. Break: Paul Knops, 31, who was linked with Laura Anderson, 29, on the series, also announced he was on his way to the reunion and would be going off social media Romance: Winners Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer are still going strong and have been filming their own reality show together (pictured after winning the show in July) Paul told The Sun: We werent compatible for each other. I knew I had to be 100 per cent sure about it because you know the next person youre with could potentially be youre wife; you dont want to be unsure about it.' Frankie Foster, 22, and Samira Mighty, 22, also didn't last outside the villa, despite Samira leaving when her other half was voted out - they called it quits in August. It also wasn't meant to be for Charlie Brake, 23, and Ellie Brown, 20, who announced they were splitting on Instagram in October. He entertained viewers during his stint on I'm A Celebrity last year. And Iain Lee amused his hosts on Good Morning Britain on Thursday as the panel discussed Nick Knowles' underwear debate, following the presenter's refusal to pick up Emily Atack's knickers on Wednesday night's show. The comedian, 45, called out the irony of the chivalrous gesture as he branded the DIY SOS presenter, 56, a 'player', and indicated he liked younger women by jokingly telling Susanna Reid, 47, she was 'too old' for him. 'Player: Iain Lee amused his hosts on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, as he discussed Nick Knowles, who had refused to pick up his fellow campmates Emily Atack's underwear Nick was criticised by fans for making a 'sexist' comment about the women in the camp being 'jumpier' on their period, with him later refusing to hang up their laundry in the jungle 'out of respect'. Discussing the debate on the show, Iain said: 'Nick Knowles saw a pair of pants on the floor and surprisingly for Nick - because we know he's a bit of a player...' With a gasp, Susanna interrupted: 'Oh! Is he?', to which co-host Kate Garroway commented: 'Oh, Reid.' Offended: The comedian, 45, said the chivalrous gesture was ironic, branding Nick, 56, a 'player', and indicated he liked younger women, joking Susanna, 47, she was 'too old' for him Under scrutiny: Nick was criticised by fans for making a 'sexist' comment about the women of the camp being 'jumpier' on their period, with him later refusing to hang up their laundry Player? Discussing the debate on the show, Iain said: 'Nick Knowles saw a pair of pants on the floor and surprisingly for Nick - because we know he's a bit of a player...' Surprised: With a gasp, Susanna interrupted: 'Oh! Is he?', to which co-host Kate Garroway commented: 'Oh, Reid' While Iain said: 'Susanna of course he is. You wouldn't know you're too old for him. I say that with love and respect to everybody involved.' Laughing, she quizzed: 'What's his target?', while Ben Shepherd hastily tried to change the subject. Looking for support, Iain said: 'Kate help me out here?' To which Garroway replied: 'I know what you're talking about. Course he is. He likes women and the women like him,' with Iain adding 'he's a good looking guy'. During the debate a whimsical Kate then asked who had been walking around the camp 'without knickers on.' Joking: Iain said: 'Susanna of course he is. You wouldn't know you're too old for him. I say that with love and respect to everybody involved' Ladies man: Laughing, she quizzed: 'What's his target?', while Ben Shepherd hastily tried to change the subject Nick-er chat: A heated tiff broke out over the fact that Nick Knowles wouldn't touch one of the girls' pairs of knickers, that were hanging out with the laundry, on Wednesday's I'm A Celeb... Laundry service: 'Why do you feel uncomfortable, its just an item of clothing, its not inappropriate. Its fine to hang a pair of womens knickers on the washing line,' said John Barrowman Discussing his fellow campmate, Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine, 34, the radio host said: 'I used to dry her knickers with a stick over the fire.' A playful Iain then asked GMB co-presenter Ben if he would dry Kate's underwear if it came to it. The blonde beauty then retorted: 'I leave my underwear everywhere.' Ben, 43, shot back: 'Yeah, Kate and her big pants' as the group laughed. Don't touch! 'I dont feel comfortable handling womens knickers but they are wet and need drying so would you hang them on the line?' he asked John Old fashioned: Emily Atack said she appreciated Nicks old fashioned chivalry Nick is known for his colourful love life, having divorced his second ex-wife Jessica Rose Moor back in 2016. Jessica, 31, is 25 years younger than Nick, with the former couple sharing their son Edwin, four, together. The television presenter has also been linked to TOWIE star Pascal Craymer, 31, and has two children with his first wife Gillian Knowles, who he wed in the 1990s. He later had son Tyrian-J during his two-year relationship with beauty therapist Paula Beckett-Vass. Charmer: Nick is known for his colourful love life, having divorced his second ex-wife Jessica Rose Moor back in 2016 Brief romance: The television presenter has also been linked to TOWIE star Pascal Craymer, 31, Iain's appearance on the morning stalwart comes after he said he wanted to quit his 's**t' radio show but can't due to mounting debts caused by his ongoing divorce in an on-air meltdown on Tuesday. The former I'm A Celebrity star ranted about declining numbers of listeners and the lack of originality of his nightly show, The Late Night Alternative on TalkRADIO before admitting he felt like he was 'treading water'. As his aghast co-host Katherine Boyle attempted to talk to him, the comedian went on to slam 'the same old callers' who contact the show before saying if he didn't have to shell out 3,000 a month, he would quit. He said: 'I don't know what to do. 24 minutes in, I don't know where to take it TroubleD: Iain's appearance on the morning stalwart comes after he said he wanted to quit his 's**t' radio show but can't due to mounting debts caused by his ongoing divorce As Katherine said: 'Hmmm shall we go straight to air for a bit', to which he responded: 'Well no, no-one's phoning in. I'll tell you what. I've been so close recently to quitting this job 'So close to quitting it, because I just feel I am repeating the same old s**t that we've been doing for years and it's not going anywhere. 'We're getting the same old callers, it's great that you guys call in. It feels like the same handful of people who are calling. ' He continued: 'I listen to all the other radio stations that do phone-ins (sorry headphone this is bulls***) and this doesn't fit in with anything.' The father of two, who is going through a divorce from wife Helena, then said: 'I swear to god, if I wasn't up to my eyeballs in debt and didn't have to pay a huge amount of money every month for my divorce and for my house I'd quit because it feels like we're just treading water.' The brave star, who placed third on last year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! has spoken openly about his battle with depression, revealing in May that he was sexually abused as a child, which he believed was a trigger. Fan favourite: The star made it to the final of the 2017 series of I'm A Celebrity Earlier this month Iain revealed coming off anti-depressants had left him feeling suicidal in a heartbreaking tweet. The presenter was inundated with support from followers after he admitted he was in a 'f*****g dark' place and pledged support to others going though the harrowing experience. He wrote: 'Coming off anti-depressants. Sweet lord. It's hard. Harder than coming off a coke binge. Much harder. More emotional. Longer. Drawn out. So f*****g dark.' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. For confidential support for adults who suffered any type of abuse in childhood call NAPAC on 0808 801 0331, free from landlines and mobiles, or click here for details She recently revealed her dream engagement would take place on Iceland's scenic Diamond Beach. But Kelly Brook's preferences went out the window as she jokingly accepted a marriage proposal from a fan on Instagram on Wednesday. The glamour model, 38, who is in a relationship with model Jeremy Parisi, 33, took to the social media site to showcase her playful side as she responded: 'I always say yes'. In true Kelly fashion, the TV personality garnered attention from her followers as she posted a sizzling snap. The Loose Women presenter put on a very busty display in a red bandage dress as she posed with a pen in her mouth, and captioned the snap: 'Dear Santa... Thank you'. Trying his luck, a fan commented: 'I know the answer will be no and I know your with someone but am going to ask it anyhow, will you marry me?' (sic). 'I always say yes!': Kelly Brook jokingly accepted a marriage proposal from a fan on Instagram on Wednesday, despite being in a relationship with model Jeremy Parisi Having fun: The glamour model, 38, took to the social media site to showcase her playful side as she joked: 'I always say yes' Kelly responded: 'Yes of Course!! I always say Yes!' alongside heart, champagne and a wedding ring emojis. She's had her fair share of engagements in the past, with four of her former beaus getting down on bended knee. Kelly recently appeared to throw shade at Jason Statham, Billy Zane, Thom Evans and David McIntosh, as she admitted their proposals weren't 'memorable'. During her radio stint on Heart Drivetime with Jason King earlier this month, the star revealed she'd would like to 'go the whole way' with her engagement next time round. Not good enough: Kelly recently appeared to throw shade at Jason Statham, Billy Zane, Thom Evans and David McIntosh, as she admitted their proposals weren't 'memorable' The presenter told her co-host: 'Ive not really had, I mean this is a bit mean to say but Im gonna be honest I havent really had any memorable engagements. 'No like big grand gestures of like of romance or anything. So in my mind if I do ever get engaged again, which will be the one and I will go the whole way and get married by the way', she added. Speaking on her dream proposal, the brunette bombshell divulged: 'I found this beach [in Iceland], its called diamond beach and its basically this black beach and it is full of these glaciers and it just looks so incredible. Former beaus: She has had had her fair share of engagements in the past, with four of her exes getting down on bended knee (pictured L-R Billy and Jason) Love life: The glamour model has been in a relationship with model Jeremy, 33, since 2015 In the past: During her recent radio stint on Heart Drivetime with Jason King, she revealed she'd would like to 'go the whole way' with her engagement next time round (pictured L-R Thom and David) 'Its so beautiful and I think that is the best place to get engaged', the Piranha 3D actress elaborated. Kelly dated action star Jason, 51 - who is now in a long-term relationship with model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 31 - for six years between 1998 and 2004 when she was just 18. She then moved on to Hollywood actor Billy, 52, who she was in a relationship with between 2004 and 2008, when the couple broke off their engagement. Former flame: Kelly dated action star Jason, 51, for six years between 1998 and 2004 when she was just 18 (pictured in June 2004) Hollywood romance: The beauty moved on to actor Billy, 52, between 2004 and 2008, when the couple broke off their engagement (pictured in May 2008) Playing the field: Kelly dated rugby player and ladies' man Danny, 30, on and off between 2008 and 2010 (pictured in December 2008) Kelly dated rugby player Danny Cipriani, 30, on and off between 2008 and 2010, before moving on to another rugby star in the form of Thom, 33. The couple were together for two years, but suffered heartache when the model had a miscarriage in May 2011, two months after announcing they were expecting a baby girl. She later moved on to former Gladiators star David, 32. In 2014, the couple got engaged amid an eight-week whirlwind romance, but split after nine months. Heartbreak: Kelly dated rugby star Thom Evans, 33, for two years, but suffered heartache when she miscarried the couple's baby girl in May 2011 (pictured in September 2012) Their on-screen characters' marriage in 1987 was Neighbours' most watched episode of all time. And Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan proved they're as close as ever as they took to social media to mark the 30th anniversary of their hit single, Especially For You, on Wednesday night. Kylie, 50, shared a picture of a much younger version of herself and Jason in 1988 alongside a video of the pair performing in Hyde Park earlier this year on Instagram, with the caption: 'Especially For You is 30!!!??? Time flies: Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan proved they're as close as ever as they took to Instagram to mark the 30th anniversary of their hit single Especially For You on Wednesday 'Ive been singing this on the Golden Tour and its such a fun, memory-filled singalong for everyone on and off stage. 'When Jason Donovan surprised everyone and joined me onstage at BBC Radio 2 [in] Hyde Park a couple of months ago, it was pure magic. Happy Birthday to the song that still means so much to so many. Thanks!' Her pop partner Jason, 50, shared the same picture with the caption: 'Happy 30th Birthday Especially For You.' Before embarking on their singing career, both Kylie and Jason were fan favourites in Australian soap opera Neighbours. Celebrate: Kylie, 50, took to Instagram on Wednesday with the caption: 'Happy Birthday to the song that still means so much to so many' Remembering: The pair delighted fans by giving a surprise rendition of their hit single in Hyde Park earlier this year (pictured) Kylie joined the show in 1986 as Charlene Mitchell and soon developed a romance with Jason's character, Scott Robinson, who was also cast in the same year. When the pair's characters married in 1987, the show boasted nearly 20 million British viewers making it the most watched Neighbours episode of all time. They recorded Especially For You a year later and it went on to be Jason's highest chart success, reaching number two in the Australian charts and climbing to number one in the UK. Kylie has gone on to achieve huge commercial success and while Especially For You was her highest and longest-charting single in Australia, her first three singles debuted at number one in the charts. Record viewing: When the pair's characters married in Neighbours, the show boasted nearly 20 million British viewers, making it the most watched episode of all time. Throwback: Kylie joined the show in 1986 as Charlene Mitchell and soon developed a romance with Jason's character, Scott Robinson, also cast in the same year Their Neighbours co-star Natalie Imbruglia penned her support for the pair by commenting a heart on Jason's Instagram account. Pop princess Kylie has had a successful musical career with 14 albums, a host of tours and an OBE award. Father-of-three Jason battled back from a drug addiction to have a successful stage and radio career and was third place in I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here in 2006. She has managed to look effortlessly flawless throughout her I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here hosting stint so far. However Holly Willoughby's put-together appearance is not without hard work, as her gruelling schedule has revealed. The TV presenter, 37, has a brutal 2am wake up call in order to have a polished performance ready for the cameras to roll at 7am. Inside scoop: Holly Willoughby's put-together I'm A Celeb appearance is not without hard work, as her gruelling schedule has revealed During that five hour window Holly is preened and spends time practising her script ahead of the live show, reports the Sun. Once the star is awake, the day kick starts with her being picked up by a Range Rover from her Cabarita Beach hotel, where she has been staying with her family during the trip. While driving over to camp she checks her emails and makes sure she hasn't missed a beat from what has been happening on set. Glam team: The TV presenter, 37, has a brutal 2am wake up call in order to have a polished performance ready for the cameras to roll at 7am Everyday she's jungling: Holly's wardrobe has been a hot topic during her time in the jungle, with viewers quick to comment on what she has worn for each show Holly's wardrobe has been a hot topic during her time in the jungle, with viewers quick to comment on what she has worn for each show. Once she arrives in the camp she picks out two choices of for the day's show with the help of her stylist Angie Smith, who has previously said that sometimes dressing Holly 'feels like she is dressing the nation'. Angie, who is thought to have brought more than 40 outfits for the three-week series, helps Holly decide what she should wear for the live links and something a little more practical for the Bushtucker trial. The mother-of-three then heads to the camp canteen, where there are plenty of delicious breakfast options on offer for the crew. Holly can often be spotted there enjoying a cup of tea before heading to rehearsals with her co-host Declan Donnelly. After running through the script with Dec, Holly ensures she is camera ready by paying a visit to her make-up artist. With her outfit, hair and make-up ready Holly will then share her outfit on Instagram ahead of the show, which she has been captioning 'every day I'm jungling'. Rehearsals: Following some last minute alterations the camera's are rolling and the UK tunes in to watch Holly and Dec present the show, before completing their segment on extra time. Following some last minute alterations the camera's are rolling and the UK tunes in to watch Holly and Dec present the show, before completing their segment on extra time. After a quick outfit transformation to suit the humid conditions of the jungle, the duo will film the next days trial before having a meeting with producers to debrief on how it all went. Holly's working day is over at 11am and family time can begin, so she heads back to her lavish hotel to check on her children Harry, nine, Belle, seven and Chester four. Beach time: The children are being tutored while they spend time with their mum in Australia, but once school's out Holly takes them down to the beach to make the most of the afternoon The children are being tutored while they spend time with their mum in Australia, but once school's out Holly takes them down to the beach to make the most of the afternoon. The fact that Holly isn't a well-known face in Australia has proved beneficial for her trip, as she is able to head to the supermarkets, local shops and salons without interruption. Holly's day draws to a close after enjoying some dinner at her hotel's beach club, she heads to bed at 6am, the same time as her kids, but not before FaceTiming her cat bluebell. She memorably starred in Stan's Romper Stomper earlier this year. And on Thursday, Lily Sullivan showed up to support another Stan original series by attending the red carpet premiere of Bloom at Bar Machiavelli in Sydney. The 24-year-old stunned in a shoulderless white dress with a high neck as she posed against the media wall. Stepping out! Lily Sullivan attended the premiere of the Stan original series Bloom at Bar Machiavelli in Sydney on Thursday Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, the actress recalled an awkward story about coming down with gastro during the filming of Picnic At Hanging Rock. '[I remember] shooting, when there were a bunch of young ladies in white corsets and white picnic dresses, and we all had gastro out in the Macedon Ranges.' She added: 'It was probably the craziest thing I've ever dealt with!' Gorgeous: The 24-year-old stunned in a shoulder-less white dress with a high neck as she posed against the media wall with Lachy Hulme The brunette then praised the film-making behind the Foxtel series for being able to hide the harsh reality of the cast's upset stomachs. 'I think it's film-making at its finest,' she said. 'Where you think you're seeing these delicate little Botticelli angels...' 'We all had gastro out in the Macedon Ranges!' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, the actress recalled an awkward story about coming down with gastro during the filming of Picnic At Hanging Rock Meanwhile, Stan's Bloom is set in a small country town after a devastating flood kills five people, and tells the story of a plant that emerges in the aftermath, with the ability to restore youth. The Australian drama features a star-studded cast, which includes Bryan Brown, Phoebe Tonkin, Ryan Corr, Daniel Henshall, and Tessa Rose. Acclaimed U.S. film director John Curran (Tracks, Chappaquiddick, Praise) was at the helm of the Stan Original Series, which was funded by Screen Australia and Stan. Stan describes the show as 'a mystery drama about the scarcity of time and the choices we make. Beyond the impulses of youth and the regrets of age lies a secret.' Stan's Bloom will debut on New Year's Day She is the toast of Hollywood who is known for her acclaimed acting roles in dramas The Crown and First Man. And ahead of her first foray into hosting on Saturday Night Live, Claire Foy did battle with cast member Pete Davidson in an epic food fight. In an official SNL promo, the actress, 34, showed off her playful side as she engaged in a hilarious food fight with the platinum haired star, 25, who said it was a 'tradition that we have to do with every host.' Scroll down for video Popcorn shower: Ahead of her first foray into hosting on Saturday Night Live, Claire Foy did battle with cast member Pete Davidson in an epic food fight Oh dear: In an official SNL promo, the actress, 34, engaged in a hilarious food fight with the platinum haired star, 25, who said it was a 'tradition that we have to do with every host Pete kicked off the calorific battle by chucking a powdered doughnut in the brunette beauty's face, before she retaliated with an onslaught of spaghetti. The hunk whipped some pasta out of his pocket as Claire reeled back, before the actress threw a whole pizza like a frisbee in his direction, knocking Ariana Grande's ex off his feet. Next up was the battle of the squirty creams, before Claire threw an entire bag of popcorn in Pete's face, and showered him with lettuce. Pelting him with glazed doughnuts, Pete dug his hands into a mammoth cream cake and launched it at the star. Sugary: Pete kicked off the calorific battle by chucking a powdered doughnut in the brunette beauty's face Pasta the point of no return: Claire then retaliated with an onslaught of spaghetti Silent rage: Pete plotted his next move after being pelted with the carby delight Take that! Pete whipped some pasta out of his pocket as he took aim at Claire Pizza the action: The actress threw a whole pizza like a frisbee in his direction A final dousing of chocolate milk sealed Claire's victory in the epic food battle. Fellow SNL cast member Heidi Gardner then walked in with a shocked expression and revealed the now destroyed banquet was her lunch. Baffled at the supposed tradition, she then said: 'You owe me $413' as an innocent Pete told a shocked Claire to 'pay the woman.' I didn't know my own strength: The star knocked Ariana Grande's ex off his feet Brave: Next up was the battle of the squirty creams as Claire cringed The star shot to fame with her much-lauded role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, a role which has netted her She recently starred alongside Ryan Gosling in First Man, which is generating Oscar buzz. The actress has traded an orb and sceptre for piercings, tattoos and spiked dog collars for her latest role in The Girl In The Spiders Web - in a role originally made famous by the likes of Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara. Claire announced her split from husband Stephen Campbell Moore in February after four years of marriage. They share a three-year-old daughter, Ivy. She's fuming: Fellow SNL cast member Heidi Gardner then walked in with a shocked expression and revealed the now destroyed banquet was her lunch Whoops: Baffled at the supposed tradition, she then said: 'You owe me $413' He's known for his usual beard of scruff, both on and off-screen. But Kit Harington seems to be pledging his support to No Shave November despite his latest role, as he rocked a brand new moustache leaving the Vaudeville Theatre on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Game Of Thrones star was rocking a classic moustache for his latest role in the play True West, yet was also a sign of support for the annual charity venture that raises awareness of men's health issues. Transformed: Kit Harington seems supporting No Shave November despite his latest role, as he rocked a brand new moustache leaving the Vaudeville Theatre on Wednesday Kit was putting on a casual display in a cosy grey jacket and olive green jumper combo, wrapping up warm against the chilly climes as he left the theatre where he's doing his latest show. Along with his signature dark curls, he had swapped his usual beard for a vintage-style moustache, perfectly matching his character in the play. Kit had been sharing his support for the annual No Shave November, which sees people growing their moustaches and beards throughout the month to raise awareness of men's health issues such as prostate cancer. New look: Ditching his usual bearded scruff (right), the 31-year-old British actor was sporting a classic moustache as he wrapped up his latest performance Kit also had his wedding ring on full display while out and about, after tying the knot with co-star Rose Leslie in June. He has been treading the boards of the capital in his latest play True West, after wrapping the filming on eighth and final season of Game Of Thrones. In it Kit plays Austin, a Hollywood screenwriter with a wife and children, while Johnny Flynn plays his older brother Lee, a drifter and a thief. Speaking about performing on stage again, Kit told The Standard: 'The final series of Game Of Thrones has been nine months of filming. To be back on stage and in front of an audience is a wonderful feeling.' He added: 'It is such a different discipline, going from a cast of hundreds to a play focused so intensely on the relationship between two brothers. 'I have admired Johnny [Flynn, his co-star] for a long time now and have discovered a great love for Sam Shepard through this process. I am so excited for audiences to see this play.' Low-key: Battling the chilly autumn climes, Kit wrapped up in a grey jacket and olive green jumper as he exited the theatre Star-studded: As of now the star has been treading the boards opposite Johnny Flynn in the play True West At loggerheads: Kit and Johnny star as warring brothers Austin and Lee in Sam Shepards modern classic play Surprise: Kit's character Austin is working on a movie script that he has sold to producer Saul Kimmer when Lee stumbles back in to his life Rivalry: Never content to watch from the sidelines Lee pitches his own idea to Kimmer Distraught: Lee's betrayal has far reaching consequences While he is unquestionable more famed for his role as Jon Snow in Game Of Thrones, Harington has more stage credits than he has TV. He starred in War Horse (2008), Posh (2010) and The Vote (2015), as well as playing the lead in 2016's Doctor Faustus. On the big screen he is next set to voice Eret in the third and final part of the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy The Hidden World in 2019. Relations frayed: Set in the searing heat of the Californian desert this critically acclaimed drama pits brother against brother The harsh reality: As the family tears itself apart, exposing the cracks in the American Dream She has been busying doting over her newborn daughter since giving birth to her in September. And Cheyenne Tozzi took a well-deserved night off to enjoy to attend the Cartier Precious Cargo Party in Sydney on Thursday. The 29-year-old flaunted her trim post-baby figure in a double breasted mini blazer dress that drew attention to her long legs. Hot mamma! Model Cheyenne Tozzi flaunts her trim post-baby body in a chic blazer dress at Cartier party in Sydney She teamed her chic red carpet look with a pair of gold heels that featured black ribbons around her ankles. For makeup, she kept it simple to highlight her glowy bronzed complexion with mauve eyeshadow, eyeliner, a hint of mascara and a peachy-pink hue on her lips. Cheyenne wore her honey blonde locks loosely and they cascaded down the structured shoulder pads of her frock. Glamorous: Cheyenne wore her honey blonde locks loosely and they cascaded down the structured shoulder pads of her frock Proud parents: Cheyenne shares with her model partner Marlon Teixeira, 26 (pictured) Her night out at the Cartier event comes after she gave birth to her daughter Dahlia De La Lune, who she shares with her model partner Marlon Teixeira, 26. Earlier this month, supermodel Elle Macpherson revealed that she is the godmother to Cheyenne's little girl. In the photo, Cheyenne can be seen playing with her bub and pulling funny faces to entertain the tot. What an angel! Cheyenne gave birth to her daughter Dahlia De La Lune back in September Model mothers: Earlier this month, supermodel Elle Macpherson revealed that she is the godmother to Cheyenne's little girl. In the photo, Cheyenne can be seen playing with her bub and pulling funny faces to entertain the tot (pictured right) Elle captioned the sweet photo, 'mother, daughter, godmother'. Cheyenne recently revealed to Harper's Bazaar that Elle was the first person she called about her baby news. 'She's mentored me through so many things, so I rang her and was like [insert panic-happy screech],' she added. 'Elle's obviously a strong businesswoman and I'm going to be a working mother in this industry, so I need her advice on thatbut she's also very emotionally understanding of all the feelings, the meltdowns you have in pregnancy,' she noted. Tekashi 6ix9ine sent his glamour model girlfriend a $35,000 Rolex from prison, as he faces racketeering, conspiracy murder, assault, drugs, robbery and firearms charges. Despite languishing in jail as he awaits trial for racketeering and firearms charges, the embattled rapper, 22, found time to send his love Jade a diamond-studded watch for her birthday. Jade celebrated her 22nd birthday on Tuesday in New York City, and though unable to attend, Tekashi sent her a 41mm Rolex, said to be customised with 18k white and rose gold and 24 carats of VS diamonds. Lavish gift: Tekashi 6ix9ine sent his glamour model girlfriend a $35,000 Rolex from prison, as he faces racketeering, conspiracy murder, assault, drugs, robbery and firearms charges Gift from behind bars: Jade celebrated her 22nd birthday on Tuesday in New York City, and though unable to attend, Tekashi sent her a 41mm Rolex, customised with 18k white and rose gold and 24 carats of VS diamonds The lavish gift was hand-delivered to Jade by celebrity jeweller and ardent Tekashi supporter JimmyBoi. Thanking her beau, who is facing a 25 years to life prison sentence for the gift, Jade posted a photo of herself with it, saying, 'Thank you baby :) your the best even when your not around.'(sic) Keeping a positive attitude despite the multiple charges faced by her boyfriend, Jade posted a photo of the pair writing: 'Minor set back for a MAJOR come back.' Tekashi pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering and firearms charges in New York on Monday morning. The FeFe rapper has not been cleared however in that racketeering case, and is still facing six counts and a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for his alleged involvement in multiple acts involving murder, robbery, extortion, and distribution of controlled substances. Bling: The lavish gift was hand-delivered to Jade by celebrity jeweller and ardent Tekashi supporter JimmyBoi Thanks: Thanking her beau, who is facing a 25 years to life prison sentence for the gift, Jade posted a photo of herself with it, saying, 'Thank you baby :) your the best even when your not around.'(sic) A pre-trial conference is set for January 22 and the trial is scheduled for September. The rapper pleaded guilty to one felony count of using a child in a sexual performance in 2015. In October he was sentenced to four years probation for this offence, and more recently he had pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for a separate assault charge on a NY police officer, according to Vulture. Tekashi, real name Daniel Hernandez, is currently sitting with neutral inmates at a federal facility after being discharged from Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday. His exit came just days after a grand jury indicted him and five other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods on racketeering charges. Looming trial: Keeping a positive attitude despite the multiple charges faced by her boyfriend, Jade posted a photo of the pair writing: 'Minor set back for a MAJOR come back' Sultry: Jade is a glamour model who is known for posting saucy snaps to social media There was no transfer facility listed however for Hernandez, as is standard when a prisoner is released from the MDC. The indictment alleges that the violent episodes involving 6ix9ine included the July shooting of a bystander in Brooklyn and the gunpoint robbery of one of the gang's rivals last spring. On Wednesday, defense attorney Lance Lazzaro said in a statement that his client was 'completely innocent of all charges.' Plea: Tekashi pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering and firearms charges in New York on Monday morning (pictured at at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court in July) 'An entertainer who portrays a "gangster image" to promote his music does not make him a member of an enterprise,' said Lazzaro. 'Mr. Hernandez became a victim of this enterprise and later took steps by firing employees and publicly denounced this enterprise through a morning show. Threats were then made against his life which resulted in this case being brought immediately.' Hernandez has previously spent time in jail for assault and drug offences. He rose to fame in late 2017 when his debut single Gummo hit the charts and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. His subsequent debut mixtape debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 album chart. She is commonly spotted on the London social circuit putting on glamorous sartorial displays in an array of stylish ensembles. But Millie Mackintosh proved that she can do off-duty style just as well as she strolled through the streets of Chelsea on Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old wore a statement faux fur leopard print jacket over a teal cardigan with chunky buttons and distressed blue jeans. Chic: Millie Mackintosh proved that she can do off-duty style just as well as she strolled through the streets of Chelsea on Thursday afternoon Opting for comfort the fashionista wore a pair of laced white pumps as she ran errands around her west London home town. She accessorised her look with a gold pendent necklace, a black padded chain bag and a pair of huge black shades. Millie wore her honey coloured tresses in loose waves, while opting for a make-up free look and highlighting her natural beauty. Cool: The 29-year-old wore a statement faux fur leopard print jacket over a teal cardigan with chunky buttons and distressed blue jeans Millie, who married husband Hugo Taylor at his uncle's country estate, Whithurst Park, in West Sussex in June, was flying solo during her trip to the shops. The couple dated in 2011 while on Made In Chelsea, but split when it emerged Hugo had cheated on her with her friend Rosie Fortescue, who attended the wedding alongside a bevy of their other co-stars including Caggie Dunlop and Jamie Laing. They reunited in May 2016 shortly after Millie's split from first husband, rapper Professor Green. Millie was married to the musician, real name Stephen Manderson, 34, for two-and-a-half years. Love: Millie, who married husband Hugo Taylor at his uncle's country estate, Whithurst Park, in West Sussex in June, was flying solo during her trip to the shops The couple announced their split in February 2016 and finalised their divorce in May 2016, the same week that Millie went public with Hugo. Hugo then popped the question during a holiday in Mykonos, Greece, in July 2017. Talking about his bride, Hugo told Hello! magazine at the wedding: 'I knew she was The One within about five minutes of us getting back together.' Millie concurred: 'But if we'd stayed together when we were younger, we wouldn't be together now. We had to go away, do our separate things and grow as people. We needed that time apart.' After years of partying, it is not surprising that the couple injected details of their wild child ways into the day as they revealed they had named tables after nightclubs they held dear to their hearts - with them sitting on the 'Boujis' table. Speaking of the big day, Millie said: 'The whole day has felt like an out-of-body experience. 'Even in my wildest dreams I didn't imagine it would be this perfect. I am so excited to finally be married to Hugo - he's the love of my life.' Tommy Lee has branded Travis Scott a 'f***ing idiot' as he accused the father of Kylie Jenner's child of stealing two of he and Motley Crue's stage designs. The 56-year-old rock 'n roll drummer took to social media to blast the 26-year-old rapper claiming that he had stolen two amusement park-themed stage designs on his recent Astroworld Festival in Houston earlier this month. Tommy ripped into Travis as he posted comparison videos of his 360 loop design in comparison to the one at Travis recent concert. Scroll down for video Feud: Tommy Lee has branded Travis Scott a 'f***ing idiot' on Twitter as he accused the father of Kylie Jenner's child of stealing two of he and Motley Crue's stage designs Flipping out: The 56-year-old rock 'n roll drummer took to social media to blast the 26-year-old rapper claiming that he had stolen two amusement park-themed stage designs on his recent Astroworld Festival in Houston earlier this month The drummer captioned it: 'Just found out this f***ing idiot @travisscott or someone on his team ripped off the 360 AND The Cruecifly! WTF!! 'Get an original idea bro...(swipe to see who did this s*** first) BRB theres more ...' Tommy then posted two comparison videos of a rollercoaster-like structure - which Tommy dubbed the 'Cruecifly.' He continued the social media lambasting with the caption: 'ANNNNND not one rip off but TWO. DOPE. I get copying is a form of flattery, but this is just straight ripping off my s***. What do you guys think??? #cruecifly' Tommy then threatened to take this war of words to court as he posted on Twitter: 'Hey @trvisXX lawyer up!' 'This f***ing idiot': Tommy ripped into Travis as he posted comparison videos of his 360 loop design in comparison to the one at Travis recent concert' Sicko Mode: Travis could be seen rapping as he was seen flipping upside down at the huge concert at NRG Park in Houston on November 17 On Thursday night Travis' lawyers told TMZ that 'Tommy didnt invent the concept of a roller coaster on stage and theres no legal basis for his accusatory outburst. 'The actual creator and owner of the system has granted Travis all rights to use that equipment to complement his original stage design.' But Tommy had dug further, claiming his band had hired a Las Vegas company called SGPS to create their design... which he just discovered was the same company that built Travis' set. 'So all u motha****** tellin me I'm not right can f**k off,' he told the site. If this ends up being a legal battle, this wouldn't be the first time that the former husband of Pamela Anderson was taken to court over the 360-degree drum set in 2014 after an engineer had accused him of stealing the idea. Lee ultimately won the case as the judge concluded that he had come up with the idea on his own. Tommy then posted two comparison videos of a rollercoaster-like structure - which Tommy dubbed the 'Cruecifly' Not the first time: Lee was taken to court over the 360-degree drum set in 2014 after an engineer had accused him of stealing the idea as the rocker ultimately won the case The talented drummer is no stranger to taking people to task on social media as earlier this year he famously was involved in an ugly back-and-forth with his son Brandon. Back in March Tommy took to social media to claim that he had been assaulted by his own son who said had knocked him 'unconscious.' Tommy even posted an image of his busted, bloody lip, implying it was his son with Pam, 22, who dealt him the injury. No stranger to drama: Back in March Tommy took to social media to claim that he had been assaulted by his own son Brandon who said had knocked him 'unconscious' Wild Side: On Father's Day in June, Brandon posted this video of his father passed out in his underwear that is believed to have been taken directly after he punched Tommy on March 5 The duo came to blows after Tommy had criticized ex Pamela for discussing his arrest for spousal battery against her in 1998 in an interview with Piers Morgan. Tommy tweeted at the time: 'Think she'd find something new to discuss instead of rehashing old s*** but I guess she has nothing else going on & needs attention. Signed, 'The abuser' (who she texts everyday & asks for me back).' At the time Brandon had blamed the fight on his father's alleged alcoholism. In April, TMZ reported that the Los Angeles District Attorney rejected a criminal case against Brandon because Tommy stopped cooperating with authorities - despite earlier saying that he would. Gerard Butler has reportedly been hospitalised in the Dominican Republic. According to local reports, the Scottish actor, 49, was admitted to a private health centre in the capital of Santo Domingo last Monday after enduring more than 72 hours worth of abdominal pain. While doctors suspected appendicitis, further tests and an MRI revealed that Gerard was suffering from diverticulitis, it has been claimed by publications Pop & Arte and Graficas.com. Health troubles: Gerard Butler, 49, has reportedly been hospitalised in the Dominican Republic, according to local reports after falling ill with a digestive condition It is claimed that his diagnosis of diverticulity is uncomplicated and he will soon be discharged from hospital after remaining in stable condition over the past few days. Diverticulitis is a digestive condition which prompts small bulges or pockets to develop in the lining of the large intestine, causing it to become inflamed or infected. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Gerard for further comment. Pains: The Scottish actor was said to be admitted to a private health centre in the capital of Santo Domingo last Monday after enduring more than 72 hours worth of abdominal pain Charitable: Earlier this month, Gerard travelled to Haiti to meet the children who benefit from the help of a Scottish charity - weeks after his home was partially damaged by the California wildfires Earlier this month, Gerard travelled to Haiti to meet the children who benefit from the help of a Scottish charity just weeks after his home was partially damaged by the California wildfires. The Bounty Hunter star visited the Caribbean country to highlight the work of Mary's Meals who feed school children from some of the poorest country's in the world. In Haiti alone, Mary's Meals feeds more than 40,000 children every day, while also providing food for pupils in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. Butler was one of a host of celebrities whose home was affected by the fires which spread rapidly across California. Diagnosis: While doctors suspected appendicitis, an MRI revealed that Gerard was suffering from diverticulitis, it has been claimed by publications Pop & Arte and Graficas.com On November 10 he returned to his home to find it damaged by the fast-moving Woolsey fire. He shared an Instagram of the devastation as he stood in front of the remains of building and his burned out truck. The 48-year-old captioned it: 'Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. 'Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LosAngelesFireDepartment. ' And he ended with a heartfelt plea saying: 'If you can, support these brave men and women at SupportLAFD.org. Advertisement He has been busy presenting I'm A Celebrity with Holly Willoughby, with viewers watching him squirm during the Dreaded Deliveries trial on Wednesday night. And following the show, Declan Donnelly enjoyed a leisurely stroll with his wife Ali Astall and three-month-old daughter Isla along Australia's scenic coastline. The television host, 43, and Ali, 41, soaked up the breathtaking views and they stopped to ask a surfer to take a sweet family snap during their walk along Cabarita Beach. Beach jaunt: Following Wednesday's show, Declan Donnelly enjoyed a leisurely stroll with his wife Ali Astall and three-month-old daughter Isla along Australia's scenic coastline Ali was dressed for the beach jaunt in a loose-fitting black dress, which she layered atop of a zig-zag bikini top. The new mother accessorised her casual look with gold sandals and shielded her eyes from the sun's rays with tortoise shell sunglasses. Meanwhile, Dec looked dapper in a navy polo shirt, which he paired with beige cropped chinos and white trainers. First holiday: The television host, 43, and Ali, 41, soaked up the breathtaking views and couldn't resist asking a surfer to take a sweet family snap during their walk along Cabarita Beach Besotted: The couple looked every inch the doting parents on their stroll as they lovingly gazed down to little Isla, while Dec tentatively placed his arm around Ali Say cheese! Finding a scenic view, the trio had an impromptu photoshoot, with Dec and Ali taking it in turns to pose with their daughter against the stunning backdrop of the sea Parenthood suits him! Dec looked dapper in a navy polo shirt, which he paired with beige cropped chinos and white trainers as he cradled Isla Casually-clad: Ali was dressed for the beach jaunt in a loose-fitting black dress, which she layered atop of a zig-zag bikini top One of the photo album: Dec seized his moment with a passing surfer, asking if he could take a family snap of the trio Heartwarming: Dec lovingly cradled Isla for that all important snap with Ali smiling at the special moment Moving: Dec and Ali became proud parents to Isla back in September, with him announcing the news with a sweet snap of him holding hands with his daughter Beach baby: Isla was dressed for the sunny climes in a white dress, with Ali covering her pram in a throw to keep her daughter cool The whole family: Dec and Ali have taken to parenthood is their stride, with the television host flying his loved ones out ahead of his I'm A Celebrity presenting stint Isla was dressed for the sunny climes in a white dress, with Ali covering her pram in a throw to keep her daughter cool and protected from the scorching Australian sunshine. The couple looked every inch the doting parents on their stroll as they lovingly gazed down to little Isla, with Dec tentatively placing his arm around Ali. Finding a scenic view, the trio had an impromptu photoshoot, with Dec and Ali taking it in turns to pose with their daughter against the stunning backdrop of the sea. Family man: The couple, who welcomed Isla back in September, appeared thoroughly relaxed as Dec took time off from his presenting duties The lovebirds became proud parents to Isla back in September, with him announcing the news with a sweet snap of him holding hands with his daughter. An accompanying caption read: 'Ali and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our baby girl, Isla Elizabeth Anne, who was born just after 9 o'clock this morning. Mother and daughter both doing well, Dad is head over heels! D x' Ali and Dec have been in one another's lives for 13 years, after the Australian beauty was hired as the iconic duo's manager back in 2005. Smile for the camera! The pair tried a variety of angles against the idyllic sea backdrop Making friends: The pair appeared in high spirits as they chatted to the surfer Long-term love: Ali and Dec have been in one another's lives for 13 years, after the Australian beauty was hired as the iconic duo's manager back in 2005 On Wednesday's show, viewers watched the presenter and his sidekick Holly squirm watching soap stars Sair Khan and Malique Thompson-Dwyer tuck into some 'delicacies' in the vile Dreaded Deliveries trial. As they watched on, Holly was seen turning away and hiding her head in the bushes as Hollyoaks actor Malique, 20, scoffed down Vinda Spew, made up of vomit fruit. Finally returning to Dec's side, Holly had a shock of her own when the Geordie presenter burped on her, clearly feeling sickened by the task himself. Happily married: The couple tied the knot back in 2015, with the marriage taking place at St Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Elswick Taking it in his stride: Dec has been juggling fatherhood with his I'm A Celebrity presenting duties Taking it in his stride: Dec has been juggling fatherhood with his I'm A Celebrity presenting duties Millie Bobby Brown may be the hardest-working girl in show business. The 14-year-old star just wrapped up season three of her hit Netflix series. And on Wednesday the actress was already seen on the Hawaii set of her new film Godzilla Vs Kong. This is the first time she has been seen on the set of the movie which also stars Alexander Skarsgard and Eiza Gonzalez. On the go: Millie Bobby Brown may be the hardest-working girl in show business. The 14-year-old star just wrapped up season three of her hit Netflix series. And on Wednesday the actress was already seen on the Hawaii set of her new film Godzilla Vs Kong New addition: This is the first time she has been seen on the set of the movie which also stars Alexander Skarsgard and Eiza Gonzalez The film is due out on May 22, 2020. Millie was filming scenes in a residential neighborhood of Oahu, Hawaii. Director Adam Wingard appeared to have a creative moment with the young break out star. She wore a top by n:PHILANTHROPY. Raggedy denim shorts looked on trend and she added striped socks and blue lace-up sneakers, as well as a canvas tote from Madewell. Teen spirit: She wore a top by n:PHILANTHROPY. Raggedy denim shorts looked on trend and she added striped socks and blue lace-p sneakers Looking very teenagery, Brown had in two ear buds, and tons of jewelry like wrap-around bracelets and layers of necklaces. The synopsis for the film is: The Gigantic Kong meets the unstoppable Godzilla. The world watches to see which one becomes the king of all monsters. Also in the movie are Rebecca Hall, Ziyi Zhang and Kyle Chandler. Filming will also reportedly take place on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. In 1963 the classic film King Kong vs Godzilla was released. In that epic, King Kong and Godzilla went head-to-head in an epic battle of the beast when the giant gorilla escapes from captivity in Japan and squares up to the recently thawed lizard. She's clearly having a sushi craving. And Ariana Grande gets what she wants, with the pop star heading out to dinner at her favorite fish spot for the second night in a row on Wednesday. This time the 25-year-old was joined by her mother, Joan, and a young male friend, having visited the Los Angeles spot with her brother Frankie the previous evening. Craving! Ariana Grande joins her mother Joan for sushi dinner on Wednesday... as manager Scooter Braun defends her ex Pete Davidson Hot spot: This time the 25-year-old was joined by her mother, Joan, and a young male friend, having visited the Studio City, Los Angeles spot with her brother Frankie the previous evening The outing came as Ariana's manager Scooter Braun defended her ex Pete Davidson online. After Pete posted on Instagram for the first time since the break-up on Wednesday, a user commented: 'Ur cancelled tysm [thank you so much] for breaking with Ariana bc [because] she's doing much better BYE.' Scooter joined the fans replying to the message, writing: 'Stop the bulls**t. It is nothing like that and Pete is a good dude. 'No one has hate for this guy and he is a stand up guy. Show respect because trust me everyone on this side knows he deserves it and wishes him well.' Wrapped up: With rain forecast, Ariana wore a warm fuzzy sweater and jeans for her dinner Ariana, who is currently promoting her new single Thank You, Next, broke up with her SNL comedian fiance early this month. Pete had proposed to her in April just four weeks after they started dating, and the two were together for six months in total. They have been busy erasing their short but passionate time together, either covering up or inking over the 11 tattoos they got for each other between them. Shot down: Scooter Braun told a fan attacking Pete Davidson, 'No one has hate for this guy and he is a stand up guy. Show respect because trust me everyone on this side knows he deserves it and wishes him well' Return to social media: Pete posted to Instagram for the first time since the breakup She reportedly returned the $100k engagement ring, but kept the pet pig Piggie Smalls they adopted together. Ariana appears to refer to the doomed relationship in the new video for her latest track, Thank U, Next. She has actors tweaking iconic lines from Mean Girls as one character says: 'Ariana Grande broke off an engagement, so I found a guy to propose to me and I broke off an engagement.' Star Wars screenwriter Gloria Katz has died. The writer-and-producer - who secretly helped Lucas finish his script for the first movie in the sci-fi franchise, 1977's A New Hope - passed away at the age of 76 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Sunday. She had battled with ovarian cancer. Legendary writer: Star Wars screenwriter Gloria Katz has died. The writer-and-producer - who secretly helped Lucas finish his script for the first movie in the sci-fi franchise, 1977's A New Hope - passed away at 76 in Los Angeles on Sunday; seen in 2013 She did it well: The writer gave Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, her spunk. Carrie in 1977's A New Hope with Harrison Ford as Han Solo, left, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, right Sunday also marked her 49th wedding anniversary to Willard Huyck. Katz and Willard's impact on Star Wars included them helping Lucas redefine Carrie Fisher's alter ego Princess Leia by convincing him to make her a tougher character. 'She can take command; she doesn't take any s**t, but at the same time she's vulnerable ... instead of just a beautiful woman that schlepped along to be saved,' she said. Katz also revealed that Lucas wanted her and her husband to polish what he had created, but didn't want people to know that anyone else had worked on it. A team: Sunday also marked her 49th wedding anniversary to Willard Huyck. Katz and Willard's impact on Star Wars included them helping Lucas redefine Fisher's alter ego Princess Leia by convincing him to make her a tougher character She explained: 'He said, "Polish it - write anything you want and then I'll go over it and see what I need." George didn't want anyone to know we worked on the script, so we were in a cone of silence.' Katz often collaborated with her spouse Willard on Lucas' movies, including Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom and American Graffiti - which was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for Lucas, Huyck and Katz. The couple met through friends in the 1960s while she was a film student at U.C.L.A. and Willard was studying the same subject at U.S.C. - where he befriended Lucas. A lot of attitude for a princess: Leia was no victim, she was a brave fighter who helped the resistance and was a role model for women Daddy issues: Leia also stood up to the dark and menacing Darth Vader, who audiences found out in Return Of The Jedi was her father Carrie, who played Leia, died in December 2016 just before her mother Debbie Reynolds passed away. Leia has been in several of the Star Wars movies and will re-appear in the next installment as director JJ Abrams has revealed he has extra footage of her from Force Awakens. Carrie's daughter Billie Lourd will also reprise her role in the film. Star Wars: Episode IX is due to be released on December 20, 2019. It will be the third and final installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the ninth and final installment of the main Star Wars film franchise, following The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Melissa Gorga has weighed in on her brother-in-law Joe Giudice's deportation to Italy that will come after he finishes his three-year prison sentence for fraud. When appearing on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live with LeeAnne Locken on Wednesday, the beauty gave an update on the family. The Real Housewives Of New Jersey star said the 46-year-old businessman is 'still fighting' to stay in the US. Her thoughts: Melissa Gorga has weighed in on her brother-in-law Joe Giudice's deportation to Italy that will come after he finishes his three-year prison sentence for fraud Let's talk: When appearing on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live, the beauty gave an update on the family. Also seen with LeeAnne Locken And Gorga added the TV star - who has four daughters with Teresa Giudice: Gia, 17, Gabriella, 14, Milania, 13, and Audriana, nine - remains positive about the future. 'It's not 100 percent set in stone yet,' Gorga, 39, shared. 'The girls are suffering 100 percent, so it's not over yet and everybody's being strong,' she continued. 'There's four little girls that are involved here that honestly want their daddy and really need their daddy. So do we want Joe to come home, and have everything go back to normal? Yes. 'I think he's learned his lesson and I hope to God he comes home.' she added. 'The appeal has been filed and we remain optimistic that Joe will soon be home with his family where he belongs. We are extremely grateful for Joe's immigration attorneys Jerry Gonzales and Tom Moseley and are very confident in them,' Joe's lawyer, James Leonard Jr., said in a statement to Page Six. Hard times: And Gorga added the TV star remains positive about the future. Joe and Teresa seen in 2013 Joe is fighting hard. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice confirmed on November 10 that 'records show that its appellate component, the Board of Immigration Appeals, received an appeal today, Nov. 9, 2018, pertaining to Giuseppe Giudice's Oct. 10, 2018, removal order.' The appeal came on the last possible day before the deadline, according to Radar Online. Immigration Judge John Ellington handed down the deportation order, after he determined that his crimes were considered an 'aggravated felony. Family time in 2013: They have four daughters: Gia, 17, Gabriella, 14, Milania, 13, and Audriana, nine In 2014 Teresa and Joe pleaded guilty to 41 counts of fraud. There were also unpaid taxes that totaled $200,000. Teresa served 11 months in 2015, with Joe currently serving 41 months. His sentence is up next year, and if this deportation order stands, he will be sent back to Italy. 'I get no joy in telling a family this news,' Judge Ellington said at the hearing last month. 'Mr. Giudice, no matter how this turns out, I wish you the best. I decided this case as a matter of law.' They faced the music: The couple plead guilty to fraud charges in Newark, New Jersey in 2014 Teresa appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday, stating her husband Joe's looming deportation is 'very sad.' The star explained that while Joe was trying to 'stay positive', their four daughters were finding it very tough. 'It's heartbreaking,' she said, adding that their daughters 'are really upset.' 'Adults can handle anything. It's hard for children to go through this. They're asking themselves, "Why is this happening to me? I want my daddy to come home."' Last month an immigration court ruled that Joe, real name Giuseppe, should be deported to his native Italy after his prison sentence. Teresa explained that despite both his Italian parents becoming U.S. citizens, they never applied on behalf of their son, who was just a baby when they immigrated. 'I guess that is something you would have to ask his parents,' she said, as to their reasoning. 'His dad became an American citizen before he was 18 and then his mom did it after he was 18 and I don't know why they never made him an American citizen.' Not a citizen: Teresa explained that despite both Joe's Italian parents becoming U.S. citizens, they never applied on behalf of their son, who was just a baby when they immigrated Asked if she was angry with Joe, for not applying for citizenship himself, she said of her husband of nearly 20 years: 'He and I never thought I'd be in this position.' However Teresa admitted that their relationship was at times 'up and down.' But, she said: 'I have to stay strong. I have four beautiful daughters and they need their mommy. Bad luck or bad choices? Asked if she was angry with Joe, for not applying for citizenship himself, she said of her husband of nearly 20 years: 'He and I never thought I'd be in this position' Asked how she and Joe broke the news of Joe's prison sentence to their girls, Teresa explained that they at first told them age appropriate explanations. Saying that her first three girls were 'old enough now' to understand, she said of Audrina: 'The baby, we keep saying that he's at work, but I'm sure she hears, and when he calls it says 'Calling from a Federal prison' so I'm sure she hears that.' Luckily, Teresa has Gia, 17, to help her explain things to the younger girls. 'I tell [Gia] every day she's like the rock of her sisters and she's helping me explain things to them. My third daughter Milania, she's having a really hard time with this.' The couple plan to appeal the deportation, however if they fail, Teresa says they will be: 'Just taking it one day at a time, that's it.' When asked why she remains on reality TV, Teresa explained: 'This is how I make a living, I have four daughters to raise. I'm doing it all by myself. If I don't work, how are they going to live.' She added that her own father was currently unwell, saying: 'I just want to say my dad's in the hospital and I know he's watching me. Papa, I love you.' Chris Evans 'isn't done' playing Captain America, says Avengers 4 co-director Joe Russo. It's been long rumored that the most recent Avengers installment would be Evans' last and he appeared to confirm it in an emotional tweet he shared last month. In a new interview with USA Today Russo was asked to comment on Evans' heartfelt message about saying goodbye to the superhero alter ego of Steve Rogers that he'd played for eight years. 'Not done yet': Avengers director Joe Russo has hinted that it's not over for Chris Evans' character Captain America It's been long rumored that Avengers 4 would mark the end of the road for Captain America. The movie is out next year 'I think it was more emotional for [Chris Evans] than it was for us, mostly cause hes not done yet. I dont want to explain what I mean, but audiences will soon understand.' Russo told USA Today 'I think it was more emotional for [Chris Evans] than it was for us, mostly cause hes not done yet. I dont want to explain what I mean, but audiences will soon understand.' he said. Russo's comments were unsurprisingly cryptic but hint that Captain America is not done. Evans current MCU contract shows that Avengers 4 is his last movie in the universe but there's a chance for that to be re-negotiated at any point - and fans will certainly be hoping that's the case. With regards to Russo, he will be saying goodbye to the franchise now that Avengers 4 is wrapped. He along with his brother Anthony co-directed MCU movies starting with Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014. Evans' tweet on October 4 caused quite a stir. He wrote: Officially wrapped on Avengers 4. It was an emotional day to say the least. Playing this role over the last 8 years has been an honor. Fan firestorm: The actor's tweet on October 4 led fans to believe that the death of Captain America was going to happen in the upcoming Avengers 4 Director duo: Russo and co-directer brother Anthony will retire from the franchise with Avengers 4 To everyone in front of the camera, behind the camera, and in the audience, thank you for the memories! Eternally grateful. After his message Evans spoke out to try to reassure fans that it didn't mean Captain America will die. 'I should clarify that I know I did tweet something that made a lot of people think that it was in someway a spoiler,' Evans said during ACE Comic Con in Chicago. 'I should clarify that regardless of how Avengers 4 ends, I would have tweeted the exact same thing. That last day of filming was a very emotional day and it was the culmination of almost 10 years of filming and 22 movies, this unbelievable tapestry.' Evans added: 'You feel a lot more emotions than I think even I thought Id feel. And I felt it was appropriate to share the gratitude. I know it had a ripple effect but I am neither confirming or denying anything,' he added. Clarification: Chris Evans said his Marvel goodbye tweet from October 4 wasn't an insinuation that Captain America will die in Avengers 4 Not a spoiler: 'I should clarify that regardless of how Avengers 4 ends, I would have tweeted the exact same thing. That last day of filming was a very emotional day and it was the culmination of almost 10 years of filming and 22 movies, this unbelievable tapestry' The actor had previously eluded to having retired the character in an interview with the New York Times before the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War earlier this year. 'You want to get off the train before they push you off,' he confessed. 'I used to have thoughts of wanting to climb to the top of something, or wanting to be somebody. 'But when you get the thing that you think you want and then you wake up and realize that you still have pockets of sadness, and that your struggle will reinvent itself, you stop chasing after those things and it is liberating, because you realize that right here, right now, is exactly all I need.' End of an era: The actor had previously eluded to having retired Captain America in an interview with the New York Times earlier this year It has been a long and adventurous journey together for Evans and Marvel. He first joined the Marvel universe when he played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in the Fantastic Four in 2005 and its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007. The Massachusetts native went on to play Steve Rogers/Captain America in nine films beginning with 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger. The still untitled Avengers 4 movie is set to hit theaters in the US May 3, 2019. History: Evans has played Steve Rogers/Captain America in nine films beginning with 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban had a finger lickin' good time at the Chatswood Chase mall in Sydney's Lower North Shore on Thursday. The Hollywood power couple were spotted having dinner at a KFC restaurant during a late-night shopping spree, which included a VIP trip to Kmart. In a photo shared to Facebook, the actress, 51, kept a low profile in a blue shirt while sitting in a booth with her country music star husband. They're just like us! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban ate dinner at a KFC restaurant in Sydney on Thursday, before enjoying a late-night trip to Kmart at the Chatswood Chase shopping mall A KFC spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Friday: 'Our secret recipe doesn't discriminate. It's loved by all, including Hollywood royalty. 'We were thrilled to host legendary Aussie icons Nicole and Keith this week and if they're in the neighbourhood again, the next buckets on us!' The couple reportedly visited several shops, including Kmart and Australian retailer Country Road, during their visit to Chatswood Chase. According a comment left on the Mosman Living Facebook page, Nicole and Keith did not have to line up at Kmart - perhaps due to their celebrity status. 'They got a special cashier': According a comment left on the Mosman Living Facebook page, Nicole and Keith did not have to line up at Kmart - perhaps due to their celebrity status NICOLE AND KEITH'S KFC ORDER A KFC spokesperson confirmed the couple ordered the following items: Go Bucket of Tenders with aioli Large Chips 6 Nuggets with sweet and sour sauce 5 Tenders and chips Advertisement 'They did a big shop in Kmart. The staff were beside themselves taking photos! They didn't have to line up, they got a special cashier,' wrote a fellow shopper. Nicole and Keith, also 51, recently appeared at the ARIAs, an awards ceremony for the Australian music industry comparable to the Grammys or BRITs. Keith hosted the prestigious event, at one stage embarrassing his wife by describing her as an 'up and coming actress'. Down Under: Nicole and Keith appeared at the ARIA Awards in Sydney earlier this week, with the country music star hosting the ceremony. Pictured on stage with Sir Bob Geldof (right) 'I think good things are ahead for her!' he added. The Oscar winner was seen covering her face in the audience, but appeared to take her husband's joke in good humour. The ARIAs was also something of a family reunion for Nicole, who grew up in Sydney, as she posed with her niece Lucia Hawley, 19, on the red carpet. It's an old Hollywood trick - taping clothes in place to prevent any accidental exposure. But Megan Fox seems to have forgotten this simple solution to wardrobe mishaps. Going nude beneath her sparkly suit on Thursday, the mother-of-three sons kept fussing with her lapel, holding her jacket in place over her bare breasts. Glitter girl: Megan Fox goes nude beneath her jacket as she arrives to film Watch What Happens Live early on Thursday morning in New York.. but holds it in place to prevent an accidental wardrobe mishap The 32-year-old Legends of the Lost With Megan Fox host and executive producer made an appearance on Watch What Happens Live! on Thursday morning in Manhattan. Megan, who wed Brian Austin Green in 2010, was not wearing her wedding ring on as she promoted her new Travel Channel series. While she concentrates on her work, her husband has been holding the fort at home, looking after sons Bodhi, aged four, Noah, aged six, and Journey, aged two. She told UsWeekly it was easier for her to travel without her family. 'They're very young. I mean, the baby's 2, so anyone that's ever had a 2-year-old and put them on an airplane knows it's not fun, and I try to avoid that whenever we can. 'And the older one is in school now and I can't just take him with me wherever I go,' said the onetime lingerie model. Shine on: Megan, who wed Brian Austin Green in 2010, was not wearing her wedding ring on as she promoted her new Travel Channel series Meanwhile, Brian has been criticized by the mother of his oldest son for his lack of interest in the boy. Vanessa Marcil has 16-year-old Kassius with her former partner but she claims the Beverly Hills 90210 actor has only seen the teenager a handful of times in the last five years. She shared a screenshot of one of her own comments on Instagram which read: '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.' Travelling light: While she concentrates on her work, her husband has been holding the fort at home, looking after sons Bodhi, aged four, Noah, aged six, and Journey, aged two The 50-year-old star's post came a few days after she claimed Kassius had never met his youngest half brother and doesn't even know where his dad lives with his family. She wrote on Instagram: '5 years ago on their own they decided to completely cut Kass out of their lives and his younger brothers' lives. Kass has never met his youngest brother and is not allowed to know where his bio father, stepmother and three younger brothers live. He has only seen his dad in passing in public places.' Vanessa also went into detail about the custody battle she went through with the 45-year-old actor and his 32-year-old spouse, explaining they initially requested full custody but lost their bid and were slammed by the judge. Peekaboo: Megan is joining Tyra Banks on the show; the former lingerie model opened her jacket as they posed for pictures together She wrote: '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. I never spoke publicly in order to protect my then young son from paparazzi that used to follow him & terrify him. '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'. 'They always had 50% custody and still did when court ended as I had and have NEVER asked for full custody.' With a multi-million pound salary, not to mention a place in the hearts of generations of filmgoers, the race to become the new 007 is heating up. And despite actor Richard Maddens very Bond-esque shoot in GQ, featured in yesterdays Daily Mail, the Scot is not the only suave star still in the running and they are all leading men from BBC primetime dramas. Actor Richard Madden, left, is photographed for GQ Magazine. He is the new favourite to take over from Daniel Craig after 2020. Tom Hiddleston, right, is also tipped to take the role after impressing in BBC spy drama The Night Manager Madden, 32, who wowed fans in Bodyguard, is the new favourite to take over from Daniel Craig after Bond 25 is released in 2020. But Idris Elba, 46, is also thought to be among producers favourites to join the franchise after his brooding turn as detective Luther in the dark BBC drama. He would be the first black actor to tackle the role, and is rumoured to have been in the running for several years. James Norton, who appeared in BBC drama McMafia, has also had his name thrown into the ring And despite actor Richard Maddens very Bond-esque shoot in GQ, featured in yesterdays Daily Mail, the Scot is not the only suave star still in the running Tom Hiddleston, 37, is also tipped to take the role after impressing in BBC spy drama The Night Manager. Meanwhile, James Norton, who appeared in BBC drama McMafia, has also had his name thrown into the ring. Modest Madden has told GQ that Bond rumours always circulate when any actor features in a hit drama insisting that he was merely the next one. KUWTK matriarch Kris Jenner showed off her brand new match luggage from Manhattan jewelry brand Tiffany & Co., which was an early Christmas present from her daughter Kim Kardashian West. 'When your daughter gets you a gift you squeal about!' the 63-year-old grandmother-of-nine - who boasts 38.5M followers - gushed on Thursday. 'Love my @tiffanyandco luggage @kimkardashian!!! Thank you they are so amazing! #breakfastattiffanys #love #soblessed.' Opulence: KUWTK matriarch Kris Jenner showed off her brand new match luggage from Tiffany & Co., which was an early Christmas present from her daughter Kim Kardashian West The 63-year-old grandmother-of-nine gushed: 'When your daughter gets you a gift you squeal about! Love my @tiffanyandco luggage @kimkardashian!!! Thank you they are so amazing!' On Wednesday night, the Calabasas socialites both appeared in Lip Sync Battle color commentator Chrissy Teigen and EGOT champ John Legend's NBC special A Legendary Christmas. The 32-year-old Cravings author scoffed at signing Kris' Fairy God Momager contract, which gave Jenner (born Houghton) '45 percent of the profits from their partnership.' 'Well I didn't give birth to you,' the former American Airlines flight attendant cracked. 'That's pretty standard.' The SoCal native's latest merry moments came as the family attorney Shawn Holley blasted Blac Chyna's attorney Lisa Bloom for boasting about a so-called 'major victory' with their 2017 lawsuit. Ho ho ho! On Wednesday night, the Calabasas socialites both appeared in Lip Sync Battle color commentator Chrissy Teigen and EGOT champ John Legend's NBC special A Legendary Christmas (pictured November 4) 'Well I didn't give birth to you!' The 32-year-old Cravings author scoffed at signing Kris' Fairy God Momager contract, which gave Jenner '45 percent of the profits from their partnership' 'The Bloom Firm's tweet is not an accurate statement of what happened in court today,' Holley told ET Wednesday. 'In fact, the Kardashians have successfully chipped away at Ms. White's outlandish claims since her lawsuit was filed, culminating in today's hearing - a hearing at which the Court invited counsel for the Kardashians to seek attorney fees against the Bloom Firm for their failure to support Ms. White's spurious allegations with actual evidence.' The 30-year-old Whitenicious brand ambassador (born Angela White) - who dated Kris' son Rob for 11 months - is seeking damages from the Kardashian family who allegedly 'slut-shamed and defamed' her. 'Not accurate': The SoCal native's latest merry moments came as the family attorney Shawn Holley blasted Blac Chyna's attorney Lisa Bloom for boasting about a so-called 'major victory' with their 2017 lawsuit Holley told ET Wednesday: 'The Kardashians have successfully chipped away at Ms. White's outlandish claims since her lawsuit was filed, culminating in today's hearing - a hearing at which the Court invited counsel for the Kardashians to seek attorney fees against the Bloom Firm for their failure to support Ms. White's spurious allegations with actual evidence' (pictured November 11) Only dated Kris' son Rob for 11 months: The 30-year-old Whitenicious brand ambassador is seeking damages from the Kardashian family who allegedly 'slut-shamed and defamed' her (pictured Thursday) Fans can next catch Jenner and her constant companion Corey Gamble seated front row together at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special, which airs this Sunday on ABC. Curiously, the Burst Oral Care endorser and her 38-year-old toyboy never mentioned celebrating their fourth anniversary last month. Back in 2016, Page Six reported that Kris actually pays Corey a 'special stipend,' and his only known previous career was as Canadian crooner Justin Bieber's former tour manager. The former talk show host also executive produces and stars in the 15th season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which airs Sundays on E! Airing this Sunday on ABC! Jenner and her constant companion Corey Gamble (L) sat front row together at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special (pictured November 8) On the payroll? Back in 2016, Page Six reported that the former flight attendant actually pays her 38-year-old toyboy a 'special stipend,' and his only known previous career was as Justin Bieber's former tour manager (pictured in 2016) A man has been charged with the murder of a western Sydney father who was stabbed to death by three young men in his own home. The gang forced their way into the Dharruk residence of Erol Tokcan, 38, on March 9 before threatening and stabbing him in the chest. Mr Tokcan was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he later died. A 23-year-old man was arrested at a home in Whalan on Wednesday afternoon and a search warrant was executed at a home in Toongabbie, where police seized several items. The man was charged with murder and refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Thursday. The investigation is continuing. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he has enormous respect for Australia's most decorated former soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, but will let a federal police investigation into alleged war crimes run its course. Federal police have reportedly launched a major investigation into Mr Roberts-Smith and other Australian soldiers over allegations of war crimes committed in Afghanistan. "I absolutely, like all Australians, respect the enormous contribution that Ben Roberts-Smith has made to his country, as I do for all Australian servicemen and women," Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Thursday. "Where there are formal processes that are under way then I'll respect those processes, as I'm sure all Australians would." Residents in the community of Captain Creek, south of Gladstone, have been urged to leave immediately as a large bushfire moves towards the area. At 11.45am fire authorities reported a large, fast-moving fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Captain Creek, and was expected to have a significant impact on the community. The Queensland community is to the northwest of the Deepwater National park, which has seen significant fire activity over the past week, and the blaze moving towards Captain Creek is understood to be an offshoot of the Deepwater blaze. Rio Tinto's $3.5 billion investment in the Koodaideri mine and rail project in Western Australia's Pilbara region will create thousands of jobs, Premier Mark McGowan says. The project, which will begin next year subject to government and environmental approvals, is expected to create more than 2000 jobs during the construction phase and 600 ongoing jobs once operational. "My government will continue to work with the state's resources industry to ensure local jobs are maximised on new projects," Mr McGowan said on Thursday. Adelaide's Monarto Zoo's African Lion pride has grown by three with the arrival of males Kashka, Kubwa and Kito from Melbourne Zoo. The three boys will now spend 30 days in quarantine before being introduced to the six female lions already at Monarto. Carnivore keeper Christy Tonkin said the arrivals marked an exciting and important time for lion conservation. "They are young boys, all two and a half years old, so we are really looking forward to seeing how they go with our six girls," she said. "For now, the two groups will be able to see each other at a distance and we'll begin to monitor behaviours, if all goes well we'll look at starting introductions in the new year." Ms Tonkin said lion populations were declining with only about 30,000 thought to be left in the wild. "It would be incredible to hear the pitter-patter of little paws so we can contribute to the genetic diversity in the species," she said. A Sydney man who was tortured and killed by his "white witch" ex-wife and her fiance has been remembered as a caring person with a heart for rescuing and helping others. Brett Walker - who's been given a pseudonym - died after he was ambushed and assaulted in his home by Raquel Gaelle Hutchison and Paul Andrew Wilkinson in 2014. The pair was found guilty of manslaughter this month by NSW Supreme Court Justice Peter Hamill, who identified Hutchison as the major aggressor in the attack. At Hutchison's sentence hearing on Thursday, Mr Walker's mother said she felt interminable and overwhelming pain over her son's death. "The whole situation becomes unbearable and the pain of it all eats away at your stomach," she said. "It is with us forever and is now part of our family history." She told the court she had flashbacks to her son's suffering, especially during Hutchison and Wilkinson's trial when there were "attempts to make him, the victim, into the perpetrator". Hutchison, who was mentally ill, feared her ex-husband was abusing children and exposing them to ghost hunting, demonology and other paranormal activity, their trial heard. She and Wilkinson, who both dumped Mr Walker by an isolated dirt road north of Sydney following the assault, said they only intended to extract a confession. Mr Walker's mother on Thursday said it was "easy to denigrate someone who cannot stand up for themselves or fight for the truth". She said "the real Brett" was a keen outdoorsman and disability carer with a heart of gold and a passion for the underprivileged. "Raquel, you were at the receiving end of his help many times," she said. The 250-plus people who attended her son's funeral were mostly those whose lives had been touched or impacted by him, she said. "So many of those still maintain contact with us and still make comments about Brett's cheeky smile, his caring nature and the way he impacted their lives." Justice Hamill in his verdict earlier this month said he wasn't required to make a finding on whether Mr Walker abused children. He said he had no doubt Mr Walker exposed children to strange things "due to his interest in esoteric paranormal activities" but there was also evidence Hutchison considered herself a Pagan or white witch. Hutchison and Wilkinson will be sentenced in 2019. Australian cancer sufferers will have greater and more affordable access to five treatments from Saturday. Patients battling forms of leukaemia, advanced intestinal and pancreatic tumours, melanomas, bowel cancer and ovarian cancer will benefit from new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Australians fighting those cancers will pay $39.50 per script, instead of up to $30,000 a year. Health Minister Greg Hunt has hailed the new listings as a game-changer for those fighting cancer. "We are now making on average one new or amended PBS listing every single day," he said. "The government's commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system." The medications are Rydapt, Opdivo, Somatuline Autogel, Yervoy and Lynparza. A Queensland man had a positive experience with Opdivo and Yervoy, helping him fight an aggressive cancer that returned for a second time in 2016. Ron Flood was told he had six months to live, but through a combination of the two drugs through intravenous therapy, the Palm Cove resident has been give the all-clear. Thai chicken company Thammakaset has previously brought defamation suits against Myanmar workers who alleged abuses A defamation case by a Thai poultry farm against an activist who tweeted allegations of labour abuse should be dropped, a rights group urged Wednesday, as the complainant vowed further action against "so-called human rights defenders". Thailand exports billions of dollars of farm products to western markets in poorly regulated industries heavily reliant on migrant labour from nearby Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. A chicken farm owned by the Thammakaset company in Lopburi province has been at the centre of disputes by Myanmar workers about grueling days, lack of overtime and confiscated documents. It has hit back with multiple defamation suits, a criminal offence in Thailand, but has yet to win. Still the company has filed fresh defamation charges against one of the former workers named Nan Win and prominent Thai activist Sutharee Wannasiri, who had shared on social media a 107-second video about the case produced by NGO Fortify Rights. Fortify, where Sutharee worked at the time, urged the company and authorities to drop the complaint, which will reach court on December 3. "These complaints are a form of judicial harassment and should be dropped immediately," said Amy Smith of Fortify. The International Federation for Human Rights also condemned the lawsuit. But Thammakaset owner Chanchai Pheamphon said he was forced to bring the suits to defend the name of his company from false allegations. "For the past two years, everyone blamed me but they never did a proper investigation," he said, denying accusations of confiscating passports and making workers endure herculean shifts of more than 20 hours. "From now on, you will see that more lawsuits will be filed against a series of so-called human rights defenders in Thailand who to me are actually (rights) violators," he warned, adding that attempts at negotiation had failed. Betagro, a Thai food giant that sells to clients around the globe, has said it cut ties with the supplier farm after the initial abuse claims. If convicted on all counts, Sutharee said she could face up to six years in prison while the Myanmar worker could face four. Both could also face large fines. Sutharee said she believed the lawsuit was an "intimidation tactic". Activism is fraught with risk in Thailand where political and business elite frequently bring legal cases against critics. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned lawmakers that ending US backing for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen would lead to a stronger Iran The US Senate took a defiant stance against President Donald Trump's White House on Wednesday, advancing a measure that would end American military support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Senators voted 63-37 in favor of the proposal just hours after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had implored them not to curtail US assistance to the Saudi military, arguing that pulling back would worsen the war. The vote was a striking departure from earlier this year, when the measure failed, and marks a new bipartisan desire in the Senate for Trump's administration to take a harder line on Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers are exasperated with Trump's reaction to the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has been linked to Riyadh, and by the mounting humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Yemen. "The Saudis have gone off the rails. They've killed more civilians this year than any year prior in the Yemen war," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy told AFP. "They obviously made a giant strategic error in abducting and murdering Jamal Khashoggi. So, a lot has changed in the last few months to get us to this point." Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he switched his vote in favor of the resolution because CIA Director Gina Haspel did not testify and could not be grilled on whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was aware of the plan to kill Khashoggi. "The question for me is whether or not the CIA supports the conclusion, with a high degree of confidence, that the crown prince was complicit in the murder of Mr Khashoggi," Graham told reporters. "I'm not going to be denied the ability to be briefed by the CIA." Both Mattis and Pompeo said that, after carefully reviewing the intelligence, they could find no direct evidence linking Khashoggi's murder to the crown prince, who is also known as MBS. "There is no smoking gun," Mattis told Pentagon reporters, stressing he still believes those responsible should be punished. "We have not changed, (in) that accountability for the murder is our expectation of everyone involved in the murder." Saudi Arabia has acknowledged the Washington Post columnist, a US resident, was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate in October but has blamed his death on a "rogue" operation. Trump last week called Saudi Arabia a "steadfast partner" and said it was unclear whether MBS was aware of the plan to kill Khashoggi. He has also cast doubt on the CIA's reported conclusion that MBS was behind the killing. Further debate and votes on the measure are expected next week. Should it ultimately pass the Senate it would have little chance of clearing the House this year. But extended debate could serve as a powerful symbolic step -- and allow lawmakers to address alternative paths in US-Saudi relations. - Peace talks - Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen have been set for early December in Sweden, between Huthi rebels and the UN-recognized government. Mattis and Pompeo worry a move to cut US support to the Saudis ahead of the summit is poorly timed and could embolden Huthis not to negotiate. Senator Murphy, however, said Pompeo and Mattis' testimony may have been counterproductive. "They lost votes this morning," he said. "They just had no good answers for why Gina Haspel wasn't there. They had no plan to end the war in Yemen." The Yemen conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the country now on the brink of famine. The UN estimates as many as 10,000 people have died, most of them civilians, since the Saudi-led coalition launched military operations in 2015 in support of embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the US is "seldom free to work with unblemished partners" US military support for the coalition includes intelligence sharing and training pilots to avoid strikes that risk civilian casualties. The Pentagon had also been conducting air-to-air refueling for coalition aircraft, but this month said it was stopping doing so. Still, a series of high-profile coalition strikes has killed scores of civilians, many of them children, and now many US politicians are balking at America's role in the war. Aside from the motion to pull US military support, some lawmakers want to impose sanctions beyond those that Washington enacted on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in Khashoggi's killing. Events have left administration officials publicly grappling with global realpolitik, saying Saudi Arabia's role in countering Iran is too important for the US to turn its back. "We are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis told senators. "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability." - 'Necessary strategic partner' - The Pentagon chief added that Saudi Arabia is a "necessary strategic partner" and pointed to the US military's training of partner pilots as key in reducing deaths. "While tragedies occur in war, we assess restraint and improved tactical judgment by Arab coalition pilots has reduced the risk of civilian casualties," he said. Pompeo warned lawmakers that ending US backing would lead to a stronger Iran, while reinvigorating both the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. "Try defending that outcome back home," he said. New Zealand says Huawei has been barred from its 5G rollout over technological issues, and not because it is Chinese New Zealand denied Thursday that telecommunications giant Huawei was banned from a 5G network rollout because it is Chinese, saying the problem it faced was a technological one. Wellington also dismissed suggestions its intelligence services came under pressure from allies in the "Five Eyes" spy network to bar Huawei amid fears about cybersecurity and its potential links to Beijing. "It's not about the country, it's not even particularly about the company, it's about the technology that is proposed," Andrew Little, minister for the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) intelligence agency, told national radio. "I can say with considerable confidence that there's been no representations made to the GCSB from Australia, from the United States, from anywhere, about how it should go about making its decision." New Zealand's largest carrier Spark said Wednesday that the GCSB had rejected a plan to use Huawei technology in its next-generation 5G network, citing "significant national security risks". China -- New Zealand's largest trading partner in a relationship worth NZ$26 billion (US$18 billion) annually -- expressed "deep concern" over the ban. The two nations have a free-trade agreement and China's foreign ministry said it hoped "New Zealand will offer a level playing field for Chinese enterprises operating in New Zealand". Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei, is a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army and this has led to concerns of close links with the Chinese military and government, which Huawei has consistently denied. Little refused to outline the security threat Spark's plan posed, saying only that "there is a risk with the use of that technology", but details were classified. He said the GCSB considered a range of factors when making its decision. "We know that telecommunications networks, like other infrastructure, are now points of vulnerability worldwide for incursion, cyber-attacks and what have you," he said. "So in this day and age, we've got to make sure everything is done to protect our country from those risks." Little insisted Huawei did not face an outright ban, saying Spark had the option of approaching the GCSB to see if there were ways to reduce the security risks. 5G or fifth-generation wireless communication offers super-fast connections that promise the ability to download a full-length feature film in less than a second. It is seen as the key to delivering new technologies such as driverless cars and remote surgical procedures. US lawmakers have expressed concerns about Huawei's potential for espionage and The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Washington was urging its allies to exclude it from 5G rollouts. Australia banned Huawei and another Chinese firm ZTE from participating in its 5G network in August. The other members of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing group are Canada and the UK. The oiler USNS Pecos (pictured 2003) and the destroyer USS Stockdale sailed through the Taiwan Strait in what Lieutenent Rachel McMarr said was a "routine" transit Two US Navy ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, the third such operation this year and one that is sure to anger China. Lieutenant Rachel McMarr, a spokeswoman for the US Pacific Fleet, said the destroyer USS Stockdale and oiler USNS Pecos sailed through the strait in a "routine" transit. "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," McMarr said in a statement. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows." Beijing protested after the US Navy sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait on October 22, characterizing the move as an affront to its sovereignty. China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. A US official told AFP that Chinese ships had asserted a "presence" during Wednesday's sailing, but all interactions between the two navies were "safe and professional." Mourners of activist Raed Fares have promised to keep the revolutionary spirit alive in Kafranbel Gunmen may have killed their most charismatic activist, but Syrians in Kafranbel are determined to keep the northwestern town's revolutionary spirit alive. The gunning down of Raed Fares on Friday was the latest blow to what remains of the dwindling civil society movement that rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. "We lost Raed Fares but he represented an idea that will not die," 26-year-old activist Abdallah al-Dani said, standing in front of a wall of graffiti calling for freedom. Seven years into a brutal civil war, Kafranbel lies in the last major rebel bastion in the country, and is controlled by a powerful alliance led by former Al-Qaeda jihadists. But its walls are still daubed with brightly coloured murals, reflecting the town's worldwide renown as a bastion of protest throughout the uprising. A town of some 20,000 people, Kafranbel soon became known for the often humorous signs in English and Arabic that its residents held up at weekly demonstrations Kafranbel, up in the province of Idlib on the Turkish border, was one of the first to join in as revolutionary fervour spread across Syria in 2011. "It was the spark for the revolution in the north, a candle in oppressed northern Syria," said Dani, wearing a winter jacket to keep out the cold. A town of some 20,000 people, Kafranbel soon became known for the often humorous signs in English and Arabic that its residents held up at weekly demonstrations. "Down with the regime -- and the opposition," a sign at one of the town's protests famously read in 2011. "Down with the Arab and the Islamic nation... Down with the (UN) Security Council... Down with the world... Down with everything." - 'Assad killed Santa Claus' - As protests spiralled into war, in 2012 Kafranbel was rocked by fighting between regime fighters and defectors from Assad's army, soon slipping out of the government's control. "I have a dream. Let freedom ring from Kafranbel," said one sign that year in English, playing on the town's name and echoing the words of Martin Luther King. Another poster the same year complained of congested skies. "We demand a policeman be appointed to regulate war plane traffic," it said in Arabic, signed "Liberated Kafranbel". At Christmas approached, Kafranbel sent a message to the pope. "Merry Christmas from Syria, the land where Assad killed Santa Claus," it said in bold black Roman letters. Fares was killed alongside fellow activist Hamod Jnaid By 2015, Kafranbel was part of a large region under the control of opposition forces. As the civil war became increasingly complex, involving world powers and jihadists, the clamour coming out of Kafranbel targeted all sides of the conflict. "Islamic State (group) in Syria and Iraq: We didn't liberate it so you could rule it," the town's people raged, referring to land beyond regime control. Activist Bilal Bayush says people may have started protesting the Damascus regime, but they were soon also challenging powerful jihadists. These include IS, but also the jihadist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance that rules more than half of Idlib, including Kafranbel. "Kafranbel has stood up against IS since 2013, and it also holds demonstrations in solidarity with activists being held by HTS," Bayush said. - Barnyard noises - Fares, who died aged 46, was among those to have run-ins with the jihadists, after he set up a popular radio station named Fresh FM in 2013. When HTS tried to ban him from broadcasting music two years ago, he fought back with barnyard noises. "He decided to air the noises of animals such as birds or cockerels instead," says Bayush. IS fighters raided the office on several occasions, he wrote in the Washington Post in July, and the regime also bombarded it. Seven years into a brutal civil war, Kafranbel lies in the last major rebel bastion in the country, and is controlled by a powerful alliance led by former Al-Qaeda jihadists Fares said he was shot at by armed men in 2014, and then abducted several times by the group now known as HTS. Often in creative ways, Kafranbel's people have stood up for what they believe is right. In 2014, the town's women sewed together a 75-metre-long version of the three-star flag of the uprising, and paraded it down its streets. Even following the killing of Fares with fellow activist Hamod Jnaid, which sparked a flurry of tributes on social media, the town's residents say they will keep up the fight. After almost eight years of war, "our determination has only increased," said Bayush, despite admitting he was a little fearful over a recent spate of killings and kidnappings in the province. "We'll carry on until the regime falls and we get the rights we have been demanding from the beginning," he said. On a recent foggy day, 21-year-old activist Mohammad Allush explained what the town meant to him. "Kafranbel is revolution -- revolution against oppression, whatever that may be." US President Donald Trump called off a bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20 minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen US President Donald Trump headed to Argentina Thursday for a fractious weekend of G20 summitry, cancelling planned talks with Russia's leader and boasting that his trade war with China was paying off. Rumblings of resistance to Trump's isolationist agenda were apparent as French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene his fellow European leaders in Buenos Aires to forge a united front on "all the challenges" faced at the G20. Trump called off Saturday's bilateral with President Vladimir Putin at the G20, minutes after saying it would "probably" still happen despite Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian ships. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted, calling on Russia to return the ships and their detained crews. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko retweeted Trump's change of mind and added his own comment in English: "This is how great leaders act!" The cancellation coincided with a new eruption in the controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- an issue that also flared up when the pair held their only summit to date, in Finland in July. Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, exits federal court, November 29, 2018 in New York City Trump again ridiculed the investigation into the allegations and accused his former lawyer Michael Cohen of lying, after Cohen pled guilty to misleading Congress. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted frostily to Trump's cancellation, saying it would free up Putin to hold other "useful meetings" at the G20. Ukraine's government hoped to embarrass Putin at the G20 by erecting a giant billboard outside the meeting, depicting a bleeding Kerch strait off Crimea where Russia captured the ships. But an Argentine advertising company refused to erect the poster, Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine's deputy information minister, said in Buenos Aires. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Ukraine's territorial integrity should be respected and added: "I hope that escalation can be contained." - Art of the deal - G20 summit in Argentina While the Putin meeting now appears off, Trump is still slated to sit down with various leaders on the G20 margins including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of his firmest foreign critics. However, Merkel's plans were disrupted by technical troubles that forced her official plane to make an emergency landing in Germany, and a spokeswoman told AFP that she would miss Friday's opening of the summit. Topping the billing is a working dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, when Trump will press for wholesale reform of the world's second-biggest economy in favor of access for US companies. After heaping huge tariffs on Chinese goods, and threatening more to come in January, Trump said a ceasefire in the trade war was "very close" -- but cast doubt on whether he even wanted one. "I think China wants to make a deal. I am open to making a deal but frankly I like the deal that we have right now," the president said. Referring to the China tariffs, he said: "What we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of taxes." However, economists and critics of the president's trade policies point out duties are paid by importers and thus constitute a tax on US industry and consumers that is not paid by China. En route to Argentina, Xi vowed on Wednesday that China would "make a lot of efforts to speed up market access, improve the investment environment and increase protection of intellectual property." But foreign firms in China complain that such promises are all too routine, and analysts doubt that Trump and Xi's dinner will serve up much beyond a commitment to negotiate further. - 'Useless' - France's President Emmanuel Macron (left) speaks with Argentina's Mauricio Macri during a press conference at Casa Rosada presidential house in Buenos Aires on November 29, 2018 Trump's tough talking set the stage for a contentious gathering in Argentina with the tensions over Ukraine and trade deepening fissures carved open by the US president on climate change -- an issue that nearly torpedoed last year's G20 hosted by Merkel. It is likely to be to the fore of the meeting of European leaders called by Macron, along with demands to resist the trade protectionism now stalking the world economy 10 years after the first G20 summit was held in the throes of financial crisis. In an interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, the French president warned against the risk of "a destructive trade war for all." "If we do not show concrete progress, our international meetings become useless and even counterproductive," he said. But Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for international summitry by blocking final communiques at other recent gatherings such as the G7 and the Asia-Pacific bloc APEC. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a communique in Buenos Aires. US opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now. With a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, Guterres said "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment." Go-Jek's beta app was due to be available for download in Singapore from Thursday to a limited number of customers, and will only cover a designated part of the city-state Indonesia's Go-Jek launched a trial version of its ride-hailing taxi app in Singapore Thursday, ahead of a full entry planned early next year as it aims to take on market leader Grab. Go-Jek is in the middle of a $500 million expansion plan beyond its Indonesian base with a focus on Southeast Asia, and has recently introduced services in Vietnam and Thailand. It operates a fleet of motorcycle taxis, private cars and other services -- from massage and house cleaning to grocery shopping and food delivery -- available via smartphone, although the Singapore launch will only offer car taxis. "Today marks the journey for us to be in Singapore so we are super excited, super humbled," Go-Jek president Andre Soelistyo told reporters. The Singapore market has been dominated by homegrown tech firm Grab since it bought US-based rival Uber's ride hailing and food business in Southeast Asia earlier this year, ending a bruising competition. In return Uber received a 27.5 percent stake in Grab. Singapore's anti-monopoly watchdog fined both Grab and Uber for breaking competition rules during the merger. Soelistyo said Go-Jek's arrival would help to ensure "healthy competition". Go-Jek's beta app was due to be available for download from Thursday to a limited number of customers, and will only cover a designated part of the city-state. Beta versions are used to test and gain feedback from a restricted number of users before full service begins. Go-Jek has partnered with Singapore's biggest bank DBS, hoping to tap into the lender's customer base to drive market share, and offering benefits to its customers in return. Go-Jek has won financial backing from investors including Google, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek and Chinese internet giant Tencent. Southeast Asia's ride-hailing market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, according to research by Google and Temasek. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (left) meets top military in Maiduguri as part of a visit to troops on the front lines of the Boko Haram conflict which claimed another three soldiers' lives earlier this week. Boko Haram jihadists have killed three soldiers in an attack on a military base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state near Lake Chad, military and civilian sources said. Fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) driving in several trucks attacked the base in Cross-Kauwa village on Tuesday and engaged troops in an hours-long gunfight, the sources told AFP late Wednesday. "We lost three soldiers in the fight," said a military officer who asked not to be named. "The soldiers fought the terrorists but were overpowered and had to withdraw from the base," he added. A Cross-Kauwa resident said the Islamists stormed the village in trucks fitted with anti-aircraft guns around 8:00 pm (1900 GMT). "The insurgents fought the soldiers for three hours and forced them to abandon the base," said the resident who wanted to be identified only by his first name, Bukar, for fear of reprisals. Buba said troops withdrew to the garrison town of Monguno, 18 kilometres (11 miles) away while others stopped at another base in nearby Kekeno which Boko Haram has made several failed attempts to overrun in recent weeks. The news of the attack was slow to emerge due to a lack of communications in the region following destruction of telecom facilities by the jihadists. Boko Haram has in recent months intensified attacks on military targets in Borno and Yobe states in the northeast. Since July, AFP has tracked 17 attacks on military bases, most of which were claimed by ISWAP. In the most audacious attack on November 18, ISWAP fighters killed at least 43 soldiers when they overran a base in Metele village near the border with Niger, although soldiers who survived the raid said more than 100 of their colleagues were killed. On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari visitied troops in Maiduguri, the epicentre of the insurgency and urged the military to show more commitment in fighting the jihadists. The Nigerian leader was due in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, on Thursday for talks with his regional counterparts in a fighting force against the jihadists. Buhari who came to power in 2015 on the promise to end the violence has come under pressure following the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks as he seeks re-election in February polls. A policeman with a sniffer dog inspects parliament before the start of the session Thursday A group of Tamil lawmakers Thursday threw their support behind Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister, cementing his parliamentary majority in a surprise move that emboldens his stake to lead the country. The Tamil National Alliance holds the balance of power in parliament and has emerged as kingmaker in recent weeks, with rival factions jostling for their support as Sri Lanka drifts without a government. The island has been in crisis since October 26 when the president sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and appointed Mahinda Rajapakse, a charismatic but divisive former leader. Parliament has twice voted against Rajapakse, sparking brawls in the chamber between his supporters and those backing Wickremesinghe, who like his rival has refused to stand down. President Maithripala Sirisena -- who is under pressure to prove his appointee Rajapakse commands support -- says Wickremesinghe, a former ally turned foe, does not enjoy a majority strong enough to form government. Sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to stand aside and commands a majority in parliament The war-era strongman Rajapakse has doubled down and backed by Sirisena, has named a cabinet and assumed duties as head of a disputed government without parliamentary support. The two rivals have been neck and neck trying to cobble together enough backing, negotiating with key legislators and trying to lure across defectors. But in a surprise development Thursday the alliance of Tamils, the island's second-largest ethnic group, endorsed Wickremesinghe, providing him 14 seats and a clear majority in parliament. "Normally we would not have taken sides but in this case we had to come out and take a stand in the interest of democracy," Tamil legislator Dharmalingam Sithadthan told AFP. As president, Rajapakse was credited with crushing a decades-long Tamil separatist war in 2009. But troops under his command were also accused of killing tens of thousands of Tamil civilians in the process. There was no immediate response to the developments from Sirisena. - 'Rogue government' - The president said at the weekend he would never recognise Wickremesinghe as prime minister -- even if he enjoyed the full support of parliament. Sirisena suspended the legislature and called snap elections after naming Rajapakse prime minister at a late-night swearing in ceremony. The political crisis was triggered when the president sacked the prime minister and named former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse (C) in his place The Supreme Court refused to defend his actions, ordering that parliament be reconvened and the elections called off until the legal challenge is heard. The country has teetered on the edge of a full-blown crisis ever since, though there has been no breakout of serious violence. Rival politicians brawled and hurled chilli powder about the chamber during rowdy sessions of parliament two weeks ago. Wickremesinghe's party, backed by the Tamils and other minority parties, voted Thursday to choke off funds to the prime minister's office in another blow for the president and his controversial appointee. "We propose to stop any spending because he is not holding the position of prime minister legally," said Ravi Karunanayake, a legislator from Wickremesinghe's party told parliament. MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who backs Mahinda Rajapakse, is surrounded by empty seats as other members of President Maithripala Sirisena's party boycotted the parliament session "This is a rogue government and parliament will take back control of finances through this motion." It worsens matters for the purported government headed by Rajapakse, which has been unable to present a budget for 2019 and risks entering the new year without parliamentary approval for any new spending. Moody's recently downgraded Sri Lanka's credit rating amid warnings the island could default on its considerable foreign debt. Meanwhile, two MPs defected from the Sirisena-Rajapakse faction on Thursday to Wickremesinghe's camp, dealing a further blow to the ailing government which has been unable to stamp its authority since last month. A Florida districts decision to put armed school safety assistants in its elementary schools puts the safety and well-being of its students at risk and oversteps existing state law, a group of Florida families contend in a lawsuit filed this week. The suitfiled by seven unnamed families and the League of Women Voters of Floridanames the Duval County district and its school board as defendents. If the plaintiffs prevail, they may create a domino effect that upends the armed security plans of school districts around the state. The suit challenges the Duval districts security plan, which it put in place to comply with a new state lawpassed less than a month after 17 people were killed in the shootingat Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act requires districts to staff every school with a safe-school officer, who can be either a law enforcement officer or a designated school employee who may be trained through a special school guardian program created under the broad new law. But, while the new law requires recipients of that school-guardian training obtain firearms instruction, the text of the bill signed into law does not require them to carry weapons in schools and it does not override existing laws that prohibit anyone but trained law enforcement officers from carrying firearms in public schools, the lawsuit says. The lawsuitfiled with support from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Giffords Law Center, which supports restrictions on guns in schoolsnotes that even trained law enforcement officials have had accidents with guns in schools or have gotten involved in punitive school discipline. Arming [school safety assistants] increases the risk of these incidents because SSAs are asked to carry out quasi-law enforcement duties without the training and experience that law enforcement officers have, the lawsuit says. According to the chief of [Duval County Public Schools] police department, SSAs will have a broad but undefined mandate to patrol campuses, assist with discipline, and break up fights. However, the program provides SSAs with little to no training in how to communicate with and manage children in a manner appropriate to their development, work in diverse school communities, engage with vulnerable students, or de-escalate conflicts. The plaintiffs include parents of a child who is hard of hearing. They are concerned that he may be incorrectly viewed as defiant by a security officer if he doesnt respond to a command due to a malfunctioning hearing aid, the suit says. Another plaintiff, the parent of a black student with a disability, is concerned his son may be seen as older and more threatening by law enforcement and SSAs, compounding the increased risk caused by [his] disability. A school district would fully comply with the Acts Safe School Officer Requirement by designating unarmed guardians whose job would include implementing key elements of the consensus approach to school safety recommended by experts in the field, such as: developing emergency-response plans with law enforcement, serving as the point of contact for local police, ensuring that entrances and exits are properly secured, training school staff and students in emergency preparedness, and fulfilling other security functions, the lawsuit says. A spokesperson for the Duval County district said it cannot comment on ongoing litigation. That spokesperson did not respond to questions about the districts current security personnel. The lawsuit fits into a broader, ongoing debate about arming teachers and school staff. Last week, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who is the chairman of the state-appointed taskforce investigating the Parkland shooting, said after watching surveillance video of the massacre at Stoneman Douglas, he now believes that arming some teachers and other school staff is an important line of defense against school shootings. You can learn more about Education Weeks coverage of that issue in this roundup: Should Teachers Carry Guns? The Debate, Explained Photo: Silhouette targets used by Broward County Public Schools newly-hired armed guardians are shown after firearms training at the Broward Sheriffs Office gun range in Markham Park on July 30, 2018, in Sunrise, Fla. Districts around the state armed school employees under a new state law passed after a school shooting in Parkland, which is in Broward County. --Wilfredo Lee/AP Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. Yemeni pro-government forces on the outskirts of Hodeida on November 14, 2018 UN aid chief Mark Lowcock appealed Thursday for a halt to fighting in Yemen amid intense diplomacy to end a war that has pushed millions to the brink of famine. "I'd like to see a cessation of hostilities, especially around the key infrastructure, especially around Hodeida," Lowcock told reporters after arriving in the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Under heavy international pressure, Saudi-backed pro-government forces have largely suspended a five-month offensive on the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for imports and aid. UN agencies say 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation and the closure of the port would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis gripping the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. "I have come because I am very concerned about the humanitarian situation here, which has deteriorated since I was here last," Lowcock said. "I'd like to see the environment in which the aid system operates, made easier for the aid agencies. "I would like to see stronger economic support, more resources injected into the economy, salaries paid, more foreign exchange so that ordinary people have more money to buy the essentials to survive." UN aid chief Mark Lowcock speaks to the media in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on November 29, 2018 Lowcock will spend three days in Yemen to see first-hand the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. UN peace envoy Martin Griffiths is hoping to bring the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels to Sweden in the coming days for negotiations on ending the more than three-year conflict. Lowcock, who last visited Yemen in October 2017, will hold talks with officials in Sanaa and the government-controlled southern city of Aden. The Yemen conflict, which escalated when a Saudi-led coalition intervened on the government's side in 2015, has killed nearly 10,000 people and left up to 22 million in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN figures. Rights groups fear the actual death toll is far higher. Militants detonated a bomb and then tried to fight their way into the compound housing G4S security company in Kabul British security firm G4S said Thursday that five of its employees were among at least 10 people killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on one of its compounds in Kabul. A massive crater marked the spot where the militants detonated a vehicle bomb outside the compound late Wednesday before trying to fight their way inside in the latest violence to rock the Afghan capital. G4S, which provides security for British diplomats, said one Briton and four Afghans were killed in the attack. Earlier, Afghan authorities had said at least 10 people had been killed in the attack, but it was not immediately clear if that toll included the G4S employees. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured, five of them seriously," managing director Charlie Burbridge said in a statement. "We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing," he said. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish told AFP earlier that 10 people were killed in the attack -- all of them Afghan nationals. But police spokesman Abdul Basir Mujahid said authorities were still working to identify the nationalities of the victims. "Five attackers were involved, one detonated his vehicle at the gate, and four others were on foot and they entered the building," Danish told AFP. An AFP photographer Thursday could see the shattered remains of a small van lying in the middle of the debris. Parts of nearby buildings in the industrial area of eastern Kabul were twisted by the violence of the blast. One survivor, Abdul Mohammad, told AFP he and his nephew had just passed the compound when the bomb detonated. "I lost consciousness but regained it in a few minutes," he told AFP from his hospital bed. "I felt a lot of debris hitting us. I tried to pick my nephew up but couldn't do it... I realised he was dead." Besmullah Taban, police chief for the district in which the attack happened, said that when security forces entered the compound they found 230 people hiding in its safe room, including 36 Afghans, adding they were all rescued. - 'Impotent' - G4S, which according to its website provides security for British diplomats in Kabul, was also targeted in an attack in March, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives before reaching the entrance of the complex. Two civilians were killed in that attack. Wednesday's assault came hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the insurgents. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and UN officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the 17-year war. Such optimism has been tempered by continuing attacks, including the killing of three US soldiers earlier this week when an improvised explosive device detonated in the southeastern province of Ghazni. At an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva, Ghani said the 12-person negotiating team includes both men and women and will be led by his chief of staff Abdul Salam Rahimi. But the Taliban have once again rejected Ghani's overtures, saying in a statement Thursday that it considered the government in Kabul "impotent" and a "waste of time". bur-us-lab-st/fa One of the most important conservation sites in the world, Virunga national park is Africa's oldest nature reserve and famed for its endangered mountain gorillas A ranger and two civilians were shot dead during a confrontation in Virunga national park in restive eastern DR Congo, the park authority and local sources said Thursday. The incident took place early on Wednesday, with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) saying one of its rangers had been shot dead by armed militants, who have long been active in restive North Kivu province. Local sources confirmed the death and said two civilians had also been killed. But they said the violence erupted during a dispute over building permits outside an ICCN office in Vitshumbi, a village in the heart of the park on the shores of Lake Edward. In a statement, the ICCN said the ranger's post in Vitshumbi had come under attack "from enemy fire", leaving one guard dead and prompting the others to return fire "to rebuff the attack and to clear a way out of the zone of confrontation". But residents of Vitshumbi, a fishing village which lies at the southern end of Lake Edward, told AFP the rangers had opened fire on people protesting an ICCN ban on bringing construction material into the park. "Three people died, two civilians and a park ranger, and two school children were injured," village official Destin Katembo told AFP. "We all went down to the ICCN office. They opened fire, hitting two people, both fishermen, and a ranger also died," local fisherman Kambale Sikulisimwa told AFP. One of the most important conservation sites in the world, Virunga national park is Africa's oldest nature reserve and famed for its endangered mountain gorillas. Covering more than 7,800 square kilometres (3,000 square miles), the park is located in an area of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which borders Uganda and Rwanda which has been blighted by militia violence. Numerous militia groups and armed gangs roam North Kivu fighting for control of territorial and natural resources, with the park suspending all tourism activities earlier this year following the kidnapping of two British tourists. Since the start of the year, at least eight of the park's rangers have been killed by armed groups. Since July, Boko Haram jihadists have attacked at least 17 Nigerian army bases, killing scores of troops Leaders from Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon called Thursday for increased international backing in the face of the recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram jihadists in the Lake Chad area. Chad's President Idriss Deby hosted his counterparts from Nigeria and Niger, Muhammadu Buhari and Mahamadou Issoufou, as well as Cameroon's Prime Minister Philemon Yang for the closed-door talks. "The heads of state and government... expressed their deep concern with regards to the upsurge of attacks... and expressed the crucial need to change their modus operandi in the fight against Boko Haram," the leaders said in a statement. "In this regard, the leaders took a number of decisions which included operational cooperation," it said. "In this context, they appealed to the international community to support their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the region, and in the stabilisation and sustainable development of the sub-region," the statement added. All four countries belong to the Lake Chad Basin Commission, an intergovernmental organisation which oversees the usage of water and other natural resources in the region but which has also been engaged in the fight against Boko Haram. The meeting was also attended by top brass of the Multinational Joint Task Force, based in N'Djamena, whose members include the four countries plus Benin. The force, set up in 2015 with Western backing, monitors the Lake Chad region with the help of local village defence patrols. Boko Haram's bloody insurgency in northeastern Nigeria began in 2009 and has since spread to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger, prompting the regional military response. In 2015, Boko Haram jihadists split into two branches, one of which is affiliated to the Islamic State (IS) group. - Buhari's 'must win' war - In Nigeria alone, more than 27,000 people have been killed over the past nine years, and the violence has forced some 1.8 million people to flee their homes. And since July, there have been at least 17 attacks on military bases in Nigeria, almost all of them in the region around Lake Chad, according to an AFP count. Earlier this month, IS claimed its militants had killed 118 people in five operations in Nigeria and Chad between November 15 and 21. In the most audacious attack on November 18, IS-allied Boko Haram jihadists killed at least 43 soldiers when they overran a base in Metele village near the border with Niger, according to security sources, although the survivors put the death toll at more than 100. On Tuesday evening, jihadists raided another Nigerian military base in a village near Lake Chad, killing three soldiers. Local residents said their truck was armed with anti-aircraft guns. Nigeria's Buhari, who came to power in 2015 pledging to end the violence, is under increasing pressure to act following the recent surge in attacks as he gears up to seek re-election in a February ballot. Visiting troops in violence-hit Borno State on Wednesday, Buhari said the fight against Boko Haram was "a must-win war". He has come under attack for previously claiming the Islamists were "technically defeated". British citizen and prominent Radio One host Gavin Ford poses in the Lebanese radio's studio in the town of Beit Mery, east of Beirut, on January 26, 2017 Lebanon has arrested two people suspected of having murdered British radio presenter Gavin Ford who hosted one of Lebanon's most popular shows, security forces said Thursday. The 53-year-old's lifeless body was discovered on Tuesday at his home in Beit Meri, a mountain town east of Beirut where his employer Radio One is also based. Two Syrians, born in 1991 and 1995, have been arrested in connection to his death, the security forces said in a statement, without specifying when they were detained. "They admitted to committing murder and said they went on Monday afternoon to the home of the victim to steal," the statement said. They confessed they "strangled him and hit him on the head with a sharp object until he lost consciousness, and then left in his car", it added. Security forces found some of the looted items, as well as "the victim's mobile phone and car keys", at the home of the suspects in the northern Beirut suburb of Al-Nabaa. A security source told AFP earlier that Ford's private safe was found empty, and his mobile phone had gone missing. After he was found dead, tributes started pouring in on social media for Ford, who had been one of Lebanon's most loved radio hosts for years. They included Britain's ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling, who said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news. Ford's death comes after British embassy employee Rebecca Dykes was murdered in December last year by a taxi driver who tried to rape her. Such crime is rare in Beirut, a city largely considered safe, including for tourists and foreign residents. Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, head of the Huthi rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, gestures while attending a rally in Sanaa on September 20, 2018 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough on ending Yemen's brutal war, saying he hoped talks would start by the end of the year. Huthi rebels, who have persisted in their fight despite an onslaught from neighboring Saudi Arabia, earlier Thursday said they were ready to take part in negotiations that the United Nations had earlier mooted for next week in Sweden. But Guterres lowered hopes on the timing of the talks, which are being arranged as millions of Yemenis are feared to be on the brink of starvation. "I don't want to raise too much expectations, but we are working hard in order to make sure that we can start meaningful peace talks still this year," Guterres told reporters in Buenos Aires, where he will take part in the G20 summit. "But, as you know, there have been some setbacks," he said, pointing in part to Saudi Arabia's concerns over continued rocket attacks by the Huthis. The United Nations has described Yemen, which is under both a blockade and a bombing campaign by Saudi Arabia, as the world's worst humanitarian disaster, with at least 10,000 people killed since the intervention began in 2015. International patience has been wearing thin with Saudi Arabia, which is trying to bolster the internationally backed president, Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The US Senate moved Wednesday to cut off US support for the Saudi-led coalition, outraged at accounts of attacks on civilian targets including hospitals and a school bus. The step marked an unusual defiance of President Donald Trump, who has defended a strong partnership with the kingdom's ambitious crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. But Guterres and Trump may meet the 33-year-old heir apparent in Buenos Aires, a bold international appearance for the prince as he faces criticism over the kingdom's murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul. - Rebels agree to talks - The Trump administration has publicly encouraged Saudi Arabia to wind down the war and has cited the peace talks as a way to forge ahead with a solution. The rebels, who have ties with Saudi Arabia's arch-enemy Iran, had balked at attending previous peace talks planned for September in Geneva, saying that the UN could not guarantee their delegation's return to the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa. But Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, who heads the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee, sounded upbeat about talks in Sweden -- while reiterating calls for safe passage. "I think that the national (Huthi) delegation will be in Sweden God willing on December 3 if guarantees remain to ensure they can depart and return," Huthi said on Twitter. He said there should also be "positive indications on the importance of peace from the other side." The Huthis' top political leader Mahdi al-Mashat, in a statement later published by the rebels' news agency, called for a reduction in hostilities ahead of the talks and said rebels were exercising "high levels of self-restraint." Hadi's government has already said it is willing to join the negotiations in Sweden. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has held talks separately in the past few days with officials from both sides as part of efforts to lay the ground work for the peace talks. The UN aid chief, Mark Lowcock, on Thursday paid his first visit in more than a year to Yemen, where UN agencies say that 14 million people are at risk of starvation. Lowcock said he was "very concerned" about the humanitarian situation and wanted to look first-hand at how to improve access for aid agencies. burs-sct/jit/wd MALE, Maldives (AP) - The Maldives' top court has annulled a conviction for the country's former president on terror charges that carried a 13-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court on Monday set aside Mohamed Nasheed's conviction, saying there were no grounds for him to be charged under the terrorism law and that the state had failed to produce sufficient evidence. Nasheed, who became Maldives' first democratically elected president in 2008, was sentenced to prison in 2015 for ordering the detention of a top judge when he was president in 2012. The court said at the time that the judge's arrest amounted to abduction. After one year in prison, Nasheed traveled to Britain for medical treatment and took asylum there. He returned home after strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom lost a presidential election in September. Nasheed was elected president in 2008, when the Maldives held its first multiparty presidential election, ending decades of autocratic rule. He resigned in 2012 amid public protests over the judge's detention. FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2018 file photo, Maldives' former president Mohamed Nasheed greets supporters upon arrival at the airport in Male, Maldives. The Maldives' top court has annulled a conviction for Nasheed on terror charges that carried a 13-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court on Monday, Nov. 26, set aside Mohamed Nasheed's conviction, saying there were no grounds for him to be charged under the terrorism law and that the state had failed to produce sufficient evidence. (AP Photo/Mohamed Sharuhaan, File) He lost the 2013 election to Yameen, who rolled back many of the democratic gains. Yameen jailed almost all of his political rivals, including Nasheed, after rushed trials that were criticized for a lack of due process. Unable to contest the 2018 presidential election because of his jail sentence, Nasheed backed Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who won the election. Trump says Manafort pardon 'not off the table' WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday a pardon for Paul Manafort is "not off the table" - a comment that drew swift rebuke from critics who fear the president will use his executive power to protect friends and supporters caught up in the Russia probe. The president's discussion of a possible pardon in an interview with the New York Post came days after special counsel Robert Mueller said Manafort had breached his plea deal by repeatedly lying to investigators. The former Trump campaign chairman denies that he lied. Trump's remarks are the latest sign of his disdain for the Russia investigation, which has dogged him for two years and ensnared members of his inner circle. In recent weeks, the president, armed with inside information provided to his lawyers by Manafort's legal team, has sharpened his attacks, seizing on what he claims are dirty tactics employed by the special counsel and accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. In the interview with the Post, Trump likened the Russia probe to Sen. Joe McCarthy's pursuit of alleged communists in the 1950s. "We are in the McCarthy era. This is no better than McCarthy," Trump told the newspaper. ___ Senate defies Trump, showing anger with Saudis for Khashoggi WASHINGTON (AP) - Defying President Donald Trump, senators sent a strong signal Wednesday that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggi's brutal killing in Turkey last month. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. ___ Pelosi, nominated for speaker, must now get the votes WASHINGTON (AP) - Nancy Pelosi isn't speaker of the House just yet, but her path back to the gavel is now firmly in sight. Pelosi was overwhelmingly nominated to become House speaker in an internal Democratic caucus vote Wednesday. The final tally, 203-32, puts her within range of the 218 threshold needed in January to be elected speaker when the new Congress convenes. She's not quite there. Her actual support is at 200, adjusting for delegates who can't vote in the full House and one supporter who missed the caucus session. But without a challenger and with several weeks to dole out - or withhold - favors, Pelosi is not too far from returning to the speaker's office. "Are there dissenters? Yes," the California Democrat told reporters as the ballots were being counted. "But I expect to have a powerful vote going forward." ___ Authorities ID body as kidnapped North Carolina teen girl LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP) - A body found in North Carolina has been preliminarily identified as a 13-year-old girl kidnapped outside her home, investigators said Wednesday, ending a three-week search involving hundreds of investigators. Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill told reporters at a news conference that state crime lab tests indicate the body found late Tuesday is Hania Aguilar. While a final determination will be made with dental records, investigators believe the body is hers. "This is the outcome that we all feared," he said. "We did not want to hear this. We wanted to bring Hania back home and bring her back home alive to our community. It hurts." He pledged to bring whoever is responsible to justice. Investigators said they don't currently have a suspect or person of interest. The chief said Hania's body was found in a body of water in Robeson County about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the mobile home park where she was kidnapped on Nov. 5 after going outside to start a relative's SUV before school. ___ Sprucing up NYC: Rockefeller Center lights Christmas tree NEW YORK (AP) - A massive Norway spruce has been lit up in a tradition that ushers in Christmastime in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio flipped the switch Wednesday night to light the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree following a televised extravaganza that featured performances by Diana Ross and Tony Bennett. The 72-foot-tall tree is decorated with 5 miles (8 kilometers) of multicolored LED lights and a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. Rockefeller Center has hosted the ceremony since 1931. Police officers were plentiful, and spectators were funneled through security. The 75-year-old tree was donated by a couple in Wallkill, 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the city. ___ Clash with migrants spotlights force at the border EL PASO, Texas (AP) - U.S. Border Patrol agents near Tijuana, Mexico, faced a choice as they looked out over the chaos at a crowd of migrants that included rock-throwing men as well as barefoot children: Do they respond with force - and, if so, what kind? The circumstances at the San Ysidro border crossing Sunday were exceptional, but the question facing the agents was not. It's a split-second choice more often made in the remote desert, far from cameras, where agents are likely working alone and encountering groups of people crossing illegally. The agents' response - firing tear gas into the crowd - triggered widespread outrage and rekindled complaints that the Border Patrol, bolstered by President Donald Trump's tough talk, is too quick to use force, particularly when responding to people throwing rocks. But use of force by Customs and Border Protection officers and agents is declining from a high during the 2013 budget year, government statistics show. There are high-profile exceptions, like the shooting death by agents of a 19-year-old Guatemalan woman who crossed the border near Laredo in May. Still, experts say policies have improved following a major audit five years ago. ___ Trump's private plane clipped in parking mishap at LaGuardia NEW YORK (AP) - President Donald Trump's private jet, an instantly recognizable Boeing 757 used during his campaign, was caught up in a quintessential New York City traffic mishap at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday: a fender bender while someone else was trying to park. A corporate jet maneuvering into a parking spot clipped the wing of Trump's parked plane around 8:30 a.m., Trump's company, The Trump Organization, confirmed. The plane was parked and not in use, it said. The corporate jet, a twin-engine Bombardier Global Express, had three crew members aboard. It had just completed an 18-minute flight from Islip, on Long Island, and was being guided by ground personnel along a ramp near the general aviation terminal. No one was on Trump's plane. Trump used the jet throughout his 2016 run for the White House but hasn't done so since taking office, opting for Air Force One instead. ___ Woman accused of being Russian spy could be near a plea deal WASHINGTON (AP) - A woman accused of being a secret agent for the Russian government appears to be coming closer to a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors or other resolution of her criminal case, according to court documents filed Wednesday. Lawyers for Maria Butina and federal prosecutors wrote in the joint court filing that they "remain optimistic about a pretrial resolution" of her case. Prosecutors allege that the 30-year-old gathered intelligence on American officials and political organizations and worked to develop relationships with American politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association. They have charged that her work was directed by a former Russian lawmaker who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Butina is charged with conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia. She's pleaded not guilty, and her lawyer has said Butina is a student interested in American politics and better U.S.-Russian relations. Butina has mounted an aggressive defense since she was jailed in July, and her legal team tried to have the case thrown out earlier this month. ___ Rita Moreno joins Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' film NEW YORK (AP) - Rita Moreno's portrayal of Anita in the classic 1961 film "West Side Story" won her an Oscar. Now, she has a different part in a remake directed by Steven Spielberg. The publicist for the 86-year-old Moreno confirmed Wednesday that she'll play Valentina, a reworked version of the character of Doc, the owner of a corner store where Tony works. Ansel Elgort has been cast as Tony. The story follows two star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, who are each associated with rival New York street gangs. The Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner is adapting the script. Moreno will also serve as an executive producer. Filming is set to begin next summer. ___ Some California evacuation orders could be lifted next week LOS ANGELES (AP) - Some evacuation orders could be lifted early next week for areas devastated by a Northern California wildfire, and residents should be prepared to find bones or bone fragments as they sift through their properties, an official said Wednesday. The death toll from the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century was steady at 88 people, and 196 are on a list of those unaccounted for, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at an evening press conference. The coroner's office has positively identified 35 people who died in the fire and tentatively identified another 47. Honea clarified a previous statement he made claiming that some fire victims might have been "completely consumed" by flames. Experts subsequently informed him that in most cases at least some bone fragments were likely left behind after the firestorm, Honea said. "There should be remains," he said, adding that people who find bone fragments should not disturb the area and call authorities for potential identification. WASHINGTON (AP) - Defying President Donald Trump, senators sent a strong signal Wednesday that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggi's brutal killing in Turkey last month. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. Echoing Trump's public comments on the killing, Pompeo said after Wednesday's briefing with senators that there was "no direct reporting" connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mattis said there was "no smoking gun" making the connection. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo walks up to the microphones to speak to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grilled top administration officials at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Pompeo argued that the war in Yemen would be "a hell of a lot worse" if the United States were not involved. Wednesday's procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year - the end of the current Congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didn't attend because she "would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi." And Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that didn't happen and declared, "I'm not going to blow past this." CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the Senate intelligence committee and Senate leaders and "will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress." In another explanation, a White House official said Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after the resolution, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, fell six votes short of passage earlier this year. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said in the past he had "laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia." But he said he believes the Senate should "figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests." He said the crown prince "owns this death. He owns it." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that "some kind of response" was needed from the United States for the Saudis' role in Khashoggi's death. On Tuesday, he said that "what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world." Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggi's murder "has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies." Trump has said it may never be known who was responsible for the killing, and in public comments - and a long and unusual statement last week - he reinforced the United States' long-standing alliance with the Saudis. Trump has praised a pending arms deal with the kingdom that he says will provide the U.S. with jobs and lucrative payments, though some outside assessments say the economic benefits are exaggerated. ___ Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Matthew Daly, Kevin Freking, Maria Danilova and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smiles while speaking to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grilled top administration officials at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smiles after shaking hands with Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., not shown, as Pompeo arrives for a closed door meeting with Senators about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are set to grill top administration officials Wednesday at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) FILE - In this March 20, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The prince and Trump are attending the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Argentina. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) GENEVA (AP) - Top diplomats from Russia, the United States and the European Union united Wednesday in support for the Afghan president's efforts to stabilize his war-battered nation, saying progress has been made but more is needed, especially in areas of security, anti-corruption and the push to launch peace talks with the Taliban. The statements came at a U.N.-backed conference in Geneva, where President Ashraf Ghani said he wanted to "specifically recognize the commitment in blood and treasure that the United States has shown since 2001" in Afghanistan. Ghani called the U.S. its "key ally" and praised the Trump administration's South Asia policy as a "game changer" for Afghanistan. The Geneva meeting aims to take stock of the Afghan government's use of billions of dollars in foreign aid for education, health care, humanitarian support and needs since 2016. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country hoped for an "end of this fratricidal war" in Afghanistan and cited concerns about the stepped-up militant attacks by the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan. Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign affairs chief, said the bloc was "ready to do our part as a neutral player." She welcomed Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban. Afghan president Ashram Ghani, right, delivers a speech during the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan at the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Fabrice Coffrini/pool photo via AP) "It is a unique opportunity to break the stalemate and to move the country forward," she said. "We believe it is time for concrete talks about peace to begin." U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale urged all to seize the opportunity to move toward peace. "Today we reaffirm our commitment to the Afghan people," he said, noting that Ghani's initiative was among "encouraging signs." Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he was concerned about the drug trade across the region's borders and said the "presence of foreign military forces has never brought stability in our region and has historically provided a recruiting ground for extremists." "All of us need to facilitate the inter-Afghan dialogue," he said. Ghani, who has faced an increasingly violent Taliban insurgency in recent months -- the Taliban now hold sway in nearly half of the country -- presented his government's efforts in areas such as security, justice, women's rights and anti-corruption. "We have a plan for reform, and we need your support to help implement it," he told the conference. "Does this mean that we have eliminated corruption? Absolutely not. We want it to happen faster, but meaningful change cannot be rushed." "We face multiple challenges on many fronts," he concluded. Afghanistan is among the most corrupt countries in the world and last year Transparency International ranked it 177th out of 180 countries ranked. The corruption monitoring agency said the Afghan government's anti-corruption efforts had been insufficient. The country's overall score was a dismal 15 out of 100. The United States has spent nearly $1 trillion on the war in Afghanistan, nearly $800 billion of which was spent on America's own troops there and also Afghanistan's National Security Forces. The U.S. has committed roughly $4 billion annually for the next several years toward financing those forces. Russia has been accused by the U.S. of aiding the Taliban, a militant group that once ruled Afghanistan and that is seen by Moscow as a bulwark against an emerging Islamic State affiliate, which has sought to recruit Afghanistan's ethnic Uzbeks, posing a threat to Central Asian States and creating a source of instability for Russia. Also, Iran has been charged with sending Afghan Shiites, most of who live as refugees in Iran, to fight in Syria in an Afghan-only brigade known as the Fatimayoun Brigade. Pakistan is routinely accused by both the U.S. and Afghanistan of harboring the Taliban. On Tuesday, at the start of the conference, the European Union announced 474 million euros ($535 million) in financial aid for Afghanistan. The European Commission said the new funding would go toward reforms in the public sector, health, justice and migration and displacement issues, with 311 million euros aimed for supporting Afghanistan's "reform agenda." EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, left, speaks with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi during the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan at the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Fabrice Coffrini/pool photo via AP) John R. Bass, Ambassador of the United States to Afghanistan, leaves the press conference, at the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is seen on a TV screen while delivering a speech during the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan at the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Fabrice Coffrini/pool photo via AP) Afghan president Ashraf Ghani delivers a speech during the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan at the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Fabrice Coffrini/pool photo via AP) Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani speaks during a panel discussion at the United Nations Office at Geneva, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/pool photo via AP) Participants attend a panel discussion at the United Nations Office at Geneva, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/pool photo via AP) Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrives for a side event, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani speaks during a panel discussion at the United Nations Office at Geneva, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/pool photo via AP) Arancha Gonzalez, right, Executive director of the International Trade Centre, talks with John Bass, left,, United States ambassador to Afghanistan during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/pool photo via AP) Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, left, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, right, attend the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Denis Balibouse/pool photo via AP) Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, center, arrives with Toby Lanzer, left, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Tadamichi Yamamoto, second from left, UN Secretary General Special Representative and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for a side event, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) Chief Executive of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah, right, arrives with Tadamichi Yamamoto, left, UN Secretary General Special Representative and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for a side event, during the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - A Sri Lankan court on Wednesday ordered the detention of the country's top military officer for investigation in connection with the abduction and disappearance of 11 young people, including ethnic minority Tamils, during the country's civil war that ended nine years ago. Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake ordered that Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne be held until Dec. 5, saying he could obstruct the investigation due to the key post he holds. Wijegunaratne was the former chief of the navy. Wijegunaratne has been accused of giving refuge to former navy Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, who is the main suspect in the abduction of the 11 young people in 2008-2009. They are believed to have been murdered while being held for ransom at a naval base. Wijegunaratne is also accused of helping Hettiarachchi evade police. Hettiarachchi was arrested in August, and several other navy troops have also been detained in the alleged scheme to make money. A large number of people were reported missing during the civil war that ended in 2009. Many were abducted by government paramilitary personnel for alleged links to the now-defeated Tamil Tiger rebels. Rebels also abducted civilians as forced conscripts. Many people who gave themselves up to the military in the final stages of the war are also unaccounted for. Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne is taken away by police officers from a court in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. A Sri Lankan court on Wednesday ordered the detention of the country's top military officer for investigation in connection with the abduction and disappearance of 11 young people, including ethnic minority Tamils, during the country's civil war that ended nine years ago. Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake ordered Wijegunaratne be held until Dec. 5, saying he could obstruct the investigation due to the key post he holds. (AP Photo/Rukmal Gamage) There is no clear record of the missing from the nearly 26-year conflict. A missing person commission has received 20,000 complaints. Ethnic Tamil leaders have said that more than 4,000 Tamils were reported missing in the war, and the government says most are probably dead. According to U.N. estimates, up to 100,000 people were killed in the war. Many more are feared dead, including up to 40,000 civilians who are believed to have died in the final months of the fighting. Government troops and the Tamil Tiger rebels, who fought for an independent state for ethnic minority Tamils in the island's north and east, are both accused of war crimes. HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Officials in an Alabama city met with the family of a black man killed by a police officer and apologized for wrongly describing him as the gunman in a Thanksgiving night shooting at a crowded mall. The meeting came after days of protests since the death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr. Police said an officer killed Bradford after seeing him with a gun moments after a shooting at the Riverchase Galleria mall. Authorities initially identified Bradford as the shooter, but later said they were wrong and evidence indicated he did not fire the rounds that wounded two people that night. The city said Mayor Frank Brocato, Councilman Derrick Murphy and Police Chief Nick Derzis met Tuesday evening with Bradford's family and "expressed their sincerest condolences and prayers to Mr. Bradford's family on their loss." "Chief Derzis acknowledged and apologized for the issuance of an inaccurate public statement in the wake of this tragedy that implied that Mr. Bradford was the suspected shooter." The statement said city officials "answered any questions that they could" during the meeting. In this still image taken from video, April Pipkins holds a photograph of her deceased son, Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., during an interview in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Bradford was shot to death by a police officer in a shopping mall on Thanksgiving night, and Pipkins said she believes her son would still be alive had he been white. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves) Ben Crump, a lawyer for the Bradford family, confirmed that the meeting occurred and said there were "deep emotions on both sides." "It was a very emotional and intense meeting," Crump said Wednesday evening. Crump said the family repeated their demand to "just release the video" of body camera and other footage of the fatal encounter on the second floor of the shopping mall. "The family still wants to know the truth of what happened and the fact that they didn't get any closer to the truth caused them to still be very disappointed that they are still devastated that E.J. has been killed and that this information was released to defame his character and assassinate his character," Crump said. Family members as late as Tuesday afternoon expressed frustration that police never contacted them to notify them what happened to their son. Bradford's mother April Pipkins said she had to call the coroner's office on her own to get confirmation of her son's death. Bradford's death followed a string of highly publicized police shootings of black men, and Pipkins said she believes her son would still be alive had he been white. "I think the whole scenario would have played out differently, I really do," Pipkins told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. Speaking during a community event Tuesday night at Birmingham's historic 16th Street Baptist Church, where a Ku Klux Klan bombing killed four black girls in 1963, the dead man's father, Emantic Bradford Sr., cried as he described the loss of his son. "I love my son, but I can't hear him say 'daddy,' I can't see him. And I want him to be there for me, and I don't want to bury my boy like this," Bradford said. The shooting sparked days of protests. Demonstrators have urged a boycott and vowed to "shut down" Hoover, a city of 85,000 people that is heavily dependent upon retail sales from the Riverchase Galleria mall where the shooting occurred. With more than 150 stores, the shopping center is the largest mall in Alabama. The city canceled a Christmas tree lighting that had been scheduled for Thursday. "We want healing for the community, and we invite all persons of every faith to pray for the Bradford family and encourage all houses of worship to pray for God's help in unifying our community," the statement said. A funeral service for the 21-year-old Bradford is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the 5,000-seat Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. No one has been arrested in the gunfire, which injured a young girl and a man identified as a friend of Bradford. This undated image provided by Emantic Bradford, Sr. shows Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr., 21, posing for a picture at his father's home near Birmingham, Ala., in his senior year of high school. About 200 people marched through an Alabama shopping mall to protest Bradford Jr.'s death, whom police erroneously believed was the gunman who shot and wounded two people. The protesters gathered at the spot at the mall in suburban Birmingham where he was shot and killed after reports of gunfire. Police initially thought Bradford Jr. was responsible for shooting two people but later retracted that statement. (Emantic Bradford, Sr. via AP) A crowd gathers at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, for a community vigil regarding the shooting death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., a black man by police in a shopping mall on Thanksgiving. Bradford's mother said Tuesday that she believes her son would still be alive had he been white. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves) The parents of shooting victim Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., Emantic Bradford Sr. and April Pipkins, flank attorney Ben Crump during a community event in Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Police in suburban Hoover shot and killed their son in a shopping mall on Thanksgiving night, and the parents say they've yet to receive official confirmation by the city of what happened. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves) Protestors carry a sign reading "Justice for E.J." during a protest at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. A police shot and killed 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr. of Hueytown while responding to a shooting at the mall on Thanksgiving evening. Police said Bradford was fleeing the scene with a weapon. Hoover police initially told reporters Bradford had shot a teen at the mall, but later retracted the statement. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler) LOGANSPORT, Ind. (AP) - Authorities recovered six bodies including those of four children Wednesday from the rubble of a burned-out northern Indiana home, police said. The victims of the fire outside Logansport included a 25-year-old woman and her three children, two daughters ages 3 and 1, and a 3-month-old son, Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said. The other victims were a 42-year-old man and his 10-year-old daughter. The man's wife and his adult son survived the fire and were taken to a local hospital, Slocum said. The relationship between the two families wasn't immediately clear, he said. Neighbors reported the fire about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the rural home about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Two Cass County sheriff's deputies arrived there minutes later and attempted to enter the home but were turned away by flames and heat, Sheriff Randy Pryor said. Pryor said the two survivors have spoken to investigators. Firefighters battle an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (Mitchell Kirk/The Kokomo Tribune via AP) The house was largely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, preventing any rescue attempts, New Waverly Fire Department Lt. Steve Crispen said. The building's roof collapsed after fire gutted most of the interior of the two-story, wood-frame house, Crispen said. Firefighting efforts were hindered by a lack of fire hydrants near the house. Fire crews ran out of water and had to wait for about five minutes for more tankers to arrive, Crispen said. "It's pretty numbing when the initial dispatch is telling us people are entrapped in the structure and they're saying multiple people," Crispen said. "It's one of the toughest days I've probably had in my life." Three state fire investigators were at the scene to determine the cause of the blaze, State Fire Marshal James Greeson said, adding that the task ahead would not be easy. "We have an excavation unit in there that is going to systematically pull this apart, so we can get in and actually do our investigation," Greeson said. Slocum said he didn't want to speculate about the cause of the fire. "We're going to consider it a criminal investigation until we find out otherwise - it is all encompassing," Slocum said. ___ This story has been corrected to attribute information about the police investigation to State police Sgt. Tony Slocum, not the state fire marshal. Firefighters battle an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (Mitchell Kirk/The Kokomo Tribune via AP) Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) Firefighters battle an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (Mitchell Kirk/The Kokomo Tribune via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the U.S. response to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (all times local): 4:35 p.m. Senators are sending a strong signal that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, voting to move forward with legislation that would end U.S. involvement with a Saudi-led war in Yemen. The 63-37 vote was to consider a bipartisan resolution to halt U.S. support for the war, a rebuke to Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump's administration, which had issued a veto threat. The procedural vote sets up the beginning of a floor debate on the resolution next week. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis visited Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to lobby against the resolution. Emerging from the briefing, Pompeo said the vote would be "poorly timed" as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are underway. __ Defense Secretary Jim Mattis leaves a closed door meeting that he attended with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Senators about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grilled top administration officials at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) 3:05 p.m. The CIA is denying that Director Gina Haspel was instructed not to attend a classified briefing with senators dealing with Yemen and the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Lawmakers from both parties are expressing frustration over Haspel's absence from the meeting. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attended. CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett says, "The notion that anyone told Director Haspel not to attend today's briefing is false." He says the agency has briefed the Senate intelligence committee and congressional leadership on the "totality" of classified information on the matter and would continue to keep Congress updated. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has threatened to oppose key legislation until the Senate is briefed by the CIA. ___ 2:50 p.m. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says there's "no smoking gun" connecting the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi (jah-MAHL' khahr-SHOHK'-jee) to the Saudi crown prince. Mattis tells reporters that he went over intelligence reports and read translations of tapes twice, and that none of it directly ties the killing to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Mattis spoke after he and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (pahm-PAY'-oh) briefed senators on the U.S. response to Khashoggi's killing. Mattis says the meeting included exhaustive discussions and that lawmakers expressed frustration with U.S. support to Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers have called for the U.S. to take a tougher stand against Saudi Arabia as a result of the killing. Mattis and Pompeo urged senators to support the U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen, including assistance to Saudi Arabia. ___ 2:25 p.m. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is threatening to oppose key legislation until the Senate is briefed by the CIA on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senators were briefed on Khashoggi's death Wednesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis. But Graham said the briefing was "inadequate" without the CIA speaking directly about the intelligence it has on Saudi Arabia's involvement in the killing. Graham said he's willing to hold up the legislative agenda, including legislation to fund the government, until he hears from the agency. He told reporters, "Anything that you need me for to get out of town, I ain't doing it until we hear from the CIA." Asked whether he had communicated that to President Donald Trump, Graham answered: "I just did." ___ 2:15 p.m. Support is growing in the Senate for a resolution aimed at limiting U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen. The resolution needs a simple majority to advance in a vote scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The Trump administration has threated to veto it if it passes Congress. Lawmakers are frustrated with the Trump administration's response to the killing of columnist Jamal Khashoggi and say the administration has not done enough to punish Saudi Arabia for its involvement. Several senators who opposed the Yemen resolution in an earlier vote now support it. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey is among those now in favor. He says "it's time to send Saudi Arabia a message both on its violation of human rights and the incredible humanitarian catastrophe it's creating." Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware also says he now plans to vote yes. The U.S. is providing support to a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. ___ 1:20 p.m. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says there's no intelligence connecting the order to murder Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi to the Saudi crown prince. Pompeo says "I do believe I've read every piece of intelligence" that came in "and there is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi." Pompeo spoke after he and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis briefed senators behind closed doors Wednesday on the U.S. response to the Khashoggi killing. Pompeo urged senators to continue to support U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen and maintain strong ties to Saudi Arabia, a longtime U.S. ally. U.S. intelligence agencies have made the assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would have at least known about the plot to kill Khashoggi. This led some lawmakers to call for the U.S. to take a tougher stand against Saudi Arabia. ___ 12:50 p.m. Senators are expressing disappointment that officials from the intelligence community were not present at a closed-door briefing over the U.S. response to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said the White House made the decision that CIA Director Gina Haspel would not appear at Wednesday's briefing alongside the secretaries of state and defense. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey accused the Trump administration of attempting to "stonewall" the Senate and called the absence of an intelligence official "outrageous." Sen. Bob Corker, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was disappointed Haspel was not present at the briefing, but declined further comment. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the Saudi crown prince must have at least known about a plot to kill Khashoggi. President Donald Trump has equivocated over who is to blame. ___ 11:50 a.m. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to American security interests. In prepared marks he's expected to deliver to members of the Senate on Wednesday, Mattis makes a strong defense of the U.S. role in Yemen and continued close partnership with Saudi Arabia. Many in Congress are calling for the U.S. to take a tougher stance with the key Gulf ally over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the Saudi crown prince must have at least known about a plot. Mattis says the U.S. is "seldom free to work with unblemished partners" and warns that ending U.S. involvement in the conflict would "be misguided on the eve of the promising initial negotiations." ___ 11:35 a.m. President Donald Trump's administration is threatening to veto a Senate resolution that would halt U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The White House is issuing the veto threat as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (pahm-PAY'-oh) and Defense Secretary James Mattis are on Capitol Hill briefing senators who are increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi (jah-MAHL' khahr-SHOHK'-jee). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says "some kind of response" is needed for the Saudis' role in the gruesome death in Turkey. The Senate is considering a vote on the resolution as soon as Wednesday. The White House says the resolution would "harm bilateral relationships in the region and negatively impact the ability of the United States to prevent the spread of violent extremist organizations." ___ 10:50 a.m. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (pahm-PAY'-oh) is defending the U.S. role in Yemen in excerpts of prepared remarks he's expected to deliver to members of the Senate. Pompeo says U.S. involvement in the conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. A Saudi-led coalition is fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. In remarks prepared for Wednesday, Pompeo says, "The first mission is to assist the Saudis and the Emiratis in their fight against Iranian-backed Houthi fighters. This conflict isn't optional for Saudi Arabia, and abandoning it puts American interests at risk." Senators are set to question top Trump administration officials at a closed-door briefing about the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia over the killing of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi (jah-MAHL' khahr-SHOHK'-jee). ___ 12:10 a.m. Senators are set to question top Trump administration officials at a closed-door briefing about the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia over the killing of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi. The briefing could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime U.S. ally in the Mideast. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says "some kind of response" is needed from the United States for the Saudis' role in the gruesome death. President Donald Trump has equivocated over who is to blame. Much will depend on what senators hear from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman must have at least known about the plan to kill Khashoggi last month at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., gestures while speaking to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) LOGANSPORT, Ind. (AP) - The Latest on a deadly house fire in rural northern Indiana (all times local): 6:47 p.m. Police say four children are among the six people whose bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a burned northern Indiana home. Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum says the victims of the fire outside Logansport included a 25-year-old woman and her three children, two daughters ages 3 and 1, and a 3-month-old son. The other victims were a 42-year-old man and his 10-year-old daughter. Slocum says the man's wife and his adult son survived the fire and were taken to a local hospital. He says the relationship between the two families isn't clear. Slocum says the fire was reported about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the rural home about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) ___ 5:05 p.m. Authorities have recovered two more bodies from the rubble of a burned northern Indiana home, bringing the total number to six people. Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum tells The Associated Press that crews assisted by cadaver dogs late Wednesday afternoon had found two bodies in addition to those of an adult male, an adult female and two children recovered earlier. He did not know the ages or the genders of the two most recent bodies found. Slocum says crews still are searching the rubble. He says the fire was reported about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the rural home about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Two adults escaped the fire and were taken to a local hospital. ___ 4:47 p.m. Authorities have recovered four bodies from the rubble of a burned northern Indiana home where officials believe four children and two adults died. Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said Wednesday afternoon that crews assisted by cadaver dogs so far have found the bodies of an adult male, an adult female and two children. He says crews are still searching the rubble. He didn't disclose the ages of the persons whose bodies were found Slocum says the fire was reported about 2 a.m. Wednesday. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor says the bodies were found in different parts of the rural home about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Two adults escaped the fire and were taken to a local hospital. Pryor says they've been talking to investigators. ___ 12:25 p.m. Authorities say one body has been found so far in a burned northern Indiana home where officials believe four children and two adults died. State police Sgt. Tony Slocum said late Wednesday morning that crews were still working to search the house just outside Logansport where the fire was reported about 2 a.m. He didn't know the age or gender of the person found. State Fire Marshal James Greeson told reporters that three of his investigators were at the scene to help determine what caused the blaze. He says an excavator was pulling apart the structure so that crews could get inside the house. Slocum says investigators were considering all possibilities to what led up to the fire about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis. Two adults escaped the fire and were taken to a local hospital. ___ 7:30 a.m. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following a house fire in rural northern Indiana. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. Two adults escaped the fire and were taken to the hospital. Pryor says the children inside ranged in age from infancy to 10 years old. The Cass County coroner is at the home about 70 miles (115 kilometers) north of Indianapolis, but he can't confirm any deaths until crews have searched what remains of the home. Rescuers tried to get into the home as it burned. New Waverly Fire Lt. Steve Crispen describes feeling numb when he heard people were trapped inside. Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) Firefighters remain on the scene following an early morning house fire on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 in Logansport, Ind. Authorities say four children and two adults are unaccounted for following the house fire. Cass County Sheriff Randy Pryor told reporters at the scene in Logansport that the six are still believed to be inside the home that burned early Wednesday. (John Terhune/Journal & Courier via AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) - A California appeals court overturned a lower court order that had imperiled the state's assisted suicide law, but a longer legal fight may loom because the ruling skirted the larger issue of whether the legislation was unconstitutional. A three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeals in the city of Riverside on Tuesday did not rule on the merits of the case because it found doctors opposed to the law had no right to sue to block the law. The court said the doctors failed to show they were harmed because they could choose not to help terminally ill patients die. The End of Life Option Act allows adults to obtain a prescription for life-ending drugs if a doctor finds they have six months or less to live. The ruling reversed Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia's judgment in May that declared the law unconstitutiona because it was adopted during a special legislative session that was supposed to address improving the medical system and health of Californians. The appellate ruling written by Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez has no immediate impact on the current status of the law because the appeals court had put the trial court judgment on hold during the state attorney general's legal challenge. News that the lower court ruling had been reversed buoyed advocates of doctor-supported death. FILE - In this March 25, 2015, file photo, a portrait of Brittany Maynard sits on the dais of the Senate Health Committee at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., as lawmakers took testimony on proposed legislation allowing doctors to prescribe life ending medication to terminally ill patients. A California appeals court overturned a lower court ruling that found the state's assisted suicide law was unconstitutional, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Maynard, who was dying from brain cancer, had to move to Oregon in 2014 so she could end her life. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) "Our patients will be tremendously relieved," said Dr. Catherine Sonquist Forest, a family physician in Northern California who has six terminally ill patients considering the option. "Thousands across the state will find great solace in knowing this option is there." The ruling is probably not the last word on the matter and could set the stage for future legal actions. The case was sent back to the lower court and the lawsuit could be amended and refiled. The court even spelled out how groups challenging the law might be able to show harm to plaintiffs. For example, a district attorney who wanted to prosecute a doctor for helping a patient die or a hospital or medical group that sought to discipline an affiliated physician who assisted a death might be able to establish standing, the court said. The Life Legal Defense Foundation, which represented the doctors, said it was disappointed and would consider its options. Other opponents of the law criticized the decision. "Assisted suicide is not health care and places countless Californians at risk of deadly harm," said Matt Valliere of the Patients Rights Action Fund. "Sadly the court's ruling in this case ... fails to protect vulnerable patients whose care has been compromised by this dangerous public policy." Supporters of assisted suicide said the ruling would strengthen their defense of the law in the future. "But the harsh reality is this case is likely to last several more years because the plaintiffs are hell-bent on depriving ... terminally ill Californians ... (of) a peaceful death, free of unbearable suffering," said attorney John Kappos, who represented Compassion & Choices, a group that supported the law. While two justices ruled only on the issue of standing, Justice Marsha Slough dissented in part because she said the appellate panel should have ruled on the merits of the case and found the law was constitutional. Slough said it was not a stretch for the Legislature to consider assisted suicide as an extension of a discussion on the efficiency of the health care system. She said there was no reason to "drag this case out" before finding lawmakers acted within their authority. "We have a responsibility to expeditiously disperse the uncertainty this litigation has created for countless patients, family members, and loved ones, as well as physicians and workers in the health care sector," Slough wrote. In 2017, the first full year assisted suicide was legal, 374 terminally ill people took drugs to end their lives, California health officials said. The District of Columbia and six other states - Oregon, Colorado, Montana, Vermont, Washington, and Hawaii - also allow assisted suicide. ___ Associated Press Writer Julie Watson contributed to this story from San Diego. EL PASO, Texas (AP) - U.S. Border Patrol agents near Tijuana, Mexico, faced a choice as they looked out over the chaos at a crowd of migrants that included rock-throwing men as well as barefoot children: Do they respond with force - and, if so, what kind? The circumstances at the San Ysidro border crossing Sunday were exceptional, but the question facing the agents was not. It's a split-second choice more often made in the remote desert, far from cameras, where agents are likely working alone and encountering groups of people crossing illegally. The agents' response - firing tear gas into the crowd - triggered widespread outrage and rekindled complaints that the Border Patrol, bolstered by President Donald Trump's tough talk, is too quick to use force, particularly when responding to people throwing rocks. But use of force by Customs and Border Protection officers and agents is declining from a high during the 2013 budget year, government statistics show. There are high-profile exceptions, like the shooting death by agents of a 19-year-old Guatemalan woman who crossed the border near Laredo in May. Still, experts say policies have improved following a major audit five years ago. "There has been progress made - especially in getting officers better training and better equipment," said Josiah Heyman, a professor with University of Texas at El Paso and director of the Center for Inter-American and Border Studies. "When I first started studying this, most agents had a gun and a baton. They didn't have the choice to use anything else." Migrants from Central America yell through a border wall at a U.S. Border Patrol agent after he pulled down a banner Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in San Diego. Migrants approaching the U.S. border from Mexico were enveloped with tear gas Sunday after a few tried to breach the fence separating the two countries. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Firearms were used 45 times in budget year 2013 compared with 17 in 2017, according to data from Customs and Border Protection. For the first 11 months of the 2018 budget year, firearms were used 14 times. The data includes Border Patrol agents that patrol between the ports of entry, and officers who police border crossings. Over those 11 months, there were 743 cases of agents and officers using less-lethal force, like batons, stun guns, tear gas and pepper spray. These included 29 cases in which tear gas was used and 43 incidents of pepper spray. Though the final numbers are unavailable, those figures represent a drop from 2013, during the Obama administration, when there were 1,168 incidents of less-lethal force, including 27 instances of tear gas and 151 of pepper spray, according to the data. Less-lethal force has increased over the past two years but is still lower than 2013. Complaints about excessive force prompted Customs and Border Protection to commission an investigation by the Police Executive Research Forum, a policing research and policy group. The 2013 audit highlighted problems that included foot-patrol agents without access to less-lethal options. It recommended law enforcement not be allowed to use deadly force when people throw rocks - a suggestion that was rejected. Following those reviews, Customs and Border Protection revised policies and made major changes to training. Agents now undergo scenario-based drills at the academy and learn how to de-escalate tense situations. They get 64 hours of on-the-job training on use of force. Some sectors, like El Paso, have a virtual reality simulator. The octagonal giant screens mounted on a platform mimic a desert encounter where agents must decide whether to fire their weapons. The scenario is designed to cause stress, and agents are forced to think quickly or face being shot, run over or hit with rocks. After the simulation, they discuss reactions with training officers and work on how to better respond in the future. "The desert is a very difficult, dangerous unstructured environment," said Aaron Hull, Border Patrol chief for the El Paso Sector. "We're trying to keep our agents safe. We're trying to protect the safety of our communities, and all the people involved." Chuck Wexler, head of the police research forum, credited the agency with taking the recommendations seriously. "Also when they do have an incident, they have a better review process," he said. Trump defended the use of tear gas on children - claiming it was "very safe," a "very minor form" of irritant. But Customs and Border Protection officials still plan to conduct a review to determine whether it was justified and what - if anything - could be done better, according Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. Agents are authorized to use deadly force when there is reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of serious physical injury or death to the officer or another person. They have discretion on how to deploy less-than-lethal force: It must be both "objectively reasonable and necessary in order to carry out law enforcement duties" - and used when other "empty hand" techniques are not sufficient to control disorderly or violent subjects. Officials say they deploy the lowest form of force necessary to take control of a situation - but critics of the Sunday clash say gas never should've been used near small children. The chaos began after a peaceful protest by some of the thousands of migrants marooned in Mexico. It was unusual in part because of the large number trying to cross illegally - officials said it was between 500 and 1,000. U.S. authorities shut down the nation's busiest border crossing for several hours. San Diego Border Patrol Sector chief Rodney Scott said 42 people were arrested and some children inhaled the tear gas, but they were not intended targets. But images of crying children in diapers and bare feet running from plumes of gas struck a nerve again - not unlike the images of weeping, frightened children who had been separated from their parents over the summer. "Any border security and immigration policy that results in mothers and children being gassed is not only cruel and morally reprehensible, but also an abject failure," said Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security. "The administration should be preparing itself to finally face real oversight of its failed border and immigration policies." U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers walks along a wall at the border between Mexico and the United States, as seen from San Diego on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Migrants approaching the U.S. border from Mexico were enveloped with tear gas Sunday after a few tried to breach a fence separating the two countries. The Border Patrol office in San Diego said via Twitter that pedestrian crossings have been suspended at the San Ysidro port of entry at both the East and West facilities. All northbound and southbound traffic was halted. (AP Photo/Greg Bull) Honduran migrant Janet Zuniga holds her five-month-old son Linder, as he receives medical treatment outside a shelter, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. A day after a march by members of the migrant caravan turned into an attempt to breach the U.S. border with Mexico, many migrants appeared sullen, wondering whether the unrest had spoiled whatever possibilities they might have had for making asylum cases. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) A group of migrants gather at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, as they try to pressure their way into the U.S. The mayor of Tijuana has declared a humanitarian crisis in his border city and says that he has asked the United Nations for aid to deal with the approximately 5,000 Central American migrants who have arrived in the city. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) HONOLULU (AP) - Research into the decline of humpback whale sightings in Hawaii points to a food chain disruption likely caused by warmer ocean temperatures in the whales' feeding grounds in Alaska, federal officials have said. U.S. and international researchers, wildlife managers and federal officials were meeting in Honolulu on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the decline in sightings of humpbacks that traditionally migrate each autumn from Alaska, where they feed during the summer months, to Hawaii, where they mate and give birth during the winter. Data presented at the meetings shows a strong correlation between warming oceans and the missing whales, said Christine Gabriele, a federal wildlife biologist who monitors humpbacks at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. Three factors have warmed the ocean in Alaska since 2014, the same year scientists noticed a decline in sightings in Hawaii. There was a change in an ocean current known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a warm El Nino period in 2016, and a massive "blob" of warm water in the region. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a current that switches between cool and warm periods over the course of many years, switched to warm in 2014. File - In this March 21, 2012 file photo, a humpback whale dives near Starrigavan estuary in Sitka, Alaska. Over the past several years researchers have noticed a decline in the number of North Pacific humpback whales showing up in their traditional breeding grounds around Hawaii. The missing humpbacks migrate each autumn from Alaska, where they feed during the summer months, to Hawaii, where they mate and give birth during the winter. (James Poulson/Daily Sitka Sentinel via AP, file) Data shows that "it was more favorable for the whales when we were in a cold period, and then less favorable when the (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) switches to warm," Gabriele said. "In Glacier Bay we have definitely seen a much lower calving rate and much lower calf survival as well as juvenile survival," Gabriele said. "I think there are metabolic issues that are probably related to the production of a calf. We're not clear if it's a lack of pregnancy or lack of ability to carry it to term." The whales may also be spreading out or moving north to cooler waters to find their prey, which could explain why there are fewer sightings in Hawaii. Based on the latest large-scale population study, it is estimated that half of all North Pacific humpbacks make the journey to Hawaii each year, putting the total number of whales making the 6,000-mile (9,700-kilometer) round trip migration at around 11,000 annually. Most humpbacks were taken off the Endangered Species list in 2016 but are still federally protected. Researchers believe that a change in the whales' food supply in Alaska is behind the decline in sightings in Hawaii. If they are forced to find new areas to forage, they could be finding new areas to breed, possibly in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands which are not as closely monitored as the main Hawaiian Islands where the decline has been most notably observed. And while scientists agree that a decline in sightings in both Alaska and Hawaii is because of a change in food, they still don't know if there is a larger issue that could be impacting the entire habitat. Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hope this week's meetings will help them to form a plan and get funding to help ensure the species' continued success. NOAA conducts research, creates federal regulations and enforces laws meant to protect the whales. "At least in Alaska, there's something happening with the prey," said Marc Lammers, research coordinator for NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. "What we didn't really resolve is whether that applies more broadly to a larger area like across the North Pacific." The researchers said that while historically there have been dips in sightings on specific islands in Hawaii, those declines were usually accounted for by an increase in sighting somewhere else in the archipelago. But over the past four years, there has been a downward trend of between 50 percent and 80 percent of sightings across the entire main Hawaiian Islands, something Gabriele called "unprecedented." There has also been a decline of nearly 60 percent of sightings in Alaska's Glacier Bay. "There is no question that the world is changing, the oceans are changing," Lammers said. "The humpback whales are reflecting those changes and we now need to try to understand whether this is something that will eventually correct itself, and time will tell, or whether this is something that points to a more sustained change." NOAA's Susan Pultz, chief of conservation planning and rulemaking in the Pacific island region, said the meetings are a starting point for possible future action. "I don't think there's necessarily panic, but I think just the fact that we came together today tells you that there is some sense of urgency about the whales," Pultz said. She added: "One of the reasons we're all together, and obviously this has not yet gelled into a plan, is to identify where there are data gaps - if there are data gaps - what we need to look at next, and then that will inform our next actions that we take." ___ Follow Associated Press Hawaii correspondent Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2009 file photo, boaters and fishermen watch as a group of up to six humpback whales feed on herring near Ketchikan, Alaska. Over the past several years researchers have noticed a decline in the number of North Pacific humpback whales showing up in their traditional breeding grounds around Hawaii. The missing humpbacks migrate each autumn from Alaska, where they feed during the summer months, to Hawaii, where they mate and give birth during the winter. (Tom Miller/Ketchikan Daily News via AP, file) File - In this Jan. 23, 2005 file photo, a whale leaps out of the water in what is called "breaching," as seen from a whale watching boat operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation in the channel off the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Over the past several years researchers have noticed a decline in the number of North Pacific humpback whales showing up in their traditional breeding grounds around Hawaii. While scientists say it's too early to draw any conclusions about the baffling phenomena, the decline has sparked enough concern that a consortium of whale experts will meet this week in Honolulu to compare data and hopefully get a better sense of what's happening. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) NEW YORK (AP) - President Donald Trump's private jet, an instantly recognizable Boeing 757 used during his campaign, was caught up in a quintessential New York City traffic mishap at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday: a fender bender while someone else was trying to park. A corporate jet maneuvering into a parking spot clipped the wing of Trump's parked plane around 8:30 a.m., Trump's company, The Trump Organization, confirmed. The plane was parked and not in use, it said. The corporate jet, a twin-engine Bombardier Global Express, had three crew members aboard. It had just completed an 18-minute flight from Islip, on Long Island, and was being guided by ground personnel along a ramp near the general aviation terminal. No one was on Trump's plane. Trump used the jet throughout his 2016 run for the White House but hasn't done so since taking office, opting for Air Force One instead. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, said there were no injuries and no impact on airport operations. FILE - In this March 1, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's private jet arrives at Port-Columbus International Airport, in Columbus, Ohio. President Donald Trump's private jet, an instantly recognizable Boeing 757 used during his campaign, was caught up in a quintessential New York City traffic mishap at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018: a fender bender while someone else was trying to park. A corporate jet maneuvering into a parking spot clipped the wing of Trump's parked plane around 8:30 a.m., Trump's company, The Trump Organization, confirmed. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) The extent of damage to the planes wasn't immediately clear. According to the aviation tracking website FlightAware, the corporate jet flew Wednesday afternoon to Hartford, Connecticut, where Bombardier has a service center. Trump's plane is blocked from being tracked on the site. Trump bought his jet, a retrofitted commercial airliner, from the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2011 for $100 million. It was previously used by a low-budget Mexican passenger carrier. Trump flexed the jet as a symbol of wealth, power and convenience during his presidential campaign, using it to commute almost every night to New York, home to his Manhattan penthouse apartment. The plane - painted black and red, with the Trump name in big, gold letters - features a bedroom, 24-karat gold-plated fixtures and leather seats, according to a Trump Organization video. During the campaign, it became known as Trump Force One and was a familiar backdrop for Trump's airport hangar rallies. Lately, the plane has turned into something of a LaGuardia landmark, with fliers snapping photos from passing jets and posting them on social media. Wednesday's incident wasn't the first involving a Trump campaign plane at LaGuardia. A Boeing 737 charter plane carrying then-vice presidential candidate Mike Pence overran a runway while landing in the rain on Oct. 27, 2016, about two weeks before the election. No one was hurt. __ Follow Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak WASHINGTON (AP) - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the nation's capital. President Donald Trump led a countdown for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on Wednesday, and first lady Melania Trump hit the switch to illuminate the decked-out spruce in President's Park, just south of the White House. "Merry Christmas, everybody," the president said. "We just have to say it all together: Merry, merry Christmas." It's the 96th straight year for the presidential tradition. Speaking at the close of the event, which featured musical performances from LOCASH, Spensha Baker, Gabby Barrett, Abby Anderson and others, Trump paused to recognize the victims of disasters across the country this year. "Our thoughts turn to those who are rebuilding their lives after devastating wildfires, destructive hurricanes and terrible tragedy," he said. "We are one American family, and we hurt together, and we heal together, and we will always pull through together." President Donald Trump speaks during the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Trump also honored foster families in attendance, first responders, as well as members of the military and their loved ones. "Their families are all our families," he said. The president's children Don Jr. and Tiffany, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, Don Jr.'s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke were also in attendance. The first lighting took place on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators. The National Christmas Tree is a living Colorado blue spruce. It is surrounded by 56 smaller trees featuring ornaments from every state and territory and the District of Columbia. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump light the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave after lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave after lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Ffirst lady Melania Trump waves after lighting the National Christmas Tree during a ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump speaks as he and first lady Melania Trump attend the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump waves at the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke greets first lady Melania Trump before President Donald Trump speaks during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Donald Trump Jr. and Tiffany Trump arrive before President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump light the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Richwood, TX (77531) Today Thunderstorms during the morning, then cloudy with rain, heavy at times this afternoon. High 76F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 46F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Democrat T.J. Cox claimed victory Wednesday over Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao after an updated vote count increased his lead in a California farm-belt district. Cox, who trailed in the vote tally until Monday, increased his lead to 529 votes out of about 113,000 cast, after updated numbers were released by Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. The district also cuts through Kern County, which is expected to update its vote count by Monday. While votes still are being counted, the tallies have favored Cox in post-Election Day updates, prompting him to declare the race over. "I am elated to announce that we have won the election for California's 21st Congressional District," he said in a statement. He thanked his wife and family and a campaign staff that never gave up "even when the outlook may have seemed dim." Valadao did not immediately respond to Cox's announcement. In this Jan. 5, 2018 photo, T.J. Cox, a candidate for the 21st U.S. Congressional District, speaks at a Democratic Party debate at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Cox has edged ahead of Republican David Valadao in a U.S. House race in California's farm belt, where votes continue to be counted. Cox has trailed since election night but pulled ahead by 438 votes Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, according to tallies in the 21st District that cuts through four Central Valley counties. The Associated Press had declared Valadao the winner, but votes that have been counted since Nov. 6 narrowed the race and the AP retracted its race call on Monday. (Andy Alfaro/Modesto Bee via AP) If Cox's lead holds, Democrats will have picked up seven GOP-held seats in California and will begin the new session with a 46-7 advantage in the state's congressional delegation. Valadao easily carried the district in 2016, even though Democrats have a 16-point edge in voter registration. The dairy farmer and former state legislator had maintained his popularity by focusing on water issues critical to agriculture and had backed proposals to settle the legal status of people brought to the country illegally as children, a tip to the district's heavy Hispanic population. But he was vulnerable in an election year where he continued to support President Donald Trump while Californians exhibited intensifying opposition to the White House. That dynamic played out in Orange County, where the last four Republican seats in what was once a GOP stronghold went to the Democrats. Democrats also picked up the last Republican-held House seat anchored in Los Angeles County, when Democrat Katie Hill ousted Republican Rep. Steve Knight, and the Central Valley seat held by Republican Rep. Jeff Denham, who was defeated by Democrat Josh Harder. Cox, an engineer who founded two nut-processing businesses, lashed Valadao in ads as a foot soldier for the Trump agenda who enjoyed government health benefits while voting to upend the Affordable Care Act. While the election delivered mixed results around the U.S., it affirmed California's reputation as a Democratic fortress. Democrats held every statewide office - again. The party holds a supermajority in both chambers of the state Legislature, and a 3.7-million advantage in voter registration. There wasn't even a Republican on the ballot for U.S. Senate for the second consecutive election. WASHINGTON (AP) - Three days before a U.S.-China summit, the top U.S. trade official is blasting Beijing for imposing "egregious" taxes on American-made cars. In a statement Wednesday, U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer complained that China slaps 40 percent tariffs on U.S. auto imports - more than the 15 percent tariffs it imposes on other countries and the 27.5 percent U.S. tax on Chinese auto imports. Lighthizer said the president had directed him to "examine all available tools to equalize the tariffs applied to automobiles." The statement comes before a dinner meeting Saturday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to seek a resolution to a trade dispute between their countries that has shaken financial markets and threatened the global economy. The United States has imposed import taxes on $250 billion worth of Chinese products and China has countered by targeting $110 billion in U.S. imports. They are locked in a dispute over what Washington calls China's predatory tactics to challenge American technology dominance. These include, the U.S. alleges, hacking into U.S. firms' computer networks to steal trade secrets and demanding that American and other foreign companies hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market. FILE - In this May 1, 2018, file photo, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at the 9th China Business Conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Three days before a U.S.-China summit, Lighthizer complained in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 28, Beijing is imposing "egregious" taxes on American-made cars. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) Separately, Trump hinted Wednesday that he's looking into imposing tariffs on auto imports, a day after threatening to slash federal subsidies to General Motors. The president is angry over the announcement Monday that GM plans to close plants and eliminate 14,000 jobs in North America. Higher auto tariffs on China would have a limited impact. The Chinese last year shipped just $884 million worth of cars and light trucks to the United States - less than 1 percent of total auto imports. GM makes the Buick Envision in China, but so far this year has shipped fewer than 25,000 of the SUVs to the United States. ___ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this story. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate Judiciary Committee has canceled a Thursday vote on more than 20 federal judge nominations amid a standoff between Republican Sen. Jeff Flake and GOP leaders over legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller. The Arizona senator, who is retiring from Congress, is a frequent critic of President Donald Trump. Flake has said he won't vote for any federal judges until Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell holds a Senate floor vote on the special counsel bill. The Judiciary panel, with an 11-10 Republican majority, doesn't have enough votes to advance nominees without Flake's support. Confirming more judges before the end of the year is a top priority for McConnell, but he hasn't budged in his opposition to the special counsel bill, which he says is unnecessary. On Tuesday, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said Republicans were counting how many votes they had on the special counsel bill - often a sign that legislation will be voted on soon. But McConnell said hours later that the bill is a "solution in search of a problem" because Trump is not going to act against Mueller. "We have a lot of things to do, to try to finish up this year without taking votes on things that are completely irrelevant to outcomes," McConnell said. Flake made his pledge after Trump pushed out Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this month and temporarily replaced him with a loyalist, Matt Whitaker, who has criticized Mueller's Russia investigation. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and Russian ties to Trump's Republican campaign. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaks to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Flake and Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware have repeatedly gone to the Senate floor and requested a vote on the legislation, which would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing. They did so again Wednesday, but Republican Sen. Mike Lee objected, arguing that the bill would undermine the separation of powers. In calling for the vote, Flake noted Trump's ongoing tweets criticizing Mueller and calling the probe a witch hunt. This week, Trump tweeted that Mueller is "doing TREMENDOUS damage to our Criminal Justice System, where he is only looking at one side and not the other." Flake said that considering Trump's tweets on Mueller, "to be so sanguine about the chances of him being fired is folly for us, I believe." Whitaker is now overseeing the Russia probe, taking over from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein told Congress he saw no reason to fire Mueller. Sessions, who worked on Trump's campaign, had recused himself from overseeing Mueller- a decision that infuriated Trump and led to Sessions' resignation. Despite some GOP support, it is not clear that the special counsel measure could gain 60 votes in the Senate, and even less clear that Trump would sign a bill that contained the legislation. Democrats have said they will push for it to be added to a year-end spending bill. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea sent about 50 tons of insecticide to North Korea on Thursday to help stop a pine tree disease from spreading. The move was the latest in a series of goodwill gestures between the rival Koreas to improve relations amid larger negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang to resolve the nuclear standoff. South Korea's Unification Ministry said trucks carrying the chemicals crossed the border and unloaded them at the North Korean border town of Kaesong. South Korean forestry officials are also visiting the North to discuss ways to jointly fight the disease that is common in pine forests in the Korean Peninsula. It is caused by parasitic roundworms dispersed by beetles and the infected trees will wilt and die. On Friday, the Koreas plan to start an 18-day joint survey on North Korean railroad sections along the country's eastern and western coasts they eventually want to connect with the South. But beyond the surveys and a planned groundbreaking ceremony, the Koreas cannot move much further along without the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea, which isn't likely to come before it takes firmer steps toward relinquishing its nuclear weapons and missiles. Trucks carrying insecticide wait to leave for North Korea at the Unification Bridge, in Paju, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea has sent about 50 tons of insecticide to North Korea to help stop a pine tree disease from spreading. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) South Korean trucks carrying tons of insecticide pass the North Korea's guard post near the industrial complex in Kaesong, observed from the Dora Observation Post, in Paju, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea has sent about 50 tons of insecticide to North Korea to help stop a pine tree disease from spreading. (Im Byung-sik/Yonhap via AP) Trucks carrying insecticide wait to leave for North Korea at the Unification Bridge, in Paju, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea has sent about 50 tons of insecticide to North Korea to help stop a pine tree disease from spreading. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered a Japanese company to financially compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, in the second such ruling in a month that again drew quick, vehement protests from Japan. The latest verdict on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was widely expected after the Supreme Court ruled in late October that another Japanese company must compensate four Korean men for similar colonial-era forced labor. The Oct. 30 ruling, which followed more than five years of deliberation at the court, was the first of its kind. The back-to-back rulings in South Korea are threatening to undermine relations with Japan, which says all compensation issues were settled when Tokyo and Seoul signed a treaty in 1965 that restored diplomatic ties. The rulings are expected to affect similar lawsuits pending in South Korean courts. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said that the ruling was "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable." Mitsubishi called it "deeply regrettable." "The ruling not only imposes unfair damages to Japanese companies but fundamentally overturns the legal foundation of friendly and cooperative relations that Japan and South Korea have built since the 1965 normalization," Kono said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga demanded South Korea retract the decision immediately, warning that Japan could consider "all options" including taking the issue to the International Court of Justice. Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba also summoned South Korean Ambassador Lee Su-hoon to protest the ruling. Kim Sung-joo, bottom center, a victim of Japan's forced labor, speaks upon her arrival at the Supreme Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea's top court ordered a Japanese company to compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) South Korea's Foreign Ministry called the Japanese criticism "very regrettable," urging it to refrain from "excessively responding to" rulings by South Korea's judiciary branch. Spokesman Noh Kyu-duk said South Korea will still work toward building future-oriented relations with Japan. Japan made similar protests when the South Korean court ruled last month that Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. should provide compensation of 100 million won ($87,680) to each of the four plaintiffs. It's unlikely the two Japanese companies would follow the South Korean rulings, which are final and cannot be appealed. Lawyers for forced laborers for the Japanese steelmaker plan to take legal steps to seize its assets in South Korea, according to South Korean media reports. Seoul and Tokyo, both key U.S. allies, are closely linked to each other economically and culturally. But their historical and territorial disputes stemming from Japan's colonial occupation have often complicated Washington's efforts to strengthen trilateral cooperation to deal with North Korea's nuclear threat and China's growing influence in the region. In two separate verdicts involving 10 forced laborers or their bereaved family members, the Supreme Court said Thursday that Mitsubishi must provide 80 million to 150 million won ($71,190-$133,510) in compensation to each of the plaintiffs. The court said that the 1965 treaty cannot prevent individual rights to seek compensations for forced labor because Japanese companies' use of such laborers were "acts of illegality against humanity" that were linked to Tokyo's "illegal" colonial rule and its war of aggression. Outside the court, one of the aging plaintiffs, Kim Sung-joo, raised her hands with her family members and supporters in celebration of the ruling. But she also recounted what she described as a bitter memory of working at a Mitsubishi factory in Japan. "One of my fingers was cut off (while working). I spilled my blood and cried a lot. I cried because I didn't know why I had that kind of hardship in Japan," Kim, sitting in a wheelchair, told reporters. After its liberation from Japan, the Korean Peninsula was divided into U.S.-allied South Korea and Soviet-backed North Korea. Many in both Koreas still harbor strong resentment against the Japanese rule, during which South Korean historians say hundreds of thousands of Koreans were forced to work as laborers for Japanese companies or sex slaves for Japanese soldiers in wartime brothels. When South Korea and Japan signed the 1965 treaty, South Korea received more than $800 million in economic aid and loans from Japan and used the money to rebuild its infrastructure and economy devastated by the Korean War. Last week, South Korea announced a plan to dissolve a Japan-funded foundation aimed at compensating former sex slaves in South Korea. The move, which would effectively kill a contentious 2015 deal to settle the impasse over the sexual slavery, was criticized by Japan. ___ Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report. Kim Sung-joo, center bottom, a victim of Japan's forced labor, and their family members and supporters raise their hands in celebration after the Supreme Court's ruling ordering Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate them in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea's top court has ordered a Japanese company to compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Kim Sung-joo, center, a victim of Japan's forced labor, speaks upon her arrival at the Supreme Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea's top court ordered a Japanese company to compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Korean victims of Japan's forced labor and their family members raise their hands in celebration after the Supreme Court's ruling ordering Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate them in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. South Korea's top court has ordered a Japanese company to compensate 10 Koreans for forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The signs read: " Mitsubishi Heavy Industries apologizes and compensates to victims."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Dartmouth College alumni have heard the allegations of misconduct in one department where professors are accused of hosting drunken parties, groping and harassing their students and, in two cases, sexually assaulting them. Now, a growing number of former students are demanding answers from the administration and questioning how such an atmosphere apparently flourished for at least 15 years at the Ivy League school in Hanover, New Hampshire. Gathering in Facebook groups and other networks, alumni led by several women are pushing for withholding donations until they see changes at the school - or the ouster of President Philip Hanlon. Others want department chairs and other administrators responsible for handling the sexual misconduct allegations held accountable. In October 2017, Dartmouth launched an investigation into the three professors. It never released the findings. But Todd Heatherton retired this summer after being told he would be fired and denied tenure. Paul Whalen and William Kelley resigned soon thereafter. The growing anger comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit filed this month by seven female graduate and undergraduate students who were in the Department of Psychological and Brain Science, where the professors worked. They accused the three of sexual misconduct and said the college ignored their complaints. "There is a whole of lot of alums, women in particular, out there who have had experiences that are similar enough to what these students have experienced and are horrified to know this is still going on," said Giavanna Munafo, a lecturer in the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program who has counseled two of the seven women who made abuse claims. FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, from left back row, Annemarie Brown, Andrea Courtney, and Marissa Evansin, and from left front row, Sasha Brietzke, Vassiki Chauhan, Kristina Rapuano, pose in New York. The women filed a lawsuit against Dartmouth College for allegedly allowing three professors to create a culture in their department that encouraged drunken parties and subjected female graduate students to harassment, groping and sexual assault. A growing number of former students are demanding answers from the administration and questioning how such an atmosphere apparently flourished for at least 15 years at the Ivy League school in Hanover, N.H. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) "It's like a wake-up call to them," she said. "Our college is still as bad as it was or worse." Contact information for Whalen and Kelley has not been available, and it is unclear whether they have attorneys to speak for them. Heatherton apologized for acting inappropriately at conferences but said, through a lawyer, that he never socialized or had sexual relations with students. Archana Ramanujam, who attended Dartmouth from 2010 to 2014 and worked with a woman who alleges abuse by one of the professors, said she is putting together a letter to the administration with dozens of alumni and current students demanding greater transparency and accountability in the way the school handles sexual abuse claims. The letter may include threats of withholding donations, she said, if change doesn't happen. "Getting survivors' stories out there and holding perpetrators responsible is the most important thing. This issue keeps being swept under the rug, and the lawsuit no longer allows that," Ramanujam said in an email. Most upsetting for some alumni is how the women were treated by the administration when they complained about abuse. Prior to the investigation in 2017, the lawsuit alleges that more than two dozen women reported the harassment and sexual assault to the college's Title IX office. Several who filed complaints said in the lawsuit that they were denied teaching opportunities in the department, reassigned to an unsuitable lab or given a failing grade on an honors thesis. Some complained they were forced to work with the professors for several months, despite their claims of abuse. "Dartmouth took the fact that the predators might sue the school and the fact that they might lose money and reputation into account," said Vassiki Chauhan, a plaintiff who is still at Dartmouth and alleges that she was raped by Whalen at his home. "They didn't take into account the cost to the victims. They are still not taking that into account. In that respect, Dartmouth is failing," she said. "Dartmouth needs to be held accountable." The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, as Chauhan and five plaintiffs in this case have done. In response to the lawsuit, Hanlon praised the women for coming forward but denied allegations that Dartmouth ignored their complaints. Hanlon reiterated "that sexual misconduct and harassment have no place at Dartmouth." He also said that the college had done its own investigation and that all three professors "are no longer at Dartmouth and remain banned from our campus and from attending all Dartmouth-sponsored events." The New Hampshire attorney general's office has also launched an investigation. And along with the investigation of the professors, Dartmouth is expected to soon release a new policy on sexual misconduct. The college has not released details on the policy but has said it would apply to both students and faculty and would be informed by the college's experience dealing with recent sexual assault allegations. Officials wouldn't say whether the investigation into the professors exposed violations of current policy. One faculty organization is proposing several measures for the new policy, including training deans and department heads on handling sexual misconduct. It is also calling for compensation for victims and an investigation into how the abuses at the department were allowed to continue. EL PASO, Texas (AP) - U.S. Border Patrol agents near Tijuana, Mexico, faced a choice as they looked out over the chaos at a crowd of migrants that included rock-throwing men as well as barefoot children: Do they respond with force - and, if so, what kind? The circumstances at the San Ysidro border crossing Sunday were exceptional, but the question facing the agents was not. It's a split-second choice more often made in the remote desert, far from cameras, where agents are likely working alone and encountering groups of people crossing illegally. The agents' response - firing tear gas into the crowd - triggered widespread outrage and rekindled complaints that the Border Patrol, bolstered by President Donald Trump's tough talk, is too quick to use force, particularly when responding to people throwing rocks. But use of force by Customs and Border Protection officers and agents is declining from a high during the 2013 budget year, government statistics show. There are high-profile exceptions, like the shooting death by agents of a 19-year-old Guatemalan woman who crossed the border near Laredo in May. Still, experts say policies have improved following a major audit five years ago. "There has been progress made - especially in getting officers better training and better equipment," said Josiah Heyman, a professor with University of Texas at El Paso and director of the Center for Inter-American and Border Studies. "When I first started studying this, most agents had a gun and a baton. They didn't have the choice to use anything else." Migrants from Central America yell through a border wall at a U.S. Border Patrol agent after he pulled down a banner Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in San Diego. Migrants approaching the U.S. border from Mexico were enveloped with tear gas Sunday after a few tried to breach the fence separating the two countries. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Firearms were used 45 times in budget year 2013 compared with 17 in 2017, according to data from Customs and Border Protection. For the first 11 months of the 2018 budget year, firearms were used 14 times. The data includes Border Patrol agents that patrol between the ports of entry, and officers who police border crossings. Over those 11 months, there were 743 cases of agents and officers using less-lethal force, like batons, stun guns, tear gas and pepper spray. These included 29 cases in which tear gas was used and 43 incidents of pepper spray. Though the final numbers are unavailable, those figures represent a drop from 2013, during the Obama administration, when there were 1,168 incidents of less-lethal force, including 27 instances of tear gas and 151 of pepper spray, according to the data. Less-lethal force has increased over the past two years but is still lower than 2013. Complaints about excessive force prompted Customs and Border Protection to commission an investigation by the Police Executive Research Forum, a policing research and policy group. The 2013 audit highlighted problems that included foot-patrol agents without access to less-lethal options. It recommended law enforcement not be allowed to use deadly force when people throw rocks - a suggestion that was rejected. Following those reviews, Customs and Border Protection revised policies and made major changes to training. Agents now undergo scenario-based drills at the academy and learn how to de-escalate tense situations. They get 64 hours of on-the-job training on use of force. Some sectors, like El Paso, have a virtual reality simulator. The octagonal giant screens mounted on a platform mimic a desert encounter where agents must decide whether to fire their weapons. The scenario is designed to cause stress, and agents are forced to think quickly or face being shot, run over or hit with rocks. After the simulation, they discuss reactions with training officers and work on how to better respond in the future. "The desert is a very difficult, dangerous unstructured environment," said Aaron Hull, Border Patrol chief for the El Paso Sector. "We're trying to keep our agents safe. We're trying to protect the safety of our communities, and all the people involved." Chuck Wexler, head of the police research forum, credited the agency with taking the recommendations seriously. "Also when they do have an incident, they have a better review process," he said. Trump defended the use of tear gas on children - claiming it was "very safe," a "very minor form" of irritant. But Customs and Border Protection officials still plan to conduct a review to determine whether it was justified and what - if anything - could be done better, according to Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. Agents are authorized to use deadly force when there is reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of serious physical injury or death to the officer or another person. They have discretion on how to deploy less-than-lethal force: It must be both "objectively reasonable and necessary in order to carry out law enforcement duties" - and used when other "empty hand" techniques are not sufficient to control disorderly or violent subjects. Officials say they deploy the lowest form of force necessary to take control of a situation - but critics of the Sunday clash say gas never should've been used near small children. The chaos began after a peaceful protest by some of the thousands of migrants marooned in Mexico. It was unusual in part because of the large number trying to cross illegally - officials said it was between 500 and 1,000. U.S. authorities shut down the nation's busiest border crossing for several hours. San Diego Border Patrol Sector chief Rodney Scott said 42 people were arrested and some children inhaled the tear gas, but they were not intended targets. But images of crying children in diapers and bare feet running from plumes of gas struck a nerve again - not unlike the images of weeping, frightened children who had been separated from their parents over the summer. "Any border security and immigration policy that results in mothers and children being gassed is not only cruel and morally reprehensible, but also an abject failure," said Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security. "The administration should be preparing itself to finally face real oversight of its failed border and immigration policies." U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers walks along a wall at the border between Mexico and the United States, as seen from San Diego on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. Migrants approaching the U.S. border from Mexico were enveloped with tear gas Sunday after a few tried to breach a fence separating the two countries. The Border Patrol office in San Diego said via Twitter that pedestrian crossings have been suspended at the San Ysidro port of entry at both the East and West facilities. All northbound and southbound traffic was halted. (AP Photo/Greg Bull) Honduran migrant Janet Zuniga holds her five-month-old son Linder, as he receives medical treatment outside a shelter, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Tijuana, Mexico. A day after a march by members of the migrant caravan turned into an attempt to breach the U.S. border with Mexico, many migrants appeared sullen, wondering whether the unrest had spoiled whatever possibilities they might have had for making asylum cases. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) A group of migrants gather at the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, as they try to pressure their way into the U.S. The mayor of Tijuana has declared a humanitarian crisis in his border city and says that he has asked the United Nations for aid to deal with the approximately 5,000 Central American migrants who have arrived in the city. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) WASHINGTON (AP) - Defying President Donald Trump, senators sent a strong signal that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote on Wednesday was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trump's administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis both came to Capitol Hill to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to U.S. military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and subjecting civilians to indiscriminate bombing. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia and with the U.S. response to Khashoggi's brutal killing in Turkey last month. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, must have at least known of the plot, but Trump has equivocated over who was to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. Echoing Trump's public comments on the killing, Pompeo said after Wednesday's briefing with senators that there was "no direct reporting" connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mattis said there was "no smoking gun" making the connection. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Pompeo argued that the war in Yemen would be "a hell of a lot worse" if the United States were not involved. Wednesday's procedural vote sets up a floor debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year - the end of the current Congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speculated that Haspel didn't attend because she "would have said with a high degree of confidence that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi." And Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that didn't happen and declared, "I'm not going to blow past this." CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the Senate intelligence committee and Senate leaders and "will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and Congress." In another explanation, a White House official said Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after the resolution, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, fell six votes short of passage earlier this year. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said in the past he had "laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia." But he said he believes the Senate should "figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests." He said the crown prince "owns this death. He owns it." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that "some kind of response" was needed from the United States for the Saudis' role in Khashoggi's death. On Tuesday, he said that "what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world." Pompeo said U.S. involvement in the Yemen conflict is central to the Trump administration's broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East. His language was blunt in a Wall Street Journal article, writing that Khashoggi's murder "has heightened the Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on. But degrading U.S.-Saudi ties would be a grave mistake for the national security of the U.S. and its allies." Trump has said it may never be known who was responsible for the killing, and in public comments - and a long and unusual statement last week - he reinforced the United States' long-standing alliance with the Saudis. Trump has praised a pending arms deal with the kingdom that he says will provide the U.S. with jobs and lucrative payments, though some outside assessments say the economic benefits are exaggerated. ___ Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Matthew Daly, Kevin Freking, Maria Danilova and Laurie Kellman in Washington contributed to this report. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo walks up to the microphones to speak to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grilled top administration officials at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smiles while speaking to members of the media after leaving a closed door meeting about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grilled top administration officials at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo smiles after shaking hands with Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., not shown, as Pompeo arrives for a closed door meeting with Senators about Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senators who have grown increasingly uneasy with the U.S. response to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are set to grill top administration officials Wednesday at a closed-door briefing that could determine how far Congress goes in punishing the longtime Middle East ally. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) FILE - In this March 20, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The prince and Trump are attending the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Argentina. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - A jury has been seated in the trial of an Ohio man accused of killing a woman and injuring dozens at a white nationalist rally in Virginia last year. Jury selection was completed Thursday morning in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., of Maumee, Ohio. He's charged with first-degree murder and accused of driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. Opening statements from prosecutors and Fields' lawyers were expected to begin after a brief court recess. Fields' lawyer has indicated Fields may claim he was acting in self-defense. Prosecutors say he intentionally plowed his car into the group. A jury of 12 regular jurors and four alternates will hear the case. In this courtroom sketch Judge Richard Moore, top right, presides over the trial of James Alex Fields Jr. during the second day of jury selection in Charlottesville General District Court in Charlottesville, Va., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Fields is accused of killing a woman during a white nationalist rally in Virginia last year. (Izabel Zermani via AP) Prospective jurors leave Charlottesville General District court after being released for he day during jury selection for the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., in Charlottesville, Va., Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. Jury selection lasted late into the evening. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2017, file photo, a counter-protester holds a photo of Heather Heyer on Boston Common at a "Free Speech" rally organized by conservative activists, in Boston. Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., accused of killing Heyer during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. His trial is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Charlottesville Circuit Court. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) BEIRUT (AP) - Plastic bottles, soft drink cans and blue garbage bags. An old television, discarded vegetables and coffee cups. These are some of the random things that can be seen floating in the sea along Lebanon's coastline. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. Fisherman Ahmad Obeitri has been a fixture at Lebanon's corniche - a popular seaside promenade in central Beirut - for the past 30 years. He says the trash is killing off what's left of marine life. "These days if a fish comes our way it will only find nylon bags, garbage and sewage to feed on," he said, lamenting over people who eat and drink as they walk on the corniche and then toss their cans, tins and other containers in the sea. "You can open a cafe under water and invite your friends," he added sarcastically. Littering is not Lebanon's only problem. The country has a long-running solid waste management problem that caused summer riots in 2015 as trash piled in the streets. The government solved the problem by simply shifting the trash to landfills and coastal dumps that often run into the Mediterranean. In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 photo, trash floats next to rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Environmentalists say thousands of tons of trash and untreated waste is getting dumped directly into the sea. Abdullah Absi, a 56-year-old civil engineer, said as a swimmer, the open sewage running into the sea was his biggest problem. A group of 50 swimmers, including Absi, recently organized a 4.6-kilometer (2.9-mile) swim to highlight the problem and the idea that the sea is for all. "We see the violations are increasing and there is no deterrent," he said. ___ Follow Associated Press photographers and photo editors on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AP_Images and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/apnews . In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 photo, people fish next to a sewage overflow pipe emptying into the Mediterranean Sea along the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 photo, a TV screen floats next to rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 photo, workers remove wood and trash from the Mediterranean Sea along the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 photo, fish swim in the Mediterranean Sea as a rat enters a sewage pipe next to rocky coastal area along the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 photo, a man casts his fishing pole in the Mediterranean Sea as pieces of plastic bottles collected by activists hang on a wall, next to the rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) This Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 photo shot with a slow shutter speed shows plastic bottles floating next to a rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, photo, people fish next to a sewage overflow pipe emptying into the Mediterranean Sea along the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Environmentalists say thousands of tons of trash and untreated waste is getting dumped directly into the sea. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, photo, fish swim over to trash and bottles next to the rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Once a source of pride, the country's Mediterranean coastline has become a source of shame for many Lebanese because of the swirling trash that pollutes its shores.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, photo, plastic bags float as swimmers prepare to emulate sea creatures in an effort to send a message that pollutants such as bottles and plastic bags will entangle marine animals, next to the rocky coastal area in the Mediterranean Sea on the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018 photo, a man casts his fishing pole in the Mediterranean Sea as trash are seen on a rocky coastal area along the Beirut coastline, Lebanon. Fisherman Ahmad Obeitri, who has been a fixture at Lebanon's corniche for the past 30 years, says the trash is killing off what's left of marine life. "These days if a fish comes our way it will only find nylon bags, garbage and sewage to feed on," he said, lamenting the people who eat and drink as they walk on the corniche and then toss their cans, tins and other containers in the sea. "You can open a cafe under water and invite your friends," he adds sarcastically. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) TBILISI, Georgia (AP) - Georgia's new president is the country's French-born former foreign minister, election officials said Thursday as the losing candidate vowed to challenge the result, calling it a "criminal farce." The Central Election Commission said Salome Zurabishvili had won nearly 60 percent of the vote in Wednesday's presidential runoff, while her rival, Grigol Vashadze, polled just over 40 percent. Zurabishvili, 66, ran as an independent, but was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Vashadze, 60, was supported by a coalition of opposition forces led by former president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement. Both candidates served stints as Georgia's foreign minister. Georgia, a country with 4 million people in the volatile Caucasus region, is transitioning to a parliamentary republic, with the prime minister becoming the most powerful figure. Wednesday was the last time voters will directly choose the president. After Zurabishvili's six-year term ends, future heads of state will be chosen by delegates. "Our choice is a peaceful Georgia, a united country and of equal citizens," Zurabishvili said. "Our choice is a dialogue with those parts of society who today have not voted for me and who today don't agree with us. But we all are citizens of one country." After the polls closed, Saakashvili spoke on Rustavi 2 television, claiming that the vote was rigged and calling for protests to annul the results. Salome Zurabishvili, former Georgian Foreign minister and presidential candidate, speaks to the media at her campaign headquarter in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. the French-born former foreign minister of Georgia Zurabishvili celebrated what she claims is her victory in a tight presidential runoff Wednesday that marks the last time Georgians elect their head of state by popular vote. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov) Vashadze on Thursday met with his campaign staff and said he would challenge the result, which he described as a "criminal farce." He urged supporters to take to the streets for a protest rally on Sunday. Speaking to The Associated Press Thursday evening, Zurabishvili did not comment on Vashadze's claim but said her priority will be reconciliation within the country. She also said Georgia has to pursue its aspirations to join NATO despite potential problems with Russia, with which it waged a brief war in 2008. "I am not just a naive optimist that everything will be solved," she said. "We have to be very careful and careful not to give the impression to a very aggressive neighbor that it can play with Georgia. It won't be able to play with Georgia." Even though presidential powers have been trimmed, the election was seen as a crucial test for Georgian Dream, which is led and funded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia. Georgian Dream has controlled parliament and dominated the nation's political scene since defeating the United National Movement in 2012. While its popularity has waned, Wednesday's vote indicated that Saakashvili's party has failed to make decisive gains. Grigol Vashadze, Georgia's former foreign minister and presidential candidate, reacts at his campaign headquarter following the presidential election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Two of Georgia's former foreign ministers are facing off against each other Wednesday in a tight runoff that will mark the last time Georgians elect their head of state by popular vote. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov) Salome Zurabishvili, former Georgian Foreign minister and presidential candidate, speaks during a news briefing dedicated to the results of the presidential election at her campaign headquarter in Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Two of Georgia's former foreign ministers are facing off against each other Wednesday in a tight runoff that will mark the last time Georgians elect their head of state by popular vote. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov) KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - The president of Ukraine is urging NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov, a proposal that has been sharply criticized by Russia as a provocation that could worsen tensions between the two countries following a weekend confrontation in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was canceling a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Argentina because Moscow has not released the Ukrainian vessels and sailors it seized. In an interview published earlier Thursday with the German daily Bild, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko laid out his hope that NATO would "relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security" against Putin's expansionist ambitions. The Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews on Sunday. Russia alleged the Ukrainian vessels had failed to obtain permission to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait. Ukraine insisted its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules in the strait, which separates Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula that it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. While condemning the Russian action, NATO is not expected to send ships to the area, a deployment that could trigger a confrontation with Russia. A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that permission from both countries is required for warships from anywhere else to enter the internal sea. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the alliance already has a strong presence in the region, and that NATO ships routinely patrol and conduct exercises in the Black Sea, especially those from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey, which border the sea. Ukrainian soldiers stand atop an APC near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early Thursday that she plans to press Putin at the upcoming G-20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the Ukrainian ships and crews and to de-escalate the situation. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she said. It was not clear whether Merkel knew of Poroshenko's call for NATO's deployment when she spoke. Trump tweeted his decision to cancel a meeting with Putin this weekend. Trump, who was en route to Buenos Aires for the G-20 summit, said he would not be meeting Putin because "the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia." The Kremlin said it has not been notified of a cancellation. Russian news agencies quoted Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, as saying that the Kremlin only learned of the cancellation from Trump's tweet. Peskov said the cancellation means that Putin will have "a couple of more hours" for "useful meetings" with other leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. The Ukrainian government said Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, which Russia quickly denied. "Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea," Poroshenko said. "The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world." Putin on Wednesday criticized the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraine's "provocation." "The authorities in Kiev are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell," he said. "They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely get served too." In response to Sunday's events, Ukraine has imposed martial law in parts of the country. Putin accused Poroshenko of provoking the naval incident in a bid to impose martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a presidential election in March. Peskov said Poroshenko's request for NATO warships is "clearly aimed at provoking further tensions," adding that it was driven by "electoral and domestic policy motives." Poroshenko said martial law wouldn't restrict travel, cash withdrawals or currency purchases by Ukrainians, but Russians will face what he described as "restrictions." Later Thursday, Ukrainian border guards announced that all non-Ukrainians will be barred from crossing into the Russia-occupied Crimea by land after martial law went into effect. While it is still possible to fly into Crimea from Russia or drive in on the new bridge across the Kerch Strait from southern Russia, Ukraine considers that a violation of its borders. Thus, the ban means that non-Ukrainians will either risk criminal liability in Ukraine or refrain from traveling to Crimea until the end of the year. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure says Russia has blocked 35 merchant ships from leaving or entering the Sea of Azov since Wednesday. The ministry said 18 ships have been stuck in the Black Sea, waiting to pass through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov. Another 17 vessels were unable to leave the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, it said. Peskov insisted that Russia hasn't imposed any restrictions on the ships' passage, adding that a possible logjam could be linked to poor weather. Ukraine's intelligence agency, the SBU, said a Russian fighter jet and a helicopter fired rockets Sunday at the three Ukrainian vessels before they were captured - the first time an airstrike was reported. "It's a miracle the Ukrainian seamen have survived," SBU deputy chief Oleh Frolov told reporters. There has been growing hostility between Ukraine and Russia since Moscow's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Russia has also supported separatists in Ukraine's east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. Fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. The naval incident marked the first overt clash between Russian and Ukrainian militaries since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It has fueled fears of a wider conflict and has drawn strong criticism of Russia from the U.S. and its allies. Amid the tensions, the Russian military said it had deployed another batch of the long-range, S-400 air defense missile systems to Crimea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions and had separate phone calls with Putin and Poroshenko on Thursday. Asked about the Turkish offer, Peskov responded that "Moscow is grateful to all those willing to help de-escalate the tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but doesn't see any need for mediation efforts." "Those who have such opportunities could help by exerting influence on the Ukrainian authorities," Peskov said. ___ Isachenkov reported from Moscow. Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow, David Rising in Berlin and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed. Ukrainian soldiers launch an anti-aircraft rocket during military exercises near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Serhiy Nayev, Ukrainian Lieutenant General, head of Joined Forces operation observes a sea shore through a helicopter's window during patrol near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Ukrainian soldiers drive APCs near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Ukrainian fighter jets fly during military exercise near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Ukrainian fighter jets fly during military exercise near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Ukrainian military helicopters fly during military exercise near Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Ukrainian tanks are being transported in Urzuf, south coast of Azov sea, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Ukraine put its military forces on high combat alert and announced martial law this week after Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a speech during the German Ukrainian Economy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, arrive for the German Ukrainian Economy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the media before his departure for Argentina to attend G-20 meetings, at Ataturk airport in Istanbul, early Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Erdogan has discussed tensions between Russia and Ukraine during a telephone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Erdogan's office said Erdogan on Wednesday briefed Trump about separate telephone conversations that he held with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine earlier in the day. (Presidential Press Service/Pool Photo via AP) KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - The latest on raised tensions between Russia and Ukraine (all times local): 12:10 a.m. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres says he hopes the international community can help calm tensions between Russia and Ukraine over a ship standoff near Crimea. Guterres urged Russia on Thursday to respect "the territorial integrity of Ukraine" and "avoid the worst" after Russia seized Ukrainian naval ships and their crews in a dispute over maritime access. The U.N. chief says he hopes the situation can be contained without escalation and is calling for international efforts for "meaningful dialogue." Guterres spoke in Buenos Aires ahead of a Group of 20 summit where the standoff is likely to be a subject of discussion. U.S. President Donald Trump called off a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 over the ship seizure. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, second from right, speak with soldiers during a military training at a military base in Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, Nov, 28, 2018. Russia and Ukraine traded blame after Russian border guards on Sunday opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels and eventually seized them and their crews. The incident put the two countries on war footing and raised international concern. (Mykola Lazarenko, Presidential Press Service via AP) Ukraine's president urged NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov, while Russia warned Thursday that would worsen tensions. ___ 7:15 p.m. The Kremlin says it has not been notified of a cancellation of the much-anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Russian news agencies on Thursday quoted Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, as saying that the Kremlin only learnt about the cancellation from Trump's tweet. He says the Russian delegation is already on its way to the G-20 summit in Argentina. Peskov said the cancellation means that Putin will have "a couple of more hours" for "useful meetings" with other leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. Trump abruptly canceled the meeting on Thursday, saying in a tweet that it is not appropriate for him to meet Putin as Russia still has not returned three Ukrainian vessels it seized on Sunday. Russia has also detained 24 Ukrainian seamen. ___ 6:30 p.m. Ukrainian border guards say all non-Ukrainians will be barred from crossing into the Russia-occupied Crimean peninsula by land after martial law went into effect. Ukraine imposed martial law in the country for 30 days earlier this week after Russian border guards opened fired on three Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea and seized the ships and their crews. Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said on Ukrainian television that Ukraine is closing the border crossing into Crimea for all foreigners. While it is still possible to fly into Crimea from Russia or drive in on the new bridge from Russia's south, Ukraine considers that a violation of its borders. ___ 5:15 p.m. The Ukrainian intelligence agency says a Russian fighter jet and a helicopter fired rockets Sunday at three Ukrainian ships before they were captured near Russia-occupied Crimea. Russian border guard ships rammed into and fired on the Ukrainian vessels Sunday as they were trying to make their way via the Kerch Strait to the Sea of Azov. Russia insisted that the vessels were violating its border while Ukraine says it was following international maritime rules and that the ships were well in the international waters. SBU deputy chief Oleh Frolov told reporters Thursday that a Russian Su-30 fighter jet and a Ka-52 attack helicopter fired four rockets on the ships. He says "it's a miracle the Ukrainian seamen have survived." The use of the Russian fighter jet and the helicopter was not previously reported. ___ 3:30 p.m. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure says Russia has blocked 35 merchant ships from leaving or entering the Sea of Azov, a claim the Kremlin has denied. The ministry said 18 ships were stuck in the Black Sea waiting to pass through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov, while another 17 vessels were unable to sail out of Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that Russian authorities haven't imposed any restrictions, and that the logjam could be linked to poor weather. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated after the weekend incident in which the Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews near the Kerch Strait. ___ 3:05 p.m. Ukraine's president says the government will impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in response to the seizure of three Ukrainian vessels and their crews. President Petro Poroshenko said that the one-month period of martial law introduced this week in Ukraine wouldn't restrict travel, cash withdrawals or currency purchases by Ukrainians but Russians will face some constraints. The Ukrainian leader tweeted Thursday that "there will be restrictions regarding Russian citizens, which I believe are quite justified." He did not elaborate. Ukrainian authorities have already denied entry to an increased number of Russians following the weekend incident. ___ 2:05 p.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she's not backing off plans for a joint pipeline with Russia, but is pledging to ensure Ukraine remains a transit country for Russian natural gas. Her comments follow the seizure of Ukrainian ships by Russia on Sunday which has prompted Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to argue for further pressure being put on Moscow. He told Bild newspaper in an interview published Thursday that there needs to be increased pressure on Moscow, including stopping the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is being built under the Baltic Sea and would bypass Ukraine to deliver gas directly to Germany. Merkel told a Ukrainian business forum in Berlin that the pipeline would go ahead, but that Germany would "ensure Ukraine remains an important transit country." She noted that Germany could control how much fuel was pumped through the pipeline. ___ 10:50 a.m. NATO says it already has a strong presence in the Black Sea region, after Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko urged members of the military alliance like Germany to send warships amid tensions with Russia. Spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said Thursday that NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea, noting that NATO ships have spent 120 days there this year compared to 80 in 2017. She said several NATO allies conduct air policing and reconnaissance flights in the region, and that members Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey border the Black Sea and have their own military equipment deployed. Lungescu said "there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region." ___ 10:10 a.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she plans to press Russian President Vladimir Putin at this weekend's G-20 summit in Argentina about his country's seizure of three Ukrainian ships and their crews. Merkel told a Ukrainian business summit in Berlin on Thursday that Germany is urging the release of the ships and crews and that she would confront Putin at the summit. She says "we can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts." Merkel says that beyond Ukraine, Russia has been aggressive in several other nations creating "a belt of countries that cannot develop in the way they want and we can't, as Germans, close our eyes to that." ___ 9:45 a.m. The Kremlin has sharply criticized the Ukrainian president's plea for NATO to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov amid a standoff with Russia. President Petro Poroshenko made the call in an interview with the German daily Bild published Thursday, hoping that NATO countries "are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Poroshenko's request is "clearly aimed at provoking further tensions" and driven by the Ukrainian leader's "electoral and domestic policy motives." In Sunday's confrontation, Russian ships fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews trying to pass into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait between Russia's mainland and Crimea, which it annexed from Ukraine. ___ 8:15 a.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov. Erdogan made the comments early Thursday, hours after he held separate telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Turkish leader said: "Can we assume a mediator role? We discussed this subject with both sides." Erdogan said he would hold more talks concerning the standoff with both Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G-20 summit meeting in Buenos Aires. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine flared on Sunday, when Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian vessels and seized the ships and the crew. ___ 7:55 a.m. The Ukrainian president is urging NATO to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov amid a standoff with Russia. President Petro Poroshenko made the call in an interview with the German daily Bild published Thursday, saying that "we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security." In Sunday's confrontation, the Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels that sought to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait, between Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula it annexed from Ukraine. Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko speak to soldiers during a visit to a military base in Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, Nov, 28, 2018. Russia and Ukraine traded blame after Russian border guards on Sunday opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels and eventually seized them and their crews. The incident put the two countries on war footing and raised international concern. (Mykola Lazarenko, Presidential Press Service via AP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a speech during the German Ukrainian Economy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, arrive for the German Ukrainian Economy Forum in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) MANILA, Philippines (AP) - A Philippine court found three police officers guilty on Thursday of killing a student they alleged was a drug dealer, in the first known such conviction under the president's deadly crackdown on drugs. Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Rodolfo Azucena Jr. ruled the officers murdered Kian Loyd delos Santos during a raid in Caloocan city's slums in the Manila metropolis last year. It rejected the policemen's claim that the 17-year-old fired back while resisting arrest. The court sentenced the officers, Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz, to be imprisoned for up to 40 years without parole, although they can appeal. Aside from the prison term, the policemen, who appeared in court in handcuffs and yellow detainee shirts, were ordered to pay damages to Santos's impoverished family. President Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown, which has left thousands of suspects dead, reportedly in clashes with the police, has alarmed Western governments and U.N. rights experts and horrified human rights watchdogs. The volatile president has stressed he does not condone extrajudicial killings, although he has repeatedly threatened drug suspects with death and has assured police he would back them up in ways that human rights watchdogs say have encouraged law enforcers to act with impunity. "A shoot first, think later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilized society. Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement," Azucena said in his ruling. "The public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life." Duterte's government called the ruling "a triumph of justice" which disproved critics' assertion that the judiciary was a rubberstamp. Activists light candles in front of the picture of 17-year-old student Kian Loyd delos Santos in Caloocan, metropolitan Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. A Philippine court has found three police officers guilty of murdering delos Santos they alleged was a drug dealer in the first known conviction of a wrongful death under the president's deadly anti-drugs crackdown. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) "As we have always stressed, the conduct of the government's anti-illegal drug campaign is based on accountability. Therefore, we do not - and we will never - tolerate unjustified police violence, brutality or killing," presidential spokesman and chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo told a news conference. Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who has railed against the drug killings, said the court decision proved that extrajudicial killings under Duterte's crackdown were being committed by rogue members of the national police force. "This is a light in the darkness," Hontiveros said in a statement. "Despite the gruesome climate of killing and impunity in the country, this verdict sends the message that there is hope and justice. And we will fight for more light and truth until the darkness cannot overcome them." Hontiveros said the numbers of drug killings, which started to rise when Duterte took office in mid-2016 and launched his war against drugs, could not have reached "catastrophic levels if these killings did not have a sinister principle and policy behind them." Duterte and police officials have repeatedly stated there was no state policy to kill drug suspects illegally. Duterte faces at least two mass murder complaints before the International Criminal Court, which he said would never acquire jurisdiction over him. Delos Santos's killing on Aug. 16, 2017, sparked an outcry and a televised Senate inquiry, and prompted Duterte to temporarily order a small anti-drug agency with only about a thousand men to oversee the campaign against illegal drugs. The crackdown had been previously led by the national police, which Duterte once described as "corrupt to the core." The policemen claimed delos Santos was a drug dealer who fired at officers during the raid, but his family and witnesses testified in official investigations that he was shot in a dark alley near a creek as he pleaded for his life. Witnesses pointed to evidence, including a village security video, which they said showed two of the police officers dragging away the teenager shortly before shots rang out and he was found fatally shot in the head, holding a pistol with his left hand although his parent said he was right-handed. The police officers testified in the Senate that delos Santos was not the man seen being dragged in the video, although several witnesses doubted the police statements. The court cited witnesses who identified the three officers as the ones who accosted delos Santos at a small family store and dragged him to the end of an alley, where he was shot to death while ducking on the ground and covering his head with his hands. The victim's mother, Lorenza delos Santos, said she was elated by the court decision because it cleared the name of her son and family. "I am very happy because this is the resolution that proves my son is innocent and that he was never involved in drugs," she told reporters while fighting back tears. FILE - In this Aug. 24, 2017, file photo, from left; police officers Jeremias Pereda, Jerwin Cruz and Arnel Oares talk during a senate hearing on the killing of Kian Loyd Delos Santos, a 17-year-old Grade 11 student, allegedly during a drug crackdown in Manila, Philippines. A Philippine court has found the three officers guilty of the killing of Delos Santos in the first known such conviction under the president's crackdown on drugs. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) Activists light candles in front of the picture of 17-year-old student Kian Loyd delos Santos in Caloocan, metropolitan Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. A Philippine court has found three police officers guilty of murdering delos Santos they alleged was a drug dealer in the first known conviction of a wrongful death under the president's deadly anti-drugs crackdown. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2017, file photo, protesters display placards and light candles outside the wake for slain Kian Loyd Delos Santos, a 17-year-old Grade 11 student, who was killed in a shootout with police five days ago, following a march in suburban Caloocan city north of Manila, Philippines. A Philippine court has found three police officers guilty of murdering Kian Loyd Delos Santos they alleged was a drug dealer in the first known conviction of a wrongful death under the president's deadly anti-drugs crackdown. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Paul Polman, CEO of consumer products multinational Unilever, whose brands include Dove soaps and Lipton tea, is retiring at the end of the year, the company said Thursday. The Anglo-Dutch company said Polman will be succeeded from Jan. 1 by Alan Jope, currently president of Unilever's Beauty and Personal Care division. Polman's retirement ends 10 years at the helm of Unilever, a tenure in which he was keen to stress the need for sustainability while also driving up the company's share price. The announcement comes months after Unilever, under pressure from shareholders, reversed a decision to consolidate its headquarters in Rotterdam. The company has two head offices, in the Dutch city and in London and is listed on stock markets in both countries. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said the change of CEO "allows senior management to renew the relationship with their major shareholders which was damaged by the listing row." Polman was also in charge when Unilever rejected a $143 billion takeover offer from rival Kraft Heinz early last year. In this Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, file photo Unilever CEO Paul Polman speaks at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York. The Anglo-Dutch company announced Polman's retirement by the end of 2018 early Thursday, the announcement comes months after Unilever, under pressure from shareholders, reversed a decision to consolidate its headquarters in Rotterdam.(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) Reg Watson, equities analyst at ING, said he does not expect major shifts in the company's course under its new CEO. "It will be much of the same, I think," he said. "A company as large as Unilever, it's like a supertanker - you don't turn it on a sixpence." Unilever Chairman Marijn Dekkers paid tribute to Polman, calling him an exceptional business leader. "His role in helping to define a new era of responsible capitalism, embodied in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, marks him out as one of the most far-sighted business leaders of his generation," Dekkers said. Polman will help Jope settle into his new role during the first half of next year. The 54-year-old Jope is a career executive with Unilever, having joined the company as a trainee in 1985. Since then he has risen through the ranks and held senior management positions with Unilever in China, the United States and the Russia, Africa and Middle East region. "He has an excellent track record of leading Unilever's business in both developed and emerging markets," the company said. BERLIN (AP) - German authorities raided Deutsche Bank's headquarters Thursday amid suspicions that its employees helped clients set up offshore companies that were used to launder hundreds of millions of euros. About 170 police officers, investigators and prosecutors swooped in on the bank's offices in Frankfurt and premises in nearby Eschborn and Gross-Umstadt at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT), seizing electronic and paper records. The investigation emerged from an analysis of documents leaked from tax havens in recent years, including the 2016 "Panama Papers," said Frankfurt prosecutors' spokeswoman Nadja Niesen. It is focused on two Deutsche Bank employees, aged 50 and 46, and possibly other still unidentified suspects, she said. At least one site raided was a suspect's home. Analysis of the Panama Papers and other documents "gave rise to suspicion that Deutsche Bank was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and the proceeds of crimes were transferred there from Deutsche Bank accounts" without the bank reporting it, Niesen said. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers are alleged to have transferred some 311 million euros ($351 million) to one such company set up in the British Virgin Islands, she said. Police officers walk in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) The suspects, both German citizens, are accused of failing to report the suspicious transactions even though there was "sufficient evidence" to have been aware of it. Deutsche Bank confirmed the search and said "the investigation has to do with the Panama Papers case." "More details will be communicated as soon as these become known. We are cooperating fully with the authorities," the bank said. Money laundering has become a growing problem in Europe, where a series of scandals has exposed lax regulation. And it's not the first time Deutsche Bank has run into trouble over the flow of dirty money. It was fined more than $600 million by U.S. and U.K. authorities in January 2017 for allowing customers to transfer $10 billion out of Russia in what regulators said was "highly suggestive of financial crime." The Panama Papers are a trove of documents from a law firm that handled shell companies for thousands of rich and powerful clients around the world. While owning a shell company is not illegal, it is used to hide the beneficial owner of a company or transfer, making it important for the handling and laundering of dirty money. Several other institutions besides Deutsche Bank have been fined by authorities in the U.S. and Europe for not properly checking up on the beneficial owners of shell companies that send money through their accounts. Analysts say that because these transactions can be lucrative and punishments are lax, banks have few incentives to do more than the minimum required by law to check on the identity of a bank. "Even in the most egregious cases, banks are often only required to pay a monetary penalty for engaging in criminal activity, which is merely the cost of doing business," said Jimmy Gurule, a former undersecretary for enforcement for the U.S. Treasury Department. "The failure to hold banks accountable for money laundering encourages such criminal activity, including laundering hundreds of millions of dollars in Panama and other money laundering havens," said Gurule, now a professor at Notre Dame Law School. Most recently, Denmark's biggest bank, Danske Bank, admitted that some 200 billion euros ($235 billion) in suspicious money had flown through its Estonian branch from 2007 to 2015. Whistleblower and former employee Howard Wilkinson has indicated that Danske Bank's management was aware of what was going on at the branch, which was among the bank's most profitable units. He has also alleged that family members of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's spy agency were using the bank for money laundering. The bank's CEO has since stepped down over the scandal. Another Baltic state, Latvia, has also emerged as a major hub of money laundering, with a 2014 leak showing that tens of billions of dollars were funneled from Russia in 2010-14. Some of the money reportedly went through Deutsche Bank and ended up in major capitals like London, according to The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. There was no indication that Thursday's raid was linked to that scandal, though Deutsche Bank says that it has since stopped providing dollar transactions in some countries, including Latvia. A police officer walks in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Police officers walk in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) The blue light of a police car blinks in front of the Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Police cars stand in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Police officers walk in the backyard of Deutsche Bank headquarters during a raid in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) NEW DELHI (AP) - Indian police said Thursday they have arrested nearly two dozen people on suspicion of defrauding people around the world by sending fake pop-up messages warning them that their computers were infected with a virus and offering to fix the problem at a price. Police officer Ajay Pal Sharma said those arrested Tuesday and Wednesday posed as representatives of Microsoft and other companies and used their logos. The arrests were made after input from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Interpol, Sharma said. Microsoft was the complainant in the case. He said those arrested have been running the scam out of call centers in the Indian capital and the neighboring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for months. The pop-up messages prompted victims in the United States, Britain, Australia and other countries to call a phone number shown on their computer screens, he said. They would then be scammed out of money in exchange for supposedly fixing the problem. Those arrested were mostly people in their 20s and early 30s who quit their jobs in call centers. Police recovered hard drives, servers, laptops, cellphones and computers from them, Sharma said. Alleged fraudsters are presented before media at a police station in Noida, a suburb of New Delhi, India, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Indian police said Thursday that they have arrested nearly two dozen people on suspicion of defrauding people around the world by sending fake pop-up messages warning them that their computers were infected with a virus and offering to rectify the problem at a price. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) In 2016, Mumbai police arrested 70 people for allegedly cheating thousands of Americans. They would call their victims from call centers in Mumbai and tell them that they owed unpaid taxes and should buy prepaid cash cards to settle the debts or face jail. Indian policemen carry seized computer hardware and other items after a press conference at a police station in Noida, a suburb of New Delhi, India, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Indian police said Thursday that they have arrested nearly two dozen people on suspicion of defrauding people around the world by sending fake pop-up messages warning them that their computers were infected with a virus and offering to rectify the problem at a price. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) TOKYO (AP) - Sheikh Ahmad al Fahad al Sabah, who has stepped away temporarily from the presidency of an Olympic umbrella group to fight a criminal court case in Switzerland, was praised by IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday. "We have said, first of all, that we respect the decision he took under his own will and we recognize that this decision, his decision, was taken in the interests of all of us," Bach told 1,400 delegates of the Association of National Olympic Committees. The Kuwaiti sheikh last week also suspended himself from his 26-year membership in the International Olympic Committee in order to fight the corruption case. He has said he's innocent and says the case is "politically motivated." ANOC senior vice president Robin Mitchell will serve as the acting president. Mitchell said he had no idea how long that would be for. Sheikh Ahmad is accused by Geneva public prosecutors of forgery in an alleged faked arbitration case involving four others. A name plate of Sheikh Ahmad al Fahad al Sabah who temporally stepped aside his president position of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) is placed on a chair during the ANOC general assembly in Tokyo Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) "We hope we can see him back here very soon after his case is solved," Bach told delegates, who applauded warmly. Many credit Sheikh Ahmad with swinging votes to get Bach elected in 2013. Bach also lectured the delegates about the need for good governance: "Maybe you don't want to hear it anymore. But I will not get tired of repeating it with regard to good governance: What affects one of us affects all of us." The IOC has been hit with embarrassing corruption cases. Sheikh Ahmad is the third IOC member recently to be suspended - or self-suspended. A fourth, honorary member Carlos Nuzman who headed the 2016 Olympics, is also suspended. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach delivers a speech during the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) general assembly in Tokyo Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Thousands of exasperated Zimbabweans gathered Thursday in a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." Some cheered the protesters from kilometers-long lines at gas stations that still have fuel. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration is under growing pressure one year after taking office following the removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe. Tensions remain high after July's disputed election that Mnangagwa narrowly won. Zimbabwe's government is struggling to even arrange a reliable currency as many citizens in the southern African nation say they've seen no progress on promises of "jobs, job, jobs." Inflation spiked to 20.9 percent in October, the highest since 2009. The protest played out peacefully under heavy security in the capital, Harare, with opposition supporters singing anti-government songs. Main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, echoing some of the other speakers, said life in Zimbabwe is more difficult now than under Mugabe. "Our lives are worse off," he told the crowd, promising to intensify the street protests until the political standoff in the country is resolved. Protestors take part in a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Chamisa this week said he is ready for dialogue with Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe enforcer. The ruling party says Chamisa, who unsuccessfully challenged the election results in court and claimed victory, should accept Mnangagwa's win before talks can commence. The protesters delivered a petition to parliament calling for political dialogue and an end to the economic crisis, and Chamisa said he would deliver another one to southern Africa's regional bloc. "We are assuring them that we will not use guns to fight Mnangagwa," he said. ___ Associated Press photographer Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi in Harare contributed. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa A protestor holds a placard with a photograph of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov., 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A protestor holds an empty fuel jerry can signifying the fuel shortages during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors take part in a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Zimbabwean police monitor protestors take part in a demonstration, in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors take part in a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors take part in a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa greets the crowd during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Zimbabwean police keep a close eye on protestors during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov., 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors take part in a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A protestors holds up a cross during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A protestor holds up a poster asking questions about a Aug. 1 shootings which left 6 people dead during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa addresses the crowd during a demonstration in Harare, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Zimbabweans are gathering for a nationwide protest over the country's economic collapse and what the opposition calls the new government's "cocktail of lies." (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) BERLIN (AP) - A high-ranking member of Alternative for Germany says he is quitting the party because of its drift toward the far right. Steffen Koeniger, a lawmaker in the eastern state of Brandenburg who was on the party's national executive, told reporters Thursday that moderates "have finally lost the battle against destructive forces within the party." Alternative for Germany came third in last year's national election after campaigning heavily against immigration. The party was founded in 2013 by conservatives disgruntled by Chancellor Angela Merkel's course during the eurozone crisis. The party's embrace of far-right extremists has prompted several members to leave the party, including its former leader Frauke Petry, who quit the day after the 2017 election. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - The governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro was arrested on Thursday for allegedly taking about $10 million in bribes since 2007, the latest in a string of corruption arrests of senior political figures. Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao was taken into custody by federal police at the governor's palace early in the morning in an operation named "Wolf's Mouth." He was Rio's deputy governor between 2007 and 2014 and then was elected to the top job four years ago. The arrest of Pezao gives the state of Rio, one of the most important in Latin America's largest nation, a dubious distinction: All elected governors since 1998 have been jailed at different points for corruption. Numerous other state politicians have also been accused of graft, turning the state into a symbol of rampant corruption. The plundering of state coffers made a recent recession particularly painful in Rio, which is still in a state of financial crisis two years after the city hosted the Summer Olympics. Pezao's arrest follows a plea bargain by Carlos Miranda, a former adviser to former Gov. Sergio Cabral, who was Pezao's superior from 2007 to 2014. Miranda testified that Pezao received thousands of dollars in bribes each month. Cabral himself was jailed in 2016 and was sentenced to 14 years for corruption the following year. Later in 2017, Cabral was sentenced to an additional 45 years for embezzlement. Rio de Janeiro Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao is escorted by a police officer as they leave the Federal Police headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Pezao was arrested for allegedly taking about $10 million in bribes since 2007, adding to a string of corruption arrests of senior political figures. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Authorities said Pezao took part in the corruption under Cabral, and then took over leadership of the scheme when he became governor. "This criminal organization continues to be active" said Attorney General Raquel Dodge told journalists in the capital of Brasilia. According to investigators, Pezao collected a "tax" of up to 8 percent of contracts awarded by the state. Besides Pezao, arrest warrants were also issued for eight others connected to the governor, including his secretary of public works, an economic adviser and Pezao's nephew. Pezao was accused of criminal organization, money laundering and corruption. After being processed at police headquarters, he was taken to a jail in the neighboring city of Niteroi. The governor's attorney did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Vice Gov. Francisco Dornelles, who will take over, told Globo News the arrest was a "surprise" and a form of "violence against Pezao." Pezao, whose term ends Dec. 31, was the latest high-profile politician to be caught up in the so-called "Car Wash" investigation into bribes from construction and other companies that was launched in 2014. Investigators uncovered a scheme in which construction companies were awarded inflated contracts and then paid millions of dollars in kickbacks to politicians and other officials. The scheme, which included billions of dollars in bribes over the course of more than a decade, is considered the largest corruption scandal in Latin America, and possibly worldwide. Scores of businessmen and politicians have been convicted and jailed, including former Odebrecht CEO Marcelo Odebrecht and ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Corruption was a dominating theme during the nation's recent election, with President-elect Jair Bolsonaro vowing to crack down of graft. ___ Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese contributed from Sao Paulo. Rio de Janeiro Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao, center, is escorted by police officers as they leave the Federal Police headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Pezao was arrested for allegedly taking about $10 million in bribes since 2007, adding to a string of corruption arrests of senior political figures. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Rio de Janeiro Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao, right, is escorted by police officers as they leave the Federal Police headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Pezao was arrested for allegedly taking about $10 million in bribes since 2007, adding to a string of corruption arrests of senior political figures. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) - The United Nations refugee agency has misspent millions of dollars on Africa's largest refugee crisis, including paying $320,000 for what became a parking lot at the Ugandan prime minister's office, an internal inquiry says. The new report by the U.N.'s internal watchdog says about $11 million alone is now being spent on a recount of the South Sudanese who poured into Uganda, to weed out potentially hundreds of thousands of "ghost refugees." Over-counting refugees to bring in more funding carries the risk of officials quietly pocketing the difference. More than a million South Sudanese fled to neighboring Uganda after fresh fighting broke out in July 2016, causing a scramble by the U.N. and other humanitarian actors to help them find food and shelter. Uganda has been praised internationally for welcoming refugees but has faced scrutiny over corruption in the process. Uganda's prime minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The new report echoes findings of an earlier investigation by the U.N. refugee agency that indicated serious oversight and other failings, agency spokesman Babar Baloch told The Associated Press. Action to address those issues is already underway, he said. Also among the new inquiry's findings: The U.N. refugee agency gave a budget of $7.9 million to a logistics partner to build more than 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of roads, but "it did not have experience in road construction." FILE - In this Friday, June 9, 2017 file photo, a South Sudanese refugee girl prepares to lick the last of her corn and soya porridge breakfast from her bowl, at the Imvepi reception center, where newly arrived refugees are processed before being allocated plots of land in nearby Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, in northern Uganda. An internal inquiry released in Nov. 2018 says the United Nations refugee agency has misspent millions of dollars on Africa's largest refugee crisis. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) With South Sudan's warring sides signing a fragile new peace deal in September, there are concerns that the refugees who have fled to Uganda and elsewhere eventually will come under pressure to return home. Past peace deals in the five-year civil war have collapsed in gunfire. ___ Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa FILE - In this Thursday, June 8, 2017 file photo, from left to right, South Sudanese refugees Thomas Wani, 12, brother Peter Lemi, 14, mother Rose Sunday, and father Julius Lezu, cross a wooden bridge from South Sudan to Uganda at the Busia crossing, near Kuluba, in northern Uganda. An internal inquiry released in Nov. 2018 says the United Nations refugee agency has misspent millions of dollars on Africa's largest refugee crisis. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - World leaders arrived Thursday in the Argentine capital for the Group of 20 summit of the globe's largest economies as issues such as a trade war between the United States and China, the killing of a Saudi journalist in the country's Istanbul Consulate and the conflict over Ukraine threatened to overshadow the gathering. The two-day summit beginning Friday is supposed to focus on development, infrastructure and food security, but those seemed largely an afterthought amid soured U.S.-European relations and as the United States, Mexico and Canada hammered out the final language of a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement expected to be signed Friday. Michael Shifter, head of the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington-based think tank, said that this G-20 summit was once considered an opportunity for Latin American members Argentina, Brazil and Mexico "to project a regional bloc to shape a global agenda." But, he said, "that turned out to be a fleeting aspiration." "The fact that the G-20 is taking place in South America for the first time is almost beside the point," Shifter said. "Argentine President Mauricio Macri, the summit's host, has lowered expectations. ... Now a success would be a summit meeting that goes smoothly, without any major disruption." Nonetheless, French President Emmanuel Macron, who flew into Buenos Aires on Wednesday as one of the earliest arrivers, clung to the importance of the ideal of cooperation that the G-20 represents. France's President Emmanuel Macron greets bystanders during at the Playa de Mayo square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Macron will attend the two-day G20 summit starting Friday. (AP Photo/Sebastian Pani) "I believe in our capacity to make the spirit of dialogue and cooperation triumph," Macron said at a joint news conference with Macri, warning that if nations "close down," the alternative could be trade wars or armed conflict. Macron also called for international involvement and "complete clarity" in investigations into the killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and said European leaders should discuss it at a meeting Friday. Macri said the matter of the killing would be "on the table" during bilateral and possibly broader meetings. Saudia Arabia has denied that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a role in Khashoggi's gruesome slaying. But Human Rights Watch accuses him of responsibility and also of war crimes in Yemen, and on Wednesday, Argentine legal authorities took initial action to consider a request to prosecute him for alleged crimes against humanity, a move apparently aimed at embarrassing him as he attends the summit. It is to be bin Salman's first significant appearance overseas since the killing. Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been sharply critical of Saudi Arabia over the incident, is also in attendance. "Given the role that Turkey has played in this, given that the murder happened at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, this will be an interesting meeting," said Willis Sparks, director of global macro politics at Eurasia Group. "Just to see how leaders interact with the crown prince will be interesting - how warm they are. I expect (U.S. President Donald) Trump to be very warm with him, but European leaders probably are going to be very reluctant to have their pictures taken with him." An expected high-profile bilateral meeting between Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin planned for Saturday was abruptly canceled by Trump, who made the announcement in a tweet citing Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels over the weekend. The Kremlin said it had not been notified and only learned about it from the tweet. Russian news agencies quoted Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the cancellation means that Putin will have "a couple more hours" for "useful meetings" with G-20 leaders. Trump was still scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but analysts were not optimistic about prospects for a major breakthrough on the two countries' trade disputes a month before U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are set to ramp up. Shannon O'Neil, an expert on global trade at the Council on Foreign Relations, said she believes it "very likely" that the tariffs will take effect in January. "I think this is an issue that Trump cares a lot about and is going to use when he campaigns for 2020," O'Neil said. "It used to be Mexico and NAFTA, and now it's going to be China." The U.S., Canada and Mexico are scheduled to sign the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that is replacing the NAFTA trade deal during a ceremony Friday. There had been speculation Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might not attend and send his foreign minister instead if Trump did not lift steel and aluminum tariffs, but Trudeau's press secretary confirmed Thursday night that he would be at the ceremony. The foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, said the three countries were "very much on track" to sign on time. "These agreements are massive, and a vast number of technical details need to be scrubbed and wrapped up," she said. "The fact that this is an agreement in three languages adds to the level of technical complexity, and it is on that level that we're just being sure that all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed." The pact must still be approved by lawmakers in all three countries. O'Neil said she anticipates that to be "quite smooth" in Mexico and Canada, but passage could be more complicated in the United States after midterm elections flipped the House of Representatives, meaning the next speaker could be Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi. "There are some ... things in there that I think Democrats can support," O'Neil said. "But I can't imagine having a new NAFTA is going to be Pelosi's first priority when she comes in, so I'd expect it to be drawn out." It stands to be a short visit for Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who is scheduled to return to his country for the inauguration Saturday of his successor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. On Thursday, Macron criticized protectionist stances by Trump but said they have no plans for a one-on-one at the summit. The two have increasingly clashed in recent weeks on everything from Trump's nationalism to wine tariffs. The French president envisions himself as a new leader of the free world and is fashioning himself at this summit as the anti-Trump - a champion of the Paris climate accord, defender of the postwar system of global trade and crusader against multinational tax evaders. Macron warned that Europe might not sign trade deals with the South American regional bloc Mercosur if Brazil's incoming president, Jair Bolsonaro, pulls out of the Paris accord. Taking the world stage at the G-20 is a welcome relief for Macron, who has faced mass protests at home over rising fuel taxes that are the biggest challenge yet to his presidency. But his party dominates parliament and neither faces re-election until 2022. Other European leaders at the summit are facing domestic struggles of their own. Britain's Theresa May is fighting for political survival as she tries to pull her country out of the European Union. Germany's Angela Merkel is preparing to leave politics after announcing last month she would give up leadership of her party, a post she has held since 2000. Italy's Giuseppe Conte heads a populist coalition that is clashing with the EU and suffers internal divisions. Senior German officials, briefing reporters in Berlin on condition of anonymity, said Merkel planned to hold bilateral meetings with Trump, Putin, Xi, India's Narendra Modi, Australia's Scott Morrison and Macri. Merkel was supposed to arrive in Buenos Aires early Friday, but her plane returned to Germany on Thursday night due to a technical problem. A German air force plane was being readied to carry the chancellor and her entourage. The British Embassy in Argentina said May's visit would be the first by a U.K. prime minister to Buenos Aires; the only other prime minister to visit the country was Tony Blair who went to Puerto Iguazu in 2001. The two countries have long been at odds over the disputed islands known as the Falklands in Britain and the Malvinas in Argentina. Outside Argentina's congress, as many as 1,000 people gathered Thursday for a forum hosted by organizations opposing the G-20 and the International Monetary Fund. A large inflatable blimp caricaturing Trump as a baby holding a cellphone - which has appeared at protests in other places the U.S. president has visited - floated over the square underneath a light rain. Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canada-based think tank focusing on global governance, said this summit could be a defining moment for the Group of 20 - for better or for worse. "The G-20 Leader's Summit is at risk of falling into disarray with the summit being overshadowed by items not on agenda," Bernes said. "The true test will be whether the other members of the G-20 will act resolutely or whether we will witness the crumbling of the G-20 as a forum for international economic cooperation." India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Ministro Pistarini international airport to attend the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for a two-day summit starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan boards his car after arriving at the Ministro Pistarini international airport to attend the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for two days starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at an annual VTB Capital "Russia Calling!" Investment Forum in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Putin has laid the blame for a standoff with Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea on the Ukrainian president and his desire to get re-elected. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Argentina's President Mauricio Macri hold a press conference at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Macron will attend the G20 starting Friday. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Ministro Pistarini international airport to attend the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for a two-day starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto waves after arriving at the Ministro Pistarini international airport to attend the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for a two-day summit starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and first lady Sophie Gregoire wave on their arrival to the Ministro Pistarini international airport for the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for two-day starting Friday. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) A family sleeps on the sidewalk at the Plaza de Mayo square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Argentina hosts the Group of 20 industrialized nations summit amid its peso depreciating by more than half this year and consumer prices rising about 45 percent. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) An anti explosives police officer inspects a garbage bin in front of the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Thousands of police and security agents will guard Group of 20 industrialized nations' world leaders during the two-day summit that starts Friday. (AP Photo/Sebastian Pani) South Korea's President Moon Jae-in, left, is wife Kim Jung-sook, center, and are welcomed by Argentina Social Development Minister Carolina Stanley on their arrival to the Ministro Pistarini international airport to participate in the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations will meet in Buenos Aires for two-day starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Argentina's President Mauricio Macri shake hands after a joint press conference at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Macron will attend the G20 two-day summit starting Friday. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto deplanes at the Ministro Pistarini international airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Leaders from the Group of 20 industrialized nations, including Pena Nieto, will meet in Buenos Aires for a two-day summit starting Friday. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) HONG KONG (AP) - The Latest on a Chinese scientist's claim to have made the world's first gene-edited babies (all times local): 7:30 p.m. China's government has ordered a halt to work by a medical team that claimed to have helped make the world's first gene-edited babies. Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping told state broadcaster CCTV Thursday that his ministry is strongly opposed to the efforts that reportedly produced twin girls born earlier this month. Xu called the team's actions illegal and unacceptable and said an investigation had been ordered. Researcher He Jiankui claims to have altered the DNA of the twins to try to make them resistant to infection with the AIDS virus. Mainstream scientists have condemned the experiment, and universities and government groups are investigating. There is no independent confirmation of what He says he did. He has said a second pregnancy may be underway. He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, center, speaks during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. He made his first public comments about his claim to have helped make the world's first gene-edited babies. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) ___ 1:30 p.m. A group of leading scientists has declared that it's still too soon to try making permanent changes to DNA that can be inherited by future generations, as a Chinese researcher claims to have done. The scientists gathered in Hong Kong this week for an international conference on gene editing, the ability to rewrite the code of life to try to correct or prevent diseases. Although the science holds promise for helping people already born, the scientists said Thursday that it's irresponsible to try it on eggs, sperm or embryos because not enough is known yet about its risks or safety. The conference was rocked by the Chinese researcher's claim to have helped make the world's first gene-edited babies, twin girls he said were born earlier this month. BERLIN (AP) - A German court is hearing a civil suit against a discount German textile company whose clothes were produced in a factory in Pakistan that burned to the ground in 2012, killing more than 250 people. The four plaintiffs - a survivor and three relatives - are seeking 30,000 euros ($34,000) each in damages from the KiK clothing company, the dpa news agency reported Thursday. They maintain that as one of the main buyers, KiK is partially responsible for the conditions at the factory. KiK rejects the charges, and says the case should also be considered past the statute of limitations for a suit. In the devastating blaze in Karachi, many died suffocated in the basement when it filled with smoke and a main exit door was locked. Saeeda Khatoon, mother of Aijaz Ahmed, who was killed in a factory fire, holds a poster outside the court in Dortmund, western Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, where a civil suit is being heard against a discount German textile company whose clothes were produced in a factory in Pakistan that burned to the ground in 2012, killing more than 250 people. The four plaintiffs, a survivor and three relatives, are seeking 30,000 euros (US$ 34,000) each in damages from the KiK clothing company in the suit. (Christophe Gateau/dpa via AP) Saeeda Khatoon, second from right, mother of Aijaz Ahmed, who was killed in a factory fire, and supporters hold a poster outside the court in Dortmund, western Germany, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, where a civil suit is being heard against a discount German textile company whose clothes were produced in a factory in Pakistan that burned to the ground in 2012, killing more than 250 people. The four plaintiffs, a survivor and three relatives, are seeking 30,000 euros (US$ 34,000) each in damages from the KiK clothing company in the suit. (Christophe Gateau/dpa via AP) Firefighters came to the rescue of a dog in distress as they saved her from a blaze and revived her with oxygen. The dog, named Lady, got into trouble in a garage fire at a house in Wayne Township, Indiana. Video footage posted by the Wayne Township Fire Department shows Ladys tail starting to wag as she breathes in the oxygen from the mask provided by the fire crew. The fire department said in a Facebook post: After a few minutes of oxygen and some TLC from firefighters and medics she was back on her feet and doing well! According to firefighters, the blaze was started by a faulty wood-burning stove. A multimillion-pound scheme launched by a Royal Air Force charity will fund support for RAF personnel who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. Research by the RAF Benevolent Fund found that half of respondents (52%) had experienced social isolation, and 42% of their partners said loneliness had been a problem for them. As part of the initiative, the RAF will fund access to the mindfulness app Headspace and pilot workshops and seminars. The Meeting the Needs of the Serving RAF Community report, which reached almost 10% of serving personnel, is to be launched in the House of Commons on Thursday. The research said moving stations, distance from close relatives and deployments all contributed to feelings of social isolation. Of the 3,057 respondents, 76% of personnel said they prefer to deal with their problems alone rather than seek help, and 39% said they had been too embarrassed to seek help in the past. Hawk jets from the Royal Air Force fly over RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. An RAF charity has announced funding for the wellbeing of personnel (Joe Giddens/PA) Relationship difficulties were also a top concern highlighted in the research, with 27% of personnel saying they had experienced marriage or relationship issues in recent years. To tackle this, the fund will pilot wellbeing breaks for RAF families across the UK. Some of the project will be delivered through grant funding, while other programmes will be tested to ensure they work before rolling them out. Warrant Officer Jon Sykes, 48, signed up to use Headspace during the funds pilot scheme and has completed 6,000 hours of mindfulness since then. He said: Everybody has busy lives and what I felt was lacking in my own life was the tools to balance all of those demands. Now it has become a routine, as routine as breakfast or brushing my teeth. It has become a regular part of my day. There are lots of thoughts people have and lots of external influences, this app puts them in a language you can understand, using graphics and animations. It helps to put those thoughts into context and understand why you react to those thoughts. In short, Headspace has taught me not to sweat the small stuff. Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, chief executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: If we didnt know it already, this project has reminded us that RAF personnel and their families demonstrate incredible resilience on a daily basis, as they wrestle with the challenges of modern-day Service life. However, given the increasing complexity of some of the issues faced, there remains a requirement for targeted support to assist serving RAF families during periods of need. Working closely with the RAF, the fund has developed a package of practical initiatives that will make a real difference to the lives of RAF personnel and their families in the areas that have emerged from the research. In the opening of the report, Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson said: The extensive support that the charity currently has in place is already impressive and highly regarded by both myself and the Chief of the Air Staff. But the additional projects the Fund has committed to develop in the coming years, in direct response to this report, will make a substantive difference to RAF personnel and their families in need and distress. Glasgow is to become the first Scottish city to join a major global initiative aimed at halting the spread of HIV. Council leaders are to sign up to the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities Ending the AIDS Epidemic a move which will commit the city to working to end new cases of HIV infections by 2030. In addition to this Glasgow City Council will also pledge to work against HIV related stigma and discrimination and to improve the quality of life of people living with the virus. The announcement comes ahead of World Aids Day, which takes place on Saturday December 1. Nathan Sparling, the interim chief executive of the charity HIV Scotland, welcomed Glasgows commitment. He stated: This shows that Glasgow City Council is committed to reducing HIV stigma, and completely eradicating HIV transmission in the city by 2030. Glasgow is to become the first city in Scotland to join a global intiative to halt the spread of HIV (Danny Lawson/PA) This is an ambitious, but achievable target, that requires all partners to work together to implement the Fast-Track Cities initiative. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment can live a long and healthy life, and most importantly cant pass HIV on to others. We need to ensure testing is easily accessible to all so that those who do not know they are HIV positive can access care and treatment. Victims of serious media intrusion will find out if they have succeeded in their High Court action over the second part of the Leveson Inquiry. Christopher Jefferies, Kate and Gerry McCann and Jacqui Hames brought a judicial review against the Governments decision to cancel part two of the inquiry. Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Ouseley will deliver their ruling on the case in London on Thursday. At a hearing earlier this month, the court heard David Cameron made a clear and unambiguous commitment that Leveson II would go ahead at a meeting with Mr Jefferies, Mrs McCann and Ms Hames in November 2012. The second part of the inquiry was due to look into unlawful conduct within media organisations as well as relations between police and the press. Then prime minister David Cameron at the Leveson Inquiry into press standards at The Royal Courts of Justice in London (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But then culture secretary Matt Hancock announced in March that reopening the costly and time-consuming inquiry, which reported on press regulation and ethics in 2012, was not the right way forward. The decision was taken jointly by Mr Hancock and then-home secretary Amber Rudd. Helen Mountfield QC, representing the four, previously told the court there could hardly be matters of greater public importance than the issues Leveson II was due to look into. She argued the decision to cancel it was unlawful because the four had a legitimate expectation it would go ahead following the meeting with Mr Cameron, who was Prime Minister at the time. Phone-hacking victim and former Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The barrister added: The Prime Ministers commitment to the claimants created a substantive legitimate expectation that part two of the inquiry would proceed. But it did mean that if the defendants were minded to go back on the Prime Ministers commitment they were required to take such an expectation into account as an obviously relevant factor when they took the decision. They did not do so. Government argued whatever Mr Cameron said at the meeting did not give rise to a binding obligation to proceed with the second part of the inquiry. They also complained about a covert recording of the 2012 meeting, made by an unknown person associated with the Hacked Off campaign group, which was only recently disclosed to the Governments legal team. Nathalie Lieven QC, representing the secretaries of state, said: The defendants have not resisted the application to admit this evidence, because it is relevant and will have to be considered, but submit that the manner in which it has been obtained and used is far from satisfactory. These matters go to the degree to which a statement made in these circumstances can give rise to a legally binding obligation on the Government. Christopher Jefferies ahead of his evidence at the Leveson Inquiry (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Bristol landlord Mr Jefferies, who was libelled by the press when he was wrongly accused of the murder of Joanna Yeates in 2010, told the Leveson Inquiry he was vilified by the media. The McCanns complained of press intrusion into their lives after their daughter Madeleine went missing on holiday in Portugal in 2007. Former detective and Crimewatch presenter Ms Hames received apologies and damages from News Group Newspapers, part of News UK, and Trinity Mirror over phone hacking and other illegal activity. Speaking after Mr Hancocks announcement, Ms Hames said the Conservatives had broken a promise by Mr Cameron to finish the inquiry and she had no confidence in the Government. Gerry and Kate McCann ahead of their appearance at the Leveson Inquiry (Lewis Whyld/PA) Sir Brian Leveson heard the first part of the inquiry, which cost the taxpayer 5.4 million, over 17 months and delivered his report in 2012. In a letter to Ms Rudd dated January 23, Sir Brian said he believed the bulk of the inquirys scope should go ahead. Announcing the original inquiry in 2011 in response to a wave of public anger over alleged phone-hacking by the now-defunct News Of The World, Mr Cameron said it would be divided into two parts. Mr Hancock said there had been significant progress in the practices of the press and the police, including the creation of the new Independent Press Standards Organisation, since Sir Brians report. Ukraines president has urged Nato to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov amid a stand-off with Russia. Petro Poroshenko made the call in an interview with the German daily Bild, saying: We hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security. In Sundays confrontation, the Russian coastguard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels trying to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait, between Russias mainland and the Crimean peninsula it annexed from Ukraine. (Twitter screenshot) Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. The Ukrainian government said Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, a claim Russia quickly denied. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Poroshenkos request is clearly aimed at provoking further tensions and driven by the Ukrainian leaders electoral and domestic policy motives. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she plans to press Russian President Vladimir Putin at this weekends G20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the ships and crews, but added that we can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts. While Nato condemned the Russian action, the allies will be unlikely to heed Mr Poroshenkos request, which could trigger a confrontation with Russia. A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that agreement from each of the two littoral countries is required for warships from any other country to enter the internal sea. Mr Poroshenko has responded to the incident by ordering martial law in much of the country, a move that went into effect with parliamentary approval. Mr Putin accused his Ukrainian counterpart of provoking the naval incident in a bid to use martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a March election. The Kerch Bridge (AP) Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. Ukraine has released what it said was the exact location where its ships were fired on by Russia, saying they were in international waters west of the Kerch Strait. Russia, meanwhile, insisted the Ukrainian vessels were in its territorial waters and refused to communicate with the Russian coast guard or accept a Russian pilot to guide them through the narrow strait. What were the border guards supposed to do? Mr Putin said on Wednesday. They fulfilled their duty to protect the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. If they had done something differently, they should have been put on trial for that. The showdown comes amid the long-simmering conflicts between the two countries, in which Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and supported separatists in Ukraines east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. The fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. The naval incident marked the first overt collision between Russian and Ukrainian militaries since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It has fuelled fears of a wider conflict and has drawn strong criticism of Russia from the US and its allies. In the interview with Bild, Mr Poroshenko lobbied the West for direct military support. Russian President Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea, he said. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. Mr Putin, for his part, criticised the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraines provocation. The authorities in Kiev are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell, he said. They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely serve them too. Amid the tensions, the Russian military said it had deployed another batch of the long-range, S-400 air defence missile systems to Crimea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine and held separate telephone conversations with Mr Putin and Mr Poroshenko on Thursday. Asked about the Turkish offer, Mr Peskov responded that Moscow is grateful to all those willing to help de-escalate the tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but doesnt see any need for mediation efforts. Those who have such opportunities could help by exerting influence on the Ukrainian authorities, Mr Peskov said. As a head of state, Queen Elizabeth II has visited countries all over the world but few of her overseas engagements can have been as adventurous as a two-day visit to Pucon. Her Royal Highness and Prince Philip explored the small town in southern Chile as part of a week-long trip to the South American country in November 1968, 50 years ago. Picture During her time in Pucon, the Queen stayed at Hotel Antumalal, a family-run business still in operation today. Former Pucon resident Iberia Torres Abelaira was so intrigued by the visit, she spent five years amassing images and anecdotes for her book, Pucon, Asi Era Mi Pueblo, 1883-1969. Now some of those extracts are on display at an exhibition in Santiago, Chile, until December 15. Here she shares some of her more extraordinary discoveries. How did the Queen end up in Pucon? The Queen and Prince Philip arriving Santiago (Archivo Casa Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva/PA) When the owner of Hotel Antumalal, Guillermo Pollak, learned the Queen was coming to Chile, he wrote a letter to the foreign minister inviting the Queen, the Prince and the protocol people to stay at the hotel free of charge. The excuse was for the Queen and the Prince to see the beauties of southern Chile. I think it was clever marketing because they spent two nights there. Hotel Antumalal (Antumalal/PA) What special arrangements did they make? Pucon is a small place in the middle of the mountains. In those days it had only 4000 inhabitants. Even the access was difficult. They didnt want the royals to sleep on a second-hand mattress, so they ordered new ones. But the delivery truck didnt have a roof and it rained, so they had to put them on an open fire until they dried out. What happened when the royals arrived? The Queen arriving in Pucon (Asi Era Mi Pueblo/PA) When they arrived in Santiago, it was very, very formal. But Pucon was chaotic. It was an airfield, not a proper airport, and they built a tower just for the occasion. When the plane approached the airfield, they realised there were pigs running around. Some people told me the pilot took the Queen closer to the volcano. Tito, who was managing the hotel at the time, told me she was a very simple person. Just like any other gringa that came to the hotel. Everyone who saw her remembered her as a beautiful person and very slim. What activities did they do? The Queen at Hotel Antumalal (Archico Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva/PA) The first day, the prince went fishing with some representatives, but they didnt catch anything. So they went to have some pisco sours. By the time they arrived at the hotel, the Queen was having dessert, so they had to prepare a small table in the corner of the dining room. They were behaving like naughty boys. The Queen was very cross. Another day, they prepared a barbecue. They wanted to do something rural Chilean. When I saw the pictures I was flabbergasted how could they bring the Queen to this? It was very basic. Did the Queen enjoy her stay? (Naomi McKee/PA) She sent a cable when she was flying back and there is one paragraph where she mentioned Antumalal. Now there is a legend about this visit. For more information on Hotel Antumalal, visit antumalal.com. French President Emmanuel Macron was speechless with rage over agreements between the EU and UK on fishing post Brexit, Michael Gove has said. The Environment Secretary told MPs that the Governments deal on fisheries had caused anger in Paris as he reaffirmed the UK would be an independent coastal state after Brexit. The French president said over the weekend that he would demand ongoing access to UK waters for French fishermen as the price of a future trade deal and the UK quitting the controversial backstop. But Mr Gove told the Commons, in French, that Mr Macron was wrong much to Speaker John Bercows amusement who said Mr Goves French was stunning. The Environment Secretary, speaking in English, said: The truth is that as an independent coastal state we will be able to decide who comes into our waters and on what terms. He added that Mr Macron, who he termed the Jupiterian president, was speechless with rage on Sunday when he discovered that this withdrawal agreement and future political declaration would mean that France would not have access to our waters save on our terms. His anger should be a cause for celebration across this House, he added. Tory former minister Sir Edward Leigh earlier called for more optimism from the Government over Brexit. Scallop boats clashed with French fishermen earlier this year (Andrew Matthews/PA) He asked: Can the minister confirm that under a clean global free-trade Brexit, the United Kingdom will be able to protect farmers with tariffs just like every other country and provide more help for smaller farmers. And that can we have more optimism from the Government and less of project fear with gumboots on? Agriculture Minister George Eustice said he had always been very optimistic about the opportunities from Brexit, adding: In a no-deal Brexit, the UK would be free to set its own trade policy unilaterally the options open to us would be to create autonomous tariff rate quotas or tariff rate suspensions or indeed a lower bound tariff on those goods where we wish to do so, but we would have independent trade policy in a no deal Brexit. Labour former minister Helen Goodman said analysis had shown a no-deal could produce a reduction in competitiveness of 35%, while the Prime Ministers deal could lead to a reduction of 7%. Mr Macron was labelled the `Jupiterian president (BBC/PA) She asked: Could the minister confirm today that in terms of imports coming into the country, we will not allow unfair competition from countries which produce to lower standards? Defra Minister David Rutley replied: Yes, I can confirm that. And the SNPs environment spokeswoman Deidre Brock asked the Government to accept an amendment to the Agriculture Bill to keep Frankenstein foods off the tables the length and breadth of these isles. Mr Rutley said he knew amendments to the Bill had been laid and said they would be properly considered at report stage. A hard Brexit will lead to a disruptive environment for British businesses, the Central Bank of Ireland has warned. It also said that the uncertainty surrounding the transition deal and final outcome of Brexit has had a chilling effect on investment in the UK. Central Bank chief Philip Lane said backing the draft withdrawal agreement would provide guidance to firms. Speaking to the Institute of Bankers in Dublin on Thursday, Mr Lane laid bare the impact of a no-deal Brexit. Governor Lane is speaking to the @instbank Certified Bank Director Annual Conference today, discussing macroeconomics and banking in Ireland https://t.co/RKMD6jnEgR pic.twitter.com/gjHYzPWgey Central Bank of Ireland (@centralbank_ie) November 29, 2018 In one direction, the ratification of the withdrawal agreement would provide some guidance to firms as to the general trajectory of the future UK-EU27 relationship, even if much will remain uncertain until the negotiations about the post-transition environment are concluded, he said. It follows that the passing of the withdrawal agreement could unlock business investment in the UK through a reduction in uncertainty. Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Philip Lane addressed the Institute of Bankers in Dublin on Thursday. In the other direction, a hard Brexit would constitute a much more disruptive environment, in view of the lack of clarity about the future UK-EU27 relationship under a hard Brexit and the absence of a road map as to how this future relationship will be negotiated. Mr Lane said that even if a long-term customs agreement is negotiated between the UK and the EU, it will lead to trade frictions such as regulatory checks on goods going between Britain and the EU. Furthermore, while the common travel area between Ireland and the UK will be preserved, restrictions on the free movement of people between the UK and the EU27 will disrupt the operation of labour markets, given the high levels of two-way mobility that have developed over the last 40 years, he added. Beyond the implications for individual citizens, restricted labour mobility will also affect the dynamics of different industries in the coming years. He added that a productivity boost from specialised talent pools in specific locations will be undercut by restrictions on labour mobility. While some of these costs will only kick in after the transition phase concludes, forward-looking firms, households and investors have already responded in various ways since the referendum. One major adjustment mechanism has been the significant weakening of sterling against the euro, which constitutes a terms of trade decline for UK residents. It is also estimated that UK firms have already started to pull back from EU-orientated export strategies, in anticipation of future trade barriers. A British citizen has been killed in an unprovoked, criminal attack by the Taliban on a G4S compound in the Afghan capital, the security firm has said. Wahid Majoroh, Afghanistans public health ministry spokesman, said on Thursday that six people were killed, as well as four attackers, with dozens more left injured. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, saw a Taliban suicide bomber detonate explosives as other insurgents battled Afghan forces in Kabul. Charlie Burbridge, managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said: It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured five of them seriously in an unprovoked, criminal attack on one of our compounds in Kabul. The company said four of its employees who died were Afghan nationals, and one was British. It is understood G4S has been providing security in Afghanistan to a number of bodies including non-governmental organisations and corporate clients since 2003. The secure compound which was attacked by the Taliban is called Camp Anjuman, and is where the firm runs its security operations from in the central Asian country. Mr Burbridge said the next of kin of those involved have been informed, adding that the companys thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured, and with the brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends. He added: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the British Embassy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British and Afghan armed forces, other Nato forces and other private security companies who have all assisted us as we ensure our operations in Kabul are secure and continue safely. The blast caused a crater at the scene (Rahmat Gul/AP) We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing. The Foreign Office said it is aware of the incident and it is working with the authorities to establish further details. The Taliban carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan security forces. The latest in Kabul came hours after officials said at least 30 civilians were killed along with 16 Taliban fighters during a battle between government forces and insurgents in southern Helmand province. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack in a statement posted on Twitter. The group later said it was in response to a US air strike which led to the deaths of civilians and children in the clash in southern Helmand. The G4S website says it is the largest secure outsourcing company in the UK and Ireland. More than 10,000 customers, including 59 FTSE 100 companies, depend on G4S to provide them with a safe and secure way to deliver their services, it adds. An Iranian immigrant has been found guilty of strangling an elderly widow to avoid being thrown off his allotment. Rahim Mohammadi killed 80-year-old Lea Adri-Soejoko with a lawnmower flex and hid her body at Colindale allotments in north London in February last year. The allotment secretary was found dead in a locked mower shed after her family raised concerns that she had failed to turn up at a meeting. Lea Adri-Soejoko, who was strangled on Colindale allotments (Metropolitan Police/PA) She was wearing Wellington boots and an apron and had her keys in her pocket. Kurdish Mohammadi, 42, from Hackney, north London, was found guilty of her murder following a retrial at the Old Bailey. Prosecutor John Price QC had told jurors the Iranian had a reputation for having a volatile temper. He had been involved with the allotment since 2008 through Freedom from Torture, an organisation helping torture victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. In September 2016, he clashed with Mrs Adri-Soejoko at an allotment association meeting. Mr Price said the defendant had ambitions to take over running the allotment, making Mrs Adri-Soejoko wary of him. During a heated discussion over evictions, she had told him to shut up and Mohammadi called her a bloody old witch, the court heard. In February last year, Mohammadi beat up Mrs Adri-Soejoko on the allotment, causing bruises and fractures to the ribs. The prosecution alleged he then throttled her with the mower flex to stop her from reporting the attack, which would have led to his eviction. Mr Price said: Mrs Adri-Soejoko was beaten up. That in turn does point to a motive for her murder to avoid detection for a shocking and very serious assault on a vulnerable old lady. Mark and Tess Adri-Soejoko at the allotments in Colindale where their mother Lea Ardi-Soejoko was found dead in a locked mower shed (PA) The victims body was locked up in the mower shed, which only four key-holders had access to, including Mohammadi and Mrs Adri-Soejoko, whose set were in her pocket. The prosecution said Mohammadi had planned to move her to avoid suspicion being cast at him, but police following the sound of her ringing phone found the body before he could act. His DNA was found on the cord used to strangle her and he was caught on CCTV coming and going from the allotment, jurors were told. In police interviews, Mohammadi gave different and inconsistent accounts of his movements. DNA belonging to a second suspect was retrieved from the victims right hand, but extensive inquiries found he had been nowhere near Colindale. The court heard Mohammadi sought political asylum in Britain in 2005 and was given indefinite leave to remain in 2010. Giving evidence, he said he had gone to the allotments to buy opium for his bad back on the day of the killing. Rahim Mohammadi strangled Lea Adri-Soejoko to avoid being thrown off his allotment (Metropolitan Police/PA) He claimed he heard shouting but dismissed it as a drunken fight. Mrs Adri-Soejokos children and grandchildren attended court throughout the trial. The defendant made no reaction as the jury delivered its guilty verdict, watched in silence by his victims family who held hands in court. But as he was led from the dock, Mohammadi turned to the jury and said: You will have that on your conscience sending an innocent man to prison. Judge Richard Marks QC adjourned sentencing until Friday. Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from Scotland Yard, said: Although I never had the privilege of meeting Lea, we have learnt what a lovely, caring lady she was, like everyones mum or gran. She was a real pillar of the community, a sprightly 80-year-old grandmother who was very active in her local neighbourhood and secretary of Colindale Allotment Association. Mohammadi was a fellow plot-holder and someone she had known for some years. He was an aggressive, threatening and highly manipulative man and there had been previous issues with him at the allotments. There is no doubt that Lea was very uncomfortable around him; it could best be described that she tolerated him but Lea would ultimately pay with her life. We dont know exactly what happened on the day Lea was killed, but we know there must have been some kind of argument which led to Mohammadi brutally attacking her. Knowing he would be in very serious trouble for what he had done, he went a step further and murdered her in the hope he would never be found out. Ruth Bowskill, from the CPS, said: Rahim Mohammadi lied about what he was doing on the afternoon Lea Adri-Soejoko was murdered saying he had not killed her and did not know who had. In fact, he had beaten and then strangled her. The prosecution was able to prove his guilt with evidence including DNA found on the lawnmower starter cord, the fact he could access and then lock the shed as a key-carrying committee member and CCTV showing his true movements on the day. The Scottish Government has quadrupled Tory austerity for local government, the Scottish Labour leader has said. Richard Leonard raised the issue of council funding across Scotland at First Ministers Questions at Holyrood. He pointed to a report by public finance watchdog the Accounts Commission that indicates council funding fell at four times the rate of the cut to the block grant given by the UK Government to the Scottish Government. Mr Leonard said: This time last week, the First Minister stood up in this chamber and claimed that she had given a very fair settlement to local government. Today, the Accounts Commission reports that funding for councils was cut in real terms by 220 million pounds in the past year. They also say that funding for local government from the Scottish Government decreased at a faster rate 6.92% than the Scottish Government revenue budget at 1.65%. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard during First Ministers Questions at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) Thats taking Tory austerity and quadrupling it. First Minister, whats fair about that? He also raised concerns about letters from schools in Falkirk sent to parents warning of cuts and gave the example of a parent of a 10-year-old pupil, Lewis Sneddon, with a learning disability and epilepsy who is concerned about any impact to his additional support needs help. Mr Leonard said: It has reached a point where head teachers in schools across Falkirk are writing to parents to tell them that this so-called fair settlement means swingeing cuts. The result is that vulnerable children like Lewis and families like the Sneddons face the stress of cuts to the services and the support that they need. He added: When will you stop imposing austerity on Scotlands children and start investing instead in Scotlands local services? First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the leader of SNP-run Falkirk Council had issued an apology for the misleading impression in the letters and given assurances about education services in Falkirk. She added the education budget of the council had increased by 8 million in the current financial year to 158 million. On overall local government funding, the First Minister said the Finance Secretary had increased the local authority revenue budget in real terms in 2018-19. She said: That is ensuring that local government can protect frontline services and, of course, he managed that against a backdrop of massive cuts to the Scottish Government budget imposed by the Tories at Westminster. Ms Sturgeon said Mr Leonard would have more credibility in raising the issue if he did not back enabling the UK Government to cut the budget of the Scottish Parliament. The British citizen killed in a Taliban attack on a G4S compound in the Afghan capital has been named by the security firm as Luke Griffin. Charlie Burbridge, the managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said five of their employees died in the unprovoked, criminal attack including one Briton and four Afghans 32 others were also injured. On Wednesday, a Taliban suicide bomber rammed an explosive-packed truck into the gate of the G4S compound in eastern Kabul. The blast caused a crater (Rahmat Gul/AP) Insurgents armed with grenades and automatic rifles then proceeded to storm the building, engaging in a drawn out battle with Afghan forces. The suicide blast left a giant crater in its wake and blew out windows in nearby buildings. Six people were killed in the attack, as well as four insurgents, Afghan officials said. A G4S spokesman has since confirmed that the British citizen killed in the attack on one of their compounds was Mr Griffin, who lived in the Merseyside area. He said the 33-year-old had been working for the company for the past eight years. Please see our statement below following the criminal attack on our compound in Kabul yesterday. pic.twitter.com/FDG4cIgI3u G4S (@G4S) November 29, 2018 It is understood that G4S have been providing security in Afghanistan to a number of bodies including non-governmental organisations and corporate clients since 2003. The secure compound which was attacked is called Camp Anjuman and is where the security firm runs its security operations from in the country. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Twitter. The group has since said it was launched in revenge for a US airstrike which was carried out hours before in southern Afghanistan that killed 30 people including civilians, as well as children. A 72-year-old former beauty queen who was married to a Laura Ashley boss has returned to a divorce court 18 months after a judge decided that she should walk away with a 64 million financial package. Mr Justice Bodey ruled that 80-year-old Khoo Kay Peng, who is based in Malaysia and is non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings, should hand Pauline Chai, who was Miss Malaysia 1969, 40% of a marital asset kitty of around 160 million. He analysed the dispute at hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and published a ruling in April 2017. The same judge on Thursday finished overseeing a private follow-up hearing which began earlier this week. Lawyers discussed issues relating to arrangements for the payment of a lump sum of around 40 million which was part of the 64 million package. Khoo Kay Peng is non-executive chairman of Laura Ashley Holdings (Lauren Hurley/PA) Limits have been placed on what journalists can reveal about the hearing in media reports. Another judge had at an earlier stage of the litigation made an order barring certain financial detail from being revealed in media reports. Ms Chai, who lives on an estate in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was at the hearing. Mr Justice Bodey had last year described the pairs cash battle as titanic. Ms Chai and Dr Khoo, who both come from Malaysia, married in 1970 and have five children. The judge said they had been fighting in courts in England and Malaysia for at least three years and had run up nearly 9 million in lawyers bills in England alone They had been unable to agree on whether decisions about who got what should be made in English or Malaysian courts. Dr Khoo said the marital home was in Malaysia and a judge in that country should make decisions about the division of money. He said Ms Chai was a forum shopper and wanted to fight in England because an English judge would give her a more generous award. Ms Chai said they had moved their home to Berkhamsted before separating and therefore decisions should be made in an English court. In December 2015, Ms Chai claimed victory in the fight over jurisdiction following a ruling by three Court of Appeal judges in London. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India hopes for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, Modi said, "I wish to convey India's strong support for the Palestinian cause and to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, independent and united State of Palestine co-existing peaceful with the State of Israel. He said as the Day is marked, we hope for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Modi underscored that historical ties between India and Palestine have further strengthened in recent years, adding that his visit to Ramallah in February this year was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine. "The visit was an assertion of India's strong commitment for the development of Palestine." India has announced an increase in the annual scholarships for Palestinian students, six new projects including construction of a specialty hospital and an increase in its annual contribution to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). "Our financial and technical assistance is an expression of our strong resolve to strengthen Palestinian institutions," Modi said. In his message Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side-by-side as sovereign nations is still "the only option" for lasting peace, and containing the situation is not sufficient." Guterres said more than 40 years ago, the General Assembly established an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people to remind "us of our collective, unfinished task of resolving the question of Palestine. Over the decades, this has become one of the most intractable challenges for the international community, and we know only too well the tragic results." He called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders "to restore faith in the promise" of the UN General Assembly resolution of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state. This, he said, was "the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." India increased its annual financial contribution five-fold to the agency's core budget, from USD 1 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018. India is also committed to contribute USD 5 million dollars in 2019. As part of its ongoing assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts focused on institutions, services and training personnel, India provides 150 places for Palestinian professionals every year in its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. The CISF has offered its expertise in securing critical infrastructure from counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking perspective to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for replication by member countries. CISF Director General Rajesh Ranjan, who attended the two-day ICAO Global Aviation Security Symposium at ICAO headquarters at Montreal (Canada), met ICAO President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu and suggested that mutual appraisal of system and processes between all contracting states of the civil aviation body for sharing the best practices. The symposium concluded on Thursday. DG CISF also highlighted the unique expertise of CISF in protecting critical infrastructure including those in the aviation sector from the perspective of both - anti hijacking and anti terror which would benefit other regional contracting states and encourage them to adopt similar enabling systems, the CISF said in a statement. Ranjan also offered to share expertise gathered by CISF over decades of effective aviation security management through an enhanced participation in workshops and panel discussions organised by ICAO. As a follow up to International Aviation Security Seminar- 2018, organised by CISF, a delegation of CISF led by Ranjan along-with M A Ganapathy, Additional Director General, Airport Sector and Ajay Kumar, Assistant IG attended the Symposium. The event dealt on subjects like need for effective risk awareness and robust application of enhanced security measures in the wake of emerging threats. It also dwelt upon the need for establishment of a stronger aviation security oversight regime. The issues like CT-based screening system for cabin baggage, Artificial intelligence, Bio-Metric-based access control among others issues also figured during the discussions. Global Aviation Security Plan, a future aviation security policy and programme framework was also deliberated upon for enhancing aviation security worldwide. Taking a firm stand, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday that Sabarimala won't be allowed to become an Ayodhya. Sabarimala town has witnessed protests ever since the Supreme Court ruled in September that women of all ages can enter the temple that hitherto banned girls and women aged 10-50. As the Kerala Assembly opened on Wednesday, legislators from the Congress-led opposition came with placards and banners demanding that the prohibitory orders in the temple town be lifted. During the entire question hour, the opposition was rooted before the Speaker shouting slogans. As former Devasom Minister VS Sivakumar alleged that the Left government and the Sangh parivar were colluding to destroy the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple, Vijayan said that the prohibitory orders now in place at the temple town will not be withdrawn. "We are bound to adhere to the apex court ruling even as the Sangh parivar with the support of the Congress is out to create trouble in the temple," the Chief Minister said. "At no cost will we allow Sabarimala to be turned into an Ayodhya and there is no question of withdrawing the prohibitory orders," he said to thumping of desks by the treasury benches. Vijayan said that even the Kerala High Court had supported the rules now in force at Sabarimala. "The Congress is trying to make political capital out of the Sabarimala issue." Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said that now it had become clear that Vijayan had only one agenda -- to weaken the Congress party and for that he has given the full support to the BJP/RSS. "The decision of the police to hand over the mike to RSS leader Valsan Thilenkery to control the protesters at the temple reveals everything... Vijayan is behaving like those who built the Titanic who said the ship will never sink. But it sank. Vijayan is also going to meet such an end. The way he is handling the Sabarimala issue, devotees are deeply pained," he said. When the opposition members trooped near Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan, he went through the listed business of the day in a flash and adjourned the House for the day. The Assembly saw the lone BJP legislator O. Rajagopal and his new found ally P.C. George turn up in black shirts. They said they were protesting against the Government for putting the Sabarimala pilgrims into difficulties. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said he is ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi while conceding that it is not in the interest of his country to allow terror activities on its territory. Khans remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities. It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistans territory for terror outside, Khan, who was celebrating 100 days of his Government on Thursday, said during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue. I am ready for talks on any issue. There cant be a military solution for Kashmir, he said, adding nothing is impossible when asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue. The mindset of people here has changed, the Pakisatan PM said, a day after he laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor that will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistans Kartarpur the final resting place of Sikh faiths founder Guru Nanak Dev with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indias Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur. Pakistan is projecting the corridor as a goodwill gesture. The India I know, majority must be appreciating it, Khan told the Indian journalists who had arrived in Pakistan to cover the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi, Khan said, referring to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, who is carrying a $10 million US bounty, Khan said, There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on him. The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba terror outfit. Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, which was responsible for the Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009. On other accused in the 26/11 case, Khan said their case is sub judice. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. India, which is observing the 10th anniversary of one of the worst terrorist attacks in the country, has been pushing Pakistan to bring to justice the planners of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Noida Police on Thursday arrested 23 people for allegedly duping customers of Microsoft and Apple around the world by impersonating as the companies tech support experts. A police team raided the call centres in Eco-tech, Sector-20 and Sector-58 of Noida after a tip-off. Police said the accused were targeting users of Microsoft Windows and Apple by fraudulently popping up a message on their screen stating that their systems have been hit by malware and offered solution services and charged victims $100-500. Explaining their modus operandi, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaypal Sharma said they used to persuade the customer to allow them remote access to their computers to diagnose the problems. 23 held in Noida for running fake Apple, Microsoft centres These centres trick the consumer into believing the computer has serious malware infections, said the SSP. Stressing the risks to the consumers financial security as a result of the infections, the centres then sells a service, often a costly long-term subscription agreement, to fix the non-existent problem. Though these fake call centres primarily aim to sell a bogus service to fix a non-existent problem, they sometimes also remotely access financial and identity data from the consumers computer while fixing the problem and even install malware into the consumers computer, said the SSP. In all, 21 Cadets of the 184th Course graduated from Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) here on Thursday during an event attended by the Chief of the Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and various heads of the military Installations from the valley. The cadets were also awarded several awards for their excellent performance during the term. While the Sword of Honor, the most coveted of all, went to Cadet Captain Harshvardhan Rothore the Wavell Sword was bagged by Cadet Section Commander Tanmay Malik. Maj Gen Manoharan Trophy for the Best in Computer went to Cdt NCO Divyanshu Semwal and Lt Gen SS Dhillion Trophy was clinched by Cdt Section Commander Lalrindika. While Col DH Parab Trophy was won by Cdt NCO Kapil Kishan Pandey the GOC UB Area Trophy for Best in Leadership went to Cdt Section Commander Pranav Mittal. The winner of the Sword of Honor Cadet Captain Harshvardhan Rothore hails from Rajasthan. His father Shravan Singh Rathore is a teacher while his mother is a Government employee in the same State. Gen Bipin Rawat who was the chief guest of the event received Guard of Honour by the Cadets of RIMC on his arrival at the campus in the presence of a galaxy of the senior officers of the Indian armed forces. General Rawat also went around the exhibition put up by the various hobby clubs of the Cadets. Col Vivek Sharma, Commandant, presented the End of the Term report in Thimayya Auditorium. Gen Bipin Rawat presented Parchment Certificates and End of the Awards to the passing out course. He heaped appreciation on the institution for having produced such outstanding cadets and also hailed the faculty for playing a vital role in upbringing of the boys in the school. He stressed on the importance of value studies. Both must go hand in hand, robust physique and a robust mind, he said. Cadets of RIMC later entertained all present through the musical and dance programme which followed the award ceremony. Some of the important dignitaries who were present on the occasion were Lt Gen Harish Thukral, SM, GOC Uttar Bharat Area, Lt Gen AS Bhinder, DGMT, Maj Gen J S Yadav, SM, GOC UK Sub Area, R/Admiral Adhir Arora, NM, Joint Chief Hydrographer, NHO, Maj Gen J S Nehra, Deputy Commandant , IMA , Brig SM Ismail, Brig Training , IMA, Brig Rajvir Singh and Air Cmde Ajay Singh Pathania. Four students suffered minor injuries after the radiator of a school bus carrying them exploded here on Thursday. The incident took place when the bus carrying the students of the Oxford Public School here was on its way to the school. According to sources, the schoolchildren noticed smoke emanating from the radiator of the bus. Soon after, the radiator exploded, leaving four students injured. The injured students were rushed to MKCG Medical College Hospital here. They were discharged from the hospital after preliminary treatment, said the sources. The reason behind the explosion of the radiator was yet to be ascertained The candidates of both Congress and BJP, after polling for the State assembly elections on Wednesday, were on Thursday seen relaxing and exhausted. For the past 15 days, the candidates and their family members were busy in extensive campaigning for reaching out to maximum voters. The campaigning had come to an end on November 26, but their movement for door-to-door continued till the polling day, on Wednesday. BJP candidate from Govindpura constituency Krishna Gaur looked relaxed and confident. She was seen busy at home taking care of her cows and in her routine chores. Besides, she also discussed booth-wise voting with the support to gauge her on winning meter. On the other hand, Congress candidate Girish Sharma spent most of his time in relaxing and he was also keen in analyzing voting with his supporters and party workers. The Congress nominee from Bhopal South-West constituency PC Sharma was one among those facing tough fight. He had staged dharna at a booth where EVMs did not function for around one hour. He was seen tensed spending day with his family members. His counterpart from BJP Umashankar Gupta followed his routine by reaching his office at 9 am and then meeting his supporters. Minister and BJP candidate Vishwas Sarang from Narela constituency was found surrounded by supporters and was in jovial mood and seemed confident of victory. The Congress candidate from here, Mahendra Singh Chouhan seemed little exhausted which could be due to two reasons- one he sensed less voting in his favour or grueling campaigning. The Huzur constituency came into limelight after BJP candidate Rameshar Sharmas audio of abusing became viral but on Thursday he was not seen disturbed and maintained routine as usual. He looked the he had hit the nail. Congress candidate Naresh Gyanchandani remained silent as he was in deep thought calculating votes by his community in his favour as Bairagarh area was Kolar could make it possible for him. The Bhopal central constituency which is close fight witnessed both the BJP and Congress candidates in relaxed mood and were confident of their victory. Bhopal North constituency which is only stronghold area of Congress might witness fight as BJP fielded Muslim candidate to contest Areef Aqeel who remains unbeaten. BJP candidate from here Fatima Siddiqui remained confident while Arif Aqeel maintained his attitude of a winner on the next day of voting. Bhopal would host the first ever international Adventure Next on December 4 and 5. The event will be inaugurated at International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) the on December 4. The events under it will be at Tribal Museum also. The main hall of the venue has been named Raja Bhoj Hall, the market place as Chowk Bazar and the food zone as Annapoorna for this prestigious event. The cultural programes during it include performances of Bharat Natyam, Mohini Attam, tribal folk dances. About 200 delegates including buyers, international media representatives, sellers, office bearers of the Adventure Tour Operators Association and hotels, hospitality and tour operators are likely to attend the Adventure Next. This is the first event of its kind in India for which Bhopal, the City of Lakes, has been selected as the venue. The last Adventure Next was held at Jordon. The main objective of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is to make adventure travel industry more responsible and more professionally competent for sustainable Tourism development. It may be mentioned here that set up in 1990, the ATTI has about 1300 members in 100 countries. Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Tourism Suman Billa, Madhya Pradesh Principal Secretary, Tourism and MD of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Hari Ranjan Rao will give presentation. Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of tourism department of various states, chairman of ATTA Senan, senior officers of Tourism Board and chairman of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India captain Swadesh Kumar and other office bearers will be present on the occasion The event coincides with the Adventure Year declared by the Tourism Ministry. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been conferred the national award of Best Adventure State jointly on Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Adventure Next will be plastic-free and plastic water bottles etc. will not be used. This aims at discouraging use of plastic. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday alleged that the BJP-ruled Centre got a case registered against his Cabinet colleague Satyendar Jain for working for regularising Delhis unauthorised colonies. He also attacked the BJP, saying it is an enemy of the people of the city. Kejriwals comments came hours after the Centre granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute Jain in a case related to alleged possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party has not got this case registered against the Delhi PWD and Urban Development Minister Jain, but against every person living in unauthorised colonies. Jain is also the Health Minister of Delhi. Satyendar Jain made a scheme for regularisation of unauthorised colonies. The Centre did not pass it, instead it got a case registered against Jain. The BJP is strictly against the regularisation of unauthorised colonies. The BJP is enemy of Delhiites. Modi ji is harmful for Delhi, Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. The CBI has claimed that Jain allegedly purchased 200 bighas of agricultural land in the names of companies controlled by him in Delhi during lasts five years and laundered black money to the tune of several crore of rupees. Jain is accused of floating several shell companies in Delhi including Akichan Developers Private Ltd, Indo Metal Impex Private Ltd, Paryas Infosolutions Private Ltd and Manglayatan Projects Private Ltd during 2009-10 and 2010-11 for alleged money laundering a senior MHA official said. These shell companies do not have any real business. Jain had laundered black money of Rs 16.39 crore during 2010-11 to 2015-16 through 54 shell companies of three hawala entry operators of Kolkata namely Jeevendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani and Rajendra Bansal, said the official. Ministry of Home Affairs has granted sanction of prosecution to prosecute Satyendar Kumar Jain, Minister in Government of NCT of Delhi, in a case registered by CBI in August 24, 2017 for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, the official said. Meanwhile Jain denied all these allegations saying the CBI action is politically motivated. The CBI has claimed that Jain allegedly purchased 200 bighas or 80 acres of agricultural land in the names of companies controlled by him in Delhi during lasts five years and laundered black money to the tune of several crore of rupees. The ruling AAP alleged that the Modi Government wants to stall regularisation of unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Satyendra Jain is being hounded for trying to regularise the unauthorised colonies in Delhi. He has not invested even a rupee in any company or land after 2013, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said. Accusing Delhi Government of obfuscating developmental projects by holding the proposed allocation recommended by Delhi Finance Commission (DFC), all the three Municipal Corporations passed the resolution condemning the Government for being insensitive and apathetic towards poor employees of the corporations. In a special House meeting called on Monday to discuss impediments in carrying out developmental work, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) criticised the city Government for its lukewarm response in releasing funds. In the meeting it was informed that the present Government which came in two powers in 2015-16 remained aloof from the financial requirement of the civic body. During 2015 to 2016 to 2018-19 the Government released only an amount of Rs 1740.19 cr out of Rs 5263.47 purposed amount, a senior SDMC official said. The official informed that the city Government released only 33 per cent amount whereas withheld substantial 67 per cent to paralyze SDMC. Apart from this city Government has also not released amount due as per recommendations of the 3rd and 4th Finance Commission, he added. Leader of House in SDMC Kamaljeet Sehrawat while presenting censure motion against the Delhi Government said that the Delhi Government during last four years released 915.97 Cr out of proposed 2373.75 cr under urban development, 101.63 Cr out of Rs 790 Cr under transport sector, only Rs 231.15 Cr out of Rs 1192.38 Cr under health sector and only Rs 462.36 Cr out of 923.16 Cr under education sector. It has not released even a single penny during last three years under rural development sector despite claiming to be more interested in rural development, she said. Leader of House In north Corporation Tilak Kataria said that the meeting was called to brainstorm on the way forward and discuss the issue of financial crisis. The money is being collected from the citizens of Delhi in the form of various taxes and it is their right to receive the civic services and development in the areas, in lieu of the taxes that the citizens have been paying. However, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is not letting the civic bodies carry on the development work in Delhi by stopping their funds, he said. He also appealed the Union Government of India to withdraw the amendments made in the DMC Act 1957 (Section 66) to revive the powers and responsibilities to all the three Municipal Corporations which were as per the original act. By this, all the three Corporations would come under the administrative control of Union and Delhi Government and would have no right to issue illegitimate orders to prevent the rights, duties and sources of income of the Corporations due to political reasons, he said. The municipal corporations have been accusing the city Government for not releasing funds proposed under various head recommended by 3rd and 4th Delhi Finance Commission. The five-day Winter School Programme commenced here at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya Bhopal. Prof N Sridharan, Director School of Planning and Architecture inaugurated the Programme in the presence of eminent experts and students by lighting the lamp at IGRMS. Surya Kumar Pandey delivered welcome speech and introduced all the participants about Rolf Killius. While introducing about Winter School programme, Killius said that it was an interactive programme in which firstly we discussed on various topics and thereafter, other participants share their experiences on their domains. He further share his experience on work done at Qatar and British Library, London. Thereafter, discussion was held on Museum in interactive dialogue, Relation between Tangible and Intangible history along with Intangible Heritage History, Tangible and Intangible Heritage History of India and Other countries. On the second day, Projects done by Killius in his domain and display of films on his regional work during his visit to India, Pakistan, Bangaladesh, Qatar and Oman will be done. On the third day, Experimental work done by the people on History of Oral Culture and Music & works used by Media will be discussed. On the fourth day, there will be a discussion on Musical Science, Ethnic music & co-related songs and also the regional work done at Oman by Killius. On the fifth and last day of programme Shri Killius will share his ideas on the gist of all the experimental work done by him through an interview. Prof N Sridharan, Chief Guest of the programme said that Economy played a major role in hampering the culture. He said that with the help of Panchayat of Ukkapadu Village, nearby to Vijaywada (about 40 kms) he stored the artifacts scattered in paddy field and make a small museum, so why it should not be at other places. He further emphasized on preserving the culture at its original place and requested all the participants to disperse the experimental knowledge in all over the country, which they gained from this 5 days winter school programme. PSEB engineers assotiation meet held Patiala: About 1,200 delegates from across Punjab, comprising of Assistance Engineers to Engineer-in-Chief participated in the general body meeting of PSEB Engineers Association on Thursday, wherein the state Health Minister Brahm Mohindra was the chief guest, and the state Animal Husbandry Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu was the guest of honour. UHBVN to redress consumers grievances Panchkula: Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigams Consumer Grievances Redressal Forums (CGRF) members will make extensive visits in December for hearing grievances of the consumers and to entertain new complaints. Spokesperson on Thursday said that the Forums proceedings will be held in Yamunanagar on December 4, BBMB Rest House Panipat on December 5, Panchkula on December 7, Rohtak on December 10, Kurukshetra on December 12, Karnal on December 14, Sonipat on December 17, Ambala on December 19, Panipat on December 21, Kaithal on December 24 and Jhajjar on December 28 respectively. Punjab launches ODF sustainability app Chandigarh: Punjabs Water Supply and Sanitation Department, under Mission Swachh and Tandarust Punjab, has launched an android based ODF (open defecation free) sustainability mobile application named Swachh Punjab, which is a citizen-centric bilingual app involving citizens to take lead in maintaining cleanliness in their villages. The app, which can be downloaded from Google playstore, works in English and Punjabi languages. PDDD to organise seminars at Agrotech Chandigarh: In the Agrotech-2018 starting in Chandigarh from December 1, Punjab Dairy Development Department will organize seminars on the theme of modern dairy farming. The state Dairy Development director Inderjit Singh on Thursday said that seminar on the theme of marketing and scientific dairy farming will be held on December 1. Andhra Bank celebrates Foundation Day Chandigarh: Andhra Bank Zonal Office Chandigarh, celebrated 96th Foundation Day. On this occasion, Zonal Manager P. Seetharamaiah garlanded freedom fighter and founder of bank B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya. Bank has organised a series of cultural activities and celebrated the day. On this occasion other executives of bank M S Ramarao, U Nagaraju, Kedareswara Rao and AIABEU-NR President Loveleen Kumar were also present. The Justice SN Jha (retd) Commission, set up to probe the conspiracy behind the violence during the 2016 Jat quota stir has summoned Jat leader Yashpal Malik. It is learnt that the Commission has summoned Yashpal Malik, head of Akhil Bhartiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti next month. Maliks ABJASS had spearheading the 2016 Jat agitation , which had left 31 people dead, wounded more than 200, destroyed property worth hundreds of crores of rupees bringing Haryana and adjoining areas to a halt for more than 10 days. The Manohar Lal Khattar Government in Haryana had in April 2016 set up the two-member inquiry panel to probe the conspiracy behind the violent agitation. Justice S N Jha (retd) was appointed as the chairman of the commission, and retired IPS officer N C Padhi, as the member of the panel. CM presses button for 50 food processing units, promises 24X7 power to farmers After series of landmark achievements in the field of minerals, industry and non-farm sector, the State has broken the jinx. Taking a turn from the traditional sectors the Government organised first ever Global Agriculture and Food Summit that paved way for series of measures and initiatives to be taken for the 28 lakh odd farmers in the State. Chief Minister Raghubar Das along with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Thursday opened the two-day Summit where thousands of farmers from all over the State and other parts of the country, five partner countries Israel, China, Mangolia, Philippines, Tunisia along with a focus country Morocco and leaders of agro-business such as Coca Cola, Safal, Mother Dairy, Amul took part. The gathering underlining the purpose of the summit explained at length that doubling farmers income by 2022 in sustainable manner, growing production of farm produces and allied activities such as dairy, fishery, horticulture, beekeeping etc and pledging to provide far greater facilities to peasants were some of the aims. The community did not get any chance to feel let down since the Chief Minister announced ground breaking of 50 food processing units that would purchase agricultural produce directly from the farmers and provide them better income. Besides, the Chief Minister promised separate electricity feeder for farmers by May next year with six hours of power supply that would be raised to round the clock by August 2019, farm loan without interest if it is paid back within one year, smart phones to 28 lakh farmers to get benefits of the electronic market e-NAM and sending 100 farmers every year to the countries like Israel, Philippines and others to impart training. The Government wants to make farmers their own lord. The community has been the grain providers for all of us and they cannot be left to be looted by middlemen or cheated by anyone. Mobile phones would be provided to all of the farmers of the State by 2021 so that they can get connected with global market place and get right value of their produce. Separate feeders for farmers, industry and domestic users are on the way, said the Chief Minister in his address. Underling the contribution of farm community in the development of the country the CM termed them soul of the society. Poverty alleviation can be done only by diversifying the farm sector and introducing latest technologies in the field of food processing since we have not been able to transform status of farmers even after 70 years of independence. Needs of todays market has to be taken into consideration which are some of the major purpose behind organising this summit, added the CM referring to 19 per cent growth rate the agriculture sector has achieved in the last four years in the State from negative. The CM also suggested farmers to go for organic farming and for technologies needing less water and land but more output and also keeping demand of the world and exporters in mind to gain more income with the help of dairy, fishery and poultry. Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh compared the impetus provided by the Narendra Modi Government to agriculture sector with the state of affairs were during the previous regimes. The family that ruled for 48 years should be ashamed of the status of farmers in this country who were left staggering at one place while the family was busy in corruption. Recommendations of Dr Swaminathan Commission and Farmers Commission left into cold storages until Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. Budgetary allocations for e-market, organic farming, micro irrigation have seen considerable rise. For the first time MSP of paddy has been given 1.5 times over and above the input cost, said the Minister informing that 1000 rural haats would be taken to e-NAM platform in Jharkhand which is 588 at present. An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP posted at Delhi Police headquarters allegedly jumped to death from the 10th floor of the building in Central Delhi on Thursday. ACP Prem Ballabh Joshi, who had reported to his office on the eighth floor at 10 am on Thursday, was found lying on the ground at 10.15 am. Police personnel deployed in the PHQ security heard a loud thud and rushed towards it. ACP Joshi was found lying in a pool of blood. During the enquiry, certain documents including a handwritten note purportedly written by ACP Ballabh has been recovered. He had clarified in the note that nobody is responsible for his death. Further enquiry is going on, said the senior police official. He was immediately rushed to LNJP hospital by police van and was declared brought dead. Joshi was posted with Crime & Traffic (C&NT) unit of Delhi Police. Police believe that he ended his life as he was reportedly depressed. He had reported to his duties on Friday last after a months medical leave. The death of ACP Joshi sent shock wave among his colleagues and senior officers. People could not come to the term that an affable man who was wedded to his sincerity in completing assigned tasks could go like this. Meanwhile senior officers said a probe has been launched to ascertain the reasons that could have driven ACP Joshi to the brink. He had joined the Delhi Police as Head Constable in 1986 and was promoted to the rank of ACP in 2016. He had served as personal assistant to senior officers of the Delhi Police, an official said. In 2016 Ballabh was honoured with Police Medal for Meritorious Service and promoted to the ACP rank in 2017. He had joined the Delhi Police as Sub-Inspector. The incident occurred at 10.15 am on Thursday. Initial probe suggests that ACP Prem Ballabh was being treated for depression at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, said Rajesh Khurana, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range. According a senior police official, ACP Ballabh was on medical leave for last 28 days and had joined office five days ago. Ballabh, was a sincere and hardworking person. It is difficult to say what was the provocation that drew him to take such an extreme step, the official added. Whereas, family members of ACP Ballabh said he wasnt suffering from depression but had a treatment for some illness. His hand used to shiver sometime for which he had a treatment in GTB hospital. As a daily routine he left for office today. If he was in depression he might have told us, said Kamal Joshi, brother of the deceased. We are still a joint family and we all stay together at our home at Vijay Park. His two children are working in a private company and one is studying so there was no financial issue also, said Kamal. ACP Ballabh hails from Kumao region in Uttrakhand and is survived by his wife and three sons- Rahul (23), Kapil (21) and Rohit (19). Rahul and Kapil are working in a private company where as Rohit is studying in a college. His father had died in 1991 and all three brothers used to stay in the house built by their father at Vijay Park in Maujpur area of Delhi. He and other two brothers Kamal is employed with Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Harish Joshi is an accountant in a financial firm at Connaught Place. They all stayed together in three storeyed building and all of them had jolly nature. I never saw any sign of depression on Ballabhs face, said Chandan, a neighbour. Police succeeded in nabbing seven accused in connection with the murder of a mining contractor Sunil Lodha (Jain) at Daundi village in Balod district. Lodha was murdered a couple of days ago at his Daundi based residence. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Durg Range G.P. Singh informed media persons that the mastermind of the murder was driver of the Contractor, Dhanraj Sharma. Dhanraj accompanied by two of his friends planned of loot in the Daundi based residence of Lodha. Finding Lodha to be a big fish, the driver Dhanraj and his friends contacted a dacoity gang whose kingpin was a lady named Hira Netam of Raipur. Hira called five other persons from Sambalpur in Odisha and executed the crime, Singh informed. Police have arrested seven of the accused involved in the loot and murder and two others are absconding, he added. Dhanraj very well knew that Lodha was a big Contactor and used to keep big cash amounts at his residence, police said. The accused after planning the incident reached Daundi on November 25 in motor cycles and an auto rickshaw. They climbed the building and reached the first floor where cook of Lodha was locked in the room by them. Thereafter, they came downstairs where they encountered Lodha. As Dhanraj was identified by Lodha, the accused strangulated him to death. After that the accused fled from the spot after snatching his gold chain a golden ring and some cash. The cook who was locked in the room upstairs later in the morning called a neighbour named Ankit Jain and then door was unlocked. When they reached downstairs they found that the things there were scattered and Lodha was lying dead nearby. Ankit immediately informed the police and senior officials including the IGP rushed to the spot. IGP Singh immediately formed a team of police officials of Durg-Bhilai and Balod crime branch and help of Raipur and Bilaspur police was also taken in the investigation. Police after going through CCTV footage, detained the driver Dhanraj who during interrogation broke down and admitted to committing the crime. After interrogating him, police arrested Hira from Raipur and after getting information of dacoity gang of Odisha, a team was sent there. Police arrested rest of the five accused from Sambalpur in Odisha, police said. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) state spokesman Surendra Nath Trivedi criticised UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths statement on Lord Bajrang Bali. In a statement issued on Thursday, Trivedi said Yogi belonged to the famous Nath sect and he is the mahant of a historical mutt besides being the Chief Minister of UP. A statement by Yogi that Lord Bajrang Bali was a Dalit is not only surprising for people of his ilk but it is also ridiculous in view of person of his stature. Every human being has faith in God and the faith has nothing to do with caste or religion, Trivedi said. The spokesman added the BJP grabbed power after dividing the society in terms of caste and religion. As part of the preparations for the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP is busy holding caste meetings and this indicated that the BJP has lost faith in Lord Ram and that is why it has chosen to rake up caste issues, he said. The RLD leader said the BJPs star leaders were not speaking about development, employment and other promises that they made when were contesting the 2014 elections. The reason is obvious. They failed on every front and their promises turned hollow in the due course of time. Now they have no issue to speak before the public. So the BJP leaders are speaking about the caste and religion to divert public attention from their partys misgovernance, he said. Trivedi pointed out that the High Court had ordered a stay on political parties from organising meetings in the name of castes. But the BJP appears to be least bothered about the High Court order and the Constitution of the country, he commented. The RLD leader said Yogi was trying to divide the God on the basis of caste by his statement. Lord Bajrang Bali is 11th Rudravatar of Lord Shanker and terming him Dalit is an insult to hundreds of devotees of Lord Hanuman, he said. A special squad of the Odisha police arrested a person from here in connection with a theft case following a complaint by the renowned Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta in Kolkata. The accused, identified as Bodhisatwa Bhattacharya, was nabbed from the Hotel Arya Palace on Wednesday night. He was handed over to Kolkata police. He will be produced in the court by the Lake police and subsequently taken on a transit remand for interrogation. He is accused of stealing cash of Rs 1.5 lakh, a laptop and other valuables from the house of Sengupta in July since when he was absconding. Police sources said that Bodhisatwa was demanding Rs 5 lakh from the actress to return her laptop and other valuables. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said her party, Trinamool Congress, would contest a number of Lok Sabha seats in the neighbouring States of Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam in the 2019 general elections. Upping the ante against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Banerjee said at a public rally in Purulia in West Bengal on Wednesday that the saffron outfit would draw a blank in Bengal in 2019 and also lose a large number of seats in several States where they are currently ruling. Those who live in the Bengal-Jharkhand border districts like Purulia, West Midnapore, Jhargram and Birbhum should be prepared. We will fight in a number of Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand. We will also fight in a number of seats in Odisha, with whom we share our border, Banerjee announced. The BJP is trying to drive away Bengalis from Assam. Assam is our neighbouring State too. We will fight in some Lok Sabha seats in Assam as well. We will contest from these States beside Bengal as we want our relationship with the neighbours to be good, she said. Banerjee claimed that the BJP would lose in the current Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and would eventually be dethroned from the Centre in 2019. If elections are held now in Jharkhand, the BJP will not get a single seat. They will lose in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala; and in Bengal, they will get a big zero this time, she claimed. A large number of the people from the Van Gujjar community have gathered at Gandikhata village in Haridwar district on Thursday to participate in the Van Gurjar Samasya evam Samadhan Sammelan being held at Gurjar basti. They said that they have congregated here from across the State to demand the Government to allow them to live with their rights and dignity. The Van Gujjar people have come here from across Uttrakhand to participate in the congregation meant to highlight the communitys aspiration to live with their rights and dignity. Some have come from far-off Almora. They have taken the pains to come because the cause is dear to us all, said the national president and the convenor of Akhand Bharat Gujar Mahasabha Colonel (retired) Dev Anand Gurjar. Speaking of the problems the community has been facing, he said that the basic human rights of the community were being violated by the forest officials. The representatives of the community would meet the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in a week and in course of the meeting, we would apprise him of our grievances. We hope he would hear us out and would understand our plight in the hands of the insensitive administrative and forest officials. The community members are now being forced to leave the places they have been living for decades. They are being rehabilitated in areas where there is not even drinking water facility. We are demanding justice which has been eluding us for years, said Dev Anand Gurjar. He further informed that Gujjar Gaurav Yatra-meant to foster brotherhood among the people of the three countries who were once parts of undivided Bharat-which had started from Dwarhat Gujjar temple in Almora on October 31 would reach Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh soon. Notably, the Yatra would travel till Ghazni in Afghanistan while traversing through Pakistan. He reiterated the communitys demand that their history should be re-written through correction of the wrong facts clinging to its origin and identity because of the apathy of the Government. He again demanded a special status for them in Uttarakhand on the lines of what the community members enjoy in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. He further pitched for the constitution of Gurjar Vikas Ayog at the national level to take care of the collective interest of the community. The #MeToo movement has had an impact on the ordinary Indian workplace The #MeToo movement, which started in the West, travelled to the Hindi film industry and had widespread ramifications on the Indian media, has finally made its presence felt in the ordinary workplace. Positively though. If a recent survey is to be believed then 80 per cent of males have become overly cautious in their interactions with women colleagues in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Perhaps out of respect and fear but at least they know that they cannot tweak the rules of social engagement. The same percentage of respondents feel that it was the fear of losing career, family reputation, social stigma and scepticism which could be one of the reasons for #MeToo victims not reporting the cases earlier. But harassment, it seems is not restricted to the workplace as 71per cent of the respondents say that #MeToo is prevalent at homes as well. However, majority of these victims dont talk or report these incidents. The support of NGOs was suggested by 58 per cent of females to help the #MeToo victims at homes. The way to go about making women break their silence about the abuse was to make them independent, say seven in every 10 respondent. In India, #MeToo has spread virally as a hashtag on social media reflecting the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment directed towards women. In recent times there has been a flurry of cases being reported cutting across varied walks of life, varied age groups and multiple industry segments. So Velocity MR, a market research and analysis company, conducted a pan-India study to understand the concerns and viewpoints of urban Indians. The study featured a sample size of 2,569 covering prominent Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. However, what was clear was that 50 per cent of the respondents feel that working or not, all women are equally vulnerable to the abuse but four in 10 respondents said that working women are prime victims of #MeToo. Moreover, six in 10 believe that mental/emotional pressure from seniors is a major reason for the harrasment. What was interesting was the fact that many of the respondents felt that it was not just women who were victims of harassment. However there were doubts about the veracity of the allegations as well as 83 per cent of the respondents believe that there are cases of false allegations in the wake of #MeToo. In spite of that four out of five respondents were hopeful that this would bring about a good change. Close to 50 per cent respondents disapprove the move of the victims in reporting the abuse later but two in five males support the victims and say that they are right in reporting the abuse even when it is done much after its occurrence. Moreover, seven in 10 respondents agree with the statement that even after reporting the cases, victims are still facing threats. Although the majority of cases coming up in #MeToo are from media, Bollywood, other industries are not considered safe by close to 77 per cent of the respondents. What was also a revelation was that seven in every 10 feel abusers are not only the powerful men as the act and attitude cuts across the socio-economic strata. Majority of respondents believe the time has come for us to stand together in support of the victims to make sure that every single victim can break the silence and speak up. DHX Media Ltd. develops, produces, distributes, broadcasts, and licenses television and film programs for conventional and specialty terrestrial and cable/satellite television broadcasters worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Content Business, DHX Television, and Consumer Products Represented. It focuses on children's, youth, and family productions; offers animation programs; and provides production services. The company also sells initial broadcast rights; the packages of programs; and reuse rights to existing series to individual broadcasters and other content exhibitors, as well as pre-sells series in development. In addition, the company holds broadcast licenses for Family Channel, Family Jr., Telemagino, and Family CHRGD television channels; and exploits the company's own and third party brands in toys, games, apparel, publishing, and other categories. Further, it licenses its brands, such as Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Johnny Test, In the Night Garden, and Twirlywoos, as well as music publishing and retransmission rights, and live tours. The company was formerly known as The Halifax Film Company Limited and changed its name to DHX Media Ltd. in March 2006. DHX Media Ltd. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada. Read More BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More 2 hours ago 'Get up!' Pope prays that Lebanon can get back on its feet ROME (AP) Pope Francis told Lebanons prime minister on Thursday that he was praying that God would help Lebanon get up and get back on its feet following an unprecedented economic crisis that has Read Article PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Exchange-Traded Fund's stock was trading at $101.21 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, MINT stock has increased by 0.4% and is now trading at $101.62. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way. Bridgepoint Education, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides postsecondary education services in the United States. Its academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies, offer associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences, and health sciences. The company offers its programs primarily through online; and at its campuses. As of December 31, 2017, its institutions offered approximately 1,200 courses and 80 degree programs; and had 45,730 students enrolled. The company was formerly known as TeleUniversity, Inc. and changed its name to Bridgepoint Education, Inc. in February 2004. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Ariana Resources. 3.6 Community Rank Outperform Votes Ariana Resources has received 218 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Ariana Resources has received 193 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Ariana Resources has received 53.04% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Ariana Resources and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe AAU will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe AAU will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next iShares Russell 1000 ETF's stock was trading at $151.41 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWB stock has increased by 73.6% and is now trading at $262.83. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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. Green Dot Corp. operates as a financial technology leader and bank holding company, which engages in the provision of modern banking and money movement accessible for all. It operates through the following segments: Account Services; Processing and Settlement Services; and Corporate and Other. The Account Services segment consists of revenues and expenses derived from deposit account programs, such as prepaid cards, debit cards, consumer and small business checking accounts, secured credit cards, payroll debit cards, and gift cards. The Processing and Settlement Services segment comprises of products and services that specialize in facilitating the movement of funds on behalf of consumers and businesses. The Corporate and Other segment represents eliminations of intersegment revenues and expenses, unallocated corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, and other costs that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance. The company was founded by Steven W. Streit in October 1, 1999 and is headquartered in Pasadena, CA. Read More Brookfield Business Partners LP engages in owning and operating business services and industrial operations. It operates though the following segments: Business Services, Infrastructure Services, Industrial Operations, and Corporate and Other. The Business Services segment includes services such as residential mortgage insurance, healthcare, road fuel distribution and marketing, real estate and construction, entertainment, financing, and other businesses. The Infrastructure Services segment consists of services to the nuclear power generation industry and offshore oil production industry: and access, forming, and shoring solutions and specialized services. The Industrial Operations segment deals with automotive batteries, graphite electrode, and other manufacturing; water and wastewater services: natural gas production and well servicing; and a variety of other industrial operations. The Corporate and Other segment comprises cash and liquidity management, and activities related to the management of the partnership's relationship with Brookfield. The company was founded on October 1, 2015 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.: 2235158 Alberta Limited, A.J. Amer Agency, AHC Digital LLC, AIX Limited, AJG Coal LLC, AJG Financial Services LLC, AJG Meadows LLC, AJG North America ULC, AJG RCF LLC, AJGRMS of Louisiana LLC, ARM RE Ltda., AVIATION INSURANCE SERVICES, AVRECO, Ace IRM Insurance Broking Group, Acumus Holdings Limited, Acumus Interco Limited, Acumus Ltd, Adams & Associates International, Adaptive Marketing LLC, Adco General Corporation, Advanced Benefit Advisors, Aequus Trade Credit, Affinity Marketing Group, Ahrold Fay Rosenberg, Aires Consulting Group, Alesco Risk Management Services Limited, Alize Limited, Allied Claims Administration Inc., Alternative Market Specialists, Altman & Cronin Benefit Consultants, American Freedom Carriers Inc., American Security Services Corp., American Wholesalers Underwriting Ltd, Andrew-Anthony Insurance Agency, Anthony Hodges Consulting Limited, Antrobus Investments Limited, AquaSurance, Argentis, Argentis Financial Group Limited, Argentis Financial Management Limited, Argus Benefits, Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle, Artex (SAC) Limited, Artex Cedar Hill, Artex Corporate Services (Malta) Limited, Artex Corporate Services Limited, Artex Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Holdings (Malta) Limited, Artex Insurance (Guernsey) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance (Tennessee) PCCIC Inc., Artex Insurance Brokers (Malta) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance ICC Limited, Artex Intermediaries Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Bermuda) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Cayman) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Guernsey) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (International) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Malta) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (UK) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions Inc., Arthur J Gallagher (Norway) Holdings AS, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AUS) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Illinois), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher (Aus) Pty Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Bermuda) Holding Partnership, Arthur J. Gallagher (Life Solutions) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (U.S.) LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Asesoria S.A.C., Arthur J. Gallagher Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd., Arthur J. Gallagher Brokerage & Risk Management Services LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Broking (NZ) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Financial Services Professionals Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Group Quebec ULC, Arthur J. Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Latin America LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Management (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Real Estate Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services (Hawaii) Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services of Utah Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher School Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Service Company LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Ltd, Ashmore & Associates Insurance Agency, Atlantic Risk Management Corp., Atrex Insurance (Cayman) SPC Limited, Avantek Pty Ltd, Axe Insurance PCC Limited, BIS Insurance Services, Baker - Tillys employment benefits solutions, Ballard Benefit Works, Bankers Financial Benefits, Barmore Insurance Agency, Behnke & Co. Inc., Bellisle Pty Ltd, Belmont Associates Consultants, Belmont Insurance Holdings Limited, Belmont International, Belmont International Limited, Benefit Development Group, Benefit Management Group, BenefitLink Resource Group, Benefits Planning & Insurance Agency, Benefits Unlimited, Bennett & Shade Co., Bergvall Marine, Bergvall Marine A.S., Besselman & Little Agency, Big Savings Insurance Agency Inc., Blenheim Park Ltd, Blenheim Park Services Limited, Blue Holdings Pty Ltd, Blue Horizon Insurance Services, Blue Water Benefits, BluePeak Advisors, Blueleaf Consulting Pty Ltd., Bluewater Incorporated Cell Insurance Company, Bollinger Inc., Bollinger Insurance Services Inc., Bowen Miclette Britt & Merry of Arkansas Inc., Brendis & Brendis, Brim AB, Broker Benefit Services, Brokerage Professionals, Brown Hobbs & McMurray Insurance, Bultman/Bell Associates Inc., Burkwald & Associates, Burns-Fazzi Brock & Associates, Bushong Insurance Associates, C&B Consulting Group, CGM Gallagher Insruance Brokers (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, CJM Solutions Inc., CMA Solutions LLC, Cairnstone Financial, California Insurance Center, Capital Bauer Insurance Agency, Capitol Benefits Group, Capsicum CRLA LLP, Capsicum Re Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Capsicum Re Latin America Corretora De Resseguros Ltda, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Bermuda Limited, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Miami Inc., Carefree Marketing Inc., Carpenter Cammack & Associates, Cashan & Co., Castle Insurance Associates, Centennial Insurance Agency, Charity First Insurance Services Inc., Charles Allen Agency, Charter Lakes Insurance Agency, Chris Schroeder Insurance, Christie-Phoenix, Cintran Claims Canada Limited, Classic Insurance Services, Cleaveland Insurance Group, Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers, Cohn Financial Group, Coleman Group Holdings Limited, Coleman Holdings Limited, College and University Scholastic Excess Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Commercial Insurance Brokers, Complete Benefit Alliance, Complete Financial Balance, Complete Financial Balance Pty Ltd, Consolidated Casualty Specialties LLC, Construction Risk Solutions, Contego Underwriting Limited, Contego Underwriting Ltd, Continental Excess & Surplus, Convergence Risk Services Ltd, Copper Mountain Assurance Inc., Cornwall & Stevens Co., Corporate Benefit Advisors, Corporate Life Consultants, Countrywide Accident Assistance Limited, Coverdell & Company Inc., Coverdell Canada Corporation, Cowles and Connell, Craig M. Ferguson & Co., Crist Elliott Machette Insurance Services, Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited, Davis-Poston & Associates, Denman Consulting Services, Detlefs Johnson & Partners, DiBrina Group, Dickinson & Associates, Discount Development Services L.L.C., Discovery Benefit Solutions, Dodson-Bateman & Co., Donald P. Pipino Co. Ltd., E. S. Susanin Inc., EHE Holdings LLC, EHS Holdings Limited, Elantis Premium Funding (NZ) Limited, Elantis Premium Funding Limited, Elite Benefits Insurance Marketing Services, Employee Benefits Analysis Corp., Employee Benefits of The Carolinas, Encore Insurance & Bonding, Everett James, Evolution Risk Services Limited, Evolution Technology Services Limited, Evolution Underwriting Group, Evolution Underwriting Group Limited, Evolution Underwriting Limited, Excel Insurance Services, FYI Direct Canada Corporation, FYI Direct LLC, Farallone Pacific Insurance Services, Fenchurch Faris Limited, Fidelity Benefits & Insurance Services, Financial Profiles Inc., Finergy Solutions Pty Ltd, First Agency, First Iowa Insurance Agency, First Premium Inc., First Premium Insurance Group, Fish & Schulkamp, Fishermans Insurance Services, Foley Healthcare Limited, Fortress Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, Fortress Insurance LLC, Foundation Strategies, Fox Lawson & Associates, Franklin-Case Agency LLC, Fraser MacAndrew Ryan Limited, Friary Intermediate Limited, Fuller & O'Brien, G.S. Chapman & Associates Insurance Brokers, G.S. Levine Insurance Services, GBS (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd, GBS Administrators Inc., GBS Insurance and Financial Services Inc., GBS Retirement Services Inc., GBS Specialty Markets LLC, GGB Finance 1 Limited, GGB Finance 2 Limited, GGB Finance 3 Limited, GGB Finance 4 Limited, GPL Assurance, GPL Assurance Inc., Gabor Insurance Services, Gale Smith & Co. Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. Freerks & Associates, SEG Insurance Ltd, SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers, SHILLING Ltd, SKANCO International, SMERI AB, SRS Underwriting Pty Ltd, Secure Enterprises Pty Ltd, Securitas Re, Sellers Group, Sentinel Indemnity LLC, Septagon Insurance PCC Limited, Shuford Insurance Agency, Sigma II Insurance Agency, Sinclair Billard and Weld Limited, Sobieski & Bradley, Solid Benefit Guidance, Spanjers Insurance Agency, Spataro Insurance Agency, Specialised Broking Associates, Specialty Risk, Stackhouse Poland, Stackhouse Poland Bidco Limited, Stackhouse Poland Group Limited, Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited, Stackhouse Poland Midco Limited, Stackouse Poland Limited, Stanton Group, Stark Johnson & Stinson Inc., Steel Agency, Strata Solicitors Ltd, Strategic Health Plans Corp., Strathearn Insurance Brokers, Strathearn Insurance Brokers (Qld) Trading Trust, Strathern Insurance Group Pty Ltd, Strathern Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Strathern Unit Trust, Strong Financial Resources, Summit Insurance Group, Sunday and Associates, Sunderland Insurance Services, Super Advice Corporate Services Pty Ltd, Taylor Benefits, Texas Insurance Agency, Texas Insurance Managers, The BeneTex Group, The Buchholz Planning, The Chapman Group, The Commonwealth Consulting Group, The Daniels Group Inc., The EHE Group LLC, The EHE Insurance Agency LLC, The Eagle Insurance Agency LLC, The Eriksen Group, The Forker Company, The Gleason Agency, The Great Lakes Agency, The HR Group, The Hawk Agency, The Human Capital Group, The Lance Group, The Levitt/Kristan Co., The MW Bagnall Company, The Old Greenwich Consulting Group, The Parks Johnson Agency, The Plus Companies Inc., The Presidio Group, The Producers Choice, The Rains Group, The Splinter Group, The Titan Group, The Treiber Group, The Woodsmall Companies Inc., Title & Covenant Brokers Ltd., Title Investments Limited, Tom Sherwin Insurance Agency, Total Reward Group, Total Rewards Group (Holdings) Limited, Towle Agency, Transwestern, Tri-State General Insurance Agency, Triad Insurance Agency, Triad USA, Tribeca Strategic Advisors, Trinder & Norwood, Trip Mate, Trissel Graham & Toole, Tropp & Co., Tudor Risk Services, Tyloma Holdings Limited, Uni-Care Inc., Unison Inc., Universico Group, Unoccupied Direct Limited, V2V Holdings LLC, VEBA Service Group, Vasek Insurance Services Limited, Velo ACU LLC, Velo Holdings Inc., Verbag AG., Vertrue LLC, Victory Insurance Agency, Vincent L. Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial. Gildan Activewear Inc. manufactures and sells various apparel products in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It provides various activewear products, including T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and sport shirts under the Gildan, Gildan Performance, Gildan Hammer, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, Anvil by Gildan, Alstyle, Prim + Preux, and GoldToe brands. The company also offers hosiery products comprising athletic; dress; and casual, liner, therapeutic, and workwear socks, as well as sheer panty hoses, tights, and leggings under the brands of Gildan, Under Armour, GoldToe, PowerSox, GT a GoldToe Brand, Silver Toe, Signature Gold by Goldtoe, Peds, MediPeds, Kushyfoot, Therapy Plus, All Pro, Secret, Silks, Secret Silky, and American Apparel. In addition, it provides men's and boys' underwear products, and ladies panties under the Gildan and Gildan Platinum brand names; and ladies' shapewear, intimates, and accessories under the Secret and Secret Silky brands. The company sells its products to wholesale distributors, screen printers, or embellishers, as well as to retailers and consumer brand companies. The company was formerly known as Textiles Gildan Inc. and changed its name to Gildan Activewear Inc. in March 1995. Gildan Activewear Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Read More Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides bandwidth infrastructure solutions for the communications industry in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company operates in six segments: Fiber Solutions, Transport, Enterprise Networks, Zayo Colocation (zColo), Allstream, and Other. The Fiber Solutions segment provides dark fiber, and fiber-to-the-tower and small cell mobile infrastructure services for carriers and other communication service providers, Internet service providers, wireless service providers, media and content companies, large enterprises, and other companies. The Transport segment offers lit bandwidth infrastructure solutions comprising wavelength, Ethernet, wholesale IP services, and SONET services through its metro, regional, and long-haul fiber networks for carriers, content providers, financial services companies, healthcare, government entities, education institutions, and other medium and large enterprises. The Enterprise Networks segment provides connectivity and telecommunications solutions comprising Internet, wide area networking products, managed products, and cloud based computing and storage offerings to medium and large enterprises. The Zayo Colocation (zColo) segment offers data center infrastructure solutions consisting of colocation space, and power and interconnection services to a range of enterprise, carrier, cloud, and content customers. The Allstream segment provides cloud VoIP and data solutions, such as voice offerings; and unified communications, as well as telecommunications services, including Ethernet, and IP/MPLS VPN solutions. The Other segment provides network and technical resources to customers in designing, acquiring, and maintaining their networks. Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Read More 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. Gooch & Housego PLC engages in the manufacture and sale of acousto-optics, electro-optics, fiber optics, and precision optics/systems in the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through Aerospace & Defence, Life Sciences/Biophotonics, and Industrial segments. It offers acousto-optic products, such as acousto-optic modulators, deflectors, fiber-coupled modulators, frequency shifters, model lockers, multi-channel modulators, pulse pickers and cavity dumpers, Q-switches, tunable filters, and RF drivers; crystal optics, including crystals and nonlinear optics, lithium niobate wafers, and periodically-poled lithium niobite; electro-optics, such as pockels cells, lithium niobate Q-switches, and pockels cell drivers; and lens assemblies and sighting systems. The company also provides fiber optics, such as DFB lasers and modules, fiber coupled pump lasers, high speed detectors, benchtop laser controllers, fused fiber optic components, planar lightwave circuits, multimode products, micro-optics, fiber optic assemblies, OCT components and subsystems, optical fiber amplifiers, and fiber coupled modulators; and precision optics, including precision prisms, corner cubes, precision lenses, opto-mechanical assemblies, precision mirrors, synchrotron and research grade mirrors, plate and cube beamsplitters, optical windows and flats, waveplates, polished SROC, ring laser gyroscope components, infrared optics, and optical domes. In addition, it engages in the development and manufacture of medical and in vitro diagnostic devices. The company offers its products for use in semiconductor and microelectronic, metrology, telecommunications, and scientific research industries; and mission-critical applications, as well as medical research, diagnostic imaging, and laser surgery applications. Gooch & Housego plc was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Ilminster, the United Kingdom. Read More Guyana Goldfields Inc. provides exploration and production of gold. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and operation of gold mineral properties. The company also owns and operates gold drilling rights. The company was formerly known as Chiboug Copper Company Limited and changed its name to Guyana Goldfields Inc. in January 1995. Guyana Goldfields Inc. was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. As of August 25, 2020, Guyana Goldfields Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. Read More HDFC Bank Ltd. engages in the provision of banking and financial services, including commercial banking and treasury operations. The firm also provides financial services to upper and middle income individuals and corporations in India. It operates through the following segments: Treasury, Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking and Other Banking Operations. The Treasury segment consists of bank's investment portfolio, money market borrowing and lending, investment operations and trading in foreign exchange and derivative contracts. The Retail Banking segment provides loans and other services to customers through a branch network and other delivery channels. The Wholesale Banking segment provides loans, non-fund facilities and transaction services to large corporates, emerging corporates, public sector units, government bodies, financial institutions, and medium scale enterprises. The Other Banking Business segment includes income from para banking activities such as credit cards, debit cards, third party product distribution, primary dealership business, and the associated costs. The company was founded by Aditya Tapishwar Puri in August 1994 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India. Read More Intermap Technologies Corporation, a geospatial intelligence company, provides various geospatial solutions and analytics in the United States, the Asia Pacific, and Europe. It offers Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions, such as InsitePro, a configurable insurance underwriting software; and NEXTView, a configurable data solution that delivers terrain and obstacle awareness that enhance airborne safety. The company also provides geospatial data acquisition and production services; value-added data licensing; and software solutions and services. Its geospatial solutions are used in a range of applications, including location-based information, risk assessment, geographic information systems, engineering, utilities, global positioning systems maps, oil and gas, renewable energy, hydrology, environmental planning, land management, wireless communications, transportation, outdoor advertising, and 3D visualization. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Jabil: AOC Technologies Co. Ltd., AOC Technologies Inc., Badger Technologies LLC, Celetronix, Celetronix India Private Limited, Celetronix USA Inc., Clothing Plus Hong Kong Ltd., Clothing Plus MBU Oy, Clothing Plus Zhejiang Ltd., Clothing+, Eco.logic Brands Inc., Ecologic Brands, F-I Holding Company, GET Manufacturing, Green Point Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Green Point Precision Electronic Co. Ltd., Green Point Precision Sdn. Bhd., Green Point Technology Co. Ltd., Green Prosperity Co. Ltd., Greenam Electricity (Proprietary) Limited, JCI Funding Ireland Designated Activity Company, JCI Labuan Limited, JN Global Holdings C.V., Jabil AMS LLC, Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions Inc., Jabil Advanced Mechanical Solutions de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil C.M. S.r.l., Jabil Canada Corporation, Jabil Chihuahua Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit Austria GmbH, Jabil Circuit Belgium N.V., Jabil Circuit Cayman L.P., Jabil Circuit China Limited, Jabil Circuit Co. Ltd., Jabil Circuit Financial II Inc., Jabil Circuit Holdings Limited, Jabil Circuit Hong Kong Limited, Jabil Circuit Hungary Contract Manufacturing Services Ltd., Jabil Circuit Inc., Jabil Circuit India Private Limited, Jabil Circuit Investment Co. Ltd, Jabil Circuit Italia S.r.l., Jabil Circuit Limited, Jabil Circuit Ltd., Jabil Circuit Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Jabil Circuit Luxembourg S.a r.l., Jabil Circuit Netherlands B.V., Jabil Circuit Pte. Ltd., Jabil Circuit SAS, Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit Technology LLC, Jabil Circuit Ukraine Limited, Jabil Circuit de Chihuahua S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Circuit of Michigan Inc., Jabil Consulting Limited Liability Company, Jabil DR S.R.L., Jabil Defense and Aerospace Services LLC, Jabil Denmark Aps, Jabil Dutch Mexico B.V., Jabil EMS Switzerland GmbH, Jabil Electronics Co. Ltd., Jabil Energy Ltd., Jabil Green Point Precision Electronics Co. Ltd., Jabil Green Point Technology Co. Ltd., Jabil Guadalajara Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Healthcare DR S.R.L., Jabil Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Holdings Ltd., Jabil Hungary LP Services Limited Liability Company, Jabil India Manufacturing Private Limited, Jabil Industrial do Brasil Ltda., Jabil International Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil International Treasury Pte. Ltd, Jabil Investment Pte. Ltd., Jabil Israel Ltd., Jabil Japan Inc., Jabil Korea International Limited, Jabil Limited Liability Company, Jabil Mexico Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Mexico Investment S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Nypro Holding LLC, Jabil Nypro I LLC, Jabil Nypro II LLC, Jabil Nypro International B.V., Jabil Optics Germany GmbH, Jabil Poland Sp. z.o.o., Jabil Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Jabil Science and Telecommunication Trading Co. Ltd., Jabil Sdn Bhd, Jabil Services Korea Limited, Jabil Silver Creek Inc., Jabil South Africa (Pty) LTD, Jabil Switzerland Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Technology Co. Ltd, Jabil Technology and Trading Co. Ltd., Jabil Torres S. de R.L. de C.V., Jabil Tuttlingen Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Umkirch Manufacturing GmbH, Jabil Vietnam Company Limited, Jabil do Brasil Industria Eletroeletronica Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Kasalis, Kasalis Inc., Kuatro Technologies, Kuatro Ukraine LLC, Manna Renewable Energy Investments Two (Pty) Ltd, NP Medical Inc., NPA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Nypro, Nypro Alabama LLC, Nypro Atlanta LLC, Nypro China Holdings Limited, Nypro DR LLC, Nypro Deutschland GmbH, Nypro France SAS, Nypro Guadalajara S.A. de C.V., Nypro Healthcare Baja Inc., Nypro Healthcare GmbH, Nypro Healthcare LLC, Nypro Inc., Nypro Iowa Inc., Nypro Limited, Nypro Monterrey Management S. de R.L. de C.V., Nypro Plastics & Metal Products Co. Ltd., Nypro Plastics & Molding Products Co. Ltd., Nypro Puerto Rico Inc., Nypro Research and Developments Limited, Nypro Spain Holding S.L.U., Nypro de Amazonia, Nypro de la Frontera S. de R.L. de C.V., NyproMold Chicago Inc., NyproMold Inc., NyproMold Investment Corp., PT Jabil Circuit Indonesia, Plasticast Hungary Kft., Plasticos Castella S.A.U., Radius Chicago LLC, Radius Hong Kong Limited, Radius Product Development Inc., Roosevelt Insurance Company Ltd., S.M.R. Metal Ltd., Shay Motion Ltd., Shemer Group, Shemer Motion (2009) Ltd., Taiwan Green Point Enterprises, Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co. Ltd., Telmar Network Technology, TrueTech, Westing Green Plastic Co. Ltd, Wolfe Engineering, Wolfe Engineering Co. Ltd., and Yen Investments 140 (Proprietary) Limited. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF's stock was trading at $38.50 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EFV stock has increased by 32.5% and is now trading at $51.02. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWL stock has increased by 39.1% and is now trading at $49.62. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares Russell 3000 ETF's stock was trading at $158.74 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWV stock has increased by 74.4% and is now trading at $276.79. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares Gold Trust shares reverse split before market open on Monday, May 24th 2021. The 1-2 reverse split was announced on Wednesday, March 3rd 2021. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the closing bell on Friday, May 21st 2021. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares Gold Trust stock prior to the reverse split would have 50 shares after the split. 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 The Williams Cos., Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company, which explores, produces, transports, sells and processes natural gas and petroleum products. It operates through the following segments: Transmission and Gulf of Mexico; Northeast G&P; and West. The Transmission and Gulf of Mexico segment comprises of interstate natural gas pipelines, Transco and Northwest Pipeline, as well as natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region. The Northeast G&P segment includes midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio. The West segment consists of gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, and Permian basins. The company was founded by David Williams and Miller Williams in 1908 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Read More There is not enough analysis data for Northstar Realty Europe. 4.5 Community Rank Outperform Votes Northstar Realty Europe has received 195 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Northstar Realty Europe has received 89 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Northstar Realty Europe has received 68.66% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Northstar Realty Europe and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe NRE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe NRE will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Phoenix Group Holdings plc engages in the long-term savings and retirement busines in Europe. The company operates through UK Heritage, UK Open, Europe, ReAssure, and Management Services segments. It engages in the management of insurance policies, which include active and closed life insurance products. The company also provides workplace pensions, and customer savings and investments products under the Standard Life brand. Its retirement solutions business includes vesting annuities and bulk purchase annuity business, where it acquires annuities and deliver the financial stability for secure pensions. The company also offers a range of financial products for the over 50s market under the SunLife brand, which cover life cover, equity release, funeral plans, and home insurance. Phoenix Group Holdings plc has a strategic partnership with Standard Life Aberdeen plc. The company was formerly known as Pearl Group and changed its name to Phoenix Group Holdings plc in March 2010. Phoenix Group Holdings plc was founded in 1782 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. 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 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. President Energy Plc engages in the exploration, evaluation, and production of oil and gas properties primarily in South America. The company holds exploration assets in Argentina, the United States, and Paraguay. It also sells hydrocarbons. The company was formerly known as President Petroleum Company PLC and changed its name to President Energy Plc in September 2012. President Energy Plc was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Leeds, the United Kingdom. Read More Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Equal Weight ETF's stock was trading at $50.30 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWMC shares have increased by 93.1% and is now trading at $97.14. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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.. 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 Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE:TCO) announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November, 9th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.49) EPS for the quarter, missing the Thomson Reuters' consensus estimate of $0.58 by $1.07. The real estate investment trust had revenue of $130.99 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $125.10 million. Taubman Centers had a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 94.88% and a net margin of 30.09%. The business's revenue for the quarter was down 19.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.86 EPS. View Taubman Centers' earnings history. 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 Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. Read More NovaGold Resources Inc. explores for and develops gold mineral properties in the United States. It primarily owns 50% interest in the Donlin Gold project consisting of 493 mining claims covering an area of 71,420 acres located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. The company was formerly known as NovaCan Mining Resources (1985) Limited and changed its name to NovaGold Resources Inc. in March 1987. NovaGold Resources Inc. was founded in 1984 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. Read More L3 Technologies, Inc. provides aircraft sustainment, simulation and training, night vision and image intensification equipment, and security and detection systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems; Communications and Networked Systems (C&NS); and Electronic Systems. The company offers engineering, modernization and sustainment, space avionics and imaging payload, counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) mission, cyber and electronic warfare, special mission command and control, modeling and simulation, and life cycle support services for ISR, airborne sensor, warrior sensor, space and sensor, aircraft, and intelligence and mission systems, as well as for military aviation services and advanced programs. It also provides network and communication systems, secure communications products, radio frequency components, satellite communication terminals and space, microwave and telemetry products, and secure data links in various business areas, such as broadband communication, naval power, space and power, and maritime sensor systems, as well as in advanced communications. In addition, the company offers components, products, subsystems, and systems, as well as related services to military and commercial customers in various business areas, including commercial aviation solutions, precision engagement systems, link training and simulation, and security and detection systems. It serves the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense and its prime contractors, the U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to L3 Technologies, Inc. in December 2016. L3 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Read More iShares MSCI South Korea ETF's stock was trading at $52.04 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWY shares have increased by 52.2% and is now trading at $79.19. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Sprint Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides various wireless and wireline communications products and services to consumers, businesses, government subscribers, and resellers in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. It operates in two segments, Wireless and Wireline. The Wireless segment offers wireless data communication services, including mobile productivity applications, such as Internet access, messaging, and email services; wireless photo and video offerings; location-based capabilities comprising asset and fleet management, dispatch services, and navigation tools; and mobile entertainment applications. It also provides wireless voice communications services that include local and long-distance wireless voice services, as well as voicemail, call waiting, three-way calling, caller identification, and call forwarding services. In addition, this segment offers voice and data services internationally through roaming arrangements; and customized wireless services to large companies and government agencies, as well as sells handsets, tablets, and hotspots. The Wireline segment provides wireline voice and data communications, which comprises domestic and international data communications using various protocols, including multiprotocol label switching technologies, Internet protocol (IP), managed network services, Voice over IP, session initiated protocol, and traditional voice services to other communications companies and targeted business subscribers. Sprint Corporation offers its services under the Sprint, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Assurance Wireless brands. The company was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. Sprint Corporation is a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. Read More Shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF split on the morning of Monday, October 19th 2020. The 2-1 split was announced on Friday, September 18th 2020. The newly created shares were payable to shareholders after the closing bell on Friday, October 16th 2020. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF stock prior to the split would have 200 shares after the split. Vedanta Ltd. is a natural resource company, which engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals, oil, and gas properties. It operates through the following segments: Copper, Aluminum, Iron Ore, Power, and Oil & Gas. The Copper segment focuses in custom smelting and also include a copper smelter, a refinery, a phosphoric acid plant, a sulphuric acid plant, a copper rod plant, and three captive power plants. The Aluminum segment comprises refinery and a captive power plant at Lanjigarh and a smelter, a thermal coal based captive power facility at Jharsuguda both situated in the State of Odisha in India. The Iron Ore segment explores, mines, and processes iron ore, pig iron, and metallurgical coke. The Power segment consists 600 MW thermal coal-based commercial power facility at Jharsuguda in the State of Odisha in Eastern India. The Oil and Gas segment involves in the exploration and development and production of oil and gas. The company was founded by Dwarka Prasad Agarwal on June 25, 1965 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India. Read More 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.. Stantec Inc. provides professional consulting services in the area of infrastructure and facilities in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company provides consulting services in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics. It also offers water, transportation, and public works; transportation planning and traffic engineering; and resource assessment, mine development, reclamation, hydrology, and geotechnical and infrastructure engineering services, as well as urban planning, traffic assessments and optimization, environmental impact assessments, and public consultation services. In addition, the company provides structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and hydraulics engineering services. It serves urban regeneration, infrastructure, education, public and private sector, tourism and leisure, and waste and water sectors, as well as office and commercial, residential, and retail and town centers. The company was formerly known as Stanley Technology Group Inc. and changed its name to Stantec Inc. in October 1998. Stantec Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada. Read More 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. The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. Could the LEGENDARY LIGHTS OF CLIFTON MILL be the BEST holiday Lights in the Nation? It's up to you Miami Valley! Voting is open through December 15. LEGENDARY LIGHTS OF CLIFTON MILL in running for USA Todays BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS! For over three decades the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill have turned on for the holiday season brightening the lives of kids of all ages. Folks in these parts know all about us, but now we have an opportunity to spread our Christmas Holiday tradition with the entire country through USA Todays 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Display. >> CLICK HERE TO VOTE You can vote every day through December 15. Lets do this Ohio and Miami Valley! The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mills gates open at 5pm, and precisely at 6pm, over 4 million lights brighten the night instantly, transforming the mill and gorge into a shimmering world of Christmas wonder. We are open 7 nights a week through December 31. What began as a simple idea of stringing a few strands of lights on the historic mill for the enjoyment of family and friends is now one of the largest outdoor holiday displays in the country. Now, millions of lights later, the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill decorate the mill, trees, river banks and almost everything in between. Including the water wheel. One of the big crowd pleasers is the covered bridge synchronized light & music show, which occurs hourly each night. For more information, see Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2018. Related: Clifton Mill Christmas Lights Featured on National TV YWCA Dayton Announces 2019 Women of Influence YWCA Dayton will honor six women, and one organization, during its 2019 Women of Influence awards luncheon on March 21, 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Dayton Convention Center. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the award; with an average attendance of 800, it is the single largest daytime nonprofit luncheon in Dayton. Since 1998, the YWCA Dayton WOI Awards have recognized and honored the most influential women in the Dayton area, visionaries and thought leaders who have made a difference in our community through their dedication to the YWCA mission of empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Honorees in the Women of Influence Class of 2019 are: Cassie Barlow, Chief Operating Officer, Southwestern Ohio Council on Higher Education Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz, Senior Rabbi, Temple Israel Kim Duncan, Community Philanthropist & Former CEO/Co-Founder, Elements IV Interiors Neenah Ellis, General Manager, WYSO Chris Saunders, Community Philanthropist & International Advocate Sheri Sparkle Williams, Dancer, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Additionally, The Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, will be honored with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Links is an international nonprofit for professional women of color committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Honorees were selected from a pool of more than 105 nominations by YWCA leadership and the volunteer WOI Committee, led this year by Chair Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO, Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, and Co-Chair Belinda Matthews Stenson, director, Minority Business Partnership of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. Says Shannon Isom, president and CEO of YWCA Dayton, Occasionally, someone will ask me if well run out of influential women in the Dayton area to recognize. Clearly, we will not. We stand in awe of these women. They are thought leaders, innovators, literal care givers. They make our community stronger by sharing those gifts to break down barriers and help the most vulnerable among us thrive. That is the mission work YWCA Dayton has done for 148 years, and we are honored to lift up these women in pursuit of that vision. The Victoria Theatre Association (VTA) is proud to announce the opening of the PNC Arts Annex that will be celebrated with a Grand Opening Weekend on Nov. 30 Dec. 2. A wide variety of events is scheduled throughout the weekend for everyone to enjoy. Located on the southeast corner of Second and Ludlow (10 North Ludlow Street, Suite 100) the PNC Arts Annex is a 12,000 square feet space, divided into a theater, studio, gallery/lobby space, and backstage area. The PNC Arts Annex includes: 200-seat performance space with movable risers and flexible seating options Professional sound and light equipment Large studio space for classes and workshops, including a spring floor, ideal for choreography, dance classes and performances Gallery/Lobby space perfect for meetings, receptions, and parties Warming kitchen for food service For the Grand Opening this weekend the entire space will be utilized with a variety of performances, classes, and workshops. The offerings include acting classes, steel drum workshop, funk unplugged concert, poetry slam, and Yoga & Mimosas or Yoga & NoMosas. A full list of happenings and the opportunity to reserve a spot for them is at victoriatheatre.com/artsannex. One of the many benefits of the Annex is that it will help in the development of some new theatergoers. With a space like the PNC Arts Annex, the more important metric will be activation. How many days are we in use? Are we finding new audiences? As we see patron data, are they new or returning? The real story of success will be based on those questions. The key for VTA as an organization is introducing new audiences to performances and events. When those audiences become long-term patrons of our varied venues and offerings, we are creating future success for the entire organization and our community, said Ty Sutton, President & CEO of the VTA. The fundraising for the Annex started over two years ago with the total cost of construction being close to $2 million. Along with some generous sponsors, it was all made possible by a lead gift from PNC Bank. At PNC, we recognize that access to quality arts experiences enriches lives and builds stronger and more vibrant communities, which ultimately helps drive business and economic development. But its about more than that. This space is about community. Its about bringing people together and expanding access to our highly diverse regional artists. Its about finding and often engaging hidden talent, which helps bring people together, forming new friendships, new relationships and new opportunities for collaboration, said David C. Melin, PNC Regional President of the Dayton market. The PNC Arts Annex theatre, the studio, and the gallery/lobby areas will all be available for rental at reasonable rates for live performances of all kinds, educational activities, workshops, classes, creative gatherings, parties, meetings, receptions and more. Arts organizations like the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Dare 2 Defy, Magnolia Theatre Company, and The Playground, as well as other non-profits and businesses such as JDRF Southwest Ohio and Taylor Communications have all expressed interest in using the venue. By Trend The Azerbaijani insurance company Xalq Life Insurance has appealed to Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA) for obtaining an insurance license, a source in the Azerbaijani insurance market told Trend. FIMSA provided the company with a list of necessary documents, the source said. The source didn't specify when the document collection process will be complete. Xalq Life Insurance passed state registration with a registered capital of 15 million manats. Official representative of the company is Deputy Chairman of Xalq Insurance Roman Valiyev. If the insurance company receives a license from FIMSA, there will be four insurance companies in Azerbaijan rendering life insurance services. Presently, there are three companies operating in life insurance in Azerbaijan - Ateshgah Life Insurance, Qala Life Insurance and PASHA Life Insurance. (1.7 AZN = 1 USD on Nov. 28) New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday made a case for developing a federal institution like GST Council in the healthcare and farm sector. He hoped that such a federal body in healthcare sector should face least resistance from states, since the welfare schemes would be implemented through the states, with Centre only coordinating it. "The federal institution experiment of the GST having succeeded ....there are two other sectors which eminently require federal institutions of this kind. "The GST was constitutionally provided for. Those areas are not constitutionally provided for, but political maturity can impose on governments to try that experiment. One is healthcare and one is agriculture," Jaitley said while addressing the CII Health Summit. Listing out the necessity for setting up such a federal body, he said the states and Centre both spend on healthcare and have their respective schemes. The Minister, however, did not elaborate on the details of benefits which may accrue to the farm sector. Jaitley said the states have their hospital, and the Centre is also establishing institutes of eminence across the country. The Centre has implemented Ayushman Bharat, and states also have similar schemes, he said. "All these needs to be merged so that the benefit of these merged resources starts to benefit patient population of the country. Obviously it will be implemented through the states, with Centre coordinating it. "And if you have a federal institution, ultimately this is not a turf issue if my scheme is better than your scheme. It is essentially a welfare issue, whether the patients in my state are better than the patients in other states. Whether they have more facilities. Every state would stand to benefit if this coordination with such a federal institution actually came up between the Centre and states," Jaitley added. In the run up to the implementation of India's biggest indirect tax overhaul Goods and Services Tax on July 1, 2017, the Centre and states had agreed to set up a GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister and comprising finance ministers of all states. "We have had 31 meeting and taken several decisions, all unanimously. So common tax system came up, merging central and state tax by virtue of a federal body which was coordinating it. That's India's first experiment by creating a federal institution. "Healthcare is an area where there would be least resistance (for a federal institution), because its an welfare targeted programmes where we can move significantly a long way in making sure India remains healthier," he said. Recalling the roll out of healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat, Jaitley said when the scheme was being conceptualised, there were discussions on whether it will succeed, how will private sector hospital treat patients, how will the queues and footfalls at hospitals be handled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September launched the Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana which aims to provide a coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually, benefiting more than 10.74 crore poor families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation through a network of empanelled health care providers. As many as 3 lakh poor people have benefited from Ayushman Bharat health scheme in the last one-and-a-half months. "I foresee in next 3-4 years, this figure exponentially increasing as the campaign would be picking up so that the awareness that such a facility is available and this would lead to a far greater realisation and patients going to these institutions and institutions also improving in terms of expertise," Jaitley said. Mumbai: Adoption of drone technology along with artificial intelligence (AI) will change the face of the irrigation and agriculture sectors in the long-run, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday. Addressing the first workshop of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India at the Sahyadri Guest House, he said new technologies will also improve predictability, which will help farmers plan the agricultural produce well in advance. The World Economic Forum had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Maharashtra to set up the centre in the satellite city of Navi Mumbai. The multi-million dollar centre will help the larger society benefit from industrial revolution 4.0 technologies including IoT, blockchain, AI among others. "Industrial revolution with artificial intelligence is changing the face of every single business which we used to do. It is making it more predictable more reliable more efficient," Fadnavis said. He said even though the irrigation sector has seen some technological advancement, there is no proper evaluation tool for accurate assessment. "But now with the drone technology associated with AI capabilities, information will be very assessable and I think that would increase the efficiency and accuracy of the department and we would really know that what we claim is correct. This would also increase the revenues of the department," Fadnavis said. Similarly, he said, agriculture sector also requires sustainability considering the weather uncertainties and climate change, which can cause huge distress. "All this can be assessed through drones and AI and we can actually reach the farmers before distress happens," he added. Davis further said that if data can be collated from automated weather stations in the state's 2,000 revenue circles, AI and drones, an effective tool or platform can be created to make the entire agriculture space more predictable. Chennai: As Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar starrer '2.0' is slated to release today i.e. on Thursday, the Madras High Court has directed 37 internet service providers (ISPs) to block over 12,000 websites that exhibit pirated versions of Tamil movies. The list includes more than 2,000 websites operated by 'TamilRockers.' Justice M Sundar passed the order Wednesday while allowing a plea moved by Lyca Productions Private Limited, the movie's producer. When the plea came up, Lyca's counsel Vijayan Subramanian produced an extensive list of 12,564 illegal websites. The counsel contended that when 'TamilRockers' website is blocked, it immediately creates mirror websites by changing an insignificant part of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or any other extension, and are therefore able to reinstate the infringing material with minimal effort. Subramanian produced a probable list of extension of 'TamilRockers' and sought an injunction against all such websites. According to Lyca, its latest venture is '2.0', starring Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson and others. The movie has been directed by S Shankar. The producer has invested substantial sums of money in the production of the film and it is scheduled to be released in more than 7,000 screens in India and worldwide. including Chennai, on November 29. The movie is releasing in more than five languages, including Mandarin in China. The trailer for the promotion of the film has been released. The official trailer, published on 'YouTube', has already garnered 13,089,498 views, the counsel said. While the company has acquired all exploitation and distribution rights including theatrical and music, besides other rights, including TV, internet, digital and home video exclusively, under the Copyright Act, it apprehended that such illegal websites might exhibit pirated versions of the film soon after its release. According to the counsel, the web pages and websites which provide such links are multifarious and are disbursed all over the globe. Such websites are allowed to be viewed in India through various internet service providers such as the 37 listed in the plea, the company contended. Actress Nargis Fakhri will now be seen with actor-producer Sachiin Joshi in the supernatural thriller Amavas, which will open on January 11. This doesnt mean Nargis has forgotten her grim experiences in the Hindi film industry. Says a source in the know, Even now, Nargis is not ready to come back to Mumbai. She agreed to do Amavas, only because it was shot entirely outside India in London. Nargis Fakhris chilling experience of being harassed by unwanted male attention drove her out of the industry. When Nargis declined to entertain unwelcome attention, she was dropped from projects, including one project that she had with a superstar. When she confronted the director, he shrugged helplessly and advised her to ask her famous co-star. Nargis preferred to move on. Nargis Fakhri Says the source, Just staying on in India on her own terms was becoming more and more tough. Producers would tell her to loosen up and socialise. They would ask her why was she so uptight, as a New Yorker. They think girls in the West are more generous with sexual favours. But there was no chance in hell that she was going to give in. Nargis simply left the country. The lesson she leaves behind is one of standing up to the gross abuse of power. There are a number of top stars in Bollywood who are prime sexual offenders. Some of them are being seen as the sensitive masculine face of the MeToo movement. By Trend In 2018, the share of payments through POS terminals in Azerbaijan accounted for 3-4 percent of the countrys GDP (65.2 billion manats in January-October 2018), Erdem Cakar, MasterCard country manager in Azerbaijan, said at a press conference Nov. 29. He said the figure is 40 percent in Turkey, 50 percent in the UK and 70 percent in Sweden. In this context, Cakar noted the significance of the Cashless Azerbaijan project. He noted that the project will make it possible to increase non-cash payments in the country, enhance transparency and support economic growth. Cakar also spoke about the measures taken by MasterCard to increase non-cash payments in Azerbaijan. In particular, he reminded about the cooperation with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in implementation of the Cashless Azerbaijan project, about three preferential campaigns in supermarkets, including in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the "Priceless Specials" discount program and other endeavors. Born in Seville in late December 1617, Murillo was famous for his impressive and unorthodox use of colour in his paintings. New Delhi: Google Doodle has paid tribute to the man behind iconic Spanish art and culture, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, on his 400th birth anniversary. The doodle, a representation of Murillo's famous painting 'Two Women at a Window', shows two ladies looking out of an open window. Born in Seville in late December 1617, Murillo was baptised on New Year's Day 1618. He was famous for his impressive and unorthodox use of colour in his paintings. "Known for his dramatic lighting, radiant color palette, and versatility, Murillo brought to life a wide range of subjects, from the grandeur of his Immaculate Conception to the casual grace of Two Women at a Window," according to Google blog post. Murillo died on 3 April, 1682, around the age of 64. The post added that in honour of his 400th anniversary, a series of major exhibitions celebrating Murillo's work is opening at Seville's Museum of Fine Arts, bringing home the artist's work from renowned collections all over the world. Guided tours, concerts, and other cultural activities combine to make this the "Year of Murillo." The Baywatch actress and Meghan have been friends since January 2016 when they hit it off after meeting at the Elle Women in Television event. (Photo: PTI, AP) Meghan Markle will not be attending Priyanka Chopras wedding to Nick Jonas later this week. A SunOnline report cites US Weekly in stating that even though the actor was present at Meghans nuptials to Prince Harry in May, the Duchess of Sussex will not be returning the favour. The report further cites an insider who says that Meghan will not be going to Priyanka's wedding, especially now that she's pregnant. Priyanka and Nick, who have been dating for six months, will tie the knot on Sunday in India. The Baywatch actress and Meghan have been friends since January 2016 when they hit it off after meeting at the Elle Women in Television event. Priyanka and Nick or Nickyanka as they are being called will tie the knot on December 2, 2018 at Umaid Bhawan Palace, in Jodhpur, India, with a whole week of festivities leading up to their nuptials. Meghan, however, will not be maid of honour, as Priyanka has chosen long-time friend and fellow film producer Mubina Rattonsey. The couple announced their engagement on August 18, 2018. Notably, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced on October 15 they are expecting a baby next year in spring. Their baby will be seventh in line to the throne, and will be the Queens eighth great-grandchild. Preliminary investigations revealed that the same gang, posing as income tax officials, is suspected to be involved in robbing several persons. (Representational Image) Coimbatore: A special police team arrested one of the four of a gang who allegedly kidnapped a realtor and his friend near Tirupur here, demanding a ransom of Rs 1 crore. According to police, Nanda Gopal, 66, realtor a resident of Varadha Rajapuram MK Thottam in Coimbatore befriended Dennis a resident of Coimbatore who is also a realtor. Recently Dennis had suggested investing money in a private chit fund company near Peelamedu, promising double interest returns. Nanda Gopal agreed and suggested this to his friend Ramamoorthy too. Three of them started in Nanda Gopal's car on November 26th. On the way Dennis told Nanda Gopal that some friends from Tirupur were also keen in joining the chit fund scheme and drove towards Tirupur to meet them. Dennis took them to a house near Kaniyanpoondi on the outskirts of Tirupur and allegedly kept them hostage there with the help of his three friends Selva, Ragu and Karthi who were waiting there. The gang initially took Rs 10,000 from Nanda Gopal and demanded Rs 1 crore to release them. They also threatened to kill Nanda Gopal and Ramamoorthy. Anapparpalayam police on a tip-off, rushed to the spot and rescued the duo. They also arrested one among the offenders identified as Ragu. The other three escaped. Two special teams have been formed to nab them. Preliminary investigations revealed that the same gang, posing as income tax officials, is suspected to be involved in robbing several persons. Hyderabad: In a major development in the case of the rape and murder of B Pharmacy student Ayesha Meera, the Hyderabad High Court on Thursday entrusted the investigation of the decade-old case to the Central Bureau of Investigation, directing the CBI to investigate the case afresh by registering a new First Information Report. The court also directed the CBI to issue another FIR with regard to the alleged destruction of material evidence in the trial court and find out who were the persons responsible for destroying the evidence during the pendency of the appeal before the High Court. A division bench of Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice S.V. Bhatt was hearing a petition by Syed Iqbal Basha and Shamshad Begum, parents of Ayesha Meera, seeking a reinvestigation of the murder case of their daughter, and granted the order. Taking a serious view of the destruction of case records and other materials seized by the police from the scene of the crime and produced before trial court, the bench said, Disappearance of evidence from the trial court needs to be inquired; destroying the evidence is a culpable act which is punishable under law. The bench observed that causing disappearance of court records, which are in the courts custody, is unbearable. Court staff are not merely government servants, they have to help in judicial performance. This kind of incident sends wrong signals, and gives a bad image of judicial administration. The bench was critical of the alleged role of subordinate judicial officers in the destruction of records when the matter was sub judice. The Chief Justice said, It is fuel to the fire of suspicion. Making it clear that the staff and judicial officers who were responsible for the destruction of the records would not escape blame, the bench concluded that a probe by an independent agency alone can bring the real culprits to book in the murder case and in the destruction of the records, and bring the case to a logical conclusion. Timeline of the case It was during BJP's rule that everyday terrorists were gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said. (Photo: File) Jaipur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday alleged that the Congress was the mother of "anarchy" and development was not in its DNA. The Congress is a hurdle in the path of development, good governance and nationalism, whereas BJP governments are establishing "Ram Rajya" by providing electricity, homes, LPG connections, better health care services and toilets, he said at an election rally in Rajasthan where polls will be held on December 7. The chief minister also alleged that the opposition party gave riots, terrorism, naxalism to the country and birth to corruption. "The Congress is the mother of anarchy. Development is not in its DNA. It is least bothered about the honour and pride of the country," Adityanath said. Reiterating that the Congress had served "biryani" to terrorists and treated them as their vote bank, he alleged that the party finds and connects with terrorists as well as hold events to honour them. It was during BJP's rule that everyday terrorists were gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister said. One of the BJP's star campaigners for the polls, Adityanath was electioneering for the party in the Amer Assembly constituency here. He alleged that the Congress insults the matrydom of army jawans and praises naxalites and Maoists by calling them revolutionaries. The Congress is doing divisive and caste-based politics. It pushed several Hindi-speaking states, including Rajasthan, into the BIMARU category in its 55 years of rule, the BJP leader said. Mocking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he claimed that even his party leaders do not trust him and they believe that the party cannot form government under his leadership. The chief minister said Gandhi should show some mercy on the country considering his failure in past elections. This march would be the second major farmers protest in two months in the national capital. (Photo: ANI |Twitter) New Delhi: Hoping to make themselves heard in the power centre of the nation, thousands of farmers from across the country began converging here on Thursday for a two-day march to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers, who will march to Ramlila Ground on Thursday and to Parliament Street on Friday, came from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. They will march to Ramlila Ground on four different routes starting at the Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and at Sabzi Mandi, their leaders said. Though many came in trains, those from Delhi and nearby Punjab and Haryana started collecting around 10.30 am. The marchers will gather at Ramlila Ground in the heart of the city by evening, farmer organisations said, expecting a crowd of about one lakh. Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they will start marching in groups to Ramlila Maidan. "We hope by 3 pm, farmers from across the country will arrive at Ramlila Ground," she said. The two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi, the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) claimed on Wednesday. The AIKSCC, which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, said a cultural programme would be held at Ramlila Ground on Thursday where prominent singers and poets from rural India would perform. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after protests by farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the rally on Friday, when the farmers will begin their march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament Street. The farmers threw traffic out of gear in many parts of the city. Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march. "Women farmers greet us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan!," tweeted political activist Yogendra Yadav. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with farmers. "Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Let's stand in solidarity with them," he said. Jamun Thakur, a farmer from Parri village of Bihar's Darbhanga district, said he arrived in the city at 8 am Thursday with over 2,000 farmers mostly associated with AIKS. They started their journey on the Bihar Samprakranti Express on Wednesday morning. "We grow paddy and maize. But over the years, we have been facing losses due flood and drought like situation. We demand that the government must do something for us. The Nitish Kumar government has done nothing for us. We had hopes from the Modi government but he too betrayed us," said Thakur. Instead of writing to the two parties, the EC preferred to write to Twitter and Facebook, urging them to ensure that election law is not violated. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Election Commission Wednesday flagged reported violations of election laws relating to campaign in the 'silence period' of 48 hours before polling begins to Twitter and Facebook. The poll panel's letter to the social media giants comes against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the BJP reportedly asking voters of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on the internet platforms to cast ballot in their favour. Instead of writing to the two parties, the EC preferred to write to Twitter and Facebook, urging them to ensure that election law is not violated. "The tweets could be taken out by the company," a senior functionary said on the condition of anonymity. Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act prohibits display of any election matter by means of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of polls. Social media does not fall under the ambit of the law. The EC's director general (communication), Dhirendra Ojha, told reporters here that the letter "has not been written against the backdrop" of the tweets. He said the two social media majors have been reminded of the provisions of section 126. A Congress slogan urging people to vote for the party was appended below the two tweets of Gandhi. BJP Madhya Pradesh had retweeted a tweet by a spokesperson urging people of MP to vote for the party. The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of indulging in crony capitalism from time to time, a charge which has been vehemently denied by the saffron party. (Photo: File) Hyderabad: Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday Narendra Modi has broken every single promise of his, including being an "honest" prime minister. Speaking at a students' convention in poll-bound Telangana, he also made a strong pitch for farm loan waiver. Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and caretaker Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao "make many, many promises" but do not deliver on them. "The prime minister made promises of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen, two crore jobs to youth every year, farm loan waiver and a just minimum support price for farm produce. He also promised he will be the 'chowkidaar' of this country and not the prime inister. "You have seen that he has broken every single promise. He has broken the promise of being an honest prime minister," he said. Gandhi alleged the prime minister gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal but not the farmers their due. "If the Prime Minister of India can write off (rupees) three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...the richest people in the country, then he should be ready to waive the loan of India's farmers," he said. The Congress leader said what he was asking for was fair treatment to everyone. "If you are treating the richest people in the country (well), and you are giving them loan waiver, then you owe that to the farmers of the country also," Gandhi said. Addressing the convention organised by private educational institutions, he said the Congress party believes in fairness and all its policies are designed to create a level playing field for different sections of people. He also said Rao got a golden opportunity to build a newly created state and do things in a fresh way but he fritted it away by "indulging in corruption and promoting family rule". Gandhi asked the audience to recollect his speeches of the last 15 years and identify even one commitment he made and did not honour. "I am not in the habit of lying to our people. I am not in the habit of making false promises. I made a commitment to farmers about agricultural loan waiver in Karnataka and Punjab, and when we were voted to power there, we wrote them off," he said. Gandhi said he would never make tall promises like creating two crore jobs every year or putting Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of people. "It is a matter of my credibility and I take that very seriously," he asserted. Gandhi alleged the TRS government had favoured large corporate institutions. Referring to the Congress manifesto, he promised health insurance for the staff of private educational institutions recognised by the government, "reasonable" power tariff and reduction in municipal and property taxes. If voted to power, the Congress-led alliance will also try and revive thousands of minority institutions that failed as a result of the policies of the TRS government, he said. 'We will defeat the BJP, RSS and Narendra Modi in the 2019 general elections. The TRS and MIM are Team B and C of the BJP,' Congress president Rahul Gandhi said. (Photo: Twitter | @INCIndia) Hyderabad: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that Narendra Modi broke every single promise he made, including being an "honest" Prime Minister. He accused PM Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao of "diluting the Tribal Rights Act to the detriment of forest dwellers. Addressing a students convention and three election rallies in poll-bound Telangana, Rahul Gandhi assailed PM Modi and Rao over a variety of issues, including crony capitalism, while calling the state's ruling TRS and its "friendly party" AIMIM of Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi the 'B and C' teams of the BJP. Rahul Gandhi said PM Modi and Rao made "many, many promises" but did not deliver on them. "The Prime Minister made promises of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen, two crore jobs to youth every year, farm loan waiver and a just minimum support price for farm produce. He also promised he will be the 'chowkidaar' (watchman) of this country and not the Prime Minister. "You have seen that he has broken every single promise. He has broken the promise of being an honest Prime Minister," Rahul Gandhi told a convention of students in Hyderabad. Rahul Gandhi alleged the Prime Minister gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal but not the farmers their due. "If the Prime Minister of India can write off (rupees) three lakh fifty thousand crore of 15 people...the richest people in the country, then he should be ready to waive the loan of India's farmers," he said. Rahul Gandhi asked the audience to recollect his speeches of the last 15 years and point out even one commitment he made and did not honour. "I am not in the habit of lying to our people. I am not in the habit of making false promises. I made a commitment to farmers about agricultural loan waiver in Karnataka and Punjab, and when we were voted to power there, we wrote them off," he said. Addressing an election meeting at Bhoopalpally in the tribal belt of Telangana, he promised reservations in government jobs and admissions to state-run educational institutions for Scheduled Tribe candidates proportionate to their population in the state. "Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi weakened Adivasi Bill (Tribal Bill) at the centre and KCR diluted it at the state. As soon as we form our government in Telangana we will ensure that you (tribals) get back your land. We have mentioned this in our manifesto also. We will give reservations too that will be proportionate to your population," Rahul Gandhi told the rally. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006 when the UPA was in power. It is variously referred to as Forest Rights Act, Tribal Rights Act, Tribal Bill, and Tribal Land Act. The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The Opposition has been alleging that the Modi dispensation diluted various provisions of the law including the condition of "free informed consent" from gram sabhas for any government plans to remove tribals from forests and for resettlement or rehabilitation packages. It is alleged that the law was diluted to favour mining companies and industrialists. Punning on chief minister KCR's initials, Rahul Gandhi called him "Khao Commission Rao" who promised that he would "redesign" the state but instead redesigned irrigation projects, which resulted in cost escalation and burdened the people, only to benefit members of his family and contractors. Taking a jibe at the TRS chief's comment that he will go home and take rest if he loses the polls, Rahul Gandhi said, "KCR will definitely take rest in a Rs 300 crore palatial bungalow after the elections. You take rest and the Congress party will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of Telangana with the help of its people." Speaking at an election meeting at Parigi in Vikarabad district, the Congress leader dubbed the TRS and AIMIM as 'B and C' teams of the BJP. He said Owaisi's party fielded its candidates in Assam and Maharashtra Assembly elections just to facilitate BJP's victory. "We will defeat the BJP, RSS and Narendra Modi in the 2019 general elections. The TRS and MIM are Team B and C of the BJP," he said. Addressing another rally at Armoor, he said, if the Congress came to power at the Centre, it would simplify the GST and sympathetically examine taxes on the beedi (tobacco) industry. He also promised that a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore would be raised to help migrant workers in the Persian Gulf. Targeting the Prime Minister over his signature mass outreach programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio, Rahul Gandhi said,"Modi ji tells you his 'mann ki baat' (speaks his mind) every month. But we will listen to your (people's) mann ki baat and run Telangana according to your wishes." The Congress president said while PM Modi and KCR always kept the doors of banks open for the rich, the Congress-led government in Telangana will waive agricultural loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for as many as 17 varieties of farm produce. Rahul Gandhi said he would never make tall promises like creating two crore jobs every year or putting Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of people. "It is a matter of my credibility and I take that very seriously," he asserted. He also said Rao got a golden opportunity to build a newly created state and do things in a fresh way but he frittered it away by "indulging in corruption and promoting family rule". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said 'nothing is impossible' when it comes to Kashmir. (Photo: ANI) Mumbai: Pitching for peaceful ties with India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that it is not in interest of the people of his country to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside. He said that the mindset of the people of Pakistan has changed and they want peace with India. On punishing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan Prime Minister said, there are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on the JuD chief. On resolving the Kashmir issue, the Pakistan Prime Minister said, Gesture for peace can't be one-sided. He further said that nothing is impossible when it comes to Kashmir. Let us talk. I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir, Imran Khan said. Imran Khan also expressed his interest to meet his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I will be happy to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and talk to him, the Pakistan Prime Minister said. We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi, Imran Khan said. The value of social aid provided to Abu Dhabi citizens in 2017 amounted to Dh885 million ($241 million) in support to eligible community members, through government and non-profit organisations, a media report said. The number of non-profit organisations in Abu Dhabi reached 65 in 2017, an increase of five compared to 2016, which include three general services and cultural organisations and two humanitarian services organisations, according to statistics from the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD), reported Emirates news agency Wam. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE has an integrated social support system, which is managed by relevant local government authorities that are supervised by the Ministry of Community Development. Many authorities were established to provide social support, especially to children, the youth, the elderly, people of determination and other needy categories. Statistics show that elderly citizens have benefitted most from social aid amounting to Dh312 million, which constitutes 35.3 per cent of the total value of aid in 2017. The value of the aid allocated to health disability in 2017 amounted to Dh122 million, or 13.8 per cent of the total, while aid allocated to the divorced amounted to Dh106 million, or 12 per cent, and around Dh98 million, or 11 per cent, was allocated to people of determination, and the rest supported the financial needs of widows and women marrying foreigners. Social support in the UAE is different from other countries, as it is not limited to providing social support, but it also includes psychological and educational support for all categories of people. (From left) State Ministers Priyank Kharge, R.V. Deshpande, K.J. George, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Kate Jones Minister for Innovation, Tourism Industry Development, Queensland, Australia, and others during the inauguration of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2018 at Bengaluru Palace on Thursday KPN Bengaluru: Being the torchbearer of Indian IT in the last couple of decades, Bengaluru, on behalf of the entire nation, has built a significant branding and positioning for the sector in the international markets. Going forward, the city and state of Karnataka are all set to build huge capabilities for deep, digital technologies thus creating a solid base for the next level growth of the countrys tech sector, said Karnataka Chief Minister H.D Kumaraswamy. Sectors like IT, biotechnology and animation have provided direct employment to over a million people and indirect jobs to close to four million people in Bangalore alone. The next layer of tech growth is expected to bring in large number of jobs and value creation for the industry, said Mr Kumaraswamy. At the opening session of the 21st edition of the states tech exposition, Bengaluru Tech Summit here on Thursday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, "This is a unique platform provided by Karnataka for deliberating on innovation and its impact on industry and society at large. A large number of Indian and foreign companies engaged in innovation and R&D are participating in it." He said his government was committed towards supporting and encouraging SMEs and start-ups. Through its startup policy, the government intends to support young ventures for providing solutions that address several challenges faced by society. The partnership between the government, industry, academia, and research and development institutions has led to the creation of a unique ecosystem in the state, he added. Kate Jones, Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development, Queensland, Australia said her state, like Karnataka, was investing heavily into technology to become Australias largest tech ecosystem. Queensland has set aside $650 million for R&D and tech collaboration. She said she was pleased to meet a few entrepreneurs in India's IT Capital who are working on 3D printing of human liver or human babies. This is something I know would be welcomed all around the world. I am so excited about the opportunities between our two States, she added. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and managing director of biotechnology company Biocon said, India has almost 2,000 biotech startups out of which 600 are in Karnataka. "The biotechnology sector is now being referred to as bio-economy due to its huge impact on the economy, whether it is environmental sustainability, agriculture or digital healthcare. There is an emergence of data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning in life sciences, which is going to be a huge transformational factor for applications such as diagnosing diseases, she added. Speaking on the occasion, Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France, said, Bengaluru is a highly favoured location for French companies and more than 150 firms have set up activities in the city. I am so impressed by the energy and the amount of innovation that is happening out of here. The three-day Tech Summit has global participants, industry captains, futurists and innovators showcasing innovation and celebrating the success of technology and startup ecosystem of the state. Innovation and Impact being the focal theme of the Bengaluru Tech Summit this year, the event will have the convergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, blockchain and cyber security, which help in providing solutions for the challenges faced in sectors like health, education, agriculture and energy. Visakhapatnam: Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao on Thursday said that the Visakha Utsav, the annual festival of the city, will be held from December 28 to December 30 on a grand scale. The grand carnival planned on the RK Beach will be on the lines of Brazilian carnival. This will be highlight of this years festival. Talking to newsmen in Vizag city, Mr Srinivasa Rao said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the inaugural function as the chief guest. Minister for tourism Bhumana Akhila Priya, all other state ministers, MPs and MLAs, important people from different walks of life will attend the three-day festival. On the inaugural day a grand carnival on the lines of Brazilian carnivals would be held at the Ramakrishna Beach where tableaux representing various facets of the state would be displayed with the background music provided by Navy Band, the minister said. Two venues have been planned the main venue at RK Beach and the other down the Novatel hotel where the cultural programmes would be held involving the local artistes. Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Regional Development Authority will organise flower show at Visakha Central Park. The endowments department will display models of famous temples of the state. We have requested the Ministry of Defence to organise an air-show during the festival, Mr Srinivasa Rao said. Isro chairman K. Shivan (centre) poses for a photograph along his colleagues during a press meet at Sriharikota in Nellore district on Thursday. Image: DC Sriharikota: India on Thursday launched its own sharp eye in the sky the Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) into space along with 30 other foreign satellites on board the workhorse PSLV rocket on Thursday. The 44-metre four-stage PSLV, weighing about 230 tonnes, blasted off from the first launch pad into almost clear skies, leaving orange flames behind as per schedule at 9.58 am. The exciting aspect came when the rockets fourth stage engine was switched off in just over 16 minutes after lift-off. A minute later, HysIS with a mission life of five years was placed in an orbit 636 km above the earth. It will travel over the poles and always face the son. Thereafter, the rocket was brought to a lower altitude of 503 km and the fourth stage re-ignited 59.65 minutes after the lift-off. All the foreign satellites were placed into orbit 504 km above Earth. The final satellite was ejected into orbit 112.79 minutes after lift-off, completing the rockets job. While 23 satellites were from the US, the rest were from Australia, Canada, Columbia, Finland, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Spain. These satellites were commercially contracted for launch through Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of Isro. With this mission, Isro crossed the milestone of putting 270 foreign satellites into orbit. The noteworthy aspect of the rocket mission wsa placing of satellites in two different orbits one at a higher altitude and the others in a lower altitude. After the successful launch, Isro chairman K. Sivan said, Once again Indian space scientists showed their excellence. The PSLV injected the HysIS first and later the 30 foreign customers satellites. In a lighter vein, Dr Sivan, while looking at the foreign clients at the Mission Control, said, the rocket had delivered their babies to their home safely and credited PSLV for flawless performance. Mumbai: A long-standing demand of the Maratha community has finally been fulfilled as the Maharashtra Legislature on Thursday unanimously passed a bill granting it 16 per cent reservation under a new and independent category: social and educationally backward class (SEBC). With this, Marathas will now be eligible for 16 per cent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs. The reservation quantum in the state will rise to 68 per cent, with the passage of the bill. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the bill in the Assembly and Council in the afternoon and it was passed without any discussion as legislators across party lines supported it. Amid Mr Fadnavis actions, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, who had arrived in the House wearing saffron turbans, hailed the move by chanting Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai and Jai Shivaji, Jai Bhavani. The bill, named Maharashtra State Reservation (of seats for admission in educational institutions in the state and for appointments in the public services and posts under the State) for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act-2018, was passed by Houses and was converted into an Act. Now it will go to the governor for his approval. The bill will be applicable to all direct recruitments and appointments made in public services and posts in the state except super specialised posts in medical, technical and educational fields; posts to be filled by transfer or deputation; temporary appointments of less than 45 days duration; and posts that are single (isolated) in any cadre or grade. According to the bill, Marathas will avail reservation in all educational institutions except minority institutions. The ECBC shall also be considered for the allotment on unreserved seats and appointments to public services and posts, which shall be filled on the basis of merit. The bill states that any admission authority, who wilfully acts in a manner intended to contravene or defeat the purpose of this Act shall be punished with imprisonment for 90 days or a fine. The Marathas shall not get benefit of reservation in cases where the selection process had already been initiated before the commencement of this Act. Bengaluru: At the BBMP council meeting here on Thursday, members cutting across party lines raised the issue of alleged medical negligence by doctors at a hospital in Coles Park, while treating a Corporator. Independent Corporator Elumalai V was admitted at Santosh hospital to undergo a minor surgery for removal of boil under his nose. But he suffered heart attack and lapsed into coma. The corporators demanded action against the guilty doctors and immediate closure of the hospital. The issue was raised by the leader of ruling party Shivaraj at the monthly council meeting. He said, "On November 9, Sagayara Puram ward Corporator Elumalai had gone to Santosh Hospital for removal of a boil. Doctors advised him to undergo surgery the next day." But due to medical negligence, he is now in coma, Shivaraj said. Support Shivaraj, leader of opposition Padmanabha Reddy said that Elumalai was currently battling for his life. On the day of surgery, Elumalais friends grew suspicious looking at the impatient doctors and staff. When they grilled the doctors they were told that Elumalai had heart attack and has been rushed to Vikram Hospital for further treatment. Members said that if this is the case for a corporator, who represents thousands of people, then what would be the case of ordinary citizens. Former mayor Manjunath Reddy remarked that many hospitals in the city have become death centres. After listening to corporators, Mayor Gangambike said the incident will be thoroughly investigated and action will be taken, so that people can visit hospitals without fear. KURNOOL: How safe is the Srisailam temple? Are VIP visits to temple safe? Not so if one were to go by the happenings at the temple town as both police and temple security are at loggerheads. The distrust was palpable when police made an attempt to arrest the chief security officer of the temple on the grounds of selling abhisekham tickets on the black market. Temple executive officer A. Ramachandra Murthy had to intervene to stall police interference and told police not to enter the temple premises. Kurnool police had deployed 200 policemen to regulate pilgrim flow during the Karthika festivities. With Maoists footprints allegedly being confirmed in Nallamala, co-ordination with trained staff is a basic necessity, but police are simply running the show with home guards and para security. Temple executive officer A. Srirama Chandra Murthy said that a co-ordination meeting was held on Thursday to sort out the issue with DSP of Atmakur. He said that providing darshan to recommended visitors should be based on protocol. A map of protocol was drawn and temple services would be made available to them based on their designation and rank in the department. Police and temple security staff would work in co-ordination and act as per the requirements of protocol, the EO said. Atmakur DSP Vinod Kumar said that all issues with the temple staff were sorted out and local police were given strict instructions to adhere to the protocol of temple services to government employees as agreed upon. The temple security has been bagged by a politician with close links to the Chief Minister. He also enjoys equal support from the main opposition leader in the Assembly. With such infiltrators within the temple structure, how is a bureaucratic change possible at Srisailam is the question. In the past a police station at Srisailam was blasted by Naxalites in 2001. 24 dalits were massacred at Vempenta village in Atmakur which now falls under Srisailam constituency. Thieves eye offerings at the temple. It is common knowledge that pilgrims, who visit Srisailam temple, pay homage by placing cash, silver and other valuable articles in the hundi kept in the temples their mite, and such collections, sometimes include silver and other valuable articles. Navjot Sidhu (centre) with Gopal Singh Chawla (right) on the sidelines of the ceremony at Kartarpur. Amritsar/Chandigarh: Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a pro-Kha-listan leader in Pakistan even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority. He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor showed him with separatist Gopal Singh Chawla. Chawla, who is the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Praban-dhak Committee (PSGPC) and is known to speak for Khalistan, had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page. Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow Sikh pilgrims access from Gurdaspurs Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them. They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousands pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know, he told reporters in Attari on his return. Mr Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his personal capacity, even after being advised against it by Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh. The thaw has begun and the ice is melting, he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in Amritsar where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month. I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Kartarpur ceremony. There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar which is his (Sidhus) constituency, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month. If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added. This was followed by allegations and counter allegations between the TD and YSR Congress corporators on the issue, The mayor then adjourned the session for some time. When the discussion resumed, BJP MLA Dr Akula Satyanarayana admonished corporators from both the parties and asked them not to behave like school students. Rajahmundry: Municipal corporation council session on Thursday witnessed uproarious scenes with the ruling Telugu Desam and opposition YSR Congress corporators levelling charges against one another on the ongoing construction of a multiplex. The work has been going on without the mandatory building plan approval being obtained by the builders. Soon after the session began with mayor P. Rajani Sesha Sai on the chair, YSR Congress floor leader M. Sharmila Reddy asked the ruling TD corporators who had given permission to construct the multiplex and who was its owner. Reacting to this, the deputy mayor Vasireddy Rambabu and TD floor leader Varre Srinivasa Rao asked the YSR Congress floor leader whether the eatery owned by her family had all requisite permissions. They were informed that the eatery was in possession of all the necessary permissions from the town planning authorities. This was followed by allegations and counter allegations between the TD and YSR Congress corporators on the issue, The mayor then adjourned the session for some time. When the discussion resumed, BJP MLA Dr Akula Satyanarayana admonished corporators from both the parties and asked them not to behave like school students. He stressed that they welcome the construction of malls and multiplex as part of developmental works but underlined the need to find out lapses in the construction activity and take measures to avoid any damage to property and loss of life. TD MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Choudhary said he has taken stock of the developments of the multiplex through his relations living close by and raised objection to the involvement of the Rajahmundry MP M. Murali Mohan in the issue. He said that experts from JNTUK and IIT, Madras, have inspected the damaged multi-storied building. Based on their report, he added, they would fix responsibility on the builder and take the officials responsible for the lapse to task. Reacting to the statement of the TD MLA, YSR Congress corporators demanded an inquiry into the multiplex issue with vigilance authorities. Responding to this, Mt Choudhary asked the corporators if they were ready for a similar inquiry into the Venkateswara General Market owned by YSR Congress leader. This resulted in another exchange of heated arguments between TD and YSR Congress corporators and leaders. The session witnessed pandemonium for some more time forcing the Mayor to adjourn the session for a brief time. When the session resumed, YSR Congress corporators reached the podium and staged dharna alleging that the mayor was not showing respect to its members and raised slogans against her. As the YSR Congress corporators were not allowing the session to conduct its proceedings, the mayor called the marshals to evict the male corporators while female corporators were lifted by She Team personnel from the council hall. Later, the evicted YSR Congress corporators staged dharna in front of the municipal corporation office and asked the ruling TD members as to how much bribe they had taken to allow construction of multiplex. The TRS-led Telanagna state government has reportedly spent 34 per cent less money than what was announced in the state budgets in the last four years. Hyderabad: The TRS-led Telanagna state government has reportedly spent 34 per cent less money than what was announced in the state budgets in the last four years, an analysis of the state budgets revealed. Over the last four years, the Telangana state government had announced its intent to spend Rs 4,80,566 crore from financial year 2014-15 to financial year 2017-18. Since the current financial year is not yet over, the state budget 2018-19 was not considered for the analysis. However, based on its analysis of state budget documents, the PRS Legislative Research claimed that the government had underspent 34 per cent. When converted into absolute numbers, it would mean that the government did not spend Rs 1,63,392 crore over last four years. Minus the unspent money, the total of four budgets would be Rs 3,17,174 crore. An average of the last four budgets would be Rs 1,20.141 crore. But after adjusting to the money claimed to be unspent, the average budget size of the state would come down to Rs 79,293 crore robbing the purported sheen of presenting Rs 1-lakh budget from finance minister Etela Rajendra. Telangana state has also got the distinction of reporting the highest unspent money from the budget in the country. The PRS Legislative Research has studied the budget documents of 29 states and seven Union Territories. After Telangana, Assam comes the second in spending less than what was announced in the state budgets. Another Telugu state Andhra Pradesh has a better record in this regard with having merely three per cent of budget money unspent. Himachal Pradesh is the only state that had overspent its budget estimates by nine per cent. According to experts, the money allocated in the budget would remain unspent on three occasions firstly. when the government has overstated expenditure in an attempt to play to its gallery; secondly, when the revenue fell short due to unforeseen reasons; and thirdly when the government deliberately overestimates the revenue. Except for the unforeseen drop in revenues, budget money remaining unspend due to the other two reasons would not reflect well on the government. According to the PRS Legislative Research, the Telangana State government failed to collect 24 per cent of revenue estimated in the last four budgets over this period. Intriguingly, the shortfall in the revenue is smaller than the fall in expenditure. This could perhaps happen when the state had borrowed lesser money than what was stated in the budget. In the four years, the TRS-led government had spent 25 per cent of its planned expenditure on human development, 63 per cent on economic development and infrastructure the highest in the country. Hyderabad: Congress working president A. Revanth Reddy said there is threat to his life alleging that the police in mufti are trying to attack him. He said that the plan of action is being prepared by DGP Mahender Reddy and IG Prabhakar Rao. Speaking to mediapersons at the Begumpet airport on Thursday, Mr Reddy said that, Though the High Court has ordered the election commission to provide security for me the TRS leaders are following through. He has also alleged that TRS leader, P. Narendra Reddy, who was caught with Rs 50 lakh was let off by the IT officials due to the pressure from the Prime Ministers office. Speaking on governance, he challenged Caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for an open discussion on free power supply to farm sector. e said that the credit on free power supply to farmers goes to congress party only. He said in the past power production was less and demand was more, but now due to the party, production is more and demand is less. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have announced that they have reached agreement on facilitating the licensing of domestic funds by each authority for promotion across the UAE. The three authorities signed the regulatory agreement in Dubai in the presence of Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy and the SCA board chairman, and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State to the UAE and chairman of the ADGM. The agreement was signed by Dr Obaid Al Zaabi, chief executive officer of SCA; Bryan Stirewalt, chief executive of the DFSA; and Richard Teng, chief executive officer of the FSRA. Following the signing, Al Mansoori said: Signing this agreement and implementing its provisions will foster the relations between the three authorities. It will facilitate the licensing and promoting of investment funds to attract foreign investment. It will also pave the way for savings to be directed towards new financial instruments such as investment funds and activate a number of financial services and activities related to investment funds such as custodian, investment management, and promoting, as well as the management of investment funds. He added that the agreement implements passporting mutual recognition as a regulatory mechanism for the promotion and supervision of investment funds, and encourages foreign licensed firms in financial free zones based in other countries to move to the UAE market. The agreement contributes to the realisation of one of the main roles assigned to SCA, and that is to provide the appropriate environment for the investment of savings and funds in securities in line with the objectives of the countrys economic development. Al Sayegh said: We welcome this partnership to strengthen UAEs position as an international financial and business hub. This collaboration will enable greater number of current and new market participants, investors and institutions to access growth opportunities in the UAE and wider region and support the growth of the capital markets. The passporting regime dovetails well with ADGMs ongoing efforts to maintain a robust and innovative financial services market to support the dynamic needs of our economy. ADGM will continue to uphold the highest international regulatory standards and practices, in the best interests of our investors and marketplace. The SCA, DFSA, and FSRA agreed on a common legislative framework in their respective jurisdictions, enabling them, to facilitate regulatory coordination amongst them in licensing domestic funds upon the adoption of the legislation. The three bodies confirmed that funds, which are licensed in accordance with the provisions of this agreement and the licensing regulations, may be promoted in or from the financial free zones in the UAE, in line with the provisions of the agreement and the licensing regulations. Under the terms of the agreement, a notification and registration facility will be established by each regulator, facilitating the promotion and sale of domestic funds, set up within the UAE, outside the financial free zones, or in either of the DIFC or ADGM, to potential investors situated anywhere in the UAE, and under a single licence. The SCA, DFSA, and the FSRA have also agreed to establish common rules to implement the regulatory agreement. The regime is expected to stimulate the development of the domestic investment funds market by encouraging the establishment of new investment funds, in addition to facilitating the process of conducting business in the UAE. Based on this agreement, the regime will provide greater protection to investors, as a result of the enhanced exchange of regulatory information amongst the regulatory bodies in relation to the promotion and sale of local investment fund units in the UAE. The DFSA and FSRA will shortly commence consultation on the proposed regime. The SCA regulates the capital markets operating in the UAE, with the exception of financial free zones, and the DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC, whilst the FSRA is the independent regulator for financial services in or from the ADGM. - TradeArabia News Service Hyderabad: People will be happy if K. Chandrasekhar Rao takes rest in his farmhouse, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi, as he wound up his two-day campaign in the state. The Khao Commission Rao has taken commission from all the projects. Changing the name of Pranahitha Chevella project as Kaleshwaram has cost around Rs 40,000 crore. The illegal grabbing of land is high in the state and the Congress government will get back the grabbed land, Mr Rahul Gandhi said. The Congress president, who had termed the TRS as Telangana Rashtriya Sanghparivar on Wednesday, called the party Telangana RSS on Thursday. The Congress chief also lashed out at the TRS government for not fulfilling its promises. The assets of KTR increased by about 400 per cent and the debts of the state went up by Rs 2.2 lakh crore. The TRS had promised lands for SCs and STs along with double bedroom houses for the poor. The Congress government will do all the things for the poor as promised, Mr Gandhi said. He said the Congress government would hike pensions to Rs 2,000, provide health insurance of Rs 5 lakh, unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 for the youth. Mr Rao didnt care for farmer suicides nor did he provide MSP for crops. The Congress will waive Rs 2 lakh farm loans and give Minimum Support Price for the crops. ADILABAD: Caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said it is unfortunate that people of the country are not mature enough to take the right decision when it comes to elections, though ours is a democratic country. Since the same people elected Mr Rao and his party, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, to power the last time, he is effectively telling the people who voted for him that they are immature and did not vote for the right candidates. Speaking at Praja Ashirvada Sabha in Adilabad, Mr Rao said, In India, voters are not mature enough when it comes to selecting the right candidate. They vote without thinking and candidates who are unfit get elected, and their wishes remain unfilfilled. Taking the example of matured democracies, Mr Rao said that voters there get educated by listening to debates of the contestants and choose the right candidate. He urged the voters not to choose Mahakutami leaders as they will not fulfil any of the their wishes. Hyderabad: AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked TRS president and TS caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar to make his stand clear on where he stood vis-a-vis the BJP. The country has two fronts, one the BJP and another Congress joined by the regional parties who are anti-BJP. Where does KCR stand? Mr Naidu asked. Mr Naidu, a star campaigner of the Peoples Front, on day 2 of his campaign in the city, visited Serilingampally, Kothaguda and Kavuri Hills, home to most of the migrants from Andhra Pradesh. He campaigned for TD candidate V. Ananda Prasad, a builder-cum-producer contesting from Serilingampally. During the road show, Mr Naidu, who has been roundly abused by Mr Rao and his ministers, asked, Is it right for KCR to abuse me? What harm did I do. The crowd shouted in his support. KCR is targeting me to divert public attention from the unkept promises. Why has KCR not stood up when there were attacks on Dalit community and minorities. Why is he not questioning the Centre on corruption, why has he not raised the Rafale deal? In Serilingampally, there is no water, roads, hospital or a school or college, Mr Naidu said. I developed Cyberabad. One lakh people secured employment due to Hitec City and Mindspace. Even K.T. Rama Rao attributed the development to me while addressing a corporate company. I brought in technology-based companies to Cyberabad. The landlord in Cyberabad benefited as real estate market boomed during my rule, he said. The TD president assured that the Peoples Front if elected would provide five lakh houses to the public. For the Kapu community he offered to set up a Kapu Corporation. During the road shows at Sanathnagar and Serilingampally, a majority of the crowd that turned appeared to be employees from the IT companies. Many in the crowd carried placards that read, We Miss U, We are here because of U, Come Back, We want U. The crowd cheered at Mr Naidus claims such as I am the creator of modern Telangana and Cyberabad. ARMOOR (NIZAMABAD): Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and caretaker Chief Minister Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao and said that they had cheated the youth by assuring them two crore jobs in the country and one lakh jobs in Telangana state per annum. People of Telangana, especially the youth had spent their sweat and blood to achieve the new State hoping for the bright future that supposedly awaited them, but in vain. Mr Gandhi took part in the election campaign meeting with Mahakutami leaders of TD, Telangana Jana Samiti here at Javed Bhai stadium on Thursday. TPCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Congress state in-charge R.C. Kuntia, senior leaders V. Hanmanth Rao, Madhu Yashki, balladeer Gaddar, TJS chief Kodan-daram, TD former MLAs Mandava Venkateshwara Rao, A. Annapurnamma and others were present. Speaking at the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said that GST will be simplified after the Congress came to power. Around 10 lakh beedi workers and managements in Telangana State were the worst affected with 28 percent GST, he said. We will also set up a Gulf workers welfare fund with Rs 500 crore, he added. Mr Gandhi reiterated that remunerative prices will be provided to all 17 major agriculture produces including paddy, cotton and turmeric. The Congress president came down heavily on TRS, and said that Mr Rao had ensured that only his family members were benefited. The new state of Telangana was formed with Rs 17,000 crore surplus budget, but now it was trapped in Rs 2.5 lakh crore debts, he said. He assured the public that the new government will represent all sections of society instead of just one family. Hyderabad: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was unable to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with regard to his policies. Addressing a public meeting at Nagarkurnool on Thursday as part of the BJP campaign for the December 7 elections, Mr Singh said, The policies of Mr Modi have taken the country to a respectable place. Unable to take on Mr Modis policies, Mr Rahul Gandhi is personally targeting him in the name of caste and gothra. He said that when the Congress was in the power at the Centre, there is no control over Maoists or on the borders. We have controlled them and are protecting the country from all sides, he said. For the farmers, he said, We are working hard to double farmer incomes by 2022. On the Make in India front, he said during the UPAs tenure there are only two units to manufacture mobile phones. Now, there are more than 120. He demanded that caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao explain why more than 4,500 farmers had committed suicide. The negligence of the TRS government can be seen in farmers suicide, he said. At a campaign meeting in Wanaparthy, he criticised the state government for its proposal to increase reservation for minorities. Development not done. Now to divert public attention, they are saying that reservation be given to minorities on the basis of religion, he said. I want to ask, if you give reservation to minorities, by cutting whose reservation you will give reservation to minorities? Such a provision is there in Constitution? Can amendment be made to Constitution. I would like to tell the CM here... Politics should be development and good governance. WARANGAL: AICC president Rahul Gandhi on the second day of his campaign in the state alleged that the the TRS government under Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao did not care for the rights of the people, especially the Adivasis. Addressing a public meeting at Bhupalapalli on Thursday, he said that while the UPA government has introduced the tribal rights Act to protect the rights of the people, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and the TRS government in the state were ignoring it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has weakened the Act and KCR has annihilated it in Telangana state, he said. He noted that he was campaigning in a constituency which had a majority of Adivasis. He promised that as soon as the Congress forms government, the Tribal Rights Bill would be implemented in a full-fledged manner, and water, jungle and forest land jal, jungle, jameen would be handed over to the Adivasis. We will hand over certificates to podu farmers, he said, referring to land rights to tribal farmers. He said the tribal university had not yet taken shape in the state. We have clearly written in our manifesto that the tribal university would be sanctioned here, he said. Addressing the issues of Singareni workers, he said Mr Rao had duped them with fake promises. He said the services of workers who were working on contract and temporary basis would be regularised. He alleged that the NDA government wanted to privatise all companies. The PM has taken the Rafale aircraft contract from the HAL which is government run and scripted a Rs 30,000-crore profit for Anil Ambani. The Congress will not let Singareni be privatised, he said. TIRUPATI: Telugu Desam general secretary and IT, panchayat raj and rural development minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr Nara Lokesh said that TD was ready to fight with the BJP under any circumstances to teach it a befitting lesson for the injustice meted out to AP. On Thursday Mr Lokesh toured the Prakasam district where he was accorded a grand welcome by minister Sidda Raghava Rao and MLAs and MLCs while people gathered in huge numbers along with party activists in the district. As a part of his tour, Mr Nara Lokesh inaugurated several development activities in various constituencies and held a face-to-face meet with Muslims at Auto Nagar in Markapuram. While addressing the gathering here, Mr Lokesh alleged that Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi was jealous of Chief Minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu for his progressive rule in the state and on this pretext he was spewing venom on the state. Modi intentionally ignored the state and denounced the grant of SCS and other beneficial projects for the state. In addition to this, he has been taking vengeance on TD leaders with the help of central agencies like ED, CBI and IT, he said. Mr Lokesh further claimed that the breaking of the alliance between the TD and the BJP happened because of the backstabbing politics of the BJP. Speaking at the cold storage in Markapuram, Mr Lokesh said the government was committed to the development of poor and `2,269 crore was recently given towards their development through various schemes. He assured of completion of the Pulla Subbaiah Velugonda project before the elections and added that after the completion of the project, the district would get abundant water. He further asserted that Rs 440 crore was sanctioned towards the development of Markapuram and Rs 220 crore was given for the development of a drinking water project along with Rs 20 crore for the development of Ramayapatnam port. Assuring a house to every poor person in the state, Mr Lokesh said that the CM had been working relentlessly for the welfare of the poor and his dream was to see every poor person in his own house. Mr Sidda Raghava Rao said, So far the state government has spent an amount of Rs 3,330 crore for the welfare of the poor and built 4,620 houses for them. After Mr Nara Lokesh was appointed as the panchayat raj minister, so far, 4,400 km of CC roads have been laid in the state and it has been a record for any government so far. A decade or so ago, when the Prime Minister of Australia mentioned an upcoming Group of 20 (G20) gathering to the United States President, he got the impression that the latter it happened to be George W. Bush had no idea what his interlocutor was talking about. Donald Trump presumably has a vaguely better idea of what he will be walking into when he travels to Buenos Aires later this week for a gathering of leaders from the worlds top 20 economies. Among the luminaries he will encounter there with varying degrees of enthusiasm is the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The CIA recently concluded that MBS was behind the grotesque murder of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul almost two months ago. Apart from the fairly damning evidence supplied by Turkish authorities, the agencys conclusion appears to be based on phone intercepts, including of conversations between the crown prince and his brother Khalid bin Salman, who happens to be the Saudi ambassador to Washington. Somewhat rattled by the international and even domestic reaction to the dastardly deed, MBS embarked on a trip to the UAE and Tunisia before travelling to Argentina. It was an easy choice, given his collaborators in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) and Mohammed bin Rashid (who has allegedly imprisoned a daughter), could hardly be expected to offer any criticism. The UAE is complicit, after all, in the misguided aggression against Yemen. Reports suggest it has even employed Israeli-supplied contractors. Small wonder, then, that it detained and eventually sentenced to life imprisonment a British academic, Matthew Hedges, who made the mistake of investigating the Gulf states security structure and priorities. Luckily for Hedges, his wife, Daniela Tejada, had the good sense to go public with her angst, compelling the British state to take a relatively strong stance, leading to a pardon. The decision vaguely coincided with the UAEs foundation day on December 2, when its traditional to forgive a few criminals. It could be a long time, though, before the Emirates are liberated from the al-Nahyans, al-Rashids and from Saudi hegemony, not to mention an always sleazy relationship with the pre-1970s colonial power, Britain, that inevitably transmogrified into a client-state status vis-a-vis the US and now extends to an only slightly surreptitious wedlock with Israel. For all its misbegotten and misspent wealth, though, the UAE does not qualify for G20 status. Trump has parroted the mantra he heard from MBS regarding Khashoggi, namely that he was an enemy of the state by virtue of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. The obvious point in this context is that no one needs to subscribe to Khashoggis political views to defend his right to express them without being strangled and quartered in a diplomatic outpost (or anywhere else, for that matter). One would have to be an utter imbecile or the President of the US to accept any part of the evolving Saudi narrative about Khashoggis fate. MBS signature achievement lies in acceding to Saudi women the right to drive vehicles. Yet the leading activists who mildly agitated for that right find themselves incarcerated. Somewhat like Trump, MBS is something of a political novice. It remains unlikely that he will be displaced as king-in-waiting unless ructions in the al-Saud clan come to a head. But the manner in which he is greeted in Buenos Aires by leaders other than Trump and Vladimir Putin, during photo-ops and the like, could help to determine his long-term fate. It must be said, though, that the Saudi populace will be ill-served even if the kingdom reverts to the less gung-ho status quo ante that Khashoggi preferred. Notwithstanding Trumps adulation, the poor-little-very-rich nation requires a drastic restructuring that the House of Saud cannot possibly provide. By arrangement with Dawn It was heartening to read that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, had recently said that all three services will have to adopt a coherent approach to effectively deal will all possible security threats facing the country. Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said in an interview to PTI that it was imperative that the three services promote joint planning and exploit the strengths of the three services to help India win a war in the shortest possible time. Way back in the early 1980s at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government, I took a survey course called Current Issues in US Foreign Policy, that was taught by two top specialists in international security issues, Joseph Nye and Al Carnesale. In those days with the Cold War blowing hot, the United States and the then Soviet Union together had over 50,000 nuclear warheads, each one of them on hair-trigger readiness to render each other and a good part of the rest of the world into a smoking radiating ruin. On the very first day they said the course would really be about the relationship between three superpowers the US Air Force (USAF), the US Navy (USN) and the Soviet Union! Because of the rivalries of the USAF and USN, the nuclear arms race got bigger, far more than they actually needed to be. It is only after the demise of the Soviet Union and the deep cutbacks in nuclear arsenals that the US Air Force and US Navy nuclear arsenals got integrated into a single inter-services command. When the BJP first came to power in 1998, one of its two main promises was to enhance national security by integrating the three services into the defence ministry and also to integrate defence planning and operations. This was meant to pave the way for a new system that would have given the military a greater role in making policies pertaining to national security as well as in managing itself. It is generally agreed that India needs a Combined Defence Staff to integrate defence planning and operations. If this has not happened yet, much of the blame must fall on the services themselves. The Indian Army has its own notions about who should get primacy, especially since it has a tradition that goes back to 1778 when it began as the Army of Bengal in the East India Company days. But its pitch is queered by the IAF, that often marches to the beat of a different drummer. The consequence of this reluctance to plan and work together showed up in Kargil. The IAF did not have the tactics and even the appropriate weapons when called to assist the Army. The Indian Army didnt seem to know what kind of support can be called for. It wanted attack helicopters but didnt seem to know that they couldnt be operated at high elevations. It wanted drones, at a time when the IAF didnt have any. So intent are the three services on fighting their own wars that they even maintain command systems that are out of sync with each other. The IAF has a Western Air Command headquartered in New Delhi to ostensibly work with the Indian Armys Northern and Western Commands, which are headquartered near Chandigarh and Udhampur. Similarly, the IAFs commands in Ahmedabad and Shillong are out of alignment with the Army commands in Pune, Jaipur and Kolkata; and the naval commands in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. I make a special mention of the IAF as in any modern war, the Air Force is the all-powerful queen on the geopolitical chessboard. The IAF has a long record of waging obdurate turf wars. It fought a long battle to keep all military helicopters under its control till good sense finally prevailed and the Army was given command of the Chetak helicopters used for artillery spotting, anti-tank operations, tactical supply and medical evacuation. The Indian Army won yet another bureaucratic war when it prevailed over the legendary indecisiveness of A.K. Antony, then defence minister, to grant it control of the new Boeing Apache 64E attack helicopters, so vital in anti-tank warfare. The IAFs single-mindedness is best evidenced by the fact that it took it more than a decade to optimise a squadron of Jaguars for maritime operations with Ferranti radars and Sea Eagle missiles. We have a joint chiefs system, but it is a rotational system with the seniormost of the three chiefs as the chairman. They do even one better in Pakistan, where they have a separate Chief of Defence Staff, four stars, house, flag and all, except that the job does not matter at all because it is the Chief of Army Staff who calls all the shots quite often literally. This is what seems to be in the cards for us as the chiefs want to hang on to their turf and all they seem to be looking forward to at best is another four-star job for one of their own. What they seem to have in mind is a really the last among equals, when even a first among equals may not do. What we need is a commander-in-chief who can whip all the three services into a united, efficient and cost-effective fighting machine. This person must be chosen on the basis of ability and not the date of birth or entry into service. If we need to pin a fifth star on someones lapels to get this, we must not hesitate to do so. In matters relating to the military, it is better to have one chief rather than three or four. The mere creation of a CDS will not do the job unless it is followed up by the integration of operational or theatre commands. The military organisation needs to be restructured not only by allowing it to take part in the framing of policy, but also to make it more capable of implementing policy. We need just three theatre commands, the Northwestern Theatre Command incorporating the Indian Armys Northern, Western and the bit of the Southern Command that covers Gujarat; and the IAFs Western and Southwestern Commands. The Eastern Theatre Command should integrate the Indian Armys and IAFs Central and Eastern Commands. The third theatre command should be the Peninsular Command, which includes the Indian Navys Eastern and Western Commands, the Indian Army and the IAF Southern Commands. It also makes sense to bring BSF and Coast Guard units under the operational authority of the theatre commanders. The three service chiefs should be tasked with keeping their forces trained, provisioned and equipped to be made available to the theatre commands, as and when the political and military situations so demand it. In the American military, theatre commands are more paper commands with a contingency planning staff till operationalised. They are constantly preparing for eventualities with integrated planning and exercises. It is the same with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army now, with the Chinese military organised into five commands, including one headquartered at Chengdu just for us. The need for integrated defence planning and operations need not be elaborated upon. It would suffice to say that every major military power in the world has a combined defence organisation. Its only in countries where the services have a strong political tradition that separateness still prevails. In some countries these rivalries extend to ridiculous extents. In Argentina, the Navy is equipped with tanks, as it needs them to ward off possible Army assaults on its bases. Things are not so bad in India, but the rivalry between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force has about the same keenness as the IAS-IPS rivalry. Somebody is bound to distort this to suggest that a CDS or a commander-in-chief will undercut the authority of the President of India, who is the supreme commander of all the armed forces. This is sheer nonsense but it has to be dealt with as the argument has been made before to prevent the creation of a CDS. The President will be as presidential as ever before and all acts of the government, including the waging of war, will be done in his name. He will continue to be greeted by the chiefs personally on his birthday, except that instead of three of them there would be four calling on him, or better still just one! Chinese customers are still buying high-end Maybach models at a rate of 600 vehicles a month. Daimler will start building electric cars in China next year as a way to meet Beijings stringent anti-pollution quotas for carmakers, even as demand for conventional models like the Mercedes-Benz Maybach remains strong. China has introduced minimum sales requirements for so-called new energy vehicles (NEVs) and Daimler is on track to meet the quota for 2018, Daimler China chief Hubertus Troska said on Wednesday. We are very confident about fulfilling the NEV quotas, Troska said, adding that a new fully electric vehicle will be added to local production. We begin production end of next year, Troska said about the Mercedes-Benz EQC electric model. Chinese customers are still buying high-end Maybach models at a rate of 600 vehicles a month, Troska said. Sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars will continue to grow next year, given that consumer demand for premium cars has bucked an overall trend of flagging sales in the worlds largest auto market, Troska told a briefing in Stuttgart. We are absolutely positive about business development next year, Troska said about growth prospects for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Although talks with Chinese carmaker Geely about areas of potential cooperation are continuing, Troska said Daimler was very happy with its existing China partners which include BAIC and BYD. Geely founder Li Shufu has asked Mercedes to enter a broader alliance after acquiring a 9.69 percent stake in the German carmaker earlier this year. Daimler could enter a cooperation with a non-auto company in the area of electric vehicles, Troska said, declining to comment further. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) recently showcased its expanded product offerings available at the Kizad Construction City, a dedicated cluster for the manufacture, import, storage and distribution of construction materials in the UAE. The new offerings were introduced at an event hosted by Kizad during The Big 5, the largest construction and building materials exhibition in the region. The exhibition was held from November 26 to 29, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in Dubai, UAE. Following the launch of Kizad Construction City earlier this year, the 500,000-sq-m of allotted land available for open yard storage facilities was sold out within six months. Responding to market demand, the next phase of Kizad Construction City offers pre-built warehouses and Light Industrial Units (LIUs), which are suitable for manufacturing, processing, assembling, and fabrication work. Additional land has been allocated for open yard storage areas of any scale, bonded areas with easy duty arrangements and industrial and logistics operations. Kizads construction cluster is purpose built to accommodate an array of construction and building materials related activities; from project-based storage facilities to small-scale light manufacturing businesses and mega projects. Kizad Construction City is situated within easy reach of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in Kizad - one of the largest industrial and free trade zones in the Middle East and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports. It benefits from being cost-competitive and interconnected with tech-driven infrastructure and connectivity by sea, road, and air, with rail links being developed through Etihad Rail. Kizad chief executive officer Samir Chaturvedi said: The UAE construction sector remains resilient despite market changes and challenges caused by external factors. Construction companies are ramping up the development of tourism-related projects, commercial infrastructure, and transportation development, and need cost-effective, interconnected construction infrastructure to support this growth. We have expanded our product offering space at Kizad Construction City in response to this demand. We look forward to welcoming new occupants, he added. He continued: Businesses can set up in Kizad Construction City within a few days. This kind of service enables them to appropriately focus time and money on executing construction project and growing their businesses. More than 70 C-level partners, customers and key industry leaders in the construction and building materials sectors were invited to the event, which Kizad hosted during the Big 5 construction exhibition. The gathering included a panel discussion, which was moderated by MEED, with participants from Kizad, Amana and Talex, during which they discussed challenges and opportunities within the industry. Since its launch in April 2018, several major construction companies have already set up shop in Kizad Construction City. In October 2018, Amana Contracting & Steel Buildings established a 50,000-sq-m storage and logistics facility to house and distribute construction products to large-scale industrial, modular and commercial projects across the UAE and wider region. Businesses in Kizad Construction City also benefit from access to the fast-growing and semi-automated Khalifa Port, which serves 25 of the worlds major shipping lines with connections to 70 global ports. More connections are expected with the addition of the upcoming Cosco Shipping Ports (CSP) terminal, it stated. TradeArabia News Service The US House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing with Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai on the Alphabet Inc units social media practices on Dec. 5, the committee said on Wednesday. Pichai in September had agreed to testify at a future date before the panel over Republican concerns that the company is biased against conservatives after it skipped a high-profile Senate hearing. Google has denied it is biased toward conservatives. Google confirmed on Wednesday that Pichai will testify. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, noted that the company accounts for nearly 90 per cent of worldwide search traffic. Its business practices may have been affected by political bias, McCarthy said. For months, House Republicans have called for greater transparency and openness from Google... Mr Pichais scheduled appearance in front of the House Judiciary Committee is another important step in restoring public trust in Google and all the companies that shape the Internet. McCarthy also said Congress wants to review Googles potential new investments in China. Google previously told US lawmakers it was considering a variety of options to offer additional services in China, but declined to detail plans for addressing Chinese censorship. The company has come under criticism after reports it was considering re-entering Chinas search engine market and would comply with its internet censorship and surveillance policies. On Tuesday, more than 200 Google engineers, designers and managers demanded in an open letter that the company end development of a censored search engine for Chinese users, escalating earlier protests against the project. In September, a bipartisan group of 16 US House lawmakers asked Google to disclose precautions it would take to protect the safety of its users if Chinese regulators allow its search engine to operate. Pichai may also face questions about why it delayed disclosing vulnerabilities with its Google+ social network. The company has received inquiries from Congress over the issue. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. A string of negative forecasts from smartphone suppliers in recent weeks has sparked concerns that the model might not be performing as Apple had hoped. (Representative Image) Apple Incs iPhone XR has been the companys best-selling iPhone model every day since it went on sale in mid-October, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday. The iPhone XR, which costs USD 749, was announced alongside two other models, the iPhone XS and XS Max, which start at USD 999. The XR brings many key features of those phones to a lower price point, and analysts widely viewed it as Apples effort to bring facial recognition unlocking and its newest processing chip to a wider set of buyers. But a string of negative forecasts from smartphone suppliers in recent weeks has sparked concerns that the model might not be performing as Apple had hoped. Those reports, alongside investor anxiety over Apples Nov. 1 disclosure it will no longer provide investors with iPhone unit sales data, have contributed to a more than 20 percent drop from Apples peak share price in October. While Apple is still not giving absolute unit sales figures, the company does occasionally disclose to investors which models are selling the best out of its lineup, which currently includes older models such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. Greg Joswiak, Apples vice president of product marketing, told Reuters that the iPhone XR is currently Apples most mainstream product and our most popular iPhone. Since the iPhone XR became available, its been the best-selling iPhone each and every day that its been on sale, Joswiak told Reuters. In addition to including many of the features from its higher-priced models, Apple also made the iPhone XR available in the broadest colour palette for iPhones since the iPhone 5C released in 2013. Apple is planning to promote the red version of the iPhone XR as part of Product Red, the charity effort that gives a portion of sales of red-coloured products to the Global Fund for programs to address HIV and AIDS. Apple offered the red iPhone XR at launch while in the past the company has offered a mid-spring upgrade of a red iPhone model to support the charity. Joswiak said the company has raised USD 200 million for the Global Fund so far. Apple plans to promote the red products during and after World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. CBI director Alok Verma has to wait as the Supreme Court on Thursday decided to examine if the Union government and the Central Vigilance Commission can denude the chief of the premier investigating agency of his power without nod of the high-powered committee that appointed him for a fixed tenure of two years. "Suppose a CBI chief is caught red-handed taking a bribe, what should be the course of action? You say the committee has to be approached but should the person continue even for a minute, a bench presided over by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked senior advocate F S Nariman, representing Verma. In such a case too, the government has to approach the committee or the court, he responded. The bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph, clarified that the court has gone through the CVC inquiry report against Verma but it was not referring to it for the time being as it was confining its hearing to the pure question of law. The court put the matter for consideration on December 5. The Union government led by Attorney General K K Venugopal contended that though the selection of CBI director was by the committee, his appointment was by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. The question does not arise so far as consultation with the committee was concerned, he said, adding Verma was still the director and continued to occupy government accommodation and have support staff. The primary concern was to protect people's faith in the CBI. Its top two officers were at loggerheads. The public opinion was getting negative. And, hence, the government decided to intervene in public interest so that CBI doesn't lose public confidence," Venugopal said. Wings clipped Nariman, however, maintained the orders issued on October 23 by the Union government's department of personnel and training and the Central Vigilance Commission have clipped Verma's wings, which was not contemplated in the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act and the CVC Act. Relying upon the Vineet Narain judgement, he said Verma was appointed on February 1, 2017 for a fixed tenure of two years by the highest body, that comprised Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition. The bench, which heard the matter for about four hours, posed further questions to counsel Dushyant Dave, appearing for NGO 'Common Cause', and Rajeev Dhavan, who challenged transfer of CBI officer A K Bassi, after both Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana were divested of their power. Govt can't touch? So you are advancing a proposition that the selection committee is absolute principle, knowing no exception. The director of the CBI can't be touched by the government whatsoever may be the circumstances or howsoever compelling could be the reasons, the bench asked them. Yes, said all the counsels, while senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mallikarjun Kharge, a member of the high-powered committee, said the CVC and the government can't override the power of the selection committee. The counsel also pointed out, even if there were some lacuna in the statutes, the government can't transfer the CBI chief without procedure. Otherwise it would affect other constitutional bodies like the UPSC and the CAG. A misjudgement on the part of immigration officials led to wrongful detention of 32 nurses bound for Armenia for study purpose. The women from Kerala said they were held at the Kempegowda International Airport in pitiful conditions with no access to washroom. The nurses and their organiser, Tony Tom, underwent an ordeal at the hands of immigration officials as well as the Bengaluru Police, who registered an FIR declaring that the 32 women were being trafficked without verifying facts. The nursing graduates from Kerala had taken the services of an education consultancy based in Kankanady of Mangaluru. The consultancy owned by Tony Tom had helped them enrol in the two-month German language course at the University of Traditional Medicine Republic of Armenia (UTMRA). The women were asked to pay Rs 1.5 lakh for the course, and Tom had taken Rs 29,200 for visa, pick-up, admission and Rs 37,450 for air ticket. They were told to pay the remaining amount during the course period. Tom brought all the 32 to the Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night. They were to board a flight at 1.45 am on Tuesday. During check-in, immigration officials doubted they were carrying fake documents. They were detained on suspicion that they were being trafficked to Armenia. Tom, along with the nurses, were held till 11 am on Tuesday at the airport. The authorities concluded that it was a case of human trafficking and alerted the BIAL police. Ravishankar, immigration officer, Bureau of Immigration, filed a complaint and handed over Tom to them. One of the nurses told DH that they were treated badly during the 11-hour stay with immigration officials. They did not even allow us to go to washroom. On Tuesday morning, we were hungry and they neither arranged breakfast nor allowed us to buy, the victim said. Another nurse said, We missed our flight and lost the ticket money. We had to face a lot of inconvenience due to the ignorance of the officials. They are responsible for the inconvenience caused to us. We have taken loans to study abroad. Kala Krishnaswamy, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast Division), said the police received information from the Armenian embassy over telephone that all the 32 women had taken admission at UTMRA in Yerevan. We are waiting for official confirmation through documents. We will verify them with the education department and submit before court that there was no human trafficking and that the nurses were genuinely going to study there, she said. Labhu Ram, Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, said they had handed over the case to the airport police and communicated with the Armenian embassy. Asked about the goof-up by his officials and the monetary loss to nurses, he said he would look into the matter. The US has unveiled the architectural model of its Expo 2020 pavilion, which is being designed by renowned American architect Curtis W Fentress of Colorado-based Curtis W Fentress of Fentress Architects. The Pavilion USA 2020, a public-private partnership between the US Department of State and a private sector consortium of leading US entities, will showcase the very best of the country's cultural and commercial achievements. The architectural model of the US Expo 2020 pavilion was unveiled at a colourful ceremony held in Dubai. The model has been designed to project a sensation of movement, thus making the viewer feel like the building itself is in motion. Unveiling the model, Fentress said: "Today were looking at an Expo that is related to mobility, movement, travel, sustainability things that are very important to the world today. Hence, we have designed this building to be circular in form with slants fashioned to project a sensation of movement, making the viewer feel like the building itself is in motion." And then, once you enter the building, it opens up to what the US stands for: We are an open, accessible country where you can live to create ideas. It showcases all the things we are doing in America: developing technology and concepts that are going to move us forward in the future," he explained. Designing this pavilion is a tremendous responsibility -one we take very seriously- as we will be showcasing America and American ideas to over 25 million people expected to visit the Expo, he added. The event also saw the signing of a MoU, the first-of-its kind agreement between Pavilion USA 2020, AmCham Dubai, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and the US-UAE Business Council to promote the shared goal of engaging the private sector in a history-making US pavilion. The Pavilion USA 2020 leadership along with Krista Pilot, VP (Corporate Affairs) for Asia, Middle East and North Africa at PepsiCo has announced that the 120-year-old New York-based company, known globally for its food and beverage products, will be a lead sponsor and Official Beverage partner of Pavilion USA 2020. It also announced its official partnership with California-based Virgin Hyperloop One, which will premiere its Hyperloop ride experience at the US pavilion. This marks the beginning of a multi-year global engagement campaign that will spotlight the innovations showcased at the US pavilion in preparation for its opening in October 2020, said a top official. This pavilion provides a unique platform for our nation to come together to showcase the very best of our cultural and commercial achievements," remarked Frederick M Bush, the chairman. Gregory D. Houston, CEO of Pavilion USA 2020 said they were committed to the prudent and responsible management of a pavilion that engages the world with the incredible diversity and innovations that define the United States of America.-TradeArabia News Service Nick Miccarelli will leave the state House today for the last time as a state representative under a cloud of sexual assault and other allegations that have yet to be fully resolved. The Republican Pennsylvania National Guard veteran served the 162nd District for a decade, handily defeating opponents in five races before announcing he would not seek a sixth term earlier this year. The announcement came after two former girlfriends accused Miccarelli of mental and physical abuse in a confidential complaint filed with House leadership in February. Miccarelli, of Ridley Park, has vehemently denied the allegations, though a caucus investigation found the womens claims credible and forwarded information about the complaint on to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo. A criminal investigation is ongoing. Miccarellis final months in office were inauspicious as he was hounded to resign by fellow legislators, Gov. Tom Wolf and even House leadership, though no official action was ever taken to force him out. He was also stripped of his standing committee positions after leadership found he had violated a caucus policy prohibiting retaliation when he named one of his accusers in a Facebook post and provided nude photos of her to news outlets. That woman, a Republican political consultant who formerly dated Miccarelli, told the Daily Times in March that her business was negatively impacted after her name was revealed and she had to live in a hotel out of fear of going home. She claimed Miccarelli forced her to have sex shortly after she ended the relationship in 2014. The woman said she also believed he had drugged her one night while they were dating and engaged in non-consensual sexual behavior while she was unconscious. The other accuser in the House complaint, state Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116 of Butler Township, also accused Miccarelli of physically abusing and threatening her during their relationship. Toohil who had initially remained confidential alleged in the complaint that Miccarelli kicked, pinched and hit her while they were dating, including at legislative events they attended together. He also allegedly held her against the wall of her Capitol office by the neck, pointed a gun at her in 2012 and at one point threatened to kill them both by crashing a vehicle while driving at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Toohil secured a three-year protection from abuse order against Miccarelli in March, under which he admitted no wrongdoing but was restricted from possessing a firearm during the pendency of the PFA except while on duty with the National Guard. Miccarellis seat on the floor was additionally moved from seat 42 to seat 111, according to Stephen Miskin, a spokesman for House Republican Leadership. Miskin said the move put Miccarelli two sections away from Toohil, who was also assigned a bodyguard to accompany her to meetings and the House floor. Its a bittersweet day for Nick, said spokesman Frank Keel Thursday. He will miss being part of the Pennsylvania Legislature and especially being able to serve the many good people of the 162nd District that he knows so well. On the other hand, hes glad to put the well-orchestrated, media-driven controversy behind him and move into the next chapter of his life. Nick thanks all those legislative colleagues who stood by him through all of it and wishes them well going forward. Keel added that Miccarelli has no plans, political or otherwise, that he is willing to announce at this time and is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday season with his family. While he leaves with his reputation tarnished, Miccarelli does not walk away from his time in the Legislature empty handed. By serving until Nov. 30, he hit a 10-year mark of legislative service that makes him and his family eligible to receive lifetime taxpayer-funded health care benefits, as well as a pension from the State Employees Retirement System. Taxpayers are expected to pay more than $2,000 per month or $27,671 annually to cover Miccarellis and his wifes health benefits, according to House Chief Clerk Dave Reddecliff. A story posted on the PennLive website Wednesday also estimated Miccarelli could also expect an annual pension of $32,311 if he does not retire before age 50. SERS could not be reached late Thursday to confirm that figure. Democrat David Delloso, 53, of Ridley, will replace Miccarelli in January. Delloso, who was recently re-elected to a three-year term as president of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 312, defeated former Republican Delaware County Sheriff Mary Hopper 12,826 to 12,056 in the November General Election to flip the seat for the first time in 40 years. The Associated Press found that as of August, at least 76 state lawmakers faced public allegations or repercussions over sexual misconduct claims since January 2017. Thirty of them had resigned or were expelled. The opponents of the Mariner East 2 pipeline have not gone away. Theyve gone to Harrisburg. Today a small band of residents opposed to Sunocos multi-billion dollar plan to transport volatile gases through their densely populated neighborhoods will take their case directly to the state Public Utility Commission. Nothing else has stopped Sunoco and parent company Energy Transfer Partners out of Texas from pushing toward the date when they will push the button to begin moving hundreds of thousands of barrels of butane, ethane and propane from the states Marcellus Shale regions across the full width of Pennsylvania to a facility in the former refinery at Marcus Hook. Once there it will be stored and shipped for the most part to foreign customers. The group of citizens from Chester and Delaware counties not only want the PUC to block Sunoco from putting Mariner East 2 online, they want the state agency to halt the same materials that are already flowing through a smaller, existing pipeline. Sunoco wants to puts its Mariner East 2 pipeline, which has struggled with a series of delays, in operation by the end of the year. But they have been unable to complete the project with newly installed 20-inch pipe. So they are planning to use older, existing 16- and 12-inch pipe to fill in the gaps. Residents, who have not exactly been enamored with having this new pipeline as a neighbor, sometimes in their backyards and within a couple of hundred feet of schools and senior centers, believe the plan only increases what they already see as a risky plan. Specifically, they claim Sunoco has not provided the public with a credible public awareness program in the event of a leak of these volatile natural gas liquids. More than that, they also are asking the PUC to permanently halt operation of the pipelines, saying the project runs afoul of state laws regulating safe operation of utilities. They make the argument that the PUC has an obligation to protect citizens by ensuring pipeline safety. Its not the first time the argument has been made. For months residents have complained to anyone who would listen local governing bodies, county council, state legislators, Gov. Tom Wolf, and the PUC asking them to intervene and halt the project. So far their arguments have fallen on deaf ears. For their part, Sunoco insists the state already has verified the safety of both the Mariner East 1 and 2 pipelines. They point out they have adhered to all PUC mandates, including several that stopped work on the line for months and delayed completion of the pipeline. The company also says they have worked closely with local authorities and have actively made their Public Awareness Program available to the public through a series of mailed brochures, face-to-face liaison meetings and specialized training. They say the 12-inch line that will be used to fill in some spots on Mariner East 2 underwent a $30 million upgrade in 2016. Now Sunoco is pushing to get Mariner East 2 online. A risk analysis paid for by a grassroots group opposed to the pipeline underscored the concerns that have been raised by pipeline foes for months. Specifically, it warned that in the case of a leak of hazardous, highly volatile liquids for the proposed 20-inch pipeline could extend up to 2,135 feet away from the site of the leak or rupture. That reinforces one of the loudest complaints of pipeline foes, who question the notion of sending such volatile liquids through densely populated neighborhoods here in Delaware and Chester counties. Todays hearing might just be the last stand for residents opposed to Mariner East 2. Mariner East 2 will run approximately 23 miles across the heart of Chester County before hitting the Delaware County border. Then it will snake another 11 miles across the western end of the county before arriving in Marcus Hook, following roughly the same path of the old refinery pipeline that carried petroleum to the refinery for years. But today the Battle of Mariner East 2 will take a detour to the state capital. Opponents will make their case before the PUC. They will argue that this is a terrible idea and that Sunocos new hybrid plan to get the pipeline up and running only makes things worse. Its an uphill battle, one that they have made before. Back in May, state Sen. Andy Dinniman used a similar petition to the PUC and got construction halted after sinkholes developed in a West Whiteland neighborhood believed connected to drilling for Mariner East 2 that exposed the old Mariner East 1 pipeline. That edict was later partially overturned by the full PUC. Regardless of what they rule, one thing is fairly certain. State regulators as with everyone else connected to this project will not be able to answer the one question that continues to hang over this proposal, the one that keeps residents awake at night thinking about their new neighbor, carrying hundreds of thousands of barrels of volatile liquid gases just feet from their homes. What if? SOUTH JORDAN Cole James Spencer is a typical 4-year-old. He's happy to slide down the stairs, with his shiny, blond hair flying, just to say "hi." He can make a fort out of the couch pillows to hide in when he gets tired of a reporter's questions. He blows bubbles, loves playing with his five siblings (four brothers and a sister), enjoys digging in the sandbox and can move quickly around in his pint-size wheelchair. And of course, he thrives on attention. Cole is also this year's poster child quite literally for the 2018 Festival of Trees, an example of a child with physical challenges who doesn't let anything stop him from being friendly and busy. "He's a character," said Joann Spencer, Cole's mother. "We'll be out and he'll just choose a guy and tell me, 'I want to go say hi' and off he'll go. And it's usually not someone you'd expect a child to befriend." Cole's natural openness and positivity made him a logical choice to represent the Festival of Trees, which exists to help raise money for Primary Childrens Hospital. It helped, too, that Cole's family lives nearby to Shona Peterson, the Festival of Trees co-chair. "Joann's my neighbor," Peterson said in a recent interview. "I suggested Cole. I just thought he'd be a great representative of what we're doing as a festival." Peterson, one of the festival's some 33,000 volunteers, has a grandchild who required an innovative surgery as an infant so she feels a closeness to families like the Spencers. When Joann Spencer was pregnant with Cole, she went in for her 20-week ultrasound and discovered the child she was carrying had potential physical problems. Doctors diagnosed Cole with spina bifida and hydrocephalus while still in the womb, and Spencer underwent fetal surgery, spending a month in a hospital in San Francisco. Cole was born early and spent his first two months in the University of Utah Hospital. Since then, Mark and Joann Spencer have visited the Primary Children's Medical Center every two weeks after that to ensure their son is still doing well, staying in close touch with his doctors to make certain nothing changes that could slow his progress. "That first year was pretty rough," said Joann Spencer. "We're still always on the watch for things. It's like a mystery game, finding out what works and what doesn't. "We're really blessed to have Primary Children's right here. We do totally benefit from the music therapy, the spina bifida Clinic and there's a playroom he likes." The Spencers aren't the only family who have found the resources at Primary Children's helpful. Now in its 48th year, the Festival of Trees raises money each year to help provide care and treatment for Primary Children's patients who can't afford it. Cole's parents are on a Medicaid waiver so fortunately for the family, his expenses are covered, but each year Primary Children's spends over $18.8 million to cover hospital care for children in need. That first year was pretty rough. It's like a mystery game, finding out what works and what doesn't. Joann Spencer Last year, the festival, considered the largest in-door display of decorated Christmas trees in the world, raised $2.7 million through the efforts of the volunteers and donors, who contribute decorated trees, goodies, handmade gifts and their time. Over 100,000 attendees visited the event. "There's a lot of need. We bring (in) as much as we can," Peterson said. "It's just a good thing in the world." At 4, Cole still has challenges ahead. He's mobile in his wheelchair, able to crawl and learning to walk with braces, and attends therapy twice a week plus two preschools one for special needs children and one in his neighborhood. As the festival's poster boy, he has attended public events and participated in the annual telethon held in May. As often as he's able, he goes out to support the festival. "It's an incredible opportunity," said Joann Spencer. Next year will mean kindergarten for the active boy, where his mother plans to enroll him in a mainstream class. Although he's still very young, Cole shows no signs of slowing down, a wonder not lost on his mother. "He's a miracle for our family," she said. If you go What: Festival of Trees When: Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 10 a.m-9 p.m. Where: Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 State, Sandy Tickets: $7 for adults, $4 for children, $6 for seniors Website: festivaloftreesutah.org Too bad we cant put marijuana on the ballot every election year. Or a 10-cent gas tax hike for education; or a razor-thin race for the 4th Congressional District; or a man in the White House who in his, shall we say unique way, gets people excited about voting; or whatever it was that truly got people out this year. Ive been doing this a long time. The first column I wrote about voter turnout, or the lack thereof, was 20 years ago. Back then, 45 percent of registered voters had just participated in an off-year election, and it was popular to do a lot of hand-wringing about the future of democracy. Today, we wring our hands about things such as the level of incivility in our political discourse, the spread of misinformation over social media and other internet sources and the nasty left-right divisions that seem to teeter control of Congress back and forth every few years. And voter turnout is suddenly up. Up, that is, but not overwhelmingly great. Utahs official turnout rate was 75.5 percent of registered voters. That is the highest for a nonpresidential year since 1962, when the figure was 77 percent. This is good news, of course, but it must be kept in perspective. The percentage of registered voters is only a measure of how many people who already had the initiative to register decided to actually follow through. The United States Elections Project keeps track of a more telling statistic the percentage of eligible voters people 18 or older who arent in prison who voted. Preliminary figures showed Utah with a 51.4 percent turnout under this definition. A pessimist might say this means almost half of eligible Utahns didnt vote. The optimist would note that this still is a big improvement over past elections. So the question of the day seems to be, is nastiness good for voter turnout? By nastiness, I mean the perpetual state of rage and demonization of the other side that seems to define a portion of the electorate today, from the president on down. The answer seems to be probably. No one expects a low turnout in 2020, especially if Donald Trump stands for re-election. This time around, control of the House seemed to be a catalyst, especially in the 4th District, which swung to the Democratic side by a margin too small to fill your local school auditorium. Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters the highest vote count for anything on the ballot was for Proposition 2, the statewide medical marijuana initiative. That means many people participated solely because of that item, not voting for anything else. That hardly qualifies them as an engaged electorate. But he also attributed the turnout to the political atmosphere, saying, Certainly, having a president thats so controversial and every day is tweeting and getting people involved for better or worse, whichever way you look at that, definitely thats driving things. During this election season, members of the KSL/Deseret News editorial board often asked candidates for federal office what they would do to end the divisiveness in Washington. When I asked that of Rep. Rob Bishop, he scoffed at the premise and gave me a quick history lesson on the long tradition of nastiness in American politics. Were hardly plowing new ground. That may be true, but it seems as if weve taken things to a new level recently. After all, when I wrote that column back in 1998, the House was getting ready to impeach President Clinton. That didnt seem to be enough to get people interested in voting. And if todays high turnout rate really is a Trump effect, what happens when he no longer is on the ballot? Will we still be able to muster the rage to vote? Is rage really the defining factor to a vibrant democracy? Should it be? In a Deseret News op-ed published a year ago, Utah Foundation President Peter Reichard noted a clear correlation between voter turnout and high education levels, high incomes and older age groups. This may explain, at least partially, why Minnesota seems always to lead the nation in turnout, despite not always having competitive races. As a state, it ranks second in the nation for the percentage of people with an associates degree or higher, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Getting people to vote through this route seems better for democracy in the long run than trying to keep them enraged. LEHI As part of the windup to the 2019 Silicon Slopes Tech Summit in January, the Utah nonprofit is teaming up with local venture capital firm Peak Ventures to offer one lucky startup a check for $250,000. Getting a hold of that cash, however, will require getting through a 32-team competition that will combine the real-world grind of pitching business ideas to potential investors with a sidebar that could play out like an episode of "Shark Tank." Silicon Slopes Executive Director Clint Betts said the effort revives an annual competition previously hosted by the group for up-and-coming businesses that was briefly suspended in 2018, but adds a few new twists. "This is a revamp of a competition we've done before, but instead of splitting the investment prize among the top three finishers, it's a winner-take-all," Betts said. "The final eight teams will be on stage at the summit, with a panel of judges that will include one person from Peak Ventures and the other three will be local CEOs." Betts said the CEO judges will all be individuals who are actively investing in burgeoning businesses, so there's a chance, even for companies that don't score the grand prize, to attract new investment. "We know for sure, the winner is going to get $250,000," Betts said. "But what we dont know is if any of these CEOs in the finale are going to decide to invest their own money in the winner or one of these other companies." As it's a startup competition, a business status that can be hard to define, Betts said the contest is open only to companies that have raised less than $1 million in venture investment. Deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 21 with applications being accepted via an online portal at siliconslopessummit.com/competition. Betts said a panel of local investors will winnow entrants down to the 32 best ideas and preliminary competitions will take place during the month of January at the Silicon Slopes office in Lehi. The eight top teams will compete at the tech summit taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. WASHINGTON Utah Rep.-elect Ben McAdams was one of 32 votes against California Rep. Nancy Pelosi's nomination as speaker Wednesday by House Democrats. "Ben campaigned on the need for new leadership in Washington on both sides of the aisle and promised to not vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker," McAdams' campaign manager, Andrew Roberts, said. Roberts, now an adviser to the only Democratic member of Utah's congressional delegation, said McAdams "kept his promise to Utah today by voting no and hopes to see another Democratic leader emerge in the coming weeks." Pelosi won the vote, 203-32, but she still faces a showdown vote when the full House convenes in January. She entered the closed-door caucus election in an unusual position running unopposed despite the clamor by some Democrats for new leadership. Votes were still being counted, but she was assured of victory. "Are there dissenters? Yes," Pelosi told reporters as voting was underway. "But I expect to have a powerful vote going forward." Roberts said McAdams wasn't thinking about possible repercussions for voting against Pelosi. "Ben ran for Congress to work for Utah, not to toe a party line," he said. "As a mayor and as a state legislator, he built a reputation as someone who gets things done," Roberts said. "He finds a way to work with people with different points of view. It is the same approach he'll have in Washington." Pelosi was nominated as her party's choice for speaker by Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts, with no fewer than eight colleagues set to second the choice, including Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, the civil rights leader, and three newly elected lawmakers. In a letter to colleagues ahead of voting, Pelosi gave a nod to those clamoring for change. "We all agree that history is in a hurry, and we need to accelerate the pace of change in Congress," she wrote, noting the "historic" class of new first-term lawmakers, the largest since Watergate, who led Democrats to the majority in the midterm election. "My responsibility is to recognize the myriad of talent and tools at our disposal to take us in to the future by showcasing the idealism, intellect and imagination of our caucus," she wrote. Pelosi's opponents had pledged to usher in a new era for Democrats. But one by one, the powerful California congresswoman picked off the would-be challengers and smoothed skeptics. In the end, there was no one willing, or able, to mount a serious campaign against her bid to reclaim the speaker's job, which she held from 2007 to 2011, before the GOP took back the majority. Pelosi still lacks the vote tally she'll need in January, when the new Congress convenes, to ascend to the post. "You can't beat someone with no one," said Rep.-elect Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., who explained in a statement that she came to Washington eager to hear from colleagues and "hopeful that many candidates would step up to the plate." But "the only person that declared their intentions, spoke to me about their vision and asked me for my vote is Nancy Pelosi." Democrats were poised to return their entire top leadership team, including Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland in the No. 2 spot as majority leader and Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina in the No. 3 spot as whip. They were running unopposed. Plenty of newcomers were set to fill the down-ballot slots Those trying to oust Pelosi say they always knew the internal caucus election would fall in her favor. She only needed a simple majority of Democrats, who have a 233-seat majority, with several races still undecided, to win the nomination. But she'll need 218 votes in January, half the full 435-seat House, which is harder, if all Republicans vote against her, as is likely though she could win with fewer votes if some lawmakers are absent or vote present. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., played down the significance of Wednesday's caucus vote and said the true fight for House speaker will occur in January. "We're not going to make a big play of it," he said. "It's Jan. 3." Several factions within the Democratic caucus in the House worked against Pelosi, but they failed to gain ground in recent days. Still, there seem to be more than enough votes to stop Pelosi in January. Some say only with a floor fight in view will new leaders emerge. They say there are plenty of Democrats on the bench who could step up to the job. But Pelosi's ability to stand unopposed Wednesday, despite the threats from within and reams of attack ads against her, showed the staying power of her brand of machine politics. "The reality is there is no alternative," said Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., who had signed on to the letter opposing her but reversed course after Pelosi tapped him to lead his effort to expand Medicare options to those age 50 to 65. She was the female speaker and hopes to return to a role few men have had twice most recently, legendary Speaker Sam Rayburn a half-century ago. Between now and January, Pelosi will work the levers of power by doling out the many committee seat assignments, subcommittee chairmanships and other perks she is able to offer, or withhold, as incentives to win over supporters. Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), was recognised for its localisation efforts at Saudi Aramcos In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) Forum in Dhahran. The company also announced a series of agreements at the forum. The agreements are in line with Saudi Aramcos 2030 vision and IKTVA programme, said a statement from the company. BHGEs support for the advancement of Saudi local suppliers and development of in-country expertise was formerly recognised at the forum, as the company received the 2018 IKTVA Excellence Award for Best in Supplier and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development. BHGE has more than 1,350 Saudi suppliers in its supply chain and has helped create more than 5,300 indirect jobs. BHGE signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco highlighting the companys five-year IKTVA roadmap to expand BHGEs footprint in the kingdom. This MoU supports its efforts to drive local job creation and develop a broader base of local suppliers with the capabilities necessary to meet the demand. This supports Saudi Aramcos IKTVA programme which aims to achieve 70 per cent local content, create thousands of new jobs and increase exports by 2021. BHGE also carried out the official inauguration of its 30,000-sq-m multi-modal facility, located in the 2nd Industrial City in Dammam (Modon). It will support manufacturing, assembly, packaging and testing of turbomachinery equipment and components and is the first facility of its kind outside of BHGEs Turbomachinery & Process Solutions headquarters in Florence, Italy. Today, the multi-modal facility has over 90 per cent Saudisation and is working with more than 20 local suppliers to support its operations. The majority of the components are being localised for the first time ever not only in the Kingdom, but also within the entire region. Today, the facility supports the needs of the Haradh and Hawiyah gas compression project in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand in the future to serve the Middle East. The facility can accommodate the assembly of any size and kind of turbomachinery equipment including heavy duty and aeroderivative gas turbines, steam turbines and centrifugal compressors. In addition, a high-pressure testing bunker is built within the facility for hydrostatic and leakage tests. Rami Qasem, president and CEO of BHGE Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and India, said: Saudi Arabia is diversifying and strengthening its oil and gas ecosystem with a focus on significant long-term value creation. With our presence in the Kingdom for over 80 years and playing a vital role in the countrys oil and gas industry, we understand the need to build the skills of Saudi talents to lead and serve the diverse initiatives. Our efforts in the region help create a vibrant local supply chain; from drilling services to manufacturing, we are covering the entire bandwidth of the oil and gas sector in the kingdom, he added. With over 2,700 employees, BHGE has more than 10 facilities for manufacturing, maintenance and R&D in the kingdom. BHGE's footprint includes an assembly, maintenance and overhaul workshop; a drill bits manufacturing facility that exports to over 40 countries; a completions and well intervention facility; a pressure control facility that is the largest and one of the most advanced by BHGE in the region with the manufacturing done entirely in the kingdom; the Dhahran Technology Center that has over 15 R&D projects and has filed over 30 patents; an artificial lift facility that partners with 120 local suppliers; a turbomachinery processes and services facility; and one of the first and largest chemical blending plants in the kingdom. TradeArabia News Services OGDEN A man once named as a person of interest in a fatal shooting in Ogden now has a $100,000 warrant out for his arrest for murder. Keshaun Mykel Puente, 21, was formally charged Nov. 7 in 2nd District Court with murder, along with three counts of discharge of a firearm. All of the charges are first-degree felonies. On June 13, Denero Snyder, 23, was shot and killed at 630 23rd Street. According to charging documents, Puente and Snyder got into an argument in a parking lot before Puente walked away and got into a car. Snyder then followed him to the car. "(Puente) got out of the car and appeared to pull a gun from his waistband and fired several shots at D.S. at almost point-blank range," the charges state. Puente then got back into the car and drove off with a woman, according to court documents. Ogden police learned that the car is registered to Puente's 17-year-old girlfriend and that his grandparents live in the same apartment complex where the shooting occurred, the charges state. The car was later found in North Las Vegas, court documents state. In the vehicle, police found Puente's birth certificate, a notice from Layton District Court and a store receipt from Riverdale, the charges state. When police in Utah interviewed Puente's girlfriend in June, she told them that she had heard three shots, and that she and Puente were chased by another vehicle after the shooting, court documents state. She claimed they were already planning to go to Las Vegas on vacation, and drove there, the charges state. The teen said Puente was still in Las Vegas. Puente also has a warrant out for his arrest on a charge or object rape for an incident in 2017, according to court records, and for misdemeanor assault in a separate case from Layton in May. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. SALT LAKE CITY Authorities on Wednesday announced they have solved a 20-year-old cold case homicide and identified a woman whose body was found off the side of a road in Garfield County. On April 20, 1998, the body of a woman was found wrapped in several layers of plastic and duct tape and rolled in a sleeping bag and piece of carpet on the side of state Route 276 about 40 miles north of Lake Powell near Maidenwater Spring. Police said she had a fatal gunshot wound to her head. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office announced in a Facebook post Wednesday that the woman was recently identified by the State Bureau of Investigation as Lina Reyes-Geddes, of Ohio. "The suspect of this murder committed suicide in Nevada in the early 2000s," officials said. The release did not include additional information about that suspect, including the person's identity or why police believe he or she killed Reyes-Geddes. "The Garfield County Sheriff's Office is very grateful to give our victim a name and peace to her family. We are also grateful for the State Bureau of Investigation for their help," the office wrote. According to the Charley Project, which compiles information about missing persons, Reyes-Geddes resided in Austintown and was 37 years old the last time she was seen alive. Her husband reported her missing to police six months after she left to travel to Texas, the Charley Project states. In October, authorities said the only person of interest in the case was convicted serial killer Scott "Hannibal" Kimball, who is serving a 70-year prison sentence for murdering four people, including his uncle. Authorities declined to provide additional information about the case Wednesday. A news conference was scheduled to take place Thursday, when more details will be released. SALT LAKE CITY Sen. Mike Lee made a fervent plea Wednesday for the Senate to vote on ending U.S. involvement in Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen that he said has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people. The Utah Republican said in a Senate floor speech that continuing to support the Saudis, especially in light of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is "bad diplomacy." "U.S intervention in Yemen is unauthorized, unconstitutional and immoral, and we must not, we cannot delay voting to end our involvement and our support of Saudi Arabia any further," Lee said. "If we do, we have only ourselves to blame for our country's lost credibility on the world stage and more importantly our own consciences will bear the blame for the thousand of lives that will surely continue to be lost." The Senate voted 63-37 to consider a resolution to remove U.S. support of Saudi Arabia-led forces in Yemen, defying a White House memo strongly opposing the measure. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, voted against the bill. Lee, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., introduced the resolution in February. The U.S. has supported Saudi Arabia in the war against the Houthis, an Islamic sect that seized the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and other parts of the country more than three years ago. The Senate tabled the resolution in March to allow the Senate Foreign Relations Committee time to study the issue. The committee introduced a bipartisan bill, but has has not taken further action. "So today, eight months later, the bloodshed continues still abetted by the United States, even amidst further revelations of Saudi depravity," Lee said. "It is long past overdue that Congress remove U.S. forces from Yemen as recent circumstances only confirm," he said, citing U.S. intelligence reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist. The Trump administration contends the premise of the resolution is flawed because the U.S. military is not engaged in hostilities between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi forces. The U.S. has provided limited support, including intelligence sharing, logistics and, until recently, aerial refueling, according to the White House. Lee said the U.S. is helping Saudi Arabia bomb its adversaries. "If that doesnt constitute hostilities, I dont know what does," he said, becoming animated during his floor speech. To date, 10,000 civilians have been killed and 40,000 wounded, Lee said, adding that a bomb recently dropped on a school bus killed 40 boys. The war has created refugees, orphans and widows and displaced countless families, he said. Yemen, he said, is in crisis, with millions of people lacking access to food and clean water and facing rampant disease. "The numbers and inhumanity are staggering," Lee said. The White House argues that resolution would hurt U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of al-Qaida and ISIS. Lee said while the Houthis are no friends of the United States, they don't pose a threat to national security. "In fact, the longer that we fight against them, the more reason we give them to hate America and embrace the opportunists who are our true enemy in the region, Iran," he said. SALT LAKE CITY A man described as a "constitutionalist," who was once convicted for refusing to pay taxes and threatening to kill federal agents, was booked into the Davis County Jail Wednesday on a federal firearms charge related to a standoff at a Logan convenience store. David John D'Addabbo, 63, was booked into jail for investigation of purchase, transfer or possession of a firearm by a restricted person, according to a jail affidavit. He was being held without bail on an order by a federal judge, court records state. Charging documents for D'Addabbo's arrest remained sealed Wednesday. But according to a search warrant filed in 1st District Court in October, officers on patrol in Logan on Oct. 29 came across D'Addabbo's vehicle and noted his license plate was fake. "We were told that David is a constitutionalist, and believes that he does not need to register his vehicle. We were told that David put this false license plate on his vehicle and was driving it around. We were also told that David has been arrested federally in the past. When he was arrested, the federal agents found two guns on his person. David sent threats to law enforcement stating that next time he will be faster. We were told that David is extremely dangerous, and that he will try to shoot police officers," the warrant states. Backup units were called and police followed D'Addabbo to 400 North Main in Logan. Once officers were in place, they turned on their emergency lights and D'Addabbo pulled into a 7-Eleven parking lot at 405 N. Main. Officers used a loudspeaker to order D'Addabbo to put his hands out the window and then get out of his vehicle, the warrant states. "After requesting this several times, David stepped out of the vehicle. David had both of his hands near his pants pockets and waistband. I told David to put his hands up, but he would not. After telling David to put his hands up again, he got back into the truck, and rolled his window up," according to the warrant. Following a standoff, "eventually negotiators were able to talk David into giving up peacefully," the warrant states. Police found a handgun and two magazines of ammunition in the car, and ammunition for another gun in a fanny pack, according to a return to the warrant. Investigators also seized a "homemade 'Title of Liberty' license plate," the warrant states. In 2006, D'Addabbo pleaded guilty to threatening a federal treasury agent with letters he had sent to the Internal Revenue Service. The letters had threatened other federal agents with execution, according to court documents. According to a federal indictment filed in that case, D'Addabbo stated that anyone who tried to collect taxes from him and his wife would be tried by "a jury of common people. You then could be found guilty and taken immediately to a firing squad." SALT LAKE CITY Heres a look at the news for Nov. 29. A look at our top headlines The Deseret News released results from the American Family Survey. Catch up on what youve missed. Utah Sen. Mike Lee makes an impassioned plea to pull U.S. forces from Saudi Arabias war in Yemen. Read more. Donovan Mitchell returned from his two-game absence to lead the Utah Jazz past the Brooklyn Nets in New York. Read more. The Utah Jazz traded for the Cavaliers Kyle Korver Wednesday. Read reactions from Jazz players. Utah investigators said they have solved a 20-year-old murder case. Read more. Sundance announced the 2019 film festivals lineup. Here are nine films that caught our attention. Church News released a new video featuring President Russell M. Nelson on the future of the church. See it here. A look at our most popular: Featured voices: A look at national headlines: SALT LAKE CITY A retired man who said he got up every morning and surfed child pornography as part of his daily routine has been sentenced to seven months in jail. David Craig Jeremy, 67, of Salt Lake City, was ordered Tuesday to serve 210 days in jail, followed by 60 months of probation. It's the same sentence his brother, Kevin Glen Jeremy, 61, of Salt Lake City, received in October. Both men struck plea deals in separate cases, pleading guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in exchange for numerous other counts being dismissed. In May, David Jeremy was charged with 15 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, while his brother was charged with 13 counts of the same charge. The brothers lived together in a Salt Lake City apartment. According to court records, David Jeremy told investigators "he just couldnt think of other things to do once he retired." So he "got up in the morning and made a cup of coffee. He watched some news, surfed the internet and looked up child pornography," according to charging documents. "Jeremy admitted he searched the internet almost on a daily basis for child pornography," the charges say, "but stated that he didnt think it was a problem." The brothers would also Photoshop images of themself with images of child porn, the charges state. SALT LAKE CITY Gov. Gary Herbert is fighting back against Utah County in a legal fight over the governor's rejection of the county's nominees to the new Utah Transit Authority board. Hours before a midnight deadline Wednesday night, the Utah Attorney General's Office filed on behalf of the governor a response to Utah County's petition for the Utah Supreme Court to compel Herbert to appoint one of the county's two nominees to UTA's new board, meant to overhaul the scandal-tainted organization. Herbert in the filing asserts his power to reject the county's nominees, arguing Utah County did not properly include Tooele County in the nomination process. The new UTA board was created under SB136, transportation legislation passed earlier this year mandating the board's three seats will be made up of representatives chosen from Utah and Tooele counties, Salt Lake County, and Davis, Weber and Box Elder counties. In the filing, the governor included declarations and emails from Tooele County officials and Utah County mayors showing frustration and "fractured" support for the nominees: Pleasant Grove City Councilman Ben Stanley, an attorney, and former Cedar Hills Councilman Rob Crawley, owner of a consulting company. The two nominations drew some criticism, including from former Cedar Hills Mayor Gary Gygi, who wrote in a Daily Herald op-ed that both men are friends of Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee, questioning their qualifications for the position. In the filing, attorneys for the governor's office also included an email from Utah County Commissioner Greg Graves to Herbert showing the 2-1 vote approving the nominations appeared to "crumble." Graves, one of the two commissioners who voted to approve the names, later sent an email withdrawing his support for Stanley's nomination after "consulting with others," according to the email. "As has been illustrated by the mayors of Utah County and members of Tooele County commission, unfortunately the consensus cannot happen with one or both of the current names being presented," Graves wrote. Attorneys for the governor argue Utah County still refuses to nominate candidates with more consensus and rather has waited two months to hash out the issue in court. That's despite language in state statute, attorneys argue, that states UTA board members "serve at the pleasure of the governor." "Yet Utah County asks this Court to foist upon the Governor one of two candidates he has already rejected even though the Governor could validly discharge that nominee immediately after the Senate confirmed him," the court filing states. "Utah County cites no case deploying extraordinary relief to mandate such a waste of government resources, let alone to force a States chief constitutional executive officer to take the very action that the law expressly grants him unbridled discretion later to undo," the filing continues. The Utah Supreme court hasn't yet scheduled arguments for the case. Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of one of Utah County's nominees to the new Utah Transit Authority board. Rob Crawley is a former Cedar Hills councilman. SALT LAKE CITY To hear Preston Alder tell it, your unfinished basement has income potential and the capacity to build community. Alder, one of the founders of Neighbor, an early-stage tech company selected one of three finalists in Schmidt Futures American Dreams Idea Challenge, recognized a need for alternatives to commercial self-storage when he and his wife were headed to Peru for a summer and they had no place to store their belongings. Not only were all the ones in our surrounding area completely full, but the ones that werent full were very expensive. So we ended up storing our stuff in our neighbors garage and it was heaven-sent for us. It was very helpful to have a place to put it at a more affordable rate. I had this realization, 'Why isnt everyone doing this?'" Alder said. Thus Neighbor was born, which connects people with unused storage space with people who have storage needs. "Hosts" can earn $1,000 to $20,000 a year. On Thursday, the founders of Neighbor received a $30,000 check during a press conference at the University of Utah to announce the three Utah finalists in Schmidt Futures challenge. The contest seeks innovations that show potential to increase net income by 10 percent for 10,000 middle-class households in their communities by the end of 2020. The two other finalists were: Mobility as a Service, a collaboration among Utah Transit Authority, the Utah Department of Transportation and Salt Lake City by enabling residents with multiple cars with access to alternative transportation services. The Utah Coal Country Strike Team, led by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to revitalize housing stock, promote tourism and create economic development incentives to spur development in Carbon and Emery counties, which have been hard-hit by declines in coal production. Each of the finalists received a $30,000 check and will go on to compete for $1 million in funding among finalists selected by three other anchor universities. The finalists will use the money to refine their ideas and presentations for the national round of competition in late January. Schmidt Futures is expected to announce the winners in July 2019. Courtney McBeth, project director at the U., noted that of all ideas submitted to the four public universities hosting the challenge the U., Ohio State, Arizona State and University of Wisconsin-Madison more than half came from Utahns. The challenge across our state brought together more than 150 proposals. Across our entire alliance for the American Dream there were 260-ish proposals, and Utah came up with 150 of those, so it showed a lot of energy and excitement from our state, McBeth said. Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox said the challenge clearly resonated with Utahns who have an entrepreneurial spirit where people just want to do stuff, make stuff and create stuff combined with this duty to give back and strengthen our communities. This is really the perfect environment for a competition like this. Cox and U. President Ruth Watkins led an advisory board that selected the Utah finalists after hearing presentations from 10 teams chosen in the first round of the statewide competition. "An incredible amount of creativity and hard work went into each proposal, illustrating how deeply Utahns care about their communities and about helping one another succeed," Watkins said. "We are so pleased to contribute to a project we believe can make a lasting, positive difference in our state, benefitting thousands of Utahns." The Alliance for the American Dream is an initiative of Schmidt Futures launched in April. The alliance is a network of communities, each anchored by a public research university, that provides access to capital and access to market for new ideas to support distressed communities locally. Schmidt Futures seeks to "advance society through technology, inspiring breakthroughs in scientific knowledge and promoting shared prosperity," according to its website. Eric Schmidt, its founder, is a technical adviser to Alphabet Inc., a member of its board of directors and its former chairman. Alphabet Inc. is the parent company of Google. He lived in Utah during the 1990s. ST. GEORGE Prosecutors are pushing back after a teen charged with bringing a backpack bomb to school in St. George asked a judge to toss the case. Attorneys for Washington County argue in court documents filed this week that the charges of attempted murder and using a weapon of mass destruction, both first-degree felonies, fit the evidence against Martin Farnsworth, 16. They note that a 6th District juvenile judge heard testimony from several witnesses and others in July before determining there is probable cause for the teen to stand trial. The judge also ordered Farnsworth to face the charges as an adult. "The information filed in this case has already been thoroughly tested," prosecutors said in Monday's court filings. The boy's attorney earlier this month said the charges are overblown, adding that his client has been bullied and he has autism spectrum disorder. He pointed to testimony from a bomb expert who said the backpack's contents shotgun powder, pellets, petroleum and matches could have sparked a fire but would not have exploded. No injuries were reported when Pine View High School was evacuated on March 5 after students discovered the smoking backpack. Investigators say Farnsworth left it near a vending machine. In September, a juvenile court judge ordered the teen to probation and to pay restitution after he admitted to painting "ISIS is comi--" on a Hurricane High School wall. A second juvenile misdemeanor count was dismissed. A trial is set for March. Correction: An earlier version incorrectly reported the alleged crime occurred on March 8. The correct date is March 5. Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the UAE, has launched its first ever scheduled flights linking Abu Dhabi and Barcelona. The inaugural flight, EY49, departed Abu Dhabi yesterday (November 28) carrying a special delegation including dignitaries, media representatives, influencers and senior members of Etihad Airways management team. The UAE national airline is celebrating the occasion in style by hosting a special event held at the historic Capella dels Angels, a sixteenth-century Gothic building which is now part of the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), attended by leading figures from the local government, diplomats, media, corporate partners and travel trade. Tony Douglas, Group chief executive officer Etihad Aviation Group, said: We have been tremendously excited about the launch of this service and what better time to arrive here than the month Etihad celebrates its 15th anniversary. Commercial and cultural links between the UAE and the Catalonia region are flourishing and Etihad is honoured to play a pivotal role in facilitating and enhancing the growth of trade and the strong demand for tourism. This is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world, with something to offer the most discerning of travellers, and now for the first time, Abu Dhabi, our amazing home, is accessible from Barcelona with regular non-stop flights, featuring Etihads acclaimed inflight hospitality. On behalf of the Etihad Aviation Group, I extend our sincere thanks to the Barcelona Air Route Development Committee for their invaluable support with the new service, the launch event, and for their genuine welcome, he added. The number of visitors from the UAE to Spain has been rising rapidly, thanks in part to a successful Schengen visa waiver programme introduced for UAE nationals in 2015. The new route will initially be operated five times a week by a two-class Airbus A330-200 before becoming a daily operation from 31 March 2019. Barcelona is the second city in Spain served by Etihad Airways, complementing the airlines existing daily service to Madrid. The new link will provide business and leisure travellers with convenient timings to travel between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, also providing seamless onward connections through Abu Dhabi to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Australia. Etihad Airways operates an extensive codeshare partnership with Air Europa (UX) allowing guests a seamless transfer with the Spanish airlines services between Barcelona and Madrid. Etihad also codeshares with Air Europa beyond Madrid to 19 cities in Europe, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. TradeArabia News Service SALT LAKE CITY House Speaker Paul Ryan suggested Mitt Romney will be a moral force for the Republican Party in Congress, while a new poll shows that Utahns want the newly elected senator to stand up to President Donald Trump. Ryan, Romney's 2012 presidential running mate, predicted Romney would inherit the role the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., played on Capitol Hill, according to Politico. Ryan said he thinks Romney has a chance to be a moral force in a GOP increasingly driven by identity politics. "Its great that hes coming," the outgoing speaker said at a question-and-answer session the Washington Post hosted Thursday. "Mitt believes theres a role for him as a standard-bearer for our party. Romney met with Ryan, R-Wis., while in Washington for Senate orientation meetings earlier this month. Many observers saw McCain as a maverick who was willing to go against his party. His thumbs-down vote on the Republican health care bill that would have overturned much of the Affordable Care Act fueled a feud with Trump that lasted until the senator's death in August. Romney said during his Senate campaign that no one could take the place of McCain, whom he called a national hero and someone who spoke the "conscience of his conviction" in many settings. "I believe that I will speak my views as well from time to time. I don't think I'll be able to do what John McCain did," Romney said last month. Utahns, according to an Associated Press poll released Thursday, want Romney to speak his mind when it comes to the president, something he has periodically done before and after Trump took office. Nearly two-thirds 64 percent of Utah voters said they would like to see the former Massachusetts governor continue to stand up to Trump, while 36 percent want him to support the president, according to AP VoteCast. Among Romney voters including those belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints half said they would want him to stand up to Trump, and half preferred he support Trump. The AP analyzed 1,528 of the faith's voters based on data from VoteCast, a survey of more than 115,000 voters nationwide conducted for the Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. Romney made his views about Trump known during the 2016 election, calling him a "fraud" and a "phony." He distanced himself from those comments during the campaign but said he would call the president out if he makes divisive, misogynistic, anti-immigrant or racist comments. He said he would be with Trump when he thinks he's right for the country and for Utah. The senator-elect recently criticized Trump's comment on Saudi Arabia and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling them "inconsistent" with U.S. foreign policy and with "American greatness." Romney has also called for Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian meddling to proceed "unimpeded." Trump endorsed Romney in his run for Senate, which he won with 63 percent of the vote and will replace retiring Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Trump has struggled since he was a presidential candidate to win over members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to VoteCast, 58 percent of church members in Utah say Trump does not have the right temperament to serve effectively as president, compared to 42 percent who said he does. Forty-six percent of church members said the president is honest and trustworthy. Support for Trump among church members nationally was slightly lower among more educated members of the faith, according to VoteCast. College-educated members were far more likely to vote for Republican candidates than to express approval of the president 73 percent versus 51 percent. VoteCast found no significant gap among church members without a college degree as 63 percent voted for Republicans and 60 percent approve of Trump. SALT LAKE CITY The former accountant for the small southern Utah town of Apple Valley in Washington County has been charged with giving herself unauthorized pay raises, overtime hours and severance pay, according to court records. Amanda Walker, 26, of Washington City, was charged Thursday in St. George's 5th District Court with theft, a second-degree felony, forgery, a third-degree felony, official misconduct and two counts of falsifying or altering a government record, all class B misdemeanors. Apple Valley, incorporated in 2004, is located 12 miles east of Hurricane. On Nov. 6, after being on the job for five weeks, Apple Valley Mayor Martin Lisonbee confronted Walker about "work issues and job performance," according to charging documents. Later, the mayor was informed that Walker "had left and it was suspected she was not going to return," the charges state. Because of that, the mayor "expressed concerns about the state of the books," according to court records. When officials tried to check on the town's finances, they discovered "Walker had locked her computer prior to leaving and they were not able to get in," according to charging documents. When officials were finally able to access her computer, they discovered that Walker had given herself a pay raise from $17 an hour to $20 per hour, had given herself 48 hours of overtime pay and a severance payment of $5,660, according to court documents. As town officials continued to look at older paychecks, they discovered Walker had given herself additional overtime hours, the charges state. "Mayor Lisonbee reported he was certain that Amanda had never worked any overtime. He stated she always arrived late and left early. He also added there were several days that Amanda did not show up to work due to illness, yet each timecard showed a full week's pay, plus overtime," court records state. Investigators also discovered a check that Walker was supposed to give a law firm but deposited in her own account instead, according to charging documents. When police went to question Walker, no one answered the door. Neighbors told investigators the family was planning on moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, the next day, the charges state. Police continued to watch the house. When Walker finally walked outside, she quickly ran back in when police approached her, the charges state. Officers obtained a search warrant and entered the home by force and arrested her, according to court records. No, no, it does NOT refer to get Richard back on the blog after some 4 months of silence although I think Scott was starting to think that and was probably considering threats of bodily harm! I know there was a LOT of (very well justified, I have to confess) skepticism when the PCI-SIG announced PCIe 5.0 back in June of 2017 and claimed the spec would be completed in 2019. Scott talked about this a little while after that years Developers Conference and noted that Synopsys had already demonstrated PCIe 5.0 running 32GT/s in simulation. One of my excuses for not blogging much lately is the raft of PCI-SIG Developers Conferences the most recent one being in Taiwan. Here you can see me showing off the Synopsys PCIe 4.0 complete system with what we call RAS-DES and which I covered in my PCIe Designs for Automotive Applications presentation. Click here to read more ... As much as the cast and crew of Netflixs Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle excited me before I watched the film, the feeling it left me with after was that of disenchantment. As someone who has grown up in India reading Rudyard Kipling's classic tale of friendship and belonging, I simply loved Disneys 2016 live-action version of the Jungle Book. It had all the right ingredients to qualify as one of the best adaptations of Mowglis story, including great visual effects that made the jungle come alive on the big screen. Netflix and Warner Bros Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle fails on all those accounts. I am not sure if a darker retelling of the story was the right treatment for the film which sees Mowgli, shunned by the jungle, return to a white mans version of an Indian village. There is no playfulness in Director Andy Serkis version of Mowgli and that seems to have made this film drab and not a very family-friendly. The almost brutal treatment Mowgli gets in the film when he is kidnapped by a group of monkeys is hard to watch as an adult so one cant imagine this would make kids feel very comfortable. The jungle animals played by Christian Bale (Bagheera), Benedict Cumberbatch (Shere Khan), Andy Serkis (Baloo) and Cate Blanchett (Kaa) all have great voice acting behind the animated characters, but they somehow dont look as great as I thought they would. Actor Rohan Chand who dons the character of Mowgli deserves a shoutout for the perseverance with which he has acted the demanding role. In an interview ahead of the premiere of the film in Mumbai, the young actor told me that he actually observed and studied wolves to mould his character, and if nothing else, his efforts have paid off in making him look the part. While the films promotions left me wanting to see some great performance capture in play, all I saw on screen was something that looked like a rushed VFX job. When it comes to visual effects, there are times when the animals look disproportionate to Mowgli (played by Rohan Chand) in the frame. These inconsistencies take away from the impact the creators were hoping to make. The only other two human leads in the film - Matthew Rhys as John Lockwood, the hunter and Freida Pinto as Messua - are seen in the village sequences of the film and appear only in the second half. While Rhys still finds screen time as Mowglis hunting instructor cum evil wildlife hunter who kills innocent animals for thrills, Pinto barely manages to get a dialogue out in the whole movie. She is seen as the soft, accepting village woman who takes in a scorned Mowgli when he runs away from the Jungle, but her character in the film is not established well enough for audiences to feel its importance. Although director Andy Serkis promised us a non-whitewashed version of the story, the entire village sequence seemed poorly researched. The villagers are seen celebrating some generic festival, with a lot of Indian stereotypes thrown in the mix. As an Indian, this was a bit off-puting for me. With the disparity between the first half which is all about Mowgli and the jungle, and the second, which sees him enter the village, It feels like two movies mashed into one. Netflix has given us much better content to watch in the past and If you skip this one, you wont be missing much. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle releases on Netflix on December 7. At least eight groups of European consumer organizations have blamed Google of tricking users into letting the company track their location. Moreover, these unions are filing complaints against the tech giant under the EUs new privacy laws, which by the way is quite rigid.The complaints came under impact after the Norwegian Consumer Council issued a report regarding Google's location-tracking system, which is rather obligatory for Android smartphone users.Although the issue has been making the rounds for some time now, it has become intense this year after Europe passed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) decree in May, which allows for fines of up to 4% from the global annual revenue.The Norwegian watchdog also reported that Google misleads users into sharing their location with the company. Some common tactics used by Google includes hidden default setting, giving inaccurate information to the consumer regarding how collected data is used, and repeated notification to turn on the location feature. Additionally, users are forced to turn on the location tracking if they want to use the Google Assistant.Under the new GDPR policy, the consumer is given some control of their personal data. However, Googles unethical practices are in breach of the regulatory committee and if they dont have the level of consent by the GDPR, the tech giant can face major fallout.When contacted, a Google spokesperson denied the accusations and clarified that location history is turned off in all android phones by default and users can edit, pause, and delete it any time.However, the spokesperson also made it clear that data regarding the users location is beneficial for the company and the information is used to improve the users Google experience.The union that is part of the complaint on Google includes the Netherlands, Czech, Poland, Denmark, Greece, Slovenia, Sweden, and Germany-based VZBV group. Dialysis with a view: new clinics bring in nature Northwest Kidney Centers is building two clinics with grouped treatment stations facing landscaped courtyards. By PJ BAUSER Mahlum Bauser Imagine flying to Chicago from Seattle three times a week, every week, for the rest of your life. This is the typical time commitment for people on kidney dialysis. They sit in a recliner for half a day, connected by tubes to a machine that cleans extra fluid and wastes from their bodies. This is what keeps them alive. Most dialysis clinics emphasize safety and efficiency over aesthetics. Some patients feel well enough to work on a laptop; others may watch TV, play games or sleep to pass the time. But the surroundings feel, well, clinical. And they quickly grow familiar for the 468,000 Americans who treat their chronic kidney failure with dialysis. A not-for-profit health care provider in Seattle is set to change that experience. Northwest Kidney Centers has been a leader in the field since it was founded as the worlds first dialysis provider in 1962. It will build its newest clinics with an eye to the healing power of nature. This vision aligns with its mission to promote the optimal health, quality of life and independence of people with kidney disease. Thinking differently We are now the eighth largest dialysis provider in the country and we rate exceptionally well in federal rankings of dialysis quality. Yet were always looking for ways to improve patient care, says Austin Ross, vice president of planning at Northwest Kidney Centers. Since the 1980s, research has shown that hospital patients with a view to nature have fewer negative observations and less pain after surgery. Similarly, employees with views of trees and landscapes took less sick leave per year than those with no view. Renderings by Mahlum [enlarge] Northwest Kidney Centers Rainier Beach clinic will open next summer along South Trenton Street in Seattle. [enlarge] All 12 dialysis stations will face into a series of landscaped courtyards at the Rainier Beach clinic. With its lengthy hours of confinement and intensive therapy, dialysis is comparable to inpatient care. Yet connections to nature have not been a focus of dialysis clinics in the United States. Working with Mahlum, Northwest Kidney Centers has embraced the power of nature to enhance healing and support the comfort and well-being of patients and staff. Taking lessons from other projects, Mahlum has designed two new clinics with dialysis stations and recovery areas that are human in scale and connected to the natural world. Attuned to nature The first new-concept clinic is under construction at 4401 S. Trenton St. in Seattles Rainier Beach neighborhood. Its expected to open next summer. Mahlums design gives all 12 dialysis stations direct views into a series of landscaped courtyards. During more than 150 dialysis sessions per year, each patient will enjoy views of lush plantings, seasonal transformations and the changing sky. Patients will be clustered into community-scale groupings of four treatment stations rather than seated in a long row. The new arrangement will feel less institutional and it will allow technicians to be close to the patients in their care. In the same building, community health education rooms will host free classes about treatment choices, preparing for dialysis, home dialysis options, nutrition and transplant. For those who choose self-dialysis at home, the facility will include two home-training rooms. At-home treatment avoids the hassles of travel for each dialysis session and it allows for longer, more frequent treatments, closer to the 24/7 schedule of healthy kidneys. Northwest Kidney Centers selected the Rainier Beach location to bring treatment to patients in an under-served Seattle neighborhood. We already have more than 80 patients living within a mile of the new clinic, says Ross, but currently they get dialysis three times a week at Northwest Kidney Centers clinics in downtown Seattle or Renton. Many of those patients have mobility issues and/or depend on public transportation so their travel time can add up to one or two hours each way. This neighborhood location will greatly reduce their time devoted to dialysis and let them enjoy more of regular life. Promising future Northwest Kidney Centers and Mahlum will also connect patients to nature in a large new clinic being built at 12901 20th Ave. S. in SeaTac. That clinic is expected to open in about a year, offering 20 stations or capacity for at least 120 patients. Leaders at Northwest Kidney Centers and our project team hope that bringing nature into treatment spaces helps humanize the clinical experience for patients and staff, and that it will influence design of the next generation of clinics around the country, says Ross. Early indications are positive. Clinical staff at Northwest Kidney Centers have already begun requesting the opportunity to work in the new Rainier Beach facility a year before its planned opening. PJ Bauser, AIA, LEED AP, is an associate principal and designer at Mahlum who promotes the influence of the built environment on healthy communities across the Pacific Northwest. Other Stories: East meets West: Planning lessons learned from China There are tremendous opportunities to reframe our mindset towards future development, especially as we invest in new transit links. By GUY WALTER B+H Advance Strategy Walter After 15 years living in Beijing and Shanghai designing and planning projects across China, from remote locations to mega cities, Im struck by three significant differences since moving to Seattle: The perception of scale between East and West coasts; the drivers determining a developments mix of uses; and how a developments timeline can impact the outcome of projects. A question of scale In China, growth is happening on a massive scale. New cities materialize where industry and agriculture once stood, while vast corporate campuses bloom around elaborate infrastructure systems. The Chinese take this growth and expansion as the norm a sign of prosperity. Although development is happening on a large scale, there are lessons to be learned to ensure that it doesnt eradicate the rich existing structures that work. In Seattle, there seems to be a perception that new developments tower over buildings that existed there before. Density and height discussions focus on aesthetic and visual impact to neighbors first and benefit for the common good last. The long-term socio-economic benefits and opportunities are often overlooked and depreciated. Winners and losers Images from B+H Advance Strategy [enlarge] Elevated City in Foshan, Guangdong Province, stacks new residential above existing light-manufacturing/industrial with a connected public park above existing infrastructure. [enlarge] At one of B+Hs projects outside Beijing, occupants of the remaining residential block refused to leave, even as half of the building had been dismantled and services were cut. They wanted more relocation money. Projects in China set out with the highest of intentions. Clients are often driven by the desire to do whatever it takes to create truly sustainable solutions to environmental, social and economic prosperity. Trade-offs diminish barriers that many developers face. For example, China makes it economically viable for developers to provide housing to displaced citizens and communities. Developers will build market-value housing for the displaced, and the percentage of these units is insignificant in the scale of the overall mix of market-value units within the density of the new development. The belief is that this approach improves living standards and creates better access to jobs. However, the homogeneous norms designed to attract new residents to destination cities instead eradicate the cultural and historical foundations that anchor communities to a sense of place. High tide lifts all boats As the Puget Sound region, and Seattle in particular, strives to densify, there are lessons to be learned from Chinas human-focused development practices. Developers in Seattle can take advantage of a high tide that could lift all boats. There are tremendous opportunities to reframe our mindset towards future development, especially as we invest in new transit links that will create opportunities for better city and community building. As a city, we should: 1. Look beyond the fence. In our strategic planning practice, we invest a lot of time in thinking holistically about the mix of adjacent businesses, services and opportunities beyond site boundaries. Whats already there? Whats missing? Thinking about how adjacent stakeholders can benefit through a shared vision creates opportunity for additional capital partners and serves the whole community, not just the developments target population. 2. Paint an irresistible vision. The most sustainable developments are embraced by the community at-large because they create local economic engines that benefit the whole. A compelling vision of community provides desired amenities, services, jobs and social attractors. This vision becomes a narrative that animates communities and turns naysayers into strong advocates. While the approach in the past in China has been to gamify a community through thematic approaches, future generations crave a sense of authenticity that reflects a regions unique assets and attributes. 3. Density creates room for old and new. We can learn from one of Chinas harshest lessons: Despite the governments best intentions, the bright new developments have created enough density to support housing for existing and new populations but have no sense of history or culture. New populations struggle to bridge the economic divide that separates the new middle class from the developers image of prosperity for all. As we look to solve our own increasing disparity, we need to create more than just the density to support affordable housing. We must seek to intermingle low-income and affordable units within a development that also provides easy access to well-paying jobs, childcare and support services for all segments of the population, removing the us from them stigmatization. [enlarge] This master plan for the Guangzhou/Foshan corridor integrates local villages and supports affordable housing. 4. Mix, scale, flex, apply. We often overcomplicate things, but the basic ingredients are very simple. Programming is easily adaptable, the model is flexible, and each development can have a different driver: a community college, a hospital, a corporate headquarters. The secret sauce is in identifying the critical mix of social and community spaces, services and amenities that will allow each neighborhood to thrive. Residential development cant be a driver alone. As we plan communities, we should pay more attention to human factors that matter most. Housing is not in and of itself an economic driver. Desirable places to live offer a diverse mix of programs that create a self-sustaining, locally relevant socio-economic environment. Short-term profit margins and schedules will ultimately fall short over time if they ignore the importance of the very things that bind us. Guy Walter is a principal at B+H Advance Strategy. For more than 25 years he has worked throughout North America, the Middle East and Asia advancing the business case for large-scale planning and urban design that is culturally, environmentally, economically and socially responsive. He recently relocated to Seattle after more than 10 years in China. Other Stories: Survey: Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects Rendering by SKL Architects [enlarge] Othello Square is designed to be sustainable and feel like home, with community decks for growing food and socializing. Specialty: Architecture for community-based, environmentally sustainable projects; adaptive re-use Management: Principals Rick Sundberg, Gladys Ly-Au Young and John Kennedy Founded: 2012 from merger of two firms founded in 2008 (Richard Sundberg Architect and Kennedy Architects) Headquarters: Seattle; satellite office in Minneapolis 2017 revenues: $2.6 million Projected 2018 revenues: similar Projects: HomeSights Othello Square, with 68 affordable, limited-equity co-op units adjacent to light rail; new commons, CTE classrooms and performing arts theater at Olympic High School near Bremerton; master plan and phased buildings for an orphanage in a remote village in Tanzania SKL principal John Kennedy answered questions from the DJC about his firm and trends and issues in the industry. Q: What can architects, developers and government do to make Seattle more livable and sustainable? A: The United Nations just came out with a report demanding unprecedented changes in the next 12 years to avoid catastrophic climate change. This was quickly followed by a report of larger-than-anticipated heat buildup in the oceans. It is difficult to pay attention to this kind of news, and I am guilty of habitually clicking on the latest political outrage, but Seattle can definitely lead the way with government increasing taxes on fossil fuel energy use while simultaneously decreasing taxes on property, income and sales, similar to what was proposed by the defeated statewide initiative I-1631, but with more emphasis on the balanced reduction of existing taxes. Architects and developers can follow suit by using our power as trendsetters to make walkability, bikeability and energy efficiency what the cool kids are doing. Q: Which sector of your firms work has grown the most in recent years? Where do you expect growth in the next few years? A: Our work spans multiple sectors, and typically involves adaptive re-use, energy efficiency and community-based design. Most of our recent growth has occurred in K-12 education, and we expect that to continue. Looking around our region, you see so many run-down, daylight-deficient schools that house dedicated teachers and staff trying to make a difference. It is amazing what can happen when the 1970s gets updated to 2018. Q: You do a fair amount of public work. What trends or issues are you seeing in that sector? A: The biggest trend we see is alternative delivery methods, specifically GC/CM and progressive design-build. We think it makes much more sense to have general contractors involved early in the process. It is a much more natural and enjoyable way to work and allows the contractor to form a stronger, mutually beneficial bond with the community served by the building. Q: How are rising land costs in Seattle affecting what gets built? A: We work with a lot of nonprofits and rising land costs make it even harder for them to realize their vision and meet their communitys needs. As architects, we tend to focus more on rising construction costs, and the escalation that has occurred makes it harder to get projects designed and built intact. But, the cranes are still going up, projects get built, and we keep moving forward, just with a little extra editing and creativity. Q: Your firm was forged in the last recession. How difficult was that? A: Yes, it was a brilliant move to start a new firm to align with a recession, but having been in this profession for, lets just say, several decades, we have seen it before, so we shifted to scrappy mode. For example, at the time, we were sharing space with Graham Baba Architects, and we would trade staff around depending on who had work, which also led to some great collaboration. In some cases, we even helped clients with some of their less skilled construction tasks probably not the best idea, but it got us through. Q: Whats a change youd like to see in the industry? A: One small change thats been on my mind recently: Id like to ask owners to limit short lists to three firms rather than five. And a larger change: The 5 over 2 mixed-use model dictated in Seattle by the economics of zoning and building code seems uninspiring. I wonder if there is a 12-story mid-rise option that could work in some neighborhoods. And a really big change: Figuring out how to design and build net-positive buildings as a matter of course, rather than the exception. Other Stories: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi has lined-up 10 ways to celebrate the 47th UAE National Day this weekend. Located at the heart of Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel merges authentic Arabian hospitality and over a 100 years of bespoke St. Regis traditions to become the social epicentre for the connoisseurs in the art of living. The iconic hotel offers 283 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, a myriad of sumptuous experiences with distinctive culinary venues, more than 4,800 square meters of state-of-the-art meeting and event space and over 3,000 square meters of ultra-modern health club facilities. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi also features the famed hallmark of St. Regis hotels, the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The National Day expriences offered by the hotel from November 30 to December 2 include: * Superior National Day Brunch Staycation: Transcend your weekend to the next level of luxury with the award-winning Friday Brunch at The Terrace on the Corniche complemented by an overnight stay in one of the Superior Sea View rooms overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi. Inclusions are: Overnight stay in a Superior Sea View Room; Friday brunch for two at the Terrace on the Corniche; Thursday night dinner or Saturday New York Breakfast and 20% off in hotel bars and lounges. Prices range from Dh1835 for two. * Family Friday Brunch: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers a hearty and colourful festive brunch in true St. Regis style on Friday, November 30. Indulge in an infinite selection of the freshest seafood, sushi, foie grass, fine grilled cuts pre-paring at a live station to your specifications. Save room for the festive styled dessert and cheese room. Price are: Dh345 inclusive of soft beverages; Dh490 inclusive of selected cocktails, grapes and hops and Dh650 incl. bubbly, selected cocktails, grapes and hops. * Brunch in the Clouds: An exclusive event held this UAE National weekend on Friday (November 30 from 12 pm to 5 pm) for up to 50 diners, commences in the hotels grand reception hall where guests are met by one of the hotels butlers who will escort them to the Abu Dhabi Suites private elevator. Upon arrival at the Abu Dhabi Suite, guests will be free to explore the 1,120 sq m suite, discovering exquisite festive delights in each room; from a cinema full of candy, a dedicated cheese and dessert room, a caviar ice-bar, an oyster room, roaming chef stations and of course, a private bar equipped with the hotels top mixologists. For a break between tasting, guests can sojourn to the suites private spa for shoulder massages by therapists from the hotels Remede Spa. Brunch in the Clouds is exclusively for adults over 21 years and prices are: Dh650 inclusive of soft beverages; Dh900 inclusive of bubbly, selected cocktails, grapes and hops. * Saturday New York Breakfast: After a busy weekend, relax and recover with this breakfast on Saturday, December 1 from 6.30 am - 3 pm at The Terrace on the Corniche. Whether youre craving sweet French toast, fluffy pancakes or savory eggs benedicts, The Terrace on the Corniche is serving it all. Inspired by classic New York style breakfast options, you can help yourself to a dedicated cereal stand, an a la carte egg menu and a waffle and pancake station. The breakfast is priced at Dh 175 inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages. * New Spanish Tapas at Azura Panoramic Lounge: Starting this National Day weekend, join in Azura Panoramic Lounges Spanish Felices Fiesta and explore Spains festive food favourites including cheese and chorizo platter as appetizer, a vast selection of tapas including shrimps and patatas bravas, paella, lamb and chicken dishes, Spanish fish and shellfish soup and for the sweet treat after, turron nougat, polvorones and mantecados. An a la carte beverage selection including Spanish Cava and red wines matches perfectly. The Felices Fiesta menu is served daily from 5-8 pm at Dh180 per person (excluding beverages) from December 1 - 30 at Azura Panoramic Lounge. * La Tavola Del Sabato The A La Carte Saturday Brunch: Villa Toscana presents Saturday afternoons best spent with Italian hospitality and the new a la carte Brunch La Tavola Del Sabato in the rustic surrounds of the restaurants homely interiors. Friends and family are welcomed to enjoy hand-crafted Tuscan favourites such as homemade lobster and prawns ravioli, grilled rosemary and mint lamb rack or salmon fillet with a mascarpone and parmesan sauce, presented by the chefs to the table. Wind down the weekend with an open grapes buffet serving international and Italian premium grapes, premium olive oil selections, a traditional Italian desserts buffet and Italian cheese corner, while relaxing in a warm breeze of the Arabian Gulf on the outside terrace of Villa Toscana. Time: December 1 (Saturday) 12.30-4 pm. Price: Dh210 per person including soft drinks, Dh330 per person including premium grapes and hops. * Craft Brews & Bites: The St Regis Bar is welcoming a new selection of international craft brews to add variety amongst the citys several Oktoberfests and traditional hops selections this October. Explore new tastes with 961 a Lebanese craft with pronounced bitterness and a mild floral aroma that comes from the use of North American Cascade Hops, matched perfectly with lamb kofta, or try the Mountain Goat Pale Ale that is bursting with stone fruit, pine and citrus characters, paired with the all year around favourite Burrata Magherita Pizza. Daily from 7 pm 12 am at The St. Regis Bar . * Jet- Lag Recovery: For many, December is a busy month of travel. This 75 minutes treatment at Remede Spa is the ultimate in jet lag recovery. Reduce fatigue and stimulate circulation as you allow your bodys internal clock to adjust to its new time zone. This treatment package includes a 30 minutes customised back massage, 30 minutes hydrating facial - a refreshing boost for the skin, ideal for pre- and post-travel to deeply hydrate and revitalise - and a 15 minutes foot massage at Remede Spa. The perfect combination to reduce fatigue pre- and post-flight. The treatment is priced Dh595 per person. Guests presenting an Etihad Airways boarding pass can save Dh100. VIP Spa in the Sky treatment with a Bentley Pick Up: An unforgettable sky-high spa experience for two awaits distinguished guests within the comforts of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Suite, the worlds highest suspended suite. Relax, rejuvenate and make precious memories with a specialised 60-min Remede Customized Massage and 60-min Remede Customized Body Polish which are tailor-made by a team of wellness experts, along with a wealth of body treatments. Included are a unique VIP luxury ride to and from your desired location in the hotels Bentley and the exclusive use of the majestic suites Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room with mesmerising views of the Arabian Gulf and the whole Abu Dhabi city. After the treatment guests can enjoy an intimate private three course dinner in the hotels stunning Signature Suite - 255 m above ground. The treatment is priced Dh4,200 for two guests. Weekend Day Pass for 2 at Nation Riviera Beach: Immerse yourself in a day full of relaxation, fitness, sun, beach, pool and more at Nation Riviera Beach Club. The special Weekend Day Pass includes access for two, cabana sunbed, fruit platter and unlimited water as well as one ice bucket of 6 drinks or 1 bottle of wine. Date: Friday Sunday (November 30 - December 2) Price: Dh630. Limited cabanas available, reservations must be made in advance at reception. Subscriber content preview ANCHORAGE (AP) A conference hosted by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium aims to help communities adapt by connecting them to others on the front lines of climate change. KTVA-TV reports the annual Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management in Anchorage brings together tribes, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies to address environmental issues. . . . Subscriber content preview By VANESSA GERA Associated Press WARSAW, Poland An airport worker drops by Warsaw's newest Ikea store during her lunch break to finish up plans for a home refurbishment. Around her, people drift in and out of the shop, placing small houseware items in big yellow bags as cafe tables fill up with people just stopping in for lunch. The store is not one of Ikea's out-of-the-way, maze-like warehouses that require a car to visit, but a shop like any other in a city center shopping mall. The Swedish retailing giant plans to open 30 such smaller stores in major cities around the world as part of a transformation that is costing the company financially but is needed to adapt to changing consumer habits. . . . Subscriber content preview The vacant, landmarked Terminal Sales Annex property, at 1931 Second Ave., has had a long, fraught development history. Before last year's Belltown upzone, a prior ownership group proposed building a 17-story hotel-apartment project designed by Ankrom Moisan Architects. That plan was approved by the city but didn't advance to construction, and the corner property sold in late 2016 for $18 million to a foreign LLC associated with Pacific Eagle Holdings of San Francisco. . . . TCS acquires BridgePoint Group in the US Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Wednesday announced the acquisition of BridgePoint Group, LLC, a US management consulting firm catering to the financial services industry, and specialising in retirement services, through the purchase of select company assets. TCS, which currently partners with eight of the top 10 US banking, financial services and insurance institutions, and offers retirement services across the globe, said the acquisition augments TCS financial services and insurance domain knowledge, particularly in the US. BridgePoints team of experts currently provides strategic insights and advisory services around growth, business agility, customer experience and technical transformation, TCS said in a release. BridgePoints entire management team and key experts will join TCS, adding to the companys ability to provide digital solutions that enhance sponsor and participant experience, and drive Business 4.0 transformations in the $1 trillion US retirement services market, TCS stated. The US retirement business is complex, so BridgePoints deep industry expertise and team of highly experienced consultants will enable TCS to develop a robust customer-focused retirement services business, said Suresh Muthuswami, president and global head, BFSI platform, TCS. This move underscores our long-term commitment to this industry, enhancing our ability to provide end-to-end engagements, from strategic consulting to servicing of retirement assets. We welcome the BridgePoint team to TCS. We are very excited about this transaction, being one that brings benefits to all parties, said Barbara March, chief executive officer, BridgePoint. Our customers require access to new and innovative solutions, capitalising on both BridgePoints broad understanding of the industrys complexities and TCS expertise in enabling digital transformations. The portfolio of services offered by TCS will offer growth potential and superior service to retirement providers across the US. Bridgepoint is a woman-led business consulting firm that guides financial institutions through growth and change, navigating disruption and predicting trends. BridgePoint consultants hold deep industry knowledge alongside senior business acumen. This combination of insight and experience unlocks client potential, achieves exponential improvements in performance, and sustainable strategies for long-term growth. TCS had suffered a few quarters of softness in BFSI which finally stabilised over Q2 (September quarter) with the management indicating revival in the US markets with signing of deals worth over $1.5 billion. BridgePoints entire management team and key experts will join TCS. Earlier in the year, TCS announced a $2 billion deal with Transamerica, a provider of life insurance, retirement and investment solutions, to enable the transformation of administration of its US insurance and annuity business lines. TCS also has a $1.2 billion partnership with UK-based M&G Prudential aimed at digitally transforming business for its UK savings and retirement customers. In the past three years, global rival Accenture has spent over $3.4 billion on M&As, of which around $1.7 billion were spent in 2017 alone. Majority of the 70-odd acquisitions that the NYSE-listed company has made so far were focused on digital and cloud-related businesses. US jury clears Tata Consultancy Services of hiring bias claim In a major victory for Tata Consultancy Services, Indias top software service provider, a jury in California on Wednesday rejected claims that the company discriminated against American workers to employ Indians in its US offices. A federal jury in Oakland, California, rejected claims by four former employees of TCS who claimed theyd been sidelined and fired because they arent South Asian and accepted TCS argument that non-cooperation by the employees was the cause of their rejection. The plaintiffs tried to push through their arguments of racial bias citing statistical evidence that that since 2011, the company fired 12.6 per cent of its non-South Asian workers in the US, compared with less than 1 per cent of its South Asian employees. TCS said its termination decisions are less than one in a billion. The companys attorneys argued the company had no incentive to discriminate, having spent millions of dollars on building a local talent pool in the US. These employees were terminated because they were unwilling to move to cities in the US where TCS needed more engineers, the company said. We have always maintained the claims made in this case were baseless, and we are gratified that the jury agreed, Ben Trounson, a spokesman for TCS, said in an emailed statement after the verdict. The decisions we make about the hiring and retention of employees are based purely on their abilities and fit to serve our clients specific needs. TCS employs more than 400,000 people worldwide. Most of its revenue comes from the US, and its primary customers are in the financial services sector. The verdict comes as great relief for Indian outsourcing industry which depends heavily on Indian skills because of a lack of similar skills in the United States. Other Indian companies such as Infosys Ltd, HCL Technologies and Wipro Ltd face similar allegations of hiring bias that favour South Asians The outcome of the case, the first of several accusing Indian IT firms of hiring bias against Americans, is some solace for the industry that has increasingly been facing regulatory constraints in the US. The trial had cast a spotlight on work-visa programmes that companies use to bring overseas workers to the US, a practice President Donald Trump had cited in his protectionist push. The ex-employees who sued had accused TCS of a systematic pattern and practice of discrimination by favoring Indian ex-pats and visa-ready workers from India for US positions. They say that South Asians account for almost 80 per cent of the IT workforce employed by Indian IT companies in the US against the 12 per cent representation of the US IT workforce. Gabon seeks more Indian investments The central African state of Gabon has sought increased investments from India in various sectors of the economy as the country looks for stronger involvement of BRICS countries in the development of different sectors in Gabon. During talks with commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu, Regis Immongault, foreign minister of Gabon, also showed interest in entering into a bilateral investment treaty with India. Commerce minister while welcoming the foreign minister of Gabon said that India attached great importance to its relations with Gabon and offered all assistance to Gabon in its march to become a growing economy. Prabhu also suggested that the two countries work together in sectors like logistics, infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, services and tourism. Bilateral trade between India and Gabon currently stands at $440.47 million and it is yet to realise full potential, Prabhu pointed out. Both sides will have to work together to improve bilateral trade in the coming years, he added. At present Indian companies are operating in wood, plywood, mining and fisheries sectors. The Gabonese foreign minister said that Gabon is looking for stronger involvement of BRICS countries in the development of different sectors in Gabon. India also suggested that Gabon may give a complete list of minerals for Indian industries to consider investing in mining projects. Gabon has the sixth largest reserves of manganese in the world. It is one of the four countries in the world with high grade reserves along with South Africa, Australia and Brazil. It is the fourth largest producer, globally, of manganese ore with 11 per cent share in global production after South Africa (26 per cent), China (17 per cent) and Australia (15 per cent). With large reserves yet to exploited, the Gabonese side is keen to develop this sector. Manganese Ore India Ltd (MOIL) team visited Gabon in July 2018 to explore possibilities of collaboration with Gabonese mining companies. Gabon is also making efforts to attract investment from India in construction of railway lines in key mining clusters in Gabon. RITES conducted a feasibility study for one of the proposed lines. Both India and Gabon have agreed to send business delegations to look at opportunities for trade and investments. Delhi plans EV charging points every 3 km with 100% subsidy Concerned about rising pollution levels in Delhi and its suburbs, the Delhi administration, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government on Tuesday released a draft EV policy for Delhi that seeks to ensure that 25 per cent of all vehicles in Delhi are electric vehicles 2023. The draft `Electric Vehicle Policy 2018, will also ensure that 25 per cent of all new vehicles registered in Delhi are e-vehicles. The Delhi government will offer an array of incentives and promote setting up of charging infrastructure in both residential and non-residential areas to facilitate electric mobility. To develop charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Delhi, the government plans to have charging points at every 3 kilometres and the draft policy also offers a subsidy of 100 per cent (up to Rs30,000) for setting up charging points (for the first 10,000 points) in Delhi. Under the Electric Vehicle Policy 2018, the transport department has also committed to strengthen the infrastructure for "battery charging and swapping" so as to provide access within a 3-kilometre range from anywhere in Delhi. "About 30 per cent of particulate pollution in winter is caused by vehicles. A rapid adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles is therefore of great importance to Delhi," Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot said. Switching to zero-emission EVs will drastically reduce Delhis air pollution, he said. The policy further proposes a complete waiver of road tax, registration fee and parking charges for all-electric vehicles till 2023. Building laws for both upcoming building and existing building in Delhi will be amended to ensure it has EV charging infrastructure and a special tariff for electricity used by EVs. To provide subsidies, the government plans to create a corpus of funds to provide incentives to every segment which will be in addition to FAME scheme being offered by the central government. "All incentives are in addition to the incentive offered by the Government of India as part of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) and any subsequent amendments thereof," Mr Gahlot's office said in a statement. The draft policy also suggests an additional fee on non-electric vehicles to fund the subsidy corpus for EVs. The transport minister also assured the administration will induct at least 500 electric buses in Delhi in 2019. Under the policy, the Delhi government has proposed to give a subsidy of up to Rs22,000 on the purchase of e-two-wheelers to ensure their cost is less than or equal to petrol two-wheelers. Passengers using e-rickshaws and e-cabs will also get a cashback on every trip. "Passengers using e-auto rickshaws and e-cabs will get a cashback of up to Rs. 10 per trip," the 2018 policy says. Additional subsidy will be given for models with swappable battery while incentives of up to Rs15,000 would be scrapped on old Bharat Stage (BS) II and III two-wheelers, as per the policy. Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber will be encouraged to use electric taxis and electric autos by a 'cash back; offer and rebates for first mile and last mile trips from metro stations. This will reduce the cost of travel by 20 per cent says the government. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, have also announced an electric vehicle (EV) policy to complement the national policy and address state-specific needs. India to export fish meal and fish oil to China India and China on Wednesday signed a protocol on hygiene and inspection requirements for the export of fish meal and fish oil from India to China that will enable India to commence export of fish meal and fish oil to China. The protocol formalises a consensus reached by both sides on hygiene and inspection requirements of fish meal and fish oil to be exported from India to China. China imports fish oil worth around $143 million annually, and fish meal to the tune of $263 million, and signing of the protocol between the two countries will help Indian exporters to tap the Chinese market. The protocol was signed during a visit by vice minister of general administration of customs of China (GACC), Hu Wei, who led a six-member delegation to India to discuss various issues of market access for different products like milk and milk products, agricultural products like soy meal, fruits and vegetables, tobacco and pharmaceutical products for which India has been seeking market access from China. Both Indian and Chinese sides appreciated each others concerns and agreed to resolve the market access issues expeditiously so as to promote a more balanced trade. This is the second Indian product to get clearance from China over the past six months. A few months ago, during the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan, a protocol for export of Indian rice to China was signed. L&T chief AM Naik to head National Skill Development Corporation The government on Wednesday announced the appointment of AM Naik, group chairman of construction and engineering giant Larsen& Toubro, as chairman of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Currently group chairman of India's biggest engineering and construction conglomerate, his years of successful stewardship have resulted in building L&T as one of the strongest global businesses. He is also one of the most respected management professionals in the country. Making the announcement, minister of petroleum and natural gas and skill development and entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan said Naik epitomises core values of a successful leader - strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight values that are imperative to the success of any development initiative in today's economy. His standing in the community of industrial leaders will strongly enhance the industry connect. His vast experience will take NSDC to greater heights, Pradhan said. "I am confident that this organisation under his leadership, apart from its engagement in executing skilling modules, should also be a think tank providing direction and necessary guidance for creating a demand based skilling ecosystem in the country, Pradhan said. NSDC has developed a unique model combining skill development with strong industry partnerships. I am pleased at this opportunity to contribute towards our common vision of a high skill, high value added economy that offers opportunity to all, Naik said commenting on his appointment. The appointment of Naik as chairman of NSDC underscores the importance attached by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to skill development. As the prime minister has repeatedly stressed, skilling brings a sense of self confidence to the poor. Matching job creation with industry demand is the key to end unemployment. It is envisaged that in the future, India will be the biggest supplier of workforce to the world. Naik was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to the economic growth of the country. NSDC is a unique public-private-partnership working under the aegis of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship. NSDC aims to promote skill development by catalysing creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions. The organisation provides funding to build scalable and profitable vocational training initiatives. It also develops appropriate models to enhance, support and coordinate private sector initiatives. NSDC supports short-term skill training through a wide network of training providers and district nodal skill centres called Pradhan MantriKaushal Kendra (PMKK). Besides, the organisation is involved in re-skilling and also in catering to the skilled manpower requirement of overseas markets, most notably that of Japan (under TITP) and the UAE. And now, Punjab minister Sidhu shows up with pro-Khalistan activist Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu who has invited sharp criticism for his truants like hugging Pakistani Army chief and sharing of views with Pakistani prime Minister Imran khan, has now got photo clicked with Pakistani pro-Khalistan separatist leader Gopal Singh Chawla which was posted by the latter on Facebook and soon went viral. While Sidhu downplayed the controversy, saying,, "I got lot of love in Pakistan and everyday tens of thousands photos were clicked with people. How would I know who is Chawla or who is Cheema among them." The BJP also attacked Sidhu over the picture. BJP legislator in Delhi Manjinder Singh Sirsa, this morning, posted a series of tweets questioning Sidhu for the frame and asked him whether he cared for Indias sovereignty and Punjabs peace. While Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Sigh declined to visit Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor event becaue of that countrys support to anti-India and anti-Punjab activities, his own minister Navjot Singh Sidhu went against his wish and got clicked with Khalistani Gopal S Chawla, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed. Sidhu met Khalistani terrorist Gopal Chawla in Pak four days after Punjab Police exposed Khalistani involvement in Amritsar terrorist attack and. Chawla had also stirred a controversy on Wednesday when he was present at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor and was seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Pakistani officials, however, said, Gopal Singh Chawla is a senior leader of Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (PSGPC), and he was invited to all events involving the Sikh community. Sources said Singh was instrumental in denying access to Indian High Commission officials to two gurdwaras in Pakistan a few days back. The officials had gone to the gurdwaras to meet Indian pilgrims. India had slammed Pakistan for refusing access to the pilgrims. Q&A WITH HOWARD TULLMAN Executive Director of the Kaplan Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, Illinois Institute of Technology In this issue of Catalyst, we sit down with the Executive Director of the Kaplan Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at the Illinois Institute of Technology . We discuss goals for the new Institute, the role of universities in entrepreneurship, and the new tech district emerging from Chicagos South Side. The new Kaplan Institute at Illinois Tech had its grand opening last month. Tell us about the vision for the Institute and what attracted you to take on this new challenge. At the Kaplan Institute, our primary objectives are (1) to create a new interactive and inter-disciplinary space where Illinois Tech students and faculty can initiate, develop and iterate their ideas for new businesses and civic/social solutions, (2) provide students instruction in the basics of innovation, entrepreneurship and human-centered design, and (3) to be a new front door for business and industry to better access the universitys resources in order to assist them in developing solutions for the kinds of next-generation problems which will increasingly cross domains, silos and specialties and require multi-school and/or multiple department solution teams. I was particularly attracted to the Kaplan Institute by the fact that 30% or more of each years incoming freshman at Illinois Tech are highly-diverse and the first in their families to attend college. If we are going to solve the critical technical talent shortages and the associated diversity issues in the tech sector in Chicago and extend the economic and social benefits of new tech to the entire city, it will start by improving industrys access to the kinds of students and graduates we are turning out at Illinois Tech. What new opportunities does the space present for students and faculty? How will the Kaplan Institute enhance and grow Illinois Techs entrepreneurship initiatives? The building is intended to encourage collaborations, interactions, lateral learning, collisions and inspiration by assuring that all of the occupants will be exposed to and learn from whatever is taking place inside. True innovation largely takes place at the edges of business and standard practices and in unexpected ways especially as new technologies and applications continue to jump quickly from industry to industry and across traditional boundaries. The building will contain new equipment and tools in leading-edge tech areas like 3D maker spaces, AR/MR/VR labs and demo spaces, robotics, etc. as well as a large variety of alternative work spaces, presentation rooms and assembly areas. The wide-open building is designed to morph over time based on the changing demands of its occupants and users. This will assure that we are best able to adapt to everything coming down the pipeline including new teaching methods, new equipment and technology requirements, differing industry requirements, online delivery and learning systems, etc. In the data we collect through our Illinois Innovation Index, weve seen significant growth in the number of startups created by students and faculty at Illinois universities, and the intentional efforts of many universities to create spaces and programming to nurture this activity. Why do you think more people across campus are choosing to pursue entrepreneurial activities? We expect that a very large portion of the population (maybe over 50%) will be self-employed within the next ten years and all of these individuals will have figured out that they will need training in entrepreneurial skills (whether they ultimately begin and build their own businesses or not) as well as some basic experience using what we call new collar skill sets to solve problems, work in teams, and create new and disruptive solutions. The majority of universities are responding (somewhat belatedly) to these changed needs to better prepare their graduates, but most of their efforts are somewhat cosmetic and not as committed and intentional as what we are doing with the Kaplan Institute. Cultures and long-standing systems dont change because you talk about change; they change when you take concrete steps to commit to the necessary changes and to creating a new and better future for your students. As someone whos viewed entrepreneurship from multiple perspectivesas a startup founder, CEO of 1871, and as an educatorwhat do you view as the best approach to entrepreneurship education at the university-level? I always say that you cant teach someone to be an entrepreneur (its in their DNA or its not), but you can help someone who is inclined to be a far better and more successful entrepreneur by equipping them with a known set of skills, behaviors and tactics that have been developed and consistently used for many years by experienced business builders. The necessary concepts and strategies include simple storytelling and selling, iteration and continual improvement, pattern recognition and triage, focus and prioritization, and failing forward. The critical behaviors include hard work, thorough preparation, fierce perseverance, a measure of patience and a set of clear values. We also believe that you want seasoned educators who have both been there and built businesses, and have synthesized their experiences into transferable lessons and tactics rather than one-off war stories. If you cant tell whether someone was smart or just lucky in their success, they most likely dont have much of value to share with our students. Finally, we think that hands-on, practical experience is essential, but it needs to be highly-structured, and grounded in the realities of what it takes today to start and scale a successful new enterprise. In a recent report, we highlighted the importance of collaborations between industry and academia and the growth of business-funded academic research in Illinois over the last 5 years. How are you thinking about corporate engagement more broadly at Illinois Tech and what are some of the ways the corporate community can plug into the Kaplan Institute? Although there have been some advances in business-funded academic research, the aggregate expenditures still remain woefully short of the potential in part because it hasnt been easy for interested industry leaders to determine how best to interact with the universities and how to successfully navigate the silos, turf and funding issues and other barriers that have existed in the past so that they can more easily and cost-effectively access the talents and resources there. Youve written about the Kaplan Institute as one part of a new tech district emerging on the citys South Side, which includes resources at the University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, and the proposed Discovery Partners Institute led by the University of Illinois. What will this growing tech district mean to Chicagos status as a tech hub? The explosion and rapid job and company growth in the River North area (surrounding the 1871 hub at the Mart) as a center for tech startups and then the West Fulton dramatic expansion (anchored by Google) are both great starts, but theyre already suffering from space and support limitations whereas the area immediately south of the Loop is virtually a greenfield opportunity and an area just beginning the kind of renaissance and redevelopment that is a central part of Chicagos DNA. We expect that the Farpoint redevelopment of the Michael Reese property along with the other initiatives you mention will quickly remake large and readily accessible parts of the South Side into the next tech hub just as weve seen similar non-central expansions in other geographic areas like South San Francisco, Brooklyn, etc. As one of Chicagos tech leaders, how do you view the citys progress as a tech hub in recent years? In what areas does the city still need to make progress to further grow its tech ecosystem? As I said above, we need to educate and attract and recruit and retain great and diverse tech talent in the city. We already have great schools, many important corporate headquarters, and ample venture funding. We also need a new Mayor who is tech- and business-focused. New device widens light beams by 400 times By using light waves instead of electric current to transmit data, photonic chips--circuits for light--have advanced fundamental research in many areas from timekeeping to telecommunications. But for many applications, the narrow beams of light that traverse these circuits must be substantially widened in order to connect with larger, off-chip systems. Wider light beams could boost the speed and sensitivity of medical imaging and diagnostic procedures, security systems that detect trace amounts of toxic or volatile chemicals and devices that depend on the analysis of large groupings of atoms. Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have now developed a highly efficient converter that enlarges the diameter of a light beam by 400 times. NIST physicist Vladimir Aksyuk and his colleagues, including researchers from the University of Maryland NanoCenter in College Park, Maryland, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, described their work in the journal Light: Science and Applications. The slab maintains the narrow width of the light in the vertical (top-to- bottom) dimension, but it provides no such constraints for the lateral, or sideways, dimension. As the gap between the waveguide and the slab is gradually changed, the light in the slab forms a precisely directed beam 400 times wider than the approximately 300 nm diameter of the original beam. In the second stage of the expansion, which enlarges the vertical dimension of the light, the beam traveling through the slab encounters a diffraction grating. This optical device has periodic rulings or lines, each of which scatters light. The team designed the depth and spacing of the rulings to vary so that the light waves combine, forming a single wide beam directed at nearly a right angle to the chip's surface. Importantly, the light remains collimated, or precisely parallel, throughout the two-stage expansion process, so that it stays on target and does not spread out. The area of the collimated beam is now large enough to travel the long distance needed to probe the optical properties of large diffuse groupings of atoms. Working with a team led by John Kitching of NIST in Boulder, Colorado, the researchers have already used the two-stage converter to successfully analyze the properties of some 100 million gaseous rubidium atoms as they jumped from one energy level to another. That's an important proof-of-concept because devices based on interactions between light and atomic gasses can measure quantities such as time, length and magnetic fields and have applications in navigation, communications and medicine. "Atoms move very quickly, and if the beam monitoring them is too small, they move in and out of the beam so fast that it becomes difficult to measure them," said Kitching. "With large laser beams, the atoms stay in the beam for longer and allow for more precise measurement of the atomic properties," he added. Such measurements could lead to improved wavelength and time standards. We relentlessly investigate architecture and the cities, through the overlapping and the juxtaposition of simple volumes: this is how the founders of AEA (Atelier Espace Architectes), the international firm based in South Korea and France, describe the cornerstone of their research path and their design practice. The same principle inspires the final configuration of the residential building P 1113-4, recently completed by AEA in the large South Korean city of Jinju: here, five independent blocks are assembled and shifted along the three Cartesian coordinates. According to the architects, the interstices outlined by this layout allow the building to mediate between the two different parts of the city that surround it a large high-speed road and a quieter neighborhood street. The brief respite after Storm Diana will be followed by a very wet Thursday morning, Met Eireann has warned. In her nightly forecast after the RTE news, meteorologist Siobhan Ryan said a very wet morning is on the cards. She said a developing front to the north of Spain and Portugal is going to track towards Ireland overnight Wednesday into Thursday. "It is going to deliver a swipe of heavy thundery rain for the south and east of the country with spot flooding highly likely and not making for a pleasant commute for the early morning rush hour," she said. While it will pull away quickly towards Britain, heavy showers will be a feature of Thursday with some of hail and thunder. Weather prospects are as follows: TOMORROW - THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER Rain will gradually clear the east coast tomorrow morning as brighter weather extends countrywide. Showers will become fairly widespread but will be more frequent over the western half of the country. A blustery day with southwest winds and highs of 8 to 12 degrees. NATIONAL OUTLOOK Outlook: Staying unsettled with further spells of wet and windy weather. Thursday night: Fairly widespread showers at first on Thursday night but the showers will become largely confined to western and northern counties later in the night. Blustery overnight with strong southwest winds. Minimum temperatures 4 to 7 degrees. Friday: Friday will be a cool, bright and blustery day with sunny spells and scattered showers becoming more widespread in the afternoon. Some of the showers will be heavy and prolonged in the northwest. Some of hail with a risk of isolated thunderstorms. Afternoon temperatures will range from 6 degrees Celsius in northern counties to 9 or 10 degrees Celsius in parts of southwest and along the south coast. Windy at first in strong and gusty southwest to west winds but winds will ease off in the afternoon. A spell of persistent and heavy rain looks set to extend from the Atlantic later in the evening and overnight. Saturday: Overnight heavy rain clearing eastern and northern coastal areas in the early morning and the day will be bright with a mix of cloud and sunny breaks. There will be a good deal of dry weather, but some scattered showers. Afternoon highs of 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, highest near the south coast. Turning wet on Saturday night as persistent and at times heavy rain spreads northwards. Sunday: Current indications suggest cloudy conditions with rain at times on Sunday but some drier periods also. The rain will turn more persistent in western areas later Sunday and more widespread rain is expected overnight. Afternoon temperatures will range from 7 degrees Celsius in northern parts to 12 or 13 degrees Celsius in the south and winds light easterly early in the day in northern counties, will become moderate to fresh southwesterly in all areas later. Early next week: Unsettled weather expected through the early days of next week and colder over the northern half of the country especially with night frosts. Rt Rev Ken Good, the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, is to retire next May after almost seventeen years in the position. Bishop Good's retirement was announced to the Diocesan Council at a meeting on Wednesday. Addressing the Diocesan Council, Bishop Good said that before he stood down he was looking forward in particular to welcoming the General Synod of the Church of Ireland to Derry next May. It will be the first time the Church of Irelands 600-strong governing body will ever have met in the city. Bishop Good, who is 66, was consecrated on June 11, 2002. He said one factor in choosing the date of his retirement was his wish to ensure that there was adequate time for his successor to be elected and in place before the next Lambeth Conference, which will take place in July and August 2020. 16 years in episcopal ministry Bishop Good spoke appreciatively about his 16 years in episcopal ministry. I feel blessed to have been called to serve in such a great diocese as Derry and Raphoe, he said. I have met so many memorable people and enjoyed so many wonderful experiences that it will be a wrench to retire. It has been a joy for Mary and me to live and work in such a vibrant community. I thank the Lord for the many friendships I have made, and for the great team of people with whom I have been privileged to work. I am confident that my successor will inherit a committed and talented team of clergy and lay people to help develop Gods kingdom in this diocese. READ MORE: New start for brave Jason after successful surgery Letterkenny has won The National Award for the Most Enterprising Town In Ireland at the Bank Of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards in Kilkenny. Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Seamus ODomhnaill congratulated Letterkenny on winning the overall title. Letterkenny came out top in the regional, national and overall categories and Cllr. ODomhnaill believes that this is a great accolade for Donegals largest town to achieve and congratulated everyone involved. We, in Donegal County Council, are proud of our longstanding collaborative approach to working with all stakeholders in Letterkenny including the Letterkenny Chamber and the business community and we are committed to continuing with this positive work. Letterkenny is our largest town and plays an extremely important role in the economic growth and prosperity of our county and we will continue with our drive to promote Letterkenny and indeed Donegal as a great place to live, to visit, to work and do business. Speaking from the awards ceremony last night, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely said that this recognition for Letterkenny is a great coup not just for Donegal but for the entire North West region. Letterkenny is a major centre for business, it has a flourishing SME business sector and is home to leading international companies who are attracted to the town by a highly talented and educated workforce and a supportive business eco-system as well as a superb quality of life offering. Letterkenny is designated in the National Planning Framework as a regional centre for growth and its unique relationship with the city of Derry has also been recognised particularly in terms of its potential in driving economic growth and prosperity for the entire region. Being named as Irelands most enterprising town is hugely significant and is a testament to everyone in Letterkenny including businesses, elected representatives, residents, community organisations and of course the Letterkenny Chamber. The other towns in Donegal up for awards last night included Buncrana, Dungloe and Donegal Town with Donegal Town receiving a runners-up award in their population category. Cllr. ODomhnaill congratulated all the Donegal entries who were shortlisted to the final stage of the competition. I know from my own experience that entering a competition like the National Enterprise Town Awards is a huge commitment for any town and I would like to congratulate all the towns in Donegal who entered the competition and especially those who were shortlisted to the final stages of the competition. I would especially like to congratulate Donegal Town for receiving the runners-up award in their population category. It is great to see such vibrancy and enthusiasm throughout Donegal and it sends out a very positive message that we are a bright, enterprising and ambitious county. Irish Distillers, the makers of the worlds most enjoyed whiskeys and one of Irelands leading suppliers of spirits and wines, is looking for Louth graduates with serious character to join the 2019/20 Jameson International Graduate Programme. The programme, which is now in its 27th year, provides graduates with the opportunity to realise their personal and professional goals while working with a global Irish brand, on an international stage. Jameson is looking for applicants from Louth to follow in the footsteps of Emma Walsh from Dundalk, Cillian Mulligan from Kilkerley and David OBoyle from Drogheda who are working as Jameson Brand Ambassadors in Bulgaria, Bangalore and Bangkok respectively. Jameson is looking to recruit over 20 graduates for roles in markets such as France, Italy, Spain, UK, Portugal, Germany, China and Japan where they will have a unique opportunity to develop fundamental business skills with a globally successful Irish brand. Successful graduates are provided with the opportunity to shape their own experience supported by a competitive benefits package; a multi-award-winning training and development programme and a global support network, empowering them to hone and develop the necessary skills required to progress their career, while contributing to the global Irish whiskey success story. Emma Walsh (pictured above), who is currently Jameson Brand Ambassador in Bulgaria said: I decided to apply for the Jameson International Graduate Programme after I met with the team at a careers fair. I was a marketing student, bartender and Jameson drinker so it was a match made in heaven! Cillian Mulligan (above), who is currently Jameson Brand Ambassador in Bangalore said: The thing that really attracted me to the Jameson International Graduate Programme was the opportunity to develop my personal skills by moving abroad and immersing myself in a new culture. I also love the social aspect of the job as it is mostly field-based and as cliche as it sounds, no two days are ever the same. David OBoyle (above), who is currently Jameson Brand Ambassador in Bangkok said: I was a professional actor for three years and ran my own drama school for children. I also had experience working in marketing and sales, so when I heard about the programme, I thought the diverse role as a Jameson Brand Ambassador would be perfect for me. I havent looked back. To date, over 400 graduates have completed the Jameson International Graduate Programme since it was established in 1991. Alumni of the programme have progressed to roles internally within Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard globally and externally across various sectors in over 33 cities around the world. Over half of Irish Distillers Dublin based International Marketing Team launched their careers through the programme, and 34 percent of alumni remain within the wider company network. Jameson is the fifth most popular graduate employer in Ireland as voted for by students and recent graduates, according to the 2018 Irelands 100 Leading Graduate Employers survey, published by gradireland. The Jameson International Graduate Programme accepts applicants from all disciplines, so a marketing or business background is not essential. Applications for the 2019/20 Jameson International Graduate Programme close on Wednesday 16th January 2019 at 1pm. Those wishing to apply for the Jameson International Graduate Programme can do so here A team at the University of Bristol is investigating the gendered nature of armed conflict in Colombia in support of the Colombian Truth Commission, which formally launches today, 29 November and aims to address injustices from the war. In 2016 a peace agreement brought an end to the worlds longest running armed conflict, the 51-year dispute between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC-EP). In the aftermath of this agreement, Colombians face the challenge of building a sustainable peace by bringing the necessary transformations that address the root causes of the conflict. The Colombian Truth Commission hopes to contribute towards inclusive reconciliation and non-repetition of the atrocities, critical process for achieving peace. Colombias peace agreement was the worlds first to have fundamental objectives concerning gender, including terms to promote gender equality and empower women. The University of Bristols Professor Matthew Brown from theDepartment of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, is launching a project, Gender, the Making of History and the Colombian Truth Commission, which aims to support the Colombian Truth Commission by identifying appropriate gender-sensitive methodologies. Maria-Teresa Pinto-Ocampo, who is working on the project alongside Professor Brown and Dr Julia Paulson, said: Gender crime is invisible, and women often dont tell their story, they will talk of deaths of husbands and sons but not the crimes committed against themselves. This makes it very challenging to obtain those stories that were such a prominent part of the war. We want to reinforce the Commission, helping it to gather more gender-crime related testimonies using sensitive methodologies that work for women in culturally diverse communities. The Commission aims to address the injustices of the past by bringing truth, coexistence and non-repetition; and will use a series of projects and public discussions to officially recognise victims experiences, bringing past wrongs into the public domain in the hope of resolving past conflict. Maria-Teresa Pinto-Ocampo added: As part of the project, we will work with researchers who have experience in Commissions from other countries to lend their international expertise. We also want to help overcome the challenge of generating trust in women. To achieve this Professor Browns group will support the data gathering in Colombia, aiming to innovate new methods of gathering data about the gendered nature of legacies of armed conflict, and develop new gender-sensitive methodologies for the collection of testimonies from diverse constituencies. Maria-Teresa Pinto-Ocampo explained: We need to ask appropriate questions, we cant use the standard questionnaire- were you raped? women wont respond. So, we hope to develop creative ways of asking, and adapt those methods to the different communities within Colombia. We also want to leave the women with the sense that they are not the only ones who have suffered gender-related crimes and that society is there to support them. Thereby aiding peace and reconciliation. Maria-Teresa Pinto-Ocampo also wants Colombians to realised that there is a toxic masculinity imbedded within Colombian society, with media and schools sometimes promoting violence against women and girls. The project was commissioned by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The project forms part of Professor Browns Bringing Memories in from the Margins research project, which supports inclusive reconciliation in Colombia by identifying best practice to create space for the memories of communities marginalised by conflict to shape the peace process. The project is funded by the Newton Fund, the AHRC and Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Colombian Government Agency, Colciencias. Peace is an ongoing challenge in Colombia with many people openly opposed to peace, transitional justice mechanisms and the Truth Commission. This has delayed the Truth Commission from launching since the peace accords were signed in 2016. Maria-Teresa Pinto-Ocampo said: Were honoured to be supporting the transformation of Colombia into a peaceful society. Enterprise IT Lead Generation Services Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more. The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday revealed an unsealed indictment of eight defendants for crimes related to their involvement in widespread digital advertising fraud. The DoJ alleges the eight individuals were behind two global schemes, 3ve (pronounced "eve") and Methbot, which stole tens of millions of dollars through a scam that used fake Web traffic and fake websites to reap ad view revenue from unwitting advertisers. "These individuals built complex, fraudulent digital advertising infrastructure for the express purpose of misleading and defrauding companies who believed they were acting in good faith, and costing them millions of dollars," said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney. Charged in the indictment are Aleksandr Zhukov, Boris Timokhin, Mikhail Andreev, Denis Avdeev, Dmitry Novikov, Sergey Ovsyannikov, Aleksandr Isaev and Yevgeniy Timchenko. Ovsyannikov was arrested last month in Malaysia, according to the DoJ. Zhukov was arrested earlier this month in Bulgaria, and Timchenko was nabbed in Estonia. The remaining defendants remain are at large. No More Whac-A-Mole A broad coalition of 20 tech companies -- embracing ad tech, security and Internet infrastructure -- assisted the DoJ in taking down the 3ve and Methbot networks. Google and bot-detection firm White Ops spearheaded the effort. "Too often, the fight against fraud seems like a game of Whac-A-Mole," said White Ops CEO Sandeep Swadia. "Fraudsters, when discovered but not caught, can go underground, only to pop up across the street later. This time it was different," he added. "While ad fraud traditionally has been seen as a faceless crime in which bad actors don't face much risk of being identified, or consequences for their actions, 3ve's takedown demonstrates that there are risks and consequences to committing ad fraud," noted Google Ad Traffic Quality Product Manager Per Bjorke. Fraud operations like 3ve bring distrust and instability to the Internet by compromising everyday people's computers, stealing from businesses, and robbing content publishers, Swadia pointed out. "The dismantling of 3ve, along with law enforcement's actions to hold the individuals accountable, is an important milestone for the digital advertising ecosystem and for billions of humans who rely on a safe and open Internet," he said. $7M in False Ads Methbot was a data-center based scheme, according to the DoJ. More than 1,900 servers at commercial data centers in Dallas, Texas, and elsewhere loaded ads on fabricated websites that spoofed more than 5,000 domains. To create the illusion of real Internet use, the servers were programmed to mimic real human activity -- browsing the Internet through a fake browser, using a fake mouse to move around and scroll down a Web page, starting and stopping a video player, and falsely appearing to be signed into Facebook. In addition, 650,000 IP addresses were leased. Multiple IP addresses were assigned to each data center server, which created the appearance that the servers were residential computers belonging to individual users. As a result of the scheme, billions of ad views were falsified and businesses paid more than US$7 million for ads that never were viewed by people, according to the Justice Department. 'Remarkably Sophisticated' Scam 3ve was comprised of three complex sub-operations, each designed to evade detection, White Ops explained. The operators behind 3ve built an intricate and evasive system by exploiting various techniques, such as infecting everyday users' computers, remotely controlling hidden browsers, stealing corporate IP addresses, and counterfeiting websites. 3ve generated revenue by selling ad spaces on counterfeit premium websites and sending fake audiences to real websites. "3ve was remarkably sophisticated," White Ops CTO Tamer Hassan said. "It showed every indication of a well-organized engineering operation with best practices in software development. It exhibited reliability, resilience and scale, rivaling many state-of-the-art software architectures." Big Business That kind of attention to detail usually is limited to high-reward crime, and ad fraud certainly is that. It's estimated to rake in anywhere from $6 billion to $20 billion a year, and it could reach $44 billion by 2022. "Well-funded and organized criminal rings are doing this," said Mike Zaneis, CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Trustworthy Accountability Group, or TAG, which operates a digital advertising certification program. "It's not some individual in their basement -- they are very sophisticated," he told the E-Commerce Times. "Years ago, these attacks were easy to identify," Zaneis continued. "Now criminals are very studious about studying human behavior and having their bots act like humans online." Who's Hurt? Among the victims of ad fraud are companies that have to pay for every user who views their ads. "Normally the expectation is ad viewing would generate leads for a product which would ultimately lead to sales," explained Chris Morales, head of security analytics at Vectra, a provider of automated threat management solutions based in San Jose, California. "Every company has a budget for online ads, and this type of scheme would cannibalize that budget with no return on leads or sales," he told the E-Commerce Times. Consumers can be victims, too. "Ultimately, the victims are consumers whose sensitive information is invariably stolen," said Chris Olson, CEO of The Media Trust, a digital security company in McLean, Virginia. "However, the entire industry loses from any drop in consumer trust in digital online advertising," he told the E-Commerce Times. "Most, if not all, businesses today use digital assets like sites, mobile apps, and online ads as major touchpoints with their markets. When the trust dries up, so will the revenue." Impact on Fraud With the takedown of 3ve and Methbot, the Justice Department has sent a message to cybercriminals that the United States takes ad fraud seriously, observed Rusty Carter, vice president for product management at Arxan Technologies, an application protection company in San Francisco. "This may reduce ad fraud until better methods for remaining undetected are developed by the attackers, or they find more attractive targets," he told the E-Commerce Times. As more prosecutions for ad fraud are won, the barrier for entry will get higher for hackers, observed Maggie Louie, CEO of Devcon, a cybersecurity software company in Memphis, Tennessee. "It will also educate young hackers -- script kiddies who don't think this is a crime -- that this is very much a crime," she told the E-Commerce Times. Attacking Root Causes The 3ve and Methbot operation can have an impact beyond taking out of play a global cybercriminal organization. It can act as a template for fighting online fraud. "This type of collaboration is a powerful way to clean up the digital ecosystem," The Media Trust's Olson said. However, advertising fraud is a symptom of a larger challenge that collaborators should address if they want to attack the root of the problem, he continued. That is the presence of unchecked and often unknown third-party code upon which bots are built. "If all players along the digital ad supply chain were to closely watch what is rendered to users, thwarting any unauthorized code, the impact of cybercrime rings like 3ve would be drastically reduced," Olson explained. Advertising fraud is part of the larger botnet problem, said Vectra's Morales. "Botnets are often rented out for multiple uses, including ad fraud, denial of service attacks, and cryptomining," he said. They're also used to generate false enthusiasm about products. "We know that for the last few years, 'click farms' across southeast Asia have been programming thousands of mobile devices to generate massive numbers of automated fake ratings," noted Franklyn Jones, CMO of Cequence Security, a Sunnyvale, California, maker of automated digital security solutions. "If unscrupulous vendors commission automated bots to generate significant numbers of positive reviews for their crappy products," he told the E-Commerce Times, "consumers that buy those products become victims, while legitimate vendors with quality products also become victims due to lost revenue opportunities." Powerful Partners Partnerships between tech companies and law enforcement to fight online crime have become more common, and with good reason. "Public-private partnerships are the best way to address these issues," observed Sasha Hellberg, manager of threat research at Trend Micro, a cybersecurity solutions provider headquartered in Tokyo. "These attacks pass through service providers -- ISPs, vendors and others -- before potentially affecting an end user. That makes the service provider a victim of the attack as well," she told the E-Commerce Times. "Therefore, having a service provider add their view on the attack -- while maintaining their customers' privacy -- to assist law enforcement agencies is highly beneficial, Hellberg said, "just as any other witness of a crime. In this case, the witness just happens to be cyber-based." Public-private cooperation is highly important to fighting future large scale cyberattacks," Morales noted. "The private sector has the technology and capabilities, while the public sector has the jurisdiction and global visibility," he said. "By working together, it is far easier to detect and respond to this level of global cybercrime." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Scott Slater, CEO of Cadiz Inc., has a controversial plan. He wants to pump 814 billion gallons of water from the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles, San Diego and other drought-stricken communities in Southern Californiamaking more than $2 billion in the process. A pilot well on Cadiz Inc. property in the Mojave Desert. Photo credit: Cadiz Inc. Slater's company owns the water rights to 45,000 acres of land in the Mojave Desert, and he's already secured contracts to sell the water for $960 per acre-foot (the amount of water it takes to cover an acre of land in a foot of water), according to The Guardian. At that price, the company stands to make $2.4 billion over the 50-year period of its water extraction deal with San Bernardino County. But in the last 10 years, the company has suffered $185 million in losses. "To develop the project, the company burns through $10 million to $20 million annually," The New York Times explained, "paying for a never-ending battle in courthouses and conference rooms across California to win make-or-break government permits and to cover the salaries of its 10 full-time employees." The company borrows extensively and regularly issues new shares to cover its costs. The project has faced fierce opposition from environmental groups, local ranchers, Native American tribes, politiciansnotably, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)and most recently, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In a letter to Cadiz in October 2015, the BLM informed Cadiz that it "cannot use an existing railroad right-of-way for a new water pipeline that would carry supplies from the project's proposed well field to the Colorado River Aqueduct," The LA Times reported. The project now requires a lengthy and expensive federal environmental review. To further complicate the matter, Feinstein has once again added a rider to the federal budget prohibiting the BLM from spending any money on the project. "I remain concerned the Cadiz project could damage the Mojave Desert beyond repair and believe the BLM decision to deny the right-of-way is the right one," Feinstein told The LA Times in October 2015. "I'll continue to work through the appropriations committee to block any additional attempts to draw down this aquifer. We need to use water more responsibly, not less, and the Cadiz project is a bad idea." All of these developments leave many wondering if the project will ever come to fruition. Slater, who was a water rights lawyer for 30 years before taking over as CEO in 2013, contends that the BLM is misinterpreting 19th century railway law. He told The Guardian that not only is the plan a "pretty simple" one, but the 50,000 acre-feet of water a year the company would extract would also otherwise evaporate, which is far more of a waste than people drinking it. Still, many have what Slater described as a "visceral, negative reaction" to a private company making billions off of water. Even public-private partnerships on water ventures face strong opposition. Poseidon Water, a private company, partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority to build the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere. But it took 15 years of lawsuits and regulatory hurdles to do so. The plant finally opened last month in Carlsbad, California, and the San Diego County Water Authority estimates it will produce enough water to meet 7 to 10 percent of the San Diego regions water needs. That may sound like a drop in the bucket for the drought-stricken state, but there are already about 15 other desalination plants being proposed in California. Despite this, critics contend that desalination and the Cadiz water project are not good solutions to addressing the state's drought. Watch Slater explain the Cadiz Water Project in an interview on KCAA 1050AM, a California radio station: YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE China Clamps Down on Coal Yogurt Cups, Food Wrappers and a Shoe Found in Stomach of Dead Orca Mark Jacobson to James Hansen: Nukes Are Not Needed to Solve Worlds Climate Crisis In a crucial win for the quickly vanishing vaquita porpoise, a federal appeals court sided with conservationists Wednesday when it upheld a ban on Mexican seafood imports caught with gillnets, which drown the endangered marine mammal. "Immediate pressure on Mexico to ban all gillnets in the upper Gulf of California and to clear the area of illegal nets is necessary now for the vaquita's survival," said Giulia Good Stefani, a staff attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The Trump administration was challenging a preliminary ban secured back in July after NRDC, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Animal Welfare Institute filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade. Since then, the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Treasury and Homeland Security have tried to modify or undo the ban three times. "The federal agencies charged with protecting the vaquita should focus their resources on saving the last of these animals rather than continuing to lose in the courtroom," Stefani said. Failing to address Mexico's fishing practices violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which requires the U.S. government to ban seafood imports from international fisheries if they kill or injure marine mammals at a rate above U.S. standards. Despite repeated recommendations by scientists, Mexico still allowed the use of gillnets, which kill about 50 percent of the rapidly dwindling vaquita population every year. Today, an estimated 15 vaquita remain in the upper Gulf of Californiajust 5 percent of the population 20 years ago. Scientists predict that the species will be extinct soon, possibly even by 2021, if Mexican fishing practices and law enforcement efforts remain unchanged. "It's time for the U.S. government to accept the opinion, ensure full implementation of the ban, and continue to work with the government of Mexico to save the vaquita," said DJ Schubert, a wildlife biologist with the Animal Welfare Institute. Last year topped the chart as the warmest year in the modern record, according to data released Wednesday by the worlds top meteorological agencies. Global temperature in 2015 was 0.75C above the 1961-1990 long-term average and a full 1C above preindustrial times, according to official figures from the UKs Met Office. People attempt to cool off near a damaged water pipe in Karachi. Photo credit: Rehan Khan / EPA Rising greenhouse gases and a small contribution from the El Nino in the Pacific combined to cause the record temperatures in 2015, the Met Offices Prof. Adam Scaife tells Carbon Brief. There is unlikely to be any respitescientists expect 2016 to be even warmer than 2015, says Scaife. "Overall, we expect El Nino to contribute around 25 percent to what will most likely be a new record global temperature in 2016." The two major U.S. meteorological agenciesNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)also confirmed 2015 as the warmest year on record today. Dr Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies, said: "2015 was remarkable even in the context of the larger, long-term warming trend." In a joint summary with former head of NASA GISS, Dr. James Hansen, Schmidt says 2015 global temperature smashed the prior record and should practically terminate discussion of any slowdown in the pace of global warming. Forewarning Each year, the worlds major meteorological organizations calculate the global average surface temperature. Its one measure of how the world is responding to greenhouse gas emissions. Well before the end of 2015, it was looking likely that it would end up as the hottest year on record by quite some margin. In an announcement timed to coincide with the UN climate talks in Paris in early December, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said it expected 2015 to be the first year to see global temperatures rise 1C above preindustrial levels. The Met Office predicted at the end of 2014 that 2015 would be among the hottest years on record, with global temperature likely to fall within the range 0.52-0.76C above the 1961-1990 average. The actual observed temperature anomaly of 0.75C is at the upper end of that range. From this point of view, yesterdays news that 2015 was the hottest year on record comes as no great surprise. Perhaps whats most remarkable is how much hotter it has been. How the Met Offices annual forecasts (grey shading) compare to actual observed temperatures (red) since 2000. The prediction for 2016 is another year of record-breaking warmth, with global temperature expected to fall within 0.72-0.96C above the 1961-1990 average. Photo credit: Met Office Levels of Confidence Measuring global temperature is complicated. Scientists estimates come with a range of possible temperatures either side of a central figure, to reflect that uncertainty. While yesterdays announcement puts 2015s global temperature at 0.75C above the 1961-1990 long-term average, the scientists say it could realistically be as low as 0.65C or as high as 0.84C. (Note: The Met Office traditionally uses a 1961-1990 baseline, rather than the less well-defined preindustrial level. Where it uses term preindustrial, this refers to the 1850-1900 average.) When it comes to temperature rankings, what matters is whether the difference between individual years is more or less than the range of uncertainty. If its more, scientists can be confident one year was warmer than the other. If its less, they cant say for certain either way. Read page 1 But the situation is very clear this year, says Prof. Tim Osborn from the University of East Anglia. He tells Carbon Brief: "The HadCRUT4 global temperature record includes the most complete representation available of the various sources of error. Taking these into account, we can confidently say that 2015 was the warmest." HadCRUT4 is the longest of the three major global time series, extending back to 1850. It is jointly put together by the Met Office and the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. The graph below shows global temperatures and associated uncertainty ranges in HadCRUT4 since 2000. You can see the difference between the middle estimates for 2015 and the next warmest year in 2014 is a full 0.18Cover and above the typical uncertainty of 0.1C. Global average surface temperature in the HadCRUT4 dataset for 2000-2015 (relative to the 1961-1990 average. Error bars represent an uncertainty range of 0.1C. Source: Met Office data, plotted by Carbon Brief. The only way that 2015 might not be the warmest year on record is if turned out the actual temperature was at the very bottom of the uncertainty range while the temperature for 2014 was at the very top. But the chances of that are extremely small, Osborn tells Carbon Brief: "The slight overlap between the 2015 and 2014 ranges does not undermine our confidence that 2015 is the warmest year on record. For 2014 to be warmest, that would require the combination of two very unlikely events: 2014 to be at the very top of its confidence interval at the same time as 2015 being at the very bottom of its confidence interval." Dr. Thomas Karl, director of NOAAs National Climatic Data Center, echoed this point, telling a press conference earlier today that it is "virtually certain" that 2015 is the hottest year on record. But while interest in which years break records is inevitable, understanding climate change means taking a much wider view. Osborn explains: "It is the long-term trend that tells us about climate change, rather than the relative warmth of individual years." November 2006 flood, Granite Falls on the Stillaguamish River, Washington. A huge El Nino event in the Pacific contributed to record warmth in 2015 and is likely to have a far stronger impact in 2016. El Nino brings extreme weather to many parts of the world. Photo credit: Walter Siegmund / Wikimedia Commons Q&A: A Boost From El Nino As well as being a symptom of the long term warming trend, scientists are interested in 2015 global temperature because of what it tells us about how natural fluctuations in the climate can act to amplify or dampen the warming signal, Osborn explains. A huge El Nino in the Pacificamong the biggest on recordcontributed to the record warmth in 2015, say scientists. In total, 10 out of the 12 months in 2015 either tied with or broke previous records, according to NASA and NOAAs joint analysis. Since the El Nino only recently reached peak strength, scientists expect its impact to be even larger in 2016. Carbon Brief asked Prof. Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met Office, a few questions about the role of El Nino in the current spell of record-topping warmth. How Do Scientists Work Out the Impact of El Nino on Global Temperature? Using the historical observational record, which now extends back more than a century and theoretical computer models, which have been used to simulate even longer periods, we are able to calculate what happens to global temperature in the run up to an El Nino (or La Nina) and in its aftermath. The effects are very clear: there is a little warming in the period preceding the winter El Nino peak, but the big effect on global temperature comes in the following calendar year as it takes a few months for heat to increase in other ocean basins around the world. The bottom line is that for each 1 degree of El Nino the global temperature in the following year rises by about 0.1 degrees. How Much of the Record Temperature in 2015 Was Down to El Nino? El Nino was growing in 2015 and only reached its peak this winter. So, we think El Nino made only a small contribution (a few hundredths of a degree) to the record global temperatures in 2015. Does that mean human activity was the biggest driver of 2015s record temperature? Yes. The nominal record global average temperature of 2015 was well predicted in advance and well explained as being primarily due to global warming, itself mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions of human origin. El Nino made only a small contribution. What Can We Expect in 2016? Given the strength of the current El Nino, we expect 2016 to be even warmer globally than 2015. The lagged effects of El Nino are already starting to appear in the monthly temperature observations which are registering more than 0.8 degrees above norm in recent months. This is consistent with our forecast for unprecedented warmth in the coming year. Overall, we expect El Nino to contribute around 25 percent to what will most likely be a new record global temperature in 2016. Much of the rest is down to climate change. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE There Will Be More Plastic Than Fish in the Ocean by 2050 Leonardo DiCaprio: Enough Is Enough Corporate Greed Must Stop Heat Absorbed by Oceans Has Doubled Since 1997 Bill McKibben: How to Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry From Wrecking Our World Zitacuaro, Mexico, Nov 29 (epa-efe).- Fleeing the frosts of Canada and the United States, monarch butterflies each year travel 4,200 km (some 2,600 mi.) to reach the forests of Mexico, pollinating millions of flowers along the way. Once they arrive in the sanctuaries of the states of Mexico and Michoacan, the forests return the favor by sheltering them throughout the winter, when tourists flock to the area to observe the monarchs. During a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, the director of the terrestrial ecosystem program of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Eduardo Rendon, told EFE that the value of the service the monarchs provide to the ecosystem is "incalculable." "Millions of them came through the ecosystems of Canada and the United States visiting plants with flowers, which means they came doing the ecosystem the service of pollination," the biologist explained. Scientists are now "trying to determine what type of plants (the butterflies) use during their trip" to determine the magnitude of this migratory phenomenon. This year, as per the monitoring conducted during the migration, it is estimated that more butterflies will arrive in Mexico than last year, which was one lowest in recent years. "Last year we had 2.48 hectares (6.1 acres) of forests occupied by butterflies in all hibernation sites, and that represented a 40 percent decrease from the previous season. But what we saw this year with the monitoring of migration is that more butterflies are coming," he said. In the sanctuary located in El Rosario, which can only be accessed on horseback, butterflies take wing when the sun brightens the forests. The Mexican forests in which the monarchs live are of vital importance, especially because they are part of the watersheds that - through the Cutzamala System - supply 4.1 million people in Mexico City and the state of Mexico with water. These forests full of oyamels - or sacred firs - are in a good state of conservation, in Rendon's opinion, even though in March 2016 a storm in the core area of the reserve knocked down about 22,000 trees that are in the process of being replaced. According to data from WWF Mexico, there has been a significant reduction in illegal logging since 2009 thanks to the commitment of area farmers and the residents of nearby indigenous communities, the monitoring efforts and the payments for environmental services. The degradation of the reserve decreased by 57 percent last year. Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch award lottery funding Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch has been awarded a grant of 2,000 by the Manx Lottery Trust, for funding towards the Islands first ever marine animal visitors centre. The Islands dedicated marine mammal charity, which works voluntarily all year round to ensure the safeguarding of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Manx waters, has secured a lease for a property on Michael Street, Peel, which will be known as the Whale and Dolphin Visitors Centre. The facility, which is due to open in early 2019, will be used to raise awareness of marine mammal species seen regularly in Manx territorial waters and as a central base for the charity to continue its scientific research. Entry will be free and visitors will find information on local species, a collection of bones and skeletons, a life size inflatable harbour porpoise, a library home to a plethora of relevant literature and scientific papers and an educational activity and craft area for children. Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch volunteers will also use the office space daily to conduct data analysis and administrative work. Post workers could strike The Isle of Man Post Office says it will be very disappointed if its workers vote to strike. The Communications Workers Union is seeking support for strike action over pay and working conditions. Energy FM News understands 300 workers have been sent ballot forms. Julie Edge MHK, Chairman of the Post Office has released a statement in a bid to reassure the Manx public. Just the threat of strike action is highly damaging to everyone at the Post Office and our customers. We will be very disappointed if the CWU members vote in favour of strike action. She continued: We are acutely aware at this time of year that our valued customers heavily rely on our postal service and trust us to deliver their special cards, letters and presents. However, we can assure them that should a strike materialise, we have a robust contingency plan which will fall into place which will minimise any potential disruption to the excellent service we usually provide. Ms Edge concluded: It is in everyones best interests to conclude negotiations in a timely manner and hopefully reach an agreement. It is important to stress the Post Office continues to be open to further talks with the CWU at any time. 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. Deutsche Bank raided in money laundering probe The Frankfurt headquarters of Deutsche Bank have been raided by prosecutors in a money laundering investigation. German prosecutors and police searched Deutsche Bank AGs premises in and around Frankfurt on Thursday in relation to suspicions that the bank helped clients set up offshore tax havens and failed to alert authorities to possible money laundering. Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors entered six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt, the Frankfurt public prosecutors office said in a statement. Investigators are looking into the activities of two Deutsche Bank staff members who are alleged to have helped clients set up off-shore firms to launder money, the prosecutors office said. Written and electronic business documents were seized from Deutsche Bank and further investigations are ongoing, the prosecutors office also said. Deutsche Bank confirmed the search of its offices and said it was fully cooperating with the authorities. PANAMA PAPERS The investigation was triggered after investigators reviewed so-called Offshore-Leaks and Panama Papers, the prosecutor said. The Panama Papers, which consist of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, were leaked to the media in April 2016. Several Banks, including Swedish lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by financial regulators for violating money laundering rules as a result of the papers. The prosecutors said they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank may have assisted clients to set up Offshore-Companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. Turkey and China discuss boosting tourism cooperation Turkey's culture and tourism minister on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart to talk about strengthening tourism cooperation with Beijing. Culture and Tourism Minister Ersoy visits Chinese counterpart Luo Shugang in Beijing to talk about tourism opportunities. BOOSTING COOPERATION In a closed-door meeting, as part of his visit to the capital, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy met with Luo Shugang in Beijing. They spoke about boosting cooperation in the field of tourism and ways to attract more Chinese tourists to Turkey, said ministry sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. They also discussed mutual steps for establishing a branch in China of the Yunus Emre Institute, a Turkish cultural center. In addition, Ersoy is due to attend a concert capping off Chinas 2018 Year of Turkish Tourism. Turkey to address challenges of the global economy at G20 President Erdogan speaks to journalists before traveling to Argentina to attend an economic summit. Turkey and other nations will address challenges faced by the global economy at this weeks G20 summit in Argentina, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday. We will determine the steps that we will take to eliminate the main risks to the world economy by evaluating the global economic outlook, Erdogan said while speaking to journalists at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport before departing for Buenos Aires, where the two-day meeting will be held beginning Friday. "WORLD NEEDS FREE AND FAIR TRADE" He warned that the issue of trade was recently causing serious controversy due to the unilateral protectionist actions of some countries. Free and fair international trade is one of the key elements of global economic growth, he said. Erdogan said education, health, employment, agriculture, development and energy issues would also be addressed. He reiterated plans to pay official visits to Paraguay and Venezuela from Dec. 2-3 after attending the G20 summit. On 8 July 2016, Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani was killed by the Indian army, setting in motion unprecedented funerary processional grieving. Using accounts of funerals of militants and civilians, gendered funerary processions and the transformation of gendered cultures of grieving in Kashmir have been analysed. It is argued that womens participation in the militant and civilian funerary processions is a feminist political formulation in the Kashmiri context. This is understood through a review of the politics of funeral attendance and two specific actions that women undertake: publicising grief by bringing the private out into the contested public realm, thus outdoing religious law, and resisting the states sovereignty by grieving for lives that the state deems non-grievable. In 2016, several huge funeral processions were held for a 22-year-old Kashmiri militant, Burhan Wani. Thousands of people walked several miles from different parts of Kashmir to the streets and alleyways of Tral (Wanis hometown) leading to impromptu mass funeral processions (Qadri and Shah 2016). The mourners were fired upon by the Indian army, killing hundreds of funeral-goers, blinding thousands of mourners, and, in effect, criminalising public mourning (PTI 2016). The entire Kashmir Valley would be threatened by cyclical targeted violence for several months to come. The colossal moment of Wanis death and many of these spectacle funeral processions that followed, raised questions about the nature, culture, and history of public mourning in Kashmir, and challenged the cogency of the Indian states sovereignty claim (Mathur 2016). Why were so many people willing to die just to be able to mourn someone whom the Indian authorities had declared a terrorist? The answers that were offered by the Indian government were mostly inadequate. The national media kept circulating the states official stance of holding Pakistan responsible for a mourning that was essentially indigenous. The Indian media repeatedly informed us that Pakistan was implanting ideologies of terrorism, which created troubled and dangerous people like Wani and those who were grieving his death (Hindu 2016). The mourners were dubbed as misguided juveniles or deemed to be under the influence of foreign propaganda. However, these assertions were insufficient, because they offered no understanding of how such political figures were fashioned and why those grieving for them encountered fatal violence at the hands of Indian troops? Moreover, the complexity of the situation was visible when women too, in large numbers, attended these prohibited funerals. All this immediately pointed to the inadequacy of the official narratives. Cybersecurity industry research is a great way to stay on top of the latest threats and the controls that can keep those vulnerabilities from affecting your organization. Research released in November 2018 spanned the gamut of IT risk concerns, including identity, application containers, vulnerability disclosures, and the global threat landscape itself. Here are key takeaways from 11 reports released this month, along with cyber defenses organizations should consider implementing. Distill Networks How Bots Affect Airlines Automated processes known commonly as bots can have both good and bad purposes. In a report released Nov. 14 by Distil Networks, researchers reported that bad bots are particularly prevalent on airline websites, mobile apps and APIs, accounting for 43.9 percent of traffic. While some bots are unsophisticated, Distil found that 84.3 percent of bots on airline domains are moderate or advanced, which are difficult to detect. Bad bots can be used to impersonate real users and steal credentials, among other malicious activities. In recent months, airlines have faced an uptick in nefarious activity by bad actors, a sign that this industry is ripe with information that can be used for monetary gain or to wreak havoc, said Mike Rogers, VP of Services at Distil Networks Key Takeaway: Be aware of what is running on your network, and take steps to combat bots. Fortinet Global Threat Landscape Report The Fortinet Global Threat Landscape report released Nov. 14 takes a broad look at some of the trends in cybersecurity over the last few months. Among the high-level findings in the report is that unique malware is once again on rise, with Fortinet observing a 43 percent year-over-year gain. Fortinet also reported that the number of malware families grew by 32 percent. The use of HTTPS-encrypted traffic also achieved a new milestone, accounting for 72 percent of all network traffic, up from 55 percent in 2017. Cyberthreats are growing rapidly and every organization is feeling the impact, with daily detections and exploits increasing. Previously, ransomware was the talk of the day, and now cryptojacking, mobile malware, and attacks against business-critical supply chains are proliferating, stated Phil Quade, Fortinets Chief Information Security Officer. Key takeaways: Malware might seem like an old-school form of attack, but its still growing and enterprises needed to have proper anti-malware, network and EDR technologies in place to limit risk. Intelisecure According to the 2018 State of Critical Data Protection Report released Nov. 15 by InteliSecure, there is a significant gap in how organizations think about and actually secure sensitive data. The report found that 90 percent of surveyed organizations have policies that define how sensitive data should be stored and protected on employee systems. Despite those policies, most organizations do not have a programmatic approach to maintain them. While threats to organizations continue to grow in scale, sophistication and frequency, its clear the cybersecurity industry skills shortage is failing most organizations, particularly those who choose to go it alone, InteliSecure CEO Steven Drew stated. Key takeaways: Having a policy for sensitive data management is great, but having tools, processes and personnel to actually enforce policies is better. ObserveIT Holiday Travel Cybersecurity Risk Survey Travel represents a cybersecurity risk, according to a Nov. 15 report released by ObserveIT. Among the big risks that are exposed during travel, 77 percent of respondents reported using free or public Wi-Fi while traveling. Additionally, 63 percent admitted that they have used free public Wi-Fi to access work emails and files while traveling. While holidays should be a break from work, 55 percent of respondents to the the ObserveIT survey said that they would be bringing a work device with them during holiday travel season. Not only does this research confirm that cybersecurity isnt top of mind while employees are traveling, but it also highlights a major gap in security awareness training around mitigating the threats posed by remote work, ObserveIT CEO Mike McKee wrote in a statement. While technology has enabled people to be productive regardless of location, its also creating new ways for hackers to infiltrate otherwise secure systems. Key takeaways: Be wary of free public Wi-Fi and use a VPN to help secure and promote remote access. Ping Identity: Attitudes and Behavior in a Post-Breach Era What is the impact of a data breach on consumer loyalty and engagement? Thats the key question answered by the Ping Identity 2018 Consumer Survey on attitudes and behaviors in a post-breach era. 78 percent of respondents to the Nov. 7 survey reported that they would stop engaging with a brand online after a data breach. Additionally, 49 percent said that they would not use an online service or application that recently experienced a data breach. Data breaches are also impacting consumer behavior, with 47 percent of respondents indicating that they have made changes to the way they secure their personal data as a result of recent breaches. With the prevalence of data breaches and leaks, enterprises must have the proper controls in place or they become at risk of losing consumer trust and business, said Sarah Squire, CTO Office, Ping Identity. In the same way that brands are expected to provide user-friendly experiences, they also must understand the value and importance of strong identity management strategies. Key takeaways: Be prepared for and limit the risk of data breaches by securing identity and access management and consider taking advantages of Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) technologies. Risk Based Security 2018 Q3 Report While Fortinet reported an increase in the number of unique malware families it found, Risk Based Securitys Q3 2018 Vulnerability Report provides a different view. The Nov. 15 report found that there was a 7 percent decrease in the number of vulnerabilities in the first three quarters of 2018 over the same period in 2017. Not all vulnerabilities are equal, however with varying severity and impact. Risk Based Security reported that 15.4 percent of vulnerabilities in the third quarter were rated as critical. Looking at the root cause of flaws, 67.3 percent of vulnerabilities are due to insufficient or improper input validation. Not all flaws have solutions either, a key challenge identified in the report. Just over a quarter (24.9 percent) of the reported vulnerabilities currently have no known solution. We continue to see vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited in the wild well before most organizations are aware of the issues. It is an unfortunate situation to find yourself in a position to learn about a vulnerability after the damage is done. said Brian Martin, VP of Vulnerability Intelligence for Risk Based Security. Key takeaways: Have an active patch management strategy in place to deal with the remediation in a timely manner. SailPoint 10th Annual Market Pulse Survey The SailPoint 10th Annual Market Pulse Survey released Nov. 13 provides insight into identity governance practices. Among the survey highlights is the finding that 75 percent of respondents admitted to reusing passwords across accounts, including both personal and work. Thats a significant increase from 2014, when only 56 percent of respondents admitted to doing the same. Not only are employees increasingly ignoring best practices for passwords, they are also ignoring other IT policies that are deemed to be inconvenient. 55 percent of SailPoints survey respondents said their IT department can be a source of inconvenience. That inconvenience leads to employees ignoring IT policies and installing their own software. To secure and enable todays modern workforce, the users have become the new security perimeter and their digital identities are the common link across an organizations IT ecosystem at every stage of its digital transformation, said SailPoint CMO Juliette Rizkallah. Key takeaways: Make sure that IT is an enabler for employees and not an inconvenience that they need to go around. And to the extent possible, lock down company-owned devices to control what gets downloaded and to enforce password management. Secureworks: State of Cybercrime Report 2018 Cybercriminals are increasingly organized and using ever more advanced techniques, according to the Secureworks State of Cybercrime Report 2018 released Nov. 13. From July 2017 through June 2018, Secureworks Counter Threat Unit (CTU) researchers analyzed incident response outcomes and conducted original research to gain insight into threat activity and behavior across 4,400 companies. One of the key findings in the report is that nation-state actors are increasingly using tools and techniques employed by cybercriminals, and vice versa. Secureworks reported that criminal cybergangs are now using advanced social engineering techniques alongside network intrusion methods with point-of-sale (POS) malware. Cybercrime is a lucrative industry, and its not surprising its become the arm of powerful, organized groups, said Don Smith, Senior Director, Cyber Intelligence Cell, Secureworks Counter Threat Unit. Key takeaways: Be aware of the macro-security landscape and have controls that can deal with targeted and advanced persistent threats. StackRox State of Container Security On Nov. 14, StackRox released its inaugural State of Container Security report, taking a deep dive look into the nascent world of application container security. Containers can run in multiple types of deployments, and StackRox found that 40 percent of its survey respondents are running containers in hybrid environments, both on premises and in the cloud. Looking at container security, 54 percent of respondents said their primary concerns were about misconfigurations and accidental exposures of data. And 44 percent of organizations noted that they are more concerned with the runtime phase of containers than the building and deployment phases. The influence of DevOps and the fast uptake in containerization and Kubernetes have made application development more seamless, efficient and powerful than ever, StackRox CEO Kamal Shah stated. Yet our survey results show that security remains a significant challenge in enterprises container strategies. Key Takeaways: Have technologies in place to be able to monitor and manage the runtime behavior of applications, whether they are running in containers or elsewhere. Tanium Resilience Gap Study While its not possible to block all attacks, it is possible for organizations to build infrastructure and processes to make operations more resilient. The Tanium Resilience Gap Study released Nov. 14 found diverging views in how resilient organizations are to cyberattacks. 96 percent of survey respondents indicated that they believe that making technology resilient to business disruptions should be core to their firms wider business strategy. The reality, however, is that only 61% of respondents claimed that their organizations are in fact resilient to disruption. The speed and complexity of technology has led organizations to purchase multiple tools to solve for IT security and operations challenges, said Tanium CSO David Damato. In turn, this has created a fragmented collection of endpoint management and security solutions which is leaving the enterprise environment brittle, vulnerable and lacking the Business Resilience needed to adequately mitigate threats. Key takeaways: Dont just look at threat detection and identification, also consider resilience and the ability of the enterprise to continue operations in the face of threats. Tenable Vulnerability Intelligence Report According to the Tenable Vulnerability Intelligence Report released Nov. 7, there will be an estimated 19,000 vulnerabilities disclosed in 2018, an increase of 27 percent over 2017. Tenable reported that enterprises are identifying an average of 870 unique vulnerabilities every day. Not all vulnerabilities have the same severity, with only 100 or so on average every day having critical impact. Organizations overall are continuing to struggle with the volume of alerts and vulnerability activity and the associated remediation actions, according to Tenable. When everything is urgent, triage fails, said Tom Parsons, senior director of product management. As an industry, we need to realize that effective reduction in cyber risk starts with effective prioritization of issues. Key takeaways: Be sure to have a vulnerability management system in place and understand what the actual risks are to properly prioritize patching and remediation. Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at eSecurityPlanet and InternetNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist. # Discovery is the first detailed observation of the environs of a massive black hole outside the Milky Way, say researchers from the GRAVITY group In 1963, astronomer Maarten Schmidt identified the first quasi-stellar object or "quasar," an extremely bright but distant object. He found the single quasar, the active nucleus of a far-away galaxy known to astronomers as 3C 273, to be 100 times more luminous than all the stars in our Milky Way combined. Now, the GRAVITY international team of astronomers, including Prof. Hagai Netzer of Tel Aviv University's School of Physics and Astronomy, have concluded that gas clouds rapidly moving around a central black hole form the very heart of this quasar. The results of the new research were published in Nature on November 29. The first measurement of the mass of the black hole inside 3C 273, using an older method, was conducted at the TAU's Florence and George Wise Observatory in 2000, as part of PhD research conducted by TAU's Dr. Shai Kaspi, then a student in Prof. Netzer's group. This result has now been corroborated by GRAVITY's observations. The research is the first detailed observation outside of our galaxy of gas clouds whirling around a central black hole. According to the researchers, GRAVITY's measurements will become the benchmark for measuring black hole masses in thousands of other quasars. Taking a closer look at a black hole The GRAVITY instrument, situated in Paranal, Chile, has unprecedented capabilities. It combines the collective area of four telescopes to form a virtual telescope, called an interferometer, 130 meters across. The instrument can detect distant astronomical objects at an extremely high resolution. "Quasars are among the most distant astronomical objects that can be observed," Prof. Netzer says. "They also play a fundamental role in the history of the universe, as their evolution is intricately tied to galaxy growth. While almost all large galaxies harbor a massive black hole at their centers, so far only one in our Milky Way has been accessible for such detailed studies." "GRAVITY allowed us to resolve, for the first time ever, the motion of gas clouds around a central black hole," says Eckhard Sturm of Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), who co-led the research for the study. "Our observations can follow the motion of the gas and reveal that the clouds do whirl around the central black hole." So far, such observations had not been possible due to the small angular size of a quasar's inner region -- roughly the size of our solar system, but some 2.5 billion light years distant from us. "Broad emission lines created by gas in the vicinity of the black hole are observational hallmarks of quasars. Until now, the distance of the gas from the black hole, and occasionally the pattern of the motion, could only be measured by an older method that made use of light variations in the quasars," Prof. Netzer says. "With the GRAVITY instrument, we can distinguish structures at the level of 10 micro-arc seconds, which corresponds to observing, for example, a 1-Euro coin on the Moon." "Information about the motion and distance of the gas immediately around the black hole is crucial to measuring the mass of the black hole," explains Jason Dexter, also of MPE, who co-led the research. "For the first time, the old method was tested experimentally and passed its test with flying colors, confirming previous estimates of about 300 million solar masses for the black hole." "This is the first time that we can study the immediate environs of a massive black hole outside our home galaxy, the Milky Way," concludes Reinhard Genzel, head of the infrared research group at MPE. "Black holes are intriguing objects, allowing us to probe physics under extreme conditions -- and with GRAVITY we can now probe them both near and far." ### American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #43 in the world. A new study led by The Australian National University (ANU) has discovered a promising way to significantly lower doses of X-rays that has the potential to revolutionise 3D medical imaging and make screening for early signs of disease much cheaper and safer. The research team, which involved the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and Monash University, built upon an unconventional imaging approach known as "ghost imaging" to take 3D X-ray images of an object's interior that is opaque to visible light. Lead researcher Dr Andrew Kingston said the study was the first to achieve 3D X-ray imaging using the ghost imaging approach, which has the potential to make 3D medical imaging much cheaper, safer and more accessible. "The beauty of using the ghost imaging technique for 3D imaging is that most of the X-ray dose is not even directed towards the object you want to capture - that's the ghostly nature of what we're doing," said Dr Kingston from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering. "There's great potential to significantly lower doses of X-rays in medical imaging with 3D ghost imaging and to really improve early detection of diseases like breast cancer." Too much radiation from medical x-ray imaging can increase cancer risk, which limits how often patients can be tested with CT systems, 3D mammography for breast cancer screening and other 3D X-ray approaches. "A variation of our approach doesn't require an X-ray camera at all, just a sensor - this would make a 3D medical imaging setup much cheaper," Dr Kingston said. The proof-of-concept approach took a 3D ghost image of a simple object of 5.6mm diameter at a relatively low resolution of about 0.1mm. The researchers devised a new ghost imaging measurement system that used a series of X-ray beams with patterns. Each beam was then split into two identical beams. The pattern was recorded in the primary beam, which acted as a reference since it never passed through the object that the researchers were imaging. The secondary beam passed through the object, with only the total X-ray transmission measured by a single sensor. The researchers then used a computer to create a 2D X-ray projection image of the object from these measurements. This process was repeated with the object at different orientations to construct a 3D image. "Our most important innovation is to extend this 2D concept to achieve 3D imaging of the interior of objects that are opaque to visible light," Dr Kingston said. "3D X-ray ghost imaging, or ghost tomography, is a completely new field, so there's an opportunity for the scientific community and industry to work together to explore and develop this exciting innovation." Co-researcher Professor David Paganin from Monash University said the team's achievement could be compared to the early days of electron microscopes, which could only achieve a magnification of 14 times. "This result was not as good as could be obtained with even the crudest of glass lenses using visible light," he said. "However, the microscope using electrons rather than light had the potential - realised only after decades of subsequent development - to see individual atoms, which are much tinier than an ordinary microscope using visible light can see." ### The work is published in Optica. FOR INTERVIEW: Dr Andrew Kingston Research School of Physics and Engineering ANU College of Science T: +61 2 6125 0185 M: +61 430 432 309 E: andrew.kingston@anu.edu.au For media assistance, contact Will Wright on +61 2 6100 3486, the ANU media hotline on +612 6125 7979 or email the ANU Media Team at media@anu.edu.au A radical culture change in the NHS, and across the health data and medical technology community, is needed to make sure that the NHS can deliver the benefits of new health technologies that use patient data for care, and to retain public trust, says a new report1 from the Academy of Medical Sciences published today [00.01hrs GMT 29 November 2018]. The report outlines principles2 that must be adopted by the NHS and industry, including medical technology developers and regulators, so that patients can benefit from digital information about them being used in smarter, more joined-up ways to revolutionise healthcare and support life-saving research. Putting into action the set of principles set out in the Academy's report will enable organisations, including the NHS and medical technology companies, to respect and protect the privacy, rights and choices of patients and the public. The principles will help provide safeguards to support patient data being used in ways that are fair, and will enable all NHS patients to benefit from the use of health technologies using patient data. Health technologies that are becoming increasingly important include wearable devices, mobile phone apps and intelligent monitoring devices. Smart insulin pumps for diabetes, artificial intelligence assisted pregnancy ultrasound scans, and houses designed with smart technology to monitor and support dementia patients and their carers, are examples in the report where patient data are already being used to develop health technologies. The report highlights the potential of the NHS to become a world leader in the use of patient data for technologies to improve healthcare, and emphasises that patients and the public expect the NHS to keep control of patient data. It calls for action to be taken so the NHS can evolve into a system that learns from itself, feeding back digital information about patients and using technology to support, not replace, face-to-face healthcare. The NHS must also share in the wider benefits of contributing patient data for these new technologies. Professor Carol Dezateux FMedSci, Chair of report Steering Group and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Data Science, Queen Mary University of London, said: "Health technologies that use patient data have huge potential to improve our health and wellbeing. We are already seeing the development of wearable monitors linked to automated treatment that are revolutionising the lives of patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes. Our workshops with the public emphasised that they want to see the NHS deliver on the potential of data-driven technologies, giving better and safer health care for all." A steering group of 12 experts, including leading clinical, biomedical and social scientists, legal, ethical and technology specialists, oversaw the development of the principles. The group based their discussions on a programme of dialogue commissioned from Ipsos MORI that explored public, patient and healthcare professionals' views on the future use of technologies that use patient data. Workshops were held in Cardiff, Sheffield and London, involving around 100 people from a wide range of backgrounds, some with long- and short-term mental and physical health conditions, and healthcare professionals including GPs, nurses, paramedics and hospital consultants. The Ipsos MORI report3 of these workshops is also published today. A follow-up meeting gave an opportunity for the NHS, regulators, funders, policy makers, data and medical technology companies and the pharmaceutical industry to contribute their views4. This Academy policy project was partly funded by a grant from the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Professor Carol Dezateux added: "The Academy report builds on what the patients and the public have told us matters most to them. By putting the public's expectations at the centre of the use of data-driven technologies, the NHS, scientists, researchers and developers will be able to work together to deliver maximum health benefits for all, while keeping public trust." Dr Kambiz Boomla, member of report Steering Group, GP in Tower Hamlets and Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Clinical Effectiveness Group, Queen Mary University of London, said: "The National Health Service gives us the opportunity to join up all the information about patients wherever they are seen. Imagine a future where an appointment didn't start with repeating your medical history and medications because your health care professional has all that information up-to-date and accessible to them." "Recently, at my GP practice in East London, an elderly lady with dementia and her daughter came to see me. Her daughter explained that her mother had been discharged from hospital after a fall when she had been told her mother's brain scan showed she had a blood clot on the brain. As she was becoming more confused her daughter was worried this was to do with the blood clot. In two clicks of my mouse, I was able - from the GP surgery - to see the brain scan report. It told me the clot was old and was smaller than it had been. As a result, I didn't need to send her mother for another scan and could reassure her daughter immediately. Joined-up patient data improve patient experiences and healthcare as a whole and saves us all time in wasted trips and tests. "My patients don't want to be told 'the robot will see you now': they want to see a human. However they understand that new technologies can allow patients and their carers to manage their own health better and free up clinician time for direct care. That is the future they want us to deliver." Professor Lionel Tarassenko CBE FREng FMedSci, member of report Steering Group, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Head, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, said: "We are already seeing digital technologies that empower patients to manage their own health, for example by monitoring their own condition at home. Technology will only evolve and get more sophisticated to have a bigger impact on healthcare in the NHS in the next ten years. "If we are going to reap the benefits of these advances, we must act now. We need to see a widespread increase in digital health literacy throughout the NHS, with the full involvement of patients and the public. We also need to think carefully how we regulate and evaluate digital health products, especially when they include artificial intelligence, so that healthcare professionals and patients know that they are safe and reliable, and improve patient outcomes." Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: "This report is based on high-quality, in depth conversations with members of the public, hospital doctors, GPs and nurses. We are calling for the NHS, regulators, industry and other key stakeholders to work together to adopt the principles set out in this report to make sure that patient data is used in a fair, transparent, safe and effective way. "This report also highlights the opportunity for the NHS to evolve into a world-leading learning health system, where every piece of patient information is collected and learnt from using smart technologies, to improve the health of the population." ### For more information, copies of the report, additional quotes, case studies and requests for interview please contact: Naomi Clarke, Communications Officer, Academy of Medical Sciences 020 3141 3208, 07903 158979, naomi.clarke@acmedsci.ac.uk Notes for Editors 1. Full report title: Our data-driven future in healthcare: people and partnership at the heart of health related technologies http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/datareport 2. These principles, based on five core themes, propose that data-driven technologies should be designed and used for health and care in ways that: Support clearly defined purposes that uphold the social values of the NHS and benefit individuals, the NHS, or society. Respect and protect the privacy, rights and choices of patients and the public. Include patients and the public as active and meaningful partners. Maintain trustworthiness in the responsible and effective stewardship of patient data within the NHS. Incorporate mechanisms for evaluation and regulation that build public understanding, confidence and trust in these technologies, and guide their use in the NHS. 3. Full Ipsos MORI dialogue report title: Future data-driven technologies and the implications for use of patient data: dialogue with public, patients and healthcare professionals http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/datadialogue 4. Full policy workshop report title: New technologies that use patient data http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/dataworkshop 5. The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent body in the UK representing the diversity of medical science. Our elected Fellows are the UK's leading medical scientists from hospitals, academia, industry and the public service. Our mission is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society. We are working to secure a future in which: UK and global health is improved by the best research. The UK leads the world in biomedical and health research, and is renowned for the quality of its research outputs, talent and collaborations. Independent, high quality medical science advice informs the decisions that affect society. More people have a say in the future of health and research. Our work focusses on four key objectives, promoting excellence, developing talented researchers, influencing research and policy and engaging patients, the public and professionals. http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk Research group from Russia and the United States analyzed samples of obsidian volcanic glass in Kabardino-Balkaria. It turned out that more than 70 thousand years ago, Neanderthals transferred this mineral to distances up to 250 kilometers and used it to manufacture tools. These findings help to understand how populations from different regions communicated in antiquity. The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation and is published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. When volcanoes erupted, the ejected lava hardens formed a mixture of various minerals, including obsidian. In the Stone Age, the ancient people used this material extensively to create tools. In fact, we use it even now: in surgery, for the manufacture of dark glass and jewelry. The elemental composition of obsidian is unique not only for each volcano, but also for each eruption. This makes it possible to determine precisely the specific archaeological site, where particular obsidian sample originated from. According to earlier studies, in the Paleolithic in Central Europe and the Caucasus, obsidians were actively transferred from one settlement to another, and over time the distance of its transportation increased from 100 to more than 700 kilometers. Scientists from the non-profit organization "Laboratory of Prehistory" analyzed the elemental composition of obsidian samples from various Neanderthals ites of the Central and North-Western Caucasus, which were found during several expeditions. The obsidian composition turned out to be almost identical for many tools, which indicates their common origin. New data also indicates that obsidian was transported over more than 250 kilometers from sources in the Central Caucasus to the North-West Caucasus during the Middle Paleolithic. At the same time, new studies show that the Central Caucasus populations cultural tradition differed from the Neanderthals of the North-West Caucasus. So archaeologists have yet to figure out how the interaction between these different Neanderthals groups was build in this period. Scientists also found that in the Upper Paleolithic, people transported obsidians from the Elbrus region and the South Caucasus to the Mezmay cave, which is located in the North-West Caucasus. The length of migration was 250 and 450 kilometers respectively. The researchers suggest that in the Upper Paleolithic there was already a developed social network between groups of people from different regions. "The study of cultural areas, the impact of innovations and mechanisms for the dissemination of new technologies is one of the most important tasks of modern research. Our work reliably shows the existence of connections of the population of different regions in antiquity. These results can be widely used in university lectures, as well as in modern textbooks for middle and high school. Also, the results of recent studies can be used in the design of expositions of museums and thematic exhibitions," summarizes Ekaterina Doronicheva, one of the authors of the work, Ph.D., research associate of the "Laboratory of Prehistory". ### The work was done in collaboration with scientists from the University of California (USA) and the National Museum of the Republic of Adygea. Tests ordered by GPs now cost the NHS at least 2.8 billion per year GPs are ordering more than three times as many tests diagnostic for their patients as they were 15 years ago as they now provide more services previously provided by hospitals and monitor more patients with chronic diseases, shows a study published in The BMJ today. The tests are costing the NHS in excess of 2.8bn a year and ordering and reviewing their results has increased workload pressure in general practice, the authors say. Using a database of patients registered with general practices, researchers at the universities of Oxford, Bristol and Southampton looked at the change in the number of tests ordered by general practices between 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2016. They found that between 2000/1 and 2015/16 the number of tests ordered per 10,000 person years increased 3.3 fold from 14,869 to 49,267. This represents an 8.5% increase per year. "Patients in 2015/16 had on average five tests per year, compared with 1.5 in 2000/1," they say. The increase in the number of tests ordered was slightly greater in men (3.4-fold increase) than in women (3.3-fold increase), and greatest in elderly patients (4.6-fold increase for patients aged over 85 years). A total of 44 specific tests were looked at: 28 laboratory tests; 11 imaging tests; and five miscellaneous tests, such as spirometry (a measure of lung function), cervical smears, and electrocardiography (to record the electrical activity of the heart). Significant rises in the number of tests ordered were seen for 40 of the 44 individual tests and across all three different test groups (laboratory, imaging and miscellaneous). The researchers suggest that the increased testing might be partly due to changes to NHS service provision. For example, over the study period, GPs' ability to be able to order diagnostic tests (particularly imaging) expanded, many services were diverted from secondary to primary care requiring tests to be order by GPs rather than hospitals, and the Quality and Outcomes Framework, which incentivises GPs to monitor chronic diseases using laboratory tests, was introduced. Increased testing could be a reflection of the increasing number and duration of consultations in general practice with tests being used for "strategic, non-medical reasons", such as to reassure patients and end consultations, they add. It could also reflect a greater expectation among patients that they should be tested as they have become more informed and been encouraged to participate in decisions about their care. They point out that this is an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, and inconsistency in coding and ordering of tests and their results, particularly in the early years before electronic systems were in place, may also have influenced the findings. Nevertheless, they say whatever factors contribute to increased test use, this has major implications for general practitioners' workload and the NHS budget. Assuming it takes two or three minutes to review a test, the authors estimate that the average GP spent 1.5 to 2 hours reviewing test results each workday in 2015/16. This is a more than threefold increase from the estimated 2000/1 figure of 25 to 35 minutes daily. Conservative estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence put the average cost of a laboratory test at 6, an imaging test at 29 and a miscellaneous test at 53. Based on these figures, the authors estimate that tests ordered by general practice cost 2.8bn in 2015/16 (1.8bn for laboratory tests, 400,000 for imaging, and 600,000 for miscellaneous tests). "These estimates are likely an underestimation of the true costs," they say. "Our estimates only account for the direct cost of tests and do not include the cost of general practitioners reviewing the result or the administration team processing the result." While test use is an integral part of clinical decision making, this is the first large scale study to examine it, write Emma Wallace and Tom Fahey, of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland in a linked editorial. Overtesting has many drivers and while this study has shown a steep increase in test use in UK general practice, it was unable to examine why tests were ordered and whether they were clinically necessary, they say. "Future research should focus on why, both in terms of clinical indication and reasoning, but also patient beliefs and expectations about the purpose and accuracy of tests," they conclude. ### A team of international scientists from BAS, University of Iowa and GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences has discovered a new method to explain how radiation belts are formed around the planet Saturn. Around Saturn, and other planets including the Earth, energetic charged particles are trapped in the magnetic field. Here they form doughnut-shaped zones near the planet, known as radiation belts, such as the Van Allen belts around the Earth where electrons travel close to the speed of light. Data collected by the NASA Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn for 13 years, combined with a BAS computer model have provided new insights into the behaviour of these rapidly-moving electrons. The discovery overturns the accepted view among space scientists about the mechanisms responsible for accelerating the electrons to such extreme energies in Saturn's radiation belts. The team's results are published in the journal Nature Communications this week (Thursday 29 November). It has always been assumed that around Saturn, electrons are accelerated to extremely high energies by a process called radial diffusion, where electrons are repeatedly nudged towards the planet, increasing their energy. An alternative way of accelerating electrons is their interaction with plasma waves as happens around the Earth and Jupiter with Chorus waves. Around Saturn, Chorus waves have been dismissed as ineffective; however, the authors discovered that in Saturn's unique environment, it is another form of plasma wave called the Z-mode wave that is critical. According to lead author, Dr Emma Woodfield from British Antarctic Survey: "This research is really exciting because the high energy electrons in the radiation belt around Saturn have always been assumed to come from radial diffusion. We've identified a different way to create a radiation belt that no one knew of before. "This study provides us with a better understanding of how radiation belts work across the Solar system and will help modellers forecast space weather more accurately at the Earth, which in turn will protect both astronauts and satellites from radiation hazards." Dr Emma Woodfield continues: "Saturn gave us the opportunity of abundant Z-mode waves, to really test what these waves can do to the electrons on a large scale. "Some people think that planets are just cold chunks of rock travelling through empty space, but the way each planet interacts with the particles in space is complex, unique and exquisite, and studying them can tell us about our own planet and the rare extreme events that occasionally do occur". Prof Yuri Shprits from GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences says: "I think it's most critical to understand the extreme radiation environments of the outer planets. These studies provide us with a unique opportunity to evaluate the potential extremes of terrestrial space weather and to understand what space weather conditions may be around planets beyond our Solar system (exoplanets)". The team concludes that electron acceleration by Z-mode waves is more rapid at energising electrons in Saturn's radiation belt than radial diffusion and both mechanisms will work together to maintain the radiation belt at Saturn. ### Formation of electron radiation belts at Saturn by Z-mode wave acceleration by E.E. Woodfield, R.B.Horne, S.A Glauert, J.D. Menietti, Y.Y. Shprits and W.S. Kurth is published in Nature Communications here Issued by the British Antarctic Survey Press Office: Athena Dinar, Senior PR & Communications Manager, British Antarctic Survey, tel: +44 (0)1223 221 441; mobile: +44 (0)7909 008516; email: amdi@bas.ac.uk Layla Batchellier, Communications Officer, British Antarctic Survey, tel: +44 (0) 1223 221506; email: laytch@bas.ac.uk Notes for Editors: Van Allen radiation belts The Van Allen radiation belts were detected by the first US satellite Explorer I, which was launched during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58. They are composed of energetic charged particles trapped inside the Earth's magnetic field, which surrounds the Earth like a ring doughnut. Energetic electrons in the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts occupy two distinct regions. Solar system radiation belts - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all have strong magnetic fields and radiation belts. It is thought Mercury may have transient radiation belts. Radial diffusion - lots of little nudges which push electrons towards or away from the planet, motion towards the planet results in an increase in electron energy. Wave-particle interaction - the way in which energy is transferred to or from a plasma wave to a charged particle (e.g. electron) Chorus - Whistler mode chorus waves - a type of plasma wave in a magnetised plasma, these radio waves are converted to sound they sound like the dawn chorus. Z-mode waves - a type of plasma wave present in a magnetised plasma, so-called because of the shape seen in observations of this wave from instruments on the ground at Earth - a "Z" shape. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation http://www.ukri.org For more information visit http://www.bas.ac.uk @basnews BOSTON - Every year more than 2 million older Americans experience a fragility fracture to the hip, spine or wrist. Usually the result of a fall from standing height or less, fragility fractures stem underlying bone deterioration, not high-impact forces but to. Loss of bone mineral density (BMD) - the condition known as osteoporosis - is one way bones can become fragile, and screening patients for osteoporosis is the current standard for determining fracture risk in older adults. However, low bone mineral density is not the only cause of bone fragility, and the majority of older adults who sustain a fragility fracture do not meet the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis. Physicians currently lack validated means of assessing fracture risk in these patients. In the largest prospective study of its kind, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife used high-resolution tomography imaging to assess whether other bone characteristics besides bone mineral density can be used to determine fracture risk. The team found that assessing the microstructure of the two different types of bone tissues - compact bone and spongy bone - may be useful to predict the incidence of fragility fractures in those who would not otherwise be identified as at risk. The study is published today in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. "Older women are at particularly high risk of fracture. In fact, the number of women who will experience a fragility fracture in any given year exceeds the number who will experience a first-time stroke, breast cancer or myocardial infarction combined," said co-lead author Mary L. Bouxsein, PhD, Director of the Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies at BIDMC. "Improved methods to identify those in whom fractures are common but whom standard clinical testing does not identify as high risk would allow us to target treatment to this important group and ultimately reduce fracture burden." The multi-national study included more than 7,000 older women and men from five North American and European countries. Participants - eight research cohorts at the Mayo Clinic, the Framingham Study in Massachusetts and sites in France, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden that comprise the Bone Microarchitecture International Consortium - underwent scanning measurements of the bones of the arms and legs. While just eight percent of participants met the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, 11 percent of participants experienced a fracture. Those who experienced fracture were more likely to be older, female, have a lower BMI, use osteoporosis medications and have a previous fracture. Participants who sustained fractures had worse bone measurements for nearly all parameters compared to those who did not fracture. The scientists' analysis demonstrated that several measures of bone density and structure at different sites on the bone - including the density of the compact bone tissue and the thickness of the spongy bone tissue at the wrist - were predictive of fracture. Failure load, the stress under which bone begins to fracture, was the bone characteristic most strongly associated with risk of fracture. "Results from this large international cohort of women and men suggest deficits in density and structure throughout the bone contribute to fracture risk independently of bone mineral density and current risk assessment tools", said Lisa Samelson, PhD, who is an epidemiologist at the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife and Harvard Medical School, and lead author of the study. "Further, assessment of these bone characteristics may be useful in those who would not otherwise be identified as being at high risk for fracture." ### Additional authors include co-senior authors Douglas P. Kiel of the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife; Serkalem Demissse of Boston University, and Claes Ohlsson of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. A complete list of contributors is available online at http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(18)30308-5/fulltext This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], R01AR061445; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute [NHLBI] Framingham Heart Study, Contract No. N01-HC-25195, (HHSN268201500001I). Additional support was provided by Friends of Hebrew SeniorLife and a research grant from the Investigator Initiated Studies Program of Merck Sharp & Dohme. About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School and consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. BIDMC is in the community with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, Anna Jaques Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Lawrence General Hospital, MetroWest Medical Center, Signature Healthcare, Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare, Community Care Alliance and Atrius Health. BIDMC is also clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and Hebrew SeniorLife and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Jackson Laboratory. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit http://www.bidmc.org. Robert Davey, professor of microbiology at Boston University School of Medicine and researcher at Boston University's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), in collaboration with researchers at Nagasaki University, Tokushima Bunri University, Kagoshima University, and Texas Biomedical Research Institute, have discovered that certain derivatives of amodiaquine, a medication typically used to treat malaria, could provide a new therapeutic approach to treating patients infected with Ebola. From 2014-2016, an Ebola epidemic swept through West Africa, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing more than 11,000 in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alone. The outbreak attracted the attention of virologists from around the world, and several of them, including Robert Davey, noticed something intriguing: patients with Ebola who had been treated with amodiaquine were 31 percent less likely to die. "People were saying 'it's interesting'; I wondered if it was important," says Davey. "I thought we should test some [chemical] derivatives and see if we could find some improvement over the amodiaquine performance." Davey and collaborators set out to learn exactly which parts of the amodiaquine molecule were inhibiting Ebola virus infection. Their findings, published in Antiviral Research, show that modified amodiaquine derivatives are significantly less toxic and nearly 10 times more effective at blocking Ebola virus than the original amodiaquine formula that greatly reduced mortality during the West Africa outbreak. To make the discovery, Davey teamed up with other virologists on the hunt for new antiviral therapeutics. Serendipitously, one of Davey's colleagues from Japan--Yasuteru Sakurai, from the National Research Center for the Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases in Nagasaki--knew another Japanese researcher, Masanori Baba of Kagoshima University, who had already made a series of amodiaquine derivatives in an effort to find new treatments for HIV and other viruses. Davey says amodiaquine inhibits the two diseases, malaria and Ebola virus disease, in related ways. All cells need to get food from their surroundings. With malaria, amodiaquine prevents the parasite from digesting food from inside red blood cells, so it basically starves to death. Ebola virus mimics food and tricks your cells into swallowing and trying to digest it. However, the virus senses this and uses it as a trigger to begin replication, avoiding digestion. So, by interfering with normal cell digestion, amodiaquine also blocks Ebola virus infection. "With Ebola, we are affecting your own cell's digestive system, but for a short time, which the cell can survive," says Davey. "And the drugs that we developed likely improve targeting to places in the cell where Ebola virus likes to get to, whereas for malaria, the drugs are best at targeting the parasite's feeding process which it needs all the time. It's a subtle difference in chemistry, but it's important for making an effective drug treatment for patients." Working together at Davey's former lab in San Antonio, Texas, the team--which also included Masaaki Toyama of Kagoshima University and Norikazu Sakakibara of Tokushima Bunri University--tested nearly 70 amodiaquine derivatives, mixing each one with cells infected with Ebola virus and observing the effect that each derivative had on the live virus infection. What they found, says Davey, was encouraging. Fourteen of the compounds tested did a better job inhibiting the Zaire strain of Ebola virus disease than straight amodiaquine. They also noticed that when two particular parts of the amodiaquine molecule were modified, the potency against the virus was further increased. Then, by combining the two features, they created further potent compounds, which appeared to completely prevent the virus from entering cells. "If you combine those two things--less toxicity and better performance against the virus--you get something called a selective index," says Davey. "The selective index that we found easily met the criteria for clinical development." Davey and BU researchers Manu Anantpadma and Patrick Keiser, are taking the next steps on the long road of developing the discovery from "it's interesting" to an approved therapy. Next, Davey says, will come testing in animal models, as well as testing the potent compounds against other strains of Ebola virus. ### The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health. About Boston University Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 33,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University's research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada. About the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), part of Boston University and located on BU's Medical Campus, is focused on research to increase the understanding of emerging infectious agents that cause human disease. In a safe and secure environment, multidisciplinary teams of microbiologists, virologists, engineers, and other scientists conduct research at Biosafety Level 2, 3 and 4 in order to identify and develop new and better treatments, vaccines and diagnostic tools for emerging diseases. It is also a center for collaboration, training, and education in emerging infectious disease research. The NEIDL is a 192,000-square-foot, 7-story building, designed and built in accordance with the most stringent specifications set by the U.S. government for conducting infectious disease research and was approved for BSL-4 research in November 2017. Part of a national network of secure facilities that study infectious diseases, the NEIDL is one of 10 BSL-4 facilities in the United States. Human ancestors first set foot on the interior of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau around 30,000-40,000 years ago, according to new research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This new finding moves back the earliest data of habitation in the interior by 20,000 years or more. The research team was led by Dr. ZHANG Xiaoling and Prof. GAO Xing from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of CAS. Their study, published in Science, was based on investigations of Nwya Devu, the oldest and highest early Stone Age (Paleolithic) archaeological site known anywhere in the world. This archaeological achievement is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the human occupation and evolution of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau as well as larger-scale prehistoric human migration and exchanges. It caps 60 years of effort trying to find evidence of the earliest human habitation on the plateau. The high altitude, atmospheric hypoxia, cold year-round temperatures and low rainfall of the plateau creates an extremely challenging environment for human habitation. Archaeological evidence indicates it was one of the last habitats colonized by Homo sapiens. Today, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is the third least-populous spot on the planet. Before now, no concrete evidence existed of people inhabiting the interior of the plateau before the Holocene geological epoch (4,200-11,700 years ago). In addition, only a few reliably dated Pleistocene (11,700-2.58 million years ago) archaeological sites had been discovered around the plateau's margins. The Nwya Devu Paleolithic site discovered by this team confirms that human ancestors set foot on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at elevations approaching 5,000 meters above sea level around 30,000-40,000 years ago. It is the first Paleolithic archaeological site discovered in Tibet that preserves intact stratigraphy allowing age-dating of the site's antiquity. Nwya Devu is located in the Changthang region of northern Tibet, about 300 km northwest of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, at about 4,600 meters above sea level. The site comprises an extensive, dense surface distribution of stone artifacts and a buried continuous record of human occupation. It is the earliest Paleolithic site known on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the highest yet discovered anywhere in the world. Before this discovery, the earliest archaeological record of high-altitude human activity was from the Andean Altiplano, at about 4,480 meters above sea level, showing human habitation about 12,000 years ago. This discovery deepens considerably the history of human occupation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the antiquity of human high-altitude (>4,000 masl) adaptations. The Late Pleistocene (about 12-000-125,000 years ago) was a crucial period for human evolution. During that time, the behavior and cognitive ability of ancient humans developed rapidly and the ability to adapt to a broader range of environments similarly increased. The prehistoric cultural artifacts from Nwya Devu provide important archaeological evidence of the survival strategies of early anatomically and behaviorally modern people to what is arguably the most rigorous terrestrial environment on earth. It also allows analysis of Paleolithic exchange and interactions between East and West suggesting possible migration routes. The paper was vetted by three reviewers during the evaluation process, with one concluding it is " . . . quite original and very exciting, and will be of utmost interest to the readers of Science and researchers studying the origin and dispersal of modern humans and high altitude colonization. The results have profound implications for the understanding of the timing and dynamics of human settlement of the Tibetan Plateau." ### The Nwya Devu project was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Excavation Funding and Emphatic Deployed Project of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. HANOVER, N.H. - November 29, 2018 - A new theory based on the physics of cloud formation and neutron scattering could help animators create more lifelike movies, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Software developed using the technique focuses on how light interacts with microscopic particles to develop computer-generated images. Researchers from Pixar, Disney Research, ETH Zurich and Cornell University contributed to the study. A research paper detailing the advancement will be published in the journal Transactions on Graphics and presented at SIGGRAPH Asia, taking place from December 4-7 in Tokyo, Japan. Objects like clouds contain billions of individual water droplets that are not practical to plot in computer graphics for movie scenes. As a result, current techniques only allow artists to specify the density of particles in each part of a cloud to define its shape and appearance. Existing systems do not allow any control over how the particles are actually arranged with respect to one another. "By only controlling the density, current techniques basically assume that the particles are arranged randomly, without any interdependence," said Wojciech Jarosz, an assistant professor of computer science at Dartmouth College who oversaw the research. "But this limitation can have a dramatic effect on the final appearance." In reality, particles are not always randomly arranged. They can clump together or spread evenly apart, depending on the type of material. Understanding how particles are arranged and how light interacts with them provides a variety of new artistic options for moviemakers. "There is a whole range of dramatically different appearances that artists just couldn't explore until now," said Jarosz. "Previously, artists basically had one control that could affect the appearance of a cloud. Now it's possible to explore a vastly richer palette of possibilities, a change that is as dynamic as the transition from black-and-white images to color." In the Dartmouth study, researchers compared how a beam of light travels through a material comprised of randomly arranged particles with how it travels through a material consisting of particles that are more naturally ordered. The team averaged the results of millions of trials demonstrating how far photons travel before slamming into particles or other objects. Ordinarily, a graph modelling how photons move through a material with independently arranged particles appears as an even, "exponential" curve indicating light evenly dropping off as it travels. When particles clump together, like in a cloud, photons survive longer distances on average, resulting in a curve with a longer tail. Not only is the result exciting in mathematical models, the team programmed the finding into software that will allow artists to create a wider variety of looks by customizing how light travels through "volumetric materials" like clouds, fog, mist, a marble statue, or our own skin. Importantly, the creative result will also be a more accurate depiction of real-world physics. The breakthrough allows artists to maintain a realistic result while responding to creative direction by effectively "steering" the physics to achieve particular artistic effects. "There is an interesting interaction between art and science when you are creating animated films," said Benedikt Bitterli, a PhD student at Dartmouth who co-authored the research paper. "You're doing this physics simulation, but the people using it are not physicists. We are creating software and simulations for use by artists." To tackle the problem of understanding how particles organize themselves, the research team turned to atmospheric sciences and neutron transport. In those research fields, knowing the arrangement of water droplets or reactor material has important implications for studying climate change and keeping nuclear reactors safe. While researchers have been looking to overcome the challenge of particle arrangement for some time, no set of equations had yet been developed that solves the problem in a general way. "This wasn't simply a matter of taking techniques from other research areas and using them for generating pretty pictures with computer graphics," said Bitterli, who will present the work at SIGGRAPH Asia. "Getting the physics equations to work properly was a new and extraordinarily difficult challenge." The research team also applied the technique to solid objects like marble statues where some light reflects off the surface, but some also travels through the material, leading to its translucent appearance. The new technique allows artists to change the way light interacts with the objects but without changing the density. The Dartmouth-led research comes after a recent study from University of Zaragoza that looked at similar problems but that focused only on objects with uniform density. Both studies come as more powerful computers and software innovations have spurred film studios to develop more sophisticated techniques based on the physical world. Srinath Ravichandran (Dartmouth College), Steve Marschner (Cornell University), Thomas Muller (Disney Research/ETH Zurich), Magnus Wrenninge (Pixar) and Jan Novak (Disney Research) all participated in this research. ### Editor's Notes: The full research paper, videos and other information can be found at the main project page: https://dartgo.org/non-exponential-media An interactive demonstration is available at: https://cs.dartmouth.edu/~wjarosz/publications/bitterli18framework-supplemental/index.html About Dartmouth Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and offers the world's premier liberal arts education, combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate and graduate teaching with distinguished research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and its three leading professional schools: the Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering and Tuck School of Business. From diagnosis of HIV to successful viral suppression: in a rapid communication published in Eurosurveillance today, ECDC and co-authors from Public Health England and The National AIDS Trust summarise the progress towards HIV elimination in 52 countries in Europe and Central Asia. The main issues: diagnosing those who are unaware of their HIV infection and treating them. The global targets set out by UNAIDS for 2020 are to diagnose 90% of all HIV-positive people, provide antiretroviral therapy for 90% of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 90% of those treated (known as 90-90-90 targets). In 2018, 52 of 55 countries completed the survey indicating the progress towards these targets in Europe and Central Asia. Between "substantial progress" and "concerning" Is Europe on track to end AIDS by 2020? Following analysis of the data provided by the 52 countries in 2018, the progress towards the 90-90-90 targets stands at 86%-91%-92% in the EU/EEA. This means that overall, countries in the EU/EEA are on track to reach the targets by 2020. Looking at the whole Region, however, a striking drop in the second stage of the continuum is apparent: across Europe and Central Asia, the figures show a significant gap in the amount of people who are diagnosed with HIV but not receiving treatment: 80%-64%-86%. The article provides results on the targets for each of the reporting countries. The authors acknowledge "substantial progress" towards the 90-90-90 targets across Europe and Central Asia. However, among the estimated 2.1 million people living with HIV in Europe and Central Asia "only two out of five are estimated to be virally suppressed in 2018". Furthermore, "the substantial drop-off between the percentages diagnosed and treated in the East sub-region is concerning since it enables preventable deaths, serious illness and onward transmission." The results give new insights into necessary steps in the regional or national HIV responses. As almost two-thirds of the 1.2 million people across the region with transmissible virus are diagnosed but only half of those are on treatment, "the biggest public health impact could be achieved through rapid and sustained scale up of treatment", according to the authors. This is particularly true for countries in the east of the region where the outcome was 76%-46%-78%. Policies that diversify and enhance the offer of HIV tests could help address the problem of late diagnosis across Europe, as outlined in the new ECDC guidance on HIV, hepatitis B and C testing. This would include testing for indicator conditions, during screenings for other sexually transmitted infections, in community-based settings, as self/home-testing and for partner notification. The authors highlight that the 90-90-90 targets remain a "powerful tool to assess progress towards HIV elimination and drive standards in care" for people living with HIV. But these targets do not provide a comprehensive picture of the public health response to HIV. "Each 'last 10 percent' includes people especially marginalised from healthcare services." What are the 90-90-90 targets? The so-called continuum of HIV care is a framework which allows countries to monitor the effectiveness of key areas in the response to the HIV epidemic along several stages, from diagnosis towards viral suppression. The overall aim is to that people living with HIV are diagnosed (early) and receive antiretroviral treatment (ART) which leads to viral suppression, i.e. the virus is no longer detectable in the blood. Such an undetectable viral load also means that HIV positive people on effective treatment do not transmit the virus. Based on the findings of the ECDC Dublin Declaration report on the continuum in 2015, ECDC now monitors a four-stage continuum that is directly relevant in the European region. Stage 1 looks at the estimated number of all people living with HIV (PLHIV); stage 2 at the number of all PLHIV who have been diagnosed; stage 3 at the number on PLHIV who have been diagnosed and who are on ART; and stage 4 comprises the number of PLHIV on ART who are virally suppressed. In 2018, 34 of 55 countries provided data on all four continuum stages. ### Read more ECDC Guidance on HIV, hepatitis B and C testing http://bit.ly/TestGui Progress reports and evidence briefs: Monitoring the implementation of the Dublin Declaration Dublin http://bit.ly/DublinDeclaration HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe 2018 - 2017 data https://ecdc.europa.eu/sites/portal/files/documents/hiv-aids-surveillance-in-europe-2018.pdf Beetle compasses, wage inequality, metasurfaces and multi-limbed robots - these are just some of the areas that will now be explored by mid-career researchers, thanks to newly awarded investigator-led funding. The European Research Council announced the recipients of its Consolidator Grant competition: 291 top scientists across Europe. Funding for these researchers, part of the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, is worth in total EUR 573 million and will give them a chance to build up their teams and have far-reaching impact. On this occasion, Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "This EU grant provides a real boost to research and innovation in Europe because it gives top scientists the chance to take risks and pursue their best and maybe wildest ideas. I am pleased to see these ERC grants will support such a diverse group of people of forty nationalities working in over twenty countries and that the list of grantees also reflects that we have many excellent women scientists in Europe." The President of the ERC, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, commented: "This ERC funding will allow ambitious scientists to establish or strengthen their teams in Europe and be truly creative in their research. Beyond a push to the grantees' careers, this European support will offer an excellent working environment for younger researchers at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. We look forward to see many of these daring ideas come to fruition, to the benefit of Europe at large." The grantees will carry out their projects at universities and research centres in 21 different countries across Europe, with the United Kingdom (55 grants), Germany (38), France (32) and Switzerland (29) as leading locations. In this competition, researchers of 40 nationalities received funding, amongst them are notably Germans (49 grants), Italians (35), French (34) and British (27). The research projects proposed by the new grantees cover a wide range of topics in physical sciences and engineering, life sciences, as well as social sciences and humanities. (See project examples) The ERC received 2,389 research proposals this time, out of which approximately 12% will be funded. 32% of grants were awarded to female applicants. This new round of grants should create around 1750 jobs for postdocs, PhD students and other staff working in the grantees' research team. (See more statistics) List of all selected researchers in alphabetical order Lists of selected researchers by domain (in alphabetical order): ### For potential applicants Researchers who would like to compete for an ERC Consolidator Grant have until 7 February 2019 to apply for the next round of funding. Visit https://erc.europa.eu/funding/consolidator-grants for application details. Background The ERC Consolidator Grants are awarded to outstanding researchers of any nationality and age, with at least seven and up to twelve years of experience after PhD, and a scientific track record showing great promise. Research must be conducted in a public or private research organisation located in one of the EU Member States or Associated Countries. The funding (average of EUR 2 million per grant), is provided for up to five years and mostly covers the employment of researchers and other staff to consolidate the grantees' teams. About the ERC The European Research Council, set up by the European Union in 2007, is the premiere European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. Every year, it selects and funds the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age, to run projects based in Europe. It offers four core grant schemes: Starting, Consolidator, Advanced and Synergy Grants. With its additional Proof of Concept grant scheme, the ERC helps grantees to bridge the gap between grantees' pioneering research and early phases of its commercialisation. To date, the ERC has funded some 9,000 top researchers at various stages of their careers, and over 50,000 postdocs, PhD students and other staff working in their research teams. The ERC strives to attract top researchers from anywhere in the world to come to Europe. Key global research funding bodies, in the United States, China, Japan, Brazil and other countries, have concluded special agreements to provide their researchers with opportunities to temporarily join ERC grantees' teams. The ERC is led by an independent governing body, the Scientific Council. The ERC President is Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon. The overall ERC budget from 2014 to 2020 is more than EUR 13 billion, as part of the Horizon 2020 programme, for which European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Carlos Moedas is responsible. More information ERC website Horizon 2020 ERC press contacts Marcin Monko Press and Communication adviser Phone: +32 (0) 2 296 66 44 erc-press@ec.europa.eu Eilish Brault Press and Communication adviser Phone: +32 (0)2 295 24 71 erc-press@ec.europa.eu Photonics is an emerging technology with a potential multitrillion market. Innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the forefront of this development, but the R&D costs are prohibitive for them. That's why 12 partners from northwestern Europe are creating an open access pilot line that will drastically reduce costs and time for the pilot production of new products. This new facility is projected to be the incubator of a thousand new companies and thousands of jobs. The 14 million euro project (OIP4NWE) is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and kicked off this week in Eindhoven. Photonics is much like electronics, but instead of electrons it uses light (photons) as its workhorse. It uses much less energy, it is faster, and it opens up a wealth of new opportunities. One of the key problems photonics will help tackle is the exploding energy consumption of data centers, as photonic microchips consume much less energy than their electronic predecessors. Another example is a high-precision monitoring system for aircraft wings, bridges or tall buildings. After two decades of basic photonics research, the first companies producing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are now taking off - sparsely. One of the main hurdles is the high cost involved in R&D. Not only does the PIC production require expensive high-tech equipment installed in cleanrooms, but currently the production processes still have a high defect rate and are too slow. This was workable for basic research but not for commercial R&D. The technology readiness level, which ranges from 1 to 9, needs to be jacked up from the current 4 to 7. The new project, led by photonics stronghold Eindhoven University of Technology (in collaboration with its Photonic Integration Technology Center), consists of the realization of an efficient pilot production line for shared use by European SMEs. It should take the defect rate in pilot production down and the throughput time will be shorter. All in all, this should lead to a cost reduction which significantly lowers the threshold for developing new photonic products. This should help establish a thousand integrated photonics firms within ten years after the project. The front-end process (production of PICs on indium-phosphide wafers) will be realized in the existing NanoLab at Eindhoven University. The PICs of different companies will be combined on one wafer to keep costs low. The back-end process is done at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Optics for beam shaping and light coupling) and at the Irish Tyndall National Institute (Assembly of fiber-optic connections and electronics in the package). All steps require nanoscale precision to avoid product defects. The first stage of the project is equipment installation. The second stage focusses on automation of the equipment while a third stage will involve intensive industrial research together with equipment manufacturers to optimize and develop new processes. The line should be fully in operation in 2022. To incentivize the initial uptake by SMEs, a voucher scheme for external SMEs will be set up. ### The other parties involved are the companies AIXTRON SE (Germany), SMART Photonics, VTEC Lasers & Sensors, Technobis Fibre Technologies (all Netherlands), mBryonics Limited (Ireland) and Oxford Instruments nanotechnology Tools (United Kingdom) along with research centers Photonics Bretagne (France), Cluster NanoMikroWerkstoffePhotonik.NRW (Germany) and Photon Delta Cooperatie (Netherlands). The project has a total budget of 13.9 million euros. Of this, the EU is funding 8.3 million, with the remainder coming from the participating parties. A research team from ITMO University and the University of Rochester (the USA) conducted a study on the formation of terahertz radiation in liquids. Previously, the generation of such radiation in a liquid medium was considered impossible due to high absorption. However, in their new research, the scientists described this phenomenon's physical nature and demonstrated that liquid radiation sources can be equally effective to traditional ones. The results have been published in Applied Physics Letters. Terahertz electromagnetic radiation can easily pass through most materials except metals and water. Today, it is widely used in security systems used to detect illicit drugs and weapons, as well as for biomedical research. Most modern research involving terahertz radiation focuses on finding new, more stable, powerful and efficient sources. The most common sources of terahertz radiation are solid materials. In addition, there are sources based on femtosecond laser filamentation in air and gases. In this case, a powerful laser beam creates a plasma in the gas medium by ionizing it so that free electrons generate electromagnetic terahertz radiation. Although doing the same in a liquid medium was until now considered impossible due to high absorption, an international research team from ITMO University and the University of Rochester showed the opposite. Their new study revealed that liquid, in fact, has a number of advantages over other sources such as gases. "Until our colleague, Prof. Xi-Cheng Zhang, had been able to detect terahertz radiation in a liquid, it was believed to be impossible. But we demonstrated that, in terms of efficiency, liquid sources can approach solid-state sources, which are now considered to be the standard. Moreover, liquids are much easier to obtain than crystals. They can also withstand high pumping energy, which makes it possible to obtain a better output," explains Anton Tsypkin, Head of the Laboratory of Femtosecond Optics and Femtotechnology at ITMO University. Usually, radiation is generated due to the release of free excited electrons during filamentation. The more electrons can be excited or ionized, the stronger the output terahertz radiation will be. The number of excited electrons of one molecule depends on the energy spent on the excitation or "pumping" of the medium. The difference between the required "pumping" energies in gas and liquid is small. At the same time, the density of molecules in a liquid is much higher than in a gas, so that a comparable pump energy makes it possible to excite more electrons and make the radiation stronger. Scientists investigated the direction of terahertz radiation in the liquid. Experiments were conducted in parallel at two universities so as to eliminate errors. Then, the scientists verified the independently obtained results and worked together on a theoretical model to explain them. As a result, they managed to draw up and physically substantiate the radiation patterns of terahertz radiation in a liquid and its dependence on the angle at which the liquid collides with the pump radiation. According to the researchers, these results will be used in future work. "A significant drawback of fluid is its large absorption. We plan to solve this problem by optimizing the type of fluid, the shape of the jet, the pump power and a number of other parameters. We want to experimentally find the optimal parameters for the radiation generation in different liquids, as well as to develop a theoretical model based on this data. It can be used to create a prototype device that will allow us to produce different types of terahertz radiation from liquids," says Xi-Cheng Zhang, co-director of the International Institute "Photonics and Optical Informatics" at ITMO University, and a researcher at the University of Rochester. ### Reference: "Terahertz wave generation from liquid water films via laser-induced breakdown" Yiwen E, Qi Jin, Anton Tcypkin, and X.-C. Zhang. Appl. Phys. Lett. Nov. 1, 2018 https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.5054599 The UK government needs to urgently implement new carers' employment rights and work with employers to better support carers in the workplace, a new report from the Work Foundation states today The UK Government needs to urgently implement new carers' employment rights and work with employers to better support carers in the workplace, a new report from the Work Foundation states today. The research, based on an evidence review and a workshop attended by carers, charities and government officials, highlights the profound impact caring responsibilities have on a person's employment with those providing 50 hours or more care per week being 36% less likely to be employed compared to non-carers. Findings suggest women are disproportionately affected, with 61% of female carers being employed in comparison to 68% of men. Those aged 45-54 are twice as likely as any other group to have reduced their working hours due to caring responsibilities. This causes financial strain - reduced earnings, savings and pension contributions - meaning many suffer from relatively high poverty rates and end up in debt. Researchers are therefore calling for Government to deliver on its promise to implement new rights such as statutory leave, which was recommended in the 2017 Independent Review of the State Pension Age - and pledged by the Conservative party in their 2017 manifesto. The number of 'informal' or unpaid carers - people who look after a friend or relative who need help due to age, disability or illness - is growing rapidly in the UK, and is estimated to reach 9 million by 2037. This follows a sharp increase between 2001 and 2011, when the number of informal carers rose from 5.8million to 6.5million - an increase that outpaced the growth of the overall population. Dr James Chandler, from the Work Foundation, said: "The current carer's allowance is inadequate and means the financial barriers faced by carers are incredibly difficult to overcome. Not only do they face family and financial worries, their time away from work can have a real impact on their confidence, skills and knowledge. We found that many carers are prone to poor mental and physical health, with many experiencing social isolation due to the pressures on their time. "With an ageing population and reduced investment in social care, unpaid carers provide the majority of care in the UK - not doctors, nurses or care workers - and the numbers of carers are only expected to grow. Our health system is reliant on them and they do an incredible job, but not just for their family and friends, they also make a substantial contribution to the economy - estimated by Carers UK to be 132billion a year. With Brexit looming, a reliance on migrant labour in the health and care industry and an ageing workforce, there is a risk of further pressure on employees to leave work to care for family and friends. "The Government and employers need to act fast. For years, unpaid carers have picked up the slack, but there's a real risk that this won't continue unless changes are made urgently." Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said: "We know that over 2 million people have given up work at some point to fulfil their caring responsibilities for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill, when they could be enjoying the benefits of employment . "This has costs not only for the individual but for employers who face higher recruitment costs, as well as the exchequer, with 1.7 billion in social security benefits paid to people who have left their jobs because of unpaid caring. Another 1.2 billion in taxes on top of that is forgone on lost earnings. "Through our employer forum, Employers for Carers, we work with employers to develop and share carer friendly policy and practice. Carers UK has long called for stronger employment rights for carers and want the Government to commit to introducing statutory paid carers' leave of at least five days and the right to request flexible working from day one. "As well as support at work, carers also need access to high quality, affordable care services so the forthcoming Green Paper must deliver a sustainable funding solution for social care. Not only does this make good business sense - helping employers to attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce - it also improves carers' health and well-being and strengthens families, communities and our economy." The Work Foundation report offers a series of recommendations to policymakers, including: Include specific provisions for carers in the Right to Request Flexible Working. People of working age with caring responsibilities should, on starting a new job, be able to request flexible working in order to fit their caring responsibilities around their work Introduce dedicated carers' employment rights, such as statutory leave, as recommended in the 2017 Independent Review of the State Pension Age21 and pledged by the Conservatives in their 2017 manifesto Work closely with businesses to promote the evidence-based value of retaining carers in the workplace. The Government should collect and share examples of good practice, and provide guidance to employers The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) could work more closely with social care departments in local authorities as part of the carers' assessment process so as to identify local job opportunities Issue guidance to both employers and prospective employees on how caring could be discussed during interview stage Develop an accreditation scheme or 'charter', similar to the 'Disability Confident' scheme already in place Establish a 'carers' committee' with the Department of Health and Social Care, made up of charities, employers and unions, to advise the Government on ways to support working carers, while recognising the needs of businesses Work with charities, such as Carers UK, Mind, the Carers Trust and Age UK, on policy guidance and best practice Launch a public awareness campaign to increase national understanding of the importance of working carers Establish regional networks for small and medium-sized organisations, enabling them to share best practice in supporting working carers. Researchers also recommend that employers: Introduce 'Carer Champions' to raise awareness of working carers and destigmatise caring. It would reassure other working carers that they're not alone and encourage them to share experiences Seek to create a workplace culture where carers are supported with 'carer friendly' policies Set up carers' peer groups or support forums, where carers can share experiences and advice. Businesses could signpost staff to external support forums Share examples of good practice with other organisations Provide an online resource, through company employee benefit schemes or HR services, to help carers source practical advice and expert support on topics including care, legal and financial information Offer online or telephone counselling, through services like Employee Assistance Programmes Train line managers on how to identify and support carers, including bespoke approaches. Educate them that working carer roles do not mean lack of commitment at work Commit to flexible and remote working Explore how technology could help working carers and the workforce more generally Run workplace awareness campaigns Be open to employee requests to take on fewer hours or less senior roles. ### The Work Foundation is an employment Think Tank that transforms people's experience of work and the labour market through high quality applied research that influences public policies and organisational practices, while empowering individuals. Part of Lancaster University Management School, it is a leading provider of analysis, evaluation, policy advice and know-how in the UK and beyond. For more information, and to access the report, visit: http://www.theworkfoundation.com/ Dirk Hanschel, Professor of German, European, and International Public Law at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), will carry out a research programme on "Environmental Rights in Cultural Context" as a Max Planck Fellow at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Social Anthropology in Halle starting in January 2019. The fellowship position, which is awarded by the Max Planck Society, is connected with a research grant of up to 500,000 euros. Dirk Hanschel is the first legal scholar from MLU to collaborate with the MPI for Social Anthropology as a Max Planck Fellow. His interdisciplinary project investigates the intersection of environmental protection and human rights - for example, the question of whether a healthy environment can be considered a human right. "Some countries, such as Ecuador, even have constitutional provisions that nature itself has rights," notes the expert on international and comparative law. "This development is exciting, for it poses questions about the content of such rights and who specifically can invoke them," Hanschel explains. The research project "Environmental Rights in Cultural Context" will centre around case studies led by Hanschel in cooperation with MPI Director Professor Marie-Claire Foblets. The collaboration with anthropologists and their methodologies is invaluable for the undertaking, which will investigate the ways that environmental changes due to processes like climate change or natural resource extraction affect people - for example, the inhabitants of a village in the Ecuadorian Amazon - whose entire culture is directly dependent on an intact natural environment. Linked with this is the legal question about how and to what degree constitutionally guaranteed environmental rights can offer special protection in such cases and whether they can be considered to be human rights. "In sum, the project brings together empirical observation and legal dogmatic analysis to mutually illuminate each other," Hanschel concludes. Dirk Hanschel studied law in Marburg, London, and Heidelberg and completed his Master of Comparative Law in Mannheim and Adelaide (Australia). He passed his qualifying state board examinations in law in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, worked as a research assistant at the University of Mannheim, and received his doctorate with a dissertation on the topic of negotiated settlements in international environmental law. In his post-doctoral thesis (Habilitation), completed in Mannheim in 2010, Hanschel examined how the German federal state resolves conflicts in comparison with the United States and Switzerland. Subsequently he held visiting professorships at the Universities of Trier, Munster, Gottingen, Wurzburg, and Hanover. From 2013 to 2015 he was a Reader at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland). In 2015 he accepted a professorship (Chair) at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The Max Planck Fellow Programme promotes cooperation between outstanding university professors and Max Planck Society researchers. The appointment of university professors as Max Planck Fellows is limited to a five-year period and also entails the supervision of a small working group at a Max Planck institute. ### CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Pneumonia, a respiratory disease that kills about 50,000 people in the United States every year, can be caused by many different microbes, including bacteria and viruses. Rapid detection of pneumonia is critical for effective treatment, especially in hospital-acquired cases which are often more severe. However, current diagnostic approaches often take several days to return definitive results, making it harder for doctors to prescribe the right treatment. MIT researchers have now developed a nanoparticle-based technology that could be used to improve the speed of diagnosis. This type of sensor could also be used to monitor whether antibiotic therapy has successfully treated the infection, says Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the senior author of the study. If the patients symptoms go away, then you assume the drug is working. But if the patients symptoms dont go away, then you would want to see if the bacteria is still growing. We were trying to address that issue, says Bhatia, who is also a member of MITs Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science. Graduate student Colin Buss and recent PhD recipient Jaideep Dudani are the lead authors of the paper, which appears online Nov. 29 in the journal EBioMedicine. Reid Akana, an MIT senior, and Heather Fleming, director of research for Bhatias lab, are also authors of the paper. Sensors in the body Several years ago, Bhatia and her colleagues developed a diagnostic approach that amplifies a signal from biomarkers already present in the body specifically, enzymes called proteases, which chop up other proteins. The human genome encodes more than 500 different proteases, each of which targets different proteins. The team developed nanoparticles coated with peptides (short proteins) that can be chopped up by certain proteases, such as those expressed by cancer cells. When these particles are injected into the body, they accumulate in tumors, if any are present, and proteases there chop the peptides from the nanoparticles. These peptides are eliminated as waste and can be detected by a simple urine test. Weve been working on this idea that measuring enzyme activity could be a new way to peer inside the body, Bhatia says. In recent studies, she has shown that this approach can be used to detect different types of cancers, including very small ovarian tumors, which could enable earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. For their new study, the researchers wanted to explore the possibility of diagnosing infection by detecting proteases that are produced by microbes. They began with a species of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause pneumonia and is a particularly common cause of hospital-acquired cases. Pseudomonas expresses a protease called LasA, so the researchers designed nanoparticles with peptides that can be cleaved by LasA. The researchers also developed a second nanoparticle-based sensor that can monitor the hosts immune response to infection. These nanoparticles are covered in peptides that are cleaved by a type of protease called elastase, which is produced by immune cells called neutrophils. In some patients with pneumonia, even if an antibiotic clears out the bacteria causing the infection, a chest X-ray may still show inflammation because neutrophils are still active. Using these two sensors together could reveal whether an antibiotic has cleared the infection, in cases where a chest X-ray still shows inflammation after treatment. The sensors can help you distinguish between whether theres an infection and inflammation, versus inflammation and no infection, Bhatia says. What we showed in the paper is that when you treat with the right antibiotic, the infection goes down but the inflammation persists. The researchers also showed that if they treated mice with an ineffective antibiotic, both bacteria levels and inflammation levels stayed high. This kind of test could help to reveal whether an antibiotic is working, in cases where a patients symptoms havent improved within a few days. Diagnosing many infections For this study, the researchers delivered the nanoparticles intravenously, but they are now working on a powdered version that could be inhaled. Bhatia envisions that this approach could be used to determine whether a patient has bacterial or viral pneumonia, which would help doctors to decide if the patient should be given antibiotics or not. The definitive test, growing a bacterial culture from coughed up mucus, takes several days, so doctors base their decisions on the patients symptoms and X-ray imaging a process that may not always be accurate. To create a more comprehensive diagnostic, Bhatias lab is now working on adding peptides that could interact with proteases from other types of bacteria that cause pneumonia, as well as proteases that the host immune system produces in response to either viral or bacterial infection. The researchers are also working on sensors that could easily distinguish between active and dormant forms of tuberculosis. Bhatia and others have started a company called Glympse Bio that has licensed the protease sensing technology and is now working on developing protease sensors for possible use in humans. Next year, they plan to begin a phase I clinical trial of a sensor that can detect liver fibrosis, an accumulation of scar tissue that can lead to cirrhosis. ### The research was funded by the Koch Institute Support (core) Grant from the National Cancer Institute, the Core Center Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Stone handaxes, similar to those made by early humans as much as 1.5 million years ago, have been dated for the first time in the Arabian Peninsula, to less than 190,000 years old, where their production may have endured until the arrival of Homo sapiens Beginning more than 1.5 million years ago, early humans made stone handaxes in a style known as the Acheulean - the longest lasting tool-making tradition in prehistory. New research led by the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage has documented an Acheulean presence in the Arabian Peninsula dating to less than 190,000 years ago, revealing that the Arabian Acheulean ended just before or at the same time as the earliest Homo sapiens dispersals into the region. Much attention has been given to understanding the spread of our own species, Homo sapiens, first within Africa and then beyond. However, less attention has been given to where diverse groups of close evolutionary cousins lived in Eurasia immediately prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens. Understanding this is critical because the spatial and temporal characteristics of such groups reveal the human and cultural landscape first encountered by our species on leaving Africa. The youngest Acheulean site in Southwest Asia In a paper published in Scientific Reports, an international team of researchers led by the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage reports the first ever dates obtained from an Acheulean site in Arabia, the site of Saffaqah, situated in Central Saudi Arabia. Saffaqah is the first stratified Acheulean site to be reported in the Arabian Peninsula and the dates reveal that early humans occupied the site until at least 190,000 years ago. These dates are surprisingly recent for a region known to feature among the oldest examples of such technology outside Africa. For example, dates from the Levant document an ancient Acheulean presence from 1.5 million years ago. Conversely the site of Saffaqah features the youngest Acheulean tools yet found in southwest Asia. Over 500 stone tools, including handaxes and other artefacts known as cleavers, were recovered from the occupation levels. Some of the stone flakes used to make handaxes were in such fresh condition that they were recovered still resting on the stone nodules from which they had been detached. These and other artefacts show that the early humans responsible for making them were manufacturing stone tools at this site. "It is not surprising that early humans came here to make stone tools," says Dr. Eleanor Scerri of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, the lead author of the study. "The site is located on a prominent andesite dyke that rises above the surrounding plain. The spot was both a source of raw material as well as a prime location to survey a landscape that, back then, sat between two major river systems." This choice location also seems to have continued to be attractive to early humans at an even later date than those recorded by the researchers in this study. Layers containing identical stone handaxes are also found above the dense occupation layers that were dated, raising the possibility that Saffaqah is among the youngest Acheulean sites documented anywhere. Hominins living at the edge The new dating results both record the late persistence of the Acheulean in the Peninsula and also show that as yet unidentified hominin populations were using networks of now extinct rivers to disperse into the heart of Arabia during a time of increased rainfall in the region. This suggests that these hominins were able to live on the margins of habitable zones and take advantage of relatively brief "greening" episodes in a generally arid area. The dispersal of these hominins into the heart of Arabia may also help to explain the surprisingly late persistence of the Acheulean, as it suggests a degree of isolation. "These hominins were resourceful and intelligent," adds Dr. Scerri, "They dispersed across a challenging landscape using technology commonly seen as reflecting a lack of inventiveness and creativity. Instead of perceiving the Acheulean this way, we should really be struck by how flexible, versatile and successful this technology was." Cutting edge science To date the sediments from the site of Saffaqah, the researchers used a combination of dating techniques known as luminescence methods, including a newly developed infrared-radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating protocol for potassium rich feldspars. The method relies on the ability of such minerals to store energy induced by natural radioactivity and to release this energy in the form of light. "The application of IR-RF dating allowed us to obtain age estimates from sediments that were previously difficult to reliably date," explains Marine Frouin of the University of Oxford, one of the researchers involved in the dating program. These discoveries and methods are already leading to new research. "One of the biggest questions we have is whether any of our evolutionary ancestors and close cousins met up with Homo sapiens, and if this could have happened somewhere in Saudi Arabia. Future field work will be dedicated to understanding possible cultural and biological exchanges at this critical time period," says Professor Michael Petraglia of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, the director of the project which led to the discoveries at Saffaqah. ### The international consortium of researchers involved in this project is headed by the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, in partnership with HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. Additional partners include King Saud University and other key institutions in the United Kingdom and Australia. BOZEMAN -- A research collaboration between three Montana State University faculty members recently received a grant to help fund their study on the connection between a rare genetic neurological disease and metabolism, the human gut microbiome and degeneration of the nervous system. The work could further the understanding of what causes more common neurodegenerative diseases and eventually pave the way for therapeutics to treat them. The National Institutes of Health awarded $2.9 million to MSU professors Frances Lefcort, Seth Walk and Valerie Copie for their research into Familial dysautonomia, a disease that attacks and devastates the nervous system. The five-year grant will fund their research and student education, including the several undergraduates and two graduate students who are currently contributing research to the project. Lefcort's lab has researched Familial dysautonomia, a disease that runs in her family, for eight years. She explained that the disease begins in utero, where parts of the nervous system don't develop properly. It grows progressively worse over the years as nerve cells die. While rare, the genetic mutation that causes Familial dysautonomia has been identified, which makes it a useful model for research into other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, said Lefcort, who is the Letters and Science Distinguished Professor in MSU's Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She said one common problem among people with Familial dysautonomia is that they are very thin and have trouble putting on weight, which would suggest a metabolic problem. Another is that the gastrointestinal tract doesn't function normally, which leads to diarrhea, constipation, esophageal reflux or other gastrointestinal issues. Lefcort sought out experts in both of those research areas from among her MSU colleagues: Walk's expertise is in gut microbiomes, and Copie studies metabolism. She learned that the nervous system is closely involved with the human gut microbiome and is affected by metabolism. "There are more than 100 million neurons just in your gut, and it's well known that there's extensive communication between the brain and the gut through the gut-brain axis," Lefcort said. Realizing the likely connection between their research, the interdisciplinary trio collaborated to further study the roles of the gut microbiome, nervous system and metabolism (also called "metabolome") in Familial dysautonomia. Using Walk's specially bred, germ-free laboratory mice as models, the scientists hope to selectively manipulate "each leg of the triangle to determine how these systems affect each other and contribute to neurodegenerative disease," Lefcort said. "Nothing like this has ever been done in this disease, and it's only starting to be done in major disease like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," Lefcort said. "We feel that work from this grant will not only inform our understanding of Familial dysautonomia, but also provide a great model for understanding how the gut microbiome, metabolome and nervous system are interacting in these major neurogenerative diseases." The trio has already gathered promising preliminary data through a collaboration with New York University's Dysautonomia Center, which sees all North American patients with Familial dysautonomia. "They have sent us stool and blood samples from their patients and their patients' relatives, and we've already shown that the microbiome of those patients is significantly different from that of their relatives," Lefcort said. "We have good data suggesting we have something here, and now using our mouse models, we can really tease apart the causality -- is there a metabolic problem that's affecting the microbiome, and/or is it the microbiome that's altering metabolism and contributing to the neurodegeneration?" Lefcort will analyze the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tracts of the laboratory mice, seeking answers to questions such as whether altering the metabolism or microbiome helps prevent neurodegeneration. Walk will direct the microbiome-focused aspects of the project, which will include a detailed investigation of bacteria living in the intestines of patients who have neurodegenerative disease. He will also lead research focused on the microbiome and whether bacteria in the gut produce compounds that trigger neurons to grow or to die. He'll do this using cutting-edge DNA sequencing coupled with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. "Germ-free mice are completely sterile and do not have any microorganisms living inside them or on them. These animals help us understand what aspects of our 'health' are missing when microbes are not around," said Walk, an associate professor in MSU's Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Agriculture and the College of Letters and Science. "Gnotobiotic mice have a defined microbiome, whereby we can discover the specific benefits of a particular microbial community." Copie, a professor in MSU's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and director of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center, will lead the effort to identify the metabolic processes that are impaired by Familial dysautonomia and how those impairments in energy production affect the gut-brain axis and contribute to neurodegeneration. "Our lab will be responsible for undertaking the global profiling and characterization of small molecule metabolites present in stool and serum samples of Familial dysautonomia patients and animal models," Copie said. "These studies will integrate nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques to identify the metabolic changes that take place in Familial dysautonomia. Our goal is to explore whether we can redress the metabolic deficits observed in Familial dysautonomia via microbiome intervention and whether restoring healthy metabolomes can help or either slow down neurodegeneration or help restore neuronal health." The high-resolution metabolic data generated by the NMR Center will contribute to the field of biomedical research and "will help us better understand how the metabolome, microbiome and neuronal circuitry interact together and can lead to irreversible neurodegeneration when impaired," Copie said. "It's clear that the triggers are different for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and ALS, but they all converge on common downstream pathways," Lefcort said. "We have shown that Familial dysautonomia converges on the same pathways. Now, we're trying to find out if we can intervene at these common points. "Whatever we discover here is going to be applicable to the major neurodegenerative disorders," she said. ### Gazing across 300 million light-years into a monstrous city of galaxies, astronomers have used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to do a comprehensive census of some of its most diminutive members: a whopping 22,426 globular star clusters found to date. The survey, published in the November 9, 2018, issue of the Astrophysical Journal, will allow for astronomers to use the globular cluster field to map the distribution of matter and dark matter in the Coma galaxy cluster, which holds over 1,000 galaxies that are packed together. Because globular clusters are much smaller than entire galaxies - and much more abundant - they are a much better tracer of how the fabric of space is distorted by the Coma cluster's gravity. In fact, the Coma cluster is one of the first places where observed gravitational anomalies were considered to be indicative of a lot of unseen mass in the universe - later to be called "dark matter." Among the earliest homesteaders of the universe, globular star clusters are snow-globe-shaped islands of several hundred thousand ancient stars. They are integral to the birth and growth of a galaxy. About 150 globular clusters zip around our Milky Way galaxy, and, because they contain the oldest known stars in the universe, were present in the early formative years of our galaxy. Some of the Milky Way's globular clusters are visible to the naked eye as fuzzy-looking "stars." But at the distance of the Coma cluster, its globulars appear as dots of light even to Hubble's super-sharp vision. The survey found the globular clusters scattered in the space between the galaxies. They have been orphaned from their home galaxy due to galaxy near-collisions inside the traffic-jammed cluster. Hubble revealed that some globular clusters line up along bridge-like patterns. This is telltale evidence for interactions between galaxies where they gravitationally tug on each other like pulling taffy. Astronomer Juan Madrid of the Australian Telescope National Facility in Sydney, Australia first thought about the distribution of globular clusters in Coma when he was examining Hubble images that show the globular clusters extending all the way to the edge of any given photograph of galaxies in the Coma cluster. He was looking forward to more data from one of the legacy surveys of Hubble that was designed to obtain data of the entire Coma cluster, called the Coma Cluster Treasury Survey. However, halfway through the program, in 2006, Hubble's powerful Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) had an electronics failure. (The ACS was later repaired by astronauts during a 2009 Hubble servicing mission.) To fill in the survey gaps, Madrid and his team painstakingly pulled numerous Hubble images of the galaxy cluster taken from different Hubble observing programs. These are stored in the Space Telescope Science Institute's Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes in Baltimore, Maryland. He assembled a mosaic of the central region of the cluster, working with students from the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program. "This program gives an opportunity to students enrolled in universities with little or no astronomy to gain experience in the field," Madrid said. The team developed algorithms to sift through the Coma mosaic images that contain at least 100,000 potential sources. The program used globular clusters' color (dominated by the glow of aging red stars) and spherical shape to eliminate extraneous objects - mostly background galaxies unassociated with the Coma cluster. Though Hubble has superb detectors with unmatched sensitivity and resolution, their main drawback is that they have tiny fields of view. "One of the cool aspects of our research is that it showcases the amazing science that will be possible with NASA's planned Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) that will have a much larger field of view than Hubble," said Madrid. "We will be able to image entire galaxy clusters at once." The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, in Washington, D.C. ### Ray Villard Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 410-338-4514 villard@stsci.edu Juan Madrid Australian Telescope National Facility, Sydney, Australia jmadrid@astro.swin.edu.au Scientists using data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have measured all the starlight produced over 90 percent of the universe's history. The analysis, which examines the gamma-ray output of distant galaxies, estimates the formation rate of stars and provides a reference for future missions that will explore the still-murky early days of stellar evolution. "Stars create most of the light we see and synthesize most of the universe's heavy elements, like silicon and iron," said lead scientist Marco Ajello, an astrophysicist at Clemson University in South Carolina. "Understanding how the cosmos we live in came to be depends in large part on understanding how stars evolved." A paper describing the new starlight measurement appears in the Nov. 30 issue of Science and is now available online. One of the main goals of the Fermi mission, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in orbit this year, was to assess the extragalactic background light (EBL), a cosmic fog composed of all the ultraviolet, visible and infrared light stars have created over the universe's history. Because starlight continues to travel across the cosmos long after its sources have burned out, measuring the EBL allows astronomers to study stellar formation and evolution separately from the stars themselves. "This is an independent confirmation of previous measurements of star-formation rates," said David Thompson, Fermi's deputy project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "In astronomy, when two completely independent methods give the same answer, that usually means we're doing something right. In this case we're measuring star formation without looking at stars at all but by observing gamma rays that have traveled across the cosmos." Gamma rays are the highest-energy form of light. They are so energetic, in fact, that their interactions with starlight have unusual consequences. "When the right frequencies of light collide, they can convert into matter through Albert Einstein's famous equation E=mc2," said co-author Alberto Dominguez, an astrophysicist at Complutense University of Madrid. The collision between a high-energy gamma ray and infrared light, for example, transforms the energy into a pair of particles, an electron and its antimatter counterpart, a positron. The same process occurs when medium-energy gamma rays interact with visible light, and low-energy gamma rays interact with ultraviolet light. Fermi's ability to detect gamma rays across a wide range of energies makes it uniquely suited for mapping the EBL spectrum. Enough of these interactions occur over cosmic distances that the farther back scientists look, the more evident their effects become on gamma-ray sources, enabling a deep probe of the universe's stellar content. The scientists, led by Vaidehi Paliya, a postdoctoral researcher in Ajello's group at Clemson, examined gamma-ray signals from 739 blazars -- galaxies with monster black holes at their centers -- collected over nine years by Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT). The measurement quintuples the number of blazars used in an earlier Fermi EBL analysis published in 2012 and includes new calculations of how the EBL builds over time, revealing the peak of star formation around 10 billion years ago. The new EBL measurement also provides important confirmation of previous estimates of star formation from missions that analyze many individual sources in deep galaxy surveys, like the Hubble Space Telescope. These types of surveys, however, often miss fainter stars and galaxies and cannot account for star formation that takes place in intergalactic space. These missing contributions must be estimated during each survey's analysis. The EBL, though, includes starlight from all sources and avoids these problems. The Fermi result therefore provides independent confirmation that measurements using deep galaxy surveys properly account for their biases. It can also help guide future surveys from missions like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). "One of Webb's primary objectives is to unravel what happened in the first billion years after the big bang," said co-author Kari Helgason, an astrophysicist at the University of Iceland. "Our work places important new limits on the amount of starlight we can expect to see in those first billion years -- a largely unexplored epoch in the universe -- and provides a benchmark for future studies." ### The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is an astrophysics and particle physics partnership managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Fermi was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, with important contributions from academic institutions and partners in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United States. A research team from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) have invented a smart handheld medical device that could enable early intervention for patients with congestive heart failure. The portable innovation, which resembles a stethoscope, is made up of an acoustic sensor connected to a smartphone. It enables early intervention by allowing patients to check for excess fluid in the lungs at home. Fluid accumulation in the lungs, which causes breathlessness, is a common symptom of congestive heart failure. One in five people worldwide run the risk of developing congestive heart failure, and this prevalence increases with age. As there is no cure for the ailment, patients can only monitor their health closely with lifestyle changes or medication to prevent their heart function from deteriorating irreversibly. Currently, patients can only check for fluid accumulation in the lungs by going for a clinical examination, which can be considerably subjective, or through imaging modalities and serum biomarker tests, which are costly and take a longer time. The non-invasive device built by a team led by NTU Associate Professor Ser Wee and TTSH Associate Professor David Foo circumvents these problems with its portability, ease of use and quick results. Currently a prototype, the device is able to detect any excess fluid in the lungs in 10 seconds once placed on the patient's chest or back. In a pilot study using lung sounds recorded from TTSH's congestive heart failure patients, Assoc Prof Ser and his team found the device to have over 92 per cent accuracy in identifying patients with the condition - comparable to existing 'gold standard' diagnosis methods such as X-rays and CT scans. The findings were first presented at the 2012 Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Associate Professor Foo, Head of Cardiology at TTSH, said, "Patients can monitor their condition at home and use the device whenever they feel slightly breathless at home. It is potentially a game-changer in the management of ambulatory heart failure patients. It can also provide a rapid and accurate acute diagnosis of heart failure in situations of undifferentiated shortness of breath symptoms." Associate Professor Ser from NTU's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering added, "Currently, such diagnosis can only be conducted through clinical examination, which cannot be made frequently. Our smart medical device can be used by anyone, anywhere and any number of times, which will enable the possibility of early intervention of congestive heart failure. "The next wave of MedTech (medical technology) start-ups will see the massive proliferation of smart medical devices that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and sensing technologies, such as the one we invented, and that will enable personalised self-assessment and screening of cardiopulmonary and other diseases, and revolutionise the way healthcare is managed in future." How it works In congestive heart failure, the diseased or overworked heart ventricle is unable to pump out enough of the blood it receives from the lungs. This causes pressure to build up first in the heart, then in the veins and capillaries in the lungs. The pressure then pushes fluid back through the capillary walls and into the air sacs of the lungs. As a result, when air passes through these fluid-filled air sacs, crackles can be heard from the lungs. Depending on the intensity, a crackle may sound like salt added to a hot pan, or Velcro being torn apart. Based on this principle, Prof Ser and his team found a unique set of features that can be used to identify characteristics of sounds unique to patients with fluid accumulation in the lungs. They then developed a proprietary AI algorithm capable of identifying and processing these signals to determine if there is fluid accumulation in the lungs. The smart medical device developed by NTU and TTSH first picks up breathing sounds through a sound sensor. Through a mobile app, the sound signals are then sent to a server located in the cloud. The NTU-developed algorithm stored in the cloud then processes these sound signals, and the results are shown on the mobile app. This whole process takes about 10 seconds to complete. Following two rounds of tests with samples collected from 86 patients, the team is now running a third round of tests on the device to further validate its sensitivity and specificity. A major pharmaceutical company, a healthcare MNC and a local healthcare company have approached the team to explore the possibility of collaborations. The research team has filed a patent for the invention, and is now refining the product. A MedTech start-up from NTU to commercialise the device is in the pipeline. The team will seek clinical and regulatory validation for the product before mass producing it. ### Media contact: Foo Jie Ying Manager Corporate Communications Office Nanyang Technological University Email: jieying@ntu.edu.sg Praveen Nayago Assistant Manager Corporate Communications Tan Tock Seng Hospital Email: praveen_nayago@ttsh.com.sg About Nanyang Technological University, Singapore A research-intensive public university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has 33,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Engineering, Business, Science, Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, and Graduate colleges. It also has a medical school, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, set up jointly with Imperial College London. NTU is also home to world-class autonomous institutes - the National Institute of Education, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Earth Observatory of Singapore, and Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering - and various leading research centres such as the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) and Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N). Ranked 12th in the world, NTU has been placed the world's top young university for the past five years. The University's main campus is frequently listed among the Top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world and it has 57 Green Mark-certified (equivalent to LEED-certified) building projects comprising more than 230 buildings, of which 95% are certified Green Mark Platinum. Apart from its main campus, NTU also has a campus in Singapore's healthcare district. For more information, visit http://www.ntu.edu.sg. About Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) TTSH is one of Singapore's largest multi-disciplinary hospitals with more than 174 years of pioneering medical care and development. The hospital has 45 clinical and allied health departments, 16 specialist centres. It also has three institutes that are spearheading care, research and innovations in geriatric medicine, infectious diseases and ophthalmology. Powered by more than 8,000 healthcare staff, TTSH sees over 2,500 patients at its specialist clinics and some 460 patients at its emergency department every day. TTSH is part of the National Healthcare Group, providing holistic and integrated patient care. With a strong quality culture steeped in patient safety, TTSH constantly challenges itself to provide faster, better, cheaper and safer care for patients. To achieve this, the hospital keeps abreast and believes in investing in its staff, facilities, medical technology and system improvements. More information is available at http://www.ttsh.com.sg. The spread of prions to the brain does not occur by direct transmission across the blood-brain barrier, according to a study published November 29 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Annika Keller and Adriano Aguzzi of the University Hospital Zurich, and colleagues. As noted by the authors, insights into how prions enter the brain could lead to the development of effective strategies to prevent neurodegeneration, even after infection outside the nervous system has already taken place. Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are incurable brain diseases caused by modifications of the prion protein. Prions can be transmitted through contaminated food, surgical instruments and blood. Transmission of prions has caused the kuru epidemic in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle, which in turn has caused variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Furthermore, injection of prion-contaminated hormones has caused hundreds of TSE cases. In order to develop drugs to prevent the spread of prions into the brain after exposure via food or medical procedures, it is necessary to gain an understanding of how prions propagate from the site of entry to the brain. In the new study, the researchers tested whether prions in blood may enter the brain via blood vessels. To do so, they used genetically modified mice with a highly permeable blood-brain barrier -- a network of blood vessels and tissue that is made up of closely spaced cells and helps keep harmful substances from reaching the brain. Both genetically modified and unmodified mice were similar in their survival rates after infection with prions. These surprising results suggest that passage of prions through the blood-brain barrier may not be relevant to the development of disease. Taken together with past findings, the new results suggest that prions likely reach the brain by traveling along nerves in other parts of the body, similar to rhabdoviruses and herpesviruses. "Studies on mice possessing a permeable blood-brain barrier (BBB) add to the conjecture that prion spread from the periphery to the brain does not occur by direct transition across the BBB," adds Keller. "Besides their significance for the basic understanding of prion neuroinvasion, these results may be of relevance to the possibility of developing effective post-exposure prophylaxis of prion diseases, which may prevent neurodegeneration even after extraneural infection has already taken place." ### Research Article Peer Reviewed; Experimental study; Animals Funding: AK was supported by Marie-Heim Vogtlin fellowship and the grant 31003A_159154/1 from the Swiss National Science Foundation, and The Swiss Heart Foundation. AA is the recipient of an Advanced Grant of the European Research Council (ERC, No. 250356) and is supported by grants from the GELU foundation, the Swiss National Foundation (SNF, including a Sinergia grant), the Swiss Initiative in Systems Biology, SystemsX.ch (PrionX, SynucleiX), and the Klinische Forschungsschwerpunkte (KFSPs) "small RNAs" and "Human Hemato-Lymphatic Diseases". DH is a recipient of a fellowship from the UZH Grants Office. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Citation: Keller A, Nuvolone M, Abakumova I, Chincisan A, Reimann R, Avar M, et al. (2018) Prion pathogenesis is unaltered in a mouse strain with a permeable blood-brain barrier. PLoS Pathog 14(11): e1007424. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007424 Author Affiliations: Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland, Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland Brain Research Institute, Zurich University, Zurich, Switzerland, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper: http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1007424 Creating new tools that harness light to probe the mysteries of cellular behavior, Princeton researchers have made discoveries about the formation of cellular components called membraneless organelles and the key role these organelles play in cells. In two papers published Nov. 29 in the journal Cell, researchers from multiple Princeton departments report on the conditions that lead to the formation of membraneless organelles and the impact that the formation has on cellular DNA. Clifford Brangwynne, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering and leader of the research teams, said the development of the two light-harnessing systems used in the research may prove at least as significant in the long run as the findings of the papers. The tools developed by the researchers allow scientists to accurately probe intracellular phase separation - the process by which the chaotic liquid matter inside cells transforms into functioning cellular compartments called membraneless organelles. Long overlooked, these organelles have been shown to play critical roles in human health. The loss of their fluid-like consistency, for instance, is implicated in diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous work in Brangwynne's lab has shown the membraneless organelles play an important role in cell growth. And one of the two recent Cell papers demonstrates they also influence the genes controlling cellular behavior. "These technology systems we've recently developed to control intracellular phase transitions should prove to be powerful tools for basic research and have many applications, particularly with regard to human health," said Brangwynne, who is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. In the first project, the researchers developed a tool called Corelets and used it to create a quantitative description of the concentration of proteins driving phase separation in cells. Because protein concentrations help regulate the assembly of membraneless organelles, the description, called a phase diagram, will help researchers investigate the mechanisms that create the organelles at some local regions of the cell, but not in others. That, in turn, could point to ways to treat protein assemblies that go wrong. The Corelet system uses genetically engineered, photosensitive proteins that shapeshift and change their behavior when exposed to light. The proteins, in this case human blood proteins called ferritin, crowd together into a tiny sphere. Exposure to a blue light causes other proteins to stick to the ferritin sphere. By altering certain parameters, the researchers can use the technique to trigger phase separation in different areas of cells. "With these light-activated tools, we have gained unprecedented insight into controlling the phase transitions inside cells," said Dan Bracha, a postdoctoral researcher and the lead author of the Corelets paper. In the second paper, the researchers examine how the formation of membraneless organelles affects the cell's nucleus. Using a second tool, named CasDrop, the researchers looked at chromatin, the mixture of DNA, RNA and protein inside the nucleus. They found that as membraneless organelles form within the nucleus, they deform the chromatin in unexpected ways. They showed that the droplets push out unwanted genes, but can simultaneous pull together specifically targeted genes. The droplets can thus function like little, mechanically-active machines to restructure the genome. The CasDrop system builds on the revolutionary gene-editing technology called CRISPR, which utilizes a protein machine called Cas9, to address particular genes in the cell. Brangwynne and colleagues engineered Cas9 to function as a platform, which upon light activation causes other proteins to bind to the gene, and locally phase separate, forming little dew droplets on the field of chromatin. The co-lead authors of the CasDrop paper, were Yongdae Shin, a postdoctoral researcher, and Yi-Che Chang, a doctoral student in chemistry. Phillip Sharp, a Nobel laureate and professor at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who was not involved in the studies, commented that the findings are advancing our understanding of membraneless organelles. "Brangwynne and colleagues have invented a novel method to investigate how interactions between proteins dynamically form condensates with phase transition properties in living cells," Sharp said. "The two papers highlight exciting discoveries at the interface of physics and cell biology that will lead to new treatments for diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's." ### Other coauthors of the Corelet study are Jose Avalos, an assistant professor in chemical and biological Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment; Jared Toettcher, assistant professor of molecular biology; postdoctoral fellow Ming-Tzo Wei, graduate students Mackenzie Walls, Lian Zhu, and Princeton class of 2018 undergraduate Martin Kurian. Other coauthors of the CasDrop study are Mikko Haataja, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; Daniel Lee of the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton; Pierre Ronceray of the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science; Ned Wingreen, the Howard A. Prior Professor of the Life Sciences; postdoctoral fellow David Sanders; and Joel Berry of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. The work was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Institutes for Health, the National Science Foundation, the Research Resettlement Fund for the new faculty of Seoul National University, the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation, the Human Frontiers Science Program, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. One of the most fundamental unexplained questions in modern science is how life began. Scientists generally believe that simple molecules present in early planetary environments were converted to more complex ones that could have helped jumpstart life by the input of energy from the environment. Scientists consider the early Earth was suffused with many kinds of energy, from the high temperatures produced by volcanoes to the ultraviolet radiation beamed down by the sun. One of the most classic studies of how organic compounds could have been made on the early Earth is the Miller-Urey experiment, which showed you electrical discharges simulating lightning can help make a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids, which are basic building blocks of all life. Another important source of energy in planetary environments is high-energy radiation, which has various sources including radioactive decay of naturally occurring chemical elements such as uranium and potassium. Research led by Yi Ruiqin and Albert Fahrenbach from the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, has recently shown that a variety of compounds useful for the synthesis of RNA, are produced when simple compound, combined with sodium chloride, are exposed to gamma rays. This work importantly brings us one step closer to understanding how RNA, which is widely thought to be a candidate molecule for helping start life, could have arisen abiotically on early Earth. Due to its complexity, making RNA "from scratch" under primitive solar system conditions is no easy task. Biology is great at it, because it has evolved over billions of years to do the job with amazing efficiency. Before life emerged, there would have been little in the environment that would have assisted in making RNA. These researchers found that sodium chloride - or common table salt - can assist in making the necessary building blocks for RNA. Sodium chloride is the chemical compound that makes the sea salty, thus it is highly likely this process could occur on primitive planets, including Earth. The most challenging aspect of this work was figuring out that salt, specifically the chloride component, played a crucial role in these reactions. Typically, chemists ignore chloride in their reactions. When chemists conduct reactions in water, it is highly likely at least some chloride is in there anyway, though most of the time it just sits idly by as a "spectator." It often doesn't play a significant role in the reactions chemists are interested in, it's just part of the background a lot of the time. These researchers found out though, that this was not the case in their experiments, and it took them some time to figure that out. What they eventually deduced was that the ionizing radiation they were using as the energy source to drive their reactions causes chloride to lose an electron and become what is known as a "radical". As the name suggests, the chloride is then no longer so mild-mannered and becomes much more chemically reactive. Once the chloride is activated by gamma radiation, it is free to help construct other high energy compounds which finally can help build up complex RNA molecules. While these researchers haven't yet coaxed their reactions all the way to RNA, this work shows that there is now nothing in principle which should stop this from occurring. The question now is not so much how to make all the necessary building blocks to make RNA, but how to combine them in a "warm little pond" to make the first RNA polymers. One of the major challenges to this is understanding how other molecules, that is, other than those important for making RNA, might affect this process. The authors think this could be pretty "messy" chemistry in the sense that a lot of other molecules, which could interfere with this process, would be made at the same time. Whether these other molecules will interfere with RNA synthesis, or even have a beneficial effect, is the future focus of these scholars' research. Understanding very complex mixtures of chemicals is not only a challenge in origins of life research, but a major challenge for organic chemistry in general. ### Reference Ruiqin Yi1, Yayoi Hongo1, Isao Yoda2, Zachary R. Adam3,4, and Albert C. Fahrenbach1*, Radiolytic Synthesis of Cyanogen Chloride, Cyanamide and Simple Sugar Precursors, Chemistry Select, DOI: 10.1002/slct.201802242 1. Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology 2. Co-60 Radiation Facility, Tokyo Institute of Technology 3. Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University 4. Blue Marble Space Institute of Science Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) Tokyo Tech stands at the forefront of research and higher education as the leading university for science and technology in Japan. Tokyo Tech researchers excel in fields ranging from materials science to biology, computer science, and physics. Founded in 1881, Tokyo Tech hosts over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students per year, who develop into scientific leaders and some of the most sought-after engineers in industry. Embodying the Japanese philosophy of "monotsukuri," meaning "technical ingenuity and innovation," the Tokyo Tech community strives to contribute to society through high-impact research. http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/ The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) Launched in 2012, ELSI is one of Japan's ambitious World Premiere International research centers, whose aim is to achieve progress in broadly inter-disciplinary scientific areas by inspiring the world's greatest minds to come to Japan and collaborate on the most challenging scientific problems. ELSI's primary aim is to address the origin and co-evolution of the Earth and life. WPI The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) was launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to help build globally visible research centers in Japan. These institutes promote high research standards and outstanding research environments that attract frontline researchers from around the world. These centers are highly autonomous, allowing them to revolutionize conventional modes of research operation and administration in Japan. TUCSON, Ariz. - Glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer that has grabbed headlines for claiming the lives of Sens. Edward Kennedy and John McCain, could be "tricked" into sparing more of its victims. A team of University of Arizona researchers who looked for genetic differences between glioblastoma cells from long- and short-term survivors discovered that those who survived longer had a protein that might be targeted to increase survival in all glioblastoma patients. The results were presented this month at the Society for Neuro-Oncology conference in New Orleans. This work is in its early stages, and the researchers say they are many years and millions of dollars away from potential translation into treatments for patients. "Glioblastoma essentially is incurable," said Baldassarre "Dino" Stea, MD, PhD, head of the UA College of Medicine - Tucson Department of Radiation Oncology. "In the past 15 years, only one drug -- temozolomide -- has been invented, whereas the rest of the cancer field is zooming forward." With surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, adults with glioblastoma survive for an average of 11-15 months. Some succumb sooner, while others outlive their initial prognosis by months or even years. "I was curious to know how genes are differentially expressed in patients who live longer," said Michael Hammer, PhD, co-director of the UA Cancer Center Genomics Shared Resource and research scientist with the UA BIO5 Institute. "If we can identify a pathway in the tumor that we might be able to target, we can try to make the short-lived patients look more like the long-lived patients." Drs. Stea and Hammer helped discover that long-term survivors manufacture a protein called WIF-1 in relative abundance. The team first searched for "signaling pathways," a collection of genes that control cellular function under normal circumstances but can go awry to cause cancer. "The Wnt signaling pathway popped up as the most important pathway to limit the survival chances of glioblastoma patients," Dr. Hammer said. This pathway normally is involved with tissue maintenance but can fuel tumor growth if it becomes overactive. Long-term survivors appeared to rely on genes that suppress the function of the Wnt signaling pathway. "We had a pile of genes and looked for an overrepresentation of these genes compared to a random set of genes," Dr. Hammer said. "We found that, in patients who survived longer than average, certain genes were tamping down Wnt signaling." After sifting through 800 genes in 23 glioblastoma samples, the team identified the WIF-1 gene, which manufactures the WIF-1 protein, as an important inhibitor of the Wnt pathway and a strong predictor of long-term survival. "The Wnt pathway is deranged, and WIF-1 is the police. Cancer grows when there aren't enough police to keep the deranged person in check," Dr. Stea said. "Some people are endowed with more WIF-1 and survive longer." While testing for the WIF-1 gene someday may help oncologists predict which patients will survive longer, a greater hope is that this work will lead to a drug that targets glioblastoma tumors with more precision than standard treatment. "We hope to create a drug to suppress the Wnt pathway so that everybody survives longer," Dr. Stea said. "It would be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow." Dr. Stea believes new approaches are essential to extend survival for glioblastoma patients. "I think we have reached the apex of what the surgeon can do, and have achieved the most we can with radiation," he said. "The cure will not come from more radiation or more surgery -- glioblastoma is a genetic problem that we have to solve genetically." One way to enlist human genetics in the fight against glioblastoma is to enhance the effects of radiation, which kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Glioblastomas have a special ability to repair this DNA damage, diminishing radiation's effectiveness. "I'm poking holes in the DNA of glioblastoma cells, and the Wnt pathway goes back and helps to repair the damage," Dr. Stea said, referring to his work as a radiation oncologist. "It's like I'm exploding a bridge so the enemy cannot cross, but overnight they rebuild the bridge." By taking cues from WIF-1, scientists might be able to weaken glioblastoma's ability to repair radiation-damaged DNA. "The Wnt pathway activates DNA repair. If we can suppress Wnt, we also suppress DNA repair. When we mimic that in the lab by adding WIF-1 protein to glioblastoma cells, they become more sensitive to radiation," said Eric Weterings, PhD, assistant professor at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson Department of Radiation Oncology, who also contributed to the study. "Right now, I can only give so much radiation. If we exceed that threshold, we're more likely to damage the brain," Dr. Stea added. "We have a hint that WIF-1 can help radiation do a better job, compounding its cancer-killing effect." This preliminary research was fueled in part by a gift from one of Dr. Stea's glioblastoma patients, who is a long-term survivor at three-and-a-half years. He hoped researchers could learn from long-lived patients like himself. Many times, grateful patients help fund UA Cancer Center research. "He is happy to be alive and very generous, so he made a gift," Dr. Stea said. "That's how the program got going." To expand upon their findings, the team currently is applying for grants to continue their research. "We didn't have a huge sample population, so these results could be a fluke -- but they are statistically significant," Dr. Stea said. "The next step is to validate with hundreds of patients and then to perform further studies with inhibitors of the Wnt pathway." "It's a step forward," Dr. Weterings added. "In the future, this work might give us a larger and yet more specific arsenal of options to treat this disease." The team already is collaborating with Tech Launch Arizona, filing a provisional patent application on the gene signature for a companion diagnostic and possible radiation sensitizer. ### Other study investigators include Christopher Morrison, MD, PhD, radiation oncology resident-physician, and Nicholas Gravbrot, medical student, UA College of Medicine - Tucson; and Daruka Mahadevan, MD, PhD, co-leader of the UA Cancer Center Therapeutic Development Program. About the University of Arizona Cancer Center The University of Arizona Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with headquarters in Arizona. The UA Cancer Center is supported by NCI Cancer Center Support Grant No. CA023074. With primary locations at the University of Arizona in Tucson and at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, the UA Cancer Center has more than a dozen research and education offices throughout the state, with more than 300 physicians and scientists working together to prevent and cure cancer. For more information: uacc.arizona.edu TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Women CEOs are much more likely than male CEOs to be dismissed, even when the women are performing well, according to research from The University of Alabama. The findings are detailed in the paper "You're Fired! Gender Disparities in CEO Dismissal," which is accepted for publication in the Journal of Management. Female CEOs are about 45 percent more likely than male CEOs to be dismissed from their firms. Also, while performance improvements protect male CEOs from dismissal, they do not protect female CEOs, according to the study of public firms in the United States. "Dismissing the CEO is usually viewed as evidence of good corporate governance as it suggests that the board is taking its monitoring role seriously, however our research reveals there are invisible, but serious, gender biases in how the board evaluates CEOs and its decision to retain or fire particular CEOs," said Dr. Sandra Mortal, co-author and associate professor in the UA Culverhouse College of Business. The research did not examine whether the boards are aware of their biases in dismissing women CEOs. Along with Mortal, co-authors include Dr. Vishal Gupta, UA associate professor at Culverhouse, with Minxing Sun, of Clemson University, Sabatino Silveri, of the University of Memphis, and Daniel Turban, of the University of Missouri. Gupta said the research started because consulting companies, along with the popular and business press, have raised concerns about the higher incidence of dismissals among women CEOs compared to men. The researchers wanted to determine through rigorous statistical research and cutting-edge econometrics tools if dismissals are more common among women CEOs, he said. The study relied on press coding of news releases and media accounts of CEO departures, along with data on CEO age and continued affiliation with the firm, to determine whether a particular CEO left voluntarily. They merged the CEO data with large-scale databases such as ExecuComp and BoardEx. The sample covers large, publicly traded firms between 2000 and 2014. "The results of this study point to the extra pressure and scrutiny directed at women in senior leadership positions relative to their male counterparts," Gupta said. "This is problematic because women face difficult barriers and obstacles in breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling, but they also seem to continue to face additional challenges even after reaching the top of the corporate hierarchy." ### * The 4th International Competition of Cartoons Aleksandar Klas 2017, Serbia: All cartoonists whose cartoons are selected in the catalog and the exhibition will receive a free copy of the catalog ( Regulation ). * International Cartoon Contest in Memory of Cartoonist Prof. Atila Ozer 2016, Turkey: The selected cartoons will be published in a catalog. These will be sent at no cost to the participants whose works are : The selected cartoons will be published in a catalog. These will be sent at no cost to the participants whose works are exhibited and published ( Regulation ). A leading expert in fetal medicine at the University of Birmingham has warned that there is 'little room for complacency' over a fall in twin stillbirth rates as the reason for this phenomenon are complex. In a paper published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mark Kilby, Professor of Fetal Medicine at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and Honorary Consultant in Fetal Medicine at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, with collaborators explore the reasons as to why there has been a nearly 50 per cent fall in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016. These figures were the findings of Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE-UK)'s perinatal surveillance report published in June 2018*. The MBRACCE-UK report noted that, although there had been a significant reduction in stillbirth rate in twins, there had been no change in still birth rates in pregnancies involving a single fetus. Approximately one in 60 pregnancies are twins; an incidence increasing in the UK because of the use of artificial reproductive techniques and a rising maternal age. Professor Kilby believes the fall in stillbirths in twins is, in part, due to an increasing recognition by healthcare professionals of the increased fetal risks in "identical twins". Identical twins either share a single placenta with a single outer membrane and two inner membranes (monochorionic diamniotic twins), or share both the inner and outer membranes (monochorionic monoamniotic twins). These twins are at higher risk due to complications such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence (TAPS) and selective fetal growth restriction (sGR). This recognition of the higher risks has led to the introduction of several clinical guidelines including The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Green Top Guideline on the Management of Monochorionic Twins** and the generic NICE Guidelines on the Management of Twin and Triplet Pregnancy*** (currently under revision and to be republished in 2019). A survey**** by the charity Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) of 29 obstetric units has shown that hospitals following NICE guidance for management of twins have associated lower twin stillbirth, neonatal death rates and admissions to special care baby units. However, the data from Tamba through its Maternity Engagement Programme, indicates that "there is still considerable variation in implementation by NHS healthcare providers across the UK". Professor Kilby said: "The UK has been innovative in recommending the establishment of twin multidisciplinary teams and clinics along with several national clinical guidelines to aid the management of twin and triplet pregnancies and high risk identical twin pregnancies. "However, adequate resourcing and professional engagement is required to prevent the current considerable variation in implementation of guidelines by NHS healthcare providers across the UK." Professor Kilby also states that refinements in in-utero treatments, along with new guidelines over the last 15 years on the monitoring of both identical and non-identical twins using ultrasound has also undoubtedly led to increased and earlier detection of complications . Professor Kilby concluded: "The fall in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016 is welcome news, however, there is little room for complacency and more comprehensive uptake of clinical guidelines and close working with stakeholders such as Tamba and the Multiple Births Foundation will hopefully continue this trend into the future." He estimated that it would take a minimum of two years for hospital trusts in the NHS to engage with the recommendations by establishing multidisciplinary teams, a multiple pregnancy service and an infrastructure to deliver care and urged that much more work still needed to be done. Keith Reed, CEO of Tamba, said: "Hundreds of babies lives could be saved and potentially thousands prevented going into neonatal care, but progress is at risk because funding for TAMBA's successful Maternity Engagement Programme is due to end on March 2019 and there are another 124 obstetric units in England to engage with." ### For more information please contact Emma McKinney Communications Manager (Health Sciences), University of Birmingham Press Office, Tel: 0121 414 6681, Email: e.j.mckinney@bham.ac.uk Notes to Editors * Kilby et al (2018). 'Falling perinatal mortality in twins in the UK: organisational success or chance?' British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15517 * Read the paper here: https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.15517 * A podcast to accompany this paper is available at https://soundcloud.com/bjog/author-interview-kilby * The paper was also authored by Janice Gibson, Consultant Obstetrician and Subspecialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow and Yves Ville, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Paris Descartes University and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine at Necker-Enfants-Malades Hospital, Paris, France. * 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. * TAMBA is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of families with twins, triplets or more. Representing 20,000 members and 150 local clubs in the UK. TAMBA provides help and support to both parents and professionals to meet the unique challenges faced by multiple birth families. REFERENCES: *MBRRACE-UK. Perinatal Mortality Surveillance Report 2018. https://www.hqip.org.uk/resource/mbrrace-uk-perinatal-mortality-surveillance-report2018 **Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Guidelines: Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy, Management (Revised and updated Green-top Guideline No. 51). https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg51 ***Multiple pregnancy: antenatal care for twin and triplet pregnancies. NICE Clinical guideline [CG129] September 2011. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg129/history **** Twin and Multiple Births Association Maternity Engagement project Interim Report, 2018. https://www.tamba.org.uk/document.doc?id=985 In a study just published in the journal "Nature", an international team of researchers describes how an ocean current repeatedly strengthening and weakening again 60,000 to 12,000 years ago led to an extremely sudden change in the climate. The current is known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and warms Greenland and Europe with the warm water that it sends into the North Atlantic with the Gulf Stream. The new research findings show how these extreme events, also known as "Dansgaard-Oeschger Events", affect Antarctica at the other side of the world. "The North Atlantic sends messages to the Antarctic on two different timescales," explains the lead author of the study, Christo Buizert, a climate change specialist at Oregon State University (USA). He compares the atmospheric link to a text message that is received immediately. The ocean link, on the other hand, is apparently more like a postcard that takes a long time to reach its destination - in the case of the AMOC, 200 years. During the last glacial period, the AMOC was normally very weak, and this created glacial conditions in the North Atlantic region. From time to time, however, the AMOC strengthened rapidly and significantly. As the international research team has discovered, this phenomenon caused a sudden rise in temperatures in Greenland. And when Greenland got warmer, the climate in the Antarctic also changed - in two ways. There was an immediate change in global atmospheric conditions, which led to a rise in temperatures in some parts of Antarctica and a fall in temperatures in others. The second type of change happened much more slowly. It was not until 200 years later that the drop in ocean temperatures in the northern hemisphere was mirrored in the Antarctic. Abrupt climate change in Greenland "Our study is the first to show in detail how the climate works over periods that extend far beyond those of meteorological observations", explains Michael Sigl, an environmental chemist at the University of Bern's Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research. He worked on the study as an expert in the reconstruction of the earth's volcanic past. Nearly 1600 layers of volcanic deposits in ice were analyzed to synchronize the climate data for ice cores from five different locations in Antarctica. "It is only thanks to these geological horizons that we were able to put nearly 50,000 years of Antarctic climate history on a common timeline and compare it with the climate history of Greenland." He adds that the reconstruction of Greenland's climate shows that the region could warm up by 10 to 15 degrees within a decade once the Gulf Stream has reached its full strength. "This change is huge and sudden." Weaker monsoon rains in Asia In their study, the climate researchers were able to show that there are analogies between the climate of the past and current observational data. The atmospheric change in Antarctica follows a pattern of warmer and colder areas - a kind of temperature fingerprint. "Like detectives, we can compare these fingerprints in the ice with current wind patterns", explains Christo Buizert from Oregon State University. "Westerlies in the southern hemisphere and their influence on the sea ice around Antarctica are responsible for these temperature differences." Observational data and climate models show that the AMOC is currently weakening - a consequence of global climate change. This means that what happened during the last glacial period could recur: an abrupt change in the climate triggered by fluctuations in this ocean current. If this phenomenon is repeated, researchers fear that a weakening of the AMOC will probably reduce the strength of the Asian monsoons. Asia's monsoon rains are fundamental to the livelihoods of billions of people. Changing wind patterns in the southern hemisphere will also affect the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This means that more CO2 emissions will remain in the atmosphere and increase the greenhouse gas effect. "The climatic connection between the North Atlantic and Antarctica that we proved still exists today," says Michael Sigl. "The reason for the current weakening in the AMOC is global warming and meltwater from Greenland. In other words, the atmospheric conditions are already starting to change as the text message is being sent just now." The "postcard" that will trigger changes in the oceans is, he says, also already on its way. ### Publication: Christo Buizert, Michael Sigl, Mirko Severi, Bradley R. Markle, Justin J. Wettstein, Joseph R. McConnell, Joel B. Pedro, Harald Sodemann, Kumiko Goto-Azuma, Kenji Kawamura, Shuji Fujita, Hideaki Motoyama, Motohiro Hirabayashi, Ryu Uemura, Barbara Stenni, Frederic Parrenin, Feng He, T.J. Fudge and Eric J. Steig. Abrupt Ice Age Shifts in Southern Westerlies and Antarctic Climate Forced from the North. Nature, 2018. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0727-5 Contact: Dr. Michael Sigl Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR), University of Bern Tel. +41 031 536 59 44 siglmich@bluewin.ch Irvine, Calif., Nov. 28, 2018 -- Seven University of California, Irvine researchers in areas ranging from engineering and chemistry to sociology and anthropology have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world's largest general scientific society. A total of 416 AAAS members are being honored this year for their efforts to further science or its applications. New fellows will each receive an official certificate and a gold-and-blue rosette pin on Feb. 16, 2019, at the organization's annual meeting in Washington, D.C. "UCI is a world-class research university and home to many of the world's most innovative scholars," said Enrique Lavernia, UCI provost and executive vice chancellor. "They represent a broad array of fields, and we celebrate their recognition as AAAS fellows." The honorees will be formally announced Nov. 29 in the AAAS News & Notes section of the journal Science. Those from UCI are: Carter Butts, professor of sociology, for distinguished contributions to the modeling of relational structure and dynamics in humans and nonhumans, alone and in groups, using mathematical, computational and statistical approaches. John Chaput, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, for distinguished contributions to the field of chemical biology, particularly for the development of engineered polymerases that enable the evolution of artificial genetic polymers. Leo Chavez, professor of anthropology, for distinguished contributions to the field of medical anthropology, human migration, and applied and public policy anthropology, particularly in regards to Mexican-origin populations of the United States. Zachary Fisk, professor emeritus in physics & astronomy, for pioneering scientific discoveries regarding the magnetic and transport properties of important magnetic and superconducting materials, including heavy fermion compounds and high-temperature superconducting cuprates. Fillmore Freeman, professor of chemistry, for distinguished contributions to the fields of computational quantum chemistry, heteroatom chemistry, oxidation chemistry and reaction mechanisms. Pramod Khargonekar, vice chancellor for research and distinguished professor of electrical engineering & computer science, for contributions to systems and control theory, applications to manufacturing and energy, and leadership in engineering research, education and innovation. Stephen White, professor emeritus of physiology & biophysics, for distinguished contributions to the understanding of cell membrane biophysics, particularly the structure of membranes, lipid bilayers and membrane proteins. With this year's class, UCI has 167 AAAS fellows. ### About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 35,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists. About the American Association for the Advancement of Science: The AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science as well as Science Translational Medicine, Science Signaling, a digital, open-access journal, Science Advances, Science Immunology, and Science Robotics. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes nearly 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in the world. The non-profit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement, and more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!, the premier science-news Web site, a service of AAAS. See http://www.aaas.org. NOTE TO EDITORS, PHOTO AVAILABLE AT https://news.uci.edu/2018/11/28/seven-uci-researchers-named-aaas-fellows/ ANN ARBOR--By essentially turning down the pitch of sound waves, University of Michigan engineering researchers have devised a way to unlock greater amounts of data from acoustic fields than ever before. That additional information could boost performance of passive sonar and echolocation systems for detecting and tracking adversaries in the ocean, medical imaging devices, seismic surveying systems for locating oil and mineral deposits, and possibly radar systems as well. "Acoustic fields are unexpectedly richer in information than is typically thought," said David Dowling, a professor in U-M's Department of Mechanical Engineering. He likens his approach to solving the problem of human sensory overload. Sitting in a room with your eyes closed, you would have little trouble locating someone speaking to you at normal volume without looking. Speech frequencies are right in the comfort zone for human hearing. Now, imagine yourself in the same room when a smoke alarm goes off. That annoying screech is generated by sound waves at higher frequencies, and in the midst of them, it would be difficult for you to locate the source of the screech without opening your eyes for additional sensory information. The higher frequency of the smoke alarm sound creates directional confusion for the human ear. "The techniques my students and I have developed will allow just about any signal to be shifted to a frequency range where you're no longer confused," said Dowling, whose research is primarily funded by the U.S. Navy. Navy sonar arrays on submarines and surface ships deal with a similar kind of confusion as they search for vessels on the ocean surface and below the waves. The ability to detect and locate enemy ships at sea is a crucial task for naval vessels. Sonar arrays are typically designed to record sounds in specific frequency ranges. Sounds with frequencies higher than an array's intended range may confuse the system; it might be able to detect the presence of an important contact but still be unable to locate it. Any time sound is recorded, a microphone takes the role of the human ear, sensing sound amplitude as it in varies in time. Through a mathematical calculation known as a Fourier transform, sound amplitude versus time can be converted to sound amplitude versus frequency. With the recorded sound translated into frequencies, Dowling puts his technique to use. He mathematically combines any two frequencies within the signal's recorded frequency range, to reveal information outside that range at a new, third frequency that is the sum or difference of the two input frequencies. "This information at the third frequency is something that we haven't traditionally had before," he said. In the case of a Navy vessel's sonar array, that additional information could allow an adversary's ship or underwater asset to be reliably located from farther away or with recording equipment that was not designed to receive the recorded signal. In particular, tracking the distance and depth of an adversary from hundreds of miles away--far beyond the horizon--might be possible. And what's good for the Navy may also be good for medical professionals investigating areas of the body that are hardest to reach, such as inside the skull. Similarly, remote seismic surveys that parse through the earth seeking oil or mineral deposits could also be improved. "The science that goes into biomedical ultrasound and the science that goes into Navy sonar are nearly identical," Dowling said. "The waves that I study are scalar, or longitudinal, waves. Electromagnetic waves are transverse, but those follow similar equations. Also, seismic waves can be both transverse and longitudinal, but again they follow similar equations. "There's a lot of potential scientific common ground, and room to expand these ideas." ### The study is published in the current edition of Physical Review Fluids. - Powells speeches this year have been hawkish, and almost always send the markets lower. - Wednesdays speech was a change. Powell seemed intent on sending a dovish message. - Whether or not policy will change remains to be seen, but the markets got what they wanted; equities are strongly higher, and the US dollar lower. Fed Chair Powell finally gave the markets what they wanted from his Wednesday speech. Dovish rhetoric lifted equities in the US by around 2% and dropped the US dollar back under 97. His comments did not specifically mention pausing the hiking cycle, but he did say that rates are currently just below the neutral rate. The neutral rate is thought to be around 3% and only last month Powell upset the markets by saying that current rates were a long way from the neutral rate. i.e. there could be many more rate hikes until the neutral rate is reached. Last nights step down caused the markets to price out a second hike next year and now only one is priced in, when the Fed dot plots actually project three. The changes in language may be subtle, but Powell and the market know the implications. Hawkish comments in recent months have led to very steep falls in risk assets, and Powell seems to have learned his lesson and is now treating the markets with a lot more care. As Danske Bank put it this morning, It could be discussed how the comment should be interpreted, but for risky assets it is important because it underlines that the Fed has increasingly become data dependent and is no longer on auto-pilot. If the weaker global economy or the trade dispute with China starts to impact the US economy, the Fed is ready to change course. Investors might even think that the Greenspan put is back. Powells comments follow on from a number of Fed speeches talking about concerns about global growth and a possible pause in the hiking cycle. However, the real takeaway is not a change in policy, but a willingness to be more accommodative if required, and at the moment the market likes what it hears. But could it be overreacting? As Danske Bank point out, further rate hikes are still quite likely. What Powell actually said was that the Fed funds rate is 'just below the broad range' of estimates of the neutral rate, which was 2.50-3.00% in the latest FOMC projection. And remember, the upper target range is 2.25% at the moment. Of course, it is different from his comment in October but that comment also seemed odd at the time, both compared to other Fed comments and due to the fact that the projections are exactly the same (last update was in September). We still believe the Fed is keen on getting to neutral and stick to our call that it is going to hike next month and in March and June, where the Fed funds rate would then be 3.00%. A final hike on top of that cannot be ruled out. Much can change between now and June next year, and the path as always will be data dependent, but now also market dependent. Equities may have had a good week so far, but they are still under pressure and will need more than a Powell inspired Santa rally to resume the uptrend. Deal or No Deal The proposed Brexit deal is now being scrutinized by politicians, voters, and from an economic standpoint, the Bank of England. They concluded that GDP would have been at least 1% higher in five years time if the UK had voted to remain in the EU. Also released was an official Whitehall analysis which concluded that in all Brexit scenarios, including Mays final deal, the UK would be worse off economically. How this affects Mays position remains to be seen as a no deal Brexit would be the worst for the UK, while other scenarios are still bad, but less so. Labour's Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell suggested that his party could support a second EU referendum if Mays Brexit deal fails in the House of Commons, a scenario which is still fairly unlikely, but growing in probability. UPDATE: Following a brief spike to 1.75157, the Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate has returned to overnight levels. Aside from the brief spike, the pair is currently trading in a narrow range between 1.745 (low) and 1.75 (high). Overnight, the RBAs financial aggregates release saw private sector credit remain static at 0.4%, prompting a muted market response. This mornings house price index (HPI) release in the UK showed an above forecast monthly rise of 0.3%, bringing the annual change in house prices up to 1.9% and prompting a brief rally in the GBP/AUD exchange rate. Due to Australias trade relationship with China, the outcome of the upcoming G20 high stakes trade talks between Presidents Trump and Xi could rock AUD-paired FX rates, with the Australian Dollar likely to benefit from terms more favourable to China. The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate has been sinking today and is currently trading at AU$1.7434 after the Bank of England (BoE) released some pessimistic post-Brexit scenarios which included a potential 25% drop in the value of Sterling. Some Brexiteer MPs responded, claiming that the BoE and its Governor, Mark Carney, were involved in what they termed Project Hysteria to bolster support for Theresa Mays Brexit withdrawal deal. Former Conservative Cabinet Minister, Priti Patel, said: The Bank is undermining its credibility and independence by giving such prominence to these extreme economic forecasts and scenarios. The Australian Dollar (AUD) meanwhile has recovered from yesterdays poor Q3 construction figures, which showed a decrease of -2.8%, denting investor confidence in the Aussie. However, AUD is rallying today as hopes rise over US-China trade tensions ahead of this weekends G20 summit in Buenos Aires. Pound Slumps against Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) as MPs Criticise Mays Withdrawal Deal The Pound (GBP) is facing increasing volatility as MPs mount their counterblast to Theresa Mays insistence that her Brexit deal will leave the UK better off. The former Transport Minister, Jo Johnson, criticised the deal, saying that Neither Remainers nor Leavers want this, and demanding a second-referendum, saying: Brexit is seen as a project driven by the Conservative Party and this half-baked, worst of all worlds Brexit could trigger an electoral defeat on the scale of 1997, or worse, with this Tory Brexit label an albatross around our necks for years to come. However, Sterling saw some slight relief today with the release of Octobers mortgage approvals, which showed a rise to 67.086K a difference of 1.36K over last months figures. AUD/GBP Exchange Rate Rises as G20 Optimism Returns The Australian Dollar (AUD) meanwhile was buoyed by increased risk sentiment as US President Donald Trump and Chinas President Xi Jinping are due to meet at the G20 summit this weekend. The spokesman for Chinas Commerce Ministry, Gao Feng, expressed optimism over the leaders achieving a consensus on trade, saying The United States and China could move towards each other and work hard to achieve positive results in the meeting. The Aussie also suffered from a decrease in todays Housing Industry Associations (HIA) new home sales figures, showing a month-on-month decline of -0.8%, dampening investor confidence in the Australian Dollar. GBP/AUD Outlook: G20 and Brexit Remains in Focus he Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate will be driven by Brexit developments this week, with Theresa May mounting her campaign to convince Parliament to pass her withdrawal deal. Tomorrow will also see the release of the UKs November Gfk consumer confidence figures, which are expected to decrease. G20 will remain in focus for AUD investors, as the meeting between Trump and Jinping will determining the direction of risk sentiment. Overall, political factors will weigh heavily on the GPB/AUD exchange rate this week, with Brexit and G20 dominating market focus. Smeg said: The casseurs won't !! This is a day out. Block off Champs and they will go elsewhere. Block of Champs and businesses will suffer. Block off Champs and Tourism will suffer. I really don't know how this is going to end. How on earth is Macron going to extricate himself from this situation. ? It has all become a little bit scary. Click to expand... It is possible that a few of the casseurs are gilets jaunes, but you cannot say that gilets jaunes = casseurs. Though it is true that there will be few casseurs outside Paris (and there have been some incidents) and that casseurs are attracted to demonstrations of this type. I certainly expect those casseurs that are anarchists will be around. Most of the casseurs are known to police, but last week there wasn't really anything at all in place to intercept them. I think businesses on the Champs Elysees would be wise to close mid morning and put the shutters down - after all that is what usually happens in other areas and in other cities when a major manif is expected, I don't know why businesses on the Champs Elysees would want to do differently.Irrespective of any manif or not this weekend, the government is already in crisis and desperately searching for a solution that comprises something that can be offered quickly as well as a way forward, because they now seem to understand that even if it's quiet on Saturday this is not going to go away and could flare up again at any time. Hello! I would like to meet someone in Cebu City that has a drone with a decent camera. I would like to have a video, and maybe some snapshots, taken of my girlfriend and I on our balcony to send to my Kids, friends, and other family, in other parts of the world... If anyone could volunteer to help it would be much appreciated! 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 former president of a Kerrville consulting company is facing a criminal charge in connection with an alleged scheme thats blamed for leading the firm into bankruptcy. On Wednesday, a San Antonio federal grand jury indicted Stephen Canty, 57, on the charge of making a false statement on a credit or loan application, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bud Paulissen. Canty, who lives in Kerrville, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Canty will appear in court on a summons Tuesday and enter a plea of not guilty, his defense lawyer, Cynthia Orr, said. The indictment was not available through the U.S. District Court as of early Wednesday evening. We look forward to seeing the charges so we can prepare to meet them, Orr said. The HJH Consulting Group Inc., which does business as the Salt Group and two related firms, US Tax Recovery Partners and B2B Prospecting, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization April 2. During an April creditors meeting, HJH bankruptcy lawyer James Wilkins accused Canty of overstating the amount of money clients owed the company by $25 million. Canty was able to tap more of the companys $27 million line of credit with Texas Capital Bank by manipulating the books, Wilkins added. Were going to find out exactly what he embezzled, pilfered, Wilkins said at the meeting. The FBI launched an investigation into possible malfeasance at HJH, three people familiar with the probe told the San Antonio Express-News after the bankruptcy filings. The companies have provided cost and expense-reduction advice to clients since 1988. HJH listed $2.5 million in assets and $25.2 million in liabilities in a May court filing. Its largest creditor is Texas Capital Bank, owed $24 million. HJH reported revenue of $2.9 million in 2016, $1.5 million last year and about $161,000 this year before its bankruptcy. Canty was terminated March 26 after a 19-year career at HJH. State corporate records showed he served as HJHs president and held the same position with US Tax Recovery Partners. US Tax Recovery Partners sued Canty in September to prevent him from collecting roughly $200,000 in his 401(k) plan. The funds were the fruits of crime, the company said in its suit. Canty wants Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald King to toss the lawsuit. Throughout this bankruptcy case, (HJH and related companies) have filed a number of pleadings containing unsupported accusations of misconduct by Canty, a bankruptcy lawyer for Canty responded in a court filing last month. Yet the (companies) have not filed a complaint against Canty seeking damages for the alleged conduct. King will hold a hearing Monday on Cantys request to dismiss the suit. pdanner@express-news.net | gcontreras@express-news.net Backed by taxpayer dollars, advocacy group Tech Bloc has hired a new executive to help find and retain tech talent in San Antonio. The aim, industry and government officials say, is to connect locals with tech skills and companies looking to hire. Dax Moreno replaces Jeannine Wild, a former Rackspace recruiter who was hired for the position of chief talent and recruitment officer this spring. She later stepped down due to medical reasons, said Tech Bloc CEO David Heard. Moreno, 38, previously worked as the executive director of programs and ecosystem development at co-working space Geekdom. He also developed their Community Fund, which provides seed funding for startups. RELATED: Sculley submits positive self-evaluation to council in advance of bonus discussion In addition, he worked with the citys Office of Innovation on civic program CivTechSA, spent seven years at Rackspace and has held various roles at several other tech companies. Moreno said the job appealed to him because it combines his professional experience and his personal interests. Its a way to help locals find opportunities and develop their skills, he added, and to attract outside talent and companies. Its the people element, he said. Building something that will attract them, that will keep them here in San Antonio or welcome them to San Antonio at the end of the day, thats the most exciting thing for me. Moreno will serve as a matchmaker between people looking for tech jobs or training and employers looking for workers. His job is to talk to companies about their hiring needs and connect them with strong job candidates as well as work with recruitment firms. He will also assist with bigger economic development efforts and events such as job fairs. In addition, Moreno is expected to set up a database of people looking for tech jobs. Theyll be able to upload their resumes and search a job board. Tech Bloc is looking at sponsorships and charging companies for access to the database, Moreno said. The position is funded by a total of $300,000 from Bexar County and the city, with each providing half the amount. Heard said at least half of the public funds will pay for the position, though declined to provide further details. The goal is to make Morenos position self-sustaining, Heard said, and Moreno will be looking for revenue sources. The position appealed to the city because its an industry-led initiative that addresses the need for more tech workers, and all businesses will be able to use the repository, said Rene Dominguez, director of the citys economic development department. RELATED: San Antonio nonprofits land grants for software to bolster programs, services With the citys $150,000, officials developed performance criteria for the job, such as the number of registered IT workers and employers in the database, Dominguez said. As part of their agreement, Moreno will develop an action plan with updated criteria, Dominguez said. After reviewing it, the city will start processing payments, he said. Tech Bloc will also provide Bexar County with reports on how the funding is being used, including details on enrollment of IT workers and employers and job placements, according to the grant agreement between the parties. We need to grow our tech talent base as a springboard to more tech job creation and income opportunities for our local workforce, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said in a news release. Every single time we recruit a tech company to San Antonio, one of their first questions is, Are we going to be able to hire enough local tech talent to meet our business needs? Moreno will help businesses that dont have the resources to hire top-notch recruiters, said Bret Piatt, CEO of San Antonio-based cybersecurity company Jungle Disk. From an employers perspective, Piatt said, the database will save him time in the hiring process. Moreno will also be spreading the word about San Antonio, Piatt said. Part of San Antonios challenge has been getting out there and telling our story, he said. (Moreno) can go out there and tell the story and talk about the opportunities that are here. Yousef Kassim, founder and CEO of Easy Expunctions, a local business that provides services for clearing criminal records, said the position is needed and Moreno is a great fit. Moreno is plugged in to the local tech sector, he said. The repository and job board are especially fitting for our tech community because were a really collaborative community, Kassim said. madison.iszler@express-news.net | @madisoniszler The first time that New York-based artist Clifford Owens did Photographs with an Audience, a performance-oriented work, back in 2008, he viewed it as a one-off. During his two-month residency at Artpace this fall, he completed the eighth edition of the series. It was never intended to go on, he said in an interview following the media preview of three exhibits by the latest international artists-in-residence at the downtown art space. It was for my first exhibition at my former gallery in New York, and, from there, people got interested and invited me to do it in other places. Owens has done the sessions across the United States and in Manchester, England. Each time he does it, he speaks to the audience a bit, then offers prompts, inviting people who fall into various groups to stand up and be photographed. He then culls the photos down into a smaller group to be displayed. On ExpressNews.com: New Travis Park installation deals with WWI For the Artpace exhibit, he started with about 100 images and cut that down to 17, which are arrayed on two walls. The photos he selected resulted from prompts dealing with military service, income, sexual identity and gun violence, among other things. He talked a bit about nudity in performance art and asked whether anyone would be willing to be depicted nude; two said yes. The empty frame on display came from a pre-midterms query about whether there were any Ted Cruz supporters in the audience. He noted that when he did a session in Houston, he asked if there were any Republicans in the group, and a lot of people stood up to be photographed. I guess in some sense, it becomes kind of a chronicle, he said. Photography has always been an archive, a catalog, so this project is, after eight iterations, an enormous catalog of images arrested from a performance. He plans to stop after he hits 10 iterations, he said. And then he may preserve the entire series in a book. Or not. To have a room, a museum space, full of these things would be overwhelming, he said, laughing. But book form could be interesting. So, Im not quite sure (what will happen to the images). But its going to end at the 10th iteration because I feel that, at some point, you have to stop. The images he shot here as well as photographs from other series and a handful of works on paper are on display upstairs at Artpace. The downstairs galleries are filled with installations by his fellow residents Ana Fernandez and Alice Khalilova. The artists were selected for the residency by London-based curator Morgan Quaintance. Axon Budged, the installation by Khalilova, who also lives in London, is meant to bring to mind Ayn Rands Atlas Shrugged. She filled her gallery with an intriguing array of multimedia pieces designed to explore the notion of making a mark and the obstacles that might hinder that pursuit. One wall is covered with artfully arranged hand holds from climbing walls coated with Vaseline and a numbing agent, meaning that even if one were inclined to attempt to scale the work, they couldnt. The piece is titled Relinquishing my load as rain. On ExpressNews.com: Witte, McNay invite play The gallery also includes striking expanses of etched aluminum titled Bow and Lyre and Lyre and Bow and a low table covered with a range of substances and blown glass. What Ive been trying to do with this residency is break down there being a central point to each work and to create a kind of drift between each one of them so that each piece is inter-related with the others, she said during the preview. Fernandezs installation AM/PM suggests the neighborhoods she has driven through behind the wheel of her food truck. One piece features rearview mirrors hung in such a way that they capture some of the work in the room. Fernandez may be best-known as a painter, and there are several paintings in the installation, including Angels Restaurant, which depicts a packed eatery, and Quik-Stop, a detailed rendering of a convenience store. But she also wanted to use her residency to work with sculpture, something she hadnt done since college, and to use the fresco techniques associated with Renaissance painters to create pieces more portable than those works. The hyper-realistic pieces including a tire shop sign and an ashtray similar to those found outside office buildings, complete with a couple of cigarettes and some stray garbage play with ideas of class and value. I felt like, with the frescoes, there is a class thing Oh, you have to see a fresco in person; you have to go to Europe or you have to go to someones private home to view their personal collection so the fact that Ive democratized it and made it very South Texas and very American by making it into these objects that are street objects, to me, I found that cool, but that wasnt the intention, she said. I was like, What can I make as a fresco that I see all the time, that ties into our landscape? Aside from the interior structure for one piece, she created everything in the installation during her residency. She was putting the finishing touches on the installation the morning of the preview. I tried to suck every bit of time, so literally to the last minute where they had to kick me out, she said. To me, that felt good. I enjoyed being here, and painting in this room feels really good. The Fall 2018 International Artist-in-Residence exhibitions can be seen through Jan. 6 at Artpace, 445 N. Main. For more information, visit artpace.org or call 210-212-4900. dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN Note: This is a full Taste Test review, with a star rating based on multiple visits. Im still trying to figure out what Liberty Bar is. Is it a quirky bistro in a genteel quasi-colonial mansion? A neighborhood bar and grill? Or is it just a chrome barstool and a beehive hairdo away from being a country diner? What I do know is that its been eight years since Liberty Bar moved from the famously tilted old house on East Josephine Street to a former convent in Southtown. And still, when asking about the place, all my co-workers wanted to talk about was how cool that old spot was. Time to let that go and see Liberty Bar for what it is now: a mature 34-year-old restaurant thats content to watch from an upstairs window while younger, cooler places race in the streets below. Liberty Bars earned that doyennes detachment, to a degree, with a handful of dishes that move from down-home to upscale with practiced grace. An appetizer called minguichi draws its name from a creamy Mexican soup, but it deftly played the part of queso with a tangy melt of four cheeses and roasted peppers surrounded by warm tortilla chips. A grilled duck breast salad brought concentric wheels of color and flavor. A background of apples, oranges, dried cherries and walnuts supported seared duck painted red with pomegranate sauce to match its rose-colored center. And a bone-in strip steak with sauteed shiitake mushrooms and spinach performed well above its $25 price. Liberty Bar * 1111 S. Alamo St., 210-227-1187, liberty-bar.com Quick bite: Eclectic American bar and grill in a former convent Hit: Duck breast salad, minguichi queso, pork chops Miss: Pizza, roasted lamb, pot roast sandwich Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday-Sunday Price range: Appetizers, $5-$15; salads, $4-$16.50; sandwiches and burgers, $10.50-$15.50 with a side; pizzas, $14; entrees, $11-$29; desserts, $6.50-$8. Alcohol: Beer, wine and cocktails **** Superior. Can compete nationally. *** Excellent. One of the best restaurants in the city. ** Very good. A standout restaurant of its kind. * Good. A restaurant that we recommend. (no stars) We cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse On ExpressNews.com: Review: Hon Machi Japanese & Korean BBQ scores a zero The dessert menu kicked the diner aesthetic into hyperdrive, with house-baked cakes, pies and puddings, among them a double-decker chocolate cake that could make any day a birthday and a lush coconut custard rivaled in richness by ice cream churned in-house with rum and sour cherries. The kitchen showed glimmers of flash with grilled chicken marinated in dusky red achiote with tangy cilantro sauce and a poblano chile relleno stuffed with ground beef and currants, and finished with a smooth, mellow sauce of goat cheese and walnut. But most of Liberty Bars menu marches in a familiar line, neither flashy nor compelling, but predictable and reliable. Like grilled pork chops brave enough to show some blush, a basic bowl of beef pot roast in salty brown gravy and a good diner cheeseburger made with venison. House-baked bread played a key role in two simple appetizers, one a spread of goat cheese in a treacly brown-sugar piloncillo sauce, the other just a head of garlic roasted until the cloves inside could be squeezed out like garlic butter. Unfortunately, predictable and reliable can be synonymous with boring, and sometimes bad. Liberty Bars affection for unpretentious plating meant a paper cup of jam on a grocery store cheese plate, a handful of barely dressed mixed greens passing as a salad and steak tartare with all the curb appeal of a raw hamburger patty. A salad of grilled asparagus and tomato was just that, unadorned and undressed, with the first cooked too much and the second hardly at all. Puntas Nortenas lent a grandiose name and a $20 price tag to what was essentially carne asada with white rice, basic guacamole and store-bought tortillas. On ExpressNews.com: 5 San Antonio sandwiches to eat right now: breakfast edition The disappointments piled on with pizza as pale and lifeless as a freezer-case pie, a dry pot roast sandwich that sucked all the gravy and fun out of roast beef, and house-made fettuccine noodles that stuck together in clumps. None performed as badly as roasted lamb served in stiff shawarma-style flaps with an off-lamb funk. The good, the bad and the ugly at Liberty Bar all happen in a pink stucco dollhouse that once hosted the St. Scholastica Convent. Its an eclectic upstairs-downstairs split, bisected by a steep bank of stairs. Not once was I offered a seat in the nicer rooms downstairs, which sat untouched like the parlor of a fussy aunts house where nobodys allowed to sit on the furniture. The upstairs, by contrast, is as plain as a boardinghouse, except for a room bathed in the same red brothel-esque glow as the original location. We passed long silences there, waiting for the rooms solitary waiter on a busy night. Busy is the keyword here. Regardless of what parts of Liberty Bar made the spiritual move from Josephine Street in 2010 and what parts stayed behind, enough diehards followed to keep it alive. Not just alive, but lively enough to be whatever those diehards need it to be today. Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read more of his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE - President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled a one-on-one meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, a decision he announced just hours after the Kremlin had publicly confirmed the time and date. In a tweet from Air Force One en route to Buenos Aires, Trump blamed the cancellation on Russia's seizure of Ukrainian ships and sailors in the Black Sea over the weekend. Other top administration officials, including Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, had condemned Russia's actions, but Trump had equivocated in recent days. Trump had signaled in an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday that he might forgo meeting Putin after Russia's naval action sparked global condemnation and a sharp escalation in tensions between Russia and Ukraine. But he seemed to reverse course as he left the White House on Thursday, telling reporters that the meeting "probably" was still on and that he planned to read a "finalized report" on the Black Sea standoff while on the plane. Early in the flight, however, Trump, who has a propensity to change his mind, tweeted: "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin." "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump added. A Post reporter was traveling on the plane with the president as part of the press pool. Trump's decision was cheered by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. He later took to Twitter and wrote in English: "This is how great leaders act!" White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Air Force One that Trump did not make a decision until talking on board with Chief of Staff John Kelly and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well as by phone with national security adviser John Bolton, who is in Brazil. "It's just happened in the last half-hour," Sanders said. More for you Trump attacks Mueller probe for 4th straight morning Sanders said she was "not aware" whether Trump had directly informed Putin of the cancellation but said "there was some back and forth" through other channels, without elaborating. Sanders also told reporters that Trump's scheduled meetings at the G-20 with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be downgraded to more informal "pull-aside" conversations. That announcement appeared to surprise South Korean and Turkish officials and left them scrambling to find out more. "A bilateral meeting will happen between the two presidents in Buenos Aires on the margins of the G-20 summit, as planned and as previously agreed," one Turkish official told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. "We are not aware of any cancellation or downgrading." Trump's scheduled meetings with the leaders of Argentina, China, Japan, India and Germany appear to still be moving forward as planned. Earlier Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had told reporters in Moscow that the meeting between Trump and Putin would take place Saturday around noon. "We are expecting the two presidents to speak briefly at first, but everything is left to the discretion of the heads of state, Peskov said. "Washington has confirmed," he added. Following Trump's tweet, Peskov told Russia's Tass state news agency that the Kremlin had not been informed separately by the White House of the cancellation. "If this is indeed the case, the president will have a couple of additional hours in his schedule for useful meetings on the sidelines of the summit," Peskov said of Putin. A Putin meeting would have come at a highly sensitive time for Trump politically, with special counsel Robert Muller's probe of Russian election interference intensifying back home. Shortly before Trump departed the White House on Thursday, his former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in New York to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump and his company pursued at the same time that he was running for president. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had been bracing for another Trump-Putin sit-down, with some fearing a repeat of last summer's meeting in Helsinki, where Trump was widely criticized as appearing too cozy with Putin. "My fear is the president will put his arm on his shoulder and believe everything Vladimir Putin tells him," Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said during a Thursday morning appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" before Trump announced the cancellation. Speaking earlier Thursday, Peskov said the agenda for the meeting between Putin and Trump included strategic security, bilateral relations, disarmament and regional conflicts. He said American and Russian delegations would also convene for talks that may last an hour. It was not immediately clear whether those talks were still on. The crisis between Russia and Ukraine has continued to deepen. Kiev is hoping Trump will push Putin on the confrontation, which began Sunday when Russia fired on Ukrainian ships trying to enter the Kerch Strait, a crucial waterway separating the Black and Azov seas. But while Russia's maritime maneuvers have been sharply criticized by senior U.S. and Western officials, Trump earlier this week was more reticent on the issue. He stopped short of condemning Russia, instead saying, "I don't like that aggression." Martial law is in effect for 30 days in Ukraine, and Russia said Wednesday that it was strengthening air defense and early warning radar systems on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine four years ago. The Kremlin also scoffed at an appeal by Poroshenko for NATO to reinforce the Azov Sea with naval ships, saying this was yet another provocation by Kiev designed to further escalate the situation. Ukraine is banking on its Western allies for military support to contain Russia, which Kiev says is preparing to invade Ukrainian territory by land. The latest crisis threatens to significantly worsen an ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces has resulted in the deaths of 10,300 people sine 2014. There have been widespread calls for Russia to immediately release the 24 Ukrainian sailors it captured over the weekend, and some European leaders have called for fresh sanctions against Russia. But Russia, for the most part, has shrugged off Western pressure. Russia maintains that the crisis was created by Poroshenko for political gain. The deeply unpopular leader could seek re-election in March. - - - Washington Post contributors to this story are: Amie Ferris-Rotman, Anton Troianovski and Natalia Abbakumova in Moscow and William Branigin and David Nakamura in Washington. Wagner reported from Washington. Shes baaack! Radisson, one of two peregrine falcons who made San Antonio their home last winter thrilling downtown workers and tourists alike has been spotted back in the Alamo City in recent weeks. Attorney John Economidy had just stepped out of the Bexar County Justice Center on Nov. 9 when he heard a sharp cak-cak-cak cutting through the afternoon traffic downtown. He stopped and scanned the gray sky until he saw the source: a familiar peregrine falcon. The raptor circled over the River Walk and landed on the sunburst logo of the old Frost National Bank building. A minute later, the falcon was airborne again, touching down on the circular spiral tower atop the 24th floor of the Drury Plaza Hotel. READ ALSO: Preparations under way for DreamWeek Summit 2019 A photograph, captured with a long lens this week, revealed the birds identity through its leg band. Radisson, a female falcon from Winnipeg, Canada, and Triumph, a male falcon from Minneapolis, Minn., created quite the buzz when they made the tower their roosting place for a couple of months earlier this year. Downtown workers and bird enthusiasts were thrilled to see the birds fly between buildings and swoop down on their prey. They have lot of prey here with the grackles and pigeons, Economidy said. Theres no sign of Triumph yet. Bird watchers in Minneapolis say he appears to have left his home base. No one has seen him for the last two weeks, said Jackie Fallon, vice president of field operations for the Midwest Peregrine Society. She banded Triumph as a fledgling. I really dont know with 100 percent authority (but ) my best guess is hes gone. Im hopeful he has a safe journey south. Its always great for us to know where the birds are migrating to. January sightings Economidy and raptor followers first saw the pair in January after Lance Aldridge, a court coordinator with the 175th District Court, alerted them to the birds presence. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bird community and falcon release programs identified the falcons by bands that recovery programs have placed on their legs. Triumph reached his home in Minneapolis in mid-March. Tracy Maconachie, with the Manitoba Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, said Radisson arrived at her home in Edmonton around April 14 in time for the breeding season. This ones back for the second year and thats really exciting, Aldridge said Wednesday. Everyone is excited the falcon is back. READ ALSO: Volunteers work to make city more inclusive for people with different abilities The court coordinator said most of the time his co-workers dont believe his descriptions of the falcons swooping and diving after prey. Then he passes them his binoculars and theyre amazed that theyre seeing a wild bird downtown. Its a good distraction from the other sad things that might be going on at the courthouse at the time, he said. Its been kind of neat. Everyone is excited that they came back to the same spot. Economidy said the Corpus Christi HawkWatch set a Texas record this year, with 393 peregrine falcons counted at the migration site from Aug. 1 through Nov. 5. The Florida Keys hawk watch holds the U.S. record at 4,559 spotted during the 2015 fall migration season. For the past several weeks, Economidy and fellow bird enthusiasts have searched the sky for a sign of the birds. Some bird enthusiasts had thought the falcons might be bothered by a construction crane installed near the hotel and bypass San Antonio. But it appears that isnt an overriding concern. Radisson was back soaring between office buildings as she was earlier this year. While Triumph and Radisson spent their time together here last winter, they arent mates. Back home at the University of Alberta, 12-year-old Radisson joined her lifetime mate, Chase. The video blog recorded her return on April 14. The pair hatched four chicks this year, two males and two females. The smallest one was removed and placed in an incubator after it appeared the parents were ignoring it in favor of the strongest fledglings. READ ALSO: SAAACAM works to remember, chronicle local black history From birth, the birds are monitored closely via remote camera. Both the male and female take care of the birds, feeding them and keeping them warm. All of the chicks, including the little one, lived to take first flights. Unfortunately, one of the girls crashed into a building and died. Maconachie said the deadly crash isnt an uncommon fledgling accident. She said five to seven of every 10 chicks will die in the first 12 months. We try to spend a lot of time getting them through the first 10 days, she said. After 60 days, theyre adventuring more and theyre more independent. When they leave they have a whole continent to explore. Its a little like letting your kids go to the university, she added. You hope they come back to visit and theyll stay safe. A new dad For Triumph, home is an office tower in Minneapolis. He was born at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., but chose Minneapolis as his home base. According to the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon project, Triumph and his mate of two years, Genie, became the parents of three chicks in June. By September, all three chicks were self-reliant and on their own. The Rev. Michael Passmore, pastor of Central Christian Church downtown, once looked out at the urban mess of stoplights, frustrated drivers and concrete clutter outside his stately Georgian-style house of worship and wondered how any newcomers actually found the place. It could take 10 minutes during rush hour, he said, to get through a stoplight at the twisting intersection where Camden, Navarro and Soledad collided with San Pedro and Main. Now theres hardly any wait. Our entrance is visible and welcoming, and even attendance is up, Passmore said. He can thank the citys first multilane traffic roundabout, a $6 million affair that has been open to traffic for about six months. Constructed as part of the 2012-2017 bond program, whats known as the San Pedro roundabout is surrounded by Passmores church, Baptist Medical Center, the enchilada red Central Library and Fox Tech High School. It was envisioned by planners and pushed by District 1 City Councilman Roberto Trevino as not just an engineering device to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes, but an architectural feature to enliven the west end of downtown. We are definitely pleased, said Mike Frisbie, outgoing director of the citys Transportation and Capital Improvements Department. In the traffic business, we go by levels of service, and previously this intersection had an F-minus level of service. The old intersection was confusing, and thus dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists, he said. With two sets of traffic lights within a very short distance, a normally busy two-lane flow of downtown traffic couldnt move smoothly. Sometimes the last cars sneaking through on yellow would block cross traffic and tempers would boil. It was an intersection to be avoided, Frisbie said. But now, after some initial befuddlement, drivers are deftly navigating the Euro-style roundabout at calm speeds, without much brake-pumping. White arrows on the pavement show motorists what options they have from the inside or outside lanes, and a slight bend to the right before you enter called a deflection visually prepares drivers to slow down and be aware. Ive been in roundabouts in Paris, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico City, and sometimes they can be horn-honking nightmares, Passmore said. But this one is working. The San Pedro roundabout planners resist calling them mere traffic circles also includes a sculpture in the middle, Three and Ten Flowers, by artist James Surls. Humble, one-lane neighborhood traffic circles have been in place in San Antonio for decades. A relatively new one on McCullough in Olmos Park had its fountain wrecked at least twice by drivers who werent expecting it and who faced DWI charges afterward. The circle now features a decorative xeriscape with cactus. But the grand multilane variety common in Europe and South America, where they can be lined with wide sidewalks and chatty outdoor cafes, are relatively rare anywhere in the U.S., a nation of stoplights where you are about 25 times less likely to arrive at a roundabout than in France, according to RoundaboutsUSA. Even the utilitarian variety, such as the San Pedro roundabout, has yet to fully catch on. Austin opened its first multilane roundabout earlier this year at 51st and the southbound Interstate 35 frontage road. New Braunfels has long had one surrounding its courthouse-adjacent plaza. Carmel, Indiana, population about 96,000, has more than 100 roundabouts, the most of any U.S. city. Florida has the most of any state 1,283 but many have stop signs and other oddities, transportation website CityLab reported. They all but disappear in Western states. The safety benefits of roundabouts have been widely documented. They have reduced injury-causing crashes by about 75 percent at intersections where stop signs and signals used to be present, according to research by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The gradual merging around a circle virtually eliminates deadly 90-degree or T-bone collisions, researchers say. The San Antonio Police Department was unable to provide collision statistics for the San Pedro roundabout. Passmore said he was unaware of any since it opened that required hospitalization. The appearance of circular traffic tends to slow approaching drivers, and with no red lights present there are no red light runners or signal light malfunctions. (Some larger European multilane roundabouts do use signals at their entrances, especially at rush hours.) And with no idling of vehicles at stoplights, roundabouts save gas. Carmels Republican mayor, James Brainard, said in 2016 that using Federal Highway Administration research showing that about 24,000 gallons of gas are saved per year per roundabout, his residents would be saving around $4.9 million annually in gas. Building roundabouts in his city, Brainard told CityLab, has cost about $250,000 less than building a signalized intersection, and the signal-free roundabouts saved nearly $5,000 annually just in electricity costs. With fewer stops and delays, roundabouts have also shown that they can move between 30 and 50 percent more vehicles, thus reducing drive time. So, why havent Texas and other states more aggressively adopted roundabouts? It still tends to be fear of the unknown, said Marcus Brewer, a research engineer with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. The resistance is often along the lines of, We can leave well enough alone, or I know how to drive them, but I dont trust other people. But Brewer said a towns opposition to roundabouts prior to their installation often does an about-face after people experience them. Roundabouts often have a larger footprint than traditional four-way stop intersections, and the initial cost, which can include the purchase of rights of way, might scare off smaller cities if they dont have state or federal assistance, he said. The benefits of reduced vehicle maintenance, crash and delay reduction, and elimination of signal upkeep and malfunctions pay off in the long run, Brewer said. Frisbie said other locations in San Antonio, such as the area around the Alamo, would be logical spots to place future roundabouts but that none is explicitly in the planning stages. He said future projects would likely be packaged within bond programs, as was the San Pedro roundabout. We would definitely like to do more because of the efficiency and aesthetics, Frisbie said. But they work best when you have five or more legs of traffic coming together. Trucks must also be accommodated, and you have to have the space. Passmore said rain and other factors delayed the San Pedro roundabout construction but that its all worth it now. We love having the roundabout here, he said. We like being part of the community. Bruce Selcraig is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | BSelcraig@express-news.net The city of San Antonio notified the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association on Thursday that it has officially dropped the lawsuit that the Texas Supreme Court refused to hear over the summer. The dismissal of the suit sets the stage for contract negotiations to begin more than four years after the fire unions contract initially expired. Union leaders did not return phone calls seeking comment, but President Chris Steele has maintained since the city filed its lawsuit in the fall of 2014 that he would begin negotiations within seven days of the suit being dropped. The unions top ally on the City Council Greg Brockhouse called for negotiations in the days after voters passed a charter amendment on Nov. 6 that gives the union the unilateral ability to call for binding arbitration on contract negotiations. On Thursday, Brockhouse reiterated his feeling that the two sides should negotiate. More for you San Antonios Sculley announces retirement Yeah, I think they should negotiate, he said. Ive told them that myself. My hope would be that they get back as quickly as possible. Its unlikely, he said, that the two sides would start up traditional negotiations in full view of the public. If the two sides meet, it will likely be before the mediator whod previously worked on reaching an agreement. Thats typically done behind closed doors, but Brockhouse suggested that it should be done publicly since San Antonians are so vested in the matter. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, meanwhile, said hes hoping for a quick resolution and that its not related to City Manager Sheryl Sculleys hours-earlier announcement that she plans to retire. San Antonio, the public, the city and the firefighters deserve this contract dispute to be resolved yesterday, he said. I have faith that professional negotiations will occur and would have occurred regardless of Sheryls announcement today. Sculley said she will stay on and help with the transition to her successor but will end her 13-year career with the city no later than June 30. She was the consistent force behind the citys lawsuit, which alleged that its contract with the fire union violated the Texas Constitution and public policy because of its evergreen clause, which keeps the agreement intact for up to a decade after it expires while a new one is negotiated. The citys arguments at the district court and appeals court levels were unsuccessful. City officials, including Sculley and Mayor Ron Nirenberg, steadfastly said they expected to win the case at the Texas Supreme Court, but the justices handed a final blow to San Antonio this summer when they declined to hear the case. Josh Baugh is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh Toyota Motor North America recently held its 29th Opportunity Exchange in suburban Detroit, continuing its long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion. Last year, Toyota spent $3.3 billion with diverse suppliers employing 137,000. We are members of Toyotas diverse supplier community. As the Presidents of Forma Automotive, Reyes Automotive, HERO Logistics, Avanzar Interior Technologies and Vutex, we employ approximately 3,000 team members assembling and conveying parts for the Tundra and Tacoma. Our team members are proud members of the San Antonio community. Toyota has 10 plants and employs 137,000 team members in the United States. Toyotas total investment in the U.S. tops $25 billion. These investments are being overshadowed by the governments threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles and component parts because they potentially pose a threat to national security. San Antonio-built trucks are among the vehicles Toyota exports to 31 countries. A 25 percent tariff on automotive imports, a tax on consumers, would increase the cost of every vehicle sold here, not just Toyotas. No vehicle in the U.S. is sourced exclusively in the U.S. These tariffs would raise the costs of the Tundra by $2800. Free and fair trade is the best way to create sustained growth for the auto industry, including its diverse supply base. Import tariffs on vehicles and components will increase product costs, leading to higher prices for consumers and a decline in sales, auto production, jobs and vehicle exports. Like others in the auto industry, we believe the current tariffs in effect and future tariffs being studied will ultimately hurt consumers. Senators Cornyn and Cruz, along with others of the Texas delegation, have given their full support on this issue and their actions are greatly appreciated. But, we cant sit around and wait for another announcement. We must continue to share the adverse impact of these actions with Congress and ask them to oppose further tariffs on the automotive industry. Rosa Santana is president of Forma Automotive. Jason Reyes is president of Reyes Automotive. Frank Herrera is president of HERO Logistics. Berto Guerra is president of Avanzar Interior Technologies and Max Navarro is president of Vutex. The East Central Independent School District board must be more transparent as it considers arming school staff with weapons to respond in case of an active shooter on campus. Most parents were caught unaware the district was even considering the policy until it suddenly appeared on the boards November meeting agenda. Fewer still were aware a committee of community members had been formed to research the hot button issue. No action was taken at the regularly scheduled meeting, but the matter is far from over and is expected to be on the school boards January agenda. Campus safety is a concern among parents of school-age children. We get that there are reasons why details of a school districts comprehensive safety plan must be kept secret, but we are talking about preliminary planning discussions here. Buy-in from the parents of the children enrolled in the district is not going to happen if they feel left out of the process. Some parents who appeared at the Nov. 13 school board meeting expressed concern about the mental state of staffers who might carry weapons. They have some valid concerns that deserve to be publicly addressed. While most parents can appreciate safety measures to protect their children, there is apprehension about arming civilians who have not had to undergo psychological evaluations or undergo extensive firearms training. More than 2,996 licensed certified peace officers are employed by school districts in Texas, according to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Many of the districts include assault weapons in their arsenal. Most public school district have their own police departments, and in recent years many have begun to add assault weapons in their arsenals. At least nine states, including Texas, allow the arming of school officials. Texas school districts have two options when allowing certain employees to carry guns on campus. One marshal plan allows school district to authorize specific employees to carry weapons and act as armed security officers on campus after undergoing required training from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The other option is a guardian plan that is less restrictive and is the one East Central officials are considering. It does not require marshal training and allows school personnel to carry weapons as long as they undergo a training program designated by the school district and have a handgun license. There are no state-mandated limits on how many school employees can be authorized to carry weapons under the guardian plan. The marshal plan sets a limit of one marshal for every 400 students. East Central ISD has about 10,000 students enrolled. Approximately one-fifth of the 1,031 school districts in the state have adopted one of the two plans that allows them to arm their staffs. Many are in rural communities where response time by law enforcement agencies might be hampered by distance. Last school year, there were 170 gun-toting school staff members, administrators and teachers in school districts. By the beginning of the current school year, there were at least 227, according to the Texas Association of School Boards. Much of the increased interest was a result of the May shooting in Santa Fe, near Houston, that resulted in the deaths of eight students and two teachers. The issue of allowing guns on school campuses is highly emotional. Creating a consensus on policy to arm school staff will require a robust dialogue that addresses concerns on both sides. We urge East Central ISD board to be inclusive as it moves forward. Hear from everyone concerned before taking a vote. Donald Trump hates the judicial system and probably with good reasons. He has been sued and charged numerous times, generally loses, and his orders are generally revoked. Trumps recent row with Chief Justice John Roberts is an example of Trumps irrational behavior toward the judiciary. The American College of Trial Lawyers issued a statement in support of remarks by Chief Justice John Roberts, who said, We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. The criticism of Trump by national judicial groups is needed. Trumps stand and criticisms of judicial groups are just examples of Trumps failure as a leader of the greatest nation in the world, and he needs to be out of this office. Edward V. Harris, Quitman No room for facts Re: Note to GOP: Politics around climate are changing, Another View, by Ryan Haygood, Monday: Thank you for publishing this by a young conservative student who seems to understand and accept science, facts, evidence and reality, and is unwilling to sacrifice them to the fantasy, fiction and ignorance based on wishful thinking that drives the Republican Party. Back at the White House, Trump claims omniscience, which may be a sure sign of the Dunning-Kruger effect (people having lower cognitive ability than they think). Trump does not need to study anything, he says, because his gut is always right. In Trumps case perhaps the gut is all he has to use since his head only has room for his ego. Theresa S. Doyle Crisis very real Re: Asylum crisis exists only in imagination, Editorial, Monday: This was sloppy analysis. Large numbers of migrants rushed the border at the San Ysidro port of entry this weekend and were repelled by tear gas as the port was closed. Not imaginary. President Donald Trumps executive order since halted by a federal judge would require that asylum-seekers present themselves at a legal port of entry to claim asylum and would deny them asylum if they cross the border illegally. There is little about immigration and asylum that is straightforward. There are a number of laws some contradictory in play. The Immigration and Nationality Act allows the president, whenever he finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, to suspend all forms of immigration for such period as he shall deem necessary. Further, the president could issue an executive order requiring those seeking asylum to do so at one of the 10 U.S. Consulates in Mexico as President Barack Obama did. As Mexico has offered asylum to these Central Americans, it is unclear that a valid case for asylum in the US exists since the credible fear requirement has been eliminated. Obviously, you have your opinions. But it would improve the quality of your advocacy if you had a better command of the facts and issues. Arguing that the asylum crisis is imaginary and a political stunt is an opinion but not a well-founded one. John Graham GREENWICH Greenwich seniors only have a week left to take advantage of free assistance that could lead to significant cost savings on their health plans. The Greenwich Commission on Aging is once again offering counseling sessions for seniors about their Medicare Part D benefits, but a deadline is looming on Dec. 7 when the federal open enrollment period ends. The commission will hold sessions on Friday and through next week with trained professionals. We save literally hundreds of thousands of dollars for residents by looking at their prescription drug plans, Lori Contandino, director of the Commission on Aging, said on Thursday. We always want folks to be in a plan that is best tailored to their unique medication profile and their needs. An annual look at this is really what we advocate for. According to Contandino, as of Monday they had seen 318 residents and saved them a total of $190,291. The open enrollment period began in mid-October; it is the time of year when Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a plan that provides Part D drug coverage. Contandino said anyone who is on Medicare can benefit from the counseling session because even if they are happy with their current plans they can at least see the options that are available and decide if they want to make a change. There have been some significant changes in some of the plans formularies which means if people stay with their plans they may end up paying significantly more, Contandino said. If they move from one prescription drug plan to another they could find something better suited to their individual profile. Contandino said the sessions also allow for people to find out the best way to get supplemental insurance to enhance their Medcare coverage. It is essential people have supplemental insurance to make sure all of their health costs are covered, she said. Counseling will be offered at the Senior Center from 8:30 to noon on Friday. Next week, times will be Monday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Greenwich Library and then at the Senior Center on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. W hile walk ins are accommodated when possible, making an appointment in advance is preferred; call 203-862-6710. Seniors must bring their Medicare cards, their current prescription drug plan and card, and the prescriptions they are taking in their original pill containers. The counselors receive training yearly to learn about all changes to health care rules. That includes time in the classroom and a test they must pass. Contandino said six counselors are working with the commission this year to provide help to town seniors. We couldnt be better poised with counselors this season, Contandino said. Sam Deibler, a former director of the Commission on Aging, has been volunteering for years and said its possible people can be missing out on huge savings they dont even know about. He met Thursday with one resident who is on a limited budget and found that by switching plans, medication she had been paying $84 a month for was available for $3 a month. This helps people save money and its so easy, said John Timm, a volunteer counselor. This can mean so much to people on limited incomes. They might not know they have access to this but its out there Carol Nelson came Thursday to the Senior Center to gethelp for the first time and said she was grateful for all the answers it provided her. Theyre incredible, Nelson said. I came in totally confused and they were such a huge help. A lot of things have changed for me this year and a lot is going on at once. It can be overwhelming, but this is amazing. They make it so clear. I feel blessed to have this. Livvy Collins came in for her second year and she said again was able to save money. They have such expertise, Collins said. There are so many choices available. ... I dont think I would have been able to do this myself. A measure to tighten Connecticuts firearm storage law is expected to be on a shortlist of gun reform bills tackled in the upcoming legislative session. The proposal will likely come amid advocates attempts to shepherd other legislation banning untraceable ghost guns and 3D-printed plastic guns through the legislative process. Advocates hope to build on the momentum of past gun control efforts that, according to the Giffords Law Center, have left Connecticut with the third strongest gun laws in the country. What we should be looking at is the number of gun deaths because we have among the strictest gun laws, we also have among the lowest gun deaths. They are linked, said Connecticut Against Gun Violence Executive Director Jeremy Stein. Stein said his organization will focus on getting those three gun reform measures passed in the next legislative session. State Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, announced the proposal to tighten the states firearm storage law on Tuesday with the parents of Ethan Song, a 15-year-old Guilford teenager who accidentally shot and killed himself at a friends house last January. The proposal, called Ethans Law, would close a perceived loophole in the states current gun storage legislation. The current statute requires only loaded firearms to be properly stored if a minor is likely to gain access to them. The bill would amend the law to require that all firearms, even those that are unloaded, be stored properly. It would also raise the age of those considered a minor from under the age of 16 to 18. Massachusetts is the only state that requires that all firearms be stored with a locking device, according to the Giffords Law Center. California and New York, like Connecticut, impose the requirement in certain situations. Waterbury States Attorney Maureen Platt said in a report on Ethan Songs death that under current Connecticut law, the gun owner could not be charged because there was no proof the handgun was loaded. There is no evidence that the gun used was loaded at the time it was stored within the closet. However, ammunition for the gun was located within the same small cardboard box next to the weapon used, inside of the Tupperware container, the report said. An unidentified juvenile was charged with manslaughter this week in connection with the shooting. I think there is a very, very large loophole in the current law, which is why this man is not being charged in this incident, Scanlon said. It would bring us more in line with a common-sense approach to tackling gun violence and keeping communities safe. The measure would help reduce urban gun violence, suicides, accidental shootings, and school shootings, Stein said. Po Murray, chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance, said her organization has long been an advocate for safe storage laws on a federal and state level. We must ban 3D-printed guns and ghost gunsI hope we can pass those laws in the next legislative session, Murray said. Steins organization will also examine ways to potentially strengthen the states red flag law, which allows two law enforcement officers, or one states attorney, to petition the court for an extreme risk protection order to temporarily take away an individuals guns. Connecticut statute does not explicitly allow family members to petition the court, unlike other states that have approved or are considering extreme risk protection orders. Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, the states largest gun group, said the organization will be meeting with Scanlon to discuss the measure and raise some concerns. Wilson said the group has always strongly supported keeping children safe by making sure guns are securely stored, but noted that some gun owners may have a need to use firearms in the middle of the night if theres a home invasion or intrusion of some type. In May, the legislature passed a bill later signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy that bans the sale and ownership of bump stocks in Connecticut, joining a growing number of states that have prohibited the rapid-fire accessory used by the Las Vegas shooter who killed 58 people and injured hundreds at an outdoor music festival last year. Bump stocks allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at a rate similar to that of machine guns. The Connecticut bill also banned trigger cranks and other rate-of-fire enhancements. Connecticut has more firearm laws than almost every other state, according to an inventory by Boston University researchers. In some cases, researchers might identify Connecticut as lacking a specific provision according to how the researchers classified the laws, but a different provision or combination of provisions might have a similar effect. Researchers who compiled the data wrote this in a 2016 report: Other resources may provide users with a deeper understanding of individual provisions, while our database serves as an efficient way to compare the broad scope of state firearm laws across the country. China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited. Read More iShares MSCI Denmark ETF's stock was trading at 60.79 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EDEN shares have increased by 76.8% and is now trading at 107.47. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI Austria ETF's stock was trading at $15.26 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWO stock has increased by 63.3% and is now trading at $24.92. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Archer-Daniels-Midland: ADM (Shanghai) Management Co. LTD, ADM (Thailand) Ltd, ADM Ag Holdings Ltd, ADM Agri-Industries Company, ADM Agriculture Limited, ADM Agro Iberica S. L. U., ADM Agro Indust Latur and Vizag Pvt Ltd, ADM Agro Industries India Private Limited, ADM Agro Industries KOTA and AKOLA Pvt. Ltd., ADM Agro SRL, ADM Agroinvestimentos LTDA, ADM Alliance Nutrition of Puerto Rico LLC, ADM Americas S de RL, ADM Andina Peru SRL, ADM Antwerp NV, ADM Arkady Ireland Limited, ADM Asia-Pacific Trading Pte. Ltd., ADM Australia Holdings I PTY Limited, ADM Bio Science And Technology (Tianjin) Co Ltd, ADM Bioproductos SA DE CV, ADM CZERNIN SA, ADM Caribbean Inc, ADM Chile Comercial LTDA, ADM Clinton Bioprocessing Inc, ADM DO Brasil LTDA, ADM Direct Polska SP. ZO.O, ADM Dominican Holdings Inc., ADM Dominicana SA, ADM Edible Bean Specialties Inc, ADM Europe HoldCo SL, ADM European Holdings LLC, ADM European Management Holding GMBH, ADM Export Co, ADM Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ADM France, ADM Germany GmbH, ADM Grain River System Inc., ADM Hamburg Aktiengesesllschaft, ADM Holding (Thailand) LTD, ADM Holdings LLC, ADM Hungary Agro Trading LLC, ADM Industries Centers Ltd, ADM International Holdings Inc, ADM International SARL, ADM Interoceanic LTD, ADM Investments LTD, ADM Investor Services Inc, ADM Investor Services International LTD, ADM Ireland Receivables Company Limited, ADM Israel, ADM Japan Ltd, ADM MALBORK SA, ADM Mainz GMBH, ADM Medsofts Sarl, ADM Mexico Inc, ADM Mexico SA DE CV, ADM Milling Co, ADM Milling LTD, ADM New Zealand Limited, ADM Olomouc S.R.O., ADM Paraguay SRL, ADM Protexin Limited, ADM Pura Limited, ADM Receivables LLC, ADM Rice Inc, ADM Ringaskiddy Unlimited Company, ADM Romania Logistics SRL, ADM Romania Trading SRL, ADM Specialty Ingredients - Europe BV, ADM Spyck GMBH, ADM Szamotuly SP Z O.O, ADM Trading Australia Pty. Ltd., ADM Trading Co, ADM Transportation Company, ADM Trucking Inc, ADM Vietnam CO. LTD, ADM WILD Europe GmbH and Co. KG, ADM WILD Ingredients GmbH, ADM WILD Nauen GmbH, ADM WILD Valencia S.A., ADM Wild Netherlands BV, ADM Worldwide Holdings LP, ADMIS Holding Co Inc., ADMIS Hong Kong LTD, ADMIS Singapore Pte Limited, AOR, AT Holdings II Company, Agri Port Services Investments Ltd., Agri Port Services LLC, Agricolas Madagascar SARLU, Agrinational Insurance Co, Agriserve, Agrograin LTD, Alfrebro LLC, Alfred C Toepfer International Netherlands BV, Alimenta USA, American River Transportation Company LLC, Ameriseed, Amylum Bulgaria EAD, Amylum Nisasta Sanayi Ve Ticarek Anonim Sirketi, Archer Daniels Midland (UK) Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Asia Pacific Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Erith LTD, Archer Daniels Midland Europe BV, Archer Daniels Midland Europoort BV, Archer Daniels Midland Nederland BV, Archer Daniels Midland Singapore PTE LTD, Arinos Unlimited, Aston Foods & Food Ingredients, Balanceados Nova SA Balnova, Barbados Mills Limited, Bela Vista Bio Etanol Participacoes LTDA, Bern Aqua, BioPolis SL, Biopolis, Campa Sued GmbH & Co KG, Cattleman's Choice Loomix LLC, Chamtor, Ci ADM Colombia Ltda., Controladora ADM Sa De Cv, Crosswind Petfoods Inc., Daavision BV, Eaststarch, Eatem Corporation, Eatem Foods, Elstar Oils, English River Pellets Inc., Epicore Bionetworks INC, Epicore Networks (USA) INC, Erich Ziegler GmbH, Evialis France, Fasco Mills Co., Filozoo SRL, Florida Chemical, Florida Chemical Company LLC, GP Blanching Inc., Global Cocoa Holdings LTD, Golden Peanut Company LLC, Golden Peanut and Tree Nut Seed SA (PTY) LTD, Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts SA, Group Lysac, Guyomarc'h - VCN Company Limited, Guyomarc'h Vietnam CO LTD, HFR Shipping Company Ltd, HRA Shipping Company Ltd, HTI Shipping Company Ltd, Harvest Innovations, Hilltop Grain and Feed, Holding P and A Asia Company Limited, Hubei Meiweiyuan Biotechnology, Ilitchevskiy Maslo Extractionniy Zavod (IMEZ), Invivo NSA Asia PTE LTD, Invivo NSA Philippines Inc, Jamaica Flour Mills Limited, Julius Meijer-Alpharma BV, LLC ADM Ukraine, Liquid Feed Commodities, Malta Industries SA de CV, Malta-Texo De Mexico SA de CV, Master Mix of Trinidad LTD, Medsofts Investment Co, Medsofts L.L.C., Medsofts Trading Co, Mepla Comercio e Navegacao Ltda, NRG Inc, Naviera Chaco SRL, Neovia, Neovia Latina SL, Neovia Nutricao E Saude Animal LTDA, North Star Shipping S.R.L., P and A Marketing SA, PJSC ADM Illichivsk, PT Wirifa Sakti, Pancosma (Shanghai) Feed Additives CO LTD, Pancosma France SAS, Pancosma SA, Premiere Agri Technologies of Mexico Inc, Pura Foods LTD, Rodelle Inc., Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann, Sermix, Setna Nutricion SA, Societe Industrielle Des Oleagineux, Southern Cellulose Products Inc, Soy Investors LLC, Specialty Commodities, Specialty Commodities LLC, Sul Mineira Alimentos LTDA, SzSzV Kft, Toepfer International, Toepfer International Trading (Shanghai) Co. LTD., Vantage Corn Processors LLC, WILD Amazon Flavors Ltda, WILD Flavors, Wild Flavors Inc., Wild Flavors International GmbH, Wild Flavors Singapore Pte. Ltd., Wild Intermare GmbH, Wild Russia LLC, and Wisium SA (PTY) LTD. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. engages in global investment banking, securities, and investment management, which provides financial services. It operates through the following business segments: Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. The Investment Banking segment serves public and private sector clients around the world and provides financial advisory services, help companies raise capital to strengthen and grow their businesses and provide financing to corporate clients. The Global Markets segment serves its clients who buy and sell financial products, funding and manage risk. The Asset Management segment provides investment services to help clients preserve and grow their financial assets. The Consumer & Wealth Management segment helps clients to achieve their individual financial goals by providing a wealth advisory and banking services. The company was founded by Marcus Goldman in 1869 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; And Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment provides mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, group retirement and savings products, and institutional asset management services through agents and brokers affiliated with the company, securities brokerage firms, and financial advisors pension plan consultants and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment offers deposit and credit products; individual life, and individual and group long-term care insurance; and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. It also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, portfolio and mutual fund management, mutual fund dealer, life and financial reinsurance, and fund management businesses. Additionally, the company holds and manages oil and gas properties; holds oil and gas royalties, and foreign bonds and equities; and provides investment management, counseling, advisory, and dealer services. Manulife Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF's stock was trading at $27.57 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWN shares have increased by 82.6% and is now trading at $50.34. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. by Geordi Gustafson | Knicks Correspondent | Thu, Nov 29th 12:40am EST Derrick Rose finished with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting (4-of-5 from deep), and had two assists and one steal while logging 18 minutes in Minnesota's 128-89 win over San Antonio on Wednesday night. Fantasy Impact: In his last five games, Rose is averaging 3.8 shots from deep per game, and is knocking them down at a rate of 52.6 percent. Although early, Rose is definitely in the running for Sixth Man of the Year and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. If Rose is still available in your league then scoop him up now. As this month marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the war to end all wars, I thought this story of beating swords into plough shares might be interesting. Frenchman Louis Renault started to build cars in 1898 and by the time of the Great War was a successful automobile manufacturer. In 1916, Renault received a visit from a French Colonel of Artillery, J.E. Estienne, who had told the French high command, Gentlemen, the victory in this war will belong to which of the two belligerents will be the first to place a gun of 75 [mm] on a vehicle able to be driven on all terrain. The visit seems to have inspired Renault, who with the help of his staff designed the famous little Renault M-17 (FT) tanks that were known as Chars DAssaut or chariots of assault. M-17 The M-17 (FT) was small, weighing about 7 tons and approximately 10 feet long, five high and five wide, with a crew of two, a gunner and a driver. The driver sat in front with the gunner standing behind and above him in the small turret. Behind the gunner was the fuel tank, transmission and steering clutches, and then the cooling fan, which drew air through the crew compartment for a little ventilation (unless it contained poison gas when it was deadly). Behind that were the radiator and a Renault four-cylinder engine that produced some 40 horsepower. Armament was an 8mm Hotchkiss machine gun or a 37mm cannon in the turret, although near the end of the war, some were equipped with a short-barreled 75mm cannon. France France did begin experimenting with heavy tanks in the summer of 1916, and Estienne was promoted to brigadier general and appointed to oversee the program. Of course, the French Army brass, brought up on artillery barrages to soften, and then infantry bayonet assaults to break through an enemy line, with cavalry sabers to exploit that breakthrough, had little interest in tanks. Estienne became convinced of the need for a fast and nimble light tank for reconnaissance and exploitation but made little progress due to the Army commanders looking upon tanks as being nothing but mobile artillery. Finally, the Battle of Cambria in November 1917, where the British infantry and tanks successfully worked together for the first time, convinced the French high command to take tanks seriously and by August of 1918, the French Tank Corps consisted of 14,649 men, 800 heavy tanks, and about 3,700 Renault light tanks. These machines fought in many battles, often manned by American Doughboys, during that last year of the war, not always with success, but as machines and armaments, tactics and means of communication improved, and tank crews and commanders gained experience the results improved as well. Estienne received the Cravat of the Legion D Honneur and was promoted to major general as a reward for his efforts. Farmers At the end of the war, French farmers returned to farms that had been occupied by German forces, fought over, dug up for the vast trench networks for which the Great War is famous and full of craters from the untold thousands of artillery rounds that had been fired by both sides. Machinery had been destroyed or shipped back to Germany and both horse and manpower were scarce due to war losses. Tractors were badly wanted but were virtually nonexistent. The French Army had, however, some 3,000 surplus Renault tanks on hand and someone had a bright idea. French farmers were told, Those little tractors that whipped the Hun will undo much of what the Hun has done. The tractors can be stripped of their armor and armament and with a few minor changes can be made serviceable for farm work. The plan was put into effect and the converted Renault ex-tanks were distributed to farmers and also used to tow barges on Frances canals and rivers. The plan accomplished several things. It helped the nations farmers by providing much-needed power in a very short time. Ive been unable to find a photo of a converted M-17 (FT), and Im sure they werent ideal for farm use. But in those days, almost all tractors were awkward, clumsy machines that were primarily used only for pulling heavy tillage implements, so the converted tanks probably did that kind of work OK. The plan protected French industry as well. Instead of importing expensive tractors from the U.S. and elsewhere, it allowed manufacturers time to refurbish their often ruined factories and begin to produce their own tractors again. Finally, by converting the baby tanks instead of scrapping them, the French government accomplished a remarkable feat of salvage. This meant a vast amount of money saved and gave a leg up to French farmers who knew it would take years to get their wasted and blasted fields back into anything like their pre-war production. There was one other advantage that was spoken of at the time. In case of another conflict, the machines could be restored to their warlike equipage and be able to again do battle. While there were some of the little tanks still in use by different combatants in World War II (the German Army used many captured Renault M-17 (FT) tanks for training purposes and patrolling rear areas), its not clear that any of these had been ex-agriculture conversions. The Great War had been good to Louis Renault; at the wars beginning his factory employed 7,500 employees and was making cars, trucks and engines for marine, industrial and aviation use. By the time of the armistice in 1918, there were 26,000 employees cranking out, besides the above, tanks, armored cars, guns and ammunition. Renault was reputed to be the wealthiest man in France. History is fascinating. I very much appreciate the condolences sent to me by many folks upon the recent loss of my lovely wife, Nancy. LOGAN, Ohio Appalachia Ohio Alliance has partnered with the Canal Society of Ohio to preserve old Hocking Canal Lock No. 8 and a section of the canal in Fairfield County. The canal society donated funds to help purchase the canal structure while the alliance utilized Clean Ohio grant funds to purchase the canal property. Owners Ronnie and Rita Williams worked with the Appalachia Ohio Alliance for several years to help preserve this piece of local heritage, saving it from demolition and sale of the sandstone blocks. Neighbors John and Erin Ramsey also donated a small piece of adjacent property that helped facilitate the acquisition. Lock No. 8 is located in Horns Mill, just north of Sugar Grove. Abandoned when the canal was shut down in the 1890s, coordinators say the lock is in excellent condition with only a few missing stones. The alliance seeks to protect remnant canal features and to establish a continuous corridor along the old Hocking Canal route, part of the groups Hocking Canal Heritage Trail Initiative. Theh alliance has already protected over three miles of the canal right-of-way in Hocking and Fairfield counties. A new 'Countryside Charter' has been proposed to deliver a strong Brexit for the rural sector after the UK leaves the EU. The Enterprising Countryside Charter comprises five policies proposed to help stimulate rural business growth post-Brexit. These are the establishment of rural roaming between networks for better 4G coverage, the creation of new Rural Enterprise Frameworks for better business growth support locally and the use of Rural Enterprise Plans to improve consistency in the planning system. The policies also include modernising the criteria for a sustainable village and extending the remit of the Minister with responsibility for rural business across both Defra and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It comes as 500 farmers and rural businesses gather in Westminster on Thursday (29 November) to discuss the post-Brexit countryside with Defra Secretary Michael Gove at the CLA Rural Business Conference. The conference will examine how rural businesses and countryside communities are embracing change and how new policies are required to give them the ability to adapt and the confidence to flourish. 'Rapid and significant change' The CLA, the organisation behind the Countryside Charter, said those living and working in the countryside should be ready for "rapid and significant change". CLA President, Tim Breitmeyer said: We have a thriving entrepreneurial and creative rural business sector which is up for the challenge and ready to make the most of the opportunities Brexit presents. Rural businesses currently invest around 13bn each year in, for example, new technologies, generating renewable energy, start-ups such as restaurants on farm, and vineyards. This business investment is crucial for local communities, creating new rural jobs, food production and the environment, and Government must not overlook it as plans are drawn up for post-Brexit Britain. Mr Breitmeyer added: By committing to the Enterprising Countryside Charter, Government can create a more positive environment for rural businesses giving them the confidence to make the new investments needed for a strong rural economy as we adapt to life outside the EU and well beyond. Barriers to investment New survey data of 1,600 landowners, farmers and rural businesses shows that the majority are planning to invest in business growth in the next five years, such as setting up a rural visitor attraction or converting a redundant farm building for new use. However, many feel limited by major barriers such as lack of broadband coverage, the complexities of local planning policy, and uncertainty about Brexit outcomes. The new data also highlights a lack of Brexit contingency planning in the rural sector. The extent of change for the countryside in the longer term is also highlighted by the new survey data 30% of rural landowners are currently considering using less of their existing landholding for agriculture in the next 20 years. A farmer's son who doesn't like cows will be kicked out of the 1m family farm and banned from inheriting it, court has decided. Clive Shaw, 55, from New York, Lincolnshire, brought a proprietary estoppel claim against his parents on discovering that they have written him out of their wills. Mr Shaw claims that he worked on his parents farm from a very young age without pursuing any other career opportunities based on a promise that he would inherit the 1m farm. The parents wills do not provide for him at all and leave the bulk of the estate to his sister, who together with Mr Shaws mother claims that he hated the cows on the farm and that he was incapable of managing the business. His sister, Cheryl Hughes, told the High Court in London that he often calls cows stinking, horrible, rotten creatures. But Mr Shaw argues that the dispute has arisen due to his mothers dislike of his girlfriend and her belief that she is a gold digger. After a High Court trial this week, it has now been decided that the farm will be split between the couple's daughters. Judge Linwood said: There was a family expectation that Clive, as the eldest child and only son, would inherit the farm in the sense of it being a family business not purely as an asset, but as a working farm, to be inherited by Clive as a farmer. Clive was promised the farm would be his inheritance from about 1978 onwards, but those assurances were conditional upon Clive working properly on the farm in the manner of a dedicated, long-term farmer. He added: However, Clive was not sufficiently interested and his lifestyle choices were such that he did not want to take on the farm and dedicate himself to it, as his interests were elsewhere, in driving and engineering. Mr Shaw has been ordered to pay 100,000 in legal fees and has been given six weeks to vacate the farm. Powys County Council has voted not to sell swathes of its 11,300 acre Farming Estate amid budget concerns and will instead maintain it as viable asset. During a meeting on Wednesday (28 November), Powys County Council's Cabinet discussed the future of its 141 farms amid budget worries. Earlier this year, the Learning Skills and Economy (LSE) Scrutiny Committee highlighted plans, which included selling land, in order to ease financial difficulties. Their report said: "The proposals submitted to Cabinet appear to offer little choice other than the status quo. "The Strategic Asset Management Plan notes a declining contribution to central capital receipts in the immediate future and this issue needs to be given serious consideration given the financial situation the authority is facing." However, in Wednesday's meeting, the council instead voted to look into estate diversification and investment. With 141 holdings and land extending to 11,300 acres, Powys County Councils Farms Estate is the largest of its kind in Wales and the fifth largest in the UK. The majority of the Estate lies in Montgomeryshire, although there are several estates in Radnorshire with further Holdings in Brecknock. County Farms Estate holdings range in size from residential smallholdings to commercial farm units. In recent years, the Estate has sought to increase the size of its core holdings by amalgamating certain farms, with the largest Estate farm now covering a combined area of 227 acres. The County Farms Estate provides opportunities for young people wanting to get in to farming who perhaps don't have a family farm. Council Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, told Powys County Times: "We are very proud of the fact that we can provide this opportunity. "We may sell the odd house with an acre or so, but there are no plans to sell the estate, this document does not deal with that sort of thing." A campaign spearheaded by a former boy band member turned farmer to encourage British millenials to take up farming has been launched. The UKs farming and agriculture industry is facing more challenges than ever in planning for the future. New research reveals that only 3% of 18-30 year olds would view farming and agriculture as a desirable career. The number of farmers over the age of 65 has increased by 70% over the last ten years, while the number of under-25s has dropped by almost two-thirds over the same period. Every industry, especially farming and agriculture, needs new talent to innovate and look to new markets, and the next generation will be vital as the sector strives to boost productivity and drive growth. Succession planning is an important topic, and many organisations are continuing to encourage Britains farmers to start having these conversations. To inspire the next generation of entrants to the industry, Barclays has launched #FarmtheFuture, a nationwide campaign encouraging farmers to kick-start their succession plan. By teaming up with JLS boyband member and TV presenter JB Gill, who has swapped a life of pop stardom for turkey and pig farming, the campaign hopes to inspire a younger generation to consider a career in agriculture. Millenial misconceptions The first step in the campaign is clearing up the misconceptions millennials hold about the barriers to working in the industry. Over half (59%) believe they wouldnt be able to afford to become a farmer and four in ten (44%) think they can only break in if they inherit land. While looking to bust these myths, research has found that farming and agriculture could provide millennials with their ideal career. Over three quarters (76%) saying staying physically fit and healthy while working was important to them and nearly half (48%) saying they would like to work with animals. 'Welcoming newcomers' JB Gill said there's a lot of misconceptions among young people about what a career in agriculture really means. Its hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work with animals, youre your own boss and you can keep up with the trends by posting everything on social media for everyone else to see, he said. The farming community is really welcoming, providing newcomers with knowledge on everything from tending to animals to financial advice. You dont need to have your own land to work in agriculture, there are many options from farm management through to the service industries and I would encourage anyone interested to give it some serious consideration its a life like no other. The costs of pig meat production in 17 countries during 2017 are examined in a new report, which shows an 8% increase in cost of production. The report shows that the cost of pig meat production in Great Britain increased by 8% in 2017, to 1.37 per kg. The average cost of production in the EU also increased, to 1.36 per kg, a 7% increase, in sterling terms. In contrast with 2016, this reflects an increase in the costs of production across all sampled EU countries. Comparing Britains cost of production with that of one of its main competitors, Denmarks cost of production during 2017 was a much lower 1.18 per kg. Pigs outdoors The report also shows an increase, once again, in the overall average number of pigs weaned per sow per year in the 17 countries included in the analysis, up from 27.32 in 2016 to 27.9 in 2017, representing nearly a 2% increase. In Britain, the increase was slightly greater, at 4%, bringing the average number of pigs weaned per sow per year up to 25.75, overall. This breaks down to an average of 26.97 pigs in the indoor herd and 23.95 pigs in the outdoor herd. Although below the national average, Great Britains outdoor herds showed the greatest improvement in performance, up 5% compared with 2016. While Great Britain has a significant proportion of pigs kept outdoors, the lower numbers of pigs weaned per sow per year in all systems is still a major cause of the relatively high cost of production compared with many other EU countries, especially, for example, Denmark, which had an average of 33.3 pigs weaned per sow per year in 2017; this is an area that needs to be addressed, for Great Britain to be competitive with the rest of Europe. 'Weaned per sow per year' The latest of the annual Pig Cost of Production in Selected Countries reports provides producers with information about the countrys technical performance, and enables them to compare their performance with their competitors. New to the 2017 report is data from Hungary, which has been included for the first time. AHDB Porks Senior Analyst Carol Davis said: While our improvements have been driven by a combination of increased number of finished pigs at increasing carcase weights, the greatest challenge for our pig industry is maximising the number of pigs weaned per sow per year, whatever the system. We have a challenge competing like for like with some of our global competitors, therefore we need to look for more novel innovations to lower our cost of production. This may be using lower value land for outdoor production, or adopting modern technology to target attention on and selection of individual pigs. The former Managing Director of Waitrose has called for the Government to remember the importance for a nation to have the ability to feed its own people. Lord Mark Price, former Minister for Trade and Investment and MD of Waitrose, addressed the NFUs Henry Plumb lecture with his thoughts on Brexit and the future of food, farming and retail. A recognised and respected figure in the retail sector, Lord Price addressed an audience of approximately 130 industry leaders, stakeholders, government and press. He gave his views on the potential impacts of Brexit on the farming sector and how the retail landscape is ever-changing. Lord Price said that after defending its people, a Governments highest priority is to feed its people. He said: Everything that we have become used to is about to change. I would suggest there is no time to waste in developing a new globally minded approach and prepare to become match-fit to win a new global game. Better collective buying and selling to my mind are now key requirements. And here I think the NFU has a vital role to play in bringing farmers together to look outwards, to understand the threats and embrace the opportunities. He added: For the human condition, for business and society to thrive, the future needs to look brighter than the past. I hope that shortly we can all start to paint that brighter picture. NFU Director General, Terry Jones, who chaired the session, said: The NFU has been very clear that any future trade deals struck must not serve to undermine the high standards British farmers produce to. It is crucial that our high standards are maintained and protected. What Lord Price made abundantly clear in his remarks is how important it is for a nation to have the ability to feed its own people. The NFU is working hard to make the case for home-grown food and how the strategic importance of domestic food security cannot be overlooked, he said. The UK ranks in the bottom half of EU countries on a raft of health, environmental, social and economic indicators relating to food, according to a new report. Of the 28 countries currently in the EU, the UK ranked 16th. On a global scale, the UK came 24th out of the 67 countries. The Food Sustainability Index (FSI) assesses country performance on 89 indicators, from food waste per head to childhood obesity, from sustainability of fish stocks to working conditions in food and farming. The ranking aims to promote food sustainability concerns, benchmark countries and help policymakers identify priority areas to act. The UK scores well in some areas of the FSI, such as quality of policies to address food loss, compulsory nutrition education and quality of animal welfare regulation. However, the Food Ethics Council, a charity that advocates a fairer food system, has called the UK's overall performance poor. Dan Crossley, executive director of the Food Ethics Council, said: If the UK aspires to be a global leader on food sustainability, it must step up to the plate and lead by example. The UKs poor performance in the 2018 FSI shows this is not yet happening. The FSI provides conclusive evidence of the need for the UK Government to have a bold and integrated food strategy that address critical issues such as climate change. The charity is now calling for a new and inclusive food strategy that ensures the UK delivers good food for all for ever. In doing so, the group says the UK will fulfil its global responsibilities, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The UK's worst category is sustainable agriculture - which includes the impact food and farming has on water, land and air - where the UK ranks 24th out of 28 EU countries. The UK falls down particularly badly on the prevalence of over-nourishment; number of people per fast food restaurant; greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture; diversification of agricultural system; participation rate of youth in UK farming; and working conditions in food and farming. Two Welsh farming unions have called on the Prime Minister to give assurances to farmers that they will not lose out under a final deal after 2020. The meeting between Theresa May and the NFU Cymru and Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) took place at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair this week, as the Prime Minister tours the UK in her effort to win public support for her Brexit deal. Parliament will decide in a vote on 11 December on whether to accept or reject the deal. The meeting between the two farming unions and Mrs May featured a wide-ranging discussion around a number of issues affecting the agricultural industry, including the UKs future trading relationship with the EU and animal welfare and production standards. She said her Brexit proposals will deliver for the Welsh farming industry, and protect food exports like Welsh lamb. 'We need assurances' However, the FUW told the Prime Minister that while the EU Withdrawal deal would give Welsh farmers welcome breathing space, assurances were needed that Welsh agriculture would not lose out under a final deal after 2020. The EU and the UK have agreed to a transition process of 21 months from 29 March 2019 until the end of 2020 before the country leaves the member bloc completely. FUW President, Glyn Roberts said: The Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the Cabinet and the EU contains almost 600 pages of details regarding what would happen during a 21 month period, and those pages contain many important assurances for agriculture and other industries. By comparison, the Political Declaration which is part of the same package and concerns what might happen in the subsequent decades is just 36 pages long, and far more ambiguous in terms of the implications for agriculture and other industries. We fully understand why that is the case, but 21 months will go by very quickly, and I made it clear to Mrs May we really need assurances from the UK Government about their commitment to using that time to work out a deal which is positive for Welsh and UK agriculture. 'Lower standards' Mr Roberts also said that statements by some politicians about trade deals which would open up the UK to imports of cheap food produced to lower standards than those required in the UK were a cause for significant concern. He added: An additional 21 months of stability would be welcome, but we also need a commitment that after that period we will not open the floodgates to lower quality imports and that maintaining access to the EU market where most of our exports go will be a priority. The FUW has been consistent in its view that the best way to minimise disruption to agriculture is to remain within the Single Market and the Customs Union after leaving the EU. Anything that falls short of that will bring with it obstacles in terms of trade and other issues, with inevitable consequences for our industry and economy, Mr Roberts said. 'Excluded' NFU Cymru, along with British Meat Processing Association, voiced concerns to Mrs May over Brexits potential impact on the red meat sector in Wales. Outlining the importance of the Welsh food sector to the economy, both organisations said that Brexit is the single biggest challenge facing the red meat sector within Wales. Around a third of the Welsh lamb crop is exported and over 90% of this goes to the EU. NFU Cymru Deputy President, Aled Jones said: A no deal Brexit scenario would leave Welsh farmers in the nightmare situation of being excluded from our largest export market. A no deal Brexit would essentially price Welsh farmers out of the market - we could not operate effectively when imposed with WTO tariff rates, as well as being subject to the regulatory barriers that come with exporting as a third country. He added: We understand that there are still significant political hurdles for the Prime Ministers Brexit proposals to clear and if such approval is not secured then NFU Cymru will need to reassess its position. In the meantime, we strongly encourage politicians across all parties to put their political differences aside to secure a future that is in the interest of the 7 billion Welsh food and farming sector. NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman, Wyn Evans said the threat of a 'no deal' scenario is still at the door and farmers are rightly worried. He said it is time political uncertainty was put to bed. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. By: Anna Abram, FDAs Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Planning, Legislation and Analysis, and FDAs Acting Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy Even in this modern era, when so much can be done remotely, there are many tangible benefits to having boots on the ground when doing business overseas. Thats the thinking behind the FDAs foreign offices, which play a vital role in inspecting foreign manufacturing facilities, gathering market and industry information, and building closer relationships with local regulatory bodies, all in the interests of protecting the public health of Americans. This month marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of FDAs first foreign office, in Beijing. We believed it was important to have a local presence in China after the public health crises caused by the economic adulteration of two Chinese-produced products pet food laced with the plastic substance melamine to cheaply boost the appearance of protein content, and adulterated heparin, the blood thinner, that had been contaminated with a related, but less expensive, chemical. Although a public health tragedy was the catalyst for FDA to open an office in China, the new office within FDAs Office of International Programs (OIP) was timely because of that nations growing importance as a leading source of ingredients and components across the spectrum of FDA-regulated products. And it was in keeping with FDAs OIPs broader responsibilities, working with governments, industry and academia in foreign countries, as well as with multilateral organizations, to help assure that FDA regulated exports, like food, tobacco and medical products, to the United States meet U.S. standards. Today, with 300,000 foreign facilities in more than 150 countries exporting FDA-regulated products to the United States, FDA works beyond U.S. borders to ensure that products coming into the United States are safe and effective. Since the first foreign office opened in Beijing in November of 2008, FDAs international presence has grown to include additional foreign offices in New Delhi (India is also a substantial source of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), raw materials, finished drugs and various food products including spices); Brussels (the headquarters of the EU); London soon to be Amsterdam (the headquarters of the European Medicines Agency); and, reflecting their importance in providing fresh fruit and vegetables and other food products to the United States, three offices in Latin America in Mexico City, Mexico; San Jose, Costa Rica; and, Santiago, Chile. Conducting inspections of foreign facilities that manufacture FDA-regulated products for export to the United States has always been a critical component of our foreign offices, and it always will be. But early on, the agency recognized that an approach that focuses on risk-based inspections and enforcement alone could not fully protect Americans from unsafe foreign goods. We learned there were other protective advantages to having a local presence. It allowed FDA to provide local companies with hands-on training and real-time feedback on how to meet FDAs regulatory requirements and made it easier for FDA to advise foreign regulatory authorities on how to build their regulatory capacities. It also enabled us to closely monitor and report on conditions, trends, and events that could affect the safety, quality, and effectiveness of FDA-regulated imports. Today, our approach to information-gathering and sharing has become an important function of our foreign offices. They feed information into Predictive Risk-based Evaluation for Dynamic Import Compliance Targeting (PREDICT), a risk-based tool developed by FDA to screen all regulated shipments imported or offered for import into the United States. Our foreign offices also use Global Watch for communicating with FDA Centers and our Office of Regulatory Affairs about emerging trends relevant to the agencys public health mission. Global Watch is aimed at enhancing the agencys ability to proactively identify and assess external intelligence impacting FDA-regulated sites, leading to a more timely regulatory response and risk-based decision making process. It has proven helpful in identifying concerning sites and products, developing inspectional and analytical strategies, and ultimately in helping to mitigate or prevent foodborne outbreaks and potential drug quality risks. Relationship-building is another benefit that comes from having a local presence in a significant international market. By maintaining an office in both Brussels and London (eventually Amsterdam), we can better leverage our resources and collaborate with our regulatory partners on higher-risk sites around the globe that sell food and medical products to both Europe and the United States. In fact, we now communicate with our European regulatory counterparts on a daily basis. Such relationships become all the more important since public health challenges and emerging public health threats do not recognize borders. FDA plays a critical role in protecting the nation from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats and emerging infectious diseases and having foreign offices and fostering relationships with foreign regulators is pivotal to this role. We often use international arrangements with regulatory counterparts to fulfill this important work. For example, during global public health emergencies like Ebola, Zika, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, FDA established confidentiality commitments with key regulators to exchange and share related information concerning medical countermeasures in real time. An increasingly important priority of the foreign offices is advancing some of FDAs major strategic goals. Our offices in Beijing and New Delhi are currently working with local drug manufacturers on quality improvements, which could help facilitate more first cycle approvals of generic drugs consistent with the goals of FDAs Drug Competition and Access Plan. In Latin America, our staff is serving as an essential resource for produce growers as we implement the Produce Safety Rule under the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act. And looking ahead to the future, our foreign offices will continue to strengthen our engagement with foreign regulatory partners on FDAs science- and risk-based approach to advance innovation in plant and animal biotechnology and help bring safe and beneficial products to American patients and consumers. Establishing a presence overseas is a complex and delicate process. In fact, the agency has faced its share of organizational challenges, especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining the right staff and keeping teams in place long enough to build valuable institutional knowledge within each foreign office. These challenges have hampered our ability to operate at full efficiency, as noted in the Government Accountability Offices 2017 Drug Safety Report. To address these issues, we developed and implemented a strategic workforce plan that includes tracking vacancy rates and average deployment processing times for our foreign posts and providing both overseas comparability and special retention pay to staff. These measures are already beginning to pay off with the goal of having fully-staffed foreign offices that can better meet their critical responsibilities. FDA has also made significant progress in strengthening our performance monitoring capabilities. We now have a standardized and systematic way to monitor and track the progress of each foreign office so we can measure the contributions they make to FDAs public health goals. Building on OIPs strategic priorities, these metrics track output and outcome measures of both our internal and external interactions. As the program continues to evolve, FDA will continue to assess how best to capture the unique value of the foreign offices. We have learned much from our experiences over the last 10 years, and that knowledge will be critical in refining our foreign engagements to make the best strategic use of our human and other resources in an ever-changing global supply and manufacturing structure. Our world is not becoming smaller quite the opposite, in fact and we anticipate that the current, already high volume of products sourced in full or in part from overseas, will continue to increase. It is clear that we must continue to build on our current efforts and enhance our investment in foreign offices to fulfill our vital public health mission on behalf of the American people. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category A crucial meeting between OPEC and its allies in early December could easily turn into a "formality," analysts have told CNBC, with the world's most influential oil market players likely to iron out production policy in Buenos Aires instead, according to Consumer News and Business Channe and its article Falling oil prices could prompt world leaders to agree on production policy at G-20 summit. The heads of the world's 20 largest economies are due to arrive in the Argentinian capital this weekend, where leaders will try to build a consensus on key issues. It comes a week before a much-anticipated meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC producers in Vienna, Austria, on December 6. "All eyes are now on the upcoming OPEC meeting, but the get-together could easily turn out to be a formality," Tamas Varga, senior analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said in a research note published Tuesday. "It might well be the case that when oil ministers from producing countries sit down a week later in Vienna they will merely make official what was agreed this weekend at the G-20 summit." Oil prices have crashed more than 25 percent since climbing to a four-year high in early October. The sharp decline has ratcheted up the pressure on the OPEC alliance to orchestrate another round of supply cuts. International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $59.71 a barrel Wednesday afternoon, down around 0.8 percent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $51.16, around 0.75 percent lower. OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia has been leading calls for the oil cartel to trim output in a bid to alleviate concerns of oversupply. Earlier this month, the oil-rich kingdom even went so far as to promise it would be prepared to do "whatever it takes" in order to prevent the return of a supply glut. However, Russia has appeared reluctant to sign-off on a reversal in production strategy. The non-OPEC heavyweight has warned the Middle East-dominated group that it must be careful to ensure it does not end up changing its course by 180 degrees whenever it meets. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump who is publicly in favor of low fuel prices has repeatedly urged OPEC not to cut production. Trump tweeted his thanks to Saudi Arabia last week, but called on Riyadh to take action to ensure oil prices fall even further. The leaders of the U.S., Russia and Saudi Arabia are all expected to attend the G-20 summit in Argentina from Friday. The OPEC deal with non-OPEC producers "is definitely working because we were able to stabilize oil prices, which is good for consumers and for producers," Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund, told CNBC's Julianna Tatelbaum on Wednesday. "I think there is no doubt the coordination will continue. And it will lead to good positive results to not only (the) Saudi and Russian economy, but for the world economy because big fluctuations in oil prices are not good for predictability for world economic growth." Saudi Arabia and other producers increased output earlier this year in anticipation of U.S. sanctions against Iran, but waivers to those sanctions meant fewer Iranian barrels came off the market than expected. This has intensified oversupply concerns among energy market participants, with the value of a barrel of Brent crude falling more than $26 in recent weeks. Nonetheless, Richard Robinson, manager of Ashburton Global Energy Fund, believes the sharp fall in oil prices is only temporary, adding crude futures are likely to rebound towards $80 a barrel over the next three months. "The pullback in the oil price during October and November which are also the toughest months, seasonally is transitional," he said in a research note published Wednesday. "The confluence of normalized inventories, tight spare capacity and the lack of new oil from conventional projects will likely lead to tighter markets in 2019." SINGAPORE and LONDON, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council will be Min-Liang Tan ' s first external advisory role since co-founding world-leading gaming company, Razer Inc. CyLon ' s new Global Advisory Council includes founders and CEOs of world-leading technology and investment companies including Razer Inc., Winton, AGC Partners and Amadeus Capital Partners Council members will provide advice and support to CyLon ' s 200m portfolio of cyber companies in London and Singapore CyLon co-founder Jonathan Luff announces Global Advisory Council at the 'Demo Day' of its latest startup accelerator programme CyLon , the Singapore and London-based accelerator programme which finds, grows and invests in the world's best emerging cyber businesses, today announces its new 'Global Advisory Council', an expert group of leaders in business and technology aligned with CyLon's mission to support global entrepreneurs building scalable companies to help secure our digital future. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791133/CyLon_Logo.jpg ) The members will provide a range of strategic counsel to CyLon and its portfolio of cyber security companies, valued at over 200m. The members of the Global Advisory Council are: Min-Liang Tan - Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Razer, Inc, Chairman and CEO of THX Ltd and named as one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in Tech" by Juniper Research. This is Min-Liang Tan's first advisor role to date. - Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Razer, Inc, Chairman and CEO of THX Ltd and named as one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in Tech" by Juniper Research. This is first advisor role to date. Maria Lewis Kussmaul - Founding Partner of AGC Partners, and leader of the firm's cyber security practice - Founding Partner of AGC Partners, and leader of the firm's cyber security practice David Harding - Founder, CEO and Co-CIO, of global investment management firm and data science company, Winton - Founder, CEO and Co-CIO, of global investment management firm and data science company, Winton Alex van Someren - Managing Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners - Managing Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners Russell Haworth - CEO of Nominet, the technology company that runs the UK internet infrastructure - CEO of Nominet, the technology company that runs the UK internet infrastructure Neal Watkins - Chief Product Officer at BAE Systems' Applied Intelligence division More information on the Global Advisory Council can be found here. Speaking on the appointment of the Global Advisory Council, CyLon co-founder Grace Cassy said: "We've established this Global Advisory Council to gather and collaborate with industry leaders who believe in the importance of protecting our digital economy. Emerging cyber threats are real and fast-moving, and good security should be at the heart of every business in every industry. "The Council members' input and expertise will prove invaluable to our companies, who will all benefit from access to this elite global network. We are delighted to welcome such an illustrious group of individuals to the Council, and look forward to working alongside this group as we continue our mission to find, grow and invest in the world's best emerging cyber businesses." The Global Advisory Council launches at CyLon's latest 'Demo Day', where the cyber security companies in its eighth London programme presented their businesses to prospective customers, investors and partners. The 'Demo Day' marks the conclusion of CyLon's eighth London programme where eight teams of cyber experts with innovative business ideas get access to training and advice from a global network of mentors of investors, customers and advisors to bring their product to market. The teams range from early-stage startups through to later-stage established companies seeking support as they accelerate development and reach new customers and markets. CyLon's next Singapore accelerator programme will begin in February 2019 and will see up to 10 Asian cyber startups join CyLon for three months at its offices in Block71. More information on CyLon can be found at cylonlab.com. Other key info: CyLon has now successfully accelerated 66 companies across London and Singapore since launching in 2015 and since launching in 2015 CyLon is now the fifth most active investor in cyber security globally The programme gives teams intensive training, mentorship, funding and office space CyLon's portfolio of international companies is now valued at more than 200m CyLon alumni have created more than 350 new jobs and have raised over 60m of follow-on funding since graduating the programme Previous companies to have completed the CyLon Singapore programme include SocView, Apvera, Silicon Cloud International, Cloudpurge and Secucial Notes for Editors Not for release, publication or distribution in the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia or Member States of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). MEDIA RELEASE Kuros announces the final terms of the proposed capital increase through a discounted rights offering expected to raise up to CHF 20 million gross proceeds to advance its pipeline Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, November 29, 2018 - Kuros Biosciences (SIX: KURN) (the Company or Kuros) at today's Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders will seek approval for an increase of the ordinary share capital of up to CHF 4.3 million through the issuance of up to an additional 4.3 million shares and to establish a conditional capital of CHF 1.7 million for the issuance of up to 1.7 million shares. Subject to the EGM's approval of the ordinary share capital increase, the Company's Board of Directors proposes that up to 8,013,306 new registered shares sourced from the ordinary and authorized share capital will be offered to existing shareholders of Kuros at an offer price of CHF 2.50 per share. The capital increase shall be implemented through a discounted rights offering, in which existing shareholders will receive 1 right to pre-emptively subscribe for new registered shares ("Rights") for each registered share they hold on December 3, 2018 (after market close). Fifteen Rights will entitle the holder of such Rights to subscribe to fourteen new registered shares subject to certain restrictions under applicable local laws. As from December 4, 2018, registered shares of Kuros will trade "ex Rights". The Rights will not be admitted to trading on SIX Swiss Exchange. The Rights are expected to be exercisable from December 4 until December 12, 2018 12:00 noon CET. Shares for which Rights have not been validly exercised during this period may be sold in a subsequent offering to eligible institutional investors or others. The listing and the first day of trading of the new registered shares on SIX Swiss Exchange and the delivery of the new registered shares against payment of the offer price, are expected to take place on December 18, 2018. The offering and listing prospectus in connection with the rights offering will be published on or around November 30, 2018. Kuros expects to raise a total amount of up to CHF 20 million gross proceeds through the rights offering, in line with its announcement of an approximately CHF 16 - 20 million capital increase on November 8, 2018. The Company intends to use the net proceeds primarily to prepare and advance the execution of the Pilot Phase II clinical study of its proprietary Fibrin-PTH (KUR-113) product in spinal fusion, to initiate the preparation of the Pivotal clinical study for the same product, to advance the commercial roll-out of MagnetOs, as well as for general working capital purposes. The phase 2 study of KUR-113 is scheduled to start enrolling patients in 2019 with an anticipated interim readout by the second half of 2020. KUR-113 targets an important unmet medical need in spinal fusion patients and presents a significant commercial opportunity. Several large existing shareholders as well as potential new investors have indicated their interest in participating in the equity financing. The final number of new registered shares issued and the gross proceeds raised via the capital increase will depend on, inter alia, the number of shares subscribed amongst existing and new equity investors. The capital increase will not be implemented if not at least CHF 8 million of gross proceeds are raised via the capital increase, which the Company requires to progress commercialization of MagnetOS bone graft substitute in the U.S. and selected geographies in Europe. In case less than CHF 16 million of gross proceeds are raised, the phase 2 clinical study of the Company's proprietary fibrin-PTH (KUR-113) product in spinal fusion would be delayed. Mirabaud and Octavian are acting as Joint Placement Agents and Helvetische Bank is acting as Subscription and Settlement Agent to the Company. Expected timetable for the rights offering November 29, 2018: Extraordinary General Meeting November 30, 2018: Publication of Prospectus December 3, 2018: After close of trading on SIX Swiss Exchange: cut-off date for determination of existing shareholders for the entitlement of Rights December 4, 2018: Start of rights exercise period December 12, 2018: 12 noon CET: End of rights exercise period After close of trading: Announcement of number of Offered Shares for which Rights have been exercised and number of Offered Shares offered in the Share Placement December 13, 2018: After close of trading: Announcement of final number of Offered Shares and gross proceeds from the Rights Offering and Share Placement December 18, 2018: Listing and First Day Trading of Offered Shares Payment of Offer Price against Delivery of Offered Shares For further information, please contact: Kuros Biosciences AG LifeSci Advisors Michael Grau Hans Herklots Chief Financial Officer Media & Investors Tel +41 44 733 47 47 +41 79 598 7149 michael.grau@kurosbio.com hherklots@lifesciadvisors.com About Kuros Biosciences AG Kuros Biosciences is focused on the development of innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration and is located in Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland and Bilthoven, The Netherlands. The Company is listed according to the International Financial Reporting Standard on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol KURN. Visi t www.kurosbio.com (http://www.kurosbio.com) for additional information on Kuros, its science and product pipeline. Forward Looking Statements This media release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are urged to consider statements that include the words "will" or "expect" or the negative of those words or other similar words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements include scientific, business, economic and financial factors, Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility for updating forward-looking statements or adapting them to future events or developments. The purpose of this publication is to inform shareholders of Kuros Biosciences AG and the public. This press release does neither constitute an offer to buy or to subscribe to rights or shares of Kuros Biosciences AG nor a prospectus within the meaning of the applicable Swiss law. Investors should make their decision to excercivse rights or buy or to subscribe to new shares solely based on the offering and listing prospectus available free of charge at Kuros Biosciences AG, Wagistrasse 25, 8952 Schlieren. Investors are furthermore advised to consult their bank or financial adviser. This publication may contain specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like "believe", assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situa-tion, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties, readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. Kuros Biosciences AG as-sumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. The securities described herein are offered publicly without restrictions in Switzerland only. THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT BEING ISSUED IN THE USA, IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN AND SHOULD NOT BE DISTRIBUTED TO U.S. PERSONS OR PUBLICATIONS WITH A GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN AND MUST NOT BE DISTRIBUTED OR DISSEMINATED TO ONE OF THESE COUNTRIES BY PUBLICATIONS WITH A GENERAL CIRCULATION. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR INVITATION TO SUBSCRIBE FOR OR PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES. THE SECURITIES OF KUROS BIOSCIENCES AG HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS AMENDED AND ARE NOT BEING OFFERED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS. In relation to the United Kingdom the communication of this publication is not being made, and this publication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, this publication is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. Rather, the communication of this publication is being made to, and is directed only at persons outside the United Kingdom. This publication is only available to such persons and the transaction contemplated herein will be available only to, or engaged in only with persons outside the United Kingdom, and this publication must not be acted on or relied upon by any other person. In relation to each Member State of the EEA which has implemented the Directives 2003/71/EG dated November 4, 2013 (the "Prospectus Directive") (each a "Relevant Member State") and 2010/73/EU dated November 24, 2010, an offer to the public of rights or shares of Kuros Biosciences AG which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this publication may not be made in that Relevant Member State. An offer to the public of rights or shares of Kuros Biosciences AG may in particular also not be made under the provisions of Article 3 (2) of the Prospectus Directive or the respective regulations of national regulations implementing the Prospectus Directive. The offer refered to in this press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) and Farm Radio International (FRI) have partnered to produce a 13-week series of radio programs designed to support and educate small-scale livestock farmers in North Tanzania to manage the challenges around livestock health and wellbeing, supporting a drive to greater food security, livestock health and care in the region. FRI and Elanco are working closely with local radio stations Sauti ya Injili and Loliondo FM to produce a short series of interactive radio programs, enabling listeners to make informed decisions, and have access to relevant animal health care products and training. The project aims to use radio to reach a widespread, rural population which has little access to agricultural services and reaching women who are crucial in livestock keeping. At the same time, FRI supports and develops the local broadcasters with training support during the production and airing phases of the agricultural programs. The programs are currently being aired until December 14th 2018 as follows: Radio Sauti ya Injili for Kilimanjaro and Tanga with the frequencies 93.6 FM in Moshi every Thursday from 7:30 to 8:00 pm and repeats on Monday 6:00 to 6:30 pm. Loliondo FM with the frequency 107.7 airs every Tuesday from 8:00 to 8:30 pm and repeats on Saturday 8:00 to 8:30 pm. Elanco's support of the radio campaign with FRI forms part of a ground-breaking project to provide sustainable development solutions to address food insecurity in East African countries Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The East Africa Growth Accelerator (EAGA) is Elanco's first pure 'Shared Value' project which is made possible through a $3.1 million grant from the Bill Melinda Gates foundation. The grant enables the registration, manufacturing and distribution of affordable high-quality veterinary products, along with intensive training initiatives for smallholder farmers and channel partners. "By working with FRI, Elanco aims to support improved animal husbandry and health practices and effect behaviour change by sharing information through the powerful medium of radio. The 13-week series will focus on knowledge transfer on disease awareness, prevention and treatment, including important topics such as fly, tick and rodent control, Coccidiosis, Mycoplasmosis, poultry vaccination and product training facilitated by Elanco," explains Maria Zampaglione, Elanco One Health and Shared Value advisor and project leader. Livestock disease remains a significant threat to achieving food security in East Africa where currently 25 percent of protein from farm animals is lost due to animal illness1, reducing the supply of high-quality milk, meat and eggs and creating significant economic losses for farmers. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), 34 percent of the people in East Africa are undernourished2 "We think that radio presents a major opportunity to scale the important work of Elanco on livestock keeping. We really want to go beyond a simple one-way radio broadcast and instead build the capacity of local radio stations to produce interactive radio programs that are truly entertaining, two-way, and practical for the listening audience. We know livestock health is a topic that is crucial to the North of Tanzania and we are thrilled to have programs on the air to support small-scale livestock farmers in the region," says Mark Leclair, Farm Radio International's Manager of Communications. Elanco's goal through EAGA is to enable more than 240,000 dairy and poultry smallholder farmers to access small sized quality products by 2020. The grant from the Bill Melinda Gates foundation further helps achieve this goal of improving the lives of smallholder farmers through sustainable livestock production. Learn more about Elanco's commitment to "Making a Difference" and the EAGA Shared Value project at Elanco.com. References: 1 African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal resources (AU-IBAR). Impact of livestock diseases in Africa. Published on 25 January 2013. Accessed on 1st June 2018 on http://www.au-ibar.org/vacnada-livestock-diseases'showall=1&limitstart 2 FAO. 2017. Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in Africa 2017. The food security and nutrition-conflict nexus: building resilience for food security, nutrition and peace. Accra. Accessed on 9th October 2018 on http://www.fao.org/3/a-i7967e.pdf. About Elanco Animal Health Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) is a global animal health company that develops products and knowledge services to prevent and treat disease in food animals and pets in more than 90 countries. With a 64-year heritage, we rigorously innovate to improve the health of animals and benefit our customers, while fostering an inclusive, cause-driven culture for more than 5,800 employees. At Elanco, we're driven by our vision of food and companionship enriching life all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com. About Farm Radio International Farm Radio International is an international non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to serving African farming families and rural communities through radio. FRI currently works with more than 780 radio partners in 40 sub-Saharan African countries to fight poverty and food insecurity through high-quality radio programs that help small-scale African farmers help themselves. The radio station reaches tens of millions of small-scale farmers with life-changing information and opportunities to have a stronger voice in their own development, by providing a range of radio resources and training opportunities and working directly with select broadcasting partners on impact projects. Since 2007, FRI has worked with over 100 radio stations implementing more than 110 projects reaching more than 30 million farmers with interactive radio programming. Farm Radio International supports rural agricultural and economic development initiatives to communicate with small-scale farmers and rural households and support their efforts to innovate and affect change. www.farmradio.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181128005725/en/ Contacts: Media: Karin Gerbens + 32 476 97 8467 gerbens_karin@elanco.com The European Investment Trust plc (the "Company") Director changes The Company announces that, following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 22 January 2019, Mr William Eason will retire as a non-executive Director of the Company. Mr Eason joined the Board in 2007 and the Board wishes to thank him wholeheartedly for his wise counsel, experience and commitment to the Company over 11 years of service. The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Sue Inglis and Mr Andrew Watkins as independent non-executive Directors of the Company with effect from 1 January 2019. Both Sue Inglis and Andrew Watkins will also become members of the Audit Committee. Sue Inglis, until June 2018 a senior corporate financier in Cantor Fitzgerald's investment companies team, is chair-elect of The Bankers Investment Trust PLC and a non-executive director of Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust plc and BMO Managed Portfolio Trust plc. Andrew Watkins, until his retirement in June 2017, was head of client relations, sales and marketing for Invesco Perpetual's listed investment funds business and is currently chairman of Ashoka India Equity Investment Trust plc and a non-executive director of BMO UK High Income Trust plc and Chelverton UK Dividend Trust plc. We are delighted to welcome two such experienced directors to the Board. Between them, Sue and Andrew offer comprehensive experience of the investment trust market, and we look forward enormously to exploiting their talents on behalf of shareholders, who will be asked to approve their appointments at the Annual General Meeting. For a period, the Board will thus consist of five non-executive Directors. Sue Inglis currently does not have an interest in any shares in the Company and there is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to section 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules in relation to her appointment. Andrew Watkins holds 1,500 shares in the Company and there is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to section 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules in relation to his appointment. 28 November 2018 Legal Entity Identifier: 213800QNN9EHZ4SC1R12 Enquiries: Kenneth Greig Edinburgh Partners AIFM Limited Tel: 0131 270 3800 The Company's registered office address is: Beaufort House 51 New North Road Exeter EX4 4EP TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM: ECO, TSX-V: EOG), the oil and gas exploration company with licences in highly prospective regions in South America and Africa, is pleased to announce its results for the three and six months ended 30 September 2018 and to provide a corporate and operational update. Corporate Highlights: Guyana Eco announced the filing of a National Instrument 51-101 compliant resource report on the Orinduik Block, offshore Guyana with 2.9 Billion Barrels of Oil (Equivalent) prospective resource P50 Best Estimate. The report does not take into account the recent Exxon Hammerhead 1 discovery. On 13 September 2018, Total submitted an official exercise notice of its option to acquire a 25% working interest in the Orinduik Block in return for USD 12.5 million cash consideration, in addition to USD 1.0 million previously received as consideration for the option. On 27 November 2018 (post period end), Eco received the USD 12.5 million and all necessary approvals and documentation to effect the 25% interest transfer in the Orinduik Block to Total, and accordingly the transfer to Total has been completed. The working interests in the Orinduik Block are now Tullow (Operator) 60%, Total 25% and Eco 15%. Namibia Eco was granted a one-year extension to the First Renewal Exploration Period for all of its Namibia Licenses to March 2019 by the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy (the "Ministry"). Each license will then automatically enter the Second Renewal Period, which in turn has a two-year exploration phase which can be extended by a third year at the discretion of the Ministry. The Company acquired the remaining 10% of the shares of Pan Africa Oil Namibia Ltd ("PAO Namibia"). Following completion of the acquisition, PAO Namibia became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result, Eco's working interest in the Tamar License (PEL 50) increased to 80% from 72%. On 26 October 2018 (post period end), Eco received a formal notice from Tullow Namibia informing that it has elected not to enter into the Second Renewal Period for the Cooper (PEL 30) License. As a result, the Company automatically receives back Tullow Namibia's 25% working interest. The Company now holds a 57.5% working interest in PEL 30. Eco continues to monitor developments in Namibia, specifically the recent entries by Exxon Mobil and Kosmos Energy, the planned 2019 wells by Total S.A. and Royal Dutch Shell plc, and the results of the two wells which were drilled on PEL 37 (Tullow Oil) and PEL 71 (Chariot Oil and Gas) in the Walvis Basin. New Ventures In line with the Company's strategy, Eco continues to identify, evaluate and negotiate additional upstream project opportunities. Financial highlights The Company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalent of CAD$11.3 million, total assets of CAD$13.7 million, total liabilities of CAD$0.7 million and total equity of CAD$13.0 million. The Company's current cash position is CAD$27.3 million. For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following: Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas +1 (416) 250 1955 Gil Holzman, CEO Colin Kinley, COO Strand Hanson Limited (Financial & Nominated Adviser) +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 James Harris Rory Murphy James Bellman Brandon Hill Capital Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 3463 5000 Oliver Stansfield Jonathan Evans Robert Beenstock Pareto Securities Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7786 4370 Sren Clausen +44 (0) 20 7786 4382 Davide Finelli Matilda Makitalo +44 (0) 20 7786 4398 +44 (0) 20 7786 4375 Blytheweigh (PR) +44 (0) 20 7138 3204 Tim Blythe Julia Tilley Jane Lenton The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the full announcement. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/8325I_1-2018-11-28.pdf This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529336/Eco-Atlantic-Oil-Gas-Ltd-Announces-Unaudited-Results-and-Business-Update GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF is today hosting a Capital Markets Day in Schweinfurt, Germany. Participants will be given an update on the Group's strategic, financial and operational development. Focus will also be placed on the Group's value propositions around the rotating shaft and activities under implementation to reduce net working capital. The Group's investments in manufacturing and product development initiatives will also be presented, as well as achievements and focus areas within the Automotive business. Continued investment in automation The Group continues to deliver on its strategy of implementing automated manufacturing technologies through two investments totalling SEK 150 million: An automated production line, with flexible machining technology, for rollers used in large-size bearings in Schweinfurt, Germany . . An automated deep groove ball bearing assembly line in St Cyr, France . Both investments contribute to increased competitiveness, flexibility and quality and are expected to be completed during the first half of 2020. Presentations from the Capital Markets Day will be streamed via the Group's IR website (http://www.skf.com/group/investors/) from 13:00 Central European Time. Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) For further information, please contact: PRESS: Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations Tel: 46-31-337-6576, mobile: 46-725-776576, e-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations Patrik Stenberg, 46-31-337-2104; 46-705-472-104; patrik.stenberg@skf.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-hosts-capital-markets-day--continues-investment-in-manufacturing-automation,c2685839 The following files are available for download: ROMSEY, England, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Perception Virtual, a military-grade network security product, has been selected by a high profile UK metal manufacturer to protect its IT network from cyber-attacks. Perception Virtual significantly reduces deployment times and will work alongside the manufacturer's existing security systems, giving them cost effective access to this machine-learning cyber threat identification tool. As the enterprise grows, the business can quickly add an additional security layer, without the overheads and disruption normally associated with physical software deployments and extra rack-mounted hardware. Manufacturing is a significant target for cyber criminals, with network security breaches causing major disruption and impacting business profitability. However, the ability to comprehensively secure networks is often considered something that only large businesses can afford, allowing weaknesses to proliferate across the manufacturing supply chain. These network threats will only grow with the increasing digitisation of manufacturing equipment. Daniel Driver, Head of Perception Cyber Security, said: "Perception is very quick to deploy and will provide our customer with a visibility of the network that they cannot get from other tools. It will also enable them to identify network security enhancements; audit the network to ensure that policies are being followed; and complete incident investigations far more efficiently." Perception was originally developed by Chemring Technology Solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence and complements existing computer network security systems by identifying the potential threats that they cannot. The world's first machine-learning and AI-powered network security system, Perception can immediately detect major security flaws when it is first switched on. This allows users to rapidly identify the small changes they can make to greatly reduce the chances of a cyber security breach. Daniel Driver, Head of Perception Cyber Security, concluded: "Installation costs have sometimes been a barrier to adding an additional layer to network security, but Perception Virtual requires a minimal installation overhead and delivers significantly enhanced network security. Network protection can now be approached proactively, through the identification of risks and vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cyber criminals. As a business's network evolves, it can also understand better the changing threats to the network and maintain a greater level of security for the future." About Chemring Technology Solutions & Perception http://www.chemringts.com http://www.perceptioncybersecurity.com Chemring Technology Solutions, part of Chemring Group PLC, is a global provider of advanced protection systems covering Electronic Warfare, Signals Intelligence, EOD, Counter IED, Tactical Comms and Cyber Security. Trusted by governments, national security and commercial customers to provide military and commercial advantage, its products are relied upon by the best equipped armed forces in the world, including the UK MOD and NATO allies. Perception has been designed and developed by market-leading technology and security specialists within the Chemring Group, which has been delivering secure communication solutions for more than 40 years and is trusted by defence and security agencies worldwide. 29 November 2018 Acron's IFRS EBITDA up 12% to USD 415 mn for 9M 2018, EBITDA margin reaches 33% Today Acron (Moscow Exchange and LSE: AKRN) released its consolidated IFRS financial statements for 9M 2018. Key Financials Revenue was RUB 77,779 million, up 12% year-on-year (9M 2017: RUB 69,289 million). In dollar equivalent, revenue was up 7% to USD 1,266 million from USD 1,188 million. EBITDA* was up 18% year-on-year to RUB 25,486 million (9M 2017: RUB 21,620 million). In dollar equivalent, EBITDA was up 12% to USD 415 million from USD 371 million. EBITDA margin was 33%, against 31% year-on-year. Net profit was RUB 7,366 million (USD 120 million), down 27% year-on-year (9M 2017: RUB 10,135 million) because of a number of one-off events: a net exchange loss of RUB 4,608 million due to a revaluation of assets, loans and liabilities, and a RUB 1,890 million loss on derivatives. Net debt was up 4% to RUB 74,105 million, against RUB 71,123 million as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, net debt remained essentially unchanged at USD 1,130 million. Net debt/LTM EBITDA** was 2.2, against 2.3 as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, the ratio was 2.0, down from 2.2. Operating Results Output of key products was 5,628,000 tonnes, up 3% year-on-year. Sales of key products totalled 5,447,000 tonnes, almost unchanged year-on-year. Alexander Popov, Chair of Acron's Board of Directors, commented on the results: "Acron Group's financials are steadily growing and demonstrate the sustainability of Acron Group's business model. Over 9M 2018, EBITDA increased 12% year-on-year to USD 415 million. EBITDA margin reached 33%. The decrease in net profit is not representative, as it was due to one-time factors. We are securely in control of our debt burden. Net debt/LTM EBITDA in dollar equivalent was down to 2.0. "With higher output, positive conditions on the mineral fertiliser market and the commissioning of a new urea unit, we expect Q4 financials to hit a record high. "After considering Acron Group's operating results and given the current debt burden, in 2018 the Board of Directors recommended three times that the general meeting resolve to pay dividends totalling RUB 337 per share. Next year, we also plan to pay dividends three times, which is in line with the best global practices and our shareholders' interests". APPENDIX Notes on Key Items in the Financial Statements Financial Performance The Group posted 9M 2018 revenue of RUB 77,779 million, up 12% year-on-year. This growth was due to higher global dollar prices for the Group's products and another 5% increase in the average rouble-dollar exchange rate. Sales of key products in the reporting period were almost equal to 9M 2017 results. Average Indicative Prices, USD/t, FOB Baltics/Black Sea 9M 2018 9M 2017 Change NPK 16-16-16 295 263 +12.2 % Ammonium nitrate 189 185 +2.2 % UAN 163 140 +16.6 % Urea 237 211 +12.5 % Ammonia 273 262 +4.3 % In the reporting period, the cost of sales was up 9% to RUB 41,024 million. Higher costs were mainly due to increased global prices for potash purchased for NPK production and growing depreciation. Depreciation went up after the launch of underground mining at the Oleniy Ruchey mine and the commissioning of a railway branch from the mine site to Titan station in late 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses were up 17% to RUB 5,983 million, mainly due to higher labour costs, Acron Group's busier international activity and related expenses. Acron Group has continued to win markets in Latin America and Europe. In the reporting period, the Group started sales through its new trading company, Acron France SAS, and in the short term it expects to see marketing through subsidiaries in Argentina and Brazil. Transportation expenses were up 17% to RUB 12,069 million due to the indexation of railway tariffs in Russia and higher lease rates for railcars. EBITDA was up 18% to RUB 25,486 million. The Group posted EBITDA margin of 33% for the reporting period, up from 31% year-on-year. Veliky Novgorod-based Acron, Dorogobuzh and NWPC operated at margins of 34%, 29% and 28%, respectively. Based on 9M 2018 results, the Group posted a net exchange loss of RUB 4,608 million due to a revaluation of assets, loans and liabilities (9M 2017: RUB 14 million loss). The Group also incurred a RUB 1,890 million loss on derivatives against a RUB 197 million profit for 9M 2017. These factors weighed down net profit 27% to RUB 7,366 million. However, it is worth noting that these factors were one-time in nature. Cash Flow In 9M 2018, net operating cash flow was up 33% to RUB 17,812 million (9M 2017: RUB 13,375 million) due to the increased operating profit. Working capital was up RUB 1,796 million (up RUB 1,854 million in 9M 2017), mainly due to increased inventory before the high season. Net cash spent on investments in the reporting period was RUB 9,089 million against RUB 8,031 million in 9M 2017. Capital expenditures were up 13% year-on-year to RUB 9,204 million (9M 2017: RUB 8,181 million). Net cash spent on financing activities in 9M 2018 was RUB 11,011 million against RUB 13,034 million in 9M 2017. In the reporting period, Acron spent RUB 11,700 million to pay shareholder dividends (9M 2017: RUB 3,782 million). In the reporting period, the Group compensated Sberbank Investments for accumulated yield from holding a 19.9% stake in VPC by exercising the option to sell this stake and selling it back to Sberbank Investments. The compensation to Sberbank Investments was RUB 5,162 million. Net proceeds from borrowings in the reporting period were RUB 6,550 million, compared with RUB 6,662 of net repayment of borrowings in 9M 2017. Debt Burden Total debt was down 4% from 30 June 2018 to RUB 87,457 million. In dollar equivalent, debt was down 8% to USD 1,333 million. Long-term debt made up 78% of total debt as of the end of the reporting period. Net debt was up 4% from 30 June 2018 to RUB 74,105 million. In dollar equivalent, net debt remained essentially unchanged at USD 1,130 million. Net debt/LTM EBITDA was 2.2 as of the end of the reporting period, down from 2.3 as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, the ratio decreased to 2.0 from 2.2. Market Trends Since June, urea prices have steadily grown on the back of strong demand in Latin America and India and short supply on the global market due to reduced Chinese exports, which plummeted 63% year-on-year over the first nine months of 2018, falling to 1.4 million tonnes from 3.7 million tonnes. Hamstrung by the high price of coal, which is a key feedstock for urea production in China, as well as by government environmental restrictions, Chinese producers are forced to hold prices over USD 300 FOB China, shifting their focus to the domestic market. October saw prices over USD 300 FOB Baltic, hitting a three-year record high. Sector analysts expect urea prices to remain high until early next year due to the traditional high season, and average 2019 prices are anticipated to exceed 2018 levels. Because urea is a benchmark for such nitrogen fertilisers as ammonium nitrate and UAN, higher urea prices triggered increase across these products, as well. Over 2018, NPK prices saw an upward dynamic sustained by price growth in all three market segments: nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. NPK's premium over the core product basket has remained high. Average Indicative Prices, USD/t, FOB Baltic Sea/Black Sea Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Q3 2018 / Q2 2018 change Q3 2018 / Q3 2017 change NPK 16-16-16 308 291 262 +5.9 % +17.8 % AN 213 166 184 +28.2 % +15.8 % UAN 174 155 126 +12.5 % +37.5 % Urea 263 225 205 +17.2 % +28.7 % Ammonia 303 232 199 +31.1 % +52.7 % The full version of Acron Group's financial statements is available at www.acron.ru/en Note: The exchange rate used for currency conversion was RUB 65.5906 to USD 1 as of 30 September 2018 and RUB 57.6002 to USD 1 as of 31 December 2017. The average exchange rate for the first nine months of 2018 was RUB 61.4358 to USD 1. The average exchange rate for the first nine months of 2017 was RUB 58.3344 to USD 1. * EBITDA is calculated as operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortisation, foreign exchange gain or loss on operating transactions, and other non-cash and extraordinary items. ** LTM EBITDA is EBITDA calculated for the past 12 months. Media contacts: Sergey Dorofeev Anastasiya Gromova Tatiana Smirnova Public Relations Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196) Investor contacts: Ilya Popov Investor Relations Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252) Background Information Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It has a wholly owned transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic port terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron's subsidiary, North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP), holds mining licenses for 13 parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe. In 2017, the Group sold 7.3 million tonnes of various products to 65 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets. In 2017, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 94,342 million (USD 1,617 million) and net profit of RUB 14,260 million (USD 244 million). Acron's shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs approximately 11,000 people. For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en. Boise, Idaho--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - Landmark Title Assurance Agency of Arizona becomes the next title agency to move their wire communications to the RealBlock platform. "As wire fraud incidents continue to increase, the need to secure the exchange of documents and communications between buyers and sellers and others involved in real estate transactions are more crucial than ever. It's often the biggest financial transaction of their lives, and we want to do everything we can to ensure it works as it should. RealBlock will be the new standard of care in the title industry," says Vicki Etherton, President of Landmark. It's well understood that the real estate industry is in desperate need of digitization (digital closing, signatures and a digital document management and collaboration). The problem is that real estate transactions require the participation of multiple parties. Traditional technologies are built with the mindset of a single company or entity that does business with others through complex document exchange. However, this document exchange is increasingly insecure, slow, and does not foster the speed, security, authentication and integration that needs to exist when working across multiple parties to affect a transaction or business deal. Professor Todd Taylor, who founded the blockchain research lab at Arizona State University and is one of the RealBlock founders, points out that, "traditional technologies create single points of attack and failure that hackers are able to exploit with greater and greater ease. Using segregation, distributed compute, multi-party validation, encryption, public and private keys and smart contract code, these blockchain technologies are allowing for the creation of single technology stacks (single distributed applications) upon which these multi-tenant applications, such as RealBlock, can be built. This is the "big deal" of blockchain. Not crypto currencies, not a public voting platform, or Uber-less ride sharing, it's the ability to create multi-tenant applications that transform industries and the way we do business today. It actually frees us from this complex and insecure cadre of document exchange." Landmark's Vicki Etherton agrees: "Finally, we have a technology stack that allows for this multi-party, real estate ecosystem to come together on the same platform and do business together confidently and securely. Title companies will increasingly put their trust in RealBlock." If you are interested in more information on how a world class blockchain savvy engineering and development team implements a much needed game changing technology into a first class title insurance agency, please attend our investor call on Dec 6, 2018 at 10:00am Arizona Time (9:00am PST). Join the meeting through the details below: Greenbriar Investor Call - RealBloq Update, Web link: https://zoom.us/j/328583906, Dial in number: 1-720-707-2699. Meeting ID: 328 583 906 For more information see ltaz.com, realbloq.io, and greenbriarcapitalcorp.com. About Greenbriar Capital Corp: Greenbriar is a leading developer of sustainable real estate, real estate blockchain, artificial intelligence and renewable energy. With long-term, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations and led by a successful, industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Jeff Ciachurski" Jeffrey J. Ciachurski Chief Executive Officer and Director 949.903.5906 The Toronto Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the Toronto Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance. World's largest audit confirmation platform continues strategic growth throughout Europe DUBLIN, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Confirmation is pleased to announce that Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has joined its global network of responders. Auditors can now send confirmation requests electronically to AIB via Confirmation. Confirmation is the online platform trusted by nearly a million auditors, bankers, lawyers, and creditors around the world to quickly and securely verify sensitive financial data. "Having AIB in our network will allow auditors in Ireland to exert more control over the confirmation process, resulting in smoother engagements for everyone involved," says Chris Schellhorn, CEO of Confirmation. "As the demand for our service continues to grow, we are excited about this partnership with AIB as they play a significant role in our robust European bank network." Confirmation's global network includes more than 16,000 audit firms and 4,000 responding banks and departments. "At AIB we continue to place our customers at the centre of everything we do. Partnering with Confirmation enables AIB to simplify a process that was historically paper-heavy and time consuming, replacing it with a digital platform capable of meeting the evolving needs of our customers," says Peter Vance, Head of Customer Services at AIB. "The Confirmation platform provides measurable value to accounting firms, financial institutions, and their mutual clients," says Dave Malone, President - International at Confirmation. "Moving away from paper and email to our online solution leads to faster, more accurate responses and improved data security. We're very pleased that AIB is a market leader in this regard." With customer service and support teams throughout Europe, Confirmation continues to grow rapidly in the region. AIB joins a number of key banks in Europe that help Confirmation deliver value to customers, including major financial institutions in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, and throughout the continent. Additionally, in order to meet customer expectations for data privacy and security, the company has recently begun hosting data within Europe, at a data centre outside of Dublin. About Confirmation Confirmation is the digital platform and global network trusted by audit firms, banks, law firms, and credit managers to quickly and securely verify financial data. Founded in 2000, Confirmation invented electronic confirmations and reshaped and modernised the audit confirmation process. Today, Confirmation helps nearly 1 million clients across 160 countries confirm more than $1 trillion in financial data every year. Learn more at Confirmation.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791250/Confirmation_Logo.jpg The Road Map for peace talks with the Taliban (banned in Russia) is ready, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said at the international conference on Afghanistan, which was held yesterday in Geneva. Kabul is determined to start a dialogue with the Taliban and achieve success. Bringing the warring parties to the negotiating table will be possible after a series of meetings, which were held first in Tashkent and then in Moscow. But the Taliban representatives indicated that they would enter into negotiations with the Afghan authorities only after agreeing with the United States on a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Experts believe that the Taliban has started bargaining. The European Union has allocated over half a billion dollars to support political and social reforms in Afghanistan. The agreement to provide assistance to Kabul was signed in Geneva on November 27. According to experts, it would push the Afghan government and the opposition in the person of the Taliban to start talks to resolve the situation in Afghanistan. President Ghani promised to start a dialogue with opponents in the near future. He said that a 12-person negotiating team has already been formed, led by Abdul Salam Rahimi. The Taliban will be represented by head of the Taliban's political office Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, his deputies Abdul Salam Hanafi and Shahabuddin Dilawar, as well as members of the Taliban office in Qatar Zia-ul-Rahman Madani and Mohammad Sohail Shahin. They also came to the conference in Moscow and closed negotiations in Tashkent. "No armed groups with ties to transnational terrorist networks or transnational criminal organizations will be allowed to join the political process," Ashraf Ghani said. Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly deteriorating. Over the past month, several attacks have occurred in Kabul, causing hundreds of civilian casualties. On November 25, at least 20 police officers were killed when their convoy was ambushed by Taliban militants in the province of Farah, the Associated Press reported. Tashkent, which has been delegated some problematic Afghan issues by the U.S., can become a place for inter-Afghan talks. Uzbekistan has had its own Afghan strategy since the late 1990s, and it has never changed. Its main principles are: avoiding a military solution, establishing a political dialogue, reducing the influence of non-regional countries on Kabul and the intra-Afghan settlement, focusing on the economy. Therefore, Uzbekistan has serious chances to become a moderator in the intra-Afghan settlement. Expert on the Afghan issue Kasym Bekmukhamedov believes that the main role of Uzbekistan is to present a venue for talks and other meetings. The International Ministerial Conference" Afghanistan - the path to a peaceful future, which was held on March 26-27, 2018 in Tashkent was successful in terms of the participation of key international players, including Russia, the U.S. and China. Kabul fully supports Tashkent's initiative. Of all the countries in the region, Uzbekistan has greater experience in promoting the peace process in Afghanistan. In 1999, Tashkent hosted a meeting of the '6 + 2' contact group at the level of deputy foreign ministers of Afghanistans neighboring countries, as well as Russia and the United States, with the participation of representatives of the warring parties, including the Taliban movement. Of course, Uzbekistan's role is very important, but even if Uzbekistans efforts are supported by the U.S., we should not expect any crucial decisions on Afghanistan can be made at the negotiating venue in Tashkent (or Moscow). Because the United States will continue to play the first violin in Afghan issues in the coming years. The fact is that, in reality, out of all the heavyweight players involved in the Afghan processes, the Taliban prefers to deal with the United States - the Americans can give them more than others," Bekmukhamedov told Vestnik Kavkaza. Doctor of Political Sciences, Deputy Director General of the Center for Strategic Estimations and Forecasts Igor Pankratenko believes that Tashkent was able to propose a new approach to the problem of "legalizing" the Taliban and its "coming to power" through the Taliban's participation in serious economic projects, in particular TAPI. It was tacitly agreed in Beijing, Islamabad and New Delhi. "In a relatively short time, the Uzbek diplomacy has managed to achieve a lot in this direction. And Moscow's initiative [Afghanistan Conference in Moscow - VK] at the peak of Tashkents activity was met in these capitals with bewilderment. 'There are concrete agreements, Uzbekistan's efforts do not cause rejection, Kabul and the Taliban are establishing contact with Tashkent! Why do wee need Moscow's activity?' China, India and Pakistan wondered," Pankratenko told Vestnik Kavkaza. Leading expert of the Center of Contemporary Afghanistan Studies Andrei Serenko told Vestnik Kavkazka that the transfer of talks to the Russian capital and the arrival of the Taliban delegation to Moscow on November 9 alerted not only Americans and Kabul, but also the countries that are more loyal in their perception of Moscows actions. "Therefore, the request for the strengthening of Tashkent as a regional alternative will most likely be supported by a number of countries, which have certain interests in and around Afghanistan," Serenko believes. Uzbekistan, in addition to the political dialogue, is conducting active economic cooperation with Afghanistan. Political scientist, doctor of historical sciences Rafik Sayfulin told Vestnik Kavkaza that all the projects outlined by Uzbekistan are being fulfilled within the limits of its resources and capabilities. Whether it is cross-border trade or electricity supply. By the way, electricity supplies to Afghanistan have increased by 1000 megawatts per year since July 2018. While the price of exported electricity decreased by more than 30% - to 3.5 AFN ($0.05) per kilowatt. Due to the increase in deliveries, Uzbekistan has begun construction of a new transmission line (Surkhan-Puli-Khumri), which total length will be 260 km, including 45 km along the territory of Uzbekistan. The construction of transmission lines worth $150 million will be mainly funded by the Afghan government (de facto - the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, controlled by the United States) - $120 million. The remaining funds will be invested by Uzbekenergo JSC. However, the agreements reached between Tashkent and Kabul in late June 2018 that after signing the relevant documents on the Production Sharing Agreement, Uzbekistan will start producing hydrocarbons in northern Afghanistan, are even more important and fundamental. "But obviously that's not enough to influence the situation in Afghanistan," Sayfulin conclued. LONDON, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Max hubs bring community benefits in terms of greater connectivity, access to information and enhanced security as well as powering the 5G revolution in public spaces Maximus Networks, a British smart city telecoms company, has announced plans to invest over 150 million in a network of over 2,000 interactive streetside hubs across the UK. On the back of its plans, it has commissioned the award-winning signage and street furniture manufacturer, Trueform, to manufacture Max hubs which will be installed on high streets throughout 2019. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791135/Maximus_Networks.jpg ) The main supplier of Transport for London's iconic bus shelters, wayfinding signage and digital infrastructure, Trueform is bringing to life Maximus' concept to reimagine the public call box. Going beyond current street kiosks, Maximus hubs provide extensive public and community benefits in addition to free Wi-Fi, phone calls, wayfinding and rapid device charging. Built with the needs of the community in mind, Max hubs have been devised to provide out-of-home connectivity alongside smart city functions, such as pollution and traffic monitoring and weather data capture. Through App based interactive screens, the hubs provide public safety and information benefits including access to Childline, access to emergency services, emergency activated cameras to be used if citizens feel threatened as well as information displays that can be used by councils to promote local services and initiatives. Local businesses are set to benefit through the ability to promote local offers, drive footfall to local stores, and interact digitally with consumers, helping to reinvigorate the high street. The hubs will provide an integrated network of 4G and 5G connectivity. Acting as an integrated network, they will help expand existing coverage across the UK's cities, towns and villages. 5G represents nothing short of a revolution in telecoms. The network will be instrumental in connecting public spaces, both rural and urban, and support the development of internet of things such as autonomous vehicles to make our cities safer and smarter. Ashley Smatt, CEO, Maximus Networks, said, "We're delighted to be in a position to invest significantly in the upgrading of the UK's public telecoms infrastructure. Working with Trueform on the design and build of Max, we have created the world'smost technologically advanced hub with unrivalled functionality.By upgrading public telecommunications we are connecting communities and bringing our cities, town and villages into the digital age." Jonathan Morley, CEO of Trueform Group, said, "Working with Maximus on the Max 3 project has been exhilarating. Maximus has taken digital streetside hubs way beyond anything that exists in the market. Combining incredible design with innovation, it is exciting to be part of the next wave of technology towards making our cities smart and delivering tangible benefits to citizens, councils, charities and businesses." Maximus is currently undertaking consultation with central and local government, businesses and charities as it rolls out the next generation network. For more information visit: https://www.maximus-networks.com/ LONDON, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chinese city of Nanchang launched a series of events in London and Paris this month to spread its 'The City of Heroes' Nanchang promotion campaign. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790482/Propeller_TV.jpg ) The launch of the campaign on the 16th November was held in West London to kick start two weeks of events held in London and Paris. Led by the Nanchang overseas volunteers team, the launch event announced a series of activities and events to be held in the following days. The event was featured on Sky television channel Propeller TV. Attendees participating in the launch were able to view a screening of Nanchang city's short promotional film, as well as a sample of some of Nanchang's local cuisine, try their hand at Chinese calligraphy and take part in other engaging activities. During the two weeks of events, Nanchang's overseas volunteers headed to the busy streets and well-known sights of London and Paris to engage with the public. They hosted a round of games and challenges for the public to partake in which aimed to help them get to know the 'City of Heroes' in a fun and engaging way and win a goodie-bag of gifts from Nanchang. This offered passers-by an opportunity to have a taste of what Nanchang has to offer. Other events included a multi-city flash-mob dance to the city's theme tune 'Nan'er you dan dang' (?????) in Paris, London and Nanchang itself. The song is a tribute to the history of China's Great Revolution and Nanchang's instrumental significance. Academics and experts on China got together to discuss Nanchang's recent developments and its importance in the development of the Chinese Communist Party's international significance. 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: Aspo Oyj via Globenewswire Aspo Plc / Telko LtdPress release28.11.2018 at 11.30Telko Ltd and H H plastkombi a/s have signed on the 19of November an agreement by which Telko Ltd will acquire whole business of H H plastkombi.H H plastkombi a/s is over 28 years old Danish company headquartered in Helsinge, Denmark. Business of H H plastkombi a/s includes distribution of engineering plastics, masterbatches and BOY injection molding machines in Denmark, as well as selling of range of accessories to the plastics industry. Sales revenue of H H plastkombi a/s is approximately 3 MEUR.Telko Ltd is an Espoo, Finland, headquartered international plastics, chemicals and lubricants expert and distribution company with over 300 employees, sales of over 260 MEUR and history of 110 years. Telko is a leading plastics distribution company on its markets representing world leading brands.Closing of the transaction is estimated to take place on the 2of January, 2019. Until then the both companies continue to operate independently serving each of their own customers."We are sure, that by doing this investment, we are able to serve plastics industry even better", says Kalle Kettunen, CEO of Telko.Telko Ltd is owned by Aspo Plc, which was founded in 1929.For more information:Kalle Kettunen, Telko Ltd, CEO, tel. +358 40 558 5478, kalle.kettunen@telko.com ROCKVILLE, Maryland, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand and sales of pigments in the coatings industry has witnessed sheer proliferation in the recent past, in line with the end-users' search for environment-friendly and cost-effective solutions that have longer shelf life. Sales of coatings pigment are likely to surpass 11,200,000 tons in 2018, according to a recent Fact.MR study. While high raw material cost and limited availability remain key challenges for manufacturers, opportunities abound for innovative companies in the development of solutions that are durable and offer wide range of functionality. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/713666/FactMR_Logo.jpg ) Recognizing varied requirements of coatings manufacturers, myriad pigments have been introduced to the market ranging from extenders/fillers and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to color pigments and anti-corrosive, metallic, & pearlscent. Extenders/fillers have traditionally remained the pigment of choice in the coatings industry, however TiO2 variants have been gaining fast momentum in recent years. Request For Sample Report-https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2402 Titanium dioxide has emerged as an effective coatings pigment in the recent past, owing to its incomparably high refractive index and light-phobic nature. Titanium dioxide sales in the coatings pigment market are expected to witness an increase of nearly 154,000 tons (50%) in 2018 over 2017. High Gains from Architectural Industry Notable positive trends influencing coatings pigment sales in the architectural industry, ranging from preference for hardwood flooring, and shift from wallpapering toward painting, have gained increased palpability. Coatings pigment sales in the architectural industry have also been influenced by development of innovative technologies for interior decorative applications. Coatings pigment sales in the architectural industry are estimated at 4,400,000 tons in 2018, registering a Y-o-Y growth of over 4%. Majority of this growth can be attributed to contribution of innovations, which in turn are spurring investments in the novel pigment technology development. Increasing efficiency and strength of pigments is currently a key focus area among manufacturers for delivering added value to end-users. Browse Full Report on Coating Pigments Market with TOC-https://www.factmr.com/report/2402/coating-pigments-market High Performance and Greater Functionality - Key Developmental Focus Areas High performance pigments that feature greater functionality have been witnessing high demand in the coatings industry. Added functionality widely varies among end-user requirements, ranging from provision of solar reflectance for formulation of cool coatings to unique special effect finish coupled with enhanced durability. Utilization of cool coatings is fast gaining momentum, particularly in the automotive industry, where IR-reflective high performance pigments are in robust demand. Overall coatings pigment sales in the automotive industry is estimated at over 1,000,000 Mn in 2018. Enhanced pigment functionality is a key aspect for vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and driverless cars. In the wake of autonomous vehicles, the focus of manufacturers is on development of functional pigments capable of being formulated into distinct layers of automotive coatings. This is expected to facilitate vehicles' visibility to detection systems implemented in driverless vehicles. Leading players in the coatings pigment market are also working on development of coatings with improved radar reflectivity, to facilitate vehicle visualization on road. RequestMethodology of this Report-https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RM&rep_id=2402 Raw Material Challenges to Confine Growth Prospects of Coatings Pigment Market Highly dynamic nature of the coatings pigment market can be attributed to response of manufacturers to changes in the supply chain, availability, pricing, regional regulations, and end-user preferences. Increased activities apropos of new technologies have further added to the dynamic nature of the coatings pigment market. Stronger enforcement of stringent environmental regulations to limit emissions, has resulted in lack of raw material. Coatings pigment manufacturers who find it challenging in obtaining high-spec materials are shifting their focus toward lower-quality ingredients, thereby leading to production of low-quality pigments. However, companies with robust supply chain management capability are at advantage, as they can ensure facilitated access to good-quality raw materials. Fact.MR's report offers a detailed forecast on the coatings pigment market for the period 2018 to 2027. The report foresees the coatings pigment market to record a steady 4.9% volume CAGR through 2027. To Buy Coating Pigments Market Report, Check-https://www.factmr.com/checkout/2402/S About Fact.MR Fact.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 Us Rohit Bhisey Fact.MR 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: sales@factmr.com Web: https://www.factmr.com/ Blog: https://factmrblog.com/ Read Industry News at - https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ inno-train Diagnostik and JETA Molecular announced today that they had entered into a sales and co-development relationship. Under terms of their agreement, inno-train will distribute JETA's QTRACE Analysis System in the United States and Europe, with the exception of France. The company's R&D teams will collaborate to co-develop new diagnostic applications, leveraging each other's product portfolios and domain expertise. The QTRACE Analysis System utilizes qPCR-based detection of insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the human genome as a means to uniquely identify and monitor individuals involved in stem cell transplantations. Doug Bost, CEO of JETA Molecular noted, "This agreement will ensure broader access to our products globally, while locally, JETA will remain focused on delivering innovative products to the transplantation and transfusion communities. Partnering with inno-train gives JETA the unique opportunity to collaboratively build a suite of turnkey diagnostic applications, addressing current unmet needs in clinical testing labs." Stephan Jacobs, VP of inno-train Inc. stated, "We are looking forward to this new collaboration expanding inno-train's product portfolio by combining molecular pre- and post-transplant diagnostics. This cooperation will improve transplant outcomes resulting in better patient care." Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. About inno-train Diagnostik: inno-trainTM Diagnostik is a privately-held company headquartered in Kronberg, Germany and with its U.S. subsidiary in Clinton, NY. For 20 years inno-train's emphasis has been intuitive design, development and commercialization of innovative molecular kits, reagents and systems for transplant and transfusion markets, and state of the art TaqMan-PCR based testing kits and systems for HLA-, Red Blood Cell- and HPA-typing, providing an easy and fast automated process in real-time from sample to result. For more information, please visit: www.inno-train.com or email: info@inno-train.com About JETA Molecular, BV JETA Molecular, BV., based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, is a privately-held, molecular testing company focused on the design, development and commercialization of noninvasive reagent and software solutions for transplant monitoring. The Company has commercialized the market leading QTRACE Analysis System a qPCR-based reagent and software suite. The QTRACE Analysis System is intended for the quantitative measurement of recipient-derived, genomic DNA from white blood cells in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow as an aid in the monitoring of the response to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. For more information, please visit: www.jetamolecular.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005006/en/ Contacts: Doug Bost info@jetabv.com BILBAO, Spain, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new report, EU-OSHA publishes the findings of a major 2-year project to anticipate the effects of digitalisation on occupational safety and health (OSH) in the EU. The final results of this foresight project highlight developments in ICT-enabled technologies, the potential impact of these technologies on the nature and organisation of work, and the challenges and opportunities to OSH that they may bring. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790906/EU_OSHA_Foresight_Robot.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790907/EU_OSHA_Foresight_Watch.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790908/EU_OSHA_Foresight_Glasses.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/772617/EU_OSHA_Logo.jpg ) Increased monitoring of workers, 24/7 availability, frequent job changes and the management of work by algorithm can raise levels of workers' stress. Increased ergonomic risks, caused by human-machine interfaces and the growth in on-line, mobile working are also identified as likely outcomes of augmented digitalisation in the workplace. Digitalisation and the emergence of new technologies is influencing the nature of jobs and tasks, the sectors and industries that people will work in and even their perception of work. Trends indicate that, by 2025, ICT-enabled technologies will have changed the equipment, tools and systems used to organise, manage and provide products, services and knowledge. The report - Foresight of new and emerging risks to occupational safety and health associated with digitalisation by 2025- examines the potential impacts of digitalisation: collaborative robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, bionics, virtual and augmented reality, wearable technology, big data, 3D and 4D printing, and online platforms. To this end, four scenarios of working life in 2025 were built, taking societal, technological, economic, environmental and political contexts into account. These scenarios consider potential differences in the attitudes of governments and the public to digital developments. They also look at the level of economic growth and the application of new technologies over the next few years. A range of potential impacts that developments in digital technologies could have on OSH are explored to stimulate informed debate on how robust planning and policy-making could shape the future of OSH in a digital world. The scenarios (Evolution, Transformation, Exploitation and Fragmentation) integrate expert information gathered through literature review, telephone interviews, web surveys and workshops. For instance, the 'Evolution' scenario presumes that the pace of economic growth and the application of new technologies will be slow and that there will be a high level of government focus on workers' rights, social welfare, health and education. In this scenario, OSH risks and their prevention might be better known than in others as new technologies are not rapidly adopted. However, some of these technologies may not be well maintained owing to businesses' constrained finances. Challenges and opportunities for OSH are examined for each scenario individually, but issues common to all four scenarios are also identified. Some positive outcomes are anticipated; for instance, people are less likely to work in traditionally hazardous environments thanks to robotics and automation. However, psychosocial and organisational factors are likely to become more important as digitalised working drives changes such as increased workers monitoring, an assumption of 24/7 availability, more frequent job changes and the management of work and workers by algorithms. All this can raise levels of workers' stress. Increased ergonomic risks, caused by human-machine interfaces and the growth in online, mobile working, and heightened cyber-security risks are also identified as likely outcomes of augmented digitalisation in the workplace. Digital technologies also facilitate new forms of employment status, with an increasing numbers of workers treated (rightly or wrongly) as self-employed and who could fall outside existing OSH regulation, which challenges existing mechanisms for managing and regulating OSH. To meet the challenges anticipated, some possible OSH strategies are proposed, such as advanced workplace risk assessments, using the unpreceded opportunities offered by digital technologies (wearables and Big Data), but also taking the new challenges they bring into account. Furthermore, a proactive worker-centred approach in the planning and implementation of digitalisation strategies and a framework to clarify OSH liabilities and responsibilities in relation to new systems and new ways of working is suggested. This research is intended to inform EU policy-makers, governments, trade unions and employers on how digitalisation could affect workers' safety and health in the EU in the long term and support the design of appropriate OSH research, policies and strategies. It advocates a holistic preventive approach to OSH to minimise the negative impact of the emerging challenges on workers, businesses, the economy and society. Links: Download the full foresight report on digitalisation and OSH (summary also available) Check out our scenario cartoons for a quick glance at how digitalisation could affect the future of OSH Find out more about developments in ICT and digitalisation of work About The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work(EU-OSHA) The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work(EU-OSHA) contributes to making Europe a safer, healthier and more productive place to work. The Agency researches, develops, and distributes reliable, balanced, and impartial safety and health information and organises pan-European awareness raising campaigns. Set up by the European Union in 1994 and based in Bilbao, Spain, the Agency brings together representatives from the European Commission, Member State governments, employers' and workers' organisations, as well as leading experts in each of the EU Member States and beyond. Now you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or subscribe to our monthly newsletter OSHmail. You can also register for regular news and information from EU-OSHA via RSS feeds. http://osha.europa.eu A connected European Digital Single Market that removes regulatory barriers between nations, improves digital infrastructures and enhances digital skills is a key priority for the European Commission. In support of this and in line with the EU Strategic Framework on Safety and Health 2014-2020, this Foresight project was carried out by EU-OSHA in response to the call to 'anticipate possible negative effects of new technologies and changes in work organisation on workers' health and safety'. It also backs the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which constitutes the broader policy framework for action in the area of social protection and basic rights and includes the right to fair working conditions. Press inquiries - news@osha.europa.eu Birgit Muller | International press | +34-944-358-359 Marta Urrutia | Spanish press | +34-944-358-357 Brenda O'Brien | Brussels Liaison Office | +32-2-401-68-59 TORONTO, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 95 million North Americans Believe HIV/AIDS is Contracted through Skin-to-Skin Touch Juno Award winner and activist Keshia Chante receives first-ever healing touch massage from one of the 15 HIV+ Healers participating in Healing House, the world's first pop-up HIV+ spa in Toronto, Canada opening today. According to the Casey House Smash Stigma Survey, almost half (48%) of North Americans would not be willing to share skin-to-skin touch with someone who has HIV/AIDS. Keshia Chante is encouraging Canadians to join her in the fight to eradicate the stigma faced by 1.8 million people worldwide. This spa aims to raise awareness about the misconceptions around HIV/AIDS that fuel stigma. Even after 40 years of education there are strong misunderstandings, fears and shame associated with HIV/AIDS. Over half of Canadians think they could likely contract HIV/AIDS from at least one of the following: kissing, skin-to-skin contact or drinking from the same glass of water, and 140 million Americans think they are likely to contract HIV/AIDS from kissing alone. These are perceptions that persist today and are factually incorrect. "The reality is that, there is a huge lack of public knowledge," said Keshia Chante. "I am proud to be part of such an important program and I will be getting the services offered to show people that you cannot contract HIV/AIDS through skin-to-skin touch. I encourage my fellow Torontonians to come down and book a service as well. Until we end stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, I will be talking about it." The 15 HIV+ individuals participating in Healing House have been trained by Melissa Doldron, RMT for the Toronto Blue Jays on how to provide healing touch services like hand, neck and shoulder massages that will educate people about the power of touch. All services are free of charge and program partners include Province Apothecary and MAC Cosmetics. Healing House launches with a media-only day on November 29. Doors open to the public on November 30 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and on December 1, World AIDS Day from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. To book an appointment, you can visit: http://www.smashstigma.ca. You can also visit http://www.caseyhouse.com to donate and help support ground-breaking care based in Toronto. "Today, we challenge the ongoing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, a stigma that has no place in our minds or the conversation. We challenge words like blame and shame, and we challenge the false notion that skin-to-skin touch cannot be shared with someone who is HIV+," said Joanne Simons, CEO of Casey House. "We are proud to be a global leader in HIV/AIDS care, challenging stigma and boldly advocating on behalf of our clients to demand the dignity they deserve." What: Healing House, an HIV+ Pop Up Spa Where: 128 Peter Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2G7 When: November 29: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (VIP and Media Launch only) November 30: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. December 1: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Follow along here: smashstigma Casey House Healers, CEO of Casey House Joanne Simons, Keshia Chante and Photo Opp: Melissa Doldron, RMT For high res photography of the participating HIV+ healers, a :15 campaign video, and additional survey findings, please visit: http://bit.ly/2PHO2hk. About Casey House: Casey House is Canada's first and only stand-alone hospital for people living with HIV/AIDS. Through our innovative and comprehensive approach to health care, we remain one of the few places where people with HIV/AIDS can seek care without judgement. We are more than a place that saves lives, we are a place that speaks up, shines understanding through compassion, and empowers our clients to get better. Although many people who live with HIV can manage their disease effectively with a support network and access to treatment, Casey House clients are not part of that majority and fall into the category of the 40% of people in Ontario not on treatment. They are vulnerable, seeking safety and in need of nourishment. Casey House will continue to provide unequivocal compassion to clients in need, providing them with a holistic approach to their care and treatment. This facility is possible due to the commitment and generosity of government, individuals, foundations and corporations that believe it is our collective responsibility to take care of all members of our community. Survey Methodology: A survey of 1,581 Canadians residents was completed online between October 19-22, 2018 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.46%, 19 times out of 20. A survey of 1,501 Americans was completed online between November 1-16, 2018, using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. NOTE: North American data includes Americans and Canadians surveyed only. If you'd like to book an interview with any of the panelists, or if you would like to send a camera to Healing House, please contact: Jessica Leroux, Narrative, Jessica.leroux@narrative.ca, +1(416)843-7210; Kylee Berencsi, Narrative, kylee.berencsi@narrative.ca , +1(416)579-0861 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - On BNN Sat Dec. 1 & Sun Dec. 2, 2018 - BTV- Business Television examines oil and gas, gold, zinc and copper companies on the rise. Full Episode NorZinc Ltd. (TSX: NZC) (OTCQB: NORZF) - With thoughts from Mining Analyst, Stefan Ioannou, from Cormark Securities. This company has one of the world's highest-grade undeveloped zinc lead deposits. See Feature Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (TSX: CMMC) (ASX: C6C) - Their newly acquired mine in Australia could result in an annual production increase of 90 million pounds of copper. Pierre Vaillancourt, Senior Analyst at Haywood Securities weighs in. See Feature Permex Petroleum Corp. (CSE: OIL) - BTV shares how this junior oil and gas company has recently doubled their production. See Feature Bonterra Resources (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXD) - BTV stops in on this gold exploration company and unveils how they plan on fast-tracking their three high-grade gold deposits. See Feature Telson Mining Corp. (TSXV: TSN) - Producing gold in Mexico, this undervalued player has the financing in place to complete construction of their second mine. See Feature Victoria Gold Corp. (TSXV: VIT) - BTV takes a look at the construction progress of the Eagle Gold Project which is expected to be in production by the end next year. See Feature BTV, a half-hour weekly investment program, profiles emerging companies across Canada and the US to bring investors information for their portfolio. With Hosts Taylor Thoen and Jessica Katrichak, BTV interviews experts, top analysts, plus features companies at their location giving investors an insightful business perspective. BTV BROADCAST TIMES: CANADA: BNN - Saturday Dec. 1 @ 8:00pm EST, Sunday Dec. 2 @ 4:30pm EST Bell Express Vu - Saturday Dec. 1 @ 8:00pm EST, Sunday Dec. 2 @ 4:30pm EST Air Canada: TV Seatback: Business Channel U.S. National: Biz Television Network - Sun Dec. 9 @ 10:00pm & 4:30pm PST, Sat Dec. 15 @ 9:00pm PST Submit a Company for upcoming BTV episodes: Contact: (604) 664-7401 x3 info@b-tv.com To receive news, click here to Subscribe. The "Europe Tractor Market By Power Output (Under 40 HP, 40 HP Under 40 HP and 100 HP Above), By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive 4-wheel Drive), By Application (Agriculture Non-Agriculture), By Country, Competition Forecast Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe tractor market is expected to surpass 24 billion by 2023, on the back of growing demand for food backed by rising population across many European countries. Moreover, growing competition in Europe tractor market has forced OEMs to expand their product portfolio and develop products with lower cost and higher efficiency, which is further likely to fuel growth in the market over the course of next five years. Furthermore, technological advancements in automotive industry have resulted in emergence of autonomous tractors that would aid the growth of Europe tractor market during the forecast period. Europe Tractor Market Competition Forecast Opportunities, 2013 - 2023 discusses the following aspects of tractor market in Europe: Tractor Market Size, Share Forecast Segmental Analysis By Power Output (Under 40 HP, 40 HP Under 40 HP and 100 HP Above), By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive 4-wheel Drive), By Application (Agriculture Non-Agriculture), By Country Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of tractor market in Europe To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, tractor distributor and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major players are Mahindra Mahindra Ltd. Deere Co (DE) (John Deere) Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd. (TAFE) Sonalika International Tractors Ltd. AGCO Corporation CNH Industrial N. V. KUBOTA Corporation Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd. Argo Tractors S. p. A. CLAAS KGaA mbH Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Europe Tractor Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size Forecast 4.1.1. By Value Volume 4.2. Market Share Forecast 4.2.1. By Power Output (Under 40 HP, 40 HP Under 100 HP and 100 HP Above) 4.2.2. By Drive Type (2-wheel Drive and 4-wheel Drive) 4.2.3. By Application (Agriculture and Non-Agriculture) 4.2.4. By Country 4.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Drive Type) 4.4. Europe: Country Analysis 4.4.1. Turkey Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.1.1. Market Size Forecast 4.4.1.1.1. By Value Volume 4.4.1.2. Market Share Forecast 4.4.1.2.1. By Power Output 4.4.1.2.2. By Drive Type 4.4.1.2.3. By Application 4.4.1.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Drive Type) 4.4.2. Germany Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.3. France Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.4. Italy Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.5. United Kingdom Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.6. Spain Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.7. Portugal Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.8. Austria Tractor Market Outlook 4.4.9. Belgium Tractor Market Outlook 5. Market Dynamics 5.1. Drivers 5.2. Challenges 6. Market Trends Developments 7. Competitive Landscape 7.1. Mahindra Mahindra Ltd. 7.2. Deere Co (DE) (John Deere) 7.3. Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd. (TAFE) 7.4. Sonalika International Tractors Ltd. 7.5. AGCO Corporation 7.6. CNH Industrial N.V. 7.7. KUBOTA Corporation 7.8. Changzhou Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery Group Co., Ltd. 7.9. Argo Tractors S.p.A. 7.10. CLAAS KGaA mbH 8. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gx6sk5/europe_tractor?w=4 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005343/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Related Topics: Tractors Peter Cabooter joins Aireon as the Vice President of Customer Affairs MCLEAN, Virginia, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aireon announced today that Peter Cabooter has joined the executive team, fulfilling a newly created position, Vice President of Customer Affairs. In this role, Cabooter will lead Aireon's program to support existing customers around the world and developing new relationships with Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) currently not subscribed to the AireonSM service. Aireon is deploying the world's first and only truly global space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) aircraft surveillance and tracking service, providing real-time aircraft visibility anywhere on the planet. "Peter is a seasoned executive and brings a strong knowledge base and awareness of key issues that affect the aviation industry globally. We know he will contribute immensely to the entire organization," said Don Thoma, Chief Executive Officer, Aireon. "We are at the precipice of one of the most important moments in our company's history, and we believe that Peter brings a fresh perspective and a unique skill set to the team as we enter this next chapter." Cabooter comes to Aireon with 17 years of sales and air traffic management experience including executive positions at NAVBLUE (previously Airbus ProSky) and Barco Orthogon (now a part of Harris Corporation). As part of his role, Cabooter will lead global sales initiatives for Aireon. In addition to Cabooter's new executive role, Cyriel Kronenberg, Aireon's Vice President of Aviation Services, will now take on the responsibilities to lead Aireon's regulatory, marketing, product development, commercial data services and partner development activities. "I am excited to join such an extraordinary company, especially at this crucial moment in its history," said Cabooter. "Being able to work with such an impressive team and for a company that is literally changing the entire air traffic management landscape is an honor, and I can't wait to help usher in this next-generation of air traffic surveillance." In October it was announced that the final Iridium NEXT launch is targeted for December 30, 2018 at 8:38 am PT from SpaceX's west coast launch facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Each Iridium NEXT satellite hosts an AireonSM ADS-B payload. Today, there are a total of 65 Iridium NEXT satellites in orbit, 60 of which are operational. With this final launch, 10 new satellites will be delivered to space, concluding the launch campaign. Aireon is set to go live with its air traffic surveillance service in early 2019. About Aireon LLC Aireon is deploying a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon will harness next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that are currently ground-based and, for the first time ever, extend their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Real-time ADS-B surveillance will cover oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon will provide a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system to all aviation stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.aireon.com Press Contact: Jessie Hillenbrand Aireon +1 (703) 287-7452 Jessie.Hillenbrand@Aireon.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791173/Peter_Cabooter.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/390350/Aireon_LLC_Logo.jpg The head of Irans nuclear agency said Tuesday that despite U.S. sanctions and efforts to isolate his country, Japan remains willing to continue cooperating with it on nuclear safety. The Japan Times reports in its article Iran-Japan nuclear safety cooperation to continue despite U.S. sanctions: Iranian agency chief that Japan insisted that under any circumstance they would like to continue their operation in the domain of safety, Ali Akbar Salehi, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said during an interview on the sidelines of a seminar in Brussels. Officials from both sides met each other as recently as a few weeks ago, the former foreign minister said, while noting that Japan has already hosted training programs for Iranian scientists on safeguards and nuclear safety. He said that, because nuclear accidents in any country could have impacts beyond its borders, it is important for the international community to be involved in nuclear safety. Salehi praised Japans supportive stand regarding Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which Washington withdrew from in May before resurrecting economic sanctions on Tehran and pressuring other governments to follow suit. He said he understands Japans delicate position vis-a-vis the United States. At the same time, he urged it to put aside the unnecessary caution and restart or even expand cooperation with Iran in areas unaffected by the U.S.s unilateral sanctions, such as the field of medical equipment and the humanitarian side of the scientific technological cooperation. Salehi said Iran would like to see Japan play a more independent role. Japan can do a lot if it wishes. There are areas that has nothing to do with Americans, but the Japanese are very cautious in their actions when it comes to Iran, he said. He said Japan could also play a positive role by supporting European efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear accord. After the U.S. withdrawal, Iran said that it would continue its commitments so long as it sees economic benefits under the deal. It has given the European Union some time to come up with a solution. While Iran is starting to lose patience, Salehi said he had positive meetings in Brussels and is optimistic that the Europeans will find a way to pay for continued Iranian oil exports despite U.S. sanctions affecting financial transactions. He added that the two sides have agreed on a timeline. Salehi said that if the nuclear deal breaks down, The consequences will be unpredictable for everybody, even for ourselves, for the international community, for the region. Only God knows what is going to happen. If that happens, he warned, Iran stands ready to resume enrichment of uranium, which was suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, to 20 percent purity at its nuclear facility in Natanz. Noting that Iran now has the capacity to produce 190,000 separative work units of enriched uranium, he said, We will do it very easily, but we dont want to do that now. The capacity is there, he added. Under the deal struck between Iran and six major powers Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions. The IBM (NYSE: IBM) board of directors today elected Martha E. Pollack to the board, effective February 1, 2019. Dr. Pollack, 60, is the 14th president of Cornell University. She is a computer scientist and a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Dr. Pollack joined Cornell in 2017 after serving for more than three years as the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the University of Michigan, where she had previously served as vice provost and as a dean. Ginni Rometty, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "Martha Pollack is a renowned AI researcher and technologist and an expert in AI. We are excited about adding her skills and expertise to the IBM board. Her perspective on education and the use of technology to improve lives will be great assets to IBM and to our shareholders." Dr. Pollack has published extensively on artificial intelligence, on topics ranging from natural-language processing to automated planning and temporal reasoning. Her research has had a significant focus on the design of AI technologies to assist people with cognitive impairment. Dr. Pollack has been a senior computer scientist at the Artificial Intelligence Center for SRI International, Inc. and served as director of the University of Pittsburgh's Intelligent Systems Program prior to joining the University of Michigan in 2000. Dr. Pollack holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a master's degree in computer and information science from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also earned her PhD in 1986. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181211005798/en/ Contacts: IBM Edward Barbini, 914-499-6565 barbini@us.ibm.com DUBAI, UAE, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tourism, food security, manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy have been identified as high-potential areas where companies in the UAE and Caribbean region can expand economic cooperation, according to new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791443/UAE_Caribbean_Cooperation_Forum_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/791444/HE_Hamad_Buamim.jpg ) The findings, released on the sidelines of the first UAE-Caribbean Cooperation Forum in Dubai, revealed that the value of non-oil trade between Dubai and Caribbean countries totaled $273 million in 2017. Bilateral non-oil trade was dominated by imports from the Caribbean which were valued at $183 million in 2017, while $90 million worth of exports contributed 33% to Dubai's trade with the region. Suriname ranked as Dubai's top Caribbean trading partner in 2017, with bilateral non-oil trade valued at $113.8 million, accounting for 42% of the emirate's trade with the region. Guyana ranked second with $52.1 million in bilateral trade, followed by Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, the findings revealed that the number of Caribbean companies registered with Dubai Chamber increased by 54% from 403 in 2013 to reach 621 in 2018. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the findings reflect the tremendous potential to boost bilateral trade and investment in the future as the UAE and Caribbean countries push ahead with plans to diversify their economies and explore business opportunities abroad. "Dubai can serve as a global gateway for Caribbean exporters who are keen to broaden their horizons and access markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, while the Caribbean region is fast emerging as an attractive investment destination, providing plenty of advantages which UAE companies can benefit from," added Buamim. Held on November 24th-26th, the UAE-Caribbean Cooperation Forum was co-organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development. Editor ' s note Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub. For more information, please contact: Ruba Abdel Halim Manager, PR & Corporate Communications Tel: +971-4-2028450 Email: ruba.halim@dubaichamber.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) -SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSXV: SIL) (NYSE American: SILV) ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that SSR Mining Inc. ("SSR") has agreed to purchase 8,220,645 common shares of the Company at a price of $3.73 per share for a total investment of $30,663,006 in a non-brokered private placement financing. After giving effect to the private placement, SSR will own 9.9% of the outstanding common shares of SilverCrest on a non-diluted basis. The private placement is expected to close on or about December 7, 2018, subject to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. The common shares issued to SSR upon closing of the private placement will have a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date. The Company will use the proceeds from the private placement for the exploration and development of the Las Chispas Project and related costs. N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and CEO, remarked, "We are pleased to welcome SSR as a new investor in SilverCrest. With this investment, SilverCrest will have more than C$40 million available to explore and advance the Las Chispas project. The investment by SSR is an important endorsement of the Las Chispas project from a mining company that has an established reputation and track record of financial discipline and operating performance which can help to further de-risk and optimize the Las Chispas project. We look forward to having a positive working relationship with SSR as we move Las Chispas forward." In connection with the investment, SSR and SilverCrest have entered into a binding investment agreement, the provisions of which include the following, among other terms, for so long as SSR holds 5% or more of the outstanding common shares of SilverCrest: A standstill limiting SSR to acquire up to a maximum of 9.9% of the common shares of SilverCrest; Participation rights to maintain pro rata share ownership interest; A right of first refusal on any proposed royalty, stream or offtake agreement; and Certain information rights to Las Chispas technical and scientific data. With this investment, SilverCrest expects to be fully funded to complete the following work on the Las Chispas project in 2019; 1) a resource update in Q1, 2019, 2) completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in Q1, 2019, 3) the construction of an exploration decline into the high-grade Area 51 zone of the Babicanora Vein, 4) an aggressive infill and expansion drilling program to upgrade and potentially increase the high-grade precious metal resource, and 5) with a positive PEA, a Pre-Feasibility Study by the end of 2019. ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC. SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's current focus is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Project resulting in numerous discoveries. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metals mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern the intended use of proceeds and the scheduled closing date for the Offering. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; timing and amount of capital expenditures; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of the risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng Chief Executive Officer SilverCrest Metals Inc. For Further Information: SilverCrest Metals Inc. Contact: Michael Rapsch, VP Corp. Communications Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730 Fax: +1 (604) 357-1313 Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730 (Canada & USA) Email: info@silvercrestmetals.com Website: www.silvercrestmetals.com 570 Granville Street, Suite 501 Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / ParcelPal Technology Inc. ("ParcelPal" or the "Company"), (PKG: CSE) (FSE: PT0) (OTC: PTNYF) ParcelPal Technology Inc. is pleased to announce the results of Q2. ParcelPal technology has provided the unaudited financial statements for the third quarter and has filed the statements on SEDAR. Q3 Financial Highlights: The total unaudited gross revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 was $822,456. Total gross revenue up 120% in Q3 versus the year ended Q4, December 31st 2017. Total cash on hand of $2,019,815 as at September 30, 2018 with $375,337 in accounts receivables. 9 months Gross profits of $579,154 representing a gross profit margin of 26%. Received $848,503 from exercising of 5,241,611 warrants for Q3 Loss and comprehensive loss for the period of $569,932 is comprised of non-cash related expenses such as Share-based compensation of $74,657, amortization of $136,339 and interest expense of $53,380. (representing an EBITDA of $(305,556) for the quarter) President and CEO Kelly Abbott, states, "I am extremely pleased with the progress of our operations and our financial position ending Q3, 2018. We will continue to push the business in our current market and strive to engage new markets and new verticals (namely Cannabis & Alcohol deliveries) within this year. We remain well capitalized with over $3M in net working capital and accordingly are well positioned to achieve our goals of expansion." Outlook ParcelPal intends to pursue a number of technologies, products and marketing initiatives to continue to drive further growth in 2018. The company's strategic priorities include: Grow monthly recurring revenues by engaging new and acquired customers. Continue to launch multiple delivery verticals within the application. Capitalizing on various opportunities within the cannabis space. Further grow the technology platform and offer ParcelPal on multiple platform such as web and Android. Broaden our geographic footprint across Canadian cities and build on our current market in Vancouver. Continue leveraging on our partnership with Amazon across Canada as well as the US. IFRS The operational and financial information in this release is based on the consolidated figures in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) About ParcelPal Technology Inc. ParcelPal is a technology driven logistics company that connects consumers to the goods they love. Customers can shop at partner businesses and through the ParcelPal technology receive their purchased goods within an hour. The Company offers on-demand delivery of merchandise from leading retailers, restaurants, medical marijuana dispensaries and liquor stores in Vancouver and soon in major cities Canada-wide. ParcelPal Website: www.parcelpal.com The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") or any other securities regulatory authority has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release that has been prepared by management. CSE -- Symbol: PKG FSE -- Symbol: PT0 OTC -- Symbol: PTNYF Contact: Peter Hinam, Investor Relations -- peter@parcelpal.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward looking statements relating to the Proposed Transaction, and the future potential of ParcelPal. Forward looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will," "may," "should," "intends," "anticipates," "expects," "plans" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risk that the Proposed Transaction will not be completed due to, among other things, failure to execute definitive documentation, failure to complete satisfactory due diligence, failure to receive the approval of the CSE and the risk that ParcelPal will not be successful due to, among other things, general risks relating to the mobile application industry, failure of ParcelPal to gain market acceptance and potential challenges to the intellectual property utilized in ParcelPal. There can be no assurance that any forward looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: ParcelPal Technology Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529333/ParcelPal-Announces-Q3-Results Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - Dunnedin Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DVI) (the "Company" or "Dunnedin") today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 100% ownership of the consolidated Man, Prime and Dillard properties, the "MPD Project", in south-central British Columbia. The MPD Project is an excellent strategic fit with Dunnedin's 100% owned Trapper copper-gold porphyry project ("Trapper", see news release November 27, 2018), located in the northern Golden Triangle area of British Columbia and joins this project to form a strong copper-gold porphyry portfolio that has the potential to stand alone from Dunnedin's Kahuna Diamond Project in the future. Claudia Tornquist, President of Dunnedin said, "MPD is a quality project with immediate exploration upside and the potential to yield a major copper-gold porphyry system. We are genuinely excited about this asset and pleased to have secured it on favourable terms. Our philosophy in the Discovery Group of companies has generated industry-leading returns for shareholders over the past year at Northern Empire Resources and Great Bear Resources. This philosophy can be summed up as finding and advancing known mineral discoveries that are undervalued, but with strong economic potential. These projects have geological characteristics that can drive rapid value growth for investors when modern exploration methods and management's experience is applied. Dunnedin's new MPD project has these attributes and could mirror these recent successes in 2019." MPD Project, South-Central British Columbia, Canada Refer to Figure 1 Recently consolidated 78.5 km 2 MPD land package (historically called Man, Prime and Dillard properties) located in a known, productive copper-gold porphyry belt MPD land package (historically called Man, Prime and Dillard properties) located in a known, productive copper-gold porphyry belt Many historically drilled copper intervals have similar grades to those reported at adjacent copper mines 129 drill holes (25,780 metres) were completed from 1966 to 2014. Previous operators include Rio Tinto PLC and Newmont Mining Corp. Copper has been drill confirmed to-date across a large, 10 square kilometre area Historic drill results often have favourable gold to copper values and are consistent with multiple porphyry centres having associated base and precious metal mineralization, Large untested copper and gold-in-soil anomalies represent new near-term drill targets Copper and gold mineralization extends from surface, with early historic drill holes rarely testing below 200 metres vertical depth. Limited deeper drilling confirms significant depth/size potential Many historic copper intervals were not assayed for gold, and adjacent samples show strong gold results suggesting underexplored gold potential Accessible year-round by service roads and trails from adjacent highway linking Princeton and Merritt Highlights of historical drill results (1966 to 2014) are shown on Figure 1 and include: 63.6 metres of 0.45% copper and 30 metres 0.92 g/t gold 194 metres of 0.29% copper and 0.27 g/t gold 120 metres of 0.21% copper and 0.92 g/t gold 403 metres of 0.14% copper and 0.07 g/t gold High gold grades include 3.0 metres of 7.0 g/t gold with 0.91% copper and 12 metres of 3.6 g/t gold The MPD Project is located in the Quesnel Trough, British Columbia's primary copper-producing belt that hosts Teck Resource's world-class Highland Valley Mine, Imperial Metals' Mount Polley Mine, and Centerra Gold's Mount Milligan Mine (see Table 1). The MPD project's Nicola Belt geology has many similar characteristics to the neighbouring alkalic porphyry systems at the Copper Mountain Mine to the south, New Gold's New Afton Mine to the north, and Evrim Resources' nearby Axe Project which was recently optioned to Antofagasta Table 1: Proven and Probable Reserves - Selected Quesnel Trough Copper Porphyry Mines Property Date Operator Tonnes Copper Grade Contained Copper Gold Grade Contained Gold Silver Grade Contained Silver (as at) (millions) (% Cu) (millions of lbs) (gram per tonne) (millions of oz) (gram per tonne) (millions of oz) Mount Milligan1 Dec. 312018 Centerra Gold 467.939 0.188 1,938 0.3 5.138 - - Copper Mountain2 Sept. 12018 Copper Mountain 210.079 0.26 1,209 0.08 0.504 0.89 5.981 Mt. Polley3 July 2017 Imperial Metals 73.613 0.27 443 0.29 0.692 0.56 1.331 Highland Valley4 2018 Teck Resources 589,500 0.30 1.540 - - - - Sources: https://www.centerragold.com/operations/mount-milligan/production-and-reserves https://www.cumtn.com/operations/copper-mountain-mine/overview/ https://www.imperialmetals.com/assets/docs/2017-reserve_resource%20table.pdf https://www.teck.com/investors/reserves-&-resources/ Figure 1: MPD Copper-Gold Porphyry Property To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/41331_0c521465f43cf842_002full.jpg MPD Project Transaction Details Dunnedin has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the MPD Property from a private vendor, subject to the approval of the TSX-Venture Exchange. The consideration for MPD consists of: $100,000 in cash and 1,800,000 Dunnedin shares payable upon closing of the transaction; and $100,000 in cash payable on April 1, 2019 A 1.25% to 2% NSR is payable on only three of a total 28 mineral claims. No royalties are payable on the remaining 25 claims. Further details of the MPD and Trapper copper-gold porphyry projects are provided on Dunnedin's web site at www.dunnedinventures.com. Technical information will be updated as recently acquired historical data are evaluated. Management will provide further information on 2019 exploration plans at MPD as the project database is analyzed. Webinar Dunnedin will host a webinar to discuss the Company's recent news. The webinar will take place on Friday, November 30th at 11:00am PST/2:00pm EST. Management will be available to answer questions following the presentation. Online access and dial-in numbers are as follows: Readytalk Platform (access at the time of event): * http://www.readytalk.com/join * Access code: 5147677 Dial-In Numbers: * Canada: +1-647-722-6839 * United States: +1-303-248-0285 * Access Code: 5147677 Disclaimer Management cautions that Dunnedin has not performed any exploration on the MPD Project to date. Historic information reported herein was obtained from publicly available sources and industry related reports. This news release contains historic data that Dunnedin believes to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time, but the Company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of the information disclosed and readers should use caution in placing reliance on such information. Comparisons to adjacent or similar mineral properties, deposits and mines are provided for information purposes only. Dunnedin has no interest in, or rights to explore or mine any such properties and references to deposits and reserves reported herein are not indicative of deposits or results obtained on the Company's properties. Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors Dunnedin Ventures Inc. Chris Taylor Chief Executive Officer Claudia Tornquist President About Dunnedin Ventures Inc. Dunnedin Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DVI) is focused on its 100% owned, advanced-stage Kahuna Diamond Project in Nunavut which hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets. The Company holds diamond interests in 1,664 km2 of mineral tenure located 26 kilometres northeast of Rankin Inlet and adjacent to Agnico Eagle's Meliadine gold mine. The Kahuna Diamond Project has an Inferred Resource Estimate of 3,987,000 tonnes at an average grade of 1.01 carats per tonne, totalling over 4 million carats of diamonds (+0.85 mm) (see news release dated March 31, 2015). Dunnedin's drilling is aimed at the discovery of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes, and the Company is working with advisor and largest shareholder Dr. Chuck Fipke to define and prioritize drill targets based on an extensive historic data set, and diamonds and indicator minerals recovered from a series of kimberlite and till samples over four seasons of field work. Dunnedin also holds a 100% interest in the Trapper Project near Atlin in the northern "Golden Triangle" region of British Columbia. The Trapper Project is interpreted to overlie a gold-rich copper porphyry complex having a surface geochemical, geophysical and regional alteration signature of over 15 square kilometres. Based in Vancouver, Dunnedin is backed by a world-renowned team of exploration experts with decades of combined exploration experience and significant capital market strength. 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. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements".Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - Great Bear Resources (TSXV: GBR) (the "Company" or "Great Bear", TSX-V: GBR) today reported results from drilling of the Dixie Limb Zone ("DLZ") completed during the Company's summer 2018 drill program, and designed to test continuity of gold mineralization to depth. The DLZ is a multi-kilometre gold-mineralized contact that is located north of Great Bear's recent high grade gold discoveries at the Hinge and South Limb Zones, and was the target of most historical drilling. Great Bear also reports that 15 additional drill holes have now been completed in the Hinge and South Limb Zones ("SLZ"). Results are expected in one to two weeks and are not included in this news release. Great Bear has systematically surveyed 108 historical drill collars and completed gyroscopic downhole surveys of 66 historical drill holes within the DLZ to-date. Results indicate many historical holes were mis-located, with maximum deviations approaching 100 metres, and historical drill directions deviated significantly from plan due to magnetic host rocks. These errors led to incorrect historical interpretations including that gold mineralization in the DLZ occurred in en-echelon lens-like zones lacking vertical continuity. The Company tested vertical continuity of the DLZ's gold mineralization with a series of 9 drill holes from 26 metres to 365 metres depth. All holes tested areas previously interpreted as unmineralized and cited as lacking geological continuity.All holes successfully intersected gold mineralization. Highlights of the latest 9 drill holes testing the DLZ include: Intercepts of 6.71 g/t gold over 3.10 metres and 6.16 g/t gold over 2.30 metres, establishing continuity of gold mineralization into areas previously deemed to be unmineralized DLZ mineralization generally increases in thickness and gold grade with depth Intervals of higher grades (>6 g/t gold) were intersected in 5 of the 9 holes A newly identified parallel mineralized zone was intersected in one of the two deepest holes at 307 metres vertical depth in drill hole DL-031 Chris Taylor, President and CEO of Great Bear said, "While much of the past exploration work at Dixie was high quality, later interpretations of zone geometries were hampered by incorrect data. Using oriented drill core and gyroscopic surveys, we have cut through the effects of the magnetic background rocks which skewed past drilling and observe a consistent mineralized zone at the DLZ structure, including several steeply-plunging high-grade zones. This mineralization is open along strike and at depth. While more than 360 metres of continuity is a strong start, gold deposits in Red Lake often extend to kilometres of depth, and from that perspective we are only just scratching the surface of this zone's potential." The most recent drill results are provided in Table 1. Highlighted results from the 2.3 kilometres of strike length of the DLZ drilled to-date are provided in Table 2.A summary of results of ongoing historical drill hole surveying is provided in Table 3. An updated long section of the DLZ including names and locations of various high-grade zones that will be targeted during the current drill program are provided in Figure 1. A map of current drill collars is provided in Figure 2. Table 1: New drill results from the DLZ, showing vertical depth of intercepts. Drilling targeted previously interpreted unmineralized areas. Drilling is insufficient to determine true widths. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Gold (g/t) Vert. Depth (m) DL-028 34.60 39.70 5.10 4.34 26 DL-028 including 35.60 38.70 3.10 6.71 DL-028 and including 36.10 38.20 2.10 8.10 DL-032 61.95 67.35 5.40 1.06 40 DL-029 46.70 50.70 4.00 3.23 41 DL-029 including 47.70 49.60 1.90 4.44 DL-029 and 76.00 78.00 2.00 3.33 69 DL-026 81.55 84.00 2.45 2.48 69 DL-026 83.40 84.00 0.60 4.59 DL-030 74.20 76.50 2.30 2.64 69 DL-027 382.70 403.50 20.80 1.60 304 DL-027 and including 387.30 388.30 1.00 6.09 DL-027 and including 387.30 387.80 0.50 10.70 DL-027 and including 397.50 399.00 1.50 4.46 DL-031 Zone 1 335.20 337.50 2.30 6.16 257 DL-031 including 336.30 337.50 1.20 9.27 DL-031 Zone 2 423.25 433.85 10.60 1.39 324 DL-031 including 432.00 433.85 1.85 3.84 DL-031 and including 432.00 432.60 0.60 6.03 DL-037 334.70 349.60 14.90 1.85 321 DL-037 including 335.30 335.85 0.55 7.74 DL-037 and 344.90 346.85 1.95 6.32 DL-036a 358.50 362.10 3.60 2.50 346 DL-036a including 360.50 362.10 1.60 5.12 DL-036a and including 361.60 362.10 0.50 10.17 DL-036a and 368.45 377.90 9.45 2.38 DL-036a and including 369.60 371.25 1.65 4.07 DL-036a and including 377.40 377.90 0.50 15.67 365 Table 2: Highlighted results from previous DLZ drilling to-date Drill Hole From(m) To(m) Width(m) Gold(g/t) Vertical Depth (m) DL-04-04 228.15 232.77 4.62 9.75 190 DL-04-06 333.3 345.67 12.34 7.54 323 including 335.42 342.49 7.07 12.26 and incl. 335.42 336.88 1.46 40.27 DL-11-05 132.2 138.5 6.30 10.78 116 including 134.7 138.5 3.80 14.76 and incl. 135.8 137 1.20 30.48 DL-005 162.6 173 10.40 16.84 128 including 164.6 172.45 7.85 21.53 and including 171.4 172.45 1.05 130.10 DNW-001 52.6 58.2 5.60 3.52 38 including 56.8 58.2 1.40 12.74 DL-013 47.7 88 40.30 1.73 40 including 47.7 50 2.30 6.01 including 58 70.3 12.30 3.13 Table 3: Surveying results to-date showing deviations in historical results Type Number of Holes Completed To-Date Results Differential GPS survey of drill collar locations 225 (104 historic) Average horizontal shift of 4.39 m. Maximum horizontal shift of +/- 83.0 m E and +/- 51.72 m N. Average vertical shift of 4.03 m. Maximum vertical shift of +/- 51.67 m. Non-magnetic (gyroscopic) downhole survey 66 Average deviation change of 7.95 m at the end of each drill hole. Maximum shift of 148 m at end of drill hole. Significant errors were also observed by Great Bear geologists when using a compass at surface. Re-logging and sampling of historic core 35 Identified key lithological units and collected 1,566 samples for gold and ICP analysis Figure 1: Long section through the DLZ as drilled to-date showing currently reported drill results and locations of planned drill holes. The "88-4", "5", "Gap" and "88-4 Extension" zones are shown. All drill holes that intersect the DLZ contact in this area are shown. Areas without pierce points or composite intervals have not yet been drilled. Zone is open along strike and at depth. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/41347_d19702c8b4f2abf0_002full.jpg The Company is now conducting a 30,000 metre, 150 drill hole drill program that is expected to continue through 2018 and 2019. Targets to be drilled include the Hinge Zone, SLZ and DLZ, as well as a number of newly defined, highly prospective geological and structural targets across the project. Results will continue to be released in batches as received. Highlights of all of Great Bear's drill results can be viewed at the Company's web site at www.greatbearresources.ca Figure 2: Plan map showing updated collar locations of current and pending drill results To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/41347_d19702c8b4f2abf0_003full.jpg About Great Bear The Dixie property is located approximately 15 minutes' drive along Highway 105 from downtown Red Lake, Ontario. The Red Lake mining district has produced over 30,000,000 ounces of gold and is one of the premier mining districts in Canada, benefitting from major active mining operations including the Red Lake Gold Mine of Goldcorp Inc., plus modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce. The Dixie property covers a drill and geophysically defined multi-kilometre gold mineralized structure similar to that hosting other producing gold mines in the district. In addition, Great Bear is also earning a 100% royalty-free interest in its West Madsen properties which total 3,860 hectares and are contiguous with Pure Gold Mining Inc.'s Madsen property. All of Great Bear's Red Lake projects are accessible year-round through existing roads. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure core storage facility located in Red Lake Ontario. Core samples from the program are cut in half, using a diamond cutting saw, and are sent to Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Ancaster Ontario, and SGS Canada Inc. in Red Lake, Ontario, both of which are accredited mineral analysis laboratories, for analysis. All samples are analyzed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning over 3.0 g/t gold are analyzed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. Certified gold reference standards, blanks and field duplicates are routinely inserted into the sample stream, as part of Great Bear's quality control/quality assurance program (QAQC). No QAQC issues were noted with the results reported herein. Mr. R. Bob Singh, P.Geo, Director and VP Exploration for Great Bear, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the accuracy of technical information contained in this news release. For further information please contact Mr. Chris Taylor, P.Geo, President and CEO at 604-646-8354, or Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at 604-551-2360. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Chris Taylor" Chris Taylor, President and CEO Inquiries: Tel: 604-646-8354 Fax: 604-646-4526 info@greatbearresources.ca www.greatbearresources.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. This new release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. We seek safe harbor LONDON, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading native advertising network, TAN Media has achieved the Internet Advertising Bureau's (IAB) Gold Standard certification in two separate categories. Upon receiving the accreditation, Adam Rock, Managing Director said: "We are proud to have achieved the standards set out by the IAB to attain Gold Standard certification. It's important to demonstrate that our industry is committed to ensuring the highest possible standards online as native advertising continues to grow in importance to brands, agencies and publishers. The IAB have recognised that the industry needs to come together to combat ad fraud, ensure brand safety and improve the entire digital advertising user experience. Our non-interruptive formats on trusted publishers are testament to our support for the Gold Standard." The accreditation process involved TAN Media implementing and supporting the ads.txt initiative, adherence to Coalition for Better Advertising LEAN standards, and working with UK regulatory group JICWEBs towards attaining The Digital Trading Standards Group (DTSG) certification for brand safety. The IAB Gold Standard has three aims - to reduce ad fraud, to improve the digital advertising experience, and to increase brand safety. The initiative was launched in October 2017 as part of the IAB's commitment to raising standards in digital advertising and building a sustainable future for the industry. About TAN Media TAN Media (The Attention Network) was founded in 2010, specialising in the distribution of brand content through best-in-class native advertising. The company works with both agencies and direct clients on long-form content campaigns as well as native display and video formats. Its editorial and account teams help advertisers execute highly successful content campaigns, while its publisher team help monetise websites and apps with leading technology. Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111 TOKYO, Mar 13, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is strengthening its global organizational structure effective from April 1, 2019, to achieve its ambitions of global leadership and being a true value creator for stakeholders.Previously, Business Divisions were responsible for business accountability in Japan, while Regional Headquarters were responsible for business accountability outside Japan. However, from April, business accountability will be owned by global product-based Business Divisions and Business Units. In addition, Hitachi Automotive Systems will optimize operations in Regions and strengthen its Global Functions. By doing so, we will increase the value provided to customers and accelerate the creation of innovative products and services.In recent years, the environment surrounding the automotive industry has undergone significant changes, with intensified competition to develop new technologies such as electrification and AD/ADAS. In addition, new competitors are entering the automotive market, and the worldwide demand for car sharing and mobility services has also increased. In this rapidly changing business environment, automotive suppliers must generate and speedily deliver new solutions, new technologies, and higher value-added products. In response to these market requirements, Hitachi Automotive Systems will promote business optimization through portfolio reorganization and a new corporate strategy to improve global competitiveness.Based on the new corporate strategy, Hitachi Automotive Systems will strengthen its global organizational structure in three domains to achieve agile and efficient business operations.Domain 1: Business Divisions & Business Units - Consolidate Business Accountability into Business DivisionsPreviously, Business Divisions were responsible for business accountability in Japan, while Regional Headquarters were responsible for business accountability outside Japan. However, from April, business accountability will be owned by globally focused Business Divisions and Business Units, divided by product area. In addition, a Software Division will be newly established, current divisions will be reorganized into the Powertrain & Safety Systems Division and Chassis Division, and the Aftermarket Division will be strengthened. For Divisions that contain Business Units, execution of cross-Business Unit strategies will drive speedy and efficient business operations. Furthermore, each Business Units will own Sales functions that will accelerate creation of innovative solutions meeting customers' future needs.Domain 2: Regions - Optimize Regional OperationsA Japan Region will be newly established in addition to a Europe Region, China Region, Asia Region, and Americas Region. Regions will concentrate on execution of operational excellence across plants and Business Units, optimizing operations in each Region.Domain 3: Strengthened Global FunctionsHitachi Automotive Systems will strengthen global governance to provide service and support for efficient business operations through scale, driving consistency in standards and policies.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2019 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Cardston, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 22, 2019) -American Creek Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AMK) ("the Corporation") is pleased to announce that due to demand, it has increased the size of its non-brokered private placement of units ("the Units") to up to 3,200,000 Units for total gross proceeds of up to $160,000 ("the Offering"). As disclosed in the Corporation's news release dated February 12, 2019 the Units will be sold at a price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Corporation ("Common Share") and one non-transferrable Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant may be exercised for one additional Common Share at a price of $0.06 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering. The securities will be offered to qualified purchasers in reliance upon exemptions from prospectus and registration requirements of applicable securities legislation. Proceeds will be used for general operating purposes including settling current debt. This private placement is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. About American Creek American Creek is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a strong portfolio of gold and silver properties in British Columbia. Three of those properties are located in the prolific "Golden Triangle"; the Treaty Creek and Electrum joint venture projects with Tudor Gold/Walter Storm as well as the 100% owned past producing Dunwell Mine. The Corporation also holds the Gold Hill, Austruck-Bonanza, Ample Goldmax, Silver Side, and Glitter King properties located in other prospective areas of the province. For further information please contact Kelvin Burton at: Phone: 403 752-4040 or Email: info@americancreek.com. Information relating to the Corporation is available on its website at www.americancreek.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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/43605 Syngenta a member of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders Alliance calls for World Leaders to be bold in addressing climate change Improved agriculture technology and practices can play a key role Syngenta has joined with 50 chief executives and global business leaders to urge World Leaders, Heads of Government and the International Community to deliver an enhanced, ambitious action plan to tackle climate change. The Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, under the auspices of the World Economic Forum, has called for action ahead of the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held next month in Poland. Syngenta Chief Executive Erik Fyrwald said, "Climate change requires strong leadership and collective action. We all have a role to play through innovation, commitment and collaboration and we have to find better solutions, faster". Syngenta's commitment to addressing climate change includes: Supporting farmers in the adoption sustainable agricultural practices and technologies like minimum tillage and conservation agriculture. In 2017, Syngenta reference farms achieved a 14 percent improvement in greenhouse gas emission efficiency 1 Setting science-based targets to reduce our carbon footprint; Co-chairing the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) 100 project, bringing together 100 leading companies to make a science-based and measurable commitment by 2030 across the three pillars of productivity, resilience and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions; As an active participant in the Race to Zero 2 , enhancing soil health and fertility on at least 2 million hectares of farmland in China by 2023; , enhancing soil health and fertility on at least 2 million hectares of farmland in China by 2023; Working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the World Economic Forum, and the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, driving policy advocacy and promote CSA approaches throughout entire food value chains. "Climate change poses severe and distinct threats to food security, rural communities and economies. As a member of the Alliance we firmly believe that business is part of the solution and has a vital role to play in tackling climate change. As one of the world's leading agricultural companies we are therefore committed to taking a holistic science based approach meeting the challenge. We are investing more than US$1 billion every year in research and development and are working with policy makers, scientists, civil society and the investment community to try and achieve a coherent approach", said Mr Fyrwald. Further information The Good Growth Plan Progress Report, published by Syngenta (2018): https://www.syngenta.com/~/media/Files/S/Syngenta/2018/20180326-progress-report.pdfpage=8 Syngenta joins Race to Zero: https://agr.chemchina.com/nonghuaen/xwymt/hhxw/webinfo/2018/04/1523351351363759.htm Syngenta policy position on climate change: https://www.syngenta.com/how-we-do-it/corporate-responsibility/climate-change About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 1 1,400 farms growing 22 crops in 41 countries The Good Growth Plan Progress data (2018) 2 A global initiative encouraging companies to work towards zero-carbon and zero-waste, particularly in China View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005384/en/ Contacts: Media Relations Central Line +41 61 323 23 23 media.relations@syngenta.com Head of External Affairs Andrew McConville (Switzerland) +41 61 323 06 18 Head of Corporate Communications U.S. Paul Minehart (U.S.) +1 202 737 89 13 Turkish Parliament speaker Binali Yildirim is preparing to resign, Turkish media reported today. Reportedly, the reason was the nomination of his candidacy for the post of head of Istanbul municipality. However, his nomination hasnt yet been officially announced. The official nomination of Yildirims candidacy for the post of head of Istanbul municipality will be announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his return from Argentina and Paraguay on December 4. The municipal election in Turkey will be held on March 31, 2019. Acquires Licensed Large-Scale Money Transfer Capabilities SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / 11/29/2018 / GreenBox POS, LLC ("GreenBox", "GRBX", the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Sigue Corporation ("Sigue"), one of the world's largest private money transfer entities. Operating in over 100 countries and employing nearly 200,000 agents, Sigue will offer GreenBox the capacity and infrastructure to deploy the Company's blockchain transactional technology on an exponentially broader scale. Terms of the joint venture call for the deployment of Sigue's licensed bandwidth enabling the creation of proprietary transactional solutions for businesses, including secured, private, reliable and extendable Venmo style business-to-business applications with instant settlement capabilities, as well as complete blockchain transactional infrastructure for banks and larger financial institutions via Bank-in-a-Box solution. Ben Errez, Executive Vice President of GreenBox POS, stated, "We are pleased to align with Sigue as we continue to execute our global expansion strategy. Our technology combined with Sigue's massive infrastructure, we expect, will help entrench GreenBox as the world's leader in blockchain transactional infrastructure while supporting our commitment to building long-term shareholder value". Senior Vice President of Sigue, Jorge De Feria, commented, "GreenBox provides the innovative technology and capabilities we have been in search of as we advance our commitment to providing the highest level of service technology to our new and existing customers. We look forward to the opportunity to work closely with GreenBox as we collaborate to address the world's secure money transfer needs." About GreenBox POS, LLC: GreenBox POS ("GRBX") is a technology company engineering innovative customized payment solutions across a multitude of industries. Awarded five provisional patents, GRBX has developed the fastest and safest protocols to send and process money utilizing blockchain technology; POS (Point of Sale software and hardware solutions); DEL (delivery app, APIs to POS and PAY); PAY (payment app, providing financial APIs to all other components); KIOSK (deposit, cash and E-wallet management). For more information: https://www.greenboxpos.com/ GreenBox POS ("GRBX") is a groundbreaking technology company that builds customized payment solutions for a multitude of industries. The company has developed the fastest and safest way to send and process money using Blockchain technology. The company was awarded 5 provisional patents for its technology. GreenBox POS develops the following main products: POS (Point of Sale software and hardware solutions); DEL (delivery app, APIs to POS and PAY); PAY (payment app, providing financial APIs to all other components); KIOSK (deposit, cash and E-wallet management). All products, services and custom hardware are available now from GRBX. GRBX is based in California with offices in Seattle, WA; Las Vegas, NV; Vancouver, BC, Canada; and HQ in San Diego, CA. For more information, visit the company's website at https://www.greenboxpos.com/ About Sigue Corporation: Since 1996, the Sigue Corporation family of companies has been dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of money transfer services. Pioneering the concept of the "red phone" model for origination of transactions from independent retail locations, Sique has since grown into one of the top five Money Transfer Businesses having served millions of people worldwide. In the US, Sigue holds licenses and operates in 50 states and jurisdictions while continuing its focus on expanding its global footprint. For more information, visit the company's websites at https://international.sigue.com/ and https://sigue.com/. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This release contains 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Public Relations and Media Contact: GreenBox POS, LLC www.GreenBoxPOS.com Office: 619-930-5500 Info@GreenBoxPOS.com SOURCE: GreenBox POS, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529286/GreenBox-POS-Announces-Joint-Venture-with-Sigue-Corporation CALGARY, ALBERTA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Uptick Newswire features, Marksmen Energy Inc. (OTCQB: MKSEF ; TSXV: MAH) (The Company), an emerging energy company with an initial focus on exploring and developing light oil assets in Ohio, on their Stock Day Podcast. Archie Nesbitt, CEO and Director talked with host Everett Jolly about their efforts. Jolly started off by welcoming Nesbitt back to Stock Day and mentioned it had been quite a while. Nesbitt explained the company has seen a few delays, but with the expertise now put in place they are about to turn a corner. "We are looking forward to an exciting rebound by the end of the year," explained Nesbitt. Jolly then asked Nesbitt about their new pioneering horizontal well. Nesbitt said they are drilling in a formation that has had no previous horizontal drilling setup. "It's the most prolific producer of beautiful, light Pennsylvania crude, 42 API oil in the state of Ohio," he said. "It's a tremendous reserve where the 50-70 thousand old vertical wells got 3-5 percent of the oil. This was picked up by two of the significant oil companies and they started working on this a couple of years ago when we did and we are the only publicly traded company. The consensus of opinion is a horizontal well will produce 12 to 15 times the amount of oil a vertical well would produce." Nesbitt says they have everything in place, with these experimental wells, to tap an extensive oil reserve. He says it's a spectacular opportunity and they will launch their drilling program in about 8 weeks. Jolly then turned the conversation to private placement, saying that Marksmen has raised anywhere from $280,000 to $375,000. He asked what will be done with the money. Nesbitt explained the current drilling project has had extra expenditures and although they are cash flow positive, they elected to go to market and play to the over expenditures and had an oversubscribed private placement. "The company is cash flow positive, but we want to keep it strong and we want to be able to pay our bills as they come due and not out of our future cash flow," said Nesbitt. Jolly mentioned that December is approaching and wondered if the Marksmen team is concerned about drilling this time of year. "No, we are ready to launch this," said Nesbitt. "In this game, you work 24/7, holidays and time off, you take that when you can grab it, but we are ready to launch this. We bring this well on production next month. We expect to have information on the well within 10 days." Nesbitt said he wants the investors to know that his company has the best American engineering and geology team in Ohio that's in this program. "It represents a fabulous investment opportunity for investors in a junior company that's going to build itself very quickly into a significant oil and gas producer," he said. To hear the entire interview with Stock Day, listen here. https://upticknewswire.com/featured-interview-ceo-archie-nesbitt-of-marksmen-energy-inc-otcqb-mksef-3/ About Marksmen Energy Inc. Marksmen is an emerging energy company with an initial focus on exploring and developing light oil assets in Ohio. We are bringing modern exploration technology to under-explored areas which have had significant historic oil production and which have not seen any concentrated industry activity for decades. Marksmen's management team has extensive experience in the profitable development of old oil fields in Ohio and the identification of previously overlooked resource opportunities. Marksmen Energy plans to be an industry leader in Ohio. For additional information regarding this news release please contact Archie Nesbitt, Director and CEO of the Company at (403) 265-7270 or e-mail ajnesbitt@marksmenenergy.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 news release. This news release, or the documents referenced may contain certain forward-looking information including without limitation the Company's drilling and operational plans and the timing thereof. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Marksmen's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Marksmen does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. About Uptick Newswire and the "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Uptick Newswire is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Uptick provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. Uptick is the sole producer of its "Stock Day" Podcast, which is the number one radio show of its kind in America. The Uptick Network "Stock Day" Podcast is an extension of Uptick Newswire, which recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona. Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Uptick Newswire encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ SOURCE: Uptick Newswire 602-441-3474 https://upticknewswire.com/ SOURCE: Uptick Newswire View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529344/Uptick-Newswires-Stock-Day-Podcast-Features-Marksmen-Energy-Incs-CEO-to-Discuss-Their-Pioneering-Ohio-Project-Featuring-a-Horizontal-Well-Setup TALLAHASSEE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) released its annual Merit Shop Scorecard today, ranking Florida the number one business environment in the nation for merit shop construction contractors. The ranking rates states on policies and programs that encourage open competition, workforce education and job growth, as well as the propensity to award construction contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. The state came up eight positions from 2017. 'Florida's executive branch and legislature have built a robust economic and business environment that allows merit shop construction contractors to thrive,' said George Cuesta, president, ABC of Florida, which has 2,500 active members. Florida's leadership is based on its 'A' rankings for all of the major categories (listed below): Project Labor Agreements Prevailing Wage Right to Work Public-Private Partnerships Workforce Development Incentives Career & Technical Education Job Growth Rate 'By prioritizing policies that support small business owners, the American worker and the overall construction sector, the state is spurring economic growth across the state, which directly leads to more construction projects and jobs for our residents,' said Peter Dyga, president of ABC's Florida East Coast Chapter. ABC's 2017 Florida legislative success contributed! Contributing to Florida's successful Scorecard Rankings were House Bills 599 and 377 signed into law by Governor Scott in 2017 that ABC helped pass. House Bill 599, Public Works Projects, which promotes a more open, honest and competitive bid process for public construction projects where state dollars represent 50 percent or more of the funding. Prior to this bill, local governments could establish arbitrary pre-bid mandates on contractors telling them who they must hire, where they must train and what benefit packages they must offer if they want to bid a job with that entity. House Bill 377, Limitations on Actions other than for the Recovery of Real Property, helps to clarify when and how Florida's 10-year Statute of Repose begins to run on a completed project. House Bill 377 created a legislative definition for "completion of the contract,' which acknowledges that there are two parties to a deal - the owner and the contractor - and that both have a say in when the 10-year period may begin to run. The bill gave ABC's 2,500 members and the entire construction industry more clarity as it relates to when their liability period for their work begins and ends. ABC's 2019 Florida Legislative Agenda supports streamlining and clarifying regulation of the construction industry ABC's Florida bills will support the following reforms: Permit Fee Transparency - an effort to clarify when, how and why Building Departments establish their permit and inspection fee process - the factors that go into the fee setting and what it means for owners and tax payers. Apprenticeship Regulatory Reform - as Florida continues to suffer from the wort skilled worker shortage in recent history, it's imperative that we ensure the process to access Apprenticeship Training is as clear and unobstructed as possible. Florida invests millions in workforce development and Apprenticeship Training and we think improvements to how they fund this training, to add transparency, and increase numbers trained is critical. Retainage - Public construction carries with it layers of protection on behalf of taxpayers. Retainage offers the opportunity to hold back complete payment as an assurance of quality work and the best product for the taxpayers. However, the rate of retainage is higher than many other states and it's time we take a look at how we compare nationwide. Owner Direct Purchase Process - Public entities are spending more than necessary on public works projects because they aren't taking full advantage of tax exemptions available to them, and in turn, to taxpayers who fund this work. By streamlining the process by which these exemptions can be accessed, we can increase the likelihood that public entities will take full advantage of these opportunities. Building America: The Merit Shop Scorecard rates state laws, programs, policies and statistics to highlight those that have created the conditions for growth and identify areas where strategic improvements are needed. Criteria and definitions are available at https://meritshopscorecard.org and https://statescorecard.wpengine.com/state/florida/. About Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter (ABC FEC) ABC is the largest commercial construction association in Florida. The East Coast Chapter represents General and Specialty Contractors, associate and supplier members from Key West to Brevard County who share ABC's belief in open and competitive processes, in the importance of industry education, training and safety services, and in the role the association plays in these areas. For more information, call: 954-984-0075 or visit: http://www.abceastflorida.com/ CONTACT: Don Silver and Jasmin Curtiss of Boardroom Communications, Inc. at (954) 370-8999 or donsil@boardroompr.com / jcurtiss@boardroompr.com, both for Associated Builders & Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter. SOURCE: Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529293/Florida-Number-One-State-in-Construction-Business-Climate-Based-on-Associated-Builders-Contractors-National-Merit-Shop-Scorecard-Analysis TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / ZTEST ELECTRONICS INC., (CSE: ZTE) is pleased to announce that Conversance Inc. ("Conversance") a private Waterloo based company, in which ZTEST holds a 25.29% interest, recently attended the FreightWaves18 conference in Dallas, Texas, where discussions were held with parties very interested in how blockchain might profitably aid their business operations. FreightWaves is the leading go-to source for information about the freight markets and is cited as original material by many of the largest news sites in the world, including Bloomberg, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, NY Times, CNBC, TechCrunch, Wired, Forbes, and Fortune. Freight markets are under attack from digitization, volatility, regulations, and cyclical and secular trends. Market participants need near-real time analytics and commentary about the overall market. FreightWaves is a data and content forum that provides market participants with near-real time analytics on the state of the freight market and tools that provide actionable outcomes. Many people believe that data has replaced oil as the world's most significant resource. In today's information-driven world, where everything can be recorded and communicated digitally, instantly and for free, data could lead corporations to extremely valuable, actionable insights. However, this presumes that the data that has been recorded and communicated, is mostly or completely correct, usable, findable and controllable. Most current Blockchain offerings have foundational challenges and limitations, including transaction speed, block size and security. Conversance's proprietary distributed ledger platform, Chronicle, can overcome these limitations. Chronicle, has been designed from the ground up, as a platform over which data can be trusted, monetized and transacted at scale. Joseph Chen, CEO of Conversance Inc. reports that, "Conversance has entered into discussions with several large corporations, for building proofs of concept on the Chronicle platform, to address their diverse range of data implementation needs. These Proofs of Concept shall provide revenue opportunities for Conversance, and these pilot projects are scheduled to commence in 2019." About ZTEST Electronics Inc. ZTEST Electronics Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Permatech Electronics Corp. ("Permatech"), offers Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) to a wide range of customers. Permatech's offering includes Materials Management, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assembly, Testing and Design services. Permatech operates from a 20,000 square foot, ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in North York, Ontario, Canada. The company serves customers in the Medical, Power, Computer, Telecommunications, Wireless, Industrial and Consumer Electronics markets requiring high quality, quick-turnaround, small and medium size production runs. ZTEST also holds a 25.29% equity interest in Conversance Inc. ("Conversance"). About Conversance Inc. Conversance, a private company based in Waterloo, Ont., founded by Joseph Chen, is focused on developing and marketing proprietary artificial-intelligence supported distributed ledger technologies. Mr. Chen is an electrical engineer with a strong background in radio frequency, digital signal processing, VLSI (very-large-scale integration), complex systems, chemistry and physics. Mr. Chen joined Research in Motion (now BlackBerry) in 1999, becoming a senior member of the office of the chief technology officer, where he was instrumental in many of Blackberry's key telephony innovations and patents. While at BlackBerry, the office of the CTO first began looking into blockchain in 2008. For more information contact: Steve Smith, CEO email: info@ztest.com This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words 'believes', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'estimates', 'intends', 'plans' or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: ZTEST ELECTRONICS INC. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529367/ZTEST-Provides-Update-on-Conversances-Chronicle-Commerce-Platform FORT WORTH, Texas, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Oil and Gas LLC (Oracle Oil and Gas) a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Energy Corp. ("Oracle") (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) advises the status of the previously announced process for acquiring Eagleford assets. Oracle's news release dated November 13 advised that the required Oct 31 payment of USD $250,000 towards acquisition of the HBP Assets was not completed. Oracle further advises that the required November 21 payment of USD $200,000 towards acquisition of the mineral rights was also not completed. Oracle is continuing discussions with potential investors regarding funding for acquisition of Eagleford assets. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Darrell McKenna; Chairman and CEO About Oracle Energy Corp. Oracle Energy Corp. (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) is an oil and gas development company focused on acquiring development assets in North America and with a current focus in the Texas Eagle Ford. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. http://www.oracleenergy.com For further information, please contact: Darrell L McKenna Chairman & CEO Mobile: +1-832-212-1930 dmckenna@oracleenergy.com Nasim Tyab Founder & Capital Markets Strategist Mobile: +1-778-373-6911 nasim@oracleenergy.com Leading VPN provider furthers its mission to provide access to a free and open internet by securing an independent audit to verify the privacy of customer data Golden Frog, a globally renowned virtual private network service, is announcing that their popular VyprVPN product is now an independently audited No Log VPN. Golden Frog enjoys a distinguished history as an advocate for privacy rights and standing up against internet censorship. When Golden Frog first launched VyprVPN in 2008, the company practiced logging a minimal amount of VPN service data aimed at improving customer experiences through speed, performance, reliability and troubleshooting. "As our service has matured over the last decade, we have become more experienced with running a global VPN network and the necessity for minimal logging has diminished," said Sunday Yokubaitis, CEO of Golden Frog. "We have found better ways to improve performance and defeat fraudsters without needing a user's connection information." Upon implementing the No Log policy, Golden Frog engaged Leviathan Security, a leading security firm, to independently audit the VyprVPN servers. "As a company, we have been very critical of VPN providers who advertise an anonymous, No Log VPN service but were later revealed to log customer data," said Yokubaitis. "They use 'bait and switch' advertising tactics and have rightfully eroded trust in VPN providers. When we decided to move to a No Log VPN this past summer, we wanted to do something more to create trust than just updating our website and privacy policy with No Log language. We made the decision to hire a respected, independent auditor to validate that when we say 'No Log' users can trust that our technology faithfully represents our privacy policy." The complete audit by Leviathan Security found: "VyprVPN produces no identifying logs without the user's consent." "The project revealed a limited number of issues that VyprVPN subsequently fixed." "Golden Frog can provide VyprVPN users with the assurance the company is not logging their VPN activity." "From the start, Golden Frog was a pleasure to work with," said Frank Heidt, CEO of Leviathan Security. "Their professionalism and clear vision of what a truly log-free platform looks like provided our engineering team with a fantastic project environment to execute in. Our team had unrestricted access to source code, configuration and production environments. It was clear to the entire Leviathan team that Golden Frog is absolutely committed to providing a safe and private experience to their users." Golden Frog assures its customers that the change in its logging policy will not affect the user experience nor the quality of the existing service. VyprVPN can now be used to circumvent censorship blocks put in place by governments to access social media accounts and disseminate information freely, with users confident that absolutely none of their activity is being logged. No Log is publicly available for core VyprVPN apps with the exception of iOS, which will be released shortly. "With this move, we have reinforced our core mission," said Yokubaitis. "We not only want to remain the technology leader in the VPN space, we want to set the highest standard for how to handle customer data. We want this to serve as a call to action for other VPN companies to be transparent and accountable to their users." About Golden Frog Golden Frog develops software and services that provide reliability, performance and security. The company has prided itself for a dedication to inventing and perfecting tools that offer a fuller, richer online experience. Golden Frog first came to be after the discovery of Room 641a, an infamous room in San Francisco where the NSA was coordinating with AT&T to surveil users on AT&T's network. Golden Frog's founders filed papers with the FCC to bring this alarming activity to the attention of authorities but were ultimately ignored. In response to government indifference, Golden Frog was founded with a clear mission to provide people with better privacy, security and internet freedom. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005102/en/ Contacts: Company Contact: Elizabeth Kintzele liz@goldenfrog.com Media Contact: Calin Gunn 802.779.7040 calin@bluetext.com Monica McEwen and Toni Adams join ThoughtSpot to target new markets and expand ThoughtSpot's ecosystem of partners as the company expands around the globe ThoughtSpot, the leader in search and AI-driven analytics for the enterprise, today announced two new members have joined the company's executive team to support the company's massive global growth. New Executives Join ThoughtSpot Monica McEwen , VP of Public Sector will help bring search AI-driven analytics to customers across the public sector, including federal, state, and local governments, agencies, and other government bodies. She has more than 20 years experience, including recently serving as VP, Federal at OmniSci and VP, Federal at Qlik. will help bring search AI-driven analytics to customers across the public sector, including federal, state, and local governments, agencies, and other government bodies. She has more than 20 years experience, including recently serving as VP, Federal at OmniSci and VP, Federal at Qlik. Toni Adams, VP of Global Channels and Alliances will scale ThoughtSpot's partner ecosystem and build new relationships with innovative companies, systems integrators, channel partners, VARs, and resellers. Leadership Reacts "With the proliferation of AI and cloud technologies, the world has fundamentally changed. Organizations in every vertical and every industry need technology partners who can not only keep up with this rapidly changing world, but anticipate their future needs, leverage the best of the ecosystem, and work collaboratively to maximize the value of their investments," said Brian McCarthy, ThoughtSpot SVP of Worldwide Sales. "Monica and Toni are two leaders with a proven track record of helping organizations leverage disruptive technology for competitive advantage, and I couldn't be more excited to have them along for this journey." "I've spent my entire career helping the government improve mission effectiveness through new technology," said Monica McEwen. "The government seeks innovative technologies that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, deploy easily, and don't require extensive training by frontline decision makers. As soon as I saw how easy ThoughtSpot's AI technology made it for anyone to answer data questions quickly, I knew it was a solution that could have a profound impact and drive actionable intelligence across the government, whether it be to support improved citizen engagement or help Federal programs optimize their mission effectiveness." "For years, enterprises have looked to technology to unlock the value of their data, yet no technology vendor has been able to bring insights to the broader organization," said Toni Adams, VP of Global Channels and Alliances. "ThoughtSpot's search and AI approach to analytics rewrites this equation, making it possible for anyone to answer data questions in seconds. The opportunities for partners, from further enhancing ThoughtSpot's value through technology like our partnership with DataRobot, to providing strategic advisory and implementation services, are endless. I'm thrilled to be part of building a community of world class partners excited to disrupt the status quo in analytics." Executives Join During Significant Global Growth McEwen and Adams join ThoughtSpot as the company experiences rapid growth, expansions into new markets and geographies, and marked expansion of the company's global presence. The company's momentum over the last six months includes: Growing Executive Team: Sudheesh Nair, former Nutanix president, joined ThoughtSpot as CEO in July, with Brian McCarthy and David Freeman joining as SVP of Worldwide Sales and SVP of Business Operations, respectively, in October Sudheesh Nair, former Nutanix president, joined ThoughtSpot as CEO in July, with Brian McCarthy and David Freeman joining as SVP of Worldwide Sales and SVP of Business Operations, respectively, in October First User Conference : Beyond 2018, ThoughtSpot's inaugural industry conference, was held in Washington DC in November 2018, and featured the launch of SearchIQ, ThoughtSpot's voice-driven analytics, and new partnerships with Google and DataRobot : Beyond 2018, ThoughtSpot's inaugural industry conference, was held in Washington DC in November 2018, and featured the launch of SearchIQ, ThoughtSpot's voice-driven analytics, and new partnerships with Google and DataRobot Substantial Funding: announced $145M Series D in new funding in May, with total funding growing to over $300M announced $145M Series D in new funding in May, with total funding growing to over $300M Prestigious Market Recognition: World Economic Forum named ThoughtSpot a Technology Pioneer and Forbes named ThoughtSpot one of the 100 most important cloud companies in the world About ThoughtSpot ThoughtSpot, the leader in search AI-driven analytics for the enterprise, is helping the largest companies in the world succeed in the digital era by putting the power of a thousand analysts in every business person's hands. With ThoughtSpot's next-generation analytics platform, business people can use Google-like search to easily analyze complex, large-scale enterprise data and get trusted insights to questions they didn't know to ask, automatically all with a single click. ThoughtSpot connects with any on-premise, cloud, big data, or desktop data source, deploying 85 percent faster than legacy technologies. Customers like Amway, Bed Bath and Beyond, BT, Celebrity Cruises, Chevron Federal Credit Union, De Beers, PetCo and Scotiabank have put ThoughtSpot at the core of their business processes. With ThoughtSpot, business leaders and frontline workers alike have made more than 3 million data informed decisions per year. ThoughtSpot was co-founded in 2012 by Ajeet Singh, co-founder and former Chief Product Officer at Nutanix, the largest tech IPO of 2016, and is currently led by CEO Sudheesh Nair. With a founding team coming from Google and Amazon, ThoughtSpot has raised over $300M in funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Geodesic Capital, and Capital One Growth Ventures. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, with offices in Dallas, Seattle, London, and Bangalore. For more information please visit www.thoughtspot.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005162/en/ Contacts: Ryan Mattison Head of Content Communications, ThoughtSpot ryan.mattison@thoughtspot.com NEW YORK, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- uPA-SCID Mice Model Segment Expected to Hold High Revenue Share in the Global Humanized Liver Mice Model Market A large number of humanized liver mice models are available, including uPA-SCID mice, FRG KO mice, and TK-NOG mice, among others. Factors such as increasing incidence of liver cirrhosis, technological advancement and development of new humanized liver mice models, increase in number of FDA approvals for liver-based disease treatment dugs have increased the number of research and development activities, which require these models. However, the high cost of mice models as well as high shipping cost, and availability of alternatives are factors expected to hinder the growth of the humanized liver mice model market during the forecast period. Furthermore, regulatory challenges including patenting of mice and other ethical issues including the use of 3Rs policy are also expected to restrain the growth of the humanized liver mice model market. The global humanized liver mice model market is projected to account for over US$ 22.8 Mn in terms of value by 2026 end, according to a latest research by PMR. The report on the global humanized liver mice model market further projects significant growth potential with average year-on-year growth rate of 4.6% through 2026. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661339/Persistence_Market_Research.jpg ) Albumin enhancer/promoter-driven urokinase-type plasminogen and activator/severe combined immunedeficient mice are known as the uPA-SCID mice. These mice suffer from a transgene-induced liver disease, and are transplanted with primary human hepatocytes immediately after birth. These mice were one of the first humanized liver mice model developed with high chimerism and are the most common type of humanized liver mice models available. The TK-NOG mice are designed to express a Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Thymidine Kinase (HSVtk) transgene that is primarily driven by the albumin enhancer/promoter in the liver of the mice. This induces liver-specific injury when treated with gancyclovir. Human liver cells are then introduced into the liver of the mouse to replace the liver cells that are destroyed. The other type of humanized liver mice model that is gaining popularity is the FRG KO mice. The FRG KO mice are developed by knocking out three genes including Fah-/-; Rag2-/-; and Il2rg-/-. These mice overcome some of the drawbacks of the uPA-SCID mice such a low breeding capacity and genotype reversion. These mice have a slightly better breeding capacity and cannot undergo genotype reversion allowing the human hepatocytes to be serially transplanted into other mice. These humanized liver mice models also show high chimerism like the uPA-SCID mice. Request Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/25417 PMR has segmented the global humanized liver mice model market based on model, application, end user and region. The humanized liver mice model by model is further sub-segmented into uPA-SCID Mice, FRG KO Mice, TK-NOG Mice, and other models. Based on end users, the humanized liver mice model market is segmented into pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, CRO's and academic & research institutes. CRO's segment is expected to hold maximum share in the global humanized liver mice model market followed by academic &research institutes segment. Based on application, the humanized liver mice model market is segmented into pharmacokinetic studies, in-vivo liver toxicity testing, drug metabolism studies, and other applications. Humanized Liver Mice Model Market Research Report Overview @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/humanized-liver-mice-model-market.asp North America is expected to be the dominant regional market for humanized liver mice model. This is due to the support for research activities by the government as well as private sectors. Government funding and support for patenting genetically modified mice are other factors that support the growth of the humanized liver mice model market in North America. China is also expected to be a lucrative regional market for humanized liver mice model due to the changing regulations of the government to support the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries in the region. Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/25417 The report tracks some of the key companies operating in the humanized liver mice model market, including Yecuris Corporation, PhoenixBio Group, Beijing Vitalstar Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Hera BioLabs, Taconic Biosciences, Inc., University of Massachusetts Medical School, Oncodesign, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Jackson Laboratory. More from PMR's Life Sciences & Transformational Health Market Intelligence: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Market: segmented on the basis of drug class - PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4; On the basis of therapeutic application - Lung Cancer, Melanoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Urothelial Carcinoma, Blood cancer, Other Cancers; On the basis of the distribution channel - Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-market.asp Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Treatment Market: Segmented Based on drug type anti-retroviral therapy, antiviral/anti JCV and other symptomatic;Based on indication HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, multiple sclerosis and hematological malignancies;Based on distribution channel hospital pharmacies, drug stores and retail pharmacies:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/progressive-multifocal-leukoencephalopathy-treatment-market.asp Rna Based Therapeutics And Vaccines Market: segmented based on product type - RNA-based Therapeutics, RNA-based Vaccines (mRNA); On the basis of indication - Oncology, Immunology, Ophthalmology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Infectious Diseases, genetic diseases & others:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/rna-based-therapeutics-and-vaccines-market.asp Persistence Market Research Overview Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes. Contact Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com PMR Latest News: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/news Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - Contact Gold Corp. (TSXV: C) (the "Company" or "Contact Gold") is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2018. Contact Gold's extensive land holdings are on Nevada's prolific Carlin, Independence and Northern Nevada Rift gold trends which host numerous gold deposits and mines. Contact Gold's land position comprises approximately 212 km2 of target-rich mineral tenure hosting numerous known gold occurrences, ranging from early- to advanced-exploration and resource definition stage (the "Contact Gold Properties"). The Company's focus is on the Pony Creek gold project. Quarterly highlights and recent developments Closed the sale of the "Santa Renia" and "Golden Cloud" properties on November 27, 2018 generating approximately $635,000 in additional cash; enhancing the Company's working capital balance to advance our strategic plan and reduce land holding costs. Announced a new near-surface discovery of oxide gold at the 2 kilometre ("km") long "West Zone" at Pony Creek, approximately 1 km from the property's "Bowl Zone". Highlights of drill results include: 0.42 g/t Au over 33.53 metres oxide from 4.57 metres ("m") in discovery hole PC18-018; 0.33 g/t oxide Au over 92.97 metres from surface in hole PC18-51; 0.29 g/t oxide Au over 15.24 m from 10.67 m, and 0.24 g/t oxide Au over 7.62 m from 39.62 m, and 0.22 g/t oxide Au over 32.00 m from 64.01 m in hole PC18-23; 0.71 g/t oxide Au over 10.67 m from 19.81 m in hole PC18-022; 0.34 g/t oxide Au over 10.67 m from 10.67 m in hole PC18-21. Announced a new gold discovery at the Pony Creek property's "Pony Spur" target, located 2 kilometres NW of the Bowl Zone, and 1 kilometre west of the West Target. Highlights of drill results include: 0.19 g/t oxide Au over 27.43 m from 65.53 m in hole PC18-26; 0.21 g/t oxide Au over 19.81 m from 53.34 m in hole PC18-27. Continued to report high-grade and oxide drill results at Pony Creek's Bowl Zone, the majority of which are step-outs from the historical mineral resource estimate and confirm that the Bowl Zone is open for continued expansion. Highlights of most recent drill results from the Bowl Zone include: 2.42 g/t over 35.05 m from 266.7 m in hole PC18-33, including 3.15 g/t Au over 24.38 m from 274.32 m; 0.55 g/t oxide Au over 25.91 m from 105.16 m in hole PC18-034 0.39 g/t oxide Au over 35.05 m from 92.97 m in hole PC18-31 including 1.77 g/t oxide Au over 4.57 m from 99.06 m; Further defined large scale, high-priority Carlin-type gold drill targets for the 2019 program at Pony Creek, including the "Elliott Dome" target and the "Moleen" target, each located north of the Bowl Zone, and adjacent to the "Jasperoid Wash" discovery made by Gold Standard Ventures (" GSV "). "). Filed a base shelf prospectus (the "Shelf Prospectus") with securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, except Quebec in order to provide the Company with greater flexibility to raise capital over the 25-month period through which the Shelf Prospectus is valid. Outlook The Company will continue to focus on the Pony Creek property and expects to begin advancing its other South Carlin Trend properties (the "North Star" and "Dixie Flats" gold properties) in 2019. Results from the final drill holes completed in 2018 at Pony Creek will be released through the remainder of the year. Based upon drill results generated since August 2017, management believes Pony Creek has the potential to host multiple Carlin-type gold systems and if successful, could play an important role in the development of potential operations in the district. The Company expects to complete an initial mineral resource estimate at the Bowl Zone in 2019, and plans to grow the new discovery at the West Zone, expand the footprint at North Zone and follow-up on the Pony Spur, Moleen and Elliott Dome targets through 2019. Target generation efforts at the property continue to produce new large-scale drill targets featuring the same characteristics that define Carlin-type gold deposits in the district: strong gold values in rock and soil sampling, geophysical anomalies in CSAMT and gravity, and widespread hydrothermal alteration. The Company continues systematic target generation on the approximately 85% of Pony Creek that is outside the Bowl/North and West Zone areas that has never been drilled. With the prospectivity demonstrated to date at Pony Creek, and after having hit gold mineralization in 89 of 93 holes drilled since acquiring the property in June 2017 (with results from 3 drill holes pending as at the effective date of this MD&A), management has confidence that the property will continue to deliver. Although the 2019 budget has not been finalized, management anticipate allocating at least 75% of total expenditures to exploration and field activities (year-to-date 70%). Selected financial data Details of financial results as at and for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2018 are described in the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, as prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") (the "Interim Financial Statements"), and the MD&A for the corresponding periods; copies of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The following selected financial data is derived from the Interim Financial Statements. Unless otherwise stated, the information herein, and in the tables below, is presented in Canadian $000s, except per share data. Attributable to shareholders: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Loss for the period $ 3,180 $ 163 $ 7,258 $ 1,001 Other comprehensive loss(income) $ 696 $ 1,500 $ (1,205) $ 1,569 Loss and comprehensive loss $ 3,876 $ 1,663 $ 6,053 $ 2,569 Basic and diluted loss per share $ 0.06 $ 0.00 $ 0.14 $ 0.03 As at September 30, 2018 As at December 31, 2017 Cash $ 815,888 $ 6,176,258 Working capital $ 983,055 $ 6,239,022 Total assets $ 41,668,990 $ 45,424,278 Current liabilities $ 695,530 $ 524,212 Preferred shares $ 10,393,897 $ 9,466,747 Shareholders' deficit $ 30,479,566 $ 35,348,230 Losses attributable to shareholders for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2018 of $3.18 million and $7.26 million, respectively, include expenditures for (i) exploration and evaluation on the Contact Gold Properties ($1.94 million and $3.90 million for each of the three- and nine-month periods), (ii) professional, legal and advisory fees, administration & office expenditures, wages and salaries, and investor relations activities (in aggregate for the three- and six-month periods $0.64 million and $1.61 million), and (iii) non-cash stock-based compensation expense of ($0.27 million and $0.94 million for each of the three- and nine-month periods). The Company also recognized non-cash gains, offsetting operating activities through each of the periods. These gains include a fair value adjustment recognized on the embedded derivatives within the Company's Preferred Shares of $0.00 million and $0.59 million for each of the three- and nine-month periods. Losses for the comparative three- and nine-month periods reflect the professional, legal and advisory fees incurred in order to close the transactions that established Contact Gold, and administrative expenditures, wages and salaries, and investor relations activities (in aggregate, $0.49 million and $1.13 million, respectively), net of the fair value adjustment recognized on the embedded derivatives in the comparative periods. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, exploration and evaluation expenditures predominantly related to activity at the Pony Creek property, including the evaluation and review of data generated through 2017 and the ongoing 2018 drilling program. Approximately $3.41 million in expenditures had been incurred through September 30, 2018 for exploration at Pony Creek (through September 30, 2017: $1.82 million). Other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 was loss of $0.70 million, and gain of $1.20 million, respectively (three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2017: losses of $1.50 million and $1.57 million). Other comprehensive income/loss reflects predominantly the foreign currency impact arising on the post-acquisition carrying value of the Contact Gold Properties. Net cash operating outflows for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 of $2.66 million and $5.23 million, respectively, reflects primarily (i) ongoing activity and exploration at Pony Creek, (ii) investor relations and head office costs, and (iii) the settlement of balances due to service providers and vendors at prior period ends. The Company's has elected to capitalize mineral property acquisition costs, and expense exploration expenditures as incurred. Total assets at September 30, 2018 comprise primarily: exploration and evaluation assets of $39.77 million, including the "bump" of $35.01 million recorded on closing of the acquisition to acquire the Contact Gold Properties net of a $1.63 million foreign currency adjustment, and $0.82 million in cash. At December 31, 2017, total assets included primarily capitalized mineral property acquisition costs of $38.5 million, the carrying value of prepaid mineral property claims fees of $0.19 million, and $6.18 million in cash. Total liabilities at September 30, 2018 include the value of the Preferred Shares ($10.39 million), and accounts payable and accruals ($0.70 million). At December 31, 2017, the balance of total liabilities included the value of the Preferred Shares ($9.47 million), and accounts payable and accruals ($0.52 million). Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.59 million at September 30, 2018 (December 31, 2017: $2.79 million) reflects the aggregate foreign currency impact on the translation to Canadian dollars of the value of the Contact Gold Properties. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Vance Spalding, CPG, VP Exploration, Contact Gold, who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). All of the Contact Gold Properties are early stage exploration properties and do not contain any mineral resource estimates as defined by NI 43-101. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource estimate at any of Contact Gold Properties. Scientific and technical information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in a technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Pony Creek Project, Elko County, Nevada, USA" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Contact Gold, with an effective date of October 16, 2018, and dated October 22, 2018, as prepared by Vance Spalding, C.P.G; VP Exploration of Contact Gold, and can be viewed under Contact Gold's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and reference should be made to the full details of the Technical Report. Additional information about the Company is available at www.contactgold.com. For more information, please contact (604) 449-3361 for either: John Wenger, Chief Financial Officer wenger@contactgold.com John Glanville Director, Investor Relations glanville@contactgold.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to planned expenditures through the remainder of the year, and the anticipated exploration activities of the Company at Pony Creek, Dixie Flats and North Star. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Financiere Japia leads series A investment as MondoBrain focuses on Enterprise Augmented Intelligence (EAI), an explainable Artificial Intelligence, that unlocks and leverages Human and Collective Intelligence, empowering organizations and individuals to make optimal performance decisions with undisputed consensus and transparency. MondoBrain, today announced the closing of a $13.3 million Series A funding round led by Japia, a France-based Fund owned and managed by Jean- Paul Inchauspe. Finamar, one of Luc Dulayet's Company, strengthens the European part of the venture, and Noreen Harrington, a former Goldman Sachs executive, took the lead of a selection of private US investors, like Philipp Simotas and Steven Tye. The company will invest in expanding its sales and marketing international teams and in accelerating innovation in product development. "The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence legitimately generates anxiety and fears, however MondoBrain proposes a new approach where AI serves professionals and help them make better decisions and execute them will full collective consensus" said Augustin Huret, founder and CEO of MondoBrain and inventor of the technology. "Our solution provides Prescriptive Analytics that welcomes users' experience and intuitions, thus empowering them to always make the best possible decisions, with full traceability and transparency. In environments where complexity is growing exponentially, MondoBrain brings simplicity and facilitates team work and action." MondoBrain began selling in 2016 and already serves more than 50 enterprise customers. For most of them, MondoBrain brought contributions to mission critical processes that are measured in millions of US$. In 2018, BNP Paribas Personal Finance granted their Innovation Award to MondoBrain for the first use of AI in a fully compliant support to "New Ways of Working". MondoBrain also received recognition by Airbus Helicopters with their Quality Award to a team who brought an improvement to the quality of composite manufacturing. "We realized that the main goal of Mondobrain team was to give to Artificial Intelligence the most adequate and relevant role within human organizations, thanks to their capability to empower every single professional." Said Jean-Paul Inchauspe, head of Financiere Japia, "It allows everything to be done with and for the people involved". Luc Dulayet said "My investment in Mondobrain is not only financial. I want Mondobrain to be at the core of my tourism company and show how Augmented Intelligence can contribute to the success of businesses of any size and purpose, now." With her personal investment and presence at the Board of Directors, Noreen Harrington brings a unique Prospective of the US market to MondoBrain. She said that "AI can be a threat or an opportunity. With MondoBrain, it will be successful because it is designed to service people, enhance performance and productivity." About MondoBrain Based in the US, MondoBrain founded in 2014 by Augustin Huret is the first digital decision-making platform to marry human, artificial and collective intelligence in a simple interface dedicated to decision makers. With almost 30 employees and well-known customers (BNP Paribas, Airbus, Johnson&Johnson, Sanofi, Safran), MondoBrain's unique Artificial Intelligence algorithm provides intelligent and 100% traceable recommendations on business levers to optimize profit. Its success lies on the combination of artificial, human and collective intelligences thanks to an upgraded calculation power from exclusive algorithms. MondoBrain's solution for decision making enables an unrivalled performance monitoring in every public or private industries such as: banking, industries, space aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, asset management finances, supply chains, marketing, retail, R&D, risk, fraud, compliance There is no business that cannot be improved by MondoBrain in complex environment: MondoBrain is THE reference Artificial Intelligence solution which simplifies the decision-making process in an optimal way. Headquartered in Virginia USA, MondoBrain has offices in New York, Washington and Paris. www.mondobrain.com Noreen Harrington has been Trustee of Adelphi University since October 2008. Ms. Harrington served as a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, head of hedge funds and non-dollar sales in the Fixed Income Division on the global scale; co-head of Barclays Capital Fixed Income, and a member of its management committee. She is a founding member of 85Broads, the Goldman Sachs Alumni Women's Network, and 100 Women in Hedge Funds. She received various industry awards, including Titan of the Year 2003, Top Fifty Women in Finance (1997), Compliance Person of the Year 2003, and Truthsayer Award. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005460/en/ Contacts: Press contact MondoBrain Bruno Saint Cast Strategic Marketing bruno.saint-cast@mondobrain.com +33 6 34 68 34 76 Axel de Chavagnac A2C Conseil Communication axel.dechavagnac@adeuxc.fr +33 6 82 43 60 75 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had discussed the possibility of Ankara becoming an intermediary in the settlement of the crisis that followed the incident in the Kerch Strait with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "During our conversation with Mr Putin, we have discussed this issue from different angles, including whether we can take on a role of an intermediary in the light of what is currently happening between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea. We have discussed what can be done on this issue," Sputnik cited Erdogan as saying. The Turkish leader added he would continue discussing the Kerch Strait incident during his planned talks with Putin and Trump on the sidelines of the high-level forum in Buenos Aires, which is scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, the Kremlin said that Putin and Erdogan had discussed by phone the recent incident involving Russia and Ukraine. On the same day, the White House said that the Turkish president had held phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the naval incident in the Kerch Strait. Erdogan also discussed the situation with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko. CHICAGO, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Industrial Sensors Market by Sensor (Level Sensor, Image Sensor, Gas Sensor, Pressure Sensor, Position Sensor, Force Sensor, Flow Sensor, Temperature; and Humidity & Moisture Sensors), Type, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Industrial Sensors Market is expected to be valued at USD 16.0 billion in 2018 and is likely to reach USD 21.6 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 6.16% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by growing Industrial 4.0 and IIoT, surging wireless sensors market, and burgeoning demand for industrial robots. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Don't miss out on business opportunities in Industrial Sensors Market. Speak to Our Analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=108042398 Level sensor to hold largest share of industrial sensors market in 2018 Based on sensor, level sensor leads the industrial sensors market as major applications of level sensors, such as manufacturing and process industries, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace and defense manufacturing, occupy a huge share in the industrial sensors market. Also, average selling price of level sensors is highest when compared with other types of sensors covered in this report. Market for noncontact sensors to grow at higher CAGR during forecast period Noncontact industrial sensors is a faster growing segment of the industrial sensors market. Increasing penetration of remote sensing and wireless sensing attributes to the growth of noncontact sensors in the industrial sensors market. The wireless sensors market is increasing due to factors such as increasing penetration in industrial automation applications; growing adoption of wearables in industrial facilities; emerging concepts, such as smart factory; and increasing applications in pharmaceuticals and mining industries and petroleum refineries. Browse in-depth TOC on"Industrial Sensors Market" 67- Tables 34- Figures 126- Pages APAC expected to hold largest share of industrial sensors market in 2018 APAC is expected to hold the largest share of the industrial sensors market in 2018. China and Japan are the key countries contributing to the growth of the industrial sensors market in APAC. APAC is the largest market for industrial sensors because of the presence of China in this region. China's manufacturing output is the largest in the world. It is one of the major manufacturers of consumer electronics, automobiles, etc. Ask for PDF @https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=108042398 North America is expected to account for the second-largest share of the industrial sensors market throughout the forecast period. The US currently accounts for the largest share of the industrial sensors market in North America, followed by Canada and Mexico. A few major players operating in the industrial sensors market are Rockwell Automation (US), Honeywell (US), Amphenol Corporation (US), Texas Instruments (US), Panasonic (Japan), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), First Sensor (Germany), and Siemens (Germany). Please Explore Relevant Reports: Level Sensor Market by Technology (Contact ( Magnetostrictive, Vibratory Probe), and Noncontact (Ultrasonic, Optical)), Monitoring Type (Continuous Level Monitoring, and Point Level Monitoring), End-Use Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023 Image Sensor Market by Technology (CMOS, CCD), Processing Type (2D, and 3D), Spectrum (Visible, and Non- Visible), Array Type (Linear, and Area), Vertical (Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Industrial), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023 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: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/industrial-sensor-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com RIMINI, Italy, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A 2-Day Event Organized by the Italian Embassy in Cairo in Collaboration with Ecomondo The "Business Forum on water, energy, waste and mobility"will be held on Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd December at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Egyptian capital's Nile Plaza Italy and Egypt are even closer, thanks to their common interest in sustainable development and green technologies. This is confirmed by the "Business Forum on water, energy, waste and mobility", an event organized for Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd December by the Italian Embassy in Cairo in collaboration with Italian Exhibition Group's Ecomondo, the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Egypt and the ITA - Italian Trade Agency. Two days of b2b meetings that will make use of the expertise of Ecomondo, the leading circular and green economy expo in the Euro-Mediterranean area held every year at Rimini Expo Centre simultaneously with Key Energy, the platform for renewable energies (the next edition will be at the Rimini expo hub from 5th to 8thNovember 2019), both organized by Italian Exhibition Group . (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/723307/Italian_Exhibition_Group_Logo.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/723308/Ecomondo_Logo.jpg ) On inauguration day, the program of seminars and conferences will feature the participation of Giampaolo Cantini, Italian Ambassador in Egypt, Alessandra Astolfi, Ecomondo Group Brand Manager - Italian Exhibition Group, Mohamed Salah, CEO, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), Sergio Garribba,Councillor for Energy with Italy's Foreign Ministry and Rt. Hon.Amr Nasser, Minister for Industry in Egypt, as well as speeches by qualified experts in the sector, including Professor Fabio Fava of the Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering of the University of Bologna. At the event - which will be held at the Egyptian capital's Four Seasons Hotel - there will also be a delegation of qualified Italian companies from the green technology and renewable energy sectors. Focus on Italian Exhibition Group The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) is the Italian leader in the organization of trade expos organized and one of the main players in Europe in the expo and conference sector, with its venues in Rimini and Vicenza. The IEG Group stands out for the organization of events in five categories Food & Beverage; Jewellery & Fashion; Tourism, Hospitality and Lifestyle; Wellness and Leisure; Green & Technology. In recent years, IEG has launched an important process of foreign expansion, also by means of joint ventures inked with local players (e.g. in the United States, Arab Emirates and China). IEG ended the 2017 financial year with a total consolidated turnover of 130.7 million euros, an EBITDA of 23.2 million and a net consolidated profit of 9.2. In 2017, in its expo and conference venues in Rimini and Vicenza, IEG hosted an overall total of 50 expos and 206 conferences. http://www.iegexpo.it ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Findit, Inc. (OTC PINK: FDIT) a Nevada Corporation, offers insight into how Instagrammers are turning to Findit to gain more exposure and get more followers. As more and more people turn to social media to share the content they wish to be seen, Instagrammers are including Findit in their social media portfolio to get more engagement, exposure and followers on the content that they are sharing. Findit is a social media content management platform that is not a sign in site, so anyone can visit the site, share the content that they want to their own social media sites, and content on Findit is also crawled by outside search engines. This is an extremely important feature that many Instagram users are finding out the benefit of as they continue to post their latest content on Findit in addition to Instagram - their posts begin indexing in Google, Yahoo, and Bing. While Instagram does give you the option to set your content to "private" so only approved followers can see your posts, Instagram is still a sign in site that is closed off to search engines. This means that when you only post to Instagram, you are only reaching the audience that already knows who you are. Findit is not a sign in site, so posts created on Findit are crawled by outside search engines and can index organically. Check Out Some Of These Instagrammers That Are Utilizing The Findit Platform Lindsay Valentine and Chef Paul Gerard are two people who are passionate about food, especially good, wholesome food. Lindsay Valentine can be found on Findit at www.findit.com/the-wellness-valentine and Chef Paul Gerard at https://www.findit.com/chef-paul-gerard/RightNow. Lindsay Valentine is a Health Activist and Educator who believes in healing the body through food. Through her Findit and Instagram accounts, she shares plant based recipes as well as tips, tricks, and lifestyle ideas for living a healthy, balanced life. Many of her posts include the benefits of eating or drinking certain foods, how to make healthy versions of popular dishes from pies and pancakes to salads and pasta. She also shares her grocery hauls and what her meals typically look like. Chef Paul Gerard leads the pack at Antique Bar and Bakery, a restaurant located in Hoboken New Jersey that puts enticing twists on favorite foods and serves up food hot and fresh from a 1000 degree coal fired oven. The vibe is great and the food is even better and Chef Paul highlights house favorites in his Findit and Instagram posts as well as mixed drink specials and any live music or events that are happening at Antique bar and Bakery. Both Chef Paul Gerard and Lindsay Valentine have begun posting to Findit in addition to Instagram to reach a larger audience and start receiving the benefit of having content both on Instagram, where many of their current following base exists, but also on Findit, where people who have not yet heard of Lindsay or Paul Gerard have to ability to share their content and have outside search engines also index their posts. Yoga and Fitness enthusiasts have also taken to Findit to get more exposure on the content that they want seen and shared. Calvin Corzine, Regan Patterson, and Paul Tracey are all active on Instagram and also post to Findit to get more engagement on their social posts. Posts from Calvine Corzine can be seen at findit.com/calvmonster/RightNow, Regan Patterson at findit.com/reganpatterson, and Paul Tracey at findit.com/paultraceyfitness/RightNow. Calvin Corzine, who now has 38.9k followers on Instagram shares his passion for yoga as well as some of his travels around the world. Regan Patterson, who now has 21.7k followers on Instagram, shares her health and wellness journey, having lost 81 pounds so far. Her posts include weight-loss tips, before and after photos, inspiring messages, and many of her grocery hauls. Paul Tracey is a South Florida based personal trainer that offers one-on-one training, group training, and senior group fitness training. Posts include workout moves and ideas as well as clients participating in exercise routines. Paul Tracey is currently at 438 followers on Instagram. Findit is a great tool that can be used to help you get more followers on the site. Because posts to Findit index organically in search engines and can be shared by other members or visitors on Findit, your social posts on Findit can be seen and shared to more places, thus leading more people back to your Instagram page that might have otherwise not found you. Findit is not just for Yoga and Fitness enthusiasts or foodies that have a passion for healthy great food. You too can be posting and sharing content on Findit in addition to whatever you are doing on Instagram to get the benefit of greater exposure online, more engagement on your content, and organic indexing in search engines. Clark St. Amant of Findit stated, "Findit really makes your time spent on social media worth it. A single post on Findit can be shared to over 80 other social sites, such as LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, Google+ and more and also is crawled and indexed by outside search engines. You could make the case that those who post to social media want their content to be seen and shared and that the more likes and comments a post gets, the better that post is. Why limit yourself to closed social sites? How is anyone suppose to find you if they don't know who you are or what you like to post about? You might as well be posting on a platform that helps further the reach of your content in addition to those that don't. Findit is free - and it's just a matter of time before people realize what they have been missing." Get started today by going to Findit.com and create your own site. Findit is free to join but does offer paid for services, of which we recommend reserving your unique Findit URL at $79 annually. A URL is a word or phrase that can be anything you want, but is generally your name, a product or service that you sell, or something you are passionate about. Calvin, Paul, Lindsay, and Regan all have their own Findit URLs that are unique and only exist once on Findit and are great for helping people find you on Findit. About Findit, Inc. Findit, Inc., (OTC Pinksheets FDIT) owns Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit offers News and Press Release Distribution. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increased brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTCPinksheets. Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date first set forth above, and Findit, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in international trade. Contact: Peter Tosto Phone 404-443-3224 SOURCE: Findit, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529378/Instagrammers-Are-Turning-To-Findit-To-Get-Additional-Exposure-and-More-Followers The drilling at the Tamarack South Project has shown that the magmatic layering of the FGO (Fine Grain Olivine) intrusive (original sulphide bearing peridotite) is consistent with the magmatic layering at the Tamarack North Project. Massive sulphide intersections proximal to the FGO footwall contact, similar to the Tamarack North Project, have been encountered in three of seven drill holes spaced 300 m and 200 m apart within the Neck Zone (see Figure 3). Five of seven holes within the Neck Zone have shown between 15.2 m and up to 520.8 m of trace to blebby sulphides within the FGO intrusive (see Figure 3). Only limited drilling (27 holes) has been completed over a 7,400 acre (30 km2) area comprising the Tamarack South Project. "With respect to the Tamarack South Project, the zone of entry of the FGO into the Bowl becomes highly prospective for sulphides that have settled out of the FGO magma as its rate of intrusion likely slowed on entering into the wider chamber. The Eastern Deeps ore body at Voisey's Bay occurs precisely along the zone within which a feeder dyke enters the upper chamber," said Dr. Anthony J. Naldrett[1], University Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto and author of the book Magmatic Sulphide Deposits, Geology, Geochemistry and Exploration. Road Town, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX:TLO) ("Talon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of the National Instrument 43-101 technical report (the "Technical Report") in respect to the Tamarack South Nickel-Copper-Cobalt (the "Tamarack South Project") located in Minnesota, USA. Tamarack South Technical Report Summary Located within Aitkin and Carlton Counties, Minnesota, USA (see Figure 1) the Tamarack South Project represents the southern part of the extensive Tamarack Intrusive Complex (the "TIC"), an ultramafic to mafic intrusive complex that hosts Ni-Cu sulphide mineralization with associated Co, Pt, Pd (PGEs) and Au (see Figure 2). The Tamarack South Project contains extensive portions of the TIC intrusion, however, to date, most of the exploration and activity has been focused and reported for the Tamarack North Project. The limited drilling that has been conducted has demonstrated the future potential at the Tamarack South Project. Figure 1: Location of Tamarack South Project (Talon, 2018) To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/41360_3c74ba2564833928_002full.jpg The geometry of the TIC, as outlined by a well-defined aeromagnetic anomaly, consists of a curved, elongated intrusion striking NS to SE over 18 km and is related to the early evolution of the approximately 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift (MCR). To date, exploration by Kennecott Exploration Company ("Kennecott") has included a wide range of geophysical surveys including: airborne magnetic and electromagnetic (EM-MEGATEM and AeroTEM), ground magnetic, surface EM and MT, IP, gravity, seismic, MALM and DHEM. Kennecott has conducted limited reconnaissance style drilling at the Tamarack South Project since 2002. This drilling is comprised of 27 diamond drill holes totalling 17,314 m with drill holes between 97.5 m and over 1,230 m depth. The Tamarack South Project has been divided into the Neck and Bowl Zones, reflecting analogous shapes of the intrusive geology (see Figure 2). The Tamarack South Project drill hole geochemical data indicates that the FGO intrusive is consistent with the mineral bearing FGO found within the Tamarack North Project. As well, the magmatic layering found in the Tamarack North Project appears to continue into the Tamarack South Project (see Figure 2). Limited exploration drilling in the Bowl portion of the intrusion has also confirmed the presence of Norite and Dunite layering. Figure 2: Geology of Tamarack Intrusive Complex (Tamarack South Project Portion) based on Geologic logs and 3d Inversion of Gravity and Mag data (Talon, 2018) To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/41360_3c74ba2564833928_003full.jpg Figure 3: Section looking North-East summarizing drill hole results in the Neck Zone. (modified from Talon Press Release dated Dec 13, 2016) To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/41360_3c74ba2564833928_004full.jpg Currently, at the Tamarack South Project there are two prospective exploration areas at: 1) The Neck Zone, which has demonstrated widespread, anomalous, low grade Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mineralization at depth and also provided three massive sulphide intersections within the lower FGO layers (see Figure 3) (See Annex A for drill intercept details). Evidently, a result of the winnowing out of droplets of dense sulphide liquid from an overlying flow of sulphide-bearing silicate magma, the conceptual analogous model would be typical of a Norilsk style deposit (i.e. Talnakh). 2) The drill results from the Neck Zone have also established that the FGO plunges to the south and potentially underlies the Bowl as a possible feeder (see Figure 2). This presents the potential for future exploration targeting based on Talon's current conceptual model proposed by Professor Naldrett (see Figure 4) and analogous to his previous work at Voisey's Bay (Eastern Deeps) (see Figure 5). Figure 4: Prospective Mineralization Zones in the FGO Neck - Bowl Geologic Model (Modified from Naldrett 2014) To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/41360_3c74ba2564833928_005full.jpg Figure 5: Schematic demonstrating Voisey's Bay Eastern Deeps Depositional Model (from Naldrett, 2004) To view an enhanced version Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/41360_3c74ba2564833928_006full.jpg Next Steps The Tamarack South Project, given its size and favourable geologic environment, has the potential for hosting Ni-Cu-Co massive sulphide deposit(s). Talon intends to further investigate these prospective areas using ground geophysics as a means of leveraging low cost high value targeting information prior to any drilling program. Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Qualified Persons The Tamarack South Project has a consistent QA/QC program of analysing duplicates of pulps, coarse rejects, and core, as well as the routine insertion of quality control reference standards and blanks. The Technical Report and the technical information contained in this press release was prepared by or under the supervision of Mr. James McDonald (B.Sc, P.Geo,) who is the Vice President, Resource Geology at Talon. Mr. McDonald is a "Qualified Person" pursuant to NI 43-101. Mr. McDonald has visited the site, reviewed the drilling, logging, and sampling and is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies The Technical report entitled "First Technical Report on the Tamarack South Project" will be available under the company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the company's website at www.talonmetals.com within 45 days of the publication date of this press release. Drill intersections have been individually selected by Talon. Drill composites have been calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company About Talon Talon is a TSX-listed company focused on the exploration and development of the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project in Minnesota, USA (which comprises the Tamarack North Project and the Tamarack South Project). The Company has a well-qualified exploration and mine management team with extensive experience in project management. For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact: Sean Werger President Talon Metals Corp. Tel: (416) 361-9636 x102 Email: werger@talonmetals.com [1] Dr. Anthony J. Naldrett is a Talon Metals Corp. Board Member Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the Tamarack South Project with respect to potential deposit types, similarities to the Tamarack North Project, analogies to other projects such as Norilsk (Talnakh) and Voisey's Bay (Eastern Deeps), the future exploration potential of the Tamarack South Project, including to potentially host Ni-Cu-Co sulphide deposits, the form and extent of any mineralization, targets, goals, objectives and plans, including plans for follow-up exploration work and the timing thereof at the Tamarack South Project. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, 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: failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the grade, quality and recovery of mineral resources varying from estimates, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with respect to the size, grade and recoverability) uncertainties relating to the financing needed to further explore and develop the properties. Any forward-looking statement 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 statement, 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 statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Annex 1 Table 1: Collar Locations for Drill Holes in Neck Zone HOLE ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Wedge depth (m) Azm Dip End Depth 15TK0218 492028.0 5164542.1 388.4 127.5 -86.2 1134.0 15TK0218A 492028.0 5164542.1 388.4 495.0 184.7 -78.0 1195.7 15TK0218B 492028.0 5164542.1 388.4 705.0 174.9 -75.6 959.5 15TK0218C 492028.0 5164542.1 388.4 800.0 172.0 -76.2 1230.5 16TK0236 491856.4 5164785.3 388.0 178.3 -83.7 1216.8 16TK0236A 491856.4 5164785.3 388.0 486.0 174.4 -75.6 1236.0 16TK0240 491614.0 5164531.0 388.0 40.0 -80.0 1080.0 Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83. Table 2: Assay Results for Drill Holes in Neck Zone Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 29, 2018) - iCo Therapeutics (TSXV: ICO) (OTCQB: ICOTF) ("iCo" or the "Company"), today reported financial results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Amounts, unless specified otherwise, are expressed in Canadian dollars and presented under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Stated Andrew Rae, President and CEO of iCo Therapeutics Inc., "This quarter was a period of significant achievement for iCo Therapeutics and its wholly-owned subsidiary, iCo Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd., with respect to its two clinical assets. Our Oral Amphotericin B (Oral Amp B) exhibited superiority in a Phase 1 study relative to our closest orally administered competition at lower doses and iCo-008 demonstrated proof of clinical relevance in a positive Phase 2 trial in bullous pemphigoid ("BP"). As a result of research and development (R&D) conducted in Australia during the previous fiscal year, iCo Australia Pty Ltd. also reported the receipt of $462,000 AUD in cash reimbursement." Summary of Third Quarter 2018 Results On July 16, 2018, iCo announced a positive secondary endpoint in its Phase I clinical study and advancement towards later stage clinical trials. It was noted that the distinguishing features of the Company's Oral Amp B candidate are enhanced plasma area under the concentration time curve, which is a measure of systemic drug exposure, and longer blood circulation time without the associated gastrointestinal effects or liver and kidney toxicity, versus the closest orally administered competition. On July 30, 2018, an iCo licensee received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency in support of its' request for orphan designation for iCo-008 in the treatment of BP. This was followed on August 20, 2018, by Orphan Drug Designation for the use of iCo-008 in BP from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. On September 11, 2018, an iCo licensee announced that the FDA had granted Fast Track designation to Bertilimumab for the treatment of BP. During the quarter, the Company's Australian subsidiary received its Australian tax credit of $462,000 AUD related to its research and development work in Australia. On August 14, 2018 iCo filed a short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf") with securities regulators in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Base Shelf allows iCo to offer, from time to time in one or more public offerings, up to $25,000,000 of common shares, preferred shares, debt securities, subscription receipts, units or warrants, or any combination thereof, during the 25-month period ending September 14, 2020. iCo filed the Base Shelf to provide the Company with financing flexibility going forward. iCo also continued to discuss potential partnerships with respect to the two clinical staged assets. Financial results for Second Quarter 2018 We incurred a total comprehensive loss of $418,544 for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to a total comprehensive loss of $308,989 for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, representing an increased loss of $109,565. The increase in the loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 is primarily the result of higher general and administrative expenses recognized during 2018 offset by higher other income. Research and development expenses were $144,773 for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to $115,679 for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, representing an increase of $29,094. The increase related to higher contract research expenses related to the completion of the Oral Amp B Phase 1a clinical study. The Phase 1 study was conducted in Australia, which provides refundable tax credits for qualifying research and development activities conducted there. The refundable tax credit is calculated at 43.5% of the qualifying expenditures and the Company recognized $36,544 in other income as its estimate of the tax refund related to qualifying expenditures for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. The Company received approximately $462,000 AUD during the quarter related to the refundable tax credit. With the completion of the Phase 1 study, the Company expects research and development expenses to decline until the next clinical study is initiated. The Company will require additional funding before it can begin its next clinical phase. For the quarter ended September 30, 2018 general and administrative expenses were $309,137 compared to $188,654 for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, representing an increase of $120,483. The increase reflects increased professional fees associated with filing an annual information return and a base shelf prospectus. Liquidity and Outstanding Share Capital As at September 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $144,044 compared to $1,127,934 as at December 31, 2017. As at November 29, 2018, the Company had an unlimited number of authorized common shares with 84,457,713 common shares issued and outstanding. For complete financial results, please see the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 which will be available under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About iCo Therapeutics Inc. iCo Therapeutics identifies existing development stage assets for use in underserved ocular and infectious diseases. Such assets may exhibit utility in non-ophthalmic conditions outside the Company's core focus areas and if so, the Company will seek to capture further value via partnerships, such as its partnership with Immune Pharmaceuticals, which is at Phase 2 stage, involving iCo-008. iCo shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ICO" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "ICOTF". For more information, visit the Company website at: www.icotherapeutics.com. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the content of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulatory Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on iCo's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to iCo and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments, including statements relating to reporting further data regarding the Phase 1 study for iCo-019, the timing of receipt of the statistical analysis for the Phase 1 data, the timing, receipt and amount of Australian refundable tax credits, any decrease in research and development expenditures and the completion of additional funding and commencement of additional clinical studies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to iCo and speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by iCo in its public securities filings and on its website, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. In evaluating forward-looking statements, readers should consider the risk factors set out herein and in the Company's Annual Information Form dated July 23, 2018, a copy of which is available under ICo's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and as otherwise disclosed in the Company's filings under its profile on SEDAR from time to time. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and iCo disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Andrew Rae, CEO 778-772-7775 rae@icotherapeutics.com The study found that close to 80 percent of the respondents said fear of losing their career, family reputation, social stigma, and scepticism could be some of the reasons for the victims not reporting the cases earlier Mumbai: In the wake of the #MeToo movement, almost 80 percent of men have become overly cautious in their interactions with women colleagues, according to a report. The study by market research and analysis company Velocity MR, which had over 2500 respondents across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai, noted that eight out of 10 people said that formal workplace interactions have been highly impacted as a result of the movement. It found that close to 80 percent of the respondents said fear of losing their career, family reputation, social stigma, and scepticism could be some of the reasons for the victims not reporting the cases earlier. Also, around 70 percent of the respondents agreed that even after reporting the cases, victims still face threats. The study further observed that close to 50 percent of the respondents disapproved of victims reporting the abuse later, while two in five males supported the victims saying they are right in reporting the abuse later. About seven in every 10 respondents said that encouraging the affected women to be independent can possibly help them speak up about the abuse. "Although the majority of cases coming up in #MeToo are from the media-bollywood industry, other industries are not considered safe by close to 77 percent of the respondents," it said. The survey also revealed that 83 percent of the respondents believe that there are cases of false allegations in the wake of #MeToo. "In spite of respondents feeling that there are false allegations, four out of five are hopeful that this would bring about a good change," it reiterated. By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Apple Inc's iPhone XR has been the company's best-selling iPhone model every day since it went on sale in mid-October, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday. By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Apple Inc's iPhone XR has been the company's best-selling iPhone model every day since it went on sale in mid-October, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday. The iPhone XR, which costs $749, was announced alongside two other models, the iPhone XS and XS Max, which start at $999. The XR brings many key features of those phones to a lower price point, and analysts widely viewed it as Apple's effort to bring facial recognition unlocking and its newest processing chip to a wider set of buyers. But a string of negative forecasts from smartphone suppliers in recent weeks has sparked concerns that the model might not be performing as Apple had hoped. Those reports, alongside investor anxiety over Apple's Nov. 1 disclosure it will no longer provide investors with iPhone unit sales data, have contributed to a more than 20 percent drop from Apple's peak share price in October. While Apple is still not giving absolute unit sales figures, the company does occasionally disclose to investors which models are selling the best out of its lineup, which currently includes older models such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of product marketing, told Reuters that the iPhone XR is currently Apple's "most mainstream product and our most popular iPhone." "Since the iPhone XR became available, it's been the best-selling iPhone each and every day that it's been on sale," Joswiak told Reuters. In addition to including many of the features from its higher-priced models, Apple also made the iPhone XR available in the broadest colour palette for iPhones since the iPhone 5C released in 2013. Apple is planning to promote the red version of the iPhone XR as part of Product Red, the charity effort that gives a portion of sales of red-coloured products to the Global Fund for programs to address HIV and AIDS. Apple offered the red iPhone XR at launch while in the past the company has offered a mid-spring upgrade of a red iPhone model to support the charity. Joswiak said the company has raised $200 million for the Global Fund so far. Apple plans to promote the red products during and after World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. There was hardly any instance, Subramanian criticised the demonetisation in such strong language at any point of time when he was the CEA. Former chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian is a bad student of his own lessons on the subject of speaking the mind and constructive criticism. In his new book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, published by Penguin, Subramanian says, "Demonetisation was a massive, draconian, monetary shock: In one fell swoop, 86 percent of the currency in circulation was withdrawn. The real GDP growth was affected by the demonetisation. Growth had been slowing even before, but after demonetisation, the slide accelerated. Subramanian was referring to the 8 November, 2016 scrapping of Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes. Fair point. But the question here is: If Subramanian thought that demonetisation was such a massive, draconian monetary shock, why did he keep mum when the plan was conceived and rolled out causing much pain to the informal sector, damaging small companies and killing rural demand? Why didnt Subramanian advise the government against the move while in office? In other words, if the CEA, of the demonetisation period, thought the decision was this much damaging for an already slowing economy, shouldnt he have made his dissent public at that point? There was hardly any instance, Subramanian criticised the demonetisation in such a strong language at any point of time when he was the CEA. But, of course, delivering speeches and practicing what you preach are two different things. But interestingly, Subramanian was among the few serving government officials at one point who preached hard about the need for officials speaking their mind on crucial matters. Lets revisit one of the previous speeches made by Subramanian to understand his thoughts better. The former CEA was delivering the VKRV Rao lecture in Bengaluru in May last year. The following is the gist of what he had said. Subramanian said that there was a problem when officials serving at critical positions in the government did not speak their mind on important issues and chose to be on the right side of power. My claim is that experts often hold back their objective assessment. Instead, they censor themselves, and in public fora are insufficiently critical and independent of officialdom whether the officials are in Mumbai or Delhi," Subramanian said, adding to the extent they offer criticism, it is watered down to the point of being unidentifiable as criticism. That was not all. Subramanian further said in the speech, So, before policy decisions are taken, the experts tend to express the views they think officials are likely to take. After policy actions, they try hard to endorse the decisions already taken. As a result, we in the government do not really benefit from their wisdom." The points made were interesting, no doubt. In a well-functioning democracy, it is critical for technocrats holding important positions in the government and other important institutions to speak their mind and criticise when required so that those opinions can help avoid progress of bad policy decisions. The ongoing stand-off between the government and the RBI top brass is an example. But, such dissents or criticism can prove to be more useful for the economy if top technocrats speak at the right time when they are in service, not after retirement. It is striking that one of the top economists in the Modi government didn't express his dissent on the note ban. The economy paid a big price for it. Cash-intensive industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) suffered the most as result. When cash significantly disappeared from the system for a good three to four months, supply chains took a major hit and labour force was cut down in many small firms. Things began improving when cash returned to the system, but many failed to survive. Reports emerged of several micro-units shutting shops which inevitably meant job losses and, in turn, demand slowdown. MUMBAI (Reuters) - India and China on Wednesday signed an agreement allowing Beijing to inspect imports of Indian fish meal and fish oil, as the two nations work out a broader trade deal following a thaw in relations this year. The decision was part of discussions between India's commerce ministry and a six-member Chinese delegation, led by Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China, Hu Wei, on easing market access for exports of various farm products, the ministry said in a statement. MUMBAI (Reuters) - India and China on Wednesday signed an agreement allowing Beijing to inspect imports of Indian fish meal and fish oil, as the two nations work out a broader trade deal following a thaw in relations this year. The decision was part of discussions between India's commerce ministry and a six-member Chinese delegation, led by Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China, Hu Wei, on easing market access for exports of various farm products, the ministry said in a statement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting this week, aiming to build on the thaw in ties after a military standoff on their disputed border last year, officials said. (Reporting by Abhirup Roy and Neha Dasgupta) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he plans to discuss the situation in Syria's Manbij with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. At the summit "we will determine the steps that we will take to eliminate the main risks to the world economy by evaluating the global economic outlook," Anadolu agency cited the Turkish leader as saying. "We will discuss Manbij issue with U.S. President Donald Trump in Argentina," Erdogan said at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport before departing for Argentine, where the two-day meeting will be held beginning on November 30. The US has alleged that India was providing substantial market price support for cotton well in excess of India's WTO spending limits New Delhi: India has rejected the US charge of subsidising cotton beyond the limits prescribed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), saying its market price support is intended to help the country's poor farmers, an official said. The US has alleged that India was providing substantial market price support for cotton well in excess of India's WTO spending limits. India's policies for supporting its cotton and sugar sectors were under the spotlight in a meeting of the WTO's Committee on Agriculture on 26-27 November. Australia too had raised the issue. "The support provided (by India) is intended to ensure that poor farmers do not resort to sales under distress and that procurement by government agencies only accounts for a very small part of total production (less than 2 percent)," a Geneva-based official said. India has been using a consistent reporting approach since 1995 and it uses a robust methodology as compared to the US in its calculation of the support. India's figures on total value of production are publicly available and they do not include it in WTO notifications because it is not required and other members also do not report this figure. "The method used by India is consistent with WTO rules," the official added. The US had alleged that India was substantially under-reporting the value of its minimum price support (MPS) for cotton. They had stated that in its 2015-16 notification to the WTO, India reported Rs 120 crore in MPS for cotton whereas the US estimated India's support at over Rs 50,400 crore. These actual support levels also mean that India is well in excess of its WTO spending limits on cotton support, which is fixed at 10 percent of the total value of overall production, the US had alleged. Similarly, India has also rejected Australia's claim that India's market price support for sugarcane is in excess of its WTO spending limits. "The entire Australian counter-notification is based on a fallacious approach...In fact, MPS for sugar does not qualify as domestic support as there is no procurement by the government," the official said. India has stated that the fair price announced is intended to prevent distressed sales of sugar by domestic farmers. India is a marginal player in the international market for sugar and accounts for less than 1 percent of global sugar exports. The country has made no contribution to the glut that is currently depressing prices, India has claimed. Australia in a communication to the WTO has alleged that India is the world's second largest sugar producer and fourth largest exporter and the dynamics in India's sugar market have significant implications for both prices and trade in the global market. They have alleged that India has provided support for sugarcane over a six-year period vastly in excess of its WTO spending limits. According to them, the support provided by India topped Rs 74,700 crore in the 2016-17 market year. Other countries that raised red flags over India's support to the sugarcane sector include Guatemala, Thailand, Paraguay, Brazil and European Union. In the meeting, questions were also raised regarding India's decision to increase import on milk powder from 30 percent to 40 percent. India has replied that the measure was based on domestic demand and supply and the new duty was within India's bound tariff limit (the maximum permitted tariff in India's WTO schedule of commitments). The EU said this was an example of India restricting trade by raising import duties. If the deal takes place, Etihad's holding in Jet Airways will increase up to 49 percent, the maximum permissible limit for a foreign company in the country. Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal may relinquish his controlling stake in the firm to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways as the cash-strapped airline seeks more fund infusion in a bid to overcome the mounting crisis, said media reports. The full-service carrier is partially-owned by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. If the deal takes place, Etihad's holding in Jet Airways will increase from the current 24 percent to 49 percent, the maximum permissible limit for a foreign company in the country. Goyal holds 51 percent stake in the beleagured airline, said a report in the Business Standard. In October, Goyal had approached Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani and chairman emeritus of Tata Group Ratan Tata to raise capital for his crisis-hit airline. In November, Tata Sons confirmed its interest in acquiring Jet Airways but said no concrete "proposal" had been made by the group so far. Media reports said that the Tatas were not keen to engage with the airline as long as founder Naresh Goyal was in the chairman's seat. "Over the last few days there has been growing speculation about Tata's interest in Jet Airways. We would like to clarify that any such discussions (to acquire Jet Airways) have been preliminary and no proposal has been made," Tata Sons had said in a statement. Amid the crisis, the airline continued with layoffs to cut the costs. Jet Airways had on Monday sacked 16 more employees after giving pink slips to 20 of staff in October as part of its cost cutting measures to help the debt-ladden airline afloat amid bids to look for potential investors. The 16 sacked employees were working as ground staff in Jet Airway's Kochi and Hyderabad offices, said sources. Before laying off off 20 employees, including some senior-level executives from the in-flight services department, last month, it reportedly had asked 15 managerial-level employees from various departments including engineering, security and sales, to leave the company. Earlier this month, two independent directors Ranjan Mathai and Vikram Singh Mehta had quit Jet Airways board. Earlier on Monday, Jet Airways had appointed Robin Kamark as the strategic partner Etihad Airways' nominee director on its board from 1 December. The appointment of Kamark, who would replace Harsh Mohan, comes at a time when the struggling Jet Airways is looking at ways to raise funds. He had spent 17 years at Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS Group). Shares of Jet Airways is currently trading at Rs 313, up 1.36 percent from previous close on the BSE. --With PTI inputs AIPDA rightly questions the wisdom of the new pumps when the governments avowed aim is to close all the petrol pumps by 2025 in the wake of its parallel and cognate decision to usher in alternate eco-friendly fuels completely. Barely 72 hours after the Centre announced it was allotting a whopping 55,649 new petrol pumps in the country, the apex body of petrol-diesel retailers plans to challenge the decision in court. A senior office-bearer of All India Petrol Dealers Association (AIPDA) said on Wednesday that what the government was proposing to do was contradictory. Presently, there are 56,000 petrol pumps of the state-owned oil-marketing companies -- Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum. In addition, private petrol pumps aggregate to 6,000, mainly belonging to the Reliance and Essar group. AIPDA rightly questions the wisdom of the new petrol pumps when the governments aim is to close all the petrol pumps by 2025 in the wake of its parallel and cognate decision to usher in alternate eco-friendly fuels. Hydrocarbon fuels indeed are the worst polluters along with coal-fired power producing plants. But the Indian governments resolve to do away completely with the hydrocarbon fuel is clearly Utopian given Indias resources. To nearly double the number of petrol pumps is irrational and counterproductive. AIPDA gives a noble spin to the whole issue by downplaying its main concern----many petrol pump owners incurring losses on the back of less than optimum offtake of 1,70,000 kilolitres per month from each petrol pumpand instead worrying about the ecology. But without questioning its motives, it must be conceded that the government is indeed running with the hare and hunting with the hound. The truth is like with ATMs, many of the petrol pumps are languishing for want of business. On busy highways and expressways, one can find a concentration of petrol pumps often 5 or 6 within a distance of half a kilometre of each other like 5 or 6 ATMs existing cheek-by-jowl in urban clusters. Unintelligent location of ATMs costs banks dearly in terms of lackadaisical withdrawal from them but the unintelligent location of petrol pumps spells more harm to their owners many of whom are war widows and ex-armed forces personnel who perforce remain in business what with OMCs being reluctant to return their lands. As of August 2018, there were 1, 07,914 onsite and 97,751 offsite ATMs in the country aggregating to a whopping 2,05,665 ATMs, a lions share of which is dominated by urban pockets. We need to dismantle both the urban ATMs as well as petrol pumps. Urban ATMs beckon cash guzzlers who otherwise would settle for swiping their cards (albeit reluctantly) as is the norm in the US where cards are seldom used for withdrawals. That should be one of the intrusive and aggressive ways of making India a cashless economy instead of encouraging digital payments. It is rural India that needs more ATMs as digital payments might take a long time there to take roots. The same intrusive, aggressive step would also wean fuel-guzzlers away from polluting and expensive fossil fuel, compelling them to use public transport as well as enter into carpooling arrangements with their friends and colleagues. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwals obsession---odd-even on alternate dayscan also be the norm if implemented without favour and numerous exemptions thrown in. We need more doctors judges per million of the population and fewer ATMs and petrol pumps. A beginning can be made by identifying the uneconomical and unviable ATMs and petrol bunks and closing them. (The writer is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan) Yes Bank said its board on 13 December will recommend names for a new chairman to be approved by the RBI as well as consider the appointment of independent directors. Yes Bank's outgoing Managing Director (MD) and Cheif Executive Officer (CEO) Rana Kapoor is reportedly eyeing the lender's non-executive chairman post following his step down from the current position on 31 January, a media report said. Citing a document, Mint reported that if "Kapoors appointment as a director on the banks board is approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and shareholders of Yes Bank, he will be either the non-executive chairman or managing director and chief executive or a non-executive director." On Wednesday, Yes Bank said its board on 13 December will recommend names for a new chairman to be approved by the RBI as well as consider the appointment of independent directors. The private sector lender, which is grappling with governance as well as NPA issues, has seen resignations of three independent directors, including Chairman Ashok Chawla. In a regulatory filing, the bank said its Nomination & Remuneration Committee (N&RC) of the board and the board of directors are scheduled to meet on 13 December. During the meetings, they would consider proposals for appointment of independent directors and also recommend name(s) of the new chairman for approval of the RBI, it added. Yes Bank also reiterated that it is on track to find a successor to Kapoor and said the resignations of the three board members will have no impact on the succession plan. Chairman Ashok Chawla, Vasant Gujarathi and Rentala Chandrashekhar have quit the bank on various reasons including on governance issues. On Tuesday, it was reported that the sparring promoters of Yes Bank are inching towards a truce, but there was no clarity over the exact status of the talks with one camp claiming it's at an advanced stage and the other being not on the same page. The Rana Kapoor camp says settlement talks are at an "advanced stage" with the draft consent terms under discussion which speaks of recognising both the groups as "equals", while the Madhu Kapur family maintaining that the "discussions are still on". Rana Kapoor and the entities linked to his family own 10.7 percent in the fifth largest private sector bank, while Madhu Kapur, the widow of the founder chairman and the victim of the 26/11 terror attack Ashok Kapur, owns 9.8 percent. With inputs from PTI By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Wednesday that he was examining all available tools to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the 40 percent duties that China is now charging on U.S.-produced vehicles. Lighthizer said in a statement criticizing China's "egregious" tariffs on U.S. autos that he was taking such action at the direction of President Donald Trump. The statement came just days before Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires in a showdown that could ease or worsen the trade war between the world's two largest economies. Automotive duties on both sides have been increased by tit-for-tat tariffs. The United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on Chinese vehicles on top of the 2.5 percent it normally charges. China had lowered tariffs for all other countries to 15 percent, but imposed an additional 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. vehicles. The Trump administration is seeking sweeping changes to China's state-driven economic policies, including new protections for U.S. intellectual property, an end to joint-venture requirements, more access for U.S. firms to China's vast market and cuts to China's industrial subsidies. "As the President has repeatedly noted, Chinas aggressive, State-directed industrial policies are causing severe harm to U.S. workers and manufacturers," Lighthizer said. "We are continuing to raise these issues with China. As of yet, China has not come to the table with proposals for meaningful reform." (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were 'being studied now,' asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the U.S. layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that new auto tariffs were "being studied now," asserting they could prevent job cuts such as the U.S. layoffs and plant closures that General Motors Co announced this week. Trump said on Twitter that the 25 percent tariff placed on imported pickup trucks and commercial vans from markets outside North America in the 1960s had long boosted U.S. vehicle production. "If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here," Trump said, "and G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, Michigan & Maryland." The United States currently has a 2.5 percent tariff on imported cars and sport utility vehicles from markets outside North America and South Korea. The new North American trade deal exempts the first 2.6 million SUVs and passenger cars built in Mexico and Canada from new tariffs. Several automakers said privately on Wednesday they feared GM's action could prompt Trump to take action faster than expected on new tariffs. GM did not directly comment on Trump's tweets, but reiterated that it was committed to investing in the United States. On Monday, the company said it would shutter five North American plants, stop building six low-selling passenger cars in North America and cut up to 15,000 jobs. The company has no plans to shift production of those vehicles to other markets. The administration has for months been considering imposing dramatic new tariffs on imported vehicles. The U.S. Commerce Department has circulated draft recommendations to the White House on its investigation into whether to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported cars and parts on national security grounds, Reuters reported earlier this month. "The President has great power on this issue - Because of the G.M. event, it is being studied now!" Trump said. The prospect of tariffs of 25 percent on imported autos and parts has sent shockwaves through the auto industry, with both U.S. and foreign-brand producers lobbying against it and warning that national security tariffs on EU and Japanese vehicles could dramatically raise the price of many vehicles. 'ALL AVAILABLE TOOLS' Trump has also harshly criticized GM for building cars in China. The United States slapped an additional 25 percent tariff on Chinese-made vehicles earlier this year, prompting China to retaliate. China currently imposes a 40 percent tariff on U.S. automobiles, while the United States has a 27.5 percent tariff on Chinese vehicles. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement on Wednesday that he "will examine all available tools to equalise the tariffs applied to automobiles." Additional tariffs on Chinese-made vehicle and parts would have a limited impact, said Kristin Dziczek, an economist at the Center for Automotive Research. She noted only a small number of vehicles were exported from China to the United States annually. The White House previously pledged not to move forward with imposing national security tariffs on the European Union or Japan as long as it was making constructive progress in trade talks. Trump wants the EU and Japan to buy more American-made vehicles. He wants the EU and Japan to make trade concessions including lowering the EUs 10 percent tariff on imported vehicles and cutting non-tariff barriers. The White House in recent weeks has reached out to the chief executives of German automakers including Daimler AG , BMW AG and Volkswagen AG about meeting to discuss the status of auto trade. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio and Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Varun Gandhi's new book A Rural Manifesto explores the idea of a village as a single standalone socio-economic unit. Parliament is not a congress of ambassadors from different and hostile interests, which interest each must maintain, as an agent and advocate, against other agents and advocates; but parliament is a deliberative assembly of one nation, with one interest, that of the whole; where, not local purposes, not local prejudices ought to guide, but the general good, resulting from the general reason of the whole. Edmund Burke, Speech to the Electors of Bristol, 1774. Feroze Varun Gandhi seems to have identified the need for lending apolitical academic depth to governance that the Irish statesman proposed centuries ago. As though far removed from the great Indian political battlefield where ideologies are clashing with dynasties over rhetoric and prosody, the 38-year-old is investing his energy in searching for solutions to problems widely known and still, quite inexplicably, unaddressed. One of them being the viability of being a marginal farmer in this country. In a chat with Firstpost, he spoke about his new book A Rural Manifesto that explores the idea of a village as a single standalone socio-economic unit. He writes that India has been besotted by the idea of villages being self-sufficient and self-regulating for centuries and goes on to question the lack of consideration given to the deep dependence on towns for specialised services like construction, transportation, healthcare, and education. Why does construction offer the only hope for rural youth, bereft as they are of any transferable skills in an urban context? The book, which is a result of two and a half years of research, makes a case for a national conversation on rural distress. On realising that donating his Member of Parliament salary to families of peasants who had committed suicide was only benefiting a handful of families, Gandhi began searching for nuance in the reasons that lead to the recurrence of suicides on a national scale. Then along with a friend, he created an economic model that looked at things like debt to asset ratio, cross loss, changing weather patterns, irrigation availability, and energy access. We took the help of the Uttar Pradesh administration to identify 200 to 400 people worst hit by agrarian distress. I gave a crore of my money and through crowdfunding in 26 districts, we raised nearly 30 crores, Gandhi explained that the interesting bit was acknowledging the recidivism in handing out large sums of money and engaging with the farmer in narrowing down the cause of debt and helping him find localised solutions instead; a realistic departure from the all-season electoral promise of loan waivers. We asked a farmer from Jaunpur (in Uttar Pradesh) why he was in debt, and he didnt know. We figured out that he is only farming paddy in Jaunpur where there is a water shortage and was spending on electricity to pump water. Had he farmed pulses, his input cost would have fallen by 50 percent, he told Firstpost. Gandhis criticism of loan waivers for having ruined the system of rural credit is evident when he writes that it provides a short-term palliative while breeding credit indiscipline among farmers and leads to a shortfall in rural credit growth. In tribute to Indias marginal farmer whose daily toil is as much an act of defiance as an article of faith, my new book, A Rural Manifesto releases today. It is a comprehensive overview, written over two and a half years, that I hope will sow the seeds of a rural policy rejig. pic.twitter.com/sAQRp1A2pl Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) November 28, 2018 The book, which the preface describes as a collection of facts, forecasts and personal anecdotes from Gandhis travels across India, makes it clear that farmer distress isnt monolithic. For instance, in Assams Majuli district, farmers are taking to eating beetles, as a way of beating back pests from their marginal farms, and in Maharashtra, onion farmers routinely see over 20 percent of their produce rot due to lack of cold storage facilities. He writes about how the farmer in India has to be skilled enough to take a variety of decisions, from choice of crops to the time of tillage in a country where even the altering of river courses turns agriculture into a high-risk process at the granular level. Gandhi believes that Indias historic strategy of raising productivity through high-yield varieties while seeking to keep input costs low through fertiliser subsidies and attempting to guarantee a minimum return through minimum support prices has outgrown its utility; a bluntly depoliticised take on existing farmer policies makes a case for a rejig. The book that draws lessons from sociology and development experts has a section on increasing cost of agriculture. This mentions that the historical fertiliser policy has incentivised excessive use of the Nitrogen-based fertiliser Urea at the cost of phosphorus and potassium-based fertilisers, adversely impacting soil quality. Going forward, Gandhis research has also highlighted pitfalls in the demand of taxing farm incomes, one of them being the difficulty in implementing an agricultural tax, especially that of evolving crop specific norms of return to the land while accommodating external shocks like drought, floods or pests because without provisions to exempt farmers from income tax during catastrophes, any land-based revenue system is unbalanced. Gandhi, who is Member of Parliament for Lok Sabha from the Sultanpur constituency, feels that occupational considerations of farmers dont become central to the political narrative because farmers vote on regional and community sentiments instead. Gandhi shared with Firstpost that in 2016, he had set out to write a book about the history of Indian peoples movements which he realised was at best a passion project and wont help anybody. The need for finding systemic solutions for the long-term led to A Rural Manifesto. We need a system where we work to identify situations at the ground level and then decide at the apex how to deal with it. The problem is when we decide whats wrong with people, being a million miles away from them, Gandhi described the need for policy decentralisation over the inertia of bureaucracy as the thread that binds the book. In his opinion, big-ticket government roll-out projects like Ayushman Bharat and Ujjwala Yojana are well thought out schemes with small missing links. The first scheme might end up promoting tertiarisation of healthcare and demands parallel nurturing of the existing infrastructure of community and primary healthcare centres. The other one relies entirely on crude oil, which often goes through price hikes; gobar gas plants that derive methane from cattle can prove to be a cheaper, localised solution free from the tyranny of distance. Gandhis research busts unsubstantiated claims that Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) involves digging trenches and then filling them up, without any usefulness. He cites a survey of 4,100 works created under MNREGA, which revealed that 87 percent of them were functional. The scope of MNREGA, he believes, can be increased. Aside from condensing his fieldwork into a reference book for policymakers who can be drawn from all parties, Gandhi, who writes for 17 regional and national newspapers, has also been doing his bit as a parliamentarian to increase accountability in the workings of the legislature. Last year, he introduced the Right to Recall bill in parliament. This private member's bill was a step to ensure that people, if not satisfied with their representatives, can get them removed. Earlier this year, he suggested that an external body decide the salary and allowances of MPs which, he claimed, were raised 400 times in the last six years. Seventy-two years after Nehrus discovery of India comes Gandhis slow and steady attempt at a rediscovery of India. The protests against Vedanta's Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin had been going on for years, but after they gained momentum in February, 13 people were killed in police firing and hundred were injured on 22 May. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday registered an FIR against the Tamil Nadu Police and revenue officials in the Tuticorin firing case during the protests in May against the Sterlite Copper Smelter. The protests against Vedanta's Sterlite Copper Smelter in Tuticorin had been going on for years, but they gained momentum in February. As many as 13 people were killed in the police firing and hundred were injured in the protests on 22 May that ensued over local residents demanding the closure of a copper plant of the Vedanta Group in Tuticorin also called Thoothukudi over pollution concerns. Soon after, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the permanent closure of the Sterlite plant. The CBI has charged police and revenue officials with criminal conspiracy, robbery, dacoity and criminal intimidation. The FIR also mentions the charges of a public servant disobeying law with intent to cause injury and framing incorrect document with intent to cause injury. They have been booked under sections 166, 167, 392, 395 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Tuticorin firing: CBI registers FIR against police and revenue officials. 13 people were killed during anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin @Ahmedshabbir20 shares more details with @MeghaSPrasad pic.twitter.com/Whgr5Pt5tN TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 29, 2018 Earlier, the Tuticorin Police had only named protesters in their FIR, which many had dubbed false. Nearly two months after 13 people were killed in the police shooting in Tutocorin, the Coordinating Committee for People's Inquest into the Thoothukudi Police Firing a coalition of civil society groups in the state filed a 2,445-page report on the incident. In its report, the civil society group said the Thoothukudi district administration was inept and had allowed the situation to escalate during the 22 May protests. It also said there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the police had indulged in stone-pelting to create chaos. The Sterlite Copper unit began its operation in Tuticorin since its inception in 1997 and has been embroiled in controversies throughout. The last protests were triggered by a brownfield expansion of the plant, which would have doubled the capacity of the smelter to 8,00,000 tonnes per year. Protesters said the copper plant was responsible for the extreme pollution in the region, which included issues of disposal of copper waste and effluents from the unit, and demanded its permanent closure. The proposed committee will examine all available options which can be worked out with all undocumented people in Assam after the final NRC list comes out. New Delhi: The government has decided to constitute a high-level committee to chalk out plans on what to do with undocumented people after the final list of the NRC is published in Assam, officials said. The decision to set up the committee, comprising representatives from the central and Assam governments, was taken at a meeting convened by Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday night and attended by Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal among others. Tuesday night's meeting was also attended by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Director of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain besides others. "The high-level committee will see what to do with those people who would be left out from the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC)," a senior official, who attended the meeting, told PTI on Wednesday. As of now, just about six lakh people, out of the total 40 lakh, who were excluded in the draft NRC, have submitted applications for inclusion of their names in the list of Assam's citizens and have given relevant documents claiming that they are Indian citizens. The proposed committee will examine all available options which can be worked out with all undocumented people in Assam, the official said. The official, however, refused to disclose whether the government will consider granting them a work permit. With just about six lakh people submitting the applications for inclusion in the final NRC, approximately 34 lakh people have not yet come forward and claimed that they are Indians, likely because they may not have relevant documents to prove it, another official said. Following a directive of the Supreme Court, the process of filing claims and objections to the draft NRC began on 25 September and it will come to an end on 15 December. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously claimed that the NRC exercise was carried out with a "political motive" to divide people and warned that it would lead to "bloodbath" and a "civil war" in the country. Following exclusion of over 40 lakh people in the draft NRC, Banerjee had also said those "Indian citizens have become refugees in their own land". She had alleged the NRC was an "attempt to evict the Bengalis from Assam". The Supreme Court has also finalised a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) or disposal of claims and objections in the updating of the NRC. The draft NRC was published on 30 July and included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore. There has been a huge controversy over the exclusion of 40 lakh people from the draft NRC. Initially, the apex court had allowed the claimants to rely on any of the 10 documents land documents, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the state, passport, Life Insurance Corporation of India policy, any licence or certificate issued by any government authority, document showing service or employment under the government or public sector undertaking, bank or post office accounts, birth certificates issued by a competent authority, educational certificate issued by boards or universities and records or processes pertaining to court provided they are part of processing in a judicial or revenue court. However, on 1 November, the court allowed five additional documents to rely upon for inclusion of names in the NRC. The additional papers are 1951 NRC, electoral roll up to 24 March, 1971, citizenship certificate, refugee registration certificate and ration card. For the claims and objections process, forms are available in 2,500 Seva Kendras in Assam, where people can file their appeal in their respective areas. People can file corrections to their names that are in the draft and also raise objections against suspected foreigners. The NRC exercise, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh, was carried out only in Assam, which faced an influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century. When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens then. As per the 2011 census, Assam's total population is over 3.11 crore. The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been widely debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. A BJP activist appealed Navjot Sidhu to secure the release of Hamid Nihal Ansari who is serving a jail sentence in Pakistan and is slated for release next month. Mumbai: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activist on Thursday appealed to Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to secure the release of a Mumbai techie who is serving a jail sentence in Pakistan and is slated for release next month. The 27-year-old youth from Andheri, Hamid Nihal Ansari, was accused of entering Pakistan illegally from Afghanistan on 12 November, 2012. "A humble request to speak to Prime Minister Imran Khan to expedite release of Hamid Ansari, who is serving term in a Pakistan jail. Hamid completes his jail term in mid-December. His release will bring relief and joy to his aged parents," said BJP activist Krishna Hegde, a former Congress legislator. Ansari entered Pakistan on a fake identity card given by a friend from Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and lived with him for a few days. The Pakistani intelligence nabbed him from a hotel in Kohat town some days later. In December 2015, a military court found him guilty of spying and anti-national activities. However, Ansari refuted the charges and even challenged his conviction in the Peshawar High Court where the Pakistan government said he would be deported as soon as his jail sentence ended. "We have also appealed to Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj who has assured us of all help," Hegde told IANS. Pakistan has declined consular access for Hamid or to grant a visa to his parents to visit him. The opposition coalition - "Power is in Unity" will orginize a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue on Sunday, Grigol Vashadze, presidential candidate of the united opposition, stated about it at the meeting with the supporters at the Philharmonic Hall, InterPressNews reported. Vashadze claims that Georgia does not have President and there was not the presidential election in Georgia yesterday. As Vashadze said in his speech, rally will be peaceful. According to the presidential candidate, he does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections and calls for early parliamentary elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre seems to have put on hold its plans to amend the existing Citizenship Act in order to facilitate the grant of citizenship to Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Hindus, Parsis and Sikhs from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre seems to have put on hold its plans to amend the existing Citizenship Act in order to facilitate the grant of citizenship to Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Hindus, Parsis and Sikhs from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Clearly, the category that is important here is Hindu since it is somewhat unlikely that there has been any significant migration of Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Parsi and Sikh people from the three countries named in the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016. Reports suggest that two reasons were paramount in forcing the government to shelve its plans. First was the agitation against the Bill in Assam. What the managers of the central government seemed to have lost sight of in their anxiety to consolidate the Hindu vote was that Indian society is cleaved along more than one lines of divide. In Assam (and other parts of the North-east), the fault line is linguistic and cultural. Thus, the Assamese-speaking people are less than enthusiastic hosts to the large number of Bengalis who have made Assam their home, regardless of whether they are from West Bengal or East Bengal/East Pakistan/Bangladesh, or whether they are Muslims or Hindus. The agitation against the amendment Bill stemmed thus from the fear that a large number of illegal, Bengali-speaking, Hindu migrants would get citizenship rights and stay on. The second factor was the inability to steamroll the Bill in its current form through the joint parliamentary committee. A BJP member had proposed that the reference to Bangladesh be dropped, while Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) members wanted amendments deleting references to religion and the countries the illegal migrants came from. The latter amendments would have completely defeated the political purpose of the Bill, while the former would have significantly diluted it. The choice of countries was also contentious. Senior BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe conceded that wider consultations were needed in search of a consensus. In any case, it had become clear that the report of the committee would not be ready in time for Parliaments Winter Session, with the added likelihood of it being ready as a weapon for mobilization in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections pretty much dead in the water. The West Bengal unit of the BJP had been counting on a campaign centred on the Bill to bolster its exiguous prospects, albeit for reasons best known to it. Armed with some inexplicable and arcane process of reasoning, it had reckoned that such a campaign would help it wean the scheduled caste Matua community, particularly influential in two Lok Sabha constituencies in the district of North 24 Parganas, away from the Trinamool Congress. It wasn't making significant headway, but, in any case, that idea just went up in smoke. But the reasoning that fed into the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, in the first place, offers us a glimpse into how politics based on sectarian and immediate-term calculations promotes perspectives that make people (and parties) miss the woods for the trees. The BJPs sectarian lens occludes from its vision the complexities of what we now call India. These complexities include the multiple solidarities that exist across communities and groups and the multiple fractures between communities and peoples. The BJPs perspective also obscures from it the fact that India has survived as a political unity largely because the Nehruvian frame was designed precisely to both take into account difference and promote a tolerance for it. Thus, a large part of the reason for the BJPs decision to perhaps make haste slowly on the amendment to the Citizenship Act is pragmatic. It now realises that it cannot promote what it perceives to be the interests of the majority community across the length and breadth of a sub-continental country because there is no one size that fits all. Unfortunately, the party does not seem to have realized that its Bill was discriminatory and violated provisions of the Constitution Article 14 that forbid discrimination and guarantee equality before law to everyone, not just citizens. The amendment bill is clearly discriminatory since it envisages the grant of citizenship to people from some countries and professing certain faiths. Obviously, it is aimed at excluding Muslims, but it also excludes, for instance, Tamil Hindus from Sri Lanka or Jews from wherever. It is at the very least possible that even if the amendment becomes law at some point it wont survive a legal challenge on these grounds and perhaps others as well. The BJPs decision to stay its hand might save its alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad, which had threatened to intensify its agitation against the Bill and snap its electoral alliance with the Hindutva party. Conceivably, the BJP might even salvage the electoral and political ascendancy it had gained in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and 2016 Assembly elections in the state. But the two-step manoeuvre it has executed exposes it once again as a party with a sectarian and obscurantist frame of reference allied to a form of politics that privileges electoral calculations above everything else. Electoral calculation lies at the heart of what all parties do, but the BJP in its current avatar has become so obsessed with perfecting the art of winning elections by converting itself into a perfect machine geared to this one purpose that it has become virtually incapable of functioning as a party of governance. 29 November: The Supreme Court will hear CBI director Alok Vermas plea today, ISRO PSLV-C43 mission will launch at 9.57 am, Narendra Modi has reached Argentina, will attend the G20 Summit - here are the top stories of the day Supreme Court to hear Alok Vermas plea today The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear CBI director Alok Verma's plea on Thursday challenging the government's order divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave in view of corruption allegations against him. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to consider the response of Verma given in a sealed cover on the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in the preliminary inquiry against him. 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 likely to hear the PIL filed by NGO Common Cause, which has sought a probe by a special investigation team against CBI officers. On 20 November, the apex court had expressed deep anguish over the purported leak of Verma's response to the CVC's findings against him as also the publication of allegations levelled by the agency's DIG Manish Kumar Sinha in his separate plea. ISRO's PSLV-C43 mission to launch at 9.57 am ISRO is all set for the launch of its PSLV-C43 mission, which will place our newest Earth observation satellite (HySIS) and 30 other commercial satellites in orbit above Earth. The launch is scheduled to take place at 9.57 am IST, give or take a minute. The satellites will be launched on board the PSLV-C43 rocket the lightest of the PSLV family of launchers, which doesn't have the added booster engines that the others PSLV variants do. The PSLV-C43/HySIS mission will mark PSLV's 45th mission overall and the 13th flight of the PSLV-C43 rocket. The launch will take place from the agency's First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Narendra Modi to attend G20 Summit in Argentina today Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening left for Argentina to attend the G20 Summit. During various sessions of the summit, Modi will have informal BRICS meeting and bilateral meetings with various world leaders. Upon his arrival in Argentina, Modi is slated to attend and address a "Yoga for Peace" event in Buenos Aires. On 30 November, the prime minister is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte. Modi will also engage in an informal Russia-India-China (RIC) meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit. US President Donald Trump will also hold a trilateral meeting with Modi and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Farmers plan two-day protest in Delhi Farmers from various parts of the country are set to converge in Delhi under the aegis of a Left-backed organisation to participate in a two-day protest from Thursday to press their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for produce. The two-day rally will be "one of the largest congregations of farmers" in the national capital in recent times, the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) claimed on Wednesday. The convenor of AIKSCC, Hannan Mollah, said that on 29 November, farmers will start the march from different corners of Delhi - Bijwasan , Majnu Ka Tila, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar to Ramlila Ground in the heart of the city. Leaders of different political parties barring the BJP will address the gathering on 30 November at Parliament Street, he said. Amit Shah to hold public meetings in Rajasthan today BJP president Amit Shah will hold public rallies in Karauli, Kotpuli and Bassi in poll-bound Rajasthan on Thursday. Shah on Wednesday addressed public rallies in Telangana, where he attacked Telangana's TRS government and the Congress over 'minority appeasement', claiming the Congress party's poll manifesto for the state assembly polls largely focused on the welfare of Muslims. Addressing an election rally in Allahabad, Shah said the TRS dispensations decision to raise Muslim quotas in government jobs and state-run educational institutions to 12 percent resulted in blocking of a proposal for hiking reservations for tribals. Rahul Gandhi to lead road show in poll-bound Telangana Congress president Rahul Gandhi, along with the party president in Telangana Uttam Kumar Reddy are slated to attend the 'Atma Gourava Sabha' organised by The Telangana Recognised Educational Institutions on Thursday. the Congress president is expected to address a public meeting in Bhupalapalle and speak about the issues in the constituencies of Mulugu, Parkal, Mandhani, Huzurabad and Warangal East, before heading to Armoor. At Armoor, he will speak about the issues in Balkonda, Nizamabad Rural and Jukkal constituencies after which he will arrive at Pargi and begin a road show after a brief public meeting. No "scandal" in Rafale deal, says French ambassador to India Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler Wednesday said there was no 'scandal' associated with the Rafale deal. Pointing out at the 'cooperation' and 'trust' shared between both India and France, he asked people to look at the facts. "What scandal? Just look at the facts, not at the tweets, that's my only recommendation. There is no scandal at all," Ziegler said in response to a question on whether the alleged Rafale scandal has made any dent in the partnership that France has with India. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of French Tech Community in Bengaluru, he said, "...look atthe track record, look at the trust that has been built between our two countries in aeronautics. The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. Petrol, diesel prices drop Petrol price on Wednesday fell below Rs 74 per litre mark for the first time since April as the six-week long price reduction spree wiped off all of the massive price hikes witnessed in petrol and diesel rates earlier this year. Petrol price in Delhi was cut by 50 paisa to Rs 73.57 per litre, according to a price notification issued by state-owned fuel retailers. This is the lowest petrol price since April. Diesel rates were cut by 40 paisa to Rs 68.89 a litre, the notification said. With this, the reduction in rates in last six weeks totals Rs 9.26 per litre on petrol and Rs 7.2 per litre on diesel. Rates have been on the decline since 18 October. This has wiped off all of the price hike on petrol and diesel in two months beginning 16 August. Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on 4 October. Diesel on that day had peaked to an all-time high of Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Margaret Atwood writing sequel to The Handmaids Tale; to be released in 2019 Thanks to public demand, and a certain American president, Margaret Atwood is writing a sequel to her million-selling The Handmaids Tale. The Testaments will be published next September by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, the publisher announced Wednesday. The book is set 15 years after the final scene of Offred, narrator of The Handmaids Tale. Atwoods novel about a dystopian society in the imagined land of Gilead was a best seller when first published in 1985 and was back on the charts after Donald Trumps election in 2016. The novel is also the basis for an acclaimed miniseries on Hulu. Atwood, a Canadian author, said in a statement that the sequel was inspired by readers questions about Gilead and by the world weve been living in. If the AAP government is determined to seriously tackle the growing pollution menace in Delhi, it has to ensure developing an ecosystem without delay, so that the draft electric vehicle policy doesn't appear like another political announcement The Delhi governments draft policy released on Tuesday recommending adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the National Capital, with a target of 25 percent of all new vehicle registration to be electric ones in five years, is certainly appreciable. However, the target may be a bit impossible to achieve in the stated time frame and also due to past experiences. If the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is determined to seriously tackle the growing pollution menace in Delhi, it has to ensure developing an ecosystem without delay, so that the policy decision doesn't appear like another political announcement. Though the Delhi government has just announced the draft policy, the Centre has already been working on it and aims at making India a 100 percent electric vehicle nation by 2030. With an aim to reach that target in the next 12 years, the Centre is working on a scheme to provide electric vehicles on zero down payment. A small working group has already been created led by Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari, with power minister Piyush Goyal, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan and environment minister Prakash Javadekar as other members. The Delhi governments proposal comes at a time when the national capital has been fighting tooth and nail to control the menace of air pollution. However, despite appreciating the draft policy, environmental experts working on pollution and clean transportation system feel that the Kejriwal government has to take drastic measures to successfully implement the policy, even though the chances of it are a few given the government's past experiences. Nevertheless, there are five key issues that the Delhi government needs to address first: I. Building infrastructure including public charging stations for e-batteries at regular intervals within Delhi and beyond. II. Disposal mechanism of e-batteries to avoid pollution. III. Source and supply of additional electricity to meet the growing demand. IV. Creation of a robust public transportation system, to reduce pressure on Delhi roads due to increasing number of vehicles. V. A clear and fool-proof road map for time-bound implementation of the project. Speaking to Firstpost, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of Research and Advocacy department at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, Certainly, this policy announcement is significant, as introduction of EVs will ensure zero emission. In Delhi, almost 40 percent of particulate matter that leads to air pollution is from vehicles alone. The other cities across the world are looking to this solution and electric mobility is the path to move forward. However, the experts are also of the opinion that a proper ecosystem needs to be in place ahead of introducing EVs on roads. The bigger challenge is creating an ecosystem, which includes creation of infrastructure, time-bound implementation, pricing and availability of (electric) vehicles (both two and four wheelers), product portfolio, industry needs to respond to production, source of electricity, disposal of used electric batteries which would be on a bigger scale, etc. As the government has announced to have 25 percent e-cars by 2023, the building of ecosystem with a clear milestone has to begin right away, asserted Roychowdhury, who heads air pollution and clean transportation programme at CSE. Before coming to power, many of the promises that the AAP had made to the citizens of Delhi to create a robust public transportation system, ensure last-mile connectivity, safety of women in public buses, feeder buses from Metro stations, parking of auto-rickshaws, etc remain unfulfilled. Ravi Agrawal, director at Toxics Link said, Announcement is fine, but we should first have a proper infrastructure in place. Otherwise, well have to face a similar problem as happened in the case of CNG vehicles. Even today, we see long queues at CNG filling stations. Its a big challenge for the government and is not as simple as it appears. The government needs to have a clear road map on this and it has to answer a couple of questions on infrastructure, plan to create a public transportation system, and charging stations of e-batteries, etc. Agarwal says that the governments promise to have last mile connectivity, inter-linkage of public transports like Metro rail with buses, etc, remains unrealised. "Everyday theres an increase in the number of two- and four-wheelers in Delhi. First priority should be to have a robust public transportation system so as to reduce the number of cars on roads. As per the announcement, 25 percent new EVs will be added, which is roughly 15 to 16 lakh vehicles, Agrawal added. Availability of power for smooth movement of EVs is another key concern expressed by many. An e-car with a fully charged battery covers a distance of 70-80 km. There is a need of sufficient electricity to keep the supply chain running at charging stations. According to government sources, during the peak season (as in May this year), the power requirement in Delhi ranges from 5,400 MW to 6,000 MW per day. Delhis allocation from three coal-based plants from Dadri, Jhajjar and Badarpur is 2,325 MW. But due to shortage of coal, as happened during this summer, only 1,355 MW of electricity was available. There was (already) a shortfall of 970 MW (from the existing plants). This compelled citys power utilities to buy expensive power through inter-state exchanges. When the EVs will be introduced, a supply plan would be needed to cater to the rise in demand for electricity, and that too at a price that consumers can afford, otherwise this ambitious plan will be of no use, a government official said. Strongly emphasising on having a comprehensive study on this ambitious project, environmental expert Anand Arya said, Ahead of getting e-vehicles on roads, the government has to plan supply and cost of electricity to meet consumers demand, which will go up in this case. Lack of proper power planning will not only defeat the initiative, it will also lead to a crisis on domestic and industrial fronts. Priority should be given to electric two-wheelers by providing higher subsidy, as two-wheelers cause pollution five times more than Stage IV cars. Arya also emphasised on the need to create a dedicated space for proper disposal of e-batteries, the absence of which would add up to air pollution. Its a good policy, if implemented properly. Introduction of EVs will extensively reduce emission of hydrocarbons. But, Delhi government first needs to create a dedicate zone for disposal of e-batteries as these have heavy metals, which on dismantling cause severe pollution and will add to the present menace, he adds. While the Delhi government needs concerted efforts to make this initiative work and become successful, the people of Delhi too, have to support the government in its efforts, especially when the Centre also wants to make India a future EV destination. Through the march, farmers are seeking their dignity of life. The agitators are asking why the plight of farmers does not evoke a response from the government. It was four in the morning and she was narrating her story as we made our way from the Nizamuddin railway station to a gurudwara where a large number of farmers are gathering for the march scheduled to take place on Thursday. The gurudwara was housing and providing food for farmers coming from different states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. Kavitha, who seems to be in her mid-30s, spoke about why this march is important to her. She said, This is a march for my children. I need to know that if something happens to me tomorrow, both my children will be looked after. I want to ensure that they are at least able to live off our land. She will be marching with about 5,000 other farmers, who hail from different states, to the Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. Kavitha hails from the mandal of Mallepally from the district of Nalgonda. Her husband committed suicide about three years ago because of burgeoning debt. At the time, Kavitha did not have an idea about the crisis her husband was dealing with. Today, she's not merely fighting to end farmer suicides, but is also marching for a larger fight for farmers rights to the country's resources, and for drawing the government's attention to the declining state of agriculture in the country. She demands the same rights as any other farmer. Kavitha still hasn't received any compensation for her husband's death. She lives with her mother-in-law and her two young sons. She has four acres of land of her own now. Being a woman farmer, she faces the worst side of the bureaucracy. Even banks have treated her with utter disregard. She narrated her experience of trying to get a loan from the bank after her husband's death. Her husband's loan, which was availed with a surety of the land patta, had already amounted to around Rs 1 lakh. When she applied for a new loan to meet her daily expenses, the bank rejected it citing the non-payment of the existing loan. Although the remaining installments of the existing loan were later repaid, her application for a loan was again rejected as the land patta was not in her name. When she sought a loan in her mother-in-law's name, the same was rejected due to her mother-in-law's age. Left with no other option, Kavitha began to protest against the bank officers. It is because of such rules and the attitude of the bank officials that my husband was forced to commit suicide. I protested and made sure that I got the loan that I deserved. But what about all those women who don't know what to do, women who are desperate and fall prey to this bureaucracy?, asked Kavitha. She also spoke about the importance of providing a year's worth of investment for farmers. Someone who works for 8 hours a day gets paid around Rs 30,000. Why is it that the farmer who nurtures the land day and night is made to starve by society? My demand is that we should also get some sort of income from the government," she asserts. Kavitha's story is similar to that of many farmers in Telangana. Farmers are not entitled to any kind of security from the government. While most farmers deal with monetary challenges on a daily basis, the struggle faced by those like Kavitha is a larger one. Through the march, farmers are seeking their dignity of life. The agitators are asking why the plight of farmers does not evoke a response from the government, despite many incidences of suicide. Under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Samanvay Committee, thousands of farmers will be marching to the Parliament of India on Friday. For the last 25 years, KK Mittal has been distributing free medicines to farmers who gather in Ramlila ground to protest the governments apathy to the agrarian crisis plaguing the nation. This time, there is no exception. A day before the farmers march on Friday to the Parliament, he has set up his free medical aid booth in the Ramlila ground. We have been providing this facility from the Delhi Sales Medical Representative Organisation for the last 25 years to protesting farmers, because they are the ones who are in dire need of medical aid but many of them cannot afford it, he said, busily distributing medicines to the farmers who had thronged around in his booth. He also said that every year, he meets many farmers who come to Delhi to protest and demand for their rights with frail health but no medicines. Medicines have still not reached many villages in India. Even if medicines have reached some villages, many farmers cannot afford them due to high prices, added Mittal, who feels the pain and suffering the agrarian crisis has instilled in the lives of the farmers. The air in Ramlila ground is heavy with the smell of dust and sweat, as thousands of farmers begin gathering here from different parts of the nation, shouting the slogan kisan ekta zindabad (Long live farmer unity)" at the top of their voices. Under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Samanvay Committee, which is an umbrella forum of around 200 farmers' associations across the country, thousands of farmers will be marching to the Parliament of India on Friday. Farmers arrived on Wednesday night at four different places: Majnu ka Tila Gurudwara, Anand Vihar railway station, Nizamuddin and Holi Chowk, Bijwasan. On Thursday morning, they marched towards Ram Lila ground. Tarpaulin sheets held high in the sky by iron poles protect the men and women gathering at Ramlila ground from the fog and dew in Delhis winter night. Durgam Chinakka, a 45-year-old woman whose husband Durgam Venkaiah committed suicide two years back because of heavy farm debts, has come all the way from her village in Telangana to demand solution to the crisis. Holding her husbands photograph held by a wooden frame, she says, My husband committed suicide last year after he incurred heavy losses in agriculture. He committed suicide being unable to pay back loans amounting to Rs 7 lakh he took for farming activity. Though the Telangana government has a provision of providing financial aid of Rs 6 lakh to the family of farmers who commit suicide, we received no such aid. For it is provided to only farmers having land and we cultivated on leased land. As per the records kept by an NGO named Raitu Swaraj Vedica that works in Telangana, in the last four years, 4,200 farmers have committed suicide after not being able to pay loans, but families of only 1,200 such farmers have received government aid. The government does not accept that the agrarian crisis has caused such a grave situation. This is the reason why it has the tendency not to recognise farmers suicides, says Kiran Kumar, a worker in the Raitu Swaraj Vedica. He added that many times, the government records a suicide as one due to health-related reasons instead of a farmer suicide. The farmers produce food for the nation and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that they earn enough to meet their medical expenses. The government cannot shy away from this responsibility, he added. He also said that the solution to this crisis is paying the farmer for his produce as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission and also waiving their farm loans. Renowned journalist P Sainath, who also marched to Ramlila ground with farmers from Bala Sahib Gurudwara near Sarai Kale Khan, told Firstpost that the very idea of growth that the government subscribes to is one of the major causes of the problem. This growth is jobless growth and it benefits only the corporates. There is no growth of distribution and employment and growth with justice. In fact, this is a growth driven by corporate greed. This model of growth is anti-agro-ecological and anti-environmental, he said. He also said that the government has gutted environmental impact assessments for projects by exempting various projects from going through this procedure of environmental protection. He added that the Parliament needs at least three weeks to discuss exclusively the present agrarian crisis, which is also a demand raised by the farmers. India wants to use the G20 opportunity to thrash out a way forward in the nature of true multilateralism, instead of unilateral threats issued from the ramparts of White House Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Buenos Aires for the 10th version of G20 Summit that is being held amid deepening uncertainty in global financial, economic and geopolitical order. An escalating trade war between the US and China is threatening to uproot global trading system and upend the stability of a WTO-led multilateral order. Volatile oil prices are adding to the pressure and stunting global growth. A populist backlash against post-Cold War globalism and free trade is sweeping across continents. At its heart lies a yet unaddressed malady of trade gains not getting redistributed, creating tribes of winners and losers. The pushback against this wealth distribution failure has affected even the mecca of liberal democracy and free trade the United States whose president is determined to build walls, create tariff barriers and rip apart the multilateralism that undergirds global economic integration unless free trade, according to him, is turned into fair and reciprocal trade. The US accuses China, the worlds second largest economy, of gaming the WTO system to distort global markets and prosper at the expense of other economies, especially Americas, and US president Donald Trump has threatened in the past to pull out of the WTO unless it forces China to change its behaviour. Washington also accuses China of stealing US intellectual property and weaponising its lucrative market to achieve geoeconomic ends. These allegations are not unfounded. There is now a global consensus that China is a "trade cheat" and focus has now shifted to how other countries, especially the US, can force China to play by the rules. According to an article in Forbes, "The entire multilateral trading system not just the US is the victim of Chinas cheating. Government ownership of Chinas banking system, and the enormity of its state-owned enterprise sector give China the tools to illegally subsidise industries in ways that are hard to detect." On Monday, a few days ahead of the scheduled meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20 summit, Trump repeated his earlier threat of raising import duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent and putting another $267 billion goods under the tariff regime. In an interview to Wall Street Journal, Trump sounded firm. He called the WTO a disaster, blamed it for being absolutely unfair to the US and for sponsoring the rise of China from a flatline economy to a rocket ship and dismissed possibilities of any deal unless China opens up its economy to competition from the US. This posture by the worlds biggest economy has introduced oodles of uncertainty into the global financial system, raising the spectre of a global depression that may ultimately lead to a crisis of credibility in the WTO and threaten its very survival. In a report issued by the Bertelsmann Foundation, 14 independent experts have urged the WTO's 164 member states to revitalise governance within the institution because "sticking to status quo modes of operating is a recipe for the institutions gradual demise" and erode its credibility. The bottomline, according to the report which was quoted by Reuters in an article, despite the legitimate misgivings over WTO, "care must be taken that the baby is not thrown out with the bathwater.... All countries, large and small, have a major stake in an effective, rules-based multilateral trading system. The experts have touched upon the crux of Indias problem. New Delhi is worried about the repercussions of US-China trade war; it acknowledges that WTOs response in resolving trade disputes has been inadequate; it has its own set of grievances against China which enjoys a massive surplus in bilateral trade, yet it is vital for India that the relative stability provided by the WTO-led multilateral trade regime is not disrupted. India, the words sixth largest and fastest growing large economy depends on this stability to maintain the trajectory of its growth. In the liberalised trade regime underwritten by the WTO, India has achieved high GDP growth and pulled millions out of poverty and expanded its exports and imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modis worry is that an escalation of tension between worlds top two economies may make WTO the collateral damage, or at the very least, hijack the G20 agenda. This worry came through in two back-to-back statements issued by India. Modi, in a statement issued before his departure for Argentina, mentioned that he will "highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good". The stress on "reformed multilateralism" is a hint towards the need to revamp the WTO governance model, which has fallen into a deep crisis ostensibly due to Chinas manipulative ways and Trumps confrontational attitude. India sees WTO reforms as the only way out of the crisis and has found backing from China. Trump, of course, sees the crisis slightly differently. Instead of tinkering at the edges, it proposes an overhaul of the WTO-led system. The White House recently brought the worlds top trade court to the brink of collapse by blocking appointments of its judges and threatening to pull out of the WTO for its failure to stop China from dumping cheap goods abroad and distort the market "using government subsidies to lower Chinese companies costs". The ratcheting up of tension is a warning sign for India, which wants to use the G20 opportunity to thrash out a way forward in the nature of true multilateralism, instead of unilateral threats issued from the ramparts of White House. In the media briefing on Modis G20 trip, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said: Our view is that G20 should not become a one-issue meeting. I am referring, of course, to the fact that there are differences in the manner in which international trade should be conducted, rules for international trade should be framed, whether reform is needed in multilateral trading institutions and by all means our prime minister looks forward to discussing all these and sharing our views on them, but our view is that G20 goes beyond a single issue and must actually cover the entire gamut of economic issues including agriculture sector reforms, including the transition in energy, including the challenges that climate change poses, the healthcare problem that world faces and so on." Gokhale, too, stressed on reformed multilateralism to mitigate any lacunae that the current multilateralism has left unaddressed. Let us work together as the G20 to reform that but we need to keep a multilateral system in place. That I think is the basic approach that prime minister and his delegation at the G20, said Indias top diplomat. Among other points of note, Modi will meet Xi on the sidelines of the summit, their fourth meeting since Wuhan reset where it was decided that both leaders "would take the opportunity wherever and whenever they could meet to have meetings and to discuss issues that are in either leaders mind, (and) which are of mutual concern to build a certain mutual trust and understanding, said Gokhale. Apart from possible meetings with French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Angela Merkel, Modi will also meet Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Trump which would be the first-ever meeting between the three leaders in a trilateral format. This underlines Indias centrality to the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. It also carries forward the spirit of multilateralism that has long been a calling card of Indias foreign policy. Responding to a query as to why India, even after suffering for decades, does not launch offensive hybrid warfare against Pakistan, Rawat said it is not the best option for India, and emphasised that India is satisfactorily countering this warfare directed against it. New Delhi: Terming hybrid warfare using non-state actors against an adversary nation as "not the best option", Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said this tactic was causing more damage to Pakistan than to India. "Any nation that has attempted hybrid warfare against an adversary has finally been the sufferer. Today, Pakistan is facing that brunt," Rawat said while delivering a lecture on "Challenges of hybrid conflict in 21st century". "They (Pakistan) supported something in Afghanistan but after the imbroglio was over, what happened to those people (the jihadis)? This hybrid warfare launched by them (Pakistan) has actually started affecting them more than it is affecting us," Rawat said. However, he warned that the proxy war by Pakistan is there to stay despite all the things and despite India's effective tackling of it. Responding to a query as to why India, even after suffering for decades, does not launch offensive hybrid warfare against Pakistan, Rawat said it is not the best option for India, and emphasised that India is satisfactorily countering this warfare directed against it. "Paying the other fellow exactly in the same coin may not be the best option. A stone that is thrown in the air comes back to your head. "Before we launch the hybrid warfare in the offensive-defensive domain, we should be prepared to see what will happen to those people once the objective is achieved. What you do with those people?" he said. While he underlined that India does have the capability to launch an offensive hybrid warfare or even "strike across" at those perpetrating the hybrid offensive against it, the army chief said for that the Indian leadership must be clear as to how far the country can go if an escalation happens. "India will have to carefully work on the escalation matrix as to how far it was willing to go if escalation happens," he added. He said to counter such operations by Pakistan, which include a propaganda on the social media, various Indian forces and agencies need to work together in close coordination. Rawat said India can utilise its soft power with friendly nations to isolate the terror-exporting nation and offered that the Indian Army can help the country expand its soft power in many ways. Speaking on the Kashmir situation, Rawat said that sustained pressure is needed to tire out the militants instead of wrongly believing after a peaceful year in the Valley that lasting peace has returned. "When things become comfortable, we would go into this limbo thinking that peace has returned, not knowing that every time the peace returns, the nexus has utilised this period to rebuild their capacities and strength. And therefore sustained pressure is required," Rawat said. "What I am trying to highlight is that you get one successful year and you say let's give peace a chance. That is I think a fault that you have been committing. "If you think that just after having one successful year you should give peace a chance, that may not be the best option. You should have repeated successes and then think of giving peace a chance. And that is what we are doing now. Let us look at tiring the other side," he added. He also rued that the army faces flak even for taking a tough action against those pelting stones at it. India won't attend the SAARC Summit in Pakistan and there will be no dialogue with Islamabad until it stops sponsoring terrorism, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced. Hyderabad: India won't attend the proposed South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Pakistan and there will be no dialogue with Islamabad until it stops sponsoring terrorism, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Wednesday. Sushma Swaraj made it clear that New Delhi will not participate in the SAARC summit and it was not responding to an invite from Pakistan for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the gathering of South Asian leaders. "As I said, unless and until Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, there will be no dialogue and we will not participate in SAARC," she told the media here. Modi will be invited to Pakistan for the SAARC Summit, Foreign Office spokesman Mohammed Faisal said on Tuesday. The SAARC Summit of 2016, which was to be held in Pakistan, was cancelled after India boycotted the event, triggering a pullout by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday that talks and terror cannot go together. She also said that although India welcomed the development of the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, it would not have any dialogue with Islamabad till it stopped sponsoring terrorism. "Bilateral dialogues and Kartarpur corridor are two different things. I am very happy that for the last 20 years, rather many years, the government of India has been asking for this Kartarpur corridor and for the first time Pakistan responded positively," she said. "But that doesn't mean that bilateral dialogue will start... We always say terror and talks can't go together. The moment Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, the dialogue can start. The dialogue is not connected with only Kartarpur corridor," she added. Sushma Swaraj said she could not attend Kartarpur ceremony because she was tied up with a visit to Telangana. She refused to comment on Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's participation in the ceremony related to the corridor opening and referred to his statement that he was going there in his personal capacity. The Minister said it was for the Punjab chief minister and Congress party to comment on Sidhu's participation. Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri are presently in Pakistan to attend the ceremony. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project near the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, where Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak Dev, spent the last 18 years of his life. Nuclear forces being upgraded and modernised globally are pressuring India once again. When the most powerful nation on earth feels that the threats it faces are increasing, it touches off dangerous eddies that can destablise global security. The United States has signalled that this is, indeed, the case. The December 2017 National Security Strategy (NSS) declared that China and Russia were attempting to erode American security and prosperity. In January 2018, the US adopted a new National Defence Strategy (NDS) whose unclassified summary says the principal problem confronting the US is the erosion of American military advantage over China and Russia in three key theatres Indo-Pacific, Europe and West Asia. So its not surprising that the Nuclear Posture Review issued shortly thereafter called for the US to expand its reliance on nuclear forces to protect the country and reassure allies. In addition to modernising ageing forces, it said there was a need for two new missiles, a low-yield sea-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and a new sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM). The US says it is reacting to developments in Russia, North Korea, Iran and China. The North Korean thermonuclear test and the sophistication of its long-range missiles was no doubt a major factor. But so were Russian developments in testing and deploying a new line of strategic nuclear-capable missiles and hypersonic vehicles capable of outmanoeuvring US defences. The US cited the Russian deployment of a new ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM), the 9M729, for its pullout of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. By their test of hypersonic glide vehicles, manoeuvering and multiple warhead systems, the Chinese, too, signalled that their aim was to defeat potential US ABM systems. Clearly, some of this has been triggered by the US decision to scrap, rather than renegotiate important arms control treaties like the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile(ABM) Treaty. American advances in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as precision strikes, have had their own chilling effect on the Russians and the Chinese. Contemporary political developments and advances in technology are challenging the uncomfortable but useful notion of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) that has ensured nuclear peace so far. Countries like India, a modest nuclear weapons power, which faces two nuclear adversaries, will now have to take them into account. First, Indias no first use (NFU) pledge has been challenged by the low-yield theatre weapons deployed by Pakistan which believes theatre weapons are crucial for their defence against Indias conventional superiority. But even a low-yield weapon is thousands of time more destructive than a conventional one. As of now India has promised massive retaliation against any nuclear use. The way it sees it is similar to the position of US defence secretary James Mattis who said in February I dont think theres any such thing as a tactical nuclear weapon. Any nuclear weapon used anytime is a strategic game-changer. Second, India has to worry about a modernised Chinese arsenal that can defeat American counter-measures. In view of Indias somewhat primitive arsenal, the Chinese may be encouraged to think they can get away with a disarming first strike, eroding the stability provided by the idea of MAD. Nuclear forces being upgraded and modernised globally are pressuring India once again, just as once the perpetual extension of the NPT and the CTBT pushed New Delhi across the nuclear threshold. "We do not recognize the election and its results, - presidential candidate of the united opposition Grigolo Vashadze said, InterPressNews reports. According to him, Georgia does not have President. Grigol Vashadze stated about it at the meeting with the supporters at the Philharmonic Hall. Addressing Indian journalists in Islamabad, Imran Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Narendra Modi and talk to him. Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday said he is ready to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that it is not in Islamabad's interest to allow its territory to be used for terror activities. Imran, speaking to media in Islamabad, made these remarks when he was questioned about Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the attack on Mumbai, and the status of the 26/11 trial in Pakistan. Saaed is the chief of Jamatud Dawah and has a $10 million US bounty on him. Imran was purportedly referring to India's stance that terrorism and talks cannot go together and Pakistan must take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and support to cross border terrorism from territories under its control. Imran, said the people of Pakistan want peace with India and would be happy to meet Modi. "The mindset of people here has changed," he added. "It is not in Pakistan's interest that our soil be used for terrorism against others. I can't be held responsible for the past, hold me to account if I break my promises," he further said. When questioned on the lack of action from Pakistan against Saeed, Imran cited UN sanctions and added "there already has been a clampdown on him." On the Kashmir issue, he said: "Kashmir is a solvable problem. But it should not be seen as a territorial issue with a military solution. We need imagination and a belief in peace." When asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Pakistan prime minister said, "Nothing is impossible." However, he said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. Iramn also said the Kartapur corridor is not a "desperate call for peace." He added that he is "open to making routes easier for Hindu pilgrims." With inputs from PTI Attorney General K K Venugopal praised Justice Kurian Joseph saying, 'We are going to miss Your Lordship's smile'. New Delhi: Bar leaders Thursday bid adieu to retiring Justice Kurian Joseph, terming him as one of the most "popular" judges in recent times with a "pleasant smile" and urged Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi to replace him a judge having a similar smile. Justice Joseph, the third senior-most judge who was elevated to the Supreme Court on 8 March, 2013, was sitting in the crowded courtroom along with the CJI and Justice S K Kaul in the morning. Lawyers showered praises and wishes when the special bench was about to rise. At the outset of day's proceedings, CJI Gogoi, while issuing notice on a petition, said, "Today, I will not disagree with with my brother (Justice Joseph)." After around 30 minutes, senior lawyer and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh rose to bid farewell and said: "Bar wishes farewell to one of the most popular judges". He said though a formal farewell function would be held in the evening, "I want to say that Justice Joseph has been one of the most popular judges in recent times." Attorney General KK Venugopal praised the judge saying, "We are going to miss Your Lordship's smile". Former Attorney General and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi also joined his successor in praising Justice Joseph and said, "I urge the Chief Justice to replace him with a judge who has same pleasant smile". Overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of praises inside the courtroom, Justice Joseph said, "Life is worthwhile with a smile. If you smile, others smile at you and there is a mile of smile and all because life is worth a smile." He then left the courtroom with the CJI and Justice Kaul. Senior advocates Rajeev Dhavan and Indira Jaising also praised Justice Joseph. Later in the day, Justice Joseph came to press lounge inside the Supreme Court premises and thanked the scribes for accurately reporting judgments and proceedings of his court. "I thank you. The spirit of the judgment is always conveyed by you journalists," he said and extended invitation to journalists for a cup of tea at his official residence. Justice Joseph had assumed office as a judge in the Kerala High Court on 12 July, 2000 and had served as the Acting Chief Justice of the high court twice. He was later appointed the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court on 8 February, 2010 and was then elevated to the apex court on 8 March, 2013. Justice Kurian Joseph, one of the seniormost judges of the Supreme Court of India, is set to retire on Friday. He is also the tenth on the list of judges at the apex court who have authored the maximum amount of judgments. Justice Kurian Joseph, one of the seniormost judges of the Supreme Court of India, is set to retire on Friday. He is also the tenth on the list of judges at the apex court who have authored the maximum amount of judgments. Justice Joseph, a member of the Supreme Court Collegium, has reportedly authored 1034 judgments so far and is the only top court judge on the list put together by LawConsult. Justice Joseph, who has been part of several crucial judgments like the triple talaq verdict and the coal allocation scam, began his legal career in 1979. He was appointed as a Kerala High Court judge in 2000 and served as the chairman of the Kerala High Court Legal Services Committee from 2006 to 2009. In 2010, Justice Joseph was elevated to the post of the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Joseph was appointed as a Supreme Court judge on 8 March, 2013. Here is a look at the most significant judgments the apex court judge has been part of: Review of the death penalty On Wednesday, a three-judge bench reviewed the effectiveness of the death penalty in deterring crime. The bench sentenced an accused Channu Lal Verma, who was charged with the murder of three people, to life imprisonment and unanimously chose to not choose the death sentence. Justice Joseph presented a dissenting opinion on the validity of the death penalty, saying that the "irrevocable nature of the sentence and the fact that the death row convicts are, for that period, hanging between life and death are to be duly considered". He said, "Every death penalty case before the court deals with a human life that enjoys certain constitutional protection and if life is to be taken away, then the process must adhere to the strictest and highest constitutional standards. Our conscience as judges, which is guided by constitutional principles, cannot allow anything less than that." However, Justices Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta, who were also part of the bench, gave divergent views on Justice Joseph's opinion on the death penalty. They said that said a five-judge constitution bench in Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab in 1980 had already held the constitutional validity of death penalty provided in Indian Penal Code (IPC). Justice Joseph, who wrote the verdict for the bench, also voiced his "anguishing concern" with regard to public discourse on crimes which have an impact on the trial, conviction and sentence in a case. Triple talaq verdict On 22 August 2017, the apex court delivered a landmark judgment on triple talaq, the practice through which Muslim men can grant divorce to their wives by uttering the word 'talaq' thrice. The bench was to examine whether the practice of divorce was fundamental to Islam. The five-judge bench ruled the practice to be illegal, a move that was lauded by activists and members of the community. Three judges, Justices Joseph, RF Nariman, and UU Lalit agreed that the practice should be set aside. Two judges on the bench were of the view that the practice was part of the Muslim personal law. Justice Joseph disagreed with the minority judgment and said, Triple talaq is against the tenets of the Holy Quran and hence violates Shariat It is extremely difficult to agree with the CJI that triple talaq is integral to the practice of Islam. What is bad in Quran cannot be part of Shariah. The verdict was delivered after a batch of petitions by women from the community, who had been subject to the practice, were heard in the court. The Parliament, in its Monsoon Session in August, deferred the Triple Talaq Bill to the winter session. Review of Nagraj verdict A bench headed by former CJI Dipak Misra and comprising senior Supreme Court judges including Justice Joseph declined to refer the matter of the 2006 Nagraj verdict which had put certain conditions for granting quota to SC/ST employees in job promotions to a larger bench. A report by Economic Times said, "The Supreme Court paved the way for grant of quota for promotions in the government jobs to SCs and STs, holding that the states were not required to "collect quantifiable data" reflecting the backwardness among these communities." Coal allocation scam case Justice Joseph, along with Justices RM Lodha and M Lokur, has presided over the controversial case of the coal allocation scam. According to reports, the bench had aimed to free the investigative agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from any "political and bureaucratic" interference during its investigation. Justice Joseph was also part of the eight important judgments that were delivered in six working days ahead of former CJI Misra's retirement in September. The judgments included decriminalising parts of Section 377, which empowered members of the LGBTQI+ community. The verdict of allowing women of menstruating age access to the iconic Sabarimala Temple was also part of the batch of judgments. The validity of the Aadhaar project was also reviewed. He was also part of the panel who spoke against Misra over "selective" case allocation and certain judicial orders in January 2018. According to reports, Justice Joseph expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved without the need for intervention. He said, "An issue was raised. Those concerned have listened to it. Such actions would not occur in future. So (I) believe that the issue has been settled." The panel, which included current CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said that it had written to Misra about situations in the Supreme Court which were "not in order". With inputs from agencies They were among the thousands of farmers, who will march to Ramlila Ground on Thursday and to Parliament Street on Friday, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. New Delhi: A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu arrived here on Thursday for the two-day Kisan rally, carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide and threatening to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital in the early hours of Thursday, said their leader P Ayyakannu. They were among the thousands of farmers, who will march to Ramlila Ground on Thursday and to Parliament Street on Friday, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Ayyakannu said he was expecting more farmers affiliated with his association to arrive from Trichy and Karur. He said their main demands include removal of all farmer loans, profitable price for their agricultural products and a Rs 5,000 pension for farmers per month. The farmer leader and his associates are carrying two human skulls. which they claimed were of their two colleagues who ended their lives because they were unable to replay their debts. "Our main agricultural activities include paddy cultivation, cotton farming, horticultural activities like coconut cultivation, banana cultivation. More than 700 farmers have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu due to loans that they could not repay. We have no water and have been suffering from drought like situations for the last five years. This year, too, we suffered due to storms. "Tomorrow, we will stage naked protests if police stop us from going to Parliament," he said. The 20 women farmers in his group will not be part of the naked protests, he clarified. Last year, the group staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to farm losses. After a division bench recused itself from hearing a petition seeking a probe into CBI judge BH Loya's death, another judge of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday withdrew from the case. After a division bench recused itself from hearing a petition seeking a probe into CBI judge BH Loya's death, another judge of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday withdrew from the case. Loya, who was presiding over the trial of Sohrabuddin Sheikh alleged fake encounter in which BJP chief Amit Shah and some senior IPS officials were among the accused, reportedly died of a heart attack in 2014 while staying at the government guest house 'Ravi Bhavan' in Nagpur. Shah, who was Gujarat's minister of state for home at the time of the alleged fake encounter, was later discharged in the case. A petition regarding Loya's death filed by advocate Satish Ukey came up before a bench of Justices SB Shukre and SM Modak in Nagpur on 26 November, but the judges said 'not before them', meaning they will not hear it. The petition was then assigned to a bench of Justices PN Deshmukh and Swapna Joshi. However, Justice Joshi recused herself from the case on Wednesday. Ukey's petition seeks that all records related to Loya's "suspicious" death be safeguarded, including those of the state guest house. He has already moved a judicial magistrate's court in Nagpur seeking a probe into Loya's death. Ukey told PTI that the chief justice of the Bombay High Court will now constitute a new bench to hear his plea before the high court. This is not the first time judges have recused themselves from the case of Justice Loya's death. In January this year, Justice Arun Mishra had recused himself from the case after four senior Supreme Court judges J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph convened an unprecedented press conference to complain about "selective" case allocation by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra and passing of certain judicial order. The then chief justice had assigned the Loya death PIL to Justice Mishra, a relatively junior judge. The case of Justice Loya's death came into the limelight in November 2017 when media reports quoted his sister fuelling suspicion about the circumstances surrounding Loyas death and its link to the Sohrabuddin Sheikh case. In January 2018, the Supreme Court agreed to hear two pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death. In the same month, the apex court said the issues raised in the please on the death of Loya were "serious" and then transferred to itself two petitions related to Loyas death from Bombay High Court. On 2 February this year, the apex court said it was concerned only with the death of Loya and would not go into other aspects including Amit Shahs discharge in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh case. On 9 March, the Maharashtra government came down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the Supreme Court by some activist lawyers in the Loya death case and said the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments. Just three days later, on 12 March, a Mumbai-based lawyers body brought on record in the apex court an order of the Bombay High Court to allege that one of the two judges, who had given statement in the Loya death case, had ordered settlement of a criminal case against a top BJP leader in 2014. On 19 April, the Supreme Court had dismissed pleas seeking an independent probe into the case, saying attempts were made to scandalise and malign the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court. With inputs from PTI Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis could do little to put off submitting to the Maratha reservation demand with no support on his side, an increasing toll from suicides and the elections around the corner. The Maratha community in Maharashtra has reason to rejoice. The state government has finally buckled to its immense pressure and passed the Maratha reservation bill on Thursday, granting the community 16 percent quota in government jobs and education institutes, as per the recommendations of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission. The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the bill unanimously without discussion, amid chants of "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai", after which it was approved in the Legislative Council. The Maratha community will surely also be pleased with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' gesture of paying tribute and seeking the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before introducing the legislation in the Lower House. Whether this was a photo opportunity and political gimmick, or a truly heartfelt gesture by the Brahmin chief minister, one can only guess. Unemployment was one of the major factors that triggered the demand for reservation for Marathas as a backward class in Maharashtra. The demand only gained ground with time, even after recommendations to grant this quota was rejected on three separate occasions. In recent months, among the major demands of the Maratha community have been: reservation for the community at the earliest, withdrawal of all cases against Maratha protesters, action against police officers responsible for firing and lathi-charging protester during the 25 July agitation and sacking of MLAs who made irresponsible statements against the Maratha community. Here's why Fadnavis eventually buckled under the pressure from the politically-influential section: For one, Fadnavis was fighting a lone battle against the protesting Marathas. No one who wishes to be a name in Maharashtra politics would dare to stand up to the powerful group who make up 32 percent of the state's population and support Fadnavis in opposing the reservation demand. His own party leaders abandoned him, including Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve and state cabinet minister Pankaja Munde. While Danve, a prominent Maratha, did next to nothing to help the chief minister, Munde made matters worse by saying would have cleared the proposal for reservation within an hour of receiving a report on it. The demand for Maratha quota gained momentum in July, and at the forefront of this agitation was the Maratha Kranit Morcha (MKM). Buoyed by support from the community, the group held silent protests, which often turned violent, and threatened several shutdowns unless the state took a concrete call on their demands. Alone in the line of fire, Fadnavis was forced to call a meeting where state leaders put their heads together to find a solution. In July end, he announced that the government would call for a special Assembly session to discuss granting reservation for Marathas, and that he would urge the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission to table its report on the quota at the earliest, which it finally did on 15 November, declaring the Marathas socially and economically backward and recommending 16 percent reservation for the community under the Other Backward Classes category. In addition to these, Fadnavis also announced that Marathas would get 16 percent of the 72,000 jobs in the recruitment drive the Maharashtra government was going to launch, but none of these measures pacified the community, which remained steadfast and the protests continued. In August, not long after statewide agitations broke out over the demand for reservation for the Maratha community, the Maharashtra government announced that it was ready to consider the demand. Fadnavis said state leaders signed a joint resolution on this front, and that the government "stands in absolute support for Maratha reservation". Despite Fadnavis' assurances that the state was looking at providing legally and constitutionally sustainable reservation to Marathas and also requesting time till November to reach a decision, pro-quota groups kept up their protests, which only took a turn for the worse as people from the community began to commit suicide over the demand for quota. Till September, at least seven Marathas killed themselves over the demand for reservation, adding to the pressure on Fadnavis. Naturally, no chief minister would want to be held responsible for such loss of life. Parties in the state didn't help matters either. All major political parties in the state are in favour of Maratha reservation, as once again, no outfit wanted to draw the ire of the politically-dominant community in Maharashtra. At least eight MLAs quit over the demand, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray accused Fadnavis of "misleading" Marathas over reservation in the recruitment drive. Any support from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress was also out of question as the previous NCP-Congress government in Maharashtra, too, had announced 16 percent reservation for Marathas in June 2014, months before the Maharashtra Assembly polls along with 5 percent quota for Muslims but the Bombay High Court had stayed the decision in November that year. The BJP naturally would hope that favouring Maratha reservation would work in its own favour in the 2019 polls. But the move could risk alienating other OBCs as well as Dalits and Muslims, who have also been raising their voices for higher reservation in Maharashtra. This is a different kind of pressure for Fadnavis though. It would be laughable to expect the Shiv Sena to oppose any such cause, given that it has always been a champion of the Maratha cause. At the height of the protests demanding reservation, the BJP ally in the state urged the government to announce the quota without waiting for the state panel's report. If the Union Cabinet approves the Maratha reservation bill, and Parliament approves expanding the groups under OBCs, the total extent of reservation in Maharashtra would be 68 percent. This puts a likely legal hurdle in Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government's path, given the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap on quota for any community, and would only add another thorn in his side. But with no support on his side, an increasing toll from suicides and the elections around the corner, Fadnavis could do little to put off submitting to the Maratha demand. The Sena, a ruling ally of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, has been opposing the project on the grounds that it is against the interest of the farmers and would destroy ecology in Ratnagiri district in the coastal Konkan region. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has stayed the land acquisition process for the controversial Nanar refinery project after consulting the Shiv Sena, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. The Sena, a ruling ally of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, has been opposing the project on the grounds that it is against the interest of the farmers and would destroy ecology in Ratnagiri district in the coastal Konkan region. "The government has not issued any new notice for land acquisition. After talks with Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, the entire process has been stayed," he said. The issue came up after Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil told the House that journalist Alok Deshpande of English daily The Hindu was manhandled by police at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Tuesday night while covering a protest against the upcoming project. To this, Fadnavis said he would seek information about the incident and take appropriate action. Meanwhile, four persons, including two women seated in the visitors gallery of the House, were detained by the Vidhan Bhavan security for raising slogans demanding scrapping of the refinery project. Three Indian oil majors had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 April this year with Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to develop a refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal district. The Sena, rooted firmly in the Konkan region, has been opposing the project. In April this year, senior Sena leader and Industries Minister Subhash Desai had announced in Ratnagiri that a government notification for acquiring land for the project in Nanar stood cancelled. Desai's statement was negated by the chief minister who said that the order had not been cancelled. Nearly 37.28 percent Marathas in Maharashtra are living below poverty line (BPL) and 93 percent families from the community have annual income less than Rs 1 lakh, according to the summary of findings of the State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) Mumbai: Nearly 37.28 percent Marathas in Maharashtra are living below poverty line (BPL) and 93 percent families from the community have annual income less than Rs 1 lakh, according to the summary of findings of the State Backward Class Commission (SBCC). The state Assembly Thursday unanimously passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation for Marathas under 'socially and educationally backward' category. The summary of the SBCC, which studied the social, educational and financial status of Marathas, was tabled in the state Assembly by the government. It said the Maratha community constitutes 30 per cent of the state's total population and that 76.86 percent of its families were dependent on agriculture and farm labour. The community had six per cent representation in government and semi-government services and the representation was primarily higher in the D-class of government service, it said. The percentage of the community which migrated to cities for work had more people serving as 'Mathadi' workers (head loaders) and domestic workers, the summary said. The commission conducted public hearings at 21 places while analysing the social, educational and financial status of Marathas in the state. It received a total of 1,93,651 personal memorandums, 814 from various organisations, while 784 gram panchayats also collectively submitted 282 resolutions. Besides, elected representatives submitted 196 memorandums which supported reservation to Marathas under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. However, 1,523 personal memorandums, 86 submitted by various organisations, 78 political representatives and 37 gram panchayats said Marathas should get separate reservation without disturbing the existing quota. Also, there were 84 representations opposing inclusion of Marathas under the OBC category, the findings said. The SBCC findings said there were 6.92 percent Marathas in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), out of which direct recruitment was of only 0.27 percent. The representation of Marathas in the Indian Police Service (IPS) was 15.92 percent while in Indian Forest service, it was 7.87 percent. The findings also said that as compared to the community's population, only 4.30 percent posts were taken by highly qualified Maratha members. "The poor representation of the community in higher, technical and professional courses shows social inefficiency, inept financial situation and educational weakness," the SBCC mentioned in its findings. It said that from 2013 to 2018, 13,368 farmers committed suicide, of whom 23.56 percent (2,152) were from the Maratha community. The main reasons of suicide were indebtedness and crop failure, it added. Maratha community members called off their protest after Uddhav Thackeray assured he will ask the Maharashtra government to accept their key demand. Mumbai: Maratha community members on Thursday called off their protest after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray assured he will ask the Maharashtra government to accept their key demand of withdrawing "false" cases lodged against agitators during the reservation stir in the state. Thackeray's party is a key member of the BJP-led ruling coalition in the state. Members of the Maratha Kranti Thok Morcha had been on an indefinite fast at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai for the last 10 days in support of a slew of demands, including withdrawal of cases against "13,700 protesters". They were also demanding that the kin of those who had lost their lives in the quota protests be given a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each besides a government job to one member of their family. They were also seeking a complete loan waiver for farmers, among other demands. Thackeray, who visited the protest site in South Mumbai, assured them that all "false" cases lodged against protesters would be withdrawn and those arrested let off. "I will meet the chief minister and ask him to withdraw all false cases against protesters. Also, I have assured them that those who have been wrongly arrested be let off," Thackeray told reporters. The politically powerful community had been agitating for quota in government jobs and education. Over the last few years, they took out numerous marches across the state in support of their demand. The Maharashtra Legislature on Thursday passed a bill proposing 16 percent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas, declared as socially and educationally backward class by the government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier assured partial withdrawal of police cases filed against Maratha community members. Such cases related to damage caused to properties during the protests. "However, criminal charges like assaulting police officials will not be withdrawn," the chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, had said. Fadnavis, speaking during the cabinet meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, said except serious offences, including those lodged for assaulting police personnel, all other cases will be withdrawn, sources said. The Shiv Sena had raised the issue of withdrawal of cases in the Cabinet meeting. The CBI had conducted several raids and subsequently registered a case against Delhi minister Satyender Jain in the disproportionate assets case in 2017. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday granted a sanction of prosecution to indict Delhi home minister Satyendar Jain in a case registered against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 24 August, 2017, for allegedly acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Raids were conducted at four different places and a case was subsequently registered in the matter in 2017. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had denied the charges and accused the BJP of misusing the CBI and the Income Tax Department, even as Jain, who holds several important portfolios, including health and public works development, had confirmed the news, tweeting: "The CBI has reached my home for searches." In April 2017, the CBI had lodged a preliminary inquiry against Jain and others in a case of alleged money laundering to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore in 2015-16. The investigative agency had also questioned Jain in June 2017, accusing him of being involved in the crime through Kolkata-based companies Prayas Info Pvt Ltd, Akichand Developers and Mangalyatan Project Pvt Ltd, a charge he denied. The inquiry against the minister was registered on the basis of evidence the CBI collected against him, claiming he was involved in money laundering despite being a public servant. In February, the agency had recovered property documents and bank deposit slips of about Rs 2 crore allegedly linked to Jain and companies where he was the director during searches at the homes of Delhi Dental Council registrar Rishi Raj. The documents were recovered two days after Raj's arrest for allegedly demanding Rs 4.73 lakh from dentist Sanjay Arora for relaxing proceedings against the latter. It was later alleged that the bribe taken by the council registrar was meant for Jain. The incident drew attention to the purported link between the Delhi Dental Council and Jain. The CBI later also found 41 cheque books in the AAP leader and his wife Poonam's name, and in the name of a private estate firm. It then claimed to have recovered 500 grams of gold and Rs 24 lakh in cash, but it was not clear whether these were also linked to Jain. The CBI had shared the documents with the Income Tax Department. The agency had also refuted AAP's claims that Jain had already handed over these documents to the agency, reported India Today. "This is the first time that these documents have come before us. The seized documents are original papers and earlier no such documents were submitted before us," the news channel had quoted a CBI source as saying. With inputs from ANI The Russian government followed the Georgian presidential election and took into consideration the information about Salome Zurabishvilis victory, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Answering the question on whether Zurabishvilis victory makes Moscow feel optimistic, Peskov explained that the Kremlin prefers to wait for the new president's first statements and her evaluation of possible prospects for the development of relations between Moscow and Tbilisi. "The two nations definitely remain very close to each other. The ties between the countries leave much to be desired after the well-known events," TASS cited the Kremlin spokesman as saying. The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it would pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the father of a 24-year-old man who was lynched by a mob in Pune in 2014. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court Thursday that it would pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the father of a 24-year-old man who was lynched by a mob in Pune in 2014. Sadiq Sheikh had approached the high court seeking Rs 10 lakh Rs 5 lakh each from the Union government and the state under a scheme which offers compensation to victims of communal violence. His son Mohsin, who was working with an IT firm in Pune, was beaten to death by a mob on 2 June, 2014. There was communal tension in Pune's Hadapsar area after morphed photos of late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were circulated on social media. Mohsin and his friend were stopped by the mob when they were returning home. While his friend escaped, Mohsin was lynched. Additional government pleader Manish Pabale Thursday told a division bench of Chief Justice NH Patil and Justice MS Karnik that the compensation amount would be paid to Sheikh in a week. The court then posted the petition for further hearing after two weeks and asked the government to file an affidavit stating if the amount has been paid. Police had arrested several members of right-wing group Hindu Rashtra Sena for the alleged murder. The charge sheet had named 23 members of the group, including its head Dhananjay Desai. The trial in the case is still on. While some of the accused were released on bail, Desai is still lodged at the Yerwada prison in Pune. Amid hectic election campaign home and diplomatic commitments abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will clock hundreds of hours travelling in the next few days, official sources said Wednesday. New Delhi: Amid hectic election campaign home and diplomatic commitments abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will clock hundreds of hours travelling in the next few days, official sources said Wednesday. After visiting Singapore and Maldives during the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh campaign, the Prime Minister Wednesday left for Argentina to attend the G20 summit, in the midst of campaigning for the Rajasthan and Telangana elections, they pointed out. From 23 November, Modi has been on the campaign trail every day. Beginning with Mizoram on 23 November, the Prime Minister has campaigned across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana in the last six days. Wednesday saw him address two election rallies in Rajasthan, in the course of a seven hour journey, involving both plane and chopper. "Barely ninety minutes after landing in Delhi, the Prime Minister emplaned for Argentina," a functionary said. The journey from Delhi to Buenos Aires involves two legs of nearly 12 hour duration each, with a short technical halt in Cape Town, South Africa. The total travel time to Buenos Aires is 25 hours, and consequently, the to and fro trips will involve a combined journey time of nearly 50 hours. In between these two trips, the Prime Minister will be in Buenos Aires for just over 50 hours. This time period includes two nights. In the space of 50 hours, the Prime Minister has over 25 scheduled engagements. These include the various sessions of the G20 summit, sideline meetings including the BRICS informal meeting, and bilateral meetings with various world leaders. Modi will return to India in the wee hours of 3 December only to take off again within 12 hours to resume his political campaigning in Rajasthan and Telangana for the next two days. On 3 December, he will campaign in Jodhpur and Hyderabad. Many say the construction of the Ram temple will close one chapter for the BJP and open another. Editors note: Since the BJP assumed power in 2014, calls to build a temple for Ram in Ayodhya have become more strident; they have been amplified following the installation of Yogi Adityanath as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. A large collection of Hindutva groups assembled in Ayodhya on 25 November to further intensify the campaign. Firstpost will run a series of ground reports to document this movement. *** While many Hindutva groups have been turning up the heat on the issue of building the Ram temple in Ayodhya including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a few individuals have been trying to cool fraying tempers. Haji Mehboob, one of the individuals party to the Ram Mandir case in the Supreme Court, has been attempting to organise peace talks between all stakeholders, without much success. Mehboob said, Over the past few years, I have been trying to resolve the matter outside the court, but the VHP's stubbornness is getting in the way. As part of the mediation, I have proposed on several occasions, that they can build a temple on the disputed land and, as per the Allahabad High Court decision, leave the land allocated to the Sunni Waqf Board. But they want it all. Things haven't much changed in Ayodhya since the 25 November 'dharma sabha'. Fear is prevalent and locals say the tension will not dissipate until after 6 December, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition by kar sevaks in 1992. Many Muslim families left Ayodhya before the 'dharma sabha' and are likely to return after 6 December. Mehboob added, It's not unusual for Muslims to flee Ayodhya around this time. So many outsiders come in during this period. Mehboob seems drained by the long court battle. He said he is eagerly awaiting the apex court verdict. A couple of weeks ago, Iqbal Ansari, one of the parties to the case, said his life was in danger and asked for police protection (which was quickly granted). Ansari is one of the individuals who asked the Centre to bring in legislation for the Ram temple. However, Ansari soon changed tack and stated that the apex court ruling should be followed. Businessman Mohammad Ayyub is unimpressed with Ansari, saying, He'll say anything for money. Ansari's request for more security has created a stir in Ayodhya. Many, including Ayyub, believe security in the city should be beefed up until the anniversary of the demolition passes. Many just want to put this issue behind them, even if the ultimate outcome is the building of the Ram temple. The perception is that even if the apex court rules in favour of the Sunni Waqf board, it will not be able to rebuild the mosque. As 56-year-old tea-seller Abdul Fahim Ansari put it, If the VHP builds a temple, it will indeed be a defeat for Muslims. However, at least the building of the Ram temple will bring peace. As far as I can see, only the construction of the temple can end this decades-long mess. In mid-2017, the Shia Central Waqf Board backed the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site and appealed to the Supreme Court to be made party to the case. The board also claimed the mosque was built by a Shia Muslim. However, the apex court denied its appeal. Board chairman Waseem Rizvi claimed it donated silver-studded arrows for the Ram statue announced by Yogi Adityanath. Rizvi previously called for the Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb to be destroyed and temples and schools to be put up in their place. Rizvi said, Babar, the cruel and anti-Hindu emperor turned it into a mosque. But this place always belonged to the Hindus. The court should rule in favour of the Ram temple. Ram Lalla has been waiting for a long time to come home. Even as the 'dharma sabha' passed without incident, dark clouds remain on the horizon. Manzar Mehdi, a veteran journalist based in Faizabad, edits and prints Aapki Takat, an Urdu-Hindi weekly newspaper. Mehdi, speaking from his office in a mosque at Faizabad Chowk area, said, There is no solution other than the Ram temple. Only a temple can be built there. And until that happens, the tension will remain. I have mediated talks on many occasions, but many accuse me of being a VHP-RSS agent. They do not think the temple is the only solution. Many say the construction of the Ram temple will close one chapter for the BJP and open another. Mohammad Asif, 34, said, I want the Ram temple to be constructed because I want to see the BJP's next move. I want to see what it can bring to the table for voters who it thinks can be easily polarised by such issues. Leading Islamic organisations across the country have asked Muslims in Ayodhya and Faizabad to remain patient. But as Mehboob puts it, This drama will continue till next year's Lok Sabha elections. Kerala Police arrested activist Rehana Fathima after charging the activist of hurting religious sentiments via her Facebook post. Rehana is one of the women who tried to enter Sabarimala temple, which has been in the middle of a controversy since the Supreme Court's verdict where the top court allowed women of all ages access to the temple. Kerala Police arrested activist Rehana Fathima after charging the activist of hurting religious sentiments via her Facebook post. Rehana is one of the women who tried to enter Sabarimala temple, which has been in the middle of a controversy since the Supreme Court's verdict where the top court allowed women of all ages access to the temple. On 30 October, Rehana had moved the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail, after the Pathanamthitta police on 22 October registered 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. A case under section 295(a) has been registered. She will be produced before a magistrate soon, G Sunil Kumar, Inspector of Police, Pathanamthitta, was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. The case was registered after a complaint was filed by Sabarimala Samtakshana Samithy. A report by The News Minute said that, "Rehana had posted a photo of herself on her Facebook page, which several people took offence to. Rehana had posted a picture on Facebook on September 30, dressed as an Ayyappa devotee wearing a rudraksha and sporting a patta, with the caption 'Tatvamasi'." On 16 November, the Kerala High Court had rejected Rehana anticipatory bail plea after the district police had filed an FIR against her in connection to the case. The court had instructed the Kerala Police to go ahead with necessary action against Rehana, while six people who were arrested in relation to the Sabarimala protests were granted bail. After her failed attempt to enter the shrine on 19 October, despite heavy police protection and adequate preparation, the Kerala Muslim Jama'ath Council had also expelled Fathima from the Muslim community for "hurting sentiments of lakhs of Hindu devotees". Rehana, a BSNL employee, was on 24 October also transferred to Palarivattom telephone exchange in Kochi, where public contact is not required. However, while she was making the attempt, her house in Kochi's Panampilly Nagar was allegedly vandalised by unidentified people. With inputs from agencies A few Congress-led opposition UDF MLAs placed a black banner in front of the Kerala Assembly Speaker's podium which stated 'lift the prohibitory orders and restrictions imposed in Sabarimala completely' and raised slogans. Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led opposition UDF disrupted proceedings in Kerala Assembly for the second consecutive day Thursday demanding discussion on the Sabarimala row. As soon as the day began, Opposition members stood up from their seats and requested Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan to scrap the Question Hour. A few Opposition MLAs placed a black banner in front of the Speaker's podium which stated "lift the prohibitory orders and restrictions imposed in Sabarimala completely" and raised slogans. With placards, they gathered in front of the Speaker's chamber, raising "protect Sabarimala" slogans and against Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala demanded the Speaker to take up their notice for an adjournment motion over the dearth of infrastructure facilities in Sabarimala and the difficulties faced by pilgrims there. Sreeramakrishnan, however, said the 60-minute-long Question Hour was a slot to discuss issues of people and scrapping it would amount to "challenging" the general public. "Entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala is a significant subject. But, we cannot go on discussing this topic only," the Speaker said. "Let people all over the world see what you are doing. Did you not hear what the Governor said yesterday?" he asked. Speaking at a function in Malappuram, Governor P Sathasivam had said the members of the House need to keep in mind that the activities inside the house are being "watched" by people. When the Question Hour began, Opposition members went ahead with their sloganeering. To a question by CPI's Muhammed Muhsin, Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran gave a reply on the details of the September 28 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups into the hill shrine. However, as the Opposition sloganeering continued and repeated requests to them to go back to their seats failed, a visibly angry Speaker took up other businesses and adjourned the House for the day. The opposition UDF had stalled the House proceedings on Wednesday as well. The hill-top Sabarimala temple has been witnessing protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the verdict of the top court. It is high time to look at possible solutions to the problem of the shortage of drinking water in Shimla, especially in the light of global concern about climate change. Over the years, Shimla's population has grown steadily and taken a toll on its resources. It is high time to look at possible solutions to the problem of the shortage of drinking water, especially in the light of global concern about climate change issues in the Himalayan region. Undoubtedly, successive state governments and the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) have ignored the worsening situation. In June this year, there was no drinking water supply in Shimla for eight to ten days a situation that had forced hoteliers to put up boards advising tourists not to visit the town. Sunita Narain, noted environmentalist and director, Centre for Science and Environment, who was in Shimla to address a conference on climate change issues some time back, drew a parallel with Cape town, a reference which annoyed the city's Deputy Mayor Rakesh Kumar, who was present in the function. Six months down the line, the queen of hills will face a reality check of sorts this winter, during the snow season which attracts thousands of tourists. What lessons have the town and the state government learnt from the worst-ever water crisis? Has the problem been fixed? These are questions awaiting answers. As of now, there is a dramatic improvement in the availability of drinking water in Shimla. A series of steps taken by Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam an entity formed to manage the citys water and sewerage affairs has led to a cumulative discharge of 49 MLD of drinking water from all eight sources. This is more than double the availability of drinking water during the water crisis period, when it had dropped to 19 to 20 MLD. Shimlas average requirement is 40 to 44 MLD. The turnaround has mainly been the result of the internal management and plugging of huge leakage of water from old pipes and a faulty distribution system. With availability having increased, the municipal corporation plans to introduce a trial run of 24X7 water supply in some of the municipal wards. Officials expect good snowfall this winter, and say that there will never be a repeat of the situation from this year's summer. Rajesh Kashyap, executive engineer (water supplies) explains some of these aspects. In January 2016, a jaundice outbreak had forced the municipal corporation to shut down water supply from Ashwani Khad (which has a capacity of 10 MLD). As an alternative scheme, the Koti Brandi project has been commissioned to add 5 MLD of water. The Giri water supply scheme, which has a capacity of 20 MLD but used to supply only 12 MLD, was renovated with an investment of Rs 4.50 crore. An additional 8 MLD has been added now, due to which it runs on optimum capacity. At Gumma Shimlas oldest and main water supply scheme which was commissioned during the British era four pumps have been replaced at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore. The scheme now supplies 21 MLD of water. On 29 September, the municipal corporation created a record of sorts by pumping 52.05 MLD of water against an installed capacity of 54 MLD. Is this change sustainable for Shimla? It is important to consider that the impact of changes in weather patterns (erratic rains and less snowfall) have already hit availability of water discharge at natural sources. One cannot ignore the effect of massive construction activities in and around Shimla, forest felling, indiscriminate dumping of debris along hillsides and growing pollution on water availability. Dr Manmohan Singh, Director, Meteorological Centre, Shimla says that climatic changes have a direct bearing on the availability of water at perennial sources . There has been a rise in extreme weather conditions due to global warming and pollution. Prolonged dry spells result in a scarcity of water, and excessive rains lead to flash floods and landslides. Mountains are more vulnerable to such things, he says. Shimla's water crisis is not a new phenomenon. During the British era, the city was the summer capital of the colonial government, and had a population of about 30,000. Now, it has exceeded the two lakh mark. During tourist reason, 15,000 to 20,000 tourists reach Shimla. Thus, hoteliers have to make arrangements for meeting additional water needs. As per a study done by WAPCOS Ltd, around 47 percent of drinking water pumped for supply to the town goes waste due to leakages in old pipelines, and a faulty distribution system, apart from mismanagement . Now, after the replacement of the old pipeline from Creigneno to Dhalli, the leakages have been effectively plugged with an investment of Rs 8 crore. Improvements have also been made in the distribution network. This has resulted in the availability of additional drinking water for consumers," Pankaj Rai, Commissioner of the Shimla Municipal Corporation said. The completion of a Rs 292 crore World Bank-funded Kol Dam lift water supply scheme is now being awaited. The project conceived three decades ago would bring an additional 75 MLD of water from Satluj river. Shimlas former Mayor Tikender Panwar says, The water crisis during the summer this year was a wake-up call for many towns in India.The need is to think of climate-resilient strategies as a long term measure, apart from looking at Shimlas overall sustainability, growth, construction and revival of old water bodies, recharging ground water and introducing rain water harvesting. Wijegunaratne is the highest-ranking military officer in Sri Lanka to ever be held by a court over alleged crimes from Sri Lanka's wartime past, when the armed forces were accused of grave abuses against civilians. Colombo: Sri Lanka's military chief, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, was remanded by a court on Wednesday after weeks of evading arrest over the alleged cover-up of the abduction and murder of 11 young men during the island's civil war. Wijegunaratne is the highest-ranking military officer to ever be held by a court over alleged crimes from Sri Lanka's wartime past, when the armed forces were accused of grave abuses against civilians. The powerful Chief of the Defence Staff was detained after revelations that he attempted to abduct a key witness over the weekend and have a police detective removed from the case. "I am denying bail because in your position you are able to influence witnesses and disrupt the investigations," Magistrate Ranga Dassanayake told a packed courthouse in Colombo. Wijegunaratne, who arrived at court flanked by military personnel, denied protecting the chief suspect in the high-profile murders or attempting to cover-up the crimes. Wijegunaratne, who was chosen by the president, appeared in full military regalia, earning a rebuke from Magistrate Dassanayake who suggested he was trying to intimidate the court. Earlier, his entourage attacked journalists trying to photograph Wijegunaratne as he arrived at court. A navy officer was later arrested by police for assault. Three arrest warrants were issued for Wijegunaratne this month but the top military appointee refused to surrender, even travelling to Mexico as an envoy for the president. Senior military figures have been accused of serious crimes and civilian abuses during Sri Lanka's decades-long war, but have broadly enjoyed impunity from prosecution. Grave abuses Investigators told the court that Wijegunaratne helped the chief accused in the murders Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, a naval intelligence officer. He was accused of abducting and killing the wealthy men in their late teens and early 20s for ransom in the final days of the war that ended in 2009. Their bodies were never found. Wijegunaratne, who is not directly tied to the murders, allegedly helped Hettiarachchi travel to Malaysia to evade arrest. The naval officer returned and was detained in August. Military officials were accused of kidnapping and holding civilians for cash ransom during the war, among other major abuses documented by rights groups. Several intelligence officers are also facing prosecution over the murder of journalists who were critical of Mahinda Rajapaksa's, the former president whose tenure was marred by allegations of war crimes and grave rights abuses. Rajapaksa's recent controversial appointment as prime minister by Sri Lanka's president Maithripala Sirisena has plunged the country into crisis, with parliament twice voting against the war-era strongman ruler taking over the government. Rajapaksa, who has refused to step aside as Sri Lanka drifts in a power vacuum, and several members of his family, are being investigated for fraud and murder during his 10-year presidency. However, those inquiries were thrown into doubt after his surprise return to the helm of government in an alliance with President Maithripala Sirisena. Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka as government troops crushed the Tamil insurgency in May 2009, ending 37 years of bitter and brutal fighting. The final days of the offensive were marked by major abuses, according to rights groups. A UN panel has said 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the final stages of the war. In a setback for the Tamil Nadu Government, an NGT-appointed committee that looked into closure of Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin on Wednesday said that the order to close down the plant was unjustified and ' against the principles of natural justice'. New Delhi: In a setback for the Tamil Nadu Government, an NGT-appointed committee that looked into closure of Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin on Wednesday said that the order to close down the plant was unjustified and " against the principles of natural justice". Mining company Vedanta's Sterlite Copper Plant saw major protests in Tamil Nadu against pollution to the water caused by the plant with presence of heavy metals found in the underground water. In May 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered permanent shutdown of the plant following recommendations of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The order to seal the premises was, however, reconsidered in August, after a three-member team headed by former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice Tarun Agrawal was formed. On Wednesday, the committee informed the green panel that no notice or opportunity was given to Vedanta before the closure. "The impugned orders cannot be sustained as it is against the principles of natural justice. No notice or opportunity of hearing was given to the appellant. The grounds mentioned in the impugned orders are not that grievous to justify permanent closure of the factory," the committee told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. The committee said the closure was wrong even if the appellant was found to be violating the conditions, norms or directions. The panel also said that in the event the tribunal is of the opinion that the factory should commence production, the committee is of the opinion that it should be directed to monitor groundwater quality in the presence of an official. The committee also recommended that the sampling of effluent/emission and solid waste should also be done by a monitoring group to be constituted by TNPCB comprising a representative of the District Collector, an official of TNPCB, NGOs and academicians. It added that the reports should be sent by TNPCB to CPCB for analysis. The matter is now listed on 7 December. The hearing in the CBI Director Alok Verma's case, challenging the divestment of all his powers in the agency, resumed with Kapil Sibal arguing in the case for Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. After the CJI-led bench re-assembled at 2 pm, Sibal mentioned in court that, 'The order by the CVC is outside the ambit of the power of superintendence of the CVC.' The hearing in the CBI Director Alok Verma's case, challenging the divestment of all his powers in the agency, resumed with Kapil Sibal arguing in the case for Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, adjourned the hearing to 5 December (coming Wednesday). After the CJI-led bench re-assembled at 2 pm, Sibal mentioned in court that, "The order by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is outside the ambit of the power of superintendence of the CVC." Sibal argued that the order to seal Verma's office was passed without powers under the CVC Act and the power of superintendence cannot override Sections 4A and 4B of the DSPE Act. "If the power to appoint is with the (selection) committee, the power to remove is also with the committee," Sibal said adding that the central government did not have the power to remove the CBI director. "If this has happened to the CBI director, this may happen to the CVC also. It can happen to the Election Commission also," Sibal remarked raising questions on the autonomy of independent organisations. Sibal noted that the CVC and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) cannot override statutory provisions of the DSPE Act. "Even if you want to appoint an acting director, it must be made through the statutory committee. ...There cannot be any exception to the requirement of the consent of the statutory committee," Sibal told the apex court. Here, the CJI quipped: "Are you saying that the CBI director can't be touched by the government i.e. they can't be transferred, sent on leave or suspended by the Centre and that it can be done only by the committee. No exception?" "No exception," Sibal replied. "That is my argument too," Senior advocate Fali Nariman said. Earlier, challenging the government's decision, Nariman who was representing Verma had told court that Verma was appointed on 1 February, 2017 and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred". After Sibal concluded, senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan commenced his arguments for transferred CBI officer AK Bassi. Referring to the Supreme Court judgment in the Vineet Narain case which dealt with the superintendence of police, Dhawan said that Section 4B of the DSPE Act is specific and any power related to service cannot obliterate section 4B. "No rule can be put in place to override the 2-year term of a CBI director," he noted. "If there is a lacunae in the Act, only Your Lordships can fill the same. They (government) cannot act claiming that they will plug the lacunae," Dhawan argued in the top court. However, at this point, the CJI persisted with the question of locus. "You are saying you would not have been transferred if Alok Verma was not sent on leave?"questioning reasons why Bassi filed an intervention application instead of a separate petition. Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh also sought an answer to this question saying that "there is a genuine apprehension of victimisation". Meanwhile, the Union government's counsel AG KK Venugopal began his argument by mentioning that "the power of selection and the final choice for an appointment of the director is made by the Union government itself and therefore it is the appointing authority." "The selection committee and appointing authority are different. Centre appoints from the names recommended by the selection committee," Venugopal noted in court. "So the committee's power is only up to the selection of a group of candidates,... It is the govt which then appoints one among those candidates," Venugopal said adding that the Government of India being the appointing authority can intervene. "Alok Verma continues to hold the status of the CBI director and enjoys all privileges and benefits of the post till date. So can he claim he has been transferred, Venugopal asked in court. "No facility such as residence, personal staff etc. of Alok Verma has been taken away. Everything is intact," he argued in court to defend the claims of Verma being virtually "transferred" in the garb of being divested of all his powers. The CJI then asked Venugopal: "Tell us whether the central government exercised power under 4(1) or 4(2) of the DSPE Act?" To which he replied, "According to me, it can flow from both 4(1) and 4(2) as long as it comes within the scope of the term "superintendence." Supreme Court Alok Verma case hearing: Dushyant Dave argues that Nageshwar Rao's posting as interim CBI chief be set aside CBI director Alok Verma who was divested of all duties by the Centre and sent on leave following charges of corruption against him told the Supreme Court on Thursday that he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and that he cannot even be transferred without an approval from the selection committee. CBI director Alok Verma who was divested of all duties by the Centre and sent on leave following charges of corruption against him told the Supreme Court on Thursday that he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and that he cannot even be transferred without an approval from the selection committee. Verma had been sent on leave along with CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana following their public feud wherein Asthana had accused him of accepting a bribe in a case related to meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Challenging the government's decision, senior advocate Fali Nariman, who was representing Verma, said that Verma was appointed on 1 February, 2017 and "the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred". Nariman referred to the terms and conditions of appointment and removal of the CBI director and concerned provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. Dushyant Dave, the counsel for the NGO Common Cause took over. Dave mentioned, "What you can't do directly cannot be done indirectly," in context of the government issuing a leave order instead of a transfer order to Verma. Stressing on the fact that a third party cannot interfere in the functioning of the CBI, Dave said, "Selection committee alone has been entrusted both by Your Lordships and the Parliament to take such an action. Hence, this present order falls foul of rule of law." He also added that for the same reason, appointment of M Nageshwar Rao as interim director of CBI should also be set aside. Common Cause has challenged the central government's decision to send Verma on leave. Dave made submissions on the scheme brought in by the Vineet Narain judgment for appointment and transfer of the CBI director and the necessity of the same. "In matters of discipline, CVC has no role to play," he told the court. Earlier, the court while hearing Verma's plea seeking his reinstation in the agency, discussed the issue pertaining to media publication of materials which have been filed in court for a sub-judice matter. Nariman referred to the Sahara judgment in this context considering that during the last hearing, the apex court has expressed dismay regarding publication of Verma's response to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Nariman said that the view in the Sahara judgment was that the media cannot be prohibited from publishing material which has been filed in court as he urged the top court to frame some guidelines or a circular regarding publication of court materials by the media. Nariman said that that it may not have been appropriate to have Sinha's petition to get published even before it was listed before the court. However later, the court let go of this matter and moved on to the main issue of Verma's plea. Nariman then citing Vineet Narain's case regarding the appointment, functioning and the independence of the CBI officers, advanced his arguments to question the government's decision. Nariman said that the transfer of the CBI director should have been approved by the selection committee, referring to the aims and objectives of the CVC Act, 2003. "Stripping of charges is equivalent to transfer," Nariman said in court. "It is not that he cannot be transferred; He can be but it should be with the consent of the Committee.... If this is allowed, what happens to the autonomy and independence of the CBI," he asked. "The leave order will not stand without permission from the committee.... If there is any proposal to clip his wings, consent ought to have been taken from the committee," Nariman remarked. Nariman submitted that the with effect from 2014, the appointment of the CBI director is to be done by a selection committee consisting the prime minister, the leader of the Opposition or the single largest party and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Justice KM Joseph at this point asked Nariman: "What if the director is caught red-handed taking a bribe?" To which, Nariman replied saying, " Write immediately to the committee." With inputs from agencies, Live Law and Bar and Bench German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier urged to separate the issues of implementation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the Ukraine crisis. He has also spoken out against the termination of the pipelines construction. "These are two different issues and different areas," TASS cited the minister as saying. Altmaier also told Germanys ARD television that tensions in Ukraine "cannot be settled with weapons." The minister expects that recent events in the Kerch Strait will be discussed at the G20 summit. German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert said yesterday that Germanys stance on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline remains unchanged. After she reportedly went missing, Chandramukhi's friends from the transgender community lodged a complaint with the Telangana Police, saying she was feared kidnapped and her mother was in a state of despair. Hyderabad: A 32-year-old transgender-activist Chandramukhi M, who is contesting the 7 December Telangana Assembly elections, appeared before the police station in Hyderabad after she reportedly went missing on Tuesday, police said Thursday. "Chandramukhi M, who is contesting on a CPM-led Bahujan Left Front or BLF ticket from Goshamahal constituency in the city, allegedly went missing from her house and a 'case of missing person' was registered," they said. "Late Wednesday night, she appeared before police, but did not say where she had gone," assistant commissioner of police K Srinivasa Rao told PTI. Chandramukhi also told police that she was safe, the official said. After she reportedly went missing, Chandramukhi's friends from the transgender community lodged a complaint with the police, saying she was feared kidnapped and her mother was in a state of despair. As an activist with 'Telangana Hijra Intersex Transgender Samiti' Chandramukhi had protested against the alleged atrocities on the transgender community. "Chandramukhi's decision to contest the polls was to uplift her community," her supporters have said. "We fear for her safety and condemn the lack of protection for transgender candidates and women, which prevents them from joining politics," they said. The victim, settled in South Africa, had come with a woman friend to Mathura three days back and was allegedly raped in a beauty parlour at Dampier Nagar on Monday. Mathura: Two persons, including a tourist guide, were arrested here on Tuesday for gangraping a young Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in this temple town, police said. The victim, settled in South Africa, had come with a woman friend to Mathura three days back and was allegedly raped in a beauty parlour at Dampier Nagar on Monday. After a friend of the survivor lodged a police complaint, the two rapists were arrested. The guide apparently lured the NRI to the parlour in Dampier Nagar, promising her a body massage. She alleged that her drink was spiked and the two raped her. Superintendent of Police Shravan Kumar said the South African embassy in New Delhi had been informed about the crime. Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. According to reports, the terrorists have been identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone and Adil Bilal Bhat. They were reportedly affliated to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. According to ANI, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said that there was no collateral damage in the encounter that took place in Khrew, in the district. The police had launched a joint operation with security forces in the area after receiving credible information about the presence of the terrorists. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. CNN-News18 reported that Lone and Bhat were close aides of Hizbul chief Riyaz Naikoo. The report also said that the encounter was brief, and lasted for about an hour. #NewsAlert -- Terrorist Riyaz Naikoo's aides killed in Pulwama encounter | @islahmufti with more details pic.twitter.com/s5uhUecds6 News18 (@CNNnews18) November 29, 2018 Thursday's encounter comes a day after security forces killed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Naveed Jatt, who was a prime suspect in the murder of senior Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari on 14 June. Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh on Wednesday confirmed that Jatt was killed in an encounter earlier in the Budgam district of the state. With inputs from agencies Many youth (in one case, a class 9 girl) from across Assam may have left for the jungles where Paresh Baruah leads hundreds of his armed fighters, who operate from training camps. Twenty-eight years ago on a cold misty night of November, the sleepy village of Lakhipathar woke up rudely to the booming sound of mortars and automatic weapons. About 530 kilometres east of Guwahati and located amid dense rainforests near Digboi in Upper Assam, Lakhipathar was the scene of a fiery battle between the army and about 300 United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) guerrillas who later melted away into the darkness. The incident was followed by prolonged atrocities by the army in the neighbouring villages, which included rapes, a few of which were documented but largely unreported. It led to a surge of sympathy for the banned outfit which peaked in the mid-1990s before bowing down to waning support that remained at rock-bottom till very recently. But now the times are changing in Assam and there are telltale signs. Young people are now leaving by the droves from all over Assam to join ULFA. And since ULFA swears by the guerrilla style and not the open positional warfare, even 300 well-trained fighters can prove to be a very effective force, says Prabal Neog, who joined the banned outfit 31 years ago and also led the dreaded 28th Battalion before being arrested. Information collated from a variety of sources, including common people, the security forces, intelligence agencies and pro-talk ULFA cadres, indicate that many youth (in one case, a class 9 girl) from across Assam have left for the jungles where Paresh Baruah leads hundreds of his armed fighters, who operate from training camps along the lawless China-Myanmar border. Baruah remains steadfast in his demand for a sovereign Assam. A hip-hop Assamese song "Bangladeshi", which talks of taking up guns to protect Assamese identity and culture, has become an overnight sensation on social media. And in the villages and towns, there is hushed talk. Members of ULFA are no longer referred to as "ugroponthis" but as "lora bur" (our boys). The changing attitude is reflecting on the reading tastes too. The North East Book Fair in Guwahati, which concluded last month, recorded unprecedented sale of books of writers like the late journalist Parag Kumar Das and renowned leftist thinker Hiren Gohain or of Mao Tse- tungs political works. Most of Das re-printed books like Sanglot Fenla, Swadhin Axomor Orthonitee (Economy of Independent Assam) have sold out, says Ractim Thakuria, a distributor-seller of Barna Books, which has set up a stall at the fair. Sanglot Fenla is a quintessential story of why the Assamese have taken to weapons after all democratic protests have yielded nothing. The title Swadhin Axomor Orthonitee itself is self-explanatory. Das, an alumnus of Delhi Universitys prestigious St Stephens College and the Delhi School of Economics, had become an avowed supporter of the ULFA before being gunned down in 1996. But what is new this time is that the new recruits are not the unemployed and unemployable poverty-hit individuals but well-educated and well-heeled youth, including already employed engineers (including at least one US-returned software engineer), doctors and, according to unverified reports, at least, two lawyers. While the numbers are not definitive, different sources put them at hundreds. At the crux of the problem is the threat to Assamese identity, language and culture. Antu Choudang, once the ULFAs dreaded demolition experts, says, ... Assam is being forced to take in lakhs of illegal foreigners. For India, the citizenship cut-off date is 1951, but for Assam it is 1971. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord promised constitutional safeguards, but nothing has been given even after 33 years. Our youth are therefore losing faith in the democratic process. Not content with that, out of nowhere, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, is being forced on us. They fail to understand that the Assamese nation is not based on religion. Our great Vaishnava saint Sankardeb stressed on a philosophy of pure devotion regardless of religion, caste or creed. That philosophy is being systematically demolished and a fundamentalist Hindu character is being imparted. We refuse to be part of that, the 51-year-old says. The general mood in the villages is a mixture of defiance and aggression. No government, in the state or in the Centre, has been sincere with the Assamese till now. Till now, there has only been betrayal and going back on promises. The illegal immigration issue and the Citizenship Amendment Bill have only made us realise that there is no point. We will, therefore, do what we want and in our own way, says a Lakhipathar villager requesting anonymity. Mao had said, "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Clearly, there is a growing tribe of Mao believers in Assam. The week-long programme is likely to begin on Gita Jayanti on 18 December and will continue for a week. VHP members also said that till 18 December, smaller-scale Dharam Sabhas will be held at the district level Lucknow: Keen to maintain the momentum built during the recent Dharam Sabha in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) now plans to hold programmes across the country during which people would take oath to build a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The week-long programme is likely to begin on Gita Jayanti on 18 December and will continue for a week. In days to come, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad would be holding pledge-taking programmes at various places in the country. The pledge will be taken for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This will begin on Gita Jayanti and will continue for almost a week. Apart from this, we are holding Dharam Sabhas on a smaller scale in various parts of the country, secretary (organization) of VHP's Awadh praant (region) Bholendra said. He said till 18 December, smaller-scale Dharam Sabhas will be held at the district level. VHP spokesperson in Ayodhya, Sharad Sharma, said, A similar programme is scheduled to be held in Delhi on 9 December in which over 5 lakh people are likely to turn up. Then on 31 January and 1 February, we are going to organise a Dharam Sansad in Prayagraj in which more than 5,000 seers from across the country are likely to participate. Seers from southern states and north-eastern states have been specifically invited. The Dharam Sansad will deliberate on various issues, including on the Ram Temple, cow and river Ganga. Social harmony will be another issue on which detailed discussions will be held, Sharma said. Through the Dharam Sabha, we were able to send a message that the Hindu society wants a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Sharma said, and added that road map for the next course of action will be finalised during 2019 Kumbh in Prayagraj. However, the 'Dharam Sabha' the biggest congregation of Ram bhakts in this holy town is being seen by the opposition as an effort by the saffron brigade to test waters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Despite the matter being sub-judice, there is an extraordinary hurry on the part of the VHP, BJP and their associates to give another push to the issue which was dormant for the past four years. The BJP is losing its ground in and around Ayodhya, and the Dharam Sabha was a desperate act to revitalise its cadre. However, this has met with very little success, former MLA from Ayodhya, Tej Narayan Pandey alias Pawan Pandey (Samajwadi Party) said. Terming the Dharam Sabha as a political stunt, he also alleged that the VHP, BJP and their associates have been engaged in political drama for the last 30 years. Asked how the Samajwadi Party would be countering the saffron agenda, Pandey said, We are in touch with the people of Ayodhya, and they have rejected the agenda of the BJP and company. People have told me that events like these disturb the normal life of the city in a significant manner. Former Lok Sabha MP from Faizabad Nirmal Khatri, said, There is no need to counter such programmes and the agenda unleashed by the saffron brigade, as in the eyes of the public, the grand drama staged on Sunday has turned out to be flop show. Khatri said, "Once an event is exposed in front of the public, there is hardly any need to put any extra effort in the sensitive issue. However, as far as the booth-level management strategy of the party is concerned, we are adding people to our party, and telling them how the BJP stands exposed on a number of issues. If we apply the evolutionary theory to the way people use Tinder, we find that differences emerge because the traits that are sought by men and women are quite different, especially in short-term relationships If Shakespeare were alive right now, he would definitely approve of Tinder. In his first sonnet, he urges us to stop being gluttonous and start reproducing, lest beautys rose perishes. He would definitely have a thing or two to say about young people using Tinder for fun. While online dating has been around for as long as the internet, it never really caught on till much later think how revolutionary the movie Youve Got Mail was. In the 1990s, 40 percent of couples in the US met through friends, and about 20 percent met in bars, in 2000, 10 percent had met their partners on the internet, and by 2010 about 25 percent had. Between 2005 and 2012, more than one-third of couples who got married in the US met through online dating sites. Nearly 70 percent of LGBTQ+ couples meet online. Online dating is also picking up in (urban) India, with a majority preferring it over other means to find partners. India is expected to be one of the fastest growing markets for online dating apps like Tinder, which launched in India in 2016. 55 percent of the 1,500 Indians surveyed between 20-30 years of age in 10 urban pockets said that they had used a dating app for casual dating, and meaningful, but non-traditional relationships. 20 percent of respondents said they looked for longer-term relationships. Most of them preferred using dating sites to find their partners in private, over other means like matrimonial websites, which may be used by parents. Tinder, however, is notorious for being a hook-up app. Many of its users look for short-term, casual, transient relationships (as opposed to long-term, monogamous relationships). Often men on Tinder have the grievance that they do not match with enough women, or even that they dont have enough women to choose from in the first place, while women tend to be choosier when it comes to who they interact with. Concerns about safety and other disquieting incidents notwithstanding, we can apply the lens of evolutionary theory to understand this. Essentially, this kind of a sex difference stems from a fundamental asymmetry in the minimum amount of parental investment required from each sex. That is, the resources devoted by males and females on any offspring they may have is different across species. Human males, at a minimum need to only invest their sperm, but human women need to invest at least nine months of pregnancy and an additional three-four months of lactation. Because women need to invest more, they tend to be more selective and discriminative in choosing their partners. Historically, women have been pressured by the quantity and quality of external resources and genes they can accrue from their sexual partners to ensure the survival of their offspring. In other words, by ensuring that their partners are healthy, and can easily provide for them (especially during child rearing), they maximise the probability of their child(ren)s survival. In short-term relationships, they would then seek partners who have good quality genes, are resource-rich, and may potentially be a long-term mate. Physical attributes like facial symmetry, height, and a deeper voice are indicators of good health, while dominance might indicate their high social status. They also prefer men who display traits like benevolence and kindness, which are indicative of good parenting skills. For men, since they are relatively free of the obligation of minimum parental investment, the challenge is to increase the number of women they mate with, to increase the number of offspring they have. For this, in the short-term, they need to find a large number of sexually accessible, fertile women with as little commitment and investment as possible (lower investment would imply more women). As a result, men also have lower standards than women when it comes to transient relationships, compared to long-term relationships, where both sexes look for a similar higher standard. For instance, when an attractive male and female approach strangers of the opposite sex on a college campus, 50 percent of women and men consented for a date. Only 6 percent of women, compared to 69 percent of men consented for an invitation to go back to their apartment. None of the women agreed to having sex, but 75 percent of the men acquiesced. Women are often also more disgusted by the idea of having sex with strangers as they are more attuned to (and prone to) sexually transmitted diseases. Besides, because cues indicating fertility are physical, men value physical attraction in women we may even say what is judged to be attractive in the opposite sex are the qualities that signal fertility. These trends are evident in what straight men and women look for on Tinder. For instance, men comprise 90 percent of Tinder users in India, which displays their preference for transient relationships. According to Tinder India, women swiped right on men with creative professions like acting, creative writing, entrepreneurs, and photography, but also on marketing managers, architects, and business consultants. Creativity is a marker of good genes, and hence, women often prefer creative (even if poor) men in the context of transient relationships. On the other hand, for longer term relationships, women prefer traits like dependability and stability, because they often translate to financial stability. In an earlier survey, women who were attractive were of interest to over 30 percent men, consistent with what has been examined about men so far physical attractiveness in women is a cue for fertility. For non-binary people, the picture is irresolute. Due to an overall stigma associated with them not to mention legal issues not much work has been done on this subject. Gay mens online dating profiles are similar to that of straight men, with them being more likely to describe their physique, state their interest in casual sexual encounters, and request this information from potential partners. They were also more likely to disclose their preference for casual encounters. They listed attractiveness as an important trait in their potential partners, and were also likely to reveal their income, and were interested in others who were wealthier. In other words, they signalled traits which heterosexual women find desirable, and in equal measure sought partners in a fashion similar to that of straight women. Compared to straight women, lesbian women were more likely to advertise their own wealth and their expectations of their potential partners wealth. They were also more likely (than gay men) to emphasise their personality traits at the cost of physical descriptions. They were more likely to seek and rate attractiveness as extremely important in their short-term partners. However, there is still a long way to go in understanding what non-binary (including those who are transgender) individuals seek in short and long-term relationships. Such data is unavailable in the context of Indian Tinder, and hence I cannot comment on it. Perhaps the recent Supreme Court ruling would open up more discussion and analysis of what non-binary individuals pursue are gay men more likely to be similar to straight men, or are they more likely to be like straight women? Does all this mean that straight women are money-hungry and straight men are shallow? Not necessarily. The explanations provided here (and in the evolutionary sciences) only explicate why, and not how it should be. In fact, men or women have no conscious awareness of these processes; these were the best possible solutions to problems faced by our ancestors, who had to ensure that their traits were passed on for the survival of the species. We are only trying to steer our prehistoric brains in a modern world. Arathy Puthillam is a Research Assistant at the Department of Psychology, Monk Prayogshala, a not-for-profit research organisation based in Mumbai, India. She tweets at @WallflowerBlack In a tweet, the Lok Sabha from Hyderabad said depriving backward Muslims of their fair share in public employment and education was a grave injustice. Mumbai: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday demanded quota for Muslims, hours after the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill proposing 16 percent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas. The AIMIM said Muslims, too, deserve benefits of the reservation system as they have "lived for generations in poverty." In a tweet, the Lok Sabha from Hyderabad said depriving backward Muslims of their fair share in public employment and education was a grave injustice. "I have consistently argued that there are backward castes in Muslims who have lived for generations in a cycle of poverty. Reservation is a tool that will break this cycle," he stated. AIMIM legislator from Maharashtra Imtiaz Jaleel questioned the BJP-led government's "indifferent" attitude towards the minority community. "The state government has shown an indifferent attitude towards the Muslims by completely ignoring their valid demands for 5 percent reservation in education which was endorsed even by the High Court," Jaleel said. He said the "hurriedly" passed Bill for reservation to Marathas mentions the backwardness of the community on the basis of findings by a government-appointed commission. "Going by the same logic, the plight of Muslims who have been regarded as socially, educationally and economically backward by three commissions - the Sachhar Commission, the Ranganath Mishra Commission and the Mehmood Rehman commission - should also have been given the same benefits as those being given to Marathas," he said. "But irrespective of which party is in power nobody cares for the welfare and upliftment of minorities," Jaleel claimed. He said the previous Congress-NCP government "cheated" the community by not giving them reservations while in power for 15 years and now the BJP-Shiv Sena administration is ignoring the community's legitimate demands which is "highly condemnable". Known to be the main Khalistani activists seeking a separate homeland for the Sikh community, Gopal Singh Chawla is believed to be the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee While political rhetoric surrounding the Kartarpur Sahib corridor plays out in India and Pakistan with the project caught in a scramble for credit between New Delhi and Islamabad, Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader, is back in the limelight after his handshake with Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Chawla was spotted with Bajwa at the ground-breaking ceremony for the long-awaited Kartarpur corridor which will facilitate visa-free travel for Sikh pilgrims to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on Wednesday. Known to be one of the key Khalistani activists seeking a separate homeland for the Sikh community, Chawla is reported to be the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. A video accessed by Times Now shows Chawla inciting people in the name of the "Khalistani cause". He can be seen hailing Pakistan for being committed to the 'cause of Khalistan' and slammed India for "trying to convert the nation into Hindustan". The pro-Khalistani leader also called upon the audience to commit to the cause of Khalistan and be "ready for sacrifice". He could be also be heard likening Khalistan's "freedom struggle" to that of Kashmir and repeated his demand for "Referendum 2020". Various pro-Khalistan organisations headed by 'Sikhs for Justice' demand a plebiscite in Punjab to demand a separate nation under Referendum 2020, Times Now reported. Stopping Indian dignitaries Chawla had on 14 April stopped Indian officials from visiting a Gurudwara in Lahore to meet Sikh pilgrims who had travelled from India. In a viral video, Chawla could be heard telling the officials that there are Khalistani supporters inside, reported Times Now. He was also involved in pasting photos of Referendum 2020 outside gurdwaras in Pakistan when the Sikh pilgrims from India had visited the neighbouring country on Baisakhi. Two days earlier, Indian officials were stopped from meeting the Sikh pilgrims when they reached Wagah the first station after a train crosses over to Pakistan, reported The Tribune. Links with Hafiz Saeed? Chawla is also believed to have ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and the two also seemed to have shared a dais in the past, a picture of which is in the public domain, reports Times Now. Photographic evidence had also emerged that Pakistan based terror-outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) were backing Sikh militants as LeT chief Saeed was seen with Chawla in Lahore, reported The Tribune. New Delhi has time and again pointed fingers at Pakistan for supporting terrorists forces against India, including Saeed's LeT. Chawla's alleged connection with Saeed came to the fore again after the Amritsar grenade blast on 18 November in which three people were killed and several injured. The blast occurred at a religious gathering on the outskirts of Amritsar and reportedly took place when members of the Nirankari sect were gathered at Nirankari Bhawan at Rajasansi village near the Amritsar international airport. A day later, India Today, had revealed pictures of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed meeting Chawla a few months prior, claiming that their meeting could be related to the attack. Senior Congress leader and former Ludhiana MP Manish Tewari agreed with the chief minister, describing the blast as the ISIs attempt to reactivate the Khalistan file, as reported by The Tribune. Tewari drew linkages between Sundays attack and the first Akali-Nirankari clashes of 13 April, 1978 in Amritsar. "It all started on 13 April, 1978 like this. The ISI has activated its Khalistan file again... The recent terror attacks in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and now Amritsar are the ISI's gameplan, said Tewari. In an interview on Pakistan's Samaa TV, Chawla can be heard saying: "The Sikh community's bonding with Pakistan is similar to Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia." Photograph with Navjoy Singh Sidhu Cricketer-turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, on Thursday, came under fire once again when his picture with Khalistani activist Gopal Singh Chawla appeared on the social media. Sidhu's picture came a day after Chawla was spotted with Bajwa during the Kartarpur event. The minister had earlier courted controversy by hugging Bajwa when the former had gone to attend the swearing-in of Imran Khan as Prime Minister of Pakistan. Addressing a public meeting ahead of the 7 December Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Amit Shah asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether infiltrators should be allowed to remain Jaipur: BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country one by one. Addressing a public meeting ahead of the 7 December Assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether infiltrators should be allowed to remain. The BJP president said that the Congress cannot develop or secure the country. During 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at the Centre, there was no control on infiltration, he said at the meeting in Karauli district. "Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019, Shah said. I assure you that the BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added. He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control. He also said that the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe. Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre. Speaking to the media about the inspection done on Tuesday evening, Food Minister Imran Hussain said he 'found that the ration which was to be distributed to 4,000 people from 1 December onwards was missing. In all, 152 quintals of wheat and 38 quintals of rice was delivered from the godown but when we force-opened the ration shop, it was empty.' New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday ordered suspension of Delhi's food and supplies commissioner over alleged irregularities in the ration system detected during an inspection by Food Minister Imran Hussain, while the Opposition called it a "stunt" to cover up failures. The order, sent to Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, to suspend Food Commissioner Mohanjeet Singh came after Hussain submitted a report stating that ration from a shop in west Delhi's Nangloi was found "missing" despite a receipt of delivery. "This is very serious. Food of the poorest people is being stolen. Responsibility ought to be fixed at the highest levels. I have directed the suspension of the food commissioner," Kejriwal tweeted. Speaking to the media about the inspection done on Tuesday evening, Hussain said he "found that the ration which was to be distributed to 4,000 people from 1 December onwards was missing. In all, 152 quintals of wheat and 38 quintals of rice was delivered from the godown but when we force-opened the ration shop, it was empty." Hinting at the role of ration mafia in the incident, Hussain said that people living near the ration shop also did not see any truck delivering ration at the shop, "which means that the ration was taken elsewhere". "This is a huge scam. Even after my incessant orders to the food commissioner to inspect these shops, no action was taken. It is not the minister's responsibility to inspect... the commissioner should do it," Hussain said. The MLA from Ballimaran constituency said to stop such incidents, his department has been asking the lieutenant-governor and other officials to start doorstep delivery of ration "but no official accepts the proposal". "We cleared the proposal to start doorstep delivery of ration twice in the cabinet, but no action was taken. I have personally written to the chief secretary and the lieutenant-governor several times but they don't pay attention. "Now, the chief minister has ordered the suspension of food commissioner and if the lieutenant-governor doesn't take action even now, then it will be clear that he is also involved in the entire incident," Hussain asserted. On the other hand, calling the suspension of food commissioner a "stunt", Delhi's Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta alleged that the step was taken by Kejriwal to cover up his failures. "The Delhi government has disastrously failed to provide ration at a fair price to the poor and needy in the four years of its misrule. It is now trying to cover up its failure. It has failed to bring in a viable system for distribution of ration. The only thing it has done is to bring in alluring schemes which could never be implemented. It has now stooped to diversionary tactics such as suspension of the top official," Gupta told the media in New Delhi. He also said the government is "dumping the responsibility for mismanagement". The Leader of Opposition said: "It is surprising that during the two-day session (of the Delhi Assembly), the government did not mention anything about lapses in the ration system. It kept on indulging in politics. Now it has suddenly woken up and taken action to blame the top official. It is trying to mislead and misguide the public." When IANS reached out to Mohanjeet Singh to ask if he was given a chance to present his side, he said: "There is no suspension." "If electronic point of sale (EPOS) had been installed, it would have ensured that no ration is diverted from the shops. "For the last six months, we have been recommending restoration of EPOS to the food and supply minister but to no avail. When installed earlier, EPOS was able to stop pilferage worth crores. Why the system was suspended is for reasons best known to the minister," Singh said. President Vladimir Putin has approved the updated version of Russias Energy Security doctrine of the Energy Security of the Russian Federation and will officially approve it by his decree, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said on Thursday, TASS reports. He was speaking after the meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation at which this document was discussed. "A new Doctrine has been approved, which will be approved as a strategic document by a presidential decree," Patrushev said. He added that the update of the doctrine that was adopted in 2012, is required due to new challenges and threats. According to the Security Council secretary, the Energy Ministry worked hard together with other federal agencies and experts to prepare the document. As part of this work Patrushev held a series of relevant meeting in all federal districts. "So, the opinions of regional authorities were also taken into account," the secretary of the Russian Security Council said. In the merry-go-round that is electoral politics, the BJP led by Modi was given the mandate to govern India for five years. It was a strong mandate, with the BJP winning an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha after a gap of 30 years, but that hardly means that the whole country gave Modi the right to speak on its behalf. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be trying to calibrate his and the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) objective of creating an India governed solely by his party; free from the interference posed by the Opposition. Modi and his party started with the idea of a 'Congress-mukt Bharat', but widened the ambit of the idea to include the Opposition as a whole. In Andhra Pradesh, Modi warmed to the original theme at an election rally on Tuesday. West Bengal is fine with Mamata Banerjee and the Left, he said. Uttar Pradesh has no problems with Mayawati or Akhilesh Yadav, he continued, but the Congress will have to be banished from the country forever. As in many of Modis pronouncements, there was the tenor of the imperial edict in this one as well. It is likely to get short shrift. The question, of course, is who gave Narendra Modi the authority to hand out passes to political parties or speak on behalf of the Indian citizenry and, by extension, electorate. The simple answer is: Certainly not the entire nation. In the merry-go-round that is electoral politics, the BJP led by Modi was given the mandate to govern India for five years. It was a strong mandate, with the BJP winning an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha after a gap of 30 years, but that hardly means that the whole country gave Modi the right to speak on its behalf. Take West Bengal: The BJP got just under 17 percent of the vote and two Lok Sabha seats out of 42 hardly the kind of ringing endorsement that Modi might imagine he has. Whether the people of West Bengal are all right with Mamata or not, they are capable of sorting out themselves. Even in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP won an astonishing 71 seats of 80 (almost 90 percent), it polled only 42.30 percent of the votes; across the country it won 282 seats, but just over 30 percent of the votes. Thats how the first-past-the-post system works, so no one can complain. But vox populi? Well... Those were Modis glory days, and the BJPs. The saffron standard is hardly flying at full mast anymore and is distinctly ragged at the edges. Modis stratospheric popularity or approval rating has taken a hit. In January 2017, it was 65 percent, according to Mood of the Nation Survey by India Today, but in July 2018, it had fallen to 49 percent. So, it is highly unlikely that Opposition parties are hanging around 7 Lok Kalyan Marg waiting for approval to remain in the business of politics. Before exploring this theme further, a short digression will be in order. The BJP and Modis ideological and political mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has distanced itself from the Congress-free India slogan. In April, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had categorically rejected the slogan jointly propagated by Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, opining that it was improper to use such language. Nation-building cannot be the work of one man. It has to be inclusive, requiring the contributions of both the ruling and the Opposition parties, he had said. The dig seems to have been unmistakable. It is in this context that we have to see Modis re-calibration exercise. Modi may have realised that electoral popularity cannot be taken for granted. In any case, most people will realise that the electoral fortunes shift, as they must. If such realisation tempers Modis style of functioning, it would be a marginally good thing. It must be said, however, that Modis sudden change of heart is probably not so much a Damascene conversion as a tactical shift. Political observers have pointed out that by giving out certificates to regional parties (excluding the Telangana Rashtriya Samithi whose chief K Chandrashekhar Rao was also targetted in his speech) while continuing to express the objective of annihilating the Congress, Modi was trying to drive a wedge in the Opposition and exorcise the spectre that the BJP fears most Opposition unity. BJP insiders have been quoted in media reports as having said that Modis message to regional leaders is not to join hands with the Congress. If this is indeed true, it is utterly infantile. Modi and his government have relentlessly used State institutions to harass regional leaders. Among his big-ticket targets have been Mamata and Mayawati. To now try to persuade them against aligning with anyone is somewhat unreal. Mamata, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and others may have legitimate grievances against the Congress, but they are surely not going to look to the BJP for tutorials in political management or survival. In any case, some of the key battles in the states will be either fought solo or through alliances in which the Congress contribution is minimal. Thus, Uttar Pradesh is where an alliance between Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhileshs Samajwadi Party will be enough to seriously dent the BJPs prospects. Thus, also, West Bengal is where Banerjee's Trinamool Congress will take on, and in all likelihood annihilate, the BJP under its own steam. Given the current situation, it would not be wholly unrealistic to read Modis speech as an exercise in desperation. Sidhu, who was already receiving criticism for attending the event, had sparked a new controversy when Chawla shared a photograph of the two on his Facebook page. At the ceremony on Thursday, Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Amid a controversy over a photograph with Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee general secretary Gopal Singh Chawla, Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday denied that he knew the identity of the pro-Khalistani leader. Navjot Singh Sidhu after returning to India: There were probably 5-10,000 pictures taken of and with me there(in Pakistan), I don't know who is Gopal Chawla pic.twitter.com/jSH3Zrhuaa ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 Sidhu gave the statement after returning to India, following his visit to Pakistan for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor project. "The blessings and dreams of 12 crore Guru Nanak followers have now turned into reality," Sidhu said while addressing the media after crossing the Wagah border. He said that he was hopeful of peace with Pakistan. "The ice between India and Pakistan is melting. Mountains can be moved if people agree to talk. It's time to brush aside trivial affairs. It's time to end the tale of India-Pakistan enmity," he said. Sidhu, who had already been receiving criticism for attending the event, sparked a new controversy when Chawla shared a photograph of the two on his Facebook page. At the ceremony on Thursday, Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. The Shiromani Akali Dal lashed out at Sidhu and asked him if "India is his priority" or not. "There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar (on Nirankari Bhavan), which is his (Sidhu's) constituency. Sidhu has to answer in order to clarify whether the country is his priority or something else," SAD president Sukhbir Badal said on Thursday. Three persons were killed while over 20 were injured in a grenade attack on Nirankari Bhavan in Amritsar on 18 November. Badal said Sidhu should have known that Pakistan has been involved in pushing drugs into Punjab. However, Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka slammed the Akali Dal for attacking Sidhu and not taking action against Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal, whose photograph with Chawla has also appeared on social media. "I feel Sukhbir Badal, Badal family and BJP is suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhu's name more than Baba (Guru) Nanak Dev," said Verka. Meanwhile, former chief of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Paramjit Singh Sarna claimed that Sidhu avoided Chawla many times. "But he (Chawla) managed to get a picture clicked with him," said Sarna. With inputs from agencies The AAP hit out at Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi's food and supplies commissioner on Wednesday, alleging a scam in the public distribution system in the national capital. New Delhi: The AAP hit out at Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Delhi's food and supplies commissioner on Wednesday, alleging a scam in the public distribution system in the national capital. However, the Delhi BJP termed AAP's allegations as a "political gimmick" aimed at misleading people. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal suspended the food commissioner after Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain found irregularities during a raid at a fair price shop (FPS) in Nangloi area on Tuesday night. Hussain claimed that 152 quintal of wheat and 38 quintal of rice were found missing during the raid, suspecting a "big scam" in it. "The chief minister has ordered suspension of the food commissioner and it has been forwarded to the L-G. If implementation of suspension order is delayed there would be questions over the role of L-G and the food commissioner in the ration scam," said senior AAP leader Dilip Pandey. He demanded a probe alleging that a ration scam was going on right under the nose of the Lt governor and the food commissioner. Denying the allegations levied by the AAP, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said, "Last night's raid at a fair price shop in Nangloi was a political gimmick of the AAP government to mislead the people of Delhi." A ration scam in Delhi was unearthed in a CAG report last year but the Kejriwal government did not initiate any action, Kapoor claimed. "Had the Kejriwal government been sincere in exposing the ration scam, it would have acted on the CAG report and not played a gimmick after being in power for almost four years," he said. The state Assembly was dissolved by Governor Satya Pal Malik on 21 November citing the 'impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing political ideologies' and the 'fragile security scenario in the state'. New Delhi: The Election Commission, which has to hold fresh Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir before 21 May, is likely to club it with the Lok Sabha elections due in 2019, highly-placed sources in the poll panel said Thursday. The state Assembly was dissolved by Governor Satya Pal Malik on 21 November citing the "impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing political ideologies" and the "fragile security scenario in the state". Mentioning a Supreme Court direction, the sources said the "outer limit" for holding fresh polls after the dissolution of a House is six months, that is 21 May, 2019. They also said that the apex court has made it clear that the poll panel should hold elections in the first available opportunity. "It is likely that they could be clubbed with Lok Sabha polls," they said. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has a six-year term while other assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term. Its term was to end on 16 March, 2021. The sources in the government, meanwhile, pointed out that when security forces are deployed for the Lok Sabha polls in the state, it would be convenient for election authorities to hold the Assembly polls simultaneously. Malik dissolved the Assembly shortly after People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government with the support of the National Conference and the Congress. She cited a collective strength of 56 MLAs in the 87-member House. A separate claim to form a government was made by Sajad Lone of the two-member People's Conference who claimed support of the Bharatiya Janata Party and 18 MLAs from other parties. The state Assembly was kept under suspended animation since June when Governor's Rule was imposed after the BJP ended its alliance with the PDP. Since 2017, the EC has not been able to hold bypoll to Anantnag Lok Sabha seat citing law and order situation and lack of central forces. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said the Congress and the JD(S) would decide on their respective nominees to the six-month-old cabinet, whose expansion was expected in November itself. Bengaluru: The HD Kumarawamy-led JD(S)-Congress ministry in Karnataka would be expanded before the Winter Session of the state legislature commencing on 10 December, state Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said the Congress and the JD(S) would decide on their respective nominees to the six-month-old cabinet, whose expansion was expected in November itself. "I had said that cabinet expansion will be done before the Assembly session (begins). Session begins on 10th (December), before that cabinet expansion will take place. We will do it," Rao said. His statement came amid speculation that the expansion was likely to be delayed further. Recent comments by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and former chief minister Siddaramaiah that they were waiting for appointment to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is busy with elections in five states, to discuss about the expansion had triggered the speculation. There is growing clamour from legislators, especially of Congress, for the expansion at the earliest. According to the pact reached between the two partners at the time of formation of the coalition government in May, there are now six vacant ministerial positions left for the Congress and two for the JD(S). This will be the second expansion of Kumaraswamy's ministry, who currently heads the 26-member cabinet. Meanwhile, several Congress leaders from Hassan district, reportedly upset over the style of functioning of Kumaraswamy's brother and district in-charge Minister HD Revanna, on Thursday met senior leaders including KPCC chief Rao and Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, requesting them to "save" the party in the district. "We have been fighting against JD(S) and Revanna over years, we remained silent (on joining hands) obeying high command's orders... now we are being targeted. Their intention is to suppress Congress for their survival in Hassan," Congress leader Putte Gowda told reporters. According to sources, the leaders have petitioned the Congress leadership against Revanna. However, Rao said, they hadcome to explain about the party and political situation in thedistrict and not to complain against any one. "They had come with issues relating to party workers and seeking more representation for them in any government related nominations," he added. Revanna, on his part, said, "Let Siddaramaiah or Parameshwara speak to me if there are such issues. I don't practice hate politics.... there is no such thing." Hassan, the home town of HD Deve Gowda and his sons Kumaraswamy and Revanna, is a JD(S) strong hold and Congress had been fighting the party bitterly over the years. Both parties joined hands to form government in the state after the 12 May Assembly polls threw up a hung verdict. The Maratha community, which constitutes over 30 percent of the state's population, has been demanding reservation in government jobs and education for a long time. The community's agitation for the same in July and August this year had taken a violent turn. The Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday submitted to a decades-long demand for a Maratha quota in the state and unanimously passed a bill grating the community 16 percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes. The bill was passed in both Houses of the Assembly amidst chants of "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai!" On 18 November, the Devendra Fadnavis-led government had approved the recommendation for Maratha reservation, including quota for women in education and employment. "We've completed a due procedure for Maratha reservation report and we're bringing in a bill on Thursday. But for Dhangar reservation, we've not completed the report, a sub-committee is appointed and soon a report and ATR will be tabled in this house," Fadnavis had said earlier in the day. Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrakant Patil said that even after the quota law is passed, other facilities provided to the Maratha community for employment and educational purposes for the last two years will remain. The state government had received the State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) report on 15 November, which has suggested 16 percent reservation for the socially and economically backward (SEBC) community. Marathas have inadequate representation in services under the state, the panel report said. They are entitled to reservation benefits and advantages enshrined in the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution, it said. The panel had suggested that looking at exceptional circumstances and extra-ordinary situations generated on declaring Marathas as socially and educationally backward and their consequential entitlement to reservation benefits, the government may take appropriate decision within constitutional provision to address the emerging scenario in the state. 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. The government presented the report before the state Cabinet on 18 November, which approved it and formed a sub-committee to proceed further. #Maratha reservation: We received Backward Class Commission report with 3 recommendations. Independent reservation will be given to Maratha community in SEBC. We constituted a Cabinet Sub-committee to take statutory steps for implementing the recommendations: CM @Dev_Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/K1jwRDRlND CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) November 18, 2018 Previously, the Maharashtra government had said that the state government was unsure whether the quantum of quota will be 16 percent. This is because the current 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 figure is already above the 50 percent limit set for caste-based reservations by the Supreme Court in 2008. The government will therefore have to adjust the proposed 16 percent against pre-existing reservations. The Maratha community, which constitutes over 30 percent of the state's population, has been demanding reservation in government jobs and education for a long time. The community's agitation for the same in July and August this year had taken a violent turn. Groups of Maratha youths had taken out rallies and forced shops to down their shutters. The protesters staged a rasta roko at Teen Hath Naka in Thane and blocked traffic coming in and out of Mumbai. Protesters torched two BEST buses and vandalised nine others while two Thane Municipal Transport buses were damaged. With inputs from PTI Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the Kartarpur corridor could be a 'new beginning' of reconciliation between India and Pakistan and called for facilitation of bilateral trade and people to people contact to make borders 'irrelevant'. Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the Kartarpur corridor could be a "new beginning" of reconciliation between India and Pakistan and called for facilitation of bilateral trade and people to people contact to make borders "irrelevant". The planned corridor will connect Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev's final resting place in Pakistan's Kartarpur to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district in India, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. "Kartarpur can be a new beginning of reconciliation between the two neighbours. We cannot change our borders but let us make them irrelevant by facilitating trade & encouraging people to people contact. This will usher in peace & progress for both India & Pakistan," Mufti said in a tweet. The groundbreaking ceremony for the corridor was held in Kartarpur on Wednesday. The foundation stone for the initiative was laid in Gurdaspur on Monday by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Mufti criticised media reports claiming that the initiative could facilitate the Khalistan agenda the demand for a separate Sikh homeland in India. "It is quite amusing how some TV channels are trying to distort a gesture like Kartarpur into some kind of conspiracy to create Khalistan. One fails to understand why allowing people pilgrimage to Guru Nanak Dev ji's birth place would assume such undertones," she said. The BJP Wednesday petitioned the Election Commission and sought action against Congress leader Kamal Nath for 'influencing' voters before casting his ballot during the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls. Bhopal: The BJP Wednesday petitioned the Election Commission and sought action against Congress leader Kamal Nath for "influencing" voters before casting his ballot during the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls. In its complaint to the poll body, the BJP said Nath, accompanied by his friends, before casting his ballot in a polling booth at Chhindwara, showed his palm, the election symbol of his party, and thus influenced the voters there. The act amounts to "influencing" voters and violates the model code of conduct, a release by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said here. Besides, the BJP lodged another complaint with the Election Commission (EC), stating polling personnel faced a lot of hardship in opening EVMs, delaying start of voting at several places. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioned one after another in multiple booths and due to unavailability of their replacements, the polling process was affected by three to four hours, the ruling party said in the release. Due to this, many voters returned home without casting their ballots, it said. A BJP delegation met EC officials in Bhopal and lodged the complaints. The saffron outfit demanded re-polling in booths where, according to the party, the voting was hampered for a long time due to EVM malfunctioning. State Chief Electoral Officer VL Kantha Rao said they have sought the Chhindwara district returning officer's report in connection with the BJP's complaint against Nath. "After getting the inquiry report, we will proceed accordingly," he said. Asked about the BJP demand for re-polling at booths hit by reported EVM malfunctioning, the CEO said observers will examine it and thereafter, forward their reports to the poll body. "According to our knowledge, the voting was not abandoned for more than two hours due to EVM malfunction in any part of Madhya Pradesh," he said. Nevertheless, the EC will rely on observers' reports in this connection, Rao added. Credit: Mike McMillenBuckcherry will release a new album called Warpaint on March 8. It's the eighth studio effort from the band, and their first since 2015's Rock 'n' Roll. "Good things come to those who wait and we have been very patient and thorough with the song writing for Warpaint," says frontman Josh Todd in a statement. "We took into consideration all the factors and what this record means to not only us but the great Buckcherry fans around the world. This record takes the listener on an unforgettable journey and I'm very proud of it." Warpaint includes 11 new Buckcherry songs, plus a cover of the Nine Inch Nails classic "Head Like a Hole." You can watch the video for the NIN cover now on YouTube. Buckcherry will launch a North American tour behind Warpaint in March, the full details of which have yet to be announced. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The setup of the Idlib de-escalation zone should not undermine Syrias sovereignty, the guarantors of the Astana process - Russia, Iran and Turkey - according to a joint statement adopted at the Astana meeting on Syria. The parties "stressed that under no circumstances the creation of the [Idlib] de-escalation area should undermine the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic." The guarantor counties "reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," TASS reported. Russia, Iran and Turkey are concerned with the ongoing ceasefire violations in Syrias Idlib province, the three countries also said in a joint statement. Slamming the revision of GDP data under the UPA as a 'bad joke', the Congress alleged that the NITI Aayog has done disservice to the nation with its 'hatchet job' at the behest of the Narendra Modi government and demanded that the body be disbanded. New Delhi: Slamming the revision of GDP data under the UPA as a "bad joke", the Congress on Thursday alleged that the NITI Aayog has done disservice to the nation with its "hatchet job" at the behest of the Narendra Modi government and demanded that the body be disbanded. The Opposition party also hit out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for defending the exercise, which it termed as a "brazen assault on the very sanctity of Indian statistics". "NITI Aayog's revised GDP numbers are a joke. They are a bad joke. Actually they are worse than a bad joke. The numbers are the result of a hatchet job. Now that NITI Aayog has done the hatchet job, it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body," Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram said. Senior party leader and former Union minister Anand Sharma also lashed out at the planning body saying, "by fudging the GDP data to massage the ego of Modi and hide the miserable performance and mismanagement of the Indian economy, the Ministry of Statistics and NITI Aayog have done a disservice to the nation." He said the integrity of Indian data has become suspect internationally and in one blow the credibility of Indian statistical institutions and experts who prepared the earlier GDP data has been severely damaged. "Pathetic to see the Finance Minister defending the brazen assault on the very sanctity of Indian statistics" Sharma said. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said "the venerable Central Statistics Organisation (CSO) has now been converted into a NAMO (Numbers Adjustment and Manipulation Organisation)", adding "Mahalanobis must be fuming" He was referring to PC Mahalanobis, revered as the father of Indian statistical research. Chidambaram said that the earlier numbers were calculated by the National Statistical Commission and asked whether the Commission has been disbanded. Agreeing to former Chief Statistician Pranab Sen, he said NITI Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data. "I wonder if NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate on the data than telling journalists that their questions are 'undeserving of an answer'," said Chidambaram. Former minister Kapil Sibal tweeted: New Data : Growth faster under NDA than UPA True growth in : Jumlas manipulating (CSO , NSSO's data) falsifying outcomes (eg on paper 'electrified' villages in reality 'darkness') lies (eg Oct.29, 2017 Modi said Govt. launched DBT scheme . Launched in 2013 under UPA .) Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) November 29, 2018 Jaitley on Thursday defended the revision in India's GDP growth rate during the previous UPA era, saying it was done by a "highly credible" organisation, the Central Statistics Office, which maintains an arm's length distance from the finance ministry. He said the revised numbers, based on a new formula with 2011-12 as the base year, are globally more comparable as they take into account a far greater representation of the Indian economy and are more reflective of its real state. Taking on opposition Congress for criticising the revision, he said the Congress had welcomed the upwards revision in growth numbers of the last two years of the UPA regime by the same CSO and had gone to the extent of saying that the "the new GDP series has conclusively established that we did not mismanage the economy". Later in a blog post, Jaitley said the revised economic growth data has taken away Congress party's last surviving argument "my GDP growth was higher than yours". The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 percent. Other key promises made by the Congress in its Rajasthan manifesto include a monthly allowance of Rs 3,500 to unemployed youths in the state, and free education for women. The Congress on Thursday released its manifesto for the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha polls, slated to be held on 7 December, and promised free education to women as well as jobs to youth, among other promises. Approximately 400 announcements were included in the document. AICC general secretary Avinash Pande, Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and chairman of the manifesto committee Harish Choudhary released the manifesto, titled 'Jan Ghoshna Patra'. Speaking at the launch event, Gehlot said the party's manifesto was based on "Rahul Gandhi's model" as people's suggestions were taken before drafting it. He said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had closed universities set up by the earlier Congress government, and promised that those universities will be opened again. Pilot then addressed the gathering and said that the manifesto was prepared after taking into consideration around two lakh suggestions from the public through various mediums and platforms. Pilot reiterated the Congress' promise to waive the loans of farmers if voted to power, an announcement that party president Rahul Gandhi had first made during an election meeting in Jaisalmer's Pokhran constituency on Monday. "Within ten days of government formation, Congress will waive farmers' loan in the state," Rahul had said, adding that he does not make false promises. "Whatever I say, I do. We will do what we are saying from this stage," he said. Gandhi's comments had garnered sharp criticism from Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, who on Tuesday said that the Congress is resorting to such slogans as it knows it is not going to come to power. Apart from the promises to waive farmers' loans, the Congress has also promised pension for farmers in the state, and has announced that a separate board will be set up for administering 'gau char (cow grazing)' land in the state. Additionally, Pilot also drew attention to the state government's increasing debt. "Five years ago, when Vasundhara Raje took over as the chief minister of Rajasthan, the debt was Rs 1.4 lakh crore and today it is Rs 3.3 lakh crore," Hindustan Times quoted Pilot as saying. He added that the party's "big focus is on social sector schemes and also how to enhance the government's revenue". In the manifesto, the Congress said that it will exempt agricultural equipment and tractors from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Promoting organic farming, pension to elderly farmers, promoting export of crops like onion, garlic, gwar and cotton, development of dairy industry, push to fisheries, Wi-Fi and internet facility to every panchayat, linkage of maximum villages with eastern Rajasthan canal project, free education to girls or women in government institutions were made. The party promised to ensure quality health services to citizens, availability of wheat to BPL families at Re 1 per kilogram, easy monetary loans to youths and no fare in state-run buses for candidates travelling to appear in competitive exams. It also announced to expedite work on rail connectivity in Dungarpur, Banswara and Tonk districts by working on Ajmer-Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Dungarpur-Banswara-Ratlam railway line projects. The railway line is a prominent poll issue in Tonk, where Pilot is contesting elections. To push industrial growth, the party said, companies working in the area of robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, fifth generation wireless technologies will be promoted. It has also promised new industry and tourism policies, promotion of local art, culture and heritage; a 24/7 women helpline, women's ITI and polytechnic college in every district, increase in pension scheme for elderly people, Journalists' Protection Act, Advocates' Protection Act, Implementation of Accountability Act, steps for the security of temples, mosques, churches and all other religious places. Other key promises made by the Opposition outfit in the Rajasthan manifesto include a monthly allowance of Rs 3,500 to unemployed youths in the state. The Congress manifesto comes days after the ruling BJP released its manifesto, or 'Gaurav Sankalp Patra', on Tuesday. The BJP claimed that the party's work in the last five years has been better than the work done by other governments in the past 75 years. The saffron party has promised a monthly allowance of up to Rs 5,000 in its manifesto released on Tuesday. With inputs from PTI The only open and official alliance in Telangana is called the Mahakutami or Grand Alliance comprising the Congress, TDP, TJS and CPI Will Narendra Modi attack HD Deve Gowda? This question was asked before the prime minister began his campaign for the May 2018 Karnataka Vidhan Sabha election. This was because of the talk doing the rounds at that time that BJP and Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular) might join hands to checkmate Congress in case of a hung Assembly in Karnataka. Will Modi attack Telangana's caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR)? This was asked before Modi launched his campaign for the 7 December Telangana Vidhan Sabha election. This was because of the possibility of KCRs ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) joining hands with BJP when the die is cast in future. In Karnataka, although Modi first heaped praise on Gowda, he later advised people not to "waste" their votes by supporting the JD(S). This didn't stop the BJP from making an unsuccessful effort to get Gowda's support to form government after the election. But tge Congress beat BJP to it and teamed up with JD(S) and stole the government. In Telangana, Modi didn't mince his words in attacking KCR. At a couple of election rallies this week, he tore KCR to pieces for having done nothing during his four-and-a-half years of "family rule" in the state. The Karnataka-Telangana similarity doesnt end there. Like in Karnataka before, each party in Telangana accuses the others of having secret alliances. Before polling in Karnataka, Congress accused the JD(S) of having a covert understanding with the BJP. On its part, the BJP spoke of a sinister deal between the Congress and JD(S) during the run-up to the election. Triangular confusion It's worse in Telangana. The only open and official alliance in Telangana is called the Mahakutami or Grand Alliance comprising Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) headed by M Kodandaram, a key leader who had fought for the separate state of Telangana, and CPI. Ranged against this alliance is the TRS, with BJP being only an also-ran. This is the official lineup. Now look at the allegedly unofficial ones. Congress accuses TRS and BJP of having a hush-hush deal, an allegation that is not entirely without basis. In what passes off as sparkling wit and biting sarcasm in post-Modi elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi dropped a pearl of wisdom saying that TRS meant Telangana Rashtra Sangh Parivar. Mark Antony and Cleopatra The case of TRS and BJP may be like the story of Antony and Cleopatra, two lovers with an on-again and off-again romance, whose future nobody was sure about till the end. Nobody can deny that it was only after a wink and a nod from BJP that KCR, in the first place, dissolved the Telangana Vidhan Sabha on 6 September and went in for elections that would have otherwise been held many months later along with the Lok Sabha polls. And nobody has forgotten that KCR supported the BJP in matters including demonetisation and the presidential election. A key element of Modi's oratory in Telangana was an insinuation that meant indicated the Congress and TRS were hand-in-glove. This is a wild allegation, for which there is neither an ideological nor circumstantial basis, but in the ongoing season of post-truth polemics, decibels drown out facts. That's not all. TRS has a "friendly relationship but no alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a rabble-rousing Muslim party led by Asaduddin Owaisi who, for the record, swears by nothing less than the worlds finest secularism. Owaisis party is contesting only eight seats, leaving most of the Muslim-dominated constituencies for TRS to win. When Modi said the Congress and TDP were two sides of the same coin, he fired up the imagination of a Congress leader. He said that, if any coin could have three sides, that would be TRS, AIMIM and BJP. Conspiracy theories One conspiracy theory comes from KCR himself. According to him, Naidu has ganged up with the Congress (as part of the Mahakutami) with the nefarious design of remote-controlling Telangana, whose formation as a separate state the Andhra Pradesh chief minister had opposed. "Do we still want Andhra hegemony?" asks KCR, who had been at the forefront of the agitation for a separate Telangana state. Yet another conspiracy theory is what Congress leaders toss around. It's that the BJP's attacks on KCR are aimed at dividing the anti-incumbency vote against his government and indirectly helping him come back to power. That amounts to saying that BJP is campaigning against TRS to make sure that the TRS wins! It's easy to see that a TRS victory would suit the BJP better than a win by the Mahakutami. That's only because, a triumph of the alliance could boost the morale of Naidu and others who are advocating a Congress-inclusive front to fight BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. But saying that the entire gamut of BJP leadership including Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath are descending on Telangana only to indirectly ensure a TRS victory not only stretches our collective imagination, but even strains our sanity. The only thing that can be said with any amount of certainty at this point is that KCR, who had opted for early elections with the brash confidence of expecting a cakewalk, is now clearly rattled by the coming-together of Naidu and the Congress, whose combined vote share of 39.5 percent in the 2014 election surpassed the 34 percent of the TRS. BJP hopes to be kingmaker Similarities between the Karnataka and Telangana Vidhan Sabha elections may even extend to the final result. Thats what the BJP hopes. The party hopes that, like Karnataka, Telangana will turn out an uncertain election result, and if that happens, it wants to be the kingmaker. But that hope of BJP rests on another hope: That the party will win a sizable number of seats, at least in double digits. In 2014, BJP won only five seats and 7.1 percent of the votes (in alliance with the TDP). "What we are staring at," says BJP national spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, "Is in all probability a hung kind of an Assembly and the BJP emerging as a decisive player." The projection by Rao, a psephologist and politician rolled into one, is possible if not probable. But what Rao doesnt talk about is that even for the kingmakers position, BJP has competition. Owaisis AIMIM also wants to be a key player in case of a hung result. If that happens, there can be no doubt whom Owaisi will support. He has already declared that Telangana is doomed unless KCR returns as chief minister. But who is the 'king' that the BJP will 'make'? If you rule out the Congress, will the BJP support KCR who is linked up with AIMIM, a Muslim party that the saffrons are dead set against? Politics is the art of the possible, but all this is still in the realm of speculation and will depend on the results and on which party gets how many seats. But, for a party that spoke of "sweeping" Telangana as late as last year, it's a great come-down for the BJP now to aspire to become only a kingmaker. The author tweets @sprasadindia Several former and current Osmania University student leaders are in the fray in the Telangana elections, and many of them are going up against bigwigs. Hyderabad: Osmania University in Hyderabad has nurtured many a political stalwart in its 100-year history. This tradition will transition into this Assembly elections as well, with several former and current student leaders in fray. Many of them are going up against bigwigs like Akbaruddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) floor leader and former state unit president Kishan Reddy and Telangana health minister C Laxma Reddy. The move could be an effort by young leaders to kickstart their political careers the way previous Osmania alumni, including Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, PV Narasimha Rao, C Vidyasagar Rao, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Jaipal Reddy, Keshav Rao, V Hanumantha Rao, and Muralidhar Rao. Major political parties in the region have tried their best to mobilise the student community and recruit leaders who played a key role in the Telangana statehood movement. However, only a few were successful in drawing them to mainstream politics either by giving them an Assembly ticket or by promising a key post in the parties. While some of the student leaders are contesting the elections as independent candidates, several others aligned with smaller parties after being denied tickets by major political outfits. This development reflects how student movements are still integral to state politics in Telangana. This reporter met some of these student leaders to assess their vision and analyse their poll strategy against senior politicians. Here's what they had to say: Syed Shahzadi A former national executive member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and an alumna of Osmania University who joined the BJP recently, Syed Shahzadi is pitted against Akbaruddin Owaisi from the Chandrayan Gutta Assembly constituency, which the AIMIM leader has claimed for four consecutive terms since 1999. "People living in this area are flooded with problems that were neglected by the legislators in power for decades. The leaders who claim to be the representatives of the minority community have not done anything for the community or the constituency," Shahzadi said, blaming Owaisi for neglecting the youth and not carrying out developmental works in the Old City. Stressing the need for women's empowerment, education and skill development, the novice contender also promised to create educational institutes for women and skill development centers if voted to power. She also blamed the sitting MLA for failing to bring metro services and banking facilities to the constituency. Accusing the AIMIM of believing in divisive politics by creating differences along the lines of caste, creed and religion, Shahzadi said her party believed in the development of all. Nijjana Ramesh A research scholar who leads a Joint Action Committee at Osmania University, Nijjana Ramesh was picked by the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) to contest from Amberpet against three-time BJP legislator Kishan Reddy, who won the last election by a whopping 60,000 votes. Citing how his mentor and TJS founder M Kodandaram allotted two seats to university students despite having only a few seats from the alliance, Ramesh said he would take the opportunity to use his 14 years of experience in student politics and be the voice of the student community and unemployed youth of the state. "The youth should be empowered as they have the zeal to rise for a good cause. We proved it during the statehood movement," Ramesh said, adding that welfare schemes should reach the downtrodden and they should be able to enjoy the fruits of development. "Students and youth across the state are looking towards Kodandaram, and I'm sure they will vote for the people's alliance." Kongala Pandu A student leader from Osmania University, Kongala Pandu filed his nomination on a Samajwadi Party ticket and will take on state health minister Dr Laxma Reddy, who is the incumbent candidate from the Jadcherla Assembly constituency. He had won the seat in 2014 as well as in 2004. "All major political parties are neglecting our university students and their leaders who were instrumental in the Telangana statehood movement. So many of us chose smaller parties like the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Bahujan Left Front, or are contesting as independent candidates. We want to prove that elections can be fought without corrupt practices, and I'm sure we will win with our sincere efforts," he said. "My opponents may be powerful candidates, but my local support in Jadcherla will help me win the elections," Pandu declared confidently, adding that the present legislator was neglecting problems such as industrial pollution, erratic supply of drinking water and irrigation woes. He vowed that if voted to power, he would work to resolve these issues. Anji Yadav Anji Yadav, a Backward Classes leader at Osmania, chose the Kodad Assembly segment to make his political debut against sitting MLA N Padmavathi Reddy, wife of Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy. He is contesting the polls as an independent candidate. "The leaders governing the constituency are not as powerful as presented in the media. It is just a perception. None of them were seen in the Telangana statehood agitation. I had participated in that cause and was even sent to jail for it," he said. He also accused the incumbent legislator from Kodad of neglecting the Backward Classes community and not visiting many villages during her five-year term. "So I decided to be the voice of Backward Classes community, which has been neglected over the years, and I'm sure that people will vote for me... The public has also realised that though the Backward Classes constitute over 50 percent of the total population, they are still kept away from political power." Furthermore, Yadav urged youngsters to enter politics. "The old leaders of age-old parties are not giving enough chances to young students. This is the reason I'm contesting this election as an independent," he said, adding that his candidature got a positive response from all sections of people in Kodad constituency. J Kalyan Nayak J Kalyan Nayak, the current vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Telangana, chose Devarakonda constituency for his entry into mainstream politics. He is a research scholar in the Department of Political Science as well as the chairman of the Unemployed Youth Joint Action Committee at Osmania University. "Since students across the state are facing unemployment issues, they will play a key role in the upcoming Assembly polls and vote for student leaders like me who can stand up for them and resolve their issues," Nayak said. He added that present day politics is "flooded with corrupt practices, where most political leaders focus on the growth of their individual assets and neglect the public". "People of constituency are waiting for a leader who is well-educated and aware of the problems they face. Devarakonda is a tribal-dominated area, and I chose this constituency to serve the people who have been neglected for ages." Nayak also claimed that the constituents were migrating to other places due to unemployment and fluoride contamination. Where are the Congress student leaders? Several prominent faces like M Krishank, Daruvu Yellana, Bala Laxmi, Manavatha Roy and Durgam Bhasker who had all played a key role in the Telangana statehood agitation were denied Congress tickets. While expressing their dissatisfaction with the decision, the student leaders maintained that they will still campaign for the party if asked to as they were not like seasoned politicians who change their political affiliations overnight. "Some state leaders in the Congress do not recognise the value and respect that Osmania University student leaders have in public. People who have previously lost elections twice or thrice are being recommended because they are close to these leaders," Yellana claimed, adding that the party also cited its financial status and the unwillingness of local leaders as reasons behind student leaders being denied tickets. Bhasker alleged that the present state and district leaders in Telangana see student leaders "as a threat to their positions". "They only need puppets who act according to their wishes. We are not demanding tickets without putting in any efforts. We have been in the battlefield since the Telangana movement," he said. As Dr BR Ambedkar said, political power is the master key. We thought a political party would provide us with a common platform where we can raise our voices and chose the Congress as it gave us our state. But denying us tickets has sent a negative message in the student community," Bhasker pointed out. Laxmi, another student leader at Osmania University, said the Congress should have fielded at least a few student leaders to convey a message that the Grand Old Party stood with the community. "Although denied tickets, we are ready to campaign for the party if called upon," Laxmi added. Roy said that the welfare of Telangana and providing employment opportunities to the youth were "more important than my candidature". Noting that the party had given a chance to former student leaders of Osmania University such as Addanki Dayakar, Dr Sravan Dasoju and Medipally Satyam, he said, "We had participated in the Telangana movement not for our individual benefits but for the welfare of the people, which is priority, and for that, the Mahakutami the Grand Alliance of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, Communist Party of India and TJS has to come to power, and we all will work for it." The author is a freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com Reuters Germanys antitrust authority has launched an investigation into whether US e-commerce giant Amazon is exploiting its market dominance in its relations with third-party retailers who use its website as a marketplace. Germanys Federal Cartel Office said in a statement on Thursday that it had received many complaints from traders about the business practices of Amazon of late. Amazon acts as a kind of gatekeeper to customers. The double role as biggest trader and biggest marketplace means there is a potential to impede other traders on the platform, said cartel office President Andreas Mundt. Mundt said the investigation would examine the business conditions that Amazon imposes on traders using its site, including a lack of transparency over how it ends relations with merchants, delayed payments and shipping conditions. An Amazon spokesman declined to comment on the proceedings beyond saying it was cooperating fully and would continue to work to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. The European Commission is also investigating Amazons dual function and is asking retailers and manufacturers whether Amazons sales of own-brand products similar to theirs have harmed their business. Germany is Amazons second-biggest market. It has faced a long-running battle with unions in the country over pay and conditions for logistics workers, who staged another round of strikes last week. The cartel office said the probe into Amazon will seek to address any violations of German competition or anti-trust law, but does not foresee significant fines unless they are considered as part of a final ruling requiring a company to end any abusive market practices. Investigators will contact retailers using the Amazon platform and examine their contracts. The German antitrust watchdog is also investigating Facebook after finding the social media giant abused its market dominance to gather data on people without their knowledge or consent. Its ruling is expected in the New Year. Reuters Apple iPhone XR has been the companys best-selling iPhone model every day since it went on sale in mid-October, a company executive told Reuters on Wednesday. The iPhone XR, which costs $749, was announced alongside two other models, the iPhone XS and XS Max, which start at $999. The XR brings many key features of those phones to a lower price point, and analysts widely viewed it as Apples effort to bring facial recognition unlocking and its newest processing chip to a wider set of buyers. But a string of negative forecasts from smartphone suppliers in recent weeks has sparked concerns that the model might not be performing as Apple had hoped. Those reports, alongside investor anxiety over Apples Nov. 1 disclosure it will no longer provide investors with iPhone unit sales data, have contributed to a more than 20 percent drop from Apples peak share price in October. While Apple is still not giving absolute unit sales figures, the company does occasionally disclose to investors which models are selling the best out of its lineup, which currently includes older models such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. Greg Joswiak, Apples vice president of product marketing, told Reuters that the iPhone XR is currently Apples most mainstream product and our most popular iPhone. Since the iPhone XR became available, its been the best-selling iPhone each and every day that its been on sale, Joswiak told Reuters. In addition to including many of the features from its higher-priced models, Apple also made the iPhone XR available in the broadest colour palette for iPhones since the iPhone 5C released in 2013. Apple is planning to promote the red version of the iPhone XR as part of Product Red, the charity effort that gives a portion of sales of red-coloured products to the Global Fund for programs to address HIV and AIDS. Apple offered the red iPhone XR at launch while in the past the company has offered a mid-spring upgrade of a red iPhone model to support the charity. Joswiak said the company has raised $200 million for the Global Fund so far. Apple plans to promote the red products during and after World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Adithya Anil Variath In India, the first notification regulating the drone industry came as a public notice issued by Indias Civil Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 7 October 2014. The notification laid down the need for potential operators to take approval from the Air Navigation Service provider ie the Airport Authority of India, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and other security agencies, besides the DGCA. The list of approvals and prerequisites were conditions masquerading as a shadow ban, as it was almost impossible to get clearances from each body. The only positive part in the notification was the future promise by Civil Aviation Ministry that, DGCA is in the process of formulating the regulations and globally harmonise those for regulatory certification and operation for use of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in the Indian civil airspace. After a long waiting period of two years, in April 2016, the DGCA prepared another set of draft guidelines on the use of drones for civilian or recreational purposes and invited suggestions and recommendations from different stakeholders for a period of 21 days. In October 2017, the DGCA issued another set of guidelines seeking, once again, comments from the stakeholders by 31 December 2017. However, flying drones had a tremendous impact on security and privacy. Taking into consideration the rapid changes taking place within the industry and global market of drones, repeated draft guidelines were a reflection of the pressure they were facing from multiple stakeholders to develop an effective regime. The DGCA, Government of India released the much-awaited National Drone Policy, 2018 version 1 (Drone Policy) on 27 August 2018. The subject matter of the regulation is Requirements for Operation of Civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The policy legalises the use and operation of drones in India and is set to come to effect from 1 December 2018. The rules announced are the first in a series of several rules and regulations and are titled Regulations 1.0. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has reiterated that the Drone Task Force, chaired by him, is working on policy regulations for the future (Drone Regulations 2.0.) which will allow for flying automated drones that operate beyond the line of sight and also regulate the certification of safe and controlled operation of drone hardware and software, airspace management through automated operations, establishing global standards, among other modifications. The DGCA has defined Drone/remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote pilot station. The remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), command and control links and any other components form a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). As per the civil aviation requirements issued under the provisions of Rule 15A and Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, these drones will need a registered Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and require to adhere to other operational requirements. The DGCA has classified drones into five different categories in accordance with their maximum take-off weight as follows: Nano Less than or equal to 250 g Micro From 250 g to 2 kg Small From 2 kg to 25 kg Medium From 25 kg to 150 kg Large Greater than 150 kg With this developmental policy, Indian drone tech startups are expected to delve into the market with innovative solutions for the civilian domain. A FICCI and EY report noted that the Indian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS) market will cross $885.7 million by 2021 when the global market size can be valued at $21.47 billion. This will boost the drone job market, with jobs such as UAV operators and pilots to software developers and engineers vis-a-vis industrial and environmental situations implementing drone steering skills. The Government of India is also planning on investing extensively in research, training and skill development in robotics, Artificial Intelligence, digital manufacturing, Big Data intelligence and Quantum communications, among others. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has empowered us to recreate the human thought process to programs that fine-tune their decision-making process and evolve with time to make better decisions. The application of AI has touched various fields of applications from logistics systems, communication networks, manufacturing systems, security setups to even traffic control. Automation of every new area of application is greatly contemplated and one such novel field is drone logistics. Still outnumbered by their human controllers, the next generation of automated drones will be revolutionised by AI. The Drone Policy shows Indias commitment to using AI for technological, industrial and economic growth. AI will enable machines such as drones to make decisions and operate themselves on behalf of their human controllers. This scenario of a Terminator-like capacity when a machine gains the ability to make decisions and learns to function independently, the potential benefits must be weighed against the possible harm on security and privacy. Globally, drones are employed for security monitoring, safety inspections, border surveillance and storm tracking. A recent example of researchers using AI and drones to identify human behaviour used a combination of deep learning algorithms trained with 20,000 images was published. Google has invested in research and development for introducing its very own product Wing, which was only focusing on delivery of goods, to compete with traditional goods delivery companies like FedEx and DHL. The product, which is currently being tested in the United States, aims to increase access to goods, reduce traffic congestion in cities, and help ease the CO2 emissions attributable to the transportation of goods. Amazon is working on their very own drone named Amazon Prime Air, designed to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. This, however, cannot be applied in India until new amendments are announced to the existing policy. Microsoft has introduced three drones mainly for recreational purposes namely Parrot Max Jumping Race Drone, Parrot Airborne Cargo Mars Drone and Parrot Disco FPV Drone. With the new policy, Microsoft and other big players can now market these products in India. According to a study conducted by BIS Research, a global market intelligence and advisory firm, the global commercial drone market size will touch $21.47 billion and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.9 percent over the period. Aviation regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have banned the use of UAVs acknowledging their limitations in regulating air traffic on such a huge scale and the safety and security of the citizens. AeroVironment Inc., BAE Systems, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the Boeing Company dominate commercial drone market share globally. Technology licensing and vertical integration are predicted to be commonly adopted strategies of the industry participants. According to PwC, in the United Kingdom alone, drones could give a 42 billion GDP boost to the UK economy by 2030, and create 6,28,000 new jobs. A policy on paper may convey a grand vision. The key, however, is its productive implementation. There are various restrictions like licenses, investment restrictions and control regulations on foreign drone players operating in India. This policy is still at its nascent stage, so it is difficult to ascertain the hits and misses until an effective auditing is carried out of its implementation. This also imposes a responsibility on the government to legislate and provide a legal framework for issues like privacy and security. There are high chances that the regulations may get modified and changed in the future considering the new challenges. Adithya Anil Variath is a final year student of law at University of Mumbais School of Law Indo-Asian News Service Chinese smartphone maker Oppo India's Managing Director Yi Wang has resigned from the company and the handset manufacturer has accepted his resignation, said a regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Wang will relinquish office on 30 November. His resignation coincides with the increasing losses to the handset maker in the country. "In a captioned meeting, the Board of Directors of the company discussed and passed the resolutions with respect to the following resignation of Yi Wang, Managing Director of the Company, with effect from 30 November," read Oppo's regulatory filing with BSE late on 28 November. Meanwhile, the company on 29 November announced it will invest 10 billion yuan (around $1.43 billion) in Research and Development (R&D) across its global markets in 2019. Tony Chen, Founder and CEO of Oppo, announced at its technology-focused "2018 Oppo Technology Exhibition" an increase in R&D spending to 10 billion yuan in 2019 which is a 150 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase and that the company would continue to increase investment on a yearly basis. "5G is a trend Oppo must embrace. In addition to striving to become the first manufacturer to launch 5G smartphones, Oppo's exploration of application opportunities in the 5G+ era will determine the value of 5G," Chen stressed. Reuters The United States on Wednesday indicted two Iranians for launching a major cyber attack using ransomware known as SamSam and sanctioned two others for helping exchange the ransom payments from Bitcoin digital currency into rials. The 34-month long hacking scheme wreaked havoc on hospitals, schools, companies and government agencies, including the cities of Atlanta, Georgia, and Newark, New Jersey, causing over $30 million in losses to victims and allowing the alleged hackers to collect over $6 million in ransom payments. The deployment of the SamSam ransomware represented some of the highest-profile cyber attacks on US soil, including one in 2016 that forced Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles to turn away patients and one last year that shut down Atlanta courts and much of its city government. The six-count indictment, unsealed Wednesday in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, charges Iran-based Faramarz Shahi Savandi, 34, and Mohammad Mehdi Shah Mansouri, 27 with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit fraud related to computers, and other counts accusing them of intentionally damaging protected computers and illegally transmitting demands related to protected computers. The Treasury Department said it had sanctioned Ali Khorashadizadeh and Mohammad Ghorbaniyan for exchanging digital ransomware payments into rials. Neither Khorashadizadeh nor Ghorbaniyan were named in the indictment, though the indictment appeared to reference their activities. The allegations in the indictment unsealed today the first of its kind outline an Iran-based international computer hacking and extortion scheme that engaged in 21st-century digital blackmail, said Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski, in announcing the criminal charges on Wednesday. Reuters could not immediately locate the four Iranians named by the US government, and it would likely be difficult to hold them accountable in a federal court because the United States does not have an extradition treaty with Iran. Some cybersecurity experts said the actions are unlikely to have an impact because of that. These cases are mostly symbolic, said Leroy Terrelonge, an analyst with cyber intelligence firm Flashpoint. Kimberly Goody, who manages financial crime analysis for cybersecurity firm FireEye, said the SamSam hackers might take a break to modify their operations to make them more difficult to identify and block. There may be a lull but I would expect them to continue, she said. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, however, said at a press conference that he remains confident the suspects will be apprehended. American justice has a long arm and we will wait and eventually, we are confident that we will take these perpetrators into custody, he said. According to the Treasury, the SamSam ransomware scheme targeted more than 200 victims. The indictment, however, only named 12 of them. In addition to Atlanta and Newark, other victims cited by the Justice Department included healthcare companies such as Laboratory Corporation of American Holdings and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc as well as the Colorado Department of Transportation, Medstar Health, the port of San Diego, University of Calgary, Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital, Mercer County Business, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and Kansas Heart Hospital. Reuters Two civil rights groups asked a judge on 28 November to release documents describing a secret US government effort to force Facebook to decrypt voice conversations between users on its Messenger app. A joint motion by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation in US District Court in Fresno, California argued that the publics right to know the state of the law on encryption outweighs any reason the US Justice Department might have for protecting a criminal probe or law-enforcement method. The issue arose in a joint federal and state investigation into activities of the MS-13 gang in Fresno, revolving around the end-to-end encryption Facebook uses to protect calls on its Messenger service from interception. End-to-end encryption means that only the two parties in the conversation have access to it. Neither US prosecutors nor Facebook have commented publicly about the Messenger case because of a court gag order. But Reuters reported in September that investigators failed in a courtroom effort to force Facebook to wiretap Messenger voice calls. The motion said that although it is possible that other courts have faced similar issues in secret, the Fresno court in the Eastern District of California may be the first to rule on whether the federal government can force a private social media company to undermine its own security architecture to aid a criminal investigation. The functioning of our common-law system depends on courts making their opinions publicly accessible, so that litigants and judges may rely on each others reasoning, the motion said. It sought the release of the governments arguments and any ruling accepting or rejecting each of those arguments. It said the court could redact information about people that could hurt a criminal case. To stress the importance of the encryption issue being aired, the rights groups compared the Facebook legal fight to a dispute in 2016. In that year, the FBI asked courts to force Apple to break into an iPhone owned by a slain sympathizer of Islamic State in San Bernardino, California, who had murdered county employees. The Apple case also began in secret. But after it became public, it was central to the national debate about governments authority over tech companies. End-to-end encryption also protects Facebooks WhatsApp, Signals communications app and other services. US telecommunications companies are required to give police access to calls under federal law, but many apps that rely solely on internet infrastructure are exempt. Facebook contended Messenger was covered by that exemption, sources told Reuters. Public court filings in the Fresno case showed the government was intercepting all ordinary phone calls and Messenger texts between the accused gang members. An FBI affidavit cited three Messenger calls that investigators were unable to hear. The participants in those calls were arrested anyway. One matter judges weigh in approving wiretap requests is how much of a burden it would be for the company to help. In contrast to WhatsApp and a separate part of Messenger called secret conversations, Facebook plays a small technical role facilitating Messenger voice calls, making interception possible with some effort. Nevertheless, Facebook maintained it could not be ordered to alter its software or hack its users to help the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Tech industry lawyers have agreed. In one published commentary cited by the ACLU, three wrote that if the prosecution was relying on the requirements for general assistance in the All Writs Act, as it had in the Apple case, it would constitute a dramatic expansion of the governments authority to commandeer services in ways that interfere with their expected use. Passage through the Kerch Strait will continue but rules must be obeyed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday, TASS reports. "There are certain rules, which particularly concern weather conditions and seabed features," he said. "Everyone, including the Kiev authorities, are well aware of that," Grushko added. The Russian diplomat pointed out that in late September, three Ukrainian Navy ships had passed through the strait with no issue whatsoever. "These rules just must be obeyed and then marine traffic will continue uninterrupted," Grushko stressed. When speaking about the recent Kerch Strait incident, he was hopeful that "our colleagues and partners will prefer to take actual facts into consideration rather than adopt ideological approaches." According to Grushko, the Ukrainian presidential election, scheduled for March 2019, may be the reason behind the incident as incumbent President Pyotr Poroshenkos approval rating is low. The Russian deputy foreign minister also said "everyone is concerned that tensions may escalate" but various signals proved that "the Western community does not want" that. Karthikeyan Hemalatha In October, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) told the world that we had twelve years to limit catastrophic consequences of climate change, by containing global temperature increase to 1.5C . Experts now say that all nations must raise their ambitions by three times to meet the 2C target and five times to meet the 1.5C . And this needs to happen by 2030. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), on Tuesday, came out with Emissions Gap Report 2018, which said the current nationally-determined contributions or NDCs are inadequate to bridge the emissions gap in 2030. The report is an assessment of the gap between anticipated emission levels in 2030, compared to levels consistent with a 2C / 1.5C target. Technically, it is still possible to bridge the gap to ensure global warming stays well below 2C and 1.5C, but if NDC ambitions are not increased before 2030, exceeding the 1.5C goal can no longer be avoided, the report reads. While some experts say this is an unfair unburden on developing countries like India, which is already doing a lot to mitigate carbon emissions, others say there is a lot of room left for improvement. If the IPCC report represented a global fire alarm, this report is the arson investigation, said UN Environment Deputy Executive Director Joyce Msuya in a press release. The science is clear; for all the ambitious climate action weve seen governments need to move faster and with greater urgency. Were feeding this fire while the means to extinguish it are within reach. Ahead of the Conference of Parties or COP24, data from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) shows that global emissions have reached historic levels at 53.5 gigatonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide (GtCO2e), no signs of peaking or the point after which emissions begin to drop. Authors of the report assessed that only 57 countries contributing to 60 percent of global emissions were on pace to do so by 2030, India among them. In the current scenario, the world is heading to a warming of 3.2C, said a report by Climate Transparency, a global partnership that brings experts and research organisations from G20 countries. None of the G20 economies climate pledges are on a 1.5C-compatible pathway, with only India coming close, at a 2C-compatible pathway, read their report Brown to Green 2018. Indias sectoral policies are still falling short of being consistent with the Paris Agreement, but the countrys ambitious policy on renewable electricity is a promising sign, added the report. Some experts say that the burden of mitigating emissions have fallen unfairly on developing countries like India. To say that all countries need to improve their goals by three times is a little unwarranted. India has already begun its transition to cleaner energy sources, said a distinguished fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), R R Rashmi. India is amongst G20s most vulnerable countries and is yet witnessing an unprecedented energy transition through renewable energy. However, roadblocks in terms of integrating solar energy into the central grid need to be removed, he added. Three G20 members (Brazil, China and Japan) are on track to meeting their NDC targets under current policies, while emissions under current policies of three additional countries (India, Russia and Turkey) are projected to be more than 10 percent below their unconditional NDC targets. This may, in some cases, reflect relatively low ambition in the NDCs, read the UNEP report. In 2015, of the 28GW of electricity that was added in India, 19GW or 67 percent was coal energy. The percentage of new coal energy dropped to 55 percent in 2016 and to just 20 percent in 2017, said deputy director general at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an environmental research and advocacy organization. Not just India, but every country can certainly do better to reduce their targets. In international conferences, most countries submit their lowest possible targets, he said. In 2015 Paris Agreement, India promised that it will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 percent to 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Since then, a lot of things have changed. Prices of renewable energy have come down by 40 percent, battery costs for electric vehicles have come down. I think every country, including India, must be far more ambitious. Analyzing trends over the last three years, we can easily commit to a 50 percent to 60 percent reduction in emission intensity, he said. This story was supported by the 2018 Climate Change Media Partnership, a collaboration between Internews Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Foundation. IndiaSpend By Tish Sanghera India experienced an additional 40 million heatwave exposure events in 2016 as compared to 2012, raising concerns over a dangerous surge in negative health impacts, according to a new study. A heatwave exposure event refers to one heatwave, being experienced by one person. The frequency, intensity and duration of heatwave events in India have also increased over the past half-century and the country will likely be among the worst affected by climate change given its weaker health systems and poorer infrastructure, the study said. These are the findings of a study called Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change a global, interdisciplinary research collaboration between 27 academic institutions and inter-governmental organizations, including The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and The Centre for Environmental Health. Tracking 41 indicators across finance and economics, public and political engagement, mitigation actions, vulnerability and more, the study uses data compiled by the Lancet Countdown, which documents the human impacts of climate change and provides public health recommendations in response. The socio-economic impact of climate change Since 1990, every region of the globe has become steadily more vulnerable to extreme increases of heat, the study found. In 2017, 157 million more people globally were exposed to heatwave events compared to in 2000, with the average person experiencing an additional 1.4 days of heat waves per year over the same period. Increased exposure to heat can cause a decrease in labour output, exacerbate urban air pollution, burden health systems ill-equipped to cope with the effects of heat stress and promote the spread of diseases like cholera and dengue fever across endemic areas. Climate change threatens to undermine the public health gains of previous decades and is one of the great existential threats of this century, said Nick Watts, Executive Director, Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change. In the past we have seen the health profession and medical profession come together and move mountains in response to the health risks from tobacco, HIV and polio, said Watts. We need a similar response to climate change. India already bears significant social and economic costs from climate change, with each additional tonne of carbon dioxide emitted costing India $86 almost double the expense borne by the USA ($48) and Saudi Arabia ($47), according to a paper published in Nature Climate Change, a scientific journal. This year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that if the global community are not able to limit a temperature rise to 1.5 degrees as forecast, climate-related risks to livelihoods, food security, health, water supply and human security will further intensify, IndiaSpend reported in October 2018. It is therefore of prime importance for India to reduce its carbon emissions and air pollution levels, specifically targeting the use of coal, oil and natural gas. While a number of sectors have begun a low-carbon transmission, overall slow progress and lack of preparation for the effects of climate changes across the past two to three decades is threatening both human lives and the viability of the national health systems they depend on, the report warned. Heatwaves and heat stress Over the last two decades, there has been a marked increase in the duration of heatwaves in India, as well as the numbers of Indians exposed to heatwaves the report said. The average duration of a heatwave has increased by 150 percent, from 2 days in 2012 to almost 5 days in 2016. The number of people across the country exposed to extreme heat events has also been increasing. In 2012, just under 20 million people were exposed to heatwaves, compared to 60 million in 2016 a 200 percent increase. Heat exposure can increase the risk of multiple diseases and lead to heat stress illnesses which occur as a result of the bodys inability to prevent its temperature rising from beyond a normal range. Severe heat stroke, occurring when the core body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, can lead to multiple organ failure, seizures, and death, the study said. Advance implementation of local Heat Action Plans, plus effective inter-agency coordination is a vital response tactic which the government can deploy in order to protect vulnerable groups, the study suggested. This will require identification of heat hot spots, analysis of meteorological data and allocation of resources to crisis-prone areas. Labour loss India lost nearly 75 billion hours of labour in 2017 as a result of rising temperatures making sustained work increasingly difficult or possible and negatively affecting workers output. This is an increase of over 30 billion hours since 2000 and represents under 50 percent of the total hours of labour lost globally (153 billion hours) in 2017. The agriculture sector experienced the largest increase in labour loss, with 60 billion hours lost in 2017, up from 40 billion in 2000 a 50 percent increase. While the industrial and service sectors also saw a similar trend in the reduction of labour hours between 2000 and 2017, the indoor and less strenuous nature of these types of jobs meant losses were not as significant as the agricultural sector. The substantial climate-related impacts on the workforce and economy could be significant for India, with 18 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) tied to the agricultural sector, the report said. Equally, a fall in living standards, due to reduced precipitation and temperature changes, could, therefore affect just over half of the population who are employed in agriculture-related jobs. An urgent review of occupational health standards and labour laws that regulate maximum working hours and safe working conditions must be carried out, the study said. Carbon emissions exacerbating premature deaths Indias dependency on fossil fuels is contributing to high levels of ambient air pollution containing PM 2.5 fine particulate matter 30 times finer than a human hair, which are known to pose the greatest risk to humans and which in turn is translating into premature deaths. Pollution effects from coal alone are responsible for 107,000 deaths annually in India -- just under three quarters (73,000) of which are due to use in power plants, 24,000 related to use in industry and 10,000 from household coal consumption. Land-based transport is responsible for a substantial number of PM 2.5 related deaths, comprising 12.5 percent of the annual total. However, these emissions can be addressed through improvements to travel infrastructure. Indias urban population is growing rapidly, expected to increase by 416 million between 2018 and 2050, with a large proportion of the growth taking place in small non-Tier 1 cities. These cities should tackle the populations transport needs through public infrastructure, limiting the rise in of car-users and keeping vehicular pollution at bay, the study suggested. Ahmedabad and Pune, both cities with a remarkable growth rate, have high proportions of motorized transport users (vehicle users), representing 42 percent and 48 percent of all transport modes used. Raising awareness of such pollution-related issues, their associated health risks and climate change overall is a key way to mobilize preventative actions, the study said. Media coverage of climate change and health issues has increased by 40 percent globally over the last decade, buoyed by large increases in South-East Asia. The Times of India and Hindustan Times have shown a 458 percent and 415 percent increase in climate-related coverage between 2007-2017 respectively. Increasing regional, non-english media coverage of climate change and health issues across states can further help to stimulate a state-by-state policy response. The author is a writer and researcher with IndiaSpend. Indo-Asian News Service India's heaviest communication satellite with high throughput GSAT-11 will be put into orbit by the Ariane-5 rocket of Arianespace from French Guiana on 5 December 2018, the Indian space agency said. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSAT-11 weighing 5,854 kg is the heaviest satellite built by it. The satellite is scheduled for launch onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle from French Guiana. The satellite will be initially placed in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and will subsequently be raised to geostationary orbit by firing the satellite's onboard motor. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 is the forerunner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands. The satellite with a mission life of 15 years will have 32 user beams (Ku band) and eight hub beams (Ka-band) and the throughput data rate of 16 Gbps. GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications. The Indian space agency said the GSAT-11 will be used to meet the increased data demands with high data rates over regions using spot beams. The satellite will support BharathNet connecting gram panchayat for e-governance and digital platforms; VSAT terminals and for enterprise network and consumer broadband applications. In April 2018, ISRO had recalled GSAT-11 from Arianespace's rocket port in French Guiana for further tests, to be on the safe side. "We are bringing back the GSAT-11 satellite to carry out some tests to be doubly sure of its performance orbiting in the space. There is nothing more to it," K Sivan, Chairman ISRO had told IANS then. The GSAT-11 was planned to be launched mid-May. The satellite had reached Arianespace's rocket port in March 2018. The ISRO's move to call back GSAT-11 for further tests and be doubly sure of its performance may be due to the loss of the recently launched GSAT-6A satellite, soon after it was put into orbit on 29 March. ISRO suspected the failure of the power system in the satellite for the loss of communication link. "The satellites are powered by solar panels that charge the onboard batteries. The batteries are fully charged when the satellite is loaded on to the rocket. "Even if there is a problem with the solar panel, then the battery power should have kicked in. Here the entire power system of the satellite seems to have failed," one space expert told had IANS earlier. According to experts, the power system could have failed due to some short-circuiting or arcing resulting in what is known in the space terminology 'loss of lock' or loss of contact with the ground station. Satellites in space are locked to ground stations for tracking and other purposes. On 29 March, Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) slung GSAT-6A in its intended orbit. From there the satellite was to be taken up further to its orbital slot by firing its onboard motors. The first orbit raising operation was successfully carried out by firing the onboard motors for around 36 minutes on 30 March morning. The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A satellite was also successful as its motors were fired for about 53 minutes on 31 March. After that, the communication link got snapped. Hillary Clinton also suggested that Donald Trump and 'those closest to him' have their 'own personal commercial interest' in concealing the incident around Jamal Khashoggi's murder Washington: Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton accused US President Donald Trump of being complicit in hiding the truth about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "We have a president who is part of the cover-up as to what happened in that consulate or embassy when Khashoggi was murdered," Sputnik quoted Clinton as saying during a speech in Toronto. She also suggested that Trump and "those closest to him" have their "own personal commercial interest" in concealing the incident around Khashoggi's murder. President Trump came under fire for suggesting on 20 November that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman "had knowledge" about Khashoggi's murder and saying that the US would remain a strategic partner for the Riyadh despite the ongoing scandal. He noted that it would be 'foolish' to terminate weapons exports contracts with the kingdom, a move mulled by Congress ever since it became known that Khashoggi had been murdered. Saudi officials denied involvement of the royal family, specifically of the crown prince in Khashoggi's killing. Riyadh insists that he was murdered as a result of a 'rogue operation'. The Saudi Prosecutor's Office announced that in total, some 21 individuals were arrested following the investigation of the murder, with 11 of them already facing charges. Five of those charged face the death penalty if they are found guilty of the charges. Saudi columnist for The Washington Post Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. His body was dismembered and still hasn't been found. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. New York: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, made a surprise appearance before a federal judge in New York on Thursday to plead guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. Cohen told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Trump's "political message." Cohen and prosecutors referred to Trump as "individual one" throughout Thursday's proceedings and said he lied "to be loyal to Individual One." Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. One of the prosecutors working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohen's lawyer, Guy Petrillo, said he would give the court a letter outlining how his client has cooperated with Mueller's investigation. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen "should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. That's why we put people under oath." Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian president Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. Cohen had also disclosed that Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting this week, aiming to build on a thaw in ties after a military standoff on their disputed border last year, officials said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting this week, aiming to build on a thaw in ties after a military standoff on their disputed border last year, officials said. The 3,500 kilometre border between the nuclear-armed neighbours has been calm since Modi and Xi held several hours of talks in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April, agreeing to prevent political disputes escalating into confrontation. Later this year, their two armies will hold joint exercises in a bid to build trust after their 73-day face-off in a remote, high-altitude stretch of the Himalayan border that stoked fears of war. Modis meeting with Xi at the G20 summit in Argentina will be their fourth this year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. It was decided that they would take the opportunity whenever and wherever they could meet. They could discuss issues on either leaders mind or issues of mutual concern, Gokhale told reporters. As well as long-standing disputes over their border, the two countries are vying for influence in the Indian Ocean and squabbling over Xis signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. India has warmed up to the new government in the Maldives, offering financial help after it accused the previous government of striking secret deals with Chinese firms that have left the tiny country of 4,00,000 people in debt. India and China are also aligned with opposing sides embroiled in political turmoil in Sri Lanka. In Buenos Aires, the leaders of two of the worlds fastest-growing economies are expected to endorse efforts to liberalise their trade, Indian officials said. Negotiators from the two countries held talks in New Delhi on Wednesday to try to prise open each others farm markets. China wants to export apples and dairy products and India is hoping to export skimmed milk products and buffalo meat, two Indian sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. India banned the import of Chinese apples in 2017 after finding pesticides, while China restricted imports of Indian buffalo meat because of concern over foot and mouth disease. Chinese vice minister Hu Wei and Indian commerce secretary Anup Wadhawan are leading the talks on the farm products as part of a broader trade package. Indias primary interest is exporting skimmed milk products and for China it is apples, one of the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. Their bilateral trade reached $89.6 billion in 2017-18 with a deficit of $62.9 billion in Chinas favour. Indian officials said that China, locked in a trade dispute with the United States, has been more flexible than before with regard to the possible opening up of its markets to Indian pharmaceutical products and IT services. The attack came just hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the militants. Kabul: At least 10 people were killed and 19 wounded in a Taliban-claimed attack at a private British security firm's compound in Kabul, officials said Wednesday, without confirming the victims' nationalities. "10 dead, 19 wounded have been evacuated from site," health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh told AFP. An interior ministry spokesman confirmed the toll but warned it could still change. The interior ministry and police both said the blast had been a car bomb targeting a compound which houses G4S, a private British security company, in east Kabul. "We can confirm that there has been an incident at one of our locations in Kabul. The situation is ongoing and we are coordinating with the Afghan authorities to bring it to a conclusion," G4S tweeted from its official account. Afghan authorities also said they were conducting a clearing operation at the site. But the Taliban, who claimed the attack in a tweet, said the assault was ongoing. Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said at least seven wounded people had been evacuated from the area, but did not confirm their nationalities. A health ministry official put the wounded toll slightly higher, at 11. Earlier, sources had said the blast was followed by gunfire. Rahimi said no gunfire had been heard for some time, however. According to its website, G4S provides security for the UK Foreign Office in Kabul. The attack came just hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the formation of a team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the United Nations renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the militants. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and UN officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the 17-year war. At an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva, Ghani said the 12-person negotiating team includes both men and women and will be led by his chief of staff Abdul Salam Rahimi. Rahimi, a former humanitarian worker and ex-deputy Afghan finance minister, is considered one of Ghani's closest aides. Wednesday's assault on G4S is the second high-profile attack claimed by the Taliban on foreigners in as many days. On Tuesday, three US soldiers were killed in a blast near Ghazni city in central Afghanistan that was also claimed by the militant group. The attacks follow a wave of bloody violence across the war-torn country in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people as militants step up their attacks. Earlier Wednesday, NATO said it was investigating an airstrike in southeastern Afghanistan that might have killed civilians, with unverified reports of women and children among the dead. On 20 November, at least 55 people were killed when a bomber blew himself up in the middle of a banquet hall in one of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan this year. The violence comes as the Taliban intensify pressure on Afghan security forces, even as the international community ramps up efforts towards talks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has expressed hopes that a peace deal to end the war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly. By Gary Robertson CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Reuters) - The man who ploughed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at last year's white nationalist rally in Virginia had every intention to kill, a prosecutor told jurors on Thursday at the start of his murder trial. 'It was wilful, premeditated murder,' prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony said in Charlottesville Circuit Court, where James Fields, 21, is facing a possible life sentence. By Gary Robertson CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Reuters) - The man who ploughed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at last year's white nationalist rally in Virginia had every intention to kill, a prosecutor told jurors on Thursday at the start of his murder trial. "It was wilful, premeditated murder," prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony said in Charlottesville Circuit Court, where James Fields, 21, is facing a possible life sentence. Fields' attorney, John Hill, said the Ohio man acted in self-defence after becoming frightened by the mass of people around his car. "You will hear James tell officers he feared for his safety," Hill said, referring to his client's comments to police following the crash. "He was scared to death." Heather Heyer, 32, was killed in the incident, which capped two days of chaos in August 2017 when hundreds of white nationalists descended on Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, to protest the planned removal of a Confederate statue from a public park. Two state troopers were also killed during the protests when their helicopter crashed. The "Unite the Right" rally followed a Friday night demonstration when hundreds of torch-carrying men chanted anti-Semitic slogans. U.S. President Donald Trump was heavily criticized for saying there were "very fine people on both sides" after the violence, seemingly equating the white nationalists with those who demonstrated against them. Heyer's mother, Susan Bro, declined to return phone calls from the White House after Trump's remarks. The bedlam left lasting wounds in Charlottesville, which has been forced to confront its own complicated racial legacy after the violence. But it also damaged the image of the "alt-right" movement, a loose alignment of fringe groups centred on white nationalism and emboldened by Trump's 2016 presidential victory. In August, a one-year anniversary rally in Washington drew just two dozen participants amid thousands of counterprotesters. Fields was photographed hours before last year's attack carrying a shield with the emblem of a far-right hate group, although the group later denied he was a member. Jurors will hear from victims and see photos and videos depicting the incident, when Fields' speeding car sent bodies flying through the air. His case is being heard by a jury of nine women and seven men, including one African-American juror; four will be designated as alternates at the close of the trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks. Fields has also been charged with federal hate crimes and pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Gary Robertson; Writing and additional reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone, Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump told the special counsel investigating possible collusion between his campaign and Russia that he was not aware ahead of time of a meeting in June 2016 between campaign officials and Russians, Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani said on Wednesday. Trump's response, in written answers to questions posed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, was first reported by CNN. "Almost all the answers he gave are consistent with what he said publicly, and publicly he said he did not know about it," Giuliani said. Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has said he agreed to the meeting after being promised damaging information on Hillary Clinton, Trump's Democratic opponent in the 2016 election. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and senior campaign aide Paul Manafort also took part in the June 9, 2016, meeting. A spokesman for Mueller declined to comment. Trump, who has repeatedly denied any collusion between his campaign and Moscow, has said publicly he had no prior knowledge of the June 2016 meeting. U.S. intelligence agencies have said Russia interfered in the election with the aim of tipping it towards Trump and away from Clinton. Russia has denied any interference. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Writing by Eric Beech; Editing by Mohammad Zargham and David Gregorio) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May's bid to win approval for her Brexit deal will have to overcome attempts to block or change it by rival lawmakers on Dec. 11, a proposed format for the debate published on Wednesday showed. The government has set out the details of a debate on a motion to approve May's plan to take the country out of the European Union, allowing for amendments to be discussed which could try to reshape the deal she brought back from Brussels. LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May's bid to win approval for her Brexit deal will have to overcome attempts to block or change it by rival lawmakers on Dec. 11, a proposed format for the debate published on Wednesday showed. The government has set out the details of a debate on a motion to approve May's plan to take the country out of the European Union, allowing for amendments to be discussed which could try to reshape the deal she brought back from Brussels. The format of the debate has been keenly awaited to see whether rivals would have a chance to test their alternative exit plans, such as remaining in the EU's customs union or making exit conditional upon a second referendum. Any such amendments would not be legally binding on the government, but would prove politically hard to ignore. May already has an arduous task to get the motion approved. It is opposed by a large group of lawmakers from her own party, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government and by all opposition parties who say they will vote against it. Defeat would likely unleash huge political uncertainty and could roil financial markets. According to documents filed at Britain's parliament on Wednesday, debates will be held on December 4, 5, 6, 10 and 11 with up to six amendments selected on the final day. The opposition Labour party said on Twitter the debate would conclude at 1900 GMT on Dec. 11. The amendments could be put to several votes, meaning that as well as overcoming the huge opposition to her plan, May will have to defeat attempts to add extra conditions to it or to thwart the exit agreement altogether. The government has previously voiced concerns that any of these so-called amendments that win support in the house of commons could prevent the government from ratifying the exit deal because the amended motion would not provide the necessary unequivocal approval required under previously passed legislation. (Reporting by William James; editing by Elisabeth O'Leary) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asked on Thursday to what exactly principles Europe adhered to in response to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's words about commitment to principles in terms of anti-Russian sanctions, UrduPoint reported. Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the European Union did not impose sanctions on Russia for sanctions' sake, but did it in accordance with "principles of international law." "Principles? Europe? Which Ones?" Zakharova wrote on her Facebook page. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman recalled that when it was revealed that Merkel had been tapped by the United States, the European Union failed to take any retaliatory measures. "And that, as it was said by the Swiss foreign minister yesterday, was an example of illegal intelligence activities, which Europe does not tolerate. And what then? What has the chancellor done 'on principle,' what sanctions have been imposed on Washington in order to explain something to the United States? How many US diplomats have been expelled?" Zakharova asked. By Thomas Escritt and Andrew Osborn BERLIN/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev to gain Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible new Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenues By Thomas Escritt and Andrew Osborn BERLIN/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev to gain Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible new Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenues. His Western allies have so far not offered to provide any of these things, despite his warnings of a possible Russian invasion after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday near Crimea. Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the incident, which took place in the Black Sea near Crimea, the Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014. "Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper. "Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony." Putin has accused Poroshenko of manufacturing the crisis to boost his flagging ratings ahead of next year's elections in Ukraine. Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, said on Thursday Russia had imposed a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Kerch Strait. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. WARSHIPS Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. Ukraine is not a member of the U.S.-led military alliance. NATO, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships, said that the alliance's ships routinely patrolled and exercised in the Black Sea, that allies conducted regular air policing and reconnaissance flights there, and that the alliance had stepped up its activities since Moscow annexed Crimea. "Three NATO members - Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey - are littoral states with their own national capabilities deployed in the Black Sea region," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. "So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region." In a sign of support for Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a planned meeting with Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," Trump tweeted. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she thought there was no military solution to the crisis. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request for naval support appeared to be aimed at increasing tensions in the area. The prospect of NATO warships heading to the Sea of Azov which is separated from the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait seems remote as it is shallow, access to it is controlled by Russia, and the Kremlin would likely view any attempt by the Atlantic alliance to deploy there as a hostile act. Poroshenko, who has temporarily imposed martial law in parts of Ukraine over the crisis, also tweeted on Thursday that he would impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in his country. Ukraine's border service said it would only allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to Crimea via its land border with the annexed territory, while the head of the Ukrainian navy said Kiev would try to get Turkey to close the Bosphorus Strait to Russian ships. There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. MISSILE SYSTEMS Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such battalion, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying. Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance. Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said. The United States and the EU have imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct towards Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev. Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent. Poroshenko urged Berlin to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine, which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told the Funke newspaper group. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." But Germany's economy minister, Peter Altmaier, dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis. Poroshenko's attempts to persuade the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia are also unlikely to bear fruit any time soon, diplomats say, given divisions within the bloc over how to deal with Moscow. Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday. (Additional reporting by Tom Balmforth and Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow, Michelle Martin in Berlin and Pavel Polityuk and Matthias Williams in Kiev; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Meat, dairy and eggs that misuse antibiotics could still be making their way onto UK supermarket shelves due to inadequate policies, according to a new report from the... Read More Although marijuana stocks have tapered off a bit to end the year, this will nevertheless go down as the most groundbreaking year in cannabis history. In October, Canada became the first industrialized country in the world to legalize recreational weed. In doing so, Canada demonstrated the validity of the pot industry, as well as opened to door to potentially billions of dollars in added annual sales. Canada's neighbor also had a nice showing. Two more states legalized medical marijuana in November, bringing the total number of states to have legalized weed in some capacity to 32. Residents in Michigan also voted in favor of their adult-use proposal, marking the 10th state to give recreational pot the green light in the United States. Canopy Growth is now worth two Aurora Cannabis' There's also been an ongoing transformation in the way investors analyze marijuana stocks. Take Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CGC) and Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ:ACB) as perfect examples. Aurora Cannabis, following the completion of its ICC Labs acquisition, could generate an author-estimated 700,000 kilograms of peak annual production within the next three years. Should it decide to construct greenhouses on ICC's additional acreage, as well as land adjacent to MedReleaf's Exeter facility, Aurora could easily surpass 1 million kilograms of annual production. Meanwhile, Canopy Growth has about three-quarters of its 5.6 million square feet of growing capacity already licensed by Health Canada, but it'll likely "only" be producing around 500,000 kilograms at peak capacity. Aurora has the capability to possibly double Canopy Growth's production, yet Canopy Growth's $10.8 billion market cap has Aurora Cannabis' $5.4 billion market value perfectly doubled up. What gives, you wonder? The broad answer is that there's a lot more to successfully running a marijuana company than just production. Canopy Growth offers its investors a number of advantages over Aurora Cannabis beyond just annual output, making it the more attractive investment opportunity. The more specific answer is that it has to do with the following four factors. 1. Canopy Growth has a brand-name partner To begin with, Canopy landed itself a giant partner in Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ). The maker of Modelo and Corona beers has actually made three notable investments into Canopy: An approximately $190 million equity investment in October 2017 for what amounted to a 9.9% stake in the company at the time. The purchase of 200 million Canadian dollars in convertible notes out of a CA$600 million offering in June 2018. These notes can be converted into common stock, which would could up its equity stake in the company. The purchase of 104.5 million shares of Canopy's common stock, announced in August 2018, for $4 billion. Not only does this signify that Constellation and Canopy are likely to work on cannabis-infused beverages, when legal, but Constellation's deep pockets and marketing prowess could open new doors for Canopy Growth's products in foreign markets. Even with Aurora Cannabis having a presence in 18 markets right now, that pales in comparison to Constellation's foreign presence and what it could do for Canopy Growth. 2. Canopy Growth is a buyout candidate, whereas Aurora isn't Secondly, investors recognize that Constellation's "partnership" with Canopy Growth goes beyond product development. Following its $4 billion equity investment, Constellation has a 37% stake in Canopy Growth. Should it choose to exercise the more than 139 million warrants it also received, Constellation could up its stake in the company to more than 50%. Though traditionally conservative with regard to managing its debt levels, a buyout of what's not already owned by Constellation Brands becomes a possibility by perhaps 2021 or 2022. The same can't be said for Aurora Cannabis, which has yet to land a brand-name partner and has no notable equity investors in the beverage, tobacco, or pharmaceutical industries. In other words, Canopy Growth receives a premium because of the buyout potential that's on the table. 3. Canopy's cash position is much healthier, meaning less dilution Continuing to build on these points, Canopy Growth also now has well over $4 billion in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet that it can use for acquisitions, brand building, marketing, international expansion, and to build its sales channels. Since cash is such a precious commodity for marijuana stocks, this means less of a chance that Canopy Growth needs to raise additional capital in the next couple of years. The reason this is so important is that pot stocks like Canopy and Aurora have regularly turned to bought-deal offerings to raise capital. A bought-deal offering involves the sale of common stock, convertible debentures, stock options, and/or warrants to investors. Doing so can balloon a company's outstanding share count, weighing on existing investors and pushing earnings per share lower. In the quarters to come, we should see less of a dilutive impact from Canopy Growth than we see from Aurora Cannabis, which still predominantly relies on bought-deal offerings to raise capital. 4. There's a big difference in branding Last, but not least, Canopy Growth has what's arguably the most well-known brand throughout Canada: Tweed. Canopy has spent years building up its recreational and medicinal brands, and it's translated into a large number of registered patients, and more than 70,000 kilograms of committed annual supply to provinces. While this isn't to say that Aurora hasn't worked out provincial deals or garnered quite a few registered medical patients, there's a clear gap with regard to brand building between the two companies. Until we see Aurora partnered with a brand-name company and focusing on aspects beyond capacity expansion, Canopy Growth is likely to hover over it in terms of market cap. A Russian truck driver crashed into his own house in Armenia's Lori province, media reported. At around 230am, a truck went off road on the Vanadzor-Stepanavan motorway in Gargar village, broke through an iron fence, and crashed into his own house. The truck driver - the 43 year-old Russian citizen Alan Zaseevich - suffered injuries and was taken to Stepanavan town hospital. It was found out that this man was drunk, Shamshyan.com reported. Prominent Azerbaijani and Russian artist, theatrical designer, pedagogue, vice president of Russian Academy of Arts, People`s Artist of the USSR, hero of Socialist Labor, holder of state prizes Tahir Salahov celebrates his 90th anniversary today. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijans First Vice-President, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva congratulated Tahir Salahov on his birthday. Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to Tahir Salahov today. The head of state praised the activity of prominent representative of the contemporary art school of Azerbaijan and congratulated him on receiving 'Labor' Order 1st Class. Tahir Salahov thanked Ilham Aliyev for the phone call and congratulations, as well as expressed his deep gratitude to the head of state for awarding him 'Labor' Order. The president wished Tahir Salahov the best of health and new successes in his activities. Soviet and Azerbaijani pianist, composer Farhad Badalbeyli, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Tahir Salahov's contribution in developing Azerbaijani art is enormous. "He is one of the creators of the severe style of socialist realism, being an outstanding artist of the 20th century. I love and respect him very much, especially because he created an indescribable portrait of great Azerbaijani composer Kara Karayev. In addition, he created portraits of many great people, for example Fikret Amirov and Maksud Ibrahimbekov. He is the greatest painter and chronicler of our history. Its great that he is in good shape, holds exhibitions at 90 years and looks great. I wish him a very log life and have no doubt that we will celebrate his 100th jubilee," he said. Russian director Yuli Gusman also congratulated Tahir Salahov on his birthday, describing his as "energetic and full of enthusiasm, a classic of Azerbaijani, Soviet and Russian art." "I grew up in the era of Salakhov, He is my friend, I love his paintings, I often see him and his charming wife Varya. He is a wonderful person, kind, sympathetic, calm and, at the same time, principled and sharp when it comes to the profanation of art. The point is not that he has the highest ranks in the country, both in Russia and Azerbaijan, or that his paintings are exhibited in the best museums in the world, or that he broke through the archaic traditional manner of Azerbaijani painters together with a group of like-minded people and reached a new level of understanding of a person in art and art in a person. The most important thing is that Tair Teymurovich expresses the people's soul through his art," he said. "God gave him longevity, and I hope that he will keep us happy for a long time. I want to congratulate Tahir Teimurovich on my behalf, wish him a long life, productivity, and most importantly - he should know that millions of admirers and friends around the world love him," Yuli Gusman concluded. Tahir Salahov is a Soviet, Azerbaijani and Russian painter and draughtsman. He studied at the Azimzade Art College in Baku in 19451950 and the Surikov Moscow Art Institute in 19511957. Salahov won an early recognition: his diploma work, The Shift is Over, was exhibited in 1957 at the Moscow All-Union Art Exhibition and received public and critical acclaim. He became one of the leading representatives of the so-called "severe style", a trend in Soviet art of the 1960s that aimed to set off a hard, publicist, realist view. Two Turkish Airlines planes could not land at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport due to air traffic congestion, according to the Turkish media. One plane was reportedly flying from Trabzon to Istanbul, while another from Hamburg to Istanbul. The aircraft were sent to land at the Yenisehir airport located in Turkeys Bursa province, Haberturk reported. Reportedly, last week several aircraft also failed to land at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport due to air traffic congestion. Kiev would ask the international community to close the passage of the Bosphorus Strait to Russian warships, commander of the naval forces of Ukraine Igor Voronchenko said. "As the commander of the naval forces, I ask and express my confidence that the international community will still make a decision and recognise that there was an act of aggression against the state of Ukraine ," Sputnik cited him as saying. "We will try to ask for the closing of the passage of the Bosphorus Strait in the Republic of Turkey," Voronchenko said, speaking at the second International Maritime Security Conference in Kiev. The commander of the naval forces of Ukraine said it would be achieved in line with article 19 of the 1936 Montreux Convention regarding the Regime of the Straits, which gives Turkey control of the Bosphorus Straits and the Dardanelles and regulates the passage of naval warships. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported on November 25 that three Ukrainian warships had breached the Russian state border on Sunday morning and later attempted to carry out illegal maneuvers in Russias territorial waters later. The Ukrainian vessels ignored the legitimate demands of the Coast Guard of the FSB Border Service and the Black Sea Fleet to immediately halt, and end performing dangerous maneuvers. As a result of blatantly disregarding the orders, a chase involving some gunfire ensued in order to stop the Ukrainian ships, which were detained in Russian territorial waters. Handyman Connection Launches New Location In Grapevine, Texas Leading Home Repair Company Offers Renovation and Restoration Services to Community November 29, 2018 // Franchising.com // GRAPEVINE, TX - Handyman Connection, a home repair company in operation for more than 25 years, has opened its eighth Texas location in the Grapevine area. The Grapevine location is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Ian Charters. Charters will bring 20 years of senior sales and business development experience to Handyman Connection. Prior to joining Handyman, Charters held positions within the aerospace, aviation and facility maintenance services industries. Most recently, the rookie franchisee served as the Chief Operating Officer for a global airport equipment and facilities maintenance organization. With more than two decades of professional experience in sales and business development, Im ecstatic to bring the Handyman Connection services to my community, said Charters. My commitment to developing strategic solutions and offering quality customer service, paired with the guidance of the Handyman Connection business model and ever-evolving technology, will truly propel our ability to provide exceptional home repair and renovation services to our customers. Handyman Connection operates more than 65 locations throughout 27 states and Canada. For more than 25 years, the brand has offered homeowners across North America a complete resource for professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Handyman Connection offers a variety of services ranging from traditional home repairs to painting, remodeling and more. To request a free, no-obligation project estimate, contact Handyman Connection at (817) 533-4333 or visit us at handymanconnection.com/grapevine. About Handyman Connection Since 1991, homeowners across North America have been calling on Handyman Connection for our professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Each Handyman Connection franchise is locally owned and operated, backed by the company that helped launch the industry. Our values are steeped in a long-standing dedication to the people we serve, and truly differentiate Handyman Connection as a home repair company. Media Contact: Chelsea Bear Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 cbear@fish-consulting.com SOURCE Handyman Connection ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Venture X Announces Expansion Into Virginia Market New Facility in Richmond Scheduled to Open in 2019 WEST PALM BEACH, FL - November 29, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ - Venture X, a premium membership-based workspace community for entrepreneurs and businesses, announced plans to open a 17,862-square-foot facility in Richmond, VA. The new location, owned by Harry Vinson, will be located at 1806 Summit Avenue and upon completion will be the first Venture X shared workspace in the Old Dominion state. Construction of the $1,575,000 facility began during the last week of November, and is expected to be complete for opening late Q1 or early Q2 of 2019. "There has been a high demand for workspace and growth in the community, and it's exciting that we'll be able to provide a full range of services for working professionals in a modern environment," said Vinson. "This unique concept will help businesses and individuals grow and connect, while creating a synergy for creativity and individual expression." A member of the United Franchise Group (UFG) group of brands, VTX offers a revolutionary, new concept that goes beyond the "one size fits all" mentality associated with traditional workspaces. It features offices of high quality design, that are equipped with modern furnishings, complemented by outstanding boutique-style hotel amenities Working with the real estate experts at United Franchise Group, Vinson led a comprehensive search for the best location for this Richmond Venture X, and he says the site fits the needs of the community. "The new facility will be convenient and easily accessible to all our members, and it's located in an area with a growing business population and a diverse client base." Vinson was attracted to Venture X because of its proven track record, history of support, and a sound business model that attracts a large membership base in a quickly growing industry. "The Venture X brand is forward-thinking in terms of meeting the needs of what workers expect and demand in a digital age," he said. "Operators are armed with a solid corporate infrastructure capable of managing all aspects of site identification, construction, marketing, and ongoing consulting." The amenities offered at Venture X locations around the world are first class and appeal a wide variety of members, ranging from those who work for large corporations and organizations to smaller businesses and independent contractors or consultants who want to work remotely. Members who belong to one location, have access to all locations. "Our co-working office space concept provides an environment that fosters relationships," commented Tom Weber, brand President of Venture X. "We consistently focus on quality, and our value-added offerings are the cornerstone of the membership experience." Richmond owner Vinson is also an Operating Partner with Soundcore Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, providing guidance on valuation and acquisition strategies, and as an independent consultant. For eight years Vinson was president of Commercial Print, Global Packaging, and Envelope divisions of Cenveo, Inc. Business hours at the new Venture X in Richmond will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but 24/7 access is an available option. About Venture X Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs, father and son, David and Brett Diamond, Venture X has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. For more information, visit www.VentureX.com. About UFG Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, and the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Media Contact: Barbara Rodriguez Ink Link Marketing Voice: 305-631-2283 SOURCE Venture X ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in the capital of Argentina at 5:30 p.m. Moscow time [14:30 GMT] on December 1. Slightly more than two hours have been allotted for the meeting. Their extended talks will be also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov, a source in one of the delegations said. At his forthcoming meeting with Trump in Argentina, Vladimir Putin intends to discuss bilateral relations, strategic security and regional conflicts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Issues connected to bilateral relations will come first. We should give thought to how to start discussing bilateral relations, strategic security and disarmament, in addition to regional conflicts," RIA Novosti cited Peskov as saying. "We do not need to agree on all issues, this is probably impossible, but its necessary for us to talk. This is in the interests of our two countries and in the interests of the entire world," the spokesman stressed, explaining that at first, the presidents will briefly contact, and then the Russian-U.S. talks will take place, which may last for nearly an hour. Director of the Institute of Political Studies Sergei Markov, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that the most important topic of the Putin-Trump talks in Argentine will be the process of divorce in the field of strategic weapons. "It is necessary to make this process manageable," he said. "In order to do this, we need to solve the second task - to restore the format of the dialogue. It is necessary to restore areas of interaction between the special services, the military and the foreign ministers," Sergei Markov said. "In addition, we need an exchange of views on Syria and Iran. The United States, for example, says that it is necessary to ensure the security of Israel from Iran. Russia is ready to do for it - but what is the United States ready to do in response? The presidents may touch on the Ukrainian issue, but they will not discuss it in detail: Trump is not engaged in Ukraine, this is the sector of Mike Pompeo," the political scientist expects. We can expect Putin to open Trumps eyes on what is happening in Ukraine and give him information on how the American budget is spent on maintaining the power of neo-Nazis in Kiev. Plus, they may touch on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey in connection with the conflict over the Khashoggi killing." Sergey Markov added. Director of the Institute of Strategic Planning and Forecasting, Professor Alexander Gusev expects the presidents will try to reanimate the relations between the two countries. The system of international relations and world security depend on the relations between the U.S. and Russia. Of course, the presidents will touch on a very important problem - the implementation of the INF Treaty, he recalled. "I dont think that such issues as the Kerch incident will be discussed. Its much more important to discuss a whole block of problems on Syria. Irans problems are also important," Alexander Gusev predicts. "I hope that the goodwill of the two presidents will allow us to gradually normalize relations, because it harms both Russia and the United States and the world community as a whole," the of the Institute of Strategic Planning and Forecasting concluded. Putin and Trump are expected to meet on December 1 during the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. The first meeting between the Russian and US leaders at this forum was held in Germanys Hamburg in July 2017. Later that year, the presidents met on the go at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam. So far, the only round of talks between Putin and Trump, which was held not on the sidelines of any international summits, was held in July 2018 in Helsinki. News editor's pick centerpiece Shooting survivor wants others to learn from her kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News Sonjette White, left, and her sister, Nickie Milburn, wear Jette Strong shirts while sitting together in the Tuscan Lakes Pool and Park in League City on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. In August, White was shot 12 times in what she and law officers allege was an act of domestic violence. kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News Sonjette White, left, and her sister, Nickie Milburn, hold hands while wearing "Jette Strong" bracelets in League City on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. White has a tattoo of her daughter's name, Keia, who was killed in what law officers allege was an act of domestic violence. kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News Sonjette White looks down at her phone as her sister, Nickie Milburn, and grandson, Adrian Gould V, walk to the swings at the Tuscan Lakes Pool and Park in League City on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Although White has mostly recovered from being shot 12 times with a 9mm handgun, walking is still difficult. kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News Sonjette White, right, and her sister, Nickie Milburn, wear "Jette Strong" shirts at the Tuscan Lakes Pool and Park in League City on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. In August, White was shot over 12 times in what she and law enforcement officers allege was an act of domestic violence. SonJette White saw and felt all the signs but ignored them. White, 44, was shot 12 times, but survived. Her daughter, Keia Brionne Manning, who had turned 21 years old just the week before, was shot to death during the same violent encounter Aug. 10 in their Bacliff home. Anthony White, 58, SonJette Whites husband, is charged with murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting, according to court records. White is free on a $450,000 bond and has yet to enter a plea in the case, according to the Galveston County District Attorneys Office. He could not be reached for comment. Attorney Michael T. Elliot, who is listed in court records as Anthony Whites legal counsel, did not respond to requests for comment made Friday and Monday. The shooting began with an argument between the two women and White, according to a probable-cause affidavit Galveston County Sheriffs Deputies filed in the case. But the volatile atmosphere that allowed that spark to explode into deadly violence had existed for a long time before, SonJette White said. For the past four or so months, White has been grieving her daughter and recovering from 9mm gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, left arm, left leg and right heel. She has endured five surgeries and an extensive rehabilitation regimen, which will continue for a year or more, she said. Shes had time to think and wants her experience to be a cautionary tale for others, she said. SonJette Whites story describes an extreme example of domestic violence, but is similar in many ways to what many women, and some men, are living through, experts say. They endure acts of domestic violence because they dont know they have options. They often fail to report domestic violence because they lack the resources to leave, said Leigh Ann Fry, CEO at Bay Area Turning Point, a community based social service agency providing a variety of services, including shelter to families in need and public education/crime prevention activities in the Greater Bay Area and surrounding areas. Its our hope that anyone who knows someone or is living with domestic violence can reach out to a local service provider to assist with safety planning, shelter and/or advocacy services, Fry said. This step can be lifesaving. Violence comes in many forms and includes abuse and types of control physical, sexual, emotional, intimidation, verbal-coercion, threats, and blame, using male privilege and financial abuse, Fry said. About 35 percent of women, 1 in 3 worldwide, report having been in at least one abusive relationship defined by a partner or ex-partner who causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors, according to global estimates published by the World Health Organization. In Texas last year, 136 women were killed by a male intimate partner, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence. Most, 65 of them, were wives; most, 65 percent, were killed with firearms; and most, 70 percent, were killed in their own homes, according to the council. In the five years from 2012 to 2016, a dozen Galveston County women were killed in acts of domestic violence, according to a Texas Council on Family Violence report. SonJette White, who had been with her husband for 18 years and married for five, knew she was in a bad relationship and shouldve left, she said. He was abusive emotionally and financially, White said. He wanted me with him and only him, but said it was because he loved me. He would tell me not to work, and that he was going to take care of me. Now, I know it was only to control what I could and couldnt do financially. A search of publicly accessible criminal records found none lodged against Anthony White for domestic violence or anything else before the Aug. 10 shooting. SonJette White said she reported only one incident of being struck. Her husband was arrested, but she later dropped the charges, she said. She didnt report incidents because he would apologize and promise not to do it again and then shower her with gifts, she said. I shouldnt have settled and ignored the signs of control and called it love, she said. In hindsight, I really dont know if I had the tools or the understanding of what I shouldve been expecting from a man. So, when he promised to take care of me and my children, I thought Id found my knight in shining armor. I wish I could trade places with my baby. I would rather it be me than her since I was the one who chose to be with this man. Whites younger sister, Ricshonda Nickie Milburn, of League City, also is dealing with regret and hindsight, she said. SonJette had called her Aug. 10 and the two were talking when the shooting started, Milburn said. Im dying, were the words SonJette said to me before the phone hung up, Milburn said. Milburn always thought her sisters relationship was unhealthy, she said. She regrets telling herself to stay out of it, she said. I wish I had stayed in her business and in her face about the unhealthiness of their relationship, Milburn, a nurse practitioner, said. He always wanted her to do what he wanted her to do and nothing else with no one else. People who suspect their friends or relatives are in abusive relationships should act, Milburn said. Talk to your siblings, children, mothers and ask specific questions, she said. Dont ignore the signs. Stop saying, Im staying out of it, and get in their business to save their lives. People in abusive relationships need to know help is available to give them the tools and understanding SonJette White worries she lacked, said Selah Tacconi, executive director of the Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County. It takes incredible courage for victims to come forward to seek assistance, and we, as service providers, stand in solidarity with them, Tacconi said. As a society, supporting and believing survivors encourages healing for individuals, holds perpetrators accountable and promotes justice for all citizens. Victims of domestic violence can also get help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.thehotline.org, Tacconi said. The Galveston County Criminal District Attorneys Office Victim Assistance Unit also provides crisis intervention, follow-up and support services, personal and justice advocacy, education for crime victims about the criminal justice processes, and more, said Linda Telfah, chief of the victim assistance unit. Anyone that works to isolate you from others that care about you doesnt have your best interests in mind, Tacconi said. If you or someone that you know is being abused physically, financially, sexually, and/or verbally, youre not alone. There are advocates here to help you with resources, options, and to assist with safety planning. Community support came pouring in for White while she was still in the hospital, much of it in words of support posted using the hashtag #JetteStrong, Milburn said. After reading so many messages with the hashtag, I thought lets do something with this, Milburn said. I was thinking about my sisters financial needs at the time and came up with the T-shirt fundraiser after speaking with her and my cousins. Once the orders started coming in and all of the support was being shown for her, God revealed to me through prayer and speaking with a select few individuals we have to speak out. This is bigger than a fundraiser, this is a movement. This is a time for us to use our voices so that my nieces life wont be forgotten. The money raised has been to take care of financial needs and medical bills that SonJette has incurred since the shooting incident, Milburn said. SonJette will need more in the future, however, she said. But although the financial support is welcomed, empowering people in violent, abusive relationships to get help is whats important, Milburn said. We want to help at least one person not have to bury their child due to an act of domestic violence, Milburn said. SonJette White said the cost of her new understanding has been steep. Ill never get to talk to my baby girl again; and its all because I chose the wrong man to share my life with, she said. Unfortunately, now I know I shouldnt have totally depended on this man, or any man, to take care of me and my children. When someone has a mission to control your mind, you wont see it coming. Listen to the signs. Dont allow anyone to take away your independence; stand on your own two feet. Lastly, love and respect yourself enough to walk away. Shes also discovered some things she didnt know she had, she said. Im so overwhelmed with gratitude from the love and support my community has shown me, White said. I feel so blessed to have so many people, most I know and some I dont, stand up for me and what is right. Related Galveston, TX (77553) Today Windy with periods of rain. High 74F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Mostly cloudy and windy. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 52F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. How to help or get help If you'd like to support the movement or order a #JetteStrong shirt or bracelet, email Ricshonda "Nickie" Milburn at fielderrn@me.com. Galveston County is a participant in the Texas Victim Information and Notification Everyday program, which provides a crime victim with easy to obtain basic information and notifications on suspects/offender jail status. The free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in both English and Spanish at https://vinelink.com or 877-894-8463. Source: Galveston County Criminal District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Unit Anyone who needs assistance can contact Bay Area Turning Point at www.bayareaturningpoint.org or 281-286-2525. BATP provides comprehensive services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 24-hour crisis hotline Court accompaniment Assistance with filing protective orders Information and referral Education and awareness Support groups Legal advocacy Counseling Police/hospital 24-hour accompaniment Professional trainings and workshops Clothing assistance Housing assistance Case management Shelter The 13th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage discusses Chinas application to inscribe the Lum Medicinal Bathing of Sowa Rigpa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya] The family of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in China has added a new member. The United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific organization has inscribed China's Tibetan medicinal bathing on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "I see no objection. Therefore, Draft 13.COM/10.b 8 is duly applicable." Minister of Arts and Culture Prithvirajsing Roopun announced the decision to list China's Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Roopun chairs the ongoing 13th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Port Louis, Mauritius. The Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa is knowledge and practices concerning life, health and illness prevention and treatment among the Tibetan people in China. Speaking after the announcement, Chinese vice minister of culture and tourism Zhang Xu said that Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa has an important bearing on the everyday life of people of the Tibetan ethnic group. "This heritage not only embodies the folk experience in disease prevention and treatment, it also represents an inheritance and development of the traditional Tibetan medicine theories in modern health practices." The 13th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is held in Port Louis, Mauritius from November 26 to December 1st, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya] In Tibetan, "Lum" indicates the traditional knowledge and practices of bathing in natural hot springs, herbal water or steam to adjust the balance of mind and body, and to ensure health and treat illnesses. The Lum Medicinal Bathing of Sowa Rigpa has been developed by the Tibetan people with a life view based on Jungwa-nga (five elements) that includes Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space, and a view about health and illness. It is widely distributed in Tibet Autonomous Region as well as provinces including Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan. Zhang Xu said the inscription is set to bring the traditional medicinal practice to a large audience and benefit more people. "We believe the inscription of the element will help improve the visibility of the intangible cultural heritage in general and raise awareness of its significance, encourage dialogue on health and respect for nature among different peoples. It also offers a positive example of the sustainable relationship between human beings and their environment and demonstrates the great attention that the international community is paying to the protection of intangible cultural heritage in the domain of knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe." Representatives from other countries congratulate the Chinese delegation after the decision to inscribe Chinas Lum Medicinal Bathing of Sowa Rigpa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya] They include 32 elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 7 elements inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and one program selected to the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Second round of presidential elections in Georgia - GeorgianJournal 65-inch flagship Smart TV First Impression The newly launched 65-inch Smart LED TVs features 4K Ultra HD LED panel with a resolution of, 3840x2160 panel pixels. The pixel resolution accounts to 1100ppi pixel density for Ultra Resolution. The display also comes with a resolution along with Micro Dimming technology. The 65-inch TV comes with an ultra-slim frame with aluminum colored coated bezel and & stand which makes it quite appealing and premium. 'Ambilight' mode But the most impressive thing about the newly launched Smart TV is it's its 3-sided 'Ambilight' mode which makes movies and games feel more immersive. These intelligent LEDs around the edges of the TV cast onscreen colors onto nearby walls and it can be changed to your preference. With the 'Ambilight music mode' on, the Ambilight output will sync with the music converting your living room into a virtual sound and light show. Further, when you're not watching TV, there's even an indirect light mode to turn your set into a mood-setting lamp with any color you choose. Micro Dimming and DTS HD technology Another feature that we can highlight here is the Micro Dimming software which can help you to analyze the picture in 6400 different zones and adjusts it In addition to this, DTS HD optimizes sound processing by preserving the original sound content so that you can enjoy a better sound from your speakers with crystal-clear dialog. Software On the Software front, the new TV comes with Saphi SAPHI user interface which allows you to navigate and access content through a clear user-friendly icon-based menu Saphi also offers access existing catalog of Smart TV apps and users can operate Smart TV apps including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video easily. However initially the company is providing only 23 apps in the Saphi OS, but there are more partnerships in the process. Verdict The newly launched Smart LED TVs by Philips and TPV technology has the potential to make big in the smart TV segment. However, specifications not always translate to good real-time performance and that's what we are eager to find out. Stay tuned on Gizbot for a detailed review of Philps new Smart LED TVs. Meanwhile, we also got to know that the company aims to be among the top five brands in India by 2020. "Initially it is more to set up the channel and the network ready for future and once we are ready with that we will be gain back our shares," Arun Menon, business head for Philips-branded TVs and audio at TPV Technology India regarding the company's future plans. He said, "Philips is one which has very strong resonance with the consumers and now we are confident that by 2020 we will be in top five brands and we are looking at 6-8 percent market share by the end of the same period." "Today we have launched seven products and by the end of 2019 we will have 20- 22 TVs," he said. Adding that we will be focussing on large sizes of the TVs. Android Pie stable update now available for Motorola Moto X4 News oi-Sandeep Sarkar Moto X4 also receives the November security patch along with the Android 9 Pie update. Android Pie has been out for a while and many of the smartphone manufacturers have started rolling out the update for their respective devices. The latest one to join the bandwagon is the Motorola Moto X4. Motorola had launched the Moto X4 back in November last year. The IP68 rated device ships with Android 7.1 Nougat out-of-the-box and is now receiving the latest version of Android update. As per a report from XDA Developers, Motorola has released stable Android Pie update for the Moto X4 for the users in Brazil. It is not immediately clear as to when the update will make its way to the other regions, however, it is expected that the update will be available for the other regions by the end of this year. The report further suggests that the Moto X4 also receives the November security patch along with the Android 9 Pie update. The update brings some new features such as app actions, adaptive battery, and adaptive brightness. With adaptive battery feature, the device makes use of the battery efficiently so that the device could last for long. Motorola Moto X4 specifications and features: The Motorola Moto X4 features a metal body design measuring 148.35x 73.4 x 7.9 mm and weighing 163 g. The display on the device is a 5.2-inch IPS LCD panel which offers a screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The display is fairly bright and responsive. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 630 chipset clocked at 2.2 GHz combined with Adreno 508 GPU. The processor on the device is clubbed with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. The built-in storage on the Moto X4 is expandable up to 2 TB via an external microSD card slot. This takes care of all the storage needs on the device. In terms of optics, the Moto X4 makes use of a dual-lens rear camera module comprising of a 12MP primary sensor with a f/1.4 aperture and an 8MP secondary sensor with 120-degree field view. To capture selfies and to make video calls the smartphone features a 16MP front camera with f.2.0 aperture. Best Mobiles in India Nokia 8 will soon receive Android 9 Pie update: Spotted on Geekbench News oi-Vivek Nokia 8 was launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat The Nokia 8 is the first flagship smartphone from HMD Global with a premium full metal unibody design and top of the line specifications. The smartphone was launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and received an update to Android 8 Oreo in early 2018. And now, as per the Geekbench listing, the Nokia 8 will soon receive Android 9 Pie update, the latest operating system from Android. Nokia 8 on Geekbench The Nokia 8 listing on the Geekbench scores 1903 points on the single core and 6506 points on multi-core performance with 4 GB of RAM and Android 9 Pie operating system. The Geekbench listing re-iterates that the Android 9 Pie update is being tested on the Nokia 8, and the company might roll out the stable update in the next few weeks with new features and an improved user interface. Nokia 8 specifications The Nokia 8 comes with a 5.3-inch IPS LCD screen with 2560 x 1440p resolution, protected by 2.5D curved Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 is the chipset that powers the smartphone with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB internal storage. The smartphone is also IP54 protected for water and dust resistance. The Nokia 8 has a dual camera setup on the back with a 13 MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 13 MP black and white lens with an f/2.0 aperture with Zeiss lens to offer improved photography. On the front, the device again has a 13 MP front-facing selfie camera with 1080p video recording @30fps. The device offers a dual SIM card slot with 4G LTE and VoLTE support on both slots (does not support dual SIM dual VoLTE) with Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and dual-channel Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz). The Nokia 8 has a 3060 mAh Li-ion battery with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support via USB type C with a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack. With respect to software, the Nokia 8 has received two major software updates, and the Android 9 Pie could be the last major software update for the Nokia 8. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications NASA warns that a 700ft asteroid will collide with Earth in August, 2023 News oi-Vishal Kawadkar NASA is planning for the doomsday. An asteroid called the 2018 LF16 which is a massive 700ft or double the size of Big Ben will potentially hit our planet on August 8, 2023. But hold on, before you start panicking. According to NASA there's just a one in a 30 million chance of this happening. An asteroid called the 2018 LF16 which is a massive 700ft or double the size of Big Ben will potentially hit our planet on August 8, 2023. But hold on, before you start panicking. According to NASA there's just a one in a 30 million chance of this happening. The asteroid has 62 different potential impact trajectories with our planet over the course of the next hundred years. Other potential dates when the space rock could collide with Earth is August 3, 2024, and August 1, 2025. On the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, this asteroid ranks as a level "zero" threat, which means the chances of our planet coming in contact with the rock is almost non-existent. But the US space agency will continue to keep an eye on this asteroid to be prepared in case there's something to worry about. If our planet is unfortunate enough that it crashes with the asteroid, it would cause a widespread destruction. A rock that big could have an impact equivalent to the force of 50 Megatons which is also the power a Tsar Bomba nuclear device can generate. In 2013, a much smaller space rock struck over Chelyabinsk Oblast in Russia injured around 1,000 people because of the broken glasses caused by the explosion. "As they orbit the Sun, Near-Earth Objects can occasionally approach close to Earth," NASA explained. Besides, NASA is also planning to live stream its very first asteroid sample return mission to 101955 Bennu. NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx), on December 3, will come in contact with the Bennu. The OSIRIS-REx first took a flight back in September 2016, and three years later it will finally tag the asteroid. It is equipped with five instruments and will monitor the asteroid for a period of one year, before choosing a site to retrieve a sample. Best Mobiles in India Vancouver, November 29, 2018 - Zinc One Resources Inc. (TSXV: Z) (OTC Pink: ZZZOF) (FSE: RH33) ("Zinc One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all data from the 2018 drill program at its 100%-owned Bongara Zinc Mine project in north-central Peru have now been compiled, interpreted, and modeled by Watts, Griffis, and McOuat Ltd. ("WGM") based in Toronto. The data will be used to complete an independent mineral resource estimate for the near-surface, high-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization encountered at the Mina Grande, Mina Chica, and Bongarita deposits expected to be released in early 2019. The mineral resource estimate will be the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment expected to be completed late in 2019. Highlights of 2018 Drill Program Discovery of new high-grade mineralization at Mina Chica with grades as high as 46.8% Zn and 38.7% Zn Advancement towards an updated mineral resource estimate expected early 2019 Recognition of upside exploration potential outside areas previously drilled (See Figure 1. below) Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Interim CEO of Zinc One Resources commented," The most important highlight of our drill program was the discovery of the Mina Chica deposit and we are optimistic that the resource estimate there will make an important contribution to the overall resources. The zinc-oxide deposits drilled not only at Mina Chica, but at Mina Grande Norte, Mina Grande Centro, and Mina Grande Sur as well, have been delineated in all but one direction in each case, along which upside potential requires further definition drilling. Most importantly, the best and longest intercepts did not outcrop, so there remain areas between these deposits that have great potential, especially the 300 metre by 400 metre unexplored area between Mina Grande Norte and Mina Chica." 2018 Drill Program Summary A map outlining the 2018 drill program can be viewed below in Figure 1. with additional maps available on the Company website at www.zincone.com. Figure 1: Bongara Zinc Mine Project Drill Programs To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4668/41326_6ee7ff1114a9695e_002full.jpg Mina Chica discovery (53 drill holes for 2,327.9 metres) - The area is notable for its lack of vegetation where zinc mineralization outcrops. An area with low-lying vegetation overlies a 100 metre by 100 metre zone with extraordinary zinc grades over tens of metres in thickness. This occurs within an area of zinc mineralization covering 200 metres in a NW-SE direction by 120 metres in an NE-SW direction. The deposit is open to the west. The most significant intercepts included: MCH-18-013: 19.8 m @ 46.8% Zn from 1.9 m depth MCH-18-014: 49.5 m @ 38.7% Zn from 7.3 m depth MCH-18-035: 39.0 m @ 27.4% Zn from 23.8 m depth MCH-18-041: 21.0 m @ 27.5% Zn from 5.8 m depth Mina Grande Sur delineation (95 drill holes for 2,328.4 metres) - This area has a valid current mine permit (350 tpd). It also includes outcropping mineralization, but areas with low-lying vegetation were shown to overlie high-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization under a few metres of overburden. The known mineralization covers an area as much as 350 metres in a N-S direction and as much as 200 metres in an E-W direction and is open to the south. Significant intercepts included: MGS-18-020: 20.5 m @ 34.3% Zn from surface MGS-18-055: 33.7 m @ 24.2% Zn from 15.6 m depth MGS-18-066: 16.5 m @ 26.5% Zn from surface MGS-18-077: 18.0 m @ 36.0% Zn from 21.0 m depth Mina Grande Centro delineation (64 drill holes for 2,237.3 metres) - This area was mined, in part, by the previous operator ten years ago, so this program focused on the delineation of potential mineralization left behind. Known mineralization runs approximately 200 metres in a NW-SE direction and as much as 100 metres in an NE-SW direction and is open to the northeast. Significant intercepts included: MGC-18-012: 31.8 m @ 28.2% Zn from 18.0 m depth MGC-18-016: 10.5 m @ 39.3% Zn from surface MGC-18-051: 18.1 m @ 24.1% Zn from 7.5 m depth Mina Grande Norte delineation (15 drill holes for 449.8 metres) - This area was also mined, in part, by the previous operator ten years ago, and drilling focused in an area on the eastern edge of the remediated area and known near-surface, high-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization encountered by Zinc One's sampling of existing exploration pits and historical drilling. This drilling defined the western edge of the deposit, which is approximately 200 metres in a NW-SE direction and approximately 125 metres in an NE-SW direction. Significant intercepts included: MGN-18-004: 30.0 m @ 28.3% Zn from 4.5 m depth MGN-18-006: 37.0 m @ 31.6% Zn from 5.0 m depth MGN-18-010: 39,6 m @ 37.0% Zn from 3.7 m depth MGN-18-012: 14.4 m @ 40.5% Zn from 3.0 m depth Bongarita delineation (36 drill holes for 587.2 metres) - All zinc-oxide mineralization in this area is hosted by soils. The drilling delineated this style of mineralization over an approximate area of 100 metres by 100 metres. Significant intercepts included: BO-18-005: 11.5 m @ 16.0% Zn from surface BO-18-007: 7.0 m @ 5.3% Zn from surface BO-18-029: 5.8 m @ 19.1% Zn from surface Future Drilling Planned Zinc One has applied to the Ministry of Energy and Mining for approval to drill 583 holes from 364 platforms along a 1.4-kilometre long ridge from Mina Chica to and beyond Mina Grande Sur (see Figure 1.). The platforms planned for delineation and infill drilling of the known deposits are laid out in a nominal 30-metre grid spacing and the exploration holes on a nominal 50-metre drill grid. A total of 20, 41, 27, and 43 platforms, each platform to be permitted for two drill holes each, will delineate and, in part, infill previous drilling at Mina Chica, Mina Grande Norte, Mina Grande Centro, and Mina Grande Sur, respectively. Exploration drilling will be prioritized in favorable settings within areas of low-lying vegetation. Currently, Zinc One is addressing environmental and logistical questions posed by the Ministry of Energy and Mining, which will confirm that our proposals comply with existing regulations and allow the Ministry to grant the permit. Readers are encouraged to review Figure 1. carefully which shows the upside potential by further delineation (red-proposed platforms) as well as the upside potential by exploration (black - proposed platforms). Beyond this proposed drill program is the 8-kilometre-long trend which the Company believes also contains additional upside exploration potential. Bongara Geology The zinc mineralization at the Bongara Zinc Mine project is classified as a Mississippi Valley-type deposit and is mostly hosted by strongly dolomitized brecciated limestones that are stratabound. The mineralization can also occur as tabular bodies with irregular boundaries, which is a characteristic of that mineralization encountered along the periphery of breccias, especially at Mina Chica. Hydrozincite (zinc oxide mineral), smithsonite (zinc carbonate mineral), hemimorphite (zinc silicate mineral), and a zinc-aluminum-iron silicate are the primary zinc minerals that are hosted by soils, dolomitized breccias, heavily-weathered fractured and vuggy dolomitized limestones, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomitized limestones. Sampling and Analytical Protocols Zinc One follows a systematic and rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program overseen by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One. The sample from each core run is placed in a 60-centimetre long, plastic core box that has five columns. Core recovery, rock quality designation ("RQD"), and geologic features are logged and sample intervals, which are generally <2 metres, are chosen. Each core box is photographed and then sampled with a spatula, if soil or heavily-weathered rock, or cut with a core saw, 50% of which is placed in a sample bag and stored on site in a secure location. The Company independently inserts certified control standards, blanks, and duplicates, all of which comprise at least 20% of the sample batch, to monitor sample preparation and analytical quality. The samples are stored in a secure area until such time they are shipped to the CERTIMIN laboratory in Lima (ISO 9001 Certified) for preparation and assay. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed, pulverized and then a four-acid digestion is applied. This is followed by the ICP-AES analytical technique for 33 elements, including lead. The same method is used to assay zinc for values up to 20%. If zinc values exceed 20%, it is then analyzed using a titration method. The laboratory also inserts blanks and standards as well as including duplicate analyses. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Bill Williams, Interim CEO, COO and a Director of Zinc One Resources Inc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. This news release was also reviewed by Al Workman, P.Geo., Vice-President of WGM and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. WGM is an independent firm of consulting geologists and engineers which has visited the project regularly since 2015. About Zinc One Resources Inc. Zinc One's key assets are the Bongara Zinc Mine Project and the Charlotte-Bongara Zinc Project in north-central Peru. The Bongara Zinc Mine Project was in production from 2007 to 2008 but was closed due to the global financial crisis and concurrent decrease in the zinc price. Past production included >20% zinc grades and recoveries over 90% from surface and near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization. High-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization is known to outcrop between the mined area and the Charlotte-Bongara Project, which is over six kilometres to the north north-west and where past drilling intercepted various near-surface zones with high-grade zinc as well. Additional Information Monica Hamm VP, Investor Relations Zinc One Resources Inc. Phone: (604) 683-0911 Email: mhamm@zincone.com www.zincone.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zinc One cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zinc One's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on the Bongara Zinc Oxide Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zinc One does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Spain-based SEAT, a member of the Volkswagen Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Volkswagen Group China and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp., Ltd (JAC) to advance e-mobility in China. Under the agreement, all parties will leverage their technology and product strengths to develop a battery electric vehicle platform for production at JAC Volkswagen. JAC Volkswagen will introduce the SEAT brand by 2021, and jointly electrify SEAT products. The construction of the JAC Volkswagen R&D center will start before the end of 2018 and will focus on key areas such as connectivity, autonomous driving and other future strategic directions. The signing provides new impetus in the growing partnership between Volkswagen Group China, SEAT and JAC, working together in the important e-mobility market in China. E-mobility along with digitalization, connectivity and autonomous driving are the future of the mobility industry, and China has established itself as a major driver of this transformation. This partnership also represents the benefits of a globalized approach to delivering sustainable mobility. Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG SEAT, Volkswagen Group China and JAC signed an agreement last July in Berlin, in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinas Prime Minister Li Keqiang, whereby SEAT formed part of the joint venture and became the Volkswagen Groups lead brand in this project. Since the joint venture was created in 2017, SEAT has been contributing its know-how in the areas of design and R&D. This memorandum of understanding helps the Volkswagen Group take solid steps in the Chinese market and SEAT is set to play a leading role in implementing the agreements initiatives. The products which will be manufactured on the battery electric vehicle platform will address the e-mobility requirements of Chinese customers. The R&D center, which will be established through joint efforts, aims to develop connectivity and autonomous driving technologies specifically tailored to the Chinese market. Webasto, global systems partner to almost all automotive manufacturers, and Wanxiang A123, manufacturer of lithium-ion power batteries headquartered in Hangzhou, signed a strategic agreement enabling a long-term strategic cooperation between both companies using the combined know-how and expertise of both partners. A first joint project is the development and production of a battery module which will be integrated into the Webasto standard battery system for commercial vehicles for the Chinese market. The battery modules from Wanxiang A123 contain high-quality NCM battery cells. Webasto uses its competence in the fields of system integration and thermo management to offer with these cells a battery system with outstanding performance and reliability. In March 2018, Webasto signed a letter of intent with Samsung SDI to develop and manufacture a battery module specially optimized for Webasto for the European market. Webasto integrates this module into its battery packs of the standard battery system for commercial vehicles. A particular advantage of the Webasto standard battery system for commercial vehicles is its modular design: The product development process is shortened by the use of these standardized modules, so that even small quantities can be produced cost-efficiently. This design also enables individual and flexible adaptation to current technological developments and customer-specific requirements. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met on Tuesday with the First Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, and expressed the willingness to deepen cooperation with the German city. Hamburg's mayor Peter Tschentscher (R) welcomes the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Liu He at the city hall in Hamburg, northern Germany, on November 27, 2018. [Photo:VCG] Liu said that Hamburg, as a well-known commercial harbor city, plays a vital role in global trade, and is an international metropolitan with well-developed transportation, manufacturing and technology. He said China and Germany has established an all-around strategic partnership, and the cooperation has made significant progress in various fields. Hamburg, which started cooperation with China early, is one of the cities in Germany and Europe that attracted the most Chinese investments. The city has played an active role in promoting China-Germany pragmatic cooperation, said Liu. He added that China holds a positive outlook for Germany's development and appreciates Hamburg's willingness and efforts to deepen cooperation with China. Liu expressed the hope that the two sides will create better environment for investment, and strengthen cooperation in fields such as manufacturing, digital economy, medium- and small-sized enterprises and the Belt and Road Initiative. Liu said the Hamburg Summit has become a well-known platform for Sino-European dialogue and an important platform for extensive exchanges among people of all circles in China and Europe. He said the Chinese government is willing to send a positive signal through the platform that China and Germany, as well as Europe, will deepen pragmatic cooperation, and will firmly safeguard multilateralism and free trade. Describing Hamburg as Germany's biggest industrial base, Europe's vital hub and an important gateway to Europe, Tschentscher said the city has always been a close and reliable partner of China. Tschentscher said the development since China's reform and opening-up is impressive. He added that Hamburg is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, attract more Chinese investments, and join hands with China in promoting development of China-Germany, China-Europe and Europe-Asia relationships. Advertorial* Boschung Global Ltd (BGA), a provider of aviation brokerage, acquisition, marketing and consulting services, is pleased to announce the recent sale of an airworthy Messerschmitt Bf 109G-12 two seat trainer, a unique aircraft from their world-class warbird inventory. This rare version of the Luftwaffes famous fighter features dual controls and, although currently powered by the reliable and easier-to-maintain Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, has the capacity for refitting with an original Daimler Benz DB 605 powerplant; everything firewall forward (the so-called power egg) can be swapped out in short order. The aircraft has the potential to offer passenger rides allowing enthusiasts to experience the feeling of flying in one of the most iconic fighter aircraft in history. It is appropriate that BGA, having advertised the aircraft for just a few short months, not only found a buyer, but also placed the aircraft with a Germany-based owner. This is a welcome outcome, given the aircrafts heritage and that it was formerly on charge with the largest and finest private warbird collection in the country. This was made possible through the hard work of BGAs highly-qualified warbird professionals who have a decade of experience negotiating both the purchase and sale of exotic aircraft from around the globe through their extensive network, all of which is based on a highly respected company brand. This in turn lends itself to a competitive advantage when it comes to exclusivity, because BGA is trusted to market significant aircraft for its clients as they know BGAs reputation is second-to-none. The companys global marketing intelligence and flexibility, which includes the option of selling directly into BGAs inventory, means that every possible opportunity is explored in order to satisfy client needs no matter if they are selling or buying. The recently-sold Bf 109G-12 had belonged to The Air Fighter Academy/Hangar 10 on Usedom island. The organization has built up one of the finest collections of classic and warbird aircraft in Europe, operating fighters and trainers from the major WWII combatants in the European Theatre. They operate as a living museum and even offer rides to the public in some of their airframes. In so doing, they honor the young pilots of all nations who flew these types in anger. The collection features such famous fighters as the Spitfire, Mustang and Yak, but arguably pride of place goes to Willy Messerschmitts legendary creation. Until this sale, The Air Fighter Academy/Hangar 10 boasted three of Messerschmitts finest, which is now good news for those who were considering the purchase of the two seater, but hesitated just too long. This is because BGA is also in a position to offer both the Bf 109G-6 and the recently flown Bf 109G-14 to anyone wanting to own the classic Luftwaffe fighter model. Both of these aircraft were rebuilt to exacting standards, and are powered by original Daimler Benz engines. They are the finest examples offered for sale in decades. With the marketing power which has placed BGA at the forefront of worldwide warbird sales, it is unlikely that these aircraft will be available for long. Whether purchased for the pleasure of flight, or for a sound and ever-increasing return-on-investment, you can be sure that ownership of these aircraft will prove a wise decision long term. For those interested in the latter, BGA can provide advisory services to assist clients with personalized investment strategies on the future marketing of vintage and classic WWII-era aircraft. Such specialty advice will be invaluable in making the most of such an investment peace of mind being paramount. The Air Fighter Academy/Hangar 10 has recognized the professionalism of BGA and the value of having such a partner in developing marketing strategies tailored to their specific needs, backed up by a global reach. They are safe in the knowledge that BGAs international team of sales representatives, sales support staff and marketing professionals will get the job done. Consequently BGA is not only able to offer these Messerschmitts for sale, but also some of the other aforementioned iconic aircraft currently in the collection of The Air Fighter Academy/Hangar 10. The recent sale of the collections Bf 109G-12 demonstrates that Air Fighter Academy/Hangar 10s ongoing confidence in B0schung Global Ltd is well founded! *An advertorial is an advertisement in the form of editorial content. Biggest days of two companies. One from America and one from China (Different days, but both in the last few weeks. And it is the biggest sales of each company for a day like period.) SAN FRANCISCO Amazon: Safely back in their office cubicles, Americans let their fingers do the shopping Monday, racking up $6.59 billion in online sales by the end of the day. Cyber Monday topped out at a new online record, compared with Black Friday online sales of $5.03 billion, according to Adobe Analytics. Thats up from the previous record for Cyber Monday, which was last years $5.65 billion, a 16.8% increase. Source: Cyber Monday: Biggest online shopping day in U.S. history pits Amazon vs. Walmart Pretty good, pretty good. I wish I had that money to play with.yet But in China Alibaba on Sunday tore through last years Singles Day sales record, racking up more than $30.8 billion in the 24-hour shopping event. Gross merchandise value (GMV), a figure that shows sales across the Chinese e-commerce giants various shopping platforms, surpassed last years $25.3 billion record at around 5:34 p.m. SIN/HK (4:34 a.m. ET) on Sunday, and kept marching higher through the rest of the day. Source: Alibaba sets a Singles Day record, beating Black Friday, and others Svetochka and I tried to deal with Amazon and after being ripped off over some auto shocks that came defective, we will never again use that company. We shop Alibaba and or Aliexpress as we prefer and never have issues with quality and or returns Alibaba made some moolah, wouldnt you say? Interesting thing is all of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales do not equal this one day with Alibaba, from what I understand is Black Friday sales at Alibaba are still bigger than Amazons sales and Black Friday is not a Chinese event You think Black Friday shopping in the U.S. is huge? Yes, it is, but it pales in comparison to Chinas largest one-day shopping day, Singles Day, a day when single people in China get to celebrate their singleness. And, this year, on November 11, 2018, Singles Day sales reached $30 billion in one day on Alibabas platform. Yes, you read that right $30 billion with a b. By comparison, in 2017, online sales on the Black Friday weekend, which now starts on Thanksgiving and rolls right into Small Business Sat Source: Chinas Alibaba Singles Day Sales Beats Black Friday and Prime Day by a Mile Last link for some more thinkings to the wise WtR President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday in New York to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump and his company pursued at the same time he was securing the GOP nomination in 2016. In a nine-page filing, prosecutors laid out a litany of lies that Cohen admitted he told to congressional lawmakers about the Moscow project - an attempt, Cohen said, to minimize links between the proposed development and Trump as his presidential bid was gaining steam. Cohen made a surprise appearance Thursday morning before U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr., who asked him to enter his plea. "Guilty, your honor," Cohen replied. As part of the plea, Cohen said he had lied for the person listed in court documents as "Individual 1" - whom Cohen identified in court as Trump. "I was aware of Individual 1's repeated disavowals of commercial and political ties between himself and Russia, his repeated statements that investigations of such ties were politically motivated and without evidence, and that any contact with Russian nationals by Individual 1's campaign or the Trump Organization had all terminated before the Iowa Caucus, which was on February 1 of 2016," Cohen told the judge. To hew closely to Trump's public denials of such connections, Cohen said he knowingly gave false answers in 2017 to the Senate and House intelligence committees. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with Individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual 1," he told the packed courtroom in Lower Manhattan. Cohen's guilty plea - his second in four months - is the latest development in a wide-ranging investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Activity in that probe has intensified this week, as one planned guilty plea was derailed and, separately, prosecutors accused Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort of lying to them since he pleaded guilty. The Cohen plea is likely to further chill relations between the White House and the Justice Department, where acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker has been serving for several weeks since the president forced Jeff Sessions out of the post of attorney general. Justice Department policies and special counsel regulations call for the attorney general to be notified of significant events in such investigations, and a person familiar with the case said Whitaker was notified ahead of time about Cohen's plea. As part of the plea, Cohen admitted to falsely claiming that efforts to build a Trump-branded tower in Moscow ended in January 2016, when in fact discussions continued through June of that year, the filing said. That was a critical period in the presidential campaign, when Trump was plowing past a crowded GOP field of candidates to win the nomination. Among those Cohen briefed on the project's status was Trump, on more than three occasions, according to the document. More News Saudi crown prince wants to make friends again Trump has repeatedly said he had no business dealings in Russia, tweeting in July 2016, "For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia," and telling reporters in January 2017 that he had no deals there because he had "stayed away." After the plea, Trump told reporters at the White House that Cohen was "a weak person" and insisted that he himself had done nothing wrong. "Michael Cohen is lying and he's trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me," the president said. "This was a project that we didn't do, I didn't do. . . . There would be nothing wrong if I did do it." Talking about 2016, Trump added: "There was a good chance that I wouldn't have won, in which case I would have gone back into the business, and why should I lose lots of opportunities?" Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani suggested that Mueller's timing was politically motivated. "It is hardly coincidental that the special counsel once again files a charge just as the president is leaving for a meeting with world leaders at the G20 Summit in Argentina," Giuliani said in a statement, noting that Mueller also unsealed charges before the president left the country for a summit in Helsinki in July. Rep. Adam Schiff, Calif., the House Intelligence Committee's senior Democrat, said the guilty plea shows the president was not truthful about his business interests in Russia during the campaign. "We believe other witnesses were untruthful before our committee," Schiff said. "We want to share those transcripts with Mr. Mueller." In particular, Schiff cited Trump adviser Roger Stone as someone whose answers were "far from truthful." During the campaign, Cohen acted as Trump's point person in talks aimed at building the Trump development in Moscow. Cohen has said the project was in its early stages in fall 2015, as Trump's presidential campaign was heating up. Cohen previously said the project stalled in January 2016, prompting him to email a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking help. Cohen had previously claimed that he never received a response and that the project was halted that month. In fact, according to Thursday's court filing, the Russians did respond, and Cohen discussed the project for 20 minutes on the phone with an assistant to Dmitry Peskov, a senior aide to Putin. At the time, Cohen was seeking help securing land and financing. Peskov did not respond Thursday to a request for comment. Prosecutors seemed to make a point in the document of emphasizing that Cohen had talked with Trump - whom they did not name - about the project. The document said Cohen lied because he hoped his testimony would limit the ongoing Russia investigations. Prosecutors also said that Cohen continued to have contact into summer 2016 with Felix Sater, a Russian-born developer assisting with the project. Some of those contacts were first reported by The Washington Post. In June 2016, Sater invited Cohen to attend an economic conference in St. Petersburg, assuring Cohen that he could be introduced to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, top financial leaders and perhaps Putin, The Post reported.Sater has been cooperating with the special counsel investigation for more than a year, providing emails and other documents, people familiar with probe have said. In an interview with The Post on Thursday, Sater did not contest the details in the court filing and said he was surprised by Cohen's plea, saying he had no prior warning it was coming. According to the criminal information filed by prosecutors, Cohen sent a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee in which he "knowingly and deliberately" made false statements, including that the Moscow project "ended in January 2016 and was not discussed extensively with others in the company"; that Cohen "never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the Moscow project and 'never considered' asking Individual 1 to travel for the project"; and that Cohen "did not recall any Russian government response or contact about the Moscow Project." Cohen had claimed to the committee that he had discussed the project with Trump only three times and that all discussions ended in January 2016. In fact, according to the court filing, discussions continued well into 2016, and Cohen spoke more than three times with Trump about the project and also briefed members of Trump's family. The document also says Cohen discussed in May 2016 the possibility that he might travel to Russia before the Republican National Convention and that Individual 1 might travel there after the convention. Then, about a month later, he met "Individual 2" - whom people familiar with the case said was Sater - in the lobby of Trump corporate headquarters to tell Sater he would not be traveling to Russia after all, according to the court document. The day of that meeting - June 14, 2016 - is the same day The Washington Post reported that Russian government hackers had stolen data from the Democratic National Committee. Federal sentencing guidelines would call for Cohen to face a prison sentence of six months at the high end and no time in prison at the low end for making false statements, according to his plea agreement. Both sides agreed that they would not ask for a sentence outside that range, provided Cohen continues to cooperate. Outside the courthouse Thursday, Guy Petrillo, an attorney for Cohen, said: "Mr. Cohen has cooperated. Mr. Cohen will continue to cooperate." Petrillo said sentencing in the case is set for Dec. 12. Cohen said nothing as reporters shouted questions at him. In August, Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to payments before the election to two women who alleged that they had affairs with Trump years earlier. He told the court that he had arranged those payments at Trump's direction and that they were intended to keep the women quiet before the presidential vote. He had also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of tax evasion, as well as bank fraud, related to his personal finances and management of New York taxi medallions. Cohen worked as a top attorney to Trump and his real estate company for a decade. After Trump took office, Cohen left the company and became a personal attorney to the president, while taking on consulting clients, including AT&T, Novartis and a New York firm that manages assets for a Russian billionaire. Once one of Trump's most loyal aides, he has made a thorough turn against the president in recent months. Cohen used to describe himself as Trump's pit bull and delighted in jousting with the celebrity business executive's enemies, once asserting that he would "take a bullet" for his longtime boss. But after pleading guilty, he said his conscience required him to tell the truth about Trump. Before the midterm elections, he urged the public to vote for Democrats, writing on Twitter that the midterms "might be the most important vote in our lifetime." In recent months, he has been spending hours meeting with prosecutors, including Mueller's team, and was spotted recently arriving in Washington for additional meetings with his legal team. - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner and Tom Hamburger in Washington, and Anton Troianovski in Moscow contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: During his time as President Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen was involved in business, political and personal matters. Here's a breakdown of the people he dealt with and the investigations he's entangled in.(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Embed code: A number of frustrated Hartford parents want to know why their children cant attend one of the many high-performing magnet schools the state has opened in the region. The network of 40-plus themed magnet schools was designed to lure white, middle-class children to voluntarily enroll with minority city youth in schools that were opened after the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 22 years ago in the landmark Sheff vs. ONeill case that Hartfords minority students suffer daily from inequities caused by severe racial and economic isolation. It hasnt worked out for us, LaShawn Robinson, a lifelong city resident and mother of five, told a crowd during a recent event at The Hartford Public Library titled, The True Cost of Integration. She and a group of parents are suing the state to end the way the state awards seats at the magnet schools. As the debate heats up, the future of school desegregation efforts in Connecticut remains uncertain. Controversy and misunderstanding continue to surround how the enrollment lottery works for magnet schools, how the schools are funded, and whether the success of the schools depends on the diversity of the students. Does research show integration improves student outcomes in Connecticut? There is general agreement that the regional magnet schools are out-performing neighborhood city schools, as 20 percent of Hartfords students from low-income homes reached grade-level on the states standardized English test last year compared to 35 percent in the magnet schools operated by CREC. Statewide, 35 percent of students were at grade level in reading and writing. More than half of the students in Hartford Public Schools are multiple grades behind. The state each year sets growth targets that students must achieve if they are to reach grade level in a few years. In Hartford, 30 percent of students from poor homes reached their target for reading and writing, compared to 36 percent in the magnet schools. The agreement ends when various groups try to explain why magnet school students are doing better. Some say its the racial diversity that improves overall student performance. Barriers to research Others say the schools dont need white students to be great. This is an important distinction because there is debate as to whether more minority students should be allowed to enroll in these schools if not enough white students apply. Despite the billions the state has spent to open and operate the magnet schools, research has been extremely limited on the impact they have had. Instead, Connecticut is left to rely on research from elsewhere around the country, which often shows school integration is beneficial. Academic researchers in Connecticut have faced barriers to conducting such research. There should be more research and there should be efforts to publicize the good news, because you dont see that here, said Dennis Parker, director of the American Civil Liberty Unions Racial Justice Program and one of the attorneys pushing for more integrated schools to open in Connecticut. Its frustrating for us because we know from the limited research that has been done that the outcomes in these schools are among the best in the state, and often in the country, and create opportunities that particularly students of color in Hartford dont have, Parker said during an event in Hartford titled, Integration Matters. Two academic studies have been done on how student growth was affected by enrollment in a diverse school in the Hartford region. The first was by Casey Cobb at the University of Connecticuts Neag School of Education in 2009 and published in the Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis Journal. Cobb said that his best estimates of the effects of inter-district magnet schools on student achievement indicate that attendance at an inter-district magnet high school has positive effects on mathematics and reading. He drew a similar conclusion for reading achievement for middle school students. However, it can be difficult to draw conclusions from that report. Because of limitations in the data the state education department collects, Cobb only compared test scores over two years for city students who attended two regional magnet schools and for city students who entered the School Choice lottery for the same two schools but didnt win a seat. The other study was commissioned by the State Department of Education and released in 2015. That study looked at the testing outcomes for students in third and sixth grades in magnet and neighborhood schools in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury during the 2010 school year. These students were compared to the proficiency rates of similar students in suburban and rural schools. The results found that by 2012, the achievement gap among the third grade cohort of magnet students and their non-urban peers had narrowed by 3.5 percent. The gap for the sixth grade cohort increased by 1.8 percent. Compared to those who continued to attend urban schools, however, magnet students from the city fared better in reaching proficiency standards. The report concluded that the regional magnet schools performed best at closing the gap at both the proficient level and the goal level compared with the other [school] choice programs. Draining resources? Robert Cotto Jr., a former member of the Hartford Board of Education and lecturer and director of Urban Educational Initiatives at Trinity College, said the resistance to this effort to desegregate schools is coming from a lack of understanding of the impact these schools have had. We need a better way of explaining what the accomplishments are and whats going on in these schools, he said. Do magnet schools drain money from neighborhood schools? The same help they are giving the other schools, they can give to the elementary school out here in Hartford, observed Juan Tirado, the father of two elementary school students at a neighborhood school in Hartford. He is among those suing the state along with Robinson. There should be no excuses. These [kids] are the future. The state is expected to spend about $325 million to operate magnet schools this school year. Billions have been spent to renovate and build them. In the same way that the money spent by the state on daycare subsidies for low-income families is therefore not going to neighborhood schools, the money being spent on magnet schools is not going to neighborhood schools. But in practice, when students leave their local neighborhood schools to attend a magnet, the city continues to receive the full Education Cost Sharing grant from the state as if those students still attend their neighborhood schools. Cotto cautions that without the motivation of the Sheff desegregation order, he does not believe more money is headed for the schools that city students attend. The Connecticut Supreme Court earlier this year ruled that the state is already meeting its minimal constitutional obligation to fund public schools. As for providing more money for magnets or neighborhood schools, What the state of Connecticut is saying is, Lets get rid of the magnet thing. Lets get rid of the racial balance thing. And, you know, on this side, we are not going to make sure that everybody has [the funding] they need, Cotto said. There is currently no mechanism to push the state of Connecticut Without Sheff, what is going to be the thing that does? Robinson said she hopes the state will spend the money. Its the right thing to do, she said. Why wouldnt they? These are our kids. But shes been disappointed before. I know we cant have too much hope in the state of Connecticut, she said. Magnet schools can charge tuition to the district where a student comes from, with permission from the state education department. Although magnet schools cannot charge Hartford tuition, the city is responsible for paying special education costs for city students attending magnet schools that require special supports. During the 2016-17 school year, Hartford spent $19,140 per student on average compared to $16,397 for CREC. Hartfords figures are an approximation since the district still gets the state aid when a student leaves. In Bridgeport, where there is no court order mandating the state to desegregate, spending was $14,164 per student. How does the lottery work? Confusion surrounding who wins the magnet school lottery - or doesnt - has fueled distrust that the vast network of magnet schools has created a two-tiered system that leaves thousands of struggling city students in under-performing neighborhood schools. It is impossible for families to improve their odds in the lottery because the state does not show lottery results from previous school years. And the state does not give families the formula that determines who wins enrollment. Information provided to CT Mirror by the state education department provides some insight into which schools were almost sure bets in the last school years lottery and which schools were long shots. The department did not provide the formula it uses to run the lottery, however. Last school year, 19,148 children sought a seat in a regional magnet school and 7,589 were offered enrollment - a 40 percent rate. The chances are better for Hartford students. Forty-nine percent of the 5,900 city youth vying for a seat won one, compared with 36 percent of the 13,248 suburban students who entered the lottery. While Hartford residents accounted for only 30 percent of lottery applicants, 38 percent of the available seats were offered to children from the city. (See school-by-school results here.) Even though Hartford residents fare statistically better in the lottery, Robinson and the parents of 14 other city youth are suing because the lottery is race-conscious. This means that for the seats the state awards to suburban students, the lottery factors in which town they are from and gives priority to students from towns where its more likely the student will be white or Asian. The state does this to increase the odds of creating school populations that are no more than three-quarters black or Hispanic. Under the rules worked out for implementing the Sheff decision, 75 percent minority enrollment has been the upper limit for a school to be deemed desegregated. The parents who brought the case in federal court take issue with seats being left empty in some high-performing magnet schools when not enough white students apply. Before the judge heard the case in Bridgeport last month, students and parents staged a demonstration by having children sit at school desks surrounded by empty seats. Our children are not getting into those seats that are available, City Councilwoman Jo Winch said at the True Cost of Integration event. Seats are also left empty when the state puts limits on how many seats it will pay for. Whats next? With state lawmakers and the incoming governor reluctant to spend more on opening new integrated magnet schools, parents and education officials are likely headed back to court in February. With less than half of city youth attending integrated schools, attorneys representing parents in the desegregation case are asking the courts to force the state to offer more students an integrated education. But first a federal judge will determine if the way the state awards seats through the lottery is discriminatory, and whether the state can run a race-conscious lottery. A ruling that the state cant factor in race would be a critical blow to desegregating schools, advocates say. Parker said such a move would kill the goose that laid that golden educational egg. In an interview with Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf on CNBCs Mad Money, Jim Cramer, host of the show asked Mollenkopf for an update on the companys ongoing legal feud with Apple. Can you give us a little update, asks Cramer, because I wanna buy an Apple 5G phone and I wannit to have Qualcomm in it. This, of course, referring to the ongoing legal battle the two companies face: Qualcomm demanding royalties and claiming patent infringements while Apple claims that the royalties are excessive. In response, Mollenkopf says he would also like to see Qualcomm 5G in Apple phones. The second half of this year and into next year is when were really on the doorstep of finding a resolution, he explains, vaguely. This doesnt tell us much about whether (and when) Apple will release a 5G phone and if it would have a Qualcomm modem in it or not. Then again, Apple was late to adopt LTE when it first launched. Verizon first rolled out its LTE network back in 2010 but LTE would finally arrive to an iPhone in late-2012 on the iPhone 5. If we go off of this piece of history, we dont see Apple adopting 5G until 2020 the company tends to wait for these technologies to stabilize and become cheaper before incorporating them into its products. Perhaps with its declining iPhone sales, Apple cant afford not to be part of the 5G race. 5G will be a huge selling point next year and Apple not being a part of it could further jeopardize future sales. Source Industry insiders are confirming earlier reports that GIS and O-film will both be producing ultrasonic in-display fingerprint readers for the Galaxy S10. The two are partnering with Qualcomm to develop the sensors. Both firms are expected to start cranking out readers for the S10 in January, preceding the flagships unveiling in February and its launch not long after that. Taiwans GIS has higher yield rates, O-film has a high capacity and asks a lower price. Thats what the high-end versions of the Galaxy S10 have to look forward to, the base S10 (with a flat screen) is expected to have a side-mounted reader. The two firms are vying to also get the orders for the next Galaxy Note coming half a year after the S10 (potentially, the A-series will join in). GIS and competitor TPK are supplying touch panels for Apples iPads and iPad Pros, they were joined by O-film in 2017. Analysts predict GIS will take on the lions share of the production, making 50% of the panels. Source It's no secret that Samsung makes the best OLEDs for smartphones these days - its class-leading panels feature on Apple's new iPhone XS, XS Max and the company's own Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note9. As a result, the company holds about 95% of the markets share for small and mid-sized OLED panels. So the latest news about 11 employees working for a vendor on contract with Samsung disclosing technology secrets to a Chinese firm don't sound all too well. South Korea is now looking into a case where 11 employees have sold Samsung's OLED manufacturing secrets to a Chinese company for about $14 million. Three of them are now arrested and await trial while the list includes the company's CEO too. They've set up a shell company to which they've sent all the insights. The vendor's job was to produce automated equipment for Samsung's OLED panels, so it has plenty of information regarding the technology process. They sent over drawings and schematics of the panels. It appears to be all about the 3D Lamination technology for curved OLEDs. It's a clear violation of a non-disclosure agreement and Samsung says it won't be letting this go. It took them about six years and millions of dollars worth of development and the company is keen to protect its secrets. Source Haiti - FLASH : Deputy Director of CAS seriously injured by bullets Wednesday afternoon on Christophe Avenue, after making a withdrawal from a bank, while he was driving with two other passengers, Elionor Devalon, Deputy Director of the Social Assistance Fund (CAS) was victim of armed aggression by four individuals riding motorbikes in front of the premises of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Disputes (CSA/CA) Despite he not opposed any resistance and handed over the money from the bank to the bandits, they opened fire on the vehicle before fleeing, according to one of the passengers, seriously injuring Devalon in the face, to the belly and on the shoulder. He was rushed to hospital for surgery. Roodly Simon, CAS Executive Director, calls for the perpetrators of this cowardly aggression to be identified and arrested for justice. Note that Me James Saint-Jean, the Justice of Peace that wrote the report on the scene of the tragedy, refers to an assassination attempt. TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - NOTICE : Call for applications for 50 people with disabilities In accordance with the laws and regulations in force, in order to allow more people with disabilities to pursue careers in Public Administration on the basis of their qualifications and aptitudes according to the wishes of the law of March 13, 2012, the Office of Management and Human Resources (OMRH) in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH), advise that the call for applications, as part of the modernization of the administration for the recruitment on competition, of50 people with disabilities is extended until 7 December 2018. Job Category : 10 Category A jobs : Category A positions are filled by public servants who perform design, analysis, synthesis, development, coordination and direction work. Access to this category is open to holders of a university degree corresponding at least to the license. 20 B category jobs : Category B jobs are filled by civil servants who carry out a job application with a recruitment requiring at least a university-level training leading to a certificate attesting the schooling completed in a course of study of a minimum duration of 3 years. 20 C category jobs : Category C jobs are composed of civil servants who carry out executive work with recruitment requiring at least the postgraduate level of the basic school. The competition will take place in December 2018. The application period, started on November 12, is extended and will end on December 7, 2018 at 4:00 pm < B> The 50 winners of the competition will receive training and will follow the entire process of access to the Public Service provided by the laws and will be distributed to positions in all institutions of the public administration. The candidacy of young people and women is strongly encouraged. Conditions to be a candidate : To be of Haitian nationality; Be 35 years old or younger; Enjoy his civil and political rights; Be good life and morals. Required Documents (Candidature File) : Curriculum vitae; Photocopy of a university degree corresponding at least to the license for category A; a certificate attesting a university education of a minimum duration of 3 years for category B; an attestation justifying the level of the third cycle of the basic school for category C; Photocopy of the birth certificate or extract from the Archives; Two recent date ID photos; A recent medical certificate demonstrating the disability situation; Photocopy of the tax registration number and photocopy of the National Identification Card (CIN); Extract from recent criminal record. Interested persons are requested to send their complete application by e-mail to: recrutement@omrh.gouv.ht or to deposit it at the office of the OMRH located at # 14, rue Debussy, Turgeau, Port-au-Prince, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Diplomacy : Canada concerned about civil unrest in Haiti Following the turmoil in Haiti and the socio-political instability, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau expressed Canada's concern : "Canada is very concerned about the recent civil unrest in Haiti and is deeply saddened by the loss of life. We wish to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and injured Haitians. While peaceful protests are part of a healthy democracy, politically motivated acts of violence have no place in the democratic process. We call on all parties to work toward finding a solution. Canada is a long-standing partner of Haiti. Together with the international community https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26198-haiti-diplomacy-the-international-community-rejects-violence-in-haiti.html , we work closely with local stakeholders to promote inclusive governance, transparency, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, which are essential to foster trust, stability and sustainable development [...}" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26214-haiti-flash-angry-mob-attacks-the-customs-of-malpasse-at-least-6-dead.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26225-haiti-politic-the-minister-of-the-interior-calls-for-calm-and-announces-measures.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26208-haiti-demonstrations-numerous-clashes-between-the-police-and-the-protesters.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26198-haiti-diplomacy-the-international-community-rejects-violence-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26186-haiti-flash-message-to-the-nation-of-president-jovenel-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26176-haiti-flash-the-national-palace-deploys-its-special-unit-equipped-with-weapons-of-war.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26156-haiti-flash-dead-and-wounded-across-the-country-partial-assessment.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : The radical opposition claims to be a victim of repression Marjory Michel, Schiller Louidor and Me Michel Michel of the Democratic and Popular Movement of the opposition say "The political repression is raging in Miragoane. Joanis Jean Claude, security officer of Senator Nenel Cassy, was arrested by the judicial authorities of Miragoane at the pay of the political power in place. [...]" Moreover, they deplore that these same authorities of Miragoane "have issued about thirty arrest warrants and a dozen departure ban against relatives of Senator Cassy and the Democratic and Popular Sector under false pretexts." They believe that the climate of repression installed in the country, which has already led to the assassination of several people and numerous arrests, "is a major obstacle to the political dialogue advocated by the international community and various sectors of national life." While reiterating that the solution to the crisis pass through the resignation of President Jovenel Moise, Marjory Michel, Schiller Louidor and Me Michel Michel "call for the continuation of the popular mobilization to create the political conditions essential to the realization of the PetroCaribe trial and to the organization of the Sovereign Haitian National Conference, likely to bring out a new Society project in the interest of all without distinction of any kind." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26232-haiti-politic-general-strike-the-population-inflicts-a-failure-to-the-radical-opposition.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... A police offcier shot in Martissant On Wednesday, police inspector Dieujuste Jean Pierre assigned to the police station of Fort National, fell under the murderous bullets of bandits in Martissant (3rd district of Port-au-Prince) while he was aboard a motorcycle. The thugs after their crime ran away with his motorcycle and his service weapon. PNH : Emergency meeting Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) held an urgent meeting with all the heads of specialized units of the PNH police stations and sub police station of the metropolitan area. They have been instructed to take all the measures to bring order to the capital and the so-called red zones in particular. Vladimir Paraison removed from office Subject of a warrant of arrest in the context of the instruction by Judge Dieunel Lumerant on the case of the seizure of a shipment of firearms in Saint-Marc in 2016 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26174-haiti-justice-new-arrest-in-the-case-of-the-seizure-of-weapons-in-saint-marc.html the former Departmental Director of the West, Andre Jonas Vladimir Paraison and Coordinator of the National Palace was removed from office. Budget submission, 2 months late The Government is slow to table the draft budget for the current fiscal year in Parliament. This situation is due to the difficulties for the team in power to find 13 billion gourdes to complete the draft finance law (2018-2019) valued at 166 billion gourdes against 175 billion originally planned https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26097-haiti-economy-a-budget-with-social-dominination-up-of-11-billion.html , according to Senator Jean Rigaud Belizaire, Chairman of the Finance Committee. "It's too late to talk" dixit J-C Moise Moise Jean-Charles, the leader of the political platform of radical opposition "Pitit Dessalin" said on the air of a radio of the capital "It is too late to dialogue with Jovenel Moise and Jean-Henry Ceant". Describing the Head of State as a "liar", he recalls that he made a lot of promises but never holds them and can not be trusted. Malpasse : Words of sympathy of the Government Yesterday Wednesday, November 28, at the Parc du Souvenir, were held the official funeral of customs officers killed in duty, during incidents occurred Saturday, November 23 at Malpasse https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26214-haiti-flash-angry-mob-attacks-the-customs-of-malpasse-at-least-6-dead.html . "The Government of the Republic, through the body of the Prime Minister Jean Henry Ceant, once again expresses its sympathies to the relatives, relatives and friends of the victims. He also wants to assure them of his full solidarity at this time of great pain." HL/ HaitiLibre Nov 29, 2018 | By Cameron Bionics is still in its infancy, and 3D printing has done its part to help pave the way by producing bionic hands, eyes, and more. But not all bionics will be directly attached to a person. Italian Youbionic has joined forces with the well-known robotics company Boston Dynamics to meld a pair of bionic arms with the adorable (or terrifying depending on your perspective) SpotMini. Youbionic began working on its bionic prosthetic hand in 2014. The company recently released the STL files for their first 3D printable arm and this Humanoid One project is an extension of developing the same architecture. After completing the arm, Youbionic founder Federico Ciccarese moved to the mobility side of the equation as he wants the arms available for use in offices, factories, and homes. Here I was reminded of the fantastic Boston Dynamic SpotMini that is able to move very well in the environment but has a very limited capacity to manipulate objects due to its single beak, Federico told 3Ders. I thought this is a perfect fusion! Two arms are certainly better than one, and this will be an informative project because getting the extra weight distributed and balanced correctly will take some work. The four-legged SpotMini robot is a 25kg robot with 17 joints and the strength to carry a 14kg payload. It is capable of climbing stairs as well as handling objects. SpotMini can already open doors with one arm; imagine the cocktails itll be able to make with two hands (plus a bunch of actually productive tasks like assembly and testing of components). Expect to see real pictures and videos next year as Federico reports I started a collaboration with Actuonix that will provide me with all the actuators I need to assemble Youbionic One. I will do this in 2019 along with the continuation of the whole body. His aim is to create assistive devices that interface with their users to increase productivity and fulfillment, and beyond. The main mission of Youbionic is to develop robotic devices that can be an alter ego of its owner, designed to be controlled as if we were exactly there, that they can get us where we can not get, that they can make us walk on Martian soil, visit planets, navigate space. The Mars rovers are evidence that stellar exploration will be heavily dependent upon robotics and bionics, and mobile machines with remotely-controllable arms and limbs will be joining the public in the next few years. The rapid prototyping and complex geometries enabled by 3D printing are helping robotics developers keep to that timeline. One of the big selling points of SpotMini is how non-threatening it is, so whether or not the engineering problems are solved, the success of Centaur Spot may depend on how much the designers can dial up the cuteness and dial back the menacing murderbot look. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Published on 2018/11/29 | Source Park Shin-hye (left) and Hyun Bin pose at a press junket for their new TV series "Memories of the Alhambra" in Seoul on Wednesday. Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye will co-star in a new series on cable TV channel tvN starting this weekend. It is the very first time the two have worked together in a drama despite their nearly 15-year careers in showbiz. Advertisement "Memories of the Alhambra" is notable for its focus on augmented reality technology. Hyun plays the head of an investment firm who takes a business trip to Granada, Spain to check out a new AR game developed by an anonymous programmer. There he meets Park's character, who works as a local tour guide while running a hostel at which he stays, and they get involved in game-like incidents. Speaking at a press event in Seoul on Wednesday, Hyun said, "There were some unexpected difficulties during shooting as it deals with unfamiliar subject matter. I knew almost nothing about AR games but now I'm like an expert". The stars hit it off easily, although it was their first collaboration. Park said, "We didn't have time to get to know each other before we started shooting in Granada. But we quickly grew closer as we spent much time together in a foreign city. When we weren't shooting, we often shared our thoughts about work over beers". Hyun said, "Park is a really nice, bright person, bringing good energy to filming locations. She's already a veteran, as she started acting at an early age [of 13] and knows how to deal with anything that happens on location". Netflix purchased the rights to the series, which cost some W20 billion to make (US$1=W1,129). Episodes will be available on the video streaming site one hour after they air on tvN. The drama's producer, Ahn Gil-ho said, "Due to the global popularity of computer games, I expect the series will draw a lot of attention in the international market". Published on 2018/11/29 | Source Microdot (left) and Dok2 Korean cyberspace is atwitter with revelations about the fly-by-night families of stars big and small. Advertisement Rapper Microdot seemed to have reached the pinnacle of success until his parents were accused of eloping to New Zealand in the middle of the night 20 years ago after borrowing a lot of money from relatives and friends. On Monday, a local newspaper reported that rapper Dok2's mother borrowed W10 million from a friend in the late 1990s but has not repaid it to this day (US$1=W1,129). The same day, a message on Cheong Wa Dae's petition site claimed that superstar 'Rain"s mother borrowed W15 million worth of rice and W8 million in cash from an acquaintance and never repaid it. A message posted on another website Tuesday accused the father of Wheein, a member of girl band Mamamoo, of failing to repay a W20 million debt. Are the stars to blame? In the eyes of the Twittersphere everyone is guilty until proven innocent, but it would seem to depend whether the stars' misbehaving families traded on their fame. If the parents die, of course, their children inherit their debt along with anything else, and if it outweighs the assets they can apply to a court for relief. But if children guarantee their parents' debt, they are bound by law to repay it unless they were minors at the time. A dutiful child may decide to repay the debt voluntarily. Microdot said, "I will meet the victims and listen to them". And Dok2 added a little swagger by saying, "W10 million is a month's lunch money for me. If you need the money, come to me and I will repay you". Wheein and Rain also said they will try to settle the matter, though that is no guarantee that they will pay up. Havre Police Department A caller with the Border Patrol reported a lost license plate Wednesday at 8:55 a.m. -- A 10th Avenue caller asked to speak with an officer about a theft, forgery or fraud at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday. -- Jamie Lea Dowling of Havre, 21, was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt at the police station Wednesday at 7:21 p.m. -- Someone stopped at the police station Wednesday at 7:49 p.m. to report a renter had vandalized property. Hill County Sheriff's Office A jacket, phone and case were reported found in the ditch on 22nd Avenue Wednesday at 10:20 a.m. -- A caller at the south edge of Box Elder reported Wednesday at 3:22 p.m. two horses were out on U.S. Highway 87. Havre Fire Department Emergency medical personnel responded to three calls Wednesday. Havre Animal Shelter The Havre shelter this morning held two short-haired cats, four medium-hair cats, one long-hair cat and one 9-month-old medium-hair kitten all of unknown gender, one short-hair female cat, one medium-hair male cat and two long-hair female cats, along with nine feral cats for its spay/neuter and release program. The Havre shelter this morning also held a female Australian cattle dog-blue heeler-border collie dog, a female mixed-breed dog, a female mixed-breed 26-week-old puppy, a male Labrador retriever dog, a female pit bull terrier-American bulldog 6-month-old puppy, a female mixed-breed 9-month-old puppy, a male Labrador retriever-border collie 6-month-old puppy, a female mixed-breed 11-month-old puppy and a female Australian shepherd-German shepherd dog. St. Vincent Healthcare Foster Grandparent Program Director Barb Brady wraps herself in her new star quilt Wednesday at the Duck Inn in Havre as Fort Belknap Head Start Education Director Robert Fox thanks her for her contributions to the program and Geraldine Doney and Rosemary Peak, sisters and foster grandparents at Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, assist her. Fort Belknap Indian Reservations volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program of St. Vincent Healthcare met at the Duck Inn's Tavern and Sandwich Shop late Wednesday morning to present their program director a star quilt as a token of their appreciation for her hard work. Program Director Barbara Brady has been working at St. Vincent's with the Foster Grandparent Program for 15 years. The program is a national program and 90 percent of the funds come from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Brady had been running a tutoring program at her previous job in Delaware and said she had "recruited the Foster Grandparent director not realizing she was moving on to another job." That previous director then asked Brady to take over her position and she has been there ever since. Brady said she places volunteers in various facilities such as schools or health care facilities or with programs like Head Start to be an additional resource to kids who need it. "Because of them, these kids get an extra start. They get extra help. It's just a really good deal," she added. Brady said most of her volunteers serve about 15 hours per week and "most of these ladies, they serve way more - like 20 to 30 hours a week." Brady added that, annually, the program has totaled about 40,000 hours from its volunteers. Fort Belknap has 45 volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program. Three of them are sisters, Brady said, along with "a sister-in-law, and sister-in-law of a sister-in-law, and a granddaughter of a former volunteer." "I love our volunteers," she added. "They're just true-blue, just true-blue. We only get true-blue people. They're just amazing, amazing people." Brady said volunteers are asked to contribute at least 15 hours per week, but they can work around what the foster grandparent's schedule is. She added it is a combination of what their government grant requires, what the site requires and what the volunteers want to work. Volunteers are assigned to children who need extra help and the foster grandparents provide academic assistance to those children. Brady said volunteers help with social skills, vocabulary and literacy. The people who volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program come from different backgrounds, Brady added. Some used to be teachers or school cooks and police officers. Philomene Hawley said she loves working with the kids at the school. Brady said Hawley has won multiple awards within the program and has logged more than 4,000 hours of service. Holly Kirkaldie, Hawley's granddaughter, said she has been a foster grandparent for four years now and she got into it as something to do and because her grandma was doing it. Kirkaldie works with children from Hays-Lodge Pole High School and helps tutor them and said she loves working with the kids. Fort Belknap Head Start Education Director Robert Fox said the work that the foster grandparents do is important because many of the kids they work with don't receive strong family values in their homes. "(Grandmothers are) the backbone of the tribe," Fox said. Rosemary Peak said she has been there the longest out of all the current volunteers with 24 years of service. Her sisters, Lois Snell and Geraldine Doney, have served for 20 and 18 years respectively. Elizabeth Doney has served 16 years with Foster Grandparent and her sister, Florence Fox, has been there nine years. All of the women said they enjoy working with kids. Each has their own group of kids whom they work with. Geraldine works with a group of 17 3- and 4-year-olds and, she added, "They keep me on my toes, those kids." Brady added that the dedication to service is attributed to the family atmosphere that exists within the program. Brady said she is always looking for more volunteers and hopes to recruit more volunteers in the future. More specifically, she said, she would like to see more grandpas volunteer. Brady said of the volunteers she has, only four are male. Requirements for people to become volunteers are in place. Brady said volunteers have to be on a limited income, have a doctor sign off on their physical fitness to serve and pass a background check. Brady added that the limited income qualifies the volunteers for the stipend that they receive. All foster grandparents undergo training as well. Brady said they cover child development and receive "tips from other foster grandparents." With more and more schools utilizing technology, Brady said they have offered training for volunteers to become more familiar with technology such as an iPad. Brady said seeing what the volunteers do for the children is what she likes the most about her job. "Their heart is so big and their mission is so big," she added. Brady said she also likes that the Foster Grandparent Program gives retired people something to do. "Someone said you have to jump through a lot of hoops with our program and Head Start jumps through hoops, too," she said. "But I told someone from D.C. the other day you got to jump through hoops to stay healthy and jumping through hoops is a form of exercise." Havre Daily News/Ryan Berry From left, Lois Snell, Geraldine Doney and Rosemary Peak, all sisters and all foster grandparents, present a quilt to Barb Brady, Director of the Foster Grandparent Program, at the Duck Inn Wednesday November 28, 2018 in Havre, Mont. "We all thought about doing this," Peak said. "We knew she had never gotten one before." "I know why you do it," she added. "The schools, it's those kids calling you grandma and it's knowing and seeing all the people." -- Changes in background checks for foster grandparents During the presentation at the Duck Inn, Foster Grandparent Program Director Barbara Brady also announced a couple of changes that would be coming to the program, with the biggest being the redoing of background checks. Brady said that all personnel will have to go through a background check again, including herself. This time, she added, the background checks will include fingerprinting. Havre is the nearest town that has the needed fingerprinting capabilities, and Brady said she would arrange for them all to meet in Havre in the future to go through the process. Brady said she wanted to be first so she can see what the process is like and then inform the volunteers and assist them. She said everyone must have a current, government issued photo ID such as a license or tribal ID card. Montana health care employers eligible to receive reimbursement through grant funds Press release Several new entry-level health care professions are emerging in Montana including the paraprofessional position of community health worker. New, temporary funding is now available to cover these training costs at health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, health centers, medical offices and community-based organizations. The Montana Office of Rural Health at Montana State University will distribute funding to employer facilities when an employee has completed the 85-hour CHW training. The funding is available through a grant by the Health Resources and Services Ad... Havres Holiday Village Shopping Center has changed its auction date to Jan. 8, 2019. A public sales notice received and printed by the Havre Daily News said that Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc. on behalf of Colfin Security National Properties Mezz Funding LLC will hold a public auction. Colfin SNP Mezz Funding is a Delaware limited liability company that owns Louisiana-based Security National Properties Funding IV-Havre LLC, owners of the Holiday Village. Earlier this year Colfin SNP Mezz announced it will be auctioning off some of the companys properties to avoid bankruptcy.... A young man who was part of a gang that followed a teenager into a pizza shop where he was attacked with a knife got involved out of a "misplaced sense of loyalty". Neletu Chiriac (22) kicked the victim when he was on the floor and held on to him while a juvenile stabbed him. The injured party needed two operations for a stab wound to his arm following the incident, and spent four days in hospital, Blanchardstown District Court was told. Judge David McHugh imposed a four-month sentence suspended for two years. Chiriac, of Rosedale Crescent, Dublin 15, admitted seriously assaulting the teenager at Domino's Pizza, Main Street, Ongar, at around 8pm on May 15 last year. Gda Peter Bernard said there had been an incident between the victim and a person known to Chiriac a short time earlier. The victim had gone to the pizza shop but Chiriac, the person known to him and a third man had come after him. Operations Gda Bernard said the victim, who was only 16 at the time, tried to hold the door closed but the men managed to get in. Chiriac came from behind the teenager, held him and then kicked him when he was on the floor. The victim received a stab wound from a knife during the course of the assault, Gda Bernard said. He was taken to hospital where he had two operations on his left forearm. Chiriac did not stab the victim, nor was he aware that a knife had been brought to the scene. Gda Bernard said the other two attackers had been dealt with in another forum. The defendant had no previous convictions, the court heard. In his victim impact statement, the teenager said he had a scar on his forearm and remained fearful of the defendant. Defence solicitor Liam Cado- gan said Chiriac was not a viol- ent person and this incident was totally uncharacteristic. Mr Cadogan also assured the victim he had no reason to fear for his safety or any reprisals. Chiriac also wished to apologise to the victim, the solicitor said. A former murder accused turned State's witness has denied uploading a picture of his ex-girlfriend online with a quote saying, "Be careful, this girl has Hep C", as well as smearing dog excrement on her door. However, the witness agreed he had previously given evidence of being a "dishonest man" who would be prepared to "lie through his teeth". Protected witness David Cullen was being cross-examined for a second day at the Special Criminal Court trial of Kevin Braney (44), of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly nearly six years ago. Devious The court has heard that Cullen was admitted on the Witness Protection Programme (WPP) in April 2015 and relocated from prison to a host country a few months later. He spent Tuesday describing to the court his role in the shooting of Mr Butterly, which was to dispose of a gun in the grounds of Gormanston College. Under cross-examination by Bernard Condon SC, for Mr Braney, Cullen agreed that he was desperate to avoid a conviction for murder and agreed he had previously given evidence that he was a devious, dishonest person, who would be prepared to "lie through his teeth". Cullen further agreed with Mr Condon that he always "came first" and he was not concerned with the consequences that arose for others as a result of the lies he told. The key prosecution witness acknowledged that he had a history of criminal convictions, some for acting dishonestly. Cullen agreed with counsel that it was no secret that he told gardai a "pack of lies" when he was first interviewed by them following Mr Butterly's murder. "I probably would have talked to gardai about anything other than Peter Butterly's murder," he said. Mr Condon put it to the witness that his client, Mr Braney, did not go to his apartment on March 5. "He certainly did," said Cullen. In Cullen's evidence-in-chief, he testified that he remembered Mr Braney coming to his house with other men on the evening before the shooting and saying: "Make sure this is done right and he doesn't get away." Cullen agreed with Mr Condon that he has got some considerable benefits from being on the WPP, such as not being held responsible for his actions in relation to a former girlfriend. The lawyer put it to the witness that this woman alleges that Cullen uploaded an image of her on to Facebook last year with the caption, "Be careful, this woman has Hep C" and it had been recorded that Cullen admitted to the woman that he had done this. In reply, Cullen said he had not uploaded an image of his ex-girlfriend, adding: "I haven't been charged with anything." Mr Condon told the court that a 500 contribution appeared to be made to a charity on Cullen's behalf for stalking the woman and alleged the only reason he was not charged was because he is on the WPP. The lawyer put it to Cullen that this woman had also found "dog s**t" smeared on her door and it was alleged that Cullen sent her an email getting her to retract her statement. "I never did anything like that. If I did I would have been arrested," he said. The witness agreed that he received a "warning document" about his behaviour from the host agency but denied getting a second one. Murder accused Mr Braney also denies possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder and possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition on March 5, 2013. Mr Butterly, a father-of-two, was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston on March 6, 2013. Cullen was originally charged with Mr Butterly's murder but he subsequently turned State's witness more than a year after the shooting and this murder charge was dropped. In July 2014, Cullen was sentenced to seven years in prison, with three-and-a-half years suspended, after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. The trial continues. Eighty alleged victims of abuse have contacted Scouting Ireland's helpline in less than a week. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone revealed the figure last night after meeting representatives of the organisation. Scouting Ireland has been hit by controversy after a review of historical allegations of abuse found evidence of 71 suspected perpetrators and 108 victims. Fears have been raised that the number of alleged abuse victims could grow substantially. Counselled Ms Zappone said she met representatives of the organisation to discuss her concerns about the revelations, which emerged last week. "Scouting Ireland has advised me that since last week there have been 80 phone calls to the confidential helpline from people identifying as victims," she said. "I will get a verified update on the number of alleged victims and alleged perpetrators in mid-December." At the meeting, she discussed the steps Scouting Ireland was taking to ensure that all alleged abuse victims were being properly supported and counselled. She sought reassurances that the historic review of abuse allegations was continuing and that all allegations would be immediately referred to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and gardai. "I have been reassured that Scouting Ireland is taking these shocking revelations very seriously," Ms Zappone said. Scouting Ireland set up the confidential freephone helpline last Thursday. The number is 1800 221199, and a team is answering calls between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Tusla also has a confidential helpline, on 1800 805665, which operates from 9am to 4pm. "I would urge anybody who was abused while participating in scouting activities or who wishes to name an alleged perpetrator of abuse to contact either of these helplines," Ms Zappone said. Most of the alleged abuse cases date from the 1960s to 1980s. Scouting Ireland said none of the alleged abusers were still working with it and most had died. Information has been passed to gardai and Tusla. Finn Bell Ryan, from Limerick, received an Irish Water Safety Just In Time award for saving a three-year-old from drowning Heroes who put their lives on the line to save others from drowning have been rewarded at a glitzy ceremony. The Irish Water Safety (IWS) Awards paid tribute to 36 lifesavers who committed extraordinary acts of bravery. They included Finn Bell Ryan, from Limerick, who was just eight when he saved the life of a three-year-old boy while on holiday in Portugal. Finn noticed the boy in difficulty in a swimming pool and jumped in to pull the child out. Also receiving a Just In Time award was Kelvin Kearns, from Kilmeaden, Co Waterford. He spotted an accident while driving in Butlerstown, Co Waterford, in September last year. An elderly man had been driving along the road in treacherous conditions and lost control before veering off the road and down a ravine, into a deep stream. Mr Kearns found the car had flipped over with the pensioner stuck inside. He managed to pull the man from the car but was unable to free him fully and so held him up until emergency services arrived. Courageous Asked about the feat, Mr Kearns said: "I was just coming out the road, I didn't know what happened, I didn't know what prompted me. "I didn't think about anything. I don't know what was going on in my head but my body was just doing stuff," he added. An average of 127 people die in Ireland every year as a result of drowning - and the figure could be a much higher, according to Rural and Community Development Minister Sean Canney. "It is an honour to pay tribute to these courageous recipients," Mr Canney said. "Tragically an average of 127 people drown in Ireland every year and although that's 127 too many, the figure would be even higher but for the dramatic efforts of these individuals who saved others from drowning, and the ongoing work of Irish Water Safety volunteers teaching swimming and water rescue skills." Campaigner Another hero was Martin Cullinane, from Cork, who became the face of the Irish Water Safety Campaign after he saved the lives of two young brothers during the summer. The boys, aged five and six, were in serious difficulty in dangerous tidal waters at Mariner's Quay, in Passage West, Co Cork. Mr Cullinane dived in wearing his pyjamas to rescue them. The campaign encourages parents to ensure their children learn to swim. Dublin city councillors are up in arms over new GDPR (general data protection regulation) procedures, which they say will diminish their jobs. New regulations issued in a memo by Dublin City Council (DCC) include instructions to local representatives on how they can obtain personal information for their constituents. Consent forms must be signed by the constituent in question before any personal information can be released. Housing An example of the new process in practice would be if a constituent asks their local councillor to find out where they are on the housing list. For the councillor to receive that information, they must have a one-page consent form filled out and signed by the constituent. However, DCC chief executive Owen Keegan has said the person concerned will still be able to get hold of this data without written consent. "When you do not provide the council with written consent, the council will write directly to the person in respect of whom the representation was made acknowledging your representation on their behalf and responding to it," he said. "The council will write to you confirming that a response has been issued to the person concerned." The reaction from councillors has been particularly negative towards the plans, which Mr Keegan wants to have in place by January. A number of representatives say the new regulations are taking GDPR too far. Fianna Fail councillor Tom Brabazon told the Herald: "It's going to totally wrap people up in red tape." "It's going to make our job completely impossible to do," he added. Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said it was an attempt to "control" councillors. However, in his lengthy memo on the issue, Mr Keegan said the process was "designed to safeguard both the council and elected members in our mutual handling of personal data". It is understood that the same rules do not necessarily apply to all councils across the country. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said it was up to individual local authority what procedures they put in place. AnastasiaDate has shared exciting details of its five most fascinating places to visit near Sofia on a daytrip. AnastasiaDate, the international dating website attracting members worldwide seeking European singles, has shared interesting details for those planning a Bulgarian adventure with its top five daytrips from Sofia. The popular dating service has released details of these daytrips to help visitors enjoy their time in Bulgaria. The leading international dating website is always seeking to connect its members worldwide with compatible European singles. And now AnastasiaDate has revealed the names of its top five fascinating excursions that visitors can take from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. Those interested in seeing more of Bulgaria can make use of Sofia as the best launching point for any daytrip excursions. The first pick of AnastasiaDate for the daytrips from Sofia is the ambient old town of Plovdiv. This place is most famous for its six rocky hills. It also has an ancient Roman theater, period houses, and an exciting history dating back to 6,000 BC. A trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, one of the worlds oldest towns, can be covered in around two hours and is highly recommended for any visitor to Bulgaria. Coming next in the recommended daytrip list by AnastasiaDate is a visit to the stunning Rila Lakes. The region comprises seven glacier lakes located on top of the Rila Mountains. The stunning sight of nature from this place can be breathtaking. A highlight of the trip is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rila Monastery, a 10th century place of worship founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila. Third best daytrip destination suggested by AnastasiaDate is Veliko Tarnovo and its Tsarevets fortress. This is an old capital with a fortification located on the top of a beautiful hill. AnastasiaDates fourth choice is the Pyramids of Melnik. The naturally formed sandy pyramids have acquired their shape due to many years of constant erosion. The place is definitely an intriguing tourist destination. The fifth and final choice of Sofia daytrips from AnastasiaDate is Mount Musala. The site offers a challenging climb that rewards all who achieve it with stunning views of Musala Lakes and beyond. Members looking to get in touch with Bulgarian members can use AnastasiaDate features such as Live Chat, CamShare, and CallMe to connect with their potential partners. For more information, visit AnastasiaDate. About AnastasiaDate: AnastasiaDate is the leading international dating service that facilitates exciting and romantic companionship between men and women all over the world. Founded in 1993, AnastasiaDate now has over 20 million international users and attracts more than 80 million visitors annually. Additionally, over 1.5 million conversations are exchanged onsite daily. AnastasiaDate is committed to member safety, customer satisfaction and the ongoing pursuit of innovation. Part of the Social Discovery Ventures network, AnastasiaDate is headquartered in New York with additional representation in every country it touches, providing a high level of customer service to a worldwide clientele. All members are able to communicate across a variety of top-notch multimedia platforms, including video chat and a mobile app for Android devices available in Google Play. Media Contact Company Name: AnastasiaDate Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: +1 (212) 609-0533 Country: United States Website: http://www.AnastasiaDate.com Market Research Future with their unique quality of simplifying the market research study, announces a deep study report on Retropharyngeal Abscess Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2023 Gives industry size, top players and worldwide demand Market Synopsis of Global Retropharyngeal Abscess Market: Market scenario: A retropharyngeal abscess is a serious infection, usually starts in the lymph nodes, characterised by collection of pus at the back of the throat. Retropharyngeal abscess typically occurs in children under the age of eight, sometimes it can also affect adults. The symptoms of retropharyngeal abscess include difficulty or noisy breathing, difficulty and pain while swallowing, drooling, severe cough, severe throat pain, neck stiffness or swelling, muscle spasms in the neck among others. Retropharyngeal abscess is generally preceded by upper respiratory infections mostly a middle ear or sinus infection. Get Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4922 The causes of retropharyngeal abscess are trauma or injury, medical procedure, dental procedures, alcohol intake, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, weakened immune system or a chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and others. Other complications indicated are pneumonia, blood clots in the jugular vein, mediastinitis, osteomyelitis and others. If left untreated, retropharyngeal abscess infection can spread to other parts of the body resulting in septic shock and organ failure. In severe instances, a retropharyngeal abscess can lead to death. The most common bacteria involved are Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and others. Other infections, such as HIV and tuberculosis can also cause the retropharyngeal abscess. Retropharyngeal abscess recurs in an estimated 1 to 5% of patients and such patients are 40 to 50% more likely to die due to abscess-related complications. Retropharyngeal abscess also slightly more common in males than females. The market drivers for global retropharyngeal abscess market, are rise in demand due to the growing younger and susceptible population, increasing screening, urgency of the retropharyngeal abscess treatment, and rise in risk factors. The rise in cases of retropharyngeal abscess due to increase in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections also stimulates the market. The market restraints are complications such as risk of bleeding, infections, pain, especially during surgery, high cost of retropharyngeal abscess treatment, lack of cardiac care infrastructure, and lack of focus on other diseases by the developing regions and others. The global retropharyngeal abscess market is expected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2023, and the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 4.5 % during the forecast period 2017-2023. Key Players in the Global Retropharyngeal abscess Market Some of the key players profiled in the report are Merck KGaA, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca plc, Sanofi S.A., Pfizer, Mylan N.V, Novartis AG, Teva pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline plc., and others. Segments The global retropharyngeal abscess market has been segmented on the basis of diagnosis, treatment, and end user. Based on the diagnosis, the market has been segmented as X-rays and computed tomography, blood tests, physical exam and others. Based on the treatment, the market has been segmented as calcium antibiotics, pain killers, surgical drainage and others. Based on the end user, the market has been segmented as hospitals and clinics, research and academics and others. Regional Analysis A significant market share of the global retropharyngeal abscess market is held by the Americas, owing to high expenditure on the health care especially in major countries of the region like the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the number of cardiac procedures in the U.S and Canada is increasing due to greater healthcare penetration, which drives the retropharyngeal abscess market. The high concentration of the major hospitals in the developed countries of this region coupled with good reimbursement rates is adding fuel to the market growth. Moreover, the large share of infective procedures treatment in the returns of hospitals favors the market. The large number of pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. is also a cause for the faster development of retropharyngeal abscess market in the US. The development of broad spectrum antibiotics in developed regions such as the U.S. and Europe is a strong driver of the market. Europe is the second largest market in the world due to growing pharmaceutical industry and healthcare penetration. The European market growth is led by countries such as Germany and France. Germany is expected to be the fastest growing market over the assessment period due to its large pharmaceutical and microsurgery devices industry. The development of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) especially in the southern regions of Europe such as Spain, Italy etc. stimulates the market. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly; China and India are likely to lead this market due to fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth. The growing penetration of healthcare industry in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the future retropharyngeal abscess market in the region. However the low expenditure on healthcare coupled with the poor incomes in the developing regions is a dent on the market. Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are estimated to drive the Middle East & African market. Other Middle East nations to watch out for are Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Iran. The African region is expected to witness a poor growth owing to poor economic and political conditions, and poor healthcare development. Other regions are expected to be laggards due to poor social development and tribal identities such as sub Saharan Africa. Browse Complete 85 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 66 Respective Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/retropharyngeal-abscess-market-4922 Detailed Table of Contents: Table Of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 Definition 1.2 Scope Of Study 1.2.1 Research Objective 1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations 1.2.2.1 Assumptions 1.2.2.2 Limitations 1.3 Market Structure: 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Research Process: 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Secondary Research: 3. Market Dynamics 3.1 Drivers 3.2 Restraints 3.3 Opportunities 3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators 4. Market Factor Analysis 4.1 Porters Five Forces Model 4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers 4.3 Bargaining Power Of Buyers 4.4 Threat Of New Entrants 4.5 Threat Of Substitutes 4.6 Intensity Of Rivalry Continued 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. Media Contact Company Name: Market Research Future Contact Person: Abhishek Sawant Email: Send Email Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Address:Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar City: Pune State: Maharashtra Country: India Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/retropharyngeal-abscess-market-4922 Ardea's gold exploration programs for 2019 aim to realise potential of the Company's high-quality tenement package WA Gold Exploration Update Perth, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - With the recent completion of drilling at the Goongarrie Nickel Cobalt Project (GNCP), drill programs to test the highest priority gold and nickel sulphide targets in Ardea's ( ASX:ARL ) ( OTCMKTS:ARRRF ) extensive portfolio of Western Australian assets can commence shortly.Target generation programs covering Ardea's WA gold projects, particularly at Mount Zephyr and the Bardoc Tectonic Zone (within and adjacent to the GNCP) has highlighted numerous high-quality, gold prospects that require evaluation. These targets can now be advanced and if exploration is successful could add significant value to the Company's asset base.- Newly acquired high-resolution geophysical datasets over the Goongarrie Nickel Cobalt Project define new gold targets across the highly prospective Bardoc Tectonic Zone- A new geological interpretation for the entire Mount Zephyr greenstone belt significantly enhances the understanding of the region and provides a new targeting toolo Numerous new targets defined and initial field assessments completed.- Drill permitting advancing:o At Mount Zephyr - drilling permits received for Jones Area A and Pauls Find. Applications submitted for Dunn's Line, Dunn's North and Gale following recent Aboriginal heritage surveys.o At Goongarrie / Bardoc Tectonic Zone - permits in place in preparation for drilling.- Initial gold and base metal drill programs aimed at the highest priority targets at Goongarrie and Mount Zephyr in WA.The Bardoc Tectonic Zone (BTZ) at Goongarrie, WAThe BTZ is an 80 km long regional shear / fault system of the Eastern Goldfields province of Western Australia. It is a significant gold-producing structure that hosts the Paddington gold mine and the Goongarrie, Comet Vale, and Menzies gold mining centres. Around 20 km of the structure is located on Ardea's tenure at and around the GNCP. The fault system interconnects with the other major faults of the region, including the Boulder-Lefroy Fault to the south that hosts the Kalgoorlie mining centre (see Figure 1 in link below).At Goongarrie, the BTZ underlies the entirety of the extensive lateritic nickel-cobalt deposits. It is host to the numerous historic gold mining operations that are exposed in bedrock at the Goongarrie gold mining centre and historic town site. That same sequence is almost completely buried beneath laterite cover adjacent to the nickel-cobalt orebodies of the GNCP. As such, surface geochemistry is not effective, so geophysical target definition and drill sampling is required.Gold mines and occurrences within the BTZ are located within distinct corridors (see Figure 2 in link below). The main corridor lies east of the GNCP deposits and contains the Goongarrie mining centre and Ardea's Big Four gold mine. The thinner western corridor incorporates the Comet Vale mining centre as well as numerous gold occurrences detected during drilling of the GNCP.Gold endowment varies significantly along the strike extent of the BTZ / Boulder-Lefroy fault system (see Figure 1 in link below). Centres such as Kalgoorlie, Paddington and New Celebration host significantly greater gold endowment than other segments of the fault system. Ardea considers that the low historic production on the Comet Vale and Big Four fault segments is in part a function of the lack of exposure in these areas. The Company therefore considers that there is potential for significant gold deposits beneath cover in the BTZ at the GNCP, considering the gold-bearing nature of the BTZ and Boulder-Lefroy Fault to the south. As such, this area is considered highly prospective.New datasets acquired to assist in detailed target generationPreliminary high resolution aeromagnetic, hyperspectral and digital elevation datasets have recently been acquired over the entire GNCP.Final datasets are expected shortly. A substantial increase in resolution will significantly enhance Ardea's capability to define new gold targets throughout the area (see Figure 3 in link below).Full processing and manipulation of the new data is presently underway with definition and appraisal of targets within and adjacent to the BTZ at Goongarrie to be carried out upon receipt of the final treated aeromagnetic datasets. A fully ranked target generation program will then be undertaken to ensure that full systematic testing of the highest quality targets is performed in 2019.The historic Big Four Gold Mine is located on Ardea's GNCP tenure. First pass characterisation of its aeromagnetic signature shows that there are multiple similar style targets throughout the Company's ground for the entire strike length of the GNCP within what is termed the "Gold Corridor" (see Figure 2 in link below). All targets on Ardea's tenure are blind, being located beneath at least 20 m of lateritic and alluvial overburden, so will require drill testing.Other styles of gold mineralisation are suggested by gold occurrences throughout the drilled areas of the GNCP. Significant gold anomalism within the laterite profile appears to be associated with various structure sets in saprock below the laterite, many well outside of the defined Gold Corridor. Such gold-in-laterite occurrences will be used to identify gold mineralisation targets in the bedrock below.Geological appraisal of available outcrops and historic workings at Goongarrie and along strike is underway. The intent is to define in detail the geological controls on gold mineralisation in what is one of the less studied gold-hosting structures of the Eastern Goldfields.About Ardea's Big Four gold deposit, BTZThe Big Four gold project (see Figure 2 in link below)contains several old mine shafts which were worked in the early 1900s. Gold mineralisation is hosted by a brittle, fractured intermediate porphyry intrusive unit within the ultramafic Siberia Komatiite. The mineralisation is associated with quartz veining and pyrite/carbonate alteration. High-grade zones commonly contain coarse visible gold. The same porphyry rock type is commonly intersected in GNCP drilling, often with anomalous gold.Most recently, mineralisation at the Big Four gold mine was drilled by Heron Resources in 2012. Heron defined significant gold hits (see Figure 4 in link below).Ardea considers the gold mineralisation intercepted to date at Big Four to be indicative of only one of the styles of gold mineralisation expected to be encountered within the BTZ. It is proof-of-concept that will be used to justify extensive drill programs adjacent to the GNCP.Significantly, the Big Four fault segment is a major resource outlier within the BTZ, with only 1 tonne of historic gold endowment compared to 7-200 tonnes in other mining centres between Paddington in the south to Menzies in the north (see Figure 1 in link below).Forthcoming 2019 drill programs at Mount Zephyr, WAThe Mount Zephyr greenstone belt represents a prime exploration opportunity for Ardea. The belt has been largely overlooked over past decades, and only now (under Ardea's management) is a systematic regional targeting exercise to define the region's most prospective gold and nickel sulphide projects being undertaken.The regional geology has never before been defined consistently in such detail across the entire greenstone belt. Only now are parallels in the geology being drawn, between areas such as the Mount Windarra area and Yamarna regions to the east, and the Kalgoorlie area to the south, highlighting target areas that have previously gone unrecognised. Multiple potential gold and base metal target areas are in the process of being defined, ranked and assessed.Active Ardea programs are shown in Figure 5 (see link below) in bright yellow, with other gazetted, historically documented prospects and areas of interest shown in pale yellow. Newly generated targets presently under assessment are not shown.First-pass drill programs at Jones Area A and Paul's Find are pegged out and ready to go. Recent access clearing and track rejuvenation was halted after the loader was bogged following very heavy rains across the Eastern Goldfields. The Company is also awaiting statutory DMIRS tenement approvals.DMIRS Programs of Work (PoW) have been submitted for drill programs at Gale and Northern Dunn's. Both areas have undergone thorough Aboriginal heritage surveys recently. Whilst some heritage locations have been identified, both programs have been designed so that they can proceed without hindrance.2019 RC drill program at GaleA two-phase program of RC drilling is planned for the Gale gold prospect. The Company will commence drilling upon receipt of all necessary drill permits which are presently being assessed by DMIRS.The first phase of drilling will comprise 21 RC drill holes spaced at approximately 160 x 160 m (thick black crosses, see Figure 6 in link below). Holes will mostly be to a 50 m depth, with several to penetrate to 100 m. The footprint of the program is approximately that of the surface outcrop gold anomaly. The program is expected to confirm historic results and provide a precursor to a second expanded phase of drilling.Contingent upon the results of Phase 1, Phase 2 will extend the drill program to cover more of the interpreted extent of the mineralised granite under cover. This program will comprise an additional 42 RC drill holes beyond the defined surface footprint of the outcrop-limited gold anomaly. Full implementation of the program will cover an area measuring approximately 1,400 m x 1,050 m.About the Gale prospectThe Gale gold prospect is defined by surface anomalism in gold, arsenic, copper and barium. The gold anomaly in surface sampling demarcates a footprint limited by outcrop extent of 900 x 300 m defined by 25 samples of various types each exceeding 0.1 g/t Au (see Figure 6 in link below). These values peak at 1.49 g/t gold. In the well explored Eastern Goldfields Province, such a surface anomaly is exceptional. Gold in soil values peak at a very high 273 ppb.Mineralisation at Gale is hosted by granites and is associated with sericitic, pyritic, and hematitic alteration reminiscent of Dacian's Jupiter gold mine along strike to the south. Historic 1990s shallow RAB drilling returned anomalous geochemical results including:- MZR004, 18 m at 0.51 g/t Au from surface- MZR019, 18 m at 0.48 g/t Au from surface- MZR020, 2 m at 3.12 g/t Au from 8 m- MZR024, 2 m at 1.64 g/t Au from 2 m- MZR049, 6 m at 1.26 g/t Au from surfaceAttempts at the time to correlate intercepts vertically failed and the project was abandoned. However, Ardea's reappraisal of historic data using a sub-horizontal Jupiter-style model shows promise. More data is required, and this will be addressed with the forthcoming program.2019 aircore program at Dunn's NorthAn initial aircore drill program at Dunn's North is designed to appraise deformed and altered banded iron-formation (BIF) units interpreted beneath cover adjacent to the newly defined E-W suture. The suture appears to be a south-dipping feature over which the BIF appears to have undergone significant deformation, re-orienting from a north-south strike to a roughly east-west strike.Further south on Dunn's Line, historic gold workings are associated with faults in the banded iron-formation. In aeromagnetic data, such locations correspond to demagnetisation of the BIF units. Similar but more extensive and intense demagnetisation is recognised in aeromagnetic data at Dunn's North, which is overlain and completely obscured by alluvial and sheetwash sediments. The geochemical response of these transported sediments is not considered to be indicative of underlying potential. No historic drilling was found in Ardea field checking.Dunn's North is a virgin target defined by Ardea, with no historic work of any kind apart from sparse, non-representative surface sampling. The target was identified and prioritised as a result of Ardea's regional appraisal and reinterpretation of the Mount Zephyr greenstone belt. As such, inexpensive aircore drilling is planned for first-pass testing of the target.The Dunn's North area also comprises an extensive series of targets hosted by ultramafic rocks within the E-W suture. Intense demagnetisation is interpreted over an area measuring approximately 3.2 km by 1.4 km. If correct, such a demagnetisation zone would likely represent a very large hydrothermal event that, based on the Dunns Line to the immediate south, could possibly be gold-bearing. This area will be a target of forthcoming work.Other Mount Zephyr drill programsPrograms are also ready to go at Jones Area A and Paul's Find on the eastern margin of the Mount Zephyr greenstone belt (see Figure 5 in link below).- Jones Area A - outcropping base metal (nickel-copper sulphide) gossans adjacent to a banded iron-formation show similarities to the highly mineralised Mount Windarra stratigraphy on the opposite side of the Mount Margaret Anticline to the east. As on Dunn's Line, the BIF ridge is cross-cut by numerous faults showing local demagnetisation, suggesting hydrothermal alteration and the potential for gold.- Paul's Find - recent gold prospecting activity in alluvials requires location of the bedrock gold source. Newly discovered, poorly exposed altered porphyries which deflect the greenstone-bounding fault system may be that source and require drill testing.PoWs have been approved for these areas. They are likely to be drilled pending favourable final internal assessment.In addition to these, numerous other targets are under assessment and will be ranked and, where appropriate, explored in due course.A golden 2019Ardea's gold exploration program will be systematic and extend to all project areas in 2019. Historic gold workings at Taurus (east of Kalgoorlie), Bedonia (east of Norseman) and Ghost Rocks (NW of Menzies on a probable extension of the BTZ) will be assessed and are all likely to be drilled. Secondary NSW gold projects will also be assessed, with Black Bullock, Ophir, Mount Aubrey, Yeoval and others being ranked and prioritised.To view figures, please visit:About Ardea Resources Ltd Ardea Resources Ltd (ASX:ARL) (OTCMKTS:ARRRF) (FRA:A91) is an ASX listed resources company, with 100% controlled Australian based projects, prioritising a three-pronged value creation strategy which is: - development of the Goongarrie Nickel Cobalt Project, which is part of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project, a globally significant series of nickel-cobalt deposits which host the largest nickel-cobalt resource in the developed world, coincidentally located as a cover sequence overlying fertile orogenic gold targets; - advanced-stage exploration at WA gold and nickel sulphide targets within the Eastern Goldfields world-class nickel-gold province; and - the demerger of the NSW gold and base metal assets with planned in-specie share distribution, with projects located within the Lachlan Fold Belt world-class gold-copper province. It's our second pandemic Thanksgiving. How's it affecting you? It's Thanksgiving Day, and while it's the second COVID-19 Thanksgiving, more of us are traveling to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Amendment to Fura Gems Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - New Energy Minerals Limited ("New Energy", the "Company) ( ASX:NXE ) ( FRA:GGY ) announces that the terms of the Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement dated 14 July 2018 ("MRAA") with Fura Gems Inc. ("Fura"), have been amended between the parties with an amendment agreement dated 26 November 2018 ("Amending Agreement").(see Note 1 below)Under the terms of the Amending Agreement, the consideration payable to New Energy upon closing of the transaction will now be A$2.8 million in cash, rather than the originally agreed 10.5 million Fura shares to be issued to the Company over a 20-month period from closing.The parties have also agreed to extend the closing date of the agreement from 30 November 2018 to 28 February 2019, to allow for the satisfaction of the remaining conditions precedent, principally being a binding tax opinion from the tax authorities in Mozambique, and Ministerial approval. In the event that the Company has not obtained and supplied all the outstanding documents and approvals required for closing to occur on or before the closing date, Fura may exercise a unilateral right to extend the closing date until all conditions are met. Fura may also terminate the MRAA if the conditions precedents are not met by the closing date.Concurrently with the Amending Agreement, New Energy has also entered into a Loan Agreement ("Loan Agreement") with Fura for the aggregate amount of A$2.8 million (the "Commitment"). In terms of the Loan Agreement, the Company will be able to draw down funds prior to completion of the MRAA, for purposes of settling any claims or disputes with Arena Investors, should this be required(see Note 2 below). Any funds drawn under the Loan Agreement will bear capitalised interest at 15% per annum and the loan is unsecured. Upon Fura closing the MRAA, the Loan Agreement will automatically terminate, and the payment of all accrued capitalised interest waived by Fura.If the MRAA is terminated and closing did not occur under the MRAA, then all advances made by Fura to New Energy under the Loan Agreement will be repayable by New Energy with interest.The Loan Agreement is conditional on Fura obtaining TSX Venture Exchange approval for the loan within 21 business days and any advance by Fura under the Loan Agreement is conditional on either (i) Arena withdrawing its Statutory Demand, or (ii) Arena agreeing to withdraw the Statutory Demand conditional upon receiving an amount of money from the Company not exceeding the amount of the Commitment.Further conditions to advances being made under the Loan Agreement to the Company include warranties regarding solvency, no security being registered over the Company or its assets and the Company entering into the MRAA Amending Agreement.The Company has also agreed to sell certain gemstone processing related plant and equipment to Fura for A$489,439.86 independently of the advances under Loan Agreement. These funds are expected to be received by the Company within 3 business days and are not repayable if the MRAA as amended is terminated in accordance with its terms.New Energy Minerals Managing Director Bernard Olivier Commented: "The amendment to the Merger of Ruby Assets Agreement and the cash consideration was specifically re-negotiated due to the statutory demand received from Arena Investor and now places New Energy in an advantageous position in the dispute process. It is also particularly important as the Company enters the financing stage of its pilot plant development at the Caula Vanadium-Graphite project"."The board of New Energy would like to thank Fura for renegotiating the terms of the MRAA at the request of the Company".Notes:1 Refer to ASX Announcement dated 17 July 2018 for details of the original agreement with Fura2 Refer to ASX Announcement dated 6 November 2018About New Energy Minerals Ltd New Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:NXE) (FRA:GGY) is an ASX listed junior mining company, that recently announced the divestment of the Company's Caula vanadium - graphite project and the Montepuez Ruby project in Mozambique. New Fleet Xpress Customers Eligible for Free 60 cm or Half-Off 1 meter Antennas Launches Innovative Fleet Xpress Dual Antenna Solution Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Speedcast International Limited ( ASX:SDA ) ( OTCMKTS:SPPDF ), the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions, has successfully launched an innovative dual antenna solution for Fleet Xpress customers. The company also announced two unique promotions to celebrate this first-to-market launch of Fleet Xpress dual Ka-Band antenna systems onboard commercial maritime vessels, adventure cruise ships, and offshore supply vessels.With dual Ka-Band antennas installed onboard, Fleet Xpress users experience greater uptime on Ka-Band and have a higher certainty of maximizing throughput at sea. In single Ka-Band antenna installations, the vessel automatically switches between Ka-Band and the L-Band back-up service of FleetBroadband, so in times of blockage customers will utilize the L-Band system for operations. Because of the reduced risk of structural blockage with this new dual antenna configuration, the customer spends less time on FleetBroadband and enjoys a better experience over the high-throughput Ka-Band service. This dual antenna system from Speedcast is available to users in all maritime segments, including commercial maritime and smaller adventure cruise ships, and can be combined with new flexible airtime packages to meet the demands for short-term, high bandwidth options in the energy sector.With the Speedcast dual antenna promotions, Speedcast customers can get a free Cobham 60 cm antenna when they rent or lease a primary 60 cm antenna on Fleet Xpress. Alternatively, customers can choose to receive a 50 percent discount on a Cobham one meter antenna when they rent or lease a primary one meter antenna on Fleet Xpress."This innovative dual antenna system will have a dramatic impact on the Fleet Xpress user experience", said Athina Vezyri, Executive Vice President, Maritime, Speedcast. "Speedcast continues to see strong demand for Fleet Xpress services with over 600 vessels in backlog and we look forward to working with our customers to increase their service levels with this first-to-market solution. We are already seeing strong early take up on the dual antenna promotion. In addition to the demand in maritime we are targeting the offshore supply vessel market at a time when we expect the energy market to grow."The dual antenna promotion is valid through 31 March 2019, or while supplies last.About Speedcast International Ltd Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Technology Commercialisation Strategy and Revenue Model Overview Melbourne, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Environmental Clean Technologies Limited ( ASX:ECT ) (ECT or Company) is pleased to provide the following overview of its technology commercialisation and revenue model.Key points:- 10-year technology commercialisation pathway defined and evaluated- Future market share and capacity targets established for key India, Australia and global projects- Strategy for revenue diversification outlined- ECT Revenue Model aligned with corporate business strategy, resource base and management structureBackgroundECT is a research and development company working to bring its technologies to market via a defined commercialisation pathway.The Company is presently pre-commercial, relying on a combination of market-based capital raising and government funding via the Australian Government's R&D Tax Incentive program to fund its programs.Having recently progressed its flagship India project closer toward financial close, and hence closer to commercialisation (assuming the R&D stage is successful), investors have sought guidance from the Company on its plans for commercial deployment.The following report provides investors with:- A general guide regarding the commercialisation pathway, including targets for the timing and scale of potential future projects- A summary of target revenue streams that may be realised in part or whole, across the target projects.MethodologyThe Company has continued to develop and refine its commercial strategy for the generation of positive net returns. As part of this process, a framework was developed which maps a commercialisation pipeline (consisting of targeted capacity growth) and translates this to a medium-term (7 - 10 years) revenue model.This model allows the business to measure the risk/return profile of each significant investment decision and, overall, estimate the future income the business can reasonably expect from the commercialisation of its technologies according to targets.In the preparation of these models, the Company must make an assessment of a broad set of operational and financial variables, including but not limited to the anticipated success of research and development (R&D) programs, timeframes for project development implementation and future behaviour of commodity pricing. Concurrently, the Company must assess the risks that certain events or milestones may not transpire.Regulatory and Commercial Constraints on DisclosuresThere are a number of prevailing regulatory and compliance requirements placed on an ASX listed company which means it is not possible to make prospective financial forecasts at this time.As is appropriate, ECT will continue to review and refine its revenue model, and where there is a reasonable basis on which to fix a value or volume at a point in time (indicated by such events as binding contracts), the Company may provide additional detail and clarity as to its future earnings opportunities.In addition to the regulatory constraints around forward-looking statements, certain commercial information is not suitable for release. For example, the royalty rates associated with technology licensing, if disclosed, could prejudice future commercial negotiations with potential customers. This is not in the best interests of shareholders.ECT Chairman Glenn Fozard commented, "We encourage investors to focus on our capacity targets. These targets are, we believe, achievable."For example, our targets around Matmor deployment in India, if achieved would represent around a 3% share of India's targeted 165 million tonne growth in steel capacity."The attached report covers the target timeframes for commercialisation of Coldry and Matmor, and indicative capital estimates and potential revenue streams."As the Company advances its commercialisation program, announcements will be made when material agreements are established, allowing investors to track progress against the targets.Future annual and half-year reporting will provide the financial information necessary for investors to draw their own conclusions on the value of the Company.To view the Revenue Model, please visit:About Environmental Clean Technologies Ltd Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ASX:ECT) is in the business of commercialising leading-edge coal and iron making technologies, which are capable of delivering financial and environmental benefits. We are focused on advancing a portfolio of technologies, which have significant market potential globally. ECT's business plan is to pragmatically commercialise these technologies and secure sustainable, profitable income streams through licencing and other commercial mechanisms. Signs Off-Take Agreement with Sky Rock Rare Earth Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Hastings Technology Metals Limited ( ASX:HAS ) ("Hastings" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Sky Rock Rare Earth New Materials Co Ltd (Sky Rock) for the supply of mixed rare earths carbonate (MREC) from its Yangibana Rare Earths Project conditional upon production commencing in about 2 years time.- Execution of Off-take Contract for supply of Mixed Rare Earths Carbonate from Yangibana Rare Earths Project with Sky Rock Rare Earth New Materials Co Ltd of Boatou, China- Five year fixed term contract for Annual Purchase Quantity of 2,500 tonnes of Carbonate each year with two year initial ramp-up supply flexibility- Pricing mechanism will be based on "90 days mid" EXW (Ex Works) China price of Rare Earth Oxide in RMB/kg (published by Asian Metal) contained in the MREC product prior to shipping via FOB Fremantle Port, Western Australia- Purchaser to supply Irrevocable Letter of Credit sufficient to cover 100% of the FOB price of the Annual Purchase Quantity- Further milestone in securing markets for Yangibana rare earths produceKey conditions of the Off take agreement are:- Five year fixed term contract for Annual Purchase Quantity of 2,500 tonnes of Carbonate each year with two year initial ramp-up supply flexibility.- Pricing mechanism referenced to Asian Metals' published "90 days mid" EXW (Ex Works) China price, in RMB/kg of each Rare Earth Oxide contained in the MREC product prior to shipping via FOB Fremantle Port Western Australia.- Independent sampling and analysis at Fremantle loading Port prior to shipment.- Purchaser to supply Irrevocable Letter of Credit (issued by member of London Clearing House acceptable to Seller), payable at sight, sufficient to cover 100% of the FOB price of the Annual Purchase Quantity.- All payments will be made in USD in immediately available funds.- Governing law for validity, construction and performance of Off-take Contract in accordance with Laws of England and Wales and subject to Singapore International Arbitration Centre Rules.Charles Lew, Executive Chairman of Hastings commented that "execution of this 5-year mixed rare earths carbonate contract is another important step towards funding and development of the Yangibana Rare Earths Project so that we can supply high grade Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr) to our various international offtake customers."About Sky RockSky Rock, based in Baotou (the largest industrial city in Inner Mongolia), China, is a company set up in 2006 that is involved in the production of high temperature tolerance NdFeB permanent magnets. Its main products are Sintered Neodymium Magnets and Sintering Samarium Cobalt Magnets. Its products are sold to computer, mobile phone, motor and generator, automobile (EV/HEV), audio-video system, office automation and many other major international companies worldwide. The company has strong technical competence and invests substantially in R&D for rare earth usage in magnets and its long term sustainability of production.About Hastings Technology Metals Ltd Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:HAS) (FRA:5AM) is advancing its Yangibana Rare Earths Project in the Upper Gascoyne Region of Western Australia towards production. The proposed beneficiation and hydro metallurgy processing plant will treat rare earths deposits, predominantly monazite, hosting high neodymium and praseodymium contents to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate that will be further refined into individual rare earth oxides at processing plants overseas. Neodymium and praseodymium are vital components in the manufacture of permanent magnets which is used in a wide and expanding range of advanced and high-tech products including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical applications and others. Hastings aims to become the next significant producer of neodymium and praseodymium outside of China. Hastings holds 100% interest in the most significant deposits within the overall project, and 70% interest in additional deposits that will be developed at a later date, all held under Mining Leases. Numerous prospects have been identified warranting detailed exploration to further extend the life of the project. Brockman Project The Brockman deposit, near Halls Creek in Western Australia, contains JORC Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, estimated using the guidelines of JORC Code (2012 Edition). The Company is also progressing a Mining Lease application over the Brockman Rare Earths and Rare Metals Project. Hastings aims to capitalise on the strong demand for critical rare earths created by the expanding demand for new technology products. According to the World Health Organisation, 2015 saw over a million people across the globe losing their lives in road-related accidents, and in a call to action, stated that road accidents are a massive and largely preventable economic toll. Many developed countries in the west now consider this a top priority. Their action plans include immediate medical care through bystander intervention. Bystanders, who witness these accidents, are not just expected to help, but in some countries are even punished for negligence if they dont. Through Frances Non-assistance a personne en danger (or Duty to rescue), the liability of the photographers who pursued Princess Dianas car on the day that she died was investigated. The charges against them were that of negligence they failed to render assistance to the victims (they were taking photographs of the dying celebrity in the car) .Eventually, the prosecutor dropped the charges as the driver was to blame. But because of the high-profile case that was, the question of moral duties of citizens was raised. In India, it doesnt take much for a crowd to gather (not just photographers). Curiosity tends to get the better of most people on the streets, many of whom often will stop traffic just to get a quick (or long) peek at whatever is happening. Even accident spots arent spared. WhatsApp forwards that preach road safety are almost always accompanied by gruesome, bloody videos of fatal accidents with a crowd often circling the scene. Unfortunately for victims of road accidents, crowds are just observers, and often hesitate to help, and with good reason. With accidents come the police, and with the police come investigations. Assistance is therefore, not always easy or instinctive. This is primarily because people are unaware of Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act the Good Samaritan Law. It defines a good Samaritan as a bystander at the scene of an accident who offers to provide medical or non-medical assistance to the injured, by either calling for an ambulance, the cops or even taking the victim to the hospital themselves. These eyewitnesses, who are assumed to have acted in good faith and no expectation of reward, are shielded from legal inquiries by the police or hospitals. No personal details are required from them, their identity neednt be disclosed, and they cannot be pulled into any investigation that may occur after the accident: no civil or criminal liability. This is to ensure that an act of goodwill driven by empathy and a sense of social responsibility is respected. But this law, enacted for all the right reasons, is not implemented. According to a multi-city survey conducted in 11 cities by the not-for-profit SaveLIFE Foundation with a sample of 3667 people, including the police and hospital administrations, nearly 90% were unaware of this law and a little under 53% of good Samaritans have been detained by the police. Another aspect of the law which saw a shocking 0% compliance is mandatory charters which are meant to be placed in hospitals; which were not. This isnt just alarming, its unlawful. This is a recent addition to the larger Motor Vehicles Act, having been incorporated following the directions of the Supreme Court in Save Life Foundation vs. Union of India. England, Wales and Ireland have similar laws, all having been recently enacted. England and Wales have Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act which looks at some Samaritans as heroes. The roads in our country are dangerous, for pedestrians and vehicles, alike. Roads everywhere are either congested, narrow, falling apart or un-navigable, making accidents a common occurrence. According to data by the ministry of road transport and highways, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of maximum number of road deaths and Maharashtra isnt far behind. An average of about 150,000 people die in road accidents every year. The WHO in its World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention, 2004 has projected that by 2020, road accidents will be one of the biggest killers in India. Lets piece these statistics together: 150,000 deaths, of which about 50% died due to the lack of immediate medical care, during whats called the golden hour, the first hour of injury (WHO). According to the survey, only 29% of the participants were willing to escort a victim to hospital, 28% were willing to call an ambulance, and only 12% would agree to call the police. This is a worrying minority vis-a-vis the number of deaths. While the main reason for their hesitation comes from the fact that they fear the police, what is also significant is the fact these percentages prove that police interrogations deter people from the moral choice of saving a life. And that points to a larger problem of empathy. Respondents shouldnt just be empowered to act but also encouraged to, taught to act swiftly and consider it their social responsibility for the benefit of society. Also, and more importantly, the police and hospital administration must ensure compliance to the SC judgment and protect the rights of good Samaritans. For morality to prevail, there must be State support. And thats a good place to start to ensure road safety. marika.gabriel@htdigital.in Misuse of money and media becomes a formidable challenge to any regulator, said outgoing chief election commissioner OP Rawat on Wednesday. In an interview to Smriti Kak Ramachandran, Rawat said all stakeholders should insulate the polling process from excess use of money and social media for ensuring the sanctity of the biggest democratic exercise. Rawats tenure ends on December 2. Edited excerpts: As your tenure draws to a close, how do you review your term? Any disappointments? I have only one regret. We felt elections laws have to be subjected to a comprehensive review to align them with current and futuristic election environment such as social media and we constituted a committee (to review the Representation of the People Act) that did the exercise, but my tenure as the chief election commissioner has been packed with back-to-back elections, so we could not devote time to that. We have suggested amendments to the law ministry. This is the only thing I wanted to do because once the legal system is updated to measure up to the challenges thrown by the other stakeholders then it is easier to hold free and fair elections. Otherwise, I feel satisfied that whatever else I had thought of at the time of joining the EC has been done since the assembly poll in Bihar to the Chhattisgarh election. Elections have been peaceful and there has been an overall high voter turnout and high participation of women and physically challenged. There has been an improvement in the purity of electoral rolls. All the petitions that were filed in courts about electronic voting machines and electoral rolls have been dismissed. That shows the commission has been able to able to streamline processes. When electoral rolls are purified, then participation is reflected objectively it if is inflated. Like in Bengaluru for instance, there is a lot of voter migration so there are duplicate entries, that is why the voting percentage has never crossed 60% there. We term that as urban apathy without realising that there are other factors. You often spoke about the increasing misuse of money during electioneering. The use of money and social media in elections are the concerns of election management bodies globally. Elections abroad have been affected apparently most adversely on these counts, where as in our case money is typical in certain states and constituencies, which are known as expenditure-sensitive. There was no issue of money in Mizoram, political parties requested that ceiling on expenses by candidates should be lowered from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. But wherever this is a problem (misuse of money), our flying squads have taking action and during the current round of elections in five states we have seized cash and freebies worth Rs 229 crore, of which Rs 131 crore is cash. How can this misuse be checked? The first step is to put a limit on the expenses of political parties. An expenditure ceiling by candidates is not sufficient. Many expenses... do not have candidates name. Whenever something is caught, it emerge as partys doing. This suggestion was first made in April 2013, a reminder was sent in 2016 and more recently again. Click here for complete coverage of Assembly Elections 2018 Have electoral bonds made funding transparent? Our expenditure division will brief the commission by the end of this week. So far, we dont know how they have worked. As for other funding aspects, we feel all donations should be made known, no matter how small the denomination. It cannot be permitted that 100% donation is coming in small denomination because that encourages black money and money from unethical sources. What other reforms should the EC focus on? The focus right now is only on money, media, decriminalisation of politics and adoption of technology to facilitate different categories of voters so that their participation goes up. Are political parties doing their bit to clean up the process? Political parties are coming forward to undertake reforms. Like I said, in Mizoram they wanted to bring down the limit on candidate expenses. These are the stakeholders who know best what will be an improvement in the existing system to bring more fairness. In the past you dubbed paid news and fake news as threats to the electoral process. Money and media combined become a formidable challenge to any regulator. Who can step in to check this? Everyone, there are responsible people in media and among the corporates. Everyone is a stakeholder in our elections and they must come forward and contribute to step up because power has a typical character, if it grows beyond a certain dimension then no one can rein it in. Like it happened in one of the democracies recently, when the presidential elections was held and the opposition candidate went to Supreme Court, which annulled the election because it was rigged; by the time re-election was called, neither the SC nor the EC had enough members to form a quorum. No platform for redress was available and then the leader of the opposition had to withdraw and 99% of the 34% votes polled went to one person. India is nowhere close to that, we are better off since it is a concern and it is growing it is better to nip it in the bud. The Maharashtra state election commission has said if NOTA (none of the above) option receives the maximum votes in a constituency, then none of the contesting candidates will be declared the winner and fresh elections will be held. Can this be replicated? NOTA was introduced after a ruling by the SC. What has happened in Maharashtra cannot be done, because here there is a provision in the law that EC shall declare the candidate with the highest number of votes as winner, here NOTA is not a candidate, therefore, we cant invoke plenary powers under article 324 of RP Act. Some political parties have called for reviewing the first past the post system? Will this be considered? It requires a larger debate as it might be construed as tinkering with the basic structure of the constitution. People in India are mature and intelligent voters and they keep giving signals. About 20 years back I was one of the observers in a local body election where the candidate for the Mayors post of one party won with a huge margin, where as 70% of the corporators of another party were elected. The peoples reasoning was that the candidate for the Mayors post was clean but not the rest of the candidates. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday Narendra Modi has broken every single promise of his, including being an honest prime minister. Speaking at a students convention in poll-bound Telangana, he also made a strong pitch for farm loan waiver. Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and caretaker Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao make many, many promises but do not deliver on them. The prime minister made promises of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen, two crore jobs to youth every year, farm loan waiver and a just minimum support price for farm produce. He also promised he will be the chowkidaar of this country and not the prime minister. You have seen that he has broken every single promise. He has broken the promise of being an honest prime minister, he said. Addressing the convention organised by private educational institutions, he said the Congress party believes in fairness and all its policies are designed to create a level playing field for different sections of people. He also said Rao got a golden opportunity to build a newly created state and do things in a fresh way but he fritted it away by indulging in corruption and promoting family rule. Gandhi asked the audience to recollect his speeches of the last 15 years and identify even one commitment he made and did not honour. I am not in the habit of lying to our people. I am not in the habit of making false promises. I made a commitment to farmers about agricultural loan waiver in Karnataka and Punjab, and when we were voted to power there, we wrote them off, he said. Gandhi said he would never make tall promises like creating two crore jobs every year or putting Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of people. It is a matter of my credibility and I take that very seriously, he asserted. Gandhi alleged the TRS government had favoured large corporate institutions. Referring to the Congress manifesto, he promised health insurance for the staff of private educational institutions recognised by the government, reasonable power tariff and reduction in municipal and property taxes. If voted to power, the Congress-led alliance will also try and revive thousands of minority institutions that failed as a result of the policies of the TRS government, he said. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. ) Neha Dhupia is setting new goals for the aspiring mothers out there as the actor-host returned to work just 10 days after giving birth to a baby girl in Mumbai. The former Miss India is married to Tiger Zinda Hai actor Angad Bedi and has named their daughter Mehr. In a recent social media post, Neha shared glimpses of herself from a brand shoot. Neha can be seen prepping for a photo shoot as a hairstylist styles her hair in the post while she clicks mirror selfies. She shared another picture from the shoot while posing for the camera. Neha had been shooting for her chat show No Filter Neha in her third trimester. She interviewed Bollywood celebrities including Katrina Kaif, Radhika Apte and Ayushmann Khurrana for the show. Interestingly, the last episode that went on air before she went into labour featured her own husband Angad whom she had interviewed a few days before. U Little Beauty MEHR..another Lifeline for Grandparents...Both Maternal & Paternal..Arent we Blessed..?!! Yes All of it by Gurus MEHR Only..GodBless Little One..Welcome to this Journey..Ordained by Almighty WaheGuru..!! pic.twitter.com/LtPYr9lG82 Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) November 20, 2018 Mehr Dhupia Bedi says hello to the world ... pic.twitter.com/DFWfsI39TF Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) November 20, 2018 The diva had earlier shared pictures from her pregnancy photo shoot along with Angad. The two had tied the knot in a private ceremony at a Gurudwara in Delhi on May 10 this year. Talking about their sudden marriage which was planned just in four days, Angad had revealed on her chat show that it was pregnancy that led the couple to get married after several years of relationship. Angad had revealed how he reached her house to break the news of her pregnancy and propose marriage. In a candid chat with his wife and host on No Filter Neha, Angad said, Considerig that you didnt want to break the news that you were expecting, so we had to tell them that we need to get married and we love each other. I was extremely nervous because that was the judgement day, technically. To break the news to your parents, I really had cold feet as clearly it was not going to come from you (Neha). Everything had to come for me. I had to really man up and speak. I just had to blurt it out and see the reaction. Follow @htshowbiz for more The automotive industry will see more changes in the next five years than in the last 50 years, with collaborations between industry and academia vital to the way forward, according to Ralf Speth, CEO of the Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover. Addressing industry leaders at the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) in Coventry, Speth said India, with innovation as one of its key strengths, is well placed to respond to the coming changes. The WMG is founded by prominent engineer-academic Kumar Bhattacharyya, who is also a member of the House of Lords. Speth told the gathering at the conference organised by the Consulate of India, Birmingham, and others: In automotive, we will see more change in the next 5 years than in the last 50 as autonomous, connected, electrified and shared vehicles, what we at JLR call ACES are becoming real. At JLR, we call this future mobility as Destination Zero: zero emissions, zero accidents, zero congestion; and our journey towards Destination Zero has already started. The Jaguar I-Pace, the worlds first premium electric SUV, is the latest step. In the companys quest for Destination Zero, Speth added that JLR, Tata and WMG have invested 150 million in the largest single automotive technology facility in Europe, now named as the Lord Bhattacharya building. India is well positioned to respond to the rapid pace of change because it has innovation embedded into the fabric of its society. The opportunity for today and tomorrow is to harness Indias rich expertise and skill in a new mobility ecosystem. Not just to Make in India, but to Make with India and to Make for India, Speth added. Amo Kalar of the British High Commission, New Delhi, welcomed WMGs commitment to the India - UK Tech Partnership announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Theresa May in April. He observed the scale of opportunities provided by bilateral economic collaboration, such as the 1,10,000 plus jobs by the Indian companies in UK, many bringing in highly skilled professionals. Kiran Khatri of the high commission of India highlighted the success of Access India programme as a unique integrated market-entry support programme, which is the first of its kind to support UK businesses, focussing on UK SMEs. The AIP is currently supporting 24 such SMEs. A jury in California rejected claims that Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. has discriminated for years against American workers in favour of staffing its US offices with Indians. The verdict is a major victory for the Indian outsourcing industry, whose business model depends heavily on exporting Indian engineers to the US. A federal jury in Oakland, California, sided Wednesday with TCS against four former employees who claimed theyd been sidelined and fired because they arent South Asian. The case was the first of several accusing Indias big IT firms of hiring bias in the US to go to trial. HCL Technologies Ltd., Infosys Ltd. and Wipro Ltd. face similar claims. This is a shot in the arm for the industry, which has not seen anything positive come out on the US visa regulation front for some years, said Anurag Rana, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. The trial cast a spotlight on work-visa programs that companies use to bring overseas workers to the US, a practice president Donald Trump has criticized in his protectionist push. TCS, Asias largest outsourcer, and rivals Infosys and Wipro have all been squeezed by the Trump administration to hire more Americans on US soil. The ex-employees who sued accused TCS of a systematic pattern and practice of discrimination by favoring Indian ex-pats and visa-ready workers from India for US positions. That has resulted in a workforce thats almost 80 percent South Asian, far greater than the 12 percent representation of South Asians in the US. IT workforce, according to the complaint. Trumps H-1B Visa Rules Hit Tech Firms With Costs, Complications At trial, the plaintiffs cited statistical evidence that the odds of race and national origin not being a factor in TCSs termination decisions are less than one in a billion. They said that since 2011, the company fired 12.6 percent of its non-South Asian workers in the US, compared with less than 1 percent of its South Asian employees. TCS attorneys argued the company had no incentive to discriminate, having spent millions of dollars on building a local talent pool in the US. Employees were terminated because they were unwilling to move to cities in the US where TCS needed more engineers, the company said. We have always maintained the claims made in this case were baseless, and we are gratified that the jury agreed, Ben Trounson, a spokesman for TCS, said in an emailed statement after the verdict. The decisions we make about the hiring and retention of employees are based purely on their abilities and fit to serve our clients specific needs. A unit of the Tata Group, Indias largest industrial conglomerate, TCS employs more than 400,000 people worldwide, is valued at about $100 billion and posted revenue of $19 billion for the fiscal year that ended in March. Most of its revenue comes from the US, and its primary customers are in the financial services sector. Imran Khan is right to say a war between India and Pakistan is unlikely as no nuclear power would lose. It doesnt, however, mean that peace is about to break out. It also depends on what kind of war we are talking about. War and peace between enemies whove fought four wars on various scales in seven decades, continue a low-intensity conflict through most of these, and have existential fears about each other is too serious and complex an issue to be analysed in terms of events and speeches. Analysts peaceniks and warmongers on both sides have made that error often enough in the past. I am no exception. Over the 33 years since my first reporting visit to Pakistan (summer of 1985, to cover the trial of Sikh hijackers of an Indian Airlines plane), I have over-read the situation more than once, on the positive and the negative side. That, despite the fact that I have probably spent more time in Pakistan as a journalist than most in Indian media. It takes you time and patience to appreciate the many unresolved ideological and political issues underlying our hostility. It is fashionable but juvenile to make comparisons with France and Germany. Imran is only the latest to use it, not the first. Nothing can be lazier. Neither France nor Germany was born by a division of the other. They fought many wars, but one was defeated with finality. Europe spent decades dismantling its toxic nationalism. There was America as the Big Daddy supervising this, and guaranteeing Western Europe protection. To put it brutally: This peace wasnt reached because good sense descended on both sides. It is because one was defeated, devastated, divided and occupied by the worlds biggest powers. The first and the last opportunity for India-Pakistan peace was the Simla Agreement. We know who was insincere from the moment the agreement was signed. This is precisely when Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (an elected, civilian leader with the vanquished Army deflated) launched Pakistan on to the path of pan-Islamisation and nuclearisation. He dissed that great Simla opportunity for permanent peace as a humiliating Treaty of Versailles and began preparing for a thousand-year war (his early 1970s boast, repeated about two decades later by his daughter as prime minister). Bhutto Senior wanted it to be a war Pakistan would never lose again. Hence the nukes. Thats the reason Imran Khan can stand at a solemn religious celebration and remind the much bigger India that its conventional military power amounts to nothing. Bhutto founded this post-1971 strategic doctrine. Lets call it the we-shall-never-lose-another-war to India doctrine. We could argue that Pakistan lost in Kargil. But the nukes closed Indias options. Or a provocation like that would have invited a full military response. By the time Bhutto was done re-toxifying his country, his Army was set to reclaim power. It has gone through challenges, particularly from two full-majority governments under Nawaz Sharif. But now the template is set. An elected government is allowed as an optical necessity. Foreign, strategic, India-US-China policies, control of the nukes, temperature in Kashmir, Afghanistan are all out of the syllabus for elected governments. In their own different ways, both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif challenged it. One paid for it with prison, exile and life. The other with prison more than once, even with key family members, exile and disenfranchisement. Imran wont make a pretence. Since Zias assassination and the return of some democracy, his is the first government elected and set up entirely with the institutional Army patronage. His party is truly the Kings Party in Pakistans politics. To ensure his election, the guy most likely to win was barred from contesting, campaigning, jailed with his daughter and son-in-law. The numbers Imran still fell short of were arranged overnight. Of course, his patrons were humane enough to free his rivals once the mission was accomplished. Imran isnt about to make the blunder of his predecessors, and challenge the fauji-democracy template of divided powers. Or what an exasperated Nawaz Sharif described to me once as aadha teetar, aadha bater (half a partridge, half a quail). Dont be judgemental about Imran. Be realistic. On my first visit to Pakistan, eminent Pakistani lawyer, politician and activist, Aitzaz Ahsan, had described Zias party-less Muhammad Khan Junejo government as bonsai democracy. Pretty to look from outside, but never allowed to grow roots and branches outside of its little shelf-space. Over the decades, Pakistan has cemented that template. One who challenges it, goes to jail, exile, death or all three. Imran Khan is smart. In all evidence so far, hes Pakistans first volunteer bonsai. His intentions are unclear and dont matter. His limitations do, and these are clear. Thats the fundamental reality to remember before we get breathless over a gesture, an event, a speech, a pilgrimage. Over 1,000 policemen will be deployed in the city on Thursday in view of thousands of farmers reaching Delhi as part of the two-day Kisan Mukti March.The farmers will assembly at the Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi and plan to march to Parliament Street the next day. They are demanding a special three-week joint session of Parliament to discuss the agrarian crisis. Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi), Madhur Verma said police expect a gathering of 12,000 to 15,000 on Thursday. The organisers, however, said they expect 40,000 farmers to march to Parliament Street on Friday. The march will be the second major farmers protest in the national Capital in two months. On October 2, at least 20 people including police personnel were injured in a clash between protesters and security personnel at the Delhi-UP gate border on NH-24 when the Delhi police denied entry to thousands of farmers into the city. We will depute our men to handle the gathering. Additional force and traffic diversions will be put in place only if required. So far no traffic restrictions have been imposed around Ramlila Maidan. On Friday, the farmers plan to march up to Parliament Street. The march will be monitored to avoid the possibility of any untoward happening, Verma said. He added that the police are ready to tackle any possible situation. A Delhi government spokesperson said they have arranged around 260 mobile toilets, drinking water tankers and ambulances for the protesters. Organised under the banner of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella body of about 200 farmer organisations from across the country, the two-day march is being billed as a reminiscent of a similar protest march from Nashik to Mumbai by over 35,000 farmers from across Maharashtra in March this year. The organisers said the farmers will start entering Delhi after 5pm on Thursday from Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin, Brijwasan, Majnu Ka Tila and Kishangarh, to reach Ramlila Maidan. Police also keep a watch on these areas to manage a peaceful protest. The farmers will release a charter of demands on Friday after assembling at Parliament Street, said Vijoo Krishnan, joint secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, one of the AIKSCC-affiliated bodies. Singer Jasbir Jassi performs at farmers protest in Ramlila Maidan Delhi: Singer Jasbir Jassi performs at farmers' protest in Ramlila Maidan. Farmers from all over India have gathered in Delhi to participate in a 2-day protest over their demands, including debt relief & better MSP for crops. pic.twitter.com/b0a8LY16c1 ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 Activists take to Twitter to ask people to join march Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march. Women farmers greet us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan!, tweeted political activist Yogendra Yadav. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with farmers. Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs,due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Lets stand in solidarity with them, he said. Traffic police ask commuters to avoid certain routes Traffic police said traffic is likely to be affected during evening peak hours on Dhaula Kuan, Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa crescent, CP outer circle , Minto Road due farmers march and advised commuters to avoid this route. Anand Vihar, Vikas Marg , Rajghat , Jawaharlal Nehru Marg also likely to remain affected during evening peak hours, traffic police said, advising people to avoid the route. About one lakh expected to gather at Ramlila The marchers will gather at Ramlila Ground by evening, the farmer leaders said, expecting a crowd of about one lakh. Tamil Nadu farmers arrive with skulls A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu arrived in Delhi, carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide and threatening to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday Trains carrying farmers to arrive in Delhi soon Two special trains carrying farmers, one from Maharashtras Miraj and other from Bengaluru, were expected to reach Delhi later in the day. Farmers gathering from across Delhi The farmers are marching in from Nizamuddin, Sabzi Mandi Station, Anand Vihar Terminal and Majnu Ka Tila. Yogendra Yadav participating in the rally Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj India is leading a Chalo Dilli rally from Bijwasan to Ramlila Maidan, that has been joined by farmers from Odisha, Haryana, Rajasthan. The inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor is a positive step, but whether this could be the means to the end called peace between India and Pakistan, remains an open question. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan used an interaction with a visiting group of Indian journalists to say that it wasnt in Pakistans interest to allow its soil to be used for terrorism against others. But the history of the relationship between India and Pakistan has been that of one step forward and two steps back. The first challenge is to sustain and keep the idea of the corridor alive beyond 2019, the year that coincides with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikh guru Baba Nanak Dev. The concern among sceptics that India will not be able to control security in the 4.5-kilometre corridor doesnt appear to be too insurmountable a challenge. Also, the chances that the opening of the corridor may lead to the revival of the Khalistan movement appear to be remote, because of a few significant reasons. One, a lot of water has flown down the Beas since the height of the Khalistan movement of the 1980s. The change is clear from the fact that the Congress government is in power in the border state again. Second, in terms of history, Pakistan has never had any claim on Punjab, unlike Kashmir, which remains an unresolved territorial dispute. Having said this, the threat on account of Pakistans history has not gone away overnight. There is a strong possibility that our neighbour will stop exporting terror from its territory to India, in violation of the MoU signed in 2004 between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At the inauguration, Mr Khan said the Army and the PM were on the same page when it came to ties with India. While this is good news for Mr Khan, the more important requirement is for India and Pakistan to be on the same page in fighting terror. Only then can momentum be built for the popular support that is a prerequisite for any peace effort. At present, the mood in India is not in favour of a dialogue with Pakistan. With India set to go in for elections in 2019, Mr Khans gesture, although well meaning, appears to have come at the wrong time. AGM Presentation Perth, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Ardea Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARL ) ( OTCMKTS:ARRRF ) provides the Company's AGM Presentation.Significant Progress in 2018Building on the $50 Million spent by Vale and Heron on 2005-2009 PFSGeology- Resource upgrade at Goongarrie- Maiden reserve announced for Goongarrie- 47,239m of drilling to date by Ardea since listingMetallurgy- Variability and Rheology test work to date favourable- Pilot Plant testing successfully produced nickel and cobalt sulphate crystals- Crystals meet specifications of several battery industry off-takers- Marketing samples to be evaluated by off-takers and battery end-usersProject Studies- Pre-Feasibility Study completed for 1.0 and 1.5Mtpa processing options- Scoping Study completed for 2.25Mtpa expansion case optionTo view the full presentation, please visit:About Ardea Resources Ltd Ardea Resources Ltd (ASX:ARL) (OTCMKTS:ARRRF) (FRA:A91) is an ASX listed resources company, with 100% controlled Australian based projects, prioritising a three-pronged value creation strategy which is: - development of the Goongarrie Nickel Cobalt Project, which is part of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project, a globally significant series of nickel-cobalt deposits which host the largest nickel-cobalt resource in the developed world, coincidentally located as a cover sequence overlying fertile orogenic gold targets; - advanced-stage exploration at WA gold and nickel sulphide targets within the Eastern Goldfields world-class nickel-gold province; and - the demerger of the NSW gold and base metal assets with planned in-specie share distribution, with projects located within the Lachlan Fold Belt world-class gold-copper province. Medical aspirants older than 25 years can appear in NEET undergraduate exam 2019 for MBBS and BDS, the Supreme Court ordered on Thursday. The top court said the final admission would be subject to the final outcome of the case on validity of CBSE decision to fix upper age limit. The top court has extended the last date for submitting filled NEET forms by a week to enable aspirants who did not qualify under the earlier age criteria to apply. The last date for submitting forms was tomorrow. The Central Board of Secondary Education, or CBSE, had notified the upper age limit of 25 and 30 years for general and reserved categories respectively to apply for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-UG, a pre-qualification for pursuing MBBS course. The Supreme Courts decision comes in the matter of Medical Council of Indias (MCI) decision to keep an upper age limit for NEET for admission to medical colleges. The court had earlier agreed to examine the validity of an amendment to the MCI Regulations on Graduate Medical Education of 1997. The amendment that was notified on January 22, stipulated an upper age limit of 25 years for general category candidates and of 30 years for those belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBC) as well as those is the physically handicapped categories. The Delhi High Court had on May 11 upheld the regulation. It had held that a 17- or 18-year-old candidate will find it difficult to compete with older and more experienced candidates. Senior advocate Amarendra Sharan, arguing for the petitioners, told the court the regulation is artificial and serves no real objective. The Regulation is bad as per the (MCI Oversight) Committee as well as the central government that has recommended deletion of the upper age limit as the country needs more doctors, the lawyer said. But the bench noted that the regulations are in exercise of legislative power to which Sharan replied: When candidates secure higher marks, it increases competition, resulting in better doctors. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, will soon have a statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on its sprawling campus. His portrait will be hung in the conference hall of the institute and the institute will give a no-objection certificate for the registration of the Ambedkar Vichar Manch, an SC/ST association, without any delay. IIT-K director Abhay Karindikar made all these promises to Swaraj Vidwat, member of National Commission for Scheduled Castes whom he met on Wednesday. Vidwat later told reporters that she got assurances that all her demands would be fulfilled at the earliest. While the institute and Vidwat both chose not to elaborate on the assurances, some see it as an effort of IIT Kanpur to settle the Prof Subramanyam Sardela issue. An assistant professor in aerospace engineering, Sardela had recently filed an FIR accusing four upper caste professors of allegedly harassing him because of his caste. His action caused an uproar on the campus and divided it along caste lines, with each side including professors, their wives and students. Swaraj was here to participate in a three-day 24th convention of the All India SC/ST Federation held in IIT Kanpur. Representatives of seven old IITs Guwahati, Madras, Bombay, Kharagpur, Roorkee, Kanpur and Delhi IITs participated in the convention. Her meeting with Prof Sardela fuelled speculation that his issue could be taken up at the SC/ST conclave and cause uneasiness within the IIT ranks. She met the director on Wednesday and took up several issues. We spoke about a roster system, transfers and promotions of SC employees in the institute, she said. The director assured me of justice in every matter, she said. The director also agreed to issue an NOC necessary for the registration of an SC/ST association and provide all the facilities to it. The AISCSTF was demanding the NOC for registering the association, installation of the statue of Dr Ambedkar and an equipped office room for the association. On being asked about the Sadrela case, Swaraj said that as the case was subjudice, it was not appropriate for her to comment upon it. However, she did say that Sardela met her and the director of institute has categorically assured that justice will be ensured. But she did express concern over the behaviour of some officers who failed to do due diligence to the genuine demands of SC candidates and rather ignored their demands. This was the reason that the SC people have to fight to get their rights guaranteed by the constitution, she said. She said that the situation in the city with regard to SC and ST was very satisfactory as compared to other districts of other states. The district magistrate and SP told her that during 2018 only 13 cases of murder and 45 cases of rape of Anusuchit Jati people were registered. Appropriate compensation was given to the victims and 248 other cases were registered in connection with clashes over different issues, she added. The National Board of Review has unveiled its annual list of the top 10 films of 2018. Green Book, a race-related drama starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, has been named the best film of the year. The NBR awards are decided upon by a group of film enthusiasts, professionals, academics, filmmakers and students, according to the Hollywood Reporter. We are proud to honour Green Book as our best film it is a warm and heartfelt look at a remarkable friendship, brought to the screen at a moment where its story of love, compassion and shared humanity deeply resonates, NBR president Annie Schulhof said in a statement. This image released by Warner Bros. shows Lady Gaga in a scene from the latest reboot of the film, A Star is Born. (AP) In addition to Green Book, the board named Bradley Coopers musical drama A Star is Born, Marvels Black Panther, the Coen Brothers Netflix Western The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Eighth Grade, First Reformed, Roma, A Quiet Place, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, If Beale Street Could Talk and Mary Poppins Returns. 2017s best film was Steven Spielbergs The Post, and the year before that the honour went to Manchester by the Sea and in 2015 the award was given to Mad Max: Fury Road. The NBR awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in New York City on January 8. Together with the Gotham Awards, this is an official signal that the 2018 awards season is truly underway. This image released by Universal Pictures shows Viggo Mortensen, left, and Mahershala Ali in a scene from Green Book. (AP) In addition to revealing the top 10 list, the board also named winners in the several categories of awards it will present. Bradley Cooper was named best director, and Lady Gaga best actress. Crazy Rich Asians won best ensemble and Incredibles 2 won best animated feature. Black Panthers inclusion suggests that the film will have a healthy awards run, despite being released in February - awards fare is usually released towards the end of the year. Marvel Studios is campaigning heavily for the film, in favour of the more lucrative Avengers: Infinity War. Directed by Ryan Coogler, a sequel for the film is currently in the pipeline, with star Chadwick Boseman expected to return in the title role. Follow @htshowbiz for more A court in Gir-Somnath district of Gujarat on Thursday sentenced 11 people to life imprisonment till death for burning a Dalit man alive six years ago. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 54,500 on each of the accused, who were found guilty of killing Lalji Sarvaiya, a Dalit youth of Ankolali village in Una taluka in September 2012. The judgement was pronounced by Additional District Judge S L Thakkar in Una court, said public prosecutor Mohan Gohil. Showing no leniency towards the accused, who are behind bars since 2012, the judge termed the case as rarest of rare. None of the convicts will be entitled for remission of sentence, the judge said, thus awarding them a life sentence till death. Also read | 5 minors arrested for hacking man to death in Tamil Nadu, police suspect honour killing Bhana Koli, Babu Koli, Dhiru Koli, Bhikha Koli, Ram Koli, Pancha Koli, Pravin Koli, Hamir Koli, Arjan Koli, Gabhru Koli and Lalji Koli were found guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy, among other charges. Sarvaiya (27) worked in a stone quarry. His was the only Dalit family in the village. He had applied for a mining license and some villagers did not want him to get it, said the familys lawyer Govind Parmar. As part of a conspiracy, Dhiru Koli falsely claimed that Sarvaiya had kidnapped his daughter and hid her in his house. On September 13, 2012, Dhiru and others gathered outside Sarvaiyas house and locked him up, said Parmar. As per the charge sheet, the accused persons then poured kerosene and set the house ablaze. Sarvaiya was charred to death. Read | Hyderabad man hacks friend to death with butchers knife, onlookers shoot video Two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen were killed by security forces in a gun battle in south Kashmirs Pulwama district early on Thursday, police said, a day after top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Naveed Jatt and his associate were gunned down in Budgam. Police identified the militants as Adnan Lone and Adil Bhat of Hizbul. A police spokesperson said a cordon and search operation was launched swiftly at predawn hours jointly by the police and security forces based on a credible input about the presence of militants in Sharshali area of Khrew in Awantipora. As the searches were going on, the search party was fired upon by the militants. The fire was retaliated leading to a gunfight, the spokesperson said. He said the bodies of the militant have been retrieved from the site of the encounter. Police said no collateral damage took place during the encounter and arms and ammunition were recovered from the site. More than 25 militants, including top commanders of terror groups, have been killed by security so far this month in different operations in the state. American John Allen Chau, feared killed by the Sentinelese on their isolated (and off-limits) island in Andaman earlier this month, may have been part of a larger group or organisation trying to introduce religion to the last known uncontacted tribe in the world, according to police officers familiar with the investigation. Two officers said on Wednesday that they have found evidence that two other US citizens came to Andaman and held several meetings with the 27-year-old Chau at a safehouse just days before he went to the island. The two US citizens were a 53-year-old woman from Tennessee and a 25-year-old man from Colorado, said one of the officers cited above who asked not to be named. He added that they stayed in Andaman between November 5 and 10, and met with Chau in a house owned by a local named Alexander, who has been brought in for questioning. HT is not naming the American nationals because the investigation is ongoing. In one of the notes that he left behind when he went to North Sentinelese Island for the second and last time on November 17, Chau talked about a safehouse where he was holed up for a week. From Chaus notes and the interrogation, prima facie our investigation suggests that during the meetings, Chau was motivated by these people to go to the island and introduce Christianity to the Sentinelese, said a second officer who did want wish to be named. The second officer said that the Colorado man landed in India on November 5 and flew directly to Andaman, while the woman came to India in October. Read: American national John Allen Chau violated every rule in the book to meet the Sentinelese Police said the two Americans left Andaman on November 10, and that Chau was supposed to make his first trip to the restricted North Sentinel Island the following day. He mentioned in his notes that the original plan was to go to the Island was November 11, a day after the two left. But the first attempt could not be made because of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. He was stuck in that safehouse until November 14 this is also mentioned in his notes, the second officer said. According to hotel records seized by the police, the two US nationals mentioned Kolkata as their next travel destination. Police said they have found the details of the two and could contact them later. The first officer said it was strange how Chau wrote that when he was stuck in the safehouse, he stayed largely in darkness (being stuck in that safe house means I have not seen any full sunlight, he wrote in his diary). The second officer said that what gave further credence to the theory about a group or organisation was that while the five fishermen arrested for taking Chau to North Sentinel Island said he paid them 25,000 to be sneaked into the island, his notes suggested otherwise, describing them as believers. I met last night with the fishermen who are all believers and they agreed to take me. The meeting went well..., Chaus note reads. Nowhere in his diary is there any mention of money. Read- Tribes are a treasure: Cops fight to get American tourists body from Andamans Chau has written in the notes, some of which have been seen by HT, that the plan was to go to near the island posing as a fisherman he would then use his kayak to row to the island while the other five would continue fishing. We are probing the case from all angles. Are the fishermen lying about the money? Where did Chau get the money from? What was the exact role of the other two Americans? said the first officer. Andaman police chief Dependra Pathak confirmed that two US nationals did visit Chau during his stay in Port Blair. It looks like Chau wasnt alone. We are still probing the case. I wont comment on an ongoing investigation, Pathak said. HT reported on Wednesday that the fishermen told the police that Chau took a bag containing his passport, clothes, belongings, first-aid kit, multi vitamins and other essential items on the night of November 16 and hid it somewhere on the island. He then went to the island again the next day in the hope to blend in with the Sentinelese and live on the island for several months Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday sprang to the defence of revised data showing economic growth under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had outpaced the rate of expansion during the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime after his predecessor P Chidambaram slammed the new numbers as a joke, bad joke and worse than a bad joke. Meanwhile, Chidambarams challenge to NITI Aayogs vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar to debate the amended data, which was released at a press conference on Wednesday by the federal policy think tank and the Central Statistics Office, was accepted by the latter. Data based on facts and on the best global practices is rejected by the (Congress) Party because it takes away the last of its surviving arguments (that) my GDP growth was higher than yours, Jaitley wrote in a Facebook blog titled When The Data Speaks. Jaitley noted that Chidambaram had in 2015 welcomed changes effected in the way growth in gross domestic product, or the value of economic output, is calculated. For the last two years of the Congress-led UPA regime, in 2012-13, and 2013-14, growth was revised upwards, from 4.7% to an eventual 5.5% and from 5% to 6.4%, respectively. Chidambaram said then that the new data establishes the fact that UPA had succeeded in reviving the economy before it bowed out of power in 2014. Read| Read: Economy doing better under NDA, shows govt data Data released on Wednesday, almost four years after India moved to a new way of calculating GDP, showed the compound annual growth rate in GDP at market prices (2011-12 series) under the Narendra Modi government was 7.3% between 2014-15 and 2017-18, higher than the 6.7% and 6.4% in the two terms of the UPA under Manmohan Singh. Obviously, when the new (GDP) series is in place, it has to be used as a basis for backward revision. So what was revised from the year 2011-12 onwards is now being revised from 2004-05. Consequently, the same basis which improved the growth estimate in the last two years of the UPA Government somewhat downgraded it in the earlier years. Those who took after the new series in 2015 now consider the new series to be a hatchet job and a bad joke. What humours some when data shows an upward trend depresses them if it moves in the reverse direction, Jaitley wrote. He defended the CSO, saying it had always functioned objectively and maintained an arms-length distance from the finance ministry.No one in India has ever imputed motives to the CSO. The sooner the Congress Party realises that its policy paralysis pushed India into the Fragile 5, the better it will be for the Party and its leadership. Fragile Five is a term coined by Morgan Stanley for Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Turkey in 2013, when their currencies depreciated rapidly. Jaitley told reporters later that the new data is realistic. It is not fictional. And this formula (of calculating GDP growth) is globally more comparable. Chidambaram, on Wednesday, accused NITI Aayog of doing a hatchet job by revising down the economic growth figures during the UPAs two terms. Now that Niti Aayog has done the hatchet job, it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body, he said. I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate on the data than telling journalists that their questions are undeserving of an answer, Chidambaram tweeted. Kumar responded to the challenge on Thursday. ...challenge accepted. Lets discuss & dissect back series data. I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday & it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data, Kumar wrote in a tweet. Through more tweets, Kumar also stressed that NITI Aayog uses data extensively for making logical policy recommendations and the data is always based on assessment and quality checks by eminent statisticians. Kumar later told PTI that Niti Aayog had provided a platform to experts and statisticians to examine GDP back-series data. GDP back-series data is a technical thing, it has a huge macroeconomic impact, so we have done it in a more macroeconomic manner, he said, adding that he was deeply pained by people who had politicised the data. On comments made by the former finance minister, Kumar said: Chidambaram has done a great disfavour to officers of the CSO. CSO officials have done an amazingly technically detailed exercise. Meanwhile, a Reuters polls showed Indias economic growth probably moderated to 7.4% in the July-September quarter, weakening just as the Bharatiya Janata Party gets set for general elections due next year. That pace is still faster than Chinas, but a comedown from the more than two-year high of 8.2% set in the June quarter and some economists foresee the slowdown continuing though to the election at least. The economy is likely to slow down in the second half of the current fiscal year (ending in March), A. Prasanna, chief economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership in Mumbai said. Prasanna was cautiously optimistic about the outlook, but much would depend on the election outcome. Any signs of political uncertainty could affect market and business sentiment, he said. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been at the forefront of bringing together opposition parties to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from returning to power at the Centre in next years Lok Sabha polls. He spoke to Srinivasa Rao Apparasu about the proposed political front against his former ally, the BJP, and other regional issues. Edited excerpts: What made you take such an aggressive anti-BJP posture? I have no other option but to fight against the Centre, which has been unjust to the state (Andhra Pradesh). The people are hurt because the BJP has done more damage to the state by not fulfilling the promises made in the bifurcation act and denying it the special category status . ... the Modi government has done injustice to the nation as well. It has ruined the countrys economy. Intolerance towards the minorities and Dalits is growing everywhere. There has been witch-hunting of political rivals. Democratic institutions have become crippled. Hence, I had to take up an aggressive fight. How do you justify your ideological shift of allying with the Congress? It is not a question of an ideological shift, but a democratic compulsion for me. In India, politics was always guided by ideological and political compulsions. Parties, which fought with one another on political compulsions, had come together due to ideological compulsions. For example, in West Bengal and Kerala, Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) fought against each other, but they came together to fight the BJP at the national level. Today, there is a democratic compulsion for all the like-minded opposition parties to come together, because the Modi government has completely ruined democratic institutions and has been misusing all Constitutional entities like the CBI, ED, RBI and even the institution of governors. If there is no democracy, where will the nation head to? Has not the TDP given up its core principle of anti-Congressism by joining hands with the Congress? There is no ideological conflict between the Congress and the TDP. Both are secular parties. Such a conflict was there during the pre-reforms era. Now what matters is the performance orientation. People are not thinking in terms of ideologies, but the performance of the leader... who is doing better and who can deliver more efficiently. In fact, what is the difference between Congress and BJP, except that BJP is pro-Hindutva and Congress is secular? People voted for Modi, forgetting his past, with a hope that he would provide better governance and they believed his promises of replicating the Gujarat model of development, Make In India, Skill India etc. But he has failed to deliver. People are totally frustrated. How different is Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Modi? Attitude-wise, I found Rahul good, while Modi is arrogant. In terms of administration, Modi has disappointed the people. For the first time in Independent India, a non-Congress party came to power with absolute majority under his leadership. He could not create confidence among the people... On the contrary, Rahul is yet to prove his worth as an administrator as he has not got that opportunity. But he looked sincere and honest. Will Rahul Gandhi be a consensus prime ministerial candidate if the antiBJP alliance forms a government? We will decide about the candidate after the polls. We dont want to talk about it now. When is the opposition alliance likely to take shape? We have made a beginning in that direction. We are meeting in New Delhi on December 10 to discuss the future course of action. It is not a one persons initiative but all of us are discussing together on how to go about it. We are coordinating together. I am doing my bit, (West Bengal chief minister) Mamata (Banerjee) is doing hers and others are also coming forward. We shall discuss various issues including the common minimum programme. Can this proposed grand alliance sustain? It is not difficult if we have the peoples interest in mind. If you look at the countrys political history, there were stable governments in the pre-reforms era but the economic growth was just 2-3%. After the reforms, there have been only minority or coalition governments, but all of them performed well in sustaining the economy and taking up the welfare and development agenda. Now, we saw a stable Modi government. He has miserably failed. Ultimately, peoples welfare is paramount. Are you happy with the way Maha Kootami (grand alliance) worked out in pollbound Telangana? The Maha Kootami is doing its best. There might be one or two problems here and there, but overall, it has worked out well. In a platform like this, every alliance partner should understand its limitations and work with a positive attitude. Overall, the benefit of Telangana is more important. How do you see Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR)s statement saying the TDP has no business in Telangana as it is working against the states interest? How can he say that? Without TDP, where is KCR? He has come to this stage only because of the TDP and he should not forget his origins. The TDP was founded for the benefit of Telugu people. Nobody can deny the fact that the TDP has its footprints in every stage of Telanganas development. Bifurcation is a reality, but Telugus are same in both the states. We have to complement each other and have mutual respect. The government would bring a bill in the coming winter session of the Parliament as part of its efforts to check the menace of NRI husbands abandoning their wives, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday. We have already launched an institutional mechanism, where you must have seen that 25 passports of such NRI husbands have been revoked. We are also bringing a bill in this session where some more measures are being taken against those husbands, she told reporters in Hyderabad. Swaraj, who was in Hyderabad in connection with the Bharatiya Janata Partys campaign for the December 7 Telangana assembly elections was replying to a query about Non-Resident Indian (NRI) husbands abandoning their wives. On November 13, the Supreme Court has also sought response from the Centre on a plea seeking mandatory arrest of NRIs deserting their wives and harassing them for dowry. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph issued notices to the Centre on the plea seeking that the deserted women be accorded legal, financial help and their estranged NRI husbands be arrested after the filing of FIRs. A group women, who have allegedly been deserted by their NRI husbands and subjected to dowry harassment, have moved the apex court seeking reliefs including mandatory arrest of their estranged spouses and consular help in fighting cases in foreign land The Maharashtra legislature unanimously approved on Thursday a bill to offer 16% reservation in government jobs and university seats to Marathas, a politically influential community that makes up 30% of the states population. The passage of the bill takes caste-based reservation in the state to 68%, breaching a Supreme Court-mandated cap of 50% and making a legal challenge likely. Both houses of the state legislature passed the Maharashtra State Reservation (of seats for admission in education institutions in the state and for appointments in the public services and posts under the state) for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018. This will make Maharashtra the state with the second-highest reservations in the country, after Tamil Nadu, which has 69% caste-based quotas. The decision is likely to be challenged. In June 2014, the previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) government had given 16% reservation to the Maratha community, a move that was set aside by the Bombay high court in 2014. The current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government insists that it has followed a legally viable route because its decision is based on the recommendations of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC),which is empowered to decide on the backwardness of a particular community. MSBCC declared the Marathas a socially and educationally backward community in its report. The political domination of the community, however, is undisputed. Since the formation of Maharashtra in May 1960, 10 of the states 17 chief ministers have been Marathas. This is an unconstitutional amendment that breaches Article 14 of the Constitution that espouses equality. Reservation was to be made in exceptional circumstances and there are various legal precedents for this. The 1992 judgment that capped the reservation at 50% allowed for a hike only in the case of extraordinary and exceptional circumstances, said Ulhas Bapat, a constitutional expert. The Supreme Court laid down the 50% reservation cap in a landmark judgment in 1992. Two years later, Maharashtra breached the limit by introducing a 2% quota for the Gowari tribe in the face of intense political and social pressure after at least 190 tribespeople were killed in a stampede and protests during a rally in Nagpur for reservation. The quota was never challenged in court. Following the commissions findings, the state government concluded that the [Maratha] community needs special help to advance in the contemporary period so that they can move to a stage of equality with the advanced sections of society, CM Devendra Fadnavis said. All political parties had already declared their support for the demand, and no discussion took place on the bill when Fadnavis tabled it in both houses. Leader of the Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Peasants and Workers Partys Ganpatrao Deshmukh extended their support to the bill. Marathas are not the only dominant community demanding reservations. Over the past three years, states such as Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan have been rocked by violent protests by communities such as the Patidars, Jats and Gujjars demanding quotas in government jobs and universities. But in each of these cases, the judiciary has struck down or stayed legislation to provide reservation because the quotas exceeded 50%. The only state to have protected its reservation in excess of 50% is Tamil Nadu, which placed a law guaranteeing 69% quota in the ninth schedule of the Constitution, which acts as a shield against judicial review. Seizing the Access vs Ownership Opportunity Canary Networks Investor Presentation - November 2018 Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Collaborate Corporation Limited ( ASX:CL8 ) (Collaborate or the Company) is pleased to release a copy of the Investor Presentation in advance of Collaborate's presentation to attendees at the Canary Networks Stocks to Watch Roadshow event in Sydney on 29 November.To view the presentation, please visit:About Collaborate Corporation Ltd Collaborate Corporation Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:CL8). It is Australia's leading listed company focused on 'collaborative consumption', 'peer-to-peer' or 'sharing economy' businesses. Collaborate currently has three core business segments: www.DriveMyCar.com.au Australia's leading peer-to-peer car rental business; www.MyCaravan.com.au Australia's leading peer-to-peer caravan rental business; and www.Mobilise.com an online hire marketplace to unlock the enormous potential of under-utilised assets. Through our proprietary trust and reputation platform, www.peerpass.com.au we create 'trust' between individuals and make it possible for people to safely transact with each other in the sharing economy. The high court on Wednesday asked urban planning officials to look into the East Kidwai Nagar project and review whether the number of flats in it should be reduced, after an expert report said the redeveloped housing and office settlement will lead to traffic congestion in key roads nearby. The ruling is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the project, which was redeveloped to create 4,608 dwelling units in place of 2,440 old government houses. The redevelopment led to the felling of nearly 2,000 trees, most of which have now been replaced by ornamental trees, HT reported in June. Wednesdays ruling came after an assessment submitted by transport expert Geetam Tiwari, a professor at Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi. Tiwari said the traffic assessment done by the National Buildings Construction Corporation for East Kidwai Nagar was based on data from 2010 and, when fully occupied, the settlement would cause congestion on Aurobindo Road and the already clogged Ring Road. UTTIPEC shall examine the report submitted by Prof Tiwari and indicate the corrective measure that can be immediately put in place. UTTIPEC may also consider whether occupancies are required to be scaled down, justice Vibhu Bakhru said. UTTIPEC (Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure [Planning & Engineering] Centre) has been asked to respond within two weeks. UTTIPEC is an agency that examines and clears any project that could have an impact on traffic. The court also asked the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to file an affidavit indicating the source of water and whether supply in other localities would be affected in meeting the requirement for the East Kidwai Nagar project, which also includes offices and commercial spaces. The court noted that the expert report found the development plan was based on an assumption that 70% of the occupants may use public transport. According to her (Tiwari), the said assumption is not supported by any empirical data, the court said. On an average, only 45% residents of South Delhi use public transport, the report had noted. The court has also asked residents to submit affidavits declaring that they shall limit their vehicles to prescribed norms. The NBCC has constructed 4,608 flats and provided 8,228 parking spaces just for residential use meaning some homes have space for more than one vehicle. In addition to this, the complex has 2,088 parking spaces for commercial use. The NBCC shall also ensure that system of restricted entries is implemented so that limited number of vehicles in conformity with the norms is permitted inside the complex. All allottees shall be issued a permit in conformity with the said norms, the court said. Tiwari was critical of the parking space provided by NBCC. She has said that it is not as per the recommendations in the Master Plan of Delhi-2021, a blueprint that defines how and where homes, offices and markets can be developed in the city. Appearing for the NBCC, senior advocate JP Sain told the court that the parking space was sufficient. The NBCC has submitted to the court that each residential and commercial unit will get parking space for 1.8 (or almost 2) passenger car units (PCU). AK Mittal, chairman and managing director of NBCC, said, I have not seen the court order. But we welcome any new study of the project As for parking spaces, it is provided as per the development norms of the MPD-2021. The project has not been planned on TOD norms as the policy has not been notified. All necessary approvals, including from UTTIPEC, were taken by us. Environmental activists welcome the HC order. The order proves the court has acknowledged there is a problem with the project and that proper precautions were not taken when it was sanctioned. It should set an example for other such projects in future which are sanctioned without proper assessment and precautions, said Kanchi Kohli, environment campaigner and researcher with Centre for Policy Research (CPR). The single judge bench was hearing a pending petition filed by senior advocate Aman Lekhi and Manali Singhal in 2014 alleging that the plan for the East Kidwai Nagar project was cleared without considering environmental implications, road space, or rights of residents. When the court hears the matter on December 18, it would examine whether the project is in conformity with the Master Plan Delhi-2021 and whether the Environment Impact Assessment was required to be carried out. Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a pro-Khalistan leader in Pakistan even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority. He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor showed him with separatist Gopal Singh Chawla. Chawla, who is the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and is known to speak for Khalistan, had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page. Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow Sikh pilgrims access from Gurdaspurs Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them. They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousands pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know, he told reporters in Attari on his return. Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his personal capacity, even after being advised against it by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Also read | Pain must end, peace must return: Navjot Singh Sidhu at Kartarpur event in Pakistan He said the hopes of 12 crore followers of Guru Nanak Dev had turned into reality with the historic decision by India and Pakistan to build the corridor. The thaw has begun and the ice is melting, he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in Amritsar where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month. I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Kartarpur ceremony. There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar which is his (Sidhus) constituency, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month. If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added. Badal said Sidhu should know that Pakistan is involved in sending drugs to Punjab. You may also like | His way of thinking: Punjab CM Amarinder on Navjot Singh Sidhu accepting Pakistans Kartarpur invite It is General Bajwa who is behind killing our youth with whom he shakes hands, he said, Badal said, apparently referring to an earlier row over the Pakistan army chief hugging the Punjab politician. Taking a swipe at Congress president, the SAD chief said Rahul Gandhi has a very good opportunity to expand his party in Pakistan by making Sidhu the head of the its unit in Pakistans Punjab. However, Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka defended Sidhu. I feel Sukhbir Badal, the Badal family and the BJP are suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhus name more than Baba Nanak Devs, he said. Verka said Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal too had clicked a picture with Chawla at the same event, despite knowing his antecedents. Sidhu does not even know about Chawla, Verka claimed. Verka asked whether Badal would now seek Longowals resignation as SGPC chief. Meanwhile, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also attended the Kartarpur event, claimed that Sidhu had avoided Chawla several times. But he managed to get a picture clicked with him, Sarna said in Attari. Also read | Is Navjot Sidhu a Pakistan agent: Harsimrat Badal corners Congress on photo with Khalistani chief A Delhi-based doctor and public health activist died in Goa on Wednesday evening in a case of suspected drowning at Betalbatim Beach, a lifeguard agency said on Thursday. Dr Amit Sengupta, 60, was found motionless in the water and not swimming as he was earlier by lifeguards at the beach in south Goa around 40-kilometres from the state capital Panaji. The lifeguard alerted the tower and rushed into the water as he was unconscious, CPR was initiated immediately, a spokesperson for Drishti Marine said. As the ambulance was busy, Sengupta was rushed to Hospicio hospital in a lifeguard jeep with automatic external defibrillator (AED) equipment. AED was connected to the victim and the CPR continued to be administered. However at the hospital, after a diagnostic checkup doctor declared that the victim had passed away, Drishti Marines spokesperson said. Colva Police, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, have registered the case of drowning and are awaiting the report of the postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court, hearing an ongoing case on delays in prison reforms, on Thursday told off the government for the slow pace of criminal trials that was often blamed on the judiciary. You dont perform your job but you always criticise judiciary for delay in Justice, Justice Madan B Lokur told the governments law officer Aman Lekhi. In its previous hearing, the Centre had informed the court about the large number of vacancies in the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) and the state forensic labs. Its very strange. Tell your people (Centre) stop criticising judicial system as they are not doing their job, the court observed today. As directed by the court during its previous hearing, the Centre was supposed to submit a report on the steps it had taken to fill up the vacancies. On November 23, during the hearing, the court had been informed that 40 per cent posts in forensic labs were lying vacant. The matter had come up for hearing after deficiencies in jails were highlighted by two apex court judges during their visit to Faridabad jail and an observation home in June this year. The court had observed that delays in receiving forensic reports forced criminal cases to drag on for years. As per the affidavit submitted by the government last week, there are six Central Forensic Science Laboratories -- in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. Of the sanctioned strength of 450, as many as 164 posts are lying vacant. At the Delhi forensic lab alone, 67 posts are vacant. Thirty-one units operate under state forensic laboratories where 3,685 appointments are yet to be made. The sanctioned strength is 7,582. Thousands of farmers from across the country started marching towards Delhis Ramlila Maidan on Thursday to participate in two-day Kisan Mukti March to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce, a week after their counterparts staged a similar protest in Maharashtras Mumbai. The farmers, in several groups representing different organisations, started walking from five different locations on the citys outskirts to be part of the march demanding three-week special session of parliament to discuss the agrarian crisis. Politicians promise that they will waive off our loans. But things remain the same and farmers are committing suicides, Ved Prakash, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, said at Ramlila Maidan. This is the harvesting time for our sugarcane crop. But we have no choice but to come here for our demands, said another farmer from Uttar Pradesh. After spending the night at Ramlila Maidan, the farmers will march towards Parliament for a rally on Friday morning. The protest march affected traffic at several places in the city including National Highway-8 from Mahipalpur to Dhaula Kuan. Delhi Traffic Police said traffic was also affected from Majnu Ka Tila to Chandgi Ram Akhada, ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Hanuman Setu. It asked commuters to avoid taking some routes on NH-8. The two-day march has been organised under the banner of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), an umbrella body of about 200 farmer organisations from across the country. It is the second major farmers protest in the national capital in two months. At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured in a clash between protesters and security personnel on October 2 at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh gate border on National Highway-24 when Delhi Police denied entry to thousands of farmers into the city. Among the five groups, a farmers march from Bijwasan was led by Yogendra Yadav, the president of Swaraj India and one of the working group members of AIKSCC. Yadav termed it one of the biggest marches of farmers in recent times. More than 1,000 policemen have been deployed in the city in view of the farmers march. A Delhi government spokesperson said they have arranged around 260 mobile toilets, drinking water tankers and ambulances for the protesters. The main demand of the farmers is to pass two bills seeking freedom from indebtedness and the right to guaranteed remunerative minimum support price (MSP) introduced in the Lok Sabha in August this year. The farmers will release a charter of demands on Friday after assembling at parliament street, said Vijoo Krishnan, joint secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, one of the AIKSCC-affiliated bodies. Naked march A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu have arrived carrying skulls of two of their colleagues, who had committed suicide after they failed to replay their debts, and have threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital early on Thursday, said their leader P Ayyakannu. Ayyakannu said he was expecting more farmers affiliated with his association to arrive from Trichy and Karur. He said their main demands include removal of all farmer loans, profitable price for their agricultural products and a Rs 5,000 pension for farmers per month. Our main agricultural activities include paddy cultivation, cotton farming, horticultural activities like coconut cultivation, banana cultivation. More than 700 farmers have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu due to loans that they could not repay, he said. We have no water and have been suffering from drought like situations for the last five years. This year, too, we suffered due to storms. Tomorrow, we will stage naked protests if police stop us from going to Parliament, he said. The 20 women farmers in his group will not be part of the naked protests, he clarified. Last year, the group had staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to farm losses. The Delhi march comes just a week after farmers from all across Maharashtra marched to Mumbai to reiterate their demands for loan waiver and land rights among others, eight months after they were promised reforms by the BJP government. More than 35,000 farmers from across Maharashtra, led by Left-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), took out a march from Nashik to Mumbai on March 12 to press for their demands. Their 180km march over several days culminated in Mumbai on March 11. (With agency inputs) A fire broke out on the sets of Shah Rukh Khan starrer move Zero in Film City, Mumbai on Thursday, reported news agency Press Trust of India quoting police. Around four fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to put out the fire. Shah Rukh Khan was on the set when the incident took place in the evening, the report said. The actor was unhurt and rushed out of the spot, the police told PTI. The fire was confined to electric wiring, electric installation, lights, shooting materials, ropes and curtains, Vinay Rathod, Deputy Commissioner of Police told the news agency. The smoke was seen rising out of Film City in Goregaon. No one was hurt in the fire. The cause of the fire is yet not clear, he added. Shah Rukh, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma starrer Zero is all set to hit the screens on December 21. Also read | Always trying to put myself in uncomfortable position: Anushka Sharma However, before the films release, it has already run into trouble with some Sikh groups raising objection to a scene where Shah Rukh can allegedly be seen wearing a Kirpan, a Sikh holy symbol. The petitioner, Amritpal Singh Khalsa, sought removal of scenes where SRK has been shown wearing a Kirpan - a part of Sikh faith - stating that the display of the Kirpan in such a way is blasphemous. The Bombay High Court will hear the petition filed against Shah Rukh Khan and the films makers on November 30. Directed by Aanand L Rai, Zero tells the story of a dwarf, played by Shah Rukh, who goes from Meerut to NASA, in a typical rags-to-riches story. In the course of his journey, he falls for two beautiful women-Anushka Sharma, who plays a brilliant scientist suffering from cerebral palsy and Katrina Kaif, who plays a superstar in the film. Read | BJP MLA who asked scene to be removed from movie Zero accepts clarification A BJP legislator on Thursday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Maliks November 21 order dissolving the assembly amid political drama as two sides staked claims to form a government. Talking to Hindustan Times, Gagan Bhagat , who was elected from RS Pura constituency in Jammu district, said, I filed the writ petition today challenging order of governor Satya Pal Malik wherein he dissolved the legislative assembly on various grounds. First of all, my voters elected me for a term of six years. The legislative assembly was kept in suspended animation for over five months since June 19 and the governor didnt dissolve it. But when two leaders (Mehbooba Mufti of PDP and Sajad Lone of Peoples Conference) staked claimed for government formation, he dissolved it in a late night move, he added. Citing the governors reported remarks that he was under some pressure and had he listened to the BJP, he would have to install Sajad Lone as CM, he said, If the governor is working under some sort of pressure, he cant deliver and how can we expect justice from him. If he had taken the decision (of dissolving the assembly) under pressure then it was not in the interest of the people. On Monday at an event at ITM university in Gwalior, Malik had said that had he listened to Centre, then Lone would have been chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. However, on Tuesday evening, a Raj Bhavan spokesperson issued a clarification that Malik, while taking the decision to dissolve the assembly, acted in an objective and impartial manner. Faulting the governor for not testing on the claims of the two groups (Mehbooba Mufti and Lone) on the floor of the house, Bhagat also said there were two-three other things that were not clear, such as the governors claims of horse-trading among MLAs and terror threats to them. He (Malik) should have brought the evidences and reasons with him in public domain. He should also reveal the names of the MLAs, who were facing threat to their lives. The governor also said that the NIA (National Investigation Agency) was threatening Peoples Democratic Party MLAs. Everything should be brought in public domain. Democracy doesnt work under intimidation, he said. Bhagat said that these were sufficient grounds for him to file the write, which has been admitted by the apex court and will be heard within three days, probably before Monday. To another query, Bhagat, who was suspended from the party over an alleged extra-marital affair, said that he moved the apex court in the capacity of a member of the assembly and not as a BJP member. The political party (BJP) may have its own version but I say that the House should run because they ensure funds, which in turn see developmental works of the people, he said. The state came under Governors rule and the assembly was placed in suspended animation in June after the BJP pulled out of the coalition government with Mehbooba Muftis PDP. When, as a misty-eyed housewife, Rabri Devi drove to Raj Bhavan on July 25, 1997 to take the oath of office as chief minister of Bihar, the move surprised everyone and reaffirmed the political shrewdness of her husband Lalu Prasad, who passed on the mantle to his wife just days before he was arrested in the multi-crore fodder scam case. Two decades later, Rabri Devi, 62, whose term as CM lasted 91 months across three non-contiguous terms, is back in the hustle and bustle of politics, not merely as the mascot of the party in the absence of her husband, who is now serving another sentence related to the same fodder scam in a Ranchi jail, but as a unifying force keeping the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) together. Prasads elder son Tej Pratap Yadav is in self-imposed exile after deciding to divorce his wife of six months (he appeared in a family court on Thursday). Pratap doesnt see eye-to-eye with his younger brother Tejashwi Prasad Yadav , who is effectively in charge of the party. To Devi, then, has fallen the task of keeping the family and party going although, to be fair, Tejashwi has shown he has the same kind of political savvy as his father. On Wednesday, Devi sat on a dharna (protest) inside the Bihar legislative council to protest the suspension of five of the partys members , forcing the acting chairman of the Legislative Council to revoke the suspension within a few hours. The day before ,she hit out at the Nitish Kumar government on rising crime. The situation in Bihar was a maha jungleraj, she thundered. Her use of the term was deliberate. Jungle raj (law of the jungle) was a barb first used in the 1990s by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to criticise the RJD governments rule of Bihar. Those who doubted Rabris capabilities as a politician have been proven wrong. She has matured as a public figure and enjoys the status of party guardian. She has seen many ups and downs in politics and has a new perspective on political life. Her simple lifestyle also drives the party, which is committed to social justice. Her role as the partys woman mascot reflects she is capable of balancing her home and party with ease, said, Abdul Bari Siddiqui, former opposition leader in the assembly and a senior RJD functionary. Siddiqui said the former chief minister had shown indomitable fighting spirit , especially over the last couple of years. Devi herself wasnt immune from charges of graft, and faced a disproportionate assets case in which she was acquitted. RJD insiders describe Devis elevation as the partys national vice president in February 2018, two months after Prasad went to jail in December 2017, as a master stroke by the latter. They say it made his wife a central figure in the party so as to keep his flock intact even as it ensured a smooth transition of power to his younger son, Tejashwi, who is the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. In May, Devi herself was elected leader of the opposition in the state Legislative Council. Many see her role now as not very different from that in 1997, when her primary task was to keep everyone in the fold. She acted as the glue for the partys senior leaders to stay together despite several challenges and she continues to play the same role even now when Lalu is in jail. Many seniors who resent the fact that son Tejashwi is increasingly calling the shots, feel comfortable attending party meetings in Rabris presence, said a senior RJD leader who did not want to be named. In her initial years, Devi did embarass the party with some of her gaffes, say party insiders, and the growing clout of her brothers Sadhu Yadav and Subhash Yadav worried some, but the two subsequently left the party and she severed ties with them. Over time, she grew in confidence and showed that she was capable of running the state even though many experts believe she was merely the face and Prasad remained the power behind the throne, irrespective of whether he was in jail, or in New Delhi (where he was a minister in the United Progressive Alliance). Devis opponents continue to maintain that Devi remains just the face. She has always been in the shadow of RJD chief . Till today, he calls the shots. Rabri is not a leader. There cant be two leaders in the party especially when there is a process underway to pass the baton to Tejashwi, said the BJPs state vice president and spokesperson Devesh Kumar. Still, Devi, with an ever-present smile and down-to -earth attitude, remains a big draw for the party, one reason why she is listed as a star campaigner after Prasad and Tejashwi and will no doubt be required to do the rounds in the run-up to next years Lok Sabha polls, when the RJD will be pitted against the National Democratic Alliance. Lalu ji is there but we feel Rabri ji is our guardian, said Shiv Chandra Ram, an RJD MLA, who is keen on contesting the Lok Sabha poll from the Hajipur seat. A few months ago, Devi put one over the government when she returned her entire security cover after the government began reducing it in a phased manner -- a move clearly aimed at her and Prasad. A red-faced government had to backtrack and reinstate it. Interestingly, Devi has chosen to take the side of her daughter in law Aishwariya in Taj Prataps divorce drama, which she has termed a family affair. The final authority in appointing a CBI director is the Central government, Attorney General KK Venugopal told Supreme Court on Thursday during a hearing on a bunch of petitions, including one by the ousted CBI chief Alok Verma seeking reinstatement. The committee selects a group of candidates for the appointment of Director of CBI, and puts it up before the government. Then, it is the government which appoints the right candidate, out of these, Venugopal said. The hearing was later adjourned till December 5. The CBI director and his deputy Rakesh Asthana were removed in a midnight order on October 23 as a culmination of a long internal feud between the two over charges of corruption. The top court was hearing a bunch of petitions on whether the move to strip the CBI director of his responsibilities was legal. Among the petitioners were ousted CBI director Alok Verma, A non-profit organization Common Cause and leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Lawyers Fali S Nariman, who represents, Verma, said government could not have transferred Alok Verma without getting approval of the high-powered panel that had cleared his appointment. How could the government divest Alok Verma of his powers without convening the committees meeting? If this is allowed, what happens to the autonomy and independence of CBI, Nariman told the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. Justice KM Joseph, who is also on the bench hearing the case asked, Suppose a CBI chief is caught red handed accepting bribe, should the Committee be approached for taking action against him? To this Nariman replied, Even in that situation the committee has to be taken into confidence and only court can decide on the fate of the director. Dushyant Dave, who represents Common Cause, also argued that the transfer should not have happened without consulting the appointments committee. The order is against rule of law, he said. For the same reason, appointment of M Nageshwar Rao as interim director should also be set aside, Dushyant Dave concluded. This matter has to go to the Committee. The committee can then take a decision based on the material on record, said Kapil Sibal who represents leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The ambit of power of superintendence of CVC is limited. They cant simply use this to remove a director of the CBI, or seal his office, Sibal said. The Congress leader in his petition had said that he, being on the three- member committee that selects the CBI chief, should be heard before any order is passed in the case. The CBI director is appointed by a panel comprising the prime minister, the chief justice and the leader of the opposition. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi Thursday demanded quota for Muslims, hours after the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) said Muslims, too, deserve benefits of the reservation system as they have lived for generations in poverty. In a tweet, the Lok Sabha from Hyderabad said depriving backward Muslims of their fair share in public employment and education was a grave injustice. I have consistently argued that there are backward castes in Muslims who have lived for generations in a cycle of poverty. Reservation is a tool that will break this cycle, he stated. AIMIM legislator from Maharashtra Imtiaz Jaleel questioned the BJP-led governments indifferent attitude towards the minority community. The state government has shown an indifferent attitude towards the Muslims by completely ignoring their valid demands for 5 per cent reservation in education which was endorsed even by the High Court, Jaleel said. He said the hurriedly passed Bill for reservation to Marathas mentions the backwardness of the community on the basis of findings by a government-appointed commission. Also read | Maharashtra approves 16% Maratha quota in jobs and education Going by the same logic, the plight of Muslims who have been regarded as socially, educationally and economically backward by three commissions - the Sachhar Commission, the Ranganath Mishra Commission and the Mehmood Rehman commission - should also have been given the same benefits as those being given to Marathas, he said. But irrespective of which party is in power nobody cares for the welfare and upliftment of minorities, Jaleel claimed. He said the previous Congress-NCP government cheated the community by not giving them reservations while in power for 15 years and now the BJP-Shiv Sena administration is ignoring the communitys legitimate demands which is highly condemnable. If BJP government in Maharashtra can, then why not in Gujarat: asks Hardik Patel With the Maharashtra legislature passing a bill giving 16 per cent reservation to the Marathas, Patidar leader Hardik Patel asked Thursday why the BJP government in Gujarat cannot take the same step for his community. He sought a survey to establish social and economic backwardness of Patidars, on the lines of a survey ordered by the BJP-led Maharashtra government for the Maratha community. No such survey was done in Gujarat. The survey would prove that Patidar community is socially and economically backward, Patel told reporters at Patan in north Gujarat. If the BJP government in Maharashtra can do that, then why not Gujarat? Is that because the BJP government here is having ego issues? he asked. Meanwhile, a delegation of Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) held another meeting with chairman of the Gujarat OBC Commission Sugnaben Bhatt in Gandhinagar Thursday. A week ago, Patel and other PAAS leaders had met Bhatt and demanded that the commission conduct a survey of the Patidar (Patel) community on the lins of the survey conducted by Backward Class Commission for the Marathas in Maharashtra. PAAS convener Geeta Patel, who was part of the delegation which called on Bhatt Thursday, said Bhatt sought some basic information about the community in Gujarat. She sought information such as number of sub-castes, sub-groups and various surnames used by Patidars. The chairman also sought to know the population of our community, she said. PAAS delegation sought two weeks to furnish these details, she said. Meanwhile, some members of the Rajput community also approached the commission Thursday with a demand for a survey to establish their backwardness. Chairman's Address to Shareholders Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Thomson Resources Ltd ( ASX:TMZ ) provides the Company's Chairman Address to Shareholders.On behalf of the directors, I welcome you to this Annual General Meeting of Thomson Resources Ltd. The Company's principal focus over the year remained the Bygoo tin project, near the old Ardlethan tin mine in south western New South Wales. Tin, of course, is a strategically important metal with increasing application in new technologies. Over the year, Thomson completed two rounds of drilling at the Bygoo tin project. Targets were tested at Bygoo North, Bygoo South and beneath intervening historical workings. The drilling programs continue to yield additional tin intersections with clear evidence that the Company has discovered a significant tin system. Thomson has also broadened its exploration focus to embrace the Bald Hill tin prospect, 20km south of the Company's Bygoo prospects (also on EL 8260), and the Harry Smith gold prospect.Three holes were drilled at Bald Hill and all intersected tin mineralisation at shallow depths; the best intersection being 15m at 0.4% Sn from 19m depth. The Harry Smith gold prospect shows extensive gold-in-soil anomalism defining two 500m long trends coalescing in the area of the Harry Smith open-cut. This prospect is interpreted as an Intrusion-Related Gold (IRG) deposit related to the Grong Grong Granite. The Company's drilling in March 2018 (ASX release March 26, 2018) focused on the anomaly trending between the Harry Smith and Golden Spray workings. Drilling was successful with all holes intersecting significant gold mineralisation with the stand-out intersection of 54m at 1 g/t Au from a depth of 8m. This intersection includes two higher grade zones - 12m at 2.1 g/t Au and 6m at 1.6 g/t Au. A similar IRG system exists some five kilometres to the southeast and is defined by two lines of historical workings at the Gladstone and Old Belmore. There is no record of drilling on this prospect. The gold prospects will develop into a parallel focus for the Company as there is clearly very significant near-surface potential for substantial bulk tonnage resources.I am pleased to report that follow-up drilling has commenced on our tin and gold assets in the Ardlethan region. The drilling at Bygoo has further tested the tin greisens at Bygoo North as well as initial drilling at the Big Bygoo greisen. The gold exploration program includes drill testing of the Harry Smith-Golden Spray line and the Silver Spray lode.Thomson has interests in 12 granted ELs covering a total of 1056 square kilometres. Four of these ELs have been farmed out in joint-venture arrangements with a range of companies including, Silver City Minerals Limited ( ASX:SCI ) and Silver Mines Limited ( ASX:SVL ), plus private investors.During the year Kidman Resources ( ASX:KDR ) and Variscan Mines ( ASX:VAR ) withdrew from the Browns Reef Project and Achilles Joint Ventures. The tenements involved are now wholly owned by Thomson, although EL7891 was subsequently surrendered. The remaining tenements are at the southern end of the Cobar Basin and are prospective for Cobar-type deposits. Three joint ventures remain in place - Bygoo (ELs 8260 and 8163) with private Canadian investor, BeiSur OstBarat Agency Ltd; Wilga Downs (EL 8136) with Silver City Minerals ( ASX:SCI ) and Havilah (EL 7391) with Silver Mines Ltd ( ASX:SVL ). Total cash payments received under the Bygoo JV (see ASX announcement of 5 July 2018) are A$1,500,000 of the $3 million investment required to earn an initial 51%. The option to acquire a further 25% for A$22m remains active. Negotiations with BeiSur OstBarat Agency Ltd towards the end of the financial year resulted in gold targets being excluded from the Bygoo JV agreement, thus allowing Thomson to independently pursue testing of the Harry Smith prospect.The construction of a tin processing plant at Ardlethan, as planned by EOE (No.75) Pty Ltd, has potential synergies for Thomson's tin projects in the area, however no substantive negotiations have taken place with the proprietors and there is no guarantee that any arrangement would be entered into.The Company has maintained an active exploration program over the year and has expanded its portfolio to include exciting gold opportunities to complement its suite of excellent tin projects. The Ardlethan area offers an immense opportunity for further discoveries of substantial tin resources and we look forward to expanding the resource base in the Bygoo JV area. The Board very much appreciates the strong shareholder support. Our CEO, Mr Eoin Rothery, must come in for special mention. His technical leadership of the Company's exploration program has been absolutely invaluable.To view the Presentation to AGM, please visit:About Thomson Resources Ltd Thomson Resources Ltd (ASX:TMZ) is an NSW active mineral explorer. Thomson has several tin projects (including an advanced project near Ardlethan), as well as gold, copper and zinc targets in a range of settings. Thomson has a good record of discovery, with multiple new Intrusion-Related Gold (gold with copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten) systems discovered in the Thomson Fold Belt in the NW of the state. A first-year student of Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Nuzvid of Andhra Pradeshs Krishna district jumped off from a hostel building early on Thursday, police said. A resident of Warangal in Telangana state, the 16-year-old was shifted to a hospital in Vijayawada with multiple injuries. Her condition is critical, according to hospital sources. Police said the reason behind her suicide attempt is yet to be ascertained even as college authorities claimed she accidentally fell off the building while coming from the washroom. Nuzvud circle inspector said the victim is unconscious and police will record her statement when she is awake. Student Federation of Indias (SFIs) spokesperson Someswara Rao disputed the version of college authorities questioning how could the girl fall on the ground from the top floor of the building when it has a wall around it. At least half a dozen students have reportedly killed themselves in the campus in the last 10 years since the establishment of IIIT in Nuzvid. Rao said academic stress and the inability of students from rural background to follow study material in English were the reasons for the suicides. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday assured that he will look into the case of a 33-year-old Indian prisoner, who has been languishing in a Pakistani jail after being arrested for illegally entering the country from Afghanistan, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. Mumbai resident Hamid Nehal Ansari was arrested in Pakistan in 2012. He is currently lodged in Peshawar Central Prison after being sentenced by a military court to three years imprisonment for possessing a fake Pakistani identity card. I do not know about it... We will do our best, Khan told a group of Indian journalists when asked about Ansari. Pakistani security agencies accused Ansari of using a fake identity card in the name of Hamza and alleged that he entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. They charged him for espionage and anti-Pakistan activities. Ansari denied the charges in his petition to the Peshawar high court. Ansari had gone missing after he was taken into custody by Pakistani intelligence agencies and local police in Kohat in 2012 and finally in reply to a habeas corpus petition filed by his mother, Fauzia Ansari, the high court was informed that he was in custody of the Pakistan Army and was being tried by a military court. He was convicted by the military court and jailed. His prison term is about to end, said officials. In the charge sheet it filed on the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Karnataka special investigation team (SIT) has named an obscure book called Kshatradharma Sadhana, saying it provided her killers with the ideological ballast for carrying out the crime. Produced by the right-wing Sanatan Sanstha, the book, also known as the Spiritual Practice of Protecting Seekers and Destroying Evildoers, is a guide for seekers, who according to it form 10% of society, to get rid of evildoers in the fight between righteousness and unrighteousness. Chetan Rajhans, spokesperson for the Sanstha, told HT that the book, authored by the founder of the organisation Jayant Balaji Athavale, has been bought by over 10,000 people and deals with the conduct of kings, and quotes from Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is really amusing that the SIT has named the book in its charge sheet, Rajhans said. This is akin to saying that terrorists read the Quran and, hence, it is responsible for their senseless acts. The book sets out the leanings of Sanatan Sanstha. Lankesh, 55, known for her strong anti-Hindutva views was shot dead in Bengaluru on September 5 last year. Read: Organised crime syndicate behind Gauri Lankesh murder, says SIT So far, 18 people have been accused in the crime, including shooter Parashuram Waghmare, masterminds Amol Kale, Sujith Kumar alias Praveen and Amit Degwekar, the SIT officials have said. Some of them were suspected to be involved in the killing of rationalists MM Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare as well. The book was also mentioned by investigators when Virendra Tawde was arrested in connection with the Dabholkar and Pansare cases in 2016. The police have claimed that those attended have had links with the Sanstha; the organisation itself has maintained that none are its members but may have attended camps organised by it. From the time of inception of the Sanstha in 1990... till 1996 we did not make even a passing remark about the concept of the spiritual practice of protecting seekers and destroying evildoers (kshatradharma) at our satsangs and in our publications, the book says. We began preaching this concept gradually since 1997. The Sanstha did not start the practice before 1996 because the time was not right. According to Kshatradharma Sadhana, it has become necessary to undertake war for the sake of society and in this war, the seekers only aim is to protect fellow seekers. Among those who will not receive this protection are self-centred good-for-nothings in society who return from their workplace, take up their childrens lessons, go for an outing, a drama or visit friends or relatives on a weekend and visit the native place during vacation. According to the book, this fight is not to be misconstrued as one between religions and the past from the spiritual rather than the historical perspective. The book warns readers that there will be opposition to its form of spiritual practice because when you preach to society to destroy evildoers you will certainly face greater opposition. Among the forms of psychological opposition, a significant mention is given to rationalists, who create intellectual confusion. Seekers must vanquish such opposition as seers and even Gods have done in the past, the book says. To do so, there are different types of practice to destroy evildoers physical, psychological and spiritual. Only 5% of the crusade against evil will be of a physical nature. 5% of seekers will need to undergo training with weapons. The Lord will provide the weapons at the opportune moment through some medium, the book says. Among those identified as evildoers, prime importance is given to union leaders. This is because instead of making workers aware of their duties {they] only teach them to fight for their rights thus making them self-centered. Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had been criticised for his generous praise for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Kartarpur groundbreaking ceremony, has landed in the middle of a controversy all over again. This time, over a photograph that features him standing with Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistani leader based in Pakistan. Chawla had put out the picture on Facebook with a caption, with sedu pa g (With my brother) on Wednesday evening. Just hours earlier, Chawlas presence at the Kartarpur event and a warm handshake with Pakistans army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had forced Pakistan Army to clarify that the handshake was basic courtesy extended to Chawla. The pro-Khalistan leaders latest addition to his Facebook album provoked a sharp response on this side of the border. Sidhus photograph went viral on social media with people calling him out. Soon, her bitter rival in the Akali Dal and union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal also joined them. Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent three days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this, Harsimrat told ANI. Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been fiercely competing with Sidhu for credit to get the Kartarpur corridor opened. Badal, one of the two ministers to represent India at the Kartarpur event, was in the audience when Prime Minister Imran Khan heaped praise on Navjot Sidhu. He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there, Harsimrat Badal told ANI. There were probably 5,000-10,000 pictures taken of and with me there (in Pakistan), I dont know who is Gopal Chawla, Navjot Singh Sidhu after returning to India said when asked about the controversial photograph. Sidhus previous visit, in August this year to attend Imran Khans swearing in, had also created a furore over a video in which he could be seen hugging Pakistans Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. When two Punjabis meet they hug each other, it is normal practice in Punjab, Sidhu recently said, defending himself over the hug. Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla is known as one of the main propagators of the Sikh movement seeking a separate homeland for the community. Chawla is reported to be the general secretary of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. His name had cropped up in the investigations into the grenade attack on the Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar in which three were killed. Chawla is also known to have prevented Indian diplomats from visiting a gurdwara in Lahore. Addressing the gathering at the Kartarpur event, Imran Khan had said that he had failed to understand why Sidhu had been criticised for his previous visit to Pakistan. Sidhu had gone to Pakistan in August to attend Imran Khans swearing in as prime minister of the country. I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I dont know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood, Khan had said. A meeting of Karnatakas ruling Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition coordination committee will be held in Bengaluru on December 3 to discuss the possible cabinet expansion in the state. The coalition government was formed even as the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats in a 224 member state assembly in May. The Congress offered Janata Dal (Secular)s HD Kumaraswamy the chief ministerial post despite winning 80 seats. Kumaraswamys party could manage just 37. The expansion is expected to take place after the completion of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram on December 11. The five-member panel will also discuss appointments of chairpersons for different state boards. A media report on Wednesday claiming that Kumaraswamy will step down on health grounds had triggered panic among his supporters. The chief ministers office and Kumaraswamy have since refuted the report. Also read | Karnataka bypolls results: Its 4:1 for ruling alliance, Congress says teaser for 2019 Congress legislature party leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah heads the panel. It includes Kumaraswamy, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and Congresss Karnataka in-charge, KC Venugopal. Janata Dal (Secular)s Kunwar Danish Ali is the panels convener. I have convened the meeting of the coordination committee on December 3 to discuss the cabinet expansion and the appointments of heads of different boards, Ali said. A 10-day Karnataka assembly session has been also called in Belagavi in northern Karnataka from December 10. Belagavi is proposed to be made Karnatakas second capital. An assembly complex was inaugurated there for the purpose in October 2012. You may also like | Narendra Modi broke promise of being an honest Prime Minister, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Justice Kurian Joseph, the judge with a pleasant smile and one of the four judges who took part in the unprecedented press conference against former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra earlier this year, retired on Thursday as a judge of the Supreme Court. Known for speaking out his mind on contentious issues, Justice Kurian at a farewell function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association exhorted lawyers to speak out, saying, Silence of the law is more damage to the society than the violence of lawless men. Justice Kurian called for compassion among judges and said, The institution must deal with issues coming to the court with compassion. When judges approach a matter on a compassionate appointment, they need to have compassion. Justice Joseph started legal practice before the Kerala high court in 1979. At the age of 42, he went on to become the youngest advocate in Kerala to be designated as a senior advocate. After an illustrious career as an advocate, he was appointed as a judge of the Kerala high court in the year 2000. He served at the Kerala high court and Himachal Pradesh high court as its chief justice before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2013. In the last five years at the top court, Justice Joseph has been part of the benches that delivered landmark verdicts in the Triple Talaq case, National Judicial Accountability Commission, and the Nagaraj review (the SC/ST Judgement). Bidding farewell to Justice Kurian, the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi said, Good judges are going away and we need replacements. Attorney General for India, KK Venugopal, called him as one of the nicest judges he has seen in the Supreme Court since the 1960s and he has been a judge with a pleasant smile. He ranks the top ten Supreme Court judges who have written more than 1000 verdicts during their judgeship, added Venugopal. Earlier in the day, testifying to his compassion and pleasant nature, members of the bar including the Supreme Court bar president, Vikas Singh said, We will always miss your smile. In a judgment delivered just a day ahead of his retirement on Wednesday, Justice Kurian reignited the debate on capital punishment. He wrote, Capital punishment has failed to achieve any constitutionally valid penological goals, we are of the view that a time has come where we view the need for death penalty as a punishment, especially its purpose and practice. In the same judgment Justice Kurian also expressed his reservations on media trial in criminal cases. He said We may also express concern on the legality and propriety of the people engaging in a trial prior to the process of trial by the court. It has almost become a trend for the investigating agency to present their version and create a cloud in the collective conscience of the society. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is a threat to national security because she shelters infiltrators who smuggle arms, drugs and fake currency into the country, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya alleged on Thursday. Bengal is a safe haven for infiltrators who smuggle in weapons, narcotics and fake Indian currency notes to destroy the nation. Mamata Banerjee uses them as vote bank. She is a threat to national security and needs to be dislodged from power not just for the sake of Bengal but for India, Vijayvargiya alleged while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting in Midnapore town, about 150 km to the west of Kolkata. We have proof of her links with Maoists whom she used to come to power. We will make it public at the right time. She used the Maoists and later killed them, he said in response to Banerjees allegation that BJP is bringing in Maoists from neighbouring Jharkhand to attack her party workers. When we make the evidences public, people will know how Maoist leader Kishenji was killed, he added. Maoist commander Koteswara Rao, popularly known as Kishenji, was killed in an encounter with the police in West Midnapore district on November 14, 2011, months after Banerjee came to power overthrowing the Marxists. The Trinamool Congress reacted promptly. As our chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, has already become the leading face of the opposition against anti-people policies of BJP and the Union government. BJP is resorting to shameless slanders. This proves how scared they are of our chief minister and Trinamool Congress. The more BJP leaders will resort to such slanders, the more they will get isolated from people, said Bengal food and supplies minister Jyotipriyo Mullick. Vijayvargiya also announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four rallies in Bengal during the BJPs Rathyatra programme next month. Modiji will address people at Malda, Durgapur, Srirampur and Krishnagar. Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Nitin Gadkari will also address gatherings during the Rathyatra. We have also requested chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to visit Bengal, he added. The slogan for the Rathyatra is Save democracy, save Bengal. Reacting to Banerjees accusation that the Rathyatra was an attempt to destroy Bengals secular fabric, Vijayvargiya claimed, People across India call her Mamta Bano because she was mostly seen in mosques all these years. On the eve of the elections she is trying to regain her surname (Banerjee) by visiting temples and meeting Hindu priests just like Rahul Gandhi. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday welcomed Pakistans offer on opening several shrines, including Shardapeeth, to devotees from India, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consider the offer. Great initiative of offering peace through these channels. PM @narendramodi ji should consider the offer by PakPM (Pakistan Prime Minister) @ImranKhanPTI for opening of SharadaPeeth in Kashmir, Katasraj & other shrines too this will certainly bridge the gap & usher peace in region, Mehbooba said in a tweet. Great initiative of offering peace through these channels. PM @narendramodi ji should consider the offer by PakPM @ImranKhanPTI for opening of SharadaPeeth in Kashmir, Katasraj & other shrines too this will certainly bridge the gap & usher peace in regionhttps://t.co/QepazetX1m Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 29 November 2018 Her tweet came in response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans interaction with Indian journalists, in which he reportedly said, We can consider other proposals, including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir, Katasraj and other Hindu shrines too. Mehbooba, later issued a statement, in which she said her party is sure that the offer will elicit a positive response from the Indian government. The PDP president said the hawks on the either side must be sidelined so that a new beginning in the Indo-Pak thaw could be made possible. The prime minister must lead this process personally so that the hawks are not allowed to disrupt this new atmosphere of peace. Such initiatives of offering peace through these channels are worth to hail, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Argentinas capital of Buenos Aires to attend the 13th G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump. On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amid China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest, Modi had said in his departure statement. The prime minister will also speak on his flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Mudra scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and soil health card at the G-20 Summit. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. He will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering. Among the issues to be discussed will be the strengthening of the WTO. The meeting is being held amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world, he said. Modi said Indias contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development, which is the theme of the summit. I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade, he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Emerging economies, which played a major role in revitalising the growth in the global economy pursuant to the financial crisis are today facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges, Modi said. I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good, he said. The prime minister stressed on the need to strengthen international cooperation and enhance coordinated action against fugitive economic offenders and financing of terrorism. Returning home from Pakistan where she had gone to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal took a sideways jibe at Congress leader Navjot Sidhu saying he seemed to get more love and respect in the neighbouring country than in India. Harsimrats jibe came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan showered praises on Sidhu and said that if he wished he could contest elections in Pakistans Punjab and that he would win. Speaking to ANI, Harsimrat said, He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there. Addressing the gathering at the Kartarpur event, Imran Khan had said that he had failed to understand why Sidhu had been criticised for his previous visit to Pakistan. Sidhu had gone to Pakistan in August to attend Imran Khans swearing in as prime minister of the country. I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I dont know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood, Khan had said. Watch: Sidhu recites poetry at Kartarpur Corridor ceremony Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who had attended the event at Narowal in Pakistan, has also said that attending the ceremony was an emotional and historic moment for her. In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eyes. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, its time that our wall of hatred should come down too, she had said. Apart from Navjot Singh Sidhu and Harsimrat Badal, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri had also attended the event. Also read: Kartarpur event a showcase for Navjot Sidhu-Imran Khan bromance AGM Presentation Sydney, Nov 29, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Hastings Technology Metals Ltd ( ASX:HAS ) provides the Company's AGM Presentation.Summary - Key Facts- Rapid growth in EV will drive NdPr Demand- Public Environmental Review advertised and completed with favourable outcome- Offtake - contract signed with Baotou SkyRock; MOU signed with Thyssenkrupp and GQD to be converted to contract- KfW German state bank for project finance and advisory- JORC Resource 22MT; Reserves of 8MT, targeted to increase to 10MT by end 2018- Experienced management team with RE experience- Mining Lease granted for 21 yrs since March 2016- Highest NdPr content at 41%- Production start Q4 2020To view the full presentation, please visit:About Hastings Technology Metals Ltd Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:HAS) (FRA:5AM) is advancing its Yangibana Rare Earths Project in the Upper Gascoyne Region of Western Australia towards production. The proposed beneficiation and hydro metallurgy processing plant will treat rare earths deposits, predominantly monazite, hosting high neodymium and praseodymium contents to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate that will be further refined into individual rare earth oxides at processing plants overseas. Neodymium and praseodymium are vital components in the manufacture of permanent magnets which is used in a wide and expanding range of advanced and high-tech products including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical applications and others. Hastings aims to become the next significant producer of neodymium and praseodymium outside of China. Hastings holds 100% interest in the most significant deposits within the overall project, and 70% interest in additional deposits that will be developed at a later date, all held under Mining Leases. Numerous prospects have been identified warranting detailed exploration to further extend the life of the project. Brockman Project The Brockman deposit, near Halls Creek in Western Australia, contains JORC Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, estimated using the guidelines of JORC Code (2012 Edition). The Company is also progressing a Mining Lease application over the Brockman Rare Earths and Rare Metals Project. Hastings aims to capitalise on the strong demand for critical rare earths created by the expanding demand for new technology products. Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, is the new general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), who has been part of the Naxalite movement since the 1970s. One of the most elusive among Indias Maoist leaders, the 64-year-old carries an AK-47, according to a 2011 Intelligence Bureau (IB) report. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of Rs 1.5 million for information leading to him. Rewards have been announced by the governments of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as well. A resident of Jiyannapeta village, within the jurisdiction of Mandalam-Kotabommali police station in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Basavaraju holds a BTech degree from the Regional Engineering College, Warrangal. He is also known by the aliases of Ganganna, Prakash, Krishna, Vijay, Darapu Narasimha Reddy and Narasimha. Police have no recent photograph of him. Earlier, they had also found that Basavaraju owned no property in his name in his native village, which he left in the late 1970s. Basavarajus primary areas of activity have been Chhattisgarh, parts of todays Telangana and parts of Maharashtra. He is also a member of the CPI (Maoist)s central regional bureau, said a senior IPS officer based in Jharkhand, who tracks Maoists. Dark horse According to information culled from Maoist party literature over the years, he was one of the key organisers, when the Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist Peoples War (CPMLPW), was formed in Andhra Pradesh in 1980. In 1987, Basavaraju, along with the likes of Ganapathy, Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishanji (killed in 2011), Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu and Malla Raji Reddy, reportedly underwent training in the forests of Bastar from a group of former fighters of the Sri Lankan Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in ambush tactics and the handling of gelatin. In 1992, he was elected a member of the central committee of the erstwhile Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist Peoples War, when Ganapathy became its general secretary. earlier posts In 2004, when the CPI(Maoist) was formed through the merger of Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist Peoples War and Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI), Basavaraju was made the secretary of the central military commission of the new outfit. Basavaraju has been managing the tasks of the general secretary for about a year. The change has been made public now, only after responsibilities were formally shifted from Ganapathy to him. Ganapathy will continue as a member of the central committee, a Maoist functionary, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added. In an article published in the partys theoretical organ Peoples War in 2013, Basavaraju had provided a roadmap for the revolution they plan to lead: If we can mobilise the peasantry on a vast scale and militantly into an armed agrarian revolution to completely solve the land issue in our country, we will acquire the most essential basic condition and preconditions to defeat all our enemies and complete the New Democratic Revolution. It is not in Pakistans interest to allow anyone to use our soil for terrorism, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday, a day after he underscored unanimity within the countrys civilian and military leadership for better ties with India at the Kartarpur corridor event. Khan, who spoke to a group of visiting Indian journalists at the Prime Ministers office, said Pakistan could only try. We can try but the rest is up to India. What else can we do, Imran Khan, who completes 100 days of his government today, said. India has refused to resume talks with Pakistan, demanding that its neighbour first stop sponsoring terrorism in India. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj had this week made it clear that Indias participation at a possible SAARC Summit in Islamabad would also depend on Pakistans approach towards terror and the Kartarpur corridor gesture wasnt enough to resume bilateral dialogue. In the past, Islamabad has suggested that Indias reluctance on resumption of dialogue was dictated the ruling BJP-led national coalitions political compulsions ahead of next years general elections. Imran Khan alluded to this perception on Thursday as well. Pakistan, he said, is willing to wait till after the Indian elections for any gesture from Delhi for resumption of bilateral relations. Asked about the action taken by Islamabad against 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Prime Minister Khan said there were United Nations sanctions against his group. There is a clampdown on him, he said. As for the Mumbai terror attacks case, PM Khan said the case is in court and the matter is sub judice. Imran Khan said people in Pakistan want peace with India. The mindset of people here has changed, Khan said, according to news agency PTI. Imran Khan said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier and I would be happy to talk to him anytime. He remembers his first conversation with him as a very good conversation. At his Kartarpur corridor event speech, Imran Khan had stressed that a determined leadership is needed in both countries to settle the Kashmir issue. The reference to Kashmir had riled New Delhi that hit back, condemning Khans effort to politicise a pious occasion with his mention of Kashmir. Imran Khan said India needs to look at Kashmir differently and not as a territorial issue. Military solution and the use of force hasnt worked in Kashmir, Khan said, adding that If nothing else, we want the government of India to do something for the people of Kashmir. With 37 militants killed in encounters across Kashmir, November has been the bloodiest month of this year for the insurgents. Among the militants killed this month, nine were top commanders, including Lashkar-e-Taibas face Naveed Jatt, who was shot dead on Wednesday in Budgam district. As per official figures, 227 militants have been killed in different parts of Kashmir so far this year. While they belonged to different organisations, the Lashkar and Hizbul Mujahideen suffered major losses this month as both groups lost some of their top commanders, especially in south Kashmir, which has become a hotbed of militancy. Last year, 207 militants were killed in this period. This November, nine militant commanders were killed - five affiliated with the Hizbul Mujahideen and four with the Lashkar. Officials say the focus of late has been to target the militant commanders who are pivotal in fresh recruitment to the outfits. J&Ks director general of police, Dilbag Singh said the number of militants at present is hovering around 250. After several successful operations, the graph of militancy, especially in south Kashmir, has come down and fresh recruitment has also declined. A senior police officer who keeps an eye on militancy and fresh recruitment told Hindustan Times that this year more than 15 top militant commanders affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar, Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkat-ul- Mujahideen and Ansarul-Gazwat- ul-Hind were killed in different operations launched by the forces. Even the militant modules who were helping commanders and several hideouts were busted. The officer said that now only three to four prominent top commanders are active - Hizbul Mujahideens operational commander, Riyaz Naikoo, Al Badr commander, Zeenat-ul Islam who was earlier with Hizbul Mujahideen and now has shifted to Albadr, Lateef Tiger who was an associate of Burhan Wani and Zakir Musa, the chief of Ansar-ul-Gazwat-ul-Hind. The killings of several commanders have put the commanders who are at large under tremendous pressure, the officer said. The spate of militant killings, officials said, have also led to a decline of the number of Lashkar cadres present in the Valley which was earlier somewhere between 120-150. This year, more than 45 militants, most of them foreigners, were killed on the Line of Control while trying to sneak into Valley. Officials give several reasons for the successful operations in south Kashmir, especially in last three months. The intelligence network, flow of information from both human and other sources and shifting of the militants from forests to populated areas in the month of November are the reasons for killing of militants, said an officer deployed in south Kashmir. The months of October and November usually see a surge in killing of militants as they shift base during this period due to the onset of winter. These two months last year saw 44 militants being killed while this year, the tally has reached 63 - 26 in October and 37 in November. The pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has announced that it plans to hold a convention to espouse the secessionist 2020 referendum campaign at Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan if the proposed corridor for Sikh pilgrims between India and Pakistan is functional by then. While the original plan had been to hold a major event at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, SFJs legal advisor Gurpatwant Pannun told Hindustan Times that the opening of the corridor will allow the group access to a much larger number of pilgrims from India at Kartarpur Sahib than would be possible at the more distant Nankana Sahib. Because now they have given access, people will come to Kartarpur Sahib. They will not be allowed to visit Nankana Sahib so we will have to do the convention at Kartarpur Sahib, Pannun said. In case the corridor is not open, SFJ will revert to the original plan of holding the convention at Nankana Sahib. The convention is being timed to coincide with the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Indian officials refused to formally comment on this latest provocative move by SFJ, but said this was part of a game being played by Pakistan and rued that a religious occasion of such significance was being manipulated for such a purpose. SFJs office in Lahore will coordinate registration of voters for the non-binding referendum on creating a separate nation of Khalistan. SFJ also plans to sponsor and host 10,000 Sikhs from Punjab at the convention to be educated and informed about Sikhs right to self-determination under the UN Charter and Conventions and to serve as ambassadors for the separatist referendum. Pannun called the Kartarpur Sahib corridor a Bridge to Khalistan and said, in a statement, Kartarpur Sahib Convention is pivotal to referendum campaign as this will be the first ever global gathering of the Sikh separatists from foreign countries with the Sikh people from Punjab. The 2020 referendum was announced in London in August this year. SFJ plans on having a poll within the diaspora community in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Kenya and the Middle East, while also targeting Punjab via online means. The Pakistan government plans to make Rishi Kapoors ancestral home in the fabled Qissa Khwani Bazar into a museum in keeping with a request from the Bollywood star. Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke about the governments plans during an interaction with visiting Indian journalists late on Wednesday night. There was a call from Rishi Kapoor, who said that his familys home should be made into a museum or some sort of institution, he said. So you can tell him we have made a decision to make it (a museum). Naeemul Haq, special assistant for political affairs to Prime Minister Imran Khan, said the premier was very keen on preserving the history and heritage of Peshawar. He has a special interest in restoring these places to their original glory. Mr Rishi Kapoors request will be met very positively, he said. Minister of state for interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said he had received a call from Rishi Kapoor regarding the house while he was visiting Jaipur in 2016. At the time, Afridi was an MP from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party was in the opposition. Also read | Navjot Sidhu gets more love and respect in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Badal He had called me and talked about making his ancestral home into a museum. Now the federal and provincial governments are working on this and it will happen soon, Afridi said. The Kapoor Haveli, the familys sprawling ancestral home in Qissa Khwani Bazar was built by Basheswarnath Kapoor, the father of acting legend Prithviraj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor, the son of Prithviraj Kapoor, was born in the house in 1924. The top floor of the five-storey house at Dakhi Nalbandi, Peshawars highest point, collapsed years ago but about 60 rooms still survive. After the Kapoor family left Peshawar following the Partition in 1947, the buildings ownership passed through several hands. Bollywood icon Dilip Kumars ancestral home too is located near the Qissa Khwani Bazar. Pakistani authorities have tried to acquire the crumbling building in recent years so that it could be preserved as a national heritage site but their efforts ran into rough weather because of legal cases. Kumars house is located in a corner of Doma Gali in Mohalla Khudadad, and the star was born there as Muhammad Yusuf Khan on December 11, 1922. He spent several years of his childhood in the Qissa Khwani Bazar or the Market of Storytellers, where travellers and traders from across Central Asia gathered to swap tales. Some relatives of Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan still live in Shah Wali Qataal area of Peshawar. Read | Cant move forward by blaming each other, scoring points: Imran Khan to India at Kartarpur event Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan acknowledged on Thursday it was not in the countrys interest to allow its soil to be used for terrorism and said he was prepared to talk to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at any time. A day after India said it was regrettable that Khan referred to Kashmir at the groundbreaking of the Kartarpur corridor, the premier again raised the issue and said India shouldnt treat it only as a territorial issue. Khan also said he was prepared to wait till after Indias general election in 2019 for any sort of forward movement in bilateral relations but stressed that the push for peace cant be one-sided. This was the latest in a series of strong statements made by the Pakistani administration expressing an inclination for greater engagement, most of which came in the wake of the two nations deciding to build a corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the Kartarpur shrine in Pakistan. On Wednesday, Indias external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said the Kartarpur project cannot be the basis for resuming dialogue. Terror and talks cannot go hand-in-glove. The moment Pakistan stops terror activity against India, talks can begin, she said. She also ruled out PM Modi attending a Saarc meeting in Pakistan unless there was more progress on talks. During an interaction with a visiting group of Indian journalists on Thursday, Khan was repeatedly questioned about Pakistans handling of terror, which India has linked to any possible resumption of talks. I can say in all earnestness that it is not in Pakistans interest for anyone to use our soil for terrorism, he said. All political parties have endorsed the National Action Plan on terrorism and no armed group would be allowed to operate in the country, he added. Asked about the possibility of acting against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed, Khan said there were severe UN sanctions against his group. There is a clampdown on him. The case against the accused in the Mumbai attacks is in court and it is sub judice, he said, adding that his government had inherited the issue. Khan said he had a good conversation with Modi and would be happy to talk to him any time. He recalled his pledge in his first speech after his partys election victory to take two steps for every step taken by India and said there had been a bad response from New Delhi, which had called off a meeting of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Khan, whose government completed 100 days on Thursday, said Pakistan could make a grand gesture on terror-related matters but there should be a response from the other side. Referring to Kashmir, Khan said India should look at the issue differently and not just as a territorial issue as there could not be a military solution. He added, If nothing else, we want the government of India to do something for the people of Kashmir. There are images on social media of bodies, and women crying. The decision for opening the Kartarpur corridor was the outcome of a consensus among different stakeholders and should not be confused for desperation for peace, he said. Solutions to issues such as Kashmir will emerge when both countries sit and talk, he added. Khan said Pakistan was prepared to wait till after the completion of Indias general election next year for any sort of movement in bilateral relations. We expect that after the elections, India will have to respond, he said. We will keep trying to improve relationships with India and Afghanistan. Former Indian diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar said presenting the Kashmir dispute as the core issue has always been Pakistans stand. There are other issues to be sorted out. I think Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is the correct core issue. India has never said no to discussing any issue but meaningful dialogue cannot be held when Pakistan keeps aiding and sponsoring terrorism. Pakistan must understand this, he said. On Wednesday, shortly after Khan made a pitch for talks, the Indian external affairs ministry said the Pakistani Prime Minister was trying to politicise a pious occasion with his mention of Kashmir. When asked whether the corridor was a sign of peace between India and Pakistan, Indian army chief General Bipin Rawat told reporters: Kartarpur should be seen in isolation. Do not link it to anything else. The whole world is aware that terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are being run by governmental agencies that also plan disruptions in India. (With inputs from Sudhi Ranjan Sen) A team of police and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel launched a search operation in Company Bagh of Punjabs Amritsar early on Thursday after receiving an alert about the presence of suspicious men. Sources said police arrested some men during the search operation from 4am till 8am but didnt disclose their identity. The team searched the Company Bagh with the help of sniffer dogs and stopped people, who had come for their morning walk, outside the Bagh. They were allowed to enter only after 8am. We had been receiving complaints from the locals that some bad elements take shelter in the Bagh. It was also an alert, additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP city 2) Lakhbir Singh said. On Thursday morning, we thoroughly searched Company Bagh but could not find anything suspicious, he added. Security personnel at Company Bagh, Amritsar, on Thursday, November 29, 2018. (Sameer Sehgal / HT Photo ) A heavy police force has been deployed in and outside the Company Bagh. Punjab is on a high alert after the grenade attack on November 18 at the congregation at the Nirankari Bhawan in Rajasansi area of Amritsar, which killed three people and injured 20. Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI was behind the terror attack. A senior Delhi police officer died on Thursday after allegedly jumping from the police headquarters building at Central Delhis ITO area. Prem Ballabh Kumar, a 55-year-old ACP rank official, jumped to his death on Thursday morning at around 10am. Preliminary enquiry has revealed that the ACP was under depression. He was also undergoing treatment for some illness and had spent some time in GTB Hospital, said Rajesh Khurana, joint commissioner of police (central range). The officer said that Ballabh worked at the desk in the polices administration department at the PHQ and lived in east Delhis Maujpur. On November 16, a 35-year-old head constable of Delhi Police shot himself dead in the VVIP parking of the Delhi Secretariat. More details are awaited. Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said he was unsatisfied with Indias economic progress since independence as he felt a lot more could have been done. Today, our economy the worth of it is $2.268 trillion. I am not satisfied, Mukherjee said at an event at Bengalurus Greenwood High International School. As a former finance minister, I feel we should have done more progress. It should have been at least $ 5-6 trillion because Chinas state surplus is almost equal to ours. Mukherjee said the youth would help India become a global economic power. Yes, you can do it and you alone can do it, he said while responding to a students question. Our days are gone, our juniors days are gone. The third generation of Indians has come, who have no baggage, memory of subjugated India, the experience of the slavery of foreign masters. He said this generation was born and developed in free India. Mukherjee said leaders should welcome criticism. Criticism is not always negative, more often it is positive, it points out deficiencies, he said. Mukherjee said Indias 5,000-year-old civilisation survived while contemporary civilisations withered away. He added acceptance of others and recognition of opposing views was key to this. Mukherjee asked the youth dreaming about joining politics to keep in mind that its essence is service. If you want to enter the legislature to serve the people of your area, state, or if you want to enter Parliament to serve your country to make policies and serve the country, you must have the will to do service. Vijay Mallya is willing to sign consent terms with the Indian government about paying his dues to creditors, the businessmans lawyer told a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Thursday. The PMLA court began hearing a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which wants to declare Mallya a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his properties in India. Mallya who is currently in London has so far neither appeared in court, nor submitted any undertaking indicating he would join the process of law in India, the EDs counsel, DP Singh, told the court. Mallyas lawyer, Amit Desai, however argued that confiscating properties would not help authorities, as the properties would all end up in the consolidated funds of the government, and no one would have a claim over them. Read| In another setback for Vijay Mallya, court rejects plea to stay fugitive proceedings The rights of creditors would go. Further, all the proceedings before various forums and tribunals initiated by banks and the accused, over the rights to the properties, would also be infructuous, said Desai, adding that the creditors and other interested parties would be made to run pillar to post to claim their money . EDs counsel, Singh, however clarified that the centre only becomes an administrator of the assets, according to the rules of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, under which the ED wants to confiscate the properties. But, Desai pointed out that the act doesnt apply to Mallya. The confiscation will be in retrospect. In general law, the properties of an accused are confiscated only after he is held guilty of the crime. Here, under this law, Mallya has not even been tried, not a single witness has been examined, and we are jumping to attach his properties, Desai argued. What if, tomorrow, Mallya is acquitted? Facebook is used by 270 million Indians in the age group of 18-65 monthly, meaning political parties can reach an estimated 36% of the voting age population on the platform. And the user base is growing: the number of Facebook users in India have more than doubled since the previous general election in 2014, according to data portal Statista. The numbers highlight the importance of Facebook as India gears up for what some consider will be an election that is fought as much on the dusty streets of Bharat as on the social media platform. And it comes as the social networking platform confronts a global crisis as lawmakers and regulators across the world call for greater scrutiny to check potential abuse and misuse of it to sway election outcomes. Indian Facebook users, however, are skewed towards specific demographics. A Hindustan Times analysis of anonymous and aggregated data from Facebooks advertising portal shows that the bulk of the platforms Indian users are men, under the age of 30 and live in urban clusters. National averages further hide the massive state-wide differences. In theory, the same political party can show contradictory messages to two different peoplewithout the other person ever knowing of the activity in a parallel Facebook universe. OP Rawat, the chief election commissioner of India, has called such technological interventions to sway elections the biggest challenge for the electoral process. Instead of direct bribing of voters, it is now moving to technology and big data firms and services like targeted communication on social media and analysis on where to focus so as to tilt the voting behaviour in a partys favour, Rawat told HT in an interview in October. Which section of voters can parties reach on the platform and what does it means for the campaign? HT used Facebook ads platform and official census data to calculate breakup of Indian Facebook users by gender, age and geographical location. Facebook India, a mens world 77% of the Indian Facebook profiles belong to men, compared to 57% globally. This is not a platform-specific issue, but indicative of the gender inequality in access to the internet and technology. India ranks 170th among 178 countries on this parameter, according to the Digital Gender Gaps project anchored by the University of Oxford. Political parties acknowledge this: Ankit Lal, social media head at the Aam Aadmi Party, said that men aged 20-30 is the demographic that the party aims to engage with on Facebook. Parties and politicians struggle to identify, target, and mobilize women using digital platforms, said Milan Vaishnav, political scientist and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This may be one reason that candidates across parties are devoting significant airtime to women and womens issues in traditional rallies and large meetings. This is especially important because women have become an important political constituency in the past few years as womens turnout has increased sharply in recent years and is likely to grow even further in 2019, he added. The gender gap on social media also means that certain issues which generate much heat on Twitter and Facebooksuch as allegations concerning the Rafale dealmight not have as much salience for certain segments of the electorate not digitally plugged in, Vaishnav said. Youth dominates Young people dominate the platform: 63% of all users are below the age of 30. When compared with Census data, 55 % of all Indians in the age group of 20-24 have Facebook accounts. This proportion steadily declinesless than 7% of Indians in the 55-59 age group use the platform. Facebook will be most effective in reaching first-time voters: an estimated 140 million Indians will vote for the first time in the 2019 elections and around 53% of these, numbering 75 million , have Facebook accounts. In terms of the Facebook population, this age cohort of 18-22 constitutes nearly 28% of all Indian users. India vs Bharat Data from Facebook ads platform, which we used for this analysis, doesnt provide a rural-urban population breakup. But user figures for major cities shows how the reach of Facebook beyond major urban clusters is limited. For example, Hyderabad constitutes 19% of Telanganas population but has 57% of the states Facebook users. Similarly, the Facebook population is skewed towards Kolkata in West Bengal; Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. The limited reach in rural implies that issues that dominate political discourse on Facebookboth what people discuss and parties promotewould be mostly urban-centric. State-wise differences In addition, Facebook demographics vary across states. Close to 63% of the total population (age group 20-65) in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) is estimated to be on Facebook, while only 17.8% of Bihar is. Around 81% of the current Indian Facebook users accessed the network through a high-speed 4G connection, data from the ads platform shows. This is due to the rise in access to smartphones and the declining cost of mobile data packs. This also influences the mode of information dissemination. It is more viable to share and consume video content on the platform. Ankit Lal from AAP said visuals and videos are the preferred mode of sharing content. Even if political parties dont spend money on advertising, the cost to share content through their pages is zero, which makes the medium appealing for campaigns. Social media is becoming crucial due to the scale of user base which is huge now. Further, the drastic reduction in the rates of telecom data enhances the longevity of interest across social media and increases appetite to consume digital content, said Arjun Dutta from IPAC, a political consultancy. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays claim that there werent any hidden agenda behind his two-day Ayodhya visit notwithstanding, his party is hoping to tap Thackerays trip to build its political presence in Uttar Pradesh where it hopes to engage the BJP that snatched its big brother tag in Maharashtra. Senas UP chief Anil Singh admitted that despite there being 1400 pradhans, nearly a dozen corporators and contesting 36 seats in UP, they were largely seen as a party that played moral police on Valentines Day. But this notion will change now as our party chiefs visit has perked the cadre. We would now solidly contest the 2019 Lok Sabha in UP questioning the BJP over its temple claim, Singh told HT. BJP leaders expectedly targeted Shiv Sena right away with Ballia lawmaker Surendra Singh wanting to know why Sena watched helplessly when north Indians were targeted in Mumbai. They are attempting to hijack the temple movement but they should first answer their dubious role when the people from UP and Bihar were targeted in Mumbai, he asked. During his two day Ayodhya trip that concluded with his maiden visit to the makeshift Ram temple, Uddhav had pointedly said that a temple would come up in Ayodhya irrespective of whether the Narendra Modi government remained in power or not. Experts say that even if Sena is unable to use the momentum to stitch a pact with BJP in UP, it would want to queer the pitch by dividing ideologically friendly votes, a position that BJP would want to avoid in the face of SP-BSP team up. A senior Shiv Sena leader said that party leadership was now aware of its fledgling organisational presence in the state and was ready to make the necessary corrections. Sena leaders cite statistics to support their claim that they already have pockets of influence they could build on. The Sena candidate had polled nearly 30000 votes from the Gonda seat in UP. Thats just one example and reason why we are confident of improving our political presence, the Senas UP chief said. We are identifying seats where we think we can do well. The final decision would be taken by party leadership, he added. A party leader skirted the question if they wanted to play vote katua (vote divider) to queer the pitch for the BJP. Like any political party we too want to grow. The BJP grew largely because of its temple positioning -- an issue they have forgotten. We will expose them, a Sena leader said. Not surprisingly then, the BJP government in UP, despite according the status of a state guest to Uddhav counter attacked with deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya saying that Shiv Sena had no role in temple movement. Maurya, who before coming to the BJP was a VHP functionary and was close to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal, said, Had Balasaheb been alive, he would have stopped Uddhav from doing what he is engaged in. On cue, several other BJP leaders targeted the Sena. We have been growing in Maharashtra but havent left them either, said UP BJPs Rampur in-charge Chandramohan. An 11-day-old infant, born with a three-chambered heart, recently underwent a rare life-saving surgery at B J Wadia Hospital, Parel. Avantika Nair, now two months old, was born preterm at 24 weeks with a condition known as Hypoplastic Left heart syndrome. The condition, wherein the children are born with a rudimentary left heart chamber, affects blood supply to other organs in the body. It affects 2 in 10,000 children, said doctors. Dr Shreepal Jain, the paediatric interventional cardiologist who led the surgery, said it was a challenge to conduct the operation. This surgery was done without stopping the babys heart. This saved us from the complications, he said. However, the relief after the surgery was short-lived as Avantikas condition deteriorated after she was shifted to the ICU. Her heart rate and blood pressure dropped rapidly, and she was supported by ECMO, an artificial heart-lung support machine, for nearly 36 hours. Dr Biswa Panda, paediatric cardiac surgeon at Wadia Hospital, said, The baby made a remarkable recovery. Avantika was discharged three weeks ago, but may need two more similar surgeries in the future, Dr Jain said. Avantikas mother, Dhanya Nair, 32, who works as an accountant in a private company knew five months into her pregnancy that her child may be born with a heart anomaly, but went ahead with the pregnancy. We knew about the problem but prayed that everything would work out. Doctors had told us that it could get corrected with a surgery, she said. Dhanya, who had suffered a miscarriage four years ago, said We decided whatever happens, we will give our best. Six members of the British parkour collective Storror were deported to the United Kingdom early on Wednesday morning. The athletes, who were in Mumbai to participate in a conference, had been detained on Tuesday for performing a stunt in a housing society in Dadar without permission. We found that they had violated their visa conditions. Secondly, they didnt take requisite permissions from the police or from the organisers who had brought them to Mumbai. Also, they performed dangerous stunts, said a senior police office, requesting anonymity. Storror is an extreme parkour collective that has a global fan following. Prior to being detained on Tuesday, the group had met some of their Mumbai-based fans, who call themselves Storror army, in Bandra. Storror was in Mumbai to participate in a conference on December 2. We first thought to restrict their movement till the conference but after taking their statement, a report was submitted to the Special Branch of Mumbai Police, which then took the stand to deport them, said the officer. The police said they had received confirmation that Storror had reached the UK safely. On Monday afternoon, the Storror team had entered Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar Society, climbed up to the terrace of one of the four buildings in the society and filmed a stunt in which one of them leaped from the roof of one 14-storey building to another. Members of the housing society filed a complaint with Mumbai Police, alleging the parkour athletes had entered their buildings without permission. The police realised the stunt had been performed by Storror when they found the video online. The members were eventually located in a five-star hotel and taken in for questioning by Dadar Police. No case was registered against them. As reported by this newspaper on Thursday, chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has promised action within 15 days against a police inspector and a sub-inspector who had arrested journalists Ram Parmar and Mohammed Hussain for simply going about their professional duty in June. Parmar and Hussain, who report from the Palghar area, had gone to the local police station to get inputs into a dacoity case when the police apprehended them. Khan was punched in the chest, his camera was confiscated and he was locked up in a room for hours. Parmar, who questioned the cops, was threatened. Subsequently both were arrested under section 353 of the IPC (obstructing government servant) and put into Thane Central Jail for five days. The issue flared up locally and in the media, and was even brought up in the assembly in July during the monsoon session, but the government seemed to be dragging its feet. Protests by several journalists bodies recently refocused attention on the matter. Happily, with the CM now deciding to move ahead in the matter, hopefully this case will find closure. In another instance, a reporter from the newspaper The Hindu, while covering a rally at Azad Maidan against the proposed refinery in Nanar (Ratnagiri) this week, was thwarted by a sub-inspector when he tried to speak to the protesters. The journalist approached the Mumbai Press Club for support. This matter too was brought to the notice of the chief minister, who to his credit swiftly ordered an inquiry into the incident. To be fair, these are not everyday occurrences. In most parts of the state, and particularly in Mumbai, relations between the media, the state administration and the police have been cordial if not convivial. My personal experience with police from highest to lowest rank in the past four decades has largely been of ready cooperation, barring the odd fractious incident that happens everywhere. If I have still chosen to dwell on these recent cases in some detail, it is to highlight the problems that the media often faces in their professional pursuits, and which seems to be growing. On some beats, particularly, journalists are seen as adversaries rather than those doing a specialized job that demands them to scrutinise, inquire and investigate. Sometimes those in uniform or authority see this as irksome or intrusiveness. Fact is, journalists function in a highly competitive environment. Their current status and future livelihood depends on quickly and how comprehensively they fulfil assignments. Some, in fact, run great personal risks in pursuing their vocation, and there have also been instances where theyve paid with their lives: J Dey and Gauri Lankesh, for example. This does not mean that journalists have a halo on their heads. As in every profession, there are some journalists who are incompetent, have an incomplete understanding of the law, are unjustifiably demanding or are charlatans peddling fake news. But by and large in my experience, most are earnest and responsible professionals striving to do their best: just as one would imagine those in uniform or those occupying positions of great power. Because these professions are so closely intertwined yet driven by different compulsions, the relationship can get prickly. However, whatever the rough edges, a fine understanding of each others professional motives and practices is fundamental to maintaining a healthy, robust and functioning democracy. This is where, in the larger context, the scenario tends to get a little worrying. The media is coming under increasing duress. This is not restricted to India, but globally, going by the World Press Freedom Index put out by the advocacy Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF). In this years index, India ranks at 138, two notches lower than in 2017. This is just one rank higher than Pakistan, and below nations like Uganda, Afghanistan, Chad, Qatar, Zimbabwe otherwise thought to have a muzzled media. The RSF Index is not gospel, yet is a signal of about the travails that exist for journalists in the country and why those in authority need to ensure that democracy and freedom within the framework of the law is not shackled. A day after the recovery of 50 human skeletons from a train at the Chapra junction in Bihars Saran district, the government railway police (GRP) administration in Muzaffarpur on Wednesday rushed separate teams of officials to Balia in Uttar Pradesh and Siliguri in West Bengal, to probe possible cross-border smuggling across international boundaries of the skeletons. Muzaffarpur superintendent of railway police(SRP), SK Singh said that teams were dispatched to Balia, where the consignment of 16 human skulls and 34 skeletal remains was obtained, and to Siliguri where they were to be delivered, on the basis of inputs provided by the man arrested with the skeletons. The involvement of skeleton smugglers from neighbouring countries could not be ruled out because Nepal and Bhutan currencies had been found with the arrested man, identified as Sanjay Prasad, Singh said. The police also confiscated ATM cards, two identity cards, and SIM cards with Nepal phone numbers from Prasad. Prasad, who had boarded the Balia-Sealdah Express with the skeletons was arrested at Chapra junction on Tuesday. GRP men said that the skeletons had been both collected from cremation grounds and exhumed from various graveyards in Balia. Based on Prasads confession, the skeletons were reportedly being smuggled to Bhutan via Bihar and Siliguri in West Bengal and the entire operation was being monitored by a Nepal-based racketeer. . .This was not the first such gory find. Singh said that the GRP had on October 19 seized some skulls found in a bag at Muzarrafpur junction too. The GRP has launched an investigation to bust the network of skeleton smugglers, the SRP said. Meanwhile, an official, requesting anonymity, said human skeletons were exported to China and Bhutan, where they were used for manufacturing aphrodisiacs. The skeletons were also in demand among medical students in these countries, he added. He said many poor families living in and round cremation grounds and graveyards in Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and West Bengal, eked out their livelihood by collecting skulls and bones and selling them to smugglers. The skeletal remains are first cleaned with hydrogen peroxide to remove the foul smell and then divided into different categories, the official said. A skull can be bought from a graveyard for Rs 1,000 to Rs 2000 and a bone for Rs 500 to Rs 800. They are sold to smugglers for Rs 10,000 -Rs 20,000 and carried into Siliguri and other cities and finally across international borders. Once there, the prices range between Rs 40000 and Rs 50000, he said. In 2004, 1,000 human skulls were seized from the banks of Falgu river in Gaya. In 2007, three people were arrested with 100 human bones and 27 human skulls from a Siliguri-bound passenger bus at Dighwara in the Saran district. Two years later, 67 human skulls and bones were seized again in Chapra and one person, identified as Kamal Sah, a resident of East Champaran in north Bihar, was arrested. Sah had revealed that he was involved in the illegal trade since about a decade. A senior police officer in the state police headquarters said the export of human skeletons was banned in the 1980s. Still, the smuggling of human skulls and bones has carried on unabated, wth Siliguri being the key transit point for their export to Nepal, Bhutan and China, the officer said, requesting anonymity. Black magic too, reportedly plays a role. Festivals like Dusshehra saw a macabre rise in the demand for human skeletons, as occulists perform black magic and tantric rituals with them, the official disclosed. At least 90 shanties were gutted in a major fire that engulfed the Patil Estate slums on the old Mumbai-Pune highway, on Wednesday. No casualties were reported, but a fire officer, Subhash Khade, sustained injuries fighting the blaze that erupted at 1 pm, and was brought under control by 4 pm. The exact cause of fire has not yet been determined, but fire officials told HT that it spread rapidly due to the explosions of multiple LPG gas cylinders in the dwellings. Twenty fire brigade vehicles and 20 water tankers were used to control the fire, according to Prashant Ranpise, chief fire officer, Pune. Late on Wednesday evening Umesh Mali,PMC deputy commissioner, stated that between 90-95 houses were destroyed in the fire. Speaking to HT at the site of the incident, Ranpise estimated that between 50 and 80 houses, all of them slum shanties, were damaged in the fire. "Many houses were multi-storeyed where different families lived. The Pune municipal corporation (PMC) will undertake a survey to determine the total number of houses gutted in blaze," said Ranpise. PMC has arranged for temporary accommodation for the affected families at Bharat English School, next to Akashwani, Shivajinagar bus depot; and at the Narveer Tanaji wadi school, Dattawadi. "The police, with the help of fire brigade officials, undertook crowd control and rescue. We do not have any reports of casualties yet. We will still confirm this from hospitals," said Sunil Phulari, additional commissioner of police (ACP), north, Pune. He also said that the PMC had informed him that the locality had between 400-450 houses, of which at least 80 had been gutted in the fire. With 10 lanes of the slums full of shanties, shops, temples, a mosque and community toilets, the fire found an unending source of fuel to rage, making it difficult for the fire brigade to tame the blaze. Fire vehicles from various fire stations in the city were rushed to the spot. Despite the large police presence, aggrieved residents could be seen running back in to the smoke to save as many of their belongings as they could, making the situation worse for the fire brigade. Vehicular traffic on the Wakdewadi bridge heading from Khadki towards Pune railway station was stopped and diverted back to Khadki as fire tenders parked on the bridge. Along with Mukta Tilak, mayor of Pune, others who rushed to the spot included Saurabh Rao, PMC commissioner; Anil Shirole, member of parliament from Pune; Shivaji Bodhkhe, joint police commissioner; and Prasad Akkanouru, deputy commissioner of police, zone 4. Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot is among the tallest leaders of the party in poll-bound Rajasthan. The two-time chief minister spoke to Chetan Chauhan about the key issues ahead of the polls, chief minister Vasundhara Rajes development record, perceived differences between him and state party president Sachin Pilot, and the formation of a grand alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Edited excerpts: Several Congress rebels are still in the fray in Rajasthan. Will that dampen your partys prospects? In some seats, they can harm the party. We tried some damage control and asked them to withdraw. Some did, but many are still there. Our efforts to persuade them are still on and I am hopeful that many of them will retire from the contest. The Congress has not announced any chief ministerial candidate in Rajasthan and other states. Why so? The Congress has never declared a CM candidate since Independence in Rajasthan. Nationally also, we dont normally declare chief ministerial candidates. Sadly, for the first time the opposition is making it a political issue. In democracy, people elect MLAs, and after consulting them, the chief ministerial candidate is announced. In Rajasthan, there is infighting within the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) as they took 75 days to announce a state president. It is being said that there are differences between you and state Congress president Sachin Pilot. I dont agree. I have been doing politics for a long time, and there are no issues for us to fight over. When the high command has to decide everything after the elections, there is no issue for any fight with Sachin Pilot. Read| Third front fails to take off in Rajasthan; its still Congress vs BJP The BJP has been saying that Gehlot and Pilot dont see eye to eye and the Congress is a divided house. Ours is a disciplined party and we go with what the high command says. I contested my first election in 1977; I have been a Member of Parliament five times; Ive been a Union minister and a state party president three times; I have been chief minister and AICC (All India Congress Committee) general secretary twice; and I was state party president at the age of 34. I never asked for anything, and have accepted whatever the high command has decided. That should be the feeling in everyone. In the Congress, I have seen that projection of oneself does not help. Nobody should do it. Arent the people thinking that the Congress does not have a clear CM choice? We are contesting together. Rahul Gandhis visit is having a good impact in Rajasthan. The Bharatiya Janata Party has not been able to give a response to his (Rahul Gandhis) charges on the Rafale aircraft deal, demonetisation, and the shoddy introduction of GST (Goods and Services Tax). Freedom of expression is not there, hatred is being spread, mobiles phones even of bureaucrats are being tapped, and the police is raiding CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) in the middle of the night. What is happening, and why is the BJP not replying to these questions? Some Congress leaders have commented on the family of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has become a poll issue. What do you have to say about this? For the first time, I am seeing that the PM has taken public discourse to such a low level. Have you heard how he decries Jawaharlal Nehru and others? I would like to remind him that Nehruji was in jail for 10 years and he introduced India to white (milk) and green (agriculture) revolution. Modi compared the falling value of the rupee with Dr Manmohan Singhs age. I am not protecting anyone, but want to say that leaders should speak on policies and programmes. Rahul Gandhi has told party leaders not to make personal attacks. The BJP is distorting statements of our party leaders by removing the context as they have nothing to say about their work in the last four-and-a-half years. Modi and the RSS (Rashtria Swayamsevak Sangh) have made the worst kind of personal attacks on Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. Read| Congress calls BJP manifesto for Rajasthan assembly election deceptive document What is the difference between 2013 and 2018 elections in Rajasthan? Last time, Modi was able to fool people, but not now. In March 2013 Modi was made the BJP campaign committee chairman, and in September 2013 he was declared the PM candidate. The BJP, the RSS, Baba Ramdev, Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal held a protest against us on corruption charges, which created a wrong notion about the Congress. I want to ask, where are all these scams now? Former telecom minister A Raja (accused in the 2G spectrum case) has been acquitted, and the Lokpal, for which agitation happened, is nowhere to be seen. People have realised that the BJP and RSS lie, and will teach them a lesson. What is the future of the much-talked-about grand alliance? We have laid the foundation of the 2019 grand alliance in Rajasthan. The Congress has given tickets to candidates of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Sharad Yadavs Loktantrik Janata Dal and the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) in Rajasthan. Work has started to have an alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On December 10, the contours of the grand alliance will be discussed in Delhi by all opposition leaders. What will be the impact of 2018 state elections on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls? Big impact. The tables will turn in 2019. Rahul Gandhi is fighting against Modi, who is not able to reply to any of his questions. The opposition is coming together. Do you think there is an effort to polarise voters before the elections? The (Ram) mandir issue has been brought up to polarise voters. But Hindus have realised that they (the BJP) are bringing the Ram temple issue only for votes and have no respect for Ram. They are not serious about the temple. You are promising farm loan waivers in every state but economists say it is not a good decision. What do you have to say? We waived loans worth Rs 72,000 crore (in 2008). The Centre should now waive loans of farmers who are in deep distress. On what economists are saying, I want to ask that if the Centre can waive loans of industrialists worth R3.5 lakh crore, then why not of farmers? In Gujarat, we saw that the Congress did well in first phase and BJP came back in the second. What is your plan to prevent a late surge by the BJP in Rajasthan? The election here is in one phase and we are well prepared. The Congress will form the government. We are confident of winning all five states. People are not speaking because of fear, but the picture will be clear on December 11. This is a focus state for the BJP, with both PM Modi and national president Amit Shah visiting Rajasthan several times. Let them campaign. The people are angry with them and they are anti the BJP. (Chief minister) Vasundhara Rajeji did not respect the mandate of 163 seats in 2013. She failed to do any development works, such as expansion of the Metro in Jaipur, oil refinery in Barmer, and the construction of a dam in Hadoti. In five years, she has stayed in big palaces and five-star hotels and has remained inaccessible. Her Gaurav (pride) Yatra is her Vidai (farewell) Yatra. For more on Rajasthan elections, click here The Congress has assembled its top leaders and assigned them different regions to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan, which goes to polls after a week. The party has also shifted its war room from Delhi to Jaipur showing its keenness to do well in Rajasthan, leaders said. Polling for 200 assembly constituencies in Rajasthan will take place on December 7 and counting will happen on December 11. Top Congress leaders including Congress general secretary Avinash Pande, Mukul Wasnik and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, are in Jaipur and working on damage control and campaigning. They have been given the initial task of convincing rebels to retire from the contest, a party leader said, admitting that the rebel management has not been very satisfactory. Now, these leaders are contacting party workers, who have clout in their respective areas but have gone inactive after distribution of tickets for various reasons. They have also been asked to keep a close watch on certain local leaders who may indulge in anti-party activities at the last minute to damage the prospects of the official candidates. We are also trying to manage in-fighting in certain areas which is hampering prospects of certain candidate prospects, the leader said. Read: Congress releases party manifesto; focus on agrarian crisis, job creation In addition to this, the party leaders said that some of these top leaders have been assigned regions to deal with coordination and resource management. Azad has been asked to visit some Muslim-dominated constituencies where the party believes its candidates can win. Similarly, Wasnik has been assigned the job of coordination. The party leader quoted above said that they were facing fund crunch even though they have received money from several local contributors. The party could get only Rs 9.09 lakh from crowd funding initiative. The party has transferred initial tranche to the candidates in a bid to boost their candidature. With chairpersons of the election committees contesting as candidates, their job has been assigned to the senior leaders, who are member of core committee of war room in Delhi, another leader privy to the discussions said. A third leader, who has been assigned the job of getting feedback from constituencies on daily basis, said the party was strong in 150-160 seats with respect to publicity and campaigning but weak in about 40-50 seats week. As per our feedback we are better of in the seats where experiences leaders are contesting, the third leader said. There is a huge demand for former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state party chief Sachin Pilot and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu from constituencies. For effective coordination and monitoring the party has also appointed senior leaders division wise Ajmer (Akhilesh Singh and Imran Kidwai); Bikaner (Sunil Jakhad and Kuldeep Bishnoi); Kota (Akhilesh Singh and Parvez Hashmi (ex-MP); Bharatpur (Bhupinder Hooda (ex-CM Haryana) and Chhaya Verma (MP); Jodhdpur (Vilas Muttemwar and Hari Bahu Rathore); and Udaipur (Rajiv Shukla, Sanjay Singh (MP) and Madhusudan Mystry (MP). In addition to it, 200 assembly coordinators are also appointed assembly wise - all from neighbouring states such as Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi. Meanwhile, a leader said AICC president Rahul Gandhi will visit the state again on December 1 and hold rallies in Alwar, Hanumangarh, Bhilwara and Udaipur. Congress expels seven more rebels In another development, the Rajasthan Congress expelled seven more rebels from the party for contesting as independent in upcoming assembly elections. On November 25, the party had expelled 28, including nine ex-MLAs from the party for contesting as independent in upcoming assembly elections. In the office order issued for the expulsion, the state Congress general secretary (organization) Mahesh Sharma states that on approval from AICC General Secretary and incharge Rajasthan Avinash Pande, and direction of state chief Sachin Pilot, the congressmen contesting against partys official candidate are expelled from primary membership for six years. The list of expelled include Jaideep Bihani (Ganganagar); Gopal Gehlot (Bikaner-west); Shivdayal Meena (Todabhim); Mahendra Bhati (Osian); Vijendra Jhala (Bilada); Om Naraniwal (Bhilwara); and Rajkumar Bairwa from Shahpura. Click here for complete coverage of Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018 A quiet town on the national highway connecting Agra and Bikaner, Sikar is known for its 19th century temples and forts, Shekhawati-style frescoes, and for the past few decades, Wahid Chowhan. The 69-year-old businessman who was born in Sikar, and is settled in Mumbai, is known as a social reformer. This election season, he is also a poll hopeful. After unsuccessfully seeking a ticket from Congress, Chowhan will contest as a candidate of the newly launched Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, started by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) rebel and independent MLA from Khinswar, Hanuman Beniwal. A charismatic Jat leader, Beniwal has made alliances with parties, including Ghanshyam Tiwaris Bharat Vahini Party to field 40 candidates in Rajasthans 200 assembly seats. Chowhan is no stranger to these parts. He started a school for girls in his home town back in the 1990s. Read more: Vote share in 2013 Now called the Excellence Knowledge City for Girls, and located on a six hectare campus, it offers free education, including books and uniforms, from nursery to graduation. It draws students from both, Muslim and Hindu communities. Chowhan claims to have worked as a mason in Mumbai fixing roofs to fund his education. He started out as a businessman selling PVC pipes, and bought real estate in both, Mumbai and Goa. But I was always keen to return to my roots and do something for people in Sikar, Chowhan said. He sold a hotel that he owned in Goa, in 1997, to raise funds for the school. Bringing Muslim girls to school was difficult. I was accused of spoiling them, and our culture, Chowhan said. Today, people complain their boys are not as qualified as girls. This is Chowhans second bid to contest the polls. He fought the 2013 election on Nationalist Congress Party ticket, but lost. It is different equation this time. I am getting the support of Jats this time. They voted for the BJP in the last election, Chowhan said. Read more: Win map of 2013 Jaipur based senior journalist and political analyst Narayan Bareth said that Chowhan is well-know across faiths for his work. He has considerable following (because of his work with) girl students. He is contesting from a new party so its electoral impact cannot be assessed, but he is definitely creating a buzz. He has a pleasant personality, and he doesnt scare any community, Rajendra Rathore, a businessman in Sikar town, added. Beniwal was travelling and could not speak despite attempts to contact him. Jat, Muslim and Scheduled Castes together constitute about 1.7 lakh of Sikars total electorate size of nearly 2.7 lakh. The area has 15,000 Rajputs, while Brahmins and Baniya are around 25,000 in number. For full coverage on Rajasthan elections, click here Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his ally, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, kept up their attack on the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as campaigning in Telangana shifted into high gear ahead of the December 7 assembly elections. Speaking in Bhupalpalli town in Jayashankar Bhupalpalli district, Gandhi vowed to restore tribal rights in forest areas and blamed the TRS for trampling on tribespeoples rights. During the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) regime, we brought in tribal land act, according to which adivasis would get all the rights over the forest resources Jal, Jungle and Zameen (water, forest and land). But the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the TRS government in the state completely ignored this act and denied the legitimate rights to the adivasis, he alleged. The Congress president promised that the Congress party, if voted to power, would give land deeds to tribespeople engaged in cultivation in forest areas so that they would get permanent rights over the land. He also promised a tribal university in the district. Read more: Vote share in 2014 Referring to the plight of coal mine workers, Gandhi said chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has cheated coal mine workers, who had actively participated in the movement for separate Telangana state. He made several tall promises to come to the rescue of coal mine workers, including provision of jobs to kin of the medically invalidated workers. But he had never implemented the same, he alleged. Gandhi and Naidu addressed a series of joint rallies on Wednesday as part of the campaign on behalf of their grand alliance, or Maha Kootami, which comprises two other parties, the Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi, and is fighting the TRS and the BJP. On Thursday, they addressed separate rallies. At a roadshow in Serilingampalli on Thursday, Naidu accused the Narendra Modi government of crushing freedom of expression and spreading hatred among the people. Read more: Win map of 2014 Modi is a brand ambassador for negativity, hatred and fear. People are afraid of even speaking over mobile phones, as his government targets anybody who raises his voice against it. We have not seen this kind of witch-hunting during the Congress regimes, which we had fought with for several decades, Naidu said. He said there was no development, no freedom and no happiness in the country in the last four years of Modi government. The people of the country will sleep happily only after May 2019 when the NDA is going to step down, he said. Asked who the prime ministerial candidate of a national opposition alliance would be, Naidu said it was not the time to talk about it. As a matter of fact, anybody can be a better Prime Minister than Modi, he said. K Chandrasekhar Rao said the Congress and TDP leaders were acting blind and was refusing to witness the tremendous development the state had achieved. Telangana BJP spokesman Krishna Sagar Rao said the PM had done nothing in the last four years that could be considered betrayal of peoples mandate. For full coverage on Telangana assembly elections, click here US president Donald Trump on Thursday announced he had cancelled his scheduled meeting with Russias Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the upcoming G-20 summit in Argentina, adding to the more to the drama already surrounding the annual gathering of leaders from developed and developing nations. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin, Trump wrote on Twitter, adding, I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 ....in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 The president, who has left for Buenos Aires, had just an hour before the tweet it was a good time to meet with Putin. Trump, who has been accused of being soft on Russian and President Putin, has been under pressure to punish Russia for attacking Ukrainian ships and capturing their sailors. Also read | Dont want that aggression, Donald Trump says could cancel Putin meet due to Ukraine attack Many Indians, who recently visited London, have been targeted by thieves who distract the individuals and take their belongings, such as purses containing passports, credit cards and other items. A senior Indian industrialists purse was stolen this week from a prominent hotel in central London, which contained her passport and other items. Complaints to the police did not elicit prompt response or investigation, she alleged. Preferring not to be named, she said: The two thieves were caught in the hotels CCTV clearly, but there was no police action. We were told that they do not have resources to deal with such crime. Is this the state of security in London, of all the places? In another recent incident, a person was left with no money to even travel to the Indian high commission to seek help. Indian officials say they have received several requests in recent months from affected individuals for emergency travel documents to return to India. The issue of Indian visitors being targeted by thieves has been raised with the UK Home Office department, but deep funding cuts in recent years have reportedly slashed the number of police officers and resources, adversely affecting security. London has also been hit by a spate of stabbing, burglaries and other low-level crimes in recent months. A third of crime reported to Scotland Yard is now dealt with by a unit called the Telephone and Digital Investigation Unit (TDIU) set up in April 2017 as part of efforts to tackle crime as well as deal with the funding cuts under the Conservative government. Scotland Yards deputy assistant commissioner Mark Simmons told Hindustan Times: Every crime reported to us is investigated, whether thats through face to face contact with an officer or detective or through alternative routes such as the TDIU. But like any organisation we have got a budget to work to, we have demand to meet, and have to make decisions about what we prioritise. Simmons admitted that, There are going to be crimes that we are responding differently to than we would have in the past, but it is not to say that because a response team wont be deployed to an incident that these crimes wont be investigated in a different way. He added: The TDIU investigates a wide range of crimes including shoplifting, vehicle theft, criminal damage, assault, and burglary. All incidents of crime are of the utmost importance, but of course I would much rather our detectives are investigating stabbing and diverting gang members rather than dealing with some of the work which was possible to do when numbers were not so tight. US Senate Republicans handed President Donald Trump a stinging rebuke Wednesday for his handling of the murder of a Saudi journalist when they voted to pass a congressional measure to end US support for Saudi-backed military coalition in Yemen. The measures passed 63-37 in a Republican-controlled chamber with the backing of some of President Trumps key allies, who have felt frustrated by what they is the presidents willingness to overlook the role played by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. I changed my mind because Im pissed. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican who is a close adviser to Trump, said to reporters after the vote. The way the administration has handled it is not acceptable. He had earlier planned to vote against the resolution. The vote took place after a closed-door briefing by secretaries of state and defense Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, who failed to convince the lawmakers. Pompeo told reporters after the briefing that the resolution was poorly timed and passing it at time undermines the fragile peace talks, between Saudi backed coalition forces battling Iranian-supported Houthi rebels, that are to start shortly in Sweden. Asked about the CIAs assessment that Crown Prince Mohammad had ordered the killing, Pompeo said, I do believe Ive read every piece of intelligence. Unless its come in in the last few hours, I think I have read it all. There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi. Senators had wanted to hear CIA director Gina Haspel at the hearing but the White House chose to send only Pompeo and Matties. The spy agency has disputed claims that the director was asked not to go to the hearing, and that she has indeed briefed some lawmakers on the agencys assessment. But this resolution, which seeks to end the war under War Powers Act, must pass the House of Representative to arrive at the presidents desk for enactment, neither of those two remaining stages is likely. Its passage in the senate would be a rebuke of the president and of ties with the Saudis, and no more. In a major boost for Indian outsourcing companies, a California jury on Wednesday cleared Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) of anti-American bias in hiring employees for its sprawling operations in several US states. The jury in a federal court in California returned No verdicts to the two questions before them: whether Tata Consultancy Services had benched and terminated non-Asian employees on the basis of race and if non-Indian employees were benched and fired for the same reason. We have always maintained, the claims made in this case were baseless and we are gratified that the jury agreed, a TCS spokesperson said in a statement, adding, Irrespective of their background or national origin, we will continue to invest in our people, provide ongoing digital training and empower them to succeed at TCS and, more importantly, enable our customers success. TCS is one of several Indian companies facing legal challenges in US courts, being accused of discriminating against local employees and displacing local workers with those from India brought on a temporary work programme for skilled technical workers, H-1B. Indian companies and Indians have been the largest beneficiaries of this programme, cornering an estimate 70% of the annual quota of 85,000. And they have also faced, as a result, bipartisan political backlash. The Trump administration, in fact, has vowed to make it harder for US companies to bring foreign workers under this programme under the presidents overarching Buy American, Hire America. It has changed rules and increased scrutiny to prevent alleged fraud and abuse to ensure Americans have the first shot at these jobs. Since President Donald Trump took office, Indian IT companies have ramped up their local hiring, with some of them hovering around the 50% mark. There are other legal challenges facing work programmes related to H-1B. Such as a 2015 measure that grants work authorization to spouses of H-1B visa holders who have been cleared for Green Card. The wait for Indians stretches for decades because of a mounting backlog. And legislation action aimed at clearing that backlog, by removing country-cap on number of Green Cards to be issued every year, has lingered in US Congress for years, despite bipartisan support. Steven Held, the complainant, is a fired TCS employee. He had alleged in a court filing in 2015, when the case started, that 95% of the companys workforce in the United States were South Asians, and a majority of them from India, and it actively discriminated against the few employees that it hired locally. TCS used visa programmes such as H-1B and L-1 (for intra-company transfer from overseas branches); local hires who were also mostly South Asians; and, three, the company disfavored the few that it hired locally in its employment decisions, including, for example, in placement, promotion/demotion, and termination decisions, he alleged. The complaint was joined by other similarly situated individuals Brian Buchanan, and Christopher Slaight and turned into a class action case. Buchanan was employed with Souther California Edison, a public utility company, and has alleged he was displaced when the company outsourced work to TCS. And Slaight was hired by a Tata Group company and trained in Chennai among other places, but has alleged he was never given work, and was benched in discriminatory action. TCS countered the allegation and it has now been cleared by the jury, which is expected to set a precedent for such cases, unless it was overturned by a higher court. There was no word from the complainants if they proposed to challenge the verdict. A Pakistan-origin man jailed for 35 years as part of a major rape scandal in the UKs Yorkshire has been told he could seek access to the child born to the survivor, who was a minor when he abused her, setting off a major row and demands for a change in the law. Arshid Hussain, one of three brothers who groomed and raped 15 teenage girls, also known as Mad Ash, was convicted in 2016. The three were described in court as a pack of animals; their uncle, Qurban Ali, was also jailed. Sammy Woodhouse, the rape survivor, waived her anonymity on Wednesday to say she is devastated to learn that the Rotherham Council told Hussain that he could seek access to the child he fathered, terming him a danger to myself and to other children. Were constantly being re-victimised and as a rape victim Im constantly told well actually, hes got his human rights. What about my human rights? What about other peoples human rights and our children and our right to constantly have to keep our children safe? she told the BBC. Woodhouse, who now speaks about child sexual exploitation and her experiences, called for changes to the 1989 childrens act to protect others. She added that her son was supporting her and had given his permission for her to speak out. The ministry of justice said it was obviously a very distressing incident and the relevant departments and local authority will work urgently to understand and address the failings in this case. Local authorities can apply to courts to request permission not to notify parents without parental responsibility about care proceedings, and courts should consider the potential harm to the child and mother when making this decision, the ministry said in a statement. Sajid Javid, the UKs Pakistan-origin home secretary, has been severely critical of the fact that many men figuring in such rape scandals are also of Pakistan origin, warning earlier this year that he would not hesitate to act against them. Addressing the Conservative Partys conference in October, he drew much applause when he addressed the issue of Pakistan-origin men convicted of grooming and gang-related offences. I will not let cultural or political sensitivities get in the way of understanding the problem and doing something about it, Javid said. It is a statement of fact a fact which both saddens and angers me that most of the men in recent high profile gang convictions have had Pakistani heritage. This behaviour is a disgrace to that heritage. So I have instructed my officials to look into this unflinchingly. If evidence suggests that certain cultural factors drive such crime, Javid said he would not hesitate to act against the Pakistan-origin men. Im in a position to deal with this confidently and I will. Those who break the law undermine the foundations of our home. Police in Russias fourth-largest city of Yekaterinburg have seized childrens paintings over what they consider to be depictions of gay love. Police said officers were dispatched on Thursday to check a report in a government-friendly website about the drawings, and have seized 17 for examination. The Ura.ru website claimed on Wednesday that a high school drawing competition on the subject of tolerance featured several drawings which depicted same-sex couples. Russia passed a bill in 2013 outlawing public display of what it described gay propaganda. The website published what it said was a picture of one of the drawings which features silhouettes of what appears to be same-sex couples. The headline to the drawing says We are all unique. We dont get to choose looks, race, (sexual) orientation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has a message for leaders of the 20 major economic powers ahead of this weeks summit: Take stronger leadership and bolder action to tackle critical problems from climate change to inequality at a time the world is facing a crisis of confidence. Before flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the Group of 20 meeting, the U.N. chief told reporters Wednesday it is imperative that countries work together to create a fairer world. Those left behind by globalization are losing trust in governments and institutions, he warned. He said inequality is pervasive and increasing, trade disputes are escalating, and geopolitical tensions are adding further pressure to the global economy. Read more: Trump faces China trade showdown, Russia, Saudi tensions at G20 In addition, Guterres said, We are headed for a world of cataclysm and uncertainty due to climate disruption. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently said time is running out if the world wants to achieve the most ambitious target in the 2015 landmark Paris climate agreement keeping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). The planet has already warmed about 1 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times and is on course for another 2 to 3 degrees of warming by the end of the century unless drastic action is taken, its report said. The social, economic and environmental costs of climate change dwarf the costs of acting now, Guterres said. Failure to act means more disasters and emergencies and air pollution that could cost the global economy as much as $21 trillion by 2050, he said. On the other hand, ambitious climate action will not only slow temperature rise, it will be good for economies, for the environment and for public health. Guterres said the G-20 members are responsible for more than three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, and they have the money and power to tackle the climate issue. The secretary-general said he has the same message for the G-20 and for the leaders who will be meeting in Poland beginning Sunday to try to agree on the fine print of the Paris agreement: At a time of declining global trust, our world needs stepped-up global leadership. Strong economic growth, reduced inequality, and limiting carbon emissions are possible and compatible, he said. But we need greater ambition. We are in a race for our future. Its a race we can and simply must win. Guterres, who will also attend the climate meeting in Katowice, Poland, said national leaders need to make their countries more ambitious in tackling problems like climate change but they also must be open to compromise because agreement is the most important objective. In a letter, the secretary-general Guterres urged G20 leaders to give high priority to implementing and financing the 17 U.N. development goals for 2030 aimed at closing the inequality gap. They include ending extreme poverty, providing secondary education for all children and achieving gender equality, zero hunger and sustainable cities. Guterres also urges the G-20 leaders to help equip people with the skills to work amid technological progress and digitalization. Noting that the number of hungry people around the globe has risen to 821 million, he welcomed G-20 efforts to ensure a sustainable food future and improved food and nutrition. He also called on G-20 leaders to move beyond pledges on gender equality and act against the discrimination, violence and unequal access to resources faced by an overwhelming majority of women across the globe. On the issue of migration, Guterres said that in many cases it continues to be unsafe, disorderly and unregulated. He urged G-20 leaders to support a global migration system that can accommodate the demand for mobility that exists in our increasingly dynamic populations. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that there was no direct evidence connecting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last month in Istanbul. Pompeo spoke to reporters after he and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told the Senate behind closed doors that weakening US-Saudi ties over the killing would hurt national security. There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi, Pompeo said. However, many senators left the briefing saying otherwise. I dont think theres anybody in the room that doesnt believe he was responsible for it, Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters after the briefing. MbS has not taken ownership of the death, Corker said, using the short-hand initials for the crown prince. The CIA has assessed that the crown prince had ordered the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he would withhold his vote on any key issue, including a government spending bill, until he gets a briefing on the topic from the CIA. I am not going to be denied the ability to be briefed by the CIA, that we have oversight of, about whether or not their assessment supports my belief that this could not have happened without MbS knowing, Graham told reporters. Leading Democratic senators said the intelligence they had seen convinced them of the crown princes role in murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist and US resident. A remote, off-grid crofters house in the Scottish Highlands has been named RIBA House of the Year 2018. Lochside House , a humble, sustainable home embedded in a beautiful rugged landscape on the edge of a glassy lake, saw off stiff competition from six other shortlisted new-builds designed by architects around the UK. It was announced as the winner during the final episode of Grand Designs: House of the Year on Wednesday night by presenter Kevin McCloud, who has been touring the country to explore the 20 houses longlisted by the Royal Institute of British Architects during a four-part Channel 4 series. Designed by HaysomWardMiller Architects, Lochside House blends so seamlessly into its surroundings youd be hard pushed to find it with a map. Crafted from burnt Scottish larch cladding and drystone walls, from afar it looks like little more than a community of sheds that has somehow emerged from the ground In fact, the house is formed of three finely-crafted buildings huddled together. The roofing echoes the mountains and the walls pick up the horizontal sediments of the rocks. Owner Michelle, a ceramic artist, is inspired by nature and drawn to the freedom of empty, barren places. The houses in the running for Riba House of the Year 2018 1 /20 The houses in the running for Riba House of the Year 2018 Red House by 31/44 Architects, London Rory Gardiner VEX by Chance de Silva, London Johan Dehlin Black Stone House by 6a architects, London Johan Dehlin Old Shed New House by Tonkin Liu, North Yorkshire Riba Coastal House by 6a architects, Devon Johan Dehlin Gin Distillery by Open Practice Architecture, London Leon Chew Duncan Cottage by James Grayley Architects, Bath David Grandorge Black House by AR Design Studio, Kent Martin Gardner The Old Court House by Harrison Brookes Architects, Worcestershire Rhys Brookes Dartmouth Park House by AY Architects, London Anthony Boulanger Fitzrovia House by Carmody Groarke, London Johan Dehlin Lochside House by HaysomWardMiller Architects, West Highlands Richard Fraser The Makers House by Liddicoat & Goldhill LLP, London Simon Watson for House & Garden Caroline Place by Amin Taha + Groupwork, London Tim Soars Shropshire Residence by Gregory Phillips Architects, Shropshire Mel Yates Outlands Close by SOUP Architects, Surrey Andy Matthews No.37 by FAMILY, Belfast Grainne Cumming Pheasants by Sarah Griffiths + Amin Taha, Henley on Thames Tim Soar Berkshire House by Gregory Phillips Architects, Berkshire Mel Yates Ousebourn Road by Miller Partnership Architects, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Jill Tate I fell in love with the Scottish Highlands on a camping trip after university and dreamt one day of renovating or building a place to live and work, she said. When I stumbled across the site in 2010 I knew immediately that Id found the perfect spot and the process since then has been incredibly exciting. I was so lucky to find an architect who shared my sense of the importance of the place and am delighted that the final result my home does justice to its magical setting. Much more than sheds: the roofs of the house echo the surrounding mountains / Riba Everything had to be designed to be small enough to fit on the back of a trailer and driven down the long, off-road track that leads to the site. Services were unable to reach it, so Lochside House is powered by the sun and water is pulled up through a borehole. Inside, it is pared-back and beautiful, dominated by white oil timber and rough textured plaster. The delightfully modest rooms are entirely liveable and everything flows naturally. The changing height of the ceiling helps designate the different spaces and the view of the lake from the master bedroom is magical. Inspired by nature: the owner is a ceramic artist who works from this studio (RIBA) / Riba The RIBA judges loved the choice of materials and respectful integration of Lochside House into its wild setting. Ben Derbyshire, RIBA president, described it as truly breathtaking. By containing its scale, sensitively positioning the crop of buildings on a promontory around established trees, and making use of local materials, HaysomWardMiller have created a home which perfectly responds to its exposed, unique location, he said. Simply stylish: the interiors are simple and far from flashy, yet beautiful (RIBA) / Riba With a highly sustainable, off-grid approach to energy and water, it leaves the surrounding environment as undisturbed as possible. Every detail has been fine-tuned to create an exceptional home and studio that meets the needs and wishes of its artist owner. Lochside House is the perfect addition to this dream landscape. McCloud fully supported the judges decision. This building has been tailored to its site. Its been stitched and wovenseamed into the tapestry of this place and it is so much the better for it, he said. Its the kind of architecture that we can all easily love, the kind of architecture we can all easily learn from; and its a way of building that we, in Britain, are getting really very good at. Finely tuned: every detail of Lochside House impressed the RIBA judges (RIBA) / Riba THE RUNNERS-UP... The shortlisted houses who just missed out on the top prize were: Red House by 31/44 Architects, a "rebellious" end-of-terrace home in East Dulwich Pheasants by Sarah Griffiths+ Amin Taha, a controversial glass and steel residence in Henley Old Shed New House by Tonkin Liu, a farm shed turned contemporary home in New Yorkshire Coastal House by 6a Architects, an elegantly modernised, 20th-century home in South Devon VEX by Chance de Silva & Scanner, an experimental concrete house in Stoke Newington inspired by a 24-hour long piano piece Lochside House by HaysomWardMiller Architects, an off-grid crofter's house in Scotland The Makers House by Liddicoat & Goldhill, an exemplar of craftsmanship in Hackney T REES FOR BUSY LONDONERS You can order a real Scottish tree online from pinesandneedles.com. We deliver, install, decorate, take away and recycle, promises director Sam Lyle. Or visit their pop-up cabins in London parks and on commons. Prices start at 16.95 for a delivered tree. One delivered with lights and decorations either yours or theirs starts from 104.95. THE HOLLY AND THE IVY For decorations with a personal touch, take measurements, along with pictures of what youd like to create, to your local florist. Or add fresh flowers, berries and leaves to fake foliage from Oka or Neptune. Mix in LED candles, suggests OKA creative director Sue Jones. LED candles from 12; ivy garlands from 40. Handmade decs: wreaths start at 60, from The Allotment Florist Helena Willcocks is The Allotment Florist, growing her materials in north London. Handmade wreaths start at 60, plus delivery; garlands for the mantelpiece are around 100 a metre. Or go to wreath workshops in Haringey N8 on December 4, 12 and 13, for 60. Also check out Jane Packer Flower School in W1. MUST LEARN TO COOK Waitrose Cookery Schools (NW3 and N1C) offer two-hour courses making yummy treats for 50. Or pay 100 for five hours options include an Italian or Scandinavian Christmas, a couples dinner, and even a vegan menu. Culinary skills: learn to cook at a Waitrose Cookery School New Waitrose wine tastings in your home or office cost from 30 a head for two hours. Includes tasting glasses, wine, port and a spittoon. Cookery classes are also at Divertimenti in SW3. Prue Leiths cookery school Leiths School of Food and Wine is in W12, and gives videos online explaining the basics. DECS AND DINING Shop for baubles now. Habitat is already on second shipments of this years runaway success, a surreal eye. It also does fashionable tassels and strings of pompom lights. Get ideas from tables styled in store by London chef, author and blogger Anna Barnett, with 26,000 followers on Instagram. Inspirations include nature and a black/gold mix. Festive style: Anna Barnett for Habitat For the prettiest paper napkins, plates and table decorations, last order date is December 17 at Talking Tables. CRAFTY GIFTS Stores in the Shoreditch Triangle offer exclusive discounts on late-night Thursdays and there are Christmas craft workshops for decs and gifts. December workshops and talks are also coming to the new Coal Drops Yard shopping complex in Kings Cross. Learn calligraphy to personalise a bauble at London Craft Club in Bedford Square, WC1. Craft is good for socialising, sustainability, happiness and of course creativity, says founder Sonia Bowness. Artisans have filled Heals Christmas Market with gifts and decorations. The windows are dressed with costumes from The Crown, while theres a pop-up florist and a customers Christmas party on December 6. Workshops include painting with Annie Sloan. CHANGE YOUR CURTAINS New curtains can make a room Christmas-cosy and John Lewis can make them in less than seven days, even in December. Or measure up, take a photo of your track or pole and head for M&S, John Lewis or Ikea for ready-mades. With 30 London branches, Carpetright can do carpet for Christmas if you order by December 11, plus rugs, sofa beds and beds. GET BIG-TICKET ITEMS FAST Several shops deliver furniture before Christmas, flagging up options online. Make sure you have delivery access you may need a model that partly comes to pieces. Check stores will take away packaging and position your new furniture. For an extra fee, many will remove your old furniture. Habitat has about 100 ready-to-go sofas, armchairs and sofa beds, plus beds and small items. Last order for Christmas is December 13. Tableware and decorations arrive within three days, or click and collect. Stores are in W1, NW3 and Westfield London (White City). Order before December 11: sofas and sofa beds at Loaf Loaf has best-selling sofas and sofa beds to order before December 11, or order smaller items before December 16. Stores in Battersea, Notting Hill and Spitalfields. DFS has the Ezra four-seater sofa for half-price at 699. Order before December 3 for Christmas, with 13 stores within the M25 and flagships in Tottenham Court Road, W1, and Westfield, W12. Some sofas and beds at John Lewis can be ordered as late as December 18 but if youre sitting tight until the January sales, resort to trusty throws and cushions. Exclusive modernist patterns and a pared-down sofa are in the pop-up at Swedish design company Hem in Coal Drops Yard, N1C, and there are December designer talks. Order by December 10. T he only way is Essex if you want to be happy, according to Rightmove. The coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea, which sits on the Thames estuary as it meets the channel, has been named the happiest place to live for the second time in three years. Dating back to Saxon times, Leigh-on-Sea is still an active fishing town with well-established events such as the Leigh Regatta and Leigh Folk Festival. This year it has robbed the title off Leamington Spa the 2017 winner of the Rightmove Happy at Home Index. Actress Helen Mirren of Prime Suspect and Calendar Girls was raised in the waterside town which pipped runners up Farnham in Surrey and Monmouth in Wales to first place. 21,000 people voted in the annual ranking which is based on 12 happiness factors including community spirit, safety and cultural activities. Leigh-on-Sea is the hidden jewel on the Essex coastline, a far cry from the industrial landscape of Tilbury Docks but tucked away from the bright lights, arcades and tourist attractions of nearby Southend, says property expert Russell Quirk. It offers a relaxed pace of life with traditional fish and chip shops, seafront pubs, great restaurants and bars, and appeals to retirees, families, and even single professionals, he adds. The average house price is around 380,000, and a detached property will cost roughly 500,000. It has become a commuter hub in its own right, according to Quirk with prices around 40 per cent cheaper than London. Direct trains can take you to Fenchurch Street in an hour and the nearby Tilbury to Gravesend ferry crossing gives access to Kent. There is also a passenger service between Southend and the Isle of Sheppey. Best of the rest Farnham bagged second place. It's famed for wedding and events venue Farnham Castle, at the top of historic Castle Street which is lined with Georgian townhouses. The Surrey town is a sought after commuter destination popular with young families moving out of London looking to try and buy in the tight catchment area of South Farnham junior school. "Regular trains keep people connected to Guildford and London with a fast commute time, but as you look around the town you see bow-fronted shops, country views and cobbled streets. The south coast and areas of outstanding beauty are only short drive away," says Wendy Thompson of Strutt & Parker. "We tick every box from monthly farmers' markets selling organic produce, to hearty pubs and a popular creative art centre with activities for all ages," she adds. Smaller towns dominated the top ten happiest places to live: each with a population of less than 60,000 people. Places in the South East also featured prominently with Newbury in Berkshire at number six and Tunbridge Wells in Kent ninth happiest spot. The rest of the top ten was made up of Monmouth, Leamington Spa, Christchurch, Macclesfield, Hitchin and Kendal. Pipeline 28 November 2018 Orbis Hotel Group, strategic partner of AccorHotels - world-leading travel & lifestyle group in Eastern Europe continues its dynamic expansion in Romania by signing a management contract for ibis Politehnica Hotel in Bucharest with its partner and investor Novum Business Services SRL. ibis Bucharest Politehnica is expected to be open in 3Q 2020, offering 160 rooms, restaurant, bar, conference facilities as well as own parking on site. The newly-built hotel will be located in the center-west part of the capital, identifying itself with the Orhideea area, the Basarab Passage and the surroundings of the Grozveti metro stations, Petrache Poenaru and Politehnica, forming the future office center of Bucharest. The hotel will be next to the largest Politehnica University in Romania (UPB), welcoming students from all around the country and the world for more than 200 years, organizing several international events connected with the field of the University. ibis Bucharest Politehnica will be just on the right hand side from the main entrance in the Campus from Splaiul Independentei. Now Open 29 November 2018 Travelodge Hotels (Asia) Pte. Ltd., announces the opening of Travelodge Central Market, its second property in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The launch of the refreshed 198-room hotel is a testament to the brand's rapid expansion plans in Malaysia and the wider Asian region. Ideally located in the cultural hub of Kuala Lumpur city centre, Travelodge Central Market is a stone throw away from major attractions, including the eponymous Central Market - a haven for local arts and craft goods and the bustling Petaling Street - the city's popular bargain shopping mecca in the cultural centre of Chinatown. With major transportation links like the Pasar Seni Station and Masjid Jamek Station within walking distance of the hotel, guests can easily access the Kelana Jaya, Ampang and MRT Lines which makes for a pocket-friendly way to travel about the city. Those coming from out of KL will also be able to locate the hotel as it is just a 5-minute walk from the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Commuter. With famous local eateries, traditional street flea markets and destination cocktail bars placed in close proximity, the hotel's unrivaled location allows leisure travelers to experience the sights, sounds and splendour of the city like a true local. Business travelers will also find convenience in the hotel's proximity to commercial business buildings such as Plaza Sentral, Sentral Tower, and Menara CIMB. Inspired by cultural hotspots that surround the property, each of the hotels 198 rooms feature local artwork which ties together the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle with an added flair of local heritage. Designed to provide comfort and a fuss-free stay for travelers, the stylishly designed guest's rooms at Travelodge Central Market balances comfort with smart and practical features. The rooms range between 16m2 to 24m2, meeting the needs of every guest from the solo explorer on a business trip, to accommodating large groups of up to four per room. To ensure that each guest is energized for the next day, the rooms are soundproofed for an uninterrupted rest. Whether it is for work or play, contemporary living spaces are available to provide uncompromising comfort. The hotel also features amenities that cater to modern and lifestyle-conscious travelers, with plans to partner with local fitness studios to curate unique programmes that focus on different types of workouts. Guests will also find The Lodge, a multi-functional, multi-occasion space nestled in the lobby that enable guests to work or unwind over the course of the day, with the bar list readily available for those looking to relax and socialize over a drink or two. In early January 2019, Travelodge Central Market will also be opening Antipodean Central Market, one of Malaysia's reputable establishments for a coffee culture which will serve buffet breakfast and a curated menu exclusive to the hotel. It will also double up as an all-day Grab-and-go breakfast station that provides guests with local delights to jumpstart their day. Now Open 29 November 2018 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, a leading upper midscale hotel brand, today announced the opening of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pigeon Forge South, TN located at 4215 Parkway. The newly renovated hotel features an updated lobby, modern guest rooms and new amenities. Each guest room features a walk-out balcony offering scenic views of either the Little Prong River or Pigeon Forge Parkway. The hotels picturesque location nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains makes it the ideal destination for guests exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, soaring high on the rollercoasters at Dollywood or having a night out at the Dixie Stampede. The hotel offers 155 guest rooms and suites. Guests have access to an onsite fitness center, 24-hour business center, complimentary parking, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi. In addition to the beautiful views from the walk-out balcony, guest rooms feature a mini-fridge, coffee maker and comfortable plush beds. Guests looking to relax with a good book are encouraged to visit the hotels Read It & Return Lending LibrarySM, offering guests the opportunity to check out any book during their stay. Books can be returned during a guests current stay or during their next visit to any Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in the U.S. or Canada. Before heading out for the day, guests are welcome to stop by the lobby for a complimentary, hot breakfast. Guests also have access to a 24-hour Inn Case MarketSMin the lobby offering snacks and toiletries, plus complimentary coffee and tea served daily. Now Open 29 November 2018 Sigma Hospitality Group, a leading hotel development and management company, announced the opening of its newly-built hotel in Warminster. The 4- story, 106-suite Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, is located at 230 Veterans Way. The new hotel is just minutes from Horsham and a short drive from Philadelphia. Guests will enjoy close proximity to numerous corporate business parks as well as attractions such as Mercer Museum, Peddlers Village, and Sesame Place. The hotel is also within walking distance of the SEPTA Warminster Regional Rail Line. Home2 Suites by Hilton Warminster-Horsham offers all-suite accommodations with fully-equipped kitchens and modular furniture, providing guests the flexibility to customize their suite to their style and preference. The hotel also features complimentary Internet, inviting communal spaces, and trademark Home2 Suites amenities such as Spin2 Cycle-- a combined laundry and fitness area, Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, and the Inspired Table, a complimentary breakfast that includes more than 400 potential combinations. Guests can also enjoy an indoor saline pool, outdoor grill area, as well as a separate outdoor lounge with built-in fire pit. Appointment 29 November 2018 IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, welcomes hospitality veteran Brian McGuinness as Senior Vice President of Global Guest Experience Shared Services. McGuinness joins IHG charged with creating and delivering global guest experience solutions across the companys portfolio of leading brands. The appointment reflects IHGs ongoing commitment to provide a differentiated and meaningful experience for each and every guest at the more than 5,400 hotels operating under the companys 15 brands. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, McGuinness most recently served as Global Brand Leader and Senior Vice President for Marriott, Sheraton and Delta Hotels, where he was responsible for brand strategy, marketing, design and guest experience. Brian spent 19 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts where he led the launch of Aloft and Element hotels and the efforts to bring innovation and lifestyle to the select service category. Reporting to Claire Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer, McGuinness is based at IHGs Americas headquarters in Atlanta. Appointment 29 November 2018 Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Adam Crocini to the role of vice president, Food & Beverage, Luxury & Lifestyle Group. As part of this newly created role, Crocini will serve as the chief strategist and champion for all matters related to food and beverage initiatives for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton. We are incredibly honored to have Adam lead the food and beverage strategy for the Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, said Martin Rinck, executive vice president and global head, Luxury & Lifestyle Group, Hilton. Adam joins us with a tremendous amount of experience shaping the F&B programming for marquee hotels around the world. With F&B being such a critical part of any hotel experience, Adams addition reinforces our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for all our guests throughout their entire stay. Crocini brings more than 20 years of experience in the development, opening and operating of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and integrated resorts, and joins Hilton from Capella Hotels and Resorts in Singapore. In his most recent role, Crocini oversaw the operations and strategic planning for concepts and programing related to restaurants, bars, spa/wellness and rooms for new properties opening in Bangkok, Sydney, Sanya, Ubud, and Male. Crocini will build on the long-standing history of culinary excellence at Hiltons Luxury & Lifestyle properties, which has ushered in many industry firsts and currently hosts many award-winning restaurants: First hotel to create the Red Velvet Cake, The Waldorf Salad and to reinvigorate the Eggs Benedict First hotel to launch an underwater restaurant Ithaa in 2005 Three Michelin-starred restaurants, including La Pergola, Librijes Zusje Amsterdam and Gordon Ramsay Au Trianon An impressive group of world-renowned talents, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Rungthiwa Fae Chummongkhon and Michael Mina I am thrilled to join Hiltons Luxury & Lifestyle Group, and build on the exciting momentum behind the four brands, said Adam Crocini, vice president, Food & Beverage, Luxury & Lifestyle Group. "Food & beverage is at the core of every hotel experience, and I look forward to creating a best-in-class strategy and exciting F&B programs at all of our current and future properties. Throughout his career, Crocini has also held positions at Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and Casino, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, The TAO Group and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Born in Connecticut, Crocini completed an Associates Degree in Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management at The Culinary Institute of America in New York and the Executive Leadership Program at INSEAD in Singapore. Press Release 29 November 2018 Storified Hospitality Group, Inc., announces its official launch today with the roll-out of a diverse portfolio of consumer and b2b brands, services, and products that integrate content, community, and commerce, and a category exclusive partnership with Tickr, that introduces custom built data visualization products designed and priced for travel, tourism, and hospitality brands. The launch of Storified Hospitality Group marks the official return to hospitality marketing for both Beebe and his leadership team, which includes former Marriott Digital Media executive Lucia Evans. Beebe was the first ever VP, Global Creative and Content Marketing at Marriott, where he led the internal creative agency and from the ground up, founded the Marriott Content Studio, Marriott Traveler Magazine, and M Live Marriotts real-time global brand command centers. Prior to Marriott, Beebe was VP, Digital Studios, at Disney/ABC Television Group. At Marriott, Evans was Senior Director, Digital and Social Media, and has helped to transform the J.W. Marriott, Marriott, Sheraton, Delta, and Courtyard brands. Storified Hospitality Group has been operating under the radar for six months, during which time Beebe, Evans, and their team tested the market and refined their product offerings through creative workshops, training labs, and speaking engagements with brands including Southwest Airlines, Air New Zealand, Walmart, Destination Canada, and several hotels in the US and Canada, including One King West in Toronto, which serves as its beta test hotel for new offerings. The Storified Hospitality Groups portfolio of media, marketing, and technology brands, services, and products include Hotel Social Key, Storied Hotels, Storified Studios and Storified Training. Hotel Social Key The Hotel Marketers Single Point of Truth In a category exclusive partnership, Storified Hospitality Group partnered with Tickr, the enterprise data platform for digital business, to roll out a new media intelligence solution designed specifically for hotel marketers. The solution, called Hotel Social Key, unlocks a 360view of the most important metrics for hotel marketers, including relevant social media activity, news coverage, user sentiment, and information about competitors all in real-time, in one place, with a single log-on. The team also built Tourism Social Key, for destination marketers, Culinary Social Key for Food and Beverage brands, Airport Social Key for airports, and Transit Social Key for public transportation operators. Hotel Social Key was born from Beebes expertise as the Global VP, Creative and Content Marketing for Marriott International. There, he created the Marriott International Content Studio and its five global real-time social media command centers. The Command Centers were awarded Gold and Silver Creative Data Lions at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity in the categories of Social Data and Use of Real-time Data, respectively. Hotel Social Key was designed specifically for hotel marketers, including the most important features that powered these command centers, but with a price point that fits within hotel marketing budgets. We believe that hotel marketers should spend their time doing what they were hired to do building awareness, increasing sales, and creating lasting memories for their guests, said David Beebe, Founder and CEO, Storified Hospitality Group. The challenge for marketers today is that there is just so much data out there, its easy to become overwhelmed. Hotel Social Key provides hotel marketers with a single source of truth by enabling them to visualize all of their most important public, private, and third-party data in real-time, in one place. It helps marketers to get ahead of trending stories, identify opportunities, and react quickly so that they can put more heads in beds. Hotel Social Key doesnt replace any of the current tools hoteliers are already using instead, it serves as a mothership that connects all the relevant data together. By providing instant access to cross-channel metrics, including social media, PR, TripAdvisor, competitor data, trending news, digital, and paid media, on one screen with a single sign-on, marketers are finally able to see everything in one place. Hotel Social Key also addresses the biggest pain points hotel marketers face by eliminating the need for manual reporting. Hoteliers can choose from customizable views for different stakeholders, including a GM view, and even a Guest View for the hotel lobby. David Beebe and I have implemented measurement and reporting solutions for global hotel brands, regions and properties, but none have saved us time, money and effort the way that Hotel Social Key has the power to do, says Lucia Evans, CXO of Storified Hospitality. Hotel Social Key is a game-changer for hotel marketers. Hotel Social is powered by Tickr 360, a media insight platform that uses artificial intelligence to provide dynamic awareness about specific brands, products, people, customers, competitors and the general industry. The Tickr platform has earned the confidence of some of the worlds leading brands and is currently deployed across market-leading companies in industries including consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, finance, manufacturing, and more. We are thrilled to collaborate with Storied Hotels on Hotel Social Key, and highly enthused about the platforms potential to help hotel marketers move away from siloed data to make better decisions for their brands in real time, said Tyler Peppel, Founder and CEO of Tickr. Given the explosive growth weve seen in social media and self-publishing platforms, hotel brands need to become more strategic about how they use media, in order to identify opportunities and protect their reputations. With Hotel Social Key, weve improved the signal-to-noise ratio by surfacing the most relevant media intelligence for hotel marketers. We believe it has the potential to optimize hotel marketing in a way thats never been done before. To find out everything that Hotel Social Key can do, book a demo at http://hotelsocialkey.com Storied Hotels a story-driven media brand for the curious travelers Storied Hotels is a multiplatform consumer brand connecting curious travelers with the world's best storied hotels, destinations and experiences by partnering with hotels, travel brands, and creators to develop original story-driven creative and content that inspires travelers to discover whats next. Stories are available at storiedhotels.com and are created by local writers and video produces around the world. Storied Hotels is leveraging affiliate partnerships with Amazon to create content that drives commerce and book direct rev-share deals with individual hotels to create content that drives bookings. The team is already producing premium branded and native content for hotel partners through Storified Studios, including its first podcast series, with plans to launch print products and events in early 2019. Storified Studios Premium Story Driven Creative and Content In the sea of sameness, Storified Studios is financing its own productions and partnering with hospitality marketers and creators to elevate storytelling to the next level with transformative travel creative and content. The studio is focused on inspiring marketers to think different, act like media companies, and partner with creatives to develop, produce, and distribute premium story-driven creative and content that transforms marketing from a cost center to a revenue center. The content studio is already in development on several hospitality brand supported original films, documentaries, and digital series set to premiere in the first quarter of 2019. The content studios first production is marked by a podcast series called Uninvited Guests which explores haunted hotels and is hosted by creator and influencer Stef Sanjati. The premiere episode featured the 1886 Crescent Hotel in the Ozarks. Storified Training Storytelling Workshops, Labs, and Courses From the front line to the back office, people are at the core of the hospitality business and they need to understand the power of storytelling. Unfortunately, hospitality brands are often forced to chase the next shiny object on digital and social media vs taking the time to train its people. Storified Training offers multiple digital and in person courses, workshops, and labs for travel, tourism, and hospitality brands who understand that the most important step in transforming an organization is taking the time to train the teams. Air New Zealand and Destination Canada are clients. Storified Hospitality Group, based in Washington, DC with offices in Toronto and San Francisco, closed an undisclosed seed round of financing led by travel agency industry veteran David Odaka. The financing will be used to further solve the problems hospitality marketers face, scale the multiple brands in the portfolio, and invest in new offerings, especially storytelling training services and products. Opinion Article 29 November 2018 With impressive buying power, evolving consumer behaviors and penchant for experiences, millennials have and will continue to have a major impact on the hospitality industry. After all, as of 2015 there were already eighty million millennials in America alone, armed with $200 billion in annual buying power. This generation is large, diverse (both in age and in preference) and quite simply, a segment that hoteliers cannot afford to ignore. In 2017, studies were released claiming that millennial families were likely to spend more and travel more than all other generational segments. Despite the predicted drop in travel spending across U.S. households, the 9.5 million millennial families were expected to spend 19% more on vacation and intend to travel 35% more than the previous year. As with any consumer segment, effectively marketing to millennials requires brands to understand what they value most in the products/services they invest in and find a way to appeal to those needs. This consideration becomes especially interesting when we look to the millennial consumer, as their buying habits and motivations differ from other generations, not to mention their wide range of ages. The oldest Millennials are now 38, while the youngest are just 18. Millennials are also less susceptible to traditional marketing and advertising than past generations. Only about 1% of millennials claim that a compelling ad influences them and 84% of millennials dont trust traditional advertising. Rather than taking the traditional route, millennial consumers show preferences for brands that are notably authentic, share the same values (social or otherwise) and who leverage digital to personalize their offering. According to studies, 62% of millennials say that if a brand engages with them on social networks, they are more likely to become a loyal customer. They expect brands to not only be on social networks, but to engage them. They want to know the personality behind a brand and feel as though that company is making a conscious effort to understand and connect with them as a consumer. An interview of over 1,300 millennials showcased that millennials are highly educated, career-driven, politically progressive and despite popular belief do indeed develop strong brand loyalty when presented with quality products and actively engaged by brands. But just what does this mean for hoteliers hoping to stay ahead of millennial expectations? For hoteliers, catering to the millennial traveler requires ongoing investment in enhanced guest experiences. Those hotels which create an offering that is somehow unique/boutique, personalized and guest value-driven are the hotels which are likely to establish long-term loyalty within this generational group. We explore three key ways that hoteliers should look to embrace the mobile traveler below. Go Digital Hotels must begin their journey with a strong digital presence and continue that branding throughout a guests experience. If your hotels digital presence isnt up to par, particularly on a mobile device and via social media, youre likely missing out on Millennial travelers. Lets take a moment to consider some statistics: - 87% of millennials use between two and three tech devices at least once on a daily basis and look to social media for travel inspiration for their next adventure - 46% book travel through a smartphone or tablet, meaning a strong mobile presence is also important - 60% will upgrade their experience by purchasing extras like in-flight wi-fi - 97% will post their experiences on social media - 68% will remain loyal to a program that offers them the most rewards (cash/freebies, upgrades, discounts) 49% take last minute vacations, meaning that offering last minute deals could be helpful in gaining business from millennial travelers Millennials are, for lack of a better term, the Smartphone generation. Their experience with brands and service providers is largely defined by digital efficacy and convenience, as they look to mobile phones and smart devices to stay connected 24/7. Not only does most of their browsing happen on a mobile device, but that is often the medium in which they prefer to connect with brands. With this in mind, its more important than ever before for hotels to invest in creating a mobile-centric environment that presents millennial travelers with the opportunity to navigate mobile platforms and self-service technology. Further to that, mobile technology provides hotels with the opportunity to access a wealth of guest data. Its well documented that millennial travelers are happy to exchange personal information in favor of personalized offers meaning hoteliers can finally tap into new data sources to truly curate a more relevant, guest-centric experience. This also prevents hoteliers from falling into the trap of data silos (data-based decisions developed from an isolated data source) as guest information is curated from a variety of sources. Armed with the right, insight-driven PMS system, hoteliers can access comprehensive guest profiles that provide a breakdown of who each guest is, their stay information and booking history, social presence, and more. Using this, hotel staff can easily strengthen relationships with millennial guests and add value to their experience by anticipating their needs and expectations (before they even arrive on property). Tapping into Social Stock According to studies, nearly half (44%) of millennials are willing to promote products or services through social media in exchange for rewards. Why is this so relevant? Because 89% of millennials trust recommendations from friends and family more than claims by the brand and are 247% more likely to be influenced by blogs or social networking sites. Social influence matters as becomes more apparent through the influx of social influencer campaigns across industries and hospitality is no exception. Utilizing guest profiles to identify prospective travelers with a strong social influence, allows hoteliers to search for and group together those guests who deserve special attention. Assigning a guest score, as Concilio offers with its Insight Engine, represents a guests potential value to your hotel. Data Requires Context Millennials, more than any other generation, have a high standard for authenticity and personalization. Marketing that feels off brand or inaccurate may not only be ineffective, it could go so far as to damage a reputation or create a lack of trust between the brand and potential consumer. Data is the key to guest personalization, but it cant unlock anything without context. In order to create a more personalized experience for millennial travelers, hoteliers require access to insight-driven, actionable data that empowers their staff to effectively connect on an individual basis with guests. After all, its one thing to understand your guests and quite another to be able to act on that data. With comprehensive profiles and suggested actions for personalized upsell/upgrade opportunities, any member of your staff has the tools they need to create a more relevant experience for each guest. And with interactive, on-demand views of all guest profile data and reservations, hotel management can quickly find key performance indicators for their property, effectively manage communications and respond to guest needs. Millennials are an informed, value-driven group of travelers that, with the help of the right hotel business insights technology and guest service approach, can represent long-standing value to your hotel. By offering an experience that is digital, seamless, convenient and continuously personalized, your hotel will stand to establish millennial loyalty that translates into an exciting revenue opportunity, both now and in the future. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Marriott International, Inc., today announced the signing of 12 Fairfield by Marriott hotels across five prefectures in Japan Kyoto, Wakayama, Mie, Gifu and Tochigi - in a long-standing collaboration with Japanese real estate developer, Sekisui House; in total, an anticipated 15 hotels will be signed by next year Marriott International, Inc., today announced the signing of 12 Fairfield by Marriott hotels across five prefectures in Japan Kyoto, Wakayama, Mie, Gifu and Tochigi - in a long-standing collaboration with Japanese real estate developer, Sekisui House; in total, an anticipated 15 hotels will be signed by next year. All properties are expected to open by 2021, with the first dozen hotels scheduled to open in late 2020. All properties are expected to open by 2021, with the first dozen hotels scheduled to open in late 2020. With more visitors exploring Japan's lesser known destinations, these upcoming Fairfield by Marriott Hotels will give travelers access to remote destinations whilst ensuring that guests can count on the international brand's standards of warm hospitality and inviting spaces with each and every stay. "Japan has been experiencing robust growth in inbound tourist arrivals in recent years," said Craig Smith, President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. "This year alone, Japan has welcomed more than 20 million international travelers and is on track to reaching its goal of 30 million visitors by 2020. We see that, while there is increasing demand to explore destinations outside of the popular gateway cities, there is currently a limited amount of accommodations in these more remote areas. Together with Sekisui House, we believe in the potential of capturing this growing trend with the simplicity and reliability of Fairfield by Marriott hotels to showcase our commitment to providing warm hospitality in emerging destinations across Japan." The upcoming Fairfield by Marriott hotels will be situated in convenient locations near popular roadside rest stations called "Michi-no-Eki" in Japan. The Michi-no-Eki system was launched 20 years ago by the Japanese government to create a safe and comfortable roadside stop-over for road trip travelers, which also feature unique attributes of each region. There are currently more than 1,000 stations along popular motorways that provide convenient services for travelers, including locally-inspired dining venues, farm-fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. Many rest stops also have a tourist information center that guide visitors to nearby attractions, since many Michi-no-Eki stations are located near national parks and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Advertisement "We are thrilled to launch this hotel development project with Marriott International, which will introduce a whole new way of experiencing Michi-no-Eki and its surrounding areas in undiscovered destinations across Japan," said Yoshihiro Nakai, President & Representative Director, Sekisui House. "We hope to empower local communities through this project, by showcasing local cuisine, handicrafts and culture. We will work with local tourism operators and government partners to show the uniqueness of each destination and bring more domestic and international travelers to these remote areas." The swift speed and efficiency in which the hotels are expected to open is largely due to the innovative construction process. These new Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Japan will be the first of their kind to be constructed in a factory, before being shipped to each site for assembly. This innovative modular construction model allows the hotels to maintain high-quality standards as well as reduce the construction assembly time on site. The hotels feature between 49 to 96 rooms and will offer guests comfortable yet simple hotel experiences in beautiful destinations. Fairfield by Marriott hotels brings travelers closer to key attractions in five distinct prefectures across Japan As part of the Kansai region, the Kyoto Prefecture is prized for its historic heritage and stunning nature, which attracts visitors year-round to experience the four seasons. There are three hotels planned to open in Kyoto and its surrounding area by late 2020: Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Miyazu with 85 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba with 75 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro with 51 rooms Known for its beautiful beaches and mountainous landscape, including the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, there are two hotels planned to open in the Mie prefecture by 2020: Fairfield by Marriott Mie Mihama with 50 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Mie Odai with 70 rooms The Wakayama prefecture is reputed for its national parks that showcase stunning seaside scenery. Three hotels are expected to open by 2021: Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Chikatsuyu with 50 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Susami with 50 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kushimoto with 96 rooms In the wild and largely unexplored wilderness of the Gifu prefecture in the Chubu region, travelers will find traditional mountain villages including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go. Four Fairfield by Marriott Hotels are expected to open in the region by 2021. Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino with 53 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo with 90 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Takayama Shokawa with 60 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park with 67 rooms Kanto regions Tochigi prefecture features numerous historical sites including Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Three hotels are expected to open in the area by late 2020: Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya with 87 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nasushiobara with 79 rooms Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Motegi with 49 rooms Each of the hotels will be newly-built standalone properties with its own warm atmosphere, located either at or within short walking distance of the roadside service areas of Michi-no-Eki along the national or prefectural routes or highways and will provide a convenient access to notable leisure attractions in the region. Some of the Michi-no-Eki locations are accessible via scheduled bus services to major cities and towns with shuttle bus services between major transportation hubs and leisure attractions. All Michi-no-Ekis offer basic facilities including tourist information centers, restrooms, and 24-hour parking and the majority of them also provide dining venues, retail, and recreational facilities. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Travellers have more choice than ever before thanks to the rise of the sharing economy. Whats more, this new breed of peer-to-peer network has reshaped the behaviour of travellers forever. First it was the online travel agencies (OTAs) in 2000. Just when hoteliers learnt to co-exist with these intermediaries, along came the revolution that took everyone by storm the sharing economy. San Francisco start-up, Airbnb, leads the way in this revolution with a valuation estimated at 31 billion (September 2018) and four million listings. Expedia owned HomeAway boasts two million listings. So, what is it about these companies that have made them a runaway success? Which travel triggers did they get right? And, what lessons can commercial accommodation providers take away from them? 1. Firstly, Be Present on Them These are becoming the go-to platforms for the travellers and they are now welcoming commercial properties to join forces. Dont miss out on this opportunity. List your inventory on platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway to multiply your reach and bookings. Your STAAH channel manager now enables an easy connection and management to Airbnb another reason to kick start this relationship. 2. Localise and Be Authentic in Your Experience While you may think that being global is the key, in reality, guests enjoy the local flavour. Their experience of the city is enhanced by staying amongst the local, eating local, networking with local and of the like. So, train your front office team or reception desk to become local social concierges. Have local produce and local delicacies served at your restaurant. Recommend local events and experiences to help guests get the experience they seek. Why not include in your hotel rooms, a brief history of the destination with things to do, try and see around your property? 3. Be Social Oh yes! Most travellers love to socialise with locals and other tourists. Giving unrestricted access to common areas where the guests can relax or read or socialise with people are few things that can easily be incorporated in your offering. Also, guiding them to local tours, meet-ups, etc give them the opportunity to interact with people and make conversations. 4. Make Them Feel at Home While guests do love the plush comfort and amenities that hotels offer, they dislike being bound. Some may not prefer the set timings of your breakfast; others may want to travel with their pets. Flexibility and being pet-friendly can help guests feel at home while enjoying the comforts of commercial enterprise. Also, doing laundry free up to a limited weight or offering access to laundry room, giving short eats free, gifting small souvenirs, etc can help create loyalty. 5. The Human Face Behind the Technology Is Very Important It may be technology that has powered this sharing economy, but human touch is never lost in transit. In fact, the sharing economy thrives on an open communication set-up between guests and hosts the connection is established long before the arrival. This is something hoteliers must adapt to and adopt in their business model. Get live chat on your website or a toll-free number for them to dial in and get their questions answered. Contact your guests prior to their arrival to check of their special needs if any, or to offer booking in any local activities/events that might be happening during the period of their stay. Go back to the basics of hospitality and being the best host you can with attentive service. 6. Be Inclusive and Interact with Guests Encourage non-guests to hang out in your lobby too by making it a welcoming and fun place for all. Remember, locals are an important dimension in the overall guest experience and instead of seeing them as an intrusion, involve them. 7. Be Genuine Travellers these days are smart enough to analyse authenticity from photoshopped images. So, be genuine and make your information more personal. Also, do not deter in giving genuine information and recommendations to local restaurant, cafes et all, even if it costs you your share of revenue. In the long run, this little loss will more than cover itself up. It all boils down to creating memorable experiences for the traveller as guests would rather spend on experiences than things. Create and maintain a human connection and build on emotions. That is the mantra. Know of any other pointers that you would like us to hear about? Please email to marketing@staah.com Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Clean Bandit are back today with another song off their upcoming sophomore album What Is Love? which drops this Friday. Following up yesterdays release with Big Boy & KYLE Out at Night, the UK trio decide to waste little time in sharing another offering called "Playboy Style" featuring Charli XCX and Bhad Bhabie. Speaking on the origin of the collar, Grace Chatto, of the Clean Bandits, said, "We had been working on the song with Charli XCX, and she wrote all of those lyricsthe best on the album, I think," she said. "She recommended getting Bhad Bhabie in. She contacted [Bhabie] on Twitter, and thats how the collaboration with her came together in Los Angeles. Take a listen to the new collab and let us know what you think. Record available on iTunes. Quotable Lyrics: When you making checks on checks they chase you for that dollar bill But where the fuck was you when all I had to eat was dollar meals? Thought we'd have a run, boy Thought you was the one, boy But as I'm growing older, wiser I don't want no young boys - Bhad Bhabie A blind man has sued Playboy because he "cannot fully and equally use or enjoy the facilities, products, and services." The man, Donald Dixon, claims that the website violates the Americans With Disabilities act because it isn't accessible to him as a visually impaired person. He's looking for an unspecified amount of damages and is hoping to get Playboy to update their website to make it more accessible. Yes, this may sound strange and the lawsuit may sound impossible; the internet is pretty much the most visual medium and Playboy is the most iconic example of a visual medium on or off the internet. It's about looking at photos, what can Dixon possibly hope to get out of his lawsuit? Well there are already a whole array of tools that help visually impaired people "see" the internet, or in some cases, hear it. There's the VoiceOver function which reads out a webpage, including its layout. There is also screen-reading software which goes into the HTML code of the website and determines what's important, extracts it and reads it out to the user. It's not perfect, but it works if websites comply to certain industry standards. Many don't, though, and it can be a hassle, as Paul Schroeder, VP of Programs and Policy for the American Foundation for the Blind, put it, "When you log onto a website using screen reading software, what you start with is a site that tells you how many lines, and some basic structurebut not very much. When you're experiencing a cluttered site, the information you want may be 300-400 lines in, and if you're going line by line, or section by section, it can take you a very long time to find what you want." This is a tough one. Is Playboy going to have to hire someone to write out descriptions of their photos imbedded in the code of the site? Or will they just make their articles more accessible? I guess we'll see. Earlier this week, Rihanna's fans were unimpressed when Chris Brown left a comment on one of her Instagram photos. She had posted an image of herself wearing an item from her lingerie brand to promote their Black Friday sale, which impressed a good number of her peers. Meek Mill left his own comment and Chris Brown shared the flustered face emoji. The Rihanna Navy took to social media to condemn him for sliding into the comments section after all they've gone through in the last decade. While the two haven't been seen together in forever, Rih's fans are some of the most protective in the world and they're scared for Chris to be let back into her life. Thankfully for them, it appears as though they don't have much of a friendship these days. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqlTekmB6CC According to Page Six, a source close to Rihanna says that the two don't ever talk. "Shes still with her boyfriend," added the unnamed person, revealing that she's totally smitten by Hassan Jameel. Breezy commented on a shirtless photo of the Bajan superstar, leading many to wonder whether they were back on good terms. Over the years, it's been reported that they share a close friendship in their private lives but if this new information is to be believed, that's false. There have been several twists and turns in Tekashi 6ix9ine's federal case for racketeering and firearms charges. Earlier this week, it was revealed there was a confidential informant in the rapper's crew recording interactions with 6ix9ine and the people around him. A recent report alleged DJ Akademiks, a close friend of 6ix9ine, of being the snitch. However, the internet blogger complete denies these allegations. Akademiks spoke to TMZ following reports that he was the informant inside of 6ix9ine's crew. Ak denied any involvement in the case and said that he "has zero connection to this criminal case against Daniel Hernandez & other co-defendants. I view them as good people to me." "All these charges are a shock to me and do not involve me. I have never been questioned or much less cooperated in this. I am just a news reporter," he continued. Interestingly enough, the reports that surfaced claimed that it was 6ix9ine's ex-manager Shotti's attorney who made the claim that Akademiks was the snitch. However, Shotti's lawyer, Scott Leemon, also denied ever making these statements. "I never made any public statement relating to this matter. Any statement attributed to me is false. I have not given anyone an interview about this case," Leemon said. Despite the confidential informant, Tekashi 6ix9ine's attorney said that it was concerning, but he believes it'll prove the rainbow-haired rapper's innocence. To bring you up to speed, back in 2014, Drake was sued by the estate of jazz musician Jimmy Smith and a music publishing company called Hebrew Hustle. They accused Drizzy of using a sample of Smiths on his track, Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2. The 6 God denied the allegations and countersued the company for mental distress, among other things. He accused the company of using his face and name on their website to make it appear he worked with the company and endorsed their work, but that never happened. A judge eventually threw out the case against Drake but his lawsuit against Hebrew Hustle will finally be heard at an upcoming trial next month. In fact, the rapper is set to take the stand during the trial and the parties are about to pick the jury, but before they do, Drizzy wants to speak with the potential jurors first. According to documents obtained by TheBlast, Drizzys legal team has filed the questions they plan to ask potential jurors during the jury selection process. They will reportedly be asking potential jurors if theyve ever heard of the rapper, what they know about him, and if they think he is honest or trustworthy. The Toronto rapper wants to know if their opinion of him or his music would interfere with your ability to render a fair verdict in this case? They will also be asked if they currently listen to his music or have in the past, ever saw one of his shows or have seen his music videos. TheBlast adds that Drizzy will be using these questions to narrow down who he wants for the jury. Well keep you posted once the trial begins next month. Read more on the trial and story right here. [Via] Despite dropping two projects this year, with a third on the way, Tory Lanez still feels like he has more to prove. The rapper's continued to dish out new music but following the release of Love Me Now?, Tory engaged in a back-and-forth rap battle with Joyner Lucas after stating that he could body the "I'm Not Racist" rapper bar-for-bar. Tory's cockiness hasn't settled well with a few people including South Central's Jag who took aim at the Canadian rapper over Meek Mill's "Litty Again" instrumental. "STAY IN THAT RNB LANE G!!" Jag wrote in the description box of his Tory Lanez diss track, "Litty" that he dropped recently. The South Central MC gets at Tory's neck and accuses the Toronto rapper of hating on Drake out of jealousy, among other things. It's an impressive effort from Jag who released his project 2700 this past September. Peep his new track below. Quotable Lyrics Ugly ass n***a from Canada, saw you on camera Watch what you sayin' bout n***as I leave you bloody and that's on the beat, get sprayin' for real I ain't playin' with n***as Turn down the bitches, that's none of my business But ask me, and I think you playin' wit n***as Time for a bitch, all that money, you yellin' at 'gang' n***a I think you layin' wit n***as Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have been in their charitable bag recently. While Kanye dropped $200K in donations towards Chicago Mayoral candidate Amara Eniya, who received a co-sign from Chance The Rapper, that isn't the only large donation Ye's made in recent times. The rapper, and his wife, also donated $500K towards the California wildfire relief and he also donated $150K to the family of Jemel Roberson, a security guard who was shot and killed by police. Now, the artist and his wife have donated $25K to their personal photographer who was injured in a car crash. p>According to TMZ, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian dropped $25K to help the family of their personal photographer Marcus Hyde who was severely injured in a car crash last month. The photographer has worked 'Ye and Kim around the globe. Hyde's car went over the side of a ravine in Malibu in October, suffering serious head injuries. Hyde's still in the hospital fighting for his life. A GoFundMe was launched to help him and his family with the medical costs. KimYe donated $25K to the GoFundMe page earlier today. They decided to make their donation public in order to bring more awareness to the page. The GoFundMe's original goal was $10K so an additional $15K will help Hyde and his family out a lot during this tough time. Hyde recently traveled with both Kim Kardashian and Kanye West as their personal photographer. He was next to Kanye throughout the Ye listening party in Wyoming and also shot photos of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters' Victoria Secret angel Halloween costumes. If you're just now investing in the cannabis industry, you're likely a little late. There's still money to be made but with legalization happening in more and more states, people have already gotten a head start when it comes to investing in marijuana. Weed is now legal for recreational use in Canada and New Jersey may be next to follow suit, potentially passing a new law in 2019. It's not uncommon for rappers to be given their own custom strains of weed. Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa smoke their own special hybrids and now, Quavo looks to be the latest to hop into the cannabis industry. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqu9PcBn1YL The Migos member teased a move into the business on Twitter, simply tweeting two words: "H U N C H O D I S P E N S A R Y." Of course, we may be looking too far into this; it could be a song title, or something completely unrelated. However, it sure seems as though Quavo is making the jump to become a business owner of a pot shop. His fans seem excited, expressing their approval in his replies. It's unclear when he plans to open up the Huncho Dispensary but it's likely he'll feature some exclusive products at the shop. With so many big names investing in the marijuana industry, things are looking up for stoners around the world. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk6mbUnA5i0 Miami-based sneaker boutique SoleFly, owned by Michael Jordan's brother-in-law Carlos Prieto, has teamed up with Jordan Brand on several limited edition kicks over the years, including the "Lotto" Air Jordan 3s and exclusive "Lightning" Air Jordan 17 Low among others. Next up is a pair of Air Jordan 1s, as recently revealed by Miami's own DJ Khaled. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqJbXA5h1gl Both of the SoleFly x Air Jordan 1s come in Miami Hurricanes-inspired colorways but one is much more limited than the other. The patent leather rendition is reportedly limited to just 23 numbered pairs for "Friends & Family." The other SoleFly x Air Jordan 1 coming in white, orange and green is officially set to release during Miami's annual Art Basel on December 8. It remains to be seen how many pairs will be available, and exactly where you'll be able to purchase, but they will surely be a limited drop just like all of the other SoleFly x Air Jordan collabs. Take a look at both pairs in the IG post embedded below. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqYrYPSBD01 The ASTROWORLD festival may be old news for those who were in attendance two weeks ago, but concert footage is just starting to filter out. The latest clip to make the rounds in HD quality highlights Sheck Wes madcap performance of his viral hit "Mo Bamba." I certainly don't envy the person who took the stage shortly thereafter. Sheck Wes' messianic performance was a hard act to follow, and predictably so. Records show that at least 40,000 concert-goers were present when Sheck Wes took to the stage. Concert-goers really overshot their welcome by pulling out their phones with Sheck Wes looming overhead, a constant aerial threat. And yes, Wes risked it all, with a lateral "trust fall" at the 1:30 mark. The concert-goers, fresh from marking their attendance on social media, kept one hand tied behind the back, and the other firmly planted to ensure Sheck Wes' crowd-surfing sustenance. This was but one of the many surveyable moments that went down at ASTROWORLD fest. The one-day event, taking place in Astroboy's hometown of Houston, Texas, was blessed with a full musical itinerary which included performances by Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Post Malone, Rae Sremmurd, and of course the Astroboy himself, Travis Scott. A New York hedge fund is preparing to launch a proxy fight to take control of Luby's board of directors, which if successful would change the course of the struggling chain led for nearly two decades by a member of Houston's Pappas restaurant family. Bandera Partners, which owns 8.9 percent of Lubys outstanding shares, on Tuesday sent a public letter to the locally based chain, outlining concerns about the companys direction and nominating five candidates to improve the board with fresh, independent faces. Members of the nine-member board are elected to a one-year term every year at Lubys annual shareholders meeting, which is expected to take place in early 2019. Im writing today to tell you that whats happening at Lubys is simply not working, Jeff Gramm, Banderas co-founder and portfolio manager, said in the letter. I believe this is the outside shareholders last chance to salvage their investment in the company, and I feel a responsibility to take on this difficult battle on their behalf, rather than subject myself and other Lubys shareholders to another year of value destruction. Banderas proposed new board members are Gramm; his father and former Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas; Stacy Hock, chairwoman of Texans for Education Opportunity; Savneet Singh, a partner at New York asset management firm CoVenture; and Brian Wright, the CEO of Massachusetts-based Bertuccis Italian Restaurants. Gramm, in his letter, criticized Lubys bloated corporate expenses and disagreed with the companys strategy of closing restaurants and selling company-owned property to reinvest in the business and pay down $39.3 million of debt. Lubys closed 21 locations this year and laid off some of its corporate staff to chip away at its debt. Lubys is liquidating shareholders most valuable asset: Lubys real estate, Gramm said. The chain operates 146 company-owned restaurants under the Lubys Cafeteria, Fuddruckers Restaurants and Cheeseburger in Paradise brands. The company this month reported nearly $200 million in assets, much of it in real estate. It is brutally painful to watch the company chisel away at its real estate portfolio to fund low-return investments into the business, Gramm said in the letter. Since fiscal 2008, Lubys has sold $88 million of assets. This capital, more than double the current market capitalization, is gone and forever lost to shareholders. Lubys, in a statement, said it will review Banderas letter and consider the hedge funds candidates. The board will make a formal recommendation later, the company said. Chris Pappas and his brother Harris Pappas, founders of Houston-based Pappas Restaurants, became majority shareholders of Luby's in 2001. Chris Pappas is CEO and president. We are always open to good ideas regardless of their source and will carefully review and consider Banderas candidates as we would any other potential directors to assess their ability to add value to the board for the benefit of all shareholders, Peter Tropoli, Lubys general counsel, said in a statement. Lubys, founded in San Antonio in 1947 and known for its comfort foods such as the LuAnn Platter, has struggled to retain diners in recent years amid growing competition from new fast-casual concepts, such as Shake Shack, which offer trendy foods and limited service that appeals to younger diners looking to share their dining experience on social media. Lubys this year issued a statement of going concern, calling into question whether it can stay in business. The company, in its latest annual financial report, said it posted $365.2 million in sales over the year, down 3.7 percent from the previous year. Same-store sales fell a half percent. Lubys reported a loss of $33.6 million this fiscal year, and its stock has lost two-thirds of its value since January. Shares ended the trading day Wednesday at $1.53, down from its peak of around $25 in 1993. The company has a stock market value of around $45.2 million. The market is no longer excited about a cafeteria concept, said David Littwitz, a restaurant broker with Houston-based Littwitz Investments. The younger customer hasnt given a thought to Lubys for a long time. Bandera, which has a stake in Famous Daves BBQ and has invested in Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Fiesta Restaurant Group, has owned Lubys stock for more than a decade. The hedge fund has issued a number of public letters to company boards, including one sent this year to Boardwalk Pipeline Partners in Houston. Jeff Gramm is the author of Dear Chairman, a book on activist investors, and is on the board of Morgans Foods with James Pappas, an activist investor and son of Lubys CEO Chris Pappas. Another shareholder, Dallas-based investment firm Hodges Capital Management, has owned Lubys stock for 35 years and said it would back Banderas efforts to change the board and the companys direction. We need fresh eyes to see if there are opportunities and if shareholders have a better alternative than a dying cafeteria business, said Craig Hodges, co-founder of Hodges Capital. Any action to reverse Lubys fortune or get some value out of the company is a very long overdue, necessary step. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi WASHINGTON President Donald Trump signed a new North American free trade deal at the G-20 Summit in Argentina Friday, following more than a year of fraught negotiations. But the deal to continue almost three decades of close trade with Canada and Mexico now faces new hurdles starting with the shifting political dynamic in Washington following the midterm elections. With both Democrats and Republicans unhappy with aspects of the 1,800-page agreement, and special interests from labor unions to oil companies pressing for changes, the Trump administration has an uncertain path to winning congressional ratification of what is known as the in what is known United State Mexico Canada Agreement. Its going to be a heck of a fight, said Josh Zive, a Washington trade attorney. This is a difficult issue that does not break cleanly along party lines. Its a free trade agreement but its less free trade than the existing agreement. Theres so many variables in motion, anyone trying to make a prediction, its rank speculation at this point. Free trade pacts, once an area of bipartisan agreement, have become increasingly difficult to pass in Washington in recent years, amidst rising criticism from the more dogmatic wings of the Republican and Democratic parties, which view the agreements as encouraging companies to move operations overseas and costing American jobs. Trump himself called NAFTA the worst trade deal ever made. With Democrats set to take control of the House in January, staffers on Capitol Hill are unsure whether there are enough yes votes among the two parties to get the deal passed. Nancy Pelosi, the presumptive House Speaker, has already said she wants changes to the USMCAs provisions on wages and environmental protections. Trade unfortunately has gotten a bad name, not only among some Democrats but some Republicans too, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the majority whip. This is going to be threading the needle. Related: Reworked NAFTA deal brings relief to Texas business On the eve of the trade pacts signing, the possibility of a prolonged political fight is already sending ripples through American industry. Should Congress fail to approve the deal, the terms of the older North American Free Trade Agreement would technically stay in place. But the uncertainty created would likely throw markets into turmoil and could undermine the flow of trade between the three countries. Canada and Mexico accounted for more than $1.2 trillion in U.S. trade last year, making them Americas largest trading partners after China. For Texas and the oil and gas industry that drives its economy, the risks are particularly high. Mexico and Canada are markets for about 40 percent of the states exports. Texas energy companies ship fuels and natural gas to both countries while Gulf Coast refineries are fed by heavy crude imported from Canada. Exploration and production companies with headquarters or large operations in Houston are preparing to invest billions to develop Mexicos oil fields. Mexico and Canada rank as the two largest customers for U.S. natural gas and petroleum-based fuels. Last year, 9 percent of U.S. natural gas production was piped across Americas northern and southern borders. The biggest missed opportunity would be Congress not to ratify this agreement, said Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, a trade group. I hope that Congress will recognize this. No agreement is perfect, but this represents a new path forward. But special interest groups seeking final-hour changes are helping to the throw the agreements passage into question. Oil and gas companies, for example, are arguing for including an end to U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel, which are driving up the costs of pipelines and other projects. They also want to see changes to the Investor State Dispute Settlement provision, which allows companies to challenge a governments regulations through international arbitration. The Trump administration fought to excise that provision, arguing it impinges on national sovereignty. In the new version of the trade agreement, it was dramatically reduced to the point it no longer applies in Canada and is limited in Mexico to contracts with the central government. Labor unions also are irate over the lack of enforcement mechanism for tougher provisions on wages and environmental regulations aimed at forcing Mexico to get in line U.S. and Canadian standards and theoretically reducing the shifting of manufacturing south. As it stands, this [USMCA] is not something that can be supported, said Bob Cash, state director of labor-backed Texas Fair Trade Coalition. A lot of language is very improved, but the big problem is the enforcement mechanisms. The question now is whether Democrats and Republicans are willing to go to battle with Trump and each other on these and other issues. Under the so-called fast track authority that Congress passed in 2015, the president is given negotiating authority on trade deals and Congress cannot not amend them. Lawmakers only have the choice of voting yes or no on the agreement as is. Reopening negotiations is possible, but it would also invite virtually every special interest group in North America to pile in, said Tony Payan, director of the Mexico Center at Rice Universitys Baker Institute. Any changes will be very difficult, he said. If you allow one industry to look at something, then you have to let other groups look at it too. I dont think anybody wants to open this again and have another year of uncertainty. But in Washington, lobbyists are not necessarily looking at USMCA with such finality. Zive, the trade attorney, described the language of the trade deal as purposefully vague to allow feedback. There will be changes, he said. There have to be. james.osborne@chron.com Texas led the nation in children without health insurance as the number of its youngest uninsured jumped last year, according to a new national health care report. An estimated 835,000 Texas children went without health insurance in 2017, an increase of about 80,000, or more than 10 percent, from 2016, according to the report by Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. To put those numbers into perspective, one in five of the nations uninsured children lived in Texas. Texas was already doing a bad job of making sure kids had health coverage and now Texas is doing even worse, said Adriana Kohler, senior health policy associate at Texans Care for Children, an Austin-based childrens advocacy group. For Kyla McKay, the struggle to hold onto health coverage feels overwhelming as she cares for her three children, two with serious medical conditions. Chaos and exhaustion are a given as the 35-year-old stay-at-home mom spins through her days. But the threat of losing her childrens health insurance is what nearly brings her to her knees. For the past dozen years, her family has careened between being insured, being uninsured and then back again, stitching together a patchwork of coverage programs. Were safe right now, said McKay, of Pasadena. But it feels like storm clouds are gathering. RELATED: Texas says not so fast to big health care changes McKays fear is not without warrant. After years of declines, the number of uninsured children rose across the nation last year, up by more than 250,000, even as the national economy strengthened and unemployment fell. Advocates say the rise in uninsured children is happening as existing assistance programs are threatened or hobbled by administrations in Washington and Austin chip away at existing programs through budget cuts and delays as well as attempting to dismantle protections in the Affordable Care Act. At the same time, enrollment in government programs is dropping in immigrant communities as parents avoid enrolling children out of fear that under new Trump administration policies their citizenship status could be jeopardized if they take public assistance. At one Houston assistance center, for instance, applications for government-funded health care programs for children are down 23 percent from year ago. Renewals for Childrens Medicaid, the federal health insurance for the poor, are down 28 percent. I have been writing this report for 8 years and this is the first year that progress has not only come to a halt but now were going backwards. This is a very big red flag for me, said Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown center and co-author of the report. She worries that the uptick in uninsured numbers will continue and the stakes are high. Its very hard for uninsured children to succeed. A lack of well-baby exams, routine childhood check-ups and access to care and medication when needed can worsen school success as well as a lessen a child's chance at long-term health and economic success into adulthood, advocates say. RELATED: More scrutiny of legal immigrants using public assistance brings widespread fear This is a disturbing report for anyone who wants Texas kids to get the eyeglasses they need to read the chalkboard at school, mental health treatment they need to be healthy, early treatment to stop cancer before it spreads, and everything else that health insurance can mean for a child, said Kohler, Texas leaders need to make a commitment to reducing the states sky-high uninsured rate for kids and adults. Carrie Williams, press officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in an email that the 10.7 percent child uninsured rate in 2017 was a significant improvement over 2008 when the Texas rate was just over 18 percent. She credited the improvement to a strengthening economy. Gov. Greg Abbotts office did not respond to a request for comment. McKay, the Pasadena mother, said that years ago, as a young couple with two babies, they skipped health insurance for their family, taking their chances, feeling invincible. Or maybe just lucky. Her husband could get insurance through his work, but the monthly premium deducted from his paycheck devastated their already tight budget. It was more expensive than their mortgage payment. Instead they bought a cut-rate plan only good for occasional doctor visits. In 2006, about a year after their second child, Katie, was born, McKay noticed her daughter wasnt hitting the baby milestones such as trying to crawl. One day in day care Katie began screaming in pain, unable to open her eyes or hold up head. McKay was terrified and rushed her child to the pediatrician who brushed it off and sent them home. They went shopping for another doctor. But they were warned by the doctors they met they better get full coverage because there would be a lot of medical bills coming. Katie underwent tests and saw specialists for years in search of a diagnosis. At first they bought private insurance just for her. That plan went out of business. Then they tried another insurer, which rejected Katie for having a pre-existing condition. Next they tried Texas high risk pool program, designed for those with chronic health problems who cannot get insurance elsewhere. The couple was turned down because McKays husband could get insurance through his work, even though they explained they could not afford it and it did not cover all of Katie's vast needs. Finally they landed in the Childrens Health Insurance Program. McKays husband had to take a pay cut to qualify. Today, Katie is eligible for Medicaid because she is considered medically fragile. She is believed to have mitochondrial disease, a rare condition where parts of her cells fail to furnish enough energy for organ function. McKay left her job to care for and home school her daughter. Katie's little sister, Josie, now three, was born with a heart defect and had open heart surgery at 6-months-old. She also has severe food allergies. Josie is now covered by CHIP, as is big brother, Nathan, 16. McKay and her husband skipped coverage for years so their children could be insured. This year they they signed up for a plan for the first time through the Affordable Care Act. She worries though that their cobbled together coverage will not last. In past years Texas lawmakers have proposed deep cuts to Medicaid for disabled children. Congress has also talked about slashing programs. This past year has been really frightening, she said, Even when we have insurance it feels precarious jenny.deam@chron.com twitter.com/jenny_deam . OPEC and its allies, including Russia, meet in Vienna on Thursday to grapple with an all-too-familiar problem: whether to cut their production to prevent growing supplies of crude oil from becoming glut. The last time the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting States face such a decision was in late 2014. The cartel then decided to just keep pumping crude, sending oil prices into free-fall in what became the worst oil bust in a generation. The Greater Houston Partnership has collected data on how the oil bust, which last for roughly two years. played out in Houston. Its a reminder of whats at stake as producers again face the prospect of pumping too much oil. Job losses were deep At its peak in 2014, Houstons energy sector employed about 300,000, according to the data. By the end of 2016, the number had plunged to just over 200,000. On HoustonChronicle.com: Oil plunges; nears $50 a barrel The region lost more than 86,000 or nearly one in three energy-related jobs over those two years, and theyve come back only slowly as oil prices recovered. Even today, near three years after prices hit bottom at $26 a barrel Feb. 2016, the region has just over 230,000 energy-related jobs. Not just the number of jobs Those job losses hit the Houston economy hard, not only because of the scale of the layoffs, but also because many of the job were high paying. The premium jobs lost were in oilfield services, fabricated metal manufacturing, oilfield equipment manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and architectural and engineering services. The lions share of these jobs paid $100,000 or more. Those sectors paid about $37 billion in wages in 2014. In 2016, those same sectors paid $30 billion in wages, a drop of about $7 billion or nearly 20 percent. What that meant was far less of the consumer spending drives economic activity. The collapse in energy industry payrolls has taken a large chunk of purchasing power from the region, said Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president of the Partnership who is also an economist. That negatively impacts any consumer-oriented business: retail, housing, restaurants, bars and health care. Broader economy feels it Greater Houstons economic output dropped nearly 7 percent, from $507 billion in 2014 to $472 billion in 2016, a decline of 7 percent, according to the Commerce Department. In a normal year, Houston creates about 60,000 jobs. Data collected by the Greater Houston Partnership shows that in 2015 and 2016, Houston lost a total of 4,700 jobs. The weakness in the labor market spilled into 2017. Through mid-August, the region add only about 2,400 job. Then Hurrican Harvery hit, leading to a surge in employment mostly temporary as homeowers and businesss repaired properties and replaced goods lost in the flood. By the end of the year, Houston gained a net 63,000 jobs.. Not coming back The lower oil prices forced oil and gas companies to become more efficient, which basically means finding ways to product oil with fewer men and drilling rigs. For example, at the peak of the last cycle in 2014, companies were operating more than 1,900 rigs in the Untited States. Today, oil companies are producing about 2 million barrels a day more that in 2014, but with just over half the number of rigs 1,079, according to the Houston oil field services company Baker Hughes. Related: Energy companies lose $1 trillion in value as oil plunges Operators in shale plays have adopted the rigors of continual improvement techniques known as Lean Manufacturing to turn their oilfields into factories where multiple wells can be drilled from a single drilling pad and rigs can rapidly be moved to new locations. In less than a decade, E&P companies in North Dakota have reduced the gap between starting to drill one well and starting the next one from nearly three months to just over a week. Bill Gilmer, an economist at the University of Houston, forecasts oil and gas-related jobs in part by analyzing rig counts and oil prices. Even if prices rose to $100 a barrel for a prolonged period, the regions energy-releated jobs would stilll fall short of the 2014 peak, climbing to about 275,000, Gilmer said. Crude was trading at about $51 a barrel Thursday morning. As a nonbinary Latinx person, a little thing such as getting the gender marker "X" on my Texas driver's license looked like a possibility, as it seemed as though the U.S. were headed toward progress. As I look at my license now, though, the "F" gender marker continues to become more foreign to me. Throughout my life, I've always felt that something was different about me, whether it was my sexuality or my gender identity and, as it turns out, I was right about both. My gender identity is something I have to work with every day in fact, my therapist told me recently that I have to learn to be OK with the fact that I might never figure out whether I'm a "boy" or a "girl." Part of learning to be OK with that was the possibility of "X" as my gender marker on my license, but this fall things began to look dimmer. As I read the news one Sunday, I thought to myself, Here is a memo that would nullify you and so many other people. On Sunday, October 21, the New York Times reported that the Department of Health and Human Services was preparing to redefine the term "sex" under Title IX for the purposes of several key government agencies, allegedly writing in an internal memo the Times obtained that these agencies "needed to adopt an explicit and uniform definition of gender" that "would define sex as either male or female, unchangeable and determined by the genitals that a person is born with." But such a redefinition flies in the face of science, medicine and the law. It seems an attempt not just to eliminate protections for transgender individuals, but to stop recognizing them altogether. Reducing someone's gender identity to their genitals is violence. It tells me and my community that my existence doesn't matter because I don't identify with my sex assigned at birth it's why to date this year, at least 22 transgender individuals have been killed, a majority of them trans women of color. This administration has repeatedly attempted to erase transgender people and deny them protections, and their messages that target the transgender community have only fueled similar legislation at the state levels. This year, according to the National Center for Trans Equality, there have been 21 anti-trans bills introduced in 10 states, and anti-trans ballot initiatives could show up in two other states. I saw it happen in my own city when the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) did not pass, a devastating blow to Houston and its LGBTQ+ community. Despite clear messages from the mainstream medical, psychological and scientific communities, this administration continues to try to effectively erase protections for transgender individuals protections such as access to health care, housing and employment. Though the rhetoric and violence continues to put our lives at risk, I know it's not over. This memo serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is at the beginning, not the end our fight for equal rights did not end with marriage equality. This proposed plan to redefine "sex" does not take away the fact that my community and I have worked to ensure that our voices are heard and present. But we can't continue to do the work alone. If you identify as an ally to the trans and nonbinary community at any capacity, now is the time to speak up and do the work to help us. Just in 2017, there was nearly one homicide a week of an LGBTQ person in the U.S. Though the memo can't hide our existence and the precedents set by dozens of federal court decisions in the past two decades affirming the trans community, our safety might be compromised. This means that your contributions to the trans community can't stop at the voting booth or hashtagging #WontBeErased on your posts. It means things such as volunteering your time to a transgender-supporting organization, starting transgender support groups in your neighborhood or school, donating to organizations that support trans women of color or undocumented communities, confronting hate speak and implicit bias or even sharing the messaging of other trans activists in your community. But, most importantly, it means never stopping asking how you can best support this community in this volatile climate let "ally" become a verb for you. Julien Gomez is the Communications and Marketing Specialist at the Montrose Center and uses they/them pronouns. Serving more than 100,000 Houstonians a year, the Montrose Center empowers the Houston community, primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals and their families, to enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives. Want to write for Gray Matters? Send your idea to Allyn West. Get the Gray Matters newsletter. It's at the beginning, not the end. WASHINGTON - The Senate on Wednesday delivered a historic rebuke of Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump's handling of the fallout over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing last month, as a decisive majority voted to advance a measure to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The 63-to-37 vote is only an initial procedural step, but it nonetheless represents an unprecedented challenge to the security relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The vote was prompted by lawmakers' growing frustration with Trump for defending Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's denials of culpability in Khashoggi's death, despite the CIA's finding that he had almost certainly ordered the killing. Their frustration peaked shortly before Wednesday's vote, when senators met behind closed doors to discuss Saudi Arabia, Khashoggi and Yemen with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis - but not CIA Director Gina Haspel, who did not attend the briefing. Her absence so incensed lawmakers that one of the president's closest congressional allies threatened not only to vote for the Yemen resolution, but also to withhold his support from "any key vote" - including a government funding bill - until Haspel was sent to Capitol Hill for a briefing. "I am not going to blow past this," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said. "Anything that you need me for to get out of town - I ain't doing it until we hear from the CIA." In a statement, CIA spokesman Timothy Barrett said "the notion that anyone told Director Haspel not to attend today's briefing is false." He added that Haspel, who traveled to Turkey to listen to a recording of Khashoggi's killing and review evidence in the case, had fully briefed congressional leaders and members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. But only one of the 14 Republicans who voted to move ahead with the Yemen resolution has been briefed. Trump, Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton all have pointedly said they have not listened to the tape, and see no reason to do so. The pressure is now squarely on Trump not just to dispatch Haspel to the Hill, but also to take concerted steps to hold Mohammed accountable before the Senate makes its next move, which is likely to come next week. "There's ways that the administration, even rhetorically, can help change the dynamic," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said shortly before Wednesday's vote. He added that while "Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country, we've watched innocent people be killed. . . . We also have a crown prince who is out of control." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House and Senate have been tiptoeing toward a standoff over Saudi Arabia for more than a year, as an increasing number of senators have backed efforts to halt certain arms sales or end other military support for the Saudi-led coalition battling Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. But the willingness to formally admonish Saudi Arabia grew after Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul and the Trump administration took what many have seen as only modest steps to pursue accountability. If Trump takes more aggressive action over the weekend, it could keep senators such as Corker from voting to start a debate on the Yemen resolution. But with 63 senators on board now, it is unclear whether Trump can do enough to stop the Yemen resolution from proceeding. To date, Trump's deputies have shown no indication of planning to change course. Earlier Wednesday, both Pompeo and Mattis framed U.S. support for Saudi Arabia as a national security matter, even though Riyadh's conduct in Yemen's civil war has drawn international condemnation. Pompeo struck an unapologetic tone, arguing that without U.S. involvement, the humanitarian crisis there and the threat posed to U.S. interests and Americans "would be a hell of a lot worse." He also argued that the resolution could thwart negotiations to secure a cease-fire - an argument lawmakers disputed. "All we would achieve from an American drawdown is a stronger Iran and a reinvigorated ISIS and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula," said Pompeo, using an acronym for the Islamic State. "Try defending that outcome back home." In a Wednesday opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Pompeo characterized the reaction to Khashoggi's slaying as "Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on." Pompeo did not mention Khashoggi in his prepared remarks to senators. Mattis lamented the journalist's killing while underscoring the need to continue a partnership with Saudi Arabia even as the airstrikes have killed tens of thousands of people, both civilians and rebels. "We are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis said. "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability." As pressure to reduce U.S. military ties with the Saudis has increased, Riyadh has emphasized that it has other options, including with Russia. But lawmakers have tired of such strategic arguments, arguing that Trump should prioritize the defense of American human rights ideals - such as condemning the killing of a journalist - over the expedient of looking the other way. "I'm all for realpolitik, but that suggests that you accept the truth," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said of Khashoggi's death, adding that if Mohammed "wasn't directly involved, he certainly knew of it." The resolution, drafted by Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, seeks to invoke the War Powers Act to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition, which human rights groups accuse of fomenting in Yemen the world's worst humanitarian crisis. If they are successful, it will be the first time since the act was passed in 1973 that it has been used to end a foreign operation - putting the Senate in somewhat uncharted legislative territory. Several Republicans guessed that senators would try to soften the resolution with amendments. But some worry that the effort could spin out of control. "This would be a process like the budget vote-a-rama," Corker said, referring to round-the-clock amendment votes that regularly accompany the budget process. "Except we're firing with real bullets; these are real laws." Even if the Senate passes the resolution, it stands little to no chance of clearing the House, where GOP leaders already intervened once this month to block members from voting on a similar measure. Senate leaders may also pressure lawmakers to hurry through the resolution process, lest it complicate a Dec. 7 deadline to pass a bill to fund the federal government. Some Republican senators surmised that if momentum builds around the Yemen resolution, leaders could feel compelled to include punitive measures against Saudi Arabia in the must-pass funding bill. Several senators from both parties think the funding measure could be a vehicle for bipartisan-backed proposals to end arms transfers to Saudi Arabia and impose sanctions on those implicated in the conflict Yemen. --- The Washington Post's Karen DeYoung contributed to this report. The creature didnt growl and didnt need to. The alligator snapping turtle held menace enough in its massive, gaping jaws, which ended in a sharp beak poised like the fangs of an agitated rattlesnake. Its long, plump claws dug into the sand above thorny, wrinkled skin and a deeply-ridged carapace about the size of a large dinner platter. Wildlife biologist Eric Munscher has wrangled bigger alligator snappers than the young, 42-pound male he hauled onto land Saturday with help from two assistants. But every one he finds matters, because hes studying the species in a part of Houston so unlikely it has become the talk of the turtle world. During the past two years, Munscher and his team have tagged 60 alligator snappers officially Macrochelys temminckii in an area no one expected to find them, along a nine-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou. Munscher, who leads the Turtle Survival Alliances North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group, does not want to reveal exact study locations, to protect what he believes may be the largest population of alligator snapping turtles in Texas, and potentially one of the largest anywhere. And he believes the turtles have survived not in spite of, but because of, their heavily populated, citified surroundings. They lucked into the whole metro thing, he said. Its a good habitat, surprisingly, with a riparian shelf where females can climb up and lay eggs. Buffalo Bayous opaque brown waters have long yielded other scary-looking predators, including prehistoric-looking alligator gars and the occasional, actual gator. And there are plenty of other reasons not to swim there, including possible bacterial pollution. Nobody in their right mind would think of Buffalo Bayou as a refuge, said Jordan Gray, a former Houston zookeeper and a collaborator on the study who now works at the Turtle Survival Alliances headquarters in Charleston, S.C. Its not this pristine habitat like the Upper Trinity River, but thats what makes it so cool, to find this gem of a population. Unlike other river turtles, alligator snappers do not float around, and they do not have to sun themselves to raise their body temperature for food digestion. These guys live in waters that typically dont get too cold, so their body temperature sits at a decent level, Munscher explained. While the females lay their eggs on land, the males live entirely underwater, only poking their snouts above the surface for a few seconds, once an hour or so, for air. And in spite of their fearsome looks, theyre timid; they flee disturbances in the water, making it highly unlikely people in kayaks and canoes will spot them. Munscher discovered the bayous turtles almost by accident through his day job with SWCA Environmental Consultants, while he was surveying wildlife across one of the citys large parks. He put out turtle traps near the end of the study, not expecting to find anything special, and was astonished to haul up six alligator snappers. Those first critters ranged from a 3-pound juvenile to a 96-pound male that could be 80 years old, which suggested an active breeding population. Munscher contacted Texas Parks & Wildlife, which had not included Harris County in a previous survey of alligator snappers across East Texas, and secured a grant to purchase equipment for a long-term population study in Buffalo Bayou and associated watersheds of Harris and Fort Bend Counties. He is trapping, tagging and releasing turtles at least once a month a task he plans to continue for 10 years. Its an unheard of study for the species, he said. We want to do it because its such an unheard of habitat . If you find a lot of turtles, it means theyre doing pretty well. Nobodys done anything to them yet; they dont have a lot of predation going on. We study them over time to see how and why theyre doing so well. The largest turtle species in the U.S. and largest hard-shelled turtles in the world, alligator snappers are native to swamps and rivers from Florida to southern Illinois. Experts cant say how many of them still exist, but they know numbers have declined significantly in the past century, and conservationists have petitioned to have alligator snappers added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Endangered Species list. Alligator snappers play a unique and complex role in the eco-environment. In addition to eating fish such as carp which they lure with skinny pink tongues that look like worms the turtles are scavengers, vultures of the deep who scrub carrion from riverbed bottoms. They are an iconic animal of the Deep South, and potentially an animal that brings a call to action for the health of Buffalo Bayou, Gray said. Missouri State University professor Day Ligon, a leading turtle researcher, said the damming of waterways in the past 150 years has diced up the alligator snappers habitat, reducing their ability to travel and isolating populations. Alligator snappers also die on fishing lines, and its riparian habitats are disappearing with the channelization of flood-prone waterways it needs messy tree snags and sinuous bends in rivers. Commercial exports have been curtailed since 2006, but a century or more of harvesting has also severely impacted populations. In Louisiana, alligator snappers can still be hunted legally, one a day for personal consumption, year-round. Gray said more than 97,000 of them were harvested in the U.S. from 1999 to 2009. Poaching is a problem, too. In Texas, alligator snappers are protected by law as a threatened species. Anyone caught capturing or molesting them without permits from Texas Parks & Wildlife may face criminal punishment. Some people have negative attitudes toward turtles because they perceive that theyre competing for game fish, Ligon said. But what Ive observed is that game fish communities are healthier in areas with alligator snapping turtles. The turtles may be helping with selection against weaker, smaller fish. Because alligator snappers arent sexually mature until theyre 15 or 20 years old, Ligon said, any level of harvest is unsustainable. Working with a hatchery in Oklahoma, he has re-introduced about 1,600 alligator snappers to the wild in the past decade. Some of them are now 16 years old, but they have yet to reproduce. Ligon visited Houston in October to see what the excitement was about, during two days when Munschers group caught and released 19 alligator snappers. He wants to see more data before hes fully convinced, but Ligon is potentially excited by the bayous turtles, he said. Its pretty fantastic that these guys have remained under the radar in the city of Houston for so long. Last Saturday, Munscher was checking on three traps hed set a few dozen yards apart the day before. Collapsible, cone-shaped nets with metal rings, the traps are baited at the small end, with a four-foot opening on the bottom of the large end that stays open, although the turtle rarely finds its way back out. Turtles in general arent all that bright, Munscher said. Each specimen he catches gets measured, weighed, sexed, examined for disease, outfitted with a microchip and tagged with a unique ID thats notched into its shell before its released back into the bayou. The 42-pounder Saturdays only catch looked small until Munscher and research assistant Arron Tuggle pried its claws and beak loose from the netting, and the jaws opened. And stayed open. A large alligator snapper can inflict as much as 1,200 pounds of bite pressure. Theyd seen this one before: It had a microchip and notches in the shell already tagged, and identifiable as No. 48. But they didnt just release it. Working swiftly with long calipers, as Tuggle held the animal in place, Munscher dictated measurements to his other helper, Valeria Gladkaya, recording the length, width, height and depth of the shell; the size of the head, the tail, the belly. Then after an unplanned trip to a hardware store to buy longer bolts they drilled into the edge of the turtles carapace to outfit No. 48 with a little gold radio transmitter about the size of a AA battery. It wouldnt hurt the animal, Munscher said, because the tip of the shell has few nerve endings or blood vessels; its like clipping fingernails. But the turtle was coming up in the world. From now on, hell be known as a transmitter turtle, Munscher said. He watched No. 48 crawl back into the muddy water and disappear. Then Munscher reset the trap nearby, in about two-and-a-half feet of water. On Sunday, he returned to a slightly more exciting find a 73-pound male he hadnt yet tagged. That one also got radio bling, as will the next eight he traps. Munscher wants to see how far the bayous turtles are roaming, and where. Gladkaya will monitor the transmitter turtles across distances of several miles. Munscher is confident Buffalo Bayou isnt the Houston regions only alligator snapper haven. We know they are in Green and Cypress Creek, he said. And I would suspect them in other bayous that have some existing natural bed and ripirian zone. Alligator snappers may not punch the publics cuddly buttons, but Ligon and Munscher both call them charismatic because they admire the animals size, longevity and tenacity. Being able to work with this species is a highlight of my career, Munscher said. There is just a natural draw and charm to working with something so ancient. molly.glentzer@chron.com Houston city council on Wednesday approved Mayor Sylvester Turners request to hire an outside law firm to provide the city with legal advice related to the firefighter pay parity measure approved by voters earlier this month, but not before cutting the contracts potential cost in half. Following a testy discussion that lasted nearly 80 minutes, council gave the green light on a 9-7 vote for a contract worth up to $500,000 with Norton Rose Fulbright, a global firm with ties to the political action committee that backed the campaign to oppose Proposition B. The ballot item, approved by voters on Nov. 6, grants Houston firefighters equal pay to police officers of corresponding status. The firm is likely to help Turners administration address what has become a core question in the post-election debate over Prop B: whether state law in the form of a collective bargaining contract preempts the city charter. Council on Wednesday also adopted the pay parity item as a charter amendment, a procedural formality. Council initially was set to consider a contract with Norton Rose worth up to $1.34 million, $250,000 of which already been had appropriated for a separate issue. The council separated that cost, delaying it for a future meeting, then on Turners suggestion cut the remaining contract from $1.09 million to a maximum of $500,000. The firm operates more than 50 offices globally, including one in Houston. Neil Thomas, a Norton Rose partner in that office, served as treasurer for the anti-Prop B PAC, Protect Houston, and the firm contributed $15,000 to the committees coffers. Councilman Dwight Boykins, who voted against the contract, urged Turner to work out a contract with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, who have asked the mayor to return to the negotiating table since the election. Turner has said he would not do so before first settling the preemption question. The union responded to Wednesdays vote with a statement criticizing the mayor. The mayors vindictiveness is now surpassed only by his dishonesty about the implementation of Prop B, union president Marty Lancton said. Contrary to the mayors claims, state law is clear: a legally negotiated contract with firefighters would settle this issue, once and for all. Houstonians need to recognize that the mayor is willing to destabilize public safety to settle political scores. Lancton has pointed to several examples of collective bargaining agreements superseding language in the city charter, and some labor lawyers have backed up the unions claims. Turner told reporters after the meeting that he would have legally challenged Proposition B before the election, but found legal precendent that said such a move had to wait until voters approved the measure. "There's only one issue right here: whether or not it was preempted by state law," Turner said. "If a judge should come back and say to the City of Houston it wasn't preempted by state law, then we'll have to move very quickly to implement it." The mayor initially planned to seek a contract with Norton Rose the morning after Election Day, but delayed the vote over concerns that hiring the firm would look like a middle finger to the voters, as District G Councilman Greg Travis put it. It is not about going against the will of the people, Turner said after a handful of councilmembers raised concerns about the city not following the will of the voters. It is about whether (Prop B) was valid in the first place. Some members, including Travis, said negotiating a contract with the fire union similarly would serve as a repudiation to voters. Near the end of the debate, District E Councilman Dave Martin questioned why the fire union had sought to put Proposition B on the ballot, where it passed with 59 percent of the vote, if state law ultimately preempts the charter amendment. Why did we even have a pay parity petition? Martin said. What were people trying to gain? What was this about? Was it about leverage? In the end, Boykins, Travis and council members Jack Christie, Karla Cisneros, Mike Knox, Michael Kubosh and Brenda Stardig opposed the law firm contract. The most vigorous opposition came from Kubosh, who argued the city could settle the legal question with its in-house attorneys. Turner said the legal department is stretched thin, and contended the legal sum would amount to a small fraction of the cost of implementing Proposition B, which has an estimated annual cost of $100 million. Norton Rose Fulbright is an outstanding international law firm, Turner told reporters, citing their work on Houstons pension reform. They are very, very good at what they do. jasper.scherer@chron.com twitter.com/jaspscherer Marvin Odum, the former Shell Oil president Mayor Sylvester Turner tapped as Houstons volunteer recovery czar shortly after Hurricane Harvey, announced his departure from that role Wednesday to broad praise for his efforts to tweak bureaucracies from City Hall to Washington for the benefit of Houstonians. Odum had committed to coordinate Houstons storm recovery until the arrival of the first significant chunk of federal aid, and Houston is now expected to receive $1.17 billion in housing assistance within a month. Departing with him as of Friday following another trip to D.C. to advocate for funding and project proposals will be Niel Golightly, a Shell vice president who has been on loan to the city as Odums chief of staff. Steve Costello, a drainage engineer and former councilman who has served as the citys flood czar since 2016, will replace Odum. Houston plans to hire a new chief resilience officer (Costellos formal title) to replace him. This is by no means the end of the recovery, Turner said. Theyve taken us through Phase One and we begin now to launch Phase Two, but weve just been very fortunate to have the benefit of their expertise, their intellect over the last 15 months. The city could not have asked for a better team to assist us. Odum and Golightly worked with only one to two staff devoted to the recovery, but they convened weekly meetings of city department heads, some of whose employees spent some work time on recovery tasks; Odum was quick to credit this broader team. Among the groups accomplishments was securing local control over the housing aid the city and Harris County will receive, rather than having that money routed through the state General Land Office, as state and federal officials originally intended. Bob Harvey, president of the Greater Houston Partnership, participated in meetings with Odum and state and federal officials on the issue and said Odums presence was key. It certainly was important in Washington and in Austin that the former president of Shell Oil had taken on this role and had immersed himself in it to the degree that Marvin did, Harvey said. He had a very good high-level view of the problem, but he could go as deep as was needed in the moment. No matter who he was dealing with, he had a command of the facts. Odum also successfully pushed FEMA to adopt a new nationwide policy that lets local governments count volunteer work hours and donated materials toward the local match required for grants to repair damaged facilities. In Houstons case after Harvey, that local match could top $250 million. Odum said he was proud his team had tried to think outside the typical disaster recovery process, pointing to the new FEMA policy and to the citys move to hire data scientists to produce a flood inundation model showing that the $1 billion in housing aid Houston is about to receive an allocation based on readily available but incomplete damage data falls $2 billion short of the citys actual needs. Thats just the way its done. Well, actually theres something better than that, Odum said. We just kept saying, Why cant it be this way? Odum highlighted the 14 recovery centers the city, county and nonprofits staffed in affected neighborhoods, linking more than 16,000 residents to services, and pointed to the councils vote to set stricter development rules in floodplains. Referencing his experience as an industry leader in a heavily regulated field, Odum waded into the intensely lobbied fight, pushing council members to embrace the proposal and helping secure its narrow 9-7 passage. Moving forward, Odum said, Houston must continue collaborating with county, nonprofit and business groups; push FEMA to fund repairs sufficient to harden city facilities against future floods, not simply fix them; advocate for more funding; and keep seeking the $30 billion, three-decade flood mitigation blueprint he believes the region needs. Costello, who has led recovery efforts related to infrastructure projects, said he is getting up to speed on housing issues, including a Wednesday night meeting with city housing director Tom McCasland. Most of the leadership in these organizations, whether state or federal, knew that Marvin was going to be sort of a short-timer, so the transition is going to be relatively smooth simply because weve been part of the recovery team from Day One, Costello said. I know most people that were dealing with. It just made sense. A Houston Chronicle investigation last year found that the engineering firm Costello left in January 2015 helped develop neighborhoods in the Barker Reservoir flood pool and produced a study showing thousands of properties were at risk of flooding there. Costello has said he personally did no work related to the neighborhood in question, called Grand Lakes, and didnt recall the study. He said Wednesday he does not believe the issue will affect the publics confidence in his work. Ive been the flood czar for two and a half years and that hasnt really come up, he said. Im focusing on providing protection to our neighborhoods, our city and our citizens. Some local governments respond to disasters by staffing entire agencies to run their recoveries, but Houston has basically no money budgeted for its recovery team, and Turner said Costello is simply taking Odums seat. Coming federal aid would let the city add staff, but thats not necessarily the right choice, said Andy Kopplin, who was the founding director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, which led rebuilding after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The structure of the recovery team is less important than its leadership, he said. Whether it is the mayor, the recovery czar, or someone else, Kopplin said, there must be a voice emphasizing the need to select impactful projects, even if they are costlier or politically more difficult. Youve got to have somebody who can execute and build the team to get the money out the door, Kopplin said, but you also have to have folks who hold true to the vision for building a more resilient city. mike.morris@chron.com twitter.com/mmorris011 Leaders of a southwest Houston synagogue spent Thursday amid charred rubble trying to make sense of the fire that destroyed their place of worship and developing plans to rebuild. Dozens of people were inside the Torah Vachesed synagogue for a study group when the fire started around 9 p.m. Wednesday, but no one was harmed and the sacred Torah scrolls were recovered and relocated to the nearby Jewish community center. Rabbi Avraham Yaghobian is a very resilient man, his congregation is resilient, and the Jewish people are resilient, and these challenges hopefully make us stronger, said Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, the leader of the Torch Centre, a community center just steps away that was holding its own class when the fire broke out Wednesday night. Congregants put up a semi-permanent tent in the synagogue parking lot Thursday to serve as the hub for repairs, paperwork and donations. We need to think, said Rabbi Avraham Yaghobian, who was coordinating efforts from the parking lot. We need a mobile office a command center. We need a generator for the electric. From its front entrance, the Torah Vachesed appeared unharmed, but sunlight streamed inside through a hole in the roof, revealing dozens of broken ceiling tiles littering the floor and air-conditioning ducts spilling out from the ceiling. Dust and ash coated the floor, and water damage was apparent on the arks, or ornamental closets, that held Torah scrolls. The fire seems to have started behind the building before spreading to the attic and roof, including the sanctuary that makes up the majority of the small building, Houston Fire Department Chief Herman Gonzales said. While participating in a group study Wednesday night, congregants at the Orthodox Sephardic Jewish synagogue were surprised when constables ordered everyone to evacuate, Yaghobian said. The police happened to be driving by on Braeswood Boulevard when they saw smoke and rushed over. The fire department arrived almost immediately, Yaghobian said. Once all lives were accounted for, congregants tried to return to retrieve the holy Torah scrolls, but firefighters wouldnt let them. We were willing to jump in there, even if some of us were arrested, just to walk in and take those things, Yaghobian said. We would take whatever damage to our bodies. We didnt want our holy articles being hurt. Wolbe commended the police and fire departments. They were so caring and sensitive to the religious needs, and when they heard there were Torah scrolls, they said, Not a problem. Well go get them so soon as its safe, he said. When that occurred, onlookers from the Torch Centre and Torah Vachesed were overjoyed, he said. The celebration that went on when the Torah scrolls were being brought out by the fire department was just unbelievable, Wolbe said. It was an emotional joy for everyone, and it was just very special. Although it lacks any formal ties to the synagogue, the Torch Centre has opened up to Torah Vachesed members, who will be worshiping there while working to repair their synagogue. Torch Centre members have also been keeping watch over the rescued scrolls, which are shrouded with cloth in one of the centers small offices. Two of the scrolls received minor water damage but are otherwise OK. The Houston Fire Department is investigating the source of the fire and whether arson is to blame, but congregants helping Yaghobian on Thursday morning said they doubt foul play is involved. Wolbe agreed and said he never suspected that someone had targeted the synagogue. I hope its not just because Im naive, but I really did not think for a second that there was any kind of foul play, he said. In my opinion, this is the most active synagogue on Earth. There are people here all hours of the day learning, praying, cooking, getting ready for an event. This is such a vibrant synagogue. That sense of community was apparent in the aftermath of Hurricane Harveys flooding. The Meyerland-area synagogue flooded during the storm, and the damage took three months to repair, Yaghobian said. The synagogue was a place of assistance to others even during the repair process, Yaghobian said. This damage is far worse. Torah Vachesed is collecting donations via its website to help repair the sanctuary. The belief that God ultimately wants people to achieve material gain could lead to overly optimistic and risky financial behavior for some, according to newly released study from the University of Toronto. The report, released last week by the university's Psychology department, used Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen as the prime example of so-called Christian "prosperity preachers" who put financial prosperity and material blessings at the center of their message. A CLOSER LOOK: Joel Osteen and the making of a megachurch Lakewood Church spokesman Donald Iloff Jr. challenged that characterization of Osteen's message. He said it's ultimately about a positive relationship with God, not exclusively about financial gain. "To characterize the message focusing on material wealth is a rather shallow analysis of Joel's message," he said. "He has said many times material things are not the focus." Iloff said peace of mind and prosperity are the more accurate elements of Osteen's message. He added that Osteen doesn't advocate against material gain. He simply talks about "a God who wants what's best for you," including, for example, owning a successful business. The university report described prosperity preaching as a fast-growing movement in America. Non-denominational televangelist Paula White, who delivered an invocation at Donald Trump inauguration last year, has been associated with the prosperity gospel. So has Atlanta-based televangelist Creflo Dollar. Still, with Osteen's church congregation of 43,500 people and millions more watching his sermons each week, the authors of the university report used three-minute clips of his homilies to prove the theory. A team of researchers randomly showed participants one of two clips of Osteen's sermon, one with prosperity messaging and one without. The participants then rated their level of optimism for the future on a scale of "much less/worse than other" to "much more/better than others," according to a university news release. RELATED: How Joel Osteen made himself the smiling embodiment of a guilt-free Gospel Anyone who answered with an optimism level "equal to others" suggested the participants were unrealistically optimistic, the release said. "The study's real novelty is that it's offering causal evidence of a widespread social phenomenon, going beyond the anecdotal stories of the prosperity gospel," lead author Nick Hobson said in the release. Researchers also warned that prosperity messages can affect more people than those in religious denominations. "Its success as a growing religious movement might be less about feeling God, and more about feeling good," Hobson 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 At first, the white object in the sky looked like a cloud. A weather balloon, perhaps ? The motionless, cigar-shaped object spotted last week near Fort Worth left the witness stumped. And a video of the sighting has since gone viral, opening the door to UFO theories online. Now Playing: Keller residents said they saw a mysterious, rod or cigar-shaped object in the sky last week. The object, which appeared to be glowing, was still for about 20 minutes, the witness said. Video: TexasUFOs "It was the oddest thing I've ever seen," the unidentified witness said, according to their report to Texas UFOs, a website that tracks mysterious UFO sightings throughout the state. "I watched it for about 20 minutes. It didn't move. I don't think I've ever seen anything in the sky stay that still before, not even for a few seconds, let alone 20 minutes." RELATED: UFO enthusiasts say Houston has seen lots of strange flying objects in 2017 Several people commented on the YouTube video guessing it could be a blimp. However, a Texas UFOs administrator said they couldn't find any information the Goodyear blimp was scheduled to be in Keller on Nov. 18, the day of the sighting. Further, the witness said it sat motionless in the sky for about 20 minutes, and similar UFO sightings were reported in Brownsville in August 2016 and El Paso in August 2018. A few people went along for the ride on YouTube, with one commenter comparing the footage to "the classic cigar-shaped UFO" he saw in the mid 90's over Reading, Pennsylvania. View the gallery to see other UFO sightings in Texas last year. 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 2 1 of 2 Andrew Harnik, STF / Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Moises Castillo, STR / Associated Press Show More Show Less WASHINGTON Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who will join Vice President Mike Pence in Mexico City at this weekend's inauguration of incoming Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said Wednesday that U.S. officials hope to send a strong message of international cooperation on the trip. "Obviously, we have a lot in common and I think it's important that members of Congress and members of the administration, like Vice President Mike Pence, who will be travelling there, will make a statement by their presence," Cornyn said. "That we value the relationship, we understand that many of the challenges we face individually we face together, and it's imperative that we work together." Local governments have not been properly notifying homeowners of their expected property tax increases since 1978, disregarding a requirement of the Texas Constitution, an academic researcher told lawmakers on Wednesday. For decades, Texas has required appraisal notices that include an estimate of tax due, but the notices are both too confusing and not accurate enough to comply with the state constitution, said tax expert Jennifer Rabb, director and fellow of the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth at Rice University. The Constitution requires taxpayers be provided with a reasonable estimate of the amount of taxes that would be imposed on his property if the total amount of property taxes for the subdivision were not increased. But Rabb said the notices sent to taxpayers each spring show them a misleading mix of the previous year's tax rates along with current appraisals to create a number that is entirely fictional and has almost no chance of ever being accurate. Rabb and other tax experts told lawmakers that the technology exists to give taxpayers real-time tax rate notices electronically as various local governments propose rates. That would give homeowners more accurate information and a better opportunity to protest or give feedback to local officials about their proposed taxes before rates are set. The critique of property tax notices was a key point as the Texas Legislature works on property tax reform proposals before the legislative session that begins on Jan. 8. While the Senate has long pushed to make it harder for local governments to enact substantial property tax increases without going to voters, the conversation on Wednesday showed the willingness of lawmakers to take up what has been a top priority of Rep. Dennis Bonnen, a Brazoria County Republican who is in line to become Speaker of the Texas House in January. Bonnen in 2017 proposed a series of reforms to do exactly what Rabb and officials with the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association recommended on Wednesday. Bonnens House Bill 15 would have gotten rid of the estimate of tax due on appraisal notices and instead spelled out more clearly how the tax rates proposed by local governments would affect a homeowners tax bill. Our property tax system is needlessly confusing and discourages citizens from taking an active role in the local rate-setting process, Bonnen said in 2017 when he announced the legislation. The transparency measures Bonnen pitched were just one tax measure that went nowhere in the last legislative session. Though both Republican-dominated chambers of the Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott have called for property tax reforms, a package of legislation died in both the 2017 legislative session and a special session called in the summer, amid disagreements between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and outgoing House Speaker Joe Straus. Opponents of the reforms pointed out that state lawmakers themselves bear some of the blame for property tax escalation. As the state has reduced its share of education funding, school districts have had little choice but to compensate with property tax revenue, they say. State funding for schools is expected to be another big issue in the upcoming session. For subscribers: High property taxes are the epicenter of Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patricks re-election campaign State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, pledged Wednesday that property tax reform will happen in 2019. Dont underestimate the Lieutenant Governors resolve, Bettencourt told the audience at Lone Star College-Montgomery. As lieutenant governor, Patrick is elected statewide and presides over the Texas Senate with the ability to control which bills are heard in the Senate and when. Wednesdays hearing showed that once again a centerpiece to the reforms will be the Senates demand to limit how much cities, counties and special districts can increase property tax rates from year to year. Currently, Texas law allows local governments to increase the effective tax rate by 8 percent before the public can petition for a rollback election to contest the increase. The Senate in 2017 wanted to push the limit down to 4 percent and require an election anytime a local government wanted to go higher. In January, Abbott pitched a tax reform plan that calls for an election anytime a local government raises its property tax levy by more than 2.5 percent. Bettencourt, chairman of the Texas Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform, has long complained that tax revenues are growing far faster than peoples incomes, putting too much pressure on homeowners and businesses. You cant let government grow 7, 8, 9 percent a year, he said. Folks incomes cant keep up with that. On Wednesday, local governments were already lodging their opposition to the Legislature again trying to cap rates. Nathan Watkins, the city manager of Mont Belvieu in Harris County, said the rollback rate caps would hinder the ability of local government to provide the services people in communities like his demand. Bettencourt said he has no doubt the Legislature will reset the rollback rate this year. Its only a question of how low it will be set. Its going to change, he predicted. jeremy.wallace@chron.com Given the oil industrys dominant role in Texass economy, this state has no choice but to pay close attention when General Motors announces it is shutting down production at five plants and laying off up to 14,000 workers in the United States and Canada. GM is primarily responding to market trends that show Americans are buying fewer sedans, but it is also positioning itself for a future that includes more electric vehicles. Its a bold step by GM to stake its future on what is currently only 3.5 percent of the automobile market. Hybrid cars are not doing very well right now; thats why GM is cutting the Chevy Volt, said Bernard Swiecki, a senior analyst at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. In the past GM has been criticized for not getting ahead of trends; this time its trying not to be as reactionary. Ford actually beat GM in acknowledging market trends when it announced in April that it would no longer make the Taurus, Focus and other sedans while adding five new SUVs to its production lineup. Ford also said it would spend $11 billion to launch 40 new electric vehicles by 2022, including 16 full battery-electric vehicles. For Swiecki, news like that is just more reason energy firms, including those in Texas, should be paying attention. GMs announcement sends a message to the oil industry that it should continue to research alternative fuels and make cars that are more fuel efficient, Swiecki said. Some oil companies seem to be paying more attention to that message. BP announced in June that it was buying Chargemaster, the United Kingdoms largest electric vehicle charging station company, and investing in two other companies, one that also makes mobile charging stations and one that makes ultra-fast batteries. Swiecki noted that GMs decision was also related to President Donald Trumps imposition of new tariffs on steel and aluminum. Theyre expected to cost GM and Ford $1 billion or more each. Trump fired back this week, demanding the automaker keep open a plant in Lordstown, Ohio. Thats Ohio, and you better get back in there soon, said Trump, who turned Ohio from blue to red in 2016. Trump later threatened to cut all federal subsidies to GM, including tax credits for electric cars. Trumps tantrum was predictably focused on his own political fortunes hes promised repeatedly that manufacturing jobs would grow with him in the White House but his frustration is understandable. The plant closures could hint that Americas booming economy is slowing. The Conference Board think tank announced Tuesday that its survey showed consumer confidence dropped slightly in November. Meanwhile, the Census Bureau announced Wednesday that new home sales fell nearly 9 percent in October from the month before. GMs announced layoffs added to the weeks negative vibe. The automakers response to market trends makes sense, but announcing layoffs so close to Christmas stinks. GM should cushion the news with ample notice for workers whose lives will be turned upside down. Its also possible that GM is positioning itself for next years negotiations with the United Autoworkers union. GMs announcement didnt actually say it was closing any facility, Swiecki noted. It said it had no products allocated to the designated plants, which leaves open the possibility that one could remain open. But the GM decision should send ripples beyond its own workforce, and even beyond worries about a slowing economy. Even if more than one GM plant scheduled to shut down survives, the auto industry is unlikely to retreat from its long-range goal to build more vehicles for American consumers that use less, if any, gasoline. That has deep implications for Houston, and for Texas. Its why Tom Kolditz, executive director of Rice Universitys Institute of New Leaders, said oil companies should be doing more to prepare for that day. Its hard for the oil companies to change, Kolditz said. Its like betting against yourself. Texans should hope oil companies heed that advice. GMs bet on electric vehicles doesnt signal a wholesale move away from fossil fuels not yet and maybe not for many years. But its a reminder that consumers and the companies that cater to them will continue to look for alternatives to fossil fuels. The oil companies that do so much for Houstons economy would be wise to make their own transitions to becoming more diversified energy firms. From proud Republican harbinger to sad Republican castaway thats the story of Rep. Mia Love, who finally conceded her extraordinarily close House race Monday. Its the story of her party, really. Of what it once realized about the future and how it slouched backward into the past. Of trading the elixir of hope for the toxin of fear. It charts Republicans ugly drift under Donald Trump, who rooted for her defeat not only as the votes in Utahs 4th Congressional District were still being counted (Mia Love gave me no love, the president pouted) but with all that he said on the campaign trail and has done in the White House. Tacitly and explicitly, he has sown disdain for the likes of Love, a daughter of Haitian immigrants who, in 2014, became the first black Republican woman ever elected to either chamber of Congress. She remains the only one. When she leaves at the end of this year, there will be just two black Republican men one in the House and one in the Senate. Everything you heard about the exciting diversification of midterm races? About the significantly increased numbers of women running for office, of people of color, of LGBT candidates? That was on the Democratic side. The Republicans either couldnt be bothered, couldnt find any takers or my guess both. Love called that out in a remarkable concession speech Monday. To the victor go the spoils, but from the vanquished comes the candor. Because Republicans never take minority communities into their home and citizens into their homes and into their hearts, they stay with Democrats, Love said. Democrats do take them home or at least make them feel like they have a home. In defeat, she added, I am unleashed, I am untethered and I am unshackled, and I can say exactly whats on my mind. That language was a measure of her anger, an admission of how much she had concealed and an example of why shes a flawed messenger, her righteousness in full flower only now that theres no immediate price to pay for it. She should be listened to nonetheless. Go back to 2012. She was the 36-year-old mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and Republican leaders couldnt embrace her tightly enough. They loved her profile, her arc: parents who had fled poverty and chaos (and who didnt become American citizens until after her birth); the familys new beginning in Brooklyn; her college education; her interracial marriage; her three children. By promoting her, those leaders advertised openness to young people, to minorities, to immigrants. They steered her candidacy for the House that year, sending Washington political reporters her way and giving her a speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. She alluded glowingly to Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks even as she urged that President Barack Obama not be re-elected. She became a national story. That may be why she lost that race: She seemed too far ahead of herself, too far afield of local concerns. But two years later, she won, becoming not just the first black Republican woman in Congress but also the first Haitian-American. These were the first sentences of a Washington Post article about her victory: For at least half a century, the party of Lincoln has battled charges that it is racist, sexist and anti-immigrant. Today, voters from a conservative state made those arguments a little bit harder to make. This was huge, the article went on to say. A party threatened with electoral extinction among African-Americans and immigrants now has someone to brag about in Washington. This was when Republicans were still seriously mulling the famous autopsy after Mitt Romneys 2012 defeat, a document that cautioned them against harsh rhetoric and resistance to the countrys demographic changes. This was about six months before Trump came down that escalator in Trump Tower and ranted about rapists from Mexico. Then came the Muslim ban, the singling-out of black athletes, the equivocation over white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., and the reported use of a vulgar adjective to denigrate countries, including Haiti, from which immigrants of color came to the United States. Love issued a public statement about that last indignity, denouncing the presidents remarks and imploring him to apologize. Of course he never did. And during her 2018 re-election bid, she kept him at arms length, as did many other Republicans campaigning in areas, like hers, where support for him wasnt strong. Asked by a reporter whether she would back the president in 2020, she said, I dont know. Did he cost her the election anyway? Impossible to say. She had her own shortcomings. But this much is certain: Once heralded as a Republican ambassador, she has been established as a Republican anomaly. The House is about to welcome nine new black lawmakers. None are Republicans. Its about to welcome at least 36 new female lawmakers. Only one is Republican. Among a total count of at least 102 women in the new House, there are nearly seven times as many Democrats as Republicans. For now, maybe, these numbers dont spell the Republican Partys death. But theyre no way to live. Bruni is a New York Times columnist. The Wellness in the Workplace Survey is completed biennially by more than 100 Kiwi businesses and is run by Southern Cross Health Society and BusinessNZ. Its designed to give a current picture of workplace health and wellness for Kiwi workers. Key survey findings and additional information from the survey include: The average rate of absence per employee is 4.5-five days. Wellness has a sizeable impact on the productivity of most enterprises, with most experiencing a noticeable drop in output when staff are unwell. New Zealands overall absence rate has typically remained below five days, but continues to be well above four. Average days of absence for non-manual workers have continued to increase while the opposite has been the case for manual employees. Non-manual workers in enterprises with fewer than 50 staff have the lowest average level of absence. Absence rates are still likely to be higher among manual workers operating in large enterprises. Average absence levels are consistently higher for public sector workers who are, on average, away 2-2.5 days more than private sector staff. On average, more than 40% of staff still turn up to work ill despite businesses encouraging them to stay home when sick. Cost, evidence of reduced absenteeism and increased retention, and the removal of Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) are the key factors businesses consider when deciding whether to provide health insurance for staff. These have remained unchanged since the survey began in 2013. Moreover, Southern Cross Health Society has recently strengthened its workplace wellbeing expertise to help meet growing demand from Kiwi businesses for programmes to support the health of their people. A group of seven Southern Cross Health Society staff are among the first in New Zealand to achieve formal Wellness Wise Practitioner accreditation, while Australia-based Wellness Wise Academy delivers the training. Boielle added that feedback from some of the 4,000 plus Kiwi businesses with which the Health Society works shows employers increasingly wanting to do more when it comes to health and wellbeing. How did the pandemic impact the Great British Pub? For one HRD, it was the beginning of a whole new world iciHaiti - Training : Professional Exchanges with the US Coast Guard in Miami Members of Haiti's Search and Rescue Coordination Group wrent to several US Coast Guard units in Miami to learn about search and rescue best practices and capabilities. The US Coast Guard Liaison Officer of the United States Embassy in Haiti accompanied the group, which included representatives of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Haiti, from the National Civil Aviation Authority (OFNAC), the Haitian Red Cross, the National Airport Authority (AAN), the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Haitian Coast Guard. These exchanges offer Haiti's search and rescue professionals the opportunity to learn valuable lessons to ensure the safety of the lives of all Haitians and also demonstrates the partnership between the United States and Haiti for a safer and secure region. IH/ iciHaiti iciHaiti - Malpasse : The ADIH indignated face the acts of barbarism... The Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) is indignanted face the acts of barbarity perpetrated in Malpasse on November 24th https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26214-haiti-flash-angry-mob-attacks-the-customs-of-malpasse-at-least-6-dead.html where 4 customs officer lost their lives burned alive, highlighting "it is again a revolting situation, image of our society arrived at lowest in the violence, the monstrosity and the impunity. The ADIH can not remain indifferent to the families, friends and colleagues of our four customs officers, bereaved because of the impassibility and complacency of a system that continues to engender hatred and terror and expresses its sympathies to families and friends two other citizens who lost their lives in this tragedy. The ADIH bows to the remains of these people who have died in the exercise of their duty and asks the authorities, especially the judiciary, to shed light on this revolting drama. In the fight against smuggling, we are all customs officers !" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26245-haiti-malpasse-the-death-toll-becomes-heavier-a-5th-customs-agent-found-dead.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26214-haiti-flash-angry-mob-attacks-the-customs-of-malpasse-at-least-6-dead.html IH/ iciHaiti Helping hand to preserve coastal landmarks around Britain November 26,2018 | Source: Xinhua Coastal communities around Britain were given a million pound (1.28 million U.S. dollars) boost on Monday, with government funding to help restore coastal landmarks. Projects to receive money from the fund include seven grade II-listed Esplanade shelters in the coastal resort of Weymouth, funding to help restore two 19th century lighthouses in Whitehaven in northern England. The Withernsea Pier Towers restoration program will help to restore 2 historic towers enabling them to become a natural focal point for the town to use in a wide range of social and community events. Meanwhile a new foot and cycle bridge will be created along the Arnside Viaduct railway. It will form an iconic link in a long-distance coastal route from Morecambe to Barrow in one of Britain's most scenic areas. Coastal Communities Minister Jake Berry announced the funding Monday on a visit to see how the Coastal Revival Fund will benefit the historic Withernsea Pier Towers project. Berry said: "From Whitehaven to Weymouth, we're saving some of the nation's most cherished coastal heritage assets and landmarks from falling into disrepair." He said it is part of a plan to invest around 325 million U.S. dollars in British seaside areas by 2020. 2000-2018 XINHUANET.com Theme(s): Communities and Organisations. Climate resilient tourism key to transforming coastal livelihoods in Africa: experts November 27,2018 | Source: Xinhua African governments should invest in tourism projects that promote climate resilience to ensure coastal communities are shielded from extreme weather events, poverty, hunger and disease, experts said on Monday. The experts attending the blue economy conference taking place in Nairobi, stressed the need for governments and investors to pay attention to the health of marine ecosystem while constructing tourism facilities to ensure livelihoods of communities living along Africa's coastlines are not disrupted. "We need to develop our tourism sector in a green and sustainable manner to ensure marine resources that support millions of livelihoods are protected," Joe Okudo, Kenya's tourism principal secretary said on the sidelines of the blue economy summit. Kenya is hosting the world's inaugural blue economy conference that has attracted around 10,000 participants from 183 countries to explore innovative ways to harness ocean and inland fresh water resources to spur growth. About ten Heads of State and Government drawn mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa as well as ministers, industry executives and scientists are attending the three-day event. Okudo noted that tourism, shipping and aquaculture are strategic pillars of the blue economy whose growth is key to tackle Africa's hunger, poverty, disease and ecological crisis. "Moving forward, sound environmental practices should be embedded in the tourism sector that is heavily dependent on marine ecosystem to thrive," said Okudo, adding that Kenya has developed policies to ensure investments in beach tourism promote conservation of mangrove forests. African governments should factor the sustainability needs of coastal communities during utilization of marine resources to grow tourism, fisheries and shipping. Rodolfo Lacy, director in the environment directorate at Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), said that development of tourism should be devoid of ocean pollution to help protect livelihoods of fishermen. "The tourism infrastructure in Africa should be enhanced to ensure it withstands adverse effects of climate change like sea level rise," said Rodolfo, adding that governments and industry have an obligation to protect marine resources during offshore oil drilling and construction of tourist resorts along African coastlines. African countries should replicate global best practices to green the tourism sector and ensure economic benefits trickle down to coastal communities. Douglas Wallace, an ocean scientist, said that investment in research and public awareness is key to promoting climate resilience tourism in a continent with a huge repository of untapped marine resources. 2000-2018 XINHUANET.com Theme(s): Others. Blue economy a critical aspect of India's economic development agenda: Minister November 28,2018 | Source: PTI Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the blue economy is a critical aspect of the India's economic development agenda and the country endorses its growth in a sustainable manner. Transport and Shipping Minister Gadkari, who is in Kenya to attend a conference on the blue economy, also said that Africa could be a good market for Indian electric vehicles and two-wheelers. "India endorses the growth of the blue economy in a sustainable, inclusive and people centred manner through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)," Gadkari was quoted as said at the conference in Nairobi in a statement by the Ministry of Shipping. He said the blue economy remains a critical aspect of India's economic development agenda, and more than 95 percent of the country's trade is being carried on by sea. The minister was speaking at the 'Sustainable Blue Economy Conference' in Nairobi, hosted by Kenya with Canada and Japan as co-hosts. "Emphasising the importance that India lays on developing its maritime resources, Gadkari said that our National Vision in this regard is clearly articulated in the term SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that Prime Minister says that the 'blue chakra' of India's national flag represents the potential of the blue economy, and gave assurance that the Ministry of Shipping is committed to realising its full potential," the statement said. The minister talked about the government's ambitious Sagarmala Programme and how it is poised to revolutionise maritime logistics and port led developments in India. He said the programme has identified 600 plus projects entailing a huge investment of $120 billion (around Rs 8 lakh crore) by 2020. This in turn would save India $6 billion per annum in logistics costs besides creating 10 million new jobs and boosting port capacity by 800 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) to an overall 3,500 MMTPA, the statement said adding that Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) are being developed with a proposed investment of $150 million per location under the programme. The minister said the programme is also focussing on the development of coastal communities and people through skill gap analysis, skill development centres to train coastal communities in the sustainable use of ocean resources, modern fishing techniques and coastal tourism. "An investment of $1.10 billion is planned across various coastal districts in India for this purpose. In addition to this, several green initiatives are also being taken in the coastal regions like 31 MW of captive solar power generation being planned at various ports, installation of oil spill response facilities and study to identify ways to re-use waste water at ports," the statement said. Talking about the important role of the private sector for sustainable growth, the minister said that industry body FICCI took lead in 2016-2017 by establishing a task force to develop a business model on India's engagement in the blue economy sector. Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture. So long and thanks for all the fish? Dutch fear Brexit threat by Anna Holligan November 28,2018 | Source: BBC News "Very worried of course about Brexit," says Barend Hakvoort, whose job it is to ensure the Netherlands' largest fish auction house maintains its stocks. "Many Urk people are fishing under a UK flag, they own a lot of quota. If the UK says they must land the fish in the UK we lose a lot of clients. We have a long history; with Brexit they can just throw it away and say these are the new rules." Skipper Andries wears a tartan beret and gold-hoop earring. "If we lost the UK waters we'd lose 50% from Dutch vessels. I'm nervous, I don't know what the future brings." His 17-year-old son Yelle attends "fishing school". "It's very exciting, fishing," he grins. But, looking ahead five years he is worried: "I don't think we will be able to fish in English waters." Like the UK, the Dutch fishing industry is concentrated in small coastal communities. Any losses could be catastrophic in towns like Urk and on the island of Texel, where most families' livelihoods depend upon fishing. Yet the industry accounts for less than 1% of Dutch GDP. Pim Visser, director of Vis Ned, is anxious that fisheries will not become a political bargaining chip in future trade talks. "Fishing is an issue with a lot of emotion." "As the [Withdrawal Agreement] text is now, we might end up in a situation where Mrs May goes back to Brussels and says 'I can get the withdrawal through but I need these 13 Scottish Tories; so please give me the fisheries - otherwise I can't get it through and we're all in deep trouble'. That would be disastrous." We're hovering outside the Dutch agriculture ministry, where Mr Visser and his colleague Gerard van Balsfoort, president of the pelagic freezer trawler association, are lobbying ministers to ensure Dutch fishermen can keep their current quotas. "Dutch herring is iconic. We have tulips, windmills and herring," Mr Van Balsfoort insists. "The thought of the Dutch not being allowed to catch our herring, for us it is just unimaginable." And here's the twist in this tale. Herring is mostly caught in UK fishing waters, but the British are less partial to the distinctive taste: 93% of its herring is exported (mostly to Norway and the Netherlands). In the spirit of reciprocity, if the British government were to "take back control of UK waters" and redistribute the quotas, the EU could respond by slapping considerably higher taxes and conducting more checks on UK exports. According to Rem Korteweg, a researcher at the Dutch institute of international relations, the only way for Britain to reclaim the quotas without feeling the blowback from EU retaliatory measures "is for the British to start liking herring and mackerel, and they don't". 2018 BBC Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade. EBSA discussions still on at CBD, no consensus reached November 29,2018 | Source: IISD "Marine and coastal biodiversity (CBD): Chair Nina announced that consultations continue in a Friends of the Chair group. SEYCHELLES lamented that, despite four meetings of the contact group and informal consultations, no consensus could be reached, and urged parties to seek compromise for the sake of the EBSA process and for the sake of biodiversity. TURKEY noted that the discussion deviates from biodiversity-related considerations into issues related to national jurisdiction. ARGENTINA stressed that the disagreement is not strictly related to the CBD and marine biodiversity, but encompasses issues outside the CBD framework. EGYPT, ICELAND, SINGAPORE, and SOUTH AFRICA urged reaching a consensus, underscoring the importance of the issue." "Marine and coastal biodiversity (CBD): Deliberations continued into the night, pending consultation with capitals." "In the Corridors: As the Biodiversity Conference entered its final stretch, the focus narrowed down to the big five items, where consensus was elusive until late on Wednesday... according to one participant, discussions on marine and coastal biodiversity came close to collapsing. Awaiting the final verdict, following the formation of a Friends of the Chair group, a veteran opined that most of the disagreements are rooted in archetypal differences among states regarding national jurisdiction issues and the role of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in governing oceanic activities... With the clock ticking, and an agreement still pending on the budget and the post-2020 process, delegates will have to dig deep to find, and harness, the trust, resilience, and creativity needed for innovative solutions that, in the words of a delegate, leave us all either equally happy or equally unhappy." 2018, IISD Reporting Services Theme(s): Others. Nepal Police arrested Gopal Chand, the editor of an online news portal postpati.com, on November 27 under a cyber law for publishing news about a co-chairman of the ruling party. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in expressing concerns over the arrest; and demands immediate release of Chand. Editor Chand was arrested from Manamaiju, Kathmandu by the Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police after the online published a news that a local in Chitwan district attempted to attack former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, also co-chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party, during a meeting. Police has accused Chand of spreading false information and charged under the Electronic Transaction Act. Ramesh Bista, the FNJ General Secretary, said: Nepal Police has stepped outside their premises by repeatedly arresting journalists on cyber-crimes charges, which the FNJ considers an attack on press freedom. It is the responsibility of the Press Council of Nepal to evaluate contents of media and to take action. Arrest of journalists for their contents harasses journalists community and the FNJ demands immediate release of the arrested journalist. In a separate incident, journalist Kamal Paudel Athak was threatened for a news about fraud on September 29. Paudel, who is associated with various news outlets in Pokhara, west Nepal, received threatening phone call from a person who didnt disclose his identity. Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti, the General Secretary of IFJ affiliate Nepal Press Union said: The NPU strongly condemn the threat to journalist who was exercising his rights to inform the public and write about fraud and corruption. The IFJ said: The IFJ condemns arrest of journalist Gopal Chand, and threatening phone call to journalist Kamal Paudel Athak in Nepal. The incidents show the weakening press freedom. The IFJ demands immediate release of Chand and arrest of the person who threatened Paudel. Nepal government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future." Imperial Valley News Center White Cat Hair on Black Pants Washington, DC - When are two nominally identical kilogram masses no longer identical? When each goes to a different place and adsorbs varying amounts of moisture and contaminants. Exploring this issue, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Research Council (Canada) are collaborating with measurement laboratories in North, Central and South America to better understand how the masses of precision weights rise and fall over time. They hope the results will benefit international trade, in which even small measurement inaccuracies can have significant impacts. To ensure that a pound of potatoes at the grocery store really weighs a pound, a stores balance must be calibrated regularly. For this kind of calibration, consumers ultimately rely on mass artifacts, pieces of metal whose mass has been precisely measured. Scientists know the mass because each artifact has in turn been compared to other artifacts in an unbroken chain of comparisons that stretches back to the fundamental definition of mass itself. Standards laboratories maintain a bevy of mass artifacts for comparisons such as these, which are ultimately used to calibrate everything from grocery balances to bathroom scales. From time to time, these labs require an additional or replacement mass artifact for their collection. In the first few months of its life, however, the mass of a new artifact can change significantly as the freshly cut metal adsorbs molecules from its environment. There is some disagreement about how long scientists must wait before they can be certain a new artifacts mass is stable. So, NIST and NRC Canada designed the massive new experiment to help resolve this issue. The experiment involves 60 nominally identical one-kilogram weights, ordered to be made from a single rod of high-quality stainless steel. About half of these 60 units have been distributed to 29 countries within the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM), a network of national metrology institutes (NMIs) located in North, South and Central America, as well as island nations. For a year or more, the SIM representatives for each country will measure the mass of their artifact every few months and send NIST and NRC Canada the data. They will also monitor each mass environment, including the labs temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a measure of air quality. The whole thing is going to be a massive stability study on a scale that no ones ever done before, said NIST physicist Patrick Abbott. Because the masses are taken from the same rod of steel, you would expect that they might have the same long-term response. However, the conditions in the different SIM laboratories are expected to affect the rate at which the masses change, depending on qualities such as altitude and the amount of salt in the air. For the first several months of their lives, the masses were kept in the U.S. and Canada. Now, half of them will be stored in laboratories near the equator and well into the southern hemisphere. So how are the masses going to change? Abbott said. Once they get down there, theyre not necessarily going to follow the same pattern as they do in North America. Cat Hair on Black Pants A new artifact, freshly cut, is like a sponge: It collects molecules from the air, and this increases its mass slightly over time. The new artifacts used in this experiment are less than a year old and, therefore, in a stage of relatively rapid weight gain on the order of 7 micrograms (millionths of a gram) over six months. This might sound too tiny to matter, but even small changesespecially if they are unpredictablecan raise uncertainties in laboratory measurements. These weights are changing, Abbott said. Theyre picking stuff up from the airsort of like the black pair of pants in a house with a white cat. At some point, that process usually stops or slows down significantly. The question is, how long does a laboratory have to wait before it can be sure its mass has reached a stable phase? And how does that period change depending on the labs location and average environmental conditions? Previous studies have tended to be small-scale, conducted in a single laboratory. Abbott and his NIST and NRC Canada colleagues wondered whether a larger-scale effort would help resolve discrepancies in earlier results. Right now, a lot of the studies that have been done have been very localized: one lab, one person, under one set of conditions, Abbott said. But another person in another lab might do the same study and say, under these conditions, we got something completely different, he continued. So, who is right? Hopefully this study will be able to answer the question: If you buy a mass for your lab, what is a reasonable expectation of when you would actually be able to put it into service, and have confidence in it? Abbott said. More Than Mass Alone Before distributing the artifacts, NIST and NRC Canada fully characterized them by measuring their density as well as their magnetic susceptibility, a quality of how the material behaves when it is exposed to a magnetic field. Each institute took half of the masses: NRC Canada took the even-numbered ones, and NIST took the odd-numbered ones. To measure the densities of their half of the weights, the Canadian scientists used a hydrostatic technique that involved weighing each artifact successively in fluids of different known densities. Meanwhile, NIST conducted their tests aerostatically, using a pressure chamber that could weigh the artifacts in different air densities. Though all the masses were supposed to be nominally identical, Abbott was surprised to find that the first 15 weights he measured had a distinctly different density from the second 15. He worried he had made a mistakeuntil he found out that his Canadian counterpart had measured the same discrepancy in their weights. It turned out the manufacturer used two different bars of steel that had slightly different densities, Abbott said, and we saw it in our measurements. When they exchanged data to see how closely the numbers aligned, Abbott said, it was beautiful, just beautiful. We used two very different techniques, and there was excellent agreement for this study. Earlier this month, NIST and NRC Canada distributed 29 of the 60 masses, one to each of the participating South and Central American countries. The remaining artifacts will be kept and monitored by NIST and NRC Canada until the study is complete. Until May 19, 2019, the worlds definition of mass will continue to be based on the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), a cylinder of metal forged in the late 19th century and kept at a laboratory outside of Paris, France. After this date, the formal definition of a kilogram will be redefined to rely on a fundamental constant of nature. However, kilogram artifacts are still expected to be used in many applications, including disseminating the new mass standard. For more information, see Redefining the Worlds Measurement System: The Kilogram. Former Honduran congressman and brother of current President of Honduras arrested Miami, Florida - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and federal prosecutors announced the arrest of former Honduran congressman Juan Antonio Hernandez Alvarado, aka Tony Hernandez, who was charged in Manhattan federal court for drug trafficking, weapons charges, and making false statements to federal agents. Hernandez is the brother of the current president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez. Hernandez was arrested on November 23, 2018, in Miami and will appeared in Miami federal court before a United States Magistrate Judge. Drug trafficking and corruption around the world threatens the rule of law, fuels violence and instability, and harms innocent families and communities, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan, who leads the Special Operations Division. Hernandez and his criminal associates allegedly conspired with some of the worlds most deadly and dangerous transnational criminal networks in Mexico and Colombia to flood American streets with deadly drugs. DEA looks forward to Hernandez facing American justice and answering for his alleged crimes. As alleged, former Honduran Congressman Tony Hernandez was involved in all stages of the trafficking through Honduras of multi-ton loads of cocaine that were destined for the U.S., said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman. Hernandez allegedly arranged machinegun-toting security for cocaine shipments, bribed law enforcement officials for sensitive information to protect drug shipments, and solicited large bribes from major drug traffickers. Thanks to the ongoing work of the DEA, Hernandez is now in custody on U.S. soil and facing justice in the U.S. courts. As stated in the unsealed indictment resulting from DEAs investigation, from at least in or about 2004, up to and including in or about 2016, multiple drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras and elsewhere worked together, and with support from certain prominent public and private individuals. These included Honduran politicians and law enforcement officials, who received multi-ton loads of cocaine sent to Honduras from, among other places, Colombia via air and maritime routes, in order to transport the drugs westward in Honduras toward the border with Guatemala and eventually to the United States. For protection from official interference, and in order to facilitate the safe passage through Honduras of multi-hundred-kilogram loads of cocaine, drug traffickers paid bribes to public officials, including certain members of the National Congress of Honduras, according to DEAs investigation. Other details from the charges state that Hernandez is a former member of the National Congress of Honduras, the brother of the current president of Honduras, and a large-scale drug trafficker who worked with other drug traffickers in, among other places, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico, to import cocaine into the United States. From at least in or about 2004, up to and including in or about 2016, Hernandez was involved in processing, receiving, transporting, and distributing multi-ton loads of cocaine that arrived in Honduras via planes, go-fast vessels, and, on at least one occasion, a submarine. Hernandez had access to cocaine laboratories in Honduras and Colombia, at which some of the cocaine was stamped with the symbol TH, i.e., Tony Hernandez. Hernandez also coordinated and, at times, participated in providing heavily armed security for cocaine shipments transported within Honduras, including by members of the Honduran National Police and drug traffickers armed with, among other weapons, machine guns. As part of his drug-trafficking activities, Hernandez and his co-conspirators bribed law enforcement officials for sensitive information to protect drug shipments and solicited large bribes from major drug traffickers. In or about February 2014 in Honduras, Hernandez met with Devis Leonel Rivera Maradiaga, the former leader of a violent Honduran drug-trafficking organization known as the Cachiros, for a meeting arranged by, among others, a former member of the Honduran National Police. During video and audio-recorded portions of that meeting, Hernandez agreed to help Rivera Maradiaga by causing Honduran government entities to pay money owed to one or more Cachiros money-laundering front companies in exchange for kickback payments from Rivera Maradiaga. Rivera Maradiaga paid Hernandez approximately $50,000 during the meeting. Hernandez, 40, is charged with four counts: (1) conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, (2) using and carrying machine guns and destructive devices during, and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of, the cocaine-importation conspiracy, (3) conspiring to use and carry machine guns and destructive devices during, and to possess machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of, the cocaine-importation conspiracy, and (4) making false statements to federal agents. If convicted, Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison on count one, a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison on count two, a maximum term of life in prison on count three, and a maximum term of five years in prison on count four. The potential mandatory minimum and maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. DEAs Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit, New York Strike Force, and Tegucigalpa Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justices Office of International Affairs were instrumental in this investigation. Doctor guilty of pill-sharing conspiracies Tulsa, Oklahoma - An Owasso physician pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to leading multiple conspiracies to write fraudulent opioid prescriptions in an effort to support his drug habit. Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr., of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that Dr. Jeremy David Thomas, 42, was convicted of drug conspiracies in five separate federal cases. Todays guilty pleas stem from Thomas issuance of fraudulent prescriptions for the opioid hydrocodone to multiple co-conspirators who were his patients. His accomplices then filled the prescriptions at area pharmacies and delivered some or all of the hydrocodone tablets to Thomas. As a result of their illegal pill-sharing activity, Thomas and his co-conspirators diverted more than 13,740 doses of the drug during a two year period, mainly for the physicians illegal personal use. The number of Americans dying each day from opioid overdoses is alarming, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Salter of DEAs Oklahoma District Office. There are few, if any, communities that have been spared by this epidemic. The elimination of this drug trafficking organization will absolutely spare lives. While the vast majority of the medical professionals in this country are committed to saving lives, there are a few who are merely drug dealers hiding behind lab coats, and driven by greed. The DEA in Oklahoma, in collaboration with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally diverts or traffics opioids in our communities. The success of this case is the direct result of outstanding collaboration among the Rogers County District Attorneys Office, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorneys Office, and the DEA Tulsa Resident Office. Investigators from the Rogers County District Attorneys Office played a significant role in investigating the pill-sharing conspiracy. "This case illustrates the far-reaching impact of opioid abuse and its effects across society, said Rogers County District Attorney Matthew J. Ballard. I appreciate the work by the United States' Attorney's Office and law enforcement to remove the source of these illegally diverted drugs. Also implicated in the drug conspiracies are Jeffrey Lee Koger, 47, of Claremore; Joseph Marcus Jones, 36, of Claremore; Toni Dawn Martin, 49, of Owasso; Shawn Del Martin, 50, of Owasso; and Chad Lee Choat, 46, of Claremore. U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell set Thomas sentencing for Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. At that time, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $2 million fine for each count of drug conspiracy and distribution. Thomas was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The Rogers County District Attorneys Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick prosecuted the case. AUSA McCormick is the Lead Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit for the Northern District of Oklahoma. This investigation and resulting conviction are part of the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2018 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown initiative, the largest ever healthcare fraud enforcement action. The opioid related enforcement action charged 162 defendants, including 76 doctors, for their roles in illegally prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. Painkillers are involved in more than 80 percent of the prescription drug-related overdose deaths in Oklahoma and hundreds of Oklahomans die each year due to these overdoses. Bacteria. But not just any kind of bacteria -- fecal and other bacteria from human digestive tracts that could cause all sorts of health problems for someone who happens to ingest the living organisms. Traces of poo and potentially deadly bacteria found in McDonald's https://t.co/nQkdf6ZIEs pic.twitter.com/Ee13aRNLby -- The Sun (@TheSun) November 29, 2018 According to Dr. Paul Matewele, a senior lecturer in microbiology at London Metropolitan University: We were all surprised how much gut and fecal bacteria there was on the touchscreen machines. These cause the kind of infections that people pick up in hospitals. For instance Enterococcus faecalis is part of the flora of gastrointestinal tracts of healthy humans and other mammals. It is notorious in hospitals for causing hospital acquired infections. In addition to fecal bacteria, the scientists also found staphylococcus, listeria, klebsiella, and proteus bacteria, all of which can cause illness in humans. The samples were gathered by the U.K. newspaper Metro from eight different McDonald's restaurants in England -- six in London and two in Birmingham -- and then analyzed by Dr. Matewele and his team. Shockingly, touchscreens in every one of the restaurants had bacteria, often virulent, living on them. And as touchscreens become a greater presence in our lives, the problem is likely to get even worse. Says Dr. Matewele: Touchscreen technology is being used more and more in our daily lives but these results show people should not eat food straight after touching them, they are unhygienic and can spread disease. Someone can be very careful about their own hygiene throughout the day but it could all be undone by using a touchscreen machine once. According to a McDonald's statement, the company is careful to routinely clean the touchscreens to avoid problems such as those revealed by Dr. Matewele: Our self-order screens are cleaned frequently throughout the day. All of our restaurants also provide facilities for customers to wash their hands before eating. Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1617-1682), the great Spanish Baroque painter, is celebrating his 400th anniversary. While his precise date of birth is unknown, the artist celebrated in todays Google Doodle is thought to have been born between late December 1617 and early January 1618. Known for religious subjects and portraits of women and children, Murillos unique style was developed under the tuition of Juan del Castillo and with the encouragement of Diego Velazquez, drawing on the Venetian and Flemish masters. Heres an introduction to five of his key works. The Young Beggar (1645) The Young Beggar (Public Domain/Louvre Museum) Also known as The Lice-Ridden Boy, The Young Beggar depicts an urchin from the streets of Seville, apparently delousing himself, and is inspired by Carravagism. Murillos use of the contrast between waning sunlight and shadow impresses in this moving document of poverty. The few shrimp shells at the boys feet tell the tale of his last meal. Adoration of the Shepherds (1650) Adoration of the Shepherds (Public Domain/Prado National Museum) This nativity scene is a deft work of arrangement and reveals the influence of Jusepe de Ribera. The benign expressions on the faces of the men come to pay homage to the Christ child are echoed by the calm, still presence of the livestock. Two Women at a Window (1655-60) Two Women at a Window (Public Domain/National Gallery of Art) This genre painting, the same recreated by Google, is hugely charming and has the immediacy of a photograph. The woman appearing over the girls shoulder, perhaps her mother or chaperone, stifles a laugh with her shawl as the girl beams contentedly out and meets the viewers gaze, placing one in the scene with them. Saint Rufina (1665) Saint Rufina (Public Domain/Meadows Museum) This delicate portrait captures one of Sevilles saints, tortured on the rack with her sister Justa in the third century for refusing to sell their earthenware pots and crockery to pagan revellers. Murillo was fascinated with this local legend and painted the sibling martyrs both individually and together. The Marriage Feast at Cana (1672) The Marriage Feast at Cana (Public Domain/Barber Institute of Fine Art) Commissioned by Don Nicolas Omazur, a Flemish silk merchant who would become the artists primary patron, The Marriage Feast of Cana is rich in detail. Omazur and his wife appear at the centre of the dinner and table, leading some to speculate the painting was undertaken to celebrate their wedding of 1672. Michael Sheen has revealed how Brexit and the election of President Donald Trump sparked the end of his relationship with Sarah Silverman. The 49-year-old actor and 47-year-old were together for four years before splitting up. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Sheen said: After the Brexit vote, and the election where Trump became president, we both felt in different ways we wanted to get more involved. That led to her doing her show I Love You America and it led to me wanting to address the issues that I thought led some people to vote the way they did about Brexit. He added: I felt a responsibility to do something, but it (meant) coming back (to Britain) which was difficult for us, because we were very important to each other. But we both acknowledge that each of us had to do what we needed to do. Brexit casualties Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit casualties Brexit casualties Andrea Jenkyns - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary at the ministry for housing, communities and local government role May 2018 - The Morley and Outwood MP said: We want to see a new relationship with Europe, with a new model not enjoyed by other countries nothing that leaves us half-in, half-out. And in order to achieve this, we need to leave the customs union. Ms Jenkyns also said she wished to dedicate more of her time to Parliaments influential Exiting the European Union select committee, after a series of unbalanced reports produced by MPs PA Brexit casualties David Davis - Resigned from Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union role July 2018 - quit following a major row with May over her plans for post-Brexit relations with the EU. Davis resignation letter said: As you know there have been a significant number of occasions in the last year or so on which I have disagreed with the Number 10 policy line, ranging from accepting the [European] Commissions sequencing of negotiations, through to the language on Northern Ireland in the December Joint Report. At each stage I have accepted collective responsibility because it is part of my task to find workable compromises, and because I considered it was still possible to deliver on the mandate of the referendum, and on our manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market. I am afraid that I think the current trend of policy and tactics is making that look less and less likely. He went on to argue that the general direction of Ms Mays policies would leave the UK in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one. AFP/Getty Brexit casualties Steve Baker - Resigned from Minister at the Department for Exiting the European Union role July 2018 - Mr Baker, a key Tory figure in the Leave campaign, was David Daviss main lieutenant at Dexeu, and was hailed as courageous and principled by other Brexiteer Tories as he also left. Reuters Brexit casualties Boris Johnson - Resigned from Foreign Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. In his resignation letter to the prime minister, Mr Johnson said: "On Friday, I acknowledged that my side of the argument were too few to prevail and congratulated you on at least reaching a Cabinet decision on the way forward. "As I said then, the government now has a song to sing. "The trouble is that I have practised the words over the weekend and find that they stick in the throat." Reuters Brexit casualties Conor Burns - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary to Foreign Secretary role July 2018 - A Brexit supporter who worked alongside Boris Johnson stated in his resignation letter: I've decided it's time to have greater freedom. I want to see the referendum result respected. And there are other areas of policy I want to speak more openly on. Rex Brexit casualties Chris Green - Resigned from Department for Transport role July 2018 - The Bolton West MP said: "Parliament overwhelmingly decided to give the decision of whether to leave or remain in the European Union to the British people and they made an unambiguous decision that we ought to leave. "I have always understood the idea in 'Brexit means Brexit' is that the final deal should be clear to me and my constituents - that we have, in no uncertain terms, left the European Union. Twitter Ads info and privacy "The direction the negotiations had been taking have suggested that we would not really leave the EU and the conclusion and statements following the Chequers summit confirmed my fears. "I recognise that delivering Brexit is challenging, however I had hoped at tonight's meeting that there would be some certainty that my fears were unfounded but, instead, they have been confirmed. "I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary and it is with regret that I offer my resignation with immediate effect." PA Brexit casualties Maria Caulfield - Resigned from Conservative Party vice-chair for women role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. Lewes MP warned that the direction of travel did not fully embrace the opportunities that Brexit can provide. Ms Caulfield said in her letter to the PM: The policy may assuage vested interests, but the voters will find out and their representatives will be found out. This policy will be bad for our country and bad for the party. The direct consequences of that will be prime minister Corbyn. PA Brexit casualties Ben Bradley - Resigned from Conservative Party vice-chair for young people role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. The Mansfield MP said: I admit that I voted to Remain in that ballot. What has swayed me over the last two years to fully back the Brexit vision is the immense opportunities that are available from global trade, and for the ability for Britain to be an outward looking nation in control of our own destiny once again. I fear that this agreement at Chequers damages those opportunities; that being tied to EU regulations, and the EU tying our hands when seeking to make new trade agreements, will be the worst of all worlds if we do not deliver Brexit in spirit as well as in name, then we are handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to No10. PA Brexit casualties Robert Courts - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. MP Mr Courts said: I have taken a very difficult decision to resign my position as [parliamentary private secretary] to express discontent with the Chequers [plans] in votes tomorrow. I had to think who I wanted to see in the mirror for the rest of my life. I cannot tell the people of Woxon that I support the proposals in their current form. Getty Brexit casualties Scott Mann - Resigned from Parliamentary Private Secretary role July 2018 - resigned over May's Chequers plan. "I fear elements of the Brexit white paper will inevitably put me in direct conflict with the views expressed by a large section of my constituents. I am not prepared to compromise their wishes to deliver a watered-down Brexit. "The residents of North Cornwall made it very clear that they wish to have control over our fishery, our agricultural policy, our money, our laws and our borders. I will evaluate those principles against the Brexit white paper and ensure that I vote in line with their wishes." Rex Silverman previously announced the end of their relationship, saying they had consciously uncoupled - a phrase famously used by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin to describe their split. The great Michael Sheen and I consciously uncoupled over Christmas, she wrote on Twitter. I mean, not over Christmas like that wasnt the fight that ended it. No fight. We just live in different countries and it got hard. Felt we should just tell yall so you stop asking, Hows Michael/Hows Sarah? Recommended Michael Sheen clarifies comments about swapping acting for activism Before their split, Sheen had spoken about moving from Lost Angeles to Port Talbot in south Wales to combat the wave of demagogic, fascistic politics he believes has engulfed the West in the past decade. In the same way as the Nazis had to be stopped in Germany in the Thirties, this thing that is on the rise has to be stopped, he said. Sheen was previously in a relationship with actress Kate Beckinsale and the ex-couple have a daughter, Lily. Dir: Sebastian Lelio; Starring: Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, Alessandro Nivola, Anton Lesser, Allan Corduner, Nicholas Woodeson. Cert 15, 114 mins Whatever else, Disobedience is surely the most intense and erotically charged film to have been made recently in Hendon. Based on the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman, it is set in the Orthodox Jewish community in north London. Depending on whose vantage point you take, the main character Ronit (Rachel Weisz, who also produced) has either broken free from the stifling world of her childhood or has been banished from it. She is a photographer living a Bohemian life in New York when she receives the call from someone back home telling her that her father, the revered Rav Krushker (Anton Lesser), has died. Her sin, referred to only obliquely, is to have had a lesbian relationship with a young woman from the community. Her father had had no communication with her for years. Recommended Rachel Weisz talks empowering sex scene with Rachel McAdams Brilliantly directed by the Chilean-Argentine Sebastian Lelio, Disobedience is very different from typical British realist drama. Lelio gives even the most humdrum scenes shot in drab, grey north-London houses and streets an unlikely lyricism. Matthew Herberts music adds grace and melancholy to moments that might otherwise have verged on the banal. The world Ronit returns to for her fathers funeral is a rigid and patriarchal one. The women are expected to marry, have children and defer to their husbands. Do you have to have sex every Friday evening? Ronit asks a female friend. It is expected, comes the reply and we are not sure whether the friend is joking. Chain-smoking, ironic and free-spirited, Ronit provokes great suspicion among the Londoners. There is a very telling scene early on in which she arrives at the home of her old childhood friend, Dovid (Alessandro Niviola). He comes to the door. Unthinking, she goes forward to embrace him but he holds back from her. Such physical touching and open expressions of affection arent encouraged. It is as if Ronit is a woman from another planet. He is glad to see her but also clearly intensely nervous about her. Lelio and his co-screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz extract the humour as well as the pathos from her predicament. Ronit is startled to discover that Dovid has married Esti (Rachel McAdams), another of her childhood friends and one to whom she was once very close indeed. 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 May you live a long life, family friends will routinely say to Ronit. Its a greeting they utter by rote but without any sincerity. They dont want her there. Theyre wary of her motives in coming home. Is she after her inheritance? Has she come to reclaim her lover? They cant accept that she may simply want to grieve. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up The film is even-handed in its portrayal of the Orthodox community. Its members arent caricatured. Nor does Lelio mock their notions of honour and propriety. They can be small-minded, gossiping and conspiratorial but they also show loyalty and decency. The Rav himself, shown at the start of the film addressing the synagogue, is a wise and very articulate figure, speaking with tenderness and understanding of the tangled lives of those around him. For all the restraint the characters show to one another, we are always aware of the strength of the feelings they (and Ronit and Esti in particular) are repressing. Weisz gives a nuanced and complex performance as the Annie Liebovitz-like photographer who prides herself on her freedom and independence and yet still half-yearns to be accepted back into the community she fled. McAdams, likewise, excels as the seemingly dutiful wife, still glamorous in the dark, dowdy clothes and wigs she is obliged to wear She is a far more subversive and rebellious figure than her husband can imagine. Nivolas Dovid is an equally contradictory figure. He is devoted to the teachings of the Rav and honoured to be regarded as his potential successor but he is also strangely insecure. The film never slips into prurience. Its sex scenes arent especially graphic but have a power and emotional kick because of the characters pent-up lust and longing for one another. Their jealousy is obvious too. (In case we dont notice it, the film throws in a few heavy-handed references to Othello.) Another of the films strengths is its acknowledgement of the messiness of its protagonists lives. In more conventional dramas, everything would be tidied up in time for the final reel. All the characters would somehow come to terms with their grief and sexual and social hang-ups and the lovers would be allowed to run off into the sunset. Lelios approach is open-ended and ambiguous. Ronit and the others unravel some of their problems but invariably discover new ones in their place. UNESCO has declared reggae, the Jamaican music that spread across the world with its calls for social justice, peace and love, to be a global treasure that must be safeguarded. Born in the poor neighbourhoods of Kingston in the 1960s, reggae reflected hard times and struggle but could also be joyous dance music with its distinctive off-beat. Its most famous songwriter and performer, the late Bob Marley, became a global superstar with hits like No Woman, No Cry and Get Up, Stand Up. Other notables include Jimmy Cliff and Toots and the Maytalls. Artists such as the Clash incorporated its chunky beat and its politics into their own music, bringing it to a wider audience. It caught on from Britain to Brazil and Africa. Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae Show all 11 1 /11 Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477943.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477951.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477948.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477950.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477947.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477949.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477941.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477945.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477942.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477946.bin Kim Gottlieb-Walker Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae 477944.bin Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual, UNESCO said in a statement. The Paris-based UNESCO, the cultural agency of the United Nations, made its ruling at a meeting this week. Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Reuters Richard Madden has confessed his enthusiasm for acting lessened after starring in hit BBC series Bodyguard. The Scottish actor led the drama from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio as David Budd, a PTSD-suffering war veteran who's hired as a specialist protection officer for Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). It had taken so much out of me physically, mentally and personally, Madden said in a new interview with GQ. I didnt see any of my friends for months, unless they came to set. It was just relentless." He continued: You didnt get a day off. My character doesnt get a second off. It took more out of me than anything else Ive done. Upon its debut in December, Bodyguard swiftly became one of the most watched shows in the history of the channel. The actor also recalled sobbing so much on the flight after home after filming his Game of Thrones death scene that other passengers were forced to move seats. Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Audiences were gripped by the BBC series about controversial Home Secretary Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes, and her PTSD-suffering protection officer David Budd (Richard Madden BBC/World Productions Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures A scene from the first episode of 'Bodyguard' which featured Nadia, a timorous suicide train bomber, played by Anjli Mohindra, who was talked down by officer Budd in the toilet of a train BBC Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures The drama, written by Line Of Duty creator Mercurio, focuses on Afghanistan war veteran Budd and his personal battles, and Montague, whose decision to hand the investigation of recent terror events to the Security Service ruffles feathers BBC Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Gina McKee played a scheming head of the Metropolitan Police, Comm Anne Sampson BBC/World Productions Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures The evening after a sniper attempts to take Montague's life, she sleeps with Budd in episode 2 BBC Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures The BBC claims that Bodyguards first episode accumulated 10.4 million viewers BBC/World Productions Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures The series killed off its deuteragonist, Julia Montague, in episode four BBC/World Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Vincent Franklin was Montagues scheming junior minister Mike Travis and after her death became acting home secretary BBC/World Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures Richard Madden as David Budd, covered in blood in the finale after he had been Budd is abducted and fitted out in a suicide bomb vest similar to the one Nadia was wearing in the first episode Sophie Mutevelian/World Producti/PA Wire Bodyguard: the hit BBC series in pictures The character of Nadia revealed herself to be the terrorist mastermind and bomb-maker at the end of the series. BBC I looked like Id murdered someone and got on that flight which, in fact, I hadnt Id been murdered, he said. Madden starred in the series from 2011 up until his exit which occurred in the infamous Red Wedding sequence as part of the fantasy epics third season. The interview will be available to read in the next issue of GQ which will be released on 6 December. The government must call off its support for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic if it is serious about its international commitments to protect the planet, MPs have warned. Human activity is already pushing the polar region to the brink, as melting sea ice allows heavily polluting ships to enter pristine habitats and nations eye up its precious natural resources. The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, and the resulting unusual weather patterns are already being felt in the UK for example during this years Beast from the East. Recommended Nations must cut five times more emissions to stop disastrous warming Despite these problems, the government has outlined the importance of fossil fuel companies continued exploration of the Arctic for decades to come. As the UN urges nations to take a drastically more ambitious approach to cutting emissions, the Environmental Audit Committee has warned that Britains position is incompatible with its obligations under the Paris climate agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While not technically an Arctic state, the UKs proximity has earned it a place as an observer on the Arctic Council. In their report, the MPs urged the government to use its influence on the council, which also includes the US and Russia, to protect Arctic wildlife and human inhabitants. Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Show all 25 1 /25 Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators block Westminster Bridge in central London to show anger at government inaction on climate and ecological issues AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A pro environment protester is arrested by police on Lambeth bridge in London EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Police with demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A demonstrator is led away by police on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters If there is anywhere in the world that the principles of sustainable development should apply, it is the Arctic, said committee chair Mary Creagh. The government should start by acknowledging the incompatibility of its support for oil and gas exploitation with its climate change commitments. It can do this by setting targets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Current trends suggest the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free during summer as soon as the 2050s. This is opening up commercial opportunities both for resource extraction and cruise vessels. Oil spills and damage to sea ice are among the immediate threats from an increased human presence, and the continued burning of the Arctics long-buried oil and gas deposits will only add to the Earths warming. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Nevertheless, changing conditions are attracting extensive foreign interest in the region. The MPs urged the government to leverage the countrys long tradition of Arctic research to discourage harmful operations there. With interest in the Arctic from countries as far away as China and Singapore, the UK must ensure it remains a key player in its protection, said Ms Creagh. Were calling for increased funding for research and strengthening of UK emissions targets. Sustainable development researcher Dr Alexandra Middleton from the University of Oulu, who was consulted for the report, emphasised: We should stop looking at the Arctic as just a land of natural resources and minerals. Rod Downie, chief polar adviser at WWF, said: This is a stark reminder that what happens in the Arctic doesnt stay in the Arctic. Recommended Fishing in virgin Arctic Ocean to be banned under new global deal The UK government and businesses need to focus on sustainable development in the Arctic and a net-zero target at home which our Keeping it Cool report this month proved can be accomplished by 2045. The time has come to draw a line in the snow on British oil and gas companies exploiting the Arctic once and for all. A Government spokesperson said: Any suggestion that we are not committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement is nonsense. We do not actively encourage oil and gas exploration in the Arctic. We have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 nation and were the first in the world to put in place legally binding targets to reduce our emissions. We are clear that all countries must set ambitious targets for reducing emissions, including Arctic States and we continue to push for this at the highest levels. The UK is a world leader on tackling climate change, but we must do more and will study this report carefully. After months of devastating heatwaves and wildfires around the world, 2018 is set to be the fourth hottest year on record, according to the UNs specialist weather agency. Figures released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) for the first 10 months of the year reveal the planet was nearly 1C above the preindustrial baseline. The 20 warmest years ever measured have been in the past 22 years, and over the past five years warming has averaged more than 1C higher than historical levels. Recommended Nations must cut five times more emissions to stop disastrous warming Scientists are concerned the world is still nowhere near slowing down these soaring temperatures, as thermometers creep closer to the Paris climate agreements ambitious 1.5C target. These are more than just numbers, the WMO deputy secretary general Elena Manaenkova said. Statista Every fraction of a degree of warming makes a difference to human health and access to food and fresh water, to the extinction of animals and plants, to the survival of coral reefs and marine life Every extra bit matters. Global temperature records stretch back to 1880, the earliest date for which a reliable estimate covering the whole planet can be made. This year comes in behind 2016, 2015 and 2017 in the ranking of the hottest years ever recorded. With an El Nino event predicted to happen in the coming months, temperatures next year are likely to shoot up again as a natural boost to ocean warming combines with man-made climate change. Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Show all 25 1 /25 Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators block Westminster Bridge in central London to show anger at government inaction on climate and ecological issues AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A pro environment protester is arrested by police on Lambeth bridge in London EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Organised by Extinction Rebellion, the protest is part of many taking place this weekend to bring attention to political inaction on issues of pollution and climate change PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Police with demonstrators on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges A demonstrator is led away by police on Blackfriars Bridge PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges PA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges AFP/Getty Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges EPA Extinction rebellion: Climate change protesters block London bridges Reuters Professor Tim Osborn of the University of East Anglias Climatic Research Unit, which provides data used in the WMO analysis, said global warming triggered by greenhouse gas emissions was now very clear. The last four years were the four warmest years on record because, globally, humans have taken coal, oil and gas out of the ground, burnt them, and so emitted one and a half trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide to the Earths atmosphere, he said. This summer, alarm bells rang across much of the world as soaring temperatures and extreme weather provided a picture of what the future could look like as a result of the changing climate. Wildfires struck California and Greece, while a heatwave swept the northern hemisphere from Europe to Japan, and east Africa and India experienced heavy flooding. Scientists are now more confident than ever in linking such catastrophic events to the rising global temperatures and their impact on global weather patterns. The knock-on effects for our regional climates and for severe weather events are beginning to emerge from the background variability of our weather, said Professor Osborn. The WMOs provisional Statement on the State of the Climate in 2018 will add the evidence informing major UN climate negotiations taking place in Poland next week. On Wednesday, the UNs environment arm warned that global commitments to cutting emissions must triple to hit the Paris agreements 2C target, and increase by five times to hit the stretch target of 1.5C warming. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned in October that hitting that aspirational target is still technically possible, but would require unprecedented changes to every aspect of human life. We are not on track to meet climate change targets and rein in temperature increases, said WMO secretary general Petteri Taalas. Greenhouse gas concentrations are once again at record levels and if the current trend continues, we may see temperature increases 3-5C by the end of the century. If we exploit all known fossil fuel resources, the temperature rise will be considerably higher... It is worth repeating once again that we are the first generation to fully understand climate change and the last generation to be able to do something about it. H&M has announced it is closing its trendy denim brand Cheap Monday due to poor sales. In a move that will affect roughly 80 employees, the label known for its skinny jeans and skull motifs will close its online store and Carnaby Street branch on 31 December. According to a statement from H&M, who acquired the brand in 2008, Cheap Monday has encountered financial difficulties in recent years due to industry changes, though it did not specify what these changes were. Recommended Stella McCartney announces UN charter to combat fast fashion Cheap Monday has a traditional wholesale business model, it reads, which is a model that has faced major challenges due to the shift in the industry. There has been a negative trend in the Cheap Mondays sales and profits for a long time. Commenting on the move, H&Ms head of new business, Anna Attemark, added: We need to constantly develop our business and what we choose to invest in. We see very good opportunities and great potential for all of the other brands within new business, which all are developing positively both digitally as well as through physical stores. Cheap Monday launched in 2004 selling exclusively jeans and expanded into producing full-scale collections, including items such as sweatshirts and skirts, the following year. One year after the brand became a part of the Stockholm-based H&M group, which also owns COS, Monki and Weekday, it opened its first standalone store in Copenhagen, Denmark. Loyal fans of the brand have expressed disappointment at the closure on social media. The closing of @cheapmonday makes my old teenage self cry a little. Bye skinny love [sic], wrote one person on Twitter, referencing the brands signature skinny jeans. H&M said the closure of the Cheap Monday business would be complete by the end of June 2019. Stella McCartney is set to back a United Nations charter to promote sustainable fashion and target some of the environmental threats the industry currently poses. The British designer will work alongside high street fast fashion brands, who have yet to be announced, to help them set out plans to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on business strategies. The charter will be officially launched on 10 December at the UNs annual convention on climate change, which takes place in Katowice, Poland. Speaking to The Guardian, the OBE and animal rights activist explained how its more important for fashion brands to champion sustainability now more than ever before. We really dont have long now, to change things. But I honestly believe its doable I couldnt do what I do if I didnt believe that, she said. There is so much guilt and fear attached to talking about sustainability and thats not helpful. What is essential is for the big players in the industry to come along with me, because that changes the price point. McCartney will unveil her plans at the Business of Fashions "Voices" conference in a session on Thursday afternoon. The announcement comes two days after the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee's inquiry into fast fashion, which saw executives from Primark, M&S and Topshop come together to justify how theyre able to sell items for such low prices while meeting ethical and environmental standards. The inquiry shed a light on just how much work there is to be done if were to see lasting change in the industry, explained Mary Creagh, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. Evidence we heard today justifies our concerns that the current system allows fashion retailers to mark their own homework when it comes to workers rights, fair pay and sustainability, she said in a statement released shortly after the inquiry had concluded. Fashion retailers asked to explain how they sell clothes for prices as low as 2 Creagh went on to name some the most shocking revelations. Marks and Spencer are supposed to be a leading light in corporate responsibility, but even they pulled out of a scheme seeking to achieve living wages for garment workers through collective bargaining, she said, adding that she was unimpressed that the CEO of Missguided, Nitin Passi, had refused to attend Parliament in person to answer questions about his supply chain. A restaurateur and former advocate of a no-tipping model has reverted back to being gratuity-friendly in his restaurants - after the increased cost of dishes turned customers away. Andrew Tarlow, the owner of Brooklyn restaurants Romans, Diner, Achilles Heel, and Marlow & Sons, was one of the first to embrace the new style of dining in America where gratuity is included in the price of the meal - after other big names in the food industry such as Danny Meyer revealed their intentions to do the same. Although tipping is expected at most American establishments, there is a short-but-growing list of restaurants that have opted out of tipping in favour of simply increasing prices and raising hourly rates of employees. Recommended What you should actually tip when dining out in America But for Mr Tarlow and the restaurants under his Marlow Collective, the new model wasnt as successful as hed hoped - as the 20 per cent increase to menu prices at Diner and Marlow were enough to convince customers to go elsewhere, according to Eater. In a statement to the food news site, Mr Tarlow said his goal had been to lessen the wage gap between restaurant employees, but that removing tips had created new challenges. Its become impossible to ignore that removing tips has created new challenges that we are unable to solve, chiefly that prices have hit a peak that the market cannot bear, he said. According to Mr Tarlow, who confirmed menu prices would decrease again, in order for a gratuity-free model to be sustainable, the public has to realise the price of eating out when tips are not part of the equation - and be willing to pay the difference. Andrew Tarlow has reverted back to tipping models at his restaurants (Getty) The restaurants will accept tips again on December 17 (Google Maps) As an industry we struggle with communicating to consumers the true cost of dining out, Mr Tarlow, who will begin accepting tips again on December 17, explained. Mr Tarlow is not the first to experiment with the method and subsequently abandon it after realising it was driving away customers. Jamie Oliver on tipping Claus Meyer, the owner of Agern in Grand Central, decided to do the same when he realised his prices were impacting business after originally opening the restaurant as tip-free in 2016, The New Yorker reported. Apart from alienating customers, gratuity-free models can also have other negative effects - on both customers and employees. For many American diners, the idea of skipping a custom ingrained in American culture can feel uncomfortable - and for servers, even with a higher minimum wage, the amount they earn can still be lower when it is not supplemented with tips. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Despite the issues surrounding the experimental practice, there are still some restaurants in the country giving it a try - with a Reddit spreadsheet noting more than 200 establishments that have eliminated gratuity. The Independent has contacted Mr Tarlow for comment. The future of the Space Force, one of Donald Trumps main policies, as a separate branch of the military may be under threat. The president has repeatedly spoken of how he wants to set up a new, sixth part of the military devoted to fighting out in space. He has repeated the demand at campaign rallies and elsewhere, arguing it is a necessary way to respond to the future of war. But White House officials are now looking at avoiding the need to create the Space Force as its own separate part of the military, according to numerous reports. It might instead be just folded into an existing branch. 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 One of the possible options is for the Space Force to be just a part of the Air Force, in the same way that the Marine Corps sits at part of the US Navy. A similar suggestion has already been supported by US lawmakers. Other options include setting up the Space Force as an entirely separate department, making an independent service that could take assets from across the military and intelligence community. Mr Trump has repeatedly stressed that he wants the Space Force to be separate, but equal to the Air Force, making it difficult for White House officials and other parts of the military establishment to make the proposal work. Creating an entirely separate and individual branch of the military could cost many billions of dollars, according to leaked estimates. It might also be largely unnecessary, since the US military operates in space but would just need to be rebranded, experts have said. Still, whatever form the Space Force takes, it is almost certain to take that name. Even if it operates like the Marine Corps, it is unlikely to take the name Space Corps, according to Defense One, which cited a memo from the White House to the Pentagon. A woman was shamed online after she wrote a Facebook post explaining she was unable to find somewhere to breastfeed her baby in a shopping mall, which prompted staff to suggest she take her "home chores" elsewhere. Abhilasha Arup DasAdhikari had visited the South City Mall in Kolkata, India on Tuesday and posted a critical review on its Facebook page, revealing how an employee suggested she go to the toilets, which she described as a disgusting idea. The manager of the Facebook page responded to DasAdhikari in a post that has since been deleted, saying she should have planned her day better, writing: Its not like your baby needs to be breastfed at any moment. After her experience, DasAdhikari gave the mall a one-star review, writing: "There is no place to breastfeed..on the top of it.your staff asked me to feed in the toilet... disgusting place. Such a biiiiig useless mall [sic]." The mall's response, which was widely shared on social media before being deleted, begins: "Funny how you found this to be an issue because breastfeeding is not allowed on the floor for a number of reasons. "In case of emergency we can make arrangements to help someone but cartainly this big place that we have is meant for shopping so with all due respect madam, please make sure you do your home chores at your home and not in the mall or at least plan it beforehand [sic]." Recommended Number of women breastfeeding in England continues to decline It goes on to suggest that breastfeeding in public is an infringement on other shoppers' experiences, concluding: "We cannot compromise the privacy of other people in public places can we?" The comment sparked outrage on Twitter, with one person writing: "This is an absolute disgrace and you guys must immediately apologise to the young mother." Unbelievable, added another, shame on South City Mall. A spokesperson for the mall has since published an apologetic statement on its Facebook page, explaining that the centre does have proper provisions for breastfeeding, but that their baby changing room is currently being renovated. We still apologies for inconvenience caused to the concern patron despite all the amenities available at Mall, they wrote. We never intend to hurt anyones sentiment and/or disrespect. Speaking to the Times of India, the malls vice president Manmohan Bagri explained that the offending post was written by an employee of an external agency that manages the malls social media platforms. "The rude and aggressive reply was posted without our consent. We have removed the agency," he told the newspaper. But critics are still inundating the malls Facebook page with criticism over the deleted post, with many calling for people to boycott the centre. You cannot hand over your social media handles to such inexperienced and insensitive people, commented one person. As for breastfeeding, we can do it any and every where. Just like you cannot ask a visitor to eat their meals in the toilet or a confined space, you do not have any right to direct a mother to breastfeed her baby in a particular place. The man who led the UKs post-financial crisis banking reform drive says that UK lenders, ten years after the crash, are still not safe enough. Sir John Vickers, who chaired the Independent Commission on Banking which reported in 2011, says the Bank of England is still being too lax on banks capital requirements, making lenders overly fragile in the event of another crisis. The politics of regulatory reform has resulted in a settlement that falls short of what the economics require, he said in a speech in Abu Dhabi. The Banks Governor, Mark Carney, has boasted in recent months that UK banks have been forced to triple their capital buffers shareholders funds which absorb losses in a crisis since 2007 and that there is a new resolution regime in place which means they can be wound down with minimum disruption if they fail. Earlier this week the Bank of England concluded in its latest stress test of the sector this week that the system is adequately capitalised to withstand not just a disorderly Brexit but a simultaneous global downturn. But Sir John said that the Banks cost-benefit approach to analysing how much equity should underpin lenders balance sheets, outlined in a 2015 paper, is fatally flawed since if calibrates the optimum capital buffers at an average point in the credit cycle. Capital buffers are a safeguard for abnormal conditions, just as flood defences are built for abnormal weather conditions, he said. The BoE [Bank of England]appeals to countercyclical capital policy, but there are no grounds to suppose that such policy could or would anticipate all elevations of risk in a timely and sufficient manner. The premise of normal risk conditions is simply the wrong basis for the analysis. Correcting for this implausible assumption, and taking a less rosy view of the efficacy of resolution arrangements, the BoE model would deliver a very different result optimal capital levels almost twice the BoE papers estimate. He also warns that the Banks analysis does not adequately take into the possible impact of another global financial crisis and potentially large spillovers. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Sir John, who is now Warden of All Souls College Oxford and is a former chief economist at the Bank of England, has clashed with the Bank repeatedly in recent years. The Bank has claimed that it has delivered the capital recommendations of his official 2011 report, but Sir John claims that the Bank is undershooting what the committee demanded. The Banks Financial Stability Report on Thursday reported that UK banks in aggregate have a leverage ratio of 5.5 per cent of total assets which effectively means that if the value of their assets fell just 5.5 per cent in a new crisis they would be bust. Many financial economists, including the former Bank Governor Lord King, have suggested that the required buffers should be at least 10 per cent of assets. UK car manufacturing fell 9.8 per cent in October, due to a combination of Brexit uncertainty, market turbulence and model changes, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The number of cars produced in October fell by 15,255 compared with the same month in 2017, with production for the home market dropping by 12.1 per cent in the fifth consecutive month of decline. Meanwhile, production for overseas markets dropped 9.3 per cent, although exports still command the biggest share of total output at 82.7 per cent. In the year so far, production is down 6.9 per cent compared to 2017. The fifth consecutive month of decline for UK car manufacturing is undoubtedly concerning and, while a number of factors have been at play, there is no doubt that business and consumer uncertainty is having a significant impact, said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. With eight in 10 British-built cars destined for overseas markets, the majority to the EU, the sectors dependence on exports cannot be downplayed. Europe is our largest trading partner and securing the right Brexit agreement which allows free and frictionless trade is vital for the future health of our industry. Car manufacturers have issued multiple warnings over the harm Brexit could do to the industry. Jaguar Land Rovers chief executive, Ralf Speth, has warned that tens of thousands of jobs in the UK motor industry are at risk if a no-deal Brexit goes ahead. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The company has already moved workers at its Castle Bromwich plant to a three-day week because of continuing headwinds impacting the car industry. Meanwhile, Honda has said a no-deal scenario would cost it tens of millions of pounds, while BMW said it would move a planned shutdown of its Mini plant in Oxford forward to coincide with the beginning of Brexit in order to minimise the risk of disruption. Deutsche Banks Frankfurt headquarters has been raided by German police as part of a money laundering probe linked to the Panama Papers. Investigators are looking into the activities of two Deutsche Bank staff members who are alleged to have helped clients set up offshore firms to launder money, the prosecutors office said. Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors searched six Deutsche offices in and around Frankfurt, and several documents were seized. The investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson for Deutsche said: We confirm that the police are currently conducting an investigation at a number of our offices in Germany. The investigation relates to the Panama Papers. We will be issuing further details in due course. We are cooperating fully with the authorities. Shares of the lender dropped 2.7 per cent when the news broke. Details of thousands of individuals and companies involved in offshore companies were revealed when the Panama Papers were leaked in 2016. Additional reporting by newswires Tracking terrorists and preventing attacks would be made harder by no-deal Brexit, a minister has warned. Security minister Ben Wallace said that no matter how effectively we prepare, crashing out of the EU without an agreement would immediately cut the UK out of vital intelligence databases. The security minister told a conference in London: I have seen intelligence from other EU countries that contribute to saving British lives and other countries interdict UK bound terrorists. And we have done the same in reverse. Only recently key UK information helped foil a plot on mainland Europe. Britains continued access to databases including the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II), which is used by British police 539 million times every year is still being negotiated as part of a separate security treaty. The draft withdrawal agreement that MPs will vote on, on 11 December, extends the UKs use of databases, including SIS II, the European Arrest Warrant and other tools until the end of a 21-month transition period. But with the deal opposed by both pro-Remain Tories and Brexiteers, its passage through parliament is uncertain and the government has been mounting what critics have dubbed project fear 2.0 to rally support. Mr Wallace threw his weight behind Theresa Mays agreement as a way of avoiding a cliff-edge in policing, intelligence and security. Tom Tugendhat jokingly asks Theresa May if the UK and EU will be 'friends with benefits' after Brexit Partnership is fundamental to how we fight terrorism and organised crime in todays world, and Im afraid that the alternative to this deal isnt pretty, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Speaking at the International Security Expo in London later on Thursday, Mr Wallace said the government was putting mitigations in place where possible. But no matter how effectively we prepare, we have been clear that setting aside the capabilities we have developed with our EU partners would take us a step back, the former soldier added. [A no-deal Brexit] would create immediate and lasting harm to both sides and undermine our ability to work together. It would create an environment where legal barriers impede the work of our law enforcement agencies and police forces benefiting no-one but those who wish to do us harm. Mr Wallace said terrorism, organised crime and cyberattacks know no borders, and that a mere 20-mile stretch of water cannot protect the UK. He warned that there be less information available to border officers and police, and that it would take longer to track and arrest criminals and hamper intelligence sharing. The minister claimed that under the governments hoped-for bespoke security deal with the EU, Britains security would increase because of freedom to impose tighter border controls to exclude terror suspects. 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 even if MPs support the withdrawal agreement, Britains continued access to EU security systems is far from guaranteed. Countries including Cyprus have raised concern that the move would set a precedent for other non-member states, such as Turkey, and the EUs data rules could prove a stumbling block if the UK refuses to recognise European Court of Justice rulings. There is also confusion over the UKs future status in Europol. Mr Wallace said Britain will not be leaving Europol, but a Home Office-approved transcript of his speech merely said the UK would continue to cooperate with the policing network. There is additional uncertainty over whether the EUs strict data laws will enable a non-member to access the SIS II database, with Sajid Javid admitting it was not guaranteed this week. Mr Wallace said all 27 remaining EU states had agreed a political declaration on security earlier this week, which formed a foundation for the broadest and most comprehensive security relationship the EU has ever had with another country. But neither SIS II nor the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) were specifically named in the document. Agreements on the sharing of passenger name records, and DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data have already been reached, Mr Wallace told delegates, as well as time-limited arrangements on extradition. Negotiations on the exchange of real-time information on wanted and missing persons, criminal records and joint investigation teams continue. If we reject the current deal and go back to square one, this will open the door to far greater uncertainty, increased risk and the prospect of downgrading our ability to protect the public, Mr Wallace said. Britains future in Europol remains uncertain (AFP) Senior police officers, opposition MPs and Remainers have been warning of the potential risk to the UKs security for months. In July, the Home Affairs Committee warned that Britain was on course for a catastrophic security deal that would let criminals and terrorists go free, and police chiefs say it will be harder to protect the public in the event of no deal. Police and security agencies are continuing to plan contingencies for a no-deal Brexit, with a dedicated unit preparing to train for officers who, overnight, would have to dramatically change the way they work. The National Police Chiefs Council said it would have to revert to slower, more bureaucratic and less effective tools including Interpol, bilateral channels and Council of Europe conventions. As well as a loss of intelligence and operational capacity, police are also bracing for potential protests, public disorder and border disruption. Stephen Doughty MP, a member of the Home Affairs Committee, said the governments plans amount to a wish list. The Brexit elite claimed that leaving the EU would be the safer option, but now we hear that it means our police and border force could find it more difficult to protect the public, he said. Every day we see more evidence of how damaging and irresponsible the governments Brexit plans are. The way to keep Britain safe and get us out of this mess is to give the public a peoples vote. More than one million people have signed an Independent petition calling for a Final Say on the deal. Security minister Ben Wallace will admit that the country's safety will be placed in jeopardy by no-deal Brexit in a speech to law enforcement and security leaders. As the cabinet increases pressure on fractured Tory MPs to support Theresa Mays agreement, he will say tell the London conference that the deal on the table sets the foundations for the most comprehensive security relationship the EU has ever had with another country. The government has previously sought to play down the dangers of crashing out of the European Union (EU) and senior ministers privately say they are confident that a bespoke security treaty will be negotiated. But with the draft withdrawal agreement opposed by both pro-Remain Conservatives and Brexiteers, Mr Wallace is to spell out the risks of leaving the EU without a framework on core issues. Currently, the draft withdrawal agreement, which sparked a wave of ministerial resignations earlier this month, only guarantees access to EU security databases until the end of a prospective transition period. Britains continued use of Europol and tools including the Schengen Information System (SIS II), European Arrest Warrant and European Criminal Records Information System, are dependent on a separate treaty that MPs will not be voting on on 11 December. In a speech to the International Security Expo, Mr Wallace will issue a warning that a no-deal would be a step backwards for security cooperation and would leave both the UK and EU at a greater risk. The UK, through her experience of the last few decades, has learnt that at the heart of effective security is close cooperation, he is to say. And we and Europe know, from bitter experience, that often when there is a mistake or when something has been missed that we find, time and time again, that it has been due to a failure of cooperation. Brexit: Britain will be poorer if MPs back Theresa Mays deal to leave EU, Chancellor Philip Hammond admits He will add: A no-deal situation would have a real impact on our ability to work with our European partners to protect the public. This deal strikes the right balance to keep everyone safe. It will be an ambitious partnership that ensures we can continue to work with our European partners in tackling our shared threats. His warning will come after Brexiteers accused the government of mounting project fear 2.0 to garner support for the prime ministers plan, following a Bank of England forecast that a no-deal Brexit would trigger a worse recession than the financial crisis. Senior police officers, opposition MPs and remainers have been warning of the potential risk to the UKs security for months. 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 July, the Home Affairs Committee warned that Britain was on course for a catastrophic security deal that would let criminals and terrorists go free and police chiefs say it will be harder to protect the public in the event of no-deal. Mr Wallace is expected to say the draft withdrawal agreement provides a framework for future security cooperation, including the continued ability for the UK and EU to exchange information on criminals, tackle terrorism and combat evolving threats like cyber security. He will say the Britain would still be able to share data on people entering and leaving the country quickly to spot potential threats and to exchange DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration details. The minister is also set to claim that fast-track extradition, currently conducted through the European Arrest Warrant system, will continue. The government said it would publish a security assessment of cooperation, covering its hoped-for partnership agreement and a no-deal scenario. Police and security agencies are continuing to plan contingencies for a no-deal Brexit, with a dedicated unit preparing to train for officers who would have to dramatically change the way they work overnight. The National Police Chiefs Council said it would have to revert to slower, more bureaucratic and less effective tools including Interpol, bilateral channels and Council of Europe conventions. As well as a loss of intelligence and operational capacity, police are also bracing for potential protests, public disorder and border disruption. Close UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast Weather warnings have been issued as Storm Diana brings 80mph winds and heavy rainfall to parts of the UK on Thursday. The Met Office has warned as much as 35mm of rain could fall in central and southern Scotland in just six hours an amount normally seen across several days during November. Meanwhile, large parts of England and Wales will be hit by widespread strong winds, forecasters have warned. Please allow a moment for the live stream to load The country was hit by strong gusts on Wednesday - with Capel Curig in Snowdonia, Wales, recording gusts of 90mph, while Keswick, Cumbria, saw 47.4mm of rain. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The yellow warning for wind covers all parts of England except the south-east of England and East Anglia until 2pm. A warning for rain covers central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Lothian Borders and Strathclyde in Scotland. Additional reporting by PA A row has broken out over which channel should host a live TV Brexit debate after the BBC secured Theresa Mays backing while Jeremy Corbyn said he favoured ITV. The publicly-funded corporation claimed to have won a battle of the broadcasters for a televised debate scheduled to take place on Sunday 9 December two days before MPs are due to take part in a Commons meaningful vote on Ms Mays deal. A BBC spokesperson said the broadcaster was delighted the prime minister had accepted the offer and hoped to hear confirmation from the Labour leader soon. Mr Corbyn has previously said he would relish the chance to take part in a live debate on Ms Mays Brexit deal, which has faced significant opposition from MPs on both sides of the house. However a Labour spokesperson said negotiations were still ongoing and Mr Corbyn indicated he would prefer the debate be hosted by rival broadcaster ITV. The ITV offer seemed a sensible one, the Labour leader told the channels This Morning programme. We want to get the widest possible and most diverse audience. In a tweet the BBC News press feed said: Weve just heard the prime minister has accepted the BBCs offer to take part in a debate on the Brexit deal on Sunday 9 December. Were delighted shes agreed and hope to hear soon from the Labour Party. We have been discussing debate formats with both parties and will announce further details soon. Asked for more details on the timing and format of the debate, the BBC declined to comment to The Independent. Reports suggested it could take place at 8pm to avoid clashing with the final of Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, which is scheduled for an hour later. That would involve the BBC rescheduling Sir David Attenborough's documentary, Dynasties. A head-to-head clash involving just the prime minister and the leader of the opposition is likely to prove controversial among the smaller parties in Westminster, which had argued they too should be involved. Commenting on the BBC announcement, Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader, said it would be an absolute travesty of democracy if proponents of all the options including remaining in the EU were not given a voice. Peter Murrell, SNP chief executive, tweeted: Ms May was in Scotland on Wednesday as part of her tour of the country in a bid to sell the package directly to voters. She stressed that as the planned TV debate was about a vote thats going to take place in the House of Commons, the SNP leader had no part to play in it. Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was raring and willing to take part. Neither of them [Ms May and Ms Corbyn] believe that the public should be able to have the final say on the deal, including the option of remaining the EU, he said. The Liberal Democrats have argued for the Peoples Vote from the outset and that view must be aired within that debate. The apparent success of the BBC in securing the debate will come as a blow to other broadcasters including Sky, which is campaigning for TV debates to become a regular fixture of UK elections. Britain will rejoin the EU once a new generation that is less hostile to Europe takes charge, the European parliaments Brexit chief has said. Guy Verhofstadt said he believed the UK would one day come back to the great European family, despite its looming departure. He made the prediction in a debate of MEPs about the withdrawal agreement, in which chief negotiator Michel Barnier reaffirmed that this deal is the only one and the best possible for the UK. Mr Verhofstadt told the parliament: Let me make clear that in this process there are no winners. The departure of the UK from the European Union is a failure for everybody, for the UK, as for the EU. Last Sunday was a sad day for both. So let us make the best of it, in the knowledge that once, in the near future there will be a new generation in Britain who will decide to come back into the great European family. Polls and studies suggest that young people were significantly more likely to vote Remain than the older generation. Other senior MEPs speaking during the debate backed the deal. Elmar Brok, a German MEP from Angela Merkels Christian Democratic Union, warned Remainers in the UK that they would be taking a risk by rejecting the plan. If there is no treaty then there will be no transitional period and its going to be an abrupt break, he said. It must be made clear that it is a very risky initiative for the Remainers, rejecting this and hoping something else is going to come, like a referendum thats a very risky business. He added that the EU had got the best deal possible, adding: Brexit is a very bad affair for the European Union and Great Britain more for Great Britain, given its size, but its also a very bad thing for us as well. Philippe Lamberts, a Green MEP who sits on the parliaments Brexit steering group, said no other Brexit is available and that a no-deal Brexit would make the UK a rogue state, a country whose signature with any other partner would amount to just nothing. The real choice is between Brexit under the terms negotiated and no Brexit at all, he said, adding that the EU should allow Britain to stay in if it wanted to. Nigel Farage said negotiations were game, set, and match to Michel Barnier (EbS) Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: Im in no doubt that this withdrawal agreement is a good deal its a good deal for the European Union. For the UK I think its probably the worst deal in history. Mr Barnier, I have to say to you: I wish you were on our side, really. Because its game set and match to you. You probably cant even believe your luck that you came up against a British prime minister who met every single demand of yours while at the same time trying to deceive the British public. Mr Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, echoed his message from Sundays European Council summit to MEPs. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA Given the difficult circumstances of this negotiation and given the extreme complexity of all the issues of the British withdrawal, the deal that is on the table ... this deal is the only one and the best possible, Mr Barnier said. Now is the time for ratification. He added: Its not a question of winners and losers because Brexit is a lose-lose. There is no added value. EU leaders signed off the withdrawal agreement, which has taken 18 months to negotiate, at a summit in Brussels on Sunday. Theresa May now faces an uphill struggle to get the plan through parliament. A Labour MP fought back tears as he revealed he was HIV positive in an emotional speech to parliament. MPs gave Lloyd Russell-Moyle a rare standing ovation, when he spoke out publicly about the challenges he has faced since his diagnosis nine years ago. The Brighton Kemptown MP became the first politician to reveal his HIV status in the House of Commons and the second MP ever to disclose he is living with the condition, after former Labour cabinet minister Chris Smith. Speaking ahead of World Aids Day, Mr Russell-Moyle said: Next year Ill be marking an anniversary of my own, 10 years since I became HIV positive. Its been a long journey from the fear to acceptance and from todays advocacy, knowing my treatment keeps me healthy and that it protects any partner I have. He said Britain was on the cusp of eradicating new HIV transmissions, but he warned that swingeing public health cuts and the limited roll-out of preventative medications such as PrEP could hamper that progress. The 32-year-old from Brighton told MPs: I wanted to be able to stand here in this place and say to those that are living with HIV, that their status does not define them. That we can be whoever we want to be and to those who havent been tested, maybe because out of fear, I say to you; it is better to live in knowledge than die in fear. The narrative around HIV has barely changed since the tombs of the 1980s, creating a spectre of fear and stigma around the disease, he told MPs. Mr Russell-Moyle said he had become HIV positive undetectable because he takes the right medication, which means it lies undetectable and dormant in his body so it cannot be passed on to another partner. I cant transmit HIV to my sexual partner, I have a perfectly healthy life, so my announcement here today should go totally unnoticed, he said. Jeremy Corbyn, who was in the chamber, praised his Labour colleague for his efforts to tackle the stigma carried by an HIV positive diagnosis. Lloyd has shown enormous courage today, the Labour leader said. I know the whole Labour party is proud of him. His dignity and hope will inspire people across the country and around the world those with HIV, and also those of us who will always stand together with them. Mr Corbyn also spoke with pride about the courage of former cabinet minister Lord Smith, who became the first openly gay MP in 1984 and also became the first MP to reveal he was living with HIV in 2005. At the end of the debate, MPs broke Commons convention by giving Mr Russell-Moyle a standing ovation. Deputy speaker Lindsay Hoyle praised Mr Russell-Moyle for a brave and moving speech, adding it has given hope to a lot of people around the world. Campaigners praised the MP for his actions, which does a lot to normalise HIV in the publics mind. Ian Green, chief executive of the Terrance Higgins Trust, said: I think hes done everybody a service about talking about his own personal journey with HIV. I think it will go a long way to say that hes very successful, hes a member of parliament, he has no issues in terms of representing his constituency as somebody living with HIV. So that does a lot to normalise HIV in the publics mind. World Aids Day 2017: in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take part in a discussion with HIV consultant doctor Laura Waters during their visit to the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Brazil Red balloons are released to mark the World AIDS Day in Sao Paulo REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - France A nurse takes blood for a HIV test for French President Emmanuel Macron as he visits the Delafontaine Hospital Reuters World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A student displays his face and hand painted with messages in Chandigarh, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - UK Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Nottingham Contemporary to attend a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, on their first official engagement together. PA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - South Africa Members of the 21 South African Infantry Battalion march to mark the World AIDS Day in Soweto AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India A childhas their face painted to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS on World AIDS day in Jammu Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Kenya Free HIV testing booths are installed during the World AIDS Day event at University of Nairobi AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students use candles to form a large ribbon at a primary school in China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Commuters walk past a message on the World AIDS Day near Howrah Bridge, on the bank of river Ganges in Calcutta EPA World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India An volunteer lights candles placed on the ground in the shape of a red ribbon during an awareness rally on the eve of World Aids Day in Agartala AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students of Yangzhou University Medical College standing in the shape of a red ribbon VCG via Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China Students hold red ribbons at a high school in Hefei, Anhui province, China REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Mexico The "Diana La Cazadora" monument is illuminated in red on the eve of World Aids Day in Mexico City AFP/Getty Images World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India Sand art on the Bay of Bengal Sea's eastern coast beach at Puri. Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik created the piece on the eve of World AIDs Day . Rex Features World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - India People hold candles around a ribbon during a ceremony to create awareness about HIV/AIDS in Ahmedabad, India REUTERS World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - Ukraine A woman has a HIV/AIDS blood test in a mobile laboratory in Ukraine AP World Aids Day 2017: in pictures World Aids Day - China The two towers of the Global Harbor shopping mall in Shaghai are illuminated with huge red ribbons Rex Features I think he has taken a very important decision for him, and from talking to him, I know the reason he wants to do this is because he wants to tackle the stigma associated with HIV head on. Deborah Gold, chief executive of National Aids Trust, said stigma was gradually being eroded by people being open and proud, although no one should ever be obliged to open up about their HIV status. She said: HIV, as Lloyd shows us, is no longer a death sentence and for most, it no longer even significantly compromises their health. It is a manageable condition; illness and the risk of passing it on to others can be completely averted with simple daily medication. These simple messages can be a powerful antidote to HIV stigma. As the first MP to disclose their HIV status in the House, Lloyd has taken a big step and we absolutely applaud him. Close Russian ship rams into a Ukrainian navy tugboat Donald Trump has called off expected bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires amid increasing tensions surrounding the Russia-Ukraine crisis and explosive reports the president's former lawyer lied about a Trump Tower project in Moscow. As world leaders began to arrive in Argentina ahead of the start of the summit on Friday, tensions surround Russia's current stand-off with Ukraine over the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov, where the Russian navy captured three of its neighbours vessels over a territorial dispute on Sunday. Mr Trump tweeted while on his way to the annual summit that he was cancelling his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing, "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin." German chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to address the situation, which has seen Ukraine implement martial law in 10 regions, before Mr Trump and Mr Putin sit down on Saturday, as well as other worlds leaders, who plan to discuss the conflict along with a multitude of other high-profile global concerns. But, in a quirk that shows that international travel is never easy, Ms Merkel's plane was forced to make an unexpected landing in Germany and she will not be able to attend the opening of the G20 summit. Beyond the situation in Ukraine, the stakes are high for those attending, and that is especially true for Mr Trump, who is hoping to finish signing a reworked trade deal with Canada and Mexico and find common ground with China to try to divert a potential escalation in trade relations that has already led to tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in imports for both countries. Days before the G20, Mr Trump suggested that failure to negotiate adequately during a dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping could lead to even further tariffs. Meanwhile, the meeting is the first high profile meeting of world leaders since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi officials in Turkey, and world leaders are taking varied approaches in how they deal with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been accused of overseeing the murder of the journalist. Mr Trump is not expected to meet with the crown prince, while French President Emmanuel Macron is going ahead with a meeting. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he would not schedule a meeting with the Saudi leader. In Buenos Aires, security has ben ramped up as officials prepare for the high profile summit, and residents of the city have been advised to take a long weekend away if possible. Meanwhile, thousands of anti-capitalist protesters are expected in the city. Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load A man is suing the state of Hawaii claiming that a false ballistic missile alert issued earlier this year triggered a heart attack. In January, a state worker sent an emergency alert to residents of Hawaii via cellphone message, telling them that there was a missile threat. The 13 January alert stated that residents should take cover and this is not a drill. The employee who sent the alert said that he believed the missile threat was real, and was afterwards fired. It took 38 minutes for the state to send another message, telling residents that the alert was in error. After receiving the initial, false alert, Hawaii man James Sean Shields and his partner drove to the beach and called their loved ones. At the beach, Mr Shields felt a pain in his chest, which turned out to be a heart attack, the lawsuit reads. The couple went to a medical centre where Mr Shields suffered cardiac arrest, then had to receive life-saving CPR, defibrillation, and surgery. Mr Shields and his girlfriend, both plaintiffs in the case, said that they never saw the correction message while dealing with the medical emergency. The false message was a substantial contributing factor in causing the heart attack and cardiac arrest," San Francisco School of Medicine cardiologist John MacGregor claims in the lawsuit. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The suit names the state of Hawaii, 10 anonymous people, 10 anonymous entities, and Vern T. Miyagi, who was the administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency at the time. After the incident, Mr Miyagi retired. State attorney general spokesman Krishna Jayaram said his office will review the complaint carefully and respond in due course. Miyagi declined to comment. Investigations into the false alarm blamed human error and insufficient safeguards against possible mistakes. Donald Trumps top national security official has met with Jair Bolsonaro in what Brazils president-elect called a very productive encounter. National security adviser John Bolton met the far-right future leader, who is openly racist, homophobic and sexist, having previously praised him as like-minded and called his election a positive sign for Latin America. Like Mr Trump, Mr Bolsonaro was elected after riding a wave of popular anger against traditional politicians. He has vowed to sweep out corruption, crack down on crime and align Brazil closely with the US in a shift towards conservative nationalism. An army helicopter hovered nearby as he and Mr Bolton met in his gated, beachside community in Rio de Janeiro. They discussed improving trade ties between their countries, as well as developments in Cuba and Israel, Mr Bolsonaro said later. The president-elect has said he wants to move Brazils embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, following in Mr Trumps footsteps. The encounter was also attended by Mr Bolsonaros future national security adviser, General Augusto Heleno, and future defence minister, General Fernando Azevedo, both retired Army officers, and incoming foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, an anti-globalist who believes climate change is a Marxist invention. Mr Bolsonaro has threatened to follow the lead of his North American counterpart and pull Brazil home to the worlds largest rainforest out of the Paris climate agreement. On Wednesday, he said he had pushed the government to withdraw Brazils offer to host the UN climate conference next year, maintaining that Brazils sovereignty over the Amazon was at stake. Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency Show all 8 1 /8 Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency A man holds an inflatable figure of jailed former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as supporters of far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro celebrate in front of the National Congress in Brasilia, after the former army captain won Brazil's presidential election AFP/Getty Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency Supporters of the left-wing presidential candidate for the Workers Party (PT), Fernando Haddad, react in Rio AFP/Getty Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency Police officers patrol the streets during a gathering of supporters of the left-wing presidential candidate for the Workers Party AFP/Getty Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency Fernando Haddad, presidential candidate of Brazil's leftist Workers Party (PT), is kissed by his wife Ana Estela Haddad Reuters Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency EPA Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency AFP/Getty Images Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency AFP/Getty Images Brazil election: far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Presidency REUTERS It came after new figures revealed that deforestation in the Amazon had reached its highest level in a decade, with 7,900sq km of rainforest felled in just 12 months. Mr Bolton told reporters on Tuesday in Washington that Mr Bolsonaros election was a historic opportunity for Brazil and the US to work together on security, economics and other issues. Thursdays meeting would prepare the ground for Trump and Bolsonaro to get off to a running start, he said. At the meeting he invited Mr Bolsonaro to Washington to meet Mr Trump, he said in a tweet; the president-elect later accepted the offer. Mr Bolton added: Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion with Brazils President-elect Bolsonaro & his national security team. We look forward to a dynamic partnership with Brazil. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events On Tuesday, Mr Bolsonaros son Eduardo met Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, at the White House. The younger Bolsonaro said afterward that the Israel embassy move was not a question of if, but of when. Additional reporting by Reuters A San Francisco politician is attempting to have Mark Zuckerbergs name removed from one of the citys hospitals. Aaron Peskin, the California citys supervisor, announced at a board of supervisors meeting on Tuesday that he has asked the city attorneys office to remove Mr Zuckerbergs name from the Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. The move comes amid a series of scandals involving the social network giant that Mr Zuckerberg has struggled to contain. The 34-year-old was subject to a barrage of criticism from politicians worldwide this week, after he again refused to address allegations Facebook is undermining democratic institutions. The UK parliament is investigating the company after Cambridge Analytica, which worked on Donald Trumps presidential campaign, obtained the personal data of 87 million Facebook users from a researcher, with the resulting scandal drawing attention to the use of data analytics in politics. US news reports last week revealed Facebook paid an opposition research firm to produce negative stories about its critics, including philanthropist and frequent target of the far-right, George Soros. 30 million Facebook accounts have been stolen It cannot be considered normal for corporations to hire political consultancy firms to perform opposition research on their critics, Mr Peskin said at the board of supervisors meeting, according to San Franciscos Mission Local news website. It is not normal for private entities to then use that information to spread antisemitic conspiracy theories on platforms that they control. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Show all 9 1 /9 How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Lock your profile down If you havent done this already, do it now. In Settings, hit the Privacy tab. From here, you can control who gets to see your future posts and friends list. Choose from Public, Friends, Only Me and Custom in the dropdown menu. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Limit old posts Annoyingly, changing this has no effect on whos able to see your past Facebook posts. Instead, on the Privacy page, you have to click on Limit Past Posts, then select Limit Old Posts and finally hit Confirm on the pop-up. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Make yourself harder to find You can stop completely random people from adding you by selecting Friends of Friends from the dropdown menu in the Who can send you friend requests? section of the Privacy page. Its also worth limiting who can find your Facebook profile with your number and email address. At the bottom of the page is the option to prevent search engines outside of Facebook from linking to your profile. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Control access to your Timeline You can limit who gets to post things on your Timeline and who gets to see posts on your Timeline too. In Settings, go to Timeline and Tagging and edit the sections you want to lock down. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Block people When you block someone, they wont be able to see things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to events or groups, start conversations with you or add you as a friend. To do it, go to Settings and Blocking. Annoyingly, you have to block people on Messenger separately. You can also add friends to your Restricted list here, which means theyll still be friends with you but will only be able to see your public posts and things you share on a mutual friend's Timeline. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Review tags One of Facebooks handiest privacy features is the ability to review posts youre tagged in before they appear on your Timeline. Theyll still be visible on the News Feed while theyre fresh, but wont be tied to your profile forever. In Timeline and Tagging, enable Timeline review controls. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Clean up your apps You can view a list of all of the apps youve connected to your Facebook account by going to Settings and Apps. The list might be longer than you expected it to be. Its worth tidying this up to ensure things you no longer use lose access to your personal information. If you dont want to log into websites and apps with your facebook account, scroll down and turn Platform off. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Change your ad preferences You can view a list of everything Facebook thinks youre into and tinker with your ad preferences by going to Settings and Adverts. A lot more information is displayed on the desktop site than the app, so wed recommend doing this on a computer. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Download your data Facebook lets you download all of the data it has on you, including the posts youve shared, your messages and photos, ads youve clicked on and even the IP addresses that are logged when you log in or out of the site. Its a hell of a lot of information, which you should download to ensure you never over-share on the social network again. It is not normal for Mark Zuckerberg and [Facebook chief operating officer] Sheryl Sandberg to refuse to accept responsibility, and to publicly distance themselves from acts that they personally instigated. In fact it is abhorrent. A spokesman for the city attorneys office told the news outlet it had received the request. Facebook has been contacted for comment. Southwest Airlines has issued an apology after a boarding agent mocked the name of a five-year-old girl. Traci Redford told ABC7 that she was travelling with her daughter Abcde (pronounced Ab-city) at John Wayne Airport in California when the Southwest employee at the gate noticed her daughters unusual name. Redford and her daughter, who has epilepsy, were boarding the plane early when the agent started mocking my childs name, laughing, pointing at me and my daughter and talking to other employees. Recommended Airlines face crack down on use of algorithm that splits up families According to Redford, she immediately asked that the gate agent stop, saying: Hey, I can hear you, so if I can hear you, my daughter can, too. Id appreciate it if youd just stop. The incident escalated further, according to Redford, when she was made aware of a Facebook post by the same agent of Abcdes boarding pass, where the employee continued to mock the five-year-olds name. While I was sitting there, she took a picture of my boarding pass and chose to post in on social media, mocking my daughter, Redford said. It was actually brought to my attention by somebody who had seen it on Facebook and reported it to Southwest Airlines. The airline has since released a formal apology, stating: We extend our sincere apology to the family. We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online. The world's 10 worst airlines Show all 10 1 /10 The world's 10 worst airlines The world's 10 worst airlines 10. Jet AirHelp, has assessed more than 30 airlines using scores for quality of service, on-time performance and responses to claims for compensation. Here follows the lowest ranked airlines, starting with Jet Airways, 35% of whose flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 9. Aerolineas Argentinas 15% of Aerolineas Argentinas flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 8. Iberia 16% of Iberia flights were delayed in 2018 Getty Images The world's 10 worst airlines 7. Korean Air 36% of Korean Air flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 6. Ryanair 14% of Ryanair flights were delayed in 2018 EPA The world's 10 worst airlines 5. Air Mauritius 31% of Air Mauritius flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 4. easyJet 21% of easyJet flights were delayed in 2018 AFP/Getty Images The world's 10 worst airlines 3. Pakistan International Airlines 39% of Pakistan International Airlines were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 2. Royal Jordanian Airlines 13% of Royal Jordanian Airlines flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The world's 10 worst airlines 1. WOW Air 25% of WOW Air flights were delayed in 2018 Getty The post is not indicative of the care, respect, and civility we expect from all of our employees. The airline also said that while it does not disclose personnel actions publicly, it has reached out to the employee involved and was using this as an opportunity to reinforce our policies and emphasise our expectations for all employees. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events According to Redford, she's using the experience as a chance to teach her daughter that "not everyone is nice and not everyone is going to be nice and it's unfortunate." Donald Trumps former personal lawyer Michael Cohen has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress over a Trump property deal in Moscow. Cohen admitted making false statements as part of a plea deal his attorneys negotiated with special counsel Robert Muellers team who are investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion with Trump campaign officials. Cohens plea deal includes further cooperation with the probe and the guilty plea makes clear that prosecutors believe that Mr Trump, who insisted repeatedly throughout the campaign that he had no business dealings in Russia, was continuing to pursue the project weeks after he had clinched the Republican nomination for president. According to court testimony, the president had discussed a potential development in Moscow as recently as June 2016 the same month Mr Trumps oldest son, Donald Jr, met in Manhattan with a Kremlin-connected lawyer. Mr Cohen told Congress in behind-closed-door testimony last year that talks around that deal ended months before in January. I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1s [Donald Trump] political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1, Cohen said in court. His lawyer added: Mr Cohen has cooperated. Mr Cohen will continue to cooperate. Court documents show that Cohen intentionally misled officials with his false testimony, and that he had done so with political interests in mind. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Cohen made false statements to give the false impression that the Moscow Project ended before the Iowa caucus and ... the very first primary in hopes of limiting the ongoing Russia investigations, court documents filed in the US Southern District of New York said. The documents also indicated that Cohen considered meeting with top Russian officials including Russian president Vladimir Putin, and that Cohen held discussions with individuals within the Trump Organisation about the best timing for a potential trip to Russia for Mr Trump, with emails showing they agreed that a trip after the 2016 Republican convention would be ideal. The plea from the presidents former fixer is the latest sign that Cohen is cooperating with Mr Muellers probe and could be one of the most significant cooperating witnesses in the investigation. Cohen had pleaded guilty in August to eight criminal charges, including tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations, in a separate case brought by federal prosecutors in New York. His sentencing in that case is scheduled for 12 December. During that plea Cohen said he had paid hush money to two women who alleged had affairs with Mr Trump, at the direction of the candidate, implicating Mr Trump. The latest Cohen case was filed in New York a week after Trump and his lawyers provided Mr Mueller with responses to written questions. It was not immediately clear whether questions about the Russian Trump Tower real estate deal were among those answered by Mr Trump and his lawyers. But a prior list of queries that Mr Muellers team presented to Trump lawyers this year did include a question about it, and Muellers team is known to have asked about Trumps business dealings over the years. Cohen has said that he plans on focusing on family and country first as opposed to his previous allegiance and loyalty to Mr Trump. Mr Trump characterised Cohens plea deal as an attempt by his former lawyer to reduce his jail sentence. He said that Cohen was lying, and insisted that there would have been nothing wrong with him pursuing a business project in Russia during the campaign because he was running the Trump Organisation at the same time as he was running for president. I decided ultimately not to do it. There wouldve been nothing wrong if I did do it. If I did do it there wouldve been nothing wrong, Mr Trump said before heading on a trip to the G20 summit in Argentina. He continued to call Cohen a liar, and suggested that he is a weak person. Cohen has reportedly spent more than 70 hours speaking to investigators since that earlier plea in August, which implicated Mr Trump in potential campaign finance crimes. Those interviews have focused on a range of topics including contacts with Russian sources during the campaign, talk of potential presidential pardons, and the presidents business ties to Russia. Democrats jumped on the news of Cohens guilty plea on Thursday, with incoming House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff saying that the disclosure makes it seem as though the president lied to the American people about his business dealings. If Mr Cohen misled the Congress about the presidents business dealings in Russia deep into the campaign, it also means that the president misled the country about his business dealings, Mr Schiff told CNN. Later, Nancy Pelosi, the leading Democrat in the House of Representatives, said her party would try to force protections for Mr Mueller into a must-pass spending bill if the House is not allowed to vote on a free-standing bill protecting him from potential political interference. Republicans control the House and Senate until January, but they need some Democratic votes on the legislation to keep parts of the US government open beyond 7 December. The Congress must immediately pass legislation to preserve the Special Counsel investigation, Ms Pelosi said in a statement. If Speaker Ryan refuses to take up that bill, House Democrats will fight to include language to protect the investigation in the upcoming must-pass spending bill, she added. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Trump has repeatedly denied his campaign colluded or coordinated with Russians in 2016, and has called the special counsel investigation a witch hunt on several occasions. That attack on the Mueller investigation included a Thursday morning tweet storm in which he called the probe rigged, and suggested that a better use of time and resources would be to investigate his political rivals. Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, Mr Trump tweeted. A total disgrace! Mr Trump continued in that tweet storm to question whether the probe would ever end, and suggested that the investigation which has not concluded, and for which a report has not been completed had already proved that there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. Donald Trump has called Michael Cohen a liar, adding that his former lawyer and personal fixer is not a very smart person amid explosive reports he lied about a business project in Russia. Speaking with reporters before departing from the White House for the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, the president lambasted Cohen after it was reported he pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. He is a weak person... Michael Cohen is lying and hes trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me," the president said Thursday. Recommended Trump suggests he may pardon Paul Manafort amid explosive new reports His remarks arrived shortly after Cohen, flanked by his lawyers, made a surprise appearance in court and admitted to making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. Cohen told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Trumps political message. He and prosecutors referred to the president as individual one throughout Thursdays proceedings and said he lied to be loyal to Individual One. Attempting to disassociate from his longtime confidant, Mr Trump continued to assert Cohen "was convicted of other things unrelated to us, adding, By being weak unlike other people you watch ... hes lying about a project everybody knew about. Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. One of the prosecutors working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohens lawyer, Guy Petrillo, said he would give the court a letter outlining how his client has cooperated with Muellers investigation. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Thats why we put people under oath. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the presidents company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned for a variety of business reasons. Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The discussions about the potential development began after Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. Cohen had also disclosed that the president was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with him on two other occasions. Additional reporting by AP. The US senate has voted by a big bipartisan margin to move forward with legislation calling for an end to Americas involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The 63-37 majority sent a strong signal that politicians in congress want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in Jamal Khashoggis murder, and rebuke the Trump administration for its tepid response. Mike Pompeo, secretary of state, and secretary of defence James Mattis both visited the senate on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to urgently lobby against the resolution, which would call for an end to US military assistance for the conflict that human rights advocates say is wreaking havoc on Yemen and its civilians. The vote showed a significant number of Republicans were willing to break with Mr Trump to express their deep dissatisfaction with the US president, Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Salman, the countrys crown prince. Donald Trump, by refusing to blame Mr Bin Salman, has made it clear he does not want to torpedo Washingtons longstanding relationship with Riyadh over the journalists death. Senator Chris Murphy, who co-sponsored the bill, said on Twitter: "Ive been at this for 3 years, and I am blown away by this. By a big bipartisan margin, 63-37, the Senate just voted, for the first time, to move forward with a debate on ending American involvement in the Yemen war. Yemen: The decades-long struggle ahead to clear the country of landmines Mr Murphy thanked fellow senators Bernie Sanders and Mike Lee for also co-sponsoring the bill. US intelligence officials have concluded Mr Bin Salman must have at least known of the plot, but Mr Trump has equivocated over who is to blame. Khashoggi, who lived in the US, was murdered in Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul last month in what US officials described as an elaborate plot. The Washington Post writer was a prominent critic of the crown prince. Echoing Mr Trump's public comments on the killing, Mr Pompeo said after Wednesday's briefing with senators that there was "no direct reporting" connecting the crown prince to the murder, and Mr Mattis said there was "no smoking gun" making the connection. Mr Pompeo argued the war in Yemen would be "a hell of a lot worse" if the US were not involved. Wednesday's procedural vote sets up a debate on the resolution next week. It would be largely a symbolic move, however, as House Republican leaders have given no indication they would take up the war powers measure before the end of the year the end of the current congress. Several senators said they were angry about the absence of CIA director Gina Haspel from the pre-vote briefing. New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the senate foreign relations committee, speculated Ms Haspel did not attend because she "would have said with a high degree of confidence the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi". Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Show all 17 1 /17 Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Doctors take some blood of Yemeni Yousef Abdullah Bakhit Ali, 13, suffering from severe acute malnutrition. With ongoing and unending conflict in Yemen, humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate across the country Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor weighs Yemeni baby Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef, 9 months suffering from malnutrition Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal,12 years old and suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He arrives with his family at a Unicef supported treatment centre in a hospital in Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor measures the arm of Yemeni Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal, 12, who is suffering from malnutrition at a treatment centre in a hospital in Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen There are over 400,000 severely malnourished children in need urgent lifesaving assistance in Yemen Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal is weighed Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen A doctor measures the arm of baby Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to reach 275,000 malnourished children with critical life-saving supplies and care for over 5 million people with safe and clean water to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Yahya Hamoud Ali Al Huzef with his family in his house in the outskirts of the capital Sanaa Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen The country is on the brink of famine and children's chances of survival are becoming slimmer by the day Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal has his arm measured Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to provide nearly 1 million children with vaccines and healthcare Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are working with partners around-the clock to save children suffering from malnutrition and disease Unicef/Abdulhaleem Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef are currently working to provide 9 million people with emergency cash assistance to help families buy basic commodities so they can survive Unicef/Huwais Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Ali Mohammed Ahmed Jamal is suffering from malnutrition Unicef Children suffering from acute malnutrition in Yemen Unicef/Abdulhaleem Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who is often strongly allied with Mr Trump, voted to move forward with the resolution and said he would insist on a briefing from Mr Haspel. He even threatened to withhold his vote on key measures if that did not happen and declared: "I'm not going to blow past this." CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett said that no one kept Ms Haspel away from the briefing. He said the CIA had already briefed the senate intelligence committee and senate leaders and "will continue to provide updates on this important matter to policymakers and congress". In another explanation, a White House official said Ms Haspel decided not to participate in part because of frustration with lawmakers leaking classified intelligence from such settings. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The procedural vote received more Republican support than had been expected after the resolution fell six votes short of passage earlier this year. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Foreign relations committee chairman Bob Corker, a Republican senator from Tennessee, said in the past he had "laid in the railroad tracks to keep us from doing things that I believe are against our national interest as it relates to Saudi Arabia". But he said he believes the senate should "figure out some way for us to send the appropriate message to Saudi Arabia that appropriately displays American values and American national interests". He said the crown prince "owns this death. He owns it". Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican senator from Kentucky, voted against moving ahead with the resolution but said a day earlier that "some kind of response" was needed from the US for the Saudis' role in Khashoggi's death. On Tuesday, he said that "what obviously happened, as basically certified by the CIA, is completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world". Additional reporting by AP Donald Trump has appeared to confirm he wants Rod Rosenstein in prison after the president retweeted a meme of a number of his perceived enemies behind bars, including the deputy attorney general. Asked by the New York Post on Wednesday evening why he thought Mr Rosenstein belonged in jail, the president responded, He should have never picked a special counsel. He followed it up on Thursday morning with a fresh attack on Robert Muellers investigation into possible election collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign team. From left to right: Robert Mueller, John Podesta, Rod Rosenstein, Barack Obam, Hillary Clinton, Eric Holder, Huma Abedin, James Clapper, Bill Clinton, James Comey and Loretta Lynch (Twitter) Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats," he tweeted, without providing evidence. "A total disgrace! When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! Brian Klaas, an American political scientist at University College London, told The Independent Mr Trump's prison tweet was an escalation in his "dangerously authoritarian behaviour". Lawyer Alan Dershowitz: Mueller report to be 'devastating' for Donald Trump "Rod Rosenstein has been a bulwark of the rule of law against Trumps attempts to politicise it as a weapon to prosecute his opponents and protect his political allies," he said. "And now, simply for properly doing his job, the president is pushing the message that Rosenstein should be in jail. Its extremely dangerous for the foundations of American democracy to politicise rule of law like this." Recommended Trump retweets image of US deputy attorney general behind bars The tweet, posted by Trump-supporting account @The_Trump_Train, included shots of Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Mr Mueller, with the caption: "Now that Russia collusion is a proven lie, when do the trials for treason begin?" Rumours were rife before the midterms Mr Trump was set to sack Mr Rosenstein, who was charged with overseeing Mr Mueller's investigation after the then-attorney general Jeff Sessions recused himself. Mr Trump has publicly railed against Mr Rosenstein's refusal to end the probe in the past, but said last month he had a "great" meeting with the lawyer aboard Air Force One. The US missionary killed by tribespeople on a remote Indian island had been preparing for years ahead of the journey and may not have acted alone, it has emerged. John Allen Chau died on 17 November while attempting to spread Christianity to the protected island of North Sentinel in the India-administrated Andaman and Nicobar chain. Police have for now abandoned attempts to land on the island and either retrieve the 27-year-olds body or investigate his murder, saying they do not want to disturb the fragile lifestyle of the uncontacted Sentinelese tribe. In the aftermath of Mr Chaus death, authorities arrested five fishermen and two local contacts of Mr Chau on suspicion of helping him reach the island. All travel to North Sentinel, which has been sheltered from extensive contact with the outside world for decades, is illegal under Indian law. Now police say they are investigating the possibility that Mr Chau had a series of meetings with another two American citizens in the Andaman capital of Port Blair, right up to the day he was due to leave for the island. The Hindustan Times quoted two police officials as saying that a 53-year-old woman from Tennessee and a 25-year-old man from Colorado arrived in India, travelled to the Andaman islands and met with Mr Chau from 5 to 10 November in what he described in his journals as a safehouse. Police said the two Americans, who were not named in the report, left the islands on 10 November and Mr Chau was supposed to start his journey to North Sentinel the next day. He was ultimately delayed by a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, pushing back the trip until the 16 November. Authorities reportedly have details for the two Americans and are considering whether to contact them as part of the investigation into Mr Chaus death. Police chief Dependra Pathak told the Hindustan Times that two US nationals had indeed visited Mr Chau, saying: It looks like Chau wasnt alone. We are still probing the case. I wont comment on an ongoing investigation, he added. Separately, the boss of the missionary charity which sent Mr Chau to North Sentinel has defended the young mans actions, and said he decided to make the journey alone because he was always thinking of other peoples safety first. In an interview with Christianity Today, the All Nations groups international executive leader Mary Ho said: We encourage all our missionaries to go two by two at the very least, and there were several others who were willing to go with John Chau. At the very end, he personally decided to go alone. He knew that he was going into a risky situation. Ms Ho said Mr Chau first contacted All Nations two years ago, already intent on travelling to North Sentinel. He came to us because he wanted to be trained and sent out [to North Sentinel]. He knew we had experts in anthropology, in missiology, in linguistics. This young man was intent on fully equipping himself He was thorough and meticulous in his preparations. Efforts to recover Mr Chaus body from North Sentinel have been suspended amid calls from international rights groups, who say the tribespeople have no immunity to common diseases and could be decimated by contact with the outside world. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Asked about fears that the Sentinelese could have been harmed by Mr Chaus actions, Ms Ho claimed such concerns were not as relevant at a time right now when there is modern medicine, when there is antibiotics. Mr Chau had attempted to get 13 types of immunisation before travelling and, just before getting the boat to North Sentinel, quarantined himself for many days as a preventative step, she said. None of us really know the exact health condition of the North Sentinelese, Ms Ho said. We do not know what kind of health issues [they have]. And perhaps there is some modern medicine that would be helpful for them. In a statement on Monday urging the Indian authorities not to disturb the Sentinelese further in their attempts to investigate Mr Chaus death, the rights group Survival International said it was likely the result of previous disastrous contacts with the outside world that the tribespeople defend their island by force. The Sentinelese face being wiped out if any outside diseases are introduced, director Stephen Corry said. The risk of a deadly epidemic of flu, measles or other outside disease is very real, and increases with every such contact. Mr Chaus body should be left alone, as should the Sentinelese. A car bomb exploded outside a British security contractors compound in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, before a gun battle erupted outside the facility, leaving at least 10 dead and 19 wounded, officials in the country said. Blaming the attack on Taliban insurgents, Najib Danish, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said: A number of gunmen entered the G4S compound right after the car bomb." He added that the country's security forces had engaged them in a gun battle in a bid to secure the site, which they later swept in case others were hiding somewhere nearby. G4S, which has its global headquarters in London, confirmed one of its locations in Kabul had been involved in an incident. The Foreign Office said it was aware of the attack, and that Afghan security forces were responding. It was working with the authorities to establish further detail, it added. G4S, one of the worlds biggest security groups, is one of a number of foreign security contractors operating in Afghanistan and provides guards for the area around the British embassy. We can confirm that there has been an incident at one of our locations in Kabul. The situation is ongoing and we are coordinating with Afghan authorities to bring it to a conclusion, a statement from G4S said. Security forces block the roads at the site of a suicide bomb which was followed by an insurgent attack on forces in the area (AP/Rahmat Gul) Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Twitter. An official from the public health ministry said at least 10 bodies and 19 wounded had been taken to city hospitals but with clearance operations still going on late into the night, there was no definitive casualty figure. The G4S website says it is the largest secure outsourcing company in the UK and Ireland. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events More than 10,000 customers, including 59 FTSE 100 companies, depend on G4S to provide them with a safe and secure way to deliver their services, it adds. The attack came hours after provincial officials said at least 30 civilians were killed along with 16 Taliban fighters during an overnight battle between Afghan government forces and insurgents in southern Helmand province. Last week, more than 50 people were killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber attacked a banquet hall where a meeting of religious leaders was taking place. Additional reporting by agencies Vladimir Putin has said he is not going anywhere yet after being asked what Russia will look like after his presidential term expires in six years time. Addressing an audience at the Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow on Wednesday, the 66-year-old told the questioner: Why are you in such a hurry? Im not going anywhere yet. The former KGB chiefs comments may raise doubts over whether he intends to step down in 2024, after initially insisting he would, following his landslide election victory in March one dogged by voter fraud accusations. I have always strictly abided by and abide by the constitution of the Russian Federation, he told reporters earlier this year. In the constitution its clearly written that nobody can serve more than two terms in a row ... I intend to abide by this rule. Even if he was to step down in 2024, Mr Putin would not necessarily relinquish power. Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Show all 32 1 /32 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of opposition parties burn flares during a rally demanding to break an agreement with Russia on the use of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait, in front of the parliament building in Kiev Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Volunteers with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps light flares during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev after Russia seized two of their armored artillery vessels and a tug boat in the Black Sea AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists demand to break the diplomatic relations with Russia and nationalization of Russian property in Ukraine EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian activists burn flares during their rally in front of Russian Consulate in Kharkiv EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Seized Ukrainian ships, small armoured artillery ships and a tug boat, are seen anchored in a port of Kerch Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 The President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, announced, on 25 November, at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council that they will introduce martial law in Ukraine for a period of 60 days and appeal to the Parliament to consider the move Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Russia seized two small-sized 'Berdiansk' and 'Nikopol' armored artillery boats. The 'Yany Kapu' tugboat has forcibly been stopped Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Children from an orphanage volunteer to help the city defenders strengthen trenches on Ukraine's Army positions near the village of Rybatske 25 km from Mariupol AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Policemen guard at Russian consulate during a protest action in the Black Sea Ukrainian city of Odessa AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 With relations still raw after Russias annexation of Crimea and its backing for a pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine, the capture of three Ukrainian naval vessels risks pushing the two countries towards a wider conflict. Graphic explains how the naval incident unfolded on a map Graphic News Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of far-right parties burn flares in front of the parliament building in Kiev during a rally to support the Ukrainian navy Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A Ukraine army APC moves toward on position at an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists sign a banner with a slogan reading like 'Not retreat and not surrendering!' EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists glue Ukrainian flag on the fence of Russian consulate AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A volunteer with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A National Guard serviceman extinguishes a torch thrown by a protester during a rally against the seizure by Russian special forces of three of the Ukrainian navy ships Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A protester throws a smoke grenade during a rally in front of the embassy of Russia in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protestors set up paper ships on the tires during their rally near of Russian embassy building in Kiev EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A man extinguishes a burning car of the embassy of Russia Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Paper boats are seen placed during a protest Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA He stepped down as president in 2008 having served two successive terms, but returned in 2012 having served as prime minister in the interim. He could legally do the same again. According to RBC, Mr Putin told the business forum Russia now feels confident and self-sufficient and is ready to cooperate with other countries, including the US, to solve common problems. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events He also touted national infrastructure projects in the country. These are large-scale, very ambitious tasks. If we confidently follow the path of their solution, the country will change, change for the better, he said. Eighteen-year-old Andriy Eider, the youngest of the Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia on Sunday, had been serving for a little over three months when his father saw the news flash on television. Dmytro Eider says he felt fear but no regret about encouraging his son to join the navy. He always pushed his four children to find their own way in life. Yes, he had hoped Andriy, his eldest, would take over the family business, restoring historical weapons, but he realised it was a pointless ask. Like many boys in Odessa, Andriy dreamed of becoming a sailor. Everyone makes their choice. Some choose politics. Some choose the army. Some become bandits. You cant change peoples minds, Dmytro tells The Independent. When the offer of a military contract for his son came, Dmytro used his connections to secure a place for Andriy on the Berdyansk, a small gunboat said to have the best crew in town. On Wednesday, a Crimean court finished sentencing Andriy and 23 other members of the seized crews. All received identical sentences of two months pre-trial detention. For Roman Mokryak, the young commander in charge of the Berdyansk, it marked the completion of a bittersweet circle. For five years, Mokyrak had been based out of Crimea, serving as senior officer on the Zaporizhzhia submarine until the Russian annexation in 2014. Mokryak was one of just 29 of the submarines 101 crew to refuse to switch allegiance to Russia. The sailor was offered everything to make the switch, says his former senior officer Artem Kisilev: a promotion, extra money, a better flat. But the stubborn and ambitious Mokryak refused, and transferred to Odessa, the new base for Ukraines much-reduced Black Sea fleet. In the intervening years, his country seemed to offer him very little for his duty. Captain Mokryak was so broke he couldnt even afford a room in a hostel on land. You could say he was arrested and seized from his living room, says Kisilev. In fact, all of them were. The Berdyansk was the most damaged of the three Ukrainian ships that came under Russian fire. Pictures of a large missile-sized crater in the ships bridge seem to suggest serious and dangerous combat. Three members of its crew were injured in the skirmishes, with 18-year-old Eider among the most serious. He underwent an operation on Sunday. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko visits the 169th training centre Desna of the Ukrainian Army ground forces not far from Chernihiv, on Wednesday (EPA) The picture of what happened on Sunday remains incomplete. What we know is that the three-boat flotilla set sail from Odessa towards Mariupol, with the intention of traversing through the Kerch Strait. It was not a new route. Ukraine had already transferred several of its boats to ports in the Azov Sea before, most recently only a month ago. At Kerch, the flotillas progress was blocked by Russian border patrol vessels. As the flotilla attempted to cross into the Azov Sea, the smallest boat was rammed. Later, apparently as the flotilla attempted to return to Odessa, it was attacked in the sea and by air. We know little about what happened in the hours the Ukrainian crews waited for clearance from Russian authorities at Kerch. For example: Were there any provocative actions by the Ukrainian crews? When they appeared in court this week, the Ukrainian sailors insisted not. Another unanswered question is why, after forcing the Ukrainian flotilla to wait for several hours, Russian forces then decided to track back and attack the retreating Ukrainian boats? Both the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait are governed by a 2003 agreement allowing joint-use by both Ukraine and Russia. But its provisions date from a time before the Euromaidan revolution and Russias annexation of Crimea. The Kremlin seems to be making an argument that, having assumed Crimea, it considers the Kerch Strait to be exclusive Russian waters. Most maritime experts dispute this interpretation of the 2003 treaty. But Russia has two key arguments in its favour. First, a massive naval superiority in the area. Second, the fact the international community is highly unlikely to interfere in a dispute over shared Ukrainian/Russian waters. The crews that set off to Mariupol last week will have understood they would not have been welcomed with open arms in Kerch, admits Kisilev. Moreover, they would have imagined there might be trouble, even if not quite as bad as turned out; there would have been given scenarios and protocols to follow. A Ukrainian sailor, right, is escorted by a Russian intelligence agency FSB officer to a court room in Simferopol, Crimea, on Tuesday (AP) Another established moment is that Ukraine had not received permission to cross the Kerch Strait as it had done on previous trips. Kiev insists it didnt need to, and that under the 2003 treaty, only needed to inform of its intention to travel. Two active servicemen, who asked to remain anonymous, also told The Independent there had been unease among sailors who had taken the mission before. Another picture seems to be emerging: the Kiev government prioritising political rhetoric over the immediate wellbeing of the servicemen and their families. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has set up a hotline for the families, but several family members complained it didnt have anything new to say. Some have taken to social media to write desperate open messages to Russian journalists to try to find out more about the sailors wellbeing. I dont know if my son has been beaten or not, says Mikhaylo Melnychuk, father of Oleh Melnychuk, commander of the tugboat that was rammed by Russian border guards. You understand Russia can do anything it wants. We are helpless, and until there is political regulation, there isnt a lot anyone can do. Of course, he says, before pausing. Wed like the state to take a more active role in all of this. Oleh Melnychuk stood out in the Crimean courtroom for insisting on a Ukrainian translator an apparent act of defiance that has been gleefully reported in Ukrainian media. The Melnychuks lawyer, Edem Semedlyayev, said Kiev has made no effort to arrange lawyers for the captured servicemen. That was left to Ukrainian NGOs and the families. The call for help was taken up by a group of independent lawyers, he said, who are now working pro bono with 15 of the sailors families. We understand this is not entirely a fair legal game, but a political process played out at the top level Edem Semadlyayev, lawyer for one of the sailors The lawyers main focus was to ensure the men were being kept well, Semedlyayev says. We understand this is not entirely a fair legal game, but a political process played out at the top level. Not all the Ukrainian sailors have been allowed proper legal representation. Russia continues to deny access to lawyers acting for Vasyl Soroka, one of the two Ukrainian Security Service officers who was travelling in the flotilla. Sorokas father, Viktor, says he is very worried about the wellbeing of his son. He had been injured in the clashes, but there was little information about the conditions of his detention, or whether he had been tortured. Vasyl is a prisoner of war, captured in direct conflict, that is obvious, he says. Unfortunately, Russia is a country full of monkeys who couldnt give a damn about international rules. Donald Trump Ukraine imposing martial law: 'we do not like what's happening' The family of Andriy Eider say they understood it may be a long time before they see their son again. But in the meantime, they would not allow themselves any emotions, except immense pride for their son. Ive just recovered from a heart attack, so nerves are not the way to go, his father says. Lawyer Semedlyayev, a Crimean Tatar, said the crisis could prove to be a turning point for the region, and for Crimea in particular. Much now depends, on how the Ukrainian government handles itself diplomatically. Five years after the start of conflict, Ukraine should have developed mechanisms for applying pressure and saving their people, he says. In the meantime, the sailors would remain pawns in a political showdown between Russia and Ukraine. But the thing to remember is that sometimes pawns can decide the outcomes of the biggest games, he adds. Ukraine's president has urged Nato to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov amid a stand-off with Russia. "We hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," Petro Poroshenko said in an interview with German newspaper Bild. Mr Poroshenko's request comes after the Russian coastguard on Sunday fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels trying to pass through the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia's mainland and the Crimean peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine insisted its vessels in the Black Sea were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. While Nato condemned the Russian action, the allies will be unlikely to heed Mr Poroshenko's request, which could trigger a confrontation with Moscow. A Nato spokesperson said on Thursday it already has a strong presence in the Black Sea and that alliance ships routinely patrol and exercise in the region. Noting its vessels have spent 120 days there this year compared to 80 in 2017, Oana Lungescu said: "There is already a lot of Nato in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region." Ukraine Navy and FM reacts after Russia seizes Ukrainian ships Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Poroshenko's request is "clearly aimed at provoking further tensions" and driven by the Ukrainian leader's "electoral and domestic policy motives". A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that agreement from each of the two countries is required for warships from any other country to enter the internal sea. Mr Poroshenko has responded to the incident by ordering martial law in much of the country, a move that went into effect with parliamentary approval. Mr Putin accused his Ukrainian counterpart of provoking the naval incident in a bid to use martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a March election. On Wednesday, Ukraine's top diplomat, Andrij Melnyk, told Germany and other western states to "put Putin in his place" by extending sanctions against Moscow, banning energy imports and putting a planned gas pipeline between Russia and Europe on hold. Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Show all 32 1 /32 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of opposition parties burn flares during a rally demanding to break an agreement with Russia on the use of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait, in front of the parliament building in Kiev Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Volunteers with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps light flares during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev after Russia seized two of their armored artillery vessels and a tug boat in the Black Sea AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists demand to break the diplomatic relations with Russia and nationalization of Russian property in Ukraine EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian activists burn flares during their rally in front of Russian Consulate in Kharkiv EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Seized Ukrainian ships, small armoured artillery ships and a tug boat, are seen anchored in a port of Kerch Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 The President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, announced, on 25 November, at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council that they will introduce martial law in Ukraine for a period of 60 days and appeal to the Parliament to consider the move Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Russia seized two small-sized 'Berdiansk' and 'Nikopol' armored artillery boats. The 'Yany Kapu' tugboat has forcibly been stopped Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Children from an orphanage volunteer to help the city defenders strengthen trenches on Ukraine's Army positions near the village of Rybatske 25 km from Mariupol AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Policemen guard at Russian consulate during a protest action in the Black Sea Ukrainian city of Odessa AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 With relations still raw after Russias annexation of Crimea and its backing for a pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine, the capture of three Ukrainian naval vessels risks pushing the two countries towards a wider conflict. Graphic explains how the naval incident unfolded on a map Graphic News Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of far-right parties burn flares in front of the parliament building in Kiev during a rally to support the Ukrainian navy Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A Ukraine army APC moves toward on position at an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists sign a banner with a slogan reading like 'Not retreat and not surrendering!' EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists glue Ukrainian flag on the fence of Russian consulate AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A volunteer with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A National Guard serviceman extinguishes a torch thrown by a protester during a rally against the seizure by Russian special forces of three of the Ukrainian navy ships Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A protester throws a smoke grenade during a rally in front of the embassy of Russia in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protestors set up paper ships on the tires during their rally near of Russian embassy building in Kiev EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A man extinguishes a burning car of the embassy of Russia Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Paper boats are seen placed during a protest Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Germany must take a clear line ... and put Putin in his place, Mr Melnyk told German radio on Wednesday. Everything is at stake. The ambassador even raised the possibility of sending German marines to the region. In military terms, what can you do? Sending German marines to the coast of Crimea ... could help stop an escalation. If you are there, Russians have fewer possibilities to act so brutally, he said. German chancellor Angela Merkel said she planned to raise the issue with Mr Putin at this weekend's G20 summit in Argentina. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she told a Ukrainian business summit in Berlin on Thursday. Meanwhile, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he has discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions between Moscow and Kiev. The Turkish president made the comments hours after he held separate phone conversations with Mr Putin and Mr Poroshenko. "Can we assume a mediator role? We discussed this subject with both sides," he said. Ukraine has insisted its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia said they had failed to get permission to pass. Kiev has released what it said was the exact location where its ships were fired on by Russia, saying they were in international waters west of the Kerch Strait. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Russia, meanwhile, insisted the Ukrainian vessels were in its territorial waters and refused to communicate with the Russian coast guard or accept a Russian pilot to guide them through the narrow strait. "What were the border guards supposed to do?" Mr Putin said on Wednesday. "They fulfilled their duty to protect the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. If they had done something differently, they should have been put on trial for that." The showdown comes amid the long-simmering conflict between the two countries, in which Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and supported separatists in Ukraine's east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. The fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. Additional reporting by agencies Archaeologists have discovered eight limestone sarcophagi with mummies inside around 25 miles south of Cairo, Egypt. The Antiquities Ministry said the mummies date back to the Late Period (664-332 BC) and are covered with a layer of painted material, called cartonnage, in the form of a human. Only three of the mummies were in a good condition of preservation, Dr Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained. The pyramid complex where the mummies were found (AFP/Getty Images) Dr Waziri said photos of the discovery would be exhibited in museums which are due to open in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The ministry said the mummies were found in an area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid in the Dashur royal necropolis, which was the burial site for courtiers and high-ranking officials. An ancient mummy covered with a layer of painted cartonnage, which was found inside a sarcophagus in an area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid in the Dashur royal necropolis (AP) The area is home to what are believed to be some of the earliest pyramids, including Sneferu's Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Egypt hopes such discoveries will encourage tourism, which is partially driven by sightseeing which was hit hard by political turmoil following the 2011 uprising. Amnesty International said it is considering legal action against an Israeli cyber firm for allegedly spying on its staff, after Israeli media reported the same company had offered Saudi Arabia surveillance software for hacking mobile phones belonging to activists connected to murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The rights group said it lodged a request two weeks ago with the Israeli defence ministry to revoke the export licence of Israel-based NSO Group, in light of an attempted cyber-attack on an Amnesty staff member in June. When the request was rejected, the group said it decided to seek legal advice to challenge the ministrys decision. Amnestys statement came just days after an investigation by Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported NSO had peddled its powerful Pegasus 3 software to the Saudis, to offer them the capability of hacking the phones of dissidents. In a statement to Amnesty, NSO Group said its product is intended to be used exclusively for the investigation and prevention of crime and terrorism, and any other use violate its policies and contracts. NSO told Haaretz it had acted according to the law, and reiterated its products are used in the fight against crime and terror. Recommended Amnesty International reveals employee targeted with Israeli spyware In June, Amnesty said a staff member had received a suspicious WhatsApp message in Arabic, containing details about an alleged protest outside the Saudi embassy in Washington DC, followed by a link to a website. Amnestys technology team investigated and said clicking the link would have installed Pegasus, NSOs sophisticated surveillance software. Amnestys investigation also found Saudi rights activist Yahya Asiri apparently received a similar malicious message from the Saudis. The rights group claimed a further investigation revealed the link was part of an infrastructure of more than 600 malicious domains, some of which had previously been connected to NSO Group. Omar Abdulaziz, a Saudi activist living in exile in Canada, said he was also targeted, and spoke about the incident in an interview with The Independent in October. The mountain of evidence and reports on NSO Group and the sale of its spyware to human rights-violating regimes is substantial proof that NSO has gone rogue Molly Malekar, Amnestys Israels programmes director He said he was sent a link that appeared to lead to a message from a global courier service. When I clicked on it, they bugged my phone, he said at the time. Both Mr Abdulaziz and Mr Asiri were in contact with Saudi journalist Mr Khashoggi, who was killed by Saudi officials in the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul in October. Edward Snowden, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contract worker who fled to Russia after releasing thousands of documents from the US National Security Agency, claimed this month Mr Khashoggi was being tracked by NSO technology. Molly Malekar, Amnesty International Israels programmes director, said the reports about NSO had shown the company had gone rogue. Facebook Hack: 50 million people's acounts exposed by major mistake in social network's code, company admits The [Israeli] Ministry of Defence must answer for their failure to properly regulate NSO Group, as they are in charge of controlling Israeli defence exports, Ms Malekar said in a statement. The mountain of evidence and reports on NSO Group, and the sale of its spyware to human rights-violating regimes, is substantial proof that NSO has gone rogue. She added: By continuing to approve of NSO Group, the Ministry of Defence is practically admitting to knowingly cooperating with NSO Group, as their software is used to commit human rights abuses. According to Haaretz, the Saudi dissidents were targeted after a June 2017 meeting between the Saudis and the Israeli software company, in which officials from the kingdom expressed an interest in the groups technology. After subsequent meetings the newspaper said its investigations had found an agreement was drawn up to sell Pegasus 3 to the Saudis for $55m. It is unclear if the deal was ever closed. The Independent was unable to independently verify the claims. Haaretz reported that in June 2017, a meeting took place in a hotel room in Vienna between two Israeli businessmen representing NSO and Abdullah al-Malihi, a close associate of Prince Turki al-Faisal a former head of Saudi Arabias intelligence services as well as Nasser al-Qahtani, who presented himself as the deputy of the intelligence chief. Haaretz said the Israeli businessmen presented the advanced technology to the Saudis and even demonstrated its capabilities by hacking a phone Mr Qahtani purchased by simply having the mobile phone number. Pegasus 3 software, according to Haaretz is so advanced it does not require victims to click on a link before the phone is hacked. Instead, only the number of the phones SIM card is needed. As soon as the phone is breached, the speaker and camera can be used for recording conversations. Even encrypted apps like WhatsApp can be monitored, the newspaper says. Amnesty said on Wednesday, it feared the technology was being used to bait and spy on activists in numerous countries, including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Hungary, in addition to countries in the Gulf. The group said Pegasus was apparently used to target Emirati human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor, who has been in prison in the United Arab Emirates since March 2017. Amnesty International will not stand idly by as companies such as NSO Group profit from selling their invasive Pegasus software to repressive states around the world, said Danna Ingleton, deputy director of Amnesty International Tech. She added: NSO Groups software has been used to attack Amnesty staff and fellow human rights defenders globally. As the Israeli Ministry of Defence refused our request to revoke the export licence, it is clear that we now need to take additional legal steps to expose the truth, and seek accountability for the attack against us. A Delta passenger has said that a pilot used Grindr to hit on him during a flight. JP Thorn, 27, switched his phone on after landing and was surprised to receive a message from the pilot via the dating app. I see youre on my flight. Enjoy the ride to Chicago, the message read. It had been sent 30 minutes before landing, according to Thorn, who was flying from Saint Paul in Minnesota to Chicago. My reaction was I knew I needed to get off this plane as fast as I can, Thorn told the NY Post. Ive had some weird experiences with proximity stuff on Grindr. Thorn said that the app showed that the man was 90 feet away from him. As his profile picture was a picture of the sky taken from the cockpit, he deduced that the man was one of the crew. My deductive reasoning led me to believe that he was the pilot, Thorn said. I messaged him back and he told me that he was one of the pilots. He asked me about our flight, how it was on the way, and [the conversation] was really standard, he added. I said there was no turbulence, then he made a joke about turbulence. Thorn took a screenshot of the message and uploaded it to Twitter, where it has been liked almost 220,000 times. When asked by followers whether he met the pilot, Thorn replied that he ran off the flight immediately. In September, Tinder revealed that pilots were one of the most right-swiped professions on the app. The Independent has contacted Delta for a response. The worlds first underground hotel has opened in Shanghai, buried almost 90 metres deep in an old quarry. Built into the side wall of a decommissioned quarry, the 18-storey InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is almost entirely subterranean. In the Sheshan Mountain Range on the fringes of Shanghai, the luxury hotel has two floors above ground and 16 below ground, including two floors that are underwater. Key design features of the quarry hotel include a cascading glass waterfall and exposed rock. Inside, the 336 rooms and suites are designed to mimic the quarrys landscape, with eye-popping views of the surrounding quarry. There are also underwater suites featuring an in-room aquarium where guests can watch shoals of fish swim past. And if guests get bored of staying in such a bonkers environment, there are other extreme adventures available, including rock climbing, kayaking and walking across the glass-floor skywalk. There's also a nightly light show and, in a nod to the hotel's location, a Quarry Bar. Lin Wang, CMO of Greater China, IHG, called the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland an architectural masterpiece, adding, With its exceptional experiences and personalised services, the hotel is ready to welcome guests to a world of alluring luxury and natural wonder, inviting everyone to live and enjoy the InterContinental life. The property was built by British firm Atkins, also behind the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and skyscraper Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City. Bertil de Kleynen, sector director for architecture, planning, landscape and interiors at SNC-Lavalins Atkins in Asia Pacific, said: Every once in a while, architects create something truly extraordinary, truly unique, reminding the world what great architecture is all about. Atkins' architects mark this as one of those exhilarating moments and congratulate Shimao, IHG and everyone else that helped make the Atkins vision become reality. One of Britains leading holiday companies lost 163m in the year to September representing an average loss of 31 per minute. Thomas Cook had made a modest profit of 9m in the previous financial year. The firms chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, called it a disappointing year, attributing the loss to a larger-than-anticipated decline in gross margin following the prolonged period of hot weather in our key summer trading period. The share price was little changed when the markets opened. Thomas Cook had released its second profits warning in two months on Tuesday, and the poor results were already priced in. At the start of 2018, Thomas Cook was valued at over 2.5bn at the start of 2018; in the course of 11 months its market capitalisation has slumped by around 2bn to just 550m. Net debt at the holiday company increased by 349m to 389m, which was blamed on delayed bookings and higher non-cash items. No dividend will be paid to shareholders. Mr Fankhauser said: We delivered a strong first six months of the year, achieving improved financial results and going into the summer with a positive position. As a result, we were confident of filling all our committed hotel accommodation and flight capacity at good returns. But in late May the spell of long, hot weather began in northern Europe. Profit in our tour operating business fell 88 million as the sustained heatwave restricted our ability to achieve the planned margins in the last quarter, he said. Bookings for the current winter are 3 per cent down on last year, with no change to average selling prices largely reflecting knock-on effects from the hot summer weather and poor demand for the Canary Islands, says the firm. Thomas Cook reports strong demand for Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia as customers seek alternatives to high hotel prices in the Canaries. Yet it is selling holidays to the Canaries in the coming week for under 200, including flights and accommodation. The firm re-started holidays in Tunisia in February 2018, three years after the terrorist attack in which 30 British holidaymakers were killed in a massacre at the resort of Sousse. The chief executive said: Looking ahead, we must learn the lessons from 2018 and go into the new year focused on where we can make a difference to customers in our core holiday offering. We will put particular attention on addressing the performance in our UK tour operator where the challenges of transformation in a competitive environment remain significant. Commitments to aircraft seats and hotel beds will reduce, with a move to dynamically-packaged product typically flights with easyJet and accommodation sourced through bed banks. In a move which Thomas Cook shop staff may interpret as a threat to their jobs, the firm said: We want to increase the number of customers who book directly with Thomas Cook, with a focus on digital channels where our cost of sale is lower. Typically, I was out drinking beer and dancing at a gig the night meningitis started to take hold. Because no one expects their lives to be turned upside down on a Tuesday night, do they? That night changed my life and I spent the summer of 2018 as a wheelchair user and a campaigner for disabled passenger rights on British railways. When meningitis and sepsis struck in June 2018, everything I ever thought I knew about the world and how to travel around it changed. My usual commute to work on Fleet Street would take me from my picturesque village in Wivenhoe, Essex, to Stratford and a quick journey on the Central line: the only thing that bothered me would be if a train was delayed by a few minutes. Like the majority of the population, I had absolutely no idea of the struggle wheelchair users face on a daily basis. Just today, news emerged that more than 40 per cent of UK stations are not accessible to physically disabled people, according to research by disability charity Leonard Cheshire. My latest struggle involved Greater Anglia using a designated wheelchair space as a catering service, selling tea and coffee from the space and piling up boxes by my feet so I couldnt even get my wheelchair into a safe position. The photograph and videos went viral. Greater Anglia were sorry [I] felt upset not sorry it messed up, but sorry that I was apparently emotionally incapable and should be thankful for the company even allowing me on the train. Not sorry for the huge health and safety risk or the fact trolleys can apparently go somewhere else, but sorry I felt a certain way. Needless to say, its patronising response has turned into an example of what not to do when faced with a PR crisis. But once the radio interviews and newspaper articles died down, the real question remained: how do we make a stand against train companies who know we rely on them to facilitate the most mundane parts of our day-to-day life? Fancy popping off to the seaside for the afternoon? Or staying in the office an hour later to catch up on emails? If youre a wheelchair user and travel by train, these everyday decisions are impossible. Rail companies demand you book travel assistance up to 24 hours in advance, meaning any sort of spontaneity is taken away from you. Paralympian Lady Tanni Grey-Thomson has repeatedly called for rail companies to not only make their rules linear across providers, but also to abolish the outdated procedures that discriminate against disabled passengers. Once you have jumped through hoops to organise your transport, there is absolutely no guarantee youll be assisted and treated with dignity. As my local train station is only accessible on one platform something Id never really thought about when I was able-bodied Greater Anglia has to provide me with a wheelchair-assisted taxi to take me from the nearest station back to my local one. At times, the taxi just hasnt turned up or a regular car, suitable for those who are able-bodied, has turned up instead, which adds insult to injury quite literally. Have you ever considered what youd do if your assistance simply wasnt there at your end destination? Comedian Tanyalee Davis uses a mobility scooter and has, on at least one occasion, been left on the train after a member of staff failed to turn up with the necessary ramp. Hollie Brooks wants train companies to do more for disabled passengers (Hollie Brooks) And what difference does pre-booking make if theres zero communication between train companies and platform staff? Ive received hundreds of similar stories on Twitter, and the impact that the lack of travel assistance is having on the mental health of disabled users is huge. Ive been subject to several panic attacks on platforms; I refuse to travel on my own after being left stranded by staff who treated me like Im a huge inconvenience; and Im missing out on job opportunities because I dont trust Greater Anglia to provide their duty of care twice a day for a commute. What rail companies dont realise is their complicated procedures and sloppy staff members are causing disabled people to stay inside more, to isolate themselves and to be afraid of speaking out again because they know these complaints go absolutely nowhere. Because it doesnt matter if youve been in a wheelchair all your life or for the last three months like me. Even if youre completely able-bodied, the need for ease of travel is a human right and you never know what youve got until its gone. The journey starts now. It starts with making our voices heard; jumping through the hoops we have to in order to make formal complaints and demanding change. Not promises, not apologies. Change. Theresa May made another mistake at the summit in Brussels last week. She could have enhanced her status by arriving in the hall declaring: As theres sod-all chance of getting this agreement past my own parliament, its a waste of time us being here. So I bought a van-load of tequila and we have to sink the lot. You start, Macron. Then she could have come out of the press conference clinging to the prime minister of Spain, both shouting: I never liked Gibraltar anyway, have it, go on, have it, while Michel Barnier sat on a stool crying, consoled by the president of Lithuania telling him, dont take any notice of Jean-Claude Juncker, youre really pretty. Mark Carney: 'Our job is to have a system ready. Parliament will decide' Because the smart way to deal with Brexit, is join in with the irrationality. Whenever someone tries to make sense of it, thats when they get in a tangle. So the head of the Bank of England spends weeks producing a series of reports on the possible economic outcomes, which must have been exhausting. But all that work was immediately dismissed by Jacob Rees-Mogg, who called the man who produced the report a second-tier politician who failed in Canada, not greatly respected. This is much more fun, and takes a fraction of the effort. And he has a point, because the head of the Bank of England doesnt have anywhere near the respect of supporters of a no-deal Brexit, like internationally renowned Boris Johnson, revered philosopher Nigel Farage and the lovable and quirky economics expert Tommy Robinson, whose paper on EU finance, How much we coughing up? Youre having a laugh you oily foreign twat, remains a classic after all these years. Rees-Mogg himself has written a highly respected pamphlet, in which he states: Should circumstances genuflect in such fashion as to cause temporary financial difficulty, the country would simply be required to behave as ever in times of monetary hardship we should have to inherit something; a turret perhaps, or a lawn. Failing that, we could sell an antique chaise longue, or sack a nanny. All the most reliable predictions have come from supporters of the Leave campaign. For example, Liam Fox told us in advance the Brexit negotiations would be the easiest deal in history, and he must feel smug at how accurate he was. While David Davis said, within minutes of a vote for Brexit, CEOs would be knocking down Chancellor Merkels door, demanding access to the British market, because then apparently, the EU would back down, desperate for us to buy their cars and wine. 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" Its no wonder Davis is so keen on writing off the Bank of Englands silly predictions, when his one turned out exactly as he said. Any day soon the EU will back down, because the Italians are whispering to the Germans, well have to do as they ask with this backstop thing, weve got 20 bottles of Prosecco in the office and we cant get rid of it. Brexit supporters should have made this argument more strongly, adding: theres no way the EU will ask us to pay extra duties after weve left, as theres a bloke in Sweden trying to sell his old fridge. And we wont buy it if Europe mucks us about. It is possible the Bank of Englands figures are wrong, which must be why Brexit enthusiasts havent made the mistake of producing their own documents, or research, or numbers. Instead they make the more persuasive argument dont take notice of him, hes discredited in Canada. This will soon become the way to succeed as an academic. To get top marks for a history degree, youll have to research first-hand accounts of the American War of Independence, then write but they dont know nothing, trying to be fancy with their quotes and graphs. The British won, and anyone who disagrees is talking Britain down, the traitors. Anyway, George Washingtons hated in Canada. Sports pundits will change in the same way. Gary Lineker will say he thinks Barcelona will win, because of their pace and ability and formation, and Davis will say dont take notice of that, its all very well having knowledge, but I know Bristol City will take them apart, because of this and that, and theyre nearer the sea, and no one has a good word to say about you in Toronto. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The one argument put forward to suggest there will be a financial gain from leaving the EU, is that deregulation of the banks will boost the economy by 0.1 per cent. This makes you wonder why no one has thought of it before. If only we scrapped all the rules on banking, so bankers could make themselves as rich as possible, maybe making it amazingly easy to get a mortgage even if you had no chance of paying it back. We could make everything work perfectly. Even if this has been done somewhere before, and someone revealed that it ended quite badly, with banks collapsing, theres no need to take any notice of the evidence, because theres nothing as misleading as facts. Maybe the most helpful part of all these reports and predictions is where its stated the reduction in immigration that will follow Brexit will make the country worse off. Thats to say, worse, as in: not as good. This whole argument about immigration, in which politicians on both sides of the EU debate screamed we had to reduce it to make us better off, was upside-down. So its touching to be able to find something on which many Remain politicians and Brexiteers alike can agree. In ignoring all the facts and screaming nonsense together, theyve created a rare and charming moment of unity for us all. Conservative backbencher Nick Boles call for a Norway-style agreement as a plan B if the prime ministers Brexit deal fails to pass parliament is not a good outcome for UK fisheries. In his article in the Financial Times, Boles claims that a Norway-style agreement would mean that the UK would be in the single market but outside of the common agricultural and fisheries policies able to operate an independent coastal state. While I admire Boles for trying to salvage our single market membership, the claim that we would be independent of EU fisheries policies is very misleading. Norway, while not in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), has a separate bilateral fishing agreement with the EU. The main condition of that agreement is that Norway has to allow EU trawlers to fish in Norwegian waters, in order to avoid paying tariffs on the majority of its fish exports to the EU. Conservative backbencher Martin Vickers demands PM make it certain UK can control fishing rules after Brexit Norway has negotiated duty-free trade on most its whitefish products, yet on fresh salmon it pays a 2 per cent tariff and 13 per cent on smoked salmon. There are also other tariffs Norway pays on shrimps, mackerel, herring and great scallops. Its no great surprise that the UK is currently the largest exporter of mackerel to the EU, hence its insistence in CFP negotiations that Norway pays a hefty price to export this fish into the EUs market. While the CFP is not perfect, it is the best way to get European countries to sit around the table and jointly manage fish stocks (which by their very nature do not follow national frontiers). Let us not forget that in the 1970s, the UK was involved in three so-called Cod Wars with Iceland over fishing rights off the Icelandic coast. The result of this conflict, which required the mediation of Nato, was the UK signing an agreement, which set a 200-mile no-fishing zone around the coast of Iceland giving limited fishing rights to 24 UK trawlers. The Cod Wars with Iceland are a relic of a bygone era when the UK unsuccessfully pursued an independent fisheries policy that resulted in military conflict. The EU will want to avoid at any cost going back to this era, which would have serious implications for the continuity of the CFP and drive divisions between its members. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Being in the European Free Trade Association (Efta) with Norway might gain us limited leverage in negotiating down some tariffs on UK fish exports to the EU. But the idea that the UK will be able have full control of its fishing waters is an illusion. We currently export up to 75 per cent of our fish to the EU. If we want that market access to continue, we will have to accept a certain degree of alignment to the EUs common fisheries policy. Nick Boles, a Lincolnshire MP, knows this all too well. It was just last year that the fishing town of Grimsby sought an exemption from paying tariffs to the EU for exporting its fish after Brexit. However, for some unknown reason, too many MPs still do not understand that market access to the EU requires cooperation over fish stocks. I am not making this up from the conversations I have had in European parliament and reading French president Macrons comments from last weekend, it is very clear that there is a big fight ahead over fishing rights. The Norway deal only demonstrates the lunacy of Brexit. Leaving the common fisheries policy means losing our influence over how 27 EU countries manage their fish stocks. We lose our MEPs on the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries and we lose our ministers in the EU Council. Its clear that there is no good Brexit deal the sensible, democratic option now is to put this deal back to the voters with a Final Say which includes the option to remain. Catherine Bearder is a Liberal Democrat politician and MEP for South East England In life its wise to be wary of those who tell you theyre free-thinkers; like fame, free-thinking is something better displayed than proclaimed. To the casual observer, Jordan Peterson bears all the hallmarks an intellectual powerhouse: bestselling books, a professorship in clinical psychology at the University of Toronto and, in a currency thats increasingly relevant, more than a million YouTube subscribers. A closer look, however, reveals that hes been providing pseudo-science bullets for the alt-rights online infantry for some time (including such gems as how serotonin levels in lobsters might justify the gender pay gap). Footage emerged this week, from a podcast recorded last year, of the professor discussing the conditions that led to the Holocaust. There was the normal equating of fascist and Antifa, on account of the latters "proclivity to violence" (as if violence were a moral constant); there was discussion of Hitlers bravery during the First World War, as well as the revelation that "[he] was very sensitive to disgust". According to Peterson (and Ive no reason to doubt him), Hitler used Zyklon, an easy version of the gas used in the gas chambers at Auschwitz, to clean rats from German factories and this, along with the economic instability in post-Versailles Germany, to Petersons mind, is evidence that the Holocaust was a logical progression. That the Holocaust followed a series of logical progressions is, in a sense, true: if one were to reverse-engineer the Final Solution, each step would appear to follow rationally from the one before. But this as if it even needs saying is not proof that the Holocaust was logical (and so unavoidable, an objective response to some natural phenomenon, an earthquake or a weather front for example) but that it was the endpoint of a deliberate process that had started many years before; a process that was constantly testing its contributors by moving the conversation further and further towards what would once have been unthinkable. Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Show all 30 1 /30 Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the caravan of Central American migrants climb the border wall in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents seen through the concertina wire where the border meets the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Darwin, a 12 year old migrant boy from Honduras, looks out from under a tarp while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants line up for a meal at a shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Angel, a 13-year-old migrant from Honduras looks towards the United States past the border fence in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the LGBTQ community -who split from a caravan of Central American migrants heading to the US- arrive at the Diversidad Migrante (Migrant Diversity) NGO headquarters, which they will use as shelter, in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US military personell install barbed wire fences to stop the passage of Central American migrants EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Young Honduran migrant Daniel Gamez waits with his family in a line for a meal after arriving with the Central America migrant caravan in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Two women, one carrying a child, walk north after crossing illegally into the United States as a Border Patrol agent moves in to detain them AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A child looks out the window of a bus upon its arrival at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants from Honduras dry their clothes in the sand after washing off in the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants at a temporary shelter near the US-Mexico border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US police agents stand guard near the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who claimed not to be part of the Central American migrant caravan walks on the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Eldin, a migrant man from Honduras, awakes next to his seven year old son Jose while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants line up for food at a shelter AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man installs concertina wire on top of the border structure on the US side AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants sit on an overlook in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who is part of a caravan traveling en route to the United States, shouts as he waits to receive food in a shelter in Tijuana REUTERS Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man tries to get over a border structure topped with concertina wire AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border People who are part of the Central American migrants caravan arrive at a shelter EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants shower outside a temporary migrant shelter next to the Us-Mexico border fence Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents, left, speak with two Central American migrants as they sit atop the border structure AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A Central American migrant looks on through the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant stands next to the border fence REUTERS A process that began with words and ended with bodies. Footage also emerged this week from the US-Mexico border of US border agents firing tear gas at beleaguered asylum seekers. This too was not the first stage in a process. In response to images of toddlers in nappies fleeing smoking canisters, newly-elected Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted of her shame: "Asking to be considered a refugee isnt a crime It wasnt for Jewish families fleeing Germany And it isnt for those fleeing violence in Central America." The tweet was quickly picked up on by Senator Lindsey Graham who suggested Ocasio-Cortez visit the Holocaust museum in Washington to "better understand the differences". Recommended Modern Holocaust denial is real and visible There are many instances in which Holocaust comparisons are inappropriate, but using the Holocaust to minimise the moral repugnance of a governments policy is an act far more offensive to the memory of its victims. What Grahams comments display is a mirror image of Petersons: while one seeks to contemporise the past as a way of making its horrors seem logical and therefore justified, the other cultivates a historical blind spot which places us outside of history, and so frees us to ignore its lessons and repeat its mistakes. Both are apologia that work at once retrospectively and pre-emptively. Peterson appears to excuse the Nazis by drawing comparisons to our own current economic concerns, while Graham excuses Trump (and his own complicity) by treating each of his choices as the response to an objective condition, and not the response to a previous choice in a campaign of his own making (one of dehumanisation) that makes firing tear gas at toddlers appear to be a logical step. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But, of course, what both fail or, more likely, refuse to do is examine the premise on which such logical steps are taken. For Peterson, Hitlers "othering" of the Jews and the other people he "went after" was more than a useful political tool; it was a response to some visceral, microbial disgust that operates beneath the level of reasoned thought and so, ironically, can also be forgiven. Once you accept this premise, that a group of people can be considered less than, what happens next is inevitable. Just hours after Grahams tweet, the Auschwitz Museum weighed in: "When we look at Auschwitz we see the end of the process." But the next day, The Onion, a satirical site that is fast becoming our times paper of record, had the final word. The headline says it all: "Holocaust Survivors Recall Exact Day Holocaust Started Right Out Of The Blue." I love the NHS but the people who run it are proving themselves to be, from where Im sitting, as nasty, sick and cynical as the wretched politicians who run this country. Does that sound like Im laying it on a bit thick? You wouldnt think that if, like me, you lived with diabetes and woke this morning to the horrible sick fear that key parts of the medication that kept you alive were being deemed low priority and were set to be taken off prescription. This morning, it was announced by NHS England that it would stop prescribing gluten-free pizzas, cakes and biscuits (as described in their own press release). GPs, they said, will now also be barred from prescribing silk garments and bath oils, homeopathy and products that are available over the counter, often at lower cost, to treat 35 minor conditions, such as paracetamol and cough mixture. Well, thank goodness for that, you might think. GPs arent there to prescribe high quality clothing and tasty snacks after all! Surely this message could only be met with positivity! But then you read the fine print. Because down there next to silk jim-jams and tasty snacks are what theyve now decided are low priority medications getting struck off too, such as blood glucose testing strips and needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens. Now I have type 1 diabetes, which is a life-threatening autoimmune disorder for which there is no cure. Since I was two years old, I have required insulin injections several times a day to metabolise carbohydrate because my body no longer produces the stuff. Regular use of those testing strips to monitor my blood sugar levels reduces the chance of my contracting some pretty nasty complications. They include blindness, amputations, kidney disease and more besides (which are all fairly expensive to treat). So you can, perhaps, understand my alarm when I read the news stories, and then referred back to the press release that generated them. NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Show all 18 1 /18 NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, addresses demonstrators following the march AFP/Getty NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Reuters NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images From where Im sitting, blood glucose testing strips are not low priority medication. The suggestion that they are is frankly offensive. And Diabetes UK has already reported disturbing evidence of their use being limited. That said, the full consultation document from which the press release was sourced makes it clear that its only type 2 diabetics who will have their access to glucose testing strips limited. The 3 million or so people with that condition arent set to have their supply cut off, but it will in future be restricted to the cheap options. Im not sure that makes me feel any better. I have friends with type 2 who also use strips with the aim of ensuring good control, and limiting the risk of complications. And the message that I take from this is that if they can do it to type 2s, they can sure as hell do it to the minority of us with type 1. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events I dont use an insulin pen. Having had some very bad experiences with them in their early days, I prefer traditional syringes. But the restrictions proposed for those that do raise the question: is cost-effective simply code for cheap and ultimately not very good for the long term health of the person with the condition. Nikki Joule, policy manager at Diabetes UK, had this to say: Its important that the cheaper alternatives needles, test strips and meters are effective and meet the needs of those who use them. We are concerned that cheaper test strips and meters may not give some people living with type 2 diabetes all of the information they really need to track long term trends in their blood glucose levels or to meet legal requirements, such as for driving. Hear, hear. Diabetes of any type can leave one feeling profoundly vulnerable and disempowered. Its tough enough dealing with the condition, let alone having to put up with someone playing Russian roulette with the long term impacts it can have on your health. Recently Ive been left asking what the hell has happened to the basically decent country I thought I lived in more times than I can count. And sadly, this shabby affair has raised that question once again. Opinions can differ about how successful an independent Ukraine has been in establishing democracy, curbing corruption or developing a modern economy. My view is that it has succeeded more than many of its critics allow. But in one respect, its achievement is stellar. In the crucial matter of getting its story out, Ukraines achievement may be second to none. So it is, that pretty much the whole western world believes that what happened last weekend was a Russian lunge for exclusive control of the Sea of Azov a vital outlet to the Black Sea that it shares with Ukraine. What it is now fashionable to call a narrative runs like this: plucky little Ukraine was just exercising its right to move two gunships and a tugboat from Odessa to its port of Mariupol on the Azov Sea, when big bad Russia obstructed their legitimate passage, rammed the tug, detained the ships, and captured 24 Ukrainian sailors all with no justification whatsoever. Russia releases footage of crew members from seized Ukrainian vessel Now the Ukrainian president has appealed to the Nato alliance via an interview with the popular German Bild newspaper to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to assist Ukraine and provide security. He had earlier imposed a month-long state of martial law on all Ukraines border regions, which has now been endorsed by the countrys parliament. Thus the Kerch Straits, having seen the first direct clash between the militaries of Ukraine and Russia since the two parted ways in 1991, could now provide the backdrop for a confrontation that would be even more alarming: a direct clash between Nato and Russia, and lets not beat about the bush a new Crimean War. Before anyone rushes to potentially fateful action, however, it needs to be underlined that Ukraines narrative, persuasive though it might seem, is not unchallenged. Slow and clumsy, as so often in presenting its case, Russia has a different version, and this is that the Ukrainian ships flouted agreed regulations by not giving notice of their arrival and the clash was deliberately staged to bolster President Petro Poroshenkos flagging support as he starts his campaign for re-election. Ukraine, it should also be said, denies this, and says its ships tried to give notice but could not raise any response. On the other hand, if you recall the saga of the non-murdered Russian journalist in Kiev, Ukraine has some rather bold form in the anti-Russia fake news department. In fact, it is not impossible both versions are true, and the whole incident stemmed from miscommunication, only to be milked by each side for its own advantage. But again, as so often even a minor military clash tends not to stem from a one-off neglect of the small print, but from a bigger picture, and here context is all. The Straits of Kerch, which divide the Azov Sea from the Black Sea, have been a source of tension ever since Ukraine and Russia separated, and there was almost a war in 2002-3. Then, though, both sides stepped back and agreed rules for joint navigation rules that, miraculously, pretty much held until last weekend. If the friction long predates Russias annexation of Crimea, however, and the two sides had continued to observe the joint navigation agreement until now, two after-effects of that annexation have certainly fed into the recent clash. One is Russias new bridge, which provides a road link from the Russian mainland to Crimea for the first time. The other is the increased Nato presence in the Black Sea region, under the guise of providing support to Ukraine. The completion of the bridge in May makes it far easier than before for Russia to block the Kerch Straits indeed, the use of a Russian freighter to block the narrow navigation channel during the latest incident suggested the bridge might have been designed with exactly that in mind. And this will only augment fears in Ukraine that Russias goal is to make the Sea of Azov an exclusively Russian body of water. The other side of the argument is the growing western naval presence in the region with Nato ships patrolling as close as they can legally get to Russias only warm water ports and the de facto incorporation of Ukraine into the Nato defence system, if not formally into the alliance. In official parlance, Ukraine is a Nato partner not protected by the famous Article 5, but integrated in almost every other way. This arrangement reflects an uneasy compromise reached at the 2008 Nato summit, when most of the European allies opposed a US plan to admit Georgia and Ukraine. The official answer then was no, while keeping the perspective alive. Ten years on, largely out of sight of western electorates, Ukraines armed forces are being restructured, retrained and re-equipped, to be Nato forces in almost all but name. There have been joint military exercises, including in western Ukraine in the autumn. The US is helping Ukraine build a new maritime operations centre at Ochakiv, to the east of Odessa not far from Russias base at Sevastopol. Ukraine has also upgraded the port of Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, officially to cater for bigger grain exports, but improved port facilities rarely serve only commercial purposes. There is also a significant Nato advisory presence in the upper echelons of the Ukrainian top brass and defence ministry. Russias public silence about what it could reasonably regard as Natos expanding influence into its back yard might be surprising, unless you believe as I do that Moscow recognises it has essentially lost Ukraine and Georgia. What Russia is unlikely to accept, however, is any direct threat to what it would see as its national security. And if existing arrangements for shared navigation in the Sea of Azov break down, Ukraines fears of losing this outlet to the Black Sea could prove well-founded. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The risk is that, as with Georgia in 2008, Ukraine might overreach, in the expectation of combat support against Russia. Or that Russia might overreact to what has so far been a single clash in an already tense stretch of water. Fortunately, it would seem caution is prevailing. Presidents Putin and Trump are keeping their distance. The EU failed to agree new sanctions and Nato has been noncommittal about Poroshenkos request for new maritime patrols and thank goodness: the last thing needed is for Nato to add its ships to the congestion around the Straits of Kerch. But there is one area where outside engagement is sorely needed and that is the revival of the stalled search for a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine tangle. As winter draws on, there is still fighting in Ukraines east, and last weekends confrontation at sea risks opening a new front. There is more military hardware in the Black Sea region than there has been for a long time. Syria, Brexit and Trumps trade war have diverted attention from the threat of conflagration on the edge of Europe, and Ukraines election season will complicate any new initiatives. But it is high time beyond time for international attention to refocus on Russia and Ukraine. If that happens, the clash at the entrance to the Sea of Azov will have done everyone a favour. Middle East dictators, we like to believe, live in heaven. They have palaces, servants, vast and wealthy families, millions of obedient people and loyal armies who constantly express their love for their leader, not to mention huge secret police forces to ensure they dont forget this, and masses of weapons to defend themselves, supplied, usually, by us. These tyrants autocrats or strongmen if they happen to be our allies exist, we suppose, in a kind of nirvana. Their lawns, like their people, are well-manicured, their roses clipped, their rivers unsullied, their patriotism unchallenged. They wish to be eternal. But this is our Hollywood version of the Middle East. Having not suffered our own dictators for a generation, we suffer from mirages the moment we step into the sand. Real dictators in the Middle East dont behave or think like this. It is power and the risks of power and the love of ownership that obsesses them. The possession of untold wealth or an entire nation, and their own form of patriotism and the challenges they have to face to sustain this way of life: that is the attraction. Their countries -- and their countries histories are their personal property, to dispose of as they wish. They may lock up their opponents by the tens of thousands or drop barrel bombs upon them or chop up an unruly journalist. But they know and it is true that there must be residual support for the beloved dictator from all those millions who swear that they will sacrifice themselves our blood, our soul rather than allow harm to come to them. How else would the majority of Egyptians go on supporting their field marshal-president when he has abandoned all forms of freedom? How else could the Syrian government survive if its army had not fought on for its country and saved the regime after tens of thousands of deaths? Attribute this to patriarchy, tribalism, minority fears or in the case of Egypt infantilism. Or straightforward love of country. But dictators cannot survive without some measure of genuine fealty from their populations. This provides the thrill of power, the excitement of domination or responsibility, as they would call it. It is about personal gratification. The people are not just loyal. The dictator is their father. Did not Mubarak, in his very last speech as president in 2011, address Egyptians as My children! My children!? Hillary Clinton says Trump is part of the coverup in Khashoggi killing during speaking tour Within his personal mental asylum, the American president managed to blurt out this essential truth earlier this month when he mixed up the real and incinerated Californian town of Paradise with a mythical place of his own imagination called Pleasure. Twice he said it an easy and obvious mistake for a man who is himself captivated by power and assumed popularity. Trump, like his dangerous Middle Eastern allies, doesnt want to live in heaven. He craves the pleasures of leadership. He enjoys risk. He believes not in history or morality. He believes in himself. That is why a lot of Arab despots rather like Trump. They have much in common. Except for understanding. And heres the problem. Arab dictators, delusional though they may be, have got us taped. They see through our lies and our arms sales and our lust for oil and our fraudulent desire that Jeffersonian democracy embrace the Muslim world. But we simply do not comprehend the Middle East. We do not spot even the most obvious clues to the behaviour of these Arab gauleiters. We roar with laughter at their sword dances and fake elections and talk of equality and liberalism, when we should be terrified. Let me give you a particularly grizzly example of this. Take what appeared to us to be the weird behaviour of the Saudi consul in Istanbul in the days following the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi. We all watched the extraordinary footage of Mohammad al-Otaibi as he took Reuters on a tour of his six-storey building. During this apparently bizarre performance, the consul opened up cupboards, filing cabinets and panels covering air-conditioning units to show Jamal was not there. But how on earth, we asked ourselves, could they have conceivably hidden the journalist in a cupboard, as the consul seemed to suggest? What a nincompoop the poor chap must be! What a charade. But I dont think it was a charade at all. Otaibi did not take part in Jamals murder. But he may well have known the Saudi goons had dismembered the journalist. And in his truly unconscious way confronting a real crime Otaibi performed a very natural act to prove his own innocence: he showed us that not a single chopped-up limb, not a leg, foot, arm, stomach or bone fragment or piece of skull, was left inside the embassy. We still unaware of Jamals terrible dissected fate thought: well, you couldnt store an entire body in a filing cabinet. Whats this guy Otaibi playing at? But, of course, you could hide a severed hand or a skull in a cabinet. And the consul showed us truthfully -- that no bits of Jamal were still lying around the diplomatic premises. We thought Otaibis antics with the cupboards and the air-conditioning panel were funny rather than suspicious. Apparently, we still do. In fact these antics were very serious indeed. I point out this salient fact because we allowed our natural racism towards the Arabs to overcome any serious line of enquiry. By wrongly assuming that the consular official was a fool, we missed the significance of his actions which is exactly what we do when we frame our foreign policy in the Middle East. The Arabs comprehend our world rather well. They are not stupid. They watch CNN and Fox with the same irreverence, ironically, as a western liberal or leftist, and they know that the simplest Hollywood themes will appeal to the Americans: fear of Islamist terror, political stability and low oil prices, and fortunes in cash that may be bestowed upon western nations in return for political support and military power. It is we who do not understand them but we who choose to paint the backcloth to their politics. They may lock up and torture the innocent but they are also moderates fighting Islamist extremism this of the Saudis, who gave us 15 of the 19 killers involved in 9/11, for heavens sake. Thank goodness weve got these vicious men on our side. Needless to say, if we back the wrong side in the Arab world and call for the overthrow of the local strongman, then the Russians can step in to support the erring dictator -- whom they will also dub a moderate fighting Islamist extremism, who will also be preserving the world from terror. Vladimir Putin is a ruthless and cynical enough man to know just how far to take this performance. But we are not. Our political leaders climb into the old Bush rhetoric bath about the expansionist evils of Iran without once, ever, mentioning Shiism, which is what the Sunni Arab world is trying to destroy. US defence secretary Michael Pompeo and can we please, just once, drop the Mike bit? has accused Iran of being the worlds largest state sponsor of terror and a mafia. Trump tweets of Irans demented words of violence and death. Yet who was it who first demanded that America should cut off the head of the [Iranian] snake as long ago as 2008? According to leaked US diplomatic memos, it was King Abdullah the brother of the present King Salman, father of Americas dodgiest best friend, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. And along with Benjamin Netanyahus repeated and demented comparison of Iran with Nazi Germany a follow-up to the crown princes description of Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei as the new Hitler of the Middle East our regional war map has been pretty well sketched out. Who is responsible for the Syrian civil war? Iran. Who is responsible for the Yemen war? Iran. Who is responsible for sectarianism in the Middle East? Iran. Who threatens Israel? Iran. Only three and a half years ago, the Saudis launched their bombing campaign and military adventure against the Houthis Iranian-backed, as we like to say in Yemen. This was the creation of Mohammad bin Salman, who was then Saudi defence minister. It had two codenames: Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restoring Hope. It proved neither decisive not did it give hope to anyone. It merely killed tens of thousands lets not get involved in the wretched statistics scorecard yet once more yet the western powers which gave its military and logistics support to the Saudis in this awful conflict shrugged their shoulders. Iran was to blame. Even when Mohammad bin Salman jailed many of his fellow princes and business colleagues in a luxury Riyadh hotel and kidnapped the Lebanese prime minister, we smiled. Good chap, our MbS. Opening up the Saudi oil market, letting women drive. Our kind of guy. Well leave out for now Tom Friedmans grovelling articles in The New York Times. Then came the demise of Jamal Khashoggi of whom more has been written than of all the dead of Yemen but even then, were still behind the Saudis in their Sunni war. We couldnt blame Iran for this murder, so the world itself must be to blame. Isnt that what Trump said? The world might be accountable for the chopping up of Jamal, he said, because it is a very vicious place. Vain are our leaders in their failure to remember the entanglement of their fates with Middle Eastern history. Suez destroyed Anthony Eden. The Iranian hostage crisis destroyed President Jimmy Carter. Irangate almost did for Ronald Reagan. George Bush Srs new order in the Middle East may have doomed his subsequent election. George W Bushs invasion of Iraq has besmirched his political reputation forever. Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Show all 7 1 /7 Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Jamal Khashoggi Washington Post journalist who was critical of the Saudi regime and the young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he was murdered on 2 October in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul AFP Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Heir to the Saudi throne, Mohammed bin Salman has been implicated in the murder, with US officials claiming that he must have known of the plot AFP/Getty Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures 15 man hit squad Turkish police suspect these 15 men of being involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, issued 10 October, 8 days after the journalist disappeared EPA Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Saud al-Qahtani Aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saud al-Qahtani is claimed to have ordered Khashoggi's murder Saud Al-Qahtani/Twitter Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb A former diplomat who often travelled with the Crown Prince, Mutreb was initially claimed to be the leader of the hit squad and is pictured here entering the Saudi consulate on the day of the murder AP Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Mustafa al-Madani First implicated in the 15 CCTV photos released by the Turkish police, al-Madani was later found to have been used as a body double for Khashoggi, leaving the Saudi consulate dressed in his clothes on the day the journalist was killed CNN Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Salah bin Jamal Khashoggi (L) Son of the murdered journalist met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 23 October EPA The same goes for Tony Blair although it is instructive to remember that it was Lebanon and Israel which caused Blairs downfall. His refusal to accept an early ceasefire during Israels war with Hezbollah in Lebanon after more than 1,000 civilians had been killed in support of George Ws plan to give the Israelis more time to destroy Hezbollah (Iran again, of course!) finally destroyed the Blair premiership. The Syrian war provoked the ocean of Muslim immigrants who fled to Europe and probably and very sadly ultimately finished off the political career of Angela Merkel. And how much did her version of the murder of the US ambassador in Libya lead to Hilary Clintons downfall? So I have a prediction. If the Trump regime collapses for regime it is I suspect it will not be his frolics with the Russians which destroy it. Nor his corruption, nor his domestic lies. Nor his misogyny. Nor his anti-immigrant racism. Nor his obvious mental instability, though this clearly connects him to his friends in the Arab world. The Middle East has already got its coils into the White House. Trump is a friend of a highly dangerous state called Saudi Arabia. He has adopted Israeli foreign policy as his own, including the ownership of Jerusalem and wholehearted support for Israels illegal colonisation of Palestinian Arab land. He has torn up a solemn treaty with Iran. He has joined the Sunni side in its sectarian war with the Shias of the Middle East, in Iran, in Lebanon, in Syria, in Bahrain and, of course, in Saudi Arabia itself. Many countries have gone to war on behalf of other nations. Britain drew the sword for Poland in 1939, albeit a little late in the day. But to actively seek participation in someone elses sectarian war for no other reason than to continue to sell weapons to a wealthy and unstable autocracy, to amalgamate your own countrys foreign policy with that of the most militarily powerful state in the Middle East -- to the point of depriving an entire people of a share in its capital city and to wilfully ignore the long and lucrative support that our Gulf allies have given to the most frightful of our cult enemies those who have indeed struck in the streets of London and New York is beyond the usual lexicon. It is beyond shameful. Beyond wicked. Were it not for the insanity of the man responsible, the word depravity comes to mind. Crystal balls are dangerous objects in the Middle East. Mine have been broken several times. But theres no reason why Donald Trump should be immune from the fate of so many of his predecessors. Its no longer good enough to say merely: Watch out. We all do that by nature these days. But the Arabs and Muslims who live in territory which many of the American supporters call the holy land may well decide his future; after all, he thinks he can decide theirs. The world is indeed a vicious place but the Middle East is its most treacherous. Businesses are cashing in on various readiness schemes to help them prepare for Brexit - but the take up remains low on the Government's key loan scheme. The 300m funding has been open since March and has seen just 12.51m drawn so far - just over 4pc of the total available pot. To date 270 applications from 307 have been deemed eligible and 54 loans have been sanctions. Business Minister Heather Humphreys said uptake of the scheme has increased in recent months and "it is likely that applications will increase as we approach and pass the March 2019 deadline for the UK's exit from the EU". "Any application for finance has to be in line with a company's financial planning, and it can be difficult to plan when a situation remains unclear," she said. "At the end of the day, this is a loan and companies will still have to pay the money back. In fact, it would be worrying if the whole fund had been taken up straight away because it would indicate that businesses are in serious trouble." A range of other supports have been made available under the auspices of Enterprise Ireland and north-south group Intertrade Ireland. Intertrade Ireland has paid out 619 vouchers - 300 to companies in the Republic - under their 'Start to Plan' scheme that gives SMEs 2,250 to pay for professional advice on Brexit related matters. Meanwhile, Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports for companies who are attempting to bulwark against the impact of Brexit, including funding of up to 5,000 to compile a Brexit Action plan under their Be Prepared scheme. To date 149 vouchers have been granted totalling 164,573. The majority of those who have been granted funding are based in Dublin (61), with just 11 companies in the west taking up the scheme. There is also separate funding under the Act On programme to allow companies to hire a consultant to carry out a report identifying weaknesses and ways to improve resilience has seen more than 258,000 paid out; 130 reports have been completed and another 127 are under way. Police in the North have warned they must receive financial assurances they will have resources to patrol the Border in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers in Northern Ireland, said a failure to pay for extra recruits would force the redeployment of hundreds of policemen and women away from cities and towns to cover Border crossings. PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has asked the UK Home Office to fund 400 extra officers to enable him to deal with the repercussions of Brexit. The federation believes even more officers will be needed, and said a Government decision was "overdue". Police Federation for Northern Ireland chairman Mark Lindsay called for "certainty, direction and clarity" around Brexit and what it will mean for policing in the region after March. "The political turmoil around Brexit is for politicians to resolve, but what we are saying is accelerate contingency planning to prepare for what happens from April 1," he said. "We cannot afford to sleepwalk into a situation where, at the last minute, officers are redeployed from cities and towns such as Belfast, Ballymena or Coleraine to some of the major crossing points along the 310-mile Border with the Republic of Ireland. "We need hundreds more officers if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal. "The case has already been made by the PSNI for more resources, and decisions are now overdue." Mr Lindsay's remarks come amid warnings that a hard Brexit could prompt an upsurge in dissident republican activity. There is much talk of leadership these days, particularly in politics and sport, and it reminds me of the myriad of challenges that face leaders of professional firms and, indeed, leaders of departments within firms. Estate agency is particularly complex in that not only are leaders responsible for their own staff and their clients, but they are also responsible to the public, through dealing with large numbers of enquirers, viewers, and bidders. In this, the leader must set the standards. What are the qualities needed by a leader? Even that question provokes debate. For example, who do you think has the best leadership qualities: Theresa May or Mick McCarthy? Leo Varadkar or Joe Schmidt? Different leaders have different personalities, which make them more suitable for certain roles at certain times. It's interesting to look at the leadership of the largest Irish estate agents, where, possibly influenced by ownership by overseas brands, there is perhaps more emphasis on 'a safe pair of hands' than the strong 'personality' type leaders of 20 years ago. Times change, but some might say the business is less interesting without characters like the late Fintan Gunne, Hugh Hamilton, John Finnegan and others of that era. That said, today's leaders are not only experts in their area, but they tend to be amongst the best of their peers at dealing with people. And several of today's leaders also have yet another audience to keep happy - the overseas owner! So your choice of leader, in and of itself, sends a message to your audiences about the values and personality of the firm. And leaders must be aware of the signals that they themselves are sending to staff and clients. You must understand your own strengths and weaknesses, which is easier said than done. Large firms will probably carry out personality profiling and staff surveys, but if that's not providing the answers then you should have an experienced mentor, or a trusted colleague, who will 'tell it like it is'. Leaders tend to be chosen from those who have excelled in their own areas (usually big fee earners) and who have shown an ability to win business. The first shock to the leader will be the realisation that most of their skills will be of no help in the most challenging part of the job, which is dealing with the results of human interaction, between colleagues, and between staff and clients. The leader's strengths and values can inspire people and set the tone for an organisation. Isn't it interesting that Theresa May, who seems devoid of charisma, is actually winning people over through her extraordinary tenacity? Meanwhile, Boris Johnson, who has bundles of charisma, no longer inspires the confidence that he once did. The best leaders inspire those around them to higher performance. You lead by example. Praise frequently and publicly - it energises those around you and, when you have to find fault, it is more likely to be taken as reasonable and balanced. Leadership can be a rewarding role, but it is also a challenging, and sometimes lonely one. And from experience and observation, it is easier to lead a firm in a downturn than in a rising market like today's. So why not give your boss a rare word of thanks and appreciation, and watch them redouble their efforts? Surveyors welcome Cork's growth In another sign of the strengthening market in the regions, over 200 people attended the SCSI Southern Region Annual Dinner last Friday in Cork, where I was delighted to be the after-dinner speaker. SCSI President Des O'Broin addressed the audience, and the chairman of the southern region, TJ Cronin, strongly welcomed the expansion of the Cork City boundary which will see the city's population grow from 120,000 to 210,000. Cronin said this was a fantastic opportunity for Cork City Council and Cork County Council to market the Cork region as a location for inward investment. It's that time of year again - all stock are housed and thankfully it arrived six weeks later than last year so October and November have been a little more relaxed, allowing us more time off farm. We had a fantastic time away at the Farmer of the Year Awards, closely followed by a weekend away for some much-needed rest and a chance to sit down and watch Irish rugby at it's very best. The mundane feeding regime has begun, along with the joyful job of liming cubicles. Unfortunately, Paula is out of action as she's just had an operation repairing her cruciate ligament, the consequences of a slight accident during calving 2018. Being down a full-time labour unit certainly puts the system under more pressure, so adjustments have been made. We are milking once a day and trying to simplify all the small jobs. Dry cow minerals have started and we are using the Terra liquid system this year - it's one less job for me to do now. With 77pc of the herd due to calve in February 2019, it means shut down isn't far away now, which will free up more time so we can relax over Christmas and rest the body before the 2019 calving storm. I attended the Clonakilty Agricultural College annual prize giving on Friday night with Becky. It's good to see so many students pass through the system and also see the hard-working students be rewarded for some extra effort. Yet again, we saw another woman in agriculture shine through with Denise Twomey winning the Grassland Management Student of the Year. Having met Denise a few weeks previous, she had a fantastic understanding of how the whole grass system works. She certainly seems to have a very bright future in the agri industry. Every corner of the media has literally had beef on the menu the last few months. Unfortunately, beef farmers are under huge pressure - factory prices are low, national kill is high and there are the increased costs due poor weather in 2018. It's an issue that's been here before, just look back at 2014. I know myself, we found it hard to get cattle into the factory that spring as prices were down. I spoke directly with an IFA cattle chairman at the time who made it quite clear they wouldn't protest at factories and we had to listen to many ideas and arguments before finally, in October 2014, they made a stand and blockades were organised. That was the last year we had beef cattle. The Beef Action Group is something I am watching closely. They are close on 6,000 members with a target membership of 40,000. A big part of me feels every dairy farmer in Ireland should sign up and get behind them - it's in all our interest to see them succeed. The beef industry is a huge part of Irish Agriculture and, likewise, dairy farmers want a good price for calves. Strength in numbers I say, but I have a niggling worry - I've been hearing rumours that the same old finger is being pointed, blaming the dairy industry for issues in the beef industry and that argument is getting tired now. Time will tell. I'll certainly be eager to see when this new Beef Plan Group hits the big dairy counties. We certainly do all have a responsibility in tackling this issue. If you look back over 30 years, dairy cow numbers are more or less the same. We in the dairy industry have gained efficiency, which has increased output and I think we have plenty more room to increase efficiency, thus milk production will continue to rise. Suckler cow numbers, on the other hand, have increased dramatically in that time and I'm in total agreement that the national suckler herd needs to be halved. There are some super operators out there running highly efficient suckler systems, but there is also the inefficient system which, at the very least, could be replaced by an alternative beef system. Before every beef farmer turns the page in temper, just remember I did say we all need to take responsibility and here is where the dairy farmer comes into play. We've used sexed semen on the farm here for a number of years, quite successfully I might add. Unfortunately, I cannot access the very top genetics in the form of sexed semen. Ultimately, my job is to produce milk so I am not willing to compromise on genetics - we only use the top genotyped bulls every year and this is showing in results for us. Maybe it's about time all dairy farmers contributed in the form of a very small levy which would fund a sexing machine being purchased by the ICBF, which all Irish AI companies would have access too. Indeed, we face lots of issues from many angles as regards the dairy bull calf and we need to face this head-on by changing what we do from a breeding perspective. I'll leave you with that thought. I certainly know that given the top genetics in the form of sexed semen, I would change my system tomorrow morning and end up supplying a lot more Hereford and Angus calves into the beef industry. Peter Hynes is a dairy farmer in Aherla, Co Cork and winner of the Zurich/Farming Independent 2017 Farmer of the Year award The Minister for Agriculture has won his appeal over an order requiring him to pay 124,453, plus interest, to a farmer who had overstated the area of his lands eligible under the Single Payment Scheme. The Court of Appeal quashed the High Court order made in favour of Michael O'Connor, who farms lands at Nenagh, Co Tipperary. The High Court made that order after finding errors in how regulations related to the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) for farmers were applied and in how a Department appeals officer decided Mr O'Connor's application under the SPS. Both the Minister and Mr O'Connor appealed aspects of the High Court decision. Giving the COA judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Michael Peart said the SPS is an EU scheme, implemented by each member state, which rewards farmers who conduct their farming activities to a minimum standard. After Mr O'Connor applied under the scheme in 2010, inspections of his lands found he had significantly overstated the area eligible for the SPS. They found he failed to made adequate deductions concerning some parcels and included an area of commonage where there was no farming activity and which the inspectors considered was not maintained in good agricultural condition as required under the scheme. Certain animal tagging issues were also raised. It was ultimately concluded he had overdeclared his lands and he was also informed there would be a 5 per cent sanction arising from the animal tagging. He sought a review but a department appeals officer upheld the over-declaration of land eligibility and 5 per cent sanction decisions. He was refused a further review. The Agriculture Appeals Act 2011 Act permits an appeal to the High Court against such a refusal "on any question of law". For reasons including breaches by the department of relevant regulations relating to land inspections, the High Court allowed the appeal and directed the Minister to pay Mr O'Connor 124,431, reflecting the SPS sum for the eligible lands, plus interest at 2 per cent, from April 2012. Mr Justice Peart upheld the Minister's arguments the High Court was not entitled to provide a remedy to meet what it considered "the justice of the case". He agreed an appeal under the 2011 Act is confined to a point of law and the trial judge was not entitled to make what were essentially judicial review findings. If Mr O'Connor wished to challenge the lawfulness of the inspections and seek to overturn the disputed decisions, his remedy was judicial review, he said. Once the High Court had concluded that the findings about over-declared lands were properly based on evidence before the appeals officer, the mandatory and directly effective provision of the relevant EC regulation could not be varied as a matter of judicial discretion, he said. That was so even if the High Court considered that was merited to meet the justice of the case or in light of the serious flaws which the High Court found had occurred in the procedures. On foot of those and other findings, the COA allowed the Minister's appeal, set aside the payment order, and dismissed the cross-appeal. Transfer balls: David Gea should thank Alexis Sanchez for Manchester United wage hike Transfer Balls: The BBC leads with news that Spain international De Gea wants Manchester United to offer him a five-year contract worth about 350,000 a week. Why so little? The wage will, says the Beeb, match what Alexis Sanchez earns. Odd, no. Doesnt Sanchez earn 500,000-a-week? BBC journalist Simon Stone told us Sanchez was costing Manchester United half a million quid every week: #MUFC have committed to paying Sanchez 180m over four and a half years Wow. @sistoney67 breaks down the huge numbers behind Alexis Sanchezs proposed move to Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/6Sq3KpBaWe BBC 5 Live Sport on BBC Sounds (@5liveSport) January 18, 2018 The numbers are utter tosh, then. But the media loves to guess. The Sun says: De Gea will then be offered a new 400,000-a-week, five-year deal. The Mail agrees with the BBC that its 350,000 a week. And the Standard says the deal could be worth up to 300,000-a-week. And just a few days ago Joe Bernstein told Mail readers: Such are the facts. Anorak Posted: 29th, November 2018 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink The routine tail-docking of pigs by farmers must be stopped, the EU Commission has insisted. In a recent letter to pig producers, the Department of Agriculture warned that it would be inspecting units to monitor compliance with the new regulations. The Commission's actions follow on from a recent gathering of pig farmers and experts at Grange which dealt with the "successful rearing of pigs with intact tails". "At the meeting the EU Commission sent out a clear message that all routine tail-docking of pigs must be stopped," the Department letter stated. "Action must be taken immediately by pig producers to meet the requirements as set out in EU and National legislation. "The Commission has indicated that it will be monitoring farmers' compliance over the coming year "DAFM inspectors will carry out a series of welfare checks on pig farms to verify efforts are being made to comply with the legislation." Inspectors will also take note of farmers' compliance with stocking density regulations and the provision of enrichment material. Under the new regulations it is also a requirement that pig farms carry out a risk assessment on tail biting on their farms for 2019. Reacting Reacting to the letters, the IFA said it would continue to engage with both the Department and Teagasc on the issue of tail docking. "Irish pig farmers aim for the highest welfare standards for their pigs. The ask of the DAFM to comply with EU council directive 2008/120/EC is a complicated task and multifactorial," an IFA spokesperson told the Farming Independent. "Pig farmers will continue to co-operate fully with the DAFM on this issue, and the expertise provided by Teagasc, in terms of advice and ongoing research, will greatly assist them. "Risk assessments carried out to date on many pig farms have shown that the issue of tail-docking is complicated and needs to be carefully considered, using the best advice from the farm PVP [vet]." "The IFA will participate in a special meeting to discuss progress, and problems encountered on this issue in Ireland, along with representative from all EU member states, in Grange, Co Meath, on Tuesday [today] and Wednesday next [tomorrow]." Privately, pig producers have told the Farming Independent that a blanket ban on tail docking could have serious consequences for the industry, particularly given the current difficulties of poor prices and returns from the business. Dublin-listed Donegal Investment Group has reported revenue of 76.2m for the 12 months to the 31 August 2018, a decrease of 200,000 on the same period last year. The performance was impacted by adverse weather across Europe, which resulted in the groups produce division reporting a decrease of 700,000 in profit to 1.6m. "Seed Potato, our key business within our produce division, performed well in key markets but was impacted by a reduction in the availability of seed following lower than expected yields across Europe during the 2017 seed crop harvest," the group said. The groups overall profits were marginally ahead of the prior year at 4.7m, with adjusted operating profit decreasing by 700,000 for the year to 4m. Donegals food-agri and property division delivered a segmental result of 3.1m, an increase of 900,000 on the prior year's trading performance, while its speciality dairy segment, which trades under the Nomadic brand, continued to achieve "significant volume and sales growth" in its UK and Irish markets. The group had a cash position of 100,000 at year end, having returned 51m to shareholders during the year through its 45m return of capital in May and ongoing share purchases. Following on from the sale of its shareholding in Monaghan Middlebrook Mushroom, Donegal said it is due to receive an additional 4m in deferred consideration, with 2m receivable on or before 15 February next year, and a further 2m receivable on or before 15 February 2020. Commenting on the results, chairman Geoffrey Vance said that the board was "satisfied" with the performance. DIY: The B&Q chain is owned by the UK-based Kingfisher group, which has announced plans to exit Russia, Spain and Portugal Sales at the Irish arm of the B&Q DIY chain were flat at 85m in its last financial year, but its pre-tax profit rose to 4m from 3.5m as its administrative expenses declined. The retailer, which is part of the UK's Kingfisher group which owns the Screwfix chain, operates from eight stores in Ireland. The company noted in newly-filed accounts for the 12 months to the end of last January, that its sales per square metre of selling space amounted to 1,638 last year compared to 1,665 in 2016. B&Q, which employs about 550 people in Ireland, noted that its administrative expenses declined to 5.1m last year from almost 6.3m a year earlier. The accounts note that B&Q is attempting to create a "unified, unique and leading home improvement offer". Sales at B&Q's Irish and UK outlets were hit earlier this year by the 'Beast from the East' storm that dumped snow across the country. B&Q's Irish arm entered examinership in 2013 during the depths of the downturn. Its parent firm set aside more than 20m to fund the restructuring of its business here. The funds included provisions for the impairment of properties and the estimated costs of exiting leases. Its Irish arm had been racking up millions of euro of losses at the time. Kingfisher is Europe's second-largest home improvement retailer. Last week, it reported weak quarterly sales in France and said it would pull out of Russia, Spain and Portugal. That raised questions over its plans to boost profits. The group, which across Europe trails France's Groupe Adeo, is in the third year of a five-year programme to raise annual profit by 500m (566m) from 2021. However, profits are forecast to go backwards in its 2018-19 year. Kingfisher's shares tumbled after the group, whose main businesses are B&Q and Screwfix in the UK and Ireland, and Castorama and Brico Depot in France, reported a fall in underlying sales in its third quarter. Castorama continued to trade particularly poorly and underperformed the wider French market. CEO Veronique Laury, who has cut Castorama's prices and revamped its marketing, warned "there is no quick fix" for that business. "We believe Kingfisher's transformation plan will not yield the margin benefits it was supposed to, so there will be more calls for a break-up, but in between a margin reset may be necessary," said RBC Europe analyst Richard Chamberlain, who has a "sector perform" rating on the stock. Kingfisher's like-for-like sales fell 1.3pc the third quarter. Additional reporting: Reuters What if you were told that there is a business model that cultivates long-term thinking, stimulates collaborative behaviours, and enhances productivity and competitiveness all while being inherently transparent and strengthening growth and performance? What if this same business model keeps jobs in local regions, promotes employee well-being, strongly appeals to the millennial generation and also provides a ready-made solution for succession challenges? You might expect the Government to embrace such a win-win business model, to promote it, support it, perhaps even place it at the heart of their flagship Future Jobs programme. Alas, the Government continues to largely ignore the employee ownership business model, all while many of Ireland's competitors are not. Hundreds of employee-owned businesses are experiencing the benefits on a daily basis in the UK. Yes, there are some things that the UK gets right, and employee ownership is right up there at the top of the list. In the UK, employee-owned businesses contribute approximately 4pc of GDP annually - the equivalent of more than 30bn - and the employee-owned sector is growing by about 10pc every year. At the launch of the Future Jobs summit last week in Dublin, Minister for Business Heather Humphries said: "We need to ask ourselves hard questions about areas where we need to improve. This includes looking at how we can increase productivity levels among our indigenous SMEs." In Ireland more than 99pc of the economy is driven by the SME sector, yet foreign direct investment gets all the headlines. Minister Humphries says she wants to support the SME sector, yet her department is overlooking a model that will increase productivity and employee participation. Employee ownership is a powerful employee motivator. In the UK, staff at employee-owned companies experience higher levels of motivation, acting on their own initiative and working collectively to improve the fortunes of the company overall. In Scotland, employee ownership in the form of inclusive capitalism is a key pillar of the Scottish Government's economic strategy post Brexit. Every week more and more Scottish SMEs are becoming employee owned. The model works, and employee-owned businesses are far more resilient than non-employee owned businesses. Compare this to Ireland's recent efforts on employee ownership. Take the Government's flagship Key Employee Engagement Programme (Keep): it is a damning indictment of it and its exclusions and restrictions that not one of the hundreds of SMEs and start-ups that the scheme is targeted at has applied for Keep since its introduction last January. The benefits of more than 12,000 Irish workers in the Revenue-approved share-saving scheme SAYE (Save As You Earn) are under threat as a result of Brexit. One must ask what is the Government doing? Why is it ignoring such a simple, beneficial and socially responsible business model? Employee ownership benefits all who participate and given its size, Ireland could quickly become a leader in this space. I challenge the Taoiseach to meet me and the team at the Irish ProShare Association. Let's start talking seriously about how employee ownership is a business model that must be supported and championed for tomorrow's Irish economy. The Corrib field will be operated by Vermilion The incoming operator of the Corrib gas field has outlined plans to expand the project, while telling investors that it doesn't expect to pay tax on proceeds from the field. Vermilion Energy said opposition to the project had "now largely dissipated". It said it had acquired $1.3bn (1.15bn) in so-called "tax pools" as part of the deal to take over operatorship. These are assets derived from historical losses on the project, which can be used to offset tax payments. "As a corporate transaction, the Corrib acquisition transferred the associated tax pools to Vermilion. Post-acquisition capital expenditures generated additional tax pools," a presentation to investors earlier this week said. "With current available tax pools totalling [circa] $1.3bn, we do not expect to pay income taxes related to cash flows generated from the Corrib project," it said. The presentation to investors said the absence of royalty payments, low operating expenditure and minimal ongoing capital expenditure meant the project has strong cash flows. But it is considering a boost in capital expenditure over the coming years to try and find more gas. The company said it will look at re-drilling particular wells that had bypassed recoverable gas. It's also considering exploring a prospect known as 'Corrib Deep', which is deeper than the existing field. In addition, Vermilion said it would look to do deals with other oil and gas companies exploring in the waters around Corrib, either by allowing those companies to use the Corrib infrastructure to transport gas, or by buying stakes in those companies. Vermilion is taking over after Shell exited the field, selling its stake to a Canadian pension fund. As part of that deal Vermilion's stake in the field is to reach 20pc. The pension fund and Statoil are the other shareholders. Corrib accounts for 95pc of Ireland's domestic gas production and 60pc of the gas consumed. After the Kinsale fields shut down production in 2020 or 2021, it will be the only Irish field producing gas. "Corrib really is a world-class gas field," Darcy Kerwin, managing director of Vermilion's Irish business unit, told investors, adding that the company saw chances to boost efficiency at the gas-processing plant. "As we've spent time at the plant over the last couple of months getting ready to take over operatorship, we've identified what we think are a large number of low-hanging-fruit-type operational projects that we're excited to go and implement when we become operator. "They kind of range from simple things like just optimising the well-testing frequency... to better optimising the maintenance and the turnaround planning. "I'm confident the more time we spend there, the more opportunities we'll be able to identify." Mr Kerwin said the community around the gas plant "are now quite supportive", with a lot of workers living in the local area. He said he and a colleague hosted a dinner for 15-20 families who live close by, and that the "resounding takeaway" was that the people who live around the plant are " quite reasonable and are just looking for transparency from the operator". 'Dublin-headquartered Experian said in a statement that it was "disappointed" with the outcome.' Photo: PA The UK's competition watchdog has said Experian's acquisition of Clearscore could pose a threat to competition, as it unveiled the provisional findings of a probe into the merger. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which referred the deal for an in-depth probe in July, said it could reduce competition in the credit comparison and checking markets. It is feared that a combination of the two companies could reduce their incentives to innovate or reduce prices, leading consumers to pay more for credit cards and loans. Dublin-headquartered Experian said in a statement that it was "disappointed" with the outcome. "We continue to strongly believe that the acquisition of ClearScore will have a positive impact on competition, allowing Experian to help more consumers with their finances by providing greater choice and convenience to them to access personal finance products at the best prices. We also believe we will be able innovate more and better through the combination of the parties' complementary assets and innovation cultures." The CMA has now invited comments on the findings ahead of a December 19 deadline. It must make a final decision by March 11, 2019. Experian said it would work with the CMA and seek to address its concerns. Experian's acquisition of Clearscore was first announced in March, valuing it at 275m (310m). Squeezed margins: Retail Ireland chief Tom Burke is hoping this December will be better than last year's Retail sales were flat in October - heading into the busiest weeks of the year for the sector - and there are fears Black Friday and early sales will negatively affect trading in December. The volume of retail sales was flat in October compared to the month before, although sales are up 5pc versus the same time in 2017, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Pub sector sales were down 4.6pc during the month, despite strong tourism numbers including a surge in business visitors. Despite the latest figures, Merrion Capital economist Alan McQuaid said the retail sector is volatile but the underlying trend is positive. "Even with the fluctuation in consumer sentiment, overall personal spending has been positive in the past couple of years, boosted by the increase in the numbers employed in the country," Mr McQuaid said. The head of retailers' trade body Retail Ireland, Tom Burke, said the shift to autumn sales has become a "double-edged sword" for the sector that is distorting the traditional Christmas trade. "Last year retail sales for December were down 2pc on November in what should have been the busiest period for retailers, in addition, such events mean that retailers margins have become more squeezed. We are hoping we don't see similar this year." He added that he would not read too much into the retail sales figures for October. "Thus far the trend has been very positive this year, we are hoping these figures are just a blip and that it is not the start of a trend." The nervousness echoed rating agency Moody's which last week said events like Black Friday are negative for retailers because they bring forward purchases from closer to Christmas, often at lower margins. In the pub trade, Brian Foley, of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, said that there was "no cause for concern" at the latest figures because they just reflected one month, and were coming of the back of a very strong summer. Separate data yesterday showed Ireland welcomed 13,600 business delegates during October. That generated an additional 20.8m in economic revenue, according to Failte Ireland. Failte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said that business tourism "continues to be fundamental" in the country's seasonal growth in tourism. This is because conference delegates tend to arrive outside of the summer months. Overall, trips to Ireland were up 7.1pc in the first 10 months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, with total visits now at over 9.1 million for the year. Irish residents' trips overseas during the same period increased by 4pc. The total number of trips to Ireland by overseas residents increased by 7.3pc to 933,500 in October - an overall increase of 63,200 compared to 12 months earlier. Trips by residents of Britain increased by 0.1pc to 322,700, while trips by residents of European countries other than Britain increased by 5.4pc to 328,600 during October. There was a big jump in trips by residents of US and Canada to Ireland during the month, which increased by 20.2pc to 228,900. Meanwhile, the total number of overseas trips made by Irish residents during October increased 6.2pc to 716,300. "We are coming to the end of what has been the best year ever for the Irish tourism industry," Mr Kelly said. "This year the sector has again made another significant increase in its contribution to the Irish economy, and I'm delighted to see such stellar growth continuing into October." He added that feedback from the industry is that October has been a "particularly strong month" in terms of performance. Finding homes for new staff coming to Ireland is a "huge problem", according to the head of drug maker Mylan in Ireland. But that could boost the regions as the company will look at locating future manufacturing jobs outside the capital. "On that corridor between Galway and Dublin there's plenty of places that you would be able to put manufacturing, and people would be able to travel out rather than in - and that's what we are doing," says Owen McKeon, Mylan's country manager for Ireland. The company employs more than 1,400 people in this country, including in a large factory in the Galway Gaeltacht. That's in line with the Government's aim to boost regional jobs. Drug manufacturing plants are ideal because they are more self-contained than, say, a services business which might want to be in Dublin to network with potential clients. There are advantages for Mylan in being in Galway too, because it means the company is close to NUIG, with which it's in partnership. "You get very smart intelligent people coming out of there... people want to work in the West and stay in the West, that's an ideal position," McKeon says, adding that the business works with the IDA to try and meet the State FDI agency's goals. Mylan has facilities in the greater Dublin area too, at Damastown just over the Meath border, and also in Baldoyle. That means that it has plenty of experience with the housing crisis, the "huge problem" McKeon describes. Mylan is best known for making generic versions of drugs with expired patents. One of the big business opportunities it sees in Ireland in 'biosimilars'. These are copies of so-called 'biologics', complex medicines that differ from an everyday drug in that they cannot be simply manufactured in a lab, but rather are made from living entities like plant cells or animal cells. One biologic that's just come off patent is Humira - used to treat a number of diseases including psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and arthritis. Mylan has the ability to produce that as a biosimilar - along with at least four competitors. McKeon says legislation is needed to increase the uptake for biosimilars, which in turn should reduce costs (as well as boost Mylan's bottom line). But he's grown exasperated with a Government decision-making process that he thinks is too slow. "We're giving them an opportunity to cut down on their bills. If anybody came to you and said: 'I can cut your bill by 40pc-50pc', and you said: 'Hold on, I'll go away and spend 18 months consulting and I'll come back to talk to you then', you'd be classed as mad," he says. "But that's where we are the moment." McKeon says the Department of Health is to blame. They've been working on a 'National Biosimilar Medicine Policy' since at least last summer. An article on the Department's website dated August 10, 2017 says the policy would "promote the rational use of biosimilar medicines and to create a sustainable environment for biological medicines in Ireland", adding that biosimilars "are typically less expensive to produce than the reference medicine, due to lower research and development costs". "As a result of the lower costs and competition for market share, they are generally priced at a significant discount to the reference medicine." Fifteen months on, the policy is still not finalised, with the Department telling the Irish Independent that it is considering the responses to a consultation on the strategy, as well as "other possible policy levers". It said, however, that the HSE is running a separate biosimilar strategy in its acute hospitals drugs management programme, and that this is "making considerable progress using a collaborative approach led by hospital pharmacists". It did not give a specific answer when asked when legislation will be introduced. Another source of frustration for McKeon is Brussels, where manufacturing rules are depriving Europe - and Ireland - of jobs, he says. As of now, generics manufacturers cannot start making a drug in the EU until a drug has come off patent. That, McKeon says, has had the effect of benefiting other countries, where the drug can be manufactured and stockpiled before the patent expires, and then sent out to market as soon as the time comes. "Everybody outside the EU can start manufacturing when they feel like it, and on the day when the patent goes off all the product can come in. "We're actually shooting ourselves in the foot with this and that's one thing that we push really hard on, saying they need to get rid of that. "We're not going to start selling before the patent goes off but we just want to have the ability to [be ready to go on day one]," McKeon says, adding that some of that new manufacturing could come to Ireland. Mylan likes being here, he says. It likes the education system, the access to markets, and even simple things like the location between the US and Asia which means the time zone is convenient for dealing with various parts of the world. He reports into Mylan's regional division, which covers Europe - a rapidly expanding part of the company which has seen turnover go from $1bn to $4bn since purchasing Meda. That's meant much more focus from head office in the United States. Despite President Donald Trump's drive to bring US jobs and profits home, Mylan's plan for Europe and Ireland hasn't been affected, McKeon says. "The vision that Mylan have about coming to Europe and growing the market is still there, that hasn't changed at all no matter what Trump says. "I mean he has repatriated some of the profits - to be honest that doesn't affect us [in Ireland] because that's sitting somewhere else, that's sitting in some treasury in Holland or somewhere," McKeon says. Another potential threat to the Irish operation is of course Brexit, and all the potential disruption that new customs arrangements would entail. McKeon says his business and others are working with the health authorities to identify any potential medicine shortages. He says the company doesn't have much products coming out of the UK, but some does come through Britain to Ireland and this might require changing logistics arrangements in order to take account of any potential customs delays. "We should be OK and the country should be OK," he says. Less of a threat and more of a challenge is changes in the way drugs are being prescribed," McKeon says. "If you look at some of the stuff that's being developed from an AI point of view, from a diagnostic point of view, you could have people in Germany diagnosing your diseases," he says, referring to online doctor services like, for example, Irish firm Videodoc. But despite being a "drug producer", as he puts it, for the last 40 years, he believes Irish people are too reliant on the pharmaceutical industry. "We are not taking responsibility for ourselves health as a nation, we don't really do that. We think there's a pill for very ill. Although I've been a drug producer for 40 years I don't believe there's a pill for every ill. "And we are becoming very dependent on health support for all sorts of things ... a huge amount of education needs to be done." McKeon began his career as a pharmacist, but quickly moved into the drugmaking side of the industry, joining a business called Knoll. He worked for a number of different firms before eventually setting up the Irish subsidiary of a Swedish company called Meda, which grew strongly over a 10-year period. "I was managing the UK and Ireland for Meda up to three years ago, and then Mylan bought us out and they said: 'Look we're a big entity in Ireland and we need somebody to come back and run Ireland'. That suited me fine to come back home rather than doing that commute over and back to Stansted. So for the last two-and-a-half years I've been back managing Mylan over here." Having worked across a number of areas in a pharma industry career, from finance, to marketing, to regulatory affairs, he says sales is the hardest role of all. Nevertheless that's what he sees his key function as: managing and motivating Mylan's Irish sales team in selling the company's products to pharmacists and medical providers. But regulatory affairs is becoming more and more important, which is probably a factor behind his outspoken comments on this country's biosimilars strategy. How much longer he'll have to wait for the business opportunity to properly manifest itself is anyone's guess. Tara Deep: The Navan operation is one of the world's largest zinc and lead mines A surge in zinc and lead prices last year saw profits generated by the Boliden-owned Tara Mines in Navan more than double to 96m in 2017. The lead and zinc mine in Co Meath is one of the largest in the world and employs more than 600 people. The Swedish owner has previously outlined plans to extract ore from the mine with its Tara Deep project, which will make it one of the world's deepest. Accounts just filed for the Irish operation show that turnover rose almost 27pc to 276m last year. That was despite the volume of ore produced from the mine falling to 2.3 million tonnes last year from 2.6 million tonnes in 2016. Boliden noted that during 2017 average zinc prices climbed 51pc to $3,166 per tonne. The average price of lead increased by a third, to $2,383 per tonne. "While the outlook for the mine's future remains positive, current global and economic conditions require the group to remain focused on productivity improvements and control of its cost base," the directors of the company noted. The performance since last year may have been tempered somewhat during 2018, however. The London Metal Exchange was yesterday quoting a spot price of $2,505 per tonne of zinc and $1,905 for lead - both significantly lower than the average prices achieved during 2017. Boliden recently reported that during its third quarter, operating profit decreased by 308m Swedish kronor (30m) to 2.02bn Swedish kronor (197m) as a result of lower metal prices and reduced volumes at Tara and another mine it operates. "The lower prices had both a direct negative effect on the profit, and a negative effect on the profit as a result of the definitive pricing of previous deliveries," it noted. Boliden added that production at Tara during its third quarter was hit by planned maintenance and lower zinc and lead grades. The Tara Deep project at the Navan mine aims to prolong its life as Boliden hunts for new lead and zinc ore. The plan envisages a more than 40m investment that will unlock the ore at depths of up to 1.9km, which will make the mine one of the deepest in the world. Tara Mines opened in 1977 and the new reserves could extend its life span by as much as another 20 years. In its annual report earlier this year, Boliden noted that it has already been drilling from the surface towards Tara Deep. It has also increased the inferred mineral resource at the new site to 13m tonnes from 10m tonnes. "A very comprehensive programme of improvements to the geological models of the ore and the design of the mining rooms has been carried out at the mine during the year," it noted. "Overall, this work has resulted in Tara's mineral reserve now being larger than for many years, but the tonnage added to the mine's reserves is primarily relatively low grade tonnage, and the average grades have, therefore, fallen." Boliden's mining and smelting activities are focused on Scandinavia as well as Ireland. 'The UK's exit from the EU has thrown doubt over British-listed firms' access to European markets.' Stock photo: PA Wire/PA Images British software business Scisys has been admitted to trading in Dublin, making it the first Brexit refugee to list on the Irish Stock Exchange. And Euronext, the new owner of the exchange, said a number of other companies were considering a similar move. Scisys non-executive chairman Mike Love said the company's decision to come to Dublin was "the final step in our Brexit contingency planning". The UK's exit from the EU has thrown doubt over British-listed firms' access to European markets. Mr Love said Scisys wanted to "ensure that our business can continue our long-standing participation in both the UK and European markets. "By complementing our UK listing with a European one on Euronext we will also have continued access to sterling and euro pools of capital in a post-Brexit environment." The company provides IT and software services across a number of sectors including media and defence. Euronext said it was "aware that a number of companies are considering Euronext Dublin post-Brexit". "The combination of the Euronext pan-European offering and its position as the leading technology franchise makes it a very attractive choice for companies such as Scisys, and we are delighted that they have chosen to list with us. "Euronext is well positioned as the only exchange who can provide companies with access to a single pan-European order book to attract euro pools of capital. While we can't predict how many companies will ultimately choose Euronext Dublin post-Brexit, given the similarities between the Irish and UK regimes we believe we offer the best pan-European solution, particularly for UK companies looking to complement their existing listing with a euro-based listing." The Scisys deal follows a number of recent listings including Yew Grove Reit, edtech business VR Education, Greencoat Renewables and housebuilder Glenveagh Properties. The deal to sell the Exchange to Euronext resulted in a windfall for the group of brokers who owned it beforehand: Davy, Goodbody, Investec, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Campbell O'Connor. Earlier this month Euronext said it was aiming to make 8m of savings at the Irish operation, with around 20 job cuts. Daryl Byrne has recently taken over as the exchange's boss, replacing Deirdre Somers. (ANSA) - Washington, November 28 - EU-Italy budget talks are among the sources of risk in today's global economy, Fed chief Jerome Powell said Wednesday. He said they were "among the sources of risk that can trigger situations of stress at any moment". Speaking to the Economic Club of New York, Powell also cited Brexit and trade tariffs starting from US-China talks, as well as cyberattacks. Mapping out an EU future: the 'Hanseatic League 2.0' comprises Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania It has been talked about in Ireland for many decades - if not centuries. Our little island may be sitting out on the edge of northern Europe but are we really more a southern European country? In terms of culture, attitude, religion, outlook, lifestyle, the economy - and, of course, fiscal discipline - we have tended to have more in common with our Mediterranean cousins in places like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. Whatever about those shared characteristics in the past, when it comes to forming new alliances at the EU table in the 21st century, we are now definitely a northern European nation. This became 'official' earlier this year when we joined up with the grouping of seven other EU countries now referred to, with some irony, as the Hanseatic League 2.0. It consists of ourselves, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The name is a reminder of the Renaissance-era confederation of northern European cities that dominated trade in the Baltic and North Sea. The original Hanseatic League represented an enormous trading and political alliance across nearly 200 cities in countries from Russia and Finland, to Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands from the 13th to the 16th Century. The original league did not include Denmark and in fact the Danes went to war with the league over shipping routes in its waters. But that is all, shall we say, firmly in the past now. Ireland was never in the mix back then. At that stage we were still more focused on getting one over on the boys down the road. But the original league did include a city in Iceland, one in Norway and three in Britain. The new club is being described in Brussels as a grouping of fiscally conservative countries. We are the new fiscal hawks. It all began over dinner in a Brussels steakhouse in 2017 after an EU finance ministers meeting. The group of eight is led by Dutch finance minister Wopke Hoekstra, and the countries are co-operating and clubbing together to find common cause on the future direction of the EU once the UK leaves. Britain has traditionally been a lead voice in free trade matters and its departure from the EU raises many questions about the future direction of European integration. The group holds private dinners every month and has issued common position papers this year on three topics. These include a paper on resisting attempts at creating more common eurozone spending tools, demanding more powers for the euro's bailout fund. When Paschal Donohoe faced opposition from France and several other big EU countries on the introduction of a new digital tax on tech companies, he was supported by several of the Hanseatic group nations at a meeting of finance ministers. The initiative, spearheaded by French finance minister Bruno Le Maire, was knocked back following this show of strength and the agreement of Germany. To some extent Berlin, has been encouraging the Hanseatic alliance while remaining part of the Franco-Germany axis, which some French politicians would argue is at the core of the European project. German finance minister Olaf Scholz told the 'Financial Times' recently, "I am from Hamburg - we are the traditional ancient Hanseatic League." Earlier this month, Mr Donohoe met finance ministers from the Baltic States and the Nordic countries in Brussels. The Dutch and German ministers also called in for a coffee, according to the 'FT'. Before that, Leo Varadkar met his Nordic and Baltic counterparts in the margins of an EU summit in Brussels in October. British Prime Minister Theresa May asked to attend but apparently was politely rebuffed. Newspaper reports suggest that senior diplomats of these countries have been meeting regularly since the start of the year. Tensions about the group came to a head last week when Mr Le Maire berated Mr Hoekstra in front of two journalists while they were having post-dinner coffee at the French finance ministry. According to the 'FT', Mr Le Maire went on a tirade against the so-called "closed clubs", accusing the alliance of threatening deeper eurozone integration and ultimately weakening the EU's ability to rival global powers like China and the US. Mr Le Maire's remarks highlighted the growing influence the Dutch-led alliance may be having in Europe. For some though, it is still seen as a collection of relative minnows. It was once knocked as 'Wopka and the Seven Dwarfs'. Nadia Calvino, Spain's finance minister, annoyed some of the club's diplomats when she refused to respond to a recent position paper they had put forward on the grounds it was the work of "small countries with small weight". So what are we getting into exactly, and why? After the financial crisis, its threat to the single currency and the subsequent bailouts for Ireland, Portugal and Greece, the EU has been divided on whether the solution should be more European integration or less. The French have been spearheading a major push towards greater integration and centralised control. To some extent Ireland has to be careful about that. Smaller countries could easily get squeezed out in a more homogenous, centralised Europe. But we are not alone in thinking that way. Clearly, these reservations are felt not only by other small member states but ones that have a reasonable level of collective clout if they can form joint positions on things. The question is how like-minded are these countries and where does Ireland fit in? Not all eight members agree on everything but they share a common outlook on many economic questions. They favour competition in the single market and they want to retain strong national budgetary responsibility within the eurozone. It is somewhat ironic that Ireland should find itself in the company of the greatest fiscal disciplinarians so quickly after needing a massive multibillion-euro bailout. During the bailout years, the Finns were very hawkish on burning bond holders. So, too, were the Germans. Now we are closer to having a shared view on how future bailouts should operate and burning bondholders is a big part of it. It has come too late for us. But sitting at the Hanseatic table may be no bad thing. The Irish Government wants to retain individual taxation powers especially when it comes to corporation taxes. Yet, it also wants to be, what Leo Varadkar described last week as, "on the right side of history on the corporate tax debate." It remains to be seen how Ireland will achieve that given that our very financially successful corporate tax structures have already facilitated many multinationals in paying so little tax. There is another argument that says Ireland needs to work harder at pan-European relationships once the UK leaves the EU. There is a natural space left at the table when the UK goes which could easily be filled by, or carved up by, France and Germany in particular. Of course some might argue that a club of these fiscally conservative countries might in some way mark a shift to the Right in Irish economic policy. But the group contains some of the most successful social democratic states in Europe like Sweden and Denmark, with models of high taxation and high public spending. Perhaps the most surprising thing is seeing Ireland referred to in the European press as a member of a "fiscally conservative" group of northern European countries. All is changed, changed utterly - at least for now anyway. The twin tower skyscraper headquarter offices of Deutsche Bank, right, stand at dusk in Frankfurt Police raided six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Thursday over money laundering allegations linked to the "Panama Papers", the public prosecutor's office in Germany's financial capital said. Investigators are looking into the activities of two unnamed Deutsche Bank employees alleged to have helped clients set up offshore firms to launder money, the prosecutor's office said. Around 170 police officers, prosecutors and tax inspectors searched the offices where written and electronic business documents were seized. "Of course, we will cooperate closely with the public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt, as it is in our interest as well to clarify the facts," Deutsche Bank said, adding it believed it had already provided all the relevant information related to the "Panama Papers". The news comes as Deutsche Bank tries to repair its tattered reputation after three years of losses and a drumbeat of financial and regulatory scandals. Christian Sewing was appointed as chief executive in April to help the bank to rebuild. He trimmed U.S. operations and reshuffled the management board but revenue has continued to slip. Deutsche Bank shares were down more than 3pc by 1220 GMT and have lost almost half their value this year. OFFSHORE LINKS The investigation was triggered after investigators reviewed so-called "Offshore-Leaks" and "Panama Papers", the prosecutor said. The "Panama Papers", which consist of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, were leaked to the media in April 2016. Several banks, including Scandinavian lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by regulators for violating money laundering rules as a result of the papers. The prosecutors said they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank may have assisted clients to set up offshore companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. In 2016 alone, over 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered on the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of 311m, the prosecutors said. They also said Deutsche Bank employees are alleged to have breached their duties by neglecting to report money laundering suspicions about clients and offshore companies involved in tax evasion schemes. The investigation is separate from another money laundering scandal surrounding Danish lender Danske Bank, where Deutsche Bank is involved. Danske is under investigation for suspicious payments totalling 200bn from 2007 onwards and a source with direct knowledge of the case has told Reuters Deutsche Bank helped to process the bulk of the payments. A Deutsche Bank executive director has said the lender played only a secondary role as a so-called correspondent bank to Danske Bank, limiting what it needed to know about the people behind the transactions. UNDER SCRUTINY Weaknesses in Deutsche Bank's controls that aim to prevent money laundering have caught the attention of regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. The bank has publicly said that it agreed it needed to improve its processes to properly identify clients. In September, Germany's financial watchdog - BaFin - ordered Deutsche Bank to do more to prevent money laundering and "terrorist financing," and appointed KPMG as third party to assess progress. In August, Reuters reported that Deutsche Bank had uncovered further shortcomings in its ability to fully identify clients and the source of their wealth. Last year, Deutsche Bank was fined nearly $700m for allowing money laundering through artificial trades between Moscow, London and New York. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is still ongoing. Deutsche Bank has been under pressure after annual losses, and it agreed to pay a $7.2bn settlement with U.S. authorities last year over its sale of toxic mortgage securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. Profit after tax at drinks giant Britvic increased 5pc to 117m (132m) in the 12 months to 30 September. Revenue also increased by 5pc to 1.5bn (1.7bn). The strong performance comes despite disruptions in the second half of the year from a shortage of carbon dioxide across Western Europe, and the impact of "multiple business failures" in its customer base, according to preliminary results from the company. "Against this backdrop, our results are even more impressive and demonstrate the resilience of the business, the strength of our broad portfolio, the quality of our team and the strong relationships we have with our customers and partners," Simon Litherland, CEO of Britvic, said. In Ireland, Britvic said its strong market position and broad portfolio of low and no sugar brands delivered a strong financial performance, despite a shortage of CO2 and the introduction of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax (SSDT). The performance in Ireland was driven by its squash brands and Ballygowan water. Britvic added that the benefit of the East Coast wholesale acquisition was fully realised in the first half of the year, which has enabled it to accelerate the distribution of Britvic brands in the growing Dublin on-trade sector. Describing the UK market as "turbulent", the group benefited from a strong second half of the year, with the good weather helping sales. Earlier this year Britvic chief financial officer Mathew Dunn resigned from the group to take up the role of CFO at fashion giant Asos. Well you were warned...Starbucks looks like it's staying true to its word by blocking porn accessed through its free in-store WiFi. According to Business Insider, the global coffee chain is following through on a promise it made two years ago, initially prompted by pressure from Enough is Enough. Following no action from Starbucks since 2016, the internet safety advocacy group gathered close to 30,000 signatures on a petition, and CEO Donna Rice Hughes released it alongside a statement. "By breaking its commitment, Starbucks is keeping the doors wide open for convicted sex offenders and others to fly under the radar from law enforcement and use free, public WiFi services to access illegal child porn and hard-core pornography," the statement read. The popular coffee hang out reportedly had issued a ban on WiFi users at its shops from using porn, but had not added content blockers to ensure no access to related content. But, Enough is Enough's statement appears to have made Starbucks execs jump to action as the group told Business Insider that next year it plans to implement a tool, which is currently being tested, to block explicit content. 'Wagamama, which has three outlets in Ireland, is being sold by private equity firms Duke Street and Hutton Collins.' Photo: PA The Restaurant Group has clinched approval for its controversial takeover of the Wagamama chain, despite a significant level of opposition from shareholders. Proxy votes showed 61pc of shareholders supported the 559m (630.6m) deal, which will be paid for through a combination of a 315m (355m) rights issue and a 220m (248m) revolving credit facility. Full results were due to be published following a shareholder meeting. Major Restaurant Group investors including Columbia Threadneedle and US activists GrizzlyRock Capital and Vivaldi Asset Management have publicly voiced opposition to the acquisition in recent weeks, saying it had "red flags". But shareholder advisory groups and other top shareholders such as JO Hambro have hit back with their own support. Shares in The Restaurant Group were down 10pc following the announcement. Wagamama, which has three outlets in Ireland, is being sold by private equity firms Duke Street and Hutton Collins. It was founded in 1992 by restaurateur Alan Yau, who went on to establish the Michelin-starred Hakkasan. In recent years it has defied the troubles hitting the casual dining sector to report sales and profit growth. Irish author Sally Rooneys novel Normal People has been named the Waterstones Book of the Year. It is the second award this week for the 27-year-old after her book was named Novel of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards on Tuesday night. It was revealed last week that Normal People, which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, has been shortlisted for the Costa Novel award, alongside Limerick author Donal Ryans From A Low and Quiet Sea. The Waterstones Book of the Year is chosen by booksellers and while there is no monetary prize attached, the winner can expect a healthy bump in sales across its 293 stores in Ireland and the UK. Last years winner, Philip Pullmans Belle Sauvage, saw an increase in sales of over 350pc across the Waterstones group, catapulting it into the Christmas number one fiction spot and making it one of 2017s best-selling books. Rooney, who comes from Castlebar in Co Mayo, is editor of literary magazine The Stinging Fly. Normal People, the follow-up to her 2017 debut, Conversations With Friends, tells the story of Marianne and Connell, two Leaving Cert students in a small town in the West of Ireland. The book follows the pairs on-again off-again relationship over four years after they are both offered places at Trinity College in Dublin. Normal People is set to be adapted for BBC Three by Oscar-nominated Irish director Lenny Abrahamson. Video of the Day The abortion legislation faces further debate at report stage in the Dail next week piling pressure on the January deadline for services. The legislation is making its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas and despite hopes that report stage would conclude last night after three days of debate it will now return to the Dail floor next week. Some 65 amendments have been proposed to the legislation, sparking a lengthy debate. A number of amendments were defeated last night including one proposing that abortions are not sought on grounds of race, sex or disability and another provision seeking pain relief to be administered to a fetus in the womb ahead of a termination. Health Minister Simon Harris rejected the amendment relating to grounds of sex, race or disability. The legislation does not provide for termination of pregnancy to be carried out on the grounds of sex, race or disability, he said, describing the amendment as entirely unworkable. It was designed, he suggested, to to stigmatise women in crisis pregnancies by allowing its proposers to suggest that these are their motives. There were heated scenes in the Dail amid accusations of filibustering. Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger accused a group of pro-life TDs of trying to delay the legislation, urging that efforts be made to conclude the debate as quickly as possible. Theres women travelling... people have had it up to here and two thirds of the people voted and that mandate has to be respected, she said. However, deputies Danny Healy Rae and Mattie McGrath - who are part of the group who have tabled several proposed changes to the bill - rejected the suggestion that they were seeking to filibuster the legislation. An argument across the floor between Mr McGrath and Fine Gael TD Kate OConnell also saw the Ceann Comhairle threaten to suspend the Dail as the Tipperary TD accused Ms OConnell of leaving the chamber to speak to the media instead of listening to his contributions and those of his colleagues. Ms OConnell rejected this and asked that it was withdrawn. The timeline for the passage of the legislation to regulate for the termination of pregnancies requires the Bill to go to the Seanad before the Christmas recess. (ANSA) - Rome, November 29 - Alex, an 18-month-old Italian boy suffering from a grave genetic disorder, has arrived in Italy from London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and is heading to Rome's Vatican-run Bambino Gesu Hospital to have a bone-marrow transplant from his parents using an innovative manipulation of stem cells, sources said Thursday. Alex's parents had launched an appeal for donors which saw lengthy queues build up in cities around Britain, Italy, and other countries. Alex, whose full name is Alessandro Maria Montresor, has a rare condition said to affect just 0.002% of children, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, commonly known as Hly. Alex was born in London where his Italian parents live and work. The general condition of the boy are "good", Bambino Gesu sources said later. They said the drug treatment that had been started at the London hospital "is contributing effectively to the containment of the disease". That therapy will be continued until the transplant, the Roman hospital sources said. Natasha Houlihan, mother of Thomas Houlihan, of Glenshane Crescent, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin, pictured leaving the Four Courts after a settlement offer of 75,000 damages was approved on behalf of Thomas Houlihan Photo: Collins Courts A school boy who caught his finger in a metal chair while attending a concert at RTE two years ago has settled his High Court action for 75,000. Thomas Houlihan, now 10, later had to have a partial amputation of his left index finger, the court heard. His counsel Jeremy Maher told the court he is missing a part of the top of that finger but he is right handed and has made a very good recovery. Thomas, of Glenshane Crecent, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin, through his mother Natasha Houlihan, sued RTE and the board of management of St Aidan's national school, Jobstown, Tallaght as a result of the accident on December 9, 2016. The boy had attended RTE in Donnybrook with his school at the time. It is claimed his left index finger became trapped in a metal chair. An ambulance was called and the boy was brought to a hospital but later had to transferred to another hospital where he was seen by a specialist. It was claimed that the boy was in significant pain following the accident and that allegedly a First Aid box could not be found and his finger had to be wrapped in tissue. It was further claimed the boy and his parents were traumatised afterwards as when they first went to a hospital it appeared understaffed and the parents claimed they had to squeeze the boy's finger to stop it bleeding. It was claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure the seating area at the concert was safe for use by the boy and there was an alleged failure to take any reasonable steps or precautions for the safety of the boy. The claims were denied. Counsel told the court Thomas has no functional difficulties with the finger. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement. Former All-Ireland winning hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has successfully overturned a speeding conviction in court. At Ennis Circuit Court, Mr Fitzgerald (47) won an appeal against the speeding conviction imposed on him at the district court last June. Judge Patrick Durcan had imposed a speeding fine of 400 on the current Wexford hurling manager. He also imposed a 28-day driving ban by way of ancillary order after Mr Fitzgerald failed to show up in court. Mr Fitzgerald, of Sixmilebridge, did not appear at the district court in June as he had not received a notification to appear. At the Circuit Court, Judge Gerald Keys allowed an appeal after the State was unable to provide written proof in court that it had sent out a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice to Mr Fitzgerald. Go Safe employee John McMahon said he detected a 151 D car registered to Mr Fitzgerald driving at 114km in a 100km zone on the dual-carriageway linking Ennis to Limerick at Clonmoney West, Bunratty at 1.17pm on December 23, 2017. Judge Keys said: "The signs that distinguish one area from the other are quite small and not the easiest to observe. "There is an area where it is very difficult for any motorist to observe." Judge Keys allowed the appeal in full. Former Labour TD Michael McNamara has won his appeal against a conviction for dangerous driving against him on the same night that he was pepper sprayed by a garda. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Gerald Keys said he had "a reasonable doubt" over the case against Mr McNamara after saying he couldn't consider the speed or driving by Mr McNamara (44) on the night as dangerous. Mr McNamara was driving the 1.1km distance from Scarriff to his home at Tobernagath, Scarriff, Co Clare, at 2.05am on December 10, 2016. Under cross-examination from State Solicitor Martin Linnane, Mr McNamara said he didn't hear the siren of the Garda car as he was playing quite loudly a CD from 'Oliver'. The judge said the expert evidence presented to court on behalf of Mr McNamara showed he could not have been going at high speeds around the bends in question "as he wouldn't have got around those corners at high speed". Judge Keys' ruling overturned the dangerous driving conviction imposed on Mr McNamara by Judge John King at the district court in January that came with an automatic two-year ban. Mr McNamara was able to continue driving as the case had been under appeal. At the district court, Judge King dismissed an accompanying charge against Mr McNamara that he had obstructed a garda in the course of his duties on the same date outside his home after being pursued by a garda car to his home. Mr McNamara told the district court he was "utterly and completely shocked" when he was pepper sprayed by a garda outside his home in December 2016. In relation to the appeal against the dangerous driving charge, he told the court that it was "incorrect" to state that his driving was dangerous on the night. He said: "I have driven on that road since I was 17 and I don't think you could take those bends at more than 50kmh." A ROMANIAN national has denied the murder of a young Irish father of one. Ciprian Grozavu (44) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jonathan 'Dukie' Duke (27) before a Central Criminal Court jury in Cork. The defendant, when arraigned, told Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and the jury panel he was: "not guilty, your honour". Grozavu denies the murder of Mr Duke at Bridge House, Sean Hales Place, Bandon, Co Cork on November 13, 2011. The Romanian had been living at Bridge House in the west Cork town, which overlooks the Bandon River, in November 2011. Grozavu appeared in court wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and tie. He remained silent beyond confirming his not guilty plea though he briefly waved to relatives from Romania who had travelled to Cork for the hearing. Ms Justice Creedon told the jury of eight men and four women that the trial will open at 11am on Monday. The trial is expected to last up to two weeks. A judge has demanded an explanation from Health Minister Simon Harris why a Dublin mother has to wait 27 months for her troubled son to get help. Describing the delay in accessing a mental health service as phenomenal, Judge Halpin was presiding over a Dublin District Court case of a woman facing prosecution by the Child and Family Agency (CFA). The case has been brought because her son, whose age was not stated, has been missing school and his attendance has not improved. The court heard the woman's son had been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). After that she was referred to primary care but was told she would have to wait nine or 10 months to get an appointment, said defence solicitor Emer O'Sullivan. The CFA asked for an adjournment. Judge Halpin said it was easy to identify the problem but getting a referral was phenomenal. He ordered the mother's solicitor Emer O'Sullivan to write to the health minister, on his direction, demanding an explanation. We have identified something to help a child who should not be waiting nine months, he told the solicitor. She said her client had already waited 18 months to get her child into CAMHS before being told to expect a further nine or 10-month delay. Judge Halpin noted that was 27 months in total and remarked, in a kid's life that is huge. Ms O'Sullivan said she had no problem writing the letter but cautioned, do not be too disappointed if it falls on deaf ears. The mother said she already had four appointments and the answer she got was they had to wait for someone else. Judge Halpin said that he wanted the explanation as soon as possible but certainly by the end of January. Solicitor Stephanie O'Meara told the court the educational and welfare officer involved in the case would write a similar letter. I need the minister on board, 27 months, that's not right, the judge said. The woman could be fined up to 1,000 and jailed for a month if found guilty of breaking the Education (Welfare) Act for not complying with an official warning to ensure her child went to school. The case resumes in January. The minimum school leaving age is 16 years or the completion of three years of post-primary education. A woman who was robbed and beaten in the city centre is now wary of helping homeless people, a court has heard. The woman was going home from a night out when she was approached by Marese Craig (21) who told her she was stuck in the city and needed money. The victim took her purse and Craig pushed her to the ground. Craig kicked her in the hip, body and arm and robbed a total of 57 from the bag. The woman later told gardai that Craig left the scene, followed by a man who had been watching the attack. Gda Susan Lawlor told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that over a week later the victim spotted Craig in the city centre and phoned gardai. In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman said she is now wary of helping homeless people and feels this is a shame because she believes in aiding those in need. She said she hoped Craig understands the impact of her actions, which she described as so unnecessary. Craig, of Bridgefoot Street, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing cash from the woman at Nassau Street, Dublin on May 26, 2016. She further pleaded guilty to trespass and theft from a then 90-year-old shop owner at ABC Fishing Tackle, Mary's Abbey, Dublin on September 27, 2017. She also pleaded guilty to robbery of a bank card from a man using a cash machine on Camden Street, Dublin city on February 2 last. Craig shoved the man out of the way and reached around to grab the card before running off. Craig pleaded guilty as well to a number of other street robberies carried out last March. She has 47 previous convictions, including 20 thefts. Keith Spencer BL, defending, said his client had addictions to crack cocaine and heroin and committed the crimes to feed her habit. He said she was a young woman who was beguiled by a man who introduced her to these drugs after she miscarried her child. Counsel said her parents were in court to support her and her mother had done everything she could to get her away from this man. Judge Greally noted that Craig is in custody where she is taking steps towards rehabilitation. She adjourned sentencing to December 6 next. Students Natasha Gregg (left) and Krystian Kilarski (right) of Ringsend College, Dublin with teacher Ciara Moran, taking part in the conversations about senior cycle at a recent NCCA seminar. Photo: JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY Would a new-look Leaving Certificate serve the needs of students or society better if the number of subjects taken in the exams was reduced from the typical seven to five? Very dfificult to say, certainly at this juncture, but it is an example of the sort of talking points thrown up in recent months in discussions on a review of senior cycle underway in school communities. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is overseeing the process and there is a way to go before it gets to considering what shape any changes should take. In the initial stage, the focus is on teasing out the purpose of senior cycle. The Leaving Cert is widely seen purely as a method of selection for college entry, a mechanism built around three weeks of exams at the end of 13 to 14 years schooling, through which students achieve CAO points needed for third level. Not everyone goes to third level and even if they did, there is an acceptance that the final two years in school should also be about recognising achievement beyond the single measure of CAO points, and equipping students with the personal and thinking skills they need for life in general. The NCCA consultations have kicked off with a ground-up exercise involving students, teachers and parents in a representative sample 41 schools to ensure the voices of those at the coalface are clearly heard and taken on board from the very start of the process. The first round involved 1,200 students in 20 schools, working with NCCA facilitators. Similar work is now underway with students in the other 21 schools. Separately, the 41 schools are eliciting the views of teachers and parents. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is analysing all the feedback and its researchers have been providing insights into emerging themes, at a series of NCCA seminars held in recent weeks. The challenge in setting out a purpose and vision for senior cycle is becoming apparent. On the one hand, there is an obvious attachment to and a recognition of the role of the Leaving Cert as a selection tool for third level, but how does senior cycle fulfil wider purposes and allow students the time to develop skills that might not be assessed in traditional exams? Overall, the current system is regarded as having a lot going for it, although a view among teachers is that it neglects the needs of students who have a more practical orientation and those with special needs. Positives reported by both teachers and parents include the diversity of subjects, while teachers also spoke in favour of the higher/ordinary level option because it gives all students a better chance at passing. But even with the current choice of subjects, some students feel there should be more. A student who suggested drama, said: Its done in Australia, its done in England. If that was brought in as a subject like people would express themselves through theatre, in a way. Subject relevance was also a hot topic for some students. One said: Theyre teaching you stuff that you dont need. Like some of the stuff they teach you in school, youre not gonna use, like, when you grow up. There was also a student view expressed that there should not be any compulsory subjects. Transition Year received across-the-board support, parents valuing it for the space it allows for personal development and for the opportunities to taste different subjects and for work experience. One common theme to come from students, teachers and parents in the consultations is overload, and it was in that context that some teachers suggested a reduction in the number of subjects. Senior ESRI researcher, Dr Emer Smyth, reported teachers as saying that some courses at higher level were overfilled with content, leaving no time to develop skills and an understanding at depth for a subject. A point made by parents was that the heavy overload, and often long days in school, made it difficult for teenagers to balance study with other important activities, such as sport. There is also a definite mood for a shift away from heavy reliance on the set of terminal exams for the Leaving Cert, conducted over three weeks in June. The big challenge here will be working out an alternative. Student support for an approach that involves more continuous assessment came through. One student referred to the pressure of the current system: I dont think the exams at the end of the year should be awarded as many points as they are. I think the stuff you do throughout the years should, kind of, add up to your total score. Parents too would like to see a more manageable system, with spaced out assessments. Introducing different modes of assessment was the issue that caused problems in the junior cycle reforms, and, here again, there were mixed views among teachers. A recognition among teachers that the current focus on the single set of exams leads to rote learning and teaching to the test was evident, with one quoted as saying more continuous assessment needed to be introduced, possibly from fifth year. But while there may be support for more continuous assessment, as was seen in the dispute over junior cycle reforms there is opposition to any suggestion that it would involve teachers assessing their own students. Dr Smyth reported a teacher as saying that the anonymous nature of exams does ensure that all students are on the same playing field and college access is open to all based on achievements that are comparable from school to school. The consultation and conversations continues. The focus of the second cycle is future pathways and the flexibilities that could be built so as to accommodate the needs fo all students. There will be seminars in February to outline the main findings from that cycle, which will be followed by a public consultation from March to June. Stephen Marron (L) died in the collision while Garda Michael Devlin was hospitalised with serious injuries The driver suspected of injuring a garda and killing an innocent man in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was "wanted" in relation to another hit-and-run charge. Gardai are investigating after father-of-two Stephen Marron (47) was killed when an out-of-control Audi A6 crashed into his stationary vehicle as he was parked on Main Street in Castleblayney at 11.23pm on Tuesday. In a bizarre twist it emerged that the man arrested in relation to the incident was suspected of being involved in another car crash with the same garda in 2010. A 34-year-old man from Co Armagh was last night being questioned in relation to the horror smash that killed local man Mr Marron and left Gda Michael Devlin (31) hospitalised with serious injuries. The 34-year-old man is due to appear in court at 6pm this evening. A bench warrant was in place for the arrest of the man since January 2011, when he failed to show up at a district court in Co Monaghan in relation to a terrifying incident that happened on November 20, 2010. Expand Close Stephen Marron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Marron In the course of the hit-and-run eight years ago, Gda Devlin was injured when a car collided with his patrol vehicle at Latlorcan, Co Monaghan. The driver then left the scene but was arrested nearby on suspicion of drink driving and driving without insurance. The suspect was charged and failed to appear in court on a second hearing. Then on Tuesday night - eight years and one week after that incident - the suspect arrived in Castleblayney garda station on an unrelated issue. He was recognised by Gda Devlin, who is not stationed there but based at Monaghan garda station. The suspect then left the station and the garda followed him. Expand Close Garda Michael Devlin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Garda Michael Devlin When he tried to leave, Gda Devlin tried to stop the car but was dragged from the station to the Main Street around 500m away. One source said Gda Devlin was "hanging on for dear life". Read More The highly respected officer had only been in Castleblayney station because he had earlier been involved in investigating a separate drink driving incident. "He would not normally be there but when he was, of course he recognised the suspect when this individual arrived in the station," a source told Independent.ie. "It was the same man who was charged with reckless driving over eight years ago." Video footage obtained by the Irish Independent shows the Audi car driving onto the Main Street at 11.21pm. As the car turns onto the street, the driver side door swings open, but closes before the car starts veering towards the Blue Skoda Octavia. The Audi appears to pick up speed right before impact with Mr Marron's car, smashing into the rear. Mr Marron's Skoda crashes into a pole and is turned 90 degrees while the Audi continues for several more metres before coming to a stop. As two Garda cars respond to the scene, the 34-year-old driver steps out of the car and puts his hand into his pocket, before raising his arms. Gda Devlin can be seen staggering from the passenger side of the car, and collapses before being helped by a passer-by. The woman - who has not been identified - has since come forward to gardai following an appeal. A garda spokesman confirmed on Thursday lunchtime that she made contact. Earlier this morning, Superintendent Fergus Treanor praised the woman and said he was "anxious" to speak to her. Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One, he said: "From what I can see from the footage is she acted very bravely because I think she believed the car was on fire. "There certainly was a lot of smoke coming from it and her efforts to assist Garda Devlin are very much in my thoughts at the moment. "She obviously involved herself in some danger and we are very anxious to speak to her." The events which led to the death of Mr Marron have been described as an outrageous and tragic set of circumstances by Tanaiste Simon Coveney. The Dail has been promised that a full investigation into his death will involve both gardai and the PSNI if necessary. Fianna Fails deputy leader Dara Calleary said today that the situation was horrendously tragic. He said CCTV footage of the crash was like something from the movies. He questioned how the suspect could be on-the-run for eight years in relation to another offence for eight years. Mr Coveney said Mr Marron was in everybodys thoughts and prayers and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan had requested a full report on the case. I want to recognise the courage and bravery of a gardai who is in a critical condition today. We hope he will make a full and speedy recovery, he said. The Tanaiste said that there has never been better co-operation between An Garda Siochana and the PSNI in relation to cases such as this. Tributes have been paid to Mr Marron, who has been remembered as a "loving, devoted husband and father" Mr Marron was in his car because he worked as a delivery driver for a local takeaway. Mr Marron was an assistant sacristan at St Marys Church in Castleblayney and St Patricks Church, Oram. He was described in a statement from the parish as a devoted member of the wider Castleblayney community, particularly through sports organisations. Above all, Stephen was a loving and devoted husband and father, a son, brother, and a good friend to many. Canon Shane McCaughey, said: Stephen was the go-to man for everyone in the community of Muckno parish. Stephen bore witness to his faith through the generosity and kindness that he showed to all who were in any kind of need. Brendan Tavey, who owns a business on Main Street, said, The town is very, very shocked at this. He was just a local man doing his job. He is married with two children and his family are decent and respectable people. Kevin Mullen, whose CCTV captured the crash, said, I was talking to him and his wee girl yesterday down in Lidl. I met him at the till. We spoke and he was joking about different bits and pieces. Councillor Aidan Campbell said: I want to pay tribute to him and sympathise with his family. The whole town is in shock, it is just numb. The Main Street remained sealed-off yesterday to facilitate Garda forensic and Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission examinations. The GRA representative for Cavan/Monaghan, James Morrisroe said: "We wish our injured colleague a speedy recovery from his injuries. "Our thoughts and prayers are also with the family of the deceased." Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for Mr Marron have been confirmed. Mr Marron's remains will repose in his home in Castleblayney from 6pm to 10pm today and also from noon to 9pm tomorrow. His removal will take place to Saint Mary's Church in the town at 10.20am on Saturday for requiem mass at 11am. The delay in returning certain CervicalCheck test results is now taking longer than five months in some cases. CervicalCheck, which has a backlog of around 80,000 tests from women who underwent cervical screening in recent months, has issued a warning on its website about the wait of more than five months in a "small number of cases". It follows revelations that it is now using an additional lab in the UK run by Medlab, which screens tests in Dublin, to reduce some of the backlog. Meanwhile, a conference in Dublin entitled 'Lessons from the Scally inquiry', which looked at various aspects of screening and cancer care following Dr Gabriel Scally's report into the CervicalCheck scandal, excluded the media yesterday. There have been repeated calls for more disclosure and transparency in healthcare in the wake of the secrecy which marked the controversy. The organisers of the conference, the Royal College of Physicians, held the proceedings in private and very limited information was released through press releases. A spokeswoman said it was "an educational and scientific meeting for doctors and healthcare professionals to facilitate a learning environment". Lorraine Walsh, a businesswoman from Galway, addressed the conference. She developed cervical cancer and is among the 221-strong group at the centre of what she termed the CervicalCheck "debacle". She pointed out that a lot of questions and answers were "still outstanding". The full facts have yet to emerge and this was "heart-wrenching and confusing" for patients and families and "frustrating for doctors", she said. Ms Walsh, who has been cancer-free for a number of years, is among 221 women mostly only told in early summer that their smear test result was incorrectly reported. She called for dialogue between patients and medical bodies to begin. Health Minister Simon Harris told the gathering: "There is no aspect of the CervicalCheck controversy where there are not lessons to be learned, and no one escapes responsibility." That includes the Government, health system, medical profession and the media, he added. "I have acknowledged that I personally made mistakes and one of the things I have learned is the need to cultivate an environment where people feel freer to acknowledge their mistakes." He said paternalism shown by some doctors to women in the controversy "harks back to a not-so-distant past when women's health was somehow lesser, subordinate to her reproductive role". (ANSA) - Rome, November 29 - Alex, an 18-month-old Italian boy suffering from a grave genetic disorder, has arrived in Italy from London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and is heading to Rome's Vatican-run Bambino Gesu Hospital to have a bone-marrow transplant from his parents using an innovative manipulation of stem cells, sources said Thursday. Alex's parents had launched an appeal for donors which saw lengthy queues build up in cities around Britain, Italy, and other countries. Alex, whose full name is Alessandro Maria Montresor, has a rare condition said to affect just 0.002% of children, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, commonly known as Hly. Alex was born in London where his Italian parents live and work. A surge in patients aged over 75 is fuelling hospital overcrowding, leading to a record 100,000 people lying on trolleys so far this year. There were 451 patients left on trolleys and chairs across Ireland's hospitals yesterday - bringing the total for 2018 to date to a staggering 100,385, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). In response health officials blamed a growing influx of patients through A&Es with a particular rise among the over-75s. "Total A&E attendances were up by 3.7pc and admissions up by 2.5pc at the end of October 2018, compared to the same period in 2017," said the Department of Health. But among over-75s, attendances shot up 5.7pc and the numbers who needed admission to a bed rose by 5.4pc. The nurses' figures are higher than those counted by the HSE because they include patients who have been placed on a ward who are still on a trolley. The department said its figures for A&E departments indicated 91,000 patients have suffered delays to date. It comes as winter weather deteriorates and temperatures inevitably dip, causing more problems for patients with respiratory illness who will need hospital care. The worst-affected hospitals so far this for patients on trolleys are: :: University Hospital Limerick - 10,554; :: Cork University Hospital - 8,566; :: University Hospital Galway - 6,821; :: Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore - 5,362; :: Tallaght University Hospital - 5,085. The nurses' union said last year had set the previous record, when 98,981 patients waited on trolleys. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: "It's not even December and we've already broken the record for the most patients on trolleys. Behind these statistics are vulnerable individual patients, forced to wait in unsafe, uncomfortable conditions." The Department of Health said the HSE was finalising its much-delayed winter plan with the aim of putting it into effect from December 1. "A key component of the plan, which is already underway is an additional 550 home care packages," it stated. Meanwhile, a report published today shows just seven in 10 patients who came to A&E after suffering a fractured hip were operated on in 48 hours last year, the recommended time for surgery. Hospitals remain challenged to meet this target which can improve the patient's outcome. The Irish Hip Fracture Database captures how mostly elderly people who break their hip and are admitted to A&E are treated. Last year, in Ireland, 3,608 patients aged 60 years or over were hospitalised following a hip fracture. Every day in Ireland, 10 people break their hips. Although there has been huge progress in hip fracture care in Ireland in the past 10 years there is still a need for improvement and last year only a proportion of patients were assessed by a geriatrician or received bone health assessment. The average length of stay has increased to 13 days The report finds 92pc patients were brought directly to the operating hospital, an increase of 5pc from 2016. Slightly more than one in 10 were admitted to an orthopaedic ward within four hours. It found that 73pc were mobilised on the day of or day after surgery. Half were reviewed by a geriatrician in hospital. Dr Emer Ahern, Clinical Geriatric Lead, pointed out there was significant risk of illness and death associated with this common injury, and healthcare costs were high. Motorists are being advised to exercise caution on Irish roads this morning as the wet weather continues, with heavy traffic reported across the country this morning. "Roads are wet in parts of Munster and Leinster this morning. When driving in wet conditions, slow down and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front," an AA Roadwatch spokesperson said. Traffic on the M1 and East Wall Rd in Dublin was reported to be very heavy this morning. The southbound bore of the Port Tunnel was being metered this morning due to heavy volumes heading towards the Port, AA Roadwatch reports. The traffic restrictions have since been lifted but some delays remain. Wet weather this morning, drive to the conditions & keep an eye for pedestrians cyclists kids travelling to school Overnight, Kilbarrack firefighters responded to a road traffic collision #Dublin #fire pic.twitter.com/Dc9GIg9hSL Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) November 29, 2018 On the M50 northbound, traffic was down to one lane at J6 Blanchardstown while gardai dealt with a collision. In Cork, there are no further reports of a crash on the N40 westbound at J9 Bloomfield and traffic in Cork city is said to be moving well. Gardai also dealt with a a crash on the Blarney/Tower Rd (R617), with flooding an issue in the area this morning. The warning comes as commuters awake to surface water on many roads this morning, with heavy rain expected to continue later today. The latest forecast shows that rain in the east will clear this morning and become scattered with some sunny spells, but showers are expected to become more widespread during the afternoon. The scattered showers will continue tonight with lowest temperatures between 4 and 7 degrees. Pictured at The Project Ireland 2040 announcement at The Charleville Mall Library were; John Halligan, Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Kevin Boxer Moran, Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and The Gaeltacht and Senator, Michelle Mulhern. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has committed to removing a photograph of a Fine Gael election candidate from a Government website. Senator Michelle Mulherin, who is running for the Dail in Mayo, was pictured alongside a line-up of ministers at the launch of an urban regeneration fund on Monday. However, her appearance on an official Government website raised the ire of Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald who suggested taxpayer funds were being used to raise the profile of party candidates. She told the Dail that the Strategic Communications Unit was scrapped because it was seen as promoting Fine Gael candidates so she was very surprised by the latest picture. There is a picture of the Taoiseach and four Government Minister colleagues. Lo and behold, standing alongside and smiling for the camera is a Fine Gael Senator and election candidate for Mayo. Despite all of the bluster taxpayer's money is still being spent to promote Fine Gael candidates under the guise of public information, Ms McDonald said. They were announcing the fund for urban regeneration and development, but why on earth does the Taoiseach have a party colleague alongside all of Government colleagues? What is that all about? Ms Mulherin was at the launch, which is part of Project Ireland 2040, as her constituency received funding for a digital hub. The Taoiseach said he would check into how the picture appeared on the Government website. I will have that taken down. I do not know which website it is on but I will certainly check into it, he said. However, Mr Varadkar added that people needed to be realistic about this. Deputies and Senators who are not Ministers, including those from the Opposition, do turn up at Government announcements, so do candidates, he said. A Fine Gael Senator who was accused of making a misogynistic remark in the Seanad has said he would have said the same thing to a male colleague. Jerry Buttimer, the leader of the Seanad, was accused of using gendered language during an exchange while the Order of Business was being discussed. I know Senator Clifford-Lee is trying to assert herself her... it is important though to listen as well, he said during the debate. Fianna Fail Senator Ms Clifford Lee, who was recently appointed deputy leader for the party in the Seanad, took exception to the remark which she termed very gendered and misogynistic language. There is the political to-ing and fro-ing and the political gamesmanship that is within the arena that is the chamber, Mr Buttimer told Independent.ies political podcast The Floating Voter. I wasnt in anyway trying to be derogatory, he said. Mr Buttimer said he is very pro-equality and was supportive of quotas and getting women and young people involved in politics. He said he absolutely would have directed the same comment to a man. If you look at the Order of Business in the Seanad... or any debate in a similar situation be it in a radio studio... there is that back and forth, you defend your position. I dont look at it as a man or a woman I look at it as a politician or a political party, he said. I have the hugest of respect for everybody who is involved in politics because we are there on behalf of the people but we also put forward our own point of view. I think it is important that we all take cognizance of what we say and do actually does matter. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insisted his Government was the "only people you can trust to keep the economy stable" despite a critical assessment of their financial planning. While saying he was not dismissing the warnings of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), Mr Varadkar argued that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe was keeping "a tight rein on public spending". He lashed out at Opposition parties and said: "It's really important that we listen to these warnings and keep those left-wing parties out of government, because if they get in, everybody will suffer, especially the poor." IFAC was set up to provide an independent assessment of Government forecasts as part of the EU and IMF bailout. Its latest report said there were "echoes of policy mistakes of the past" and Budget 2019 was not "conducive to prudent economic and budgetary management". The assessment was rejected by both the Taoiseach and Finance Minister yesterday - although they insisted they would study it "carefully". Mr Varadkar said the European Commission had recently given the Budget full clearance and new spending was being matched by tax increases in other areas. "Every day I walk into the Dail, there is a demand for more spending," he said. "Really, the only people who you can trust to keep the economy stable, to keep public spending controlled, to balance the books, to pay down the debts, are the people that have actually done it. "They are Fine Gael and the Independents in government. "If you listen to the Opposition, it's 'borrow more, spend more, don't set up a rainy day fund'. Those people would have us back to austerity very quickly." The Taoiseach said there were "enormous demands" on health and further investment was warranted in the areas of housing and climate change. Mr Donohoe questioned what people would say if he was allocating funding for fewer homes or less investment in transport. But he added: "One of the characteristics of populist governments is that they tend to dismiss institutions and criticism. We'll be studying the report from IFAC and considering their views. "We have seen when these kind of views have been missed in the past, the price that has been paid." Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty said the IFAC report showed the Government was "all spin and no substance". "It was a Budget based on a year of lectures and promises about stability and prudence," he said. "The IFAC have now completely savaged the Government's ongoing spin." Wild: The Coast Guard comes to the assistance of a walker on Dublins Great South Wall. Photo: PA Wild: Walkers on the harbour in Howth, Co Dublin. Photos: Colin Keegan/Collins Storm Diana may have crossed Ireland's path yesterday but the heavy rain will continue to spread across the country this afternoon with a risk of hail and thunder, according to Met Eireann. Storm Diana caused travel chaos as torrential rainfall and high winds inflicted significant disruption on ports, airports and roads. The latest forecast shows that rain in the east will clear this morning and become scattered with some sunny spells, but showers are expected to become more widespread during the afternoon. The scattered showers will continue tonight with lowest temperatures between 4 and 7 degrees. Tomorrow will see further scattered showers and the return of some sunny spells, but the "unsettled" period is expected to continue into the weekend and the beginning of next week. The national outlook is "rather unsettled with showers or spells of rain and cloudy or dull overall with few sunny spells," Met Eireann has said. "On Saturday morning rain will clear the north and northeast followed by a few bright or sunny spells and just a few showers. However, a further spell of rain will push into the southwest by evening. "Top temperatures will be around 6 to 12 degrees, coolest in the north. Winds will be mostly moderate southwest at first and veer northwest by mid-day." The rain will become widespread on Saturday night but is expected to clear by Sunday morning. "Sunday will see some outbreaks of showery rain but some dry periods as well with a few bright or sunny spells. Afternoon temperatures will range from 7 to 12 or 13 degrees, again coolest in the north. "It will continue rather unsettled in the early days of next week with risk of frost on Monday night and a spell of heavy rain on Tuesday." Almost 40,000 people were left without power on Wednesday as fallen trees damaged electricity supply lines. ESB crews were working last night to restore power to all households and businesses. The worst hit were counties Kilkenny, Kildare and Cork. However, coastal counties avoided major damage as the storm proved less destructive than initially feared with a status orange warning in place. Cork Airport cancelled a total of 14 flights yesterday morning due to the gusts. At Sherkin Island in west Cork, winds gusted to a national high of 122kmh at lunchtime. Parts of Cork county, particularly around the Macroom area, lost power due to fallen trees and downed electricity lines. Almost 2,000 customers were affected around Cork. The worst of the power outages occurred in Co Kilkenny, where some 8,000 homes lost electricity supplies due to fallen trees and damaged power lines. Rain in the east will clear this morning, elsewhere scattered heavy showers with some sunny spells and the risk of hail or thunder, especially in the west. Top temperatures 7 to 11 degrees in fresh and gusty southwest winds. pic.twitter.com/dpFhcV02vR Met Eireann (@MetEireann) November 29, 2018 A further 3,000 homes lost power in Co Kildare. The ESB said its repair crews were on standby but could only begin repair operations once weather conditions eased and it was safe to do so. Cork Airport urged passengers to check with their airlines for all flight details. The airport resumed normal flight operations late yesterday with a full flight schedule operating today. UK flights bore the worst of the disruption, with flights cancelled including services to Manchester, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh. The combination of heavy rainfall, wind direction and high tides resulted in spot flooding in parts of Cork city and county. High tide in the city was at 9am but major property damage did not materialise. Worst hit were low-lying parts of the city quays with minor flooding only affecting parking spaces. In Kerry, Strand Street in Dingle was temporarily impassable due to the tidal surge. Kerry County Council also reported some disruption due to fallen trees along routes in Inch, Kilgarvan and the Conor Pass. Expand Close Wild: The Coast Guard comes to the assistance of a walker on Dublins Great South Wall. Photo: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wild: The Coast Guard comes to the assistance of a walker on Dublins Great South Wall. Photo: PA In Galway, the Salthill promenade was closed amid fears over high winds and seas. Cork City Council emergency response teams remained on standby until lunchtime when the conditions eased. In Co Cork, heavy rainfall resulted in spot flooding in areas around Mallow, Fermoy, Bandon and Bantry. Trees were also reported down along the Lee Road and outside Cobh. Some coastal areas experienced a tidal surge of almost 75cm. Motorists were urged to drive with extreme caution due to surface water on many rural routes. Debris from the high winds also caused problems on many roads. Motorists on the Dublin-Cork motorway were urged to drive with care with debris blown onto the M8 between Fermoy and Mitchelstown and between Glanmire and Watergrasshill. Gardai urged drivers to slow down, allow sufficient braking distance to vehicles in front and, if possible, to delay journeys until the worst of the weather conditions passed. While Storm Diana passed without major incident, a second Atlantic storm is expected to hit within 24 hours. However, while it has the potential to generate damaging wind gusts, the worst of the weather is expected to make landfall over southern England. The owners of a luxury apartment complex - where homes will cost up to 3,300 per month to rent - have insisted no damage has been caused to the landmark building following a water leak. Engineers are assessing possible damage to flooring, ceilings and electrical systems at the 22-storey Capital Dock development in the Dublin Docklands after a valve on a pressurised water pipe of the Hailing Station building failed. A spokesman said water ran from the pipe for around 20 minutes, before being switched off. The scheme is the highest residential housing complex in the State. "The apartments and all amenities are unaffected as the water ran down the enclosed riser," a spokesman for the building owners said. "The leak was addressed immediately and all water has already been removed with affected commons areas drying out. "The apartments remain on track with all planned events over December and move-in dates, commencing from January 7. This was not a weather related issue." Most of the scheme is owned by US property firm Kennedy Wilson. State bad-bank Nama owns 15pc of the fund which owns the building. It has 90 apartments, some of which were advertised for rent at 3,300 a month. One source said the owners would go through the building "floor by floor" to assess damage. The development was completed earlier this month and includes an on-site concierge, cinema, gym, business suites and a games room. It spans 4.8 acres and features 690,000sq ft of offices, retail and residential units, and more than 1.5 acres of public parks. Emma Murphy who was a victim of domestic violence pictured on the stairs in her home where she delcared to the world via a video on social media that she was getting abused. Photo: Gerry Mooney Emma Murphy is the Dublin mother-of-two whose domestic violence video - shot on her own phone - shocked the nation in 2015. Now she is taking a stand on emotional abuse, and has welcomed the new Domestic Violence Act 2018, which declares coercive control to be a criminal offence. On January 1, the law will commence, following garda training and preparations by the courts. Coercive control is defined as "ongoing psychological behaviour, rather than isolated or unconnected incidents, with the purpose of removing a victim's freedom." A key provision of the act ensures that an intimate relationship between the victim and the perpetrator must be regarded as an aggravating factor in sentencing for a wide range of offences. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said, when the legislation was passed, that it sends a clear, consistent message that non-violent control in an intimate relationship is criminal. Not all forms of abuse leave a physical mark or a scar, says Ms Murphy, who left her abusive partner Francis Usanga (who was last year found guilty of assault causing harm) in 2015 and now campaigns on domestic violence issues. A bullying and controlling partner who insults you, threatens you, gaslights you, and controls you can leave emotional scars that last a lifetime. The emotional abuse can be the most traumatic of all, and the hardest to recover from, she says. "It's the first time it's recognised as a form of violence, and the hope will be now that women and young women are going to be protected," Ms Murphy explains. "I hear women saying to me every day, 'How can I prove that he's abusing me? I don't have bruises, how can I prove this?' Whereas now it can be proved through text messages. "A lot of manipulation goes on through text messages, and you can bring those to the garda station. With regards to financial control or controlling what the partner wears, that's a huge part of abuse, bank accounts could show a lot of things." Emotional abuse is a persistent pattern of manipulative and intimidating behaviour towards a partner. It can be harder to spot than physical abuse - even for victims themselves or witnesses. Emma says: The psychological and emotional abuse is a long-term thing. The physical abuse might be gone away but the words last a lifetime. Theres always going to be a time that triggers something, and youre back hearing those words again. The cumulative effect of sustained psychological abuse is very damaging, agrees Margaret Martin, Director of Womens Aid. Its not one drop of rain that makes you wet. And the more youre exposed to it, over a long time, the more it impacts you," she explains. A lot of women say he hasnt hit me for a long time, but theyre still living with the threat of being hit. Or they report threats like Ill bury you alive up the Dublin Mountains; Ill cut you up in parts and your friends will never be able to find you; Im going to get into the car and Ill crash the car, and my death and the childrens deaths will be on your head. A support worker from Cork support group Mna Feasa tells Independent.ie: We see physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse. The main one really would be the mental and emotional abuse. They break the woman down and they break the womans spirit. She ends up not believing herself and that she must have done something wrong. Believe it or not, youd hear the women saying if only he hit me just to get it over with. Meanwhile, an Amen spokesperson says mental abuse is what tears them down. "This constant criticising and undermining - being told theyre a useless father, for example, day in day out, she said. Feeling like theyre constantly walking on egg shells; afraid to go out because they know theyll be criticised; their family is criticised all the time; jealousy would be huge. I have a client whos not allowed to look at women even on the street when theyre coming towards him. He has to look down at the ground. The control is massive, and thats for domestic violence in all areas. "Weve had men whove been stabbed, whove had boiling water poured on their laps, whove been beaten with sticks. Women tend to use weapons when theyre beating their partners. Weve had men whove had horrific injuries from being burned with the hair straightener. She added that a lot of clients comment that physical abuse was "easier to take" than the emotional tormented inflicted on them. Men would often say to me, it was easier to take the black eye than it is to take the constant criticism every day - that Im a useless father, that I cant do anything right, that my family are useless being told what to wear, what time I can go out at if I can go out at all," she explained. Weve seen financial abuse where the mans wages are going into a joint account but he has no access to it at all. In 2016, the organisation received 5,196 reports of domestic abuse against men, with 3,730 of those cases involving psychological or verbal abuse. Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, says the effect of emotional abuse can be as harmful to victims as physical abuse. The breach of trust, if you commit to a relationship and it becomes an abusive relationship, the abuse of power is more complete than if it was abuse on the first meeting, she says. The denigration, the pain and the humiliation are so caustic that victims often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder breaks when they finally build up the courage to leave the abusive partner. Blackmail, threats and "gaslighting" have all frightened the victim and eroded any modicum of confidence they might have had. Ms Martin says: Its the constant monitoring. The woman might be out with her friends and even though shes physically there with her friends and family, her mind isnt there because shes thinking about how he might be verbally abusive and physically abusive when she comes back. That affects her relationships. She might be told constantly over time, 'Who believes you?' 'Youre imagining this, I never hit you'. Often when the woman comes to us they might say he hasnt hit me, but then when they get talking they might reveal hes sat on them on the bed, hes pinned them up against the wall. We see people who report not being called by their own name at all, report being locked out of their own home, women whove experienced stalking, constant monitoring of their contact with their friends and family. The impact of all of that is...women talk to us about having panic attacks, being anxious and depressed. A lot of women talk about how their self-esteem is rocked. The stress of constantly being on alert, not knowing whats going to happen when he walks through the door, is huge. And yet, there is a dearth of services for victims of domestic abuse in this country, while abusers who are brought into custody are offered services to help them rehabilitate. Ms Blackwell explains that victims of historical abuse can be placed on waiting lists for services. We literally cant see all the people who need to see us. Given that about 20pc of those who need to see us regularly are intimate partners, then theres a good chance a lot of people waiting to see us are or were intimate partners as well. What are the warning signs? If you think that someone you know is the victim of emotional abuse, Cosc (the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence) says to look out for the following behaviour: Victims can be anxious to please their partner or even express fear of their partner. They might talk about their partners temper, possessiveness or jealousy. They can be restricted from seeing friends and family or have limited access to money or a car. They may also demonstrate low self-esteem or be depressed, anxious or suicidal. How can you help? "From our perspective, the first thing isnt the question we ask, but the quality of our listening, and the question of being available that someone can tell us something and not be judged on it," Ms Blackwell says. "Firstly make sure that the person is safe, second it's important to listen carefully and not to judge so that the person can say it without feeling that theyre being judged or condemned. The third is that help is available." Cosc recommends that if you suspect someone is the victim of emotional abuse or coercive control, don't wait for them to come to you and instead, approach them with a simple question like, Are you okay? They recommend that people offer support but refrain from offering advice or putting pressure on them to leave or telling them what to do. You cant make someone leave a relationship. Leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous for the victim, Cosc says, and theyre often best-placed to assess the danger. An alternative approach is to give them options, offer any help and support they need, and ensure that you dont isolate them further by making judgements of their choices, Cosc says. See www.whatwouldyoudo.ie for a list of services and advice on how to find the most appropriate one. Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's National 24-Hour Helpline on 1800 778 888; Women's Aid's National Helpline on 1800 341 900; Amens confidential support line on 046 9023718, or its confidential support email, crisissupport@amen.ie; Mna Feasa on 021 4211 757; or see safeireland.ie for a list of all support services and helplines throughout Ireland. It may be better to travel than to arrive, but it can also be just as much fun to plan to travel. Those of us who cant afford the time or dont have the budget to escape the winter weather can at least settle down and spend the long, dark evenings in front of a glowing screen, researching next years holiday. In fact, perhaps the most radical way that travel has changed in recent years is that it has become so much easier to plan than ever before and to a level of detail we could never have imagined. Not so long ago, the idea of being able not only to see 360-degree images of the rooms in your chosen hotel, but to explore the streets around it on Google Maps, check the menu of a restaurant nearby, do a virtual tour of the museum you want to see, then choose and book your seats for the opera all weeks or months before you have even left home would have seemed the stuff of fantasy. Now you can do all these things and more. Thats all great if you are risk-averse and like to have maximum control over your plans. But for many of us, travel is also about the thrill of anticipation and the excitement of the unfamiliar, about discovering places we have never seen before. Does the level of insight and control we get from our computer screens increase that anticipation or diminish it? The answer varies from individual to individual, but sometimes I feel nostalgic about the days before the internet, when much more of my travel felt spontaneous. I would book flights or rail tickets well in advance, but that was all. I would usually find somewhere to stay only once I arrived especially if touring by car, train or ferry. Expand Close A Greek house in Milos, Cyclades Islands, Greece / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Greek house in Milos, Cyclades Islands, Greece As long as you avoided high season, it was a perfectly feasible way of organising things. I became a bit of an expert at spotting decent, good-value places to stay and eat. If you were uncertain on arrival, hotels and B&Bs were perfectly happy to show you a room. And if you decided you didnt like it after the first night, you just moved on the following morning. Some places the Greek islands (above), for example had a special tradition of their own. The owners of village rooms would gather on the quayside when the afternoon ferry arrived and try to recruit disembarking guests. Its a while since Ive ferry-hopped, but Greek travel experts tell me that particular culture is much diminished because those once-spontaneous backpackers now book online. Of course, it isnt feasible to go back to the old ways. The world is so much better organised (and so many more people are travelling) that if you want to be sure of staying in a decent hotel, or dine at the best trattorias and restaurants, you really have to book or others will. But to hold on to that old air of anticipation, I avoid websites with lots of pictures and videos and keep to the practicalities. One tool Ive never found, incidentally, is a reliable whats on site listing the most interesting forthcoming events around the world. In the meantime, here are the four websites I use most often to plan my trips. Weather2travel.com This provides the most comprehensive and most detailed information on climate and weather around the world, so you can work out the best time to visit different destinations. The pages about monthly climate averages give information on everything from sunshine hours and daily highs to humidity levels and sea temperatures. Maps.google.com I find this excellent for checking the location and surroundings of your accommodation, working out walking distances and using the popular times panel on Google search avoiding crowds. Skyscanner.net This is by far the best price comparison site for tracking down competitive short-haul airfares, and for finding the best-value dates and airports from which to travel. Rome2rio.com If youre planning complex itineraries anywhere using different modes of public transport from flights to ferries, as well as driving routes this website is hard to beat. Read more: Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Hybrid trains and the roll-out of fast chargers for electric cars are among the flagship projects to be delivered using a 77m award from the Climate Action Fund. District heating systems to power thousands of homes and businesses and more efficient public lighting are also planned. Seven projects allocated funding will help reduce emissions by at least 200,000 tonnes a year, with Exchequer money helping to leverage another 220m from private and other public sources. The 500m fund forms part of the National Development Plan with nearly 100 applications for funding received. It is designed to offer innovative solutions to tackling emissions, utilising a levy paid on petroleum products. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the projects would make a real difference to emissions, and that Ireland had to play its part. But he admitted that the State's contribution would be a "drop in the ocean" on a global scale, and action was needed to encourage big emitters such as the US, China and Russia to follow suit. "I'm committed to it personally as Taoiseach," he said. "This announcement today is one small part of it. "We know that the challenge presented by climate change requires more than investment. The transition to a low carbon world will require profound changes in how we live our lives and that will only be possible with the buy-in of communities and individuals. "The projects being announced today have the potential to make a real difference in the area of climate action and, most importantly, they will hit the ground running." The projects include the installation of more than 100 fast-chargers for electric vehicles across the road network, capable of delivering an additional driving range of 100km in just six minutes. The ESB also intends upgrading and replacing existing chargers to help roll out 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030. Irish Rail will receive 15m to trial the installation of hybrid power packs on trains, which if successful will result in 234 carriages being upgraded over time, allowing trains to operate on electric power, switching to diesel over longer distances. Two district heating systems also received funding - the Dublin District Heating System will utilise waste heat from the Poolbeg Incinerator to heat up to 50,000 homes. New homes and businesses on the former Irish Glass Bottle site at Poolbeg will be the first to be connected from 2021, before the scheme is extended into the north Docks. A second in Tallaght will see waste heat from an Amazon data centre used to heat local authority offices and businesses and is expected to be connected in 2020. Gas Networks Ireland has also been allocated funding for a renewable gas injection facility in Mitchelstown, Co Cork. The gas will be generated from food and agriculture biodegradable waste, with the project capable of supplying 56,000 homes and fuel for vehicles using compressed natural gas. It will provide some 8pc of total natural gas supply. The final two projects awarded funding are an upgrade of 326,000 local authority public lights, which will reduce emissions by 40,000 tonnes per year, and a project to reduce fuel consumption in HGVs which will involve training and monitoring of driving performance in 1,000 vehicles. This is aimed at reducing fuel consumption by 10pc. Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton said Ireland would miss its 2020 target to reduce emissions, and needed to "step up dramatically". "We need to see far-reaching change in terms of how we travel, heat our home, manage our waste, our agriculture - all these things have to change very dramatically," he added. Meetings in Cairo on Italian green technologies Two days as part of emerging partnership with Italy (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, NOVEMBER 29 - A two-day event with seminars and B2B meetings on the emerging partnership between Italy and Egypt in green technologies for sustainable growth will take place in Cairo this weekend, organised by the Italian Embassy. It will be an opportunity for sharing Italian know-how and for business meetings between Italian and Egyptian companies, as well as discussions on water, energy, waste, and mobility. The event, scheduled on December 2-3, is in collaboration with Ecomondo, the "platform" of the green economy and the circular economy; and Key Energy, the largest trade fair for the green and circular economy in the Euro-Mediterranean area. The initiative attracted the attention of the Egyptian government, which is sending its Environment Minister Yasmin Fouad and Industry Minister Amr Nassar to the opening of the event by Italian Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini. The conference, which will consist of two half-days of discussions, came about in part through collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Italo-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce. The discussion panels will be moderated by academics (Francesco Fatone of the Marche Polytechnic University on water management and Fabio Fava of the University of Bologna on waste management), as well as representatives from industry sectors (Diego Gavagnin of Conferenza GNL on sustainable transport and Roberto Vigotti of Res4Med on renewable energies). In the four sessions, case studies and research will be presented. The afternoons of the two days will be dedicated to meetings between businesses. The event is also organised in collaboration with the Italian Exhibition Group.(ANSAmed). The 77m allocated to seven flagship climate projects will reduce emissions by 200,000 tonnes a year. This represents a cut of 0.33pc, and is clearly a drop in the ocean. That said, it is a positive signal from Government. It is investing in projects aimed at decarbonising the economy, and all of the projects have the potential to be scaled up, the district heating systems in particular. These will utilise the heat generated from the Poolbeg Incinerator and an Amazon data centre to heat homes, heat that would otherwise go to waste. It can be replicated - for example, in the UK, a municipal swimming pool is heated using waste heat from a crematorium. There's potential to utilise heat generated from food processing plants and other industrial processes here, which would otherwise be wasted. Is it acceptable that Ann from Sligo cannot currently get her son Frank vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV) whereas Anna from Schaan (in Liechtenstein) can so her son Franz can avoid the future devastating effects of oropharangeal cancer? Or that Jimmy in Belfast cannot get access to life saving treatment for his lung cancer, whereas James from Birmingham receives the latest innovative cancer drug for his tumour? Or that for every Elsa in Sweden with an 86pc chance of survival following treatment for breast cancer, there exists just across the Baltic Sea, in Lithuania, an Elze whose chance of survival plummets to 67pc? It was these appalling disparities that cancer patients experience every single day of their lives that brought together an equal partnership of patients and health care professionals to address cancer inequalities across Europe. And this initiative had a distinctly all-Ireland flavour, with initial leadership from Queen's University Belfast and significant involvement from cancer specialists in the Republic of Ireland and patient focused organisations including Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society. Leadership from Queen's University and the University of Leeds through a pan-European partnership emphasises the importance of the UK as a European cancer leader, something that will be severely challenged post-Brexit. But lest we think that everything on this island is OK, the latest OECD report 'Health at a Glance: Europe 2018', highlighted in this newspaper (Irish Independent, November 23), indicates the Republic of Ireland has the second highest incidence rate for cancer in the EU, second only to Hungary and 10pc higher than the EU average. So much needs to be done On World Cancer Day 2014, we launched the European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with significant support from MEPs from the island of Ireland. It has been translated into 17 languages and now involves more than 60 organisations from 25 European countries. The disparities European cancer patients face are significant. Accurate up-to-date information empowers patients to be active participants rather than passive recipients in their care. But much of the information is confusing. Patients must be involved from the very start so information is understandable to the average citizen. Similarly, patients must be involved in designing cancer research protocols. The variation in screening across Europe is a big worry - fragmented services and the negative influence of austerity have compromised our ability to prevent cancer, as evidenced by higher mortality rates for cervical cancer in Romania and Greece. The situation with bowel cancer screening is disappointing; despite assurances from European ministers more than 20 years ago, many countries still have ineffective programmes. Ireland and the UK are amongst only five countries in Europe that restrict access to CRC screening to those aged 60 years and older. Fortunately, the UK recently announced plans to expand it to 50 year olds, while the new Irish National Cancer Strategy reiterated the intention to expand access to 55 year olds by 2021. Participation rates, however, vary greatly - in Ireland only 40.2pc take up their screen invites, whereas there is a 60pc uptake in England/Northern Ireland. Unequal access to curative treatments is also evident across Europe, and not just in Eastern Europe - in Northern Ireland access to cancer medicines has been a post code lottery - leading to the farcical situation that where you live can determine the quality of cancer care. And this despite Northern Ireland leading a number of the clinical trials which provided the evidence base for the effectiveness of some of these innovative medicines. Thankfully, through evoking the Bill of Rights by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and their leadership in a sustained public campaign, the Department of Health recently announced an initiative to deliver improved access to innovative cancer drugs for its patients. A great victory for advocacy, demonstrating what patients and healthcare professionals can achieve when they work together. The situation for access to innovative medicines in the Republic of Ireland is somewhat better, thanks in part to Cancer Trials Ireland, a clinical collaborative which brings together all eight cancer centres and has been highly effective in ensuring Irish patients participate in investigator-led clinical trials. However, there are still a significant number of innovative medicines not available which patients across the Irish Sea can access. The other issue is cost. Pricing of innovative drugs is an issue, particularly for the latest breakthrough approaches in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Balancing efficacy and price to ensure patients get access to the latest advances, but in a way that costs are controlled, will present a challenging dilemma for health services in both jurisdictions. The end of cancer treatment does not signal the end of cancer care. There are more than 14 million survivors in Europe; are we doing enough for citizens who have lived beyond cancer? All aspects of individual wellbeing must be considered. To finish, imagine that you are reading this article in 2050 and despite all the warnings, we have let the current Europe of Disparities persist. This criminal lack of action, coupled with an ageing population and an obesity epidemic, will mean a cancer patient on the island of Ireland will die every seven seconds. Prof Mark Lawler is chair in Translational Cancer Genomics at Queen's University Belfast. The Cancer Inequalities Project highlighted in this article won the prestigious 2018 European Health Award Britain's Prince Harry (L), Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the annual Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre in central London on November 19, 2018. (Photo by Ian Vogler / POOL / AFP) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the University of Leicester The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the University of Leicester The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the University of Leicester Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (R) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge react during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on November 28, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the University of Leicester Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (R) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on November 28, 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge greet well wishers at Leicester University on November 28, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the University of Leicester Kate Middleton has played down rumours of a rift between her and sister-in-law Meghan Markle as she publicly wished her well throughout the "special time" in her pregnancy. In recent weeks, a number of reports from various different outlets have reported that there is "tension" between Prince William and Prince Harry which has been exacerbated by the fact that Meghan and Kate just don't seem to get along. It was reported on Tuesday that the Duchess of Cambridge was left "in tears" over Meghan in the run-up to her wedding, crying during a bridesmaid fitting for Princess Charlotte. Kate and William made their first appearance since the reports gained momentum in Leicester yesterday, firstly paying tribute to the five people killed in a helicopter crash at Leicester City's ground, leaving a floral memento in their memory and later, making an appearance at Leicester University. When asked by a fan if she was excited for "Meghan and her new baby". "Absolutely, it's such a special time...and a cousin for George and Charlotte, and Louis," she said. She was also asked about her children and said the little Cambridges are getting into the festive spirit. "They're doing well thank you, they're getting excited for Christmas time. They've started their Christmas songs and Christmas trees are going up," she said. "Louis is getting bigger, I can't believe it. He's getting to be a big boy." Oprah Winfrey at the University of Johannesburg (Themba Hadebe/AP) Oprah Winfrey has delivered a rousing tribute to Nelson Mandela and urged the youth of South Africa and beyond to overcome failure and trauma on the road to accomplishing their goals. Your day will come. I applaud your resilience, Winfrey told a cheering crowd in Soweto. I say theres no such thing as failure. Failure is just a mistake trying to move you in a better direction. The philanthropist and former talk show host acknowledged the high unemployment, poverty and other social challenges persisting in the country, which held its first all-race elections in 1994 after the end of white minority rule. Expand Close Oprah Winfrey at an event in Soweto, South Africa (Themba Hadebe/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Oprah Winfrey at an event in Soweto, South Africa (Themba Hadebe/AP) But Winfrey, who opened an academy for girls in South Africa a decade ago and said she was visiting the country for the 36th time, told young people not to give up. Because it is your fresh perspectives that are going to bring about unprecedented innovation for this country. We need you. The Nelson Mandela Foundation co-hosted the event, one of a series of activities honouring Mr Mandela this month a century after he was born. The anti-apartheid leader and South Africas first black president died in 2013 aged 95. Winfrey said she stayed with Mr Mandela and his wife Graca Machel for 10 days during one of her visits. Video of the Day Expand Close Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women, left, with Oprah Winfrey, centre, and Graca Machel during a tribute to Nelson Mandela and promoting gender equality event at University of Johannesburg (Themba Hadebe/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women, left, with Oprah Winfrey, centre, and Graca Machel during a tribute to Nelson Mandela and promoting gender equality event at University of Johannesburg (Themba Hadebe/AP) Mr Mandela spoke about his many years in prison during apartheid as well as his concern about the corrosive effect of poverty, she said. I loved him so and he was my favourite mentor because he was a man who could have sought revenge, but instead he sought reconciliation, Winfrey said. Mr Mandela could have crushed his opponents with his power. But instead he chose to defeat them without ever dishonouring them. Ms Machel, an advocate for womens and childrens rights, joined Winfrey on the stage and also spoke about hardship. We are a wounded society, Ms Machel said, noting pervasive violence against women and children. China's "Dr Frankenstein", He Jiankui, the scientist at the centre of a global controversy after claiming he produced the world's first genetically edited babies, defended his work yesterday and revealed a second woman was potentially pregnant as a result of his research. "For this case, I feel proud," said Mr He, an associate professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, in a speech at the Human Genome Editing Summit in Hong Kong. "This study has been submitted to a scientific journal for review," he said, without naming the journal. Mr He's claims of producing two gene-edited twin baby girls, dubbed "Lulu" and "Nana", and a second patient in "early stages" of pregnancy have stunned the world. Though unconfirmed as they have yet to be peer-reviewed and published, if true, his work would be a massive breakthrough in biomedical research. It's also reignited worldwide debate about the enforcement of ethics and regulation of safety in such cutting-edge work. New technology now allows scientists to selectively cut and paste DNA with incredible precision and could in the future be used to eradicate inherited illnesses. But it could also be used to change traits such as height and eye colour, and most controversially, intelligence, potentially paving the way for genetically engineered "designer babies". For years, Mr He said he worked in secret, on occasion consulting scientific colleagues. Critics point out his self-funded research has skirted science ethics, especially as experts simply don't know how gene-edited embryos will develop as they age into adulthood, and how altered DNA will pass down into future generations. His work may even be illegal - China bans gene editing in human embryos older than 14 days. Mr He went on to describe his work, saying eight couples had enrolled in the trial, but one pair had dropped out. All the fathers had HIV, and mothers who were not infected. He also said he felt trial participants were informed properly and aware of the risks, describing an initial two-hour consultation, and then a second 70-minute meeting to review line-by-line a 20-page informed consent form. Thirty-one embryos were created through in-vitro fertilisation; of those, 70pc had their DNA successfully altered to become HIV-resistant by using a method called Crispr-Cas9, he said. Mr He's work came to light at the start of this week when 'MIT Technology Review' and the Associated Press published interviews with him and members of his lab. His lab also posted detailed videos on YouTube about the work. Chinese authorities and Southern University said they are investigating Mr He's work and conduct. While his institution said it was unaware of the work, documents posted online about the trials appear to indicate Southern University was involved. More than 100 scientists condemned the use of the Crispr-Cas9 technology as dangerous and unjustified. "Pandora's box has been opened," they said in an open letter. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Wildfires spread across the landscape in the Deepwater area of Queensland (Pool Photo via AP) In this Nov. 2018, photo released on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, a firefighter inspects a fire ground at Deepwater, near Bundaberg, Australia. (QLD Fire and Emergency via AP) The threat from more than 100 fires burning across Australia's northeast eased over the past 24 hours, lawmakers and emergency workers said on Thursday, although unfavourable weather conditions are set to continue. Emergency workers warned on Wednesday that a spate fires had reached emergency levels, triggering an evacuation of more than 8,000 people from the town of Gracemere, about 600 km (370 miles) north of the Queensland state capital, Brisbane. Firefighters extinguished the biggest fires after working through the night. More than 100 fires remained alight but none was considered to pose an imminent threat, the Queensland Rural Fire Service said. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said residents must continue to monitor emergency warnings. "What we experienced yesterday was off the charts," Palaszczuk told reporters in Brisbane. "We're still not out of the woods. There's still a long way to go." The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures across the state would ease to 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) on Thursday, down from the highs of around 40 C recorded earlier in the week. Rain was also expected on Friday, the bureau said, offering some respite. Expand Close A fire rages in the Deepwater National Park, Queensland. Photo: Rob Griffith/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A fire rages in the Deepwater National Park, Queensland. Photo: Rob Griffith/AFP/Getty Images The hot, dry weather on Australia's northeast coast was in stark contrast to conditions in Sydney, Australia's largest city, on Wednesday. More rain fell across Sydney on Wednesday than would normally be seen throughout the whole of November, the meteorology bureau said. The torrential rain caused flash flooding, left hundreds of people without electricity and caused widespread transportation delays. He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, speaks during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP) Chinas government has ordered a halt to work by a medical team that claimed to have helped make the worlds first gene-edited babies. Vice minister of science and technology Xu Nanping told state broadcaster CCTV that his ministry is strongly opposed to the efforts that reportedly produced twin girls born earlier this month. Mr Xu called the teams actions illegal and unacceptable and said an investigation had been ordered. Researcher He Jiankui claims to have altered the DNA of the twins to try to make them resistant to infection with the Aids virus. Expand Close He Jiankui at the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp He Jiankui at the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP) Mainstream scientists have condemned the experiment, and universities and government groups are investigating. There is no independent confirmation of what Mr He says he did. He has said a second pregnancy may be under way. Mr Hes experiment crossed the line of morality and ethics adhered to by the academic community and was shocking and unacceptable, Mr Xu said. A group of leading scientists gathered in Hong Kong this week for an international conference on gene editing, the ability to rewrite the code of life to try to correct or prevent diseases. Although the science holds promise for helping people already born and studies testing that is under way, a statement issued on Thursday by the 14-member conference leaders said it was irresponsible to try it on eggs, sperm or embryos except in lab research because not enough is known yet about its risks or safety. The conference was rocked by the Chinese researchers claim to have helped make the worlds first gene-edited babies. Conference leaders called for an independent investigation of the claim by Mr He, who spoke to the group on Wednesday as international criticism of his claim mounted. Expand Close Zhou Xiaoqin, left, and Qin Jinzhou, an embryologist, who were part of the team working with scientist He Jiankui, view a time lapse image of embryos on a computer screen at a lab in Shenzhen (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Zhou Xiaoqin, left, and Qin Jinzhou, an embryologist, who were part of the team working with scientist He Jiankui, view a time lapse image of embryos on a computer screen at a lab in Shenzhen (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) He was scheduled to speak again at the conference on Thursday, but he left Hong Kong and through a spokesman sent a statement saying: I will remain in China, my home country, and co-operate fully with all inquiries about my work. My raw data will be made available for third party review. Several prominent scientists said the case showed a failure of the field to police itself and the need for stricter principles or regulations. Its not unreasonable to expect the scientific community to follow guidelines, said David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate from California Institute of Technology who led the panel. Gene editing for reproductive purposes might be considered in the future but only when there is compelling medical need, with clear understanding of risks and benefits, and certain other conditions, said Dr Victor Dzau, president of the US National Academy of Medicine, one of the conference sponsors. Not following these guidelines would be an irresponsible act, he added. Other sponsors of the three-day conference are the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, the Royal Society of the United Kingdom and the US National Academy of Sciences and US National Academy Sciences. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/PA) President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned meeting with Russias President Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 Nations summit. The decision injected fresh drama into what already promised to be a tense gathering of world leaders. Mr Trump cited Russias seizure of Ukrainian vessels as the reason, saying in a tweet from Air Force One: The ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia. He added: I look forward to a meaningful summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Coming just hours after the Kremlin said the meeting was on track, the declaration was a departure from much of Mr Trumps past dealings with Mr Putin. Throughout his presidency, Mr Trump has sought to improve relations despite tensions over election meddling, arms control and the war in Syria. But Russias stepped-up action in the Kerch Strait, stemming from its years-long occupation of Eastern Ukraine, threw another contentious issue into the mix. Expand Close The meeting was cancelled amid renewed tension between Russia and Ukraine after ships were seized by Russia (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The meeting was cancelled amid renewed tension between Russia and Ukraine after ships were seized by Russia (AP) Russia recently seized three Ukrainian vessels and crews. Russia said Ukraine did not have permission to pass between Russias mainland and the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine insisted its vessels abided by maritime laws. The President will visit Argentina to take part in the G20 Summit on November 30 to December 1 President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) November 28, 2018 Mr Trump, who was to arrive to arrive in Buenos Aires for two days of diplomacy, threw the meeting into doubt earlier in the week when he told The Washington Post that he might cancel over the conflict with Ukraine. The two leaders met in Helsinki in July for a summit that many viewed as a low point for Mr Trumps presidency. Expand Close President Donald Trump talks with reporters before travelling to the G20 summit (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump talks with reporters before travelling to the G20 summit (Evan Vucci/AP) He was widely criticised for failing to publicly denounce Russias interference in the 2016 US election and appearing to accept Mr Putins denials of such activity. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump also will now speak informally with the leaders of Turkey and South Korea at the summit rather than in formal meetings. She did not say why the meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and South Korean President Moon Jae-in had been downgraded. Ms Sanders spoke to reporters travelling with the president on Air Force One. Syria urges West to lift sanctions 'to help refugees return' Govt rep in Astana calls it 'the real test' (ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, NOVEMBER 29 - The Syrian ambassador to the UN on Thursday called on the West, especially the US and the EU, to lift economic and trade sanctions in place on the regime since 2011. He claimed that this would help improve conditions and thus facilitate the return of millions of Syrians who have fled abroad during these years of conflict. In a statement reported on by state-owned SANA, Bashar Ja'afari - who is at the head of the government delegation at the Astana talks in Kazakhstan - said that if the West ''wants to really help us and the countries who are hosting refugees, they must start by lifting the economic sanctions''.(ANSAmed). Germany is considering bringing home suspected Isil fighters and their families currently being held by Kurdish forces in Syria, it has emerged. The development will add to international pressure on the UK to repatriate Britons suspected of joining Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), who are held under similar circumstances - including two members of the notorious "Beatles" execution cell. "The federal government is examining all options for a possible return of German nationals," the foreign ministry in Berlin said yesterday in a written response to a parliamentary question. At least 35 German citizens are believed to be among the prisoners - 14 of whom are under investigation as suspected Isil fighters. They are thought to include Mohammed Haydar Zammar, who has been linked to a terror attack in New York last year in which a truck was driven into cyclists and runners, killing eight. Kurdish forces say they cannot prosecute the prisoners or hold them indefinitely, yet so far the UK has not bowed to pressure from them or the US to take back their citizens. \ British detainees include El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey - accused of being part of the "Beatles" squad that included Mohammed Emwazi, alias "Jihadi John", who was killed in a US air strike in 2015. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] A car bomb targeting a secure compound which houses G4S, a British security company, in east Kabul was followed up by attackers on foot. The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the assault. A spokesman for G4S confirmed to the 'Telegraph' that there was "an incident at one of our locations in Kabul". He said the company was currently "coordinating with the Afghan authorities to bring it to a conclusion". The company's website says it has a purpose-built headquarters in Kabul's Anjuman Secure Business Park. The 26,000sqm secure compound provides "operational support" for clients and can also provide secure accommodation. Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said at least seven wounded had been evacuated from the area, but did not disclose their nationalities. Earlier, sources had said the blast was followed by gunfire. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on Kabul, which is one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians. The attack came just hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced a 12-person team for prospective peace talks with the Taliban, as the UN renewed calls for direct negotiations between Kabul and the militants. The Afghan government, Western diplomats and United Nations officials have in recent weeks raised hopes of finally reaching a deal to end the Taliban's 17-year insurgency. At an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva, Ghani said his government had "formed a 12-person negotiating team, comprised of both women and men, and led by presidential chief of staff (Abdul Salam) Rahimi". Mr Rahimi, a former humanitarian worker and ex-deputy Afghan finance minister, is considered one of Mr Ghani's closest aides. However, Wednesday's assault also follows a wave of bloody violence across the war-torn country in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people. On November 20 at least 55 people were killed when a bomber blew himself up in the middle of a banquet hall in one of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan this year. The violence comes as the Taliban intensifies pressure on Afghan security forces, even as the international community ramps up efforts towards talks. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has expressed hopes that a peace deal to end the war could be struck before the Afghan presidential election, scheduled for April. His comments underscore an apparent increasing sense of urgency in the White House and among American diplomats for a peace deal to be done quickly. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] U.S. Army soldiers install a barbed wire fence along Anzalduas International Bridge near the U.S.- Mexico border in McAllen, Texas, November 5, 2018. REUTERS/Delcia Lopez/File Photo California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is assessing whether the state can take legal action over the Trump administration's use of force against a caravan of migrants or a decision and future threats to shut the border with Mexico, he said on Wednesday. "We have been approached by folks who have expressed complaints," Becerra, who is the son of Mexican immigrants, said. "We are monitoring what's occurring." Should California opt to take legal action, they would join a growing public protest over the implementation of President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies, including the use of tear gas against the Central American migrants at the border and the decision to separate migrant children from their parents. California has limited jurisdiction to insert itself despite the clashes taking place on the state's border because the federal government has sweeping control over border and immigration administration. Expand Close Mexican police run as they try to keep migrants from getting past the Chaparral border crossing (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mexican police run as they try to keep migrants from getting past the Chaparral border crossing (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) But Becerra suggested that if a state resident was being affected, including by shutting of the border, the state could have cause to intervene. "I can't act unless the rules are on our side," Becerra, who is the son of Mexican immigrants, said. Becerra, a Democrat and former member of Congress who helped negotiate comprehensive immigrants reform that was never passed, used his role as state attorney general to intervene on behalf of child immigrants known as Dreamers when Trump sought to revoke their legal status. The border crisis has unfolded in the past week as thousands of migrants who have made their way north through Mexico from violent and impoverished Central American countries attempted to enter the United States to seek asylum. On Sunday, U.S. authorities fired tear gas canisters toward migrants in Mexico - near the border crossing separating Tijuana from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. During the melee on Sunday, U.S. authorities shut San Ysidro, the country's busiest border crossing, for several hours. Trump has since threatened to "permanently" close the U.S.-Mexican border if Mexico does not deport some 7,000 Central Americans gathered there. Donald Trump's former campaign chairman has been accused of repeatedly lying to prosecutors, undermining his plea deal and potentially depriving the Russia investigation of a star witness. Paul Manafort, Mr Trump's one-time campaign chief, agreed to co-operate with investigators looking at potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in September after being convicted of bank and tax fraud charges. Manafort, the most senior campaign aide to be charged in the investigation to date, has repeatedly met with FBI investigators over the past two months, leading to speculation he could act as a key witness. But Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the probe, has accused Manafort of lying to investigators and demanded an immediate sentencing date for the political strategist in a court filing. The filing suggests prosecutors no longer consider Manafort a credible witness that they can call on to testify in the future. In a rare step, Mr Mueller's team said Manafort's "crimes and lies" relieved them of all promises they made in his plea bargain, under the terms of which he cannot withdraw his guilty plea. Manafort's lawyers disputed the claims in the same court filing, arguing he met with investigators on several occasions and provided information "in an effort to live up to his co-operation obligations". However, both parties agreed that a judge should set a sentencing date. The former campaign chairman, who has been in solitary confinement in a Virginia jail, is expected to face at least a decade in prison. All the while, Mr Manafort's lawyers have been briefing Mr Trump's attorneys on what their client has told investigators, an unusual arrangement that could give Mr Trump ammunition in his feud against Mr Mueller. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani also said Mr Trump, who has recently stepped up his attacks on Mr Mueller, has been enraged by the treatment of Manafort. Mr Trump has defended his former campaign chief as a "good man" since his conviction. Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said: "I remain confident in the White House's assertion that the president was involved in no wrong-doing, he was not part of any collusion. The things that have to do with Mr Manafort I would refer you to his attorneys to address that." ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Call to arms: Ukrainian soldiers take part in drills in the Chernihiv region in the north of the country. Photo: Mykola Lazarenko/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters US President Donald Trump has said he might cancel his planned sit-down with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian naval ships last weekend. In an interview with 'The Washington Post', the US president said he would be receiving a "full report" from his national security team on Russia's actions in eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea. He said he would decide on a course afterward. "Maybe I won't have the meeting," said Mr Trump, who is travelling to the G20 summit in Argentina. "Maybe I won't even have the meeting." Mr Trump added: "I don't like that aggression. I don't want that aggression at all." The comments were Mr Trump's strongest to date in condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine, where tensions are flaring. But White House aides were still planning for the Putin meeting after Mr Trump's comments. Ukrainian sailors were filmed giving what Kiev said were forced confessions and brought to court after Russia seized their ships off the coast of Crimea. A court in Crimea ruled 12 of the 24 captured sailors and security service agents would be kept in confinement for two months. A decision on the rest was expected yesterday. Moscow has defied calls to release the men, who have been accused of violating Russia's borders and face up to six years in prison. At least three of the men are in hospital. Mr Putin yesterday accused Ukraine of provoking the incident, saying President Petro Pereshenko was attempting to boost his ratings before elections next year. Mr Poroshenko had declared martial law in 10 border areas. "He had to do something to make the situation more tense," Mr Putin told an investment forum in Moscow. He insisted Russia's military response was appropriate as the Ukrainians had "trespassed" into Russia's territorial waters. "This political froth will die down," he suggested, hours after Russia announced it would send a new surface-to-air missile system to Crimea next month, to join the three already deployed this year. The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin is set to be just one of several high-profile foreign policy engagements for the US leader on his two-day visit to Argentina. Mr Trump is also set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in what may be a pivotal session to determining if and how the ongoing trade dispute between their two countries could be resolved. National Security adviser John Bolton said Mr Trump would also be meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Argentine President Mauricio Macri, South Korea's Moon Jae-in, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking in Geneva, said the US should stop encouraging provocative moves by Ukraine and instead mediate between Kiev and rebel-held Ukrainian regions. Mr Lavrov said Ukrainian warships had ignored maritime law on Sunday when they tried to enter the Kerch Strait, aiming to create a scandal for domestic political purposes. US encouragement for such acts "saddened" him. Ukraine released what it said was the exact location where its ships were fired on by Russia, showing they were in international waters approaching from the west, not from the east, as Mr Putin has suggested. The Kremlin said Mr Poroshenko had asked to speak by phone to Mr Putin about Moscow's seizure of the three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews, but Russia had refused. "I can say that there was a request, but a conversation did not take place, so to speak," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. The Kremlin has warned Ukraine's declaration of martial law in regions that border Russia could re-ignite the fighting in eastern Ukraine. Mr Putin also claimed the Ukrainian vessels refused to communicate with Russian border guards and were in violation of Russia's territorial waters off the country's south, which, unlike the Crimean coast, is Russia's internationally recognised border. This runs counter to the Ukrainian government's allegations. Kurt Volker, the US special envoy to Ukraine, said in Berlin that Washington saw no reason to doubt the information from Kiev that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules. US President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen exits Federal Court after entering a guilty plea in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 29, 2018. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trump's former lawyer, has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about a Trump real estate project in Russia. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. Cohen told the judge in New York he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Mr Trump's "political message". Cohen and prosecutors referred to Mr Trump as "individual one" throughout the proceedings and said he lied "to be loyal to individual one". Expand Close President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. One of the prosecutors working with special counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohen's lawyer Guy Petrillo said he would give the court a letter outlining how his client has co-operated with Mr Mueller's investigation. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Mr Trump. The president said Cohen is a "weak person" who is "lying" to get a reduced sentence. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen "should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. That's why we put people under oath". Expand Close Michael Cohen (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Cohen (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File) Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons". He also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Mr Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. He had also disclosed that Mr Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Firefighters search for human remains in a trailer park in Paradise that was destroyed in the wildfires (John Locher/AP) US President Donald Trump views damage from wildfires in Paradise, California on November 17, 2018. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images A group of U.S. Forest Service firefighters monitor a back fire while battling to save homes at the Camp Fire in Paradise, California earlier this month. Photo: Reuters An air mask hangs on an altar during a vigil for Camp Fire victims (Noah Berger/AP) At least 88 people have been killed and 196 people are listed as missing three weeks after the deadliest wildfire in California history torched a small mountain community leaving it in smoldering ruins, authorities said on Wednesday. The Camp Fire, which began on Nov. 8, destroyed nearly 14,000 homes and burned nearly 153,000 acres (62,000 hectares), an area five times the size of San Francisco, in and around the town of Paradise, a northern California community of 27,000 people. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said on Wednesday he was optimistic that some of the 196 people listed as missing could still be alive. "That said, as we move into repopulating these areas and allowing people to go into the areas, it is possible that some will find bones or bone fragments," he told reporters, adding that authorities have ended their search for victims. The number of people on the list of missing has fluctuated. People who were believed missing have been found in shelters or staying in hotels or with friends, authorities said. Three people were removed from the list of missing on Wednesday when they were found in an RV park, the sheriff said. Some 35 people who were killed in the fire have been identified through DNA and other forensics while another 47 have been tentatively identified. Six remain unidentified, the sheriff said. Fire officials said they reached full containment of the fire on Sunday. Investigators have yet to determine the cause. Michael Cohen walks out of federal court in New York (Julie Jacobson/AP) US President Donald Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen has made a surprise appearance before a federal judge and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen said he covered up that he was negotiating a real estate deal in Moscow on Mr Trumps behalf during the heat of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Mr Trump called Cohen a weak person who is lying to get a lighter sentence. The charge was brought by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the presidential election, and was the result of his co-operation with that probe. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements about the project in 2017 to Senate and House intelligence committees, which at the time were investigating possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. His comments made clear that his communications with Mr Trump about the project were much more frequent than he had suggested. Cohen, wearing a blue tie and dark suit, was noticeably relaxed throughout the appearance in a packed Manhattan courtroom, unlike his irritable and emotional demeanour when he entered a guilty plea during the summer. The 52-year-old told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations, his communications with people in the company and in Russia about the deal, and other details to be loyal to Mr Trump and consistent with Mr Trumps political messaging. Expand Close Michael Cohen, left, walks out of federal court in New York with his lawyer Guy Petrillo (Julie Jacobson/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Cohen, left, walks out of federal court in New York with his lawyer Guy Petrillo (Julie Jacobson/AP) Cohen and prosecutors referred to Mr Trump as individual one throughout the proceedings and said he lied to be loyal to individual one. Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow had ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. He said he also lied about his contacts with Russian officials and lied when he said he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never discussed with Mr Trump plans to travel to Moscow to support the project. Prosecutors said in a court document that Cohen had misled Congress to give a false impression that the Moscow project had ended before the Iowa caucus and first Republican presidential primary in 2016. As he left the White House shortly after the court proceedings concluded, Mr Trump called Cohen a weak person. Michael Cohen is lying and hes trying to get a reduced sentence, Mr Trump said. Nothing said in court, or in associated court filings, addressed whether Mr Trump or his aides had directed Cohen to mislead Congress. Expand Close Donald Trump speaks to reporters before leaving the White House to attend the G20 Summit in Argentina (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump speaks to reporters before leaving the White House to attend the G20 Summit in Argentina (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) The charges were handled by Mr Muellers team, not the federal prosecutors in New York who handled Cohens previous guilty plea in August to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Mr Trump. Cohen, who is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, declined to comment as he left the courtroom. His lawyer Guy Petrillo noted that a letter from federal prosecutors showed that Cohens co-operation with Mr Mueller will be described to Cohens sentencing judge. However, the letter makes clear that Cohen is not receiving the kind of 5K1.1 letter written on behalf of formal government co-operators. Reacting to the plea, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Thats why we put people under oath. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the presidents company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned for a variety of business reasons. He also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Mr Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. He had also disclosed that Mr Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Michael Cohen, US President Donald Trumps former lawyer, has made a surprise appearance before a federal judge to plead guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on an aborted project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the project. Cohen told the judge in New York he lied about the timing of the negotiations and other details to be consistent with Mr Trumps political message. Cohen and prosecutors referred to Mr Trump as individual one throughout the proceedings and said he lied to be loyal to individual one. Expand Close President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump (Andrew Harnik/AP) Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. One of the prosecutors working with special counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohens lawyer Guy Petrillo said he would give the court a letter outlining how his client has co-operated with Mr Muellers investigation. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Mr Trump. The president said Cohen is a weak person who is lying to get a reduced sentence. Reacting to the plea to the new charges, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Cohen should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Thats why we put people under oath. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the presidents company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned for a variety of business reasons. He also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Mr Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. He had also disclosed that Mr Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps lawyer-spokesman, called Cohen a proven liar who is trying to get out of a lengthy prison sentence. Mr Giuliani said the documents Mr Mueller used to discover Cohens false statements came from the Trump Organisation. He said they were voluntarily disclosed by the presidents company. Mr Giuliani also criticised the timing of Cohens guilty plea, saying it is hardly coincidental it comes as Mr Trump is heading to the G20 summit with world leaders in Argentina. ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 29 - These are some of the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area: LA VALLETTA - EU, meeting of European Commission representatives for the Mediterranean (until 30/11). TUNIS - Bardo Museum opens exhibition on collection of art from MAXXI on classical tradition and contemporary research (through 31/1). (ANSAmed). Paul Polman is stepping down as chief executive of Unilever (Chris Jackson/PA) The Unilever boss who fended off Krafts takeover bid and oversaw a failed plan to abandon its London listing is to retire in the new year. Paul Polman, who has been chief executive of the consumer goods giant for over 10 years, will be replaced by Alan Jope, current president of the groups beauty and personal care division. Mr Polman will step down from the board and his position as CEO at the end of 2018, but will assist with the transition to new leadership in the first half of next year. Paul is an exceptional business leader who has transformed UnileverMarijn Dekkers, Unilever chairman Paul is an exceptional business leader who has transformed Unilever, making it one of the best-performing companies in its sector, and one of the most admired businesses in the world, said chairman Marijn Dekkers. His role in helping to define a new era of responsible capitalism, embodied in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, marks him out as one of the most far-sighted business leaders of his generation. The announcement comes less than two months after Unilever made an embarrassing U-turn over plans to move its headquarters from London to Rotterdam. The company withdrew a proposal to simplify its dual-headed Anglo-Dutch legal structure in October, following pressure from several shareholders. Expand Close Unilever bowed to pressure from shareholders and scrapped plans to move its corporate headquarters from London to Rotterdam (Tim Ireland/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Unilever bowed to pressure from shareholders and scrapped plans to move its corporate headquarters from London to Rotterdam (Tim Ireland/PA) However Mr Polmans departure is thought to have been under discussion for some time after headhunters were reportedly hired in November last year. Unilever was subject to a 115 billion takeover approach from Kraft Heinz in 2017, which was abandoned less than three days later amid hostility from Mr Polman and his board. Mr Polman hailed the internal appointment of his successor as a demonstration of the strength of Unilevers succession planning and talent pipeline. Having worked closely with Alan for many years, I am highly confident that, under his leadership, Unilever will prosper long into the future, he said. A plane flies over the G20 summit venue at the Costa Salguero Centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Gustavo Garello/AP) World leaders have begun arriving in Argentina for a summit of the globes largest economies. Attention is expected to focus on issues including a trade war between the US and China, a new North American trade deal and the conflict in Ukraine. Heads of state from Italy, Canada, South Korea, Singapore and Turkey were among the first in Buenos Aires, joining the French president and Saudi crown prince who arrived the previous day. Expand Close Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire arrive in Buenos Aires (Martin Mejia/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and first lady Sophie Gregoire arrive in Buenos Aires (Martin Mejia/AP) The meeting could be a defining moment for the Group of 20, said Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canada-based think tank focusing on global governance. The G20 Leaders Summit is at risk of falling into disarray, with the summit being overshadowed by items not on the agenda, such as the United States and China trade war, Russias aggression against Ukraine and the presence of the Saudi crown prince, Mr Bernes said. The true test will be whether the other members of the G20 will act resolutely or whether we will witness the crumbling of the G20 as a forum for international economic co-operation. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been accused by Human Rights Watch of war crimes in Yemen and responsibility for the gruesome killing of newspaper columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. Expand Close Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport in Buenos Aires (G20 Argentina via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport in Buenos Aires (G20 Argentina via AP) On Wednesday, Argentine legal authorities took initial action to consider a request from Human Rights Watch to prosecute him for alleged crimes against humanity, a move apparently aimed at embarrassing him as he attends the summit. In Moscow, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump would discuss an array of issues, including nuclear arms control at their meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the summit. Government spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the two leaders will start with one-on-one talks and then continue broader negotiations involving officials from both sides. Mr Peskov said Russia and the US need to discuss strategic stability, arms control and regional conflicts. We dont have to agree on all issues, and it wouldnt be possible anyway, but we need to talk, he said, adding that its not only in the interests of our two countries, but the entire world. It was no accident that Mr Macron arrived early. Expand Close Frances President Emmanuel Macron tours the Plaza de Mayo square in Buenos Aires (Sebastian Pani/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Frances President Emmanuel Macron tours the Plaza de Mayo square in Buenos Aires (Sebastian Pani/AP) He envisions himself as a new leader of the free world and desperately wants to salvage the idea of international co-operation that the G20 represents. France fears that Mr Trump will block or eclipse any progress at the G20. So Mr Macron is fashioning himself at this summit as the anti-Trump choice a champion of the Paris climate accord, defender of the postwar system of global trade and crusader against multinational tax evaders. Mr Macron initially tried to befriend Mr Trump despite their deep differences, but the two have increasingly clashed, most recently over wine tariffs, Mr Trumps nationalism and Mr Macrons idea of a European army. At 40, Mr Macron is one of the youngest leaders at the summit and sees himself as representing a new generation of world statesmen. As leader of a country ravaged by two world wars, he feels strongly about preventing a new one, and has warned that current battles over trade sound dangerously like those of the 1930s. Expand Close Emmanuel Macron and Argentinas President Mauricio Macri at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires (Natacha Pisarenko/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emmanuel Macron and Argentinas President Mauricio Macri at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires (Natacha Pisarenko/AP) He also came to Buenos Aires early in the hopes of clinching a 360 million euro warship deal with Argentinas navy. Some French chief executives are also on the trip, as French companies bid for other deals such as one for managing the Buenos Aires subway system. Taking the world stage at the G20 is a welcome relief for Mr Macron, who has faced mass protests at home over rising fuel taxes that are the biggest challenge yet to his presidency. But his party dominates parliament and neither faces re-election until 2022. Other European leaders at the summit are facing domestic struggles of their own. Britains Theresa May is fighting for political survival as she tries to pull her country out of the European Union. Germanys Angela Merkel is preparing to leave politics after announcing last month she would give up leadership of her party, a post she has held since 2000. Italys Giuseppe Conte heads a populist coalition that is clashing with the EU and suffers internal divisions. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems merge diverse traditional management roles into an integrated structure, assisting the flow of information across multiple organizational verticals. This includes traditional management functions, such as finance and accounting, human resources (HR) and payroll, purchasing management, quality management, and sales management, among others. By adopting effective ERP solutions, organizations can run more efficiently as a single software system manages the firms data and streamlines critical business processes. Further, using legacy systems can reduce a firms ability to create an impact within the market. This is more so if you are a foreign player or a small business in dynamic emerging markets like India, where certain sectors are mature or crowded and others need to get tapped into more efficiently. In this article, we briefly explain how ERP systems can help businesses operate more efficiently by introducing automation and control, integration of management functions, and facilitating data-driven strategies. Ease of operations Instead of separate provisions for each organizational function, the ERP offers a single point solution to provide optimal results for the company. It integrates different business functions into one system, avoids duplication of records, and allows disparate operation to communicate with one another. For instance, if the firms sales team confirms an order on the ERP system it generates a transaction for the finance department, a work order for the production floor, an update to the inventory system, and a reminder for the purchasing department to replenish stocks sold out. This also means that all departments run using the same information, which is particularly important for firms with branches or subsidiaries in different areas. Data being accessible on a single platform makes managerial decision-making more efficient and optimizes operations across all departments and locations. Flexibility of function ERP systems have the flexibility to adapt to organizational needs. For instance, the ERP software can be modeled specifically to create solutions based on the companys structure and requirements. Given how competitive business environments have become, small to mid-sized firms can choose to model the ERP system to achieve basic software functionalities, and later expand its capabilities as the need and capacity of the firm increases. The inbuilt flexibility of the system allows operations more freedom to evolve strategies and achieve organizational growth. Strategic data management An ERP system creates collated data sets for use within an organization. In simpler terms, it means that the firms information is collected, arranged, and sequenced in a utilizable manner. Making this data then selectively available to personnel creates an environment where employees can take initiative and better strategize to achieve business growth. For example, supply chain managers would do well to understand regional sales data to effectively execute tasks. Through the ERP system, the availability of real-time specific data enables faster day-to-day decision-making, freeing employees to focus on other concerns. Further, a centralized and consistent system boosts inter-department collaboration within the firm. Each department can generate, assemble, and analyze data in a uniform manner using the ERP system. This enhances coordination across verticals by easing the utilization of cross-department data facilitating the achievement of the organizations core strategies. Tracking key performance indicators Using collated databases showing relevant data from across the business managers become better equipped to analyze and track the key performance indicators (KPIs) of employees, departments, and the company. Instead of focusing on a single data set, such as accounting or sales, a more holistic view is reached by including data from other departments, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or HR, in setting and evaluating independent KPI targets. For example, accessing the data history of previous purchases and ongoing orders from the sales team as well as purchaser grievances from the HR team obtained by using appropriate ERP tools will help a customer relationship manager engage better with a client. Ultimately, this improves efficiency and enables the firm to customize and meet performance targets. Long-term cost saving through increased efficiency While the initial costs of implementing an ERP system can be high, the long-term benefits include structured and streamlined processes that cut operational and administrative costs. More importantly, it ensures the organization stays updated with the latest technology modern software systems such as the ERP work on machine learning and subsume cloud computing, data analytics, and the internet of things (IoT). Using ERP tools, managers and analysts within the organization will be able to process complex data faster and in a targeted manner through customized reports and assessments. Accurate and real-time information logged onto the system will prevents disruptions to the firms business cycle avoiding any decision delays that can cause revenue loss. By reducing or eliminating repetitive processes, ERP systems ensure critical resources are not diverted towards manual tasks, such as back-end data entry. Data security Cyber attacks are a threat to all organizations. Something as basic as employees exchanging data through Google documents or Excel reports over non-secure networks could lead to a security breach. Companies generating or managing large volumes of information may find it difficult to continuously monitor and red flag security vulnerabilities. In this regard, an ERP system offers in-built security protections by restricting data access with advanced permission protocols and maintaining efficient firewalls, preventing the leak of sensitive data. On the other hand, if a data breach does occur, the IT department can promptly update the entire system instead of investigating individual software infringements. Regulatory compliance Helping companies achieve regulatory compliance in day-to-day operations is another key benefit of implementing an ERP system. Software for business processes can be modified to suit the regulatory environment and equip the organization to adopt international standards and best practices. For example, the ERP system can exercise control over the reporting system. By inputting the required accounting or financial reporting method into the system, the ERP can ensure all reports are prepared in a particular manner and flag discrepancies. Further, any changes in regulations may be tracked through the software, reducing the overall compliance burden on the organization. The ERP software is capable of flagging non-compliance, which can then be immediately rectified by relevant personnel. Why firms in India should opt for ERP Efficiency, Integration, Transparency Todays organizations need to ensure optimum digital preparedness to retain a sustainable advantage above disruptive competitors. This is where an effective ERP strategy compliments a firms core strategy. As highlighted in the article, implementing an ERP system provides organizations with the necessary adaptability and optimization to compete in a fast-paced work environment. It enables organizations to grow by leveraging forecasting ability through real-time data analytics, while ensuring compliance and security. Thomas Zhang, Group IT Director at Dezan Shira & Associates, breaks down the key benefits of using an ERP system. He says, ERP integrates the data islands produced by different application systems. This helps to reduce duplicate data, making data flow smoothly inside the organization. Employees can then utilize the ERP platform for effective collaboration. On making organizational functions more efficient, Zhang adds, ERP optimizes business processes that improve efficiency, avoiding the possible risk due to differentiated working methods within the organization, thus enhancing output. Increased transparency is another important incentive according to Zhang: Companies with branches in different areas benefit from ERP systems collating all information at an accessible location. This makes headquarter-based business decisions more effective as the transparently available data reduces risk exposure to human error or malpractice. Tanushree Dutta had kickstarted the wave of #MeToo in Bollywood. After she shared her story, a lot of other women in the industry came forward to share their stories. In a fresh statement, she says she is in deep despair seeing the judgementalism in society. BCCL Actor Tanushree Dutta on Wednesday came out with a fresh statement on her alleged sexual harassment on the sets of 2008 film Horn OK Pleassss and made strong observations about "level of consciousness and extreme judgementalism in a country known for its spiritual richness." In a written statement issued by her public relation team, she said, "I feel a deep despair seeing the level of consciousness and extreme judgementalism in a country known for its spiritual richness. "I am asking how many talented and innocent people like Jiah, Pratyusha and others you will consume by your bigotry. How many more need to die before you become sensitive towards others. Hate begets hate and if karma and punishment is the only language you understand then the road ahead will be rocky." bccl "Learn your lessons before it's too late. We are in this world to learn and embody compassion and love." Talking once again of the controversial incident from 2008, when she was allegedly harassed, the statement reads, "The 'Horn 'OK' Pleassss' harassment incident and the mob attack there had sent me spiralling into a deep state of depression in 2008. Although I went on to finish my other projects with a smile on my face, deep inside I wanted to die. The harassment, manipulation, threats, the horrible things spoken about me and the humiliation I had to endure was too much for my sensitive soul to bear." She also claimed of being on the verge of taking the extreme step owing to frequent negativity. "After putting years of hard work to be treated this way was and still is shattering. bccl The attitude of these kind of people and my constant upstream struggle in the face of such frequent negativity that I have received made me want to give up often. Few years later Jiah and Pratyusha committed suicide. I somehow lived," the statement read. Tanushree also said that she had to face toxic stuff after speaking up this time."This time after I spoke again inspiring many to share their #metoo stories and exorcise their demons out, the same kind of toxic stuff was thrown at me by many especially Ganesh Acharya and Rakhi Sawant who levelled all manner of derogatory accusations on me," she added. "Rakhi apologised but only after I questioned her faith and dragged Jesus into the fight, I will always love God no matter who says what," the statement added. bccl Tanushree has alleged that Nana Patekar misbehaved with her on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleasss' in 2008 while shooting for a special dance number for the movie, and filed an FIR against the 'Welcome' star. However, Patekar has refused the allegations against him. Patekar's lawyer Aniket Nikam, told ANI, "All allegations against him (Nana Patekar) are false and far from the truth". A noted businessman, a fearless aviator and an awardee of India's highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata is a name that all of us are well aware of. A far-sighted businessman, J.R.D.Tata turned Tata Group into one of the most prestigious and successful industrial groups in India. His story is not only interesting but also inspiring in many ways. Twitter Born in France to an Indian father and a French mother, J. R. D. Tata had quite an idyllic childhood. He spent most of his time in France and it was there that he developed an interest in aircraft. Aviation became his passion which later culminated into him becoming the first ever Indian to be issued a pilot license. Youtube After studying in France, Japan, and England, Tata served in the French army for a year. In 1925, he came to India and joined the Tata family business which was established in 1868. A man with sharp business acumen, he's still an inspiration for every entrepreneur. Twitter Tata not only dreamt big, but also believed in himself and took right steps towards the growth of his business. It was under his leadership that the Tata assets climbed from Rs 62 crore in 1939 to more than Rs 10,000 crore in 1990. That is not all. During the time of World War, mechanics and technology industries were at their peak. But he dared to think out of the box and turned his attention towards aviation industry. In 1932, he founded Tata Airlines which is known as Air India today. Youtube In 1945 he founded Tata Motors, a locomotive manufacturing company by forming a joint venture with Daimler-Benz of Germany. This company dominated the commercial vehicle market in India for years before entering the passenger vehicle market. From being the best leader who never left a chance to give credit to its team to being a fearless risk-taker, Tata had it all which made him an unstoppable business icon. Youtube He bought a new entrepreneurship to the table with all the more new creative ideas. J.R.D Tata always claimed that he wanted India to be a happy country and endeavoured to do the same as well. In his own words: If you want excellence, you must aim at perfection. It has its drawbacks, but being finicky is essential. A court in Gujarat's Una has convicted 11 men, who were accused of burning alive a Dalit man from Ankolali village in Gir Somnath district. All the accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The victim, Lalji Sarvaiya was burnt alive in 2012 by 11 men from the upper caste accusing him to be responsible for the elopement of a girl from their community. The accused had locked Lalji inside his house and set the structure on fire, killing him. Fearing more attacks from the upper caste group rest of his family had fled Ankolali and the state government had subsequently declared them displaced. Last month, the family had written to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding they be allowed euthanasia as the state government has failed to rehabilitate them even after they were declared displaced three years ago. In the application dated October 8, sent through sub-divisional magistrate of Una, the 14-member family stated that their repeated petitions to the government for relief had fallen on deaf ears. Six years ago, Wang Huanming was paralysed from the neck down after being injured. Today, he hopes he has found the answer to walking again: a new body for his head. Wang, a 62-year-old retired gas company worker, is one of several people in China who have volunteered for a body transplant in the northern Chinese city of Harbin. mirror The idea for a body transplant is the kind of thinking that has experts around the world alarmed at how far China is pushing the ethical and practical limits of science. Such a transplant is impossible, at least for now, according to leading doctors and experts, including some in China, who point to the difficulty of connecting nerves in the spinal cord. Failure would mean the death of the patient. nyt The orthopedic surgeon proposing the operation, Dr Ren Xiaoping of Harbin Medical University, who assisted in the first hand transplant in the US in 1999, said he would not be deterred. In an interview, Dr Ren said that he was building a team, that research was underway and that the operation would take place "when we are ready." His plan: Remove two heads from two bodies, connect the blood vessels of the body of the deceased donor and the recipient head, insert a metal plate to stabilize the new neck, bathe the spinal cord nerve endings in a gluelike substance to aid regrowth and finally sew up the skin. Whether or not he performs the operation, leading medical experts have condemned the plan. guim "For most people, it's at best premature and at worst reckless," said Dr James L Bernat, a professor of neurology and medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine of Dartmouth College. Dr Huang Jiefu, a former deputy minister of health in China, said that when the spine is cut, the neurons "cannot be reconnected, so it's scientifically impossible." "Ethically it's impossible," Dr Huang added. "How can you put one person's head on another's body?" Critics attribute such medical experimentation in China to national ambition, generous state funding, a utilitarian worldview that prioritises results, and a lack of transparency and accountability to the outside world. Ethical issues have long dogged Chinese researchers in the field of organ transplants, where China was an international pariah for using the organs of executed prisoners. guim Dr Ren is not the only one exploring the science of body transplants. Dr Sergio Canavero of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group in Italy, is a prominent advocate, and scientists at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics at the Russian Academy of Sciences are also researching aspects of the procedure. nyt news service ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 29 - These are some of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: MARRAKECH - Film festival kicks off with tribute to Robert De Niro (until 8/12). CAIRO - The third edition of the Global Migration Film Festival continues (to December 18). RABAT - 4th edition of the Festival of Theatre Academies, with the participation of over 200 artists (until 5/12). ROME - 70 refugees from Lebanon will arrive at Fiumicino airport thanks to the humanitarian corridors promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio. GENEVA - EU, Commissioner Christos Stylianides meets Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and Borge Brende, presient and member of the administrative council of the World Economic Forum. LA VALLETTA - EU, meeting of European Commission representatives for the Mediterranean. (ANSAmed). A Delhi Police Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) rank officer allegedly committed suicide at Delhi Police Headquarter (PHQ) on Thursday. The officer has been identified as 55-year-old Prem Ballabh who jumped off the headquarters at Indraprastha Marg. Ballabh was posted in crime and traffic unit of Delhi Police. Police is investigating the matter and this is not first high rank officer who has committed suicide. Earlier in May this year, the senior Maharashtra police officer Himanshu Roy, involved in many high-profile investigations, committed suicide by shooting self at his home in Mumbai. He had cancer. In the same month a 1992-batch UP Provincial Police Service Officer Rajesh Sahani shot himself dead with his service weapon inside his room at UP ATS headquarters in Gomtinagar in Lucknow. Sahani was inspecting the case related to a Pithoragarh resident Ramesh Singh Kanyal who was arrested by helping Pakistan spy agency ISI for bugging the house of an Indian diplomat in Islamabad, Pakistan where he worked as cook between 2015 and 2017. AFP Yes, farmers from Tamil Nadu are back in the capital. Again, they are carrying the skulls of their departed comrades. And this time, they will be joined by farmers from across the country. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) ISRO Launches India's First Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite For Observation Of Agriculture & Defence twitter/isro At exactly 9.58 am on Thursday, Indian Space Research Organisation's reliable workhorse PSLV rocket soared into the skies from Sriharikota's first launchpad carrying with it India's first hyperspectral imaging satellite (HySIS), an advanced earth observation satellite, and 30 foreign satellites. Read more 2) UP CM Yogi Adityanath Gets Legal Notice For Calling Lord Hanuman A Dalit, Asked To Apologise Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath landed in soup after calling Lord Hanuman a Dalit. A Hindu group in Rajasthan has sent a legal notice to Yogi asking him to apologise within three days. Read more 3) After Spending 7 Months At Malaysian Airport, Syrian Refugee Finally Finds Home In Canada On Monday night, Al Kontar landed at Vancouver airport, donning flip-flops and a T-shirt. Canada had already recognised him as a refugee and as soon as he touched down in the country, he became a permanent citizen. Read more 4) New Rs 2,000 And Rs 500 Notes Have Become Unusable In Just 2 Years Because Of Poor Quality BCCL The new notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 caught everyone's attention as soon as they were introduced after demonetisation. People thought that they would be relieved after the horrors of note ban and would be able to use the new currency without any hassle. Read more 5) In Telangana, BJP Promises To Distribute 1 Lakh Cows Every Year And Deport Rohingyas es, the BJP has promised free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year in Telangana where elections are scheduled to take place on December 7. Manifesto also promised deportation of Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingyas. Read more A young mother, who happened to be at South City Mall when she needed to breastfeed her child this Sunday, was denied a private space by storekeepers and security staff despite repeated pleas before an apparel storekeeper came to her help and allowed her to use the cramped trial room. Abhilasha DasAdhikari wrote a short review on the feedback section of the malls Facebook page two days later, recounting her ordeal, but the reply she got left her stumped. The post from South City Mall told her that she should plan her babys feeding arrangements properly and that she should do her home chores at home and not at a mall. The FB posts the young moms plaint and the response from one of the citys biggest malls have gone viral, bringing into focus one of the most urgent needs that often go ignored at public spaces in India. The posts have also triggered a public outcry that has forced mall officials on the defensive. An attempt to issue an unconditional apology was met with such anger that the mall management had to remove the feedback option from its page. South City Mall vice-president Manmohan Bagri told TOI that even the management was shocked at the reply posted by a young executive of an agency that was handling the malls Facebook page. The rude and aggressive reply was posted without our consent. We have removed the agency, he said, adding that the mall did have a changing room on its first floor and those on other floors were under renovation. But the audiologist, who needed a room to nurse her seven-month-old daughter on Sunday evening, said she had a very different experience. Not only could she not locate the changing room near the washrooms on the first and second floors, janitors posted near the ladies washroom said there was no such facility and asked her to use the womens toilet to feed her daughter. I entered the washroom but it was smelly and I could not feed her there. My baby was hungry and crying by then and, in desperation, I tried to use a corridor bench but it was extremely uncomfortable. I then approached a few storekeepers but they refused. I approached a multiplex there twice, pleading with security the first time and its officials thereafter, but they would not help. Others on the scene were moved by my wailing baby but the mall staff were unmoved. It was then that I spotted an apparel store that did not have any customers at the time and approached the staff. They allowed me to use the trial room, Abhilasha recounted. She returned to her Behala residence and narrated the ordeal to husband Arup, also an audiologist, who was left shocked at the lack of a facility as basic as a nursing room in a mall that opened after renovation barely eight months ago. Monday was spent preparing for his departure for a medical conference to Daman. So, around 3.30pm on Tuesday, Abhilasha went to South City Malls Facebook page and posted a review: There is no place to breast feed... on top of it, your staff asked me to feed in the toilet... disgusting place.... Six-and-a half-hours later, Abhilasha received this response from South City Mall: Funny you found to be an issue because breast-feeding is not allowed on the floor for a number of reasons. In case of any emergency, we can make arrangements to help someone but certainly this big place that we have is meant for shopping so with all due respect madam please make sure you do your home chores at your home and not in the mall, at least plan it beforehand. Its not like your baby needs to be breast-fed at any moment so you need arrangements to be made for you at any public area to breast-feed your child anywhere you wish to? We cannot compromise the privacy of other people in public places can we? Facebook I was left speechless and angry and then I began crying. I merely posted a review and there was this venomous counter. I have not read anything so disgusting ever, she told TOI on Wednesday. The outrageous comments drew sharp ripostes from women not only in Kolkata but other cities as well. Sweta S Pal from Hyderabad wrote: Unprofessional, rude, insensitive and pathetic staff ! How can you ask a mother to feed her baby in a toilet? Can you eat your food there? On top of that, your arrogant staff comments that the lady should complete her household chores at home! Rong Tuli, a young woman who loves to hang around in malls, wrote: Yeah wanted to visit. But since you started mocking mothers, dont think ladies should visit there again. Reshmi Nilofer wrote: If I were you, Id apologise to that mother and try to improvise or make a feeding room available in my mall. Shame on you! The avalanche of criticism prompted South Citys Bagri to claim that he had posted an unconditional apology on the malls web page, which he forwarded to TOI but could not be viewed on the website. It read: We at South City deeply apologise unconditionally for the reply to your feedback. We are deeply saddened by the reply made by our account handler. South City Mall has baby-feeding rooms on all floors... and we have got them operational and... have highlighted the (matter) internally after your feedback and inconvenience caused. In the meantime you got the revert from our agent, for which we apologise once again. We respect the child and mothers privacy and necessity. The development also spurred the mall authorities into action and, by Wednesday evening, the changing room on the malls first floor was operational and work was under way full-steam on the second floor as well. A mall janitor said there had been a flurry of activity since Wednesday morning to get the rooms ready and running. The facility may help all nursing mothers in future but Abhilasha is sure she will not visit the mall again. People who like to collect all things fancy and popular have the tendecy to splurge on the weirdest of things. Belive it or not, someone just bought a section of the stairs from the Eiffel Tower for Rs 1,32,83,850 The stairs of the second and third floor of the Paris landmark were sold to a Middle East collector after bidding took place in the French capital. The auction house thought, it would sell the stairs between Rs 31,79,768 to Rs 47,69,653. They were clearly overwhelmed. Twitter The stairs stand 4.3 meters high and were part of the private Canadian collection when the legendary French engineer Gustave Eiffel built the 324-meter high tower as the centerpiece of the Paris Universal Exhibition. Twitter The stairs were removed from the tower in 1983 to make a lift and cut into 24 sections, ranging from two to nine meters high. The Eiffel Tower soon, for obvious reasons, became the most visited monument despite getting calls for its demolition in the years after the exhibition. Eiffel tower still remains the countrys third tallest structure and was the highest building in the world for 41 years until the construction of Chrysler Building, New York in 1930. Artcurial sold a separate section of the tower - just 14 steps, for Rs 4,16,28,156 to an Asian buyer in 2016. The government of Sierra Leone has intervened to assist the resolution of a strike at Iluka's Sierra Rutile operation, the mineral sands producer said. Julius Maada Bio, the president of Sierra Leone, "has intervened to assist in the resolution of the dispute" after... The business need for new applications has never been greater, and IT departments are being asked to find faster and innovative ways to develop and support more software projects and application releases. Even with improved processes and tools, its not just that easy. Three closely linked proposed approacheslow-code development, no-code development, and citizen developmenttypically cause It developers to roll their eyes. But should you? Before deciding that these approaches are like doing self-surgery, take a few minutes to understand them and see, with ITs expert guidance, they could actually work. And to understand where they are fantasy, so your negative response is backed up with analysis and not dismissed by business leadership as mere self-interest. Why business leaders care about low-code platforms These are the pressures many development teams are facing that are causing business leaders to look for some new approaches to supplement their IT developers: Three departments are sharing spreadsheets to track their production work. Theres limited data validation in the spreadsheets, and mistakes are creating delays and work quality issues. Can you prototype, develop, test, and deploy a new workflow application in a few days that eliminates the spreadsheets and improves the departments productivity and quality? In another part of the business, a field operations team is being asked to update information in multiple enterprise systems whenever it visits a customer. How quickly and easily can the development team create a mobile application that connects to these systems and provides a single, easy-to-use tool for this operations team? Business leaders know that they can gain significant competitive advantages the more they digitize their business operations and offer customers personalized experiences. They support agile practices and want to release applications early, learn from users, and adapt the applications to evolving needs and opportunities. USDCHF Elliott Wave Analysis: Looks For A Pullback EW-Forecast.com - Thu Nov 25, 2:04AM CST Swissy is coming sharply up, breaking even September highs, but we are still tracking a corrective rise within wave B) on a daily chart that can stop around April highs and 0.94 - 0.95 area ^USDCHF : 0.93581 (+0.21%) GBPAUD Weekly MACD Trying to Positively Cross Tradable Patterns - Wed Nov 24, 11:34PM CST The (GBPAUD) is consolidating for a 6th straight day going into today's European morning, hovering just below ascending triangle resistance (on the 4hr chart). Significantly, GBPAUD has been testing... ^GBPAUD : 1.85235 (+0.10%) Jordan state budget endorsed at 800 mln euro deficit (ANSAmed) - AMMAN, NOVEMBER 29 - Jordan government said it finalized the state budget for 2019 with a total deficit of JD 646 million (800 million euro) as revenues increased to cover 100 percent of the current expenditure, Petra news agency reported today. The government said expenditure reached JD9.255 billion (11.4 billion euro) an increase of 3.3 percent to the previous year in what was attributed to normal growth in expenditure related to annual increase in the salaries of public employees, the increase in allocations of the National Aid Fund, and an upgrade in the share of the healthcare system. The budget was approved by the cabinet and referred to the parliament for deliberation and endorsement, said the government in an official statement. In total, current spending was estimated at JD8.013 billion (10 billion euro) while capital expenditure and capital projects in partnership with the private sector was set at JD1.242 billion (1.5 billion euro). (ANSAmed) NSW insurer and care provider icare has hosted a forum in Lismore to inform Northern Rivers employers and rehabilitation providers about changes to the workers insurance scheme and to seek feedback and suggestions. David Huxley, icares Northern Region relationship manager, said the organisation works with local employers to better understand the unique aspects of the region (including Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Casino), to find ways to reduce injuries, assist in getting employees back to work sooner, and minimise the cost of workers insurance premiums, while effectively increasing productivity. Justin Delaney, TAL chief operating officer, said the new product will help TALs adviser partners to deepen their customer relationships. With this offering, we have created a very simple way for advisers to help customers assess whether they have the right cover for their needs, while offering a discount when referred by their adviser, Delaney said. Rhod McKensey, nib Group executive of Australian residents health insurance, said the strategic distribution partnership allows TAL to leverage nibs expertise and skills. Were excited to continue to build our very strong health insurance white-labelling capability through the addition of TAL to our existing group of highly valued partners who share our passion for great customer service, McKensey said. TAL said the new offering was developed based on insights from customers, financial advisers, and key market, and will continue to evolve based on ongoing customer and adviser feedback. Wall Street Journal suggests that AXAs new targets are possible since the insurers shift away from life insurance should generate more cash and free up capital. While natural catastrophes could make earnings more volatile, the life insurance business is more exposed to the financial market and credit risks. WSJ also reported that once AXA unloads the rest of its shares in AXA Equitable the US-based life company it listed this year it will have a much less volatile capital ratio under Solvency II regulations in Europe. AXA noted that its business units will be able to pay 10% more cash every year. This means that the parent company expects to pay from 50% to 60% of its earnings as dividends up from 45% to 55%. All things considered, the insurer can expect surplus cash of roughly US$15.8 billion by 2020. US District Judge Ursula Ungar dismissed the claims on grounds that the fine print in the passengers tickets contracts prevents them from filing a suit, South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. In similar other lawsuits lodged against other cruise companies, as well as airline companies such as Delta and JetBlue, plaintiffs argued that the travel companies misled them by claiming they only collect the purchase price of travel insurance on behalf of the insurers providing the coverage. Instead, the companies were earning kickbacks that inflated travel insurance costs, plaintiffs maintained. The claims against Royal Caribbean were dropped, however. Ungar agreed with the cruise lines contention that that by agreeing to restrictions in their ticket contracts, the two passengers waived their right to bring a class-action suit, or to file a similar claim. The plaintiffs had argued that the restrictions in their ticket contracts did not apply to their claim. They maintained that the ticket contracts specified that the restrictions apply to the Carriers Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program, but it was Arch Insurance, not Royal Caribbean that issued the coverage. Ungar, however, ruled that the term Carrier in the ticket contracts also extends to Royal Caribbean, since the cruise line essentially served as the insurance agent that sold the policy. The plain and common sense construction of [the language] is that it seeks to make clear that the terms of the ticket contract extend to all of the products that Royal Caribbean considers to be part of its Travel Protection Program, the judges order stated. Related stories: Delta, JetBlue hit with class action over insurance sales Senator questions value of travel insurance in new report Lemonade co-founder and CEO Daniel Schreiber shared a blog post on Thursday stating: Great digital brands transcend borders. Whether in Chicago, Paris, or Singapore, todays consumers listen to music on Spotify, ride with Uber, and stay at Airbnb. Consumers are increasingly cosmopolitan, socially aware, and tech-native everything Lemonade was built to be. Thats why going global feels natural for us. So, were thrilled to announce that Lemonade is coming to Europe our first major market outside of the United States. Europe, the birthplace of modern insurance, is one of the largest insurance markets globally, and is home to the two largest insurers worldwide AXA and Allianz. (Both are investors in Lemonade and dear friends. Were kinda hoping theyll see our European launch as a boost to their investment, rather than as the challenge to their business we hope it becomes. Its not yet clear exactly when Lemonade will be making the big move across the pond, or which European country the start-up will target first. In an interview with CNBC, Schreiber said the move will come soon and will be part of a long-term goal of making Lemonade global one step at a time. The digital insurance company is for-profit but has a philanthropic edge. Insurance applicants are charged a flat fee renters pay a monthly subscription rate of US$5 and homeowners a monthly rate of US$25 and any leftover cash is given to charity via the Lemonade Giveback. Schreiber told CNBC that the insurance industry is ripe for disruption due to the "deep conflict" people feel when dealing with insurance companies and the fact that consumers and insurers are fundamentally fighting over the same coin when it comes to insurance claims. He said hes looking forward to disrupting that model around the world. Bottom line is, for a whole bunch of reasons, were ecstatic to come to Europe, look forward to engaging consumers across its countries and languages, and cant wait to work with European non-profits for the next Lemonade Giveback, the CEO wrote in his blog. Europe, forget everything you know about insurance! The two allegedly created the ransomware program SamSam, which they used to disrupt the computer systems of hospitals, municipal offices and other public entities in both Canada and the US. In America alone, the ransomware attack affected cities such as Atlanta, GA, and Newark, NJ, causing more than $30 million in losses to victims. Other entities affected by SamSam include the Port of San Diego, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the University of Calgary in Canada, and at least six healthcare-related companies. Prosecutors said that the ransomware forcibly encrypted data on affected computers, locking users out of their own systems. The duo then demanded victims pay a ransom in exchange for decryption of the hacked systems. Savandi and Shah asked their victims to pay in Bitcoin, which they exchanged for Iranian rials. Through their scheme, the two managed to collect $6 million, the Justice Department said. Reuters reported that Savandi and Shah turned to two individuals Ali Khorashadizadeh and Mohammad Ghorbaniyan to have the Bitcoins exchanged into rial; the news portal could not immediately reach the four Iranians for comment. Desiree Khoury, vice president of specialty reinsurance at NAS Insurance Services, explained: When the economy is good, the EPLI market is generally quite strong and loss trends are positive. But when theres a downsizing or a depression in the economy, as we experienced in 2008, we tend to see a significant increase of EPLI claims. Its definitely a product thats reactive to broader economic trends. Between 2008 and 2010, a lot of EPLI insurance markets decided to exit the high-risk US cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago where many large companies are headquartered and therefore where the terminations and subsequent lawsuits were occurring. Fast-forward a decade from the financial crisis and lots of insurance markets are looking at EPLI with a different eye, according to Khoury. NAS Insurance Services, which has been writing the product for close to 30-years, is currently focused on offering EPLI for businesses with 50 employees or fewer. The firms signature EPLI support services include a unique risk management program called NAS eManager, which provides employment law resources, training, and HR seminars for policyholders. Khoury commented: Oftentimes, theres no malice in some of these business decisions. Rather theres a lack of basic understanding among employers about federal and state requirements. Business owners are focused on their product, their distribution partners, their cost of goods. They may not be as familiar with all of the HR guidelines, nor how to comply with the latest regulations. This is where EPLI can provide support and protection for those business owners. As well as being influenced by economic trends, EPLI is also an emotional and culturally-driven product. Right now, the business world is influenced by the #MeToo movement, with greater attention being paid to concerns of sexual harassment, assault and discrimination. Employees are more aware of their rights and more confident to exercise them than ever before, even if that means taking an employer to court. This trend has re-opened many employers eyes to the need for and benefits of EPLI coverage. The MeToo movement has driven an increase in demand for EPLI coverage among business owners in every category. Allegations of misconduct are on the rise and companies want protection and access to expert advisors to avoid costly litigation, Khoury told Insurance Business. Its an area of great sensitivity for employees and employers, and while EPL insurance is only the part of the solution, it can be a great resource to help business owners navigate these emotional challenges. The first thing insurers need to do when thinking about upgrading their legacy systems is to move beyond the heap, according to Bart Patrick, managing director of Europe at Duck Creek Technologies, a North American-headquartered property & casualty technology provider with a global footprint. People talk about systems architecture and technology stacks, but what many organizations end up with is a technological heap, Patrick told Insurance Business. As companies buy other companies, the temptation is to add to that heap, but its really important to find new ways of doing things. This is where on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions present new opportunities. Insurers can park their heap and start again properly with configurable and upgradable technology. The ability to upgrade with ease is one of the core benefits of SaaS platforms, according to Patrick. While all companies start with the latest version of a piece of software, they dont necessarily keep it up-to-date. Furthermore, they often start fiddling with it and wiring in new pieces of kit until making the necessary upgrades becomes a major headache. New solutions, like Duck Creek OnDemand, are built around configurability and connectivity. They can ensure upgrades are continuous, which means customers gain the benefits of the latest technological and functional advances. Gaining those advantages would help an incumbent insurer move beyond legacy solutions, but it would also require the insurer to think about insurance technology and platform ownership in a fundamentally different way. As Patrick explained in a Duck Creek blog: In the UK, the history of insurance dates back to the seventeenth century at the Lloyds coffee house. Underwriting philosophies, tools, and processes at UK firms are deeply established, posing formidable mental and technical obstacles to the incorporation of insurtech methods and philosophies into existing businesses. Embracing innovation requires a psychological and cultural shift. On-demand solutions also provide the answer to the expansive geographic nature of the insurance business. The current M&A boom is not only presenting legacy challenges but is also forcing insurers to adapt how they conduct international business. Duck Creek Technologies was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2000, but has since grown a global footprint. The firm has developed from being an on-premise lender of administration (policy, billing, claims, rating etc.) to focusing primarily on SaaS and on-demand solutions. These solutions are being requested by insurers around the world, regardless of rules, regulations and philosophies. Ive worked with Duck Creek in the US and here in Europe. There are huge similarities and fundamental differences between the two markets, but insurance technology today is able to deal with that, Patrick commented. A lot of the differences are actually psychological. Insurance is insurance. Its the transfer of risk into capital. Of course, there are differences in regulation, currency, taxes, languages and so on, but thats all around the edges. A number of our US customers are asking us about global platforms. Weve seen a lot of M&A activity, with US firms buying European companies and Lloyds syndicates. Now they want to extend their home platform into a global solution. There are challenges that come with that, but the differences between international insurance markets arent as extreme as theyre often made out to be. Theres no technological reason why on-demand solutions couldnt be global in nature. An elite prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage student for sex is asking the New Hampshire Supreme Court for a new trial by arguing he had ineffective counsel. Owen Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of Senior Salute, a game of sexual conquest, at St. Pauls School. But he was found guilty of the felony computer charge and several misdemeanor counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The court is scheduled to hear arguments Wednesday that Labries trial lawyers were ineffective because they failed to challenge the computer charge. Prosecutors say the defense hasnt proved its case. The court this month upheld Labries convictions in a separate legal challenge. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Abuse Molestation A Vermont towns select board has voted to work with a national law firm that plans to sue opioid makers over the drug crisis. The Bennington Banner reports Bennington will not have to pay for litigation as part of the agreement with Sanford Heisler Sharp. The law firm says instead it will accept 25 percent of damages won from opioid manufacturers, with 75 percent of damages going back into the community. Sanford Heisler Sharp says it will work by gathering data to determine the cost of the drug crisis to Bennington. If the costs are significant enough, the law firm will then file a lawsuit in state court. The firm says its attorneys have begun similar discussions with other Vermont communities including Manchester and Rutland. Information from: Bennington Banner Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits This article is part of Carrier Managements Cultural Q&A series featured in the Nov/Dec 2018 print edition. Q: Do you spend more time on culture or strategy? Pat Regan, Group CEO, QBE Insurance: Definitely culture. We spent a bit of time when I came into the role figuring out our strategy, where in the world we wanted to play and how, but that was sort of a done-once exercise. We do need to revisit that, but we spend a lot more time bringing our culture to life. Of course, we continue to spend time on our strategy, but for our cultural work, we do something every day. Q: Was QBE DNA a response to your companys restructuring program? QBE Group CEO Pat Regan After Pat Regan became Group CEO of QBE Insurance in January of this year, he continued to spend a lot of his time on the companys ongoing restructuring to return it to consistent profitability. But he admitted in a recent interview withCarrier Management that much of his time is spent on developing the companys identity via its QBE DNA program, which was launched this year and replaces a previous program called One QBE. Regan and his team came up with a list of seven cultural attributes, using hashtags: 1. We are customer-centered (#OutsideIn); 2. We are technical experts (#KnowYourStuff); 3. We are diverse (#MixItUp); 4. We are fast-paced (#RampItUp); 5. We are courageous (#DoTheRightThing); 6. We are accountable (#OwnItNow); and 7. We are a team (#Together) When visiting QBE in London recently, Regan sat down with CMto discuss the work that QBE has done to create global corporate culture via its new QBE DNA program. In 2016, when Regan was group CFO, he told CM that people are the key to a CFOs success. Youre only as successful as the team of people you build around you, how well you mobilize them and the vision you set of what youre trying to achieve. (Read the full profile article at carriermag.com/xne3k) Regan: My predecessors had begun to do a lot of work on creating a greater sense of there being One QBEand Im a big believer in that as well. Its not like Im throwing that out of the window at all. QBE has been quite federated, for want of a better word, and our culture has been different in different places. My predecessors tried to create a greater sense of a team running the whole company in a more joined-up way. Were just trying to extend and build on the concept now with the new program: QBE DNA. Q: How would you describe your companys culture today: as one with an innovation culture, underwriting culture, culture of action, culture of transparency/openness, result-oriented culture, customer-oriented culture or purpose-driven culture? Regan: You need a little bit of all of them is the conclusion we reached. [During the development of QBEs seven cultural attributes], one of my contributions was creating #KnowYourStuff. For a company like ours, technical ability comes naturally. However, other things like innovation may be a little less natural for insurers. I really thought being action-oriented and fast-paced was important because the insurance companies, at their worst, can be bureaucratic and slow moving. As a result, we came up with #RampItUp to show we want to be fast-paced. Similarly, you must be customer-oriented as well. At the end of the dayI think you can weave all of those things into the corporate culture. But the non-negotiables are the cultural attributes about high integrity (#DoTheRightThing and #OwnItNow) and having an inclusive and diverse place to work (#MixItUp). Q: How does the structure and physical environment of your organization support the current culture? Regan: We operate in places that are quite geographically diverse, with huge distances involved and different time zones. In a global company, one of the ways you create a unified culture is to have regular team meetings. If everybody is around you, thats easy to do, but if youre calling a meeting of your global team, its 11:00 at night for somebody. Even if they agreed to participate, they probably just want to get off the phone. Those kinds of barriers are the reason we havent had a common culture at QBE. While weve had local cultures in the U.K., in Australia or in North America, its been harder to create a single, global QBE culture. To help build it, you just have to be smarter and more thoughtful. Modern tools and technology help a bitfor example, using video conferencing (VC). Im a huge believer, especially in running this kind of company, to allow people to work as flexibly as makes sense for them. If youre going to be on the VC from home at 10:00 at night, then dont come in the first thing tomorrow morning. Why would you? Actually, people really enjoy working together; when theyre given the opportunity, they love to do it. And I think modern tools and technology helps that, as does backing that up with flexible working. Its kind of funny, today when you walk around this office, youll see many fewer people wearing a tie. Years ago, you would get shown off the premises if you werent wearing a tie in London. In Sydney, the summer is 40 degrees (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and until quite recently, men came to work in a suit and a tie, which was just so ridiculous. These days, people come in and wear what they want to wear. Sometimes they have to wear a suit and tie because theyve got an important meeting. But if they dont, they can be more casual. All this helps to build a better working environment. A few years ago, the group moved to a new building for its head office in Sydney and now has teams in two separate buildings, but Ive never liked that. Were trying to find ways of co-locating those teams in the same building. Its much easier to build common culture if youre next to each other, and its also important for the group head-office teams to be physically closer to people who are handling customers. Q: Describe your role in shaping and perpetuating the corporate culture? Regan: When we came up with the QBE DNA program, obviously I had a hand in shaping that, but it was really important that it was a broad team effort. But its also important Im comfortable with the shape of it because my job is to be role model No. 1. If Im not role modeling [the cultural attributes], weve got zero chance of success. Its also important that we create an environment where people will tell me that Im not being a role model. Look, its easy for me to tell people when theyre not living up to the attributes, isnt it? But I also need to live them, be a role model. And my team has to call me out in the moments when Im not. If we can do that, and my team can do that, and their teams can do that, then well be able to create the culture we want, I think. I think just being in the role of group CEO makes you unapproachable to some degree, and its silly not to acknowledge that. Theres lots of big and little ways to try to break that down. I sit in an open plan office with my team, so they dont have to cross a physical barrier to come and see me. That makes it a little bit easier to be accessible, I think, and a number of our leaders do the same. But then its up to me to walk around and talk to people. One reason I do a Pat Chat is exactly that. [Regan does a regular series of online Pat Chats via the companys online collaboration tool, Yammer]. Ive met a number of our people who now feel they know me a bit. Theyll tell me: Oh, you were in so-and-so last week. The Pat Chats are all about what Ive been up to, what the company is trying to do, and at the end of it Ill add #OutsideIn or whatever is the right cultural attribute that matches my message. And guess what? Its a million times more powerful doing it that way. People quickly catch on. I role model it, my team role models it, and it sort of catches onWe have done a lot of work on the gutsthe businessof the organization. But it was really important at the same time to bring to life the culture, so that people felt we were a kind of heart as well as head. Q: Does the company have a chief culture officer? Regan: Yes, this year we hired Liam Buckley to the newly created position of group head of Culture & Talent. Hes based in Sydney, but its a global role. He reports jointly to me and our HR director. One of his key jobs is to bring to life the culture across the organization. Allianz Groups specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS) has announced that Sinead Browne will assume the role of AGCS UK CEO in addition to her responsibilities as chief regions and markets officer, subject to regulatory approval. Tracey Hunt has been appointed deputy CEO for AGCS UK. Both appointments will take effect from Jan. 1, 2019. Current AGCS UK CEO, Brian Kirwan will leave at the end of 2018. Browne joined the AGCS Board in 2012 as chief operating officer, before moving to her current chief regions and markets officer role earlier in 2018. Originally joining Allianz Group in 1993, she has since held progressively senior roles in underwriting, organizational and strategy development and operations at Allianz Ireland, Allianz SE and Allianz Re. Hunt joined AGCS in September 2012 as head of Growth Markets, Energy. She has held her current regional head of Energy role since January 2015. As deputy CEO, Hunt will report directly to Browne. Hunt will have oversight across all lines of AGCS lines of business, as well as overseeing key client and broker relationships in the UK. She will retain her current responsibilities as regional head of Energy for Regional Unit London going forward. Under Brians leadership AGCS UK is positioned strongly for the future. I would like to thank Brian for his contributions and we at AGCS wish him the very best for the future, commented Browne. Im very pleased to welcome Tracey to the position of Deputy CEO for the UK. With over 20 years working in insurance, her wide-ranging market experience across underwriting, broking, claims and consultancy is an ideal fit for the role, she added. We will work closely together in partnership with clients and brokers to drive the business forward and continue to deliver innovative solutions to help our customers navigate the complex world of current and emerging business risks. Related: Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Topics Allianz People who are harmed or injured in incidents that are the state governments fault will be eligible for damage awards of as much as $2 million after the state House voted to override a veto by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. The House voted 71-36 to override a veto on legislation raising the damage cap in the Illinois Court of Claims from $100,000. The override vote put the law into effect. The deadly outbreak of Legionnaires disease at the Quincy veterans home inspired Rep. Al Riley, a Democrat from Olympia Fields, to sponsor the measure. The water-borne, flu-like malady has led to the deaths of 14 people since 2015. Families of several victims filed lawsuits. Rauners critics claim the administration was slow to act in limiting the crisis, which ultimately led to plans to rebuild the entire Quincy campus. Objections to the override of Gov. Bruce Rauners amendatory veto, which would have capped awards at $300,000, prompted a dust-up over the Legionnaires crisis, a flashpoint among Democrats and Republicans for nearly a year. Republican Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard complained that the bulk of damage awards would go to trial lawyers representing victims, instead of to education or fixing roads. Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat, responded, saying she would like to make a broth of legionella and pump it into the water system of his (Breens) loved ones, so they can be infected, they can be mistreated. Legionella is the water-borne bacteria which, when inhaled, can cause the sometimes-fatal, flu-like malady of Legionnaires. Rep. Jeanne Ives, a Republican from Wheaton, excoriated Kifowit, denouncing Democrats who wish death on Republicans. Kifowit later stood and complained her statement was mischaracterized and that she had said, imagine if legionella was in Breens water supply. Lawsuits against the state go through the Court of Claims. Damage awards had been limited to $100,000 since the early 1970s. Riley said many other states have caps of $2 million. In addition to Breens objection, GOP Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville said it would hurt businesses wanting to pick up state work because contractual agreements would require them to have sufficient insurance to cover the maximum award. But Rep. David Harris, an Arlington Heights Republican, noted that plaintiffs first must prove the state was at fault for the injury and any compensatory award would be decided by the Court of Claims. He noted Iowa has no cap on awards. Among issues yet to be resolved by the Legislature involve a Rauner veto on a measure that would set a 90-day deadline for local police to sign paperwork to help immigrant victims of crime. Cooperative victims of certain violent crimes qualify for visas to let them stay in the country. Other vetoes awaiting House action are on legislation prohibiting tobacco sales to those under 21 and requiring online vehicle-sharing services to meet rental-car company safety standards. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Illinois The governor of Puerto Rico overhauled the U.S. territorys insurance laws on Tuesday to help protect policyholders as thousands of claims remain unresolved more than a year after Hurricane Maria. Gov. Ricardo Rossello signed six laws into effect as he stressed that his administration was not pleased with how insurance companies handled complaints filed after the Category 4 storm hit. One law now requires insurance companies to start making partial payments under certain conditions shortly after a state of emergency is declared. Another creates special courtrooms with expert judges to solve appraisal disagreements via mediation, a first for Puerto Rico. All decisions reached during mediation will be binding but can be appealed in court. A third law sharpens the types of actions officials can take against insurance companies if they do not resolve cases promptly or act improperly. This is a historic moment, Javier Rivera, who oversees the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Puerto Rico, said in a phone interview. It transforms how insurance companies will respond in a catastrophic event. Another law will for the first time create micro insurance to help low-income people on an island of 3.3 million inhabitants with a poverty rate of nearly 45 percent. Additional new laws required that each insurance company have a written emergency response plan that has to be certified annually by the government, and that a company pay the cost of an audit if its required. PA final law states that qualifying businesses can use surplus line insurers if at least three other companies decline partial or full cover. Thiswill result in considerable savings to our policyholders, who in many cases have seen unsustainable increases in their premiums, Rossello said. Hurricane Maria caused more than an estimated $100 billion in damage when it hit on Sept. 20, 2017, destroying Puerto Ricos power grid and forcing businesses to remain closed for months. Overall, it was the most expensive catastrophe for the insurance industry last year, with losses amounting to $32 billion, higher than Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, according to a report from Swiss Re, a reinsurance company based in Switzerland. More than 287,000 claims were filed, and of those, nearly 11,000 claims representing a total of nearly $2 billion have not been resolved, Rivera said. Insurance companies struggled after the storm,including Real Legacy, which folded. The number of claims that went unanswered or unpaid also prompted the government to file a lawsuit against several companies to prevent them from dropping claims because they have allegedly expired. The lawsuits also seek $2.6 billion in damages for those who have not been compensated. Iraelia Pernas, executive director of Puerto Ricos Association of Insurance Companies, said by phone that no one was prepared for the level of disaster that Maria caused, and that the unresolved cases are the most complex ones and involve mostly government agencies and large businesses. She also praised the new laws. We think its a good initiative, she said. God willing we dont have to test it. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Carriers Claims Excess Surplus U.S. health officials said this week they plan to overhaul the nations decades-old system for approving most medical devices, which has long been criticized by experts for failing to catch problems with risky implants and medical instruments. The Food and Drug Administration announced plans aimed at making sure new medical devices reflect up-to-date safety and effectiveness features. The system targeted by the actions generally allows manufacturers to launch new products based on similarities to decades-old products, not new clinical testing in patients. The FDAs move came one day after the publication of a global investigation into medical device safety by more than 50 media organizations, including The Associated Press. Led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the group found that more than 1.7 million injuries and nearly 83,000 deaths suspected of being linked to medical devices had been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over a 10-year period. We believe that newer devices should be compared to the benefits and risks of more modern technology, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement. Gottlieb said the changes under consideration would push companies to compare their devices to more up-to-date technology, rather than referencing decades-old products. Some of the reforms proposed by the FDA could take years to implement, in some cases requiring new guidelines and regulations for manufacturers. And the most substantive changes could require action by Congress. The FDAs framework for clearing more than 95 percent of devices on the U.S. market dates to 1976 and has long been criticized in reports from government watchdogs and independent medical experts. Unlike new pharmaceuticals which are tested in patient studies most medical devices only have to show that they are similar to devices already on the market. Only a handful of truly new devices must undergo extensive clinical testing to verify they are safe and effective. Defective devices cleared through the streamlined system have included hip replacements that failed prematurely, surgical mesh linked to pain and bleeding and a surgical instrument that inadvertently spread uterine cancer. As generations of devices have been cleared via the FDAs main review process, medical products have become increasingly complex and often barely resemble the decades-old predicates they claim to reference. Devices cleared through this system, known as the 510(k), include imaging scanners, computerized drug pumps, artificial joints and spinal implants. In 2011, an Institute of Medicine panel recommended that the flawed system be replaced, because it does not actually establish safety and effectiveness. At the time the FDA said it disagreed with the groups recommendations. The Advanced Medical Technology Association, the industrys chief lobbying group, said in a statement that some of the FDAs proposals could prove arbitrary. While we believe the 510(k) pathway has proven its effectiveness over the years, we have always maintained that any process can be improved, the group said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Remember the scene in the 1989 movie When Harry Met Sally? During lunch with Harry at a deli, Sally very publicly fakes a wild orgasm. A nearby patron, when asked what shed like to order, signals in Sallys direction and tells the waitress, Ill have what shes having. That was 30 years ago (when some insurtech entrepreneurs were still in grade school) but todays insurance executives are like the unnamed customer. They see what other carriers are doing with insurtechs and want some of what theyre having. What carriers want is a date that will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship and they are even willing to pay for it, according to speakers at the Property/Casualty Insurers Super Regional Conference. Carriers want to solve problems. They want to improve the experiences of their customers, both agents and end users. They want to understand change that is happening. They want to move faster. They want a more innovative company culture. They want to save money and make money. What carriers do not want and are not expecting is to transform their entire business or the industry overnight. This is good because contrary to public relations messaging from a few, most insurtechs arent promising to do that. Insurtechs, too, are looking to solve problems, improve customers experience, build relationships, foster an innovative culture, help change the industry over time, and save and make money. And have some fun. Dan Reed has as much insurtech fun as anyone in the insurance industry as managing director of American Family Ventures, the early-stage venture capital arm of American Family Insurance that started investing in 2010. We look for strategic options. The strategic options, essentially, are a way for us to transform our business over the long term in response to the great uncertainties of our industry, he said. AmFam organizes its investments around three themes: innovation, advanced analytics and connectivity. Its current and evolving portfolio includes CoverHound, hometap, Bunker, Wireless Registry and LeaseLock. By making these investments, we do seek a financial return with the investment, but really we look for opportunities to work together, reconnaissance on how the world is changing, Reed said. Integrity Insurance takes an operational approach, according to Bobbie Collies, leader for sales and marketing. Integrity and its parent, Grange Mutual, look to insurtech for help in three areas: keeping the company relevant in the marketplace, differentiating itself and achieving greater speed to market and speed to value. Her company starts by asking what problem it wants to solve. Brent Hammer, innovation leader at Grange Mutual, talks about checkers and chess, according to Collies. Is it a checkers problem or a chess problem? If its checkers, its something that we can probably solve internally If its chess, we just dont have the expertise, so we are looking for insurtechs to come in and help us with the chess game. Grange Mutual has its own incubator for its agents and associates and has been involved in two Ohio-based tech accelerators and venture capital initiatives for startups, Finrech71 and Rev1. Among its various tech-inspired features, Grange has an Amazon Alexa voice service, a ridesharing gap coverage, and a mobile app for policyholders. A special platform that gathers feedback from agents and policyholders has led to modifications in the processing of debit and credit endorsements, consolidated payments for personal and commercial lines, and simplified claims processes that include Pix It now, which uses text messaging to submit photos of damage. Claim Benefits While much of the insurtech buzz has been around distribution, there may be more happening in business operations, according to Joe Schneider, managing director for KPMG Corporate Finance. There are a lot of interesting partnership opportunities for carriers on the claim side of things. Theyre these little niches that you never ever would have thought of, he said, citing startups using artificial intelligence to review policy language and virtual claims estimates. Reed has seen some of the insurtech claims activity. For example, his firm sponsored the Stanford Data Science initiative involving machine learning technology. The model searched claims data around the polar vortex event and uncovered more than $100 million in claims eligible to be reimbursed by reinsurance. It took like a month. It was unbelievable. It made us think, its almost difficult for a carrier our size to over-invest in the next generation of analytics. I think theres real return that we have there, Reed said. Insurers see the need to better understand customers. Carriers have information on their customers, but it is often housed in separate systems that do not talk to one another, so the insurer does not get to know its customers holistically, according to Schneider. [Some of the machine learning and other things help people have a more holistic understanding of, at the end of the day, whos the buyer, whos the user of this product, he said. Collies said startups and technology can help carriers and agents understand their customers journey from the first time they engage to when they get a policy, when theyre paying a bill or engaging with the carrier on a claim. The challenge, Collies said, is, How do we bring that all together so theyre having the best customer experience possible, and how can insurtech support that? Integrity focuses on the companys independent agents as the customer. How can we make those customer experiences even better, so they can focus on the end user, the policyholder in different ways than they have in the past, Collies said. She thinks there is more work to do in distribution. I think that theres a lot of people trying to disrupt the distribution channel for independent agents, she said. I dont think anyone has quite got it right yet. But there are now more insurtechs focusing on the experience between carriers and the independent agency force, looking at ways we can better communicate and make that a more efficient and effective and a lower cost model, so that we can compete with those that are trying to do direct to consumer. Some benefits from insurtech partnerships are less measurable than others. [T]hose initial strategic options sometimes pan out, but oftentimes, just taking action, just getting out of the building and engaging with the innovation in the world around us leads to opportunities that we really hadnt planned for, Am Fams Reed said. I think thats been important for us. According to Schneider, there is value in just talking with insurtechs. If nothing else, youre a little bit smarter about whats happening out there to the best-case scenario where all of a sudden you may have intangible ROI and a niche of this type of claim or something like that, he said. AmFams Reed also welcomes what he calls the cultural effect. It takes a long time but its starting to feel profound at our company where the entire executive suite is talking in a knowledgeable way about innovation, where the executive team down to the directors get together, and they talk about who can move the ball forward, he said. This article was originally published in the October 15, 2018 issue of Insurance Journal Magazine. Topics Mergers Carriers Agencies Claims InsurTech Tech Startups U.S. lawmakers are very close to reaching a consensus in days on the Farm Bill, two senior senators said on Wednesday, after months of bitter partisan debate over the legislation to fund $867 billion in food and agriculture programs. We have finally reached a point where I think were very close and very encouraged, Republican Senator Pat Roberts from Kansas, who heads the Senates Agriculture Committee, told reporters. Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan said at the same briefing that she was very encouraged by the progress made. Programs covered by the bill include crop subsidies and support to access export markets, areas essential for American farmers, a key constituency of President Donald Trump. Such funding is crucial as farmers suffer from Trumps trade wars with key commercial partners such as China, normally the top buyer of U.S. farm produce but has been absent from the market after imposition of tariffs. The latest bill, passed in 2014, expired on Sept. 30 after talks over its replacement broke down. At the heart of the debate was whether or not to impose stricter work requirements for recipients of food stamps. With Democrats in control of the House, lawmakers have been hopeful the deadlock could be resolved but recently forestry provisions have emerged as a new point of contention, following the deadly wildfires in California earlier this month. Last week U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said forest management practices need to be sped up, and he hoped that U.S. agencies could get more authority to do so under a farm bill being debated. There are things we can do; we need the authority to do that, he said. Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke said on Tuesday that the deadliest wildfires in Californias history were partly due to lawsuits from environmentalists who have sought to stop forest management practices, such as forest thinning. Environmental groups and many Democrats have opposed the Republican proposals on forestry issues, saying the government already has powers to prevent fires under current law, and the proposals would increase logging. Roberts said forestry provisions had been dealt at the leadership level during a meeting late on Tuesday, but declined to elaborate on the outcome. The paramount issue is farmers need a bill. They need certainty and predictability. So if you have a strong feeling about a particular issue that is in a second place, he said. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Richard Chang) Topics Legislation USA Agribusiness An elementary school principal in Jacksonville, Fla., has been arrested in an alleged attempt to commit more than $16,000 in insurance fraud related to Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, who leads the states Department of Financial Services. Darrell Perry, principal of Timucuan Elementary in Jacksonville, is accused of attempting to defraud State Farm Insurance Co. for damages claimed to be sustained during Hurricane Irma. Investigations revealed Perry submitted fraudulent and altered repair invoices to State Farm requesting $16,042 in reimbursements due to alleged damages to his home from Hurricane Irma. Investigators found that Perry altered two of the invoices and fabricated another for fake repairs that never occurred. Perry turned himself in to the Clay County Sheriffs Office on Nov. 16. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. Lying about hurricane damage while many Floridians lost everything during Hurricane Irma is sickening. Insurance fraud takes money from Florida families with legitimate claims and drives up insurance rates for us all. As many Floridians recover from Hurricane Michael that impacted our state one month ago, I want to put everyone on notice: If you choose to commit insurance fraud to make a quick buck, you will be thrown in jail, Patronis said. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Florida Fraud Hurricane November 29, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) John Newell of Fieldhouse Capital profiles a small-cap explorer that he feels could see the same kind of advancement that Great Bear Resources experienced when its discovery hole sent the stock up 150%. To get some background on our investment thinking, look at my Great Bear Resources article published on Streetwise, which can be found here. In October of 2017, we spotted a technical formation in Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd.'s (MMV:TSX.V) chart that suggested to us to look further into why the share price could go higher, as the chart was suggesting at this time. We needed to find out if the project checked the boxes that we feel majors are looking for to replace their ever-declining reserves. We want to answer the question: Does Mineral Mountain Resources (MMV.V) have the people, the project, the grade and size potential to move the needle for a major, and in a favorable jurisdiction close to infrastructure? That is what we will attempt to answer in this report, knowing that investing in precious metal exploration companies is very risky, and we want to reduce the risk by looking at the background of the people and property. When looking for a mining company in today's markets, in a world where majors must build up their ever-declining reserves, we start by looking for projects with district-size potential or large land packages put together by great management teams and geologists. Mineral Mountain Resources is working in the shadow of the giant 40+ million-ounce Homestake Mine (that built the Hearst fortune), in Lead, South Dakota. Mineral Mountains' situation may be similar to Great Bear Resources Ltd.'s (GBR:TSX.V; GTBDF:OTC). Great Bear is exploring in the famous Red Lake Mining Camp where over 30 million ounces have been discovered to date, and is working in an area no one believed gold could be foundand many had tried before them. The management team was in part working with the adage "the best place to look for gold is next to an existing mine." Despite over 160 holes drilled that to date had produced little exploration success, Great Bear Resources properties sit about 30 km from the famous Red Lake mine. Great Bear Resources kept at it and then about two months ago it hit a high-grade hole and proof of concept, and the shares soared. Mineral Mountain Resources is exploring for gold in the Homestake Gold Trend, which again, seems to be a logical place to begin using the same adage. The Homestake Mine produced over 40 million ounces of gold over its 125-year operating history, and it has been reported that it was the richest, deepest, banded iron formation hosted deposit in the world, mining 152 million tonnes at a grade of 8.5 grams of gold per ton, with very consistent grades. Twenty years prior to closing the mine in 2001, Homestake spent $70 million on exploration within the 70 km by 10 km trend. Mineral Mountain's Rochford Gold Project is about 26 kilometers from the famous Homestake Mine. Mineral Mountain has yet to have the high-grade discovery hole, however it is trying. The Map of Mineral Mountain's Project on the Homestake Gold Trend: About Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd. (MMV.V) Mineral Mountain Resources, through its wholly owned subsidiary Mineral Mountain Resources (SD), is focused on the identification, exploration and development of its 100%-owned Rochford Gold Project located in the highly prospective, district scale potential, in the mining friendly, underexplored Homestake Gold Belt, in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the U.S.. The Rochford Project covers 7500 acres and includes three major trends of structurally thickened auriferous iron formation that host ledge type gold mineralization. The Homestake Gold Belt is one of the top gold producing belts in North America. Mineral Mountain Resources is a Canadian precious metals exploration company engaged in advancing projects with special merit in leading mining regions, currently working the famous Black Hills. See information about the team here. Shares Issued and Outstanding: 67,186,536 Stock Options: 6,575,000 Warrants: 22,217,598 Fully Diluted: 95,979,134.00 Cash: ~ $800,000 Current share price: CA$0.16 It is believed that management, family and friends own about 30% of the outstanding shares and warrants. In late 2012, Mineral Mountain's experienced technical team recognized that the 70-km-long Homestake Gold Trend located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, hosting the world's deepest and richest iron formation, hosted gold deposits and was one of the largest gold producers in North American history having produced over 40 million ounces of high-grade gold, was largely unexplored since 1997. It was also recognized that the Rochford District, situated only 26 km south of the Homestake Mine, despite the great geological similarities and the compelling evidence for gold mineralization, this portion of the Homestake Gold Trend was overlooked by explorers. The close similarities between the Homestake Mine and the Rochford District in host rock composition, structural style, metamorphic grade, gold mineralization and the company's extensive historical database clearly suggest that the district has the potential to contain a world-class Tier 1 gold system. Since 2013, Mineral Mountain has continued to expand its land position in the Rochford Gold District by claim staking and purchasing well-positioned private properties that fall along the two sub-parallel structural trends that host the ledge type mineralization. Mineral Mountain now owns the largest land package ever assembled, completing a feat that the giant Homestake could never do, and so the area languished for years with almost no modern exploration until now. Also, and equally important, as technology in mining is rapidly changing, Mineral Mountain owns the most comprehensive proprietary geological database ever collected for the district in the history of the region. All this information is the hidden assets in the company that make finding a deposit in the area easier, but often is unrecognized by the markets. Armed with this database and new cost-effective drilling programs and the belief that the Rochford Gold Project has the potential to host several district-scale gold discoveries that could replicate the # 9 ledge that contained approximately 9 million ounces of gold in the Homestake mine, Mineral Mountain has spent the last four years consolidating the claims for the first time into one clear district-scale project that would get the attention of a gold major, should a large deposit be found. To that end, Mineral Mountain started a phase 1 drill program that completed nine holes totaling about 2,937 meters and was designed to get a better understanding of the upper structure. Curt Hogge, chief geologist for the company, commented, "The 30-meter-wide Homestake-type mineralized core interval in ST18-003 from 153.0183.0 meters downhole, from a visual standpoint, looks as good as any hole that I have logged in the Rochford District during my career in the Black Hills spanning over 30 years. The dramatic increase in arsenopyrite percentage and crystal size as well as gold grade between ST18-002 and ST18-003 makes the untested potential down-dip and down-plunge a compelling target." Nelson Baker, president and CEO for the company, commented, "With seven holes now completed we have intersected significant intervals of Homestake-style gold mineralization in six out of seven drill holes completed in this campaign." Baker also said, "Our Phase 1 drilling has solidified our belief that the Standby Target is of sufficient scale (multi-kilometer plunge length of structurally thickened iron formation) to host a major ore-bearing structure on the scale of the Homestake 9-Ledge that produced 9.5 million ounces of gold." Dr. Brozdowski, vice president of exploration, in a recent presentation stated that initial results from the phase 1 drilling results compare well to the first results of the # 9 Ledge in the Homestake Mine. He went on to say that the company's Standby mine appears to be richer and wider than the upper zone to the surface expression of the original Homestake #9 Ledge. The conclusion we come to after going through the news releases and talking to the company, is that while the share price is down, after hitting it first target area of CA$0.70 area, the company has delivered on what it said it would do. The point of exploration is to figure out whether there is a mine or not; if there is no mine you stop spending money and drilling and look in a different area. Clearly the people at Mineral Mountain believe they are in the right area, where they believe a deposit similar to the #9 Ledge could be, and are continuing to explore that thesis. Historical Homestake Gold Ore Ledges: Homestake Gold Ore from # 9 Ledge and the Standby Core sample from the Upper Tail: This similar looking rock was one reason that caused the shares to spike to the 52-week high of CA$0.74. #7 Down Hole Geophysics Outlined Shear Zone- Strong Conductive Targets Mineral Mountain is going to use Electromagnetic (BHEM) to map the structure while collecting 3D modeling for continued drilling that the company will direct into the face of the mineralized shear zone. Standby/Homestake Model Modern Day Technology = $ Savings and Control Down Hole EM & Directional Drilling After reaching technical success and proof of concept, Mineral Mountain resources is starting phase 2 now. Phase 2 is expected to be a 4,000 meter drilling program that will target what Mineral Mountain believes it has identified as a high-grade gold intersection that Homestake hit in 1987, which graded 10.29 grams per ton over 3.05 meters. This phase will feature advanced directional drilling and Bore Hole ElectroMagnetic (BHEM) methods that are the backbone of a detailed mineral exploration program for massive sulfide detection. The phase 2 program will start with a deep directional drill hole designed to run parallel to the main syncline to intersect the high-grade zone. This type of directional drilling uses a steerable wireline core barrel, which while reducing costs also improves the control of the drill over traditional drilling methods. This steerable wireless core barrel enables the creation of multiple branches from the pilot hole, which allows many accurate cross cuts to penetrate the main mineralized shear zone down plunge. With this directional drilling used in combination with the BHEM, the company believes it will have the ability to see 400 meters off the hole as it tracks the mineralized structure down plunge toward the high-grade zone. When I asked Dr. Brozdowski how the BHEM would work in Mineral Mountain's Rochford Gold Project and geological setting he stated, "The best formational EM conductors in the stratigraphic sequence are the sulfidic, graphitic black schist geologic units that occur just below the iron formation and just above the iron formation (with the iron formation itself being the gold-host unit, where it is cut by late shear zones). When these upper and lower units are cut by the nearly vertical shear zones, the conductance is even stronger in these bounding units than when they are not sheared. Therefore, we are using the Surface & Borehole EM surveys to define a conductive "sandwich," where the best conductors are IN the target shear zone but spatially just ABOVE and just BELOW the target iron formation. Then we aim for the less conductive "gap," which is likely to be the gold (Au) mineralized iron formation unit between the strong conductors. It is indirect targeting, that is, we are inferring the position of the best mineralized iron formationwhich we cannot "see" directly geophysicallybased on its known stratigraphic spatial relationship to the more conductive units above and below the iron formation. Standby/Homestake Model: Modern Day Technology = Advantage Down Hole Directional Drilling to the old drill hole that Homestake found High Grade 10.23 g/t (Down Hole EM & Directional Drilling) This Phase 2 drilling program will use technology never used on this project before. Standby/Homestake Model Down Plunge at Standby Modern Day Technology = Advantage (Down Hole EM & Directional Drilling) The Shared Characteristics of the Homestake Mine and the Standby Syncline: Stratigraphy: Basalt, graphitic and sulfidic pelite, iron formation, meta-clastics Metamorphic Grade: Biotite-garnet isograd transects both districts Folding: Key tight to isoclinal SSE-plunging F2 folds Shear Zones: NNW-trending, near-vertical, brittle-ductile deformation zones: 2 at Homestake, 5 at Rochford: Au Target Trends (Ore Ledge Locations) are intersections of deformation zones with thickened iron formations in F2 synclines Gold Ore Host Rock: Chert-grunerite-siderite-pyrrhotite iron formation Alteration: Arsenopyrite; extensional Au-bearing quartz veins with chlorite selvages A picture of Gold in Quartz at the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota The Technicals: We first started following Mineral Mountain Resources (MMV.V) in October 2017 when we saw the chart build a triangle pattern (see chart below) inside and long 5-year basing pattern. Part of the work we do is to screen for accumulation patterns and find the fundamentals behind the company. When shares broke out, we established three targets shown on the long-term chart, also below. The shares met and exceeded their first target of CA$0.70 in April 2018, when the companies drill core pictures replicated the #9 Ledge Homestake style mineralization core sample pictures. Everyone, including professional geologists thought Mineral Mountain had hit the deposit it was after, but when the assays from the relativity shallow hole came back with lower grade than the market wanted, the shares fell dramatically and have never really recovered. Does that end the exploration? We don't think so. Hidden in the drop is a technical set up that is forming and, while not complete yet, the fundamentals suggest that it could, and that is why we are still following and holding our shares. Our short-term technical targets are currently CA$0.375, the old high CA$0.70 area and lastly CA$1.15, and we will revisit and update those targets if the fundamentals and technicals change, targets are met and/or exceeded in the coming months. Long Term Chart below: Stockcharts.com Does this Chart look like that Chart? I see two Accumulation Patterns. Investment Summary: We feel with this speculative stock idea, Mineral Mountain Resources (MMV.V), we have the right management group, the right geological team, the right jurisdiction, the right infrastructure, and the potential for a high-grade discovery, with district-scale size potential. Mineral Mountain Resources has made great progress in advancing the exploration at its Rochford Gold Project, which we believe it is a largely unknown, unloved story [so were Great Bear Resources (GBR.V) and forgotten GT Gold (GTT.V); both we highlighted and published only three short months ago and both moved up greater than 150% in a matter of days when the market finally recognized what they had, in spite of both companies reporting good drilling results over the past year]. This tends to be a good indicator that we are early, as opposed to late, in this exciting story. Mineral Mountain, as I am writing this Market Awareness Report, is now commencing its longest, deepest drill hole to date using all the modern geological modeling and drilling technology available to help target a #9 Ledge style multimillion-ounce target. Many investors buy shares after a major discovery when more is known, and there is nothing wrong with that strategy, but buying low is another way of mitigating speculative risk and get an entry price as cheap as possible. With the shares of MMV trading at close to its lows of the last five years, coupled with tax-loss selling and disappointed short-term traders selling 20 million shares in the last three months (which someone, groups, and insiders bought), the shares look like an inexpensive bet on the potential of a major high-grade gold deposit: CA$40 million in exploration and past drilling data ($20 million worth of drilling data bought for US$600,000) to work with or about CA$0.50 per share in exploration expenses, and a team of experts in the Homestake Gold District. At the current share price of CA$0.15 it seems like a good exploration play to us. We believe Mineral Mountain shares are a good speculative play up to about CA$0.40 per share (the exploration expense and past drilling data per share), with a technical target of CA$1.15. The charts below are added for context: Junior mining shares are volatile and daily, weekly and monthly movement often do not reflect the true potential of a company out in the field doing its best work to try and bring in a project it truly believes is world class. These are the teams we look for. An interview with Mineral Mountain Resources CEO Nelson Baker is available here. John Newell is a portfolio manager at Fieldhouse Capital Management. He has 38 years of experience in the investment industry acting as an officer, director, portfolio manager and investment advisor with some of the largest investment firms in Canada including Scotia McLeod, CIBC Wood Gundy and Richardson Greenshields (RBC Capital Markets). Newell is a specialist in precious metal equities and related commodities, and follows a disciplined proprietary approach incorporating equity research, analytical frameworks and risk controls to evaluate and select long and short stocks primarily from the Canadian small and mid-cap coverage. Many large, midcap and junior precious metal companies use his technical charts. Newell is a registered portfolio manager in Canada (advising representative). Disclosures: 1) John Newell: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Mineral Mountain Resources. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company currently has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: Great Bear Resources. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. Additional disclosures/disclaimer below. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. 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Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp NKT, a global power cable manufacturer, and THINKT, an innovation hub backed by the Danish company, are bringing their joint competencies to Kaunas where they are establishing a digital project development team. The new site will collaborate with the THINKT hub in Berlin to support and develop new projects for the energy industry. As NKT has been growing its team in finance over the past year, we realized that Kaunas has a strong potential to help us drive our digital agenda and we wanted to seize this opportunity. A strong technical university, the expertise in IT that the local talent pool possesses, and entrepreneurial spirit made the decision to grow our second team in Europe here in Kaunas easy, said Veaceslav Driglov, CEO, THINKT Digital. The company is looking for embedded software engineers, software developers, project managers, UX/UI designers, QA testers, and solution architects to join the new team, which will be developing new solutions for international companies with focus on industry-wide and cross-industry innovation challenges in the energy sector and beyond by leveraging the latest technologies. The team is expected to grow to around 30 professionals in two to three years. More information on positions can be found at www.workinlithuania.lt. IoT is one of the future industries in which Kaunas has an enormous potential to build a strong cluster. On the one hand, scientists at Kaunas University of Technology have been working with this technology for several years and have not only developed scientific knowledge, but also gained experience carrying out projects with businesses, said Virginijus Sinkevicius, Minister of Economy, Lithuania. On the other hand, foreign companies that open branches in Kaunas bring their international experience and industry knowledge. This combination should also help local developers to grow. The real potential of IoT technology lies in not just consumer but also industrial applications, and with such innovative developers as THINKT choosing Lithuania, our specialists will be one of the first to embrace new facets of this technology. This will help the country to stay competitive at the dawn of the Industry 4.0 revolution, said Mantas Katinas, Managing Director, Invest Lithuania. The THINKT team will be based at the NKT business services center, which is situated in Kauno Dokas, a new business center. Edited by Ken Briodagh Dublin will suffer a drain of top management talent to Cork, Limerick, Galway and a host of international cities because of the high cost of living, an executive recruitment expert has claimed. The suggestion comes as business groups from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford join forces to promote the five cities. The founder of Ardlinn, a unit of recruitment agency CPL, said the cost of living in Dublin will create significant talent supply chain problems within five years in relation to would-be chief executives, chief financial officers and chief operating officers. Aine Brolly said: When you look at where the majority of foreign direct investment and big business is based in Ireland, it is largely Dublin-centred. "The problem with that is middle management, and talented professionals, one or two rungs below chief-level are being priced out of the market and are increasingly considering options elsewhere. Having seen this occur first hand in San Franciscos Silicon Valley, where costs forced investors and talent to relocate, I am concerned Dublin could suffer a similar fate, she said. Ms Lawlor said that the trend could be a boon to the likes of Cork, Limerick and Galway. Very constructive meeting this morning between the new City Regions Ireland group - made up of @DubCham, @CorkChamber, @waterfordcc, @GalwayChamber & @LimerickChamber - and Minister @MurphyEoghan. Vital that Irelands cities have a strong voice. pic.twitter.com/fnPHPKGQEM Dublin Chamber (@DubCham) November 28, 2018 In 2018 we have seen an increase in large multinational companies like Genesys and Merck creating jobs in places like Galway and Carlow, so as Dublin continues to price out future chief-level talent, cities like Cork, Limerick and Galway can benefit, and provide options for professionals to remain within Ireland, she said. However, she said as Dublin has so much foreign investment in technology, medical tech, and life sciences, it often came down to a choice of Dublin or a move abroad. Meanwhile, chambers of commerce from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford have united to create an entity to lobby for infrastructure, housing, and planning measures in the five cities. City Regions Ireland met Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to press proposals to reduce urban sprawl, improve ports and airports, and rejuvenate urban centres. Dublin Chamber chief executive Mary Rose Burke said: For too long urban Ireland has been badly in need of a unified voice calling for what all of our cities require, calling for sustainability. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree on Wednesday, marking the holiday season with the annual tradition outside the White House, the Hill reports. President Trump made a brief appearance on stage, wishing attendees a merry Christmas. "Merry Christmas, everybody," the Trump told the crowd. "We just have to say it all together, merry, merry Christmas." Trump began a countdown from 10, at the end of which the first lady hit a button to light the tree. Trump shared a photo of the tree on Twitter. "On behalf of @FLOTUS Melania and the entire Trump family, I want to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Trump wrote. "May this Christmas Season bring peace to your hearts, warmth to your homes, cheer to your spirits and JOY TO THE WORLD!" The tree was delivered earlier on November 20. On that day, the tree arrived at the North Portico of the White House by jingle bell-adorned horse and carriage, continuing an annual tradition. The Trumps, both dressed festively in red, surveyed the tree as a military band played Christmas carols, walking hand-in-hand as they inspected the carriage's cargo. This year's tree, standing 19-and-a-half-feet tall, hails from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland, North Carolina, and will be displayed in the Blue Room. White House Christmas tree selection is a competitive process overseen by the National Christmas Tree Association, which has provided the official tree since 1966. The tradition of the White House Christmas tree dates back to 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison placed the first tree in the Yellow Room, decorated with candles and toys for his grandchildren, according to the White House Historical Association. The tree is believed to have made its debut in the Blue Room during the Taft administration in 1912. Few days ago Melania Trump also unveiled the Christmas decorations of the White House. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Video - courtesy of AP A controversial wind farm proposal for turbines reaching 150 metres in height and 120 metre diameter blades in the heart of historic Sliabh Luachra area in Kerryhas been granted permission by An Bord Pleanala. Silverbirch Renewables, Ltd, based at the Kerry Technology Park in Tralee, had sought planning for a total of 14 turbines over seven townlands between Ballydesmond and Gneeveguilla, 18 km from Killarney the along the Kerry-Cork border. Bogland, wet grassland, commercial forestry along with villages and one-off housing characterise the landscape of the almost 100 hectare site. An Bord Pleanala has refused permission for two of the turbines to protect the natural heritage of the site and avoid any adverse effect on the local population of the Hen Harrier. The windfarm had been turned down by Kerry County Council in May 2017. The council said the size and scale of the proposed wind farm would have a significant impact on the value and character of the landscapes in the area and would seriously injure the amenity and quality of life of communities and individuals who dwell in the area. The council had concerns too for the hen harrier and proximity to the headwaters of the Munster Blackwater, an important angling river valley which divides Cork and Kerry. The community along the county border have protested strongly saying the area would be saturated and overwhelmed and their way of life ruined. They also objected on health grounds. Close to 70 submissions were received by the board from interested parties, individuals, community and environmental groups.The Department of Agriculture raised issues about the effect on the grassland habitat and on existing forestry. The Sliabh Luachra Wind Awareness Group meetings were held in houses and local halls, in the townlands of Toreenagarriv, Ballynahulla, Barna, Knocknageeha, Lisheen, Reanasup and Reaboy. Appealing the council's refusal, Silverbirch said the size and scale was in line with international trends and in accordance with local and regional plans as the area was designated open to consideration for wind. The turbines would be no closer to neighbouring housing than many other existing and permitted windfarms, it also said. An Bord Pleanala Inspector Robert Speer who visited the site acknowledged that multiple individual properties had the potential to be impacted. However noise was unlikely to be significant for any house more than 500 metres away. The effects of shadow flicker, and infrasound on human health had been raised by the dozens of observers, but this was beyond the remit of the board, the inspector said. An Bord Pleanala has now given its decision permitting the windfarm but attaching 22 conditions. In giving the go-ahead, the board said it had regard to national policy on alternative energy to minimise greenhouse gases, as well as the designation of the area as open to consideration, the character of the landscape and the distance from dwellings. Unlike the local council, An Bord Pleanala says the development would not have a significant adverse effect on the landscape or on the visual or residential amenities of the area or its heritage. Local councillor Niall Kelleher (FF) said he was very disappointed and said he was standing square behind the residents. There are places in Ireland for windfarms and this is not one of them, he said. A legal challenge to the decision is being considered,Mr Kelleher confirmed. Does the EUs Joint Research Centre science and knowledge service know something we dont, when they predict livestock farming will decline by 2030 in Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, Austria, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Finland, while expanding in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia? Their report entitled Trends in the EU Agricultural Land Within 2015-2030 looks at trends in acreages for livestock production, extensive livestock, mixed crop-livestock systems, arable crop, and rice production in each member state. Across the EU, arable land and livestock grazing are expected to decline by 4% and 2.6%, respectively. Mixed crops are expected to expand by 11%. From 2015 to 2030, arable crops are expected to enlarge by more than 20% in Belgium, the Baltic States, Spain and Malta, while shrinking in Slovakia and Germany. The JRCs predictions are probably as good as anyones, at a time when climate change, greenhouse gas mitigation, Brexit, trade wars, and other factors make it harder than ever to tell the future. One of the more unusual JRC predictions is expansion of more than 15% of agricultural land in Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia, owing to (presumably favourable) climate change. As for Ireland, with the highest share of all member states for livestock farming, at over 80%, perhaps the JRC reckons the only way is down. Maybe the Joint Research Centre is telling European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan what hed like to hear. He recently gave some examples to illustrate the scale of the environmental challenge in EU farming. Speaking in Dublin, he said agriculture accounts for 10% of emissions across the EU, but here in Ireland the figure is 33%. Then he turned to the Netherlands, saying they have had to reduce their dairy herd by around 122,000 cows in nine months, cutting the milk supply by 1.5%, to cope with their phosphate problem. In Denmark, said the Commissioner, dairy and pigmeat account for almost 90% of carbon emissions from agriculture, whereas the share of production value and share of employment for these products compared to the total agriculture sector is only one-third. He said the EU agri-food sector, and specifically the dairy sector, must also rise to the challenge of 60% of water bodies not achieving good water quality status. Our own Environmental Protection Agency also summed up the situation well recently. It said it took 3.5 billion years before multicelled life appeared on our planet, another 525 million years before the first human walked the Earth. But our numbers have grown nearly four-fold, by 5.5 billion, in only 90 years. Each of us is using more and more, exhausting finite resources, and depleting those otherwise sustainable. We have more than halved the number of vertebrates since only 1970, with several species becoming extinct each hour, which adds up to the greatest and fastest mass extinction the planet has ever seen. The final blow is climate change. For 350 million years, carbon dioxide was drawn down by our biomass and locked away as fossil fuels. We only started burning these about 250 years ago, with most of the growth in resultant emissions of greenhouse gases occurring in the last 50 years. Trapping long wave radiation, energy is being added to our atmosphere at a rate equivalent to a few Hiroshima bombs per second. And as energy in our atmosphere makes weather, extreme weather is becoming more serious and frequent. But should ordinary people pay for the sins of big business? Staff in the climate change unit of Irelands Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have noted the difficulty of persuading hundreds of thousands of farmers, 2m road users, and owners of 1.7m homes and about 200,000 commercial properties to individually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, compared to persuading our 103 big power and industrial companies which produce just over 25% of total emissions in Ireland. An adviser to a former TD suing for defamation has told the High Court he commented in 2014 to then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny over a pint in a pub that a voice in government would be beneficial for Waterford following a poor local election result for Fine Gael. Paul Fox, who was an adviser to FG Sen Paudie Coffey, a former junior minister and TD, was giving evidence in the senator's defamation action against Iconic Newspapers over a January 2016 article in the Kilkenny People. It carried comments from FG Kilkenny colleague John Paul Phelan TD describing a proposal to bring part of the Kilkenny administrative area in Waterford city as "daylight robbery". Senator Paudie Coffey Mr Phelan said there was a "bloodthirsty" 18th century highwayman in Waterford called "Crotty the Robber" and now "Coffey the Robber" was trying to do the same thing. Sen Coffey says that was defamatory and the publisher denies this. Mr Fox agreed with Rossa Fanning SC, for Iconic, that Sen Coffey had described in court as "outlandish" the suggestion that representations had been made in 2014 to then Taoiseach Enda Kenny about appointing him a junior minister. Sen Coffey also said he knew nothing about such representations if they were made. Mr Fox agreed with counsel that in light of FG's poor local election showing that if there was an FG minister in Waterford, it would boost both the minister and the constituency. He could not say what "people were advocating to the powers that be" but agreed it would be good for Waterford and Sen Coffey if he was made a minister of state. Asked by Mr Fanning did he ever say anything along these lines, he said he recalled a conversation with then Taoiseach Kenny, post local elections, in the Ginger Man pub in Dublin "over a pint". He said he could not exactly recall what was said over four and a half years ago. "I think I would have made the point yes, it was a bad election for FG in Waterford but I would have conveyed it was something beyond that, it was something more substantial", he said. For example, he said, there was high unemployment in Waterford with very high rates in some housing estates. "I might have made the point that if the constituency had a voice the constituency would stand to benefit". Mr Fanning said there was nothing sinister about this and it was the normal course in politics. Mr Fox said he did not think the Taoiseach would have taken to heart what was said to him in terms of a ministerial appointment. "You are underestimating your power", counsel said. Mr Fox said he had not told Sen Coffey about that conversation with Mr Kenny. He did not think it would be of interest to him. Earlier Mr Fox told the court the boundary review at the the centre of the dispute which led to the Kilkenny People article was an administrative boundary which would affect local elections but not general elections or county boundaries. He agreed Sen Coffey had been getting negative press coverage elsewhere over his support for the boundary review before the Kilkenny People article. The case on behalf on Sen Coffey has ended and Deputy Phelan is to be the first witness called on behalf of the defence when the trial continues. A 34-year-old man is due in court this afternoon in connection with the death of Stephen Marron who was killed in a two-car collision in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. The car he was driving hit the vehicle owned by the 47-year-old father-of-two on Tuesday night, and Garda Michael Devlin was also injured after being dragged along the road. Gardai and GSOC are investigating the incident and the man who was arrested at the scene is due in court later today. Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mr Marron, who lived in Beech Drive, Drumillard, Castleblayney. He will be reposing at his parents home in The Crescent from 6-10pm today and from 12-9pm tomorrow. The funeral mass will be held at Saint Marys Church, Castleblayney at 11.00am on Saturday. Update - 12pm: Woman first on the scene of fatal Monaghan crash makes contact with gardai A woman who was the first on the scene of a fatal two-car collision in Monaghan has made contact with the gardai. Superintendent Fergus Treanor had appealed for the woman to come forward in relation to crash in which Stephen Marron was killed and a garda was injured in Castleblayney on Tuesday night. CCTV footage showed the woman coming to the assistance of Garda Devlin. Despite a number of witnesses coming forward, the woman did not identify herself to gardai until after they made the appeal this morning. They have asked for any other witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of Main St, Castleblaney between 11.15pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday night to contsct them. A 34-year-old man who was arrested at the scene remains in custody at Carrickmacross garda station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Earlier: Appeal for woman to come forward who was first on the scene of fatal Monaghan crash Gardai are appealing for a woman who was the first on the scene of a fatal collision in Co Monaghan to come forward. 47-year-old Stephen Marron was killed in the two-car collision which occurred in Castleblayney on Tuesday night. He was married with a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. A man had left the garda station and Garda Devlin, who recognised him from a previous case, tried to stop him. However, he got dragged along by the car. The car was driven erratically with the driver's door open onto Main Street and crashed into Mr Marron's car as he worked delivering pizzas. The car mounted the pavement and came to a stop after hitting a pedestrian. Garda Devlin was taken to hospital and Mr Marron died at the scene. The driver, a 34-year-old man, remains in custody today. Garda Superintendent Fergus Treanor, who is based in Carrickmacross, is leading the investigation and said it is coming into its final stages as the man's detention will run out later today. He described the events that unfolded after the man entered Castleblaney station to RTEs Morning Ireland. "By chance, Garda Devlin was there and he had known this individual from eight years ago," Supt Treanor said. "He left the garda station in a hurry and Garda Devlin attempted to speak to him and was then, unfortunately, dragged by the car from along York Street down on to Main Street [for] approximately a quarter of a mile." CCTV footage then showed a woman coming to the assistance of Garda Devlin. "From what I can see, she acted very bravely," Supt Treanor said. "I think she believed that the car was on fire, there was certainly a lot of smoke coming from it and her efforts to assist Garda Devlin are very much in my thoughts at the moment. She obviously involved herself in some danger. We are very keen to speak to her. A lot of witnesses have come forward but this lady hasn't been identified to us yet. Supt Treanor said it was important that they speak with the woman as she was the first person on the scene. Garda Devlin is recovering and in the care of his family and investigators will speak with him shortly, Supt Treanor said. "I know from talking to his district officer that his first thoughts were about the deceased, Stephen Marron." Commenting on the fact that the garda recognised the man in custody when he first entered the garda station, Supt Treanor said that the pair had had some contact eight years ago. "We are obviously going to look at that, but it's quite obvious that garda Devlin recognised him." "Castleblayney is in a state of shock, but from a garda perspective, the assistance that we've got over the past two days has been incredible and quite touching. "I know Stephen was a big part of the community and there's a lot of sorrow out there," he said. A school boy who caught his finger in a metal chair while attending a concert at RTE two years ago has settled his High Court action for 75,000. Thomas Houlihan, who is now aged 10, later had to have a partial amputation of his left index finger, the court heard. His counsel Jeremy Maher SC told the court he is missing a part of the top of that finger but he is right-handed and has made a very good recovery. Thomas Houlihan of Glenshane Crecent, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin had through his mother Natasha Houlihan sued RTE and the board of management of St Aidan's national school, Jobstown, Tallaght as a result of the accident on December 9, 2016. The boy had attended at RTE in Donnybrook with his school at the time. It is claimed his left index finger became trapped in a metal chair. An ambulance was called and the boy was brought to a hospital but later had to be transferred to another hospital where he was seen by a specialist. It was claimed that the boy was in significant pain following the accident and that allegedly a First Aid box could not be found and his finger had to be wrapped in tissue. It was further claimed the boy and his parents were truamatised afterwards as when they first went to a hospital it appeared understaffed and the parents claimed they had to squeeze the boy's finger to stop bleeding. It was claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure the seating area at the concert was safe for use by the boy and there was an alleged failure to take any reasonable steps or precautions for the safety of the boy. The claims were denied. Counsel told the court Thomas has no functional difficulty with the finger. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement. Population growth and ageing will contribute to an explosion in the number of cancer cases, potentially a doubling of numbers, between 2015 and 2045, if current rates continue to apply. Thats the scenario outlined in the latest annual report from the National Cancer Registry (NCR) where both factors are already generating a major increase in the number of cancer cases diagnosed annually. The report found: Between 2016-2018, about 41,075 new cancer cases were diagnosed each year, an average of 112 people every day. Between 2013-2015 an average of 8,875 people died life due to invasive cancer, about one person dying from cancer every hour. Prostate and female breast cancer were the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers during 2016-2018. During 2014-2016, approx 14% of cancer cases, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, (NMSC) presented as emergencies at the time of diagnosis. The report says emergency presentations can result from a lack of awareness of symptoms in patients and is generally associated with more advanced stage. Some of the news is good - the number of cancer survivors is also expected to greatly increase - which NCR director Kerri Clough-Gorr said highlights the need to plan for their long-term support and follow-up need. We must go beyond our current capabilities. to better understand the patient experience, including quality of life, disease progression and recurrence and long-term treatments, Professor Clough-Gorr said. The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) described the figures as a wake-up call that must prompt immediate action. CEO Averil Power said while the projections are stark, they need not become a reality. By improving our lifestyles and availing of free screening each of us can dramatically reduce our risk of getting cancer, Ms Power said. The report estimates that numbers of invasive cancers (excluding NMSC) have risen to about 22,640 cases diagnosed annually during 2016-2018 (12,080 males and 10,560 females), or 33,460 cases including all invasive cancers. This represents almost a doubling of case-numbers since the registry was established over 25 years ago. The proportion of the population most likely to be diagnosed with cancer, that aged 65-plus, has expanded by more than 50% in the last 25 years. The report says significant improvements in cancer treatment, and earlier detection means the likelihood of surviving many forms of cancer continues to increase. The current estimate is about 173,000 cancer survivors previously diagnosed with invasive cancer were alive at the end of 2016, excluding NMSC. Based on population growth and ageing, numbers of cancers (excluding NMSC) are projected to increase to 43,000, a doubling overall. However, Prof Clough Gorr said the overall increase by 2045 could be more modest - approximately 50% - if recent trends in some cancers (eg declines in male lung and prostate cancer rates) continue. The NCRs annual report, Cancer in Ireland 1994-2016 with estimates from 2016-2018, can be viewed at ncri.ie The consumer watchdog has launched an investigation into a restaurant industry push for non-refundable deposits to tackle the problem of no-shows. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission insists it has no issue with individual restaurants adopting the policy. Officers at Cork Prison have been criticised over their failure to regularly inspect an inmate who was found hanging in his cell within hours of arriving in the jail. A report by the prisons watchdog found the deceased prisoner had gone unchecked for a period in excess of 90 minutes; prison regulations stipulate that he should have been checked every 15 minutes. The deputy Inspector of Prisons, Helen Casey, has called on the Irish Prison Service to ensure that its standard operating procedures, which require regular checks of prisoners on special observation status, are known to all staff and are implemented at all times. Ms Casey said appropriate disciplinary investigations should also be carried out whenever procedures are breached, with those who fail to carry out their duties being held to account. She said: Supervision by line managers is a vital part of implementing policy. The Irish Prison Service should review the level and quality of training to satisfy itself that it is sufficient to equip supervisory grades with the necessary skills to carry out their function. The unidentified prisoner was a 45-year-old married father of two who was remanded in custody to Cork Prison on January 29 this year. He was due to appear in court again two days later. The deceased was committed to the prison at 2.54pm and placed in a single cell at 3.35pm. He was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck and lying on the floor at 7pm on the same day. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at 7.57pm. The report says records showed his cell was checked on five occasions between 3.45pm and 7.02pm. If the terms of the standard operating procedures were complied with, 14 checks should have been conducted, it states. The report says the man had been placed on the special observation list in Cork Prison, as is standard with all new prisoners. It required him to be checked every 15 minutes. Medical notes by a nurse on his committal noted the prisoner, who had very poor English, had been assaulted two days earlier and taken to hospital by gardai. He was subsequently transferred to the prison on foot of a warrant. Prison staff noted that he had visible injuries to his face and head. Evidence from CCTV footage showed the prisoner had not been checked between 5pm and 6.32pm on the day he died. The report said the cause of the mans death was a matter for a coroner at an inquest. It was revealed earlier this year that staff at Cork Prison were disciplined after it was discovered that they filed misleading and inaccurate records about the care provided to a vulnerable prisoner on the night he died. CCTV footage viewed by Ms Casey disproved records claiming the prison officers had checked on a 52-year-old prisoner every 15 minutes on January 2, 2017. The deputy Inspector of Prisons found six intervals wherein the prisoner, who had suffered psychotic episodes, had been left unattended for periods in excess of 15 minutes, including two periods where he had gone unchecked for more than 90 minutes. Although the Irish Prison Service confirmed it had carried out a disciplinary investigation, it refused to comment on its outcome and what sanctions, if any, had been applied to staff. PDFORRA, which represents enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces, is preparing to take another 35 cases of breaches in the WTD (Working Time Directive) to the High Court. Its general secretary, Gerard Guinan, told the conference that his association has no choice because despite already winning a landmark case, the Department of Defence doesn't want to engage. Mr Guinan said Pdforra entered into talks with department officials on the WTD in 2011 and provided them with detailed case law on the EU legislation. They had no intention of coming to an agreement. It's been a real struggle. We have 35 cases pending. Three are listed for hearing in the High Court in March, he said. RACO general secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Earnan Naughton, said his association tried to engage with department officials twice this year and made no progress. Either through the courts or through Conciliation and Arbitration we will meet them. Hopefully, this conference might lever more of a response, he told delegates. One of the reasons why the Department of Defence might not want to implement the WTD is that it could cost it a significant amount of money. The German government adopted it for its military after its armed forces representative group got KPMG to undertake a survey. It showed that military personnel carry out a huge amount of non-paid overtime duties, which if paid would have cost the government 375m per year. The German armed forces representative association vice chairman, Capt Andreas Steinmetz, told the conference that the unpaid overtime was the equivalent of employing 7,000 more personnel. He said a lot of non-essential duties are now outsourced to private security companies and, as a result of this, military personnel are freed-up to be better trained and are less stressed. He added that it has also resulted in a reduction in personnel leaving for jobs in the private sector. Sweden has also implemented the WTD and one of its submarine officers, Mikael Kenttala, outlined how all personnel have their working days planned out well in advance, unlike Ireland. He said if personnel exceed the WTD on naval patrols they get extra pay and time off in-lieu and, again unlike Ireland, their chief of staff is in control of the budget and not civil servants. Garda Representative Association general secretary, Pat Ennis, said his organisation, which successfully negotiated the implementation of the WTD in the force, is on hand to help RACO and Pdforra in any way it can. Liz Hughes, of Hughes Murphy Solicitors, said the writing is on the wall as since 2003 it isn't acceptable to have a blanket WTD exclusion on military personnel, unless there are exceptional events, such as national emergencies caused by severe weather or serious threats to State security. A 39-year-old Co Meath woman, who was injured in a fall in Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, was entitled to succeed in a personal injury claim against the Dublin hospital, but also to have her name cleared of alleged fraud and dishonesty, a judge has stated. Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said the hospital, the countrys biggest orthopaedic treatment centre, had put forward a defence in which it had accused Joanne Shelly, of Birch Close, Johnstown Wood, Navan, of fraud. Mr Justice Groarke said the defence put forward by the Finglas, Dublin, hospital was that not only had she placed her foot on defective tiling in a corridor floor and tripped, but had done so on purpose so she could bring a fraudulent claim. That is their defence and I am putting it as bluntly as the defendant would not put it, the judge said. He told barrister Darach MacNamara, counsel for Ms Shelly, that her mothers friend, Derri Anne Morgan, had been pictured on CCTV pointing out to Ms Shelly the defect in tiling in the corridor seconds before she had fallen. As she gets to it, the inference I am being asked to draw is that Ms Morgan was a party to this fraud by pointing it out and that Ms Shelly managed to get her toe into it and fell, said Mr Justice Groarke. The judge told Mr MacNamara, who appeared with Dillon Geraghty Solicitors, it had never been put to Ms Shelly by the hospital defence team that she was a fraud or to her mother Margaret Poole or to Derri Anne Morgan that it was a set-up. I find the defence to be outrageous and not supported by the evidence, said Mr Justice Groarke. This plaintiff is clearly, demonstrably innocent and certainly innocent of any imputation upon her character that she was in any way motivated by fraud. I want to make that absolutely clear. Mr Justice Groarke said the reality was that the tiles in question had historically caused trouble. Ms Morgan had slipped and fallen on the same defective tiles several years beforehand and had been flabbergasted on this day in January 2014 to find the defect had never been removed and was describing it to anybody who would listen. He said the second leg of the defence was that the CCTV had shown that, as Ms Shelly was walking down the corridor, she had altered her step so as to make contact with the defect in the floor, which would trip her, cause her to fall, and be injured. It is a preposterous suggestion, said Mr Justice Groarke. I cannot contemplate for one moment that this plaintiff is a fraud or dishonest and it is not supported by either of the two hypotheses put forward. He said Ms Shelly was entitled to succeed against the hospital and entitled to have her name cleared in the manner he had outlined. Mr MacNamara told Mr Justice Groarke that following his ruling on liability, the proceedings had been settled and could be struck out with an order for Ms Shellys legal costs. It is believed the settlement was in the upper regions of the maximum 60,000 jurisdiction of the court. Costs, to be borne by the hospital, are estimated to add 35,000 to the bill. A High Court judge today warned that people who have sued over alleged delays in cancer diagnosis and alleged misdiagnosis may have passed away before their cases are heard. Calling for more judges to be appointed to the High Court to deal with the personal injuries list which has been swamped with complex cases including those related to the CervicalCheck controversy, Mr Justice Kevin Cross said without more judges on the bench, he did not know how they could get all the cases heard. And he warned that "great injustices will be caused" particularly for those "in extremis." The judge was hearing an application to have the case of a woman who is suing in relation to CervicalCheck case managed, as the woman's health is failing. He stated: "It is sad to think that people will have passed away before their cases are dealt with." Mr Justice Cross who heads up the personal injuries section of the High Court usually specially fixes cases on certain dates so they have a chance of getting on before a judge once the cases are called. However as the 2019 specially fixed dates are filling up, the judge has said he has discussed the matter with "higher authorities". He said it was not going to be possible to deal the number of cases coming into the system in relation to the CervicalCheck controversy, breast cancer cases and cases in relation to the swine flu vaccine. Mr Justice Cross said the cases including Cervical Check are each going to take six weeks and the judge said it seemed to him that the cases which are complex are going to run their course. The judge stressed there were only three other judges available to him on the personal injuries list and without more being appointed, he did not know how all the cases will get on. Last July in an update to TDs, the Dail Public Accounts Committee was told there were 35 active legal cases, three cases had been settled and there were at that stage two further potential cases. In court today, Mr Justice Cross was told the legal team for Ruth Morrissey, whose case was adjourned after hearing her evidence and that of her husband Paul last July, are now are seeking more discovery from the defendant laboratories in the action. The 37-year old mother who has cancer, Ruth Morrissey, is suing over the alleged misinterpretation of her cervical smears taken under the CervicalCheck screening programme in 2009 and 2012. Ms Morrissey and her husband Paul Morrissey of Kylemore, Schoolhouse Road, Monaleen, Co Limerick have sued the HSE and the US laboratory Quest Diagnostics Ireland Ltd with offices at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin along with Medlab Pathology Ltd with offices at Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18. It is claimed there was an alleged failure to correctly report and diagnose and there was an alleged misinterpretation of her smear samples taken in 2009 and 2012. A situation, it is claimed, allegedly developed where Ms Morrisseys cancer spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2014. It is further claimed a review of the 2009 and 2012 smears took place in 2014 and 2015 with the results sent to Ms Morrissey's treating gynaecologist in 2016, but she was not told until May this year of those review results which showed her smears were reported incorrectly. The HSE the court has heard admitted it owed a duty of care to Ms Morrissey but not to her husband and it admits the results of her smear reviews should have been made known to Ms Morrissey. The laboratories deny all claims .Ms Morrissey suffered a recurrence of her cervical cancer this year and was also diagnosed with breast cancer. In court today, Ms Morrissey's counsel Jeremy Maher SC asked that the court hear a motion for discovery of certain matters including relating to standard operating procedures. The judge fixed next week to hear the motion and said the action by Ms Morrissey will resume full hearings at the end of January. A judge has demanded an explanation from Health Minister Simon Harris as to why a Dublin mother has to wait 27 months for her troubled son to get help. Describing the delay in accessing a mental health service as phenomenal, Judge Halpin was presiding over a Dublin District Court case of a woman facing prosecution by the Child and Family Agency (CFA). The case has been brought because her son, whose age was not stated, has been missing school and his attendance has not improved. The court heard the woman's son had been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). After that she was referred to primary care but was told she would have to wait nine or 10 months to get an appointment, said defence solicitor Emer O'Sullivan. The CFA asked for an adjournment. Judge Halpin said it's was easy to identify the problem but getting a referral was phenomenal. He ordered the mother's solicitor Emer O'Sullivan to write to the health minister, on his direction, demanding an explanation. We have identified something to help a child who should not be waiting nine months, he told the solicitor. She her client had already waited 18 months to get her child into CAMHS before being told to expect a further nine or 10-month delay. Judge Halpin noted that was 27 months in total and remarked, in a kid's life that is huge. Ms O'Sullivan said she had no problem writing the letter but cautioned, do not be too disappointed if it falls on deaf ears. The mother said she already had four appointments and the answer she got was they had to wait for someone else. Judge Halpin said that he wanted the explanation as soon as possible but certainly by the end of January. Solicitor Stephanie O'Meara told the court the educational and welfare officer involved in the case would write a similar letter. I need the minister on board, 27 months, that's not right, the judge said. The woman could be fined up to 1,000 and jailed for a month if found guilty of breaking the Education (Welfare) Act for not complying with an official warning to ensure her child went to school. The case resumes in January. The minimum school leaving age is 16 years or the completion of three years of post-primary education. A rapist has successfully challenged the constitutionality of a law stopping payment of the old-age pension to prisoners and is entitled to 10,000 in compensation. The landmark Supreme Court ruling could potentially open the way for other prisoners to lodge claims from today for welfare payments to which they would be entitled. The five-judge court unanimously concluded that the relevant law, Section 249.1 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 which disqualifies persons otherwise qualified for various welfare benefits from receiving any of those benefits, including the old age contributory pension, while imprisoned or detained in legal custody was unconstitutional. The court formally declared the relevant section of the 2005 Act to be invalid and in breach of the Constitution. It held that the State may not operate a disqualification regime that applies only to convicted persons because it constitutes an additional punishment not imposed by a court dealing with an offender. Following its decision, the court adjourned the matter to consider further legal argument as to the precise form of order which should be made and to determine if the man, who cannot be identified to protect his victim, was entitled to substantial damages. In his judgement, Mr Justice Donal ODonnell said he hoped the Oireachtas would address the question in a comprehensive and humane way and would produce an outcome consistent with the Constitution. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the cases potential implications. The judge also said the man would have had an entitlement to the old age pension had it not been for the existence of Section 249.1.b. While the mans capacity to recover damages was significantly limited, he was entitled to recover arrears for unpaid pension and should receive 10,000 in compensation. The court noted that some 7,500 of that sum has already been paid on account. The Chief Justice, Mr Justice Liam McKechnie, and Ms Justice Iseult OMalley concurred with Judge ODonnells findings. Mr Justice John MacMenamin expressed a different view on that issue after holding that the man had no entitlement to damages on the basis that the section was invalid only from yesterdays date. The judges were unanimous that the Supreme Court does have a jurisdiction to delay the making of a declaration of invalidity or to make a deferred order. The case was brought by a 76-year-old prisoner jailed for 12 years after he was convicted on 14 counts of rape and 60 counts of sexual assault against a family member. During his working life, he made PRSI contributions and, when he retired in 2005, got the State contributory pension. After his conviction in 2011, that payment stopped. He took High Court proceedings over that, seeking a declaration that Section 249.1 is incompatible with the Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights and sought damages. After the High Court rejected his challenge, he was given permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. The core issue was whether a prisoner has a constitutional right to payment of the State contributory pension. The State opposed the challenge. The mans weekly prison allowance is 11.90, less than the normal weekly allowance of 18.90, due to his inability to engage in work activities in prison. He claimed he had insufficient funds to buy items in the prison tuck shop and relied on clothes provided by the prison service or St Vincent de Paul. He also argued some other prisoners had access to non-State pensions. In July, Mr Justice MacMenamin, giving the unanimous judgment, said while the State argued the law was intended to prevent unjust enrichment of prisoners, its true effect can be described as punitive, retributive, indiscriminate, and disproportionate. The number of hospital patients without a bed has exceeded 100,000 for the first time as the Government prepares to warn the elderly about dangerous long stays in hospitals as part of its winter health plan. With one month still to go, 2018 has emerged as the worst year on record for hospital overcrowding, new figures show. The unprecedented number of patients on trolleys and chairs across hospitals comes as nurses continue to ballot on whether to strike over pay. Any industrial action coupled with the worst hospital overcrowding ever could create what doctors predict may be the perfect storm in hospitals over the winter. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) released figures yesterday showing that 451 patients were without beds across hospitals, bringing the total for 2018 so far to 100,385. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: Its not even December and weve already broken the record for the most patients on trolleys. Behind these statistics are vulnerable individual patients, forced to wait in unsafe, uncomfortable conditions. And, amid the worst numbers on record, the Irish Examiner can reveal that the Government is planning to warn patients, particularly the elderly, about the risks of staying in hospital longer than necessary. This will form part of the HSEs winter plan. Junior health minister Jim Daly confirmed that the advertisement-backed campaign would warn about disease risks and ultimately help to reduce hospital bed costs. We will warn about the dangers in the campaign, because that is where people can catch disease, said Mr Daly told the Irish Examiner. We will communicate that this is the least safe place for an elderly person. He said there is a need for earlier discharges from hospitals, with a bed in an emergency unit costing between 7,000 and 8,000 a week as opposed to 1,000 in a nursing home. A review by the Department of Health this month recommended that a public health campaign should be undertaken to raise awareness that patients are better off being discharged rather than being kept unnecessarily in the acute healthcare setting. Amid the worsening conditions, Nursing Homes Ireland CEO Tadhg Daly yesterday claimed there was zero engagement with his sector on discharges by Health Minister Simon Harris. Nonetheless, Mr Harris department said HSE figures showed 91,000 patients were reported on trolleys so far this year. The INMO and the health authorities differ on how and when trolleys are counted. The winter plan takes effect on Saturday and includes an extra 550 home care packages to help patients return home. Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly said that people are terrified of needing to go to their local emergency department. Asked if the health system is heading for a perfect storm, he said: I think we are in it right now. The University of Limerick (UL) has been severely criticised by members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for misleading it over pension top-ups to former staff. The university was the subject of a damning report earlier this week by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) about top-up pension payments totalling 1.2 million to two senior staff, during the tenure of former President Don Barry who left his post in 2017. He was replaced by Prof Des Fitzgerald who has condemned the payments and has accepted fully the findings of the C&AG. On Thursday, the PAC in open session heard stinging criticism of the university after it was found to have mis-led the committee, and the C&AG as well as the Department of Education. The report found that UL agreed the bespoke pension deals for the two senior staff based on undocumented promises and no contractual obligation. The report by the C&AG revealed that in December 2012 two senior executives, who were employed by one of its commercial subsidiary companies, were seconded onto the University's payroll and given the full pension benefits of core staff. This move resulted in one of the employees getting an additional, State-backed pension benefit of 745,000 and the second, who has yet to retire, is in line for an extra 424,000 in pension benefits. The C&AG said that in the course of the earlier examination, the University misrepresented the circumstances around the severance deals to his office and, in particular, failed to disclose that consultancy contracts had been put in place by the University with both managers at the same time that the severance deals had been implemented. Subsequently, certain matters related to the two cases were also misrepresented to the Department of Education and Skills and at a hearing of the Committee of Public Accounts. At Thursday's meeting, PAC chairman Sean Fleming and member David Cullinane expressed their deep disappointment and anger at the actions. That they misled this committee, the C&AG and the department is incredible, said Mr Cullinane. In response to the criticisms, UL told the Irish Examiner that these issues were examined in detail by the university in a Deloitte Report commissioned by its Governing Authority in 2017. The University said it rejects the view put forward by its own ex-President Barry that the severance packages and follow-on consultancy contracts were separate and distinct and absolutely maintains they should be regarded as the one severance arrangement. This was repeatedly misrepresented to the relevant State bodies, the university said. "This is wholly unacceptable practice for a public university. Such practise cannot happen today at UL due to the controls that have now been put in place at the University and the approach of the new leadership. "Moreover, new procedures require that the DES now approves any severance arrangements that arise in the sector. Ciaran Bermingham is an actor from Glanmire, Co Cork, and is about to play the Fairy Godmother in the Cinderella panto which opens at the Everyman in Cork tomorrow. Berminghams many other roles have included appearances in Game of Thrones and The Young Offenders. Best recent book youve read: The Talisman by Stephen King. I read it when I was about 16 and its a book that has always stayed with me. Every so often I go back and read it. Best recent film: I know the answer should be some art-house classic film but mine is Avengers Infinity War. I am a huge Marvel fan. Best recent show youve seen: Asking For It at the Everyman Theatre and the Abbeys Jimmys Hall at Cork Opera House. I cant say I enjoyed Asking For It and given the subject matter it would be difficult to enjoy it, but I thought it was a brilliant piece of theatre with a powerful message. For me the book should be mandatory reading in all secondary schools and schools should be brought to see the play, it is a scary slice of reality. Jimmys Hall was fantastic, it was a complete fusion of drama, music, and dance. Best piece of music youve been listening to lately (new or old): Any time Jack ORourke sings Im happy. First ever piece of music or art or film that really moved you: When I was young (late teens, early 20s) I was lucky enough to travel a fair bit. I never had much spare cash, money was for hostels, trains, and beer. So youd always check out what was free to go and see, it was always museums and art galleries. I remember seeing a collection of Caravaggio paintings in the Louvre in Paris, I had just seen the Mona Lisa and thought yeah shes interesting, but when I saw Caravaggios work, it was an experience I will never forget. I know nothing about art, but this was just an overwhelming experience. Here I was a lad from Cork looking at this masterpiece, The Embalming of Christ, and feeling every emotion that was expressed in the painting, it really blew me away. The best gig or show youve ever seen: The first outing of Enda Walshs Disco Pigs with Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh, directed by Corcadorcas Pat Kiernan, what a spectacular treat it was. I can still feel the atmosphere that was created in that space in the Triskel. Alice in Funderland, this-is-pop-babys reworking of the Alice story; anything Ive seen at The Globe. Seeing Billa OConnell and Paddy Comerford work together in panto, they were gems. Tell us about your TV viewing: I am obsessed with Trump and CNN, so I watch that on YouTube a lot. I like to binge-watch box sets; Line of Duty is one of my favourite shows, it is one of the best cop shows on TV; I love Black Mirror. Your three favourite acting performances of all time: Pat Kinevane in anything, Id watch the man paint a wall and find it fascinating. Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth the First, she just kills every role. Anthony Perkins in Psycho, brilliantly mad. Besides the panto, your own favourite acting role of all the stuff youve done? Fred in Fred and Alice by John Sheehy and produced by Call Back Theatre. Your best celebrity encounter: The biggest gig Ive been on where there were stars was Game of Thrones, but when we filmed it, most people involved were not household names. The big star was Sean Bean who is an absolute gent, the rest were just actors hoping the show would be picked up for a second session. The best treat for me was when I met George RR Martin hes the sweetest, most fun person to be around. Others that were gem were Peter Dinklage and Richard Madden. These days, the lads from The Young Offenders outshine any celebrity Ive met. Unsung heroes: I think Penny Dinners is incredible, Simon, Focus Ireland... they all are. You are king for a day whats your first decree? Members of the Government can only speak the truth and not blame the previous government for the crap that goes wrong; look at us, our housing, hospitals, mental health situation; we need solutions, not blame or cross-party antics. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) Dig into our archives to find stories about our ancient writing scripts, minority religions in Manila, a sign language that is distinct to Filipinos, the implications of police rape cases, a journey of an orphan boy, and a transgender mans experience and qualms about being a man in todays age. OPINION: PNP rape cases reflect the macho-feudal system of the country by Rae Rival Last October, a video of a PNP officer who was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in exchange for her parents freedom went viral and sparked a debate online. The fact that it exists and criminals get away with it represents the culture of impunity in our country. Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism: Manilas minority religions by Regine Cabato Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh communities have a huge following around the world but are a minority in the Philippines. This is what their communities and places of worship are like. I never felt bad about the fact that I was adopted by Jovani Gustilo An orphan writes about his journey from a naked little boy around the CCP complex to finding people who will care for and love him. Ancient Filipino writing systems that arent Baybayin by Chang Casal There are only two places left in the Philippines that have preserved their ancient syllabic scripts: Mindoro, where the Hanuno'o-Mangyan and the Buhid-Mangyan simply call their scripts Surat Mangyan, and Palawan, where the Tagbanua and Palawan groups share a writing system they simply call surat a word meaning writing. The sign language unique to Deaf Filipinos by Aih Mendoza In the Philippines, theres an estimated 121,000 Deaf Filipinos according to the 2000 Philippine census. One of the common misconceptions about Deaf Filipinos has to do with sign language. While plenty of Hearing are likely familiar with American Sign Language (ASL), many are still unaware that the Filipino Deaf have their own unique language called Filipino Sign Language (FSL). I was torn because I was happy to be welcomed yet appalled by this world of real men by Julian Tanaka A transgender man recounts his transition, how he feels like being welcomed into the boys club, and how he still face acts of physical and social violence due to his gender identity. Coming out and coming of age outside Manila by Jan Gabriel M. Castaneda Much of what is recognized as the mainstream LGBTQ advocacy is based in Manila. However, in many places across the country, you hear stories that make one realize that keeping the rainbow flag furled is still the safer bet for many people. The then ministers trip to New York earlier this year has come under scrutiny, more so with the release of redacted WhatsApp comments, writes Daniel McConnell. On the evening of Saturday, July 14, 2018, then communications minister Denis Naughten and his press adviser, private secretary, and departmental officials were getting ready to travel to New York City early the following morning. Naughten was due to appear at the United Nations on climate issues but during his stay in Manhattan, he would hold a meeting with David McCourt, head of Granahan McCourt, the sole remaining consortium in the running for the National Broadband Plan tender. The State-subsidised contract is likely to be worth in excess of 500m to the winning bidder. The revelation of the McCourt meeting ultimately set in train events which led to the ministers shock resignation last month. That Saturday night, his private secretary, Seana McGearty, set up a WhatsApp group entitled: Team Naughten #1 and at 10.17pm sent a message to the group. Team Naughten....t2, 7.30am one checked bag & you can check yourself in with your passport...you dont need me this time, she said. Naughten asked did he need to do anything but was told that McGearty had his passport, explaining that her message was meant for the others in the group. At about 7.30am the next day, Sunday, July 15, the team began arriving at Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport to catch the flight to the US. Naughtens press adviser, Suzie Coogan, told the group: Im so tired [sleepy emoji] In a taxi.. see you beyond security. Naughten a short while later wrote: Just checking in. We are heading to 51s & Green lounge. See you there. Once the party landed in New York, the WhatApp messages, which were released to Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy under the Freedom of Information Act, begin flowing again. Settled in the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan, Naughten asked: Whats the ETA in lobby? McGearty responds by saying: Im here already, we going on the boat?? Naughten responds simply: Yes. Boat. The private secretary asks: Are all of you changing or going as is? Naughten says: Give me 5, Where are you Suzie. Sorry, on the way down. The following day, Monday, July 16, Naughten and McCourt met. Naughten, ahead of his resignation as communications minister on October 11, defended his decision to accept an invitation to the New York dinner hosted by McCourt. According to the FoI records released, Naughten and Coogan left their hotel at about 7.15pm New York time to meet McCourt. On way now, so sorry, Coogan wrote in the WhatsApp group. Yep, pull the other one, replied Naughten. Then McGearty informs those travelling to the dinner that McCourt was awaiting their arrival. David already there & said ask for him at door, she said. These are the only records relating to the meeting released. The department said all records of the WhatsApp messages on the day of the McCourt meeting, regarding the McCourt meeting, were released. It said messages in the records that were redacted by the deciding officer relate to personal information. From the minutes of the meeting between the two men, we know McCourt, whose firm was bidding for a major Government contract at the time, addressed a number of issues raised by the department during the procurement process. Among the issues raised, according to the note, included the need for a permanent, Irish-based leadership position within the Enet-led consortium and a streamlined decision-making process within the consortium. McCourt said the leadership position was being addressed and that an individual had been selected for the role. Regarding the decision-making process, provision for majority rather than unanimous decision making is now in place, according to the minutes of the meeting. The importance of the August 15 deadline and the need for necessary financing to be in place at that time was also raised. The minutes, released by the department, noted that this deadline would be met. McCourt also addressed the need for any changes in the make-up of the consortium to be avoided or, if necessary, to be kept to a minimum. This point was understood by the consortium which had been advised by law firm Arthur Cox, that as long as the consortiums lead bidder remains unchanged, such changes should not necessitate delays, state the notes. Naughten later said he was informed during the dinner of changes to the consortium, in particular, the exit of UK utility firm SSE. Naughten insisted the first he knew of the final composition of the consortium, which includes Denis OBriens Actavo, was when he read it in a newspaper. On Tuesday, July 17, the messages within the WhatsApp group begin flowing once again but no mention of the McCourt meeting is included. One person mentioned the events of the day: By god this is the most boring lunch that Ive ever attended. Eating for Ireland! (Meal even cold to top it all off!!). Jean Andrews responded: Ah no. Get out of there. Catherine Murphy, who sought the information through FoI, said it was only through her persistence that the thread of messages, many of which are punctuated with emoji, were released. In recent months I submitted a large volume of different and very specific freedom of information requests on various aspects of the former ministers conduct throughout the National Broadband Plan process, she said. With the exception of a handful, they have all either been declined, sent back for rewording, or have asked for what are already narrow timeframes to be narrowed further. "Every obstacle in the FoI Act has been put in front of me regarding getting access to basic information, such as the former minister and his officials interactions with David McCourt, Granahan McCourt, and Enet. In declining to grant access to some of the conversation, Murphy was told that pictures on the WhatsApp messages [such as] refreshments, individuals, and minors had been removed. Murphy said she has now been left with more questions than answers. I am also anxious to understand if I have been left short of screenshots of the group on the day in question, she said. To secure the digital infrastructure supply chain, we need greater transparency regarding the provenance of technological components, writes Julian King. Pity the person who invests heavily in canals right before the railways start operating. You could understand, for example, why the sponsor of the Bridgewater Canal (perhaps Englands first) would vehemently oppose the planned Liverpool and Manchester Railway. But the march of technology could not be stopped nor could the new challenges it raised. The same is true of todays digital innovations. When the L&M Railway eventually opened in 1830, it was a revolutionary success, kickstarting the age of steam and changing the world in ways that could not have been foreseen. As the railway age unfolded, with metal tracks spreading across the industrialising world like veins on a leaf, a new level of connectivity was achieved, which criminals were quick to exploit. Indeed, an entire police force eventually had to be created to manage railway security. With the world on the brink of another revolution in connectivity, especially in terms of infrastructure, that will fundamentally change the way we connect with each other, the lessons of this experience should not be ignored. And the coming phase of the digital age will affect far more than just transportation. We are not talking about the Internet of Things, but about the Internet of Everything: A more decentralised digital future, connecting people, data, and objects like never before. In terms of security, we need to ensure we arent sitting, as it were, on a slow-moving canal barge while the 8:15 to Manchester flashes past. We need to take a clear-eyed look at the strategic vulnerabilities that these technologies will bring, and anticipate how malicious actors could attempt to exploit new digital infrastructure for their own gain or to deploy it as a weapon. Some challenges, such as the misuse of social media to spread disinformation using, among others, cutting-edge tools such as deepfake videos and artificial intelligence are already clear. But, crucially, we are also talking in terms of the infrastructure itself. The fifth generation of mobile communication technology, 5G, poses a particular challenge. It will be the backbone of global connectivity, which raises strategic and security questions about issues such as supply-chain security and provenance. How can we be sure that the components used in future generations of European technology not only 5G will be secure? Already, digital supply-chain security is far from airtight, reflected in recent reports of companies finding mysterious chips on their server motherboards, seemingly added at the time of manufacture. The British government has warned telecoms companies to consider their suppliers very carefully, while the US has been looking to restrict some kinds of foreign direct investment in key technologies such as semiconductors and robotics. To secure the digital-infrastructure supply chain, we need greater transparency regarding the provenance of technological components. Maintaining a diversity of suppliers is also vital. Furthermore, common standards and rules are needed to establish the trustworthiness of international partners. That is the basis of a recent proposal by French president Emmanuel Macron, described in the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace. The internet, according to Macron, has become a site of conflict, where malicious actors exploit the vulnerabilities of digital products and services. He proposes that Europe create an Internet of Trust, based on lawfulness and co-operation. I agree. Europeans should be able to continue enjoying their online lives secure in the knowledge that their fundamental values and rights, such as free speech, are protected. We need a strategy that balances our need to harness technological innovation in order to safeguard our economic future with the need to avoid creating massive security vulnerabilities in the process. And with the technology train already hurtling down the track, we must act fast to mitigate current risks and ensure that we are laying the groundwork needed to avoid future threats. In confronting this admittedly huge challenge, we need to avoid short-sighted responses such as protectionism and other measures that stifle innovation. Instead, we must map the scale and extent of the risk, and decide what is truly strategic. For Europe, this means not just protecting supply chains, but also pursuing large-scale, co-ordinated investment in our own tech industries. The European Commission is uniquely well placed to drive this cross-sectoral work. It is not too late for Europe to safeguard its digital future. Even the owner of the Bridgewater Canal eventually saw the way the wind was blowing and invested heavily in the rival railway. Julian King, a former British ambassador to Ireland and France, is the EU Commissioner for the Security Union. A government budget is always about managing expectations, economically, politically, and socially. It gives the government an opportunity to communicate directly with the public on matters that affect their daily lives. But if it gets the mix wrong, it can have devastating consequences. The most glaring example of this was the fall in 1982 of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition government, in the wake of an attempt to impose Vat on childrens shoes as part of a hairshirt budget. The political consequences far outweighed the economic benefits. Ditto the the ill-fated decision, in 2008, by a Fianna Fail-led government to take away medical cards from the over-70s. That led to protests on the streets. With that in mind, it was hardly surprising that the current Government would use our rising economic fortunes to give workers, pensioners, and welfare recipients a few extra euro in their pockets. When he announced details of the budget in October, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe characterised it as a caring budget that was about securing our future, renewing the centre and which also had an emphasis on strengthening our national finances. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) would dispute the last point. It has strongly criticised Budget 2019, saying spending growth goes beyond safe levels, leaving the country exposed in another downturn. Thats a sobering reflection on what the Government heralded as a budget for growth and jobs. It is also a sobering reflection on the purpose of the IFAC, if successive governments and ministers for finance continue to ignore it. A review of the workings of IFAC, in June 2015, concluded that some of its reports risked being predicated on too pessimistic an interpretation of economic trends. It also argued that some reports were so excessively detailed that it made it easy for the government to dismiss them. However, it recognised that the credibility of any fiscal council depended on being prepared to articulate analytically well-founded positions, even if they were unpopular. The IFAC has never been afraid to do that, even when much of its advice falls on deaf ears. Back in September 2014, a month prior to the first budget since Ireland exiting the bailout, the council called for 2bn of tax hikes and spending cuts, in order to avoid another cyle of economic boom and bust. It said that being prudent would show the government was serious about fixing the remaining problems in the economy. However, the Fine Gael-Labour coalition insisted that the main focus would be on meeting EU deficit targets and that could be done with a neutral budget. That has continued to be the focus ever since and, judging from Taoiseach Leo Varadkars response to the IFACs criticism, will continue to be so, at least in the short- to medium-term. The Taoiseach cited the European Commissions finding, last week, that the budget was fully compliant with the Stability and Growth Pact, adding that EU deficit targets would be met. That brings us to a third sobering reflection: Almost five years on from exiting the bailout, budgetary strategy is still being largely dictated by Brussels. Digital rights organisation Electronic Frontiers Australia says it is extremely concerned that the Australian Government is rushing the review of the proposed encryption bill, adding that both civil society and the technology industry have serious concerns about the bill. The EFA pointed out, in a statement, that despite comments made by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton that the bill needed to be passed before Christmas, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation was unaware of his (Dutton's) intention to speak to the media. Nor could ASIO offer any justification for the alleged need for urgency in passing the bill during a hearing of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on Monday. The EFA quoted the chair of its policy team, Angus Murray, as having told the PJCIS on 19 October: It is incumbent on me, and you; in your capacity as members of this Committee, members of your electorates and individuals who call this great country home, to ensure that we are considering the future and the way that actions today may affect that future. "In this context, our security is important; however, we must be constantly vigilant to ensure that security does not become a catch cry for the dissolution of basic human rights the extremely short consultation period for submissions into this Bill and its rapid progression is comprehensively wrong. The EFA also pointed to the evidence given to the PJCIS by UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, Professor Joseph Cannataci, who pointed out that power was meant to be measured against freedom and justice in a democratic society. Rushing the bill through parliament would make it impossible to achieve this balance. The organisation also said that the bill lacked proper judicial oversight, reporting, and transparency mechanisms and "seriously increases the governments ability to secretly monitor Australians and it threatens our software industrys ability to create secure products and sell them overseas". It said that building secure software was "incredibly difficult" and that bill had the potential to create vulnerabilities in both software and hardware which could be found and exploited by others. "The proceedings of the committee so far have not given any indication that this inquiry is complete, or should be cut short - on the contrary, the proceedings have revealed significant issues with the use of existing surveillance powers, that should be of deep concern to all Australians," the EFA said. "Australians ought to expect better from their government and EFA calls on Australians to demand proper democratic process." The push by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to bring the encryption bill to a vote before Parliament rises for the year is facing an obstacle, after Senate president Scott Ryan raised the possibility that powers in the bill could conflict with parliamentary privilege. In a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which is currently inquiring into the bill formally known as the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 Senator Ryan said parts of the bill clashed with ongoing work to secure privilege rules against executive investigative powers. Both Morrison and Dutton have put pressure on the PJCIS to complete their inquiry into the bill the last hearing is scheduled for 4 December so that Parliament can pass the bill before it rises for the year on 6 December. "Although the bill does not deal with privilege directly, it sits in tension with work being undertaken across the Parliament to properly secure privilege against the exercise of executive investigative powers," Senator Ryan said in his submission. Under the bill, it may become impossible for a member of Parliament to claim parliamentary privilege or public interest immunity on material that is seized, because the bill allows for material to be seized without any notification. "In the Commonwealth jurisdiction, the protection of parliamentary material from seizure under search warrant is governed by an MOU [memorandum of understanding] between the Parliament and the Executive signed in 2005," Senator Ryan wrote. The scope of that protection was designed to ensure that AFP officers executed search warrants in a way that did not amount to a contempt of Parliament. After the AFP raid to find out the origin of an alleged leak from NBN Co during the 2016 election campaign, the Senate Privileges Committee had found that documents seized were protected by privilege and should be withheld from the investigation, Senator Ryan said. The Committee had said that when information, which might attract privilege, was seized or accessed, procedures should be developed to allow claims of privilege to be raised before the seized material was examined. Senator Ryan said that the Senate had accepted the panel's recommendation that processes should be developed which achieved the objectives cited above. He said the process was now ongoing and the panel had told him and the Speaker that the use of powers to covertly seize metadata for which a warrant is not needed could erode the protections of parliamentary privilege. "A particular concern to the Senate committee in relation to the covert use of such powers was the question how claims of parliamentary privilege can be raised and resolved when no-one with standing to make a claim is aware that such information is being accessed," Senator Ryan wrote. "These concerns may be exacerbated by the provisions of the Assistance and Access Bill 2018." He said suitable changes to the bill could be added through amendments if there was no time to examine them and stick to the timetable that the government had laid down for passage of the bill. Senator Ryan said he had written to Attorney-General Christian Porter and Dutton about the matter. "I note that there is a precedent for the committee to work with the ministers responsible to secure the proper protection of privileged material, as was done in relation to the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill," he said. Deputy says the funding will be used to accelerate growth of its business and transform the future of hourly-paid work through new, innovative products and build Australias finest product and engineering team. The Sydney-headquartered start-up claims more than one million registered users, and works with businesses like Qantas, McDonalds, Aesop, Amazon, and Gelato Messina to empower their hourly paid workforce. And to date, Deputy says it has has rostered 200 million shifts, equating to over 1.2 billion hours of work, and facilitated over $30 billion in payroll payments. At Deputy, were making the lives of employers easier. Taking away some of the administrative strain and giving them untold hours back to focus on what matters: running their businesses, or spending time with their families said chief executive and co-founder Ashik Ahmed. Weve had immense success up until now, but were only just getting started. There are 2.2 billion hourly paid workers in the world today, but too many of these are still managing their jobs in archaic ways. The opportunity here is huge: we envisage a day where every single shift being worked is powered by Deputy and this funding allows us to build the best product and engineering team in the world that helps us get there. Deputys Series B funding round was led by Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm IVP, known for its investment in start-up successes Dropbox, Snap, Slack and Twitter. Deputy said in its announcement on Thursday that, alongside IVP, the funding round also attracted investment from OpenView, who led Deputys $33 million (US$25m) Series A round, with Australian VC firms Square Peg Capital and EVP also participating with the deal representing the largest Series B raise in Australian history and brings Deputys total funding to date to more than $144 million. Having the backing and endorsement of IVP is a testament to the work that the entire Deputy team has put in to positively impact the future of work. Theyve backed some of the most exciting generational software businesses, and were delighted to be in such good company. Were delighted with the investors who have backed Deputy: theyre the perfect partners for us, and bring a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise to the table. Not only will their support enable Deputy to scale and expand into new and existing markets, but well be able to invest in enhancing our product to make real, tangible efficiency improvements to the way businesses operate globally. Eric Liaw, general partner at IVP, who will join Deputys board as part of the terms of the deal, said: "IVP has a long history backing some of the most forward-thinking technology companies, many of which are solving some of the world's biggest problems, and Deputy certainly fits within that criteria. "The future of work is transforming dramatically. In a trend that started decades ago, businesses and workers around the world are moving towards flexible, hourly-based work. While this offers both businesses and employers greater freedom, the coordination of shifts and schedules presents an increasingly complicated set of pain points for workers and businesses. Existing solutions are antiquated; paper timeclocks, whiteboards in the break room and spreadsheets are woefully inadequate for an increasingly mobile workforce. Deputy brings an incredibly simple and effective technology solution to make work easier for both workers and their employers. "What impressed us the most is the quality of Deputy's product. We spoke to many happy customers who were crying tears of joy at the benefits of Deputy. Hourly workers were similarly thrilled, they have more flexibility to work as many or as few shifts as they like, with more predictability. Business managers love the improved visibility and reliability, they now cannot imagine going back to the dark ages and operating their business without Deputys suite of tools. We are excited to support Ashik, Steve and team as they work towards their goal of having every shift in the world on Deputy." Currently Deputy has more than 200 employees across Australia, the US and the UK, but, according to the company thats all about to change. While building our capabilities within our global markets is a key priority for us, Australia is where we started, its our home and will continue to be for the years to come. Were growing, and we want to help Australias STEM credentials grow with us. As part of our new funding, were going to build Australias best product and engineering team, Ahmed says. With customers ranging in size, Ahmed says the new funding round will allow Deputy to scale efficiently and effectively globally while enhancing its offerings simultaneously. We now have over 90,000 businesses globally from small coffee shops in Sydneys suburbs, to Australias most well-travelled airline, Qantas; from Aussie franchise success stories like Gelato Messina in Australia, to behemoths like McDonalds in the US. One of the best things about Deputy is that it can be scaled from small and medium sized businesses to large enterprise accounts. Theres a huge global demand for our platform, particularly as hourly paid employees account for two-thirds of the global workforce. The Deputy business was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2008 by Ahmed and Steve Shelley, with the aim to make work easier for businesses worldwide. Commenting on the funding announcement, Paul Bassat, co-founder, Square Peg Capital, said: "We have got to know Ashik and the Deputy team over the last few years and have an enormous level of admiration for the way in which they are focused on solving a really important problem for both employers and hourly workers around the world. "Deputy holds the potential to become one of the most exciting businesses produced in Australia: locally founded but global in its impact. We are excited to back the business: it is a values led organisation which is passionate about being a great place to work and providing great outcomes for its clients." Dan Demmer, partner, OpenView, said: "The team at Deputy has continued to impress us since we first started working with them in late 2016. "Ashiks vision to run every shift on Deputy is enabled by a constant focus on the customer and an efficient product led go-to-market strategy. With such an ambitious goal, Deputy is sure to have a lasting impact on the way people work." And Howard Leibman, founder, EVP, said, Over the past four years weve seen Deputy grow from a team of 20 to a team of over 200 and build deep capabilities across all aspects of the business. With its relentless focus on product leadership and a vision to transform the global hourly paid economy, Deputy is emerging as one of Australias truly outstanding software businesses. As CeBIT in Hanover re-integrates into its parent event, Hannover Messe, CeBIT Australia says the change gives Australia the opportunity to define its own dynamic future and the staging of its Sydney event next year. CeBIT Australia announced on Thursday that its 2019 event would be staged from 29 to 31 October 2019, a shift from May, and follows on from CeBIT organiser Deutsche Messe announcing this week that the German event would not go ahead next June, with parts of it being integrated into the Hanover Fair. CeBIT Australia managing director Harvey Stockbridge said CeBIT had emerged from the Hannover Messe event 33 years ago, and as the impact of digitisation has become ubiquitous across all industry it is only natural that it returns to sit within the leading industrial fair in Germany. The Australian CeBIT has always forged a separate path, we have long observed the changes that are taking place in our market and have been working hard over the past few months to create the foundations for a reimagined CeBIT Australia. We sit before a fantastic opportunity creating something unique for our market, shaping an event platform that delivers real value for everyone impacted by digitisation, Stockbridge said. Our program team have constructed a hundred-strong advisory committee, set across eight industry verticals that are central to the digitisation story in the Asia Pacific region. They are working hard to shape the new event, to create formats that deliver meaningful personal interactions, and opportunities for growth that will enable individuals to drive forward their businesses and personal careers. Stockbridge said that over the coming days CeBIT Australia would release further exciting announcements that will frame the shape of CeBIT Australia in 2019. The event will support, advance, and engage with our market for many years to come. We look forward to continuing to work closely with all of our major supporters, and to bringing together what promises to be the most significant CeBIT Australia to date. Mozilla's revenue in 2017 increased by 8% over the year prior but expenses shot up more than twice that, by 17%, during the same period. Most of the $562 million in revenue for the Mozilla Foundation came from royalty payments, with the bulk of that generated from various deals struck for the default search engine spot in Firefox. Mozilla Foundation is the nonprofit that in turn runs Mozilla Corp., the commercial organization that creates and services the Firefox browser for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. According to Mozilla's 2017 financial statement released on Tuesday, $539 million, or about 96% of all revenue, came from royalty payments. The percentage of revenue derived from royalties has never been under 91% - Mozilla's fortunes have always been tied to Firefox's search contracts - but 2017's portion was slightly lower than 2016's. In 2017, those search contracts accounted for 93% of all royalty revenue, Mozilla said, signaling that the agreements brought in approximately $501.4 million. That was about $27 million more than in 2016, a relatively small 6% increase. (Search contract revenue climbed by 15% in 2016, for example.) The modest boost in search contract revenue was notable because it showed that Mozilla's latest switch of providers did not materially increase revenue. A year ago, Mozilla dropped Yahoo as the Firefox default for the U.S., Canada and a few other countries. The company then re-upped with Google, which had been its go-to search provider, and largest source of revenue, for years until the organization went with Yahoo in 2014. Last year was the first full year of the newest contact with Google. Neither Mozilla or Google disclosed the financial terms of the deal struck in 2016, but by 2017's revenue report the money wasn't much more than a replacement for booting Yahoo. There was no hint in Mozilla's 2017 financials that the organization continued to receive payments from Yahoo after it switched to Google. That wasn't a surprise: The two sued each other in California Superior Court late last year over the contract. The Yahoo-Mozilla deal had an unusual clause that gave Mozilla the right to skip out if Yahoo was sold. Under the agreement, Mozilla was to be paid for the full length of the contract - even if it was the one thT ended the agreement before the 2019 expiration - or alternately the difference between Yahoo's annual $375 million and whatever Mozilla got from a new partner. Verizon purchased Yahoo for $4.5 billion in mid-2017, then lumped it with America Online to create a new company, Oath. Meanwhile, expenses grew faster than revenue While Mozilla revenue scratched out an 8% increase, expenses climbed at 17%, more than twice that rate. Most of Mozilla's expenses - 60%, down three percentage points from the year before - were for software development, which climbed to $253 million, a 12% increase and double 2016's boost. The sharpest increase on the expense side, however, was the 39% gain on the "branding and marketing" line item, which went from $47 million (2016) to $66 million (2017). Not surprisingly, the difference between revenue and expenses shrunk slightly in 2017 as the latter rose faster than the former. Mozilla's "profit" - the "net cash provided by operating activities" line on its financial statement - slipped from $108 million the year before to $101 million in 2017, a downturn of 6%. Even so, Mozilla appeared on solid financial ground. Its rainy-day fund - the total in cash, cash equivalents and investments - rose to $464 million, up $65 million from 2016, for a 16% year-over-year increase. That savings could power Mozilla at its 2017 expense pace for slightly more than 13 months, even if all revenue evaporated. What Mozilla doesn't say For all the inclusiveness implied by the title of the long blog post that accompanied the financial statement release - "State of Mozilla 2017" - the organization omitted crucial information, notably how Firefox stacked up against rivals. Firefox's share of the desktop browser market, the only space in which it is competitive, has plummeted this year. Although Firefox's user share, an estimate generated by analytics vendor Net Applications, dropped by just 1.2 percentage points in 2017, ending the year at 11%, in 2018 it's taken a dive. Since January, Firefox has lost 1.8 percentage points, closing out October at 9.3%. Unless Mozilla arrests the downward trend, Firefox could account for little more than 5% of all browsers worldwide by this time next year. Share is important to all browsers because the applications are revenue generators for their makers in one way or another. Mozilla's interest is particularly sharp because other major browser developers - Google, Microsoft and Apple - have numerous revenue streams. Firefox, though, relies on search contracts almost exclusively, and those deals depend on the browser being able to bring users to a search site. Minus significant numbers of users, providers will have little reason to pay Mozilla for the default in Firefox. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 28) Students will now be able to spend more quality time with loved ones this upcoming holiday season. This comes after the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday issued order no. 049-setting the Christmas break a week earlier from December 22 to December 15. The order, affirmed by Education Secretary Leonor Briones, noted how the department values the importance of "spending quality time" with families this season. "The Christmas season provides an opportunity for Filipino learners to strengthen their emotional bonds with their family," read the document. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Meanwhile, the last day of classes for the school year will be on Friday, April 5, 2019. On the evening of 14 April, the attempt to terrorise the residents of Amritsar continued with the arrival of Dyer at the Kotwali. The odds were being stacked against the people of Amritsar. They had been grievously wounded and killed. Yet, they had not retaliated in any way. Martial law would now be formally announced, making them more vulnerable to the whims of Dyer and his men. On the evening of 14 April, the attempt to terrorise the residents of Amritsar continued with the arrival of Dyer at the Kotwali. He made his anger evident speaking in Urdu all through. It was a technique he had used often and successfully when stationed at the North West Frontier: browbeating the enemy. He made it clear that despite his murderous assault on 13 April, the people of Amritsar were the guilty party and if they attempted any retaliation, there would be more deaths. He too did not go to Jallianwala Bagh, nor did he offer any help. Like Kitchin, his voice and demeanour were meant to humiliate and frighten the civilians. He also wanted them to betray those who had murdered the five Europeans or participated in the destruction of the buildings on 10 April. He said he would shoot the badmashes. He wasted no words on the hundreds of innocent people he had killed the previous day. You people know well that I am a sepoy and soldier. Do you want war or peace? If you wish for war the government is prepared for it, and if you want peace, then obey my orders and open up all your shops; else, I will shoot. For me the battlefield of France or Amritsar is the same. I am a military man and I will go straight. He wanted the shops, which had been closed because of the anti-Rowlatt Act hartal, to be opened or they would be opened forcefully, with rifles. You people talk against the government, and persons educated in Germany and Bengal talk sedition. Obey orders, I do not wish to have anything else. I have served in the military for over 30 years. I understand the Indian Sepoy and the Sikh people very well. You will have to observe peace you must warn me of the badmashes. I will shoot them. The reference was to Kitchlew, who had studied in Germany. This was now being used to portray him as anti-British. The frequent references to the world war by the British speakers also made it apparent that they considered the anti-Rowlatt Act demonstrations as a declaration of war against the state. The presence of the Army in large numbers and the imposition of martial law was thus being justified. Irving spoke next and reiterated the sentiments of the General: You have committed a bad act in killing the English revenge will be taken upon you and your children. Nothing could be clearer. Under daily curfew, with ordinary life completely disrupted, with even electricity and water supply cut off, and constant harassment, Amritsar became a dark place. The shops were forcibly opened, and a set of punishments was imposed, some by Dyer and others by his cohorts, with the intention of debasing the population. That this could backfire spectacularly never occurred to the soldiers who were imposing their will on a defenceless and largely innocent population: many of whom had no knowledge of exactly what had happened, and how the five Europeans had been killed. It must be remembered that by now, most of those who had attended the meeting were either dead or wounded. Those who were being savaged were in all likelihood those who had chosen a peaceful existence rather than resistance. But Dyer had tasted blood and realised that the more he humiliated the Indians, the more his stock rose with the British he was not going to stop. And there was no one to stop him. Thirty-six miles away in Lahore, similar punishments were being meted out randomly. Jallianwala Bagh, 1919: The Real Story By Kishwar Desai Westland Publications pp 257, Rs 699 The number of British Indian subjects who were stripped, jailed, whipped, made to crawl, salaam, starved, etc. grew disproportionately larger. For six weeks or more, as long as martial law was imposed, the people of Punjab became slaves who had to accept every whim of their masters. After martial law was imposed, among the incredibly humiliating orders were the following: 1. The Crawling Order (Amritsar) 2. The Salaaming Order (Amritsar, Gujranwala) 3. The Saluting Order (Wazirabad) 4. The Descending Order (Lahore) 5. All males made to sweep and do sanitary work (Malawakal, Sheikhupura) 6. Lawyers made menials (Constable order in Amritsar) 7. Indemnities exacted for damages and taxes levied for support of troops (Akalgarh, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Manianwala, Sheikhupura) 8. Vehicles commandeered (Lahore) 9. Crops or shop inventories confiscated (Nawan Pind, Sheikupura, Wazirabad) (This list is quoted from Helen Feins Imperial Crime and Punishment: The Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh and British Judgement , 1919-20) But the list went on and on. Then there were also individual punishment orders which included flogging, forcing prisoners to rub their noses in dirt, forced marches, abuse, bombing threats. The rituals of abasement, as Helen Fein called them, were again long and varied depending on the diabolical imagination of the man in charge. People were placed in cages (as in Kasur), or even evicted overnight from their homes for no reason. The martial law orders were meant to reinforce the low status of the natives. Many of the orders were petty and mean such as those that forced men of higher status to clean drains. Others were meant to directly quell the ongoing hartal. A notice under Martial Law Rule No. 2, issued by F.W. Berberry, the Officer Commanding in Gujranwala, stated that those shopkeepers who refused to sell articles at a reasonable price or shut their shops when someone from the Army or police required something, would be arrested and liable to be punished by flogging. Gujranwala had seen quite a few outbreaks of violence, and so the orders here were quite similar to those passed in Lahore and Amritsar. For instance, Martial Law No. 7, the Saluting Order, passed by L.W.Y. Campbell, also Officer Commanding, Gujranwala states: We have come to know that Gujranwala district inhabitants do not usually show respect to the gazetted commissioners, European civil and military officers of His Imperial Majesty, through which the prestige and honour of the government is not maintained. Therefore, we order that the inhabitants of Gujranwala district should show proper respect to these respectable officers whenever they have occasion to meet them, in the same way as big and rich people in India are respected. Whenever any one is on horseback or is driving any kind of wheeled conveyance, he must get down. One who has opened or got an umbrella in his hand should close or lower it down and all these people should salute with their right hand respectfully. Excerpted with permission from Jallianwala Bagh, 1919: The Real Story by Kishwar Desai, published by Context (October 2018) TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INV Metals Inc. (INV Metals or the Company) is pleased to announce the positive results of the independent Feasibility Study (FS) prepared for its 100% owned Loma Larga gold-copper-silver project (Loma Larga or Project), located in Ecuador. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are stated in U.S. dollars ($). Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO stated, With an after-tax 24.7% IRR and 2.6 year payback period, the Feasibility Study confirms the Projects viability and demonstrates the strong profitability and economics of the Loma Larga gold-copper-silver project. During the projected 12 year mine life, 2.6 million gold equivalent ounces are forecasted to be mined, with an average of 227,000 gold equivalent ounces mined per year and an average of 294,000 gold equivalent ounces mined during the first four full years. Loma Larga will be a low-cost operation with expected life of mine (LOM) cash costs of $540/oz, all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $609/oz, and all-in costs (AIC) of $768/oz. Initial pre-production capital expenditures are estimated at $279 million, with sustaining capital of $62 million and closure costs of $22 million. The Company has received indicative terms from various smelters that demonstrate strong interest for the purchase of both of the Loma Larga concentrates and reinforces their marketability. Ms. MacGibbon added, Loma Larga is a relatively simple mining project that we are committed to executing in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. The underground mine and related processing infrastructure have been designed to have a very minimal footprint, with an estimated disturbance area of less than 80 hectares at the Project site. The process plant design, the use of paste backfill, and a filtered tailings disposal method will serve to minimize the use of surface water and reduce treated water discharge. She further added, Loma Larga is one of five strategic mining projects identified by the Government of Ecuador and will be the next large-scale mining development project to be financed and permitted in the country, following upon the success of the Fruta del Norte gold project by Lundin Gold Corp. With the demonstrated strong support of the Ecuadorian government and our surrounding local communities of Chumblin, San Gerardo, and Victoria del Portete, INV Metals plans to aggressively move the Project forward aiming to break ground in early 2020, with the goal of achieving first gold concentrate production in late 2021. The positive social and economic impacts will be important both locally and nationally, and will provide exciting new employment, training, procurement and business opportunities throughout the region. The Companys recent successful drilling programs and the significant optimization to the mine plan in the FS resulted in an increase of the estimated Mineral Reserves by 18.1% or 338,000 gold ounces from the 2016 Mineral Reserve estimates. The mine plan focuses on developing and mining high grade areas of the mine at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") in the early years, and reaching 3,400 tpd in year 5, resulting in higher average annual recovered production of 267,000 gold equivalent ounces over the first four full years and an annual average of 206,000 gold equivalent ounces recovered over the life of the mine. The Companys discovery of ore-grade mineralization up to 300 metres to the west of the current Mineral Resources, the findings of a detailed re-evaluation and study of the deposit, as well as the potential of the entire Loma Larga property, demonstrate that the deposit remains open in most directions with potential to increase Mineral Resources along strike and at depth, both of which remain largely untested, and to find additional deposits on the property. Feasibility Study Highlights (5% discount rate, $1,250/oz gold, $18/oz silver, $3/lb copper) Pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) $621 million After-tax NPV $356 million Pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 35.1% After-tax IRR 24.7% Pre-tax Payback 2.2 years After-tax Payback 2.6 years Mine Life 12 years Initial Mining Rate 3,000 tpd Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves 13.9 million tonnes (4.91 g/t gold, 29.6 g/t silver, and 0.29% copper), containing 2.6 million equivalent gold ounces which include, which include, 2.2 million ounces of gold 13.3 million ounces of silver 88.0 million pounds of copper Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources 19.8 million tonnes (4.25 g/t gold, 27.8 g/t silver, and 0.25% copper), containing 3.2 million equivalent gold ounces which include, which include, 2.7 million ounces of gold 17.7 million ounces of silver 109.5 million pounds of copper Inferred Resources 4.7 million tonnes (2.2 g/t gold, 29.7 g/t silver, and 0.14% copper), containing 0.4 million equivalent gold ounces Average annual LOM gold equivalent recovered production1 206,000 gold equivalent ounces Average annual first four full years of recovered production 267,000 gold equivalent ounces which include, which include, 223,000 ounces gold 19,000 gold equivalent ounces silver 25,000 gold equivalent pounds copper LOM Cash costs Total cash costs $540/oz All-in sustaining costs $609/oz All-in costs $768/oz Capital Expenditures (excluding taxes) Initial pre-production capex $279 million Sustaining capital $62 million Closure costs $22 million Employment During construction ~875 jobs After mine is in production ~450 employees 1 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. The FS was prepared by a consortium of independent consultants, led by DRA Americas Inc. (DRA), an international engineering firm with extensive experience both in the construction and operation of mining projects. DRA led the mine planning, Mineral Reserve estimation, metallurgy, processing and economic estimation. The FS was supported by additional leading consultants with expertise in various fields, including: RPA Inc. (RPA) for Mineral Resource estimation, Mine Design Engineering Inc. for geotechnical design, Itasca Denver, Inc. for hydrogeology and water quality, Environmental Resources Management for social and environmental, NewFields for tailings design, Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc. for paste backfill, and SGS Canada Inc. for metallurgical test work. The FS is currently being summarised into a Technical Report (the Loma Larga Technical Report) to be filed on SEDAR in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Table 1 NPV and IRR Pre-tax After-tax Net Present Value @ 5% discount rate (NPV) $621 M $356 M Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 35.1% 24.7% Payback (Years) 2.2 2.6 Table 2 Key Financial Metrics2 Average Annual (M$) LOM (M$) Net Sales Revenue $188 $2,157 Operating Costs 63 743 Operating Cash Flow 125 1,414 Taxes and Royalties 43 464 After-tax Cash Flow 79 577 Table 3 Gold Price Sensitivity3 $1,150/oz Base Case $1,250/oz $1,350/oz Pre-tax NPV $513 M $621 M $729 M IRR 31.2% 35.1% 38.7% Payback (Years) 2.3 2.2 2.0 After-tax NPV $291 M $356 M $422 M IRR 21.8% 24.7% 27.4% Payback (Years) 2.8 2.6 2.4 2 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. 3 Gold price sensitivity analysis calculated using a long-term silver price of $18.00 per ounce and copper price of $3.00 per pound, as well as a discount rate of 5%. Economic Benefits to Ecuador The FS demonstrates that the development of Loma Larga will provide substantial economic benefits to the future employees of INV Metals, our communities, and the local, provincial and federal governments of Ecuador. The development and operation of the Loma Larga mine will also provide numerous employment and business opportunities for the local communities and within the region. Various benefits will include: continuation of the Companys numerous social programs in the communities of Chumblin, San Gerardo, Giron, and Victoria del Portete; during the construction period of 18-24 months, an estimated direct employment of 875 people; when the mine is in operation, an estimated 450 permanent direct jobs; the creation of indirect jobs with local procurement initiatives and training opportunities; wages, social security and pension benefits are estimated at $15 million annually, for a total of $186 million over the mine life; employee profit sharing taxes (3%) are estimated at $27 million; taxes to the Government of Ecuador are estimated at: Corporate Income tax (25%) - $177 million State profit sharing tax (12%) - $107 million Employment taxes (35%) - $52 million VAT (12%) and import duties (0% - 5%) - $110 million Royalties (5%) - $108 million FEASIBILITY STUDY DETAILS Mineral Resources The Loma Larga gold-silver-copper deposit is classified as a high sulphidation epithermal system and alteration is characterized by multiphase injections of hydrothermal fluids strongly controlled by both structure and stratigraphy. The deposit is a flat lying to gently western dipping (less than ten degrees), north-south striking, cigar shaped body, which has a strike length of approximately 1,600 metres north-south by 120 metres to 400 metres east-west and up to 60 metres thick, beginning approximately 120 metres below surface. RPA estimated Mineral Resources for Loma Larga using all drill hole data available as of September 1, 2018. The current Mineral Resource estimate is based on an underground mining scenario and is reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Using a US$60/t Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off value, Mineral Resources effective as of October 31, 2018 are summarized in the following table. Table 4 Loma Larga Mineral Resource Estimate, Effective as of October 31, 2018 Resource Classification Tonne (M) Au Grade (g/t) Contained Au (M oz) Ag Grade (g/t) Contained Ag (M oz) Cu Grade (%) Contained Cu (M lb) AuEq Grade (g/t) Contained AuEq (M oz) Measured 2.9 7.31 0.67 34.9 3.2 0.44 28.2 8.45 0.78 Indicated 17.0 3.74 2.04 26.5 14.5 0.22 81.4 4.43 2.42 Measured & Indicated 19.8 4.25 2.71 27.8 17.7 0.25 109.5 5.01 3.20 Inferred 4.7 2.22 0.33 29.7 4.5 0.14 14.5 2.84 0.43 CIM 2014 Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are reported at an NSR cut-off value of US$60/t. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,450 per ounce, silver price of US$22.00 per ounce, and copper price of US$3.50 per pound. The formula used to calculate gold equivalence (AuEq) is: (Au g/t x 31.31 + Ag g/t x 0.44 + Cu% x 46.19) 31.31. The formula used to calculate AuEq ounces is: AuEq Oz = (Tonnage x AuEq g/t) 31.31. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Mineral Reserves and Mine Plan The estimated Mineral Reserves are shown in the following table. Table 5 Loma Larga Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate, Effective as of October 31, 2018 Ore Category Tonne (M) Au Grade (g/t) Contained Au (M oz) Ag Grade (g/t) Contained Ag (M oz) Cu Grade (%) Contained Cu (M lb) AuEq Grade (g/t) Contained AuEq (M oz) Proven 2.9 7.30 0.69 34.8 3.27 0.44 28.5 8.53 0.80 Probable 11.0 4.28 1.51 28.3 10.00 0.25 59.5 5.09 1.80 Proven and Probable 13.9 4.91 2.20 29.6 13.27 0.29 88.0 5.81 2.60 CIM 2014 Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Reserves. Mineral Reserves include long hole and drift-and-fill stopes as well as development in ore. Mineral Reserves are reported at an NSR cut-off value of US$60/t. Mineral Reserves are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,250 per ounce, silver price of U$18.00 per ounce, and copper price of US$3.00 per pound. Average bulk density is 2.7 t/m3. Numbers may not add due to rounding. The underground mine will be accessed by a 1.2 kilometres long (5 metres high by 5 metres wide) ramp into the deposit. The ramp will serve as the access to the mine for personnel and materials, the haulage of waste and ore, and for ventilation. Due to the high-grade nature of the ore body and the positive geotechnical conditions, the deposit will primarily be mined by the long-hole stoping method, with 20 metres wide, 25 metres high and 20 metres long stope sizes. Certain zones will utilize the drift and fill method where appropriate. Initial daily ore production of 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd) is planned from primary and secondary stopes for the first four years, generating approximately 1,095,000 tonnes of ore annually. From year 5, daily average ore production of 3,400 tpd is planned to be achieved through plant optimization, generating 1,241,000 tonnes of ore annually. Ore will be trucked approximately 3.5 kilometres from the portal to the process facilities. The production averages in the tables below do not include partial production years. Table 6 Life of Mine Production Statistics Life of Mine Production Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 2,199,998 1,979,998 1,610,085 Silver (oz) 13,270,347 12,606,824 8,872,698 Copper (lbs) 88,038,862 84,517,307 58,840,171 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 191,093 181,538 127,767 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 211,293 202,842 141,217 Total Gold Equivalent (oz) 2,602,385 2,364,378 1,879,069 Table 7 Peak Production Statistics Peak Production in Year 3 Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 281,334 253,201 205,937 Silver(oz) 1,585,819 1,506,527 1,062,498 Copper (lbs) 14,222,866 13,653,951 10,194,590 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 22,836 21,694 15,300 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 34,135 32,770 24,467 Total Gold Equivalent (oz) 338,305 307,664 245,704 Table 8 Average Annual First Four Full Years Production Statistics Average First Four Full Years Production Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 247,855 223,070 181,430 Silver (oz) 1,395,746 1,325,958 935,150 Copper (lbs) 10,975,888 10,536,852 7,637,915 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 20,099 19,094 13,466 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 26,342 25,288 18,331 Gold Equivalent (oz) 294,296 267,452 213,227 Table 9 Average Annual Life of Mine Production Statistics4 Average Mined Recovered Payable Gold (oz) 191,242 172,118 139,958 Silver (oz) 1,188,664 1,129,230 794,561 Copper (lbs) 7,718,768 7,410,017 5,163,657 Silver as Gold Equivalent (oz) 17,117 16,261 11,442 Copper as Gold Equivalent (oz) 18,525 17,784 12,392 Gold Equivalent (oz) 226,884 206,163 163,792 Processing Ore will be processed using primary and secondary crushing, a ball mill, and a two stage sequential flotation circuit to recover gold, silver and copper into two separate saleable concentrates which will be trucked to the port for export. No cyanide will be used in the extraction process and it is anticipated that acid will not need to be trucked to site. Extensive metallurgical test work has demonstrated estimated overall gold, silver and copper recoveries into concentrate of 90%, 95%, and 96%, respectively. The average grades of the concentrates are shown in the table below and will differ from the averages depending on the mined head grade. The estimated mass pull is 14%, with an estimated 13.3% reporting to the gold pyrite concentrate and 0.8% reporting to the gold/copper concentrate. The concentrate is expected to have a moisture content of 8-10%. Table 10 Concentrate Production Gold Pyrite Concentrate Gold/Copper Concentrate5 Recovery Total Tonnes Concentrate Produced 1,845,778 109,497 - Average LOM Concentrate Produced4 161,276 9,585 - Gold Grade g/t 27.9 92.6 90% Silver Grade g/t 102.2 1,858.6 95% Copper Grade % 0.31 29.7 96% Arsenic Grade % 0.08 8.5 - Concentrate Sales Concentrate samples and assays were sent to a number of smelters for analysis in order to receive current purchase price indications based on the potential grades and quantities estimated during the FS. INV Metals has incorporated the revenue indications into the economic estimates of the FS and is confident the concentrates are marketable. The payabilities used for the concentrates within the financial model were 80% gold and 60% silver for the gold pyrite concentrate and 88% gold, 82% copper and 80% silver for the gold/copper concentrate. These payabilities are inclusive of treatment and refining charges and any relevant penalties and result in non-comparable gross revenue to previous studies. Gross revenue under this structure is lower than the gross revenue associated with a structure where treatment charges, refining charges and penalties are expressed separately. 4 Annual LOM averages are calculated based on full production years from Year 2 to 11. 5 It is estimated that 82% of the copper and 15% of the gold is recovered to the gold/copper concentrate. Tailings Storage Facility The tailings storage facility will store filtered tailings within a lined and contained area to minimize the amount of impounded water, allow for the diversion of surface water, and the collection of contact water for treatment. Approximately 6.5 million tonnes of plant tailings are expected to be placed underground as paste backfill, with 5.5 million tonnes remaining on surface in the tailings storage facility which will be covered at closure with liners and rehabilitated with indigenous plants and grasses. The Company has a nursery on site which hosts, amongst other things, over 50,000 indigenous trees and shrubs for planting during rehabilitation. Water Management Natural runoff will be diverted around the mine infrastructure to the extent possible. Contact water including water that must be withdrawn from the underground mine to maintain a safe working environment, will be collected and used for mineral processing. Excess contact water, not used in mineral processing, will be treated and discharged to meet drinking water standards in the immediate receiving environment. The point of discharge from the treatment plant has been sited outside of the watershed that supplies the City of Cuenca, which will ensure there are no impacts to water quality upstream of the city. Water management, including water treatment, will continue during the closure phase until discharge from the site meets established discharge criteria without treatment. Capital Expenditures The initial capital expenditures are estimated at $279.1 million. Sustaining and closure costs are estimated at $84.3 million. Pre-production capital expenditure per gold equivalent ounces mined is $107.26, while sustaining capital per gold equivalent ounces mined is $23.95. Table 11 Capital Expenditure Summary Pre-production (M$) Mining Underground 39.8 Mining Surface Infrastructure 10.1 Process Plant 67.9 Process Plant Infrastructure 19.8 Waste Management 18.5 Off-site Infrastructure 14.4 Total Direct Costs 170.5 Indirect Costs 59.3 Owners Costs 22.6 Contingency 26.7 Total Pre-Production Capital 279.1 Taxes and Duties (including VAT) 30.4 Total Capital incl. Taxes and Duties 309.5 Table 12 Sustaining Capital and Closure Costs Pre-tax (M$) Taxes (M$) Total (M$) Sustaining Capital 62.3 10.4 72.7 Closure Costs 22.0 - 22.0 Operating Costs The Loma Larga mine will be a low-cost operation with estimated adjusted operating costs of $69.41/tonne of mined mineralized material. The table below highlights estimated LOM operating and capital costs. Table 13 LOM Operating and Capital Costs Operating and Capital Costs1 ($/tonne) Total (M$) $/Payable3 Gold oz Mining 23.22 323 180 Processing 17.20 240 134 Paste Backfill 3.14 44 24 Tailings Management 2.26 31 18 On-site G&A 7.54 105 59 Royalties 11.03 154 86 Treatment, Refining and Transportation2 34.60 482 269 By-product Credits (29.58 ) (412 ) (230 ) Adjusted Operating Costs 69.41 967 540 Sustaining Capital 4.69 65 37 Closure 1.58 22 12 Corporate G&A 2.51 35 20 All-in Sustaining Costs 78.19 1,089 609 Pre-Production Capital Expenditures 20.46 285 159 All-in Costs 98.65 1,374 768 Operating and capital costs are presented pre-tax. Treatment and refining charges have been estimated based on the payabilities and treatment and refining charges observed on comparable projects. Payable gold ounces have been estimated based on estimated comparable treatment and refining charges. Infrastructure The Loma Larga deposit will be accessed predominately by existing public road infrastructure, which will be upgraded and widened as required. Bypass roads will be constructed where widening of the current road is not feasible. New roads will be constructed to the portal access site and within the process plant and tailings facilities. Power to the Project will be supplied through construction of a power line, which will connect into the local electricity grid. Corporate Social Responsibility The Company is committed to maintain and build upon its strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and to engage in meaningful consultation with our stakeholders within our areas of influence. We are pleased to have added Ms. Robin Weisman to our Board of Directors in 2017, who in her previous employment with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a Principal Mining Investment Officer, has significant experience with the IFCs Performance Standards and the Equator Principles, as well as advising companies on mitigating project risk through their investments in programs providing economic opportunities, shared infrastructure and capacity building to communities and local municipalities. Potential Optimizations The following opportunities were identified during the course of the FS as potential optimizations to be considered: ramp up to full design tonnage of 3,600 tpd as soon as practicable; reduce mining dilution to reduce operating costs; potential to increase payabilities of concentrates with contracts; determine potential for future bulk concentrate shipments; future drilling to potentially upgrade Mineral Resources from Inferred to Indicated for inclusion in the mine plan and Mineral Reserves; exploration at Loma Larga with the goal of increasing Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (see below for a discussion on exploration); and evaluation of processing lower grade ore to extend the mine life. Next Steps The Company will proceed with the following near-term activities: continued stakeholder engagement; environmental permit application completion and submission; and financing discussions. Loma Larga Exploration The Company continues to believe that the Loma Larga property holds considerable exploration potential. The deposit remains open in many areas with good potential to expand the deposit to the west, east, and south. Twelve of the fourteen holes that were drilled to the west of the orebody in 2017 encountered potentially economic intercepts and the area to the west represents upside potential for the deposit. High grade areas along 225 metres on the eastern edge of the orebody were not completely closed off and good potential exists to extend these further to the east. Both gold and high grade silver values continue to the south of the deposit with potential to expand the deposit to the south. The southern end of the deposit is rich in silver and high grade silver intercepts (11.6 metres @ 978 ppm Ag in hole IQD-265) exist at least 300 metres to the south of the edge of the High Grade Main Zone of the Mineral Resource. An expansion drill program has been designed to test these areas. INV Metals engaged Western Mining Services LLC to complete a thorough targeting exercise in mid-2018 that identified nine ranked prospective targets within the Loma Larga concessions. The number one ranked area encloses the northern two thirds of the Loma Larga deposit and will be addressed by the expansion drill program. The second ranked area is immediately to the west of the orebody where the 2017 drilling encountered potentially economic mineralization over an area of 300 x 400 metres. Silicification, which is the dominant alteration within Loma Larga, was encountered in all of these holes and up to 600 metres to the west of the orebody. Lithology, alteration, structure, geochemistry, and geophysics are being analyzed within this large area to identify drill targets. There is good potential to encounter additional mineralized feeder zones and Loma Larga style mineralization within the area to the west of the orebody. There is also clear potential for a mineralized porphyry at depth. A large diatreme breccia to the northwest of the deposit contains mineralized porphyry clasts. Several drill holes to the north and northwest of the deposit contain evidence of a nearby porphyry system. Hole IQD-109, around 30 metres to the north of the orebody, contains quartz veinlets with centerlines and margins of chalcocite. Hole LLD-384 was a deep hole drilled in 2017 to test for the presence of a porphyry at depth and is located approximately 60 metres to the north of the orebody. This hole encountered anomalous gold mineralized diorite and quartz diorite intrusions hosting quartz, pyrite, magnetite, and chalcopyrite veinlets plus disseminated pyrite and magnetite within intense intermediate argillic alteration (illite-kaolinite-muscovite-pyrite). Hole LLD-364, located around 100 metres to the northwest of the orebody, contains chalcopyrite and chalcocite. Further work is required to define the porphyry target. Regional Exploration The Company holds four exploration properties within Ecuador. The Companys exploration efforts in 2018 have primarily been concentrated on the Tierras Coloradas property, located in southern Ecuador. The discovery of a low sulphidation system with high grade gold mineralization within quartz veins at Tierras Coloradas was announced in September 2017 and mapping and sampling of the veins has been progressing well. Over 4 kilometres of strike length of veins has been mapped in detail on the Quemada, Aparecida, and San Vicente veins. Numerous other veins have also been identified. The Aparecida and Quemada veins contain the highest grade values, with rock chip values up to 240.5 g/t Au and 226 ppm Ag in the Aparecida vein and 61.9 g/t Au and 2,479 ppm Ag in the Quemada vein. Gold values range from <0.005 to 240.5 g/t and silver values range from <0.2 to 226 ppm in the Aparecida vein. Gold values range from <0.005 to 61.9 g/t and silver values range from <0.2 to 2,479 ppm in the Quemada vein. Both of these veins have excellent horizontal and vertical continuity of high grade samples with the Aparecida vein containing values of >2 g/t Au for more than 1.3 kilometres strike length and over a vertical distance of 370 metres. A drill program is being prepared to test these veins and drilling will proceed as soon as the required permits are received. The Las Penas property, located approximately 30 km to the NW of Loma Larga, consists of nine concessions that cover a total of 30,278 hectares. Initial mapping and sampling have been completed in the area with some follow-up mapping and sampling on the high priority targets. A prospective porphyry target and numerous low sulphidation vein systems have been identified to date. The Playas Encantadas porphyry target contains a diorite intrusion with potassic alteration that outcrops over an area of 2.1 x 1 kilometres. Potassic alteration occurs over an area of 1,200 x 600 metres. Rock chip sampling over an area of 320 x 140 metres within the southern portion of the intrusion returned 97 samples that average 603 ppm Cu and 22 ppm Mo. The range of values were between < 2 to 2,280 ppm Cu and < 2 to 120 ppm Mo. Quartz stockwork veining has been identified with quartz veinlets with pyrite sutures, magnetite veinlets, and traces of chalcopyrite and covellite. Initial geological prospection and sampling at the La Rebuscada property, located in northern Ecuador, has identified an area of 1.5 x 2 kilometres with gold in silicified structures. Rock chip sampling over an area of 1.2 x 1.9 kilometres has returned 12 of 43 samples of > 1 g/t Au. Gold values range from < 0.005 to 2.5 g/t. Carolina, located just one kilometre to the southeast of SolGold Plcs (SolGold) Cascabel property, is on trend with NW-trending mineralized corridors that SolGold has recognized on their property. First pass rock chip sampling has identified copper between 5 to 863 ppm, molybdenum between <2 to 596 ppm, and gold between <0.10 and 4.27 g/t. Multiple phases of intrusives have been recognized with microdiorites intruding the older diorite/tonalite intrusives. Technical Information The FS was led by DRA and was prepared in accordance with the guidelines for NI 43-101. The Loma Larga Technical Report summarizing the results of the FS is being prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and will be filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR within 45 days of this press release. Qualified Persons The Qualified Persons (QP) have reviewed and verified that the technical information in respect of the FS contained in this press release is accurate and approve the written disclosure of such information. For readers to fully understand the information in this press release, they should read the Loma Larga Technical Report in its entirety when it is available on SEDAR, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the information to be set out in the Loma Larga Technical Report which qualifies the technical information contained in the Loma Larga Technical Report. The Loma Larga Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The QPs who will prepare the Technical Report are: DRA: Phildi Scholtz, Pr. Eng., Daniel Gagnon P.Eng. (Mineral Reserves and Mining). David Frost FAusIMM (Metallurgy and Processing), and Silvia del Carpio P.Eng., MBA (Financial Modelling) RPA: Katharine Masun, P.Geo. (Mineral Resources) Mine Design Engineering Inc.: Kathy Kalenchuk, P. Eng. (Geotechnical Design) Itasca Denver, Inc.: Houmao Liu, Ph.D., P.E. (Hydrogeology and Water Quality) NewFields: Paul Kaplan, P.E. (Tailings Design) Environmental Resources Management: Derek Chubb, P. Eng. (Social and Environmental) Paterson & Cooke Canada Inc.: Leslie Correia, Pr. Eng. (Paste Backfill) SGS Canada Inc.: Dr. Chris Fleming, Ph.D and Erin Legault B. Eng. (Metallurgical) By virtue of education and relevant experience, the aforementioned are independent "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of NI 43- 101. Other than as set forth above, all scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Bill Shaver, P. Eng, a mining engineer and the Companys COO, or Darren King, Geologist, Registered Member of the SME and the Companys Vice President Exploration, both QPs under NI 43-101. Non-IFRS Performance Measures Adjusted Operating Costs, All-in Sustaining Costs, All-in Costs and Total Operating Costs per Tonne are non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Performance Measures. These performance measures are included because these statistics are key performance measures that management uses to monitor performance. Management uses these statistics to assess how the Project ranks against its peer projects and to assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the contemplated mining operations. These performance measures do not have a meaning within IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. Investor Day An Investor Day will be held on November 30, 2018 from 11 am to 2 pm EST to discuss the results of the Feasibility Study at the National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario. Please RSVP your attendance to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The details of the Investor Day will be available on INV Metals website at www.invmetals.com. For more information please contact: Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 416-703-8416 Ms. Sunny Lowe, CFO Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 416-703-8416 About INVTM Metals Inc. INVTM Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and base metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INVTM Metals primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold exploration and development property in Ecuador, and (2) its 100% interests in exploration concessions in Ecuador, including the Las Penas, Tierras Coloradas, La Rebuscada and Carolina exploration projects. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this new release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the results of the FS, gold price and exchange rate assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal or mineral recoveries, mine life and production rates; the Company's potential plans and operating performance; the estimation of the tonnage, grades and content of deposits, and the extent of the resource and reserves estimates; potential production from and viability of the Company's properties; estimates of future production and operating costs; estimates of permitting submissions and timing; the timing and receipt of necessary permits and project approvals for future operations; access to project funding, exploration results, and expected filing of the Loma Larga Technical Report. These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. In certain cases, forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as anticipates, believes, could, estimates, expects, may, shall, will, or would. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on certain factors and assumptions made by management and qualified persons in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances. The forward-looking information and statements are also based on metal price assumptions, exchange rate assumptions, cash flow forecasts, and other assumptions used in the FS. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to grade or recovery rates, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, regulatory, capitalization and liquidity risks. The FS may also be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Project. Please refer to the Companys Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2018 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for other risks that could materially affect the Company. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGX Minerals Inc. (MGX or the Company) (CSE: XMG / FKT: 1MG / OTCQB: MGXMF) reports that joint venture partner Chilean Lithium Salars (CLS) has mobilized a drill to the Francisco Basin Project located 30 kilometres south of the Salar de Maricunga. The 5-hole drill program will target the Northern Lagoon, where samples in May of 2018 averaged 694mg/L Lithium. (see press release dated September 27, 2018). The drill program will test lithium mineralization to a depth of up to 300 meters as well as the lateral extent of lithium mineralization. The data will be used to define the hydrogeological model for the Francisco Basin. MGX and CLS continue to work with SRK Consulting Inc. to complete a definitive exploration program for the Francisco Basin lithium project. The Project lease area comprises 12,900 hectares. An electromagnetic geophysical survey was completed in April 2018 and results indicated strong potential for the presence of two highly conductive brines zones where significant thickness and horizontal coverage may exist. Rapid Lithium Brine Extraction Technology MGX has developed a rapid lithium extraction technology eliminating or greatly reducing the physical footprint and investment in large, multi-phase, lake sized, lined evaporation ponds, as well as enhancing the quality of extraction and recovery across a complex range of brines as compared with traditional solar evaporation. MGX is prepared to mobilize a rapid lithium extraction system to the Francisco Basin. Francisco Basin The Francisco Basin Salar resides within a large, fault-bound, alluvium-filled basin to the immediate south of the Copiapo Volcano. The basin is closed, drains a large area and the Salar appears to be the lowest point within the drainage. The rocks in the drainage surrounding this salar are dominantly volcanic, ranging in age from Eocene to Miocene, juxtaposed with some older rocks. To the west is a Cretaceous sedimentary sequence separated from the volcanic rocks of the Francisco Basin area by the Cerro Guerrita Fault. To the east, an older Oligocene to Miocene volcanic sequence is overlain by the Copiapo volcanic rocks. The Francisco Basin alluvial basin sits at the junction of three catchments. These river systems presumably provide the fill for the basin and are in part, along with the limits of the Salar, structurally controlled. The alluvial fill may be covering post-Copiapo aged faulting. About MGXs Chilean Lithium Joint Venture MGX is earning a 50% interest in CLS, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chilean Lithium Salars Holdings Ltd. (CLSH). CLSH holds a 100% interest in three prospective lithium exploration projects located in Chile, including the Francisco Basin, Laguna Brava and Laguna Escondida projects. To acquire an undivided 50% interest in CLS, MGX has agreed to make Option Payments totaling US$1.5 million, incur exploration expenditures totaling US$2 million, and complete an NI 43-101 resource estimate on at least one of the Projects within 20 months. MGX is acting as project operator and has appointed Mr. Aldo Boitano, current project manager for CLS, as to oversee the project and work alongside Kura Minerals. MGX maintains the right to participate as a service provider of the engineering, construction and/or procurement of a brine processing plant using its rapid lithium extraction technology. About Kura Minerals Kura Minerals is led by MGXs President of South America Operations Francisco Acuna (P. Eng.). Kura is a leading mining consulting firm with a network extending throughout South America. Additional personnel and consultants include Erich Schnake, former Chilean Mining Ministry Undersecretary, Alvaro Florez (LL.B) and Thomas Eggers. About MGX Minerals Inc. MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy, and water assets. Contact Information Jared Lazerson President and CEO Telephone: 1.604.681.7735 Web: www.mgxminerals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Timberline Resources Corporation (OTCQB: TLRS; TSX-V: TBR) ("Timberline" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed NI 43-101 technical reports (the "Reports") on SEDAR for the Company's Elder Creek and Paiute Nevada copper-gold projects in the Battle Mountain district of Nevada (Figure 1). The Reports may be viewed at the Company's website at http://timberlineresources.co/projects). The Reports, which were prepared by the Company's independent geological consultant, Dr. Thomas Bidgood, provide a technical summary of each project. The Reports give an updated description of the two adjacent properties, including the regional geology, historic exploration, and work completed by Timberline since acquiring the projects from Americas Gold Exploration, Inc. on August 14, 2018 (see press release dated August 14, 2018 at http://timberlineresources.co/press-releases). The acquisition includes the right to earn into existing joint venture agreements with a subsidiary of McEwen Mining Inc. at the Elder Creek Project, and with Lac Minerals (USA) LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation ("LAC") at the Paiute Project. At Elder Creek, terms include the right to earn a 65% interest in the property through an existing joint venture agreement. At Paiute, an existing ownership interest of 75.4% was acquired by Timberline with the remainder owned by LAC (see press release dated May 24, 2018). With the closing of the transaction, Timberline is now the operator and manager of both the Elder Creek and Paiute joint ventures. Elder Creek Project The Elder Creek Project, which covers a claim group of approximately 39 square kilometers (km), demonstrates geologic, geochemical, and geophysical characteristics common to major porphyry copper-gold deposits (see press release dated June 18, 2018). The core of the Elder Creek porphyry target covers approximately 4.5 sq km, and has multiple intrusive phases which form two granodiorite porphyry centers within altered Harmony Formation arkosic sandstone and shale (Figure 2). The intrusive rocks are similar in age to those at Newmont's Phoenix gold-copper mine located 18 km (11 miles) to the south. The porphyry core of the system is characterized by intense quartz veining and elevated copper and molybdenum values in rock and soil samples, and is flanked by proximal potassic alteration and distal biotite-pyrite-pyrrhotite hornfels. It forms a pronounced magnetic low that is ringed by a strongly magnetic "donut" high of hornfels. Large areas of gold-copper veining occur within the hornfels to the south and east of the porphyry core, and copper oxide is exposed in outcrop immediately peripheral to the core. Since acquiring the project, the Company has completed three drill holes within the multi-stage hydrothermal system. The first hole, RCEC18-01, was drilled by reverse circulation (RC) at the Valmy pit copper oxide occurrence. It intersected hornfels after Harmony Formation shales and arkosic quartzite, and porphyritic intrusive rock, and contains 0.21% copper over its entire 500 foot (152 m) length, including 0.44% copper over 110 feet (34 m), and bottomed in strong mineralization (Table 1) (see press release dated September 27, 2018). Figure 1. Location of the Elder Creek and Paiute Projects within the Battle Mountain Mining District Figure 2. Geology, Alteration, Copper Geochemistry, and Target Areas at the Elder Creek Porphyry Copper-Gold Project Table 1. Summary of Timberline Drill Hole Assay Intercepts at Elder Creek Drilling at a second site located 3,250 feet (1 km) to the south (Figure 2) within the non-magnetic portion of the system was initiated as an RC hole and subsequently deepened by core drilling. Available assays from core hole CCEC18-02 show an intersection of 46.5 feet (14.2 meters) grading 1.20% copper, 0.31% molybdenum, 25.5 g/t silver, and 0.126 g/t gold within a broader zone of anomalous copper-molybdenum mineralization (Table 1). Paiute Project The Paiute project is 5 square km and is located immediately southeast and adjacent to Elder Creek, and approximately 5 km west-northwest of Newmont's Copper Basin copper-gold porphyry deposit (Figure 1). It contains a copper-gold porphyry target and a gold structural zone target. The gold structural zone measures 2,500 meters long by 500 meters wide (Figure 3). It hosts gold-silver mineralization with multiple untested high-grade gold targets based on both recent and historic prospecting, and rock and soil geochemical sampling (see press release dated May 24, 2018. The property also contains a copper-gold porphyry target (Figure 3) with potential for discovery of mineralization similar to Newmont's Copper Basin deposit. Multiple gold intercepts were drilled in 1995 -1996 within altered granodiorite porphyry. Vertical drill hole 96-5 intercepted quartz monzonite porphyry at 160 meters depth and was terminated at 178.3 meters due to technical difficulties after drilling 4.6 meters of copper sulfide (chalcopyrite) and gold mineralization grading1.24 g/t. Since acquisition, Timberline has completed additional surface rock sampling, and permitting with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for construction of drill roads and drilling. Figure 3. Paiute Project Gold-Silver Structural Target Zone Defined by Anomalous Concentrations of Gold and Silver in Rocks and Soils, and Distribution of Fault Structures Exploration Plan With the exploration success to date at Elder Creek, Timberline has contracted Zonge Geophysics of Reno, Nevada to complete a 10 km Induced Polarization (IP)/Resistivity survey at Elder Creek. The survey is designed to characterize the rocks for signatures associated with concentration of sulfides (IP), associated silicification (Resistivity) as hydrothermal alteration, and identification of major fault zones within the project area. The project is fully permitted with the BLM for additional drilling, which is planned after completion of the geophysical work. At Paiute, drill roads will be cut and outcrops mapped and sampled in preparation for an initial drilling campaign. Drilling will be designed to continue through the porphyry host rock to determine the depth extent of mineralization documented at the bottom of hole 96-5. Additional drilling will test near surface structural-related gold targets. Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Collection of drill core samples was completed under the supervision of a Company representative. Core was transported by the Company's Qualified Person to Range Front Geologic in Elko, NV where it was cut and sampled by a Company representative. After preparation of the samples, blind certified standard reference materials and blanks were inserted into each sample batch which was transported to ALS in Nevada for analyses. Samples were assayed for gold by Fire Assay of a 30 gram (1 assay ton) charge with an AA finish (ALS code Au-AA23). Samples were also assayed for a 48 multi-element package using four acid ICP-MS (code ME-MS61). "Over-limits" were re-assayed using 4-acid Aqua regia digestion and ICP or AAS finish (code Cu-OG62). Steven Osterberg, Ph.D., P.G., Timberline's President and Chief Executive Officer, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this release. Mr. Osterberg is not considered independent of the Company as defined in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. Drill intercepts are reported as drill thicknesses; true widths of intercepts are unknown. About Timberline Resources Timberline Resources Corporation is focused on advancing district-scale gold exploration and development projects in Nevada. These include its 23 square-mile Eureka property, comprising the Lookout Mountain, Windfall, and Oswego projects which lie along three separate structural stratigraphic trends defined by distinct geochemical gold anomalies, as well as being operator of both the Paiute joint venture project with a subsidiary of Barrick Gold, and the Elder Creek joint venture with McEwen Mining. All of these properties lie on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. Timberline also owns the Seven Troughs property in Northern Nevada, which is one of the state's highest-grade former producers. Timberline has increased its owned and controlled mineral rights in Nevada to over 43 square miles (27,500 acres). Detailed maps and NI 43-101 estimated resource information for the Eureka property may be viewed at http://timberlineresources.co/. Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR". Forward-looking Statements Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute 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. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are no assurances that the Company will complete the earn-in on the Elder Creek project as contemplated or at all. Factors that could cause or contribute to risks involving forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in the Company's business and other factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / TheNewswire / November 28, 2018 - Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc. (TSXV: NVM; Frankfurt-M1V; OTCQB: MLYFF) (the "Company") today announced that has increased its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") originally announced September 14th, to $700,000. The terms of the Offering will remain the same and is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Offering The Offering is for gross proceeds of up to $650,000. The Offering is not subject to any minimum aggregate subscription. Each Unit will consist of one Common Share at $0.05 in the capital of Nevada Clean Magnesium (the "Common Shares") and one Common Share Purchase Warrant (the "Warrants"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into one Common Share for a period of two years at a price of $0.08/share. An acceleration clause is included with the Warrants such that the Company has the right, on thirty days' written notice, to require a Holder to exercise the Warrants so long as the closing trading price of the Company's common shares on the Company's principal trading market exceeds $0.10 per share for at least ten consecutive trading days at any time prior to the date of the Call Notice. The Warrants will terminate on the date that is thirty days from the date of the Call Notice in the event that the Holder has not exercised the Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Call Notice by such date. The securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of the securities. The completion of the private placement and payment of any commission and fees remains subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for working capital. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include that we will conduct and close a private placement and that we can become a a major U.S. producer and distributor of primary, high grade, low cost magnesium metal. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including the Company's dolomite reserves may not be mined because of technical, regulatory, financing or other obstacles, the market price for magnesium may make our resources uneconomic, we may not be able hire and retain skilled employees, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. We may not be able to close with interested investors on our intended private placement because of perceived risks or market conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. To Reach Nevada Clean Magnesium Please Contact: John Ulmer at (604) 210-9862 For additional information please visit our website at http://www.nevadacmi.com or view our profile at http://www.sedar.com. Australian police have opened an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Australian military personnel in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday. A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they had received a referral concerning the war crimes allegations in June and has accepted the matters for investigation. As this investigation is ongoing, the AFP will not confirm or deny the specific incidents or the identity of those subject to the investigation, the spokesman said. The spokesman would not provide additional details or say who referred the allegations to the police. Three other inquiries have already been launched into reports of abuses by special forces who served in Afghanistan as part of a US-led coalition between 2001 and 2014. That includes one investigation being conducted by the inspector general of the Australian Defence Force since 2016. A separate classified defence department investigation leaked to the press in June quoted testimony from special forces insiders saying some troops engaged in the unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations in Afghanistan with a disregard for human dignity. Government officials confirmed at the time that investigations were under way concerning Australian troop conduct in Afghanistan, but would not provide any details. Jet Airways is desperately looking for a buyer to raise funds for survival. New Delhi: Finding it hard to save the airline in the face of severe cash crunch, promoter Naresh Goyal is ready to relinquish his controlling stake in Jet Airways to prospective investors. Industry sources said Goyal has held discussions with all three prospective buyers Tata Group, Etihad Airways PJSC and a consortium of Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines. Goyal, however, wants to keep a minority stake in the company. He would also insist for a board seat with the investors, an industry executive said. On reports of possible share sale by the aviation industry veteran, the airline stock surged 5.20 per cent to Rs 308.80 on the BSE on Wednesday. Goyal had founded Jet Airways almost 25 years back after the government liberalised the policy and allowed entry of private air taxi operators. The airline has since grown steadily and become a key player in both domestic and international markets. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad currently holds 24 per cent stake in the Mumbai-based carrier. There is also possibility of Etihad raising its stake further to 49 per cent, the highest permissible limit for any foreign carrier, the executive quoted above said. According to sources, Goyal has roped in industry veteran Capt Hameed Ali to lead talks with shareholder Etihad Airways. Capt Ali was instrumental in Jet Airways deal with Etihad in 2013, when the Abu Dhabi-based airline bought a 24 percent stake in its Indian peer. Saddled with a debt of about Rs 8,000 crore as of September 30, Jet Airways is desperately looking for a buyer to raise funds for survival. It has already held talks with Tata Group to sell part of its stake. The salt-to-software business conglomerate has confirmed its interest in acquiring the airline but has termed the discussions so far as preliminary. Over the last few days there has been growing speculation about Tata's interest in Jet Airways. We would like to clarify that any such discussions (to acquire Jet Airways) have been preliminary and no proposal has been made, Tata Sons had said in a statement a fortnight ago. With each passing day, financial health of Jet is worsening. The precarious financial position could lead to default on aircraft lease rental payments and airport charges. It has already sought breather from its creditors and a longer delay could land it in deep trouble. The airline has been delaying salaries of its staff besides handing out pink slips to dozens. A section of pilots has already protested against salary delays and wants commitment from management on timely payment of their salaries besides clearing the previous dues. Jet Airways has posted loss for the last three consecutive quarters on rising fuel prices and fierce competition in the local market. Hailed by supporters as the heroic defender of Srebrenica, former Bosnian military commander Naser Oric will be handed a verdict in his war crimes case Friday, as a Sarajevo court stirs debate by putting a growing number of Bosnian Muslims on trial. Oric, 51, is celebrated by fellow Bosnian Muslims also known as Bosniaks for commanding the defence of Srebrenica, where some 8,000 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered in a 1995 massacre that was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. He is on trial in Sarajevo on charges he killed three Serb prisoners in the area at the start of the 1992-95 war, which pitted the countrys Serb, Muslim and Croat communities against each other. It is a closely-watched case in a region where few Bosnian Muslim commanders have been brought to justice for their role in the conflict. For years, perpetrators in the most serious cases were tried by the Hague-based UN tribunal set up after the 1990s conflicts in former Yugoslavia. Those judges overwhelmingly convicted Serbs in the Bosnian war: 52 in total, compared to 17 Croats and six Bosnian Muslims, according to a count by local media. But with the UN tribunal officially wound up in December 2017, local courts have been left to carry on the work. In Bosnia, that has seen prosecutors charge more Bosnian Muslims, with Oric one of the most high-profile defendants. Recently, there have been more and more war crimes charges against former members of the Bosnian army and police (mainly Bosnian Muslims), including commanders, said Erna Mackic, a Bosnian journalist specialising in war crimes cases. According to his count, a third of the 375 suspects currently facing trials in the Bosnian State court hail from Bosnian Muslim security forces. Ongoing cases include trials against two former generals, Sakib Mahmuljin and Atif Dudakovic, accused of war crimes against Serbs. Several sentences have also been handed down recently against Bosnian Muslims convicted of crimes against Serbs and Croats. A country divided The trend has not been universally applauded in Bosnia, a country where ethnic divisions remain raw. Many Bosnian Muslims view the prosecutions as an artificial attempt to balance responsiblity for the war crimes among the three communities. Bosnian Muslims suffered the worst casualties in the conflict that killed around 100,000 people. According to a study by the Research and Documentation Centre in Sarajevo, Bosnian Muslims accounted for 67 percent of the deaths, followed by Serbs (26 percent) and Croats (seven percent). Murat Tahirovic, the president of a Bosnian group for war victims, accuses Bosnian courts of abandoning the principles followed by the UN tribunal, which he says did not judge people on the ethnic basis, but on the basis of evidence. This is an attempt to bring all parties to the same level, so that we can say that we are all equally responsible for the crimes, he said. On the other hand, Croat and Serb communities have welcomed the cases as adding more nuance to historical narratives of the conflict. Dozens of investigations, trials and verdicts handed down in the last two years before the Bosnian State Court, but also before other courts, have provided a completely different testimony about the war, praised a recent editorial in Croatian newspaper Vecernji List. The president of an association of former Serbian wartime prisoners, Vinko Lale, has also called it progress in favour of Serbian victims. There are more cases and there are also big fishes being caught but at the same time, these cases are opened after 25 years, when there are no longer any quality witnesses, he said. Applause and anger Orics case is similarly divisive. In 2008 he was acquitted on appeal by the UN war crimes court on charges of not doing enough to protect Serb prisoners of war. Unhappy with the verdict, Belgrade in 2014 launched an international warrant, which eventually saw him extradited to his home country to face charges. During his first trial in Bosnia, Oric was regularly welcomed by women from Srebrenica who applauded whenever he entered the court. His acquittal in October 2017 outraged Serb victims groups. A retrial was ordered for procedural reasons and now the verdict which Oric can appeal will be delivered on Friday, though it is unlikely to satisfy all sides. Regardless of the outcome, the road to justice for all of Bosnias war-related crimes remains long. The Bosnian War Crimes Prosecutors Office has charged some 820 people, around half of whom have been convicted including those who can still appeal. But, a quarter of a century after the war, it is estimated that there are still about 5,000 suspects who have never been prosecuted. Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, a first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs. Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian delos Santos in a dank Manila alley which helped spark rare protests against the campaign. Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. Delos Santos family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016. Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. This is a light in the darkness. Despite the gruesome climate of killing and impunity in the country, this verdict sends the message that there is hope and justice, said opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros. Carlos Conde, Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects. Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: It was really bad. That was really not performance of duty. Do not commit a crime. It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms. The United Nations voiced alarm Thursday over renewed Russian air raids on Idlib, Syrias last rebel and jihadist stronghold, warning the strikes risk setting of a gigantic power keg. We are very worried for recent developments, Jan Egeland, the head of the UN Humanitarian Taskforce for Syria, told reporters. A 10-week-old Idlib truce deal hangs in the balance after an alleged chemical attack in the government-held city of Aleppo on Saturday, which triggered retaliatory raids. The exact circumstances of the attack on three districts of Aleppo remain murky and bitterly disputed. President Bashar al-Assads government has blamed fighters in neighbouring Idlib for the attack, which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said hospitalised 94 people. In his final press conference before stepping down on Friday, Egeland stressed that if a chemical attack is confirmed, it is a war crime. At the same time, he described the escalation around Idlib, and the first air raids on the area since mid-September, as very serious. Over recent days we have seen provocations and counter-provocations, exchanges of mortars and grenades We have seen increasing incursions in both directions, he said, warning that this is the worst possible kind of action in the worst possible place. It is really playing with a gigantic powder keg in the middle of three million civilians. Egeland meanwhile said he was heartened that both Turkey and Russia had insisted during Thursdays taskforce meeting that they remained committed to maintaining the U-shaped buffer zone they helped create around Idlib. During that meeting, representatives of both countries had said we still believe in this, we are still going to push it, Egeland told reporters. He applauded both for their efforts but said they could do more to ward off catastrophe in Idlib. He urged Turkey to curb the bad tendencies among armed opposition groups, and said certainly Russia can cease air raids immediately, and that is what they need to do. His comments came as negotiators from Iran, Russia and Turkey concluded a meeting in Kazakhstans capital Astana in a bid to preserve the Idlib truce. Egeland acknowledged that it was difficult to leave a post he has held for more than three years, because Syrias grinding civil war, which has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions, is not over. He said he was proud of the work of the taskforce, which was set up in early 2016 as a place where the United States, Russia and other countries could negotiate access for desperately-needed aid and civilian protection. But while he hailed the feat of providing aid to millions of people each month, he acknowledged that we failed on the protection side. Humanitarians, he said, had ended up as impotent witnesses to the violence. On Tuesday, November 27, the military court in Goma was suddenly crowded with hundreds of people officials including governor of North Kivu Julien Paluku, members of the security forces, United Nations officials, human rights activists, local residents all of whom came to listen to Tabo Ntaberi, alias Sheka, defend himself against the charges of which he is accused. The former leader of the rebel NDC, a militia active in North Kivu, eastern DRC, surrendered on July 26, 2017 to UN forces in the DRC after being put under a Congolese arrest warrant. The NDC militia, which is active in several localities of Walikale region, is accused of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, rape and looting. According to the UN, between July 30 and August 2 , 2010, the NDC militia and two other armed groups raped at least 387 women, men, girls and boys in thirteen villages in Walikale. The American organization Human Rights Watch also says it has documented at least 70 deaths of civilians killed by Shekas forces, many of whom, according to the organization, were cut to pieces with machetes. This is why the Congolese justice system is prosecuting him for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Trial adjourned At the opening of his trial, Tabo Ntaberi appeared relaxed in his black suit, sitting next to his three co-accused. But the court, which had hoped to start the case right away, did not succeed. After the identities of the defendants had been confirmed, Sheka requested a three-month postponement to select lawyers of [his] choice and reassure [himself] about the protection and security of [his] witnesses, with a view to a fair and balanced trial. The judges gave him ten days. After about three hours of hearings, the trial was adjourned. Just over a year ago, in September 2017, civil society organizations in North Kivu sent a letter to DRC President Joseph Kabila calling for prosecution of former Congolese and foreign warlords long active in this eastern part of the country. Tabo Ntaberi was on their list. We welcome and support the holding of this trial, says Edgar Mateso, vice-president of North Kivu civil society. We want Tabo Ntaberis trial to be exemplary so as to discourage other militia leaders still active in the province. It is also an opportunity for Congolese justice to restore victims rights. Hopes and fears Although it is hopeful, civil society also remains wary. The trial opens in the heat of an election campaign in the DRC, with presidential elections set for December 23. Mateso does not think this has been done deliberately for electoral purposes, otherwise it would be to scorn the suffering of the victims, he told JusticeInfo.net. And Prince Kihangi, head of the Walikale Development Studies Office (BEDEWA), is concerned that the trial opening will not necessarily signal an end to crimes in Walikale. In addition to the legal proceedings against Sheka, the State must also hunt down the militias so as to put an end to the crimes and pacify the region. When Sheka surrendered, the authorities did not make enough effort to track down his NDC militia, which remains active in Walikale, he said. And there are also a dozen other local armed groups that continue to commit crimes. So in addition to the legal proceedings against Sheka, the State must also hunt down the militias so as to put an end to the crimes and pacify the region. Biology and English GTAs earn Graduate Student Council Award for Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 MANHATTAN Two graduate students have been awarded the Graduate Student Council Award for Graduate Student Teaching Excellence, sponsored by Kansas State University's Graduate Student Council. The master's graduate teaching assistant award winner is Susanna Millsap, master's student in English, Belton, Missouri. Her adviser is Anne Longmuir, associate professor of English. The doctoral graduate teaching assistant award winner is Nick Barts, doctoral candidate in biology, Belleville, Illinois. His adviser is Michi Tobler, associate professor of biology. The Graduate Student Council Award for Graduate Student Teaching Excellence recognizes graduate teaching assistants who have excelled in classroom teaching and serve to promote awareness of the important contributions graduate students make to the scholarship of the university. Millsap and Barts will represent the university for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, or MAGS, Excellence in Teaching Award, with a winner selected at both the master's and the doctoral levels. Since the teaching award was established in 2011, Kansas State University has had six winners, the most winners of any university. "I've always been interested in helping people communicate more effectively, and teaching Expository Writing gives me the opportunity to do so in an academic setting," Millsap said. "My course places a lot of emphasis on challenging assumptions and considering multiple perspectives of the same issue skills that are often ignored in an increasingly polarized society. After practicing these soft skills inside of the classroom, my students are better able to engage in civil discourse and reasoned argumentation outside of the classroom as well." Barts said effective teachers are more than the knowledge they share with their students; they are people who support and encourage all students to succeed. "The classroom is where students begin to foster interests in topics like biology or literature, and as educators, teachers serve as a primary source of inspiration for those who become scientists, writers, artists and otherwise," Barts said. "To do this effectively, a teacher must provide the foundational knowledge those students need to understand a topic but also challenge them to think critically and question the information that is known. Not all students are capable of grasping topics as quickly as we'd like, and an effective teacher is aware of this, making time available to students and providing genuine assistance, advice and support." Both Millsap and Barts receive a $500 scholarship and their names and departments are engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed in their departments until the next awards are given. "Susanna and Nick are outstanding examples of the quality of teaching and mentoring that our graduate teaching assistants provide K-State undergraduates," said Carol Shanklin, dean of the Graduate School. "Our GTAs contribute to enhancing the undergraduate experience while gaining valuable experiences that will increase their competitiveness for future positions. I am honored that they will be representing our GTAs as K-State's nominees in the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools competition in the spring." Barts and Millsap will compete for a $750 honorarium that will be presented at the 75th annual Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools meeting, March 20-22, 2019, in St. Louis. One master's student and one doctoral student are selected for the award. The association is a regional affiliate of the Council of Graduate Schools. Its member colleges and universities are accredited institutions of higher education in the central U.S. that offer graduate programs leading to masters, specialist and doctorate degrees. As a teacher, Millsap said her role isn't to force students to learn, but rather to help them grow. "This growth looks different for each student who enters my classroom," Millsap said. "For some students who are already strong writers, the most significant takeaways from my course are the ability to think more critically and the opportunity to research a controversial issue that they have been curious about. For those who struggle to capture their thoughts on paper, my goal is for them to become more comfortable with written expression through each subsequent essay." Helping students succeed in these areas takes a variety of forms, Millsap said, from referring students back to their own notes from previous class periods, to answering weekend questions over email, to meeting with students one-on-one during writing conferences. "Learning is at the heart of becoming a great student, a great teacher and a great person, and in an educational setting, students and teachers must learn from each other to foster success," Barts said. "As an instructor, it is my goal to empower student success by first providing students with the fundamental concepts related to the course topic, encouraging the use of this knowledge to think critically about complex material and challenging students to question pre-existing information and apply what they have learned to answer questions in the field." To ensure that his students are capable of reaching these goals, Barts said he must also learn what teaching strategies work for them and adapt his teaching to ensure his students are receiving equitable opportunities for success. BJP, Cong both claim victory; turnout 2% higher than 2013; some EVMs fail to work. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh witnessed a record voter turnout of 74.61 per cent on Wednesday, around two per cent higher than that in the 2013 Assembly polls. In 2013, the state had seen voter turnout of 72.69 per cent. Madhya Pradesh chief electoral officer B.L. Kanta Rao indicated that the final polling percentage may be even around two per cent higher as the figures from some remote areas was yet to reach his office. The polling passed off peacefully, he said, denying reports of booth-capturing in some centres in the state. Not a single incident of booth-capturing has been reported from anywhere in the state, he said. The state CEO, however, admitted that some EVMs and VVPAT machines had malfunctioned during the polling in some centres. More than 1,000 faulty EVM and VVPAT machines were replaced in some booths, he added. Three polling officers died of cardiac arrest while holding polls in Indore, Dhar and Gunna districts. Both the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress on Wednesday claimed victory in the Assembly polls. MP Pradesh Congress Committee president Kamal Nath said the high voting figure clearly indicated that there was a strong undercurrent against the BJP. I was hopeful that the Congress would secure at least 140 out of the total 230 seats. But I now sense that due to the high polling, the election might have got one-sided, which may also throw an astonishing result in favour of the Congress, he told reporters here. Official reports said supporters of a candidate in Mehgaon constituency in Bhind district allegedly opened fire on a youth outside a polling booth, that caused injuries to two people. The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party candidate, Dr Rajkumar, was detained by the police for questioning over the incident. The situation inside the House later prompted the acting chairman of the legislative council, Haroon Rashid, to suspend five RJD MLCs. Patna: The Opposition parties on Wednesday disrupted the proceedings of both the Houses of the state legislature. RJD leaders said that the Opposition parties would continue to raise the issue inside the state Assembly till CM Nitish Kumar comes out with a valid reply on the state governments failure in controlling law and order situation and shelter home sexual abuse case. The situation inside the House later prompted the acting chairman of the legislative council, Haroon Rashid, to suspend five RJD MLCs. Reacting against the action, former Bihar CM Rabri Devi along with other Opposition leaders sat on a dharna in the Well of the House demanding withdrawal of suspension orders against her party MLCs. It seems that the state is at the mercy of God. The situation has become so bad that the Supreme Court had to pull the state government on issues like law and order and its failure in the shelter home sexual abuse case, Opposition leader Rabri Devi said. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had directed the CBI to take over all cases related to sexual abuse at shelter homes in Bihar. On Tuesday, the top court had slammed the Nitish Kumar-led government for its soft approach in filing cases against the accused. Besides Muzaffarpur, the CBI will now be probing incidents of sexual abuse in 16 more shelter homes of the state. Muzaffarpur was among the 110 shelter homes where more than 34 minor girls were subjected to extreme brutality and raped by officials and employees of the facility. The details of torture and sexual abuse of minor girls between 7 to 17 years at the Muzaffarpur shelter home was mentioned in the audit report of Mumbai based Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The report was handed over to the social welfare department in March but FIR in connection with the case was registered on May 31. Eleven persons including Brajesh Thakur, the administrator of the NGO that was in agreement with the social welfare department to run the Muzaffarpur shelter home was arrested in connection with the case. The case was handed over to the CBI in July after opposition parties started blaming NDA leaders of interfering into the police probe to save influential people involved in the case. Speaking on the issue RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, Everything is out in the open now. Innocent children were subjected to brutality in the state-run shelter homes of Bihar but the state government instead of initiating strict action has been trying to save people involved in the case. Two-day rally will be one of largest congregations of farmers in Delhi, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee claimed on Wed. This march would be the second major farmers protest in two months in the national capital. (Photo: ANI |Twitter) New Delhi: Hoping to make themselves heard in the power centre of the nation, thousands of farmers from across the country began converging here on Thursday for a two-day march to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers, who will march to Ramlila Ground on Thursday and to Parliament Street on Friday, came from different corners of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. They will march to Ramlila Ground on four different routes starting at the Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and at Sabzi Mandi, their leaders said. Though many came in trains, those from Delhi and nearby Punjab and Haryana started collecting around 10.30 am. The marchers will gather at Ramlila Ground in the heart of the city by evening, farmer organisations said, expecting a crowd of about one lakh. Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they will start marching in groups to Ramlila Maidan. "We hope by 3 pm, farmers from across the country will arrive at Ramlila Ground," she said. The two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi, the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) claimed on Wednesday. The AIKSCC, which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, said a cultural programme would be held at Ramlila Ground on Thursday where prominent singers and poets from rural India would perform. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left affiliated farmers' bodies in June 2017, after protests by farmers in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices Police said they have made elaborate arrangements for the rally on Friday, when the farmers will begin their march from Ramlila Ground to Parliament Street. The farmers threw traffic out of gear in many parts of the city. Support for the farmers poured in with activists taking to Twitter to ask the general public to join the march. "Women farmers greet us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan!," tweeted political activist Yogendra Yadav. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with farmers. "Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Let's stand in solidarity with them," he said. Jamun Thakur, a farmer from Parri village of Bihar's Darbhanga district, said he arrived in the city at 8 am Thursday with over 2,000 farmers mostly associated with AIKS. They started their journey on the Bihar Samprakranti Express on Wednesday morning. "We grow paddy and maize. But over the years, we have been facing losses due flood and drought like situation. We demand that the government must do something for us. The Nitish Kumar government has done nothing for us. We had hopes from the Modi government but he too betrayed us," said Thakur. Pakistan must stop sponsoring terror first, says Sushma Swaraj. New Delhi: India on Wednesday lashed out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for raising the Kashmir issue at the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor, while external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated that there cannnot be any dialogue with Pakistan as long as it supports terrorism, making it clear that India will not attend the Saarc summit in Islamabad. In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry said it was deeply regrettable that Mr Khan chose to politicise the pious occasion by an unwarranted reference to Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. Instead, India said, Pakistan should act against the terrorism being perpetrated from its soil. Emphasising that the Kartarpur Corridor project between the two countries will not lead to talks unless Pakistan stops sponsoring terror, India rejected the possibility of both a bilateral dialogue with Pakistan and the proposed move to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Saarc summit that it wants to host in Islamabad. Ms Swaraj said: Unless and until Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, there will be no dialogue and we will not participate in Saarc. On Tuesday Pakistan had said it intended to invite Mr Modi whenever the Saarc summit is held there. On Wednesday, at the ground-breaking ceremony to build the corridor on the Pakistani side for Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara, the Pakistan PM said: We have just one problem, Kashmir. If man can walk on the moon, what problems are there that we cannot resolve? We only need determined leadership on both sides. Indias ministry of external affairs hit back, saying, It is deeply regrettable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan chose to politicise the pious occasion meant to realise the long pending demand of the Sikh community to develop a Kartarpur corridor by making unwarranted reference to Jammu & Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India. Pakistan is reminded that it must fulfil its international obligations and take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and all kind of support to cross border terrorism from territories under its control. The Pakistani government had invited Ms Swaraj for the ceremony but she declined citing prior commitments but wrote back saying two Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri (both of whom are Sikhs) would represent the Indian government. India had in September reiterated that the situation was not conducive to holding a Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit, following which Pakistan had launched a sharp and barely-veiled attack on India. Ms Swaraj had conveyed New Delhis view at an informal meeting of the Saarc council of ministers in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, pointing out that terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region and that it is necessary that we end the ecosystem of its support. In retaliation, Pakistan accused one country of holding the people of South Asia hostage and trying to scuttle the Saarc process. Saarc has virtually been in cold storage due to Indo-Pak tensions. The 19th Saarc Summit, which was to take place in Islamabad in 2016, was indefinitely postponed after India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, among others, pulled out of the event. India had cited cross-border terrorism, specifically Pathankot and Uri terror attacks, as the reason for pulling out of the summit. Saarc member countries are India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives. Currently, the LJP has six MPs from Bihar including party president Ram Vilas Paswan who serves as a minister in the Modi Government. New Delhi: The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, on Wednesday said it will not accept any dishonourable seat sharing arrangement in Bihar for Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at the LJPs 19th Founday Day function here, Parliamentary Board chairman of the party Chirag Paswan said that with the JD(U) joining the alliance this time, the BJP being the biggest partner will have to make more adjustments for its allies. He said that the seat sharing formula for Bihar will be out soon and rejected conjectures that LJP may be allotted less seats in Bihar as compared to 2014. The BJP president had talked of honourable agreement. I will not accept any number(of seats) that is dishonourable for Lok Janshakti Party, Mr Paswan told reporters. Currently, the LJP has six MPs from Bihar including party president Ram Vilas Paswan who serves as a minister in the Modi Government. The party was allotted seven seats out of 40 in Bihar by the NDA. The formula of seat sharing in Bihar will be out soon. The BJP being the largest partner of the NDA will have to make more adjustments for its partners, he said. On sulking RLSP chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwahas remarks over seat sharing in Bihar, Paswan said he failed to understand his resentment. I fail to understand Kushwahas resentment. He brought the seat sharing discussions in public domain which is wrong. He is trying to ride two boats by holding talks with opposition leaders while being in the NDA. I just hope he decides to fight 2019 polls as NDA constituent, he said. LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan said his son Chirag Paswan is representing the party in the talks over seat sharing. All his decisions are to be considered as decisions made by the LJP president, he said. Ram Vilas Paswan, who became an MLA in 1969, will complete 50 years in politics in 2019. India was represented by Union ministers Harsimrat and Hardeep Singh Puri. Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu also attended the ceremony. Kartarpur: The mistrust between India and Pakistan can be removed through revisiting the message of peace and love, Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said on Wednesday at the foundation stone laying ceremony for a corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistans Kartarpur to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indias Gurdaspur district. Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the corridor to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims from both the sides. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. India was represented by Union ministers Harsimrat and Hardeep Singh Puri. Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu also attended the ceremony. If the Berlin Wall can fall, then the mistrust between two neighbourly countries, India and Pakistan, can also be removed through revisiting the message of peace and love spread by Guru Nanak, Ms Harsimrat said. Guru Nanak spent his last years on the other side of the border, just four kilometres away, she said, adding that at times the chanting of devotees can be heard on the Indian side of the border. Guru Nanak spent 18 years of his life at Kartarpur & spread his message of peace and love. Today is historic not just for the Sikh community, but for the people and the Governments of India and Pakistan, an emotional Harsimrat said. We have been so close, but so far for 70 years. Scores of Sikhs are on this journey for the first time today. I have no friends, no relatives here (in Pakistan). I never thought I would be here, she added. When we laid the foundation stone (for the corridor) in Indian Punjab, I saw the corridor becoming a reality there and now I am seeing it here. Today this corridor will bring everyone together ... It will bring joy and peace to both countries. I beseech you ... To issue postage stamps or coins to commemorate Guru Nanak, she said. Ashland, Ore -- The Ashland Police Department says they "Mistakenly" arrested and African American man earlier this week. They have not relased the name of that 20 year old man at this time. On Monday November 26th, APD officers arrested the man after a reported incident on Siskiyou Boulevard. Officers responded to a complaint of physical harassment at store, and the complainant described the suspect as an "African American male wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt". Police then stopped a man matching that description, arrested him and took him to the Jackson County Jail. After an investigation cleared the man from the incident, he was released at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning. The District Attorney's office is making sure no charges will be filed against the man. Chief Tighe O'Meara says that he apologized to the 20 year old's father. Ashland Police Department is now conducting an investigation into how this man was misidentified. APD released this statement in regard to the investigation: "At this time it appears that the officers involved did not take crucial investigatory steps, subsequent to detaining the man, to verify that he was, in fact, the person wanted for the harassment. There is no indication that the officers were intentionally negligent in their arrest of the man, however, the police department and the City recognize this as a police department failure.". JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. -- Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are asking for the publics help in finding who is responsible for shooting a bull elk on the evening of Friday, November 16, 2018 in Jackson County. A preliminary investigation revealed that the elk was shot and partially cut up off of South Fork Little Butte Creek Road about 2 miles from Lake Creek. Right now police are looking for a dark colored SUV that was seen in the area around 9:15pm on that evening after rifle shots were heard. In addition to the reward money from the TIP program the Cascade Ranch has offered an additional $500.00 reward and the Rogue Valley Oregon Hunter's Association chapter is offering an additional $1,000.00. Anyone with information about this or any other vehicles or individuals seen in the area around that time is asked to call OSP Sergeant Jim Collom at (541)841-0416 or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (677). GRANTS PASS, ORE,-- Britt Festival Music director, Teddy Abrams has been traveling around Southern Oregon visiting local high school bands. Abrams says these visits are important not only for getting the word out about the annual Britt Festival, but also about connecting with young musicians and their passion for music. I love to make these visits because what we're really doing here is finding not just the audiences of the future, but also but members of future orchestras and there's nothing as important as music education," says Abrams. He says that the Britt Festival is all about bring the community together through music and that often starts at a younger age. "Music is one of the few subjects that you're going to have the relationship with your entire life, very few people stop listening to music after high school. Music education often times is treated like it's not as important as other subjects, but one of the great things about Southern Oregon is that we actually have very strong music programs. He says that by going to local high schools, the Britt Festival Orchestra is able to show their support for other local musicians and enthusiasts. Abrams says, "When I went to orchestra, that was my world there and I felt like I belonged, so when I see that happening it gives me so much satisfaction and it's so inspiring. Abrams will visit 4 different high schools around the Rogue Valley and will help conduct a music class at each one to connect with kids and give them some advice on the pieces they are currently playing. The ISI is believed to be trying its level best to re-ignite the terror campaign by using the cloak of attempts to woo Sikh pilgrims. The announcement came on the day when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the ground-breaking ceremony to build a corridor on the Pakistani side from the border to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara for Sikh pilgrims. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: The cat is finally out of the bag. Confirming Indias worst fears about Indian Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan being subjected to pro-Khalistan propaganda to spread trouble in Punjab, the US-based pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on Wednesday announced that it would hold a pro-Khalistan convention in Pakistan in November next year at Kartarpur Sahib and sponsor 10,000 Sikh pilgrims from Punjab to attend it. The SFJ said the pilgrims would be briefed about attempts to break Punjab away from India. The SFJ is widely believed to be a stooge of Pakistans spy agency ISI which has been involved in attempts to ignite terrorism once again in Punjab. The announcement is bound to ring alarm bells in the Indian security establishment particularly since the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs Guru Nanak will be celebrated at Kartarpur Sahib next November for which thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India are expected to visit Pakistan. Guru Nanak had spent the last years of his life in the 16th century at Kartarpur Sahib. Indian security agencies have pointed out that the Pakistani ISI is trying to radicalise Sikh pilgrims and recruit them for the Khalistan cause, hoping that they will spread mayhem when they return. The announcement came on the day when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the ground-breaking ceremony to build a corridor on the Pakistani side from the border to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara for Sikh pilgrims. India is building a similar corridor on its territory up to the border. The pro-Khalistan SFJ said they would brief Sikh pilgrims to be sponsored by them on the modalities of the (so-called) 2020 referendum, widely believed to be a ISI-sponsored campaign to get Punjab to break away from India. It may be recalled that the terrorist Khalistan movement that rocked Punjab in the 1980s and early 1990s was finally smashed by the Punjab Police by 1994. The ISI is believed to be trying its level best to re-ignite the terror campaign by using the cloak of attempts to woo Sikh pilgrims. 317 Shares Share In a previous post on LGBTQ care, Dr. Carlene MacMillan called attention to the importance of respecting patients pronouns. As she points out, discrepancies between patients chosen names/pronouns and gender markers on official documents can pose real challenges to providing patient-centered care. Even if health care providers know their patients self-determined identities, electronic health records and insurance claims can still betray them. The issue of compassionate and competent care for LGBTQ patients especially transgender patients continues to be a relevant issue. According to a recent report from the New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a regressive definition of gender that would roll back federal recognition and protections of the estimated 1.4 million trans people in the U.S. The new definition of gender would be binary (male or female) and based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth. This interpretation of gender is not only wrong but also inhumane. It would effectively deny the existence of many trans and non-binary people. As a public health student and queer non-binary person, I recognize the need for structural change to improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ people. This group is disproportionately burdened by poverty, social isolation, mental health problems, and substance abuse, among other health-related issues. Discriminatory policies and everyday acts of exclusion and violence against LGBTQ people, especially towards trans individuals, give rise to or exacerbate many health issues. In health care settings, bias, disrespect and providers lack of knowledge on LGBTQ issues prevent many trans and queer people from seeking care. From street harassment to the denial of gender-affirming health care, many LGBTQ people struggle for their right to live healthy and fulfilling lives. To improve health care for queer and trans communities, we must take systemic action across institutions. One such action is harnessing the power of data, specifically on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). To solve a problem, we must know the problem. SOGI data would give health care providers and policymakers better insight into the diverse attributes and needs of LGBTQ communities. Despite the LGBTQ umbrella term that is meant to unite people with marginalized sexualities and genders, subgroups have different health concerns and outcomes. These health issues and outcomes are further stratified by race, age, socioeconomic status, etc. LGBTQ health is not a monolith, and gathering data on LGBTQ individuals will illuminate important cross-group differences (and similarities). Furthermore, data could aid in the allocation of government resources to communities most impacted by health disparities. However, SOGI data, by and large, are not collected in state or national surveys, making it challenging to count the number of LGBTQ Americans and assess their health needs. Several national health surveys have begun collecting SOGI data in the last decade. But the status of this data collection remains fraught as the Trump administration stalls plans to add SOGI questions to the 2020 Census. As David Stacy, government affairs director for Human Rights Campaign, said: If you are not counted, you dont count. Without SOGI data, LGBTQ people face continued erasure of our social, political, economic and health needs. Improving care for queer and trans people also means improving the medical education system. Medical institutions are not immune to the idealization of heterosexual and cisgender people in dominant culture. Thus, it is important to train future physicians and health care providers to be advocates for their LGBTQ patients, who already deal with stigma and discrimination outside of the clinic. However, little time is dedicated to LGBTQ health competencies in medical education. According to a survey of 132 medical schools in the United States and Canada, the median amount of time spent on LGBTQ-health related content totaled to only five hours. Of these schools, 83 schools taught half of the LGBTQ curriculum defined as essential. Only 11 schools covered the entirety of essential curriculum. To improve health care for LGBTQ patients, medical schools must commit to institutional transformation of what is taught and thus what are considered important clinical competencies. Reforming medical education should be a priority in improving LGBTQ health care. In accordance with the humanist ethics of the medical profession, medical education should help students develop the knowledge and skills to work compassionately with and for their LGBTQ patients. Using guidelines and best practices from the Association of American Medical Colleges to implement curricular and institutional climate changes, medical schools can implement and/or strengthen their curricula with LGBTQ health-related topics (e.g., transgender care, trauma and resilience, disparities in mental health and legal and ethical issues affecting this community). It is also crucial for future health professionals to learn how to communicate sensitively and effectively with LGBTQ patients. This can be achieved through skills-based training and hearing from queer and trans community members themselves. It is essential that medical education bolsters students technical and interpersonal understandings of health across a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Last but not least, we cannot improve health care for LGBTQ patients without buy-in from health care organizations. The mission, vision and values of health clinics should reflect a commitment to social justice. From organizational behavior to leadership and governance, health care organizations must champion equity in all levels of their operations. Making organizational policy transparent is especially important if health care facilities wish to promote LGBTQ equity. The National LGBT Health Education Center recommends including the terms sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in nondiscrimination and employment policies. Additionally, clinics can and should collect SOGI data if they do not already. This information allows providers to get to know their patients better and provide appropriate services. Intake forms and social history questions should reflect the diversity of LGBTQ people and their families. Health care organizations can also commit to improving LGBTQ health care through other avenues, such as the recruitment and retention of LGBTQ leadership, internal cultural/structural competency training and ensuring the physical environment is welcoming towards all people (e.g., gender-neutral bathrooms). In addition to data collection and medical education, organizational policy and management can provide important tools to improve health care for LGBTQ people. Michelle Chen is a public health student. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Click here for updates on this story Gobles, MI (WXMI) -- Before the packing began, Dan Wahmhoff stood in the snow in his coat and hoodie and thanked dozens of volunteers for coming to Wahmhoff Farm Nursery Monday morning. They too were bundled in hats, scarves and gloves, ready to lift close to 600 Christmas trees. Folks like yourself coming here to volunteer your time in this kind of weather, its just so great, Wahmhoff said to the crowd. I think we all appreciate our troops. After a quick prayer, they were off to work. As part of the annual Trees for Troops event at Wahmhoff Farms, volunteers lifted tightly-bound, five-foot pine and fir trees and placed them on conveyor belts that fed into two FedEx trucks. Volunteers inside the trucks then stacked the trees. Its an event weve been doing since 2005, Wahmhoff said. Were just one of the participants. We happen to be a centrally-located farm. So, other farms bring their trees here. Farms in Allegan County and in the Lansing area were among the seven farms that donated trees to the event at the Wahmhoff site, he said. A similar loading and packing event was going on in Manton at the same time. All the trees were packed for military families the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Its a big deal to me to be able to contribute back, to give them something positive for their Christmas time, Wahmhoff said. I know a lot of them are sacrificing it, away from their families, or the families are by themselves. Veteran Pete Matthews said he remembered his first holiday season away from his family. It was 1961, and he was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard at the time. Being a young person, first time really a long way from home, its good and its bad, Matthews said. I spent Christmases in the North Atlantic, Thanksgiving at sea, where you got processed turkey. However, for the families at Camp Lejeune, they'll be getting Christmas trees on Thursday, November 29. The volunteers finished loading both trucks within an hour. Once they were done, the trucks began their 890-mile trek south, all travel expenses covered by FedEx. Its a nice little touch to give them a feeling of home, Wahmhoff said. Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. EUGENE, Ore. -- There's a new scam targeting your email account. KEZI 9 News talked to Dawn Johnson with the Better Business Bureau to learn more. "It's an email that says it's coming from FedEx, and it says they are not able to make your delivery," Johnson said. "Then inside the email, it has an embedded link that it wants you to click on. Don't click on this link. Delete the email right away. If you want to check on the status of the shipment, go directly to FedEx's website and put in your tracking number." Clicking that link will open up your computer to scammers. "Absolutely. That's how your computer or your device gets infected with malware," Johnson said. Another scam we see this time of year, which isn't exclusive to the holidays, is online fundraising fraud. Currently we're seeing a lot of fundraisers on GoFundMe and similar sites for wildfire victims in California, and it's easy for people to get scammed into thinking they're donating to a good cause when that might not be the case. "We see time and time again these scammers like to play at your heartstrings," Johnson said. "They like to pull on those heartstrings when you're in an emotional state and you're wanting to do good. Make sure that you know who the organizer is of that GoFundMe page. Reach out to them and ask them for additional details. If they're not forthright with those details, that could be a red flag that this could be a scam." The top court also asked the CBI to keep a record of all transfers made after Verma was divested of his duties. New Delhi: Challenging the governments decision to divest him of all his duties, CBI director Alok Verma on Thursday told the Supreme Court that he was appointed for a fixed tenure of two years and cannot even be transferred. The government countered by saying that Mr Vermas plea is irrelevant as he continues to be the probe agencys chief and enjoys all privileges of the post despite being sent on leave. Mr Verma sought a stay on the Centres order and pressed for the strict implementation of a 1997 judgment of the top court that fixed a two-year tenure for CBI chief. However, during the hearing, the apex court made it clear that it was not going into the allegations and counter allegations. We are only testing the issue as pure question of law, said a bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, fixing December 5 as the next date of hearing. The top court also asked the CBI to keep a record of all transfers made after Mr Verma was divested of his duties. Mr Vermas counsel and senior advocate Fali S. Nariman said that the CBI director was appointed on February 1, 2017, and the position of law is that there will be a fixed tenure of two years and this gentleman cannot be even transferred. In his submission before the bench, also comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and K.M. Joseph, Mr Nariman said that there was no basis for the Central Vigilance Commission to pass an order on October 26 recommending that Mr Verma be sent on leave. There has to be strict interpretation of the Vineet Narain judgment. This is not the transfer and Mr Verma has been denuded of his power and duties. Otherwise there was no use of the Narain judgment and the law, Mr Nariman said. The Vineet Narain decision, delivered by the apex court in 1997, relates to the investigation of allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials in India. Before 1997, the tenure of the CBI directors was not fixed and they could be removed by the government any time. But the apex court in the Vineet Narain judgment fixed a tenure of a minimum of two years for CBI director to allow the officer to work with independence. Mr Nariman referred to the terms and conditions of appointment and removal of the CBI director and provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. Attorney-general K.K. Venugopal opposed the plea of Mr Verma and others that the government should have gone back to the selection panel for divesting the CBI director of his duties and sending him on leave. Suggesting that no guidelines had been ignored by the government, Mr Venugopal told the court that Mr Verma is in Delhi living in the same house and, hence, there is nothing to construe that he has been transferred. Mr Verma continues to hold the status of director, and enjoys all privileges and benefits of the post till date, the AG told the bench which adjourned the hearing for December 5. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress), said that the CVC and the government cannot override DSPE provisions which make it mandatory to consult the appointment panel before transfer of CBI chief mid-tenure. BEND, Ore. -- A man accused of leaving his 1-year-old son in the woods was arrested Wednesday morning after failing to appear in court earlier this month, the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies said Brandon Blouin, 25, was arrested at a motel in Bend around 11:15 and was taken to the Deschutes County Jail. Sheriff's detectives said they received an anonymous tip and worked with the Bend Police Department to set up surveillance at the Motel 6, 201 NE 3rd Street. RELATED: DESCHUTES DEPUTIES LOCATE MISSING BOY The sheriffs office said Blouin had a knife, resulting in a charge of felon in possession of a weapon. He also faces charges of abandonment of a child, child neglect, endangering the welfare of a minor, criminal mistreatment and felon in possession of body armor. Back in May, deputies responded to forest land off China Hat Road after receiving a report that Blouin came out of the woods and asked for law enforcement. Detectives learned 1-year-old Bradley Michael Thomas was missing and found the boy alive during a search of the area. Blouin said that he, an 18-year-old woman and their son had been staying in a vehicle in the area. He reported that the woman walked away, and after waiting for her to return, Blouin took the child with him in search of the woman. During the search, he said he set Thomas down in the forest and left him. Blouin is believed to have been under the influence of a controlled substance at the time. Authorities said Blouin and the child's mother took the boy from his legal guardian in West Virginia. EUGENE, Ore. -- Veterinarians in our area are sounding the alarm after more dogs have gotten sick from accidentally eating marijuana. Dr. Sarah Yamada, an associate veterinarian at the Veterinary Hospital in Eugene, said dogs consuming marijuana or edibles is a growing concern and shouldn't be taken lightly. "I think it's becoming more common. With marijuana becoming legalized in Oregon, more and more people are using it recreationally and people are making more edibles with it particularly, and that's where dogs tend to get the ingestion from it," Yamada said. She said her hospital sees a couple of cases of dogs consuming marijuana every month. But emergency clinics throughout the area see it on a regular basis, with two to three cases a day. Yamada said if owners don't take action after their pet consumes marijuana, it could be in their system for up to 48 hours and could possibly lead to a coma or even death. But Yamada said there are certain signs owners can look for if their dog gets a taste of their marijuana. "Drunken walking and dribbling urine, and sometimes if a dog is pretty affected, they'll start staring off or bobbing their head or just being really reactive when you get into their face, they'll kind of do that sort of thing," Yamada said. Yamada said you shouldn't hesitate to take your dogs or pets to the emergency clinics or veterinary hospitals if you have any concerns. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) No new government programs, including the Universal Health Care program, could be implemented if Congress fails to pass the 2019 budget before the year ends. "We cannot implement the new programs not unless we are able to pass the 2019 budget. So that will be the implications of having a reenacted budget," Senator JV Ejercito told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday. The House passed the 3.757-trillion 2019 budget last week, while the Senate would try its best to pass the budget before the year ends, as requested by the Malacanang. The Senate would have to cram budget deliberations within the remaining six session days before Congress goes on a break for the holidays. They plan to ratify the budget bill by Dec. 13 and have it signed by President Rodrigo Duterte before the end of 2018. "We have to defend, prepare committee reports, we're only five vice chairs of the Committee on Finance," Ejercito said. "That would be quite a task in two weeks time. It's quite impossible, but we will do our best." If Congress fails to pass it before the year ends, the budget would be re-enacted, which means that the 2018 budget would repeat for next year, including all projects itemized for this year. READ: The struggle for the 2019 national budget While House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya said a re-enacted budget is nothing to fear, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno has warned that repeating the 2018 budget for next year would lead to a five-month delay in the implementation of new projects. Ejercito said that among the new projects which could be delayed is the UHC program, which hurdled Wednesday through a bicameral conference committee. Under the UHC program, all Filipinos would be automatically insured through the national health insurance or PhilHealth. While the illnesses to be covered by the program would still be determined by a panel of experts established by the UHC program, Ejercito said Filipinos may use the program to avail of free check-ups. "People might think [getting check-ups] is very expensive but I guess we would save a lot. We want to prevent people from getting serious illness," Ejercito said. Under the proposed law, 35 percent of Filipinos would continue paying PhilHealth premiums, while the rest, including indigents, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, would not need to pay contributions. Those earning ?10,000 or less in a month also do not need to pay contributions. The bill increases PhilHealth premiums from 200 to 875 a month to 2.75 percent of their monthly salary for those earning between 10,000 and 50,000. However, they would not need to contribute for the first year of the law's implementation. Meanwhile, Filipinos who earn more than 50,000 monthly would only have to pay 1,375 a month or 2.75 percent of 50,000. Contributing PhilHealth members would be given incentives, Ejercito said. He said the UHC program would be funded by collections from tobacco tax, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Aside from giving all Filipinos health insurance, the UHC program also seeks to create more barangay health stations which would serve as primary care units and deploy more doctors and other health service staff. "Hopefully, the President would be able to sign it before Christmas. That's the target, hoping that this would be a good Christmas gift for Filipinos," Ejercito said. After both chambers of Congress ratifies the bicameral conference committee report on the UHC bill, it would be sent to Duterte for his signature. Ejercito said concerned agencies have 180 days after the law's enactment to draft implementing rules and regulations which would further detail how the program would be enforced. The farmers are also demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss issues relating to agrarian distress across the country. Farmers arrive for a two-day rally to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce, in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: Biplab Banerjee) New Delhi: Tens of thousands of farmers converged in the national capital on Thursday for a two-day protest, including a march to Parliament to press their demands, that includes debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. The farmers are also demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss issues relating to agrarian distress across the country. The farmers arrived in Delhi from all parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. They marched to Ramlila Maidan on Thursday from four corners of the city the Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and Sabzi Mandi. Under the banner of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers came in trains and others packed into buses and other modes of transport. A senior farmers leader said the marchers would gather at Ramlila Maidan where a crowd of about one lakh was expected. The marchers included around 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide. The group from Tamil Nadu threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to proceed to Parliament on Friday. Last year, the group had staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves due to farm losses. The AIKSCC is being supported by many organisations like Yogendra Yadavs Swaraj Abhiyan, and top rural journalist P. Sainath, who has called the movement as Nation for Farmers. Women farmers greeted us this morning from Bijwasan as they are all set to embark on #KisanMuktiMarch. Join us even if you are not a farmer. Join the hands that toil to feed us. Jai Kisan! Mr Yadav tweeted. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted in solidarity with the farmers. Over 3L farmers have committed suicide in India in last 15 yrs, due to successive govts betraying them. Tomorrow 1 lakh farmers from across the country are marching to Delhi to ask for fair prices & freedom from debt. Lets stand in solidarity with them, he said. During a mega Kisan Rally led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union on October 2, thousands of protestors were stopped by the police at Delhi Gate, at the juncture of Noida-Ghaziabad-Delhi. They were only allowed after midnight to march to Kisan Ghat, the memorial of former Prime Minister Charan Singh in the national capital. Sources said Congress president Rahul Gandhi might be among the top Opposition leaders who will put forward their proposals on how their parties will address agrarian distress and issues plaguing the farming community, if voted to power in 2019, at the mega farmers rally on November 30. All political parties opposed to the BJP have been invited by the organisers of the November 29-30 farmers rally to announce promises they intend to make to save agriculture in their manifestoes for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, All India Kisan Mahasabha general secretary Hannan Mollah said. The AIKS, along with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and All India Agricultural Workers Union, are the main organisers of the event. Mr Mollah said invitations have been sent to all political parties except the BJP. We have asked parties to only send their top leaders, whose words carry weight, he added. AIKS sources said on Thursday, four separate groups will march to Ramlila Maidan from Delhis Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, Majnu Ka Tila and Bijwasan areas. On Friday, there will be a march to Parliament House under the banner of Nation for Farmers, in which besides nearly one lakh farmers, ex-servicemen and youth organisations are also likely to participate. The chief demand would be that the government call a special session of Parliament to address farmers issues. A man and his girlfriend sued the state of Hawaii, saying the false missile alert debacle earlier this year caused him to have a heart attack. James Sean Shields and Brenda Reichel filed the suit Tuesday. In addition to the state, Vern Miyagi, former head of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, is named as a defendant. Shields and Reichel say they were driving to the beach on January 13 when they received alerts on their cell phones that a missile was headed toward Hawaii and that they needed to find shelter. "Both plaintiffs believed this message to be true and were extremely frightened and thought they were shortly going to die," the lawsuit reads. "They decided that there was not much they could do to protect themselves from this threat and decided that if they were going to die, they might as well die together on the beach." Reichel then got a call from her son, who serves in the Hawaii Army National Guard. He told her the threat was real, heightening their fears even more. Minutes later, they arrived at the beach and began calling loved ones, saying their goodbyes. Right after Shields called his son and daughter who live on the US mainland, he said he started to feel "a severe and painful burning" in his chest. He went to a hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest. A doctor performed CPR, and Shields then underwent emergency surgery. The damage to Shields' heart since the heart attack has been confirmed by several tests, the lawsuit says. First a scare, then a heart attack A California doctor pinned the blame for the medical emergency squarely on the false missile alert. "In my opinion, the warning there was an imminent missile attack about to hit Hawaii was a substantial contributing factor in causing the heart attack and cardiac arrest," John S. MacGregor, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the San Francisco School of Medicine, said in the lawsuit. "Mr. Shields had no known cardiac disease. Within 15 minutes of learning of the impending missile attack, Mr. Shields had developed symptoms of an acute myocardial infraction. Shortly after that, he experienced a cardiac arrest." By the time Shields and Reichel had reached the hospital, the state had already sent out a second message to phones in Hawaii 38 minutes after the initial alert saying it was a false alarm. But the couple didn't see it, the lawsuit says, because they were too busy dealing with Shields' heath emergency. The Hawaii attorney general's office is reviewing the lawsuit, said special assistant Krishna F. Jayaram. The false missile alert caused a mass panic in Hawaii back in January, during a time of heightened rhetoric between the US and North Korea. The alert was sent out during an emergency drill by a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency worker who mistakenly thought the drill was the real thing. An internal investigation found "that insufficient management controls, poor computer software design and human factors contributed" to the alert and the delayed correction message. Miyagi later resigned, and the probe into the debacle produced two dozen recommendations, including eliminating practice drills during a shift change, stronger confirmation prompts for those sending an alert and improved training. The British lawmaker who seized a cache of confidential Facebook documents says he could make them public within a week. Damian Collins, the chairman of a British parliamentary committee investigating disinformation, told reporters he would release the documents once they had been reviewed and stripped of personal data. "I can't give you an exact date, but I would hope we would be in a position to publish them very soon," he said Tuesday. "Certainly within the next week or so, that would be my hope." Facebook (FB) has fought for months to keep the documents private. They are part of a court case in California between Facebook and a small app developer. Collins was able to obtain copies of the documents just days before his committee was joined by lawmakers from eight other countries for an unusual hearing related to Facebook and disinformation in London on Tuesday. The inaugural hearing of the "International Grand Committee on Disinformation" was attended by lawmakers from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Latvia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Much of the discussion focused on the absence of one star witness. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was repeatedly asked to attend, but the tech company has instead dispatched one of his deputies. The committee left an open seat for the CEO on Tuesday, complete with a nameplate. The lawmakers questioned Richard Allan, a former member of the House of Commons and the company's vice president of public policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Charlie Angus, a lawmaker from Canada, opened the hearing with a broadside. "We've never seen anything quite like Facebook, where while we were playing on our phones and apps, our democratic institutions ... seem to have been upended by frat boy billionaires from California," he said. Facebook documents Collins, who had claimed the legal authority to publish the Facebook documents ahead of the hearing, did not act on that threat. The documents are under court seal in the United States. Facebook wrote to Collins over the weekend asking him to consider hearing from the US court before making the documents public. Collins wrote in a response that he had the power to publish the documents, which were seized from the owner of the app developer while he was visiting London. But he said Tuesday he would not release the documents during the hearing. "We are going through the documents we have received," he told reporters when asked why he had not published them. "You probably understand there is a very large number of them." "It is not a lack of desire on our part to publish them, I can promise you that," he added. Members of parliament have certain legal immunities when conducting official proceedings. This protection from prosecution ensures freedom of speech, including documents and reports published as part of parliamentary proceedings. Collins did, however, question Allan during the hearing about one email included in the document trove that was written by a Facebook engineer. He said that the email, written in 2014, warned that entities with Russian IP addresses were collecting billions of Facebook data points a day through Pinterest. Allan did not address the alleged incident directly, but he told Collins that "the information you have seen is at best partial and at worst potentially misleading." Facebook told CNN Business that "the engineers who had flagged these initial concerns subsequently looked into this further and found no evidence of specific Russian activity." Later on Tuesday, Facebook released a copy of the email chain with the engineer's warning. The full chain showed that the engineer appears to have been mistaken. In a statement, Facebook said, "We looked into this at the time and determined that the calls to the API [Facebook system] were all legitimate API calls from Pinterest and not from Russia. We also determined the volume of actual calls to be around 6m and that the suggestion of billions was inaccurate." It is not clear if the committee had access to the entire chain or just the emails in which the engineer initially raised the false alarm. CNN has asked the committee to clarify. Pinterest told CNN earlier in the day that it was investigating and had contacted Facebook. Pinterest later pointed CNN to Facebook's statement. Facebook has endured a year of negative headlines about fake news, election meddling and privacy concerns. Zuckerberg pushed back on some of the unrelenting critical coverage last week in an interview with CNN Business. Allan, a member of the House of Lords, said he was responsible for the decision for Zuckerberg not to attend the hearing. Asked how that looked for a member of parliament, he said: "Not great, I guess is the answer." Other people's vacation videos can be painfully dull. Chris Gursky's is painfully terrifying -- best watched while peeking through your fingers. Gursky, an American, was on his first day of a vacation in Switzerland when he decided to take a tandem hang gliding ride over the Alpine scenery. Unfortunately, he says, the hang gliding instructor failed to attach his safety harness. As soon as the hang glider left the ground, Gursky was left clinging on with his bare hands, desperately trying not to fall as the ground dropped away beneath them. What follows is some of the scariest moments ever caught on camera as Gursky hangs on for dear life while his instructor battles air currents pushing them upwards and tries to wrestle the glider to the ground. "I looked down once and I thought to myself, so this is it I'm going to fall to my death," Gursky told ABC's Good Morning America. "I'm a goner." Hard landing Nearly four minutes later, the hang glider came near enough to the ground for Gursky to let go, allowing the instructor to touch down safely nearby. It wasn't a soft landing. "By the time we hit the ground, or I hit the ground, I would say we were going about 25 miles an hour," Gursky added. Gursky says he fractured his right wrist and tore a tendon, requiring surgery and metal pins to put it back together. He says his pilot "did all he could to get me down to the ground." Despite everything, he wants to hang glide again. The video of his flight, a viral sensation via YouTube, is enough to put everyone else off for good. WAVERLY, Iowa Two men have been charged for multiple burglaries in Bremer County. T he Sheriffs Office says it got reports from October 5 to October 25 of items stolen out of vehicles and two garage break-ins in rural areas between Waverly and Denver. Benjamin Schiel, 36 of Tripoli, was arrested Tuesday by the Tripoli Police Department for these crimes. He is charged with four counts of 3rd degree burglary, two counts of 3rd degree theft, and two counts of 5th degree theft. He was booked into the Bremer County Jail on $5,500 bond. Arrest warrants for these crimes have also been issued for Chad Lindquist, 46 of North Liberty. He is currently being held in the Winneshiek County Jail for an unrelated offense. ROCHESTER, Minn. Constituents in Rochester want to meet with their Congressman-elect, Republican Jim Hagedorn, to talk about conerns they have on some of his views. In a letter, the group CIDI is asking for an in-person meeting with Hagedorn to talk about his stances on Muslim people and the Islam community. Regina Mustafa is the founder of CIDI and wrote the letter. She says one of the biggest issues is the term Islamic Terrorism listed as an issue on Hagedorns campaign website. Even though the elections are over, I can't just sit back, she said. If he has it on his campaign, these lies, these stereotypes of the Muslim community, I can only assume he's going to continue that rhetoric when he represents us in Washington. Mustafa started a petition along with the letter that has almost 400 signatures of people in and allies of the Muslim community. She hopes the strength in these numbers will put pressure on Hagedorn to accept her request. Mustafa and CIDI dont only want one meeting to express how Hagedorns stances offend them and impact their lives, but they want an ongoing dialogue with the representative. So that we know we're not ignored. If we have a concern about this or any other issue that we're able to reach him, that is the hope, she said. A hope that might not be a reality quite yet. Mustafa said shes sent the letter and petition to Hagedorn via mail, email, and social media but has not heard back. But Hagedorn told KIMT he has yet to see any type of letter come through the mail. In a statement, he said in part: I will continue to be accessible to First District Residents and listen to all viewpoints while serving congress. Hagedorn is currently in the nations capital for new member orientation for Congress. He gets sworn in on January 3, 2019. WORTH COUNTY, Iowa - Prior to a search warrant being executed at what authorities are calling a Worth County puppy mill, a dog from that property died in the care of a veterinarian after being involved in a dog fight. According to court documents associated with a search warrant executed at 1071 Highway 9 in Manly, the body of a deceased Samoyed dog named Yaeger, around 12 years old, was brought to the Forest City Vet Clinic on Nov. 6 after suffering multiple puncture wounds. Related content Taking a look at breeder laws. Dogs rescued in north Iowa now going to shelters. Manly dog operation started almost a year ago. The search warrant was executed Nov. 12 at the property of Barbara Kavars. There were 154 Samoyed dogs and four cats which belonged to Kavars that were removed the location after authorities said they were found living in poor conditions and suffering from a variety of health problems. In the search warrant, authorities said Kavars was advertising dogs and puppies for sale via the Internet despite not being validly licensed by the USDA and after failing inspections. Kavars allegedly informed law enforcement that she made and then canceled vet appointments after she could not catch fearful dogs to transport them. Appointments were also canceled due to the woman not being able to physically load the dogs into the car by herself, documents state. The Worth County Attorneys Office has filed a petition against Kavars, identified as the owner of the Manly property raided by law enforcement and the ASPCA on November 12. Kavars has filed a response, disputing the allegations that the dogs were left without food and water in freezing conditions. Specificially, Kavars states: - Food and water was supplied to the animals on a daily basis. - Overcrowding of kennels is not a basis for animal neglect. - Determinations of ideal weight is not required for an animal to not be neglected. - Dirty coats or overgrown nails do not constitute animal neglect. A hearing scheduled for Thursday has been moved to Dec. 3. AUSTIN, Minn. A woman arrested for kidnapping her own children is pleading guilty to a lesser charge. Izetta Rose Cooley, 39 of Moorehead, entered a guilty plea in Mower County District Court to one count of depriving someone of custody rights. Two counts of felony kidnapping against her have been dismissed. Law enforcement says Cooley took four of her five children from a home in Rose Creek on September 29, even though she was under court order to have no contact with any of them. The four children were found in Moorehead on October 2. Cooley is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2019. Her husband, Miguel Cooley, is accused of killing a man outside a McDonalds restaurant in Fargo, North Dakota on September 23. Miguel Cooley was later arrested in southeastern Minnesota. He has not entered a plea. ROCHESTER, Minn. One of two men arrested after a drug search in Rochester is pleading guilty. Jessie Anderson-Spear, 20 of St. Paul, entered a guilty plea to a 5th degree controlled substance crime and was sentenced Wednesday to five years of supervised probation. Anderson-Spear must also either pay a $1,000 fine or do 100 hours of community work service. James Johnson James Johnson Anderson-Spear was arrested along with James Johnson, 39 of Rochester, on November 8 after Rochester police searched a home in the 2300 block of Park Lane SE. Officers say Anderson-Spear was found with 1.73 grams of methamphetamine and Johnson was found with 85 grams of meth. Johnson is charged with two counts of 1st degree controlled substance crime. He has not entered a plea. Authorities say Anderson-Spear was also wanted on warrants out of the Twin Cities. India finally has a couple of good homegrown gin brands and makers are innovating and infusing with locally sourced botanicals. India is close on the heels of a gin resurgence that has swept the West and it is fast filling the cocktail menus and bar shelves. Its ironic for a country, which so loves its dark spirits that the understated gin and tonic was in fact invented in this part of the world. The annals of history take us back to circa 1800s, when a British officer in the British Indian army stirred up a stiff combination of gin and tonic with a wedge of lime, as an antidote to malaria. Soon soldiers were queuing up for their daily fix and the gin and tonic got pushed to the pedestal of the time honoured cocktail, the world over. But gin has found its feet back again in India and its revival is manifesting in many parts of the country with Greater Than, Indias first craft gin marking its foray into the Indian markets last year. It all started when two entrepreneurs Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh decided to revive Indias dormant gin scene and launched Nao Spirits & Beverages in 2015, to take matters into their own hands. Despite having no knowledge about gin-making when they first started, the duo has come along way and have also recently launched Indias first Himalayan dry gin, Hapusa, meaning Juniper in Sanskrit. In India, Greater Than is available in Goa, Bangalore and now Delhi, whereas Hapusa is only available in Delhi for now. The duo, who run a bar called Perch in the capital city, realised the lack of good gin to serve up at the bar, during one of their 2 am wrap-up discussions. How strange it is to not have any gin in India considering India has such a strong connection with gin. Youve got the gin and tonic that was invented in India, but when we make the drink, we have to use an imported gin, rues Anand. But even then, what the duo got their hands on was fairly commercial and mainstream, you either get a Gordons, Bombay Sapphire. But people dont even talk about these brands if you go the UK and Europe. This is not even part of the equation where you talk about a craft gin or something such as a monkey 47 or a Sipsmith or St George. So you know we didnt have any option as far as gin drinkers and bar owners were concerned, he laughs. Sakshi Saigal (center) with co-partners Rahul Mehra and Vidur Gupta. Sakshi Saigal, Rahul Mehra and Vidur Gupta are three gin enthusiasts who started Third Eye Distillery to launch Stranger and Sons in August this year. Sakshi stresses it is a first of its kind Indian dry gin and is gung-ho about taking an interesting look on India through their spirit. She says, We want to give a different perspective on India and our branding is all about the mysticism, bringing out traditions and passing on recipes from generation to generation. In India, Stranger and Sons is available in Goa and Maharashtra, in bars as well as retails. Their gin is decidedly Indian, as they refrain from even calling it the London dry gin which is a gin making style, We wanted to step away from the nomenclature of London dry gin. So weve called it an Indian spirited gin, says Sakshi. Adding, You go to England and you buy a bottle of gin and theyll have all these Indian names. So we wondered why was nobody making gin in India because India was all about making mass production quantity rather than quality and so we realised that someone needs to take a step and try and break this. For the very same reason, they procure their botanicals from around the distillery and have a sprawling pepper farm right across the road in Ponda, Goa where their distillery is located, Pepper, coriander, and cinnamon are botanicals that almost every gin has and almost all of it is coming from India, so it just made sense for us to be exploring this, she says. The trio, who all come from a business background, went to Amsterdam last year to study the whole process of distilling and are now keenly interested in passing their knowledge to others. Says Sakshi, I actually want to start a visitors centre to have people come and see a distillery because in India no one has ever seen a distillery. Also, we want to start having courses from March next year onwards Im going to be scheduling my first course, where people can actually come for four days to Goa and see the side of Goa where we have these massive spice farms and beautiful waterfalls. Another major factor behind gins resurrection in India, besides the generational shift, is perhaps the sultry Indian weather. Thats the reason why gin and tonic is also picking up because we have tropical weather all year round. And gin tonic is something you can have in the day or at night. In India, people are not only drinking gin and tonic, but they have also moved to cocktails. People are drinking Negronis. So to make all this you need a good spirit. Coming from the same school of thought is Aneesh Bhasin, co-founder of Svami Tonic water, which is Indias first natural tonic water, giving us a much-needed break from the sugary Schweppes. Sahil Jatana, Rahul Mehra and Aneesh Bhasin founded Svami. He says, The three of us just realised while travelling abroad that there were so many options for mixers and mixers are the majority of your drink. Mixers just dont get the credit that they get abroad. So that was the gap we saw in the market and thats how this whole idea of tonic Svami came about, says Aneesh. While Svami does contain added sugar, theres nothing artificial in it. In terms of sugar, it has almost half the sugar content of Schweppes a can of Schweppes should be like five cubes of sugar and thats a lot of sugar, explains Aneesh, All our flavours are completely natural. Our quinine, which is the main component of tonic, is not made in a lab, we get ours from Congo and it took us six months to find the right quinine for the product. The rule of thumb for a good tonic water is that it must accompany the gin and not drown it out, A lot of those properties of a good gin just get lost when overpowered with sugar, opines Aneesh. On the other hand, the prerequisites of a good gin is something thats really fresh on the nose says Sakshi, you can taste it on your palette, and it doesnt give you a burn, says Sakshi. Aneesh Bhasin, Sahil Jatana and Rahul Mehra A lot of it also has to do with the process; a London dry gin, for example, doesnt mean that its made in London its the process, besides the natural flavouring and the traditional copper pot. We use botanicals like Juniper, which we import from Macedonia; we use orange peel, which we get from Spain and angelica root, all of those are imported. Then we use Indian botanicals like coriander seed, lemongrass, ginger, chamomile and fennel. Its not about which botanicals you use, its more about getting a good quality of gin and coriander, two key ingredients to make any gin and then making sure you dont use any artificial flavour, explains Anand. As compared to countries like Spain and London, India is far behind in terms of being hailed as a gin drinking country, but the cocktails tell a different tale Gin with cucumber and sherry, gin in negronies and even martinis, they're all over the place. So the next time life gives you lemons, you know what to do with it. MASON CITY, Iowa - A steam tunnel that once provided heat to businesses in downtown Mason City will soon be removed. On Wednesday, McKiness Excavating began saw cutting pavement on Commercial Alley between 3rd Street NE and 1st Street NE. After holes are cut, crews will begin to remove asbestos from pipes within the tunnel, with the tunnel and the remaining pavement to be removed after. Phase 1 of the 3-phase project, which will run from 3rd Street NE to the north side of 1st Street NE, will begin construction Monday. The project is needed in order for Alliant Energy to move overhead electric lines underground, as part of a larger modernization project. However, parts of the alley will be closed during certain construction activities. Eric Follmuth owns Splash Multisport & Custom, which is adjacent to the alley, and sits in the Phase 1 area of the project. The alley provides access to a garage where he stores trailers that he uses to haul merchandise. He says the project will provide some logistics challenges when he is getting product loaded up. "For us to get our trailers in and out, every Friday and then back again on Sunday or Monday, is going to impact our ability to load the trailers, get all of our products in the trailers, pulling in pulling out." He adds that because of space limitations with nearby parking lots and streets, he isn't able to park his trailers there. "It's going to be interesting to see where am I going to park, how am I going to hand deliver these items to the trailers, that's going to be a challenge I'm going to have to deal with, on top of climbing over snowbanks and sub-zero weather." According to the City of Mason City Engineering Department, the Phase 1 portion of the project is expected to be under construction for about 4-6 weeks. The project itself is expected to be completed by mid-March. In a statement, Alliant Energy says that, "Our contractor on this job is reaching out to the businesses along the alley to talk about the project so we can make an effort to minimize the impact on their business." MILTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. A rollover crash injures a teen driver in Dodge County. It happened around 4:30 pm on Highway 57 in Milton Township. The Minnesota State Patrol says Gretchen Elizabeth Anderson, 18 of Zumbrota, was driving north when she lost control and rolled. Anderson was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester with non-life threatening injuries. She was wearing a seat belt. The State Patrol says the road was snow and ice covered at the time of the crash. The Dodge County Sheriffs Office and West Concord fire and ambulance assisted at the scene. (Kitco News) - It has been some time since my last post, primarily because there has been little to say. The last time I commented, I was constructive on the gold market and believed we had put in the bottom for 2018 back in August. We have been one of the few houses that have remained skeptical on the Feds outlook for rate increases in 2019. We continue to believe the Fed will move in December but will likely tone down any aggressive rhetoric for 2019; instead policymakers will likely indicate future rate hikes will be solely data driven. This will create a more dynamic and volatile market in 2019. The first round of volatility that the market will need to overcome will be this weekends G-20 meeting, where all eyes will be on the U.S./China trade relationship. A reversal of tariff policy or at a minimum a hold on future tariffs should be positive for the base and industrial metals and should push silver higher, at least in relationship to gold. We favor a trade into the Fed December meeting. Looking for possible weakness into the meeting and at the announcement, but would buy this dip with the expectation of a rally into January. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House did not block CIA Director Gina Haspel from participating in a briefing on Wednesday for the U.S. Senate about the war in Yemen and U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, a spokesman for the agency said. The notion that anyone told Director Haspel not to attend todays briefing is false, agency spokesman Timothy Barrett said in a statement. Some senators who are interested in the spy agencys assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi had complained that Haspel was absent from the briefing. (Kitco News) - Although North Americans have cooled on precious metals and the mining sector, Europe remains an open and attractive marketplace, according to one mining executive. Rob McEwen, chairman of McEwen Mining Rob McEwen, chairman of McEwen Mining (NYSE: MUX, TSX: MUX), returned from the Swiss Mining Institute European mining conference in Zurich, Switzerland and in a telephone interview with Kitco News saw a stark contrast between European and North American interest in precious metals. Europeans appear to know the value of gold and are open to investment ideas, he said. Toronto fund managers continue to liquidate their positions and appear to be disillusioned with the mining sector, he said. McEwen said that it is not surprising that Europeans have a higher affinity for gold because the region has experience one issue after another since the 2008 financial crisis. In particular, Europeans continues to deal with the ongoing problems surrounding the United Kingdoms exit from the European Union to a renewed debt crisis in Italy. Europeans have been so much closer to crises that they understand golds role as a safe haven much better than North American investors, said McEwen. Along with being more active in the precious metals market, McEwen said that sentiment is also more positive in Europe compared to North American. The people I talked to in Zurich have been investing in gold for a long time and they feel that the market is at a turning point in the market, he said. They appear to be coming to the market a little earlier than North Americans. McEwen now also has the data to back up his anecdotal observations. International Investment firm Legg Mason recently released the results of its annual Global Investment Survey. The survey shows that 24% of European investors surveyed are more optimistic on gold in the next 12 months, up compared to 23% surveyed last year. Only 18% of U.S. investors surveyed see gold shining next year, down from 22% in 2017. In a country-by-country breakdown, Swiss investors are the most optimistic on gold with 29% surveyed seeing the asset as the best opportunity next year, unchanged from the previous year. Among German investors, 27% think gold will be the best investment next year, up from 24% reported last year. U.K. investors, faced with a messy Brexit next year, are also more optimistic on gold with 25% of investors bullish on the yellow metal, compared to 22% last year. (Reuters) - Jack in the Box Inc (JACK.O), a U.S. hamburger restaurant chain with more than 2,000 restaurants, is exploring options that could include a sale of the company after divesting its Qdoba brand earlier this year, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. A sale would be the latest in a series of deals in the fast food sector this year, including the sale of drive-in burger chain Sonic to Arbys owner Inspire Brands for about $1.57 billion. Jack in the Box started talks with potential buyers this month, including private equity firms, the sources said. There is no certainty that any deal will be reached, the sources added, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Jack in the Box did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The deal, where Indonesia and state-owned miner PT Inalum will control a 51.23 percent stake in PT Freeport Indonesia, is expected to end years of wrangling over ownership rights to Grasberg, the world's second-biggest copper mine. But the planned series of transactions that total $3.85 billion is subject to Inalum pocketing a special permit for the mine, which requires clearance on environmental matters relating to its tailings disposal, and other regulatory issues. Papua province, home to the Grasberg mine, also rejected the proposed ownership structure for the stake in which Papua would indirectly own 10 percent of Freeport's local unit. "I ask that all stages of the divestment process can be finished and final (and) we hope that before the end of 2018 everything is completed," Widodo said in a meeting with Inalum, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe and other government officials linked to the Freeport deal. The president had also requested details on the status of environmental matters, according to a press release from the cabinet secretary website. "We will use (this acquisition) to the maximum extent to improve the welfare and prosperity of the people, primarily the people of Papua," Widodo said. A spokesman for Inalum confirmed the meeting but was not immediately able to comment on the matter. Inalum, which earlier this month raised $4 billion in bonds to fund the Grasberg deal, had proposed that Papua hold the 10 percent stake in Freeport Indonesia via joint ownership of PT Indocopper Investama. "This is the most efficient mechanism financially and legally," Inalum said in a statement last week. The proposed structure was intended to prevent private companies from being involved in the Freeport transactions, Deputy State Owned Enterprise Minister Fajar Harry Sampurno told reporters on Monday. Sampurno said the government wanted to avoid a repeat of a lengthy squabble over private investment in the state-sanctioned divestment of fellow copper miner Newmont Mining Inc's local unit. In a media report on the Papua government website, the provincial governor Enembe was quoted as saying last week that the Inalum proposal "is not in accordance with a previous agreement", and that his government wanted to form a company that would control the 10 percent stake itself. Since Freeport won the right in 1988 to mine Grasberg, it has been a lightning rod for grievances over impacts on the environment and revenue sharing. The company says it is fully compliant with Indonesian environmental rules. (Reporting by Fergus Jensen; Additional reporting by Wilda Asmarini and Bernadette Christina Munthe; Editing by Tom Hogue) David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - A day before Canada, the United States and Mexico are due to sign a new trade pact, negotiators are still thrashing out what exactly they will be putting their names to, officials said on Thursday. The three countries agreed a deal in principle to govern the trillion dollars of mutual trade after a year and a half of contentious talks concluded with a late-night bargain just an hour before a deadline on Sept. 30. Yet, amid squabbling between the United States and Canada, the details of the deal are still being worked on, less than a day before the scheduled Nov. 30 signing date on the sidelines of the Group of 20 world leaders summit in Buenos Aires. Two Canadian sources directly familiar with the talks said it was unclear whether the three countries would sign a finalized pact or settle for some sort of less formal deal, leaving contentious details to be worked out later. As is always the case ... with these agreements, there are always details to be finalized and we are very hard at work doing that, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Buenos Aires. Canada was on track to sign the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), she said in televised remarks, adding that one of the issues was that the deal still needed to be translated into three languages. A Mexican source said that the legal review, translations and collation of documents are being concluded, but ruled out important changes. Officials say differences sometimes emerge as lawyers seek to nail down language agreed upon by negotiators. One of the Canadian sources said Freeland might be hedging her bets until she was sure that a sometimes unpredictable U.S. administration would definitely sign. But the source, who declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the situation, said it was nonetheless unusual that details were still being worked out so late. This is normally the time when people are focused on ... (finalizing) the celebratory news release, said the source. Canadian officials have complained the United States was trying to change elements of the pact that the sides had agreed on, sources have said. Dairy remains a sticking point, sources familiar with the matter said this week, noting the United States was demanding detailed information about Canadas protected dairy market. Canadas politically influential dairy lobby on Wednesday said the USMCA would grant the U.S. oversight into the administration of the Canadian dairy system and urged the government not to sign. Reporting by David Ljunggren, additional reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez in Mexico City and Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; Editing by Susan Thomas and Rosalba O'Brien The BJP also secured a majority in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and formed a government in the state. According to Hindustani classical musicologists, the sam is the first beat of the cycle of the system of tal without which compositions cannot move ahead. It has special significance in performance and theory. The sam is also the transition point between lead musicians and the supporting cast. In any performance, if the principal performer is the only one rendering the composition while the accompanist remains in the background, it has the potential becoming monotonous. As a result, often main musicians take a backseat allowing the accompanying artist, the tabla mostly or an instrumentalist in jugalbandhi, to take the lead. But the secondary performers do not have the liberty to snatch the initiative completely from the main musician. The sam thereby acts as the pivot in this transition between them, the point where the cycle is picked up anew with renewed vigour. If long-running political campaigns are to be viewed as musical compositions heading for a climactic finish, the sam is the issue to which the movement returns with the completion of every cycle or ascending phase. Another way of framing this argument is that every movement or agitation always has a cementing objective and without this, it runs the risk of dissipating because no agitation can sustain a high pitch constantly. In the national movement, Indias independence from colonial rule was the principal purpose but several other secondary demands were raised in its course because these indirectly bolstered the primary goal. Yet, time and again the leaders of the national movement returned to the main agenda launching headlong confrontations with British imperialism. Leaders, Mahatma Gandhi downward, were well aware that the intensity of such phases, be it during the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience agitation or the Quit India Movement, could not be maintained unceasingly. Consequently, there were phases when the national movement was pursued with low intensity, engaging the British administration to seek additional rights and privileges. From when the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation was launched in 1984, it has functioned as the sam of the movement for installing Hindu nationalism as Indias dominant political credo. The struggle has been waged for this idea to replace inclusive or territorial nationalism the central idea during the decades-long freedom struggle from which Hindu nationalists were consciously absent. This inclusive approach to Indian nationalism determined Indias post-Independence development policies and acted as the nations unifying spirit. For those imagining that building a temple in Ayodhya is all that drives supporters of the stir, it is best to recollect Lal Krishna Advanis words after the demolition the agitation is not just constructing a temple but to propagate Hindutvas foundational idea cultural nationalism. The Ayodhya agitation has been a recurring theme to which the Sangh Parivar and its affiliates, most importantly the Bharatiya Janata Party, have returned to. Although the issue was raked up by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad initially, the BJP committed itself to the demand in June 1989 with the adoption of a resolution in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. This was followed by Mr Advanis Somnath to Ayodhya rathyatra in September 1990. The benefits were obvious in the Lok Sabha elections in 1989 and 1991. The BJP also secured a majority in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and formed a government in the state. From the onset the Sangh Parivar has used the Ayodhya issue as a rallying point. It has also benefited by a surge in growth through programmes like the shilanyas in 1989, the kar seva in 1990 and 1991 and finally in 1992 when the Babri Masjid was demolished. Thereafter, it was a decade before the issue was revived when the next confrontational programme was scheduled. This was perforce abandoned midway due to a Supreme Court directive for maintaining the status quo at the disputed site. Thereafter, there was little effort to organise another confrontational programme in the temple town, suggesting the Sangh Parivars realisation that the issue had become one of diminishing returns. The Ayodhya issues return to public discourse with a roar in recent weeks is paradoxical given the setback to the Hindutva movement in the wake of the demolition. To recollect, the BJP learnt cruelly that success in agitations did not necessarily yield electoral benefits the party lost the 1993 elections in UP and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, after displaying its aggressive face with Mr Advani at its helm, the Sangh Parivar was forced to replace him with the moderate-faced Atal Behari Vajpayee. After the defeat in 2004, Vajpayee had declared that the BJPs failed re-election bid was factored by his inability to take action against then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi for his alleged role in the 2002 riots. Although belligerent Hindutva bolstered the agitation on several occasions, it also impeded the acquisition or continuity of political power. The return of the Ayodhya issue, with a clear certainty of unforeseen developments, suggests possible divergences within the Sangh Parivar over its short-term objectives and long-term goals. There is no doubt that Mr Modis primary goal is about his tenure and securing another term, while that of the RSS and other Sangh affiliates are more futuristically oriented. True, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has given primacy to politics over character-building, and canvassing votes for the BJP is on his task list for the first time. Yet, because the Hindutva fold is increasingly resembling a saffron rainbow, there are nuanced divergences over what needs to be prioritised, and when. The RSS has not been part of governance despite having benefited from its decisions and policies. Consequently, Mr Modi has to carry the burden of disenchantment, but the Sangh cant afford to allow any such resentment to weaken the movement. Raising the pitch on Ayodhya has to be seen in this backdrop. If it comes to choosing between the government and furthering its movement, the RSS will always opt for the latter. And therein lies a key danger for the republic, the government and the BJP. Realpolitik is indeed full of ironies. Humanists have criticised President Trump for not censuring the Saudi leadership for suspected complicity in Khashoggis elimination. November is never a happy month. It commemorates the end of the First World War, during which about 40 million people fell casualty to conflicts they had not started. About 20 million died. This month, the victors and the vanquished commemorated the fallen in pious acts of collective remembrance. None of them dared recall the petty reason the neutrality of Belgium why their countries had fought in the first place. November is also the anniversary of the commencement of the Nuremberg trials, when, after the Second World War, the Allies put Nazi Germany on trial. On November 20, 1945, R.H. Jackson, chief counsel for the prosecuting Allies, presented this justification to the tribunal: The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating, that civilisation cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated. Yet, civilisation has survived and then repeated the same follies. The copybook of recent history is bulging with mini-wars, scarred battlegrounds, uncounted corpses, and now haunting images of starving Yemeni children too weak to cough, too young to die. Leaders are expected to have strong stomachs. Queen Elizabeth I boasted having the heart and stomach of a king. She spoke for kings and Presidents. President Barack Obama felt no queasiness watching live from Washington the capture and assassination of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. His successor Donald Trump though is more finicky. He refuses to listen to an audiotape of the vivisection of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Trump prefers Khashoggis screams to be drowned by the lullaby of oil wells pumping petrodollars into his countrys armament economy. Humanists have criticised President Trump for not censuring the Saudi leadership for suspected complicity in Khashoggis elimination. They should read the statistics of the strong-arm relationship between the overdeveloped United States and the overrich Arabs. Between 2009 and 2016, the US supplied $65 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia. As if that was not gluttony enough, in May 2017 Trump inked sale agreements worth $110 billion more. Can Saudi Arabia sustain such outlays? According to a Congressional Service report (2018), it is anticipated that by 2025, Saudi Arabias recurring expenditure will equal its anticipated revenues at SAR 1.13 trillion. Its government reserves will have halved from their present levels to SAR 271 billion, and its debt doubled to SAR 854 billion. Its affluent neighbour UAE has a sedentary army of 50,000, protected by 5,000 US forces. The UAE was persuaded by the US to buy 80 F16 aircraft with advanced air missiles at a price of $8 billion. Only last year these needed to be improved at the cost of another $6 billion. Men who are in charge of such edged tools, President Woodrow Wilson once said, grow very impatient if they are not permitted to use them. And they have done, though not always with the success expected. President Richard Nixon, heading the worlds biggest superpower, bemoaned its impotence: Never has so much military economic, and diplomatic power been used as ineffectively as in Vietnam. Had he lived, he would have added Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan and now Yemen. Shouldnt these conflicts be upgraded to wars? Shouldnt murders, violence and assassinations perpetrated during them come under the definition of war crimes and attract punishment? Or do these atrocities have the shelf life of a sandwich? In the 1970s, the United Nations resolved that there is no period of limitation for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Such a carte blanche mandate would imply that one could go as far back as the fringes of revenge. Will there ever be a second Nuremberg, though, where individuals are held accountable for sins committed by them in the name of the state? At Nuremberg, the Allies thought they would shock the Nazi defendants by showing them films of concentration camps at Auschwitz and Belsen, taken after their skeletal inmates had been rescued by US and Allied forces. Reacting to the smugness shown by the unrepentant Nazis, one observer realised that their guilt, in contrast to all criminal guilt, oversteps and shatters any and all legal systems [.] We are simply not equipped to deal, on a human, political level, with a guilt that is beyond crime. Future generations will wonder why we ordinary citizens condone brutality which explodes the limits of the law. Or are we like Goering at Nuremberg and Trump with the Khashoggi tapes comfortable ducking below the bar of personal guilt? It is for each of us to answer. Meanwhile, the dying and the dead queue for justice, for action against those who act with brazen impunity confident of Teflon immunity. By arrangement with Dawn Coming back to the Chinese, just a few instances of the gross misdemeanour of its nationals (in India) will suffice. In spite of so much evidence from our history, even the recent history of the past few decades, very few Indians realise the extent to which certain unfriendly foreign powers, and some neighbours, take full advantage of our open, even transparent, society. It is high time that more Indians realise the extent to which Chinese nationals, for one, have taken full advantage of the phenomenal ignorance of ordinary citizens to carry out adversarial activities on our soil, and also exploited their goodwill. Have people really forgotten how, back in the 1960s and early 1970s, a serious attempt at armed rebellion was begun in West Bengal by armed Naxalites inspired, funded and equipped by Communist China and its then founder Chairman Mao Zedong. When their cadres brazenly chanted on the streets that Chinas chairman is our chairman! Or when, a decade or so later, Punjab was awash in bloodshed as the Khalistan movement was instigated, supported and funded by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence and its supporters in the West, all with the basic objective of weakening this country. Coming back to the Chinese, just a few instances of the gross misdemeanour of its nationals (in India) will suffice. In 2010, for example, a 47-year-old Chinese woman from Chengdu Jing Ping Ling, who had entered India without a visa from Nepal, was arrested from a bus at Khairbari in West Bengal (very near Naxalbari, where the original Chinese-inspired Naxalite movement had been launched, leading to the deaths of over 50,000 people, mostly Hindu Bengalis) while she was on her way to Sikkim. Though sentenced to two-year rigorous imprisonment for espionage by a Siliguri court in January 2011, thanks to Chinese consular intervention she was shifted from Presidency Jail to a womens correctional home in Kolkata. In August 2015, two Chinese nationals and their Indian driver from Delhi were arrested in the Matigara police station area (again near Naxalbari), close to the India-Nepal border, for smuggling three quintals of red sandalwood. The two cases, at Khairbari and Matigara, both near Naxalbari, were in an area that adjoins Nepal, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It is next door to the Indian Armys Siliguri corps headquarters and several Air Force stations. There are sufficient grounds for suspicion about espionage. Would it be possible for Indian nationals to move as freely deep inside China, and particularly near sensitive locations? Is this the type of people to people contacts that we would want to encourage? The intrusive penetration of India by the Chinese goes on unabated. In the third week of June 2018, Ye Wang, a Chinese national, along with Ganesh Bhattarai of Nepal and Indian businessman Bipul Agarwal were arrested under the Foreigners Act for forgery and cheating. Ye Wang, despite having a valid Chinese passport, produced an Aadhaar card to prove his identity at a Siliguri hotel. Siliguri is again in the heart of north Bengal, a stones throw away from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sikkim and Bhutan. Has West Bengal been identified as a target state for destabilisation? Also remember, that not very far from here is the Nathu La pass and Doklam. In June 2018, Chinas invasion-cum-penetration shifts 550 km south. Five Chinese nationals from Guangzhou were arrested from Kolkatas Chitpur railway station for smuggling 197 kg of amphetamine, a banned narcotic drug with an approximate market price of `39 crores. All five had planned to fly out of Kolkata by the next mornings flight to Hong Kong. And nobody in our security and intelligence agencies appeared to be aware that these five had been travelling to India at least four times a year since 2016. What were they doing? Was it just drug smuggling, or was there some link to terror or espionage as well? Charlie Peng from Nanjing, after crossing over illegally to India five years ago, got married to an Indian girl from Manipur in the Northeast, and got caught with an Aadhaar card (with an address of a residential society in Delhis Dwarka) and an Indian passport! Was he running an organised espionage ring from posh DLF in Gurgaon, where he was living, with lakhs of rupees in cash and a top-of-the-line Toyota SUV. From the Northeast to Delhi to Himachal, with a new Indian wife, and with addresses in Gurgaon and Delhi. These are individuals who must face the closest scrutiny the income-tax department should monitor his transactions and property, the DRI and customs should do other financial checks, and the Enforcement Directorate must vet his foreign exchange dealings. One case emerged in Uttar Pradesh when two Chinese Guoqing Xia and Wenxin Zu (both from Hunan) were caught drunk and naked as they rammed their SUV into a car in Meerut. An accident involving a naked and drunk foreign driver on an Indian road attracted attention by the authorities, and it emerged that the two drunk Chinese were quality control experts for a Chinese firm and that they frequently visited a local factory which exports meat products to China, and that they lived in a rented house in Meerut. Both were issued business visas, one from April to September 2018 (for six months) and the other from July to September 2018 (three months). How did someone with a three-month business visa in India manage to rent a place to stay in Meerut for such a short duration? Remember, Meerut has a big military cantonment, one of the closest to Delhi. Do Indians get similar treatment in China? Have you heard of quality control experts from India going deep inside factories in small Chinese cities to ensure that quality goods are being exported to India? On November 19, a Bengali daily carried this report: Chinese citizen Wang caught without a passport at Digha, a sea resort in West Bengal. After failing to convince interrogators with a web of false stories, Wang ultimately confessed having entered India through Nepal without a passport. But how did he enter Nepal without a passport? Many other questions also arise. Digha, incidentally, is very close to Kalaikunda, a major Air Force base in eastern India. Four decades ago, the Indian Central Excise Act 1944 had a mandatory provision for the permanent official presence of central excise inspectors inside factory premises for physical control of manufactured goods which had to pay indirect tax or central excise duty before leaving the factory gate. Understandably, this physical control was replaced by the self removal procedure of manufactured goods, thus passing on the onus of tax payment to the producer himself. Is the presence of Chinese officials in Indian factories a repeat of physical control by foreigner, instead of Indians themselves? It is high time that our government takes urgent steps to tackle the deep Chinese invasion and penetration of India. China plans for the long term. What began with Jing Ping Ling in 2010 near Naxalbari in West Bengal has now spread all over India from Manipur to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, UP, Himachal, Haryana and Delhi. Indias sovereignty is under the gravest of threat from the non-military Chinese strategy of surprise, deception and mobility. Will we wake up in time, or wait to be broken from within by the Chinese? By Troy Stangarone About two weeks ago, North Korea tested a new weapons system that state media described as a "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon." While there is speculation that the test is an attempt to pressure the United States in talks over the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear weapons, the test also highlights an important question. What will North Korea's military look like after the dismantlement of its nuclear program? While North Korea has been coy about the nature of the test, under Kim Jong-un it has sought to develop more modern weaponry. In recent years, Pyongyang has worked to extend the range of its artillery and develop the capability to launch ballistic missiles from a submarine. It has also sought to move into high tech weaponry with the deployment of drones and robust cyber capabilities. Even with these advances, absent its nuclear deterrent North Korea would likely feel compelled to develop more modern conventional forces to offset the loss of its nuclear capabilities. For much of its existence, North Korea has focused on numerical superiority and asymmetric means to defend against the technologically superior forces of the United States and South Korea to defend the regime. With 1.3 million North Koreans under arms, including 200,000 special forces, North Korea has the world's fourth-largest military. According to South Korea's Ministry of National Defense, the North Korean People's Army also has 4,300 tanks, 1,800 more than South Korea. These forces are augmented with 8,600 artillery pieces and over 5,500 multiple rocket launcher systems, the artillery that threatens Seoul. Despite recent efforts to modernize its equipment, North Korea's conventional forces were underfunded as it pushed to develop its nuclear and missile program. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Defense concluded that North Korea had not kept pace with changes in regional militaries and is largely dependent on legacy systems based on technology from or built in the Soviet Union and China up until the 1970s. While North Korea has sought to develop its own tanks, for example, its most advanced tank, the Pokpung-ho, is believed to only be able to penetrate modern tanks from the flank or the rear. In a frontal assault they would not be able to take on U.S. or South Korean tanks. North Korea's air and naval forces also continue to be made up of aging legacy systems. While North Korea is estimated to have over 800 fighter aircraft, its most recent purchase was Kazakh MiG21s in 1999. To compensate for the deterioration of its air capabilities, North Korea has sought to improve its air defense systems. Similarly, it may seek to offset the disadvantage of its limited naval forces by improving its anti-ship missiles. While North Korea could bring significant force to bear in a conflict, it is clear that its ability to launch or deter an attack without nuclear weapons would be limited. If an agreement is reached to dismantle North Korea's nuclear programs, we should expect Pyongyang to undertake a military modernization to compensate for the loss of its nuclear forces, with China and Russia as potential suppliers of new weapons. This would likely entail a move into more modern weaponry for its ground forces, with upgrades for its air and naval forces as well. North Korea would also likely look to augment it is growing cyber capabilities and usage of drones and other high-tech weaponry. This of course raises the question of proliferation. Free of sanctions and allowed to purchase new military hardware, North Korea's conventional forces would not only grow in strength but have new opportunities to sell its own equipment abroad. As Dr. Bruce Bechtol has recently documented in a new book, "North Korean Military Proliferation in the Middle East and Africa," North Korea even under sanctions has a fairly robust arms trade with Syria, Iran, and countries in Africa. While North Korea could look to become a legitimate low cost, high quality international arms dealer, it cannot be discounted that it would seek to grow its relationship with more questionable states. If North Korea does dismantle its nuclear weapons, a substantial portion of its missiles, and potentially its other weapons of mass destruction, it would be unrealistic to assume that it would be content to defend itself with a military that has a significant disadvantage and risk the Finlandization of the regime's foreign policy. Although no state would be likely to attack North Korea, such an outcome would potentially be internally fatal to the regime's survival. The military agreement from the last inter-Korean summit is one part of the discussion of North Korea's future force posture. However, if the United States, South Korea, and the other powers in the region want the denuclearization process to proceed successfully, reaching an understanding on the future force structure of the North Korean military will likely have to be part of any deal. Troy Stangarone (ts@keia.org) is the senior director of congressional affairs and trade at the Korea Economic Institute. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 47F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Snow showers. Low around 25F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. The 10000mAh power bank can top up any 3000mAh smartphone on an average of 2-3 times at its full capacity, as per the company. With the 9 layers of advanced chipset protection, the power bank has a multitude of safety features integrated such as over discharge protection, overvoltage protection and temperature resistance. Ambrane has launched its latest 10000mAh PP 12 power bank. The company says that the rubberized matte finish power bank with smooth curves offers a superior grip with sturdy looks and also endures through your daily wear & tear by preventing scratches on the surface of the body, thanks to its rugged ABS build. Building a stronger surface resistance, the device has gone through a series of reliability tests to ensure it can withstand shocks and drops, keeping fears at bay, as per the company. The 10000mAh power bank can top up any 3000mAh smartphone on an average of 2-3 times at its full capacity, as per the company. It can also withstand upto 500 times of charge-discharge cycle. With the 9 layers of advanced chipset protection, the power bank has a multitude of safety features integrated such as over discharge protection, overvoltage protection and temperature resistance. You will never run out of charge again, with the integrated LED Light indicator which denotes the battery status of the power bank. It is available in Red and Blue colour options and is already available in retail and e-commerce stores across India. Sidhu expressed good wishes for Prime Minister Imran Khan and thanked his efforts for opening the highly religious place of Sikhism. Islamabad: Religion should never be seen through the prism of terrorism and politics, Punjab Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Wednesday as he described the Kartarpur corridor as a major opportunity to open the hearts of the people in the two neighbouring countries. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor, Mr Sidhu said, We need to revise the thinking about peace. The bloodshed and violence should be stopped for the sake of peace as war is not solution to any problem. He said this corridor will connect the hearts of people. The minister said the opening of corridor by Prime Minister Imran Khan will be written in golden words in history. Mr Sidhu said the governments of Pakistan and India were equally appreciable for facilitating to realise the dreams of over 120 million Sikhs around the world. He said both governments needed to think of moving ahead in their relations. Sidhu said the improvement of relations between Pakistan and India can open many benefits for the people of the two countries. Mr Sidhu expressed good wishes for Prime Minister Imran Khan and thanked his efforts for opening the highly religious place of Sikhism. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistans Kartarpur the final resting place of Sikh faiths founder Guru Nanak Dev to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indias Gurdaspur district. Mr Sidhu said his big hearted friend Khan has kept his promise and ended 70 years of wait for the corridor. The Kartarpur corridor, which will facilitate the visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims on both sides, is expected to be completed within six months. He said there had been enough bad blood and that the corridor would be a major opportunity to open the doors of the hearts of the people. Violence must stop and peace should return to the region, he said. Mr Sidhu said that both the nations should seek a path of brotherhood and live in harmony without any fear with the blessing of Guru Nanak Dev. Mr Sidhu said that if the borders between both countries opened, it would be possible to transport goods to different parts of Pakistan and even others countries. This is my hope, this is my dream ... While there is blood in my veins, I will continue to thank both governments, he said. My father used to tell me that Punjab Mail went till Lahore, I believe that it can go further till Peshawar, till Afghanistan, he said. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that he was ready to hold talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi while conceding that it was not in his countrys interest to allow terror activities from its territory. His remarks came a day after external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops all cross-border terror activities. It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistans territory for terror outside, said Mr Khan, who is celebrating 100 days of his government, during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists here on Thursday. Mr Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Mr Modi and talk to him on any issue. I am ready for talks on any issue. There cant be a military solution for Kashmir, he said, adding that nothing is impossible when asked whether it was possible to resolve the Kashmir issue. The mindset of people here has changed, Khan said, a day after he laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor that will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistans Kartarpur the final resting place of the Sikh faiths founder Guru Nanak Dev with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indias Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur. Speaking to the television channel NDTV, Mr Khan also said he cant be held responsible for the past when he was asked about Indias most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. We cant live in the past. We also have a list of wanted in India.... Pakistan is projecting the corridor as a goodwill gesture. The India I know the majority must be appreciating it, Mr Khan told the Indian journalists who had arrived in Pakistan to cover the ground-breaking ceremony of the corridor. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi, Mr Khan said, referring to the Lok Sabha polls due next year. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who has a $10 million US government bounty on his head, Imran Khan said: There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on him. He added: These are the issues we have inherited. On the other accused in the 26/11 case, Mr Khan said the matter was sub judice. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. by Sandra Awad* The conflict has separated people and divided entire communities. The region that was the symbol of violence near Damascus is the starting point for rebuilding solidarity networks. Help has been provided to hundreds of students at a school reduced to rubble in Medaa. Scout groups from the capital are also involved in the initiative. Damascus (AsiaNews) A group of Christian activists from Caritas recently visited Eastern Ghouta, a former rebel stronghold not far from Damascus, driven by a desire to build bridges in a place torn by war and divisions that built up over the years. Scores of attacks from the area touched the Christian neighbourhoods of the old city. Sandra Awad is the director of Communication for Caritas Syria. She illustrates a special project of solidarity project. The first part of her testimony follows below: Two months ago, a taxi driver took us to Ghouta to offer some help to needy families. He seemed not to be happy with our visit. He said that we should help Christian families instead, but when we arrived there and after he closely saw the misery of the people in Ghouta, he took out a big plastic bag from his car and started distributing old clothes and biscuits to the children, said Rita, from the communication department in Caritas Syria. War has destroyed our country, but what is worse is that it has destroyed the bridges between people! The story of the taxi driver made us realize that we really needed to work on reconciliation and rebuilding bridges between people by getting them in contact with each other, Rita added. The call of Caritas Internationalis for the solidarity walk, within the Share the Journey Campaign, which aims to get migrants and local communities closer to each other, was a good chance for us in Caritas Syria to try to build bridges between Christians in Damascus, who suffered from mortar shells fired from Ghouta for many years, and the people in Ghouta who were besieged and lived in a terrible security and humanitarian situation for years. Therefore, we decided to invite many Christian scout groups from different churches in Damascus to walk along with us toward Ghouta. Since May 2018, Caritas has succeeded in entering Ghouta many times, and distributed food baskets, fresh vegetables and diapers in many villages and shelters there. One of the poorest villages we visited in Ghouta was Medaa. We distributed around 270 food baskets to the residents of that village on October 4, 2018. During the distribution, a man in his fifties approached us and asked us if we could accompany him to see the school of the village. Once we arrived there, we were shocked by the fact that 377 students were attending this destroyed school every day, the classes were without windows or doors, the desks were very poorly made by the residents of the village, the eight bathrooms were without doors, sewer grates were opened in the yard of the school where the children were supposed to run and play every day, said Hiba, a social worker from the psycho-social support team. This school is one of the 57% of education facilities, which are still functioning in Syria. Many schools have no access to electricity, water and sanitation facilities. Yesterday I received the result of the studies by the committee from the Environment Ministry on water used in our school, said the director. It is not drinkable and it is not even good to be used in washing. Unfortunately, we have a good well nearby, which could provide the school with drinkable water, but the problem is that we dont have the means to take the water out. We even dont have electricity. With the start of the cold weather season, thousands of women, children and men across Ghouta will struggle to get adequate warmth and will require targeted support. When it rains, we simply ask the students to go back home as the poor building of the school cannot protect them from the rain, knowing that the majority of the students live in destroyed houses, without windows, doors or furniture, which are very similar to their school, said Manal, a teacher at the school. Due to the extreme poverty of people and the bad conditions of the school in this village, we decided that the destination of our solidarity walk would be Medaa. We wanted the young scout groups from Damascus to see on the ground how those students were living in bad conditions and struggling every day in a poor school to have their education. We also wanted people in Medaa to feel that Christians are not careless or bad people; on the contrary, they are full of compassion, care and love. * Director of communications for Caritas Syria Three policemen were convicted for the killing of a 17-year-old man mistaken for a drug courier. For Fr Edwin A. Gariguez, the sentence is a victory of justice over the tyrannical war on drugs being pursued by the present government. So far, 54 minors have been killed in the war. Manila (AsiaNews) The Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 125 sentenced three agents to life in prison for their involvement in the death of Kian Delos Santos (picture 2) last year. The killing of Mr Santos, who was mistaken for a drug courier, occurred on 16 August 2017, during the One time, Big Time anti-drug operation. The extrajudicial killing of the 17-year-old man triggered public outrage. In the weeks that followed, the controversy forced President Rodrigo Duterte to put a temporary stop to his controversial war on drugs. Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz (picture 1) are the first law enforcement agents to be convicted of murder committed during the campaign. Their colleague Renato Perez Loveras, aka "Nono", is still on the run. The agents can expect 20 and 40 years behind bars, without the possibility of parole, and will have to compensate the victim's family. The verdict is a victory of justice over the tyrannical war on drugs being pursued by the present government, said Fr Edwin A. Gariguez (picture 3), speaking to AsiaNews. Fr Gariguez is the executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) and Caritas Philippines, the main charity of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The conviction is clear proof that the war on drugs is victimising innocent people and that the police involvement in the extrajudicial killings is truly happening, the clergyman noted. The Catholic Church is among the few voices that have complained about those killed in the war on drugs. For his part, President Duterte has reacted to the criticism of extrajudicial killings by repeatedly attacking bishops and priests with harsh words. The Church, when it criticises the government's war on drug, is performing its moral obligation and its prophetic mission, Fr Gariguez explained. It has no political motive just to malign the powers-that-be. In fact, The Church has to speak out and express its moral outrage over the killings, especially of innocent victims, like in the case of Kian. A report by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) found that, from July 2016 to October 2018, some 4,999 people were killed in government anti-drug operations. Human rights activists claim that the actual number is closer to 13,000 and that two-thirds are victims of summary executions by "death squads", paid killers backed by police. The Children's Legal Rights and Development Centre said Kian was just one of 54 minors, aged one to 17, killed so far in the war on drugs. ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Californians are preparing for the worst as heavy rains hit the state just weeks after two fires scorched Northern and Southern California. Over the last eight days, up to 10 inches of rain fell in Central and Northern California, so the ground is very saturated. The recent wildfires left nothing to hold the ground in place so the threat for mudslides is high where the Woolsey and Camp fires burned tens of thousands of acres. A new storm system moved into most of California overnight from north to south with heavy rainfall rates that have reached nearly 1 inch per hour. So far almost 2 inches of rain have fallen in Los Angeles County with more to come. As the storm continues to move through California, numerous flood, wind and snow alerts are posted from California to Nevada and into Arizona. As Thursday morning progresses, heavier rain will move into Southern California, around Malibu and Los Angeles, where the Woolsey Fire was located. "With this rain coming in, we have a lot of steep hillsides, rocks that came down the hills a few days ago when we had a little bit of rain. We don't know what's going to happen today, but we want everybody to be prepared," said L.A. County Fire Department Capt. Brian Jordan. In the Inland Empire, residents have been told to evacuate parts of Lake Elsinore, Corona and Glen Eden, where the Holy Fire burned about 36 square miles in mid-August. Rain will also continue for Central and Northern California throughout Thursday, while heavy snow will be falling in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The storm system will move inland Thursday evening with the rain continuing for parts of Southern California. It will also move into the southwest deserts of Nevada and Arizona. Snow will spread from the Sierra Nevadas to the central and southern Rockies in Utah, Arizona and Colorado. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast for Southern California through the day Thursday with locally higher amounts. In the Sierra range, snow will pile up by the foot by Friday morning. The snow will also accumulate in feet in the Rockies with some areas getting 1 to 2 feet. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) Measles, a disease whose vaccine has been available since 1963, may have claimed more lives in the Philippines. The Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday it is currently investigating a possible measles outbreak in Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Around 84 people are suspected to have been afflicted with the illness as of November 28. This has led to 18 deaths, including one 2-month old child. "Suspect kasi kailangan ng few more days to confirm kung talagang measles because you have to understand that the clinical manifestation ng measles mimics the other non specific viral infection," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque. [Translation: The cases are suspected because a few days are needed to confirm measles cases. You have to understand that the clinical manifestation of measles mimics other non-specific viral infections.] Measles symptoms can appear around 10 days after the infection, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, bloodshot eyes or conjunctivitis, white spots inside the mouth, and rashes on the face, neck and whole body. In Sarangani the disease hit mostly females, from the age of 2 months to 40 years old. Only 18 of the suspected cases have been physically checked by a doctor, while the rest were based on verbal accounts of relatives and local officials. Most of the suspected cases come from members of the B'laan people who have no history of previously contracting the disease. To prevent further spread of the disease, the DOH response team vaccinated around 300 children aged 6 months to 12 years old with the Measles, Mumpes and Rubella (MMR) vaccines. "This is in response to its mandate of ensuring the safety of the public in times of emergencies to contain its effect and not to cause further stress to our fellowmen. Rest assured that the DOH is always ready to respond and provide the needed health service to the public," Duque added. Dr. Butch Dulduco from the Provincial DOH Office of Sarangani advised the people not to panic. "Sana hindi mag-panic ang mga kababayan natin (I hope our countrymen will not panic) because we are trying our best to contain the situation," Duldoco said. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines Office found that measles cases in the Philippines increased by 367 percent in November. Cases spiked to 17,298 from the 3,706 reported in 2017. Health authorities said fears of vaccination following the Dengvaxia vaccine scandal is one of the reasons for the spike in measles cases. READ: Measles cases in the Philippines increase by more than 350% - WHO CNN Philippines Carolyn Bonquin, Luchi de Guzman and Sarangani-based journalist Roland Ortillano contributed to this report. by Paul Wang Criticised by the scientific community, He is under investigation because genetic modification is banned in China. Yet, the genetics industry is largely funded by the state. Genetic industrial parks are planned or under construction in Guangdong, Anhui, Fujian and Jiangsu. The government finances them together through private and international companies. He Jiankui is associated with a number of them. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The experiment conducted by genetics scientist He Jiankui, who claims to have modified the DNA of embryos to protect them from HIV, continues to be front-page news. Lula and Nana, the twin girls whose DNA was modified, are said to be immune from their fathers HIV. However, the main issue is Dr Hes links to genetics companies. Yesterday, at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at Hong Kong University, he apologised for the unintentional leak of his breakthrough in the media. Dr He also said he was waiting for another potential pregnancy achieved with a gene-edited embryo. Some of his colleagues have accused him of going too far because there are simpler methods to protect the embryos from HIV that do not involve DNA. The ethical and scientific concern stem from the still unknown consequences of gene-editing, whose effects could be passed on and affect future generations. The international scientific community remains in favour of experimentation but has doubts about implanting edited embryos to give birth to human beings. For most scientists, more time is needed to monitor the effects of new procedures and the public should be informed. Such techniques are already widely used with plants and animals: mushrooms, insects, pigs, tomatoes, but given the concerns with respect to humans, several countries have banned gene modification resulting in live births, China included. In light of the situation, Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology has launched an investigation into whether He Jiankui broke the law, which has banned gene editing since 2003. The scientist tried to shield from criticism the university in Shenzhen and the hospital where he worked. According to local media, he said he paid for the experiment out of his own pocket, this despite the fact that he has used research funds provided by the state. Major investments in genetics technologies have been made in China with government funds going to companies and laboratories. The goal is for them to dominate this new industry and compete with the United States, which is already very advanced in the field but where research is limited by religious considerations and legal prohibitions. In the meantime, in China genetic industrial parks are planned or are under construction in Guangdong, Anhui, Fujian and Jiangsu provinces with public moneys going to private and international companies. He Jiankui holds shares (up to 63 pe cent) in six of these companies. He is also director or president in four and legal representative in six. by Melani Manel Perera According to a Chinese Embassy spokesman in the United Kingdom, China holds "only" 10 per cent of the island nation's debt. Bilateral cooperation has created 100,000 jobs. In 2017, the port of Colombo was first in South Asia. Colombo (AsiaNews) A top Chinese government official has rejected the view that Sri Lankas economy is trapped by the debt incurred with China, or worse still, that Beijing is behind the countrys recent political instability. An editorial in the Financial Times, titled Sri Lanka turmoil points to Chinas increasing role sparked a Chinese reaction. Zeng Rong, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom, disputed the claim, saying that relations between the two countries have been marked by long years of good neighbourliness, common interests and a win-win policy with mutual benefits. His response is part of an ongoing debate among analysts and politicians in South Asia, who believe that Beijing has inflated the cost of its projects to undermine recipient countries. The article in UK newspaper published on 16 November states that China is becoming a supplier of political instability and sets a debt-trap for Sri Lanka and other countries. For Rong, by contrast, co-operation has delivered tangible benefit to the people of Sri Lanka. By the end of 2017, Chinese companies had completed more than US$ 15 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka in transportation, water, electricity, ports and other fields, giving a strong boost to its economic development, Rong said. He cited the Port of Colombo ranked 13th in the world and number one in South Asia in 2017. The Colombo Port City under construction and the Hambantota Port and Industrial Zone are expected to become the new powerful engines for Sri Lankas economic take-off, he added. What is more, China-Sri Lanka pragmatic co-operation has created more than 100,000 jobs for Sri Lanka and trained tens of thousands of technical and management personnel. Finally, the Embassy spokesman noted that by last year, Chinas loans to Sri Lanka represented only some 10 per cent of the countrys foreign debt. By comparison, Japans stood at 12 per cent, and that of Asian Development Bank at 14 per cent. For this reason, the claim that Chinas loans are causing problems for Sri Lanka is not tenable. The Latin Patriarchate protests ownership of properties in the northern Jordan valley. For over 40 years it has been used as a training camp; the appeals in court were declared null and void. Vicar of Jerusalem: Rumors of diseases and deaths among civilians, even children, caused by the weapons used in the exercises. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - The Israeli military, under the pretext of "security and national interest", act in a sort of "impunity" against which one can "do nothing", not even resort to court, denounces Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, patriarchal vicar of Jerusalem, commenting on the decision of the Israeli Army to persist in the occupation of the Church's lands in the northern Jordan Valley. Yesterday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem officially challenged the decision of the military authorities to continue the occupation, after receiving an official communication from the army the day before. There are thousands of square meters of land used as a training ground. So far, appeals to the courts have been null and void. The occupied land is located near the Palestinian villages of Tayasir and Bardala, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Inside the camp today you can find masonry buildings used by the military, allocated for decades in the area. For Palestinian, Christian and Muslim associations and NGOs it is about embezzlement and violation of international law, as well as a threat to dozens of families in the area, who risk deportation under the pretext of security. For the patriarchal vicar of Jerusalem, the land was requisitioned "without any agreement or official rental contract". The Israeli military, he adds, "have occupied the land since 1975, they have taken possession of it and exploited it without a deed of sale or a lease, renewing its use without paying anything". "We, as a Church - explains mgr. Marcuzzo - want them to leave, but they remain there, regardless of our protests. They use land for military exercises and this is a source of further discomfort. In the area there are villages and families, there is talk of numerous deaths due to the explosions and dust contained within the weapons used in the exercises. There are rumors of dispersal of chemical agents and diseases and sudden deaths among the population of the area, including children ". "We will continue with our protest - assures the prelate - even if we have our hands tied and we cannot do anything. We have tried in the past, but for over 40 years every attempt has been blocked. The court itself cannot decide on the controversy, because the military uses the pretext of national security and internal interests that supersede all rulings ". "We are facing a clear violation of people's rights - he concludes - and this is the most serious fact". On the day of judgment, Babylon will be destroyed with a shout of victory. The "great whore" will fall, condemned by the Lord. And Jerusalem will see its downfall for another kind of corruption, "the corruption of infidelity to love; she was not able to recognize the love of God in her Son ". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - This society which claims to be Christian, but is pagan and lives like the pagans will be destroyed by God. Pope Francis said this in the homily of the Mass celebrated this morning at Casa Santa Marta, inspired by a passage from the book of the Apocalypse of St John (Ap 18, 1-2.21-23; 19.1-3.9 ) which describes the destruction of Babylon, the beautiful city, symbol of worldliness, "of luxury, of self-sufficiency, of the power of this world" and of a passage from the Gospel (Lk 21,20-28) which tells of the devastation of Jerusalem. On the day of judgment, Babylon will be destroyed with a mighty cry of victory, the Pope said. The great harlot will fall, he said, condemned by the Lord, and she will show her truth: a haunt for demons, a cage for every unclean spirit. Pope Francis said that corruption will be revealed under her magnificent beauty and that her feasts will be exposed as false happiness. The melodies of musicians, harpists, flutists, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again. There will be no more beautiful feasts Craftsmen of every type will never be found in you again; because you are not a city of work but of corruption. The sound of the millstone will not be heard in you again; no lamplight will be seen in you again. The city may be illuminated, but she will be without light, not luminous. Hers is a corrupt society the voices of brides and grooms will never be heard in you again. There were many couples, many people, but there will no longer be any love. This destruction starts from within and ends when the Lord says: Enough. And there will come a day when the Lord says: Enough with the appearances of this world. This is the crisis of a society that sees itself as proud, self-sufficient, dictatorial, and it ends in this manner. Pope Francis then turned to the fate of Jerusalem. She will see her ruin, he said, in another type of corruption, the corruption that comes from unfaithfulness to love; she was not able to recognize the love of God in His Son. The holy city will be trampled underfoot by pagans and punished by the Lord, the Pope said, because she opened the doors of her heart to pagans. The paganization of life can occur, in our case the Christian life. Do we live as Christians? It seems like we do. But really our life in pagan, when these things happen: when we are seduced by Babylon and Jerusalem lives like Babylon. The two seek a synthesis which cannot be effected. And both are condemned. Are you a Christian? Are you Christian? Live like a Christian. Water and oil do not mix. They are always distinct. A contradictory society that professes Christianity but lives like a pagan shall end. Returning to the two readings, Pope Francis said that, after the condemnation of the two cities, the voice of the Lord will be heard: Salvation follows destruction. And the Angel said: Come: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb. The great feast; the true feast, he said. Faced with the tragedies of life, we are called to look to the horizon, because we have been redeemed and the Lord will come to save us. This teaches us to live the trials of the world, not in a compromise with worldliness or paganism which brings about our destruction, but in hope, separating ourselves from this worldly and pagan seduction by looking to the horizon and hoping in Christ the Lord. Hope is our strength for moving forward. But we must ask it of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Pope Francis invited us to think about the Babylonians of our time and about the many powerful empires of the last century which have fallen. The great cities of today will also end, he said, and so will our lives, if we continue along this road towards paganism. The Pope said the only ones who will remain are those who place their hope in the Lord. Let us open our hearts with hope and distance ourselves from the paganization of life. by Rock The agreement signed between China and the Holy See recalls the peace agreement that Hitler signed with Britain and France, not honored at all, which gave time to the Nazi dictator to invade Czechoslovakia and prepare for the Second World War. It is not possible to "ignore suffering and trample the blood of martyrs, in the name of diplomatic successes". From a history teacher. Beijing (AsiaNews) - Even if "the intention appears to be good", an agreement "which lacks justice will only end up harming others". It is not possible to "ignore suffering and trample on the blood of martyrs, in the name of diplomatic successes". These are some of the views expressed by Rock, the author of this reflection, concluding his commentary on the agreement between China and the Holy See. For Rock - a pseudonym of a Chinese layman, teacher of history - this agreement closely resembles the 1938 Munich agreement, with which Hitler promised peace to Britain and France, only to openly reject it with the invasion of Czechoslovakia, triggering the Second World War. Rock recalls the courage of Pius XI, the only leader in Europe who denounced the crimes of Nazi Germany. He asks not to leave "the responsibility of taking care of the flock" to the Savior alone. The signing of the China-Vatican Agreement finally took place after a long debate. The details of the agreement signed last September have not been revealed, but the impact on the Chinese Church is hard to describe in its scope. In addition to the recognition of 8 illegitimate bishops (including one already dead) and the recognition of the diocese of Chengde, nothing else is known. It produces a certain difficulty in teaching. This situation recalls similar events in history, worthy of reflection within the Church. In 1932, the Nazi party led by Hitler took power in Germany and immediately launched a plan to prepare the army to conquer Europe. The first thing was to break the Treaty of Versailles sanctioned at the end of the First World War, and a small immediate neighboring state became the main objective. After the annexation of Austria in March 1938, it was the turn of Czechoslovakia, with the invasion of Sudetenland under the pretext of the humiliation of the Germans present in that region [1]. The Czechoslovak government, without fear of this threat, did not hesitate to protect the country. But at that moment, the European powers advocating the Treaty of Versailles, the United Kingdom and France, came forward to mediate: British Prime Minister Chamberlain informed Hitler that he hoped to negotiate in person and conclude a peace agreement. After numerous consultations between Great Britain and France and Nazi Germany, the agreement was signed in Munich on September 29, 1938, but without any representative of the Czech Republic. At the expense of the sovereignty of Czechoslovakia, Britain and France obtained the so-called promise of peace from Hitler. Under pressure from Britain and France, Czechoslovakia surrendered to renouncing the Sudeten region[i]. However, this fact marked the beginning of the end of that country. After the signing of the agreement, British Prime Minister Chamberlain returned to London. At the airport, in front of the journalists and the British people, he showed himself satisfied and triumphant with the peace agreement signed with Hitler, saying: "I brought peace for an entire generation!" But Prime Minister Churchill replied that the Munich Treaty was a "complete surrender" of Western democratic countries to the Nazi armed forces, "a disgraceful defeat, without war, of Britain". In fact, while the ink of the Munich agreement had not yet dried, Hitler ripped up his promise and occupied the whole of Czechoslovakia. The strikes on Poland in 1939 began the Second World War. France was defeated in 1940 and the United Kingdom was also decimated under the indiscriminate bombardment of the Nazis. Chamberlain, who claimed to have brought peace for an entire generation, resigned and his words after the Munich agreement soon became a joke. Churchill's analysis of the agreement became a classic: "If between war and shame you choose shame, war is only postponed". It is worth mentioning that while the European powers found a compromise with the Nazis, Pope Pius XI did not fear the Nazis. On March 21, 1937 (Palm Sunday), with the encyclical "Mit brennender Sorge", the Pope denounced the oppression of Nazi Germany over the Church, inviting Catholics to resist racism and nationalistic worship (which go against moral values and faith of the Church), to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and to condemn the Nazi atrocities against Catholics and other Churches. The document also mentions the crimes of Nazi Germany and the violations of political and religious agreements, but at the same time calls for the certainty of the presence of the Good Shepherd, who always defends his flock. Any agreement that lacks justice will only end up harming others. Although initially the intention appears to be good, the consequences on an objective level must be assessed correctly and clearly. It is true that the Church preaches benevolence, but this does not mean that one can ignore the sufferings and trample on the blood of martyrs, in the name of diplomatic successes! History is a mirror that clearly reflects the rise and fall of countries in the world! The history of humanity must be a teacher for the Church, a place to learn, above all not to repeat the same mistakes! Otherwise, the burden of responsibility to take care of the flock is really only placed on the Savior! [i] Sudetenland, in Czech and Slovak Sudety, in Polish Kraj Sudetow, is the German term used to indicate the German-speaking territories at the northern, southern and eastern borders of the current Czech Republic. The US government has signed a contract for the supply of the Thaad missile defense system. For Washington it reinforces security in the Gulf in an anti-Iranian key. The Senate passes a motion (63 in favor and 37 against) asking to "withdraw" support for the Arab coalition led by Riyadh. Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The US government has signed a $ 15 billion contract with Saudi Arabia, aimed at selling the Thaad anti-missile defense system. This was announced yesterday by a spokesman for the US State Department, confirming the rumors of a new supply of armaments after that of last March, in spite of the criticism of human rights activist groups and the opinion of a part of Parliament. The announcement comes in concomitance with the US Senate vote, which intends to "withdraw" American support for the Saudi Arabian coalition leading a bloody war in Yemen. The vote (63 senators in favor of the motion and 37 against) represents a failure for President Donald Trump, a staunch defender of the alliance - with arms and billions - with Riyadh. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had previously called on senators to reject the motion, as it would "worsen" the situation in Yemen. The vote also comes in a context of tensions and shadows on relations between the United States and the Saudi kingdom, following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, behind which there would be the hand of Mohammed bin Salman (Mbs), in spite of the official denials of Riyadh. The stipulated contract concerns 44 Thaad systems manufactured by Lockheed Martin and was ratified on 26 November last, concluding a dense network of negotiations begun in December 2016. It would strengthen "the safety of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the long run" , facing the growing threats of the Iranian regime and extremist groups supported by Iran ". Since 2008, the US military has used the Thaad defense system (high altitude area defense terminal), designed to intercept medium range ballistic missiles. It includes a mobile platform for launching missiles, interceptor vectors, a radar and an integrated focusing system. Vienna, Nov 28 (AFP) Austria on Wednesday finalised the details of welfare cuts aimed at immigrants, in a move criticised by anti-poverty campaigners and church groups. Immigrants whose German-language skills are not up to scratch will see their benefit payments cut under the plan, agreed by the ruling centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and far-right Freedom Party (FPOe). Rules will also be tightened for people judged to be unwilling to work. In last year's election campaigns, both parties promised to get tough on illegal immigration while cutting taxes and bureaucracy and in December they agreed to share power. According to their new plan, the minimum monthly payment will be set at 863 euros. For asylum seekers with poor German or English however, that will be cut to 563 euros. FPOe Social Affairs Minister Beate Hartinger-Klein summed up the aims of the new measures: "First, fairness for Austrians. Foreigners must wait. This is of clear benefit to our citizens." But critics of the government's plans expressed concern that the cuts will push children in particular into poverty. The anti-poverty network, the Armutskonferenz, said that "instead of turning people into beggars, the laws need to be changed so that they fight poverty and don't make people poorer." And the head of the church charity Caritas, Michael Landau, posted on Facebook: "If the government reforms the minimum allowance, my call and request is that child and old-age poverty is not allowed to increase in Austria. "We have to fight poverty, not people affected by poverty." Critics also hit out at the fact that the reforms focused on the migration background of those receiving benefits. The FPOe has argued that migrants who had never worked in Austria or paid into the social system should not be entitled to the same level of benefits as Austrians. However, in a ruling last week on a specific case in the province of Upper Austria, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) said refugees were entitled to social benefits under the same conditions as nationals, irrespective of the duration of validity of their residence permit. The government hopes that the language requirement in the new measures will avoid any claims that it is discriminatory. The reform proposals will now have to be put to parliament in February and March before they can legally come into effect starting from April 1. (AFP) KUN (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) US Military Cancels 300 Million USD Financial Aid to Pakistan. (Photo Credit: ANI) Damascus, Nov 30 (AFP) Israeli jets on Thursday bombed several areas near Damascus as well as in southern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. "Israeli forces bombarded for an hour positions in the southern and southwestern suburbs of Damascus as well as in the south of Syria at the border of Quneitra province," the Observatory's chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Earlier, Syrian state media said air defences downed a number of "hostile targets" close to the capital. "Our air defences fired on hostile targets over the Kisweh area and downed them," the official SANA news agency reported, citing a military source. The area south of Damascus has been targeted by alleged Israeli strikes in the past, which a monitor said have killed members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards force and other pro-Iranian Shiite militias. Abdel Rahman said there are "weapons depots belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah (group) as well as Iranian forces" in Kisweh. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets. Syrian air defences in September opened fire to intercept alleged Israeli missiles targeting ammunition depots in the northwestern province of Latakia, but instead downed a Russian jet. Abdel Rahman said Thursday was the first time Syria's air defences had been called into action since the incident on September 17 in which 15 Russians were killed. Moscow pinned responsibility for the downing of its jet on Israel, saying its plane used the larger Russian one for cover, an allegation Israel disputed. Following the incident, Russia sent advanced air defence missiles to Damascus. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia his country would continue to hit hostile targets in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing a military presence across the border. He added that Israel would "continue security coordination" with Russia. (AFP) GVS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) US Military Cancels 300 Million USD Financial Aid to Pakistan. (Photo Credit: ANI) Damascus, Nov 30 (AFP) Syrian air defences on Thursday targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" close to the capital Damascus, state media said. "Our air defences fired on hostile targets over the Kisweh area and downed them," the official SANA news agency reported, citing a military source. The area south of Damascus has been targeted by alleged Israeli strikes in the past, which a monitor said have killed members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards force and other pro-Iranian Shiite militias. Head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami Abdel Rahman said there are "weapons depots belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah (group) as well as Iranian forces" in Kisweh. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets. Syrian air defences in September opened fire to intercept alleged Israeli missiles targeting ammunition depots in the northwestern province of Latakia, but instead downed a Russian jet. Abdel Rahman said Thursday was the first time Syria's air defences had been called into action since the incident on September 17 in which 15 Russians were killed. Moscow pinned responsibility for the downing of its jet on Israel, saying its plane used the larger Russian one for cover, an allegation Israel disputed. Following the incident, Russia sent advanced air defence missiles to Damascus. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia his country would continue to hit hostile targets in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing a military presence across the border. He added that Israel would "continue security coordination" with Russia. (AFP) GVS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Skopje, Nov 28 (AFP) Several thousand protesters from Macedonia's right-wing opposition marched through the capital Skopje Wednesday in a protest against Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who is pushing through a deal to change the country's name. The group, waving Macedonia's red-and-yellow flags, was led by the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party that was ousted from power in 2017 and has seen its ranks weakened further in recent months. The party has so far failed to thwart a deal that Zaev, a pro-EU Social Democrat, struck with Greece this year to rename the country "North Macedonia". If the change is finalised in parliament, Athens has promised to lift its veto on Skopje's attempts to join NATO and the EU. Greece has blocked the road for years because it insists the name Macedonia should apply solely to its own northern province. Critics of the deal argue that Macedonia is being bullied by Greece. "We'll show you your place in history, the dark side of history, in the next early or regular elections," VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski said of Zaev's government in a speech to the crowd. He added that he wants to fix this "situation of national humiliation" and called for weekly protests in the capital. The mostly elderly protesters paraded from the party's headquarters to parliament nearby. "We should not allow the centuries-old name of our fatherland Macedonia to be changed," Marlena Janeva, a 70-year-old, told AFP. After a dramatic parliament vote that saw several VMRO-DPMNE MPs defect from their party to approve the name change, parliament is now drafting the precise constitutional amendments to enshrine the deal. A final vote will need to pass with a two-thirds majority. In another dose of drama to rock VMRO-DPMNE, the party's former leader, ex-PM Nikola Gruevski, fled Macedonia this month to escape a two year prison sentence for abuse of power. He was granted asylum in Hungary, which Skopje has strongly criticised, demanding his return. (AFP) KUN (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai, Nov 29 (AFP) Yemen's internationally recognised government has called for a block on the broadcast of a rebel television channel from the war-torn country, the state news agency reported Wednesday. Information Minister Moammer al-Eryani said the Huthi-run Al-Masirah television was "generating poisonous sectarianism and inciting violence and hatred", Saba news agency reported. He added that Arab satellite operator Nilesat -- which is based in Cairo -- had stopped broadcasting the rebel outlet. The Huthi rebels condemned the calls, tweeting a link to a live stream of their Al-Masirah channel. "Satellite operators are succumbing to pressures by the Saudi-US coalition and blocking the broadcast of Al-Masirah on Nilesat," the rebel outlet tweeted. "We will work with all our energy to keep the voice of truth even if it costs us our lives." The Supreme Council for Media Regulation in Egypt told AFP it had not ordered the closure of any channels, but the outlet was not visible on Nilesat on Wednesday evening. Nearly 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed in the Yemen conflict since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened on the side of the Yemeni government to fight the Huthi rebels. (AFP) TIR (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan pitched for resolution of Kashmir dispute while speaking at the Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning his attempt to "politicise a pious event". Imran Khan said Navjot Singh Siddhu has gained popularity in his country to an extent where he could win an election. Khan also expressed disappointment over Sidhu's criticism by the Indian media, calling it unfair and unsubstantiated. Commenting on India's economy, Pranab Mukherjee said, "Today it is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former finance minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy." said, "Today it is worth 2.268 trillion US dollar. I am not satisfied. As a former finance minister, I think we should have done much more progress. It should have been five to six trillion US dollar economy." Some big developments that are expected to happen today are: A thick layer of smog has blanketed Rajpath and India Gate. The Air Quality Index in Lodhi Road area is poor at 272. Former Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi admitted to Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai after he complained of respiratory problems. An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Khrew area of Pulwama. We at LatestLY will bring all the breaking and latest news and updates around the world. Stay with us for the latest updates of the day. Jammu, November 29: Two terrorists were gunned down by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. According to a tweet by ANI, the encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Khrew area of Pulwama during the early hours on Thursday. According to details by J&K Police, the slain terrorists were affiliated with the banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. The encounter comes a day after Journalist Shujaat Bukharis murder accused LeT militant Naveed Jatt was killed in an encounter in Budgam. Police informed that the two terrorists killed in the encounter have been identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone and Adil Bilal Bhat, both affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen. Their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter and arms and ammunition have also been recovered. No collateral damage was reported, police informed. Jammu and Kashmir: Let Terrorist Naveed Jhutt Killed in Encounter Was Pakistani. J&K Police on today's encounter b/w security forces & terrorists in Khrew, Pulwama: Killed terrorists identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone & Adil Bilal Bhat.Both were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.Arms & ammunition recovered. No collateral damage took place ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 Police informed that a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists at Sharshali in Awantipora area of Pulwama district. Police informed that when the search operation was going on, the security forces were fired upon by terrorists, to which they retaliated. This led to a gunfight between them. On Wednesday, two terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Budgam's Chattergam in Jammu and Kashmir. A K Bhatt, GOC Armys 15 Corps informed that in the operation in Budgam, two terrorists were killed, one of them is Naveed Jatt, the killer of Shujaat Bukhari. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 11:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). by Silvina Premat Residents have been invited to leave the city during the summit. World leaders are expected to discuss the state of world trade and climate sustainability. All eyes are on the Trump-Xi meeting after the summit. A warm welcome has been reserved for Argentinian-born Queen Maxima of the Netherlands who is present as a UN representative. Buenos Aires (AsiaNews) The G20 summit of world leaders will start in a few hours in Buenos Aires, where the city is in a virtual lockdown. Between the afternoon and midnight of 1st December, only official cars will be able to drive in major sections of the Argentine capital, shuttling heads of state and government and their delegations. Anti-summit protesters are also expected. Sharpshooters will line the rooftops of key buildings. The possibility of terrorist attacks or other acts of violence, like the last G20 meeting in Hamburg in 2017, has led the British government to issue an advisory for its citizens who plan to travel to Argentina over the next couple of days, highlighting real risks and the need to take certain precautions, such as putting off the trip altogether. As Xi Jinping did two years ago at the G20 in Hangzhou, China, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and his government have urged Buenos Aires residents to leave the city, between tomorrow and 2 December. City authorities have declared tomorrow a "non-working" day. For Argentina, this summit is a major turning point, the first of its kind since its founding two centuries ago. The formal agenda of the summit of world leaders includes the state of world trade and climate sustainability. Other issues brought by engagement groups are corruption, education, work and energy transition, among others. After working on the latter over the past year, some 1,400 people, including invited guests, are expected. However, all eyes are on the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping following the formal G20, next Saturday evening. The two leaders will dine together at a high security secret location in the Argentine capital. This summit within the summit will take place a few days before fresh US tariffs kick in. For some analysis, the goal of Trumps decision to hike levies (from 10 to 25 per cent) on Chinese imports is to stop them. Others think the talks are meant to put greater pressure on Xi to get China to invest more in the United States or get better conditions for US companies in China. As the summit gets closer, the initial pessimism among political scientists about the possibility of a joint statement coming out of the meeting has somewhat improved. Now some feel that it might actually be issued. In the coming hours, the big names of international politics will show up. In addition to Trump and Xi, there will be Russias Vladimir Putin, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salman, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The other leaders on the G20 list are South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Latin America will be represented by the host, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Brazilian President Michel Temer and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived two days ago with a delegation of some 400 people and several armoured cars (Trump and Erdogan too will be bringing their own cars). A few hours before the arrival of the Saudi prince, Human Rights Watch filed a complaint against him for war crimes in Yemen, a move more for effect than real action. Among the people invited to the G20, Argentinians will be looking with particular attention and affection at one of the two most famous Argentines in the world, namely Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. The other one is Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio. The Dutch monarch will be present as a representative of the United Nations and as such will take part in a number of meetings organised on the sidelines of the G20 summit. An economist by training, Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti worked in banking in New York before she met Willem-Alexander, the current Dutch king. She is expected to promote microcredit as an antidote to poverty. Nadia, November 29: In a tragic incident, four more people died in West Bengals Nadia district after consuming spurious liquor on the night of November 27, taking the death toll to 11. Around 24 people are still hospitalised. Yesterday, seven people were reported dead after consuming the low-quality liquor. In the wake of the incident, the state government has suspended 11 excise officials, including the present Shantipur officer-in-charge. The case has been handed over to CID for further investigation. Uttar Pradesh: Five Dead After Consuming Illicit Liquor in Shamli District, Probe Underway. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has also announced a compensation of Rs.2 lakh to the kin of the deceased. The condition of some people is still reported to be critical. Government officials are monitoring the situation at the hospital. The incident took place at Nrishinghapur village under Shantipur police station area of the district. As per locals, a majority of people who died and fell ill are daily wagers. Earlier in August, a suspected bootlegger was arrested, and 453 cartons of illicit liquor were seized from a vehicle. According to a PTI report, the cartons contained more than 20,000 bottles. The Police arrested a person named Ali Ajgar following a tip-off that he would be delivering illegal liquor from Haryana at various parts of north Delhi. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 10:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). You can get stones in your bladder. At times, they do not cause any symptoms and pass out of your body on their own. But more often, they cause pain or other problems especially when you pee. Hence, it is very important to consult a doctor and remove them as soon as possible. Otherwise, things could turn as bad as a man in China, whose bladder stone became big like an ostrich egg. The doctors while removing the giant stone reported it to be the biggest ever found at the hospital. To Pee Or Not to Pee? What Happens When You Control Your Bladder? Heres What Science Says. The 55-year-old patient, identified by Metro as Zhou, was facing a discomfort that began in June. After visiting the hospital recently, the man realised he was carrying a 13cm (5.1 inch) stone in his stomach. The doctors at the Wuhan Jingdu Hospital decided he need a surgery immediately. Dr Wang Hui told that the stone was like an ostrich egg. He was quoted in the same report as saying, The bladder stone was larger than an adult humans fist, taking up his entire bladder. If not quickly removed, it could lead to renal failure. Here's How Holding on to Urine for Orgasm Can Cause Infection and Damage Your Kidneys. To perform the operation was also not easy for the doctors. Zhou suffered from heart problems. This is why, the surgeons decided to go for a general anaesthetic instead of numbing only his abdominal region. Citing the reason for such a giant stone stuck in the patients bladder, Dr Wang said that it was caused because of the patients ill-habits. This included not drinking enough water, sitting for extended periods of time and even holding his urine. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 11:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Rome, November 29: According to reports, a 28-year-old man has been arrested in Italy's Fiuggi, trying to take 20 people hostage. Reports say that the man stormed regional offices in Fiuggi town in Italy. Reports say that three people have been injured in the incident. The man had stormed a job center, said initial reports. Italian media reports say that the man was taken to a psychiatric hospital after the incident. Two police officers and a woman has been injured. More details are awaited. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Sri Lanka's Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijeguneratne was remanded to custody for seven days by a court in Colombo over the cover-up of the murder of 11 men by another naval officer during 2008-09 war with Tamil Elam fighters. Three warrants for Wijeguneratnes arrest were issued in early November but the top military officer had evaded appearing before the court. He is the highest-ranked defence officer who has been called before the court for war-time crimes. The court also rejected Wijeguneratnes application for bail after accusations surfaced that he attempted to abduct a key witness over the weekend and have a police officer investigating the case removed. "I am denying bail because in your position you are able to influence witnesses and disrupt the investigations," Magistrate Ranga Dassanayake announced in the court in Colombo. Sri Lankas highest ranking military officer Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijeguneratne remanded till 5th December by Fort Magistrate. He is accused of helping the main suspect in the abduction and murder of 11 youths in 2008-2009, to abscond. pic.twitter.com/JMeWTQ7JJV Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 28, 2018 The court also rebuked the top military officer for trying to evade arrest and show up in court in full dress uniform as a form of intimidation. Wijeguneratne was appointed to his post of CDS by the current Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Sirisena too has been accused of trying to protect the Defence chief by slamming the Criminal Investigations Department which conducted the inquiry into the alleged crimes and the subsequent cover-up. The naval officer who is accused of killing the 11 men and who Wijeguneratne allegedly protected is also in custody. He is accused of being part of an extorting ring run by some naval officers during the 2008-09 war. The bodies of the 11 men killed has not been found. The war of 2008-09 in Sri Lanka is a dark time in the island-nations history with many accusations of military excesses in the effort to defeat Tamil separatist rebels. The final months of the war saw an estimated 40,000 civilians killed. However, trying officers in uniform is a deeply divisive and emotive issue in Sri Lanka as many consider their service during the times of civil-war as invaluable. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 05:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). - PDP has said that Nigerians would vote for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2019 - The party's national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that Nigerians were eager to elect Atiku as their next president - He noted that since the emergence of Atiku as the PDP's presidential candidate, the APC's camp had continued to deplete in millions The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Nigerians are eager to elect its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2019 as the next president of the country. Legit.ng gathered that the party's national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this while receiving leaders of coalition of youth groups from Kano, Katsina and Kaduna states, at the party's national secretariat on Wednesday, November 28, in Abuja. Ologbondiyan said that Nigerians were eager to elect Atiku because he had demonstrated that the essence of leadership lies in applying its powers and privileges for the good of others rather than self. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said Atiku was generally accepted as a unifier, a broad-minded leader, who is committed to the welfare and uplifting of living standard of Nigerians. According to him, since the popular emergence of Atiku as the PDP presidential candidate, the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidates camp had continued to deplete in millions. Nigerians have reached a consensus to rally round Atiku, who embodies a hope of national rebirth, democracy, unity and constitutional order; wealth creation, youth empowerment and that aspiration for a prosperous nation, where all are free," he said. He described Atiku as a world class entrepreneur, widely accepted as epitome of wealth creation and youth empowerment and whose policy direction provides practical answers to the challenges confronting the nation today. That is why Nigerians are eager to go to the polls. That is why they want to elect him as their next president, Ologbondiyan said. Speaking earlier, the coordinator of the coalition, Malam Yusuf Maikano, said they were at Wadata Plaza to register their their support for Abubakar having defected from the APC ahead of the 2019 general elections. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the national coordinator of Buhari Youth Organisation, Olujonwo Obasanjo, said that no one can fault President Muhammadu Buharis integrity and honesty as a leader. The son of former president Olusegun Obasanjo said President Buhari stood above his peers in the administration of the nations finances and resources. READ ALSO: Religious leaders kick against Ajimobi's proposed security levy on churches, mosques He, however, refused to compare the regime of his father with the incumbent, saying both operated under different situations. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng News - Oby Ezekwesili has picked Abdulganiyu Galadima as her running mate for the 2019 presidential election - Galadinma thanked Ezekwesili for her confidence in him, ahead of a very tasking mission - He vowed to work with his principal to see the Nigerian people across the length and breadth of the country Ahead of the 2019 presidential election, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Oby Ezekwesili, has picked Abdulganiyu Galadima as her running mate. The development was made public when the presidential hopeful unveiled her full manifesto themed #ProjectRescueNigeria in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Wednesday, November 28, Guardian reports. READ ALSO: 2019: Reject food, drinks from politicians - NYSC DG warns corps members Legit.ng gathers that in response to the announcement, Galadinma thanked Ezekwesili for her confidence in him, ahead of a very tasking mission. He said: As your vice presidential candidate, I want to tell you, Your Excellency, that I will work with you. I will work with you to go deep down to the grassroots, to move to the length and breadth of the country trying to see to the Nigerian people. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the ACPN, warned Nigerians to be mindful of candidates for the 2019 presidential election; alleging that they now peddle fake promises. The former minister noted the desperation of some of the presidential candidates to be in power, adding: "Some of them have been showcasing empty manifestos and policy documents that are not in terms and in reality with modern day Nigeria. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Ezekwesili and her 2019 ambitions - on Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - The wave of defections in the House of Representatives is still going on - The ruling APC is the worst hit, as lawmakers continue to cross carpet - Another member of the APC has now moved to the SDP The Social Democratic Party (SDP) says it has announced the defection of a serving House of Representative member from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the party. The defected lawmaker according to a statement issued by SDP national publicity secretary, Malam Mohammed Alfa, is Honourable Salisu Koko representing Maiyama/koko-Besse federal constituency, in Kebbi state. Alfa said that the development brought the number of lawmakers who had defected to SDP in less than two weeks from APC to two. The SDP spokesman added that more members of the House of Representatives were being expected in the days ahead, as SDP has become the most accommodating and promising party for those unjustly treated in other parties. Reports have indicated that the decision of the lawmaker to dump APC is as a result of the partys inability to restore his stolen mandate during the concluded primaries, he added. PAY ATTENTION: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Similarly, Senator Joshua Lidani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defected to the APC. Lidanis defection was announced on the floor of the Senate by Senate leader, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary on Wednesday, November 28. The former PDP lawmaker was elected on the platform of the party in 2015 and represented Gombe south senatorial district. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Lets Talk About Salaries of Nigerian Senators | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The Nigeria Police Force has continued its clamp down on pro-Biafra groups in the southeast region - Nine suspected members of the proscribed groups were recently arrested by the police in Abia state - Items recovered from the suspects included Biafran identify cards, one Biafran magazine, one Biafran National Anthem booklet and a Biafran flag The Abia state police command has announced the arrest of nine suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM). The Abia commissioner of police, Chris Ezike disclosed this during at a press conference on Wednesday, November 28 in Umuahia, the state capital. According to Ezike, the suspects are Ikedi Orji (38), Samuel Elem (38), Festus Oko (32), Michael Okoroafor (45) and Okoro Chukwu (33). Others are John Ogbu (44), Cyril Elobuike (45), Dominic Onovo (56) and Alika Chukwuemeka (52). PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Ezike said the items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles, Biafran identify cards, one Biafran magazine, one Biafran National Anthem booklet and a Biafran flag. The police commissioner said that his men also recovered three blue uniform shirts of the outfit, badges and service numbers from the suspects. He narrated how soldiers on duty at Abia State University Uturu military check point intercepted the first five suspects all from Ebonyi en route Owerri, Imo, on Sunday, November 25. He said the last four suspects from Enugu en route Owerri were intercepted near Lokponta in Umunneochi on Monday, November 26, by the patrol team to Mbala Division. While parading them, he added that they admitted to being members of MASSOB and BIM, but denied belonging to IPOB. Intelligence information is indicative that suspects may be part of the IPOB group that unleashed mayhem in some states recently, he said. Some of the suspects who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said they were only travelling to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Library, for the birthday/memorial lecture of the late Biafran warlord. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The police command in Anambra recently arrested 34 suspected members of IPOB in connection with the killing of a police inspector in Nnewi, aa commercial town in the state. SP Haruna Mohammed, spokesman of the command, made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday, November 23. Haruna said that some personnel and a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) were also wounded while a police patrol van was set ablaze. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better Osinbajo delivers a speech on the Biafra war -on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has warned those fomenting troubles in the state to desist from it - Some groups in the state have been protesting over oil installation surveillance contracts - The governor promised the protesters that his administration would take necessary actions to address their grievances Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on those who are trying to foment crisis in the state using oil surveillance contract as a ploy to desist, stressing that such could cause economic challenges to the nation. Governor Okowa made the call on Wednesday, November 28, in Asaba when he addressed some aggrieved youths from host communities to OML 30 and some ex-agitators from phases one to three of the federal government amnesty programme. Okowa said: I want to advise that whosoever is plotting against the people, those who are benefiting and through the process of surveillance contracts are being empowered, should allow Delta state remain peaceful, because, in peace, we will be able to produce and export more crude oil and in that export the nation and the state gains. It is our hope that nobody especially as the oil prices are going down should take any action that will foil the quantity of oil that we are currently producing. READ ALSO: 2019: Nigerians are eager to elect Atiku - PDP The governor called on the protesters to remain peaceful, ensuring them that his administration would take necessary actions to address their grievances. Legit.ng gathered that the governor came out from the state security council meeting to address the protesters. He further said: I want to thank you and appreciate you, our youths for the way you have put yourself together; secondly, I want to appreciate you for deciding to make the protest peaceful; that is the hallmark of Delta youths; we are knowledgeable and we know that what is right is what should be done. This protest is happening on the day we are holding our security council meeting and the security agencies are here; the agencies have been working hard with the support of our people and our youths to keep the Trans Forcados line safe and we thank God that because of the safety of that pipeline the oil production of this nation has increased. We have held series of meetings with stakeholders and we have long agreed to the fact that it is best to secure our pipelines when we are in charge by ourselves; you cannot come and watch over someone else's backyard; the people who own the place know best how to protect their property and if since June 2017 that the Trans Forcados line has been open, it has been functional and our oil production and export has continued to increase and there has been no complain; I will find it very disturbing if a new contract is being awarded not to talk about awarding the said contract under a higher cost; that will definitely not be responsible and I believe that Mr.President will not accept this. I am very confident that he will not support such a cause and I do not believe that the Nigerian nation who realizes that as at today we still heavily depend on the proceeds from oil and if our oil production has improved to the level that we have some level of comfort as a nation and as a state, I do not think that an action that will lead to the disruption of our oil production and export is something that will be welcome. Our nation is doing well and anything that is being done that will cause the reversal of the progress that we are making in terms of oil production will be an economic sabotage and I believe that any action being taken now to re-award the surveillance job to a new company that will come to displace the locals will be an economic sabotage and I do not think that is what we will support as a state, so, we are asking you to please be patient since you have decided to follow the due process to protest peacefully; we thank and appreciate you for the information that you have passed to us; we will act as quickly as possible to ensure that there will be no disruption to the progress that we are making thus far. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Tennyson Oriunu had in an address on behalf of the aggrieved youths, said close to a thousand youths and ex-agitators from the 111 communities of Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities who are hosts to the OML 30 facilities, have been affected by the hijacking of surveillance contract of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline. The protesters called on Governor Okowa to intervene to avoid crisis in the state as a result of the re awarding of the surveillance contracts to people who are not familiar with the terrain. Governor Okowa recently challenged the Nigeria Police Force to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country. The governor made the comment on Wednesday, November 14, when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Alkali Usman paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Asaba. His words: There is no doubt that Delta state is relatively peaceful, but, kidnapping has become a national issue and it is very unfortunate. Most of the kidnappings that takes place happen in the highways and that is a cause for worry. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Peace Abiamuwe Story: I Make N1.5k From My Palm Kernel Business and Im Okay With It | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has given his thoughts on the recent attack suffered by Nigerian soldiers - Buratai, however, says no army can have enough equipment for its operations - He also said the army had started to strategise for the end of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said no army can have enough equipment for its operations. Buratai made the statement in response to the reported killings of almost 100 Nigerian soldiers in Metele, Borno state. The army chief was speaking at the the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday, November 28. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Legit.ng gathered that the theme of the conference was, Optimising the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army towards safeguarding democracy and national security in Nigeria. Buratai, however, said the army had started to strategise for the end of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. His words: Internally, there has been violence in some sections of the country, which constitutes security threats to Nigerias democracy and existence. The causes of the crises are often for ideological, economic, political, religious and ethnic reasons. The fight against Boko Haram in the northeast will continue unabatedly. The army is collaborating with Chad and Cameroon, and we are currently conducting joint operations in adjoining areas. No army can have enough equipment to conduct its operations. So it is incumbent on all commanders to know that we are involved in an asymmetric warfare which calls for dynamism and flexibility. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Buratai's statement comes days after some soldiers in the Nigerian Army deployed for anti-Boko Haram operations accused top commanders of leading them to Boko Haram slaughter armed with obsolete weapons while diverting funds meant to procure better arms. The soldiers made the allegations in a video, taken from a camera phone, which went viral on Friday, November 23. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better. Nigerian Air Force Operations Against Boko Haram | Legit TV Source: Legit - The Nigerian Army has finally released the casualty figure in the deadly attack on troops in Metele, Borno - The Army spokesperson said 23 soldiers were killed while 31 were wounded - Although the Army reiterated its position that the Boko Haram insurgents have been degraded, it admitted that there were recent daring moves by the terrorists - It added that the terrorists are now using drones and hiring foreign fighters in their ranks but reiterated the troops' commitment to end the insurgency The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 23 of its personnel were killed and 31 others wounded when Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops locations on Sunday, November 18, at Metele in Northern Borno. The figure contradicts reports of 44 to 100 army personnel allegedly killed in the attack, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. In a statement issued by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, November 28, the army, however, said that between November 2 and November 17, the insurgents attacked troops positions at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram. READ ALSO: 2019: SDP receives another defected federal lawmaker from APC He said troops repelled those attacks but 16 soldiers were killed, while 12 others sustained injuries in those incidents. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care, Usman said. . Usman said the incident of November 18 happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin city. On account of this incident, the conference had to be moved from Benin city to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an army. We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections. Accordingly, the theme for this years annual conference is aptly titled, Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria, Usman said. He assured Nigerians and the international community that the army would work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria. Usman noted that since 2015, the army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies had systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and recorded many successes. However, he said in the last two to three months, there were daring moves by the terrorists, who had used drones against troops defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app These potent threats require us to continually review our operations. The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of the Nigerian Army. The president gave the assurance on Wednesday, November 28, during an address to troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. Legit.ng notes that the development comes 10 days after scores of Nigerian soldiers were killed by insurgents in Metele, Borno state. Buhari told the soldiers that they were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters?| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The Senate has adopted the report of its committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for the establishment of 10 higher institutions across the country - The red chamber agreed that the establishment of the institutions would go a long way to open up the education space in the country - The Senate also said that the approval of the establishment of the institutions was in line with the policy to establish polytechnics across the states The Nigerian Senate has approved the establishment of 10 new higher institutions across the country on Wednesday, November 28. Legit.ng gathered that the resolution was made after the federal lawmakers adopted the report of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, which was presented by the committees chairman, Jibrin Barau. The new higher institutions approved by the Senate include one polytechnic to be located in the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari, in Daura, Katsina state. The lawmakers agreed that the establishment of the institutions would open up the education space in the country. READ ALSO: Buhari reduces cost of JAMB, NECO forms They also expressed the belief that the step would assist the country to fight illiteracy. The Senate also said that the approval of the establishment of the institutions was in line with the policy to establish polytechnics across the states. The deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu said: I want to thank the Senate for the expeditious conclusion of the consideration of these Bills. It is a good thing that we have done our part in creating more schools and opportunities for our children. The approved institutions include Federal Polytechnic, Kabo; Federal Polytechnic Daura; Federal University of Education, Aguleri; National Institute of Construction Technology and Management and Federal Polytechnic, Ikom. Others are Federal College of Education(Technical) Arochukwu, Abia State; Federal Polytechnic Langtang, Plateau State; Federal College of Education, Usugbenu-Irua; Federal University of Technology, Manchok and Federal Polytechnic Kwale, Delta state. PAY ATTENTION: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda In a previous report by Legit.ng, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, on Monday, February 5, announced the establishment of six new tertiary institutions as he met with journalists in Owerri adding that the step was part of plans to revolutionize education in the state. The new institutions include the "University of Engineering, Onuimo, University of Agriculture, Aboh Mbaise, Ihitte Uboma College of Education and Ehime Polytechnic." Okorocha reportedly added that the National High School, Arondizuogu would be changed to a college of education while Ahiara Technical College would be upgraded to a polytechnic. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. What is working well and what needs improvement in Nigeria? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - The NLC is making moves to ensure that the Paris Club refunds sent to the government of Katsina, Rivers, Ogun and Borno states are called - The congress says it will write to the presidency to make the recall over the states' refusal to pay arrears of civil servants - The president of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the step will be taken because some states divert the funds meant to pay workers salaries to pursue flagrances The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would write to the presidency to recall the Paris Club refunds sent to the government of Katsina, Rivers, Ogun and Borno states, for failing to pay arrears of civil servants. This was disclosed by NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, during the Joint National Service Negotiating Council meeting, Nigerian Tribune reports. Legit.ng gathers that the meeting was organised by the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Wabba said: We are going to write to the presidency to recall the Paris Club refund sent to them because the funds have not created an impact in the life of workers in the civil service in these states. We are bent on taking this step because some states are more interested in diverting the funds meant to pay the salary of workers to pursue flagrancies. This is why many states owe workers salary and gratuity. This is why our universities are on strike because the government have been living on denial." In his own remark, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa said: Let me also report to you that Im very pleased with the attitude and quality of the manpower we have in our workforce in the new Bayelsa we are building. Im particularly appreciative of the collaboration that is existing between those of us in government and the leadership of organised labour. To a large extent, that is made possible because of my consultative and inclusive approach to issues, which has informed not just my politics but also in the governance of this state. There is no major decision we take concerning the public service that we dont sit down and discuss and get inputs from organised labour in this state. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Labour leaders on Saturday, November 17, once again advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to be misled by some governors on the new minimum wage demanded by Nigerian workers. Speaking during a working visit to Ado Ekiti, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, said there was no going back on the amount submitted to the federal government by labour. He described the threat by governors that paying N30,000 as minimum wage would result to retrenchments as mere distraction by the governors on the issue. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Minimum Wage: Is N30,000 Too Much for FG to Pay Workers? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned the masses to be wary of people seeking for money or pretending to be agents in charge of the force recruitment. On Thursday, November 29, the police announced the commencement of the recruitment exercise for constable and also released a list of requirements and approved method of applying on its official Facebook page. If you want to apply for Nigeria Police recruitment, there are five steps you must take in submitting your recruitment form. Below, Legit.ng lists the necessary five steps for you: Step 1. You must have a functional email address and mobile phone number before you begin your application. Step 2. Visit www.policerecruitment.ng Step 3. Fill and submit the online form. (Review the information before final submission). Step 4. Ensure that you print out the information that is sent automatically to your email, and do not forget to copy and save your Registration number for future correspondences. The number is case sensitive please. READ ALSO: 2019: SDP receives another defected federal lawmaker from APC Step 5. You would be required to present a hardcopy of email message sent to you if you are shortlisted and contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Below is the requirements you have to meet before applying for the NPF's 2018 recruitment exercise: 1. Nationality: Be a Nigerian citizen by birth and possess National Identification Number (NIN) 2. Age: Must not be less than 18 years of age or more than 25 years of age. 3. Education: Must have an O Level certificate at least five credits passes in Mathematics and English Language in not more than two sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB. 4. Character: Must be of good character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offence. 5. Height: Must not be less than 1.67 metres in height for men and 1.64 metres for women. 6. Chest Measurement: Must not have less than 86cm (34 inches) expanded chest measurement (for men only). 7. Physical Features: Must not have any one of the following abnormalities or deformities: Speech impediment, knock knees, bow legs, bent knees, flat feet, deformed hands which cannot perform the full functions of the hand, tattoos, bodily scars, defective eyesight or squint eyes, amputation of any part of the body, gross malformation of teeth, protruding navel. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app 8. Pregnancy: Must not be pregnant at the time of Recruitment. 9. Financial Status: Must be free from any pecuniary embarrassment. 10. Guarantors Form: Candidates must download and fill the guarantors form, presenting verifiable references from any two of the following: Sureties must be traditional rulers, magistrate, local government chairman, heads of educational institutions attended, career civil servant not below the rank of grade level 12, police officer not below the rank of CSP, or military officer not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 28) There is no word on who will take over Jesus Dureza as chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Wednesday he has no clue on who will take over at OPAPP, and in what capacity. Outgoing Armed Forces Chief Carlito Galvez recently revealed he intends to join OPAPP after his retirement on December 12. His name is also being floated as the next Presidential Peace Adviser. Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana said he would strongly recommend Galvez to replace Dureza, whom he describes as a good friend since the 80s. "I have not heard that. But if true, I would strongly endorse him (Galvez)," he said. Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay praised Dureza for his quote "admirable act of leadership, responsibility and humility." Dureza was also appointed as Special Envoy to the European Union, but it also remains unclear whether he will keep this post. President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, revealed on Tuesday that Dureza did not ask for anything after tendering his resignation. Bangsamoro plebiscite Dureza's resignation came less than two months before the crucial Bangsamoro plebiscite. On January 21, voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as a number of other provinces, cities and towns in Mindanao will decide if they want to be part of the new Bangsamoro political entity. READ: The Bangsamoro Organic Law: Everything you need to know Dureza's former office is in the thick of preparations for the plebiscite as the campaign period will start next week. The OPAPP was also set to launch a massive voter's education campaign on the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the agency is now scrambling to put things together without Dureza. CNN Philippines reached out to Dureza, but he said this was not yet the proper time to comment on the issue. English might be the official language used by Nigerians to communicate in formal settings but anywhere, anytime folks need to unwind and make words into a sweet, melodious music, Pidgin English is the way to go. A couple decided to leverage on the communal and rhythmical flow of this language by weaving it into their wedding invitation. It is not uncommon to see beautifully designed invitation cards lettered with many formal words that have become cliches. While this is an appreciable trend, a couple have decided to stand out from the crowd with a more unique presentation of their invitation card. This couple named Sunday and Rejoice decided to write their invitation card in pidgin English. Just like they would in any other wedding invite, the duo were introduced and guests were invited, a venue was announced (Jalingo to be precise) and a toast was made. But the unique feature was that the English used was pidgin through and through. Even more, the words used were very hilarious, witty and nerve racking. READ ALSO: Drama in Imo church as first wife pours palm oil on husbands new brides wedding gown (photos, video) No words can quite describe how refreshingly different the invitation card but one thing that was certain was that it is capable of giving someone a good laugh. The hilarious wedding invitation was shared by a Twitter user named Farooq Kperogi. The man, who seems to be a political analyst and journalist from Atlanta, was particularly impressed by the outlook and presentation of the card in so much that he shared it and wrote a caption that mirrored his approval of it. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data and get more Nigerian News with Legit.ng News App See the full post below: While Farooq showed he could very well handle the humour compressed into the card, many Nigerians on Twitter were not quite ready for it and so their reactions were just as hilarious as the wedding invitation itself. A few of them expressed awe at how 'well written' the words were and others were just simply shocked at seeing the level of creativity that went into making the card. PAY ATTENTION: Love, relationship, marriage on Africa Love Aid See some of the reactions below: READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com) This is coming after an event planner has been reported to be engaged to the man she once helped . As gathered by Legit.ng, she had sent him airtime on social media when he jokingly asked for it, and just like a joke, he asked her to be his. It is apparent that there is a sort of newness and innovation that comes with every wedding, every love story. The whole sequence of falling in love, finding common grounds between the couple and weaving these similarities, differences and uniqueness into every aspect of their wedding might be a tradition, but it is a tradition that never grows old. Did you know? NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better How much should a man earn as salary before considering him for marriage | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The menace of Boko Haram insurgency had remained a tough nut for the presidency to crack - President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, November 29, left the Presidential Villa for NDjamena, in Chad - The president would preside over a summit of heads of states and governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to provide solution to insurgency President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, November 29, departed Abuja for NDjamena, Chad, to preside over the summit of heads of states and governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari, in his capacity as chairman of the summit of heads of states and governments of the LCBC, summoned the meeting meant to find lasting solution to the menace of Boko Haram insurgency, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, in a statement in Abuja said the meeting would take place in NDjamena, Chad on Thursday. Adesina said that the president of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country, had also been invited to attend the meeting. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies. According to Adesina, the one-day meeting will review the security situation in the areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency. He said it would also adopt measures to enhance the capacity of the MNJTF to meet the challenges of securing the areas. The presidents of the LCBC member countries of Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic have been invited to attend the meeting. The President of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country has also been invited to attend. The MNJTF and the national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies, Adesina said. NAN reports that millions of people in Africas Lake Chad region (north-east Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad and Cameroon) are facing a profound and protracted crisis driven by extreme poverty, climate change and violent conflicts according to the UN. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The crisis, the world body added has led to the internal displacement of 2.4 million people, the destruction of livelihoods, human rights abuses, and the disruption of health, education and other basic services. More than 10 million vulnerable people need life-saving assistance and protection today. Women and children are particularly hard hit. In February 2017, a conference on the Lake Chad region, co-hosted by Germany, Nigeria, Norway, and the United Nations took place in Oslo where donors pledged 672 million dollars to emergency assistance and support in 2017 and beyond. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that dozens of soldiers were killed and many others sustained gun wounds when Boko Haram insurgents invaded their base at Matele Kukawa local government area of Borno state on Sunday, November 18. The incident occurred at remote village of Metele in Lake Chad Basin around 5:00pm. A security source said the insurgents subdued the soldiers and left with their ammunition. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters?| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Thursday, November 29, commenced its recruitment exercise of constables across the country - The welcome development was published on the NPF's official Facebook page on Thursday - This is coming just days after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the Enhanced Salary Structure for the NPF The federal government has announced that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Thursday, November 29, commenced its recruitment registration exercise for constables, Punch reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Earlier, Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved Enhanced Salary Structure for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The president made the declaration after meeting with members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) on Monday, November 26, at the State House, Abuja. President Buhari met with the board of PSC, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris. In a series of tweets by Garba Shehu, the SSA on media and publicity, President Buhari said that his administration will continue to give attention to the welfare and operational needs of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with a view to restoring its lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country. In a related report, Legit.ng gathered that the Police Service Commission (PSC) on Monday, November 26, commended Buhari over his commitment towards enhancing the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Moreover, the NPF had warned the masses to be wary of people seeking for money or pretending to be agents in charge of the force recruitment. The police released a list of requirements and approved method of applying to the force on its official Facebook page on Thursday, November 29. If you want to apply for NPF recruitment exercise, there are five steps you must take in submitting your recruitment form. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Retired Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, a commissioner in PSC, gave the commendation in her speech to State House correspondents after a delegation from the commission had a closed-door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa. She said that police personnel should be encouraged in terms of welfare for them to perform maximally. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. EXCLUSIVE: Be patient with President Buhari, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has issued an official statement on the death of its official who was killed in line of duty - The traffic control agency said it was saddened by the unfortunate incident that involved a killer police officer, Adeyemo Rotimi - In a statement by the assistant police commissioner in Lagos, the killer cop was also beaten to stupor angry mob The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in a condolence statement posted on its official Twitter handle, @followlastma, has reacted to the death of its officer, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was killed in line of duty by one Inspector Olakunle Olonade on Wednesday, November 28. In a statement contained in its Twitter handle, LASTMA, which said it was saddened by the incident, added that its official was "murdered in cold blood." Legit.ng gathers that the LASTMA official was shot dead by the police operative following an argument that ensued as a result of violation of traffic law by the police officer at Iyana Ijapa roundabout. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Announcing the death of their colleague, LASTMA posted: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our gallant officers, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected FSARS operative while discharging his lawful duties at his point in Iyana Ipaja on the Wednesday, November 28, 2018." See tweet: Earlier, the assistant commissioner of police, Abayomi Shogunle, announced through his Twitter handle, @YomiShogunle, that the killer officer had also given up the ghost following a mob attack on him at the scene of the incident. He said:"The inspector that allegedly shot dead late Rotimi Adeyemo 'm' at Iyana-Ipaja roundabout, Lagos at 6pm of November 28, 2018, was beaten to stupor by irate mob at the scene. "This policeman also died while being rushed to the hospital." See tweet: PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Lagos commissioner of police, Edgal Imohimi, had directed a posthumous investigation into the death of Inspector Olukunle Olonade, who was allegedly killed after shooting a man, Rotimi Adeyemi, suspected to be official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). In a statement signed by Lagos police command public relation officer, Chike Oti, the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, November 28, at 6pm when Rotimi and Olonade were locked into a street assault as a result of violation of traffic law. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Lagos Police Commissioner Parades Suspected Criminals (Nigeria News) | Legit TV Source: Legit - Nigeria has been mourning soldiers killed by Boko Haram insurgents recently - The Nigerian Army has paid a condolence visit to a widow of one of the fallen soldiers - The soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba, died in the line of duty alongside other soldiers Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, November 28, paid condolence visit to a woman identified as II Sakaba, the widow of a fallen soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba. Legit.ng gathers that the army made this disclosure on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, November 28, saying the delegation was led Brigadier General SI Igbinomwanhia. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda See tweet below: Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that the chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, gave account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Wednesday, November 28. The statement read: Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved." Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks. He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between November 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari summoned service chiefs to an emergency security meeting over the reported killing of some Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram sect along the Nigeria-Chad border on Sunday, November 18. The urgent meeting was necessitated by the latest security developments across the battlefields in the northeast region of the country. A reliable source, who preferred not to be named, confirmed this development in Abuja on Friday, November 23. The federal government's pronouncement on the latest victims of Boko Haram insurgency was being delayed because families of the victims were being identified and contacted. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigerian Air Force Operations Against Boko Haram | Legit TV Source: Legit Emerging reports have claimed that Adekunle Akinlade, the preferred governorship candidate of Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Premium Times reports that Akinlade, who lost to Dapo Abiodun at the recently conducted APC governorship primary in the state quit the party alongside three other members. The other members are Rabiu Kaugama (Jigawa) who moved from the PDP to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mohammed Ajanah (Kogi) from APC to PDP and Salisu Koko (Kebbi) from APC to SDP. READ ALSO: Police begins recruitment of constables days after increase of officers' pay Akinlades defection is coming few days to Independent National Electoral Commissions deadline of governorship candidates substitution. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the APC National Working Committee and Governor Ibikunle Amosun announced different candidates as winner of the state governorship primaries. Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday, October 4, announced Adekunle Akinlade as the winner of the APC governorship primary in Ogun state, thereby, ignoring the NWC's earlier announcement declaring Dapo Abiodun as the winner. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Amosun took to his official Facebook page to share a press release signed by the state publicity secretary of Ogun state chapter of APC, Wole Elegbede, announcing Akinlade's victory in the primaries. In a related development, the state chapter of the APC declared Abdul-Kabir Adekunle Akinlade as the winner of its gubernatorial primary election held in the state on Tuesday, October 2. The result was announced on Wednesday afternoon, October 3, at a press conference addressed by the state chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi at the partys state secretariat located along the Abiola way in Abeokuta, Ogun state. The results, which was announced on local government basis indicated that Akinlade won in all the 236 wards of the 20 local governments of the state, having polled a total number of 190,987 votes to defeat all the other five governorship aspirants in the state. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Lagos Governor: Is Sanwo-Olu a Better Candidate Than Ambode?| - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - An APC chieftain, Alhaji Muazu Bawa, says President Buhari if re-elected in 2019, will enhance democratic governance in the country - Bawa expressed optimism that the president would be re-elected to continue with the laudable projects he initiated - The APC chieftain said Buhari had demonstrated political commitment in executing meaningful projects which has improved the lot of the people Alhaji Muazu Bawa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger, says President Muhammadu Buhari will enhance democratic governance in the country, if re-elected in 2019. Bawa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday, November 29, that Buhari remained the only credible choice among the array of presidential candidates vying in 2019 and hoping to meet the expectations of Nigerians. He also called on members of the party to put behind, their bitterness arising from the party primaries, in order to strengthen the party capacity to win the forthcoming elections. The chieftain said Buhari had demonstrated political commitment in executing meaningful projects that had improved the lot of the people. READ ALSO: NLC declares war on 4 states over unpaid workers arrears Nigerian electorate should vote for continuity in order to consolidate on ongoing changes in the country that will further set the nation on the path of progress. We have since embarked on aggressive sensitisation of people on the laudable achievements recorded by President Buhari administration in the last three and half years, he said. Bawa also commended Buhari for ensuring prompt release of funds for the procurement of heavy duty equipment for Baro Port. He said that the decision of the federal government to link Minna and Abuja with rail from Baro Port would boost socio-economic and political development in the country. Baro port project is one of the best that has happened to the people of Niger as over 2 million residents will be gainfully employed. Bawa, a former commissioner of finance in the state expressed optimism that the President would be re-elected to continue with the laudable projects he initiated. He called on politicians to play responsible politics and shun all kinds of political violence and thuggery for peace, progress and political growth of the state in particular and the country at large. What the country needs at this material time is a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth implementation of electoral processes. Our politicians, especially those seeking elective positions, must do more in promoting political tolerance and understanding for us to achieve transparent elections in 2018," he said. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda In a previous report by Legit.ng, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that Nigerians are eager to elect its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in 2019 as the next president of the country. The party's national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this while receiving leaders of coalition of youth groups from Kano, Katsina and Kaduna states, at the party's national secretariat on Wednesday, November 28, in Abuja. Ologbondiyan said that Nigerians were eager to elect Atiku because he had demonstrated that the essence of leadership lies in applying its powers and privileges for the good of others rather than self. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Texas Chukwu has reportedly been removed as Nigerian Army's spokesperson - He is said to have been replaced by former Army spokesperson Sani Usman - Chukwu, according to reports, claimed that he was replaced because of a course he ought to attend at the NIPSS The Nigerian Army has reportedly replaced Texas Chukwu as its spokesman. The Cable, quoting a military source said, Chukwus removal followed outcry from different quarters on his inability to manage information on the counter-insurgency campaign. Chukwu was not attune with media management and did not sustain the efforts already in place. "A good public relations officer always responds to critical national issues on time and provides solutions. His inefficiency did not only affect the armys efforts but made the military a subject of embarrassment in the eyes of the world, the source said. READ ALSO: Amosuns candidate, 3 other rep members defect to other parties The source was quoted to have also said that former spokesperson Sani Usman had been reinstated as spokesman of the army. Recall that Chukwu took over the position in February. Chukwu is alleged to have managed several incidents of Boko Haram poorly. Chukwus handling of the recent Boko Haram incidents did not help in managing the situation, thereby embarrassing the chief of army staff and the commander-in-chief, the source said. Chukwu was also reported to have confirmed that he had been replaced. He was reported to have claimed that he was replaced because of a course he ought to attend at the NIPSS. There must be progress. Im going to NIPSS for study. You know there are some courses you would take before getting promoted to major-general. Its true. Im no more the army spokesman. SK Usman would take over. He just returned from course, too, he was quoted to have said. Usman was also said to have confirmed his return to his former position. In a message sent to The Cable, he said: I wish to on behalf of my family thank all those that called or sent congratulatory messages as I graduated from NIPSS, Kuru, bagged the highly respected Membership of the National Institute (mni) and inducted into the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) since Saturday 24th November 2018. I also like to inform you that I have also been reappointed as Director Army Public Relations with effect from Monday 26th November 2018. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation. May God continue to bless and protect you and your family. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai gave an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists. A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Wednesday, November 28, made this known. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng upgrades to serve you better Between Buharis Next Level And Atikulate - Nigerians React - on Legit TV Source: Legit - The ruling APC has lost four members to another party in Ogun state - The defectors said they took the decision after due consultations with their constituents and supporters - Out of the 26 members of the House, APC now has 13, APM has four, ADC, three, and PDP, six Four members of the Ogun House of Assembly on Thursday, November 29, resigned their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The lawmakers announced their defection in separate letters read by the speaker of the Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, during a plenary in Abeokuta. READ ALSO: Army reportedly removes Texas Chukwu as spokesman, re-appoints Usman The defectors are: the majority leader, Idowu Olowofuja (Abeokuta South11); Adeyinka Mafe (Sagamu1); the chief whip, Ganiyu Oyedeji (Ifo11); and Tunde Sanusi (Obafemi Owode). The lawmakers said in their letters that injustice by APC during its primaries was part of their reasons for defecting. The legislators said that they took the decision after due consultations with their constituents and supporters. Oyedeji said in his letter that in spite of his defection, he would still support President Muhammadu Buharis re-election and would continue to support Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun. In his response, the speaker wished them well in their new party. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of the 26 members of the House, APC now has 13, APM has four, ADC, three, and PDP, six. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet Meanwhile, Legit.ng had also reported that Adekunle Akinlade, the preferred governorship candidate of Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Akinlade, who lost to Dapo Abiodun at the recently conducted APC governorship primary in the state quit the party alongside three other members. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng upgrades to serve you better Lagos Governor: Is Sanwo-Olu a Better Candidate Than Ambode?| - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng News - Nigeria is preparing for 5G connectivity and other reforms expected to boost the country's digital economy - Representatives of mobile network operators, GSMA, is leading the charge through reforms expected to unlock economic growth, jobs and opportunities for social development - It also has the potential to get 55% of the country's population connected by 2025 Modernising regulation and policy reform will be crucial to boosting Nigerias digital economy and accelerating internet access for millions through increased mobile broadband penetration, according to a new report released by the GSMA. The report titled: Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future, was launched at a GSMA industry event on Thursday, November 29 in Abuja, in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The event brought together leaders from across the mobile industry with policymakers to discuss future regulation and how to enable the next-generation of 5G connectivity. In the world we live in today, mobile communication is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration, and the mobile industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies, said Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The mobile industry is not only a significant contributor to the economic activities of Nigeria, but also towards the growth of other sectors of the economy. The Nigerian Communications Commission has been, and continues to play a key role in the development of mobile communication in Nigeria, and I am delighted to be part of this event today. This provides and avenue for regulators, operators, investors, and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas. Mobile connectivity has already improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening the door to new digital possibilities and powering the countrys economic development, said Akinwale Goodluck, head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. For Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its digital transformation, its vital that collaboration between industry and government enables the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If policies dont keep pace with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that citizens will be left behind and productivity and competitiveness will suffer, he added. GSMA research shows that the mobile market in Nigeria makes an important contribution to the economy. The mobile industry contributed $21 billion to GDP in 2017, representing 5.5 per cent of Nigerias total GDP. In addition, the growth of Nigerias digital economy resulted in the creation of nearly 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. Growth in the adoption of digital services by government, businesses and consumers is having a positive impact on daily life in Nigeria. For the majority of Nigerians, mobile broadband is the first and only technology for accessing the internet, enabling better access to health, education and commercial opportunities, amongst other public services. Smartphone adoption has already risen to over 53 million connections, and 49 per cent of the population are currently connected by mobile technology, compared to less than one per cent who have a fixed-line connection. However, the report concludes that there is still broad scope for Nigeria to increase its mobile penet*ation. Although more Nigerians are getting access to mobile broadband, the country lags regional peers in 4G adoption. Helping to accelerate adoption would enable more advanced services and create bigger societal impacts. With increased spectrum harmonisation and licensing reform, the countrys mobile penetr*tion is forecast to rise to 55 per cent of the population by 2025, with 70 per cent having 3G connectivity and 17 per cent having access to 4G networks. Currently, only 44 per cent of mobile subscribers in Nigeria are using 3G technology and 4 per cent are using 4G technology, compared to over 18 per cent 4G penetra*ion in South Africa and 16 per cent in Angola. Building on the progress already achieved by the NCC, the GSMA recommends the following reforms in its report: 1. Retire the Digital Mobile Licence, the National Carrier Licence and the International Gateway Licence; 2. Eliminate superseded conditions in the Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) and migrate many others towards a supplementary general UASL conditions document or to parallel regulations; 3. Transition to an indefinite duration for the UASL; 4. Guarantee a true unified approach to licensing, permitting licensees to offer the full range of services, as per the UASL scope of services provision; and 5. Provide coverage obligations via radio frequency licences. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, the NCC on Tuesday, November 20, said about 12 million telecommunications subscribers have asked service providers to stop disturbing them with unsolicited text messages and calls. Professor Danbatta made this disclosure in his meeting with Kano actors and filmmakers (popularly known as Kannywood) in the state. Danbatta urged the artists and filmmakers to spread the message of consumer protection tools of the commission such as 2442 Do-not-Disturb short code and 622 toll free line. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Latest News: Airtel Nigeria Formally Launches 4G LTE Network in Lagos | Legit TV Source: Legit - The Nigerian Senate adjourns executive session without considering any item on the order paper due to a PDP national executive council meeting - Details of the executive session was not made public by the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki - The Senate approves higher institutions for President Buharis hometown, 9 others The Senate on Thursday, November 29, adjourned plenary to allow Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers attend the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of their party. The lawmakers, who adjourned after an executive session that lasted about an hour, did not consider any item on the order paper. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that details of the executive session was not made public by the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki. READ ALSO: NLC declares war on 4 states over unpaid workers arrears However, votes and proceedings of Tuesday, November 27 sitting were adopted before adjournment. The items on the order paper are presentation of reports on attempted assassination of Senator Dino Melaye and report on prison act (repeal and re-enactment) bill, 2018 among others. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has approved the establishment of 10 new higher institutions across the country on Wednesday, November 28. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Legit.ng gathered that the resolution was made after the federal lawmakers adopted the report of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, which was presented by the committees chairman, Jibrin Barau. The new higher institutions approved by the Senate include one polytechnic to be located in the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari, in Daura, Katsina state. The lawmakers agreed that the establishment of the institutions would open up the education space in the country. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better. Does Sowore really have what it takes to lead Nigeria in 2019? | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - The committee on electoral and political matters of the House of Representatives pleads with south east residents not to boycott the 2019 election - The committee wants the residents of the zone to be mature and not listen to pro-Biafran groups concerning the election - It also promises to carry out enlightenment and sensitisation campaign concerning the need to partake in the election The committee on electoral and political matters of the House of Representatives, on Thursday, November 29, advised residents of the south east to shun agitations by pro-Biafra activists for the boycott of 2019 general election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chukwuemeka Ujam, who led a four-man team of the committee on an over-sight visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu state, spoke in reaction to calls by some pro-Biafra groups for residents to boycott the election. Ujam, who is represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West federal constituency, urged the people residing in the south east to participate actively in the election as a measure of enthroning good governance through which they can demand for redress on their perceived marginalisation. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The lawmaker said the activities of the pro-Biafra groups were major setbacks in the various political efforts to let south east residents vote massively in previous elections so that their votes could count. Ujam pleaded with the residents of the south east exhibit total sense of maturity by ignoring such calls. He said there would be sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns to tackle voters aparthy. According to Ujam, the visit was to ascertain INECs level of preparedness ahead of the 2019 elections, assuring that the committee would tackle all issues raised by principal staff of the commission in the state. The report said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu state, Emeka Ononamadu, appraised the result of the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in as very encouraging. According to him, INEC registered over 549,326 new voters during the exercise, but harped on the cancerous problem of `voters apathy in the south east based on Biafra sentiments as a source of worry. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates The REC listed some of the internal problems facing the commission in the state to include lack of water and inconsistent power supply. Legit.ng earlier reported that INEC recently said except for the delay in the passage of the election budget by the National Assembly, it is ready to conduct the 2019 general elections. The report said that the national commissioner of publicity, INEC, Solomon Soyebi, made the statement on Sunday, September 9, during an appearance on the station. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Nigeria Street Gist - Ezekwesili to Become Nigerias First Female President. Yay or Nay? | Legit TV Source: Legit UPDATE: Police find arsenal, body armor when responding to deadly West Ward shooting A man and a woman originally from New Jersey were identified Thursday as the two people found dead Tuesday night in an apartment in Eastons West Ward, authorities confirm. Brian Valan, 29, and Aiden M. Oswald, 24, were pronounced dead in the first floor apartment at 1226 Ferry St., according to Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek. They died from gunshot wounds but the manner of their deaths -- homicide, suicide, accident, natural -- is pending the outcome of the investigation, Lysek said. Both people had more than one previous address in New Jersey, Lysek said, but it appears they were from Monmouth County. Valan was the tenant, Ruthie Coutinho, of Wilmington, Delaware, who owns the Easton property with Cecil Coutinho, said Wednesday afternoon. Oswald wasnt on the lease, she added. But Lysek said she was staying there. He was a good guy and we are totally shocked, Ruthie Coutinho said, adding she had little information and had yet to have been contacted by police. Police have released few details out of concern of damaging the ongoing investigation, they say. Officers were dispatched late Tuesday afternoon to check on the welfare of someone and didnt leave until well after 1 a.m., records show. They were not seeking any suspects as of early Wednesday, Lt. Matthew Gerould said. Neighbor Simon Rizk said he often saw one or the other early in the morning as they left for work. They appeared friendly, he said. He didnt know their names, but when Valan would return from work, he seldom went out again, Rizk said. He would go in, lock the door and stay inside, Rizk said. He never saw them arguing and I dont understand theyre dead at the same time," said Rizk, who has lived across the street for about two years. Their deaths are just a shame, he said. There was a fire in September 2017 in the first floor apartment that was quickly put out, but there was smoke damage throughout, the city fire department said at the time. Not counting a car crash that resulted in a homicide charge that was later withdrawn, if the coroner rules at least one of the deaths was from homicide, this is the first killing in Easton in more than two years. Michael Bond, 35, of The Bronx, New York, was shot and died the night of May 9, 2016, in the 600 block of Church Street, authorities said. Jeffrey Rico Raymond, 24, of Easton, faces trial on a single count of homicide on Jan. 7 in Northampton County Court, records indicate. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Funeral services are set for a Pennsylvania township worker who was shot and killed this week by a man having issues getting permits. Michael Tripus was shot Tuesday at the Paradise Township Municipal Building in Monroe County. Police have charged 72-year-old David Green with the killing. He's said he's sorry. Funeral services are set for Monday at the William H. Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg. His wife, Pamela Tripus, says in a Facebook posting her husband was looking forward to donating toys to The Salvation Army for Christmas, and was always focused on helping kids in need. His family requests memorial remembrances be made to the organization's toy drive in East Stroudsburg. Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday ordered the Pennsylvania flag to fly at half-staff at the Capitol in Harrisburg and all state facilities in Monroe County until sunset Sunday, in honor of Tripus. I have ordered Commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff at the Capitol Complex and at all Commonwealth facilities in Monroe County in honor of Michael Tripus of Stroudsburg. Frances and I send our deepest condolences to his loved ones and his community. https://t.co/Y5vNBfWCRu Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 29, 2018 Green told police he was having problems with his new house, including mold. A neighbor tells police Green was having difficulty obtaining permits. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board is again taking up developer Abe Atiyehs proposal to build an 80-bed psychiatric hospital along Center Street, not far from Bethlehem Catholic High School. Atiyeh is trying to convince the city that he would build a hospital, not a treatment center. Earlier this year the citys zoning officer rejected the plan, saying it constitutes a treatment facility for people with mental health issues, not a hospital. A treatment center is not a permitted use there. Neighbors have protested Atiyehs previous plans for the property, noting its proximity to homes and the high school on Dewberry Avenue. Atiyeh says his proposal should be allowed under city approval he received five years ago for a hospital at the site. What do you think? Does Atiyehs plan qualify? Should the zoning board allow it or reject it? Have a say in our informal, unscientific poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comments section. U.S. National Climate Assessments were mandated by law in 1990. The periodic reports were to be a guide for federal policymakers. The current one yields very little thats useful for policy guidance. The lengthy report makes wild assertions designed to be terrifying. Tens of thousands will die hundreds of billions will be lost from the economy food supplies will fail This has provoked harsh criticism from climatologists and researchers. The report is so preposterous, University of Colorados Prof. Roger Pielke Jr., a staunch advocate for climate action, fears that the report will make it easier for critics to dismiss future climate studies. It uses the U.N.s most extreme climate model (which elsewhere is being abandoned), then doubles the outcomes to make it scarier. The report relies greatly on alarmist propaganda, some produced with funding from billionaire climate activists Tom Steyer and Michael Bloomberg. Based heavily on speculation, it ignores hard evidence. A compliant news media uncritically proliferate the terrifying misinformation (Express-Times: Nov. 24 front page, Nov. 27 Star-Ledger Opinion) promoting unwarranted fear. Meanwhile, America continues to reduce CO2 emissions (by nearly 15 percent in the last decade) and now accounts for less than 14 percent of the global total. Both China and India made it very clear that their peoples needs preclude any possibility of contributing to emission reductions. Over time, the Climate Assessment program became a global warming extremist initiative. The latest report is a product of the swamp and does not warrant serious consideration. James Policelli Plainfield Township The death has taken place of well known Stradbally man Bill Deegan. William, who was best known as Bill, Deegan of Church Lane, Stradbally passed away peacefully aged 83 at his home on November 29. Predeceased and reunited with his wife Sheila and brother Pauge, he is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, sons Pat and William, daughters Linda and Fiona, daughters-in-law Anne and Carol, sons-in-law Tim and Martin, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Hubert, James and Maurice, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and his many friends. More below picture Pictured: William 'The Rebel' Davis, Tom Sheehan, Bill Deegan and Jim Roche pictured at Stradbally Steam Rally. Photo: Michael Scully. Among his interests, Bill had a love of vintage agricultural machinery and was at the heart many threshing displays. He was a driving force in the Stradbally Steam Rally, the organisers of which paid tribute. "The Irish Steam Preservation Society is saddened to learn of the death of Bill Deegan. Bill was a member of the Irish Steam Preservation Society and a favourite presence with the threshing at the National Steam Rally every year. He will be sadly missed," said a statement. MORE BELOW PICTURE Taking a break from working on the threshing at the National Steam Rally at Stradbally in August 2010 were From left: Chris Phelan, Joe and Jodie Deegan; William 'Rebel' Davis, Bill Deegan, Gavin and Darren Dalton; Wayne Comerford and Richard Dooley. Picture: Alf Harvey He was also involved with his local GAA club which also extended sympathy. "Club is saddened to learn of the death of Bill Deegan. Bill was a lifelong member of Stradbally GAA Club. As well as being a player, he fulfilled many roles within the club over the years including Vice President, Trustee, Chairman, Treasurer, fundraiser, sponsor. He will be sadly missed in Bill Delaney Park," he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE Pictured: Bill, Martin & Conor Deegan at the 49th Steam Rally. Picture Alf Harvey His nephew Joe Deegan paid tribute. "I had 40 years of a wonderful education from my uncle Bill that consisted of a myriad of subjects history, politics, steam, sport and farming. RIP Bill," he said. His remains will repose at his home from 12 noon this Friday with a recital of The Rosary at 8 pm Friday night. His remains will remove on Saturday at 11.45am to arrive at The Sacred Heart Church, Stradbally for 12-noon Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Colman's (Oakvale) Cemetery, Stradbally. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society. Pictured: Bill Deegan and his grandchildren at Stradbally St Patrick's Day Parade. Photo: Michael Scully. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The auction of Irish rugby star, Johnny Sexton's boots today secured 25,500 for a sick little girl who needs to go to the the US for medical treatment. An anonymous bidder paid 15,500 for the boots which went under the gavel at Sheppard's of Durrow, Co Laois on Wednesday afternoon. The under-bidder donated another 10,000 towards the medical treatment of eight-year-old Anna Browne, from Mallow, Co Cork. Johnny Sexton was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year at the weekend and these are his lucky boots worn by him when the Irish rugby team won the Grand Slam, the Pro14 and the Champions Cup. Her family are trying to raise money to pay for ongoing treatment both in here and in the US to help her cerebral palsy. Annas illness is restricting her mobility and she requires the use of a wheelchair. Johnny's generous offer came after his godfather, Listowel publican and author, Billy Keane met the Browne family and was deeply touched by Anna's story. Contact was then successfully made with Sexton who unselfishly donated the boots. The legendary guitarist Chris Holmes brings his No Limit Tour 2018 to the stage of Kavanaghs this weekend, with his band Chris Holmes Mean Man. The heavy metal guitarist and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist of heavy-metal band W.A.S.P. is an unstoppable musical force. The American heavy metal guitarist and songwriter started his musical career in the Pasadena, California area in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Best known as the Mean Man of W.A.S.P., Chris Holmes made his name as the iconic blonde bomber who not only provided the ripping leads to, but co-wrote such 1980s classics as Wild Child and L.O.V.E. Machine. Anyone who needs convincing on just how fantastic Holmes was back in the day, need look no further than Thunderhead, a high-water mark from his former outfits 1988 release The Headless Children, it remains an awe-inspiring piece of metal melodrama, filled with guitar licks that burst with skill, polish, refinement and finesse. Holmes first re-emerged back on the metal scene a little over five years ago, launching a solo career that saw him take on lead vocals as well as guitar playing duties. On November 26, 2012, Chris released his first solo album Nothing to Lose and decided to produce, manage and distribute it himself along with his wife Catherine Sarah Holmes. After the success of his first album, Chris started recording his second solo album and on May 2, 2015, Chris Holmes released his second album worldwide and had his first concert in Nantes, France with his new band 'Mean Man' which consists of Thomas Cesario Guitar, Pascal Bei Bass and Folkert Beukers on the drums. Two of the songs were filmed live, and uploaded to his YouTube channel. Chris Holmes Mean Machine No Limit Tour 2018 comes to Kavanaghs at 9.30pm this Friday, November 30. Tickets are still available, priced 14. A man who was before Athy District Court on Tuesday November 27 for drink and dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident was remanded in custody until January. Slawomir Baj with an address listed as 20 Emily Square, Apt 3, Athy came to the attention of gardai on July 28, 2017 at Corran Ard, Athy for driving a vehicle while exceeding the alcohol limit and on the same date and location for a hit and run charge and dangerous driving, when he hit an ice cream van and failed to remain at the scene. He also had no insurance at the time. Judge Desmond Zaidan asked if there were kids around the van at the time and he was told that the van was closed and parked up for the day. The court heard that two days later, July 30, 2017 he was found by gardai asleep in his car at Plewman's Tce at 2 pm. He was extremely intoxicated at the time, four or five times over the limit, the court was told. This man has issues, Judge Zaidan said. His solicitor Seamus Taaffe said that his client has been living here for 15 years. Last year he lost his job and his wife and was at the time living in his car. He has since got a place to live and is on job seekers allowance. He was drinking very heavily at the time but now longer drinks. He has lost his job to alcohol, Judge Zaidan said. He is a danger to himself and to others. If he kills a fellow human being that family will have a life sentence. He was remanded in custody until January 8 for a probation report. Kildare native, Luka Bloom features on a new album with Damien Dempsey, Bellx1, Snow Patrol, David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, The Frames, and James Vincent McMorrow to help raise funds for three Irish homeless charities. Read also: Naas GAA Christmas party is ready to rock and roll The Street Lights collective have just released the video to their special cover of Simon and Garfunkel's classic single 'Homeward Bound' and announced the track listing for the upcoming Street Lights album. Ireland's musicians joined forces as 'Street Lights' to release 'Homeward Bound' and the album 'Street Lights' to generate funds for the most vulnerable, our homeless. Peter McVerry Trust, Simon Community Ireland and Focus Ireland will be the recipients of all profits of the single and album sales, which they have agreed will go directly to rehoming and rehousing on a national level. To donate 4 to the Street Lights Project text street lights to 50300 (Focus Ireland, Simon Community and Peter McVerry Trust between them will receive a minimum of 3.60. Fifteen songs have been carefully selected by artists and organisers to feature on the self titled album Street Lights' which will be released on Friday 7 December. The album also features songs from Saint Sister, Richard Hawley, Villagers, Stephen James Smith, Lisa O'Neill, Glenn and Ronan and Celtic Woman. The single Homeward Bound' was recorded in Camden Studios with producer/arranger Cian Boylan and features a host of prolific artists including The High Hopes Choir, Gary Lightbody, Cathy Davey, Villagers, Loah, Bono, Roisin O, Join Me In The Pines, Little Green Cars, Saint Sister and Colm Mac Con Iomaire. ' 'Street Lights' the album is is available to pre order NOW by clicking here for a physical copy, or clicking here for a digital copy. Luka Bloom performs 'All I Want Is A Room Somewhere' on the album. The High Hopes Choir said: Its been such a joy to work with so many amazing musicians, artists and people from across the music industry to release this single and album to the public. We hope they love it as much as we all do, and buy it to help our homeless citizens. 'Homeward Bound' available across all digital platforms now and will be followed by the full album 'Street Lights' on Friday 7 December 2018 from all good record stores and across all digital platforms. Check out the new single Kildare Town was announced as one of the regional winners at this years Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards. Read also: Kildare's Luka Bloom joins wealth of stars on new fundraising album for homeless The awards recognise and reward towns where businesses and communities have come together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. This years awards saw collaboration between business groups and communities from almost 100 over 80 towns and urban villages nationwide, with entries demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurial initiatives being undertaken to boost local economies. At the award ceremony in Kilkenny last night, a total of 40 awards were given with an overall prize fund of 157,000 allocated to encourage further innovation and entrepreneurship within winning towns. Taking the prize for overall winner of the 2018 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards was Letterkenny. Speaking at the awards, Roisin Crotty, Head of Co. Kildare at Bank of Ireland said: Every year we are so impressed by the enterprising spirit and achievements of towns and villages nationwide, as people work together, to drive growth locally and build thriving communities. "Entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovative thinking have an immeasurable impact on a communitys ability to flourish and we hope that all of this years winning towns enjoy their success and continue to build on it further in 2019." A Humanist group for North Kildare has been established, and meets in Sallins on the second Monday of every month. The meetings take place upstairs in Lock 13, Sallins from 7:30. The next meeting will be on December 10, and all are welcome to attend. Founded in 1993, the Humanist Association of Ireland (HAI) is a community of people who believe in humanist principles and aspire to a fair, balanced, ethical and responsible secular society. The HAI advocates for the equal treatment of people of no religion by the State and provides a forum for individuals and families to meet, share experiences and develop their humanist ideals. Read also: Fintan O'Toole to discuss Brexit book in Kildare college HAI accredited celebrants have the right to legally solemnize marriages in the Republic of Ireland and Humanist funerals, baby namings and coming of age ceremonies are increasingly chosen as alternatives to religious rituals. HAI also provide educational material, school speakers and outreach in the form of chaplaincy. One in ten people in Ireland identify themselves as non-religious, the largest grouping after Roman Catholics. There are more non-religious than all those of other faiths combined. Famous humanists include Stephen Fry, Peter Ustinov and Frank Zappa. Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief, Kevin Boxer Moran TD has welcomed Cabinet approval for the establishment of a standing support scheme for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies affected by flooding. Approval for the scheme, proposed by Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys was obtained at this week's Cabinet meeting. As a Minister who has seen at first-hand the devastation caused to businesses and local communities by major flooding events over recent years, I am particularly pleased that the scheme will now be put on a permanent footing and administered by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. This is a practicable and sensible approach and will assist in making payments much quicker and easier to dispense, said Minister Moran. Applicants will receive a "quick" payment which will be capped at an upper limit of 5,000. While the cap of 5,000 is likely to meet the requirements of the majority of applicants there is scope for a further payment of up to 15,000 after a more detailed assessment of the loss incurred. The target group of the scheme are sole traders and small businesses with a small number of employees, as well as voluntary, community and sporting bodies. The scheme will be demand-led and will aimed at businesses and organisations who experience flood damage as a consequence of a severe weather event to their premises and who have been refused flood insurance. One of the big issues faced by businesses and community groups in the past has been the lengthy of time it takes to receive funding from support schemes in the aftermath of a major flooding event. I am hoping that this new scheme, now on a permanent footing, will significantly reduce waiting times, said Minister Moran. The new scheme will also give clarity and assurances to businesses who cannot obtain insurance to protect themselves against flooding, said Minister Moran. Irish Red Cross will continue to administer applications for assistance in accordance with a memorandum of understanding due to be agreed with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. In the past, the Department of Defence operated temporary humanitarian support schemes in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross following incidents of flooding. Four such schemes have been opened since 2015 (Storm Desmond, Storm Eleanor, flooding in Donegal and Laois). The establishment of these schemes have operated on an ad-hoc basis. For more of our top stories click here Arrangements have been made to open a hotel at the centre of a High Court dispute, between a company that wants to buy it and its owner, as accommodation for asylum seekers in early January. The 39-room Shannon Key West Hotel at Rooskey on the Co Leitrim/Roscommon border is the subject of proceedings between Paradub Ltd which wants to develop the property into a tourist hotel and its owner businessman James Kiernan. Paradub claims it entered into an agreement to buy the hotel, which closed in 2011, from Mr Kiernan, which the company alleges he has failed to complete. Earlier this month Paradub launched proceedings after it 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. 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. Mr Kiernan denies the claims against him and opposes the injunction application. The case was briefly mentioned before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Thursday. Padraic Lyons Bl for Mr Kiernan said his side had served the plaintiffs with a sworn statement in reply to the injunction application. Counsel said that an agreement was in place between his client and another party in relation to the use of the hotel. That third party, counsel said, had entered into an arrangement with the Department of Justice for the hotel to be used as accommodation for asylum seekers starting from January 7th next. It was now a matter for the plaintiff if it wishes to join this third party to the proceedings, counsel said. Counsel for the company Jack Tchrakian Bl said his side had only recently received the defendant's sworn and required time to consider its contents. Ms Justice Reynolds, noting the urgency of the matter, adjourned the case to next week. Previously the Judge granted the company permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings against Mr Kiernan. It claims 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. A LIMERICK man has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of murdering a Romanian man in the city centre over a year ago. Desmond Coyle, aged 60, with an address at Davis Street in Limerick has pleaded not guilty to murdering Calo Carpaci, 58, at Roches Row on May 24, 2017. In his opening address this Thursday, prosecuting counsel Anthony Sammon SC said a very significant part of the case will be based on CCTV footage capturing the movements of people around Limerick city. CCTV footage, the court heard, will show Mr Coyle leaving his flat at Davis Street on May 24 and going about his business. Mr Sammon said this footage will also show the route taken by the accused from when he leaves his home and goes to Roches Row. He doesnt take the most direct route he could have taken from Davis Street to get to Roches Row and that is a matter of importance, he said. The court heard that CCTV footage will also show that Mr Coyle very briefly entered Mr Carpaci's residence at Roches Row. The barrister said the accuseds life centered very much on alcohol and public houses at the time. You will come to the view that Mr Coyle was under the influence of alcohol on the occasion, said Mr Sammon, adding that only in very rare situations can the degree of alcohol intoxication deprive a person of forming a conscious intent. Counsel told the jury they will receive enough evidence in this case to show that Mr Coyles situation at the time of the killing was not excusatory. The court also heard that several witness statements will be read into evidence in the case. There will also be evidence, Mr Sammon said, concerning Mr Coyles arrest and detention as well as interviews he gave gardai. The barrister indicated to the jury that Mark Nicholas SC, defending Mr Coyle, will make a series of admissions or concessions using section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. This provision relieves the prosecution from proving these matters of fact and it will ultimately shorten the case, he said. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of seven men and five women. It is expected to last two weeks. A LIMERICK city councillor has described how he was nearly knocked down while crossing the road near his home. Cllr Paul Keller made his comments as he called for a GoSafe van and additional garda resources to be deployed at Bloodmill Road near its junction with Childers Road. Speaking at a meeting of the Metropolitan District Joint Policing Sub Committee, he said motorists are ignoring the pedestrian crossing near Claughaun GAA Club in Castletroy. It doesnt seem to make much of a difference. Drivers are refusing to yield (to pedestrians), he said. Describing a recent incident near his home, Cllr Keller said motorists who use the road are driving too fast and, in his opinion, are showing a total disregard for life. He told the meeting that a car swerved around me as I was on the pedestrian crossing. Inspector Luke Conlon noted the concerns of the councillor but said it is unlikely a GoSafe van will be deployed in the area. However, he said he would ask members of the divisional traffic corps to look into the matter. THE LIMERICK College of Further Education will host an evening full of laughs, music and even love next week for their Blind Date gameshow. LCFE events PRO, Ciara Healy, promises an entertaining evening is in store for all with raffle prizes up for grabs to raise funds for a good cause. Sadly you wont find love sitting home on the couch so come down and join us, Ms Healy encouraged. The show will raise funds for the MS Ireland Society who work with people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a long-lasting disease where nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain are heavily damaged by a Myelin Sheath. The occasion is dedicated to LCFE student Hannah Veronica Griffey, a 21-year-old mother who was diagnosed with MS last February. Ms Griffey explained: I struggle with fatigue, pain, pins and needles and numbness daily; it's usually manageable enough, but I do have good and bad days. Having a three-year-old, I just have to power through and stay positive, and it's hard to come to terms with because I'm so young, and I do struggle sometimes, but I just have to remind myself that I have MS, MS doesn't have me, Ms Griffey added. Blind Date Limerick, takes place at a new venue, The Black Rabbit, Carr Street on Monday, December 3. Attendance is free, donations and raffle ticket purchases are more than welcome, and participation fee for the Blind Date is 10. WORKS to install new shelters and additional seating at one of the busiest bus stops in the city are almost complete. As revealed by The Limerick Leader in July, proposals were drawn up earlier this year to locate additional or oversized shelters at Arthurs Quay Park which is one of the key hubs for bus interchange in Limerick. The bus stop is currently used by Bus Eireann and a number of private operators and its proximity to the citys main shopping district in the city centre was a reason why the project was given high priority status by both Limerick City and County Council and the National Transport Authority. A spokesperson for the local authority confirmed the works to install the additional seating and shelters are progressing well. The work is due to be completed in the next couple of weeks and will give commuters and other bus users shelter from the weather while waiting for their busses. The bus shelters at Arthurs Quay are the first of a number to be erected across the city network in the city centre and the suburbs by the council and the NTA, he said. VIRGIN Media, one of Limericks biggest employers, has won a prestigious customer care award. The television and broadband provider, which operates a huge call-centre at the LEDP in Roxboro, was honoured for having the 'Best Customer Experience at the CCMA awards. for the second straight year. The awards celebrate the high standards and service excellence achieved within the Irish contact centre and shared services sector. The Virgin Media team which numbers 400 in Limerick beat off competition from Laya Healthcare, Paddy Power Betfair, Sky Ireland, New Ireland Assurance and Lilly Global Business Solutions. The firm was praised for demonstrating continued outstanding progress in the delivery of customer experience. Glen Winn, head of revenue assurance, fraud and risk at Virgin Media was also awarded industry professional of the year manager award which highlights his and his teams successful efforts to reach revenue targets while significantly reducing risks. Winning this award two years running proves how customer experience is now truly part of the DNA of our whole business. Our teams commitment to making it easy for our customers is authentic and genuine, and this was called out by the judges. Well done to our team in Limerick and thank you to our colleagues from across the business for the support, Virgin Media vice-president of customer Michael McCarthy said. Meanwhile, there was success for another Limerick businesswoman as Catherine Duffy won the top title of Woman of the Year. Ms Duffy, the manager of Northern Trust in Limerick, won the title at the Women in Finance awards last week. A former Limerick Chamber president, she picked up her award at Clontarf Castle in Dublin. THE heroic actions of a young schoolboy who saved a toddler from drowning while on a family holiday in Portugal over the summer have been honoured by Irish Water Safety. Nine-year-old Finn Bell-Ryan from Patrickswell was one of 28 people from across the country whose life-saving actions were acknowledged at a ceremony in Dublin Castle this Wednesday evening. According to Irish Water Safety, Finn a third class pupil at Crecora National School displayed alertness, initiative and quick thinking during an incident in the popular resort of Cascais, near Lisbon on August 12, last. Finn, who has been swimming since he was one year old, was playing around the pool at the complex where he was staying with his family when he was alerted to a three-year-old boy who had gotten into difficulty after jumping into the water. The then eight-year-old immediately reacted and quickly entered the water and pulled the toddler from the bottom of the pool before adults who were in the area provided assistance. "We were in the little pool playing and I wanted to have the laugh and jump in the big pool and I did and was swimming around when a little boy jumped in and I thought he could swim but he couldn't," explained Finn who says he was alerted with a girl who was shouting that the toddler could not swim. "I got to him and I caught him and I brought him over to the steps," added Finn. His mum Claire Bell says the whole incident happened very quickly. I was at the side of the pool lying down and by the time I stood up he (Finn) was already on the way over, she added. The toddler who was not physically injured was reunited with his mother as soon as he was taken from the water. By coincidence, Finns grandmother - Margaret Bell - was also honoured by Irish Water Safety on Wednesday in recognition of her 40 years service as a volunteer with the organisation. "I'm very involved in Limerick city water safety so I would have promoted it with my old children and with Finn - Limerick city water safety is a voluntary organisation and we teach people how to save lives and we teach them the skills to save a life both inside the water and outside of the water," said Margaret who is originally from Rathkeale. We are a swimming family, its in our DNA and its great to be recognised, Claire told the Limerick Leader. Sean Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Rural & Community Development presented Seiko Just in Time Rescue Award to each of the rescuers in appreciation for saving so many lives. It is an honour to pay tribute to these courageous recipients. Tragically an average of 127 people drown in Ireland every year and although thats 127 too many, the figure would be even higher but for the dramatic efforts of these individuals who saved others from drowning and the ongoing work of Irish Water Safety volunteers teaching swimming and water rescue skills, he said. Long-Service Volunteer Awards were presented to 63 volunteers, recognising a combined total of 1,315 years of service teaching swimming, water rescue and survival skills in communities nationwide. A YOUNG man who caused an accident when he pulled out in front of a another car on one of the busiest roads in Limerick has avoided a driving ban. Barney Casey, aged 20, of Clonlong, Southill pleaded guilty to careless driving at Old Cork Road, Limerick on October 3, 2016. Inspector Paul Reidy told Limerick District Court the defendant was parked on the left hand side of the road and just pulled out in front of another car as it was about to pass. While slight damage was caused to both vehicles, nobody sustained serious injuries. Solicitor Tom Kiely said the offence was at the lowest end of the scale and he confirmed his client was fully insured to drive and remained at the scene of the collision pending the arrival of gardai. It was a very minor accident, he should have been paying more attention, he said. Judge Marian OLeary noted the defendant has no previous convictions and that he is unlikely to come before the court again. She fined him 150 giving him five months to pay. In the circumstances, the judge said she would not impose a disqualification. Although not a matter for the court, the conviction will attract five penalty points. A LIMERICK man was granted bail after he appeared in court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl over a three year period. The 64-year-old accused, who has an address in the city centre, was brought before Limerick District Court after he was charged with multiple offences which are alleged to have happened on various dates in the mid-1990s. Judge Marian OLeary was told the defendant, who is not currently working, did not make any reply as each of the 34 charges were put to him by detectives at Roxboro Road garda station following his arrest last week. Such is the number of charges, it took almost 15 minutes for two detectives to give evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to the charges. All of the charges relate to the same alleged victim while the offences are alleged to have happened at a number of different addresses in the Southill area of the city. A number of the charges outline in graphic detail what the man is alleged to have done to the young girl. Inspector Paul Reidy confirmed a file had been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the matter and that the case is to proceed on indictment before the Central Criminal Court. The defendant was assigned free legal aid and there was no garda objection to a bail application which was made by solicitor Sarah Ryan. A number of conditions were imposed as a condition of the mans bail. He must live at his home address and sign on at his local garda station three times a week. He was ordered not to have any contact with the alleged injured party, who is now aged in her mid-thirties. Judge OLeary also directed that the defendant surrender his passport to gardai and that he not leave the jurisdiction as a condition of his bail. Noting that directions had been received from the DPP, the judge agreed to adjourn the matter to the end of February to facilitate the preparation of a book of evidence. Given the nature of the charges, reporting restrictions were imposed prohibiting the identification, in the media or elsewhere, of either the accused man or the complainant. The defendant only spoke during the brief hearing to confirm his signature on the bail bond. While the matter may be sent forward for trial early next year it could be 2020 before any trial is heard. ON SUNDAY evening, All-Ireland winner Sean Finn will be at the launch of this years Coolruss Christmas lights for charity. The Bruff native will be joined by Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, who will kick off the holiday celebrations when he switches on the lights with other surprise guests in store, including Santa Claus himself. The Bruree townland is bidding for this years Energia Irelands Most Christmassy Home, the voting for the competition kicks off on Monday, December 3 in the hopes of donating the cash prizes to selected local charities. Over the past nine years, the festive charity has donated nearly 30,000 in the past nine years for local charities. This years donations will go towards St. Josephs Foundation in Charleville, Pieta House Limerick and the Carebright Dementia Centre in Bruff. All are welcome on Sunday, December 2 at 5:30pm for the launch; the lights will be on every evening from 5:30pm to 10:00pm every evening up until January 6. A UNIVERSITY of Limerick lecturer has been awarded a research grant worth 1.3m to study global economic inequality. Dr Adina Preda, a lecturer in political theory from ULs Department of Politics and Public Administration, has been awarded an 1.3m European Research Council consolidator award as one of six successful awardees in Ireland. This award will fund REAL; a five-year research project, examining the increasingly polarising distribution of wealth globally. It is well documented that global economic inequality is rising, Dr Preda said. This rising inequality in the distribution of wealth is problematic and not only because of its troubling effects. But why is this so and how can a more egalitarian distribution of wealth be justified and implemented? REAL aims to argue for human rights to equal shares of wealth. While many object to poverty and may argue that it violates basic human rights, the arguments against inequality per se do not usually appeal to individual rights, Dr Preda said. This is because human rights are seen either as constraints against government intervention or as entitlements to a mere subsistence level; conversely, egalitarian policies are often considered incompatible with respect for rights. The study aims to show this divide between rights and egalitarianism can be overcome, Dr Preda added. It will do so by uncovering and criticising the reasons for it and by outlining an egalitarian theory of justice that can translate into rights. Dr Preda is one of 291 early-career researchers across Europe, and six in Ireland, to have been awarded an ERC this Thursday. A new Bill to prohibit the charging by landlords of viewing fees from prospective tenants was introduced in the Dail by Labour Deputy Jan OSullivan. This is merely one of the practices that we have heard and found out about, whereby those who are renting properties are requiring those who want to view them to pay in advance, she said. We have heard of landlords requesting more than one months deposit, in some cases two months or three months, to squeeze out certain categories of people and to make it impossible for those on low and medium incomes to be able to raise the kind of money required to get into a home in the first place before they even start paying the kind of exorbitant rents that we have heard about recently, said Deputy OSullivan. According to the recent daft.ie reports, the average rent is 1,334 per month nationally and much higher than that in the Dublin region, the Labour spokesperson on housing added. Deputy OSullivan said another issue she had heard about is that some prospective landlords are looking for letters from the employer, in other words, squeezing out those who are unemployed, getting information about prospective tenants, and clearly trying to exclude certain people from access to the available accommodation. There are a variety of issues arising for those desperate people who are queuing up for maybe one affordable apartment and for which there are dozens queuing, she said. Now those who are renting out those apartments are placing more and more obstacles in the way of people even viewing them or being able to pay deposits, and they are asking people to produce certain documentation that would exclude them from those homes. The Government did not oppose the Bill at its first stage. Concern at use of bogus self-employment contracts The continued use of bogus self-employment throughout Ireland means that workers are not defined as employees and they are not protected by some key employment legislation, Sinn Fein Deputy Maurice Quinlivan told the Dail. As a result, they are entitled to fewer benefits such as sick pay, overtime, increments, pension contributions, maternity leave and holiday pay, he said. Despite keeping no records of cases of bogus self-employment, he said the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection believes from some reports it cites that the issue of bogus self-employment is not significant or prevalent in the State. That is in stark contrast to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, for example, which has estimated that over an eight-year period the State may have missed out on 640 million in unpaid PRSI due to bogus self-employment in the construction industry alone, he said. The newly-formed Connect trade union, which represents 40,000 craft workers, has estimated the practice is costing the State 300 million a year. Bogus self-employment is prevalent not only in the construction industry but in other sectors, he said. The Eversheds Sutherland report highlights significant difficulties and inconsistencies in employment practices at RTE. The Unite union has highlighted the problem faced by workers in the English language teaching sector. In response, Minister of State Catherine Byrne said if any Deputy was aware of any particular cases, she said the Minister strongly urges them to bring these to attention of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to ensure they can be investigated. Ongoing delays in Illness Benefit scheme criticised Delays in the payment of Illness Benefit were raised in the Dail by Fianna Fail Deputy Willie ODea. He told the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection Regina Doherty the problem had been going on for three or four months. It began in August when the new form of medical certificates which require a significant amount of extra information were demanded out of the blue without any notice or consultation, he said. When that seemed to be about to be resolved, the software problem kicked in, he said. We have to bear in mind that we are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in the country. They are too sick or too disabled to work. In the vast majority of cases, they depend entirely on social welfare from week to week. We have all heard various stories and received emails telling us about instances of hardship caused by this problem in individual cases. On behalf of all those people, I ask the Minister for an assurance that this will not recur. In response, Minister Doherty said her Department had experienced significant difficulties in processing illness benefit payments in recent times which, regrettably, had impacted on people in a manner that has correctly been described as unacceptable. The root of the difficulty lies in the transfer of the illness benefit scheme to our new core business objectives information technology, IT, platform on 4 August, she said. The transfer had a number of objectives, including moving the Illness Benefit payments from a very old IT platform which is approaching end of life to a newer platform which already manages most of my Departments other payment schemes. Life expectancy for the average person in the U.S. dropped slightly in 2017, marking the second time in recent years that U.S. life expectancy has fallen, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The decline is likely due in part to the continuing rise in drug overdose deaths, the CDC said. Babies born in 2017 have an estimated average life expectancy of 78.6 years, according to the report. That's down from 78.7 years in 2016 and 2015 and 78.9 years in 2014, the researchers said. Prior to 2015, U.S. life expectancy had not declined for several decades. The 2017 decline was due to a drop in life expectancy among men, who saw their estimated life expectancy at birth decline from 76.2 years in 2016 to 76.1 years in 2017. Life expectancy for women in 2017 remained unchanged from 2016, at 81.1 years. [Extending Life: 7 Ways to Live Past 100] The report also found that the life expectancy decline was largely due to increases in deaths from unintentional injuries, suicide, diabetes, and the flu and pneumonia. Increases in deaths from unintentional injuries a category that includes accidental drug overdose played the biggest role in the decline in life expectancy in 2017, the report said. Indeed, a second report, also from the CDC, found that deaths from drug overdoses continue to soar. In 2017, about 70,200 people died from drug overdoses, up from about 63,600 deaths in 2016. A third report from the CDC found that the rate of death from sucide increased nearly 4 percent from 2016 to 2017. "Tragically, this troubling trend [in life expectancy] is largely driven by deaths from drug overdose and suicide," CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a statement. "Life expectancy gives us a snapshot of the nation's overall health, and these sobering statistics are a wakeup call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable." The death rate from drug overdoses increased by nearly 10 percent, from 19.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016 to 21.7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2017. Dr. Larissa Mooney, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved with the CDC reports, said that she's particularly concerned about the numbers; specifically, "the rise in number of Americans dying from drug overdoses every year." "It just speaks to the urgency of coming up with new strategies to curb the opioid crisis," Mooney told Live Science. A comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the opioid epidemic, she said, including preventing new cases of opioid addiction and making treatments for opioid-use disorder more accessible. There's also a need to prevent potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, from entering the drug market. People can unknowing consume fentanyl when this drug contaminates other illegal substances; and small amounts of fentanyl can be fatal, Mooney said. Indeed, the CDC report found that the death rate from synthetic opioids other than methadone a category which includes fentanyl increased 45 percent from 2016 to 2017. That rate rose from 6.2 deaths per 100,000 people to 9 deaths per 100,000 people. This follows a doubling of the death rate due to fentanyl and similar drugs from 2015 to 2016. The rate of overdose deaths from heroin and some prescription opioids, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, remained about the same from 2016 to 2017, the report said. Originally published on Live Science. Way more sex happened between Neanderthals and the ancestors of modern humans across Europe and Asia than scientists originally thought, a new study finds. Scientists initially thought that interbreeding among the two groups was more isolated to a particular place and time specifically, when they encountered each other in western Eurasia shortly after modern humans left Africa. This idea stemmed from the fact that the genomes of modern humans from outside Africa are only about 2 percent Neanderthal, on average. Subsequent research, however, has found that Neanderthal ancestry is 12 to 20 percent higher in modern East Asians compared to modern Europeans. [In Images: The First Bone from a Neanderthal-Denisovan Hybrid] "There's been a lot of debate as to why East Asians seem to have a bit more Neanderthal ancestry than Europeans," said senior study author Joshua Schraiber, a population geneticist at Temple University in Philadelphia. "There've been two competing ideas. One is that East Asians happen to interbreed more with Neanderthals. The other is that, of the multiple ancestral populations of Europeans, one had very little Neanderthal ancestry, diluting the [overall] Neanderthal contribution." To shed light on this question of interbreeding, scientists developed computer simulations that modeled how DNA would get shared during a range of numbers of encounters between modern humans and Neanderthals. Then, they looked into which models best fit modern human genetic databases. The researchers suggested the patterns of Neanderthal DNA inheritance seen in modern humans are best explained by not one, but multiple, independent episodes of interbreeding between Neanderthal and modern humans, first and foremost in the Middle East, but also later in both Europe and East Asia. The dilutive effect likely also played some role in why there is less Neanderthal ancestry in modern Europeans than in modern East Asians, Schraiber told Live Science. In other words, both multiple interbreeding episodes and dilutive effects might have occurred, contrary to what was previously thought. This scenario of multiple episodes of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals fits in with the emerging view that various human lineages had complex and frequent interactions. For example, recent work found the mysterious human lineage known as the Denisovans apparently contributed to the modern human gene pool at least twice, leaving behind two distinct genetic component one mostly in Papuan and Australian aboriginal populations, the other primarily in East Asian populations. More research is needed to explain why some Neanderthal DNA was kept in the human genome and some was purged, the scientists noted. For instance, previous work suggested that evolution weeded out a great deal of Neanderthal DNA from modern human genomes. One theory for this is that Neanderthal DNA was of less benefit to modern humans as their environments changed over time. Another theory posits that harmful mutations were more common in Neanderthals due to inbreeding, Schraiber said. The scientists detailed their findings online Nov. 26 in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. Original article on Live Science. A seismic recording device on Mayotte was the first to detect the hum, though not the first one people noticed. Mark Tingay (@CriticalStress_) processed the data to create this image. There was a hum that nobody could hear. It was a seismic event, one that originated off the coast of Mayotte on Nov. 11, a tiny island in the waters between Madagascar and Mozambique. From there, it circled the entire world, though it was unusual enough (un-earthquake-ish enough) that almost no one noticed, as Maya Wei-Haas reported for National Geographic. A few people paid attention though, and that sparked a hunt for the source of the hum that, she reported, still hasn't been resolved. See more The hum, National Geographic reported, was strange for a number of reasons. First, it rang at just a single ultra-low frequency, like a well-tuned bell. Seismic waves usually involve lots of different frequencies. Second, the wave emerged and circled the planet without the usual signs of an earthquake; no one in the area felt any shaking, and the "p-waves" and "s-waves" associated with the hum, the sort of waves that you actually feel during an earthquake, were so faint as to be nearly undetectable. And yet, a Nov. 12 report from the French government found that Mayotte had slid 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) to the east and 1.2 inches (3 cm) to the south. [The 10 Biggest Earthquakes in History] Scientists have proposed a number of possible explanations for the strange seismic event near Mayotte, Wei-Haas reported. But none is yet anywhere near confirmed. Perhaps a "slow earthquake" struck the area, the sort that doesn't cause much intense shaking because it occurs over a much longer period of time. Perhaps a bubble of magma squeezed past below the surface, or sloshed around in a big hole in the crust in a way that interacted with the local geology to produce the resonant ringing. Researchers even speculated about a meteor strike, though that seems unlikely. For now, the exact cause remains a mystery. For more on the unusual seismic event, read the full report at National Geographic Originally published on Live Science. Horseshoe-shaped Deception Island in Antarctica has finally revealed one of its most closely held secrets when it exploded. The island, an active volcano, got its unusual shape during a long-ago eruption that ejected massive amounts of rock and magma to form a bowl-shaped depression called a caldera. Now, researchers know that the massive eruption happened around 4,050 years ago. This information will help volcanologists understand the volcano better, said study researcher Dermot Antoniades, a professor at Universite Laval in Quebec. The findings will also help scientists like Antoniades, who studies ancient climate, figure out how Deception Island's eruption affected Antarctica's climate. [See Stunning Images of Antarctica's Deception Island] Unexpected discovery Antoniades and his colleagues didn't set out to discover an ancient volcanic eruption. The researchers were studying cores of sediments pulled from lakes on the Byers Peninsula, an ice-free spot on Livingston Island off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. In cores from different lakes, the scientists noticed something unusual. "They all had this section where there was just this massive jumble of sediments that were sitting on top of a volcanic ash layer," Antoniades told Live Science. Snow coats Deception Island. (Image credit: Santiago Giralt) The team was aboard a scientific research vessel, alongside scientists from many different fields working on various projects. Some of those scientists were volcanologists, who told Antoniades that he and his team of ancient-climate researchers may have just stumbled upon proof of Deception Island's last huge eruption. The researchers used a variety of geological and geochemical techniques to link the origin of the layers in the lakes to the ancient eruption. The investigators then used radiocarbon dating, a method that measures levels of a radioactive version of carbon in a sample, to figure out how old the layers were. The results revealed that the layers were deposited just over 4,000 years ago. Pinpointing a catastrophe Prior to the study, estimates of when the Deception Island caldera formed varied widely, Antoniades said. Many people pegged the timing at around 10,000 years ago, with some estimating the date to be as recent as 3,370 years ago. "They were kind of all over the map," Antoniades said. [The 11 Biggest Volcanic Eruptions in History] The reason, he said, is that previous researchers used various measurements to make those estimates, all of which had their own weaknesses. Some researchers, for example, attempted to radiocarbon-date sediments from the ocean floor. But the ocean, Antoniades said, is a major collector of carbon the world over. Carbon that enters the seas near the equator in the form of, say, dead algae can travel long distances and eventually end up near the poles. This old carbon mixes with newer carbon that entered the sediments right on the spot, clouding the accuracy of the dating. The lakes don't have that problem, Antoniades said. And now that researchers know where in the geological record to look, they may be able to find the fingerprints of the eruption elsewhere in ice cores and ancient sediments. That record, in turn, could help clarify if any of the ancient variations in climate that researchers observe in Antarctica resulted from the eruption. The team did some of that searching themselves, finding 18 sites with evidence of the eruption. That included one site located 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Deception Island, on King George Island. Based on their findings, Antoniades and his team estimated that the exploding island sent as much as 14 cubic miles (60 cubic km) of magma skyward. The eruption would have rated a 6 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), a scale from 1 to 8 in which each notch up represents a 10-fold increase in the power of the eruption. The explosion of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 was a VEI 6. That ranking would make the Deception Island explosion Antarctica's largest volcanic eruption in the last 11,650 years, the researchers reported Nov. 22 in the journal Scientific Reports. Originally published on Live Science. Josef Albers: Life and Work By Charles Darwent Thames & Hudson. 400 pp. $39.95 --- It was 1933 Berlin, Hitler had just come to power, and the artist Josef Albers had a big problem: The Bauhaus, an internationally famous school of art and design where Albers had taught for more than a decade, had been closed by the Nazis, who disapproved of its internationalist leanings. There was another big problem: Albers had a Jewish wife. He was casting about for what to do when a letter arrived offering him a position at a small school in the American hinterlands. Albers replied, protesting that he didn't speak a word of English. The response to that objection was, "Come anyway." Thus it was that Albers soon found himself in the mountains of North Carolina at the now legendary Black Mountain College. There, and later at the Yale School of Fine Arts, he would become arguably the most influential art teacher in 20th-century America. Albers was much more than a teacher, however, and art critic Charles Darwent, in his new biography, makes a strong case for an artist who was not as recognized as fellow Bauhaus teachers Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Lyonel Feininger. Part of the problem was that Albers worked in media such as glass, which traditionally had been considered merely a craftsman's material. He also designed furniture and wallpaper, made architectural reliefs, and was always ready to design a logo. Albers' jack-of-all-trades ability - inherited from his father, a craftsman who could do plumbing and electrical wiring as well as painting and decorating - made his painting seem just another form of design to his detractors. The noted critic Clement Greenberg disparaged Albers' work for what Greenberg called its "inability to rise above merely decorative motifs." Darwent emphasizes the poetic yearning that hides within Albers' scientific-seeming experiments, most notably in his "Homage to the Square" paintings, a series of more than 2,000 that Albers began when he was in his 60s. Using an apparently simple format, groups of squares within squares in different colors, Albers shows, for instance, that a color, applied straight from the tube, can have radically different appearances, depending on the colors that abut it. Yet the paintings are not mere demonstrations of optical effects. They suffer when reproduced in photographs, for mechanical reproduction obscures the minute signs of the paintings' handmade nature. Albers did not paint with the robust impasto of the abstract expressionists (he told his students that they might as well rub excrement on a canvas as try to paint like Jackson Pollock), but his paintings nevertheless contain signs of the hand. Darwent writes about Albers' art in a refreshing, jargon-free manner, and his book, done with the assistance of the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, is thoroughly researched and documented. He also has an eye for the mordant ironies of life, such as the fact that the deadly efficient Auschwitz concentration camp was laid out by an architect who had studied at the Bauhaus, taking one of Albers' beginning design courses. A gruff yet caring teacher, a ladies' man and a daily Mass-going Catholic, both jealous of and generous with his peers, Albers steps convincingly from these pages. --- Upshaw is an art dealer and critic in Beacon, N.Y. With so many ideas about breadth and possibility chiseled into our consensus understanding of jazz, why does the work of Stanley Cowell still feel so overwhelmingly vast? The 77-year-old jazz composer is one of those virtuoso pianists whose hands have covered a staggering amount of ground, always moving with certainty and curiosity. Now Cowell is preparing a retrospective concert Friday in Baltimore that will require him to smoosh 60 years of rigorous inquiry into a tidy 120 minutes - but instead of worrying how he'll stitch the show together, he's wondering how wide it can stretch. "I think about contrast, variety," he says, sitting near his piano in his Upper Marlboro, Maryland, living room. "It's something I learned from the great trombonist J.J. Johnson, who could really program a set so that it had an arc to it." The set list Cowell has drawn up for his retrospective gig traces the arc of his musical life, starting with "Departure," a piece he wrote in the summer of 1958 between high school (in Toledo) and college (at Oberlin). By 1966, he had relocated to New York City to play with Max Roach, and later Charles Tolliver, the trumpeter with whom Cowell founded the crucial jazz label Strata-East in 1971. In recent years, Cowell has pushed even further out into electroacoustic music, manipulating the resonance of his piano with a digital sound processor called Kyma. If that weren't enough, when Cowell performs his life story up on the bandstand, he hopes that the improvisers joining him will be able to tell some tales, too. "I'm always trying to challenge them, to send them in different directions that they may not have thought of," Cowell says, echoing the lessons he taught for more than three decades at Rutgers University. "If you can move them into an area where they're expressing themselves without any reference to the melody, they have to dig deep." So what motivates Cowell to continue his own deep digging when he sits behind his piano each day? Maybe that's the wrong question. Maybe when you've ventured this far and wide, music isn't a pursuit so much as an eventuality. "I have two orchestral pieces I'm writing right now - I don't know why I'm writing them," Cowell says, smiling. "One note follows the next." Discovery Channel star Richard Rawlings, known for his car restoration show Gas Monkey Garage, made a recent visit to the San Antonio area. Rawlings shared two Instagram photos of him and Garage Rehab co-host Russell J. Holmes in Hondo, which is slightly west of San Antonio. A city named after my favorite thing, the all mighty hundred dollar bill, Rawlings captioned the first photo, which depicted him standing with a Hondo city limit sign next to Holmes. Russell J. Holmes and I are ready to bring yall the best seasons of Garage Rehab and Fast N Loud TV ever in early 2019. If youre in Hondo/Austin Texas keep an eye out for us. Commenters were quick to point out the hundred dollar bill lingo is actually hundo, but Rawlings simply told them I was working with what I had. RELATED: Major San Antonio TV news shake-ups: Departures and arrivals in 2018 His second photo showed him and Holmes again, this time leaning against an old beat-up-looking car. Gas Monkey Garage is always on the lookout for cars to buy, where should we road trip for our next big buy? he asked in the caption. If anyone has a car to sell or a lead, send it to me at info@gasmonkeygarage.com. Just give me some pics, description and an asking price. Holmes shared another photo overlooking San Antonio, presumably from an airplane. Quick trip to San Antonio love the grind, he said with the picture. Rawlings runs his show out of Dallas, but has been known to collect cars from all over. 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 On this date in ... 1918: A train car full of turkeys slipped into Albany a week before Thanksgiving, but their final delivery was held up in a dispute over prices with the Indiana shipper, necessitating their "internment" in a cold storage facility until local food administrator George William McEwan could sort out the problem. In addition to the local food office, the buyers and the shipper, other interested parties included the state administrator and the office of Herbert Hoover, national food chief. 1968: Two-year-old David Zeissett ate lots of turkey at home with his parents on Thanksgiving Day. And Mr. and Mrs. Donald Zeissett had lots to be thankful for for having their son home with them again. David was a walking miracle of modern medicine, having received an injection of bone marrow donated by his 9-year-old sister, Barbara. His two years of sickness had been brought on by the inability of his body to ward off infections. Little David was treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and Dr. Anthony Tartaglia of Albany kept a constant watchful eye on him. 1993: State government efforts to provide cultural diversity training for its more than 160,000 workers had been sporadic in the last few years, but were now coming under the mandate of the governor's call for "total quality management" training. State officials said they couldn't give an exact count of how many workers had gone through diversity training. But the state Office of Employee Relations had trained dozens of workers to run training programs in their own agencies. The state programs had yet to attract any political attention, in part because the Legislature exerted little apparent control over state workforce issues. Want to read more about the Capital Region's past? Have any memories or thoughts about how our history relates to today's events? See http://blog.timesunion.com/history/ A man arrested early this year on charges of sexual abuse of a child and possession of child porn after a DVD was found in his office at the South Texas Food Bank has been indicted. Carlos Romo, 42, was indicted in the 111th District Court on charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child and possession of child pornography. On Dec. 2, the Laredo Police Department received a call from a woman wanting to file a sexual abuse report. An investigation was launched between LPD's Special Investigations Unit and Child Protective Services, which revealed that the child had been sexually assaulted by a man she knew. The child said she had been abused since she was 6 years old. During a voluntary interview with LPD, Romo denied the allegations. READ ALSO: Laredo man accused of sexually assaulting two girls Romo was arrested Jan. 26 at the South Texas Food Bank and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, a first-degree felony. After further investigation, Romo was subsequently charged with possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony. An arraignment hearing is pending. A criminal complaint states that Romo performed volunteer work for the food bank prior to his first arrest in January. After his initial arrest, authorities and Romo spoke about several topics, including if he ever possessed child pornography. He denied possessing illicit material or electronic devices containing child pornography. His belongings, including his cellphone, were left at the place of arrest, the food bank. "Throughout all interviews, Romo sobbed and maintained his innocence. He did not want society to see him as a monster or pedophile," the arrest affidavit states. After interviewing Romo, police called the food bank. A representative told investigators that Romo's belongings would be delivered to his spouse. On Jan. 30, the food bank executive director called police saying that a bag belonging to Romo was located in his office. She found a DVD depicting nude children engaging in sexual acts, the complaint states. RELATED: S. TX child and bestiality porn trial comes to sudden end She was checking the bag to make sure its contents did not belong to the food bank. She told police she was "completely shocked and disturbed" when she discovered the illicit material. A laptop was also inside the bag. Investigators then responded to the food bank to meet with the executive director. She gave police a black bag and handed over to police a DVD. She told police that she did not know what the disc contained. Then, she played it and watched approximately five seconds of nude girls, ages 11 to 12, engaging in sexual acts, according to the complaint. Romo had access to a desktop computer owned by the food bank. That black Dell Inspiron 580 was seized for a forensic analysis. A man has been arrested for stealing from a deceased person, according to the Webb County Sheriff's Office. Mateo Gonzalo Arredondo, 44, was served with a warrant for his arrest on Tuesday charging him with theft from a human corpse. READ ALSO: Researchers make crazy find in Houston bayou Authorities said Arredondo was a former employee of the Webb County Medical Examiner's Office when the theft occurred. Arredondo is suspected of taking $204 off the victim's body while it was in the custody of the Medical Examiner's Office. The case dates back to Nov. 5, when a theft report was made in reference to Arredondo, authorities said. Sheriff's office investigators presented the case to the District Attorney's Office and a warrant for his arrest was approved. RELATED: Police: Thief in Mexico tries to steal hearse with body inside Arredondo turned himself in to the sheriff's office on Tuesday and was taken to the Webb County Jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond, authorities said. "I want to congratulate our investigators for a job well done. It is horrible to learn about these type of cases; we remind the people to report any suspicious activity by calling 956-523-4408," said Sheriff Martin Cuellar. JeriLynn Thorpe is a digital reporter for the Laredo Morning Times. Read more of her stories on LMTonline.com | jerilynn.thorpe@lmtonline.com State and local officials are seeking solutions to remove the notorious Kingwood mouthbars a large buildup of sand and sediment deposited at least partly by Harvey that could contribute to flooding. Houston City Councilman Dave Martin has been meeting with Governor Greg Abbott's Executive Staff, and other state and federal officials to talk about sediment buildups. Martin said it is important to get the project funded soon because about 25 to 30 percent of dredging costs goes to setting up the needed equipment during Facebook Live chat on Wednesday with the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce. Martin met with Abbott's staff, FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Austin in October to discuss ways to remove the mouthbar after the current dredging project in the San Jacinto River is complete by the end of April 2019. "Our point in going back to the governor on Oct. 11 with a team of folks was to plead to the governor and the Texas Department of Emergency Management that while we have the equipment in the water why can't we use some additional dollars that (Houston) Mayor (Sylvester) Turner helped us with along with the resources that the State of Texas and Governor Abbott and continue this dredging project and take it from the West Lake Houston Bridge into the lake where the mouthbars are," Martin said. The officials are still determining how much needs to be removed from the San Jacinto River to limit the possibility of flooding, he said in a statement on Nov. 23. There will be approximately 500,000 cubic yards of additional sediment that needs to be removed from the mouthbar, he said in the statement. The estimate of how much sediment needs to be removed from the mouthbar is based on a recent Light Detection and Ranging study conducted by the ACOE. The study uses light in the form of pulsing lasers to measure the distance from the water's surface to the bottom of the river and Lake Houston. A media release from Martin's office states the LIDAR study allows the city to map changes in shoreline as well as make digital elevation models. It is this data that is assisting the City and ACOE in determining the amount of sediment that needs to be removed from locations along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River like the mouthbar that is located just south of the Deerwood Country Club, he said. "Most recently the Texas Water Development Board has completed the bathymetry study of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River for the City of Houston. Data from this study has been given to the ACOE to determine the amount of sediment that resulted from Hurricane Harvey. This information is useful because this study identifies underwater topography allowing the City to understand where the additional sediment brought in by Hurricane Harvey has been deposited in the river and lake as well as changes in depth," the media release states. The media release mentioned that FEMA agrees the additional sediment from the mouthbar qualifies as debris resulting from Hurricane Harvey, but 500,000 cubic yards is not directly associated with Harvey. The City of Houston currently does not have data that would provide information of how much sediment resulted from Harvey. The city is currently waiting on results from the LIDAR study. "The removal of the mouthbar cannot begin until the existing emergency dredging along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River is completed," the media release states. "Since this is a reality the city is doing all that it can to be proactive in securing land as well as permits for the mouthbar's removal once the existing project is completed by the ACOE in April. This will allow the ACOE to keep equipment and crews in place without the need for demobilization and remobilization, saving roughly $18 million." The councilman said 300,000 cubic yards of sediment have been removed from the river and the City of Houston has removed 65 tons of vegetative and other types of debris from the West Fork. "We're probably not even a third of the way there. So we have a lot more work ahead of it; the dredging companies are doing a phenomenal job and hopefully we'll have the ability to look back on it and say it was a very successful program as it's been so far since they started in September," Martin said. Lake Houston gates Martin said one of the top priorities for the 2019 is the construction of 10 additional gates to the Lake Houston Dam. Martin mentioned the City of Houston now has $265 million in their Hazard Mitigation Fund. Money from the Hazard Mitigation Fund will be used to construct the additional gates. "It's probably a three to seven year project. You just can't build the gates there, you have to study the existing dam. How you would build gates to an existing structure that's there. Will you compromise the dam in any way which you can never do because then you would flood everybody downstream from us. So there's going to have to a lot of good engineering studies to come from that," Martin said. kaila.contreras@chron.com SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - One of the youngest teens ever tried as an adult in California, for the fatal shooting of a pizza deliveryman nearly 24 years ago, should be paroled from prison, a state panel recommended Wednesday. Tony Hicks was 14 when he killed Tariq Khamisa during a botched robbery that a group of San Diego gang members and wannabes had concocted. He was prosecuted under a state law that just weeks earlier had lowered the age at which teens could be tried as adults. Hicks, now 38, cried as he was grilled Wednesday about the murder. "I was an angry, selfish, violent young man," he responded. "I had no respect for authority." Khamisa's father and sister asked the board to parole Hicks so he can join their effort to deter young people from street gangs and violence. "I'm elated and very relieved," Azim Khamisa, the father of Tariq Khamisa, said after the panel announced its decision. "I never gave up hope it was going to happen." The lengthy hearing, held at the California Men's Colony state prison in San Luis Obispo, was the first time Hicks appeared before the board. Its two members pressed him about the 1995 murder and the 18 conduct violations, including for violence, drugs and gang activity, that he amassed while behind bars. Hicks took responsibility for all of it, as he has done repeatedly in letters and interviews. In the end, the panel concluded that his more recent years, which have been free of major violations, were the proof needed. "You're going to be worth way more to society out there than you are in here," board member Kevin Chappell told Hicks. The recommendation now goes to the full board. If it also agrees on parole, the governor will get the final word. The soonest Hicks could be released is early 2019, once credits are calculated for him being a youthful offender. On the day he was sentenced in 1996, Hicks begged for forgiveness before receiving a prison term of 25 years to life. The initial plan had been for him to remain in a juvenile facility until age 24 and then be sent to an adult prison. But because of a change in policy, Hicks was moved at 16, "with some of the most hardened adult offenders in the state," according to Superior Court Judge Joan Weber, who sentenced Hicks. She recently wrote to the parole board supporting his release. "I accept his contrition and remorse," Weber said. The others with Hicks that long-ago night included the 18-year-old gang leader who handed him a stolen handgun and ordered him to shoot. That man was sentence to life in prison without parole. Two other 14-year-olds who also were part of the robbery were sent to the California Youth Authority for rehabilitation. After being released as adults, both wound up back behind bars - one for carjacking, the other for sex trafficking. Hicks has been in half a dozen prisons, including a maximum-security unit. "He was raised in prison," defense attorney Laura Sheppard has noted. Since 1995, 1,500 juveniles ages 14 and 15 have been sent to adult prisons in California, according to Human Rights Watch, which successfully campaigned to have the law overturned. A statute set to take effect Jan. 1 will return the age threshold to 16. "There has been a sea change with juvenile justice since 1995," Weber wrote. In the months after Tariq's death at 20, his father and Hicks's grandfather began working to intervene with other youths. The two men have since given hundreds of presentations to school and community groups through the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. Mergensana Amar, a 40-year-old Russian citizen, showed up at a legal checkpoint on the U.S.-Mexico border last year and pleaded for protection in the United States. He spent the next year in immigration custody, fighting deportation. In August, he launched a hunger strike that nearly killed him. In October, his jailers in Tacoma, Washington, found a handmade rope under his bed and briefly placed him on suicide watch, according to federal documents reviewed by The Washington Post. On Nov. 15, he tried to hang himself and was placed on life support. Amar died Saturday, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said this week. His death - the second involving a detainee in an ICE facility since Oct. 1 - comes as immigration advocates are raising questions about inmate safety and as the Trump administration is holding record numbers of immigrants in custody. "Amar's death is an example of the lengths that ICE will go to keep people in detention," said Maru Mora Villalpando, a community organizer with NWDC Resistance, an organization that had tried to help Amar. "They could have released him and they decided not to. He kept telling us, 'I'd rather die here than be deported.' They cannot say they didn't know, or they didn't see it coming." Deaths in immigration jails plunged from 28 in 2004, under President George W. Bush, to six a decade later. But the count has slowly risen since then. Twelve immigrants died in ICE custody in fiscal 2017, according to agency records, and nine died last fiscal year. ICE officials say a 10th immigrant, who killed himself in Egypt while he was being deported to Eritrea, was in the custody of Egyptian officials when he took his own life. At the same time, President Donald Trump is vowing to jail more immigrants who cross the border seeking asylum, frustrated that so many are released pending hearings in the country's backlogged immigration courts. There have been as many as 44,000 migrants in ICE jails in recent weeks, roughly 10,000 higher than the average under President Barack Obama. The surging numbers have exceeded ICE's budget, prompting emergency cash infusions, including $55 million this month in a rare short-term apportionment from the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Homeland Security said. Last weekend, Trump tweeted that "our very strong policy is Catch and Detain." ICE spokeswoman Tanya Roman said in a statement that the federal government would conduct "a thorough investigation" of Amar's death "in order to affirm that ICE protocols were followed." She said, "Amar remained in good physical health prior to this incident and was monitored daily by ICE Health Service Corps medical professionals." - - - Amar arrived at the San Ysidro border checkpoint in California on Dec. 2. He was jailed at Northwest Detention Center, a private facility run by Geo Group, which manages 75,000 beds in 70 prisons and detention facilities nationwide, according to its website. In interviews before his death, he told advocates and a reporter that he feared for his life in Russia because skinheads had beaten him and he'd been jailed for calling for independence for the Buryatia republic, the remote region in Siberia where he said he lived. "I would prefer to die on this soil than go back to Russia," Amar told Grace Meng, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, according to a report in Crosscut, an online news outlet in the Pacific Northwest. An immigration judge denied Amar's asylum claim on Aug. 7, and ordered him deported. Agency officials declined to say why he was jailed throughout the process. Unlike criminal cases, immigration cases are not a matter of public record; more detailed information about Amar's asylum hearing, including whether he had a lawyer, could not be found. Amar launched his hunger strike in late August, skipping a month's worth of meals and taking only sips of water, according to a petition that ICE filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma seeking permission to forcibly hydrate him to keep him alive. As the days passed, the filing states, Amar grew dizzy and weak and spent most of his time in bed. U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle allowed the agency to give Amar intravenous fluids against his will, using soft restraints if necessary. ICE officials said Amar resumed eating fruit and shakes on Sept. 19. On Oct. 1, Amar appealed his deportation order to the Board of Immigration Appeals. But he was too late. The board dismissed the appeal as "untimely," said court spokeswoman Kathryn Mattingly, because it was filed after the 30-day deadline. Amar would have had to submit the appeal by Sept. 6, the same day ICE filed the court petition saying he was in danger of "imminent death." He was scheduled for deportation this month. The day after his appeal was dismissed, Amar wrote a note in Russian to a lawyer who had visited him, according to a state court petition filed last week by immigration advocates who asked a judge to intervene on Amar's behalf. The note said his jailers had found a rope in his possession and placed him on suicide watch, taking away his clothes and placing him naked in a cold cell with a mattress, a sheet and a thin blanket. Federal documents reviewed by The Post show the suicide watch lasted less than two days. More than a week later, Amar tried to strangle himself in his cell, according to the medical examiner's office. A detainee in a nearby cell told advocates that Amar appeared unconscious when guards took him away and that his hands, feet and lips were purple. ICE said Amar was in "voluntary protective custody," apart from other detainees, when he hung himself. Officials would not say why he was taken off suicide watch. The Geo Group referred questions to ICE, and the Russian Embassy declined to comment. Some advocates announced Amar's death prematurely. He was declared brain dead at St. Joseph's Medical Center on Nov. 18 and taken off life support Saturday. The cause of death was asphyxiation by hanging. - - - The case is the latest to draw concern about detainee care from advocates or government watchdogs in recent months. After a 32-year-old man hanged himself last year at Adelanto Detention Facility in California, Homeland Security inspectors found "nooses" dangling from air vents during an unannounced inspection in May. The facility, which is also run by Geo Group, had at least seven suicide attempts from December 2016 to October 2017. In Florida, an ICE report found that a 37-year-old man killed himself last year after immigration agents left him unshackled and unsupervised at a local hospital, where he was receiving medical treatment. And three men died over the past two years at Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, including a 33-year-old man who had pneumonia and two others with a history of mental illness who killed themselves. The most recent death was Efrain de la Rosa, who apparently hanged himself in July after being removed from suicide watch, according to documents reviewed by The Post. Advocates in Washington state called for an independent investigation into Amar's death, saying they do not want to rely on ICE's internal review. "Nobody's safe in detention," Villalpando said Wednesday. "Detention is made to break people's spirit . . . We're extremely worried about more people dying." - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate in Washington, D.C., and Rodika Tollefson in Tacoma, Washington, contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is urging states to tear down pillars of the Affordable Care Act, demolishing a basic rule that federal insurance subsidies can be used only by people buying health plans in marketplaces created under the law. According to advice issued Thursday by federal health officials, states should be free to redefine the use of those subsidies, which began in 2014. They represent the first help the government ever has offered middle-class consumers to afford monthly premiums for private insurance. States could allow the subsidies to be used for health plans the administration has been promoting outside the ACA marketplaces that are less expensive because they provide skimpier benefits and fewer consumer protections. In an even more dramatic change, states could let residents with employer-based coverage set up accounts in which they mingle the federal subsidies with health-care funds from their job or personal tax-deferred savings funds to use for premiums or other medical expenses. If some states take up the administration's offer, it would undermine the ACA's central changes to the nation's insurance system, including the establishment of nationwide standards for many kinds of health coverage sold in the United States. Another goal of the ACA - often called Obamacare, the sprawling 2010 law that was President Barack Obama's preeminent domestic accomplishment - was to concentrate help on people using the individual insurance market because they do not have access to affordable health benefits through a job. Prices were often out of control and discrimination against unhealthy people was more prevalent before the ACA imposed required benefits, prohibited insurers from charging more to people with preexisting conditions and created a federal health exchange and similar state-run marketplaces in which private insurance companies compete for customers. The ACA health plans have been the only ones for which consumers can use the subsidies, which are tax credits designed to help customers with incomes up to the middle class - 400 percent of the federal poverty line - afford the premiums. The new advice, called "waiver concepts" because they are ideas for how states could get federal permission to deviate from the law's basic rules, stray from those goals. Significantly, they would allow states to set different income limits for the subsidies - higher or lower than the federal one - and, if a state wanted, base the amount of help on a resident's age, not income. In a statement Thursday, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said: "The Trump administration is committed to empowering states to think creatively about how to secure quality, affordable healthcare choices for their citizens." In a midday speech before a gathering of the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, Seema Verma, the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), delivered a broadside against the health-care law in explaining the rationale for freeing states to rework health policies on their own. "It was such a mistake to federalize so much of health care in the ACA," said Verma, who worked as a consultant to states before becoming one of Trump's senior health-care advisers. While the law sought to make health coverage more available and affordable, she said, "the insurance problem has not been solved. For many Americans, it's even been made worse." Two top House Democrats, Reps. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, ranking minority-party member of the Ways and Means Committee, and Frank Pallone of New Jersey, his counterpart on Energy and Commerce, dispatched a letter Thursday to the secretary of HHS and two other Cabinet members in which they contended that the waiver concepts are illegal. They wrote that the suggestions "exceed the secretary's statutory authority" and are "contrary to the plain language" of the ACA. Neal and Pallone asked for answers to a series of questions to justify the substance of the changes and the method, which bypasses the usual process for changing regulations. In urging states to consider the changes, CMS is renaming a provision of the law, known as 1332, which until now has mainly been used to give states permission to create programs to ease the burden on insurers of high-cost customers. CMS is switching the name to "State Relief and Empowerment Waivers," emphasizing the administration's desire to hand off health-care policies to states. Larry Levitt, senior vice president of the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, said the administration is using executive powers to let states "move in the direction that efforts [by congressional Republicans] to repeal and replace the law laid out last year." He said some of the administration's changes are even more profound than the failed efforts on Capitol Hill. For instance, a far-reaching amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would have let insurers offer health plans that fall short of ACA rules. But it would not have let ACA subsidies be used for such plans, as CMS is now encouraging. The concepts go beyond a variety of other steps Trump administration health officials have taken in the past year to weaken the ACA, which the president has opposed vociferously. Until now, they have focused on bending the ACA's rules for health plans. The administration has rewritten regulations to make it easier for Americans to buy two types of insurance that are relatively inexpensive because they do not contain all the benefits and consumer protections that the ACA typically requires. The new steps go further by undercutting the basic ACA structure of the individual insurance marketplaces created for those who cannot get affordable health benefits through a job. During a conference call with journalists, Verma said that no state would be allowed to retreat from a popular aspect of the ACA that protects people with preexisting medical conditions from higher prices or an inability to buy coverage. She said that, in evaluating states' proposals, CMS would focus on several considerations, including whether changes would foster comprehensive coverage and affordability and would not increase the federal deficit. She said federal officials would favor proposals that help, in particular, low-income residents and people with complex medical problems. Verma reiterated an administration talking point that insurance rates have escalated since the ACA was passed and that health-plan choices within ACA marketplaces have dwindled. However, the current ACA enrollment period, lasting until mid-December, is different from previous ones because prices for the most popular tier of coverage have stabilized in many places and more insurers are taking part in the marketplaces. TOKYO - A series of rulings by South Korea's Supreme Court over the issue of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule 70 years ago has plunged relations between the United States' two closest allies into Asia into crisis. On Thursday, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate 10 South Koreans for being forced to build ships and aircraft for Japan's war effort in 1944. It is the second such ruling in a month, poisoning relations between the Asian democracies at a time of heightened tension in the region. Experts said it complicates efforts to present a united front against the threats posed by North Korea's nuclear program and China's increasingly aggressive regional diplomacy. Japan maintains the issue of forced labor was fully settled in 1965 when the two countries restored diplomatic ties, and Tokyo gave Seoul $500 million in grants and loans in "final and complete" settlement for its occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. But elderly victims of forced labor have been pursuing their own claims through the courts for years, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in supported their right to claim compensation after he took office last year. Last month, South Korea's Supreme Court also ruled in favor of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. At least 10 more cases involving more than 900 plaintiffs are still awaiting final judgment. Japan's foreign minister, Taro Kono, called Thursday's decision "extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable" and said Tokyo would consider taking the case to international arbitration. "The decision completely overthrows the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship that Japan and the Republic of Korea have developed since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965," he said in a statement. South Korea's Foreign Ministry shot back that Japan was responding "excessively," with spokesman Noh Kyu-duk saying the court's decision should be respected in a democracy. Upholding two separate lower-court decisions, the Supreme Court ordered Mitsubishi to pay between $71,000 and $133,000 to two groups of five men and five women. The five women, including 87-year-old Yang Geum-deok, were forced to work at a Mitsubishi aircraft factory in Nagoya, Japan, under harsh conditions. Yang says she was frequently beaten by her Japanese supervisor at the factory and said this week she wanted the ruling to address "70 years of resentment." The 1965 treaty between the two countries said issues related to past "property, rights and interests" were settled, and that no further claims by the governments or peoples should be made. But the court rejected the argument that this had resolved the issue. "The treaty does not cover the right of the victims of forced labor to compensation for crimes against humanity committed by a Japanese company in direct connection with the Japanese government's illegal colonial rule and war of aggression against the Korean Peninsula," it said in a statement. The anger in Tokyo has been palpable. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the first ruling last month "impossible in the light of international law." Japanese media have also been outraged, warning that any attempt to seize the assets of Japanese companies operating in South Korea over the compensation awards could dramatically undermine business ties and even force Japanese companies to pull out of the country. In South Korea, the response has been equally vehement. Hong Ihk-pyo, a spokesman for the ruling Democratic Party, has called for an apology and compensation not only from the companies but also from the government of Japan, while a spokesman for the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said Japan should no longer "stick to tongue-lashing and impudence" and should offer a sincere apology. Experts said the issue could also encourage North Korea to claim more money from Japan as compensation if relations between the two nations are ever restored. Many South Koreans are fiercely nationalistic, and the memory of cruelty and humiliation under Japanese rule lives on even if many of the victims have passed away. Polls have found that Abe is considerably less popular than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, because he is widely viewed as reluctant to acknowledge Japan's wartime record. Politicians in South Korea have also consistently exploited the issue to gain support and relations have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Japan's TV Asahi canceled an appearance by leading K-pop band BTS, after a photo went viral showing one of its members wearing a T-shirt that appeared to celebrate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. South Korean politicians backed the band. Then, last week, South Korea said it was shutting down a foundation created to help "comfort women" who were forced to work in brothels for Japan's military during World War II. The foundation was funded by Japan as part of a 2015 agreement that was supposed to put the issue to rest finally and irreversibly, but Seoul's decision effectively voided that deal and reopened the issue. While experts said the dispute would not have any immediate impact on efforts to negotiate with North Korea over its nuclear program, Junya Nishino, an East Asia expert at Keio University in Tokyo, said the crisis undermined Japan's efforts to have an effective policy toward North Korea. Tokyo and Seoul also need to maintain close ties in case of any military tensions or confrontation with North Korea, noted Bonji Ohara, a national security expert at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo The lack of a united front between two of Asia's most prosperous democracies is not the sort of backdrop Washington would wish for. "It matters a lot, having our two leading allies in Asia not getting along," said Matthew Goodman, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "There are a lot of challenges from North Korea to China to upholding the rules-based international order. These are two rules-based market economies that could and should be working more closely together to defend that approach." - - - The Washingto Post's Min Joo Kim in Seoul and Akiko Kashiwagi in Tokyo contributed to this report. Leading genomic scientists from around the world called for an immediate halt to any clinical use of gene-editing in human embryos and sharply reprimanded a Chinese researcher who conducted a secretive experiment that he says produced the world's first genetically edited babies. The statement came at the conclusion of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong. Later, the Chinese government said it had suspended and launched a probe into the clinical project run by researcher He Jiankui in southern China. The twin announcements from the leading scientific body and Chinese authorities capped a dramatic week for the genomics world. He made the stunning revelation that a mother had given birth to Lulu and Nana, twin girls whose genes had been edited to make them resistant to HIV. Hours after the summit closed Thursday, a high-ranking Chinese official told a state broadcaster that He's project has been suspended amid a government investigation. He did not indicate whether He was charged with any crimes. "It's flagrantly violated our national regulations, and flagrantly broken the scientific world's ethical bottom line," Xu Nanping, vice minister of science and technology, told CCTV in an interview. "It's shocking, unacceptable, and we firmly oppose it." The summit organizers were similarly critical in a highly anticipated consensus statement issued on the event's last day. "At this summit we heard an unexpected and deeply disturbing claim that human embryos had been edited and implanted, resulting in a pregnancy and the birth of twins," said the summit's organizing committee, which called for independent verification of He's claims that have so far not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. "Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform with international norms," the organizers said in the summit's consensus statement that is usually seen as setting the tone and direction for the fast-changing field. The committee, representing leading researchers from the United States, Britain and Hong Kong, did not call for an outright ban on gene editing. Instead, it acknowledged that the field was moving toward a future where the procedures would be widely researched in clinical trials, and that researchers needed a rigorous framework to set ethical standards and guidelines. But in the meantime, the panel called for a halt. "The organizing committee concludes that the scientific understanding and technical requirements for clinical practice remain too uncertain and the risks too great to permit clinical trials of germ line editing at this time," the closing statement said. He's work was widely criticized this week by peer researchers and ethicists as a rogue demonstration of a gene editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9, which has opened up a world of new possibilities in biomedical research in recent years. Proponents foresee a time when lethal genetic diseases with no treatments could be eradicated, while critics fear that the technology might be used for casual genetic enhancements, to tweak traits like intelligence or height. But until this week, such debates were largely theoretical, because no one was known to have established a pregnancy from a genetically-edited human embryo. He's claimed experiment was a rude awakening for scientists at the summit, and an urgent reminder that discussions about how to responsibly use a technology that could reshape the health and character of future generations might not be enough. "The need for development of binding international consensus on setting limits for this kind of research . . . has never been more apparent. Without such limits, the world will face the serious risk of a deluge of similarly ill-considered and unethical projects," Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said in a statement. "Should such epic scientific misadventures proceed, a technology with enormous promise for prevention and treatment of disease will be overshadowed by justifiable public outrage, fear, and disgust." Many countries outlaw such experiments, and in the United States, using genetically altered human embryos for reproductive purposes is effectively banned by law. After word first leaked of He's project through news reports, scientists criticized the effort as irresponsible and premature. Investigations were opened into He's work by China's Southern University of Science and Technology, which has said the university was not informed of the experiment. He appeared before a packed audience in person and online to defend his work at the summit on Wednesday, but the presentation was far from convincing to experts. Summit organizers concluded that He's work was deeply problematic. "Its flaws include an inadequate medical indication, a poorly designed study protocol, a failure to meet ethical standards for protecting the welfare of research subjects, and a lack of transparency in the development, review and conduct of the clinical procedures," they said. Outside scientists and ethicists slammed the experiment for being medically unnecessary, because the babies wouldn't have been born infected with the virus, which can also be prevented with existing, low-risk interventions. They questioned whether the effort had even succeeded at its own goal of making both girls immune to HIV after seeing He's data. And they warned the research had not ruled out potentially harmful unintended effects that could afflict the twins and now spread through the human lineage if they have children. "Having listened to Dr. He, I can only conclude that this was misguided, premature, unnecessary and largely useless," said R. Alta Charo, a bioethicist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For years, leading scientists have avoided advocating a ban on gene-editing technology for human reproduction, instead favoring a cautionary approach that such research should not proceed until certain conditions are met. At the last meeting of the summit in 2015, scientists concluded by saying that it would be "irresponsible" to proceed until the safety concerns had been thoroughly vetted and a societal consensus had developed. But a report two years later by the National Academies of Sciences said that genome edits that could be inherited "might be permitted" if, for example, there were transparency and an unmet need, among other criteria. A report this summer by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in the United Kingdom concluded that gene editing to influence future generations "could be ethically acceptable in some circumstances." Those recommendations suggested the technology could be useful, which may have emboldened He. When he presented his research on Wednesday, he said he was "proud" of his work. "My original thinking was based on the survey of the United States . . . or the British ethics statement or the Chinese study that gave us the signal that the majority of the public is supporting the use of human genome editing for treatment, including HIV prevention," He said. Mathew Porteus, a pediatric stem cell scientist at Stanford University, said that in February, He told Porteus about his animal studies and an open trial in humans. "I told him that it was irresponsible and reckless to proceed for many reasons and that he needed to discuss his plans with senior authorities in China before proceeding any further," Porteus said. Several scientists said that a ban would be premature, but added that the technology was not ready to be used. Others said a clear message needed to be sent. "My sense would be, given the circumstances, that anything short of a call for moratorium would be insufficient," said Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell biologist at the University of California at Davis. "This has indicated that almost anyone could try this; this guy's not a physician, he's a physicist . . . There seems to be need for more clarity." - Shih reported from Hong Kong. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) The leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said President Rodrigo Duterte wants his administration's counterinsurgency measures to compete with his war against illegal drugs in the killing of thousands of people. "Duterte is absolutely crazy in announcing he is forming death squads with the license to kill any istambay, any critic, any actiivist or just anyone whom the death squads suspect or think of becoming or being NPA. He wants Oplan Kapayapaan to compete with Oplan Tokhang in murdering thousands of people," CPP leader Joma Sison told CNN Philippines Wednesday. Sison said Duterte is desperate because his counterinsurgency efforts, Oplan Kapayapaan, failed to defeat the CPP's armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA). "Not a single guerrilla front has been destroyed even in Mindanao where he has concentrated 75 of his total of 98 maneuver battalions under conditions of martial law. Duterte has gone out of his mind," he said. The communist leader added Duterte's move to create a Sparrow Unit of his own, just like the NPA, would abet closing all doors to peace negotiations. READ: Duterte wants his own death squad to counter NPA Sparrow Unit Sison also criticized the firing of Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Ronald Flores and Assistant Secretary Yesther Donn Baccay, who was formerly Undersecretary for Support Services and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) National Program Management Office. "He wants to place the billlions of OPAPP and PAMANA under the control of the military," he said. In a separate statement on Facebook Thursday, Sison said Duterte gave in to the demands of the military and caused the resignation of OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza to place the office under military control. "The military want to control OPAPP to prevent serious GRP peace negotiations with the NDFP by imposing the precondition of surrender on the NPA," he said in his statement. Dureza resigned on November 27 after Flores and Baccay were sacked, taking full responsibility of the alleged corruption in the OPAPP. READ: Duterte: I regret accepting Dureza's resignation Malacanang on Thursday, however, shrugged off Sison's allegations. "Joma Sison is living in a different world. He has lost touch with his men," Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo said in a press briefing. He also refuted the statement of Commission on Human Rights Chairman Chito Gascon saying International Humanitarian Law (IHL) prohibits governments from using death squads. "You're going to create to prevent the killing of civilians. Masyadong narrow ang kanyang pananaw rito [his perspective is narrow]." he said. Panelo reiterated the President is following the constitutional mandate to "serve and protect" the Filipino people. TOKYO - South Korea's supreme court ordered Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industry on Thursday to compensate 10 South Koreans for forced labor during Japan's colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula. It is the second such ruling in a month, in an issue that has already poisoned relations between the United States' two closest allies in Asia. Experts said it complicates efforts to present a united front against the threats posed by North Korea's nuclear program and China's increasingly aggressive regional diplomacy. Japan maintains the issue of forced labor was fully settled in 1965 when the two countries restored diplomatic ties and Tokyo made a compensation payment to Seoul for its 1910-45 occupation of the Korean Peninsula. But elderly victims of forced labor have been pursuing their own claims through the courts for years, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in supported their right to claim compensation after he took office last year. Last month, South Korea's supreme court made a landmark ruling in favor of South Koreans seeking compensation from Japan's Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. Japan's foreign minister, Taro Kono, called Thursday's decision "extremely regrettable and totally unacceptable," and said Tokyo would consider taking the case to international arbitration. "The decision completely overthrows the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship that Japan and the Republic of Korea have developed since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965," he said in a statement. Thursday's case involved five men and five women who worked for Mitsubishi in 1944 building ships and aircraft for Japan's war effort, although one woman has since died and was represented by a relative. Upholding two separate lower court decisions, the supreme court ordered Mitsubishi to pay 80 million won ($71,000) to the men, and between 100 and 150 million won ($89,000 to 133,000) to the separate group of women. South Korea's supreme court rejected the argument that the 1965 treaty had resolved the issue. "The treaty does not cover the right of the victims of forced labor to compensation for crimes against humanity committed by a Japanese company in direct connection with the Japanese government's illegal colonial rule and war of aggression against the Korean Peninsula," the court said in a statement. The five women, including 87-year-old Yang Geum-deok, were forced to work at a Mitsubishi aircraft factory in Nagoya, Japan, under harsh conditions. Yang says she was frequently beaten by her Japanese supervisor at the factory, and told local media earlier this week she wanted the ruling to address "70 years of resentment." The women filed a claim for compensation in Japan in 1999, finally losing at the nation's highest court in 2008. They then took the case to a court in South Korea. The anger in Tokyo has been palpable. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the first ruling last month "impossible in the light of international law" while Kono did not disguise his displeasure this week in response to a report that South Korea's foreign minister, Kang Kyung-wha, was considering a visit to Japan. "It would be a problem if she is coming for the sake of coming," he said, according to domestic media. Japanese media have also been outraged, reporting that the issue has put relations between the nations "in serious jeopardy," and warning that any attempt to seize the assets of Japanese companies operating in South Korea over the compensation awards could dramatically undermine business ties and even force Japanese companies to pull out of the country. But in South Korea, the response has been equally vehement. Ruling Democratic Party spokesman Hong Ihk-pyo has called for an apology and compensation not only from the companies but also from the government of Japan, while a spokesman for the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said Japan should no longer "stick to tongue-lashing and impudence" and offer a sincere apology to the victims. - - - The Washington Post's Min Joo Kim in Seoul and Akiko Kashiwagi in Tokyo contributed to this report. President Donald Trump will play the role of a dutiful diplomat at a global economic summit this weekend, his schedule jammed with one-on-one meetings with allies including Germany, India, Japan and South Korea as well as the authoritarian leaders of Russia, China and Turkey. If past is prologue, he does not look forward to the task. The president generally dislikes group chatfests such as the annual Group of 20 economic meeting that begins Friday. His mood in the weeks leading up to the gathering in Argentina was not helped by Republican losses in the midterms, potential signs of trouble in the U.S. economy and the special counsel's Russia investigation. The session also comes amid brewing trade spats, a volatile confrontation between Russia and U.S. ally Ukraine, the fallout from the killing of Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi and fast-moving events surrounding Britain's divorce from the European Union. Trump aides wanted to avoid a repeat of the smaller Group of Seven in June, which Trump pushed wildly off the rails. He lectured longtime allies on trade, issued threats and pulled his name from a painstakingly negotiated joint statement. This time, White House officials reached out to key allies and downplayed expectations that Trump would hold bilateral meetings with major European and Asian counterparts, according to diplomats with knowledge of the interactions. Until Tuesday, Trump's only announced meetings were with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We were steered toward not asking for a bilateral, with the rationale being that he hates multilateral meetings, so do yourself a favor or it will be the G-7 all over again," said one diplomat familiar with pre-summit planning. As a result, officials from Canada, France, South Korea and Britain expected that no formal bilateral meeting with their leaders and Trump would materialize in Buenos Aires. So it was a surprise this week when White House press secretary Sarah Sanders and national security adviser John Bolton detailed Trump's busy agenda, which includes the first joint meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We're trying to fill every minute of the president's schedule," Bolton told reporters Tuesday. Trump will see eight leaders, including a customary meeting with this year's host, Argentine President Mauricio Macri. He'll see others briefly in the course of two days of economic sessions, lunches, dinners and a "cultural event." As key allies continued to press for a meeting with the president, the White House switched course and opened the door to more bilaterals, including meetings with Abe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. On paper, the unconventional U.S. leader - who snagged the G-7 and a NATO meeting this year while appearing to sulk on his most recent international trip to Paris - is suddenly doing the kind of diplomatic box-checking that his recent predecessors have done at such summits. True, Trump is skipping private time with the leaders of France, Britain and Canada, all of whom he has recently antagonized. And his 45-minute session with Merkel, which came together hastily this week, is likely to include testy discussions about looming auto tariffs and Germany's purchase of Russian natural gas. "They'd been consistent in their messaging for the past two weeks, telling everyone that the G-20 is important in and of itself, and we don't want bilateral meetings to take away from it," another diplomat said. Expectations are low for most of those conventional meetings on the sidelines. "The pessimists in the delegation say the best we can hope for is there is not another disaster after the G-7 and the NATO summit, so if things don't get worse it's already a success," one European diplomat said. The European wish list for the summit is short, the diplomat said: Calm markets nervous about a U.S.-China trade war, and avoid another round of tariffs against Europe and China. Those outcomes do not depend on individual meetings with Trump, and skipping them might help, said Uzra Zeya, a former top State Department diplomat. "For the Europeans, at least, the cost of a meeting that fails to produce results or is followed by nullification - it's certainly questionable what the gain is," said Zeya, now a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. Trump's sessions with Putin and Xi overshadow his other diplomatic business over two days in Argentina. Putin escalated a military contest with Ukraine this week, and Trump has picked a trade fight with China that could worsen if his dinner meeting with Xi goes badly. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters that Trump sees a "good possibility" of a preliminary accord with China. "He's open to it," Kudlow said. Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products, supported new limits on Chinese investment in the United States and moved to restrict exports to China that involve advanced technologies. "China doesn't need to be reminded of what is at stake," said Alan Wheatley, a global economic analyst at the British think tank Chatham House. "But they have been badly blindsided by Trump," whose business background and transactional view of foreign policy had appealed to Beijing. "Their reading of him - and of course they're not alone - has been wrong." Bolton gave only a cursory preview of the agenda with Putin - primarily arms control and security issues. In an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday, Trump threatened to cancel the Putin meeting over the confrontation with Ukraine, a move that would answer critics who argue that a private one-on-one would reward Putin for provocations. "I don't like that aggression," Trump said. "I don't want that aggression at all. Absolutely. And by the way, Europe shouldn't like that aggression." But the meeting was still on as of Wednesday, and the Kremlin said Putin is planning on it. "The President is receiving regular briefings on the Russia/Ukraine situation from his national security team, including briefings Monday, Tuesday afternoon and again today," Sanders said in a statement to The Post on Wednesday. "We will keep you posted when there is additional public information or any policy announcements on this matter." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is likely to take Trump to task over the death of Khashoggi inside the Turkish Consulate in Istanbul. Trump last week said that regardless of whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated the U.S. resident's killing, the U.S.-Saudi relationship was too important to breach. Erdogan has criticized Saudi rulers, and his government has drip-fed incriminating details about the case for weeks. In the Post interview, Trump said he remains open to a meeting in Argentina with MBS, as Saudi Arabia's embattled crown prince is known, although no such session is scheduled. While the additional bilaterals may stoke fears of a G-7 repeat, other dynamics will be different, including the presence of new populist and right-wing leaders more aligned with Trump's worldview. At the smaller G-7 meeting in June, Trump felt encircled by center and center-left politicians who challenged him on trade and the environment. In Buenos Aires, he will be joined by more like-minded leaders, including Argentina's Macri, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, as well as Putin, whose exclusion from the G-7 Trump protested. Russia was disinvited from the influential club of industrial economies over the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The maritime seizures on Sunday occurred off the coast of Crimea, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is warning of all-out war. Putin said Wednesday that the incident was staged. "The room is slightly more friendly for Trump," one diplomat said. More friendly, perhaps, but also wary of Trump's unpredictability and taste for drama. "There's been a very clear decision, actually, particularly by European leaders, that the problems that emerged with the Trump administration are disproportionately when the president is involved or in the room," said Brookings Institution foreign policy analyst Thomas Wright. - - - The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey and Philip Rucker contributed to this report. As creditors of ITT Educational Services fight over the remaining assets of the defunct for-profit college operator, one group has secured a significant victory in the bankruptcy proceedings: former students. On Wednesday, a federal judge gave final approval to a settlement that will erase nearly $600 million that 750,000 students owed ITT Technical Institute. The agreement, which was first announced in January, will also refund $3 million that students paid the for-profit chain. Before shutting down in 2016, ITT issued students temporary credits to cover remaining tuition after federal and private student loans were taken into account. These credits were allegedly marketed as grants, but debt collectors pursued students for the money even after the company filed for bankruptcy. ITT routinely lied to hundreds of thousands of students, said Lorenzo Boyland, 40, who attended ITT Tech in Tennessee from 2008 to 2010. They targeted people who were eligible for federal loans and grants including low-income people and veterans like me and took advantage of our dreams and ambitions. Boyland is among the students involved in the lawsuit filed against ITT Educational Services last year to join the line of creditors, federal regulators, state attorneys general and employees seeking redress from the company. Attorneys for the students asserted a $1.5 billion claim against the company for consumer-protection violations and breach of contract, and asked for status to cover anyone who attended ITT Tech between 2006 and 2016. Wednesdays agreement recognizes the claim. If there is money in the estate to pay unsecured claims debts that are not assured payment at the end of the bankruptcy, students would receive a share. In the meantime, ITTs estate has notified students who are eligible for the debt cancellation, according to the Project on Predatory Student Lending at Harvard Law School, a legal aid group that worked with the law firm Jenner & Block to represent the students. This settlement does more for the cheated students of predatory for-profit colleges than (Education Secretary) Betsy DeVos has done in her entire administration, said Toby Merrill, director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending. At a time when students are being ignored by their government, ITT students stood up to this predatory college themselves and secured the relief they are owed. Merrill is calling on DeVos to forgive the federal loans of ITT Tech students who have petitioned the U.S. Department of Education to cancel their debt under a statute known as borrower defense to repayment. The law, which dates to the 1990s, wipes away federal loans for students whose colleges used illegal or deceptive tactics to get them to borrow money to attend. Advocates for the students say ITT Tech did just that. The chain was being investigated by more than a dozen state attorneys general and two federal agencies for alleged fraud, deceptive marketing or steering students into predatory loans. That legal morass led an accrediting body to threaten to end its relationship with the chain, which resulted in the Education Department curtailing ITTs access to federal student aid. Weeks later, the publicly traded company closed 137 campuses that served 35,000 students and employed 8,000 people. Two of the campuses were in San Antonio, one in an office park off Interstate 10 and the other on Loop 410 on the Northeast Side. Enrollment information at the campuses hasnt been available, although a professor estimated about 300 students attended the Northwest Side campus. Programs of study included information technology, electronics, drafting and design and business, ITT websites show. Days after closing the campuses, the company filed for bankruptcy protection to liquidate its business. In the wake of the schools collapse, ITT Tech students have submitted more than 13,000 applications for federal debt relief, though only 33 have been approved, according to the legal aid group. The Trump administration has stymied efforts to grant relief by refusing to implement an Obama-era revision of the debt-relief rule that sought to simplify the process and shift more of the cost of discharging loans onto schools. DeVos issued a more restrictive rule earlier this year, but advocacy groups and state attorneys general are fighting to have the courts force implementation of the Obama rule. While this settlement is a victory, we are still paying federal student loans that funded a school that no longer exists, said Boyland, a veteran who amassed $52,000 in federal and private loans pursuing an associate degree at ITT Tech. All Im asking for all any of us are asking for is a fair shot and a fresh start. I just hope the Department of Education is listening. Express-News archives contributed to this report. Leon Valley officials shut down a sexually oriented business after finding the store illegally operating directly next to a child care facility, according to a news release from the city. Secret Escapes Adult.com operated without a certificate of occupancy since opening at 5405 Hurley in the Bexar County municipality, officials said. It wasn't clear how long the business has been open. The equestrian community in Longford and throughout the country was deeply saddened to learn of the news of the sudden passing of legendary breeder Harold McGahern earlier this week. Mr McGahern died suddenly at his home in Rincoola, Granard on Monday, November 26 and he will lie in repose at his home on Thursday, November 29 from 2pm to 10pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 30 at 11am in St Mary's Church Granard, followed by a private crematorium service. Predeceased by his mother, Lily, father, Tim and his brother Noel, Harold will be sadly missed by his wife Margaret, his children Joy, Angela, Una and Aonghus, brothers Ray, Dermot and Des, sons-in-law Kent and Damien, by his adored grandchildren Ciara, Teagan, Tim, Cathal and Chris, his extended family and large circle of friends. Harold, along with the late Sam Murphy, co- founded the Longford Hunt Branch of Irish Pony Club, which was established in 1980. The club posted a poignant Facebook tribute. Harold always made himself available with his wealth of knowledge in all areas of equestrianism. In the early days, his premises at Rincoola was the base for Longford Pony Club. He was a wonderful promoter of the equestrian sport, always encouraging young talent, many of whom went on to compete at an international level. Longford Harriers also paid tribute. Longford Harriers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and hunt member Harold McGahern. A regular face on the hunting field. He will be missed by all. The Longford Harriers wish to offer their most sincere condolences to McGahern family at this very sad time. A highly regarded teacher at Ardscoil Phadraig, Granard, Harold was one of Irelands most successful breeders of showjumpers. Among the many International horses that he bred is the famous Rincoola Abu, who with rider Captain Gerry Flynn jumped on several successful Nations Cup Teams, and Grand Prix at 1.50m level. Also jumping on successful Nations Cup teams and Grand Prix was Will Wimble who with Alexander Butler jumped at 1.60. Will Wimble has Connemara connections, as his granddam was Coolbawn Claire by Hazelwood Boy. Harold with his great friend, the late Col Ronny Mcmahon, was instrumental in the creation of the Connemara Performance Hunter, the Young event horse series, and the Performance Irish Draught at the RDS, at which he stewarded,and each year he held a qualifier for these at his home in Rincoola, Granard. Connemara Pony Breeders' Society posted on Facebook: We were delighted when Harold accepted our invitation to judge the Green Hunter, Performance mare, and the Loosejumping at Clifden last year, which he did with his usual efficiency and good humour, having had a word with everyone before heading home to Rincoola in Co.Longford. He will be sadly missed by every quarter of the equine community, our heartfelt sympathies go to his wife Margaret, daughters Joy, Una, Angela and son Aonghus. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam uasal. Funeral arrangements Harold will repose at his home on Thursday, November 29 from 2pm to 10pm. Funeral mass on Friday, November 30 at 11am in St Mary's Church Granard, followed by a private crematorium service. House strictly private on Friday morning please. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Lus na Greine Resource Centre, Granard. Also read: Longford stunned by sudden death of David O'Brien in Australia Also read: Drumlish man Danny McGee 'was the nicest young lad I have ever met' Met Eireann has extended its wind warning for Storm Diana as the country continues to be hit strong winds and heavy rain. Also read: 'Every Longford citizen to benefit from Budget 2019' as council signs off on ambitious spending programme While the storm will abate, the highest gusts exceeded 122 km/h in Cork. While the storm will abate, Met Eireann expects the unsettled weather is set to continue for the coming days. The Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland for gale force winds associated with Storm Diana is valid until 6pm Wednesday, November 28. Also read: Longford stunned by sudden death of David O'Brien in Australia A Status Orange severe wind warning for counties Wexford, Galway, Clare and Waterford is valid until 3pm. FORECAST BELOW TWEET Latest rainfall radar, 12pm to 1pm. Highest gusts so far today (km/h): 122 Sherkin Island (Cork) 115 Casement (Dublin) 113 Roches Point 104 Valentia 102 Mace Head (Galway) 98 Oak Park (Carlow) 91 Cork Airport 82 Athenry#StormDiana pic.twitter.com/wooR2R4CdK November 28, 2018 The end times of the orange warnings have been extended slightly. Cork & Kerry out to 1pm. Wexford, Waterford, Clare & Galway out to 3pm. Our national yellow wind warning expires at 6pm.https://t.co/ozrQHtGpc1 pic.twitter.com/mICM2n7ynz Met Eireann (@MetEireann) November 28, 2018 Met Eireann weather forecast as follows: TODAY - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Very windy today with some severe gusts associated with Storm Diana in coastal counties of the west and south as southerly winds veer southwesterly in direction. Rain will be heaviest and most persistent in parts of the west and north today, with the rain more scattered elsewhere with occasional bright intervals. Mild at first this afternoon with highs of 12 to 16 degrees, but temperatures falling back to between 9 and 12 degrees later. TONIGHT - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Still rather blustery at first this evening, especially across the north and east of the country with clear periods and scattered showers, with remaining rain in the north clearing. Becoming less windy in all areas overnight. However, soon after midnight a further spells of rain will feed up over the country from the south, becoming heavy with a risk of spot flooding part of the east and south. Minimum temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees. TOMORROW - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Overcast and wet in many places at first tomorrow, Thursday, with outbreaks of rain, heavy and persistent with the risk of spot flooding in parts of the south and east. The rain will clear into the Irish Sea during the morning to leave a bright and blustery day with sunny spells and showers, the showers frequent in the west, with the risk of hail and thunder. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees in fresh and gusty southwest winds. NATIONAL OUTLOOK Outlook: Staying unsettled with further spells of wet and windy weather. Thursday night: Fairly widespread showers at first on Thursday night but the showers will become largely confined to western and northern counties later in the night. Blustery overnight with strong southwest winds. Minimum temperatures 4 to 7 degrees. Friday: Friday will be a cool, bright and blustery day with sunny spells and scattered showers becoming more widespread in the afternoon. Some of the showers will be heavy and prolonged in the northwest. Some of hail with a risk of isolated thunderstorms. Afternoon temperatures will range from 6 degrees Celsius in northern counties to 9 or 10 degrees Celsius in parts of southwest and along the south coast. Windy at first in strong and gusty southwest to west winds but winds will ease off in the afternoon. A spell of persistent and heavy rain looks set to extend from the Atlantic later in the evening and overnight. Saturday: Overnight heavy rain clearing eastern and northern coastal areas in the early morning and the day will be bright with a mix of cloud and sunny breaks. There will be a good deal of dry weather, but some scattered showers. Afternoon highs of 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, highest near the south coast. Turning wet on Saturday night as persistent and at times heavy rain spreads northwards. Sunday: Current indications suggest cloudy conditions with rain at times on Sunday but some drier periods also. The rain will turn more persistent in western areas later Sunday and more widespread rain is expected overnight. Afternoon temperatures will range from 7 degrees Celsius in northern parts to 12 or 13 degrees Celsius in the south and winds light easterly early in the day in northern counties, will become moderate to fresh southwesterly in all areas later. Early next week: Unsettled weather expected through the early days of next week and colder over the northern half of the country especially with night frosts. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 29 2018 How to foil thieves who want to steal packages that are left unattended outside your home. Ordering online unfortunately opens consumers up to the possibility that a Porch Pirate" may strike. Nassau County, NY - November 29, 2018 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder would like to take this opportunity to advise residents how to keep your packages and deliveries safe from Porch Pirates. As the holiday season approaches, many people are doing shopping online and having packages shipped to their homes. Unfortunately, this presents a perfect opportunity for thieves to steal packages that are left unattended outside your home. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself. Pets & Animal, Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 29 2018 CCI trains Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. (L to R): Robert Figliozzi, John Selle, Bridget Wilson, holding Brody, and Lisa Figliozzi are all smiles after participating in Canine Companions DogFest Walk n Roll in Deer Park. Uniondale, NY - November 29, 2018 - employees and their four-legged pals recently participated in the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) DogFest Walk n Roll fundraiser at PSEG Long Island employees and their four-legged pals recently participated in the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) DogFest Walk n Roll fundraiser at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park PSEG Long Island employee Bridget Wilson, along with her dog Brody, raised more than $1,000 to support CCI by participating in the walk and selling little stuffed CCI-branded puppies to her co-workers. DogFest was a fun-filled event featuring an agility course, human/canine costume contest, live music, vendors, a photo booth, and a host of pet and family-friendly activities, including apple bobbing for dogs. My dog Brody and I had a wonderful day, said Wilson. I know how important my dog is in my life, so being able to support an organization that provides critical canine companionship to those in need really hit home for us. CCI trains Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support. CCIs Long Island Chapter, headquartered in Medford, expertly trains these dogs with more than 40 commands to assist children, veterans and adults with disabilities with day-to-day tasks such as opening doors, picking up items, turning on lights, and much more. PSEG Long Island is committed to giving back to the people and communities it serves. Employee engagement on Long Island and the Rockaways is a top priority for the company. PSEG Long Island employees are actively involved with local charity events and organizations through the companys Community Partnership Program. In 2017, PSEG Long Island participated in 1,100 events supporting more than 400 organizations. For more information, visit https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Community. Spain and other dry-stone walls were yesterday added to UNESCOs list of the worlds intangible heritage of humanity. The UN cultural agency announced the news on Twitter yesterday. UNESCO thanked the countries that presented the bid: as well as Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. UNESCO recognised the art of dry-stone walls and the way in which they are built with stones piled onto others without using any other material except dry earth. It is a technique that dates back to prehistoric times and is indicative of the harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world. The committee which oversees the declarations said that the dry-stone nomination is in accordance with criteria of intangible cultural heritage. These include the technique being a living one, i.e. it is still very much in use, and the fundamental role it plays in maintaining the environment and landscape. UNESCO was particularly impressed by the international collaboration in exchanging best practices for the continuance of the technique. The Spanish bid included the backing of the Balearics along with Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia and Valencia. An analyst who covers Berkshire Bank says he received a letter last month claiming to be from a group of anonymous bank employees that described a toxic work environment. Piper Jaffray analyst Matthew Breese published a research note on Monday saying that he and other analysts covering Boston-based Berkshire received the letter in October. Breese described the letter as a call for "intervention given a toxic workplace environment absent of leadership." It is unclear if the purported letter is related to the sudden resignation of Berkshire CEO Michael Daly on Monday. Breese published his research note shortly after that announcement and speculated that the two were related. But the note did not quote from the letter directly or say whether the letter had specifically mentioned Daly. Asked about the letter, Berkshire spokeswoman Elizabeth Mach said the bank's statement Monday included all public information about the leadership transition. That statement did not mention a letter from employees. "We recognize that our employees are Berkshire Bank's most valuable asset," Mach said in an email. "Workplace culture is one of our top priorities and we are constantly working to assure that our environment is one of mutual respect, fosters career growth, and creates greater connections between our bank employees and the communities we serve." The bank has not given a reason for Daly's departure. According to the announcement, Daly is resigning effective immediately, with Berkshire executive Richard Marottataking over as CEO. In the research note, Breese and his Piper Jaffray colleague Brody Preston also analyzed data from the job-rating site Glassdoor.com. Of dozens of banks covered by Piper Jaffray, Berkshire ranked worst on Glassdoor when it comes to factors like culture and values, work-life balance, and senior management, according to their analysis. For instance, 25 percent of the purported Berkshire employees on the site said they would recommend the bank to a friend, compared with a median of 62 percent at the other banks, the note said. Breese added that Berkshire's five-year return and profitability forecast did not suggest a management change was needed on financial performance grounds. "As a result of weighing internal vs. external factors (where it can be measured), we believe the change was done not for stock performance but to improve internal culture," Breese said. Another analyst who covers Berkshire, Laurie Hunsicker of Compass Point LLC, said in a note that management told her there were "no financial issues" at play in Daly's departure. Berkshire's stock price fell by 1.4 percent to $33.59 per share on Tuesday. The analyst note was first reported by Bloomberg. SPRINGFIELD -- Developers Davenport Companies is in discussions with a retail tenant who might take up most of the Main Street-fronting space in its long-planned Davenport Square project near MGM Springfield. Charles Irving, principal with Boston-based Davenport, said recently that he expects to make a public announcement of the deal sometime before January. Davenport has long proposed an 11,000-square-foot multi-tenant building with parking to the rear on the site. The Head Start daycare facility is currently the only business on the property, occupying a section to the rear away from Main Street. The property would also have it's own parking. Irving said the prospective tenant, he can't yet say who it is, would mean there would be fewer small tenants than is shown in artist renderings. Davenport Companies, which was MGM's real estate partner on the nearly $1-billion casino project, bought the acre-and-a-quarter property at 991-959 Main St. and 155 Union St., for $1.6 million from a number of owners. This is according to deeds on file at the Hampden Registry of Deeds. Davenport also owns property across Hubbard Avenue to the south of the proposed Davenport Square site. The lot across Hubbard Avenue was once the site the Square One day care center headquarters that was also destroyed by the tornado. Davenport owns the Springfield Plaza shopping center, the old Registry of Motor Vehicles Building on Liberty Street and the former Willys-Overland Building at 151 Chestnut St. Davenport says it plans to renovate the Willys Building into apartments and has publicized plans to build a retail center at the old RMV site. SPRINGFIELD -- Big Y Foods Inc. has donated 7,000 unsold turkeys totaling more than 100,000 pounds to five food banks in its territory, the Springfield-based company announced Thursday. The five food banks are: Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Foodshare of Greater Hartford and the Connecticut Food Bank. Big Y said fewer households are cooking whole fresh turkeys as frozen turkeys remain popular. The chain said for Thanksgiving, it's selling more more fully cooked turkey dinners, more turkey parts such as the breasts only, specialty birds such as natural, organic and kosher or other meats such as ham, roast beef or duck. Other customers either skip the holiday or eat out instead, according to a news release. Big Y buyers order turkeys in July based on regional trends, past ordering history at each store and other factors across 70 Big Y supermarkets in Massachusetts and Connecticut. "We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with our local food banks," said Guy McFarlane, Big Y vice president of fresh foods. "They will be able to get these turkeys to so many people who depend upon their services every day." Big Y Foods operates 80 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including its supermarkets, 39 pharmacies, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and eight Big Y Express gas and convenience locations. Did you know it was the Woronoco Indians who first inhabited the land known today as Westfield, taking advantage of the freshwater sources and the rich agricultural lands? Did you know Westfield was a key stop in history in 1776 when Henry Knox rolled through the city with his train of cannon, oxen and men from Fort Ticonderoga in New York en route to Boston to take on the British? Did you know that a Wright Brothers biplane touched down in 1914 on a strip of land off Southampton Road? Do you remember the team of 14- and 15-year-old boys who played in the Babe Ruth World Series in California in 1992? Stories of these and many more chapters in Westfield's history are brought to life on the pages of "The City of Westfield, Massachusetts, Celebrates 350 Years - 1669-2019," a 240-page book published by The Republican for the Westfield 350 organization that is celebrating the city's 350th anniversary. The book is edited by Wayne E. Phaneuf, executive editor of The Republican, and Joseph Carvalho III. Said Harry Rock, president of Westfield 350, "I am excited to present this book as a legacy gift to the residents of the city of Westfield to read and enjoy a journey through time from our roots and humble beginnings in 1669 to the present." The book debuts as a prelude to a historical lecture series that launched this week and a First Night celebration on Dec. 31 which kicks off the 350th celebration. "It is important to remind ourselves of where we have come from to appreciate where we currently are, in anticipation of an exciting and inspired vision of the future for where we are yet to go," Rock said. "Special thanks to the partnership and support of The Republican in the writing and producing of this book as an important outcome of the Westfield 350th celebration!" Added Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, "As mayor, I am always interested in picking up history books of Westfield and our surrounding area. With the help and support of The Republican, Westfield now has a legacy book to celebrate our past, enjoy the present and look forward to our future. Our residents and the business community have stepped up to make our 350th celebration a very special occasion." Phaneuf and Carvalho have teamed as editors and writers for numerous other books produced as part of The Republican's Heritage book series, including the recent, "The Power of Women," which looks at notable women from across Western and Central Massachusetts, including many from Westfield, including Mayor Alice Burke. "The history of Westfield is a microcosm of what has happened in this country," said Phaneuf. "It was a pleasure digging into the past of this wonderful community from the time it was a fur trading post in the wilderness to a 21st century city on the cutting edge of the latest manufacturing trends." For Carvalho, the experience of working on the Westfield history book was special. "As a graduate of Westfield State University and an associate editor of the university's Historical Journal of Massachusetts for many years, it was an honor to serve as one of the editors and writers of this publication," he said. "As one of this nation's oldest communities, Westfield has been the home of important institutions, famous individuals, significant events, and internationally noted industries and their products." Carvalho added, "An integral part of the Pioneer Valley, the city of Westfield also serves as a gateway to the West through the neighboring Berkshires. We have tried to capture that important historical narrative and convey it to a new generation of readers celebrating Westfield's 350th year." Said Michelle Johnson, manager of niche and advertising-marketing sales opportunities, who served as lead designer for the book, "It was an honor to be part of the design of such a memorable keepsake for the city and people of Westfield. The overall design of this book was intended to reflect back upon the 350th celebratory logo for the city." She added, "By incorporating elements from the city's logo and keeping the typography for each chapter clean and readable, it allowed for the many, many photographs and illustrations of past and present Westfield to come alive on the pages of the book." Phaneuf and Carvalho assembled a team of writers for this book that includes Cynthia G. Simison, assistant to the publisher and managing editor of The Republican who covered the city of Westfield for about 20 years, and current freelance writer and Westfield native Hope E. Tremblay. Freelance photographer Frederick Gore, whose professional career has centered on Westfield for several decades, also contributed to the book. "Westfield is truly a second home for me. It's where I learned my craft as a reporter and made friendships that are lasting a lifetime," said Simison. "For me, sharing these stories of Westfield is an opportunity to give back to the city which gave me so much in both my professional and personal life." Along with photos by Gore and many of the staff photographers for The Republican over the years, Phaneuf and Carvalho also worked closely with the Westfield Athenaeum which shared its vast and rich collection of photographs documenting the city's history to illustrate the book. The Wood Museum of Springfield History also shared photographs from the Ross Conner Collection, and Westfield State University also played a key role in bringing the story of Westfield to the printed page. Westfield Bank is the lead sponsor of the book. Additional community sponsors include Advance Manufacturing, Air Compressor Engineering, BankESB, Baystate Noble Hospital, Berkshire Bank, Beveridge Foundation, Butler Insurance, C & S Wholesalers, Columbia Manufacturing, Commercial Distributing Co., Edward Jones, Hampden Village, the Glaze and Harding Families, Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, Forish Construction, Green Meadow Lumber, state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr., Industrial Technical Service, Jerome's Party Plus, attorney Tom Keenan, Lane & Son, Lyon & Fitzpatrick, Mestek, Morin & O'Shea, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Polish National Credit Union, Puffer's Salon & Day Spa, R. Levesque Associates, The Republican, Specialty Bolt & Screw, state Rep. John Velis, Westfield Emergency Physicians, Westfield Eye Center, Westfield Gas & Electric, Westfield Kiwanis, Westfield News Group, Westfield Rotary Club, Westfield State University and Wilcox Insurance. A woman accused of running a large-scale human trafficking ring in massage parlors in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties will face charges Thursday. Dan T. Zheng, a 47-year-old woman living in Boston, was arrested on Harrison Street in Boston Wednesday after a months-long FBI investigation into the operation, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office wrote in a news release. In June 2018, members of the FBI Boston Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and Malden detectives began to surveil four of Zheng's massage parlors, prosecutors said. Police said they learned men were being "offered, and accepting additional services of a sexual nature" after their scheduled massages for extra money. Investigators allege Zheng was the person in charge of the day-to-day operations at the massage parlors -- scheduling appointments and having employees taken from Boston to work at the locations. She paid the women she employed a "minimal fee" and kept the cash for the sexual services, prosecutors said in the news release. "Motivated by profit, Ms. Zheng ran an extensive criminal operation taking advantage of the vulnerable young women who worked for her by selling them for sex," FBI Special Agent Harold H. Shaw said in a statement. "Human trafficking is a crime that happens all around us, often in plain sight, impacting the safety of our neighborhoods and our quality of life. When human beings are treated as commodities, they are not only being abused physically, but emotionally and financially." As part of the investigation, search warrants were executed at Lisa Massage Therapy in Arlington, Sunflowers Spa in Dracut, Sunshine Spa & Massage in Stoneham, Rose Health Spa in Boston and a residence on Maple Street in Boston Wednesday. Zheng was arrested by Boston Police on several charges, including trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution and procuring support for prostitution in connection with allegedly offering sexual services for a fee at four massage parlors located in Stoneham, Arlington, Dracut and Boston that she owns and operates. Six women were found during the searches, according to police. She is expected to be arraigned on the charges in Cambridge District sometime on Thursday. She will also appear in Boston Municipal Court to face charges related her alleged role operating a Chinatown massage parlor, according to Jake Wark, a spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office. The rusted, rotting, century-old Northern Avenue Bridge that sits in Boston's Fort Point Channel is about to get a serious upgrade. What that new-and-improved bridge will look like has become a point of contention among neighborhood groups in South Boston, who advocate for an entirely pedestrian and bike-friendly design. Business stakeholders, meanwhile, prefer the bridge host a lane for transit options. "I've been working on Atlantic Avenue long enough to see car traffic on the bridge. Then it was foot traffic. Now it's to be avoided," Matt Carty, of Chelsea, said before a packed community meeting at District Hall Wednesday night. Carty, an avid biker, remembers when the Northern Ave. Bridge was walkable, though a tight squeeze: two people walking on the bridge would have to pause to let the other pass, he said. His memories stretch back nearly two decades, when the city shut down the Northern Ave. Bridge to traffic in 1999. It then served pedestrians-only until 2014, when inspectors deemed it unsafe. An "ideas competition" sponsored by the city and the Boston Society of Architects in 2015 invited planners to craft unique reconstruction ideas, and soon after the city pledged more than $45 million toward the project. "If we can succeed, it's going to be a legacy project," said Urban Idea Lab Architect Etty Padmodipoetro, the new bridge's chief designer who has spent the last 25 years working on major Boston projects like the central artery, the Longfellow Bridge and others. "We love the fact that the way this project has evolved is very open and incorporates a lot of the ideas that people have," Padmodipoetro added. "Whatever we come up with, more people are going to own it." Planners behind the project, like Frank Depaola, a consulting engineer with design firm AECOM and the former general manager of the MBTA, described an idyllic version of the bridge as one where "people can stop and enjoy the view of the harbor" alongside food trucks or art exhibitions. The bridge, now 110 years old, will be reconstructed for a new era, where sea level rise is a pressing factor. The infrastructure will be climate change resilient, planners said, and will facilitate the organic marine environment and submerged islands, or "pilot field," in the water below. Wrestling with feedback from a somewhat split resident community, Depaola and others emphasized plans for a bridge that can "evolve" to meet the city's needs over the next 75 years. But among various neighborhood groups like the Wharf District Council, Walk Boston, The Fort Point Neighborhood Association and six others, consensus on at least one element of the bridge is clear: no cars. "People danced on the bridge, people had their photographs taken on the bridge...People remembered that bridge," Anita Johnson, a member of Walk Boston, said to applause at the community meeting. "I ask you to consider keeping that bridge a pedestrian bridge," Johnson added. "Those are the uses that make people happy, and that's important to us." The mission of a zero-car bridge is supported by new data from AECOM and the city, which found that any east or westbound lanes for cars would make very little difference to drivers. "In certain scenarios, a small number of vehicles...it would save them a few minutes of travel time," Depaola said Wednesday. But compared to current traffic patterns on the parallel Moakley Bridge, he added, "those numbers aren't large enough to make an appreciable change." During his presentation, Depaola also noted the possibility of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes: "shuttles, buses, three or more people," he said. With few bus lines and a crowded MBTA Silver Line as the only public transportation options around the Seaport, some agreed a transit lane on the bridge could help. But what exactly those lanes look like matters, advocates said. "I can see a bus option, that's be great," Carty said ahead of the meeting. "No Uber or Lyft, because that's just cars. My preference would be walking and biking." Stacy Thompson, executive director of the transportation group "Livable Streets," said catering to ride-hailing companies and private shuttles in a part of Boston that struggles with public transportation is not the way to go. "I am unsatisfied because the city is talking about this as a public transport option, but what they are actually showing is putting HOV and private shuttle services on a public bridge," Thompson said, adding that she had not heard or seen employees from the MBTA at the community meeting. Thompson said she and her organization generally favor more buses throughout the city. Becca Wolfson, executive director of the Boston Bicyclists Union said, "people want a bridge designed for biking and walking." Many of those opposing car traffic on the bridge said they did support the notion that emergency vehicles, like ambulances or firetrucks, should have access to the bridge in rescue situations. Richard Dimino, CEO of "A Better City" non-profit group and the chairman of the mayor's task-force on the bridge project, promotes bus routes on the new Northern Ave. Bridge. He said he has spoken to dozens of tenants and business owners along the Rose Kennedy Greenway and in South Boston who want to see a transit option on the bridge. "There are amazing places in the world where I see buses, I see light rail, I see trams accommodated with pedestrians that are also beautiful and well-designed," Dimino said. Mobility issues aside, the physical design of the bridge is another concern among South Boston residents. One camp wants to see the preservation of what they believe is an example of Boston's industrial history, while others favor a total transformation of the bridge into something new. Christopher Scoville, chair of the Boston Preservation Alliance, said he was "frustrated" by the lack of data available on what it would cost to preserve the Northern Ave. Bridge, despite what he said were repeated requests for such information. "Our membership wants to understand that all efforts have been made," Scoville said, echoing concerns of several other residents at the meeting. According to analyses presented by the city on Wednesday, only around 15 percent of the metal on the rotting bridge as it stands today is sound enough to reuse. Dimino said he agreed that data on preservation feasibility should be collected and shared. "The question is then, do you replicate the existing historical character of the bridge but you use new materials?" Dimino asked. "Or do you design something that is respectful and interpretative of that historical design, but think about something a little bit different and edgy that combines those things?" Those questions will be debated in the months to come before a final bridge design is selected next fall. And, whatever it may look like, engineers do not anticipate the completion of a new Northern Ave. Bridge until sometime in 2022. HOLYOKE -- A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against a city ordinance banning temporary lawn signs and bumper stickers. The City Council, in response to a lawsuit, put a moratorium the ordinance last week. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the firm Prince Lobel on behalf of eight residents who said the ordinance infringed on their free speech rights. They wanted to display lawn signs reading "Black Lives Matter" and "All Are Welcome," as well as campaign and holiday signs, according to the ACLU. Enacted earlier this fall, the ordinance required anyone wishing to place "temporary signs" anywhere in Holyoke, including on private property, to register them with city officials. The restriction would have been in effect from Dec. 1 to March 1 every year. It also applied year-round to temporary signs attached to vehicles and bumper stickers. The City Council initially passed the order unanimously, but Mayor Alex Morse vetoed it. The council overrode the veto 9-3 on Oct. 16. Residents opposed to the ordinance then filed their lawsuit, and opponents spoke out at a City Council hearing last week. U.S. District Court Judge Mark Mastroianni issued the preliminary injunction Wednesday. It remains in force until the court case is resolved or the court reaches a new ruling on the merits of the case, according to court documents. Ruth Bourquin, senior attorney for the ACLU of Massachusetts, called on city officials to "resolve this matter in a way that preserves fundamental rights of our clients and all residents and visitors to Holyoke." Councilors have already filed an order calling for the ordinance to be revised or rescinded. The order is pending before the Ordinance Committee. Morse, who is named as the lead defendant in the lawsuit due to his role as Holyoke's chief executive, praised the injunction. He said the ordinance "had never been enforced to begin with." "So essentially nothing changes as a result of this decision," he said. "I had already instructed department heads to not enforce an ordinance that is clearly unconstitutional." "We are grateful to the Court for recognizing our First Amendment rights to express ourselves on our private property," Anne Thalheimer, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement issued by the ACLU on Wednesday. "We believe that free expression, including expression indicating that Holyoke is a welcoming and diverse City, is very important," said plaintiff Kaitlin Molloy in an ACLU statement. Dennis Hohenberger contributed to this report. BOSTON -- A former pharmaceutical company executive pleaded guilty in federal court to charges accusing him of bribing medical practitioners to prescribe and overprescribe a highly-addictive and dangerous fentanyl-based pain medication. Alec Burlakoff, 44, the former vice president of sales for Insys Therapeutics, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy in U.S. District Court, Wednesday. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, said Christina DiLorio-Sterling, spokeswoman for Attorney General Andrew Lelling. The West Palm Beach, Florida resident and multiple other Isys Therapeutics executives and managers were indicted in October 2016 and a second superseding indictment was filed a year later. Under Burlakoff's scheme, medical practitioners in multiple states, many of whom operated pain clinics, were given incentives to prescribe Subsys, a powerful fentanyl-based pain medication designed to treat cancer patients suffering intense breakthrough pain, she said. The employees offered practitioners perks to prescribe the drug including offering them paid speaking opportunities which turned out to simply be free dinners and drinks, Dilorio-Sterling said. In other cases, employees of the practitioner's office were moved onto the Insys payroll or relatives and girlfriends of the medical professionals who were high volume prescribers were also hired, she said. Involved in the investigation were U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Mark A. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations' Metro Washington Field Office; Carol S. Hamilton, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; and Sean Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel K. Yeager, Fred M. Wyshak, Jr., and David G. Lazarus, of Lelling's Office, are prosecuting the case. NORTHAMPTON -- Investigators are working to determine the cause of an early Thursday fire that displaced residents from a downtown building. The blaze at 32 Masonic St. was reported shortly after 6 a.m., Deputy Chief William Millin said. No injuries were reported. The three-story condominium-style building houses several businesses on the first floor and residential units on the second and third floors, Millin said. Millin said residents from multiple units were displaced. The Western Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross has been summoned to the scene. Firefighters, as of 9:45 a.m., remained on scene, he said. The blaze caused fire damage on the second floor and smoke and water damage on the first and third floors. It is being investigated by the Northampton police and fire departments and troopers attached to the state fire marshal's office. Firefighters from Amherst and Easthampton provided mutual aid. This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available. Retired Massachusetts State Police Trooper Paul Cesan pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges in federal court on Thursday in connection to the agency's widespread overtime abuse scandal. Cesan, 50, of Southwick, signed onto a plea deal struck between his attorney Terrence M. Dunphy and the U.S. Attorney's Office in which he admits guilt to the charge levied against him: that he embezzled from an agency receiving federal funds. Under the plea deal filed in federal court last month, prosecutors recommended a reduced prison term between 10 to 16 months, and the repayment of $29,287 for overtime hours Cesan never showed up for. The charge of embezzling money from an agency that receives federal funds can carry a maximum prison penalty of 10 years with supervised release for three years, and a fine of $250,000. Cesan is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m. In a courtroom within Moakley Courthouse in Boston on Thursday, Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock reminded Cesan that he is not bound to follow the recommendations laid out in the plea agreement. "I might go higher, I might go lower," Woodlock said, of the suggested prison terms. Woodlock asked Cesan a number of questions to ensure he understood what it meant to plead guilty. "You understand you're giving up very valuable constitutional rights?" Woodlock asked, to which Cesan responded, "Yes." Cesan is one of 46 current and former state police troopers under investigation for the alleged widespread abuse of overtime pay within the agency. He retired last March from his role with Troop E, which patrolled the Mass. Turnpike and Boston tunnels. MassLive learned Cesan earned $172,797 in 2017, including $35,271 in overtime pay. In 2016, he earned $163,533, and that included $50,866 in overtime. An audit of the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort patrols shared by state police last spring found nearly two dozen state troopers were paid for phantom overtime shifts. Those numbers grew as separate investigations were conducted by state and federal authorities. Cesan was first arrested on June 27. He and three others have pleaded guilty to charges tied to overtime abuse, including suspended Trooper Eric Chin, retired Trooper Gregory Raftery of Westwood, suspended Trooper Gary Herman of Chester, and suspended Trooper Kevin Sweeney of Braintree. Through the issuance of fake citations and falsified documents, Cesan and others made it appear as though they were working extra hours patrolling the Massachusetts Turnpike and elsewhere. An audit of state trooper patrols in 2015 is believed to have uncovered more instances of overtime abuse. Massachusetts State Police are investigating after a person died in a fiery car crash early Thursday morning. At 3 a.m. state police received a call about a car on fire on Route 25 eastbound in Wareham. The vehicle was in the median stopped against a tree, fully engulfed in flames, according to David Procopio, a spokesman for the Massachusetts State Police. After firefighters extinguished the fire, a person was found dead inside the car, Procopio said. The investigation is ongoing. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has filed nine criminal charges against Springfield Police Officer Jose Diaz in connection with an alleged 2015 beating of four men by off-duty Springfield officers after a barroom argument. Diaz, 54, was arraigned Thursday morning in Springfield District Court on four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with serious bodily injury and three counts of simple assault and battery. He is also accused of conspiring with "unnamed identified conspirators" to commit assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, suggesting that Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey's Office has other suspects in its crosshairs, according to court records. Diaz is the first officer to face charges in a saga of violence, investigations, lawsuits and alleged cover-ups that has plagued the Springfield Police Department for three-and-a-half-years. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his personal recognizance with the condition that he stay away from the victims. "Officer Diaz maintains his innocence and is awaiting his day in court," his attorney Jeremy B. Powers said. The Attorney General's Office first put the case before a statewide grand jury in February, reviving the criminal case after Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni declined to press charges in early 2017. Gulluni said at the time that while Herman Paul Cumby, Jozelle Ligon, Jackie Ligon and Michael Cintron were victims of an assault, their description of their alleged attackers were too inconsistent to hold up in court. Rather than indict Diaz through the grand jury, the Attorney General's Office filed a criminal complaint in district court. A spokeswoman for Healey's office declined to comment, saying the charges are part of an active an ongoing criminal investigation by the AG's Office with assistance from the FBI. According to the criminal complaint, Diaz is accused of assaulting Cumby with his foot and assaulting the Ligon brothers and Cintron with a weapon. The type of weapon is known to prosecutors but was not publicly released, according to the criminal complaint. Diaz has been suspended without pay for five days and will be placed on administrative leave following once the suspension is complete, as is standard for officers charged in district court, Springfield Police Spokesman Ryan Walsh said in a statement. The suspension was put in place Thursday. "This stems from an off-duty incident that occurred nearly four years ago. The Springfield Police Department's Major Crimes Supervisors, Hampden District Attorney's Office and Department of Justice all reviewed this incident and no charges were brought forward at that time," Walsh wrote. "The Attorney General's Office has brought forward this complaint in Springfield District Court, but their investigation is ongoing so we cannot discuss this or any other aspect of their investigation at this time." Since the altercation outside Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant, a picture of what happened the night of April 7, 2015 has come into gradual focus, through media interviews with the alleged victims, internal police investigations obtained by MassLive and Gulluni's public report released after his office declined to press charges. The DA's report found that the men were getting drinks at Nathan Bill's when an argument began between Jozelle Ligon and a group of off-duty officers at the bar. Cumby and Ligon have said that Jozelle was whistling at a bartender for a drink, but that Officer Daniel Billingsley accused him of whistling at Officer Melissa Rodriguez, his then-girlfriend. Billingsley and Rodriguez were at the bar with fellow officers Christian Cicero, Anthony Cicero and Igor Basovskiy, according to the department's Internal Investigations Unit report. After a verbal argument, which Cumby and Jackie Ligon said they attempted to defuse, Billingsley allegedly told staff that the men were not welcome in the bar. At that point, the dispute remained tense but peaceful. Uniformed police officers responded to the bar but made no arrests. Cumby and his group left the bar, where they separated, with Cumby walking down the street while speaking to his girlfriend on the phone and the Ligons and Cintron waiting in the parking lot of a nearby store for Cumby to return and drive them home, according to interviews with the alleged victims. Cumby, who has said he was afraid he would be targeted and pulled over if he drove away while the off-duty officers were still at the bar, reunited with the other men around 2 a.m. He saw a crowd of 10 to 15 men bearing down on them, he said. Leading the way was Billingsley, according to a lawsuit that Cumby settled with the city last month for $775,000. Billingsley allegedly began yelling at the men and hit Jozelle. Jackie threw a punch in return, and Cumby - who has said he was trying to peacefully end the fight - was allegedly struck from behind and knocked unconscious. When he awoke, uniformed officers and EMTs were on scene. Cumby, who had suffered serious injuries, was escorted back to the bar and drove away in his truck, according to statements officers made to internal investigators. Diaz's alleged role The exact circumstances of Diaz' alleged role in the fight have not been released by the AG's office. The Springfield District Court Clerks' Office said it could not release the full file on the case Thursday afternoon because sections had been impounded and the file was still in judge's chambers. But in the Springfield Police Department's internal investigation report, Diaz was singled out for his inconsistent account of the night in question. Officer Jeremy Rivas told internal investigator Sgt. Bill Andrew that he saw Diaz inside Nathan Bill's after Rivas responded to the scene of the fight and returned to the bar's parking lot, well after 2 a.m. "When we followed the last male to the bar I did notice Officer J. Diaz standing outside with [redacted] and one of the owners of the bar," Rivas wrote in his statement. But Diaz told Andrew that he left Nathan Bill's around 2 a.m. after helping the owner, an acquaintance of his, clean up the bar. When Andrew began to press Diaz for details, he appeared to lose track of the conversation, according to the report. "I asked Officer Diaz if he was present at the assault. Officer Diaz experienced difficulty understanding the question," Andrew wrote. "Officer Diaz states he didn't know what was going on." Andrew asked again with no coherent response, he wrote in the report. After the another of the question, Diaz said he was not there during the fight. "When we followed the last male to the bar I did notice Officer J. Diaz standing outside with [redacted] and one of the owners of the bar," Officer Jeremy Rivas wrote in his statement. Andrew then questioned Diaz about the discrepancy between his and Rivas' accounts of when he left the bar. Andrew asked where Diaz was before he arrived at Nathan Bill's, at which point Diaz ended the interview. "Officer Diaz stated that he should consult with an attorney," Andrew wrote. "I asked Officer Diaz if he wanted to assert his Fifth Amendment Rights. Officer Diaz stated that he did want to assert his Fifth Amendment Rights." Victims claimed cover-up In separate lawsuits filed by Cumby, the Ligon brothers and Cintron, the victims alleged that officers had worked to cover up the assault. The initial police report by Officer Darren Nguyen was brief, did not include any mention of the alleged presence of off-duty officers and described Cumby's injuries as "scrapes and cuts" when he was concussed and had a broken leg. It also described Cumby and his group as "uncooperative." But, according to Cumby's federal lawsuit, he did cooperate, giving a full description of what happened to Nguyen's partner Shavonne Lewis. Lewis did not author her own report and no reference to her interview with Cumby made it into Nguyen's account - an omission that Cumby alleges was part of a deliberate cover-up. The Ligons and Cintron's suit also claimed that the identification process used by investigators was designed to hamper the investigation. Investigators with the Springfield Police Department's Major Crimes Unit showed the victims thousands of photos, asking them to pick out their attackers from a massive gallery of men who matched their broad descriptions. A police source, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, defended the photo array procedure to MassLive earlier this year. The source said it is common to generate large photo arrays in cases where the name of a suspect is not known. And while uniformed officers identified several specific off-duty officers as being present at the bar before the fight, investigators did not have that information when they first interviewed the victims, according to the source. By the time investigators took statements from the responding officers the array had already been shown to the victims, and running a second array could have legally tainted the identification and made it unusable in court, the source said. Twelve officers, including those allegedly involved in the fight and responding uniformed police, received disciplinary charges in the case but have still not yet had disciplinary hearings. The City of Springfield has said it intends to hold hearings and bring the cases before the city's Community Police Hearing Board. SPRINGFIELD -- A New York man on Thursday was sentenced to five years probation after pleading guilty in a case involving a March 2017 traffic stop that yielded 25,000 packets of heroin. Rey Flores, 38, had been charged with trafficking heroin in the amount of over 200 grams. A conviction on that charge would result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in state prison. But under a plea agreement, Flores was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Hampden Superior Court Judge Karen Goodwin accepted the agreed recommendation from prosecution and defense and sentenced Flores to five years probation. Flores has been out on $10,000 bail while the case was pending. At the beginning of the plea session the lawyers asked to speak with the judge privately at sidebar. Goodwin was told that Flores will begin serving a three-year sentence in New York after Christmas. The five years probation from the Hampden Superior Court case will run concurrently with the New York sentence, extending beyond it for two years, Green said. The charges in the New York conviction were not stated in court. Green said the case involved "unique circumstances" but said no more in open court about the sentence recommendation. He did say both he and defense lawyer Lisa J. Pelosi believed it was a fair and reasonable sentence. Asked by Goodwin to lay out the facts of the case, Green said a state trooper stopped Flores when he didn't come to a full stop when getting off Interstate 291 in Springfield. Flores consented to a search of the car, Green said, where troopers found a "hide," or secret compartment, in the trunk. They found 25,000 individual baggies of heroin weighing about 600 grams. At the time of his arrest, state police said it was worth about $100,000. A Northampton man arrested during a traffic stop for distribution of heroin was sentenced to one year behind bars Wednesday. Omar Marrero, 32, of the Florence section of the city, pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Courtto one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, said Frederick Lantz, spokesman for Berkshire District Attorney Paul J. Caccaviello. Judge John Agostini sentenced him to one year in the Berkshire County House of Correction. He will begin serving the sentence on Jan. 22, Lantz said. Police stopped Marrero on Sept. 26, 2016, in Adams and found drugs in his car. He was also charged with a drug violation in a school zone, which was later dropped, Lantz said. The North Adams and Pittsfield Police Departments, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, state troopers assigned to the district attorney's office and members of the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force all assisted in the investigation. SPRINGFIELD -- When police on patrol Monday were told a woman had been stabbed at the corner of Union and School streets, they found the 30-year-old leaning against a fence, yelling and bleeding heavily from multiple wounds. Police arrested Marisol Vazquez, 45, of School Street, and charged her with armed assault with intent to murder for allegedly stabbing the woman. She pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court Tuesday and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. A police report in Vazquez's court file describes what police found at the scene at about 3:45 p.m. Monday. The victim was bleeding from "several different locations on her body," including her right hand, left abdomen, left back and left rear thigh. According to the report, the thigh wound was the most serious, and it was bleeding profusely. Police applied pressure and a trauma bandage but couldn't stop the bleeding. An ambulance took the woman to Baystate Medical Center, the report said. A doctor there said she needed "immediate transfer to the operating room" because they could not stop the bleeding in the thigh, the report said. Police on Monday said the victim had serious injuries. On Tuesday they reported that, although the injuries were serious, the victim was expected to survive. Police arrested Vazquez in the back of a building near the stabbing scene a short time after the incident, the report said. SPRINGFIELD -- A local activist group has criticized plans by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to veto a proposed ordinance that is aimed at establishing Springfield as a "welcoming community" to immigrants regardless of their legal status. The Springfield chapter of March for Our Lives, a national organization that promotes gun control and the prevention of mass shootings, issued a statement in support of the Welcoming Community Trust ordinance. The ordinance recently received first-step approval from the council, triggering the veto threat from Sarno. "We must be proud of our diversity, and not move away when we realize that these groups must be protected from immigration witch hunts," said the statement from March for Our Lives: Springfield. The ordinance states that city officials and employees "shall not inquire as to an individual's immigration status unless required by federal or state law." It also states that no city official shall target with legal action or discriminate against a medical, educational or faith institution in their mission of providing refuge to immigrants and their families. Sarno said Tuesday that the ordinance is part of the council's continuing effort to make Springfield a "sanctuary city" to protect immigrants, including those in the country without legal permission. Councilors including President Orlando Ramos and members Adam Gomez and Jesse Lederman said the ordinance is not a declaration of sanctuary, and does not conflict with state or federal law. The March for Our Lives group said it urges the council to "stand up to" Sarno "and his repeated attempts to disenfranchise diversity in Springfield." The ordinance has overwhelming support of various organizations and individuals, the group said. Sarno on Tuesday rebutted Ramos' claim that Sarno has "contempt" for diversity and immigration. Sarno, noting he is the son of immigrants, said he supports legal immigration, and has a lifelong record of respect and celebration of the city's diversity. March for Our Lives said "it is not acceptable to discriminate against people based on characteristics, color, creed, race, or sexual orientation." Trevaughn Smith, who listed himself as a spokesman for the Springfield March for Our Lives group, said that although the group's main focus is gun control and related issues, there is a connection with national rhetoric over immigrants. There is discrimination in the United States related to a fear of immigrants, he said, adding that some people feel threatened and have to fight back, which can be a factor in mass shootings. "Please give so every child may have a gift" reads the message from an anonymous donor of $200 to the Toy for Joy campaign. The members of the vehicle maintenance unit of the Air National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield joined forces to send another $200 gift. From the staff and faculty at Agawam High School came a gift of $125. It's contributions large and small which are arriving daily to help the 96th annual Toy for Joy campaign slowly make its way in hopes of reaching a $150,000 goal by Christmas eve. To date, $5,970 in donations have been received, leaving $144,030 to be raised. "No gift is too small. It's the feeling and sentiments that they share which are most important this time of year," said Cynthia G. Simison, assistant to the publisher of The Republican, who works with the Salvation Army to help oversee Toy for Joy. "We began our campaign a week earlier this year in hopes we can engage our readers and the greater community to join the effort." "Sometimes," added Simison, "the messages mean far more than the contribution they deliver. Take the case of one that arrived this week with this message: 'With thanks to Ben for stopping to help a stranger shovel snow.' That says a lot about the spirit of giving in our communities." For the first time in its 96-year run, the Salvation Army in Springfield set an initial limit of 1,500 families to benefit from the Toy for Joy and established a waiting list for all others. The move was taken in the wake of last year's shortfall of more than $40,000 which eroded funds which had been carried over from years that the goal had been exceeded. Each year's funds cover the costs of the toys being distributed. A collaborative effort by the Salvation Army, The Republican and MassLive, Toy for Joy annually helps families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. "This year, with the limited funding to purchase toys, we really had to see how many families we could feasibly serve," said Danielle LaTaille, social services director for the Salvation Army. "Fifteen-hundred was our number based on statistics from previous years, and the toys we had been able to purchase this year." The waiting list was established as a means to help as many families as possible if significant funds are received this year. "I would just suggest they give us a call," said LaTaille. Interested families can contact the Salvation Army, say they missed registration and make it known that they want to be put on the waiting list. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01101. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon which accompanies this story to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through noon on Dec. 21. For the third year in a row, Pride Stores is partnering with Toy for Joy. Pride locations in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut will rally its customers in November and December to help contribute to Toy for Joy. Customers can go into any Pride in the area and purchase a $1, $5 or $10 donation card for Toy for Joy. Toy for Joy is also partnering with the Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation for a second year to help ensure each child receives a new book. TOY FOR JOY REGISTRATION Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 96th annual Toy for Joy campaign. The Springfield citadel will assist families whose communities are not listed below: Greater Springfield Citadel: 170 Pearl St., Springfield; Registration: November 26, 27, 28. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for info, call (413) 733-1518, serves Agawam, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Northampton, Palmer, Monson, Springfield, Ware, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Westfield, Southwick, Russell and Belchertown; Holyoke: 271 Appleton St., Holyoke; Registration: November 27 and 28, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., for info, call (413) 532-6312, serves Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby and Chicopee; Greenfield: 72 Chapman St., Greenfield; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. until December 8th, for info, call (413) 773-3154, serves all Franklin County communities; Required documentation: Photo ID for parent/guardian, proof of address dated within last 30 days, birth certificates or passports for each child 16 years and younger and proof of financial need (MassHealth, WIC card, EBT card, current pay stub, or other acceptable documentation). AMHERST - Members of four University of Massachusetts Amherst employee unions are angry that they will not receive salary increases and retroactive pay they say they had been promised. Leaders from the unions have written a letter to Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy and President Marty Meehan to complain and are urging members to phone Meehan's office Thursday at 2 p.m. to demand the money. Unions learned Wednesday they would not receive the increases. Classified workers unions were expecting to see the raises Friday, and members of the Massachusetts Society of Professors were to get them Dec. 14, according to the letter. "Workers have been waiting eighteen months for these raises. You cannot imagine how upset they are to be told that they will not have their money before the holiday," states the and signed by Joe Malinowski, president of AFSCME Local 1776, Leslie Marsland, president of University Staff Association/Massachusetts Teachers Association, Eve Weinbaum, president of Massachusetts Society of Professors/Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Brad Turner and Mary Malinowski, co-chairs of Professional Staff Union/MTA . It is unclear why the pay is being held up. Eve Weinbaum, President, MSP/MTA, in an email wrote "no one has been able to give us an honest explanation of what is happening. "A battle is going on between the players in Boston -- the UMass President's Office, the Governor's Office of Administration and Finance, and the legislature -- but it is absolutely unfair to hold hostage the pay that is owed to the people who do the work here. "I feel especially terrible for AFSCME and USA members, some of whom don't even make $15 an hour -- they were told to expect 18 months of retroactive pay in the paycheck they will receive tomorrow, and people were waiting to pay their bills and buy holiday presents for their families." She said more than 5,000 workers on campus are owed these wages with "many more thousands on the Boston, Lowell, and Dartmouth campuses." The mass phone-in is being organized "to make sure our message gets through," according to a message posted on the MSP website. On their website, the unions say the contracts were approved by Gov. Charlie Baker and funded by the state Legislature. They claim faculty and staff have not had a raise since 2016. UMass spokesman Jeff Cournoyer said the raises will be issued "as the university has received collective bargaining funding" for fiscal 2018 and part of fiscal 2019 "and is confident" that the remainder of fiscal 2019 will be appropriated in the new year." He said in an email, there was no "supposed to be paid" by date. He said Friday was a possibility but "the current target date for raises to be reflected in paychecks is Dec. 14." UPDATE, Nov. 29, 2018, 1:25 p.m.: Beth Israel and Lahey agree to price caps. A new story has been posted >> Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health have agreed to conditions negotiated with the attorney general's office, which will allow them to go forward with one of the largest health care mergers the state has ever seen. The new merger will consolidate five of the state's hospitals, creating a new health care system that is expected to rival Partners Healthcare, which today is the largest health care system in Massachusetts. The health care systems will be required to cap their prices for seven years, in response to concerns that the merger will result in escalating health care prices. The new health care system has committed to spending $71.6 million to improve access to health care for low income communities, including support for community hospitals, community health centers and behavioral health care. It has also made commitments relative to providing care to MassHealth patients. "These enforceable conditions, combined with rigorous monitoring and public reporting, create the right incentives to keep care in community settings and ensure all our residents can access the high-quality health care they deserve," Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. In 2017, several major health care institutions signed an agreement to affiliate under a new umbrella group called Beth Israel Lahey Health. The institutions include Lahey Health System; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, New England Baptist Hospital and Mount Auburn Hospital, which are already under one corporate parent; and Seacoast Regional Health Systems, which owns Anna Jaques Hospital. The proposed merger has been controversial because of its potential to further consolidate the state's health care market and potentially raise prices. This is a breaking news story that will be updated. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, made her pitch Thursday for an American foreign policy "that works for all Americans, not just the rich and powerful." Warren, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's approach to global issues, laid out her vision for a foreign policy that aligns the United States' domestic and international policies in a wide-ranging address at American University in Washington D.C. The speech, billed as a "Conversation with Elizabeth Warren," added to speculation that the senator is gearing up for a 2020 White House run. Arguing that Washington has shifted its focus in recent decades away from policies that benefit everyone to those that favor elites both at home and abroad, Warren called for a new international economic approach. She offered that while capitalism and trade globalization have increased opportunity and helped lift people out of poverty, U.S. trade policy "has delivered one punch in the gut after another to workers and to unions that fight for them." "I believe capitalism has the capacity to deliver extraordinary benefits to American workers. But, time after time, our economic policies left these workers with the short end of the stick: stagnant incomes, decimated unions, lower labor standards, rising costs of living," she said. "Job training and transition assistance have proven powerless against the onslaught of offshoring." Warren added that "it's still not working today," pointing to the Trump administration's plan to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement as an example of such failures. Casting the plan as "NAFTA 2.0," the senator argued that the proposed trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada won't end outsourcing, increase wages or create jobs. She instead called for a new approach to trade that is based on the principle that "policies should not prioritize corporate profits over American paychecks." Beyond trade, Warren argued that U.S. economic policies should address the challenges of an interconnected world by focusing on: the transparency of the movement of assets across borders, privacy and data rights protections, and climate change solutions. "We need to set new rules for global capitalism in the 21st Century: Rules that work for all Americans, not just wealthy elites. ... These are policies that are good for American workers, good for American investors and good for American businesses," she said, adding that "none of this requires sacrificing the interests of American businesses." The Democrat also offered that the United States must rein in "unsustainable and ill-advised military commitments and adapt our strategies overseas for the new challenges we'll face in this coming century." Warren called on the United States to "take an honest look at the full costs and risks of our military actions," offering that recent conflicts have resulted in staggering human and financial costs. Arguing that "these wars have not succeeded even on their own terms," the senator questioned "what actions make us truly safer?" She offered that it's time for the country to identify the programs that actually benefit American security and to reinvent in diplomacy. Warren proposed three core nuclear security principles: No new nuclear weapons, more international arms control, and no first use. "We need to be smarter and faster than those who wish to do us harm," she said. "We need to tap our creativity to anticipate and evaluate both risks and responses. And we need to better weigh the long-term costs and benefits of military intervention. That's how we'll keep Americans safe." The senator added that "a foreign policy that works for all Americans must recognize that America can project power abroad only if we are strong and secure at home." Warren urged that the United States focus on investing in infrastructure, education and high-quality health care; protecting voter rights and access; and opposing "hateful rhetoric that fuels domestic terrorism of all kinds." The Democrat, who has repeatedly sparred with Trump on an array of issues, further accused the president of taking actions and showing instincts that "align with those of authoritarian regimes around the globe." Offering that "the time for holding back is over," Warren argued that Americans on both sides of the political aisle "must stand up to this type of behavior." "Americans must demonstrate to this president and to the world that we are not sliding toward autocracy--not without a fight," she said. Although she acknowledged that "none of this will be easy," the senator pledged to "persist" in her effort to make such changes. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is considering a 2020 presidential run, will outline her vision Thursday for a progressive foreign policy that aligns the country's actions abroad with those at home. The senator will highlight her "progressive foreign policy that works for all Americans" during an afternoon event at American University in Washington D.C. Warren, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy, is expected to discuss the work she believes is needed to strengthen American democracy. Watch the Massachusetts Democrats' remarks here: This is an updated version of a story that was posted Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at 11:25 a.m. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Health have agreed to conditions negotiated with the attorney general's office that will allow them to go forward with one of the largest health care mergers Massachusetts has ever seen. The new merger will consolidate five of the state's hospitals, creating a new health care system that is expected to rival Partners Healthcare, which today is the largest health care system in Massachusetts. The agreement requires the new system to abide by price caps for seven years and commit to spending money to help community hospitals and health centers and enhance behavioral health care. Kevin Tabb, CEO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who will become CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health, called the agreement "an important step forward in making our vision a reality." "We appreciate the enormous effort that the Attorney General, her staff and the Federal Trade Commission have devoted to our proposal," Tabb said in a statement. "We share their commitment to health care innovation in Massachusetts, and we are eager to build on the strengths of our legacy organizations and deliver on our promise to our patients, their families and our communities." In 2017, several major health care institutions signed an agreement to affiliate under a new umbrella group called Beth Israel Lahey Health. They include Lahey Health System; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, New England Baptist Hospital and Mount Auburn Hospital, which are already under one corporate parent; and Seacoast Regional Health Systems, which owns Anna Jaques Hospital. The proposed merger has been controversial because of its potential to further consolidate the state's health care market and potentially raise prices. The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission found that because the new system would have enormous bargaining power to set insurance reimbursement rates, it could increase health care spending in Massachusetts by an estimated $138 million to $191 million annually on inpatient, outpatient and adult primary care services, with another $30 million to $60 million more spent each year on specialty physician services. Attorney General Maura Healey's office and the Federal Trade Commission were both investigating the transaction. The FTC also closed its investigation in light of the settlement. Healey, who had authority to block the merger, had said her office was worried about the merger lessening competition in certain geographic areas, raising health care costs and affecting access to care for vulnerable populations. Under the settlement, filed Thursday in Suffolk Superior Court, the health care system will be required to cap its prices for seven years. It will have to keep any price increases below the state's Health Care Cost Growth benchmark, which is a goal established by state officials each year for controlling the total growth of health care spending in the state. The benchmark is currently set at 3.1 percent. The cap is expected to avoid $1 billion in potential cost increases over seven years. The new health care system also committed to spending $71.6 million over eight years to improve access to health care for low-income communities. This includes nearly $50 million to fund community health centers and safety net hospitals; $17 million to enhance mental health and substance abuse care; and $5 million to expand access to health care for communities of color and poor communities. The hospitals proposing the merger generally serve fewer Medicaid patients than comparable hospitals. The settlement requires the hospitals to enroll their doctors in MassHealth and advertise to MassHealth patients. The settlement states that Beth Israel Lahey Health will maintain "a core commitment to meeting the health care, including behavioral health, needs of at-risk, underserved, uninsured, and government payer patient populations throughout the Commonwealth and a core commitment to diversity and geographic representation" within the service areas of its affiliates. Healey said in a statement, "These enforceable conditions, combined with rigorous monitoring and public reporting, create the right incentives to keep care in community settings and ensure all our residents can access the high-quality health care they deserve." Stuart Altman, chairman of the Health Policy Commission, said in a statement that the agreement with Healey, along with conditions already imposed by the Department of Public Health, "represent a wide-ranging set of enforceable commitments designed to limit price increases, support safety net providers, and enhance access to services for underserved patients and those with behavioral health needs." Altman said the Health Policy Commission "will provide substantial public oversight and accountability of this new system to ensure that it follows through on its commitments and contributes to our shared goals of reducing health care spending while improving access to high-quality care in the Commonwealth." The Federal Trade Commission, which had been investigating whether the merger would substantially lessen competition in the health care market, voted unanimously to close its investigation once the agreement was reached and not to challenge the merger. "The assessment of whether to take enforcement action was a close call," the FTC wrote in a statement. "However, based on Commission staff's work and in light of the settlement obtained by the Massachusetts AG, we have decided to close this investigation." The commission noted that the goal of the settlement is to preserve health care access for underserved populations and limit price increases. The commission said the merger may provide a good opportunity to study the effect of mergers. "We will continue to keep a watchful eye on this and other health care transactions and take action as appropriate," the commission wrote. President Donald Trump called Michael Cohen a "weak person" Thursday and accused his former personal lawyer of lying to Special Counsel Robert Mueller. "He's lying, very simply, to get a reduced sentence," he told reporters as he departed the White House. Trump's criticism came shortly after Cohen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to making false statements to the U.S. Congress. Cohen, in a plea agreement with Mueller, admitted to making false statements to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in August 2017 about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, according to documents released by the special counsel's office. The president told reporters Thursday that he "didn't do the project" in Russia, but was within in rights to run his business during his 2016 campaign, according to White House pool reports. "I decided not to do the project, so I didn't do it. So, we're not talking about doing a project, we're talking about not doing a project," he said. "Michael Cohen, what he's doing, is he was convicted -- I guess you'll have to put it into legal terms -- with a fairly long-term sentence on things totally unrelated to the Trump Organization. ... He's a weak person, and by being weak unlike other people you may watch, he's a weak person and what he's trying to do is get a reduced sentence." Trump added that Cohen is "lying about a project that everybody knew about." "He's trying to get a lesser prison sentence by making up a story," the president said. "Here's the thing, even if he was right, it doesn't matter because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. I was running my business -- a lot of different things during the campaign." President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Thursday to making false statements to the U.S. Congress. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office, which is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, announced that Cohen had entered his plea to Judge Andrew L. Carter, of the Southern District of New York. Cohen, in his agreement, admitted to making false statements to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in August 2017 about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, according to documents Mueller's office released Thursday. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal charges related to his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. Read the plea agreement and criminal information released by Mueller's office here: Michael Cohen Plea Agreement by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd Michael Cohen Criminal Information by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd This is a breaking news story and will be updated. U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling has warned some doctors that their opioid prescribing practices are a "source of concern," according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Amid an epidemic of opioid overdoses, Massachusetts officials have been working with doctors to adjust their prescribing practices. Law enforcement have also tried to crack down on illegal prescribing. Lelling sent letters this week to a number of physicians telling them that they had prescribed opioids to a patient within 60 days of that patient's death or to a patient who subsequently died from an opioid overdose. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for the number of letters that were sent. According to Lelling's office, the letter reminds physicians that although prescriptions may be medically appropriate, the law prohibits prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, substantially in excess of the needs of the patient, or outside the usual course of professional practice. The U.S. Attorney's office did not establish that these doctors broke any laws. Lelling said the goal is to get physicians to look at their prescribing practices and make any necessary adjustments. Lelling said in a statement that doctors have an obligation to work in a patient's best interest. "Through this effort, we're trying to educate prescribers who may be improperly dispensing these drugs, stem the flow of opioids to the public and, ultimately, save lives and reduce opioid addiction rates," Lelling said. Massachusetts maintains a Prescription Monitoring Program, a database that physicians are expected to check before prescribing an addictive drug to see that patient's prescription history. Data from that program from July to September 2018 identified 233 patients with "activity of concern," based on those patients filling multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors at multiple pharmacies. The frequency with which a prescription opioid is found in the body of an individual who overdosed has been gradually declining since 2014, according to state statistics. Prescription drugs are less likely to be present than fentanyl, heroin, cocaine or benzodiazepines. But experts say many people get addicted to prescription drugs, then turn to street drugs when their prescription runs out. Alain Chaoui, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, said the society is encouraged by the 35 percent decrease in opioid prescriptions in Massachusetts over the past three and a half years. Chaoui declined to comment specifically on Lelling's letter. "We stand behind physicians providing evidence-based care to the sickest, most vulnerable patients," Chaoui said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to promoting best opioid prescribing practices, and we urge all concerned parties to join us in expanding addiction treatment and fentanyl-driven overdose prevention." This story was updated with Chaoui's comments. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, slammed President Donald Trump Thursday for casting Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt," adding that House Democrats plan to use their power in the new Congress to ensure "no one in this country is above the law." McGovern, who is expected to take over as the next House Rules Committee chairman, condemned Trump for criticizing the probe and suggesting that no collusion occurred between his campaign and Russia. "If there was no collusion and no criminal activity, then why are so many people willing to risk so much to facilitate a cover-up? The president wants to paint the special counsel's investigation as a witch hunt, but the facts speak for themselves," he said in a statement. McGovern added that the new plea agreement between Mueller and Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen only increases the need for the special counsel's probe to continue. "Each passing day reveals a new reason why Special Counsel Mueller's investigation must be protected from interference by the president and his accomplices," he said. "The new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives will use all of our powers to conduct proper investigation and oversight, and we will ensure that no one in this country is above the law." Mueller's office announced Thursday that Cohen had entered his plea to U.S. District Court Judge Andrew L. Carter. Cohen, in his agreement, admitted to making false statements to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in August 2017 about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, according to documents Mueller's office released Thursday. After news broke of Cohen's plea agreement, Trump told reporters that his former lawyer was "lying" to get a reduced sentence. The president added that while he "didn't do the project" in Russia, he was within in rights to run his business during his 2016 campaign. "He's trying to get a lesser prison sentence by making up a story," he said. "Here's the thing, even if he was right, it doesn't matter because I was allowed to do whatever I wanted during the campaign. I was running my business -- a lot of different things during the campaign." Trump further criticized Mueller's probe in a series of tweets. "Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats aren't even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. A total disgrace!" he posted. "When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous!" Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. A total disgrace! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 Despite being one of the more junior members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, of Melrose, will soon be among the most powerful Democrats in Washington when the new Congress convenes in January. The House Democratic Caucus elected Clark to serve as its new vice chair as they met behind closed doors Wednesday to vote on a series of leadership posts. Clark, who currently serves as the caucus' senior whip and a member of the Steering and Policy Committee, defeated California U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar by a reported vote of 144 to 90 to win the vice chair position, the fifth highest ranking post in House Democratic leadership. As vice chair, Clark will become the highest ranking woman in the House Democratic Caucus behind Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is expected to lead the chamber as its next speaker. The Massachusetts Democrat, who announced her bid for vice chair in a July letter, said she was grateful to have her colleagues support and "honored to have the opportunity to work on their behalf" in her new role. "As vice chair, I am eager to get to work on the promises we made like getting corruption out of politics, protecting Social Security and Medicare, improving access to affordable, quality healthcare and ensuring equal pay for equal work," she said in a statement. "I can't wait to see what progress we will make together on behalf of the American people. Let's get to work!" Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman Gus Bickford lauded House Democrats for adding Clark to the caucus' leadership team, offering that it better positions the state's delegation to "work with leadership - and hold them accountable - on issues of critical importance to people in the Commonwealth." In addition to naming Clark vice chair and Pelosi as the caucus' nominee for U.S. House speaker, House Democrats on Wednesday selected U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, for majority leader; Congressman Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina, for majority whip; U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, for assistant Democratic leader; and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, for caucus chair. Prior to the vote, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, called on House Democrats to support Clark's bid for vice chair. The civil rights leader, in a letter to chamber colleagues, argued that if named the Democratic caucus' vice chair, Clark "will meaningfully engage with each member of our caucus, listen to our concerns, seek opportunities for members to voice the unique needs of our districts, and ensure we have the resources to accomplish our goals on behalf of the American people." The Red Sox are among the clubs with the "strongest interest" in Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman reports that the Yankees, Mets, Braves and Phillies all have strong interest in the closer, who will turn 25 next March. Diaz was dominant in his third major-league season in 2018, saving 57 games and posting a 1.96 ERA for Seattle. The Mariners are attempting to rebuild this off-season and already traded star lefty James Paxton to the Yankees for three prospects. Diaz, who is under club control for four more seasons, is arguably their most attractive trade chip as the best closer available on the trade market. Seattle is asking for a lot in return for Diaz, even getting creative enough to try to pair him with Robinson Cano (and the five years and $120 million) remaining on his contract. Boston is actively looking for a back-end bullpen option with Craig Kimbrel still available on the free-agent market. While Boston remains engaged with Kimbrel, the sheer volume of teams looking for a top closer might price him out of the Sox' price range and force Dave Dombrowski to be more aggressive elsewhere. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) Malacanang on Thursday allayed worries President Rodrigo Duterte may pardon the three police officers found guilty of murdering Kian delos Santos during an anti-drug operation. Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo said Duterte will not tolerate erring cops involved in unlawful killings. "Obviously if the conviction is murder, which is intentional, then I don't think the President will pardon," he said in a media briefing. International group Human Rights Watch expressed fears that although the Caloocan Court issued a guilty verdict against Police Officer (PO) 3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda, and PO1 Jerwin Cruz for killing Kian in August 2017, Duterte might end up giving them pardon if they apply. "At the same time that we are heartened by this, we are also wary because Duterte has promised to pardon police officers convicted in the "drug war" killings. There is reason to suspect that he will keep that promise," HRW Asia Director Brad Adams said in a statement. Duterte, months after he launched his drug war, said soldiers and police will not be jailed for carrying out his order to go after drug suspects. In March 2017, he said he would grant absolute pardon to policemen who may be convicted of killing drug-linked Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa. But Panelo clarified that Duterte will only protect police and military who do their duties in accordance with the law. "You must remember that this is murder. There is intention to kill. The president will never tolerate that. What he said was if you do it in accordance with your job, in the performance of your duty, then I will help you, not when you violate the law," the spokesperson said. The guilty verdict against the three cops marks the first conviction under President Rodrigo Duterte's unrelenting war against illegal drugs. His administration's drug war has left more than 4,900 killed in various police operations. Human rights groups peg the number to go way beyond 12,000. Global Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy Market Overview The global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is showing the moderate growth; mainly due to increase in patient population suffering with cirrhosis disease. Moreover, increase in consumption of alcohol also increase the prevalence of cirrhosis around the globe. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Alcohol consumption causes 20% to 50% of cirrhosis disease, epilepsy, poisonings, road traffic accidents, violence and several types of cancer. Companies are showing much interest toward the overt hepatic encephalopathy market, as they feel there are huge opportunities and gaps between the market demand and supply of effective treatment. Liver transplant is the major cure consider in the treatment of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, there is the lot of scope for companies to introduce better drugs which help to cure the disease. However, XIFAXAN 550, the drug in the market for the treatment of overt hepatic encephalopathy but they have few limitation, which generate the demand for a cost effective treatment. According to World Health Organization, (WHO), in 2015, around 887 000 deaths occurs globally, mostly from complications from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Report also suggest that, in some people, the hepatitis B virus can also cause a chronic liver infection that can later develop into cirrhosis, which turm into liver cancer. Many companies such as, Alfa Wassermann S.p.A, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals S.p.A, KannaLife Sciences Inc., Ocer Therapeutics, Inc., Rebiotix Inc., Spherium Biomed S.L., and Umecrine Cognition AB are working to introduce best treatment in the market. All these development help market to get quality treatment and fulfill unmet requirement. Request for Sample Report at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/764 Players Covered: Alfa Wassermann S.p.A (Italy), Cosmo Pharmaceuticals S.p.A (Ireland), KannaLife Sciences, Inc., Ocer Therapeutics, Inc., Rebiotix Inc. (U.S.), Spherium Biomed S.L., and Umecrine Cognition AB (Sweden) are some of the leading players at the cutting edge of the competition in the market of Overt hepatic encephalopathy, globally. Regional Analysis: The market of overt hepatic encephalopathy is much higher in the Americas region. There is huge population suffering with liver diseases. According to reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016, around 3.9 million people are diagnosed with liver disease that is approx. 1.6% of adults in the United States. Additionally, report suggests that 38,170 deaths occur owing to liver disease. Increase in prevalence of overt hepatic encephalopathy with increasing demand for the better treatment has boosted the growth of the market. Europe is also considered a huge market for overt hepatic encephalopathy players, owing to the increasing prevalence of overt hepatic encephalopathy, increasing government support, and well developed technology. Moreover, increase in the incidence of high overt hepatic encephalopathy owing to consumption of alcohol also fuelling the growth of the market. Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa region are considering the big market. Whereas, countries like India and China of Asia Pacific region are considered to be the fastest growing region due to the presence of huge population suffering with overt hepatic encephalopathy, additionally they are open to adopt new treatment option from a developed country, this gap between the developed and developing countries present significant growth opportunities for the overt hepatic encephalopathy market players in the coming years. Whereas, the Middle East and Africa are the low growing market due to his incapability of investment. Segmentation: The global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is segmented on the basis of type, disease severity, diagnosis, treatment, and end-user. Based on type, the global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is classified as covert and overt. The segment for disease severity for the global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is classified as type A (acute liver failure), type B (portal-systemic bypass without liver disease), and type C (liver cirrhosis). The diagnosis segment for the global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is classified as blood tests, liver function test, encephalogram, serum ammonia levels detection, and others. Based on treatment, the global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is classified as lactulose, antibiotics, probiotics, branched-chain amino acids, liver transplantation, and others. Antibiotics can be further sub-divided into rifampin and metronidazole. The branched-chain amino acids include valine, leucine, isoleucine, and others. On the basis of end-user, the global overt hepatic encephalopathy market is classified as hospitals, research institutes, clinics, surgical centers, and others. Browse Complete 115 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 30+ Respective Tables and Figures at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/overt-hepatic-encephalopathy-market-764 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Small Molecule API Market Scenario The industry for small molecule API is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 7.0 percent while touching revenues worth $279.7 billion in revenue approximately from 2016 to 2027.Development in the small molecule API can be attributed due to the growth observed in the pharmaceutical and chemical sector. Market reports linked to the healthcare sector along with published reports on other sectors have been lately made available by Market Research Future, which has also published a report on this market. The increasing growth of pharmaceutical sector has been beneficial to the expansion of the small molecule API market. Cardiovascular disorder segment is expected to grow at positively in the forecast period owing to increased consumer demand. The ease of procurement of raw materials has been advantageous to the development of the industry further. The industry is expected to gain momentum with the development of better distribution networks that will accelerate industry growth in the forecast period. Small Molecule API Market Competitive Analysis: The corporate strategy of the competitors in the market is focused currently on capitalizing the dynamic pace of technological innovations which have led to plenty of changes both in terms of product development and handling competition. Request Sample copy at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/763 This particular trend has enabled portfolio improvement along with the affinity for diversification in the sector, which has indirectly enabled the players to use the valuable state of dealings available in this industry. The use of these prospects by contenders, who are trying to cultivate their industry stake by intensive expansion can stimulate the expansion of this industry. The companies are also moreover trying to create and capture financial in a suitable manner. This has elevated the potential for the forthcoming growth period significantly. The strategic decision-making process has increased the productivity of companies so that they maintain their companys liquidity and sustain feasible to take effective choices in terms of strategy designing and implementation. Regional Overview: The small molecule API industry covers five regions majorly such as Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Middle East and Africa. The North American region is the biggest market for the small molecule API industry. The European region is the next largest region for the small molecule API industry. Additionally, the Asia pacific region is estimated to be the most rapidly growing region for small molecule API industry. Companies Mentioned: Albemarle Corporation Allergan Aurobindo Pharma Cambrex Corporation Dr. Reddys Laboratories Glaxosmithkline And others. Segmentation Analysis: Global small molecule API market has been segmented on the basis of types which comprises of synthetic/chemical API, biological API. On the basis of application the market is segmented into cardiovascular, oncology, diabetes, immunological disorders and others. On the basis of manufacturing method, market is segmented into In-house, Contract manufacturing. Major TOC of Global Small Molecule API Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027: 1 INTRODUCTION 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 MARKET DYNAMICS 4 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS 5 GLOBAL SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET, BY TYPE 6 GLOBAL SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET, BY APPLICATION 7 GLOBAL SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET, BY MANUFACTURING METHODS 8 GLOBAL SMALL MOLECULE API MARKET, BY REGION 9 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 10 COMPANY PROFILE Browse Complete 85 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/small-molecule-api-market-763 Key Questions Answered In Global Small Molecule API Market Research Report: What will the market size and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com by Larissa Faw , November 28, 2018 SEO software company Moz is out with a new study, "The State of Local SEO," indicating that conversions and revenue are top priorities for marketers and agencies. Whether it's through local service ads or Google Ads, 69% of respondents indicated that their companies are paying Google for advertising. With a lack of serious competition for Google, local search marketers are broadening their use of alternative platforms like loyalty programs and word-of-mouth, per the report. Email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment for marketers, with 59% saying they regularly conduct this type of marketing. Two in three respondents (64%) acknowledge that local search results on Google act as their businesss homepage, and one in three find local rankings too complex to understand or control. Only one in five in-house marketers are aware of Google's The Knowledge Panel, which shows up on roughly 40% of searches and is especially prevalent in local search results. advertisement advertisement One in four (25%) were not familiar with Google's August search algorithm update, although among those who were aware of the revision, 46% say it did not impact their businesses. As search engines work to be the one-stop shop for user needs, businesses need to move quickly to adopt local search best practices, or risk being left behind, says Peter Meyers, marketing scientist, Moz. As an industry, we need to do a better job sharing knowledge, resources and education with our peers. Moz surveyed more than 1,400 local marketers and agencies. More details from the report can be accessed here. Emerson Collective, the social impact organization run by Laurene Powell Jobs, has acquired Pop-Up Magazine Productions, the publisher of live magazine show Pop-Up Magazine and The California Sunday Magazine. Douglas McGray, co-founder and editor in chief, and Chas Edwards, co-founder and president, will continue to run day-to-day operations of Pop-Up Magazine Productions. Emerson Collective has been a longtime supporter and investor in Pop-Up Magazine Productions. According to Recode, Emerson invested at least $10 million in the company last year. Both magazines have managed to create unique journalistic platforms that help foster empathy and better understanding in the world, stated Powell Jobs, who is the widow of the late Apple Inc. founder, Steve Jobs. advertisement advertisement The acquisition is a good fit, according to the companies, because of shared values and ambitions. Emerson Collective is heavily involved in the media space. Last year, the firm acquired majority ownership of The Atlantic, and it invests in several independent and nonprofit journalism enterprises, such as Gimlet Media, Axios, ProPublica and Mother Jones, among others. Pop-Up Magazine is known for its un-recorded, live journalism shows. Storytellers are brought on stage from film, print, audio and photography to share tales with the audience on different topics, from kids learning to box in Thailand to Donald Trumps favorite salad. Every year, Pop-Up Magazine goes on tour to cities around the country with different contributors, themes and audiences. In 2019, Pop-Up Magazine expects to bring its show to over 40,000 people, a tenfold increase since 2014. The California Sunday Magazine -- a feature and photography publication printed bi-monthly -- will produce a special issue this December where all stories will be told through photography, focusing on the single theme of Home." California Sunday will also expand the issues cover story into an exhibition at Aperture Gallery in New York, turning the gallery space into a magazine feature audiences can walk through. Pop-Up Magazine Productions, in collaboration with Emerson Collective, will accelerate its new special projects work to develop new events and custom projects going forward. The two companies are currently piloting a new event series called Pop-Up Zine , a DIY version of Pop-Up Magazinefor journalists and other creatives across the country to produce their own live magazinestyle events for their communities. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 28, 2018 Consumer advocacy groups are urging House Democrats to convene a hearing to examine T-Mobile's proposed $26 billion acquisition of Sprint. Announcing hearings to examine the single largest pending wireless telecommunications merger, and one of the largest in the nations history, would be an excellent first step to implementing your vision for stronger antitrust enforcement, protecting consumers, promoting competition, and standing up for American workers, Consumer Reports, Free Press, Public Knowledge and other groups write in a letter sent Wednesday to Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-New York) and Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey). T-Mobile and Sprint said in April they had agreed to merge, leaving the country with only three major wireless carriers. The carriers have around 100 million wireless customers combined, while Verizon has roughly 116 million and AT&T has around 93 million. advertisement advertisement T-Mobile and Sprint previously tried to join forces in 2014, when Sprint agreed to acquire T-Mobile for around $32 billion. The companies canceled their plans after federal regulators expressed antitrust concerns. Pallone, seen as likely to lead the Energy and Commerce Committee next year, previously called for hearings on the proposed deal. We have not held a single hearing to examine the state of competition ... or how a loss of a competitor could affect consumers or workers, he wrote in an April letter to Representatives Greg Walden (R-Oregon), outgoing leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), outgoing leader of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. T-Mobile and Sprint say they plan to invest nearly $40 billion to roll out a nationwide high-speed 5G network. But Public Knowledge and other advocacy groups opposed to the merger say the deal will lead to higher prices for consumers, poorer service and fewer incentives for the carriers to invest in their networks. by Sara Guaglione , November 28, 2018 Miki King has been promoted to chief marketing officer of The Washington Post, the first to take on the role of CMO at the publisher. Under Miki King's leadership, we have consolidated The Washington Post's marketing efforts in order to create a unified program that is resulting in significant growth of our subscriber base, stated Washington Post Publisher and CEO Fred Ryan. Previously vice president of digital marketing, King will now oversee The Washington Post's subscriptions business and national marketing campaigns. That includes subscription acquisition and retention, as well as enterprise subscription packages to universities, large companies and non-profit organizations, according to Ryan's statement. King will also lead the team developing The Posts national marketing campaigns. advertisement advertisement Separately, Chris Stibbs has stepped down as chief executive of The Economist Group, which publishes the weekly magazine-format newspaper. Stibbs, who has served as CEO for over five years and spent 13 years at the company, will leave once the board appoints a successor. The Economist has seen a few executives leave this year. Chief Technology Officer Michael Brincat exited last week, and Chief Financial Officer Toby Burton left last month. The former president of The Economist Group, Paul Rossi, left this summer. In April, the magazine announced it had combined its sales and circulation teams. The new division is led by Chief Operating Officer Michael Brunt. by Melynda Fuller , November 29, 2018 After reports yesterday that Mic was in talks with Bustle Digital Group to sell at least part of its assets with possible layoffs looming, the company laid off the majority of its 100-person staff this morning, according to Recode. The entirety of the companys editorial and branded content teams were let go in the shake-up. Mic publisher Cory Haik has also resigned. In an email to staff, she stated: Our business models are unsettled, and the macro forces at play are all going through their own states of unrest. If anyone tells you they have it figured out, a special plan to save us all, or that its all due to a singular fault, know that is categorically false. Like the truth, it is indeed complicated. by Sara Guaglione , November 29, 2018 BBC News is the first non-U.S. publisher to become a Facebook Watch partner. Tonight, the British news organization premieres Cut Through the Noise, a weekly show for U.S. audiences. The first episode focuses on the gig economy and is presented by BBC World News journalist Colleen Hagerty. The show will be presented from BBC News Washington, D.C. bureau or from the field. It is shot in vertical video for mobile viewing. Facebook Watch rolled out internationally in August, after being available in the U.S. for a year. The BBC joins a number of other publisher partners based in the U.S., such as ABC News and BuzzFeed. They are all part of an initiative, announced by Facebook earlier this year, to test a destination for video news content from trustworthy sources on the Watch platform. Facebook funds the news shows, which are available exclusively in a dedicated Facebook Watch section. Cut Through the Noise will be available for U.S. audiences here. advertisement advertisement BBC previously reported the revenue split is 55% to the creators and 45% to Facebook. Social media is an important source of news and information for many Americans, so we are always looking for new ways of bringing our audiences high-quality, nonpartisan news coverage they can trust from around the world, Jim Egan, CEO, BBC Global News, stated in September, when the Cut Through the Noise show was first announced. Each week, the show will tackle a different issue that matters to U.S. audiences, per a statement. This year, BBC World News was named the U.S. most trusted TV news brand in a consumer study created for MediaPosts Research Intelligencer by Brand Keys. BBC World News was closely followed by Fox News and PBS. International audiences can watch Cut Through the Noise on the Facebook Watch platform by following the BBC News page and adding it to their Watchlist. New episodes will air every Thursday. A new study reveals that pulsed radiofrequency may help patients with low back pain that has not responded to conservative therapy. Share on Pinterest Pulsed radiofrequency treatment may relieve low back pain. Low back pain affects millions of people worldwide. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the United States, about 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point. This type of pain can range in intensity, from a constant dull ache to an abrupt sharp sensation. It may result from muscle strains or from underlying conditions, such as a herniated disk or sciatica. For most people, the pain is acute, lasting up to a few weeks. However, in about 20 percent of people with acute low back pain, the pain becomes chronic, lasting for 12 weeks or longer. In 2009, authors of a study that had been conducted over 14 years determined that the prevalence of chronic low back pain has risen significantly resulting in high levels of disability and missed work days. According to new research, an alternative technique called pulsed radiofrequency can safely and effectively relieve acute lower back pain that had not responded to conservative treatments. The studys authors, from Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, presented their findings at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. "Caught in a landslide...No escape from reality," if this line rings a bell for you, then you probably belong to that part of the world that appreciates good music and is a die-hard fan of 'Queen'. For those who had to google these lyrics or check what 'Queen' is, you have a lot to catch up on. Instagram There's legit two things that are currently taking the world by storm - Rami Malek's performance in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and fake news and Assam police integrated the two to create this brilliant PSA that is hitting people right in the feels. 20th century fox Assam Police recently used a 'Bohemian Rhapsody' reference, where they used the movie's poster and tweaked the lyrics of the iconic Freddie Mercury song and turned it into a brilliant message to warn people against fake news. Open your eyes, Look up to the skies and see, Real life is not a fantasy. Fact check before you forward, There's no escape from reality. Mama, I don't wanna lie. #DontFakeIt pic.twitter.com/nNxAQc9rDN Assam Police (@assampolice) November 28, 2018 There couldn't have been a better surprise than this for all the 'Queen' fans and as expected, Twitter was flooded with praises for Assam Police for their epic wordplay and great taste in music. Because am easy come, easy go; little high, little low...anywhere the wind blows, nothing really matters to Assam Police patricia mukhim (@meipat) November 29, 2018 Didn't knew until now that I and @assampolice have the same taste in music. QUEENS forever, #BohemianRaphsody Angshuman Roy (@Mr_AngshumanRoy) November 28, 2018 Hahah!! You are the queen of my heart for the day, @assampolice ! #BohemianRaphsody https://t.co/nLtoskxwdi Shristi Goswami (@GoswamiShristi) November 28, 2018 Fake news only adds to the ambiguity, Spare our lives from this monstrosity, Fake news & rumours - very very frightening me, Galileo Galileo, Galileo Galileo, Galileo figaro magnifico. #notofakenews Angira Bharadwaj (@BharadwajAngira) November 28, 2018 When it comes to Android smartphones, not many can show off flagship level photography, design and functionality at the same time. We've been using Huawei's Mate 20 Pro and so far the smartphone has been a delight to use apart from a few caveats. The smartphone will retail in India for Rs 69,990 and will be available to buy via Amazon from December 4th. Here are our first impressions of the upcoming smartphone Design YouTube The Mate 20 Pro has a unique yet exciting design that boasts a premium feel to it. It as a curved display which makes it easier to hold and fits perfectly in the palm of our hands. It has a glass body and comes in two colours i.e. Emerald Green and Twilight Blue. The Twilight Blue variant basically changes colour each time we tilt the phone in front of light from different angles. The top half has a blue tint while the bottom has a black tint. Huawei has now removed the headphone jack and has opted to go the USB Type-C route channelling audio. The port is also used to channel out audio in case you want to make a loudspeaker call. Display, Specifications and Other Features The Mate 20 Pro has a 6.39-inch OLED display that has Quad HD+ resolution and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. The display is by far one of the prettiest screens we've seen since the Galaxy Note 9 and we will a detailed opinion in our official review. YouTube The smartphone has Huawei's proprietary 7nm Kirin 980 SoC and is quite powerful when it comes to performance. In fact, it is probably the fastest chipset we have used on an Android smartphone and a detailed analysis of the smartphone will be given in the official review. Since this is our first impression, we can only say that it performs like a beast. Huawei claims that the Kirin 980 chipset offers 20 percent improves performance and 40 percent improved efficiency over 10nm chipsets. The Mate 20 Pro comes with up to 6GB of RAM which is more than enough for the chipset to use and carry out daily tasks and gaming. YouTube The Mate 20 Pro is outfitted with a massive 4,200mAh battery that outlasts most Android smartphones out there. It also has 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which can be used to charge other devices. This is a nifty feature we used to charge our iPhone XS Max and still had enough battery left to use the Mate 20 Pro for the rest of the day. The Mate 20 Pro also has support for 40W SuperCharge technology which means it gets fully charged in a very short period of time. The Mateo 20 Pro also has an in-display fingerprint sensor and works like a charm in the little time we've used the smartphone. It also has 3D facial recognition in the notch that aides in unlocking the smartphone. It works just like the iPhone X/Xs and uses IR dots for unlocking the phone even in dark environments. The Mate 20 Pro also has an IP68 certification which means it is water and dust resistant. Cameras YouTube The Mate 20 Pro comes with a triple camera setup at the rear and is probably the most exciting specification of the smartphone. The cameras are arranged in a 2X2 grid where one spot is being occupied by the LED flash. The Mate 20 Pro comes with a 40-megapixel f/1.8 standard lens, 20-megapixel f/2.2 ultra wide-angle lens, and an 8-megapixel f/2.4 telephoto lens with OIS. We've been using the camera exclusively in low-light conditions and some of the pictures look impressive. The Mate 20 Pro has a night mode similar to Google Pixel's Night Sight that tweaks images shot in dark environments with AI. We will give our detailed review of the camera in the official review but for now you can see some samples below: The #HuaweiMate20pro is a beast when it comes to night photography. Shot this at 4 am outside my hotel. pic.twitter.com/2CuxkMwVrU Akshay Bhalla (@Bhallanator) November 28, 2018 Final First Impressions Overall, the smartphone is a beast from what we've used so far. It can take some impressive features in low-low-light and performs faster than any other Android phone we've sued. With nifty features like reverse wireless charging and in-display fingerprint scanner, the Mate 20 Pro looks like the ultimate Android flagship smartphone. Apple's new smartphone i.e. the iPhone XR is now the company's best-selling smartphone since it went on sale last month. The news comes from a company executive who told Reuters about the smartphone's success. In fact, it was our favourite smartphone from the lineup and you can read our full review here. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla The iPhone XR is Apple's cheaper smartphone from 2018's lineup and costs Rs 75,000. It was launched after Apple released the iPhone XS and XS Max, which start at Rs 70,000. It was a no-brainer that the iPhone XR will be Apple's most successful device this year as it has almost all the key features as its expensive counterparts but costs significantly less. It has Apple's Face unlocking feature i.e. Face ID and even has Apple's A12 Bionic chip under the hood. Apple has not detailed any numbers as to how many iPhones have sold so far which makes it harder to get the whole picture. For now, we can only assume that it is selling better than the iPhone Xs and Xs Max as both smartphones are relatively very expensive. Apple has reportedly cut both iPhone XS and iPhone XR orders following lower-than-expected demand. Apple is said to have slashed iPhone XR production by up to a third. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla Apple's stock has taken a 20 percent slump since the company announced its quarterly earnings. The decline resulted in Apple losing its Trillion dollar value which the company had achieved before announcing the new iPhones. Microsoft has now taken over Apple to be the most valued company in the world recently thanks to its booming cloud business. We can only assume that the iPhone XR has been performing well due to the cheaper price tag. It would be interesting to see actual sales figures to get a better idea at Apple's performance, however, we will only know for sure when a third party analyst gives us the full picture. Source: Cnet Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick represented Greece at the Global Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan which was held in Geneva by the UN. The subject of the meeting was Peace and Security in Afghanistan, in conjunction with growth and investments, the necessary protection and upgrading of the role of women, and the signature of the European Union Agreement with Afghanistan for financing of developmental and humanitarian actions. A joint announcement is expected to be issued which will declare the International Community's commitment for supporting peace and the future of the country. During his intervention at the Special Session that pertained to liberating the potential of women in Afghanistan, Mr. Quick, addressing the spouse of the country's President, Rula Ghani, who presided over the Proceedings, emphasised the following: Societies, countries, which ignore, underestimate, marginalise, perpetrate violence against women, lose a significant element which is also directly related with growth, which is such a necessary tool for prosperity. This pertains also to Afghanistan, which is the subject of our UN meeting here in Geneva. Nobody, for any reason whatsoever, shall fail to provide to women protection of all their rights, such as the undisturbed access to education and employment; yet another diptych which today concerns the special session, this Global Ministerial Conference of the United Nations. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in the Special Session which was presided over by the President of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, on the economic growth of the country with the aid of an international private initiative. On the margins of the Conference, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs held bilateral talks with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Adela Raz. The discussion centred around the immigration/refugee issue, the establishment of peace and security in the country, and the related inter-state developmental initiatives and coalitions. Upon conclusion of the proceedings, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs met with members of the Greek Community residing in Geneva, where issues pertaining mainly to education and cultural actions were discussed. Finally, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland, who gave him a tour of the Centre for Philological Studies in Chambesy, Geneva. Michiganders urged to "Know Your Status" on World AIDS Day Michiganders urged to "Know Your Status" on World AIDS Day FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29, 2018 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112 LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan residents to Know Your Status as part of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. The observance marks the 37th year since the first cases of HIV were diagnosed and garnered the worlds attention. As of July 2018, 18,650 people were estimated to be living with HIV in Michigan. Seventy-eight percent of those infected are male, 21 percent are female, and 1 percent are transgender. Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the demographic at highest risk for HIV, specifically Black MSM aged 15 29. Of the reported 18,650 cases: 56 percent are Black. 34 percent are White. 6 percent are Hispanic. 3 percent are other or of an unknown race. 1 percent are Asian/Pacific Islander. Less than 1 percent are multi or other race. MDHHS Division of HIV and STD Programs provides HIV and STD prevention, risk reduction education and care services statewide, as well as training to support HIV/AIDS and STD providers. Additional resources exist around Michigan to provide free or reduced cost HIV testing and treatment. Three out of four people living with HIV know their status, said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. Reaching people living with HIV who do not know their status and ensuring that they are linked to quality care and prevention services is essential to ensuring they can lead healthy and productive lives. We are urging Michiganders to get tested and know your status. HIV is a chronic disease with treatment options allowing a person living with HIV to have a life expectancy close to that of the general population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with early detection, treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, there is practically no possibility of a person transmitting the virus to sexual partners. In recognition of World AIDS Day, many agencies and health departments across the state are hosting events in collaboration with MDHHS staff. Contact your local health department or AIDS Service Organization in your area for more information regarding these events. To find testing sites in your area, visit Gettested.cdc.gov. For additional information, visit Michigan.gov/hivstd # # # IVORYTON Ivoryton will hold the Ninth Annual Ivoryton Illuminations on Saturday. 5-8 p.m., with the village participating in this holiday celebration. Activities in clude caroling, Santas Grotto and a Holiday Bazaar, culminating with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the states largest living Christmas Tree at 6 p.m.. Ivoryton will light up the holiday with more than 400,000 lights throughout the village. Family activities from 5 p.m. on include writing letters to Santa and cards to soldiers; Christmas craft making and visits with Santa in the Ivoryton Playhouse. Bring a camera for pictures. A Holiday Bazaar features community and local church groups in the firehouse; an Elf Scavenger Hunt, cookie decorating, activities at iCRV Radio, a Petting Zoo provided by Circle K Farm, and special events at The Ivoryton Tavern and Cafe, Blue Hound Cookery and Taproom and Six Summit Gallery. Music will be provided by local musicians. HARTFORD The longest period between recessions is about 10 years. We are now nine years and counting since the last time we had a recession, Neil Ayers, director of the Office of Fiscal Analysis, told lawmakers this week. If we make it through this current year without a recession it matches the all-time record. If we make it through the biennium, it would exceed the all-time record by 20 percent. Thats just one more thing, aside from the $1.5 billion deficit in next years budget, for the new legislature and Gov.-elect Ned Lamont to worry about. Ayers said historically theres a large revenue loss at the beginning of a recession. In the past, the state has borrowed $950 million to help get through the downturn. It took nine years to pay off the 2009 borrowing. Completing payment on the Economic Recovery Notes closes a regrettable chapter in Connecticuts financial history, Malloy said in January. Surely, reasonable minds agree that we must avoid repeating this costly decision. It is my sincere hope that present and future state leaders learn from this experience and take the necessary steps to keep the budget in balance during the course of the fiscal year. The final payment on the debt was completed on Jan. 1, 2018. During the last recession, which started in 2008, there was also federal money Connecticut received, but we dont know to what extent we could rely on additional federal money in light of a downturn, Ayers said. Connecticut also has the ability to use the Rainy Day Fund to help get it through a recession, but there are new restrictions on that given the new bond covenant and volatility cap. In order to access the money thats transferred to the Rainy Day Fund under the volatility cap, the governor must sign a declaration of fiscal exigency and 60 percent of the House and the Senate must agree. That means, 91 members in the 151 member House and 22 members in the 36 member Senate must vote in favor of using the funds. Democrats recently expanded their majorities in both chambers to 92 members and in the Senate to 23 members. But Governor -elect Ned Lamont has rejected the idea of using the Rainy Day Fund to get out of the fiscal mess. I want us to make the tough decisions, Lamont said Tuesday. I dont want kick the can down the road by using the Rainy Day Fund. Assuming no money is transferred out of the Rainy Day Fund its expected to grow to about $2.9 billion by the end of fiscal year 2022. The volatility cap requires the estimates and finals portion of the personal income tax over $3.1 billion a year to be automatically deposited into the Rainy Day Fund. Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes said fixed costs continue to drive the budget and will continue to drive the budget for the next six to eight years. Connecticuts unfunded pension liability and the decision for decades not to properly fund it will continue to drive Connecticut budget decisions into the near future, Barnes said. Barnes said he hopes that if we maintain fidelity to the current funding approach with SERS and we do something similar with the Teachers Retirement System in the coming years that we will eventually get to a point, a decade or so from now, when the growth in fixed costs is no longer the dominant feature of our budget discussions every year. Barnes said they need to consider the likelihood of a recession over the next few years as they make budgetary decisions this year. I think its extraordinarily unlikely that you get to 2022 without a recession, Barnes said. This story hase been modified from its original version. See the original at ctnewsjunkie.com. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis called on the Senate on Wednesday to look past the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and airstrikes against civilian targets in considering whether to adopt a resolution withdrawing U.S. support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen's civil war. In remarks prepared for a closed-door session with senators, Mattis argued that acting to punish Saudi Arabia now could derail the latest effort to convene peace talks on Yemen that could begin as early as next week. Mattis, who was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the private session, said in remarks released by the Defense Department that overall U.S. national security interests must take precedence over Saudi culpability for the murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor who disappeared after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. "Our security interests cannot be dismissed, even as we seek accountability for what President Trump described as the 'unacceptable and horrible crime' of Jamal Khashoggi's murder," he said. "We must maintain our twin requirements of holding those responsible for the murder to account, while recognizing the reality of Saudi Arabia as a necessary strategic partner" on a range of issues vital to Mideast stability and Israel's security, Mattis said. He also told the senators that the U.S. is continuing to work with the Saudis on avoiding airstrikes that could hit civilians in Yemen. Until recently, the U.S. was providing air refueling for Saudi warplanes, but the American military has continued to provide intelligence to the Saudis in Yemen's civil war, which pits the ousted Yemeni government, backed by the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. "I must note we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis said. "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability." Last week, Mattis told Pentagon reporters he is confident that peace talks could begin in Sweden in early December under the auspices of United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths that would bring together the Saudis, the UAE, the Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government. "Senators, I know all too well the difficulty in reconciling human aspirations with war's grim reality. But I also recognize that we cannot limit civilian casualties or advance the peace effort commencing early next month in Sweden by disengaging" with the Saudis, he said in his prepared remarks. "Pulling back our limited U.S. military support, our weapons sales to our partners, and our protection of the Saudi and Emirati populations would be misguided on the eve of the promising initial negotiations," Mattis said. In his remarks, Pompeo backed up Mattis, warning that moving against Saudi Arabia would "do immense damage to U.S. national security interests and those of our Middle Eastern allies and partners." "I know the conflict in Yemen is ugly. We are engaged in diplomacy all around the world to make it less so and have actually made it less ugly. But it's important to remain involved. Talks are scheduled to happen soon," he said. The Senate vote on the resolution, which could come later Wednesday, is not likely to be binding on President Donald Trump but would amount to a rebuke of his policies. The resolution would require Trump to withdraw any troops in "or affecting" Yemen within 30 days unless they are involved in actions against al-Qaida. Several senators complained about the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel from the closed-door session. Last week, the CIA issued an assessment concluding with "high confidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was involved in the plot to against Khashoggi. In a joint letter to Senate leaders Tuesday, Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, and Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, said it was "critical" that Haspel or another CIA official be present for the private session. "The butchering of a journalist in a consulate on foreign soil, directed by a strategic partner, should be a red line that cannot be crossed without severe consequences for all involved," Graham and Menendez wrote. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The Pentagon on Wednesday identified the two U.S. Army soldiers and one Air Force airman who were killed Tuesday in a blast in Afghanistan. Army Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin died from injuries sustained when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Andar, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, according to a Defense Department press release. Ross, 29, of Lexington, Virginia, and Emond, 39, of Brush Prairie, Washington, were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the release states. Elchin, 25, of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, according to the release. Three service members and one American contractor were wounded in the blast. All four were evacuated from the scene and received medical care. Their identities were not released. The incident remains under investigation, the release states. "Andrew and Eric were invaluable members and leaders in 3rd Special Forces Group and the special operations community. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the families of these brave men," said Col. Nathan Prussian, commander of 3rd Special Forces Group, in a separate press release from Army Special Operations Command. Ross had more than seven years of service in the Army. This was his second overseas tour, according to the release. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge. Ross was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is survived by his wife and parents, the Army SOCOM release states. Emond had more than 21 years of military service, having served in the Marine Corps and the Army, the release states. This was Emond's seventh overseas tour. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Purple Heart (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, NATO Achievement Medal (2nd award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4th award), NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, and Combat Action Badge. Emond was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. He is survived by his wife and three children, the SOCOM release states. Elchin was a special tactics combat controller who deployed to Afghanistan in August and was embedded with a U.S. Army Special Operations Force Operational Detachment-Alpha team, according to a press release from the Air Force's 24th Special Operations Wing. His role was to advise the ground force commander, direct close-air support aircraft, and deliver destructive ordnance on enemy targets in support of offensive combat operations. "Dylan had an unusual drive to succeed and contribute to the team. He displayed maturity and stoicism beyond his years and was always level-headed, no matter the situation," Lt. Col. Gregory Walsh, commander of the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, said in the release. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dylan's family, fiancee, and friends. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten." Shortly after graduating Hopewell High School in Pennsylvania, Elchin enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Special Tactics combat controller on Aug. 7, 2012. He immediately entered the two-year combat control training program and upon completion of the pipeline, he was assigned to the 26th STS, according to the release. "[Dylan] was the guy everyone wanted to be around. In even the worst of times, he had a smile on his face and a way to lighten things up," a special tactics officer and former team leader of Elchin's said in the release. "He was always doing whatever it took to get the job done." Elchin was a qualified military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force qualified combat scuba diver, and a qualified Joint Terminal Attack Controller, according to the release. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon and NATO Medal. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. A commander of a B-52 Stratofortress squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, was recently relieved from duty after sexually explicit and phallic drawings were discovered inside the bomber's cockpit screens during a recent deployment, Military.com has learned. A command-directed investigation anticipated to be released by Air Force Global Strike Command in coming weeks will show that Lt. Col. Paul Goossen was removed from command of the 69th Bomb Squadron Nov. 27 because penis drawings were discovered on a moving map software displayed on the nuclear-capable B-52's Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT), according to a source familiar with the incident. The system, used to display common data such as pre-planned routes for sorties and target coordinates, captured the data for post-sortie debriefs. Screengrabs of the images were later used for laughs at an end-of-deployment party, sources said. "Any actions or behavior that do not embody our values and principles are not tolerated within the Air Force," said Air Force Global Strike spokesman Lt. Col. Uriah Orland in response to Military.com's request for comment. Orland would not confirm the contents of the CDI, but added the zero-tolerance policy "includes creating or contributing to an unhealthy, inappropriate work environment." During the 69th's deployment to Al Udeid Air Force Base, Qatar, between September 2017 and April 2018, penis drawings were repeatedly created by members of the unit and were captured as screengrabs for a CD montage, the source said. The montage was played at the end of the deployment, and then left behind and later turned in to officials. The suggestive material prompted an investigation. Related content: The Air Force on Nov. 27 said Goossen was removed "due to a loss of trust and confidence from his failure to maintain a professional workplace environment." Col. Bradley Cochran, commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, initiated the investigation, which concluded Oct. 31, said Maj. Natasha Cherne, spokeswoman for the 5th Bomb Wing. Goossen took over as the squadron commander in summer 2017, Cherne said earlier this week. Goossen was commander of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron when the B-52 flew its last missions against the Islamic State before the B-1B Lancer took over the mission in the Middle East, according to the Air Force. During its eight-month deployment, Air Force units to include the 69th launched "834 consecutive B-52 missions without a maintenance cancellation," while targeting ISIS and Taliban fighters across the U.S. Central Command region, the service said in a release. Crews, including Goossen, even took part in a holiday conference call with President Donald Trump Dec. 24 while on station. Goossen was photographed speaking to the president during the conference call. "Having the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron be selected to receive a morale phone call from the President of the United States is a true Christmas gift and a real honor," Goossen said of the phone call. "We feel fortunate to represent all Air Force deployed personnel and we are humbled to have the opportunity out of so many deserving units," he said in the release. Even though the 69th's drawings were restricted to the cockpit, the latest incident follows a spree of aerial maneuvers from various units over the last year throughout the military involving illustrated penises. Most recently, two West Coast-based Marines under investigation for executing a flight pattern that resembled a phallus in late October have been restricted to ground duties, the Marine Corps said earlier this month. It was suspected Air Force crews over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, attempted their own sky penis drawing in April. Two Navy aviators piloting an EA-18G Growler last November over Washington state were also disciplined for their infamous incident that went viral across the internet. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. As many as 90,000 ailing "Blue Water Navy" veterans are likely to have to wait for a new Congress to see legislation passed that would make them eligible for Agent Orange-related disability compensation and Department of Veterans Affairs-paid health care. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Jon Tester (Montana), its ranking Democrat, negotiated this week with veteran service organizations, seeking to amend the House-passed Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act (HR 299) in ways that would satisfy both veterans groups and Republican senators threatening to block a vote on the bill. The negotiations exposed a deepening desire among Senate Republicans to impose tighter controls on creating presumptions of service connection between certain exposures, including herbicides sprayed in the Vietnam War, and diseases of veterans involved in past or future wars. Battle lines are forming over whether Congress and past VA secretaries have gone too far in building lists of conditions that the VA presumes are linked to toxins, burn pits and battlefield environments. The high-water mark for veteran advocates might have been reached in June when the House passed a Blue Water Navy bill unanimously. By August, a new VA secretary, Robert Wilkie, reversed that momentum, directing deputies to strongly oppose extension of Agent Orange-related benefits to sailors and Marines who patrolled territorial waters off Vietnam but didn't come ashore or operate in "brown water" nearer to sprayed foliage or runoff from dioxin-laced herbicides. Related: Pass Blue Water Navy Legislation This Year Wilkie wrote to Isakson in early September that the science doesn't support extending benefits to Blue Water Navy veterans, given that exposure levels are undetermined and the potency of dioxins sprayed over land likely was diluted so as not to affect personnel at sea. He also complained that passage of HR 299 would slow efforts to end a backlog of VA compensation claim appeals, and that the House bill would cover the cost of new benefits in part by raising VA home loan fees, including, for the first time, imposing fees on disabled veterans, those who seek to buy higher-priced homes using VA-backed jumbo mortgages. At a late September hearing with Wilkie, Isakson insisted to colleagues that Wilkie had agreed to work with his committee on a compromise Blue Water bill. Wilkie, however, didn't affirm such cooperation that day or since. With a lame-duck Congress set to adjourn by mid-December, Isakson advised veterans groups he doesn't have time to build a routine business case for a revised bill with a committee hearing and floor debate. Instead he hoped for a quick deal on a few amendments so the Senate could approve the bill by unanimous consent. Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, told me Tuesday he is standing by to get a revised bill back from the Senate that veteran groups endorsed and the House could pass again for Blue Water veterans. But an eight-day window to get all of that done is closing fast, Roe warned. Meanwhile,, at least three Republican senators -- Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah -- were said to have put holds the Blue Water bill that would block a swift year-end Senate vote. We learned their names hours before deadline and asked the senators' offices to confirm their opposition. Only Lee's office responded immediately, saying he "did object to passing the bill by unanimous consent. Other senators also have concerns. Senator Lee wants to wait for a forthcoming study on the extent of Agent Orange exposure," which Wilkie promised to deliver in 2019, "before this bill is voted on." Isakson continued his fight for a late-hour compromise. He did so by embracing an informal but controversial proposal from first-term senator and physician Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Cassidy supports the Blue Water legislation but to attract support from more colleagues, he proposes that the bill change current law to require a stronger scientific association between toxins and lists of medical conditions that the VA presumes are caused by exposure. Cassidy and Isakson asked executive directors of the four largest veteran service organizations -- The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America -- to back an amendment that would require that the science show a "sufficient" association between a toxin and a disease before a VA secretary can add it to a presumptive ailment list. Under current law, a VA secretary can add an ailment to the VA's presumptive list if the National Academy of Medicine confirms either a "limited or suggestive" association between exposure and disease or a "sufficient" association. The Cassidy proposal would discard the limited or suggestive category in setting future presumptive ailments but the higher standard would not affect presumptive ailments already set, said a congressional staffer familiar with it. Veteran groups this week rejected that proposal. Cassidy and Isakson countered by adding a "sunrise" feature. That is, Congress would pass the Blue Water bill and adopt the stiffer presumptive standard but delay its enforcement for two years. This would allow Congress and veterans groups time to negotiate a more acceptable path for strengthening the science behind presumptive conditions. Vet groups made a counter proposal: Pass the Blue Water Navy bill and veteran groups would promise to engage in a presumptive decision-making debate with concerned lawmakers in 2019. The bill also would amend the plan to pay for Blue Water benefits, accepting Isakson's idea to continue to protect all disabled veterans from VA home loans fees but extend the period when higher fees are imposed on other VA home loan users by two years. That's where negotiations stood Thursday, with at least one senator still prepared to block a vote. In a related development, the National Academy of Medicine released a new Agent Orange report in November that upgrades to "sufficient" the strength of association between hypertension (high blood pressure) and herbicide exposure. This upgrade from limited or suggestive association seems to strengthen the possibility that hypertension will be added to the Agent Orange presumptive list -- even if something like the Cassidy proposal were to become law and remove many more ailments from the presumptive list for future claimants. However, even a revised Agent Orange law would not mandate that a VA secretary adopt every National Academy recommendation. Hypertension is so prevalent among older Americans that every VA secretary since 2010 has declined to add it the Agent Orange presumptive list even though the strength of association to herbicide exposure matched that of less common ailments on the list. If, as expected, the Blue Water Navy bill sinks in the Senate this week, Republicans are likely to keep its fate in the next Congress tied to their desire to strengthen the science behind presumptions of service-connected exposures. Note: This version of Military Update corrects an erroneous description of Senator Cassidys proposal in an earlier version. A negotiation participant who provided the original description didnt understand that it would protect any veteran who now, or in the future, suffers from medical conditions already on VAs Agent Orange presumptive condition list. To comment, write Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120 or email milupdate@aol.com or twitter: @Military_Update. China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. The commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 has been removed from his post after an investigation found his leadership contributed to a negative culture within the unit. Capt. Vorrice Burks, commodore of Carrier Air Wing 8, relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey Franz, commanding officer of the HSM-70 "Spartans," on Nov. 28 "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," said Cmdr. Dave Hecht, Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesman. "An independent command investigation into HSM-70 revealed a negative culture that was inconsistent with meeting the Navy's highest standards of material, personnel and operational readiness," Hecht told Military.com on Thursday. The unit, based out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, flies MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters. "Command leaders are entrusted to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct at all times" in order to meet the Navy's highest standards, Hecht said. No other officers were involved or disciplined. Franz has been temporarily reassigned within Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, pending administrative action, he said. Franz joined the Navy in April 1990 and became a naval aviator in 2002. He was the commanding officer of HSM-70 for approximately two years, Hecht said. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. A U.S. Marine selected for promotion to sergeant major was arrested recently in California and charged with two felonies, one of which involved a deadly weapon. Police from the Temecula area of California arrested Marine Corps Sgt. Maj.-select Jeremy Wayne King on Nov. 17 and charged him with one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of "terrorist threats," a spokeswoman from Cois Byrd Detention Center told Military.com. King, who is assigned to the Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, had a court appearance Nov. 21 and was released on bail, the spokeswoman said, but would not release further details about the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 7. Military.com reached out to the Marine Corps for comment on the story but did not receive a response by press time. The Corps recently put out a service-wide message to ensure that commanders report "criminal justice information" to the FBI on Marines prohibited from owning personal firearms. The Nov. 12 Marine administrative message cites the November 2017 mass shooting in a Texas church, saying it could have been prevented if Air Force officials had reported former airman Devin Patrick's 2012 conviction for beating his wife and infant stepson to the FBI as required. Marine officials said in the message that the Gun Control Act prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person who has been subject to command disciplinary proceedings or has been convicted at a special or general court-martial or in a civilian court of a crime of domestic violence. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. For the first time in more than 25 years, Jeep will manufacture and sell a pickup truck in the United States in the hotly-anticipated, long-rumored 2020 Gladiator model. The Fiat Chrysler brand unveiled its new truck offering on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator will come in four trim options with a handful of customizable features thanks to Mopar offering more than 200 products for the model. Jeep says that the Gladiator will be built in Toledo, Ohio and that it is due to hit dealers during 2019's second quarter. Trim options include the Sport. Sport S, Overland and Rubicon. Make sure to check out the gallery of the Gladiator at the top of this post. "Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure," Tim Kuniskis, head of the Jeep Brand in North America, said in a news release. "There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever." Get ready to enhance the most capable midsize truck ever, the all-new 2020 @Jeep Gladiator, with more than 200 parts and accessories available from @OfficialMopar. #JeepGladiator #LAAutoShow https://t.co/ikmuLEheLk pic.twitter.com/F67obOaAmY FCA-North America (@FiatChrysler_NA) November 29, 2018 The automaker says its design team made sure to keep that legendary grilled intact for the Gladiator, but added the twist to widen its slots for increased air intake for a better towing capacity. Engine offerings for Jeep's revived pickup include the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. FCA's Pentastar V6 is capable of making 285 horsepower with 260-pounds of torque, and its EcoDiesel 260 horsepower with 442-pounds of torque. Six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, but the eight-speed automatic offering remains optional. "The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator offers an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the vehicle to optimize engine output while on the trails or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds," the automaker writes in the release. "The eight-speed automatic is available on all Jeep Gladiator models. Gladiator's eight-speed automatic transmission offers a responsive driving experience. Whether commuting during the week or rock crawling or hauling cargo on the weekend, customers will enjoy a smooth, linear power delivery and improved fuel efficiency." Jeep says it used advanced materials for its body-on-frame build and its "all-new lightweight, high-strength steel frame" to make the truck as stiff yet durable as possible. The Gladiator's frame is said to be 31 inches longer than the Wrangler four-door, and that its wheelbase is 19.4 inches longer. It will come with a traditional steel bed with four steel cross-members reinforcing the floor with a damped aluminum tailgate. There are four skid plates and bars installed to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and transmission oil pan while hitting the trail. The automaker says it used lightweight, high-strength aluminum for the closures on the doors, hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame and the tailgate to improve overall weight and fuel economy ratings. To properly bring Jeep's pickup trucks into the current era of technology and advanced features, the automaker says the Gladiator will come with more than 80 available safety and security features. This includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, off-road forward-facing cameras, backup and parking cameras with dynamic grid lines, and adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control, among others. As for the off-road features, Jeep says that the 2020 Gladiator model will come with two 4x4 systems including the Command-Trac 4x4 and Rock-Trac 4x4. The Command-Trac system comes standard on the Sport and Overland trims, and features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ration and a 3.73 rear-axle ratio. The Rock-Trac system comes standard on the Gladiator Rubicon, and offers a "4LO" ratio of 4:1 and a 4.10 front and rear axle ratio. Both systems are said to offer full-time torque management and optimal grip for low-traction situations. "Manufacturing capacity for the new truck was created by moving production of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler to the north side of the Toledo Assembly Complex as part of a $4.5 billion industrialization plan to realign the Company's U.S. manufacturing base to expand the Jeep and Ram brands," FCA reports. "FCA US invested $700 million to retool the north plant and added more than 700 new jobs to support production of the new Wrangler." President Donald Trump continues to hone in on General Motors in the days following its announcement to close five plants resulting in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs by the end of next year. In a series of interviews and press briefings earlier this week, Trump said he was "very disappointed" in the Detroit-based automaker and its CEO. The president, who was warned by GM months ago that his import tariffs would lead to "a smaller GM," sent his own warning that the company "was playing around with the wrong person." Trump followed these comments up with a Tuesday, Nov. 27 tweet saying he was looking at the possibility at cutting subsidies for GM. This all came after GM announced it was closing the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario by the end of 2019. It will also close propulsion plants in Warren, Michigan and White Marsh, Maryland in the same timeframe. Now on Thursday, the president is saying the automaker is "very counter to what other auto, and other, companies are doing. He goes on to falsely claim that "auto companies are pouring into the U.S., including BW, which just announced a major new plant." BMW has been considering a second U.S.-based assembly plant for a couple of years now, but it remains a consideration as nothing has been announced. The German automaker tells CNN that if it does, in fact, move forward with a new plant in the U.S., that it will be for the need to supply engines to its existing plants in North America. General Motors is very counter to what other auto, and other, companies are doing. Big Steel is opening and renovating plants all over the country. Auto companies are pouring into the U.S., including BMW, which just announced a major new plant. The U.S.A. is booming! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 The automaker is actually set to open a new assembly plant in Mexico sometime in 2019. BMW's largest plant is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and is looking at adding 1,000 jobs to its already some 10,000 employees. "We have talked for the past few years about an engine plant to support our North American production and sales and we are not again investigating this option," the automaker told CNN. "In the future, we will have the scale where a step like this may make business sense." The announced GM cuts would result in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs and a 15 percent cut to its salaried workforce. About 8,100 of the 14,700 jobs cut were white-collar, salaried employees. Mary Barra, the automaker's CEO and chairman, said that these measures will continue GM's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility. The cuts are expected to result in an increase in the automaker's cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. Also as part of the cuts, GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also thought to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block. After harsh criticisms from Trump and other politicians poured in compounded by promises from UAW to fight the measure, GM posted a statement touting its U.S. and Midwest presence. The full statement from the Detroit-based automaker can be read below: "GM is committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in the U.S., as evidenced by our more than $22 billion investments in U.S. operations since 2009. Yesterday's announcements support our ability to invest for future growth and position the company for long-term success and maintain and grow American jobs. Many of the U.S. workers impacted by these actions will have the opportunity to shift to other GM plants where we will need more employees to support growth in trucks, crossovers and SUVs. GM's transformation also includes adding technical and engineering jobs to support the future of mobility, such as new jobs in electrification and autonomous vehicles. "We appreciate the actions this administration has taken on behalf of industry to improve the overall competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing." BIG GLEN LAKE, MI - It's no secret around the charming town of Glen Arbor that Frank and Tracy Siepker love decorating for Christmas. The couple looks forward to dressing up their house for the holidays. They get excited about taking their two children on long drives to marvel at other people's festive decor. But until a few years ago, there wasn't a lot of twinkle to be had near their home on Big Glen Lake. "Out where we live, we don't have a lot of neighbors," said Frank Siepker Jr. "Our house faces the lake ... there's a great big blue lake out there with nothing on it, just wide open water. And you're looking for something to look at, you know?" "So we said, 'Let's get another tree. Let's put it in the boat. We can light it up and have something to look at.'" Turns out, that expanse of dark water was just waiting for a little sparkle. OK, maybe more than a little. Maybe 2,000 LED lights wrapped around a 15-foot Fraser fir, riding the waves from its perch in an aluminum rowboat. Glen Lake's floating Christmas tree has become a tradition embraced as a holiday beacon for this town, which is 40 minutes northwest of Traverse City, and tucked snugly next to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The tree was launched this past weekend for its fifth year. The boat is moored 600 feet offshore, and bobs just 1,000 feet from the narrow land bridge on M-22 that separates Big and Little Glen Lakes. "It kind of struck a chord with the community," Siepker said. He still seems a little amazed at the buzz that's come to surround the annual floating-out of the tree. Once its mooring is set and the lights go on, word spreads quickly on social media. People drive out to see it, crossing the bridge slowly to savor the unusual view. When high winds caused it to capsize last year, its fans seemed a little bereft. It was quickly righted and set afloat again. Each Christmas brings a new version of the floating tree. Admittedly, Siepker says the inaugural evergreen was a rough draft - an artificial tree he dug out of the basement. "It wasn't a very good success." But five years in, the family now sets aside the better part of a day for the launch window. The couple's children - Ashley, 6, and Frank, 4 - are big helpers. They start with picking the perfect tree. They bring it home, trim it down to shape, then fit it into a specially-built aluminum frame that allows it to have a more stable ride in the boat. This year's version has double the LED lights from last year and a guy-wire system to help keep it upright. Then there's the solar panels, the timers, and the battery system housed in weather-proof boxes. "It's come a long way," he mused. "I might have gone a little too far this year with the size of the tree. ... The tree is wider than the boat is." Undeterred, Siepker's mind is already on next year's design: "I'm seriously considering building an outrigger," he said of side platforms that could be built onto the boat to add an extra degree of stability. "The weather and the elements play a big factor," he said. "Wind, rain, snow - they can all affect it." The boat itself has a sweet backstory. The 14-foot aluminum rowboat was Siepker's childhood boat, from the early days when his parents vacationed on Glen Lake and eventually bought a home there. Siepker now lives next-door to his parents. "It was the first boat I got as a kid, the boat I grew up in," he said. He knows there's a certain symmetry in the rowboat that taught him to love water Up North now being used to make so many people smile as it spreads Christmas cheer. He also knows his day job makes the fact that he floats the tree seem like a perfect fit. Siepker is engineering and operations manager for the Cherryland Electric Cooperative. "I spend my life helping people keep their lights on," he laughed. "I guess I'm really into it, right?" Glen Lake Christmas Boat Frank Siepker, Jr. is getting the Christmas Boat ready to put it out on Glen Lake for the holiday season. This is the fifth year for the holiday tradition. Posted by UpNorthLive on Sunday, November 25, 2018 WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT THE GLEN ARBOR AREA? HERE ARE SOME STORIES YOU MIGHT ENJOY: MT. PLEASANT, MI -- I was impressed Richard "Cheech" Marin of Cheech & Chong fame knew a couple things about Michigan. "How you doing?" I asked him in a recent MLive Podcast, which you can hear in its entirety below. "We're sunny and warm (in California). How's the weather there?" he said, knowing it's cold and snowy. "I just thought I would rub in. I've been to Saginaw, and always during the winter," he added. It didn't take long for the conversation to turn to the biggest news in any pot smoker's life. He knew that Michigan became the 10th state in the U.S. and first in the Midwest to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. "It's legal in Michigan now, yeah," he said. "Well, that will change the world." "There's our quest for world peace -- one state at a time." Marin said "30 some states" have some form of legalized marijuana. It's not surprising, he said. "Now the boulder is rolling down hill, so it doesn't look like it's going to be stopped. You could get in the way of it, but I wouldn't want to be crushed by a boulder." Does that mean American culture has changed since Cheech & Chong were "Up in Smoke" back in the late '70s? "Absolutely. That's the reason the greater of number of people are choosing marijuana for their socially accepted intoxicant," Marin said. "Increasingly there are medical applications, which people are using. If there is an alternative to the opioid crisis that is taking lives daily, I would think marijuana would be at the top of the list." It's without question that Cheech and comedy sidekick Tommy Chong will address this, and more, when they perform Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant. Together again after more than 20 years apart, Marin said the Cheech & Chong magic is back! In 2018 they have been doing a lot of weekend shows, especially at casinos. We're "weekend warriors," he said. Fans will find the show to be "a life changing experience." "We're doing it for the benefit of world peace," he said, adding that fans will get "greatest hits," as well as new material. "As long as they have money to gamble, they will be welcomed." Listen to the Podcast below: Marin also talks about the border crisis, the current administration and his Chicano art collection. IF YOU GO Cheech & Chong When: 8 p.m., Dec. 1, 2018 Where: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 Tickets: Starting at $49 More info: soaringeaglecasino.com ANN ARBOR, MI - A federal judge wants an explanation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement on why a Haitian immigrant who came to the U.S. seeking asylum in 2016 has been kept behind bars for more than two years. Haiti native Ansly Damus was granted asylum twice in immigration court in 2016 and 2017, but the government appealed both decisions and kept him behind bars without explanation, the The American Civil Liberties Union argues in a court filing seeking the man's release. The ACLU argued in Ann Arbor federal court Wednesday, Nov. 28 that Damus' ongoing detention violates constitutional due process rights, asking U.S. District Judge Judith Levy to order him released. Government lawyers denied any violation of due process, but Levy wants details. She pressed the government to provide a factual basis for Damus' detention and the notion that he is a flight risk. "Mr. Damus has constitutional rights in this country," Levy said. "No one told me what the factual basis is for the conclusion in ICE's opinion (that) he's a flight risk. I need to know why ICE is not satisfied." Levy asked for a quick turnaround and recommended Damus stay in Michigan for 24 hours. Damus had been lodged in a windowless room in Geauga County Safety Center in Chardon, Ohio since seeking asylum at a port of entry in Calexico, California in October 2016, according to the ACLU. Damus was a teacher in Haiti and began facing trouble after criticizing a local government official in class, according to the ACLU's petition for writ of habeas corpus, filed in September. Members of an armed gang, Damus claims, set his motorcycle on fire, beat him and threatened to kill him in retaliation. Damus, who has a wife and two kids in Haiti, left 10 days later in September 2014, eventually arriving in Brazil in December that year and remaining for 18 months, according to the court filing. After fearing for his safety there due to Haitians being killed in hate crimes, the ACLU claims, Damus left in July 2016 to Calexico, California, where he sought asylum. On Dec. 6, 2016, an asylum officer determined he had a "credible fear of persecution," according to the ACLU. "Not all Americans agree with the administration's assault on our asylum system, ACLU attorney David Hausman said after the hearing. "We are hopeful that the judge will eventually order Mr. Damus' release. The court indicated it might hold another hearing in this case ... (and) that Damus has constitutional rights." An ICE spokesperson declined to comment on the case. ANN ARBOR, MI - Generosity equated to giving for local universities during Giving Tuesday. The University of Michigan's fifth annual Giving Blueday attracted 12,635 gifts for its three campuses, totaling $3,638,612 in donations during the 24-hour online giving event on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The gift total exceeded UM's goal of collecting 10,000 gifts. "Giving Blueday speaks to the power of the community," UM Vice President for Development Jerry May said in a news release. "Each year, donors demonstrate the significant impact we can all make in just one day when we come together to support our passions." The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts received the most gifts through the Giving Blueday website. The Michigan Sailing Team brought in more donations through the website than any other student organization. Eighteen different challenges, campus events and real-time updates throughout the day motivated giving. Donors who posted about Giving Blueday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram had a chance to increase their donation by receiving a match from other donors and the university. Student participation on Giving Blueday rose for the fourth straight year, More than 150 student organizations raised money for student organizations and causes such as MUSIC Matters, club sports, the Collegiate Recovery Program and more. UM's $3.6 million fundraising total was less than last year's $4.4 million, but it exceeded the number of gifts given by more than 4,400. Since it began in 2014, Giving Blueday has raised approximately $21 million for university-related programs and causes. Eastern Michigan University, on the other hand, set another single-day giving record for its #GIVINGTRUEDAY campaign on Tuesday, bringing in $875,434 through a combination of grassroots fundraising, collaboration with the campus community and major gifts. The University had set a half-million dollar goal for the 2018 campaign. In all, there were 852 donors who contributed to EMU on #GIVINGTRUEDAY. "#GIVINGTRUEDAY was an exceptional team effort in terms of the support we received from our faculty, staff, students and alumni," EMU President James Smith said in a news release. "We have so many wonderful student-based programs, services and academic efforts to support at Eastern. Yesterday vividly shows the pride and the commitment Eastern enjoys among those connected to the University. Donors supported a wide variety of funds, student services, faculty programs, scholarships and special initiatives. EMU featured numerous fundraising efforts on its crowdfunding site, donate.emich.edu, including projects supporting the Student Emergency Fund, Students for Recovery Fund, Swoop's Food Pantry and College of Business Student Organizations, which was matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 by a COB alumnus. In 2017, Eastern raised $468,921 on Giving Tuesday, exceeding its goal by nearly $70,000. For more information, visit the website. FLINT, MI - A free holiday photograph will be provided to those heading to a weekend event at Mott Community College. The seventh annual Help-Portrait event is set for noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 at Mott Community College's Event Center, 1401 E. Court St., on the Flint campus to provide free photos services and prints for low-income individuals and families. Students from the college's photography program, graduates, faculty, cosmetology program students and faculty, students from the early childhood development and music programs, the Mott Honors program Campus Clowns, and criminal justice program will assist in the event. "The Help Portrait event is all about giving back to the community," said Bob Rentschler, MCC's photography instructor and photography program coordinator, in a news release. "Our goal is to give every person who cannot afford a quality portrait for job searches, or family portraits for the holidays, with a professional picture," he added. "We believe in the power of a picture, and this is our way to share our passion for photography with the world." HELP-Portrait is a global movement of photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists using their time, tools and expertise to give people who otherwise couldn't afford a professional portrait the chance to capture a moment, a memory. The initiative, founded by photographers Jeremy Cowart, Annie Downs and Kyle Chowning, is held annually on the first Saturday of December. Since its launch in 2008, volunteers worldwide have provided over 325,000 portraits to people in 67 countries. Nearly 200 photo sessions took place at the 2017 event, with more than 300 prints provided to residents. The entire process for a photo shoot can take up to one hour to complete, according to Rentschler. A greeter will welcome attendees and give them the option to get touch-ups on hair and make-up for their portrait. Services will be provided by the college's cosmetology program students. Four photo studios and backdrops will be provided for attendees to choose from, with at least one Christmas-themed backdrop. Photography students will print out one 8-by-10 photo from each session. A CD will be provided with all photos taken along with a copyright release to allow for additional prints to be made. General Motors critic and filmmaker Michael Moore says the auto giant has gotten the best of President Donald Trump. Speaking on MSNBC's "All In With Chris Hayes" show, Moore said the automaker took Trump's support for issues like lower fuel efficiency standards but ignored the president when it came to planned plant closings and job cuts announced this week. Earlier this week, GM announced it was planning to close three assembly plants and two propulsion plants in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario by the end of 2019, including its Hamtramck assembly plant. In all, the company said the closings will result in the loss of about 14,700 jobs including 8,100 white-collar, salaried employees, but said the moves were necessary to invest for future growth and position the company for long-term success. "You're such a fool Trump," Moore said Tuesday, Nov. 27. "You've been played again by these people who never liked you." The Flint-born filmmaker has studied both GM and Trump - subjects of his first and most recent films in "Roger & Me" and "Fahrenheit 11/9." Moore told Hayes GM has a history of taking tax benefits from communities and promising jobs, but ultimately under-performing on those vows. He said the company's announcement of massive cutbacks this week is evidence of the power of corporations in the face of criticism, even by the president. "We have a system with General Motors and other companies that are calling the shots, and that's what we've got to get in charge of," Moore said. Trump unloaded on Twitter on Tuesday, a day after GM announced it would shutter five plants and slash 14,000 jobs in North America, according to the Associated Press. Many of the job cuts would affect the Midwest, the politically crucial region where the president promised a manufacturing rebirth, the AP reported. FLINT, MI - The state is withholding about $2.5 million in reimbursement for Flint's water service line replacement work. The cost of service lines replaced this year are reimbursed, but the cost to dig 10-foot trenches that have found copper service lines this year are not being reimbursed for now. Flint's FAST Start program excavated water lines at 9,036 homes since April, according to a Monday, Nov. 26 city press release. About 84 percent of those homes were found to have copper-to-copper pipes. The city has submitted three reimbursement requests to the state, according to a representative from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. One request for $4 million is finalized and two others are currently being reviewed. After reviewing the $4 million request, the state removed the "ineligible" costs for now, reimbursing Flint with only $1.4 million in state funding and $289,321 in federal funding. Had the city agreed to the terms outlined in a Nov. 1 letter from the Attorney General's office, its $4 million disbursement request, along with any requests for work done prior to Nov.1, would be reimbursed to Flint. The MDEQ is withholding $2.1 million in state funding and $431,269 in federal funding until Flint agrees to a proposal by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The NRDC has offered Flint a proposal to resolve issues they claim are arising out of the city's failure to prioritize the removal of lead and galvanized service lines, according to a Nov. 21 letter from the state Attorney General's office to Flint city attorney William Kim. The NRDC proposal was submitted on Nov. 16, the same day Flint met and conferred with state parties about a $97 million settlement to replace hazardous service lines. Flint expressed concern that any delay in payment would threaten the city's liquidity, the letter states, and demanded the MDEQ to reimburse its requests in full immediately. Flint officials stated in a Monday, Nov. 26 letter the state has no authority to withhold disbursing funds for service line work that didn't exceed the $5,000 limit per home outlined in the $97 million settlement. "The city demands that the state fulfill its obligations under the settlement agreement and reimburse the city for its 2018 service line replacement activities, including the open-cut excavations that were the city's approved method of excavation in 2018," the letter stated. A series of motions to enforce the settlements agreements were filed this summer by the NRDC. The most recent brief was filed on Oct. 1 and claims the city is violating its settlement by digging up thousands of homes known to have copper service lines rather than prioritize homes that are very likely to have hazardous pipes. The rate of finding lead or galvanized service lines dropped from 80 percent last year to 16 percent this year. The city acknowledged the NRDC's proposal in a Nov. 26 letter responding to the AG's office and stated it's reviewing it appropriately. By failing to prioritize where pipes are excavated and the banning the use of hydrovacs to identify service lines, the state claims Flint has allowed thousands of hazardous pipes to remain underground and in use. The NRDC's proposal will promote the city's goal of protecting public health by enforcing the necessary actions to more efficiently identify where lead lines are, according to the state. In early June, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver banned the use of hydrovacs to dig pipes up after stating she thinks the tool misses some hazardous service lines. "In 2018, the use of open-cut excavation identified nine households with spliced service lines that would've been misidentified as copper using hydrovac excavation," the city stated in its Nov. 26 letter. Because of this concern, the city doesn't plan on changing its excavation method and doesn't believe reimbursements should be withheld for its decision. Weaver also mandated contractors dig 10-foot open trenches using traditional digging methods instead. The policy change raised the price of digging up and burying a copper pipe increased from $285 to $3,513. 203. Pls' Post-Hr'g Br Re Mot to Enforce Pars 29 & 30 of Settlement Agmt by zahra A on Scribd GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Mark your calendar. Project 1, the next iteration of ArtPrize, which for a decade has annually drawn thousands of residents to Grand Rapids to check out scores of exhibits sprinkled throughout downtown, has released its 2019 schedule. And it's longer than ArtPrize-goers are accustomed to. The event will run from Sept. 7 to Oct. 27 - a 51-day stretch. That's significantly lengthier than ArtPrize, which lasts close to three weeks. Kevin Buist, ArtPrize's artistic director, said the longer time-frame reflects the fact that Project 1 is a very different event than ArtPrize. Whereas ArtPrize had a "festival-like" atmosphere - in which thousands of artists are whittled down to one grand prize winner through a public vote - Project 1 will more closely resemble a traditional art exhibit, he said. There's no voting, no grand prize, and unlike ArtPrize, which features thousands of entries ranging from small paintings to large sculptures, Project 1 will consist of a series of bold, expansive outdoor exhibits requiring significant time and resources to create, Buist said. "Artists that are putting that much work and that much resources and design into a project, it makes a lot more sense to keep it up for longer than 2 1/2 weeks," he said. In June, ArtPrize officials announced that following ArtPrize 2018, the event would be held every other year. In the years in between, ArtPrize officials will host an event - next year it will be called Project 1 - that is smaller in scope but aims to dive deep into expansive, bold theme. What exactly Project 1 will look like remains to be seen. More details will emerge in early 2019, when ArtPrize officials announce the event's theme and the three to five who will create its exhibits, Buist said. The sites where the works will be displayed is expected to be announced in the spring. Buist said all or most of Project 1's exhibits will be outdoors. And whereas ArtPrize's exhibits were centered in downtown Grand Rapids, Project 1's exhibits are expected to extend into various neighborhoods throughout the city, he said. In addition to the exhibits, Project 1 is expected to feature musical performances, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs throughout its seven-week run. Buist said he's confident Project 1 will provide a fresh twist for residents who have come to appreciate and look forward to ArtPrize each fall. "Alternating that ArtPrize competition with these commissioned projects, I think, is going to be a way of really infusing new energy and new vision, and sort of challenging the creative thinking of the whole community," he said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- This Saturday, Dec. 1, the Kent County Animal Shelter is significantly reducing the cost of pet adoption, thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation. At the "Empty the Shelters" event Saturday, people can adopt a dog for $20 and/or a cat for $5. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the shelter, 740 Fuller NE Grand Rapids. The Bissell Pet Foundation, in addition to helping reduce adoption costs, will cover the cost of neutering. Licensing fees for dogs are included in the cost of purchase. The Empty the Shelters event at the Kent County Animal Shelter is just one of many held Saturday across West Michigan and beyond. The events are put on by the Bissell Pet Foundation, which donates funds to waive or reduce adoption fees. Another taking place Saturday in Kent County is at the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive NW Grand Rapids. It runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and adoption costs for all animals is $20. The last Empty the Shelters event was Oct. 6. A full list can be found here. Pre-approval is needed for adoption at the Kent County Animal Shelter and must be completed in-person by 1 p.m. Friday. Applicants must bring government-issued identification, proof that current animals have up-to-date vaccinations and proof of home ownership. Those who rent should give their landlord's contact information so staff can call them to verify renter status and that the residence allow pets. Although the Kent County Animal Shelter isn't normally open on weekends, officials announced Saturday adoption hours will be coming sometime early 2019. In the meantime, the shelter will hold new weekday hours starting Dec. 3 to increase adoptions. The new adoption hours will be 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. That change came after concerns about the shelter's euthanasia rate, which was the third highest in the state in 2017. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Around two dozen people showed up Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Cesar Chavez Elementary to offer input on the qualities and experiences they are looking for in the next Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent. Effective July 1, Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal is retiring. The Kent ISD is conducting community engagement town halls for the school board to help develop a candidate profile for the next leader. "I am hoping to help select a superintendent with a competency set that can address educational leadership at the building level, academic performance at the classroom level, and the graduation rate, particularly of African American boys,'' community member Walter Brame shared about why those at his table came out. Each of the five tables were asked to share why they were in attendance. some other remarks included: "To make sure we get a good superintendent that deals with the issues at Grand Rapids Public Schools,'' and "We are all concerned about our students and we care about the community.'' Those in attendance consisted of parents, community members, teachers, representatives of neighborhood organizations, current and incoming school board members. The meeting at the elementary, located at 1205 Grandville Ave. SW, was the second of three forums planned this week. The school board rescheduled the fourth meeting canceled Nov. 26 due to the snowstorm for Monday, Dec. 3. Sharon Prince, the mother of a City High Middle School student, said the superintendent selection is a "very pivotal decision'' for the district's future. "The superintendent needs a Ph.D in education, a professional background in education, including special education, a proven track record of success in their ability to raise graduation rates because 66 percent is unacceptable,'' said Prince, about some of qualities she's looking for in the next leader. Another parent wanted to ensure that the next superintendent is responsive to families of students with special needs, acts swiftly to stop bullying, and provides adequate intervention services for students with social and emotional needs for success. Since Neal took the reins in 2012, the district's overall graduation rate has increased from 44.56 percent to 66.58 percent, according to the most recent state figures. The state average is 80 percent. Three comprehensive high schools have rates above 90 percent but Union and Ottawa Hills, which attendees point out have predominately Hispanic and African American populations, are at 78.3 percent and 65.2 percent, respectively. African American males in the district graduation rate is 60 percent. The top three of five categories the input group voted as the most important to them Wednesday for the superintendent to have a proven track-record of were student achievement (1), equity (2) and integrity (3). However, a few people said this part of the input session was too scripted and the attendees should have input in developing the list that also included innovation and community relations. Facilitator Eureka People, who is assisting Kent ISD with engagement, said she would make that change in the upcoming meetings. Some people also wanted a format that gave more opportunity for open group discussion beyond their tables. The table talk covered characteristics and competencies in the new superintendent, strengths and weaknesses of the district, and advice residents would give to school board members. The two remaining town hall meetings both take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the following locations: Thursday, Nov. 29 at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, 851 Madison Ave SE. Monday, Dec. 3 at City High Middle, 1720 Plainfield Ave. NE. The first forum at Union High School was sparely attended Tuesday, Nov. 27, but the conversation was described as rich. The district is offering childcare, providing refreshments, and those that attend the meetings could win a $50 gift card during a raffle. Translators are available for Spanish speakers. For those who are unable to attend the meetings or would like to contribute additional thoughts, there is a 11-question online survey available in English and Spanish. However, one resident said it also needs to be available in other languages to reflect the refugee population. In addition to the town halls, Kent ISD leaders are scheduling meetings with community organizations at some regularly scheduled meetings and small group settings to ensure the broadest possible participation. For example, a meeting is planned with neighborhood associations Thursday at City Hall. The school board members attending the Wednesday town hall included:board vice president Raynard Ross, Jose Flores, Tony Baker, Katherine Downes Lewis, and newly elected member Kymberlie Davis. Stephen Launsburry GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A 41-year-old who shot and killed a pregnant woman when he was 16 will not get a chance at parole. Kent County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Leiber re-sentenced Stephen Launsburry to life without parole Wednesday, Nov. 28 as the parents of the victim looked on in the courtroom. Launsburry is among many so-called "juvenile lifers" to be resentenced after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a mandatory life sentence without parole is a cruel and unusual punishment for a juvenile without proper justification. Leiber, in finding justification, described the 1993 killing of 22-year-old Kristy Couch as "simply stated, a cruel, cold, callous and calculated decision on his part, not an impetuosity of youth." Launsburry was just 78 days from his 17th birthday when he and another teen carjacked Couch -- who stopped to help them in the belief they had car trouble. She was forced to drive to a remote area, where Launsburry shot the kneeling woman twice in the head. She died four days later. He unborn baby did not survive. Launsburry and the other teen, Gregory Wines, stole the car as part of a plan to drive to Mexico. They were suspects in the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl and she planned to go with them. In an evidentiary hearing Monday, Launsburry told the judge that he was a changed person from 1993 and he wanted a chance at freedom. "I was a kid, I was stupid. ... It was a horrible thing. ... I'm an adult now. I think about the (consequences of the killing). I'm not the person I was," he said Monday. But outside the courtroom, the parents of Kristy Couch, said Launsburry was only sorry he got caught. They were satisfied with Leiber's decision. "We're happy. We're glad. We hope this is over," Laura Auw said. GREENVILLE, MI - Greenville Public Schools was able to quickly resolve an unsubstantiated Facebook threat Thursday, Nov. 29, targeting the middle school, according to Superintendent Linda Van Houten. Parents were notified that at 6:22 a.m., the district received information from the Montcalm County Central Dispatch regarding a student and potential threat to the 900-student middle school, located at 1321 W Chase St. Students were already in-transit or arriving at the school, so incoming students were diverted to the high school. Students waiting for entry at the school were screened and allowed entry to keep them safe. During the investigation, it was determined that the student in question was on a school bus. The bus was communicated with and law enforcement removed the student from the bus without incident. No weapon was located. "Social media is really the culprit in all of the this,'' said Van Houten, noting that most of the time the threats are unsubstantiated but they are always taken seriously for safety. "Until we can get a handle on the posting of inaccurate information and hearsay that isn't necessary the truth, this will be an issue.'' Van Houten said the big piece superintendents are trying to get out is that if parents hear of things they need to contact the district immediately to reduce the risk for kids and disruption. The specific threat was not released. Van Houten said Thursday's incident was resolved in about 20 minutes. The district was informed there was a rumor that was circulating that some students had previous information but that was not communicated with the district. "That is why it is so important that if you see something, you say something so that information is received in a timely manner and these threats can be investigated quickly,'' according to the parent notification. Greenville Public Safety Director Dennis Magirl said their officers were first notified at 6:13 a.m. of a possible threat toward the school involving a weapon. Through their investigation, Magirl said it was determined that this incident stemmed from an earlier complaint that had already been investigated by school leaders and the Montcalm County Sheriff's Department. "It is believed that social media regenerated the complaint through Facebook and Snapchat,'' according to the Greenville Public Safety press release. "It is believed that concerned parties viewed this as the original incident. It was reported by a concerned student, who had texted the parent with the information.'' Magirl said his department confirmed through their investigation that this was in fact the incident prior and not a new incident occurring on this date. The incident investigated by the Montcalm County Sheriff's Department remains under investigation. Van Houten said the 3,700-student district was recently awarded a Michigan State Police school safety grant for $179,500. A total of 188 schools received a share of $25 million. EMMET COUNTY, MI -- A 36-year-old Petoskey woman has entered a plea to reckless driving causing death for a crash that fatally injured a 9-year-old boy walking along a road with his mother. Holly Hibbler entered a no contest plea Wednesday, Nov. 28 in Emmet County District Court. Hibbler was driving a vehicle that struck Sharon Myers and her 9-year-old son, Samuel, as they walked their bicycles along Maxwell Road in Springvale Township on Aug. 8. The mother and son were taken to a hospital and Samuel later died. A New York-based cannabis company that's publicly traded in Canada has bought a number of properties in seven Michigan communities as it prepares to launch a chain of medical marijuana retail stores next year. It's among the first signs of big business moving in to capitalize on the marijuana market in Michigan, as licensed medical sales began this fall and adult-use marijuana becomes legal Dec. 6. Acreage Holdings made a deal with a Michigan holding company to buy up its undisclosed number of real estate properties for an undisclosed amount of money. George Allen (Courtesy | Acreage Holdings) "Michigan is a highly attractive state from a cannabis perspective; it's very progressive in terms of policy," said Acreage Holdings President George Allen. "Given the historical structure of the medical program in that state, it's made the state extremely ripe for a mature and successful adult-use cannabis program, and we've been looking for partners in that state for a better part of a year." The deal includes a former industrial building in the city of Flint, and 30 acres of woods in Vassar Township, as well as properties in Detroit, Bay City, Battle Creek, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. Acreage Holdings has a number of prominent names on its board of directors -- including former Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. In November, Acreage completed a deal to go public in Canada that values the company at $2.8 billion, according to Investor's Business Daily. While the players behind Acreage Holdings are known, the Michigan firm it did the deal with -- Blue Tire Holdings -- is less transparent. Blue Tire Holdings -- a name randomly picked, said its Chief Medical Officer Dr. Saqib Nakadar -- is made up of a diverse group of investors including entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. Nakadar declined to reveal their identities, and the holding company is registered to a Detroit attorney's office. "We're a group of local Michigan guys that started this company in hopes of establishing a good footprint for medical cannabis," Nakadar said. Nakadar is a doctor that recommends the use of cannabis for medical ailments to patients. He was recently appointed to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Advisory Panel. He's also one of the owners of the historic S.S. Ste. Clair, the Boblo Island boat that caught fire in July. "We're basically looking for strategic locations across Michigan that we feel get us the best footprint to deliver a statewide treatment plan," Nakadar said. Acreage Holdings has licensed operations in 18 states. In Michigan, it plans to continue to work with Blue Tire Holdings to launch four retail locations in 2019. They'll be known by Acreage Holding's retail brand, The Botanist. The stores will be supplied by marijuana grown at the properties they purchased in Flint and Vassar Township, according to the company. In Flint, Acreage Holdings is purchasing the former Spen Tech Machine building at 4221 James P Cole Boulevard, a 55,000-square-foot facility. It will become a grow operation, processing facility and flagship retail store. The Vassar Township property -- 30 acres of woods at 5156 Brown Road listed for sale at $119,900 -- will become a greenhouse and processing facility, according to the company. Acreage Holdings will be pursuing medical marijuana business licenses -- but the company will likely also invest in recreational marijuana in Michigan in the future. "If you're entering into the medical program without any eye towards participating in the adult-use program that's very financially troubling because one tends to cannibalize the other," Allen said. "Recreational or adult-use cannabis consumption is interchangeable with a mature medical program because it all represents an out of pocket expense for patients." -- 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 medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. BY PAULA GARDNER AND GARRET ELLISON Michigan businesses are discharging high levels of PFAS that move into the state's waterways on a daily basis. An MLive investigation found that manufacturing sources are sending one version of the "forever chemicals" at up to 20,000 times the allowed amount into wastewater systems that discharge it into the state's lakes, rivers and, ultimately, threatening drinking water supplies for millions of people. That comes as much of the state's focus for PFAS has been on former factories, military bases and fire-fighting foam - along with testing municipal drinking water sources around the state. Dozens of documents obtained by MLive using the Freedom of Information Act show that state officials found 18 municipal wastewater treatment plants discharging excessive levels of PFOS. The chemical is one type of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that is prevalent in industry and the one with the most rigorous cleanup standard. The investigation offers the first glimpse into quantifying how much PFOS is moving in high concentrations from dozens of manufacturers across the state into the wastewater plants, none of which can filter out the stubbornly robust chemicals. As a result, the inflow is putting numerous plants in violation of state law and threatening the environment and public health. Many of the businesses are plating companies that make chrome parts for the auto industry. "We haven't used it in almost six years," Lacks Enterprises CEO Nick Hrynyk said of PFOS. "But it's still there because it just clings." In Grand Rapids, tests at six Lacks Enterprises facilities showed a combined 18,811 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFOS to the city's wastewater treatment plant, which sends its outflow to the Grand River and, ultimately, Lake Michigan. In Lapeer, Lapeer Plating sent 19,000-ppt of PFOS in July 2017 to the Lapeer wastewater plant, which sends its effluent to the Flint River, ultimately discharging to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. That number jumped to 34,000-ppt by October 2017, after "failed attempt at cleaning," according to the city. After a year of effort to reduce the contamination, at least 17 lab tests in September showed a range of 9.5-ppt to 270-ppt. In Detroit, DCI Aerotech Inc. sent 9,750-ppt to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which discharges to the Detroit River before it flows into Lake Erie. The company is one of 11 industrial PFOS polluters identified so far by GLWA, the state's largest wastewater treatment facility. Those situations and more raise questions about how Michigan and its industry are controlling PFOS. Unclear so far is when the manufacturers will see their discharges reach acceptable levels. "When companies are directly impacting downstream water and impacting health, I think the onus is on them to take action as fast as possible to stop ongoing contamination," said David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Work Group. "They may have been doing it for decades," Andrews said. "But once it's known, it doesn't make it right to continue indefinitely." While state officials recognize the high levels of PFOS, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality also tells polluters and local officials that "it may take time" to stem or halt the flow into the waterways once officials confirm the contamination. Officials say their moves to reduce the pollution are taking place "without causing a whole lot of extra regulatory oversight," said Teresa Seidel, director of the Water Resources Division of MDEQ. Violating a standard There are few regulations to stop the spread of PFAS, either from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or from the state. But Michigan's rule for water quality - specifically limiting PFOS to 12-ppt -- is one of them. That rule was enacted in 2014 because of the chemical's toxicity in the food chain: It bioaccumulates in fish, meaning the small amounts remain in a fish for a long time, creating a public health hazard. More recently, concerns about PFOS and PFOA in drinking water escalated, prompting scrutiny of contaminants in Michigan's surface water - such as the Huron River, Lake St. Clair and Lake Michigan - used as sources of drinking water for millions of the state's residents. In humans, exposure to PFAS has been linked in epidemiological studies to some cancers, thyroid disorders, low birth weights, elevated cholesterol and other chronic diseases. Today, the state is publicly reporting on testing for PFAS in all public drinking water systems and school water sources. And it's acting with urgency to find a replacement source when the combined total of PFOS and PFOA exceed 70-ppt. In February, state officials also began testing 93 wastewater treatment plants with an Industrial Pretreatment Program for commercial customers sending their discharge into the systems. The DEQ has quietly been compiling results all year. The MLive investigation found that 16 of the 93 wastewater plants received written orders over the past year to reduce industrial sources of PFOS found in their discharges. Two more - Belding and Marquette - were above limits due to a landfill and closed military installation, respectively. The tests prioritized PFOS and PFOA, the two deemed dangerous enough for public health advisories. Another 22 types of PFAS are among the tests, but none of them face any federal or state regulation yet, no matter how high the results. Using the Freedom of Information Act, MLive obtained documents from the treatment plants that show the sources of the contamination in each of the communities that are in violation. Those documents show: At least 130 businesses have been considered as potential sources of PFAS. So far, four dozen have a PFOS reading above non-detect. Dozens more are still awaiting test results in the largest treatment plants. In some communities where testing was done before the statewide initiative, more than a year elapsed between high-PFOS test results and the violation letters indicating state scrutiny. The highest recorded level in Michigan comes from Bronson Plating, which sent 240,000-ppt of PFOS to the Bronson wastewater plant, located about 25 miles south of Battle Creek. The plant discharges into Swan Creek, which eventually flows to the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. The amount flowing into wastewater systems also includes high levels of other PFAS-family chemicals beyond the PFOS that is causing the plants to be in violation. For example, in Ionia where the municipal treatment plant is in violation, auto-parts maker Ventra is sending 2,300 parts per trillion of PFOS to the wastewater treatment plant. In addition, test results show the business is discharging 200,000-ppt of additional PFAS chemicals. The Ionia treatment plant's effluent discharges into the Grand River. The numbers raise concerns among Michigan's environmental advocates. "(Levels that high) could take years to move through the system, and could cause significant public health impacts during that time," said James Clift, policy director of the Michigan Environmental Council. While the goal of the program was to identify the PFOS, it's now advancing further. Seidel said regulations preventing "pass-through contaminants" from industrial customers allow the enforcement of PFOS limits under National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and the state is working with the treatment plants to stop the contamination both in their discharges and what's coming from the manufacturers into their facilities. But as Michigan heads toward the end of the first year of its testing plan, not one known high-level polluter reduced its PFOS discharge to target levels. "I think of the manufacturers as the key point of entry in terms of managing PFAS and other contaminants," said Steve Via, director of federal relations at the American Water Works Association. "You don't have to use a chemical. You can put controls on how it's used and how it's discharged in wastewater streams ... Those are all easier to do rather than treat or dilute once it's in the environment." 'Need to make it stop' The MDEQ expects to see ongoing progress after a polluter is identified, but what that means remains an open question. "We want to see reasonable progress, reasonable growth, reasonable improvement in the system," Seidel said, "and we're seeing that from everyone we've asked to step forward and work on this." That's not the kind of answer that environmental experts like to hear. "Now that they're aware of it, they need to make it stop as soon as possible," Andrews said. Clift agreed. While he said Michigan's extensive testing is exemplary in the U.S., "We think the state has to become much more protective of the public when it comes to these exposures." Municipalities running the wastewater treatment plants become the primary enforcer of state law as high levels of PFOS are found. Some communities have moved to formalize the steps expected from industrial sources of the contaminant. Lapeer found its wastewater plant was discharging PFOS at 2,000-ppt in July 2017, as the investigation there took shape. By early 2018, it said that it would terminate Lapeer Plating and Plastic's wastewater access if it didn't come into compliance, a move that state officials didn't support. "Our program is to get to the core of the problem," said Jon Russell of the MDEQ and manager of the industrial program testing. "We are not trying to force people to cut people off at their wastewater." The company, he said, "has spent a lot of money, but they've made a lot of progress." Other companies with high levels of PFOS are facing more recent orders. Wixom, for example, issued an administrative order to auto supplier Tribar Manufacturing, formerly Adept Plastic Finishing, in September, three months after testing showed the wastewater treatment plant effluent at 290-ppt. The company, which had a PFOS total of 28,000-ppt, now faces monthly monitoring and set up a temporary filter system as it planned a permanent version. In Bronson, city officials told Bronson Plating in October that it faced scrutiny over its wastewater after five tests from May through September showed PFOS coming into the plant at concentrations of 12,000- to 240,000-ppt. The concentrations discharging from the plant ranged from 87- to 250-ppt. The city urged the company to hire a consultant and said the company must pay for additional testing, as city officials monitor progress toward 12-ppt. In the meantime, the state awaits results from PFAS tests in fish from Branch County to gauge the spread of the chemical into the environment. The company told Bronson officials in a letter that it's trying to resolve the PFOS problem. "(T)his has been a somewhat overwhelming development for a small company such as ours," wrote Toby Welch, president of the third-generation family company. "We have and will continue to devote the necessary time and resources to come up with a reasonable solution." Working with companies over time makes sense, said Mike Lunn of the Grand Rapids wastewater plant, noting PFOS chemicals weren't illegal when used. And continued progress toward meeting a limit eventually should result in the goal of reducing the amount coming into plants. "It goes a longer way toward solving it," Lunn said. That may be important if the metrics change and more now-allowed PFAS chemicals are added to surface water standards - or if the EPA declares PFAS a toxic class of chemicals. In the meantime, the companies found with PFOS largely keep a low profile as they determine their actions. Diamond Plating in Howell declined to comment when news came out about that city's effluent reaching 130-ppt of PFOS. DCI Aerotech in Detroit also declined to comment. Ventra, a division of Flex N Gate, is still investigating which "of the various waste water streams are the main contributors so we can address the hot spots," according to a spokesman. PFOS from its plant in Ionia reached 2,300-ppt, contributing to the treatment plant sending 280- to 430-ppt of PFOS into the Grand River in May and June, respectively. Each of the companies that test high for PFOS in their wastewater have one thing in common: The state is not disclosing their findings on general audience web pages or in news releases, except for Lapeer Plating and Plastics. As a result, while the cleanups move into 2019, the public doesn't know they're taking place at all - unless they search for specific test results on the MIWATERS document portal managed by the DEQ. This opaque approach contrasts to the drinking water test disclosures charted and updated regularly on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) website, to which state officials point the public for information. "We are very concerned about the lack of transparency," Clift said. "The state has been very transparent when testing public water supplies and schools. However, you don't see any results of testing of manufacturers." Focus on the platers The source of most of the PFOS in the documents examined by MLive is the surface finishing industry. The manufacturers perform electroplating, with the "platers" coating office furniture, medical devices and metal pieces like gears and machine parts. Many apply the chrome-like trim to plastic components used by the auto industry. Michigan's platers once had been told to add a surfactant, or chemical that would form a vapor barrier to keep employees from breathing the cancer-causing hexavalent chromium rising from their tanks. That's how PFOS entered their operations - but by 2010, the EPA sought to rid their electroplating baths of PFOS, and by 2015 no company in the United State was supposed to be using chemicals containing that compound. The EPA now has penalties in place for PFOS if it is found to still be in use. Neither the National Association of Surface Finishers nor its Michigan chapter commented for this story. But at least 75 of Michigan platers are represented by the Michigan Manufacturers Association and participate in a monthly meeting about PFAS as they confront what Michigan's test results mean to their businesses. "For us, it's like drinking water out of a 5-inch fire hose," said Andy Such, lobbyist for the MMA and leader of the PFAS group. "It's coming at us really fast. My companies want to know what they need to do to comply." The companies affected, the municipalities and the state turn back to the example in Lapeer as they determine action. That's where Michigan's first large-scale industrial PFOS contamination was traced to water sampling from the Flint River. Dean Harlow became CEO of Lapeer Plating & Plastics in October 2017, three years after the company voluntarily stopped using chemicals containing PFOS in production lines. Harlow started an aggressive charge to reduce PFOS in the plant's discharge. That effort cost about $2 million and included the replacement of dozens of tanks. Harlow recognizes his position, but he doesn't relish it. "I don't want to be an example of anything," Harlow said. "I just want to make good parts for my customers. I didn't come here to be involved in PFAS." He continued: "We're just trying to fix a problem and remain compliant." Testing shows the PFOS levels from the company bounce from compliant - like 7.3-ppt at one point in July - to exceeding, prompting another warning from the city this fall. If Lapeer is the first of many examples, it's also showing the challenge of removing residual PFOS from a factory, sewer lines and a treatment plant. The state now is working with larger systems that have multiple affected manufacturers. Eleven active business sites are so far identified as sending PFOS at levels above 12 ppt into the Grand Rapids system, which learned this fall that its effluent -- at 60-ppt of PFOS on one test, and 200-ppt on a second -- is well above the state's limit. The highest level in Grand Rapids originates at Master Finish Co. A test in September showed the company's wastewater heading to the treatment plan was 34,020-ppt, or 2,835 times the PFOS allowed in a Michigan river. That is followed by 12,000-ppt at one of five Lacks Enterprises locations above 12-ppt. The treatment plant received discharges at a combined 55,000-ppt from the 11 sites exceeding the state limit for PFOS. Master Finish CEO Aaron Mulder said the company began to invest in developing alternatives to PFOS in 2009, years before the EPA required that of platers. It also tries to exceed environmental requirements, he said, and plans to do that now. "We will work with the city and fully comply with its requirements," Mulder said in an email. Hrynyk says his Grand Rapids-based company will do the same. A consultant is exploring how a new filtration device at the end of its in-house treatment system may reduce PFOS. The Lacks factory on Monroe Avenue is where the company's highest PFOS reading took place. It's also recently renovated - and ready to resume plastic plating. It will serve as the primary test site for how the new equipment works. The problem is not limited to platers. In Ferndale, just north of Detroit, a MacDermid Enthone chemical factory with products that once included PFOS also is sending that chemical into Michigan's water. On Aug. 27, water was pulled twice from the MacDermid effluent heading into the GLWA system: Results showed readings of 840-ppt of PFAS; the duplicate showed 1,600-ppt. A company spokesperson said the company is working with the DEQ and GLWA "to take any steps needed." The problem also doesn't end with the 16 wastewater treatment plants with industrial sources in violation of PFOS limits. At least an additional dozen wastewater treatment plants show active business customers with high levels of PFOS that have caught the state's attention. Searching for solutions Unclear is how much industrial contamination from PFOS in Michigan still may be discovered. In St. Joseph, for example, the director of that southwestern Michigan community's wastewater facility says effluent testing by early December will include five of its industrial customers, with results expected in 2019. Oakland County's Water Resources Division runs a wastewater treatment plant in Pontiac, where effluent contained 9-ppt of PFOS in October 2017, and total PFAS was 100 ppt. It told the state in July that it doesn't believe any of nine industrial customers on its list of "potential and probable" PFAS sources would be found with the chemicals in their wastewater, but had no confirmation in mid-November. Testing also continues with more customers in Grand Rapids and GLWA, which serves 3.9 million customers in Metro Detroit and has more than 270 industrial wastewater customers. As of mid-September, GLWA showed 21 customers "that affirmed prior usage of PFAS substances," according to a letter from the DEQ. Among industrial sources, testing shows 12,570-ppt of combined PFOS. So far, 54 companies -- including one plater and at least two chemical companies -- still hadn't responded as GLWA seeks details on PFAS chemical use in their facilities. And while the testing continues to chart PFOS and PFOA, no movement is taking place in Michigan to add any other PFAS chemicals to surface water or groundwater cleanup standards, though the state's PFAS Science Board will issue a report in coming weeks that could call for changes. Questions about that emerge as wastewater plant testing and the discharge from companies like Lacks, Ventra, Master Finish show very high levels of other, lesser known PFAS compounds besides PFOS. For example, 95 percent of the 15,700-ppt total PFAS flowing out of the Ionia wastewater plant into the Grand River in May was a compound called 6:2 FTS, a fluorotelomer sulfonate that many platers began using instead of PFOS. The state still is looking to the EPA for national guidelines on the full range of PFAS chemicals, something that environmental activists also want. It's also important "so (the state's tests are) not putting Michigan at a disadvantage against other states for economic growth and development, and will still be protective of the environment," Seidel said. Each community treatment plant, meanwhile, was advised by the state to set its own local limits for PFOS - something that no community has yet done. The state also is starting to test biosolids, the other byproduct of wastewater treatment systems. Hrynyk said the emphasis on PFOS is pressuring the plating industry, which competes with businesses in other countries where regulations for the chemicals don't exist. Platers face uncertainties about how far PFAS regulation will extend in coming years, and they also already spend millions on controlling air emissions, water emissions and chemical monitoring. The industry faces a burden to find alternatives, yet reducing the chemical in wastewater, he said, "is in everyone's interest." Hrynyk said he believes Michigan is doing the right thing by identifying industrial sources of PFAS and eliminating them. Someone has to be a leader, he said. And theres a cost to being a leader. With the midterm election in the rearview, significant shifts among certain groups of Michigan voters appear to show a political realignment in the works. Affluent, college-educated voters, particularly in suburban areas of the state, trended blue in 2018 as urban areas trended further towards the Democrats. At the same time, working class white voters, particularly in rural counties, trended largely towards Republicans. A majority of voters in Kent County voted for Democrat Gretchen Whitmer in the governor's race, marking the first time in decades the county went to a Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Returns in Oakland and Kalamazoo counties, often considered swing areas, favored Democrats in 2018, and some heavily Republican counties like Oakland and Livingston showed a significant uptick in Democratic votes. Republicans strengthened their base in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, picking up a state legislative seat and retaining the 1st Congressional District. The party also made inroads in once reliably Democratic counties like Genesee, Saginaw and Bay, and saw big gains of Republican support in more rural counties all across the state. In 2018, the education level of voters was in many regions of the state a big indicator of which party they supported at the ballot box. College-educated voters in suburban areas, particularly women, have moved gravitated away from the Republican party and towards Democrats, while non-college educated white male voters have shifted from Democrat to Republican in recent elections, Wayne State University associate professor Jeffrey Grynaviski said. "What's interesting about suburban voters to me in Michigan is that it's really purple," he said. "I think a lot of the changes in the suburban electorate, the voting patterns we're seeing, is attributable to the changes in voters in the suburbs." Grynaviski said there's been a major shift towards the Republican party among non-union residents without college degrees who have successful careers in small business or trades. "I don't see them leaving the Republican party anytime soon," he said. It's not the first time certain subsets of Michigan voters have realigned their party affiliations, and likely won't be the last, Arnold Weinfeld, interim director of Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. "Party bases here in Michigan have always fluctuated over the years," he said, citing the so-called "Reagan Democrat" voters in Macomb County who supported former President Ronald Reagan as one recent example. Weinfeld said suburban voters in Congressional districts "drawn for incumbency" played a key role in Democratic flips in the 8th and 11th, adding that shifts in how district lines are drawn have made this particular group of voters more important over time. Whether those voters continue to trend towards the Democratic party in 2020 largely depends on the strength of the candidates who come forward, as well as how President Donald Trump's likely return to the general election ballot impacts their decision making, Weinfeld said. "At the end of the day, it comes down to the candidates themselves - are they passionate people that are ready to do the work?" he said. "Both parties certainly realize that more and more, if they can recruit the kind of candidates that have some passion for this job, they can deliver." Grynaviski said despite ongoing shifts in which parties voters choose to align with across the state, one of the biggest factors in the next election comes down to turnout in urban areas, regions Democrats continue to rely on for statewide success. "Urban areas are increasingly overwhelmingly Democrat in terms of participation, and they have, it seems to me, the greatest volatility in their participation rates," he said. "The more you can get the urban electorates to turn out the vote, the more successful Democrats are going to be, the less successful Republicans are going to be." Michigan officials are proposing a solution to a shortage of medical marijuana in the newly licensed industry -- but some lawyers say it's an ironic suggestion that could land caregivers in jail. To keep shelves stocked at licensed medical marijuana shops, state regulators are asking the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board to look the other way if the shop is buying marijuana from caregivers. Right now, licensed retail stores could be fined or lose their license for such activities. "It's an agreement to not take licensing action for certain activities," said Andrew Brisbo, director of the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation. "It's not an authorization for anything outside of that." The board will consider the resolution at its next meeting Dec. 7. But lawyers representing provisioning centers find hypocrisy in the request. "It's ironic that so many of these caregivers have been punished or felonized for this activity," said Josh Colton, a lawyer with Komorn Law. "Now the government is turning around and telling caregivers that they are needed." During the past year, state regulators have agreed to not go after dispensaries who sell marijuana grown by caregivers. It's the reason nearly 100 dispensaries have been allowed to operate in Michigan unlicensed, and the source of a constantly changing deadline for compliance. There currently is no deadline. The stance by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has allowed caregivers to continue to sell to dispensaries -- at their own risk. "That's the irony: the state didn't acknowledge where the product was coming from," said Thomas Nafso, an attorney who represents three Detroit provisioning centers owned by Green Skies. "There is nothing in the law that permits the caregivers to deliver to the dispensaries." A court case established that caregivers in Michigan could only sell marijuana to five registered patients with whom they have a relationship. There is no provision in state law that allows caregivers to sell to businesses. Michael Komorn, a criminal defense attorney and president of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, said he has caregivers as clients who have felony criminal cases pending for possession with intent to deliver. "I have had many cases over the last eight years that alleged felony marijuana crimes for behavior that LARA just codified as a part of their system," Komorn said. "The takeaway it would suggest is that it has been realized now by the state that they need caregivers for the state's medical marijuana program to work. They may not want to admit it, but this last play by LARA seals it." That practice was supposed to end once a provisioning center gained a state license and switched over to sourcing its medical marijuana from a licensed grower. The state has been issuing licenses since July; so far 40 provisioning centers and 12 growers are among the 67 licenses issued. There still is not enough medical marijuana from licensed growers to go around. The Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation is now proposing that caregivers could continue to provide medical marijuana to licensed provisioning centers without fear of retribution from the licensing board. "As we move forward with the transition to the regulated market there were certainly concerns that arose with continued access of product," Brisbo said. There are 43,056 caregivers in Michigan, and 297,515 patients. Brisbo said the intent of the resolution has been communicated with law enforcement partners. Specifically, the proposed resolution would allow a licensed provisioning center to stock up on marijuana and marijuana products from caregivers until Dec. 31 -- and could continue to sell it after Jan. 1, 2019, as long as it has been tested and entered into the state's tracking system. Colton said he's skeptical as to whether the proposed resolution from LARA would be effective in the long term. "It's still, in my opinion, a short-term solution to a much longer-term problem," Colton said. "This is certainly much-needed relief and would certainly allow patients to get the same medicine that they have had under the past 10 years through Dec. 31." Colton added: "I would be remiss to think this is the last extension." -- 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 medical marijuana. LANSING, MI - Local governments in Michigan would no longer be allowed to regulate trees and vegetation on commercial and industrial property under a package of bills passed by the Michigan Senate on Thursday. The main bill, Senate Bill 1188, passed 23-15, with Democrats and a handful of Republicans - Sen. Marty Knollenberg, R-Troy; Sen. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake; Sen. Tory Rocca, R-Sterling Heights; and Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida - voting against it. The bills would prevent local governments from adopting and enforcing ordinances that restrict or require mitigation for the trimming or removal of any vegetation other than a heritage tree on commercial and industrial properties. The legislation came up following an issue in Canton Township where a pair of brothers cleared land to make way for a Christmas tree farm and ended up facing fines or fees of over $400,000. The legislature moved to strip locals of their control over most vegetation on commercial or industrial property, with the exception of heritage trees. The bill is supported by an attorney representing the brothers but faces opposition from local government and environmental groups, who say regulating trees should be allowable because they provide community benefits like helping with storm water, and local government groups, who say local government often uses tree requirements to help address neighbor concerns about new developments. Lawmakers did not speak in support or opposition of the bills on the Senate floor Thursday. The legislation heads next to the House, where it would need approval from that chamber and then a signature from Gov. Rick Snyder to become law. LANSING, MI -- New legislation pending in the Michigan Senate that would slash the number of protected wetlands could result in Michigan losing its delegated authority to approve or deny wetland development permits, say state regulators. The Senate Natural Resources Committee heard testimony Wednesday on SB 1211, a lame duck proposal by outgoing Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, who sparred with opponents from his chair seat during the Nov. 28 hearing. The hourlong hearing did not result in a vote, but the bill could be adopted by the committee as soon as next week and proceed to the full floor. If signed into law as written, the bill would amend a 1994 law by increasing the minimum size for a regulated wetland from five to 10 acres and changing wetland definitions to require a direct physical connection to either the Great Lakes or an inland lake or stream. State regulators estimate that 70,000 wetlands encompassing roughly half a million acres of Michigan land would be affected by changes proposed in the legislation. Opponents say that would overhaul wetland regulation and jeopardize the state's delegated authority to administer the federal Clean Water Act, a unique program developed in 1984 that lets Michigan make permitting decisions on behalf of the federal government. A top Michigan Department of Environmental Quality official affirmed the possibility of the state losing its delegated authority as result of the proposed bill during the hearing, although the DEQ says it's not taking any formal position on the legislation. Supporters, Casperson in particular, say the legislation is meant to bolster personal property rights against government regulation. He introduced the bill on Nov. 27. Wetlands regulation has long been a bone of contention between Casperson and the DEQ, whom the senator has accused in the past of a having "radical left wing" agenda and the propensity to "preserve every little frog pond." Casperson championed legislation this year that established a governor-appointed panel with the power to veto proposed DEQ rules and overturn permitting decisions. Casperson, who comes from a log trucking background, flashed anger while talking about an "82-year-old couple scared to death they are going to lose everything they own over less than an acre next to their property," he said, alleging the unnamed couple was to be fined $6,000 until lawmakers helped get the DEQ to drop that to $2,000. "This is for the average citizen who is getting mowed over, who has three acres that does nothing and isn't contiguous to anything," Casperson said. Aaron Keatly, who became chief deputy director at DEQ this year, testified that Casperson's bill could impact wetlands defined as "waters of the united states." The Environmental Protection Agency must oversee Michigan's delegated authority, and, "if we cannot implement the program consistent with federal law, that constrains the federal government's ability to allow us to operate as an independent state," he said. Nationally, Keatly said "we're still debating what is water," in an apparent nod to the legal quagmire that persists around an Obama-era federal rule, called the WOTUS Rule, that defines what wetlands and waterways fall under jurisdiction of the federal government. "I believe the definitions as drafted probably go beyond what my understanding of the intent of the bill would be," Keatly said. Casperson challenged representatives of the Michigan Environmental Council and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, who testified that, should the bill pass, both organizations would respond by lobbying to remove wetland regulations from the state's hands altogether and return sole permitting authority back to the federal government. "If Michigan legislators choose to show they no longer care about Michigan wetlands, and no longer want to protect them, then Michigan shouldn't be regulating them," said Jennifer McKay, policy director of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey. The groups argued that Michigan's Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit Program, known simply as the Michigan Wetland Program, is already out of compliance with EPA standards and has been for years and the bill would further weaken ecosystem protections. Casperson countered that during a recent Chicago meeting with EPA Region 5 Administrator Cathy Stepp, a Trump Administration appointee, state compliance issues weren't even mentioned. "We spent probably an hour together -- these issues came up," Casperson said. "I didn't get one inkling of 'get your act together Michigan because you're out of compliance.' It was kind of the opposite. She was looking forward to working with us, and was concerned about making sure we stayed within the guidelines of the rules and the laws. And that's what should govern us. It shouldn't be emotions and feelings and everything else." "We've had people talking to people in Washington with the EPA," Casperson continued. "Again, I've heard nothing about Michigan out of compliance -- who in EPA is telling you that?" he asked McKay. In response, McKay said that "we have verified letters to the DEQ that we are out of compliance." The letters are from Region 5 and came after the most recent changes to the wetlands program in 2013. "We can certainly get you copies of those letters," she said. "It lists very specific parameters upon which Michigan's program is out of compliance and what needs to be changed." The legislation drew support from the timber industry, DTE Energy, individual developers and business groups like the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Farm Bureau, Home Builders Association of Michigan and National Federation of Independent Business. But not every business voice in the room liked the bill. Steven Niswander of the consulting firm Niswander Environmental said the proposal jeopardizes wetland banking in Michigan and has already caused his firm, which he called the "largest wetland mitigation banker in Michigan" to pull-the-plug on two projects due to the uncertainty around wetland permits at DEQ. Wetland mitigation, or wetlands banking, is the practice of creating new wetlands to replace those destroyed by development. Reverting back to federal authority, where permit review can take six months to a year as opposed to several weeks to a month, is bad for his clients, Niswander said. "Having the ability to work at the state level to get controversial and tough projects through is critical," he said. In Michigan, developers can have direct communication with regulators "and actually have some political influence on some controversial projects. When you're working with the Army Corps and EPA, there is no ability to influence permits," Niswander said. When it comes to exercising in Michigan, yoga is king. That's according to a recent numbers crunch conducted by Fitness Equipment Source, a retailer specializing in re-manufacturing used commercial fitness equipment. According to the study, which is based on popular keyword searches using Google AdWords, yoga is not only the most popular workout in Michigan, but across the United States. "Yoga is by far the most popular activity in the United States with 361,860 related keyword searches per month," the study reads. Michigan is joined by a slew of other states that appear to love yoga more than anything else including the entire Midwest, all the East Coast except Vermont, Florida, Alaska, Hawaii and all western states except California. You can see the complete map below. Running was the second most popular in the states dominating the south and the state of North Dakota. Hiking was the most popular in California, Colorado, Montana, and Vermont. Wyoming had a three-way tie between those top exercise activities. Florida was the most popular state for kayaking, New Jersey had the largest share of searches for swimming, and Texas was the most popular state for gymnastics. The study looked at 14 different exercise activities; MMA, kayaking, hiking, running, jogging, swimming, weight lifting, yoga, aerobics, cardio, gymnastics, bodybuilding, martial arts, and crossfit to try and determine the most popular in each state. Google searches such as "yoga studio near me" or "yoga classes in detroit" were popular in Michigan. KALAMAZOO, MI -- For two Portage residents, Thursday is a celebration of two 50-year milestones. Kurt and Sharon von Maur were married in 1968 and shortly thereafter both earned their pilots licenses. The couple, now in their 70s, will be awarded Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards Thursday, Nov. 29, in recognition of 50 years of safe flying. Their time spent flying through life as a team began at The Ohio State University where, as an engaged couple, they enrolled in a class to learn how to fly airplanes. "We thought it would be fun," Sharon von Maur said in an interview with MLive. The couple came to Kalamazoo in 1976. Kurt had earned a medical degree and used a GI Bill from his time served in the Army to advance his flying education, he said. "In aviation, the risk is so obvious," he said. "You learn to live your life looking for risk and trying to do things looking to be a better position." The couple also raised their four daughters, who would sometimes fly in the family's plane. The Wright Brothers award requires pilots to fly with no accident or safety incident for 50 years. A revocation of an airman certificate would also disqualify them, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. For the von Maurs, flying was a chance to travel the country, visiting family, friends and attending events with other pilots. Thursday's event at the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport is a chance to celebrate the couple with their family and friends. "Flying has taken us to many different cities, to meetings around the country," Sharon von Maur said. When they first began lessons, she remembers walking into the college class and being one of two women in a 40-person class. The classroom instruction began in March. The couple went on to earn hours spent in the sky between July and September before earning their licenses. The pair's airplane, a Cessna 210 Turbo Centurion, seated six people, Sharon said. The couple and their four daughters would frequent Ohio to visit family or take trips to Florida for spring break. The award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the FAA said on their website. "This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as 'Master Pilots,'" the website said. Their daughter Carolyn von Maur is proud of her parents for the accomplishment, she said in an email to MLive. "What an honor to have 50 years of flying without any incident," she said. "And to boot they managed to stay married for 50 years as well. Good co-pilots in both regards." About 5,000 people have been awarded the honor since its creation in 2003. Women make up only 150 of those awards, Sharon von Maur said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Kalamazoo man will serve the rest of his life in prison for selling fentanyl that killed a man. Deondray Christopher Abrams, 26, was found guilty Wednesday, Nov. 28, of distributing fentanyl on March 21, 2017, which resulted in the death of Brandon Jay Demko, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who was suffering from severe PTSD, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Due to Abrams' prior conviction, he faces a statutory mandatory term of life in prison when he is sentenced April 8. Demko, 33, purchased what he and friend Robert Larsen thought was heroin from Abrams on March 21, 2017. They went back to Larsen's home, where Larsen injected Demko and himself, he testified at Abrams' preliminary examination. Larsen testified he lost consciousness, then awoke 20 minutes later and found Demko blue and unresponsive. He shot Naloxone, meant to reverse overdoses, into his friend's nose and when nothing happened, he called 911, according to a police report. Emergency responders arrived but could not save Demko. A federal jury convicted Abrams of distributing the fentanyl that killed Demko after a two-day trial. "Fentanyl is increasingly available in Western Michigan," U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said in a press release. "Drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with heroin and, as in this case, selling fentanyl as heroin. Fentanyl is so much more powerful than heroin that opioid deaths have risen in the past few years. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to aggressively prosecute opioid drug dealers whose product results in death." Mexico's Honoring of Jared Kushner Sparks Criticism Mexico City - U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner, will be awarded Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle, the country's highest honor granted to foreigners for their service to Mexico or to humanity. Outgoing president Enrique Pena Nieto will give him the award on Thursday at the G20 world leaders summit in Argentina, reports said. Criticism of the outgoing president awarding Kushner with the Order of the Aztec Eagle has been swift and harsh, trending on social media. The Order of the Aztec Eagle medal is Mexico's highest decoration awarded to foreigners Noted Mexican historian Enrique Krauze took to Twitter and called the move a "supreme act of humiliation and cowardice," while Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal tweeted that it was "tremendously shameful." Previous awardees of the Order of the Aztec Eagle include Colombian Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, former South African President, Nelson Mandela, Walt Disney and Bill Gates. Kushner is being honored for his "significant contributions in achieving the renegotiation of the new agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada," according to Mexico's foreign ministry. The three countries hashed out the deal over the past year to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, better known as NAFTA. The new trade deal, known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came after Mr. Trump threatened to pull the U.S. out of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, arguing that it was unfair to the United States. On Saturday, Pena Nieto's successor, President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will be inaugurated, following his landslide election victory in July. Kushner's wife, Ivanka Trump, and U.S. Vice-President, Mike Pence, are expected to be among the U.S. officials attending his swearing-in. Note: This story was updated with comment from State Rep. Aaron Miller and the Michigan Nurses Association. STURGIS, MI -- A nonprofit hospital in Southwest Michigan is cutting 60 full-time jobs and closing several departments in response to financial difficulties. According to a Thursday, Nov. 29 release, Sturgis Hospital has struggled with significant financial challenges over the last 18 months. Reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and other insurers have not kept pace with an increase in costs and decrease in patients at the hospital, the release states. To address this, Sturgis Hospital is transitioning to an outpatient-based health system. A reduction in inpatient services will cause approximately 60 full-time positions to end. President and CEO Robert LaBarge was not made available for comment. In the release, he said the hospital has worked hard in the last year to "weather the changing landscape of health care," but it's time for change. Layoffs are inevitable when inpatient services are also reduced, LaBarge said. "Health care is continually changing," LaBarge said. "The old ways don't work for a small hospital any longer, so we have to embrace new ways of doing things. It's time to restructure our operations in a way that is consistent with what we believe the future of health care will be for rural communities." The announcement attracted negative backlash hours after being released Thursday. A statement released by the Michigan Nurses Association criticized hospital administrators for a lack of transparency. Nurses are seeking a closer look at how the hospital's financial condition and why alternatives to "drastic cuts." "It's no exaggeration to say that people's lives are at stake with these cuts that will remove essential services from our community," said Kelli Glick, an oncology clinic RN and president of the Sturgis Hospital Registered Nurse Council. Republican State Rep. Aaron Miller said the announcement amounts to "the effective implosion" of Sturgis Hospital. He demanded the immediate resignation of LaBarge and other senior leadership for not disclosing the decision sooner. "Considering the announcement, I pause and reflect on two things," Miller said in a release Thursday. "First, it's that things have been sliding down hill financially for the hospital for some time and the gravity of the slide has frankly been cloaked in secrecy by our hospital upper leadership. As much as I understand the many reasons for the slide, it has not been communicated well to the public whatsoever. Second, I, like many others in our beloved community of Sturgis, have perhaps given the board and the CEO too much benefit of a doubt. Shame on me for doing so and staying quiet for so long, primarily given today's terrible and unexplainable actions." Miller was raised in Sturgis and represents St. Joseph and Cass Counties. He said the reorganization will have a "devastating" impact on the local community. The hospital will close non-profitable departments that include its wound clinic, home health, pain clinic and an urgent care center in Constantine. It will also close the oncology treatment center and hospice and obstetric services. Inpatient medical and surgical services will be reduced, though four staffed inpatient beds will remain. The reorganization plan will begin on Dec. 3. The actual number of persons laid-off may be smaller as affected associates assume necessary, yet vacant, positions within the Hospital, according to the release. Miller criticized the lack of notice. He considered whether hospitals should be subject to the Open Meetings Act to increase transparency. "The fact that one miserable week has been given for most of the changes is a complete utter failure and a rejection of common courtesy in the name of internal hiding," he said. Though he has no authority over the hospital, Miller called on the hospital's board of directors to remove LaBarge or step down themselves, if unwilling. "If these things do not happen, I'm convinced that the community will demand them and take it upon themselves to see that they are accomplished," he said. "I will be found at their front, whatever the cost." The hospital's board believes the plan to focus on outpatient services is more sustainable, according to the release. LaBarge said outpatient services make up 80-85 percent of the care provided. "Our goal is to keep the most in-demand services available locally and partner with other health systems to supply inpatient and specialty medical services," he said. "In order to transition our focus to outpatient services, we must first get our organization in a sustainable financial position, and then pursue strategies to keep the most important services available in our community." Outpatient Services that will remain available at the onset of the new plan include: Emergency Department (though staffing will be impacted) Family Doctors, Internal Medicine Physicians, and Surgeons Outpatient Surgery Diagnostic Radiology (X-Ray, MRI, CT) Laboratory Services Urgent Care (AM&PMcare) Rehab Services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Sleep Medicine Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Sturgis Hospital is a 84-bed licensed, acute care facility. It employs more than 300 people, according to the hospital's website. MUSKEGON, MI - Great Lakes Fresh Market will permanently close two of its three Muskegon area stores in December, according to posted signage. The grocery stores on Apple Avenue and Sherman Boulevard will close on Saturday, Dec. 22, for "financial reasons," a store manager confirmed on Thursday, Nov. 29. The store on Whitehall Road in North Muskegon will remain open. Signs posted at the entrances and throughout the interiors of the Sherman and Apple stores read, "This store will be closing in December. We are sorry but we may already be out of some items." The Sherman store has been open for less than a year. It is unclear how many people will lose their jobs or how many are currently employed at the stores. Great Lakes Fresh Market President Dan Gentz did not return a call for comment. Customer Service Manager Lisa Gentz did not reply to an email seeking comment. Great Lakes Fresh Market owner Tom Kuber also did not return a message. Both stores slated for closure are former Plumbs locations. The store at 1663 W. Sherman Blvd. in Norton Shores was closed by Plumbs during November 2016 along with another Plumbs in Newaygo. The Sherman store was reopened as a Great Lakes Fresh Market during February 2018. During November 2016, Great Lakes Foods took over as the primary distributor for the three remaining Plumbs locations in Muskegon, North Muskegon and Whitehall Township. Menominee-based L.M. Foods LLC took ownership of Plumb Inc. assets during February 2017 as the grocer's secured creditor. Kuber owns Menominee-based Great Lakes Foods and L.M. Foods LLC. Plumb, Inc. ceased operations on Feb. 12, 2017, after more than 80 years as a Muskegon-based business. A former Plumbs at 3271 E. Colby St. in Whitehall Township was closed by the new owners during October 2017. There are four Great Lakes Fresh Market locations in Wisconsin and one in the Upper Peninsula. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - When Darnell Byrd was fatally shot 13 times in a dark alley, was it his best friend who set him up? Or was it the man who hired Byrd to work in his drug-dealing operation? That's the question facing Muskegon County jurors who are hearing the complicated murder case against Jeremy Morton. The prosecution and defense laid out their theories for jurors during opening arguments Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the courtroom of Muskegon County Circuit Judge Timothy Hicks. Both theories have many parallels and revolve around the underworld of drug-dealing, gun play, robbery and murder. Morton, 31, is charged with open murder for the Sept. 5, 2015, death of Byrd, who, a medical examiner testified Wednesday, "bled out" from the 13 shots fired at his back and side. Two men have already been convicted of firing the shots that killed Byrd: Kierelle Burns, convicted of first-degree murder and serving life in prison; and Josiah Fousse, who pleaded to second-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing. It is Fousse who defense Attorney Kevin Simowski contends set Byrd up for murder. His theory revolves around two other murders in which Simowski alleges Byrd and Fousse - close friends from Ohio - were involved. Fousse, the attorney claims, was afraid Byrd would talk to police and so he killed him. One murder was in Ohio, and though another man confessed and is in prison, Simowski said authorities remain interested in Fousse's involvement. The other was in Muskegon Heights on Aug. 30, 2015, less than a week before Byrd's death. In that case, Simowski claims, Fousse literally got away with murder. But Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office, contends it was Morton who ordered Fousse and Burns to kill Byrd. Like his courtroom opponent, Roberts believes the murder was over concerns about Byrd snitching. But the prosecution alleges that it was Morton who worried that Byrd would tell police Morton orchestrated the Muskegon Heights homicide. Morton, Roberts claims, was afraid Byrd would talk to police, and so he had him killed. Prosecution theory Roberts claims that the Byrd homicide wasn't the only one that Morton had a hand in planning. The first one was the Aug. 30 homicide, which occurred during a shootout at the East Park Manor housing complex in Muskegon Heights. It all started with the birthday celebration of a woman Morton was dating, Roberts said. She and two girlfriends went out drinking at local clubs and ended up getting into an altercation that turned into a large brawl, he said. When Morton found out that night, he sent Byrd and Fousse to East Park Manor to confront some of the combatants, Roberts said. At that point, Morton was financially supporting Byrd and Fousse, who had come to Muskegon from Ohio because they heard there were jobs here, Roberts said. Instead, they ended up working for Morton, who provided them with food, housing and support in return for their assistance in his drug-dealing operation, Roberts said. When Byrd and Fousse got to the housing complex, they ended up getting in a gun battle, Roberts said. When it was over, Byrd was shot in the arm, two other men were injured and a man named Thedrick Bryant was dead. Fousse was charged, and pleaded, to shooting one of the injured men. Police believe Byrd was the one who killed Bryant. But Morton was paranoid Byrd would tell police about Morton's role in Bryant's death, and so he hatched the plan to have Byrd killed, Roberts said. It involved Byrd believing he was headed to commit a robbery with the other two when they opened fire on him in the alley. Morton was behind the posting of jail bond for Byrd, Roberts said. Byrd had been arrested on a weapons-related offense after the East Park Manor shooting. He had one night to enjoy freedom before he was killed, Roberts said. Burns and Fousse did Morton's bidding because they were dependent on him, Roberts said. "They were obliged to protect Mr. Morton ... He was the access to their means to survive," he said. Defense theory Simowski laid out a different scenario on behalf of his client. He said the real reason Fousse and Byrd came to Muskegon from Ohio was because officials in Cincinnati were closing in on them due to their role in a homicide there. A couple sitting in a car had been robbed and shot, which was fatal to the man, by another man who is in prison after confessing. Byrd and Fousse were there for the robbery, but didn't know the third man intended to shoot the victims, according to Roberts. Fousse was indicted in the murder, and the friends from Ohio fled to Muskegon, Simowski said. It was Fousse, not Morton, who was paranoid that Byrd had talked to police while he was in jail after the East Park Manor shootings, the defense attorney said. He was afraid that Byrd had, or would, implicate him in both the East Park Manor and Cincinnati shootings, Simowski said. "Who had reason to kill Byrd?" he said. "Fousse did." Simowski dismissed Roberts' claim that the East Park Manor episode was Morton's retaliation for the fight involving the woman he was dating. Rather, it stemmed from Fousse and Byrd going there to buy marijuana and ending up in an argument over it, he said. Fousse could have been guilty in the murder of Bryant, though he never was charged, Simowski claims. Simowski attempted to discredit the anticipated testimony from the three women who were celebrating the birthday. According to Roberts, they will testify that they went to East Park Manor the night of the shooting, heard the gunfight, and will implicate Morton as sending Byrd and Fousse there. But Simowski said all three women pleaded guilty to lying to police about the incident. Their sentences have been delayed until after Morton's trial, and Simowski suggested they will testify how the prosecution wants them to in order to get a reduced sentence. The same is true for Fousse, Simowski said. Fousse has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in return for his testimony against Morton. His sentence also has been delayed until after the Morton trial. Simowski suggested that he too will say what the prosecutor wants him too, even if it's not truthful. "Of course Fousse is going to lie his head off because he wants to get the best deal he can get," Simowski said. MUSKEGON, MI - Muskegon Public Schools is taking the first steps toward a possible bond proposal to improve its facilities and academic programs. The future needs of Muskegon Public Schools were discussed during a community committee meeting this week, according to a news release from the district. The meeting was the first in a series to help the district narrow the scope of a possible bonding proposal, according to discussion during a Muskegon Board of Education meeting on Monday, Nov. 26. About 30 community members were part of an "informational planning" meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 27, according to the release. The meeting was held to review "academic and facility programs" and to seek feedback from community representatives, according to the release. MPS employees were also included in the meeting. "This is a first step in working together with the community to address the academic and facility needs of Muskegon Public Schools," said Superintendent Justin Jennings in a prepared statement. "Any facility improvement projects will be tied to academics. We look forward to more meetings to work together with our community to plan for the future of our schools over the next 25 years." The board previously discussed sales of the Hackley Administration Building and former Angell School. Those will now both be considered by the community committee, Jennings said during the Monday meeting. The iconic Hackley building, built in 1889 with money donated by Muskegon's most well-known philanthropist Charles Hackley, was once home to the city's school. It now serves as administrative offices but is larger than what's needed and requires more repairs and upkeep than the district can afford. Roof repairs alone have been estimated at $1 million. Angell School was most recently used for the Muskegon Community Education Center (MCEC), but those programs were moved this year. The building is now empty. During April, the board considered realigning the school district into grade-level buildings rather than neighborhood schools due to declining enrollment. The move would have resulted in the closure of some buildings and significant cost savings. Constituents shot down the notion of closing buildings during a two-hour public comment session in April, but options of that nature could be taken to the community committee for review. "The board appreciates the participation of these community and staff members and will be working closely with the administration to plan for the future needs of our school district," said board President Cindy Larson in a prepared statement. "This is the school board's opportunity to move forward and help set the direction with community and staff input." Larson and Jennings did not immediately return calls for comment. It was a Thursday morning in mid-November when the semi trailer backed its rig into the loading dock at the Port Arthur Library, finally completing a year-long effort to see thousands of books delivered from West Michigan to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The campaign to deliver the donated books to the library in Port Arthur, which had been heavily damaged during the 2017 storm, was begun in the fall of last year by the Kent District Library. Though plans initially included many, many more, the shipment of books delivered to the library on Thursday, Nov. 15, came to about 14,000, according to Jeff Cunningham, one of the volunteers who, along with his wife Cindy, helped organize the effort. Among those delivered were children's books, young adult books, works of fiction and non-fiction books, all of which had been donated during a KDL-sponsored book drive held last winter. KDL had originally planned to donate about 50,000 books to the Port Arthur Library, but the library's need ended up being much less than anticipated. Instead of delivering all 55,000 books that were donated during last winter's book drive to Port Arthur then, Cunningham said 16,000 books were given to a trio of libraries north of Corpus Christi, Texas; 800 were sent to a middle school in New Bern, North Carolina, that was affected by Hurricane Michael this fall; and another 7,000 are set to be divided among 35 libraries in Puerto Rico. "Many of the more than 3,000 children's books delivered to Port Arthur and 4,000 children's books donated to the other libraries will be given free to local elementary schools," Cunningham said. The remaining books will eventually find a home, as well, as the KDL continues to coordinate efforts with the American Library Association. "It's wonderful what they have done," Randy Haltom, chair of the Port Arthur Library Board, told the Port Arthur News. "It shows the strength of our country, neighbors helping neighbors, even though it's a thousand miles away." Following the storm damage sustained in August 2017, the Port Arthur Library lost more than a third of its total book collection, including nearly all of its children's books. Noting that thousands of residents use the library's services annually, officials said the building's closing was a big loss to the community. Repairs were expected to be completed by the end of February with the library set to reopen in March, but construction delays ended up extending that timeline all the way into next year. With the library unable to accept the books until just recently, the KDL needed a place to store them over the last few months. Cunningham said Dave Tanis, owner of Tanis Trucking, generously provided the warehouse space needed to hold the books. Tanis would also end up paying a driver to take the books to Port Arthur. Other trucking companies have stepped up to ship the books to North Carolina and Puerto Rico, as well, Cunningham said, at no cost to the KDL. All in all, it's been a community effort, he said, and helping to personally deliver some of the books over the last few weeks has allowed him and his wife to see the fruits of not only their labor, but that of the entire West Michigan community. Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load Oil prices fell about 2.5 percent on Wednesday after US crude inventories rose for the 10th straight week to the highest in a year, adding to worries about a worldwide supply glut. Selling picked up just prior to the market's settlement, extending a sell-off that has cut prices by more than 30 percent since the beginning of October. US crude settled down $1.27, or 2.5 percent, at $50.29 a barrel, its lowest since Oct. 9, 2017. Brent crude ended $1.45, or 2.4 percent, lower at $58.76 a barrel. US crude stockpiles rose 3.6 million barrels last week, exceeding expectations, to the most in year at 450 million barrels. After falling to 2-1/2-year lows in September, crude stocks have risen 14 percent with 10 straight weeks of increases. The steady build in US crude stocks is partly due to seasonal refining maintenance, but domestic production also has surged to a record 11.7 million barrels per day. "It's hard to get more bearish after this report after we wiped out more than 30 percent of our value in the last two months," said Gene McGillian, vice president of market research for Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. The market briefly pared some losses after a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who said risks to the US economy are relatively balanced, suggesting the pace of interest-rate hikes may slow in coming months. That bolstered the stock market, but oil's rally didn't last. "Oil tried to latch onto the stock market excitement but at the end of the day the selling pressure came in. What that tells you is that there are many people who are still bearish on oil," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. Investors have sold oil over worries about slowing economic growth and Washington's decision to grant several waivers to importers of Iranian oil after re-imposing sanctions on that nation. Crude's drop since October is on a par with the 2008 price crash and steeper than that of 2014-2015, both of which prompted the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to agree output curbs to support the market. The market remains nervous over whether OPEC-led producing countries, including Russia, will reach another deal when they meet on December 6. Producers are discussing a supply cut of 1 million to 1.4 million bpd and possibly more, OPEC delegates have told Reuters. Saudi Arabia said it would not cut output alone and Nigeria stopped short of committing to a new push to curb supplies. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, popularly known as JRD Tata, was the visionary entrepreneur who is widely credited for ushering in an era of rapid industrialisation in the country at a time when it was emerging from the yoke of colonialism. He laid the foundation to multiple companies, and consolidated the preeminent standing of one of India's foremost industrial groups. At the helm of the Tata Group for nearly five decades, JRD expanded the organisation from the 14 firms he inherited, to building an empire comprising of 95 companies by the time he retired in 1988. On his 25th death anniversary, let's look back at his legacy. (Image: Wikipedia) Tata Motors | Founded in 1945 as a manufacturer of locomotives, Tata Motors redefined the automotive space in India with JRD Tata's astute vision. From manufacturing India's first fully indigenous passenger car, the Indica, to launching the world's cheapest car Tata Nano, the company has continued you to push the baton in the auto industry. Today, it is the largest automotive company in the world with operations spreading across India as well as in Argentina, South Africa, Great Britain and Thailand. (Image: Reuters) Air India | Before India's flagship carrier was nationalised, Air India operated as Tata Airlines under the leadership of JRD Tata. Often considered as the golden period for the now distressed airline, the tales of Tata's hands-on approach in leading the company has acquired a legendary status. From wording the Air India hoardings to deciding the level to which wine was poured into a glass, everything went through Tata. He was so deeply involved in the functioning of the airline that on one occasion he didnt shy away from joining the crew to clean a dirty aircraft toilet. Tata Consultancy Services | The inception of TCS is a testament to the vision of JRD Tata, who brought about an automation revolution when the industry was reluctant to deploy computers amidst fears of their potential to replace human labour. In 1968, the Tata conglomerate was already blooming and the need for data processing under a single business unit was imperative. While in the early days, TSC lent its services only to its sister companies, it is now the first Indian IT company to breach $100 billion market capitalisation, with operations in over 46 countries. Tata Global Beverages | Founded in 1964, the company suffered a tumultuous gestation period as the tea industry in India came under pressure due to rising input and labour costs, dwindling margins, as well as high taxes. The industry not only faced threat from China but also from other countries. With brands such as Kannan Devan, Agni, Gemini and Chakra Gold under its ambit, Tata Global Beverages has become the world's second-largest manufacturer and distributor of tea and a major producer of coffee. In 2012, the company brought renowned coffeehouse chain Starbucks to India in a 50/50 joint venture. (Image: Reuters) Tata Salt | Embodying their slogan, "Desh Ki Sehat, Desh Ka Namak", Tata forayed into necessity goods with the establishment of Tata Salt. It is now India's biggest packaged salt brand with a market capitalisation of 17 percent. The company has left a footprint in over 16.6 lakh retail outlets, reaching 135 million households across the country each month. (Image: Tata Salt) Tata Chemicals | In a 1988 interview with M Rahman, JRD famously said, "In well-run companies, succession should be created in advance." As for all the companies he nurtured, this was also true for Tata Chemicals. Not only has the company been one of the leading entities in the chemical industry, but its 2008 acquisition of US-based General Chemical Industrial Products made it the world's second-largest maker of soda ash. It's R&D department is currently working in fields such as green chemistry, biochemicals, metabolites, and nutraceuticals among others. Tata Interactive Systems | Apart from his contributions to the industrial development, Tata is also a known philanthropist. In the twilight of life, he founded TIS that was geared toward promoting digital education in the country. Today, the company offers corporations, schools, universities and government institutions training including story-based learning, simulations, courseware, special-needs education, mobile learning and much more. It is the only digital education company in the world to be assessed at Level 5 in both P-CMM (People-Capability Maturity Model) frameworks and SEI-CMM (Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institutes Capability Maturity Model). Lakme Cosmetics | JRD Tata founded India's first cosmetic brand, Lakme, to address erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's concerns that precious foreign exchange was being spent on beauty products. The company was named after French opera Lakme ( French counterpart of Lakshmi), paying ode to his French heritage. Three years after the death of JRD, Tata sold their stakes in Lakme to Hindustan Unilever, for Rs 200 crore. Today, it is one of the most renowned cosmetic brands in India. (Image: Reuters) Air India Moneycontrol News The government has chalked out a plan to halve the debt of Air India by transferring as much as Rs 29,000 crore from its books to a special purpose vehicle (SPV), a senior aviation ministry official said on November 29. "Currently, there is debt (of Rs 55,000 crore) on AI's books of accounts, which is required to be serviced from its revenues, and over which there are other collateral charges. The idea is to move this debt from Air India to this SPV with government's guarantee, leaving AI with balance debt of Rs 26,000 crore on its books," the official said, adding that the debt, which will be owned by the government, will not be serviced from the state-carrier's revenues. The official said that the government will sell the non-core real estate assets of the airline to liquidate the debts it has taken over. "As and when the non-core assets are sold, the residual amount of debt value in the SPV will keep getting reduced," the official said. Debt-laden Air India has been under severe financial stress due to high air turbine fuel (ATF) prices and falling market share. The airline, that has been bleeding for over a decade, has been trying to raise funds by monetising its assets in order to finance its debt. Sources said that government has identified the lenders whose debts will be transferred to the SPV, which will be known as Air India Asset Holding Company Ltd. "Air India will talk to the lenders regarding transfer of debt from AI to SPV. If, however, it is found that there is difficulty in getting various clearances from lenders then we would like to explore other options. For example, instead of asking the current lenders (who have lent Rs 29,000-30,000 crore) for their consent, the government may ask the SPV to raise money and pay off the lenders. But this will essentially be the finance ministry's call," official sources said. The government on November 29 announced that it will sell Air India Air Transport Service Ltd (AIATSL), the ground handling arm of Air India, through the above mentioned SPV by the end of this fiscal. AIATSL is the largest ground handling company in the country. According to officials from Air India, the company has close to 80-85 percent share of the domestic and international ground handling business in India. Sources have indicated that the airline is trying to reduce its expenditure and increase its revenue as per the new revival plan. "We have identified eight to 10 areas where revenue can be increased and expenditure can be decreased. The total of this is roughly around Rs 2,000 crore per annum," they said. The government is also of the view that most of Air India's debt is historical and that it's debt servicing capacity had improved. "Its debt servicing rate is around Rs 4,500 crore now," the official said. The government had tried to sell off 76 percent of its share in the airline early this year which failed to attract any bid from investors. According to government sources, bidders were wary of macroeconomic conditions and thus didn't bid. "When we had initiated the talks with investors, the economic conditions were favourable. But by the time the bids had to be submitted, the tides had turned," he said. According to sources, buyer of Air India would have to take over about Rs 33,390 crore of debt from the state carrier. The decision to transfer debt of Air India was taken at the meeting of Alternate Mechanism, a group headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to find ways to divest the airline. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Unilever has emerged as top bidder for Horlicks, the malt-based health food drink brand 72.5 percent owned by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, outbidding Nestle, according to a report by Reuters. While the value of Unilevers bid is yet to be known, going by previous estimates, Horlicks and GSKs other nutrition products together could fetch at least $4 billion. If GSK indeed manages to sell its consumer business for that amount, it will be an expensive acquisition for Unilever because the GSK portfolio of brands have not been growing in recent times. Recent deals in the segment have fetched much lower valuations. Last month, Kraft Heinz sold Complan (Horlicks rival in India) to Zydus Wellness for Rs 4,595 crore, or four times annual sales. At $4 billion, GSK would be valued around 7.3 times annual sales, considering that Horlicks and other nutrition brands that GSK is selling generated a total sales of $550 million (Rs 3,900 crore) in 2017. Even at the $3.4 billion purchase price, as reported by some media outlets, the valuation would be 6.2 times annual sales. Though Horlicks has a presence across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Malaysia, around 85 percent of its revenues accrues from India. One of the reasons why Unilever is interested in buying Horlicks, even at a higher valuation, is the Anglo-Dutch companys enhanced focus on the food business in India. Hindustan Unilever has already generated more than Rs 11,000 crore from packaged foods in FY18. Despite Horlicks strong brand and lineage, it will come with its own baggage. Horlicks, like the health drink category, has not been growing for quite a few years. To be sure, Unilever can potentially change this using its vast distribution channel, including the network of women sales agents across rural India. It also has the largest distribution reach of more than six million retail outlets. The challenge would remain because about one-fifth of Horlicks is sugar and globally, including India, people are moving away from sugary drinks. In coming years, it would be tougher to get Horlicks growing unless Unilever reinvents the product and positions it as something else but not a health food drink. But Unilever will have to keep in mind that none of Horlicks brand extensions have worked so far. One for the reasons why Horlicks had been a success is the state of undernourishment in India, but lately diabetes is on the rise, with more than 10 percent of the population being affected. A sugar tax is already being levied in some countries including the UK, and it may not be far when India may start thinking of imposing one. In any case, a different form of sugary drink, colas, are not growing either. Thats why cola companies are introducing more energy drinks and fruit-mixed beverages. What Horlicks would bring to Unilever in India is its reach of 3.3 million retailer outlets, including a strong network of chemist shops, with a focus on eastern and southern markets. True, Horlicks controls around a half of Indias health food drink market and the Indian mother still swears by the brands legacy. But despite the added distribution muscle, Horlicks might just end up pressuring Unilevers financials. So, unless Unilever has a few tricks under its sleeves to turn the Horlicks acquisition into a success story, it will just be following the path of Suntory that bought GSKs Lucozade and Ribena for 1.35 billion pounds but is still struggling. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More This is the verbatim transcript of Tech Mahindra management call with analysts. Moderator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and a very warm welcome to the Q2 FY19 Earnings Conference Call of Tech Mahindra Limited. As a reminder, all participant lines will be in the listen-only mode, and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after the presentation concludes. Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal an operator by pressing * then 0 on your touchtone telephone. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I am now glad to hand the conference over to Mr. C.P. Gurnani Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Tech Mahindra. Thank you and over to you, sir. C.P. Gurnani: Thank you. Good evening, good day to all of you. Welcome to Tech Mahindra Q2 earnings call. I am delighted to inform you that your company has reached an important milestone in its journey to become a digital company of the future. Tech Mahindra has been highest ranked non-US company and the highest ranked amongst IT services and consulting companies amidst all our peers; it stood 15th in the overall rankings in the Forbes Global Digital 100 List. It is a proud moment for us to see Tech Mahindra emerge as a digital thought leader taking the world into the connected future and living up to its promise of connected solutions and connected services and I do believe the recognition is also reflected in the companys digital revenue share which you would recall was 28% in Q1, has gone up to 31% in Q2, roughly a growth of 10% QoQ. Regarding the Q2 revenue, we clocked $1218.2 million and in rupee terms we are up 13.5% YoY and 4.3% QoQ. But clearly in terms of revenue growth, I would consider that performance as tepid and that is this basically because of little volatility in our Healthcare business, nothing seasonal, it is more of projects coming to a close in three or four large hospitals. And then the growth of the commentary you would realize that company had always committed that we will work on our operating margins, the company has committed that we would work on shifting the revenue towards digital and the company has committed on the Communications division growth and the company has committed on overall good performance. If I take away the HCI business, the company has grown well both in Communications sector as well as in the Enterprise sector. In constant currency, Enterprise growth has been 3.5%, Communications business saw a strong growth; 5% QoQ in constant currency, and frankly I am so happy because it is almost a good growth after a span of 15-quarters. The other thing is that it is a record for us is that we signed $550 million worth of deals this quarter, which is a record for us. This makes me feel very happy. Last but not the least, operating margins we are all on a weighing scale and this is clearly an increase of 240 basis points and even if I take out a few fluctuations which are the currency and the visa cost, I think the companys operations have done very-very well. In general, your company continues to have new customers, your company continues to invest in technology, your company continues to invest in some of the big bets like 5G, Blockchain and Cyber Security. We continue to invest in innovation, we continue to invest in platforms, I think exciting times await us. I would let Manoj Bhat who is our CFO and L. Ravi who is our Chief Operating Officer to share a little more details with you but I can only say is that yes, we could have done better but overall it has been a great quarter. Thank you. Manoj, do you want to take over? Manoj Bhat: Yes, thank you, C.P. So, I think C.P. has articulated the broad brush of the quarter. Going a bit into detail, if I look at constant currency revenue growth, it was about 0.4% and within this clearly there was a negative in excess of 40 million coming from our Healthcare business and without that I think we grew about 4.2% in CC terms. I think in terms of the margin, it improved about 240 basis points. Just a quick high-level breakup: Absence of visa cost which was about 60bps and currency impact was about 80 bps, about 140 bps was operational efficiencies at business mix and then we had wage hikes for a portion of our workforce, negative of about 40 bps. So, I think that is a journey from 16.4 to 18.8. I think the other thing during the quarter was that other income was about $25 million compared to $16 million in Q1, almost all of it was because of the translation gain because the rupee has moved quite a lot during the quarter. From profit after tax it was about $149.4 million vs $131 million and in INR terms it was Rs.1064 crores. Coming to cash flow metrics, CFO or cash flow from operations was about 141 million which is 94% of PAT and compared to last quarter that is 109, so there has been a substantial increase in CFO. Free cash flow was also up to 120 million which is about 80% of PAT versus about 81 million in Q1. Overall, cash and cash equivalents were down on account of dividend pay out of about 220-odd million, I think that has come down a bit. Hedge book was about 1.6 billion versus 1.45 billion in Q1. So, it has gone up and that is in line with our policy. I think overall if I step back it has been a satisfactory quarter on the margin front, I think a lot of our metrics around deal wins, around digital growth are quite robust and we look forward to continuing this journey. With this, I will throw the floor open for questions and move forward with the call. Thank you. Moderator: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question-and-answer session. We will take the first question from the line of Sandeep Agarwal from Edelweiss. Please go ahead. Sandeep Agarwal: I have two questions: C.P., one what is the change in environment you are seeing versus what you have seen earlier are we consistently seeing upbeat in the mood from the client perspective, are they open to giving more deals and the size of deals are increasing and if yes, where we are seeing big positive surprises coming in? Secondly, can we confidently say that we are past the telecom pain which we have witnessed over last so many quarters? And then a follow up for Manoj, can we take this quarters margin as a base margin now ex of wage hike going forward because I think we lost lot of margin last several quarters and last four, five quarters we have started regaining our margin, so still do you see ex of currency there is some more positive surprises coming or you think that you will pause here and try to grow more fast? C.P. Gurnani: So, let us address the two questions on environment and the telecom spend. I think on the environment, it continues to be a mixed bag, US economy you all know that the positive velocity, China or Japan or Europe, there are changes happening in their economic structure, Middle East continues to have pleasant side as well as few difficulties. So, overall I would say economic climate since our business is 48% US and 52% rest of the world, I would say that to us there is a greater sovereigns and flexibility to compensate for some of the swings. Right now, yes, there is a demand for the digital, yes, some of our tool sets, so I will give you example, in my BPS business we have added about 5,000 employees, BPS business is because your customer experience management is taking a higher priority despite of much higher level of automation, much higher level of productivity but just that customer intimacy is becoming so much more important. So, that is one part that I would like to say. Telecoms in general know that they need to equip themselves to become better players in the market. The fact is that the growth is coming in data communications and to be able to leverage the growth in data communications the CAPEX spending has increased. #2 is some of the systems of the past need to be modernized. So, the basic philosophy that we followed across our customer base which is run the operations better, change or grow the business together, I think it worked out well, there is no new wave that has come in, we are all working towards the new wave which is the 5G but at this stage, I think it is more of operational efficiency improvement of our customer and being able to work better and being able to sign large deals. Manish, if you are on the call, do you want to add anything on the telecom side? Manish Vyas: No-no, C.P., I think you have articulated it quite well, I think it is indeed like you said telecom industry is continuing to go through the process of transforming itself and there are multiple players out there. We have always maintained that we have put the strategy together to keep a multi-dimensional, very diversified portfolio that helps the service providers to improve their operations, be ready for the future and then eventually take advantage of the opportunities that come forward. So, all the action that we have including some of the deal wins are all very-very aligned to the strategic bets that we have taken. So, we will see how it goes from here on. Manoj Bhat: On the margin, I think your question is 18.8 new base line and do we see margins improve from here ex of currency. So, to me clearly I think this is a journey and we have talked about this in the past and we had set certain goals for six quarters till March 2019 and we are progressing very well on the journey, I think margins will go up albeit, the pace of margin improvement has been quite fast but we will see gradual margin improvements is what I would build in as a base case from here over the next two quarters. I do not think we have commented going into FY20 and beyond. But at least in the next two quarters, our goal would be to do gradual margin improvement from here. Moderator: Thank you. We will take the next question from the line of Viju George from JP Morgan. Please go ahead. Viju George: I had a question on HCI. It is pretty sharp drop out there. I am just curious as to what kind of a business it can be if revenues drop more than 50% in a quarters time? Secondly, therefore do you see new wins out there which can also bring about a kind of wish up back revival? Manoj Bhat: Viju, this is Manoj. I think it is a good question and let me explain the business a bit and what was playing out and this is not something new we had pointed this out that there is implementation revenue in there which could potentially drop off and we have said that in Q4 as well as Q1. Even very aware of the cycle of implementation and then new orders coming in and new implementations in this business. So, if I look at the entire provider space that what HCI does, they do implementation, training and go-live support right. And the moment it goes live, I think the revenue drops off very-very sharply. From that perspective, there was a big wave where I think there were six or seven hospitals and providers who were going through this phase and HCI was in a position where it was won all of those deals and that is where the ramp-ups were very-very steep over the last four quarters. It so happened and coincidentally all the implementations ended probably in a span of one or two months at the end of Q1 and going into Q2. Of course the new order book is building up and this is going to be a little bit of year-on-year picture of HCI. I think on year-on-year basis the business will show growth. I think their target would be to go in excess of 10% and that is something which I think they feel pretty confident in terms of the management team. So, that is the way to look at it. A little bit of this business is going to be like this. To your second question, Is it more in the nature of staffing? I think ultimately if I look at the model of resourcing, there is always going to be a core group of employees who offer the services within HCI but obviously with the steep increases and decreases we do also depend on a lot of temporary employees because that is the nature of the business. To that extent, yes, there is going to be external thing up and down but if I look at the core group of people who offer these services, who think through these programs and to offer this kind of support, I think that continues to remain as HCI is the core offering. I do not know whether I answered the question. Viju George: Sure. But Manoj, just taking this forward, the revenues are more than halved, so while you did point out that you would see some impact in this quarter, I reckon that the actual decline must have been sharper than what you expected or estimated. That said do you think that there is a potential for this business to get back to the revenue base that it saw and what is it take to get there and how you are tracking against that? Manoj Bhat: So, the nature of this business is it is very difficult to predict because also towards the end of the cycle it is a bit need based, so, it is very difficult to estimate what the exact drop can be. So, to that extent, maybe your impression might be right that it maybe a few million dollars more than what we thought but the broader point is I think more orders will come in and I think we will see revenue growth coming back going forward. All we can do is this is the business, if it moves up sharply, we will come back and tell you that this is another implementation cycle starting and the other strategy we are using is winning synergy deals which then kind of balance out the revenue streams on QoQ basis so that the perspective in terms of how to model it QoQ I think it becomes a little bit easier, that is the effort we are doing to balance this kind of implementation cycle curves out. Viju George: Obviously, this has been a very strong driver of the growth in Enterprise side of the piece over the last four, five quarters. Looking forward, if we take this out, given that it is inherently unpredictable, so while the worst maybe over, you do not know what nature of the upside will be, do you think the rest of the portfolio can grow sufficiently stronger than in the past to get the same kind of growth going forward on Enterprise side? Manoj Bhat: Viju, I think the way this is phased out, right, it is across two years. So, even if I do ex this growth, right, whether last year or going into this year projections, I think the impact is not so severe, #1, right. #2, I think from a perspective of overall Enterprise, I would like Manoj to add to that question, because it is a question of broader Enterprise and Manoj, maybe you can talk us through how do you see broader Enterprise growth? Manoj Chugh: Thank you very much, Manoj. So, Viju, in terms of the overall Enterprise business, despite the challenge that we have had this quarter on account of the HCI business, still if you look in constant currency terms, the overall Enterprise business has grown by 9.2% and we have been maintaining that our business will grow 8- 10%, so clearly we are on track in terms of whatever we have been articulating. Again, I think our diversified portfolio plays to that advantage and you would see that if I keep the HCI business aside, in constant currency terms, even this quarter the Enterprise business has grown by 3.5%. Clearly, some verticals will do better than others in each quarter and we have been saying this and we have been maintained this that it is not that you are going to see every vertical grow substantially every quarter, there will be some verticals which will do better than others. So, for example in this quarter, the Retail vertical has done well for us. So, I think we will continue to see consistent constant growth in the Enterprise business, it may come in from different verticals at different points in time and clearly, the number speak louder than words. So, we continue to maintain our stance around the overall broad-based growth 8% to 10% in terms of constant currency across our portfolio. Moderator: Thank you. The next question is from the line of Divya Nagarajan from UBS. Please go ahead. Divya Nagarajan: Just following up on the Enterprise statistics question, what do you see as the overall growth for Healthcare given that the HCI acquisition is currently looking at some amount of replenishment there, so for the next couple of quarters what are we looking at in terms of growth? Secondly, I am sorry if I missed earlier, you seem to have had very strong contracts in this quarter. So, did it run through the mix across Telecom and Enterprise segments in terms of the contracts? Manoj Chugh: Divya, I think maybe Healthcare perspective is better appreciated on a full year basis right, so I believe there will be quarter-on- quarter growth right, going into next quarters, but overall I think if I look at, whether it is HCI or our other Healthcare business, so I would say, our target would be like double-digit growth and that is what we are going to try and achieve. Moving on to your other question, out of the 550 million of deal wins, roughly 300 million is Communications and 250 million is Enterprise. If I look at the deal win composition, if I look at the Enterprise side, the whole customer experience management, the whole integration of some of our platforms to deliver solutions in the customer experience area, that has been a big component of deal wins. There have been many interesting wins on some of the transformation programs and infrastructure and so on and so forth. On the Communications side I think clearly first of all, it is geographically dispersed, and I think it is pretty much all the way from ANZ to US, so it is across multiple areas. So, to me the way I look it is these are typically four to five year kind of deals and some of them might be shorter cycles where there is just a transformation, but that is the way I would credit. Does that answer your question, Divya? Divya Nagarajan: Sure. Just a follow-up, on HCI, there is a slowdown or lack of interpretation pick up, how long do you expect this to last and when will we see replenishment of those contracts? The last follow-up is on margins. We have kind of reached around the target margins that you are talking about for the year. How should we think about where margins are likely to head from here on, what is the target now? Manoj Bhat: On HCI, I do not have a number for you in terms of what could be the growth and so on and so forth, my sense is it will gradually build up going into Q3 and Q4. I think today I have no full visibility to full replenishment, but partial replenishment will happen as the deal wins translate into revenue. So, that is on the HCI question. On the margin question, clearly, our internal targets were always higher, and we were goaled to a higher number. What has happened is of course that there are two things playing out right, so as the digital revenue acceleration is happening and as we substitute somewhere low yield revenues with the higher yield revenue streams, I think there is an inherent margin lever which is coming and then of course there is automation, AI, and all the other initiatives which we spoke about. I do not think I have a new target or new aspiration which we have disclosed, but as I said there will be gradual margin improvement over the next two quarters is what we believe. Moderator: The next question is from the line of Pankaj Kapoor from JM Financial. Please go ahead. Pankaj Kapoor: Sir, my first question is on the revenue growth, if I look at last quarter obviously we had a seasonal impact and this quarter again we had HCI impact which was probably higher than what was initially anticipated. But if I look at as a portfolio, the growth in the first half would be significantly lower than what some of the peers have reported. So, A), how do you look at this whole portfolio going forward improving in the second half or even from a longer-term perspective, by when you think that we should be getting our growth rate move closer to the industry? Manoj Bhat: Pankaj, that is a good question that if I look at it from a headline number, right, but as we mentioned that overall and some of this is CC terms into 10% was our goal in Enterprise, I think we will hit that. On the Coms side, clearly after Q1 we were talking about growth over three quarters which is also happening, and the deal wins are reflecting the core health of the business. So, I do take your point on the first half, obviously, there is no piece of the business we can exclude in terms of the portfolio, but what we were trying to do is kind of point out that various pieces of the business are moving differently and that is the reality of the business. So, to me I think over the next two quarters, we do see growth coming in the overall business and that is something which historically also the second half for us has been usually better than the first half and I think that trend will continue, and as we look forward I think there are opportunities which will be there both on the Communications side and the Enterprise side and as and when the quarters go we will talk more about it. So, that is a quick view on how we are thinking about growth and there is no denying, your point is valid that net-net if I take the top line I think whether it is currency, whether it is some seasonality, growth has been lower than where it was may be some time back. Pankaj Kapoor: In terms of the deal wins, of course, this was probably one of the best quarters you have had. Can you give a sense like whether this was all net new or was there any renewals also in this? Manoj Bhat: So, if I include renewals, the number is bigger. So, what we do is if there is a renewal with an increased volume, we only report the net increase as the deal win. Pankaj Kapoor: So, I can take this as probably net new excluding any renewal? Okay. Manoj, lastly on the margins, is there a kind of a level which you have in mind where beyond which you would like to invest the incremental efficiency gain or even the currency gain back into the business to probably target a higher growth rate, I mean, if I go back into the history we had been may be three, four or five years back in the range of around 20%, 21%, so is that the kind of level one should be looking at and beyond which you would like to probably invest the efficiency and the currency gain back on to the business to strive for a higher growth at a top line, do you have some of those targets in mind, if you could share that? Manoj Bhat: Pankaj, so a couple of points I would like make, right: So, first is it is not that we are not investing. So, we have had a quarter excluding HCI of 4.3% in constant currency growth which is obviously at the top end of growth for I think whichever is large, you take right. So, clearly a lot of the business, things are working, so I do not want you to take away that we are not investing and hence the results are not coming, because there is a lot of investment going on, whether it is the tech bets, whether it is in terms of re-skilling, whether it is in terms of partnerships, so that is something which I think we are adding front-end sales people, we are looking to add specific capabilities onsite. All of that is happening within the numbers. In terms of the margin, at what point will we say that this is something which is an optimum margin, I do not think we have any such definition in mind today. So, I think we are going to work towards both revenue growth and margin improvement to the extent possible. But at this point, I do not think we feel that we are constrained by margin improvement, and that is not a reason for the perceived lack of headline growth, because if I dive deeper into the number there is growth coming in most of the pockets of the business. Pankaj Kapoor: And if I can just ask one last question on the DSOs which have been going up every quarter. So, what is our thought process on that, which obviously is impacting our impacting our cash conversion as well? Thank you. Manoj Bhat: First of all, it is not impacting our cash conversion. Obviously, we can do better. But if I look at the metrics, they are in and about where they were. Secondly, I think the DSO this time, I think about two-odd days have been added just because of the currency movement because we convert all the AR into rupees at the quarter end rate and the revenues are generally converted at the quarter average rate. So, there is a difference of about 2% odd, which makes a difference of about 2 - 2.5 days roughly. So, part of that is there. But your point is taken, I think this is an area where we are stepping up our efforts and hopefully we should see reductions going into Q3 and Q4. Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Jiten Doshi from Enam Asset Management. Please go ahead. Jiten Doshi: Congratulations, CP, on a good set of numbers and the entire team. But my observation is, every time we have these negative surprises, its there only from these acquisitions. I think last time also our margins were in excess of 20% and then suddenly I think we need to get into the right acquisitions. As shareholders we are feeling somehow that this strategy is not working optimally. That is my first point. And second is, somehow or the other our margins are getting diluted due to acquisitions. So, unless it is extremely strategic, and if it is strategic it should be margin enhancing. What is your view on this really? Manoj Bhat: So, I think fair point. So, if we look at one our initiatives was that if we look at our entire set of portfolio companies, we identified it as an opportunity where we significantly need to improve our performance. And if I look at four quarters I think there have been significant improvements. But I would still say there is a huge opportunity there in terms of improving margins. So, our margins are continuously improving over every quarter. Our synergy revenues are starting to kick in in some or the later acquisitions. And we are far better aligned on operations. So, I think all of those are happening. I think to your broader question, currently most of these acquisitions are clearly more on-site centric. So, as a rule they are probably lower margin. And also, a lot of the synergy revenue which already exists, for example, let me give you the example of SOFGEN. While SOFGEN acts as a front-end entity, but I think the synergy revenues are delivered from the offshore entity. So, clearly, the margins and the revenues will flow through into the offshore entity. So, the numbers reported, per say, might not be a true reflection of the success or failure. On the broad acquisition philosophy, you know we made a change in that in term of how we think of these acquisitions. And I have started pursuing acquisitions which will potentially be margin accretive. And the second thing we did is, obviously, go in for small acquisitions. So, some of those changes we have already made. So, I think I personally view it as an opportunity set again for the next four quarters to work on this and improve it. And your points on that they are dragging margins is still true. So, I think we will have to work with them and work with the management teams there to improve margins and improve revenue growth. Jiten Doshi: So, this question is for CP. CP, I think in last 18 months there is a particular momentum in the company and there is a ray of hope and optimism, and we have seen very good things happening in your company. Now, in the midst of this momentum we should not take large acquisitions which again drag us down. I have no doubt in my mind that this company can deliver a 20% EBIT margin, if you do not do it over the next 18 months I would be very-very surprised. Because I think that most of the top-notch companies are delivering that and I do not consider you as any company less than the top-notch companies. So, I think our focus should be on bringing back a 20% EBIT margin in the business. And our focus should be on keeping this momentum alive. I can see that there is clear direction, momentum, and everybody is quite upbeat. In the midst of that if we do a large acquisition which will be dilutive to our margins, earnings or which will not be integrating quickly, I think we will hamper this whole process and once again we will go back to 2016, 2017, where the whole company really suffered. So, this is my observation and I would request that you please consider this. Manoj Bhat: Jiten, I think CP's line has got dropped, I will convey it to him. Jiten Doshi: Yes, but I think this is for all you, please. Because there is a good momentum, there is a good traction, everything is upbeat. I think now if you go and do another billion dollar acquisition and drag the whole thing down, I think it will put the whole firm down again. There is no doubt in my mind, would you rule out a 20% EBIT margin probably as a company coming back to that level? Manoj Bhat: Jiten, I do not think we give guidance. So, there is nothing we are ruling out right now. So, as I answered Pankaj also in the question before, there is a set of initiatives that we are going to let it run. And of course, the pace of results from those initiatives is obviously far more accelerated than we thought. But as I said, we are not stopping because of that, we are continuing on this journey. And I do not think we have a number in mind saying we will stop here or we will stop there. So, that is might short answer. I know you are looking for a more specific number. Jiten Doshi: No, I have only one suggestion to your entire company, that please consolidat what you have taken on hand, please take the margin to 18%, 20% EBIT margin which is higher in terms of EBITDA, please stabilize whatever you have on hand, come back to where you were. When I am talking about 20% EBIT, you have done it in the past. So, I am saying, come back to where you are. And once you come back then take a relook at all of that. So, you cannot ride so many horses because last time that the company went absolutely off-track was during the time when they made these big acquisitions, which did not work well for the company. We do not want to go back in that stage for sure. Everything is upbeat, there is a momentum and we need to be cautious. And I think there are a lot of tail winds we are enjoying, why dont you ride all of them. And dont think of any acquisitions at this moment till you stabilize the base, that is all my observation and suggestion to you. Manoj Bhat: Yes, sir, taken on board. Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Mukul Garg from Haitong Securities. Please go ahead. Mukul Garg: I just wanted to dig a bit deeper into the communications vertical which performed quite well this quarter. Can you help us break this into impact which came from the deal wins which you have done in last couple of quarters, and the structural change which is happening in this sector? And if it is the later than basically what has changed in communications compared to the last couple of years, which are the areas where you guys are winning more, is it more in the distance space or is it more a rebound which is happening in the larger client base of yours? Manoj Bhat: I will request Manish, if you can cover your perspective on that question. Manish Vyas: So, Mukul, thank you so much. The good news is that almost all the wins that we have had, the larger ones as well as the small and medium ones that we have closed, all of them have a very large element of digital and transformation to that. The one that we have done in Asia is putting a new digital platform for both customer management as well as the downstream business management systems. And the underlying driver for putting that whole transformation program together is to get this service provider ready for helping them play into a more digital services going forward, which will start in their world with, once they get ready for 4.5G and 5G and beyond. So, in many ways it is not a network deal, that particular one, it is a digital transformation deal, but it has got 5G written all over it. The another deal that we have done is a very operations transformation deal. But a big shift that has happened is it is not a lift and shift type of a deal, it is a deal that is built on lot of autonomics, lot of digital platforms that we have put together to help predict the customer engagement, customer responses with service assurance, the new service delivery. And that is also in the enterprise space of a service provider so that they can be ready to start demanding more business from their enterprise customers as they deploy new network and new assets together. So, in many ways these deals that we have done, that also figure prominently in our pipeline as we speak, is all in the transformation in the digital and in the new telco of the future, network of the future type models. And when I say all, I mean, some of these transformation deals that we are currently fighting are in that category. I wouldnt attribute these deal wins to any one particular factor, whether it is a structural change or anything else, I think it is a journey that we are on which is powered by a strong need for the service providers to continue to reinvent themselves. And for us to continue to deliver on the investments that we have continued to make. In an earlier question Manoj was saying, which is absolutely correct, we have continue to invest, we have not taken our eyes off the ball from the future as we have continued to correct our current operating metrics, which also applies to the telecom business as well. So, I hope I could answer your question, Mukul. Mukul Garg: So, Manish, do you think that you guys are more prepared now versus earlier to offer these services to your telco clients going forward as well, or do you think it is still a bit dynamic scenario where things will things will keep on moving up and down as far as spending is concerned? We clearly understand that pure 5G spending has still not started, but the whole shift spend towards digital is that pick sustainable over next maybe year or so. Manish Vyas: Please dont get me wrong when I say this, Mukul, I do not believe and I have always maintained that we have always been better positioned in the industry to take advantage of the opportunities as they come, because we have been consistently staying invested and focused on our strategy, our portfolio, and the market. We definitely did go wrong in our execution in one or two of the acquisitions and couple of initiatives, but even those have allowed us to play very prominently now in the areas where the focus and the growth will be. So, I think we remain focused and I believe that your company continues to remain very well positioned to take advantage of the holistic opportunity that will come up as things evolve in the telecom and the media space. Mukul Garg: My second question was for Manoj, if we look at the other enterprise business, excluding the HCI, there are a few verticals which have been relatively weaker over last couple of quarters. And that trend has been quite stark compared to what the rest of the industry is talking about, especially if I look at the BFSI space, after many quarters of good growth when the whole industry was delivering weak performance, last four quarters have been quite weak for you, whereas the commentary from others have been improving. So, can you help us understand how we should look at these areas like manufacturing and BFSI going forward? Manoj Chugh: So, first of all on manufacturing, as I said, we have shown good growth over the last many quarters, I am sure you will agree with me. This quarter is benign on a quarter-on-quarter basis but if you look at the numbers on a year-on-year basis our business has drawn 11%. So, I think that is decent performance. Coming to financial services, you have rightly said that in the past when everyone was challenged our business did grow well. So, in fact, last year you would perhaps remember that our BFSI business grew by 18%. So, clearly, to some extent there is a base effect. My belief is that our pipeline on BFSI is strong and you should see growth coming in from this sector going forward in the future. So, I would say, what you have seen in the last couple of quarters is more a result of a much higher base as compared to what we have traditionally had. And our pipelines are building up well, so hopefully we should see the results. Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Sumit Jain from Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead. Sumeet Jain: Firstly, wanted to just understand on the telecom vertical side, I remember Manoj, you gave a guidance of probably low single-digit what you can achieve for the full year, given we had a significant decline on the first quarter. So, are we still looking at that kind of a growth for the full year, given the kind of deal wins you already have? And also that implies a close to 5% to 6% CQGR ask for the remaining two quarters. Manoj Bhat: So, every quarter we have cross currency impact, so I have to keep reworking the numbers. But suffice it to say that I think there is momentum in the business and I think what we said is that every quarter we will grow. Now, CQGR 4%, 5%, 3% is a different matter, you know historically second half is stronger for us in the coms vertical specifically. So, I think that is where we stand today. And I think the momentum is there, the deal wins are there. And you heard Manish, and Manish if you want to add anything to the commentary there? Manish Vyas: Not anything on the numbers, Manoj, you have answered it. All I would just say and reiterate that we continue to remain very busy with the kind of opportunities that we have closed. There are similar patterns. And the good news is, at this point, I think Manoj had alluded to this earlier I believe, that the growth is pretty comprehensive in terms of even a regional mix. So, we are seeing pretty good traction across almost all the markets that we are operating in. And we continue to remain hopeful that we will maintain. Of course, that is subject to several other variables, some of them are not in our control. But we continue to strive hard for what we said that we want to continue to do. Sumeet Jain: And secondly, I can see your SG&A expense levels were a bit elevated this quarter, so from the forecasting standpoint how should one look at it going forward? Manoj Bhat: I think from an SG&A perspective you should expect it to moderate back over a period of time. So, there were certain expenses which we made which are in the nature of an investment over a shorter period of time. So, as those kind of go through the system and as we get revenue in return, some of those will moderate back to the older levels I would say. Sumeet Jain: And lastly on the tax rate, again, it was a bit high, so any guidance for the full year? Manoj Bhat: So, I think our guidance remains about 24%, 25%. This time I think there was kind of a one-time tax of about 4 million. So, if I remove that I think we will be in that range and that is the range we are consistently going to be in on an average. Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Parag Gupta from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead. Parag Gupta: I had two questions, both on the communications vertical. So, the first question is, you had some really good momentum and deal wins in the telecom vertical in the second quarter. Could you give us some sense on the visibility or the pipeline and how that is building up? So, can we see the same momentum continue going forward as well? And the second question is, we have heard some of the larger peers talking about getting interested in the telecom vertical, especially given their eyes on 5G as it starts rolling out globally. So, the question is, are you seeing any increase in competitive intensity or do you think it is more or less similar to what it used to be in the past? Thank you. Manish Vyas: So, Parag, I think the deal momentum is good. It is very consistent not only with the deals that we have announced, we have similar deals in the funnel right now. I just cannot predict when do we close those. But they are also very consistent with our credentials and our portfolio and the kind of business that we have been saying that we are investing in across the run, change and group portfolio, and across the bets that we have taken between network, software, managed services and customer experience transformation. So, all of that remains, we know where we are playing. More importantly, I am sure you like when I say this that we have also decided many areas that we will not play any more in so that we have a more predictable and a better chance of succeeding going forward from an execution standpoint. So, that was the first part of your question. What was your second one? Parag Gupta: Are you seeing any increase in competitive intensity in the telecom vertical? Manish Vyas: Well, I think I wouldnt say it is more or less, it is always high. There are more people who are always excited about anything that is high on the hype cycle. But there is a greater degree of maturity in the industry right now in terms of knowing the people who have deep and deep routed expertise. And also the ability to transform versus people who are building the capabilities up-fresh. One thing that we have always said, we have consistently maintained that in each of these areas in telecom, particularly in the network business, theentry barriers are very-very high, because the skill levels that are needed are pretty complicated and very diverse. So, I wouldnt say that we are overtly worried, but the fact is that the kind of business we are building in telecom we do not really have one dimensional competition, it is always very different type of people that we compete with. In some cases, we do not even compete with the other peer group that you all compare us with, we compete with a very different type of company. So, it is always exciting, it is always challenging, and these are the people who keep us honest to our capabilities and commitments. I wouldnt say it is anything different than it was in the past. Moderator: Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Sandeep Shah from CGS CIMB Securities. Please go ahead. Sandeep Shah: Just a question, again, follow-up on the telecom side. Manish, just wanted to understand that suddenly there is a big momentum which is building up in terms of deal pipeline and you eluded that it is coming across various markets and it is not skewed to few accounts. So, what has led to this, is it also a factor of vendor consolidation which is helping you? Because we get to hear that the balance sheets of major telcos are actually under stress. So, what has led to this kind of decision making which is getting accelerated for the large deal awards as a whole? And when you say that they are getting ready for 4.5G to 5G, is it fair to say that now the timing of the 5G related demand is more visible for you to target? Or still you believe that we do not have a color on the same? Manish Vyas: So, Sandeep, first question, the deals are both of consolidating and transforming the existing spend on the OPEX side, the deals are never, let me not say never but are seldom created for consolidating vendors. The deal wins that we have had, one of the largest we have had last quarter is built around transforming the existing operations by leveraging digital and automation. In the process we have ended up consolidating a whole host of vendors, mini vendors, and some of them are large companies, some of them are small companies. So, that is always part of the feature. So, it, in many ways, is not a new dollar, it is the same dollar but that is getting repurposed for helping the service provider become better at what they do. And then the other kind of deals that we have one, including the one I was alluding to earlier in Asia, which is a new CAPEX dollar that we are enjoying being part of, which is helping them put a completely new digital platform together so that they can do their transactions and their customer integrations on a new platform, which will enable them to provide products and services in a very digital, web-scale type fashion. Now, that is a new spend, that is a new budget that they have allocated in this space. So, we are seeing a pattern of both, you are absolutely right that the rate at which the data is growing in the industry which is very high, is not commensurate with the rate of revenue growth at this point in time. So, the service providers are continuously exploring possibilities and opportunities to remodel their business plans, which hopefully will happen with 5G and beyond. But at this point in time we are there because our relationship with the accounts continue to remain very-very deep. On your second question, look, I still think two quarters ago if you recall CP had said that 5G is not going to be like 4G or 3G, it is going to be very non-uniform. We continue to see that pattern, and within markets different operators will take different approaches. And that story has still not been completed, it is still getting evolved. So, I do not believe that we really know all the answers to how the revenues will shape up in that business, we will still need a couple of quarters to get a better definitive idea on that. Sandeep Shah: Just follow-up, Manish, as you said that the funnel is also similar to what you have seen in the order book, is it fair to say that the YoY growth in the order book in telecom is actually likely to improve and continue to inch up going forward? And for you to have a growth momentum continue may not be just in the near-term but may also over a medium to longer-term, because these are transformational changes which are coming in. Is it a fair way of looking at it in terms of communication, growth visibility for Tech Mahindra? Manish Vyas: All I can say, Sandeep, it is a fair way to set that expectation off us. And I can assure you that we are going to strive for that. Sandeep Shah: Just last thing, Manoj, last time we said that we will achieve flat to low single-digit kind of a growth in the telecom as a whole. So, even at a current run rate that may require close to a 4% compounded QonQ growth rate. So, we are still at the lower end flat growth kind of an estimate is still visible for you? Manoj Bhat: No, I just answered that question, so we are seeing growth, now whether it is 3%, 4%, 5% is a different matter. And I think the range of possibilities includes flat to low single-digit growth even now. So, I think we will have to see. As Manish also mentioned in his answer, there are some external factors in terms of how these deals convert into revenue and how does the funnel convert in revenue or deals. We will have to see how it goes, because I think if I look at the funnel, if I look at everything else that is going very well today. Sandeep Shah: And just last, Manoj, on the margins on the gross level, at 34% gross margin it is at a multi-quarter high. So, do you believe that these kind of gross margins are sustainable ex of currency going forward looking at some of the supply side issues which are coming? And we also have a bit of a client concentration where a bit of a deal renewal leads to a dampener in terms of a gross margin. So, how well prepared we are in terms of maintaining or defending such kind of gross margin level? Because that will help you in terms of margin consistency going forward. Manoj Bhat: So, I would like to restrict my answer to EBITDA. And as I mentioned before, we do see gradual increase in EBITDA. Obviously, there are risk to this as with everything else, and we will monitor the situation. But if I look at the combination of our investment and return on investments as well as our overall efficiency in terms of SG&A as well as the gross margins, and as our digital business is increasing I think there are pulls and pressures. But I think our broader view is that EBITDA margins will gradually improve at least over the next two quarters and then we will see as time goes along. Moderator: Thank you. We will take the last question from the line of Rishi Jhunjhunwala from IIFL. Please go ahead. Rishi Jhunjhunwala: Just a quick question, again, on HFCI. So, basically, what was the impact on the margins from this $40 million revenue decline that we saw? And also, is it the bottom in terms of the revenue level that we could possibly see on an annualized basis? And would there be a sequential pickup as a result? Manoj Bhat: I think this is the bottom, is what we believe. Second, in terms of margin impact, see most of these were flexi staffing or flexi employees. And obviously the system there works that it is proactively managing those. So, the margin impact has not been very severe. And also, it has been cushioned by the replacement of that revenue with higher margin revenue, which is also including offshore revenue. So, that is the way to look at margins without going into the specifics of HCI quarter-on-quarter margin movement. Rishi Jhunjhunwala: The reason I ask that is because if we really look at your difference between consol and standalone in terms of margins, EBITDA margins have been going down for the past two quarters whereas on consol level it has been expanding. So, just wondering if profitability of your subsidiaries is worsening in the past two quarters? Manoj Bhat: This quarter if you look at subsidiary versus consol difference, I think that is because of certain dividends paid out during the quarter, I thought, because there is a large number in the subsidiary column. Rishi Jhunjhunwala: That comes under EBITDA? Manoj Bhat: Yes. Where you referring this from, sorry, maybe I am looking at the wrong number? Rishi Jhunjhunwala: It is just the difference between your consol and standalone numbers, so subsidiary financials give EBITDA margin decline. Manoj Bhat: Standalone and the impact of dividend income. Rishi Jhunjhunwala: On EBITDA margin side? Manoj Bhat: How are you calculating that? Actually, why dont we connect offline, because I think lets talk through it. See, broadly, the way I look at it is that I think if I take a longer term picture I think both margins have improved both standalone as well as subsidiary margins. I think quarter-on-quarter there might be fluctuations here or there. Rishi Jhunjhunwala: So, let me just rephrase, do you have headroom on improving your subsidiaries profitability as well in a meaningful way? Because it has been quite weaker in the past two years. Manoj Bhat: That is what I was answering in response to a previous question, that I do believe there is still an opportunity which will play out in terms of overall subsidiary margins going up. Moderator: Thank you. That was the last question. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Manoj Bhat for closing comments. Manoj Bhat: Thank you, everyone, for joining our call. I know that there are some people in the queue who could not ask questions. So, if you could email it across to us, we will try and get them answered. Thank you so much for joining. Thank you. Ladies & gentlemen, on behalf of Tech Mahindra Limited, that concludes the conference call for today. Thank you for joining us. And you may now disconnect your lines. The US has put on hold its discussions with Sri Lanka on its potential participation in an American aid initiative on poverty reduction due to the disruption in the country's democratic process following the ouster of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka plunged into a political crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa has failed to muster support of the majority in the Parliament. "Because of this disruption to Sri Lanka's democratic process, we have put on hold discussions about Sri Lanka's potential participation in Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programmes," a senior administration official told PTI when asked about the relationship with Colombo and the Trump Administration. The latest move by the Trump Administration could be seen as a setback for Sri Lanka, which was expecting a major investment from the US in the island nations transport and land sectors. The proposed MCC Sri Lanka Compact was designed to spur economic growth and investment by the private sector to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunities for its people, according to MCC Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Nash who visited Sri Lanka in September this year for talks with Sri Lankan authorities. The United States believes that the steps taken by President Sirisena were unconstitutional and wants the country to get back to its democratic process at the earliest. Just before Sirisena dismissed the Wickremesinghe government, Sri Lanka and the US were in the final stage of the discussions. The MCC was to fund the compact entirely through grants which do not need to be repaid rather than loans. Discussions on the MCC would now resume only after the constitutional crisis in Sri Lanka is restored through democratic means. "We are concerned about the extra constitutional steps that President Sirisena has taken," the senior administration official told PTI. "The longer the situation continues, the greater the risk of ethnic turmoil and violence," warned the official. Sign of Ford is pictured at a car dealership in Mexico City Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday it will reshuffle workers at several of its plants to meet rising demand for pickup trucks and large SUVs, a process that will require finding new positions for 150 workers displaced by the changes but not result in job cuts. The changes also will not require adding new jobs. The No. 2 US automaker said it will shift 500 workers from one Kentucky plant making crossover vehicles to another that makes its best-selling F-Series pickup trucks, plus the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator, both large SUVs. In addition, Ford has a new midsize pickup, the Ranger, coming to the market next year. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker also said it would move 500 jobs to a Michigan plant making transmissions for popular pickup trucks from one nearby that will reduce production to one shift making Mustangs and the Lincoln Continental. Ford said an additional 150 workers from the Flat Rock, Michigan, assembly plant would receive job offers at other plants. A company spokeswoman said Ford was "highly confident" that jobs would be found for all those workers and there would be no job losses as a result of this reshuffling. The United Auto Workers union, which represents hourly workers at Ford, said in a statement, "after working with Ford, we are confident that all impacted employees will have the opportunity to work at nearby facilities." The news comes two days after Ford's crosstown rival General Motors Co said it would cut 15,000 jobs and mothball five North American factories, including four in the United States, in response to slumping consumer demand for traditional passenger cars. That announcement has drawn the ire of Republican President Donald Trump, who has threatened to eliminate subsidies for GM. One of the four US plants expected to close is a car factory in northeast Ohio, a state critical to victory in the 2020 presidential campaign. According to a Reuters analysis of industry production and capacity data, GM's plans will only partially close the gap between capacity and demand for the automaker's sedans. Sales of the Ford Expedition were up 4 percent through the first 10 months of 2018, while sales of the high-margin Lincoln Navigator spiked nearly 81 percent during that period. Earlier this year, Ford said it would drop production of increasingly unpopular, traditional sedan models in North America. Foreign exchange earnings totaled USD 24 billion in January-October 2019, with a growth (year-on-year) of two percent. The foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net sellers in the second quarter followed by big selling in October. But the indices still managed to close in the green for the quarter. In fact, the Sensex and Nifty gained little over 2 percent driven by consistent buying support from domestic institutional investors who bought more than Rs 19,000 crore worth of shares in Q2FY19. Mutual funds made most buying in banks, metals, mining and diversified financials during the quarter, and their holding in the BSE 200 index increased to 6.5 percent in the September quarter from 6.4 percent in the June quarter. However, FPIs sold equities worth Rs 10,200 crore in the quarter ended September. Automobiles & components, IT services and metals and mining were the top sectors that witnessed FPI selling, Kotak Institutional Equities said. FPI ownership in the BSE 200 index came down to 23.6 percent in the September quarter from 23.8 percent in the preceding quarter, the research house added. During the quarter, the BSE 200 index gained half a percent, but BSE Midcap index lost 4.5 percent and Smallcap shed 10 percent. FPIs were net sellers but that does not mean they bought nothing during the quarter. In fact, they increased stake by more than 1 percent in 30 companies out of BSE 200. Out of 30, there were 10 stocks wherein they raised shareholding by 2.5-10.4 percent in the July-September period. AU Small Finance is the top company among these 30 stocks, wherein FPI increased stake by 10.4 percent to 20.6 percent in Q2FY19 followed by Indian Hotels (from 6.1 percent to 14.6 percent stake) and Mahanagar Gas (from 12.7 percent to 19 percent). However, the biggest selling by FPI was seen in Vodafone Idea, wherein they slashed shareholding by a whopping 13.6 percent to 12.3 percent. It was followed by PC Jeweller, PNB, Manpasand Beverages, Vakrangee, Apollo Hospitals, Yes Bank wherein they cut stake by 3-5.5 percent during the quarter ended September 2018. Kotak said top 40 stocks, which account for 75 percent of FPIs' equity portfolios in India, include HDFC Bank, HDFC, Reliance Industries, Infosys, TCS, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, ITC and IndusInd Bank. In the September quarter, MFs increased stake in AU Small Finance, Bharat Financial Inclusion and Mahanagar Gas while they reduced stake in Dewan Housing Finance, Kaveri Seed and Reliance Capital. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Siddharth Sedani Equity markets are likely to remain rangebound before the upcoming events in the coming few weeks, as the traders/investors are waiting for the outcome of upcoming important events such as RBI monetary policy meet, OPEC meeting during the next week and the state election results in the week after. The markets have got some respite after RBIs steps to inject liquidity through open market operations. This has lead to the 10-year bond yields fall to ~7.65 percent from the highs of ~8.20 percent. However, the investors are taking a risk-averse approach due to the corporate governance issue being faced in the banking and NBFC sector. This week the auto companies will be releasing sales data for the month of November investors are awaiting these numbers as these will include festive sales data. Some of the stocks that we like are: Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 239 The company posted a sharp H1FY19 turnaround with profit of Rs. 48.3 crore versus Rs. 30.3 crore net loss a year ago in H1FY18 due to management initiatives across its various divisions in. Q2 revenue grew 11 percent YoY to Rs 2000 crore EBITDA, at Rs 142.8 crore, grew 54 percent YoY. Pantaloons improved its merchandise, resulting in a higher gross margin and driving profitable growth in Madura Lifestyle brands through extensions and network expansion. During the quarter, the company added six Pantaloons stores and 59 Madura Lifestyle Brand stores, taking the totals to respectively 288 and 1,897. L&T Technology Services | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 1,940 The company provides design and development solutions to clients across the entire value chain of product development. The company has reported robust growth in revenues; it grew 27.1 percent in Q2FY19 to $177.2 million as against $168.9 million in Q2FY18. The management has guided of achieving 20+ percent growth in revenues for the current year with strong growth coming from all the major segments while maintaining margins at currents levels. Aarti Industries | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 1,600 One of the global leaders in benzene-based chemistry through its process chemistry and scale-up engineering competencies, Aarti Industries revenue and profit are expected to grow at 20 percent and 22 percent CAGRs over FY18-21, driven by scale-ups in its specialty chemical and pharmaceutical businesses and the new toluene capacity. For Q2FY19, Aartis revenue shot up 46.4 percent y/y to Rs 1,290 crore, chiefly due to strong volume growth and the increasing share of high-value products. The specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals and home- and personal-care divisions brought respectively 80 percent, 14.8 percent and 5.2 percent to revenue. The good performance and higher capacity utilisation boosted the EBIDTA margin 58bps y/y to 18.6 percent. Thus, due to the good operational performance, PAT swelled 56.6 percent y/y to Rs 120 crore. Its capex of ~Rs 1,700 crore in the next three years, strong operating performance of all divisions, focus on R&D and strong relationships with clients would shift growth to a higher trajectory in future. We maintain our Buy rating, with a target price of Rs 1,600 a share. The author is Vice President - Equity Advisory, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on Moneycontrol are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. The Nifty50 is expected to open with a gap on the higher side on Thursday following positive trend seen in other Asian markets. The index closed 43 points higher at 10,728 on Wednesday. Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a robust opening for the broader index in India, a rise of 100 points or 0.94 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 10,815-level on the Singaporean Exchange. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell boosted US stock markets on Wednesday when he said the policy rate is now just below estimates of a level that neither brakes nor boosts a healthy economy, comments that many took as signalling the Feds three-year tightening cycle is drawing to a close, said a Reuters report. Asian stocks rose on Thursday tracking a Wall Street rally as dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell boosted investor sentiment towards riskier assets, it said. The rupee strengthened by 17 paise to close at 70.62 against the US currency on November 28 as global crude oil prices slipped below the $60 per barrel mark amid a smart recovery in domestic equity markets. Stocks in news: Tata Consultancy Services on November 28 bought BridgePoint Group LLC, a US management consulting firm catering to the financial services industry, and specializing in retirement services. Yes Bank which fell by 11% on Wednesday clarified that it has no business dealings with the two Rana Kapoor-promoted investment firms that have come under regulatory and investor lens. Piramal Enterprises on Wednesday said it plans to raise up to Rs500 crore through issue of secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) on private placement basis. Technical Recommendations: We spoke to Bonanza Portfolio and heres what they have to recommend: Mphasis: Buy| CMP: Rs.955.50 | Target Rs 1044| Stop Loss: Rs.914| Return 9% HDFC Bank: Sell| CMP: Rs 2089.25 | Target: Rs 1980 | Stop Loss: Rs.2141| Return 5.20% Zee Entertainment Ltd: Buy| CMP: Rs. 477.45| Target: Rs 521| Stop Loss: Rs.458| Return 9% Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts 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. Ashwini Agarwal of Ashmore is not surprised by the rally seen in the global markets because it was on expected lines. In an interaction with CNBC-TV18 on November 29, Agarwal, co-founder and partner at Ashmore Investment Management India, said, "Weakness in the US dollar has historically meant strength for emerging markets." Talking about the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's dovish comments, he said, "Powell statements give us the sense that looking ahead US Fed is worried about the direction of economic data and therefore they have softened their stance a bit. However, one will have to wait and see what they do with rates in December and their guidance for 2019." "The consensus belief so far was a December hike by Fed and then four more hikes next year. However, a lot of the US Fed decision will be data dependent and dependent on other events like US-China meet at G20, OPEC meet etc," said Agarwal. When asked if the money movement from exporters into domestic plays would continue going forward, he said, "The theme of domestic consumer, industrial lenders would likely continue for the next 6-9 months. Overall, the market is still skittish on NBFC/property/couple of private banks being exposed to risk areas, which is impacting sentiment in the market in the short-term." On the earnings front, Agarwal said that they were reasonably optimistic on earnings and expect around 15-17 percent earnings growth going ahead. "However, the risk to this outlook is availability of credit," he said. Source: CNBC-TV18 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today: TCS: Company acquired the business of BridgePoint Group, LLC, a US management consulting firm catering to the financial services industry, and specialising in retirement services, through the purchase of select company assets. Sical Logistics: The company has been awarded with a Letter of Acceptance by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited for extraction of coal / coal measure strata and allied transportation activities at Hingula OCP, Hingula Area for a contract price of Rs 363.38 crore for extraction of 16.20 million Cu.M over a period of 3 years. Mercator Sold old vessel M. T. Vedika Prem for a consideration of Rs 28.54 crore Cosmo Films: The company, in April 2017, had announced setting up of new production line for Specialized Polyester (BOPET) Film at Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The line has been ordered but due to adverse market conditions, the company has decided to postpone the delivery & commissioning by 8-10 quarters. This has no impact on current operations of the company. Jet Airways - clarified that on news of Jet Airways shares surge on report of Naresh Goyal's exit is speculative in nature IDBI Bank: Bank confirmed that Competition Commission of India granted approval to LIC to acquire the bank. Bharat Financial Inclusion: Company assigned a pool of receivables of an aggregate value of Rs 827.76 crore to one of the largest private sector banks on a direct assignment basis. This is the third direct assignment transaction in FY19. With this transaction, the company has completed direct assignment transactions worth Rs 2,181.75 crore in FY19. Mahanagar Gas approved appointment of GAILs Chairman and Managing Director, Bhuwan Chandra Tripathi as the Chairman and Additional Director of the company with effect from Nov 29 Gammon India Q4FY18: Loss at Rs 165.24 crore versus loss of Rs 1,412.11 crore; revenue rises to Rs 144.30 crore versus Rs 71.28 crore YoY. Jindal Stainless: India Ratings & Research assigned long-term issuer rating of BBB (Outlook: Stable). Nestle India board will consider declaration of third interim dividend for the year 2018, if any, on December 5, 2018 Mercator: The company as a part of its strategic plan has sold its old vessel M T Vedika Prem, built 1993, for a total consideration of Rs 28.54 crore and the proceeds of which would be used to meet its debt obligations/ liabilities. Mawana Sugars: Board approved the proposal of availment of the soft loan of Rs 146 crore granted by Uttar Pradesh Co-operative Bank to clear the outstanding dues of the farmers for the crushing season 2017-18 to its units Mawana Sugars Works and Nanglamal Sugar Complex as required by the state government of Uttar Pradesh. Jindal Leasefin: Rachit Singhal, Managing Director has resigned from the services of the company and Surender Kumar Jindal has been appointed as Managing Director in his place w.e.f. November 28, 2018 for a period of 5 years. Allahabad Bank revised MCLR by 10 bps effective from 01.12.2018 Vanta Bioscience: Board approved the allotment of 5,84,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 75 each on preferential basis. Indoco Remedies commissioned a new state-of-the-art API manufacturing facility at Patalgan a on November 27, 2018 IKF Technologies: Arun Kumar Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company has resigned from his duties due to some unavoidable circumstances. Jindal Stainless - India Ratings & Research assigned Long-Term issuer rating of IND BBB (Outlook: stable) Bulk Deals Fortis Healthcare: UBS Principal Capital Asia Limited bought 1,52,00,000 shares of the company at Rs 146 per share on the NSE while York Asian Strategic Metric Master LP sold 1,27,00,000 shares at Rs 146 per share. GSS Infotech: Sarvottam Securities Private Limited sold 1,00,000 shares at Rs 123.75 per share on the NSE. Powerful Technologies: Finshore Management Services sold 1,32,000 shares of the company at Rs 22.09 per share on the NSE. Shankara Building Products: Amansa Holdings Private Limited purchased 1,23,628 shares of the company at Rs 676.24 per share on the NSE. (For more bulk deals, click here) Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings Mahindra & Mahindra: Company's official will be meeting JP Morgan Asset Management on November 30, meeting several funds/investors in Nomura Investor Conference via video conference on December 3, Stewart Investors on December 3 and Highclere International Investors on December 4. Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers: Company's officials will be meeting IFB Automotive Pvt.Ltd on November 29. Tata Chemicals: Company's officials will be meeting Reliance Mutual Funon November 29; and Securities lnvestment Manaqement Pvt Ltd and Tata AIG General lnsurance on November 30. Ramco Cements: Investors' meet is scheduled on December 5 at Mumbai. Nestle India: Board will consider declaration of third interim dividend for the year 2018, if any, on December 5. Manappuram Finance: Company's officials will be meeting Edelweiss Wealth, ICICI Securities, CDC and IIFL Wealth on November 30. Pidilite Industries: Company's officials will be meeting TT International Ltd on November 30, Universities Superannuation Scheme on December 3, and Generation Investment Management LLP on December 10. Hinduja Global Solutions: Company is organising Analyst & Investor Meet in Mumbai on December 6. : Company's official will be meeting Sundaram Mutual Fund on November 29. Private life insurer Max Life Insurance and US-based New York Life have launched a co-branded knowledge and leadership programme to boost the productivity of its agents in India. As a part of this partnership, Max Life is collaborating with former executives of New York Life to share insights and best practices to help the former drive efficiency in agency distribution. The team comprises of three recently retired agency business officers of New York Life. New York Life had a long association with Max Group, first as the founder of joint venture partner in Max Life from 2000 to 2012 and recently, as a strategic investor in Max Ventures. Global best practices will also be shared by this team. The company said that this collaboration will help strengthen its agency channel. This is also a part of the company's overall strategy to significantly enhance the share of business via its proprietary business channels. "Max Life's strategy is focused on an accelerated build-up of its proprietary channel. By FY21, we expect proprietary channels to contribute to around 40 percent of our sales," Prashant Tripathy, Senior Director and Chief Financial Officer (Designate Managing Director and CEO) said. Max Life has also announced a separate agreement with New York Life for the latter to provide certain offshore support services to its former executives. The life insurer, which has 289 office units across the country, is expected to expand its agent office footprint to 350 offices by the next financial year. . To further strengthen its agency distribution channel, Max Life plans to hire over 1 lakh agents over the next three years. As part of the knowledge partnership, ex-New York Life executives will provide insights on smart recruitment strategies, agent/office productivity enhancements, improvement in agent advisor management among others. Further, they also aim to help Max Life drive leadership development -- Office Heads, Regional Managers and Zonal Vice Presidents -- in order to groom and retain the best-in-class talent and support the expansion of the business. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More A favourable domestic demand-supply situation aided performance of hotel companies in a seasonally weak Q2 FY19. The quarter gone by saw better occupancies. With limited rooms entering the system and sustained uptick in demand, room rates improved, enabling an uptick in revenue per available room (RevPARs) across companies. We expect the momentum to continue and strong growth to follow, leading to a healthier growth in Q3, given H2 is seasonally the stronger half for the leisure industry. Lemon Tree Hotels The company posted a steady performance, led by a 9 percent year-on-year (YoY) improvement in room rates and 230 basis points (100 bps = 1 percentage points) uptick in occupancies along with a 3 percent uptick in the number of rooms. Controlled power and fuel costs and rental expenses helped improve operating margin, which saw a250 bps uptick. Higher other income contributed to the improved net profit. The company is now strategically moving away from large corporates, where price hikes remain limited, and focusing more on the retail segment and mid-corporates, where there is a more dynamic pricing. The company has a healthy pipeline of new rooms in major cities, which would support growth rates and occupancies in the coming term. Royal Orchid Hotels The company reported a healthy 9 percent uptick in revenue, with an improvement in both occupancies and average room rate (ARRs). With a noticeable uptick in margin (160 bps), it managed to record a 20 percent growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). Lower other income and higher other expenses led to a 3 percent contraction in net profit. Losses at the subsidiary level have started to trim. With reduced debt, it reported reduced interest cost. It plans to add around 15 more properties in FY19, which would lead to an additional 600 rooms in the portfolio and would provide a boost to topline in coming quarters. East India Hotels After opening of the prime Oberoi Hotels & Resorts property in Delhi in January, EIH (formerly East India Hotels) has seen a steady growth in revenue and profitability. With traction in operations, the quarter gone by saw a strong 22 percent growth in topline. Boost in occupancies and room rates across properties, coupled with cost optimisation, enabled 670 bps uptick in margin. Proceeds from the sale of investments in associate companies led to the abnormal boost in net profit. The company has a strong pipeline of rooms, which will help drive growth in the longer run. The debt-to-equity ratio at 0.2 times is lower than its peers. With an interest cover of 9.8 times, the company has a cushion for raising funds for development of new upcoming properties. The sector had suffered in the past on account of low occupancies and suppressed room rates due to strong supply. However, the overall demand-supply situation is improving, with slowdown in supply and a rapid uptick in demand leading to improvement in rates. With a concomitant increase in occupancy, we expect revenue and profits to improve in the coming year. Most industry players are benefitting from this upcycle. Owing to higher disposable incomes, deeper technology penetration, and awareness and reach, there has been a flight of customers from unbranded to branded segments globally. This is leading to improved demand for branded hotels and providing pricing power to companies. Companies are now strategically concentrating on expanding the retail and mid-corporate segment, where there is more pricing power. This would help to improve margin, given the upcycle phase in the industry. Royal Orchid Hotels is a relatively smaller hotel chain, but is better placed than peers on the valuation front. The hotel chain is growing rapidly and the stock has corrected substantially from its 52-week high. Lemon Tree Hotels and EIH are both quality stocks, but at their current price it seems a tad expensive. We would like to see a better entry point in these, although they should be kept on the radar as the tourism sector as a whole is positioned for growth. Follow @Ruchiagrawal Air India (Commons) Realising that Air India cannot be sold with its pile of debt, the government has decided to sell the company in parts. This is a wise step given the circumstances and the feedback that there may be buyers for various subsidiaries but not for the consolidated company. One cannot blame buyers as a look at Air Indias various subsidiaries can scare anyone. The company, apart from having its own airline services, has two other subsidiaries offering the same services, albeit in niche segments. Other subsidiaries comprise an engineering services unit, a company in ground handling and another that operates hotels. The government is now planning to sell the unrelated subsidiaries one at a time. First on the block is the ground handling unit which would be carved out into a separate entity for which a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be incorporated. The 100 percent shareholding in Air India Air Transport Services Ltd (AIATS) will be transferred to this SPV. The government says that it intends to sell the subsidiary and use the proceeds to retire the debt of the parent company. An important question worth asking is will the sale have a meaningful impact on the debt of Air India? The short answer is no. While the revenue of Air India as a consolidated entity is Rs 25,771 crore for the year ending March 2017 (the last available audited numbers) that of AIATS is only Rs 624.50 crore. Thus, AIATS accounts for only 2.4 percent of the overall revenues of the consolidated entity. The good news is that AIATS has posted a profit of Rs 33.40 crore compared to a colossal loss of Rs 6,288.50 crore in the parent company. Apart from the numbers, what makes AIATS an attractive buy is that the company is in an unique position in the service industry, a reason why the unit has 4-5 unsolicited buyers already. After inception in February 2013, the company has been in profit since 2014-15 and has no debt. The company provides ground handling services at 68 airports to Air India and its subsidiary companies. It also provides ground handling to 33 foreign scheduled airlines, 3 domestic scheduled airlines, 4 regional airlines, 12 seasonal charter airlines and 23 foreign airlines availing perishable cargo handling. The company handled 96,526 flights for Air India and its subsidiaries and 33,501 flights of scheduled and non-scheduled customer airlines in 2016-17. The company has a bright future given the increasing number of airports getting commissioned and government policy mandating three ground handling agencies at every airport. With an increasing number of airports now offering international flights, the future of AIATS is bright as earnings from international flights are higher. The overall scenario for ground handling facilities going forward and AIATS presence in most airports given its relationship with Air India can get a good valuation for the company. However, the difference in the size of Air India and AIATS would mean that the selloff would not have a meaningful impact on the debt of the parent. For that matter, all other subsidiaries are also small (see table). Some of these subsidiaries might be lucky to find a buyer in their current state. Take the case of Hotel Corporation of India (HCI) and Air India Engineering services (AIESL). Both companies have employee expenses which are higher than revenues. While AIESL offers high-end critical engineering services, its cost structure will be a dampener for any buyer. Thus, while the governments move of selling the subsidiaries is a good start, it will not have too much impact in bringing down debt. More importantly, the government will have to cut down the time gap between selling the subsidiaries and selling the parent company. Any delay in doing so would result in Air Indias debt coming back to its original level given the rate at which it is bleeding. It would all come to nothing if the government fails to find a buyer fast enough. Low oil prices offers the best time to get rid of the elephant in the room. Yes Bank's outgoing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Rana Kapoor wants to be the bank's non-executive chairman after his term concludes in January, according to a report by Mint. Kapoor and his rival promoter Madhu Kapur are negotiating terms of consent to settle their long-drawn legal battle. A draft document of the terms, which was reviewed by the news daily, says that if Kapoor's appointment to Yes Bank's board is approved by its shareholders and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), he will either become the non-executive chairman, or the MD and CEO, or a non-executive director. The bank's current rules do not allow a whole-time director to be reappointed for at least two years from the date of him/her stepping down. So in accordance with them, Kapoor will have to wait till 2021 to become MD and CEO again. The bank is set to recommend names for Kapoor's successor to the RBI in its board meeting on December 13. It will also consider appointments of independent directors at the meeting. Sources close to Madhu Kapur confirmed to the paper that the terms have not been finalised yet. Yes Bank's stock has taken a beating in recent times, with Moody's downgrading its foreign currency issuer rating because of corporate governance issues and leadership change. Kapoor has confirmed in the draft agreement that the nominee director he appoints to the board will be a non-independent non-executive director at all times, except if his appointment as either MD and CEO or non-executive chairman or non-executive director is approved by the central bank. According to the draft terms, if Kapoor becomes the chairman, he will be on the bank's board as a non-independent executive director. These terms will allow both promoters to jointly recommend the name for chairman and MD and CEO of Yes Bank. "The successors, legal representatives and assigns of Ashok Kapur confirm that subject to approval from RBI and shareholders of Yes Bank, they will consent and approve the appointment of Rana Kapoor either as non-executive chairman or MD and CEO of Yes Bank, and such consent shall be deemed to be given by them at all times," the document read. The legal battle between Kapoor and Kapur started in 2008 after Yes Bank co-founder Ashok Kapur was killed in the Mumbai terror attack. Kapur and her family have asked the bank to bear their legal expenses as they are its co-promoters, sources told the paper. "This is one of the demands which is also a part of ongoing negotiations between the two promoters, but is not mentioned in the consent agreement," one source was quoted as saying. After the terms of consent are agreed upon, the Bombay High Court will promulgate the agreement, along with relevant terms from the existing articles of association signed by the promoters in 2005. Homebuyers have alleged that state departments handling real estate matters are trying to dilute the enforcement of the Real Estate Regulatory Act designed to be a lifesaver for home buyers and reached out to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs to ensure that no changes in the RERA be entertained for at least three years after all states have implemented it in letter and spirit. There is rampant corruption in the administration of departments handling real estate in states. As a consequence they, abetted by builders, are still trying to dilute the enforcement of RERA which is designed to be a life saver for home buyers," the Federation of Apartments Owners Associations chairman Gen (Retd) S K Bahri, also a Central Advisory Council Member, RERA, MoHUA, has said in a letter to the economic adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Union Minister Hardeep Puri and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Homebuyers have recommended that no changes in the RERA Act be entertained for three years after all the states have notified their rules, appointed RERA administrators and tribunals which are in consonance with the letter and spirit of the Act as this will make developers and state administrators desist from diluting RERA," the letter says. The have also suggested that the model rules include penalties for officers of state administration who cause delay at any stage, prior to sanction or post completion of a project. Timelines should be set at each stage as this is the main cause of breeding corruption, the letter says. At a workshop held in the Capital recently on the implementation of the Act, RERA chiefs from north Indian states had urged the ministry of housing and urban affairs to take advantage of the provision to rectify the difficulties and amend the law before May 2019. Chairman of Madhya Pradesh RERA Anthony de Sa had said at the workshop that homebuyers be barred from approaching consumer forums that focus only on refund and compensation. The Central Act (Chapter 10, provision 91) states that If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order, published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to be necessary for removing the difficulty: Provided that no order shall be made under this section after the expiry of two years from the date of the commencement of this Act. Removal of difficulties provision in RERA is only for rectifying small apparent mistakes or errors that may be brought to notice within two years of the Act coming into force and cannot be used for amendment of the Act for which the only option available before the government is to approach Parliament, says Abhay Upadhyay, president Forum For Peoples Collective Efforts and member Central Advisory Council, RERA, MoHUA. The workshop should have been used to hear the experiences of homebuyers as they are the ones at the receiving end of builders atrocities and RERA was necessitated to protect them rather than provide a platform for regulators to opine in favour of builders, alleges Upadhyay. At the same workshop held on November 15, union housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri had made it clear that the government would not amend any provision of the legislation at any cost and that states resorting to such practices would have to "fall in line, otherwise the consequences would be very harsh". "Provisions of RERA will not be tweaked at any cost. States that have tweaked their rules, they have to fall in line, otherwise the consequences would be very harsh, he had said at the third regional workshop on RERA - A New Era of Transparency and Accountability in Real Estate, Two Years of Implementation and Way Ahead held in the Capital. Asked about several home buyers not being delivered their houses by developers on time, the Union minister had said, "We will not hesitate from naming and shaming (of those developers not delivering flats on time)." Puri had said that so far 33,750 projects and 26,018 agents have been registered pan India under RERA. Maharashtra has the highest number of projects and agents registration. In Maharashtra, a total 18,392 projects and 17,188 agents have been registered, he said. During the discussions at the workshop, Secretary MoHUA Durga Shanker Mishra, said that the biggest challenge that remains is that of registration of real estate projects. "What worries me is that while the country wide registration of projects is almost 34,000, in NCR less than 4000 have registered and if you take out UP, the number is insignificant. Why are people not coming forward to register their projects, this needs to be addressed," he said. Real estate developers who attended the workshop said that the focus should be on completing the projects. They said that developers do not resist RERA but they are "nervous about refunds". They also said that the approving authorities should be brought under the ambit of RERA. West Bengal is the only state in the country that has not accepted RERA. The Central Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) came into effect on May 1, 2017, exactly a year after it was passed by the Parliament. In Karnataka, it is not illegal to buy or sell property that is not registered with RERA authority. The state government has banned sub-registrar offices from registering flats or plots, both new and ongoing projects that do not have a RERA registration number. In Maharashtra, the MahaRERA has of late asked real estate developers to submit quality assurance certificates issued by engineers on the MahaRERA website starting next month. MahaRERA has also asked citizens to inform them and complain against unregistered projects on its website. Vandana.ramnani@nw18.com Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata was the fourth chairman of the Tata group, and was known for steering it through the trying times and the dizzying possibilities that came with Indias independence. Taking to the helm of the group in 1938 at the age of 34, employees across all statures remember JRD as a strong, but gentle leader who brought out the best in people not by force or fear, but through affection. Accounts say that he was the personification of humility, a quality that future Tata leaders emulated in various forms. No success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people and is achieved by fair and honest means. Read on to know more about what was guided JRD, or Jeh to those near and dear, to take the Tata goodwill to new heights till the end of the 20th century. The beginnings JRD was the second child of Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata. His mother Suzanne 'Sooni' Briere, was of French descent. JRD spent his formative years growing up and studying in France, and was able to speak in fluent French. He spent one year in the French army as a mandatory requirement of the time before moving to Mumbai to learn the ropes of the family business in Bombay. Live life a little dangerously. It is this quote which could explain JRDs fascination with flight. The appeal of the adventure, the thrill in seeking new horizons prompted him to be first pilot in India to be granted a licence. It was in this passion in which he saw a diamond in the rough. With two Puss Moth aircraft carrying mail from Karachi to Chennai in phases, JRD began Tata Air Mail in 1932, soon to become the predecessor to Air India. If you want excellence, you must aim at perfection. It has its drawbacks, but being finicky is essential. Contrary to the public air carriers image today, Air India defined the standards of a world class airline then. Being JRDs brainchild and a project close to its heart, he kept a keen eye to ensure all the details were in place. Nothing would be too trifle a concern for JRD. He would even wash a smudged glass, or sweep a dirty cabin floor of a plane, leaving the crew red-faced with embarrassment. It was this dogged attention to detail that would have likely been instilled in Air Indias crew that earned its name across international airways. "Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without deep thought and hard work" In the five decades of his role as chairman, JRD turned the Tata group from a cluster of 14 companies, to a conglomerate of 95 enterprises valued in the billions of dollars. Chief among them being Tata Motors and Tata Consultancy Services. With the belief that the Tata empire was not just a means towards profitability, but a driver towards developing the nation, he also set up some of Indias most respected institutions such as the Tata Institute for Social Sciences (TISS) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Awards Despite his humility, JRDs work did not go unnoticed. He was given the honorary title of Air Vice Marshal and several international awards such as The Tony Jannus Award in March 1979, and the Daniel Guggenheim Award in 1988. Before his death on in Geneva, Switzerland on 29 November 1993, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian honour. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this year has seen active fundraising in the startup space, where e-learning and online food ordering firms nabbed a majority of the big bags six and three respectively. Here is a look at the top 10 startup deals in India in terms of capital till September 2020, according to Venture Intelligence (Image: Moneycontrol) Moneycontrol News After having invested in the US-based companies Silicon Valley venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani is heading back to her roots and plans to invest in Indian entrepreneurs in order to catch up on the on going euphoria. The plan is to put on table $5 million and request the Indian government to match the amount which can then be invested across startups in the area of big data and artificial intelligence. "I have just made a proposal to the government. They have so much money right now that they must start matching funds with private people like me," Motwani told Moneycontrol on the sidelines of TIE Global entrepreneurship Summit. Motwani who is the wife of late Standford Professor Rajeev Motwani, an angel investor who mentored Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google Inc in 1998, at Stanford University also said that she would try to get Brin come to India and co-invest with her. "I am going to get him (Sergey Brin) here at least in the next one year or so. He has to be here because this is where the explosion of new technologies is happening and where Google and Stanford can help," she said. She did not share the number of startups she would be investing in but said it will depend on the stage at which the investment happens. She plans to count on the existing entrepreneurs in the ecosystem and would be keen to invest in the second or third startups founded by them and also to get in touch with the right entrepreneurs. "They have gone through the pain of building a startup. They know exactly how to spot the the right people. They know how to create a founding team. That is the model we take in the Bay Area. In fact most of the investments that I have in Palo Alto are happening in repeat entrepreneurs," she said. Motwani is also setting up a think tank in India along with a few Stanford faculties to promote artificial intelligence. Under the first project they will ensure that the Indian faculty get to spend an year in Stanford and understand the global ecosystem. It will be called Motwani Institute of Thought Leadership in Innovation (MITLI) and will enable curated annual exchange between scholars at Stanford University in computer science, political science, material science, international security, and education, and their counterparts in South Asia. She will also recruit MITLI India (regional) board, potentially teaming up with Indian universities, NGOs, think tanks, and government. MITLI will be designed to more systematically address the challenges of startups through our unique entrepreneurship empowerment programmes," she said. Born and raised in India, Motwani went to America as a graduate student in the 1980s. She did her doctoral studies in urban planning, civil engineering and political science from University of California, Berkeley and Stanford. She now lives in Palo Alto, California. She was the founder of Dot Edu Ventures along with her late husband. Later, she launched the annual Rajeev Circle Fellowship, with the objective of developing a corridor of entrepreneurship, collaboration and community between Silicon Valley and South Asia. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of oil marketing companies including BPCL, HPCL and IOC are trading 1-3 percent higher on Thursday after Brent crude oil prices dropped in the global market. Currently, Brent crude prices are trading around USD 58.97 per barrel. On Wednesday the prices slipped by about 2.5 percent after US crude inventories rose for the 10th straight week to the highest in a year, adding to worries about a worldwide supply glut. Research house Macquarie has maintained buy on BPCL, HPCL and IOC with a target of Rs 392, Rs 300 and Rs 176 respectively. Macquarie believes that there is a further upside in the stocks and with lower oil, margin is likely to normalise sooner. The policy risks expected to dissipate. The FY19-21 earnings estimates raised by 1-10%, while valuations look attractive, it added. At 09:32 hrs Indian Oil Corporation was quoting at Rs 135.60, up 1.19 percent, Bharat Petroleum Corporation was quoting at Rs 326.50, up 1.57 percent and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation was quoting at Rs 241.85, up 1.51 percent on the BSE. Disclaimer: The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. #Newsmaker: ACA CEO Mathe Okaba Following Mathe Okaba's appointment as CEO of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) a few months back, we thought we'd find out how she's getting on in her new position... Mathe Okaba How do you feel about being appointed CEO of the ACA? How do you feel about being appointed CEO of the ACA? I am not a believer of a new broom sweeps cleaner because when things work, let them be and enhance them. A visible and increased awareness of the ACA among all stakeholders, from industry-level through to the marketing fraternity. An operational Sector Council with the help of government. Establishing transformation goals that are achievable by our industry. Retention of talent for our industry. To highlight advertising and communication as an option to high school learners on the cusp of making career choices, and to their parents, who are to use an industry buzzword influencers. What do you love most about your career and advertising in particular? What do you love most about your career and advertising in particular? When I look back one day on what Ive achieved, I would love to see an industry that has grown, that is inclusive and supportive to new players in the market. Youre currently studying towards your MBA at the University of Roehampton (UoR) in the UK. Tell us about this experience, what you got out of it and how you believe this has equipped you for this new role. Youre currently studying towards your MBA at the University of Roehampton (UoR) in the UK. Tell us about this experience, what you got out of it and how you believe this has equipped you for this new role. Tell us a bit about your experience in the industry in general; any highlights youre particularly proud of? Tell us a bit about your experience in the industry in general; any highlights youre particularly proud of? What are you most looking forward to? What are you most looking forward to? Whats at the top of your to-do list? Whats at the top of your to-do list? What are you currently reading/watching/listening to for work? What are you currently reading/watching/listening to for work? Tell us something about yourself not generally known? Tell us something about yourself not generally known? Jessica Tennant's articles About Jessica Tennant Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. moc.ytinummoczib@swengnitekram I was really excited to come back into the industry after so many years, especially in a role that can impact change on a large scale.A great job was done by my predecessor (Odette van der Haar) but there is an overall expectation of what's next for the ACA. Ill be in a better position to answer that after my 100 days.That said, I have very specific goals that I will be working toward as I embark on my journey to create an even better and stronger representative body for the South African advertising profession, namely:I love the freedom to explore, test and make mistakes. The energy of young people is also electrifying. In my role, I am involved in all aspects of advertising and ensuring the growth and sustainability of the industry is challenging but immensely rewarding.Advertising informs and guides consumers on their path to purchase. It drives social action. It has the ability to shift and create culture. It delivers creative brilliance based on strategic insight, which ultimately delivers on the bottom line of clients. Whats there not to love?My UoR experience is through distance learning. My masters aptly prepared me for this role since the course material is reflective of what is required in my job. However, I dont believe that is the only element that has prepared and equipped me. My experience within the industry and the commitment to my work are also key factors in ensuring that I deliver as a CEO and on the mandate of the ACA.I started my career in the ad industry in 1995 as a trainee strategist for Grey but I found a new passion while working there and chose to become a media planner/buyer. I moved on to HerdBuoys McCann Erickson as media group head and then onto McCann Erickson NY on the Jean Kummel Scholarship. This is probably one of my proudest achievements. It provided me with the opportunity to gain valuable global strategy learnings. I then had a stint at Starcom as a media strategist.I left the ad industry to explore opportunities on the client side, with a 10-year stint at the SABC where my team and I created Expresso on SABC 3. This is another highlight if I look back at my achievements. After that, I spent some time in the financial services industry.The experience garnered across both the agency and client side has helped ensure I have a full understanding of the needs of both.I look forward to completely immersing myself into the industry, delivering on the ACAs mandate and achieving the goals set at this time. Beyond that, extending and focusing on my understanding and knowledge of the importance of the ACA in order to provide greater value to the industry, and of course, ensuring increased inclusivity and growing the ACAs membership.My number one priority is member engagement to ensure we are future fit to retain our relevance to the industry.Im currently watchingand, both for personal pleasure and professional development reasons. Im a huge Ted fan with my favourite thus far beingby Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Right now, Im watchingby strong women leaders insightful, powerful, but most of all inspirational to the max.I have a love and fear for the sea. I have my scuba license and I have dived a few times but yet again, I am afraid of the sea because of its power, force and magnitude, but I have respect for its beauty. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Joindre Capital Services' research report on Cummins India Cummins India Limited, 51% subsidiary of US based Cummins Inc limited, is Indias leading manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engines. One of the eight legal entities of the Cummins Group in India, Cummins India Limited comprises of three business units - Engine, Power Systems, and Distribution. CIL is a market leader in the all key product categories in India with exports (including exporting to Cummins group of companies globally) being a major part of Cummins India limited revenues, CIL has its plants located at Kothrud, PDC at Phaltan, Power Generation Exports plant (at Phaltan SEZ). Outlook Hence we believe that the CIL stock should be purchased at the current price for a price target of around Rs 990 over the next 12 to 18 months. For all recommendations 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 Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE) on Thursday said it has inked an agreement with Japan's ISEKI & Co to manufacture compact tractors in India. ISEKI & Co is the third largest Japanese agricultural machinery manufacturer for tractors, planting and harvesting machinery and engines. "Under this agreement, ISEKI will offer product technology to TAFE for manufacturing these products for the Indian market," the company said. It further said the scope of the agreement will also cover sourcing of components/assemblies through TAFE, which will also sell ISEKI's premium light utility compact tractors in the 35-54 hp range in India. The tractors will be manufactured in TAFE's Madurai plant and are expected to roll out by 2020, it added. These multi-utility light weight tractors are suitable for puddling operations, orchard and plantations land preparation, tilling, inter-cultivation and spraying applications, among others, the company said. Commenting on the agreement, TAFE Chairman and CEO Mallika Srinivasan said, it brings together ISEKI's global experience in light utility compact tractor segment and TAFE's strong position in the Indian market, along with its strong manufacturing capability and robust supply chain. Pharma The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) may amend the drugs and cosmetic rules to add a provision that allows regulation of brand names by the central licensing authority, reports Mint. If this is implemented, pharmaceutical companies will not be able to use the same trade names for different drugs, hence minimising confusion among customers. Trade names of drugs are not controlled by the trademarks office, or the licencing authority under current rules. Health officials believe that many medicines, being sold under the same name in India, put patients' safety at risk. On November 13, the Health Ministry held a meeting to discuss this issue, saying the absence of an authority leads to sale of drugs with different ingredients under the same trade names. "Since it is not mandatory to register brand names, there are two classes of trade names in India: registered and unregistered. A huge majority of brand names are unregistered. This allows manufacturers to use such brands without violating any law. However, registered brand names cannot be used for the same class," Chandra M Gulhati, Editor of Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS), told the paper. "For example, if Crocin is registered as paracetamol, i.e. a drug, then it cannot be used for any drug. But Crocin can still be used for bicycle or shoes," he added. Gulati has written on this issue way back in 2004. "A prescription was written for Lona, a brand name for anti-epilepsy drug clonazepam. The patient was sold Lona, exactly as prescribed, but it contained low sodium salt marketed by another company." Having a national law on brand naming of drugs will help eliminate this problem, he added. Experts are calling this a long overdue step. Sunil Attavar, President of Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers' Association (KDPMA), said this will prevent duplication and potential grave risk to patients. "We welcome the proposal to submit the official trademark search report when applying for a licence," he said, adding that a bigger challenge is getting all existing brands online, many of which are being marketed without registration. Without achieving this, the whole process would be useless as an official report could approve a name when an unregistered brand is in the market with the same name. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More UDAN, the government's regional connectivity scheme, may have led to the development of new airports and the introduction of flights to hitherto unconnected destinations. But three out of the four airlines that were hoping to make the most of the new scheme, are close to shutting down. The fourth one, TruJet, has managed to fly an average of 50,000 passengers a month. While Zoom Air has not flown a passenger since July, Air Deccan and Air Odisha have managed 3,000 and 1,000 passengers, respectively, in these four months. The numbers are published by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). On November 23, Airports Authority of India cancelled licenses of Air Odisha on two routes, Chhattisgarh and Chennai; and one route - Maharashtra - of Air Deccan. "Poor performance" has been the reason for these cancellations. Introduced in 2017, UDAN aims at making air travel affordable, and connecting India's smaller towns and cities. As part of it, many new airports, and those that were lying idle are being developed. And to make airlines operate flights in these destinations and make up for any losses, the government provides a viability gap funding. But even as the smaller airlines struggle, their bigger peers like SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India (through its unit Alliance Air) have gradually scaled up their network in destinations covered by the UDAN scheme. SpiceJet operates 25 daily UDAN flights, connecting destinations like Porbandar, Kandla, Pakyong and Kanpur. Earlier this month, IndiGo launched its sixth route, Allahabad-Bengaluru, under the regional connectivity scheme. Industry experts had warned against small airlines operating flights on these routes. "Regional routes can be sustainable if operated on a large scale. If you dont have economies of scale, it is very tough to do this business," said an executive from the industry. "Your costs are different in running a five-aircraft operation, vis-a-vis a 50-aircraft operation, the smaller the plane, the more expensive it is on a per-seat basis. The cost of the pilot, crew everything remains the same," added the executive. While Zoom Air is based out of Delhi and has a fleet of five aircraft, Air Deccan operates out of Mumbai. Air Odisha is based in Bhubaneshwar. TruJet operates out of Hyderabad. Most of these airlines had bagged numerous routes, with Air Deccan and Air Odisha getting nearly 90 routes between them in the first phase of the scheme. But with these airlines now struggling to operate even a single flight, the future of UDAN is in question. Moneycontrol News A jury in California has rejected claims by former Tata Consultancy Services staffers that the IT services firm discriminated against non-Americans, Bloomberg reported. A federal jury in Oakland, California, on Wednesday sided with TCS against four former employees, in a case that was among the first to go to trial in the US, the report said. HCL Technologies, Infosys and Wipro also face similar claims of being biased towards South Asian employees. We have always maintained, the claims made in this case were baseless and we are gratified that the jury agreed. The success of TCS rests on the talents, expertise and deep industry knowledge of our employees, who help our customers in their growth and transformation journeys. So the decisions we make about the hiring and retention of employees are based purely on their capabilities and fit in serving our customers' business needs, a TCS spokesperson said on Thursday. Bloomberg reported that at the trial, TCS cited statistical evidence that the odds of claims made by the defendants were one in a billion. They said that since 2011, the company fired 12.6 percent of its non-South Asian workers in the US, compared with less than 1 percent of its South Asian employees, Bloomberg said. US President Donald Trumps protectionist policies have led to increased scrutiny of technology professionals as the country tries to curb overall immigration. The US has been trying to tweak the H-1B work visa programme since the past couple of years and has increased scrutiny for Indian IT employees who were a big beneficiary of the work visa programme. However, most large IT services firms have been trying to reduce their dependence on these visas, and have upped hiring in the US. Skilled American workers are critical to the success of the US business and to the nations economic success, and we will continue to invest heavily in the countrys workforce, academic alliances and our extensive youth STEM education initiatives, TCS added in the statement. Arvind Subramanian Former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, in his new book Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, attempts to explain why demonetisation was seen as a political success soon after its implementation. Excerpts have been reproduced with permission from Penguin Books India. At the time (early 2017), the election in Uttar PradeshIndias most populous state and the worlds eighth-largest country-that-isntwas widely seen as a verdict on demonetization, arguably the salient policy action of the government, personally and forcefully articulated by the prime minister. The demonetization experiment speaks to the more pervasive and fascinating global phenomenon of Whats the Matter with Kansas?, the title of a famous book by American historian Thomas Frank. This book explores the apparent paradox of citizens voting against their economic self-interest. For example, why do poor white males vote for the Republican Party and President Trump when the policy agenda either has no benefits to them (tax cuts for the rich) or is positively harmful (undermining Obamacare and welfare benefits more broadly)? That same question seemed relevant after the resounding victory of the NDA government in the UP election. This particular piece is an attempt to understand that result as a disinterested observer armed only with publicly known facts. It is not an explanation of the motives of demonetization, simply a post facto analysis of one apparently fascinating political outcome associated with it. How could demonetization that is supposed to have adversely affected so many Indiansthe scores of millions dependent on the cash economybe so resoundingly supported by the policys very (and numerous) victims? I offer the controversial hypothesis that imposing large costs on a wide cross-section of people (and the fact that the Rs 500 and not just the Rs 1000 note was demonetized increased the scope and scale of demonetizations impact), unexpected and unintentional though it may have been, could actually have been indispensable to achieve political success. The canonical political economy model of trade explains the persistence of protectionism in terms of an imbalance between the gainers and losers. Protectionwhich raises domestic priceshelps a few domestic producers a lot while diffusing the harm among many consumers, each of whom loses only a little. Producers, therefore, have both an incentive and ability to lobby for protection, while individual consumers have little incentive to lobby against it. The demonetization case has been very different: hardship was imposed on many and possibly to a great extent, and yet they appear to have been its greatest cheerleaders. One answer to the demonetization puzzle has been that the poor were willing to overlook their own hardship, knowing that the rich and their ill-begotten wealth were experiencing even greater hardship: I lost a goat but they lost their cows. In this view, the costs to the poor were unavoidable collateral damage that had to be incurred for attaining a larger goal. This is not entirely convincing. After all, the collateral damage was in fact avoidable. Anti-elite populism, or rich bashing, as the Economist put it, could have taken the form of other punitive actionstaxation, appropriation, raidstargeted just at the corrupt rich. Why entangle the innocent masses and impoverish them in the bargain? As I wrote in the Economic Survey of 201617, if subsidies are a highly inefficient way of transferring resources to the poor, demonetization seemed a highly inefficient way of taking resources away from the rich. Understanding the political economy of demonetization may require us, therefore, to confront one overlooked possibilitythat adversely impacting the many, far from being a bug, could perhaps have been a feature of the policy action. Not necessarily by design or in real time, but in retrospect it appears that impacting the many adversely may have been intrinsic to the success of the policy. Consider why. First, the breadth of impact could have been a credibility signalling device. The American economist Thomas Schelling famously argued that to convince the public or opponents of the credibility of ones actions, costs must be incurred. It cannot be done cheaply. Hernan Cortes, the first conquistador, is said to have destroyed all his ships after landing in Mexico to motivate his fellow soldiers to fight boldly because there was no possibility of return. By imposing near-universal costs, demonetization could similarly have been a device to signal regime change against black money in particular, and the corrupt rich, more broadly. If a regime could incur such enormous costs, it could surely follow up through similar actions against corruption. Indeed, to demonstrate that the measure was bold and hence more likely to be effective, the felt costs may have had to be high. Second, the breadth and depth of impact could have served as another signalling purpose. In order to be credible, the masses must somehow be led to believe that the corrupt had been hurt. With demonetization, this may not have been easy to do, at least in the short-run. How better to convince the masses that the corrupt rich were being hit hard than to hit hard the masses themselves? If it hurts me so much, it must hurt the rich immeasurably more could have been the thought process of the typical victim. Third, the near universality of impact created a sense of solidarity. Sparing some groups would have undermined this spirit and raised questions about the good faith and legitimacy of the policymakers, who could have been seen as favouring some while hurting others. If only a few had been adversely affected in the demonetization process, they would have mobilized and from trade theory we know that their incentives to do so would have been great. Moreover, if only a few had been affected, suspicion would have arisen about those who were spared: did they have connections? Were they possibly even in on the decision? Did they contribute as quid pro quo for being spared? By impacting the many, these difficult decisions were avoided. In the light of the zeitgeist of stigmatized capitalism, such questions would invariably have been raised and would have been politically awkward. Fourth, and a related point, is cultural. One legacy of Mahatma Gandhi was to inculcate a spirit of sacrifice as a necessary condition for achieving a larger, loftier objective. Especially if there is a shared recognition that eliminating black money is not an easy task because it has been around for seventy years, the need for sacrificeand shared sacrificecould only be enhanced. Representative Image Four men who had forced a Congress worker to rub his nose on the ground after his vehicle splashed mud on them were made to apologise after villagers intervened in the matter in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district. The Former Zila Pramukh Bhagwati Lal Roat was going to attend a rally of Congress state president Sachin Pilot on November 27 when his vehicle in Jhosawa village of the district splashed mud on few men. The angry men chased the car and stopped him at the bus stand. Roat was purportedly forced to rub his nose on the ground and apologise to the youngsters. On November 28, seniors members of the Patidar community called the four men and Roat to Bhaimai village in the district where the men were asked to apologise to the Congress worker in the same manner. "They misbehaved with Roat following which senior members of their own community made them apologise to him Wednesday," Dinesh Kumar, the president of Dungarpur district Congress told PTI on November 29. Indian PM Narendra Modi (left) and Pakistani PM Imran Khan (right) Making peace overtures, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as he conceded that it was not in Islamabad's interest to allow use of its territory for terror activities outside the country. Khan was apparently referring to India's stance that terrorism and talks cannot go together and Pakistan must take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and support to cross border terrorism from territories under its control. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside," Khan said during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Indian Prime Minister Modi and talk to him. "The mindset of people here has changed," Khan said. When asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue, the Pakistan Prime Minister said, "nothing is impossible." "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. "We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi," Khan said. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed, who is carrying a USD 10 million US bounty, said, "there are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on him." V K-singh-V-K-Singh India on Wednesday said that for sustainable peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan it is important that the world community continues to support the Afghan government and its defence forces to combat terror and ensure that "verifiable actions" are taken to end safe havens and sanctuaries outside the war-torn country. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said here that India supports all efforts for a political settlement in Afghanistan which are inclusive, promote unity, security, democracy and build a self-reliant and prosperous country. He emphasised on the Afghan side having a greater responsibility in running and managing its own affairs. "For sustainable peace, prosperity and stability it is equally important that the international community continue to support the Afghan government, the people and the National Defence Forces of Afghanistan to combat terror and violence imposed on them and ensure that verifiable actions are taken to end safe havens and sanctuaries outside Afghanistan," Singh said in a veiled attack on Pakistan. He was participating in the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in Geneva to evaluate and strategise on developmental policy achievements during the "transformation decade" (2015-24) for the war-torn country. India, he said, has been engaged in a development partnership with Afghanistan and this was based on the objectives of building capacities for governance, training human resources, creating infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and promoting trade and investment. A robust bilateral development cooperation dialogue is in place to ensure that these are in consonance with National Peace and Development Framework and National Priority Programmes of Afghanistan, he added. Condemning the "mindless terrorist violence" against the Afghan population, Singh said the people of Afghanistan yearn for peace, security and stability. "India supports all efforts for a political settlement in Afghanistan which are inclusive, promotes unity, peace, security, democracy and builds a self-reliant and prosperous Afghanistan. It is important that all such efforts for peace and reconciliation should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled," he said. "The international community needs to continue to support the Afghan people and the government in their efforts so that there can be enduring peace, stability and end of terrorist violence," he said. Singh also reaffirmed India's commitment to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. He also reiterated India's development assistance commitment of over $3 billion to Afghanistan in keeping with Kabul's priorities under its National Peace and Development Framework. On the margins of the Geneva conference, Singh separately called on Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. He also held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of Norway and Hungary. India also participated in the side meeting on the 'Role of Regional Partners of Afghanistan' on Tuesday. Singh, on Tuesday, had participated in the high-level closed door dinner on 'Peace in Afghanistan' jointly organised by the Afghan government and the UN. "The MoS stated that for enduring peace and stability, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries need to be eliminated and there is an imperative need for any political settlement to be free of external influence," an MEA statement said. A restricted breakfast meeting on Peace in Afghanistan was also jointly organised by the Afghan government and the UN on Wednesday. In the breakfast meeting, Singh conveyed India's support to efforts of the Afghan government in the peace and reconciliation process and the need for firm action by the international community against those who breed, support, sustain and sponsor terror and violence, the statement added. At the conclusion of the conference, the Geneva Communique entitled 'Securing Afghanistan's Future: Peace, Self-Reliance and Connectivity' along with the Geneva Mutual Accountability Framework document on deliverables was also adopted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as he embarks on a 4-day visit to Jordan, Palestine, UAE and Oman from New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 29 said India hopes for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, Modi said, "I wish to convey India's strong support for the Palestinian cause and to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to establish a sovereign, independent and united State of Palestine co-existing peaceful with the State of Israel. He said as the Day is marked, we hope for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Modi underscored that historical ties between India and Palestine have further strengthened in recent years, adding that his visit to Ramallah in February this year was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine. "The visit was an assertion of India's strong commitment for the development of Palestine." India has announced an increase in the annual scholarships for Palestinian students, six new projects including construction of a specialty hospital and an increase in its annual contribution to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). "Our financial and technical assistance is an expression of our strong resolve to strengthen Palestinian institutions," Modi said. In his message on November 28, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side-by-side as sovereign nations is still "the only option" for lasting peace, and containing the situation is not sufficient." Guterres said more than 40 years ago, the General Assembly established an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people to remind "us of our collective, unfinished task of resolving the question of Palestine. Over the decades, this has become one of the most intractable challenges for the international community, and we know only too well the tragic results." He called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders "to restore faith in the promise" of the UN General Assembly resolution of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state. This, he said, was "the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people." India increased its annual financial contribution five-fold to the agency's core budget, from USD 1 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018. India is also committed to contribute USD 5 million dollars in 2019. As part of its ongoing assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts focused on institutions, services and training personnel, India provides 150 places for Palestinian professionals every year in its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. #StartupStory sponsored by #StartupStory: Double Apex Media Sudhir "Banzai" Matai, founder and managing editor of Double Apex, previous associate editor at Car Magazine, tells us how his online store for motoring-themed T-shirts turned into an automotive media portal. Following his retrenchment last year, coupled with his passion for anything four-wheeled, he decided to use his knowledge and 15 years of experience in the field to pursue his own endeavour. Since launching earlier this year, the site has accumulated more than 65,000 views and 33,000 unique users to date. Matai tells us more about the journey so far and how he plans to grow both sides of the business, in building a holistic brand How did this come about? How did this come about? Following his retrenchment last year, coupled with his passion for anything four-wheeled, he decided to use his knowledge and 15 years of experience in the field to pursue his own endeavour. Since launching earlier this year, the site has accumulated more than 65,000 views and 33,000 unique users to date.Matai tells us more about the journey so far and how he plans to grow both sides of the business, in building a holistic brand What are your core differentiators? What are your core differentiators? What barriers have you had to overcome in launching Double Apex? What barriers have you had to overcome in launching Double Apex? What are some of your short- and long-term goals for the business? What are some of your short- and long-term goals for the business? What has been your most notable learning so far? What has been your most notable learning so far? From the media side, we have learnt that people are very friendly when you can offer them something. But that friendliness soon disappears if you cant. Proudest achievements to date? Proudest achievements to date? What does the future of online publishing look like to you? What does the future of online publishing look like to you? I think well see more movement of qualified, seasoned journos into the online space. The fly-by-nighters and chancers will fall by the wayside as proper journalism takes root on the web. There is so much info out there at the moment, not all of it correct or relevant, so we still need reliable, well-researched stories from people who know what they are talking about and who can convey messages clearly. Next steps? What are your focus areas for 2019? Next steps? What are your focus areas for 2019? Jessica Tennant's articles About Jessica Tennant Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. moc.ytinummoczib@swengnitekram The clothing label actually pre-dates the website. I used to see all these really cool, sometimes funny, motoring-themed T-shirts for sale online in the UK and USA. The problem was, to get them landed here in SA cost more than it was worth, so I decided to do it myself. I used my knowledge of the field to create unique designs aimed at petrolheads. Initially we were using social media to market the clothing, but when we launched the website the marriage of the two felt natural.Id say that the core differentiators are the fact that no one else is producing these items locally, certainly not with the slant we give our products. We see ourselves as a brand petrolheads can relate to and express their passion through. Non-car enthusiasts dont understand the passion that consumes petrolheads, but our designs speak right to their very nature. We pride ourselves on being customer-centric and select only quality items and suppliers to work with. If we produce something, it must be something we would be proud to wear.On the clothing side, its quite interesting. People are still hesitant to shop online. South Africans still want to touch and feel items they are buying, which is not a bad thing.On the media portal side, it has taken some time and effort convincing the motor manufacturers that we are worthy of attending events and obtaining test vehicles to review. With each passing week, our audience numbers grow and companies are recognising the value that specialised online portals offer their brands.For one, I would like to see the site grow in terms of traffic. Building a loyal audience whom you can engage with is what the online space is about. Considering we only started a few months ago, I think were doing okay. Ill know Double Apex is doing well when advertisers start to contact us instead of the other way around. In the longer term, itll be great to get to the point where Double Apex grows from being a small startup to being able to employ a few people journalists, photographers, videographers... Id really like to do more video content, but I wont compromise on the quality of the output. Good video costs and were not at the point to invest in such niceties yet.On the apparel side of things, the short-term plan is to increase brand awareness nationally. We have a good product but we just dont have enough exposure. Whenever new people see the products, they love it and order two to three items at a time. But it seems as though were still seen as a Cape-based brand. Id much rather be considered a South African label. There are plenty of petrolheads in other parts of SA who we want to connect with.On the clothing side, there is one motto we live by: dont compromise quality. It was a challenge to find quality products and suppliers and, as a startup, suppliers in the clothing industry dont take you seriously, but we have found suppliers who match our ethos and requirements. We are building an aspirational brand, one that we want our customers to be as proud of wearing as we are of producing. We have a growing loyal customer base that has bought a T-shirt each time we have released a new design, so we must be doing something right.We have also learned that the online space requires loads of work, more so than most people realise. You really have to stay on top of the news cycles and trends to be relevant.The idea to start my own motoring clothing label had been lingering in my mind for some time, but there was always something else to focus on. In 2015, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I commissioned a few designs and started to investigate printing options. When I received the first batch of shirts from the printer, I was so excited! It was a really big moment. And right then, I knew that we had a winner on our hands.At first, sales comprised mainly of my local car-guy network but when people we didnt know started ordering our products, it was a real indication of what we had hoped to achieve. Whenever we see car enthusiasts, guys and girls, walking around racetracks in SA sporting Double Apex, I feel an immense sense of pride. We are connecting petrolheads through our unique and often quirky designs and slogans, building a community of people who can now share their passion with other like-minded people.For the media site, we were very happy the day we received our first invite to a new vehicle launch. That happened only a few weeks after we started the site. It showed that people had taken note of Double Apex, and realised its value in the automotive space and its future potential.Thats a tricky one. For years, we kept hearing that print was dead, but local titles were still doing well. I think that the slide for printed titles took a little longer to affect the SA market than it did abroad. Weve seen the worst of it in the local context over the last two years or so, with a decline in sales of major titles, costing many people (such as me) their jobs.2018 was all about establishing the portal. In 2019 we plan to grow both sides of the business, building a holistic brand. Were currently in discussions with a well-known local digital agency to represent us in terms of advertising. Right now were still a startup, but I want the company to grow into an independent, successful business.We have launched a new collection of T-shirts for the summer season and we have a few more lined up for early next year. Were also investigating the option of selling via a large international marketplace, which could really open up the world for us.For more, go to DoubleApex.co.za Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the Kartarpur corridor could be a "new beginning" of reconciliation between India and Pakistan and called for facilitation of bilateral trade and people to people contact to make borders "irrelevant". The planned corridor will connect Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev's final resting place in Pakistan's Kartarpur to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district in India, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. "Kartarpur can be a new beginning of reconciliation between the two neighbours. We cannot change our borders but let us make them irrelevant by facilitating trade & encouraging people to people contact. This will usher in peace & progress for both India & Pakistan," Mufti said in a tweet. The groundbreaking ceremony for the corridor was held in Kartarpur on Wednesday. The foundation stone for the initiative was laid in Gurdaspur on Monday by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Mufti criticised media reports claiming that the initiative could facilitate the Khalistan agenda -- the demand for a separate Sikh homeland -- in India. "It is quite amusing how some TV channels are trying to distort a gesture like Kartarpur into some kind of conspiracy to create Khalistan. One fails to understand why allowing people pilgrimage to Guru Nanak Dev ji's birth place would assume such undertones," she said. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee addresses during Youth Trinamool Congress rally at Damurjala Stadium in Howrah district of West Bengal on Friday. PTI West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for bringing a change in the government at the Centre in the Lok Sabha polls and alleged that the BJP dispensation has caused hardships to the people of the country. Banerjee said her party will contest elections in states neighbouring West Bengal such as Jharkhand and Assam to protect the people from alleged attacks by the BJP. The TMC supremo, who is organising a mega rally of opposition parties at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on January 19, urged the people to change the government in Delhi in the general elections. "We gave the slogan for defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha poll. You should also raise the slogan 'badal do' (change it)", Banerjee said. She claimed that the Modi government has failed to solve the unemployment problem and the common people are not getting loan from banks. "The people are fed up with the Modi government. They are saying enough is enough", she said. Banerjee had stated on Wednesday that the TMC will play an "important" role in the next Lok Sabha elections. Several opposition parties have confirmed their participation in the mega rally in Kolkata, she had said. "Leaders such as Chandrababu Naidu, Hardik Patel, Tejaswi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, M K Stalin, Farooq Abdullah and Arvind Kejriwal have confirmed their participation at the rally," the chief minister had said. Accusing the saffron party of attempting to divide the nation on religious line, Banerjee urged the people not to fall prey to any provocation. "Our party (Trinamool Congress) will contest elections in the neighbouring states to protect people from saffron attacks," Banerjee said while addressing a public meeting here in the state's coal belt in West Burdwan district. She claimed that the BJP was bringing paid goons from neighbhouring Jharkhand to foment trouble in West Bengal districts, and Bengalis and Biharis are being driven away from Assam where the BJP is in power. "We will contest Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Jharkhand in the future. We will also contest in Assam and Odisha," Banerjee said in the meeting. Referring to the BJP's alleged attack on the adivasis in Jharkhand, she claimed that the tribal land was being grabbed there. "We sent our team there to fight for their cause. The fight will continue in the future," Banerjee said. "Bengalis and Biharis are also being driven away from Assam. We want good relations with our neighbouring states. We have decided to contest elections there. If an adivasi is persecuted there, we will fight for them," she said. Charging the BJP with trying to incite violence and divide the nation, Banerjee said her government will not allow this to happen. Banerjee blamed the BJP and the CPI(M) for instigating people against implementation of projects in the state. These two parties were also asking people not to cooperate with the administration for rehabilitating residents of the subsidence-prone areas in Asansol, Raniganj and Jamuria, the Trinamool leader claimed. Stating that the state-run Durgapur Projects Ltd (DPL) would be restructured, she said huge employment opportunity would be created through development of the world's second largest coal reserve at Deocha-Panchami near here. On agriculture, she said, "Bengal is the only state where khajna tax on agricultural land has been waived. We have done away with mutation fees on agricultural land." During the last five years, she said, her government has brought a total change in the district by introducing a new airport, several hospitals, university and colleges. India Economy India has stressed the need for broader cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to "fully disrupt" terror organisations and networks and take strong measures against those who provide sanctuary to terrorists. India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017 after an administrative process that began two years prior. Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tanmaya Lal said. "The fight against terrorism and drug trafficking can be an important area of broader cooperation between the United Nations and the SCO," he said said at the 2nd? High-Level Special Event on UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Cooperation. Lal said it is only through collective cooperation that the international community will be able to "fully disrupt the terror organisations and networks, identify and hold accountable, and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists." He said India looks forward to an increased cooperation and the signing of the MoU between the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and the UN's Office for Counter-Terrorism. "Strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, transit and energy linkages and deepening of cultural ties are some of the areas where cooperation between the UN and the SCO will contribute positively," he said. Lal noted that the current global landscape is one of multiple conflicts and terrorism that are impacting security across borders. "These and other challenges are straining the spirit of international cooperation. It is a time when multilateralism needs to be strengthened to ensure our collective peace and prosperity," he said. He emphasised that the UN with its universal membership and various important regional organisations such as the SCO represent common endeavours to address the world's common challenges. He added that the UN needs additional capabilities to deal with contemporary threats. "Given the specialised knowledge functional expertise and understanding of regional contexts, organizations like SCO will be able to enhance the work of the UN in strengthening peace, security and stability," he said. While the SCO is a comparatively young organisation, having been founded in 2001, Lal said it has been successful in contributing to managing the transition in the Central Asian region in the last two decades by enhancing the level of trust and security in the region. "The SCO has focused on the fight against terrorism, which continues to be a major threat to global peace and security," he said adding that the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent is a useful mechanism for coordinated action against terrorism and drugs. Lal underlined that India brings a range of capacities to the various SCO activities and remains committed to working with its partners both in the SCO and in the UN towards a better future for all. The Indian passport ranked at the 84th spot among the worlds most powerful passports list, which is a drop by 2 places as it ranked 82nd in 2019. The country is tagged along with Mauritania and Tajikistan providing visa-free access to 58 destinations. (Image: Reuters) The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh government on November 29 that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public. "There is nothing secret about it," a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said. The Delhi School of Planning and Architecture told the court that it is in the process of preparing a vision document for the protection and the preservation of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra town and will complete it in a few days. It said the document would be submitted to the state government. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the first draft of the Heritage Plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, will be finalised within eight weeks. hardeep singh puri Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri questioned the use of the Kartarpur corridor if Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism against India. Puri, who represented the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor, said while Kartarpur was a "corridor of hope and goodwill" it cannot be insulated from the ground reality. The corridor links Darbar Sahib in Pakistan - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur. "The fact of the matter is that the ground reality is characterised by one state using terror as an instrument of policy against a neighbouring state," he said here on the sidelines of the Cement Manufacturers Association of India's annual convention here. Puri, the Union minister of state of Housing and Urban Affairs (independent charge), also said,"Now what use of the corridor would be, if these kind of acts of terrorism or elements which are committed to creating trouble (continue)." Reiterating the government's stand on dialogue with Pakistan, he said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has already gone "on record that terror and talks do not make a good companion". "So you cannot have talks when the other side (Pakistan) has terror," Puri said. He also cautioned against the blind euphoria over the corridor, saying that "all I have to say is, let us build on this and its goodwill on both sides". "If you can see reduction or curtailment of terror, which is unleashed on us all the time, yes (then) it could become a corridor of hope," Puri said. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur. The UAE odownplayed India's concerns about rising fuel prices and possible oil shortage after the six-month US relief to stop import of Iranian oil by New Delhi ends, saying the emirate and Saudi Arabia have stood very strongly with India to cover the deficit in the past. Amid protest against a proposed refinery in Maharashtra involving India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Gulf nation's envoy to India Ahmed Albanna said the state government will allocate land in coming weeks. In a media briefing this week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise the issue of volatility in global oil prices at the G20 Summit in Argentina. Responding to a question on whether there will be a demand-supply mismatch, especially after the six-months relief given by the US to cut down oil imports from Iran ends, the envoy said fuel prices are determined by demand by different markets globally. India is one of the seven countries that have been given a waiver by the US to keep buying Iranian oil. "Even if that had not taken place, if you go back to history, in previous times, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have always stood very strongly and supplied and covered any shortage of oil or fuel concerns of India. So, I dont think there is any major concern on that," he said. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the major oil suppliers to India. Earlier this month, India was given a six-month relief by the US to bring Iranian oil imports to zero under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), aimed at hitting the Russian, Iranian and North Korean entities hard. In June this year, the world's biggest oil producers, Saudi Arabian oil company Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc), the state-run oil firm of the UAE, and India came together to jointly develop the refinery and petrochemicals complexes coming up at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. Fearing that the land in the area would lose fertility and threat to Alphonso mangoes, locals are opposing the project. The Shiv Sena, a BJP ally at the Centre and in the state, too has opposed it. "The state of Maharashtra is in a stage of allocating land. The land will be allocated in coming two weeks or months," the UAE envoy said. Responding to a question on extradition of Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman wanted by Indian investigative agencies in the Rs 3,600-crore AugustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case, Albanna said the matter should be left to the judicial system in the UAE. This month, a Dubai court ordered Michel's extradition to India. The envoy said an agreement will soon be signed between the UAE and India for setting up a fast-track single window system for investments. He pitched for reviewing the air service agreement between India and the UAE. Former Madhya Pradesh chief Minister and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh: Gandhiwadi hain, saral hain, imaandar hain. Sabke paas jaati hain, gaon gaon jaati hain. Rajneetigyon ko thodi si baat me pata chal jaata hai ki kaun farzi hai, kaun sahi hai. Main purana jauhri hoon, ye 100 pratishat tunch maal hai." Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Thursday claimed his party will win more than 132 seats out of the total 230 in the state Assembly. A record 75 percent voters exercised their franchise in the state elections held Wednesday, an increase of around two percent against the last polls held in 2013. "We are going to win more than 132 seats and wrest power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state after 15 years," Singh told reporters here. "In the 2013 Assembly polls, there were around three percent bogus voters. This time around, we got the electoral list pruned before the elections," he said. The Congress workers have put their "body, heart and soul" to win this poll, the former chief minister of MP said. "In fact, this time the workers put in every effort to ensure the Congress wins the polls. This election was fought between the public and the government," he said. In the run up to the elections, Singh had toured almost the entire state in a bid to thaw differences within the Congress. Amit Shah BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country one by one. Addressing a public meeting ahead of the December 7 assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether infiltrators should be allowed to remain. The Bharatiya Janata Party president said the Congress cannot develop or secure the country. During the 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at Centre, there was no control on infiltration, he said at the meeting in Karauli district. "Vote for Vasundhara Raje in 2018 in Rajasthan and for Narendra Modi in 2019, Shah said. I assure you that BJP government will work to throw out each and every intruder from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Assam to Gujarat one by one," he added. He highlighted the surgical strike conducted by the Army in Pakistan-held territory across the Line of Control. He said the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan had implemented welfare schemes covering all sections of society. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to make the country proud across the globe. Congress is daydreaming about coming back to power, he said, asking the party to look at its performance in elections since the BJP came to power at the Centre. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RC133882A6F0 Harsh V Pant This year's G20 summit will commence in Argentina on Friday and there is too much at stake given the geopolitical and geo-economic turmoil the world is passing through. It was in 2009, against the backdrop of global financial crisis, that the G20 replaced G8 as the main platform of major economic powers for the coordination of policies pertaining to global financial stability. Since then the stature of this Group of Twenty has only grown, with global powers using it to signal their intent regarding the future direction of their policies as well nudging other stakeholders towards enhancing cooperation. Last year's summit in Hamburg, Germany, not only focused on global trade and financial market regulation but also on issues such as migration, health, future of work, the role of women in economic development, digitisation and terrorism. However, the global environment has evolved rapidly over the last year. Economic volatility engendered by growing trade tensions among major powers is making the future of global economy extremely uncertain. Disenchantment with economic globalisation continues to be at an all-time high with new political leadership in various countries challenging the fundamental consensus on which the growth of globalisation has so far been premised. China's economic situation continues to be tenuous and the European Union continues to struggle with Brexit and all its attendant consequences. In West Asia, regional powers are contesting bitterly to retain their influence. Tensions are once again on the rise between Russia and Ukraine, further vitiating an already embittered relationship between Russia and the West. As a consequence, the presence of so many key world leaders on a single platform will be keenly watched and can have some significant implications for the immediate future. United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting in an attempt to sort out their trade disputes on the sidelines of the meeting. The Trump administration continues to insist that it is ready to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports if no deal is reached. Washington is also taking a strong stand on the plight of the Uighurs and a bipartisan group of US lawmakers is asking for sanctions to be imposed on Beijing over its treatment of the minority group. According to various estimates, at least one million Uighurs have been imprisoned in enormous "re-education centres" in Xinjiang. China, for its part, has threatened retaliation if the US pursues the course of sanctions on this issue. America's economy grew faster than other advanced economies in the last quarter but its trade deficit has grown for the month of October, underlining the limited utility of tariffs as a policy tool to manage this problem. Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Xi too is trying to assuage some concerns by suggesting that China will "sharply widen" the door for foreign investors and will also "step up" the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). Beyond the US-China dynamic, America's allies are also seeking to get a sense of Trump's priorities on trade. With Trump threatening to put tariffs on car imports, the European Union (EU) and Japan would be hoping to persuade the US to not go down this route. While Trump's relationship with the French President, the German Chancellor and even the British Prime Minister is testy, he will have a new partner in the new Italian government led by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, which is ideologically similar to his own. As tensions have escalated between Moscow and Ukraine after Russia seized Ukrainian naval vessels in the Kerch Strait, Trump, who is supposed to meet the Russian President on the sidelines of the G20, has threatened that he might cancel his bilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin. Many in the EU are viewing the Ukraine crisis as the biggest security challenge to Europe. In this context, it remains to be seen if the transatlantic alliance can stand in unison against Putin and arrive at a consensus on sanctions against Russia. India will also be engaged in a trilateral meeting with Trump and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the G20. The three Indo-Pacific powers will continue the process of sustained engagement as they firm up their relationship so as to shape a stable balance of power in the region. The challenges facing the global polity and economy are huge and it is unlikely that the Buenos Aires G20 summit will be able to come up with all the solutions. It will, however, be an important platform to underscore the commitment of major powers for global economic stability. In these turbulent times, such signalling, if it is coherent, will be achievement enough. (Harsh V Pant is director, Studies at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi and professor of international relations, Kings College London. Views expressed are personal) Mahboobnagar: Telangana Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao during a Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) public meeting, in Mahboobnagar, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_21_2018_000196B) Telangana, India's youngest state, is going to polls on December 7. The upcoming assembly elections will be the first ever, after the state was carved out of Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014. Previous elections were held in then undivided Andhra Pradesh in April-May 2014, in which the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) emerged as the largest party by winning 63 out of 119 seats. The Congress was limited to 21 seats and the Telugu Desam party (TDP) with its then alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), won 20 seats (15 TDP and five BJP), while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured seven and others eight. TRS is trying to retain power in the state whereas the Congress is trying to regain its lost bastion. The BJP is also in the ballot battle to make its presence felt. But who will win the polls? As per political analysts, TRS commands a lead, but the opposition alliance under Prajakutami banner is fast closing that gap. TRS still have an edge, but the main Opposition the Congress-led alliance is catching up fast, political analyst K Nageshwar said in talks with Moneycontrol. He shared several conditions that might go against the pink party in this battle of ballot: Discontentment KCR and his party, TRS, were confident of the 'there is no alternative' or the TINA factor, and were widely believed to be able to retain Telangana when they dissolved the assembly in September. However, a lot has changed on the ground in the last three months. The surprise emergence of an alliance between Congress, TDP, TJS and CPI under 'Prajakutami' banner was able to tap the simmering discontent against the TRS government, among youth and tenant farmers. If it makes an impact on the voting behavior of the people of Telangana, winning the election would not be a cakewalk for the TRS. Welfare schemes TRS is conducting a massive poll campaign across the state. Its leaders and candidates are promoting welfare schemes introduced by the state government. However, these schemes might also be a drawback for the party. According to Nageshwar, beneficiaries of the schemes may perhaps be inclined towards TRS but non-beneficiaries are very critical of the government. Even the beneficiaries can turn up against the government given the fact that these schemes increase expectations, which beats the satisfaction level of beneficiaries. In such cases, if other parties announce better schemes, even the existing beneficiaries can be wooed and may vote in favour of any party other than the TRS, he said. Anti-incumbency Many TRS MLAs are drawing flak in their respective constituencies for not being accessible and performing below expectation. Asked the reason behind it, Nageshwar said the MLAs are weak as power has been concentrated in the hands of KCR and his family members. According to him, KCR could not build a robust organization in the state. He (KCR) believed that the sentiments made him win in 2014 and he thinks that his own popularity will make him win this time. So, the candidates are weak. If the party wins the polls, it will be KCRs personal charisma, but how long will it remain? he quips. Even KCR's son and state minister KT Rama Rao agreed that there was anti-incumbency sentiment against some leaders of the party. He, however, believed that it will not affect the party's prospects in assembly polls as it will be "eclipsed" by the image of his father. "People realise that this is the election where KCR (as the chief minister is popularly known as) gets elected as chief minister. For that to happen, they have to vote for MLAs. Whatever anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction that could be against incumbent MLAs, that will be eclipsed by KCR," Rao told PTI. The Environ Skin Care success story is far from over. The almost 30-year-old homegrown brand has just notched up its latest achievement by being named the Top Medical Skin Care Company in the 2018 Aesthetic Everything Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards, a global competition run from the USA which is voted on by consumers. Environ CEO and chairman Valerie Carstens with Dr Des Fernandes, Environ Skin Care founder and scientific director. Firstly, congrats on your recent Aesthetic Everything Awards win. What does this recognition mean to you and Environ? As one of the first brands to introduce vitamin A as a core ingredient in formulations, can you explain why this nutrient is so powerful for our skin? Share with us your journey from plastic surgeon to product innovator. How has the skincare space and consumers expectations of products evolved over the past 30 years? What would you say has been the secret to Environs success? This latest win gets added to Environ's long list accolades recognising the transformative abilities of its vitamin A-based skin care solutions.Environ Skin Care founder and scientific director Dr Des Fernandes has pioneered many world-firsts, including the Vitamin Step-Up System, Cool Peel Technology and collagen induction therapy. He also took the company's skin care knowledge into the technology field with the launch of the patented Ionzyme DF Machine the worlds first low frequency sonophoresis and iontophoresis facial treatment.Since launching in 1990, Dr Des and Environ CEO and chairman Valerie Carstens have grown the Cape Town-based brand steadily, with 140 products present in more than 70 countries today. With vitamin A as the cornerstone ingredient in the company's skin care philosophy, Environ remains a trusted brand among skin care therapists, dermatologists and consumers the world over.Here, Dr Des reflects on his journey of innovation.We are honoured to be named the Top Medical Skin Care Company by the Aesthetic Everything Awards as it acknowledges our track record of more than thirty years using science to change skin and transform lives. It also recognises our mission to use science to future-proof skins across the globe and the efficacy of our products, which help create the appearance of more youthful, healthy-looking and beautiful skin.I first started using vitamin A in skin care in the 1980s. By using it in high enough doses, I started seeing incredible results skin became more radiant and visibly improved. I began to realise that vitamin A is the 'oxygen' that skin needs to look beautiful and healthy for life.It occurs naturally in the body but due to exposure to the sun, pollution and free radicals, our natural reserves become depleted. It is therefore an essential skin nutrient that has to be replenished every day for skin to appear healthier and more resilient.I studied medicine and graduated with an MB.B.Ch at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. I obtained my surgical education and training (specialising in Cardiology), F.R.C.S. (Edin) from the College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 1973.After training in various hospitals in the UK I returned to Cape Town to work as a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and joining Professor Christiaan Barnard in the world famous heart transplant unit of Groote Schuur Hospital where I became part of the worlds first heart transplant team. I was also responsible for the illustrations of the 'Piggy-Back' or 'Double' heart transplant.In 1975 I returned to my passion, plastic surgery, and eventually became the consultant in charge of the Cleft Lip and Palate Division at the Red Cross Childrens hospital for 21 years. As a result of my expertise, I was made the fellow of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Show University in Tokyo.In 1979 I commenced a private practice in the field of reconstructive and plastic surgery. I wrote numerous papers and chapters for medical publications on various Plastic Surgery procedures, I have also written and lectured around the world on skin health and skin rejuvenation.My research into vitamin A led to the creation of Environ in 1990. I was determined to create a skin care range that would maintain healthy skin, especially as the incidence of sun-related skin disorders was growing worldwide. I pioneered the use of vitamin A in high enough doses to help counteract the harmful effects of the environment, pollution and stress to create radiant, visibly improved skin in the 1980s.We introduced the world to the first vitamin A skin care system in 1990 the Environ Vitamin Step-Up-System, following in 1992 with the worlds first chemical and physical sunscreen with antioxidants.I also developed the worlds first safe and effective Cool Peel Technology system in 1994 and went onto pioneer skin needling or collagen induction therapy in 1996. Ionzyme, Environs premium Vitamin Step-Up-System Range, launched in 1997 and was the worlds first made-to-order vitamin A skin care regime. There have been many award-winning innovations since then, most exciting is whats happening in the world of Environ today with intelligent new formulations and technology.Never has the pressure been greater on the consumer to look his or her best at all times. This is due to the advent of social media: As the snap, upload and share fascination increases, so too does the pressure on the consumer to look flawless. This trend is playing out in the following ways: Consumers are increasingly becoming more knowledgeable about skin care ingredients, and are seeking brands that are constantly at the forefront of innovation. Smart technology in skin care is becoming a mega trend. However, this has by and large been accessible to those who visit professional skincare centres. Consumers are now demanding more convenience, so we are seeing an increased demand for at-home devices.We are responding to these trends with new launches addressing the skincare concerns of ageing, sensitivity and dehydration. The Focus Care Youth+, Comfort+ and Moisture+ Ranges as well as the revolutionary new DF Mobile Skincare Device have been game changers in the professional skin care space this year. The DF Mobile is great for consumers who want to maximise the results that they get from their products and professional treatments at home.The convenient hand-held device targets frown lines on the forehead or between the eyebrows; smile lines and fine wrinkles around the eyes; upper lip lines, hyper-pigmented marks from sun damage; double chin and also minor scars.It is simple: We continue to push the boundaries of global professional skincare using science to create products that help transform peoples lives and make a beautiful, lasting difference to skin. December 07, 2018 / 08:41 PM IST / 08:41 PM IST Polling in Telangana has concluded. Meanwhile, the exit poll results for all five states are out. Who is likely to win the battle in Telangana? Find out here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at the crowd during an election rally in support of BJP candidates in Mahabubnagar. (Image: PTI) Farm loan waiver up to Rs two lakh, free laptops to degree students, regulation of liquor sale, free distribution of cows to one lakh people every year are some of the main promises in the BJP's manifesto for the December 7 Telangana Assembly polls. The manifesto, released on November 29 by state BJP president K Laxman, also promised a legislation to prevent "forcible religious conversions" made by offering money and other inducements. Steps would be take to send back Rohingyas and those who "illegally entered" from Bangladesh, it said. It also promised free distribution of quality seeds and free bore or well or a pumpset to every farmer. Alongside free laptops to degree students, the manifesto said girl students from seventh standard to 10th standard will get free cycles. Girl students of degree and above courses will get 'scooties' (two-wheelers) with 50 per cent subsidy. Also read | Congress unveils poll manifesto, promises judicial powers to Wakf Board if comes to power in Telangana It also promised free houses to all eligible poor by 2022. Financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month would be paid towards rent till the construction of such houses, it said. In addition to implementation of the NDA government's 'Ayushman Bharat' health scheme, the manifesto promised steps to set up generic medicine centres in every mandal (administrative unit). The unemployed youth will get unemployment dole of Rs 3,116 per month. For welfare of women, the manifesto promised provision of Rs one lakh and one 'tola' (about 12 grams) gold to poor women at the time of marriage under 'Sowbhagya Laxmi' scheme. The manifesto also promised subsidy to senior citizens for visiting Kailash Mansarovar, Kashi and Puri. Cows would be distributed free of cost every year at the time of festivals and other celebrations, the manifesto said. The party promised allocation of Rs 100 crore to a 'linguistic board' proposed to be set up for the welfare of speakers of Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Hindi speaking living in the state. It also assured doing away with the surcharge currently being collected (by state-run Road Transport Corporation) for bus travel during festivals. Asserting that BJP would not see liquor sales as a source of revenue, the party promised regulation of sale of liquor. Restrictions would be imposed on the timings for its sale. For law and order, surveillance cameras would be installed at vital places in large numbers across the state. The backward classes corporation would be allocated Rs 5,000 crore annually, the manifesto said. For the welfare of minorities, the manifesto promised effective implementation of central schemes, including 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Naya Manzil', 'Pado Pardesh' and 'Naya Roshni'. Sign of Ford is pictured at a car dealership in Mexico City US carmaker Ford, Britain's biggest automotive engine builder, warned that a no-deal Brexit would be a "catastrophe" and that the agreement between London and Brussels should be approved. "A no-deal Brexit would be a catastrophe," Ford Europe boss Steven Armstrong told a conference in London. "It's important that we get the agreement ratified that's on the table at the moment." German prosecutors raided several Deutsche Bank offices in the Frankfurt area on November 29 over suspicions of money laundering based on revelations from the 2016 "Panama Papers" data leak. The investigation centres on allegations that Germany's biggest lender helped clients set up off-shore companies in tax havens to "transfer money from criminal activities", the Frankfurt prosecutor's office said in a statement. Some 170 police officers and investigators from the Frankfurt prosecutors' office were searching six of the bank's premises in and around the city, it added. A Go-Jek driver rides a motorcycle on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, December 15, 2017. REUTERS/Beawiharta - RC14B409FEA0 Indonesia's Go-Jek launched a trial version of its ride-hailing taxi app in Singapore Thursday, ahead of a full entry planned early next year as it aims to take on market leader Grab. Go-Jek is in the middle of a $500 million expansion plan beyond its Indonesian base with a focus on Southeast Asia, and has recently introduced services in Vietnam and Thailand. It operates a fleet of motorcycle taxis, private cars and other services -- from massage and house cleaning to grocery shopping and food delivery -- available via smartphone, although the Singapore launch will only offer car taxis. "Today marks the journey for us to be in Singapore so we are super excited, super humbled," Go-Jek president Andre Soelistyo told reporters. The Singapore market has been dominated by homegrown tech firm Grab since it bought US-based rival Uber's ride hailing and food business in Southeast Asia earlier this year, ending a bruising competition. In return Uber received a 27.5 percent stake in Grab. Singapore's anti-monopoly watchdog fined both Grab and Uber for breaking competition rules during the merger. Soelistyo said Go-Jek's arrival would help to ensure "healthy competition". Go-Jek's beta app was due to be available for download from Thursday to a limited number of customers, and will only cover a designated part of the city-state. Beta versions are used to test and gain feedback from a restricted number of users before full service begins. Go-Jek has partnered with Singapore's biggest bank DBS, hoping to tap into the lender's customer base to drive market share, and offering benefits to its customers in return. Go-Jek has won financial backing from investors including Google, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek and Chinese internet giant Tencent. Southeast Asia's ride-hailing market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, according to research by Google and Temasek. Kartarpur: Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses during ground breaking ceremony for Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan's Kartarpur, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Khan attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the first visa-free border crossing with India, a corridor that will allow Sikh pilgrims to easily visit their shrines on each side of the border. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_28_2018_000253B) Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 29 said he was sure majority of the people in India would appreciate the steps taken by the two countries in building the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. The foundation stone of the much-awaited corridor was laid by Khan on November 28 at Kartarpur in Pakistan in a grand ceremony. "The India I know -- majority must be appreciating it (Kartarpur corridor)," Khan told reporters. The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev. The corridor is expected to be completed within six months. Thousands of Sikh devotees from India visit Pakistan every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India had proposed the corridor to Pakistan around 20 years back. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 29 arrived in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires to attend the 13th G-20 summit where he will discuss ways to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1. Modi will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, along with the prime ministers of Spain, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the president of the European Union and the European Council. A bilateral meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. "As in the past, I look forward to the opportunity to meet leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest," Modi had said in his departure statement. The prime minister will also speak on his flagship programmes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Mudra scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and soil health card at the G-20 Summit. Modi will make a pitch to countries who are not within the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. He will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering. Among the issues to be discussed will be the strengthening of the WTO. The meeting is being held amid the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Emerging economies, which played a major role in revitalising the growth in the global economy pursuant to the financial crisis are today facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges, Modi said. "I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good," he said. Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa smiles during a news conference after winning the local government election in Colombo, Sri Lanka February 12, 2018. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte - RC12B12677B0 Sri Lankan Parliament on November 29 overwhelmingly passed a motion to suspend the expenditure of the Prime Minister's Office, dealing a major blow to strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa who was appointed premier by President Maithripala Sirisena in a controversial move that plunged the country into a constitutional crisis. The motion was passed with 123 lawmakers voting in favour of the motion and none opposing it in the 225-member House as Rajapaksa's supporters boycotted the session. "Such a motion cannot be presented by the Opposition. It must be presented only by a government minister," SB Dissanayake, a member of Sirisena's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) party, said. Observers opine that the passing of the motion, stripping prime minister's secretary from spending money from the state account, was yet another indication that Rajapaksa lacked simple majority of 113 in the House to continue as the premier. The motion, which was approved, read, "Parliament resolves that from November 15, Secretary to the Prime Minister has no authority to approve any expenditure drawn from the funds of the Republic and any person taking any action in violation of this resolution will be dealt with according to the law." Lanka is witnessing a political crisis since October 26 when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremesinghe and replaced him with Rajapaksa. Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has officially conveyed that the House does not recognise Rajapaksa as the legal prime minister until he proved his majority in the House. The United National Front led by Wickeremesinghe has moved three motions of no trust against Rajapaksa. However, he refused to step down. The parliamentarians comprising members of the UNF, JVP and TNA filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the former president, challenging him to prove on what authority he is holding office as the prime minister after the Parliament voted twice to defeat him on November 14 and November 16. The November 16 session witnessed unprecedented violence as lawmakers threw furniture and chilli powder at each other. Jayasuriya had called the police into the House as lawmakers were seen breaking furniture to attack the police, while there were video images of some MPs carrying sharp objects and an MP was seen throwing chilli powder mixed with water at the policemen. The violence had left some lawmakers injured. The Speaker on November 29 announced he has appointed a committee to probe the violence in the Parliament. Unilever chief Paul Polman is "retiring" from the consumer giant, the firm said Thursday, a month after it was forced to ditch a controversial post-Brexit plan to move its headquarters from London to the Netherlands. The Anglo-Dutch group, maker of iconic brands like Marmite and Dove soap, will be headed from January by Alan Jope, the current chief of its huge beauty and personal care department. "Unilever today announced that CEO Paul Polman has decided to retire from the company," the company said in a statement, adding that he had been in the post for 10 years. Polman, 62, tweeted that he had decided to "step down from my role as CEO", adding: "It's been a great honour to lead this team for the past 10 years and together build a sustainable business that has made a difference to millions of lives." "I have no doubts that I will be leaving the company in excellent hands. Under Alan's leadership Unilever is well-placed to prosper long into the future." Neither Unilever nor Polman made any mention of the headquarters plan, but his position had been in doubt since it fell through on October 5. Unilever had faced mounting opposition from key shareholders, including Aviva Investors, Royal London, Columbia Threadneedle, Legal & General Investment Management, Lindsell Train, M&G Investments and Brewin Dolphin. Many were angry that the plan would have ended Unilever's dual listing on the London and Amsterdam stock exchanges, meaning that many would have had to sell shares in Britain. The group had originally unveiled the planned switch in March in a symbolic decision that was largely interpreted by analysts as a blow to post-Brexit Britain. It also followed a failed hostile bid by US rival Kraft Heinz last year, which analysts said played a key role in Unilever's decision as the Netherlands has stronger rules to protect companies against takeovers. Jope, who currently leads the firm's largest division, said it would be a "huge privilege to lead Unilever". Polman is due to retire as CEO on December 31 but will stay at the company for six months working on the transition with Jope, the firm said. The US has suspended USD 3 billion in security assistance to Pakistan this year after it failed to rein in terrorist groups, a figure which is much higher than the USD 1.3 billion quoted by the Trump administration earlier, according to sources. The USD 3 billion amount was calculated in the latest compilation of all figures coming from various funding streams from different fiscal years, PTI has learnt. Not been made public yet, the suspended figure of USD3 billion is much higher than the USD1.3 billion quoted by President Donald Trump this month and USD 1.66 billion reported by the Pentagon last week. The compilation of the figures coming from various wings of the US Government is understood to have been done after the recent Twitter spat between President Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The US president this month said that Pakistan did not "do a damn thing" for the US despite billions of dollars in American aid for the South Asian nation. Khan fired back, telling the president on Twitter that he "needs to be informed about historical facts." Khan said that the US aid to Pakistan was a "miniscule" USD 20 billion, while the country lost 75,000 people and more than USD 123 billion fighting the 'US War on Terror'. Over the past several years, senior US officials had been accusing Pakistan of playing a double game with the US and not taking satisfactory action against terrorist groups like Haqqani networks, the Taliban and Lashkar-a-Taiba. During the second term of the Obama administration, US lawmakers started bringing in legislations that imposed stringent conditions on Pakistan for certain security assistance. But Trump became the first US president to announce suspension of security aid to Pakistan. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump announced on January 1. Since then, senior administration officials assert no security aid has been given to Pakistan. Among this also includes the coalition support fund. Early this month, Trump charged Pakistan of harbouring Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda leader, and asserted that his country will not give any financial aid to Pakistan. Trump told White House reporters last week that he wants to have a better relationship with Pakistan, but would not revoke suspension of aid unless he sees changes in the approach of Pakistan towards terrorist organisations. Yemen's internationally recognised government has called for a block on the broadcast of a rebel television channel from the war-torn country, the state news agency reported on November 28. Information Minister Moammer al-Eryani said the Huthi-run Al-Masirah television was "generating poisonous sectarianism and inciting violence and hatred", Saba news agency reported. He added that Arab satellite operator Nilesat which is based in Cairo had stopped broadcasting the rebel outlet. The Huthi rebels condemned the calls, tweeting a link to a live stream of their Al-Masirah channel. "Satellite operators are succumbing to pressures by the Saudi-US coalition and blocking the broadcast of Al-Masirah on Nilesat," the rebel outlet tweeted. "We will work with all our energy to keep the voice of truth even if it costs us our lives." The Supreme Council for Media Regulation in Egypt told AFP it had not ordered the closure of any channels, but the outlet was not visible on Nilesat on November 28 evening. Nearly 10,000 people mostly civilians have been killed in the Yemen conflict since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened on the side of the Yemeni government to fight the Huthi rebels. In a damage-control exercise, which also helps reduce the magnitude of the IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services) crisis, the Gujarat government has decided to step in and buy the 50% stake that the beleaguered company held in its prestigious GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) project. Gujarat chief minister (CM) Vijay Rupani revealed this in a series of interviews in Mumbai, to promote Gujarat as a business destination. Ironically, this smart city project to develop an international financial centre was first offered to Maharashtra as a concept, by financial expert DC Anjaria; but the state failed to respond. Narendra Modi, as the CM of Gujarat, snapped up the idea and got it going. GIFT City is located 12km from Ahmedabad International Airport but has been making slow progress because of the mistakein hindsightof selecting IL&FS as an equal partner with the Gujarat Urban Development Company Limited (GUDCOL). The Rs70,000-crore project is a smart city with high-quality physical infrastructure and includes an international financial services centre (IFSC) structured as special economic zone and global financial hub. While the CM admitted to an in-principle decision to acquire the stake, it raises many issues. From the perspective of resolving the IL&FS mess, the big question is: What price will Gujarat pay for the 50% stake? That depends on several factors. If one were to go by the calculations of Mr Anjaria, who blew the whistle on the shocking gold-plating of this project, the Gujarat government could probably demand control of GIFT City without paying anything at all. Mr Anjaria reckons that IL&FS owes the government several thousand crores of rupees, even after IL&FSs entities pocketed multiple fees and charges, in what has been its signature modus operandi. Also, the entire project is built on land that belongs to the people of Gujarat. Moneylife was the first to expose how the whole project was virtually a gift to IL&FS, in a one-sided deal. Since the issue is now before the bankruptcy court, Gujarat may have to cough up more money to acquire IL&FSs stake. It will be a question of who else is interested (which is unlikely) and how it is pitched to the bankruptcy court and creditors of IL&FS. For instance, if Gujarat can show that it will salvage the project and make it viable again, most creditors will support the acquisition. The amount shelled out for acquiring the stake will be the cost of putting complicit bureaucrats in charge who did not protect the states interest. There has been a lot of action behind the scenes to make Gift City work. Last week, the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) permitted alternate investment funds (AIFs), such as private equity funds and venture funds, to operate out of Gift Citys IFSC. This will give it a boost; but new investors are unlikely to rush in, unless they see evidence of a genuine clean-up. Here is what the Gujarat government needs to do to make the GIFT City work: 1. It needs to start by separating infrastructure development (find a new partner to replace IL&FS) from IFSC. It should also take back control of some of the land rights and development rights that it has relinquished to IL&FS, before it finds a new partner. 2. If the IL&FS board could be sacked, one wonders what is stopping the Gujarat government from doing the same with the messed-up GIFT Citys as well as IFSCs boards and put in place a transparent and credible management. This is especially important in view of some serious allegations made by Mr Anjaria in a public interest litigation (PIL), after being removed as independent director and head of GIFT Citys audit committee for refusing to ratify questionable decisions of the board. 3. If the Gujarat government intends to attract global investment, it needs to address the issues raised by Mr Anjarias PIL and persuade him to withdraw it and re-start on a clean slate. 4. Mr Anjaria has asked for an investigation into the Gift Citys contracts by the Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO). While the Central government has addressed this by ordering a wide-ranging SFIO investigation into IL&FS, it has to demonstrate its seriousness by changing the Gift City management. The PIL has some serious charges, with evidence, against Dipesh Shah, chairman of IFSC, including falsification of minutes of meetings. Ajay Pandey, managing director of GIFT City, also remains in place in spite of the false and defamatory allegations made against Mr Anjaria in an advertorial in the Business Standard . (The newspaper later published a long rejoinder by Mr Anjaria). 5. GIFT City and IFSC need to be brought under the ambit of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Right to Information Act (RTI), since there is a substantial investment by the state in terms of land value. This was deliberately obfuscated in the 50:50 joint venture (JV) with IL&FS. 6. In May 2012, the state government received an extensive report from GIFT Citys audit committee, documenting irregularities and defaults by IL&FSs entities. Subsequently, more facts and details have been provided to the government by gathering information under RTI. All these must be handed over to the SFIO for its investigation and action. Here are some details that were part of these submissions. 7. IL&FS was initially sold 7.77 million sq ft of development rights at a discount to the price set by the board of directors for other investors. The value was estimated at Rs550 crore and 50% of the amount (or Rs225crore) had not been paid until 2016. This is a direct default of GIFT City to the state government. How IL&FS persuaded the government to sell its development rights, when it was already the promoter, manager and developer of the project, is itself an issue needs SFIO investigation, since it is a misappropriation of public funds. 8. GIFT Citys deal with the Gujarat government was that land would be leased to it at Re1/ acre for 99 years. The revenue department, through a formal resolution, had ensured that land-related profits will accrue to the state, if development rights granted by it were sold at a commercial price. Over 16 million sq ft of development rights have been sold by Gift City/IL&FS at commercial rates (over Rs5,000/sq ft), amounting to at least Rs8,000 crore. A part of this profit has to be returned to the Gujarat government. An RTI query reveals that this had not been paid at least until 2016, and is unlikely to have been paid afterwards, when IL&FS was already facing liquidity issues. 9. As per the JV contract, GIFT City itself has to pay the Gujarat government 1% of the income from sale of development rights as a premium. Since the value of development rights sold are approximately Rs8,000 crore, payment of Rs80 crore or so is due; this has not been paid. Clearly, the acquisition of the IL&FSs stake in Gift City is not as simple as it seems. The real challenge is to clean it up and demonstrate that this global smart city and international financial centre are viable propositions. Otherwise, it will only be a bailout of IL&FS paid for by the people of Gujarat. A tragic turn of events has put seven employees of IL&FS in Ethiopia in danger due to non-payment by the company. In a tweet put out by Neeraj Raghuwanshi, it has come to light that employees, including himself, are being kept hostage by the local labour and staff for the past four days as they are unhappy over non-payment of creditors and their salaries. #SOS We 7 employee from #ILFS are hostages by local labor/staff at in Ethiopia from last 4 days coz of nonpayment of creditors and local salaries. #ILFS denied to send fund from India. Kindly save us. Day2day situation worsening @narendramodi @sushmaswaraj @udaykotak @arunjaitley neeraj raghuwanshi (@chota86) November 27, 2018 As we know in the continuing saga of the IL&FS mess, in order to cauterise the relentless hemorrhaging, majority of their foreign subsidiaries are being shut down. Almost all international offices will essentially be shut down immediately as part of the new action plan which the Uday Kotak-helmed board will give to the court. It is to be expected that majority of the subsidiaries will be wound up while the rest are scaled down considerably. In 2016, IL&FS had won a Rs1,525 crore road contract in Ethiopia by submitting its winning bid to the Ethiopian Roads Authority. At that time, the Authority had awarded IL&FS a long-term contract for completing multiple road projects in Ethiopia for a period of eight years. We now know that IL&FS has run out of money to keep the project going and has been undergoing the process of shutting down its business in the country. Mr Raghuwanshis heartbreaking tweet now informs us that the companys woes have quite literally become a dangerous situation for these seven stranded employees. Mr Kotak, who now heads the new board, has been alerted about the plight of the employees and has asked the ITNL board to look into the issue. The Ethiopian company is one of the maze of foreign companies below ITNL, said a top level source in the new management. Apparently, this is also not the first time such a case has occurred with IL&FS Transportation. A few years back, there was a similar instance in Nagaland when employees lives were threatened by militants in the area. IL&FS Transportation was contracted for a mega project of constructing two-lane roads connecting various locations under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in the Northeast. This project was plagued by extortion from several different militant factions who successfully extorted several lakhs of rupees. There were instances when rebel groups took away the keys of all the excavators working in the area and demanded for huge sums of money for return of the keys. The project was delayed by several years and the company tried to lay the blame at the feet of the militant groups. Not having received a satisfactory response from the company, Mr Raghuwanshi has resorted to putting out this tweet and tagging prime minister Narendra Modi, and his Cabinet colleagues Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley and Mr Kotak, who is heading the debt-ridden group, to perhaps draw some attention to their misfortune. In a series of tweets, he has also posted a screenshot of an email that pleads for help, stating that the local administrations (will) put us behind the bars or may local staff will kill us because of the companys fault. His message reiterates that the employees are only to blame for being loyal to the company and sticking out with this project to the end. From his mail, it seems that these stranded employees have met with the Ethiopian Road Authority who have suggested that they should first pay any outstanding salaries of the local labours only after which would they be able to take any action. To their disappointment, even the Indian Embassy told them that this was only the fault of you employees (of IL&FS), you did not complain earlier to take action, in emergency you people are complaining. The Indian Embassy has apparently written to the management of the company and will take any action after receiving a response. It is sad to see that these employees are being caught in this mess in such a way that neither the Ethiopian Road Authority nor the Indian Embassy is able to provide any help. This dire turn of events has led Mr Raghuvanshi to send out such a cry for help. Update: Moneylife has learnt that ITNL (Infrastructure Transportation Network Ltd), the publicly listed IL&FS subsidiary, is already aware of the problem and is in discussions with the Ethiopian side. We have further learnt that the Ethiopian project has been given some guarantees by Indian institutions and the board, and the Ethiopian Road Authority is in talks to invoke those guarantees and release Indian employees. The Maharashtra government has proposed to give 16 per cent reservations to the politically influential Maratha community under a new Social and Economically Backward Class category here on Thursday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the recommendations of the State Backward Class Commission on the long-pending demand of the Marathas. Fadnavis also tabled the Bill based on the ATR recommendations to provide for quotas in educational institutions and in government jobs, before both Houses of the legislature. However, the report on quotas for the Dhangar community is yet to be completed for which a sub-committee has been appointed and its ATR would be tabled in the legislature soon, he added. Leaders of different political parties greeted the developments as "a historic day for the Marathas" who comprise nearly 30 percent of the state's population. Since the Maratha reservations come under a new SEBC category, they will not affect the existing quotas for Scheduled Castes, Schedules Tribes and Other Backward Classes (SC/ST/OBCs). The ATR says that the Marathas comprise a socially and economically backward class who are without adequate reservations in education and government jobs. Accordingly, they are entitled to the quota benefits enshrined in the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution and the government could initiate suitable measures to address the issues. The previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party had also made a similar 16 percent quota proposal but it was stayed by the Bombay High Court. The Marathas have been organising massive silent protests all over the state for nearly two years, including agitations in July-August this year which became violent. Thursday's development comes ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. With the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issuing a notification, there is no need to carry driving license and other documents related with vehicle in physical form anymore. All these documents in electronic form are valid too, says a notification issued by the government. "As per the amended provision, the citizen can produce the transport related documents such as registration, insurance, fitness and permit, the driving licence, certificate for pollution under check and any other relevant documents, if required, in physical or electronic form of on demand by any police officer in uniform or any other officer authorised by the state Government in this behalf," says the notification issued by Dharkat R Luikang, under secretary in the Ministry's MVL section. Earlier this month, the Ministry issued a notification in the gazette, which allowed use of physical or electronic form for vehicle and driving related certificates and documents. (G.S.R. 1081(E) dated 2nd November 2018) "This would enable the use of digital platforms for carrying and verification of the documents and is a step towards citizen facilitation. In view of the above, it is requested to ensure compliance of the amendments made to rule 139 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and make the enforcement officers aware of the new provisions so that citizen are not harassed or inconvenienced," says the notification from the Ministry. While some media reports are trying to portraying electronic form as DigiLocker, this is not true. The notification as well as gazette notification does not mention anything about DigiLocker. It simply state 'electronic form', which means, photos of the original driving license or other documents related with vehicles, stored on mobile phone or on email would be considered as valid and at par with physical copies of these documents. November 29, 2018 This Guardian Fake News Story Proves That The Media Can't Be Trusted In 2015 the British Guardian appointed Katherine Viner as editor in chief. Under her lead the paper took a new direction. While it earlier made attempts to balance its shoddier side with some interesting reporting, it is now solidly main stream in the worst sense. It promotes neo-liberalism and a delves into cranky identity grievances stories. It also became an main outlet for manipulative propaganda peddled by the British secret services. Its recent fake news story about Paul Manafort, Wikileaks and Julian Assange aptly demonstrates this. The documentation of it is a bit lengthy but provides that it was a willful fake. On November 27 the Guardian prepared to publish a story which asserted that Paula Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager, had met Julian Assange, the publisher of Wikileaks, in the Ecuadorian embassy in London on at least three occasions. Some two hours before the story went public it contacted Manafort and Assange's lawyers to get their comments. Assange's Wikileaks responded through its public Twitter account which has 5.4 million followers. On of those followers is Katherine Viner: WikiLeaks @wikileaks - 13:06 utc - 27 Nov 2018 SCOOP: In letter today to Assange's lawyers, Guardian's Luke Harding, winner of Private Eye's Plagiarist of the Year, falsely claims jailed former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort had secret meetings with Assange in 2013, 2015 and 2016 in story Guardian are "planning to run". It attached the email the Guardian's Luke Harding had send. 90 minutes later the Guardian piece went life. It led the front page and also appeared in print. The first version read: Manafort held secret talks with Assange in Ecuadorian embassy Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort held secret talks with Julian Assange inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and visited around the time he joined Trumps campaign, the Guardian has been told. Sources have said Manafort went to see Assange in 2013, 2015 and in spring 2016 during the period when he was made a key figure in Trumps push for the White House. It is unclear why Manafort wanted to see Assange and what was discussed. But the last meeting is likely to come under scrutiny and could interest Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor who is investigating alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. A well-placed source has told the Guardian that Manafort went to see Assange around March 2016. Months later WikiLeaks released a stash of Democratic emails stolen by Russian intelligence officers. Manafort, 69, denies involvement in the hack and says the claim is 100% false. His lawyers declined to answer the Guardians questions about the visits. The piece did not include the public denial Wikileaks issued to its 5.4 million followers one and a half hour before it was published. The Guardian piece came at a critical moment. Currently the U.K. and Ecuador conspire to deliver Julian Assange to U.S. authorities. On Monday special counsel Robert Mueller said Manafort lied to investigators, violating his recent plea deal. The new sensational claim was immediately picked up by prominent reporters and major main stream outlets. They distributed is as a factual account. It is likely that millions of people took note of its claim. But several people who had followed the Russiagate fairytale and the Mueller investigation were immediately suspicious of the Guardian claim. The story was weakly sourced and included some details that seemed unlikely to be true. Glenn Greenwald noted that the Ecuadorian embassy is under heavy CCTV surveillance. There are several guards, and visitors have to provide their identity to enter it. Every visit is logged. If Manafort had really visited Assange, it would have long been known: In sum, the Guardian published a story today that it knew would explode into all sorts of viral benefits for the paper and its reporters even though there are gaping holes and highly sketchy aspects to the story. Moreover, the main author of the story, Luke Harding, is known to be a notorious fraud, a russo-phobe intelligence asset with a personal grievance towards Assange and Wikileaks. A year ago an important Moon of Alabama piece - From Snowden To Russia-gate - The CIA And The Media - mentioned Harding: The people who promote the "Russian influence" nonsense are political operatives or hacks. Take for example Luke Harding of the Guardian who just published a book titled Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win. He was taken apart in a Real News interview (vid) about the book. The interviewer pointed out that there is absolutely no evidence in the book to support its claims. When asked for any proof for his assertion Harding defensively says that he is just "storytelling" - in other words: it is fiction. Harding earlier wrote a book about Edward Snowden which was a similar sham. Julian Assange called it "a hack job in the purest sense of the term". Harding is also known as plagiarizer. When he worked in Moscow he copied stories and passages from the now defunct Exile, run by Matt Taibbi and Mark Ames. The Guardian had to publish an apology. The new Guardian story looked like another weak attempt to connect the alleged Russian malfeasance with Assange and the Wikileaks publishing of the DNC emails. Assange and other involved people deny that such a relation existed. There is no public evidence that support such claims. Shortly after the Guardian's fake news story went public Paul Manafort issued an unequivocal denial: I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him, the statement said. I have never been contacted by anyone connected to Wikileaks, either directly or indirectly. I have never reached out to Assange or Wikileaks on any matter. We are considering all legal options against the Guardian who proceeded with this story even after being notified by my representatives that it was false. At 16:05 utc the Guardian silently edited the story. Caveats (here in italic and underlined) were added to the headline and within several paragraphs. No editorial note was attached to inform the readers of the changes: Manafort held secret talks with Assange in Ecuadorian embassy, sources say ... It is unclear why Manafort would have wanted to see Assange and what was discussed. But the last apparent meeting is likely to come under scrutiny and could interest Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor who is investigating alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. ... Why Manafort might have sought out Assange in 2013 is unclear. ... Manafort, 69, denies involvement in the hack and says the claim is 100% false. His lawyers initially declined to answer the Guardians questions about the visits. One paragraph was added to included Wikileaks' denial: In a series of tweets WikiLeaks said Assange and Manafort had not met. Assange described the story as a hoax. At 16:30 utc, under fire from other media and journalists, the Guardian issued a statement: This story relied on a number of sources. We put these allegations to both Paul Manafort and Julian Assange's representatives prior to publication. Neither responded to deny the visits taking place. We have since updated the story to reflect their denials. This defensive Guardian claim is, like its story, evidently completely false. Wikileaks publicly denied the Guardian's claims 90 minutes before the story was first published. Manafort asserts that his lawyers had notified the Guardian that the story was false before the Guardian 'proceeded with the story'. At 21:05 utc a third version was published which included Manafort's denial. Half an hour later Julian Assange instructed his lawyers to sue the Guardian for libel. Wikileaks opened a fund to support the lawsuit. A day after the Guardian smear piece the Washington Times reported that Manafort's passports, entered into evidence by the Mueller prosecution, show that he did not visit London in any of the years the Guardian claimed he was there to visit Assange. The story was completely false and the Guardian knew it was. It disregarded and left out the denials the subjects of the story had issued before it was published. The Guardian has become a main outlet for British government disinformation operations aimed at defaming Russia. It smeared Assange and Snowden as Russian collaborators. It uncritically peddled the Russiagate story and the nonsensical Skripal claims which are both obviously concocted by British intelligence services. That seems to have become its main purpose. As Disobediant Media notes (emphasis in the original): While most readers with functional critical thinking capacity may readily dismiss the Guardians smear on its face, the fact that the Guardian published this piece, and that Luke Harding is still operating with even the tiniest modicum of respect as a journalist despite his history of deceit, tells us something bone-chilling about journalism. It is no accident that Luke Harding is still employed: in fact, it is because of Hardings consistent loyalty to establishment, specifically the UK intelligence apparatus, over the truth that determines his success amongst legacy press outlets. Harding is not a defacement or a departure from the norm, but the personification of it. Jonathan Cook, a former Guardian writer, makes a similar point: The truth is that the Guardian has not erred in this latest story attacking Assange, or in its much longer-running campaign to vilify him. With this story, it has done what it regularly does when supposedly vital western foreign policy interests are at stake it simply regurgitates an elite-serving, western narrative. Its job is to shore up a consensus on the left for attacks on leading threats to the existing, neoliberal order: ... The Guardian did not make a mistake in vilifying Assange without a shred of evidence. It did what it is designed to do. We have previously shown that the Guardian even uses fascist propaganda tropes to smear the Russian people. It is openly publishing Goebbels' cartoons and rhetoric against Europes biggest state. There is no longer any line that it does not dare to cross. Unfortunately other 'western' media are not much better. Within hours of being published the Guardian piece was debunked as fake news. That did not hinder other outlets to add to its smear. Politico allowed "a former CIA officer," writing under a pen name, to suggest - without any evidence - that the Guardian has been duped - not by its MI5/6 and Ecuadorian spy sources, but by Russian disinformation: Rather than being the bombshell smoking gun that directly connects the Trump campaign to WikiLeaks, perhaps the report is something else entirely: a disinformation campaign. Is it possible someone planted this story as a means to discredit the journalists? ... Harding is likely a major target for anyone wrapped up in Russias intelligence operation against the Wests democratic institutions. ... If this latest story about Manafort and Assange is falsethat is, if, for example, the sources lied to Harding and Collyns (or if the sources themselves were lied to and thus thought they were being truthful in their statements to the journalists), or if the Ecuadorian intelligence document is a fake, the most logical explanation is that it is an attempt to make Harding look bad. The is zero evidence in the Politico screed that supports its suggestions and claims. It is fake news about a fake news story. It also included the false claim that Glenn Greenwald worked with Wikileaks on the Snowden papers. That claim was later removed. We have seen a similar pattern in the Skripal affair. When 'western' intelligence get caught in spreading disinformation, they accuse Russia of being the source of the fake. Unfortunately no western main stream media can any longer be trusted to publish the truth. The Guardian is only one of many which peddle smears and disinformation about the 'enemies' of the ruling 'western interests'. It is on all of us to debunk them and to educate the public about their scheme. --- This is a Moon of Alabama fundraiser week. No one pays me to write these blog posts. If you appreciated this one, or any of the 7,000+ others, please consider a donation. Posted by b on November 29, 2018 at 15:23 UTC | Permalink Comments The sentence stems from CMO trade and loan programs that Coddington operated from at least early 2010 through late 2011, holding himself out to investors and intermediaries to be the principal and owner of a company called Golden Summit Investors Group. Coddington said that investor money would be used to purchase CMOs, which would be hypothecated to obtain loans exponentially larger than their purchase prices and market values. He told most of the investors that they would receive pre-trade distributions from the proceeds of the loans, with the remainder to be placed into a high-return investment program. Additionally, Coddington told investors that they could transfer their CMOs to Golden Summit for the purpose of participating in the trade program. In one instance, he told an investor that $60 million of the loan proceeds obtained from monetizing the CMOs would be provided to the investor in the form of two non-recourse loans in the amount of $30 million each. The investor eventually invested $9 million with Golden Summit. Coddington obtained more than $17 million from investors for both programs. Despite his failure to complete either program, he did not return most of the investors money or any CMO purchased. Instead, Coddington diverted substantial amounts of investor money for his own personal use. Additionally, he kept most of the monthly interest that was paid out on CMOs he received from investors while they were in his and Golden Summits possession. BIG SPRING Federal officials are searching for a man who escaped from the Federal Correctional Institution Satellite Prison on Tuesday afternoon, according to a Federal Bureau of press release received Thursday. Edgar Terrones, 22, has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5-foot-7-inches and weighs 165 pounds. He was sentenced in the Western District of Texas to 37 months for importation of 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. A Midland man was arrested Nov. 20 after he allegedly sexually assaulted two teenagers, according to court documents. Manuel M. Franco Jr., 20, was released Nov. 22 on two $50,000 bonds for second-degree felony charges of sexual assault of a child. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Technological University announced the inaugural appointments of two endowed professorships. Paul Sanders is the recipient of the Patrick Horvath Endowed Professorship of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Joshua Pearce has been named the Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. A distinguished record Sanders is an associate professor of materials science and engineering and an affiliated associate professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics. According to MSE Department Chair Stephen Kampe, the selection recognizes Sanders distinguished record of accomplishment and productivity. Paul has earned a renowned reputation in material design, simulation and processing. He has been particularly effective in bringing contemporary design methods into the classroom as project-based learning tools. The endowment was established by Patrick 67 and Deborah Horvath through a series of gifts and donations spanning several years. After his graduation from Michigan Tech, Pat began his career with the Wyman Gordon Company, and later founded and led two companies, Accurate Metallurgical Services and H&H Heat Treating, to provide metallurgical and materials services to the aerospace, automotive, tool, and petroleum industries. He was inducted into the Academy of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Michigan Tech in 1998. The Horvaths have also endowed a scholarship for the benefit of Michigan Tech students from Pats Upper Peninsula hometown of Stephenson, Kampe said. Sanders said he is thankful to receive the inaugural endowed professorship. I appreciate the support from the Horvaths. Like Pat, I am a metallurgist and will use the funds to develop novel metallic alloys through expanded external collaboration with academia and industry. He said this will reduce project start-up barriers, enable rapid proof of concepts and provide preliminary data for follow-on proposals. An authoritative voice Joshua Pearce has been appointed the inaugural Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Pearce is a professor of materials science and engineering and a professor of electrical and computer engineering. The Witte endowment was established by the late Richard 50 and Nancy Witte. Richard served as vice president and chief patent counsel for Proctor and Gamble Worldwide from 1956 through his retirement in 1992. During and after his career, he served on numerous federal, state and local commissions, delegations and boards that addressed a variety of international diplomatic and intellectual property policies. In 2000, he was inducted into Michigan Tech's Academy of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Following Richards passing in 2015, Nancy completed the endowment and continues as a close and supportive friend of Michigan Tech. Joshua is renowned as an authoritative voice on a variety of issues at the intersection of engineering and social well-being, Kampe said. As an example, he notes that Pearce conducts research in the seemingly diverse areas of photovoltaic materials and additive manufacturing. But when coupled, these technologies can provide underserved, rural regions of the world with means to inexpensively self-manufacture a variety of goods and services. Pearce said he is deeply honored to be the inaugural recipient of the Richard Witte Endowed Professorship and extremely grateful to Mrs. Witte and her family for this opportunity. Pearce said the research-related innovations he is most proud of started as unfunded exploratory experiments. I have a wide range of interdisciplinary interests, often outside of my formal training, which coupled with a collaborative open-source approach, allow me to innovate much faster than specialists in silos. The Richard Witte Endowed Professorship will allow me to be even more aggressive in pursuing such high-impact experiments with my graduate and undergraduate student collaborators, Pearce said. Of the two new endowments, Kampe expressed his sincere gratitude to the alumni donors. Endowed professorships represent a high-impact gift that has broad benefit to the University, department, faculty, and ultimately, to the students. They serve to not only recognize highly effective faculty members, but allow them to leverage their already high level of productivity into new areas, also enabling student participation in these efforts. MSE has such a great alumni base; we are fortunate that many have chosen to recognize the impact that Michigan Tech has had on their lives by giving back in this way. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. The efforts of several law enforcement departments resulted in an 11-arrest sting tied to the making, delivery or possession of controlled substances. Known as Operation Sleigh Bell, agents from the Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Drug Enforcement Agency, Illinois State Police, Jacksonville Police and Morgan County Sheriffs Department executed arrests for numerous warrants issued through the Morgan County States Attorneys Office. BEARDSTOWN Beardstown has a new police chief, the third the city has had in about a month. Beardstown Police Officer Travis Birdsell, who has been with the city for 10 years, stepped up voluntarily to take the role of acting police chief following the resignation of Kevin Murray. Murray resigned Nov. 21 after two weeks on the job, citing a misinformed City Council as the primary reason for his departure. Murray began his stint as chief on Nov. 6 following the dismissal of Shane Hunt as police chief for reasons still unclear. Following Murrays departure, Mayor Leslie Harris appointed herself as chief to fill the void until a replacement was found. Harris appointed Birdsell to the position of acting chief Wednesday. Im very honored that he has chosen to do this and very proud of our Beardstown Police Department and all the work they do, Harris said. I want the people in Beardstown to know that he will do a great job and also be a leader for our policemen. Birdsell said that while he is happy to step up in taking the leadership position for the moment, he has no desire to pursue the position. I felt that it was more of a benefit to the department if the position was temporarily filled with someone from within the department until weve found a chief, Birdsell said. The Beardstown Police, Fire and Ambulance Committee on Tuesday discussed the manner in which department heads such as police chief are selected. The committee recommended that the hiring and firing of the police chiefs follow Illinois Municipal Code if Beardstown didnt already have an ordinance in place delegating that responsibility to the mayor. There is not yet a timeframe for hiring a permanent chief. Nick Draper can be reached by 217-245-6121, ext. 1223, or on Twitter @nick_draper. CARROLLTON Authorities are investigating the death of a 6-month-old boy, whose body was found Wednesday after he and his 22-year-old mother were reported missing this weekend. The mother, who is from Alton, was found alive on East Cemetery Road near Carrollton, according to Illinois State Police. The infant was found in a wooded area near there, police said. Two benches and four trash receptacles made by students at the Illinois School for the Deaf will soon be gracing the area outside the Governors Mansion. The schools woodworking class, with designs by the schools drafting class, made two benches and accompanying receptacles over the course of the past three months. They will be placed among the landscaped grounds of the Governors Mansion in Springfield. Woodworking teacher James Hatfield said students were given an idea of what the designers wanted before they planned and built the six pieces, which will be taken to the mansion next week. Theyve gotten a great sense of pride from this project, Hatfield said. It was motivating for them to know they were going to be seen at the mansion. A three-year renovation of the Governors Mansion was completed this year and it reopened in July as the Peoples House. Illinois Forest Products Co., a landscaping company based in Beardstown, is in the process of landscaping around the mansion and asked ISD students to craft the projects for the new design. They wanted them built in the state, using the state tree, which is white oak [and] ideal for outdoor projects, Hatfield said. These will be resistant to rain, rotting and bugs. While the receptacles were based on taller models, students and the designers from Illinois Forest Products Company decided to make shorter versions that would accompany the benches without overwhelming them. Each class worked on the pieces, while Jovanny Carmona , a senior, drafted the designs for the project. I enjoyed making the drawings for it, Carmona said. It was challenging. Drafting teacher Dan Snyders said the process the students followed is how a project would be done outside of school as well. Its a good example of what a real world project would be like, Snyders said. You work with other departments. You start with the drawing, using them to create the finished product. It was also a challenge for Carmona, who had to work with the wood work students to make sure all the measurements were exact. For the students, it was a great experience, Hatfield said. I was cool to work with the state to create these, junior Taylor Mort said. I was proud to get a project like this. The students will be visiting the mansion Monday, where they will see the landscaping, receive a tour and deliver their finished products. Junior Trystan Mort said he is excited to see the mansion and where the benches will be placed. Im curious what it looks like in the mansion, Trystan Mort said. I cant wait to see where theyll be and what will be around them. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha. We should protect pregnant women and young children from toxic mercury pollution that spews out of dirty coal plants. This shouldnt be a controversial statement, but after Donald Trump put two former coal lobbyists in charge of the EPA, with client lists that stretch from Atlanta to California, its become one. Mercury pollution is serious business. Its a powerful neurotoxin that can damage the brain and nervous system in young children, and its a big concern for pregnant women who want to protect their babies from being exposed to mercury in the womb. Its one of the reasons I signed on to become director of Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign around the time I gave birth to my daughter. I was flabbergasted at the threats mercury pollution posed to my then infant daughter in my home state of West Virginia, and to kids around the nation, so I decided to do something about it. Congress required EPA to set mercury standards for coal plants back the 1990s, but the industry resisted any limits for decades. After years of lawsuits, awareness campaigns, and meetings with public officials, we finally got EPA to finalize the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) in 2012. Since then, nearly all U.S. coal plants have complied with the standards and weve seen massive drops in their dangerous mercury emissions as a result (of course, many other pollution problems from coal still remain). However, despite this success, and the pleas of public health officials, elected officials, and even the owners of the remaining coal plants, former coal lobbyist and acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and his air policy chief, Bill Wehrum, both of whom are long-term employees of industrial polluters, have decided to use their positions to not only attack the MATS, but the entire Clean Air Act itself. How did we get here? Well, since the MATS were finalized, there have been a handful of wealthy coal industry executives who supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential bid who have railed against the standards because it affected their bottom lines. They spent millions of dollars on litigation to get the MATS thrown out, but the Obama administration demonstrated time and again that the standards were lawful, and ensured that they remained in effect. But when Trump came into office and appointed Wheeler and Wehrum to head up the EPA, they decided to aid their former clients by changing how EPA calculates the benefits of the MATS in order to lessen the significance of public health in its rulemaking. The schemes endgame is to apply the new benefits formula to the entire Clean Air Act. This could leave the MATS and dozens of other clean air protections vulnerable to more court challenges from polluters attorneys, arguing that such protections full benefits should be ignored by EPA. If Wheeler and Wehrum are successful, they could endanger thousands of communities that are currently protected by rules developed under the Clean Air Act. Their scheme has been met with fierce resistance from public health groups, environmentalists and responsible industrial executives who believe it will put public health and significant pollution control investments in jeopardy. Making matters even worse, coal plants will continue retiring either way. After a decade of effective advocacy work, decreasing costs of clean energy, and drastic shifts in consumer demand, more than half of the United States coal plants have retired, or announced for retirement since 2010. Utilities are not building more coal plants because they can get a cheaper price with renewable energy and attract new electricity customers by offering it to large businesses, which is becoming a major ask from Fortune 500 companies looking to act on the climate crisis. So what America will get, if Wheeler and Wehrum are successful, is increased pollution in our air and waterways from coal plants, with none of the long-term economic gains claimed in the Trump administrations talking points. This means more asthma attacks, more heart attacks, more kids with developmental delays, and more premature deaths. All this just so that Wheeler and Wehrums former clients can squeeze marginally more profits out of coal plants that are going to eventually retire anyway. There was a time when people wouldnt look twice at the statement that we should act to protect pregnant women and young children from toxic pollution that spews out of dirty coal plants, but now it will become a rallying cry for thousands of communities across America demanding accountability for the coal industry. This should not be controversial, but with an administration so focused on polluter profits over public health, clearly its a fight worth having. We must not move backward. Mary Anne Hitt is senior director of Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 29) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued the transfer order of police chief C/Insp. Jovie Espenido back to Ozamiz City, where he gained notoriety for his involvement in the deaths of the Parojinog clan. "I just received an information from the directorate of the personnel record management that they have already issued the order for Espenido (to go) back to Ozamiz City," PNP Spokesperson Bong Durana said in a press briefing Thursday. The order comes after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Espenido's reassignment, following public clamor in a speech before Ozamiz City residents at the Labo Airport Wednesday evening. Malacanang said Duterte needs men like Espenido to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs. "If you can recall, Espendio was successful in ridding that place of drug lords," Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo said. "Since his departure, the drug incidence there increased." Panelo however clarified there is no need for a shoot-to-kill order, following Duterte's statement that he will wipe out the Parojinog clan. Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and 14 others were killed in a police raid at their Misamis Occidental residence on July 30, 2017 back when Espenido was still the city's chief of police. In his speech, Duterte threatened the surviving members of the Parojinog clan, including Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog, and nephew Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. "Kanang pamilya na Parojinog undang na mo'g panghadlok," Duterte said. "I will wipe you from the face of the earth. Ingnan ta mo. Tilukon ta gyud mo diri. Hasta nang mga pulis. P***** i** bantay mo. Ipatawag ta lang mo sa Manila. Pag-abot sa airport, diha pa sa airport, ipa-ihaw ta na ka. L**** ninyo." [Translation: The Parojinog family, stop threatening people. I will wipe you from the face of the eart. I'm telling you. I will really finish all of you off including the police. You better watch out. I'll have you called in Manila. When you arrive at the airport, I'll have you killed.] Espenido, in an interview with CNN Philippines, said he welcomed the order. He said he will continue filing charges against those involved in illegal drugs in the city. "Talagang mabigyan natin ng totoong kapayapaan at saka 'yung demokrasya ang Ozamiz ulit," he said. [Translation: We can give peace and democracy in Ozamiz City.] Espenido was also Albuera, Leyte's chief of police when its mayor, Rolando Espinosa, Sr., was killed in a November 2016 shootout as police were attempting to serve a search warrant in the city's jail. Columbia College logo View Photos Sonora, CA Following a two-day strike by their faculties, the Mother Lodes community colleges should be returning to their normal class schedules. Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) officials on Wednesday evening announced that all classes are expected to resume Thursday at Columbia College and Modesto Junior College. The district board also released impact statistics of the Nov. 27-28 protest by Yosemite Faculty Association (YFA) members. The board reported that at Columbia College, 160 classes were canceled, 99 were held as scheduled, and 2,067 students were not able to attend their scheduled class. At Modesto Junior College, about 2,600 classes were canceled and that more than 18,000 students were not able to attend their scheduled class. The board also noted that at both campuses, students were able to access computer labs and the libraries to keep pace with their studies and research assignments. YCCD and YFA remain at odds over long drawn out labor negotiations and faculty union representatives indicate that the members have already authorized an impasse strike which could last longer and create more course schedule and other impacts that could still take place next semester in the absence of a contract agreement. House Fire on Harrison Drive View Photos Update at 7:55am: Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson reports that all occupants of a home that ignited on fire along Harrison Drive were able to safely escape. An additional home nearby was evacuated as a precaution. She notes that the cause may be linked to a space heater, but it is still under investigation. Crews will remain on scene mopping up the fire over the coming hours. Update at 6:45am: Fire officials report that good progress is being made knocking down the flames of a house fire in the 11000 block of Harrison Drive near Racetrack Road. You should continue to avoid the area. Original story posted at 6:25am: Sonora, CA Fire officials are on the scene of a residential structure fire reported in the 11000 block of Harrison Drive near Racetrack Road. It is in the Gibbs Ranch area. First reponders reported the home is fully engulfed in flames. You will want to avoid the area and be prepared for activity. The American Red Cross has been requested to help assist those impacted. Its arrival in stores is always an event, and devotees hoard it as long as they can all year long. And Shiner's distributors say its hard to keep on store shelves. Shiner Holiday Cheer, the Texas brewery's seasonal dunkelweizen-style dark wheat ale brewed with Texas peaches and pecans, first debuted in 2010, and has developed a following of fans who can't weather a Texas holiday season without it. EYE-CATCHING: Meet the man who has been mashing up Texas consumer icons like Whataburger, Shiner, and Blue Bell The Spoetzl brewery down in Shiner is the oldest independent craft brewery in Texas, brewing beer since 1909. Shiner Bock, its flagship brew, remains a constant staple at bars around the country. For beer lovers and novices alike its arrival in stores and on bar taps means the holiday season has started. According to Houston-area distributor Bill McCloskey, this year's batch of Holiday Cheer arrived on shelves in early October and they are lucky to have enough around come Christmas Day. DRINK A COLD ONE: Where to drink craft beer in Houston "We're now in our ninth year of brewing Holiday Cheer and of all of our seasonal beers, Cheer is our top seller, and also our most gifted beer," Shiner brand manager Nick Weiland said this week. It's caramel, pecan, and peach notes remind many Texans of the desserts of that their aunts, grandmas, and mothers put on the table during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, but in a convenient, bottled alcoholic form. Shiner Beer According to Joey Williams, the resident beer nerd at the Smith Street Spec's location, Shiner took a gamble on Holiday Cheer all those years ago. "Shiner, like a lot of breweries, has been trying to find their place in the beer scene, outside of Bock, and Shiner Holiday Cheer was one of the first beers they brewed outside of a traditional German approach and it's been a big hit from day one." MEAT STAR: Meet Lone Star Beer's new spokesperson, the meat-loving Jess Pryles Williams said that it is one of the most sought-after winter seasonals at Spec's across the state of Texas. It seems to have latched onto beer snobs and beer pedestrians alike. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, Shiner doesn't reveals sales stats but confirmed that because of Holiday Cheer's popularity it's closing in on a decade of being the brewery's most popular seasonal. HOUSTON HONORS: Esquire names Nancy's Hustle among best new restaurants in America "I wasn't sure about it but it did grow on me, " James Simpson, host of KPRC-AM 950's "What's on Tap?" beer-centric radio show said. "Peach is definitely the host of the party. In both aroma and taste peach takes the main stage. There are notes of caramel and slight roast on the finish. Not much from the pecans." Somewhere along the way it became a hit with Texas ex-pats in other parts of the country too, tasting like balmy holidays and wearing shorts on Christmas Day. With an ABV of just 5.4 percent it's also easy to drink. 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 Nighttime Adult Education classes for High School Equivalency Certificate (formerly called the GED) started Sept. 4. Night classes will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday and Tuesdays at the Plainview Adult Learning Center, 1407 W. Fifth St. in the South Plains Community Action Office. Subjects covered include math, reading/language arts, science and social studies. It's a self-paced program. Daytime classes are offered 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Call Sue at 806-296-5459 for more information. Doing some spring cleaning? Unger Memorial Library accepts donations of books and magazines all year. Bring your items to the library at 825 Austin St., Monday through Friday. For more information call 296-1148. Hale County farmers and landowners that need areas sprayed by the Noxious Weed Control District should either visit the board's website at halecountynoxiousweeds.com or contact Lewis Senter, board supervisor, at 806-292-4750 Show your patriotism by having a U.S. flag displayed outside your home or business on eight holidays throughout the year with the Kiwanis Club's flag program! The club works with PHS Band Boosters, PHS Jr. Navy ROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Elks Lodge. Proceeds benefit local scholarships. Cost is $30. Make checks payable to the Plainview Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 684, Plainview, Texas 79073. The South Plains AA Group meets at 803 S. Columbia in Plainview. A Big Book Study (open meeting) is held from 6-7 p.m. Monday. Closed meetings are held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Friends of Music, C.K. Bryan Instrument Loaner Program for middle school band students is accepting donations of instruments as well as funds for repairs of instruments. Contact Wayland School of Music at 806-291-1076 for information. Office hours for the Hale County Veterans Service Office, staffed by Karla Glowicki, is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The office is at 111 W. Sixth, in the northwest corner of the Courthouse Annex. Call 806-291-5301 or email kglowicki@halecounty.org. Fitness for Life, a program of Paragon Healthcare, offers a fitness class for senior adults at Covenant Hospital every Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. in the Max Gabriel Room. The class is free of charge and is open to all ability levels, including those with walkers and wheelchairs. Free ESL classes are held Monday through Thursday at The Hale County Literacy Council. Contact 806-293-6186 for more information. Plainview Habitat for Humanity is a Christian, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by building homes, communities and hope. It is currently accepting applications. Visit www.plainviewhabitat.org for application criteria and information. To contact its team, email plainview_habitat@yahoo.com or write Plainview Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1125, Plainview, TX 79073. Covenant Health Plainview hosts the cancer survivors prayer support group "We Fight to Live" from 7-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Room B. The sessions will consist of a monthly topic and presenter, and a structured segment, allowing time for group sharing. The support group is open to those with a cancer diagnosis and anyone affected by their diagnosis. The group is led by Andrea Ingram, a cancer survivor, as well as Sherry Wall, hospital mission services. There is no charge for the group. For more information contact Andrea Ingram at 806-293-7614 or Sherry Wall at 806-291-3364. The Salvation Army of Plainview is serves hot meals and offers hot showers Monday through Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center of Hope, The Salvation Army community center. The center is located at 201 Ash. There are no cost, income, family size or age restrictions. Those interested in helping The Salvation Army of Plainview can email michelle.rutherford@uss.salvationarmy.org or call (806) 296-6375. The YMCA will start hosting noon lap swim Mondays through Fridays from 6-7:30 a.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon-1:30 p.m. Wayland Baptist University will host a Focus on Your Health seminar every second Monday of the month through May. Each event will be from 6-7 p.m. at the Pete & Nelda Laney Center in room 208. The talks are free to attend. Here is a list of dates and topics: Dec. 10: Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements: What to take...or NOT! Jan. 14: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment for Depression: When to take action! Feb. 11: Getting to the HEART of the matter: The ABC's of Heart Disease? (free blood pressure check) March 11: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: How to go about getting tested. April 8: Polypharmacy, What's in YOUR medicine cabinet? May 13: Protecting yourself from Mosquito Bites: A message from the CDC. Free Bible Study classes at First Christian Church are open to anyone interested. The study will be led by Pastor Richard Dye at 7 p.m. Tuesdays starting Oct. 9. This is a six-week study, on Tuesday nights. Materials will be provided free of charge. Study topic is Old Testament texts regarding the Advent season leading to Christmas. Go into the north door of the fellowship hall or call 293-2521 for info. The next performance in the 74th series of Plainview Community Concerts is set for Jan. 18. A news release from the Plainview Community Concerts describes the productions as follows: --"Vocal Trash" Jan. 18 Glee meets Stomp --"Five Sax" Feb. 21 international band of saxophone players --"Master Illusionist Brad Ross" March 14 believe in magic again Each concert will be at Harral Auditorium at the Wayland Baptist University campus at Seventh St. and Utica. Season tickets are still available and is good for all Plainview shows and free admission at Community Concert shows in Pampa and Borger, according to a news release from Plainview Community Concerts. Prices for season tickets are $45 for an individual pass, $10 for students, $100 for a family pass and $55 for single-parent families. There will be special pricing for single-show tickets, which will be offered based on availability. For additional information, call 292-8088 or email liveinplainview@gmail.com. The Texas Tech Museum is hosting a "The Red That Colored the World" exhibition through Jan. 17. According to a news release from Tech, the exhibition "combines new research and original scholarship to explore the history and widespread use of art in cochineal, an insect-based dye source for the color red." A bereavement support group is being offered at First United Methodist- Church, 1001 West 7th Street. Enter the "Office" door under the covered portico on the south. There will be six sessions with sessions running from 5-6 p.m. each Wednesday. There is no charge, and all are welcome. For more information call Carole Bell at 292-0134. The Wayland Baptist University Abraham Art Gallery is hosting a showcase of Ellie and Lynwood Kreneck's artwork. The artwork will be on display at the LRC Library Building on the WBU campus through Dec. 7. Rosa Fuentez was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Her family has set up an account at Happy State Bank under "Rosa Fuentes" for donations to go toward medical costs. Silvia Rosalez said her mother was diagnosed on Sept. 28 following bad back pain. Fuentez spent two weeks in the hospital and is now on hospice care. The Floyd Country Christmas Ball is set for Nov. 30 at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center. Tickets for the ball can be purchased at Payne's Pharmacy of Floydada or D&J Gin of Lockney. Those interested in learning more can call Dustee Sollis at (806) 983-6228. Christmas parade entries and guidelines are available at the Plainview Chamber of Commerce. This year's theme is "T'was the night before Christmas". The parade of lights will be Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. The parade route starts at Broadways Street park & goes to the Train Depot. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving on Dec. 1, for the annual "Breakfast with Santa" at the Ollie Line Center, from 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per child and includes a gift sack filled with goodies. The event will include games and giveaways. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the RSVP office at 825 Austin (basement of Unger Library). This event is sponsored by the Runningwater Draw RSVP and Hale County 4-H Members. Call 291-1223 for information. RSVP is sponsored by the City of Plainview. The Radar Foundation will host a Sensory Santa event specifically for children with autism, kids with sensory processing disorders and any child with a disability. The event will allow these kids to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with dim lighting, no music, less of a crowd and a soft-voiced Santa. There will be other sensory-friendly activities at the event. The meet and greet with Santa will be from 5-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in the Pastor's Class Building on Eighth St. and Broadway on Dec. 6 right before the Christmas Parade. The Salvation Army is doing its annual Angel Tree drive. Angel Tree tags can be found at Walmart, Prosperity Bank, The Salvation Army Store and local churches. Those interested in hosting a box can call (806) 296-6375. The Salvation Army will host a Santa Shuffle on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. in downtown Plainview. Those who wish to participate must be dressed in a Christmas-themed costume whether it's just a Santa hat, reindeer antlers or a whole ensemble. Exxon Mobil Corp. will use renewable energy to produce oil in West Texas. Under 12-year agreements with Denmarks Orsted A/S, Exxon will buy 500 megawatts of wind and solar power in the Permian Basin, the fastest growing U.S. oil field. It is the largest ever renewable power contract signed by an oil company, according to Bloomberg NEF. Terms werent disclosed. It will be interesting to see how the other oil majors respond, Kyle Harrison, a BNEF analyst, said. A purchase like this has historically been unprecedented. Exxon, which was sued by investors who alleged the company downplayed risks of global warming, is turning to clean energy as it becomes cheap enough to compete with fossil fuels. The wind and solar farms are being built in a region where electricity demand is soaring as oil production grows. OPINION: The future might not be plastics after all We frequently evaluate opportunities to diversify our power supply and ensure competitive costs, Julie King, a spokeswoman for the Irving, Texas-based oil producer, said in an email. The company denies misleading investors about climate change. Booming production in the Permian Basin is helping Exxon offset declining output elsewhere in the world. But output in the region has grown so fast that infrastructure including pipelines and power plants have struggled to keep up. One area of the Permian, called the Delaware Basin, consumed the equivalent of 350 megawatts this summer, tripling its load from 2015. Thats enough to power about 280,000 U.S. homes. Providers say demand is likely to triple again by 2022. Half the power Exxon will buy will come from the Sage Draw wind farm, which Orsted plans to finish building in 2020, according to a slide from an investor presentation Wednesday. The rest will be from the Permian Solar farm, scheduled to be finished in 2021. In August, Exxon was said to be seeking renewable energy under long-term contracts from a group of potential developers. To contact the reporters on this story: Christopher Martin in New York at cmartin11@bloomberg.net;Kevin Crowley in Houston at kcrowley1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Joe Ryan at jryan173@bloomberg.net, Tina Davis 2018 Bloomberg L.P. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. The former vice president of global sales for a local software development company, who admitted to fudging sales revenue earlier this year, said Thursday it wasnt about greed but instead about fear. Daniel Lee Burke said he was under internal pressure to reach a sales goal and feared angering management and losing his job at San Antonio-based Globalscape Inc. It was aberrational behavior, Burke said. Do you drench your tamales in ketchup? While some argue pairing the condiment with the masa mainstay of the holiday season is about as sinful as pineapples on pizza, others defend ketchup as part of the tamal tradition. Some members of Team Ketchup on Tamales even go a step further by adding another San Antonio favorite -- Whataburger Spicy ketchup, according to responses from mySA.com readers who answered the question, "how do you eat your tamales?" The fanciful foodies didn't stop there some shared recipes which call for wrapping tamales in prosciutto. RELATED: Everything you need to know about ordering tamales in San Antonio this holiday season More recalled a no-fuss childhood classic: sandwiching a tamal in sliced bread. However they dice, fry or pair 'em, most San Antonians agree the holidays would not taste the same without seeing a pile of wrapped up goodies on the table. And because there is never a shortage of tamales in the city, San Antonians have plenty of opportunities to try out all the suggestions from their fellow residents. Unwrap some of the ideas in the gallery above. Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com |@MaddySkye Note: This is an abbreviated version of the full Taste Test review, with a star rating based on multiple visits. See the complete version on our subscriber site ExpressNews.com. Its been eight years since Liberty Bar moved from the famously tilted old house on East Josephine Street to a former convent in Southtown. Time to let that go and see Liberty Bar for what it is now: a mature 34-year-old restaurant thats content to watch from an upstairs window while younger, cooler places race in the streets below. The San Antonio Coffee Festival is coming back this January better than before, founder Linda Brewster said. After a larger-than-expected turnout in January 2018 led to long lines and disgruntled attendees, Brewster has a plan to ensure an improved experience this coming year. She has reserved one-third more space at La Villita Historic Arts Village than last year, and plans to rope off a "specialty coffee area" limited to ticket holders. "We're looking for a more exclusive feel, obviously to prevent an experience where people are having to spend too much time making their way through the crowds in order to find the roaster and the coffee they want to try," Brewster said. A ticket covers five different coffee samples, which is one more than in previous years. Buyers will have access to about 90 different coffees provided by more than 25 different coffee companies. Tickets cost $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Admission to the rest of the festival which will include breakfast tacos, pastries and more food; coffee cocktails and other alcoholic beverages; performers, coffee education workshops and more will remain free and open to the public. RELATED: Coffee and Cordials Festival posts delicious-looking teasers ahead of event For the first time, the festival is limiting the number of ticket holders to 5,000. Brewster estimated about 10,000 total attended last year, but many were not carrying tickets, she said. She encouraged coffee lovers to buy tickets soon, anticipating they will sell out by Christmas. Brewster also recommended using the VIA buses to get to the event, since parking is notoriously difficult to find downtown. "I wish I could solve the parking problem downtown, but that's way bigger than I can even think about," Brewster said. The festival will support the Little Church of La Villita's Food Pantry Program, with a goal of filling up the pantry at the start of the new year. The event will be open to the public Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who buy VIP tickets, which cost $20 and include a coffee mug, will have exclusive access to the event from 10 to 11 a.m. 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 At first, the white object in the sky looked like a cloud. A weather balloon, perhaps ? The motionless, cigar-shaped object spotted last week near Fort Worth left the witness stumped. And a video of the sighting has since gone viral, opening the door to UFO theories online. "It was the oddest thing I've ever seen," the unidentified witness said, according to their report to Texas UFOs, a website that tracks mysterious UFO sightings throughout the state. "I watched it for about 20 minutes. It didn't move. I don't think I've ever seen anything in the sky stay that still before, not even for a few seconds, let alone 20 minutes." RELATED: UFO enthusiasts say Houston has seen lots of strange flying objects in 2017 Several people commented on the YouTube video guessing it could be a blimp. However, a Texas UFOs administrator said they couldn't find any information the Goodyear blimp was scheduled to be in Keller on Nov. 18, the day of the sighting. Further, the witness said it sat motionless in the sky for about 20 minutes, and similar UFO sightings were reported in Brownsville in August 2016 and El Paso in August 2018. A few people went along for the ride on YouTube, with one commenter comparing the footage to "the classic cigar-shaped UFO" he saw in the mid 90's over Reading, Pennsylvania. View the gallery to see other UFO sightings in Texas last year. 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 San Marcos and federal authorities will reveal more information Friday morning about how a catastrophic apartment fire started last July that ultimately killed five people and severely burned a sixth victim. The officials also will announce a reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the July 20 inferno at Iconic Village Apartments, according to a news release issued this afternoon by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Houston office. News of a reward strongly suggested that officials have concluded that someone set the fire. That would bring even more urgency to an already high-profile investigation that authorities have been working on for more than four months. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Escaping the deadly San Marcos fire The briefing to reporters will begin in San Marcos at 10:30 a.m. Friday, but is not open to the public. The city will broadcast a live feed of the press conference on its Facebook page. The consequences of the July 20 disaster were devastating and permanent. Five victims were found dead in the rubble after the flames were extinguished Dru Estes, 20, of San Antonio; Belinda Moats, 21, of Big Wells; Haley Michele Frizzell, 19, of San Angelo; David Angel Ortiz, 21, of Pasadena; and James Phillip Miranda, 23, of Mount Pleasant. All of those killed were in second-floor apartments of Building 500 at Iconic Village when the conflagration started there shortly before 4:30 a.m. as most residents were asleep. Those victims apartments spanned almost the entire circumference of the buildings center courtyard an indication of how fast the flames spread. Those inside Building 500s 28 apartments had very little time to react as the fire grew. By the time the first firefighters arrived, flames had wrapped around the buildings metal roof, which soon collapsed. The fire was in control of the building from pretty much top to bottom, San Marcos Assistant Fire Chief Rick Rowell told the San Antonio Express-News several days later. Those unfortunate five young people were already passed before our units got on scene. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Investigators say they've determined the origin of fatal San Marcos apartment fire The apartments at 222 Ramsay St. just two blocks from the Texas State University campus are occupied mostly by current and former students of that school. Frizzell and Ortiz, who were both Texas State students, were in the same upstairs corner apartment, along with their friend, Zachary Sutterfield, 20, of San Angelo, according to Dallas attorney Bruce Steckler, who represents their families. Sutterfield had been in San Marcos for about a week because he was preparing to transfer to Texas State. Sutterfield survived the fire, but suffered head trauma and third-degree burns covering 70 percent of his body. He has since undergone at least 21 surgeries and remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at Fort Sam Houston, according to a GoFundMe page raising money on his behalf. Details on how he escaped the inferno havent been made public. Sutterfield has no memory of the fire or of his move to San Marcos, according to posts his parents have made on a Facebook page dedicated to his recovery. He continues to ask if any of his friends died in the fire, his parents noted. Moats, a former Texas State student who was planning to resume studies at the school, lived three doors down from the corner unit occupied by Frizzell, Ortiz and Sutterfield. Miranda, an assistant manager at Discount Tire, lived three doors down from Moats and across the courtyard from Frizzell, Ortiz and Sutterfield. Estes, a musician who had just completed his sophomore year at Texas State, lived two doors down from Miranda. Autopsy results showing how exactly the five victims died have not been released. Ultimately, the fire grew so out of control that it spread to another apartment building at Iconic Village, as well as a building at Vintage Pads Apartments next door. Both apartment complexes are owned by the same company, San Marcos Green Investors LLC. Firefighters spent more than 13 hours dousing the flames and didnt withdraw most of their engines and equipment until around 6 p.m. later that day. The fire was so massive and the debris field so wide that San Marcos Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner, whose office is leading the investigation, brought in the federal ATF National Response Team and the Texas State Fire Marshals Office to assist. The ATF sent 50 agents to San Marcos an unusually large number, one forensic fire investigator told the Express-News in August. In the days after the fire, some residents who had been in their apartments when the pandemonium began said they never heard their smoke detectors go off. Many were awakened by screams, the sounds of glass breaking, others banging on their doors or the smell of smoke. Some residents in Building 500 had to escape by jumping from second-floor windows. Several of them suffered broken bones when they hit the ground, such as fractured ankles and vertebrae. The families of all five victims killed and Sutterfields parents later sued the owner and managers of Iconic Village Apartments, as have other survivors who escaped with less serious injuries. To date, four separate lawsuits have been lodged in Travis County. San Marcos Green Investors LLC and the others being sued property management company Elevate Multifamily LLC and two people who work in the apartments leasing office, Deborah Jones of Austin and Thomas Steubing Jr. of New Braunfels have denied any wrongdoing. In court papers responding to the lawsuits, theyve said the fire was caused by acts, omissions or negligence of others over whom they have no control or legal responsibility. Attorneys defending the apartments owner and managers filed new court papers earlier this week saying the fire may have been caused by a criminal third party who hasnt been identified. Due to the nature of the incident in question, there is a reasonable probability that the incident in question was caused by an unknown criminal third party, said court papers filed Monday by Houston attorney Jennifer Akre, who is representing all of those being sued. There are no known identifying characteristics of the unknown criminal third party at this time. Akre has declined to comment on the lawsuits. She and other defense attorneys are seeking to consolidate the lawsuits and to move them to Hays County, where the fire occurred. Peggy OHare is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: @Peggy_OHare A San Antonio man was sentenced Wednesday to more than 17 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra sentenced Guadalupe Garcia III, 26, to 210 months in a case that was investigated by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office but was prosecuted by federal authorities. Garcia pleaded guilty in July and his plea agreement said the local law enforcement agency received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child pornography was being downloaded on a Dropbox account. Deputy Jeff Allovio, a retired FBI agent who still serves on an FBI task force that investigates child exploitation cases, said that he and other investigators were able to connect the account to Garcia and moved in quickly at his trailer home in Southwest Bexar County. Our biggest concern is he had access to a 1-and-a-half-year old child, Allovio said, explaining why Garcia was arrested when law officers served a search warrant in May. During the raid, Garcia admitted having an addiction to pornography, including child porn, his plea deal said. His cell phone was seized and numerous images of child porn were found depicting 75 series, or collections of images of 75 separate children, Allovio and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson said after the sentence was handed down. Allovio said Garcia was an administrator of child porn groups on the social media app Kik, and also had child porn in his Dropbox account. His interest was in pre-school children, according to Allovio and Thompson. He was actively accessing child pornography for four years, Thompson said. 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 University Health has successfully connected a patient with his family after asking for the public's help identifying the man. "This makes for a 100 percent success rate," a University Health official said in an email. "Every time in the past 18 years that we have had to ask news media for help for a patient in this way, (the media has) helped, and family has come forward. We are deeply grateful, as is the family." One man was hospitalized Thursday after he was shot in the buttocks at a corner store on the West Side, authorities said. Police responded to the shooting at the Mom & Pop Food Mart, in the 1300 block of Culebra Road, at about 12:30 p.m. The city of San Antonio notified the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association on Thursday that it has officially dropped the lawsuit that the Texas Supreme Court refused to hear over the summer. The dismissal of the suit sets the stage for contract negotiations to begin more than four years after the fire unions contract initially expired. Union leaders did not return phone calls seeking comment, but President Chris Steele has maintained since the city filed its lawsuit in the fall of 2014 that he would begin negotiations within seven days of the suit being dropped. The unions top ally on the City Council Greg Brockhouse called for negotiations in the days after voters passed a charter amendment on Nov. 6 that gives the union the unilateral ability to call for binding arbitration on contract negotiations. On Thursday, Brockhouse reiterated his feeling that the two sides should negotiate. Yeah, I think they should negotiate, he said. Ive told them that myself. My hope would be that they get back as quickly as possible. More for you San Antonios Sculley announces retirement Its unlikely, he said, that the two sides would start up traditional negotiations in full view of the public. If the two sides meet, it will likely be before the mediator whod previously worked on reaching an agreement. Thats typically done behind closed doors, but Brockhouse suggested that it should be done publicly since San Antonians are so vested in the matter. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, meanwhile, said hes hoping for a quick resolution and that its not related to City Manager Sheryl Sculleys hours-earlier announcement that she plans to retire. San Antonio, the public, the city and the firefighters deserve this contract dispute to be resolved yesterday, he said. I have faith that professional negotiations will occur and would have occurred regardless of Sheryls announcement today. Sculley said she will stay on and help with the transition to her successor but will end her 13-year career with the city no later than June 30. She was the consistent force behind the citys lawsuit, which alleged that its contract with the fire union violated the Texas Constitution and public policy because of its evergreen clause, which keeps the agreement intact for up to a decade after it expires while a new one is negotiated. The citys arguments at the district court and appeals court levels were unsuccessful. City officials, including Sculley and Mayor Ron Nirenberg, steadfastly said they expected to win the case at the Texas Supreme Court, but the justices handed a final blow to San Antonio this summer when they declined to hear the case. Josh Baugh is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh Houston-based Intuitive Machines was one of nine companies tapped Thursday by NASA to build moon landers as part of a new strategy in which the space agency is a customer rather than a builder. When we go to the moon we want to be one customer of many customers in a robust marketplace between the Earth and the moon, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said during a news conference livestreamed from NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. We want multiple providers that are competing on cost and innovation. Taking this approach will allow NASA to focus on furthering human exploration to the moon and then to Mars, which President Donald Trump has tried to expand since taking office in 2017. The companies chosen Thursday will build the landers but not necessarily the science experiments and instruments that are sent to the moon. Instead, NASA will present them with projects they can bid on to transport there. Some of those projects will be NASAs. Under the 10-year contracts, the companies will not get paid until they start launching projects to the lunar surface. We have to pay for the launch costs and development, but we will recoup that over multiple missions to the moon, Trent Martin, vice president of aerospace services for Intuitive Machines, told the Houston Chronicle Thursday. Well charge customers based on their needs, such as mass, power and data. FIRST NINE: NASA names astronauts to fly on commercial vehicles by Boeing, SpaceX Thursdays announcement is the latest step by the Trump administration to bolster commercialization of space, but it came at a price. The commercial landers are meant to replace a rover that NASA abruptly canceled in April after sinking more than four years and $100 million into it. The rover, known as Resource Prospector, was being built by the space agency to find water on the moon. Headed to the moon Intuitive Machines personnel have been working on their lunar lander, known as Nova-C, since June after securing millions of dollars in private funding, Martin said. We are extremely excited to be developing the Nova-C spacecraft/lunar lander line and look forward to landing payloads on the moon, Steve Altemus, the companys president and chief executive, said in a statement. Nova-C is mid-range in size: Weighing 3,300 pounds and standing about 10-feet tall and seven-feet in diameter, the lander will be capable of carrying a payload of nearly 190 pounds. Martin would not disclose how much funding Intuitive Machines has secured or who provided it. But the company will cover both the building of the lander and the launch services until it can make up the costs through transporting payloads, he said. RESOURCE PROSPECTOR: NASA's lunar rover could enable deep-space exploration The lander should be ready to head to the moon by mid-2021, Martin added, and he expects they will launch it on a SpaceX rocket. What we anticipate is that NASA will issue a task order to all nine companies and say We want to deliver this instrument to the moon in 2021, he said. Then companies will bid to deliver the payload and then theyll pick between the companies. One other Texas company was among those chosen Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park. The other companies chosen are Astrobotic Technology in Pennsylvania; Deep Space Systems in Colorado; Draper in Massachusetts; Lockheed Martin Space in Colorado; Masten Space Systems in California; Moon Express in Florida; and Orbit Beyond in New Jersey. Over the course of 10 years, the nine companies will get paid a total of $2.6 billion to fly experiments and instruments to the moon. NASA wants to launch the first payloads as early as 2019 but no later than Dec. 31, 2021. NASA officials said Thursday they will re-evaluate the companies on the list every few years and might offer opportunities to other companies. Todays announcement marks tangible progress in Americas return to the moons surface to stay, Bridenstine said. The innovation of Americas aerospace companies, wedded with our big goals in science and human exploration, are going to help us achieve amazing things on the moon and feed forward to Mars. Unexpected decision The cancellation of Resource Prospector earlier this year came as a shock to the scientific community, with many questioning the motives given Trumps push to put humans back on the moon for the first time since 1972. In looking for water on the moon, Resource Prospector would have greatly assisted NASA in its quest for deep space exploration. If there is enough water that can be collected easily, the elements could be broken down to create rocket fuel, for example, or astronaut life support. Initially, officials said that the time and money invested in the project wasnt in vain. The instruments such as its ice drill, a system to search for hydrogen below the lunar surface, and a tool to quantify water extracted from the moon would fly on future missions such as these commercial landers. UNUSED: Despite spending $100 million, instruments on canceled lunar rover may never leave Earth's atmosphere But NASA later acknowledged that the parts may not be reused, and the agency put out bids this fall for experiments and instruments to fly on the landers. On Thursday, Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASAs Science Mission Directorate, skirted the question when asked about the canceled rover, saying that the agency already has some experiments in mind for the new landers. Some of them are resource-focused instruments, he said at a Thursday news conference. Weve continued to support those instruments. Resource Prospector was slated to fly in 2022 or 2023. Much of the work on the rover was being done at Houstons Johnson Space Center. Commercialization Increased commercialization of space has been a key talking point of Trumps administration in his quest to return to the moon as a stepping stone for Mars. 'SAFETY REVIEW:' Workplace culture at Boeing, SpaceX being probed by NASA For example, Trump has called for NASA to transition activity on the station to commercial companies and an end to federal funding after 2024. The push follows one started in 2014 prior to Trumps presidency in which SpaceX and Boeing will become the first commercial companies to send crews to the International Space Station, eliminating the nations dependence on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting laboratory. The commercial crew program has faced numerous setbacks and delays, most recently with an investigation by NASA into the workplace culture at both Boeing and SpaceX. And many oppose Trumps plan for the space station, saying companies likely wont be ready to take on the fiscal responsibilities that come along with the station. Just in fiscal year 2017, NASA spent $1.45 billion on the space station not including the costs to transport astronauts and supplies there. BRIDENSTINE: 2024 space station funding cut off may not be possible Even Bridenstine has said that ending federal funding for the space station after 2024 isnt feasible. It sounds really difficult and it is, no doubt, really difficult, but there definitely is interest, he previously said. But that doesnt mean it can be done and it doesnt mean it can be done in seven years. Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. Another California Satanic group found itself without many of its holiday ornaments this weekend, when the decorations were stolen from a public holiday event. Satanic Bay Area took part in the annual tree decorating at San Jose's Christmas in the Park event Friday morning, but by Monday, the group said a number of its decorations were missing enough so that a group member had to redistribute the ornaments to cover up the losses. The group is expecting to have to add more ornaments before the event concludes on Dec. 25. "Ornament theft is a thing that happens at Christmas in the Park, unfortunately, and we even anticipated that ahead of time," said Satanic Bay Area organizer Daniel Walker. "I don't want to say we don't mind, because it is annoying, but at the same time, [theft] is a fact of life. I was a little taken aback when I got the message today saying, 'Hey if this keeps up, we're going to have to make some new [ornaments] in about two weeks or so, it's gonna run out if the [theft] rate doesn't get down.' That I did not expect. READ ALSO: Best places to see Christmas lights in and around San Antonio in 2018 "It's really less a question of the act itself, it's more a question of the rate at which it appears to be happening," Walker added. The ornaments taken off the Satanic Bay Area tree include pentagrams, inverted crosses, 3-D printed ornaments of the group's logo, and decorations with images of Krampus, a mythological creature associated with Christmas and said to punish naughty children. Walker said members of their group came together to craft the items, totaling about 140 ornaments, most of them handmade, that decorated the tree on Friday. If this sounds familiar, last year, a different Satanic group that worked with Christmas in the Park had a similar issue. The San Jose chapter of the Satanic Temple decorated a tree in which its elaborate topper an intricate mask made to look like Baphomet, a goat-headed deity that is symbolic to the group was also taken from their tree. (The two groups are not affiliated with each other, Walker confirmed.) This is just the second year a Satanic group has worked with Christmas in the Park, said organizers, but groups do experience ornament theft from time to time. Participants are encouraged to use inexpensive ornaments in case of theft and use wire ties to secure them, said Jason Minsky, executive director for Christmas in the Park. Minsky confirmed Tuesday that he did hear the group suffered a loss of decorations to their tree. Groups new to the event sometimes use "really nice ornaments" to decorate their trees, said Minsky, which can be a problem. "These trees are literally a foot away from the fence and people can easily reach over and grab ornaments. We tell [participants], 'Don't use nice ornaments, people are really going to steal your handcrafted ornaments.' We definitely have had some incidents in the past where ornaments have been taken maybe because they're too nice." Staff, private security and police at Christmas in the Park try to prevent thefts, but with 550 trees to watch over this year (and over 600 trees in 2017), Minsky said it's impossible to police every tree. Still, Satanic Bay Area is taking the theft in stride. Other groups have offered to chip in with new ornaments, and members have said they would make more decorations to add to the tree. Walker called it "a good opportunity to rally together" in the face of the thefts. "People were a little bit disappointed [about the stolen ornaments] and a little bit put out; again, it's news that we expected and it's not the end of the world," Walker said. "I don't want to make it sound like we feel put upon or persecuted, but it is a little disappointing, especially for some folks who lost things they were particularly proud of. The fact that it happened after just a couple of days and already we have to think about doing replacements? That was discouraging." Despite the missing ornaments, according to Walker, the group doesn't feel the theft was necessarily directed at them, and said organizers and attendees were "mostly positive" when they were decorating their tree. Walker typified the response to the tree as anywhere from "hilarious to baffled to amused," with just one member reporting witnessing "one or two people who complained" about the tree. "Since nobody has attacked the tree or broken anything, I assume this is something people are doing because they like the ornaments and they want to take one," said Walker. "I don't want to make a thing about it, because this happens to everyone to one degree or another. If you want an ornament, just let us know it'll be much easier for everybody." 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. We've all heard that sex sells ... but does that mean that planting scantily-clad fitness models in listing photos can actually help sell a house? That's what Kristin Gyldenege started wondering back in October when she was hired as the listing agent to sell a two-year-old, two-story house in Conroe, TX. Although the property itself was an "entertainer's dream"with three huge bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an open-concept kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliancesno one was biting. The bright blue house comes with outbuildings too. realtor.com "We weren't getting any traffic," Gyldenege tells realtor.com. During the month of October, the listing got just 180 views, and despite multiple open houses, no one was showing up. Part of the problem was that the house was situated in an area known for flooding, which might have made potential buyers wary of wading in (although Gyldenege is quick to point out that this home has never been inundated and is situated in an elevated area that's "high and dry.") By November, she decided it was time to try something more eye-catching ... and what better eye candy could there be than fresh new listing pics of a young, barely clothed couple prancing around the house? Gyldenege called a couple of fitness models she knew, and asked if they'd be willing to pose for photos. They happily agreed to do it for free. Of course, she called her client first, explaining that these new pics would hopefully drum up more eyeballs for her listingparticularly twenty- or thirty-something couples who might identify with these young tattooed models (or at least see the humor in the whole thing). The home seller was on board, so Gyldenege set up the shoot, grabbing her own camera to snap some pics. The kitchen's breakfast bar. Kristin Gyldenege "I shot the pictures Sunday morning and posted them Sunday afternoon," Gyldenege recalls. By Sunday night, the listing had been shared far and wide, and viewed over 50,000 times. Then came a message from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), which manages the Multiple Listing Service for the area. Bonus room ... or makeshift massage parlor? Kristin Gyldenedge "HAR had received over 100 complaints about the photos," Gyldenege says. She doesn't know exactly who complained or what they said, although she's got an inkling that "older real estate agents" made up the bulk of the criticism. "I find [the reaction] interesting," she says. "I don't think [the photos were] that crazy! But if something this minor has gone this crazy, clearly some revitalization has to be done in our industry." HAR took down the listing Monday. Gyldenege was allowed to restore it later, albeit with only the original pics of empty rooms. Yet although her racy listing photos were up online for only about 24 hours, that was enough time to lead to six showings and a sizable crowd at their next open house. The laundry room features a washer and a dryer ... and so much more! Kristin Gyldenege While these photos may have raised eyebrows in the Houston area, sexy listing pics are not exactly new to the real estate game. In 2016, one risque real estate video listing in Hollywood Hills went viral for featuring a nude, tattooed woman luxuriating in her steam shower. And of course, plenty of real estate agents have pulled other types of listing stunts that turn heads in different wayslike with a panda suit or T. Rex costume. Gyldenege wanted buyers to really get a gander at the home's 2.5 bathrooms. Kristin Gyldenedge And Gyldenege herself is no stranger to controversy. Last year, she embarked on her own personal branding mission, slapping a sign on her car dubbing herself the "Potty Mouthed Agent" who would "sell the s*** out of your house." Some applauded her fresh approach; others called her "tacky" and a "disgrace to the profession." So, she was certainly not surprised when her latest listing tactic stirred up both positive and negative reviews. But Gyldenege says that in today's crowded real estate market, you have to take risks. "What agents are forgetting is we are a service. We must pull out all stops and do whatever it takes to make sure our clients walk away happy," she says. "If part of our service means putting ourselves on the line to stand out, then so be it." She also says that work must be done to change younger people's perceptions of the real estate agent profession. So while the fate of this particular listing experiment has yet to be determined, Gyldenege is happy with the results. Asked if she'd do it again, she says no, but only because this particular idea has now already been tried. "I probably won't do specifically this," she says, "but I will push the envelope again!" The post Should These Racy, Tacky Real Estate Pics Be Banned? Take a Look If You Dare appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. A magistrate has ordered the release from police custody of an Airforce of Zimbabwe pilot accused of killing his lawyer girlfriend, citing the violation of his constitutional rights. Gweru magistrate Thomas Gurajena said it was an abuse of a suspects rights to hold them in police custody for more than 48 hours. Gurajena said this after Tashinga Musonza, 29, told the court through his lawyer that he had been held for 53 hours before being taken to court accused of beating his 32-year-old girlfriend, Lucy Duve, to death. The defence counsel said the accused was arrested on November 26 at 4AM and taken to Gweru Central Police Station for detention and was only brought to the court on November 28 at 9AM. The accused spent 53 hours in detention which is a clear violation of section 50 (2) of the constitution as police did not seek for further detention of the accused, Gurajena said after defence lawyer Pepukai Mabhundu applied for his clients release. The magistrate noted that the prosecutions challenge to the application for release was weak just before ordering Musonzas freedom. The state did not challenge the time the accused spent in detention and their argument that the accused was required to give a notice challenging his prolonged detention is baseless and without merit, said Gurajena. The accused was arrested and detained at Gweru Central Police Station which is just a stones throw away from the Magistrates Courts. This (over-detention) is ultra-vires the constitution and the court cannot condone the illegality. I therefore order the accuseds immediate release. The order to release Musonza does not collapse his trial but it means prosecutors will now have to summon him to the High Court which has jurisdiction over murder cases when they are ready for trial. Musonza allegedly beat Duve to death accusing her of infidelity with a fellow soldier, Flight Lieutenant George Mangwenjere, at the Josiah Tungamirai Airbase (formerly Thornhill). The late Duve died upon arrival at Claybank Hospital. She suffered serious internal injuries besides the physical bruises and swollen eye as blood was oozing out of her mouth, according to prosecutors. ZimLive Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News IN a bizarre twist of events, retired Lieutenant Colonel Elliot Piki who was reportedly abducted earlier this week suddenly escaped from captivity, his family revealed Wednesday. Piki, according to wife Sibongile Sakutukwa was violently abducted by unknown armed assailants on Sunday from his Waterfalls home as his family watched in horror. He was due to give evidence to the Commission of Inquiry into the post-election violence that left six people dead on August 1 allegedly at the hands of the army. Curiously Piki then suddenly managed to escape exactly on the day the Commission chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe concluded hearings. According to a statement by local rights lobby group the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Pikis wife has now withdrawn a High Court habeas corpus application she made on Monday after it had been overtaken by events. The wife of a missing retired member of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) on Wednesday 28 November 2018 withdrew an application she filed early this week seeking an order compelling Zimbabwean authorities to account for the whereabouts of her husband after he managed to escape from his assailants, the statement said. Sakutukwa, who was represented by Jeremiah Bamu and Obey Shava of Mbidzo Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners, all members of ZLHR, had petitioned the High Court to order the setting up of a team of investigators, to work closely and in conjunction with lawyers appointed by ZHLR to search for Retired Lieutenant Colonel Piki at all places within Zimbabwe as may be reasonably practical, and report on such search to the Registrar of the High Court, on every alternate Friday. In her application Pikis wife had cited Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation Isaac Moyo as respondents. But on Wednesday 28 November 2018, Sarukato withdrew the application which had been set to be heard by High Court Judge Justice Sylvia Chirawu as the remedy that she was seeking had since been overtaken by events after Piki managed to escape from his abductors somewhere around Mazowe area, Mashonaland Central province and returned to safety, the ZLHR added. Piki had unsuccessfully sought to appear before Motlanthes Commission without success. Soon after his return to Harare on Tuesday 27 November 2018, Piki sought audience with the Commission of Inquiry to go ahead with giving his testimony. However, his request was declined with the officers of the Kgalema Mothlanthe-led probe team indicating that they had completed hearing evidence from all witnesses, the ZLHR statement said. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News In a significant development which could signal the beginning of fresh dialogue to normalise politics in Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa says he is open to talks with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, the Daily News can exclusively report. However, Mnangagwa added yesterday, any such dialogue would be on the strict understanding that Chamisa and the MDC recognised the Zanu PF leader as the legitimate winner of the hotly-disputed July 30 presidential election. This comes after Chamisa and his key lieutenant Tendai Biti told the Commission of Inquiry probing the August 1 shootings in Harare which left at least six civilians dead that political dialogue was the only solution to ending the countrys political and economic crises. Speaking in an interview with the Daily News yesterday, Mnangagwas spokesperson George Charamba also revealed that the Zanu PF leader had held talks with Chamisa in the run-up to the hotly disputed July 30 polls with the opposition boss allegedly moving to scupper the positive dialogue subsequently. You may also want to know, and I am making this disclosure for the first time, that way before we went for elections at the height of the election campaigns, and even after the elections there were lots of back channel communications between Zanu PF and MDC. Some of the players are pretending to be very radical today but we know better and the MDC Alliance knows whats on offer. There was an extraordinary amount of goodwill which they fluffed. One hopes that goodwill still subsists but anyway, now that they have given that indication, lets wait for the commission to make its recommendations and then move forward and see how this action pans out. But a key pre-condition is that there must be a recognition of ED as the winner of the 2018 elections there are no two ways about that, Charamba said emphatically. The presidential spokesperson also appeared to suggest that Mnangagwa had struck a deal with the late popular MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai which could have been of immense benefit to the development of the country. It was a forward looking agreement, but it appears that the MDC leader was interred with his vision that he had for this country. His youthful successor (Chamisa) did not realise that there were certain things that had been struck by the two leaders, which would have carried this nation forward, and forward in amity. What you are looking at is some takeover without a handover (MDC succession). Chamisa did not realise that there was prior dialogue to the structure which he has no assumed leadership of, a dialogue that went ahead of the party, a dialogue that was national in outlook. He (Chamisa) jettisoned it. He fouled it. But I would still say better late than never, now that I am seeing he is coming round, Charamba added. Appearing on Monday before the Commission of Inquiry that was appointed by Mnangagwa in September to probe the deadly post-election violence which left at least six civilians dead in Harare, Chamisa and Biti said Zimbabwe would only move forward if the countrys leadership was prepared to engage in political dialogue. We have a political legitimacy issue that can only be resolved through what you have already alluded to political dialogue. That is why we have insisted that political dialogue is the way forward, and we have put on the table a five-point plan. Let us have a path to nation building, a path to peace building. That is what we have put on the table. But Mnangagwa does not have an appetite for it, Chamisa told the commission. That is why we are saying we will use democratic tools to bring him to the negotiating table to resolve the legitimacy issue. That is our trajectory, he added, noting further that a regional-led dialogue had led to the 2009 government of national unity (GNU) between Zanu PF and the MDC. However, Chamisa did not say whether he was pushing for political dialogue that would result in another GNU. Biti also told the shootings commission that without political dialogue, the country would remain trapped in conflict and economic turmoil. We do have a political crisis in Zimbabwe it affects every walk of our life and it has affected the economy. Ninety five percent of the citizens are unemployed, there is no cash at the banks, the citizens are overtaxed. If you are not battered politically, you are battered economically. The political crisis in Zimbabwe is suffocating and chocking to the ordinary citizen. Elections permanently destroy us. The election should not be a reason for divisions. Without soberness or maturity, the country shall be in economic malaise in the next four years. We are lagging behind every country in the region. We need dialogue to move our country forward, Biti said. Charamba complimented this yesterday by saying the statements by the two opposition kingpins were a reflection of maturity, but quickly added that Mnangagwa would not want to open talks with the MDC ahead of recommendations by the shootings commission. I am realising that slowly sobriety is coming but also with a good dose of common sense, which means we can now engage. But at the same time, we must respect the commission and make sure we do not run ahead of its recommendations. Lets wait until the commission makes its recommendations and we will then see what the commission decides in its infinite wisdom about the proposals from the MDC Alliance, through its leadership if it does, we will take it in our stride. If it doesnt, then so be it, Charamba said. Chamisa narrowly lost to Mnangagwa in the July 30 presidential election, before he went on to accuse the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of manipulating the results in favour of the Zanu PF leader. However, Mnangagwas victory was upheld by the Constitutional Court which ruled that Chamisa had failed to provide evidence that he had won the election. Political analysts have said that the August 1 violence and the resultant deaths had done a lot of harm to Mnangagwas quests to mend years of frosty relations with Western governments. The post-election killings also cast a huge pall over Zimbabwes hopes of recovering from years of ruinous rule under former president Robert Mugabe. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News In a dramatic twist to the saga involving Elliot Piki who was allegedly abducted from his home on Sunday afternoon the retired army colonel suddenly pitched up at the official probe looking into the August 1 killings on Tuesday, where he was barred from testifying. This came after Pikis wife, Sibongile Sarukato, had filed an urgent court application on Monday demanding that the State does all in its power to establish his whereabouts, including placing adverts in all State-controlled print and broadcast media in this regard. It also came after Piki, 58, was allegedly abducted by armed masked men, amid claims at the time that he was due to testify before the official probe looking into the post-election shootings in Harare which claimed the lives of at least six civilians. But in Tuesdays sensational developments, Piki who was a losing candidate in the fiercely-fought Zanu PF primary elections for Harare South, which were won by President Emmerson Mnangagwas nephew Tongai pitched up at the commission of inquiry, where he was surprisingly barred from testifying. His lawyers told the Daily News yesterday that Piki had escaped from his kidnappers in Rushinga, in Mashonaland Central, before he came back to Harare. Yes we found him. He escaped in Rushinga. The people who abducted him were threatening to kill him. After he escaped, we went to the commission for him to testify, but they refused saying he came late for his slot. I tried to persuade them but they refused. I will release full details of what exactly happened for him to escape later, because for now I want to file the report of what happened to the police, Pikis lawyer Obey Shava said. But the spokesperson for the commission, John Masuku, maintained that Piki was not listed to testify before it. He was not listed to testify. Everyday I am being asked about this. He was not on our list of people who were to testify, Masuku told the Daily News. Piki was allegedly abducted by armed masked men who were driving an unregistered grey Toyota Hilux double cab which pulled up at his residence in Harare South on Sunday afternoon. As a result, Pikis wife filed her High Court application on Monday to pressure the government to act on the alleged abduction. What happened to my husband is clearly unlawful. It does not qualify as an arrest. He is a victim of enforced disappearance. An arrest could not have been conducted in such a clandestine manner with face mask clad personnel. If my husband was facing any criminal allegations or had been lawfully arrested, I would have been advised of his whereabouts. He would also not have been held incommunicado as is the present case. This is a clear case of kidnapping, Sarukato said. She added that the manner in which her husband was taken smacked of sinister motives as this is what happed to pro-democracy activist, Itai Dzamara who has been missing since March 9, 2015. Sarukato said upon his abduction, Piki was bundled into the unregistered double-cab vehicle. And as the unknown assailants were wrestling with Piki, one of them allegedly told him, Takakuudza kuti regai kuita document rauri kuda kuita. Uri kuda kuprotector Chamisa. Chii chako (we warned you not to work on the document you are working on. You want to protect Chamisa. Who is he to you)? During the scuffle, one of the alleged abductors is also said to have then produced a pistol and fired two shots, before pressing the firearm against her husbands ribs as he was forced into the vehicle before the car sped off. The State, through its security agents may have a hand in this. This is particularly so as this was not an armed robbery. He was specifically reprimanded for preparing a document for submission before the Commission. Gun shots were fired. A gun was pointed at him and pressed against his ribs. The motor vehicle was unmarked, and is similar in many respects to the vehicles usually used by senior army officials and other security services, Sarukato further alleged in her papers. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Yves here. This post has the point a bit backwards. Zuckerberg can do pretty much what he wants with Facebook, in terms of driving it into the ground, as long as he does not engage in securities fraud. The question is whether he ego is so out of control that he will continue to do that. Ad Age claims that Zuckerberg could easily throw COO Sheryl Sandberg under the bus, since many of the problem areas were under her jurisdiction. But hes supposedly fiercely loyal to her. By Josh Owens, Content Director at Oilprice.com. Originally published at SafeHaven After losing $200 billion in value since its peak in July, with stock plummeting 40 percent in only four months, Mark Zuckerbergs longevity as Facebooks chairman of the board is under attack, but hes holding all the cards. The next shareholder meeting will vote on a proposal that would lead to an independent board chairman, and shareholders are increasingly disillusioned with the social media giant, which has dragged them through the murky waters of sinister manipulation and the spreading of false information. The blowback has been big, and Zuckerbergs responses, insufficient, most recently culminating in a damning investigative report by the New York Times. And while some will point out that Facebooks stock plunge is just part of a wider tech selloff, others will point out that the social media giants fall from grace began before this. Faced with all of this scandal, shareholders are now bemoaning the fact that they dont have any control over what happens next, now that things have gotten out of hand. Zuckerberg owns 60 percent of the voting power here. And things are about to get even wilder Over the weekend, British Parliament did something its never done before: It seized internal Facebook documents that had been acquired by a startup that is suing the company and brought into the UK by an American businessman. While the lawsuit itself relates to an app designed to find bikini shots among the photos of Facebook users and friends, for British Parliament, they are much more important. On Tuesday, a British lawmaker alleged that the seized documents show that a company engineer identified a major data collection effort based in Russia. It had never been disclosed before, the lawmakerDamian Collinsalleged. Collins chairs a parliamentary committee investigating disinformation and the use of peoples data, which is a huge concern in Europe. Facebook claims those documents, by U.S. law, have to be kept under seal: NEW: Facebook responds to UK parliaments seizure of internal docs. It is getting its lines of attack out there. This is copy of its letter to @DamianCollins that it has just sent me pic.twitter.com/lfSeoM1j2l Carole Cadwalladr (@carolecadwalla) November 25, 2018 And it isnt helping that Zuckerberg refused to show up for a hearing of the Grand Committee of Disinformation, attended by international parliamentarians on Tuesday. Facebook is getting attacked globally now, with parliamentarians from nine countries at the hearingthough all they got was Facebooks policy VP, Richard Allan, to question. In South America, theyre worried about the use of WhatsApp to spread political disinformation. In Sri Lanka, they want to know why Facebook refused to remove anti-Muslim hate speech. Belgium wants to know how Facebook is tracking its citizens who dont use the platform and how that violates Europes new GDPR privacy regulations. And the list goes on The problem for Zuckerberg now is that Facebook has lost the trust of its constituency and to get it back they will need to do something significant, CNBC quoted Daniel Newman, principal analyst at Futurum Research, as saying. Their PR ploys so far have been empty and insufficient, and with growth already stalling they need to start changing sentiment now, he said. Changing sentiment might be replacing Zuckerberg as chairman of the board and separating the role of chair from that of CEO, which is also held by him. The new proposal that will be voted on in the next shareholder meeting in 2019 was floated in October by Trillium Asset Management, which owns some 53,000 shares in Facebook. Trillium VP Jonas Kron told CNBC that all the scandals make it abundantly clear that an independent board chair is necessary. But the question then becomes this: Can shareholders force Zuckerberg to give up the chair when he has 60 percent control? The answer is: No. If hes going anywhere, it will mean he renounced the chair himself. His challenge now is to decide whether staying in the chair will be a social media suicide. Lambert here: Ive never understood this fetish for certainty. Arent the Captain of Industry, the animals of spirit, the colossi of capital who bestride our globalized world, supposed to thrive on risk-taking, innovation, and disruption? And arent these uncertainty measures ripe for gaming via cognitive capture? By Hites Ahir, Senior Research Officer, IMF, Nicholas Bloom, Professor of Economics at Stanford University, and Davide Furceri, Senior Economist in the Research Department, IMF. Originally published at VoxEU. The global economy is growing, but so is uncertainty. This column presents a new quarterly index of uncertainty for 143 countries. The World Uncertainty Index reveals how uncertainty in the world has evolved over time, whether it is synchronised across countries, and how it compares across income groups and political regimes. The October 2018 edition of the World Economic Outlook predicts that global economic growth will remain steady between 2018 and 2020 at the 2017 growth rate of 3.7% (IMF 2018). This exceeds the growth rate in any year between 2012 and 2016. So, the global economy is growing, but so is uncertainty. Headlines that have appeared in the Financial Times in 2018 include: Stocks unsettled by global trade uncertainty, Counting the costs of Brexit uncertainty, Latin America faces up to growing uncertainties, Italian bonds under pressure from budget uncertainty, and Boeing deal with Embraer faces political uncertainty. A Google news search for uncertainty gives about 0.6 million results for the whole of 2017, but 2.5 million results for the first ten months of 2018. Can we measure uncertainty more precisely? Or compare the amount of uncertainty in the US to that in China, the UK, or Ireland? Measurements of economic and political uncertainty have been made only for a set of mostly advanced economies (Baker et al. 2016). We have constructed a new index of uncertainty for 143 countries using Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) country reports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to construct a panel index of uncertainty for a large set of developed and developing countries. Constructing the World Uncertainty Index We constructed the World Uncertainty Index (WUI) a quarterly index of uncertainty for 143 individual countries from 1996 onwards. The WUI is defined using the frequency of the word uncertainty (and its variants) in the quarterly EIU country reports. To make the WUI comparable across countries, the raw count is scaled by the total number of words in each report. In contrast to existing measure of economic policy uncertainty, two factors help improve the comparability of the WUI across countries: The WUI is based on a single source. This source has specific topic coverage economic and political developments. This source has specific topic coverage economic and political developments. Reports follow a standardised process and structure. The process through which the EIU country reports are produced helps to mitigate concerns about the accuracy, ideological bias, and consistency of the WUI. But we only have one EIU report per country per quarter, meaning there is potentially quite large sampling noise. Stylised Facts This dataset allows us to establish five key facts: 1. Global uncertainty has increased significantly since 2012. Figure 1 shows that average uncertainty has increased since 2012, well above its historical average (computed between 1996 Q1 and 2010 Q4). The index spikes near the 9/11 attacks, the SARS outbreak, the second Gulf War, the euro area debt crisis, El Nino, the Europe border-control crisis, the UK referendum vote for Brexit, and the US presidential elections. Interestingly, while text-based measures of uncertainty have been rising since the early 2000s, financial market measures rose until about 2010, but have fallen back to low levels (Pastor and Veronesi 2017). Figure 1 Global WUI, 1996-2018 (unweighted global average) Source: Ahir et al. (2018). Note: The WUI is computed by counting the frequency of uncertain (or the variant) in EIU country reports. It is then normalised by total number of words and rescaled by multiplying by 1,000. Here is also rescaled by the global average of 1996 Q1 to 2010 Q4 such that 1996 Q1 2010 Q4 = 100. A higher number means higher uncertainty, and vice versa. 2. Uncertainty spikes are more synchronised in advanced economies than in emerging and low-income countries. Within advanced economies, uncertainty synchronisation is higher in the euro area countries (Ahir et al. 2018). We find that uncertainty synchronisation is positively related with trade and financial linkages (see Figure 2), even when controlling for business cycle synchronisation, so that more integrated economies tend to be characterised by similar uncertainty spikes. Figure 2 WUI by income group, 1996-2018 Source: Ahir et al. (2018). 3. Uncertainty is higher in emerging and low-income economies than in advanced economies. You can see this in Figure 3. There is significant heterogeneity. For example, the WUI for the UK, because of the increase in uncertainty associated by the vote in favour of Brexit, is higher than those of many emerging market and low-income countries. Figure 3 Average WUI by income group, 1996-2018 Source: Ahir et al. (2018). 4. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between uncertainty and democracy. As countries move from a regime of autocracy and anocracy towards democracy, uncertainty increases (Figure 4). As countries move from some degree of democracy to full democracy, uncertainty declines. Figure 4 Relationship between uncertainty and political regimes, 1996-2018 Source: Ahir et al. (2018). Note: The democracy index comes from the Center for Systemic Peace, which classifies the country regimes as 10: full democracy, 6-9: democracy, 1-5: open anocracy, -5-0: open anocracy, and -10 to -6: autocracy. The average democracy index is 5.8. 5. Increases in the WUI foreshadow significant declines in output. This is shown in Figure 5, which runs a standard panel-VAR estimation on GDP growth on shocks to the WUI uncertainty country-level index. Figure 5 GDP response to WUI innovations, 1996-2013 Source: Ahir et al. (2018). Note: VAR fit to quarterly data for a panel of 46 countries from 1996 Q1 to 2013 Q2. Impulse responses of GDP to a one-standard deviation increase in the WUI equal to the change in average value in the index from 2014 to 2016 based on a Cholesky decomposition with the following order: the log of average stock return, the WUI and GDP growth. The specification includes four lags of all variables. Country and time fixed effects are included. A Valuable Dataset We believe that this dataset can be extremely valuable to researches for many applications. Strange waves rippled around the world, and nobody knows why National Geographic Rare and diverse giant viruses unexpectedly found in a forest soil ecosystem Phys.org New Zealand whale stranding: I will never forget their cries BBC Can lab-grown human brains think? The Week Risky Corporate Debt Among Top U.S. Threats Flagged in Fed Financial Stability Report Fortune (J-LS). Resource-Rich New Mexico Has a $322 Million Methane Problem Bloomberg Alberta officials are signalling they have no idea how to clean up toxic oilsands tailings ponds National Observer Syraqistan North Korea China? Leave them alone: on the Sentinelese The Hindu Meet the vigilante grandfathers protecting indigenous forest life in Cambodia Mekong Eye Bison bars were supposed to restore Native communities and grass-based ranches. Then came Epic Provisions. New Food Economy Brexit Trump Transition The $1.7 Million Man Bloomberg. A smallish grift, by elite standards, but real, like the link below. Is this a trend? Politically connected Syracuse group flips NY marijuana license for pot of gold Syracuse.com (Bob). Fake News Democrats in Disarray Fairness of Georgia elections challenged by far-reaching lawsuit Atlanta Journal-Constitution PA Recount Settlement a Victory for Voters Everywhere Voting Justice. From the settlement: The Secretary will only certify new voting systems for use in Pennsylvania if they meet these criteria: a. The ballot on which each vote is recorded is paper3; b. They produce a voter-verifiable record of each vote; and c. They are capable of supporting a robust pre-certification auditing process. 3A VVPAT receipt generated by a DRE machine is not a paper ballot. So I have to say: One for the Greens! (I take the strong position: Hand-marked paper ballots, hand-counted in public. That means digital is expunged from every phase of the process, critical because that which is digital is hackable, including scanners, printers, etc. The recount settlement does not take that position, although implementations of the agreement might.) Health Care Imperial Collapse Watch Exclusive: The Pentagons Massive Accounting Fraud Exposed The Nation. The firms concluded, however, that the DoDs financial records were riddled with so many bookkeeping deficiencies, irregularities, and errors that a reliable audit was simply impossible. Defense spending is a phishing equilibrium? Guillotine Watch Class Warfare Why 536 was the worst year to be alive Science Counterperformativity New Left Review. Dense, but intriguing. ` Antidote du Jour (via): Trying to level up my dog game, here. Bonus antidote: A friend put a toilet roll over their camera lense to make their dog look like the moon and I am in love pic.twitter.com/mGB3G7N6SQ Eliza Berlage (@verbaliza) November 26, 2018 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. 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. A special event was held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday (29 November 2018) to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Alliances leading initiative for science, innovation and research. The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme was created in 1958 to promote the training of scientists, encourage the sharing of knowledge, and build networks of experts. The SPS Programme has grown into one of NATOs major partnership tools, covering a wide range of issues, including cyber defence, responding to terrorism, and increasing energy security. Over the years it has created an international network of scientists and experts, and more than 20 Nobel Laureates are associated with the SPS Programme. Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said: It is science that provides our understanding of emerging security challenges, and its science that will underpin our solutions. Scientists, diplomats and officials gathered at NATO headquarters to mark the sixtieth anniversary. Projects supported by the SPS Programme were on display, including a new remote controlled device that uses subsurface radar to detect mines and other explosives. Sheikh Fawaz Al-Sabah of Kuwait and the Ambassadors to NATO from Italy, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Serbia gave speeches highlighting the benefits of the SPS Programme. Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Dr. Antonio Missiroli, closed the event saying: Innovation is a buzz word at NATO these days, and I am convinced that the SPS Programme will play a front line role in NATOs future, promoting peace through science, in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, both for allies and their partners. Please click here to download the SPS 60th Anniversary Gala Booklet. This op-ed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been published by El Pais and La Repubblica, part of the Leading European Newspaper Alliance (LENA). I belong to a generation shaped by the debate on intermediate range nuclear forces in Europe during the 1970s and 80s. The destructive power of SS20, Pershing and cruise missiles were of profound concern for publics and politicians alike. These weapons were specifically designed for the near-instant destruction of the European continent, and threatened the lives of millions of people. The whole continent indeed the whole world breathed a sigh of relief when the INF Treaty was signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Not only did the treaty reduce the number of nuclear missiles, it banned an entire category of weapons, making us all much safer. But in the last years, Russia has developed, produced, tested and deployed a new intermediate range missile, known as the SSC-8. The SSC-8 is mobile and easy to hide. It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It reduces warning times to minutes, lowering the threshold for nuclear conflict. And it can reach European capitals. Russias actions undermine the INF Treaty, placing it in serious jeopardy. The United States is in full compliance with its obligations under the INF Treaty. There are no new US missiles in Europe, but there are new Russian missiles. A treaty that is respected by only one side cannot be effective and will not keep us safe. If a treaty no longer affects the reality on the ground, then it is nothing more than a piece of paper. NATO Allies first raised their concerns five years ago, under the Obama administration. Now, after many years of categorical denials, Russia admits the existence of this new missile system. NATO Allies have repeatedly urged Russia to address our concerns in a substantial and transparent way, and to actively engage in a constructive dialogue with the United States. We repeated that call at our Summit in July, and when we met in the NATO-Russia Council at NATO headquarters in October. Regrettably, Russia has not heeded our calls. Moscows lack of engagement only reinforces our assessment that the new missile system poses a serious risk to the strategic stability of Europe. So I again urge Russia to ensure full compliance with the INF Treaty with full transparency - and without delay. NATO has no intention to deploy new nuclear missiles in Europe. But as an Alliance, we are committed to the safety and the security of all our nations. We must not allow arms control treaties to be violated with impunity, because that undermines the trust in arms control in general. The onus is on Russia. NATO does not want a new Cold War or a new arms race, and we will do all we can to avoid them. But Russia too must play its part. We remain ready to talk with Russia and to work together towards a better and more secure future. However, NATO must be firm and predictable. If we want to avoid nuclear weapons, we need to make sure that our conventional deterrence and defence is strong. That is why, in response to Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the countrys ongoing pattern of aggressive behaviour, NATO Allies strengthened our collective defence, agreeing to increase our investment in defence and to further modernise our armed forces. At the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in early December, we will assess the implications of Russias actions for the INF Treaty and for our Alliance. North America and Europe will continue to stand together in NATO to ensure peace and security. British warship HMS Dragon . A Royal Navy photo. PANAJI (PTI): Warship HMS Dragon, attached to the Royal Navy of Britain, has entered Mormugao Port in Goa to take part in a bilateral exercise with the Indian Navy, a senior official said. Commander Micheal Carter Quinn, Commanding Officer of HMS Dragon, called on Rear Admiral Philipose Pynumootil, Flag Officer Commanding, Goa Naval Area, on arrival at Mormugao Port, the Indian Navy has said in a press release here on Wednesday. HMS Dragon and INS Kolkata of the Indian Navy will participate in 'Konkan-18', a bilateral exercise between the navies of the two countries, it said. An Indian Navy spokesman said the harbour phase of the exercise is scheduled till December 2. This would include a pre-sail conference and subject matter expert exchange as a prelude to the forthcoming sea phase, he said. "In addition to sports fixtures, receptions would also be held onboard the two ships," he said. HMS Dragon is a Type 45 class destroyer commissioned in 2012. She has a length of 154.2 metre and a displacement of 8000 tons. "The ship has a unique Electric Propulsion System and is capable of doing speeds over 30 knots. The ship is fitted with Harpoon surface to surface missile, Aster surface to air missiles and a 4.5 inch calibre gun. "A crew of 41 officers and 214 sailors are borne onboard," the spokesman said. An 11-year-old girl who went missing in San Francisco on Wednesday night has been found safe, police said Thursday afternoon. E'Laya Brown had last been seen at her home around 10:30 p.m. and police on Thursday morning asked for the public's help in finding her. San Francisco police wrote on Twitter at 12:17 p.m. that E'Laya had been found. No other information was immediately released. San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin is trying to get Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's name removed from a local hospital in response to the recent scandals connected to the social media giant, according to a report in Business Insider. Peskin on Tuesday asked the city attorney how to go about removing Zuckerberg's name from San Francisco General Hospital, a facility to which Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan donated $75 million, Business Insider reported. Peskin also asked that the city revisit its policy on offering naming rights in exchange for gifts, according to remarks provided to the business site. Earlier this year, nurses working at the hospital protested over the attachment of the Facebook CEO's name to the facility in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan donated $75 million to the institution in 2015 in exchange for naming rights. But Peskin believes the name now reflects poorly on the city. "We'll see what my colleagues in the public think about this, but I think it's a wakeup call to Facebook that it's time to reform their corporate culture," he said. If the city ultimately approves removing the name, it may have to return some or all of the money donated by Zuckerberg should he request it. DOYLESTOWN >> Bucks County on Nov. 24 released its preliminary 2022 operating budget of $474.1 million representing a 1.1 percent increase over 2021. With additional anticipated revenue sources, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Board of Commissioners expects to balance the coming years budget without raising taxes or dipping into the general fund. The county also will... San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim will be a featured speaker at The Sanders Institute Gathering, organized by the think tank founded by the wife of former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. The gathering, which will include an array of progressive leaders, starts Thursday in Burlington, Vermont, and goes through Saturday. It will be the inaugural conference for the Sanders Institute, founded in 2017 by Jane Sanders and Dave Driscoll, focusing on solutions to economic, environmental, racial and social justice issues. In addition to Kim, Sen. Sanders will also attend along with several other prominent leaders including, actor, activist and San Francisco native Danny Glover, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. "I'm honored to be speaking at The Sanders Institute inaugural conference with so many other progressive policy leaders. Just as Senator Sanders had made a progressive policy mainstream, we must continue to set the nation's agenda by sharing local organizing and policy work happening on the ground and developing actionable steps to achieve health care, education and housing for all," Kim said in a statement. "Addressing income inequality, achieving universal Medicare For All, or making college tuition-free doesn't happen in a vacuum," she said. "We can win big, bold ideas when we organize, collaborate and share across cities and states." Sen. Sanders campaigned for Kim when she ran for state Senate in 2016 and he has also showed his support for City College of San Francisco's free tuition, a result of an initiative spearheaded by Kim. A New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of sexually assaulting a classmate back in 2015 was in court again Wednesday for his second appeal. This time, Owen Labrie is arguing for a new trial, citing ineffective counsel during his first trial. After years of court proceedings that grabbed headlines nationwide, this is really Labries last shot to get his name cleared. As he left the courthouse Wednesday, Labrie stayed quiet, refusing to answer any questions from reporters. The now 23-year-old St. Pauls School graduate arguing that he deserves a new trial. He was convicted in 2015 of sexually assaulting an underage classmate during a campus tradition called a Senior Salute a game of sexual conquest before graduation. Labrie was also convicted of a felony for using a computer to lure the minor for sex. On Wednesday, his appellate attorney focused on that felony charge, saying Labries former trial attorney, JW Carney, failed to defend his client against it. They misunderstood the law, it explains why they totally ignored this, not one word to the jury about this charge, said Appellate Attorney Christopher Johnson. The evidence was there to be used, the problem was they just didnt use it for this charge. The state argues that Carneys defense was successful, seeing as though Labrie was acquitted of the more serious rape charges. Had those charges been included in the defendants convictions, he wouldve faced an additional 30 to 60 years in New Hampshire State Prison, said Assistant New Hampshire Attorney General Sean Locke. That acquittal is significant compared to the charges he was convicted of and the penalty he did face. That computer crime carries with it a lifetime on the sex offender registry and up to seven years behind bars. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld that conviction, leaving Labrie with few options left besides this appeal. If the court rules in his favor, Labrie will get a new trial in Merrimack County Superior Court and cannot be tried again on the rape charges. It could take the court up to six months to make a decision. A civilian eyewitness who had a front-row seat for the shooting of teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014 told a Cook County Judge Thursday that he was never contacted by police, despite his vivid observation of the incident. Jose Torres was driving his son to the hospital the night McDonald was shot, and stopped, he estimated, two car lengths away from where the incident unfolded. "All I saw him doing really was trying to get away from police," Torres said. "The only thing I heard was the police shouting." Testifying in the conspiracy trial of three officers accused of creating a false narrative of the McDonald shooting, Torres said after that shouting, the next thing he heard was gunfire. "He just turned his head in their direction," Torres said. "As soon as I saw him turn his head to look, I heard the gunshots." Torres, who also testified during the murder trial of officer Jason Van Dyke, told the court that the shots, fired by officer Jason Van Dyke, seemed to come in two volleys. After he saw McDonald fall to the pavement, he said he thought he detected some movement. "As soon as he started moving, thats when the other shots started coming in,"Torres said. Despite his close proximity to the scene and the fact that he was an eyewitness, Torres said he was waved from the street by a police officer with a flashlight who told him to turn around and leave. The following morning, he said he was watching news coverage of the shooting, and became upset when he heard how a spokesman described the incident. "Theyre lying," he recalled telling his wife. "This is not what happened!" So upset at what he had seen and heard, Torres said he contacted the Independent Police Review Authority a few days later. He eventually was interviewed by an IPRA investigator a week after the shooting. "Has any member of the Chicago Police Department ever contacted you about what you saw," special prosecutor Patricia Brown-Holmes asked Torres. No, he said. On cross examination, defense attorneys tore into Torres, questioning why he had not tried harder to contact police, and questioning previous versions of the story he had told. Defense lawyer James McKay noted that during his IPRA testimony, Torres had told the investigator, "I think he was looking for a way out-he was trying to get escape." "Did it look to you like he was trying to escape?" McKay asked. "If thats what you want to call it, Torres replied. He was walking away." McKay bore in on why, if Torres was so upset, he had simply left the scene. "Did you stop and tell that officer with the flashlight, heres my name, heres my phone number?" McKay asked. "It was the first time I ever witnessed something like this, Torres said. I didnt know what I was supposed to do. A disruptive passenger forced an American Airlines crew on a Toronto-bound flight from OHare International Airport to return to Chicago, a spokeswoman said. As soon as we landed police cars, ambulances and fire dept @CFDMedia followed the plane to the gate. pic.twitter.com/SZKJNjxPzl Christy Brissette RD (@80twentyrule) November 29, 2018 American Airlines flight 3284 took off Wednesday from OHare shortly after 5 p.m. but had to turn around and head back to Chicago midflight due to the passenger being disruptive, a spokeswoman for the airline said. Police were waiting at the airport when the plane landed, she said. Police said a couple was arguing midflight to the point where the plane turned around and landed. They were removed after the small verbal argument," police said. There were no visible injuries and no charges were filed, police said. The flight was delayed several hours and scheduled to re-depart for Toronto at 6:55 p.m. American Airlines booked the couple on a later flight, Chicago police said. Taking the stand in the conspiracy trial of three officers stemming from the 2014 shooting of teenager LaQuan McDonald, police officer Dora Fontaine testified she never saw McDonald raise his knife above his shoulder, never saw him attack anyone, never even saw him make aggressive moves the night he was shot. The official report carrying her name from that night suggested otherwise, listing three police officers as victims, and the shooter, officer Jason Van Dyke as having been injured by McDonald. Fontaine said those details came from Detective David March, who is on trial along with Walsh and Gaffney, accused of conspiring to draw up false reports of the incident to exaggerate the threat McDonald posed. On withering cross examination, Marchs attorney James McKay suggested Fontaine had told different versions of her story to the FBI, the citys Inspector General, and the Grand Jury. McKay then reminded Fontaine that the citys own general orders required her to correct any false reports, which she admitted she had never done. So you violate that general order, didnt you? McKay asked. So you should be fired! Earlier in the day, the judge heard testimony from the first police officer to confront McDonald that night. Officer Joseph McElligott was with his partner Thomas Gaffney, when the initial radio call came in of citizens complaining about a youth stealing radios from a southwest side truck yard. Confronting McDonald on the street, McElligott said he demanded the teenager show his hands. When he took his hands out of his pockets, he had a knife in his right hand, the officer said. He went on to describe an incident where McDonald plunged the knife into the tire of his squad car, and again into the windshield. But through it all, he said he never considered McDonald a lethal threat. He used force, the officer said, but it was on our car. McElligott had his back turned during the actual shooting. The officer conceded that McDonalds actions would qualify him as an armed assailant. And he said that no one ever tried to get him to modify his story to make the shooting appear justified. Earlier, Chicago Police Academy instructor Larry Gaffney took the stand to explain the departments use-of-force model. The sergeant said based on the infamous dashcam video of the shooting, he would classify McDonald as an armed active resister, which he said might have justified use of a taser, but not lethal force. The only thing that you see is the subject walking, he said. Walking away from the officers. Police have arrested two people suspected of attacking a man in Shelton last month. Police said the victim, a 35-year-old man, was found unresponsive and covered in blood on the sidewalk along Center Street around 1 a.m. on Oct. 12. He was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, treated for serious injuries to his face and body and released from the hospital after an extended period of treatment. Shelton detectives investigated and identified two suspects. Police arrested 31-year-old Kelvin Whitehurst, of Derby, last week and he was charged with assault in the first degree, conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree and breach of peace in the second degree. Bond was set at $250,000. Coma Fogle, 37, of Waterbury turned himself in to Shelton Police Wednesday. He was charged with assault in the first degree, conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree and breach of peace in the second degree. Bond was set at $250,000. Central Connecticut State University officials have revealed that a campus police officer was fired after being accused of sexually assaulting another officer. The New Britain school disclosed the firing Thursday and released a report about the department prepared by former state public safety commissioner Bernard Sullivan. Officials also announced changes aimed at improving the police agency. Officials said an officer was fired in September after being accused of sexually assaulting a female officer, who did not want to press charges. No criminal charges were filed. A message the Associated Press left at a phone listing for the officer was not immediately returned Thursday. Sullivan's review followed a Hartford law firm's probe that found a "fraternity-like environment" within the department. The firm faulted police for failing to investigate the sexual assault allegations against the officer. These reports are the culmination of an investigation that began almost a year ago under Dr. (Zulma) Toros direction. I support the swift action taken and any further actions necessary down the road in order to restore professionalism within the CCSU Police Department. I want to personally thank Bernie Sullivan for his help and expertise. Im going to repeat what Ive said before: We do not tolerate inappropriate sexual behavior and we do not tolerate failures by staff to take action when reported, President Mark E. Ojakian, president of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, said in a statement. A 55-year-old woman died after being hit by a pickup on Talcottville Road (Route 83) in Vernon Wednesday afternoon and police have released her name. Police said a truck traveling north hit 55-year-old Grazyna Grudzinska-Burek, of Vernon, in the area of 642 Talcottville Road around 3:30 p.m. and she was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver remained at the scene and spoke to investigators, according to police. No charges have been filed. Police are investigating and ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Ethan Roberge at 860-872-9126. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is working with local health departments across the state to offer flu shot clinics. As of Nov. 24, 2018, 151 have tested positive for the flu and 55 have been hospitalized. There has also been one flu-related death in Connecticut this season. The flu is most dangerous to children younger than 2, people 65 and older, pregnant women and groups with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure or lung disease. For more information, click here. The flu clinics are low-cost or free. A list of locations and times is below: December 1: East Hampton Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months,5-18 y.o and adults Location: Chatham Health District, 240 Middletown Ave., East Hampton Sponsored by: Chatham Health District Times: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Hartford Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Arroyo Community Center, 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford Sponsored by: Hartford Health Department Times: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dec. 1 Milford Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Milford Health Department, 83 New Haven Ave., Milford Sponsored by: Milford Health Department Times: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. New Milford Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: New Milford VNA, 60 Park Lane, New Milford Sponsored by: Newtown, Danbury, Bethel, Ridgefield, Brookfield, New Milford, Redding, New Fairfield and Sherman Health Department Times: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Newtown Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane, Newtown Sponsored by: Newtown Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. Old Saybrook Vaccine available for ages: 4-18 y.o and adults Location: CT River Area Health District, 455 Boston Post Road. Suite 7, Old Saybrook Sponsored by: CT River Area Health District Times: 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. Putnam Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, 9 Technology Drive, Putnam Sponsored by: Northeast Health District Times: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Seymour Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Naugatuck Valley Health District, 98 Bank Street, Seymour Sponsored by: Naugatuck Valley Health District Times: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Southbury Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Pomperaug Health District, 77 Main St. North, Suite 205, Southbury Sponsored by: Pomperaug Health District Times: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Stamford Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Stamford Government Center Lobby, 888 Washington Blvd. Sponsored by: Stamford Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Storrs Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o. and adults Location: E.O. Smith High School, 1235 Storrs Road, Storrs Sponsored by: Eastern Highland Health District Times: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Torrington Vaccine available for ages: adults Location: Torrington Health Department, 350 Main St., Torrington Sponsored by: Torrington Health Department Times: 9 a.m. -11 a.m. Vernon Vaccine available for ages: 4 y.o. through adults Location: Vernon Police Station, 725 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon Sponsored by: North Central Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Waterbury Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: City Hall (Veteran's Hall), Grand Ave, Waterbury Sponsored by: Waterbury Health Department Times: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Willimantic Vaccine available for ages: 4 y.o through adults Location: Windham Town Hall-Bellingham Auditorium, 979 Main St. Willimantic Sponsored by: North Central Health Department Times: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. December 8 Branford Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o. and adults Location: East Shore District Health Department, 688 East Main St. Branford Sponsored by: East Shore District Health Department Times: 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Coventry Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o. and adults Location: Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Road, Coventry Sponsored by: Eastern Highland Health District Times: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Danbury Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o. and adults Location: Danbury Fair Mall, 7 Backus Ave, New Milford Sponsored by: Danbury Health Department Times: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. New Haven Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o. and adults Location: Ives Branch of New Haven Public Library, Program Room Sponsored by: New Haven Health Department Times: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. New London Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Ledge Light Health Department, 216 Broad St., New London Sponsored by: Ledge Light Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Old Saybrook Vaccine available for ages: 4-18 y.o and adults Location: CT River Area Health District, 455 Boston Post Road. Suite 7, Old Saybrook Sponsored by: CT River Area Health District Times: 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. Orange Vaccine available for ages: adults Location: Orange VNA, 605A Orange Center Road, Orange Sponsored by: Orange Health Department Times: 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Putnam Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, 9 Technology Drive, Putnam Sponsored by: Northeast Health District Times: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Stamford Vaccine available for ages: 6-59 months, 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Stamford Government Center Lobby, 888 Washington Blvd. Sponsored by: Stamford Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Windsor Vaccine available for ages: 5-18 y.o and adults Location: Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad St. Windsor Sponsored by: Windsor Health Department Times: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A lot has changed when it comes to tolls since Connecticut removed the last toll booths in 1988. First, states like Massachusetts and New York have eliminated traditional toll takers, and booths where cars have to stop. Theyve advanced to electronic gantries that read transponders like an EZ-Pass or they take photos of license plates for payments. Second, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities for businesses looking to target customers. David McGuire, executive director the Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, says the state has the chance to protect all drivers data if it chooses to implement tolls during the 2019 legislative session. Now that were potentially starting this from scratch we have the opportunity to build this the right way with the proper data safeguards in place to make sure that the data is just used for the purposes of collecting the toll, not for tracking people for long periods of time, he said. Connecticut is the only state in New England without any kind of tolling program to pay for transportation infrastructure. Governor-elect Ned Lamont and top Democrats in the General Assembly, fresh off major gains in both the House and Senate, have eyed at least tolls on trucks driving through the state. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has commissioned multiple studies on the topic, with the most recent one suggesting that 82 tolling locations around Connecticut could collect $1 billion annually. The ACLU advocates for protecting such information from being sold to private companies. McGuire says with that many locations, every driver is potentially being following by the state. Really a privacy nightmare in many cases. If you think of a gantry every six miles on a highway, thats going to be able to track you with pretty extreme precision over long stretches across the state. A spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Transportation told NBC Connecticut, We fully expect that these issues will be taken under consideration during any toll debate. Different states have varying rules and regulations when it comes to the use of data collected by electronic tolls. In many cases, police can obtain driving data when a warrant has been issued in connection with an investigation. McGuire says those kinds of carve outs are necessary, but they need to be limited in scope. Were not saying you shouldnt go forward with tolls. We as an organization dont take a position, McGuire said. We just say if you do it, do it in a thoughtful, careful way so we dont sell peoples privacy short for short term financial gain. NBC Connecticut Responds helped a Stamford woman claim her refund from the states unclaimed property list after she struggled to get her money. When Jennifer Peppe discovered a $138.99 refund on the states online unclaimed property list, she was ecstatic. But the Stamford resident said the process for getting her money was pretty disappointing. Its not even that much. So, honestly the process has been so difficult, said Peppe. Peppe said she followed the states instructions to claim the money and mailed in the required paperwork to complete the process. They sent me a letter saying that its from this Bank Mobile Vibe, said Peppe. Peppe said she called the Bank Mobile Vibe and confirmed that it was her account and that she had a housing deposit refund from when she attended the University of Hartford. But Peppe claimed neither she or her family had any knowledge of that bank account. I was never notified. I didnt even know about this, said Peppe. A spokesperson with the University of Hartford explained that their records showed that Peppe set up her own account in February of 2012 and that it was closed after she graduated in May of 2014. The university says a physical check of $138.99 would have been sent by BankMobile Vibe to the student for the refund. Peppe doesnt remember opening the account and said she never got the check, but she wanted the money. So she reached out to the state again and they told her it still wasnt enough to release the check. The state of Connecticut needs the bank to write a letter that states that Jennifer Peppe is the payee of this check, explained Peppe. Peppe requested that letter but says the bank told her that they couldnt provide it because it was beyond the banks 90 days policy to claim the money and because she didnt have an account with them. The bank also stated that they tried to reach Peppe through email. She says she didnt get the message. I said if they did, I wouldve cashed that check, said Peppe. After several failed attempts to get a resolution, she turned to NBC Connecticut Responds. I watch NBC every day. So, I said Im just going to write in to Sandra Jones, said Peppe. We reached out to both the State Treasurers office and Bank Mobile Vibe. In a statement, the State Treasurers office told Responds: The office learned for the first time that a bank subsidiary, Bank Mobile Vibe, actually was the holder of the unclaimed assets turned over to the state. After multiple conversations with the bank explaining that its filings were incomplete, the state was told that Ms. Peppe is the payee. Bank Mobile said, they are working directly with the customer and that the requested letter was sent to the state of Connecticut on November 5. After Responds intervened, Jennifer finally got her $138.99 refund check and shes glad it finally worked out. Relieved and just happy. Very thankful for you guys, said Peppe. The State Treasurers Office said they have to rely on businesses to report unclaimed assets correctly. Cashiers checks are negotiable instruments and the rightful owner must present an original check or a letter from the business that remitted the information to our office. The instructions for claiming unclaimed assets state: If the property type includes a negotiable instrument such as, but not limited to, a cashier's check, money order, Treasurer's check or gift certificate / gift card, the original document must be submitted as proof of ownership. Thomas Jefferson, the man who infused the United States Declaration of Independence with the words all men are created equal, owned human beings as slaves. That contradiction and the stories of Monticellos enslaved population are at the heart of 'Slavery at Jeffersons Monticello: Paradox of Liberty,' an updated touring exhibition originally created in 2012 on view at the African American Museum in Dallas Fair Park through December January 21. This exhibition facilitates this conversation about slavery and the impact of slavery which we still live with, because it tells the story through the lens of the slave people. It doesnt tell the story of a defeated people. It tells a story of a people making the best they can with the circumstances with which they found themselves and thats important. Its a story about survival. Its a story about moving forward. Its an American story, Gayle Jessup White, Monticellos Community Engagement Officer, said. This expanded exhibition, making its first stop on a three-year tour in Dallas and featuring more than 300 objects, holds a personal connection for White: she is a descendant of the nations third president. When I was 12 years old, I stumbled upon this oral history that were descended from Thomas Jefferson, White said. At this point, there was a certain shame within the black community by having this kind of lineage and it just wasnt anything my dad was interested in. I, on the other hand, was captivated by it. Years of research led her to Monticello and DNA tests confirmed Jefferson is her five times great grandfather. Two years ago, she learned Peter Hemings, a Monticello slave, is her four times great-grandfather. During a recent excavation, the original kitchen where Hemings worked was unearthed. Walking on the dirt floor of that space was an emotional experience for White. Thats my family. That was his dirt, so I put my hands in that dirt, that red clay. I rubbed it all over my hands, rubbed it on my arms, White said. Its that significant because Im that close to my ancestors. Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello Hemings sister is Sally Hemings, the slave who was the mother of six of Jeffersons children. As a teenager, she accompanied Mary Polly Jefferson, Jeffersons daughter, to France. Jefferson, a widower, was serving as the United States Minister to France at the time. According to Madison Hemings, Hemingss son, Jefferson and Hemings began a sexual relationship while in France. Hemings became pregnant. She had the opportunity to stay in France as a free woman, but Jefferson wanted her to return to Virginia. She negotiated with him. She negotiated with one of the most influential men of that time. She negotiated with a founding father. She negotiated with the writer of the Declaration of Independence and said, Im not going back unless I get certain privileges and among those privileges will be freedom for my children. He granted her that, White said. Of the six children she bore, four survived to adulthood. Jefferson freed all of them and after Jeffersons death, his daughter informally freed Hemings. Thanks to the availability of DNA tests, many Jefferson and Hemings descendants have discovered their ties to Monticello. In light of the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements, the nature of Jefferson and Hemings relationship is divisive among descendants. Think of Thanksgiving. Everybody has a different opinion. Some people believe there was a love relationship between the two of them. Some people believe there was a rape, White said. The power imbalance was undeniable. He owned her. Stacey Evans The announcement of this touring exhibition was made only days after Monticello unveiled new exhibitions, including the opening of the South Wing and The Life of Sally Hemings exhibit. Those new exhibitions at Monticello as well as the panels about Hemings added to the exhibition coming to Dallas reflect Monticellos priority to flesh out the lives of Sally Hemings and all slaves at Monticello. For over 200 years, Sally Hemings has been an appendage to Thomas Jefferson. She has been scandalized, shes been controversial by no fault of her own. She had no identity aside from that. What weve done at Monticello is that we have given back Sally Hemings her humanity, White said. In addition to the section about Hemings, Slavery at Monticello features a digital recreation of Mulberry Row where many Monticello slaves worked, descendants stories filmed for the Monticello historians Getting Word Oral History Project and a Slavery at Monticello app featuring recent scholarship about Monticellos enslaved community. Timed to coincide with the State Fair of Texas, the exhibition offers an opportunity to appreciate the American slave populations contribution to the nation. Slave people were not a monolith moving through American history. They were individuals and we are working to help our guests and other people understand how multi-dimensional they were, to see them as fully developed human beings, White said. As people begin to see the enslaved as fully dimensional, fully developed human beings, they will see their descendants as such. MORE: African American Museum, Dallas Dallas police are asking for help solving the murder of a woman found dead inside her apartment Tuesday. Maria Ezquerro, 23, was found inside her apartment on the 5400 block of Peterson Lane at about 9 p.m. Investigators have not said specifically how Ezquerro died, but did say she died of "homicidal violence." Further detials about the ongoing investigation have not been released. Anyone with information regarding this offense is encouraged to contact Dallas police Detective Scott Sayers at 214-671-3661 or via email. For James Godwin, it wasnt about the money - or even the fossil. The Wichita Falls anesthesiologist and fossil enthusiast certainly values his Tyrannosaurus bataar skull. But for him, challenging the governments attempt to take it from him was about principle as well as basic property rights. In this country, the government should not be able to walk into your house on some third partys word and take your property, Godwin said in an interview Tuesday. His perseverance paid off. A federal judge in Fort Worth ruled on Monday in Godwins favor after a one-day trial last week over whether the large dinosaur skull should remain with Godwin or be returned to Mongolia from where it was allegedly unearthed years ago. Click here to read the full story from our media partners at The Dallas Morning News. Prosecutors charged a central Minnesota man with a gross misdemeanor Wednesday but not a hate crime for allegedly having his teenage son dump bloody deer carcasses on the hoods of two cars owned by Somali-American men. The Stearns County Attorney's office charged 62-year-old Daniel Dorian Knowlen of St. Cloud with contributing to the delinquency of a child. The charge carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. The complaint alleges that Knowlen watched as his 14-year-old dumped the skinned carcasses from their pickup on the cars parked outside a YMCA in St. Cloud, a city of about 65,000 people about 65 miles (104 kilometers) northwest of Minneapolis, on the night of Nov. 14. Surveillance video tracked down the pair. Knowlen initially denied being at the YMCA the previous evening, but when told there was surveillance video he acknowledged being there with his son, the complaint said. According to the complaint, Knowlen told police it was "just being funny" but acknowledged he "probably could have" stopped his son. Knowlen said he did not know who owned the cars and was not trying to target the drivers. Knowlen also acknowledged that he and his son had permits for the deer. The boy was asked if he had any explanation for the actions but said no, according to the complaint. One of the Somali men told authorities he feared the deer was a message that he was not wanted in the community, and noted that the deer carcass was likely placed by a hunter and that hunters carry guns. The two Somali men said they had not experienced any harassment or other altercations while they were at the YMCA. Police said there were no identifying markings revealing who owned the cars, which were both parked legally and not encroaching on any other parking spaces. "Yeah, I would definitely think that we were targeted for who we are," Ali Abdullahi told NBC affiliate KARE-TV after the incident. "I did feel threatened." Authorities noted that placing deer carcasses on strangers' cars parked at the YMCA to be found by others constitutes disorderly conduct, and that the act also was motor vehicle tampering. Those actions contributed to the delinquency of Knowlen's son, the complaint said. Executive director Jaylani Hussein of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, said Wednesday his group welcomed the gross misdemeanor charge against the father but was disappointed that a hate crime was not added to the charges. "I just think that this was not a simple practical joke. It appears to be something where they ... were trying to send some form of intimidation," Jaylani told The Associated Press. "A carcass is not something that is taken lightly. It's a symbol of death, violence." Messages left with the prosecutor's office were not immediately returned Wednesday night. Court records do no list an attorney for Knowlen. Minnesota has the nation's largest Somali population at an estimated 57,000. As many as 10,000 of them settled in and around St. Cloud. Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney for President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to new charges in federal court on Thursday. Cohen pleaded guilty to making false statements to Congress. He lied in 2017 statements to the U.S. Select Senate Committee on Intelligence about an aborted Trump project to build a Trump Tower in Russia. Read the criminal information submitted by special counsel Robert Mueller with the new allegations Cohen admitted to: Trump Associates Indicted or Convicted During His Presidency When President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was convicted on eight felony counts on Aug. 21, 2018, he became the first member of Trumps campaign to be found guilty. Several other Trump associates have pleaded guilty, including the president's former personal attorney Michael Cohen, who did so within minutes of Manaforts conviction, and again on Nov. 29, 2018. On Jan. 25, 2019, Roger Stone became the sixth Trump aide to face criminal charges. The seven-count indictment against Stone, Trump's long-time confidant, accuses him of witness tampering, obstruction and false statements about his interactions related to WikiLeaks. Click each photo to learn more. The U.S. House Democratic Caucus voted Wednesday to back Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) for house speaker. She previously held the position from 2007 until 2011. Pelosi had the support of both North Texas Democrats in the House, while Representative-elect Colin Allred (D-Dallas) announced he was on board as well. Allred will represent Texas' 32nd district, which encompasses parts of Dallas and Collin counties. He said on Lone Star Politics in October he would wait to see who was running before supporting a house speaker, and added he wanted to have some commitments as well. Allred released a statement about his decision to support Pelosi: "Our work on behalf of North Texans is just beginning, and in this next Congress, there is so much at stake for the American people, and it is important that Democrats unite in our effort to make the lives of everyday Americans a little better. "After speaking with Leader Pelosi, I was pleased she agreed that a new generation needs a seat at the table in order to elevate fresh ideas within the caucus, and that under her leadership, Democrats will focus on what unites us as a country. "This includes rebuilding our infrastructure, protecting Medicare and Social Security for this generation and the next, lowering healthcare and prescription drug costs and reducing the toxic influence of special interests that drown out the voices of the American people in our democracy. "I will always put North Texas first, and I urge Leader Pelosi to remain committed to these priorities that will help our region. If we work together, we can do great things together for the American people." U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) sent a letter Nov. 16 urging her colleagues to join her in supporting Pelosi. In Washington, NBC asked Johnson about Democrats who had opposed Pelosi nomination. A group was calling for change. "I think they have a right to do whatever they will. However, I don't see them coming up with a candidate that anybody could attach themselves to," Johnson said. "If they have issues otherwise then I think that they can be addressed." Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth) announced his support for Pelosi last week, and spoke to NBC in Washington Wednesday. "Nancy is the one that delivered us the number of the votes that we needed to be back in the majority, and I think because of that she needs to be our leader," Veasey said. "And in addition to that, I mean, she has the skillset, she has the wherewithal and the smarts to really navigate us," What to Know A meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had been scheduled for Sunday It was to take place at the G-20 Summit in Argentina this weekend Trump said he canceled the meeting due to Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian naval ships last weekend President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he headed to the Group of 20 Nations summit Thursday, citing Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels as a source of tension in a relationship he has fostered in the face of criticism. Trump tweeted his decision from Air Force One shortly after his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, revealed he had lied to Congress to cover up that he was negotiating a real estate deal in Moscow on Trump's behalf during the Republican presidential primary in 2016. The news ensured any meeting with Putin would spotlight the special counsel's investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow during the campaign. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and on Thursday called Cohen a "weak person" looking for a reduced sentence. The last-minute move kicked off a global economic meeting expected to be dominated by Trump's seat-of-his-pants diplomacy. The Putin meeting a continuation of a controversial summit between the two in July was just one of a series of high-stakes items on Trump's agenda, which also includes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on how to ease a rising trade war. Although Trump had previously floated canceling the meeting with Putin, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters he did not make the final decision until boarding the plane for Argentina and speaking with national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The Kremlin said it had not been formally notified of the decision, which came hours after Moscow said the meeting was on track. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump tweeted from Air Force One. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko praised Trump on Twitter, saying, "This is how great leaders act!" Sanders also said two of Trump's planned bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and South Korea's Moon Jae-in had been canceled. Trump will instead speak informally with those leaders at the conference. She did not offer any explanation for those changes to the schedule. The stakes for the sit-down between Putin and Trump were raised this week by Russia's stepped-up aggression in the Kerch Strait, stemming from its years long occupation of Eastern Ukraine. Russia recently seized three Ukrainian vessels and crews. Russia said Ukraine didn't have permission to pass between Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine insisted its vessels abided by maritime laws. Tensions had already been high over the war in Syria and allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential race. Trump has sought to improve the relationship with Putin, but was roundly criticized after the July summit in Helsinki for failing to publicly denounce Russia's interference and appearing to accept Putin's denials of such activity. While Trump's statement was strongly worded, he has made similarly dramatic moves before only to walk them back. In the spring he canceled a planned summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, only to revive the meeting a week later. The G-20 meeting in Buenos Aires comes amid growing economic uncertainty and global displeasure with Trump's trade policy. The most pressing issue on Trump's packed schedule of meetings is whether he can reach a detente with Xi over trade after months in which both sides have raised tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, shaking financial markets and threatening the global economy. Without an agreement, the U.S. is set to increase the tariffs on January 1. Departing the White House Thursday, Trump said he was "very close" to a deal with China, but added, "I don't know that I want to do it, because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming in to the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes." With China, experts said Trump likely wants to see something come out of the meeting. "I think it's in President Trump's interest to have this meeting be viewed as a success," said David Dollar, a senior fellow in the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution. "The markets are looking for some kind of dialing down of the rhetoric, and in particular markets are hoping there will not be an escalation of U.S. tariffs on January 1. So there's a foundation for some kind of agreement." That approach leaves open the possibility for a preliminary or vague deal. Trump's Singapore summit with Kim produced a vague agreement on denuclearization with few, if any, specifics. Since then progress between the two nations appears to have slowed, but Trump continues to hail the meeting as a historic breakthrough. Trump's advisers have sought to manage expectations heading into the talks, though some have projected optimism. "If China will come to the table, or in this case the dinner table, with some new ideas and some new attitudes and some new cooperation, as the president said, there is a good possibility they could make a deal," economic adviser Larry Kudlow said this week. "He's open to it. So nothing is written in cement or stone." On the ground for just two days, Trump is packing every moment with diplomacy, conducting bilateral meetings with numerous world leaders as well as group events. Trump's visit will also put him in the same room as Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the first time since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The U.S. resident and prominent critic of the Saudi royal family was brutally killed last month upon entering the country's consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, a plot that sparked a diplomatic row that cast the future of the U.S.-Saudi relationship into doubt. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the Saudi crown prince, known as MBS, must have at least known of the plot. Lawmakers in both parties have called on Trump to, at minimum, avoid the young heir apparent as punishment. But Trump publicly announced his decision to effectively give the prince a free pass in the name of "America First," citing vastly exaggerated claims of Saudi military contracts and investments in the United States. The president also views Saudi Arabia as a vital counterbalance to Iranian influence in the Middle East. While no official sit-down is scheduled, Trump has kept the door open to a casual meeting. "I don't know that he's going to be there," Trump said last week. "But if he is, I would." The crown prince arrived in Argentina on Wednesday and on Tuesday White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said, "I wouldn't say that we've ruled out any interaction." Taking office on an "America First" platform, Trump has long had an uneasy relationship with his position on the world stage and has largely eschewed taking on a moral leadership role. Instead he has tailored his portfolio to promote American interests and to sow disruption. He has slapped tariffs on the European Union and pulled the U.S. out of the landmark Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. Trump also has suggested he might be willing to pull the U.S. out of NATO if member counties don't significantly boost their defense spending. All lanes of eastbound Texas 114 from Tom Braniff Drive to Spur 482 will be closed overnight Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10:30 p.m. until 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, Dec. 2. The road is being closed to allow crews to place bridge beams over the highway. Detour info from the Texas Department of Transportation: Drivers will exit at Tom Braniff Drive and be directed toward the southbound Loop 12 frontage road, then follow the westbound SH 183 frontage road to Carl Road. At Carl Road, motorists will do a U-Turn and continue on the eastbound SH 183 frontage road to re-enter eastbound SH 114 at the first on ramp. For information on this and other road conditions statewide, visit DriveTexas.org. What to Know Saudi Arabia has signed a letter of offer and acceptance with the United States for Lockheed Martins THAAD missile system Its a significant step forward in the $15 billion deal, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to CNBC Saudi officials, alongside their U.S. counterparts, signed the crucial government-to-government agreement earlier this week Saudi Arabia has signed a letter of offer and acceptance with the United States for Lockheed Martins THAAD missile system, a significant step forward in the $15 billion deal, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to CNBC. Saudi officials, alongside their U.S. counterparts, signed the crucial government-to-government agreement earlier this week, paving the way for the massive sale of 44 THAAD launchers, missiles and related equipment. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the Pentagons top weapons supplier, THAAD, or terminal high altitude area defense, is regarded as Americas crown jewel in missile defense systems. The Saudi Embassy did not respond immediately to CNBCs request for comment. The development comes as Saudi Arabia is under fire over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as its role in the war in Yemen. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has cited the importance of defense deals in defending his decision to stick with the kingdom in the aftermath of the slaying. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has denied knowledge of the attack, although the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered Khashoggis death. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. entered formal discussions for THAAD in December 2016. After completing required congressional notifications in 2017, followed by many months of negotiation, signing letters of offer and acceptance marks a step toward protecting the United States and its regional partners from Iranian-origin missiles, said the State Department spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The sale of the THAAD missile defense system benefits U.S. national security by supporting the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of the growing ballistic missile threat from the Iranian regime and Iran-backed extremist groups, the spokesperson added. Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, echoed those notions. Its a big step forward to strengthening missile defense capabilities in the Gulf, in a couple of ways, he said. Besides probably being the largest missile defense sale to date, it also represents an important political commitment by both the U.S. and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to counter Iranian ballistic missiles by every means possible. Saudi Arabias oil-rich monarchy is one of Americas most crucial strategic partners and a significant patron of U.S. defense companies. The Saudis are the top buyers of U.S.-made arms, a title that has safeguarded the kingdom from retaliatory sanctions over the killing of Khashoggi and the war in Yemen. In an extraordinary statement last week, Trump affirmed that the U.S. would continue to stand with Saudi Arabia, linking the countries relationship to his America first platform. Trump has also commented on the potential impact to defense suppliers if the U.S. were to sanction the Saudis over the Khashoggi killing. I tell you what I dont want to do, Trump said to CBS 60 Minutes last month, when he was asked about possibly blocking arms sales to Riyadh. Boeing, Lockheed, Raytheon, all these [companies]. I dont want to hurt jobs. I dont want to lose an order like that. There are other ways of punishing, to use a word thats a pretty harsh word, but its true. This story first appeared on CNBC.com. More from CNBC: Three weeks ago Robert Crooks made the decision to leave his Nevada home and return back to the U.S.-Mexico border in California. This is neighborhood watch, I call it, I haul it, Crooks said as he stood guard along the top of Patriot Point in Campo. Crooks is the founder and leader of Mountain Minute Men. He told NBC 7 that once he learned about the migrant caravan he decided to bring his group to the border to serve as watchdogs for any illegal border crossings. I call the Border Patrol, I have them on speed dial, he said. Ive been up here a really long time. Crooks said he started his group in 2005 during the height of vigilante groups seeking to increase patrol along remote parts of the border. I have nothing against immigration in this country as long as its done legally, he said. Desperate people do desperate things, hence were on a heightened alert out here. Many in the migrant caravan are seeking asylum through official points of entries, but Crooks said Sundays confrontation between migrants and Customs and Border Patrol is enough to have him living in his truck armed with a radio, binoculars and a cell phone, watching and waiting. If theres no one here to watch it, then theres no one to call it, Crooks said. More than 5,000 active-duty troops are along the California border, as attention is growing on the migrant caravan camped out in Tijuana, Mexico. With growing barriers and an additional 300 troops recently dispatched to the border, Crooks said hes worried attention along the San Ysidro Port of Entry is taking away focus from where more agents and troops should be. The dog and pony show in San Ysidro is great, the big show of troops, barriers, concertina wire, but this is where they have to be, he said referencing the remote stretched of the border, like the fence between Campo and Tecate, Mexico. In regards to the Minute Men group, Customs and Border Protection said they dont endorse or support any private group taking matters into their own hands. But, they do strongly encourage concerned citizens to call the Border Patrol if they witness or suspect any illegal activity. Tony Hicks, who at 14 years old was the youngest person ever to be sentenced to a life term as an adult in California, was granted parole Wednesday nearly 24 years after the crime. Though the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) granted 38-year-old Hicks parole, his release is not guaranteed and a lengthy review process will take place before the Governor's office decides for or against it. Hicks pleaded guilty to the murder of 20-year-old Tariq Khamisa in 1995. He was tried as an adult and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. The District Attorney's office said Khamisa was working as a pizza delivery driver when he was called to a fictitious address on Louisiana Street in North Park by Hicks and fellow gang members. When Khamisa refused to hand over the pizza or his cash, Hicks shot and killed him. At Hicks' first parole hearing Wednesday at the California Men's Colony at San Luis Obispo where he has served for the past two years, Khamisa's father Azim vouched for Hicks' rehabilitation. Azim and Hicks' grandfather Ples Felix started the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, which has over the last 23 years taught thousands of kids to turn away from violence and instead embrace responsibility, education and leadership. In the days before the hearing, Hick's attorney Laura Sheppard said his chance of release was good. "He has a reason to succeed when he gets out. He has far more than the majority of lifers, Sheppard said. Azim said that Hicks had a job at the Tariq Khamisa Foundation waiting for him when he gets out. In a letter from former District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Dumanis wrote that "Hicks has been punished enough. The DA's office did not formally favor or oppose parole for Hicks, but gave the BPH an outline of "key considerations and public safety concerns." The office said that typically it would oppose parole at an inmate's first hearing if that inmate committed a violent act in prison. According to the DA's office, Hicks was cited for several misconduct violations while in prison including a 2002 incident where he attacked a correctional officer with a homemade knife. "The case is unique and compelling. As an adult, Mr. Hicks committed a serious, violent offense during his incarceration several years after the murder, DA Summer Stephan said in a statement. We also consider his young age at the time of the murder, the fact that he has been free of violations in prison for two years, and the support he has waiting for him on the outside, which are all factors in his favor. Ultimately, the parole board weighed all those factors and made a decision based on whether or not he poses a unreasonable, current threat to public safety. I respect the boards decision as well as the views of the victims family who have turned their personal tragedy into a force for good. Its my sincere hope that Mr. Hicks will become a productive member of the community upon his release. A spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) said the BPH's decision will be reviewed internally for the next 120 days before it is forwarded to the governor. At that point, the governor has several options for both keeping Hicks in prison or granting his release. According to the DCR, the governor can approve the release, modify the release date, allow the BPH's decision to stand by taking no action within 30 days of receiving it, or refer the decision back to the BPH for reconsideration. The governor also has the option of reversing the parole grant, the DCR said. Hicks' Attorney says statewide, only 1 percent of prisoners sentenced to life terms and given release reoffend. The recidivism rate for paroled prisoners with lesser sentences is 60 percent. The San Diego Police Department is taking part in a new initiative to re-examine sexual assault cases involving untested DNA. Victims of sexual assault often don't want to be part of the investigation. So the DNA evidence remains untested. At SDPD, that accounts for about 500 of their 1,700 untested sex assault kits dating back 30 years. "We really want to look at these kits one by one and make sure we're doing the right thing," said Jennifer Shen, SDPD crime laboratory manager. "As a department, we decided the best way to do this is to put together a working group that brought all of our stakeholders together." The five stakeholders include a representative from the SDPD crime lab, the SDPD sex crimes unit, the City of San Diego Attorney's Office, the San Diego County District Attorney's office and a victims' rights advocate. Shen said the five representatives meet nearly every week at SDPD headquarters and work together to understand each other's positions, to make the best decisions for the victims. "We chose this category of (the 500) cases for two reasons," explained Shen. "One, we wanted to make sure we were following the rules: did a crime occur and can we put whatever profile we might get out of testing the kit into the database. Two, are we really doing what the victim wants." The working group has reviewed about a third of the 500 cases, and will finish going through them by the spring. The cases that are selected will then undergo DNA testing, which is expected to take a few months. As for the other 1,200 or so untested kits, Shen said in many of those cases, the suspect was already in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), investigators determined there was no crime, or the victim did not want to file a police report. "One of the things people sometimes don't realize is that in order to put a DNA profile into (FBI's CODIS) we have to follow certain rules," explained Shen. "One of those rules is we have to show a crime occurred. And the other rule is we have to be reasonably certain that the profile we have actually belongs to the bad guy." The five stakeholders also plan to develop new policy, to ensure sexual assault victims have power over their own cases. "The victim can stop her (or his) case at any time, stop her (or his) interaction with law enforcement at any time. We really want to respect that," added Shen. "The goal is to build this really victim-centric model when handling this kind of case." A new law signed by Governor Jerry Brown in September requires all law enforcement agencies and medical facilities in California to inventory their untested DNA in sex assault cases, and explain why those samples were not tested. The agencies and facilities must submit their audit to the U.S. Department of Justice by July 1, 2019. SDPD completed this task a few years ago. What to Know Rain raises fears of mudslides, minor debris flows and flooding over areas of LA, Orange County, Riverside County and Ventura County. LA County Fire and LA Sheriff's Departments deployed staffing into the burn area in light of the threat of potential flooding. The heaviest rain is expected Thursday and it will bring at least six inches of snow in some areas. A storm system out of the Gulf of Alaska is ushering in a powerful one-two punch of heavy rain to Southern California Thursday, leading to flash flood warnings, at least one river rescue and traffic tie-ups across the region. The storm began moving across California's Central Coast Wednesday afternoon and into Ventura County. A flash flood warning was issued Thursday morning for communities near the Holy Fire burn area in Orange and Riverside counties. Residents under evacuation orders were asked to leave immediately. After a short break late Thursday morning into early afternoon, another round of heavy rain will show up for the ride home from work on Thursday. The heaviest rain is expected Thursday evening into the night with low chance of getting lightning, but the rain will bring at least six inches of snow in areas like Big Bear. A flash flood watch went into effect Thursday for the Valley and Holy and Cranston Fire burn scars. Rain also drenched the sites of the Woolsey Fire in LA and Ventura County, where a flash flood advisory was issued early Thursday, the Hill Fire in Ventura County and the Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in December 2017. The morning rain tied up traffic, which came to a standstill when a big rig crash shut down part of the 118 Freeway in Simi Valley. In Eagle Rock, a big rig crashed over the side of the 134 Freeway, blocking traffic for hours. In Atwater Village, rising water of the LA River left a man trapped and clinging to a tree branch. A LAFD helicopter rescue crew hoisted the man to safety. He was hospitalized, but details about his condition were not immediately available. It was not clear why the 55-year-old man was in the water. Ahead of the storm, residents were making preparations in Malibu, much of which was devastated by the Woolsey Fire this month. "All Malibu residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, power outages and evacuations," the city said in a statement Tuesday. The Los Angeles County fire and sheriff's departments both deployed additional staffing into the burn area in light of the threat of potentially damaging flooding. Officials with both agencies stressed the need for residents to adhere to evacuation orders, if they are implemented. "Evacuation orders should not be taken lightly and are ordered because there is a threat to life and property," according to a joint statement from the agencies. Most areas should see between a half-inch and two inches of rain, although three inches could fall at higher elevations and foothills. A flash flood watch will be in effect for the Santa Ana mountains and foothills and inland Orange County throughout the day Thursday and into early Friday morning. All of the rain is out of sight by Friday morning, but could be back with showers on Saturday. President Donald Trump wrongly tweeted that the largest federal appellate court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, is overturned more than any circuit in the country, 79%. During the 2017 term, the Supreme Court reviewed just 15 of the thousands of cases ruled on by the 9th Circuit, which covers nearly a dozen Western states and territories. The high court ended up reversing 12 rulings, affirming two and splitting 4-4 on another. Thats a reversal rate of 80 percent, which was not the highest of any appellate court. Even though they had a smaller number of rulings reversed, three other appellate courts (the 1st Circuit, 3rd Circuit and 6th Circuit) had higher percentages of their Supreme Court-reviewed decisions overturned, according to SCOTUSblog statistics. In fact, over an even longer period of time, from 2006 to 2015, the 9th Circuits reversal rate of more than 81 percent was only the second highest, according to a 2016 journal article written by U.S. Circuit Judge Timothy B. Dyk. The 6th Circuit, at nearly 84 percent, had the highest reversal rate during that time span. Its possible Trump was referring to the percentage of 9th Circuit rulings that were reviewed and reversed between 2010 and 2015, which still wouldnt be the highest. Even Fox News, from which he got the 79 percent figure, said the presidents tweet was wrong. Trumps most recent attack on the 9th Circuit came after U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar issued an order that temporarily blocks the Trump administration from prohibiting certain migrants from applying for asylum in the United States. In a Nov. 22 tweet responding to Chief Justice John Roberts, who criticized the president for calling Tigar an Obama judge, Trump claimed that the 9th Circuit Court is out of control, has a horrible reputation and is overturned more than any Circuit in the Country, 79%. Justice Roberts can say what he wants, but the 9th Circuit is a complete & total disaster. It is out of control, has a horrible reputation, is overturned more than any Circuit in the Country, 79%, & is used to get an almost guaranteed result. Judges must not Legislate Security... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2018 To be clear, Trumps tweet refers to the record of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. But Tigar sits on a district court for the Northern District of California. The White House says it will appeal Tigars court order, which will be reviewed by 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The White House did not tell us Trumps source for the 79 percent figure, although he seemed to attribute it to Fox News in another tweet attacking the 9th Circuit. But that media outlet has since written that the figure doesnt mean what the president said it does. While Trump was correct that 79 percent of the Ninth Circuit Courts ruling that the Supreme Court heard were overturned at least between 2010 and 2015 its reversal rate is not the absolute highest in the country, Fox News reporter Andrew OReilly wrote the day Trump sent his tweet. That title would go to Sixth Circuit, which serves Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee, with an 87 percent average between 2010 and 2015. We would also point out that the Supreme Court consistently overturns the majority of the lower court decisions that it reviews, and it reviews only a very small percentage of the rulings issued by circuit courts each year. The Supreme Court doesnt have to agree to hear a case, nor are all cases appealed to the high court. So, its debatable how meaningful reversal statistics are in the first place. That said, there is another metric that provides support for a similar claim that Republican Sen. Ben Sasse made three days after Trump sent his tweets. In congressional testimony in 2017 and 2018, Vanderbilt University law professor Brian T. Fitzpatrick told members of separate House and Senate subcommittees that he thought it was better to consider how often is a Circuit reversed as a percentage of the total appeals it decides. He then explained that the 9th Circuit had 2.5 reversals for every 1,000 appeals it terminated between October 1994 and October 2015. That was the highest such rate of the 11 regional circuit courts that Fitzpatrick studied, though he excluded the Federal Circuit Court and the District of Columbia Circuit from his analysis for having non-comparable specialized dockets, he said. A Sasse spokesman told us the senator was relying on Fitzpatricks research when Sasse told Chris Wallace, the host of Fox News Sunday, that the 9th Circuit gets turned over at a rate higher than any other circuit in the nation. Sasse broached the subject after Wallace asked him about the dust-up between Trump and Chief Justice Roberts. To be fair, though, Sasse should have stipulated that his claim was based on an aggregate figure. Fitzpatrick told lawmakers that was important to note because the Ninth Circuit did not have the highest reversal rate every single year over the last twenty years. But Trump, unlike Sasse, referred to a different kind of reversal rate than Fitzpatricks figure. That makes the presidents claim, and the data behind it, problematic. What to Know Ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about the president's real estate project in Russia He admitted making false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow President Donald Trump hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors have said that a grand jury probe is ongoing Ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about a real estate project in Russia that he was working on on Trump's behalf, revealing that negotiations lasted into Trump's campaign for Republican presidential nomination. In a surprise appearance in Manhattan federal court Thursday, Cohen admitted he made false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. He told a judge he did it "out of loyalty" to Trump, and to align with this "political messaging." Cohen's admission his second guilty plea connected to Trump indicated that his communications with Trump about the project were much more frequent than he had suggested. Members of Congress said the development underlines the importance of telling the truth at congressional hearings, and the remarks may come under more scrutiny when Democrats take control of the House in January. In response to Cohen's plea, Trump called him "a weak person" who is lying to get leniency from prosecutors. He also said that running for president "doesn't mean I'm not allowed to do business." Cohen struck the deal with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the U.S. election and any ties Trump's campaign may have had to it. Nothing said in court, or in associated court filings, addressed whether Trump or his aides had directed Cohen to mislead Congress. Trump submitted written answers to a series of Mueller's questions last week, and current Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani told NBC News Thursday that those answers were consistent with what Cohen said in court. Criminal information submitted by Mueller maintains Cohen "knowingly and wilfully made a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation" around Aug. 28 of last year. Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow had ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. He said he also lied about his contacts with Russian officials and lied when he said he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never considered asking Trump to travel to support the project. Prosecutors said in a court complaint that Cohen had misled Congress to give a false impression that the Moscow project had ended before the Iowa caucus and first Republican presidential primary in 2016. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. Cohen had also disclosed that Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Neither Cohen, wearing a navy suit and blue tie, nor his attorney commented on the matter as they left court shortly before 10 a.m. After the news broke, Trump maintained Cohen was "lying very simply to get a reduced sentence," calling him "a weak person" and "not a very smart person." "I didn't do the project, I decided not to do the project," Trump told reporters outside the White House Thursday as he left for the G-20 summit in Argentina. "We're talking about not doing a project." Cohen was convicted on "various things unrelated to us," Trump went on to say. "This deal was a very public deal," he said. "I wasn't trying to hide anything." The White House didn't comment on Cohen's Thursday plea. Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan addressed the issue during a forum with The Washington Post, saying that Cohen "should be prosecuted to the extent of the law." Cohen's plea is "very significant," said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is slated to take over the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee in January. The committee has been investigating Russian election interference as well, though Schiff has said the Republicans leading the investigation were unwilling to investigate as deeply as they should have. Schiff told reporters Thursday that "we believe other witnesses were untruthful before our committee. We want to share those transcripts with Mr. Mueller." The new plea comes just two weeks before the 52-year-old attorney is scheduled to be sentenced for an August guilty plea. In that case, brought by federal prosecutors in New York, he pleaded guilty to federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. The new chrages were handled by Mueller's team. The Russia investigation has dogged the president for two years and ensnared members of his inner circle. He continues to face criticism for refusing to rule out a pardon for one of those inner circle members -- former campaign manager Paul Manafort. In recent weeks, Trump, armed with inside information provided to his lawyers by Manafort's legal team, has sharpened his attacks, seizing on what he claims are dirty tactics employed by Mueller and accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. On Thursday, Trump likened the Russia probe to Sen. Joe McCarthy's pursuit of communists in the 1950s. "When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever?" he tweeted. Trump hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors have said that a grand jury probe is ongoing and it targets unspecified "others." Court papers show Trump's conduct and that of top executives at the Trump Organization, some of whom have received immunity, have been scrutinized. It's unclear what additional charges prosecutors are pursuing and how much of it pertains to the president personally. Federal prosecutors have said in court papers that the case involves numerous "uncharged" third parties and have argued against disclosing search warrants and other documents that would "certainly result in a very public guessing game" about their identities. A South Florida woman faces an aggravated assault charge after authorities say she passed gas in line at a Dania Beach dollar store and pulled a knife on a man who complained about it. Citing a Broward Sheriff's Office report, the Miami Herald reports 37-year-old Shanetta Yvette Wilson passed gas while waiting in line at a Dollar General Sunday night and upset a nearby customer. The report says the offended customer and Wilson then got into an argument "in reference to the defendant farting loudly." It says Wilson then pulled a small folding knife out of her purse and told the victim she was going to "gut" him while moving as if to attack him. She walked away from the area but was found by deputies a short time later, the report said. Wilson was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and booked into jail. It's unclear if she has a lawyer. A man accused of stealing a car from a South Florida woman who was arrested after she falsely claimed her young grandson had been taken during the car theft has also been arrested. Antonio Monzon, 32, was arrested Tuesday on a grand theft auto charge for stealing the Hyundai Accent back on Nov. 18, Miami-Dade Police said. According to an arrest report, Monzon met with 37-year-old Antoinette Rowan to perform a title transfer and give her a temporary tag for the Hyundai in exchange for $150. Monzon and Rowan went together to a Walmart and ended up at a Sunoco gas station on Southwest 112th Avenue. Rowan said she went inside to buy beer and Monzon drove off in her car, the report said. Rowan initially told police her 3-year-old grandson was inside the car when it was stolen, but after an extensive search it was learned the child was at home with Rowan's daughter, police said. Rowan told investigators she lied about the child being in the car in the hopes that the car would be found faster, police said. She was later arrested and charged with filing a false police report. Monzon was spotted driving the car in southwest Miami-Dade on Tuesday and arrested. He told detectives he had a verbal agreement with Rowan to buy the car from her and on the day of the alleged theft was meeting with her to make the final payment, the arrest report said. Monzon said he got into a dispute with Rowan because he refused to drive her to buy heroin, so he left her at the gas station, the report said. He said he believed he had purchased the car and claimed Rowan is a drug addict and a compulsive liar, the report said. Jail records showed Monzon was being held on $5,000 bond Thursday. Attorney information wasn't available. Virgin Voyages announced Wednesday it will build a terminal for a fleet of new cruise ships at PortMiami. The terminal will be home to the Scarlet Lady, a new, adult-only cruise ship that will arrive in Miami in 2020, in addition to another ship already in the works. Virgin founder Richard Branson said Miami was a clear choice as the cruise capital of the world and because of its access to Cuba. The mayor of Miami-Dade welcomed Virgin's plans that they assure will generate more local jobs at PortMiami, which already provides hundreds of thousands of jobs in South Florida. The Miami-Dade commission must approve the plans for the terminal by Tuesday. If approved, the terminal should be completed before the end of 2021, and tickets for the cruises would start by Feb. 14. What to Know The Anti-Defamation League is offering $5,000 for information about anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on the walls of a professor's office The professor and Holocaust scholar at Columbia University's Teachers College found the graffiti on her office walls Wednesday The Anti-Defamation League noted its "deep concern" over a recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents The Anti-Defamation League is offering a $5,000 reward for information about anti-Semitic graffiti that was spray-painted on the walls of a Holocaust scholars office. Elizabeth Midlarsky, a Jewish psychology professor and Holocaust scholar at Columbia Universitys Teachers College in Manhattan, found two swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur spray-painted on her office walls on Wednesday, the Washington Post reported. I was shocked. I couldnt believe it, Midlarsky told the outlet. Im usually not a fearful person, but they got me. Im afraid. On Thursday, the Anti-Defamation League offered the reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the hate graffiti, noting its deep concern over a recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents. No one had been arrested in connection with the graffiti as of Thursday afternoon. Police said they'd received a report of aggravated harassment and were investigating the incident as a possible bias attack. In a statement, the college's president Thomas Bailey said the school was "outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community," noting that it was working with police to find the culprit. Earlier this month, the NYPD revealed that October saw a notable uptick [in hate crimes compared to last year], particularly in anti-Semitic hate crimes. A shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue in October that left 11 people dead, meanwhile, marked the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the nations history, according to the Washington Post. While we hope this reward facilitates the quick apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible for this most recent horrific incident, we all have a role to play in preventing these incidents from happening in the first instance, Evan Bernstein, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League for New York and New Jersey, said in a statement. We must continue to stand up and speak out against bigotry and hatred to avoid what we fear is becoming a grave and troubling normalization of hate in our region, he added. What to Know A witness testifying at the trial of 'El Chapo' says the cartel tried to kill him despite his loyalty to the defendant Former cartel member Miguel Angel Martinez testified Wednesday that he survived four attempted hits meant to permanently silence him He said he was targeted even though he hadn't betrayed the Sinaloa cartel boss A prosecution witness testifying at the U.S. trial of the Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo" says the cartel tried to kill him despite his loyalty to the defendant. Former cartel member Miguel Angel Martinez testified Wednesday that he survived four attempted hits meant to permanently silence him after he was jailed in Mexico in the 1990s. He said he was targeted even though he hadn't betrayed Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin Guzman. Martinez was extradicted to the United States in 2001 and got a reduced sentence by cooperating in other drug cases. He says he didn't want to testify against Guzman but had to because of a subpoena. Guzman was brought last year to New York City, where he's pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges. What to Know An NYU Langone Health plastic surgeon and his patient spoke publicly for the first time Thursday after a milestone face transplant 26-year-old Cameron Underwood's medical journey began due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2016 NYU Langone Health plastic surgeon Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez explained in full detail the milestone surgery The remarkable aftermath of an extraordinary surgery and medical odyssey was center stage Thursday, as a plastic surgeon and his patient spoke publicly for the first time following a milestone face transplant that occurred earlier this year. NYU Langone Health plastic surgeon Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez explained in full detail why his 26-year-old patient, Cameron Underwood, was the ideal candidate for a face transplant and the surgical journey the Yuba City, California, native lived through. We ultimately feel that every patient deserves a second chance and Cameron, certainly, was worthy of it, Rodriguez said. Underwoods medical journey began due to a self-inflicted facial gunshot wound in June 2016. NBC 5 News As a result of the traumatic injuries sustained, and despite several attempts at conventional reconstruction, Underwood ended up missing a great portion of his lower jaw, all but one tooth, and his nose. He also suffered extensive damage to his upper face region and palate, which severely impacted his ability to lead a normal life. On July 13, 2017, 13 months after his initial injury, Underwood was placed on the waiting list for a face transplant. Underwood, who resides in California, was required to travel to New York City for monthly evaluations, including clinical, psychological and social exams. However, before the transplant could take place, the search for the ideal donor long began. Its like finding a needle in a haystack, Rodriguez said. Cortesia de familia Underwood Thats when William Fisher, a 23-year-old Manhattan resident, a chess champion, aspiring writer and filmmaker, and a student at Johns Hopkins University, comes into play and unexpectedly became a hero. Fisher, who is fondly remembered by his family and friends as extremely intelligent, funny, and compassionate, was a registered organ donor, a status he designated in his teens. According to Rodriguez, Willy, as he was affectionately known, died unexpectedly. Cortesia de la familia Fisher Still deeply saddened by the loss of her son, Sally acknowledged the importance of her sons decision to be an organ donor and gave the family's consent. My sons death was a tragedy, Sally said. I am thankful that, in honoring his decision, we were able to give life to others, and especially that Will and Dr. Rodriguez have given Cameron and his family a chance to recapture their dreams. Underwoods surgery began Jan. 5, lasted about 25 hours and took a team of more than 100 medical professionals, including surgeons and nurses. Cortesia de familia Underwood This is the third face transplant performed under Rodriguez medical leadership. In August 2015, he and his team at NYU Langone performed what is widely considered the most extensive face transplant on record. However, Underwoods face transplant set several important medical milestones including having the shortest period of time from injury to transplant in the United States; the longest distance traveled for a face transplant, with 2,800 miles; one of the shortest wait times for a donor (six months); and the fact that financial reimbursement was provided by commercial insurance. Additionally, there were also significant improvements in medical care compared to a previous patient, including reductions in surgical time and hospital stay, which was roughly reduced by half. Underwoods face transplant was also deemed the most technologically advanced in modern medicine, including the first use of a 3-D printed donor facial mask in the United States, which doctors provided to Fishers family. Almost 11 months after the transplant, Underwood is still rejection free. Miriam Torres Hes far more open, far more jovial, far more interactive and I suspect we are going to see much more of this and this gives us confirmation that this operation and the risk that we all take are ultimately worth it, Rodriguez said, sharing photos of Underwood once again enjoying an active lifestyle and sports, including skydiving. Underwood and Sally met unexpectedly before the transplant and, subsequently, had a planned meeting post-transplant months after the 25-hour surgery. I feel for Cameron and his family that theyve inherited another family and for Willys family as well, Rodriguez said, adding that "Willy continues to live in Cam. The families have now been bound by this remarkable gift. During Thursdays press conference, Underwood said his story needed to be told. I think it is important to share my story. I hope it inspires others to have hope and to seek help, he said. NBC Connecticut Underwood also publicly expressed his gratitude toward every person involved in his medical journey, transplant and subsequent recovery, including thanking, through tears, Sally and her son Willy. Im so grateful to have a face transplant because it has given me a second chance at life, Underwood said, adding he no longer gets stares or questions from strangers. Thank you for not giving up on me, Underwood said to his supporters. It hasnt been easy, but it has been worth it. Summarizing Underwoods medical odyssey, Rodriguez said: The life that had been in pause, is now back in play. What to Know Officials say there have been 83 confirmed measles cases in Rockland County and nearly a dozen other cases are being investigated Measles is highly contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after a person has left the room Rockland County is not the only local area dealing with a measles outbreak, as Brooklyn has faced confirmed measles cases in recent weeks Health officials are warning of new locations where shoppers may have been exposed to measles in New York's Rockland County, which has seen nearly 100 confirmed cases of the virus amid an outbreak that has yet to be contained. Officials say the latest exposures were at Best Buy at the Palisades Center between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, Jalapa Express in Spring Valley between 5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Compare Supermarket in Spring Valley between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. Those times reflect when the infected person was inside the location and the two-hour period after he or she left, officials said. The person who was in the Best Buy was only in that store, not anywhere else in the mall. The current outbreak stands at 83 confirmed cases, with eight more under investigation. The outbreak has gotten so bad the county has asked parents not to send their children to school if they are unvaccinated. Measles is highly contagious. 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. 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. What to Know Ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about the president's real estate project in Russia He admitted making false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow President Donald Trump hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors have said that a grand jury probe is ongoing Ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to Congress about a real estate project in Russia that he was working on on Trump's behalf, revealing that negotiations lasted into Trump's campaign for Republican presidential nomination. In a surprise appearance in Manhattan federal court Thursday, Cohen admitted he made false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. He told a judge he did it "out of loyalty" to Trump, and to align with this "political messaging." Cohen's admission his second guilty plea connected to Trump indicated that his communications with Trump about the project were much more frequent than he had suggested. Members of Congress said the development underlines the importance of telling the truth at congressional hearings, and the remarks may come under more scrutiny when Democrats take control of the House in January. Trump Associates Indicted or Convicted During His Presidency When President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort was convicted on eight felony counts on Aug. 21, 2018, he became the first member of Trumps campaign to be found guilty. Several other Trump associates have pleaded guilty, including the president former personal attorney Michael Cohen, who did so within minutes of Manaforts conviction, and again on Nov. 29, 2018. On Jan. 25, 2019, Roger Stone became the sixth Trump aide to face criminal charges. The seven-count indictment against Stone, Trump long-time confidant, accuses him of witness tampering, obstruction and false statements about his interactions related to WikiLeaks. Click each photo to learn more. In response to Cohen's plea, Trump called him "a weak person" who is lying to get leniency from prosecutors. He also said that running for president "doesn't mean I'm not allowed to do business." Cohen struck the deal with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the U.S. election and any ties Trump's campaign may have had to it. Nothing said in court, or in associated court filings, addressed whether Trump or his aides had directed Cohen to mislead Congress. Trump submitted written answers to a series of Mueller's questions last week, and current Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani told NBC News Thursday that those answers were consistent with what Cohen said in court. Criminal information submitted by Mueller maintains Cohen "knowingly and wilfully made a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation" around Aug. 28 of last year. Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow had ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. He said he also lied about his contacts with Russian officials and lied when he said he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never considered asking Trump to travel to support the project. Prosecutors said in a court complaint that Cohen had misled Congress to give a false impression that the Moscow project had ended before the Iowa caucus and first Republican presidential primary in 2016. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The discussions about the potential development began after Trump had declared his candidacy. Cohen had said the talks ended when he determined that the project was not feasible. Cohen had also disclosed that Trump was personally aware of the deal, signing a letter of intent and discussing it with Cohen on two other occasions. Neither Cohen, wearing a navy suit and blue tie, nor his attorney commented on the matter as they left court shortly before 10 a.m. After the news broke, Trump maintained Cohen was "lying very simply to get a reduced sentence," calling him "a weak person" and "not a very smart person." "I didn't do the project, I decided not to do the project," Trump told reporters outside the White House Thursday as he left for the G-20 summit in Argentina. "We're talking about not doing a project." Cohen was convicted on "various things unrelated to us," Trump went on to say. "This deal was a very public deal," he said. "I wasn't trying to hide anything." The White House didn't comment on Cohen's Thursday plea. Outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan addressed the issue during a forum with The Washington Post, saying that Cohen "should be prosecuted to the extent of the law." Cohen's plea is "very significant," said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is slated to take over the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee in January. The committee has been investigating Russian election interference as well, though Schiff has said the Republicans leading the investigation were unwilling to investigate as deeply as they should have. Schiff told reporters Thursday that "we believe other witnesses were untruthful before our committee. We want to share those transcripts with Mr. Mueller." The new plea comes just two weeks before the 52-year-old attorney is scheduled to be sentenced for an August guilty plea. In that case, brought by federal prosecutors in New York, he pleaded guilty to federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. The new chrages were handled by Mueller's team. The Russia investigation has dogged the president for two years and ensnared members of his inner circle. He continues to face criticism for refusing to rule out a pardon for one of those inner circle members -- former campaign manager Paul Manafort. In recent weeks, Trump, armed with inside information provided to his lawyers by Manafort's legal team, has sharpened his attacks, seizing on what he claims are dirty tactics employed by Mueller and accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. On Thursday, Trump likened the Russia probe to Sen. Joe McCarthy's pursuit of communists in the 1950s. "When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever?" he tweeted. Trump hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors have said that a grand jury probe is ongoing and it targets unspecified "others." Court papers show Trump's conduct and that of top executives at the Trump Organization, some of whom have received immunity, have been scrutinized. It's unclear what additional charges prosecutors are pursuing and how much of it pertains to the president personally. Federal prosecutors have said in court papers that the case involves numerous "uncharged" third parties and have argued against disclosing search warrants and other documents that would "certainly result in a very public guessing game" about their identities. What to Know An auto shop owner shot to death outside his business was a kind father of three who was known to forgive anybody, his family recalled Youbens Joseph, 37, died after he was shot three times outside Youbs Auto Sales in West Nyack on Saturday On Wednesday, the Clarkstown Police Department said it had arrested Eric Hue Ross Jr., 24, in connection with the shooting An auto shop owner shot to death outside his business was a kind father of three who was known to forgive anybody, his family recalled. Youbens Joseph, 37, of Middletown, died after he was shot three times outside Youbs Auto Sales in West Nyack on Saturday during an apparent argument with a customer, police said. In an interview with NBC 4 New York, Youbens widow Keren Joseph said his family and friends were all mourning the welcoming man. We miss him very much, she said. My father was known to forgive anybody who could harm him and give second chances, his son Kherbens Joseph added. Officials say the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a car that was purchased in July. On Wednesday, the Clarkstown Police Department said it had arrested Eric Hue Ross Jr., 24, of Wilmington, Delaware in connection with the shooting. Ross was taken into custody at a relatives home in Pennsylvania after an exhaustive five-day investigation, the department said. Police say he is being held at a detention center in Pennsylvania and is awaiting extradition to New York. Since Youbens death, family and friends have set up a memorial outside the auto shop. His son told News 4 he feels sad and empty after his fathers death. I miss seeing my father, he said. Its been miserable. The Supreme Court left little doubt Wednesday that it would rule that the Constitution's ban on excessive fines applies to the states, an outcome that could help an Indiana man recover the $40,000 Land Rover police seized when they arrested him for selling about $400 worth of heroin. A decision in favor of 37-year-old Tyson Timbs, of Marion, Indiana, also could buttress efforts to limit the confiscation by local law enforcement of property belonging to someone suspected of a crime. Police and prosecutors often keep the proceeds. Timbs was on hand at the high court for arguments that were largely a one-sided affair in which the main question appeared to be how broadly the state would lose. The court has formally held that most of the Bill of Rights applies to states as well as the federal government, but it has not done so on the Eighth Amendment's excessive-fines ban. Justice Neil Gorsuch was incredulous that Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher was urging the justices to rule that states should not be held to the same standard. "Here we are in 2018 still litigating incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Really? Come on, general," Gorsuch said to Fisher, using the term for holding that constitutional provisions apply to the states. Justice Stephen Breyer said under Fisher's reading police could take the case of a driver caught going 5 mph (8 kph) above the speed limit. "Anyone who speeds has to forfeit the Bugatti, Mercedes or special Ferrari, or even jalopy," Breyer said. Fisher agreed. It was unclear whether the justices also would rule to give Timbs his Land Rover back or allow Indiana courts to decide that issue. Some justices seemed willing to take that additional step. "If we look at these forfeitures that are occurring today ... many of them are grossly disproportionate to the crimes being charged," Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. But Chief Justice John Roberts said the question of whether what happened to Timbs was excessive might be a closer call. Timbs drove his car to the place where he twice sold small amounts of heroin to undercover officers, and he carried the drugs in the car, Roberts said. Police have long been allowed to seize property in such situations. "You will lose assets you used in the crime," Roberts said. "You can see how that makes a lot of sense." Lawyer Wesley Hottot, representing Timbs, told the justices that in rural areas people drive places. He said the use of the Land Rover was incidental to the sale of the drugs. The case has drawn interest from liberal groups concerned about police abuses and conservative organizations opposed to excessive regulation. Timbs said his own view of the case has changed over time. "At first it was about getting my truck back because I was mad, and I wanted my stuff back. Now it's a lot different," he said. "I was curious to see how often they did this to people. They do it a lot around here, and apparently it's done all over the country." Timbs' criminal sentence included no prison time, a year of house arrest and five years on probation. In earlier cases applying parts of the Bill of Rights to the states, the court used the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, passed after the Civil War to ensure the rights of newly freed slaves. The court also has relied on that clause "no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law" in cases that established a woman's right to an abortion and knocked down state laws against interracial marriage and gay sex. The story of how Timbs ended up in the Supreme Court began with steel-toed boots he bought for work in a truck factory. The boots hurt his feet, but he couldn't immediately afford the insoles he was told to buy. A doctor wrote a prescription for hydrocodone. Before long, Timbs was hooked on heroin. He tried several times to get clean but said he wasn't ready. A more than $70,000 life insurance payout he received after his father's death seemed a blessing, but it wasn't, he said. "A drug addict shouldn't have a whole lot of money," said Timbs, who used some of the money to buy the Land Rover. Timbs hasn't driven the car since his arrest in 2013. He lives with his aunt, and she allows him to use her 2012 Dodge Avenger, for which he said he is especially appreciative. "But it's definitely not a Land Rover," Timbs said. A decision in Tyson Timbs and a 2012 Land Rover LR2 v. Indiana, 17-1091, is expected by June. What to Know Three men are implicated in the execution-style shootings of four people including a teenage girl days before Thanksgiving. Two of the victims found drugs stashed inside a home they were renovating, police said. A deal to return the drugs turned deadly. One man is charged with murder. Charges are pending against the other two suspects. The discovery of a hidden drug stash led to the execution killing of a teenage girl and three adults in the basement of a Southwest Philadelphia home, police said. Philadelphia police on Thursday implicated three men in the fatal Thanksgiving week shooting that shocked the community and veteran police officers. Jahlil Porter, 32, is charged with four counts of murder and related offenses in the deaths of Maurice Taylor, 31; Taylor's half-brother 28-year-old Akeem Mattox; Tiyaniah Hopkins, 20; and 17-year-old Yaleah Hall. Charges are pending against two other men who police did not name at a news conference Thursday afternoon. Ross called the men "very violent, vicious individuals." Taylor and Mattox were renovating the home where they were killed. Homicide Capt. John Ryan said the men discovered illegal drugs hidden in either that home or another property they were renovating. The men apparently tried to broker a deal with Porter and the others to sell the drugs back. Ryan said the suspects were planning to rob the victims, but it escalated into an execution. "It was terrible. They were all laid on the ground and they were basically executed," the captain said. All four victims were shot in the head. At least one victim knew one of the accused, Ryan said. The female victims, Hopkins and Hall, weren't aware of the drug sell-back and became innocent bystanders, according to Ryan. The night of the killings a neighbor heard loud bangs, but didn't call police because they thought it was construction work, police said. Investigators believe those sounds were the fatal gunshots. A portion of the drug stash has been recovered. Porter was arrested Wednesday and held without bail, according to court records and police. The public defender's office hasn't replied to NBC10's request for comment on Porter's behalf. The other two suspects were taken into custody Thursday, police said. CORRECTION (Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 4:35 p.m.): Police initially provided an incorrect spelling for Jahlil Porter's first name. An employee has been charged with multiple attacks on students inside a Chester County behavioral health center, authorities said, including an assault that left a 16-year-old girl with a broken arm. Christina Borden, of Yeadon, allegedly threw the unidentified student at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Healths Leo Kanner Learning Center in West Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania, to the ground, then struck the girl multiple times with her knee on Sept. 30, West Whiteland Township police said Wednesday. The school serves children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The victim managed to get to her feet, but Borden, 27, then allegedly struck again, investigators said. Two other school employees, Monique Scott, 25, of Pomeroy, and Solgie Barbar, 38, of Upper Darby, have been charged with failure to report the incident, police said. Borden is also accused of attacking two juveniles and one adult with a cellphone cord on Sept. 30, causing arm injuries, police said. Scott is also facing charges for those three incidents after police say she failed to report those alleged attacks as well. Borden was arrested earlier in November and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, child endangerment and harassment. She remains free on bail. Her attorney, Todd Fiore, declined to comment. Scott and Barbar each face failure to report and child endangerment charges. Each is out on bail. No phone number is listed for Scott and a message to Barbar wasnt immediately returned. The three employees join two other Devereux employees recently arrest: A 25-year-old man was accused of simple assault and harassment after he allegedly struck an 18-year-old client in October. And, a 32-year-old woman also faces simple assault and harassment charges for allegedly hitting a 17-year-old. The Kanner facility touts its work caring children and youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Leo Kanner Learning Center offers individualized academic instruction, as well as social and emotional supports tailored to the needs of each student, Devereux says on its website. Our wonderful teaching staff provides caring, personalized attention and purposeful learning opportunities, with a strong focus on the transition from school to working in the community. The goal of this Approved Private School is to create educational opportunities that enable each student to live as a positive, healthy and socially connected individual in his or her community. The Pennsylvania Department of Health annually inspects the Kanner facility. The most recent inspection completed in September 2017 found the facility in violation of freezer and water temps. Each violation was rectified and the state found the facility in compliance. In a statement sent to NBC10, Devereux's executive director wrote that they immediately reported the incident to all authorities, including the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and local law enforcement. "Nothing is more important to us than the safe and effective care of children, and we have absolutely zero tolerance, none, for anyone who does not strictly adhere to Devereuxs quality of care standards," she wrote. "We use the best pre-employment safety clearance tools available from FBI clearances to police background checks to screen potential employees. When we hire new staff, we provide exhaustive training before they meet or work with a single child to help ensure safe and therapeutic care. And we provide continuous training to all staff regarding compliance with care and safety standards." What to Know Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane reported to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility around 8 a.m. Thursday. The brisk arrival came after Kane's failed attempt to delay her Thursday morning deadline to begin serving a sentence for perjury. Kane will begin serving a 10- to 23-month term for perjury, obstruction and other counts. Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was all smiles as she reported early Thursday to a suburban Philadelphia county jail to begin serving a sentence for leaking grand jury material and lying about it. Kane showed up at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility just before 8 a.m. Thursday, one hour before a deadline to report, to begin a 10- to 23-month term for perjury, obstruction and other counts. Kane appeared to smile before leaving the passenger side of a pickup truck and briskly walking into the prison. Disgraced former Pennsylvania attorney general Kathleen Kane is now behind bars in Montgomery county after surrendering Thursday morning. The smiles continued behind bars as Kane grinned in her booking photo that was released by the prison on Thursday morning. Montgomery County Correctional Facility "I spoke to her this morning and I think she handled it with fortitude and dignity," said her defense attorney, William J. Brennan. "It's been a long, unpleasant process for Kathleen and many other people. She's now serving her sentence. Ten months goes by quickly, and she will come out, I predict, and lead a very productive, hopefully long life. This is not the end of Kathleen Kane." The 52-year-old Scranton native had once been considered a rising political star in the state after becoming the first Democrat and first woman to be elected the state's top prosecutor. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, whose office prosecuted Kane, said Kane's incarceration "closes this unfortunate chapter for the people of Pennsylvania." "As the jail door shuts her in, a strong message is being sent that no one is above the law. No one. Not even the chief law enforcement officer of the commonwealth," Steele said in a statement. Montgomery County government spokesman John Corcoran said new inmates typically first undergo a full body scan and search, get their personal belongings secured, have a health screening and mental health evaluation and are issued prison clothing. Corcoran said Kane will spend her first few days in a protective custody "hard cell," after which prison officials will review her classification. "At that time, if she requests it, she'll be granted special protection as a former law enforcement official," Corcoran said. That would consist of being housed in a cell with as few other inmates as possible, and guards will "closely monitor her movements throughout the jail just to make sure there's no threat her," he said. A county judge appointed a special prosecutor to investigate Kane after former prosecutors with the attorney general's office alerted him that secret grand jury material had been leaked to a newspaper. She resigned following her 2016 conviction but was allowed to remain out on $75,000 bail pending appeals. The state Supreme Court on Nov. 26 declined to take up her case, leading a county judge to revoke her bail. Kane had argued before the lower-level Superior Court that she should have been allowed to use in her defense a pornographic email scandal within the attorney general's office and the wider judicial community and evidence concerning to the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case that her former office prosecuted before she was elected. Kane had been critical of the Sandusky investigation while running for office in 2012, creating resentment among prosecutors in the case who told the judge about the grand jury leaks. "This is war," Kane wrote in a 2014 email that was aired at trial. Kane's other appeals arguments included that she was not allowed to prevent all Montgomery County judges from handling her case, and claims that evidence against her was illegally obtained and that she had been the victim of selective and vindictive prosecution. What to Know John Bobbitt was charged in New Jersey with conspiracy and theft by deception for an alleged GoFundMe scheme involving a fake story. Officials are charging him and two other conspirators with defrauding the public and fraudulently raising $400,000. Bobbitt, who remains behind bars after his arrest in Philadelphia, waived extradition Thursday. The homeless man who became famous, and then notorious, for allegedly fabricating a story in order to raise money for himself and his conspirators is headed to New Jersey where the scheme apparently unfolded, according to prosecutors. Johnny Bobbitt waived extradition back to Burlington County at a brief hearing in Philadelphia Thursday morning. The 35-year-old will be sent to New Jersey once his pending legal matters in Pennsylvania are resolved to face fraud charges stemming from an elaborate GoFundMe scheme. The Marine vet won't be sent back to New Jersey until he attends a probation violation hearing that's scheduled for Monday in Philadelphia. Bail has also been revoked for Bobbitt, who has remained behind bars since his Nov. 14 arrest. Bobbitt was charged in Burlington County with conspiracy and theft by deception for an alleged GoFundMe plot that "hoodwinked an awful lot of people," authorities said. The so-called conspiracy involved South Jersey residents Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico. A photo circulated on the internet showing McClure and Bobbitt on the side of Interstate 95 last year after Bobbitt had supposedly used his last $20 to help the woman fill her gas tank. Soon, the heartwarming story landed on a GoFundMe campaign that went viral and raised raised more than $400,000 from thousands of people. But once the relationship soured, law enforcement officials investigating the case stumbled on a 2012 Facebook post from Bobbitt. It was of a photo, very similar to the one of Bobbitt and McClure, featuring the homeless man with a different woman in North Carolina. That woman had apparently run out of gas and had a flat tire in a Walmart parking lot, prosecutors said. Bobbitt claimed to have used the last of his supper money to help her out, Burlington County prosecutor Scott Coffina said. I dont think thats a coincidence, he said. The accusation is part of an ongoing investigation into Bobbitt, McClure and DAmico. Prosecutors contend that the trio conspired to create a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign and keep the money for themselves. The scheme could have worked had McClure and D'Amico not kept more than agreed for themselves, fraud and forensic expert Howard Silverstone said. If the three of them would have divvied up the money and gone about their business, no one would have any reason to question it, he said. Instead, the group became entangled in a bitter court battle that has led investigators to charge all of them for fraud. McClure and D'Amico had been dating at the time of the conspiracy, but they have since broken up. McClure has publicly blamed her ex-boyfriend for masterminding the plot and is claiming innocence. Earlier this month, McClure's attorney released audio of her and D'Amico fighting about who was responsible for defrauding well-intentioned donors. The exchanges between the former couple grew increasingly heated throughout the 11-minute recording. At one point, McClure cried as DAmico screamed that she was a weak slob and letting a junky get between them. What to Know At least one woman is missing while three other people were injured after a fire spread through homes in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Three duplexes with a total of six units were destroyed or severely damaged. At least three people were injured and an 87-year-old woman is unaccounted for. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct number of people injured during the fire. At least one woman is missing while two other people were injured after a fire spread through homes in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. The fire started shortly before noon Thursday at 54th Street and Landis Avenue before spreading to other properties. Responding firefighters could be seen dousing the flames as thick smoke poured into the air. Three duplexes with a total of six units were destroyed or severely damaged. People working nearby ran to the scene, grabbed a ladder and helped rescue a man and woman from a first and second floor balcony. One of the rescuers then jumped to safety. "We were able to get her to the ladder," Joseph Rice, one of the rescuers, told NBC10. "As soon as they got onto the ladder, started trying to come down, that's when the house kind of blew back with all the smoke and flames. The lady had to jump. We tried to catch her and the other gentleman jumped himself." Firefighters eventually brought the flames under control. Two people were injured and two of those victims were hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation. Another family member, an 87-year-old woman, is currently unaccounted for, investigators said. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, Sea Isle City Police and the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office are all investigating the cause of the fire. "Right now we're focused on the fire suppression operations," Sea Isle City Police Chief Thomas McQuillen said. "Once the scene is deemed safe by the firefighters, it will then turn into an investigation." Authorities plan on searching through the property Friday morning. An 87-year-old woman is missing and three people were injured after a fire ripped through homes in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. NBC10 obtained drone video of the massive blaze. A California appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling that found the state's assisted suicide law was unconstitutional. A panel of the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Riverside on Tuesday said doctors who brought the case had no legal standing because they could choose not to help terminally ill patients die. The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the law. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia had declared the law unconstitutional because it was adopted during a special legislative session addressing other matters. The 2-1 ruling says the lawsuit could be amended and justices suggested how a prosecutor could establish legal standing to challenge the rule. Supporters of the law cheered the ruling, but say they expect further challenges from opponents of assisted suicide. Mandatory evacuations were underway and some officers were set to go door-to-door to warn residents in Riverside County of a pending storm approaching Southern California Wednesday evening. Authorities had already asked residents near the Holy Fire burn scar area to voluntarily evacuate Tuesday, before the threat of debris flow worsened. Storm Photos: Send Us Your Weather Images The brunt of the storm is expected to pack a wallop Thursday morning. "It's really going to pick up as we go to bed tonight and then into tomorrow," said NBC4 forecaster Shanna Mendiola. "You'll have a (Thursday) morning commute that's going to be soggy with a break in between, then another round of rain in the afternoon." Rain totals will range from .75 inch to 2 inches. Three inches are possible in some mountain communities. The following areas were under mandatory evacuation Wednesday at 3 p.m.: Amorose Alberhill Glen Ivy A Glen Eden Grace Horsethief A Laguna A Matri McVicker A Rice Withrow A "People in these zones MUST GO NOW," a news release read. Authorities also advised residents check the city's maps to see which zones were being evacuated. "Now is the time to grab your documents. Now is the time to get your spare medication, extra water, and make arrangements for wherever you're going to stay whether it's a local hotel or with a family that's outside of the area," said Riverside County Fire Capt. Fernando Herrera. A reception center was set up at Temescal Canyon High School, located at 28755 El Toro Rd. in Lake Elsinore. Debris flows were not expected in the areas near the Cranston Fire burn scar. Residents near the Woolsey, La Tuna Canyon, Creek and Skirball fire areas were advised to be on alert for potential evacuations, though none were in place Wednesday afternoon. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department have staffed additional resources in the area as well as a precaution. CalTrans was also warning drivers to be on alert in Los Angeles and Ventura counties as rocks, debris and mud may spill onto roadways. The city of Beverly Hills was providing sandbags to residents at 342 N Foothill during business hours. NBC4's Fritz Coleman said the heaviest rain will fall between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Thursday in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Everyone can expect a soggy morning commute Thursday morning. Even moderate rainfall can produce flooding in burn areas because they lack the vegetation that would normally absorb water. Fire-scarred hillsides are left with a repellent layer that blocks water absorption. If it's not absorbed by the soil, rainwater simply washes down the hillside, sometimes with enough force to move boulders, tear out trees and damage buildings and bridges. The potential for destruction was illustrated in January when an early morning downpour in the Thomas Fire burn area triggered a mudflow that killed 21 people in the Santa Barbara County community of Montecito. NBC4's Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report. A scientist in China claims to have created the first genetically modified humans. The research, led by HeJianku of Shenzhen, took embryos for seven couples during fertility treatments, which resulted in the birth of twin girls, named Lulu and Nana. Shenzhen claims to have used a genome-editing tool, called CRISPR, to modify the genes of the babies so that they will have a resistance to the AIDS virus. This kind of gene editing is banned in the United States because it risks harming other genes. Scientists around the world are concerned about this use of CRISPR. It has been used by many researchers to modify animal DNA, but never in this way. "It's troubling because we don't have an international consensus on how this type of research could or should be ethically conducted," said Kimberly Cooper, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego. Cooper said before CRISPR, it would have required up to 700 animals to get the same effects scientists can get in a single animal now. "As soon as CRISPR was implemented in a variety of species it cust the costs," said Cooper, "And made it almost trivial to make many other mutations that model disease and help us understand how genes work in cells." Separate from CRISPR, Cooper's research at UCSD is one of the only labs in the world that is studying the genetics of Jerboa rodents to find out how disease forms. She hopes that the research will help lead to future cures for diseases like Alzeheimer's and diabetes in humans. A businessman pained over the destruction to the town of Paradise caused by a deadly Northern California wildfire on Tuesday gave $1,000 each to students and staff members from the local high school. Real estate developer and restaurant owner Bob Wilson arrived in the nearby city of Chico with two suitcases stuffed with checks totaling $1.1 million for Paradise High School's 980 students and 105 teachers and staff members. Wilson is from the Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood of San Diego and said he thought of the donation after reading a Los Angeles Times story about the high school still standing with students scattered and separated from each other. One student told the newspaper he missed spending time with his friends at local hangouts and another said she cries constantly. He told NBC 7 when he thinks back on his years at Escondido High School in the 1940s, he reminisces about "idyllic" times -- idyllic times that Paradise High School students were missing out on. His intention was to make the kids smile and "give a little freedom to do whatever they wanted to do and maybe take their minds off what happened for a short period." The money comes with no strings attached. Wilson doesnt care what its spent on, he just hopes it brings them positivity during a disastrous time. "I don't care. They can buy a bicycle if they want, have video games, I don't care. I just want them to have the freedom to this, and as I said, just lift their spirits. That's all I want out of this," he said. He said reading about the hardships faced by the Paradise high school students broke his heart and he wanted them to know that someone cares about them and hopes the donation will inspire students to give, too. "If you have a good intention to do something and you don't do it, its just a good intention. It doesn't go any further than that," Wilson said. "So, I hope they go beyond saying, 'Gee, I want to help out,' and then not do something about it." School Principal Loren Lighthall said he thinks about 900 students lost their homes because of the fire that killed 88 people. Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith won a divisive Mississippi runoff Tuesday, surviving a video-recorded remark decried as racist and defeating a former federal official who hoped to become the state's first African-American senator since Reconstruction. The runoff was rocked by the video, in which Hyde-Smith said of a supporter, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row." A separate video showed her talking about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. The comments by Hyde-Smith, who is white, made Mississippi's history of racist lynchings a theme of the runoff and spurred many black voters to return to the polls Tuesday. In the aftermath of the video, Republicans worried they could face a repeat of last year's special election in Alabama, in which a flawed Republican candidate handed Democrats a reliable GOP Senate seat in the Deep South. The GOP pumped resources into Mississippi, and President Donald Trump made a strong effort on behalf of Hyde-Smith, holding last-minute rallies in Mississippi on Monday. Speaking to supporters after her win, Hyde-Smith vowed to fight for everyone in the state when she goes to Washington. "I want everybody to know, no matter who you voted for today, I'm going to always represent every Mississippian. I will work very hard and do my very best to make Mississippi very proud," she said. Her supporters said the furor over her comments was overblown. They also stuck by her as a photo was circulated of her wearing a replica Confederate military hat during a 2014 visit to Beauvoir, the last home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. "So many things are taken out of context," said Elizabeth Gallinghouse, 84, from Diamondhead, Mississippi. "The fact that she toured Jefferson Davis's house. You or I could have done the same thing. They said, 'Put this cap on. Hold this gun.' It was a fun time. She wasn't trying to send any messages." The contest caps a campaign season that exposed persistent racial divisions in America and the willingness of some political candidates to exploit them to win elections. With Hyde-Smith's victory, Republicans control 53 of the Senate's 100 seats. The GOP lost control of the House, where Democrats will assume the majority in January. In the final weeks of the runoff, Hyde-Smith's campaign said the remark about making voting difficult was a joke. She said the "public hanging" comment was "an exaggerated expression of regard" for a fellow cattle rancher. During a televised debate nine days after the video was publicized, she apologized to "anyone that was offended by my comments," but also said the remark was used as a "weapon" against her. Democratic opponent Mike Espy, 64, a former U.S. agriculture secretary, replied: "I don't know what's in your heart, but I know what came out of your mouth." Addressing his supporters Tuesday night, Espy said: "While this is not the result we were hoping for, I am proud of the historic campaign we ran and grateful for the support we received across Mississippi. We built the largest grassroots organization our state has seen in a generation." The "public hanging" comment also resonated with his supporters. "That really offended me," said Charles Connley, 60, a black voter from Picayune. Some corporate donors, including Walmart, requested refunds on their campaign contributions to Hyde-Smith after the videos surfaced. Hyde-Smith was in her second term as Mississippi agriculture commissioner when Republican Gov. Phil Bryant appointed her to temporarily succeed GOP Sen. Thad Cochran. The longtime lawmaker retired in April amid health concerns. The win makes Hyde-Smith, 59, the first woman elected to Congress from Mississippi. Hyde-Smith and Espy emerged from a field of four candidates Nov. 6 to advance to Tuesday's runoff. Her win allows her to complete the final two years of Cochran's six-year term. Shortly after the win Tuesday, Trump tweeted: "Congratulations to Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith on your big WIN in the Great State of Mississippi. We are all very proud of you!" Associated Press writers Jeff Amy and Janet McConnaughey contributed to this report. The president of Ukraine is urging NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov, a proposal that has been sharply criticized by Russia as a provocation that could worsen tensions between the two countries following a weekend confrontation in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was canceling a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Argentina because Moscow has not released the Ukrainian vessels and sailors it seized. In an interview published earlier Thursday with the German daily Bild, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko laid out his hope that NATO would "relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security" against Putin's expansionist ambitions. The Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews on Sunday. Russia alleged the Ukrainian vessels had failed to obtain permission to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait. Ukraine insisted its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules in the strait, which separates Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula that it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. While condemning the Russian action, NATO is not expected to send ships to the area, a deployment that could trigger a confrontation with Russia. A 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine stipulates that permission from both countries is required for warships from anywhere else to enter the internal sea. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the alliance already has a strong presence in the region, and that NATO ships routinely patrol and conduct exercises in the Black Sea, especially those from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey, which border the sea. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early Thursday that she plans to press Putin at the upcoming G-20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the Ukrainian ships and crews and to de-escalate the situation. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she said. It was not clear whether Merkel knew of Poroshenko's call for NATO's deployment when she spoke. Trump tweeted his decision to cancel a meeting with Putin this weekend. Trump, who was en route to Buenos Aires for the G-20 summit, said he would not be meeting Putin because "the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia." The Kremlin said it has not been notified of a cancellation. Russian news agencies quoted Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, as saying that the Kremlin only learned of the cancellation from Trump's tweet. Peskov said the cancellation means that Putin will have "a couple of more hours" for "useful meetings" with other leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. The Ukrainian government said Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, which Russia quickly denied. "Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea," Poroshenko said. "The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world." Putin on Wednesday criticized the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraine's "provocation." "The authorities in Kiev are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell," he said. "They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely get served too." In response to Sunday's events, Ukraine has imposed martial law in parts of the country. Putin accused Poroshenko of provoking the naval incident in a bid to impose martial law to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of a presidential election in March. Peskov said Poroshenko's request for NATO warships is "clearly aimed at provoking further tensions," adding that it was driven by "electoral and domestic policy motives." Poroshenko said that martial law wouldn't restrict travel, cash withdrawals or currency purchases by Ukrainians, but Russians will face some unspecified constraints. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure says Russia has blocked 35 merchant ships from leaving or entering the Sea of Azov since Wednesday. The ministry said 18 ships have been stuck in the Black Sea, waiting to pass through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov. Another 17 vessels were unable to leave the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov, it said. Peskov insisted that Russia hasn't imposed any restrictions on the ships' passage, adding that a possible logjam could be linked to poor weather. Ukraine's intelligence agency, the SBU, said a Russian fighter jet and a helicopter fired rockets Sunday at the three Ukrainian vessels before they were captured the first time an airstrike was reported. "It's a miracle the Ukrainian seamen have survived," SBU deputy chief Oleh Frolov told reporters. There has been growing hostility between Ukraine and Russia since Moscow's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Russia has also supported separatists in Ukraine's east with clandestine dispatches of troops and weapons. Fighting there has killed at least 10,000 people since 2014 but eased somewhat after a 2015 truce. The naval incident marked the first overt clash between Russian and Ukrainian militaries since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It has fueled fears of a wider conflict and has drawn strong criticism of Russia from the U.S. and its allies. Amid the tensions, the Russian military said it had deployed another batch of the long-range, S-400 air defense missile systems to Crimea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the possibility of a Turkish mediation to resolve tensions and had separate phone calls with Putin and Poroshenko on Thursday. Asked about the Turkish offer, Peskov responded that "Moscow is grateful to all those willing to help de-escalate the tensions provoked by the Ukrainian side, but doesn't see any need for mediation efforts." "Those who have such opportunities could help by exerting influence on the Ukrainian authorities," Peskov said. Nataliya Vasilyeva, David Rising and Lorne Cook contributed. Leaders in a D.C. neighborhood have voted to rename a street in front of the Saudi Embassy after Jamal Khashoggi, The Washington Post journalist who was murdered inside the Saudi Embassy in Turkey in October. An area Advisory Neighborhood Commission voted Wednesday to rename part of New Hampshire Avenue in front of the embassy "Jamal Khashoggi Way." The group says that the name would be a daily reminder to the Saudis that Khashoggi's murder is unacceptable. Khashoggi, who lived in the U.S. and wrote for The Washington Post, was publicly critical of the Saudi crown prince. He was killed in what U.S. officials have described as an elaborate plot at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which he had visited for marriage paperwork. The CIA says it has high confidence the Saudi crown prince ordered Kashoggi's killing. Many government officials have criticized the White House for not taking a stronger stand against Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi's death. The street name change isn't official yet. The new name still needs to be approved by the D.C. Council. Two nuns from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Baltimore were robbed by a Grinch who stole half of the presents they bought for hospice residents. But, in a possible show of guilt, the thief abandoned the goods after the nuns told him they would pray for him. Sister Joseph Caroline and Sister Bernadette were wheeling two carts of gifts out of Costco in Elkridge, Maryland, when they were approached by a man who offered to help. We just thought it was a good Samaritan and he was there out of the willingness of his heart and the holiday spirit," Sister Caroline told WBAL-TV. The man helped the nuns, and the nuns thanked him and told him they would pray for him. When the nuns got home, they discovered that half of the gifts they bought were missing. They considered filing a police report. Before they could, Costco called and said the presents were found abandoned in the parking lot. Sister Bernadette told WBAL that she believes that when she looked the man in the eye and thanked him, his heart softened. The presents were meant to go to the elderly, hospice residents and employees. A Maryland woman who was mauled by a pit bull while she was taking her trash out of her apartment complex says she fought the dog, biting it so it would let go of her. I had the animal face to face, and I saw the big eyes, Rosa Quexel, holding back tears, told NBC4's sister station Telemundo 44. I didnt know if I was going to survive that moment. According to the victim, she was walking outside of her apartment building in the 8100 block of Tahona Drive in Langley Park when she noticed two pit bulls were attacking someone near her. Then one of them pounced on her. She raised her left arm and put it between them to try to hold the animal back. Thats when it began biting her. The first thing I thought, I will bite it, too, because if I dont do it, it wont let go of me, Quexel said. Thats when I bit the dog with all my strength, and it let go. She said she fainted after the attack and doesnt know what happened to the animals. Quexel said she was then taken to the University of Maryland Capital Region Health to get treated for the arm injuries she sustained. If I hadnt put my arm [between us], it could have bitten my face or my neck, she said. I dont know what would have happened. Prince Georges County police said they havent been able to locate the dogs or the owner. Pit bulls are banned in Prince George's County, as well as in many apartment buildings and homeowners associations across the D.C. area. Residents of the county who violate the ordinance may receive a $1,000 fine or a sentence to up to 6 months in jail. Entire rescue organizations in the region are devoted to finding homes for pit bulls. People keep having those animals, that are often killers, Quexel said. I dont want this to go unpunished. I want justice, she added. I want those animals to be caught and that the owner is contacted because I have medical bills that I cant afford. Similar incidents have happened recently across the region. A D.C. woman died after she was attacked by the familys pit bull in her own home, and in September, a Maryland woman apparently was mauled to death by a recently adopted dog, also a pit bull. Roughly two years after a new trial was ordered, Maryland's highest court on Thursday heard arguments in their review of the high-profile case of a man whose murder conviction was chronicled in the hit "Serial" podcast that attracted millions of armchair detectives. Tasked with upholding the retrial order for Adnan Syed or reviewing a decision that could reinstate a conviction, Maryland's Court of Appeals heard about an hour's worth of arguments in the long-running case. Syed was convicted in 2000 of strangling his high school sweetheart and burying her body in a Baltimore park. He's been serving a life sentence ever since. But a Baltimore judge vacated his conviction two years ago and a court ordered a new trial after concluding that his trial lawyer was ineffective. The state appealed. Earlier this year, the special appeals court upheld the lower court's ruling. The state appealed that decision, too. On Thursday, state prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah acknowledged that the late trial lawyer for Syed did not contact an alibi witness but he asserts that the attorney understood the "gist" of what that witness, Asia McClain, might have told her at the time. The attorney in question, Cristina Gutierrez, died of a heart attack in 2004, about four years after Syed was convicted of murdering 18-year-old Hae Min Lee. "The record is not silent on whether or not Ms. McClain was contacted. The state agrees with that. The record is silent on the critical question of why," he said, suggesting that it is not clear why Gutierrez decided to take one investigative path over another and asserting that it's wrong to conclude that Syed's constitutional right to effective counsel was violated. In 2016, a lower court ordered a retrial for Syed on grounds that Gutierrez didn't contact McClain and provided ineffective counsel. The defense team countered that it's entirely irrelevant why Gutierrez failed to contact McClain, who said she saw Syed at a library about the same time prosecutors say his ex-girlfriend was killed in 1999. Defense attorney Catherine Stetson told Maryland's highest court that Syed's original lawyer's failure to contact the witness were "objectively unreasonable" and any possible reasons don't matter. She said Gutierrez "had an obligation to pursue that witness," among others. By late Thursday morning, the appeals panel of seven judges wrapped up the day's oral arguments. It's not clear when their review of the Syed case will be completed. The arguments in the Maryland appeals court brought spectators from out of state. Chris Hendrixson drove from Cincinnati, Ohio, to observe the hearing and perhaps meet some of the people he's heard about on the podcast. "Like so many people, we just became captivated by this case and this story through 'Serial,'" Hendrixson said outside the Annapolis courthouse. University of Baltimore law professor David Jaros told The Associated Press that the fact that a lower court had found that there was "ineffective assistance of counsel" was itself remarkable since it happens so rarely. That alone makes Syed's case something of an outlier, he said. "Ineffective assistance of counsel claims are exceedingly hard to bring. And the bar for what is an effective assistance of counsel is remarkably and shockingly low, with courts actually holding that defendants had effective representation even though their lawyer fell asleep at the trial," Jaros said in a phone interview. But what makes Syed's case particularly notable is the huge amount of attention it has received. Syed became a sort of cause celebre due to the hugely popular "Serial" podcast, which debuted in 2014 with its entire first season dedicated to the case. The show shattered podcast-streaming and downloading records. "Serial" revealed little-known evidence, raising new questions about the case and whether Syed was indeed guilty. Rabia Chaudry, a staunch supporter of Syed's who brought his case to the attention of the host of "Serial" and also wrote the 2016 book "Adnan's Story: The Search for Truth and Justice after Serial," said Syed is feeling positive about his fate. "A few years ago, Adnan thought that he has to come to terms with maybe dying in prison, and now he feels like there's a chance that he's going to come home. He feels good. We all feel good," Chaudry said. The six Virginia police officers involved in the arrest of a man who died of an opioid overdose while in custody have been cleared of any wrongdoing. Dramatic body camera footage shows Fairfax County police officers entering 31-year-old Christopher Paul's home in Alexandria in June as they responded to call for a possible overdose. They found Paul naked and in distress. Officers can be heard on the video trying to calm Paul down. When he fell to the ground, officers rushed in to subdue him and place handcuffs and leg restraints on him. They followed our training and did everything they could to save this young mans life, Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. said. He said paramedics were not allowed in the house to treat Paul until after police secured him. Its unfortunate that he died from an opioid overdose, but these are the perils that we are facing as law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel, Roessler said. Once paramedics got to Paul they administered NARCAN, the drug used to block the deadly effects of opioids, to try to save him. Roessler said at the time of the incident, his officers were not equipped with the life-saving drug. He said three of the six officers on the scene that day were certified in crisis intervention. Roesslers goal is to get all 1,500 officers trained. Of the 1,500 sworn officers, 443 have crisis intervention training, and 387 are equipped with NARCAN. Pauls family has not responded to request for comment. All six officers involved have been returned to active duty. A defrocked Roman Catholic priest who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an altar boy in Massachusetts was convicted Thursday of abusing another boy in Maine in the 1980s. Ronald Paquin, 76, was convicted of 11 of 24 counts against him following a three-day trial in Superior Court in Maine. He was originally charged with 31 counts, but seven were dropped on Wednesday. Two men testified Paquin befriended them as boys at a parish in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and invited them on trips that included visits to Kennebunkport, Maine. They said he gave them alcohol, and let them drive his car without a license. One of them testified he was drugged. Both said Paquin repeatedly assaulted them, but the jury returned guilty verdicts on counts involving only one of the victims. The victim who said he was drugged told reporters after the verdicts that Paquin was "pure evil," adding jurors did the right thing. Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Heimbach told jurors in her closing argument this case "is about a priest who planned, plied and perpetrated." Defense attorney Roger Champagne said the graphic testimony from the two men was "fluff" aimed at distracting them from the lack of physical evidence or witness testimony placing the boys in Maine in the 1980s. Paquin was a key figure in the clergy abuse scandal that started in the Boston Archdiocese and rocked the church globally, which was featured in the movie "Spotlight" about the Boston Globe team that uncovered the abuse. He spent more than a decade in a Massachusetts prison for sexually assaulting an altar boy. He was released in 2015, and was taken into custody in Maine last year. During the trial, several people testified about seeing Paquin with boys at a campground in Kennebunkport. None saw anything inappropriate but one said she wondered why the boys stayed inside a trailer on a hot day instead of going to a pool or to the beach. She was told the boys liked to play Monopoly. What to Know Notorious Irish mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger was found dead in his West Virginia cell on Tuesday. Bulger was recently moved to the high-security prison in West Virginia from Oklahoma. Inmates at the West Virginia prison have previously warned officials that the facility has been overcrowded. Long before notorious Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger was killed at a federal prison in West Virginia, lawmakers, advocates and even prison guards had been sounding the alarm about dangerous conditions there. But there has been no public indication that federal prison officials have taken action to address the safety concerns, even as Bulger's killing marks the third at the facility in the last six months. An independent government commission found that United States Penitentiary Hazelton has been overcrowded for years. Inmates have repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety at the high-security prison, which houses 1,270 male inmates. A 2016 report from the District of Columbia's Corrections Information Council said that prisoners warned officials, "Inmates can lose their lives quickly here." In April, 48-year-old Ian Thorne was killed during an altercation with a fellow prisoner, and in September, Demario Porter was also killed in another fight with a fellow inmate. Court records, oversight reports and news articles detail numerous violent incidents in recent years. In 2016, an inmate was charged with murder after prosecutors said he strangled another prisoner to death during a fight. In February 2015, an inmate stabbed a fellow prisoner with a hand-crafted weapon during a fight, according to court documents. Another inmate received an extended sentence in May for assaulting a fellow prisoner and possessing a deadly weapon. "There are a multitude of federal prisons that don't have a homicide rate like that," said Cameron Lindsay, a former federal prison warden who now works as a jail security consultant. The federal Bureau of Prisons has not responded to requests for comment about safety concerns at USP Hazelton. It announced Thursday that visitation has been suspended until further notice. Last week, five members of Congress wrote to Attorney General Jeff Sessions about what they called "dangerous continual understaffing" at federal prisons in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and stated their alarm about the deaths at USP Hazelton. Justice Department spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle said DOJ was "aware of the concerns raised in the letter" and would respond to the members of Congress. In a separate letter this month, the District of Columbia's House delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, asked the Justice Department's inspector general to launch an investigation into the conditions at USP Hazelton, citing Thorne and Porter's deaths. Holmes Norton said she had also heard about the "brutal treatment" of inmates at the prison and was concerned that the incidents "may be indicative of larger, ongoing problems at the facility." In a statement Tuesday, Norton said Bulger's death "underscores reports of a culture of violence at Hazelton." Norton's office said she had not received a response to her earlier letter, and John Lavinsky, a spokesman for the inspector general, declined to comment. The 89-year-old Bulger, who benefited from a corrupt relationship with the FBI before spending 16 years as one of America's most wanted men, was found unresponsive Tuesday morning, just hours after he arrived at USP Hazelton. He was declared dead shortly afterward. Authorities have not released a cause of death, but prosecutors said it was being investigated as a homicide. A Mafia hit man, Fotios "Freddy" Geas, who is said to hate "rats," and at least one other inmate are believed to have been involved in Bulger's killing, an ex-investigator briefed on the case said Wednesday. The longtime investigator was not authorized to discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. Bulger led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets. He also was an FBI informant who ratted on the New England mob, his gang's main rival, in an era when bringing down the Mafia was a top priority for the FBI. It's not clear why he was transferred. "What I don't understand is why the Federal Bureau of Prisons would transfer a super high-publicity inmate, who is a known snitch, to general population of a high-security prison. You've got to be smarter than that," Lindsay, the former warden, said. Union officials say the prison is operating at about 75 percent of its staffing level and has dozens of vacant positions. They have also decried a practice known as augmentation, which taps health care workers, teachers, secretaries and prison cooks to fill correction officer positions because of officer shortages and overtime limits. Justin Tarovisky, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 420, which represents Hazelton prison guards, said Bulger's death "outlines how dangerous this prison is." The union voiced its concerns about staffing in a picket outside the prison as far back as 2015. The letter sent to Sessions last week by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; and Bob Casey, D-Pa.; and Rep. Bill Schuster, R-Pa., said Congress had provided additional funding to ensure there would be at least two corrections officers on duty in each housing unit for each shift and that the policy was "not being enforced as intended." The legislators said they were concerned that the Bureau of Prisons hasn't followed Congress' direction to curtail "its overreliance on augmentation, particularly in housing units." A hiring freeze imposed by the Trump administration has left the agency short-staffed and some already overloaded federal prisons have been housing immigration detainees in recent months as well. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and top adviser, Jared Kushner, has pushed prison reform as a key priority, though others in the Trump administration --including Sessions-- support the toughest possible sentences for drug and other convictions. Kushner has had an interest in prison reform since his own father, Charles Kushner, was incarcerated for 14 months after being convicted of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. A Chinese researcher who claims to have helped make the world's first genetically edited babies says a second pregnancy may be underway. The researcher, He Jiankui of Shenzhen, revealed the possible pregnancy Wednesday while making his first public comments about his controversial work at an international conference in Hong Kong. He claims to have altered the DNA of twin girls born earlier this month to try to make them resistant to infection with the AIDS virus. Mainstream scientists have condemned the experiment, and universities and government groups are investigating. The second potential pregnancy is in a very early stage and needs more time to be monitored to see if it will last, He said. Leading scientists said there are now even more reasons to worry, and more questions than answers, after He's talk. The leader of the conference called the experiment "irresponsible" and evidence that the scientific community had failed to regulate itself to prevent premature efforts to alter DNA. Altering DNA before or at the time of conception is highly controversial because the changes can be inherited and might harm other genes. It's banned in some countries including the United States except for lab research. He defended his choice of HIV, rather than a fatal inherited disease, as a test case for gene editing, and insisted the girls could benefit from it. "They need this protection since a vaccine is not available," He said. Scientists weren't buying it. "This is a truly unacceptable development," said Jennifer Doudna, a University of California-Berkeley scientist and one of the inventors of the CRISPR gene-editing tool that He said he used. "I'm grateful that he appeared today, but I don't think that we heard answers. We still need to understand the motivation for this." Doudna is paid by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which also supports AP's Health & Science Department. "I feel more disturbed now," said David Liu of Harvard and MIT's Broad Institute, and inventor of a variation of the gene-editing tool. "It's an appalling example of what not to do about a promising technology that has great potential to benefit society. I hope it never happens again." There is no independent confirmation of He's claim and he has not yet published in any scientific journal where it would be vetted by experts. At the conference, He failed or refused to answer many questions including who paid for his work, how he ensured that participants understood potential risks and benefits, and why he kept his work secret until after it was done. After He spoke, David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate from the California Institute of Technology and a leader of the conference, said He's work "would still be considered irresponsible" because it did not meet criteria many scientists agreed on several years ago before gene editing could be considered. "I personally don't think that it was medically necessary. The choice of the diseases that we heard discussions about earlier today are much more pressing" than trying to prevent HIV infection this way, Baltimore said. The case shows "there has been a failure of self-regulation by the scientific community" and said the conference committee would meet and issue a statement on Thursday about the future of the field, Baltimore said. Before He's talk, Dr. George Daley, Harvard Medical School's dean and one of the conference organizers, warned against a backlash to gene editing because of He's experiment. Just because the first case may have been a misstep "should in no way, I think, lead us to stick our heads in the sand and not consider the very, very positive aspects that could come forth by a more responsible pathway," Daley said. "Scientists who go rogue ... it carries a deep, deep cost to the scientific community," Daley said. Regulators have been swift to condemn the experiment as unethical and unscientific. The National Health Commission has ordered local officials in Guangdong province to investigate He's actions, and his employer, Southern University of Science and Technology of China, is investigating as well. On Tuesday, Qui Renzong of the Chinese Academy of Social Science criticized the decision to let He speak at the conference, saying the claim "should not be on our agenda" until it has been reviewed by independent experts. Whether He violated reproductive medicine laws in China has been unclear; Qui contends that it did, but said, "the problem is, there's no penalty." He called on the United Nations to convene a meeting to discuss heritable gene editing to promote international agreement on when it might be OK. Meanwhile, more American scientists said they had contact with He and were aware of or suspected what he was doing. Dr. Matthew Porteus, a genetics researcher at Stanford University, where He did postdoctoral research, said He told him in February that he intended to try human gene editing. Porteus said he discouraged He and told him "that it was irresponsible, that he could risk the entire field of gene editing by doing this in a cavalier fashion." Dr. William Hurlbut, a Stanford ethicist, said he has "spent many hours" talking with He over the last two years about situations where gene editing might be appropriate. "I knew his early work. I knew where he was heading," Hurlbut said. When he saw He four or five weeks ago, He did not say he had tried or achieved pregnancy with edited embryos but "I strongly suspected" it, Hurlbut said. "I disagree with the notion of stepping out of the general consensus of the scientific community," Hurlbut said. If the science is not considered ready or safe enough, "it's going to create misunderstanding, discordance and distrust." What to Know A migrant caravan traveling toward the U.S. through Mexico has been denied requests for buses to carry them northward They are still roughly 900 miles away from U.S. soil The Pentagon has announced it is sending 5,200 troops to the Southwest border Thousands of Central American migrants resumed their slow trek through southern Mexico on Thursday, and activists aiding the group said they were shifting their route toward the Gulf coast, a path closer to the Texas border. The migrants set out before dawn after taking a day's break in the Oaxaca state city of Juchitan. The activists said they would try to reach the town of Matias Romero, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) ahead. They had tried to arrange bus transport from Juchitan, but failed, leaving them once again on foot, hitch-hiking and looking for rides where they can find them. The migrants have not said what route they intend to take northward or where on the U.S. border they planned to reach, and Juchitan, still about 900 miles from U.S. soil, was something of a crossroads. While Matias Romero would carry them toward the Gulf coast city of Veracruz and a route toward the Texas border, another large caravan early this year passed through Veracruz and then veered back toward Mexico City and eventually tried to head to Tijuana in the far northwest. Few made it. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday praised Mexico for stopping the migrants from getting rides. "Mexico has stepped up in an unprecedented way," Sanders told Fox News. "They have helped stop a lot of the transportation means of these individuals in these caravans, forcing them walking. They have helped us in new ways to slow this down, to break this up and keep it from moving as aggressively toward the United States." But U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his pre-election focus on the caravan and others behind it, talking of creating a U.S. military force on the border that would outnumber the migrants, many of them women and children. "As far as the caravan is concerned, our military is out," Trump said. "We have about 5,800. We'll go up to anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 military personnel on top of Border Patrol, ICE and everybody else at the border." Later Wednesday, Trump told ABC News, "We have to have a wall of people." He is expected to give remarks on immigration from the White House Thursday afternoon, two White House officials told NBC News. A second, smaller group of 1,000 or so migrants is more than 200 miles behind the first caravan. A third band of about 500 from El Salvador made it to Guatemala, and a fourth group of about 700 set out from the Salvadoran capital Wednesday. Altogether, the four caravans represent just a few days' worth of the average flow of migrants to the United States in recent years. Similar caravans have occurred regularly over the years and passed largely unnoticed, but Trump has focused on the latest marchers seeking to make border security a hot-button issue in next week's midterm elections. Worn down by days of long walks, many migrants have dropped out and returned home or applied for protected status in Mexico. The initial caravan has shrunk significantly from its estimated peak of more than 7,000 migrants. A caravan last the spring ultimately fizzled to just about 200 people who reached the U.S. border at San Diego. Mexican Interior Secretary Alfonso Navarrete Prida said about 2,300 migrants have applied to stay in Mexico under a government plan, and hundreds more have accepted assisted repatriation. Also Wednesday, a Guatemalan woman gave birth to the first known caravan baby at a hospital in Juchitan. Mexico's governmental National Human Rights Commission said it had arranged for medical attention for the woman, who was 28 weeks pregnant, and the girl was healthy. Associated Press writer Peter Orsi contributed to this report. What to Know The parents of a teen who died after he fell off an Uber while car surfing want to make sure no one else has to endure the same pain Ryan Mullen, 15, died after he fell off the roof of a vehicle in Huntington Station on Sept. 23 and hit his head on the pavement His Uber driver was charged with manslaughter after his death, but has pleaded not guilty The parents of a teen who succumbed to a head injury after his Uber driver let him ride on the roof of his vehicle want to make sure no one else has to endure the pain they went through when they lost their son. Ryan Mullen, 15, died after he fell off the roof of a vehicle in Huntington Station on Sept. 23 and hit his head on the pavement. In an interview with NBC 4 New York, the boys parents, Matt and Janice Mullen, said they hoped people would watch a video posted to social media that shows their son car surfing on top of the Uber. The video shows that the consequences of participating in dangerous activities to garner likes on social media are real, they said. No family should go through this pain, Matt Mullen told News 4. Its a club that no one should be part of. Its thinking youre invincible, that you really cant get hurt, Janice Mullen added. Police say Ryan and two friends offered to give Uber driver Danyal Cheema money if he let them ride on top of his car. Cheema ultimately let Ryan and another teen ride on top of the car, at which point Mullen fell off. The entire incident was posted on Snapchat, Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini said previously. The Uber driver was charged with manslaughter in Ryans death, but has pleaded not guilty. Cheema allegedly dropped Ryan and his friends off at one of their homes for a sleepover after the incident instead of taking him to the hospital. Ryan died in his sleep, his father said. He had traumatic brain injury, fractured skull and cranial bleeding." The video of the incident shows Ryan looking dazed after he falls off the roof. "That right there should have been a signal to reach out for medical attention," his dad told News 4. The Mullens hope to raise awareness about the incident and spark changes in the rideshare industry by talking about their sons death. Since Ryan's death, the family's tight-knit community has stepped up to help the Mullens and their daughter, raising thousands of dollars by selling t-shirts and bracelets in hopes of keeping Ryan's spirit alive. "I don't know how I would have managed the last few months without his friends," Ryan's mom said. A 9-year-old boy and a 64-year-old woman were killed Wednesday evening after a vehicle crossed the center line of Route 5 in Liberty, Maine. Janice Minson, 64, of Verona Island was traveling west on Route 5 following an out-of-state vacation when her Pontiac Vibe crossed the center line at around 5:30 p.m. Her vehicle hit an oncoming pickup truck carrying three passengers, according to state police. Minson was rushed to Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, where she died. Nine-year-old Colby Adams, of Hope, was in the pickup truck and died at the scene. The truck was being driven by 20-year-old Evan West, of Liberty. West was treated and released from Belfast Hospital and his other passenger, 15-year-old Samuel Levesque of Liberty, was taken to Maine Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The passengers in the pickup truck were all friends and headed to a store, according to state police. Authorities say the deadly crash happened about a quarter of a mile away from another fatal wreck that occurred Tuesday morning. State police are investigating what caused Minsons car to stray to the center line. A serial killer who may have committed at least 90 murders across the country has been linked to the killing of a woman who may have been from Massachusetts that occurred almost 50 years ago in Maryland. Prince George's County police announced Wednesday that Samuel Little, 78, has been linked to a 1972 cold case in the county. The victim may have been from the Massachusetts area and recently had gotten divorced, Little told investigators. Her height was between 5'2" and 5'6". She was Caucasian and was possibly in her early twenties. She also may have had a child. Little is already serving three life sentences for slayings in California. In July 2018, he was charged with the death of a woman in Texas, NBC News reported. Little gave investigators their information on the Maryland killing, as well as a "multitude" of others, authorities said. One of those cases involved a woman he said he met at the Greyhound bus station on New York Avenue in Washington, D.C., Prince George's County authorities said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Investigators are still trying to determine who the woman was but are hopeful that clues provided by Little may finally lead to her identification. Little and the woman are believed to have met in May or June 1972. Over a three-day period, Little and the still-unidentified woman had interactions and at one point, left the station in Little's car, Little told authorities. They drove on what investigators believe was the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, left the parkway in the area of Beltsville, Maryland, and had sex, Little told authorities. He then strangled the victim, he said. Detective Bernie Nelson said Little killed women "for sexual gratification." "I can truly say that Samuel Little is a true monster," Nelson said. "He's every woman's ultimate nightmare." Authorities in Massachusetts are reviewing missing persons reports from the time of the killing, as well as divorce records, said Prince George's County Sgt. Gregory McDonald. DNA evidence was extracted from the victim's remains in 2014 and has been uploaded into national databases. "The main thing is that we're trying to identify who our victim is and we were hoping that Mr. Little could shed some light on ways of us accomplishing that goal," Nelson said. The killing is believed to have happened in May or June in 1972. Her remains were found in December of that year by a hunter who was walking through a wooded area. A medical examiner concluded that the remains had been there for about six months. Little was in the D.C. area at the time of the killing and was arrested on a handgun charge in May 1972 at the same bus station where he and the victim met, Nelson said. When shown aerial photos, Little pointed out the area where the victim was found, Nelson said. "He actually pointed out the dirt roads that he went on and pointed out exactly where he left her body," Nelson said. Little, also known as Samuel McDowell, is serving three life sentences for strangling three women in the Los Angeles area from 1987 to 1989. He was convicted of those murders in 2014. In July 2018, he was charged with the death of a woman in Texas, NBC News reported. According to the Wise County Sheriff's Office in Decatur, Texas, Little also gave investigators details on a "multitude" of murders he says he committed from 1970 to 2005 in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Ohio, California, Indiana, Arizona, New Mexico and South Carolina. As Little conveyed information about homicides to Texas Rangers who interviewed him, they would contact local law enforcement agencies in those areas, McDonald said. If Little is found guilty of the murders he's provided information about, he "will be confirmed as one of, if not the most, prolific serial killers in U.S. history," according to a statement from Ector County District Attorney Bobby Bland. However, Little will not be charged in Prince George's County due to his existing sentence of three life terms in California, said Major Brian Reilly. "We will get something called a Decline to Prosecute where it says we could charge him if we wanted to, but there is no reason to put people through that," he said. Little told investigators that the Prince George's County victim was his only victim in the Washington, D.C., area, McDonald said. "He was an open book," McDonald said. "But he's not remorseful." Authorities are investigating a police-involved shooting in Maine. The Penobscot County Sheriff's Department confirmed to WCSH the shooting involved a police officer in Old Town on Stillwater Avenue. The conditions of the officer and suspect who were involved were not immediately clear. Old Town police say there's no risk to the public. No other details were immediately available. What to Know Opponents say the proposed pot shop in Brookline, Mass. would violate zoning laws because it's too close to McKinley Middle School. More than 1,000 people have submitted letters to the town against the pot shop, according to opponents. Supporters of the pot shop in the area say it would bring business to a vacant storefront, the former Waxy's restaurant. Opponents of a proposed pot shop on Beacon Street in Brookline, Massachusetts have been vocal in their protests, and now theyre taking a new tack: they say the store would be illegal. We know that this particular location is within 500 feet of the McKinley Middle School, said Paul Warren of the Save St. Marys Neighborhood group, which has sent a letter to town officials asking them to cancel the application for Ascend Massachusetts. Neighbors say the store--which would be located in the former Waxys restaurant-- would violate zoning laws because its too close to a school. Im a libertarian and I think if you want to smoke pot, have a blast, said Marge Pothier who lives around the corner. But not here. Neighbors have seen the traffic problems in Leicester where a new pot shop has led to huge congestion, and they worry theyll be facing the same issues just a stones throw from colleges, Fenway Park, and in the middle of a very dense neighborhood. "Personally Im open to the idea of it but as a business owner across the street, with already limited parking, have you seen it around here during Red Sox season? Its insane, said Nicole Brown. But despite potential traffic woes, supporters of a pot shop in the area say it would bring business to a vacant storefront. Currently this thing sitting here is doing nothing, said Luke Manory who lives nearby. If they want to open a pot shop here, I say Im all for it. Some argue as these outlets go up around the state, people need to get used to it. Diners, banks, pot shops, said Sarah Souza-DuBenion. I think its awesome. Im super excited that we might have a pot shop like right down here. Calls to Brookline town officials and Ascend Massachusetts have so far not been returned. Opponents of the pot shop say more than a thousand people have submitted letters to the town against it. Now that the Chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party has announced she is stepping down from her position, potential leaders are emerging. Kirsten Hughes, a Quincy city councilor, announced in an email Nov. 16 she would not be seeking a fourth term this January. Since her announcement, it remains to be seen which direction the party will go. Will Committee members choose an established, more moderate leader for the partyfrom what some call the Charlie Baker wing? Or will it choose a more conservative, Trump supporting chair? The decision could have a lasting impact on the future success of the state party. Candidates are already announcing their bids to run, including Brent Andersen, Treasurer of the State Republican Party for the past 15 years. Ive been there during good times and bad so I understand the keys to what happens in terms of fundraising and operations end of the party, Anderson said. At least one other candidate is officially in the race: Spencer State Representative Peter Durant. He says he has the track record and experience necessary to bring the party together. Republican State Committeeman Dennis Galvin is behind a third possible candidate, state representative Geoff Diehl who just lost a U.S. Senate race to Elizabeth Warren. Diehl, cochair of the 2016 Trump campaign says he is still making a decision. Galvin said the party, needs leadership, they need better messaging and they need organization. They dont have it right now. Former state party chair Jennifer Nassour says most important for the new leader is a thorough understanding of the state committee. A Trump critic, Nassour says Diehl is not the right choice given Trumps unpopularity in the state. The last thing that the Massachusetts Republican Party needs is to have the stigma of being the party of Trump. Galvin says the party needs to speak to working people on state issues like transportation and the economy. When asked if Republicans are on the same page on these issues, Galvin responded, Not at this time. All right, which is the challenge for the new chairman. Andover State Representative Jim Lyons, who just lost his seat, has also expressed interest in running. If Republicans agree on anything its that they need find common ground and unite in 2019. Thousands of Vermont power customers were still in the dark Thursday night, and some may not have service restored until the weekend, utility Green Mountain Power said. The situation follows Tuesdays snow storm, which was troublesome because of the density of the snow. It weighed down trees, and as limbs and trees continued snapping and falling throughout Wednesday, new outages were happening even as fixes were being made. Lots of trees down, said lineman Denis Giroux, who is in Vermont from Quebec as part of a tripling of the field force for Green Mountain Power. GMP covers three-fourths of Vermont. The power company said more than 100,000 customers lost service this week because of snow the density of oatmeal. It was wet and gluey, and stuck to treessending them crashing into lines left and right. The central and southern sections of Vermont were hardest-hit, GMP said. Day one of the event, we barely got to get to any customers because we were so busy clearing roads and just making roads accessible to crews, said Mary Powell, the CEO of Green Mountain Power. When those workers reach trouble spots, theyre often finding them deep in the woods, inaccessible by traditional line trucks, where complicated fixes may only turn on a few homes at a time. Still, GMP said Thursday it is making really good progress, with around 90 percent of the outages fixed. For some customers, though, repairs could take until Saturday, GMP warned. In the meantime, Stockwells Garage in Braintree is relying on back-up power. Owner Kip Stockwell said while his generator is not enough to operate the hydraulic car lifts, its providing a way for customers to contact the mechanics to seek help with generators. Theyve basically pulled them out of moth balls or out of the barn, Stockwell said of customers use of generators. Its been a few years since weve had to run a generator for a couple hours at a time. GMP said it is opening its regional offices in Brattleboro, Springfield, Royalton, and Sunderland, to give customers a place to go for food, warmth, or to charge their cell phones and access WiFi. Some shelters have also opened up, both for overnight use and for warming during the day. Cross your fingers were going to be home pretty soon, said Giroux, the Canadian lineman assisting GMP. Green Mountain Power also said its watching another storm for this weekend, hoping it doesnt mean more work for line crews. Prison letters written by James "Whitey" Bulger reveal new details about his life behind bars. A former convict who corresponded with Bulger shared some of the former Boston crime boss' handwritten letters with the Boston Globe this week in which he described his deteriorating health and his wishes for "one of those easy deaths." In a 2017 letter, Bulger wrote about how he refused to be taken to a hospital, saying that he preferred to say in prison "and hope to get a peaceful death... one of those he Died in his Sleep kind." In another letter, he described a 2017 episode while incarcerated in Florida where he thought he was having a heart attack. "Friend pushed me down to medical first off wanted oxygen," Bulger wrote. On another occasion, Bulger wrote that he "dreaded" going back to the hospital. Its in town and naturally lots of security shackles and chains through them and into end of the bed and left hand with cursed black box invented by some inmate with heavy padlock. Ive been in that situation 3 times heart attacks have had 4 running out of my 9 lives. The man he wrote the letters to, 86-year-old Charlie Hopkins of Florida, said they are evidence Bulger was not healthy enough to be transferred from Florida to the federal prison in West Virginia where he was killed. Bulger, 89, was beaten to death on Oct. 30 soon after being transferred to USP Hazelton. He was reportedly transferred there for disciplinary reasons after his medical classification was suddenly changed. A New York Times report released last week said investigators are still trying to figure out which of the at least four men sent to solitary confinement following the attack beat Bulger to death, why he was transferred to Hazelton and why he was placed in general population despite his known health issues. Bulger, who ran a largely Irish mob in Boston in the 1970s and '80s, was serving a life sentence for participating in 11 killings at the time of his death. He worked as an FBI informant who ratted on the New England Mob while simultaneously running his own crime ring responsible for loansharking, extortion and a string of murders. He fled Boston in late 1994 after being tipped off by his FBI handler that he was about to be indicted. He spent the next 16 years as one of America's most wanted fugitives until he was found in 2011, living with his girlfriend in a rent-controlled apartment in Santa Monica, California. Federal officials have only said they are investigating Bulger's death as a homicide. Bulger's killing was the third at Hazelton in the last six months. Nancy Pelosi was all smiles moments after House Democrats voted overwhelmingly to nominate her to the Speakership. Let us just take a moment to dwell on the fact that we are in the majority," she said. "Majority, majority, majority! The 203-32 vote was not a surprise despite an effort on the part of a small group of lawmakers who have been pushing for months for generational change with fresh Democratic leadership. One of the leaders of the group, Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton, met with Pelosi before the caucus meeting then released a statement after the vote, which says in part: "Our request was, and has always been, simple. Produce a meaningful plan for a leadership transitionI am disappointed to report that no agreement was reached in this initial meeting. We are hopeful Leader Pelosi will invite us back to the table Steve Kerrigan, a senior aide to the late Senator Ted Kennedy, says its tough to run an opposition campaign without an opponent. Kerrigan says Moulton is to be commended for the leadership he showed in the midterms helping campaign for progressive candidates, but he thinks Moulton miscalculated the Democrats call for change adding, Theres always politics in the House, but this is really about getting the job done and thats what Nancy does incredibly well. If Pelosi is feeling bitter about the rebellion, she is not letting on. Asked about the opposition shes getting she said, "This is all the same. Ive always had opponent. One time I didnt have an opponent. Ive always had not an opponent, but opposition. Today that didnt materialize into an opponent. A tougher hurdle for Pelosi will come on Jan. 3 when the full House votes - requiring a majority of the entire chamber. Pelosi cannot afford to have 32 Democrats vote against her. She now has about a month to convince some of her opponents to either vote for her or vote present. Most political analysts expect Pelosi to be victorious in the end. Opinion column How should we cope with Brexit uncertainty? Britains intended withdrawal from the EU has dominated recent news bulletins, but Mark Fairweather Tall explains how we can cope with all the uncertainties that spring up in our lives. June 23, 2016 has gone down in history as the day the referendum was held, and the UK voted to leave the European Union. Following the trigger of Article 50, March 29, 2019 will be the day the UK leaves the EU probably or maybe even possibly! Negotiations have been far from easy and this has led to a high level of uncertainty. Last weekend the negotiated deal was ratified by European leaders with the message, This is the best deal possible. However, the next stage, bringing the deal before Parliament, looks to be the most challenging yet! Amidst all the disagreements there appears to be one area of common consensus; the deal as it stands is unlikely to gain the support of enough MPs: Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the DUP are against it; committed Brexiteers and Remainers are dismissive of it. Of course, as Harold Wilson famously said, A week is a long time in politics and so everything might change. But what if it doesnt? What if the deal is voted down? Then we will be in for a further period of even greater uncertainty. Will Teresa May survive as Prime Minister? Will there be a vote of no confidence in the Conservative government precipitating a general election? Will the timing of the EU exit be postponed? Will we have a second referendum? Is there time to negotiate a new deal or will we crash out without a deal? Articles have been written warning us that leaving with no deal could lead to a shortage of clean drinking water, medical supplies and fast-emptying supermarket shelves; Cheese will be scarce and Mars Bars extinct! Is there any positive way through all of this? For now, we do not know for sure what will happen but it is clear that we live in uncertain times. This lack of certainty can be most unsettling as we look to what the future might hold. Uncertainty and a lack of peace in looking to the future is something that can hit us not only on a national scale but also through other things that impact our individual lives: Our employment may not be secure; our health may give us great cause for concern; our finances insufficient for the bills we receive. All these things and more can lead to a lack of peace as we face the future and ask is there any positive way through this? Perhaps it isnt surprising, therefore, that one of the most underlined and shared verses of Scripture on Bible Apps is Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When we face uncertainty and are worried about what the future might hold, we want to seek peace amongst feelings of worry and helplessness. As we look at the context of these verses, we discover that Paul is living in uncertain times he is in prison, in chains, and this imprisonment carries a strong possibility that it will end in death. That sounds like a recipe for anxiety, frustration and depression rather than peace in looking to the future. However, a couple of verses earlier Paul writes, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice. In the midst of uncertain times that threaten his future Paul says that we can rejoice and that it is possible to discover peace. This sounds counter-intuitive. How does he get to this place, we might ask? Paul knew his identity before God was more important than his earthly circumstances. He rejoiced because the good news of salvation is that we are at peace with God because of Jesus Christ. When we are at peace with God, we know that are future is secure and certain. God is in control and one day all that is wrong with this world will be made right. I believe that is why Paul can say: I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. Philippians 4:12. The world is an uncertain place, and this can cause us to look to the future and be concerned for what will be. This is only natural. But through uncertainty and through difficult times we can hold onto the saying: I dont know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. IDG 2019 just might be the Year of Linux the year in which Linux is fully recognized as the powerhouse it has become. With Linux playing key roles in the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud technology, supercomputing and artificial intelligence (AI), and with a plethora of conferences and new releases on the horizon, Linux is poised to have a very exciting 2019. Lets examine some of what we can expect to see. Linux behind the scenes The fact is that most people today are using Linux without ever knowing it whether on their phones, online when using Google, Facebook, Twitter, GPS devices, and maybe even in their cars, or when using cloud storage for personal or business use. While the presence of Linux on all of these systems may go largely unnoticed by consumers, the role that Linux plays in this market is a sign of how critical it has become. Most IoT and embedded devices those small, limited functionality devices that require good security and a small footprint and fill so many niches in our technology-driven lives run some variety of Linux, and this isn't likely to change. Instead, we'll just be seeing more devices and a continued reliance on open source to drive them. [ Also see: Invaluable tips and tricks for troubleshooting Linux ] Linux running the cloud According to the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), for the first time, businesses are spending more on cloud than on internal infrastructure. The cloud is taking over the role that data centers used to play, and it's largely Linux that's making the transition so advantageous. Even on Microsoft's Azure, the most popular operating system is Linux. In its first Voice of the Enterprise (VotE) survey, 451 Research predicted that 60 percent of nearly 1,000 IT leaders surveyed plan to run the majority of their IT off premises by 2019. That equates to a lot of IT efforts relying on Linux. Gartner states that 80 percent of internally developed software is now either cloud-enabled or cloud-native. Cloud-native software is specifically built to run on the cloud, thereby delivering the high availability and improved performance that is required as the competitive pressure builds. The Linux Foundation is a key collaborator in the cloud native community. Simon Evans, CTO of Amido, adds: Whats fascinating right now is the pace at which open source projects, from the likes of Google and Apache, are being embraced as managed offerings by all the big cloud vendors. These proven and open technologies are rapidly replacing the pioneering first movers in the cloud; projects like Kubernetes, Apache Kafka and Apache Spark are regularly available 'as a service' on the big cloud providers, and this is without doubt a good thing for the world. This convergence is the key to avoiding vendor lock-in while still enabling a business to focus on their digital USP. It is the enabler for a multi-cloud strategy. The formation of 'data lakes' The emergence of "data lakes" large collections of data largely in a raw format without transformation or loss is changing the way we analyze and solve problems. Data lakes give us a way to deal with an ever-increasing amount of unstructured data, critical in the big data views we're going to be tackling in 2019. They will become an enterprise-wide data access strategy for many organizations, and you can bet your snorkels that Linux will be swimming in these lakes. Linux and supercomputing In 2019, Sierra will assume its role as the newest and second-fastest supercomputer and one that will play an important role in ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S.'s nuclear stockpile. All supercomputers today run some form of Linux. Sierra runs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Linux driving AI AI will revolutionize business models in 2019. According to Amido CTO Simon Evans, 2019 is the year that AI will go mainstream, riding on the power of today's cloud. He describes "AI-driven businesses" with a vision of a trend that is set to grow in 2019 and beyond. Given the role Linux plays on supercomputers and data lakes, it's likely to be in the driver's seat in major efforts in the AI field as well. Major Linux releases Linux releases will continue to provide important new features and to improve performance and security. Some of the releases anticipated for 2019 include: Debian 10 (Buster) early to mid 2019, with plenty of background improvements, such as support for encrypted SMB3 shares mounted as CIFS/SMB. Ubuntu 19.04 expected in April 2019, which might, if its ready, ship with Linux Kernel 5.0. It will provide Android integration using GSConnect. Maybe the open-source Chromium web browser and Steam (the gaming client) as snap apps. Fedora 30 end of April or early May 2019. The 5.0 kernel The chilled-out Linus Torvalds suggests that we'll see the 5.0 kernel in 2019. We'll have to wait to see whether the changes will qualify as major. 4.20 is ready for testing now. Conferences, conferences and conferences The number and variety of Linux conferences is overwhelming, and this list isn't necessarily complete. Conferences are lining up around the globe and focusing on everything from Linux "plumbing" to the cloud and from kernel maintenance to cars. Here's what I've noticed so far (in date order): Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE), Pasadena, Calif., March 7-10 Linux Foundation Open Source Leadership Summit, Half Moon Bay, Calif., March 12-14, 2019 SUSEcon, Nashville, Tenn., April 1-5 Cloud Foundry Summit, Philadelphia, April 2-4 Open Networking Summit, San Jose, Calif., April 3-5 LinuxFest Northwest, Bellingham, Wash., April 26-28 OpenStack Summit, Denver, April 29-May 2 Red Hat Summit 2019, Boston, May 79 KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, Europe, Barcelona, Spain, May 20-23 KubeCon + CloudNativeCon + Open Source Summit China, Shanghai, China, June 24-26 OReillys Open Source Convention (OSCON), July 15-18 Open Source Summit Japan, Tokyo, Japan, July 17-19 Automotive Linux Summit, Tokyo, Japan, July 17-19 Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference North America, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 21-23 Linux Plumbers Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 8-10 Kernel Maintainer Summit, Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 10 Cloud Foundry Summit Europe, The Hague, The Netherlands, Sept. 11-12 Open Networking Summit (ONS), Antwerp, Belgium, Sept. 23-25 Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference Europe, Lyon, France, Oct. 28-30 KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, North America, San Diego, Nov. 18-21 The variety of these conferences both in terms of location and focus has much to say about the importance on Linux around the globe. I can't look over this list without sitting back in my chair and saying "Wow!" There's a lot going on in Linux Land! Linux 2019 In its domination of IoT, cloud technology, supercomputing and AI, Linux is heading into 2019 with a lot of momentum. From the perspective of the smallest of gadgets to those of the most powerful supercomputers, Linux will be more important than ever in 2019. | BY Ricki Green | Integrated communications agency Bastion Effect has appointed Roxanne Millar to the role of general manager of its Melbourne office. After five years with the business, Millar will take the lead on agency operations as Bastion Effect increases its footprint in the market. The 15-year business, formerly Undertow Media, has doubled in size over the past 12 months with the acquisition of Tomorrowland Group in Sydney and picking up key accounts with major consumer lifestyle, property and technology brands. A journalist for almost 10 years writing for local and international print, radio and online media outlets, Roxanne brings a wealth of media knowledge to the role as well as extensive PR experience. Prior to the appointment, she headed up Bastion Effects Property and Business division, starting as an account director with the business in 2013. She joined the company from Attention & Influence, formerly PR Edge, where she was responsible for key accounts including Telstra and Sensis. Bastion Effect CEO Richard Chapman said the business would benefit from Roxannes breadth of experience both as a former journalist and a gun communications practitioner combined with her client service skills and deep understanding of the company. Says Chapman: Roxannes appointment to general manager is such an exciting opportunity for our team, the growth of our agency and no-one knows the property market as well as Rox. We are really proud to be able to nurture and develop our talent through their career and then promote from within. Millar said she was proud to be able to fly the flag for non-traditional communications career journeys. Says Millar: Starting my career as a cadet journalist, I never thought I would be in the position I am today and with the commercial and strategic skills that I have developed throughout my time at Bastion Effect. BRIDGEPORT A city man will serve five years in jail for his role in heroin trafficking in the Bridgeport and Stratford area, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. Jonathan Zayas, 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release for trafficking heroin, the DOJ said. The FBIs Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force launched an investigation into several heroin distributors operating in Bridgeport. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled heroin purchases and physical surveillance. The investigators found that Kareem Swiss Roseboro was supplying heroin to other distributors. Roseboro and others used the Stylz Barbershop on State Street as a hub for their narcotics distribution, the DOJ said. Roseboro supplied Harry O Blake with large quantities fo heroin. Zayas regularly purchased heroin from Blake and sold it to customers in the Bridgeport and Stratford area. Investigators seized multiple bricks of heroin, items used in the processing and packaging of heroin and five firearms during the course of the investigation, the DOJ said. Each brick of heroin contins 100 individual dose bags. A grand jury in Bridgeport returned an eight-count indictment charging Zayas, Roseboro, Blake and four other Bridgeport residents with heroin trafficking offenses on June 6, 2016. The seven defendants were arrested the following day. Zayas has been detained since his arrest. On Dec. 29, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin. Roseboro and Blake were convicted on related offenses and await sentencing. NEW MILFORD A crucial piece of funding to modernize the library was secured this week with the awarding of a state $1 million grant. This comes three weeks after residents approved $6.5 million for the project, which will be the first time the building has been renovated since the late 1970s. The library Board of Trustees also committed $1 million for the work. We should have complete funding, said library director Sally Tornow. The entire project is expected to cost $8.5 million. Library officials suspected they had a good chance of receiving a Connecticut State Library Board grant because only one other library in the state was renovated since New Milfords last project. They were unsure though they would get the maximum $1 million amount. It was really wonderful to be awarded the full amount because its not guaranteed if you ask for it, Tornow said. New Milford was one of 10 libraries to receive construction grants from the Connecticut State Library Board, which totaled nearly $3.7 million. Danbury Library received a $100,000 grant that will help renovate its junior floor's rows of bookcases and build out a formal room for its Story Corner with new audio, visual and technology upgrades to support children's programs. The city will foot the rest of the $200,000 bill. The plan also will add a new sensory space -- one of the first in the state -- to provide a therapeutic area with certain objects and activities designed to stimulate children with special needs. Ridgefield Library also received $40,400 for remodeling. Tornow said the next step will be for the state bond commission to approve the grants. At that time, library officials will have to show they are able to cover the towns share of the projects, which New Milford did with approval at the Nov. 6 referendum. New Milford will also have to work with the states historic preservation office because two of the buildings are older than 50 years old. Tornow doesnt suspect there to be a problem though because they arent expanding the footprint and the bulk of the work will be done on the middle building, which was built less than 50 years ago. The work would expand the library from 15,000 to 22,000 square feet. It would add a new facade and entrance to the 1977 addition, to help it fit better into the downtown aesthetic. It also makes the library compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and add meeting space. The remodel includes using existing space, as well as constructing new space, adding a second floor with an outdoor terrace to the existing 1977 addition. Under the plans, the childrens library would move to the 1977 section and the Goodwin House, freeing up the old library for an adult reading room. The childrens section would share a program room with the young adult section, which doesnt have its own space at the library now. kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345 SHELTON Schools Superintendent Chris Clouet has won more than praise from his school board. On Wednesday he was given an extension on his contract and extra pay. The board voted 6-0 with three abstentions on the new deal which bumps Clouets contract out a year, keeping it a three-year pact that extends through the 2020-21 school year. In that third year, Clouet will get a 3.45 percent raise bumping his base salary to $216,250. This year, he makes $202,950 annually. Next year, he will get $209,040 annually, plus a $2,000 stipend on top of a salary increase because he has a doctorate in education. It was because of those changes that board members David Gioiello, Darlene Ritter and Kathleen Yolish abstained. It is not at all a reflection on the job (Clouet) is doing, Gioiello said after the meeting. Rather, Gioiello said, the abstention was a reaction to contract changes he and other board members were not made aware of before the board met in executive session Wednesday to hash out the pact. Board Chairman Mark Holden said the doctorate stipend puts Clouet in line with what other district administrators such as Shelton High Headmaster Beth Smith receive as per their contract. Since the administrators who work under him have that, he should too, Holden said. As for the raise in the third year, Holden said the average increase for superintendents industry-wide is about 3.1 percent. Dr. Clouet is not doing an average job, Holden said. He has knocked it out of the park for us on a daily basis. The evaluation the board conducted earlier this month resulted in glowing marks. Holden said initiatives Clouet brought to the district are starting to be emulated elsewhere. An example he cited include Word of the Week where all student in the district, K-12, along with the community embrace the same vocabulary word for an entire week. Another is the School of Innovation at Shelton Intermediate School where lessons are project-based, interdisciplinary and individualized. The program expanded this year and has been visited by other districts. So many of the things he is bringing to the district are creative and cost-effective, Holden added. We are moving up in terms of student achievement in spite of some tough years in terms of resources. Clouet, 60, was hired by the district in the fall of 2015 and officially assumed the role in January 2016. The board also discussed goals for the superintendent to be the basis for his next evaluation during the executive session but as of Wednesday said they had not yet finalized them. Lula A. Mills, 98, of St. Louis, died Aug. 24. She was the widow of Lawrence A. Mills, who died June 26, at 98. They had been married for 69 years. She was born June 1, 1914, the oldest child of Lula and Tobe Simmons, of Pitt County, N.C. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. During her stay in Brooklyn, N.Y., she studied at the La Roberts Modernistic School of Beauty Culture, from which she graduated in 1945. She also graduated from the Style Millinery School in 1949. While in New York, she met and married Lawrence A. Mills on June 24, 1944, in Brooklyn. In 1947, they moved to St. Louis, where they joined the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for many years and was a member of the Nurses Club at the church. Before her illness, she and her husband enjoyed fishing in the mountains of North Carolina and in the Illinois River near Grafton, Ill., and often shared the fish they caught with their church. After her husband's death, she moved to The Valley, A Stonebridge Community. He was born Sept. 20, 1914, in Bevarade, N.C., the oldest child of Levi and Minnie Lee Flack Mills. He was baptized Nov. 28, 1925, at Gold Hill Baptist Church in Rutherford, N.C. In 1932, he joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. He finished grade school in a one-room schoolhouse. His mother was his teacher. He graduated from Austin High School in Knoxville and continued his education at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala., and Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, Mich. After college, he joined the U.S. Army and became a member of the medical corps. While in the service, he met and married Lula. They are survived by their daughter, Elaine Purvis, of Orlando, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Laura and Gary Purvis; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. They were predeceased by a grandson, Ronald Purvis. He is survived by his brother, Hayes Mills, of Memphis, Tenn.; nephews Michael and Anthony Mills, of Memphis; and a niece, Lawanda Mills. He was predeceased by a brother, Gather, and a sister, Barbara Othella Mills. She is survived by two nieces, Peggie Highsmith and Earlene Ross; a great-niece, Evelyn Little, of New Milford, and a great-nephew, Rickey High Smith, who are among her 27 great-nieces and nephews; 18 great-great-nieces and nephews, including David Taft; and 10 great-great-great-nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Hayes Mills, of Memphis; two nephews, Michael and Anthony Mills; nieces Lawanda Mills and Dorothy Bryson; a granddaughter, Shari Holey; and a host of cousins and friends. She was predeceased by three brothers, Clayton, Lafayette and Claudius Simmons; a niece, Delores Parker; two nephews, Benjamin Simmons and Clayton Ross Simmons; and a great-great-niece, Lashawna Taft. The Christmas trees were lighted along the Village Green in New Milford Saturday night. The annual event, hosted by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, attracted a crowd of residents and neighbors and coincided with Small Business Saturday, a day that encourages people to shop at small businesses. A highlight of the event was Santa, who spiritedly led the crowd in a countdown until the trees were lighted, then visited with children at the bandstand. The tradition of the trees on the Green was started by Walter Schutte in 1967 and the practice continues in his memory. Members of the New Milford United Methodist Mens Club and other church members donate their time and effort to cut the trees down, place them on the Green, string the wires and the lights, and take them down shortly after the New Year. | BY Ricki Green | The Cube, Part Six from COLLINS and animation studio CATK, Berlin has launched in support of ADC 98th Annual Awards Call for Entries. The Cube campaign was developed by brand experience design firm COLLINS, with each :30 episode brought to life by one of six talented animation and illustration artists/studios from around the world. The storyline places the iconic ADC Cube on a journey from adversity to achievement, pushing through challenge after challenge as it seeks to define its place in the universe. Says Maik Bluhm, co-founder and creative director, CATK: When Collins approached us to participate in this beautiful, creative Chinese Whispers exercise, we gladly accepted, already anticipating the outcome, mixing various animations into one piece. Were super excited to be last in the chain to bring it home. Our multidisciplinary work encompasses various creative fields, but even after a decade in the business we never worked on something that played in outer space. We discussed how we imagine this should be and also work with our narrative. We tried to incorporate as many space cliches as possible and also have a playful approach to it. :Who doesnt know the feeling of wanting to get home and taking the wrong turn on the very last bit of the journey, but through this supposed wrong turn discovering the most beautiful scenes of the whole trip. An homage to space and Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Previous acts in The Cube campaign include: Part of The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organization recognizing creative excellence in advertising and design, the ADC 98th Annual Awards celebrates global excellence in craft, design and innovation. Entries are accepted at http://www.adcawards.org, deadline January 31, 2019. Juries will be announced shortly. COLLINS CCO, founder: Brian Collins Design director: Jules Tardy Business manager: Antonia Lazar | BY Ricki Green | DDB Melbourne has snared Anthony Moss from whiteGREY Melbourne for the role of ECD filling the void left by Stu Turner who has left the agency after one year to return to South Africa. Moss first joined whiteGREY Melbourne (previously Grey Group Melbourne) as ECD in February last year from CHE Proximity. Prior to this he spent time at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, after spending six years in the US at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Gotham Inc. He started his career at Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney, over 20 years ago and his globally awarded campaigns span every category and features clients from American Express to AustralianSuper, Bonds to Burger King, Latitude to Lexus, Mercedes Benz to Microsoft and Telstra to Tooheys. Says Kate Sterling, group managing director, DDB Melbourne: Were thrilled to finally announce that Anthony (Mossy) will be joining us as Group ECD in the new year. Mossy will come onboard to lead a creative team across DDB, TRACK and Mango. The calibre and diversity of his experience is exceptional and on top of that hes probably one of the most loved and respected creatives in the business. Whilst we were sad to see Stu go, we completely understand his reason to head back home to be closer with his family. We were fortunate that Stu gave us plenty of notice to properly mine the market and find someone who can deliver on the growing remit of work and inspire true creativity across the entire agency. Were super excited about the what lies ahead. Says Lee Simpson, CEO, whiteGREY: While we are disappointed Mossy is leaving, he leaves a legacy of a talented department and strong work. His hard work has enhanced the creative offering in the Melbourne office and the output reflects our capabilities in creativity and technology. This approach will remain a strength of the whiteGREY team and we thank him for his commitment. Hes a great bloke, and will no doubt be a success in his next career move. We wish him all the very best for the future. Stem-cell transplantation is an effective form of therapy to fight leukemia. In many cases, however, the transferred immune cells of the donor also attack the recipients' healthy tissue - often with fatal consequences. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now identified a molecule that plays a key role in this process. Blocking this molecule could significantly improve the outcome of patients receiving stem-cell transplants. Stem-cell therapy offers people suffering from leukemia or bone-marrow cancer the chance of full recovery. This requires eliminating the affected cells using chemo or radiation therapy and then replacing them with the blood stem cells from a healthy donor. The donor cells not only produce new blood cells, but also attack the other cancer cells in the patient's body and prevent them from suffering a relapse. Dangerous response However, this form of therapy is not without its risks: In 30% to 60% of cases, the donor cells also attack the recipients' healthy tissue - the liver, intestine and skin, in particular. In about half of affected patients, such graft-versus-host responses even have fatal consequences. This is why doctors try to suppress this type of response with drugs that inhibit the immune system. But this procedure has a drawback, since it also diminishes the donor cells' anti-cancer effect on cancer cells in the rest of the body. "There is an urgent need to understand how to reduce graft-versus-host responses without losing the anti-cancer effects of the transferred cells," says Burkhard Becher, professor at the Institute of Experimental Immunology of UZH. Cytokines responsible for attack His team, in collaboration with the UniversityHospital Zurich and the University Medical Center at the University of Freiburg in Germany, has now demonstrated that the production of a cytokine called GM-CSF is a decisive factor in graft-versus-host pathology. This cytokine, produced by a specific group of white blood cells, helps fight infections in healthy people. The researchers used a mouse model to show that transplanted cells produce large amounts of GM-CSF during graft-versus-host responses. If the mice were given donor cells that were unable to produce GM-CSF however, they were protected against the lethal response. "Targeting this cytokine is therefore a very precise and specific form of immunosuppression, designed to stop the tissue damage caused by graft-versus-host responses," says Becher. Retaining the anti-cancer effect The team of immunologists was initially concerned that neutralizing GM-CSF would also diminish the donor cells' anti-cancer effect; however, further tests showed that this wasn't the case. "This finding really surprised us," says Sonia Tugues, one of the study's first authors, "since both types of immune response were previously thought to be mediated through the same mechanisms." The researchers thus believe that they have discovered a method that will allow them to separate the desired from the undesired processes in the donor cell. Translating the results from mice to humans In a next step, the researchers checked whether GM-CSF plays the same key role in humans as it does for mice. They did this by analyzing patient samples that had been affected by a graft-versus-host response. It emerged that these samples also had elevated levels of the cytokine - the stronger a patient's graft-versus-host response, the higher the amount of CM-CSF that was measured. The researchers now want to run a clinical trial to test whether the blocking of GM-CSF can prevent the graft-versus-host response after stem-cell transplantation. To this end the immunologists have already contacted a company that has developed a monoclonal antibody against GM-CSF. "If we can stop the graft-versus-host response while preserving the anti-cancer effect, this procedure can be employed much more successfully and with fewer risks to the patient," says Becher. "This therapeutic strategy holds particular promise for patients with the poorest prognosis and highest risk of fatality." A major international collaboration headed by researchers from the Danish iPSYCH project, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Massachusetts General Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium has for the first time identified genetic variants which increase the risk of ADHD. The new findings provide a completely new insight into the biology behind ADHD. Our genes are very important for the development of mental disorders - including ADHD, where genetic factors capture up to 75% of the risk. Until now, the search for these genes had yet to deliver clear results. Researchers from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium have compared genetic variation across the entire genome for over 20,000 people with ADHD and 35,000 who do not suffer from it - finding twelve locations where people with a particular genetic variant have an increased risk of ADHD compared to those who do not have the variant. The results of the study have just been published in the scientific journal Nature Genetics. "The large amount of data enabled us to find, for the first time, locations in the genome where people with ADHD stand out from those who are healthy. The search for such genetic risk variants for ADHD has spanned decades but without obtaining robust results. This time we really expanded the number of study subjects substantially, increasing the power to obtain conclusive results significantly. In particular, we included a large number from the Danish iPSYCH cohort representing more than 2/3 of the total international study sample," explains Associate Professor Ditte Demontis from Aarhus University. She along with Raymond Walters of Massachusetts General Hospital are the lead authors of the study, working as part of the ADHD group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, an international consortium of researchers dedicated to uncovering the genetics factors that give rise to ADHD. These genetic discoveries provide new insights into the biology behind developing ADHD. For example, some of the genes have significance for how brain cells communicate with each other, while others are important for cognitive functions such as language and learning. "Overall, the results show that the risk variants typically regulate how much a gene is expressed, and that the genes affected are primarily expressed in the brain," explains Professor Demontis. The same genes affect impulsivity in healthy people In the study, the researchers have also compared the new results with those from a genetic study of continuous measures of ADHD behaviours in the general population. The researchers discovered that the same genetic variants that give rise to an ADHD diagnosis also affect inattention and impulsivity in the general population. "The risk variants are thus widespread in the population. The more risk variants you have, the greater your tendency to have ADHD-like characteristics will be as well as your risk of developing ADHD," says Professor Anders Brglum from Aarhus University. He is research head at iPSYCH and one of the leading researchers who directed the study along with Professors Stephen Faraone of SUNY Upstate Medical University and Benjamin Neale of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute. "We also studied the genetic overlap with other diseases and traits. Through this we found a strong negative genetic correlation between ADHD and education. This means that on average genetic variants which increase the risk of ADHD also influence performance in the education system negatively for people in the general population who carry these variants without having ADHD," says Ditte Demontis. Conversely, the study found a positive correlation between ADHD and obesity, increased BMI and type-2 diabetes, which is to say that variants that increase the risk of ADHD also increase the risk of overweight and type-2 diabetes in the population. "These findings and results also underscore the importance of collaboration to advance discovery efforts. It is only through data sharing and working together that we were able to find these regions of the genome," explains Dr. Benjamin Neale. "The new findings mean that we now - after many years of research - finally have robust genetic findings that can inform about the underlying biology and what role genetics plays in the diseases and traits that are often cooccurring with ADHD. In addition, the study is an important foundation for further research into ADHD. We can now target our studies, so we can achieve a deeper understanding of how the risk genes affect the development of ADHD with the aim of ultimately providing better help for people with ADHD," says Anders Brglum. "We have laid the foundation for future work that will clarify how genetic risks combine with environmental risks to cause ADHD. When the pieces of that puzzle come together, researchers will be able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD" says Professor Stephen Faraone. The research results - more information Type of study: The genetic risk variants for ADHD can be found by screening the entire genome in a large number of people with ADHD and comparing them with healthy individuals. If a genetic variant is found to be sufficiently more common in people with ADHD compared with healthy individuals, the researchers can conclude that the variant most likely affects the risk of suffering from the disorder. A total of 20,183 people with ADHD and 35,191 control subjects were examined, including a substantial contribution from iPSYCH which collected genetic information from 14,584 people with ADHD and 22.492 people in a control group. While the opioid crisis remains a major public health concern in the United States for people of all ages, relatively little research has been conducted in younger populations. A new study by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital examined the trends in opioids prescribed for children and adolescents in an analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 from a large commercial insurance provider. The researchers observed a downward shift in opioid prescriptions in children and adolescents, which aligns with previously reported trends in adult populations. Their results are published in JAMA Pediatrics. "Prior studies have shown that, between 1997 and 2012, the rate of hospitalizations due to opioid poisonings nearly doubled in U.S. children and adolescents. Understanding patterns of opioid use in children and adolescents is important because use in early life has been associated with a higher likelihood of opioid misuse in the future," said first author Joshua Gagne, PharmD, ScD, of the Brigham Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics. "We sought to examine more recent opioid prescribing trends in younger populations as this age group has been consistently understudied." Outpatient opioid prescription rates and long-term (three or more consecutive months) opioid use were evaluated in individuals 18 years or younger from a large commercial insurance database, Optum Clinformatics Data Mart. The database included diverse populations from all 50 states with approximately 2.5 million individuals in this age range in each year. The analysis included all oral opioids used for pain, excluding cough suppressants. The researchers then calculated the monthly prevalence of opioid prescriptions per 1,000 individuals for each year between 2004 and 2017. In 2004, an average of 3 of every 1,000 children and adolescents received an outpatient opioid prescription in a given month. Between 2009 and 2012, this number increased to 4 of every 1,000 before dropping to 2 per 1,000 children and adolescents in 2017. This trend was driven by a decrease in prescriptions of hydrocodone bitartrate, one of the most commonly dispensed opioids to children and adolescents. Dispensation of oxycodone remained stable over time and did not increase after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an extended-release version for children in 2015. "These results show that prescription opioids dispensed to children and adolescents have been decreasing since 2012," wrote the authors. "Despite the downward trends for opioid prescriptions, the frequency of opioid use remains high given the risks associated with these medications in younger populations." The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding a clinical trial to see the safety and effectiveness of a new male contraceptive that would be available in gel formulation. Male contraception has been a challenge for decades now. Barrier contraception such as condoms on one hand and permanent contraception vasectomy on the other. Most men are reluctant to adopt contraception for the sake of contraception and preventing unwanted pregnancies mainly because they do not get pregnant! Condom use still has added advantages of protection against sexually transmitted infections and thus has a market, other forms of contraceptives for males have been developed and failed over the years. This new method of contraception for males could be a mid-ground between condoms and vasectomy say the researchers. Dr. William Bremner of the University of Washington School of Medicine, part of the team testing the new gel form said however, The potential of this new gel is huge. There is a misperception that men are not interested in, or are even afraid of, tools to control their own fertility. We know thats not the case. The gel formulation of the contraceptive was developed by the Population Council and the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) team. In the clinical trial planned, the method would be tested on 420 couples to see if it could prevent pregnancies. The Population Council in a statement said, Worldwide, 85 million pregnancies (40 percent of all pregnancies) per year are unplanned, contributing to a higher incidence of adverse health outcomes for women and infants. The active ingredient in the contraceptive is called NES/T (Nesterone), a progestin compound segesterone acetate along with male hormone testosterone. It can effectively block the production of testosterone in the testes and thus reduce the sperm count in the men. It is at present approved by the United States Food and Drugs Administration (US FDA) as a hormonal contraceptive as well as used in treatment of endometriosis in women. The participating men would be spraying the formulation or the gel over their back and shoulders from where it will be absorbed. In the phase 2b clinical trial two sites have been chosen. These are a couple of NICHD Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network sites in Los Angeles and Seattle. The male volunteers would use the contraceptive for a period of 4 to 12 weeks once a day. Side effects, tolerability as well as sperm levels would be noted. The treatment would continue for up to 16 weeks if the levels of the sperm counts have not declined with use. After the sperm count reaches the desired low levels the participants would enter a 52 week trial phase. During this phase the couple would have just the gel contraceptive as the only method of contraception. After the 52 week trial phase the couple would be observed for a period of 24 weeks without the contraceptive to check on the sperm counts and other parameters. Investigator and NICHD Contraceptive Development Program chief Diana Blithe, PhD, said in a statement said, Many women cannot use hormonal contraception and male contraceptive methods are limited to vasectomy and condoms. A safe, highly effective and reversible method of male contraception would fill an important public health need. The study is expected to be completed by July 2021. From November 14-17, the "2018 Shunde Biomedical Industry Investment Promotion Conference" which ran in parallel with the Precision Medicine and Ion Channel Retreat was successfully held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Shunde, GuangDong, China. The meeting was organized by Aurora Biomed, co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), the Hong Kong Association of Biomedical Innovation (HKBMIA), Beijing University, Hebei University of Technology was supported by Shunde Economy, the Science and Technology Bureau, and the Management Committee of Foshan Sino-German Industrial Services Zone, and Guangdong LifePlus Investment Management Ltd. Through video and presentations, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions and industry associations were introduced to the development and investment environment of Shunde biomedical market. Investment Workshop: On the evening of 14th, the investment showcase for the Shunde biomedical industry investment initiative was put on. A total of 7 biotechnology projects were showcased at this investment workshop, including: A single-cell bioanalyzer introduced by Dr. Paul Li of ZellChip Technologies Inc. Professor An Hailong from Hebei University of Technology introduced the development of a novel dual-target anticancer drug system. On behalf of Yaoming Jichuang Biotec., Dr. Dong Liang introduced the new anti-tumor drug screening platform development project. Presentation Sessions: In support of the Chinese government's vision for the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area", this year's conference explored topics related to precision medicine and ion channels. This conference focused on important therapeutic applications of ion-transporters, fundamental research helping to resolve the structural and functional characteristics underpinnings ion channels, as well as the in-depth exploration of cutting-edge technologies such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, liquid biopsy techniques, forensic science advances and the clinical application of next generation sequencing. Keynote Presentations: AnaBios (U.S.) CEO Andre Ghetti, The Sick Kids Hospital (Canada) chief researcher Xi Huang, and Yang Wen from Switzerland's Roche Basel innovation research center talked about the translational research of pain drug discovery, ion channels and brain tumors, and detection method of ion transporters NKCC regulator, respectively. David Smith - professor of laboratory medicine and pharmacology at the Mayo clinic laboratory (USA), Dr. Dong Liang - CEO of Aurora Biomed (Canada), and Myriame Gabay Biomime Solutions gave excellent presentations on the development of DNA sequencing applications, new methods for detection of ion channels and transporters in cancer, and polypeptide arrays respectively. Forensic Genomics Session: Shunjin Li, Vice Dean of The School of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, shared how to distinguish between monozygotic twins through highly efficient DNA methylation markers. Helena Wong, a senior criminalist at the Oakland Police Department's crime lab, described the automated process of differentiation digestion as a method for processing large volumes of sexual assault evidence. Ion Channels and Tumors Session: Professor Annarosa Arcangeli from The University of Florence, talked about ion channels as anti-cancer targets. Next Generation Sequencing Session: Dr. Hui Jiang introduced the application of MGI sequencing instrument in tumor detection. The conference attracted both domestic and international experts in the fields of precision medicine and ion channel research to participate and exchange ideas. On 15th the Pearl River night tour enabled guests to network and build collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere. On the afternoon of the 16th, conference attendees visited the Sino German industrial service zone and the Aurora Scientific Park. Attendees learned about the development and investment opportunities in the biopharmaceutical sector in Shunde. Neighborhood violence has been associated with adverse health effects on youth, including sleep loss, asthma and metabolic syndrome. Yet some youth living in high-crime neighborhoods manage to avoid these effects. A new Northwestern University study aims to answer a resilience puzzle: Why does a second-hand or indirect experience of neighborhood violence affect some youth, but not others? "Little is known about the brain networks that are involved in shaping these different outcomes, a problem we pursue here," said Gregory E. Miller, lead author of the study and professor of psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern. "Like previous studies, we find that youth living in neighborhoods with high levels of violence have worse cardiometabolic health than peers from safer communities," said Miller, also a faculty fellow with the University's Institute for Policy Research. "Extending this knowledge, we show this connection is absent for youth who display higher connectivity within the brain's frontoparietal central executive network (CEN), which facilitates efforts of self-control as well as reinterpretation of threatening events and suppression of unwanted emotional imagery." Drawing on knowledge of the brain's intrinsic functional architecture, the researchers predicted that individual differences in resting-state connectivity would help explain variability in the strength of the association between neighborhood violence and cardiometabolic health. The researchers tested 218 eighth-graders from the Chicago area for factors related to metabolic health, including obesity and insulin resistance. Assessing neighborhood factors, including murder rates, the researchers also conducted functional MRI (fMRI) scans of the brains of the study participants. Consistent with predictions, resting-state connectivity within the central executive network emerged as a moderator of adaptation. Across six distinct outcomes, a higher neighborhood murder rate was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk, but this relationship was apparent only among youth who displayed lower CEN resting-state connectivity. No such correlation was apparent, however, in youth that displayed high-resting functional connectivity in the same brain network. According to the researchers, the results suggest a role for the central executive network in adaptability and resilience to adverse events. The study, due to its design (cross-sectional and observational), cannot claim a causal link between neighborhood violence and health, and the authors conclude that a longitudinal, multi-wave study is needed to track neighborhood conditions, brain development and cardiometabolic risk across childhood to establish causality. "For basic scientists, these findings provide clues about the neural circuitries that facilitate or undermine adaptation," Miller said. Further study could lead to possible interventions, which their preliminary evidence suggests could be "network training" programs to modulate the functional connectivity of the brain's CEN network. These network training programs can enhance "self-control, threat reappraisal and thought suppression" to lower at-risk teens' engagement in drug use, overeating and other reactions to such stress. "Functional connectivity in central executive network protects youth against cardiometabolic risks linked with neighborhood violence" was published recently in PNAS. Additional co-authors include Edith Chen, Northwestern University; Casey C. Armstrong, Northwestern University; Ann L. Carroll, Northwestern University; Sekine Ozturk, Northwestern University; Kelsey J. Rydland, Northwestern University; Gene H. Brody, University of Georgia; Todd B. Parrish, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine; and Robin Nusslock of Northwestern University. The bite from a brown recluse spider (Loxosceles) can cause skin necrosis, renal failure, and even death. A new ointment is being tested in Brazil, however. Its effects have already been proven in tests conducted in cell cultures and animal models. Now the ointment will have its immunomodulatory action tested on humans in Phase III clinical trials, and it may be included in the treatment protocol for patients who develop lesions caused by the spider bite. The trial has started in October. "There was extensive research into the action of the venom before development of the ointment. We were able to isolate and sequence the most important protein of the brown recluse spider venom for the first time 20 years ago. That allowed us to study the venom molecular action mechanisms and develop inhibitors, now patented, that can be used in studies of structure and function, and possibly as therapy," said Denise Tambourgi researcher at the Butantan Institute, in a talk given at Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP Week New York/. The meeting, held at the City University of New York (CUNY) November 26-28, 2018, involves Brazilian and U.S. researchers with the aim of strengthening research partnerships. Clinical trials to verify the action of the ointment have just begun in Santa Catarina - a Brazilian state with a high incidence of brown recluse spider bites. "Clinical trials will be conducted on 240 people. Of this total, 120 will receive a placebo and the other 120 will be treated with the ointment. That will enable us to compare the results," said Tambourgi who is also one of the principal investigators at the Center for Research on Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS, one of the FAPESP-funded Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDCs. Tetracycline, a substance used as an antibiotic, forms the basis of the ointment. "We utilized a concentration lower than a microbicide, but at a dosage able to modulate the activity of the protease that is involved in the process of tissue inflammation and destruction. Since tetracycline has already been tested in several clinical trials, it did not have to undergo tolerance phases (phases I and II). In fact, we are giving the substance a new use," she said. Cutaneous effect, systemic effect In addition to causing cutaneous lesions - which could take months to heal - in some cases, the bite of a brown recluse spider also causes systemic effects such as hemolysis, platelet aggregation, renal inflammation and failure that can result in patient death. There have been reports of accidents involving Loxosceles in South, Central, and North America. In recent years, however, cases of brown recluse spider bites have also occurred in Europe, with reports of cases in countries such as Spain, France, Portugal and Italy, a country that registered one case of fatal loxoscelism. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health's National Disease Notification System - SINAN in 2016, there were 173,630 cases of accidents with venomous animals in Brazil, 7,441 of which were due to brown recluse spider bites. Cutaneous loxoscelism occurs in nearly 80% of the cases. Less frequent but much more dangerous are the systemic effects that affect nearly 20% of patients bitten by the brown recluse spider. Because the bite of the brown recluse spider is painless and reaction at the site does not appear immediately, victims only seek help when the skin lesion has already established itself. "Tissue necrosis is a result not just of the venom, but also of the cascade of reactions by the body itself, activated by the toxin's main protein," said Tambourgi. For years, the Butantan Institute has produced limited quantities of serum for brown recluse spider bites. "They are small spiders, measuring 3 centimeters at most, from which we can extract little venom. We need hundreds of specimens to produce the serum," Tambourgi said. Secondary reactions Studies to determine the key components of the brown recluse toxin have been conducted since 1994. The team of researchers from the Butantan Institute inserted a spider gene into the bacterium Escherichia coli, thus creating a biofabric of sphingomyelinase D (SMase D), the protein that is the core component of the toxin. "During that entire process of research, we discovered that the venom of the brown recluse spider can cause secondary reactions that are triggered mainly by the protein. I often say that the toxin just begins the process and that the protein alters the cells. Later, deregulation of the body occurs, leading to the production of proteases - enzymes whose function is to break the peptide bonds of other proteins. These proteases are what the ointment has to inhibit," she said. Therefore, the ointment acts on the so-called secondary effect. "In experimental models both in vitro using human skin cells as well as in animal models, it was possible to reduce the size of the lesion by nearly 80%," she said. The study led by Tambourgi has determined the mechanism of action of the venom released by the brown recluse spider as well as the systemic and cutaneous form of the disease. "We were able to develop the ointment by building the mechanism that leads to the dermonecrotic lesion. However, because the poisoning is caused by what the protein induces in the body, we are attacking the secondary effects of the toxin. We have to await the results of the clinical trials, but I am confident because tests performed in cell cultures and animal models have been very promising," she said. A major 1.4 million study investigating the benefits that yoga brings to older people with multiple long-term health conditions is about to begin at Northumbria University, Newcastle. The four-year study is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and follows evidence that people with a number of long-term health conditions are more likely to have reduced physical function, lower quality of life and life expectancy, combined with more need for support with mental health issues. In the UK, two thirds of people over the age of 65 have multimorbidity, which is defined as having two or more long-term health conditions. Conditions include diabetes, heart disease and asthma, and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The more health problems someone has, the more likely they are to consult a GP, be prescribed drugs and be admitted to hospital. Treatments associated with long-term health conditions account for 70% of NHS expenditure and further research is needed to identify cost-effective treatments for this patient group. The study therefore aims to determine both the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a specially-adapted yoga programme for older adults with multimorbidity. Associate Professor Garry Tew of Northumbria's Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, will work in partnership with the University of York and independent yoga consultants on the study. The research team will recruit almost 600 adults aged 65 and above who have multimorbidity from across 12 different locations in the UK. The participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group will continue to receive their usual care without any additional support, while the second will receive their usual care plus an invitation to join- the British Wheel of Yoga's 12-week Gentle Years Yoga programme. This programme involves weekly group-based sessions and encouragement to perform specific yoga practices at home. The participants' progress will be assessed after three, six and twelve months to monitor changes in their quality of life and mental health. Professor Tew specialises in researching the effects of exercise programmes in people with long-term health conditions. He explained: "Yoga is thought to bring wide-ranging benefits, such as increases in strength, flexibility, balance and quality of life, and reductions in stress, anxiety and depression. In older adults specifically, there is promising evidence that yoga can improve physical function and quality of life, but more work is needed to understand the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of yoga in older people with multimorbidity. "Our study will establish the effects of the Gentle Years Yoga programme in this population. A primary focus will be the effect of the programme on peoples' overall quality of life. We will also review any changes in their reported levels of depression and anxiety and if they are having fewer falls because of improvements in physical function. "We'll also be measuring participants' use of health care resources, which will allow us to establish the cost-effectiveness of the yoga programme. If these results are positive, they will provide evidence for healthcare commissioners to fund yoga within the NHS." The funding for this major study follows the success of a Yorkshire-based pilot trial of the Gentle Years Yoga programme, which was led by Professor Tew in 2016. The findings of the pilot supported the feasibility of conducting the current larger-scale study and provided encouraging preliminary data on the effects of the yoga programme on physical function and quality of life. In explaining the success of this programme, Professor Tew said: "Common yoga poses are adapted so they can be done using chairs, so that inactive older adults with long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and dementia can safely participate." He went on to say: "As well as the benefits that exercising brings, the yoga classes also provided a social element, with the opportunity to establish new friendships that help to reduce any feelings of isolation that people might be feeling. Following the end of the pilot study, most of the participants chose to continue with the classes and paid for the sessions themselves, confirming that they found the programme to be of value." Professor George Marston, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Northumbria University, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this project has been funded. As our society ages, finding strategies that lead to healthy old age is becoming more and more important. Garry and his team have the skills and experience to make this project into something with tangible, direct benefits for a large proportion of our society, and will have huge impact in the coming years." Researchers at Northumbria University are specialising in research that assesses the role of exercise in the prevention and management of long-term conditions. Academics are also investigating other factors such as nutrition, sport participation and sleep to see how they can improve people's health. Their evidence is making the case for financially-viable solutions to address the significant health and social care challenges society faces. With a finding that will "rewrite neuroanatomy textbooks," University of Iowa neurologist Aaron Boes, MD, PhD, and his colleagues show that the thalamus is not a critical part of the brain pathway involved in keeping humans awake and conscious. The finding upends decades of medical dogma that placed the thalamus as a critical relay point for the signals originating in the brainstem and ending in the cortex that maintain consciousness (wakefulness). The new study, published online Nov. 12 as a preprint in the Annals of Neurology, provides the first systematic evidence from humans that questions the routing of this critical pathway. The study evaluates patients with strokes of the thalamus and shows that even extensive injury to the thalamus does not severely impair consciousness. "Beyond just challenging a long-standing dogma that has persisted for decades, what's really exciting about this finding is that it has implications for clinical care for patients," says Boes, UI assistant professor of pediatrics and neurology and a member of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. "Based on the old understanding, people have tried to stimulate the thalamus for disorders of consciousness without much success. Our results suggest that was the wrong target to go after and that the hypothalamus or basal forebrain would be better targets." Consciousness has two main elements - wakefulness and awareness. The more basic of the two, keeping the brain in a state of wakefulness, is what the UI team focused on in the current study. When this basic function is lost the result is coma, or loss of consciousness. The idea that the wakefulness pathway runs from the brainstem to thalamus to cortex came from influential studies done in the 1940s-50s that correctly identified the brainstem as a critical area for arousing the cortex. The researchers suggested that projections from the brainstem likely passed through the thalamus to reach the cerebral cortex. Because the brainstem evidence was so strong, the assumption was that the thalamus evidence was strong, too. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, this pathway subsequently became textbook knowledge for students learning neuroanatomy. However, recent work in animals has shown that the thalamus may not be a critical part of the pathway, challenging the model. To evaluate the role of the thalamus in the neural circuitry of arousal in humans, the UI team led by Boes and Joel Geerling, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology, searched medical records to identify 33 patients who had had a stroke that affected the thalamus. They used the patients' MRI images to map the precise brain areas damaged by the stroke and assessed the level of consciousness for each patient within the first 12 hours of the stroke. There were four patients with severely impaired arousal (coma, or stupor), all of whom had damage that extended beyond the thalamus into the hypothalamus and brainstem. In contrast, none of the patients with damage confined purely to the thalamus experienced severe impairment of arousal (wakefulness). "It looks like the pathway most critical for maintaining consciousness runs from the brainstem through the hypothalamus and basal forebrain into the cortex," Boes says. "I hope future studies will now focus on this new pathway. I think that could change the management of patients in a coma, and those with other disorders of consciousness." The new study is part of a larger effort by Boes and Geerling to investigate the brain pathways critical for maintaining consciousness. The researchers think that the other pathway (brainstem to thalamus to cortex) might have more of a role in attention and awareness. "A key aspect of our study is identifying a similarity between the human brain and basic neuroscience findings in other mammals, mice included," says Geerling, who also is a member of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. "This means human wakefulness probably emerges from a network with the same basic wiring principles that evolved in other mammals, which suggests that our detailed studies of this network in mice or other model species will help identify new ways to treat human patients." An accompanying editorial written by Nicholas Schiff, professor of neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College, suggests that other neurologists also find the study convincing. Boes is hopeful this might mean that the next edition of neuroanatomy textbooks explaining disorders of consciousness will update the pathway to account for the new findings. "Usually that kind of change takes years, but we are hopeful this time might be much faster," he says. | BY Ricki Green | New York Festivals 2019 AME Awards has announced the competitions inaugural Advisory Council. 2019 AME Awards Advisory Council Alex Schill, Global Chief Creative Officer, Serviceplan Group, Germany Merlee Jayme, Chairmom/Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Jayme Syfu, Philippines Tahaab Rais, Regional Head of Strategy Office & MENA Director -Truth Central, FP7/MCCANN MENA & President, McCann Worldgroup MENA Strategic Community, UAE Mick Blore, Chief Creative Officer South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, McCann Worldgroup, South Africa Dorte Spengler-Ahrens, Chief Creative Officer, Jung von Matt/SAGA, Germany Zak Mroueh, Chief Creative Officer & Founder, Zulu Alpha Kilo, Canada Says Mick Blore, chief creative officer South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, McCann Worldgroup: I am honoured to be the first South African to sit on the AME Advisory Council. To help steer and guide the process of awarding work that works; great creativity that meets and exceeds marketing goals and delivers tangible results, is a reward in itself. Says Tahaab Rais, regional head of strategy and truth central, FP7/MENA: Im also very excited to do justice to the awards (and to our industry) by suggesting ideas and categories that will drive the future of our industry. And hence, hopefully, work that helps our industry play a meaningful role in todays constantly evolving world. AMEs Advisory Council, an international task force of creative and strategic leaders, provide the competition with knowledge of emerging trends and critical industry insights allowing AME to be more responsive to changes and demands within the advertising/marketing sphere. Their astute advice and combined industry expertise ensure continued wise council. Says Gayle Mandel, executive director, AME Awards: Were thrilled that these prominent leaders are committing their industry expertise and global view to AME. In todays ever-changing world of advertising and brand building its an amazing win to have visionary award-wining creatives of their reputation taking AME to the next level. For the past 25 years, the international AME Awards has honored only the most creative and measurably effective campaigns. Says Zak Mroueh, chief creative officer and founder of Zulu Alpha Kilo: As great as it feels for us creative people to win awards, our work is only being judged by other creatives. To maintain relevance as an industry and with our clients, we need to demonstrate the effectiveness of our work. After all, its why were here and is key to the future of our industry. Thats why I agreed to participate. Adds Blore: In the end, marketing and advertising are all about motivating behaviour and selling products and services. Its what clients need and what they want. These awards demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt, that creativity that achieves results is the most valuable advantage that a brand can have. Adds Rais: As an advocate of creative effectiveness as the one true way to survive, Im very excited to look at the best work out there that will be on display at the AME Awards, learn from it, and bring back what Ive learnt and share it; not just with our agency network but also, with all the agencies out here in MENA. Says Mandel: Accolades are important, effectiveness is paramount. Earning an AME Award is the benchmark for excellence, innovation, and most importantly effectiveness. Researchers have found that life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) can alter 'super bugs'. Researchers and microbiologists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory NASA, had found that there were five different types of Enterobacter present in the toilets and exercise areas on the ISS. Earlier studies had shown that stay in space altered the bugs in ways and caused them to be supercharged as they adapted to the new environment in the space. This led to mutations in the microbes and altered them. In fact a particular bacteria was found to undergo over a dozen mutations when in space and this enhanced their capacity to multiply. View from ISS. Image Credit: Dima Zel / NASA / Shutterstock These bacteria formed biofilms on the equipment and the growth of the biofilms were noted to be faster than growth of similar biofilms on earth. This signified the rapid multiplication of these bacteria. Dr. Nitin Singh, first author of the study said, Given the multi-drug resistance results for these ISS genomes and the increased chance of pathogenicity we have identified, these species potentially pose important health considerations for future missionsHowever, it is important to understand that the strains found on the ISS were not virulent, which means they are not an active threat to human health, but something to be monitored. Computer modelling and simulations however show that these altered bacteria have a 79 percent chance of becoming virulent and causing human disease. On earth these bacteria develop resistance to the antibiotics and can infect only those with a compromised immunity. It may not be so in space, the team explains because they have 112 genes in common with the pathogenic bacteria on earth. These space Enterobacter strains were found to be resistant to antibiotics such as cefazolin, cefoxitin, oxacillin, penicillin and rifampin and others. The JPL routinely analyses the microbes from the space stations to check if they could harm the astronauts in any way or affect the sensitive equipment. Microbiologist Kasthuri Venkateswaran in a statement said, To show which species of the bacteria were present on the ISS, we used various methods to characterise their genomes in detail. We revealed that genomes of the five ISS Enterobacter strains were genetically most similar to three strains newly found on Earth. She added, These three strains belonged to one species of the bacteria, called Enterobacter bugandensis, which had been found to cause disease in neonates and a compromised patient, who were admitted to three different hospitals (in east Africa, Washington state and Colorado). These samples were from 2015. Venkateswaran said, Whether or not an opportunistic pathogen like E. bugandensis causes disease and how much of a threat it is, depends on a variety of factors, including environmental onesFurther in vivo studies are needed to discern the impact that conditions on the ISS, such as microgravity, other space, and spacecraft-related factors, may have on pathogenicity and virulence. The Native Antigen Company has launched a series of ground-breaking immunoassays for Zika virus, offering researchers in academia, public health and drug discovery the capability to work with unprecedented levels of specificity and sensitivity. Unlike previous methods, the new assays have little or no cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses, including Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Usutu virus. The Zika virus poses a significant global risk and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for those infected. Sensitive and specific diagnostic assays are crucial for enabling effective research, epidemiology and disease management, as well as the development of new vaccines and therapeutics. The Native Antigen Company Zika Virus NS1 ELISA assay The Native Antigen Company Zika Virus NS1 ELISA assay is a highly sensitive and specific assay suitable for the quantitative detection of Zika Virus NS1 in a range of biological samples, with no cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses. Present in human serum during the early stages of infection, the NS1 protein provides an early marker of viral replication following infection. This ELISA assay can detect NS1 antigen at levels as low as 5 pg/ml and enables researchers to measure the level of Zika NS1 protein in infected patients, offering value in epidemiology studies. The Native Antigen Company Zika Virus IgG/IgM/IgA ELISA assay is designed for the detection of Zika-specific antibodies in human serum. It is minimally cross-reactive with antibodies to Dengue virus and so can be used to distinguish human anti-Zika antibodies from other flavivirus and infectious disease antibodies. Previous assays have been time-consuming, cumbersome and have been unable to reliably distinguish between Zika and Dengue. However, the Zika Virus ELISA has an assay time of only 2 hours, with specificity and sensitivity both in excess of 90%, even in regions endemic with Dengue. Due to the novel assay format, the test may also be used in any species, making it of particular value for studying animal models of Zika infection. In an independent assessment of the Zika Virus IgG/IgM/IgA ELISA kit, external researchers reported a sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 92.1%. This compared favourably with direct testing against a market-leading IgG assay that exhibited only 69.4% specificity. Dr Andy Lane, Commercial Director at The Native Antigen Company said: The launch of these next generation assays represents a significant leap forward for Zika virus detection and monitoring, which to date has always been hampered by Zikas cross-reactivity with dengue. The impact of this exciting development will be seen across academia, public health and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to the kits, The Native Antigen Company also offers an extensive range of Zika virus antigens, both expressed as recombinant proteins in a mammalian expression system and as native viral preparations. Further products include NS1 proteins (from both the prototypic Uganda strain and from the Suriname strain responsible for the major outbreak in 2016) and Zika Virus-like particles (VLPs). A new study has found that a common but dangerous sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses more of a cardiac risk to women than men. The research, which will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, also suggests that OSA is commonly undiagnosed among people who snore. sbw18 | Shutterstock OSA arises when muscles in the throat relax and block the airway while a person is sleeping, causing them to gasp for air during sleep and snore loudly. The condition is associated with an increased risk for left ventricular dysfunction and sometimes right ventricular dysfunction, within the heart. Now, Adrian Curta (Munich University Hospital) and colleagues have assessed UK Biobank data available for individuals who had undergone a cardiac MRI scan. The participants were categorized into three groups: those who had OSA (118), those who self-reported snoring (1,886) and those who did not have OSA or who did not snore (2,477). Curta and colleagues report that among both men and women in the OSA and snoring groups, left ventricular mass was increased, compared with those who did not have OSA or snore. This means that in the OSA and snoring groups, the walls of the hearts main pumping chamber were enlarged, making the heart work harder, says Curta. When they compared those with OSA who snored to those who did not have OSA or snore, the researchers found that a significant difference in the left ventricular mass of women, which was less pronounced than in men. "We found that the cardiac parameters in women appear to be more easily affected by the disease and that women who snore or have OSA might be at greater risk for cardiac involvement," says Curta. The team also found that the number of individuals with OSA who had received a diagnosis was extremely low. Together with the alterations in cardiac function in the snoring group, it leads us to believe that OSA may be grossly underdiagnosed. Adrian Curta, First Author Curta says it is important that people who snore get screened for OSA and receive proper treatment if they have the condition: I would encourage people who snore to ask their partner to observe them and look for phases during sleep when they stop breathing for a short while and then gasp for air. If unsure, they can spend the night at a sleep lab where breathing is constantly monitored during sleep and even slight alterations can be recorded." Adrian Curta, First Author Source Snoring poses greater cardiac risk to women. | BY Ricki Green | Publicis Groupe ANZ is pleased to announce the arrival of new chief client officer, Helge Gruettke, who is set to lead the recently won Campbell Arnotts APAC business. He comes on board to lead The Neighbourhood, the Publicis Groupes Power of One agency model encompassing creative, media, digital, shopper, PR and speciality expertise from across the Groupe, and purpose built to service Campbell Arnotts with full P&L accountability for the business. A marketing and communications leader with over 18 years experience growing global brands such as Netflix, Rip Curl, McDonalds, Hyundai, Allianz, IBM, Becks, DHL and Shell across all channels, Gruettke is passionate about the capabilities of digital and new technologies, and how to best apply them to develop great work and customer experiences. He arrives at Publicis Groupe from his role as client service director at VML Sydney, where he was responsible for new business and managing the client services team across the entire agency client portfolio. This included delivering digital and social content for Nivea, platform builds and product development for Rip Curl, digital transformation for Hyundai, and pan-regional digital campaigns for Netflix across APAC. Prior to this, Gruettke was group business head on the Telstra account at CX agency Lavender and his most recent international experience includes positions held as global brand leader on Allianz at GREY, Dusseldorf, director of business development at BBDO Germany, and European communications director at Geometry London. Says Gruettke: Im looking forward to leading the direction of the Campbell Arnotts Asia Pacific business and to be working closely with newly appointed chief strategy integration officer, Kate Smither. To be part of such a progressive agency model, led by CEO Michael Rebelo, means Im in the privileged position to do my best work with the support of a stellar Groupe-wide team. Says David McNeil, CMO, Asia Paciifc, Campbell Arnotts: Campbell Arnotts is delighted to welcome Helge to The Neighbourhood. His passion and pedigree are ideally suited for us as we pursue our goal of having a leading-edge, truly integrated and fully accountable communication model housed under one roof. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 7:37PM Embed from Getty Images Its been a busy shopping weekend and Amazon seems to have reaped its rewards. Cyber Monday was once again the companys biggest shopping day, selling more products than it has any other day of the year. Globally, shoppers were said to have purchased a record number of Amazon devices with customers ordering over 18 million toys and more than 13 million fashion items on during both Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Small and medium-sized businesses on the site grew over 20 percent on Black Friday year-on-year. What did the Canadians shop for over the weekend? The all-new Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick 4K with all-new Alexa Voice Remote, L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls Holiday Series Surprise, and Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker - 6 Quart are the best-selling products across Amazon.ca. On Cyber Monday, Canadians took advantage of deals on AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing Ethnicity and the Nintendo Switch Console was a top-selling item. White Fox protects Seoul from the fallout of The Death of Doctor Strange in new special preview The Death of Doctor Strange leads to White Fox being the prime suspect in other Marvel murders GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi: Days long wait has come to an end as the Calcutta University on Thursday announced the results for BA and BSC (Honours/Major) Part 1 examination 2018 on the official website of the varsity, which isA wbresults.nic.in. The candidates who appeared for the examination can now download their provisional pre-publication status of marks for Bachelor of Arts (B.A) and Bachelor of Science Part 1 (Major/ Honours) from CU website. Here are the direct link and steps to download your Calcutta University Results 2018: Click here to download Calcutta University, CU Result The students who are waiting eagerly for their CU BA, BSc Part 1 (Honours/ Major) results may go through the following steps. Step 1:A Visit the official website of Calcutta University -A wbresults.nic.in. Step 2:A Click on the result link - 'B.A./ B.Sc. Part-I (Honours/ Major) Examination, 2018'. Step 3:A Fill in with important details such as roll number. Step 4:A Click on the Submit button. Step 5:A Result will appear on the screen. Step 6:A Download your result. Step 7:A Take a print out of the same for future convenience. About Calcutta University: The University of Calcutta is a collegiate public state university located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was established on 24 January 1857. The varsity has a total of 14 campuses across Kolkata and its suburbs. The major campuses include the Central Campus (Ashutosh Shiksha Prangan) in College Street, Rashbehari Shiksha Prangan in Rajabazar, Taraknath Palit Shiksha Prangan in Ballygunge and Sahid Khudiram Siksha Prangan in Alipore. New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut, who is currently shooting for Ashwiny Iyer Tiwaris Panga in Bhopal, recently landed in Mumbai to supervise the edit of her period drama Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. The movie was, for a long time, stuck in a whirlwind of controversies, when Kangana claimed to be the director and directed many scenes in the absence of Krish. Reports later claimed that the Queen actor would be sharing the directorial credits with Krish while she re-shot some portions of the film. Also Read |Kapil Sharma sends official wedding invitation with Ginni Chatrath, see post The actor even expressed that this was not her first experience in the editing process or directing a film. She said, I was 23 or 24, when I directed my first film. It was a 10-minute short film that I had shot with an international crew. Also, at that time, I was struggling with small roles in films like Double Dhamaal. So, I have been a director since then. Be it direction, writing or editing, I have already done it all in the past. When everyone asks me if Manikarnika is my first film as a director, my reply is of course not. It's not my first film as a director. You dont direct a big epic period as your first film." The Tanu Weds Manu star also exclaimed that along with working on one film, Kangana simultaneously participates in the editing of other. The actor does not feel that she is breaking any stereotypes of forming new grounds by doing so. "Every film that I do is important to me because I've committed myself to it. I have taken money and assured absolute involvement to the team. But Manikarnika has demanded a lot more of my attention than I intended to give it. I did lose control over things, especially when it came like a hurricane and the way things unfolded overnight. I had to shoot this film amidst a lot of challenges and that was a bit unsettling in the beginning. I had time constraints and bringing the crew was a struggle, which I wasn't ready for, but I surpassed that. Later on, of course I was in my comfort zone and ready to direct. Eventually, I enjoyed it a lot," added the Manikarnika actor. Also Read |Udit Narayan, Anil Kapoor, and other B-town celebs pay heartfelt tribute to late Mohammed Aziz Helmed by Krish, this Kangana Ranaut-starrer is slated to hit the theatres on the occasion of Republic Day of 2019. The movie may clash with Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30. Ever since the film went on floors, Manikarnika has been in the news for no good reasons. One of the most controversial films of the year, Manikarnika had to face a lot of backlash from its cast and crew. The budget of Manikarnika has reportedly escalated from Rs 60 crore to Rs 125 crore, Kangana taking over the reins from director Krish and co-star Sonu Sood abandoning the project due to differences with her. The cast also includes Ankita Lokhande, Suresh Oberoi, and Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta among others. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Director Quentin Tarantino is finally off the market. According to EOnline, Tarantino who have been dating long-time, Israeli girlfriend, Daniella Pick, tied the knot on in a private ceremony. Reports have it that the duo are believed to have met during the shoot of Tarantino's blockbuster action movie, Inglorious Basterds in 2013. Despite the age gap, Tarantino and Pick are said to have hit off immediately but it was only in 2016 that they began their love-affair. After a whirlwind romance of one year, the duo got engaged in 2017 after just one year of officially dating. E News reported a quote saying that although the wedding was a private ceremony with only a few close friends and relatives such as Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth and Eli Roth as attendees, the couple afterwards are said to have thrown a huge reception which was attended by a large number of guests. Read | Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington denies cheating rumours For their wedding insiders stated that Pick wore a simple white slip dress with spaghetti straps with a sweetheart neckline while her hair was tied in a bun with a diamond headband. Tarantino, on the other hand, was seen wearing a black overall suit with a black tie. "The ceremony was inside in front of a small group of family and friends including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth and Eli Roth. There were only about 20 people and it was very intimate and private," a source told the outlet. The sources also added that "Quentin and Daniella held hands and kissed everywhere they went. Eventually, they left and were taken to Beverly Hills for a dinner reception." Read | Study reveals why women are less healthy than men in old age The filmmaker is currently working on his next film that Once Upon A Time in Hollywood that stars Brad Pitt who was also seen in Inglorious Basterds, Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie. The film is set to be released on next year. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jaipur: The Congresss Rajasthan unit on Thursday lodged a complaint against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his remark on Lord Hanuman with the Election Commission. Addressing a poll rally in Malakheda of Alwar district on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "Hanuman was a forest dweller, deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all Indian communities together, from north to south and east to west". "This was his resolve as it was Lord Ram's wish. Just like him, we should also not rest till we fulfil that wish," Adityanath, one of the BJP' star campaigners, asserted. Congress general secretary Sushil Sharma in a statement on Thursday said that a complaint has been lodged against the Uttar Pradesh chief minister with the Election Commission and Rajasthan's Chief Electoral Office. Read | Rajasthan Elections: Yogi Adityanath calls Hanuman a scheduled caste, gets legal notice The Congress said it fears that Adityanath's statement to call Lord Hanuman a 'Dalit' can harm communal harmony. Such a statement in the poll-bound state is against the model code of conduct and is a punishable offence as per law, the party said.? On Wednesday, a right-wing group had served a legal notice to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister for his remarks on Wednesday. Read | Ayodhya turns into fortress ahead of Uddhav Thackeray's visit, VHP's 'Dharma Sabha' Polling in Rajasthan will take place on December 7 while the results will be announced on December 11. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Days after the Indian government asked Pakistan to act against the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday broke silence over his country's role to bring the perpetrators of the heinous attack to justice. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed, Khan said, "Hafeez Saeed is facing sanctions under the UN resolution on terrorism. As for other accused of 26/11, their matter is in court. So the govt cant do more than this in these matters". Not being ready to accept responsibilities for past attacks launched by Mumbai underworld criminal Dawood Ibrahim, the PTI leader said, "often Past is held as an impediment for moving forward. Both the countries have their lists, but the names of the past cant be held today to prevent the future. So lets now not get into these accusations". Imran Khan's statement came after India's bard on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai attack, saying, "Planners of 26/11 still roam streets of Pakistan with impunity. The 26/11 terrorist attack was planned, executed and launched from Pak territory. We once again call on Govt of Pakistan to give up double standards and expeditiously bring perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice". Explaining his controversial statement on Kashmir which sparked off a huge row at the opening ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor, Khan said "if I spoke of Kashmir during Kartarpur ceremony, it was not to politicise the issue, but Kashmir is the core issue between India and Pakistan. So if I dont speak of Kashmir, what will I all about". Khan on Wednesday while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor said Pakistan wished to move forward and wanted a civilized relationship with India while stressing that only problem both nations faced was that of Kashmir. "If we resolve Kashmir, we resolve all. And I dont think there is any problem that cant be resolved during dialogue. So we need to have a dialogue. Pakistan has changed and now India has to change its mindset and come forward for dialogue," Khan added. Read | Kartarpur Corridor: The loopholes that Khalistanis may crawl into Referring to his controversial tweet about "small men occupying big offices", PM Khan said he did not target his counterpart Narendra Modi with those lines. He, however, did not specify who it referred to. -"Consensus for peace has developed... do not mistake this for desperation for peace," Mr Khan said. During his speech on several ongoing factors between both the countries, the Pakistani prime minister also accused India of holding on to the past and imposing preconditions on talks. "How can you have preconditions in talks? Lets talk and then we will for sure find ways to bring peace," Khan appealed to the Indian government. To clear his stance on the decade-old controversy over terrorism, he said, "we are victims of terrorism. We suffer ourselves so why should we promote terrorism. We are certain that we will not allow our territory to be used by any group to fan violence in any part of the world. Its in Pak national interest that no group from Pakistan incites violence in any part of the world". Making peace overtures he said, "In Pakistan, we are making agreements within all parties regarding peace with India. We are all on the same page. But our efforts at peace should not be understood as a desperate measure by us. We are not desperate. But we want peace so that both countries could progress". "Let me tell you this firmly, the decision that we take in Pakistan is backed by all parties as we have national agreement on initiatives with India. Even the army is with us in all our efforts. We shall fulfil all our assurances to India," he said while talking about the unity of action. Read | Imran Khan lashes out at Donald Trump, says no more imposed wars inside Pakistan "I have made efforts since the day I formed the govt. but I have been let down by govt of India. I was taken by surprise when the meeting in New York was cancelled. Please understand, I also have to answer to the parliament. Imagine the brickbats I got from people back home. Its very disheartening," Imran went on to claim further. Khan was apparently referring to India's stance that terrorism and talks cannot go together and Pakistan must take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and support to cross-border terrorism from territories under its control. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Two terrorists were killed in the Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district on Thursday, news agency ANI reported. The terrorists have been identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone and Adil Bilal Bhat. Both were affiliated with terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. Huge cache of arms and ammunition from them, according to the police. J&K Police on today's encounter b/w security forces & terrorists in Khrew, Pulwama: Killed terrorists identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone & Adil Bilal Bhat.Both were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.Arms & ammunition recovered. No collateral damage took place ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 #UPDATE on Khrew encounter: J&K Police says, "Two terrorists have been killed. Arms and ammunition recovered. No collateral damage took place during the encounter. Identities of the terrorists are yet to be ascertained." https://t.co/fmYzG4Tfd6 ALSO READ | Slain terrorist Naveed Jatt had trained with Ajmal Kasab: Reports On Wednesday, top Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Naveed Jatt, wanted for the assassination of Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. The authorities snapped Internet services in Budgam as a precautionary measure while train services were suspended across Kashmir. Journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead outside his office at Press Enclave in Srinagar on June 14. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had later revealed that the plot to kill Bukhari was hatched in Pakistan and that the LeT carried out the crime. Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Naveed Jatt was active in south Kashmir, the hotbed of militancy, and involved in multiple attacks between 2013-2014 before he escaped from Srinagar's SMHS hospital on February 6. Two policemen were killed in the hospital shootout. ALSO READ | Jammu-Kashmir: 3 terrorists, 1 soldier killed in two encounters Jatt was last seen offering a gun salute to Waqar Ahmad Sheikh at his funeral in Shopian's Malikgund village. Earlier, another Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist accused of assassinating senior Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari - Azad Ahmad Malik - was shot down in Anantnag encounter. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Farmers from across the country have assembled in the national capital to participate in a two-day Kisan Mukti March demanding a 21-day special session of Parliament to discuss the continuing agrarian distress. The march has been organized by the CPM-All India Kisan Sabha. The farmers are seeking passage of two private member bills on loan waivers and on assured procurement alongside MSP for farm produce. The march has the support of 200 organisations that comprise the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). ALSO READ | In Maharashtra, 235 farmers suicide in one month: State Government On morning, farmers arrived at the Anand Vihar railway station where they were welcomed by members of Left-backed students outfit All India Students Association (AISA). Farmers also reached Bijwasan in southwest Delhi and began their march towards Ramlila Maidan throwing traffic on the Bijwasan and Dwarka Link Road a tizzy. Farmer leaders said they were expecting as many as one lakh farmers at Ramlila Maidan by evening. On , they will march from there to Parliament. LIVE UPDATES: 12.50 pm: Farmers protest near Ramlila Maidan. Delhi: #Visuals of farmers' protest from near Ramlila Maidan area. Farmers from all across the nation have gathered in Delhi to participate in a 2-day protest from today over their demands, including debt relief & better MSP for crops pic.twitter.com/SB5pVkw2HT ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 12.15 pm: Farmers protest in the Sarai Kale Khan area. Delhi: #Visuals of farmers' protest from Sarai Kale Khan area. The farmers will head to Ramlila Maidan. Framers from all across the nation have gathered in Delhi to participate in a 2-day protest from today over their demands, including debt relief & better MSP for crops pic.twitter.com/xvmlmEIGky ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 10.45 am: Farmers who gathered at Bijwasan, on their way to Ramlila Maidan. Delhi: Farmers who gathered at Bijwasan, on their way to Ramlila Maidan. Farmers have gathered at different locations in the city & will march to Ramlila Maidan. They are holding a 2-day protest from today over their demands, including debt relief & better MSP for crops pic.twitter.com/pmN38f26cV ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing on Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Kumar Verma's plea against government's decision to divest him of duties and send him on leave is underway till December 5. The Top Court has asked the CBI to keep a record of all transfers made after Alok Verma was divested of his duties. Early in the day, Senior advocate Fali S Nariman appeared for Verma before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph which had on November 20 expressed deep anguish over the purported leak of the CBI director's response to the CVC's findings against him. Read More | Maharashtra government passes Maratha quota Bill The bench also took offence over the publication of allegations levelled by CBI DIG Manoj Kumar Sinha in his separate plea. At the outset, Nariman said the court cannot prohibit publication of the content of the petition as Article 19 of the Constitution is paramount and added, "If I file something tomorrow in the Registry then it can be published." He also referred to the top court's 2012 judgment in a case on the issue. He added that if the top court later prohibits then the matter cannot be published. Also Read | CBI bribery case: 'Angry' Supreme Court says 'none of you deserves a hearing', defers matter to November 29 The Supreme Court said that the CBI Director has not been given a clean chit in the vigilance report. The report is "complimentary on some charges, not-so-complimentary on some charges and very uncomplimentary on some charges," the court told Verma. Fali Nariman told the court that the government's order stripping Alok Verma of charges had no basis. "The CBI director can be removed only with the approval of a committee," Nariman said, adding that a "government order cannot stand in the absence of permission from the committee". For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday passed the much-awaited Maratha reservation Bill which proposes 16 per cent reservation to the members of the Maratha community in government jobs and the education sector. The Bill was passed unanimously shortly after it was tabled in the state Assembly. The state government also tabled a two-page action taken report (ATR) on the State Backward Class Commission's (SBCC) recommendations on the Maratha quota issue, ANI reported. Maharashtra has seen widespread protests over the Maratha quota issue in recent months. Read More | Maratha Reservation: Bombay High Court likely to hear pleas against Maharashtra governments decision Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who tabled the Bill, thanked Opposition members for helping in passage of the Bill unanimously. Marathas have been declared as socially and educationally backward class of citizens (SEBC) and have inadequate representation in services under the state, the panel report said. They are entitled to reservation benefits and advantages enshrined in the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution, it said. Shiv Sena and BJP had earlier issued a whip to their members asking them to remain present in their respective houses, legislative Assembly and legislative council, in view of the tabling of Bill related to Maratha reservation by the state government on Thursday. Shiv Sena and BJP have issued a whip to their members to be present today in their respective houses, legislative assembly & legislative council, in view of the tabling of bill related to #MarathaReservation by Maharashtra government ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 On November 18, Fadnavis had announced that his government has accepted the recommendations of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) on the socio-economic status of the Marathas and would grant them 16 per cent reservation under a new Socio-Economic Backward Class (SEBC) category. Also Read | Reservations for Marathas - How governments are succumbing to political blackmail We have accepted the recommendations made by the MSBCC. We have decided to accord reservations to the Maratha community under a new SEBC category. The reservations to be granted to Marathas will be independent of the existing reservations for the OBC category, the Maharashtra chief minister had said. In November 2014, the Bombay High Court had stayed the then Congress-NCP governments decision to grant 16 per cent quota to Marathas, saying that it was the breach of Supreme Courts order. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prices of fuel continued to fall on Thursday because of the huge fall in global crude oil prices last week. Petrol was pegged at Rs 73.24 a litre with a fall in Rs 0.33 in Delhi, while diesel was being sold at Rs 68.13 after a decrease of Rs 0.36, according to the data in the Indian Oil Corporation website. In Mumbai, petrol was sold at Rs 78.80 per litre on Tuesday compared to Rs 79.12 on Wednesday. Diesel in Mumbai was sold at Rs 71.33 per litre as against 71.71 per litre the previous day. In Chennai, petrol was retailing at Rs 76.01 per litre and diesel at 71.95 a litre. In Kolkata, petrol was sold at Rs 75.24 per litre and diesel was sold at Rs 69.98. Read More | AAI asks SpiceJet to clear Rs 20 crore dues by November 30 With Wednesday price revision, petrol fell below the Rs 74 per-litre mark for the first time since April as the six-week-long price reduction spree wiped off all of the massive price hikes witnessed in petrol and diesel rates earlier this year. With this, the reduction in rates in last six weeks totals Rs 9.62 per litre on petrol and Rs 7.58 per litre on diesel on Thursday. Rates have been on the decline since October 18. This has wiped off all of the price hike on petrol and diesel in two months beginning August 16. The reduction in diesel rates has been slower due to moderate fall in its benchmark international prices, according to oil company price notifications. Oil prices slumped to its lowest level in 2018 on Friday after 8 per cent correction in prices. Brent crude oil futures hit their lowest since December 2017 at $59.04 per barrel. On Monday, it witnessed minor bounceback and was trading near $59.50 per barrel mark. The retail selling price of petrol and diesel is dependent on the international prices of benchmark fuel and the rupee-US dollar exchange rate. This is because a large proportion of country's requirement is met through imports. Petrol price had touched a record high of Rs 84 per litre in Delhi and Rs 91.34 in Mumbai on October 4. Diesel on that day had peaked to an all-time high of Rs 75.45 a litre in Delhi and Rs 80.10 in Mumbai. Prices had started to climb from August 16. Petrol in Delhi was priced at Rs 77.14 per litre and in Mumbai it cost Rs 84.58 on August 15. Diesel on that day was priced at Rs 68.72 per litre in Delhi and at Rs 72.96 in Mumbai. Between August 16 and October 4, petrol price was hiked by Rs 6.86 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.73. Also Read | Online ads most effective to promote festive shopping: Study 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. 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 : The Congress released its manifesto for the Assembly elections in Rajasthan on Thursday. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and chairman of the manifesto committee Harish Choudhary released the party manifesto, which promises jobs to youth, free education to women, right to health, among others. The highlight of the manifesto, however, is the waiver of farm loans if voted to power, an announcement the party president had made during an election meeting in Jaisalmer's Pokhran Assembly constituency on Monday. He said the Congress intends to give Rs 3,500 monthly allowance to unemployed youths in the state. Pilot said that the manifesto was prepared after taking into consideration several opinions and as many as 2 lakh suggestions on multiple platforms such as social media. The manifesto also promises to bring Journalist Protection Act. The party has promised to form an implementation committee for time-bound implementation of the manifesto. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Industrialist Vijay Mallya left the country in "normal course" and not under suspicious circumstances as claimed by investigating agencies, his lawyer told at a Mumbai court on Thursday. A special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases is hearing the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea to declare Mallya a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act. Arguing before judge M S Azmi, Mallya's lawyer Amit Desai said his client is a non-resident Indian (NRI) with a permanent address in London and he had substantial business overseas as well as in India. Mallya is accused by the ED of defaulting on bank loans to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. He is also accused of diverting some of the loan amounts. Advocate Desai, while opposing the ED plea, said that Mallya had cooperated with the Debts Recovery Tribunal in its proceedings in relation to the loans given to his firms. Read | Rahul Gandhi reveals name of PM Modis 'blue-eyed boy who 'planned' Vijay Mallyas escape He left the country for London on March 2, 2016, via Germany, where he attended a conference of World Motorsports as a director, Desai said. Mallya was then one of the owners Force India, a Formula One team, he added. The investigating agencies had claimed that he left the county under suspicious circumstances. Desai, however, argued that "Mallya left the country in the normal course and before any case was registered against him." Further, FEO Act is a draconian law as it permits confiscation of a person's property even before the trial starts, he said. "As per the criminal procedure, the property is confiscated only after the accused is held guilty. Under this law, the question of confiscation of property comes even before the first witness is examined," he said. Read | Was in UK to attend Vijay Mallya hearing when middleman claims to have met me: Rakesh Asthana ED counsel D P Singh rebutted Mallya's defence that he cannot return to India because of the conditions of the bail granted by a court in the United Kingdom which restrain him from leaving the country. Mallya can give an undertaking before the UK court that he wants to return to India, Singh said. The arguments will continue on Friday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Imagine waking up every day to the four dappled walls, the rusting iron bars and the sleepy guards who come thrice a day to feed you because they are bound by duty to let you survive. Well, that is the life of one prisoner Deepak Kanji whose 50sqft area will be his space for 20 more years. He sits there alone with a TV, blanket, water container and endless loneliness. Locked up in the 472-year-old Portuguese-built fortification cell, the 30-year-old is the only inmate of Dius heritage site/fort/only jail. According to reports after the undertrial moves out, the prison will shut and management of the aging fort/cell will revert to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). For now, the daily life of Kanji includes two hours of fresh air and cop company between 4 pm and 6 pm. At night, he is paraded to his room to face the empty space with the vacant watchtowers as his companion. As the only inmate in the Portuguese fortification, authorities see no stringent watch for a look-out as such the staff in the prison has been pared down. For now, the prison has five jail guards and an assistant jailer for a facility housing one. Read | Study reveals why women are less healthy than men in old age They serve in shifts and the inmate is guarded 24x7, but the situation has its challenges, says Chandrahas Vaja, who is in charge of the jail. We cannot arrange for any real activity for the prisoner as he is the only one. For his food, we have made a special arrangement with a restaurant near the fort. News to shut down the jail was sanctioned in 2013, after the ASI put in a request saying that the fort will serve a better tourist site than a prison. But it was only a year ago that the actual shutdown began. We decided to gradually empty the prison, by not taking in any more prisoners. At the time there were seven inmates, including two women, says Vaja. Also Read | Lack of sound sleep makes people more angry: Study Out of the seven prisoners, four were transferred to a prison in Amreli, Gujarat, about 100 km away; two finishing doing their time and were released. Kanji as such remains the only inmate. He was arrested in December for allegedly trying to poison his wife. As of now, there are no fixed answers as to how long Kanjis case will go on. If convicted, he will be transferred to Amreli, too. For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The highest ever turnout of voters in Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections held on Wednesday, November 28, is going to keep both political parties and pollsters guessing about the outcome of the polls until results are out on December 11. The main rivals the Congress and the BJP also are going to keep their fingers crossed until the verdict of the people of the Central Indian State decides not only the fate of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan but also possibly sets the tone and likely trends for the next years Lok Sabha polls. This time, the difference is of only about six months or so between the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh besides four other states and the next years countrywide elections for Parliament which are expected to be held in April-May 2019. And similar has also been the time gap between the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2013 polls for the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. Thus, the past tallies and poll percentage of both Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha polls assume quite a bit of importance. Read | Bigg Boss 12: Sreesanths wife Bhuvneshwari pens open-letter to BCCI In terms of seat, the BJP had won 166 seats out of a total of 230 in the Assembly or the Vidhan Sabha in 2013 while the Congress remained at 57 only. And as for the 2013 poll percentage, it was 72.66 per cent throughout the state. This went up to 74.61 per cent until 6 pm on November 28 when voters attendance or count from about 250 booths were yet to be added. Read | The weight of education: Who will weigh the bags? So, this time the poll percentage is likely to touch 75 per cent at the final count which is nearly three per cent higher than the poll percentage recorded in 2013 besides also being the highest turnout of voters thus far in the state. So, the Congress is trying to see some hope for the party with the marginal rise in poll percentage in Madhya Pradesh, attributing this to anti-incumbency against Chauhan. The BJP, however, attributes higher turnout of voters to its organisational capability to marshal support right from the State Capital Bhopal and other important urban centres like Indore to the remotest booths around the rural boondocks of the state. Read | Temporary teachers scenario endangering higher education Yet, this times poll percentage at 75 is significantly higher than the last Lok Sabha polls held in the state in midsummer of 2014 alongside the rest of the country. Only 61.60 per cent votes were cast in Madhya Pradesh when it elected its 29 MPs in 2014. The BJP had won handsomely gaining 27 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress was reduced to a precious two seats in the state in 2014. The reason for this is said to be obvious demoralisation in the Congress ranks at that point of time though the party had had a bunch of tall leaders as is the case even now. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the Congress was said to be crestfallen after the crushing defeat suffered by it in the 2013 Assembly polls in the state. It had virtually given up in the BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh as the Congress main campaigner Rahul Gandhi had focused more in states like Uttar Pradesh where the party also had nearly wiped out like BJPs other or main rivals like the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Read | Trump may be a fool, but hes not stupid nor an idiot So, both the Congress and its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have ever since been struggling to checkmate the forays made by the BJP in states. Yet, success has only been rare for the Congress though it could pose a stiff fight against the BJP in states like Karnataka and Gujarat and win last years Assembly polls in Punjab. The difference between Madhya Pradesh and other states where Assembly polls were held earlier is that the rural share as compared to urban pockets in Madhya Pradesh is higher than other provinces. This is more so when MP is compared with states like Gujarat and Karnataka. The BJP has the reputation of having its grip more on urban areas than the rural parts of the country though the party has over the years been trying hard to plant its feet in rural areas more firmly. Read | Kartarpur Corridor: The loopholes that Khalistanis may crawl into Faced with this new challenge in rural areas, the Congress has been trying to renew its appeal among voters in the countryside by wooing farmers through waiving off farm loans in states like Karnataka and Punjab on the one hand and forcing the BJP to follow suit in states ruled by it. Thus, it is yet to be seen how the rural-centric initiatives undertaken by both the Congress and the BJP are going to be reflected in December 11 results of the Madhya Pradesh polls as also from four other states that have either gone or going to polls in the current spell of the Vidhan Sabha elections. Read | Seeking refuge in gigantic statues of tall leaders But the latest round of polling in Madhya Pradesh has registered a good 13 per cent increase in voters turnout when compared to the last Lok Sabha polls held in 2014. Hence, the stakes are high. And the BJPs battle to retain the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and Congress attempt to stage a comeback in Bhopal are going to be intimately linked to the prospects of the two parties in the next Lok Sabha polls which are going to have even higher stakes. New Delhi: The InSight spacecraft has sent signals to Earth indicating that its solar panels are open and collecting sunlight on the Martian surface, according to NASA. Mars Odyssey spacecraft, that is currently orbiting the Red Planet, relayed the signals. It was received on Earth at about 7 am IST, the US space agency said in a statement. InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of the Red Planet, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday. ALSO READ | NASA's InSight spacecraft sends back first pictures from Red Planet "The InSight team can rest a little easier tonight now that we know the spacecraft solar arrays are deployed and recharging the batteries," said Tom Hoffman, InSight's project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "It's been a long day for the team. But tomorrow begins an exciting new chapter for InSight: surface operations and the beginning of the instrument deployment phase," Hoffman added. InSight, the first mission to study the deep interior of Mars, blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Central California on May 5, 2018. InSight contains key instruments that were contributed by several European space agencies. France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) made the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, the key element for sensing quakes. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) provided a self-hammering mole that can burrow 16 feet (five meters) into the surface -- further than any instrument before -- to measure heat flow. Spain's Centro de Astrobiologia made the spacecraft's wind sensors. Together, these instruments will study geological processes, said Bruce Banerdt, InSight's principal investigator at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. ALSO READ | Will verify American moon landings, says Russia space agency chief Unlike the Curiosity rover, Insight wont be able to move about on Mars. But using a suite of instruments and a seven-foot-long robotic arm, it will drill up to 16 feet below the surface at its landing site, Elysium Planitia, a broad plain that has been called the biggest parking lot on Mars. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled his scheduled meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the upcoming G-20 summit in Argentina, where world leaders have been arriving to discuss several key issues, including a trade war between the US and China, a new Noth American trade deal and the conflict in Ukraine. Trump cited the detention of a group of Ukrainian sailors as the reason behind scrapping the long-awaited meet. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Trump wrote, "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin". Read | Imran Khan lashes out at Donald Trump, says no more imposed wars inside Pakistan Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" the United States president wrote. ....in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 Ahead of G-20 summit in Argentina, heads of state from India, Italy, Canada, South Korea, Singapore Turkey and others reached the country, joining the French president and Saudi crown prince who arrived the previous day. Read | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes US vote against UN Golan resolution The meeting could be a defining moment for the Group of 20, for better or for worse, said Thomas Bernes of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canada-based think tank focusing on global governance. Trump, who has been criticised for being soft on Putin, has been under pressure to punish Russia for attacking Ukrainian ships and capturing their sailors. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Pakistan Cabinet will discuss the summary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan regarding awarding of provisional province status to Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday. The Federal Cabinet will be presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region's status to that of an interim province in principle Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/DT2H1YawQT pic.twitter.com/3HRtRHxZut ANI Digital (@ani_digital) November 29, 2018 On Wednesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan approved in principle to change the status of Gilgit-Baltistan to an interim province by accepting the recommendations of a reforms committee. The meeting at the PM House was attended by Law minister Farogh Naseem, Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, G-B governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak and other prominent figures, the Express Tribune reported. ALSO READ | India hits out at Imran Khan for his comments on Kashmir in Kartarpur Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur would present the summary of the recommendations in the Cabinet meeting, according to reports. Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls 'Azad Kashmir' - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan's earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as 'Azad Kashmir'. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Why President Trump should demand an apology from CNNs Acosta, who blatantly lied about the migrant caravan CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta has made himself POTUS Donald Trumps favorite journalist to despise because he has become the poster boy for what the mainstream media has morphed into: A political operation on behalf of the Democrat Party, which is moving so far to the Left, Venezuelas socialist leader Nicolas Maduro looks conservative by comparison. You may recall earlier this month that Acosta managed to get himself tossed out of a White House briefing after haranguing and lecturing the president, then putting his hands on an intern who was attempting to take the microphone away from him at POTUS direction. CNN and Acosta sued to get his hard pass reinstated and, remarkably, the federal judge in the case found a new right in the Constitution: The Fifth Amendments life, liberty, or property due process clause also applies to journalists who have lost their White House press passes. In any event, the real story here one that Acosta and CNN have done their best to ignore was the subject of the lecture to POTUS: The thousands of caravan migrants who are now camped out in Tijuana and are banging on Americas back door trying to get in. As soon as he was given the mic by another reporter, Acosta said he wanted to challenge the president on his previous characterization of the various caravans as an invasion. I consider it to be an invasion, POTUS interjected. The caravan is not an invasion, its a group of migrants moving up from Central America towards the border with the U.S., Acosta corrected. Why did you characterize it as such? POTUS repeated that he considered it an invasion. And it turns out that he was right. In contentious exchange on migrant caravan, Russian investigation, Pres. Trump tells CNN's Jim Acosta, "I think you should let me run the country, you run CNNPut down the mic." Acosta's colleague defended him: "He's a diligent reporter." https://t.co/QF15MHrJt2 pic.twitter.com/6B1H7CDfVz ABC News (@ABC) November 7, 2018 Attacking U.S. border agents is an invasion As The National Sentinel reported, not only did a group of about 1,000 migrants attempt to storm a border region on Sunday, they used women and children as shields while they pelted U.S. border agents with rocks and bottles: Border Patrol officials said their agents were being attacked with rocks thrown at them by migrant males using women and children as shields. San Diego Chief Border Patrol Agent Rodney Scott said that personnel did not use tear gas, pepper balls, and other dispersion techniques until after his agents were attacked. Whats more, as NewsTarget added, plans were being made by some migrant organizers to wait until their ranks had swollen to 20,000 before rushing the border en masse. Others claimed they were not interested in applying for asylum in the U.S. because its a waste of time, in the words of one. (Related: Leftists denounce the U.S. protecting its own border with non-lethal tear gas as INVASION wave attempts to breach the border and occupy America.) Fox News Laura Ingraham said during her program, The Ingraham Angle, earlier this week, now that its been proven that the at least some members of the migrant horde are intent on invading America will CNN report it and will Acosta apologize to the president for his intentional mischaracterization of the situation, according to TownHall. She also touched upon some of the worst hot takes from the liberal media. From those saying the tear gas was cruel to CNN saying the illegals trying to storm the border showsthat we dont need a wall, or something. Whatever the case, the media was embarrassed again. They tried to prove Trump wrongand failed, wrote Matt Vespa. The illegal alien caravan is mostly male, full of criminals, and theyre not seeking asylum. No wonder why the numbers for trust in the mainstream media remains in the toilet. Even far-Left MSNBCs migrant camp reporter destroyed the not invaders narrative: The fact is, there shouldnt be any apologists for these hordes of people attempting to break into our country. Thats because the United States is a sovereign nation and has every legal, moral, and ethical right to enforce its borders and make its own immigration rules. And as president, POTUS Trump took an oath to uphold and defend our laws and borders. Acosta and CNN own him a huge apology. Read more about the Left-wing medias propaganda campaigns regarding the border at Propaganda.news. Sources include: DailyCaller.com TheNationalSentinel.com NewsTarget.com TownHall.com BROOKFIELD The finance board unanimously approved Wednesday night the $78.1 million proposal to build a new Huckleberry Hill Elementary School, sending the project to a special town meeting. The vote brings the town another step closer to holding a referendum in March on the highly anticipated project. The special town meeting will be scheduled for January, but a public hearing will be held before that. If the town receives the state grant it plans to apply for before the end of June, the new school would cost Brookfield $63.3 million. The school would serve students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Board members agreed the project is necessary because the existing school, which was built in 1960 and added on to in 1993, is in bad shape. But they debated the possibility of scaling back the price tag on the 138,000-square-foot school to be built on the existing Huckleberry Hill site. Finance board member Dan Devorsetz said he was worried the town would be unable to manage the projects additional debt and be forced to cut operating budgets to prevent tax increases. I simply fear for the financial flexibility, that this bond offering is going to hamstring us and not let us do literally anything else for a long time, he said. When we look at annual budgets and try to get annual budgets passed, they're not going to be cut from the debt service. They're going to be cut from other stuff. Every single other aspect of the town will be impacted. Town officials have presented the board with various models showing how the project may affect debt service and taxes. First Selectman Steve Dunn said these models show the town can handle the extra debt, especially with a plan to pay for more capital items with cash, rather than borrowing. That doesnt hamstring us, he said. If the project is approved, pre-kindergarten through first grade students would move out of the 80-year-old Center Elementary School, saving the town an estimated $400,000 in energy and operations costs. Fifth-graders would leave the middle school, allowing the district to demolish the old portable classrooms, which would cost $700,000 to replace. Dunn added he is not expecting any major budget increases next fiscal year on the town side. It would be difficult for the town to reduce the cost of the project because everything in the plan is necessary, finance board member Eileen Koch said. The size of the school is based on state requirements. I dont want to shortchange the school and make it smaller than it has to be, Koch said. Cutting costs would hurt the quality of the building and its systems and maybe reduce the size, said Colette Sturm, chairwoman of the Board of Education. There isnt a whole lot of fluff or fat (in the proposal) anyway, she said. The district had considered renovating the existing Huckleberry Hill school for $69.6 million, but that would double the construction time and would provide the school with only its bare-bone needs, Sturm said. Dunn used the example of the Brookfield High School renovation, where aspects of the project were cut to keep within budget, leaving virtually everyone dissatisfied. He said it would be wrong to go with the a cheaper alternative, such as remodeling, for Huckleberry Hill. Doing nothing is not an option, but doing the wrong thing is a very bad option," Dunn said. He argued the board should trust the architects and school board subcommittee that developed plans for more than two years and picked this project from 10 options. With voter approval, construction would begin in the fall of 2020, with students moving into the new building in fall of 2022. The old Huckleberry Hill school would then be torn down. Eventually, the school district hopes to renovate Whisconier Middle School and complete small projects at the high school. WASHINGTON A Senate resolution backed by Sen. Chris Murphy to block U.S. assistance to the Saudi-backed government in Yemen moved a step closer to fruition Wednesday, a foreign-policy defeat for President Donald Trump. This is a watershed moment, Murphy, D-Conn., said after a vote late Wednesday to open up debate on the Senate floor. Clearly the war in Yemen has gone off the rails. The vote is a signal to the administration that it needs to reorient its policy toward Saudi Arabia or Congress will do it for them. The resolution backed by Murphy and Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., would invoke the War Powers Acts requirement that prolonged U.S. military involvement overseas must be authorized by Congress. More News Blue wave that swamped New England endangers Yankee Republicans U.S. planes have helped Saudi bombers with midair refueling and U.S. military personnel have assisted Saudis with target selection. We are not just a spectator in Yemen; we are a participant, said Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bombing campaign that is causing the worst humanitarian nightmare in the world today is caused by a military campaign of which the United States is a major player and participant. Civil war is pitting Houthi rebels backed by Iran against the government of Yemen, backed by Saudi Arabia. Murphy and others in both U.S. political parties have urged the Trump administration to stop aiding the Saudis, which the White House sees as one of its main allies against Iran. In addition to bombing, a Saudi blockade has contributed to widespread starvation and disease, including a cholera outbreak. Also, Saudi bombs have dropped on unintended targets. In one instance, a bomb dropped on a school bus killed at least 29 children. Alleged Saudi involvement in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has soured a growing number of lawmakers on continued support for its campaign in Yemen. Wednesdays bipartisan vote of 63-37 sets the stage for Senate debate and possible passage of the resolution. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lobbied senators not to take out their frustrations over the Khashoggi death on what they view as U.S. strategic interest in opposing Iran. Pompeo argued there was no direct link between the murder of Khashoggi inside the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the oil-rich nations day-to-day ruler. But a majority of senators brushed Mattis and Pompeos arguments aside, voting to send a message of dismay to a longtime ally and oil supplier. Murphy said he believed that, absent the Khashoggi murder, the resolution might have gotten a favorable vote anyway. But he acknowledged that the Oct. 2 incident, in which Saudi agents dismembered the journalists body to erase evidence of the death, was a tipping point for some senators. Khashoggi woke up members, especially Republicans, to the reckless behavior of the Saudi regime, he said. dan@hearstdc.com DANBURY Public school and city officials are making some minor changes to the way they communicate during their response to an active shooter after a suspected incident at Western Connecticut State University prompted lockdowns across the city last week. No shots were fired and no one was hurt in the apparent false alarm, but the heavily armed police response and corresponding shelter-in-place notices to nearby public schools did reveal a series of issues administrators might not have considered otherwise, they said this week. From now on, a police officer will be stationed with Superintendent Sal Pascarella during emergency situations to keep district staff in immediate contact with the police command on the scene. Because of the timing of last weeks lockdowns just before elementary and middle schools let out for the day district and police officials also are coordinating plans for buses, non-staff at those schools and more precise parent notifications. If you go to a building and your childs in that building, the board of ed, Sal, is not in charge, Pascarella said. The police are, in this case it was the state police, in charge. Weve got to communicate better and this is a better way of communicating in the future. Overall, officials have said the emergency response to the reported active shooter at WCSUs westside campus went off without any major problems. When the WCSU campus went on lockdown, so too did the nearby Westside Middle School Academy and the Western CT Academy for International Studies located at the back of the WCSU westside campus. Mayor Mark Boughton and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour coordinated from the scene by cell phone with Pascarella, who was overseeing the districts response from their administrative offices across town. But that meant they were playing phone tag as updates unfolded, instead of staying in constant contact. They have agreed that, should another similar situation occur, an officer will deploy to Pascarellas office so that he is in direct radio contact with the chief, mayor and other police officials on the scene such as state police or the FBI, who responded last week. God forbid we do it in the future, theres a different communication protocol so that were all getting informed, Pascarella told members of the school board. The way it was, we were all getting informed at different times. The specific timing of the lockdowns also highlighted the need for a backup plan for what to do should students already be on buses dismissing when a situation occurs, district officials said. Bus company, district and police leaders are planning for certain safe staging areas where buses with children could go instead of the school itself. The district could then push robocalls to parents relaying where specific buses would be so they could link up with their children, Director of Pupil Personnel Services Kelly Truchsess said. The district also plans to apply for up to $800,000 in state grant funding next month for security upgrades to as many as 17 of its school buildings, from secure vestibules to camera upgrades, district Finance Director Joe Martino said. All things considered, AIS staff did a phenomenal job during the WCSU incident last week, said Tricia Robinson, a parent and president of the schools parent-teacher organization. I never imagined that twice in year Id have to have my kids in lock down and it is the scariest thing as a parent to have to even consider, Robinson said. Im so thankful that the staff and leadership of our school made every parent and every child feel as safe as they could in a really horrible situation. zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 30) The Sandiganbayan allowed former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos to avail of legal remedies following her conviction for graft. In its resolution, the court cited Marcos' right to avail of legal remedies against her conviction. "Penal law being favorable to the accused, substantive justice necessitates that Ms. Marcos be restored in her standing in Court and be recognized to her right to pursue legal remedies against the judgment of conviction," the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division said in a decision dated November 28, 2018. Marcos was also granted temporary liberty while she pursues such remedies. She was required to post a cash bond of P300,000, which is double the amount of her original bond. The court noted that an accused may continue enjoying provisional liberty during the pendency of an appeal or a motion for reconsideration as provided in the Rules of Court. On November 9, the Fifth Division handed down a guilty verdict against Marcos for using her position in government to maintain Swiss bank accounts during her husband's regime. But Marcos failed to attend the court sentencing on her graft case. She then filed a motion for a 'leave of court' to allow her to pursue post conviction remedies, which led to the deferment of the issuance of an arrest warrant following the guilty verdict against her. When she finally appeared in court on November 16, Marcos explained she did not know about the scheduled court sentencing. She also said that she was feeling sick that day. State prosecutors opposed Marcos's motion for leave, and questioned her explanation, citing the fact that she attended her daughter's birthday party that night. She then posted P150,000 for her temporary freedom while the court decided on her appeal for post-conviction remedies. While it noted inconsistencies in Marcos' statements, the court believes she did not willfully defy the court's process when she failed to attend the court sentencing. It cited Marcos' insistence that she had no idea about the scheduled promulgation, and that she would have come even if she was feeling sick had she known. "Such statements invite leniency on the part of the Court, considering that in the process, Ms. Marcos surrendered and placed herself within the reach and arm of the law," the court explained. Marcos was given fifteen days to avail of post-conviction remedies, particularly either a Motion for Reconsideration or Notice of Appeal. Earlier this week, Marcos already filed a notice of appeal asking the Sandiganbayan to forward the records of her case to the Supreme Court, where she plans to question her conviction. The court said the motion was premature since it had yet to decide on Marcos' motion for leave of court at the time. On Friday, Nov. 30, Danbury Post 1042 Catholic War Veterans will hold their deceased members Mass at the Post Home, 2 Shalvoy Lane. We have a great tradition of remembering Post members who have died as members, and we cherish their memory. We will celebrate the blessing of our Nativity at 7 p.m. with Mass to follow at 7:15 p.m. Our prayers at the Mass relate to everlasting dwelling and peace. We wish deceased veterans families will join us in this celebration. Canada's leading personal finance brands team up to connect more Canadians with advice, tools, and insights for smarter financial decisions TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Ratehub Inc., which connects Canadians to the best financial products in the market, announced it has acquired MoneySense, one of Canada's leading personal finance media brands, from Rogers Media. The deal is expected to close on Dec. 1, 2018, with Ratehub Inc. and MoneySense continuing to operate as distinct brands. More than 700,000 Canadians turn to MoneySense each month to get smart, practical advice and easy-to-follow financial tips. By joining forces with MoneySense, Ratehub Inc. will significantly increase the number of Canadians it reaches every month, helping more people accelerate their financial literacy and find the best mortgage rates, credit cards, savings accounts, GICs, and insurance products for their needs. "At Ratehub Inc., our mission is to help Canadians make smarter financial decisions. Acquiring MoneySense was the next step in this mission, allowing us to give more Canadians the advice, tools, and insights they need to take control of their money," said Alyssa Furtado, co-founder of Ratehub Inc. and CEO of Ratehub.ca. "We want to maintain MoneySense's brand as a trusted source of financial advice for Canadians, and we believe it has even more room to grow." "Since 2016, Ratehub Inc. has partnered with MoneySense to bring our credit card comparison tools to Canadians. We see this acquisition as a way to extend our partnership even further and bring Canadians more comparison tools in areas such as mortgages, investing and savings vehicles, and insurance products," said James Laird, co-founder of Ratehub Inc. and President of CanWise Financial. "Core to the Ratehub Inc. mission is showing Canadians they have the option to make financial choices outside of just the big banks. Through the MoneySense acquisition, we are further establishing Ratehub Inc. as Canadians' first choice when seeking new financial products, putting us on the path to becoming the number one personal finance destination in Canada." In January 2018, Ratehub Inc. announced it had raised a $12 million Series A investment to accelerate its growth and to become the most trusted personal finance brand in Canada. Acquiring MoneySense is the next step in Ratehub Inc.'s journey of empowering more Canadians in improving their financial lives. "It was important to us to find a good home for MoneySense, where the brand would continue to flourish and deliver high-quality content," said Rick Brace, President, Rogers Media. "There is a strong connection between MoneySense and Ratehub Inc., with both focusing on helping consumers make smart financial decisions." About Ratehub Inc. Ratehub Inc. connects Canadians to the best financial products on the market through its financial product comparison site, Ratehub.ca, and mortgage brokerage, CanWise Financial. More than five million Canadians visit Ratehub.ca every year to get personalized recommendations on the best mortgage rates, credit cards, savings accounts, GICs, and insurance products. CanWise Financial's experienced mortgage professionals guide Canadian homebuyers through the mortgage process, helping them choose the most appropriate lender at the best rate. As a trusted source of financial transparency and information, Ratehub Inc. empowers Canadians to make smart financial decisions. To learn more, visit www.ratehub.ca or www.canwise.com. SOURCE Ratehub Inc. For further information: Ratehub.ca, Candice So, Senior Communications Manager, [email protected], (647) 853-9305 There have been some who have complained about the seeming lack of acceleration or slower than some have expected development of societal technology. Richard Jones talks about lack of specific progress to diamondoid molecular nanotechnology or the appearance that we might not be on track to a technological singularity. Addressing this criticism of rate of technological progress. There is a need to understand the s-curve concepts in innovation and barriers to exploration of technology. There is a need to review history when technology was held back and how breakthroughs did occur. The 2016 talk with Richard Jones disparages lack of technological progress and the idea of Transhumanism. In regards to Transhumanism. There is CRISPR genetic engineering. It was just used to genetically alter two human embyros to make them immune to HIV and smallpox. Those two children were born. There has been progress towards advanced neural interfaces to connect human brains to computers in a far higher bandwidth. Elon Musk said in the Joe Rogan interview that Neuralink would have something interesting to announce in a few months thats at least an order of magnitude better than anything else, probably better than anyone thinks is possible. Neuralink is developing ultra-high bandwidth brain-machine interfaces to connect humans and computers. Open Water and Inventor Mary Lou Jepsen have shown how we can use red light to see and potentially stimulate whats inside our bodies and brains. Taking us to the edge of optical physics, Jepsen unveils new technologies that utilize light and sound to track tumors, measure neural activity and could possibly replace the MRI machine with a cheaper, more efficient and wearable system. Red light passes through flesh and bone but it scatters. A hologram can reform the scattered light into an image to see inside the body at high resolution. Sound is used to focus the system. It changes the red light to orange and enables an orange light under a sensor to create a hologram. The sonic points are moved and rapidly scanned to form images. Open Water can focus infrared light down very finely, to sub-mm or even a few microns depending on the depth. Already 10 cm of depth can be shown with about 100 micron resolution or focusing power; this enables stimulation of certain areas using light itself. Benign near-infrared light. No probes, no needles, no cutting open a skull, no injections. While these numbers are more than enough for a variety of products, we are working on improving both the depth and focusing resolution and making rapid progress. This light-based system will not only be vastly smaller and cheaper than existing magnetic MRI, it will also have vastly higher resolution. Open Water can enable micron level resolution interfacing and interaction with the human brain. Breaking Through Involves Different Difficulties and Varying Resources With Different Gains I believe that there is a useful analogy to exploring the world and continents to discovering, exploring and exploiting technology. Major new and existing technological areas are like the exploration of continents, worlds or oceans. There is a vastness an unknown levels to the technologies. There can be barriers or innovations needed to enable successful development of technologies. I recently looked at the Shackelton Expeditions to explore Antartica. We can also look at the discovery and exploration of North America and the invasion of continental Europe in WW2. Initial, Antarctica exploration took many decades and 17 expeditions. The barriers were extreme cold weather, ice crushing ships, geographic barriers like mountains and scurvy that had to be overcome. The expedition sizes were a couple of dozen men and resources were about $10 million in todays dollars per trip. Figuring out that eating seal meat was key to preventing scurvy prevented expeditions from dying. There was also the learning about how to handle dog teams. Later modern travel and radio communication made Antarctic exploration relatively safe. However, there was little utility for the large continent so it remains unpopulated. North America exploration took over two hundred years and required crews of hundreds. This was followed up with millions journeying in many successive waves of colonization over hundreds of years. The barriers were the oceans, geographic barriers, scurvy, disease and sometimes hostile native americans. The continent is very useful and rich and has over 500 million people on it now. The invasion of Europe in WW2 required tens of thousands of men for the D-Day invasion. This was followed by millions of personnel. What Held Back AI and Space? Artificial Intelligence has had a few booms and busts. Ray Kurzweil discussed how neural networks were invented in the 1960s. AI failed to deliver on its promise for decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, a mathematic proof by Minski in the Symbolic school proved that neural nets could not handle particular basic problems. This limitation only applied to single layer neural nets. A decade later 3-4 layer neural nets could be made but a mathematic limitation prevented them from going beyond 3-4 layers. Another mathematical solution was needed to get beyond this limitation. This has enabled the current age of deep learning with hundreds and thousands layer neural networks. Neural nets with 15 layers are able to distinguish between dogs and cats. A description of the history of deep learning is at this link. There is now an AI industry worth many billions of dollars. AI is back on track and is enabling self-driving cars and other massive societal change. Far better AI is also critical to delivering the ultimate promise of the Technological Singularity. There is still many breakthroughs needed to make Artificial General Intelligence or more adaptable versions of useful but narrow AI. The advantage now is that AI is highly profitable there will tens of billions of dollars every year and tens of thousands of researchers working on problems and needed breakthroughs. In the AI Winter, teams were reduced to dozens of researchers with only few funded at the Shackelton level. Space and Speed Were Held Back by not Having Reusable Rockets The Space Shuttle was an attempt in the 1970s and 1980s to develop reusable space systems. Each reuse ended up costing $1 billion. SpaceX cracked the reusable rocket problem. SpaceX has first stage reuse for a few million dollars. The non-entrepreneurial approach of the government space agencies and cost plus contracts to industry produced almost no driving force to innovation or improvement of technology. Transistors and Integrated Circuits Computer chips have had Moores law and exponential improvement. This is the basis of the Information Technology industry worth almost $5 trillion. Intel and others were able to develop computer chips and gather the resources where Intel alone had a $10 billion R&D budget. Tens of thousands of engineers could attack challenging problems and barriers that emerged every year. They could shift and create new S-curves of technology. Entirely new materials could be used when silicon technology had limitations. It looks like one continent of technology but it is actually multiple continents and required multiple D-day invasions. But it was a rich world that justified and paid off the effort. Nanotechnology and the Promise of Other Technology There has long been the promise of molecular nanotechnology. Molecular Nanotechnology is multiple rich continents of technology. But there are barriers between some of the precursor nanotechnology which does not lower the barriers to reaching molecular nanotechnology. Once key hurdles are overcome and key processes learned, then it will become profitable and possible for these technologies to be explored and developed. Just like the Antarctic explorers needed to learn key tricks to survive or AI needed to figure out deep neural networks, nanotechnology businesses will need to reach key learnings. There is now a lot of capital for breakthrough technology. There is the $100 billion Softbank Vision Fund. China is willing to spend many billions on breakthrough quantum technology. There are many other private and public funds that need to get huge breakthroughs. The only loosely related DNA nanotechnology, graphene, carbon nanotubes, atomic force microscopes are developing tools and computer simulations which are putting improved enabling technology in place. There are parts of the vision of molecular nanotechnology which are getting ready to breakout. Nanomedicine is in Stealth Mode with Pfizer There is the Ido Bachelet work on DNA nanobuckets which can be used for DNA nanosurgery. This is enabling a pathway to cellular and molecularly precise nanomedicine. Bachelet came to Bar-Ilan from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) several years ago. They first create a selected DNA sequence, and then fold it using a process called DNA origami. With this method, a person can give a command to a computer, which folds the DNA molecule as needed. A DNA sequence can be made in the form of a clam which can contain a drug. The DNA molecule contains a code activated upon encountering certain materials in the body.The clam can be designed to change its shape and release the drug only when it meets a cancer cell or the right tissue. In the future, it will be possible to combine each such molecule with a miniature antenna. When the antenna receives an external signal, it will make a small change in the molecule that will make it open or close, and dissipate or connect itself to another molecule. In 2015, they successfully tested their method in cell cultures and animals and wrote two papers on the subject, one in Science and one in Nature. If this treatment works this will be a medical breakthrough and can be used for many other diseases by delivering drugs more effectively without causing side effects. 2012 Video with answers from George Church, Ido Bachelet and Shawn Douglas on the medical DNA double helix clamshell nanobucket nanobot George Church indicates the smart DNA nanobot has applications beyond nanomedicine. Applications where there is any need for programmable and targeted release or interaction at the cellular or near molecular scale. Carbon nanotube bundles have reached 80 GPA macroscale strength. Finally ultralong (several centimeter) carbon nanotube fibers have been made into stronger bundles. The tensile strength of CNTBs (Carbon nanotube bundles) is at least 945 times that of other materials. If a more rigorous engineering definition is used, the tensile strength of macroscale CNTBs is still 524 times that of any other types of engineering fiber, indicating the extraordinary advantages of ultralong Carbon nanotubes in fabricating superstrong fibers. The work was done at Tsinghua University and other facilities in Beijing. A synchronous tightening and relaxing (STR) strategy further improves the alignment of the carbon nanotubes to increase the strength. Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist who specializes in global energy, demographics and security. He has been quoted in national and international media on a variety of geopolitical topics. He makes a prediction in the video below about the breakup China and collapse of Germany. He bases this prediction on the assertion that the world has only been ordered from the start of Bretton Woods to today. This is from 1944 to today. On 15 August 1971, Bretton Woods ended when the US pulled out of the gold system. Zeihan is referring to the Pax Americana period. Pax Americana (Latin for American Peace) is a term applied to the concept of relative peace in the Western Hemisphere and later the world beginning around the middle of the 20th century. It was caused by the preponderance of power enjoyed by the United States. Although some would also credit several powers having nuclear weapons. The Bretton Woods system of monetary management established the rules for commercial and financial relations among the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan after the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement. The Bretton Woods system was the first example of a fully negotiated monetary order intended to govern monetary relations among independent states. Zeihan ignores the Pax Britannica. Pax Britannica (Latin for British Peace) was the period of relative peace between the Great Powers during which the British Empire became the global hegemonic power and adopted the role of a global police force. Between 1815 and 1914, a period referred to as Britains imperial century, around 10,000,000 square miles (26,000,000 km2) of territory and roughly 400 million people were added to the British Empire. Britains Royal Navy controlled most of the key maritime trade routes and enjoyed unchallenged sea power. Zeihan Predictions Zeihan postulates that because the US economy is not needing much world trade that the US will abandon protecting the worlds sea routes and world trade will collapse. The US will not need to import oil by 2020. This is asserted by Zeihan and Nextbigfuture agrees that the US will not need to import oil by 2020. This will drive the percentage the US economy that is world trade down from 7% now to 1 or 2% when Canada and Mexico and Central America are excluded. However, Nextbigfuture notes that the US will start exporting large amounts of oil, coal and liquid natural gas. Nextbigfuture does not believe that the fracking will stay at breakeven between production and demand. Zeihan predicts that America will withdraw from its global cop role. Zeihan predicts that without America as cop that world will go into fighting and chaos and world trade will collapse. This will be followed by the collapse of countries. Zeihan predicts that Germanys economy will collapse to one fourth its current level without trade in a world of Chaos. Zeihan predicts China will break apart without world trade or will be united but very poor. Zeihan has an implicit prediction that neither China or any other power would step into any power void left by the withdrawal of the USA. Zeihan also predicts the rise of Japan, Turkey and Argentina in a world of Chaos. Why Zeihan Predictions are Crap Which countries are Itching for Wars? Which wars were being prevented by Pax Americana? Nextbigfuture asserts the US has been a lazy and selective and sometimes ineffective global cop. Syria was itching for a civil war. And America did what? The Syrian civil war was stopped? The Syrian civil war happened anyway. The US protected Taiwan from being bullied by China back in the 1990s. Is the US going to step up for Taiwan now or in any future conflict? Was their oil or trade reasons why the US did step up to protect Taiwan? Was it part of the Anti-soviet cold war deal? Russia wanted to attack Ukraine a few years ago. What happened there with Pax American? Russia did attack and took Crimea. Zeihan says Germany collapses without Pax Americana. Germany imports more than half its energy. OK from where? Russia, Norway, and the United Kingdom are the largest exporters of oil to Germany. Russia would send Germany more oil and natural gas without US interference. Germany is the worlds largest natural gas importer, as 22.6% of its primary energy use comes from gas. Germany imports gas from the Netherlands and Norway. In addition, gas comes from Russia via the Nord Stream; in 2016, Germany imported 49.8 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas from Gazprom. A terminal in Emden opened for gas from Norway in 2016. Germany and France swap electricity over their grid. Germany dumps overproduction of solar and wind electricity and France provides nuclear power when Germany needs it. France and Germany would disconnect their power relationship? Russia and Norway would not provide oil and gas to Germany. China could not protect its shipping trade without the USA? China is biggest trade partner of Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and many other Asian countries. Is Zeihan saying that there will be wars in Asia without the USA military providing security? Which wars? How does Chinas trade get messed up? There was up to 30% of GDP involved in World Trade During Pax Britannica and 10% before More of the World GDP is involved in trade from 1970 to today. However, expansion of world trade is also attributable to the invention of containers. The containerization of the world. Nextbigfuture does not believe the assertion that the US will withdraw from global management or sea lane protection. Nextbigfuture does not believe the assertion that the US will not need or want trade. As stated, the US will develop large exports of fossil fuels. If US Withdraws its Military? Nextbigfuture does not believe that the US only gets involved in managing the world purely out of economic self-interest. Under Trump there is more America first and America self-interest driven decisions. However, the US military-industrial complex wants to be active to perpetuate itself. Travel and Tourism is Important and Thrives in an Ordered World Zeihan ignores travel and tourism and its importance. Or it is implied that it also unnecessary or that it too will get wrecked or that somehow it will be unaffected with world trade collapse. The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in the United States, making a total contribution of 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars to GDP in 2015. The industry was forecasted to contribute more than 2.6 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027. Global tourism generated $7.6 trillion for the global GDP in 2014, making it one the worlds fastest growing and largest sectors. The travel and tourism industry is the worlds largest commercial service sector industry. Thinking only Sea Lanes When Rail, Air, Pipeline, High Power Lines and Truck Matter as Well Air cargo transports over US$6.4 trillion worth of goods which is 35% of world trade. China has a rail route to Europe. On 2017, this moved about 2% of Chinas trade but projections are this could increase to 10-15% in ten years. China is building pipelines to get oil and gas from Russia and other sources. China is building a super electric grid to move up to 150 power plants of electricity from Russia and China to Jopan and South Korea. Japan, Turkey and Argentina will Rise as Future Great Powers Zeihan said Japan will dominate Asia. Japan will dominate China. Implied is that Japan will dominate India. Here is a link to my article about Zeihan having a history of predicting Chinas collapse and getting it wrong and I covered the wrongness of Zeihan in regards to China and Japan. Nextbigfuture disagrees about the Zeihans predictions. Zeihan said Turkey will be a great power in Europe and the Middle East. Zeihan said Argentina will dominate South and Central America. I have an article about how bad the Zeihan prediction is for Argentina to dominate South America. I compare Argentina and Brazil. Japan has a low level of stabilization with a badly aging population. Turkey is at the bottom of the emerging market list. Turkeys economy is forecast to grow 0.8 percent in 2019, down from an estimated 3.5 percent this year, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. Inflation reached 25.2 percent in October, the highest level since 2003, eroding real yields. Some People in the Comments Defend Zeihan and his Predictions I will agree that Zeihan has decent population pyramid analysis and some of his other analysis and problem identification is useful. However, I do not agree with the end predictions and conclusions that emerge after the analysis. I have listed what are some Zeihan predictions and I have put up counter predictions. So we will see who is right. There does need to some time ranges on the predictions. Several geopolitical and economic observers have predicted the breakup of China. Others have predictions about the USA and other countries. Many are not as specific to exact times and precision on conditions for easy accurate inaccurate right wrong judgments. Here is a link to my article about Zeihan having a history of predicting Chinas collapse and getting it wrong and I covered the wrongness of Zeihan in regards to China and Japan. I have an article about how bad the Zeihan prediction is for Argentina to dominate South America. I compare Argentina and Brazil. I will form up some falsifiable geopolitical and economic predictions. NEW BRITAIN Connecticut utility regulators have given their tentative approval to a settlement agreement between Eversource Energys natural gas utility and the states Office of Consumer Counsel involving a proposed rate hike.. Commissioners with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority late Tuesday approved the settlement agreement between Connecticuts Consumer Counsel. PURAs ruling on the settlement agreement, which was announced Sept. 5, between Eversources Yankee Gas division and the OCC did result in any significant changes to the deal, said Elin Swanson Katz, Connecticuts consumer counsel. Were very pleased, Katz said Wednesday. A final decision in the case is expected Dec. 12, according to PURA officials. Tricia Modifica, an Eversource spokeswoman, said company officials were busy reviewing PURAs draft decision Wednesday. We appreciate PURAs careful analysis of our settlement agreement, Modifica said Wednesday. While the parties made several concessions, we believe this is a fair settlement that reduces the increase for customers while allowing us to continue making upgrades in the natural gas system to make it safer and more reliable. Its important to note that this settlement reflects savings from the change in the federal tax law that were pleased to pass along to customers. The rate settlement agreement covers a three-year-period. Katz said when Yankee Gas made its initial filing in the case, it was proposing a $49 million distribution rate increase in just the first year, which represented a 9.2 percent increase just in 2019 for the average Yankee Gas consumer. Katz said the terms of the settlement agreement reduced that first-year request from $49 million to $1.4 million. Over the entire three years covered by the agreement, she said the settlement yields an overall reduction of $55.8 million from what Yankee Gas had requested. Eversource officials had proposed a 9.2 percent increase in natural gas distribution rates next year, followed by a 3.7 percent hike the following year and with an additional 2.9 percent in the final year. Under the terms of the settlement, next years distribution rate increase will be just 0.3 percent, followed by a 2.9 percent hike the following year and 2.3 percent in the final Katz said some increase in rates is necessitated by law to pay for the investments that Yankee Gas has made, and will continue to make, in new gas pipelines and other system improvements designed to increase the reliability and resiliency of its natural gas infrastructure. Katz said it has been seven years since Eversources last rate increase. The company serves approximately 232,000 gas customers in 73 communities in its Connecticut service territory. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com EAST HAVEN Womens advocacy groups are admonishing Republican Town Councman Ken McKay after he cited the physical appearance of an alleged harassment victim as a reason to discredit her claims against Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. I dont believe Joe would be turned on by this girl in any way or sexually aroused, McKay told Hearst Connecticut Media last week, when asked if he believed the four women accusing Maturo of sexual harassment. He went on to say he didnt believe any of the women whove accused the mayor, his longtime friend. The comment garnered reactions from horrified to speechless among those who work to educate the community about sexual harassment and violence. Nonprofit leaders said language like McKays puts the blame on victims, contributes to survivors not coming forward and diminishes the trauma of harassment. McKay declined to comment by text message on Thursday. Attempts to reach Maturo were unsuccessful. The councilors comment also prompted attorney Rachel Baird, who represented former town employee Francine Carbone in a state sexual harassment lawsuit against Maturo, to send a Freedom of Information Act request to McKay on behalf of her client seeking to clarify which woman McKay was referring to in his comment. This information is requested in due diligence so that I may advise Ms. Carbone of her options in pursuing viable claims related to your statements and the post-settlement retaliatory harassment directed at her by Town officials acting in their official capacities, Bairds request says. McKay was not referring specifically to Carbone in the statement, but another accuser. The attorney also asked McKay to provide all records that formed his belief that the mayor did not harass Carbone. The town settled the case with Carbone in September for $175,000 and health benefits for her and her husband to age 65. The town also spent $171,000 to defend Maturo in the case. Advocates react Lucy Noland, director of policy and public relations at the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said of McKays statement, I cant believe this man would say that. [Harassment] is an abuse of power. It has nothing to do with what someone looks like, Noland said. Carissa Conway, director the nonprofit human services agency Women and Families Center, said the same kind of harm is done when people talk about what a victim was wearing. Sexual violence as a whole is crime of power and control in that moment, she said. A victim could be wearing sweatpants or a skirt or a suit. What you are wearing or how you appear doesnt matter. In proceedings for Carbones lawsuit, attorneys representing the mayor and the town repeatedly asked the alleged victim about the way she dressed in the office, claiming it related to the case because she was allegedly disciplined for dressing in what they described as an inappropriate manner. In August, Baird filed a motion for asking for a protective order to bar attorney Hugh Keefe from asking Carbone more questions about her clothing. The attorney said the questions were oppressive, perverse, obsessive, and motivated by the discarded and antiquated principle that a female who is sexually harassed in the workplace is at fault when her male supervisors uncontrollable tendencies are provoked. Observing the way accusers are treated and spoken about negatively contributes to victims silence, said Noland. People dont want to report when they feel like they will be trashed in public, she said. It takes a lot for someone to come forward like this. Think of what shes gone through. The message we want to get out is that its not your fault and we believe you. Lauren Sardi, an associate professor of sociology at Quinnipiac University, said she wasnt surprised to read McKays remark. Its something weve heard constantly, she said. Only very recently, with the #MeToo movement have people been able see the harm and inherent sexism in that kind of language. Disparaging remarks about accusers historically has served as a method those in power utilize to discourage more from coming forward, the sociologist said. It has a chilling effect on people regardless (of) gender coming forward with allegations, she said. While comments like McKays are nothing new, Sardi said their prevalence continues to normalize a culture that objectifies women. Need for education One issue that has arisen in the age of #MeToo, said Sardi, is the misunderstanding of what it means to believe those who come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, violence or abuse. Saying you believe someone shouldnt necessarily mean you believe every claim made without [verification of facts], Sardi said. It should mean that we take peoples concerns and allegations seriously. Noland said another misunderstanding recently made evident is the belief among some that harassment isnt as harmful as acts of violence such as assault, and therefore isnt as necessary to eradicate. Some people think it doesnt matter if no one was physically hurt, she said. But it is traumatic. There can be a lot of shame. Thats why it can take so long for some to report. They may even feel responsible. Harassment can have far-reaching effects, Noland said, adding it can cause employees to fear going to work, create psychological issues and damage families. Statements like McKays exhibit the need to better educate the public about what kind of language should be used to discuss harassment and assault, said Noland. Particularly, someone in public office should educate himself, she added. The Alliance to End Sexual Violence offers educational programming to organizations that request it, said Noland, and their training covers how to talk about the topic without causing more emotional harm to survivors. Weve done some things at the state legislature working on sexual harassment policies, Noland said. We havent done any [educational] work with town and city governments, but its probably not bad idea. Sexual harassment training is important, Sardi said, but it doesnt go deep enough and its usually offered in an attempt to avoid litigation. Ultimately, a series of deeper conversations need to be happening at so many different levels, she said. While important, I dont think those trainings are necessarily the cure. We need to look at what is causing it, because a lot of things in history have allowed this to keep occurring. The president of Ireland honored Quinnipiac University President Emeritus John L. Lahey with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, according to a release. Ireland President Michael D. Higgins honored Lahey at a ceremony at Aras an Uachtarain, which is Higginss official residence in Dublins Phoenix Park, the release said. Lahey was honored for his work in business and education, the release said. I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by the Irish government in this manner, and grateful for the importance President Higgins has placed on Quinnipiacs Great Hunger Museum, Lahey said, in the release. Higgins noted, There is now perhaps no deeper relationship between two peoples than that which exists between the peoples of Ireland and the United States, and that enduring bond has been greatly strengthened and deepened by the labours of Dr. John Lahey, for many years (31) the President of Quinnipiac University. I had the honor of meeting Dr. Lahey last March at the opening of, Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger, an exhibition that owes much to his efforts and will come to be seen as a landmark event in our continuing attempts to understand the full complexity and totality of the Famine, both in terms of its source and legacy, Higgins said in the release. Irelands Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University, the worlds largest collection of visual art, artifacts and printed materials relating to the starvation and forced emigration, of the Irish people from 1845 to 1850, according to the Quinnipiac University website, currently has part of its permanent collection touring Ireland. The museum now has an exhibit showing a new perspective of the American Civil War with a number of first-hand depictions of Irish peoples involvement. The collection is the largest group of Civil War-era drawing in private hands, totaling nearly 700 drawings. The exhibit tells the story after Irish immigrants came to the U.S. fleeing mass starvation and death from the famine in Ireland. In 2015, then Ireland Prime Minister Enda Kenny accepted an honorary degree in humane letters at Quinnipiac, he said, in honor of those whose lives were upended as a result of the Great Hunger potato famine that struck his country in the mid 19th century. The university chose Kenny for the award to honor his dedication to his country and his leadership during a soured economy that threatened the countrys very existence, Lahey said at that time. After the award ceremony for Lahey, a private dinner was held by Simon Coveney, Ireland's foreign minister, and Ciaran Cannon, Ireland's minister for the diaspora and international development at Farmleigh, the official Irish state guest house, the release said. Also in the release: The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is presented by the Irish president every year. It recognizes the service given to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland, the release said. I am delighted to have the opportunity once again this year to formally recognize the achievements of some of the finest members of our global family, our diaspora, Coveney said. The diverse contributions of these individuals extends across six different categories. Through their work, they contribute to building an invaluably positive image of Ireland and Irish people around the world. Lahey, who retired in June, also was honored for his impact as chairman of the St. Patricks Day Parade in New York City -- Lahey was instrumental in allowing gay groups to march in the parade for the first time --and for his support of education for Irish-Americans at Quinnipiac. NEW HAVEN A state agency reviewing the planned collaboration between Yale New Haven Hospital and two local federally qualified health clinics wants answers within two weeks on the details of a proposed hardship waiver that would help low-income patients with medical costs. In a 31/2-hour hearing Wednesday at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School, personnel from the state Office of Health Strategy also asked for as much detail as possible on transportation options for non-drivers to 150 Sargent Drive, where YNHH plans to move its primary care clinics that serve adults, womens reproductive needs and children. The agency also requested that the hospital get information from the state Department of Social Services on the cost of enrolling the majority of the 28,500 patients now cared for at YNHHs multiple primary care clinics into the states Patient Centered Medical Home Plus program. One estimate put the cost at more than $1 million per year, if all the Medicaid clinic patients qualified for the $4.50 per patient monthly payment. These costs are covered 40 percent by the state and 60 percent by the federal government. The hospital and the clinics testified that, after years of study, they have agreed to form the New Haven Primary Care Consortium as a way to eliminate duplication of services offered by the three primary care options in New Haven, which cover 95 percent of the areas low-income population. Under this model, Fair Haven Community Health Center and Cornell Scott Hill Health Corp. would lease the current Yale staff running the clinics, with FHCHC responsible for overseeing and billing pediatric care and Cornell Scott performing that role for the adult and womens clinics. The 28,500 hospital primary care patients would become FHCHC and Cornell Scott patients under the agreement. The federally qualified clinics get an enhanced Medicaid rate for their patients. The hospital plans to put $15.7 million into the 150 Sargent Drive site and another $4 million into bringing the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center onto its Epic computer sharing platform. Ultimately, the Certificate of Need application for the proposal has to be approved by the state Office of Health Strategy for it to go forward. The hospital has to show that the proposal is financially feasible, improves the quality of care, accessibility and cost effectivenes. Three Yale Law School students also testified about the domestic gag rule proposed by the federal government that would prohibit medical personnel using Title X funds from making appointments, providing transportation or referring women to sites where abortions are performed, but it would require them to provide referrals to prenatal services. Abortions already are not allowed at the federally qualified clinics. YNHH is proposing that its family planning clinic move to the 150 Sargent Drive site, but abortion services would remain elsewhere so as to not violate the Hyde Amendment. The three law students, Ahmad Maaz, Sarah June Bever-Chritton and Rachel Kogan, said this results in fragmentation of reproductive health care with negative consequences for the health of the patients. With the clock ticking on their pregnancy, patients who will have already gone to the new NHPCC site will have no choice but to make another appointment at a later date, at a different place, Maaz said. He said this could result in losing a days pay for cash-strapped patients. Currently, pregnant patients can receive same day referrals to abortion counseling services. Segregating one component of womens health care perpetuates stigma surrounding a woman exercising her right to choose if, how, and when to have children ... Maaz said. They asked that the state require YNHH condition its approval on the complete blockage of Title X funds being used at 150 Sargent Drive. Cynthia Sparer, senior vice president for operations at YNHH, at first was reluctant to speculate about the proposed gag rule, but ultimately said the hospital plans to continue maintaining all the current health services available to women. We are going to live by that, Sparer said, not only as a commitment to women, but as a teaching hospital, it is required training for residents. The embedding of behavioral services in all three clinics was highly praised by the phyicians and administrators testifying in favor of the new collaborative model and was viewed as one of the most positive aspects. On pediatric care, in particular, there was testimony on the increased need for this service for children. Dr. Steve Huot, who is director of graduate medical training at the hospital, said not exposing the 200 physicians in training to the federally qualified clinics usually means they will not chose this model to work in as a career. He said he believes the collaboration is one that really will become a national model on how to do this and how to do this the right way. On the subject of the cost to the patients, Yale New Haven Hospital now provides free care to individuals and families who earn less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level. The clinics testified they are required by the federal agency that oversees them to charge for services, which Yale is not mandated to do. Dr. Suzanne Lagarde, CEO of the Fair Haven clinic, said they have never turned away a patient if they cannot pay; they send one bill for services and after six months write it off as bad debt. That happens time and time again, Lagarde said. It is in no way punitive, coercive. It is following the rules that we are required to follow in a very caring compassionate understanding fashion, she said. Lagarde said some 25 percent of its 19,000 patients are uninsured. More than 70 percent fall below the federal poverty level. She said they have no relationship with collection agencies. Sparer said they are looking at some kind of hardship waiver to help those who cannot pay, but dont have the details at this point with the opening of the new collaboration, if approved, still nine months away. She also told Micheala Mitchell, the hearing officer on the Certificate of Need application, that the hospital is still researching what it can do to make transportation to the new site for the current patients easier, as it requires a more complicated bus connection than going downtown. Generally the hospital has mentioned new bus routes, a shuttle service and expanding its Uber contract. It said it determined that 66 percent of patients drive and welcome the free parking at the Sargent Drive option. Hospital and clinic leaders testified that the collaboration will provide a better model of training for doctors, and avoid duplication. By putting all the patients across the three agencies on one computer platform, it will also provide more efficient access to care. Staff from the Office of Health Strategy pushed the hospital to more robustly inform their current patients of the planned move, if it is approved. They also inquired as to the clinics flexibility when patients are late for appointments because of transportation problems. They said they usually wait around 15 minutes. The hospital, as part of the deal, plans to cover the cost of the difference between the salaries paid by the Hill and Fair Haven clinics and those paid by the hospital as part of what it is referring to as a community benefit. Sparer estimated this will be $8.9 million in the first year. The hospital has also promised to cover unanticipated loses by the clinics for such things as more uninsured patients or lower patient volume than expected. The goal is to see 15 patients per provider up from 8 a day. In its application, these grant payments are expected to be less than the losses that the hospital incurred each year on the operation of its multiple clinics. As part of transition costs, the hospital agreed to pay up to $68,665 as bonuses for key health managment at the clinics with half already paid and the rest when the proposal is finalized. Legarde said she split the $68,665 among four of her employees, while Michael Taylor. the CEO at Cornell Scott said he has a similar arrangement. Neither CEO took any of the bonus funds. Ellen Andrews, director of the Ct Health Policy Project, predicted that Medicaid costs will go up and access to care for low-income patients will be harmed. She said she found that few people were aware of the changes and said providers and community groups were reluctant to share their concerns publically. The state budget faces signficant deficits in future years. Connecticut cannot afford to pay more for the same (or less) care, delivered by the same clinicians, that is harder to access, Andrews said. The concerns she encountered were around transportation and she feared more patients would opt to go to the clinics other sites, adding to crowding there. She was critical over the lack of a pharmacy on the site. She questioned whether 150 Sargent Drive was large enough for its mission and said she would like to see a monitoring system put in place. There are significant quality concerns in transferring over 28,000 more patients to (the Fair Haven and Hill centers,) she said. Andrews said in 2015, Medicaid federally qualified clinics performed more poorly than other patient-centered medical homes in 11 out of 12 measures. Both Fair Haven and the Hill clinics testified that their performances have won awards. She said in 2014, 2015 and 2016, Medicaid patients at federally qualified clinics were significantly more likely to vist and emergency department than other patients. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 NEW HAVEN Governor-elect Ned Lamont reacted cautiously Thursday to several days of good economic news, saying improving tax revenues, economic activity and job creation are coming at what is likely closer to the end than the beginning of an economic expansion in Connecticut and the rest of the U.S. Speaking to reporters after introducing 19 members of a steering committee for his transition, Lamont said he has no intention of balancing his first budget by relying on the suddenly flush rainy day fund that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will be leaving for Lamont, a Democrat who takes office on Jan. 9 with solid Democratic majorities in the General Assembly. House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said use of the rainy day fund undoubtedly will be a matter of conversation with the new administration. Lamont said his administration is intent on making unnamed structural change to the states budget in an effort to break the cycle of budget shortfalls that have plagued Connecticut as it slowly recovers from the Great Recession of 2008. A report this week from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis pegged annualized economic growth in Connecticut at 3.1 percent in the second quarter the same as New York, but trailing Massachusetts. And state tax revenue projections surged, shrinking the projected shortfall in the upcoming two-year budget and leaving Connecticut with nearly $2.1 billion in reserves to combat the deficit. This is not a rainy day, when it comes to the American economy or the Connecticut economy, Lamont said. I think people have elected us to make some big changes going forward, so I dont want to patch, patch, patch through the rainy day fund and other short term fixes. I want a real fix. Lamonts caution is certain to be a source of tension with some members of the General Assembly, especially those intent on increasing state aid to municipalities. Income tax revenues are very volatile, Lamont said. Right now, with a very, very strong economy, revenues are pretty good. But our job over this first budget cycle is to make sure that we fix this structural deficit and make sure we have a reliable and predictable revenue stream so in the good times and not so good times we know what our budget is going to be going forward. Lamont and his running mate, Susan Bysiewicz, said their administration will do everything it can to continue and improve the economic growth. But Lamont, a Greenwich businessman, also showed unease about basing his first budget on an expectation of greater growth. Things are pretty good as you look around the country. Things are good as you look at the state of Connecticut. I dont know whether were in the 7th, 8th or 9th inning of this economic cycle. Its been an extraordinarily positive economic cycle, going back nine years now, Lamont said of the economy, adding that his administration must produce a budget that is balanced even if the economic outlook for the state changes. Lamont will be spending the weekend in Colorado with other recently elected governors at a seminar offered by the National Governors Association. In a monthly jobs report released earlier Thursday, Connecticuts jobless rate remained at 4.2 percent. The year-over-year numbers are starting to become fairly impressive, said Peter Gioia, an economist with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. At 25,700 private-sector jobs, were seeing the potential for one of the best years weve had since the 1980s. Like Lamont, Gioia saw the growth as positive, yet fragile reasons to focus on fiscal stability to workforce development. The important thing right now is for policymakers to do things that will continue this growth and, if possible, accelerate it and not do damage, he said. In 2019, half of House Democrats will be members of a fledgling caucus of progressives committed to reforming Connecticuts tax structure, raising the minimum wage and passing paid family and medical leave. Leaders of the Progressive Democrats Caucus, formed in April, say they will have 45 members, up from 31, when the legislature resumes work in January. Thats 45 out of 92 Democratic state representatives, or nearly a third of the 151-member state House of Representatives. They could create a significant voting bloc. I am just thrilled about the level of excitement, especially from the new members, said state Rep. James Albis, an East Haven Democrat and a co-chair of the caucus, on Wednesday. The caucus has defined progressive as supporting equitable taxation. This generally translates to raising taxes on the rich and lowering them for poorer residents, so the two groups spend more equal percentages of their income on taxes. It could involve changes to the income tax and property tax and possibly others, said Albis. Equitable taxation is in my mind the most important issue that we can deal because it directly impacts the most families, but it is also probably the hardest to deal with, said Albis. The caucus is likely to propose bills on topics like raising the minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, legalizing recreational marijuana and fighting climate change, said Albis. The group, which met for the first time with its new members Sunday in New Haven, is still developing some of its priorities. They may find an ally in Democratic Governor-elect Ned Lamont, who championed these ideas on the campaign trail, as well as in the Senate, which will have 23 Democrats in 2019, many of whom who identify as progressives. More progressives Many newly elected Democrats are embracing the progressive label. At least six of the 45 will be new state representatives, elected in the recent blue wave. They automatically considered that I would be part of it (because) I have a little bit of a reputation of being quite liberal, quite progressive and in favor of the people and not special interests, said state Representative-elect David Michel of Stamford, mentioning his work on Occupy Wall Street outreach and documenting dolphin slaughters in Japan. The trend of more progressives winning election is mirrored on the national level where the Congressional Progressive Caucus is also expected to grow in 2019 from 78 members to more than 98, although several progressive stars and candidates endorsed by the caucus lost in midterm elections. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of New Haven is the only member of Connecticuts Congressional delegation who is now part of Congressional Progressive Caucus. Movement with old roots In reaction to the Tea Party movement of 2009, the presidential bid of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and the election of President Donald Trump, some Democrats have pulled to the left, increasingly embracing the progressive label in national politics, said Gwendoline Alphonso, associate professor of politics at Fairfield University. Todays progressives, like the Progressive Party of the early 20th century, are focused on reforming the status quo to fix social and economic inequalities, said Alphonso, but with a different goal in mind: to equitably redistribute government resources instead of fundamentally transforming government. (Earlier Progressives) were nationalists, said Alphonso. It was about creating national strength and national durability... now when we think about it the discourse of small p progressives is not so much focused on nation it is a little bit but it more focused on specific groups and making sure specific groups have their say in government policy. Its really not so universalist in its approach. In Connecticut, while the current progressive caucus is new, the group is actually a reincarnation of an earlier group that existed from the Vietnam era to 1992. It dissolved after helping to usher in a state income tax in August 1991. The revival was spearheaded by 33-year-old first-term state Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, who in early 2018, questioned House Democrats on where they stood on a slate of progressive issues, charting their responses on a spreadsheet. If they did not espouse progressive views, Elliott threatened he would find a more progressive colleague to challenge them in a primary. He backed a progressive candidate to fill the seat of Rep. Lonnie Reed, D-Branford, who voted for the Republican budget proposal in 2017, but the candidate failed to collect enough signatures to get on the ballot, said Elliott. The reborn progressive caucus was officially announced on April 25, 2018, two weeks before the end of the legislative session. Albis credits the caucus with helping pass a new pay equity law, which prevents employers from asking job candidates about their salary history before extending them an offer. State Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury, first elected in 1988, was a member of the former caucus and now the new one. While the motivations and the circumstances are different, I think the thought process, the focus, still remains what is best for working families, said Godfrey, who jokes that he is the historian of the caucus. With close margins in the state House and a tied Senate making it difficult for new legislation to pass, Godfrey said frustration made the old caucus ripe for return. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson An accused drug dealer struck and injured a Bergen County detective with his car as he fled officers closing in to make an arrest, authorities said Wednesday. Lionel Guerrero, 34, of Philadelphia, is charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, attempting to cause death or bodily injury and drug charges, according to acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo. The incident occurred Monday after detectives from Bergen and Camden counties learned Guerrero would allegedly be selling heroin and meth amphetamines in Camden. The officers placed Guerreros vehicle under surveillance and watched a drug transaction, according to Calo. Officers approached Guerrero and as he fled the scene Guerrero drove his vehicle at the approaching detectives, striking a Bergen County Prosecutors Office detective, Calo said in a statement. The detective was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released, Calo said. The detectives name was not released. Guerrero was arrested Tuesday without incident in Philadelphia by officers from several agencies, including the United States Marshals Service and New Jersey State Police. He was held ahead of an extradition hearing on the New Jersey charges. In addition to assault, Guerrero is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute heroin, according to Calo. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Johnny Bobbitt, one of three accused in the viral GoFundMe saga that generated hundreds of thousands of donation dollars, will head to New Jersey on his charges. Bobbitt waived his rights to an extradition hearing on Thursday in Philadelphia, and will be transferred to Burlington County, New Jersey, court records in Pennsylvania show. But first, he must appear at a hearing in Philadelphia for allegedly violating his probation, which he received in July 2017 after being convicted on drug charges. That probation hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3. Also charged in the alleged scam are Mark DAmico and Kate McClure, a former couple who until a few months ago lived together in Florence, Burlington County. Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Kean University already had a fight on its hands after local union officials complained about treatment of faculty members at a satellite campus in China. And that was before the president of Americas largest teachers union got involved. In a blistering criticism of the public university on Thursday, Randi Weingarten accused Kean of violating American values" and stripping American rights from American workers," escalating what had been a labor and academic debate and reframing it as an unchecked college president operating in un-American way. The fiery news conference in Trenton came after Kean told its faculty at Wenzhou-Kean University, including more than 50 U.S. citizens, that they will soon be considered employees of the satellite campus, will be paid in Chinese currency and will no longer be eligible for representation by the American Federation of Teachers, according to the union. In doing so, Kean President Dawood Farahi jeopardized the safety of American workers who will have fewer labor protections in communist China, Weingarten said. Dr. Farahi does not respect American values, the values of justice, the values of free expression, the values of opportunity," she said. Kean fired back: To say that Farahi, an immigrant from Afghanistan, doesnt promote American values is ignorant and offensive, spokeswoman Karen Smith said. It appeals to a kind of xenophobia that we must all wholeheartedly reject, Smith said. Ms. Weingarten has never met President Farahi; she has never spoken with him; and she has never tried to speak with him. She has no knowledge of what the students at Kean University are all about; clearly, its all about the union dues. Weingarten later said she was not aware Farahi is an immigrant and it wasnt relevant to her remarks. But she added that anyone who came from a country with oppression should know better than to do what Fararhi has and said the Kean president has a history of ignoring anything but Farahi rules. The China campus controversy is the latest fight in the acrimonious relationship between Keans faculty and its administration. Weingarten and other union leaders called on Gov. Phil Murphy to tighten the states hands-off oversight of higher education and asked state lawmakers to demand answers about Keans satellite campus, operated in partnership with the Chinese government. What is going on that New Jersey is allowing Dr. Farahi to do this? It must stop," Weingarten said. "I am mad because this is not supposed to be happening in America. How dare we let it happen right under our eyes? Kean contends the changes will have minimal impact on faculty and the employment model is in line with other U.S. colleges who have campuses in China. The 102 faculty members in China will be paid a salary equivalent to what they would have received as Kean employees, benefits and sick time will remain the same and tenure policy will be equivalent to the one at Kean, Smith said. The Wenzhou-Kean University board recently adopted polices to ensure those rights, Smith said. (That) shows a clear understanding on the part of our Chinese partners of the value of tenure and its impact on academic freedom, Smith said. Kean launched the satellite campus in Wenzhou, a port city on the East China Sea south of Shanghai, in 2012 amid a trend of colleges partnering with the Chinese government in search of big profits. While Kean University oversees academic departments as part of the partnership agreement, the Chinese government is in charge of non-academic functions and appoints eight members to the 15-member governing board, though 10 votes are needed for major decisions, according to the university. Though the union already raised concerns about the impact on academic freedom and integrity, Kean has said it will retain control over academics and all senior managers will remain Kean employees. Zakiya Smith-Ellis, the states Secretary of Higher Education, previously asked Kean for information about the changes and will decide if any further action is necessary, according to the state. But New Jersey has a history of giving autonomy to its public colleges, and union leaders questioned whether Smith-Ellis has any power to enforce changes at Kean. There are no current plans for a legislative hearing on the issue, said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, chair of the Higher Education Committee. But Jasey, D-Essex, added that "nothing should be off the table. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The only thing New Jerseyians love more than Wawa might be beer. If youre willing to make a trip to Pennsylvania, you soon will be able to combine those two loves. Wawa is working with 2SP Brewing Company to craft 2SP + Wawa Winter Reserve Coffee Stout, a beer steeped with Wawas Reserve Winter Blend Coffee. According to Philly.com, the beer will be launched on Dec. 6 at the Wawa at 721 Naamans Creek Road in Chadds Ford, Pa., the only such store in Pennsylvania that sells beer. While New Jersey may love Wawa, youll have to make a trip to Pennsylvania to try the beer. Its being exclusively distributed in Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties at bars and liquor stores, with just 1,000 cases being made. The idea for the beer was birthed when the brewerys team was drinking Wawa coffee during a meeting in October, 2SP director of sales and marketing Michael Contreras told Philly.com. Next thing you know, we are trying each one, talking about the merits of each coffee, similar to the way we do with beer, Contreras said. It seemed like the only thing we agreed on that day was our taste in coffee. Then it occurred to us; Why dont we hit up our neighbors at Wawa and see if they had any interest in brewing a coffee stout with us? Wawa executives visited the brewery shortly after for a tasting and to make the project come together. This is an exclusive blend that was handpicked by Wawas World Traveling Coffee Guru Michael McLaughlin, who sought to make a coffee with flavors of sweet clove, dark chocolate, and graham crackers perfect for the winter months," 2SP Brewing Company said in an Instagram post. Our head brewer, Bob Barrar, who, like Wawa, is a Delaware County native chose to steep the beans in an oatmeal stout, a style that has a balanced sweetness to showcase the full range of flavors of the coffee. The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes a time of bland safety on New Jersey stages. Witness Exhibit A: "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn" at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. A less-than-inventive remake of the 1942 classic film that stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, the show is an old-fashioned musical that feels precisely like an old-fashioned musical. We've got high-energy dance numbers full of tap dancing and flowing dresses, sweet duets buoyed by a melody of romance, kitschy jokes, wholesome values, and a love story whose obvious culmination is delayed only by necessity of a full-length show. No risks, and presumably all the rewards that have made the Great American Musical such a sure-fire hit for more than sixty years. And who's to blame the Paper Mill or any other regional theater for trotting out the safe bet around the holidays? Not me. Patrons love it--the pair in front of me on opening night were just about brought to their feet mid-show in enthusiasm over a jump-rope-cum-tap-dance routine--and this time of year is important for theaters' operating budgets. A little wholesome holiday razzmatazz is a great way for the Paper Mill to get some fannies into its wonderfully cushy new seats. Just don't expect many surprises, any challenges to form or content. Those things can wait until after the new year. The holidays seem to be a time to dish out the familiar and expected, a task that "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn" is happy to oblige. I once heard Jerry Seinfeld tell a joke about life in show business. A bus carrying a full orchestra to their winter concert breaks down across a snow-driven field from the concert hall. The musicians get out and trudge themselves and their instruments through the bitterly cold night and wet snow toward their show, when they notice a little cottage along the way with a waft of smoke floating wistfully from the chimney. Peering in the window, they see a perfectly cozy family, warm and content. The tuba player--freezing, wet, burdened by his instrument's mass--comments to his compatriots, "How can anybody live like that?!" The implication is the show business is a life of vitality and the very lifeblood of performers: one does not simply stop performing any more than one stops blood from flowing. This tension lies at the heart of "Holiday Inn." Jim (Nicholas Rodriguez), his girlfriend Lila (Paige Faure), and Ted (Jeff Kready) have a successful three-person act that Jim interrupts by buying a farm in Connecticut to which he intends to sweep Lila has his new bride. She has no interest in leaving the road of performance for the country life, so the relationship breaks down, and Jim retreats to Connecticut all by his lonesome. There he meets Linda (Hayley Podschun)--beautiful, single, and full of music: it's destiny! Turns out Jim can't shake the performance bug quite as easily as he had thought, and the new farm becomes a holiday-themed supper club. Song and dance springs up with little provocation, and love blooms in exactly the places we would expect. Under the direction of Gordon Greenberg (who also directed the show's Broadway 2016 run and co-wrote the book with Chad Hodge), this production does a perfectly serviceable job of offering a showpiece for timeless Irving Berlin songs like "Blues Skies" and "White Christmas." The cast seems to have fun playing these mid-century throwback characters, as each of the principles finds some moments for levity or meta-awareness. Some of the best moments come from the comic relief of Ann Harada and Jordan Gelber (who delivers the show's one killer joke, mocking Connecticut's WASP infestation). Choreographer Denis Jones (who garnered a Tony nomination for his work on this show's Broadway residence) frequently whips his full cast into impressively organized frenzy, but also finds some moments for a more delicate touch. The plot builds off of an inherent dance-partner chemistry that emerges between Ted and Linda, a condition captured nicely by Jones, Kready, and Podschun. So there is little that is surprising here, and little that is exciting, but a whole lot that is familiar and well loved by many. Perhaps not much in the show will inspire you to stand up and cheer, but at least there are cushy new seats to keep you comfortable on your journey through the paces of a classic musical. IRVING BERLIN'S HOLIDAY INN Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn Tickets available online (https://tickets.papermill.org/). Running through December 30. Patrick Maley may be reached at patrickjmaley@gmail.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @PatrickJMaley. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook. Operation 'Tarp the Panhandle' being spearheaded by the Mullica Hill Rotary Club is looking to hit the ground running over the next several months as they look to work with and train other rotary clubs on tarping homes in the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Pandhandle, which is the northwestern section of Florida, was ravaged by Hurricane Michael in early October. Hurricane Michael was the strongest storm on record in the Florida Panhandle and caused over $14 billion in damages. Bud Verfaillie, one of the individuals involved with this operation, spoke with the rotary district governor down in the panhandle, John Madina, about the devastation in the area. Verfaillie mentioned his experience with tarping with a volunteer group after Hurricane Irma. In the conversation, a plan was developed to help train other rotary teams in tarping where they can come to the panhandle and assist in helping people move back into their homes. Verfaillie and the team traveled down to the panhandle for a little over the week to kick off the process. The primary focus was to lend a hand toward middle to low-income communities. The Mullica Hill Rotary poses for a picture during a recent trip to the Florida Panhandle to help hurricane victims. (Photo Provided) "We were the first team to go down there because we had to test the logistics since this has never been done before," said Verfaillie. There's a huge amount of decisions or processes that need to be put in place. So, we were actually the very first team to go down there and to come up with a process that can be replicated. Since we've been there, we've had a team that followed us last Friday and there's two more teams going out this week and so more and more teams will be coming out based upon the groundwork we laid out." As far as other local rotary clubs, Verfaillie says a rotary club within the Medford and Marlton area is interested in sending a group out to help once they get insight on the process. Verfaillie said an organization called Operation Blessing is also going to work with the rotary club on the logistics of the inspection of the homes. "It's a Christian based organization," said Verfaillie. "They're in 39 countries and they're actually going to help with the logistics of doing the inspections of the homes prior to the teams going out because that's one of the important things we need to do is that, our objective was to identify structurally sound homes that were missing some or all of the shingles that if we could get a tarp on that home, those families would not get rained on. So, the objective is to try and stop the water from coming in. And so, you have to have an inspection done." The amount of time it takes to tarp a home or trailer varies. Verfaillie describes the process as "pretty grueling physically" between the actual project and the traveling time. Verfaillie and the team traveled by truck for 23 and half hours from Mullica Hill to Panama City, Florida. They took 800 eight-foot furring strips, 80 sheets of plywood, 90 two-by-fours, a generator, air compressor, nail guns, over 80 tarps, 50 cases of canned goods, 15 sets of box spring and mattresses, and also what Verfaillie describes as "a lot of energy and determination." Verfaillie also wrote a volunteers operation manual and did a YouTube video titled 'Operation Tarp the Panhandle' for volunteers who are new to the process surrounding. Two teams plan to head out to the Tampa Bay area to follow on what the previous group did and use some of supplies donated to them. The team hopes to spread the word to other rotary groups and district governors east of Mississippi and south of Canada. "We're going to encourage them to send some teams down over the next couple of months to help out," said Verfaillie. "Because these people are going to be digging out for months. People don't understand the middle of the panhandle's gone. This is not something that's going to go away and they're going to be okay in a month or two months. We're talking about some can be six months to a year or longer because many of these people don't have insurance." The Mullica Hill Rotary club encourages those who want to contribute to 'Operation Tarp the Panhandle' to do so in any way they can. That includes spreading the word, donating supplies, and even going down to the panhandle to lend a hand. For more information on the ongoing project, those can contact Bud Verfaillie budv@victoryfiduciary.com BAYONNE -- The city says it has plans to make Route 440 safer, it just needs help paying for it. In an op-ed published Wednesday, the city outlined ways it is addressing traffic safety concerns on Route 440, most notably by requesting design bids for a pedestrian bridge near the 34th Street Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station. It has also applied for federal grants to build a pedestrian bridge to the South Cove Commons plaza and has "authorized engineering services" for a similar bridge to the Bayonne Crossing plaza. Five people have died in four years on a short stretch of Route 440, including a 22-year-old pedestrian, Christian Rodriguez, who was struck and killed on Nov. 7. The driver, Abanoub Malek, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident. With the onset of new development in the city, the busy roadway has morphed from an industrial-era back highway linking the New Jersey Turnpike and the Bayonne Bridge to the dividing line between the heart of the city and new shopping malls and housing developments. Development on both sides of the highway is booming and will certainly increase pedestrian traffic in coming years. But any additional "elevated pedestrian bridge across Route 440" near the South Cove Commons or Bayonne Crossing plaza "will have expenses that run into the multi-millions of dollars" and are "beyond the resources of the city alone," Mayor Jimmy Davis and his administration wrote in the op-ed responding to a previous Jersey Journal editorial on Route 440 safety. Not all agree with the city. Michael Embrich, the head of the Bayonne Center for Progress, suggested the city bond debt to build a pedestrian bridge, which the city has done to fix an aqueduct leak and to buy property for the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation. "So far the city has bonded debt to buy property for developers, buy properties for other governmental agencies, as well as borrow money for a corporation (Suez)," he said. "Public safety is the most important responsibility of government and should be the City of Bayonne's top priority." Joe Ryan, a spokesman for the city, said that "with a price tag of $5 million each, bonding for an unspecified number of pedestrian bridges could be cost-prohibitive." "It's a state road, too," added Third Ward Councilman Gary La Pelusa Sr. "It's something that the city just can not afford to out and pay for at this moment. But I think if we can get some funding with the state, we might be able to do something along those lines to get the money." He added that any bonds issued would increase the pressure on an already heavily taxed population. "If we could get some grant money to really cushion the blow where it doesn't cost the taxpayer as much, then I would seriously think about that," La Pelusa said. "But otherwise I really don't want to overburden the taxpayers who are already paying high rates of taxes." The city has been strained under a deep financial deficit since 1999, which is only now starting to dig it's way out of. At its peak in 2013, the structural deficit stood at $30.4 million. Officials have now indicated it is around $17 million, and will continue to decrease as new residential developments come on line. While major financial decisions weigh heavy on the city, some say there are other ways the city can mitigate safety issues on the highway. Patrick Conlon, the president of Bike JC who sits on Jersey City's Vision Zero task force, suggested reconfiguring the timing of the pedestrian lights at the 22nd Street and 32nd Street crosswalks to allow pedestrians additional time to cross. "The city has to make a decision whether they want to have their intersections safer for pedestrians," he said. Other pedestrians say police officers should be designated as crossing guards. "They should put a cop there; those lights are meaningless, drivers don't pay attention to them," said John Kuchler, 67, of Willow Street. "These cars, when that light turns, they're shooting out (and) you better be out of their way." Corey W. McDonald may be reached at cmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @coreymacc. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- Jury selection was nearly complete for the murder trial of a Jersey City man charged in a 2017 fatal shooting, but the 24-year-old accepted a plea deal that will cut his jail time down to a maximum of eight years. Dominque Green's 11th hour agreement with prosecutors Wednesday resulted in him pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter. Green, who was accused of gunning down 19-year-old Rasheed Raysor on May 9, 2017 on Woodlawn Avenue, stood trial earlier this year, but the case ended with a hung jury. "This is the first time they came down to eight and the judge said we could ask for five at sentencing," said defense attorney Scott Finckenauercontinued, adding the prior plea offer had been for 12 years. "When you're facing life in prison, that's a big risk to take." Finckenauer noted that the prosecution had problems with a key witness during the first trial and said the witness would most likely be a problem again in the retrial. During the first trial, the 28-year-old woman testified that she saw Green shoot Raysor. But she also admitted that on the day of the homicide she told investigators she didn't know anything about the killing. Green is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 8 by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mark Nelson in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. Green has been in jail since his arrest in May 2017. The trial was to be prosecuted by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Keith Travers. JERSEY CITY A second Jersey City police officer is seeking back pay and legal fee reimbursement from the city after criminal charges she faced were dismissed in October. Police Lt. Kelly Chesler was suspended without pay between her June 2016 indictment and Oct. 23, when all charges against her were dropped. County prosecutors had charged Chesler along with two other cops and a retired officer of conspiring to falsify timesheets. In a two-count lawsuit filed in Hudson County Superior Court on Thursday, Chesler's attorney, Jeff Garrigan, said the city has "refused and/or failed" to reimburse Chesler for her legal fees or pay her for the time she was suspended. "They have very bright people in the law department in Jersey City," Garrigan told The Jersey Journal. "So I am confident they will do what the law requires them to do and not waste any more of the taxpayers' money by engaging in protracted litigation on these issues." One of Chesler's co-defendants, Michael O'Neill, filed a similar lawsuit against the city on Monday. Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mirtha Ospina dismissed the charges against O'Neill on Oct. 12, about five weeks into the trial. Then, when prosecutors said they could no longer prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, Ospina dismissed the charges against Chesler and co-defendant Joe Ascolese two weeks later. After Ospina dismissed all the charges, Jersey City changed its policy of suspending cops without pay following arrests or indictments. With some exceptions, cops facing charges will not be suspended more than 30 days. According to letters Garrigan submitted along with the Nov. 29 lawsuit, Garrigan told Jersey City before the trial that it had an obligation to pay for Chesler's defense because the alleged offenses stemmed from her duties as a police officer. The city responded by saying it had that obligation only for allegations related to a "lawful exercise of police powers" and it did not believe Chesler was entitled to a city-paid defense. In an Oct. 31 letter Garrigan sent to the city, Garrigan said he expects the city to promote Chesler to deputy chief. If she had not been indicted, she would have been promoted to captain then deputy chief by August 2018, he said in the letter. The amount Chesler is seeking is not specified in the lawsuit. Her annual salary is roughly $147,700. She is also seeking reimbursement for health-care costs and other damages. The fourth person charged in the case, Michael Maietti, agreed following the indictment to testify against the other three. Prosecutors never called him to the stand. He was accepted into a pretrial program intended for first-time offenders. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. On Monday, Nov. 26, NJ Sharing Network hosted a sendoff event for Berkeley Heights resident Jim Rhatican, who will ride on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float in Pasadena, California, in January. Rhatican is a liver recipient who will be flying to Pasadena on the 10th anniversary of his transplant; he will serve as a NJ Sharing Network float rider honoree. NJ Sharing Network, which annually sponsors families to participate on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, holds send-off events in their honor. The Donate Life Rose Parade Float serves as a memorial to organ and tissue donors and a platform for donor families, living donors and transplant recipients to inspire the world to save and heal those in need through the gift of life. A retired teacher, Rhatican got involved with NJ Sharing Network's High School Program and has spoken to hundreds of students about the importance of organ and tissue donation. He has also told his story at health fairs and to doctors, nurses and other hospital staff throughout New Jersey. His 5K Celebration of Life team, The Rhat Pack, has participated in the annual event since 2012. Rhatican says that he is continuously moved by students, teachers and parents who tell him their stories and thank him for his communications efforts. Our work began in 2017 with a single police officer in Central Jersey. The family of a 16-year-old claimed in a Facebook post that a Carteret officer "savagely" beat their son after a brief car chase. They included photos of severe injuries to his face. Two days after reporter Craig McCarthy's story was published on NJ.com, officer Joseph Reiman was charged with assault. He has pleaded not guilty. Could Carteret have known Reiman might be at risk of violent behavior? From the time Reiman was hired in 2015, the 50-person department logged 115 incidents in which an officer used force, records show. Reiman accounted for 24 of them, more than one-fifth the entire department's total and twice as many as the next officer. Carteret's civilian police commissioner said Reiman was simply a "proactive" cop. But why didn't he raise red flags within the county prosecutor's office or the state Attorney General's Office, which are both responsible for overseeing local police? In truth, it could have been Carteret, Carlstadt or Carney's Point. In the 17 years since the Attorney General's Office first required police to report when they use force, in hopes of identifying problematic officers, departments and trends, the system has been virtually ignored. It took a landmark New Jersey Supreme Court ruling 16 months ago to make these reports fully available to the public. To produce The Force Report, NJ Advance Media filed 506 public records requests and collected 72,677 use-of-force forms covering 2012 through 2016. They cover every municipal police department in New Jersey, as well as the State Police. The results are now available at nj.com/force, the most comprehensive statewide database of police force in the U.S. If you have basic questions about the project or how to search the database but don't want all the technical stuff, check out our friendly Frequently Asked Questions page. For the rest of the nitty-gritty, keep reading this methodology ... REQUESTING THE RECORDS Prior to the court ruling, numerous reporters at NJ Advance Media had attempted to build a statewide database of police force over the past decade, only to run into major roadblocks. Police departments refused to release use-of-force reports, or agreed to release them but would redact officer names, making it impossible to identify outliers or meaningful trends. To build The Force Report database, reporters initially sought reports dating back 10 years, from 2007 through 2016, but were told by departments that many older forms were inaccessible in storage, had been lost or were otherwise not available. The requests were eventually narrowed to five years, from 2012 through 2016, the most recent full year available. Records requests were first filed with all 21 county prosecutors. Under guidelines established by the state Attorney General's Office, local police departments are to report all force incidents to the county prosecutor's office annually in a manner set forth by the prosecutor. Ideally, these should have been a more centralized source for all forms. Offices in five counties -- Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Salem and Sussex -- fulfilled the requests, but the completeness of their records quickly came into question. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office, for example, handed over more than 5,000 forms, but reporters later found thousands more in the hands of local police departments. The rest of the county offices denied the requests or quoted expensive service fees. Monmouth County asked for $4,737 -- 78.95 hours of work at $60 per hour -- to have a records custodian read through the documents, which they said would take three minutes per form. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office denied the request, saying it was impossible to comb through every case file to pull a use-of-force form. This initial round of requests prompted a primary question of the investigation: Who, if anyone, was actually keeping track of these forms and analyzing the valuable data in them? With little confidence in the county records, reporters turned to the police departments themselves. In total, over the course of about seven months, reporters filed 506 public records requests and received 72,677 paper records or digital scans of records. Within days of filing the requests, the reporting effort received a boost when the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police circulated a memo to every department in the state advising them of the requests and encouraging them to turn over records. Still, countless hours were spent on the phone with local records custodians. Some quoted thousands of dollars in fees, while others denied requests outright, saying collecting so many records effectively would shut down their office for days. The city of Trenton sought $1,500 to produce the records, a fee that was negotiated down to $550. Kearny asked for $1,369 for just 150 reports but later provided the records for free when the news organization objected. In South Brunswick, the records custodian said she planned to deny the request even though the police department was expecting it and had already compiled the records. The township provided them after a call to the department. On several occasions, records were provided and fees were reduced after NJ Advance Media made clear the organization would file a lawsuit or make a complaint to the state government records council. Eventually, all but one department was forthcoming. In Hillside, Chief Vincent Ricciardi refused to release the records over the advice of the township's attorney. On Nov. 2, 2017, after more than three months of negotiations, the township agreed to provide one year of records. The news organization objected and, in a letter dated Nov. 7, gave the township one week to comply with the request or face a lawsuit. The records were provided in full and without cost on Nov. 17. BUILDING THE DATABASE Many of the records were a mess. Some were blackened with age or nearly illegible. Others lacked key details, weren't fully completed or lacked the signature of a supervisor, which is required. In Phillipsburg, three years worth of forms can't be accessed because they are under quarantine for mold contamination. In some instances, records custodians provided incorrect years, or there were gaps in the five-year period. Two departments provided the incorrect forms for 2016. And, throughout the reporting process, the news organization continued to identify shortcomings. Reports were missing for some incidents that had been reported in news coverage. In one case, reporters were told forms were never completed. In other cases, officials said they had no idea if the records weren't filled out or if they were just missing. Some reports for fatal force also were missing from the provided records. Those cases, however, are also required to be reported on a separate form, and NJ Advance Media filled the gaps with additional records requests to prosecutors' offices and the Attorney General's Office. In total, the force records contained approximately 3 million individual data points for entry into a database. But none of the forms could be electronically read or converted into a spreadsheet, so NJ Advance Media vetted and hired a third-party company, Invensis, to complete the work. In total, NJ Advance Media spent $30,058 for data entry, $3,745 for public records requests, $1,497 in scanning and organization costs, and $1,500 for a statistician's review. Because force incidents are self-reported by police officers, they inherently contain some human error. Reporters consulted with independent experts to devise an input and review system to minimize any additional errors during data entry. The company input batches of approximately 750 forms per day, which were then audited daily by a rotating team of six reporters. The reporters randomly selected 15 forms, or 2 percent of the daily batch, and checked roughly 600 data points against original records. Only a handful of times did a daily batch exceed the 2 percent error rate, often because of inconsistencies in forms used by different departments. In those instances, the news organization discussed the errors with Invensis and forms were re-entered correctly. The team also combined daily audits into a monthly file and conducted additional audits to identify problems. In total, the audits revealed a 0.6 percent error rate, well within the 2 percent benchmark. CLEANING THE DATABASE Once data entry and audits were completed, NJ Advance Media created a single, master database. Next, the data had to be cleaned and standardized. That included numerous different formats for times, dates, town names, officer ranks, codes and designations for race, as well as a variety of entries for criminal charges. In addition, officers often included mini-narratives to describe the nature of the force used, requiring a manual standardization of those sections to produce a meaningful analysis. The most difficult task was standardizing officer names. In some cases, one individual officer appeared in the database with five different name spellings. Reporters used identifiers such as badge numbers, state pension records and news archives to find errors. The team assigned unique IDs to each officer and incident. This helped prevent errors if different officers in separate departments had the same name. It also ensured standard analysis in instances in which a single incident of force involved multiple officers. Duplicate forms also posed a challenge. Each member of the team employed a different method for searching the database to identify and remove duplicate entries. The cleaning also identified numerous cases in which force incidents involved animals -- in particular, deer. Most animal entries were eliminated for the purpose of analysis. Analyzing the data by department required the creation of a data crosswalk showing towns that department policed. The team also used FBI data to calculate detailed arrest rates by department, allowing for more meaningful analysis of categories such as race. Additional data from the U.S. Census and other sources was used. Even that process revealed significant shortcomings. For example, reporters discovered the Bridgeton police department had failed to report more than 4,000 arrests to the FBI over a four-year span, from 2012 through 2015. Finally, NJ Advance Media hired an independent statistician -- John Lamberth, an expert in police statistics -- to check its equations, calculations and methodology and to comment on its overall presentation of the data. Modifications were made as a result of Lamberth's suggestions. KNOWING THE LIMITATIONS This a living, breathing and imperfect database. Using force is a normal and necessary part of policing. This is not a database of police misconduct. A high number of uses of force does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. Use-of-force incidents are self-reported, and thus, forms are dependent on the accuracy of the completing officer. And that's if a form was completed at all, and if it was turned over under the public record requests. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the integrity of the available data, some small percentage of error is inevitable. Not everyone interprets the statewide guidelines for reporting force the same. Some departments or officers may be more rigorous about reporting, thus making it appear as though their numbers are higher. Statewide baselines for force help account for these inconsistencies. Comparative data for the use of K-9s or Tasers was excluded from the database because few departments reported using those types of force. In addition, comparisons of how often subjects or officers were hospitalized were excluded because of inconsistent reporting. Data on whether a subject was marked as under the influence was not captured because officers usually do not drug test or conduct a sobriety test unless someone is suspected of driving under the influence. As a result, the variable was unreliable. NJ Advance Media is not providing case-by-case images of the 72,677 hard-copy forms to protect the privacy of subjects. Many forms contain personal information, including that of juveniles, victims of domestic violence or those who suffer from mental illness. Still, this project represents the most comprehensive statewide database of police force in the U.S. and serves as an unparalleled resource for the residents of New Jersey. And we need your help to improve it. If you see errors in the database or know specific incidents that are missing, please contact forcereport@njadvancemedia.com. You can view our log of changes here. You can download aggregate data for every local police department. Or you can sign up to be notified when the full dataset will be available. Read more from The Force Report: How N.J.'s system for stopping potentially abusive cops broke down An overview of the major findings from this investigation Search your town and local police officers to see how much force they use They claimed they were victims of police brutality. Read their stories. Everything you need to know about how police use force, from A-Z See how often police in every N.J. town punch, kick or use other force (MAP) Frequently Asked Questions about The Force Report The Force Report is a continuing investigation of police use of force in New Jersey. Read more from the series or search your local police department and officers in the full the database. We are continuing to make this dataset better. The numbers in this story were last updated Jan. 8, 2019. See the changes weve made here. Behind every baton blow and broken bone, every compliance hold and gunshot wound, there are piles and piles of paper. Somebody had to be keeping tabs, right? Almost two decades ago, the state Attorney General's Office ordered police officers in New Jersey to document every single time they used force against another person. The goal was to make sure nobody with a badge abused the greatest authority granted them. The timing was no accident: The state was reeling from one embarrassing episode after another of racial profiling and controversial shootings. The public was losing faith. In response, state authorities could show they were keeping watch, creating an encyclopedia of the most mundane and most violent arrests. The documents would be reviewed by superior officers, and annual reports would be sent to county prosecutors and the attorney general. They also envisioned something far greater: a statewide database that would flag bad officers and identify others who needed intervention. It would inform policy changes and improve training. It would bolster public confidence. Policing in New Jersey would forever be changed. Fast forward 17 years: The force forms, if completed at all, are tucked in filing cabinets and stashed away in cardboard boxes in every corner of the state. They are rarely closely examined, current and former law enforcement officials say. Thousands of them are incomplete, scrawled in illegible handwriting or even quarantined because of mold. Taken together, they are a monument to two decades of failure to deliver on a system that promised to provide analysis, oversight and standard practices for using force. Worse, the central system that would flag potentially dangerous cops for review was never created. So we built one. The Force Report, a 16-month investigation by NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, is built on five years of data and 72,677 pages of documents. It details every reported incident of force from 2012 through 2016, the most recent year of data available for the state's 468 local police departments and the State Police. The resulting analysis reveals troubling trends that have escaped scrutiny. Just 10 percent of officers accounted for 38 percent of all uses of force. A total of 252 officers used force more than five times the state average. And across New Jersey, black people were more than three times as likely to face police force than white people. These statistics are at the heart of stories to come for the next few months as The Force Report morphs into the most comprehensive examination of police use of force ever undertaken in New Jersey. As part of that effort, NJ Advance Media is making its entire database available to the public, letting anyone search by officer name or town, and ask questions similar to what reporters and editors have been asking for the past year. How, for example, did a patrolman in Millville, a small city in South Jersey, report more uses of force than nearly any other cop in the state? Why did police in the leafy suburb of Maplewood report using force at a rate higher than Newark, Camden or the New Jersey State Police? And why had the Attorney General's Office, which over the years improved standards for investigating high-profile police shootings and investigating officer misconduct, all but given up on using this data for oversight? Using force is a normal and necessary part of policing, but it's also one of the most serious ways officers can abuse their power. Excessive force causes needless injuries, erodes public trust and can cost taxpayers millions of dollars in lawsuits. Until recently, many departments refused to hand over the use-of-force forms without redacting officer names and other key details, making it impossible for outsiders to see which officers used the most force. That changed in 2017, when a landmark state Supreme Court ruling ordered police to release the complete forms to the public. That's when we went to work. Using the state Open Public Records Act, NJ Advance Media filed 506 requests for use-of-force forms covering every municipal police department and the State Police. The news organization spent more than $30,000 to extract the information from those paper records and build an electronic database detailing five years of punches, takedowns and shootings. "That's exactly the kind of analytics that we wanted to have when we initiated it," said John Farmer Jr., the former state attorney general who enacted the first policy requiring use-of-force reporting in 2001. "The intent of requiring these reports was to enable police executives, police management and, ultimately, the AG's office to figure out what's going on and, frankly, undertake the kind of analysis you're undertaking," Farmer said. "I'm half-kidding, but you really have done their job for them." Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said officials at every level in New Jersey have been "asleep at the wheel," failing to scrutinize use-of-force trends and outliers. "It was being recorded, but if the data is not being looked at or an analysis isn't being done, then why are we capturing it?" Ambrose said. Presented with an overview of NJ Advance Media's findings, current Attorney General Gurbir Grewal promised to overhaul the system. That includes fixing New Jersey's early warning system announced earlier this year and creating a statewide, electronic database of force. He declined, however, to say exactly how the reforms would be implemented, or when. "The hoops you had to jump through to get this data are completely unnecessary," said Grewal, who took office in January. "It shouldn't have taken you a year and 500 OPRA requests, and we're committed to making this data more available, not just to the media but to the public. "Folks have a right to know this information." MAKING A PAPER TRAIL New Jersey's use-of-force reports are born from bloodshed. You can trace their history all the way back to a spate of police shootings on the state's highways. Farmer, who was named attorney general in 1999, was sworn in just one day after police killed a Morristown man, Stanton Crew, after a car chase along Route 80 in Parsippany. A year earlier, the term "racial profiling" entered the mainstream amid scrutiny of a State Police shooting involving four young black and Hispanic men on the New Jersey Turnpike. Authorities were under public pressure to make sure the investigations were above board. But when they tried to review cases, Farmer said, "it was difficult because of the absence of any kind of paper trail." His office assembled a committee to recommend reforms. One year later, the committee released a 10-page document that forever would change how New Jersey officers tracked force. The new template required details such as the name, age, race and ethnicity of the officer and suspect. But it also required officers to log every twist of the arm, kick in the ribs or use of pepper spray. The primary reason for the forms was in the state's self-interest, to create a written record in case lawsuits or citizen complaints arose. But officials also saw them as a data source to inform better policing, allowing for intervention and potentially preventing problems, said Wayne Fisher, now a criminal justice professor at Rutgers University, who chaired the committee as deputy director at the state Division of Criminal Justice. "The numbers in and of themselves rarely provide a clear conclusion about use of force," Fisher said. "But it is an indicator of agencies and officers who deserve scrutiny." Fisher said that while the attorney general has the authority to order every department in the state to fill out the forms, the office doesn't control local budgets. So as departments across the state installed sophisticated computers in their patrol cars and mounted cameras on their uniforms, the reports themselves stayed analog. Many were handwritten, stored as faded carbon copies or created on a computer only to be printed out and filed away in hard copy. An illegible use-of-force form provided by Franklin Township. Grewal, the current attorney general, said it was always within the office's power to fix it -- it just never did. Digital reporting should be a "no-brainer" in 2018, he said, noting that his office maintains secure online portals for police agencies to input other kinds of data. "The way our system is structured in New Jersey, with the attorney general having oversight of law enforcement, I think that gives us the ability to require this kind of reporting," he said. "We should be able to analyze it in a hundred different ways to identify patterns, and we're committed to doing that." A PATCHWORK OF POLICIES Most oversight of local police departments in New Jersey falls to the state's 21 county prosecutors. They are appointed by the governor and answer to the attorney general. The same is true for monitoring use of force, resulting in a decentralized and patchwork system. Prosecutors are primarily concerned with whether an officer did anything illegal, current and former law enforcement officials said, and few offices perform the kind of analysis that would identify trends or prevent problems. "They'll prosecute the egregious case, but for every egregious case, there's probably a whole lot more on the fringes that needs to be addressed that don't get addressed," said Jon Shane, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and former Newark cop. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said her office receives only aggregate numbers from local departments, relying instead on other indicators in her county's early warning system to detect troubling trends. "I'm not saying that it's not laudable to look at the data, and maybe as a result of what you're giving me, we might take a closer look at that," Webb-McRae said. "But we focus on the incidents we're dealing with and how we can improve based on the specific facts." Officials in only six of the state's 21 counties said they maintained copies of all use-of-force reports from the local departments they oversee, but NJ Advance Media found entire towns missing from troves of reports turned over by county prosecutors in response to records requests. Most counties primarily rely on superficial, one-page annual summaries that don't drill down into which officers are using force, or against whom. Even in offices that do monitor every use-of-force case, problems easily slip through the cracks. A 2008 memo from the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office to police chiefs chided "some departments" because their forms "have not been consistently filed" as required by the state. In Union County, authorities said they review every form -- about 900 per year -- from the county's 21 departments. But NJ Advance Media's review found hundreds of reports filed in Elizabeth, the county's largest city, that had not been signed by a department supervisor. This form, provided by the Elizabeth police department, contained no officer name or supervisor signature. In response to the news organization's inquiry, the office said it was moving to an improved tracking system. Even Grewal, the current attorney general, said that during his time as Bergen County prosecutor, inconsistent reporting practices and vague state guidelines made use-of-force forms useless as an oversight tool. "Our county prosecutors are the chief law enforcement officers in their county, and it's their obligation to supervise law enforcement operations in their counties, which includes prosecuting and investigating crimes but also ensuring that officers are trained properly and that they're acting properly in their counties," he said. "So it's incumbent on me to give them the tools to do that. They haven't had those tools." He said prosecutors should use The Force Report database to identify and investigate potential problem areas. LACKING 'EARLY WARNINGS' Without meaningful checks at the county level, local departments are left to do the bulk of monitoring. The quality of oversight varies dramatically there, too. After two Bloomfield officers, Sean Courter and Orlando Trinidad, went to prison for falsifying records related to an excessive force case, the department hired outside supervisors to review reports, as well as dashboard and body camera footage, every time one of its officers uses force. "Those two cops were beyond aggressive out in the street and clearly should have been flagged and weren't," said Police Director Samuel DeMaio, who was brought on in the aftermath of the scandal. "They sit in prison today because the department failed them." In Middlesex County, a Carteret officer accounted for one-fifth of all uses of force by officers in the 50-person department over a two-year period. But that pattern never came to light until after the officer, Joseph Reiman, was indicted on accusations of assaulting a teenager after a brief car chase. Reiman has denied any wrongdoing. The case has yet to go to trial. In March, the Attorney General's Office announced a major overhaul of the state's oversight of police, requiring all departments to implement "early warning systems" to identify potentially problematic officers for intervention, training and, if necessary, discipline. The system requires departments to monitor its rank and file for 14 various red flags such as misconduct, lawsuits, domestic abuse and drunken driving. But the directive does not require any analysis of use-of-force trends. Only instances ruled excessive by a court or an internal investigation, a process that can take months or years, must be considered. Experts said that was hardly an "early warning" for one of the greatest powers given to police. "That's dumb," said Seth Stoughton, a former police officer who teaches law at the University of South Carolina. "It is. By the time you get to an excessive force complaint, the problem has already manifested." Many departments voluntarily monitor uses of force as part of intervention systems to comply with national accreditation standards. In New Jersey, while attorney general directives are mandatory, the accreditation is voluntary, and fewer than half of the state's departments have or are in the process of obtaining it, according to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Stoughton said most uses of police force are legally justified but that even repeated instances of legal force might call for policy changes in a given unit, shift or department. "You look for things that can be signals -- not definitely are signals, but can be signals of problems," Stoughton said. "When you get a red flag, the red flag is to draw your attention to the officer so you can figure out if they're going to be a potential problem. "It's not rocket science here," he said. "We're talking about Supervision 101." In an interview earlier this week, Grewal said state authorities were "revising the directive as we speak" and considering additional metrics. "Departments were free to do more - and already do," Grewal said. "I can tell you with the State Police, with our early warning system, we do look at all use-of-force reports in our early warning system, and any two use-of-force reports will trigger a review. With respect to including it in the directive, I wouldn't foreclose us from adding it. "It's a process," the attorney general said. "I don't have all the answers now." Read more from The Force Report: Staff writers Rebecca Everett, Stephen Stirling, Carla Astudillo, Disha Raychaudhuri, Erin Petenko and Blake Nelson contributed to this report. The Force Report is a continuing investigation of police use of force in New Jersey. Read more from the series or search your local police department and officers in the full the database. We are continuing to make this dataset better. The numbers in this story were last updated Jan. 8, 2019. See the changes weve made here. Two Ocean County residents manufactured and sold heroin and fentanyl laced pills in their homes that were produced to resemble Xanax and Oxycodone, authorities said. H J Zaker Sindel, 26, of Brick and Mary C. Mazzi, 38, of Berkeley were charged Monday with a slew of drug offenses after investigators obtained search warrants and located pills that resembled the well-known prescription drugs as well as three handguns at the two residences, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said in a statement Wednesday. Both were charged with maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility as well as possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Sindel is also charged with multiple weapons offenses and possession of fentanyl. The public should understand the dangers of purchasing prescription pills without a prescription and outside of a licensed pharmacy, prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. These pills may contain heroin, fentanyl, or other unknown and dangerous, sometimes fatal substances. Both were sent to the Ocean County jail. The Ocean County Sheriffs Office as well as Brick and Berkeley police assisted the prosecutors office in the investigation. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. By Matt Valliere My dear friend, the late J.J. Hanson Marine combat veteran, civil servant under two Democratic governors, husband, father, and brain cancer victim was adamantly and unshakably opposed to the legalization of doctor-assisted suicide. In New Jersey, the so-called Aid in Dying bill A1504 is awaiting vote. The author of a recent op-ed wrote that J.J. understood why a dying woman would request assisted suicide, but it would be wrong for anyone to think that J.J. would approve of this dangerous public policy. J.J. never divulged to me what was exchanged in the limited contact he had with the author of that op-ed, because the two promised each other to keep it between them, and J.J. kept his promises. J.J. was a man of his word, and, on the issue of assisted suicide public policy, his words for the last three years of his life were to defend vulnerable patients, like himself, who are put at risk of deadly harm through the mistakes, abuse, and coercion that happen when doctors licitly prescribe suicide. J.J.s widow, Kristen Hanson, also woman of her word, is now fulfilling a promise she made to her husband on his deathbed to continue fighting the legalization of assisted suicide. J.J. outlived a grim four-month prognosis. A couple years past his prognosis, he told me with a tremor in his voice, Five months in, I was depressed. At that time, I needed counseling; I needed help, not suicide pills. If I had had those pills on my nightstand then, I dont know if Id be here with you now. You see, once the prescription of 100 pills leaves the pharmacy, there is zero oversight. There are no provisions to assure that the person is competent at the time the overdose is taken or that they knowingly and willingly take the drugs. No disinterested witness required. No third-party reporting. If someone were experiencing acute depression or were tricked or forced, no one would ever know. The so-called safeguards in assisted suicide laws are weak and hollow, as well as completely absent at the time of suicide when the patient ingests drugs that cause death. Valliere: J.J. outlived a grim four-month prognosis. A couple years past his prognosis, he told me with a tremor in his voice, Five months in, I was depressed. At that time, I needed counseling; I needed help, not suicide pills. (Photo: Hanson Family) The bill requires a person to have a six month or less prognosis, but someone like J.J. might have thrown away good years by the all-too-common errors in prognostication. While proponents often suggest that assisted suicide is only for last resort scenarios when there are only weeks or days left, physical pain is not among the top five reasons Oregonians request the lethal drugs. And for those last resort scenarios, palliative care has come so far in the last decade, experts in the field say that if someone is experiencing pain at the end of life, they need a new doctor. Is it not better to erase the suffering without erasing the sufferer? Proponents claim that there have been no abuses in 20 years of Oregon law, ignoring patients like Barbara Wagner, Randy Stroup, Stephanie Packer and others whose government or for-profit health insurance providers can, have, and will continue to deny or delay coverage for treatment that patients need and their doctors prescribed, instead offering to cover comparatively cheap suicide pills. When assisted suicide becomes law under our broken, profit-driven health-care system, patients from Mountain Lakes may continue to enjoy real medical options, while doctor-assisted suicide becomes the only treatment to which expensive patients from Camden have equal access. With the increased price of seconal, however, the standard barbiturate drug used in assisted suicides, some have been recklessly experimenting on actual patients with alternatives to achieve death. Their goal: make suicide even cheaper than it already is. Kaiser Health News reports that the first drug cocktail they tried, turned out to be too harsh, burning patients' mouths and throats, causing some to scream in pain ... The second drug mix, used 67 times, has led to deaths that stretched out hours in some patients -- and up to 31 hours in one case. One of the pro-suicide doctors involved in this trial-and-error methodology, Dr. Carol Parrot, said, "Patients and families are told to expect sleep within 10 minutes and death within four hours. When it takes far longer, family members get worried, even distressed. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that 1 in 5 Dutch patients attempting to use the standard barbiturates to kill themselves experienced complications including vomiting, inability to finish the medication, longer than expected time to die, failure to induce coma, and awakening from coma, i.e., they didn't die. These new, haphazard attempts to replace barbiturates with something less expensive have apparently proven no less problematic. In a state like New Jersey where the bill (Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act) is being considered, it is important to remember that assisted suicide is a deeply flawed, dangerous public policy that itself is a deadly imposition on the poor and vulnerable. Matt Valliere is executive director of Patients Rights Action Fund. RELATED COVERAGE: Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. New Jersey doesn't do many things well. We're broke, our trains don't run on time, and our property taxes are so high it makes you want to grab a torch and join a mob. But we do one thing better than nearly every other state: We draw our political map in a relatively fair fashion, giving the job to an independent and bipartisan commission. Most states let their legislatures handle the job, giving the dominant party an open invitation to tilt the board in its favor. That's known as gerrymandering, and it's a curse of our democracy. So, what are state Senate Democrats doing now? They are messing with this success. They want voters to amend the state Constitution so that the independent commission would have to follow new rules that clearly favor Democrats. It's a shameless stunt, and like all shameless stunts, they are rushing this through the Legislature at the last minute to short-circuit any discussion of the merits. On Monday, with Senate President Steve Sweeney cracking the whip, the budget committee approved the maneuver after a brief and superficial hearing before a mostly empty chamber. It was one of those Trenton moments that make you want to take a hot shower to wash away the stink. The amendment has two basic parts. First, it drains power from Gov. Phil Murphy by allowing legislative leaders to appoint members of the independent commission for the first time, another round in the power struggle between Murphy and Democratic leaders. It also requires that at least four legislators sit on the commission, a mistake that seems designed to make the process more partisan and political. The bigger mischief lies in the second part. New Jersey has 40 districts, and it's inevitable that most of them will lean Democrat, given the preferences of voters. But it's important to make a decent share of the seats competitive so that our elections have meaning, and so that conservatives in the state have some voice, roughly in proportion to their share of the population. Democratic leaders say the amendment would ensure that at least 10 districts are competitive, but that's just not true. Every independent expert who has looked at the fine print has concluded just the opposite - that it would cripple the independent commission's ability to ensure competition. It does so by imposing a new standard that defines New Jersey's political center of gravity, the starting point for any discussion of partisan balance. Democrats want the commission to consider only statewide elections -- those for president, governor, and U.S. Senate, where the party is more dominant. Under current law, the commission is free to consider the results of legislative elections as well, where Republicans are more competitive. By requiring that the starting point favors Democrats, this amendment would pad the party's advantage in these "competitive" districts by about five more points. And if the "independent" commissioners didn't like it, too bad. They would be required to follow this hyper-partisan standard, stripped for the first time of their independence. Gov. Phil Murphy opposes this, not just because his legislative rivals would grab a larger share of the appointments, but because he agrees the new standard is unfair. Virtually every good government group is on his side, from the League of Women Voters to the Brennan Center. In fairness, this is nowhere near as brazen as the gerrymandering imposed directly by legislatures over the last decade in several Republican states, like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas. But it is a step in that direction. Given that Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, both support this stunt, it's likely to pass on Dec. 17, and be on the ballot next year. Here's hoping that fair-minded people on the left and the right step up and resist. In the meantime, perhaps the Legislature can get to work on fixing things that are actually broken in New Jersey. It's a long list. Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.comOpinion on Facebook. Clifton police believe the same man is responsible for three carjackings in the city over the past six weeks. In two of the crimes, the assailant pointed a gun at his victims. In the other, a knife was used, according to police. The suspect is black and in his 20s or 30s, according to police. In the last incident, two victims ages 20 and 21 were briefly kidnapped before the carjacker ordered them out of the vehicle and drove off, police said. That carjacking occurred Wednesday when the man approached a vehicle parked near the corner of Yereance and Lexingon avenues. Police say he began talking with the pair before pulling out a gun and jumping in the back seat. After getting in, he demanded to be taken several blocks away, where he ordered them out of the vehicle, police said. The man then drove off. The vehicle was later abandoned on Harrison Street in Passaic, police said. About 9:45 p.m. on Oct. 15, police believe the same man threatened a Clifton resident with a knife on Van Houten Avenue. The man stole personal items from the 38-year-old before getting into the victims luxury car and driving off, police said. The car was not recovered, police said. Police believe the same man approached three teenagers ages 17, 18, and 19 parked about 1 a.m. Oct. 10 at Lexington and Highland avenues and ordered them out of their car at gunpoint. The suspect drove off but Passaic County sheriffs officers alerted to the carjacking spotted the suspect in Paterson and chased him briefly. The man abandoned the car and ran off before officers could catch him. We strongly believe this is the same suspect in each of the incidents, said Clifton police Lt. Robert Bracken. Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact Clifton police at 973-470 -5908. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. President Donald Trump resurrected a discredited story from a conservative website, charging that U.S. Sen. Cory Booker did not live in Newark while serving as its mayor. "He ran Newark into the ground," Trump told the New York Post in an interview Wednesday. "And he decided not to live there, which was illegal. So I'm sure they'll look into that situation. He did such a bad job in Newark that he didn't live there." Trump made his comments about Booker, D-N.J., while discussing potential 2020 Democratic opponents. The current mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, has invited Trump to visit the city to show him that he was wrong about Booker's record. While campaigning for Republican candidates during the 2018 midterm elections, Trump often criticized Booker in his stump speech. The allegation that Booker did not live in Newark first was made in October 2013 by former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, the Republican nominee against Booker in that year's special election to replace the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. Booker won, 56 percent to 42 percent, to become New Jersey's first black U.S. senator. Lonegan later ran an anti-Trump effort at the 2016 Republican National Convention, but embraced the president during his unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination in New Jersey's 5th Congressional District in June. Newark Police responded to Lonegan's charges by saying Booker lived in the apartment building, requiring them to set up shop there as well. "The mayor's apartment on Hawthorne Avenue was located in a building with multiple units," Police Director Samuel DeMaio said at the time. "The mayor rented a unit and the police department rented a separate unit to use in their protection of the mayor." In addition, several residents who lived near the Hawthorne Avenue apartment said they saw him in the neighborhood, doing such things as jogging in the morning and buying ice cream for children at a local grocery store. Lonegan's source was the Daily Caller, a conservative website also involved in another questionable story about a New Jersey politician. That was the website that published baseless allegations that U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., slept with prostitutes after flying to the Dominican Republic aboard a plane owned by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a friend and campaign donor. The women later recanted their stories, admitting they were paid to accuse Menendez. Dominican police told the Associated Press that the women's lawyer said the Daily Caller paid him to find prostitutes willing to lie about Menendez. The website denied the allegations. Menendez and Melgen would be indicted in April 2015 on corruption charges. The prostitution charges were not included in the indictment. The initial case ended in a mistrial, and after Menendez and Melgen were acquitted of some charges, federal prosecutors dropped the rest. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook WASHINGTON -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, the subject of millions of dollars of Republican attack ads, was nominated for speaker Wednesday by an overwhelming majority of her caucus. That included eight of New Jersey's 11 Democratic lawmakers. The three who voted no were just elected earlier this month. Pelosi received the support of more than 200 of her fellow Democrats, putting her in a position to be the first House member to reclaim the speakership since Texas Democrat Sam Rayburn in 1955. Pelosi is the first woman to serve as House speaker. "I couldn't be more honored - that is a figure of speech but is a fact in this case, as true as any statement anyone could ever make, to be honored by the nomination of those who placed my name in nomination and the support I have from our colleagues in this caucus," Pelosi said. Among New Jersey's four freshmen, however, three -- Reps.-elect Andy Kim, D-3rd Dist., Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd Dist., and Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Dist. -- opposed her nomination. "I decided not to support Leader Pelosi in today's caucus vote and I continue to urge leaders in Congress to find ways to lift up more voices," Kim said in a statement. Sherrill said she fulfilled "a commitment to the residents of NJ-11 that I would seek new leaders in Congress who were going to help us move forward on the priorities here in our district." Both Kim and Rep.-elect Tom Malinowski, D-7th Dist., who supported Pelosi, were hit by Republican ads linking them to the Democratic leader. Besides Malinowski, all seven incumbent Democrats who were re-elected Nov. 6 voted for Pelosi. I am confident that with Leader @NancyPelosi as Speaker, @WhipHoyer as Majority Leader, and Assistant Leader @Clyburn as Majority Whip, the American People will finally get the relief they so badly need during the 116th Congress. pic.twitter.com/ysN1Z7PKyK Rep. Donald Payne Jr (@RepDonaldPayne) November 16, 2018 The Washington Post said she received 203 votes, short of the 218 she will need to win the speakership when the full House votes Jan. 3. It remains to be seen whether some of the Democratic dissenters will support her when facing a binary choice between her and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California. Pelosi gained the last-minute support of Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., after she agreed to several changes in House procedures championed by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus that he co-chairs. "We have to govern again and get things done," Gottheimer said. "You've got to be able to get things to the floor." They include procedures to vote on legislation with at least 290 co-sponsors, whether or not House leadership opposes it; make it easier to bring legislation to the floor if a majority of lawmakers have signed a discharge petition; and require the Rules Committee, which decides which amendments reach the floor for votes, to give priority to those co-sponsored by at least 20 Democratic and Republican lawmakers. But there are no guarantees that any Republican members of the group, including the GOP co-chair, Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, will support Pelosi no matter what President Donald Trump tweeted earlier this month. I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House. She deserves this victory, she has earned it - but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win! @TomReedCongress Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2018 Reed spokesman William Reinert would not say whether the lawmaker would cross party lines and support Pelosi. The current House rules allowed House Republican leaders to block a vote on legislation allowing unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. as children -- the so-called dreamers -- to remain in the country they grew up in. And they were able to prevent consideration of a Senate-passed bipartisan bill to strengthen border security and provide a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants. While claiming to support bipartisanship, most Republican members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have supported their party's efforts to block Senate filibusters and remove any need to negotiate with Democrats over changing the Affordable Care Act and passing a tax law that curbed the federal deduction for state and local taxes. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. United Way of Delaware Tuesday announced that it has awarded grants totaling $10,000 to five Salem County non-profits. Each non-profit received a check for $2,000 at an agency partner meeting hosted by United Way of Delaware and the Salem County Advisory Committee at Salem County Community College in Carneys Point Township. The recipients are: Appel Farms Arts & Music Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties Ranch Hope, Inc Salem County Women's Services The Arc of Salem County Grant recipients were selected by the United Way of Delaware's Salem County Advisory Committee from among multiple responses to a request for proposal that United Way of Delaware issued in Salem County last month. In September, United Way Worldwide authorized the expansion of United Way of Delaware's service area to include the ZIP codes of Salem County. Michelle Taylor, United Way of Delaware's president and chief executive officer, said the grants are United Way of Delaware's initial response to addressing some of the county's social service needs. "Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Delaware and Salem County," Taylor said. "While we make plans for a county-wide fundraising campaign in early 2019, these grants send an early signal to the Salem County non-profit community that United Way of Delaware is here to make a difference. All the funds were raised in Salem County, and stay in Salem County. We are grateful for the support we've already received from corporate partners, including Mannington Mills and Atlantic City Electric and we look forward to building on this terrific start to our presence in Salem County." United Way of Delaware, based in Wilmington, Del., was founded in 1946 and in addition to Salem County, New Jersey, also serves the residents of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties in Delaware, and administers the Delaware 2-1-1 help line. UWDE operates a multi-year strategy focused on driving measurable improvements in early-grade literacy, college and career readiness, and financial stability for individuals and families. For more information, please visit www.uwde.org or call 302.573.3706. Information provided by the United Way of Delaware. A 27-year-old man pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving drunk in a fatal head-on crash in Sussex County that kileed a father of two, authorities said. Matthew Heyman, 27, of North Yonkers, New York, pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. Sentencing was scheduled for April 5, 2019. The Jan. 29, 2016 crash on Glenwood Road in Vernon killed Robert Ritter Jr., 48, of Greenwood Lake, New York. Ritter had two children a son, now 15, and a daughter, now 18. Arriving officers found Ritter dead in his vehicle and Heyman standing outside Ritters car, a police spokesman said at the time. After the 6 p.m. crash, Heyman told responding police officers that he had a few beers and shots before driving, according to NJHerald.com. Heyman told police the driver ahead of him was moving slowly and that the crash occurred when he steered left to see if there was traffic ahead, according to the report. His blood-alcohol level was .17 more than double the legal limit, according to reports. In pleading guilty, Heyman admitted to being drunk during the accident and to crossing the double-yellow center lines and causing a head-on collision in which (Ritter) died, Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch said in a statement. Heyman faces four years in prison when he is sentenced next year. I have a mixed reaction, said Ritters father, Robert Ritter Sr., who was in court. Im relieved. Im disappointed. We wanted to see him own up to (the charges) and get punished. And thats exactly what happened." Ritter, a retired New York City policeman, said Heyman had admitted in court to downing more than five shots of hard liquor and to drinking beer at two bars before the accident. Ritter said his grandchildren had hoped for a stiffer sentence. Theyre not happy with this Ritter said. But my wife and I are OK with it. Nothing is going to bring my son back. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The house explosion across the street from Wallkill Valley Regional High School was so powerful that it blew open the locked front doors, cracked cement walls and sent ceiling tiles and light fixtures flying, forcing the closure of the building for two days as investigators checked for structural damage. Students will return Friday with a two-hour delayed opening as the investigation continues into the cause of the blast, which obliterated the house and sent a shockwave that was felt for miles, officials said. A structural engineer who examined the high school on Thursday did not find anything that would pose a hazard to the schools 600-plus students or staff, said Superintendent David Carr. The two-hour delayed start Friday will give custodians an opportunity to clean up the mess caused by the blast, Carr said. The four-year high school serves students from Franklin, Hamburg, Hardyston and Ogdensburg. A shockwave went through this building, Carr said. I mean, it blew the front doors open. A house in Hardyston exploded late Tuesday, causing damage to a high school across the street in a blast that could be felt for miles. (Photo courtesy Ryan Keena/@Ryan_k0707) Carr said plywood was used to cover door windows shattered by the explosion. He said the door locks still work. A structural engineer visited after school officials saw cracks in cement block walls, Carr said. The blast at 11:05 p.m. Tuesday destroyed a recently vacated six-year-old home on Grumm Road, which sat diagonally across the street from the high school in Hardyston. There was no one in the house at the time and no injuries have been reported. The blast was so powerful it could be heard for miles. Debris at the school, both inside and out, include nails, hunks of wood and shards of insulation. Inside the school, ceiling tiles and light fixtures are in pieces on the floor and some desks and chairs are covered in dust. Custodians will be wiping down surfaces, vacuuming rooms and mopping floors, Carr said. We had been unable to get any cleaning done because this whole area for the past two days has been a crime scene, he said. We suspected there may have been structural damage. But that was not the case. The cracks are cosmetic. They can be repaired. Officers with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Thursday joined members of the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad team, local police and detectives with the Sussex County Prosecutors Office. We called in the ATF as an additional resource to make sure we cover all the bases, said First Assistant Prosecutor Greg Mueller. This investigation is still active, still continuing. A pair of partially-filled propane tanks on the property are an area of focus in the investigation but its yet to be determined if either caused the explosion, authorities said. One was 30 percent full, the other 20 percent. Hardyston Mayor Carl Miller credited school officials for closing the school until the building could be inspected. There has to be an abundance of caution before you let students back in, Miller said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The New York Yankees will make their pitch to free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin on Thursday. On Tuesday, Corbin met with the Philadelphia Phillies. MLB.com and ESPN report Corbin continued his East Coast tour on Wednesday with a trip to the Washington Nationals: The Nationals met with free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin on Wednesday in D.C., sources confirmed to MLB.com, beginning a push to land one of the premier starting pitchers available this winter. ... The club has not confirmed the meeting, which was first reported by ESPN, but it served as a signal that the Nats would like to add a starting pitcher to the front of their rotation this offseason to pair with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Corbin, 29, is coming off a career year in Arizona, where he posted a 3.15 ERA with 246 strikeouts in 200 innings and finished fifth in the voting for the National League Cy Young Award. ... You never have enough starting pitching, Mike Rizzo said at the General Managers meetings this month. Wed love to get ourselves a guy that we can throw out there and gives us a chance to win every time he goes out there. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is committed to upgrading the starting rotation for 2019. He already traded for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton, but wants to add at least one more arm. Corbin headlines a list of free-agent pitchers which includes J.A. Happ, Dallas Keuchel and Nathan Eovaldi. After a 20-year-old man was bragging on social media about striking a man in the head with a beer bottle outside an Uptown bar, police arrested him in connection to the crime, according to court documents. Ryan Lee was booked with second degree battery Tuesday (Nov. 27), more than a year after police say he struck another man on the head outside of a bar in the 7600 block of Maple Street, court records show. At 12:30 a.m. Oct. 28, 2017, a man was trying to break up a fight between his friend and another man they didnt know, when he was struck from behind with a beer bottle, police said. The man lost consciousness and was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a major concussion and received 20 staples for a laceration to his head, police said. The man regained consciousness 30 minutes later and said he was having trouble with his memory since the incident. The victim told police that a few of the people involved in the fight were bragging about it on social media, court documents stated. On the same night of the fight, a photo was tweeted with the caption: Sleepin Season and Budlights are good for the head under a Twitter handle later connected to Lee. Police said another Twitter account also tweeted at Lees account, with apparent references to a fight. It was not clear from the warrant why there was a years delay between the social media posts and the arrest. Police interviewed another man involved in the fight, who identified Lee as the man who used a beer bottle to strike the victim in the head, the warrant said. Lee was represented by attorney Hillary Murphy and his bond was set at $5,000, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office. Murphy declined to comment on the case. New Orleans police on Wednesday (Nov. 28) released images of three men wanted in a recent robbery in Treme, including a man accused of hitting the victim during the crime. The robbery occurred around midnight Nov. 20 in the 1300 block of St. Philip Street. The man pictured wearing an American flag T-shirt is suspected of hitting the victim, a 36-year-old woman, in the back of the head before stealing her phone from her pocket, the NOPD said. The trio then fled eastbound on Treme Street. Police originally said in a preliminary report that four men were involved in the robbery. According to the initial report, one of the robbers also slapped the victim and punched a 35-year-old man who had stepped out of his home to intervene. Anyone with information on the robbery or the identity and whereabouts of the three men pictured above is asked to call NOPD 1st District detectives at 504-685-6010 or submit an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867. A man accused of charging into a Marrero home and fatally shooting a 10-month-old boy was rearrested Monday (Nov. 26) and booked with intimidation of a witness and solicitation of murder in connection with the case, according to Jefferson Parish court records. Jonathan Manuel, 29, is scheduled to stand trial for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder Monday (Dec. 3), two years to the day that Jefferson Parish Sheriffs office detectives say Manuel shot and killed XyAhir Davis. Kenner dad with fake explosives held toddler daughter at knifepoint: police Manuel and another gunman are accused of storming a home in the 2100 block of Caddy Drive around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2016, and unleashing a fusillade of bullets. XyAhir, who was there with his father, Xevion Davis, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at a local hospital. A 16-year-old boy also suffered several gunshot wounds but survived, authorities said. The Sheriffs Office did not comment on Manuels arrest Monday so no details were available as about the alleged plot to threaten a witness in the case and arrange a murder. Its not clear who Manuel is accused of targeting. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up There were at least five people inside the house including XyAhir, his father and the injured teen when the shooting occurred, according to the investigators. Authorities have characterized Xevion Davis as a reluctant witness in the case. The Sheriffs Office arrested and held Xevion Davis as a material witness in advance of the grand jury proceedings. Investigators arrested a second suspect, Andrew Houston, of Westwego, on Feb. 23, 2017, and booked him with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and intimidation of a witness. Houston has not been formally charged. The Jefferson Parish district attorneys office declined to comment about the case on Wednesday, as did Manuels attorney, Kenneth Willis. Manuel returns to court Monday. An armed man wearing a see-through mask demanded for money from a cashier in a Family Dollar in Algiers Wednesday morning (Nov. 28), New Orleans police said. Around 10:15 a.m., the man, also described as wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and blue faded jeans, entered the business in the 4800 block of General Meyer Avenue and placed a black firearm on the counter, police said. He initially asked the cashier to empty the register, but after she refused, the man asked for cigarettes. The cashier then gave the man several packages of cigarettes, which the man placed in a red drawstring bag, according to an initial police report. He fled the scene on a bike toward Hendee Drive and then headed toward Patterson Drive. Police believe the man to be between 35 and 40 years old; 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with facial hair and gold teeth, and a medium build. At 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, an armed man approached two men and a woman near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and North Villere Street, police said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The man, who was armed with two semi-automatic handguns, demanded the belongings from the two 19-year-old men and an 18-year-old woman and told them to put their property in a car that belonged to one of the men, according to a police report. They complied and the man got in the car and fled the scene. Police found the car shortly after. Police described the man to be 6 feet, 1 inch tall, with a slim build and tattoos on his face. At 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, three men wearing masks and armed with semi-automatic weapons pointed their guns at employees at a Waffle House in the 1900 block of N. 1-10 Service Road, police said. The men demanded the employees to empty their pockets and the cash register, according to an initial police report. One of the armed men went behind the register and an employee put the money from inside the register into the bag, police said. The men then fled in an unknown direction. Holiday inspiration can come from funny places. In the case of a Christmas-crazed man in Wadsworth, Ohio, we mean that literally. For the past six years, Greg Osterland, a longtime fan of the 1989 holiday comedy National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, has been decorating his familys home with a holiday light display designed to pay homage to the one that causes so much consternation to Vacation character Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase). On Saturday (Nov. 24), Osterland held a ceremonial lighting of his display ("drumroll, please"), featuring, he said -- as Clark does in the movie -- "250 strands of lights, 100 bulbs per strand, for a grand total of 25,000 imported Italian twinkie lights." (In Osterland's case, they were actually Chinese lights, but whatever.) It was the sixth year for the lighting of what has been dubbed the Wadsworth Griswold house, at 173 Duane Lane in Wadsworth. To mark the occasion, figures of Clark Griswold and son Rusty have joined the display, according to the Osterlands' Facebook page, which also features a video of this years lighting. Its not just about paying homage to a holiday favorite, though. The Osterlands accept donations from the throngs who come to see the display, all of which is donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides walk. (Donations can also be made online.) Republican U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy of Louisiana split Wednesday (Nov. 28) on advancing a resolution to end U.S. military support for Saudi Arabias war in Yemen. Cassidy voted in the 63-37 majority to consider the resolution, possibly next week, while Kennedy voted against moving forward. The procedural vote was seen as setback for Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Republican President President Donald Trumps decision to defend him, almost two months after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. The CIA has concluded that Mohammed orchestrated the assassination; Saudi Arabia has denied it. The U.S. is part of a Saudi-led coalition that has been firing missiles into Yemen since 2015. The Senate resolution would exert Congress' authority under the War Powers Act to limit military aid. Saudi Arabia is an important U.S. ally, however, and its defenders worry that abandoning the crown prince will embolden U.S. adversaries in the region, notably Iran. Weve got to maintain stability in the Middle East, Kennedy told Fox News. . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach. State and local authorities raided the office of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Wednesday (Nov. 28), seeking records related to sexual abuse accusations against a priest, the Houston Chronicle reported. Its the countrys fifth largest diocese. The district attorney told the Houston Chronicle that law enforcement officers were looking for employment and disciplinary records related to Father Manuel La Rosa-Lopez, who is accused of sexually abusing at least two children. Authorities had previously searched three other locations, including two churches, the story said. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston said La Rosa-Lopez was removed from ministry after the complaint was made in August. The cardinal wrote an opinion column in Tuesdays Houston Chronicle detailing the Archdioceses response. Read the full story from the Houston Chronicle. Carlie Kollath Wells is a morning reporter at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Have an early-bird tip? Send it to her: cwells@nola.com or Twitter @carlie_kollath. U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham is leaning toward entering the race to challenge Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2019, he said in an interview Thursday (Nov. 29). The congressman will make an announcement by Jan. 1. We havent made fully made a decision, Abraham told The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. If we had to make a decision today, then I would say we are certainly leaning that way. Abrahams latest thoughts were first reported by Greg Hilburn with the USA Today Network of Louisiana. Word from Abraham comes just hours after U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said he will announce Monday whether he will run for governor. Kennedy, who many assume would be the Republican frontrunner if he joined the race, had originally set a Saturday deadline for determining whether he would run for governor. Then on Thursday, he pushed back that announcement another three days. I think we all thought John would have his answer by now, and he has pushed back a little on that and thats fine. Abraham said. His decision is his. And my decision is mine. Abraham said whether Kennedys decision to enter the race would not affect Abrahams own candidacy. Businessman Eddie Rispone, a Republican who has never held elected office, has already said he will run against Edwards, regardless of what Kennedy or Abraham decides. 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 Abraham, whose district mostly falls in north Louisiana, had never run for office before he won his first congressional election in 2014. He grew up in rural Richland Parish, where he still lives, and graduated from Louisiana State University. He has worked as a doctor and a veterinarian. Abraham is also a veteran who frequently flies his own plane. Who might run for Louisiana governor in 2019? The congressman is a member of the U.S. Houses Armed Services and Agriculture committees and has spent much of his tenure in Washington, D.C., focused on farming issues. The Louisiana governors race could be considered a target election for Republicans at the national level. Polling indicates Edwards is generally well-liked, but being a Democrat may put the current governor at an unusual disadvantage for an incumbent. Louisiana has grown increasingly conservative, and Edwards is the only Democrat who has won a statewide race for public office since 2008. As a political candidate, Abraham has been underestimated in the past. When first he ran for Congress in 2014, he was overlooked for more high-profile Republican candidates at the time but ended up beating others by focusing on his deep ties to the northeast Louisiana community. John Kennedy will announce Monday whether hes running for Louisiana governor U.S. Sen. John Kennedy said in a Fox News interview that he will announce by Monday (Dec. 3) whether he is running against incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2019. Kennedy had previously set an earlier deadline, Saturday, for making that decision. Im going to make a decision by Monday. Im very torn. I dont know what I am going to do. Its such an honor to represent Louisiana in the United States Senate, but my state is in trouble and I honestly dont know what Im going to do. But I made a vow Id make a decision by Monday and Im going to do that, Kennedy told Fox News Wednesday. His staff confirmed Thursday morning that Kennedys announcement would come Monday, at least two days later than expected. The Democratic coordinated campaign supporting Edwards pounced on Kennedys indecisiveness about the race. Its clear that in his heart Senator Kennedy would rather be in Washington, D.C. than Washington Parish, said Eric Holl, the groups spokesman, in a written statement. Senator Kennedy cant even decide when hes going to decide which political office he wants. Should he run, Kennedy is expected to be the Republican frontrunner in the race. After two decades spent in different types of statewide public office, he is well-known to Louisiana voters. The other Republican taking on Edwards, businessman Eddie Rispone, has never held an elected office and will have to build some name recognition across the state. U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, may also enter the race but hasnt made an announcement yet. Kennedy has served in the U.S. Senate for just under two years and spent most of his career in state government before moving to Congress. He was the state treasurer for 17 years, worked as the head of the Department of Revenue for former Gov. Mike Foster and as an attorney for former Gov. Buddy Roemer. Sen. John Kennedy talks Louisiana budget with House Republicans 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 Few elected officials currently serving have had as long of a career in Louisiana politics as Kennedy. Like many other Louisiana politicians, he was a Democrat and then a Republican, switching parties in 2007. Polling indicates Edwards is generally well-liked, but being a Democrat may put the current governor at an unusual disadvantage for an incumbent. Louisiana has grown increasingly conservative, and Edwards is the only Democrat who has won a statewide race since 2008. Should Kennedy run, hes likely to make Edwards' tax hikes, criminal justice changes and management of the states Medicaid program campaign issues. 15 more times Sen. John Kennedy really said that Edwards and the Republican-controlled state Legislature raised taxes instead of making budget cuts to higher education and health care programs during his first term. The governor and Republican-led lawmakers also shortened prison sentences, mostly for nonviolent offenses. Medicaid coverage was also expanded under Edwards' watch, allowing more people to obtain health insurance almost entirely at the federal governments expense. Kennedy has said he wont repeal Medicaid expansion if elected, though he has continuously attacked the governors administration for mismanaging the program. One lane of traffic will be open going in each direction on the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville starting Dec. 1, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The agency warned in a press release sent out on Thursday (Nov. 29) there may be some weekends when bridge closures might be required in order to finish specific repairs. The bridge has been under repair for over a month after a barge struck part of the structure in October. The bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River was closed indefinitely on Oct. 12. At the time the DOTD said it could take months to restore the bridge. Crews have been working on finishing repairs 24 hours a day, according to a DOTD press release from Thursday (Nov. 29). This has allowed the DOTD to partially open the bridge to traffic, which they attempted to do after the collision before they found it to be unsafe, DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson said in the press release. The two open lanes will be narrowed and loads of only up to 80,000 pounds will be permitted, DOTD said. The speed limit will also be set at 45 mph. Weather permitting, repairs should be completed in January, according to the DOTD. A company that fabricates metal parts is moving into part of the old Textron manufacturing site in Slidell. City officials this week provided few details about the company, saying a formal announcement is perhaps a couple weeks away. The Slidell City Council on Tuesday (Nov. 28) granted a company, identified in documents attached to the councils agenda as ASMT Inc., a conditional use permit for the site at 2859 Front St. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, in brief comments to the council, said he would have to be cryptic another week or two, but called the companys choice to move to Slidell a huge win for the city." ASMT is based in Turkey, according to documents attached to the council agenda. Cromer, in an interview Thursday, said the company is leasing a 26,000-square-foot portion of the former Textron site and will set up a production line there. He said the company will initially have 10 to 15 employees, but that total could grow if the company expands. ASMT will lease the site from the Goldsmith family. Cromer said the Slidell site is the companys first in the U.S. The company manufactures metal components for electronic equipment, Cromer said. The information provided in the councils agenda said ASMT uses a process called sintering, in which small metal particles are formed into shapes using intense heat. St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The agenda documents said ASMT planned to begin manufacturing components as of Thursday. The site is zoned M-2, light industrial. Manufacturing in M-2 zones requires a conditional use permit from the council. The city, in a report to the council, said it does not foresee any adverse impacts from the business. For Cromer and several City Council members who campaigned last spring on platforms stressing economic development and bringing new business to the city, news that a company is coming to the city is cause for celebration. We didnt headhunt them so much as they came to us, Cromer said of ASMT. The company was initially seeking a site in New Orleans, but that fell through, Cromer said. The mayor said the company worked with several area business development agencies, including GNO Inc. and St. Tammany Corp., to come to the region. That it will partially take over the manufacturing space that has been vacant for several years is a bonus, Cromer said. This is big for us, Cromer said. Recent news suggests that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will soon be eclipsed by the millions of barrels of oil leaking from the Taylor Energy platform since 2004. The Coast Guard this week ordered Taylor to contain the mess, or face massive fines. But cleanup alone may not fully mitigate the damage and effects may linger, as they did after the Deepwater Horizon spill. Communities in the Gulf of Mexico are no strangers to coastal disasters, but overlapping disasters like, like the Taylor and Deepwater Horizon spills, pose unique challenges. Arguably the greatest challenge from overlapping disasters relates to the extended period of response and recovery. When the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster occurred off the coast of Louisiana in 2010, communities in the Gulf of Mexico were still recovering from Hurricane Katrina (which also caused a large oil spill) and 27 other named storms that made up the catastrophic 2005 hurricane season. News of the scale of the Taylor Energy oil spill comes as some in the region have not yet fully recovered from the effects of the Deepwater Horizon spill. Recent research by the Consortium for Resilient Gulf Communities suggests that mental and behavioral effects of the Deepwater Horizon spill on Gulf Coast residents are evident years after it occurred. A survey of 2,520 randomly selected adults living in coastal areas showed that people who reported more resource loss due to the spill are more at risk for depression, anxiety or alcohol misuse. The risk is even greater for people with more traumatic experiences in their past. Only one in five of those likely to have these conditions are in treatment, meaning that many are particularly vulnerable for psychological aftereffects in subsequent disasters. The true length of recovery from a disaster is often not appreciated because the process is complex and nonlinear. Direct losses such as declines in fisheries landings and revenue capture immediate attention, but there are harder-to-see opportunity costs too. For instance, resources devoted to cleaning up contamination are not available for maintaining ecosystems important for coastal protection. Overlapping disasters make it much harder for devastated communities to rebuild their economies and infrastructure, to regain their mental and physical health, and to feel whole again. For Gulf Coast communities, the interdependence between natural and social resources is a core part of their identity and a key to their existence. When public trust resources are harmed by a disaster like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, compensation for damage to natural resources is sought under the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act. As the Deepwater Horizon Commission noted, however, restoration in the Gulf must have a broader meaning than how it is defined in these acts. Restoring and building community resilience requires attention to socioeconomic levers related to wellness, access, education, engagement, self-sufficiency, partnership, quality and efficiency. Recovery planning requires substantial analysis and public debate of difficult tradeoffs as decisions are made about how to encourage economic stabilization and development, how to sustain cleanup and restoration of natural systems, what cost-effective hazard mitigation strategies to implement, and how to ensure equitable and just solutions for even the most vulnerable members of affected communities. Recovery efforts need to be carefully sequenced to avoid bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, minimize frustration, and build communities more able to withstand future disasters. Following Deepwater Horizon, local government and nongovernment organizations bore a large burden in helping community members to get and understand information about oil spill impacts and claims processes, supporting families facing unexpected financial difficulties, and connecting individuals with health care resources or alternative employment opportunities. As the nature of the impacts of the Taylor Energy oil spill become clearer, even more resources will be needed to help these organizations communicate with, educate and support communities most impacted. It will be insufficient, however, to simply increase the resources applied to address this evolving situation. For successful long-term recovery in the context of overlapping disasters, smart and deliberate planning is needed. And planning efforts need to be based on the incremental learning from new information, such as that gathered after the Deepwater Horizon spill, that accurately reflects changing health, social, economic and environmental circumstances. Ensuring that decision-makers can incorporate the latest scientific data into their strategic thinking is critical for evaluating alternative paths forward. For Gulf Coast residents, dealing with the impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster is challenging enough. Now, as more is learned about the Taylor Energy spill, they may face an even more daunting recovery, one that could take decades. Acknowledging the extent and complexity of recovery is the first step toward supporting coastal communities to build their resilience in the face of and perhaps because of overlapping disasters. The challenge now is to provide adequate resources for their resilience-building efforts. Melissa L. Finucane is a senior social and behavioral scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corp. An ugly fight over an audit that found the city of Zachary paid two vendors $3.5 million without having contracts in place has died down some, but the city councilman most upset about the matter has made clear he is not giving up on his quest for Photo: Contributed Beauties over 40: Professional makeup artists Jenny Mckinney (left) from Kelowna, and Julie Mikeska (right) from Bundaberg, Australia. Around age 40, most women start to notice changes in their facial skin. The top-most layer of subcutaneous fat thins and we lose any last vestige of baby face, lines start to appear around the eyes and lips, and eyebrows get sparser. Fashion pundits have long created all sorts of rules for women over 40 thou shall not wear mini-skirts or have long hair. When it comes to makeup, we are told at this point, we are too old for glitter eyeshadows, bold eyeliner and bright lipsticks. Local award-winning makeup artist Jenny Mckinney, 45, chooses not to look at her aging this way. I made a promise to myself not to get swept up in fighting aging; its a losing battle, she said with a laugh. However, during times of change, it is smart to do an assessment on ones beauty routine. How do I celebrate how I am now instead of trying to make myself look like I did back then? During 20 years as a professional makeup artist, she has learned how someone can either block or enhance their radiance. And what blocks radiance most is doing the same routine for five or more years, never adapting as our faces change. On the other side of the globe in Australia, professional makeup artist for film and television Julie Mikeska, age 49, agrees. What you wore in your 20s probably wont work in your 40s, so you need to update the techniques that you use, Mikeska adds. But what to change and how to start? With cosmetic companies introducing new products and trends daily, it can seem overwhelming and some women just give up on makeup altogether. Dont feel threatened when you go into a makeup store and there are lots of teenage shop assistants running to help you, Mikeska says. They should be trained in what suits mature skin, or find someone who is around your age and ask them for advice. Both Mckinney and Mikeska agree the best base is healthy skin, so self-care, cleansing and moisturizing should be a priority. We are attracted to skin that looks alive, that has a certain level of dewiness, explains Mckinney. To achieve this, find a concealer and tinted moisturizer that work with your skin. Dense cream foundations, concealers, and heavy powders tend to settle in fine wrinkles and accentuate them, so explore products that are thinner and silky with light-reflective properties. Mckinney is a fan of NARS tinted moisturizer and Mikeska recommends Bobbi Brown and MAC Longwear Pro concealers. Ensure you are choosing the right base colour and blend well to avoid the dreaded demarkation line between foundation and your skin. Note that your skin colour may change between seasons; having a few different colours that you can custom-blend to suit your skin tone is an option. There are also many products on the market now, including colourless primers, that contain silicones that fill lines and create a blurred light effect to soften the look of skin. For a basic day look, both makeup artists suggest sticking with neutral warm tones for a flattering monochromatic look. Warmer colours are more complementary to our skin, so they are usually best for eyes and blush, says Mikeska. Anything like silvers or blues will be very harsh on the eyes and give a dated look. As we age, we lose colour in our cheeks. On the other hand, losing baby fat means our cheekbones are more accentuated. So blush can be an ally in creating a radiant look. Mckinney likes Glossier brand cloud paints and Make Up For Ever cream blush, using a dense natural/sythentic mix brush to buff the product on. If you are noticing dry lips and feathery wrinkles around the mouth, use an exfoliating lip scrub and balm before applying colour. Mckinney suggests choosing a lip colour just a bit deeper than your natural lips. The trend of ultra-matte and nude lipsticks tend to be drying and can be aging, so glosses and creamier formulas work well. As eyebrows tend to thin as we age, both artists recommend using either a brow pencil or a brow powder to fill in and shape the brows. This, along with mascara, helps accentuate the eyes for a simple day look. So, what about rules and trends? Mckinney and Mikeska have two words for you: Rock it! Makeup is there for fun, so if you like something then wear it with pride and own it, says the Australia-based artist. Mckinney concurs. Makeup is a way to celebrate, to enjoy a mood. Were not all meant to look the same. They say women over 40 can use shimmery eyeshadow; there is a way it can be worn that is elegant and beautiful by mixing it with matte or using on the centre of the lid. And bright lips? A bold lip with just bronzer and mascara can be a great look, says Mckinney. Adding a dramatic eyeliner for a big night out or a bright lip to match a special outfit can always look stunning, Mikeska adds. Just dont do everything at once; just have one prominent feature at a time. In all cases, the important thing is to feel confident in your choices versus fearful of mistakes. Some of the great 40 plus icons of our age are famous for their dramatic looks, like Iris Apfels signature fuchsia lips and blue eyeshadow. As the holiday season approaches, Mckinney says this is a good time to experiment with your personal look. Many makeup brands create value gift sets in a range of colours, so even if you dont use them all it can still be less expensive than buying regular-sized products. Its a fun way to dip into a new look and bring your own style to whatever the trend is. Photo: File photo A private motion from Kelowna's member of Parliament looks to address a looming pilot shortage in Canada. Stephen Fuhr's motion M-177 was introduced in the House of Commons in April, and after debate in October and earlier this month, it was passed Wednesday. Estimates are that Canada will need 7,000 to 10,000 new pilots by 2025, resulting in a projected shortage of at least 3,000 pilots, given our current production rate, Fuhr said. Some of the biggest challenges to pilot production in Canada are the high cost of training for new commercial pilots, the low starting salaries, and an industry that has evolved a non-linear career path. The motion instructs the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to study why Canadian flight training schools are having trouble attracting pilots and to determine whether flight schools have the infrastructure available to meet their needs. Fuhr's motion received unanimous support in the House, and the committee's report will be completed within seven months. Our country's economic prosperity will be highly influenced by the health and well-being of the Canadian aviation sector, and it is my hope that by studying the issue, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities will be able to determine the most effective way to support our Canadian flight schools and pilot production in Canada, Fuhr said. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Fedorovekb/iStock/Thinkstock(HOUSTON) -- Police searched the offices of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on Wednesday in connection to a child sex abuse investigation -- the latest installment in a widening scandal that has shaken the Catholic Church. The warrant was connected to an investigation into Rev. Manuel La Rosa-Lopez, who is charged with four felony counts of indecency with a child, the Montgomery County District Attorney J. Tyler Dunman said. At least four people have accused La Rosa-Lopez of sexually abusing children while he worked at a Catholic school in the late 1990s and early 2000s, according to ABC station KTRK, which cited advocacy groups. Charges were filed in two cases, KTRK said. The victims -- one male and one female, both of whom were underage at the time of their respective alleged assaults -- said they reported the abuse at the time but it was not reported to police by church leaders, KTRK reported. The archdiocese released a statement following Wednesday's activity saying that it "continues to cooperate, as we have since the outset, with this process." At a news conference following the search, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said the church "has cooperated to a degree." "We have spoken to Cardinal DiNardo," Ligon said. "He has been cooperative and I take him at his word that he is trying to be transparent. And obviously he did not know the search warrant was going to be here today and Im sure this took a lot of people off guard but thats part of the intent of a search warrant. "Im not here to gain the cooperation of the Catholic Church. Were here to gain records for a successful investigation and prosecution of a criminal defendant in Montgomery County." La Rosa-Lopez was charged in September and was released on bond. It was not clear if he entered a plea, but he has been removed from ministry. According to Dunman, there were three earlier search warrants executed -- one at a church, one at a school, and one at an addiction treatment center -- in connection to this case. There are now at least 16 jurisdictions across the country that have launched investigations into clerical sex abuse following the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing the alleged cover-up of decades of abuse by hundreds of Catholic priests. Investigations have already been launched by officials in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia -- as well as the Archdiocese of Anchorage in Alaska -- with officials in several other states telling ABC News their offices were reviewing their options and considering taking similar action. A spokesperson for for the Texas attorney general's office responded to a request for comment by pointing to an earlier statement. My office is committed to doing what it can to address these serious issues, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement released in mid-November. No young person should ever have to fear any type of abuse, but especially abuse from the clergy or any other religious leaders. We stand ready to assist local law enforcement and any district attorneys office that asks for our help in rooting out this form of evil from any church or other religious institution. The crisis has shaken the church's global hierarchy and prompted calls from some critics for the resignation of Pope Francis, but the Vatican appears to have remained skeptical of outside scrutiny. Church leaders gathered at the General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops earlier this month to contemplate their response to the widening scandal, described by one observer as "The Catholic Church's biggest crisis since the Reformation." But the event, which was expected to culminate in steps toward increased transparency and accountability, took a sudden turn when DiNardo, who also serves as the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced in his opening remarks that a pair of votes on proposed policy changes to address the abuse crisis would be delayed "at the insistence" of the Vatican. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. (CNN) It's official: The British government's plan for leaving the European Union will be bad for the economy. The government published a report Wednesday that outlines the economic costs associated with a range of Brexit scenarios. The Bank of England followed later in the day with its own assessment. The United Kingdom would be worse off under all scenarios studied by the government. Officials did not estimate the precise impact of the deal Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with the European Union, but even in the best case it too will mean a weaker economy than remaining in the bloc. "It is true that the economy will be very slightly smaller, but if we do the deal in the way that the prime minister has set out and negotiated, that impact will be entirely manageable," UK Treasury chief Philip Hammond told the BBC. The official estimates underscore the harsh economic reality of Brexit: Under any scenario, leaving the European Union will make Britain poorer than staying in. "If you look purely at the economics, remaining in the single market would give us an economic advantage," Hammond said. The Bank of England said that May's plan could result in new trade barriers that would cause the UK economy to be 0.75 percent smaller than currently forecast in 2023. If she can negotiate a future trade relationship with the European Union that does not include customs checks or regulatory barriers, the economy could be 1.75 percent larger. There are just four months to go until Brexit, and it's still not clear whether May can deliver an orderly departure from the bloc. The legally-binding divorce deal she has negotiated would give business much-needed certainty about the next two years. But she still needs to secure approval from a skeptical parliament, and a much looser agreement on the trading relationship after the transition period provides very few details. Analysis commissioned by a group campaigning for a second referendum showed the UK economy would be 4% smaller by 2030 under May's deal than it would otherwise have been. The National Institute for Economic and Social Research said on Monday that new trade barriers would make it difficult to sell services from the United Kingdom and discourage investment. If May's plan fails, potential alternatives include crashing out of the European Union without a deal, a second referendum or a general election in Britain. "The important thing ... is to keep trade flowing as much as we can," Hammond told Sky News. Forecasts assume a US-UK trade deal May's plan includes a transition period during which most trading rules for companies will remain the same. It would also mean a close relationship with the European Union on trade in financial services, and broad cooperation on transportation and energy. The government's estimates are also based on other assumptions, including Britain's ability to strike "ambitious" free trade deals with major economies including the United States. That's far from guaranteed. Economists say the worst possible outcome would be a chaotic Brexit. Crashing out of the European Union would sink the UK economy into recession, analysts have warned. 'No-deal' Brexit worse than 2008 The government said that leaving without a deal would result in the UK economy being 7.7 percent smaller 15 years after Brexit. That's compared to current trading arrangements, and assumes no change in immigration. The damage would be even greater if net migration from the European Union dropped to zero, the government said. Some key sectors of the economy would be especially hard hit by a messy Brexit. Official estimates show that the auto, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries, which trade heavily with the European Union, would be more than 20 percent smaller over the long run. The Bank of England warned in its report that a disorderly Brexit would cause the UK economy to contract by 8 percent. The value of the pound would slump by as much as 25 percent and home prices could plummet 30 percent. The economic fallout would be worse than Britain suffered because of the global financial crisis. The Confederation of British Industry said the government report shows that failing to secure a deal is not an option. "It surely puts to bed some of the more far-fetched ideas that a hard landing Brexit will not seriously hurt the economy," said Rain Newton-Smith, the lobby group's chief economist. This story was first published on CNN.com, "The UK government says its Brexit deal will hurt the economy." Photo: Contributed Vernon business owner displays the garbage left on his property. The file photo was taken in the summer. There is mounting frustration coming from a number of business operators in downtown Vernon over what some are calling the "degradation of our city." The actions of some of Vernon's homeless community and the announcement of a new temporary shelter on 33 Street are causing the business community to again call for action. On Friday, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce released the details of a meeting in which the business community shared concerns over open drug use, loitering, litter, vandalism, property crime, and aggressive behaviour in the downtown core. The Chamber urged the City of Vernon, the RCMP and provincial agencies to meet with business owners and non-profit service providers to consider enhanced enforcement to ensure safety for all who frequent downtown. "The business owners are faced with a situation with a criminal element downtown that is increasingly tense," stated Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager. "They are not only concerned about the safety of themselves and their customers but the safety of those who are in need and can fall victim to a negative element." Vicki Eide has owned Deans Tailor Shop in downtown Vernon for nearly 30 years. She says she is among a growing number of businesses who have had enough, and if something isn't done soon many of these longtime businesses will close up shop. "In the past 10 years, I have seen the changes in the way our city looks and feels," Eide wrote in a letter addressed to the Vernon media. "The degradation of our city is shameful. Lawlessness runs rampant. Our city used to be a much cleaner, safer place." Eide, who organized the business community meeting, is asking the city to model itself after Kelowna and hire private security to monitor "hotspot" areas throughout the town. The City of Kelowna has hired private security to monitor one of its problem areas, and according to former RCMP Supt. Bill McKinnon, it has helped. McKinnon was tasked with drafting a report on the Kelowna homeless population situation. "Security patrols drastically improved things in the Capri area," he told Kelowna City Council on Monday. However, if the city is going to get out from under a homelessness and addiction crisis it needed to show leadership, he warned. "They can't have another Cornerstone," referring to the temporary shelter in the former A & B Sound building on Leon Avenue that has been blamed for many downtown problems. "They didn't lead. I'm not faulting anyone, but the city never wanted to lead, they always wanted to be a partner at the table. It's a different time, a different era. We have an opioid crisis, so they need to be part of it. But, when we're in this crisis decisions have to be made, but I think they should be collaborative. At the end of the day, it also comes down to what level of involvement do you, as a council, want to have in the selection of supportive housing or shelters." McKinnon added, "We're not just talking about just reducing crime, we're talking about saving lives." Back in Vernon, Eide feels the business community's concerns over the new shelter and homeless population are being ignored by the City of Vernon. "Nobody seems to be taking us seriously, and that is a shame," wrote Eide. Vernon's new mayor told Castanet that the city has been listening. "We have definitely heard, " says Mayor Victor Cumming. "This is not new to us... The concern is around the new temporary shelter. Those people who are going to be moving in have all been selected by BC Housing. Those are the ones who will move into the new facility just down the road when it becomes available in March or April. So, I think that really fast progress is being made on the housing side, and I think what we know is you have to house first and I think that the loitering is as much an issue as the perceived other problems." Cumming admits that Vernon has its issues, but there are mechanisms in place to deal with those issues. "The other problems are real. We do have RCMP and we do have bylaw, I think that when things are very out of hand then that is exactly what they are for." As for the city hiring private security to monitor hotspots, Cumming says it is important that those ideas are presented to council. "I'm not going to pass judgment on it because I have not seen anything in front of me. Our number one concern is that it feels safe ... I appreciate that the business owners and homeowners are saying that this is getting uncomfortable." For now, Cumming says they will rely on the RCMP. with files from Wayne Moore Photo: Contributed The cost of renting an apartment in Penticton has continued to shoot skywards this year, despite considerable development and new rental units coming online. The average rent of an private apartment sat at $950 last month, up 13 per cent from the same time last year, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations annual rental study. A typical bachelor suite is going for $697 per month, with one bedrooms ($869), two bedrooms ($1,059) and three bedroom or larger ($1,482) all seeing percentage increases in excess of 10 per cent over last year. The rise in rent comes despite 153 new rental units coming online in Penticton last year, the largest increase in years. The City of Pentictons director of development services Anthony Haddad says you would have to look as far back as 2005-2006 to see similar numbers. There is obviously demand for these units based on the rental rates that are being charged right now, Haddad said. He said the city is hopeful the 100 units of subsidized rental stock under construction downtown right now on Brunswick Street and Backstreet Boulevard will put some downward pressure on prices. While they are being sold as condos, the 48-unit Ellis Street development and second phase of Skaha Towers will also bring new units online next year. All those new units, however, did have a positive impact on the vacancy rate. It grew to 1.7 per cent, up from an crisis-level 0.9 per cent last year. Haddad said in a perfect world, the vacancy rate would hover around two or three per cent. The province-wide vacancy rate is now sitting at 1.4 per cent while average cost of rent climbed 7.2 per cent. Photo: Contributed More child care spaces are coming to Lake Country. Parents in Lake Country will soon have access to 60 new licensed child care spaces as part of a partnership between the Ministry of Children and Family Development, District of Lake Country and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs. "We're encouraging municipalities and local governments to take advantage of both federal and provincial funding to create new child care spaces for their communities," said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. "It's great that Lake Country has responded positively to this opportunity and by combining available funding, is giving even more families access to quality child care that meets their needs." The Province is providing $500,000 through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund to create 20 new spaces - four infant and toddler spaces, and 16 for children aged 30 months to school age - and an outdoor playground. An additional 40 spaces will be funded through the federal Gas Tax Fund. Mayor James Baker said the community appreciates the opportunity to provide 20 additional daycare spaces to our proposed Multigenerational Activity Centre. "This is a quickly growing community and finding child care has been difficult for many local families. This project will greatly benefit the community of Lake Country and local families, said Baker. The new child care centre will be operated by the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and located in a community activity centre. The centre will offer fully inclusive child care as well as provide programming for Indigenous families. The boys and girls club will also offer wraparound services for families and youth, such as employment supports, recreation programs, an infant development program and parent supports. The community centre will also boast a wide range of programs from arts to computer classes. Photo: The Canadian Press Union leaders and politicians who talk about saving a General Motors plant in Oshawa, Ont., are selling "false hope," Doug Ford said Wednesday, as the leader of the union representing the affected autoworkers accused the premier of undermining efforts to fight the job cuts. Ford held a news conference after an emergency cabinet meeting on the GM closure Wednesday afternoon. The premier accused Unifor president Jerry Dias, as well as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other politicians, of "grandstanding" when they pledged to fight the closure. "When we hear any of these people talking all we hear are a bunch of powerful people grandstanding," Ford said. "They're busy picking fights and raising false hope. But in private they know the GM plant is not coming back." Ford said the fight ahead for the 2,500 autoworkers affected by the looming plant closure will be to find new jobs, and he promised to help them with that. He said he believes GM had been contemplating the move for a long time, and speculated that had he been premier before the June election perhaps the closure could have been averted. "GM didn't decide this in the six months (after) Doug Ford took over," Ford said. "Matter of fact, if Doug Ford was here for five years they probably wouldn't have left because I would have lowered their taxes, lowered their hydro rates ... and made it attractive for companies to stay here." Ford used the news conference to called on Trudeau to scrap his plan to impose a carbon tax on the provinces as a way to help spur job creation in Ontario and across the country. He called on Trudeau, whom he will meet with at a first minister's conference in Montreal next week, to abandon the carbon pricing plan. "You can't campaign for a job-killing carbon tax on Monday and sit around and wonder why manufacturing and automotive jobs are leaving on Tuesday." Dias fired back at Ford Wednesday evening, saying the premier's reaction to the entire situation flies in the face of his public reputation as a fighter and his slogan of leading a government "for the people." "There are many who portray themselves like him, as a prize fighter," he said. "But just before they get into the arena they faint. That would be him. I'm just fascinated by how weak he is on this whole thing." Dias accused Ford of being "intimidated" by General Motors and said his comments since the job cuts were announced have undermined efforts to fight GM's decision. "If he's not prepared to fight he should just be quiet and get out of the way," he said. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] Just two days after it came under fire for announcing an award for a novelist and former New York City prosecutor who oversaw the prosecution of the Central Park Five teenage boys wrongly convicted of rape in 1989 the organization behind the award withdrew it. Mystery Writers of America, which promotes mystery and detective fiction and presents the annual Edgar Awards, said Thursday that it would no longer honor Linda Fairstein, a best-selling crime author, with one of its Grand Master awards for literary achievement. The New York-based organization said in a statement that its board was unaware of Ms. Fairsteins role in the infamous Central Park Five case until members raised concerns. After profound reflection, the Board has decided that M.W.A. cannot move forward with an award that lacks the support of such a large percentage of our members, the group said. In a 2012 interview with The New York Times, she said that had she known about her dense tissue and the shortcomings of mammography, she would have requested ultrasound or M.R.I. scans, which are better than mammograms at finding tumors in dense breasts. And if she had had those other tests, she believed, her cancer would have been found at an earlier stage, and she might not have even needed chemotherapy. Because the tumor was so large, she thought it must have been growing for four or five years. She urged her doctors to begin telling women if they had dense breasts. But they told her that that was not part of the standard protocol, she said, and declined. We said, Then were going to make you do it this is life and death, Mr. Cappello said in an interview, referring to himself and his wife. The couple learned that dense breasts are not rare: They occur in about 40 percent of women who have mammograms. The condition is more common in younger women, but some older women have it as well. It shows up only on mammograms and cannot be detected by touch. The Cappellos approached state legislators and enlisted medical experts to help make their case. It took time, but in 2009 Connecticut became the first state to require that women be told if they had dense breasts and that insurance companies cover ultrasound scans for those women. After that, Mr. Cappello said, women from around the country began to contact Dr. Cappello, asking how they could get similar laws passed in their states. She quit her state job and founded nonprofit education and advocacy groups, both called Are You Dense? Since 1851, obituaries in The New York Times have been dominated by white men. With Overlooked, were adding the stories of remarkable people whose deaths went unreported in The Times. Noor Inayat Khan was not what one would expect of a British spy. She was a princess, having been born into royalty in India; a Muslim , whose father was a Sufi preacher; a writer, mainly of short stories; and a musician, who played the harp and the piano. But she was exactly what Britains military intelligence needed in 1943. Khan, whose name was in the news in Britain recently as a proposed new face of the 50 note, was 25 when war was declared in 1939. She and her family went to England to volunteer for the war effort, and in 1940 she joined the Womens Auxiliary Air Force and trained to become a radio operator. Able to speak French, she was quickly chosen to go to Paris to join the Special Operations Executive, a secret British organization set up to support resistance to the Germans from behind enemy lines through espionage and sabotage. The Democratic hopefuls are popping up everywhere. Senator Kamala Harris of California has a memoir coming out, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has a new childrens book on the history of suffrage. As candidate publications go, I can really recommend Gillibrands, which is only 18 pages, with very big pictures. On the other side of the coin, Bernie Sanders is publicizing a 288-page chronicle of his visits to 32 states over the last two years. And hes not resting! This week Sanders gave a speech in which he demanded that the nation start examining the problems of income and wealth inequality et cetera et cetera. It was a message to the nation: America is now on the cusp of the et cetera season. Just this week, Beto ORourke announced he was not ruling out running for president. This was big news because Beto ORourke. But there are actually at least several thousand other politicians who have not ruled out running, either. Face it, almost every Democrat who has ever been elected to anything is mulling the possibility. Your state representative may be dreaming about it this very day. The chairwoman of the Zoning Board of Appeals is working out a strategy while she hangs Christmas lights. Actually, ORourke is a bit different in that he had publicly ruled out a presidential race, something Ill bet your state representative never did. At the time, he was trying to get elected to the U.S. Senate and swearing that if he won, no siren call from the White House could lure him away from his job. Nobody really takes those promises seriously. During his re-election campaign, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said hed stick around for his entire four-year term unless God strikes me dead. This is an advantage to Cuomo: interesting quotes. Plus, of course, that vision of a lightning bolt striking the campaign headquarters. Feel free to discuss whether Andrew Cuomo would be a better presidential nominee than Beto ORourke. Also, you can throw in Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Jerry Brown, Sherrod Brown, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro. That gets us pretty much through C. This can be an excellent mental exercise for the long winter months. When I have trouble falling asleep, I frequently try to see how many former vice presidents I can name. I can usually get to 45, which I realize is truly pathetic. Please, dont mention it to anybody. But candidates are au courant. And Ill bet you would nod off long before you made it to Elizabeth Warren. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Autos are hardly the only part of the manufacturing sector facing challenges. Factory employment, which fell from 17 million jobs two decades ago to about 11.5 million in 2010, has regained only 1.3 million jobs during the post-2008 economic recovery. Just 434,000 of those jobs were added after Mr. Trump took office. Yes, automation played some role in lowering employment, but the bigger problem has been competition from countries like China that are now able to produce goods as well as we do or better using much cheaper labor. For carmakers, that has meant moving production to Mexico. In addition to lost American jobs, the consequence of this competition has been lagging earnings for factory workers. Once paid a premium, manufacturing workers now earn below-averag e wages. The presidents main policy response has been to start a trade war. Mr. Trump is correct that some countries notably, China dont play fair, but his strategy has led only to acrimony, a jittery stock market and rising international tensions. Even manufacturers dont like the trade war. General Motors said that Mr. Trumps tariffs on steel and other products would add $1 billion to its production costs, which puts more pressure on the company to cut workers. Mr. Trumps responses to G.M.s decision also miss the mark. He called on G.M. to close one of its plants in China, even though G.M. doesnt import a meaningful number of cars from there. He said G.M. should no longer have access to incentives to stimulate electric car production, which would simply damage the governments effort to make the industry more competitive by spurring investment in new technologies. Instead of Mr. Trumps ham-handed approach to manufacturing, we should be pursuing more sophisticated remedies. Im all for pushing back on the protectionist policies of China and other nations, but lets do it with our allies and with the support of international organizations. Photo: CTV News A Manitoba farm sanctuary is inviting people to meet a gentle giant after a photo of an Australian steer towering over other cows went viral. Knickers the Holstein has been making headlines Down Under because he stands just under two metres in height and weighs about 1.4 tonnes. But Dozer the steer near Steinbach stands about 2.5 centimetres taller. And that is no bull. Karl Schoenrock from Kismet Creek Farm took in Dozer last spring from an owner in Alberta who wanted a better of quality of life for the massive steer. Schoenrock says the farm takes animals in to live out their natural lives. "Everybody is pretty much smaller than Dozer. Even our horses and everything else, nothing compares, he said Wednesday. "He is just so calm, with his demeanour." Dozer currently shares a pasture with two other steers and a horse. We finally have a sense of President Trumps strategy for Latin America. This month, the national security adviser, John Bolton, gave what was billed as a major policy speech on Latin America policy that focused on tightening the screws on leftist autocrats in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. In the weeks that followed, the White House put sanctions on state-owned companies in Cuba and on public officials in Venezuela and Nicaragua. Mr. Bolton didnt discuss Mexico, where the leftist populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will be sworn in as president on Saturday. He had very little to say about most of the regions other main countries and instead harped on punishing Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, whom he called the troika of tyranny, the triangle of terror and the three stooges of socialism. This Manichaean view a misguided rehash of the Cold War policies of Ronald Reagan threatens to polarize the region. While punitive measures against the regimes in these three countries may be overdue, this strategy ignores, at Washingtons peril, the domestic concerns of elected leaders in Latin Americas democracies. And we already see troubling signs that in pursuing this narrow focus on leftist autocrats, the Trump administration is embracing far-right-wing populist leaders. Squeezing regional dictators is simply not a priority for Latin Americas democratically elected leaders. Nor should it be. Once upon a time, everyone hoped that the internet, instead of becoming a bottomless pit of iniquity, would be filled with good and interesting information about large cattle. And lo, it is. But the viral photos of Knickers, the very large Australian steer, perhaps the largest steer around, have raised more questions than a leak from the Mueller investigation. The main one being, how did he get to be 6 feet 4 inches at the shoulder, and weigh about 3,000 pounds, so big that he escaped the abattoir. The answer seems to be if youre a good-sized Holstein steer and you live long enough, you too could be a contender. What are Holsteins? They are the Ben and Jerry cows, black and white. They are bred to produce milk. The breed is 2,000 years old and originated in Europe. They are also raised for their meat, and, since Knickers was a steer (a castrated bull), he unfortunately had no future in the dairy business. How big do cattle usually grow? It depends on the breed. According to Daren M. Sheffield, production records specialist at the Holstein Association USA, the average Holstein cow is about 4 feet, 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs about 1,500 pounds. Steers are usually slaughtered around 15 months at a weight of 1,300 to 1,400 pounds. It is rare for a steer to reach seven years of age. The case is riding a wave of bipartisan anxiety about a national lack of civic engagement and knowledge, from voter participation rates that are among the lowest in the developed world to pervasive disinformation on social media. Fewer than half the states hold schools accountable for teaching civics, according to a review in 2016 by the Education Commission of the States. Only 23 percent of American eighth graders were proficient in civics on the 2014 National Assessment of Educational Progress, a test that included questions on the Constitution and the roles of the various branches of government. Rhode Island does not require schools to offer courses in government or civics, does not require standardized tests in those subjects or in history, and does not provide training for teachers in civics, the lawsuit says. Beyond civics classes, the suit also argues that the states neediest children, particularly Latino immigrants and students with special needs, are failing to acquire the basic academic skills they need to effectively exercise their rights to free speech and voter participation. Among eighth grade English-language learners in 39 states, those in Rhode Island ranked last in math and second to last in reading on the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The Rhode Island Department of Education declined to comment on the allegations in the suit. The argument Aleitas lawyers are making will be a heavy legal lift, as federal courts have, for four decades, been hostile to education inequality claims. In the 1973 case San Antonio v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that the State of Texas had not violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by funding schools in low-income neighborhoods at lower levels than schools in more affluent areas. In July, a federal judge in Michigan declined to challenge that precedent, ruling that access to literacy was not a constitutional right for schoolchildren in Detroit. The plaintiffs lawyers in the Rhode Island case believe that, by focusing on civics, they can take advantage of an opening in the Rodriguez ruling. Justice Lewis F. Powell, writing for the majority, agreed with a dissenter in the case, Justice Thurgood Marshall, that educational inequality might rise to the level of a constitutional violation if it prevented students from exercising their right to speak and to vote. A lawyer for Father LaRosa-Lopez, Wendell Odom, said last month that his client denies any improper touching that would be considered a criminal act. But he said that Father LaRosa-Lopez may have committed a boundary violation, and had apologized years ago to the young woman. The priest was arrested after a second alleged victim a man came forward to the archdiocese and to police this year. Investigators are now working with four alleged victims of Father LaRosa-Lopez, and are communicating with others who may have been abused by him, Mr. Dunman said in a telephone interview. Cardinal DiNardo has found himself on the defensive over his handling of Father LaRosa-Lopez, just as he has been frustrated in his campaign to reassure the public that the bishops are being transparent. Last month, the cardinal presided over a deflating national meeting in Baltimore at which the American bishops were prevented by the Vatican from voting on a package of policies intended to hold bishops accountable. In an op-ed published in The Houston Chronicle on Monday, Cardinal DiNardo said that he had removed Father LaRosa-Lopez from ministry immediately after the second alleged victim came forward. He appeared to blame Child Protective Services for failing to act on the teenage girls report of abuse, saying that in the future the archdiocese would report abuse cases to both Child Protective Services and law enforcement. He did not explain why he had kept Father LaRosa-Lopez in ministry or named him vicar for Hispanics. He wrote, The vile and horrid acts of a small minority has shaped the perception of the media and many in the public about all priests and now, our bishops. While this is understandable, it is regrettable and it is only through actions based on faith and just principles that this evil that afflicts the Church will be eradicated. The law enforcement officers who searched the archdiocesan offices on Wednesday were from the Texas Rangers, the Conroe Police Department, the Montgomery County district attorneys office and other federal agencies, Mr. Dunman said, though he declined to specify which agencies. They combed through the building searching for documents, electronic communications and other evidence. Advocates of offering these medications to inmates said this was the first time a federal judge had ruled in this way. They hoped it would send a message to other correctional institutions that they were on shaky legal ground in denying access to these medications. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioids themselves, acting on the same receptors in the brain that drugs like oxycodone and heroin do, but they do not produce a high if taken as prescribed. While methadone can be dispensed only at licensed clinics, buprenorphine can be prescribed by doctors and taken at home. Some people take these medications for years, and terminating them abruptly leads to withdrawal. Amid debates about offering methadone and buprenorphine to inmates, Mr. Pesce, 32, presented a particularly strong case even to skeptics. He battled opioid addiction for years, losing his job and custody of his son in the process. He overdosed at least six times and was revived with Narcan on several occasions. He tried detoxification programs, as well as buprenorphine and another drug, naltrexone, which blocks the brains opioid receptors, all without success. Finally, in late 2016, he was prescribed methadone, which proved to be life-changing. Since then, he has not had a positive drug test, and he is working as a machinist. However, because his drivers license was revoked or suspended because of a prior conviction for driving under the influence of drugs, Mr. Pesce depended on his parents to drive him to the clinic. One day in July, his mother was unexpectedly unavailable, so he decided to drive himself, and was pulled over for driving six miles per hour above the speed limit. WASHINGTON Democrats ushered in their leadership on Wednesday for the 116th Congress, including more than 200 returning and incoming members signaling that come January, they want Representative Nancy Pelosi of California to reclaim the speakers gavel. Here are some of the takeaways from the caucuss votes. The real test for Ms. Pelosi is in January and now theres a road map for her allies and dissenters. Without a challenger, Ms. Pelosi was expected to easily claim the nomination for speaker. But with 203 yes votes, offset by 32 no votes and three ballots left blank, she fell short of the 218 votes shell need to win in a floor vote on Jan. 3. Even though the vote was conducted by secret ballot, it gave both Ms. Pelosi and her detractors a sense of how strong her majority is. Allies argue that earning more than 200 votes of support is a sign that Ms. Pelosi can wrangle her way to victory in January. In 2016, when Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio tried to challenge her for minority leader, she had 63 detractors, so there is confidence that she can garner the support she needs on the floor next year. WASHINGTON At a leadership table of septuagenarians, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York has just emerged as the Democrats face of generational change. Mr. Jeffries, a 48-year-old Brooklynite with a golden tongue, was elected by his fellow Democrats on Wednesday to the relatively obscure position of chairman of the House Democratic caucus. It is the No. 5 leadership spot, but Mr. Jeffries is now on the fast track, with the potential to make history as the first black speaker of the House. Hakeem represents the leading edge of a new wave of Democrats, said Steve Israel, the former New York congressman and onetime chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. I think he tapped into a sense in the caucus that the next generation of leaders needs to begin crystallizing. As Mr. Jeffries takes his place in Democratic leadership, at least two, and possibly three, of the top spots will be occupied by lawmakers who are pushing 80. A fourth, Representative Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, who has been elected assistant Democratic leader, is, at 46, younger than Mr. Jeffries, but not as talked-about. One of the septuagenarians, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, who is hoping to be elected speaker, is calling herself a transitional figure. Mr. Jeffries, questioned about his aspirations, sought to dismiss the speculation. But Mr. Jordan, 54, made his candidacy for the Judiciary Committee slot known only in recent days and has a scant legislative record to lean on. He had challenged Representative Kevin McCarthy of California for the Republican leader position this month, but his pitch for an abrupt shift in direction after Republicans midterm thumping was soundly rejected. And his role in the Freedom Caucus could well alienate party leaders and moderates. At the other end of the spectrum is Mr. Chabot, a soft-spoken Ohioan who has represented the Cincinnati area on and off for two decades and is presenting himself as a calm hand for uneasy times. He has worked closely with Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, the next Judiciary Committee chairman, and served as one of a dozen or so House Republican managers who effectively played the role of prosecutors in the Senates trial of President Bill Clinton in the 1990s. He has highlighted that experience with color photographs and detailed information about his legislative record including championing major anti-abortion bills in a six-page brochure distributed to House Republicans. There is no question that the Democratic base is going to be pushing Mr. Nadler and others on the committee in the direction of impeachment of maybe cabinet officials, maybe a Supreme Court justice and quite likely the president of the United States, he said in an interview. So I think having experience in that area would certainly be helpful. But Mr. Chabot, 65, said he was not willing to reflexively defend the president unless and until it was warranted. I am not going to prejudge what an appropriate defense is before getting the evidence, he said. Others may, but I am not. WASHINGTON When President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China sit down to talk trade this week at the Group of 20 summit meeting, their negotiations are likely to be framed by a highly charged topic: the White Houses insistence that China routinely steals American technology and intellectual property. The Trump administration has repeatedly levied accusations of theft at China, invoking a term that offends the Chinese. Mr. Trump regularly says that China has ripped off the United States. Last month, Vice President Mike Pence said Chinas security agencies had masterminded the wholesale theft of American technology, and this week, Larry Kudlow, Mr. Trumps top economic adviser, said in a G-20 preview that issues of intellectual property theft must be solved. The language employed by the Trump administration sometimes lumps together distinct but related issues, such as the trade deficit the United States runs with China, technology transfer deals negotiated by American companies and espionage intended to advance Chinas economic rise. But it reflects a deep, substantive rift, and the ability of the two countries to deal with it could be the key to whether a trade deal gets done in Buenos Aires. Mr. Trump has already imposed tariffs on more than $200 billion of Chinese goods, largely in response to their approach to appropriating technology, and the rate on those levies could jump to 25 percent next year from the current rate of 10 percent. WASHINGTON Some multinational companies may not see as much of a benefit from President Trumps signature tax cuts as they had hoped, under proposed regulations that the administration issued on Wednesday. If they are made permanent, the rules, released late in the day by the Internal Revenue Service, will force some corporations that operate in relatively high-tax countries abroad like France or Mexico to pay a higher effective tax rate than they might have under an alternative interpretation of the law. Mr. Trump last year signed the law, which many business groups had pushed for. The Treasury Department acknowledged that likelihood in the proposal, which runs over 300 pages. It said the laws international provisions, as the administration construes them, have limited the benefits of certain tax-reduction strategies that companies employ. The department is also offering a consolation to affected companies, by promising to review a related set of regulations, with an eye toward easing them. The regulations cover interactions between existing credits that companies can take for taxes paid abroad and a new type of international minimum tax that the law created this year, called the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income tax. Photo: The Canadian Press PC MPP Amanda Simard, second row right, is seen seated amongst fellow MPP's and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, left, as the legislature sits inside Queens Park in Toronto on September 15, 2018. A Progressive Conservative legislator who publicly denounced Ontario's decision to eliminate the independent office of the French-language services commissioner and a planned French-language university has left the Tory caucus. In a letter to the Speaker of the legislature, Amanda Simard says her decision is effective immediately, and she will remain as an independent. "I am no longer a member of the Progressive Conservative Caucus," Simard wrote in the short letter. "I will continue to take my place in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Independent." The rookie legislator, who represents a largely Franco-Ontarian riding, broke ranks with Premier Doug Ford's government over the two controversial decisions affecting about 600,000 francophones in the province. Simard said Wednesday that she was not satisfied by the government's announcement late last week that it would create a commissioner position within the office of the provincial ombudsman, establish a Ministry of Francophone Affairs, and hire a senior policy adviser on francophone affairs in the premier's office. She said the "partial backtracking" was not enough. Ford has said the measures regarding the commissioner and the university announced in the fall economic statement were necessary to bring down the province's deficit, although he has not said how much would be saved. Simard argued Wednesday that the moves would not "contribute in any meaningful way" to the provincial belt-tightening. The premier said he had listened to concerns about the changes and already offered some concessions. Paul Manafort was once President Trumps campaign manager. By the fall of 2018, he was expected to face at least a decade in prison for 10 felony counts. Those counts included financial fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Mr. Manafort is disappointed of not getting acquittals all the way through. He is evaluating all of his options at this point. In the hopes of getting a more lenient punishment, Manafort agreed to fully cooperate with the special counsel, Robert Mueller. Now, federal prosecutors are saying he violated his plea deal by repeatedly lying during their investigation. Manaforts lawyer also allegedly passed information to President Trumps legal team. But this isnt Manaforts first scandal. Controversy has trailed the veteran Republican adviser since his earliest work as an international lobbyist and consultant. In the 1980s, Manafort testified before Congress and admitted to using his political influence to win millions of dollars in contracts from federal low-income housing programs. The technical term for what we do and what law firms, associations and professional groups do is lobbying. For purposes of today, I will admit that in a narrow sense some people might term it influence peddling. That same decade, Manafort advised the Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, on improving his image in the U.S. Manafort allegedly received $10 million in cash from a Marcos confidante. It was apparently money intended for Ronald Reagans presidential campaign. But the campaign said it never received that money. Foreign contributions to U.S. presidential elections are illegal. Also in the 1980s, Manafort was linked to the prime minister of the Bahamas at a time when the island nation had alleged ties to drug traffickers. Manaforts company said that the goal of its work was to help the Bahamas obtain more U.S. aid to help curb the drug smuggling. Decades later, Manafort would run Trumps presidential campaign. We want America to understand who Donald Trump the man is. Not just Donald Trump the candidate. The composite of his career. Not just from a business standpoint or a political standpoint, from a human standpoint as well. But he resigned five months into the job in August 2016, in the wake of reports that he received more than $12 million from Viktor Yanukovich, the former Ukrainian president and pro-Russia politician. Yanukovich and his political party relied on advice from Manafort and his firm, which helped them win several elections. The Times uncovered that Manafort and others close to Trump met with the Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer in June 2016. That lawyer claimed to have damaging political information about Hillary Clinton. As for this latest brush with controversy, Manaforts lawyers insist that their client has been truthful. But they acknowledge that Manafort and Muellers team are at an impasse. He once expressed hope that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would be my new best friend, but with friends like him, President Trump hardly needs enemies. Russias armed seizure of three Ukrainian ships in the days before the two leaders are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting in Buenos Aires has threatened to upend Mr. Trumps plans to forge a fruitful relationship with Mr. Putin and may deepen the renewed tension between the former Cold War rivals. After two years of going out of his way to avoid public criticism of his Russian counterpart, Mr. Trump has inched closer to a breaking point, declaring that he was not happy about the confrontation in the Sea of Azov and suggesting that he might even call off his session with Mr. Putin scheduled for Saturday. As of Wednesday, the Kremlin said it still expected the meeting to proceed and the White House did not indicate otherwise. But if the two leaders do get together, Mr. Trump will face pressure to more forcefully condemn Russian aggression or risk once again looking deferential to Mr. Putin as he did in Helsinki this summer when he seemed to accept the Russians word that he had not interfered in the 2016 presidential election. And so the Trumps soldier on, spreading cheer and fighting back against their critics as the animus between their administration and its chroniclers has once again spiked. It was only two weeks ago, after all, that the White House was taken to court over a CNN reporters yanked press pass. And a week since the press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, issued new rules for reportorial comportment in the West Wing, including a sort of-but-not-really semiban on follow-up questions. Was that all just a tryptophan-induced dream? It seemed that way during a moment, at least, of comity on Tuesday, when reporters and Ms. Sanders trudged into the James S. Brady Briefing Room for her first daily White House press briefing since October. The usual tussling ensued, no press passes were snatched and when Jim Acosta, the re-credentialed CNN correspondent, piped up with a question, Ms. Sanders politely replied. Then came the moment of truth. And, Mr. Acosta intoned, milking his windup, if I could ask a follow-up? He asked. She answered. The briefing went on. The fate of the holiday party might be a better barometer of White House press relations. In the great Washington tradition of conflict by day, conviviality by night, presidents have welcomed their skeptics in the news media to the East Wing for an evening of holiday quaffs and sundries. Friends and family are invited. Receiving lines for photographs with the first couple once stretched for hours. Like other Washington rituals, it has not quite survived Trump. Last years event was rescheduled to the afternoon not exactly prime time for mulled wine and a few news organizations, including CNN, boycotted. Mr. Trump said a few words, complimented Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business on her ratings, and then bolted. Five prison inmates in South Carolina have been charged with setting up an elaborate extortion ring in which they blackmailed members of the military by posing as underage women online and collected more than half a million dollars, the authorities said Wednesday. The inmates, who were indicted this month, used smartphones that were smuggled into prison to create profiles on social media and dating sites to lure in service members, Sherri A. Lydon, United States attorney for the District of South Carolina, said at a news conference in Columbia, S.C. Ten other people were charged with assisting the inmates in obtaining money they demanded from the service members, according to court documents. The inmates exchanged nude photos with the service members, using photos of young women found on the internet, Ms. Lydon said. They would then pretend to be the girls father or another authority figure and tell the service member that their fictitious daughter was underage, she said. The inmates demanded money and said that if the service member didnt pay, they would alert the military to the sexting, she said. Military members would then pay, fearful that they would lose their careers over possessing what they were led to believe was child pornography, said Drew Goodridge, a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. That agency had been investigating the scheme since early 2017. It called the inquiry Operation Surprise Party. The pornographic film actress Stephanie Clifford moved on Wednesday to distance herself from the lawyer Michael Avenatti, saying he had filed a defamation suit against President Trump against her wishes and sometimes spoke on her behalf without her consent. In a statement provided to The Daily Beast, Ms. Clifford, who is known professionally as Stormy Daniels, alleged that Mr. Avenatti had also repeatedly ignored her requests for accounting information about a legal defense and safety fund that has drawn support from donors; in the meantime, she said, Mr. Avenatti launched another crowdfunding campaign without her knowledge, attributing words to her that she never wrote or said. I havent decided yet what to do about legal representation moving forward, Ms. Clifford said in her statement to The Daily Beast. Michael has been a great advocate in many ways. Im tremendously grateful to him for aggressively representing me in my fight to regain my voice. But in other ways Michael has not treated me with the respect and deference an attorney should show to a client. I dont want to hurt Michael, but its time to set the record straight, her statement continued. The truth has always been my greatest ally. A peaceful march at the border of Mexico and the United States on Sunday devolved into chaotic scenes of American border protection agents firing tear gas into a crowd that included children. Rights experts and others have questioned whether this use of force was justifiable or legal. The episode, at the San Ysidro crossing that links San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, became a focus of outrage, particularly after a photograph of a woman and her young daughters being tear-gassed attracted international attention. One of the children was barefoot and both were still in diapers. President Trump and Kirstjen Nielsen, the secretary of Homeland Security, have defended the firing of tear gas. But others like Gavin Newsom, the governor-elect of California, have denounced the action. The Foreign Ministry of Mexico has asked the United States for a full investigation. Is it legal to fire tear gas across an international border? Dozens of tear gas canisters fired by the Americans were visible on the Mexican side of the border immediately after the episode. Legal experts have questioned the justification for using such weapons against people who were not in the United States. Our guide to new art shows and some that will be closing soon. HILMA AF KLINT: PAINTINGS FOR THE FUTURE at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (through April 23). This rapturous exhibition upends Modernisms holiest genesis tale that the male trinity of Kandinsky, Malevich and Mondrian invented abstract painting starting in 1913. It demonstrates that a female Swedish artist got there first (1906-7), in great style and a radically bold scale with paintings that feel startlingly contemporary. The mother of all revisionist shows regarding Modernism. (Roberta Smith) 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org DIANE ARBUS, UNTITLED at David Zwirner (through Dec. 15). Departing significantly from the work that built Arbuss reputation, the photographs in this series, taken at an all-female institution in Vineland, N.J., include some of the most mysterious, haunting pictures of her 15-year artistic career. Arbus arrived at two great insights. The first was that it would be more poignant to show her subjects happy. Her second brilliant stroke was to photograph outdoors, amid trees and fields, scrubbing off the institutional settings and entering the realm of dream and myth. One of Arbuss lifetime quests was to expose what she called the flaw, a telltale detail that reveals the crack between the way people wish to present themselves and how they actually are seen. In the Untitled series, she was dealing with subjects devoid of guile. For an artist who had deployed a battery of strategies to coax sitters into dropping their masks, it was novel to photograph people who revealed their unguarded selves. One of the towering achievements of American art, this series reminds us that nothing can surpass the strange beauty of reality if a photographer knows where to look. And how to look. (Arthur Lubow) 212-727-2070, davidzwirner.com ARMENIA! at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (through Jan. 13). The first major museum exhibition ever devoted to the art of Armenia officially its medieval era, but in fact spanning nearly 1,500 years bulges with weighty stone crosses, intricate altar frontals and flamboyantly illuminated Bibles and Gospel books unlike any manuscripts youve seen from that time. Armenia, in the Caucasus Mountains, was the first country to convert to Christianity, in the fourth century, and the richly painted religious texts here, lettered in the unique Armenian alphabet, are a testament to the centrality of the church in a nation that would soon be plunged into the world of Islam. By the end of the Middle Ages, Armenian artists were working as far afield as Rome, where an Armenian bishop painted this shows most astounding manuscript: a tale of Alexander the Great that features the Macedonian kings ship swallowed by an enormous brown crab, hooking the sails with its pincers as its mouth gapes. (Jason Farago) 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org CONSTANTIN BRANCUSI SCULPTURE: THE FILMS at the Museum of Modern Art (through Feb. 18). This show is built around works by the Romanian modernist (1876-1957) that have been longtime highlights of the museums own collection. But in 2018, can Brancusi still release our inner poet? The answer may lie in paying less attention to the sculptures themselves and more to Brancusis little-known and quite amazing films, projected at the entrance to the gallery throughout the duration of the exhibition. MoMA borrowed the series of video clips from the Pompidou Center in Paris. They give the feeling that Brancusi was less interested in making fancy museum objects than in putting new kinds of almost-living things into the world, and convey the vital energy his sculptures were meant to capture. (Blake Gopnik) 212-708-9400, moma.org AMSTERDAM Vincent van Gogh may have been quite fond of painting his own portrait, but he was far fussier about his real-life image. For years, only two photographs of his face were known to exist. Now, that number is down to one. A photographic portrait long believed to be of a teenage Vincent is not him at all, but rather his brother Theo, researchers at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam announced on Thursday. The photograph, taken in a studio in Brussels in the 1870s, was thought to be an image of the artist at 13 and has been displayed as such since a Belgian historian first publicized it in 1957. But a recent investigation by the museum, which owns the photograph, and a forensic scientist at the University of Amsterdam, found that it could not have been Vincent. FIRST SATURDAYS FOR FAMILIES: MONUMENTAL LANDSCAPES at the New Museum (Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-noon). As winter approaches, the time for playing in parks is waning. Not at this museum, however, which plans to give young visitors on Saturday a chance to collaborate on designing their own park indoors. Part of a free monthly series for families with children 4 to 12, Monumental Landscapes draws inspiration from the exhibition Motha and Chris E. Vargas: Consciousness Razing. In that show, Vargas, founder of the semifictional Museum of Transgender Hirstory & Art (Motha), reimagines Christopher Park, a designated Greenwich Village monument to the Stonewall riots. Children can look at Vargass scale model of the park, and the work of artists he invited to make new memorials for it. Then they will create their park on a huge sheet of paper on the floor, using materials like pipe cleaners, fabric, Bubble Wrap and cardboard to fashion trees, gardens, monuments, statues and whatever they want to add. 212-219-1222, newmuseum.org HANUKKAH FAMILY DAY at the Jewish Museum (Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Before Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, children can design, draw and dance their way into the holiday at this arts-filled celebration. Drop-in workshops will include building menorahs from found objects like wood pieces, spools and wire; making accordion books with colored-cellophane windows; painting flying Hanukkah scenes inspired by Chagall; and, taking cues from the work of Larry Kagan, collaborating on a giant cardboard sculpture. In concerts at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Josh & the Jamtones will put pop twists on Hanukkah songs, and at 1 p.m., the illustrator and educator Jeff Hopkins will set stories in motion: Using wall-size paper, he will combine drawing, narration and movement into a performance of holiday tales. 212-423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org WASHINGTON An original manuscript of Take the A Train, compositional sketches that were never completed and a revealing look at the royalty earnings of one of the 20th centurys most revered composers: These are a few of the 18,000 documents collected in Billy Strayhorns personal archive, which is now available to the public at the Library of Congress. The library announced its acquisition of the papers on Thursday. Researchers must go in person to access the collection, the Billy Strayhorn Musical Manuscripts and Estate Papers, which have not been digitized, but the library has created a digital finding aid. Many of the materials in the collection come from Strayhorns 25-year run as a member of Duke Ellingtons organization, where he was the bandleaders closest collaborator and co-composer. But it also includes materials from Strayhorns youth including an original handwritten manuscript of Fantastic Rhythm, the full-length musical he wrote while still in high school, and of Something to Live For, a now-classic piece composed before his years with Ellington and from side projects throughout his life. Of the collection, about 3,000 pieces are classified as music items, mostly sheet music. The rest are primarily royalty statements, business papers and letters Strayhorn received. Photo: The Canadian Press Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko speaks to soldiers during a visit to a military base in Chernihiv, Ukraine, Wednesday. The Ukrainian president has urged NATO to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov, a proposal that has been sharply criticized by Russia as a provocation that could further inflame tensions between the two countries. In an interview in the German daily Bild, published Thursday, President Petro Poroshenko laid out his hope that NATO would "relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security" against the expansionist ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His call follows the weekend incident in which the Russian coast guard fired on and seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews. Russia charged that the Ukrainian vessels had failed to obtain permission to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait between Russia's mainland and the Crimean Peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules. The Ukrainian government said Thursday that Russia has blocked commercial traffic to and from Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, a claim Russia quickly denied. "Putin wants nothing less but to occupy the sea," Poroshenko said. "The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world." Putin, for his part, criticized the West for what he described as connivance with Ukraine's "provocation." "The authorities in Kyiv are successfully selling anti-Russian sentiments as they have nothing else left to sell," he said. "They can get away with whatever they do. If they want to eat babies for breakfast today, they will likely get served too." German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she plans to press Putin at this weekend's G-20 summit in Argentina to urge the release of the ships and crews. NATO said it already has a strong presence in the Black Sea region. The alliance's spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said NATO ships routinely patrol and exercise in the Black Sea, and that they have spent 120 days there this year compared to 80 in 2017. 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. He Sees You When Youre Tweeting The Russia investigation took an unexpected turn this week with the news that Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman, had been briefing the presidents lawyers about his discussions with federal investigators. That came to light days after Robert S. Mueller, the special counsel, accused Manafort of violating his plea agreement by repeatedly lying to investigators. Stephen Colbert always an eager tracker of Muellers latest moves penned a little parody Christmas carol for Trump on Wednesday. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit finishes its fall season, and Coco offers a seemingly innocent emotional reckoning. Whats Streaming COCO (2017) on Amazon, Google Play and Netflix. Despite his familys ban on music, born out of a deep and generations-old heartbreak, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is still determined to become a musician. But after a strange series of events, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead, coming face to face with his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) and a ragtag, forgotten ghost named Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal). Miguel must navigate this otherworldly land to learn the truth and find his roots before its too late. Mixing Disney innocence with an extreme emotional appeal is by now a science for Pixar, so be prepared for the waterworks. THE GODFATHER (1972) on Amazon, Google Play, Netflix and Vudu. Its an offer you cant refuse: This film, lauded as one of the greatest of all time, is finally streaming across several platforms. Francis Ford Coppolas movie adaptation of the novel by Mario Puzo introduces the Corleones, members of an Italian crime family in New York, and their patriarch, Don Vito (Marlon Brando). When his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), decides to join the family business, a college education gives way to a life of crime. In his review for The New York Times, Vincent Canby praised the film as brutal and moving, and called Pacino an actor worthy to have Brando as his father. Best known for his work on the ethics of eating, Pollan delivers his most personal book yet, one that demanded he drop acid in full view of the reader. Exploring the history and science of psychedelics, he tells of the rise and fall and rise again of our societal interest in these drugs, which are now thought to have many benefits, from helping with addiction to easing the terror of the terminally ill. The book hits its high point when he examines the mysticism and spirituality of the psychedelic experience. What can we learn about ourselves when the part of our mind controlling the ego drops away? What is this older, more primitive part of the brain, which connects us to how a child sees the world? Its a trip that leads him to wonder about how, ultimately, we can get the most out of our existences as conscious beings in the world. Nonfiction | Penguin Press. $28. | Read the review Small Fry Furthermore, the roster of no-shows so far announced for Detroit this coming January, before the switch, is already formidable: Volvo, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, among others, have already confirmed that they wont attend. Of course, many no-show companies send scouts to assess the competition. What used to be obligatory attendance at big-time shows, to attract thousands of media types in one place, is now past. If we dont have a proper unveil for a show, we wont go, said Mark Dahnke, a spokesman for Audi. He likes to mention the adoption of a launch cadence, and Audis conviction that bringing journalists to a one-off event, to spend a day or two with the car, is the more effective road to press attention. To that end, Audi recently invited 1,200 auto writers to San Francisco for the introduction of the E-tron, an electric S.U.V. If you do have a big reveal, the media doesnt have enough time to digest properly what youre doing, Mr. Dahnke said, referring to auto-show introductions. Reporters are covering 10 or 15 different brands in a day, and it causes you not to be able to cover a larger topic that might be more complex. For some manufacturers, the return isnt worth the investment. A major presence at a show, with a display and newsconference plus lighting, music, catering and the other accouterments can cost a half-million dollars or much more. Often the funds are funneled elsewhere. Pointed messages and high-resolution artwork and clips are targeted to consumers though Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Justin Knopf finished harvesting soybeans as Novembers first snowflakes started falling on his fields in Gypsum, Kan. Then he did what thousands of farmers throughout the grain belt are doing: He got an application for some of the $12 billion in federal emergency relief intended to blunt the economic fallout from President Trumps trade policy brinkmanship. China, the biggest buyer of American soybeans, all but stopped purchases after the White House imposed tariffs this summer and set a retaliatory spiral in motion. The pronouncements and maneuvers in world capitals have reverberated through the kitchens and living rooms of farmers, who were targets in part because they are big exporters and core supporters of Mr. Trump. Some say enough already its a big gamble and the timing is horrible for us to be messing with trade, Mr. Knopf said. Other farmers are incredibly excited about what the administration is doing on trade and truly believe theyll come up with a better deal for us long term. Im probably somewhere in the middle. Im cautiously hopeful. If an agreement had not been reached, those flights would have been governed by regulations established in the 1970s. That would have meant that joint business agreements like the one between American Airlines and British Airways, in which the two airlines sell tickets on each others flights, would have been in danger. The alliances that currently schedule and price so-called metal-neutral service would cease to exist, the antitrust immunity would cease to exist, said Robert W. Mann, an airline analyst based in Port Washington, N.Y. Its kind of like off the edge of those old maps of the world, there be dragons, he added, describing the uncertainty for airlines around the world in the event of a Brexit without a deal with Europe. Airlines based in the European Union that serve routes between Britain and the United States would have lost the rights to those flights altogether. The agreement preserves their right to continue operating those flights. But any European airlines that want to add new routes between the United States and Britain will require a waiver from the United States government. Britain has yet to reach an aviation agreement with the European Union. A draft Brexit deal that the British government reached with the European Union this month stipulates that the two governments will continue negotiating a comprehensive air transport agreement. But that draft Brexit deal still needs the approval of the British Parliament, and its approval is by no means certain. Theres still a lot of unknowns there, Mr. Mann said. Until a deal is reached, theres no guarantee that flights that passengers booked between Britain and Europe after March 2019 will be permitted to operate. Airlines, he said, have schedules published that they may not be able to fly. Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter. WASHINGTON Its been a defining phrase of the Donald Trump presidency, Energy dominance, a doctrine that emphasizes the expansion of coal and oil production as well as the weakening of environmental regulations, including those that address climate change. But at every turn, according to a broad scientific report on climate change issued last week, rising global temperatures threaten to undermine the presidents vision of an energy-dominant America. The blackouts and other energy disruptions of Hurricane Harvey were just harbingers, the report said. Across the United States, every element of the countrys energy infrastructure, like oil wells and nuclear power plants, will be stressed by droughts, heat waves, rising seas and fiercer storms. Climate change disrupts everything, including Trumps agenda, said Alice Hill, a research fellow at the conservative Hoover Institution think tank who served as senior director for resilience policy on the National Security Council under President Barack Obama. When it comes to fossil fuel production, the disruptions are particularly serious. And theres a fundamental irony at play. Even as emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are warming the planet, the consequences of that warming will make it harder to drill for oil, mine for coal and deliver fuel through pipelines. The chef Dominique Crenn has become the first woman in the United States to receive three stars from the Michelin Guide, its highest rating, for her modernist San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn. The guides 2019 stars for the Bay Area were announced Thursday afternoon amid intense speculation that Ms. Crenn, who has already won many of the culinary worlds top prizes, might break that barrier. The restaurant Single Thread, opened in Sonoma County just two years ago by the chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, Katina Connaughton, also won three stars. That brings the number of three-star restaurants in the Bay Area to eight, more than in any other metropolitan area in the world except Paris and Tokyo. (New York City currently has five three-star restaurants.) As their starting point, they address the question that routinely occurs to every thinking wine drinker: Why does this wine taste this way and that one, made from the same grapes a mile away, taste entirely different? The authors visited some of the great wine regions of Europe and posed the question directly to vignerons, the people who grow the grapes and make the wines. The vignerons shared their observations, born of generations of experience with particular terroirs, and Mr. Parr and Mr. Mackay added their own detailed perceptions about the wines. The results are equations that correlate the intricacies of terroir soil, climate, elevation, angle of inclination and the human element (which can be expressed in some unexpected ways, as when people reconstruct vineyards with stones and soil) with a microscopic parsing of the wines themselves. The writers explain, for example, why wines made in the northern quadrants of the Nuits-St.-George region of Burgundy can be so different from those made in the south, and what might separate the chenin blanc grown in the schist of Savennieres from chenin blanc on limestone in Vouvray. The Great Wines of Europe portion of the title is misleading. The focus is primarily on France, which indeed has a solid claim to any investigation of terroir. While several other countries are visited, some regions feel like afterthoughts. Each section of the book concludes with a short list of producers recommended by Mr. Parr. These lists would have been more useful had they included more up-and-comers and fewer choices like Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Domaine Raveneau, which are universally acknowledged to be great and exorbitantly expensive. Le Bernardin, a 32-year-old mainstay of Midtown Manhattan, has been named the best restaurant in the world by La Liste, a ratings organization based in Paris. The seafood restaurant shares that honor with Restaurant Guy Savoy, in Paris, the group said in an announcement on Thursday. It ranked 1,000 establishments. Though Le Bernardin was named No. 1 in the United States on last years list, Eric Ripert, the restaurants chef and partner, said he had had no expectations of rising to the top of the global ranking. Im happy to be rewarded, he said. And Im very pleased that a French organization has recognized an American restaurant, that the United States is at the top. (Le Bernardin was actually born in Paris, opened in 1972 by Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze, who created the New York restaurant in 1986.) La Liste was started in 2015 by an independent French group and is supported by corporate sponsors. Unlike other rating groups, it feeds computers, not reviewers collecting ratings and reviews from more than 600 entities, including guidebooks, newspapers, magazines and websites like Yelp and OpenTable. It even considers diners comments. Then it uses an algorithm to come up with a score for each restaurant. Photo: The Canadian Press Michael Cohen leaves federal court, in New York. Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, made a surprise appearance before a federal judge in New York on Thursday and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress to cover up that he was negotiating a real estate deal in Moscow on Trump's behalf during the heat of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump called Cohen a "weak person" who is lying to get a lighter sentence. The charge was brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the presidential election, and was the result of his co-operation with that probe. Flanked by his lawyers, Cohen admitted making false statements about the project in 2017 to Senate and House intelligence committees, which at the time were investigating possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. His comments made clear that his communications with Trump about the project were much more frequent than he had suggested. Cohen, 52, wearing a blue tie and dark suit, was noticeably relaxed throughout the appearance in a packed Manhattan courtroom, unlike his irritable and emotional demeanour when he entered a guilty plea during the summer. Cohen told the judge he lied about the timing of the negotiations, his communications with people in the company and in Russia about the deal, and other details to be loyal to Trump and consistent with Trump's "political messaging." Cohen and prosecutors referred to Trump as "individual one" throughout Thursday's proceedings and said he lied "to be loyal to Individual One." Among other lies, Cohen said he told Congress that all discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow had ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. He said he also lied about his contacts with Russian officials and lied when he said he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the project and never discussed with Trump plans to travel to Moscow to support the project. Prosecutors said in a court document that Cohen had misled Congress to give a false impression that the Moscow project had ended before the Iowa caucus and first Republican presidential primary in 2016. As he left the White House shortly after the court proceeding concluded, Trump called Cohen "a weak person." "Michael Cohen is lying and he's trying to get a reduced sentence," Trump said. Nothing said in court, or in associated court filings, addressed whether Trump or his aides had directed Cohen to mislead Congress. Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees last year saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary but that the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." Cohen also said he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the potential deal. In his statement, he said that he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater, a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. The mantu are fortifying, the heat penned up inside the skins, which hiss when pierced. But what makes them great are their ornaments: garlicky yogurt, oddly punchy and soothing at once, and a rubble of split peas in a rich korma of tomato paste and onions caramelized to a near burn. Theres cumin in there, gently warming, along with the slightest shock of chile: a baring of the teeth. The rest of the menu is devoted to more versions of korma, made with kofta rough rounds of ground beef and onions bound by chickpea flour chicken thighs cooked in their own fat, or potatoes and peas, melded but still distinct. Each comes in a box with kabuli, carrots and raisins given a gloss in a pan with cardamom and sugar, and a bracing fistful of raw red onions and tomatoes, piqued by lime, with a flutter of dried mint and cilantro. One last dish is mashawa, a soup thick as stew and built for winter. Mung beans, black-eyed peas and chickpeas are softened and fused with rice, carrots, turnips and potatoes. Its suffused with dill, which adds an unexpected sunniness. With each spoonful, I felt like I could walk a hundred miles or sleep for hours. Mr. Rahmati, 32, still lives in Woodside, in the building where he grew up, although his parents have moved to Flushing, where theres a larger Afghan-born population. He struggled for months to get a mobile vendor permit, all the while supporting himself as an Uber driver. TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET, No. 74, grooming products and accessories. Mr. Casely-Hayford noted that his friends dont all share his tastes: Theyre more likely to want something from here, like a shaving product, which is quite a nice gift. For example: a German-made, three-piece, 379 shaving set consisting of a badger-hair shaving brush with a birchwood handle, a classic razor and a chrome stand: The finish is a world apart from what my friends may be used to and I think theyd really appreciate it. SUNSPEL, No. 21a, mens and womens fashion. Mr. Casely-Hayfords choice was its 100 percent cotton T-shirts, 90. Im a classic T-shirt kind of guy and Sunspel is the best. Casely-Hayford is a Made in England product ourselves and while its not essential, its nice to support British-made and Sunspel do a fantastic job with beautiful, simple pieces, very elegant in their fit. I own a million T-shirts but the way the neck rib hugs the neck is so crucial to me. FLORIS, No. 89, fragrances and bath products. Considering custom perfumes from 450 to 4,500, he said, Ive wanted all my life to do this, to get a bespoke scent made. What I would do is give someone a gift certificate and let them select it. It would be a wonderful thing to know they are the only person in the world to have that scent. Finally, as the sun began to set, Mr. Casely-Hayford said he had to return to Chiltern Street for a customers fitting. What I actually need, he said, rubbing his hands together in the chilly London dusk, is a pair of gloves. LONDON For years, Jessica McCormack has collected antique wooden boxes that few others wanted. Once intended as lap desks or apothecary cabinets to be filled with medicines and potions, these carefully crafted 19th century coffers were no longer useful. But the jewelry designer, who grew up in New Zealand, believed they could be given new lives if refurbished as jewelry boxes that would have the same heirloom-worthy appeal as her jewels. Theyre beautiful and theyre beautifully made, Ms. McCormack said during an interview at her red brick townhouse, which encompasses store, studio and workshop, in the heart of Londons Mayfair neighborhood. Earlier this year, she got around to creating her first box: a gift for Estelle, her third child and only daughter, on the occasion of her first birthday. Ms. McCormack intended it as a home for the pieces her daughter will receive and buy as she gets older. The box is based on the idea of when you give jewelry: Its birthdays and anniversaries or special moments in time so I have places for her 18th and 21st birthdays, she said. Its the idea that you can give someone something thats not for then and there, but for some point in their lives. Because marriage is an ever-evolving experience, we constantly shift, change and, in some cases, start over. In Its No Secret, couples share thoughts about commitment and tell us what they have learned along the way, revealing their secret to making it work. Who Laurie Lewis, 59, and Nancy Sager, 60. Occupations Ms. Lewis is a former jingle writer turned real estate broker for the Corcoran Group; Ms. Sager is the director of listings at Citi Habitats. Their Marriage 3 years, 6 months and counting. Through the Years The couple married May 16, 2015 before more than 120 guests at the Down Town Association in Manhattans Financial District. They were supposed to marry at Ramscale Studio, a loft space in the West Village, but the air-conditioner broke four days before the wedding. Ms. Sagers boss, Gary L. Malin, the president of Citi Habitats who became a Universal Life minister, officiated. Ms. Lewiss mother, who was too ill to attend, watched via FaceTime. The couple walked down the aisle to two versions of One Fine Day (by the Chiffons and Natalie Merchant). They live in Chelsea with their rescue hound, Mia. In 1998, Ms. Lewis got a call from a friend saying she was going to a bar with some gal pals; there was someone she wanted her to meet, a possible love interest. I was recently single, she said. I was dating a lot. When she told me Nancy was 40 I said, Shes too old. At the time Ms. Lewis was 39. I had a proclivity for younger people, she added. Before reading the article: Have you ever seen a work of art from Africa in a museum? Do you know how it got there? Why do you think that some say European museums should return African treasures? Now watch this one-minute video from Reuters, French commission urges return of looted African art. What does it help you understand? What questions do you still have? Next, read the article, Return of African Artifacts Sets a Tricky Precedent for Europes Museums, and answer the following questions: 1. On Friday, Nov. 23, President Emmanuel Macron of France announced that the Quai Branly Museum in Paris would return 26 works of art to Benin. What objects will be returned? How were they acquired by the Quai Branly Museum? 2. What did a report by Benedicte Savoy and Felwine Sarr recommend? In what ways does Mr. Macrons announcement fulfill the reports recommendations? In what ways does it not? Accountancy, medicine, education, espionage, and seafaring all have their own tools and modes of analysis, but none of those approaches was widely promoted as the solution to virtually everything else. From Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World (Knopf, 2018, Page 31), by Anand Giridharadas. Anand Giridharadas points to one of Americas central mythologies: We are often encouraged to see business as a kind of master key to the universe. Its tools and skills, we are led to believe, are magically transferable to every other arena of life. We allow business leaders to make or influence our most crucial public decisions: transit, taxation, education, immigration, health care, public safety, city planning and on and on. And we are expected to listen, with a straight face, when candidates proclaim that government itself should be run like a business. It is true that deep knowledge of the business world is nuanced and challenging and fascinating. But only within its sphere. Business is as specialized as any other discipline: Its logic and tools are specific to its own needs, just like the logic and tools of library science, pottery, molecular biology, surfing and forestry. Success in one field does not equate to success in any other. Our elevation of business over all other disciplines is pure American hoodoo a bubbling witches brew of bootstraps and sparrows and rags and riches and invisible-finger bones. To say that a successful businessman is inherently capable of running a government is like saying that a squid based on its admirable mastery of the worlds oceans would be an excellent judge in the Westminster Dog Show. We tell ourselves that the outsiders perspective will be tonic but then our fascinating new judge waves its tentacle at a prizewinning terrier, opens its little sea-beak and croaks its verdict: This contestant has only half the normal number of legs, lives in the wrong element and lacks a mechanism for squirting ink when threatened. It is disqualified. Three film festivals in New York this weekend have the usual variety of celebrities, from retiring, reclusive types to ebullient extroverts and extravagant divas. But the stars in the spotlight here have something the luminaries at other festivals dont: four legs and tails. These events the NY Cat Film Festival, the NY Dog Film Festival and the Equus Film Festival (horses) differ in other respects as much as the species they celebrate. Tracie Hotchner, a Vermont author and radio host, started the dog festival in 2015 and the cat festival last year as small operations. Each is a one-day Manhattan festival of a dozen or so films. (The cat festival, perhaps not surprisingly, arrives first, on Saturday.) Hotchner presents no prizes or filmmaker panels, and often helps amateur filmmakers edit their submissions. Each has to stand as a work of art, she said. Equus, however, has the heft and breadth of a Clydesdale, screening more than 80 films Friday through Sunday in Brooklyn. It also comprises equine art and book showcases, director panels and jury awards (the Winnies). And while all three festivals tour, only Equus has just instituted an on-demand streaming service for its films, which arent made in somebodys little back room on a laptop, said Lisa Diersen, an equestrian and former engineer who founded the festival in 2013 and organizes it with Diana De Rosa, a horsewoman and photojournalist. These are PBS-quality documentaries. (Equus also shows a few fictional films.) No one should be surprised, though, that the festivals overlap in tone, theme and even subject. About 95 percent of horse owners, Id say, own dogs, said Diersen, who will show short dog films as well as Ron Daviss feature Life in the Doghouse, about horse trainers who run a canine rescue organization. But all these stories are heartwarming, she added. It doesnt matter whether its dogs or cats or horses. It is a bit of a disservice both to the artist and to viewers to call the films Luke Fowler makes about musicians documentaries. They dont follow narrative templates or aim for the comprehensiveness we often associate with conventional movies about such subjects. Fowler instead tries to imbue his work with a numinous quality reflective of the subjects work and aesthetic. This week, Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan debuts a program showing three such pictures, the longest of them Electro-Pythagorus: A Portrait of Martin Bartlett (the film uses the misspelling of the philosopher-mathematicians name) a short feature about the British-Canadian electronic musician Martin Bartlett. Little known even by the standards of experimental music, Bartlett built his own electronic instruments and often added his voice to the tones they produced; as an academic, he helped bring the study of Indonesian music to Canada. Fowlers film is made up of familiar documentary components: archival footage, reminiscences by friends and readings of the subjects letters. But these are ordered in a way that is less concerned with telling a story, or explaining Bartletts life, than with evoking his qualities of erudition, curiosity, enthusiasm, care and sometimes anger. (One of his letters is to the pharmaceutical company then known as Bristol-Myers, complaining about the quality of one of its drugs for treating AIDS; the syndrome claimed Bartletts life in 1993.) Two shorts, also by Fowler, that accompany Electro-Pythagorus treat other pioneering artists: Christian Wolff and Sue Tompkins. None of the films are ideal primers on their subjects, but all are specific, tantalizing immersions which may be better. CHRISTIAN PETZOLD: THE STATE WE ARE IN at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (Nov. 30-Dec. 13) In a deceptively spare style that packs volumes into every glance and cut, this superb German director makes movies that are at once economical and enigmatic, and that often refract history through film history. His most recent feature, Transit, which kicks off the series on Friday before a scheduled opening in March, is set in the early days of Nazi-occupied France, mostly in Marseille, where an assortment of exiles await passage to safety. Although the movie takes place in the early 1940s, Petzold does not disguise the contemporary locations he shot on. If Transit is a hall-of-mirrors Casablanca, Phoenix (on Saturday and Dec. 9) reworks Vertigo: A Holocaust survivor (Nina Hoss), her face altered by surgery, reunites with her husband (Ronald Zehrfeld) who thinks she looks just enough like his wife to collect an inheritance. Those eager for more should check out the Cold War-set Barbara (on Dec. 11 and 13) and the ghost trilogy (including Yella, on Sunday and Dec. 9). This career-spanning retrospective also includes Petzolds early television work. 212-875-5601, filmlinc.org UGO TOGNAZZI: TRAGEDIES OF A RIDICULOUS MAN at the Museum of Modern Art (Dec. 5-30). Even before the death of Bernardo Bertolucci on Monday, MoMA had planned to lead off this retrospective on the actor Ugo Tognazzi with one of Bertoluccis most neglected films and one of his most difficult to see. The Tragedy of a Ridiculous Man (showing on Wednesday and Dec. 30) stars Tognazzi as a cheese factory owner whose son is kidnapped. Reviewing the film in The New York Times in 1982, Vincent Canby greeted it as a step away from the opulence of Bertoluccis acclaimed 1970s films and a return to the still-personal style of the directors less flashy earlier work. Other titles screening in the Tognazzi series include Porcile (Pigsty) (on Thursday and Dec. 14), directed by Bertoluccis mentor Pier Paolo Pasolini, and La Cage aux Folles (on Dec. 7 and 23).212-708-9400, moma.org In a highly unusual move, the Motion Picture Association of America has found a one-night screening of a controversial new Lars von Trier film, The House That Jack Built, to be in violation of M.P.A.A. rules, and will hold a hearing within 10 business days to decide whether to impose sanctions on IFC Films, its distributor. The violation was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday. The movie, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May and tracks a serial killers gruesome rampage for more than a decade, was already the subject of denunciations for its depictions of sexual violence. There were walkouts at the Cannes screening. Von Trier, the Danish director with a long history of controversy and provocative work, was banned from Cannes in 2011 for commenting that he was a Nazi while promoting his film Melancholia. The House That Jack Built was his first time back at the festival since then. An R-rated version of the film, which stars Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman and Bruno Ganz, is slated to open Dec. 14. However, IFC Films and von Trier decided to go an unorthodox route, perhaps in response to the bad press after Cannes: to hold an unrated screening in several cities across the United States on Wednesday night featuring a longer, directors cut version of the movie. Usually, directors cuts are released well after the final version of a film has already been in circulation. The M.P.A.A. has communicated to the distributor, IFC Films, that the screening of an unrated version of the film in such close proximity to the release of the rated version without obtaining a waiver is in violation of the rating systems rules, the M.P.A.A. said in a statement. The effectiveness of the M.P.A.A. ratings depends on our ability to maintain the trust and confidence of American parents. Thats why the rules clearly outline the proper use of the ratings. Failure to comply with the rules can create confusion among parents and undermine the rating system and may result in the imposition of sanctions against the films submitter. Indian automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India today announced that its highly-popular Baleno hatchback has crossed 5 lakh sales mark in the Indian market. The car company has managed to achieve this milestone in a record time of just 38 months since it released in the market. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno was launched in October 2015 against Hyundai Elite i20. The hatchback has always been favoured for its sporty design, feature-packed interior and efficient powertains. Commenting on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno achieving the new sales milestone, R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki, said, "Baleno has become a resounding success in the highly competitive premium hatchback segment. It is a testimony of our best in class technology and customer experience. Our engineers have ensured that Baleno offers superior ride and handling, class-leading performance and safety. With a staggering 20.6 per cent growth in first half of 2018-19, Baleno has been among the top selling cars in India, since 2016. We are grateful for our customers' constant support that has made Baleno India's most preferred premium hatchback," he added. Under the Make-in-India campaign, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is exclusively produced in India. Interestingly, its also the first car from the Indo-Japanese carmaker to be exported from India to Japan. The hatchback is also on sale in several global markets including Latin America, Australia, Europe and East Asia. Song of Back and Neck tells the story of a paralegal who has repressed so much frustration that his anger has manifested in the form of chronic back and neck pain. Only acupuncture helps. And the needles in his back dont merely vibrate; they make music, a phenomenon that turns him into a celebrity in the Chinese-American community. Broad cultural stereotyping is just one example of this movies dreary sense of humor. Fred Trolleycar (the writer and director, Paul Lieberstein Toby from the American version of The Office) has worked at his fathers law office since his youth, though he never went to law school, which means he now takes orders from a boss played by Clark Duke of Hot Tub Time Machine. The Possession of Hannah Grace begins with an exorcism never a good omen. Sure enough, the demon residing inside the body of Hannah Grace (Kirby Johnson) proves impossible to expunge, and Hannah is killed as a final attempt to subdue its hold. Later, her mangled, sawed and burned body is delivered to a hospital in Boston, where Megan (Shay Mitchell) has just begun a job on the overnight shift at the morgue. Unfortunately for Megan, a former cop who suffers from panic attacks, she has poor luck in Catholic zombies: Jesus saves, Hannah kills. Though Hannahs realistically butchered body is a fright to behold, sound dominates the horror here. The director, Diederik Van Rooijen, establishes a tense mood by alternating between ear-shattering demonism and extended periods of suspenseful silence. This sound scheme is a successful trigger for anxiety, but it quickly exhausts the senses. Megan can hardly go to the bathroom without setting off a hand dryer loud enough to send the audience out of their seats. Careen Williams had all the elements to make her life happy: a job helping patients at a medical center, a marriage to a childhood friend from Jamaica and a healthy child. But when her son, Caiden, whom she calls C. J., approached 2 years old, things began to change. He was a healthy baby boy, met all of his milestones until 20 months or so, when I started to notice different behavior, Ms. Williams said. He would just stand right here and stare out the window, or walking on toe point or flapping his hands. I figured something was wrong. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] Two swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur were spray-painted Wednesday on the walls of a Jewish professors office at Columbia University, the latest in a surge of anti-Semitic incidents in New York this year. The office belongs to Elizabeth Midlarsky, 77, who has written about the Holocaust and has been a repeated target of anti-Semitic vitriol while working as a psychology and education professor at the universitys Teachers College in Manhattan. The Police Department said it was investigating the vandalism the swastikas and the word Yid were scrawled in bright red in the entryway to the office as a hate crime. Ms. Midlarsky, who could not be reached for comment on Thursday, found the graffiti Wednesday afternoon, officials said. For a moment, the trial of Joaquin Guzman Loera, the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo, seemed like it might turn into a kind of truth-and-reconciliation commission that would reveal, not only the details about the defendants life of crime, but also secrets about narco-corruption in Mexico. But after a flurry of prosecution filings and rulings by the judge in the first three weeks, it now appears unlikely the trial will become a sweeping expose on bribery. The jury has heard plenty so far about payoffs to the Mexican police and politicians, but there is much they have not heard and probably never will. Setting limits on evidence at criminal trials is common in order to focus on specific charges against specific individuals. But the limits placed on the evidence in this case seem to counter a deep desire in Mexico for a public airing of the sins of its law-enforcement and political establishments in a longstanding drug war. I had really big expectations, said Daniel Ortiz de Montellano Vasquez, a compliance officer at a currency exchange at the Mexico City airport. But at least so far, he said, those expectations have not been met. WASHINGTON Donald J. Trump was more involved in discussions over a potential Russian business deal during the presidential campaign than previously known, his former lawyer Michael D. Cohen said Thursday in pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Mr. Trumps associates pursued the project as the Kremlin was escalating its election sabotage effort meant to help him win the presidency. Mr. Trumps participation in discussions about building a grand skyscraper in Moscow showed how the interests of his business empire were enmeshed with his political ambitions as he was closing in on the Republican nomination for president. During the early months of 2016, when the business discussions were taking place, he was publicly pressing for warmer relations between the United States and Russia and an end to economic sanctions imposed by the Obama administration, policy positions that might have benefited his family business. Court documents made public by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, detailed new accusations against Mr. Cohen, the presidents former fixer, who already pleaded guilty this year to committing campaign finance violations and financial crimes. Mr. Cohen was the point person at the Trump Organization for negotiating a deal for the Moscow project, and on Thursday he admitted lying to congressional investigators about the duration of the negotiations and the extent of the involvement of Mr. Trump who is identified in the court documents as Individual 1. After pleading guilty in a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday morning, Mr. Cohen said that he made the false statements to Congress out of loyalty to the president and to align with Mr. Trumps political messaging. Robert Morris, one of the most controversial American sculptors of the post-World War II era as a founder of Minimalism, a style of radical simplification that emerged in the 1960s and influences artists to this day, died on Wednesday in Kingston, N.Y. He was 87. His wife, Lucile Michels Morris, said the cause was pneumonia. Mr. Morris was one of a generation of artists who embraced the Minimalist credo, along with Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Dan Flavin and others. But while his peers continued to work within the genres austere limits, Mr. Morris went on to explore an astonishing variety of stylistic approaches, from scatter art, performance and earthworks to paintings and sculptures symbolizing nuclear holocaust. His detractors, noting his tendency to borrow ideas from other artists freely, questioned his originality and authenticity. His supporters saw in him a mind too restlessly alive to the possibilities of art to be confined to any one style. But nearly all agree that most of the major issues in art of the last half-century were highlighted in one phase or another of Mr. Morriss prolific, mercurial career. In 2009, The Economist wrote about an up-and-coming global power: Brazil. Its economy, the magazine suggested, would soon overtake that of France or the U.K. as the worlds fifth largest. Sao Paulo would be the worlds fifth-richest city. Vast new reserves of offshore oil would provide an added boost, complemented by the countrys robust and sophisticated manufacturing sector. To illustrate the point, the magazines cover featured a picture of Rio de Janeiros Christ the Redeemer statue taking off from its mountaintop as if it were a rocket. The rocket never reached orbit. Brazils economy is now limping its way out of the worst recession in its history. The murder rate 175 people per day in 2017 is at a record high. One former president is in jail, another was impeached. The incoming president is an admirer of the countrys old military dictatorship, only he thinks it should have killed the people it tortured. Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first tout as countries of the future. I thought about The Economist story while reading a deeply reported and thought-provoking series in The Times about another country of the future: China. The phrase rise of China has now become so commonplace that we treat it more as a fact of nature than as a prediction of a very familiar sort one made erroneously about the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 60s; about Japan in the 70s and 80s; and about the European Union in the 90s and 00s. Ms. Pelosi has already said that shed give others the spotlight when it came to the public part of the job. In the past, she has not been a regular on TV news shows, including the prestigious Sunday shows. Since 2007, when she became speaker of the House, she has had a couple of chances to give the response to the presidents State of the Union address, one of the most coveted television spots in politics, but she took neither one. Those spots went to two men: Senator Jim Webb of Virginia in 2007 and, in 2018, Representative Joseph Kennedy III of Massachusetts. Opinion Debate Will the Democrats face a midterm wipeout? Mark Penn and Andrew Stein write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. write that "only a broader course correction to the center will give Democrats a fighting chance in 2022" and beyond. Tory Gavito and Adam Jentleson write that the Virgina loss should "shock Democrats into confronting the powerful role that racially coded attacks play in American politics." write that the Virgina loss should "shock Democrats into confronting the powerful role that racially coded attacks play in American politics." Ezra Klein speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. speaks to David Shor, who discusses his fear that Democrats face electoral catastrophe unless they shift their messaging. Ross Douthat writes that the outcome of the Virginia gubernatorial race shows Democrats need a new way to talk about progressive ideology and education. Even her detractors say that shes best at one of the most critical, if not most critical, roles of speaker, which is to court votes and count votes. Counting is a lot more complicated than conducting a survey. It involves understanding the political challenges of each and every member of Congress and then devising a legislative package that can pass. Sometimes this entails compromise; sometimes this entails structuring the vote so that a member can cast a vote against an amendment and sometimes this entails allowing a member to vote against their party if it already has the votes to prevail. Ms. Pelosi has shown her toughness over and over. For instance, in 2005, she played a central role in the battle against privatizing Social Security. For the Affordable Care Act, she united both the left and right wings of her caucus. Later, as minority leader, she managed to keep the caucus together enough to prevent the Republican Congress from chipping away at Obamacare. Like Lyndon Johnson, a Senate majority leader who eventually rose to the presidency, Ms. Pelosi is a machine politician with a progressive bent. To court votes, an effective legislative leader cannot stick to an overtly ideological line. If she were rigid, she wouldnt be able to hold together a caucus that consists of conservative blue dogs and democratic socialists. Finally, a speaker has to be able to win majorities. In the midterms, Ms. Pelosi and her leadership partner Steny Hoyer of Maryland were a very big part of the reason that the party gained at least 39 seats. Mr. Hoyer recruited and campaigned with candidates from the purple or red districts where Ms. Pelosi was viewed as too liberal. She helped raise the millions to make it all happen. They both imposed a stern message of discipline on their candidates, downplaying talk of impeachment and focusing Democrats on pocketbook issues like health care. This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. I sat down the other day with Ro Khanna, the Democratic congressman who represents much of Silicon Valley but nonetheless has emerged as a populist voice. He endorsed Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016 and has offered several ambitious policies to help working-class families. A good portion of our conversation was about how Democrats could win over more white working-class voters. Heres part of what Khanna said: Talk more about America about America winning in the 21st century, about America outdoing China, that China is this authoritarian government and system of values that we dont want the world to share. He described this idea as inclusive patriotism and contrasted it with President Trumps agenda, which is actually weakening the country. In contrast, after suffering the loss of Republican control of the House, Trump has shown little inclination to alter the direction of his administration. Perhaps he is banking on the fact that some of the voting trends on Nov. 6 were favorable to Republicans. Take Ohio, which has 18 Electoral College votes. The question there is whether this pivotal swing state has in fact turned red or at least a dark shade of pink. There is some evidence that the state is moving to the right. In 2016, Ohio voted for Trump by 8.1 percentage points, and Mike DeWine, the Republican candidate for governor this year, beat Richard Cordray by 4.3 points. In a year when Democrats picked up at least 39 House seats nationally, none were in Ohio. Dan Sewell and Julie Carr Smyth, reporters for The Associated Press, made the case immediately after the election that Ohio is moving in a red direction: Ohio Democrats cant worry right now about how to turn Ohio blue. First, they have to figure out how to get it back to purple in a state where President Donald Trump is a force for Republicans. Republicans on Tuesday again swept the races for governor and four other state offices. Thats the third-straight election theyve done that, and notably this year, all five of the offices were open. David Pepper, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, told Sewell and Smyth that the results were very disappointing. Pepper declared that Its clear that Donald Trump also inspired his supporters in rural areas to show up. While Republicans swept state offices, Sherrod Brown, Ohios Democratic Senator, won re-election by 6.4 points, roughly the same as his margin of victory in 2012. Herb Asher, professor emeritus of political science at Ohio State and a longtime observer of local politics, was not optimistic about Democratic chances in the state in 2020. In an email, Asher wrote: In statewide contests in Ohio, including for president, in a balanced political environment, the G.O.P. enjoys a 3 to 5 percent advantage from the outset. Asher said the state has undergone a mini-realignment in which the rural areas (both western Ohio and Appalachia) have become even more Republican, and the Democrats gains in some of the urban counties do not compensate for this. The bottom line, however, Asher argues, is that Democrats should not write off Ohio: Its still close enough to be competitive and yield a Democratic victory. But Ohio will be more difficult to carry than Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. So I would focus first on those states. Paul Beck, a colleague of Ashers at Ohio State, was more optimistic about Democratic prospects in the state. He emailed: It remains a battleground state despite Trumps success in 2016 and the Republican sweep of state executive offices in 2018. Sherrod Brown led the top races with 53 percent and Democrats won 47 percent of House votes. Because of those results, Beck contended that Ohio should be competitive in 2020 and Ohio remains a big Electoral College prize. Beck summed up his view as Pink at best, hardly red. In Iowa, which backed Trump by a solid 51.2 to 41.7 percent in 2016, recent results indicate that a Democratic presidential candidate stands a chance in 2020. The regulation would also consider whether a person has private insurance that covers all of his or her health care costs, again rigging the system against people with disabilities. Private insurers dont cover community living supports like meal preparation, household care and maintenance, and help with bathing, eating, dressing and other routine activities. For many people with disabilities, Medicaid is the only financing available for those basics , but the public charge regulation would mean that using Medicaid could put immigration status at risk. No one should have to choose between the basic needs of life and living in the United States with loved ones. Mr. Trumps assault on the disability community isnt confined to immigrants. All Americans with disabilities immigrants and citizens alike would be harmed by the public charge regulation, because of its consequences for the health care and personal care provider work force. According to the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute, about one-fourth of direct care workers in America are immigrants. And about 40 percent of all direct care workers meet their own basic needs with help from Medicaid, SNAP or other public programs. If finalized, the public charge regulation will mean fewer people able to provide the care that seniors and people with disabilities need to live full lives and contribute to their communities. Children would also be hit especially hard by the public charge regulation again, citizen and immigrant alike. One-fourth of children in America have at least one immigrant parent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Though most are not immigrants themselves an overwhelming majority were born in the United States they would suffer the denial of basic needs alongside their parents. Children eat at the same table as their parents, and they sleep under the same roof, so if parents are too afraid to apply for help, their children will be no less hungry and no less homeless. The proposal also weighs childhood as a negative factor because children are not self-sufficient. Since children with disabilities are often judged as incapable of growing into self-sufficient adults, they would be considered a public charge more often than their nondisabled peers. Fortunately, the proposal has not yet been approved. And those who oppose this attack on American families with immigrants, including people with disabilities, can work together to stop it. Barrett and Stephen Brown-Fried have done plenty of moving. The couple, who married five years ago, started out in a charming Brooklyn Heights one-bedroom, then lived briefly in a renovated loft building in Jersey City. When they returned to Brooklyn, all the apartments they loved had inadequate kitchens, so they rented a place with a well-equipped kitchen in a Downtown Brooklyn high rise, for around $3,200 a month. Stephen likes to cook and I like to be the benefactor of his cooking, Barrett said. Planning to stay in New York for the foreseeable future, and reluctant to keep pouring money into rent, they decided to buy a home. Barrett, 33, who studied architecture before becoming an executive in beauty and fashion retail, took the lead. But with this program, NASA is looking to replicate the success of SpaceX, the private rocket company led by Elon Musk. SpaceX carries cargo, and soon will carry astronauts, to the International Space Station. NASA provided much of the money needed to develop the Falcon 9 rocket, and SpaceX now has a thriving business launching commercial satellites as well. For the new NASA program, called Commercial Lunar Payload Services, the moon landers would be far too small to carry people, but they could ferry scientific experiments to the lunar surface. They could also help NASA scout and study potential locations for bases, particularly in the eternally-shadowed craters near the moons poles that are filled with frozen water. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASAs associate administrator for the science directorate, said there were already many experiments that scientists know they want to send to the moon. He gave the example of retroreflectors essentially, fancy mirrors that reflect light in the direction it came from. The Apollo astronauts deployed them during their moon landings, but placing additional reflectors on the moon would enable precise measurements of its gravity. More ambitious science projects could include astronomical observatories on the far side of the moon, where interference from Earth is blocked entirely. [Sign up to get reminders for space and astronomy events on your calendar.] The companies, a mix of established NASA contractors and space start-ups, are: Astrobotic Technology of Pittsburgh; Deep Space Systems of Littleton, Colo.; Draper of Cambridge, Mass.; Firefly Aerospace of Cedar Park, Tex.; Intuitive Machines of Houston; Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colo.; Masten Space Systems of Mojave, Calif.; Moon Express of Cape Canaveral, Fla.; Orbit Beyond of Edison, N.J. In some ways, the NASA program is a revival of the Lunar X Prize. Astrobotic and Moon Express were founded with the aim of winning that prize. In addition, Orbit Beyond will use the lander developed by Team Indus, the India-based company that was one of the prizes finalists. Draper is teaming up with a company that grew out of a Japanese Lunar X Prize team iSpace, which recently secured $90 million in funding of its own. Finding such mammal-like behavior in a spider, or in any invertebrate for that matter, was a surprise, said Richard Corlett, a conservation biologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an author of the study. [Like the Science Times page on Facebook. | Sign up for the Science Times newsletter.] Jumping spiders are the single largest group of spiders in the world, with more than 5,000 species and a presence on nearly every continent. The tiny T. magnus, also known as the black ant mimicking jumper, looks like an ant, walks like an ant and even waves its front legs in the air like a pair of antennas (it jumps when threatened or hunting). The species is found mostly in Southeast Asia. The study came about after the lead author, Zhanqi Chen, also of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noticed that young T. magnus seemed slow to leave the breeding nest, suggesting the mothers were providing some sort of extended child care. That hypothesis received a boost when he and his colleagues observed newborns in the lab and found that neither they, nor their mother, left the nest to find food for the first 20 days. Looking closer, they found that during the first week, the mother was depositing droplets of fluid from her underside onto the nest that the hatchlings would come and drink. After the first week, the offspring would drink the fluid directly from the mothers body. Adding to their surprise, the researchers found that the mother continued to provide the fluid even after her young began leaving the nest to forage at about 20 days old. The suckling finally ceased at 40 days, though the offspring still used the nest at night for another 20 days. Youve heard of profiling criminals, but welcome to fashion profiling the practice of classifying and targeting individuals based on their clothing brand preferences. Fashion profiling played a bigger role in the 2016 American presidential election than anyone realized, according to new information from Christopher Wylie, the Cambridge Analytica whistle-blower. Today at a conference in Britain organized by the fashion industry website The Business of Fashion, Mr. Wylie explained that clothing preferences were a key metric for Cambridge Analytica, whose business was constructing and selling voter profiles drawn from Facebook data. Fashion data was used to build AI models to help Steve Bannon build his insurgency and build the alt-right, he said. Preferences in clothing and music are the leading indicators of political leaning, he said. The narratives of the great American brands, which play on the myths of the West and the (mostly male) frontier are also the narratives of the Republican right. Those who choose to spend on the former are susceptible to the latter. He mentioned Wrangler and L.L. Bean in particular as brands that Cambridge Analytica aligned with conservative traits. (Kenzo, by contrast, which is designed by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the avant-garde duo behind the retail store Opening Ceremony, appealed to liberals, he suggested.) Dramatically blown-out hair is often considered the antithesis of chic, but recently its been given a fresh update on the runway. At Miu Mius fall 2018 show, the model Naomi Chin Wings windswept bouffant gave her tailored trench coat a more casual feel, while at Valentinos fall couture presentation, Fran Summers streamed down the runway with an exaggerated lionlike mane blown out around her face. The latter look channeled the unapologetic 60s-era glamour of Diana Vreeland, noted Guido Palau, the hairstylist behind the colossal hairdos. A modern woman can imagine her own version of it, though. At Chloes spring show, for example, models wore a more low-key, but still bouncy, sweptback look. Grand-scale hair looks current and youthful when its done with a rakish, imperfect finish, says the mononymous New York-based hairstylist Garren. Nothing should be ironed or finished too neatly, he explains, and there must be lots of movement. Here, a guide to supersize blown-out hair thats (almost) effortless. Skip the Conditioner For clients with fine hair, the Paris-based colorist Christophe Robin recommends forgoing conditioner a product that can easily weigh down hair, he notes and applying a hair oil before, not after, your shampoo. Youll get the moisturizing benefits but not the residue. Then, to build extra body, Robin lathers on his Cleansing Volumizing Paste ($53), a mask-like shampoo infused with mineral-rich rhassoul clay, an ingredient that he says adds density to strands. EARLY 20TH-CENTURY Modernism swiftly kicked aside the starched Edwardian aesthetic, so it was hardly surprising when the art of the time literally began to move. The photographer and multimedia artist Man Ray created Obstruction in 1920, a dangling assemblage of 63 perfectly balanced wooden hangers that resembled a Gothic chandelier, casting a tumble of shadows on the wall. In the same year, the Russian Constructivist Naum Gabo debuted Kinetic Construction (Standing Wave), thought to be the first motorized sculpture, fashioned from a steel rod inserted into a wooden base: At the press of a button, a hidden motor caused the metal to oscillate, creating a helix. But it wasnt until a decade later that the most iconic moving art appeared: Alexander Calders mobiles. Their creation was largely the result of a 1930 visit by the burly Pennsylvania-born sculptor to the Paris studio of Piet Mondrian. The Dutch painter eschewed the typical paint-splattered garret: His workspace was a diorama of his oeuvre, the walls covered with cardboard rectangles in grays, whites and his signature primary colors, his sofa blocky blood-red and black with oblong throw cushions. Smitten, Calder who had before that point used his mastery of bent wire to create figurative works such as Calders Circus (1926-31) knew he needed to find a way to animate those shapes. Mondrian, as Calder recalled in a 1937 essay for The Painters Object anthology, thought it was a terrible idea. Using his own set of rounded planetary cutouts that evoked the work of his friend the Spanish Surrealist Joan Miro as well as the early 20th-century Swiss Dadaist Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Calder originally powered his sculptures with motors. He quickly realized that the shapes should drift on their own, obeying the laws of physics. Upon seeing the first ones in 1931, the French-American Dadaist Marcel Duchamp gave them their name, which suggested movement but was also a pun: Mobile is the French word for motive, the reason behind the crime. Working from his studio in Litchfield County, Conn., Calder used a system of weights and balances known as tension whippletree to rig larger and more complicated hanging sculptures, some of which spanned more than 70 feet. Making thousands of mobiles over the course of his career, which ended with his death in 1976, he is one of the few artists to create and then entirely dominate a form. Just a few years ago, Microsoft was seen as a lumbering has-been of the technology world. It was big and still quite profitable, but the company had lost its luster, failing or trailing in the markets of the future like mobile, search, online advertising and cloud computing. Its stock price languished, inching up 3 percent in the decade through the end of 2012. Its a very different story today. Microsoft is running neck and neck with Apple for the title of the worlds most valuable company, both worth about $850 billion, thanks to a stock price that has climbed 30 percent over the last 12 months. At the end of trading Friday, Microsoft was just ahead of its longtime rival. So what happened? The company built on its strengths There is a short-term explanation for Microsofts market rise, and there is a longer-term one. The near-term, stock-trading answer is that Microsoft has held up better than others during the recent sell-off of tech company shares. Apple investors are worried about a slowdown in iPhone sales. Facebook and Google face persistent attacks on their role in distributing false news and conspiracy theories, and investor concerns that their privacy policies could scare off users and advertisers. (CNN) The HIV epidemic in Europe is still growing at an alarming rate, particularly in Eastern Europe, according to a new report. The number of new HIV diagnoses in the region continued to rise in 2017, but the pace of the increase is slowing, according to the report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Still, nearly 160,000 people were newly diagnosed with the infection in the region in 2017. More than 130,000 of those diagnoses were in Europe's eastern region, the most ever reported there. The rate in the East -- 51.1 new cases diagnosed per 100,000 people -- was "disproportionately higher" than in the West, which had a rate of 6.4 new cases per 100,000 people, the report found. Central Europe's rate was 3.2 diagnoses per 100,000 people. Rates were highest in Russia, where 71 new cases were diagnosed per 100,000 people in 2017, followed by Ukraine and Belarus. As a result, the region is not on track to meet the 90-90-90 target by 2020, as set out by WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The aim is to diagnose 90 percent of all HIV-positive people, provide antiretroviral therapy for 90% of those diagnosed and achieve viral suppression for 90 percent of those treated. The target is part of the the Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating HIV in Europe, and worldwide, by 2030. "We are quite far behind achieving those targets, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia," said Dr. Masoud Dara, coordinator of communicable diseases and HIV team lead at WHO Europe. "The significance in this report is that we can see a sharp difference between Eastern Europe and the European Union where the number of HIV infection numbers is dropping." In order to meet the target, new infections would need to decline by 78% by 2020, the report said. Over the past three decades, more than 2.32 million people have been diagnosed with HIV in Europe. According to WHO, 36.9 million people were living with HIV globally in 2017. Africa, where the estimated number of people living with HIV is 25.7 million, was most affected. Improving HIV testing Dara said there were multiple factors behind the HIV rate in Eastern Europe, with the most important one being a lack of prevention. "The most important thing is to make sure that people ... injecting drug users, commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men have good preventative measures in place," Dara said. "For injecting drug users, they need to have clear needle exchange programs. We do not have many of these in Eastern European countries as opposed to Western Europe," he said, adding that early testing for HIV needs to be in place, as well as treatment. "Treatment has proven to be a prevention," he explained, and it helps suppress the virus, preventing people from infecting others. Intravenous drug use and heterosexual contact were the most common ways HIV was transmitted in Europe's eastern region, the report said. Sex between men was most responsible for transmission in the European Union and European Economic Area. In a statement, WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab called on governments to "scale up your response now." The report calls on governments to do this by "tailoring interventions to those most at risk" and to invest in prevention, testing and treatment. Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at University College London (UCL), Sheena McCormack, told CNN that while the report shows there has been "small gains" in Europe, it paints a clear message. "We are not doing enough in the region to control the epidemic in spite of having the necessary tools to do so," McCormack said in an email. "It's not completely clear from the report what the underlying problem is, and therefore how to fix it, but interruption in the drug supply due to the cost of drugs, a lack of task-shifting, and discriminatory laws are all likely to contribute." Everyone is at risk Dr. Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society, said there needs to be a focus on removing stigma that surrounds HIV diagnosis. "Policies that reduce social marginalisation, stigma and discrimination are needed as are increased funding for prevention and testing," Pozniak said in a statement. "In the East, particularly in Russia, the shift away from progressive policies towards socially conservative legislation is a barrier to implementing HIV prevention and treatment." With heterosexual contact and intravenous drug use among the most commonly reported means of transmission in the East, Dara said, it is important for everyone to realize they could be at risk of infection. "No one should think, 'I won't ever have HIV,' " he said. "That's very important, and we have to make sure that people are coming for tests at all levels." Pozniak reiterated that there could be a shift in who is affected most by HIV in Russia. "People who inject drugs account for the largest proportion of new diagnoses of any key population at 48.8 percent but heterosexual sex may soon overtake injecting drug use as the main means of HIV transmission," he said. "This is a potential shift from mainly affecting key populations to affecting the general population." This story was first published on CNN.com, "HIV diagnoses at all-time high in Eastern Europe, report says." PARIS For Western theatergoers, critics included, watching Japanese stage productions can be a humbling experience. Too few make it abroad to allow a complete view of Japans distinguished theater tradition: With context missing and a limited frame of reference, the plays can seem mysterious. A useful rule of thumb is to admit ignorance and embrace the unknown. Parisians have had the chance to learn more than others this year. Japonismes 2018, an eight-month season of Japanese art, has brought more than 30 theater, dance and musical productions to Paris, as well as exhibitions and films. The festival marks both the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration when Japan did away with the military rule of the shoguns and consolidated power under an emperor and 160 years since France and Japan established diplomatic relations. The festivals stage offerings have run the gamut from classical kabuki, a form born in the 17th century, to contemporary creations. While a few productions fostered dialogue between Japanese and French artists, most were an intriguing, if occasionally puzzling, window onto Japans rich theater scene. A carefully considered kabuki double bill set the stage in September. With its complex historical conventions, kabuki a genre combining a dramatic plot, singing and dancing is far from easy to decipher. At the Theatre de Chaillot, for Narukami, created in 1684, and Iromoyo Chotto Karimame Kasane, from 1823, each audience member was given an audio guide, much like in a gallery. Our guide to plays and musicals coming to New York stages and a few last-chance picks of shows that are about to close. Our reviews of open shows are at nytimes.com/reviews/theater. Previews and Openings THE CHER SHOW at the Neil Simon Theater (in previews; opens on Dec. 3). Gypsies, tramps, thieves and ticket holders will be lining up for this biographical musical. Using Rick Elices book and 35 (35!) of Chers songs, three actresses tell the story of one life and many headdresses. Jason Moore directs Stephanie J. Block, Teal Wicks and Micaela Diamond, while the costume designer Bob Mackie directs a lot of sequins. 877-250-2929, thechershowbroadway.com Sorry, Instagrammers. You are ruining Wyoming. Last week, the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board asked visitors to stop geotagging photographs on social media in an effort to protect the states pristine forests and remote lakes. Explaining the campaign, Brian Modena, a tourism-board member, suggested the landscape was under threat from visitors drawn by the beautiful vistas on Instagram. Delta Lake, a remote refuge surrounded by the towering Grand Tetons, has become a poster child for social media gone awry, Mr. Modena said in an interview last week. Influencers started posting from the top of the lake. Then it started racing through social media. (Influencers, if you dont know, are people with huge social media followings who sometimes make a living posting about places and products.) A few years ago, one or two hikers a day would make the nine-mile trek up to Delta Lake. Now, he said, as many as 145 people are hiking there each day to shoot engagement photos and hawk health supplements. Little-known trails are heavily trafficked and eroding in some places, taxing park resources. We want people to have a real connection to nature, Mr. Modena said, not just a page with a pin on it. But Mr. Bauman was always a contentious figure in the party viewed as too moderate in his politics and conventional in his tactics. He won the job by just 60 votes out of 3,000 cast. As a result, he had little political capital to weather this kind of storm. The calls by Mr. Newsom the lieutenant governor who is soon to be the states highest-ranking Democratic elected official made Mr. Baumans position politically untenable. I have made the realization that in order for those to whom I may have caused pain and who need to heal, for my own health, and in the best interest of the Party that I love and to which I have dedicated myself for more than 25 years, it is in everyones best interest for me to resign my position as chair of the California Democratic Party, Mr. Bauman said. Mr. Bauman was known as a tough-talking, old-school kind of political leader, a style that he took with him from the Bronx when he came west. His departure opens up the way for a leadership battle for the party which is already facing tension between moderates and activists as it prepares for the 2020 presidential contest. Among possible successors are Kimberly Ellis, the San Francisco Democrat who lost to Mr. Bauman. Representative Ro Khanna, a Silicon Valley Democrat who called on Mr. Bauman to step down as soon as the charges became public, has suggested Michele Dauber, a Stanford University law professor, as a successor. PARADISE, Calif. The long, laborious process of returning Paradise and neighboring towns to a safe state will begin next month when crews in masks, Tyvek suits and booties begin combing through every last property in this town that was decimated by wildfire. Their targets are things like burned bottles of bleach, melted cans of paint, and corroded car batteries, which will be tagged and removed. Next, they will test the surrounding soil and, if needed, scrape away layers to get to clean earth, free from oil and gasoline. Youd be surprised how much of that stuff survives a fire, said Adam W. Palmer, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control who is helping lead the cleanup. In the charred footprint of each home in Paradise lurks an invisible and dangerous legacy of the Camp Fire: toxic chemicals released by the blaze. There may be radioactive isotopes from burned-up antique crockware, cupboards of incinerated household cleaners, and asbestos from old siding. Heavy metals, chemicals and biological contaminants left behind demand a cleanup of extraordinary scale, before any permanent return to Paradise is safe, according to the department. Only once the properties have received official signoff that they have been cleansed can residents begin rebuilding. The task will take time; cleanup is still not finished in the aftermath of the Tubbs Fire, which scorched Sonoma, Napa Valley, and other parts of Northern California over a year ago. The Camp Fire destroyed more than three times as many buildings than did the Tubbs Fire. There are beautiful things happening all the time in the midst of all this sadness, said Sandra Bernstein, director of the Mother and Baby Care Center at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, which took on patients who had originally planned to deliver at the damaged hospital in Paradise. Still, new and expecting mothers contend with unique health challenges during natural disasters, one of the biggest being the inability to find a safe place to give birth, said Dr. Nicole Smith, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School. Other concerns involve contaminated water, stress, trauma and depression. As smoke contaminated the air, mothers feared for their babies health. I was afraid that the smoke would cause her asthma, Ms. Tellez Flores, 24, said. Like Ms. Tellez Flores, Kamber Wright, 31, was supposed to deliver in Paradise. When the fire began, Ms. Wright was less than a week away from her due date, asleep in the house she and her husband purchased recently. It took her more than four hours to drive from Paradise to Chico time spent worrying that shed go into labor as her house (and the babys jungle-themed nursery) turned to ash in the rearview mirror. Her son, Grayson James, was born on Nov. 13. Hes too small to wear a mask, Ms. Wright said. We wrapped three blankets over the top of his car seat to really make sure no smoke would get to him. Here are four things to know about the trial: Several people have already been prosecuted for crimes related to the Unite the Right rally. The trial is the culmination of a flurry of prosecutions of lesser-known violent acts. At least six people have been tried and convicted of crimes associated with the rally. In the brutal beating of a black man in a parking garage, which was captured on video, Jacob Goodwin of Arkansas and Alex Ramos of Georgia were sentenced to eight years and six years in prison, respectively. A third man, Daniel Borden of Ohio, has not yet been sentenced for the attack. The victim of that beating, DeAndre Harris of Charlottesville, was accused of assault in an earlier incident, but was acquitted. The mayhem that day also featured a confrontation between a Ku Klux Klan leader who fired a gun in the general direction of a black man who lit the spray from an aerosol can on fire, creating a makeshift blow torch. No one was struck by the bullet, or hurt by the fire. But the K.K.K. leader, Richard W. Preston Jr. of Maryland, was sentenced to four years in prison for discharging a weapon in a school zone, while Corey Long of Culpeper, Va., was sentenced to 20 days in jail and 100 hours of community service for igniting the fire. Image Mr. Fields faces a second, federal trial after this one ends. Credit... Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, via Associated Press Christopher Cantwell, a New Hampshire man who argues that white people deserve a separate country, pleaded guilty to releasing pepper spray into a crowd. He spent 107 days in jail and was banned from re-entering Virginia for five years. WASHINGTON Three years ago, President Barack Obama struck a deal with China that few thought was possible: President Xi Jinping agreed to end his nations yearslong practice of breaking into the computer systems of American companies, military contractors and government agencies to obtain designs, technology and corporate secrets, usually on behalf of Chinas state-owned firms. The pact was celebrated by the Obama administration as one of the first arms-control agreements for cyberspace and for 18 months or so, the number of Chinese attacks plummeted. But the victory was fleeting. Soon after President Trump took office, Chinas cyberespionage picked up again and, according to intelligence officials and analysts, accelerated in the last year as trade conflicts and other tensions began to poison relations between the worlds two largest economies. The nature of Chinas espionage has also changed. The hackers of the Peoples Liberation Army whose famed Unit 61398 tore through American companies until its operations from a base in Shanghai were exposed in 2013 were forced to stand down, some of them indicted by the United States. But now, the officials and analysts say, they have begun to be replaced by stealthier operatives in the countrys intelligence agencies. The would-be 2020 Democratic contenders could not be clearer: They are not running for president. O.K., they are not actively running for president. Not currently, not at this very moment which is to be spent with family, in solemn reflection about the nature of public service running for president. Anyway. Can they count on your support? Hypothetically, of course. Just in case. As they are not running for president. Such is the state of the Democratic presidential primary field these days, with dozens of possible candidates who claim to be mulling, weighing, considering, wondering while offering updates, with varying degrees of plausibility, on the intensity of their preparations. Consider this a guide to how Democrats are communicating a desire to run without the fuss, commitment and risk of announcing it outright. If youre skeptical that this is a problem, consider this: The president of the United States has refused to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia in part because he is more interested in appeasing U.S. defense contractors than holding the Saudis accountable for the murder of a Washington Post journalist or for the thousands of Yemeni civilians killed by those weapons, she added. She ended her remarks by saying, The world changed in 2016, and it changed in 2018, and I think the world is going to change again in 2020. For Ms. Warren, who is considered among the Democratic presidential front-runners should she choose to run, the speech marked the culmination of a yearslong effort to shore up her foreign policy credentials. She secured a spot on the Senate Armed Forces Committee after the 2016 presidential election, and she has taken high-profile trips to visit troops with Republicans such as Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Senator John McCain of Arizona, who has since died. In recent years, progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders were consistently panned by foreign policy experts for a lack of expertise that, they said, amounted to naivete. Thursdays speech underscores how proactively Ms. Warren is trying to distance herself from that pack, straddling the line between left-leaning talking points and a serious, informed approach to the worlds dangers. Among others who have expressed interest in the 2020 Democratic nomination, some have credible claims to foreign policy expertise, including former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and former Secretary of State John Kerry. But if Ms. Warren were to announce her candidacy, few of her fellow first-time presidential candidates would have similar foreign policy credentials or have similarly articulated a vision for Americas role in the international order. When an imported good enters a port in the United States, the importer of record initially gets the bill for the tariff. So tariffs are a tax on middlemen? Not usually. This is where the question of who pays tariffs gets trickier because middlemen tend to pass on their costs. A company that contracts with an importer will almost always see the costs of that contract rise after a tariff has been imposed on goods it imports. So now the company is paying, say, 10 or 25 percent more to bring in the exact same product it imported before the tariffs. The company faces a choice: What should it do about those extra costs? So tariff costs get passed to an American company. What are its options? The company could pass on the added costs to consumers, in the form of higher prices. Thats the simplest route, particularly in a competitive market where the supply chain is not easily moved. (Washing machines are a good example of this. Their prices rose in the United States earlier this year after Mr. Trumps administration imposed tariffs on them.) Companies can also try to minimize tariffs by switching suppliers or changing the products they sell. In the case of China tariffs, that could mean moving a factory from Beijing to Vietnam. In this case, no one pays the tariffs; the company is making an end-run around them. Alternatively, an American company could negotiate concessions from a Chinese supplier, likely by threatening to shift production. In that case, the Chinese suppliers profits would fall, and it would bear at least some of the cost of the tariffs. Some research suggests American companies have had success essentially passing the bill back to China. Some companies may choose to absorb the extra costs themselves, by accepting lower profits. They choose neither to raise prices nor immediately pay to shift production, based on the idea that the most economically efficient price to charge for the product is not changed by the existence of tariffs. That could be the case with Apple: It can charge such a premium for iPhones that it might decide to accept smaller profit margins on them for a while, if they become subject to tariffs. How does China end up paying? It never does, directly. But there are certainly ways that American tariffs hurt China. If companies move production to Vietnam, China would see less economic growth though that itself is not a direct benefit for American production, and in the short term would be a headache for companies that have to find new factories. The outlook for minority candidates is likely to get clearer next year, when multiple black Democrats could be running for president. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Senator Kamala Harris of California have been traveling the country, making fairly overt steps toward launching 2020 campaigns. And friends of Deval Patrick, the former governor of Massachusetts, and Eric Holder, the former attorney general, say they are seriously considering bids. Of course, America has recently had a black president. But the country has never seen a field of multiple black candidates running for the highest office, never mind doing so at a time when a majority of Americans believe race relations have gotten worse. What will that look like? Seems like were about to find out. ____________________ Whirlwind White House Its been a crazy week at the White House (isnt it always?) with an approaching economic summit, new revelations in the special counsels investigation, and a mini-forest of very red Christmas trees. We asked White House correspondent Katie Rogers for an update on how things are going at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.: Frankly Im struggling to know where to start. President Trump continues to heap his plate with a head-spinning amount of press interviews and tweets, even as he heads to Argentina today for talks with leaders of some of the worlds largest economies. He spent the first part of the flight rearranging his schedule in real time as he receives briefings on foreign policy, including Russias latest military aggression with Ukraine, and stewing over Michael Cohens admission that he was involved in plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow well into the 2016 presidential campaign. With Russia-related news swirling about, Mr. Trump canceled his meeting with Vladimir V. Putin, the president of Russia. Before leaving, Mr. Trump said Mr. Cohen, his former longtime fixer, was lying and called him a weak person compared with other people that you watch, a not-so-subtle reference to, say, someone like Paul Manafort, the presidents former campaign manager. Mr. Cohens new account of the hotel deal will inevitably be compared not only to the presidents, but also to those of Donald Trump Jr., his eldest son, who testified repeatedly before congressional committees last year about that project and other matters. The complaint states that Mr. Cohen misled Congress about the fact that he had briefed Trump family members about the project. Although the family members were not named, a person familiar with the situation said Mr. Cohen discussed the deal with Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2017, the younger Mr. Trump said that he was only peripherally aware of the proposed venture to build a new Moscow hotel bearing the Trump name. Most of what he knew about it, he said, he had learned recently while preparing to testify. He told the committee that Mr. Cohen pursued the project in 2015 and told the House Intelligence Committee that the deal fell dormant as of June 2016 an accurate date, according to Thursdays court documents. Lawyers for Ms. Trump and her brother declined to comment on their interactions with Mr. Cohen about the project. But people close to the Trump family said that while emails indicate that both of them were aware of Mr. Cohens efforts to get it off the ground in 2015, their involvement appears to end in January 2016. If Mr. Cohen tried to continue with the project after that, these people added, they did not know. The presidents critics will also inevitably seek to learn whether he knew that Mr. Cohen, then still a trusted aide, falsely testified to Congress last year. As they continue to do, Mr. Trumps lawyers then closely monitored what witnesses like Mr. Cohen were telling the authorities through joint defense agreements with their lawyers. But even if the president knew that Mr. Cohen misled Congress, legal experts said, he is not in legal jeopardy as long as he did not ask Mr. Cohen to lie. And there is no allegation that he did so. The latest complaint, on its face, seems less worrisome for the president than the previous one lodged against Mr. Cohen in August, said Chuck Rosenberg, a former United States attorney and senior F.B.I. official. In that case, Mr. Cohen directly implicated Mr. Trump in a crime, saying he instructed him to pay money to two women to cover up a potential sex scandal that he feared could endanger his presidential candidacy. Mr. Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and a host of other charges for which he has yet to be sentenced. The president lashed out fiercely at Mr. Cohen on Thursday, calling him a weak prevaricator who concocted a false tale about the hotel deal in hopes of winning a lesser punishment. That charge conflicts with Mr. Giulianis assertion that Mr. Cohen and Mr. Trump have now given prosecutors much the same account. Asked how he reconciled the seeming contradiction, Mr. Giuliani blamed Mr. Cohen. He has so many different versions of the same stories, so by definition he is a liar and we cant trust him, Mr. Giuliani said. Given the fact that hes a liar, I cant tell you what hes lying about. The Buenos Aires session, which had been scheduled for Saturday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit meeting, was only the second to be canceled between top American and Russian or Soviet leaders since an American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Russian territory in 1960. The other time came in 2013 when President Barack Obama called off a trip to Moscow to protest Mr. Putins decision to shelter Edward J. Snowden, the National Security Agency leaker. Mr. Trump has adamantly denied any collusion with Russia during the campaign and dismissed questions about business ventures or economic interests in Russia. But Michael D. Cohen, his former personal lawyer and fixer, admitted in court on Thursday that he had engaged in negotiations for a Moscow tower well into the campaign and had personally briefed Mr. Trump and members of his family. The president said that Mr. Cohen was weak and lying in order to reduce his sentence for various criminal charges, adding that while a Moscow tower had been considered, he had opted against it because he was running for president. But Mr. Trump insisted that there would have been nothing wrong with pursuing such a project as a candidate if he had. Even as he denounced his former lawyer on Thursday morning, Mr. Trump told reporters that he still planned to go ahead with his meeting with Mr. Putin. I probably will be meeting with President Putin, he told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House just after 10:30 a.m. as he left on the trip to Buenos Aires. I think its a very good time to have the meeting. He added that he would be getting a report on Air Force One about the Russia-Ukraine confrontation and that will determine what Im going to be doing. SEOUL, South Korea North Korea has lashed out at the United States for continuing to press it to improve its human rights record, even with animosities between the two countries having eased so much that President Trump said he and the Norths leader, Kim Jong-un, were in love. North Korean diplomats and the state news media have unleashed blistering attacks on Washington since the United Nations human rights committee adopted a resolution this month condemning North Koreas longstanding and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights. The resolution, similar versions of which have been adopted each year since 2005, is certain to be approved by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly next month. As it did following the past resolutions, Washington is calling a United Nations Security Council meeting early next month to discuss human rights in North Korea and inviting the United Nations top human rights official, Michelle Bachelet, to address the session. North Korea has invariably denounced such resolutions as attempts to overthrow its political system. But this year, it said the human rights racket raised by American diplomats at the United Nations was poisoning the mood for talks on denuclearizing North Korea following the historic summit meeting between Mr. Kim and Mr. Trump in Singapore in June. MANILA A Philippine court convicted three police officers on Thursday of the murder of a 17-year-old boy and sentenced them each to up to 40 years in prison, in the first such convictions in a wave of killings prompted by President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs. Nearly 5,000 people are thought to have been killed by the police, and many more by unofficial militias, since Mr. Duterte swore during his 2016 presidential campaign that he would hunt down drug sellers and users and dump all of you into Manila Bay, and fatten all the fish there. But until now, the rampant killing has taken place in an atmosphere of impunity, with Mr. Duterte insisting that he would pardon any officers found guilty of murder while carrying out his crackdown. For the first time, his vow will be tested. The use of unnecessary force or wanton violence is not justified when the fulfillment of their duty as law enforcers can be effected otherwise, the judge in the case, Rodolfo Azucena Jr., said in his ruling on Thursday. He said a shoot first and think later attitude could never be justified. SEOUL, South Korea South Koreas Supreme Court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan on Thursday to compensate South Koreans forced to work in its factories during World War II, the second such ruling in a month that has bedeviled relations between the two key American allies in Asia. The top court upheld a lower-court ruling that ordered Mitsubishi to pay each of five women 100 million won to 150 million won, or about $89,000 to $133,000. In a separate ruling on Thursday, the court also ordered Mitsubishi to pay 80 million won to each of six men who said they were subject to forced labor at a Mitsubishi shipyard and machine tool factory in 1944. Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910 until Japans 1945 surrender in World War II, and in the decades since, South Korea and Japan have been locked in highly sensitive territorial and other disputes rooted in that colonial era. The rulings on Thursday had been expected since the Supreme Court issued a landmark verdict on Oct. 30 finding Japans Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal guilty of exploiting forced labor during Japans colonial rule. In that case, the court ordered the company to pay $88,700 in compensation to each of four South Korean victims. HOBART, Australia After months of protests over whether Australia should subsidize one of the worlds largest coal mines, the Indian mining giant Adani announced on Thursday that it would scale the project back and finance it itself. The Carmichael mine had been projected to produce 60 million tons a year from the coal-rich Galilee Basin; now the output will start at 10 million tons and rise to 27.5 million, the company said, putting it more in line with other mines in the area. The project stacks up both environmentally and financially, said Lucas Dow, Adani Australias chief executive. We will now deliver the jobs and business opportunities we have promised for North Queensland and Central Queensland, all without requiring a cent of Australian taxpayer dollars. The company had previously asked for a taxpayer-financed loan of a billion Australian dollars, about $730 million. Critics of the plan and they are legion said the company was trying to rush ahead and break ground because of polls indicating that the next federal election could be won by the Labor Party, which is likely to oppose the mine. There are still obstacles in place, involving water and other issues, but the company maintains that they are procedural and will soon be resolved. But thanks to Chinas retaliatory tariffs on American goods, imports from the United States are getting more expensive. That could make Australia more appealing as a source for products as varied as goat milk, nuts and aluminum. Australia is one of the best-placed countries in the world to reap the gains of the trade war, said Jason Aravanis, a senior industry analyst in Melbourne for IBISWorld, a market research company. Over the long term, Australia is going to step in and replace a lot of these American exports. There is one big caveat. Should the trade war hurt growth in China, its purchases of Australian iron ore, natural gas and other major imports could slow. That could damage an Australian economy that depends in large part on natural resources for growth. The United States and China have swapped tariffs on $250 billion worth of each others goods so far, with President Trump threatening more unless China lowers its trade barriers. China has heavily criticized the tariffs but shown little sign of backing down. It is too early in the trade war to determine winners and losers, but the global economic order is already changing. Global companies are exploring ways to shift manufacturing out of China, and both the United States and China are seeking to purchase more from elsewhere. More than 100 wildfires burned across Queensland in eastern Australia on Thursday, the second day of evacuations and rapidly changing conditions affecting thousands of people during a sweltering heat wave. Conditions improved on Thursday, but residents remain in danger as the heat wave is expected to continue for days, said Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queenslands premier. On Wednesday, when there were as many as 190 fires, the government rated the danger catastrophic for the first time in the states history. Schools were closed and there were scattered reports of property damage, but there were no immediate reports of any deaths. For the past three months, Gjermund Roesholt and his family lived far off the grid in the Yukon, the vast, desolate Canadian territory where wildlife outnumbers humans. They traded life in the city for a cabin on Einarson Lake, a remote speck of water amid snow-capped mountains, and spent their waking hours fur trapping. On Monday afternoon, Mr. Roesholt had almost finished the return trek from his trapline to the familys cabin when a grizzly bear appeared and charged him, the authorities said. He pulled out a gun and killed the bear, but soon discovered a gruesome sight: Outside the cabin were the bodies of his wife, Valerie Theoret, 37, and their daughter, Adele Roesholt, who was 10 months old. They had been mauled to death by a bear, most likely the same one Mr. Roesholt shot, the Canadian authorities said. In the Yukon, it is common for people and bears to interact, both in the wild and in towns, where the animals sometimes venture and rummage through trash for food. But it is not normal for the interactions to turn violent, let alone fatal. In the past 20 years, only three people in the territory have been killed by bears, according to the Yukon Department of Environment. TBILISI, Georgia Salome Zurabishvili, the French-born former foreign minister of Georgia, claimed victory in a presidential runoff Wednesday that marked the final popular vote in the country for the head of state. With nearly all of the ballots counted, the Central Election Commission said that Ms. Zurabishvili, 66, who was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, had won more than 59 percent of the vote in the race against Grigol Vashadze, 60, who was supported by a coalition of opposition forces. Georgia, a nation of nearly 4 million people in the volatile Caucasus region south of Russia, is transitioning to a parliamentary republic that substantially reduces the authority of the president and elevates the prime minister to the most powerful figure in the country. Once the term ends for Ms. Zurabishvili, the first woman to be elected president of Georgia, heads of state in the country will be chosen by delegates. BERLIN Hundreds of private Hungarian news outlets have been simultaneously donated by their owners to a central holding company run by people close to the far-right prime minister Viktor Orban, cementing Mr. Orbans grip on the Hungarian news media. If approved by the countrys regulatory authorities, which are led by an official appointed by Mr. Orban, the deal will place most leading private Hungarian outlets under the control of a single, state-friendly entity, in a move that is unprecedented within the European Union, according to Freedom House, a global rights watchdog that analyzes press freedom. It is the latest broadside against pluralism under the increasingly autocratic Mr. Orban. Since taking power in 2010, he has steadily chipped away at Hungarys checks and balances, stacking the Constitutional Court with loyalists, reshaping the electoral system to favor his party and placing dozens of watchdog institutions including the judiciary and prosecution service under the leadership of his allies. In coordinated announcements on Wednesday, more than a dozen media owners declared the transfer of or intention to transfer over 400 news websites, newspapers, television channels and radio stations to the Central European Press and Media Foundation, a group founded in August that had previously played little role in the Hungarian media. Most of the owners, pro-government business moguls, said they would receive no compensation for the properties. MOSCOW Since Russia fired shots at three Ukrainian Navy ships over the weekend, Western countries have issued statements saying they are concerned or even deeply concerned, but so far they have not as Ukrainian officials had hoped imposed sanctions. The Ukrainian president, Petro O. Poroshenko, argued in an interview in the German newspaper Bild on Thursday for a more forceful response from the West, including for NATO warships to be sent into disputed waters in the Sea of Azov. Putin wants the old Russian Empire back, Mr. Poroshenko cautioned, suggesting a new stage of Russian aggression. Crimea, eastern Ukraine, he wants the whole country. Germany also has to ask itself, he added, What will Putin do next if we do not stop him? Ukraine is not a member of NATO, whose focus has traditionally been on guaranteeing security against Russia. The alliance issued a statement condemning Russian forces for impounding Ukrainian vessels on Sunday as the European Union did on Wednesday when it announced that the bloc would not impose sanctions but NATO commanders have said entering the Sea of Azov is unlikely: It is not considered international waters. California needs to abandon the idea that trees are always worth saving and that fire is always a threat. Instead, it should let modest wildfires burn. The West Coast is battling devastating wildfires again this year. Heres a look at how forest management plays a role in the spread of such wildfires, first published in 2018. The photograph below shows the Yosemite Valley in 1899 on the left, with open meadows and a patchwork of large conifers. On the right is the same view in 2011. The valley floor has many more trees. Which forest do you think is healthier? If you picked the sparser forest from 1899, youre on the right track. Much of Californias forestland is overgrown, partly because of federal regulations implemented in 1910, which mandated stamping out wildfires as soon as possible. These policies were revised around the 1970s to allow some fires to naturally burn their course, but much of the West has struggled to do so. At the height of 2018s devastating wildfires, President Trump tweeted that there was no reason for the fires besides gross mismanagement by the state. Critics took issue with the timing and simplistic logic of the statement, but the comment drew attention to the way forest management affects the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Ecologists and forest experts attribute Californias destructive wildfires to decades of aggressive fire suppression, in addition to the increased population of fire-prone areas and hotter, drier conditions due to climate change. The solution needs to address all these things, but one critical step is shifting our understanding of fires role in forest ecology. Policymakers and citizens alike must abandon the idea that trees are always worth saving and that fire is always a threat. Instead, they should permit modest, ecologically necessary wildfires to burn. For a long time, we were mistaken about what was going on in the forest, said Malcolm North, an ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service. People believed that you needed to put fires out because it was burning the forest up. That has proven to be wrong. California 100 million acres 33 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres 57,000 acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres 57,000 acres California 100 million acres 33 million acres 1.5 million acres 57,000 acres Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Change in tree density, 1930s to 2000s +500 trees per hectare 500 Areas studied Wildland-urban interface Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildland-urban interface Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildland-urban interface Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildland-urban interface Areas added to the WUI since 1990 Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildland-urban interface Areas added to the WUI since 1990 Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildland-urban interface Areas added to the WUI since 1990 Sacramento San Francisco Fresno Los Angeles San Diego Wildfire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Wildfire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Wildfire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Prescribed fire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Prescribed fire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Prescribed fire perimeters, 2008 to 2017 Forest Forest ownership around 2014 Federal government State and local government Private corporations Families and other private owners Forest ownership around 2014 Federal government State and local government Private corporations Families and other private owners Forest ownership around 2014 Federal government State and local government Private corporations Families and other private owners Forest canopy water stress, 2011 to 2015 High Moderate Forest canopy water stress, 2011 to 2015 High Moderate Forest canopy water stress, 2011 to 2015 High Moderate Roughly one-third of the 100 million acres that make up California are covered in forest. Before Euro-American settlement in the 1800s, fires burned about 1.5 million acres of forest each year, on average, according to an analysis of fire return intervals by Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at the University of California, Berkeley. Skies were most likely smoky through much of the summer and fall, and most forests in California burned every five to 25 years from wildfires caused by lightning or Native American burning practices, he said. These small fires benefited the entire forest ecosystem, returning nutrients to the soil by burning old vegetation and encouraging new growth by allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. But between 1950 and 1999, fires burned just 57,000 acres on average each year under a sweeping fire-suppression policy. Forests that were once periodically cleared by less intense wildfires are now covered by thick carpets of forest fuels, according to a report by the Little Hoover Commission, an independent California oversight agency. In the past two decades, California has begun to see the consequences. Wildfires are now burning much larger swaths of California each year. Forests across California have also grown much denser over the past 70 years, partly due to less frequent fires, but also because large, old trees have been harvested by loggers. In their place are numerous young, small trees of species that can tolerate the shade from thicker canopies and are easier to burn because of their thinner bark and slimmer trunks. Decreasing the amount of fuel available to wildfires requires a combination of practices that remove vegetation, like prescribed fires and the selective removal of smaller trees and mulching. Stephen Pyne, an environmental historian who studies fire, emphasized that logging would not keep wildfires at bay. Logging takes the big trunks and leaves the small stuff because theres no market for it, he said. Fire burns the little and leaves the big. Making matters more complicated, more than 11 million Californians live in the wildland-urban interface, fire-prone transition zones between unoccupied land and developed areas. Because the majority of wildfires are caused by human activity, the growth since 1990 of these transition zones is troublesome. The presence of people in these areas makes it difficult to conduct prescribed burns. It also increases the odds of deadly wildfires starting because of the proximity of buildings and flammable vegetation to ignition sources like sparking power lines, cigarettes and campfires. Many wildfires in the past decade have occurred in and near the areas where forest meets human development. Approximately 6.9 million acres burned in California wildfires from 2008 to 2017. Over the same period, there were far fewer prescribed fires, which are intentionally set by fire managers to mimic the natural cycle of wildfire. They burned about 250,000 acres, a conservative estimate according to CalFire, the state agency responsible for fire protection in forests. Patchwork forest ownership further complicates the application of fire-prevention strategies. State and local governments own only 3 percent of forestland. Federal agencies own 57 percent. Almost 40 percent is owned by private landowners, most of whom own small tracts of land, lack the expertise to conduct prescribed burns and are reluctant to be held liable if the fire gets out of control. CalFire is seeking to address these challenges by streamlining the permit and planning process and training more personnel to conduct burns. Researchers like Greg Asner, an ecologist at the Carnegie Institution for Science, are working to understand how the shift toward a hotter, drier climate in California is escalating tinderbox-like conditions and stressing densely packed trees already competing for water. More than 120 million trees have prematurely died in recent years, according to the Forest Service. Dr. Asner estimated this is a tenth of the states trees. The large amount of combustible dead wood increases the risk of severe fire. California will have to collect itself once again after another destructive and deadly wildfire season. But recovery is not just about donating to relief efforts and rebuilding burned homes. Its also about creating a new culture for forest and fire management in the state, one that respects the role that carefully planned fires play in preventing disasters. In May 2018, then-Gov. Jerry Brown took a step towards this future, dedicating $96 million to reducing wildfire risk in the state. He directed state offices to double the number of acres being managed with prescribed burns and vegetation thinning to 500,000 acres from 250,000 acres, among other directives like educating landowners about effective forest management. Chinese researcher He Jiankui recently shocked the entire world after revealing that he had altered the DNA of twin girl before birth, to make them immune to the HIV virus and AIDS. If his claims prove to be true, these twins would be the worlds first genetically-edited babies. Professor He revealed his controversial genetic editing work earlier this week. In a video posted on YouTube, he claims to have used gene-editing tools to eliminate a gene called CCR5 in order to make a pair of twin girls, called Lulu and Nana, resistant to the HIV virus, should they ever come in contact with it. Speaking at a genome summit in Hong Kong, on Wednesday, the Chinese scientist defended his work and talked about the stigma attached to HIV/Aids in China. However, many of his peers believe that He Jiankui has gone too far, warning that meddling with the genome of an embryo could cause long-term problems not only for the individual, but entire future generations. Photo: aitoff/Pixabay If true, this experiment is monstrous. Gene editing itself is experimental and is still associated with off-target mutations, capable of causing genetic problems early and later in life, including the development of cancer, Prof Julian Savulescu, an ethics expert at the University of Oxford, told the BBC. This experiment exposes healthy normal children to risks of gene editing for no real necessary benefit. In a planned presentation at the Hong Kong summit, Professor He explained that he used a technique called Crispr-Cas9 to eliminate the CCR5 gene in several human embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for families with HIV positive fathers. The DNA changes were meant to mirror a natural mutation identified in a very small percentage of people which makes them immune to the HIV virus. However, Hes presentation was described as too vague by many of the scientists present at the genome summit, and while many of them believe that he actually did what he claims, what exactly he did, how he actually did it, and who knew about it, remains a mystery. The Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, where Professor He Jiankui works, has denied any knowledge of his controversial work, and the scientist himself confirmed that he carried out the project independently, and even funded it himself. The university revealed that He had peen on unpaid leave since February and announced that it has started an investigation into his work. Both twins were born with the genetic modifications made by He, but they are otherwise in good health, the scientist claimed. He added that there were plans to monitor the girls over the next 18 years to see if and how the CRISPR genetic editing affects them. That didnt stop most of the worlds genetic scientists from criticizing him. It is impossible to overstate how irresponsible, unethical and dangerous this is at the moment, said Kathy Niakan, a scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, in London, told The Guardian. There was a worrying lack of oversight or scrutiny of his clinical plans before he started human experiments and a complete lack of transparency throughout the process. We know very little about the long term effects, and most people would agree that experimentation on humans for an avoidable condition just to improve our knowledge is morally and ethically unacceptable, Dr Yalda Jamshidi, an expert in human genetics at St Georges, University of London, said. But despite all the criticism, He Jiankui defended his work and even declared himself proud of the result. I truly believe that, not only for this case but for millions of children, they need this protection since an HIV vaccine is not available. For this case I feel proud, he said. Russian media recently reported the comical case of a burglar who last week broke into an office building in the city of Orenburg and then fell asleep in an office chair. The botched burglary took place on November 20th, when a 36-year-old man fraudulently entered a private office building on Sharlykskoye Road, in Orenburg, by squeezing through a small window on the third floor. He then used a variety of tools, like screwdrivers, wire cutters, a hammer, a nail puller, and a bunch of keys, to break into several private company offices, looking for valuables. He had actually managed to find 140,000 rubles ($2,100) in cash, but instead of hurrying out of the building before being spotted, the mad decided to get a bit of rest and sat down in a leather chair. And thats where police found him sleeping, several hours later. Photo: Rosguard According to Russian news agency RIA, the intruder was first spotted sleeping in one of the offices he had broken into by a security guard, while checking the surveillance cameras. Instead of confronting the man immediately, the guard contacted Rosguard (Russia National Guard) which immediately dispatch an intervention team. Its unclear how long Rosguard took to reach the office building, but there was no hurry, as when they reached the burglar, he was still sound asleep in the leather chair, next to his bag of cash. The 36-year-old man was handcuffed and later placed in police custody. He now faces serious jail time, as a background check revealed that he had previous convictions and was on the federal wanted list. Photo: Rosguard The moral of this story is, if youre planning to carry out a burglary, maybe get some rest beforehand, as such operations seem to be exhausting. Sinn Fein TD and future Laois-Offaly election candidate Brian Stanley has said that figures released to his party by the Minister for Health on the number of elderly people on trolleys in the three Midlands Hospitals are shocking. The statistics released to Sinn Fein cover the period from January to September this year, show that a total of 667 elderly over the age of 75, spent more than 24 hours on either a trolley or chair waiting to be seen by a Doctor in the three hospitals in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar. Portlaoise Emergency Department (ED) had 68 such cases, Mullingar had 155 while Tullamore had a total of 444 people over 75 years of age waiting more than 24 hours to receive vital medical attention during that period. "These figures are outrageous," Stanley said, "the overall situation is shocking and highlights the crisis and lack of capacity within our hospitals and in particular in our ED departments." "For anybody to be waiting over 24 hours is totally unacceptable, but for our elderly to have to endure this is completely wrong. It underlines the flaws in our health system, despite the fact that we provide more taxpayers money into it, than almost all other EU states." "We are now facing into another winter with an escalating trolley crisis in our hospitals. Its absolutely crystal clear that capacity needs to be increased and particularly in the ED departments," he continued. "In this context any attempt to reduce or close Portlaoise ED is out of the question. Whats needed instead is for a definitive statement by Minister Harris, and a plan to secure and increase the capacity throughout the three Midlands hospitals," he added. The figures are similar to those slammed by Offaly councillors John Leahy and Frank Moran recently, showing that the number of over 75s waiting on trolleys will increase before the end of the year. In response to those figures, the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group on behalf of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, said: "The experience of patients over 75 attending our service is a matter of ongoing focus for the Clinical and Senior Management Teams at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT)." "The increase in those waiting longer than 24 hours in ED is a reflection of the continued increase of that demographic across the country, and the greater complexity of care required for this cohort. Despite the additional demands placed on our service, staff have continued to treat and care for 26,306 patients at ED so far this year, 6,437 of whom were admitted," a spokesperson told the Offaly Express. "Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore is working hard to improve the journey of all patients accessing our service through the increased utilisation of our discharge lounge, the establishment of a Short Stay Unit, Frail Intervention Team and the opening of the Acute Medical Assessment Unit." "These will all alleviate pressures on the ED and contribute to improving the patient flow and patient experience. In addition, management has brought together an unscheduled care group who will have oversight on how these and other changes can contribute to improving patient experience. The recent appointment of a Hospital Patient Flow Manager whose sole focus is improving our patients journey through the hospital is an important development in this endeavour," the spokesperson concluded. Florida Police Chief Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Framing Black Men Ivie Ani Ivie is a Nigerian-American, native New Yorker, and journalist covering I made some very, very bad decisions. Ex-Florida police chief Raimundo Atesiano has been sentenced to three years in prison by a federal judge for framing black people for crimes they didnt commit. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Atesiano, 53, for conspiracy to deprive individuals of their civil rights. According to a report in the Miami Herald, the former chief of Biscayne Park Police Department in Miami-Dade County told the judge, When I took the job, I was not prepared I made some very, very bad decisions. READ: FedEx Driver Attacked by Racist, Accidentally Kills Him with a Single Punch Atesiano directed his officers to frame innocent black people for a series of burglaries, admitting that he wanted to appease community leaders and scrub the areas property crimes record. One of the people falsely accused and arrested was 16 years old. Putting an arrest statistic above the rights of an innocent man instead of working to protect all our citizens undermines the safety goals of every Miami-Dade police department, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement on Tuesday. Miami-Dades residents deserve honesty and integrity, qualities that Raimundo Atesiano deliberately failed to deliver. Last month, three other ex-Biscayne Park officers Guillermo Ravelo, Charlie Dayoub and Raul Fernandez were each sentenced to one year in prison for their participation in the scheme. Source: Miami Herald Internet connected the world by enhancing the accessibility of information. In the 1980's, a computer with an active internet could send and receive messages within a few minutes. This could have traditionally taken a long time. Fast forward to a few years later and you find yourself in a space that evolved in a very small span of time. India also took an active participation in the wave of digitization. And why not? With around 500 million potential internet users, the market looked lucrative. Industries which heavily relied on traditional methods of selling their products could run virtual stores on e-commerce websites. Initially, this made the buyers skeptical but soon they found the pros of going "online". Coming to the insurance industry, it has been functional for more than a century in the country. But with negligible amount of change, with respect to operations. A simple door-to-door sales process was followed by the company with insurance agents at its core. Here, a claim took months to settle. And communications were full of jargons. This led to Customers showing interest in only the major insurance sectors like life and health, while neglecting motor insurance. Especially two wheeler insurance. What Changed? Digitization forced a change in an industry that was stagnant for decades. For two-wheeler owners that often shied away from insurance, buying the policy in a matter of few minutes became easier. Let's take a look at each aspect of buying a bike insurance policy by comparing the traditional and digitized process: Insurance Quotes One of the major factors that contribute to the purchase of a policy is the price. A low-priced product will always sell better than an expensive alternative, provided there is a match in quality and service offered by the manufacturer i.e. the insurance company. If one had to compare bike insurance policies offered by various insurance companies, he/she would approach an insurance broker. Next, an inquiry would be made and a long wait began. The broker would return with insurance quotes from different insurers, the customer would then compare and select the one based on personal preference. Digitization greatly reduced the turnaround time for both - the brokers and customers. A potential policyholder can simply go online and visit an online insurance broker or a web aggregator, compare bike insurance policies and make a decision within a matter of a few minutes. Digitization introduced time efficiency. Purchase Journey Traditionally, buying a bike insurance policy involved extensive paperwork. This included application forms, documents of the customer, documents related to bike, etc. The applicant would be registered and if it was a first-time buyer or a case of break-in policy, the bike would be inspected. This would be the first phase of the purchase journey. The second phase began with an inspection of the bike and its result. If the vehicle was deemed to be insurable through the inspection, a policy would be issued via post. It would take around 10 to 15 days for a person to get the bike insured. During this period, the bike would be vulnerable to various risks. With online two wheeler insurance, the purchase journey can be completed in a matter of just a few days. For example, Acko General Insurance, a digital insurance company collects user's details on their website - www.acko.com. The user is asked for a preferred time slot in order to carry out an inspection (if required) and then the policy is issued instantly. If an inspection is not required, the entire purchase journey can be completed within two minutes. Digitization improved the purchase process. Claims The claim process of new-age and traditional insurers is similar in a few ways. The major difference is, convenience. Also, now you can track the status of your claim and ask questions. Going by the example of Acko, their claim process is simple to understand. You can get your queries resolved by either getting in touch with their customer service executive or a member of the Claims Team. When a bike meets with an accident, the policyholder is supposed to get in touch with the insurance company for making a claim. Now a claim can be raised directly through the website. Fill-in details related to the incident and collect the required documents. The incident spot and the vehicles will be inspected by an assessor and an estimate of the claim will be generated. The next step is getting the vehicle repaired. Acko provides a 3-day repair services in select cities. Once the vehicle is repaired, it is dropped to the policyholder's doorstep. The claim is settled by paying the customer for the financial loss they suffered. The Bottom Line We are yet to reach the brim of compliance in terms of two-wheeler insurance. Owing to the Indian Digital Initiative, we are definitely getting closer. Through this, insurers are able to educate new as well as old bike owners about the importance of bike insurance and the benefits it offers. Trusted insurers are almost forced to give up the old ways and turn to digitization thanks to the Indian Digital Initiative. Video of a MP petrol pump owner thrashing his employee with a whip goes viral No data on demonetised 500, 1,000 notes used at petrol pumps: RBI Explained: How FASTag-like technology will help you avoid queues at petrol pumps? Prisoners to be employed in petrol pumps to be set up by Kerala govt in jails Ahead of polls, petrol pump dealers to challenge govt's decision to open 56,000 new fuel outlets India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 29: Barely 72 hours after the Centre announced a pre-election bonanza of distributing an astounding 55,649 new petrol pumps in the country, the apex body of petrol dealers began to oppose the decision. The apex body of the dealers has questioned the legal validity of the decision, saying that the move to increase the number of fuel retail outlets is contrary to the government's own policy, IANS reported citing a top official on Wednesday. They plan to challenge the move in court, a top office-bearer said on Wednesday, November 28. Petrol price cut by 41 paise, diesel 30 paise Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) on Sunday issued advertisements for setting up 55,649 petrol pumps across the country. As of now, India currently has 63,674 petrol pumps, most of them with public sector firms. Nayara Energy Ltd, formerly Essar Oil Ltd, has the highest number of outlets in the private sector at 4,895 while Reliance Industries has 1,400 pumps. Royal Dutch/Shell has 116 outlets. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 11:14 [IST] All Air India employees to be retained for one year: Govt This is daylight highway robbery of national assets, Sitaram Yechury on Air India returning to Tatas Procurement of expensive aircraft parts to be done after approval of senior official: Air India Air India to transfer Rs 29,000cr debt to special purpose vehicle: Aviation Ministry India pti-PTI New Delhi, Nov 29: Loss-making Air India will transfer debt worth Rs 29,000 crore to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a senior government official said Thursday. The national carrier has a debt burden of around Rs 55,000 crore and efforts are being pursued to bolster the airline, including reduction of interest outgo. The senior Civil Aviation Ministry official said Rs 29,000 crore debt would be transferred to the SPV, which has already been set up. The move is expected to help in easing the financial burden on the airline. Air India plane hits building at Stockholm airport The approval of the lenders would be required before transferring the debt to the Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL). Meanwhile, a plan is also being implemented that would result in annual financial benefits worth Rs 2,000 crore by way of cost cutting and revenue enhancement measures. As part of revival plan for the airline, a ministerial panel on Tuesday approved a proposal for strategic sale of Air India's ground handling subsidiary AIATSL. PTI SC refuses to postpone Tripura municipal elections: 'If we do it then it will set a wrong precedent' This is the national capital, what message are we sending: SC on Delhi air pollution CBI war: Only intent was to protect faith of people in agency, Centre tells SC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: Hearing in the CBI vs CBI case has begun in the Supreme Court. Proceedings began with Alok Verma distancing himself from the petition filed by M K Sinha who had challenged his transfer and also made allegations against several officers including the National Security Advisor. Appearing for exiled CBI chief, Alok Verma, senior counsel, Fali S Nariman said that it may not have been appropriate for the plea ( Sinha) to be published in the media, even before the court took a look at it. Ahead of crucial SC hearing in CBI case, Verma to inspect files of Asthana case This was however opposed by senior advocate, Rajeev Dhawan, who is representing A K Bassi, another CBI officer who had challenged his transfer to Port Blair. Nariman argued about the independence of the CBI and also about the fixed two year tenure of CBI chiefs. Nariman said that the media cannot be barred from reporting a case, but a 2012 verdict by Justice S H Kapadia says that the publication can be postponed. He suggested to the court that a rule can be formed to postpone media reporting in some cases where scandalous allegations are made. Dhawan however said that he has some serious reservations about Nariman's advise. Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi however said that the court does not intend to pass any orders. Also CBI vs CBI: Alok Verma's junior counsel withdraws from case Coming back to the arguments, Nariman said that the amended Delhi Special Police. Establishment Act requires the government to take prior approval of a panel comprising the Prime Minister, CJI and Leader of Opposition before a CBI director is unsettled during his two year statutory term. How was Verma sent on leave without the prior approval of the panel, Nariman argued. The CJI said that the court would hear primarily the point raised by Nariman on whether the consent of a panel headed by the PM was mandatory. Kapil Sibal while advancing arguments for Mallikarjua Kharge who has also challenged the decision against Verma said that the CVC cannot override the DSPE provisions, which makes it mandatory to consult the PM led panel before transferring a director. While citing the CVC act, he said that the provisions under Section 8 (1) (a) and (d) gives the CVC limited power of superintendence over the CBI. The CJI asked if the Sibal was advancing a proposition that reference to deletion committee is an absolute principle. Is there no exception and the CBI director cannot be touched, in whatever circumstance without referring to the panel, the CJI asked to which Sibal said, 'yes.' Sibal also added that even if a CBI director is caught red-handed the government has no choice but to go to the panel. Also Nobody under the cloud, this court is not a platform to say anything, SC in CBI case Sibal further said that the government wants to destroy the institution under the pretext that they are protecting it. Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted that the primary concern was to protect the faith of the people in the CBI. The top were at serious logger heads with each other and the public opinion had become negative. This is why the government had to intervene, the AG said. The AG also said that the government and not the selection panel that is empowered to appoint the CBI chief. The committee selects a group of candidates for the appointment of a Director and then puts it before the government. It is the government which appoints the right candidate after that, the AG also said. The court will continue hearing the matter on Wednesday. {document1} TMC delegation to meet Election Commission in Delhi today; To request for early bypolls in Bengal EC declares bypolls to seven Rajya Sabha seats in six states Bypoll: EC notice to Assam minister for 'give and take' remark Check poll code misconduct, EC tells Twitter, Facebook India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: The Election Commission has urged Twitter and Facebook to ensure provisions of electoral law, which bars display of campaign material in the 'silence period' in the run-up to polls, are followed on their platforms. The poll panels request to the social media giants comes against the backdrop of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the BJP reportedly asking voters of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on the internet platforms to cast ballot in their favour. BJP received 167.80 crore of total donations from electoral trusts: Report Instead of writing to the two parties, the EC preferred to write to Twitter and Facebook, urging them to ensure that election law is not violated. "The tweets could be taken out by the company," a senior functionary said on the condition of anonymity. Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act prohibits the display of any election matter by means of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of polls. Social media does not fall under the ambit of the law. The EC's director general (communication), Dhirendra Ojha, told reporters here that the letter "has not been written against the backdrop" of the tweets. Soon, lawmakers will be disqualified for amassing disproportionate assets He said the two social media majors have been reminded of the provisions of section 126. A Congress slogan urging people to vote for the party was appended below the two tweets of Gandhi. BJP Madhya Pradesh had retweeted a tweet by a spokesperson urging people of MP to vote for the party. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 6:52 [IST] Congress getting ready to woo middle class for 2019 polls with its alternative agenda India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 29: To reach out to the middle-class voters for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress may take help of people like former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan and former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar. In such attempt, people like Rajan and many other such faces are being brought in to the Congress platform. The Congress has already taken and may take further help of Yashwant Singh and people like Prashant Bhushan. The Congress leadership has entrusted All India Professional Congress (AIPC) with the responsibility to propagate the party's alternative agenda and make it a public discourse. AIPC recently invited a retired judge of Supreme Court Justice Chelameswar for an open debate on the issue. The AIPC is also organizing a national seminar on in Delhi on November 30. In this programme, many doctors, engineers, managers, legal and financial experts and professional will participate. Govt is destroying the CBI under the garb of protecting it, Kharge tells SC The seriousness of the Congress for this alternative agenda could be fathomed from the fact that in this debate P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Randip Surjewala and Salman Khurshid will participate. The programme will be coordinated by AIPC chief Shashi Tharoor. The responsibility to connect with middle-class people has been given to Salman Soz who is its national convenor and Amita Singh is its executive convenor of the northern region. They are saying that with the alternative agenda, the Congress will not only give an alternative agenda but also give a future roadmap to the country. So for one such dialogue, Raghuram Rajan may be invited. The Congress will organise programme with IT professional in Bangaluru, with doctors in Chennai. Some outline has also been prepared to organise such programmes in Lucknow and Jamshedpur. Jaitley counters Congress' charge on GDP, says new series are globally more comparable Former BJP leader and Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan have already participated in AIPC programme in Mumbai. Salman Soz said that not only these leaders but many other such people will be invited for dialogue who might not agree with the ideology of the Congress but they don't feel the present government and its governance model correct. The Congress feels that from Supreme Court to Election Commission to CAG to RBI, the NDA government led by the BJP is conspiring to redefine everything. Rajasthan cabinet reshuffle: BJP hits out at Congress over absence of women in new team 14 with criminal record and 28 crorepatis in new Rajasthan Cabinet Congress is a company owned by Gandhi-Nehru family, says BJP Chief in Rajasthan India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Kotputli, Nov 29: BJP President Amit Shah, who is campaigning in poll-bound Rajasthan, slammed Congress party for its dynastic rule. Amit Shah while addresssing an election rally in Kotputli, said, "Congress party is not a democratic party, it is just a private limited firm belonging to Gandhi-Nehru family." Speaking on negligible presence of the Congress in state, Shah said, "Today Congress party has become a party which needs to be seen with a telescope on the map of India." Jaitley counters Congress' charge on GDP, says new series are globally more comparable Earlier, he hit out at the Congress over illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said his government will try to expel them from the country "one by one". Addressing a public meeting ahead of the 7 December Assembly elections in Rajasthan, he asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether "infiltrators" should be allowed to remain. The BJP president said that the Congress cannot develop or secure the country. Maharashtra approves 16% Maratha quota in jobs and education "During 10 years of the previous Congress government's rule at the Centre, there was no control on infiltration," he said at the meeting in Karauli district. (With PTI inputs) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 18:27 [IST] INC means I Need Commission: BJP hits out at Congress after Rafale report Deal is clean says French Ambassador to India on Rafale India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Bengaluru, Nov 29: Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler has said that there was no 'scandal' associated with the Rafale deal. Pointing out at the 'cooperation' and 'trust' shared between both India and France, he asked people to look at the facts. Manmohan Singh says Modi Govt not ready for probe into Rafale deal "What scandal? Just look at the facts, not at the tweets, that's my only recommendation. There is no scandal at all," Ziegler said in response to a question on whether the alleged Rafale scandal has made any dent in the partnership that France has with India. Speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of the launch of French Tech Community here, he said, "...look at the track record, look at the trust that has been built between our two countries in aeronautics. Look at their commitment for Make in India, which is impressive. Fifty per cent offset is very unique, look at the major procurement..." To a question about political comments regarding HAL losing potential jobs because of the Rafale deal, Ziegler questioned whether HAL has made any comments about losing jobs. "Did they tell you that they have lost jobs?... I dont know what potential jobs are, he said, as he pointed out that there is a 50 per cent offset clause in the Rafale contract, which is about four billion Euros or about Rs 30,000 crore that is going to be invested in Make in India. Rafale: Comfort letter vs Sovereign guarantee, how legally is India covered "That's huge (amount) and there will be room for hundreds of companies, including HAL, which has had a very fruitful historical cooperation with French companies," he added. The Ambassador also noted that all major French companies would be participating in Aero India, scheduled for February 20-24 in Bengaluru. "Our companies will be there...I cant tell you how many, but all our major companies will be there,"Ziegler said. Stating that almost all major French players have been investing in India for years now, he said, "we have had long cooperation with India. Companies like Airbus, Thales, Dassault have been sourcing in this country. Transfer of technology has been happening for decades." It's very very "historical cooperation" between India and France, he said, adding that we have not waited Make in India to be launched. "Our companies have been making in India for decades now. Transfer of technology has been happening." he said. The Congress has accused the government of forcing Dassault Aviation to make Reliance Defence its offset partner for the Rs 58,000 crore deal to purchase 36 Rafale jets. Rafale issue: 'Modi government lies again', tweets Rahul Gandhi The party has alleged that the government was helping the Anil Ambani group get a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore from the deal. However, the Reliance Group has said that Dassault Aviation's investment in Reliance Airport Developers Limited has no link with the Rafale fighter jet deal, and has accused Congress of resorting to "blatant lies" for political gains. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 7:00 [IST] Death sentence will stay says Supreme Court in a 2:1 verdict India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of death sentence in a 2:1 verdict. Justice Kurien Joseph, the senior most judge in the Supreme Court, who gave the dissenting view, however pointed out that death sentence over the years has been freakishly implemented. A three-judge bench comprising justices Kurian Joseph, Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta commuted the death sentence of a man and awarded him life term for murdering three persons including two women. Sexual abuse at Bihar shelter homes: SC orders CBI to take over Though the three judges differed on the applicability of death penalty, they were unanimous in commuting the death sentence of Chhannu Lal Verma. Justice Joseph, who is to superannuate on Thursday, while pronouncing the verdict, read his views on the applicability of death sentence. Referring to the 262nd report of the Law Commission, Justice Joseph said, "The constitutional regulation of capital punishment attempted in Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab in 1980 has failed to prevent death sentences from being 'arbitrarily and freakishly imposed' and that capital punishment has failed to achieve any constitutionally valid penological goals, we are of the view that a time has come where we view the need for death penalty as a punishment, especially its purpose and practice." He also said that till the time death penalty exists in the statute books, the burden to be satisfied by the judge in awarding this punishment must be high. According to Justice Joseph, the irrevocable nature of the sentence and the fact that the death row convicts are, for that period, hanging between life and death are to be duly considered. Rape case against Tarun Tejpal: SC adjourns matter for three weeks "Every death penalty case before the court deals with a human life that enjoys certain constitutional protection and if life is to be taken away, then the process must adhere to the strictest and highest constitutional standards. Our conscience as judges, which is guided by constitutional principles, cannot allow anything less than that," Justice Joseph, who wrote judgement for the bench, said. Justices Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta gave divergent opinion on the views expressed by Justice Joseph on applicability of death sentence and said a five-judge constitution bench in Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab in 1980 had already held the constitutional validity of death penalty provided in Indian Penal Code. "In our view, since the Constitution Bench in Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab, has upheld capital punishment, there is no need to re- examine the same at this stage," justices Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta said. Justice Joseph, who wrote the verdict for the bench, also voiced his "anguishing concern" with regard to public discourse on crimes which have an impact on the trial, conviction and sentence in a case. "The court's duty to be constitutionally correct even when its view is counter-majoritarian is also a factor which should weigh with the court when it deals with the collective conscience of the people or public opinion. After all, the society's perspective is generally formed by the emotionally charged narratives. Such narratives need not necessarily be legally correct, properly informed or procedurally proper," he said. Justice Joseph, while referring to the law commission report said that the court plays a counter-majoritarian role in protecting individual rights against majoritarian impulses. "In this context, we may also express our concern on the legality and propriety of the people engaging in a 'trial' prior to the process of trial by the court," he said. Unfortunate, tragic, shameless, inhuman: SC slams Bihar govt in shelter home case Justice Joseph said that it has almost become a "trend" for the investigating agency to present their version and create a cloud in the collective conscience of the society regarding the crime and the criminal. "This undoubtedly puts mounting pressure on the courts at all the stages of the trial and certainly they have a tendency to interfere with the due course of justice," he said. The three judges were unanimous on their view that the Chhattisgarh High Court in the case at hand has erroneously confirmed death penalty on the man without correctly applying the law laid down in Bachan Singh and other cases. "The decision to impose the highest punishment of death sentence in this case does not fulfil the test of rarest of rare case where the alternative option is unquestionably foreclosed," the bench said. It said that no evidence as to the uncommon nature of the offence or the improbability of reformation or rehabilitation of the appellant has been adduced. It noted that the superintendent of the jail has given a certificate that his conduct in jail has been good during the pendency of his appeal in Supreme Court for past four years. "Thus, there is a clear indication that despite having lost all hope, yet no frustration has set on the appellant. On the contrary, there was a conscious effort on his part to lead a good life for the remaining period. A convict is sent to jail with the hope and expectation that he would make amends and get reformed," it said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 6:32 [IST] 'Farmers know how to punish,' says Deve Gowda at Ramlila Maidan India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Nov 29: Former PM and JDS leader HD Deve Gowda extended his support to farmers' protest in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. Deve Gowda told reporters, "PM should personally take note of this. I would like to appeal to Union Govt to try to solve the problem. Farmers are awakened now. They know how to punish. No govt can survive without farmers." Congress getting ready to woo middle class for 2019 polls with its alternative agenda Thousands of farmers from across the nation reached the Ramlila ground to press their demands for higher crop prices and farm loan waivers, among others. The farmers are marching in from Nizamuddin, Sabzi Mandi Station, Anand Vihar Terminal and Majnu Ka Tila. The rally has been organised by All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). While protesting they held banners against farmers' suicide taking place across the country. AIKSCC has written to the Prime Minister as well as representatives of all political parties to join the Kisan Mukti March tomorrow in support and solidarity and take action on the demands of farmers to pass the two bills by calling a special session of parliament. Govt grants sanction to prosecute Delhi minister Satyendra Jain in disproportionate assets case India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs has granted sanction for the prosecution to prosecute Satyendra Kumar Jain, Minister in Government of NCT of Delhi in a case registered by CBI in August 24, 2017 for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Jain floated/acquired several shell companies in Delhi, which included M/s Akichan Developers Private Limited, M/s Indo Metal Impex Private Limited, M/s Paryas Infosolutions Private Limited and M/s Manglayatan Projects Private Limited during F.Y.2009-10 and 2010-11. These shell companies do not have any real business. Jain had laundered black money of Rs.16.39 Cr. during F.Y. 2010-11 to 2015-16 through 54 shell companies of three hawala entry operators of Kolkata namely Jeevendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani and Rajendra Bansal. Delhi government spends Rs 46.64 out of Rs 706 crore earmarked for Mohalla Clinic After laundering of unaccounted cash and receipt of equivalent in amounts in cheques through hawala entry operator and by using black money in the form of unaccounted cash, more than 200 bigha of agricultural land were purchased in names of companies controlled by Shri Jain in the vicinity of unorganized colonies located at Karala, Auchandi, Nizampur, Budhan, North & North-West area of Delhi during lasts five years. On being prosecuted by the Income Tax Department, Satyendra Jain surrendered black money in form of cash of Rs.16.39 crores which was laundered using shell companies of Kolkata for purchasing 200 bigha of the land under Income Disclosure Scheme 2016 on benami names of Vaibhav Jain and Ankush Jain. On enquiry, it was found that Vaibhav Jain and Ankush Jain were in no way connected with the shell companies floated/acquired by Jain during the period of money laundering of Rs.16.39 Cr. and the Hawala entry operators of Kolkata who had admitted before Income Tax Authorities that money laundering of Rs.16.39 Cr. was done on instruction of Satyender Jain and receipt of equivalent amount of cash alongwith commission from Jain. Proceedings under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, 1988 (PBPT Act) were conducted by the competent authority against Satyender Jain and his shell companies and the same was completed by holding Satyender Jain beneficial owner of shares of shell companies naely M/s Akinchan Developers Private Limited, M/s Indo Metal Impex Private Limited, M/s Paryas Infosolutions Private Limited and M/s Manglayatan Projects Private Limited as well as lands purchased on the name of these companies, consequently land and shares of these companies were provisionally attached u/s 24(4) of the PBPT Act, 1988 on 24.05.2017. The appeal of Jain against provisional order of the department has been dismissed recently by adjudicating authority vide order dated 22.05.2018, accordingly, the lands of 200 bigha are under regular attachment for confiscation. Irregularities in PWD: CBI registers case against Satyendar Jain Since, Jain has declared unaccounted income of Rs.16.39 crore under the IDS in benami names and tax was paid on this amount, separate proceedings under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act have been initiated regarding the money paid as tax actually belonged to Jain. These proceedings are presently pending before the Income Tax Department. The re-assessment proceedings in above referred to cases have detected hawala transactions and instances of unaccounted cash payments in purchase of land. Jain admitted in the writ petition before Hon'ble Delhi High Court in case of M/s Akichan Developers Private Limited that the black money of Rs.16.39 Cr. was actually laundered using shell companies controlled by three hawala entry operators of Kolkata. Jain had further surrendered the black money of Rs.16.39 Cr (which was laundered) under Income Disclosure Scheme, 2016. These facts prove that laundering of black money by Jain is an undisputed fact. The efforts of the AAP Government to regularize unauthorized colonies during first tenure of AAP government from 28.12.2013 to 14.02.2014 and present tenure is linked with the investment in agricultural land by Jain. The proposed regularization of unauthorized colonies will convert these agricultural lands into residential and commercial land which will provide huge returns on the investment by Jain. ED grills Delhi min Satyendra Kumar Jain in money laundering case A regular Case was registered for commission of offences u/s 13(2) r/w 13(1) of the P.C. Act, 1988 against Satyendra Kumar Jain and u/s 109 IPC r/w section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of the P.C. Act, 1998 against Poonam Jain, Ajit Prasad Jain, Sunil Kumar, Vaibhav Jain and Ankush Jain by CBI on 24.08.2018 vide case No.RC AC-1 2017 A0005. The proceeds of crime which were layered and laundered through shell companies are reflected in purchase of agricultural land and repayment of loans. Investigations in the arena of generation of proceeds of crime are ongoing in ED and CBI. ED is in the proceeds of attaching the process of crime. Govt is destroying the CBI under the garb of protecting it, Kharge tells SC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: Hearing in the CBI vs CBI case has begun in the Supreme Court. Proceedings began with Alok Verma distancing himself from the petition filed by M K Sinha who had challenged his transfer and also made allegations against several officers including the National Security Advisor. Appearing for exiled CBI chief, Alok Verma, senior counsel, Fali S Nariman said that it may not have been appropriate for the plea ( Sinha) to be published in the media, even before the court took a look at it. Kharge in SC to challenge govt decision on CBI chief Verma This was however opposed by senior advocate, Rajeev Dhawan, who is representing A K Bassi, another CBI officer who had challenged his transfer to Port Blair. Nariman argued about the independence of the CBI and also about the fixed two year tenure of CBI chiefs. Nariman said that the media cannot be barred from reporting a case, but a 2012 verdict by Justice S H Kapadia says that the publication can be postponed. He suggested to the court that a rule can be formed to postpone media reporting in some cases where scandalous allegations are made. Dhawan however said that he has some serious reservations about Nariman's advise. Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi however said that the court does not intend to pass any orders. Coming back to the arguments, Nariman said that the amended Delhi Special Police. Establishment Act requires the government to take prior approval of a panel comprising the Prime Minister, CJI and Leader of Opposition before a CBI director is unsettled during his two year statutory term. How was Verma sent on leave without the prior approval of the panel, Nariman argued. The CJI said that the court would hear primarily the point raised by Nariman on whether the consent of a panel headed by the PM was mandatory. Mallikarjun Kharge writes to Modi over removal of CBI chief Alok Verma, calls it a 'shameful move' Kapil Sibal while advancing arguments for Mallikarjun Kharge who has also challenged the decision against Verma said that the CVC cannot override the DSPE provisions, which makes it mandatory to consult the PM led panel before transferring a director. While citing the CVC act, he said that the provisions under Section 8 (1) (a) and (d) gives the CVC limited power of superintendence over the CBI. The CJI asked if the Sibal was advancing a proposition that reference to deletion committee is an absolute principle. Is there no exception and the CBI director cannot be touched, in whatever circumstance without referring to the panel, the CJI asked to which Sibal said, 'yes.' Sibal also added that even if a CBI director is caught red-handed the government has no choice but to go to the panel. Sibal further said that the government wants to destroy the institution under the pretext that they are protecting it. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 15:11 [IST] How Naveed Jatt was smoked out of his home and shot dead India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Srinagar, Nov 29: Getting to Naveed Jatt, one of the most dreaded terrorists in the Valley was not easy. On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir police along with a team of the 35 Rashtriya Rifles managed to kill Lashkar-e-Tayiba commander, Naveed Jatt and his associate. Jatt was wanted in the killing of several civilians, police personnel and noted journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Officials part of the operation tell OneIndia that the hunt for Jatt was on for a long time. He had become dangerous and getting to him was on their top priority. There was concrete intelligence available that Jatt and his associates had holed themselves up at the Kutipora village in Budgam. Including Lashkar's Naveed Jatt, Army has gunned down 24 terrorists in 4 days They had intentionally taken shelter in a congested area, knowing fully well that any operation against them would have had to be a restricted one, the officer explained. Since it was a congested area, the security forces could not use IEDs to blast the house. The security forces then decided to set ablaze the house that they were staying in. As the fire raged on, the terrorists including Jatt came out. Once they were out, the forces managed to gun them down. The police in a statement said that the Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the pre-dawn hours. As searches were going on, militants hiding in a house opened fire on the search party. The fire was retaliated and two militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight, police said. Three Army soldiers sustained injuries during the gunfight, the police statement added. Why killing Jatt is a big deal: He went by the alias Abu Hanzalla. He was part of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and hailed from Pakistan. He was graded Category A++. Jatt, according to the police was the person who opened fire on Bukhari on June 14 2018. The plan to kill the journalist was hatched in Pakistan by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba. Naveed Jatt shot dead: Why killing this Lashkar terrorist is such a big deal It may be recalled that in March, he had escaped from the SMHS hospital. Jutt it may be recalled had escaped after attacking a police escort party on February 6 2018, when he was being taken for medical examination at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar. Two police personnel were killed in the incident. The NIA found that it was a well planned criminal conspiracy. Investigation revealed that the accused conducted meetings in the Central Jail, Srinagar on different dates before the incident and a comprehensive plan was made to effect the escape Jatt. As per the plan, the accused conducted a detailed recce of the SMHS Hospital as well as routes to be followed before and after the action. They also arranged vehicles and weapons to be used in execution of the plan. During investigation, accused the four persons mentioned in chargesheet were arrested. No Lashkar in Afghanistan, no Al-Qaeda in India: The result was Mumbai 26/11 Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that this is a major hit. Jatt's escape and breathed life into the Lashkar-e-Tayiba. He was constantly recruiting and posed an immense threat. For several months now, the local police, Army and the Intelligence Bureau worked on the leads, following which they were able to zero down on his location. His death will be a major blow to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, the officer also informed. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 9:04 [IST] I was under pressure to call Sohrabuddin encounter genuine says cop India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: An inspector with the Rajasthan police has told the court that he was pressured by some people to call the Sohrabuddin encounter as a genuine one. The submission was made by Inspector Abdul Rehman, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati alleged fake encounter case. Deposing before a special CBI court, he said that there was pressure all the time by many persons to say that the FIR was genuine and registered by me. I told both the CID and the CBI that he was not the one who had filed the FIR. Both agencies did not probe that aspect, he also added. The FIR did not have my signature and I had informed the agencies about the same, he further said. Sohrabuddin Sheikh killing: A motive that involved both money and politics After the encounter in 2005, an FIR was registered against Sohrabuddin in which he was called a Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist, who had planned on disturbing communal harmony in Gujarat. The CBI, which took over the case following a Supreme Court directive said that Sohrabuddin and his wife Kausar Bi were abducted from Hyderabad three days before the encounter on November 23 2005. There were 38 persons named as accused in the case. In their discharge applications, all the senior officers, politicians claimed that the encounter was a genuine one. The statement by Rehman raises doubts about the claim as he himself has said that he was forced to call the encounter as a genuine one. Including Lashkars Naveed Jatt, Army has gunned down 24 terrorists in 4 days India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Srinagar, Nov 29: On Wednesday, the security agencies carried out one of the most successful encounters in recent time. One of the top terrorist in the Valley, who was heading the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Naveed Jatt was killed in an encounter along with his associate. Jatt has been a headache for the security forces. He managed a dare devil escape from the SMHS Hospital in February. Following this he undertook the killing of noted journalist Shujaat Bukhari. His death brings a closure to this case. Interestingly, the security forces have attained a high rate of success this week. This week alone since Sunday, 24 terrorists have been shot down in different encounters. Most of the terrorists killed this week were involved in luring youth into terrorism. They were also the same ones who had indulged in the killings of civilians while accusing them of being informers, Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh said. The people must heave a sigh of relief as South Kashmir will see less of terrorism, Singh also added. Naveed Jatt shot dead: Why killing this Lashkar terrorist is such a big deal He also said that the recruitment had come down to a large extent. In the past two months there has not been a single instance of a local youth joining terrorism, he also said. He said that those local youth who have joined terrorism, must shun their weapons and return to the mainstream. We will sincerely help the locals to return and join their families, he also assured. On Jatt, Singh said that they would ask Pakistan through the Union Government to collect his body. He said that this process of asking Pakistan to collect the bodies of their terrorists has been on since 2017. We have repeatedly written to them, whenever one of their terrorists has been killed. However no bodies have been claimed. No Lashkar in Afghanistan, no Al-Qaeda in India: The result was Mumbai 26/11 The police have been preserving the DNA samples of the killed terrorists, the DGP also said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 8:33 [IST] Right to be forgotten: HC asks Centre, Google to reply to plea for removing verdict from search engine Delhi HC asks Centre, Google to respond to mans plea to remove articles on his conviction in criminal case Who is Saurabh Kirpal? Indias likely to get its first openly gay judge of Delhi high court Delhi HC dismisses plea to stop publication, sale of Salman Khurshid's book : 'Ask people not to buy it' INX media case: Delhi HC extends interim protection to Chidambaram till Jan 15 India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 29: The Delhi High court on Thursday extended interim protection to former Union Minister P Chidambaram till January 15, 2019. Chidambaram had in May rushed to a trial court for protection from arrest in Aircel-Maxis case before approaching the Delhi High Court in connection with the INX Media case. The court had earlier granted protection from arrest to the senior Congress leader and his son Karti in Aircel-Maxis case till November 1. The senior Congress leader's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. Chidambaram lists out names of Congress presidents who were not from 'Gandhi Family', slams Modi It was during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister in the UPA-1 government that clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) was granted to the two ventures, in which alleged irregularities have been found. In the INX Media case, the CBI registered an FIR on May 15 last year against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to the media group for receiving overseas funds -- to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as finance Minister. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 13:30 [IST] Sense of desperation: Why are terrorists choosing soft targets in Jammu and Kashmir Security review in J&K is message to Pak not to use Taliban win in Kashmir Two dreaded Hizbul terrorists killed in an encounter at J&K India oi-Madhuri Adnal Jammu, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday killed two terrorists in an encounter between security forces & terrorists in Khrew area in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists have been identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone alias Uqab, a resident of Braw Bandina and Adil Bilal Bhat alias Umair Al Hizbi, a resident of Malangpora. Both were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists. How Naveed Jatt was smoked out of his home and shot dead As per police records, Adnan Lone was known as district commander of Pulwama of the Hizbul Mujahideen. Both of them were wanted by the law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Adnan Lone as per Police records was one of the top commanders of HM and had a long history of terror crime records since 2015. He was a close associate of militant commander Reyaz Naikoo and had escaped from encounter site at Srinagar earlier. Several terror cases were registered against him. Similarly Adil Bhat being a close associate of Reyaz Naikoo was also involved in several terror crimes. Among several other terror offences he also figured in killing of H C Ashiq Hussain at Awantipora in October 2017. No collateral damage took place during the encounter. The state police, along with the security forces, had launched a cordon and search operation in Khrew during wee hours after receiving credible information. More than 25 militants, including top commanders of terror groups, have been killed by security so far this month in different operations in the state. Agree with Indian govt on need to safeguard citizens' privacy: WhatsApp State vs national issues: Key lessons for the BJP to learn in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana Karnataka BJP chief Yeddyurappa meets Shivakumar, sparks alliance speculation India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Nov 29: Within few months ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Karnataka BJP State President BS Yeddyurappa visited the residence of Congress leader and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday. Yeddyurappa was accompanied by his son BY Raghavendra, Member of Parliament (MP) Shivamogga, who also recently won a Lok Sabha seat. While the meeting took place for more than an hour, there was speculation that the former CM reportedly made an offer for a political alliance with the saffron party. Karnataka Cabinet expansion to take place at the earliest: Siddaramaiah However, Yeddyurappa dismissed the speculations saying that the meeting was only for the essential requirements of executing the pending irrigation projects in the drought-hit district of Shivamogga and there is no political significance in the meeting. The DK brothers had earlier accused BJP and Yeddyurappa for trying to get them arrested by misusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Shivakumar said Yeddyurappa approached him two months ago but couldn't because of his hectic schedule. The absence of Kumar Bangarappa, BJP MLA from Soraba, and KB Ashok Naik, Shivamogga Rural MLA, fuelled talk about a political alliance. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 16:42 [IST] US designates Pakistan, China as countries of particular concern for religious freedom violation Pakistan to allow India to send wheat to Afghanistan through its territory: PM Imran Khan Mehbooba welcomes Pak's offer on opening Hindu temples to Indian pilgrims India pti-PTI Srinagar, Nov 29: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Thursday welcomed Pakistan's offer on opening several shrines, including Shardapeeth, to devotees from India, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should consider the offer. "Great initiative of offering peace through these channels. PM @narendramodi ji should consider the offer by PakPM (Pakistan Prime Minister) @ImranKhanPTI for opening of SharadaPeeth in Kashmir, Katasraj & other shrines too this will certainly bridge the gap & usher peace in region," Mehbooba said in a tweet. Her tweet came in response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's interaction with Indian journalists, in which he reportedly said, "We can consider other proposals, including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir, Katasraj and other Hindu shrines too." India in fix over opening of Kartarpur corridor as Pakistan once again deceives it Mehbooba, later issued a statement, in which she said her party is sure that the offer will elicit a positive response from the Indian government. The PDP president said the hawks on the either side must be sidelined so that a new beginning in the Indo-Pak thaw could be made possible. "The prime minister must lead this process personally so that the hawks are not allowed to disrupt this new atmosphere of peace. Such initiatives of offering peace through these channels are worth to hail," she said. PTI Modi in Argentina for G20: Only second time that PM visits South America India oi-Shubham Ghosh New Delhi, Nov 29: He had been to the Latin American continent for his second tour abroad after becoming the prime minister in May 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Brazil for a four day trip between July 13 and 16 that year to attend the sixth BRICS Summit. Modi on that occasion had visited the cities of Fortaleza and Brasilia and besides meeting the BRICS leaders and also with each leader on the sidelines of the visit. He spoke with the then Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff over expanding bilateral tries. The prime minister also met with leaders from South America and said India's trade with the continent has shown growth in the recent past. "In a globalised and inter-connected world, our destinies are inter-linked. We are all bound, by shared aspirations and common challenges. We all have a stake in each other's success," he said. G20: Argentina court examines complaint against Saudi crown prince & it's not about Khashoggi Modi said there is a scope to achieve a lot more in the relation between India and South America. "From hydrocarbons to pharma, textiles to leather, engineering goods to automobiles; the range of opportunities is enormous. We must utilize, the Preferential Trade Agreement between India and the MERCOSUR Trade Block, and Chile, more effectively," he said. However, Modi's next visit to the South American continent is taking place after over four years when he headed for Argentina for the 13th G20 Summit. Modi will reach Buenos Aires on Thursday (November 29) night and at the summit set to kick off on Friday, November 30, the prime minister is expected to speak on the volatility of oil prices which has had an impact on the Indian economy, besides digital revolution and Skill India, an All India Radio report said. Ahead of G20 summit, Argentina govt advises people to leave Buenos Aires But does the gap between Modi's first and second visits to South America as the prime minister suggest that India is not taking the distant continent as seriously? Argentina will be the 59th country for Modi to set his foot on. Modi has paid a single visit to 40 countries while he has visited 10 countries twice, two countries thrice and four countries four times. He has visited the world's two biggest economies - the US and China - five times each. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 16:32 [IST] In Pics: All you need to know about India's lethal destroyer ship INS Visakhapatnam Mumbai: Man dies after being slapped by friend during drinking session in Kurla Mamata Banerjee indicates expansion plans for TMC underway, trips to Varanasi, Mumbai in pipeline Malik assures HC not to make public statements against Wankhede family till Dec 9 Mumbai: Former Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi admitted to hospital after chest infection India oi-Madhuri Adnal Raipur, Nov 29: Former Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi admitted to Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai after he complained of respiratory problems. Jogi, who contested the recently-held Chhattisgarh Assembly elections from Marwahi in Bilaspur, is likely to be discharged on Thursday, the official said. Chhattisgarh phase 2 polling today: Fate of many star candidates to be sealed "Jogi was admitted to Lilavati Hospital a couple of days back for routine medical check-up. He is doing fine," said Dr Ravishankar, CEO of Lilavati hospital. "He may be discharged tomorrow morning," he added. Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh were held in two phases earlier this month. The results will be announced on December 11. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 8:57 [IST] NEET 2019: SC allows UG medical students of 25 years and above to appear for exam India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: The Supreme Court has granted interim relief to those students who could not apply for the NEET 2019 UG exams due to age limit. The court directed the National Testing Agency to receive applications from these candidates. The case has been posted to February for final hearing and disposal. The court while allowing students of 25 years and above to appear for the exam, however said that their admissions would be subject to the outcome of the petition. The CBSE was also directed to fix the upper age limit. NEET 2019: Full schedule for NEET PG and NEET MDS Further the National Testing Agency was also directed to extend the deadline by one week to allow the students to fill up the NEET 2019 form. The last date to fill the forms comes to an end tomorrow. On the last date of hearing, the court had sought a reply from the Centre on the plea challenging the Medical Council of India (MCI) norm laying down upper age limit of 25 years for general category aspirants to apply for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for MBBS and BDS courses. The group of aspirants have challenged the Delhi High Court's May 11 judgement dismissing the pleas challenging the MCI notification laying down the upper age limit of 25 and 30 years for general and reserved categories respectively to apply for NEET for MBBS and BDS courses. However, the high court had struck down a clause in the notification which bars students from the open schools or those who have studied privately from appearing in the test. During the brief hearing today, the counsel appearing for the students told the SC that the limitation of 25 years was "completely arbitrary". NEET 2019: Important dates According to the January 22 notification, candidates who have studied in open school, students who have had biology or biotechnology as an additional subject and those who have taken more than two years to complete their 11th and 12th and students who have studied privately were not eligible to apply for the examination. The high court, while passing its interim order earlier on February 28, had made it clear that while the candidates will be allowed to submit their application for the entrance test, it does not mean they can sit for the examination which was held on May 6. The high court's verdict had come on several petitions moved by medical aspirants who were aggrieved by several other eligibility norms barring them from applying for the NEET-UG for which the last date for submission of application was March 9. Pervert Naval Officer posts wife's objectionable pics online, he was allegedly hooked to porn India oi-Vikas SV Pune, Nov 29: A pervert Indian Navy commander, whose wife had left him because of his pornography addiction, allegedly posted objectionable photos of his spouse. The woman, who is a former Army officer, mentioned that she had recently moved to her parent's place in Pune along with her children as her husband did not give up his pornography habit. The Navy commander has been booked by Pune police for allegedly uploading objectionable and morphed pictures of his wife on an online photo application, a PTI report said while quoting police. The victim in her complaint to police on Tuesday claimed that her husband, currently posted in Delhi, had "pornography addiction", Kondhwa police station's inspector Mahadeo Kumbhar said. Mumbai: Man held for adding woman's number to 'XXX' WhatsApp group without consent Besides uploading the victim's photos, her husband had also posted objectionable pictures of his colleague's wife and some other women on the app, he said. "As per the complaint, the accused used his e-mail account to upload his wife's pictures on the photo app," Kumbhar said, adding that they have so far not received any complaint from the other women. The accused was also allegedly having an affair with his colleague's wife, he said quoting the complaint. A case was registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, the police official said. "We will write to Navy authorities seeking permission to question him in the case," he added. What is Pornography Addiction? Porn addiction is considered a behavioral addiction that is characterized by an ever-growing compulsion to view pornographic content or material. Addiction in general terms refers to a state in which an individual experiences decreased control with regards to their desire for a certain stimulus, and/or increased feeling of routine desire for that stimulus. Porn addiction, like other substances or things that people can become addicted to, can be understood through principles of operant conditioning. This is where a certain behavior, watching porn in this case, is "reinforced," or rewarded, which in turn makes you want to do it again (and again). OneIndia News with PTI inputs For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 16:13 [IST] Political parties fighting a parallel battle on social media in Rajasthan Assembly polls India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Nov 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress leaders are busy canvasing in their respective constituencies by organising rallies, meeting and door-to-door campaign but social media campaign of political parties contesting elections in Rajasthan is being handled by youths associated with the party. The BJP has set up a social media team which is working from its head office. The team is providing every information about their leaders and their every movement is reported in social media with the drop of eye laces. The Congress is working for the first time on social media but it is not far behind the BJP and making mistakes in speeches of PM Modi and others viral immediately. Social media teams of the respective political parties are working on the instruction of the party and this is absolutely cost less operation. They have this target in their hands that it must reach to maximum number of people and must be made available to as many people as possible in the state. People are also getting connected by creating new facebook pages. Rajasthan polls 2018: Cong releases manifesto, promises to provide jobs to youth, free education Youths working at the BJP office said that it is their responsibility to tell the people about the government schemes as soon as possible and maximum information. So that people get benefited by these schemes and they could be turned into voters during the time of elections. On the other hand social media workers at the Congress office said, they have a clear instruction that promises made by Narendra Modi must be uploaded in social media which has not been fulfilled so far that included employments to 15 lakh people, Rs 15 lakh in everyone's account, black money, corruption, Lalit Modi, Vijay Malya, Nirav Modi. All these issues must be used to attack Narendra Modi. It is the responsibility of the social media team to make them viral. Royals of Rajasthan gradually diminishing from the electoral politics of the state Despite the fact that RLP that is also contesting election in the state has a small team but its focus is on youth and farmer's votes. But party has a secret location from where their social media team is working. They are informing people about leaders of the party, their programmes and speeches. The main focus of the social media team of every political party is to expose the leaders of the opposition political parties. BJP's social media team is not only telling people about the works done by the Vasundhara Raje government but also uploading funny speeches of Rahul Gandhi on social media. Rajasthan elections: BSP candidate dies, polling in Ramgarh assembly seat adjourned India oi-Vikas SV Jaipur, Nov 29: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)'s candidate for the Rajasthan Assembly elections 2018 from Ramgarh seat of Alwar district has passed away, said reports. Lakshman Singh is said to have died due to a heart attack. "There are provisions in Section 52 in The Representation of the People Act, 1951, that if a candidate of a national recognised party dies after filing nominations, Returning Officer will adjourn polling..EC will give 7 days time to concerned party for nomination filing of new candidate and then announce fresh polling dates. The same procedure will be followed in this case. Polling has been adjourned and the Election Commission is finalising the new date," Alwar District Magistrate Prakash Rajpurohit told ANI. Rajasthan Elections 2018: BSP releases third list of 61 candidates Rajasthan is scheduled to go to polls on December 7. The last date for filing nominations in the state was November 19. The date of counting has been fixed on December 11. The BSP won three seats in the 2013 assembly elections by securing a 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008 elections, when the party had won six seats. In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies. In the state, there are 34 Scheduled Castes and 25 Scheduled Tribe seats out of the total 200 seats. The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats. In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share. In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent. PIL in SC challenges Centre's ordinances on powers to extend tenure of Directors of CBI, ED Supreme Court set to hear CBI vs CBI case today India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Nov 29: The all important CBI vs CBI case is scheduled to be heard in the Supreme Court today. The court is hearing a plea by CBI director, Alok Verma, who had challenged the decision of the government which had sent him on leave following a public spat with special director Rakesh Asthana, who has also been exiled. Here is why CBI acting director refused to re-open corruption case A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to consider the response of Verma given in a sealed cover on the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in the preliminary inquiry against him. 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 likely to hear the PIL filed by NGO Common Cause, which has sought a probe by a special investigation team against CBI officers. On November 20, the court had expressed deep anguish over the purported leak of Verma's response to the CVC's findings against him as also the publication of allegations levelled by the agency's DIG Manish Kumar Sinha in his separate plea. CBI vs CBI: Alok Verma's junior counsel withdraws from case The court had made it clear that it would not hear any party and would confine itself to the issues red flagged by it. Miffed over the alleged leak of Verma's confidential response to the CVC's findings, the court had said it wanted to keep the CBI director's response confidential to maintain the probe agency's dignity. While adjourning the hearing for November 29, the court had taken umbrage to various media reports based on the petition filed by Sinha levelling allegations against various top functionaries. Sinha in his plea filed on November 19, dragged the names of NSA Ajit Doval, Union minister Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and CVC K V Chowdhury over alleged attempts to interfere in the probe against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has been divested of his duties and sent on leave along with his boss. The court had earlier issued notices to the Centre, CBI, CVC, Asthana, Verma and Rao asking them to respond to it by November 12. The CVC had on November 12 filed in the apex 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 investigation was completed on November 10. The CVC was earlier 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 apex court with a separate petition in the matter and has sought removal of Verma from the post of CBI Director. Nobody under the cloud, this court is not a platform to say anything, SC in CBI case On November 4, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had moved the Supreme 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: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 6:41 [IST] I have been assaulted by Rabri Devi, driven out of her house: Tej Pratap's wife Aishwarya Rai Tej Pratap Yadav withdraws divorce petition from wife Aishwarya Rai: Is reconciliation on the cards? India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 29: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, has now withdrawn the divorce petition from his wife Aishwarya Rai. It was also reported that Tej Pratap was not physically present as the matter was raised by his lawyers. The couple had tied the knot here on May 12 this year. Tej Pratap had filed divorce petition within six months ago into his married life. This had reportedly stunned his friends and family. The family had been trying to persuade him to patch up and hold the marriage together. And looks like the reconciliation on the cards? Earlier, Tej Pratap, an MLA and a former Bihar health minister who is believed to be in Vrindavan, has said he would not come to Patna till his family backed his decision to divorce his wife of six months. He recently tweeted that a relationship once broken cannot be mended, indicating that the Yadav scion was adamant on pursuing his separation from his wife. Tute se phir na jude: Tej Pratap Yadav drops hint that he may not patch up with wife Aishwarya Rai It was also repoted that the Former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Yadav, who is currently serving a jail term for Rs 950 crore fodder scam and is also admitted to the hospital for treatment, was stressed about the divorce of his son and ongoing family problems. As per reports, Lalu Yadav also tried to convince Tej Pratap over a two-hour long meet to not divorce his wife. Meanwhile, the Yadav family has been a frequent visitor of the temple where the 11-day puja was held. 'No differences between us', says Misa Bharti on Tejashwi-Tej Pratap rift As per a report, they hold immense faith in the goddess of the temple. The 'havan puja' was held at the temple in eastern Uttar Pradesh, bordering Bihar so that the family could overcome their current problems, priest Raj Mishra said. Tej Pratap had filed for divorce from Aishwariya, daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai and grandchild of former Bihar chief minister Daroga Prasad Rai, on November 2 citing "compatibility issues". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 16:07 [IST] Two-day farmers' protest in Delhi; demand for better MSP, loan waivers India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Nov 29: Farmers across the country are expected to gather in Delhi for two days (November 29-30) to pitch for a one-time loan waiver and better MSP (minimum support price) for crops. Umbrella body of farmer unions, the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC), said farmers would hold a parliament to press for their demands. The participants, that include rural migrants, are also demanding a discussion on agrarian crisis in a 21-day joint Parliament session. They are covering more than 10,000 km across 21 states. Maharashtra: Thousands of farmers march towards Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demand land reforms On 29 November, farmers will congregate at four points (in four directions) of the city and start marching towards the Ramlila Grounds located in central Delhi. A cultural programme "Ek Shaam Kisanon Ke Naam" (One Evening For Farmers) where eminent artists will perform has been planned for the evening. On 30 November, the gathered farmers - estimated at about a lakh - will march to the Parliament. The protest is being seen as a culmination of protest against different Government initiatives over the past two years, including the introduction in Parliament of two private member's bills demanding remunerative prices for all crops and freedom from indebtedness. Earlier, in the October rally, farmers under Bharatiya Kisan Union, who had walked from Haridwar to Delhi, were stopped on the Delhi-UP border leading to a clash with the police. This year 255 districts in India recorded deficit monsoon and are facing drought like conditions. While some states have declared droughts and are providing relief measures, states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Assam have still not yet declared drought. Like last year, farmers are not getting the fair price of their produce. More than 60 per cent markets are selling agricultural produce below the Minimum Support Price. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 10:19 [IST] In our better interest: Taliban on NSA level meet on Afghanistan convened by India US Congress report says Pakistan playing active and disruptive role in Afghanistan Explosion hits Afghanistan mosque during Friday prayers, at least 12 wounded Taliban insists on all male shows in Afghanistan Pakistan to allow India to send wheat to Afghanistan through its territory: PM Imran Khan Afghanistan: 10 killed, 19 injured after Taliban attacked military installation in Kabul International oi-Madhuri Adnal At least 10 people were killed and 19 others were wounded after Taliban attacked a military installation "G4S compound" in PD9 of Kabul city, Afghanistan, on Wednesday night, officials confirmed. Officials said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives and then other fighters started a gun battle with the forces in the area. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. G4S, one of the world's largest security groups, helps guard the area around the British embassy. Afghanistan: 20 police personnel killed in Taliban ambush The explosion came only hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told a United Nations-sponsored conference in Geneva of plans to seek a peace agreement with the Taliban. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 11:09 [IST] Ahead of G20 summit, Argentina govt advises people to leave Buenos Aires International oi-Shubham Ghosh Buenos Aires, Nov 29: The 13th summit of the G20 will take off in the capital of Argentina on Friday, November 30, and as world leaders start to set their foot on the Latin American country, the city heads for a complete security shutdown, the Guardian reported. The two-day summit is being held for the first time in South America and only the second time in the South of the Equator, after 2014 when Australia was the host. Shaktikanta Das appointed as India's G20 Sherpa According to the report, all flights over Buenos Aires will be diverted while trains and other public transports will remain suspended during the summit. The city is set to witness over 30 anti-G20 protests and cultural programmes. G20 comprises the world's 20 biggest economies and the summits are being held since 2008. Friday has also been declared a public holiday and even the government of President Mauricio Macri has asked the city dwellers to leave the town during the summit. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has advised people to use the long weekend to leave for "the city's going to get very complicated". India not to host G20 summit due to lack of world-class convention centre, 2019 polls Over 20,000 police personnel have been assigned the task of carrying out the security operation. One significant aspect of the summit is the arrival of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is accused of ordering the killing of dissenting Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, Turkey, last month. The leader has come under intense global suspicion and it will be interesting to see how the other 19 leaders approach the man at the summit. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, November 29, 2018, 11:54 [IST] PM Modi to open new campus of Ambedkar School of Economics University on Dec 6 PM Modi reaches Buenos Aires to attend 13th G-20 summit International oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Buenos Aires, Nov 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Buenos Aires to take part in the 13th G-20 summit. The theme of the summit is - Building Consensus for a Fair and Sustainable Development. Also, PM met the Indian community at a hotel in Buenos Aires. PM Modi to take part in yoga session in Buenos Aires on G20 Summit eve: Argentina media During the summit, Prime minister will make the pitch for other countries which are not between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn to join the International Solar Alliance. The G-20 is also expected to discuss reforms of multilateral trading institutions particularly the WTO. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets Indian community at a hotel in Buenos Aires,Argentina. PM is in Argentina for the #G20Summit pic.twitter.com/PCDm058Jsw ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade." "I will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good," he said. On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister will hold meetings with several world leaders including Chinese President, German Chancellor, Spanish Prime Minister, UN Secretary-General. The BRICS head of states and governments will also meet in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the summit. (WIth PTI inputs) Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump Trump cancels meeting with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine crisis International oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Buenos Aires, Nov 29: US President Donal Trump has cancelled a meeting at the G-20 summit Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine crisis. Ahead of the scheduled meeting in Buenos Aires, Trump announced the cancellation on his twitter handle. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!," tweeted Trump. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 PM Modi to take part in yoga session in Buenos Aires on G20 Summit eve: Argentina media The cancellation follows an incident on Sunday in the Sea of Azov between Ukraine and Russia, in which Russian ships rammed and opened fire on Ukrainian vessels and took their crews prisoner. The Ukrainian president, Petro Poroshenko, has called on Nato to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov to "provide security" amid a deepening crisis with Russia. The City of Chicago has been gradually raising its minimum wage and will require employers to pay at least $13 an hour to non-tipped employees by 2019, with increases after that indexed to the consumer price index. Cook County also decided to require employers to pay a minimum wage of $13 an hour by 2020, though many suburbs have opted out of the ordinance. Merrill is calling on DeVos to forgive the federal loans of ITT Tech students who have petitioned the U.S. Department of Education to cancel their debt under a statute known as borrower defense to repayment. The law, which dates to the 1990s, wipes away federal loans for students whose colleges used illegal or deceptive tactics to get them to borrow money to attend. Advocates for the students say ITT Tech did just that. Australia immigration experts look to Canada for inspiration https://globaltree.in/services/immigration/australia/ Australia immigration is the subject of much debate, both within the country and outside, as the country struggles with placing many of its thousands of immigrants in the country and providing them with the resources they need. The Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Scott Morrison has pledged to bring down the cap on annual permanent resident visas even further from the current levels, which are the lowest in the decade.The Prime Minister has also stressed on the need for a different approach to Australia immigration which is currently placing a lot of stress on the infrastructure of big cities. He recommended a model where states and territories could put in a request for the exact number of skilled immigrants that they would like to receive into their respective states.One immigration model that Australia would be looking to emulate, would be the Canadian one. Canadas immigration system gives provinces a greater say and autonomy in setting targets for immigration, which helps to channel migrants into the rural areas and ease the pressure off major metropolitan areas. The need for immigration reform becomes more imminent as more than 20 percent of the current Australian population is comprised of immigrants. This is creating a crisis for Australian cities as more than 80 percent of the immigrants are currently opting to live in the cities. In the current Australia immigration system, the states a have a limited role to play in nominating skilled visa applicants. Prime Minister Morrison is asking for a bigger role to be played by the territories. Citing the example of the Canadian government which gives its provinces a greater autonomy for setting immigration targets as well as deciding on eligibility criteria for nomination. This step has helped to reduce the stress of immigration on cities by shifting the bulk of immigrants towards the rural areas. Modelling itself on the Canadian policy, the Australia immigration system can also find the perfect solution for its immigration problemsFor more Information checkout @Australia immigration has become a subject of debate in the country, with many experts holding up the Canadian model as an example worth emulating. The Canadian system of giving more autonomy to its provinces in immigration decisions has worked well..NO 6-3-879/B/2 3rd Floor,G.Pulla Reddy Sweets Building,Beside CM Camp Office Begumpet,Hyderabad- 500016Reception : +91-40-45454646Fax : 66663030 Call 4 Health Names Bryan Weinstein Chief Operating Officer Call 4 Health, the nations top medical call center and nurse triage service, has announced that Bryan Weinstein has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. The companys President and CEO, Joseph Pores, made the announcement to Call 4 Healths 600+ employees on Tuesday.Bryan has significantly elevated Call 4 Healths client base since he began with us in 2010, and our year-over-year growth has been exponential under his direction and leadership, said Pores. Im very proud of his unrivaled knowledge and passion for the industry, and Im excited to see what lies ahead as we continue to expand our operations.Call 4 Health is headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida and has two additional call center facilities in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Over the past two years, Call 4 Health has aggressively expanded its footprint in the call center space, with no plans of slowing down. Weinstein has held a number of positions at Call 4 Health, most recently as Vice President of Business Development and Contracts.This is an incredible honor, said Weinstein. Our growing, compassionate team is simply second to none, and Im beyond proud to serve as Call 4 Healths COO.Call 4 Health will formally announce Weinstein to industry professionals at its 5th Annual User Conference, taking place January 16-17, 2019 in Delray Beach. More than 500 call center industry professionals are expected to attend.Call 4 Health is a leading medical call center and nurse triage service with a genuine understanding of the patients perspective. Delivering compassionate commitment with quality medical solutions to our clients since 1997, Call 4 Health has a keen understanding of what it is like to face trauma and has developed a system to seamlessly balance professionalism with compassion. Our altruistic approach places patients and their families first by using state-of-the-art technology, and enables us to process 30,000 calls daily for more than 1.200 clients. Call 4 Health is always ready with real solutions consistent with the needs of both the client and the patient. Headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, Call 4 Health also has call centers in Linthicum Heights, Maryland; and Spring Hill, Tennessee.The Buzz Agency101 Bradley Place, Suite 208Palm Beach, FL 33480Julie Mullen561.779.2516juliemullen@thebuzzagency.net Smart Hospital Market 2018 Current Trends and Technology By Top Key Players - Accenture, IQVIA, Cognizant, MaxisIT, TAKE Solutions Limited, Wipro Limited, SCIOInspire, Corp and others. Smart Hospitals Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Component http://bit.ly/2ABKjr0 http://bit.ly/2Sjjcse The report provides a detailed overview on the "Smart Hospital Market" with a focused global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global smart hospital market with detailed market segmentation by component, technology, application, connectivity and geography. The global smart hospital 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.Smart hospitals are aimed to improve, redesign or rebuild hospitals with clinical processes, infrastructure and management systems using digitized networking infrastructure. The smart hospitals provide extensive services to achieve a better healthcare infrastructure and operational efficiency. Implementations of these digital solutions help to make a hospital paperless and have complete alignment of clinical processes & management systems.Get sample PDF Copy @The report analyzes profiles of key smart hospital manufacturing companies along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. In addition, the report 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.Profiles of key smart hospital manufacturing companiesSome of the key players influencing the market are IBM, Oracle, SAS Institute Inc., Accenture, IQVIA, Cognizant, MaxisIT, TAKE Solutions Limited, Wipro Limited, SCIOInspire, Corp and others.On the basis of component the market is segmented into software, hardware and services. Based on technology the market is segmented into cloud computing, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, radio frequencies identification and others. By application, the smart hospital market is segmented as remote medicine management, medical connected imaging, medical assistance, electronic health record & clinical workflow and outpatient vigilance. The market based on delivery model market is classified as on-premise and on-demand.Based on the application, market is classified as research and development, sales and marketing support, regulatory compliance, supply chain analytics and Pharmacovigilance. Based on connectivity user the market is segmented as wired, wireless and others.North America followed by Europe, is expected to dominate the smart hospital market in the global arena due to the rising adoption of healthcare IT solutions & real time patient management systems and increasing number of skilled IT experts in the region. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to show a significant growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing governments' initiatives for the implementation of IT solutions in healthcare, in the region.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 & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.Buy Complete Report with discount on standard price @The report provides a detailed overview on the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global smart hospital based on component, technology, application, and connectivity. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall smart hospital market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 13 countries globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.About UsThe 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 committed to providing highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions by providing market research solutions at an affordable cost.Contact usThe Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market 2018 by Competitive Scenario: Nutiva, Celebes Coconut, Greenville Agro, Earth Born, Vita Coco, Farm Direct Coconuts, Parker Biotech Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market 2018 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2386567?utm_source=Mohit http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-organic-virgin-coconut-oil-market-report-2018?utm_source=Mohit http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2386567?utm_source=Mohit The Global report on Organic Virgin Coconut Oil aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Global market. The report includes a thorough study of the markets development status, size (both volume and value) and price data. 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The regions in this report are studied and analyzed on the basis of their market share, revenue growth rate and consumption in terms of value, volume and market share. Key regions studied in this report are North America, South America, Asia, Global and more.This report also talks about market segmentations on the basis of types of markets, distribution, application and sales. The report on Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a compendium of minutest details required to study a market and its future growth.Access complete report at:Following regions are covered in Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Industry report: North America Country (United States, Canada) South America Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea) Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy) Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)The report on Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market is a comprehensive documentation that covers all the aspects of a market study and provides a concise conclusion to its readers.The following Product Type Segmentation Are included in the report: Cold Pressed Expeller-pressedThe following Industry Type Segmentation Are included in the report: Food & Beverages Personal Care Products Health Care ProductsMajor companies discussed in the report include: Nutiva Celebes Coconut Greenville Agro Earth Born Vita Coco Farm Direct Coconuts Parker BiotechEnquire for more details at:Table of ContentsSection 1 Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Product DefinitionSection 2 Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Manufacturer Share and Market OverviewSection 3 Major Players Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Business IntroductionSection 4 Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Segmentation (Region Level)Section 5 Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)Section 6 Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Segmentation (Industry Level)Section 7 Global Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Segmentation (Channel Level)Section 8 Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Market Forecast 2018-2022Section 9 Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Segmentation Product TypeAbout Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clientsContact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019 Natural Language Processing (NLP) Market 2018 has been segmented based on types, technology, applications, end users and geography. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-toc-and-sample/441?utm_source=openpr https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/441?utm_source=openpr https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout/918834 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com The Global Natural Language processing is a field of computer science, and artificial intelligence that is concerned with interaction between computer and human language.It is a component of artificial intelligence, capable of understanding human language and later converts into machine language. In the current business scenario, humongous amount of data (big data) is being generated from various sources such as emails, audio, documents, web blogs, forums, social networking sites, etc. Natural language processing technique is been used in analysis of big data. Therefore, the natural language processing market would be lucrative in future.Get Sample Report:The greatest challenge for natural language processing applications is to identify human voice with different patterns, tones, pronunciations and to convert it into a programmable language. The main goal of such applications is to reduce the use of specialized languages such as Java, Ruby, C, etc., and introduce only human language in all computerized systems. The biggest advantage of this application is its basic and advanced level of interaction with humans. In future, humans would need to feed codes to systems orally instead of writing them on the computer system. Currently, such applications are used in voice recognition systems; however, eventually, these applications would find substantial demand in varied domains. Convenient interaction with machines would drive the global NLP market. Additionally, customer care centers are continuously adopting natural language processing technologies to provide better customer experience that contributes in driving the global market.Natural Language Processing market analysis by Types:Various types of natural language processing solutions available in the market are statistical NLP, hybrid based NLP, and rule NLP. Statistical NLP uses probabilistic and statistical methods for solving difficulties in the construction of long sentences, whereas rule NLP uses structured rules to detect and correct the human voice. Rule based NLP is also another popular technique amongst the various types of NLP solutions.Natural Language Processing market analysis by Technology:The technologies used in NLP are Recognition, Operational and Analytics technologies. Currently, Recognition technologies are widely used from small scale to large enterprises. A recognition technology comprises of interactive voice recognition (IVR), optical character recognition and image recognition amongst, which IVR is most commonly used in various applications. Various voice recognition systems such as automatic speed control systems, temperature controllers, etc. are also developed using recognition technology. The capability of NLP to operate the system only when the recorded voice is detected in different applications is contributing to the revenue stream of the technology segment.For Purchase Inquiry:Natural Language Processing market analysis by End-User:The end users of NLP are Machine translation, Information extraction, Report generation, Question answering, and others. Machine translation converts the source language to target language, while information extraction automatically extracts the information in a structured format. Use of such applications makes the conversion from human language to machine language easy.Natural Language Processing market analysis by Applications:Various sectors in which NLP is being used are Automotive, Healthcare, Banking Financial Services and Insurance, IT and Telecom, Government, Defense & Aerospace, Media & Advertisement, Academia and Education. The companies in Automotive, IT & telecom and Defense & Aerospace sectors are the major industries where NLP is being used in various applications. The research shows that use of interaction voice recognition would increase in other sectors by 2020.Natural Language Processing market analysis by Geography:The analysis is carried out in the various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and LAMEA According to the analysis done of the NLP market, Asia-Pacific region would be the fastest growing market amongst others. The growth of the market is due to increased spending capabilities of the people and rise in the use of voice recognition application by various industries.Competitive Landscape:The top market players are adopting product launch as their key developmental strategy. Nokia has launched a novel product named HERE, which uses NLP techniques and has challenged the top market players. The Key players in the NLP market are SAS, Nokia, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, 3M, Nuance Communications, Netbase, Verint systems, and Fuji Xerox.HIGH LEVEL ANALYSIS:The study of the natural language processing technology provides a clear view of the global market including its driving & limiting factors, and opportunities & threats. Porters five force model helps in analyzing the market forces, barriers, strengths, etc., of the global market. The bargaining power of buyer and supplier is analyzed based on the competitors in the market. Threat of new entrants and inter-segment rivalry is analyzed based on the current market players. Market dynamics are analyzed on the strategic moves of the competitors, which would in turn help the stakeholders in the global market. The value chain analysis helps in mapping the operational activities of the various stakeholders and assessing their efficiencies.KEY BENEFITS: The research highlights the drivers, restraints and opportunities of the global NLP market Porters five force model and SWOT analysis discusses the market players business plans, which would aid in developing new market strategies The analysis showcases the market structure and the projections for the future to provide a fair idea of the market to the stakeholders Insights on the opportunistic areas would help the stakeholders in implementing strategic business plans Segmentation is done on the basis of types, technology, application, end users and geography for a better understanding of the global market NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING (NLP) MARKET KEY DELIVERABLES The NLP market has been segmented based on types, technology, applications, end users and geography.MARKET BY TYPES- Statistical NLP- Hybrid based NLP- Rule NLPMARKET BY TECHNOLOGY- Recognition technologies- Operational technologies- Analytics technologiesMARKET BY APPLICATIONS- Machine translation- Information extraction- Report generation- Question answering- OthersMARKET BY END USER- Automotive- Healthcare- Banking Financial Services and Insurance- IT and Telecom- Government, Defense & Aerospace- Media & Advertisement- Academia and EducationMARKET BY GEOGRAPHY- North America- Europe- Asia-Pacific- LAMEAPurchase an enterprise user license and get 1 month complimentary access to our Knowledge Tree subscription. (*TC)Get subscription: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 Us:-David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesUSA/Canada (Toll Free):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1(855)550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: Global Baby Food Market Trend Analysis by 2025: British Foods Plc., Mondelez International Inc., Dean Foods Co., PepsiCo Inc., Bright Food (Group) Co Ltd., Parmalat Group., Kids Food Co Ltd. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1834356 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-market-study-on-baby-food-demand-for-infant-formulas-to-gain-traction-during-2017-2026-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1834356 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://studyanalyst.blogspot.in ResearchMoz include new market research report "Global Market Study on Baby Food: Demand for Infant Formulas to Gain Traction During 2017 - 2026" to its huge collection of research reports.In its latest research report, titled Baby Food Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Forecast (2017-2026), Persistence Market Research offers an in-depth analysis and forecast on the expansion of the global baby food market for the assessment period, 2017-2026. The report presents presumptive scenarios that reveal new scopes on product development, strategic undertakings, and application potentials for baby food producers around the world. With the help of extensive research methodologies, this study has taken every key aspect associated with production and sales of baby foods into consideration. Different market dynamics have been studied and analyzed into different sections of the report. A comparative study on the current overview and the forecasted future of the global baby food market has been illustrated through quantitative inferences provided in the report. Factors influencing the sales of baby foods across various regions have been addressed and studied, while this analysis has been validated with industry acumen of trade experts and market participants.Get Report Sample and Customization:The study is developed to serve as a credible business document that can enable companies producing baby food to capture untapped growth opportunities. A slew of factors that can influence the production and sales of baby food in the near future have been analyzed on the basis of multiple parameters. Along with the global perspective, the report highlights the regional developments in the overall baby food market. From pricing analysis and cost structure breakdown to a detailed review on the global baby food supply chain, the report holds valuable information that can change the strategies of market participants effectively.The report also provides a holistic overview of the global food & beverage sector. An intensity map that traces the presence of market participants across geographical perimeters has been offered in the report. In addition, the study has further profiled these market players on the basis of their current market positions and strategic developments. The overall competition landscape in the global baby food market has been revealed in the report with an unbiased analysis.To Browse a Complete Report with TOC Visit @Persistence Market Research has developed this report by considering the challenges faced by producers of baby foods across the globe. From procurement of raw materials to supply chain complexities, this study has analyzed all the key hurdles that inhibit the growth in baby food sales. For companies producing baby foods, a key benefit of availing this report is the qualitative information that reveals lucrative regional markets and promising product developments. The scope of the report is to ensure that consumers and companies the key stakeholders of global baby food marketplace are tuned in well with each other. This motive will not only harmonize the global production of baby foods, but will also improve the overall health of infants across the globe.Make An Enquiry @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Blog: Global IBM Watson Services Market Forecast Covering Growth Inclinations & Development Strategies until 2028 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=759 https://www.factmr.com/report/759/ibm-watson-services-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=759 https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Customer expectations are on the rise, with increased integration of technology into retail models. In order to tap into the upward trend, IBM Watson is leveraging the vigour of cognitive insight and digital technology for offering more personalized user experience. Demand from IBM Watson services will continue to be driven by growing opportunities for cognitive insights in the retail sector in the forthcoming years. A new Fact.MR report has envisaged the IBM Watson Services Market to reflect an exponential growth over the period of forecast, 2018 to 2028. Sales of IBM Watson services worldwide are foreseen to bring in over US$ 20,000 Mn revenues by 2026-end.Request a Free Sample Report-Understanding the cognitive computing platform of IBM, known as Watson, is imperative for gauging the future evolution of the company. With the decline of its core business, IBM is banking on Watson for driving growth in potential areas including, but not limited to, healthcare, analytics, security, and internet of things (IoT). IBM Watson has gained immense traction by powering advertisements that generate authentic content, such as food ingredients-based custom recipes by assessing human taste.Supercomputers such as IBM Watson effectively consume huge amount of healthcare data and to provide doctors with relevant intelligence, and access to better & actionable diagnostic information. Imminent integration of IBM Watson Genomics into the TruSight Tumor 170 tool or Illumina, for speeding up recommendations of tailored drugs for cancer patients, promises a time-effective way of diagnosing conditions for doctors.IBM Watson Genomics holds potential in scanning patient data in a very short time-period, to create report based on alterations in genetic sequencing by leveraging Illuminas tool. The report will also incorporate medical literature and clinical trials apropos of relevant drugs for precise recommendation, facilitating diagnostic procedures for doctors and patients alike. This will further rub off on demand for IBM Watson services in the healthcare sector.Request Full Report with TOC:IBM Watson Facilitating Prevention of Cyber-AttacksRecent revelation of IBM Watsons special version, which is designed for preventing cyber-attacks, has gained traction as language of security. This cybercrime-fighting and cloud-based software is capable of analyzing research into potential threats for locating suspicious or malicious activity in a computer system. The software has become an effective solution for growing concern of hacks in the digital world.IBM Watsons security system holds potential in saving resources spent by an organization on chasing false alarms every year. Combining unique abilities of machine and human intelligence for fighting against advanced cybercrime, IBM Watson is set to witness increased penetration among organizations with data security requirements.IBM Watson Services Market: Fundamental Shortcomings to Confine Growth PotentialIBM Watson services involve time-intensive laborious training, with the need for experts to feed enormous quantity of well-organized data into the platform for drawing insightful conclusions. Additionally, it can draw conclusions based only on body of data that it has been or being trained on. Well-organized requirement is a key challenge confining penetration of IBM Watson services, as unprepared sets of data are typically insufficient.Another drawback of IBM Watson is its inability to make connections with different corpora, which in turn makes gleaning even basic insights challenging. Training Watson on oncology has been seen to provide no insights on heart disease a limitation that drastically constrains its deployment in clinical settings.Ask Industry Expert about this Report -About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Blog:Read Industry News at - CPA Global, Exigent, Infosys, Integreon Profiled in North America (LPO) Legal Process Outsourcing Market Report 2024: Clairvolex, Morae Global, Legal Advantage LLC, QuisLex, Mindcrest, and UnitedLex Corporation North America Legal Process Outsourcing Market www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1035/sample www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1035/north-am www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1035/inquiry-before-buying www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1006/apac-lpo www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1007/europe-l www.graphicalresearch.com/ Graphical Research: North America Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size By Service (Contract Drafting, Compliance Assistance, E-Discovery, Review & Management, Patent Support, Litigation Support), By Location (Offshore, Onshore), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 2024.The increase of workloads in law firms and governmental organizations will drive the adoption of these platforms in the U.S. on a large scale. These services provide cost savings, enhanced solutions to the legal problems, and improved service levels of the legal organizations, boosting the North America legal process outsourcing market growth. Companies in the region gain competitive advantages by outsourcing solutions and services to Asia Pacific countries including India, Taiwan, and other emerging economies at a very low cost.Request for a sample @North America (LPO) Legal Process Outsourcing Market size valued at $640mn in 2017 and is projected expand at over CAGR of 34% from 2018 to 2024 as rising adoption of Internet-based activities in the legal sector will boost the industry growth.Patent support services in the North America legal process outsourcing market are expected to grow at a high rate owing to the high demand for these services. The services offer patenting benefits to the consumers supporting the Intellectual Property Rights and its management. The U.S. major players are focused on outsourcing the patenting services to save the employee cost and engaging them in other important business operations.The differentiating factor of North America (LPO) Legal Process Outsourcing market report by Graphical Research when compared with other, similar syndicated research studies includes a 360-degree synopsis of trends for a period of more than 10 years including historic information as well as future outlook. Business focused multiple trends for North America (LPO) Legal Process Outsourcing industry are discussed along with regional trends to offer an overall view of the market.Browse key industry insights from this report @...Prominent players operating in the North America legal process outsourcing include Clairvolex, Morae Global Corporation, CPA Global, Exigent, Infosys Limited, Integreon, Inc., Legal Advantage LLC, Lex Outsourcing, QuisLex, Mindcrest, and UnitedLex. The major companies in the North America legal process outsourcing market focus on providing cheaper but high-quality legal services by setting up the operational centers in countries including India and the Philippines.Segments We Cover:North America Legal Process Outsourcing Market Share, By ServiceContract draftingCompliance assistanceE-DiscoveryReview & ManagementPatent SupportLitigation SupportOthersNorth America Legal Process Outsourcing Market Size, By LocationOffshoreOnshoreThe above information is provided for the following countries:U.S.CanadaMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Related Reports:1. Asia Pacific Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Service (Contract Drafting, Compliance Assistance, E-Discovery, Review & Management, Patent Support, Litigation Support), By Location (Offshore, Onshore), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Philippines), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024...2. Europe Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size by Service (Contract Drafting, Compliance Assistance, E-Discovery, Review & Management, Patent Support, Litigation Support), By Location (Offshore, Onshore), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024...About 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:Parikhit B.Corporate sales,Graphical ResearchEmail: sales@graphicalresearh.comWeb: North America Dental Consumables Market Valuation to Touch $5.2 Bn up to 2023 | by Institut Straumann AG, Henry Schein, Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Kerr Corporation, etc North America Dental Consumables Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4612 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/4612 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/north-america-dental-consumables-market-4612 The North America Dental Consumables Market is growing mainly due to the rising cases of dental problems. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, TheNorth America Dental Consumables Market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth at 6% by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2018 2023).The North America Dental Consumables Market is expected to reach USD 5,290.9 million by 2023, and the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 6.0 % during the forecast period 2017-2023.Dental Consumables are a category of products that are used on patients by dental practioners or dentists in order to treat and /or perform procedures associated with preventive, restorative, diagnostic and emergency oral health issues. Factors such as increasing prevalence of dental diseases and rising number of dental procedures are the major drivers for the market growth. According to the American Dental Association, in 2014, 52.3% of adults reported to visit the dentist in every six months, 15.4% reported once per year, and 11.0% reported once every two to three years. Moreover, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, 19% of the children aged 5-19 years and 31% of adults aged 20-44 have untreated dental caries. Additionally, growing geriatric population is fuelling the market growth. However, poor reimbursement policies and gray market of dental distribution are estimated to restrain the market growth during the forecast period. According to the National Coalition on Health Care, in 2012, American families spent an average of USD 9,000 on out-of-pocket health insurance and other medical costs like co-pays and deductibles.To Get Sample Report visitKey Players for Global North America Dental Consumables MarketInstitut Straumann AG, Henry Schein, Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Kerr Corporation, Danaher Corporation, GC orthodontics, Planmeca Oy, and American Orthodontics, and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the North America Dental Consumables Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Characterized by the presence of several well-established and small players, the North America Dental Consumables Market appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. International players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the developing economy, making it difficult for regional vendors to compete with them, especially in terms of features such as product differentiation, product portfolios, quality, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The intense competition prevalent in the market dictates the consolidation among marketers.Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position.In August, 2016- Henry Schein announced that it will acquire 80% ownership of Marrodent, which is a full service dental distributer of Poland, thus marking Henry Scheins entry into the dental market of Poland.In July, 2016- Kitron signs supply agreement with Dentsply Sirona. This agreement will add Kitron as a new supplier for Dentsply Sirona.In April, 16- Straumann acquired 51% residual ownership of Neodent. This deal augments Straumann's presence in the tooth replacement sector in the Latin American region and Brazil, which is the second largest market for implant dentistry.In February, 16- Septodont signed an agreement with Egalet Corporation, a specialty pharmaceutical company, for exclusive marketing rights to promote Sprix nasal spray to the dental market in the United States.In May, 16- Knifeless Tech Systems was acquired by 3M. The business acquired is an installation tool used to cut self-adhesive films applied to vehicle wraps.In February, 16- Septodont acquired DLA, an injectable dental anaesthetic manufacturing plant from Dentsply International.In February, 16- DENTSPLY International Inc. and Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. Announce Completion of Remaining Regulatory Milestones for Proposed Merger.Regional Analysis for Global North America Dental Consumables MarketRegionally, North America is divided into the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. is estimated to lead the North America Dental Consumables Market owing to high expenditure on the health care within the region. Moreover, the fastest uptake of new products in the U.S drives the dental consumables market. Additionally, concentration of the major healthcare companies in the developed economies of this region coupled with large insurance penetration is also adding fuel to the market growth.To Get an Exclusive Discount on Report VisitSome Brief Table of Contents of ReportChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of SuppliersTOC ContinuedBrowse Complete Report @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 FutureHadapsar, Pune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Automotive Active Aerodynamics Market worth US$ 1,113.5 million in 2023 https://www.stratviewresearch.com/330/Automotive-Active-Aerodynamics-Market.html https://www.stratviewresearch.com/toc/330/Automotive-Active-Aerodynamics-Market.html https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/330/Automotive-Active-Aerodynamics-Market.html https://stratviewresearch.com/market/report/Automotive-Transportation.html Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Automotive Active Aerodynamics Market. This 192-page extensive report from Stratview Research, studies the Automotive Active Aerodynamics Market over the trend period of 2012 to 2017 and forecast period of 2018 to 2023. The report provides detailed insights on the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.Click here to read the detailed description:This Automotive Active Aerodynamics Market analysis has been segmented in three ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium- & Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicle)- Passenger car is expected to remain the growth engine. By Component Type (Active Grille Shutter, Active Spoiler, Active Rear Wing, Others)- Active grille shutter is likely to remain the most dominant active aerodynamic component. By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World)- Europe is expected to remain the largest automotive active aerodynamic components market.Go through the detailed TOC:OrGet a free sample:Automotive Active Aerodynamics Market InsightsThe automotive industry is very keen to adopt technologies that can reduce carbon emission levels and meet or exceed emission norms imposed by different regulatory authorities of various countries. Aerodynamics is the third most effective technique for reducing emissions in the automotive industry after powertrain improvement and weight reduction. Active aerodynamic is the advanced aerodynamic technology, which selectively admits or restricts airflow based on real-time requirements and contributes towards the reduction in drag and thereby reducing emissions.The auto industry has efficaciously been ushering in a new era of aerodynamic vehicles with a meticulous investment into advanced components that can address the changing business requirements in the most effective manner. All the major automakers have vigorously been incorporating active components in their most-renowned vehicle models with the purpose to improve the overall fuel efficiency of vehicles in order to address stringent government regulations, such as CAFE Standards and EU Commission on Carbon Emissions Reduction Targets.The global automotive active aerodynamics market is likely to grow at an impressive double-digit over the next five years to reach US$ 1,113.5 million in 2023. Increasing vehicle production coupled with an increasing penetration of active aerodynamic components in newer vehicles, a rise in demand for improved aerodynamics in vehicles, and the implementation of stringent emission norms for reducing carbon emissions in the automotive industry are the major growth drivers of the automotive active aerodynamics market.The global automotive active aerodynamics market is segmented based on vehicle type as Passenger Car, LCV, and M&HCV. The passenger car is expected to remain the growth engine of the global automotive active aerodynamics market during the forecast period. An increased dependency on active aerodynamic components to achieve better fuel efficiency and to reduce carbon emissions in cars is primarily driving the segments market over the next five years.Based on the component type, the market is segmented into Active Grille Shutter, Active Spoiler, Active Rear Wing, and Others. Active grille shutter is likely to remain the most dominant active aerodynamic component in the automotive industry during the forecast period. Over the last decade, active grille shutter has experienced a tremendous gain in various segments, especially in luxury and premium vehicles. On an average, 20% of the air in front of the vehicles goes below the hood of vehicles and reduces the aerodynamic drag. Active grille shutters perform a vital role in efficiently managing such airflow and improving aerodynamic efficiency.There are various other active aerodynamic components currently at the development stage for mass usage. These components are also likely to mark their presence in mass-selling vehicle models in the coming years. For instance; recently launched active air dam in Ram 1500 pickup truck is the first such active aerodynamic component being launched in a serial production vehicle model.Based on the regions, Europe is expected to remain the largest automotive active aerodynamic components market during the forecast period. Stricter emission norms of European Commission have led to a faster adoption of active aerodynamic components, especially active grille shutter, into the European vehicles. BMW AG, Audi AG, Ford Motors, Daimler AG, Lincoln, Volkswagen AG, Groupe Renault, and PSA Group are some of the key OEMs in Europe, which are increasingly adopting active aerodynamic components in some of their vehicle models.The supply chain of this market comprises raw material suppliers, actuator suppliers, automotive active aerodynamic component manufacturers, automotive OEMs, dealers, and end-users. Some of the key raw material suppliers for automotive active aerodynamics include BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, and Lanxess AG.The key automotive active aerodynamic component manufacturers are Rochling Group, Magna International Inc., Valeo SA, HBPO GmbH, and SRG Global. The development of new products targeting higher aerodynamic performance, the use of active aerodynamic components in unpenetrated vehicle models, regional expansion, and the formation of long-term contracts are some of the major strategies adopted by the major players in order to remain competitive in the market.Report FeaturesThis report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report: Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis Market trend and forecast analysis Market segment trend and forecast Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc. Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities Emerging trends Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players Key success factors.Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Automotive Industry:About Stratview ResearchStratview Research is a global market intelligence and strategic research firm offering wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research, and procurement intelligence across industries such as Advanced Materials, Composites, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction and Equipment, Energy and Utility, Consumer Goods, Marine, and Oil and Gas.400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2600, Detroit, Michigan, MI 48243 United States of America Whether you're planning a day trip, running errands, or simply taking a stroll around the block, you'll need a stroller that keeps your baby secure and provides ample room for carrying all your baby gear. When shopping for a stroller, take a good look at how much gear you carry, how often you'll use the stroller, and the places you plan to use it. If you're not sure where to begin, you're in luck. We've put together this guide to help you find a stroller with the features that will make your life easier. We've also included our top three picks for the strollers we think stand out from the crowd. Considerations when choosing strollers The key thing to consider when buying a stroller is the type of stroller that's right for you. Full-size strollers A standard full-size stroller works for most families because it can be used from infancy into the toddler years. Some are part of a travel system and include a car seat that fits into the stroller. Full-size strollers may also include features like a reclining seat with several positions, extra onboard storage, a snack tray, and a canopy. Lightweight strollers These strollers have many of the same features as full-size models but in a smaller package. Their lighter frames make them easier to take on the go. However, they aren't usually suitable for babies who can't hold their heads up. Jogging strollers Jogging strollers are large and sturdy, with a single front wheel that is locked into place. Their design makes them more stable at higher speeds and often includes suspension to keep your child comfortable over bumps. Umbrella strollers If you need a backup stroller or have a limited budget, umbrella strollers are the smallest and lightest models on the market. What they lack in onboard storage and durability, they make up for in portability. Double strollers For families with an infant and a toddler, a double stroller is indispensable. Side-by-side, inline, or sit-n-stand are different types of double strollers. While these strollers can be big, they're worth it if you don't want to end up carrying a tired toddler. Features Reclining seat Several recline positions can help your child stay comfortable and happy while you're out. More importantly, a flat position allows a stroller to be used for infants who aren't strong enough to hold their heads up. Onboard storage Food, drinks, extra clothes, diaperstiny humans need a lot of gear. A stroller with onboard storage gives you somewhere to stash everything. One-hand steering and folding With a baby, you end up doing a lot of things with one hand. A stroller with one-hand features is easier to manage, especially if you often go out solo with your baby. Price Umbrella strollers start at less than $20. There's no onboard storage, but they're easy to take on the go. Lightweight strollers fall in the $100 to $400 range, as do some full-size, jogging, and double strollers. You might also find an inexpensive travel system at this price. Between $400 and $800 are higher-end models with all the bells and whistles like adjustable handles, several recline positions, wide canopies with several positions, and adjustable footrests. For over $800, you'll find top-of-the-line travel systems and jogging strollers that double as bike trailers. FAQ Q. Are stroller canopies easy to adjust? A. Most canopies can be used in more than one position, and many feature several fold-out panels. However, single-panel canopies don't offer as much coverage or adjustability. Q. Can stroller seat covers be machine-washed? A. Some seat covers are removable and machine-washable. However, some can only be wiped clean. Check the manufacturer's guidelines on proper cleaning and maintenance before buying a stroller. Strollers we recommend Best of the best: UPPAbaby Vista Stroller Our take: Part of a travel system, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller provides amazing versatility and will take your child from infancy through toddlerhood. If you're willing to make an investment, this stroller gives you every perk, along with impressive durability. What we like: We love all the seating options (back-facing, forward-facing, bassinet), which allow you to use this stroller from the moment you leave the hospital with your baby. The onboard storage holds an impressive 30 pounds. The frame can accept an UPPAbaby car seat or those of two other manufacturers with the right adaptors, adding to this stroller's versatility. What we dislike: You'll have to stick to the sidewalk as the wheels don't handle rain or rough terrain very well. Best bang for your buck: Graco Roomfor2 Click Connect Stand and Ride Stroller Our take: Built for an infant and a busy toddler, Graco's Roomfor2 stroller comes at an affordable price yet includes some excellent features. What we like: You can't beat one-hand maneuvering to navigate in a crowd. This stroller gives toddlers room to move so they don't get bored on your days out. We like the parent tray for holding drinks and snacks, too. What we dislike: The single canopy can't cover both kids. Choice 3: BOB Revolution Flex Stroller Our take: For the active parent who wants to take the baby on faster-paced adventures, BOB's Revolution Flex stroller offers great stability and versatility. This jogging stroller comes as part of a travel system, which lets you use it from the time your baby's born through toddler and pre-school years. What we like: Despite its size, it's easy to fold down and compact. We also love the adjustable canopy because it keeps little ones well-protected come rain or shine. What we dislike: It's a bit pricey, but for a travel system that includes a jogging stroller, we think it's worth the extra. Stacey L. Nash is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Condoms Market to Witness Massive Growth by Worldwide | Durex, Life Styles, British Condom Condoms Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1471614-global-condoms-market-10 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1471614-global-condoms-market-10 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1471614 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 Latest research study from HTF MI provide a comprehensive analysis of the Global Condoms Market is provided in this intelligence document. It includes the primary investigations to cover historical progress, ongoing market scenarios, and future prospects. An accurate data of the products, strategies and market shares of leading companies in the market is derived to help manufacturers locate market position. The report presents a 360-degree overview of the competitive scenario of the overall market. The study further projects the size and valuation of the Global Condoms market during the forecast period. It also presents a thorough qualitative and quantitative data and the impact analysis of any influencing factors on future market's growth prospects.Top Key Players in Global Condoms Market: Durex (United Kingdom), Wuhan Jissbon Sanitary Products Company Ltd. (China), British Condom (United Kingdom), Trojan Condoms (United States), Life Styles (Australia), Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (United States), Guangzhou Double One Latex Products Co., Ltd. (China), Guilin Latex Factory (China) & HLL Lifecare Limited (India)Get Free PDF Sample Pages Of Global Condoms Market Report @SummaryThe Condoms market will register a CAGR of above 8.0% by 2023. The study covers a detailed analysis segmented by key business segments i.e. by type (Male and Female) and major geographies. Research Analyst at HTF predicts that United States, United Kingdom, Chinese Vendors will contribute to the maximum growth of Global Condoms market throughout the predicted period.The competition is expected to become even more intense in the coming years with the entry of several new players in the market. To help clients improve their revenue shares in the market, this research study provides an in-depth analysis of the markets competitive landscape and offers information on the products offered by various leading companies. Additionally, this Condoms market analysis report suggests strategies Vendors can follow and recommends key areas they should focus on, in order to take maximum benefits of growth opportunities.The report offers several leading Vendors, including:Durex (United Kingdom)Wuhan Jissbon Sanitary Products Company Ltd. (China)British Condom (United Kingdom)Trojan Condoms (United States)Life Styles (Australia)Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (United States)Guangzhou Double One Latex Products Co., Ltd. (China)Guilin Latex Factory (China)HLL Lifecare Limited (India)Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Good manufacturing practices (GMP) rules are Protocols for the manufacturers, which make drugs, including products like condoms and hand sanitizers that play a role in preventing diseases. , In the United States, GMP rules works under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Internationally, the International Organization for Standardization has created a standard called ISO 9000. and ISO standard, ISO13485, covers medical devices and is used in many areas to regulate condom production.Market TrendFemale Condoms Segment , Increasing Celebrity Endorsements and Availability of Distinct Flavors and PatternsKey highlights of the Global Condoms market Study: CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2017-2023 Detailed information on factors that will accelerate the growth of the Condoms market for the next five years. Forecast of the Global Condoms market size and its contribution to the parent market by type, application and by country. Insights on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour Uncovering markets competitive landscape and in-depth information on various Vendors Comprehensive information about factors that will challenge the growth of Condoms VendorsThe reports provides a detailed chapter on market dynamics that uncover market restraint which can actually slow down the demand of Global Condoms market and hamper the regional economy, whereas, the opportunity for its future growth is also covered for the customers so that they can easily understand the market scenario.In the end, the report concludes the new project, key development areas, business overview, product/services specification, SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, return analysis, and development trends. The study also presents a round-up of vulnerabilities which companies operating in the market and must be avoided in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period.Buy this research report @Table of Content:Global Condoms Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 Global Condoms Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Productions, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023)Chapter 5 Supplies (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2018-2023)Chapter 6 Productions, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type (Large condoms, Medium size condom, Trumpet condom, Extra small condom)Chapter 7 Analysis by Application (Healthcare, Others)Chapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2018-2023)Chapter 13 AppendixThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.About Author:HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact US :Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218sales@htfmarketreport.comConnect with us at Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Market: Global Market Sizes, Industry Trends, Growth Opportunity by 2023 | Highlighted Key Merchants are BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Tesla Motors, Inc. Research Reports Inc. https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=132634 https://www.researchreportsinc.com/check-discount?id=132634 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=132634&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 ResearchReportsInc.com adds a new 2018-2023 Global Alternative Fuel Vehicle Market Report focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the global key players providing analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographic regions of the market.For Short Sample click on:Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) analysis of the parent market:An alternative fuel vehicle is a vehicle that runs on a fuel other than traditional petroleum fuels (petrol or Diesel fuel); and also refers to any technology of powering an engine that does not involve solely petroleum (e.g. electric car, hybrid electric vehicles, solar powered). Because of a combination of factors, such as environmental concerns, high oil prices and the potential for peak oil, development of cleaner alternative fuels and advanced power systems for vehicles has become a high priority for many governments and vehicle manufacturers around the world.Assured Discount (Apply Coupon codeDISC20):The major market player included in this report are: BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Tesla Motors, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, General Motors, Daimler AG, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Hyundai Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, Groupe Renault et al.Direct Purchase corporate Report:The Research Reports Inc. presents a comprehensive assessment of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, type of product and deal landscapes.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 worldwide.Contact Us:DavidSales Manager,US / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424UK: +4403308087757Email: sales@researchreportsinc.com Sterilized Packaging Market Share and Forecast 2017-2027: Amcor Limited, 3M, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Bemis Company, Inc., West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/12880 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/toc/12880 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/checkout?rep_id=12880&licType=S Introduction:Packaging have become vital constituents of modern life in order to protect and preserve the product from any type of harm such as leakage, contamination, damage, etc. during the course of transit, consumption and storing. Moreover, some sensitive products require a sterile packaging solution that not only protect the product from contamination or leakage, but also protect them from reacting with packaging solution. In addition to this, incorporating the modern technological advancement to aesthetically pleasing packaging solution, the demand for improved packaging solution results in the expansion and growth of the sterilized packaging solution. Sterilized packaging solution not only increase the shelf life of the product but also maintain the quality and taste of the product.Sterilized Packaging Market- Market Segmentation:The global sterilized packaging market is segmented on the basis of product type, material type, sterilization method and application type. On the basis of product type, the global sterilized packaging market can be segmented into thermoform trays, bottles, containers, vials, ampoules, wraps, blister, clamshell, bags, pouches, pre-filled syringes and pre-filled inhalers. Vials and ampoules are expected to grow significantly due to the advancement and requirement of effective pharmaceutical packaging. On the basis of material type, the global sterilized packaging market can be segmented into glass, paper and plastic, wherein, plastic is further segmented into polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and high density polypropylene, wherein, polyvinyl chloride is expected to grow at a fast pace over the forecast period. On the basis of sterilization method, the global sterilized packaging market can be segmented into chemical sterilization method, radiation sterilization method and high temperature/pressure sterilization method. On the basis of application type, the global sterilized packaging market can be segmented into food products and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, pharmaceuticals can be further segmented into surgical and medical instrument, medical implants, medicines, others.Request to Get Sample Copy of This Report @Sterilized Packaging Market - Market Dynamics:One of the significant factors contributing towards the growth of the global sterilized packaging market is the government regulation towards effective packaging solution and stringent hygiene requirement subjected to pharmaceutical and food product. Moreover, advancement in the healthcare industry also provide opportunities to the global sterilized packaging market to grow exponentially. Another prominent factors contributing towards the growth of the global sterilized packaging market is the concern related to increase the shelf life of the product among manufacturer and retailers, which can be achieved by proper sterilized packaging solution. Furthermore, the rising health concern and increasing disposable income among the middle class population is generating a huge opportunity for retail food market which increases the requirement for sterilized packaged food and essentially drive the growth of the global sterilized packaging market. However, the restraining factor towards the growth of the sterilized packaging market is the packaging cost in terms of sterilization process. Moreover, another obstructing factor towards the growth of sterilized packaging market is the challenge related to maintain the packaging without being contaminated. In addition to this, government regulation towards the usage of plastic is expected to hinder the growth of sterilized packaging market.Sterilized Packaging Market - Regional OutlookGeographically, the global sterilized packaging market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The global sterilized packaging market is expected to witness a healthy CAGR over the forecast period of 2016-2024. Moreover, the extensive evolution of the individual in terms rising disposable income among middle income groups and increasing health concern in the growing economies such as China & India is expected to further improve the sales of the global sterilized packaging market in Asia Pacific region by the end of the forecast period. Apart from this, North America is expected to contribute largest in the global sterilized packaging market, due to the rising consumption of dairy products and increasing health awareness.Request to Get Complete Report List Of Tables and Figures @Sterilized Packaging Market - Major Players:Some of the major players identified across the globe in the sterilized packaging market are Amcor Limited, 3M, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Bemis Company, Inc., West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Gerresheimer AG, SCHOTT AG, SteriPack Contract Manufacturing, Barger Packaging Inc. and North American Sterilization & Packaging Company.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Rest of Latin America)Europe (EU5 Countries, Nordic countries, BENELUX, Poland, Russia, Rest of Europe)APAC (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, Japan)MEA (GCC Countries, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Request to Buy This Premium Report From Here @Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintMarketResearchReports.biz is a seller of syndicated market studies, featuring an exhaustive collection of research reports from leading international publishers. Our repositoryis diverse, spanningvirtually every industrial sector and even more every category and sub-category within the industry. We also provide consulting services to enable our clients have adynamicbusiness perspective.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market Growth and Forecast 2017-2027: Abbott, Animas Technologies, Bayer Healthcare, Cercacor, Pendragon Medical, OrSense https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/12854 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/toc/12854 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/checkout?rep_id=12854&licType=S Diabetes has evolved as one of the primary healthcare epidemic characterized by high sugar levels and principle cause of mortality worldwide. In 2014, World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 8.5% of adults living with diabetes. A diabetic person cannot either synthesize enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or either does not make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin produced by the body (type 2 diabetes). Another type of diabetes that occur in women during her pregnancy is gestational diabetes. However, gestational diabetes is usually resolved after delivery but can precede towards type 2 diabetes later in a womens life. Most of the continuous glucose monitoring devices are invasive and involves use of needles leading to increased chance of infection. Furthermore, the invasive glucose monitoring device is considered to be discrete glucose measurement system which cannot be practically used for continuous monitoring of blood glucose. Certain evidences of hyperglycemia between measurements are however not recorded thus resulting in false or no representation of the blood glucose pattern. Noninvasive monitoring of glucose levels eliminates the need of painful pricking with increased risk of infection, and amount of damage caused to the finger tissue.Therefore, non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring devices are being widely investigated and studied over the past few years for their ability to monitor glucose continuously under highly controlled (e.g. in-clinic) conditions. Various techniques that involves measurement of blood glucose levels non-invasively includes, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Mid -Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-IRS), Raman Spectroscopy, Photo-acoustic Spectroscopy (PA), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and many more.Request to Get Sample Copy of This Report @Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring DevicesMarket: Drivers & RestraintsRising prevalence of diabetes globally is expected to result in greater use of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring devices among the prevalent population. Owing to the several disadvantages imposed by the use of invasive blood glucose monitors and growing need to develop noninvasive glucose monitoring diagnostic techniques, the market for non- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices is expected to rise at a greater pace during the forecast period. For instance, in June 2015, researchers in U.K. developed blood glucose device that utilizes low-powered lasers in order to measure the blood glucose levels on the skin surface. Also a bench-top version of the system is currently in clinical trials studies which might land in the market over the next few years. This includes, a finger-touch device similar to a computer mouse and a wearable version for continuous blood glucose monitoring. In addition, increasing efforts by several startup manufacturers, for example, Prediktor Medical- a Norway based manufacturer is developing a wearable device for estimation of blood glucose levels based on the combination of several principles determining the noninvasive glucose monitoring including, advanced multivariate analysis and dynamic models for insulin or glucose interaction. The device is expected to be in the form of a watch or bracelet communicating with the mobile phone or a tablet for data presentation. This would enable patients monitor their glucose levels continuously without the need for an implant. Currently available blood glucose measuring devices lacks specificity and sensitivity due to the substantial physical and chemical interference. Non-invasive glucose monitoring devices use multivariate regression analyses converting optical signal to glucose concentration. Hence the device should be designed in such a way that it leads to accurate detection of blood glucose levels imperative for optimum therapy and disease management.Request to Get Complete Report List Of Tables and Figures @Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationNon- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices marketis segmented by technology, modality end user and geography:By TechnologyMIR/NIR (Mid/Near Infrared Spectroscopy)Raman SpectroscopyOcclusion SpectroscopyOptical Coherence TomographyThermal Emission SpectroscopyPhotoacoustic SpectroscopyImpedance/Dielectric SpectroscopyElectromagneticPolarimetryFluorescenceBy ModalityWearable Blood Glucose Monitoring SystemsNon-wearable /Table top Blood Glucose Monitoring SystemsBy End UserHospitalsHome Care SettingsClinicsNon- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewRising prevalence of diabetes worldwide imposes significant economic consequences on the individuals life. Currently, there are 350 million people worldwide estimated to live with diabetes. Thus continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential in order to manage the ever increasing prevalent population living with diabetes currently. For this reason manufacturers are focusing on developing diagnostic techniques that are highly reliable and monitors individuals blood glucose levels with greater accuracy with the capability to improve glycemic control and patient wellbeing. By integration of sensing elements, electronics along with a reliable power source in a single unit, noninvasive blood glucose monitors are offering immense opportunity for all the device manufacturers along with patients and various healthcare providers across the world. Accelerated regulatory approvals of blood glucose monitors is one of the another important factor leading to increased revenues of noninvasive blood glucose devices over the forecast period.Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region presence, Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia pacific excluding japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Growing number of diabetic population in U.S. is the leading factor contributing towards higher adoption of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring systems. Center of Diseases Control and Prevention estimated 29.1 million of U.S. population with diabetes in the U.S. The data also estimated adult population with diabetes are at 50% higher risk of death. Furthermore, growing need of continuous non-invasive method of blood glucose diagnosis among patients is expected to create higher demand for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring systems worldwide. The incidence of diabetes is higher in regions such as Asia Pacific, North America and Western Europe. Presence of several pipeline blood glucose monitoring systems and their expected launch is expected to drive the market for noninvasive blood glucose devices over the forecast period.Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in the non- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices market are, Abbott, Animas Technologies, Bayer Healthcare, Cercacor, Pendragon Medical, OrSense, and Bayer Healthcare.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedValue ChainRegional analysis includesNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Request to Buy This Premium Report From Here @Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintMarketResearchReports.biz is a seller of syndicated market studies, featuring an exhaustive collection of research reports from leading international publishers. Our repositoryis diverse, spanningvirtually every industrial sector and even more every category and sub-category within the industry. We also provide consulting services to enable our clients have adynamicbusiness perspective.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz CBCT Dental Imaging Market 2023 Top Key Players are FONA Dental, S.R.O., Sinclair Dental/Dentaire, SOREDEX, Vatech Networks, Gendex and More CBCT Dental Imaging Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2203 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/cbct-dental-imaging-market-2203 An expert on premium research reports, Market Research Future has added a report titled CBCT Dental Imaging Market Research Report- Global- Forecast to 2023 to its offering. The report provides an in-depth analysis of regional data and an accurate projection of the market size and share of the Top 10 market players across the globe.CBCT Dental Imaging Market Overview:CBCT dental imaging market has developed considerably over time with breakthroughs in technology. Market focused reports related to the healthcare domain among others recently have been made available by Market Research Future which publishes reports on this market. The market is estimated to earn USD 565.3 million in revenues by the end of the forecast period and is estimated to develop at a CAGR of 9.8 percent through the forecast period.Get Sample Copy @Advancements in the technological aspects of CBCT dental imaging, the market has developed at an accelerated pace in the past. Dental practitioners have effectively migrated from 2D scanning and imaging systems to CBCT dental imaging due to the benefits that can be gained from its use. The practitioners by the use of CBCT imaging derive better and higher quality of data to treat dental ailments better. Rise in the level of elderly population is an important factor contributing towards the development of the market.Industry Segments:The segmentation of the CBCT dental imaging market in India, U.S., & Europe has been segmented into type of detector, application, end users and region. The segmentation on the basis of type of detector comprises of flat panel detector and image intensifier. The application basis of the market comprises of segments such as endodontics, dental implants, orthodontics among others. On the basis of end users segments of the market comprise of academic & research institutes, hospitals & dental clinics and others. Lastly, the regional segments of the market comprises of Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.Detailed Regional Analysis:Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World are the regions that are being studied for the CBCT dental imaging market globally. The U.S. in the North American region is the major market for CBCT Dental Imaging. A CAGR of 9.5 percent is forecasted for the U.S. market for CBCT dental imaging and is estimated to touch USD 280.9 Million in revenues by the end of the forecast period. The European region is the second largest in the market which is estimated to develop at a CAGR of 10.0 percent. India in the Asia Pacific region is estimated to be a rapidly growing region in CBCT dental imaging market.Global Competitive Analysis:The escalating levels of diversification in the industry, have allowed the companies to utilize many opportunities available in the industry. The market contenders are devising their blueprints for corporate strategy in a way can bring about the top outcomes for development in the current scenario, while also concurrently enhancing their products value. The continual delivery of customer value has improved the market value of the industry. The opportunity for development in the market appears to be promising through the forecast period. The capability to fuel competitive capabilities is one of the chief causes powering their efforts in this period. Moreover, the contenders are handling the competitive environment by driving the market growth factors to their advantage. The firms in this market are adapting to the state of events by implementing portfolio upgrades and maintaining financial liquidity.The foremost competitors in the CBCT dental imaging market are FONA Dental, S.R.O., Sinclair Dental/Dentaire (Canada), SOREDEX (Finland), Vatech Networks (Republic of Korea) Gendex, Imaging Sciences International, LLC (US), JKaVo Dental GmbH (Germany), Carestream Health (US), Dentsply Sirona (US), NewTom, Planmeca OY, Prexion (US), .MORITA MFG.CORP. (Japan), and others.Industry Updates:43 new patents have been awarded to Carestream Health has been awarded from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last year for innovation in cone beam CT imaging and dental imaging being some of the key focus areas. The business also received 52 additional patents in Asian and European countries last year. Among others, the key patents included new medical image capture technologies connected to the growth of cone beam computed tomography (CT) systems designed for orthopaedic extremity imaging.TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Report Prologue1.1 Introduction1.1.1 Global CBCT Dental Imaging Market, By Type Of Detectors1.1.2 Global CBCT Dental Imaging Market, By Application1.1.3 Global CBCT Dental Imaging Market, By End Users1.1.4 Global CBCT Dental Imaging Market, By Regions2 Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of Study2.3 Research Objective2.4 Assumptions & Limitations2.4.1 Assumptions2.4.2 Limitations2.5 Market Structure3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary ResearchBrowse Full Reports @4 Market Dynamics4.1 Introduction4.2 Drivers4.2.1 Increasing Use Of CBCT In Orthodontic Diagnosis And Treatment Planning Driving More Opportunities For The Market4.2.2 Increasing Use Of CBCT Imaging In Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments4.2.3 Increasing Adoption Of CBCT By The Healthcare Professionals4.3 Restraints4.3.1 Lack Of Awareness For The Use Of Advanced Technologies4.3.2 Risk Of Ionizing Radiations For Children And Teens4.4 Opportunities4.5 Challenges5 Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers5.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers5.1.3 Threat Of New Entrants5.1.4 Threat Of Substitutes5.1.5 Intensity Of Rivalry5.2 Value Chain5.2.1 Research & Product Development5.2.2 Component Manufacturing5.2.3 Assembly5.2.4 DistributionContinued!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 FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Artificial Hair Market Outlook with Trends, Types, Applications Artificial Hair Market https://www.inforgrowth.com/samplerequest/r/342159/global-artificial-hair-market-insights-forecas https://www.inforgrowth.com/customizationrequest/r/342159/global-artificial-hair-market-insights-forecas Global Artificial Hair Market reports provide CAGR Value 2018-2025 and in-depth analysis of Top Players, Geography, End users, Applications, Competitor analysis, Sales, Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Market Share, Trends and Forecast.Artificial Hair Market Report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Artificial Hair market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Download Sample of This Premium Report atThe Global Artificial Hair market analyzes and researches the Artificial Hair development status and forecast in United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India & Central & South America.The Global Artificial Hair Market focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. 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Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With the tables and figures, the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The Artificial Hair Market report provides key statistics on the market status of the Artificial Hair manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Ask for Custom Requirements or Queries about this Report atMajor Points Covered in Table of Contents:1 Study Coverage2 Executive Summary3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers4 Breakdown Data by Type5 Breakdown Data by Application6 North America7 Europe8 Asia Pacific9 Central & South America10 Middle East and Africa11 Company Profiles12 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis13 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis14 Research Findings and Conclusion15 AppendixAbout InForGrowth:We are a market-intelligence company formed with the objective of providing clients access to the most relevant and accurate research content for their growth needs. At InForGrowth, we understand Research requirements and help a client in taking informed business critical decisions. Given the complexities and interdependencies of market-intelligence, there is always more than one source to explore and arrive at the right answer. Through our smart search feature and our reliable & trusted publishing partners, we are paving way for a more simplified and relevant research.For all your Research needs, reach out to us at:Address: 6400 Village Pkwy suite # 104, Dublin, CA 94568, USAEmail: info@inforgrowth.comPhone: +1-909-329-2808 International Spinal Implants Market Appearance Till 2023 by Top Key Opinion Leaders - Medtronic, plc, Depuy Synthes Inc., Stryker Corporation, NuVasive, Inc., Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2050 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/spinal-implants-market-2050 A Broad Analysis of the "Worldwide Spinal Implants market methodology of the leading organizations in the exactness of Import/Export Utilization, Industry Activity Figures, Cost, Value, Revenue and Gross Edges.Spinal Implants Market - OverviewAccording to Market Research Future's newest report on the global spinal implants, market reveals that the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2023.Used extensively to treat spinal deformities and other common spinal issues that may occur with age, the market is expected with witness moderate and consistent growth over the assessment period.GET FREE SAMPLE REPORT @Spinal Implants Market - Key PlayersMarket players included in MRFRs competitive analysis include Depuy Synthes Inc. (Johnson & Johnson), Medtronic, plc, A-Spine, Stryker Corporation, Alphatec Holdings, Inc., Quandary Medical LLC, Spine Frontier, Apollo Spine, Precision Spine, Premia Spine, K2M Group Holdings, Inc., Exactech Inc., Integra LifeSciences, SI-BONE, Reliance Medical Systems, AESCULAP, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc., NuVasive, Inc., Life Spine, Orthofix International N.V., SpineGuard, Spinal Solutions Inc., Spineart Geneva SA, Accel Spine, Captiva Spine Inc., Back 2 Basics Spine, RTI Surgical, Inc., Centinel Spine, NLT Spine, Paradigm Spine LLC, Ascendx Spine, Amedica Corporation, LDR Holding Corporation, Alliance Spine and othersSpinal Implants Market - Growth and AnalysisAge-related wear and tear often result in spinal problems such as spinal stenosis. The presence of a globally growing geriatric population is expected to drive the demand for spinal implants.Urbanization has led to increasingly sedentary lifestyles which aggravate spinal problems, thus resulting in increasing diagnoses of chronic back pain; as such, the demand for spinal implants is expected to grow significantly.Development of advanced technology and spinal implants which combined with the growing demand for minimally invasive spinal surgeries have resulted in cost-effective spinal implants are expected to increase demand for the same.At present spinal procedures are expensive, and there are stringent regulations surrounding the approval of new spinal devices which is expected to hinder market growth.Spinal Implants Market - SegmentationThe global spinal implants market has been segmented on the basis of product, procedure, material, and region. By product, the market is segmented into vertebral compression fracture (VCF) treatment devices, non-fusion devices/motion preservation devices, spinal fusion devices, spine biologics, spinal bone stimulators, and others.The spine fusion segment is further segment is divided into cervical fixation devices, thoracolumbar devices, interbody fusion devices, and others.By procedure, the market is segmented into open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and others. By material, the market is segmented into titanium alloy, titanium, plastic, stainless steel, and others.The Global Spinal Implants Market is divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.OBTAIN COMPLETE 80 PAGES PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS ENABLED WITH RESPECTIVE 40+ TABLES AND FIGURES @Spinal Implants Market - Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominate the global spinal implants due to the presence of market players who drive technological innovation of the spinal implants market. The region has also made significant contributions to nanotechnology and cell therapy thus cementing its leadership position.Europe accounts for the second largest market due to its increasing geriatric population and the growing demand from this demographic for spinal implants and devices.Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific is an emerging region due to urbanization and the gradual increase in obesity which has led to increased spinal disorders. Increasing healthcare expenditure, the presence of a large population, increasing government support for advanced healthcare technologies are some vital factors driving the demand for spinal implants.Major Points form TOC for Spinal Implants Market Research Report Forecast to 2023Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Spinal Implants Market, By TypeChapter 7. Global Spinal Implants Market, By TreatmentChapter 8 Global Spinal Implants Market, By End UserChapter 9. Global Spinal Implants 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.Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Threat Intelligence Market 2018-2025: In-Depth Profiling With Key Players Check Point Software Technologies, IBM Corporation, Dell Technologies, Symantec Corporation, Fireeye, Trend Micro, Juniper Networks, McAfee, Webroot http://bit.ly/2Q6ZZgQ http://bit.ly/2QrSdNN Threat intelligence, also called as cyber threat intelligence refers to an organized, analyzed as well as refined information regarding current or potential attacks which threaten an organization. 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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:Company: The Insight PartnersContact: Sameer JoshiPhone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sam@theinsightpartners.com Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Market Size, Analysis, and Forecast Report 2018-2028 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1389 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1389 https://www.factmr.com/report/1389/human-growth-hormone-market www.factmr.com/ www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Human growth hormone, also known as somatotropin or growth hormone, helps in the growth of all the essential tissues of the body including bones. It is one of the most essential hormones required by a human body. Human growth hormone is produced and secreted by somatotrophs, anterior pituitary cells that secrete almost 1-2 milligrams of hormones every day. Synthetic human growth hormone was developed in the 1980s and was approved by FDA for use in children and adults. As per a study conducted by the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), the usage of synthetic human growth hormone by teenagers has witnessed an increase of 120% from 2012 to 2013. Human growth hormone spurs muscle strength, growth, and exercise performance. Lower levels of human growth hormone can increase the risk of diseases, hamper quality of life and initiate fat gain. Human growth hormone helps avoid several disorders, which include growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, SHOX gene haploinsufficiency, idiopathic short stature, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and chronic kidney diseases.Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Market: DriversLong-acting human growth hormone formulations are consistently developing. Increase in the prevalence of human growth hormone deficiency, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Turner syndrome, SHOX gene haploinsufficiency, skeletal dysplasia, as well as increase in healthcare expenditure and the availability of advanced recombinant DNA technology are among factors expected to drive the human growth hormone market over the forecast period.However, costs of the R&D required for human growth hormone are extremely high. The high cost of treatment is another factor restraining the growth of the human growth hormone market. Adverse effects of recombinant human growth hormones, which include joint & muscle pain, swelling in the legs & arms, increased insulin resistance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, are also expected to hamper the growth of the human growth hormone market over the forecast period.Get Experts' Insights For FREE:Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Market: SegmentationThe global Human Growth Hormone (HGH) market can be segmented on the basis of application type, end users, and geography.Based on application type, the global Human Growth Hormone (HGH) market is segmented as:Growth hormone deficiencyIdiopathic short statureTurner syndromeSmall for gestational agePrader-Willi syndromeOthersBased on end users, the global Human Growth Hormone (HGH) market is segmented as:HospitalsClinicsBased on geography, the global Human Growth Hormone (HGH) market is segmented as:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeCIS & RussiaJapanAPEJMiddle East & AfricaHuman Growth Hormone (HGH) Market: OverviewGrowth deficiency syndrome is expected to contribute a major share in the human growth hormone market owing to the increased incidence of pituitary dysfunctioning and growing support for the R&D of growth hormone drugs. Turner syndrome also plays a significant role in the human growth hormone market. A large number of patients suffering from Turner syndrome are treated by growth hormones for delayed sexual and physical development. US. FDA has approved human growth hormone for the treatment of Turner syndrome in 1996. The others segment includes chronic kidney diseases, Down syndrome, skeletal dysplasia, Noonan syndrome, SHOX gene haploinsufficiency, and several other indications that are anticipated to boost the human growth hormone market.Get Brochure Copy of the ReportHuman Growth Hormone (HGH) Market: Regional OutlookNorth Americas human growth hormone market is anticipated to grow the fastest over the forecast period owing to the presence of local players in the market, easy availability, and better affordability for human growth hormone drugs and hormonal therapy. Commercialization of human growth hormone drugs by the US. 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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 Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market Analysis And Key Business Strategies 2025 By Top Companies Bosch, Continental, Mobis, Zf Trw, Aisin, Delphi, Wabco, Knorr-Bremse, Mhe, Hitachi Metal Etc Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market http://www.supplydemandmarketresearch.com/home/contact/70479?ref=Request%20Customization&toccode=SDMRAU70479 http://www.supplydemandmarketresearch.com/home/contact/70479?ref=Discount&toccode=SDMRAU70479 http://www.supplydemandmarketresearch.com/home/toc_publisher/70479?code=SDMRAU70479#Report_Highlights http://supplydemandmarketresearch.com Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Truck Wheel Speed Sensor :History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Table of ContentChapter One: Study CoverageChapter Two: Executive SummaryChapter Three: Market Size by ManufacturersChapter Four: Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Production by RegionsChapter Five: Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Consumption by RegionsChapter Six: Market Size by TypeChapter Seven: Market Size by ApplicationChapter Eight: Key Industry PlayersChapter Nine: Entry Strategy for Key CountriesList of Tables and Figures Figure Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Product Picture Table Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Key Market Segments in This Study Table Key Manufacturers Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Covered in This Study Table Major Manufacturers Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Sales to top 10 OEMs in 2017 (Supply Relationship) Table Global Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market Size Growth Rate by Type 2018-2025 (K Units) & (Million US$) Figure Global Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Production Market Share 2013-2025 Figure Hall Type Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Hall Type Figure Magnetic Electric Type Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Magnetic Electric Type Table Global Truck Wheel Speed Sensor Market Size Growth Rate by Application 2018-2025 (K Units) Figure Heavy Truck Figure Light TruckAccess full research report@Contact Usinfo@supplydemandmarketresearch.comPhone Number: +918208285935About Supply Demand Market Research(SDMR)We have a strong network of high powered and experienced global consultants who have about 10+ years of experience in the specific industry to deliver quality research and analysis.Having such an experienced network, our services not only cater to the client who wants the basic reference of market numbers and related high growth areas in the demand side, but also we provide detailed and granular information using which the client can definitely plan the strategies with respect to both supply and demand side.302-20 Misssisauga Valley, Missisauga,L5A 3S1 Smart speaker Market Current Growth Analysis of Altec Lansing, Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics, Amazon.com, Inc., Bose Corporation, Logitech International SA, Sonos Inc., and Sony Corporation https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/512064/?utm_source=OPEN&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/512064/?utm_source=OPEN&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/smart-speaker-market https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-real-time-locating-systems-rtls-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=RR&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com Smart speaker market in personal applications is expected to hold the majority share of over 90% due to the increasing usage of the devices in smart homes. The integration of these devices with devices such as smart lightbulbs, thermostats, and TVs is encouraging the consumers to adopt these devices for personal uses. Devices such as Google Home allow the users to make phone calls and send messages, monitor the user activity, set alarms, and go shopping.Smart Speaker Market is set to exceed USD 30 billion by 2024 owing to the several benefits of these devices such as the ability to communicate with other devices and keeping users connected to the internet. For instance, these devices can perform a range of tasks such as giving information, sharing audio files, and provide on-command to other connected devices. The increasing penetration of IoT technology and the adoption of connected devices will boost the smart speaker market growth in the next six years. The increasing popularity of connected devices to perform domestic tasks, such as controlling lights and security doors, through single devices is fueling the industry demand. The integration of these devices with connected households will propel the industry growth.Request a Sample of this premium Research Report@The smart speaker market is expected to grow at a significant pace over the forecast timeframe owing to the growing proliferation of smart homes across the globe. Factors such as high network connectivity and growing need to increase consumer convenience are anticipated to drive the market. Several device manufacturers are investing in improving the functionality of legacy systems beyond playing music. This, coupled with increasing demand for wireless devices will escalate the industry size.This report focuses on the top Manufacturers and players in global market are given bellow:-Amazon.com, Inc., Bose Corporation, Altec Lansing, Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics, Logitech International SA, Sonos Inc., and Sony Corporation.Rise in demand for Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to fuel the smart speaker market growth. The manufacturers are increasingly investing to develop devices that work with the devices such as Wink Hub, Logitech Harmony Elite, and Philips Hue Bulbs. For instance, Amazon Alexa works directly with several smart home devices using If This Then That (IFTTT) methodology.Smart Speaker Market Size By Technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC), By Product (Single Room, Double-Room, Multi-Room)Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers(U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, South Korea, China, India, Japan, Brazil, GCC, Africa), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024Request a Discount on standard prices of this premium Smart Speaker Market Research Report@The study objectives of this report are:Implementation of virtual personal assistants are expected to positively impact the smart speaker market growth. This technology can stream music and audio books with a single voice commands. The launch of Amazon Echo has caused disruption in the market, with several other companies such as Google and Apple following suit. For instance, Apple has announced the launch of HomePod in December 2017.Factors such as connectivity range, compatibility, and power are expected to restrain the smart speaker market growth. The market faces growing security concern, owing to the connection of these devices to the internet. The voice assistant-enabled speakers inadvertently store consumers' private data into Amazon servers. The threats of hacking and data leaks persist, though the company claims that the data is secured. This is expected to hamper the market growth during the forecast timeframe.More Report At:Related Report:Global Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023Real-time locating systems (RTLS, also known as real-time location systems) are local systems for the identification and tracking of the location of assets and/or persons in real or near-real-time. Scope of the ReportAbout Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite: Specialty Chemicals Market Brief Analysis On Top Key players BASF SE, Dow Chemical Co, Bayer AG, AkzoNobel N.V, Huntsman Corporation, Chemtura Corporation, Rhodia S.A, Clariant AG, Evonik Industries AG, & Novozymes A/S https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/447 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/447 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/specialty-chemicals-market.html www.alliedmarketresearch.com Global Specialty chemicals market is expected to reach $233.5 billion by 2020. Specialty chemicals are manufactured for specific performance and functions in different end use industries.The demand for specialty chemicals in the Asia-Pacific market is primarily attributed by the rapid industrialization in India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Rapid industrialization in the Asia-Pacific region is supplemented by trade liberalization, the spread of process technology, low labor cost, and high economic growth. In 2014, North America and Europe together accounted for more than half of the market share in the global specialty chemicals market.Download TOC and Report Sample PDF @The market is segmented based on type and geography. The global specialty chemicals market has been analyzed on the basis of type, which includes food additives, cosmetic chemicals, water treatment chemicals, textile chemicals, construction chemicals, paper & pulp chemicals, oil field chemicals, and ink additives. In 2014, the construction chemicals segment garnered the highest share of 22.3% in the global market. Increasing urbanization in emerging economies is driving public infrastructure and housing projects; this in turn has increased the consumption of specialty construction chemicals such as protective coatings, adhesives and sealants, concrete admixtures, and asphalt additives. The construction chemicals industry is booming in emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America. In 2014, food additives, cosmetic chemicals, and paper & pulp chemicals collectively accounted for around half of the global specialty chemicals consumption. Ink additives is projected to be the fastest growing segment, registering a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.Specialty chemicals are manufactured on the basis of their performance or function, rather than their chemical composition. Constant focus on research & development activities has led to the development of advanced specialty chemicals; thereby, driving the market growth. Moreover, heavy investment in construction & infrastructure projects and changing lifestyle of consumers boost the consumption of specialty chemicals, such as construction chemicals and food additives, in the emerging economies. However, fluctuating cost of raw materials and stringent government regulations are expected to restrain the market growth.Top Winning StrategiesTop market players in global specialty chemicals market are adopting acquisitions, agreements, expansions, partnerships, product launches, and divestitures as their key business strategy to sustain in the competitive market. The data of market players and their strategic moves are gathered through the press release of respective companies, various blogs, which is limited to the available information on the website and primary calls to the experts in the industry.Get More Detail Information @Product launches is the leading strategy adopted by the key market players in the global specialty chemicals market in order to introduce novel and innovative products in various business segments such as ink additives, oilfield chemicals, and construction chemicals. Product launches by the market players cover 42.9% share out of the total number of strategies. Akzo Nobel N.V., Novozymes, Rhodia S.A., Clariant AG and Evonik Industries AG are the leading companies who adopted product launch as their key business strategy.Acquisitions, expansions, and divestitures are the second most popular strategies adopted by companies operating in the global specialty chemical business. Most of the divestiture strategy was adopted by BASF SE; while, most acquisitions were undertaken by BASF SE, AkzoNobel N.V., and Huntsman Corporation. Clariant AG and Evonik Industries AG focused more towards expansion of new business units.Table of ContentChapter: : 1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Report description1.2 Key market benefits1.3 Key market segment1.4 Research methodology1.4.1 Secondary research1.4.2 Primary research1.4.3 Analyst tools and modelsChapter: : 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 CXO perspective2.2 Market beyond: what to expect by 20252.2.1 Moderate growth scenario2.2.2 Rapid growth scenario2.2.3 Critical growth scenarioChapter: : 3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 Market definition and scope3.2 Key findings3.2.1 Top investment pockets3.2.2 Top winning strategies3.3 Porters five forces analysis3.3.1 Low threat of new entrants3.3.2 Medium threat of substitutes3.3.3 Low bargaining power of suppliers3.3.4 High bargaining power of buyers3.3.5 Rivalry amongst firms3.4 Market Dynamics3.4.1 Drivers3.4.1.1The emerging markets of Asia-pacific Region3.4.1.2 Constant Focus on Research & development3.4.1.3 Rising Population3.4.2 Restraints3.4.2.1 Fluctuating cost of raw materials3.4.2.2 Stringent regulations governing the market3.4.3 Opportunities3.4.3.1 Development of Eco-friendly products3.4.3.2 Commercialization and Industrialization of specialty chemicals marketAccess Full Summery @About usAllied 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.ContactDavid Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: Accolades roll in following strong finish for field hockey Despite losing in the Class A semifinals to Williamsville North a few days before this past Halloween, spirits are high... All-Bee Football Offense Captaincy just one trait First Teamers share The members of the 2021 All-Bee Football Teams offensive unit may come in different shapes and sizes, have different backgrounds... Iroquois Kleitz tabbed offenses top player Every now and then a player comes along who changes the way things are done in their sport, whether thats... Directors Glenn Silber (scheduled to introduce the Friday and Saturday screenings) and Barry Alexander Brown first released The War at Home in 1979, when the Vietnam wars shadow couldnt be escaped. By then the movie screens were full of the war. The Deer Hunter (1978) may have been a gut-wrencher, but it had little to do with what actually went on; that same year Coming Home, equal parts moving and soapy, told a different fable of the home front. (There was no home front in Apocalypse Now, a 1979 release, only a mad vision of hell.) A Clark County man was one of the three U.S. servicemen killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the Pentagon says. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, 39, of Brush Prairie, was killed in Ghazni province, an area where the Taliban is resurgent. Army Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, of Lexington, Virginia, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, 25, of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, were also killed. It was the deadliest attack against U.S. forces in Afghanistan this year. Emond and Ross were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Emond, a Boston native with a wife and three children, was in his seventh overseas tour. He spent over 21 years in the Marine Corps and Army. Elchin was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. A 25-year-old soldier from Leavenworth, Washington, was also recently killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. Army Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso died Saturday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. -- The Associated Press Jim Ryan of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report Oregon will seek federal approval next month to charge drivers to use sections of Interstate 5 and 205 in the Portland area. The state released a 48-page draft application Thursday to the Federal Highway Administration, and the Oregon Transportation Commission will vote, and potentially give the application its final go-ahead, at a meeting Dec. 6. The application would then go to federal authorities for consideration. The tolling request sheds little new light on a saga more than a year in the making, a process that kick-started the 2017 Legislatures record $5.3 billion transportation package as another tool to address growing congestion on busy freeways. Oregons application doesnt answer many of the fundamental questions like where the tolls will ultimately land, how much drivers may have to pay, what processes may be in place to exempt or discount rates for low-income residents, or what other bus or transit routes may be developed to give riders another option to driving their car. Alando Simpson, a transportation commissioner who co-chaired a committee tasked with recommending a tolling plan, said the overarching goal of pursuing tolls is clear: Oregon needs more ways to raise money to improve its freeway system and try to curb congestion. Theres a lot more that has to be done, he said. A separate promise from the states top transportation decision-makers to plot next steps for studying potential tolls on all metro freeways such as U.S. 26 and Interstates 405 and 84 -- has yet to move forward. Commissioners plan to reveal a timeline for future work by the end of January. Heres what we do know. According to the states application, Oregon plans to use toll revenue to help seismically retrofit the Abernethy Bridge over the Willamette River on I-205, add an additional lane in each direction there, and rebuild or reconstruct eight bridges in order to withstand an earthquake. That project would cost upwards of $500 million and is unfunded. Revenue from the tolls, which would likely vary depending on the time of day and level of traffic on the freeways, would also help pay for operational and safety improvements on I-5 near the Rose Quarter. The state transportation bill set aside $500 million for that project -- which adds shoulders and auxiliary lanes between the 84 and 405 interchanges, caps the freeway there, and includes more bike lanes and pedestrian access through the area -- but the state said toll revenue could help pay for additional project design costs. The I-205 section would charge drivers to use all lanes on or near the Abernethy Bridge. The I-5 section would toll all lanes generally between North Going Street/Alberta Street and SW Multnomah Boulevard exits. Officials recognize there are considerable concerns about drivers leaving the freeway to avoid paying tolls, already a common occurrence today as drivers try to cheat traffic. The state has asked federal officials to review the application as soon as possible and provide additional questions or concerns. If approved, tolls may be in effect sometime after 2024. Travis Brouwer, the deputy director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said the state has talked extensively with the federal government about its plans. According to the application, congestion has continued to worsen on both stretches of freeway during the past few years. A 27-mile trip through the metro area, which should take 25 minutes, now can take up to 86 on either I-5 or I-205 depending on traffic and the time of day. The tolling proposal isnt happening in a political vacuum. U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield, is poised to chair the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and hes not keen on the idea. U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, has also raised concerns about disproportionate effects for tens of thousands of Clark County commuters. Tammy Baney, the chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission, said shes had significant discussion with Herrera Beutler and continues to work with her office. Baney said shes also met with DeFazio in recent weeks, who she said is concerned about how tolls can affect families. We share those concerns, she said. Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, is one of the leaders behind a proposed 2020 ballot measure to ask all Oregonians to sign off on any tolling proposal. Parrish lost her re-election bid this month. When asked about that plan, Baney said thats just democracy in action. If they have another idea, Im open to hearing it, she said of the ballot supporters. Our job is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that meets the needs for Oregonians. She said tolls are just one tool Oregon hasnt taken out of the tool box. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Wednesday night told members of a new citizen panel tasked with overseeing police reforms that he expected them to strengthen the police bureau, increase accountability and foster trust in local law enforcement. At its first public meeting, Wheeler essentially said he was relinquishing his control of the committee, whose 13 members he selected. This panel will be independent, he said. They will determine the agenda. My job was to get it to this point, but this will be their show. The panel replaces a defunct community board that disbanded in January 2017 due to internal conflicts and lack of feedback from former police chiefs and the past mayor. For the last year and 11 months, the city has not been in compliance with its settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which required community oversight of the court-ordered police reforms. The settlement, adopted by the judge in 2014, followed a federal investigation that found Portland officers too often used excessive force with people suffering from mental illness. It called for significant changes to police policies, training and oversight, including offering more extensive crisis intervention training to officers. Police Chief Danielle Outlaw said she recognizes that in order for the new group to have impact, their ideas will need to reach her. She pledged to consider their recommendations and meet with them in a spirit of cooperation. Chief Danielle Outlaw to new Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing: In order for the group to work, it has to be impactful . Says she looks forward to meeting w/ panel in spirit of collaboration pic.twitter.com/GI6NGId2wy Maxine Bernstein (@maxoregonian) November 29, 2018 The lack of involvement by past police chiefs frustrated members of the first board that was created. The new group, which met about eight times in private retreats, started its inaugural public meeting slowly, voting on bylaws and selecting its co-chairs. One of the city-hired facilitators for the group, Brandon Lee of Training 4 Transformation, was absent due to a squabble with the city. Lee has alleged workplace harassment stemming from a conflict with a committee member and the citys response. Two co-chairs for the new committee were selected: Lakayana Drury and LaKeesha Dumas. I believe this board is much more than a settlement agreementIts how we interact as citizens, as officers, as neighbors, Drury said. We have the opportunity to authentically engage the community. Drury is a social studies teacher at Rosemary Anderson High School who directs a nonprofit group called "Word is Bond,'' which draws young black men together with local police to improve relations. As a teacher, Drury said he interacts with youth who fear and mistrust the police, and families who dont want their children to be victims of police brutality. As director of Word Is Bond, Drury said hes had the opportunity to get to know officers in the city and the challenges they face. While about 60 people showed for the groups first meeting, Drury said he believes more people in the city need to be involved, particularly those with mental illnesses, African Americans and youth. At the end of the day, your mental health status, color of skin and your age should not be a factor when you interact with police, he said. Dumas, a community health care worker and peer support specialist who works for Multnomah Countys mental health and addiction services division, said she got involved because she cares for a 24-year-old son who suffers from mental illness. Its not just a job, she said. I live this. Dumas also identified herself as a recovering addict and survivor of police brutality who is eager to get to work. Andrew Kalloch, a former ACLU attorney in New York and a former deputy policy director for the New York City controller who now does public policy work for Airbnb, will serve as an alternate co-chair. The group reviewed newly-drafted bylaws and made some tweaks before approving them. Member Patrick Nolan voiced concern about one clause, which restricted members from talking to interest groups or the media without first alerting the citys project manager for the committee. Our whole job is to create a better liaison with the community, Nolan pointed out, "but I cant talk to them? The group revised the bylaws to ensure the restriction would be limited only to when a member is speaking on behalf of the entire committee. Two members of the Portland-based company Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall Inc. briefed the committee on their plan to randomly send out surveys to residents in January to gauge community perceptions of Portland police, a requirement of the settlement agreement. A similar survey was done in 2015. Committee members expressed concern that the random survey of households in Portland wouldnt adequately draw responses from minority populations who are underrepresented in the city. Youve not heard enough from the people who these issues matter the most to, said Michele Lang, associate director of campus ministries for Warner Pacific University. About 60 people attended the meeting at the Highland Christian Church in Northeast Portland. Member Yolanda Clay, who sits on the leadership development program of the REACH affordable housing community, said she hopes to promote empathetic responses by police to people with mental illness. Lang said she will strive to improve relations between civic agencies and communities of color. Im frustrated but I am hopeful, she said. For Dan Handelman, of the watchdog group Portland Copwatch, sitting through this new panels adoption of bylaws took him back to the formation of its predecessor, the Community Oversight Advisory Board, which had gone through the same painstaking process. "Weve lost two years almost because the city wouldnt keep the old structure,'' he said. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A recent commentary by Boris Epshteyn, chief political analyst for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, has been causing controversy after Epshteyn defended American authorities using tear gas on migrants at the Mexico/U.S. border. Epshteyn, a former adviser to the Donald Trump campaign who also served in the Trump White House, is a reliably conservative, pro-Trump voice. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, a media company that owns nearly 200 TV stations -- including Portlands KATU -- across the country, has also been criticized for a policy of mandating that Sinclair-owned stations broadcast Epshteyns commentaries during local newscasts. In the commentary, which can be found on the KATU.com website, Epshteyn says, in part: This past weekend, the United States was forced to temporarily close a major point of entry in San Diego, California, in response to hundreds of migrants attempting to storm the U.S.-Mexico border in hopes of claiming asylum. Dozens of migrants attacked U.S. border enforcement by throwing rocks and bottles. Ultimately, American authorities had to use tear gas to stop the attacks. Epshteyn then goes on to criticize some on the left, including Democrat Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who objected to our president and his team standing up for our men and women in uniform and for our national security. The commentary continued: The fact of the matter is that this is an attempted invasion of our country. Period. Our border must remain intact and secure. It is not a partisan position to believe that our immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. Despite his assertion that his isnt a partisan position, Epshteyn again criticizes many on the left who believe it is wrong to defend our country and abide by the rule of law. I would bet that many of those same people live behind walls and locked doors but do not want to afford the same benefit to our country as a whole. This Bottom Line With Boris drew heated reactions from some viewers who objected to a defense of using tear gas on Central American migrants who are trying to enter the United States. Pam Vogel, of Media Matters for America, a progressive organization that criticizes conservative media content, helped rouse response with an article on Epshteyns commentary, and a Twitter post including the video commentary, which she described as a segment defending tear-gassing children at the border. In Twitter posts shared on the Sinclair Broadcast Group account on Wednesday, the company responded to the controversy. In one post, the @WeAreSinclair account wrote: Wed like to take a moment and address some concerns regarding a commentary segment by @borisep that was aired on Sinclair stations this week. The opinions expressed in this segment do not reflect the views of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Another post read: When Boriss segments are aired on our stations, they are labeled clearly as commentary. We also offer our stations reporting from the Beltway and beyond that are not partisan or bias (sic) in any way. We have contacted KATU for comment, and this post will be updated if we have more information. Epshteyn also responded to critics on his Twitter account, referring to the Media Matters for America article as a hit piece. A neighboring landowner contends that property next to railroad tracks near Union Station and the Broadway Bridge is contaminated with dangerous pollutants and could endanger the lives of homeless people who might stay at a homeless shelter to be built there. Developer Jim Winkler filed a lawsuit this week asking a judge to yank what he calls a hasty decision by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality approving the Harbor of Hope shelter without adequate requirements to clean up the site. The land is contaminated with lead, arsenic, petroleum hydrocarbons and other chemicals, the suit says. It was filed Monday in Marion County Circuit Court. Winklers suit contends the shelter should be allowed to go forward only if Harbor of Hope does far more cleanup than now planned by following standards that Winkler contends developers of any other project would be required to meet. I dont think poor and marginalized people should be subjected to lower environmental safeguards, Winkler told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The lawsuit states that current cleanup plans for the site call for removing and replacing a foot of tainted ground. But at least two feet should be removed and replaced, the suit states. Although he said Wednesday that hes concerned about the health hazard posed to homeless people, he also thinks the proposed site is a bad location for a shelter. Winkler owns 1.3 acres of undeveloped land nearby, where he could one day erect a building. The presence of a shelter would make the area less desirable, he said. Yes, I have some self-interests, he said. Nobody wants a homeless shelter next to them. But Winkler said a shelter must go somewhere. He said he supports converting the never-used Wapato jail building in North Portland into a shelter, an idea that has failed to gain the necessary support of elected leaders. This fall, new Wapato owner Jordan Schnitzer applied for a demolition permit. Don Mazziotti, managing director of the shelter project, said the development includes significant plans to clean up and prepare the land for habitability. The shelter is a much safer alternative than living on the street, he said. I do know that sleeping in bushes, in doorways, in alleys, in parking structures, in the cold and wet weather is likely to be much more harmful to the homeless than a remediated site in downtown Portland, Mazziotti said. Theyre sleeping in the worst conditions ... without any care being provided. How can that be better? The shelter -- known as a navigation center -- will provide temporary housing for up to 90 days to as many as 100 homeless men as it works to redirect their lives by finding them stable housing, mental health and addiction treatment and job training. The nonprofit Harbor of Hope was created by Portland real estate developer Homer Williams. Williams and Maziotti, a former director of the Portland Development Commission, are heading the shelter efforts, thanks in large part to a $1.5 million donation from Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle in April. The project has encountered several bumps in the road: higher cleanup and construction costs that by July had pushed the project more than $500,000 over budget. Organizers had hoped to have the shelter running by fall, but construction has yet to start. Figures werent available Wednesday on the current projected cost of the shelter. Mazziotti thinks construction could start by January and the shelter could open by spring. He said Winklers lawsuit wont stop the project. Were going to get our navigation center built, Mazziotti said. Were going to help people. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee By Harry Litman Special To The Washington Post Following the implosion of Paul Manaforts cooperation agreement with special counsel Robert Mueller, a lawyer for President Donald Trump casually announced that Manaforts lawyers had been briefing Trumps lawyers about his sessions with the Mueller team all along. This revelation, far from routine, in fact is jaw-dropping - and it has significant legal and political implications. First, and least, it represents another breach of the demolished cooperation agreement that Manafort entered into in order to avoid the expense and near-certain conviction in a second trial. Some defense attorneys have asserted that it is common for cooperating witnesses to share information with other suspects (as we know the president is here) or putative defendants. Not so. Once a witness enters into a cooperation agreement with the government - which he does for the very valuable consideration of a potential reduction in sentence - he has agreed contractually to a full, no-holds-barred provision of information. The government in turn will frame questions and possibly share evidence with the witness, all of which reveal the government's thinking. The universal understanding is that the witness will not run back and reveal the government's case to potential suspects. A witness is normally free to talk to defense attorneys if he chooses. A cooperator is not (and that holds whether or not it is expressly spelled out in the agreement). Second, whatever Team Trump may assert, the conversations between some combination of Manafort, Trump and the lawyers for both of them were not privileged, and Mueller is entitled to know their contents. Defendants are entitled to enter into privileged conversations with their own lawyers, and the government cannot force the attorney to reveal them. This is entirely proper and part of the constitutional guarantee of effective assistance of counsel. A corollary to this principle permits co-defendants and potential defendants to share certain information - essentially the same information that would be shielded by the attorney-client privilege for either of them - on the grounds that they have a "common interest." This interest is generally set out in a joint defense agreement, or JDA, which confirms the umbrella of covered discussions. Crucially, however, the JDA can operate only among parties who do in fact have a common interest. A defendant cannot simply pick and choose people he wants to talk to and thereafter claim that a conversation is privileged. And when Manafort entered into the cooperation agreement with the government, he ceased to have a common interest with other defendants, including the president, as a matter of law. As former U.S. attorney Chuck Rosenberg put it, having signed with the Yankees, he couldn't give scouting reports to the Red Sox. Thus, Mueller is fully entitled to subpoena Manafort counsel Kevin Downing and whichever Trump counsel spoke with him (one trusts it wasn't Emmet Flood, who is too savvy for such shenanigans) and force them to reveal every word of the discussions. But that's where political considerations possibly intercede. It is possible that Trump's counselors bank on Mueller staying his hand to avoid loud (if bogus) cries of foul play from Trump apologists, renewed rants from Trump about a witch hunt, and even, possibly, a refusal from acting attorney general Matthew G. Whitaker to permit the subpoenas to go forward. Finally, the open pipeline between cooperator Manafort and suspect Trump may have been not only extraordinary but also criminal. On Manafort and Downing's end, there is a circumstantial case for obstruction of justice. What purpose other than an attempt to "influence, obstruct, or impede" the investigation of the president can be discerned from Manafort's service as a double agent? And on the Trump side, the communications emit a strong scent of illegal witness tampering (and possibly obstruction as well). Proving those charges would require a fight. The lawyers would be expected to assert privilege, and cries of overreach would sound from the White House and pro-Trump journalists. Whitaker could impede or countermand the effort. But it's critical to understand the stakes of the battle. Even more than the president's potential criminal liability, there is a set of burning questions about exactly what happened in 2016, the extent to which Russian efforts to influence the presidential election found purchase in the United States, and what part was played by high-level Trump campaign officials or the president himself. It is intolerable to consider that the truth of these consequential matters would be smothered and kept from the American people indefinitely. But that's exactly what the president's overall strategy aims to do, and with the support, at least tacitly, of a complicit still-Republican-majority - for now - Congress. Is there nobody in the GOP with the guts to stand up to the president and the resolve to see that the truth will out? - - - Litman teaches constitutional law at the University of California at San Diego. He has served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and deputy assistant attorney general. At first the writers sexual jealousy is tempered by his entry into Bens world, so unlike his own. Jong-sus father, angry and lost, is being sentenced for assault and battery; the family farm, which includes a single cow, offers Jong-su a place to exist but not to live. Ben and Hae-mi pay an unexpected visit to the rural community where Hae-mi and Jong-su grew up. On the farmhouse patio, with the smell of cow manure wafting by, the three watch the sunset. Ben drops his little bombshell, regarding his favorite hobby (an act of arson, hinted at in the title). Updated 4:25 p.m. An Oregon State University graduate student with ties to white nationalists in the Pacific Northwest and a history of bigoted behavior was convicted Thursday of plastering racist bumper stickers on the cars of social justice activists outside a Corvallis food co-op. Benton County Circuit Court Judge David Connell found Andrew Oswalt, 28, guilty of all criminal counts stemming from the incident that surfaced while Oswalt served as a student government representative. Prosecutors had charged the Ph.D. candidate in chemistry with three counts of first-degree intimidation, a felony hate crime under Oregon statute, as well as two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. "The impact of his actions goes beyond the vehicles and individuals he targeted," said Ryan Joslin, the prosecuting attorney for Benton County. "His intent was to terrorize an entire community." Oswalt, who has no prior criminal convictions, will be sentenced Dec. 12, records show. Based on sentencing guidelines he could face a maximum of 90 days in jail. "Appealing this decision is a certainty," Nicolas Ortiz, Oswalt's attorney, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The trial's conclusion caps an episode that outraged students and staff at Oregon's largest university and rattled residents of the liberal college town. As the criminal case against Oswalt materialized, so did revelations about his prior racist activity and associations with reputed white nationalists. According to prosecutors, Oswalt and an accomplice placed bumper stickers that contained a racist slur for African Americans on two cars at the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op in June 2017. The vehicles belonged to members of the Corvallis chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice, which had held a meeting at the co-op that day to discuss ways to combat white supremacy and those promoting racist or bigoted views in the area. A co-op employee also discovered someone had placed anti-Semitic leaflets on the windshields of every car in the staff parking lot at the same time. Police executed a search warrant at Oswalt's house in January and recovered bumper stickers and fliers matching those used in the incident, authorities said at the time. Oswalt was identified in surveillance video captured by the food co-op, according to police, and was eventually taken into custody. The second suspect was never identified by authorities. His arrest came hours after OSU's student newspaper published an interview in which Oswalt then serving as a graduate representative on the school's student government self-identified as a member of the "alt-right" and outlined his inflammatory views on women and minorities. Over the next week, details emerged that Oswalt had previously marched with white power groups in Portland, palled around with people who called for the extermination of Jews, and kept a Confederate flag hanging in the window of a residence across the street from OSU's black cultural center. In February, OSU students voted to recall Oswalt from his student government post. University spokesman Steve Clark on Thursday said Oswalt remains a student at Oregon State. Clark added that the university has policies to allow people convicted of felonies to apply for and be enrolled in classes. As well, the school's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards evaluate conviction cases of current students and can determine whether possible sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, are warranted, he said. "We will continue to monitor Mr. Oswalt's court proceedings closely, including his upcoming sentencing," Clark said. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh skavanaugh@oregonian.com 503-294-7632 || @shanedkavanaugh Police confiscated three silver-colored knitting needles from a 37-year-old man arrested Monday on suspicion of poking strangers over three days in Southeast Portland, court records show. Justin C. Venable, 37, told police that the jabbings were related to his art and the FBI in Utah, a probable cause affidavit said. He reported to court staff at the county jail after his arrest that he has a diagnosed mental illness, but it isnt specified in court documents. He also reported taking Seroquel, prescription medication that can be used to help treat major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Police said they received four reports from people who were jabbed with the objects apparently at random between Saturday and Monday while passing by Venable, and all but one occurred around Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. One man reported being scratched on the neck by the suspect Saturday, the affidavit said. A second man said he was poked under his ear Sunday and a third said he was poked on the cheek Monday. The fourth case wasnt listed in the court papers. Venable remains held Wednesday in the Multnomah County Detention Center on suspicion of harassment. He has pleaded not guilty. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey A man was seriously injured Wednesday night in a Northwest Portland shooting, police say. Portland police said the man, who was found in an apartment in the area of the 300 block of 20th Avenue, was taken to a hospital for an injury that was believed to be serious but not life-threatening. The suspect is at large, but police said they didnt think theres immediate public danger. Police initially responded to the area about 8:40 p.m. on the report of shots fired. They found a blood trail leading to the apartment where they found the shooting victim. He was aided and taken to the hospital. Officers and a police dog team searched the neighborhood but didnt find the suspect. Police said no suspect information was available for the public Wednesday night. They ask anyone who has information to call 503-823-3333. -- Everton Bailey Jr. and Jim Ryan The Portland City Council voted Wednesday to repeal its pledge to collect $10 million through a temporary tax on heavy trucks. The council passed the heavy vehicle use tax in 2016, tacking on a surcharge to a state tax truckers pay, shortly before Portland voters approved a 10-cent local gas tax. Officials touted it as a way to balance the bill for road maintenance between cars and big trucks and to fund business-benefiting street improvements in freight corridors. Under the rules the council adopted, the size of the heavy truck surcharge was to be adjusted each year to ensure the tax brought in $10 million over four years. But Bureau of Transportation officials now say the tax will miss that mark by about $2 million. Thats because many truckers successfully sought an exemption and there were far fewer eligible businesses to tax than expected, city officials say. City officials elected not to raise the rate to hit the $10 million target, citing the very steep increase that would be necessary to make up the difference in just two years. The vote Wednesday, at the request of the Bureau of Transportation and with the endorsement of an industry-led committee, deleted the goal altogether. The tax will remain in place at its current rate through 2020. Mayor Ted Wheeler said the change is a sensible compromise to reach the goals that the voters adopted with regard to this tax. Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, the transportation commissioner, said officials were blindsided by the $2 million shortfall because it was not until this summer that they finished processing 2016 tax paperwork, due to the many extensions some businesses are allowed. By then it was too late to raise the tax rate gradually. I believe more than ample exploration of possible solutions has been done and I support the direction as recommended, Eudaly said. Commissioner Dan Saltzman emphasized that the tax is not being repealed altogether. We are simply acknowledging it will not yield $10 million over four years, he said. The vote was 3-1, with Commissioner Nick Fish absent. Commissioner Amanda Fritz, the lone dissenter, said the change doesnt fulfill what was promised to the voters. She warned the move could damage the citys credibility with voters if it asks them to reauthorize the 10-cent gas tax in 2020. Were not going to be able to pass it unless we make sure the vehicles that cause the most damage are paying their fair share, Fritz said. Wheeler appeared to agree. Assuming the city wants to renew the gas tax, the mayor said, the city council must have a very, very clear understanding and a clear answer for the voters if it expects support at the ballot box. -- Gordon R. Friedman GFriedman@Oregonian.com This week, a Holstein by the name of Knickers captured the heart of the Internet by standing horns and shoulders above a herd of cattle on a farm in Australia. And there's no arguing that the lad is large. At the shoulder, Knickers stands a mighty 6'4", which means he's two inches taller than Arnold Schwarzenegger. And he weighs roughly 2,800 pounds, which is the approximate equivalent of 14-and-a-half Danny DeVitos. Which is to say, Knickers is big. But also that his bigness is relative to what he is being compared to. "This story needs some perspective," said Aniek Bouwman, an expert in animal breeding and genomics at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. For starters, she said, it's important to note that Knickers is not a cow but a steer, because males are typically quite a bit larger than females. (Note: Only females who have had at least one calf are referred to in cattle circles as "cows".) But his breed is also important, Bouwman said. Male Holsteins tend to top out at just under 6 feet in height, while other breeds, like the wagyu cattle that surround Knickers in the now-famous photos of him, usually come in under 4.5 feet. In other words, Knickers is a large specimen, but he looks larger because he's standing among a herd of Danny DeVitos, not a herd of Arnold Schwarzeneggers. Age is also a factor. Knickers is seven years old, which is actually rather long in the tooth for a steer. The animals he was pictured with are all around one year old, his owner told the New York Times. "Steers are usually destined for slaughter by the age of three," said Craig Hickman, a dairy farmer in Ashburton, New Zealand, who added that nearly everyone he knows has been sending him reports about Knickers. "So at seven he's had time to pack on an awful lot of weight." In fact, Knickers' extreme proportions may have been something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. After a few years of growth, the animal had become too large to put through a processing facility, according to his owner, Geoff Pearson. Age and breed aside, Knickers does seem to have something a little extra going on. Which is interesting, Pearson said in an interview, because the steer's parents weren't particularly large, nor was he noticeably different at birth. "He was just a run-of-the-mill calf that's turned into a giant," said Pearson, who owns a third-generation cattle farm in Myalup, a small town in Western Australia. According to Bouwman, both gigantism and dwarfism, or exceptionally large and small individuals, have been documented in various species. She published a meta-analysis study in Nature this year that suggested that the same genes regulate size across cattle, dogs and humans, which means that it may well be possible for Knickers-like extremes to occur in any mammal under the right conditions. As for whether genes are responsible for Knickers' size, Bouwman said a DNA test would be required to say for sure. It may also be possible that Knickers' pituitary gland, which regulates growth, has gone haywire. This has been seen in some tadpole specimens that continue to grow as tadpoles and never undergo metamorphosis to become frogs. In this image made from video taken Nov. 15, 2018, Knickers the steer, center, is in paddock with cow herd in Lake Preston, Australia. A enormous steer in the state of Western Australia has avoided the abattoirs by being too big. The 194 centimeters-tall bovine, dubbed "Knickers", is believed to be the tallest in the country and weighs about 1.4 tons, local media reported. (Channel 7's Today Tonight via AP) APAP Asked about Knickers, Richard Wassersug, an honorary professor and herpetologist at the University of British Columbia who studies giantism in tadpoles, said he wouldn't want to speculate outside of his realm of expertise. But generally speaking, he said, no growth can go on forever. "There are clear limits on how large any terrestrial organism can be before its organ systems can no longer meet the collective needs of other organ systems and they start to fail," he said. Danniel, another humongous Holstein in California that was roughly the same size as Knickers, died this year from a calcium deficiency. According to news reports, Danniel consumed 100 pounds of hay, 15 pounds of grain and 100 gallons of water a day. He'd lived to be eight years old. Meanwhile, the world's tallest steer record is held by an Italian chianina ox named Bellino. He's 6-foot-7. Knickers has shown no sign of health problems, but Pearson said he won't be surprised if carrying all that weight catches up to the steer eventually. And while it's been fun talking about his unusual animal to journalists from various countries in recent days, Pearson said, he's got more pressing matters. "Yeah, look, we run a reasonable cattle operation," he said. "We like the exposure Knickers has gotten, but we've got a day-to-day operation to continue on with." In other words, don't get your knickers in a bunch, people. It's just a big steer. -- The Washington Post Jason Bittel The Washington Posts Abby Ohlheiser contributed to this report. By 2001, the store had a second, high-quality show, hoping to persuade girls and their parents to return. A sequel of sorts, it was called "Circle of Friends: An American Girls Musical. Whereas the first show had stayed within the historical context of the American Girl dolls, the new one had a contemporary, birthday-party setting and was designed to offer tools to helps girls resolve the conflict in their lives by looking at the struggles and achievement of girls in various periods of American history, the show insisted, a girl could find solutions to many of her own worries. By this point, American Girl had created its own ensemble of performing girls, held to professional standards and at least 40 strong. Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. The Michigan Small Business Development Center will host a seminar on starting a small business from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Grace A Dow Memorial Library. Do you know what it takes to turn your skill into a successful business? Attend this seminar if you are an entrepreneur, new business owner or innovator. The seminar is free, but registration is required. The Starting a Business Seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or who may be at the beginning stages of starting a business. This introductory seminar helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company; as well as, evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options, and business planning are introduced, along with necessary steps to get started. To register or for more information, visit https://w/2DKflAj. The Michigan Community College Association recently recognized selected individuals for their achievements and service to their organizations over the past year. Doug Jacobson, Mid Michigan College trustee, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Jacobson has served as a trustee for Mid since 1996, and is also a longtime member of the MCCA Legislative Committee. Saginaw Valley State University is hosting an art gallery exhibition featuring sculptures based on wildlife in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Artist Nicole Banowetz will showcase works based off the organisms found in SVSU's Wetlands Preserve, such as wildflowers, plants, scrubs and trees. Her art will be on display in SVSU's University Art Gallery through Friday, Dec. 14. The exhibition, free and open to the public, are presented as part of SVSU's 2018-19 Dow Visiting Scholars and Artists Series, along with support by the Saginaw Community Foundation. Banowetz currently resides in Denver, where she works professionally in sculpture, installation and education. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in sculpture from Colorado State University, and she has worked internationally in India, Italy, Ireland, England, Germany and Russia. Banowetz specializes in sewn inflatable sculptures and delicate forms that address vulnerability and struggle. She recently created inflatable sculptures inspired by children's drawings of microorganisms for a residency program at the Denver Children's Museum. These statues were then displayed at the Amsterdam Light Festival for the 2016-17 exhibition year. Along with her exhibition at SVSU, Banowetz is also installing an permanent inflatable sculpture at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum in Saginaw. Should vehicles that transport forest products receive special exemptions while traveling on county roads? That's the issue before the state Legislature as it considers Senate Bill 396. But, townships in Michigan, especially in the upper portion of the Lower Peninsula are concerned about damage to roads and have passed resolutions opposing the measure. Tuesday, the Midland County Administration and Operations Committee passed a resolution from the Midland County Road Commission "strongly opposing" the passage of SB 396. The resolution now goes to the full board at next Tuesday's meeting. Five of the 16 townships, in Midland County, also passed resolutions against the bill. The Lee Township board wrote letters to Sen. Jim Stamas and Rep. Gary Glenn stating that " if this bill passes, it may put the township in jeopardy of a major financial challenge due to possible road/bridge repairs. ..." The letter also cited that the logging industry should not be allowed to bypass certain rules and regulations that others have to follow. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, the bill remains in the Senate. The Senate Committee on Transportation's analysis of the bill state that it would: Exempt the width of a vehicle transporting forest products on county roads that are now restricted to 96 inches. Normal height and weight restrictions for certain vehicles would not apply to a vehicle transporting forest products while traveling on a county road. Require vehicles transporting forest products to obtain a $2,000 per mile bond. Casperson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Transportation, stated that he is willing to sit down with detractors and work out a compromise. "I want to fix this issue and I would love to have them at the table. Whether they come or not, I will listen to what they have to say," he said in a phone interview with the Daily News. Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Casperson worked for 27 years in his family's log trucking business, Casperson and Son, including 12 years as its owner and operator. "During discussions, I recused myself and let vice-chair Ken Horn take over," said Casperson, whose district includes the western half of the Upper Peninsula. Opponents of the bill claim that the $2,000 bond per mile would not be enough to repair damages to roads that could run anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 per mile. The cost of repairs would also be the responsibility of county road commissions. The senate analysis of the bill concluded that there would be a minor negative financial impact on the Michigan Department of Transportation. But it also stated that those counties with gravel roads used by the forestry industry would experience an indefinite financial impact. "Depending upon the severity of that erosion, repair costs for counties could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is also likely that the counties would be unable to plan for these additional costs," stated the analysis. To read SB 396, visit: https://bit.ly/2FKXQCp President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty Thursday in New York to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump and his company pursued at the same time he was securing the GOP nomination in 2016. In a nine-page filing, prosecutors laid out a litany of lies that Cohen admitted he told to congressional lawmakers about the Moscow project - an attempt, Cohen said, to minimize links between the proposed development and Trump as his presidential bid was gaining steam. Cohen made a surprise appearance Thursday morning before U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr., who asked him to enter his plea. "Guilty, your honor," Cohen replied. As part of the plea, Cohen said he had lied for the person listed in court documents as "Individual 1" - whom Cohen identified in court as Trump. "I was aware of Individual 1's repeated disavowals of commercial and political ties between himself and Russia, his repeated statements that investigations of such ties were politically motivated and without evidence, and that any contact with Russian nationals by Individual 1's campaign or the Trump Organization had all terminated before the Iowa Caucus, which was on February 1 of 2016," Cohen told the judge. To hew closely to Trump's public denials of such connections, Cohen said he knowingly gave false answers in 2017 to the Senate and House intelligence committees. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with Individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual 1," he told the packed courtroom in Lower Manhattan. Cohen's guilty plea - his second in four months - is the latest development in a wide-ranging investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Activity in that probe has intensified this week, as one planned guilty plea was derailed and, separately, prosecutors accused Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort of lying to them since he pleaded guilty. The Cohen plea is likely to further chill relations between the White House and the Justice Department, where acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker has been serving for several weeks since the president forced Jeff Sessions out of the post of attorney general. Justice Department policies and special counsel regulations call for the attorney general to be notified of significant events in such investigations, and a person familiar with the case said Whitaker was notified ahead of time about Cohen's plea. As part of the plea, Cohen admitted to falsely claiming that efforts to build a Trump-branded tower in Moscow ended in January 2016, when in fact discussions continued through June of that year, the filing said. That was a critical period in the presidential campaign, when Trump was plowing past a crowded GOP field of candidates to win the nomination. Among those Cohen briefed on the project's status was Trump, on more than three occasions, according to the document. Trump has repeatedly said he had no business dealings in Russia, tweeting in July 2016, "For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia," and telling reporters in January 2017 that he had no deals there because he had "stayed away." After the plea, Trump told reporters at the White House that Cohen was "a weak person" and insisted that he himself had done nothing wrong. "Michael Cohen is lying and he's trying to get a reduced sentence for things that have nothing to do with me," the president said. "This was a project that we didn't do, I didn't do. . . . There would be nothing wrong if I did do it." Talking about 2016, Trump added: "There was a good chance that I wouldn't have won, in which case I would have gone back into the business, and why should I lose lots of opportunities?" Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani suggested that Mueller's timing was politically motivated. "It is hardly coincidental that the special counsel once again files a charge just as the president is leaving for a meeting with world leaders at the G20 Summit in Argentina," Giuliani said in a statement, noting that Mueller also unsealed charges before the president left the country for a summit in Helsinki in July. Rep. Adam Schiff, Calif., the House Intelligence Committee's senior Democrat, said the guilty plea shows the president was not truthful about his business interests in Russia during the campaign. "We believe other witnesses were untruthful before our committee," Schiff said. "We want to share those transcripts with Mr. Mueller." In particular, Schiff cited Trump adviser Roger Stone as someone whose answers were "far from truthful." During the campaign, Cohen acted as Trump's point person in talks aimed at building the Trump development in Moscow. Cohen has said the project was in its early stages in fall 2015, as Trump's presidential campaign was heating up. Cohen previously said the project stalled in January 2016, prompting him to email a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking help. Cohen had previously claimed that he never received a response and that the project was halted that month. In fact, according to Thursday's court filing, the Russians did respond, and Cohen discussed the project for 20 minutes on the phone with an assistant to Dmitry Peskov, a senior aide to Putin. At the time, Cohen was seeking help securing land and financing. Peskov did not respond Thursday to a request for comment. Prosecutors seemed to make a point in the document of emphasizing that Cohen had talked with Trump - whom they did not name - about the project. The document said Cohen lied because he hoped his testimony would limit the ongoing Russia investigations. Prosecutors also said that Cohen continued to have contact into summer 2016 with Felix Sater, a Russian-born developer assisting with the project. Some of those contacts were first reported by The Washington Post. In June 2016, Sater invited Cohen to attend an economic conference in St. Petersburg, assuring Cohen that he could be introduced to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, top financial leaders and perhaps Putin, The Post reported.Sater has been cooperating with the special counsel investigation for more than a year, providing emails and other documents, people familiar with probe have said. In an interview with The Post on Thursday, Sater did not contest the details in the court filing and said he was surprised by Cohen's plea, saying he had no prior warning it was coming. According to the criminal information filed by prosecutors, Cohen sent a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee in which he "knowingly and deliberately" made false statements, including that the Moscow project "ended in January 2016 and was not discussed extensively with others in the company"; that Cohen "never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with the Moscow project and 'never considered' asking Individual 1 to travel for the project"; and that Cohen "did not recall any Russian government response or contact about the Moscow Project." Cohen had claimed to the committee that he had discussed the project with Trump only three times and that all discussions ended in January 2016. In fact, according to the court filing, discussions continued well into 2016, and Cohen spoke more than three times with Trump about the project and also briefed members of Trump's family. The document also says Cohen discussed in May 2016 the possibility that he might travel to Russia before the Republican National Convention and that Individual 1 might travel there after the convention. Then, about a month later, he met "Individual 2" - whom people familiar with the case said was Sater - in the lobby of Trump corporate headquarters to tell Sater he would not be traveling to Russia after all, according to the court document. The day of that meeting - June 14, 2016 - is the same day The Washington Post reported that Russian government hackers had stolen data from the Democratic National Committee. Federal sentencing guidelines would call for Cohen to face a prison sentence of six months at the high end and no time in prison at the low end for making false statements, according to his plea agreement. Both sides agreed that they would not ask for a sentence outside that range, provided Cohen continues to cooperate. Outside the courthouse Thursday, Guy Petrillo, an attorney for Cohen, said: "Mr. Cohen has cooperated. Mr. Cohen will continue to cooperate." Petrillo said sentencing in the case is set for Dec. 12. Cohen said nothing as reporters shouted questions at him. In August, Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to payments before the election to two women who alleged that they had affairs with Trump years earlier. He told the court that he had arranged those payments at Trump's direction and that they were intended to keep the women quiet before the presidential vote. He had also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of tax evasion, as well as bank fraud, related to his personal finances and management of New York taxi medallions. Cohen worked as a top attorney to Trump and his real estate company for a decade. After Trump took office, Cohen left the company and became a personal attorney to the president, while taking on consulting clients, including AT&T, Novartis and a New York firm that manages assets for a Russian billionaire. Once one of Trump's most loyal aides, he has made a thorough turn against the president in recent months. Cohen used to describe himself as Trump's pit bull and delighted in jousting with the celebrity business executive's enemies, once asserting that he would "take a bullet" for his longtime boss. But after pleading guilty, he said his conscience required him to tell the truth about Trump. Before the midterm elections, he urged the public to vote for Democrats, writing on Twitter that the midterms "might be the most important vote in our lifetime." In recent months, he has been spending hours meeting with prosecutors, including Mueller's team, and was spotted recently arriving in Washington for additional meetings with his legal team. - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner and Tom Hamburger in Washington, and Anton Troianovski in Moscow contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: During his time as President Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen was involved in business, political and personal matters. Here's a breakdown of the people he dealt with and the investigations he's entangled in.(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Embed code: It had been a few years since Deanie Gauntlett's last mammogram, so when the X-ray showed a few unusual spots, her doctor ordered a follow-up diagnostic scan. The diagnostic test had that same uncomfortable, is-this-over-yet squish, but was different in one discernible way: its price tag. Though Gauntlett's screening mammogram was covered in full by her health-insurance plan, she owed a $65 co-pay for the diagnostic version. The scan's fee wasn't a big deal for the 45-year-old Exton, Pa., mom, who does her best to follow doctor's orders. But when the doctor suggested she come back every six months for diagnostic mammograms to keep an eye on the cysts it showed, she balked. "Do I really need to do this every six months?" she recalled asking. Most insurance plans cover screening mammograms in full. They're among the basic, preventive services that the Affordable Care Act mandated its marketplace plans cover without a co-pay or co-insurance, even if the member's deductible hasn't been met yet. Pennsylvania law requires most other insurance plans to do the same. Diagnostic mammograms, however, are not covered the same way. Patients who have them may owe co-pays at their doctors' offices and receive bills if the scans are subject to their plans' cost-sharing terms and they haven't yet met their plans' deductibles. The nuance is confusing and can result in unexpected bills. "They all say, 'Well, I thought mammograms were free,' " said Pat Halpin-Murphy, president of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, who says confusion about mammogram costs is a common question the patient group receives. "The words screening mammogram and diagnostic mammogram don't have meaning to the average person." Screening mammograms are X-rays of breast tissue recommended for women to have annually beginning in their 40s. Diagnostic mammograms use X-ray imaging to show different angles and are ordered if a doctor notices abnormalities on a routine scan. Most women who go to the doctor for the routine test will have a screening mammogram, but not always. Women who have a history of breast cancer or who have breast implants may receive diagnostic mammograms instead of screening mammograms, said Debra Somers Copit, an independent radiologist and former director of breast imaging at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia. "There's a gray area," Somers Copit said of the standards for ordering a screening or diagnostic mammogram for some patients. Even a patient who knows she is having a diagnostic mammogram may not have realized it would be covered any differently than a routine mammogram. Insurance companies commonly negotiate "allowed rates" for diagnostic mammograms that are lower than the amount the imaging center billed for, but you may be responsible for part of the cost. Insurers often require members to pay a greater share of the cost for diagnostic scans to combat overuse of such tests and steer patients to preventive services whenever possible, said Beth Virnig, a professor and senior associate dean of academic affairs and research at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. "What it probably means is no one has considered the barriers to actually following up on a screening, and that's this push-me-pull-you that happens in health care," she said. "We have overuse, we're going to curtail it, but something curtailing overuse puts barriers in other parts of the process." Some plans have separate deductibles for imaging services, meaning you may still owe money, even if you've hit your plan's overall deductible, she said. Though Gauntlett wasn't too worried about her $65 co-pay this year, she's concerned about how much she'll spend on her diagnostic mammogram next time. The family has insurance through her husband's employer, and next year the plan will require members to pay a greater share of imaging costs. The imaging center billed Gauntlett's insurance $459 for her screening mammogram, which the plan negotiated down to $353 and paid in full. The diagnostic test was more expensive it was billed at $651, and her plan reduced the rate to $471. Gauntlett owed a $65 co-pay for that scan. Her doctor had also ordered a breast ultrasound, for which the imaging center charged $4,468. Gauntlett's insurance negotiated a rate of $248 for the scan and paid it in full. Gauntlett doesn't know exactly how much of that the family's health plan would require her to pay in the future, but she's expecting to owe more than the $65 co-pay. "I'm really frustrated, yet as a consumer I don't have a lot of options," she said. Though her doctor urged her to have the scan every six months, Gauntlett plans to go just once a year. It's the most she's able to stretch the carefully planned budget she maintains for her family and is also concerned about over-testing. Some doctors worry that costs associated with breast cancer tests are becoming an issue for a growing number of women. In 2014, Pennsylvania enacted a law that requires doctors to notify women if their routine mammograms show dense breast tissue, which appears white on mammograms and can obscure abnormalities. Some women with dense breasts may benefit from breast MRIs or ultrasounds, which use magnets and sound waves to capture images that show greater detail. But like diagnostic mammograms, these tests are typically subject to a health plan's cost-sharing terms. "That's one of the problems with passing these density laws," said Somers Copit. "Imagine you get this information, and you literally can't pay your insurance won't cover it and you can't afford it." State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, a Philadelphia Democrat, proposed legislation during the last session that would require insurance companies to cover breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs for women with dense breasts. The bill didn't make it out of committee, but she plans to reintroduce the measure next year because, she said, she worries that women who can't afford the follow-up tests will skip them, possibly delaying care for a cancer that has a high survival rate when detected early. In the meantime, it's important for women to try to understand and plan for costs associated with breast cancer screening, Halpin-Murphy said. That's Gauntlett's plan. Next year, the family's premium is going up, though the deductible will go down, and it's unclear how big a deal the new cost-sharing for imaging services will be. "We've been blessed to be able to absorb some of these higher costs," she said. But eventually, you have to make trade-offs. She plans to budget less for family vacations and summer camp, instead padding out their emergency fund for any unexpected health costs that may arise. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Yoga Place in downtown Midland. Free classes are scheduled: Slow Flow Class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Meditation Class, 1 to 2 p.m. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter John Kennett. Tuesday, Dec. 27 7:30 a.m. -- A deputy performed a preliminary breath test at the Law Enforcement Center. 7:50 a.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a Lee Township residence to speak with a 38-year-old male, who stated that his 32-year-old wife was suicidal. He stated that she was making suicidal statements yesterday and found her this morning sleeping with a knife. The 32-year-old female was taken to ER for a mental health evaluation. 3:10 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Sanford business in reference to a male that had been at the business for several hours and a report that another male was in the parking lot waiting for the other male to leave so they could fight. It was reported prior to deputy arrival that the male who had been at the business for several hours left. 4:56 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to Meridian High School in reference to a 14-year-old male from Edenville Township that was in possession of marijuana. A report of the incident was turned over to the Midland County Prosecutor's Office. 7:57 p.m. -- A liquor inspection was conducted in the 2700 block of Waldo Avenue. 8:56 p.m. -- A 22-year-old Homer Township female reported she was the victim of an online scam. The female is out about $350 dollars. 8:28 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to Warren Township in reference to a 37-year-old Warren Township female reporting that her 39-year-old live-in boyfriend took their mutual car and did not bring it back. The deputy explained possible avenues to getting her vehicle back. 11:10 p.m. -- Officers conducted a liquor inspection in the 2000 block of South Saginaw Road. John Chau, you were wrong. It would have been wise never to have set foot on the island. You had no business being there. You didnt speak the language, the tribe wouldnt have known what you were saying, and you endangered all their lives by going. If there is a smoking gun at the base of this Trump-Russia mess, it likely lies in or around the Podesta e-mails. Hours after the incredibly damaging Access Hollywood tape came out in October 2016, Wikileaks began dumping e-mails from Hillary Clintons campaign manager every day through the end of the election. A few weeks before this, longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone tweeted Wednesday Hillary Clinton is done #Wikileaks. Now, one of Roger Stones key allies is saying that he: 1. Lied to congress. 2. Will die in prison. 3. Knew that Podestas e-mails were coming out beforehand. Jerome Corsi is a conspiracy theorist who helped advance the racist birther nonsense around Barack Obamas birth certificate. He is not a credible source, so dont take what hes saying at complete face value. However, what hes saying seems to be an admission of guilt. He lied to congress, and knew, somehow without Wikileaks help (despite the fact that Robert Mueller has documents showing that Roger Stone pushed Corsi to get information from Wikileaks) that John Podesta would be the topic of the newest Wikileaks e-mail dump. This interview is stunning in both its brazenness and its endless contradictions. "The first day, the statement I gave was wrong" "I forgot the email they were referring to" Roger Stone associate Jerome Corsi on Mueller testimony: pic.twitter.com/SPkEoUMvjl TheBeat w/Ari Melber (@TheBeatWithAri) November 28, 2018 "I told Roger Stone" that "I thought it was Podesta's emails" Roger Stone associate says he could be who Stone believed was his intermediary with Assange: pic.twitter.com/2IxGZIIdT1 TheBeat w/Ari Melber (@TheBeatWithAri) November 28, 2018 "My attorneys and President Trump's attorneys are communicating as if" there is a joint defense agreement but "there's nothing in writing" Roger Stone associate Jerome Corsi pic.twitter.com/tGDMvgH1kM TheBeat w/Ari Melber (@TheBeatWithAri) November 28, 2018 Its hard to make heads or tails of this bizarre interview. Corsi has advanced an incredibly implausible theorythat he anticipated Podestas time in the barrel on his own without any other helpand even if that was the case, it doesnt make a whole lot of sense to try to advance this theory in the public light (other than to push a talking point to the group of people who will literally believe anything in slavish devotion to Dear Leader Trump). The thing to keep in mind while trying to follow the logic inherent in this massive conspiracy is that this conspiracy is driven by wholly illogical people. Jerome Corsi is not a savvy man, and neither is Roger Stone, let alone the president they both work for. Sometimes abject stupidity is the simplest explanation for inexplicable events. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. In September, 25-year-old Shane Colombo was shot and killed at a bus stop in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Colombo was slated to start doctorate studies in psychology at Northwestern when he was caught in the crossfire of two men shooting at each other, according to police. Colombo had just moved to Chicago and was killed a few weeks before classes started. Holy crap. Leftist Paste politics is about to earnestly compliment a bunch of Republicans on a vote pertaining to war. Whatwhathappened? What universe did I teleport into? Where are we? What is this? *Has a nervous breakdown* Ok, so, heres what happened: nothing. But its an important kind of nothing that could actually lead to something. Less than nothing is what was supposed to happen. Its what always happens. War is profitable in America, especially for the party who got us in two quagmires this century, including the longest war in American history (no, not the Iraq War, the other one thats still killing young Americans to this very day). Theres another war going on in Yemen. Has been for some time. Barack Obama is very much a part of this ongoing crime against the Yemeni people, and Trump has escalated the effort. In the last three years alone, over 85,000 children have died from starvation because we are blocking food and supplies from reaching the impoverished and war-torn nation. Earlier this year, we here at Paste did what few others in the media have done and published the gruesome images of dismembered and disfigured children after a U.S.-made bomb fired by Saudi Arabia exploded a Yemeni school bus, because we believe that censoring these harrowing images helps to whitewash American crimes. That said, we are far from the only ones changing our usual coverage in order to fit this very familiar and tragic American story. CNN took the extraordinary step of listing the government contractors who made the bombs, like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. We here at Pasteand myself especiallycritique the mainstream media a lot, but this is what real leadership in journalism looks like. CNN also showed a graphic with facts about climate change next to Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she lied about climate change the other day. The media atmosphere is changing for the better on some very serious subjects, and I think that fact is reflected in this absolutely stunning NEARLY VETO-PROOF vote to end U.S. support for the war in Yemen (its just a vote to move it to a full floor vote, and to get the bill enacted, it would have to pass in the House, so there is still a long ways to go in order to make this vote more tangible and less symbolic). Here are the Republicans who should be commended for their leadership on this vote and this vote only: Lamar Alexander (TN), Susan Collins (ME), Bob Corker (TN), Steve Daines (MT), Jeff Flake (AZ), Lindsey Graham (SC), Mike Lee (UT), Jerry Moran (KS), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rand Paul (KY), Rob Portman (OH), Pat Toomey (PA), Todd Young (IA) And here are the 37 ghouls who prefer to continue starving women and children all so their defense contractor donors dont take a slight hit to their billion-dollar profits (noted civility liker Ben Sasse voted to keep the slaughter of women and children going). Now, Im not so naive as to think that these 13 Republicans voted for Bernie Sanders bill because they turned into bleeding heart internationalists overnight. This isnt really about Yemen. This is about leverage and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Graham told me that he would work to substitute his own legislation for the War Powers resolution on the floor (he supports curtailing military assistance to KSA but not using the War Powers Resolution to do so). Katie Bo Williams (@KatieBoWill) November 28, 2018 Then here's Corker on the floor: If the Trump administration does not move to hold KSA to account for Khashoggi's murder then there will be another point in time where we can decide whether we like the substance that may be created in an amendment process going through this. Katie Bo Williams (@KatieBoWill) November 28, 2018 Corker told me he asked Mattis and Pompeo to share with us what they'd like to see us do, but they could not. That has pushed him toward supporting (at least the contours of) the Yemen resolution. Andrew Desiderio (@desiderioDC) November 28, 2018 More Corker: The Goldilocks solution is, absolutely, the administration forcing Saudi Arabia to take ownership over what has happened with the journalist, and putting in place appropriate policies relative to what they're doing as it relates to innocent civilians. Andrew Desiderio (@desiderioDC) November 28, 2018 Remember, congress is supposed to determine when America can and cannot go to war, not the monarchI mean, president. The 2001 Authorization of Military Forces enacted a few days after 9/11 has been used by George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump to conduct forever wars with complete impunity. Congress could stop this whenever they wanted to by taking back the power they already have, but they haventyet. Thats the implicit threat within this vote. Its a rebuke of both Trump and Mohammed Bin Salman for violating the international laws and norms that American foreign policy hawks apply to everyone but us. Trump is clearly not going to punish the Saudis for Jamal Khashoggis murder, and the hawks in the Senate will not stand for that. An act like that truly does deserve punishment. These are the rules. We have found ourselves in an extremely bizarre instance where some of the people most likely to want to go to war (like Lindsey Graham, who never met a war he didnt endorse) are momentarily some of our allies at stopping a specific war. The atrocity perpetrated by Saudi Arabia upon Jamal Khashoggi was a violation of all that civilized humanity holds dear, but it also defied the post-World War II order that defines this last generation of politicians worldviews. If this feels like a liberal vote by these Republicans, thats because it is. The United States of America is a project of liberalism. Taken to a historical and international scale, even American Republicans are liberal (not the outright fascists, just the authoritarian-leaning types). Remember: the United States of America is a liberal democracy*. *theoreticallyin practice, were more like a corporatocracy built on the foundation of state-sanctioned genocide and slavery. Members of the Republican Party voted to begin to remove U.S. support for Saudi-led war crimes in Yemen because Saudi Arabia brutally murdered a journalist who is an American resident with three citizen children. I know that we live in hellworld and everything is terrible and its mostly the Republican Partys fault, but this is a fleeting instance where our founding principles could be more than just bluster or words on a page. Nowits not something yetits still nothing, and given the GOPs track record on war, nothing is the overwhelming favorite here. But the pure fact that something has emerged on the scale of possible to help these poor Yemenis being slaughtered by the American-made, Saudi-led war machine is an unequivocal good thing. That leftists like us at Paste politics find ourselves alignedeven if only for the briefest of momentswith people who have spent an entire career preaching perpetual warfareover their anti-war stanceis perhaps a bit of proof that there is hope for our liberal democracy after all. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. Today the law firm of Hagens Berman made it public that they filed a lawsuit against Apple on November 18th in Northern California. The lawsuit claims that there's a defect with Apple's iMac and MacBook Retina displays and Apple is refusing to take responsibility. The law firm's news site claims that "Mac owners today hit Apple Inc. with a nationwide class-action lawsuit calling out the tech giant for knowingly selling iMacs and MacBook computers with a filter defect that leads to slowing of the motherboards processing speed, and permanent screen smudges due to trapped dust. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Jose, and states that Apple failed to install filters for the computers vents, leading to expensive repairs and irate customers who paid premium prices for Apples products. Steve Berman, managing partner and co-founder of Hagens Berman: "Apple is the most valuable company in the world today because consumers trust it to make reliable, quality products, yet it has failed to remedy one of the most simple and well-known problems in the technology community the accumulation of dust. This filter defect is costing Apple owners hundreds of dollars in repairs, and Apple refuses to take responsibility. We intend to hold Apple accountable for this costly defect affecting millions of its computers." The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for Mac owners, including compensation for the premium prices paid for screens which did not perform as advertised by Apple, compensation for out-of-pocket repair costs to replace the motherboard and/or screen, and compensation for those who sold their affected computers at a loss due to the dark smudgy spots on their screens or sluggish performance. The lawsuit states that the computers lack of fan filters are responsible for both loss of processor speed and dust and smudging under the screen, and that Apples remedies leave customers responsible: If brought in for repair outside the warranty period (or if Apple refused to honor the warranty), Apple told customers that they must pay upwards of $600 to replace the entire screen. In reality, there is a simple and cheap fix for many of the computers: the screen can be removed by a suction cup, and then cleaned with a soft rag. Despite the existence of this inexpensive fix, Apple continues to charge non-warranty customers $600 to replace the entire screen. A Photo of the display defect on a MacBook above is from Hagens Berman. The photo below is an iMac display with the same problem. (Click on image to Enlarge) Regarding the filter defects effect on the computers motherboards, dust accumulates, causing it to overheat, leading to slow processing speeds and ultimately causes it to crash, the suit states. The suits named plaintiffs include a photographer who used the affected Apple computer for business purposes, paying upwards of $2,700 for her Retina display screen, only to be plagued by Apples filter defect that caused dark smudges to appear after only nine months. According to the lawsuit, the smudges greatly interfered with her work, and the results were noticed by her clients. After a fruitless call to Apple Support, she learned of the widespread issue from a Google search. Apple customer support representatives repeatedly denied knowledge of the problem, according to the complaint. The person who was to perform the fix acknowledged that he has seen this problem before. The suit also names another plaintiff who used his Apple Retina display iMac for business purposes, and was forced to pay $600 for a screen replacement after owning the computer for about five months. A third plaintiff named in the suit owned an iMac 27 and began to notice dark smudges in the corner of the screen soon after purchasing the computer. After having the screen replaced under warranty, the smudges reappeared. He replaced the screen two more times out of warranty, paying approximately $450-$650 each for the last two replacements. In 2017, he also had to have his motherboard replaced because of the dust that was sucked into the machine by Apples fans, causing his computer to slow down and overheat. He paid approximately $900 to replace his motherboard. Lastly Berman states that "Apples own message boards are full of reports of these widespread problems caused by the filter defect. The dust has settled, and its time for Apple to stop ignoring this expensive issue plaguing its own customers." If you're experiencing the problems laid out in the law firm's lawsuit, you could sign up to be a part of the class action here. Update 11/29/2018 1:35 PM: The three plaintiffs that the law firm refers to in their story without naming them may be the Plaintiffs listed below. This news from a court service came to light today. The class action was filed in Northern California yesterday. It's being reported today that Google's super-simple and cheap cellphone service Google Fi will now work with a broader selection of devices, including iPhones from arch-rival Apple. CNBC is reporting that "Google Fi (formerly known as Project Fi) is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means that instead of just using one of the "big four" carriers, it automatically jumps between several cellular networks depending on which has better service. Fi hops between Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, and also favors Wi-Fi whenever possible, including for calls and texts. The main appeal of Google Fi is a simple pricing scheme that, depending on a person's usage habits, can end up being cheaper than any of the bigger carriers. It costs $20 for unlimited calling and texting, and $10 per gigabyte of data. Users get money back for whatever data they don't use, and data usage over 6 GB is free (though Google will throttle speeds after users hit 15 GB). It also has no roaming fees in more than 170 locations. But despite the simplicity and appealing pricing, Google Fi wasn't very useful because it only worked with a very small number of phones, namely from Motorola and Google's own Pixel line. That changes Wednesday, with a few caveats. Starting Wednesday, Google Fi will work with iPhones running iOS 11, as well as many new Samsung, LG, Moto and OnePlus phones running Android 7.0 or higher." The CNBC report further noted that "iPhone use, however, is still in 'beta,' which means users should be prepared for bugs, and won't be able to use certain features like visual voicemail and international tethering. iPhones also won't be able to make calls and texts over Wi-Fi." Ive just learned that David Loys monumental study Nonduality will be released in a second edition next year. Itll be issued by Wisdom Publications, which devotes its entire list to the propagation of Buddhist insight in the English language. Im very excited. His Nonduality has been very important to me as Ive tried to understand the way of the wise heart that I entered into some fifty years ago. Like most people who stumble into a spiritual path, it is a stumble. We seem to find our spiritual paths more by way of bait and switch than through any actual rational decision making process. So, for me, I though I was looking for something grounding to my life. Well, I found it. But, as they say Zen is not what you think. And indeed very little I thought about Zen and spirituality at the beginning continues to inform my walking this path. At some point we do need to sort things out. As the Zen teacher Dainin Katagiri points out at some point you have to say something. And David Loy provides those necessary words in his book Nonduality. I consider David Loy one of my principal teachers, and a trustworthy guide for all of us seeking a heartful wisdom in this world of hurt and longing. And this book is one of the reasons why. The heart of the authentic path as I understand it turns on that word nondual. Of course, like most important words nonduality has a multitude of definitions. I find Nondual points to a place where our ordinary experience of a divided world is challenged by an assertion of some grand reconciliation. All nondual teachings are based in an experience, where actually even a word like experience is challenged. It is something like a black hole, where we just cant see it straight on. But, theres so much around it that we can discern what we need to. Ive found David Loy uniquely placed to do explore what that word nonduality means for spiritual seekers. On the one hand he is an academic. Actually the origins of the book trace back to his doctoral dissertation. And if I have any criticism of the book is that the traces of that original thesis survive in less lyrical language than we find in his more recent writings. But, he is also a Zen teacher, a dharma successor to the renowned Japanese lay master of the koan way Koun Yamada. So, he brings a near unique set of skills and experiences to the conversation. As sort of a bottom line I believe anyone who wishes to understand what Zen is about should read this book. I believe anyone who wishes to understand the thread that runs through all mystical traditions should read this book. Loy sets the stage by citing Plotinuss Sixth Ennead, There were not two; beholder was one with beheld; it was not a vision compassed but a unity apprehended. His assertion is that this nonduality is a thread running through religion and philosophy seeing in the West, seen in the writings of Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Meister Eckhart, Jakob Boehme, William Blake, Baruch Spinoza, Georg Hegel, Fredrich Nietzsche, and Alfred Whitehead. To simply begin a list. But it is in the East that the promise of nondual wisdom is most deeply plumbed, especially within Vedantic Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism. And this study is rooted in comparing nondual wisdom within those traditions, and while he doesnt explicitly say so, comparing it to his own experiences on the Zen path. While most studies of the various traditions emphasize their numerous differences, Loy, while sympathetic to the necessity of seeing those differences, in this study was more interested in their similarities. One thing I particularly appreciate about this book is that while it is theoretical, it never forgets the primacy of the nondual encounter itself. And as Loy explores the words we have to approach it, he is always inviting us into our own intimate encounter. Loy points out how while the experience of nonduality cannot be expressed accurately from the dualistic perspective, the dualistic experience can be expressed from the nondual perspective. Here his long walk into the mysteries of the Zen way prove particularly useful. In this study he sought the commonalities, a core doctrine that informs all these different traditions that advocate a nondual reality. And he found something. Riffing off the Buddhist Philosopher Asanga, Loy suggests the nondual is predicated upon three things. First, there is the direct intuition of reality (nonduality) by those who have awakened to it; second, the report that Buddhas (or other enlightened people) give of their experience in speech or writing; and third, the experience (of nonduality) that occurs in deep meditative samadhi, when the concentrated see things as they really are. Loys book has two broad sections. The first explores Buddhism, Vedanta, and Daoism, and attempts to extract that core doctrine. As I said, I believe he succeeds. Or, succeeds as well as anyone can with this elusive thing that is our beginning and end, that is neither exactly a thing, nor precisely not. Loy speaks of the sense of nonduality that emerges from this examination a nonduality of duality and nonduality. Which I find the universal solvent. At the heart of all this is his core doctrine. Loy identifies three characteristics shared by Vedanta, Buddhism, and Daoism in their approach to nonduality.(T)hinking that does not employ dualistic concepts, the nonplurality of phenomena in the world, and the nondifference of subject and object. These observations include a call to free ourselves from the constraints of dualistic thinking, and, critically, the promise that we can. He does not explore the possible mechanisms that allow this. Which is fine, thats someone elses project. But he does explore what it looks like as it emerges within the mystical traditions of the East, coupled with enough references to Western insights to be useful for those who would apply it to the Abrahamic religions. Loys core doctrine challenges any sense that there is an escape from the world to some realm somewhere else. With that it rejects assertions we need to turn from the world in our spiritual quest. And third it doesnt reject dualistic thinking, such as reasoning, but rather transforms it. These three things, while they close some possible doors, it opens ones that I think are the most fruitful. Actually, my breath was taken away as I read his description. He spoke what my heart has seen as a this-worldly spirituality, one that does not deny the evidences of our senses, but corrects the errors of our causal cognitive dualism. For me his pointing is near the heart of the Zen experience, the fruit of that path of first encountering the nondual in its most gross sense as the obliteration of our sense of separation. But, and this is critical, not resting there. From that encounter the journey gets dangerous. Because the closer our words approach accurately describing the fundamental matter, the easier it becomes for us to think they are the last word. And with that what was so alive quickly become dead words. But, if we take them as dynamic and pointing, a very good inference of the black hole that swallows all words, then things happen. And, Loy never lets it rest. He is nimble, and creative, and curious. So, in the second part. Here he takes that core doctrine he has discerned, and reexamines the source traditions and their differences. This is in some ways where the rubber hits the road. By attempting to examine the major nondual traditions through this higher perspective he provides a critique of each of these traditions that no doubt invite pushback from partisans of individual schools. And, I think those who stand more exclusively within those traditions in those very pushbacks also help any of us who see this as more than an intellectual exercise, but rather the very substance of our hearts, push us ever deeper. Ive long been interested in whether there is a naturalistic perennialism that is some current at the heart of the religious impulse that is common to our humanity. If there is such a thing, I believe it is going to be found within the mystical traditions of the worlds faiths. And, in Nonduality, I believe David Loy successfully sorts wheat and chaff and describes the truth at the heart of the different traditions. What is particularly interesting for me in his book is how it provides a theoretical structure for a contemporary, perhaps even a modernist Zen Buddhism. In his quest for the universal underpinning of the core teaching of the mystical traditions, Loy ends up offering what I find to be a foundational document for our new world Zen. That is a Zen respectful of the received tradition, but also a Zen critically examined in the light of the many ways that nondual insight is encountered. Actually, I think people who stand in other traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can equally profit from David Loys Nonduality, offering pointers on how to critically engage their own mystical traditions through the lends of his core doctrine. He explores what that might look like at greater depth in later books, particularly A New Buddhist Path. But the questions to address are pretty much all laid out here. Whatever its value for other traditions, David Loys Nonduality is a foundational study for Zen in the West. It helps us to understand what lays behind our practices of Zen meditation, both shikantaza, the way of practice/enlightenment, and koan introspection, the use of stories to open our hearts into the intimacy of our lives. If we want to see what we are about there isnt much better way of doing it than here. So, Im very excited that there will be a second edition. When it comes out next year, I hope you buy it. More. I hope you read it. I will Back when he was promoting Rocky Balboa in 2006, Sylvester Stallone spoke to faith-based media about the final sequel in the Rocky series. I participated in a conference call where he shared about his Christian faith and some thoughts about being connected to a church. Ive referenced the interview a few times before and on the heels of his supporting role in Creed II, I wanted to share them again here: Without the church, its like having a boat without a rudder. All my life Ive been involved with exercise. I know a lot about the body, but you need help. You need a trainer. You need to go to a gym and have the guidance, the expertise. I feel the same way about Christianity, about church in general. Minsters, pastors, they are the trainers that take you places you think you cant go but they guide you into it A lot of people say I can do that on my own but its not quite the same. I found that out the hard way. Theyre just trying to justify their laziness. The more I go to church and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus, I feel the process (is working). You put in the time, you will reap the benefits. Later in the conversation, Stallone mentioned work on the upcoming Rambo movie, which would take place in Myanmar (Burma): I was looking for subject matter that would take everyone on a spiritual journey and what God means to people in other parts of the world. In Burma, this small tribal group of Christians that are undergoing hardship at the hands of the Burmese. For 60 years, theyre going through systematic genocide. But these grouips from the USA, on their own time and money, make this journey into heavily mined area to bring the Bible, the Word, bring a sense that theres going to be a light at the end of the tunnel, to these people living in the jungle. Children are enslaved, houses are being burned to the ground. Nobody cares but these missionaries. So if a group of missionaries go in there and are captured, then Rambo goes in after them. Rambo also becomes a crusader. (So youre saying Rambo is a Christian crusader??) He is!! Hes a Christian warrior, can you believe it? Hes bitter, but when he meets these people and looks into their eyes, hes swept up in it. You can tell a geo-political story and a religious story of how Christianity is being persecuted, its true you can look it up right now. Sylvester Stallone can be seen again in Creed II, starring Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, releasing next week from MGM/Warner Brothers. Below, he speaks briefly about the lessons learned from the Rocky Balboa character. HideIPVPN is a very easy-to-use service and the speeds are fine, but it lacks a variety of server and country choices, and the amount of simultaneous connections is lower than most services. HideIPVPN in brief: P2P allowed: Yes, on select servers Yes, on select servers Business location: USA and Moldova USA and Moldova Number of servers: 29 29 Number of country locations: 11 11 Cost: $70 (billed annually) $70 (billed annually) VPN protocol: OpenVPN OpenVPN Data encryption: AES-256 AES-256 Data authentication: SHA 256 SHA 256 Handshake encryption: RSA 2048 Editors Note: This review was updated on November 7, 2018 to reflect changes to the HideIPVPN desktop app for Windows, improved speed scores, and a change to the review score. Picking a VPN is a tricky business since you dont really know what youre going to get until you buy. Thats why some services offer free trials. HideIPVPN is one such company that offers a 24-hour free trial with full access to its entire service. After taking a second look at HideIPVPN, what I found was a much improved VPN service that has better speeds and a brand-new look. Note: This review is part of our best VPNs roundup. Go there for details about competing products and how we tested them. Features and services HideIPVPN is still a fairly basic service. You wont find much in the way of extra features. It has DNS leak protection, which is turned off by default, and theres also an Application Killer that tells the VPN to stop specific desktop programs if your VPN connection drops. Other VPN services kill the PCs entire internet connection when the VPN drops, but killing specific programs may be more useful to some. IDG HideIPVPN with an active connection. The new VPN desktop program is reminiscent of ExpressVPN. To get online just click the big Connect button in the center of the interface. If you want to specify the country youd like to connect to, click the Choose Location button to get a list of all country locations sorted by speed. Theres also a Favorites section if youd like to save specific locations. If speed is your focus, then instead of specifying the location you can use HideIPVPNs Smart Location feature, which connects to the fastest server for you at the time. By default, HideIPVPN starts with an SSTP connection, which is fine, but most users should opt for OpenVPN instead. You can change the default protocol by going to Settings > Connection Settings > VPN Protocol. Compared to other services, HideIPVPN doesnt offer a lot of choice for connections but its still serviceable and is improved over its previous listing. There are now 29 servers in 11 countries. Thats not a lot, but if you need a VPN in the United States or Europe itll get the job done. HideIPVPN has only one server in Asia, which is in Singapore. IDG HideIPVPNs country list. As for pricing, HideIPVPN uses a very unusual pricing scheme compared to its competitors. For a $70 annual fee you can get the usual VPN service with access to all of HideIPVPNs servers. Otherwise, you can pay $40 per year to get access to one specific country such as the U.S., Germany, or Poland. Theres also a BitTorrent-only service where you can use eight different VPN servers for file-sharing. Theres also a Smart DNS-only service for $38.95. HideIPVPN allows you to use its service on up to three devices simultaneously on the same account, which is lower than the norm of five. There are apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Performance This is where HideIPVPN fell apart last time but is much better now. Overall, HideIPVPN speeds were just 31 percent of the base speed, on average. Thats not outstanding, but much better than the basement dwelling 16 percent we saw last time. For most people, these speeds should be good enough, with strikingly good speeds in Germany and the UK. Privacy, anonymity, and trust HideIPVPN has a no-logs policy like many of its competitors, but doesnt spell out this information in its privacy policy, which focuses mainly on its website. The companys terms of service, however, says it does not store store IP addresses, browsing history, traffic destination, or DNS queries. Its not clear if the company stores other information such as the amount of bandwidth used. IDG HideIPVPNs settings. Wheres HideIPVPN? The company now lists the team behind HideIPVPN on its site, which is another marked improvement over last time. HideIPVPNs CEO is Moldova-based Adrian Crismaru. Technically, however, the company is based in the United States. HideIPVPN does not advertise its business location on its website, but when I asked a company representative for this information, I was given a company address of registration: 1201 N Orange St. Suite 700 Wilmington, Delaware. As for its policies, the company does have statements in its terms of service that some users may not like. At the time of this review, the terms of service said, HideIPVPN will not, in normal practice, monitor the communications of its clients to ensure that they comply with HideIPVPN policy or applicable law. When HideIPVPN becomes aware of harmful activities, however, it may take any action to stop the harmful activity. Presumably, this language is to prevent spammers from abusing their system. As for payments, HideIPVPN takes credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin. That allows for varying degrees of anonymity and is pretty standard in the VPN world. Once youre done paying for your account, HideIPVPN emails you a set of login details for the VPN that includes a randomized username and password. You also create a different set of credentials to log in to the website using your email address and a password. Its a little confusing to have two sets of login details, but a few other VPNs do this as well. Conclusion Overall, HideIPVPN has moved from wouldnt recommend to recommendable. The price is about the same as most VPNs, though a shorter list of servers and country locations may turn off some users. It also doesnt allow for five simultaneous connections, which is the norm. You can definitely find faster VPNs, but the price is fine and the desktop app is much improved. The privacy policy could be a little more detailed (and listed on the privacy policy page instead of the terms of service page), but it seems to make the right guarantees about not logging your data. Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article. Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers. On Monday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiros office added its voice to a lawsuit challenging the legality of the President Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Justice, arguing that its thrown the law enforcement agencys legitimacy into doubt. On Wednesday, in a clever bit of data mining, the Montgomery County Democrats campaign wing blasted out an email to supporters, asking them to sign a petition to stand with me and Attorneys General from around the country in the fight to uphold the rule of law. The petition solicitation sent out by the campaign of Attorney General Josh Shapiro (screen cap) Shapiros office joined with colleagues in in 15 states, including New York and Illinois, filing a friend of the court brief challenging Trumps appointment of Matthew Whitaker to replace former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The state of Marylands attorney general filed the lawsuit, which says Trump overstepped his authority by appointing Whitaker without Senate confirmation. The suit seeks a court order barring Whitaker from exercising his new authority, Bloomberg News reported. In the email, Shapiro said Trumps appointment ignores vacancy succession statutes, and it violates Congress' controlling statutory designation of the Deputy Attorney General as the Acting Attorney General, Shapiro said. In a later email to supporters, he added that his office frequently cooperates with the federal law enforcement office and and our system of justice simply does not work if decisions are made by an illegitimate United States Attorney General. In their court filing, the attorneys general charged that Whitaker would have control over issues fundamentally affecting the states citizens, including the future of the Affordable Care Act and the treatment of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children. And those decisions will now be subject to challenges based on Whitakers appointment, Bloomberg reported. The court action, filed Monday, came about a week after U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., expressed similar concerns about Whitakers appointment. Speaking to PennLive, Toomey said he believes there is a legal question about Whitakers appointment and he believes Whitaker could not win confirmation from the full Senate. I think the big question, as best as I can determine it, is whether the succession requirements give the president the flexibility to sidestep the generally contemplated succession rules for an acting attorney general, Toomey told PennLive. The second one, I think, is whether an acting attorney general requires Senate confirmation. So those are technical legal questions that I dont have the answer to." The rest of the days news starts now. Cumberland County Commissioner Jim Hertzler, a Democrat, wont seek re-election in 2019, PennLives Travis Kellar reports. Gov. Tom Wolf says he wants to find a way to reduce Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls, WITF-FM reports. Now that would be a Christmas miracle. A bunch of environmental groups have filed a petition seeking to cut carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade system, StateImpact Pennsylvania reports. The state is moving to address a shortage of volunteer firefighters with a new tax credit, The Inquirer reports. Another coalition of environmental groups, including PennFuture, is calling on the Wolf administration to step up its efforts in the Delaware River Basin by [creating] a new vision, [prioritizing] resources to encourage further watershed-wide planning for the Delaware River Basin," and to attend a summit in 2019 with all four governors. A state lawmaker from Philly is about to get sentenced for bribery, and its not clear if (or when) shell give up her seat, BillyPenn reports. Heres your #Pittsburgh Instagram of the Day: Former Attorney General Kathleen Kane is expected at the Montgomery County jail any minute now, WHYY-FM reports. The Morning Calls Bill White says the dynamic Bob Casey would energize the 2020 presidential campaign. Were just gonna assume hes being sarcastic. In a tense meeting, Nancy Pelosi shut down her critics, Politico reports. Even so, a fight over the speakership remains now that House Dems have picked their other top leaders, Roll Call notes. Heavy Rotation. Heres an old fave from Travis to get your Thursday morning going. And now youre up to date. A Texas mother is calling out a Southwest Airlines employee who she said mocked her 5-year-old daughters name and posted a picture of the childs boarding pass on social media. Traci Redford told ABC affiliate KABC her daughter's name is Abcde, pronounced "ab-si-dee." The incident occurred several weeks ago when she and her daughter were preparing to board a flight from Santa Ana, California, to El Paso, Redford told the station. A gate agent at John Wayne Airport saw Abcde's name and started pointing, laughing and talking to other employees about Redford and her child. So I turned around and just said, Hey, I can hear you, so if I can hear you, my daughter can, too. Id appreciate if youd just stop, she told the station. She added: "While I was sitting there, she took a picture of my boarding pass and chose to post it on social media, mocking my daughter. It was actually brought to my attention by somebody who had seen it on Facebook and reported it to Southwest Airlines. And after two weeks of doing a formal complaint, Southwest hadn't done anything." Redford could not immediately be found for comment Thursday. Southwest Airlines has since apologized, saying that the social media post is "not indicative of the care, respect, and civility" it requires of employees. "We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our Customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online," a spokesman for the airline said in a statement. "The post is not indicative of the care, respect, and civility we expect from all of our Employees. We have followed up with the Employee involved, and while we do not disclose personnel actions publicly, we are using this as an opportunity to reinforce our policies and emphasize our expectations for all Employees." Although Abcde is an unusual name, it's not unheard of. In 2014, Vocativ reported that over the past three decades, 328 baby girls have been given that name, 32 of whom were born in 2009. But when the name is entered into the Social Security Administration's database of popular baby names, it states that "Abcde is not in the top 1000 names for any year of birth beginning with 2000." (c) 2018, The Washington Post Lindsey Bever NEW YORK (AP) Michael Cohen, President Donald Trumps former lawyer, has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate deal in Russia. Cohen made a surprise appearance Thursday in a New York courtroom at around 9 a.m. He admitted to making false statements in 2017 to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud and his campaign work for Trump. The court appearance is ongoing. One of the prosecutors working with Special Counsel Robert Mueller was present in the courtroom. Cohens lawyer told the judge the plea deal involved cooperation with Muellers investigation of Russian interference in the U.S. election. The psychology professor pulled open the heavy oak doors of Horace Mann Hall, which boasts 16-foot ceilings and varnished wood floors, and headed to her fourth-floor office. Filing in behind her were students preparing for a 1:30 p.m. lab meeting on Wednesday. As they entered her workspace, they passed a mezuzah, a small box containing Hebrew religious texts, affixed to her doorpost. But the sight that met them next made the professor and her students stop in their tracks. Anti-Semitic graffiti had been spray-painted on the office walls of Elizabeth Midlarsky, a clinical psychologist and Holocaust scholar at Columbias Teachers College on the Upper West Side of New York. The vandalism included swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur, Yid, painted in bright red on the white walls of her office foyer. The outer door had been closed but not locked, one student said. "I was shocked. I couldn't believe it," she said in an interview with The Washington Post. "I'm usually not a fearful person, but they got me. I'm afraid." Swastikas spray-painted on a Jewish professors office at Columbia https://t.co/HXd8Bqaba9 The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 29, 2018 Midlarsky notified security, and she said the New York Police Department was investigating the incident. The professor said she had "no idea who was behind it." The episode comes amid mounting concerns about anti-Semitism, rebooted for the 21st century as memory of the Holocaust begins to fade. In February, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the number of anti-Semitic incidents was nearly 60 percent higher in 2017 than in 2016, marking the largest single-year increase on record and the second-highest number reported since the organization began collecting incident data. Meanwhile, many Americans lack basic knowledge about the Holocaust, such as the name of a single concentration camp, according to a survey released in April. The problem is not limited to the sort of symbolism that marred the professors office walls. Its been just over a month since 11 congregants were massacred in a Pittsburgh synagogue, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the nations history. Nor is prejudice limited to the United States. One in three Europeans believe that Jews use the Holocaust to "advance their own positions or goals," according to a CNN poll released this week. Documenting the true legacy of the Holocaust in Jewish life has been a focus of Midlarsky's academic work. She has applied clinical psychology to the meaning of rescue during the 20th-century genocide of European Jews and the response by survivors and their descendants. In a 2005 article, "Personality Correlates of Heroic Rescue During the Holocaust," she asked whether certain personality traits, such as tolerance and empathy, could help explain why some people became "non-Jewish heroes" during the Holocaust and others stood by as the Nazis pursued the Final Solution. The vandalism uncovered Wednesday didn't mark the first time that her office has been defaced by anti-Semitic iconography. In 2007, she became the target of repeated harassment. A swastika was painted on her office door about a week after she found two anti-Semitic fliers in her mailbox at work. The same flier had appeared for the first time earlier that month. "I think there's a very hate-filled person who is an extreme coward," she told the New York Sun at the time. "It makes my blood run cold." Around the same time, a noose was found on the office door of a black professor at the Teachers College. These incidents were condemned by leaders of the college, the nation's first and largest graduate school of education, as hate crimes. On Wednesday, as Midlarsky again found herself the target of anti-Semitic animus, the president of the Teachers College, Thomas Bailey, issued a statement pledging to work with police "to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act." "We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society," he said. "We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community." Midlarsky attributed the graffiti to a "tremendous upsurge in anti-Semitism" but said she couldn't understand why she had been singled out. Jewish Columbia professor finds swastikas painted on office walls: 'I was in shock' https://t.co/qEZEz3ZStn The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 29, 2018 The experience, she said, differed from a decade ago, when she was "shocked but not surprised" to face anti-Semitic abuse. At that time, she was active in campus debates about Zionism, religious strife and the conflict in the Middle East. In particular, she was involved in protests against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech in September 2007 at the Ivy League university. "Back then, I was doing things that anti-Semites would hate me for, but I've not been so visible recently," she said Wednesday evening. That fact, she said, made her feel all the more vulnerable, as if her Jewish identity alone were enough to make her a target. "I'm a Jew at this college - one of the only ones who acts like a Jew," she added, suggesting that she doesn't shy away from her religious identity. "My writing has to do with Jewish topics." After Midlarsky discovered the vandalism and called security, she waited with her students, who snapped photos and checked to see how extensive the vandalism was. I was afraid to be alone, she said. I was afraid to be in my office alone. (c) 2018, The Washington Post Isaac Stanley-Becker The last surviving juror died a year ago at age 93. In 2016, Nancy Porter told the Tribune she regretted her decision to convict. Porter said she found the confession implausible and the idea that an unarmed Weger, who stood a thin 5-foot-8, could alone overpower three women, unlikely. Still, after a six-week trial and hours of deliberations, Porter said she gave in to the will of the other 11 jurors. The manager of the Broad Street Market, Beth Taylor, has announced her resignation, effective Dec. 15. Taylor was hired in September 2015 when the market was struggling financially, and lacking vendors. Three years later, she leaves the market at full capacity for the first time in more than a decade. Under her watch, the market also expanded into evening hours, which had been a goal for years. Some board members tried to convince Taylor to stay, but she is moving on to other opportunities. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as market manager, she wrote in a letter sent to vendors Wednesday night. It is my hope that the success that is currently being experienced is only the beginning and that the systems of operations that have been put into place guide the market ever forward into a bright future. Board President Christian Herr confirmed Taylor had submitted her resignation. The board will appoint an interim manager and conduct a search for Taylors successor. Beth Taylor, manager of the Broad Street Market Her departure represents a blow to the market at Third and Verbeke streets, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who owns a bookstore and coffee shop across the street from the popular market. Shes been the best manager that facility ever had, Papenfuse said. Her presence will be sincerely missed. When Taylor was hired, the board president at the time, Josh Kesler said: "I think she is food-focused which is important. I think she understands where food is going. She has the energy and shared vision. Prior to the market, Taylor worked as an executive assistant in local health care consulting firms for about eight years. She also worked for six years at Suba restaurant in Harrisburg. Taylor, who is originally from the Harrisburg area, lived in California for a few years where she said her lifelong love of eating locally-sourced foods was ignited. At the time she was hired, Taylor said looked forward to putting her organizational and creative skills to use. "I just love this market, the history behind the building. It's a very important landmark in the community," she said. She arrived at a key time for the market. The year she was hired, Papenfuse released a report recommending improvements to the markets operation. She helped the board implement the recommendations and the markets transition to an incorporated nonprofit. The market was on the brink of closing in 2014 but now is regularly filled with customers and a source of pride for residents. A Harrisburg man faces numerous felony charges after police said he raped and beat a woman at a home on Derry Street in 2014. Lamar A. Washington, 28, was arrested Wednesday and charged with felony counts of rape by forcible compulsion, aggravated assault, burglary, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, as well as a misdemeanor count of making terroristic threats. Harrisburg police said they were called to the Derry Street home in June of 2014, and they found a woman who had been badly beaten and strangled until she was unconscious. The woman told police she was sleeping in her bed when she was attacked by an unidentified male, according to a Thursday arrest announcement. Police said the woman also was sexually assaulted. A front window at the home had been forced open, police said. Police also found DNA evidence at the scene, and last week, more than four years after the attack, that DNA evidence linked Washington to the crime, authorities said. Online court documents show that Washington was arraigned on the charges Wednesday afternoon. He is to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 before Magisterial District Judge Hanif L. Johnson Sr. As of Thursday morning, online court documents showed that Washington remained incarcerated in Dauphin County Prison unable to post $500,000 cash bail. After a 40-year-old man was kidnapped, beaten and held for days in Lancaster County, three men and one woman have been arrested and now face criminal charges. The last of the four suspects, Jordan J. Yost, was arrested Thursday, according to Manheim Township Police. Police said Yost, 24, was with the 40-year-old man Nov. 14 at a Walmart on Fruitville Pike in Manheim Township, when they got into an argument about Yosts use of the mans vehicle. Yost then pulled a handgun and pointed it at the man, forcing him inside of the vehicle, police said, adding that Yost then made him drive to the city of Lancaster, where they met Paul H. Stauffer, 32. According to police, Yost and Stauffer repeatedly pistol whipped the 40-year-old and recorded the beatings. Yost also eventually stole the mans cell phone, jewelry and vehicle before leaving him with Stauffer, police said. The next day, Stauffer forced the man to meet two acquaintances Steven Earl Cornelius, 30, and Kieffer Shayla Napolitan, 27 police said. The trio then forced the 40-year-old to visit a number of stores in Lancaster and to use his state-issued electronic benefits card to purchase food and withdraw money for illegal drugs, police said. Eventually, the trio forced the man onto a public transit bus, which they took back to his apartment in Columbia Borough, police said. There, they continued to hold the man against his will, and stole from him before threatening him by holding a knife to his face, according to police. Police said the trio also attempted to extort the mans family members on Nov. 16 by contacting them and demanding that they pay money for his release. Later that day, police conducted a welfare check at the apartment, and found that the man had been beaten and kidnapped, according to the Thursday announcement. Stauffer, Cornelius, and Napolitan were then arrested. Yost was arrested Thursday. Yost faces criminal charges of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery of a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful taking, unlawful restraint and terroristic threats. Stauffer faces criminal charges of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats and unlawful restraint. Cornelius faces criminal charges of robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, terroristic threats, simple assault and unlawful restraint. Napolitan faces criminal charges of robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, terroristic threats, simple assault and unlawful restraint. Online court documents show that all four suspects remain incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison unable to post bail, which was seat at $500,000 for Cornelius and Napolitan and $1,000,000 for Yost and Stauffer. Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane reported to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Eagleville this morning to start serving a 10- to 23-month perjury sentence. ABC6 Action News reports that Kane arrived at the facility Thursday morning. She got there just before 8 a.m., ahead of a 9 a.m. deadline. Kane, a Democrat, had been out on $75,000 bail since her October 2016 sentencing to 10 to 23 months for leaking grand jury information and lying about it. The state Supreme Court this week declined to take up her appeal, and she was ordered to report to prison. According to John Corcoran, director of the Montgomery County office of communications, the facility houses approximately 1,800 inmates, of which 328 are women. The count fluctuates due to releases and new detainees. What will Kane encounter upon arrival? All incoming inmates are subject to a full body scan and search, and all property will be collected and catalogued. Kane then will undergo physical and mental evaluations. She will then be placed into protective custody for the beginning of her stay. This is protocol for all prisoners entering the facility. Following her first few days, Kane will have the opportunity to request placement in special protective custody for the remainder of her sentence. Thats because shes a former law enforcement official. If granted, Kane will reside in a multi-person room with other selected inmates. The room houses four to six inmates and is furnished with bunk beds. The other option for the former attorney general would be general population which is a large dormitory-style room, also equipped with bunk beds. Kane, a Scranton native, was the first Democrat and the first woman to be elected to the post of attorney general in Pennsylvania. Another storm system is expected to bring more rain to Pennsylvania this weekend. The stormy weather pattern, along with back-and-forth temperatures, are expected to persist throughout December, AccuWeather reports. A storm will move from the southern Rocky Mountains to the Upper Midwest into this weekend. Except for a chance of spotty ice at the onset in the Appalachians and a wintry mix in the northern tier, the storm this weekend will bring mostly rain to the Northeast, with the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms in the South, according to the report. Temperatures will also warm considerably into the weekend. Heres a look at the forecast for Harrisburg: Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 42 Thursday night: Cloudy skies. Low: 30 Friday: Cloudy skies, occasional rain in the afternoon. High: 40 Friday night: Partly to mostly cloudy skies. Low: 33 Saturday: Cloudy skies, occasional rain and drizzle. High: 44 Saturday night: Periods of rain. Low: 42 Sunday: A passing morning shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy. High: 63 Sunday night: Partly cloudy skies. Low: 46 Top Republican leaders are bashing Gov. Tom Wolf over his new order to create a redistricting commission. Republican legislative leaders said Thursday the Democratic governor is acting without input from the General Assembly and in defiance of the state Constitution. They contend the commission isnt representing large parts of Pennsylvania, including rural communities. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, House Speaker Mike Turzai, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and House House Majority Leader-elect Brian Cutler issued a blistering statement Thursday afternoon. The GOP response came a few hours after the governor announced an order forming the panel. With no input from the General Assembly, the Governor issued an Executive Order where he turned his back on both the state and federal constitutions and embarked on another go-it-alone strategy, the GOP leaders said in a joint statement. The Governor has created a Commission that ignores large swaths of the Commonwealth, specifically rural communities, and charged Commission members with a responsibility that he does not have the authority to give. This spectacle only serves as a distraction to the work the legislature has been doing to examine the redistricting process in Pennsylvania," the leaders continued. We will not be props in his theater that is an attempt to be a make-shift alternative to the federal and state constitutions and will have no practical effect. The fact remains that under the constitutions the responsibility for redistricting falls to the General Assembly. Wolf said he formed the 15-member commission to look for ways to improve the redistricting process. This commission will bring together diverse experts and citizens to explore ways that Pennsylvania could use policies, technology and data to curb gerrymandering and ensure fair maps, Wolf said in a statement. There has been significant bipartisan support for bringing more fairness to this process. The goal of this commission is to hear from experts and citizens about what can be done to make this process more fair. Common Cause Pennsylvania, an organization which has worked for redistricting reform, applauded Wolfs decision to form the commission. Micah Sims, the groups executive director, said she hopes the commission offers suggestions for meaningful reform. Other US states, such as California, have redrawn districts to truly reflect not only distinct communities but those communities core values," Sims said in a statement. We believe this commission, along with our continued work to educate and engage citizens about redistricting reform, will help reflect the chief concerns and hopes of residents across the state. State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale also signaled his support for the governors commission to examine redistricting. Voters should pick their politicians ... not politicians picking their voters, DePasquale said in a tweet. The state Supreme Court ditched the states old congressional map in a ruling earlier this year. The court ruled that the old districts were unconstitutional because they were designed to protect incumbents, with Republicans holding 13 of 18 congressional seats. In February, the court revamped Pennsylvanias congressional boundaries. Critics have long complained that Pennsylvania was the prime example of gerrymandering, the practice of drawing legislative districts to protect the party in power. After the Supreme Court tossed the states old congressional map, Republicans criticized the Democratic-controlled court for acting in an unfairly partisan manner. With new districts in place, Democrats and Republicans ended up with an equal share of seats in the congressional delegation following the November election. The issue of redistricting should remain hotly contested for some time. Pennsylvania will redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts following the 2020 census. With his executive order, Wolf is appointing 11 members to the commission. The panel will also include two state senators and two state representatives. The governors appointed members include: STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) Funeral services are set for a Pennsylvania township worker who was shot and killed this week by a man having issues getting permits. Michael Tripus, 65, was shot Tuesday at the Paradise Township municipal building in the Pocono Mountains. Police have charged 72-year-old David Green with the killing. Hes said hes sorry and that he doesnt know why he did it. Funeral services are set for Monday at the William H. Clark Funeral Home in Stroudsburg. His wife, Pamela Tripus, says in a Facebook posting her husband was looking forward to donating toys to The Salvation Army for Christmas, and was always focused on helping kids in need. His family requests memorial remembrances be made to the organizations toy drive in East Stroudsburg. Green told police he was having problems with his new house, including mold. A neighbor tells police Green was having difficulty obtaining permits. A Slippery Rock University official fired for inappropriately accessing computer files of co-workers, including one who accused him of sexual harassment, cant keep suing the school, a federal appeals court has ruled. Simply put, the university had just cause to terminate Roger Knight as parking manager in March 2014 after his snooping was discovered, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell wrote in an opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. Rendells findings back an earlier decision by U.S. Western District Judge Cathy Bisson to dismiss a federal discrimination lawsuit Knight filed against Slippery Rock. Knight began accessing co-workers computer accounts without permission in 2013 after being told by the schools lawyer to maintain all information in his possession regarding the sex discrimination case filed by the female university police officer and regarding a Native American officer who claimed Knight subjected him to religion-based discrimination, Rendell noted. University officials said Knight used his administrative credentials to access computer files of the two officers who accused him and also those of the schools assistant police chief. Knight later claimed he did that snooping to help the university win the discrimination cases, Rendell noted. Knight came under investigation when he showed his supervisor a document one of his accusers had prepared for her discrimination claim. A probe by a computer forensics firm found Knight had accessed and created a file of emails the officer in the sex harassment case had sent to her lawyer and the university police chief, the judge wrote. He was fired for violating the universitys computer use policy by failing to act responsibly, use good judgment and exercise civility, and understand the appropriate use of IT resources. Rendell rejected Knights argument that it was unclear whether he violated the universitys policies. There is no doubt that he did, she concluded. The circuit court ruling marks the third loss for Knight. He also tried, without success, to convince the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that his firing was discriminatory. A woman with no permanent address faces criminal charges in Lancaster after police said she stole a pocket knife from another woman before using it to stab her three times. Mei-Ling Alcover-Matos, 27, was arrested after the attack, which took place about 6:52 p.m. Tuesday on East Farnum Street, according to charging documents filed Wednesday by Lancaster police. Police said they responded to the location to find a woman with a noticeable leg injury. They noted that the woman was bleeding profusely. The woman was given medical attention, but a witness was able to show officers to a location that the assailant had fled to, according to police. There, police said they found Alcover-Matos, who was in possession of a backpack. Inside of the backpack, police said they found a $10 bill that was filled with synthetic marijuana, as well as a self-rolled cigarette containing synthetic marijuana. When Alcover-Matos was searched police also found a gold, folding pocket knife, according to charging documents. The knife, police said, belonged to the woman who was stabbed. This knife was covered in blood, police said. The woman told investigators that Alcover-Matos stole the knife from her and used it to stab her about three times, police said. Online court documents show that Alcover-Matos faces felony charges of aggravated assault and robbery. She also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Alcover-Matos was arraigned on the charges Wednesday, and she is to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Dec. 5 before Magisterial District Judge Jodie Richardson. As of late Thursday morning, online court documents showed that Alcover-Matos remained incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison unable to post $200,000 cash bail. Frances Murphy, 47, Mildred Lindquist, 50, and Lillian Oetting, 50, left their Riverside homes in suburban Chicago for a mini vacation to Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Illinois. The women set off for a day hike in the park on March 14, 1960. When they failed to return to the lodge by the next day, a search was organized and soon their badly beaten bodies were found in a small cave within St. Louis Canyon. The investigation that followed would eventually lead to the arrest in 1961 of a lodge restaurant worker, Chester Weger. Weger spent about six decades in prison, convicted of killing one of the women, and was released from the Pinckneyville Correctional Center on Feb. 21, 2020. Theres no doubt that government and public health officials, along with committed volunteers and advocates and allies in law enforcement, education, the clergy, and elsewhere have made strides in the past few years in fighting Americas drug overdose epidemic. In Pennsylvania, for instance, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled General Assembly have worked together to find more money for treatment beds. Efforts to limit and track prescriptions have also made the legislative rounds. The state has also made it easier to gain access to, and expanded the use of, naloxone, the so-called overdose drug. But a new report from the Centers for Disease Control is a sobering reminder that, despite those efforts, America is still fighting what amounts to a rear-guard action of stemming the tide of abuse and death. As multiple news outlets report, drug overdose deaths nationwide set an annual record in 2017, topping out at 70,237, up from 63,632 the year before. That spike in deaths contributed to another decline in American life expectancy, a trend not seen since World War I, the newspaper reported. Life expectancy rates in other countries, meanwhile, continue an upward climb. Of those deaths, opioids were a relentless and implacable driver, with 47,600 deaths in 2017 coming from street drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, as well as prescription narcotics. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was the largest driver in those deaths, news reports indicated. Since 1999, Americas drug overdose death rate has more than quadrupled. And deaths attributed to opioids were about six times greater than they were in 1999, news reports indicated. If there is a glimmer of hope it is that deaths from legal painkillers did not increase in 2017, suggesting that public health efforts to contain them are at least somewhat successful. According to the CDC data, 14,495 people died in 2017 from overdoses of such narcotics as oxycodone and hydrocodone. A further 3,194 deaths were attributable to methadone, which is used as a painkiller. Those totals were virtually identical to the numbers in 2016. The number of heroin deaths, 15,482, also did not rise from the year before, media reports indicated. So what to do about it? City officials in Dayton, Ohio, which had one of the highest overdose rates in the country in 2017, have made a number of changes. Thats resulted in a 50 percent decrease from last year, The New York Times reported. There, officials have employed a variety of strategies, including taking full advantage of the Medicaid expansion authorized under the Affordable Care Act, to fight abuse and addiction. Some 700,000 people were added to the rolls when Gov. John Kasich, who will leave office at years end, authorized the expansion. In Dayton, thats drawn more than a dozen new treatment providers in the last year alone, including residential programs and outpatient clinics that dispense methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, the three medications approved by the F.D.A. to treat opioid addiction, The Times reported. Naloxone, is also everywhere, in Dayton, The Times reported. In Montgomery County, which includes Dayton, public agencies distributed 3,300 naloxone kits in 2017. And they were on pace to double that number in 2018, the newspaper reported. Dayton police officers have also carried the drug since 2014, The Times reported. Taken together, efforts in Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere suggest that well-intentioned people are doing all they can to chip away at this scourge of abuse. The federal figures are a reminder that much work still remains. And, more important, they are an exhortation to never stop the fight. By John A. Tures Most of you probably dont know of Alexander Temple. I never heard of him before this year. But an alert reader sent me a topic to research, with a story about this man, and how Civil Asset Forfeiture policies vary from state-to-state. And my students found that politics, economic and social factors play a great role in whether states give more power to police or the suspect. In October of 2016, Temple, a Maine resident, was pulled over on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire for a routine traffic stop. Police in that state seized $46,000 from Mr. Temple, claiming they felt it would be used for illegal activity. Even Though Temple was released without ever facing a single criminal charge, the police kept the cash. A man named Edward Phipps claimed the money was his, but after two years of legal wrangling, Phipps was able to only get $7,000 back in a court settlement. He still hasnt been charged with anything. My research methods students were intrigued by this story. And they began researching states for their standards for seizure of civil assets, how much do police have to report of assets taken, and what does law enforcement get to keep. We found that in eight states, police need only a reasonable suspicion to seize ones assets. Another 25 require just a preponderance of evidence to take the money or assets. A minority (18) require either a clear and convincing evidence standard, or one that is beyond a reasonable doubt, or require a criminal conviction before assets can be taken. Of all the states, nearly three-quarters require the civil assets taken to be reported in detail. Nearly half of all states all the police to keep what they take, with 17 allowing law enforcement to keep some, with nine not allowing police to keep any of it. Our students did statistical analyses on nearly 20 political, economic and social factors, learning how to do a hypothesis test, to see if a states civil asset forfeiture policies benefit the suspect, or lean toward law enforcement. And here is what we found. We found that politics played a huge role in how states administer their civil asset forfeiture policies. States that voted for Trump, had a Republican Governor, or had a state legislature controlled by the GOP, were far more willing to give law enforcement a lot of leeway to seize assets (a lower standard of seizure, less need to report details, and keep assets seized). States with higher unemployment rates give the police a lot more power to seize assets). Also, states with higher population numbers and population density also gave more power to law enforcement to take and keep assets. When it comes to crime, theres a mixed message. States with a high violent crime rate would give more power to law enforcement on civil asset forfeiture. But states that had a larger number of police, and more lax marijuana laws, gave more power to the suspect, making it hard for police to seize a persons assets. Several of the students who worked on the project traveled to Savannah, Georgia to present their findings to professors and graduate students at the Georgia Political Science Association (GPSA), getting some good feedback on their paper and presentation. If youd like to research such issues, learn statistics, and get to present your findings, or know a student who would really like or benefit from such an education, come by our college, take a tour, and talk to us. My program is hardly the only one involving students in such research and exciting projects, from the arts and sciences to the humanities and professional programs. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2. LaGrange College Undergraduates Peter Alford, Robert Allen, Agrlin Braxton, Casey Evans, Brandon Kelley, Breckin Lewis, Alanna Martin, Mustafah Muhammad, Wade Ray, Yasmin Roper, Damir Rosencrants, and Stephen Wagner gathered the statistics and conducted the research. Harbor Springs to return to in-person tree lighting, kick off holiday season on Saturday The city of Harbor Springs will again be offering an in-person tree lighting this Saturday to help kick off the holiday season. Frequently Asked Questions How many players qualify for the Mackenzie Tour from each Q-School stop? Medalists from each site will be fully exempt in 2019, while finishers 2-14 will be exempt through the reshuffle following the completion of the sixth event. In the event of a tie for 1st or 14th position, there will be a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following play. Finishers 15-40, and any player tied for 40th place, will receive conditional status to the Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada for the 2019 season. What does conditional status get me? Conditional membership does not guarantee players starts in Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada events. In 2018, the number of conditional members who earned starts in the first four events (i.e., through the first of two re-shuffles) ranged from fifteen (15) to twenty (20). Conditional status also gives membership perks such as: TPC benefits, reduced Open Qualifying fees, exempt through following years pre-qualifying for Web.com q-school, access to re-shuffles. When can I sign up for Q-School The application for the 2019 Mackenzie Tour Qualifying Tournament will be open to the public on Monday, January 14th @ 12:00 PM (EST). Is anybody eligible to sign up for a Mackenzie Tour Q-School event? Applications are open to both professionals and amateurs with a handicap of 2 or less. How do I sign up for a Mackenzie Tour Q-School event? All sign-ups are done online and come on a first come first serve basis. Where should I go to register on January 14? The application will be available to view here before the sign-up date . How much does Q-School cost? The sign-up fee for Q-School in 2019 is $2750 USD and can be made by VISA or MasterCard only. Visa debit cards are NOT recommended. Can I pick which site I play? Each player is able to list schools is order of priority and we will facilitate requests on a first-come first-serve basis. How fast does Q-School fill up? In 2018, available spots filled up in just over two minutes. Is the signup process the same as previous years? For 2019 the system will look a little different than previous years. However, it will be the same information collected from applicants. Can I get into a site from the alternate list? The past 2 years there has been 100+ players offered a spot from the alternate list. How does the alternate list work? There is only one (1) alternate list; the Qualifying Tournament is considered one competition (120 X 6 = 720). The 721st application received is the first alternate and so on. When a spot comes open at any of the 6 sites, it will be offered to the next alternate. If he chooses not to accept the spot, he will in effect be withdrawing and will receive a full refund. He cannot remain on the alternate list. The spot will be then offered to the next alternate and so on until the spot is filled. If an alternate is not offered a spot (insufficient withdrawals) he would receive a full refund. Please note that this process will change slightly when we get within one week of the first round of competition at the first four sites. If a spot comes open during the last week right up to the last tee time on day 1, the next alternate can decline the spot and still retain his place on the alternate list. However, if a spot opened up at either of the remaining site(s) during that same week before that time or after declining the spot, he would have to accept that spot at the other site or withdraw. Can I play at multiple sites? No. Each applicant may only play one site. Once applicant Is assigned to a site, it may not be changed. Am I eligible to receive a refund if I withdraw prior to competition? Yes, however a processing fee of $250 will be assessed should you withdraw prior to one week of your assigned competition, and a fee of $1000 will be assessed should you withdraw within one week of assigned competition. No refunds will be issued to contestants after they have started play in the Qualifying Tournament. Full refunds will be offered to those who withdraw while on the alternate list. FULL refunds (no $250 fee) to players who WD because they earned status on PGATLA or PGA TOUR China Series. Will Mackenzie Tour PGA TOUR Canada Q-School tournaments use the revised/new rules of golf in 2019? The Rules of Golf, as established by the United States Golf Association (USGA), R&A and Golf Canada, have undergone significant changes that will be in effect as of January 1st, 2019. As such, play will be contested in all Qualifying Competitions and throughout the Tournament Season using the 2019 Rules of Golf. Information pertaining to the new Rules of Golf, Local Rules and Conditions of Competition will be provided to applicants in advance of their Qualifying Competition. Additional information and any questions pertaining to the Rules of Golf or the competition itself should be directed to the Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada Rules Committee. A set of six infrastructure grants announced by state officials will bring more than $3 million to roads, trails and sidewalk projects in the region. The grants all come through the Pennsylvania Financing Authority through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The largest grant, by far, is the $1.75 million provided to Lower Providence... Marco Antonio Solorio Raya, of the 1900 block of North Kildare Avenue, was pronounced dead around 1 p.m. Wednesday at Illinois Masonic Medical Center more than 18 months after he was in the fight around 2:30 a.m. on May 7, 2017, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Sen. Barrasso visits with members of the U.S. Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division stationed on the Polish-Russian (Kaliningrad) border. Sen. Barrasso visits with members of the U.S. Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division stationed on the Polish-Russian (Kaliningrad) border. ORZYSZ, Poland U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) shared Thanksgiving dinner with Wyoming troops serving in Poland, near the Russian province of Kaliningrad. Barrasso visited with members of the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division stationed on the Polish-Russian (Kaliningrad) border. Wyoming currently has service members attached to the division, which is charged with assisting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies in deterring Russian aggression and increasing European border security. "Sharing Thanksgiving dinner with Wyoming troops ser... Benefit dinner planned Friday Former Pine Bluffs resident Rick Scott's view as he escaped the Camp Fire near Paradise, California. Scott and his wife both narrowly escaped the blaze which was the deadliest in California history. Before moving to Paradise, the Scotts lived and worked in Pine Bluffs. November 8 started out just like any other for former Pine Bluffs residents Rick and Shelle Scott. By the time it ended, they had both made harrowing escapes from the most destructive wildfire in California history. When Shelle dropped their two daughters off at school that morning, she noticed a not-so-distant smoke plume. When she arrived at her job, Shelle's coworkers were closely monitoring the rapidly growing fire. "I turned right around and went home." Meanwhile, Rick was at a work meeting at Northwest Lineman School in Oroville, California when he noticed a large smoke plume nea... Master Classics of Poker: 36 Remain With Maxi Lehmanski Leading November 28, 2018 Frank Op de Woerd Day 2 of the Master Classics of Poker 4,300 Main Event in Amsterdam is in the books. Just 36 out of 293 entries will be coming back for the penultimate day of play, with German high rollers Maxi Lehmanski (696,000) and [Removed:172] (584,500) leading the charge, ahead of Finnish player Totti Arosuo (560,000). Defending champion Claas Segebrecht and Dutch Poker Hall of Famer Lex Veldhuis were among those to fall on Day 2. The second day of the MCOP Main Event, highlight of the 11-day poker festival in Holland Casino Amsterdam, saw several new players enter. A total of 27 new entries on Day 2 made for a combined 293 entries into the Main Event, a small increase on last year's 285 entries. With that, the total prize pool was finalized at 1,164,235. Forty-four players would be going home with a cash, with a min-cash being 7,800. The winner, crowned on Friday, will be going home with 240,183. Some entered while having already played and busted on Day 1, but new players entered as well. Ari Engel and David Peters were just some of the familiar names to enter. Both didn't make the dinner break, though. The day started with a flurry of bustouts, as one might have expected. Matthias De Meulder, Pim and Luuk Gieles, Rens Feenstra and Marcel Goldenbelt were just some of the local players to bust in the first level. Segebrecht, the German high roller who won the MCOP last year, busted not much later. He got it in with nines against aces and didn't get a miracle card to stay alive. Dutch Poker Hall of Famer Veldhuis didn't have the greatest of days at the table. He first chopped in a crucial pot with ace-queen suited against ace-ten offsuit, despite flopping a flush draw. Not much later, the same beat struck again as he lost with ace-queen to Teun Mulder's ace-ten when the flop came ten-high. Lex Veldhuis missed the money. On the flip side, Dutch TV host Alberto Stegeman had a great day, crushing the regulars with great hands and great bluffs. His first claim to fame came when he got three streets of value against Joris Ruijs. Stegeman had aces and barreled in the three-bet pot. Ruijs couldn't get away from his hand and mucked on the river. A couple of levels later, Stegeman showed he didn't need a great hand to get a ton of chips. He four-bet ace-king against hyper-aggressive player Stefan Wolzak, and bet the flop and turn having missed. Wolzak called the flop but folded the turn. Stegeman finished the day with 557,000, which puts him in fourth place overall. EPT13 Malta and Prague champions Aliaksei Boika (156,000) and Jasper Meijer van Putten (362,000) are also still in contention for the near quarter million up for grabs, as are former champs Hakim Zoufri (249,500) and Noah Boeken (105,000). Jan Eric Schwippert (290,000), Joris Ruijs (253,000), Steve O'Dwyer (195,000) and Michiel Brummelhuis (191,000) will also be back on Day 3. Among those that min-cashed but failed to make it to Day 3 were Michal Mrakes, Jasper Wetemans and Bryan Paris. 36 players remain going into Day 3 of the four-day event. There are 30 minutes left in Level 16: 2,500-5,000, with a 5,000 button ante. Day 3 MCOP Live Updates can be found on the PokerNews live reporting pages. The plan is to play down to a final table of 9 on Day 3. Pavel Plesuv Continues Hot Year with WPT Rock N Roll Poker Open Win November 28, 2018 Chad Holloway The $3,500 buy-in World Poker Tour Seminole Rock N Roll Poker Open (RRPO) saw 898 entrants pack the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, but after five days of play it was 30-year-old Pavel Plesuv, who was born in Moldova but now resides in the Czech Republic, who walked away the victor for $504,820. It was redemption for Plesuv, who in Season XIV finished runner-up in the WPT Prague for $130,524. It feels pretty awesome, Plesuv told WPT officials after the win. It feels really awesome because I was heads-up three years ago at the WPT in Prague with a big lead and I lost it heads-up. So, Im pretty excited to come back and win. It feels really awesome because I was heads-up three years ago at the WPT in Prague with a big lead and I lost it heads-up." The win brought Plesuvs lifetime earnings up to more than $4 million, which puts him first on Moldovas all-time money list. Of that, nearly $2.6 million has come in 2018 with his biggest score being $924,841 for finishing runner-up to Viktor Blom in Februarys partypoker MILLIONS Germany. He also won $640,062 this summer when he bested a 1,096-entry field to win the MSPT Venetian $3,500 Event, which made him the tours all-time money leader. This is the best year so far, Plesuv said. It started with a win in February and Im finishing the year with a win here, and maybe Ill win something in December. Well see, but this is awesome. Ive been running pretty good. 2018 WPT Seminole Rock N Roll Poker Open Final Table Results Position Player Country Prize 1 Pavel Plesuv Moldova $504,820 2 Jim Gilbert USA $326,565 3 Jeremy Joseph USA $240,945 4 Marius Gierse Germany $179,710 5 Chris Kennedy USA $135,505 6 Ravi Raghavan USA $103,310 Others to cash the RRPO Main Event were Alan Schein (10th - $48,985), Phil Hui (17th - $21,305), Lexy Gavin (21st - $17,830), Joe McKeehen (37th - $12,955), Aaron Massey (45th - $11,250) and David Peters (51st - $9,895), who made headlines after winning the same side event two years in a row. Ravi Raghavan Falls Short of WPT Title No. 2 One of the big stories heading into the final table was Ravi Ragahavans pursuit of a second WPT title. Unfortunately for him, his quest lasted just two hands. That is when he three-bet jammed from the small blind holding ace-jack only to run it smack dab into the ace-king of Marius Gierse in the big. The board ran out a lowly eight high and Raghavan took his leave in sixth place for $103,310. On Hand #15, Chris Kennedy flopped top pair of nines and got it in against Plesuv, who had an overpair of kings. Kennedy failed to improve and hit the rail in fifth place for $135,505. He was followed out the door by Gierse, who fell on Hand #41 when he lost a race holding ace-queen suited against Plesuvs pocket nines. Gierse won $179,710 for his fourth-place finish. Heads-Up Play After Jeremy Joseph exited in third place the result of missing straight and flush draws against Plesuvs kings heads-up play began with Plesuv holding a near 6:1 chip lead over Jim Gilbert. Still, itd take 69 hands before things came to a head. Jim Gilbert In the final hand of the tournament, which took place in Level 34 (150,000/300,000/300,000), Gilbert got his stack of 9 million all in holding pocket nines and was flipping against Plesuvs ace-jack. An ace on the flop spelled doom for Gilbert and he earned $326,565 for his runner-up finish. The WPT continues Dec. 11 with th WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Images courtesy of the WPT. 6.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Rachel Maddow pointed out on Wednesday that the evidence that sunk the Nixon presidency is almost identical to what Robert Mueller appears to have on Donald Trump. According to the MSNBC host, its hard to tell the difference between the allegations against the two corrupt presidents, particularly when it comes to obstruction of justice. Maddow ticked off the series of allegations against Nixon and said that each of them could be captions for a picture book tour for the Nixon or Trump administration. Video: Maddow explained: These allegations against Nixon from 1974 and the evidence that supported these allegations against Nixon, theyve gotten a lot of attention this year, right? And thats in part because a whole bunch of this stuff about Nixon has just been unsealed, just made available to the public for the first time, so theres historical interest, but honestly, what is driving a lot of that historical interest, whats been driving the effort to get a bunch of this stuff unsealed now, is the almost uncannily parallel experience we are having right now in our lifetimes when it comes to our current president. I mean, even just looking at this one exchange of information between the judiciary committee and the Watergate prosecutor in 74, just pull a couple of those bullet points for a second, see if any of these things ring a bell, right? Making and facilitating the making of false statements and declarations about the investigation. Offers of clemency to influence the testimony of witnesses. Obtaining information about the ongoing investigation for the purpose of diverting or thwarting that investigation. Yeah, I mean these could be captions for a picture book tour for the Nixon or Trump administration, either way. Trumps crimes have happened in plain sight The key difference between Richard Nixons crimes and those of Donald Trump is that the current president seems comfortable committing them in plain sight. As Rachel Maddow pointed out on Wednesday, the American people found out what Nixon did after a long investigation. The nefarious behavior took place behind the scenes. To this day, were still learning about Watergate. Trump, on the other hand, has been obstructing justice right before our eyes since he took office from firing former FBI director James Comey and concocting false statements to cover up contacts with Russia, to dangling pardons and installing a puppet as acting attorney general. In other words, as the MSNBC host pointed out, Trump is standing at the top of a mountain of obstruction of justice evidence right now, and it could bring his presidency crashing down. Maddow says Trump is standing on a mountain of evidence that could sink his presidency. #ctl #p2 #maddow pic.twitter.com/cyFFZbuVBl PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) November 29, 2018 Maddow said, If you had been sealed in a vault for the last two years and you came out today and somebody handed you that litany of basically uncontested detailed reporting and evidence about the presidents efforts to obstruct this serious ongoing criminal investigation into himself and his administration and his campaign, you would think you were reading a bombshell indictment that signaled the end of a presidency, or at least the middle of impeachment proceedings, right? But instead, thats just the public record. Ultimately, while Trumps repeated attempts to obstruct justice may have happened in plain sight, that doesnt make them any less criminal. It certainly isnt normal behavior for a president of the United States. Many Americans may have become numb to Trumps efforts thwart the special counsel investigation, but there is one person who likely hasnt: Robert Mueller. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 519 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The NRA is showing signs of serious decline as tax documents show that their income dropped by $55 million last year. The Daily Beast reported on the NRAs tax documents: More noteworthy than its drop in contributions, though, was its decline in membership dues. The NRA took in more than $128 million in dues last yeara significant sum, but down considerably from the $163 million it took in the year prior. That decline, more than the drop in direct contributions, appears to indicate a dwindling, if still formidable, base of public support. Asked for comment on the decline, an NRA spokesperson pointed to reporting showing that the organizations magazine subscriptions have shot up this year, interpreted as an indicator of an accompanying membership surge. Nonetheless, 2017 did not see a financial windfall for the group. In all, the NRA reported just under $312 million in total income, down from nearly $367 million the year before. Twenty percent of the groups contributions came from a single donor who gave $19 million. In politics, money is power. If the NRA doesnt have as much money to spend on ads and donations to candidates, it is only a matter of time before their power drops to an equivalent degree. Trump has not been good for the NRA The NRA prospered during the Obama years by scaring their membership with constant warnings that the black man in the White House was coming to take away all of their guns, but with Trump in office, the scare tactics no longer work. The NRA lost their primary source for ginning up donations, and it is hitting them hard in the wallet. The Parkland Kids Showed How To Beat The NRA The Parkland students have mobilized an effective and emotional campaign that the NRA could not counter. All of the old NRA tricks that they have used for decades to demonize those who call for common sense gun reform didnt work against a group of grieving teenage school shooting victims. Public opinion was on the side of the students, who have taken on the NRA and scored crucial public opinion victories against the gun lobby. The NRA is still strong with Republicans in Congress, but they no longer inspire fear. The groups funds and membership is decreasing. Just as the era of Fox News cable news dominance came to an end, the NRA is looking like a giant in decline. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 2.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard After participating in the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday night, Donald Trump reportedly made a sudden and unexpected departure from the event without bringing his traveling press pool with him. According to Bloomberg reporter Justin Sink, not only did the president leave the press behind, but he did so in the midst of a hypothermia alert. presidents motorcade left the press at the christmas tree lighting. white house aides refusing to explain what happened. Justin Sink (@justinsink) November 28, 2018 (were still here and the hypothermia alert is still in effect. no idea where the president is) Justin Sink (@justinsink) November 28, 2018 Associated Press reporter Zeke Miller confirmed Sinks reporting, saying that Trump returned to the White House without taking the media with him. The White House abandoned the press pool at the Christmas tree lighting. Trump is allegedly back at the White House. Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) November 28, 2018 Miller explained why its such a big deal, saying that the protective press pool exists to be in close proximity to the president in the event of an emergency and to document his movements for history. The protective press pool exists to be in close proximity to the president in the event of an emergency and to document his movements for history. Can do neither at the moment. https://t.co/eXXKc8BQox Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) November 28, 2018 Trump cant even get the tree lighting right While members of the media are now reportedly back at the White House, a lid has been declared and the administration has offered no explanation as to why Trump left the event so suddenly without bringing his traveling press pool. In any case, it goes to show that there is no presidential task this president cant screw up even something as simple as the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 9.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard President Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani may be in trouble. The former New York City mayor, who is adept at sticking his foot in his mouth, may have finally done some things that could lead to him being charged with obstruction of justice. He also may end up being called as a witness in the special counsels probe into collusion between Russia and Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. According to legal experts, Giuliani may have gone too far in his dealings with Paul Manaforts legal team. Yesterday Giuliani disclosed that lawyers for Trump and Manafort were often in contact even after the presidents indicted former campaign manager signed a plea deal with special counsel Bob Mueller. Giuliani said that Manafort gave permission to his lawyers to brief Trumps attorneys on what Mueller prosecutors were asking him. This of course gave Trumps legal team extremely valuable insights into what the special counsel was planning to do, and what evidence he had. This could have provided substantial help as Trumps lawyers prepared to fight any possible charges that might be levied against him by the special counsel. Shanlon Wu, the former attorney to Rick Gates, Manaforts indicted business associate, said Wednesday night on CNN: This whole odd joint defense agreement between Manafort and the Trump lawyers, thats a very reckless thing to do. I mean, you just dont do that when someones cooperating. And the most intriguing aspect of that is, that could convert the lawyers into witnesses. If Trumps team is telling Manafort, Hey, dont say this, ease up on that, say something else, that is obstruction and they could end up having to testify about that. Wu added that the situation would essentially pierce the attorney-client privilege and force attorneys to possibly testify against their clients after being called as witnesses. Earlier this week, Mueller filed a court document accusing Manafort of violating his plea deal with Mueller by lying repeatedly to the FBI. Last summer Manafort was convicted of multiple counts of fraud, and is still waiting for sentencing. He faces other charges also, such as conspiracy against the U.S. by acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. By entering into a plea deal Manafort avoided a second trial on these additional charges. Both Mueller and Manaforts lawyer have asked the judge for his sentencing to now be brought forward as soon as possible. There has been a great deal of speculation that Manafort is hopeful of a pardon by President Trump, and that is why he tried to sabotage Muellers investigation by withholding key information and misleading investigators. If that is true, and Trumps legal team are involved in any such attempt to thwart Mueller, they could face obstruction of justice charges including Giuliani. They could also convert to defendants themselves maybe Giuliani, said CNN legal analyst Laura Coates. I dont know what hes done. No one really does. But the idea of somebody whos not the president of the United States maybe dangling a carrot, and influencing, or trying to impede, an investigation well, that actually could be something that you could go under. The jurys still out on that but its a possibility. The shuffle is part of the Archdiocese of Chicagos Renew My Church plan, which calls for a reconfiguration of staff and parishes in the Chicago area. The plan seeks "to achieve the goal of having vibrant, life-giving faith communities accessible to all Catholics," the archdiocese has said. The archdiocese says there are an estimated 2.2 million Catholics within its boundaries. 800 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen pled guilty to a charge that he lied to Congress the efforts to pursue a Trump Tower deal in Russia. According to The New York Times: At the court hearing, Mr. Cohen admitted to making false statements to Congress about his efforts to pursue a Trump Tower deal in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign. That real estate deal has been a focus of the special counsel investigation into whether the Trump campaign conspired with Russian operatives. In testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr. Cohen played down the extent of his contact with the Kremlin about the potential project and made other false statements about the negotiations, which never led to a final deal. Trumps Claim Of No Deals In Russia Was A Lie Trump denied having business dealings in Russia and trying to do deals in Russia throughout the 2016 presidential campaign and during his presidency. It was all a lie. Trump was actively seeking to do a Trump Tower Russia deal while he was running for president. It has been reported for months that Michael Cohen was cooperating with Mueller, but Thursdays guilty plea made it public. Donald Trumps world is unraveling. The conspiracy with Russia and Wikileaks during the presidential election is being exposed. Trumps ties to Russia are starting to come to light, and Michael Cohen is showing why he is the one former Trump world figure that the White House should be the most afraid of. Cohen knows all the inner workings of Trumps connections and dealings, and his cooperation with Robert Mueller means that the Special Counsel also has this knowledge. House Democrats will call Michael Cohen to testify publicly. Trumps lies about his relationship with Russia are being exposed, as the genie is out of the bottle and there is no way for Trump to get it back in. America is getting a preview of the final act of the Trump presidency. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 3.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trump is canceling his formal meetings at the G-20 as it is clear that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has the president rattled. It is chaos on Air Force One, as Trump is canceling his formal meetings. According to the White House Pool Report as provided to PoliticusUSA: Shortly after take-off at 11.50am, Sarah Sanders came back with a few more details on the cancellation of the Trump-Putin bilateral (the pool wires were able to transmit this from plane a wire call but your pooler was only able to do this later). Asked when Trump took his decision, Sanders confirmed that it was aboard AF1 where he conferred in person with Chief of Staff Kelly and Secretary of State Pompeo and also by phone with National Security Advisor Bolton who is in Brazil. Its just happened in the last half hour, Sanders said. Asked how Putin was informed about the cancellation, she said she was not aware of a phone call between the two leaders. There was some back and forth through other channels, she said without elaborating. Separately she confirmed there would be a trilateral on towards the end of the Trump/Abe talks with Indian PM Modi. She said other meetings, mentioning Erdogan specifically, will be pull-asides not formal bilaterals. There is no reason for these meetings to be canceled other than when Trump is depressed, like in France after the midterm election, Trump shuts himself into his bedroom and blows off the presidency. The Michael Cohen news in the Mueller investigation clearly has Trump rattled. The incoming chair of the House Judiciary Committee said that Mueller is closing in on Trump. The president has been tweeting about the Special Counsel non-stop for days. Trump knows that the potential end is near, ao he is not even trying to do his job as president. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 207 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Gary Robertson CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Reuters) The man who plowed his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at last years white nationalist rally in Virginia had every intention to kill, a prosecutor told jurors on Thursday at the start of his murder trial. It was willful, premeditated murder, prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony said in Charlottesville Circuit Court, where James Fields, 21, is facing a possible life sentence. Fields attorney, John Hill, said the Ohio man acted in self-defense after becoming frightened by the mass of people around his car. You will hear James tell officers he feared for his safety, Hill said, referring to his clients comments to police following the crash. He was scared to death. Heather Heyer, 32, was killed in the incident, which capped two days of chaos in August 2017 when hundreds of white nationalists descended on Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, to protest the planned removal of a Confederate statue from a public park. Two state troopers were also killed during the protests when their helicopter crashed. The Unite the Right rally followed a Friday night demonstration when hundreds of torch-carrying men chanted anti-Semitic slogans. U.S. President Donald Trump was heavily criticized for saying there were very fine people on both sides after the violence, seemingly equating the white nationalists with those who demonstrated against them. Heyers mother, Susan Bro, declined to return phone calls from the White House after Trumps remarks. The bedlam left lasting wounds in Charlottesville, which has been forced to confront its own complicated racial legacy after the violence. But it also damaged the image of the alt-right movement, a loose alignment of fringe groups centered on white nationalism and emboldened by Trumps 2016 presidential victory. In August, a one-year anniversary rally in Washington drew just two dozen participants amid thousands of counterprotesters. Fields was photographed hours before last years attack carrying a shield with the emblem of a far-right hate group, although the group later denied he was a member. Jurors will hear from victims and see photos and videos depicting the incident, when Fields speeding car sent bodies flying through the air. His case is being heard by a jury of nine women and seven men, including one African-American juror; four will be designated as alternates at the close of the trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks. Fields has also been charged with federal hate crimes and pleaded not guilty. (Reporting by Gary Robertson; Writing and additional reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone, Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) 1.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) said that Michael Cohens plea deal means that Mueller is closing in on Trump. Rep. Nadler said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA: Lying to Congress is a serious crime with serious consequences. Mr. Cohen has now admitted to lying about his contacts with Russian officials on behalf of President Trump. His guilty plea contemplates Mr. Cohens further cooperation with investigators. Anyone who still believes that this is a witch hunt must now face the reality that the investigation appears to be closing in on the President. The Special Counsel has now secured guilty pleas from President Trumps personal attorney, his campaign manager, his deputy campaign manager, a foreign policy advisor to his campaign, and his National Security Advisor. He has filed 191 charges against more than thirty individualsalmost all of whom are in President Trumps orbit, Vladimir Putins orbit, or both. The President can pretend that this investigation has nothing to do with him and nothing to do with Russia, but these indictments speak for themselves. We must allow this investigation to run its course without interference from the President or his allies on Capitol Hill. As the new Congress begins, these developments make clear that my colleagues and I must step in and provide accountability. No one is above the law, not even the President, and our job will be to check his impulse to abuse his office to protect himself. We will do everything in our power to allow the Special Counsel to finish his work and follow the facts and the law to their conclusion. It is time to face reality. There is no witch hunt, but there is a ton of criminal activity that is resulting in plea agreements and convictions. It is a race against the clock as Robert Mueller is trying to finish his investigation before Trump moves against him. Rep. Nadler was correct. The people elected Democrats in the midterm election to hold Trump accountable. With Mueller closing in on Trump, it is time for Democrats to form a blue wall to protect the Special Counsel. 385 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard When the going gets tough, Donald Trump starts tweeting. And based on the escalating attacks that the Trump is directing toward Special Counsel Robert Mueller, things are getting very tough indeed for the President of the United States. Trump started in early Thursday morning on Twitter doing exactly what he did until late at night on Wednesday: attacking special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. At 6:54 a.m. today the president tweeted: Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. A total disgrace! Did you ever see an investigation more in search of a crime? At the same time Mueller and the Angry Democrats arent even looking at the atrocious, and perhaps subversive, crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats. A total disgrace! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 The fact that Trump is still attacking his 2016 presidential opponent Hillary Clinton is even more proof that he is getting desperate. He is now saying (with no evidence whatsoever) that the former First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State committed atrocious and subversive crimes. Given that it was recently revealed that he had asked the U.S. Attorney General to investigate Clinton for her non-existent crimes this kind of language coming from the White House is very disturbing. It seems to confirm everyones fears that he would like to subvert the rule of law and start arresting his political adversaries. In a subsequent tweet referred to the Mueller probe as an illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt and incorrectly stated that it has proven there was NO Collusion with Russia. When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 These early morning tweets were a continuation of what he had started on Wednesday night when he tweeted that so much happening with the now discredited Witch Hunt. This total Hoax will be studied for years! So much happening with the now discredited Witch Hunt. This total Hoax will be studied for years! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 But what was even more disturbing was that earlier in the day, he had retweeted what appeared to be a frightening warning to his critics and political adversaries, showing them behind bars. Things seem to be really heating up in the Mueller probe. This week the special counsel asserted in a court filing that former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort violated his plea agreement by lying to the FBI and the special counsel team. Also this week it was reported that Manaforts attorney had been sharing information with lawyers for Trump about Manaforts cooperation with the Mueller probe, which is clearly a violation of his plea deal. This also led to speculation that Manafort was angling for a presidential pardon. Trump then increased speculation that Manafort is seeking a pardon by telling the New York Post on Wednesday that it was not off the table. Wednesday, Trump threatened to declassify documents related to Russia that he claimed would damage Democrats. He has consistently claimed that the probe is run by a gang of Democrats. Its not clear what Donald Trumps game is at this point. He may be playing a high stakes game of chicken with Bob Mueller, or he may just be running around like a chicken with his head cut off. Everyone is now waiting for Bob Muellers next move and for Donald Trumps next unhinged tweetstorm. Nobody knows what will happen next, but it appears that things are coming to a head, and the nations fate may rest in the balance. 677 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal attorney, has reached a new plea deal with special counsel Robert Mueller. According to ABCs George Stephanopoulos, Cohen is expected to plead guilty to lying to congressional committees. Michael Cohen, Pres Trumps former personal attorney, reaches new plea deal with Mueller this morning. Expected to enter guilty plea for false statements to Congress coupled with dozens of hours of testimony potentially damaging to Pres TrumpSpecial Counsel values testimony. Michael Cohen, Pres Trumps former personal attorney, reaches new plea deal with Mueller this morning. Expected to enter guilty plea for false statements to Congress coupled with dozens of hours of testimony potentially damaging to Pres TrumpSpecial Counsel values testimony. GeorgeStephanopoulos (@GStephanopoulos) November 29, 2018 The GOP-led congressional committees have been investigating Russian election interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. ABC reported that Cohen is expected to appear in federal court in New York City on Thursday morning. Cohen, who worked for Trump from 2006 until this year, pleaded guilty in August to eight counts of campaign finance violations, tax fraud, and bank fraud. At the time Cohen told the federal judge that he violated campaign finance laws in coordination with and at the direction of a candidate for federal office, i.e. Trump, for the principal purpose of influencing the election in 2016. Mueller gave the Cohen case to the Southern District of New York (SDNY) earlier this year, so Cohen was actually charged by the SDNY prosecutors instead of members of the special counsels team. In court on Thursday Cohen is expected to enter a guilty plea for his misstatements to Congress in his testimony last year. The federal prosecutors were able to prove that Cohen lied to Congress, under oath, about his contacts with Russians during Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen was once the presidents most loyal defender and said he would take a bullet for Trump to show his loyalty. He was not only the presidents personal attorney for over ten years but also was known as his fixer who took care of various business and legal problems for his boss. One example of his work as a fixer was the role he played in paying off women with whom Trump had affairs, such as Stormy Daniels. Last summer we reported that there were many good reasons for Donald Trump to be terrified of Michael Cohen flipping on him. Cohen is now saying that he wants to put family and country first by cooperating with prosecutors. It is possible that given his close working relationship with Trump, as both an attorney and a fixer, Cohen may be the most important witness in the case Mueller is making against the president. The potential crimes that Mueller might charge Donald Trump for are many and varied. They would include crimes of conspiracy against the United States for his Russia dealings, and also many possible financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion and fraud. Robert Mueller has already successfully prosecuted Trumps campaign manager, Paul Manafort, for many crimes of a similar nature. Given this track record, and given the valuable testimony that might be provided by Michael Cohen, this latest news is sure to have Donald Trump in a state of panic. 647 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Special counsel Robert Mueller is looking into a series of late-night telephone calls from then-candidate Donald Trump to his confidant Roger Stone during the 2016 presidential campaign, the Washington Post is reporting. According to the Post: Caller ID labeled them unknown, but Roger Stone said he knew to pick up quickly during those harried months of the 2016 presidential campaign. There would be a good chance that the voice on the other end of the line would belong to his decades-long friend the restless, insomniac candidate Donald Trump dialing from a blocked phone number. The Post reported that Mueller has a very keen interest in those late-night talks. Muellers high degree of interest in Trumps relationship with Stone was set forth in a draft court document this week in which prosecutors drew a direct line between the two men. The document refers to Stone as someone understood to be in regular contact with senior Trump campaign officials, including with then-candidate Donald J. Trump. The Post reported earlier in the week that the inclusion of the presidents name in the document worried his legal team because it showed just how closely Mueller was investigating what Trump may have learned from Stone about WikiLeaks release of emails that prosecutors say were hacked by Russian intelligence operatives. This shows how intensely Mueller is investigating what information Trump may have obtained directly from Stone about WikiLeaks release of emails that were illegally obtained. Stone said he did not discuss WikiLeaks or the emails with Trump. He said records of phone calls didnt mean anything: Unless Mueller has tape recordings of the phone calls, what would that prove? Stone has criticized the Mueller investigation as a political witch hunt to punish him for supporting Trump and both he and Wikileaks have denied any collaboration. Trump told his lawyers and last week told Mueller in his written answers that Stone never told him about WikiLeaks upcoming email release. He has denied any prior knowledge of Wikileaks release of the emails. In September we reported that Stone might get arrested for lying under oath about his contacts with WikiLeaks. Then in late October we reported that Mueller was close to indicting Stone for his Wikileaks contacts. In July we also published an article entitled Trump Lie Blown To Bits As Indictment Reveals Roger Stone Was In Regular Contact with Senior Campaign Members. What this means is that Bob Mueller has a great deal of information about Roger Stones contacts with WikiLeaks and also with the Trump presidential campaign. The reason Mueller is so interested in Stone is that he may provide proof of Donald Trumps personal involvement in colluding with Russia. For several months we have been reporting that a Stone indictment might be imminent. Were not sure what evidence Robert Mueller has that might lead to him indicting Roger Stone, but with all of the information that has come out this week it appears that an indictment might in fact be coming very soon. When Bob Mueller issues an indictment to Roger Stone it may provide proof that Donald Trump illegally conspired with Russia and WikiLeaks during his 2016 campaign. This is the bombshell that weve all been anticipating for a very long time, and it may happen soon. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Fontaine submitted the report at 4:32 a.m., and her supervisor signed off on it less than an hour later, records show. She testified she then went to the Area Central police headquarters, where she sat in an office with other officers who had been at the shooting scene and waited to talk to their union representative. When Joe Cunningham defied long odds in November, becoming the first Democrat to win South Carolina's coastal congressional seat since the 1970s, his victory was due in large part to suburban Charleston turning blue. In West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, and some suburban parts of Dorchester and Berkeley counties, dozens of neighborhoods that helped elect Donald Trump president in 2016 gave the majority of their votes to Cunningham in the 1st Congressional District race. The district is home to some of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and most residents weren't born in South Carolina, but a Post and Courier analysis and map of precinct-level results show it was primarily older suburban areas that flipped blue. For example, most precincts in the fast-growing northern part of Mount Pleasant voted for Republican candidate Katie Arrington, while those in southern Mount Pleasant went for Cunningham. In Berkeley County, the Cane Bay and Nexton developments supported Arrington. And in Bluffton, where the population increased by more than 60 percent just since 2010, Arrington won 12 of 15 precincts packed with newcomers. How your neighborhood voted Click on each precinct for more information. Use the search field to zoom to an address. Nationally, suburban voters college-educated women in particular helped Democrats take control of the House of Representatives. That was as true in Charleston as it was in Philadelphia, Chicago and Orange County, Calif. "The election was a suburban rout" for Republicans, said a New York Times report. Well-respected pollsters had given Cunningham slim chances of winning a less than 9 percent chance of victory largely because the 1st District's boundaries were drawn years ago to give Republicans a substantial advantage. Most of majority-black North Charleston is excluded from the district, for example. The congressional district is the wealthiest and best-educated in South Carolina, extending along the coast from Hilton Head Island to McClellanville, and inland through parts of Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Trump won within that district by 13 percentage points in 2016 against Hillary Clinton. Midterm congressional elections typically are seen as a referendum on the president's performance, and that was particularly true this year because Trump declared that to be the case. In the 1st District, Arrington was supported by Trump and she had beaten incumbent Republican and former Gov. Mark Sanford in the primary election partly because she said he didn't support Trump enough. In both the primary and general election Trump supported Arrington and on Twitter urged people to vote for her. The primary contest was the first election Sanford ever lost. We are the party of Donald J. Trump ... and now, congresswoman Katie Arrington, Arrington said at her primary election victory party. Theres only one way to keep making America great again, and that is by electing people like Katie Arrington to Congress, Trump said in a robocall voters received right before the general election. But in November, enough voters declined to endorse "the party of Donald J. Trump" that Arrington, a one-term state lawmaker from Summerville, narrowly lost to Cunningham, a lawyer seeking public office for the first time. Cunningham carried 50.62 percent of the vote to Arringtons 49.21 percent. In Mount Pleasant, Arrington lost half the precincts Trump won two years earlier. Across Charleston County, Cunningham won 40 precincts that Trump had won previously, plus 14 more in Dorchester County and 15 in Berkeley County. During the contest, Cunningham raised more campaign money than Arrington, and two Republican mayors on barrier islands endorsed Cunningham due to concerns about offshore oil and gas exploration. However, despite the drilling issue, Arrington won the majority of barrier island voting precincts, including all three on Isle of Palms where the mayor endorsed her opponent. The 1st District has 352 voting precincts spread across five counties. Cunningham defeated Arrington in 80 precincts that Trump won in the 2016 presidential election, tied Arrington in another and claimed every precinct that Clinton won in 2016. The question isnt, Why did she die, why didnt she realize she was with a bad guy and get out of the relationship? Pyron said. Its not on her to make sure she survives. Its on him to make sure he doesnt murder her. So how do we change the patterns we have in our culture to make sure women are treated with respect and make sure nonviolent behavior is the norm for all genders? MINNEAPOLIS The University of Minnesota Extension is providing free help to farmers who may be struggling in an agricultural economic downturn. The extensions Farm Information Line connects farmers with retired agricultural financial and business experts who will provide analysis and advice. The Extension began the private and confidential program more than a year ago to help address farmers growing concerns about financial burdens, according to Kevin Klair, an agricultural economist with Extension. "The biggest thing is to help them figure out where theyre at financially," Klair said. "Its mostly about exploring what options might be available." The line so far has helped more than 100 farmers. Klair said more farmers are expected to utilize the counseling resource as this years growing season closes. "The next several months December, January, February, March will be the months when (farmers) really have to analyze where theyre at, discuss with their lenders, see how theyre doing and what their options are," he said. Brad Hovel, a farmer in Cannon Falls, said farmers may have difficulty asking for help, even when they need it. "Farmers are pretty proud people and I dont know if theyd really tell their neighbors or friends if theyre having financial trouble or not," Hovel said. Low crop prices and poor weather during the planting and growing season have hurt Minnesota farmers the last few years, said Extension Associate Dean Michael Schmitt. Financial stress can have negative impacts on farmers families and their mental health, Schmitt said. "We are concerned when people dont talk about their challenges with anybody, because they cant get the help they need, they cant get the advice they need," he said. WINONA In southeast Minnesota, an invasive woody vine has caused property damage and altered ecosystems with its prolific seed production and aggressive growth. Oriental bittersweet was first confirmed in the Twin Cities in 2010, and has since been confirmed in multiple counties with the most severe infestations in Red Wing and Winona. After the species was listed on the Minnesota noxious weed list in the prohibited-eradicate category in 2011, efforts were first concentrated on mapping and developing management strategies to contain the spread. In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture obtained funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to start an eradication program. In Winona, local efforts to control infestations of oriental bittersweet have been led by the county. Anne Morse, the countys Sustainability Coordinator and Assistant County Agricultural Inspector, has organized workshops hosted on neighborhood residents property in which participants learn how to identify and manage oriental bittersweet. Working neighborhood by neighborhood, Morse is empowering people to better manage invasive plants on their land. Building community involvement is essential for long-term success. Morse was already connected with many community leaders and was able to recruit volunteers by pitching the project to teachers, outdoor recreation groups, civic groups, and networks of personal friends. Through these recruitment strategies, Morse assembled a group of committed individuals "who cherish and are passionate about recreating our blufflands." To engage landowners, Morse found a successful strategy by holding open houses in individual neighborhoods, which in Winona are wooded valleys within the extensive Mississippi river bluff landscape. Invitations were sent via mail to all landowners in each valley for "Root Beer and Bittersweet" events, which were held at the end of a workday. At the open houses, attendees learned about the eradication effort, were given a tour of nearby infested areas, and encouraged to sign up for an evaluation of their property. Coordinated efforts between state and local partners has increased efficiency and maximized outcomes for bittersweet management. Morse said Winona County is "assiduous in documenting contacts and all property data of every landowner we speak with." Winona County has "also invested in mapping the intensity of infestations on all the properties we have evaluated." She also focuses on the volunteers and landowners, working "to make volunteer experiences as gratifying as possible, being sure to plan for needs, and being responsive." The Winona Invasive Species Working Group has been meeting for several years to build connections, share knowledge and strategize to continue to eradicate oriental bittersweet. The yearslong opioid epidemic is having a negative impact on employers and few employees have the knowledge or resources to handle addiction, according to a new survey by The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. The survey, which questioned employees and human resource professionals, showed that nearly two-thirds of them believe opioid use has caused problems for their company or will in the future. About 65 percent of the HR professionals said opioid addiction affects their company financially, according to The Hartford, which released the survey results Tuesday. "Now is the time for the business community to join in a united effort advancing addiction prevention, treatment and recovery," Christopher Swift, The Hartfords chairman and CEO, said in a written statement. "All of us companies, citizens and communities must work together to overcome this crisis." Swift added: "At The Hartford, we are committed to providing consumers with educational resources, advocating for policy change and reducing the number, dosage and duration of opioid prescriptions in our workers compensation and disability businesses. Its the right thing to do and a societal and business imperative." The insurer said that, from the survey, it gleaned that there was an opportunity to increase education on addiction for companies of all sizes. A majority of the people surveyed, both employees and HR professionals, said they did not feel they had been well trained to help others suffering from addiction to opioids, according to The Hartford. This survey comes at a time when governments and organizations have been battling an opioid epidemic that kills thousands of people a year. Fueled in part by an overabundance of prescription opioids, experts say people have turned to heroin and other illicit drugs with deadly consequences in the past five or so years. Given the need for education, The Hartford said it has partnered with the drug prevention organization Shatterproof to provide online materials for companies. "As a former hotel executive and businessman, I have seen firsthand the impact of addiction in the workplace," Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, said in a written statement. "And with one in three U.S. families impacted by addiction, employers play a critical role in solving this crisis. We are grateful to The Hartford for their commitment to support employees struggling with substance use disorders by providing education and resources through the Shatterproof educational program." The Hartford said it has undertaken efforts to reduce opioid use among injured workers by more than 40 percent since 2015. While their hats might be bad, the Bad Bad Hats punky pop music based on their sold-out Rochester show alone is anything but. Sharing a bill with indie blues garage-rockers The Shakletons and the dreamy, atmospheric sounds of Author, the show marks the fifth sold-out event in 2018 for local music promoters My Town My Music (MTMM). Add that to the praise their first full-length release, Psychic Reader, received from places like the The New Yorker, NPR, Pitchfork, and Paste, and their touring in support of artists like Hippo Campus and Third Eye Blind yeah, they make good good music. Ahead of their Black Box show Saturday, band members Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Connor Davison took time to answer a few questions for 507 Mag readers. If you missed your chance to snag tickets to this wicked concert you can still get your Bad Bad Hats fix here: Your sophomore album Lightning Round came out this past August. Whats the significance of its title? Kerry Alexander:I really like trivia and game shows, but when we decided to use it for this album, I liked that it reflected my feelings towards a sophomore release. The lightning round is fast-paced, kind of a chance to prove yourself in a game show. And the second album can feel like that too. For Lightning Round, it sounds like you used a more live approach to your recording. what did that do for your music? Chris Hoge:Our producer, Brett Bullion, encouraged us to try recording a few songs live in a room together, and a few songs came together quickly with that approach. "Absolute Worst" is a great example Kerry, Con, and I sat and played drums, bass, and guitar together and got the basic song down. We still layered a few things on top of that after the fact, but it was a fun, fast way to work that challenged us. Working that way pushes you to elevate your playing and pushes you to let go of small imperfections that might happen during a take. Youve been touring a lot this fall supporting Lightning Round. What have been some of your favorite experiences on tour? KA:I think we maybe hit every major city in America in the past six months. There are still cities we want to play that we havent, but we covered some serious ground. Weve gotten some beach time in the Pacific and the Atlantic. Weve eaten so much good food across the country. We have strong opinions now about the best sandwiches and best breakfasts in America. Your tour this fall hasnt included Noah Boswell, who left the band to pursue his education. What was that transition like? KA:Noahs last show was our album release show at First Avenue in August. He just started grad school this fall. We miss having Noah in the band for many reasons. Hes been our friend for a long time, so we just miss him living in the Twin Cities and miss spending time with him. And he was in the band from the start, so its sad to end that chapter. Im really nostalgic about things like that. But Connor Davison, our drummer, has been with us for about two years. So Con and Chris and I are very comfortable together and have been through many tours together. When you played Rochester last time, you performed at Kathys pub. For your appearance this time around, youre headlining at a theatre. What are some pros and cons of playing smaller clubs and larger theatres? KA:Well, because of some factors like the sweatiness and packed-ness of a small venue, those shows can feel very classic rock-and-roll. There is a certain energy to them that makes you feel cool. But I like a theater show, too. They can feel grander. Every once and a while Ive taken the opportunity to see if anyone has any questions in a space like that. Theres a different kind of intimacy and connection in that kind of space that can make one-on-one communication a little easier. The last time I interviewed you, you said, "I do feel like half the point of releasing art into the world is so that it can take on a new life." Are there any examples of songs from Lightning Round that have "taken on a new life" with listeners suggesting different interpretations than the one you initially originally intended? KA:Well, my mom thought the chorus of "Girl" was "go to hell!" so thats one interpretation. But, yeah, in some ways I think they take on a new life the moment someone listens and relates to the song. Because theyll always be bringing their own experience to it. And theres something special when two different people can find solace in each others experience. Thats what music does, I think. Can you tease any details about your Rochester show? KA:Well be playing old songs, well be playing new songs. I might be playing bass on a song or two! Which is a treat for me. Lots of surprises. FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace returns to the Mayo Civic Center on Saturday. The family event, filled with sampling, shopping, cooking demos, and kids activities, is a fun way to meet the farmers and food artisans in your own backyard. Here are a few things to know before you go. 4,732: People whove attended FEAST! since the first festival in 2014. Each year, you can discover the abundance of foods produced in the upper Midwest, try hundreds of local products, and learn where and how your food is made. If youre returning for a second (or fifth) time, plenty of new flavors await you, like wild rice burgers, popped lotus seeds, and Caribbean Jerk sauce. 234: Entrepreneurs whove showcased their unique products at FEAST! From bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup to blood orange thyme-infused olive oil, the one-of-a-kind items at FEAST! make great gifts, especially with wine and hard cider now available for take-home purchase. But be sure to bring cash, as not all vendors take credit cards. And vote for your favorite exhibitor in the festivals Peoples Choice Awards for a chance to win a basket filled with local products. $132,000: Revenue generated for local food businesses at the one-day event. Buying local supports us all, as studies show that it keeps more money in an area. Locally owned businesses are linked to higher income growth and lower levels of poverty. They also create jobs, attract additional businesses (and tourists), and generate tax revenue, which helps fund public parks and trails, schools, clean streets, and safer neighborhoods. 14,652: Approximate miles vendors will drive across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa to bring their goods to FEAST! 2018. 10: Categories of food and beverages youll find at FEAST! they include confections, cheese and dairy, preserves and vinegars, snacks, bakery and grains, fresh produce, meat, sauces-dressings-seasonings, and non-alcoholic beverages. And yes, there will also be wine, craft beer, and hard cider. Ingredients used by FEAST! vendors are locally grown and sustainably sourced. Elena Byrne is the tradeshow and communications coordinator for FEAST. Marlene Petersen is a Rochester-area writer employed by FEAST. "Young Hedgie sniffed the chilly wind.Snow is on the way, he thought.Ill just take a last ramble around the farm. He did not want to miss a moment." In Jan Bretts new book, "The Snowy Nap," that little hedgehogs moment turns into a curious adventure in a wintertime Denmark. "Hedgie wants to stay up for winter," Brett said, "but it doesnt work out, and he gets rescued." "The Snowy Nap" is both written and illustrated by Brett. While her intricately detailed paintings are watercolor, they are crafted in an untraditional way using more of a dry brush technique and utilizing pigments similar to a color pencil consistency. The resulting life-like images are bold, yet delicate, and allow the reader to get fully swept into the storys world. "People think children need simple," Brett said. "Well, yes, they dont have a big vocabulary, but thats why they gravitate to these books that have all these beautiful illustrations. The curiosity is stimulated. "If you look at any child in the picture book age, they just want to discover," she said. "They just want adventures and discovery, but they dont have all the tools. All of the sudden with a book, the locks are unlocked." Bretts own curiosity is stimulated, too, while creating her stories, which can take around a year to finish. "A lot of times, Ill go to a place, and this time it was in Denmark," she said. "Ill have a cartoon story dummy in place, and Ill have a treasure hunt." Shell take note of the styles of sweaters, homes, textiles and even animals of the time and place she is writing about. That level of research adds to the level of imagination packed into her childrens books. On her book tour, Brett hopes she can share that imagination and inspire others to do the same even allowing attendees to bring their own art supplies and draw along with her. "I do it all thinking that I want them to write a book. Ill tell them about getting an idea, the plot, the setting, my traveling, and hints (or even secrets) about drawing," she said. "I love to just share with them the creative process. This is a way I can share my world with them." The book, which claimed a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, joins the company of Bretts more than 42 million books in print. But this is actually the Massachusetts authors first bedtime story. "Ive never done one before," she said, "and when I made up the story, I didnt even think of it being a goodnight story." But in the end, Hedgie ends his winter adventure "dreaming of icicles and snowmen, snowflakes and pond ice. It was a long snowy nap." Ifrah Mansours one-woman play, "How to Have Fun in a Civil War," will come to the RAC as part of her statewide fall tour. The performance is something of a reunion. Before her time at RAC, artistic director Sheila Dickinson wrote grants for a Somali artist collective in Minneapolis called Soomaal House of Art, of which Mansour is a member. "One of my main ambitions has been to get this group of artists an exhibit," Dickinson said. And with Mansours stop in Rochester (her show was previously staged at the Guthrie Theater and Childrens Theatre Company), that dream is one step closer to reality. Mansour, whos based in Minneapolis, is a Somali playwright and performer. In the show, she revisits her childhood during the 1991 Somali Civil War and reenacts it from the viewpoint of a 7-year-old girl. "Its through the eyes of a child," Dickinson said. "The child didnt have a choice in this so how can you get to be a child in the midst of violence?" Thats quite a task. And Mansour accomplishes it by stepping back, using a variety of refugee stories (from 16 sources) and mediums (poetry and puppetry and projections) to pull her audience through that fraught time in her life. "She has a lot of humor, a lot of exuberance and energy," Dickinson said. "Its a testament to her own resilience and openness." The show is intended for stage, but will be modified to fit in the front lobby of the art center. It will run for about 50 minutes, followed by a discussion with Mansour, and is recommended for ages 6 and up. The art center wants to connect to the Somali population in Rochester, Dickinson said. However, they dont want to stop there. "I think that its a privilege for anyone to get a view from another persons perspective, to be open and listening," Dickinson said. Thats why she hopes the community at large embraces the opportunity to learn more about Somali refugees and the war. The collaboration wont stop here. Look for Soomaal House of Art to come to the RAC in late 2019 or 2020, Dickinson said. Over the next two years, our charge is to build on this progress to fortify our new Democratic majority so we can deliver bold change for the American people, Bustos said in a statement. We will do this by placing a new emphasis on incumbent protection while going on offense in the districts where we came up short this year. We must do both. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero's administration is pursuing a plan which has been talked about in the government of Guam for years to somehow prov Read more At the last meeting of the summit in 2015, scientists concluded by saying that it would be "irresponsible" to proceed until the safety concerns had been thoroughly vetted and a societal consensus had developed. But a report two years later by the National Academies of Sciences said that genome edits that could be inherited "might be permitted" if, for example, there were transparency and an unmet need, among other criteria. A report this summer by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in the United Kingdom concluded that gene editing to influence future generations "could be ethically acceptable in some circumstances." SPRING CITY Known throughout Pottstown as Bill the Cat Guy, the extensive collection of the late Bill Sharon will be auctioned off this weekend and it includes many pieces of Pottstown history. Also known as Mr. Pottstown, Sharon had an extensive collection of Christmas items, including several trees that remained decorated all year-long, in his King Street home. In addition to many antiques, Sharon also had a basement full of historic bottles, pottery, ceramics, historic paper products and many items related to Pottstowns industrial past, said Eileen Rhoads, who is heading up the auction that takes place Saturday and Sunday at Bonnie Brae Auctions, 20 Bonnie Brae Road, Spring City. It took six trucks to get everything here, she said on the auction houses website, where a photos of some of the items up for sale can be viewed. A preview in person can also be had Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on the day of each sale, Saturday and Sunday. Sharon, who worked for many years at Stanley G. Flagg Brass before it closed in 1997, died in August at age 73. In later years, he worked as a code officer for Pottstown Borough and, a relentless rescuer of cats, helped found the Pottstown Pet Frair. One of his favorite charities, Cat NAPS, will have a table set up to take donations at the auction of his estate. LOWER FREDERICK A regional police force is being considered for three townships and a borough in the Perkiomen Valley. A public hearing on the state study that looks at two options for regional policing in Lower Frederick, Upper Frederick, Perkiomen townships and Schwenksville borough will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, at 220 Big Road in Zieglerville. The hearing begins at 7 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to present the details of the study to the public. In addition, residents will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions, according to a posting on the Upper Frederick Township website. Residents of the Township are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear from the professionals who prepared the study, officials said. None of the municipalities are bound by the results of the study and may choose to join together, or not. The study was completed last month by the Governors Center for Local Government Services and recommends a full-time department for all four municipalities with 18 officers, two staff, 10 vehicles and a budget of $2.6 million. That force, if implemented, would serve a population of 18,897 in 26.37 square miles, 106 miles of roadway at a cost of $139 per resident per year. If not, the next best option would be the joining of the three smaller municipalities, to create a smaller, but functional regional police department to serve those three municipalities, the study concluded. The three-municipality department would have 10 officers, one staff member, six vehicles and a budget of $1.4 million. The smaller force, if implemented, would exclude Perkiomen Township and serve a population of 9,758 in 18.95 square miles, with 69.7 miles of road at a per capita cost of $149 per year. In both scenarios, patrol officers would be paid about $85 per hour. Currently, of the four municipalities, only Lower Frederick has its own police department, which has four members, a chief, a corporal, an officer and a traffic safety officer. The 2018 budgeted cost for this department is $599,536, according to the budget posted on the township website. Lower Frederick Police Chief Paul Maxey is paid $96,481 and the salary of the remaining three personnel adds up to $258,138 according to the budget. There were 78 reportable crimes in Lower Frederick in 2017, according to the report. No crime statistics for the other three municipalities were available. So the study used a International Association of Chiefs of Police standard of 550 calls for service per 1,000 residents in formulating its forecasts for police service needs in the region. It also used the Lower Frederick numbers as a sample and applied it to the other three municipalities, concluding the region has about six crimes per week in all four municipalities. The other three municipalities rely on Pennsylvania State Police coverage but, as Schwenksville officials noted on the borough website, the Pennsylvania Legislature has been considering legislation that would begin to charge municipalities for State Police Services without expanding coverage or increasing services provided. As a result, those three municipalities could soon end up paying for police services they now receive at no additional cost. Regional police departments, if properly managed, typically save an average of 24 percent when compared to traditional departments, according to the study. According to the study, other advantages of a regional police department include the elimination of the need for part-time police officers, increased patrol coverage, fewer jurisdictional conflicts, improved recruiting of quality personnel, and the services of at least one detective. As the Perkiomen Valley region grows, growing cultural diversity, county-wide drug enforcement issues, growing regional and county-wide traffic problems, school district concerns, fiscal constraints and other new issues have raised challenges for municipalities and their police departments, the study notes. If a regional force is created here, the municipalities that join will join more than 300 municipalities that are participating in the regional or contractual policing across Pennsylvania, the study notes. Oversight of a regional force would be outside the control of any one municipality and instead be undertaken by a police commission comprised of elected officials from each of the municipalities participating, according to the report. If all four municipalities participate, the study recommends using the current Lower Frederick Police Station off Route 73 as the headquarters for the regional force. Because the region is only 26 square miles, the report considers a sub-station to be unnecessary. Without reliable crime statistics, the report notes that there are several methodologies used to divide the cost of a regional police force among those participating, but recommends using population as the primary driver, at least until a history of crime statistics suggests otherwise. Using this population formula, a four-municipality regional force would cost Lower Frederick $681,356; Upper Frederick $497,914; Schwenksville $183,442 and Perkiomen $1,257,888, according to the reports calculations. The smaller, three-municipality regional force would cost Lower Frederick $725,175; Upper Frederick $522,126 and Schwenksville $203,049, according to the reports calculations. It should also be noted that while the report quantifies the cost of providing full time local police services to each municipality, it does not quantify the tax impact for raising the funds to pay for the services. That impact needs to be explored and quantified by each individual municipality, Schwenksville officials posted on the borough website. The report strongly recommends the four-municipality force, arguing it will provide more extensive police services to a larger population in the most efficient manner. It also points to a U.S. Dept. of Justice study that found at 996, Pennsylvania has the highest number of local police departments in the United States, even more than Texas which is six times larger and has double the population. Over 83 percent of Pennsylvanias full-time police departments have less than 10 officers, while 90 percent has less than 25, the report notes. It also pointed to a 2007 study by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that focused on a Cambria County regional force and concluded that the regional police department was providing a higher level of service at a significant lower cost. The Dec. 5 public meeting marks the start of public discussion of these options. There will be an additional multi-municipal public hearing in the spring and Schwenksville Borough encourages residents of the borough to submit their written comments and questions to info@schwenksville-pa.org at any time. Additional opportunity for public comment will also be provided at future borough council meetings, officials posted on Schwenksvilles website. Michael Cohen is to plead guilty in federal district court in Manhattan this morning for misstatements to Congress, according to the multi-bylined New York Times story. I actually cant tell from the Times story as posted at the moment whether Cohen has appeared in court yet and whether more than one charge was presented. The Times reports that Cohen admitted to making false statements to Congress about his efforts to pursue a Trump Tower deal in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign. That is the substance of the Times story as of this moment. The underlying plea warrants more attention when I can get a handle on it. UPDATE: The Wall Street Journal reports that Cohen pleaded guilty to a single count of false statements includ[ing] remarks about the timing of the Moscow project and about discussions with other individuals at the Trump Organization about the project. THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR: The plea agreement has been posted online here. The posted document lacks the so-called Criminal Information, which is said to be attached to the document and is what I wanted to see. The 10-page Criminal Information is posted here. I have embedded it below. I take it that President Trump is the ridiculously pseudonymous Individual 1. See, e.g., paragraph 1. Cohen False Statements Criminal Information by Scott Johnson on Scribd If John werent on vacation this week, he would have noted the Daily Beast story reporting that Avenatti brought the defamation lawsuit against President Trump in the name of Stormy Daniels (Stephanie Clifford) without her consent. If true, this represents serious professional misconduct. Stormy Daniels also raised issues regarding the funds Avenatti has raised via crowdfunding in her name. The Daily Beast story rested on this statement from Stormy Daniels: For months Ive asked Michael Avenatti to give me accounting information about the fund my supporters so generously donated to for my safety and legal defense. He has repeatedly ignored those requests. Days ago I demanded again, repeatedly, that he tell me how the money was being spent and how much was left. Instead of answering me, without my permission or even my knowledge Michael launched another crowdfunding campaign to raise money on my behalf. I learned about it on Twitter. I havent decided yet what to do about legal representation moving forward. Michael has been a great advocate in many ways. Im tremendously grateful to him for aggressively representing me in my fight to regain my voice. But in other ways Michael has not treated me with the respect and deference an attorney should show to a client. He has spoken on my behalf without my approval. He filed a defamation case against Donald Trump against my wishes. He repeatedly refused to tell me how my legal defense fund was being spent. Now he has launched a new crowdfunding campaign using my face and name without my permission and attributing words to me that I never wrote or said. Im deeply grateful to my supporters and they deserve to know their money is being spent responsibly. I dont want to hurt Michael, but its time to set the record straight. The truth has always been my greatest ally. My goal is the same as it has always beento stand up for myself and take back my voice after being bullied and intimidated by President Trump and his minions. One way or another Im going to continue in that fight, and I want everyone who has stood by me to know how profoundly grateful I am for their support. Avenatti provided this statement to the Daily Beast: I am and have always been Stormys biggest champion. I have personally sacrificed an enormous amount of money, time and energy toward assisting her because I believe in her. I have always been an open book with Stormy as to all aspects of her cases and she knows that. The retention agreement Stormy signed back in February provided that she would pay me $100.00 and that any and all other monies raised via a legal fund would go toward my legal fees and costs. Instead, the vast majority of the money raised has gone toward her security expenses and similar other expenses. The most recent campaign was simply a refresh of the prior campaign, designed to help defray some of Stormys expenses. I dont see any response in Avenattis statement to the question raised about the defamation lawsuit. The Daily Beast contacted Avenatti to ask about Daniels two active funding sites. Avenatti responded: We reset the page as the focus of the case changed from when we first launched the site. Asked for a breakdown of expenses, Avenatti commented via email: The money has gone toward the areas identified on the page. For instance, Stormys security detail has cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially due to the high level of death threats. The other out-of-pocket costs of the litigation are also extraordinary (and Im not speaking of attorneys fees). The Daily Beast reports that the current crowdfunding site was one of one of three highlighted on the sites homepage as of yesterday afternoon. An earlier site raised more than $580,000 for Daniels legal defense and no longer accepts contributions. The site appears to have removed the latest campaign after publication of this story. A message simply said Page not found. Representatives for the site did not immediately return a request for comment. I think Ms. Daniels could use a good lawyer. An explosion of what passes for news related to the Mueller Switch Project has appeared in the mainstream media this week. It features Jerome Corsi, Roger Stone, Paul Manafort and President Trump. Insofar as collusion with organs of the Russian government in manipulating the 2016 election is concerned, there seems to be no there there. I should add this related media note. The Guardian entered the scene with a dubious story reporting that Manafort had met several times with Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Over at the Federalist Mollie Hemingway draws the moral of the story. Based on the profusion of stories about Corsi and Stone, I confess. I listened to Sean Hannity talk live with Julian Assange on Hannitys radio show about his work at Wikileaks during the campaign. I even enjoyed it. Surely this cannot stand. Trying to understand what its all about, I have taken my cues on the substance of the Muller investigation from Andrew McCarthy and two or three other knowledgeable observers with insight and judgment. Yesterday morning Andy appeared for a brief interview on the heavy-breathing Corsi and Stone stories. The video clip is posted here along with a brief story. Host Sandra Smith asked Andy to comment on the news to give us a sense where all this goes, as she put it. What I get from all of this, he said as he warmed up, and Im coming at this as somebody who has known and respected Bob Mueller and a number of the people on his staff who are very able lawyers, so I want to give this thing the benefit of the doubt. The preliminaries out of the way, he recalled, they were asked to get to the bottom of what Russia did to interfere with the election, which is a worthy cause. But thats camouflage, it seems to me, for what has become a clown show. The first three minutes of the clip are worth hearing out in their entirety. The whole thing, once again, is here. McCarthy elaborates on his thoughts in the new podcast with Rich Lowry that is posted on Stitcher with the title Wheres the crime? I have a hypothesis that Ive not yet published anywhere, but it seems like the propitious time has arrived. My hypothesis is that while places like Berkeley, Colorado/Boulder, the University of Wisconsin, etc. have the rap for being the most politically correct and radical institutions of higher education, in fact they are relatively sane compared to small, elite private liberal arts colleges. I believe that most small private liberal arts colleges are much worse. Berkeley, after all, has signed on to the Chicago Statement, crafted by the University of Chicago, which endorses free speech and academic freedom and throws shade at safe spaces and other leftist nonsense. I can pass along first hand that a senior Berkeley administrator told me that My idea of a safe space is a students dorm room. And notwithstanding the Milo riot in February 2017 (which I witnessed first hand), I was able to host Heather Mac Donald at a public event on campus without fuss, whereas two days later she was shut down at Claremont McKenna College by a mob. By contrast we have the recent example of Samuel Abrams, professor of politics at Sarah Lawrence College, who published an op-ed article in that well known right-wing rag The New York Times about how college administrators are worse than leftist faculty (I think he is right about this) and how there ought to be more balance in college instruction. For this offense against orthodoxy, he relates: Within hours, my office door and surrounding corridor was vandalized. Pictures of my family were taken and bumper stickers that I had placed on the door to create a welcoming environment for students were stripped off. The vandals covered my door and surrounding hallway area with hateful paraphernalia intended to intimidate me into leaving the school. I received subsequent threats, and an alumna I have never met claims to be actively working on ways to ruin my life while many others are demanding that my tenure be stripped all because I wrote a relatively tame article with which they disagree. Following the defacement of my door, I was disappointed by the lack of a clear stand against violence and intimidation, and the lack of support for academic freedom and diversity of thought I expected from the College administrators. In fact, a note I received from a College official described the act as alleged vandalism. Left out of this account is Abrams meeting with the president of Sarah Lawrence, who hinted that he ought to find a job elsewhere. Meanwhile, there is a petition making the rounds at Williams College, another elite private liberal arts college, objecting to the proposal that the college sign on to the Chicago Statement. You have to read it, not to believe it, as the saying goes. It contains just about every marker of postmodern radical ideology. Some samples: In his time as Secretary of Labor, Alex Acosta has done much to accommodate liberals and little implement a conservative agenda. His inaction has attracted little criticism virtually none unless you count the occasional posts about I have written for Power Line. To make matters worse, President Trump, although he has attacked other cabinet members especially Jeff Sessions and Kirstjen Nielsen has had nothing but public praise for Acosta. He lumps Acosta with Alex Azar, the Secretary of HHS, and touts them as his two Alexs. Azar deserves the praise. Acosta does not. Trump may have to think twice before praising Acosta again, however. In a blockbuster story, the Miami Herald reports that, as a federal prosecutor in South Florida Acosta gave pedophile Jeffrey Epstein the deal of a lifetime. Failing to populate the Labor Departments Administrative Review Board or to overturn the Obama-era policies of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs may draw yawns even from those who know about it. Agreeing to a sweet deal with a notorious pedophile is quite another story. Readers may recall that Epstein is the guy who operated the Lolita Express which transported underage females to his private island for his sexual pleasure. Bill Clinton, Epsteins friend, reportedly hitched some rides. (Donald Trumps name appeared in Epsteins little black book of personal phone numbers, according to the Herald..) Epsteins practice, according to his victims, was to lure girls aged 13 to 16, to his mansion for a massage. He would molest them, paying extra for oral sex and intercourse, and offering more money to bring him new girls. In effect, this was an underage sex pyramid scheme. According to the Heralds reporting, a federal investigation revealed 36 underage victims of Epstein (the Herald apparently found dozens of additional ones). Yet, through a plea agreement with then-U.S. Attorney Acosta, Epstein managed to plead to only two state prostitution charges. He served 13 months in state prison, where he was housed in a private wing at the Palm Beach County jail and allowed work release privileges. Epsteins year of incarceration reportedly included trips to New York and the Virgin Islands. Not only did Epstein avoid a federal trial but, again according to the Herald, the agreement essentially shut down an ongoing FBI probe and further granted immunity to any potential co-conspirators in the case. Epstein was, however, required to register as a sex offender. Shutting down the federal investigation apparently was not just Epsteins priority, it was also Acostas. The Herald says: Documents show Acosta, then a federal prosecutor, didnt just buckle under pressure from Epsteins lawyers; he and other prosecutors worked with them to contain the case even as the FBI was uncovering evidence of a wider sex trafficking operation. Moreover, again according to the Herald: The pact Epstein negotiated with federal prosecutors was sealed so that no one not even his victims could know the full scope of his crimes. Court records, letters and emails show that the deal was negotiated, signed and executed behind victims backs. This was contrary to the requirements of federal law, says the Herald. And the agreement was sealed until after it was approved by the judge, thereby averting any chance that the girls or anyone else might show up in court and try to derail it. Bradley Edwards, a former state prosecutor who represents some of Epsteins victims, asks: How in the world, do you, the U.S. attorney, engage in a negotiation with a criminal defendant, basically allowing that criminal defendant to write up the agreement? Its a good question. The theme of my posts about Acostas shocking tenure as Secretary of Labor, and also as head of the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division, is his willingness, if not eagerness, to accommodate Democrats and Democrat interests. But I never imagined that his willingness to accommodate extended to well-connected pedophiles. According to some reports, Acosta is among those President Trump may be considering for the Attorney General position. Eliana Johnson says a senior White House aide tells her that the Miami Herald story about Acosta striking a deal on Jeffrey Epstein will absolutely hamper his chances of becoming Attorney General. One would hope so. Indeed, if the Heralds reporting is on the mark or close, it should bring his time as Secretary of Labor to an end. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 09:03:01 29 November 2018 Acrons IFRS EBITDA up 12% to USD 415 mn for 9M 2018, EBITDA margin reaches 33% Today Acron (Moscow Exchange and LSE: AKRN) released its consolidated IFRS financial statements for 9M 2018. Key Financials Revenue was RUB 77,779 million, up 12% year-on-year (9M 2017: RUB 69,289 million). In dollar equivalent, revenue was up 7% to USD 1,266 million from USD 1,188 million. EBITDA* was up 18% year-on-year to RUB 25,486 million (9M 2017: RUB 21,620 million). In dollar equivalent, EBITDA was up 12% to USD 415 million from USD 371 million. EBITDA margin was 33%, against 31% year-on-year. Net profit was RUB 7,366 million (USD 120 million), down 27% year-on-year (9M 2017: RUB 10,135 million) because of a number of one-off events: a net exchange loss of RUB 4,608 million due to a revaluation of assets, loans and liabilities, and a RUB 1,890 million loss on derivatives. Net debt was up 4% to RUB 74,105 million, against RUB 71,123 million as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, net debt remained essentially unchanged at USD 1,130 million. Net debt/LTM EBITDA** was 2.2, against 2.3 as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, the ratio was 2.0, down from 2.2. Operating Results Output of key products was 5,628,000 tonnes, up 3% year-on-year. Sales of key products totalled 5,447,000 tonnes, almost unchanged year-on-year. Alexander Popov, Chair of Acrons Board of Directors, commented on the results: Acron Groups financials are steadily growing and demonstrate the sustainability of Acron Groups business model. Over 9M 2018, EBITDA increased 12% year-on-year to USD 415 million. EBITDA margin reached 33%. The decrease in net profit is not representative, as it was due to one-time factors. We are securely in control of our debt burden. Net debt/LTM EBITDA in dollar equivalent was down to 2.0. With higher output, positive conditions on the mineral fertiliser market and the commissioning of a new urea unit, we expect Q4 financials to hit a record high. After considering Acron Groups operating results and given the current debt burden, in 2018 the Board of Directors recommended three times that the general meeting resolve to pay dividends totalling RUB 337 per share. Next year, we also plan to pay dividends three times, which is in line with the best global practices and our shareholders interests. APPENDIX Notes on Key Items in the Financial Statements Financial Performance The Group posted 9M 2018 revenue of RUB 77,779 million, up 12% year-on-year. This growth was due to higher global dollar prices for the Groups products and another 5% increase in the average rouble-dollar exchange rate. Sales of key products in the reporting period were almost equal to 9M 2017 results. Average Indicative Prices, USD/t, FOB Baltics/Black Sea 9M 2018 9M 2017 Change NPK 16-16-16 295 263 +12.2 % Ammonium nitrate 189 185 +2.2 % UAN 163 140 +16.6 % Urea 237 211 +12.5 % Ammonia 273 262 +4.3 % In the reporting period, the cost of sales was up 9% to RUB 41,024 million. Higher costs were mainly due to increased global prices for potash purchased for NPK production and growing depreciation. Depreciation went up after the launch of underground mining at the Oleniy Ruchey mine and the commissioning of a railway branch from the mine site to Titan station in late 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses were up 17% to RUB 5,983 million, mainly due to higher labour costs, Acron Groups busier international activity and related expenses. Acron Group has continued to win markets in Latin America and Europe. In the reporting period, the Group started sales through its new trading company, Acron France SAS, and in the short term it expects to see marketing through subsidiaries in Argentina and Brazil. Transportation expenses were up 17% to RUB 12,069 million due to the indexation of railway tariffs in Russia and higher lease rates for railcars. EBITDA was up 18% to RUB 25,486 million. The Group posted EBITDA margin of 33% for the reporting period, up from 31% year-on-year. Veliky Novgorod-based Acron, Dorogobuzh and NWPC operated at margins of 34%, 29% and 28%, respectively. Based on 9M 2018 results, the Group posted a net exchange loss of RUB 4,608 million due to a revaluation of assets, loans and liabilities (9M 2017: RUB 14 million loss). The Group also incurred a RUB 1,890 million loss on derivatives against a RUB 197 million profit for 9M 2017. These factors weighed down net profit 27% to RUB 7,366 million. However, it is worth noting that these factors were one-time in nature. Cash Flow In 9M 2018, net operating cash flow was up 33% to RUB 17,812 million (9M 2017: RUB 13,375 million) due to the increased operating profit. Working capital was up RUB 1,796 million (up RUB 1,854 million in 9M 2017), mainly due to increased inventory before the high season. Net cash spent on investments in the reporting period was RUB 9,089 million against RUB 8,031 million in 9M 2017. Capital expenditures were up 13% year-on-year to RUB 9,204 million (9M 2017: RUB 8,181 million). Net cash spent on financing activities in 9M 2018 was RUB 11,011 million against RUB 13,034 million in 9M 2017. In the reporting period, Acron spent RUB 11,700 million to pay shareholder dividends (9M 2017: RUB 3,782 million). In the reporting period, the Group compensated Sberbank Investments for accumulated yield from holding a 19.9% stake in VPC by exercising the option to sell this stake and selling it back to Sberbank Investments. The compensation to Sberbank Investments was RUB 5,162 million. Net proceeds from borrowings in the reporting period were RUB 6,550 million, compared with RUB 6,662 of net repayment of borrowings in 9M 2017. Debt Burden Total debt was down 4% from 30 June 2018 to RUB 87,457 million. In dollar equivalent, debt was down 8% to USD 1,333 million. Long-term debt made up 78% of total debt as of the end of the reporting period. Net debt was up 4% from 30 June 2018 to RUB 74,105 million. In dollar equivalent, net debt remained essentially unchanged at USD 1,130 million. Net debt/LTM EBITDA was 2.2 as of the end of the reporting period, down from 2.3 as of 30 June 2018. In dollar equivalent, the ratio decreased to 2.0 from 2.2. Market Trends Since June, urea prices have steadily grown on the back of strong demand in Latin America and India and short supply on the global market due to reduced Chinese exports, which plummeted 63% year-on-year over the first nine months of 2018, falling to 1.4 million tonnes from 3.7 million tonnes. Hamstrung by the high price of coal, which is a key feedstock for urea production in China, as well as by government environmental restrictions, Chinese producers are forced to hold prices over USD 300 FOB China, shifting their focus to the domestic market. October saw prices over USD 300 FOB Baltic, hitting a three-year record high. Sector analysts expect urea prices to remain high until early next year due to the traditional high season, and average 2019 prices are anticipated to exceed 2018 levels. Because urea is a benchmark for such nitrogen fertilisers as ammonium nitrate and UAN, higher urea prices triggered increase across these products, as well. Over 2018, NPK prices saw an upward dynamic sustained by price growth in all three market segments: nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. NPKs premium over the core product basket has remained high. Average Indicative Prices, USD/t, FOB Baltic Sea/Black Sea Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Q3 2018 / Q2 2018 change Q3 2018 / Q3 2017 change NPK 16-16-16 308 291 262 +5.9 % +17.8 % AN 213 166 184 +28.2 % +15.8 % UAN 174 155 126 +12.5 % +37.5 % Urea 263 225 205 +17.2 % +28.7 % Ammonia 303 232 199 +31.1 % +52.7 % The full version of Acron Groups financial statements is available at www.acron.ru/en Note: The exchange rate used for currency conversion was RUB 65.5906 to USD 1 as of 30 September 2018 and RUB 57.6002 to USD 1 as of 31 December 2017. The average exchange rate for the first nine months of 2018 was RUB 61.4358 to USD 1. The average exchange rate for the first nine months of 2017 was RUB 58.3344 to USD 1. * EBITDA is calculated as operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortisation, foreign exchange gain or loss on operating transactions, and other non-cash and extraordinary items. ** LTM EBITDA is EBITDA calculated for the past 12 months. Media contacts: Sergey Dorofeev Anastasiya Gromova Tatiana Smirnova Public Relations Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196) Investor contacts: Ilya Popov Investor Relations Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252) Background Information Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It has a wholly owned transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic port terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acrons subsidiary, North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP), holds mining licenses for 13 parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe. In 2017, the Group sold 7.3 million tonnes of various products to 65 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets. In 2017, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 94,342 million (USD 1,617 million) and net profit of RUB 14,260 million (USD 244 million). Acrons shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs approximately 11,000 people. For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 16:05:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 390 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / BirchBioMed Inc., a clinical-stage biomedical company focused on the clinical evaluation, development and commercialization of anti-scarring drugs, autoimmune therapeutics and novel strategies for transplantation, today announced that it will be presenting at the 11th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. PST / 3:00 p.m. EST. Mark Miller, chief executive officer of BirchBioMed will be presenting and meeting with investors along with Ryan Hartwell, Ph.D, chief science officer.The presentation will be webcast and may be accessed on the company's website at http://birchbiomed.ca or here."Internally, our entire year leads up to the Main Event. It has become the 'one thing' everyone in the small and micro-cap world knows us for," stated Chris Lahiji. "Even though LD has emerged as one of the largest and most influential organizations in the space, our focus has never deviated from showcasing some of the most interesting businesses in the world to our ever-growing community." The LD Micro Main Event will take place December 4th, 5th, and 6th, in Los Angeles at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel, will feature 250 companies, and will be attended by over 1,200 individuals.Profiles powered by LD Micro -- News Compliments of AccesswireAbout BirchBioMedBirchBioMed Inc. is a biomedical company focused on the commercialization, clinical evaluation and development of proprietary anti-scarring drugs, autoimmune therapeutics/therapies and novel strategies for transplantation. As a University of British Columbia (UBC) spinoff, BirchBioMed holds the exclusive, worldwide pharmaceutical license for two medical therapeutic technologies from UBC, which the university considers to be significant medical breakthroughs in the treatment of scarring and certain autoimmune diseases.About LD MicroLD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space.What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into several influential events annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and micro-cap universe.For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com for more information.Contact:LHA Investor RelationsKim Sutton Golodetz212-838-3777kgolodetz@ lhai.com SOURCE: BirchBioMed In the description he gave first to the Texas Ranger, Little described meeting a woman at the old Greyhound Bus Station off New York Avenue in the District of Columbia. Little and the woman had known each other for three days they when they drove up I-295 to a wooded area, according to law enforcement accounts of what Little said. The woman suggested they pull off at Maryland Route 197 onto a dirt road for consensual sex, officials said Little told the Ranger. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 03:46:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 605 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TAIPEI, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2018 / In 2018, the World Health Organization reports that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally (preceded by Ischaemic heart disease), responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths with approximately 70% occurring in low to middle-income countries. Of these cases, the most commonly occurring cancers are those which infect the lungs, breasts, colon, stomach, prostate, liver and pancreas. Acclaimed biochemist Professor Chi-Huey Wong, PhD has worked tirelessly over the course of his career in advanced research to develop effective immunotherapy treatment regimens targeting the most prevalent types of cancerous tumour growth. After more than 30 years of research conducted out of labs based in the USA, Japan and Taiwan, Dr.Wong is particularly excited by the prospects for effective therapy and suppression of cancer stem cells through the application of Globo H vaccinations.Globo H is a tumour-associated carbohydrate antigen found in epithelial cells (plasma membrane) that was first isolated in 1983 and observed to be expressed across a variety of cancers. Its complex chemistry made it highly difficult to replicate for study, until Chi-HueyWong designed the Optimer One-Pot Synthesis (OPopSa) which allowed for a complete and rapid synthesis of Globo H and the development of one of the first carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines, specifically targeting breast cancer cells and demonstratingpositive results through Phase I and II human trials. The vaccine is currently in phase III global trials conducted by the Taiwaness biopharmaceutical company OBI Pharma, Inc.A proliferation of Globo H studies published in journals such as the US National Library ofMedicine, ChineseChemical Letters, TheJournal of Ovarian Research, The NationalAcademy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society (which published Dr.Wong's seminal piece ''Development of Globo H Vaccine'') have returned promising data indicating a positive correlation with mutation present in many leading cancer types. These human-trial supported findings not only support the continued research and application of vaccination technologies, but will also serve to aid in preventative screening and identifications.Beginning in 2018, OBI has been conducting FDA-approved Phase I clinical trials of a ''novel first-in-class monoclonal antibody''OBI 888, specifically geared as a tumour-killer that targets Globo H and has shown efficacy at shrinking cancerous growths with no adverse effects to patients. New York-based Creative Biolabs are also demonstrating major advances in similar immunotherapies, offering primary and secondary prevention regimens based on antigens found in breast and prostate cancers and small cell lung carcinomas.With a career spanning more than three decades beginning with an M.S. in Biochemical Sciences from the National Taiwan University in 1977, a PhD in Chemistry from MIT in 1982 and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from Harvard University in 1983, Chi-HueyWong is recognized as a pioneer in the fields of glycoscience, organic chemistry and biopharmacology and has published more than 700 academic research papers asreported by Asian Scientist Newsroom. Among his many accolades are the 2015 Robert Robinson Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry, the 2014 Wolf Prize in Chemistry (cited as the most prestigious award after the Nobel Prize) and the 2012 Nikkei Prize in Science, Technology and Innovation Category. Dr.Wong currently serves as Professor of Chemistry at the Scripps Research Institute in California and has previously held distinguished positions with the Academia Sinica in Taiwan and the RIKEN Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Japan.Chi-Huey Wong on the Potential of Glycan Engineering to Improve Cancer Therapeutics: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chi-huey-wong-potential-glycan-145700589.html Chi-Huey Wong Discusses the Role of Automation in Oligosaccharides Synthesis: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chi-huey-wong-discusses-role-200500044.html Contact Information:Chi-Huey Wongwong@ scripps.edu SOURCE: Chi-Huey Wong PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 07:43:01 Chinese Youth Wallets Are the Target: A US$9 Trillion Digital Youthquake For more information see: www.Youthquake4.com Rocky Scopelliti Email: RockyS@Youthquake4.com Mobile: +61410447998 LinkedIn: Rocky Scopelliti Twitter: @Rocky Scopelliti The battle is on for the hearts, minds (and wallets) of Chinese Millennials. According to Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti who has just released a new book Youthquake 4.0 - A Whole [..], said Chinese Millennials wallet size has surged to exceed that held by the average Chinese adult population by 16 per cent. The share of Millennial-controlled global wealth in Asia Pacific has reached 45 per cent, exceeding the Americas by 22 per cent and Europe, Middle East, Africa by 14 per cent. By 2020, this will double to US$35.3 trillion1. To put this into perspective, by the same time, US GDP is projected to be only US$22 trillion and Eurozone US$13 trillion. Chinese Millennials are the first in Asia to become the most valuable demographic group, and an economic force to be reckoned with said Scopelliti. Scopelliti explains that the 21st century will be shaped by Millennials who have become the largest demographic group on the planet - 58 per cent to which are located in Asia Pacific. Their influence as consumers, employees and investors will only increase from this point on. Published globally by Marshall Cavendish, the world-first book deconstructs contemporary global issues, super-charged by the impact of Millennials influence and the 4th Industrial Revolution. Asia became the factory for the 3rd Industrial Revolution, adapting to shifting global economic and technological developments demonstrating its capacity to adapt to shifting global economic and technological developments and continually recreating comparative advantage. Asia is on the cusp of eclipsing the US for the worlds biggest venture capital market attracting a total funding of US$70.8 billion in 2017 to Americas US$71.9 billion2 and is set to leapfrog the US into the 4th Industrial Revolution said Scopelliti. Investments in emerging technology breakthroughs in the areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials science, energy storage, blockchain and quantum computing are laying the foundations of the Asian century. As a world-renowned futurologist, more than 150 boards and leadership teams including Fortune 100 companies seek Scopellitis strategic advice annually. 1 Boston Consulting Group (2016), Global Wealth Market Sizing Database 2 PricewaterhouseCoopers and CB Insights 2017 MoneyTree View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181128005 CHINESE YOUTH WALLETS ARE THE TARGET: A US$9 TRILLION DIGITAL YOUTHQUAKE PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 20:19:02 Invivoscribe also Receives National Reimbursement for CDx Assay in Japan SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a release issued under the same headline earlier today by Invivoscribe, Inc., please note the removal of the word VANFLYTA from the third paragraph. The corrected release follows. Invivoscribe is pleased to announce FDA approval of both the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay and the Astellas drug, XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate), for treatment of FLT3 positive refractory/relapse acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in the US. Further, the Japanese MHLW has confirmed national reimbursement for the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay in Japan. Invivoscribe developed the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay in partnership with Astellas as the companion diagnostic to predict patient responses to Astellas Pharma's AML drug XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate). This approval complements Invivoscribes prior regulatory approvals of this LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay as the companion diagnostic for RYDAPT (midostaurin) for Novartis (United States and Europe), and XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate) for Astellas (Japan). This CDx was also recently submitted to the PMDA in Japan and the US FDA as the CDx for predicting response to the Daiichi Sankyo drug, quizartinib hydrochloride. This milestone further establishes the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay as the international gold standard for comprehensive FLT3 assessment for critically ill AML patients as this CDx identifies both ITD and TKD mutations (including large internal tandem duplications), is available worldwide, and generates standardized signal ratios for both ITD and TKD mutations. Invivoscribe welcomes opportunities to use our Streamlined CDx program to partner with global pharmaceutical companies interested in developing and commercializing companion diagnostics, whether their therapies are targeting hematologic diseases or solid tumors, said Jeffrey Miller, Invivoscribes CSO and CEO. About the Invivoscribe LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay The LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay is a PCR-based, in vitro diagnostic test designed to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations D835 and I836 in the FLT3 gene in genomic DNA extracted from mononuclear cells obtained from peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirates of patients diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. This globally standardized test includes software that interprets data, generates mutant/wildtype signal ratios for ITD and TKD mutations, and predicts response to both gilteritinib fumarate and midostaurin. This extensively validated assay helps standardize the detection of genetic mutations in the FLT3 gene as one of the most important driver mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The LeukoStrat test is available as a test menu service through the Invivoscribe subsidiaries, LabPMM LLC (San Diego, CA, US), LabPMM GmbH (Martinsried, Germany) and LabPMM GK (Kawasaki City, Japan). LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay kits are currently distributed in Europe, will be available in Japan in 2018, and are planned for distribution in the United States, and China in the future. About Invivoscribe Invivoscribe is a privately held biotechnology company dedicated to Improving Lives with Precision Diagnostics . For nearly twenty-five years, Invivoscribe has improved the quality of healthcare worldwide by providing high quality, standardized reagents, tests, and bioinformatics tools to advance the field of precision medicine. Invivoscribe has a successful track record of partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies interested in developing and commercializing companion diagnostics, and provides expertise in both regulatory and laboratory services. Providing distributable kits, as well as clinical trial services through its globally located clinical lab subsidiaries (LabPMM), Invivoscribe is an ideal partner from diagnostic development, through clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. For additional information please contact Invivoscribe at support@invivoscribe.com or visit www.invivoscribe.com . PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 01:02:01 Crown Group Partners with Mitsubishi Jisho Residence to Develop $500M Inner Sydney Community, Mastery by Crown Group Hwee Peng Yeo +65 97686087 hweepeng@glodownead.com Australian residential property developer Crown Group today announced it has formed a new strategic alliance with one of the worlds largest real estate developers, Mitsubishi Estate Group, to develop a vibrant new community in Sydneys inner suburbs, called Mastery by Crown Group. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181128005 Mastery by Crown Group (Photo: Business Wire) Located at 48 ODea Avenue, Waterloo, Mastery by Crown Group is a $500 million development that will be made up of five buildings offering 374 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Sophisticated resort-style facilities will include an infinity-edge cantilevered rooftop pool, a gym and community room, as well as a ground-floor retail precinct with a mix of restaurants, cafes and shops. Residents will have a novel new dining concept on their doorstep: Sydneys first Japanese eat street, offering outlets styled on Tokyos Shibuya and Shinjuku special wards, to bustling Izakaya, as well as sushi trains, ramen restaurants and the more formal tea houses that serve Cha-kaiseki. The highly anticipated Mastery project is designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, Japanese-born Sydney-based architect Koichi Takada and Sydneys Silvester Fuller. It launched to the Sydney market on 17 November 2018 and will also be promoted in Shanghai and Hong Kong (China), Jakarta and Surabaya (Indonesia), Singapore and Tokyo (Japan). Construction is underway, scheduled for completion in 2020 for four low-rise buildings and 2021 for the high-rise building. Crown Group Chairman and Group CEO Iwan Sunito said the collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate Groups residential arm, Mitsubishi Jisho Residence, demonstrated both parties great confidence in the Sydney market, particularly in well-located areas primed for growth. It is such an honour and privilege to partner with Mitsubishi Estate Group, one of the worlds largest and most respected real estate investors and developers, Mr Sunito said. This is about collaboration and also learning from such an amazing organisation. As part of its expansion program, Crown Group has secured prime development sites in Brisbane, Melbourne and in Los Angeles, USA. The company differentiates itself by adding serviced apartment hotels and high-end retail to its portfolio of urban residential developments. The collaboration with Crown Group also meets Mitsubishi Estate Groups desire to establish long lasting partnerships with like-minded business leaders, to create the best new communities around the world. MJR Senior Managing Executive Officer Yutaro Yotsuzuka said, We are honoured that this reliable and award-winning developer Crown Group is working with us. We see great opportunities in Sydneys property market and we have a strong belief in this global high-growth market. Together, we can realise Crown Groups monumental vision of the revitalisation of this up-and-coming architectural precinct, Waterloo, in the heart of Sydney. We envision a long-term and healthy business relationship with Crown Group and we both welcome creative ideas. The time is right for us to form this strategic partnership. Crown Groups CEO of Global Capital and Director of Sales, Prisca Edwards said, The success of the Mastery by Crown Group sales launch on 17 November shows the strong demand for high-quality apartments in the right location. We saw a true mix of both investors and owner-occupiers on launch day (17 November), from first home buyers and young professionals, to downsizing couples and young families. Buyers flocked to our Market Street head office long before the doors opened at 9am in a bid to secure one of the most luxurious apartments in Waterloo. The new Mastery by Crown Group Display Centre is open every day from 10am to 4pm at 30-36 ODea Avenue, Waterloo. Premium apartments are priced from $632,000. Sales launch events in Singapore will take place on Dec 1 and 2 at 127 Devonshire Road, from 11 am to 6 pm. For more information or to register your interest, please contact CBRE in Singapore: James Puddle at (+65) 9784 6547 or jamespuddle@oneglobal-property.com For more information visit www.crowngroup.com.au/mastery. Images & video Images and video are available to download here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5975ayskgovqynv/AAAJHGx Images and video are available upon request including artist impressions, photographs of display apartments and computer-animated fly-through footage of selected Crown Group developments. About Crown Group Crown Group Holdings (Crown Group) is a leading Australian property group specialising in property development, property investment and serviced apartments. The company was co-founded by architect Mr. Iwan Sunito and engineer Mr. Paul Sathio with its first project in 1996. Iwan Sunito graduated with Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) and Master of Construction Management from University of NSW. In 1993 Iwan became a Registered Architect in NSW and was awarded the UNSW Eric Daniels award for excellence in residential design. Iwan was awarded an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2013 and was also named Urban Taskforce Australias Property Person of the Year 2015. Paul Sathio graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and a Master of Engineering Science from University of NSW. Paul has more than two decades experience in the construction and development industry. Past and recent projects Since the company was founded in 1996, Crown Group has successfully completed major developments in Sydneys best locations including Bondi, Bondi Junction, Parramatta, Ashfield, Epping, Homebush, Newington, Pennant Hills and Rhodes and most recently the 28-storey V by Crown Group in Parramatta. Today, Crown Group boasts a large portfolio of projects under development and in the pipeline and is currently developing four major projects; Infinity by Crown Group in Green Square, a 25-storey residential tower Arc by Crown Group in the heart of Sydney, Waterfall by Crown Group in Waterloo and Eastlakes Live in Sydneys Eastern Suburbs. Awards Crown Group has been awarded more than 20 high-profile industry awards including the 2018 UDIA NSW Best Mixed-Use Development for V by Crown Group Parramatta, 2015 Master Builders Australia (MBA) NSW Excellence in Construction Awards for Viking by Crown Group Waterloo and 2014 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Presidents award considered one of the highest property development accolades in Australia for the seven-tower, resort-style development Top Ryde City Living. Skye Hotel Suites Crown Group launched its first Skye Hotel Suites in Parramatta in August 2017 with a second hotel opened in Sydneys CBD on 18 October 2018. Future launches Crown Group will launch its next project in West End, Brisbane, in 2019. www.crowngroup.com.au About Mitsubishi Estate Group and Mitsubishi Jisho Residence Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Estate Co Ltd is a comprehensive real estate developer operating a spectrum of businesses in diverse fields related to real estate, including the development and management of an office building business centred on the Marunouchi district in central Tokyo, a retail property business, a residential business and a hotel business. The company is also actively expanding its operations overseas. Mitsubishi Jisho Residence is a residential arm of Mitsubishi Estate Group. Mitsubishi Jisho Residence have been developing condominiums predominantly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as in Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. The mission of Mitsubishi Jisho Residence as the leading company is not only to stably supply high quality condominiums, but also to consistently pursue the ideal living environments, to listen to the feedback from customers, and to provide high-quality housing for the future. With the brand The Parkhouse, Mitsubishi Jisho Residence aims to provide a variety of housing in wide range prices and pursues the best both in terms of service and quality. https://www.mec-r.com/english/pdf/profile_2017.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181128005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 00:30:01 LONDON, Nov. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American International Group (AIG) chief executive Brian Duperreault praised Bermudas culture of quality and innovation, while urging fintech entrepreneurs to be relentless in their pursuit of novel ideas, on the second of a two-day industry forum in London. First and foremost, you have to believeand what a great feeling it is when you are successful, Duperreault told attendees at a half-day fintech seminar organised by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) at ME London. He was a special guest participant in an opening fireside chat with Bermuda Premier David Burt, moderated by BDA Interim CEO Sean Moran, that attracted investors, tech industry professionals, support industries, plus leaders of several recent Bermuda start-ups. Titled Innovation Island: Why Industry Pioneers Choose Bermuda, the discussion highlighted Duperreaults legacy as an insurance trailblazer and compared that industrys historic disruption with the current fintech revolution. Success breeds success, said Duperreault. Bermuda encourages people with an idea, who have the capital to deploy, who are quality people, to come to its market. And their success attracts others. Back in the 1980s and 90s, we kind of made up the rules as we went along. Discussions at the morning forum explored commercialisation of fintech, banking of digital assets and Bermudas new regulatory framework governing initial coin offerings, virtual asset business and insurtech. Panellists included c-suite leaders of cutting-edge companies like DrumG Financial Technologies, Core.Live, Hub Culture, Data Innovation Labs, Shyft Network, SALT and EQI Bankall incorporated in Bermuda, or exploring opportunities to do so. You can find accelerators and incubators anywhere in the world, from London to New York to Singapore, but theres only one place where the entire place is itself an innovation huband that is Bermuda, said the Premier. Innovation is inside the collective DNA of all Bermudians. If youre looking for a jurisdiction with a forward-thinking government that welcomes entrepreneurs and you have an idea youd like to demonstrate on a country-wide scale, then Bermuda can make your ideas reality. The afternoon saw a dedicated forum hosted by ILS Bermuda, Beyond Convergence, focused on insurance-linked securities, whose global market capacity Bermuda dominates. Theres increasing jurisdictional competition in the ILS space, but its valuable in a market like London, that has created its own ILS platform, to share and exchange ideas, said ILS Bermuda Chair Greg Wojciechowski, a BDA Director and CEO of the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX). Competition doesnt necessarily mean going after the same pie; it can grow the pie. There are experiences weve had, due to the maturity of our insurance and ILS sectors, that we can share. And the face-to-face exchange of ideas gives people comfort to do business with you. Close to 200 industry professionals, from shipping to insurtech, attended Day One of the forum yesterday, which included a chat on blockchain benefits between the Premier and Lord Holmes MBE. The event was the agencys fourth overseas multi-industry conference over the past year, showcasing government, industry and regulatory expertise and business opportunities. The BDA has once again hosted an excellent event that saw two full days of solid attendance, said Jeremy Cox, CEO of the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), who took part in an ILS panel. London is an important market for Bermuda, so this offered us a great opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and answer in-depth questions. The BMA was proud to participate in an initiative that raised Bermudas profile and underscored our world-class regulatory reputation. MEDIA CONTACT: Rosemary Jones Head of Communications & Marketing rosemary@bda.bm 441 278-6558 441 337-4696 CONNECTING BUSINESS The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 00:16:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ONTARIO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2018 / Focus Universal, Inc. (OTCQB: FCUV) (''Focus Universal'' or the ''Company''), a developer of IoT technologies including its Universal Smart Instrumentation Platform (''USIP''), is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed Greg Butterfield as an independent Board Member to the Focus Universal team. Mr. Butterfield is a proven entrepreneur in the technology sector and active member in the tech community.Desheng Wang, CEO of Focus Universal, said, ''Mr. Butterfield has a fantastic background in the technology sector that we believe can add great value to our board. He brings expertise in M&A and management experience with both private and public companies that will be a great addition moving forward.'' Greg Butterfield is the founder and Managing Partner of SageCreek Partners (''SCP'') a technology commercialization and consulting firm. Prior to starting SCP Mr. Butterfield served as the CEO of Vivint Solar, a leading full-service residential solar integrator. Before Vivint, Greg was the Group President for Symantec's Server and Storage business units, responsible for a $4 Billion sector in the business. Mr. Butterfield joined Symantec through the company's acquisition of Altiris in April 2007. At Altiris, he served as chairman of the board, President, and CEO. After joining Altiris in February 2000, he guided the company to eight consecutive years of positive revenue growth and profitability. In Mr. Butterfield's first year with Altiris, annual revenues were $3 million; in 2007, annual revenues exceeded $300 million. Mr. Butterfield is widely credited as the driving force behind eleven acquisitions and navigated the company through a successful IPO in 2002 in spite of a notable economic downturn in the technology sector. The IPO was followed in August of 2003 with a successful secondary offering. Mr. Butterfield was invited to the 2006 World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer. He was also the winner of the 2002 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and served as the chairman of the board of the Utah Information Technology Association from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Butterfield received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (finance emphasis) from Brigham Young University.About Focus UniversalFocus Universal Inc. (OTCQB: FCUV) is a Universal Smart Instrumentation Platform (''USIP'') developer and Universal Smart Device (''USD'') manufacturer for the Internet of Things market. The Company's USIP generalizes instruments into a reusable foundation and architecture-specific components (sensor modules), which together replace the functions of traditional instruments at a fraction of the cost. The USIP has an open architecture and features the ability to connect thousands of sensors and probes from different industries and vendors communicating with the same device. This interoperability and reusability gives Focus Universal a major edge over competitors.For more information, visit www.focusuniversal.com Contact InformationCorporate:Desheng Wang626-272-3883IR@ focusuniversal.com Investor Relations:Hayden IR917-658-7878FCUV@ haydenir.com SOURCE: Focus Universal, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 14:49:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 668 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Legend Power Systems Inc. (TSX-V: LPS), a global leader in voltage management technology, today announced that CEO Randy Buchamer will be presenting at the 11th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 2:30PM PST / 5:30PM EST. Mr. Buchamer will also host investor meetings throughout the day.''The past year's results have seen Legend Power continue its significant pace of growth in Canada, and we are applying that learning to the next large growth opportunity with our U.S. expansion strategy ,'' said Mr. Buchamer. ''We believe that now is the time for Legend to introduce our story to U.S.-based investors who are focused on microcap technology companies, and LD Micro Main Event is the perfect venue to do this.'' The LD Micro Main Event will take place December 4th, 5th, and 6th, in Los Angeles at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel, will feature 250 companies, and will be attended by over 1,200 individuals.View Legend Power Systems' profile here: https://www.ldmicro.com/profile/LPS.V Profiles powered by LD Micro News Compliments of AccesswireAbout LD MicroLD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space.What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into several influential events annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and micro-cap universe.For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com for more information.About Legend Power Systems Inc.Legend Power Systems Inc. ( www.legendpower.com) is a global leader in voltage management technology. We help buildings use less energy by eliminating overvoltage'; an inherent challenge associated with power grids around the world. Legend's industry-proven SmartGATE enables dynamic power-management of an entire building. The proprietary and patented system reduces total energy consumption and power costs, while also maximizing the life of electrical equipment. Legend's unique solution is also a key contributor to both corporate sustainability efforts, and the meeting of utility energy efficiency targets.For further information, please contact:Steve Vanry, CFO+ 1 604 671 9522svanry@ legendpower.com Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations+ 1 647 503 1054sean@ sophiccapital.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward-Looking StatementsThis Press Release may contain statements which constitute ''forward-looking information'', including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words ''may'', ''would'', ''could'', ''will'', ''intend'', ''plan'', ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''estimate'', ''expect'' and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.SOURCE: Legend Power Systems PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 16:30:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 434 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / LithiumOre ( http://lithiumore.net) (the "Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oroplata Resources, Inc. (OTCQB: ORRP), a lithium resource exploration and development company today announced that it will be presenting at the 11th annual LD Micro Main Event on Wednesday, December 5 at 7:30 AM EST. CEO Doug Cole will be presenting and meeting with investors.During the session, CEO Doug Cole will demonstrate how his little known Nevada based company, LithiumOre, is poised to become one of the most substantial players in the production and supply of battery-grade lithium within the United States."Internally, our entire year leads up to the Main Event. It has become the 'one thing' everyone in the small and micro-cap world knows us for. Also, free mints" stated Chris Lahiji, while enjoying a mint. "Even though LD has emerged as one of the largest and most influential organizations in the space, our focus has never deviated from showcasing some of the most interesting businesses in the world to our ever growing community." The LD Micro Main Event will take place December 4th, 5th, and 6th, in Los Angeles at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel, will feature 250 companies, and will be attended by over 1,200 individuals.View LithiumOre's profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/ORRP Profiles powered by LD Micro - News Compliments of AccesswireAbout LithiumOre, Corp.LithiumOre ( http://lithiumore.net) , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oroplata Resources, Inc. (OTC Markets: ORRP), is a lithium resource exploration and development company, whose primary focus is the establishment of a low cost, environmentally sound production base to supply the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery industry for both mobile devices and laptops, as well as the burgeoning EV (electronic vehicle) industry. LithiumOre is focused on becoming a substantial, profitable lithium producer via the timely development of valuable production-grade lithium brine deposits in Nevada.About LD MicroLD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space.What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into several influential events annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and micro-cap universe.For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com for more information.Contact:Name: Doug ColePhone: 925-989-9900Address: 930 Tahoe Blvd, Suite 802-16, Incline Village, NV 89451Email: dougcole@ mac.com SOURCE: LithiumOre PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 16:13:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 977 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Sunvest Minerals Corp .(TSX-V: SSS) ("Sunvest Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of the 2018 summer exploration program on its' Clone Project, located 20 kilometres southeast of Stewart in the Golden Triangle region of northwestern British Columbia .Highlights Include:SOUTHERN GLORY PROSPECT - A significant new mineralized vein was discovered approximately 7.5 kilometers south-west of the Clone prospect, termed the "Southern Glory Prospect" .The Southern Glory prospect was discovered within the recently ablated eastern face of a glacial valley, on new claims staked by the Company in January 2018 .An up to 1.25-metre-wide quartz vein was mapped and sampled containing semi-massive chalcopyrite, pyrite and bornite mineralization which was traced on surface for approximately 70 metres along strike .Rock sample results from this new bedrock showing include: sample number X516911 (1m chip sample), 6.45% Cu, 162g/t Ag, 0.11g/t Au, and 1079ppm Zn; sample number X516974 (1m chip sample), 4.11% Cu, 160g/t Ag, 0.52g/t Au, and 1449ppm Zn; sample number X516973 (outcrop sample) 3.96% Cu, 87.6g/t Ag, 0.20g/t Au; and sample number X516912 (1m chip sample), 2.95% Cu, and 53.6g/t Au .PORT 19 SHOWING The Port 19 showing is a historic prospect that was rediscovered in 1994 and was prospected and geologically mapped this past summer with significant results obtained in both soil and rock (grab) sampling, and it is a high priority target for further work, including drilling in 2019 .Soil and rock sampling were conducted over an area of approximately 2.5 by 1.4 kilometers, centered approximately 5.0 kilometers west-northwest of the Clone prospect .There has been significant glacial abatement over the showing since the 1990's .Soil sampling results expanded on the known footprint of the Port 19 showing and were highly encouraging, including five samples with greater than 1g/t Au (8.33g/t, 6.68g/t, 3.7g/t, 1.66g/t, 1.61g/t) .Rock samples results returned copper values of 0.52%, 0.99%, 1.02% and 1.64% Cu, and the highest silver value of 220 g/t Ag was obtained from the Port 19 area .Previous (1994, Assessment Report 23986) quartz-sulphide veins were mapped with four rock samples over 40 meters strike length returning an average grade of 6.03 g/t Au and 14.7 g/t Ag .In total 17 samples were taken in 1994 with an average grade of 2.99 g/t Au with gold values ranging from 0.05g/t to 10.66g/t Au .OUTBOUND SHOWING - The Outbound showing was discovered and 1995 and explored in 1996, with sulphide and precious metal mineralization reported similar to the Clone prospect located approximately 3.0 kilometers to the northeast .The Outbound area covers an area approximately 2.0 by 1.0 kilometers and has seen extensive glacial ablation and reduction of snow pack in the last two decades .Prospecting in the summer 2018 program returned multiple rock samples returning in excess of 0.10 % Cu and a peak value of 0.56% Cu, silver values up to 132 g/t Ag, and gold values in soil samples up to 1.04 g/t Au .Further work is planned prior to drill testing in 2019 .CLONE PROSPECT Limited sampling and prospecting was completed over the main Clone prospect area and sampling returned significant values including: 10.9 g/t Au, and 0.64 % Cu in rock samples, and peak values of 1.26 g/t Au and 1.66 g/t Au from soil samples .All existing infrastructure was inventoried and mapped in detail during the 2018 program and this data has been included in the application for a multi-year area-based drilling permit submitted in preparation for the 2019 drilling campaign .Company president and chief executive officer, Mike England, stated: "With the discovery of the Southern Glory Prospect and the expansion of the Port 19 and Outbound Showings, it is becoming clear that an expanded and robust mineralizing system is present on the Clone Property .Compilation of the summer program continues, with the integration and correlation with the recently flown airborne geophysical survey, and the earlier long-wave infrared (LWIR) survey .Permitting is underway in preparation for an aggressive drill program for summer 2019."Ed Kruchkowski, PGeo, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, is the independent qualified person responsible for reviewing and approving the technical contents of this press release as they pertain to the Clone property .QA/QC ProceduresAll samples were logged and prepared by Sunvest Minerals personnel prior to shipment to MS Analytical's sample preparation lab in Terrace, B.C .Assays were completed by MS Analytical at their Langley laboratory.Rock assays are performed as per MS Analytical's method IMS-117 (20g aliquot), with Au overlimits (>1ppm Au) completed using FAS-111 .Soil and silt assays are preformed as per MS Analytical's method IMS-116 (0.5g aliquot) .Ore grade analyses were completed on Pb (STI-8Pb), S (SPM-210), Ag (ICF-6Ag), Cu (ICF-6Cu), Pb (ICF-6Pb), and Zn (ICF-6Zn) .The analytical results are verified with the application of industry-standard quality control and quality assurance procedures .Contact Information:Mike EnglandPresident604-683-3995mike@ engcom.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release .FORWARD LOOKING 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: Sunvest Minerals Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 04:30:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 530 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Foundation Works, a Full-Service Foundation Repair and Soft-Story Retrofitting Company Serving Southern California Featured in History Cable Network Documentary on Historic Ford Motor PlantBURBANK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2018 / The Foundation Works in Burbank, California has been featured on the History Cable Network's latest one-hour special event, "Born Tough: Inside the Ford Factory." According to The Foundation Works Founder, Tom Pelletier, "I was pretty surprised when we received a call from Ford out of the blue and they asked if we would like to participate in the special they were filming for the History Channel." Pelletier went on to say, "As a busy foundation repair company, we've used a wide variety of Ford vehicles almost exclusively for nearly 15 years, but we had no idea that we were on Ford's radar. Despite our full-on fleet of Fords now roving the streets of SoCal, I started this company as "one guy in a pick-up truck", a Ford Ranger as a matter of fact, so I guess we've grown a bit since that humble beginning!"Pelletier added, "We're meeting with Ford at their corporate headquarters in Detroit in December to discuss further collaborations, we are grateful for the alliance and looking forward to Ford being an integral part of the future of The Foundation Works!"For more information on The Foundation Works, visit their website at:The one-hour special airs on the History Cable Network from November 10th, 2018 through December 16th, 2018 and highlights the Ford (NYSE: F) River Rouge Complex, where Ford's F-Series pickups are manufactured. This original documentary takes viewers on a journey from the humble beginnings of Henry Ford's original assembly lines to the latest high-tech raw aluminum stamping machines to show how the bestselling vehicle in America comes to life.The History Cable Network (formerly The History Channel) is a history-based digital cable and satellite television network owned by The A&E Network, a joint venture between Hearst Communications and the Disney-ABC Television Group division of the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).Pelletier went on to say, "It's fascinating to learn about the history of the River Rouge plant and how they've been turning out vehicles for over 100 years! It was also interesting to learn the production history of my Ford F150 Raptor that they featured in our segment. A lot of technology and innovation went into the Fords that we use every day in our work." Burbank, CA based The Foundation Works is a full-service foundation repair company located in the Empire Center neighborhood. Free foundation inspections are available for homeowners not in escrow and appointments on short notice are often available. For more information, visit www.TheFoundationWorks.com or call (323) 663-4841Located in Burbank, CA The Foundation Works serves property owners in the Greater Los Angeles area offering foundation repair, seismic retrofitting, soft-story retrofitting, foundation inspections, earthquake brace and bolt, foundation replacement and structural engineering.Contact Info:Name: Tom PelletierEmail: Send EmailOrganization: The Foundation WorksAddress: 2411 West Empire Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504, United StatesPhone: +1-323-663-4841For more information, please visit http://www.thefoundationworks.com SOURCE: The Foundation Works We don't know why President Trump's former personal attorney and fixer pleaded to that crime now or even why Mueller would want his plea at this point. The plea deal comes as Cohen has already pleaded guilty to other crimes, provided dozens of hours of interviews with Mueller and implicated Trump in a campaign finance violation. It's not as though Mueller needed more leverage on Cohen, at least by outward appearances. PR-Inside.com: 2018-11-29 14:35:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 952 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2018 / Xebec Adsorption Inc. (TSXV: XBC) (OTC: XEBEF) (FRANKFURT: XB6) ("Xebec"), a global provider of clean energy solutions announces strong order activity for France with a C$5.9 milllion order for multiple biogas upgrading Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) units to be delivered in 2019.Xebec's French partner has won contracts for biogas upgrading systems where Xebec will supply core technology while its partner will provide the balance of plant for the biogas upgrading systems. This follows the twelve contracts announced last November (see related link below), reinforcing Xebec's position as market leader for PSA purification technology in France.This order follows on the heels of a recent Press Release from Engie, a global energy provider, (see related link below) announcing that 800 million would be mobilized in the next five years to develop green gases, a new French sector of excellence that will create value and jobs in France. The plan will support the objective of at least 10% green gas injected into the networks by 2030, as enshrined in the French Energy Transition Law for Green Growth.Facts on France's Renewable Gas Activity (source: Engie website Oct 25, 2018)At the end of 2017:Over-all gas consumption: 494.26 TWhHHV.548 installations produced biogas630 GWh of biomethane were injected into the natural gas grid: biomethane constituted the equivalent of the annual consumption of roughly 50,000 households or 2,500 buses, and prevented 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissionsTo date:66 sites are already injecting biomethane into the natural gas grid; over 800 projects are under study; and more than 400 projects have been entered in the capacity register (July 2018).Xebec Global Experience / Local SupplyGiven the increased activity in Europe, Xebec has been building a strong supply chain in Europe to manufacture and deliver its biogas PSAs and upgrading systems for European markets."Xebec has already successfully delivered over 50 biogas systems in the last 15 years, so we know our experience plays an important role in being a supplier of choice for the multitude of projects now surfacing both in North America and Europe. Now that we are in position to support local manufacturing and service needs, we are confident that our solutions offer the best value in the marketplace." Dr. Prabhu Rao, COO, Xebec"A break-through in our adsorption technology has improved the methane recovery from anaerobic digesters (AD) and landfills while maintaining low operating costs, a winning combination. Other product attributes: reliability - our PSAs have accumulated over 15 million commercial operating hours with proven availabilities beyond 99.9%; and flexibility - Xebec's proprietary fast-cycle rotary valve can be automatically adjusted for gas flow and composition while maintaining gas purity. With reduced process complexity and smaller footprint, Xebec's complete systems are delivered as skidded, containerized modules for simple, fast installation, all of which result in considerable cost savings." - Dr. Amir Ghasdi, Director, Biogas Solutions, Xebec.In Other NewsXebec has approved the granting of 735,000 stock options to Prabhu Rao. The date of the grant was on November 19th, 2018. The strike price was at the fair market value of Xebec Adsorption Inc. stock as of the closing date of November 16th, 2018. The vesting period will be based on the performance of the Company and Prabhu Rao for the years ended December 31st, 2018 and/or 2019 and the duration will be seven (7) years.Related links:For more information:Xebec Adsorption Inc.Sandi Murphy, Director, Investor Relations and Communications+1 450.979.8718 smurphy@ xebecinc.com About Xebec Adsorption Inc.Xebec Adsorption Inc. is a global provider of gas generation, purification and filtration solutions for the industrial, energy and renewables marketplace. Its customers range from small to multi-national corporations and governments looking to reduce their carbon footprints. Headquartered in Montreal (QC), Xebec designs, engineers and manufactures innovative and transformative products, and has more than 1,500 customers worldwide. With two manufacturing facilities in Montreal and Shanghai, as well as a sales and distribution network in North America, Europe, and Asia, Xebec trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XBC. For additional information on the company, its products and services, visit Xebec at xebecinc.com Cautionary StatementNeither 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 in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, the expectations and/or claims of management of Xebec with respect to information regarding the business, operations and financial condition of Xebec. Forward-looking information contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Xebec or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information contained in this press release. When used in this press release, such statements use such words as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "will" and other similar terminology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this presentation. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.SOUR Active telephone lines in Nigeria increased from 162,058,918 in September to 165,239,443 in October 2018, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said. The commission made this known in its Monthly Subscriber/Operator Data published on its website on Thursday. The regulatory body said that the lines increased by 3,180,525 from the 162,058,918 recorded in September. It said that of the 165,239,443 active numbers, the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network recorded 164,865,417 in the month under review. The GSM network had an increase of 3,179,670 customers as against 161,685,747 recorded in September. According to NCC, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators have 126,032 active subscribers in October, hence, having a decrease of 237 from the 126,269 customers in September. It said that the Fixed Wireless Network retained the 26,865 subscribers it had in September. NCC said that the Fixed Wired network had 108,997 active users in October, showing a decrease of 1,796 from the 110,793 subscribers recorded in September. The telecommunications umpire said the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) operators had 112,132 active users in October. It showed that there was an increase of 2,888 subscribers, compared with 109,244 users the VOIP service providers recorded in September. It said that teledensity of the telecommunications industry in October was 118.03, giving an increase of 2.27 from the 115.76 recorded in September. Teledensity is defined as the number of active telephone connections per one hundred (100) inhabitants living within an area. The teledensity is calculated based on a national population of 140 million, according to the 2006 last Census Population figures. (NAN) A UK development finance firm, CDC Group, says it is considering investing over a $1 billion in Nigeria over the next four years. The firm aims also to open offices in Lagos and Nairobi, Kenyas capital, adding to one it has in Johannesburg in South Africa, an official said. According to a report on Bloomberg on Thursday, the UK finance firm chief executive officer, Nicholas ODonohoe, said the firm plans to invest over $1.2 billion, during an interview in Lagos. A reasonable figure for Nigeria, given the size of its economy, would be about $1.2 billion, Mr ODonohoe said. UK Prime Minister Theresa May visited South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya few weeks back, saying she wanted to strengthen relations with Africa ahead of Britains rocky ride to Brexit in March next year. Mr ODonohoe said the CDC would propably invest in some Nigerian banks which they have stakes with. CDC, which has stakes in Nigerian lenders including Diamond Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, will probably invest more in the banking sector, he said. If you look at the larger banks, theres a strong case that theyre through the worst, he said. Its more problematic when you look elsewhere. Mr ODonohoe said he was not sure if the chairman of Dangote group, Aliko Dangote is mulling buying the ARM Kenyan Cement Firm, a company co-owned by the CDC which it is helping to mange its debts. Mr Dangote earlier reportedly expressed interest in buying the the Kenyan firm. CDC also plans to invest more in Kenya and other East African countries, including Ethiopia, Tenbite Ermias, head of Africa, said in the same interview. Ethiopia could be a big opportunity, he said. It depends on how the economy and politics progress. Michael Cohen, a former personal lawyer to U.S. President Donald Trump, on Thursday, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in the ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election, local media reported. According to images seen on Fox News, Mr Cohen made no formal comments as he left the courthouse in New York City after entering the guilty plea to one charge of providing false statements. Cohen made a false statement to a Senate committee about plans for building a Trump Tower hotel in Moscow. Cohen admits he was talking about Trump Tower Moscow as late as August 2017, he had previously said that the deal was stopped in January 2016, Fox News reported. He, however, made the plea after reaching a plea deal with Mr Mueller. His cooperation with the special counsel is potentially damaging to Mr Trump. The charge was separate from earlier charges Mr Cohen pleaded guilty to in August. He admitted then to committing eight counts of campaign finance violations, including making two payoffs with the intention of influencing an election. (dpa/NAN) Dutch Police arrested 13 people and confiscated hundreds of kilogrammes of chemicals used for the production of the drug ecstasy, police reported on Thursday. Those arrested in the Netherlands included people ranging in age from 32 to 64 and included two father-son groups. Two of those apprehended were already wanted in Sweden. The Dutch detentions also led to an arrest in Belgium. The drugs were destined for Scandinavian markets, police said. The raids had police searching nine locations in the Netherlands. One of those arrested was in the middle of producing ecstasy tablets, operating two machines that, according to police, could produce 18,700 tablets an hour. The raids netted several hundred kilogrammes of production materials, 26 kilogrammes of ecstasy pills, 1.14 million dollars in cash, two guns, several luxury cars and a money-counting machine. (dpa/NAN) AIJ/DCU Ahead of the 2018 World AIDs Day, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has explained why Nigerians need to know their HIV status, in line with the theme for this years commemoration of the global event. The World AIDS Day is marked every December 1 to encourage communities to unite against HIV, show support for people living with the disease, and remember those who have passed away due to AIDS. The theme for the Day this year, which is on the 30th anniversary of the first celebration of the World AIDS Day, is Know Your Status. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) set the 90-90-90 target, the first 90 being for 90 percent of people to know their HIV status by 2020. The two other aspects of the target are that 90 percent of all people diagnosed of HIV receive sustained anti-retroviral therapy, and 90 percent of the people receiving antiretroviral therapy have viral suppression. Speaking at the 2018 World AIDs Day commemoration event held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Adewole, a professor, said everyone taking step to know his status would enable Nigeria meet the first 90 target by 2020. He said the theme for 2018 was chosen to emphasise the need for people to know their HIV status and also to remove barriers to HIV testing. According to Mr Adewole, only 38 percent of Nigerians know their status, which leaves a big gap between attaining the first 90 target by 2020. The minister said attaining the first target is key to attaining the second and third of the 90-90-90 target. Assuring of governments continued efforts to remove identified barriers to testing, Mr Adewole urged the public to lend a helping hand to people living with HIV and stop discrimination against them. He noted that the success story in the field of HIV has been remarkable, as Nigeria is moving towards eradication of the disease by 2030. In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Sani Aliyu, stressed that AIDS response has made a significant progress, as people living with HIV can lead healthy and productive lives. He noted that the results from the ongoing National HIV survey will improve understanding of the Nigerian HIV epidemic and provide more accurate and reliable data for planning and decision-making. Mr Aliyu said NACA was working on strengthening engagement with the private sector in Nigeria through the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA) in a bid to increase domestic funding for HIV, towards a more sustainable response. In his goodwill message, a senator, Mao Ohabunwa (PDP, Abia North), said HIV pandemic is still an emergency that should be focused on. He said the pandemic requires urgent strategy to tackle it directly from the known sources of the transmission of disease and with improved support from government. Mr Ohabunwa called for special attention to sex workers, those suffering from hard drug exposure and those having HIV-related diseases such as tuberculosis. He said adequate funding for testing support and treatment for those already undergoing anti-retroviral treatment, especially women and children, will also go a long way in the fight against the disease. The lawmaker urged government at all levels to increase the avenues through which necessary HIV services including voluntary and mandatory testing services are rendered to all. In his goodwill message, the US ambassador, Stuart Symington, said AIDs-related deaths worldwide have fallen by 50 per cent since the peak in 2005, just as the number of new HIV infections has reduced by 47 per cent since 1996. Represented by the deputy mission director, David Young, Mr Symington said the US government in partnership with the government of Nigeria, has protected millions of Nigeria from being infected by and dying from HIV. In 2018 alone, PEPFAR provides life-saving HIV treatment to over 800,000 Nigerians, including men, women and children. Approximately 7.4 million Nigerians have received HIV counselling and testing services. More than 1.6 million pregnant Nigeria women were tested for HIV and 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children received care and support services, he said. The ambassador said the US government has invested more than $5 billion in national HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria. He said for progress to be made on the 90-90-90 standards, people must first know their status. As part of efforts towards addressing the HIV funding gap in the country, the Nigerian government wants to launch the National HIV Trust Fund. The director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Sani Aliyu, disclosed this at the 2018 World AIDS Day commemoration event, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Thursday. The World AIDS Day is marked every December 1 to encourage communities to unite against HIV, show support for people living with the disease, and remember those who have passed away due to AIDS. The theme for the 2018 World AIDS Day is Know Your Status. This year marks three decades of commemorating World AIDS l Day and also 30 years of global progress against HIV. According to Mr Aliyu, the seed money for the take-off of the HIV Trust Fund is about $15 million. He said the initiative, which is private sector driven, would provide a platform for more contributions from the private sector. Mr Aliyu said the trust fund is the fruit of government engagement with the private sector. We have been working on strengthening our engagement with the private sector in Nigeria through the Nigeria Business Coalition against AIDS (NIBUCAA) in a bid to increase domestic funding for HIV towards a more sustainable response. The HIV Trust Fund, which will soon be launched, will provide the platform for more concrete contributions from the private sector. It is our hope that resources that come through this window will help to close the gap in access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV, he said. Mr Aliyu also noted that states have begun to respond to the idea of setting aside one per cent of their monthly federal allocations for funding AIDs response. The chairperson of the NACA governing board, Pauline Tallen, said the goals of the National HIV response are achievable if all involved play their role. Mrs Tallen said the board would continue to play a leading role in the advocacy required, including for the creation of greater fiscal space for HIV especially at the state level where the needs are greater. In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the Network of People Living With HIV\AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim, urged the federal government to consider approving a budget line for the network. This, he said, would help address the challenges confronting its members who are economically disadvantaged. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), has warned that some intervening insecurity indicators already at play in the nations polity stand as potential threats to the peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections which is scheduled to hold in February. In its pre-election security assessment report titled Voting amidst insecurity: Nigerias 2019 elections, the CDD observed the trends of insecurity in different parts of the country, which include the continued attacks by the deadly Boko Haram insurgents; agitations for a separate state of Biafra; activities of the Niger Delta militias; armed robbery, political thuggery, cultism and kidnappings and concluded that these elements could undermine the fidelity of the elections next year. According to the report, with at least 91 political parties (the largest number in Nigerias electoral history) expected to be on the ballot, and a total number of 84,271,832 citizens on the voters roll, the forthcoming 2019 elections is likely to be one of the most contested elections in the history of Nigeria. With four months to go, the political scene remains tense, with unofficial campaigns already underway. Just like in 2015, there are ongoing attempts by political parties and actors to form alliances and coalitions to win offices, stated the report, which was released in October. One clear challenge is the insecurity pervading different parts of the country. Insecurity is an issue upon which the 2019 elections will be won and lost for candidates but will also be a significant obstacle to be overcome by those running and participating in the polls. While harping on the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, the report noted that violent incidents were occurring across the six geo-political zones but with heavier frequencies of incidents recorded in the Northern states of Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, Zamfara and Kaduna. Persisting Conflict The report highlighted that conflict was tearing apart the social fabric of the country and further dividing the country along ethnic, religious and geopolitical lines. Between January and July 2018, 183 incidents that are linked to herdsmen/rural banditry have been recorded in Nigeria, according to CDD figures, the report asserts. In January 2018, a total of 17 attacks were recorded in Benue State alone, with 108 deaths. Across the country, April was the deadliest month with 54 attacks resulting in 409 deaths. Since the escalation of violence in January 2018, an estimated 300,000 people have fled their homes, particularly in Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states. Furthermore, the perceived complicity of the security agencies and government in the conflict is fast eroding trust between communities, government and the security agencies. In many of the affected states, the security agencies are perceived to be supporting the herders. Former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.) accused the military of complicity of ongoing killings in the country and called on people to defend themselves and their country. Another complaint is the slow response of the security agencies when there are attacks on the communities. This has led to the formation of self-help vigilante groups or ethnic militias. Citing armed banditry as another major source of concern for the coming elections, the report noted that in Zamfara and Kaduna states, armed bandits have been involved in killing, raping, robbing and displacing communities. The bandits operate from the Rugu and Fagoro forests that traverse the states of Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara, the report stated, adding that since the beginning of 2018, at least 371 people had been killed in Zamfara State alone, with a further 18,000 displaced as reported by Amnesty International on 31 July 2018. The report also quoted the Zamfara State government as saying that 3,000 lives had been lost to banditry, 500 persons kidnapped, 2,000 homes destroyed and 500 cars burnt since 2011. The immediate implication of the security challenge for the 2019 elections is the accessibility of election officials and the safety of its materials to several parts of the states as well as the considerable number of IDPs scattered within and out of the states, the report stated. The report also noted the threats by the IPOB that unless the federal government called a referendum for the determination of the state of Biafra, there would be no elections in the southeast in 2019. IPOB Protesters It said IPOB was mobilising its members against the 2019 elections and highlighted previous threats to elections, especially that of the Anambra State governorship election, where they urged their members not to participate in the election. The report noted that although the election went on as scheduled, it was discovered that there was a low turnout of voters in IPOB strongholds. CDD also pointed to the fact that Boko Haram insurgency, which is now in its ninth year, remained a challenge to the forthcoming elections. This challenge presents itself differently from the 2015 elections, where Boko Haram was occupying an area almost the size of Belgium across the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the report said. Boko Haram is now effectively split into two factions. One that is led by Abubakar Shekau and the other by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, the latter recognised as the authentic leader by the Islamic State in August 2016. The al-Barnawi led faction is politically conscious and may want to obstruct the electoral process during the 2019 elections. The report also identified militia groups operating in Boko Haram affected areas such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF); the Borno Youths Empowerment Scheme; the Hunters Group and the Men of the Nigeria Vigilante Group, as threats to the 2019 general elections as there are allegations that they also work for politicians. CDD also predicted that the Intra and inter party conflicts in the two major parties of APC and PDP are likely to result in political violence during the election campaign and aftermath., adding that as the 2019 elections draw closer, the potential for violence has escalated further. The group also feared that with the proliferation of militias in the Niger Delta and student fraternities or cult groups, there is no guarantee that politicians would not take advantage of these groups to further their interest and disrupt elections. The report noted that some of the Niger Delta militias could disrupt elections in the areas, while the cult groups could simply be used as thugs by politicians. Stemming the tide In mitigating these potential threats to the elections, CDD recommended that a clear operational guidelines be provided for security agencies active on Election Day. The guidelines shoukd include a publicly available rules of engagement handbook. It also said INECs Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security should be used to improve the security of the electoral environment before, during and after the 2019 elections. The Inter-Party Advisory Council along with INEC should develop a framework for the conduct of campaigns and political rallies in the election and all parties should be encourage to sign up to the code of conduct., the report noted. The government should promote dialogue, rather than military force, as the primary approach to dealing with prevailing insecurity. The media should promote responsible reportage, respond to fake news and abide by the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. The international community should use its influence among key political stakeholders to advocate for a zero tolerance approach to violence and a commitment to accepting the electoral outcome declared by INEC, the report highlighted. The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday said only 23 soldiers were killed in the Boko Haram attack on Nigerian Army 157 Task Force Battalion. He also put the number of troops wounded in action at 31. While it remained unclear the number of soldiers wounded in the attack on November 18, top military sources, including rescue team members, have informed PREMIUM TIMES that at least 118 soldiers were killed. The number was besides the several military rescuers who were killed in another Boko Haram ambush on November 19. The rescue team had arrived in Metele, a Borno State and home to the 157 Task Force Battalion, to evacuate the bodies of soldiers who had been killed after Boko Haram members overran the base at about 6:00 p.m. the day before. Some media outlets, including London-based newswire Reuters, placed casualty figures at about 100 as of November 22, four days after the attack. A soldier who was attached to the 157 Task Force Battalion but escaped the attack told PREMIUM TIMES over 70 of his colleagues were killed. This newspaper later gathered from top military sources overseeing the aftermath of the incident that 118 bodies have been counted as of November 24, six days after the attack. The sources also said 153 troops were missing in action. The 118 soldiers killed in the November 18 attack included Ibrahim Sakaba, a lieutenant colonel and commander of the battalion, his second-in-command, the battalions intelligence officer and two other officers. Curious narrative Neither the Nigerian Army nor the Defence Headquarters released any official statement of the Boko Haram attack in the early days, and both institutions public communications managers repeatedly declined to speak with PREMIUM TIMES before this newspaper broke the news on November 20. The Army issued its first statement on November 24, following relentless media coverage and widespread outrage amongst Nigerians. But the statement merely acknowledged the terrorists had struck again in Metele and threatened social media users to desist from circulating false information; rather than give useful information about the attack, especially the casualty figures and how the military was responding to the aftermath. The Army rejected calls to disclose its own casualty figures from the attack, until Mr Buratai appeared at a military function in Maiduguri on Wednesday. As of November 28, 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action, Mr Buratai said at the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri, according to excerpts of his comments circulated by Sani Usman, a brigadier-general and former Army spokesperson. A spokesperson for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return calls seeking comments about whether Mr Buratais figures came off-the-cuff or were drawn from official military count. The Nigerian Army and its sister security agencies have long been known to downplay casualty figures of own personnel and civilians, while exaggerating the losses of enemy combatants. Mr Buratai said the wounded have been evacuated to several hospitals across Borno State, the heartland of Boko Haram insurgency. He said the 157 Task Force Battalion was part of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) contingent deployed against Boko Haram. He commisserated with the MNJTF, which has its headquarters in Ndjamena, Republic of Chad. All necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram, Mr Buratai added, insisting that the jihadist group has been degraded. The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland, Mr Buratai said. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. A sudden rise in Boko Haram attacks over the last three months has forced the Nigerian military to fine-tune its counter-insurgency operations in the war-ravaged North-east, Nigerias Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai said on Wednesday. The army chief also said the terrorists now use drones and foreign fighters in their operations. Mr Buratai described the exploits of the jihadists as daring, saying it threatened to erode the previously recorded achievements in the counter-terrorism efforts. Boko Haram has carried out successful, back-to-back attacks on Nigerian military bases since July, leaving heavy personnel and equipment losses in their wake. Mr Buratai lamented the recent attack on Nigerian Army 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State, on November 18. At least 118 soldiers, including the battalions commander, were killed in the attack, PREMIUM TIMES learnt from top military sources, who also confirmed at least 153 missing in action. Mr Buratai, however, says only 23 soldiers were killed in the Metele attack. The army chief said the attacks have put the militarys resolve to test, but assured the insurgency would be uprooted before long. Since 2015, the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved. However, in the last 2 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations, Mr Buratai said at the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital where Boko Haram has waged its devastating campaign since 2009. Security experts have long warned that Boko Haram was recruiting foreign elements to help advance its jihadist cause in Nigeria. The Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks targeting Nigerian military assets. Mr Buratais comments, circulated by Sani Usman, immediate-past spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, said Boko Haram also suffered heavy losses in the three-month period, which spoke to the gallantry and resilience Nigerian troops. Borno villages of Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times over the past two weeks, from November 2-17, Mr Buratai said. Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. Mr Buratai said the 16 military personnel were killed and 12 wounded in action during the period. The military has reportedly intensified offensive against Boko Haram positions since the attack on November 18. PRNigeria, a public relations firm close to the militart, cited military sources as saying the Nigerian Air Force carried out a series of aerial bombardments of Boko Haram hideouts since November 25. National Assembly members from Kano state elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declares their support for their embattled governor, Umar Ganduje, who is accused of receiving bribes. The lawmakers at a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday said the governor has performed well and deserves reelection. As major stakeholders in Kano State, we hereby state unequivocally that His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has performed creditably well in the saddle of captainship of the State and has therefore earned our unalloyed support and vote of confidence, they said in a statement. Their support is coming at a time the governor in enmeshed in a bribery scandal, a matter presently in court. The EFCC has said it was handicapped in investigating the case as Mr Gandujes enjoys constitutional immunity from criminal proceedings. Daily Nigerian, an online media platform, published two clips appearing to show Mr Ganduje taking bribes from contractors. In November, a Kano high court granted an interim order restraining the paper and Jafaar Jafaar, its publisher, from publishing videos about Mr Ganduje allegedly collecting bribe from state contractors in dollars. The same court restrained the state House of Assembly from investigating the allegation. Despite the allegation, the lawmakers led by Senator Kabir Gaya (Kano-South), passed a vote of confidence on the governor. Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano-North) and five members of the House of Representatives were present. However, 16 lawmakers, comprising of two senators and 14 House members signed the statement. Members of the House of Representatives on the signatory are Abdulmumin Jibrin, Nassiru Ahmed, Tijjani Jobe, Alhassan Doguwa, Abdullahi Gaya, Badamasi Ayuba and Bashir Baballe. Others are Munir Danagundi, Aminu Suleiman, Mustapha Dawaki, Sulaiman Aliyu Romo, Muhammad Wudil, Muktar Chiromawa and Sani Bala. Mr Gaya read an already prepared statement summarising the views of his colleagues. We, members of the National Assembly from Kano State have viewed with satisfaction the exemplary performance of His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in office since he assumed the mantle of leadership almost four years ago, he said. Dr. Ganduje who came into office when a lot of factors seemed terribly against the tide of permeance for any State Chief Executive, especially the factor of economic downturn typified by the huge slide in the size of Federal Allocations accruable to the states, shocked many with his outstanding achievements in the various sectors ranging from infrastructural development to human capital development among others. The statement said the governor had initiated projects since he assumed office and completed those started by his predecessors. The lawmakers said they made bold to say that the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Ganduje has brought unprecedented socio-economic development to Kano State such as never experienced. They also warned President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of roamers in the corridors of power who are more interested in their own personal ambition rather than the collective success of the Buhari Administration have keyed into this devilish scheme not only to undermine His Excellency, Dr. Ganduje but also to throw spanners into the electoral fortunes of Mr. President as far as Kano State politics is concerned. In what looked like a reaction to the video, the lawmakers talked down blackmail and subterfuge against the governor. No amount of blackmail and subterfuge can obliterate the excellent work that his Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has done and is still doing in Kano State. All hands must therefore be on deck to support Governor Ganduje to win his re-election in 2019 in order to continue his good works in the state. Taking turns to speak, the lawmakers vowed to deliver more than 5 million votes they initially promised president Buhari. They however failed to answer questions on the bribery scandal saying the matter was court and their reaction would amount to subjudice. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday departed Abuja for NDjamena, Chad, to preside over the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Buhari, in his capacity as chairman of the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), summoned the meeting meant to find lasting solution to the menace of Boko Haram insurgency. Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, in a statement in Abuja said the meeting would take place in NDjamena, Chad on Thursday. Mr Adesina said the president of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country, had also been invited to attend the meeting. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies. According to Mr Adesina, the one-day meeting will review the security situation in the areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency. He said it would also adopt measures to enhance the capacity of the MNJTF to meet the challenges of securing the areas. The presidents of the LCBC member countries of Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic have been invited to attend the meeting. The president of Benin Republic, a troops-contributing country, has also been invited to attend. The MNJTF and the national operations of the affected countries have appreciably degraded the capacity of Boko Haram terrorists, although the insurgents still retain the capacity to attack isolated targets in desperate search for supplies, Mr Adesina said. NAN reports that millions of people in Africas Lake Chad region (north-east Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad and Cameroon) are facing a profound and protracted crisis driven by extreme poverty, climate change and violent conflicts according to the UN. The crisis, the world body added, has led to the internal displacement of 2.4 million people, the destruction of livelihoods, human rights abuses, and the disruption of health, education and other basic services. More than 10 million vulnerable people need life-saving assistance and protection today. Women and children are particularly hard hit. In February 2017, a conference on the Lake Chad region, co-hosted by Germany, Nigeria, Norway, and the United Nations took place in Oslo where donors pledged 672 million dollars to emergency assistance and support in 2017 and beyond. (NAN) The United States Department of Defence on Wednesday announced it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of 12 A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force. The contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation, an American aerospace contractor, for an initial sum of $329 million. A clause, described as undefinitised contract action (UCA), was, however, added that the contract sum could be varied, but not exceeding $344.7 million. A defence contracting explainer said the UCA involves contracts whose terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before work commences. This could be because the negotiation of a definitive contract action is not possible in sufficient time to meet the governments requirements or a governments interest demands that the contractor be given a binding commitment so that contract performance can begin immediately, and shall be as complete and definite as practicable under the particular circumstances. Six of the aircraft would be equipped with Forward Looking Infrared System, a technology that senses radiation which is then converted to video output. As part of the contract for the 12 Super Tucano combat jetliners, the Nigerian Air Force would receive ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and alternate mission equipment, the U.S. defence department said. There would also be a contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support, and five field service representatives for OCONUS support for three years, the U.S. Defence Department said. The aircraft would be built in Jacksonville, Florida, southeastern United States, and is expected to be completed May 2024. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $220,167,735 are being obligated at the time of award, the department added. President Muhammadu Buhari placed order for the aircraft in April, following extensive discussions with the U.S. government that led to the relaxing of a moratorium placed on military equipment sales to Nigeria. Mr Buhari said the procurement would help strengthen Nigerias national security, as well as timely end to the Boko Haram war. The Nigerian government transferred $469.4 million to the U.S. government in April, according to a letter he wrote to the National Assembly. Lawmakers immediately rejected the move, saying the president flouted the Nigerian Constitution in paying such humongous amount to procure equipment from a another country with appropriation. The president described what he did as granting anticipatory approval for an expenditure, a term the lawmakers argued was strange to the Nigerian Constitution and the principles of separation of powers. During the heated debates about the contract in April, a U.S. senior diplomat in Nigeria briefed reporters in Lagos, telling them, amongst other key benefits of the contract, that the Super Tucanos would be delivered by 2020, a claim that was then regurgitated by Buhari administration officials. It was not immediately clear whether the Nigerian government was aware the project would not be delivered until 2024, six years away, but went ahead with the narrative that it would come by 2020, anyway. Also it was unclear why the contract was being awarded for $344 million (N125.3 billion) when Mr Buhari said he transferred over $469 million (N168.8 billion) to the U.S. for the aircraft. That leaves a difference of N43.5 billion yet unaccounted for. Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments Thursday night. An e-mail to the U.S. Embassy public affairs section in Abuja was not immediately returned. The Boko Haram war, for which the Super Tucanos are being procured, has seen a surge in recent months, with hundred of Nigerian soldiers being killed in audacious raids on their bases across the war-ravaged North-East. Only on November 18, at least 118 soldiers were killed when Boko Haram fighters overran the Nigerian Army 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State, which has been the heartland of the nearly 10-year jihadist campaign. The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, who had long amongst top government functionaries claiming Boko Haram had been technically defeated, acknowledged the renewed ruthlessness of Boko Haram during an address on Wednesday. He, however, said the military was reshaping its counter-terrorism strategy, and predicted a fast-paced end to the insurgency. The Nigerian Army on Thursday said its troops killed four Boko Haram terrorists when they attempted to attack 118 Battalion location at Arege village in Borno. The army said in its Twitter handles that on November 28, the troops successfully repelled the terrorists attack, killed several of them and recovered high calibre weapons. It disclosed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties and fled in disarray leaving behind four dead bodies of their members. Boko Haram met their waterloo and suffered heavy casualties yesterday evening Nov. 28, 2018; when they attempted to infiltrate 118 Battalion location at Arege in Abadam Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno. The terrorists were completely routed by the troops, neutralising many of them while others fled in disarray due to superior firepower. As a result, they hastily evacuated most of their corpses under the cover of darkness. However, during exploitation of the general area at dawn, the gallant troops discovered four Boko Haram terrorists corpses and recovered the following weapons- one Anti Aircraft Gun, four AK 47 rifles and one Light Machine Gun, the army said. It added that other items recovered included 100 Anti Aircraft rounds, 185 Light Machine Gun rounds, four AK47 magazines, 54 AK47 rounds, and one MOWAG Propeller. (NAN) The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested one Emmanuel Eneji for falsely claiming to be a former employee of the defunct Nigeria Airways. In a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES through the commissions spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, it said Mr Eneji was arrested at the Ministry of Finance, Abuja. According to the statement, the Ministry of Finance is the venue of the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) where all ex-staff of the non-operational agency have been presenting themselves for verification. President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the payment of owed emoluments to the ex-workers of the airways and the process is ongoing. The ICPC in the statement said the alleged impostor claimed to have worked as operations manager of the Airways in Ghana and had presented a verification slip that belonged to another. But checks on his documents and other findings uncovered him to be an impostor, the agency said, as insiders familiar with the operations of the defunct airways told investigators that the position of operations manager in Ghana never existed. The statement added that when further probed on the authenticity of his claim, Mr Eneji claimed that he lost his Nigeria Airways Staff Identity Card, including employment letter, letter of promotion from Grade Level 09 to 10 and his letter of disengagement as well as his academic certificates in a fire incident during the Zango Kataf uprising in 1993, at Malali, Kaduna State. Meanwhile, the only document in his possession linking him to the non-operational airways was a photocopy of the Nigeria Airways Training School Certificate. According to the statement, the suspect also claimed to have used a police report and an affidavit for the lost documents to scale through the verification exercise in Lagos, which enabled him to obtain a verification slip and a bio-data form from PICA. He further claimed that one Mr Ajayi, a staff of the Nigeria Airways Union, issued him the verification number on the list of staff to be verified, that belonged to another person upon the presentation of police report and the affidavit. Investigation on the matter continues and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion, the statement added. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has quizzed the Director of Agriculture, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Ishaya Wyah, and other top management staff of the Council for allegedly receiving N9.33 million bribe from a contractor. The Commission has also interrogated the Chief of Staff to AMAC Chairman, Ibrahim Likita, for allegedly receiving N1.8 million as part of his share of the bribe. The bribe allegedly received by the Council staff was part of kickbacks from an N89 million contract for the supply of tractors awarded in 2016 by AMAC to Mass International Equipment Limited. ICPC said during investigation, it discovered that Mr Wyah received N9.33 million as bribe from Mass International Equipment Limited through his Guaranty Trust Bank account immediately after the contract was awarded. Thereafter, the Director went ahead to illegally distribute the alleged contract proceeds to others including the Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, ICPC has helped the company to recover N22 million as part of the contract sum owed by the council. The Commission also directed the council to ensure complete payment of the balance before the end of 2018. The Commission is in the process of recovering the bribes collected by the suspects. They will be charged to court upon the completion of investigation, the commission said in a statement Thursday. The Commission, however, was silent on whether any of the staff of Mass International Equipment will be prosecuted for paying the bribe. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said 67 percent about seven out of ten of electricity consumers under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) does not have meters. Moses Arigu, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs at NERC, said this on Thursday while inaugurating the commissions Customer Complaints Forum Office in Lafia. He said of the over 1,589,000 customers of the AEDC, only 528, 214 had meters leaving a deficit of about 1, 060,786 customers, representing 67 per cent. Mr Arigu noted that the commission received over 1,123 unresolved complaints from consumers within Lafia and environs between January and September, expressing their dissatisfaction with services rendered by the AEDC. According to him, most of the complaints were on issues of poor voltage and estimated billing, which he attributed to the low metering status in the power sector. He maintained that to address the metering deficit, the commission introduced measures to accelerate the process through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Regulation of 2018 and closely monitoring electricity distribution companies meter roll out plan. It is gratifying to note that AEDC has commenced the procurement of MAP, combined with the implementation of their meter roll-out plan, in accordance with the performance agreement signed with the Federal Government under the privatisation programme. This will inject an average of about 100,000 meters into the AEDC network annually over the next five years. It is expected that the present metering gap will be closed within the next three years using the MAP regulation and their roll out plan, he said. He explained that the establishment of the customer complaints office in Lafia signified the responsiveness of the commission to addressing the needs and challenges of residents in the state with regards to electricity supply. Mr Arigu pointed out that the forum was established to resolve complaints that were not addressed or not to the satisfaction of the customers by the AEDC. Customers are first expected to forward their complaints in writing to the nearest unit of AEDC within their locality. It is upon dissatisfaction/delay in the treatment of their complaints that they are expected to escalate such complaints to the forum, he said. He said the commission had development a software application to monitor resolution of customers complaints before the various distribution companies to ensure that such complaints were addressed within the regulatory time frame. He appealed to customers not to take laws into their hands by being hostile to staff of AEDC, tamper with electricity installations or engage in illegal connections among other vices. Abimbola Odubiyi, Director, Corporate Service of the AEDC, said the company was working assiduously to ensure efficient service delivery to its customers in Lafia and other parts of the state. He said the company was also collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to improve the quality and amount of power supply to Lafia and environs before the second quater of 2019. Mr Odubiyi said as part of efforts to ensure adequate metering to end cases of estimated billing, the AEDC had completed the enumeration of all its customers in the state. The Togolese who allegedly murdered his Nigerian employer is not dead, the Nigeria Prisons Service has said. Sunday Anani was arrested for allegedly killing the Chairman of Credit Switch Technology Limited, Ope Bademosi. Mr Anani was employed as a cook in Mr Bademosis house before the murder. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Prison Service, Francis Enobore, on Wednesday told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview that the suspect is not dead. There had been reports in various news media that the accused had died in prison custody. The rumour is not true, Mr Enobore said. I have just spoken with the prison service command in Lagos and they said they still have him. The spokesperson explained the reason the suspect could not be shown to journalists on Wednesday evening after the rumour spread. You know they have closed by this time, he said. The officer that spoke with me told me that if not because the prison has closed, he would have brought him out so he does a video call with me. Mr Anani was arrested after he allegedly stabbed Mr Bademosi on the chest three times in the latters house at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos on October 31. The suspect then escaped with valuables allegedly stolen from the house. He was tracked to Ondo State where he was arrested on November 2. His murder trial commenced on November 12 but was adjourned till December 18 pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Chief Magistrate, O.O. Oshin, ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison pending legal advice. A man suspected to be an officer of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS, popularly called SARS) has killed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The victim has been identified as Adeyemo Rotimi. Mr Rotimi was murdered at Iyana-Ipaja at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday while on duty controlling traffic. LASTMA took to its Twitter to confirm the death of the official on Thursday morning. We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our gallant officers, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected FSARS operative while discharging his lawful duties at his point in Iyana Ipaja on the 28th of November, 2018, the tweet read We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our gallant officers, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected FSARS operative while discharging his lawful duties at his point in Iyana Ipaja on the 28th of November, 2018. pic.twitter.com/LrArWhQo0j LASTMA (@followlastma) November 29, 2018 Residents who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said before the LASTMA official was killed, the SARS officer warned him. Adejumo Kola, who was at the incident, said: the SARS first warned the LASMA guy against stopping him but the guy was on top of his voice saying he was doing his job. This got the SARS offended and hebkilled the man after taking his gun from his car. We all scattered after hearing sound of the gun PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the SARS officer was driving a Honda Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Mr. Adeyemo was confirmed dead at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital and his remains have been deposited in a mortuary in Yaba, Lagos, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Efforts by this newspaper to confirm the identity of the officer who perpetrated the act from Lagos State police spokesman, Chike Oti, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls and text messages sent to him on the matter. PREMIUM TIMES had reported several cases of harassment and extortion perpetrated by SARS operatives. Many Nigerians have also called for the disbandment of the unit with a Twitter hashtag #EndSARS. This was attended to by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in August who directed the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to review the operations of the police unit. Apart from calling for the review of SARS operations, Mr Osinbajo also asked the human right council, NHRC, to investigate various allegations of rights abuses by the police unit. Nigerians React: Citizens on social media have been reacting to the latest scandal. A tweeter user @segalink said Distinguished, there is such a thing as political will. Without it nothing works. This is why I keep hammering on the fact that power belongs to the people. They know it but we mostly dont. Governments will forever be shackled by public opinion. @papihush said, Am surprised lastma a government body calling on a citizen to help fight for justice when the so called culprit can be easily identified..what a country. @stiknares wrote: LASTMA is under Lagos State Govt, so i expect the governor to handle this. The culprit should also be killed by firing squad and they should broadcast it live on TV. This is what can make this useless people to change. Other LASTMA officers should rise up to take this up @GordianChima also said, I think this reformation of SARS didnt change anything. They still come to my hood to raid, break into houses and carry anybody they see. All we do when we sight their vehicle is RUNNNNN. God help us. RIP Adeyemo Rotimi. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that the ongoing strike by its members may be prolonged as no concrete resolution has been reached in the negotiation with the Federal Government. The union called on parents and students to show understanding over the development so as to save Nigerias university system from collapse. ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday. NAN reports that university lecturers had on November 5 embarked on a strike, demanding the implementation of the 2009 agreement it entered into with the Federal Government. The lecturers are also calling for full implementation of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) agreement with the government in 2017; improved working conditions and welfare package; and upgrade of facilities in universities across the country. According to Mr Ogunyemi, the strike is not to short-change the students, parents and other key stakeholders but to save the countrys university system from collapse. We want to call on our students and parents to show understanding with our struggle as we are in this together. The whole essence of this struggle is to ensure that our students get worthy and deserving certificates that they will be proud of anywhere they may find themselves in the world. The struggle is to ensure too that we save Nigerian universities from going the way our public primary and secondary schools have gone. Today, most parents are sending their children and wards to private primary and secondary schools around the country because of the perceived or alleged falling standards. We do not want our universities to go the same way because a lot of our parents may not be able to afford the private university fees, he said. The ASUU boss added that there was an urgent need for both the federal and state governments to reconsider their approach toward the development of universities to avoid an outright collapse in the near future. The sad thing now is that the World Bank is giving funds to some private universities to thrive over public universities. Unless Nigerians rise to the occasion and join ASUU in putting pressure on both the Federal and state governments to pay adequate attention to our universities, secondary and primary schools, we may be facing a total collapse of our educational sector, Mr Ogunyemi said. He noted that university students might be staying longer at home as no concrete resolution had been reached with the Federal Government so far. Mr Ogunyemi said that representatives of the union met with the Federal Government on November 26 but that the meeting ended in a deadlock. We met on Monday in order to reach an agreement on the key issues we are agitating for but nothing tangible came out of the meeting. Rather than come out with firm commitment on what to do about these demands, they were appealing to us to go back to the classrooms while they tackle the issues; and to us they have missed the point. We were told that the negotiation will continue on Friday, November 30 but up till now, as we speak, I have not received any notice of meeting to that effect, he said. NAN reports that the ASUU first met with the federal government on November 15 to deliberate on the issues. (NAN) So he left Delphi as it went bankrupt, to help run a company that built wooden pallets, about 1 hours from home. Six months later, he was at his next job in Phoenix, Ariz.; he would fly back once a month to see my mom. He held, by his estimate, six to seven jobs in four different states from 2006, when Delphi went under, until his forced retirement in 2013. Because of Delphi's bankruptcy negotiations with automakers and the federal government, he lost most of his pension. My parents drained their savings and 401(k) funds during the long stretches in between jobs or layoffs. These days, my mom continues to work, and my dad is on Social Security. A Lagos Division of the Federal High Court will on January 15, 2019, continue the hearing of a suit seeking final forfeiture of about $8.4 million and N7.4 billion found in bank accounts linked to a former First Lady, Patience Jonathan. The new hearing date was fixed Thursday after the court failed to sit and a video evidence scheduled to be shown by the defence could not take place. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on April 20, secured an interim order for the forfeiture from the judge, Mojisola Olatoregun, through an ex-parte (without notice) application. In the suit, EFCC joined Mrs Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd. and Finchley Top Homes Ltd. as respondents in the suit. Also joined as respondents are Am-Pm Global Network Ltd., Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd., Magel Resort Ltd. and Esther Oba. EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, had informed the court at the last adjourned date that he had an application for final forfeiture dated of May 8. According to him, the application seeks an order of the court for a final forfeiture of sums of money listed in the application. He supported the application with an affidavit deposed to on May 20 by Orji Chukwuma, an EFCC operative. Mr Oyedepo urged the court to grant the application for final forfeiture. However, Ifedayo Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, counsel to the first respondent (Mrs Jonathan), urged the court to refuse the application on the grounds that sufficient facts had not been placed before the court to warrant a final order. According to Mr Adedipe, the applicants case is that it found money in the accounts of the first respondent which it suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. He argued that the first respondent was neither invited by the EFCC nor prosecuted. Mr Adedipe argued that the applicant (EFCC) failed to take the preliminary steps but headed to seek an order of forfeiture. The counsel said that the practice fell short of prosecutorial procedures. He argued that the depositions by the applicant that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful activities had not been substantiated. He noted that Section 36 of the Constitution provided that a person should not be convicted of an offence, unless defined and punishment prescribed. According to him, there is no crime known as statutory suspicion. He submitted that the onus rested on the EFCC to prove that the respondent had such amounts of money, and that they were obtained under false pretences or fraud. He said although there were depositions that the funds were obtained from Women for Change and Bola Shagaya, there were, however, no evidence before the court to show that the funds were stolen. He submitted that the application was vindictive, urging the court to dismiss it. Also, Mike Ozekhome, counsel to the third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents, argued that the application was premature when judged by the provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act. Mr Ozekhome said the affidavit of the third respondent to show cause had not been taken. According to the counsel, it is when same has been argued and the court finds no merit in it that the EFCC can be justified and better placed to bring the application. He submitted that the third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents filed affidavits to show cause. The counsel said that exhibits labelled F1 to F6 were attached to the affidavits. He said the exhibits confirmed that the third respondent was a company, showed its certificate of incorporation and its board resolution that Patience Jonathan be made a signatory to it. He added that the affidavits showed bank documents indicating that the companys account was signed by other persons who were also signatories. Mr Ozekhome also told the court that the third respondent made money from selling groceries, drinks and other items, adding that exhibit F5 showed video evidence of various outfits legitimately run by the third respondent. He prayed the court to allow the video exhibit to be shown in the court. According to him, Exhibit F6 are manuals, catalogues and handbills indicating the ongoing legitimate concerns of the third respondent. Mr Ozekhome made similar arguments for the fourth, fifth and sixth respondents. (NAN) Deji Adeyanju and two others who were arrested and arraigned on Wednesday are to spend the second night in prison after the presiding chief magistrate failed to show up for a bail hearing on Thursday. PREMIUM TIMES learnt from Ariyo-Dare Atoye, a long-time friend of Mr Adeyanju, that the activists had met their bail conditions, but would require the presence of the judge to sign off on their release. Mr Adeyanju was arrested on Wednesday morning while leading a protest against police bias ahead of 2019 general elections. He was arrested with two other activists, Daniel Abobama and Boma Williams. Mr Adeyanju accused Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris and other security chiefs of exhibiting overt allegiance to President Muhammadu Buhari, warning that they could compromise security operations to ensure the president is re-elected at the general elections next February. He led other activists to the headquarters of foreign missions in Abuja last week. Following their arrest on Wednesday morning by the officers sent to quell the demonstration, the police arraigned Messrs Adeyanju, Abobama and Williams at the Chief Magistrates Court in Karshi, a low-income suburb of Abuja. After failing to immediately meet their bail terms, the activists were taken to the federal correctional facility in Keffi, home to Nasarawa State University about 40 minutes drive from Abuja. Police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood said in a statement that the activists actions were criminally defamatory, and also capable of incitement and breach of public peace. He strongly denied all allegations of bias raised by Mr Adeyanju and others, saying the police remain a professional institution before which the interest of Nigerians takes priority of political officeholders, including the president. Screenshots of Mr Adeyanjus social media posts were attached to the statement, and Mr Moshood indicated they would form a key part of police evidence during the activists trial. Calls have mounted for Mr Adeyanjus release since Wednesday afternoon. Amongst those who have issued statements and warned the police against eroding Nigerias democratic tenets amongst which the rights to speech and demonstration are key elements are Amnesty International and Enough Is Enough Nigeria. Top politicians like Shehu Sani and Oby Ezekwesili have also condemned the detention of Mr Adeyanju and prevailed on the police to immediately set him and other detained comrades free. Mr Atoye told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday afternoon the presiding magistrate, Aliu Kagarko, would be available to sign the bail documents of the activists on Friday morning. The bail terms set by Mr Kagarko included a level-14 civil servant, a prominent businessman with N20 million bond. We have secured the three level-14 civil servants, Mr Atoye said. The businessmen angle too is sorted. Mr Atoye lamented that Mr Adeyanju and the two others would be in custody until Friday, but was upbeat that they would be released before mid-day. We just have to present the sureties to the magistrate tomorrow for his endorsement, and we would be on our way to prisons to pick them up from there, Mr Atoye said. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 154-member presidential campaign council with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as its Director-General. At the inauguration of the council on Thursday at Legacy House, Maitama, the partys presidential campaign office, were chieftains of the party. Inaugurating the council, National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, said it is expected to steer the affairs of the campaigns of PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking at the event, Mr Abubakar called for the sack of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, ahead of the 2019 general elections. We must demand the removal of the IGP, members of the campaign council have the responsibility of ensuring that this is done in good time, he said. Mr. Abubakar also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to personal attacks due to what he described as the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. APC government is resorting to a campaign of personal attacks because of their failure in four years. Nigerians know that APC government has failed woefully. He said a government that has been in power for almost a term should be campaigning with its achievements rather than personal attacks, further restating his commitment to an issue-based electioneering campaign. I made it clear that my campaigns will be issues-based, he said. Mr Abubakar said there will be no parallel structure to cause confusion in his campaigns, contrary to earlier speculaions. We are facing an APC government that is despearate to cling to power. This will be the toughest contest since 1999. He urged President Buhari to sign the recently amended Electoral Act into law. I call on PMB to sign into law, without further delay the Electoral Act before him if he is truly interested in free and fair elections. It was a renewed call to arms in Ndjamena, capital of the Republic of Chad, on Thursday, as President Muhammadu Buhari held a one-day consultation with Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The meeting was called to address the recent upsurge in terrorist activities in the region, and the Nigerian President rallied his colleagues from Chad, Niger Republic, and Republic of Cameroon to a fresh onslaught against insurgents, particularly the Boko Haram group. Times as these call for quick interventions and measures, President Buhari stated, adding: As you are aware and have witnessed in recent times, there are new developments of security concern in our sub-region. The region in the recent past has witnessed increasing attacks, particularly on military formations by elements of the Boko Haram terrorists as well as the renewed kidnapping of people. These activities are aimed at weakening our collective resolve to eradicate them from the region. We must not cave in. The groups renewed strategy of increasingly mining the general area as well as its recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance activities have proved to be critical factors in the resurgence of attacks in the region. Commending what he called the untiring efforts of the leadership of the LCBC, and officers and men of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), President Buhari noted that the efforts of those who strive to bring peace and stability to the region would never be forgotten. We are committed to ensuring that the ideals of restoring peace, stability and viability of the Lake Chad Region to its glorious state, for which some of you have paid the ultimate price is attained, he vowed. President Buhari in a statement by his spokesperson , Femi Adesina, submitted that We must not relent and allow the enemies of the region to succeed in their quest to destabilize the area. We must reinvigorate our collective will and commitment towards eradicating terrorism from our region. We must remain focused and true to ensuring sustainable development. To this end, I have requested that bilateral and multilateral platforms of engagements by member countries affected by the conflict be revamped to ensure collective actions towards stamping out the remnants of the terrorists from the region. There is no gainsaying that also fueling the crisis are the twin menaces of poverty and the continued shrinkage of the Lake Chad, which have rendered the people of the region vulnerable to terrorist activities. Attention is drawn to the Lake and its resources, which have always been the source of livelihood for the millions of people that live within and around the basin. He charged the 0residents and Heads of Governments in attendance to make concerted efforts to ensure the actualization of efforts to recharge the Lake, through Inter-Basin Water Transfer, from the Congo Basin. Mr Buhari stressed that if meticulously pursued, the project has the capacity to unlock the economic potentials and provide solutions to the myriad of interrelated challenges confronting the region. President Muhammadu Buhari and other regional leaders in NDjamena after a meeting on tackling Boko Haram crisis As chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Mr Buhari assured of his commitment to providing the required leadership and direction for the actualization of peace and security in the area. He reiterated an earlier promise he made to troops fighting terrorism: We are committed to ensuring you have the requisite and enabling equipment to optimally function. Your welfare is, and would continue to remain our priority. Together, we shall restore the Lake Chad Region to its glorious days. In attendance at the consultation, apart from the Nigerian President, were, President Idris Deby Itno of Chad, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, and Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, who represented President Paul Biya. In a joint communique, the Heads of State and Governments, resolved to change modus operandi, collaborate more, and renew assault on all forms of terrorism and criminal acts, till wholesome peace was restored to the region. Borno politician and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammed Abba-Aji, has accused the state government of ordering the removal of opponents campaign posters and billboards in Maiduguri, the state capital. Mr Abba-Aji, a former senator, who is currently the PDP candidate for Borno Central senatorial district, made this allegation at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The lawmaker, who was until recently a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also accused the state governor, Kashim Shettima, and the states Attorney General, Kaka-Shehu Lawan, of hostility toward the opposition. The allegation was denied by Mr Kaka-Shehu, who said Mr Abba-Aji did not only misrepresent facts but also risks being dragged to court for lying. Allegations Mr Abba-Aji said his campaign posters and that of other PDP candidates in the state were pulled down on the eve of President Muhammadu Buharis visit to Maiduguri on Wednesday. The president visited Maiduguri on Wednesday where he met with military chiefs, soldiers fighting Boko Haram and traditional leaders. The opposition candidate said the state governments intention was to conceal the popularity of the opposition party in the state. We would like to bring to the notice of the world what the citizens of Borno State, and particularly the candidates and supporters of the PDP are currently going through in Borno State, he said. Last (Tuesday) night, all posters, banners and billboards of all PDP candidates were destroyed on the orders of Governor Kashim Shettima, using an illegal security outfit which, he devised and named BOYES. In spite of its illegality however, BOYES is surprisingly being supervised by the Attorney General, who is supposed to be the chief law officer of Borno State. He also said the governor planned on using the security structures of the state to rig the 2019 election since he had lost popularity. He said anytime the governor was challenged on his high handedness, he ordered the detention of critics and their imprisonment. While we all welcome Mr President to our dear state, we also expect him to call the governor to order, he added. Why camapaign posters were pulled down Attorney General Reacting to allegations, the attorney general said he may sue Mr Abba-Aji for spreading falsehood against him. Mr Kaka-Shehu however confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that there was an exercise to remove posters illegally pasted on all public structures and spaces. He said the exercise, which is still ongoing, was carried out by the officials of the Borno State Urban Planning Board and not the BOYES. The Attorney General also said he did supervise the exercise. I am not surprised that Senator Abba-Aji, a supposedly informed elder statesman has no clear knowledge of what is on ground in Borno State, he said. First, he even erred, grossly, to say that I supervised the removal of posters by members of BOYES, because I returned to Maiduguri from Abuja late in the evening of Tuesday being the day he quoted. And I must be frank to state that I was also aware that the Borno State Urban Development Board has commenced the removal of posters, billboards that are illegally mounted, he said. He also said as the chief law officer, despite being a politician, I know my roles and demands of my office, and I cannot be accused of supervising the function of the Urban Planning and Development Board. He said though he supervises the BOYES, they do not interfere in the affairs of the board. As the Attorney General, I am aware that all posters, billboards that are mounted by any politician without first making payments to the revenue board would be removed irrespective of any political party be it APC, PDP and others. And I am also aware that this is not a one off thing; it is going to continue even after the electioneering days, he explained. And on a serious note, I will kindly ask Senator Abba-Aji to withdraw that statement at once or I sue him and claim damages, he added. PREMIUM TIMES checks within Maiduguri metropolis revealed that the billboards of Mr Abba-Aji and that of the PDP governorship candidate, Muhammad Imam, are still mounted, untouched, at strategic locations like Lagos street, UMTH junction, Polo junction and Eagle Roundabout. A detective with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Adekunle Odofin, on November 29 told a Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how a former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, allegedly laundered over N1.8 billion belonging to the state, using a company co-owned with his son, Abdul-Aziz Nyako, a Senator. Mr Odofin, the twentieth prosecution witness, had on November 27 told the court how two people (Mohammad Maj Iro and Dalhatu Abdulmalik) who were crucial to the prosecution of the case, mysteriously died at the point of filing the case in court. Mr Nyako is being prosecuted by the EFCC, alongside his son, Abdul-Aziz, Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba, on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of N29billion. Five companies that allegedly served as conduit pipes for the illegal diversion of the funds Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited, were equally charged before the court as the 5th to 9th defendants. Continuing his evidence, while being led by Rotimi Jacobs, Mr Odofin told the court how Mr Nyako allegedly used a company, Blue Opal Limited, co-owned with his son, Abdul-Aziz, to launder over N1.8 billion belonging to Adamwa State government, with the help of the late Mahammad Maj Iro, the former General Manager Zenith Bank PLC, Adamawa State. The witness explained to the court that one of the defendants in the case, Abubakar Aliyu, who was the Principal Special Assistant to Mr Nyako on Debt Management, was in charge of the finances of Blue Opal Limited. The detective said parts of the huge sums of money pulled from the state account, was used to develop Hillview Estate, using the company of his son, Blue Opal Limited. Testifying further, Mr Odofin told the court how nine companies subscribed to one duplex each in the estate. He said: The first company, Amdak Investment Limited, owned by late Dalhatu Abdulmalik, cousin to Nyako, paid the sum of N240 million to the sales account of the 5th defendant, Blue Opal Limited, domiciled in Zenith Bank. The second company, Kirkelly Investment Limited equally owned by Abdulmalik also paid N240million to the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. The third company, Pinkola Engineering Limited, which was also owned by the deceased, equally paid N240million naira into the sales account of Blue Opal. The 4th company that subscribed to the estate is Pagoda Fortune Nigeria Limited and it paid N240million to the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. The 5th company that subscribed to Hillview Estate is Pagoda Petroleum Limited and it paid N240million into the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. The 6th company was Packpoint Limited. It paid N105million into the same account for the subscription of a unit in the estate. The 7th company was Masterlink Limited and it paid N195milion to the same account. The 8th company was MHN Enterprises Limited. It paid the sum of N105million to the sales account of Blue Opal Limited and the 9th company, Zaitun Farms Developers Limited, equally paid N240million naira into the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. Odofin said that these monies were paid on different dates between 2011 and 2012. He said: The question is, how were these monies paid? My lord, a critical analysis of Zenith Bank accounts of seven out of nine companies, excluding Masterlink and MHN Enterprises Limited, showed that part of these monies used in subscribing in Hillview Estate, was transferred from Zenith Bank account to the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. Also, out of the bulk money Moj Iro pulled out from two accounts belonging to the state (Special Service Department, SSD and Secretary to the State Government), was deposited on behalf of these companies to the sales account of Blue Opal Limited. My lord, part of the money Maj Iro also pulled from the states account, was transferred to Tower Asset Management Limited, domiciled in Zenith bank. When given exhibit L33, (Abubakar Aliyus statement to the EFCC) the witness read, My lord, L33 page 2, I read, when I noticed the frequency of the transaction on the account and the magnitude of the transaction, I approached Mr Maj Iro to tell me the source of this money, he said to me that the monies are coming from Adamawa State Government account. Justice Abang, thereafter, adjourned to November 30 for the continuation of trial. An Ilorin Magistrates Court in Kwara on Thursday ordered the remand of one Alade Dayo in Oke-kura prisons for alleged impersonation as a soldier. The Magistrate, E. K Abu, gave the order as the accused is facing a four-count charge of impersonation, criminal trespass, assault and intimidation. Mrs Abu adjourned the case until December 5 for further mention. Earlier, the prosecutor, Abideen Oderinde, told the court that the case was transferred from B Divisional Police Headquarters, Surulere in Ilorin, to the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Ilorin for investigation. Mr Oderinde said the complainant, Peace Simon of Victory Hotel, Agbo-oba Area, Ilorin alleged that the accused went to the hotel and introduced himself as an army officer and also took away a bottle of beer that she kept on the table. He said that the accused beat her up when she challenged him for stealing her bottle of beer. The prosecutor said that during police interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime and also confessed that he had military uniform and other military kits in his possession. He said that other items recovered from the accused were military belt, T-shirts and military identification card bearing his name and passport. The prosecutor said that investigation conducted at the CIID revealed that the accused was not a member of the Nigeria Army, but a notorious criminal who specialised in impersonating government agencies to terrorise innocent Nigerians. He said that the offence contravened Sections 324, 384, 266 and 399 of the penal code law. The accused person pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was mentioned to him. (NAN) The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has asked Nigerians to vote based on competence and capability and not based on tribe, ethnicity or religion. He made this known when he visited Daura in Katsina State on Sunday as party of the SoworeRufai2019 campaign organizations 100-city tour. Mr. Sowore said, This is Daura, the hometown of the President but as you can see the roads are terrible, there is no electricity, people are poor here, the street lights dont work and people here have welcomed us as you can see. This is why Nigerians should vote capacity and competency as rather than ethnicity and religion, it doesnt matter if the person is your own if he cannot deliver he cannot deliver. Omoyele Sowore addressing a supporter in Daura Some street kids in Daura as captured by the Soworerufai2019 crew in Daura He called on Nigerians to unite in their quest for good governance for the Nigerian people irrespective of their tribes or religions in other for the country to move forward. Mr. Sowore was accompanied on the visit by the Vice President candidate of the AAC, Rabiu Ahmed Rufai. The 100-city tour, which kicked off on November 22 has so far taken the team to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina State. The commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, Musa Kimo, has dismissed as false and unfounded, Governor Udom Emmanuels claims that he protected and assisted thugs to gain access to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during the Tuesdays fracas at the assembly. Five sacked lawmakers, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had occupied the assembly chambers to hold their sitting on Tuesday morning, before they were violently chased away from the assembly premises when the governor arrived with a number of security officials and youth loyal to the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The House, presided by the speaker, Onofiok Luke, went on to conduct its days proceedings. I want everyone to know and hear me that we have seen a total breakdown of law and order today led by the Nigeria Police, the governor, Mr Emmanuel, said while briefing reporters later in the day at Government House, Uyo. The same police Im using the resources of the state to make sure we maintain peace and order in this state. Akwa Ibom has been the most peaceful state in this country. We maintain oil installations so that money could be gotten here and sent to Abuja for the police to also be maintained. It is the same police today, supervised by the Commissioner who came in against the thought of law. And what did the Speaker do? The Speaker was maintaining law and order. And this morning, they were drumming the so-called Warsaw saw War, we have seen a trace of it today. Some people were arrested with fake army uniforms. They came in with 18 AK-47 and they were arrested. As Im talking to you, those people who were arrested have been released through the order of the police. Before this time, some of our guys were able to capture these things with their phones, so we will use the pictures to blow for the whole world to see. The police has allowed them to take all the 18 AK-47 back. This is the same Warsaw that was pronounced. We have reported this to the highest authority, the presidency and the security agencies and no one has taken steps to address it. So, they are leaving Akwa Ibom people to defend themselves, Mr Emmanuel said. The governor asked the police authorities in Abuja to immediately transfer the Akwa Ibom police commissioner who is barely one week old in the state. Mr Kimo, Wednesday, responded to the governors allegations. The police chief told reporters at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, he would not condescend so low to escort lawmakers into the assembly as claimed by the governor. He said the police were deployed at strategic positions in the assembly premises to forestall a breakdown of order and peace, and not to prevent any lawmaker from getting into the assembly. The police chief also countered Mr Emmanuels claim that people wearing army uniform were caught with AK-47 rifles. The claims are totally unfounded, he said. He challenged the governor to make public the video clips he said were in the governments possession. The police commissioner told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, there was nothing for him to be afraid of. I dont have any skeleton in my cupboard. I am God-fearing, he said. We are apolitical, we are neutral. We are fair and just to everybody. In fact, the police should be commended. We cannot be dragged into politics. We will continue to do the right thing, we will continue to be professional in our job, he said. The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been thrown into intractable crisis for days now since five lawmakers were sacked from the assembly for defecting from the PDP to the APC. Governor Emmanuel blamed a senator and former governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio, of being the mastermind of the crisis. Mr Akpabio has, however, dismissed the accusation, saying the brazen act of lawlessness by the governor was responsible for the crisis. The officer of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) who allegedly killed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adeyemo Rotimi, in Lagos on Wednesday has reportedly been killed by a mob, an official has said. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Thursday how Mr Rotimi was murdered at Iyana-Ipaja around 6 pm on Wednesday while flagging the police down during traffic. Addressing the unfortunate incident, LASMA took to its Twitter to confirm the death of one of its officials on Thursday. We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our gallant officers, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected FSARS operative while discharging his lawful duties at his point in Iyana Ipaja on the 28th of November, 2018, the tweet read. We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our gallant officers, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected FSARS operative while discharging his lawful duties at his point in Iyana Ipaja on the 28th of November, 2018. pic.twitter.com/LrArWhQo0j LASTMA (@followlastma) November 29, 2018 Reacting to the incident, the head of Police Public Complaint Commission, Yomi Shogunle, took to his Twitter some minutes after PREMIUM TIMES report to announce that the inspector who shot the LASTMA officer was mobbed and died while being rushed to a hospital. UPDATE on SARS officer shoots LASTMA official dead. The Inspector that allegedly shot dead Late Rotimi Adeyemo m at Iyana-Ipaja Roundabout, Lagos at 6pm of 28.11.2018 was beaten to stupor by irate mob at the scene. This policeman also died while being rushed to the hospital. Both corpses have been deposited at Mainland General Hospital morgue, Lagos for an autopsy, RIP. The name of the policeman is withheld because his NoK is yet to be notified by NPF. State CID Panti Yaba, Lagos is investigating the circumstances surrounding this double-murder case, his tweet read UPDATE on "SARS officer shoots LASTMA official dead." The Inspector that allegedly shot dead Late Rotimi Adeyemo 'm' at Iyana-Ipaja Roundabout, Lagos at 6pm of 28.11.2018 was beaten to stupor by irate mob at the scene. This policeman also died while being rushed to the hospital. Abayomi Shogunle (@YomiShogunle) November 29, 2018 While the Mr Shogunle did not disclose the identity of the officer, the Lagos State police spokesperson, Chike Oti, in a statement, identified him as Olukunle Olonode. On November 28, around 6pm, the driver of a Toyota Highlander SUV, with registration number LSR 277 BJ, later identified as Police Inspector, Olukunle Olonade, attached to FSARS Ikeja while driving along Iyana-Ipaja Road, was contravened for driving against traffic by a LASTMA official, one Rotimi Adeyemi, aged 46 years at Iyana-Ipaja Roundabout. The two men vehemently disagreed with each other. However, during the altercation, the said Inspector Olukunle Olonade allegedly shot the LASTMA officer to death. Consequently, irate mob, who thought that the shooter was an armed hoodlum because he was in mufti, descended on him and beat him to stupor. Although he was later rescued by teams of policemen drafted to the scene, he later gave up the ghost while being rushed to a hospital for treatment. The serial number of the pistol recovered at the scene was checked in the system and it revealed the bearer as Inspector Olukunle Olonade attached to FSARS Ikeja. Corpses of the deceased have been evacuated to the morgue for autopsy. The CP Lagos has directed that the late Inspector Olakunle Olonade be tried posthumously in orderly room and be recommended for dismissal from the Force, he said. I know your father would have been especially proud of the moral stand you took in an important speech you gave on March 3, 2016. You said: Now, Im far from the first to conclude that Donald Trump lacks the temperament to be president. After all, this is an individual who mocked a disabled reporter, who attributed a reporters questions to her menstrual cycle, who mocked a brilliant rival who happened to be a woman due to her appearance, who bragged about his marital affairs, and who laces his public speeches with vulgarity. Theres plenty of evidence that Mr. Trump is a con man, a fake. Mr. Trump has changed his positions not just over the years, but over the course of the campaign. And on the Ku Klux Klan, daily for three days in a row. Heres what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. Oni Waheed, the divisional crime officer, Ilaro police command, Ogun State, has advised the public to desist from buying cell phones from strangers in order not to get into trouble with the law. Mr Waheed gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota, Ogun State. He said instead, people should purchase their cell phones from well-known outlets to prevent them from getting into police net. It is easy to trace cell phones bought from an outlet when crime is being committed by criminals than the one purchased from a stranger, he said. Mr Waheed noted that hoodlums sometimes robbed people of their valuables like cell phones, laptops and money and sell them to innocent people. According to him, most of the criminals who indulge in the act usually sell the stolen goods to innocent people, on the pretext that they needed money urgently to attend to some needs. We have seen many victims of such problem and there is no evidence to prove their innocence. (NAN) The prospect of Afghanistan becoming a rogue state would be all too real. Whats now a largely dysfunctional state again would function as an ideal training ground for terrorists bent on launching attacks on the U.S., Europe and beyond. The world saw in the Middle East what happened when then-President Barack Obama withdrew troops from Iraq, and hemmed and hawed in Syria. The Islamic State emerged, taking over much of northern Iraq and northern Syria and using its newfound territory for instigating terror on the West. 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. Looking back on 100 years of activism and community leadership is no small task. Eliyahu Stern, Professor of Modern Jewish Intellectual and Cultural History at Yale University, guided the attendees through the remarkable history of this organization, and the achievements of its past leaders which set the standard for their present and future work. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer then addressed the attendees by video, congratulating the AJCongress for this historic milestone. American Jewish Congress President Jack Rosen delivered meaningful remarks on the crises facing the Jewish community and others today, and the urgency of continuing the work AJCongress' founders began a century ago. Rosen said during his speech: "It is from a deep sense of personal responsibility that I am part of the American Jewish Congress, because sadly this organization is needed today more than ever. After the Holocaust, Jews everywhere committed to the mantra 'Never Again.' Yet today, here in the United States of America, we hear again hate on the march. In Charlottesville. In Pittsburgh. We will not remain silent as this threat festers and grows." As the evening progressed, young Alex Rosen, Mr. Rosen's grandson, recognized his grandfather for his own contributions to the organization's enduring legacy and reminded the audience that the future of our work rests with our children. "The real question for the American Jewish Congress today is how to help the Jewish people and all people of peace win the future," Alex said during his speech. "The answers come in the two life lessons that my grandfather always teaches us: work hard and be curious." At the conclusion of the night, Mr. Rosen presented Congressman Kennedy with the Stephen S. Wise Award. Named for visionary founder Rabbi Wise, this award has recognized a number of remarkable American and Israeli leaders in the last century including the Congressman's grandfather, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, and others. Upon accepting the award, Rep. Kennedy gave an impassioned speech about the impact made by the American Jewish Congress on U.S. history., and the roles played by the Kennedy family as well as the Congress in protecting American values over the years. In his speech, Rep. Kennedy spoke about the important role of the Jewish people in American history and the contributions they have made. He spoke out against the resurgence of anti-Semitism, and emphasized the importance of unity and community across religious, ethnic, and racial lines. He also stated his support for the State of Israel and described his admiration the qualities that have allowed Israel to succeed and thrive. "The American Jewish Congress is greatly blessed to have him as a friend and partner as they enter our second century," Jack Rosen remarked at the end of the evening. SOURCE American Jewish Congress Ald. Willie Cochran, who rejected a plea deal Wednesday in his corruption case, has represented the ward since 2007. He declined to seek another term after federal prosecutors indicted him in 2016 on 15 criminal counts. The Tribune broke the news of the indictment while the City Council was gathering to celebrate the Cubs World Series win. In a dramatic unfolding of events, Cochran appeared to learn of his indictment from a colleague while on the council floor. MIAMI, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bleuwire, an IT solution company based in South Florida offers a simplified way to solve any IT problems. This can be made possible with the help of their custom managed solutions intended for organizations and businesses in Miami. They serve to be a local IT support in Miami where every business owner can expect for unique business techniques concerning IT solutions. With the help of Bleuwire's simplified IT services, businesses are likely to improve their productivity and find a new set of collaboration. Whether for keeping critical data source or solving the toughest IT problems, this IT support service provider in Miami cab provides IT solutions based on the requirements of their clients. They promised that they could address any business challenges and listen to the real needs of the particular business. Bleuwire had already come up completing their IT support in Miami where clients can choose from their services to support their IT solution needs, including cloud computing solutions, outsourced IT support, cybersecurity services, and technical support. Bleuwire aims to let more businesses and various organizations to end up with a particular IT solution that can fit their real needs as well as make every accounting departments away from distressing IT problems. This IT support provider in Miami begins their services by listening to their client's challenges and then, later on, determine which of their IT services is best to solve the particular IT problem. After they created an implementation plan and deployed the solutions, they continue monitoring the clients' systems to identify the possible vulnerabilities. About Bleuwire: Bleuwire is an IT support services located in the heart of Miami, Florida that aims to provide custom managed solutions to minimize the IT problems suffered by many businesses and organizations. They wanted to improve the way businesses, and organizations use technology. For information about the IT services of Bleuwire in Miami, simply visit their website at bleuwire.com or email them at [email protected]. Olivia Diaz | Marketing Director | 888-509-0075 Related Files Bleuwire-Managed-IT-Services.pdf Bleuwire-how-to-choose-an-msp.pdf Related Images bleuwire-miami-it-service-provider.jpg bleuwire-miami-it-service-provider.jpg bleuwire-miami-it-service-provider.jpg bleuwire-miami-it-service-provider.jpg Related Links Bleuwire Techblog Bleuwire Resource Center Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZBmwprY9h0 SOURCE Bleuwire Related Links http://bleuwire.com MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Champions and its subsidiaries not only lives, works and plays in countless communities throughout Florida, it gives back. That corporate practice and philosophy was illustrated in the Pinellas County area recently. Management and staff of the Champions Mortgage Seminole team, including President Adam Zima, Heather Zima, Mike Wagner, Bob Scarpetta and Mikhal Dudenkov, teamed up on November 27 with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County on a project that involved carefully removing fixtures, cabinets and countertops from a condominium in St. Petersburg, then transporting and turning the assets over to Habitat's re-store where they will be repurposed and resold to help fund the charitable organization's numerous projects. "Delicately demoing the fixtures to preserve their value was slow going at first," commented Zima. "But by the end of the day, we had accomplished more than we expected. Champions Mortgage and its staff were more than eager to give back to an organization that does so much for its community." It's been a busy period of mixing business and community involvement for the Champions Mortgage Seminole Team. The Mortgage Bank division of parent company Community Champions recently received the J.A.G Award from Going The Distance Adventure Ministry. The J.A.G. award is accorded by the non-profit to the person or organization which has positively impacted the ministry the most during the past year and helped it sustain and grow its mission. Doug Garner, the leader of the ministry, has first-hand experience with how giving back while conducting business is a win-win situation for all involved. The Zimas recently assisted Garner in securing a home loan through Champions Mortgage to base his ministry out of. Garner took to social media to express what securing the mortgage did for him and the ministry with a Facebook post. "I'm a first-time homeowner and Champions Mortgage LLC not only went the distance in their service, care and expertise for me, they went the extra mile! They turned my need to buy a home into a dream come true that I wake up to everyday. I'm forever grateful to Adam and Heather Zima and the Champions team for all they did to get me into my forever home. Thank you so much Champions." Tom Darnell, Managing Director of Community Champions, commented the award and volunteer actions of the Champions Mortgage Seminole team was in keeping with many of the overall objectives of the parent company. "I'm very proud of our Mortgage Bank division of Community Champions," he said. "But I'm even more proud of the willingness of our family of employees who give back to the communities they service. This is directly in line with the Community Champions overall mission to empower individuals, businesses and government entities to form productive partnerships that bring about positive acts and actions in their neighborhoods and communities." Darnell added, "We look forward to extending this same type of positive business model that marries business with community service through our newly opened Champions Mortgage Office in Jacksonville, (FL), where another of our business subsidies, PROCHAMPS, has worked in a partnership with the city since 2011." PROCHAMPS are experts in partnering with local governments to manage licensing/registration of rental, foreclosure and vacant properties. It is among the constellation of business divisions under the Community Champions umbrella which focuses on helping communities champion themselves by bringing together the collective resources of government, business, private and charitable partnerships. SOURCE Community Champions Related Links http://www.cchampions.com CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will host a webcast and conference call to review its fiscal 2019 second quarter results on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. ET. The company's news release will be issued at approximately 7:30 a.m. ET. The live audio webcast and presentation slides will be available on conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 for participants in the continental U.S. and 1-412-902-6506 for all other participants and using passcode 1874533. Please dial in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the call start time. Following the company's remarks, the conference call will include a question-and-answer session with the investment community. A replay of the webcast will be available until December 20, 2019. About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. For more information, please contact: MEDIA: Mike Cummins 312-549-5257 [email protected] INVESTORS: Brian Kearney 312-549-5002 [email protected] SOURCE Conagra Brands Related Links http://www.conagrabrands.com LONDON, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Auckland-based startup bridges crucial region for digital assets Vimba, New Zealand's largest and longest running crypto platform, has announced the expansion of its crypto savings service to the United Kingdom, bringing a disciplined approach to digital asset investment to one of the most important crypto markets. The UK launch will provide everyday investors with the opportunity to engage with crypto assets in regular intervals and in smaller increments, as part of an overall strategy to weather the bear market and encourage the long-term growth of the industry. Building on its success in New Zealand, Vimba will provide UK residents looking to diversify their traditional portfolio or invest for the first time with a dollar cost average investment strategy, involving scheduled purchases of Bitcoin and Ethereum, starting at 10 a month. Sam Blackmore, Founder and CEO of Vimba, said: "The UK is a particularly interesting market, with a large appetite for digital asset classes, but a sensible and considered approach to risk. Many investors enjoy the ability to dabble in this nascent and fast-evolving industry, while also enjoying new financial freedoms and experiences. The current market conditions actually make a good case for the tried-and-tested Dollar Cost Averaging technique involving smaller investments over time, which can be considered an effective way to avoid speculative bubbles and market volatility." Vimba's subscription service offers users the choice to set up a predetermined investment amount each week through scheduled bank payments, and investments can be customised according to users' preferences. As part of its launch, Vimba will be offering UK-based users 0% service fees for the first 30 days. Fran Strajnar, CEO of Techemy and Director of Vimba, said: "Vimba's UK expansion highlights the growing demand for sensible investment strategies within the cryptocurrency market. Cryptocurrencies present new opportunities for financial freedom that can outlive market fluctuations. These opportunities, however, can be out of reach for everyday investors due to lack of capital and lack of accessible services. In order for cryptocurrency to fulfil its original intention of democratising wealth, access must be available to everyone with an interest, not just the experts, career traders, and traditional big investors." The announcement of Vimba's entry into the UK market follows the platform's recent grant from Callaghan Innovation, a government agency supporting the development of New Zealand's high tech business sector. The $126,000 NZD grant will assist the company's expansion of its current service offering, including the introduction of new cryptocurrencies to the platform and scaling the network to support a broader customer base. About Vimba Vimba, formerly MyBitcoinSaver, is a leading New Zealand-based cryptocurrency exchange and savings platform, bringing long-term cryptocurrency investments strategies to everyday users. Founded in 2014 to offer a simple way for all New Zealanders to invest small weekly amounts in Bitcoin, Vimba's user base is soon to eclipse the 6,000 mark with its launch in the UK. Contact: Sam Blackmore, Founder and CEO of Vimba, E: [email protected], +64-21-0254-5907, https://vimba.co/ SOURCE Vimba "As we begin the holiday season we are proud to deliver My Special Aflac Ducks to children and families facing childhood cancer here at Children's Hospital in New Orleans," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. " My Special Aflac Duck will help provide comfort and joy for children who need it most during this special time of year and throughout their treatments on the road to recovery. Aflac is pleased to make this investment for these courageous kids in such a great community." At the delivery event, attendees were treated to a demonstration of My Special Aflac Duck, highlighting how it will help comfort children and serve as a tool for health care professionals to use with their patients. After the demonstration, children and their parents were sent on a fun scavenger hunt, finding clues and visiting various locations at the hospital, eventually leading them to the discovery of their very own My Special Aflac Duck. Aflac and Sproutel invested nearly two years to research and develop My Special Aflac Duck. "We are so pleased to extend My Special Aflac Duck to this wonderful community and create a memorable day for children as a symbol of Aflac's unwavering commitment to families facing childhood cancer. It is a great source of pride for the entire Aflac family," The Aflac Foundation, Inc. President Kathelen Amos said. "On behalf of our employees and independent agents, we want to thank the patients, families and caregivers for allowing us to share our new, innovative Aflac Duck with brave and special children in such an impactful way this holiday season." "When we first heard what Aflac was doing to support children with cancer, we knew we wanted to be a part of this incredible and innovative program," Children's Hospital, New Orleans Vice President of Development Alicia Franck said. "My Special Aflac Duck is truly a remarkable way to engage children in our hospital and allow them to express themselves through both the difficult and joyful times." To date, Aflac has hosted special delivery events for My Special Aflac Duck in five markets (Atlanta; Houston; Nashville; New Orleans; and Columbia, South Carolina) and has distributed ducks to children in hospitals from 31 states. Aflac will continue to expand its My Special Aflac Duck campaign to hospitals across the country, providing a My Special Aflac Duck to any newly diagnosed child in the United States, ages 3-13, free of charge. At a cost of $200 per unit to Aflac, the company has invested more than $3 million for the research, design and delivery of My Special Aflac Duck. In addition to My Special Aflac Duck, Sproutel has created a companion app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app can be downloaded on smartphones and tablets free of charge. Additional features of My Special Aflac Duck include: Emotional expression : Seven RFID-enabled feeling cards help children communicate; the duck acts out a given feeling when that feeling card is tapped to its chest. : Seven RFID-enabled feeling cards help children communicate; the duck acts out a given feeling when that feeling card is tapped to its chest. Medical and nurturing play : A chemotherapy port allows children to mirror their care experiences via play, giving them a sense of control during the process. The duck's no-cost companion app allows users to "bathe" it, "feed" it and give it "medicine" via augmented reality. : A chemotherapy port allows children to mirror their care experiences via play, giving them a sense of control during the process. The duck's no-cost companion app allows users to "bathe" it, "feed" it and give it "medicine" via augmented reality. Music, singing and nuzzling : The duck sings when music is played. Customizable sounds include gentle waves, wind and a farm. : The duck sings when music is played. Customizable sounds include gentle waves, wind and a farm. Breathing and heartbeat : The duck produces a naturalistic heartbeat and deep breathing, which caregivers can incorporate into calming routines and exercises. : The duck produces a naturalistic heartbeat and deep breathing, which caregivers can incorporate into calming routines and exercises. Batteries and accessories: Provided so it is ready to use out of the box. Provided so it is ready to use out of the box. Convenience: A removable skin, which can be washed to adhere to hospital hygiene standards. "For more than 20 years, Aflac's efforts to help children and families facing childhood cancer have been at the forefront of our corporate responsibility program. Today, we celebrate Aflac's commitment to the people and families of New Orleans, the Gulf South and beyond," Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Brand and Communications Officer Catherine Hernandez-Blades said. "We are working to bring My Special Aflac Duck nationwide, to the more than 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer in America each year. We are so thankful for Children's Hospital in New Orleans for helping us come closer to reaching that goal." Since 1995, Aflac has contributed more than $128 million to the pediatric cancer cause, including more than $500,000 donated each month by 17,000 independent agents licensed to sell Aflac products. The funds are committed directly from their monthly commission checks. To see My Special Aflac Duck in action and to learn more about this important cause, please visit AflacChildhoodCancer.org. About Aflac When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative, for eligible claims, Aflac U.S. can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 12 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 17th time. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day PaySM, visit aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Media contacts: Aflac Kristen Fraser, 706.580.3813 or [email protected] DEVENEY on behalf of Children's Hospital, New Orleans Carrie DeVries, 504.881.4841 or [email protected] Aflac analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or [email protected] SOURCE Aflac Related Links http://www.aflac.com ATLANTA, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN BUSSAN AMERICAS, INC. (NSBA) and Pacesetter announced today a strategic partnership to build a new world class Service Center facility in Houston, TX. This will strengthen NSBA's and Pacesetter's position in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, seen as key high growth markets. This joint venture will spark innovation and maximize the talent, resources, and assets of NSBA and Pacesetter while driving efficiency in procurement, marketing, supply chains, and operations. The partnership is a strong strategic fit, leveraging the two organizations respective strengths. NSBA will provide certain assets, technical expertise and substantial resources from their global (worldwide) relationships. NSBA's international relationships will provide the joint venture with many unique opportunities. Pacesetter will provide several of its talented associates, equipment and other assets, its strong customer relationships and its service center operational expertise. Pacesetter's People are its true advantage and their ability to provide measurable value to its customers is a key part of how it creates The Ultimate Customer Experience. For many years, both companies have forged OEM, Fabricator, and Trading Company relationships in which NSBA will provide its international reputation and Pacesetter will provide its over forty years of impeccable service to major corporations throughout the United States. "The relationship with NSBA represents a powerful opportunity for Pacesetter to significantly expand our market presence and our product offerings. I am excited to see everything this partnership will bring as we embark on our new future together," stated Aviva Leebow Wolmer, Pacesetter CEO. Yoshiharu Tsurumi, President and CEO of NSBA said: "NSBA has been serving the U.S. metals market for more than 60 years and is looking forward to strengthening our position in the U.S. market via this partnership with Pacesetter. NSBA's goal is to continue to grow in the ever changing and challenging U.S. market by providing value added services to customers in the Southwestern market utilizing the synergies this joint venture creates. We are excited to join with the talented Pacesetter associates and their strong management team." About NSBA: NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN BUSSAN AMERICAS, INC. (NSBA) is the United States subsidiary of NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN BUSSAN CORPORATION (NSSB; head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; president: Yasumitsu Saeki) NSBA is in charge of distribution for Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation and its group companies. It is NSBA's goal as a trading arm of NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION and a specialist in steel products to epitomize a strong corporate group that makes a valued contribution not only to end users and manufacturers, but also to the overall development of the steel industry. With the powerful corporate backing of NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION and its group companies, NSBA has expanded its trading activities primarily in steel products and has been praised by its business partners for its expertise and reliability. For more information visit www.nssb-us.com About Pacesetter: "Our People, Your Advantage" is ingrained in Pacesetter's culture and its attitude toward servicing its customers and suppliers. Founded in 1977 and headquartered near Atlanta, Georgia, Pacesetter operates service centers outside of Atlanta, Chicago and in Houston. Pacesetter processes and supplies cold rolled, galvanized, galvannealed, galvalume, aluminized, and prepainted steel. Services include coil slitting, cut to length, precision blanking. Pacesetter leads the industry with innovative solutions across a variety of industries. By design, the organization delivers The Ultimate Customer Experience via its team's expertise, game-changing innovative services, pioneering technology, and superior products. With a focus on internal and external collaboration, Pacesetter relentlessly pursues new ideas and develops industry-evolving solutions. Pacesetter's tech-forward, Women's Business Enterprise continues to expand and evolve to meet a growing client base and industry demands. For more information visit www.teampacesetter.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nsba-and-pacesetter-team-up-in-a-strategic-partnership-forming-nsps-metals-llc-300757825.html SOURCE Pacesetter Related Links http://www.teampacesetter.com LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 1st Century Bank, a division of MidFirst Bank, today released the second edition of the research series "Los Angeles Small Business Attitudes" in partnership with Beacon Economics. Overall, the study shows small businesses in Los Angeles have continued optimism for growth across numerous industries for the next six months. 1st Century recently hosted a breakfast meeting where Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics presented the study and findings to a group of local business owners and interested parties. This fall's survey and report found sustained optimism among Los Angeles' small businesses, with expectations for continued economic growth at the local (89 percent), national (85 percent) and global (75 percent) levels remaining strong. "Small businesses are a telling gauge of the economy and the attitudes reflected in this survey indicate that times are good in Southern California," said Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. "There is a sustained optimism among small business owners that economic growth will continue not only locally, but at the national and global level as well." The effects of a low unemployment rate and tight labor market are evident in the shifting experiences of small businesses looking to hire. Over the past six months, 12 percent of small businesses indicate they have seen a decrease in qualified candidates, and 19 percent report having job openings that have remained unfilled. The struggle for qualified talent led 21 percent of respondents to report they are incurring increased costs associated with recruiting candidates for open positions. Some key findings of the full report which is available at 1cbank.com/research: The labor market continues to tighten, securing talent is taking longer and costing more 79 percent of respondents had a favorable view on recent federal tax cuts 57 percent of respondents to make capital investments in their business within the next six months 60 percent of respondents expect to see salaries and wages continue to rise "We are invested in continuing this research, our first edition of the study was well received in the spring and this second edition highlights some important shifts that may be indicators of things to come. We are pleased to share this report to the small business community of Los Angeles and confident this information will be of value to business owners," said Jason DiNapoli, CEO and President 1st Century Bank. 1st Century Bank is a division of MidFirst Bank, one of the nation's largest privately held financial institutions. This combination of private ownership, a strong capital base and local market focus and expertise, allows 1st Century Bank to provide greater scale and opportunity for its clientele. 1st Century Bank's exceptional service model provides the flexible, local decision-making that has distinguished it in the Los Angeles market. SOURCE 1st Century Bank "Peter is a seasoned executive and brings a strong knowledge base and awareness of key issues that affect the aviation industry globally. We know he will contribute immensely to the entire organization," said Don Thoma, Chief Executive Officer, Aireon. "We are at the precipice of one of the most important moments in our company's history, and we believe that Peter brings a fresh perspective and a unique skill set to the team as we enter this next chapter." Cabooter comes to Aireon with 17 years of sales and air traffic management experience including executive positions at NAVBLUE (previously Airbus ProSky) and Barco Orthogon (now a part of Harris Corporation). As part of his role, Cabooter will lead global sales initiatives for Aireon. In addition to Cabooter's new executive role, Cyriel Kronenburg, Aireon's Vice President of Aviation Services, will now take on the responsibilities to lead Aireon's regulatory, marketing, product development, commercial data services and partner development activities. "I am excited to join such an extraordinary company, especially at this crucial moment in its history," said Cabooter. "Being able to work with such an impressive team and for a company that is literally changing the entire air traffic management landscape is an honor, and I can't wait to help usher in this next-generation of air traffic surveillance." In October it was announced that the final Iridium NEXT launch is targeted for December 30, 2018 at 8:38 am PT from SpaceX's west coast launch facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Each Iridium NEXT satellite hosts an AireonSM ADS-B payload. Today, there are a total of 65 Iridium NEXT satellites in orbit, 60 of which are operational. With this final launch, 10 new satellites will be delivered to space, concluding the launch campaign. Aireon is set to go live with its air traffic surveillance service in early 2019. About Aireon LLC Aireon is deploying a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon will harness next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that are currently ground-based and, for the first time ever, extend their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Real-time ADS-B surveillance will cover oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon will provide a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system to all aviation stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.aireon.com Press Contact: Jessie Hillenbrand Aireon +1 (703) 287-7452 [email protected] SOURCE Aireon Related Links http://www.aireon.com CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Godlan, a specialist in manufacturing ERP software (Infor CloudSuite Industrial - SyteLine), CPQ (Configure Price Quote), industrial automation (IIoT) and an Infor Gold Channel Partner, announced today that Arnold Machine has selected Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) ERP to further elevate their business and enable growth. Arnold Machine offers full-service design and manufacturing services to clients who need custom automated systems integrated into their manufacturing lines. "The growth that AMI has had in the past several years showed redundancy in our processes. It also became apparent that we were not getting all the information that we needed without having to use several different programs. We needed one system that could give us accurate data and grow with us," said Zach Arnold, president, Arnold Machine. Arnold Machine, operating out of a centrally located 75,000-square-foot facility in Ohio, has a team of experienced engineers, manufacturers, programmers, electricians and machine tradesmen that can design, build and customize virtually any type of automated equipment to manufacturers' exact specifications. With a need to have one centralized source of information and an integrated system which is critical to facilitate growth, Arnold Machine chose to partner with Godlan to implement CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) ERP. CSI (SyteLine) supports highly engineered-to-order environments and will better position the company for present and future growth. "Godlan took the time to learn the needs we have as a changing, growing company. There are other ERP systems that talk a good talk but at the end of the day cannot deliver. Godlan came and learned all about how we operate on a day-to-day basis. They executed it so we could see how this will work for us and how the company as a whole can grow with the knowledge Infor will give us," said Maggie Schade, ERP systems coordinator, Arnold Machine. With an expertise in manufacturing, Godlan offers business consulting, technical consulting and programming, infrastructure, implementation, CPQ Services and Industrial IoT platforms. Godlan specializes in 3 Infor accredited Micro Verticals and is fully certified in each. Godlan also maintains "Gold" partner status with Infor year after year, the highest level achievable in the partner community. Godlan achieved ranking on the 2015 Inc 5000 list, a TEC Accreditation for ERP Solutions in each of the last five years, Control Engineering's System Integrator Giants 2018, Infor Partner of the Year and is an approved Infor Gold Channel Partner serving customers for over 34 years. For more information, visit godlan.com or call 586-464-4400. About Arnold Machine Inc. Arnold Machine offers full-service design and manufacturing services to clients who need custom automated systems integrated into their manufacturing lines. Our team of experienced engineers, manufacturers, programmers, electricians and machine tradesmen can design, build and customize virtually any type of automated equipment to a company's exact specifications. www.arnoldmachine.com About Godlan Inc. Godlan is a leading manufacturing performance specialist that has been implementing integrated technology solutions since 1984. As an approved Infor Gold Channel Partner with a focus on manufacturing performance, Godlan supports the implementation of world-class processes and best practices throughout discrete manufacturing organizations. For more information about Godlan or Infor CloudSuite (SyteLine) ERP manufacturing software demos, call 586-464-4400, visit godlan.com or follow us on Twitter @Godlan_Inc. About Infor Infor is fundamentally changing the way information is published and consumed in the enterprise, helping 73,000 customers in more than 200 countries and territories improve operations, drive growth and quickly adapt to changes in business demands. Infor offers deep industry-specific applications and suites, engineered for speed, and with an innovative user experience design that is simple, transparent and elegant. Infor provides flexible deployment options that give customers a choice to run their businesses in the cloud, on-premises or both. To learn more about Infor, please visit infor.com. Infor customers include: 19 of the top 20 aerospace companies 12 of the top 13 high tech companies 10 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies 22 of the 25 largest US health delivery networks 16 of the 20 largest US cities 84 of the top 100 automotive suppliers 43 of the top 50 industrial distributors 5 of the top 9 brewers For more information: Bobby Rudder Godlan Inc. 586-464-4400 [email protected] Related Files Infor CloudSuite Industrial SyteLine Overview-Godlan.pdf Related Links Godlan ERP Prophecy IoT Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3w6mUAGmtI SOURCE Godlan Inc. Related Links http://godlan.com Since our mayor uses almost any excuse to raise money for the city, why aren't his agents ticketing those who don't shovel their sidewalks? OK, so maybe a few such tickets have been written downtown, but for sure not many in the neighborhoods. I propose that an army of agents be hired for the few days or weeks after every heavy snowfall. They would ticket every business or government property that violates the city ordinance requiring timely shoveling. And a snaking one-shovel-wide path shouldnt cut it, either. Only a sidewalk-wide clearing with salt (or equivalent) applied afterward to prevent icing would qualify. Such tickets could not only earn the city millions of dollars, they could also save on big settlements or jury awards for personal injuries from slip-and-fall accidents. What's a possible reason for this not happening? LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentist Management LLC and Ascentist Physicians Group LLC (Ascentist) announced today that it had reached agreement to merge with Head and Neck Surgical Associates of Overland Park, Kansas. The transaction, effective January 1, 2019, will further expand Ascentist's position as the largest physician owned otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) practice in the Kansas City region. Head and Neck Surgical Associates will become a division of Ascentist and continue to practice under its current name and from its current locations on the campuses of Menorah Medical Center and Research Medical Center. Dr. David Rudman, President of Head and Neck Surgical Associates, said, "We look forward to partnering with the Ascentist Group. We expect great synergy between these two longstanding practices. This merger will provide the best ENT care for patients in the region." Combined with the other division of Ascentist, ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, Ascentist will serve 12 local hospitals and four rural hospitals from 12 locations in the Kansas City Region. The combined practice will have over 100 employees, 17 otolaryngology (ENT) physicians and 15 professionally licensed audiologists serving over 45,000 patient encounters per year. Dr. Douglas Cowan, CEO of the Ascentist Group said "We're extremely excited to have Head and Neck Surgical Associates join the Ascentist team. This merger allows us to further our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare while reducing overall healthcare costs." About Head and Neck Surgical Associates Head and Neck Surgical Associates was founded in 1955 and has served patients in the Kansas City region for more than 63 years.. Physicians Dr. David Rudman, Dr. Mark Maslan, Dr. Thomas Eyen, and Dr. Brad Seaman. will be joining Ascentist Physicians Group when the merger becomes effective January 1, 2019. About the Ascentist Group Ascentist Physicians Group LLC, doing business as ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City, is the largest physician led ENT practice in the Kansas City area. In 2018, ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City PC restructured its organization creating the Ascentist Group . This is the second corporate merger for the group. In 2015, the group purchased Professional Hearing Center, a local audiology practice owned by Dr. Kelly Spiller. Ascentist Physicians Group LLC and Ascentist Management LLC are not affiliated with Adventist Health System or AdventHealth. For more information, please contact Ronald G. Booth, President, Ascentist Management LLC (www.entofgkc.com) CONTACT: Ron Booth, [email protected] SOURCE Ascentist Management LLC Related Links https://www.entofgkc.com ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Suicides and drug overdoses caused life expectancy in the United States to fall again in 2017. In what is the longest downward trend since World War I, Americans born in 2017 are expected to live 78.6 years, down slightly from the previous year, according to new data from CDC. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) finds this decline extremely alarming since life expectancy is a key indicator of our nation's overall health. We must do more to target the preventable conditions that are cutting short the lives of too many Americans, including heart disease, diabetes, drug overdoses, suicide, and influenza. "Sadly, our nation is in the midst of a public health crisis driven largely by suicides and the opioid epidemic, which we know are responsible for these year-over-year declines in life expectancy. One way to start reversing this trend is for state and territorial health agencies to partner with communities to address critical underlying issues, such as access to behavioral healthcare, education, employment, and social isolation. When we are trying to weather life's storms, there is nothing more important than the support we have from our community, and the relationships we have with the people in our lives," says Nicole Alexander-Scott, president of ASTHO and director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. "Many states and communities are working hard to assist individuals and families experiencing diseases of despair, but an issue most jurisdictions face is limited resources to identify people at risk for suicide or drug misuse early on and connect them to the appropriate services. A decline in our life expectancy rates should be a wake-up call for us to mobilize resources and strengthen our resolve to prevent these tragedies from happening." ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and freely associated states, and the District of Columbia, as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice. SOURCE Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Related Links www.astho.org RYE BROOK, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AXON Communications has once again been recognized with the Top Places to Work Award by PR News. The award celebrates organizations like AXON that are changing "the employer status quo" in the workplace. AXON joins an enviable list of honorees, including SHIFT Communications, a sister agency within the AVENIR GLOBAL network, that shine both as employers and in the work they do with clients and that pave the way for personal and professional successes of their employees. "After accepting this award for the first time in 2017, I challenged our team to strive for even more," said AXON's Managing Partner in the U.S., Mario Nacinovich. "This is far more than being recognized as a top place to work in back-to-back years; this is about fostering a culture of employee empowerment where we challenge each other to perform better and to be as good as we can be together every day, in every way possible." AXON received the award during the PR News' Top Places to Work Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 28 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. About AXON Communications At AXON, we simplify complex information to improve outcomes in healthcare, bringing together the right people with the right expertise to provide our clients with integrated, multichannel communications solutions. As an agency, we are passionate about healthcare communications and combine a personal touch with professionalism. Our expertise includes medical communications, public relations, clinical trial services and market access communications/consultancy for pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, animal health and functional food companies. AXON has an international reach, with operations in London, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Copenhagen, Switzerland and Brighton, and a worldwide affiliate network. Established in 2002, AXON is an AVENIR GLOBAL company. For more information please visit: www.axon-com.com About AVENIR GLOBAL AVENIR GLOBAL is a Montreal-based holding and management company with an active operations mindset and a hands-on approach to all its investments. With 760 staff and offices in 21 locations across Canada, the U.S. and in Europe, it is among the top 25 largest communication firms in the world. In Canada, AVENIR GLOBAL owns NATIONAL Public Relations , the country's leading public relations firm, servicing clients across a wide range of sectors, which includes NATIONAL Capital Markets , the industry's foremost investor relations and financial services practice. In the United States, AVENIR GLOBAL owns SHIFT Communications , a data-driven integrated communications agency; and the public relations and communication company Padilla , which includes the brand consultancy Joe Smith , the food and nutrition experts at FoodMinds and the research authorities at SMS Research Advisors . The AVENIR GLOBAL network also includes healthcare specialists AXON Communications , with offices in Toronto, the U.S, the U.K. and Europe and Madano , a strategic communications consultancy based in London. AVENIR GLOBAL is owned by RES PUBLICA Consulting Group . Contact: Jennifer Barrett, M.Sc. Email: [email protected] Phone: 203-521-3959 SOURCE AXON Communications Related Links http://www.axon-com.com Expeditions begin in March 2019 onboard a state-of-the-art submersible diving into previously unexplored waters of the Indian Ocean near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll. Authorized with rare exploration permits for the region, Kensington Tours is exclusively leading this excursion alongside the Nekton Ocean Research Institute and the Government of Seychelles. "Kensington Tours is a mission partner with Nekton co-funding this important ocean research work," said Jeff Willner, Kensington Tours founder and Explorers Club member. "The deep ocean is the last great unexplored frontier. We have better maps of the moon than our own oceans, and scientists estimate there are over a million species still to discover. Nekton's last mission in Bermuda with leading scientists from Oxford University resulted in the discovery of a new ocean zone called the Rariphotic. Every time we dive in Aldabra it will be a first descent for humankind. This is true science and adventure." Inside a two-person Triton 1000/2 submersible, voyagers will come face-to-fin with rare sea life during 20-minute guided dives and be among the first humans to visit this underwater world. Capable of achieving depths of up to 1,000 feet (305 meters), the versatile submersible combines cutting-edge oceanic exploration technology with the comfort and security of a passenger craft. Participants will also have unfettered access to a 101-foot (31-meter) luxurious private yacht that comfortably sleeps ten guests in five rooms; is piloted by an experienced captain; and staffed by a crew of five with meals prepared by an onboard chef. Back on land, accommodations include a hilltop oceanview villa at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, a luxurious hideaway on the turquoise shores of Petite Anse. Seychelles home to immaculate white-sand beaches kissed by azure waters, volcanic islands draped under a lush green carpet of mangrove, hidden lagoons and secluded atolls that hide a galaxy of sea creatures is the most aesthetically pleasing laboratory on earth. Known as "the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" and home to populations of rare species, Aldabra is the jewel in the world's least explored and most at-risk ocean. According to Nekton, less than 1% of Seychelles is above water, and very little research has ever been done beneath scuba depths. The country is a beacon for ocean conservation, with the local government committed to protecting 30% of their territorial waters by 2020 and developing a sustainable "blue economy". "Exclusive experiences such as this are rare in the luxury travel industry," Kensington Tours President Alison Hickey said. "We are proud to offer this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary it is truly the next evolution of the Kensington Tours product portfolio. We are also incredibly proud to be part of this historic and important initiative with Nekton." Kensington Tours is offering week-long trips to Seychelles Aldabra through March 2019 with pricing starting from $42,000 per person the tour accommodates six to eight travelers. The limited-edition itinerary is part of Kensington Tours' new Explorers Club "Famous Firsts" Collection. For more than a century, global members of The Explorers Club have traversed the earth, from sea to sky and to the stars. Explorers Club members were first to the poles of the earth, first to summit Mount Everest, first to the deepest point of the ocean, and first to set foot on the moon. The "Famous First" collection is inspired by The Explorers Club's history of famous firsts and celebrates pioneering expeditions of discovery and science around the world. For more information about Kensington Tours, the "Mysteries of the Deep" itinerary, and to book, email [email protected]; call our destination experts at 1-855-644-8471 or visit kensingtontours.com. About Kensington Tours Kensington Tours has created award-winning privately guided trips for discerning travelers for over a decade. The company maintains a staff of 150 knowledgeable Destination Experts who can tailor any of its 600+ itineraries to its clients' specific needs. Kensington Tours currently runs trips in more than 90 countries worldwide. The company also recently acquired Lionshare, a 130-foot (40-meter) Heeson motor yacht and is offering exclusive itineraries onboard to the Caribbean and western Mediterranean. Lionshare represents the first vessel in Kensington Tours' fleet. kensingtontours.com About Nekton Nekton Ocean Research Institute "Nekton" is dedicated to exploring the depths of the ocean to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. A charity established in the United Kingdom, Nekton combines world-class experience across marine science, ocean policy, multi-disciplinary research expeditions, multi-platform content creation and distribution, education and communications to create a step-chance in our knowledge and understanding of the ocean to accelerate its sustainable governance. Earlier this year, Nekton, along with marine scientist from Oxford University, discovered the Rariphotic Zone in Bermuda and found 100 new species. nektonmission.org. VIDEO: Nekton Mission narrated by award-winning physicist Brian Cox https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=b0KUbgrQ5gc SOURCE Kensington Tours 51% increase in revenues from Q1 with 250% increase forecasted for Q3 Strong Revenue Growth Expected for rest of Fiscal 2018 TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Beleave Inc. (CSE: BE) (OTCQX: BLEVF) ("Beleave" or the "Company") announces today the release of its Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter ended September 30, 2018, together with its Management, Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). These documents will be posted on the Company's website at www.beleave.com and SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All values in this news release and the Company's financial disclosures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. SECOND QUARTER 2018 OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS This was a landmark quarter for Beleave as sales from Cannabis began and new distribution channels for the upcoming quarters were established. The Company had revenues of $315,617 that didn't include recreational sales that began in October, however it was an improvement over last quarter's revenues of $208,617. Significant reductions in costs were evident and, most notably, management and consulting fees were reduced substantially to $161,123 from the previous quarter. Salaries, professional services and change in fair value of note payable reductions were also very significant. On a comparative basis, the net loss in Q1 2018 was significantly reduced in Q2 2018 to $4,804,994, or $0.01 per share, as management focuses on cost reductions and revenue growth for the future. "We're happy to report on our second quarter that included many highlights and developments for Beleave," said Andrew Wnek, Beleave's CEO. "We announced substantial facilities projects in London, Ontario and British Columbia, acquired Seven Oaks to bolster our recreational product lines, expanded our Medi-Green network of stores in Ontario and Quebec, and moved forward with plans for Colombian operations. We look forward to an even stronger third quarter that will reflect recreational sales and increased revenues." Beleave also wishes to advise that it is named in a temporary order issued by the Executive Director of the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) concerning certain purchases of and trading in the securities of Beleave and 10 other CSE issuers by a group of consultants referred to as the "BridgeMark Group". Beleave is examining the matters raised by the BCSC, and the underlying contracts, and the services provided by members of the BridgeMark Group. Beleave intends to cooperate fully with the BCSC's examination of these matters. KEY HIGHLIGHTS FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE April 13 Beleave receives its sales license from Health Canada pursuant to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. Beleave receives its sales license from Health Canada pursuant to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations. May 1 Beleave enters into an agreement to purchase Medi-Green, a leading network of medical cannabis clinics with locations across Ontario . The acquisition marks the first step in executing the Company's client acquisition strategy, while becoming more closely involved in an integral part of the patient experience. The Company closed the deal on ten days later, on May 10, 2018 . Beleave enters into an agreement to purchase Medi-Green, a leading network of medical cannabis clinics with locations across . The acquisition marks the first step in executing the Company's client acquisition strategy, while becoming more closely involved in an integral part of the patient experience. The Company closed the deal on ten days later, on . May 10 Beleave completes construction of a new state-of-the-art industrial extraction laboratory at its production facility located in Hamilton, Ontario . The laboratory design is based on recent research collaborations with principal investigators at Ryerson University which led to the development of a proprietary and large-scale industrial method for the extraction and purification of cannabinoid compounds from plant tissue. Beleave completes construction of a new state-of-the-art industrial extraction laboratory at its production facility located in . The laboratory design is based on recent research collaborations with principal investigators at which led to the development of a proprietary and large-scale industrial method for the extraction and purification of cannabinoid compounds from plant tissue. May 16 Beleave receives its approval and provider number to service individuals who have qualified for cannabis coverage through Medavie Blue Cross including the Canadian veteran community. With over 1,000,000 card holders, Medavie Blue Cross is one of Canada's leading Blue Cross plans. Beleave receives its approval and provider number to service individuals who have qualified for cannabis coverage through Medavie Blue Cross including the Canadian veteran community. With over 1,000,000 card holders, Medavie Blue Cross is one of leading Blue Cross plans. June 21 Beleave expands its global footprint into Colombia by acquiring 51% of Procannmed S.A.S., a privately held company that is fully licensed for the cultivation, production, extraction and distribution of both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) medical cannabis in Colombia . Beleave expands its global footprint into by acquiring 51% of Procannmed S.A.S., a privately held company that is fully licensed for the cultivation, production, extraction and distribution of both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) medical cannabis in . June 22 Beleave applauds Canadian leadership and the continued progress of cannabis legalization as the federal government passes Bill C-45 into law. Beleave applauds Canadian leadership and the continued progress of cannabis legalization as the federal government passes Bill C-45 into law. July 5 Beleave's Colombian subsidiary, Procannmed S.A.S., reaches a land-lease agreement that allows for the development and expansion of Procannmed's cultivation of cannabis for sale and extraction purposes. Beleave's Colombian subsidiary, Procannmed S.A.S., reaches a land-lease agreement that allows for the development and expansion of Procannmed's cultivation of cannabis for sale and extraction purposes. July 18 Beleave acquires Seven Oaks Inc. in an all share deal valued at $3,000,000 . Seven Oaks has a proven track record of working collaboratively to secure wholesale and distribution agreements with government wholesalers and retailers across Canada . Beleave acquires Seven Oaks Inc. in an all share deal valued at . Seven Oaks has a proven track record of working collaboratively to secure wholesale and distribution agreements with government wholesalers and retailers across . August 7 Beleave announces two new Medi-Green stores will be opening in the fall in Montreal, Quebec and London, Ontario . Beleave announces two new Medi-Green stores will be opening in the fall in and . August 30 Beleave secures prime location for its first Saskatchewan retail store in the city of Lloydminster . The two-thousand square foot space, located on a main road that runs through the heart of the city, is being redesigned from the ground up to showcase Beleave's brands and complete product lines. Beleave secures prime location for its first retail store in the city of . The two-thousand square foot space, located on a main road that runs through the heart of the city, is being redesigned from the ground up to showcase Beleave's brands and complete product lines. September 6 Beleave finalizes plans to acquire 250,000 square feet of greenhouse space and 85 acres of land in London, Ontario to cultivate and harvest cannabis for distribution and sale in Canada . Located just south of the City of London , the facility will become a contributor to the local economy both through investments and job creation. Beleave finalizes plans to acquire 250,000 square feet of greenhouse space and 85 acres of land in to cultivate and harvest cannabis for distribution and sale in . Located just south of the , the facility will become a contributor to the local economy both through investments and job creation. September 14 Beleave enters non-exclusive investment agreement with Alumina Partners LLC, a New York -based private investment partnership, providing the availability of up to CAD $20 million over a 24-month period, to the take advantage of new opportunities, increase operating flexibility, and strengthen the Company's balance sheet. On September 26 the agreement was amended to increase the amount available to CAD $30 million . Beleave enters non-exclusive investment agreement with Alumina Partners LLC, a -based private investment partnership, providing the availability of up to CAD over a 24-month period, to the take advantage of new opportunities, increase operating flexibility, and strengthen the Company's balance sheet. On the agreement was amended to increase the amount available to CAD . September 20 Beleave enters into a partnership with Kannavis Biotech Corp. to invest, build and operate 867,000 square feet of indoor growing space, across ten buildings, in British Columbia in preparation for the anticipated demand for cannabis in the Canadian and International marketplace. The new facilities feature an indoor system capable of precisely controlling the internal environment and growing conditions allowing Beleave to maintain its industry-leading high-yields of 475 grams per square foot annually, while keeping overhead costs low. Beleave enters into a partnership with Kannavis Biotech Corp. to invest, build and operate 867,000 square feet of indoor growing space, across ten buildings, in in preparation for the anticipated demand for cannabis in the Canadian and International marketplace. The new facilities feature an indoor system capable of precisely controlling the internal environment and growing conditions allowing Beleave to maintain its industry-leading high-yields of 475 grams per square foot annually, while keeping overhead costs low. October 17 Recreational cannabis becomes legal across Canada after almost a century of prohibition. Recreational cannabis becomes legal across after almost a century of prohibition. October 24 Kevin Keagan joins the Company as Chief Communications Officer and a member of the Executive Team, bringing his extensive experience of over 25 years working in the capital markets and financial services. joins the Company as Chief Communications Officer and a member of the Executive Team, bringing his extensive experience of over 25 years working in the capital markets and financial services. October 29 Beleave signs an agreement with Canymed GmbH to supply the German market with medical cannabis. This move is the first of a series of strategic initiatives to penetrate the robust European cannabis market and marks the Company's expansion into its third continent alongside both North and South America . To complement the transaction, Beleave announces that Angela Fehr is hired as Vice President of International Sales. Beleave signs an agreement with Canymed GmbH to supply the German market with medical cannabis. This move is the first of a series of strategic initiatives to penetrate the robust European cannabis market and marks the Company's expansion into its third continent alongside both North and . To complement the transaction, Beleave announces that is hired as Vice President of International Sales. November 9 Beleave enters into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with the Rollins Group Inc. to open and operate multiple cannabis retail stores across Canada . Beleave enters into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with the Rollins Group Inc. to open and operate multiple cannabis retail stores across . November 12 Beleave secures genetics acquisition agreements for a broad range of cannabis seed varieties from diverse lineages with a total of 90 new varieties to be introduced in the coming year covering the entire spectrum of low, intermediate, and high THC and CBD profiles. Beleave secures genetics acquisition agreements for a broad range of cannabis seed varieties from diverse lineages with a total of 90 new varieties to be introduced in the coming year covering the entire spectrum of low, intermediate, and high THC and CBD profiles. November 15 Beleave develops water-soluble cannabis-infused powder and sugar products to prepare for the adult recreational cannabis-infused food and beverage market in 2019 stemming from a patent application submitted by Dr. Chen and Dr. Rogers. The patent will be owned by Beleave. 2019 OUTLOOK & GUIDANCE To be discussed during Q2 Conference Call on November 30, 2018. SECOND QUARTER 2018 CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS As previously disclosed, the Company will host its first ever conference call on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The call will be hosted by Andrew T. Wnek, Chairman and CEO, Bojan Krasic, President and CFO and select members of the senior management team. The December corporate presentation will be available on the Company's website prior to the call, which can be accessed at www.beleave.com. Investors and stakeholders are invited to participate using the following dial-in numbers: Participant Number (North American Toll Free): 1 866 303-2360 Participant Number (North American Toll): 1 857 600-3028 Participant Number (USA Toll Free): 1 866 236-8237 Participant Number (Standard International Access): +44 (0) 208-610-0161 Participant ID: 1556811# Questions may be submitted in advance for the Q&A session by emailing Kevin Keagan, Chief Communications Officer at [email protected]. A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the call has concluded and will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) Friday, December 14, 2018. ABOUT BELEAVE INC. Beleave is a vertically-integrated Canadian cannabis company headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, that operates streamlined facilities throughout Canada to cultivate high-quality cannabis flower, oil, and extracts with funded capacity in excess of 150,000 kg per year. Fully-licensed to cultivate and sell medical and recreational cannabis, Beleave is leading the way through research partnerships with universities to bridge the gap between science and tradition and to develop pharma-grade extracts and derivatives. Beleave has developed new product lines, including cannabis-infused powder and sugar products, for 2019 as the recreational market is expected to allow for food and beverage-based cannabis products. Beleave is growing its storefront and online sales presence rapidly through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Beleave Kannabis Corp. and Seven Oaks, which are licensed for medicinal and recreational sales respectively. The company's first retail location is opening soon in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Beleave has also developed a network of medical cannabis clinics in Ontario and Quebec under the Medi-Green banner. Through its majority ownership of Procannmed S.A.S., Beleave has access to 27 hectares of outdoor grow space and is fully licensed to cultivate, produce, extract and distribute medical cannabis in Colombia to capitalize on exports and the expanding Latin American market. In the first of a series of strategic initiatives to penetrate the European medical market, the Company has partnered with Canymed GmbH to supply the German market with medical cannabis. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "plan", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur are intended to identify forward-looking information. These statements are only predictions. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. This information speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. SOURCE Beleave Inc. Guests enjoyed an intimate conversation between Kelly Slater, Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert and Outerknown CEO Mark Walker where they were informed about the harm facing our oceans and what they can do to help. Outerknown co-founder and Breitling Surfer Squad member Kelly Slater remarked that he, "has committed his life to fighting polluted oceans and beaches." He added: "As strange as it sounds, the beach is, actually, my office, so I am confronted with pollution on a daily basis. I will do whatever I can to help keep the world's beaches and oceans clean. I am thrilled that with the new Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown watch, we are helping raise awareness of the problem and showing how individuals can help." Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert also remarked, "We were honored to have both Kelly Slater and Mark Walker at our Boutique in New York to unveil the all-new Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown to our guests. Not only is the watch stunning, but it is also has a great message to share and will educate others about the problems facing our oceans and beaches." A Chronograph to Protect the Oceans The new Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown celebrates the brand's partnership with Outerknown, a sustainable clothing company committed to improving environmental conditions for the entire planet. The watch features a first for Breitling: the strap is crafted from ECONYL yarn, an innovative material created from nylon waste, one source of which is fishing nets from oceans around the world. Like Breitling, Outerknown also works with Ocean Conservancy to raise awareness of the problem of marine waste and to motivate individuals to take action to clean up the oceans. The Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown has a striking black DLC-coated stainless-steel case and a caseback engraved with the distinctive Outerknown logo. The COSC-certified chronometer features an ultra-hard scratch- and shock-resistant unidirectional ceramic bezel with a luminescent central dot at the 12 o'clock position an ideal feature for a diver's watch. The Super-LumiNova coating on the dot and the hour and minute hands emits a blue light instead of the standard green, which perfectly complements the watch's design. The Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown is powered by the Breitling Caliber 13 mechanical chronograph movement. The blue dial is distinguished by its matte gray "Superocean" inscription, white accents, subdial, and central second hands, while the subdials are characterized by their white accents and black nickel-plated indexes. The familiar B in the Breitling logo also features a black nickel-plated finish. This diver's watch, whose style statement is complemented by its powerful links to sustainability, is water-resistant to 20 bar (200 meters/660 feet). Breitling is, for the first time ever, introducing a watch with a strap made from recycled materials. Each timepiece features a NATO strap made from ECONYL yarn, a regenerated nylon material created from nylon waste, one source of which is fishing nets from oceans around the world. The partnership with Outerknown also inspired the pattern of the strap, which is based on a fabric produced by the clothing company. The strap's color taffeta dark blue reflects this extraordinary watch's connection to the oceans. The Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown is also presented in packaging made entirely of recycled materials. Breitling Since 1884, Breitling has established a global reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand's storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments in humankind's conquest of the skies. Renowned for its spirit of innovation, it has also earned a place of privilege in the worlds of science, sport, and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements in-house and the quality of every watch is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland. SOURCE Breitling DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Carolina Partners in Mental HealthCare, ("CPMH"), North Carolina's leading outpatient behavioral health provider, has hired Rob Oliveri as its Chief Financial Officer. Rob brings more than 15 years of finance and operations experience in multi-site healthcare services businesses to CPMH, overseeing substantial growth strategies throughout his healthcare tenure. As CFO for Arizona-based NextCare Urgent Care, Rob managed and supported the growth from 35 clinics in one state to over 70 clinics in several states. Subsequently, Rob joined Raleigh-based FastMed Urgent Care as CFO when the business operated nine clinics in one state and supported its growth to over 100 clinics across three states, managing revenue growth of more than 600% over his six-year tenure. Rob joins Jeff Williams, who was appointed CEO in connection with the recapitalization of CPMH by River Cities Capital Funds ("RCCF") in September of this year, as the newest member of the senior management team. With a new financial partner and additions to the management team, CPMH intends to expand its footprint in North Carolina and beyond, establishing itself as a national leader in the behavioral healthcare industry. "Rob brings a wealth of finance and operations experience in scaling multi-site healthcare services businesses to CPMH and we are thrilled to have him on board," said Jeff Williams, CEO of Carolina Partners. "We have ambitious growth plans and Rob's background will be instrumental in CPMH's next stage of development." Williams further stated, "There is a large unmet need for our services in our target markets. Depression is the single biggest cause of production-loss in the American workplace and is expected to be one of the top three causes of death in America within the next twelve years. CPMH is committed to expanding access to care for patients and being the preferred employer for talented behavioral healthcare professionals who share our mission to provide high-quality care to patients, equipping them to live healthier and more productive lives, which in turn generates significant downstream cost savings to our nation's healthcare system. The addition of Rob to our senior leadership team further equips CPMH for our next stage of growth." About Carolina Partners in Mental HealthCare With more than 150,000 patient encounters in 2018, Carolina Partners in Mental HealthCare (CPMH) is the largest outpatient mental and behavioral healthcare services provider in North Carolina. CPMH's 130+ clinicians provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological therapeutic services to patients across 37 sites and accept all commercial insurance plans. As an early-adopter of tele-health and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, CPMH has a track record of being an innovative care provider, in addition to being a vital research development partner for clinical trials to the pharmaceutical industry. CPMH is also a preferred referral destination for large hospitals and academic medical centers, along with numerous primary care providers throughout the geographies it serves. About River Cities Capital Funds River Cities is a growth equity firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams to build industry-leading healthcare and B2B technology companies. RCCF draws upon its extensive industry experience and relationships built over 20 years, as well as its hands-on partnership approach with management to effectively drive growth and maximize value. With over $750 million of capital raised and a consistent track record of success, River Cities has established itself as a preferred partner for talented management teams across the industries in which it invests. Located in Cincinnati, OH and Raleigh, NC, the firm is actively seeking new investment opportunities for its sixth fund. For more information, visit rccf.com. SOURCE Carolina Partners in Mental HealthCare, PLLC Related Links https://www.carolinapartners.com FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Franklin Financial Network (NYSE: FSB) (the "Company"), parent company of Franklin Synergy Bank (the "Bank"), this week announced the addition of Chris Black to the Company's Executive Leadership team. Black's appointment as Executive Vice President, Strategy was announced by Franklin Financial Network Chairman and CEO Richard Herrington. Black will be based in the Company's Downtown Franklin Headquarters, and will oversee strategic planning and execution for both the Company and the Bank. Black joins Franklin Financial Network from FirstBank, headquartered in Downtown Nashville, where he served as Senior Vice President and CFO, Banking. Previously, Black worked in the investment management and investment research industries, specializing in the banking sector while at Merrill Lynch & Co. and ISI Group, and was based in New York City. Prior to working in the private sector, Black served for over nine years as an Officer and pilot in the United States Air Force. Chairman and CEO Richard Herrington commented, "We are excited for Chris to join our team and look forward to him making immediate and lasting contributions to further developing our overall strategy and delivering consistent shareholder value." Black earned his bachelor's degree from Cornell University with a major in Engineering and his Master of Business Administration from Auburn University, with a concentration in Finance. Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements This media release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, projected sales, gross margin and net income figures, the availability of capital resources, and plans concerning products and market acceptance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, could differ materially from those set forth in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Future operating results of the corporation are impossible to predict, and no representation or warranty of any kind can be made respecting the present or future accuracy of such forward-looking statements or the ability of the corporation to meet its obligations, and no such representation or warranty is to be inferred. About the Company Franklin Financial Network, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The Company's wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Franklin Synergy Bank, a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank founded in November 2007 and a member of the Federal Reserve System, provides a full range of banking and related financial services with a focus on service to small businesses, corporate entities, local governments and individuals. With consolidated total assets of $4.17 billion at September 30, 2018, the Bank currently operates through 14 branches and one loan production office in the growing Williamson, Rutherford and Davidson Counties, all within the Nashville metropolitan statistical area. Additional information about the Company, which is included in the NYSE Financial-100 Index, the FTSE Russell 2000 Index and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, is available at www.FranklinSynergyBank.com. Contact: Meagan Pratt Assistant Vice President Marketing Officer (615) 236-8335 [email protected] SOURCE Franklin Financial Network, Inc. Related Links http://www.FranklinSynergyBank.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- B2B research, ratings, and reviews company Clutch announced the leading companies from around the world that demonstrate excellence in IT and business services. The annual report recognizes 250+ B2B service providers across multiple categories: IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing, IT services, accounting, staff augmentation, transcription, translation, voice services/call centers, answering services, cybersecurity, and system integration, as well as business, CRM, cloud, human resources, ERP, ECM, and big data consultants. Top B2B Companies from around the world named by research firm Clutch. This report features the 200+ IT and Business Services companies Clutch recognized as industry leaders for 2018. Leaders are listed in alphabetically below: 10Pearls 4D Global 4Thought Marketing 4xxi 5th Method Consulting A1 Call Center A1QA Abby Connect Virtual Receptionists ACC Accely INC. Acclaro AccruePartners Acelerar Technologies Acquire BPO Active Strategy Adecco Adraba Agency Growth Consultant LLC Agosto, Inc. Alconost Inc. Altoros AmberLeaf AMBS Call Center Ameridial Anchor Advisors, Ltd. AnswerConnect Anthem Marketing Solutions Aplana Software Services AppTier Arise Ascendix Technologies Axelerant Baker Security & Networks Baltic Assist Basis 365 Accounting Berezha Security Beyond the Arc BGO Software Binary Republik Bluewolf BMT - Business Marketing Tools Bottleneck Virtual Assistants Brand New Matter Brightblue Consulting BroadPoint Technologies C5 Insight Cabeus CAL Business Solutions Call Center Pros Callbox cBEYONData CBIG Consulting Chris Translation Service Company CIENCE Technologies Ciklum ClickIT Smart Technologies Cloudsquare ComputerSupport Confianz Global, inc Converged Systems CoreValue Services Creative Circle CRM Command Crowe Horwath Crystalloids Cube84 Cyfuture Davinci Virtual Office Solutions Dazeworks Inc Denologix DialAmerica Digital Search Group Ltd. Dimicro S.A. Direct Answer, Inc. Dito ECM Universe Edge One Solutions Eide Bailly ELEKS eMazzanti Technologies Evoice Exactus Exadel Extended Presence Fayrix Fidelis Cybersecurity Finmodelslab Flatworld Solutions Fluid Attacks Framework Communications Franchise Beacon, LLC Franchise Marketing Systems FRSecure Fusion BPO Services GCS GDPR General Networks Global Response Go4Customer Gravity Infosolutions Inc. GroupOne GURUS Solutions Helpware Hit Rate Solutions HUB International i95Dev IBEE Hosting ICON Business Consulting, LLC Illustria ImageTech Systems Impiger Technologies InCrys InData Labs Indium Software Industry Consulting Service (ICS) Innoware Inquisitives Integro Intellias Intelligent Office Interpreters and Translators, Inc. Intivix Intuz Cloud Invensis IQ BackOffice iScribed IT Force IT Svit ITGix JCommerce Jelvix JetRails Kavi Global Kelly Services LCloud Sp. z o.o. Leadium Ledgeview Partners Liaison Technologies Livewire Technologies Lombardo Wagner Ayers & Company MAP Communications Marlabs Inc Mars Translation Maven Wave Partners MAVENTRI Mercer Mindsight Mission Mobilunity Moneypenny MoveUp Solutions Murray, Jonson, White & Associates MyTasker N-iX Neologix Software Solutions NETCAST BPO Netcom Solutions Noon Dalton NXTurn OnBrand24 ORBA Out2Bound Outboxers Oxagile PCN - Professional Communications Network Perfect Data Entry Performia Pinnacle Pragmatic Works Predica Preemo IT Support PSL Corp. Pyramid Solutions QBurst Qualex Consulting Services Quatrro R&D Solutions Randstad Reflik Remedy Intelligent Staffing RGB Projects RiskIQ RiskVision RNF Technologies Robert Half Ruby Receptionists SADA Systems Salesify SalesRoads ScienceSoft SENLA, Software Engineering Laboratory Sentinel SerpentCS Pvt. Ltd. ServerCentral Six Consulting, Inc. Softweb Solutions Sound Telecom SourceHOV Specialty Answering Service Spider Guard Data Protection Spire Digital SpyroSoft StackOverdrive.io Star Staffing Stateside BPO Strategic Sales & Marketing Strategic Sales Systems Stratosphere Networks SunTec India SupportYourApp SWC Technology Partners Switchfast Technologies TACG Talk2Rep TEAM International Tech2Globe Web Solutions LLP TechMD TestArmy The Vietnam Security Network The Word Point ThirdEye Data Tomedes Ltd TPX Communications (Formerly DCSI) TravCom Trigent Trimtab Consultants TruAdvantage Trupp Global Tudip Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Turnkey Technologies, Inc. UkrInSofT UnderDefense Unee Solutions UNITY Group Upcall VA Talks Vayam Vertiba Virtual Assist USA VirtusaPolaris VoiceNation VoiceStamps Vsynergize Way Solutions WERVAS Virtual Assistant Services Westside Tax Wishup Worldwide Call Centers Worldwide101 wow24-7 XACT Xplore-Tech "In a market dominated by outsourcing companies, these providers become a part of their clients' team," Clutch Senior Business Analyst Ilse Heine said. "These leaders not only help businesses run smoothly but also are integral to their clients' business infrastructure." It's free to get listed on Clutch , but only the most highly recommended companies in each industry are recognized as leaders. The 2018 list of Clutch Global Leaders names 1000+ companies across five research categories; all companies featured proved their industry expertise and ability to deliver. Clutch's research is ongoing. For a chance to be named to Clutch's 2019 Global Leaders List, apply now . It's a free, two-step process that takes less than 20 minutes. Upcoming leaders reports will highlight The Clutch 1000 the 1000 companies on Clutch with the highest Ability to Deliver scores. Learn more about how to promote your company's achievement with our marketing kit . Full research: https://clutch.co About Clutch A B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch connects small and medium businesses with the best-fit agencies, software, or consultants they need to tackle business challenges with confidence. Clutch's methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence. Contact Ilse Heine [email protected] (202) 684.2062 SOURCE Clutch Related Links https://clutch.co COVINGTON, Ky., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Hotels adds to their management portfolio. This brings the hotel management company's nationwide portfolio to 45 properties with over 5,500 rooms. "We are excited to bring this award-winning hotel into the Commonwealth Hotels family," said Brian Fry, President of Commonwealth Hotels. "The associates deliver world class service with casual charm and we are delighted they have joined our team." The Staybridge Reno is located within close proximity to the Reno Tahoe International Airport, downtown casinos, Lake Tahoe, Reno Events Center, University Nevada Reno, Lawlor Events Center, National Bowling Stadium and many area companies. The property features complimentary hot breakfast, business center, fitness center and free WiFi. The Staybridge Reno is a 94-suite extended stay hotel located. The property features a boardroom for up to 10 guests. Each suite includes separate living area with sofa bed and fully equipped kitchen. Additional amenities include free parking, Social Reception three nights a week, grocery shopping service and they accept pets. For more information visit www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/reno/rnocd or call the hotel directly at 775-657-8999. About Commonwealth Hotels, LLC Commonwealth Hotels, LLC was founded in 1986 and is a proven partner in providing hotel management services with superior financial results. The company has extensive experience managing premium branded full service and select service hotels. Commonwealth Hotels currently manages 45 properties with over 5,500 rooms. Additional information may be found at www.commonwealthhotels.com. Contact: Jennifer Schneider Commonwealth Hotels, LLC [email protected] 859.261.5522 SOURCE Commonwealth Hotels I gotta admit; I love drawing Putin. If only all world leaders took their shirts off as much as he does... REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Course Hero, an online learning platform where members can access over 20 million course-specific study resources contributed by a community of students and educators, today announced that University of Michigan's John Branch, PhD, has been added to the ranks of distinguished educators that comprise Course Hero's Master Educators. "Master Educators inspire students and break down barriers to learning," said Course Hero cofounder and CEO Andrew Grauer. "We're thrilled to recognize John's attention to detail, vast knowledge of the international business landscape, and marketing expertise. John's impact is felt far beyond his classroom, as he has worked with students across the globe since the 1990s. It was amazing to see John's engaging teaching practices firsthand when he came and lectured to our Course Hero team earlier in 2018." Dr. Branch is Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, where he teaches a variety of marketing and international business courses at the undergraduate, MBA, and executive levels. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Dr. Branch was on the faculty of the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. He has also served as an adjunct or visiting professor at more than 40 business schools throughout the world, including the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands, the Zagreb School of Economics and Management in Croatia, and the Sasin Graduate Institute of Administration in Thailand. Dr. Branch's work and teaching has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Master of Management Teaching Award by the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, in 2017. Master Educators are featured in Course Hero's micro-documentary series highlighting teaching excellence in higher education. Dr. Branch's film focuses on how his knack for restoring antique cars inspires his approach to course design. "Course Hero's vision is for every student to graduate confident and prepared," continued Grauer. "We are excited to partner with educators like Dr. Branch to enable the best possible outcomes, for students and instructors alike." In addition to providing a platform that allows educators from all over the world to share resources with each other, Course Hero actively partners with educators in a variety of ways, including on-site lectures at Course Hero's headquarters, video course creation, and interviews in Course Hero Faculty Club that celebrate educators' best lessons. Course Hero's newest Educator Partners include: Rebecca Hawthorne, Lecturer of Mathematics, University of New Hampshire; Jennifer Kreder, JD, Professor of Law, Northern Kentucky University; Scot Schraufnagel, PhD, Professor of Political Science, Northern Illinois University; and David Marcey, PhD, Professor of Science, California Lutheran University. About Course Hero Course Hero is an online learning platform where members can access over 20 million course-specific study resources contributed by a community of students and educators. The platform includes Practice Problems, study guides, videos, class notes, and step-by-step explanations to help with every college classfrom economics to literature, biology to history, accounting to psychology, and everything in between. Course Hero has been recognized as one of the 2018 Technology Fast 500 by Deloitte. Connect with Course Hero at www.coursehero.com or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. For more information, contact: Grayling PR for Course Hero [email protected] SOURCE Course Hero Related Links http://www.coursehero.com SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE:CUB) today announced that its Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) business President and Cubic Corporation Senior Vice President, Matt Cole will discuss the need for public transit agencies to take a leadership role in the integration of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) at the Meeting of the Minds Annual Summit from November 2729 in Sacramento, California. Meeting of the Minds Annual Summit brings together policy-makers and innovators from around the world for an event of intensive exchange in thought leadership and cross-sector alliance building. Public transit agencies face pressures to adapt to an evolving mobility environment that consists of a wide range of transportation modes such as buses, rail, shuttles, autonomous vehicles, bikeshare, scooters, rideshare, car share and more. As a result, it is important for public agencies to take the lead in defining the MaaS strategy in the regions in which they operate. Cole will offer industry insight on cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Brisbane to explain how such cities are working closely with the private sector to implement MaaS across jurisdictions and multiple agencies. Under its NextCity strategy, Cubic advocates that public transit operators are best suited to lead the MaaS implementation by incorporating three platforms to create a MaaS system: an integrated customer experience across the transportation network; one account for integrated payment, policy and pricing; and operations and analytics that will inform the journeys of all travelers regardless of age, disability, or economic status. "We are not far from a world in which transportation is more sustainable and people-centered than it is today," said Cole. "Understanding what MaaS truly stands for is incredibly important for the future of our cities and communities. We must demystify what MaaS is, identify its key stakeholders and make the case for why it is crucial for public transit to be the backbone of MaaS and its implementation." Cole will participate at the following session at the annual summit: "Mobility-as-a-Service: Why Public Officials Need to Define Their Region's Strategy" Thursday, November 29 , 11:00 a.m. (local time); Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel. For more information on Cubic's MaaS vision, visit: https://www.cubic.com/innovation/insights/mobility-service-maas and download a copy of Cole's white paper, titled "Put Transit Front and Center of the Conversation." Follow Cubic Transportation Systems on Twitter @CubicTS and join the conversation on social media using #motm2018. About Cubic Corporation Cubic is a technology-driven, market-leading provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Our teams innovate to make a positive difference in people's lives. We simplify their daily journeys. We promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp. SOURCE Cubic Corporation Related Links http://www.cubic.com TOKYO & SINGAPORE, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kumar Ritesh, CYFIRMA Chairman and CEO says, "While 2018 was a year of financially motivated threat actors having a free run against individuals, organizations, institutions and countries, we have noticed an increasing trend of state sponsors interested in arming threat actors to pursue defined geopolitical objectives. Cryptocurrency exchanges, healthcare companies, the energy sector, and traditional financial institutions were at the brunt of cyber attacks this year. What has been very interesting to witness is the shift in the hackers' intention to use emerging technologies, increasing the difficulty to defend an expanding attack surface." CYFIRMA's cyber analytics platform demonstrated its predictive capabilities by releasing 16 Early-Warning Threat Reports detailing imminent cyber threats to various technologies, across organizations industries and countries, out of which 11 to date are active threats in the wild. As we enter 2019, cyber attacks and breaches will continue to increase in intensity and frequency. Based on our research, we believe we will see the following trends and shifts: Hackers will unleash rejuvenated attacks by leveraging emerging technologies : In 2019, threat actors will show a greater affinity for emerging technologies by exploiting them handsomely. Multi-pronged cyberattacks will be operationalized with increased usage of AI/ML. This will lead to breaches in humanoid systems alongside blockchain ecosystems and other autonomous systems. : In 2019, threat actors will show a greater affinity for emerging technologies by exploiting them handsomely. Multi-pronged cyberattacks will be operationalized with increased usage of AI/ML. This will lead to breaches in humanoid systems alongside blockchain ecosystems and other autonomous systems. Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be a prime target for threat activities : Countries that are antagonistic to Japan will target the upcoming Tokyo Summer Olympic Games to cause reputation damage. The fact that these games will massively leverage new-age technologies and digitalization will serve as a beacon for malicious actors. : Countries that are antagonistic to will target the upcoming Tokyo Summer Olympic Games to cause reputation damage. The fact that these games will massively leverage new-age technologies and digitalization will serve as a beacon for malicious actors. State-sponsored/ corporate-sponsored espionage will take center-stage : The next leg of the global trade wars will be fought online - involving state-sponsored actors and intelligence agencies initiating corporate cyber attacks. In 2018, the North Korean, Chinese and Russian state-sponsored attacks on nations and organizations have made global headlines. In 2019, additional countries will join the fray in a bid to highlight their own political power and technological might to meet their proxy objectives. : The next leg of the global trade wars will be fought online - involving state-sponsored actors and intelligence agencies initiating corporate cyber attacks. In 2018, the North Korean, Chinese and Russian state-sponsored attacks on nations and organizations have made global headlines. In 2019, additional countries will join the fray in a bid to highlight their own political power and technological might to meet their proxy objectives. Hackers will place the highest value for personal behavioral data : Threat actors will exponentially leverage social engineering techniques to attack and mine behavioral data from individuals, societies, organizations and nations. Malicious actors will identify potential targets, recruit them inconspicuously, and exploit their access levels to penetrate government or corporate target systems in a seamless and highly camouflaged operation. : Threat actors will exponentially leverage social engineering techniques to attack and mine behavioral data from individuals, societies, organizations and nations. Malicious actors will identify potential targets, recruit them inconspicuously, and exploit their access levels to penetrate government or corporate target systems in a seamless and highly camouflaged operation. Cloud security will be repeatedly attacked for vulnerabilities : In 2018, AWS and Azure cloud assets were a favorite target for hackers' intent on disrupting the public cloud security layer to unearth an assortment of individual and corporate data. In 2019, this trend will continue as hacker communities reiterate their inclination to this favorite prize. Unfortunately, most organizations are still not trending towards employing a comprehensive security policy for their cloud-based data assets and footprints, inadvertently playing into the hands of these threat actors. : In 2018, AWS and Azure cloud assets were a favorite target for hackers' intent on disrupting the public cloud security layer to unearth an assortment of individual and corporate data. In 2019, this trend will continue as hacker communities reiterate their inclination to this favorite prize. Unfortunately, most organizations are still not trending towards employing a comprehensive security policy for their cloud-based data assets and footprints, inadvertently playing into the hands of these threat actors. Internet of Things (IoT) must contend with the hackers' curiosity : In 2018, as many as 10 new variants of the infamous Mirai botnet were discovered, each employing the old attack vectors. Almost every IoT product manufacturer has exhibited device vulnerabilities, yet this industry is booming away. In 2019, renewed variants of legacy threats will be unearthed, and coupled with the lack of standardization amongst the manufacturers of IoT devices, cyber attacks on IoT sensors is going to ramp up at a never seen before scale. Further possibilities include IoT weaponization, centralized collection units, and transaction ecosystems to support it all. : In 2018, as many as 10 new variants of the infamous Mirai botnet were discovered, each employing the old attack vectors. Almost every IoT product manufacturer has exhibited device vulnerabilities, yet this industry is booming away. In 2019, renewed variants of legacy threats will be unearthed, and coupled with the lack of standardization amongst the manufacturers of IoT devices, cyber attacks on IoT sensors is going to ramp up at a never seen before scale. Further possibilities include IoT weaponization, centralized collection units, and transaction ecosystems to support it all. Identity Theft will be an extremely common phenomenon : Globally, both individual and business data will continue to suffer enormous breaches courtesy of privileged attack vectors. Identity theft, as always, will continue to be the mainstay campaign for threat actors who will now intently look towards the east for their exploits. In 2019, expect Asia , and especially Japan , to be severely tested by this problem, almost on a daily basis. : Globally, both individual and business data will continue to suffer enormous breaches courtesy of privileged attack vectors. Identity theft, as always, will continue to be the mainstay campaign for threat actors who will now intently look towards the east for their exploits. In 2019, expect , and especially , to be severely tested by this problem, almost on a daily basis. Multi-homed malware attacks on the rise : In 2019, multi-homed and multi-magnitude variants of crypto malware, variety of banking trojans, ransomware, etc. will expand into some of the biggest challenges to be faced by the cybersecurity professionals. 2018's examples of SamSam and GandCrab, behavior mapping malware that showed uncanny adapting and evolution skills on the target system whilst mimicking legitimate software, offers some insights into what's coming up in 2019, and beyond! : In 2019, multi-homed and multi-magnitude variants of crypto malware, variety of banking trojans, ransomware, etc. will expand into some of the biggest challenges to be faced by the cybersecurity professionals. 2018's examples of SamSam and GandCrab, behavior mapping malware that showed uncanny adapting and evolution skills on the target system whilst mimicking legitimate software, offers some insights into what's coming up in 2019, and beyond! Hackers will be drawn to the vulnerabilities posed by Supply Chain Systems : The latest trend is supply chain attacks with embedded malware. In 2019, an increasing number of attacks impacting corporate strategies and supply chain systems are anticipated requiring additional layers in cybersecurity strategy and policy considerations. This could be the first of many upcoming corporate attack strategies by way of supply chain systems. : The latest trend is supply chain attacks with embedded malware. In 2019, an increasing number of attacks impacting corporate strategies and supply chain systems are anticipated requiring additional layers in cybersecurity strategy and policy considerations. This could be the first of many upcoming corporate attack strategies by way of supply chain systems. DoS attacks will not lose its potency or applicability : Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) has always been a favorite with threat actors and the affection is only going to grow in 2019. Attributes such as the low campaign cost and associated rewards will continue to inspire hackers to plot and deploy DDoS attacks. Japan is and will continue to be one of the top 10 countries to be targeted by DDoS outbreaks. : Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) has always been a favorite with threat actors and the affection is only going to grow in 2019. Attributes such as the low campaign cost and associated rewards will continue to inspire hackers to plot and deploy DDoS attacks. is and will continue to be one of the top 10 countries to be targeted by DDoS outbreaks. GDPR based theft will gain the organizations' undivided attention : In 2019, with organizations needing to adhere with GDPR, they are exposed to any non-compliance related eventualities. One of the facets being fines dished out for not complying, thus opening up avenues for hackers to exploit remediation and regulatory procedures. Data being playing field worth billions of dollars, even a small attack could cost organizations as hackers see opportunities to earn millions. : In 2019, with organizations needing to adhere with GDPR, they are exposed to any non-compliance related eventualities. One of the facets being fines dished out for not complying, thus opening up avenues for hackers to exploit remediation and regulatory procedures. Data being playing field worth billions of dollars, even a small attack could cost organizations as hackers see opportunities to earn millions. AI and ML will power the next salvo of cyber attacks : As high as 70% of the companies will encounter botnet attacks with a flavor of AI/Machine Learning in the immediate future, with the cost of restitution running into an estimated USD 0.4 M per company. CYFIRMA's research highlights the changing composition of these attacks- multi-variant, altering behavior and multi-intent being the common signatures. : As high as 70% of the companies will encounter botnet attacks with a flavor of AI/Machine Learning in the immediate future, with the cost of restitution running into an estimated per company. CYFIRMA's research highlights the changing composition of these attacks- multi-variant, altering behavior and multi-intent being the common signatures. State-sponsored cyber attacks on critical infrastructure will be the norm : Operational technologies like PCI, HMI, Control and Workflow Systems will be high on the cybercriminals' bucket lists. CYFIRMA's research has indicated that threat actors are developing new attack methods featuring complex malware to accomplish tasks such as passive asset discovery and control instruction hijacking. : Operational technologies like PCI, HMI, Control and Workflow Systems will be high on the cybercriminals' bucket lists. CYFIRMA's research has indicated that threat actors are developing new attack methods featuring complex malware to accomplish tasks such as passive asset discovery and control instruction hijacking. The most common attack vector will continue to be Social Engineering and Phishing/Smishing : In 2019, organizations will finally figure out that employees are the weakest link in their cybersecurity posture. This will likely lead to the reassessment and redefinition of core internal security strategies, as the fact that the most prevalent attack vector isn't the network, but the user becoming part of the conventional threat landscape. : In 2019, organizations will finally figure out that employees are the weakest link in their cybersecurity posture. This will likely lead to the reassessment and redefinition of core internal security strategies, as the fact that the most prevalent attack vector isn't the network, but the user becoming part of the conventional threat landscape. Cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms will need fortification: As institutional capital progressively flows into the cryptocurrency market, thefts will correspondingly increase. The growing necessity for cryptocurrency mining will lead to renewed attacks on mining resources and unsuspecting victims. Already, the Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms have enticed great interest from hackers based out of China , North Korea , Russia , and Ukraine . More are likely to follow suit, soon! Kumar Ritesh reiterates that "the cybersecurity landscape of Japan and South East Asia is changing dramatically, due to the aggressive involvement of state-sponsored hackers and an expanding attack surface. Nations will also continue to acquire and build their cyber warfare capability to strengthen their national interests. Digital proliferation will continue to outpace the speed with which defense mechanisms are being invented and applied to protect emerging technologies. Organizations need to balance the need for new technologies to enable business efficiency, expansion, and flexibility while defending against the increasing complexity and variety of new attacks created by emerging technologies." About CYFIRMA CYFIRMA defends against cyber attacks by supplying organizations with real-time threat intelligence that enables them to take a more proactive security approach. By aggregating, correlating and analyzing information from hundreds of thousands of sources on the open and dark web, CYFIRMA, helps companies anticipate what types of attacks are most likely to occur and provide the most effective response. CYFIRMA is a business division of Antuit, a global analytics firm. For more information about CYFIRMA, please visit: www.cyfirma.jp ; www.cyfirma.com About Antuit Antuit is global analytics solutions provider primarily serving the retail & eCommerce, consumer products, and manufacturing & logistics industries. Since 2013, Antuit has been on a mission to help leading multi-national, and high-growth companies predict, shape and fulfill demand. Combing deep domain expertise with proprietary solutions and technologies like machine learning and AI, Antuit delivers revenue and margin growth, improved supply chain efficiency, and enhanced customer experience. For more information about Antuit, please visit: www.antuit.com Related Images cyfirma-logo.jpg CYFIRMA Logo kumar-ritesh.jpg Kumar Ritesh Chairman and CEO SOURCE CYFIRMA Related Links http://www.cyfirma.com TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Delek Group Ltd. (TASE: DLEKG) (US ADR: DGRLY) (hereinafter: "Delek Group" or "The Group") announced today its results for the third quarter period ended September 30, 2018. The full financial statements will be available in English on Delek Group's website at: www.Delek-Group.com THIRD QUARTER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS Net income amounted to NIS 323 million , compared with NIS 1,024 million in Q3 2017; the E&P sector contributed NIS 211 million to net income with significantly better profitability at Ithaca Energy The Leviathan project is now 70% complete, and remains on schedule for gas sales to begin by the end of 2019 Ithaca Energy's purchase of its partner's stakes in reserves and production platform to close by the end of this year, while Delek Group continues to divest non-core assets such as the Phoenix Holding Ltd Group revenues in the third quarter of 2018 totaled NIS 2.3 billion compared with NIS 1.8 billion in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of 27%. Driving the growth were record sales volumes of gas from Tamar, improved prices and volumes at Ithaca Energy, as well as an increase in Delek Israel's revenues. Group operating profit in the third quarter of 2018 totaled NIS 397 million, compared with NIS 1,603 million in the third quarter of 2017. Excluding profits from the sale of the 9.25% interest in Tamar which occurred at this time last year, 3Q17 operating profit stood at NIS 157 million, implying a year-on-year increase of 153%. The main sources of this improvement were significantly better profitability at Ithaca, and continued strong performance of the Israeli E&P sector. Net income in the third quarter was NIS 323 million compared with NIS 1,024 million in the third quarter of 2017. Adjusting for the impact of the sale of the 9.25% stake in Tamar last year, 3Q18 net income rose by 113% from ILS 151 million in 3Q17. The current cash balance as of September 30, 2018 was NIS 2.0 billion, including unutilized credit lines and marketable securities. MANAGEMENT COMMENT Mr. Asaf Bartfeld, President and CEO of Delek Group, commented, "We further advanced in delivering on Delek Group's strategy this quarter. We delisted our Delek Energy subsidiary, stabilized production at Ithaca, and progressed in the development of the Leviathan field, which should achieve first gas by the end of 2019." MAIN BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Contribution of Principal Operations to Net Income* (NIS millions) Q3 2018 Q3 2017 FY 2017 Oil and Gas E&P Operations in Israel and its Surroundings 123 47 364 Oil and Gas E&P Operations in the North Sea 88 43 20 Fuel Operations in Israel 34 34 100 Automotive Operations 4 14 63 Contribution to continuing operations before discontinued operations and capital and other gains 249 138 547 Profit from Oil and Gas assets sales (28) 867 859 Finance Expenses & Others 102 19 (190) Net Income (Loss) Attributed to Group's Shareholders 323 1,024 1,216 *The full report, including the full notes for the above items, will be available on the Group's website at www.delek-Group.com OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION Delek Group's strategy is to focus on the development of its core assets in the Eastern Mediterranean E&P and expand its activities in global E&P markets, with the intention of becoming a key international player in the energy industry with operational capabilities. Tamar & Leviathan Tamar's gas sales reached a new quarterly record of 2.8BCM during 3Q18. The development of the Leviathan project is approximately 70% complete. The project remains on budget and on schedule with first gas sales anticipated by the end of 2019. Construction of the production platform continues to progress, while the sea-floor pipeline is complete and now connects the gas field to the Israeli shoreline. An agreement was reached in October 2018 to use the EMG pipeline, providing an effective logistics solution for the implementation of the Dolphinus sales agreement to export natural to Egypt. The Group is also taking steps towards the sale of its remaining 22% stake in the Tamar field, which is targeted to occur during 2019. Ithaca Energy Ithaca contributed NIS 151 million to Delek Group's operating income in the quarter, compared with a NIS 41 million contribution in 2017. This was driven by higher production volumes, as well as beneficial oil and gas prices during the quarter. Though energy prices have subsequently weakened, Ithaca is protected from the immediate impacts of this trend through hedges that cover approximately 80% of its 2019 production, at average levels of USD 65 per barrel of oil and USD 7.70 per mmbtu of gas. (This does not include volumes that will be acquired through the Stella partners transaction discussed below.) Production during the quarter was 16,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day, significantly higher than the 14,400 boed seen in the third quarter of 2017. This increase represents better operational performance, as well as the new connection of the Stella floating production platform (FPF) to the Harrier gas field during May 2018. Ithaca plans to increase exposure to the Greater Stella Area (GSA) in the years to come, connecting new assets to its existing platform. Vorlich is the next field planned to be attached in 2020, with proven and probable reserves of 25 million boe. On 24 August 2018, Ithaca Energy signed an agreement to purchase its partners' shares in the Stella FPF and surrounding energy reserves. The deal should close by the end of 2018, at a net upfront cost of USD 130 million. On a pro-forma basis, this acquisition will increased Ithaca's annual 2018 production to 22,000 boed from 15,000; reduce annual 2018 production costs to USD18/boe from USD19/boe; and add 20 million boe in reserves. During 4Q18, Ithaca Energy completed a successful debt refinancing. The company's RBL framework was increased to USD 400 million, with maturity pushed out to December 2022. Ithaca arranged an additional 5 year loan of USD 300 million from an international consortium of lenders which was used for early repayment of existing bonds, resulting in a savings on interest payments. Gulf of Mexico Exploration in the Gulf of Mexico began during August 2018 at the Canoe prospect. Initial results showed that layers of sand were found with oil, but the operator did not made an announcement of a discovery. The Group intends to further analyse the results in order to assess the Canoe's commercial feasibility. However, from additional data that has been examined and in parallel to the operator's assessments, the potential for hydrocarbon resources at the prospect is significantly lower than initial estimates. As such, Delek Group has taken a USD 11 million reserve for costs relating to drilling at Canoe. A new campaign at the Tau prospect began in September 2018. Proximate to the date the Group's 3Q18 financial report was approved, drilling had reached approximately 3,000 feet below level, with the main target layer being in the range of 15,000-26,000 feet below sea level. So far, USD 28 million has been spent on drilling at Tau, out of a total budget of USD 41 million. DOWNSTREAM ENERGY SECTOR Delek the Israel Fuel Company Ltd. (fully held by Delek Group); operating profit contribution in the third quarter of 2018 amounted to NIS 51 million compared with NIS 56 million in the third quarter of 2017. On 22 August, 2018, Delek Israel purchased the Ashkelon and Sorek electric power stations (fully owned by another Group subsidiary) for ILS 474 million. OTHER ASSETS Continuing in efforts to divest non-core assets, Delek Group sold 16% of the Phoenix Insurance Company during the quarter. The majority of this sale (14.7%) was concluded through swap transactions with Israeli financial institutions, while the remaining portion (1.3%) was disposed of in a direct sale. Delek Group's remaining 30% holding in the Phoenix represents the controlling stake in the insurance firm, and the Group continues in its efforts to find a strategic investor to acquire this asset. In addition, in an effort to simplify our holding structure, the Group delisted Delek Energy Systems, a subsidiary within the E&P sector. DIVIDEND On November 28, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors resolved to distribute a dividend of NIS 150 million to be paid during December 2018. Including this announcement, Delek Group has disbursed NIS 490 million in dividends during calendar year 2018. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS The Company will be hosting a conference call in English today on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 3:30pm (Israel Time), 8:30am (ET), 1:30pm (UK). To participate in the conference call, please dial: Israel: 03-918-0610 The USA: 1-888-668-9141 The UK: 0-800-917-5108 International: +972-3-918-0610 A day following the conference calls, a recording of both the calls will be hosted on the Company's website at: http://ir.delek-group.com. ABOUT THE DELEK GROUP The Delek Group, Israel's dominant integrated energy company, is the pioneering leader of the natural gas exploration and production activities that are transforming the Eastern Mediterranean's Levant Basin into one of the energy industry's most promising emerging regions. Having discovered Tamar and Leviathan, two of the world's largest natural gas finds since 2000, Delek and its partners are now developing a balanced, world-class portfolio of exploration, development and production assets with total gross natural gas resources discovered since 2009 of approximately 40 TCF. In addition, Delek Group has a number of other assets including downstream energy, water desalination, and finance. For more information, please visit www.delek-group.com or email: [email protected] CONTACT INFORMATION Yonah Weisz Head of Investor Relations Delek Group Ltd. Tel: +972 9 863 8443 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Delek Group Ltd Related Links http://www.Delek-Group.com GEORGETOWN, Ky., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TheBestSchools.org, a preeminent online publication for ranking schools and degree programs, has published its 2019 ranking of colleges and universities with the most impressive and comprehensive online degree programs: The 50 Best Online Colleges & Universities 2019 The 50 Best Online Colleges & Universities 2019 from TheBestSchools.org https://thebestschools.org/online-colleges/ TheBestSchools.org draws upon its leadership in school rankings to formulate one of the most respected and widely cited college and university rankings available today. As a member of both the American Council on Education and the National Association for College Admission Counseling, TheBestSchools.org upholds the highest standards to meet the requirements of more than one million monthly visitors and to help them find the best school for their needs. "Time and again, students tell me the greatest benefit of a ranking list is learning about schools they've never heard of. With thousands of colleges to choose from, it's easy for students to feel lost in a sea of choices." says college admissions expert Dr. Patrick O'Connor. "Rankings give students an organized way to learn about new college options and compare them to the options they've already reviewed." For 2019, merit factors considered in this ranking of the top, accredited, nonprofit, online colleges and universities include academic excellence, scholarly strength of faculty, online teaching methods, tuition costs, reputation, awards, regional accreditation, financial aid, and the range of online bachelor's degree programs. "Students today find that online college may offer both cost savings and a better fit for their busy work and personal schedules. Our latest ranking reflects this need for simplifying student's lives," says Dan Edelen, marketing director for TheBestSchools.org. "For 2019, we revamped the user experience of our best online colleges and universities ranking with a more accessible and easier-to-use layout. Now, at a glance, students can find the essential school information they need to make better-informed choices about their education." TheBestSchools.org is a leader in school rankings high school, college, postgraduate, online, and on-campus providing millions of prospective students with the information they need to find the right school for them. TheBestSchools.org is an educational website whose staff and advisory board believe learning transforms lives for the better and should be a lifelong pursuit. Media Contact: Dan Edelen Marketing Director TheBestSchools.org [email protected] (513) 601-8202 SOURCE TheBestSchools.org Related Links http://TheBestSchools.org NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Policymakers face an uphill battle when they try to convince people to change their personal belief systems. Particularly in the domain of climate change, research continues to show that individuals' personal beliefs about humans' role in the planet's warming are difficult to alter. However, to make meaningful changes toward climate conservation and stay within the UN's goal of 1.5 C collective changes in the behaviors of all individuals are required. Rather than changing what people themselves believe, a new study from Columbia Business School and the University of Exeter may provide a path forward by focusing on what people believe that others believe. Researchers refer to perceptions of commonly-held beliefs as "second-order normative beliefs" and this new research shows that what people believe their community members care about plays a critical role in influencing one's own beliefs. The study finds that when it comes to energy conservation, what people believe their community members care about is an important predictor of individual conservation behavior, above and beyond people's own beliefs about energy conservation. "The evidence shows that policymakers can't simply ask people to reduce, reuse, and recycle. In fact, trying to reach people with subsidies for environmentally-friendly decision-making can backfire," said Columbia Business School Professor Adam Galinsky. "Instead, the roadmap to improving perceptions of conservation starts with reminding individuals that their neighbors care about it. It's important to shift the focus from trying to change what people believe to reinforcing what their friends believe." "Many of us generally agree that reducing energy consumption is needed to help the environment and save our planet but we have found that to make it happen, we need to believe that others care about it too," said Professor Oliver Hauser of the University of Exeter Business School. "People believe, rightly or wrongly, that a majority of those around them know what's rightand they are afraid that they might be told off if they behave in a different way." The study, The Critical Role of Second-Order Normative Beliefs in Predicting Energy Conservation, published in Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed data from Opower, a company contracted by energy providers across the country to help them meet energy conservation requirements. The author team, led by Columbia Business School doctoral candidate Jon Jachimowicz, and including Columbia Business School's Adam Galinsky, the Vikram S. Pandit Professor of Business, University of Exeter's Professor Oliver Hauser, and researchers Julia O'Brien and Erin Sherman selected Opower because the company deploys comparative information to reduce household energy usage by showing individuals how their energy consumption rate contrasts with their neighbors' monthly energy bills. Providing this information has led to customers decreasing their energy consumption, saving more than $2 billion in energy usage. The study focused on 211 independent, randomized controlled trials conducted in 27 states where Opower operates. The trials reached more than 16 million customers over seven years and yielded energy savings varying between 0.81 and 2.55 percent. The study's authors then matched this energy use data with a survey of over 2,000 individuals in those same states on their first-order personal and second-order normative beliefs, as well as conducting an additional laboratory experiment. Their findings include: A Good Neighbor: In states where respondents indicated that their neighbors cared about saving energy, providing information about the energy use of neighbors was much more effective in changing behavior. In states where respondents indicated that their neighbors cared about saving energy, providing information about the energy use of neighbors was much more effective in changing behavior. Combination of factors: Descriptive social norms, the idea that it's important to carry out a certain social good because the majority of people in one's community are already doing, cannot change behavior alone. Researchers found these descriptive social norms only matter when people think their neighbors personally care about the issue as well. Descriptive social norms, the idea that it's important to carry out a certain social good because the majority of people in one's community are already doing, cannot change behavior alone. Researchers found these descriptive social norms only matter when people think their neighbors personally care about the issue as well. Second-order beliefs can predict energy savings: A subsequent pre-registered experiment provided causal evidence for the role of second-order normative beliefs in predicting energy conservation above first-order personal beliefs. "We found that when people believe their neighbors cared about energy conservation, they were more likely to subsequently save energy," said Jon Jachimowicz of Columbia Business School. "This shows it is not only what most other people are doing that matters to us, but also whether we believe they care about this particular behavior." To learn more about the cutting-edge research taking place at Columbia Business School, please visit www.gsb.columbia.edu. About Columbia Business School Columbia Business School is the only world-class, Ivy League business school that delivers a learning experience where academic excellence meets with real-time exposure to the pulse of global business. Led by Dean Glenn Hubbard, the School's transformative curriculum bridges academic theory with unparalleled exposure to real-world business practice, equipping students with an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to recognize, capture, and create opportunity in any business environment. The thought leadership of the School's faculty and staff members, combined with the accomplishments of its distinguished alumni and position in the center of global business, means that the School's efforts have an immediate, measurable impact on the forces shaping business every day. To learn more about Columbia Business School's position at the very center of business, please visit www.gsb.columbia.edu. SOURCE Columbia Business School Related Links http://www.gsb.columbia.edu HOBOKEN, N.J., Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Natasha R. Chinn is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime member in the field of Medicine in recognition of her role as Medical Doctor specializing in OBGYN at Brescia & Migliaccio, PC. A trailblazer for women's health, Dr. Chinn's approach is to look at the total woman at every stage of her life. She is passionate about treating the entire being which she describes as encompassing spirit, mind, and body. She is a strong proponent of identifying the root cause is of her patients' illnesses and not just treating the symptoms associated with it. With over 13 years of experience as a physician supporting woman's health, she is commended for her outstanding contributions to the field. An expert in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Chinn is adept in guiding and treating her patients at every stage of life. In their earlier years Dr. Chinn guides patients through issues such as female health education, menstrual cycle irregularities, sexual health and safer sex practices. She guides women of child bearing ages through family planning, well women's maintenance and all potential problems and illnesses in the scope of this. She practices both obstetrics and gynecology which allows her to provide excellent prenatal care, deliveries, and postpartum care. When common gynecological problems arise such as abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and menstrual disorders she incorporates an integrated approach and utilizes minimally invasive procedures when necessary. As her patients transition into the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases, she guides them and incorporates a unique and highly effective combination of conventional and holistic interventions. Dr. Chinn is a renowned expert within her field and her unique approach to looking at female's wellness has brought restoration and improved quality of life to thousands of lives. Dr. Chinn is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is also a certified neuroassociative programmer and neurolinguistic practitioner. She is highly sought after for the media on topics about women's health and has been published multiple times in publications such as SELF Magazine, POPSUGAR.COM, ROMPER.COM, Divided States of Women and more. Dr. Chinn was inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Society as a fourth year medical student. In recognition of her humanistic approach to teaching and medicine, Dr. Chinn was the recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Society Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Chinn is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Touro Medical School of Osteopathic medicine and was previously the program director of Palisades Medical Center OB/GYN residency program. Dr. Chinn attained her Medical Degree Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. In her previous years, Dr. Chinn attained her Bachelors of the arts from Yale University. She is a partner in Brescia & Migliaccio MD, PC which is comprised of a team of OB/GYN doctors, primary care physicians, knowledgeable nurses, physician assistants, and a medical support team. With a well- trained staff, the healthcare facility puts into service the skills needed to promote the health and wellness of their patients. They are dedicated to providing their patients with quality health care services while ensuring their patients remain a top priority. Dr. Natasha R. Chinn dedicates this recognition to her two children and recognizes her grandparents, Kathryn F. Larkin and Arthur L. Larkin, her mother, Jacqueline Figueroa, and her aunt, Deborah Larkin. When she is not working, Dr. Chinn enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and dancing. Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Said Ibrahim, an esteemed physician-scientist who investigates why health outcomes vary among demographic groups, has been appointed the inaugural senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Weill Cornell Medicine, effective Jan. 2. Dr. Ibrahim will lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's efforts to unify diversity initiatives and foster a stronger culture of equity and belonging throughout the institution. Weill Cornell Medicine's Office for Diversity and Inclusion is committed to nurturing faculty and students whose varied backgrounds can inspire new perspectives and approaches to improve human health. In his new role, Dr. Ibrahim will work to realize the strategic vision of Dr. Augustine M.K Choi, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, who has elevated diversity as an essential pillar of the institution's mission, along with clinical care, research and education. To accomplish this, the Office For Diversity and Inclusion will promote institutional initiatives to recruit, retain and nurture minority physicians, scientists and trainees who hail from communities that are underrepresented in medicine, as well as women and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The office will also strive to support students, faculty and trainees at every stage of their careers, working to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment in clinic, lab and classroom. "Diversity is essential for the healthcare workforce, and is a core value of Weill Cornell Medicine," Dr. Choi said. "Bringing together our academic community's unique perspectives and abilities not only leads to innovation, but also allows us to provide the best care for a diverse population and the best education for a diverse student body. Dr. Ibrahim is the ideal person to advance this important institutional mission and ensure a rich environment of equality and inclusiveness at Weill Cornell Medicine." "This role and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's mission really resonate with me personally," said Dr. Ibrahim, the inaugural chief of the Division of Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research at Weill Cornell Medicine who emigrated from Somalia in the mid-1980s to advance his academic pursuits. "Having grown up in East Africa, I understand first-hand how inequalities in healthcare access can significantly affect people's lives. Diversity and inclusionthings that people had fought passionately for during the civil rights movementmade it possible for someone like me to attend medical school in the United States. It's important to me that we maintain and grow that kind of opportunity for everyone." Weill Cornell Medicine has long been a champion for advancing diversity in the healthcare workforce, having established several programs that expose women, minority and economically disadvantaged college students to educational and career opportunities in medicine and science. The Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program, established in 1969, has reached more than 1,200 pre-medical students who have sought careers as doctors; as of 2015, nearly 83 percent of participants went on to gain admission to medical school. Weill Cornell Medicine's Advancing Cornell Career Experiences for Science Students (ACCESS) and Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program are each celebrating 25-year anniversaries this year and serve as pipelines into doctorate and joint medical-doctorate degrees. ACCESS has 216 alumni; Gateways has 309. To build off this momentum, Dr. Choi in the past year has launched numerous initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion campus-wide. Among them is the newly established Diversity Week, an annual event to showcase cutting-edge academics and initiatives focused on enhancing diversity and reducing healthcare disparities at Weill Cornell Medicine and nationwide. Dr. Ibrahim participated in the inaugural event last April, which featured more than 25 activities, from grand rounds to workshops. Dr. Choi also established the Dean's Diversity and Healthcare Disparity Research Awards, which provide funding to investigators whose work seeks to improve the health of women and underrepresented minorities and achieve health equity both locally and globally; and the Dean's Diversity Scholarships, which annually award full-tuition scholarships to two medical students from groups underrepresented in medicine who have financial need. Dr. Ibrahim and his team in the Office of Diversity and Inclusionwhich includes Associate Deans of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Linnie Golightly and Dr. Rache Simmons, and Assistant Deans of Diversity and Student Life Dr. Marcus Lambert and Dr. Elizabeth Wilson-Ansteywill strive to enhance these initiatives. They will unify other diversity programs throughout the institution to maximize their overall impact and enable continuous evaluation of their success. These efforts will lay the groundwork for attracting and developing a new cadre of diverse faculty members who are committed to the same institutional ideals. In collaboration with the institution's new Mentoring Academy and the Diversity Center of Excellencewhich operates under the auspices of the Cornell Center for Health Equitythe office will seek to nurture minority and female talent at all career levels through mentorship and other activities. Diversity leaders will also strive to increase the representation of women faculty at higher academic ranks and in leadership positions. Just as important is further promoting a diverse student body, whose range of perspectives is essential to fostering scientific innovation and eliminating health disparities to ensure that everyone has access to the best patient care. Nearly 20 percent of medical students at Weill Cornell Medical College hail from communities underrepresented in medicine. Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences has also strengthened diversity efforts, with an average of 25 percent of domestic doctoral students from communities underrepresented in science. "We want our physicians, researchers and trainees to be representative of the populations we serve, so patients see us as a reflection of who they are," said Dr. Ibrahim, who also serves as the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research's vice chair for development and strategy. "Our diversity initiatives will help us achieve that goal and position us as a leader in the healthcare industry, while also enriching the experiences of our academic community." About Dr. Said Ibrahim Dr. Ibrahim is a National Institutes of Health-funded clinician-investigator whose research focuses on unequal healthcare access and quality among minority and other underserved communities. He previously led a research program that studied racial variations in the use of surgical care and identified the lower preference for surgery among minority patients as a key reason for this disparity. His research has informed national policy and led to more than 130 peer-reviewed publications in top journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association and Annals of Internal Medicine. He has received the Harold Amos Faculty Development Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and both entry level and advanced level VA Health Services Research and Career Development Awards. Dr. Ibrahim has also served as a council member of the NIH's National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities. Dr. Ibrahim received his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He later attended the Clinical Effectiveness Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he also earned a master's degree in public health, then received a master's degree in business administration from MIT Sloan School of Management. He served as a faculty member at Case Western from 1996-2001 and at the University of Pittsburgh from 2001-2010, when he was appointed professor of medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and chief of medicine at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. For 20 years, Dr. Ibrahim provided primary care to American veterans who receive care in the VA Healthcare System, one of the most important safety-net systems in the nation. In 2012, Dr. Ibrahim became co-director of the Department of Veteran Affairs' National Center of Innovation for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), a position he retained until he was recruited to Weill Cornell Medicine in February 2018 as the inaugural chief of the Division of Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research. As chief, Dr. Ibrahim is building a health service research team whose mission is to study how technology and care innovations can be leveraged to advance not only healthcare efficiency and quality, but also equity. Weill Cornell Medicine Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery and the education of future physicians in New York City and around the world. The doctors and scientists of Weill Cornell Medicine faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Weill Cornell Physician Organizationare engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side's scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine's powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar offers a Cornell University medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria and Turkey. Weill Cornell Medicine faculty provide comprehensive patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Weill Cornell Medicine is also affiliated with Houston Methodist. For more information, visit weill.cornell.edu. SOURCE Weill Cornell Medicine Related Links https://weill.cornell.edu SHANGHAI, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Endura Technologies (International) Ltd. a leader in power management and smart audio solutions disrupting the mobile, server, and IOT markets today announced a commercial partnership with UNISOC (formerly Spreadtrum Communications) to deliver power, performance, and area improvements in the 12nm and 7nm advanced process nodes. This marks Endura's dedication and commitment to the China market having identified UNISOC to be the best partner to jointly pursue and increase competitiveness of China product manufacturers who adopt the improved and differentiated UNISOC products. Endura and UNISOC have initiated their partnership by incorporating eTC into next generation chipsets and by jointly working with sVR to improve the performance and BOM costs of UNISOC products. Endura is proud to announce that latest high-end product offerings from UNISOC will include Endura's innovative power technologies. Endura's eVR, sVR, and eTC solutions provide unprecedented reduction in bill of material and power usage, while also increasing performance. Endura's technology will provide UNISOC with a competitive advantage in the advanced FinFET nodes through superior performance and increased battery life in a compact solution. UNISOC, a leader in the Asia market, looks forward to using Endura's technology as it enables higher maximum frequency with reduced supply voltage improving power and performance at the transistor level through sub-nanosecond supply transient control. Endura's comprehensive platform solutions from battery to on-chip power mesh reduces component size enabling compact distributed power optimization, giving UNISOC a competitive edge with high-tier smartphones and 5G customers. Endura is proud to be partnered with UNISOC, such a large and substantial player in the market, and is committed to growing their product offerings to a broader market by offering them disruptive custom products. "We are pleased to work with Endura as its innovative and customized solutions enhance the performance of various SoC platforms from UNISOC. Power management has always been a vital factor to evaluate chipset performance, and we are confident to say that through our cooperation with Endura, progress has been made on increasing the competitiveness of our products on the market," said Mr. John Rowland, SVP, UNISOC. Endura's CEO, Dr. Taner Dosluoglu, was quoted saying, "We are very excited to start our operations in China and contribute to the success of much wider effort to increase global competitiveness of the China Semiconductor Industry. Together with UNISOC, we will introduce best-in-class power management solutions with differentiated power and performance benefits as well as provide area and cost advantages at the same time. This partnership will enhance our ability to disrupt the mobile electronics industry with a paradigm shift in performance versus area and cost." About UNISOC As a core subsidiary of Tsinghua Unigroup, UNISOC is a leading fabless semiconductor company committed to the independent R&D of core chipsets in mobile communications and IoT. Its products cover mobile chipset platforms supporting 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G communication standards, RF chipsets, wireless connection chipsets, security chipsets, TV chipsets, and image sensor chipsets. With more than 4,500 staff, 14 R&D centers and 8 customer support centers around the world (as of Oct 2018), UNISOC has been one of the top 3 mobile baseband chipset suppliers in the world, the largest pan-chip provider in China, and the leading 5G communications chipset design company in China. About Endura Technologies Endura Technologies (International) Ltd, with headquarters in Shanghai, China, is a fabless semiconductor company providing leading edge power management solutions for the microelectronics industry. We have developed patented disruptive system-level solutions for low-power mobile devices in the most advanced process nodes. Our two main focus areas are embedded power management for very demanding system-on-chip (SoC) CPU type applications, as well as stand-alone power management integrated circuits (PMICs). Our audio product line includes MEMS microphone IC delivering 70dB SNR in less than 1mW power consumption and integrated Cognitive Intelligent Audio and smart speaker drivers for the low impedance coil speakers as well as high voltage piezo electric speakers delivering low distortion high power high fidelity solutions in ultra-compact size. Endura Technologies is a portfolio company of the Bridgewest Group. About Bridgewest Group Bridgewest Group, a closely held investment company which specializes in biotech, wireless communications, infrastructure for "internet of things," semiconductor, and real estate is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has operations across the USA, Europe and Asia. Primarily investing at the seed stage, Bridgewest creates long-term value through the application of superior industry knowledge, operational expertise, and unwavering integrity to each opportunity. Over three decades of history, established success in innovation has prepared them and their portfolio to be leaders in the global community. The Group has been able to nurture entrepreneurs' ideas from design to global solutions repeatedly. Bridgewest Group's accomplishments have been recognized internationally and our founders have been acclaimed as leaders and pioneers in the investment community by disrupting industries through innovation and leading-edge management methods. The Bridgewest Group has built a world class team of experienced professionals and is an opportunistic investor, creating long-term value through flexible hands-on mentoring and guidance. SOURCE Endura Technologies (International) Ltd. DALLAS, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. (together with its affiliates "Highland") is pleased to announce its support for a series of changes to the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Leveraged Loans Index ("LLI" or the "Index") set forth by IHS Markit. The changes will impact the Highland/iBoxx Senior Loan ETF (Ticker: SNLN), which seeks to track the investment results that correspond to LLI performance. The changes are a product of the iBoxx USD Loans Annual Index Review process, which concluded earlier this month. The changes introduce new elements to the LLI methodology, including: the introduction of a weekly cash reinvestment process, which addresses cash in the Index from restructured and/or paid down loans intra-month, providing a system for reinvesting that cash into the next eligible loan(s); and the introduction of a loans substitution process, which provides the ability to substitute a restructured loan with a replacement loan from the same issuer. More details on these updates can be found on the IHS Markit website. Highland supports the changes and believes they ensure the Indexand in turn, the firm's senior loan ETF, SNLNrepresents current loan market dynamics. Enhancing the Index's ability to replicate loan market operations provides cost efficiencies and creates more precise loan market exposure, which are positive developments for Index users. "For a passively-managed fund, index construction and methodology are key," said Highland/iBoxx Senior Loan ETF co-portfolio manager Taylor Ridgely. "Enhancing some of the structural features of the Index results in exposure that better reflects the realities of the underlying loan market. In turn, this strengthens Highland's ability to provide strategic, low-cost access to the most liquid part of the loan market in an efficient vehicle via SNLN." Highland, along with other market participants, served on an advisory committee that evaluated the proposed amendments, which were ultimately approved for implementation by IHS Markit following its index review process. Not only does Highland use the Index for its senior loan ETF, SNLN, but the firm is also a long-standing investor in the loan market. A significant portion of Highland's multibillion-dollar investment platform is comprised of loan investments spanning multiple fund structures and strategies. The changes are expected to take effect in 2019. A separate announcement will be made ahead of implementation. About Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. is the retail arm of Highland Capital Management, L.P., a multibillion-dollar global alternative investment manager founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada. A pioneer in the leveraged loan market, the firm has evolved over 25 years, building on its credit expertise and value-based approach to expand into other asset classes. Today, Highland operates a diverse investment platform, serving both institutional and retail investors worldwide. In addition to high yield credit, Highland's investment capabilities include public equities, real estate, private equity and special situations, structured credit, and sector- and region-specific verticals built round specialized teams. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and maintains offices in New York, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, and Seoul. For more information visit www.highlandfunds.com. Before investing, you should carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For a copy of a prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, please visit our website at www.highlandfunds.com or call 1-877-665-1287. Please read the fund prospectus carefully before investing. Statements in this communication may include forward-looking information and/or may be based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements and other views or opinions expressed herein are made as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated and there is no guarantee that any particular outcome will come to pass. The statements made herein are subject to change at any time. Highland disclaims any obligation to update or revise any statements or views expressed herein. MEDIA CONTACT: Lucy Bannon | 1-972-419-6272 | [email protected] SOURCE Highland Capital Management Fund Advisors, L.P. Related Links http://www.highlandfunds.com PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey (HRET), an affiliate of the New Jersey Hospital Association, has been awarded a $375,000 federal grant to address mental healthcare issues in the veterans, armed forces and military family community. The grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), $125,000 every year for three years, will be used to meet three goals: increase understanding of mental illness among the military community; improve the capacity to de-escalate crisis situations; and expand access to mental health services by training peers and providers on the unique needs of veterans, service members and their families. "We have the obligation to do the right thing on behalf of the men and women and families that serve our nation," said Cathy Bennett, president and CEO of NJHA. "This grant affords us the ability to do the right thing, which is to use proven tools to address the ongoing mental health and substance use disorder crisis among the military community." For veterans especially, mental health issues and substance use disorder are more prevalent, more pronounced and more likely to go untreated. Between 36.9 and 50.2 percent of war veterans in the Veterans Administration healthcare system receive a mental disorder diagnosis, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Fewer than 50 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment. Additionally, roughly 11 percent of veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day. One of the goals of the program is to train seven teams comprised of one veteran and one mental health professional to provide Mental Health First Aid training to veterans, their family members, caregivers and healthcare providers. The seven teams will complete a five-day instructor training with a Master Trainer from the National Council for Behavioral Health. HRET will work closely with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), which has trained more than 10,000 people across a broad spectrum of communities in Mental Health First Aid in the last five years. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based practice, recognized as a low-cost, high-impact program that generates community awareness and support. It does not train people to diagnose or treat mental illness rather it provides essential tools for recognizing and having confidence to support a person experiencing symptoms of mental illness. "The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is looking forward to partnering with the New Jersey Hospital Association to provide Mental Health First Aid training to benefit our nations veterans," said Ruth Kaluski, director of Mental Health First Aid for MHANJ. "Under this initiative we will be able to provide an evidenced based curriculum to ensure that veterans, family members and service providers are as aware of the mental health issues veterans may face as they are of the physical challenges." The train-the-trainer model is being used to maximize the number of individuals trained in the three years of the project. An expected 1,260 people will be trained by the end of the project. The grant will also fund: the development of a referral mechanism to connect social service networks, mental health providers and those in need of care, and continuing education to the trainees and other healthcare providers on the unique needs of the military population. "This opportunity to provide tools for crisis de-escalation and real-time, effective support for New Jersey's military community will make a difference in lives across the state," said Mary Ditri, DHA, director of professional practice at NJHA and project director for the new grant. Activities under this grant will build on several previous grant-funded initiatives both organizations have undertaken to support the veteran community. NJHA first employed veterans as health insurance enrollment counselors in 2013 under a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Most recently, these Veteran Navigators educated more than 14,000 veterans, military families and healthcare providers on mental health issues and were able to refer more than 1,100 veterans and military families to healthcare providers. (Learn more here: http://www.njha.com/pressroom/2018-press-releases/nov-12-2018-njha-veteran-navigators-reach-more-than-34000-individuals-in-three-years/) "MHANJ has a long-term commitment to serve the needs of our New Jersey's veterans, and this initiative with the NJHA brings together two experienced organizations to positively impact on the mental health of our veterans," said Robert Kley, chief operating officer and vice president of the MHANJ. SOURCE New Jersey Hospital Association Related Links http://www.njha.com BEIJING, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Huami Corporation (NYSE: HMI), a biometric and activity data-driven company with significant expertise in smart wearable technology, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Timex Group, a global leader in watchmaking for more than 160 years. Together, the companies will explore opportunities to develop new products and increase global presence in the smart wearables marketplace, pairing Timex's longstanding expertise as watchmakers with Huami's cutting edge artificial intelligence technology, App design and manufacturing capabilities, to develop a new generation of smart watches that deliver on performance, style, craftsmanship and price. The deal is set to optimize both company's global market share including both mature markets (U.S., Europe etc.) and emerging markets (China, Southeast Asia etc.). In addition, the companies expect to explore and develop value-added services including e-payment, weight management, sports, fitness, and health care related services for users by leveraging Huami's cloud service platform and AI Technology, and Timex's unrivaled vertical integration capabilities in watchmaking. "We are excited about the opportunities this Agreement provides, especially the ability to leverage Timex's developed channels to gain deeper access to the U.S. and other mature markets," said Wang Huang, Chairman and CEO of Huami Corporation. "Together, we will work to develop business models to promote, market and distribute smart watches to our combined customer base, and expect to leverage each company's distribution strengths across the global market while benefiting from established online and offline channels. This is an important strategic alliance, which will further allow us to provide products and cloud based services to our global users." "Together with Huami, we will bring forth a new generation of smart watches set to disrupt the category. We bring world class product development and manufacturing capabilities in our respective fields and poised to create new products and services that provide users of smart wearables convenient access to valuable data and beneficial connections to the world around them," added Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, President and CEO, Timex Group. "With the deep-rooted product development and craftsmanship capabilities of Timex along with Huami's enhanced sports, healthcare and AI technology, we have the opportunity to bring cutting edge wearable technology to consumers around the world." About Huami Corporation Huami is a biometric and activity data-driven company with significant expertise in smart wearable technology. Since its inception in 2013, Huami has quickly established its global market leadership and recognition by shipping millions of units of smart wearable devices. In 2017, Huami shipped 18.1 million units of smart wearable devices. Huami has one of the largest biometric and activity databases in the global smart wearables industry. Huami's mobile apps work hand in hand with its smart wearable devices and provide users with a comprehensive view and analysis of their biometric and activity data. In addition to designing, manufacturing and selling smart bands and watches under its own Amazfit brand, Huami is the sole partner of Xiaomi, a leading mobile internet company and global consumer electronics brand, to design and manufacture Xiaomi-branded smart bands, watches (excluding children watches and quartz watches), scales and associated accessories. For more information, please visit http://ir.huami.com. About TIMEX Group Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces around the world. Timex Group is a privately-held company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut with multiple operating units and over 3,000 employees worldwide. As one of the largest watch makers in the world, Timex Group companies produce watches under a number of well-known brands, including Timex, Nautica, Guess, GC, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Versus and Ted Baker. Join Timex on social media: @timex For more information, please visit http://timexgroup.com. Safe Harbor Statement 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," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the cooperation with Xiaomi, the recognition of the Company's self-branded products; the Company's growth strategies; trends and competition in global wearable technology market; changes in the Company's revenues and certain cost or expense accounting policies; governmental policies relating to the Company's industry and general economic conditions in China and the global. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company'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 the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Huami Corporation Grace Yujia Zhang Tel: +86-10-5940-3255 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Ross Warner Tel: +86-10-5730-6201 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] Timex Michelle Prins Tel: +1-203-346-5650 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Huami Corporation CLEVELAND, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is pleased to announce the launch of Hunger Network Food Rescue an app that will address the disconnect between food that is wasted and those who are hungry in our community. Did you know 40% of America's food goes to waste while 1 in 5 people face hunger every day right here in Cuyahoga County? The Hunger Network Food Rescue is using the ride-share business model to transform the fight against hunger. "Hunger Network has served the region for 40 years, providing nearly 4 million meals each year," says Jennifer Scofield, Hunger Network CEO. "Hunger Network Food Rescue offers an opportunity for everyone to take part in ending hunger. Through this, we can ensure that the good food we have feeds people, not landfills." Giant Eagle, the region's largest grocer, has committed to working with Hunger Network Food Rescue to transfer grocery items from their stores directly to organizations that serve families in need. This effort also builds on the work that Hunger Network has launched with Perfectly Imperfect Produce a partnership to reduce food waste throughout Cleveland launched in 2016. "We are very excited to see Food Rescue and the foundation we built with Giant Eagle in Pittsburgh expand to Cleveland," says Leah Lizarondo, founder of Food Rescue Hero. "Very few actually understand that the important bottleneck to recovering food at retail locations is truly transportation. This is a job for all of us -- it takes only a little bit of time, we have a vehicle and a simple act truly contributes to help end hunger." Food Rescue Hero sends push notifications to volunteer drivers and lets users view nearby "rescue" opportunities. The built-in navigation, delivery verification, and social media tools guide food rescue heroes step-by-step through their rescue. Join us as we celebrate the Cleveland launch of HN Food Rescue. WHO: Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland WHAT: Hunger Network Food Rescue WHEN: November 30, 2018 at 2:30 pm WHERE: St. Vincent DePaul at Near West Food and Family Center, 3606 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland For more information, please visit: www.HNFoodRescue.org CONTACT: Alexa Guarino, (216) 619-8155 x 15, [email protected] SOURCE Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland Related Links http://hungernetwork.org NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Real Estate Capital, a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States, announced today it provided two Freddie Mac Small Balance Loans totaling $4 million to refinance two multifamily properties located in El Paso, Texas. The borrower is a single asset borrowing entity, Pomajest and Pomajest 2, LLC, a Texas limited liability company that is backed by Vicente Rodarte. The Freddie Mac Small Balance Loans are structured as 10-year fixed rate loans with 30-year amortization schedules. Both properties were acquired by the borrower in 2010. "The borrower is a new Hunt Real Estate Capital and Freddie Mac customer, but he has been involved in the investment and management of real estate properties since 1998, and has eight years of experience with multifamily properties," noted Steve Beltran, Managing Director of Hunt Real Estate Capital. "Mr. Rodarte and his sons, Vicente Jr., Matthew, Jeffery, and Steven currently own a total of 204 multifamily units and four single-family units, all of which are located within El Paso. Both refinanced properties are successfully self-managed by Mr. Rodarte and his sons." The properties include: Pebble Hills Apartments . Hunt Real Estate Capital provided a $2.8 million loan to refinance Pebble Hills Apartments, a multifamily property with 104 residential units. Located at 10865 Edgemere Blvd., the community was built in 1978, and is situated on a 4.88-acre site. The property has a unit mix of 32 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments and 72 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Pebble Hills Apartments is 98% occupied and property amenities include a swimming pool, playground, clubhouse, and common laundry. . Hunt Real Estate Capital provided a loan to refinance Pebble Hills Apartments, a multifamily property with 104 residential units. Located at 10865 Edgemere Blvd., the community was built in 1978, and is situated on a 4.88-acre site. The property has a unit mix of 32 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments and 72 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Pebble Hills Apartments is 98% occupied and property amenities include a swimming pool, playground, clubhouse, and common laundry. The Veranda Apartments. Hunt Real Estate Capital provided a loan in the amount of $1.2 million to refinance The Veranda Apartments, a 64-unit residential complex located at 9800 Montana Ave. The property was built in 1969, is situated on a 2.56-acre site, and is 97% occupied. The Veranda Apartments has a unit mix of 32 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments and 32 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Property amenities include a swimming pool and common laundry. "Both of these properties are located within close proximity of one another and have been operated well by the sponsors," added Beltran. "We were happy that we could provide a competitive loan facility to refinance them for a quality first-time Hunt Real Estate Capital borrower." About Hunt Real Estate Capital Hunt Real Estate Capital, part of Hunt Companies, Inc., is a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States. The Company finances all types of commercial real estate: multifamily properties (including small balance), affordable housing, office, retail, manufactured housing, healthcare/senior living, industrial, and self-storage facilities. It offers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA financing and its own Proprietary loan products. Since inception, the Company has structured more than $27 billion of loans and today maintains a servicing portfolio of more than $15 billion. Headquartered in New York City, Hunt Real Estate Capital has 241 professionals in 25 locations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit https://huntrealestatecapital.com/. MEDIA CONTACTS Brent Feigenbaum Hunt Real Estate Capital 212-317-5730 [email protected] Pam Flores 773-218-9260 [email protected] SOURCE Hunt Real Estate Capital Related Links https://huntrealestatecapital.com On the day Lily's adoption was being finalized, the agency called the Beauchenes and told them that Lily's biological mother was about to give birth to another daughter, who would immediately be placed into foster care. So they asked if the couple would adopt her, too. Without hesitation, the Beauchenes said "Yes." Lily and her new sister, Lucy, would be able to grow up together. This was not the last twist of fate for this unexpectedly-growing family. After watching a local news story on a young girl in foster care who needed a liver transplant, Michelle Beauchene remarked on the child's strong resemblance to Lily. And there was good reason: the girl in the segment, Jamie, was Lily's older sisterand she had a brother, Jeremiah, also in foster care. Jamie received her transplant from a living donor, and the Beauchenes worked with the adoption agency to unite her and Jeremiah with Lily and Lucy. On November 2, Jeremiah and Jamie, who chose new legal names, London and Brooklyn, officially became members of the Beauchene family and joined their siblings. The Beauchenes' compelling story was featured on Good Morning America on November 6; you can watch the full segment here. When approached by GMA producers with the opportunity to help the Beauchenes as they begin this new, unexpected life as an expanded family, Hyundai eagerly pitched in. "We were profoundly moved by the Beauchenes' story," said Dean Evans, chief marketing officer of Hyundai Motor America. "Michelle and Don didn't hesitate when blessed with the unique opportunity to welcome these children into their family and unite them under one loving roof. We didn't hesitate when we got the chance to show our appreciation for what they've done." The Beauchenes will be the first family in America to receive the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade eight-passenger SUV, courtesy of Hyundai Motor America. To commemorate the special moment on GMA, the Beauchenes were presented with a vehicle key in studio and shown an image of the Hyundai Grandmaster concept, which previewed the Palisade's premium styling. This week, the Beauchenes were guests of Hyundai Motor America at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show to witness the Palisade's global debut and get a closer look at the vehicle due to arrive in their driveway this summer. "We're so pleased that Michelle and Don were able to join us here in LA," Evans said. "We hope their new Palisade takes them and the kids on many new adventures and helps them forge some great and lasting family memories. It's our privilege to be a small part of that." HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assuranceour promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide, with the majority sold in the U.S. built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Please visit our media website at www.HyundaiNews.com Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Related Links http://www.hyundainews.com INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has been selected by Citizens Energy Group (Citizens) to enhance the company's customer service experience. As part of this engagement, Citizens will transform its customer service by leveraging 'Infosys Preconfigured Accelerator for Customer Experience (PACE)', an industry leading framework tuned for Oracle Utilities Customer to Meter (C2M) platform. Infosys is a Platinum level member of the Oracle PartnerNework (OPN). (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jp ) Citizens will replace its current Customer Information Systems (CIS) with Oracle Utilities C2M, an offering that combines market-leading CIS and meter data management capabilities in one complete solution. Being delivered using Infosys PACE, this implementation will modernize Citizens customer services, self-service and meter data management processes. The implementation will be one of the first Oracle Utilities C2M based customer service transformations in the world and will provide new tools and processes to improve customer satisfaction, while helping increase employee productivity and efficiency. Infosys will deliver this transformation through the Infosys Innovation Hub in Indianapolis. Sudip Singh, Senior Vice President and Industry Head - Services, Utilities, Resources, Energy, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with Citizens Energy Group in their customer service transformation journey. Infosys PACE with the Oracle Utilities C2M platform is a thoughtfully designed solution that offers the flexibility, nimbleness and cost-effectiveness needed to help Citizens Energy Group navigate their transformation journey seamlessly." Curtis Popp, Vice President of Customer Operations at Citizens Energy Group, said, "At Citizens Energy Group, we're excited to be working with Infosys and Oracle to implement a new CIS and accomplish our strategic goals, including improved customer satisfaction and employee engagement. The experience and expertise of Infosys employees is paramount to the success of this complex project." Rodger Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Utilities, said, "It is critical that utilities begin to move towards a more customer-centric grid model and to get there they need a modern CIS system to deliver seamless user experiences. With Oracle and Infosys, Citizens has the technology and know-how to transform their approach to customer service." About Citizens Energy Group Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 800,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities only for the benefit of customers and the community. Additional information is available online at http://www.CitizensEnergyGroup.com - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube About Oracle PartnerNetwork Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) Specialized is the latest version of Oracle's partner program that provides partners with tools to better develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions. OPN Specialized offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracle products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle's growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to differentiate through Specializations. Specializations are achieved through competency development, business results, expertise and proven success. To find out more visit http://www.oracle.com/partners. Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. 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, 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 SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovaccer Inc., the leading San Francisco-based healthcare data platform company, announced today that Phil Fasano, MBA has joined its Strategic Advisory Council. Mr. Fasano, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Kaiser Permanente, is a sought-after Fortune 100 C-Level strategist, with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and financial services sectors. Innovaccer Mr. Fasano is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Bay Advisors LLC. In this role, he provides guidance to large healthcare systems and startups on how to create and market technologies that increase patient centeredness and drive profitability. With his unique combination of knowledge and experience, Mr. Fasano will be instrumental in helping Innovaccer drive revolutionary changes in healthcare. Mr. Fasano spent 8 years as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Information Officer at Kaiser Permanente, where he inspired the clarity of vision required to fund and implement the nation's most extensive connected care network. During this time, he drove a successful turnaround of technology capabilities and provided leadership for strategic marketing, company vision/ strategy, and innovation. During Mr. Fasano's tenure, Kaiser received numerous quality and technology awards, including multiple Continuous Availability Awards from Uptime Institute, four consecutive years for 100 Best Places to Work in IT from Computerworld, as well as the coveted HIMSS Davies Award, (the top award for healthcare IT excellence across all aspects of care delivery). "Innovaccer is one of the only companies I've seen that solves the interoperability problem in healthcare. By doing this, they are not only connecting stakeholders, but they are fulfilling the urgent need for Real Time healthcare," said Mr. Fasano. "Their proprietary technology for integrating and democratizing data also provides the foundation for artificial intelligence and automation we've been missing in healthcare for decades." Fasano is the author of Transforming Health Care: The Financial Impact of Technology, Electronic Tools, and Data Mining (2013, John Wiley & Sons), a futurist perspective on how technology is impacting the healthcare industry and what it will mean for future investors and entrepreneurs. Following his time at Kaiser, Mr. Fasano was the first EVP and Global CIO at the Fortune 100 global insurance company American International Group (AIG). While there he guided technology strategy, capabilities, and operations for more than 65,000 employees across 120 countries. "It is an honor to have a profound healthcare and technology executive such as Phil Fasano on the Innovaccer team," says Abhinav Shashank, CEO at Innovaccer Inc. "He brings over 20 years of deep experience in healthcare and financial technology, and corporate leadership skills. He will be a great asset for the company as we scale and move closer to our mission of driving the healthcare revolution with data." About Innovaccer Innovaccer Inc. is a leading healthcare data platform company focused on delivering more efficient and effective healthcare by combining pioneering analytics with transparent, and accurate data. Innovaccer's aim is to simplify complex data from all points of care, streamline the information, and help organizations realize strategic goals based on key insights and predictions from their data. Its products have been deployed across more than 500 locations with over 10,000 providers leveraging it at institutions, governmental organizations, and several corporate enterprises such as Mercy ACO, StratiFi Health, UniNet Healthcare Network, Catalyst Health Network, Hartford Healthcare, and Osler Health Network. Innovaccer is based in San Francisco with offices around the United States and Asia. For more information, please visit innovaccer.com. Press Contact Sachin Saxena Innovaccer Inc 213-618-3678 Related Links Innovaccer SOURCE Innovaccer Related Links http://www.innovaccer.com FAREHAM, England, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Car makers faced with continual changes in safety, emissions and fuel-economy requirements now see a host of new electric- and autonomous-vehicle requirements on the horizon. InterRegs, the world's leading provider of regulatory information for automakers and their suppliers, currently has more than 16,000 regulatory documents in its database. Placed end-to-end, those documents would stretch more than 130 kilometers or the length of 28,000 family-sized cars. "We annually see a 30-percent change in the existing regulatory documents we have on file," says Charles Wright, the company's technical director. "We also expect to see considerable growth in the actual number of documents in our library over the next 10 years." Continually changing safety, emissions and fuel-economy requirements plus a host of new electric- , connected- and autonomous-vehicle regulations will test the auto industry in future years, Wright predicts. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018, InterRegs serves more than 500 companies around the world, including eight of the 10 largest automakers. To help new and existing customers stay up to date with a rapidly changing regulatory environment, the company offers a variety of webinars on client- and segment-specific topics. During the company's anniversary year, Wright and other InterRegs executives have visited clients in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region to further discuss regulatory challenges. "We have already seen a number of new electric- and autonomous-specific regulations," he notes. "Crash-test requirements, for example, have been amended to cover specific safety issues for the high-voltage electrical systems fitted to electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. Steering-system regulations in Europe have recently been amended to cover automatically controlled steering functions as well." In the United States, Arizona, California and Maryland have taken a leading role in developing a regulatory roadmap for autonomous vehicles with federal requirements expected to follow. Along with the United States, China and Europe are expected to lead in the development of these new legal requirements. InterRegs' customer base today is expanding with the addition of a number of high-tech companies and manufacturers, including several English and U.S. technology companies involved in electric, hybrid-electric and autonomous-vehicle programs that are preparing to launch new vehicles. Michigan-based companies such as General Motors and Lear were among the first to take advantage of InterRegs data, while Ford recently was recognized as the company's very first customer in the 1960s. "Today our database contains more than 8.2 million words related to regulatory information," Wright points out. "Along with the rapid change and growth in vehicle regulations around the world, we've also seen a growing need for help in accessing and using the huge amount of material currently available." Once provided in bulky loose-leaf binders, regulatory information from InterRegs today is made available through InterRegs.NET, an online subscription service. InterRegs also provides its current and prospective customers with a variety of InterRegs.NET webinars tailored to each company's specific areas of interest. "Our webinars and on-site customer visits provide us with an opportunity to update our clients on InterRegs.NET's capabilities and to anticipate their future needs," Wright explains. "Over the years we've gained a reputation for providing our customers with clear, comprehensive, accurate and accessible information." "This type of service will become increasingly important as emissions and safety regulations are adopted to cover new generations of electric, connected and autonomous vehicles." Additional information about InterRegs subscription services is available at www.interregs.com. SOURCE InterRegs Related Links http://www.interregs.com SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bay Area music group 23rd Hour has announced that sales from its newly released holiday album "Let A Day Together Be Christmas" are being donated to the Salvation Army's relief efforts in Butte County, California. The new album from the duo, comprised of partners George Paolini and Sherry-Lynn Lee, has been in the works for over a year. The decision to donate the proceeds, they say, was not difficult. "Paradise has special meaning for my family," says Paolini. "My father used to live in this area, and the school and house in which my younger brother grew up have all been destroyed." "The holiday season is about giving. It wouldn't be a true Christmas release if we didn't use it to help this community in need that is so dear to our family's heart," adds Lee. This is not the first philanthropic effort for the couple, who previously donated proceeds to the Redwood City Education Foundation in 2017. The 9-track album includes new holiday songs and classics in a light acoustic style. It is available for download at 23rdhr.com/christmas for as little as $5.20. Revenue from all orders made through the website until Jan 1, 2019 will be donated to Salvation Army's "Care for Camp" initiative. 23rd Hour is a jazz-pop duo from the San Francisco Bay Area producing original music for film, TV and advertising. The band's debut album "Perfect Strangers" reached #10 on the iTunes jazz charts in 2017. The pair has gained recognition for their blend of Paolini's traditional jazz guitar with Lee's smooth, expressive voice. (Think James Taylor meets Colbie Caillat.) Contact: George Paolini [email protected] 408-504-0509 Other materials: Website & link to contribute: 23rdhr.com/christmas Band photo: bit.ly/23rdHrPhoto2018 Album artwork: bit.ly/artworkLADTBC Social links: twitter.com/twentythirdhour instagram.com/twentythirdhour facebook.com/23rdhr SOURCE 23rd Hour Related Links http://23rdhr.com NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kryon, a leading robotic process automation (RPA) solution provider known for its unmatched technology for quickly identifying and automating business processes, and IRPA AI, the first and largest association dedicated to RPA and Artificial intelligence education, implementation and networking today announced a partnership to leverage Kryon's process discovery technology to help fuel its process lead automation whereby Kyron's process discovery technology will help fuel IRPA AIs process lead automation services and related initiatives launching in 2019. IRPA AI members are beginning to realize that just throwing technology at a process does not deliver anywhere near the optimal efficiencies they are seeking. An effective approach is one that leads with process discovery, baselining and KPI development. IRPA AI's Process Lead Automation service offering allows leaders to quickly, accurately and cost effectively assess where they are today and define a pragmatic path forward. The combination of IRPA AI's expertise and methodology and Kryon's Process Discovery delivers a comprehensive service to our members and non-members alike. Working with its community members, IRPA AI will co-market both Kryon's process-led technology solutions the only solution created by an RPA provider that automatically identifies a company's automatable processes, evaluates them and recommends which ones to automate. Kryon's customers and IRPA AI's members will benefit from the partnership's intersection of thought leadership and innovation, as new ideas are shared, and powerful technologies are introduced to address current and future business imperatives. This partnership is especially (promising because a significant portion of companies' automation potential currently goes unnoticed and unrealized a problem addressed by Kryon Process Discovery. In addition to automatically identifying, evaluating and recommending processes suited for automation, this solution creates fully functional workflows enabling robots to perform each identified process. Companies using Kryon Process Discovery have been able to implement RPA five times faster than the industry average, saving valuable time and money. "Our members are always seeking new and innovative approaches to automation and ways to achieve greater efficiencies through emerging and disruptive technologies," said Rohail Khan, President of DEX IRPA AI's Global Digital Solutions Exchange. "I am excited to collaborate with Kryon and help us educate our global community in areas like Process Led Automation where we know many of them are beginning the journey and are looking for guidance and expertise. Many of our early adopter clients are also struggling to achieve their targeted ROI, as there are innovative market solutions coupled with more holistic approaches that drive better results." Research at IRPA AI's recent Intelligent Automation Innovation conference in London underscored the extent to which businesses struggle to determine the most promising processes. More than 60% of those surveyed, claimed that a manual approach to identifying processes for automation has caused a bottleneck. Additionally, almost 80% stated it to be "likely" or "very likely" that within the next 12 months they will implement evidence-based tools like Process Discovery to identify and select processes for automation. "As RPA advances rapidly and its scope is revolutionized by Kryon Process Discovery, our team is eager to educate and collaborate with key business leaders in the market," said Harel Tayeb, Kryon CEO. "With a global ecosystem, IRPA AI provides an expansive community of professionals who wish to learn, evaluate, connect and transact with today's most innovative business technologies, we are excited about the opportunities that our partnership will generate for our worldwide customer base." About Kryon Kryon is a leader in enterprise automation, offering the only platform on the market which encompasses both Process Discovery and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This end-to-end solution maximizes ROI and cuts implementation time by 80%. Powered by proprietary AI technology, Kryon Process Discovery automatically generates a comprehensive picture of business processes, evaluates them and recommends which ones to automate. Kryon offers desktop-based RPA, virtual-machine-based RPA or a hybrid combination of both. The company's award-winning platform is used by enterprises worldwide, including AIG, Allianz, American Express, AT&T, Ernst & Young, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, HP, Microsoft, Santander Bank, Singtel Optus, Verizon and Wyndham Hotel Group. About IRPA AI Founded in 2013, the Institute for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence (IRPA AI) is an independent professional association and knowledge forum for the buyers, sellers, influencers and analysts of robotic process automation, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence. Our global network and advisory services offer leading-edge market intelligence, industry research, sourcing assistance, events as well as offer opportunities to learn and network with stakeholders across service industry functions. To learn more please visit www.irpaai.com. PR Contacts Kryon Chris Thatcher [email protected] IRPA AI Carrie Simon [email protected] SOURCE Kryon Related Links https://www.kryonsystems.com/ KELOWNA, BC, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Liht Cannabis Corp. (CSE: LIHT) (OTCQX: LIHTF) (FSE: 2M0) ("Liht") or the "Company") provides to its shareholders, a progress report on cultivation in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Subsequent to the Company's news releases on November 7th and 20th, 2018, Kurt Keating, Director of Operations and his lead cultivators have successfully transferred hundreds of plants into the first permanent 5,000 sq. ft facility, Building 1. This building will be in flower cycle by December 1st, allowing our first harvest to take place at the end of January. The transfer of plants into our second building is underway and on schedule to be completed by December 5th. We will alternate harvests between buildings five times per year allowing us to produce approximately 1620 pounds of dry flower. We are dedicated to an organic living soil methodology which creates a higher quality, pure cannabis while reducing the cost of production. The Company is committed to the production of organic certified products. Our plants have been propagated from established mother plants using award winning genetics, Lemon Skunk, Skywalker OG, Bubba Kush CBD, Moonshine Ghost Train Haze and Cookies and Cream, Kosher Kush, Amherst Sour Diesel and White Widow. Semi-annually the State of Nevada Department of Taxation establishes Fair Market Value of Wholesale Retail Marijuana. The current median rate for wholesale flower is $2,798 per pound. The Department determines the Fair Market Value at Wholesale of retail marijuana. Pursuant to permanent regulation LCB File No. R092-17, Fair Market Value is defined as, the value established by the Nevada Department of Taxation, based on the price that a buyer would pay to a seller, in an arm's length transaction for marijuana in the wholesale market. To view the current values, visit: https://tax.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/taxnvgov/Content/Forms/Marijuana-Fair-Market-Value-Jul-1-2018.pdf "After months of hard work, we are very excited to reach a major milestone for the company; now that our plants have entered the production cycle, we can look forward to our revenue potential. Our team in North Las Vegas has been working non-stop to get to this point and we look forward to bringing long-awaited value to the company and shareholders!" Kurt Keating, Director of Operations ABOUT LIHT CANNABIS CORP. www.lihtcannabis.com Liht Cannabis Corp. is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Liht has rapidly expanded to include cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: twitter.com facebook.com STOCK EXCHANGES: Liht trades in Canada, ticker symbol LIHT on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol LIHTF on the OTCQX, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE. The Company also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider, the FSE nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Liht owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Liht's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Liht's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Liht's website. Liht has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which includes, the expected outcomes of its business, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, present and future business strategies, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: that laws and regulations may become more onerous; the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing; the economy generally; the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospectus and opportunities; changes in and the effect of government policies; demand for products; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; reliance on management; claims and legal proceedings; conflicts of interest; and market price and volatility of the Common Shares. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, technology failures, failure to obtain a license from Health Canada or from other government agencies, failure to develop new and innovative products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, litigation, global economic climate, loss of key employees and consultants, additional funding requirements, changes in laws, competition, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, nor approved the contents of this news release. SOURCE Liht Cannabis Corporation Related Links http://www.marapharm.com/ This case presented the unique challenge in that Maria Lopez died of Cancer during her first trial, so the trial judge declared a mistrial. Attorneys Carmen Sabater and Jim DeSimone agreed to try the case a second time for her children because the evidence showed that this company acted in conscious disregard of Ms. Lopez' health when they fired their still productive employee knowing she had Cancer. Under California Law, when Ms. Lopez sadly died during her first trial, she lost the ability to obtain compensation for emotional and mental harm. However, the Attorneys at V. James DeSimone Law took this to trial because they did not want this company to get away with this blatant discrimination and punitive damages were warranted. The evidence presented at trial showed that when Ms. Lopez got sick with Cancer, she worked through her chemotherapy. She was the top Los Angeles sales person for The Wheel Group and enjoyed the rapport and relationships she established with customers. But her manager wrote her off. He gave her best accounts to another sales person and stole her sales for himself. Then he fired her because her sales numbers were purportedly down. However, even with this harassment and her illness, she was still the top salesperson. The company didn't even bother to run the numbers. Her sister, who worked for the company as a receptionist, got them from the accounting department and compellingly testified that everyone, including management, knew Maria had Cancer and was the top salesperson. Ms. Lopez' supervisors denied even knowing she had Cancer which the Judge found, on the record, "[i]t would have been funny if it were not so pathetic that [the company's corporate officers] denied knowing that she had Cancer. That is the most laughable, unbelievable thing I've ever seen." (Trial transcript click here ) Based on the evidence, Judge Hammock found these corporate officers acted with "malice, oppression and/or fraud" when they wrongfully terminated Ms. Lopez in violation of public policy. V. James DeSimone, lead trial counsel, stated "the verdict vindicates Maria Lopez and honors the memory of their mom for her children, Carlos, Jennifer and Emily. They know their Mom fought for them even in the face of discrimination." Carmen Sabater, co-trial counsel stated, "this verdict sends a message to companies, treat your disabled employees fairly and with respect and dignity." You can reach the civil rights employment law Attorneys at V. James DeSimone Law at (310) 693-5561 or go to www.VJamesDeSimoneLaw.com SOURCE Attorneys at V. James DeSimone Law Related Links http://www.VJamesDeSimoneLaw.com RENO, Nev., Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthew L. Sharp is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Top Expert Attorney in the field of Law in recognition of his role as an Attorney at The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp. With its inception over fifteen years ago, the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp has devoted their practice to providing quality legal services to those they serve. Lending a compassionate approach, the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp focuses on representing clients in connection with insurance disputes. A sought after legal professional, Matthew L. Sharp is a trial lawyer that has attained over 15 years of experience in the profession. Having represented individuals and businesses injured by the unlawful conduct of others, including negligence, malpractice, and insurance bad faith, Mr. Sharp is revered for his outstanding contributions to the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Sharp has successfully litigated favorable settlements on behalf of clients injured at a subpar medical facility from a large Nevada HMO who has negligently referred patients to the facility (one of the first cases of its kind in the country). As one of the lead lawyers in the 7th largest verdict in the United Stated in 2011, Mr. Sharp has assisted clients in successfully attaining over $100,000,000 in verdicts. As one of the lead appellate lawyers in Reno, Mr. Sharp is an advocate for his clients and is well versed in the areas of health insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, delay or underpayment of claims, failure to defend and more. While pursuing his educational endeavors, Mr. Sharp attended the University of Arizona-James E. Rogers College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. To further enhance his professional development, Mr. Sharp is a distinguished fellow of several prominent organizations including the American Association for Justice Leaders Forum, State Bar of Nevada, and American Association for Justice. In recognition of his professional accolades, Mr. Sharp was recognized by the Nevada Justice Association as Trial Lawyer of The Year in 2011, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and received honorary acknowledgment from Super Lawyers. For more information, please visit https://mattsharplaw.com/. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com DUBLIN, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Middle East & Africa BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market By Component (Software, Security Solution & Service), By Deployment Mode (Cloud Vs On-Premise), By End User Sector (Retail, BFSI & Others), By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Middle East & Africa BYOD & enterprise mobility market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 19% by 2023, on account of rising smartphone and internet penetration as well as surging demand for BYOD & enterprise mobility solutions across various sectors in different countries of the region. Moreover, rising inclination towards workforce mobility across various sectors and increasing digitization in BFSI sector is further boosting Middle East & Africa BYOD & enterprise mobility market. Additionally, increasing risk mitigation coupled with rising demand for data telecommuting, is likely to positively influence Middle East & Africa BYOD & enterprise mobility in the coming years. Middle East & Africa BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market, 2023 discusses the following aspects of BYOD & enterprise mobility market in Middle East and Africa: BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Component (Software, Security Solution & Service), By Deployment Mode (Cloud Vs On-Premise), By End User Sector (Retail, BFSI & Others), By Country Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of BYOD & enterprise mobility in Middle East and Africa and To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, BYOD & enterprise mobility distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major players are IBM Corporation Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Accenture LLP Tata Consultancy Services Infosys Limited Capgemini SE Tech Mahindra Limited Atos SE HCL Technologies Limited NTT Data Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Middle East & Africa BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Landscape 5. Middle East & Africa BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Component (Software, Security Solution & Service) 5.2.1.1. By Component, By Software (Mobile Device Management, Mobile Application Management, Mobile Content Management & Others) 5.2.1.2. By Component, By Security Solution (Device Security, Network Security, Identity Access Management & Others) 5.2.1.3. By Component, By Service (Managed Services & Professional Services) 5.2.2. By Deployment Mode (Cloud & On-Premise) 5.2.3. By End User Sector (Retail, BFSI, Manufacturing, Healthcare & Others) 5.2.4. By Country (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Qatar, Rest of Middle East & Africa) 6. United Arab Emirates (UAE) BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 7. Saudi Arabia BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Outlook 7.1. Market Size & Forecast 7.2. Market Share & Forecast 8. South Africa BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Outlook 8.1. Market Size & Forecast 8.2. Market Share & Forecast 9. Qatar BYOD & Enterprise Mobility Market Outlook 9.1. Market Size & Forecast 9.2. Market Share & Forecast 10. Market Dynamics 10.1. Drivers 10.2. Challenges 11. Market Trends & Developments 12. Competitive Landscape 12.1. Company Profiles 13. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xb4r6d/middle_east_and?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com LEAWOOD, Kan., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ValueHealth, a privately-held nationally trusted healthcare parent company to NueHealth and Muve Health, is pleased to announce the addition of Rod Carbonell as President of Muve Health. As part of ValueHealth's continued advancement as the industry leader, provider platform companies NueHealth and Muve Health are transforming the ambulatory surgery market to value-based care Ambulatory Centers of Excellence and the advancement of Total Joint Replacement surgeries. Rod Carbonell Headshot In his new role with Muve Health, Mr. Carbonell will lead the strategy development and value creation for the company, by overseeing development of new facilities, steering patients into these hyper specialty facilities and negotiating value based bundled contracts for Muve Health partnered facilities. Mr. Carbonell brings to this position more than 21 years of clinical, management and executive experience in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings including hospitals, ASCs and Physician clinics. Before joining ValueHealth, he served as Vice President for HCA's Physician Services Group in their Central and West Texas division where he was responsible for leading clinic operations and physician employment strategies for a large physician multi-specialty network with over 50 locations and 700,000 annual patient visits. Mr. Carbonell helped negotiate and execute merger, acquisition and employment deals for more than 500 physicians. Prior to his role in HCA's Central Texas market, Mr. Carbonell held several business and clinical operations roles with HCA in Louisiana, Mississippi, Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Carbonell began his healthcare career as a Registered Nurse working in operating rooms in community hospitals, academic medical centers and ASCs. As an Operating Room nurse, he was able to experience clinical and operational innovations in some of the nations most admired ASCs and hospitals. Rod has experience working in one of the nation's largest hospital and operating rooms with international patients of the highest acuity where he was responsible for the Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical service operating room service lines. Following his inpatient OR experience, Mr. Carbonell advanced into administrative roles in ASCs with several private ASC operators including NueHealth where he helped integrate several single-specialty ASCs into NueHealth's management and operations platform. Early in his career Rod helped operationalize one of the nation's first ASCs to offer overnight stay capabilities beyond 23-hours for high acuity surgical procedures. "Rod is a welcome addition to the Muve Health team," said Daniel R. Tasset, Vice Chairman of ValueHealth. "Rod's leadership and experience both clinically and in health care administration will position Muve Health for unparalleled growth and operational excellence in the Total Joint Replacement industry." About ValueHealth ValueHealth is the parent company to Muve Health and NueHealth and is a technology-enabled, market-based platform that assists payors and providers in delivering prospective bundle payment arrangements which are an alternative to high-cost fee for service surgical care for their members and patients. ValueHealth's platform affiliates NueHealth, Muve Health, Benefit Management, Healthcare RE, and ValueHealth Transformation Center uniquely position the platform to deliver high value surgical care for payors, providers and patients. ValueHealth redefines what it means to be a healthcare network. ValueHealth's Ambulatory Centers of ExcellenceTM (ACE) network platform facilitates new levels of accessibility, alignment, risk readiness and consumer transparency. About Muve Health Muve Health is the nation's premier value-based outpatient total joint replacement provider. Muve's protocol-driven orthopedic program delivers outstanding clinical outcomes at a predictable cost, in an optimized outpatient environment unparalleled in recovery guidance and patient experience. Muve Health is set to expand nationally in 2019; Muve's current flagship total joint replacement center is located outside of Austin in Lakeway, TX, where both Muve Lakeway ASC and Muve Lakeway Stay Suites are accredited and certified by The Joint Commission. Muve Health, LLC is headquartered in Denver, CO. Learn more about Muve Health at www.muvehealth.com. About NueHealth Since 1997, NueHealth has partnered with over 10,000 physician investors and 25 health system partners to develop lower-cost sites of service, expanding into more than 150 facilities, including physician-owned surgery centers, surgical hospitals and orthopedic hyper-specialty centers. Today, NueHealth operates in 23 states, positioning our Ambulatory Centers of Excellence (ACE) to be national leaders in the transition to value-based care. For more information, visit www.nuehealth.com. Media Contact: Allison Chick [email protected] 913-387-0663 SOURCE Muve Health SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Multifamily Leadership has announced the official ranking for the 2019 "Best Places to Work Multifamily" Program. Winners found out how they ranked at the Multifamily Leadership Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Multifamily Industry, serving apartments and their residents, contributes more than $3.5 billion to the economy everyday, supporting more than 12.3 million jobs. Not only do apartment homes drive jobs that strengthen local communities, individuals and families realize the value of renting as a smart choice in today's economy. Multifamily Leadership As CEOs and executive teams create culture and innovation around the resident experience, employee engagement is seen as a key driver to meet multiple challenges. The Best Places to Work Multifamily program recognizes those companies that have established and consistently foster outstanding workplace environments. The rigorous assessment process evaluated each company's employee policies and procedures as well as responses from the company's employees. The program is part of a long-term initiative to encourage growth and excellence throughout the Multifamily Apartment Industry and to attract new leaders to the industry. If you want to know if it's a great place to work, you ask the people who work there. Patrick Antrim, Founder and CEO of Multifamily Leadership says, "Employee engagement is actually a much more powerful indicator of organizational success than the size of the company, as employee engagement is tied to behavior and higher performance." The program also helps companies who want to improve their business. The "Employee Feedback Report" is presented to each participating company, even if it did not make the list. The report summarizes employee engagement and satisfaction data, the "Multifamily Leadership Benchmark Report," and the transcript of employee written comments. The report is used by many organizations to make significant improvements in their workplace culture. Antrim further states, "Next generation leaders want to know their company is making a positive impact in the world. They want to know the vision and mission of the organization and that the leaders of the organization are going to drive that mission and vision. This is becoming increasingly more important as society is asking business to play a bigger role. The Best Places to Work Multifamily companies have stepped up to play that role and will have a much bigger voice in the future." At the Summit, national benchmark data from organizations compiling research specific to the Multifamily Industry was revealed. Multifamily leaders looking to fast-track their success will leverage what best-in-class organizations are doing to create great resident experiences and strong financial results through the engagement of their employees. The business environment of the 21st century is characterized not just by competition and ever-increasing technologies, but also by a heightened appreciation for the quality of the workplace. In a world of continuously shrinking margins and challenges attracting next generation workforce, a progressive leadership strategy is critical to creating and sustaining a competitive advantage. One measure of such strategies is the quality of the workplace experience. Indeed, the enhanced awareness of the importance of creating great workplaces is evidenced by the growing body of literature regarding workplace excellence. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between profitability and creating a great place to work. In addition to the positive effect the award has on their employee relations and recruitment, the driving force for companies to participate is the remarkable effect workplace improvements can have on their bottom line. Nationally Ranked 2019 Best Places to Work Multifamily, in order: 1. The Management Group, LLC 2. Olympus Property 3. The Bascom Group 4. Apartment Dynamics 5. Carter-Haston Real Estate Services, LLC 6. Presidium Property Management 7. The RADCO Companies 8. LMC 9. Gables Residential 10. Berger Rental Communities 11. CWS Apartment Homes, LLC 12. Fogelman Properties 13. The REMM Group 14. Hankin Apartments 15. JVM Realty 16. Portico Property Management 17. Alco Management, Inc. 18. Cardinal Group Management 19. Blue Ridge Companies 20. IMT Residential 21. Pollack Shores | Matrix Residential 22. Drucker + Falk 23. Centra Partners Management 24. RealSource Management 25. ResMan Property Management Software 26. Coast PRoperty Management 27. Continental Properties 28. PayLease 29. Perennial Properties 30. Pegasus Residential 31. Alliance Residential 32. Baron Properties 33. Karya Property Management 34. Pathlight HOME For more information about, and to register for, the "Best Places to Work Multifamily" program, go to www.multifamilyleadership.com. Media Contact: Patrick Antrim [email protected] Toll Free: 800-803-8094 Related Links Multifamily Leadership SOURCE Multifamily Leadership Related Links http://www.multifamilyleadership.com Reanda International, the top 20 international global network of independent accounting and consulting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Netherlands member firm Scope Audit & Assurance B.V., effective 18 November 2018. The cooperation was sealed at the signing ceremony held during the Annual Conference 2018 of Reanda International in Beijing China on 18 November, and was witnessed by more than 400 guests and delegates including government leaders, embassies of several countries in China, former economic and commercial counselor of Chinese embassies abroad, experts, scholars, representatives of entrepreneurs and business service organizations and media outlet. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790987/Scope_Audit.jpg ) Mr. Huang Jinhui, Chairman of Reanda International: "Scope Audit & Assurance B.V. stands out with its positioning on focusing to provide professional services to international companies. Their truly international focus creates the firm distinctive corporate image. In addition, Scope Audit & Assurance B.V. is very experienced in handling the CIS tier business in the European region, it targets at further developing the CIS markets. Reanda International is delighted to welcome the joining of such an ambitious firm with visionary goals. While the Netherlands is the gateway to Europe with well-established and mature logistics infrastructure, the firm shall play an important role in the development of Reanda International's Europe region. We trust that the addition of our new Netherlands member will definitely bring a great deal of new experience and expertise to the network and we are proud that they have chosen Reanda as their trusted partner for mutual growth." Gerard Uijtendaal, Managing Partner of Scope Audit & Assurance B.V: "Becoming the exclusive member firm in the Netherlands for Reanda International enhances our capabilities to service international companies in audit, tax and advisory. Being part of a top 20 international audit network will give us better visibility to clients and employees. Scope Audit specializes in international audits and as such we are a viable alternative for companies who are looking for a tailor-made solution to their audit and advisory needs. After opening our office in Moscow earlier this year, the membership with Reanda International network will provide us with a stronger fundament to our ambitious growth strategy in the Netherlands and in Russia, both organically and by acquisitions." About Reanda International Reanda International is a global network of independent accounting and consulting firms and the first professional accounting network in China to collaborate with independent member firms from around the world. Reanda International's global network of members provide assurance, tax consulting and specialist business advisory services to privately owned businesses and multinational conglomerates. With 96 offices and more than 2,000 dedicated professionals in 35 countries, Reanda International is one of the leading networks in the Asian region and is consistently ranked in the top 20 international networks around the world. About Scope Audit & Assurance B.V. Headquartered in the capital city Amsterdam with a working office in Moscow, Russia, Scope Audit & Assurance B.V. is managed by 4 partners with Big 4 audit firm's background and a further 12 professional and support staff. The firm's managing partner Mr. Gerard Uijtendaal held several senior management roles at various top-tier international accounting firms in the Netherlands and Russia. He also served as the Chairman of the Accounting Committee of the Association of European Businesses in Russia. SOURCE Scope Audit & Assurance B.V. DUBLIN, Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "North America Medium Speed Large Generators Market By Application (Power Generation & CHP), By Country (United States, Canada, Mexico and Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. North America medium speed large generators market is projected to reach $ 155 million by 2023, on account of increasing industrialization in the region. Moreover, investments in residential construction activities, per capita consumption of electricity, and number of hotels & lodging properties are increasing at a robust pace across North America, which in turn are expected to boost sales of medium speed large generators in the region during the forecast period. Rising investments in oil & gas sector are also anticipated to positively influence the medium speed large generators market in North America in the coming years. North America Medium Speed Large Generators Market, 2013-2023 discusses the following aspects of medium speed large generators market in North America: Medium Speed Large Generators Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Application (Power Generation & CHP), By Country ( United States , Canada , Mexico and Others) , , and Others) Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of medium speed large generators in North America To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, medium speed large generators distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major players operating in North America medium speed large generators market are Caterpillar Inc Rolls Royce Power Systems AG Wartsila Corporation Vpower Group Hyundai Heavy Industries General Electric Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Global Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value 4.1.2. By Volume 5. North America Medium Speed Large Generators Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.1.2. By Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Application 5.2.2. By Company 5.2.3. By Country 5.3. North America Medium Speed Large Generators Market Attractiveness Index 5.3.1. By Country 5.3.2. By Application 6. Market Trends & Developments 7. Pricing Analysis 8. Competitive Landscape 8.1. Caterpillar Inc. 8.2. Rolls Royce Power Systems AG 8.3. Wartsila Corporation 8.4. Vpower Group 8.5. Hyundai Heavy Industries 8.6. Aggreko PLC 9. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6knjml/north_america?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com DUBLIN, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "North America Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Market By Type (Tubular and Planar), By Application (Stationary, Transportation, and Portable), By Country (USA, Canada and Mexico), Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. North America solid oxide fuel cells market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 13% by 2023 The growth in the market is led by rising demand for non-conventional sources of electricity generation. Rising investments by the US Department of Energy for the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology in North America are expected to positively influence the market in the coming years. Moreover, growing inclination towards SOFC systems in North America for its commercialization is further expected to boost the region's SOFC market during the forecast period. North America Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Market, 2013 - 2023 discusses the following aspects of solid oxide fuel cells market in North America: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis - By Type (Tubular & Planar), By Application (Stationary, Transportation, & Portable), By Country ( Japan , South Korea , China , India , Australia , & Others) , , , , , & Others) Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of solid oxide fuel cells in North America To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, solid oxide fuel cells distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Few of the major players operating in North America solid oxide fuel cells market include Bloom Energy Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc. LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc. Fuel Cell Energy Atrex Energy Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Global SOFC Market Outlook 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value 4.1.2. By Power Generation 5. North America SOFC Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.1.2. By Power Generation 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Type (Planar, Tubular) 5.2.2. By Application (Stationary, Portable & Transportation) 5.2.3. By Country 5.3. Market Attractiveness Index 5.3.1. By Country 6. North America Countries SOFC Market Outlook 6.1. USA SOFC Market Outlook 6.2. Canada SOFC Market Outlook 6.3. Mexico SOFC Market Outlook 7. Market Dynamics 8. Market Trends & Developments 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Bloom Energy 9.2. Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc. 9.3. LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc. 9.4. Fuel Cell Energy 9.5. Atrex Energy 10. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4zf7d8/north_america?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com The structure is a former ski cable car that has been masterfully transformed including radiant heated custom wood floors, plush seating, an exterior decked in the iconic Veuve Clicquot Yellow hue, an authentic cuckoo clock and other design details synonymous with Ocean House luxury, whimsy and style. For added warmth, Fondue Express guests can borrow stylish white Columbia Titanium outerwear as part of the Extreme Eco down jacket line, each crafted with 100% recycled fabric from 27 plastic bottles. Balancing playfulness with elegance, this unique seasonal dining concept will feature a distinctive three-course Alpine-inspired menu paired with Veuve Clicquot champagnes. Thoughtfully crafted by Ocean House's culinary team to bring out the best in the bubbly, the Fondue Express prix fixe menu includes a choice of traditional Swiss raclette, cheese fondue, a meat plate of bresaola, Black Forest ham, cornichons, vegetables and Swiss plum tart with cinnamon ice cream. As a departure gift, guests will also receive a collection of mini Swiss chocolates. "The Fondue Express is an example of the extraordinary and creative experiences available only at Ocean House," said Daniel A. Hostettler, president and group managing director of Ocean House Management. "We are confident that the Fondue Express will be an exceptional and memorable addition to our festive holiday and wintertime activities," he added. Located beside the 34-foot Christmas tree at Ocean House beginning December 1, the gondola will accommodate couples or groups of up to four people. The Fondue Express will offer two options. $300 (plus tax and gratuity) for up to four people; and $460 (plus tax and gratuity) with pairing of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. A portion of all proceeds will go to the Ocean House Fund for Charitable Giving, to help children and families in need. Reservations are required, with seating available at 7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and twice daily on Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00pm and 8:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, visit www.oceanhouseri.com or call 401.584.7000. Follow progress and experiences at #oceanhouseri and #fondueexpress. In addition to The Fondue Express, Ocean House and its sister property, Weekapaug Inn, offer a collection of more than 25 memorable holiday events for the young and young at heart. Activities include the Gingerbread Village Competition, Children's Christmas Tea with Penguins, regular Santa visits, the New Year's Eve Gala, the Christmas Cabaret Concert and more. For a complete listing of activities, visit oceanhouseevents.com. About Ocean House The Ocean House, one of New England's last grand hotels, re-opened its doors in June 2010 after a $140 million rebuild and restoration. Originally built just after the Civil War, is perched high on the bluffs in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Guests enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island from the resort's 49 guestrooms and 18 signature suites. Farm-to-table casual and fine dining, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa and more than 10,000 square feet of event space make the Ocean House ideal for mid-week business retreats, close-to-home family vacations, weekend luxury escapes and destination weddings. Ocean House is a member of Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive collection of more than 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. This stately property is the only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Triple Five-Star rated resort in Rhode Island, for accommodations, dining and the award-winning spa. Contact: Laurie Hobbs [email protected] 401.584.7014 or mobile 612.220.1176 SOURCE Ocean House Related Links https://www.oceanhouseri.com DENVER, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MOUNTAIN HIGH ACQUISITIONS CORP. (OTCQB: MYHI), announces that its wholly owned subsidiary One Lab Co., a Nevada-based company that provides extraction equipment to the cannabis industry, has completed delivery of a state-of-the-art modular extraction lab to Workforce Labor Solutions, LLC ("WLS"). WLS provides turnkey labor and extraction services to licensed cannabis producers in Washington state. According to the terms of the five-year lease with One Lab Co., WLS will make payments of $25,000 per month for use of the lab. As a result of this lease agreement, WLS gains access to the extraction equipment required to serve the needs of its clients, while eliminating the burden of sourcing and building a lab. "This $300,000 per year revenue stream represents a significant step forward for MYHI," said Alan Smith, CEO of MYHI. "It is another solid milestone in fulfilling our mission to support the expanding cannabis industry by providing licensed growers and producers with access to turnkey infrastructure solutions, cost-cutting technologies, professional services, and capital. This transaction is definitely a win-win for both MYHI and WLS." WLS has confirmed that One Lab Co. has delivered the modular lab outfitted with state-of-the-art MeP extraction equipment, triggering the issuance of 68,000,000 restricted common shares of MYHI to the former owner of One Lab Co., Alchemy Capital, LLC pursuant to the Exchange Agreement dated August 18, 2018 between MYHI, One Lab Co., and Alchemy Capital, LLC. About MYHI Mountain High Acquisitions Corp. (OTCQB: MYHI) is a holding company focused on the acquisition and development of businesses and critical assets within the cannabis sector. The company's mission is to serve licensed cannabis growers and producers, providing access to turnkey infrastructure solutions and cost-cutting technologies. Press Releases may include forward-looking statements. In particular, the words "believe," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "propose," "plan," "intend," and similar conditional words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The company takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law or those prepared by third parties that are not paid by the company. SOURCE Mountain High Acquisitions Corp. Related Links http://www.mountainhighac.com/ FORT WORTH, Texas, November 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Oil and Gas LLC (Oracle Oil and Gas) a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Energy Corp. ("Oracle") (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) advises the status of the previously announced process for acquiring Eagleford assets. Oracle's news release dated November 13 advised that the required Oct 31 payment of USD $250,000 towards acquisition of the HBP Assets was not completed. Oracle further advises that the required November 21 payment of USD $200,000 towards acquisition of the mineral rights was also not completed. Oracle is continuing discussions with potential investors regarding funding for acquisition of Eagleford assets. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Darrell McKenna; Chairman and CEO About Oracle Energy Corp. Oracle Energy Corp. (TSX.V: OEC) (Frankfurt: O2E) is an oil and gas development company focused on acquiring development assets in North America and with a current focus in the Texas Eagle Ford. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. http://www.oracleenergy.com For further information, please contact: Darrell L McKenna Chairman & CEO Mobile: +1-832-212-1930 [email protected] Nasim Tyab Founder & Capital Markets Strategist Mobile: +1-778-373-6911 [email protected] SOURCE Oracle Oil and Gas LLC COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ParaGen Technologies, the parent company of four disruptive medical device companies, closed a $3 million bridge funding round. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Ikove Venture Partners managed and organized the round through its global network of investors, with 70 percent of the funds coming from 10 different countries. ParaGen developed a platform scaffold technology that redefines tissue engineering and addresses problems associated with biologic and synthetic implants. Its four portfolio companies -- RenovoDerm, Atreon Orthopedics, Vascular Genesis and Tarian Medical -- are building product lines for wound care, orthopedic, peripheral vascular and hernia markets respectively, allowing investors to capitalize on a variety of different verticals. The funding will be used to commercialize RenovoDerm's proprietary product The Phoenix Wound MatrixTM, pre-testing for FDA clearance of Tarian Medical's Tarian AbS, as well as beginning the final round of animal testing for Vascular Genesis' vascular access graft product. "With this latest round of funding, we are able to continue our momentum of scaling out our portfolio companies and hitting significant milestones," said Ross Kayuha, CEO of ParaGen. "The continued support and confidence of our investors is outstanding and is indicative of the company's growth in the medical device industry." ParaGen Technologies is a joint venture between Nanofiber Solutions, which developed the core technology, and the Ikove Startup Nursery, which provided the funding and go-to-market strategy. In mid-2019, ParaGen and Ikove plan to raise the company's first Series A round. "We're funding new, innovative technologies through our Startup Nursery that have the ability to change our everyday lives," said Flavio Lobato, managing partner of Ikove Venture Partners and board chairman at ParaGen. "As our portfolio companies continue to scale and grow, we're committed to supporting our Nursery graduates and closing the commercialization gap for these high-impact technologies." About ParaGen Technologies ParaGen Technologies is the parent of a family of companies focused on diverse clinical areas including wound care, orthopedics, peripheral vascular and hernia repair. ParaGen aims to redefine tissue engineering by addressing the problems associated with synthetic and biologic implants while incorporating their advantages. The company is utilizing synthetic nanofiber scaffolds that promote healing by mimicking the physical structures found naturally in the body. This technology is tailored to meet the needs of specific clinical verticals. About Ikove Venture Partners Ikove is a venture development company founded to pursue early-stage investments with emphasis on technology commercialization in the Midwest. Through its proprietary Startup Nursery, in partnership with multiple U.S. research institutions, Ikove identifies and validates developing high-impact technologies, providing capital and commercialization resources to bridge the gap between R&D and VC-funded rounds. To date, Ikove has successfully launched 10 technology companies and created over $100 million in equity value. MEDIA CONTACT Heather Phillips [email protected] 440-666-9712 SOURCE ParaGen Technologies Related Links https://www.paragentechnologies.com MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today announced its continuing support for Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), an annual program committed to inspiring K12 students to take interest in computer science and coding at a young age.1 During CSEdWeek 2018, which takes place Dec. 39, kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in Hour of Code, a global project devoted to inspiring students to enter the world of coding through fun, approachable one-hour events often sponsored by their schools or youth organizations. In an effort to demystify computer science and support industry initiatives, Rasmussen College has just launched a new interactive coding game for kids, Rassy's Picnic Party, to inspire the next generation of programmers to be successful in the digital economy. "Children growing up in the 21st century already know more about computer usage than most of their parents do. But, to truly move forward, they need to know not just how to use a computer they need to know how to make a computer's programs work for them," said Jennifer Ayotte, department dean for the Rasmussen College School of Technology. "As a college focused on bridging educational divides, we know that early learning will benefit students in the long run as they become more and more comfortable with the technology around them. Rasmussen College is excited to offer this fun Picnic Party game as part of Computer Science Education Week, and we encourage teachers and parents to dedicate at least an hour of their time to play and learn with the children in their lives." New Game Is Hands-on Coding for Kids Rassy's Picnic Party is an easy-to-learn game that helps kids, and kids at heart, to understand how their favorite games are made, as well as experience firsthand the thrill of creating what they see on the screen. Through 24 levels geared towards fourth graders and above, players will key in snippets of code using the web coding language CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to help Rassy, the Rasmussen College moose, set out a picnic for his friends. Players will position picnic food on matching plates in increasingly creative scenarios. To invite others to the picnic and help spark someone's interest in computer science, click here. About the Rasmussen College Computer Science Program The Rasmussen College Computer Science Bachelor's degree-completion program prepares adults interested in a Bachelor's level education to gain essential skills in Microsoft Azure, practical application of software development and systems integration in as few as 18 months.2 Using industry standard technology, the online Computer Science degree courses provide students with the foundation they need in mobile, analytics and Cloud computing. Students also have the option to choose either Apple IOS or Microsoft Universal Windows mobile application development as a specialization for their Computer Science education. "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for software application developers are expected to rise by at least 30 percent by 2026," said Rodney Crater, department chair for the Rasmussen College Computer Science program. "Within our program, students dive into this in-demand field via a hands-on environment and can complete the program in as few as 18 months."2 The Rasmussen College Computer Science Bachelor's degree-completion program is also available with Flex Choice, which provides students with an efficient, relevant and flexible way to earn a college degree. By combining self-paced, competency-based education courses with traditional courses, students are able to adjust their workload and master the skills they need. To learn more about the Rasmussen College Computer Science program, visit rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/computer-science/. 1Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440 2Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term. Hour of Code is a registered trademark of Code.org Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. IOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE: Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college that is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through high-demand and flexible educational programs. Since 1900, the College has been committed to academic innovation and providing the highest standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs online and across its 23 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the College is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers. The College is also committed to providing a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit rasmussen.edu. Contact: Hannah Burn Phone: 952-806:4660 Mobile: 651-361-0693 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Rasmussen College Related Links http://rasmussen.edu Categories Bulk Sample Results (3 test stopes) 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model3 (3 test stopes) Difference () Difference (%) Before unplanned mining dilution Tonnes ("t") 32,551 30,360 +2,191 +7.2% Gold grade ("g/t Au") 4.93 4.65 +0.28 +6.1% Gold ounces ("oz") 5,165 4,539 +625 +13.8% Unplanned mining dilution1 8.7% 10.0%2 -1.3 -13.0% After unplanned mining dilution t 35,629 33,164 +2,465 +7.4% g/t Au 4.51 4.26 +0.25 +5.9% oz 5,165 4,539 +625 +13.8% 1 Assumes zero grade for unplanned mining dilution 2 Rubicon estimates 3 Based on a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off grade *Numbers may not add up due to rounding Key Highlights from the Bulk Sample Program: The bulk sample results, before unplanned mining dilution, reported 32,551 t at a grade of 4.93 g/t Au containing 5,165 gold ounces, resulting in a positive reconciliation of +7.2%, +6.1%, and +13.8% compared the 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model tonnes, grade, and ounces, respectively; The Phoenix Gold Project mill achieved 95.1% gold recovery, with 43.2% of gold recovered from gravity, and a throughput rate of 70 tonnes per hour (" tph "), or equivalent to 1,540 tonnes per day (" tpd ") on a 22-hour availability; "), or equivalent to 1,540 tonnes per day (" ") on a 22-hour availability; Rubicon utilized the sublevel longhole stoping (bulk mining method) and achieved an average unplanned mining dilution of 8.7%; and A conference call with Rubicon's senior management will be held today to discuss the bulk sample reconciliation results at 10:00 am ET . Canada / U.S. toll-free dial-in number +1 (888) 231-8191, International dial-in number +1 (647) 427-7450, webcast link: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1889299/C10EA8A3496852A96FA315A673E6DBFC. Achievements Since the December 2016 Restructuring Transaction Rubicon Board and management team strengthened; Assembled an experienced and skilled site management team; Geologically mapped, including structural mapping, all underground excavations; Completed more than 45,000 metres (" m ") of oriented structural, infill, step-out, and short-hole bazooka drilling; ") of oriented structural, infill, step-out, and short-hole bazooka drilling; Engaged Golder Associates Limited (" Golder ") (primary consultant) and T. Maunula & Associates (peer reviewer); ") (primary consultant) and T. Maunula & Associates (peer reviewer); Developed a new geological model and structural interpretation (news release March 12, 2018 ); ); Delivered the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate (news release, April 30, 2018 ; Technical Report filed on SEDAR June 13, 2018 ), which demonstrated a significant increase in mineral resources for the F2 Gold Deposit; ; Technical Report filed on SEDAR ), which demonstrated a significant increase in mineral resources for the F2 Gold Deposit; Successfully commissioned, operated, and de-commissioned the Project mill, achieving a throughput rate of 70 tph, or equivalent to 1,540 tpd; Completed a test trial mining and bulk sample processing program of 35,629 t (diluted) of mineralized material; and Achieved positive bulk sample reconciliation results, validating the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and geological model. Strategy for 2019: Deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, which will benefit from more than 20,000 m of oriented drilling conducted in 2017 and 2018 (first half of 2019); of oriented drilling conducted in 2017 and 2018 (first half of 2019); Provide a Preliminary Economic Assessment (" PEA "), at a minimum, for the Phoenix Gold Project (mid-2019); "), at a minimum, for the Phoenix Gold Project (mid-2019); Continue infill and step-out diamond drilling to upgrade the mineral resource categories and grow the overall mineral resources (throughout 2019); Commence basic exploratory work on high-priority Close Proximity and Regional Targets in Red Lake (throughout 2019); and (throughout 2019); and Continue to evaluate accretive business opportunities to deliver shareholder value (throughout 2019). Comments from the President Rubicon President and Chief Executive Officer George Ogilvie, P.Eng., stated, "We restarted activities at the Phoenix Gold Project with a goal to successfully complete a test trial mining and bulk sample processing program, and bring confidence to the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate with positive reconciliation results. I am pleased to report that we achieved these key milestones. We believe the positive bulk sample reconciliation results validate the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and new geological model of the F2 Gold Deposit." "We observed encouraging data points during the test trial mining and bulk sampling program that will have a positive impact on the potential economics of the Phoenix Gold Project; test trial mining demonstrated the amenability of bulk mining and we achieved an unplanned mining dilution of 8.7%; metallurgical recovery improved to 95.1% from the 91.5% reported in 2015; and 43.2% of gold recovery was from gravity concentration, which will reduce mill operating costs under a potential commercial production scenario. Mill operations exceeded our expectations. We operated the mill on a two-week on, two-week off basis and reached throughput rates of 70 tph, or equivalent to 1,540 tpd, which is higher than the 1,250 tpd average nameplate capacity. The mill was designed and constructed with a capacity to reach 1,800 tpd with minor modifications. This gives us significant flexibility to accept increased tonnes in future mining, if warranted." "With a validated 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and geological model, we now have a strong foundation to continue to advance, grow, and de-risk the Phoenix Gold Project. Going forward, our intent is to closely evaluate the positive reconciliation results, and along with additional exploration data, assess the economic viability of the Phoenix Gold Project, particularly where we can utilize significant underground infrastructure to access modelled stopes. In addition, 2019 will see us turn our attention to our high-priority Close Proximity underground exploration targets, including the past-producing McFinley target, all within 500 m of the Phoenix Gold Project shaft. We will also initiate geophysics and geochemical work on several of our Regional Exploration targets." Test Trial Mining, Bulk Sample Processing and Reconciliation Results Test Trial Mining In October 2018, Rubicon completed its test trial mining program, extracting bulk sample material from three test stopes, #015, #977, and #161, in the upper areas of the F2 Gold Deposit. These stopes were contained within the biotite and silica altered basaltic mafic volcanic flows ("High-Ti Basalt"), the main host rock of gold mineralization. These stopes had modelled grades slightly lower than the overall 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate grades but were selected due to their proximity to substantial existing underground development. This allowed Rubicon to reduce costs, timelines, and conduct the test trial mining activities during the summer and fall months in Red Lake. See Diagrams 1 to 5 at the end of the news release related to the 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model, location of the test stopes, and the grade distribution of the mineral resource blocks. Throughout the test trial mining process, Rubicon collected geological data from more than 10,000 underground chip and muck samples for assaying, capped at 70.0 g/t Au. These assay results supported the stope block model grades. In addition, the Company was able to confirm the geological model through the various stratigraphic zones encountered during the mapping exercise and was able to finalize stope design within the High-Ti Basalt. Short-hole bazooka air drilling on 5-metre centres provided additional data for the final stope design and further confirmed the grades of the test stopes. Rubicon utilized sublevel longhole to test the amenability of bulk mining methods on the F2 Gold Deposit, based on its new structural and geological interpretation. The test stope dimensions ranged between 17-to-24 m in height, 16-to-38 m in strike length, and 4-to-7 m in width, and all stood near vertical. Each stope was blasted, mucked, and stockpiled separately on surface. A total of 35,629 t (diluted) of bulk sample material was mined from the three test stopes, along with 7,620 t of low-grade material, and waste material for the wet commissioning and bedding-in of the mill. After each stope was blasted and fully mucked out, the Company conducted cavity monitoring surveys ("CMS") to assess the unplanned mining dilution from the test trial mining. Rubicon achieved unplanned dilution of 8.7%, better than the Company's estimate of 10.0%. Rubicon was able to manage the unplanned dilution due to improved drilling and blasting techniques and mining within the High-Ti Basalt. Bulk Sample Processing and Mill Results The Company began commissioning the Project mill in May 2018, which started with a zero-gold balance as it had been fully cleaned out in the past. The primary components of the mill circuit are the SAG and ball mills, two gravity concentrators, the electrowinning circuit and carbon in leach tanks. Rubicon processed each test stope sequentially through the mill. Contracted mill crews mainly worked on two-week on, two-week off shifts. Bulk sample material was pre-crushed to 6-inch minus prior to being fed into the mill circuit. The mill achieved a throughput rate of 70 tph, or 1,540 tpd equivalent based on a 22-hour availability. Overall mill recovery achieved was 95.1%, including approximately 43.2% recovered via gravity circuit. After processing all the bulk sample material through the mill circuit, the Company cleaned out the mill to recover material found behind the ball mill liners, pump boxes, sumps, and carbon fines. In addition, material in the tails were continually assayed to calculate overall gold recovery of the bulk sample program. Reconciliation Golder was hired to conduct a review of the Company's bulk sample mill results and its reconciliation to the 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model. The undiluted bulk sample mill results were 32,551 t grading 4.93 g/t Au containing 5,165 oz, achieved positive reconciliation of +7.2%, +6.1%, +13.8% compared to the 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model tonnes, grade, and ounces, respectively (see Table 1). An accounting of gold ounces in the mill was reconciled to less than 0.5%. Rubicon believes that the positive reconciliation validates the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, the new geological model and structural interpretation for the F2 Gold Deposit. The 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate remains current. Table 2 provides the undiluted reconciliation data for each test stope and low-grade material. Table 3 summarizes additional relevant metrics from the test trial mining and bulk sample processing program. Table 2: Bulk Sample Results and Reconciliation Statistics (before unplanned mining dilution and mill recovery) Categories Bulk Sample Results 2018 Mineral Resource Block Model3 Difference () Difference (%) #015 Test Stope t 6,431 6,554 -123 -1.9% g/t Au 3.83 4.30 -0.47 -10.9% oz 792 906 -114 -12.6% Unplanned mining dilution1 4.4% 10.0%2 -5.6 -56.0% Stope dimension (L x W x H) 16 m x 6 m x 22 m #977 Test Stope t 9,352 7,978 +1,374 +17.2% g/t Au 3.94 4.58 -0.64 -13.9% oz 1,185 1,175 +10 +0.9% Unplanned mining dilution1 10.0% 10.0%2 - - Stope dimension (L x W x H) 38 m x 4 m x 24 m #161 Test Stope t 16,768 15,827 +940 +5.9% g/t Au 5.91 4.83 +1.08 +22.4% oz 3,188 2,459 +729 +29.6% Unplanned mining dilution1 9.6% 10.0%2 -0.4 -4.0% Stope dimension (L x W x H) 27 m x 7 m x 17 m Total bulk sample t 32,551 30,360 +2,191 +7.2% g/t Au 4.93 4.65 +0.28 +6.1% oz 5,165 4,539 +625 +13.8% Unplanned mining dilution1 8.7% 10.0%2 -1.3 -13.0% Low-grade material t 7,620 N/A g/t Au 2.06 N/A oz 505 N/A 1 Assumes zero grade for unplanned mining dilution 2 Rubicon estimates 3 Based on a 3.0 g/t Au cut-off grade *Numbers may not add up due to rounding Table 3: Summary of Test Mining and Milling Statistics Categories Result Average stope strike length (m) 27 m Average test stope width (m) 6 m Average stope height (m) 21 m Unplanned mining dilution (%) 8.7% Achieved throughput rate 70 tph (or 1,540 tpd on 22-hour availability) Overall recovery (%) 95.1% Recovery from gravity (%) 43.2% Approximate silver ounces (oz Ag) recovered 525 oz Ag *Numbers may not add up due to rounding As discussed, the overall block model grades of the test stopes mined were below the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate grades. However, as per the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, there are higher-grade stopes in the upper areas and at depth at the F2 Gold Deposit for future mining under a potential commercial production scenario, after capital development has been put in place. See Diagrams 3 and 5 at the end of the news release to review the grade distribution of the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate. Knowledge Gained from the Test Trial Mining and Bulk Sample Processing Program The Company gained critical information from the test trial mining and bulk sample processing program that will be important in advancing the Project. The key areas include: F2 Gold Deposit amenable to bulk mining : The Company demonstrated the successful implementation of the sublevel longhole stoping. Rubicon managed the unplanned mining dilution by mining within the High-Ti Basalts and using improved drilling and blasting techniques. The Company believes that future mining would entail a mix of both bulk and selective mining methods; : The Company demonstrated the successful implementation of the sublevel longhole stoping. Rubicon managed the unplanned mining dilution by mining within the High-Ti Basalts and using improved drilling and blasting techniques. The Company believes that future mining would entail a mix of both bulk and selective mining methods; Closely-spaced stope definition drilling: The Company utilized short-hole bazooka drilling on 5 m -centres to confirm the stope grades compared to the block model, prior to blasting. This short-hole drilling has also shown to provide additional information for stope design. Rubicon believes that closely-spaced definition drilling, combined with lateral and stope development that is well ahead of mining and quick assay turnaround, will be necessary to successfully mine the F2 Gold Deposit in the future; The Company utilized short-hole bazooka drilling on -centres to confirm the stope grades compared to the block model, prior to blasting. This short-hole drilling has also shown to provide additional information for stope design. Rubicon believes that closely-spaced definition drilling, combined with lateral and stope development that is well ahead of mining and quick assay turnaround, will be necessary to successfully mine the F2 Gold Deposit in the future; Higher recoveries from gravity concentrator: Rubicon achieved 43.2% of total gold recovery from gravity separation. This was higher than historical bulk sampling efforts conducted on the Project because the Company was able to optimize the existing mill process. If the Company could achieve these elevated levels of recovery from gravity in future mining, mill operating and processing costs would be lower as less reagents would be used; and Rubicon achieved 43.2% of total gold recovery from gravity separation. This was higher than historical bulk sampling efforts conducted on the Project because the Company was able to optimize the existing mill process. If the Company could achieve these elevated levels of recovery from gravity in future mining, mill operating and processing costs would be lower as less reagents would be used; and Mill throughput operated above nameplate capacity: The mill achieved a throughput rate of 70 tph, equivalent to 1,540 tpd. The Company believes that, with minor modifications, the current design and configuration of the mill could handle up to 1,800 tpd, which would be beneficial for future bulk mining, if warranted. 2019 Path Forward Following a successful bulk sample reconciliation, the Company believes it has a reliable geological model and a validated 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate, giving Rubicon a strong foundation to continue advancing the Phoenix Gold Project. Looking ahead, the Company endeavours to grow its mineral resources, focusing on upgrading resources to Measured and Indicated categories and expanding Inferred ounces. Rubicon anticipates delivering an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in the first half of 2019, which will benefit from data collected from infill and step-out drilling completed in late 2017 and throughout 2018. Upon the release of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, Rubicon plans to deliver a PEA for the Project in mid-2019, or if the conditions warrant, advance work directly towards a more comprehensive technical and economic study of the project. Rubicon plans to conduct exploration work on high-priority Close Proximity Targets, including McFinley, and the Regional Red Lake Properties in 2019. Further details of the 2019 Exploration Program and budget will be provided in early 2019. Conference Call Details The Company's senior management team will host a conference call today, Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 10:00 am ET (7:00 am PT) to discuss the news release. Participants in Canada and the United States may join the conference call by dialing toll free +1 (888) 231-8191 or +1 (647) 427-7450 for calls outside Canada and the United States or via webcast: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1889299/C10EA8A3496852A96FA315A673E6DBFC. A recorded playback of the conference call can be accessed on the Company's website 24 hours after the end of the call at www.rubiconminerals.com. Qualified Persons and Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) The content of this news release has been read and approved by George Ogilvie, P.Eng., President and CEO for Rubicon. Curtis Clarke, Senior Mining Consultant, MMSA, and Robert Raponi, P.Eng., Metallurgical Engineer, for Golder, were responsible for the verification of gold ounces processed by the mill and the reconciliation of gold ounces allocated back to the sources. Golder also reviewed the reconciliation of tonnes, grade and ounces for each stope as compared to the Mineral Resource Model. Messrs. Clarke and Raponi are independent of Rubicon. All persons are Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. Muck assays reported are cut to 70.0 g/t Au unless otherwise stated. All samples reported herein were analysed by SGS Mineral Services of Red Lake, Ontario, an independent lab with ISO/IEC 17025-2005 accreditation for the analytical methods utilized. All muck assays reported were obtained by fire assay with AA-finish or using gravimetric finish for values over 10.0 g/t Au. All mill sample assays reported are uncut unless otherwise stated. All process control grade samples were analysed at SGS Minerals, where certified analyses were conducted at their facility Lakefield, Ontario. SGS Lakefield is independent of Rubicon Minerals and has ISO/IEC 17025-2005 accreditation for all methods utilized for the analysis of solid, solution, carbon, gravimetric concentrate and bullion samples. All solution samples were analysed by fire assay with AA-finish. Grinding circuit solids were conducted by AAS or gravimetric finish as applicable. All CIL carbons, gravimetric concentrates, and bullion assays were completed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. For more information about the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate and other technical and scientific aspects of the Phoenix Gold Project, including, without limitation, key assumptions, parameters and risks associated with the Phoenix Gold Project refer to the technical report entitled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Rubicon Phoenix Gold Project" dated June 13, 2018 (the "Technical Report"). About Rubicon Minerals Corporation Rubicon Minerals Corporation is an advanced gold exploration company that owns the Phoenix Gold Project, located in the prolific Red Lake gold district in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Rubicon controls over 285 square kilometres of prime exploration ground in Red Lake and more than 900 square kilometres of mineral property interests in the emerging Long Canyon gold district that straddles the Nevada-Utah border in the United States. Rubicon's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (RMX) and the OTCQX markets (RBYCF). For more information, please visit our website at www.rubiconminerals.com. RUBICON MINERALS CORPORATION George Ogilvie, P.Eng. President, CEO, and Director Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and other Cautionary Notes This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "intends", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "potential", "expects", "estimates", "forecasts", "budget", "likely", "goal" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may or may not be achieved or occur in the future. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements with respect to mineral resource estimates; our strategy; the anticipated timing of a mineral resource estimate update, a PEA; the potential positive impacts of the bulk sampling results on the economic potential on the Phoenix Gold Project; the potential of metal recoveries to reduce operating costs; expected mill capacity; the statements made under Knowledge Gained from the Test Trial Mining and Bulk Sample Processing Program, including without limitation, statements with respect to our beliefs or expectations relating to the potential mining methods for the project, stope definition drilling, levels of recoveries from gravity and mill capacity; and the statements under 2019 Path Forward . Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and qualified persons as of the date such statements are made and represent management's and qualified persons' best judgment based on facts and assumptions (including, without limitation, assumptions discussed herein and in the Technical Report) that management considers reasonable. If such opinions and estimates prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rubicon to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery or throughput rates; uncertainty of mineral resources, inability to realize exploration potential, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; uncertainty of future operations, delays in completion of exploration plans for any reason including insufficient capital, delays in permitting, and labour issues; uncertainties with respect to the ability of the Company to deliver a mineral resource up-date, a PEA on the timelines contemplated; conclusions of future economic or geological evaluation (including uncertainties inherent to economic studies such as a PEA); 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 operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals; the ability of Rubicon and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the ability of Rubicon to comply with its obligations under material agreements including financing agreements; the availability of financing for proposed 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; risks associated with the ability to retain key executives and key operating personnel; cost of environmental expenditures and potential environmental liabilities; dissatisfaction or disputes with local communities or First Nations or Aboriginal Communities; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain adequate financing to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs and meet our other obligations; the volatility of our stock price, and the ability of our common stock to remain listed and traded on the TSX. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Rubicon disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form dated March 22, 2018 under the heading "Risk Factors" and in other continuous disclosure documents of the Company filed at www.sedar.com for a discussion of the factors that could cause Rubicon's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive and it is recommended that prospective investors consult the more complete discussion of Rubicon's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this news release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Regarding Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources This news release uses the terms "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources and "Inferred" Mineral Resources. The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities administrators, they are not recognized by the SEC. The estimation of "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of Proven and Probable Reserves. The estimation of "Inferred" resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Measured", "Inferred" or "Indicated" mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility studies, pre-feasibility studies or other economic studies, except in prescribed cases, such as in a preliminary economic assessment under certain circumstances. The SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a "measured", "indicated" or "inferred" mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources contained herein may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release SOURCE Rubicon Minerals Corporation Related Links www.rubiconminerals.com Today's delivery in eastern Yemen immediately precedes the second delivery of oil derivatives to Aden port (30 November) for distribution to all 10 governorates. The second instalment includes 65,000 tons of diesel and 32,000 tons of mazut. This brings the total value supplied to Yemen under the royal decree thus far to USD 120 million. The oil derivatives are estimated to benefit some 8.5 million people. They are intended to address electricity shortages in Yemeni institutions, including schools and hospitals, by ensuring the uninterrupted operation of power stations around the country. It is hoped that this will substantially alleviate the suffering caused by the Iran-backed Houthi militias, and support the economic recovery and living standards of the Yemeni people. Mukalla is the capital and largest city in the Hadhramaut Governorate, where security remains an issue for trade and transport in rural districts. The Aden Refinery Company is distributing the fuel under the supervision of an accredited committee that includes representatives from: the oil company, SDRPY, the national electricity company, the central system of auditing and accountability, the chamber of commerce, and civic organizations. The committee will visit the electrical power stations designated to receive the oil derivatives, check the equipment, and monitor the volume of oil derivatives supplied by SDRPY. "This fuel will bring electricity to remote areas still underserved due to the Houthi insurgency in the west and northwest," said Deputy Premier Al Khanbashi. "As former governor of Hadhramaut, I know first-hand the challenges of securing energy supplies for remote areas, and I thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generosity and support on behalf of all Yemenis in these difficult times." "Our program aims to help all Yemenis throughout the country, and thanks to enhanced security we can now bring fuel to this region for hospitals, schools and other vital institutions to operate at full capacity, twenty-four hours a day," said Amb. Al Jaber. "As I have stressed before, we are not waiting for the Iran-backed Houthi militias to agree to a political solution," the Saudi envoy added. "The Kingdom can help Yemen immediately, and by working with local organizations and institutions, we can ensure the fuel reaches designated end-users under conditions of full transparency and efficiency." Twitter: @SaudiDRPY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaudiDRPYEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2T60Y_ZB9ta5PLRaCJbZ4Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saudi-reconstructions-program-in-yemen/ SOURCE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ST. HELENA, Calif., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastation of the Camp Fire in Northern California, Schweiger Vineyards is releasing a limited production of their Chardonnay, specifically labeled for Camp Fire Relief. All proceeds will benefit charities for wildfire relief. Click here to order Schweiger Vineyards Camp Fire Relief 2014 Chardonnay or call 707-963-4882. Schweiger Vineyards Camp Fire Relief 2014 Chardonnay is entirely sourced from our family operated vineyard overlooking the Napa Valley in the Spring Mountain District. This is a full-bodied wine with true varietal characteristics, hints of pear, kiwi, citrus, and apricots, and delicate undertones of oak and tropical fruits. The body of the wine is rich and supple, filling the mouth with flavors. The true nature of Spring Mountain Chardonnay comes through in its mineral character and distinct white peach components. The Schweiger Family has a strong tradition in the fire service. Owner, Fred Schweiger, served Cal Fire from 1960 through 1965. Later, he joined Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department in 1976, serving as a firefighter for ten years. When Mr. Schweiger retired from Kenwood, he had the opportunity to purchase his favorite Type 3 Engine from Kenwood Fire. Winemaker Andrew Schweiger joined St. Helena Fire Department in 1999 serving as a volunteer firefighter for 7 years. Together, Fred and Andrew continue to provide volunteer service protecting their region of the Napa Valley with their "old reliable" Engine 240. Due to the charitable nature of this project, no club or quantity discounts will be applied. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. About Schweiger Vineyards: Schweiger Vineyards is a true family owned and operated winery located in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley. The property was originally purchased by Fred Schweiger in 1960, which he and his wife Sally personally developed into vineyards in the late 70s. For ten years, Schweiger Vineyards grew grapes for many of the Napa Valley's top wineries. In 1994, Schweiger Vineyards began producing wines under their own label, with their son, Andrew Schweiger as winemaker. Today, Schweiger Vineyards produces about 5,000 cases of wine each year and holds the distinction of being one of the last multi-generation farming/winemaking teams. SOURCE Schweiger Vineyards Related Links https://www.schweigervineyards.com/ ORMOND BEACH, Fla., Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Security First Insurance Company's 327 employees and their families were given their first tour of the company's new, 136,000 square foot headquarters yesterday evening during a private "topping out" ceremony. According to Melissa Burt DeVriese, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Counsel, who is overseeing the building of the new headquarters, "The practice of 'topping out' is based on a Scandinavian tradition involving the placement of a tree atop a new structure. In our case we chose to use an olive tree. To us, it's a symbolic act representing prosperity, good luck, and continued growth. We're excited that we were able to share this special moment with our family of employees and look forward to housing us all under one roof next year." During the ceremony, a beam holding the sapling olive tree, as well as the American Flag, was raised to the roof as the "topping out." The tree will be planted at the front of the new headquarters upon completion of the building. Employees, vendors, key stakeholders, and the community can track the progress of the building on the company's website. New photos from the construction site are automatically published every 10 minutes. The building sits on 48 acres in Ormond Crossings, a mixed-use development in Ormond Beach, Fla. Once complete, the campus will include employee-centric features ranging from collaboration areas to an in-house dining facility with a full commercial kitchen, yoga studio, fitness center, and an outdoor walking trail. The new building will allow Security First to grow to more than 700 employees. Since the beginning of the year, the company has hired nearly 100 people for full time jobs. Currently, there are 30 openings for full time positions in many areas of expertise, including data and technology. Some positions do not require any insurance experience. To learn more about career opportunities at this growing and fast paced company, please visit SecurityFirstFlorida.com/Careers. High-res photos and drone images from the "topping out" ceremony are available upon request, contact Gail K. Warner @ [email protected] About Security First Insurance Headquartered in Ormond Beach, Fla., Security First Insurance is built on more than 100 years of history and experience in the insurance industry. The company has an acute understanding of Floridians' vulnerability to natural catastrophe. Locke Burt was serving in the Florida Senate in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew made landfall. It was one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, leaving behind more than $26 billion in insured losses and a crippled insurance industry. Locke wanted better for the state and its residents and created Security First Insurance. The company now serves policyholders living across the state, storm after storm, year after year. Security First Insurance has been assigned a Financial Stability Rating (FSR) of A, Exceptional, from Demotech, Inc. and is strongly committed to improving Florida's homeowners insurance market and initiatives that support and protect residents and communities of the Sunshine State. Follow the company on Twitter (@SecurityFirstFL) or Facebook (facebook.com/InsuringFloridaHomes). Media contacts: Marissa Buckley [email protected] Office: 386.523.2302 Cell: 386.679.0485 Gail K. Warner [email protected] SOURCE Security First Insurance Related Links http://www.securityfirstflorida.com 3.0 g Au/t over 16.00 metres from 137.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC082 3.0 g Au/t over 14.00 metres from 81.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC064 4.4 g Au/t over 9.00 metres from 98.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC068 3.8 g Au/t over 10.00 metres from 151.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC095 3.3 g Au/t over 11.00 metres from 123.00 metres downhole in Hole BHRSRC094 10.9 g Au/t over 3.00 metres from 85.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC083 3.2 g Au/t over 10.00 metres from 23.00 metres downhole in Hole BHRSRC100 The Hermes South project is within the Bryah Basin joint venture with Alchemy Resources Ltd. (ASX:ALY). The Company's interest is up to 80% in the joint venture. The Company has previously announced (on April 3, 2018) an initial inferred mineral resource estimate for Hermes South of 1.29 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.54 g Au/t for 64,000 ounces (100% basis). The phase two reverse circulation program was completed in October and totalled approximately 7,500 metres over 51 holes, including two holes that were deepened from the phase one program. The phase one reverse circulation program was completed in May and totalled approximately 6,900 metres over 45 holes. The goal of both programs was to expand the existing resource and to explore for additional zones of mineralization. The location of drill holes in the current program are shown in relation to prior drilling and the existing resource in both plan and long section in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , respectively. All intersections are provided in Table 2 . Chris Bradbrook, President and CEO of Superior Gold stated: "These results are once again extremely encouraging and suggest the potential to increase the existing resource. The purpose of these drill programs is to determine the potential for the Hermes South project to become a second open pit mining operation. The project is strategically well located and can be readily connected to the main Hermes haul road. This work is part of our near term growth strategy to focus on reestablishing the Plutonic Gold operations at a sustainable production level of at least 100,000 ounces of gold annually. Our goal is to provide an updated reserve and resource estimate in the first quarter of 2019 using drill results to the end of 2018." Table 1 Key Intersections Drill Hole # Easting (Mine Grid) Northing (Mine Grid) Drill hole collar RL (Mine Grid) Dip (degrees) Azimuth (degrees, Mine Grid) End of hole depth (m) Downhole From (m) Downhole To (m) Downhole Intersection (m) Au (gpt) uncut Est True Thickness (m) BHSRC021 685641 7155522 569 -60 24 204 80.00 82.00 2.00 14.7 1.4 176.00 182.00 6.00 2.8 4.2 BHSRC048 685160 7155629 577 -60 24 162 127.00 136.00 9.00 2.6 6.3 BHSRC060 685537 7155573 568 -60 24 138 90.00 99.00 9.00 1.6 6.3 BHSRC062 685525 7155555 568 -60 24 156 121.00 138.00 17.00 1.5 11.9 Including 134.00 138.00 4.00 2.7 2.8 BHSRC064 685116 7155398 573 -60 24 102 81.00 95.00 14.00 3.0 9.8 Including 86.00 89.00 3.00 4.9 2.1 and 90.00 95.00 5.00 4.5 3.5 BHSRC065 685526 7155603 567 -60 24 120 70.00 72.00 2.00 5.4 1.4 BHSRC066 685534 7155619 568 -60 24 114 69.00 73.00 4.00 3.0 2.8 BHSRC067 685529 7155508 569 -60 24 192 73.00 76.00 3.00 3.9 2.1 BHSRC068 685563 7155580 569 -60 24 156 98.00 107.00 9.00 4.4 6.3 BHSRC082 685571 7155549 570 -60 24 180 137.00 153.00 16.00 3.0 11.2 Including 149.00 153.00 4.00 5.9 2.8 BHSRC083 685554 7155610 568 -60 24 126 85.00 88.00 3.00 10.9 2.1 BHSRC087 685648 7155549 569 -60 24 192 144.00 146.00 2.00 5.3 1.4 BHSRC094 685188 7155628 576 -60 24 174 123.00 134.00 11.00 3.3 7.7 Including 125.00 132.00 7.00 4.5 4.9 BHSRC095 685172 7155596 574 -60 24 192 151.00 161.00 10.00 3.8 7.0 Including 155.00 161.00 6.00 5.2 4.2 BHSRC097 685203 7155569 573 -60 24 222 168.00 179.00 11.00 2.2 7.7 BHSRC099 685389 7155600 569 -60 24 234 42.00 50.00 8.00 1.5 5.6 142.00 148.00 6.00 2.2 4.2 BHSRC100 685433 7155596 568 -60 24 192 23.00 33.00 10.00 3.2 7.0 BHSRC101 685424 7155575 568 -60 24 204 174.00 179.00 5.00 3.8 3.5 BHSRC102 685561 7155525 570 -60 24 240 46.00 48.00 2.00 6.5 1.4 132.00 134.00 2.00 4.2 1.4 BHSRC103 685594 7155505 569 -60 24 222 145.00 150.00 5.00 3.0 3.5 BHSRC104 685241 7155554 573 -60 24 270 190.00 196.00 6.00 3.7 4.2 Qualified Person Scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Pascal Blampain, who is a member of the AusIMM and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101. Mr. Blampain is an employee of the Company and serves as Chief Geologist. Quality Control Protocols Hermes South drilling has been completed using Reverse Circulation drilling. Samples are collected for every metre directly off the cyclone using a cone splitter, set to approximately 3kg sample size. All gold results were determined by ALS Minerals (Perth) using fire assay fusion (40g charge, lead collection method) with an ICP finish. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards, blanks and duplicates are included in approximately every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the laboratory. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays. About Superior Gold Superior Gold is a Canadian based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold operations located in Western Australia. The Plutonic Gold operations include the underground Plutonic gold mine, which is a producing underground operation with a central mill, the Hermes open pit gold mine and up to an 80% interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Superior Gold is focused on expanding production at the Plutonic Gold operations and building an intermediate gold producer with superior returns for shareholders. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 15, 2017 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Superior Gold SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Synbal, Inc., a biotechnology company developing non-viral, cell-based gene therapy candidates for rare diseases, cancer, autoimmune and degenerative diseases, has been awarded a Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Cancer Institute. The grant provides Synbal with up to $2.3 million in funding to develop and validate preclinical drug discovery tools for cancer research. The company will leverage their proprietary next-generation gene-editing platform, Active Genetics, to develop a preclinical model that expresses human drug metabolizing enzymes collectively termed P450. This model should mimic human drug metabolism in a preclinical setting thus enabling predictive FDA-mandated testing of small molecule drugs. "SBIR grants are highly competitive and this award validates our Active Genetics platform and our approach to developing preclinical models. We are looking forward to developing reagents that will aid our internal gene therapy pipeline and also aid drug discovery and development with biopharmaceutical partners," said David R. Webb, CEO and Board Member of Synbal and former VP of Research at Celgene, San Diego. Synbal has joined BioLabs, San Diego, to continue its SBIR-sponsored research as well as to further develop its proprietary cell-based therapeutics approach for the treatment of rare genetic diseases, cancer, autoimmunity and degenerative diseases. About Synbal, Inc. Synbal, Inc. is a preclinical biotechnology company using its proprietary next-generation gene-editing platform, Active Genetics, to develop safer, non-viral, cell-based gene therapy candidates for rare diseases, cancer, autoimmune and degenerative diseases. The company is also leveraging its Active Genetics platform to develop humanized preclinical models to improve drug discovery and development outcomes. SOURCE Synbal, Inc. Related Links http://synbal.com/ LIMA, Peru, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Peru ("Peru") announced today an offer (the "Offer") to purchase for cash (i) sovereign bonds or bonos soberanos (the "Bonos Soberanos"), including Bonos Soberanos in the form of Global Depositary Notes ("GDNs") previously issued by Citibank N.A. and (ii) global bonds (the "Global Bonds"), in each case as set forth in the tables below (the Bonos Soberanos, GDNs and Global Bonds, collectively, the "Bonds"), in an aggregate principal amount to be determined by Peru, in its sole discretion (the "Maximum Purchase Amount"). J.P. Morgan Securities plc ("J.P. Morgan"), Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC ("Morgan Stanley"), Santander Investment Securities Inc., Scotiabank Peru S.A.A. ("Scotiabank Peru"), and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., will serve as the dealer managers for the Offer and D.F. King & Co., Inc. is acting as the information agent for the Offer. Scotiabank Peru is acting as billing and delivery bank for the Bonos Soberanos, J.P. Morgan is acting as billing and delivery bank for the GDNs, and Morgan Stanley is acting as billing and delivery bank for the Global Bonds (in such capacities, collectively, the "Billing and Delivery Banks"). The Offer is made subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the offer to purchase dated November 29, 2018 (the "Offer Document"), including the pricing and closing of a new issuance of Peru's Bonos Soberanos due 2029 (the "New Bonds") in an amount and on terms and conditions acceptable to Peru (the "New Bond Offering"). Peru expects to announce the Maximum Purchase Amount including the Aggregate Purchase Amount of Tenders (as such terms are defined in the Offer Document) of each series of the Bonds that are accepted in the Offer and whether such series will be subject to any proration at 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on Friday, November 30, 2018. The Offer is not conditioned on any minimum participation by any series of Bonds. The aggregate principal amount of eligible Global Bonds and Bonos Soberanos (including Bonos Soberanos in the form of GDNs) outstanding as of Wednesday, November 28, 2018 was U.S.$149,214,000 and S/6,045,713,000, respectively. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an order to buy the New Bonds. The New Bonds, including New Bonds issued in the form of GDNs, will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (collectively, "Eligible Holders"). The price paid per U.S.$1,000 or S/1,000, as applicable, principal amount of each series of Bonds tendered by holders and accepted pursuant to the Offer (the "Purchase Price") is set forth in the tables below. Holders will also receive an amount in cash equal to any accrued and unpaid interest on their Bonds tendered and accepted for purchase ("Accrued Interest"), up to (but excluding) Thursday, December 6, 2018 (the "Settlement Date"). Payment will be made on the Settlement Date in U.S. Dollars or Soles, as applicable, as further described herein. Purchase Price (2) Bonds Outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount of Bonds as of November 28, 2018 (1) Preferred Non-Preferred 7.84% Bonos Soberanos due 2020 S/4,400,890,000 S/1,081.501 (same as Preferred) 7.84% GDNs due 2020 (4) S/1,081.50 S/1,080.50 (3) 6.0% Bonos Soberanos due 2029 S/1,644,823,000 S/1,025.80 (same as Preferred) 6.0% GDNs due 2029 (4) S/1,025.80 S/1,024.80 (3) (1) These amounts may include Bonds held by institutions and companies controlled by the Peruvian Government that have not been cancelled. (2) Per S/1,000 principal amount of Bonos Soberanos validly tendered and accepted for purchase. Holders whose Bonds are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will also receive Accrued Interest (as defined below). Holders of Bonos Soberanos whose Bonds are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be paid in Soles and holders of GDNs whose Bonds are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be paid in U.S. dollars. (3) Reflects fees associated with the cancellation of the GDNs payable to Citibank N.A., as the depositary. (4) Issued by Citibank N.A., as the depositary, which, if accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer, will be settled by J.P. Morgan on behalf of Peru and payable in U.S. dollars as described below. Bonds Outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount of Bonds as of November 28, 2018 (1) Purchase Price 7.125% Global Bonds due 2019(2) U.S.$149,214,000 U.S.$ 1,020.50 (1) These amounts may include Bonds held by institutions and companies controlled by the Peruvian Government that have not been cancelled. (2) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Global Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase. Holders whose Bonds are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will also receive Accrued Interest (as defined below). Holders of Global Bonds whose Bonds are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be paid in U.S. dollars. Each of (i) the Purchase Price of the Bonos Soberanos in the form of GDNs and (ii) the Indication of Interest Amount of Preferred Tenders for Bonos Soberanos in the form of GDNs will be calculated by converting Soles amounts to U.S. dollars, at the rate of S/3.377 to U.S.$1.00, which was the average between the bid price (compra) and the offer price (venta) of the exchange rate published by the Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP on its website (http://www.sbs.gob.pe) on November 28, 2018, the day before the date of this Offer Document, as adjusted for three decimals. Holders of the Global Bonds may only submit tenders for cash. Only Eligible Holders of Bonos Soberanos subject to the Offer, may submit Preferred Tenders (as defined below) for New Bonds. Holders of GDNs subject to the Offer may only submit Preferred Tenders for New Bonds in the form of GDNs, issued by Citibank N.A., as the depositary. Tenders may be subject to proration. Tenders made by holders who submit an Indication of Interest (as defined in the Offer Document) to subscribe for New Bonds in the Offer thereof will have preference. THE OFFER WILL COMMENCE AT OR AROUND 8:00 A.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018. UNLESS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED, THIS OFFER EXPIRES AT 11:00 A.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 FOR NON-PREFERRED TENDERS (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER DOCUMENT), AT 1:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 FOR PREFERRED TENDERS, AND AT 11:00 A.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 FOR GLOBAL BONDS CASH TENDERS (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER DOCUMENT). If you hold Bonos Soberanos, you may tender such Bonds through Scotiabank Peru, and if you do not have an account with Scotiabank Peru, through another dealer manager. If you hold GDNs, you may tender such Bonds through J.P. Morgan, and if you do not have an account with J.P. Morgan, through another dealer manager. If you hold Global Bonds, you may tender such Bonds through Morgan Stanley, and if you do not have an account with Morgan Stanley, through another dealer manager. You will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear, Clearstream, the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") systems or CAVALI S.A. ICLV ("CAVALI"). The Billing and Delivery Banks will consolidate all tenders and accept Bonds for purchase on behalf of Peru. Peru expects to instruct the Billing and Delivery Banks to apply a portion of the proceeds of the New Bond Offering to acquire any Bonds validly tendered and accepted in the Offer upon the closing of the New Bond Offering. Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus-payment basis with the Billing and Delivery Banks on the Settlement Date, in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. If you hold Bonos Soberanos registered with CAVALI, you will not be able to tender the Bonds through CAVALI. You must submit tenders and deliver the Bonos Soberanos, in accordance with customary brokerage practices in Peru, to Scotiabank Peru. If you hold Global Bonds or GDNs through DTC, they must be delivered for settlement to J.P. Morgan in the case of the GDNs or Morgan Stanley in the case of Global Bonds no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Settlement Date. If you hold Global Bonds or GDNs through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process you can use to deliver your GDNs to J.P. Morgan or Global Bonds to Morgan Stanley is the overnight process, one day prior to the Settlement Date; you MAY NOT use the optional daylight process. This Offer will not be eligible for the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program. Failure to deliver Bonds on time may result, in Peru's sole discretion, in any of the following (i) cancellation of such tenders and in such holders becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities, and/or (iii) in the case of Preferred Tenders, (x) cancellation of such tenders and (y) in such holders remaining obligated to purchase such allocations of New Bonds in respect of the related Indications of Interest. The Billing and Delivering Banks will consolidate all tenders and accept Bonds for purchase on behalf of Peru. Peru expects to apply a portion of the proceeds of the New Bond Offering to instruct the Billing and Delivery Banks to acquire any Bonds tendered and accepted in the Offer upon the closing of the New Bond Offering. Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus-payment basis with the Billing and Delivering Banks on the Settlement Date, in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Holders of the Bonds will not have withdrawal rights with respect to the Offer. The Offer is subject to Peru's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable laws to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Offer at any time. Each of Peru, the Billing and Delivering Banks and the dealer managers reserve the rights, in the sole discretion of each of them, to not accept tenders for any reason. To request offering materials, please contact the Information Agent: D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor New York, NY 10005 Attention: Peter Aymar e-mail: [email protected] In the United States: Banks and Brokers Call: (888) 626-0988 All Others Call: (212) 269-5550 website: www.dfking.com/republicofperu The dealer managers for the Offer are: J.P. Morgan Securities plc c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10179 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 1585 Broadway New York, NY 10036 Santander Investment Securities Inc. 45 East 53rd Street, 5th Floor New York, New York 10022 Scotiabank Peru S.A.A. Av. Dionisio Derteano No. 102 San Isidro, Lima 27 Peru Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. 250 Vesey Street New York, NY 10281 Attention: Liability Management In the United States (toll free): +1 866-846-2874 Outside the United States (collect): +1 212-834-7279 Attention: Liability Management In the United States (toll free): +1 800-624-1808 Outside the United States (collect): +1 212-761-1057 Attention: Liability Management Group In the United States (toll free): +1 855-404-3636 Outside the United States (collect): + 1 212-940-1442 Attention: Debt Capital Markets Peru United States or Outside the United States (collect): +511 211-6040, ext. 18151 or 18153 +511 207-2630 Attention: Debt Capital Markets In the United States (toll free): +1 800- 372-3930 Outside the United States (collect): +1 212-225-5559 The Billing and Delivery Banks for the Offer are: For Bonos Soberanos Scotiabank Peru S.A.A. Av. Dionisio Derteano No. 102 San Isidro, Lima 27 Peru For GDNs J.P. Morgan Securities plc c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10179 United States For Global Bonds Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 1585 Broadway New York, NY 10036 United States Disclaimer The Offer Document is not for release, publication or distribution to any person located or resident in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to distribute the Offer Document. Persons into whose possession the Offer Document comes are required by Peru, the Dealer Managers and the Information Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor the solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer or sale of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Offer is made solely pursuant to the Offer Document dated the date hereof. This announcement has been prepared on the basis that the Bonds are not being offered to the public within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, the "Prospectus Directive") and the Offer is not subject to the obligation to publish a prospectus under the Prospectus Directive. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order")), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order, (iii) are persons falling within Article 43 of the Order, (iv) are outside the United Kingdom, or (v) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Offer Document. This announcement and the Offer Document contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer. If any Bond holder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended that such holder seek its own financial and legal advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. None of Peru, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether Bond holders should tender Bonds in the Offer or participate in the Offer. This announcement contains forward-looking statements and information that is necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the terms of any such transactions. Peru assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this announcement. SOURCE The Republic of Peru SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of San Francisco (USF) will celebrate the opening of its new Thacher Gallery exhibit with a panel and reception on Thursday, November 29 from 4:30 5:45 p.m. in the Maraschi Room of Fromm Hall on the USF main campus, followed by a reception in the gallery. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature the following speakers: Professor Arturo Araujo (USF, Fine Arts) (USF, Fine Arts) Ray Bussolari (Foster Youth Project) (Foster Youth Project) Felix Uribe (Tender Souls) (Tender Souls) Moderators: Emma Doctors, Charlie Moreno , and Maurice Velasco (M.A. Candidates in Museum Studies) "Quiet Spaces: Picturing Sanctuary in the Illustrated Book" Exhibition (free and open to the public 12-6 p.m. daily) Sanctuary, a place of refuge, can be found not only in a physical place of shelter, but also in the vastness of nature, in the comfort of home and community, and in our imaginations, dreams, and memories. These spheres of safety are reflected in prints and photographs in the modern illustrated books exhibited in Quiet Spaces: Picturing Sanctuary in the Illustrated Book. Featuring more than 40 volumes from the permanent collection of the University of San Francisco's Donohue Rare Book Room, Quiet Spaces encourages the exploration of diverse personal and collective experiences and perceptions of the theme of sanctuary. Among the featured volumes are Ansel Adams's Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras (1927), The Collected Sonnets by John Keats illustrated by John Buckland Wright (1930), Joyce Lancaster Wilson's The Ark of Noah (1975), Kenneth Rexroth's Between Two Wars: Selected Poems Written Prior to World War II illustrated by Daniel Goldstein (1982), and L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz illustrated by Barry Moser (1985). An interactive iteration of a recent print project related to the theme of sanctuary by San Francisco artists Sergio de la Torre and Chris Treggiari entitled Sanctuary City/Ciudad Santuario will also be included in the exhibition. This exhibition is a curatorial collaboration by the University of San Francisco's graduate Museum Studies Curatorial Practicum class, with the support of USF's Donohue Rare Book Room, Mary and Carter Thacher Gallery, and the M.A. in Museum Studies Program. About the Thacher Gallery Celebrating its 20th year, the Thacher Gallery is a public art gallery located in the University of San Francisco's Gleeson Library where creativity, scholarship, and community converge. The gallery is free and open to the public daily 12-6pm. Please visit website for holiday hours. Located at 2130 Fulton Street (at Cole). Phone: (415) 422-5178. https://www.usfca.edu/thacher-gallery About the University of San Francisco The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of one of the world's most innovative and diverse cities and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields. Its diverse student body enjoys direct access to faculty, small classes, and outstanding opportunities in the city itself. USF is San Francisco's first university, and its Jesuit Catholic mission helps ignite a student's passion for social justice and a desire to "Change the World From Here." For more information, visit https://www.usfca.edu SOURCE University of San Francisco Related Links http://www.usfca.edu BOSTON, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Von Hippel-Lindau Alliance (VHLA), a national non-profit committed to research, education, and awareness of VHL, today announced it awarded three research grants totaling nearly $300,000 as part of the 2018 VHLA Research Grant Program. Since its inception in 1998, the VHLA Research Grant program has awarded more than $2 million toward research. VHLA's competitive research program is designed to fund projects that increase the understanding of the VHL gene and contribute to improved screening and treatment approaches for people living with VHL. The 2018 research grants include: Targeting Hemangioblastoma Heterogenity Othon Iliopoulos , MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School Identification of potential actionable oncogenic pathways that can be targeted for effective treatment and prevention of VHL brain and spine tumors. VISION (Part 2): VHL Information Sharing International Consortium Raymond Kim , MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Analysis of VHL patient data to optimize care plans, improve patient monitoring and create resources to improve diagnosis. Research will also include application of artificial intelligence (AI) to better predict cancer. Investigate whether drugs that activates ISGF3 impede tumor growth by VHL-defective ccRCC cancer cells Haifeng Yang , PhD, Jefferson ( Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University ) and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Jefferson Health Exploration of a systematic treatment to slow down or stop tumor growth with little side effects. VHL disease is a genetic condition characterized by blood vessel tumors in up to ten areas of the body. The tumors can be benign or cancerous. Since the VHL gene is involved in tumor growth, understanding VHL disease is also becoming of a critical component in the study of cancer. Advancing the scientific understanding of VHL disease and related cancers is a top priority for VHLA. "The VHLA is committed to improving diagnosis and treatment of VHL disease, and research is a critical component of our efforts," said Ilene Sussman, Executive Director, VHLA. "This research will help contribute to the growing body of knowledge that not only helps us better predict, diagnose and treat VHL, but also many related forms of cancer." In addition to the VHLA Research Grant Program, VHLA also co-developed MyVHL: The Patient Natural History Study, which collects key patient data to help researchers better understand VHL and other types of cancers. For more information on VHLA and its research programs and initiatives, visit vhl.org. About the VHL Alliance The VHL Alliance (VHLA) is the preeminent resource and clearinghouse for those affected by von Hippel-Lindau disease, including patients, caregivers, researchers, and the medical community. VHLA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1993, which is dedicated to research, education, and support to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those affected by VHL. VHLA is the leading funder of VHL research, funding $2 million in grant to support studies designed to find a cure. The VHL Alliance's vision is Curing Cancer through VHL. Contact: Heidi Leone 617.277.5667 x 4 [email protected] SOURCE VHL Alliance SAN DIEGO, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaCyte, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage regenerative medicine company, today announced an $80 million Series D financing led by Bain Capital Life Sciences and joined by TPG and RA Capital Management, as well as existing investor, Sanderling Ventures, and several individual supporters of the Company. Proceeds from the financing will be used to further advance ViaCyte's novel stem cell-derived islet replacement therapies. These therapies have the potential to provide a functional cure for patients with type 1 diabetes as well as an important option for patients with type 2 diabetes who depend on insulin to help control their disease. The private financing will be completed in two tranches; further details were not disclosed. Together with the recently announced strategic collaborations and transactions with W.L. Gore and Associates and CRISPR Therapeutics, ViaCyte has secured commitments for over $100 million of new financing in the second half of this year. "ViaCyte is the clear leader in beta cell replacement, and we are excited about the lasting impact that its stem cell-derived therapies can potentially have on improving treatment and quality of life for people living with insulin-requiring diabetes," said Adam M. Koppel, M.D., Ph.D., a Managing Director at Bain Capital Life Sciences. "We look forward to partnering with ViaCyte's management team to accelerate the development of ViaCyte's transformative cell therapies to help patients." Headquartered in San Diego, ViaCyte has been a pioneer in stem cell-derived cell replacement therapy with a focus on the treatment of insulin-requiring diabetes. The Company's scientists were the first to describe directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic cells and the first to demonstrate the potential of these cells to faithfully produce insulin in response to increased blood glucose in pre-clinical models. ViaCyte has also shown that these cells can differentiate in vivo to all the constituent cell types of the normal human islet. The Company's leadership in the field is reflected in its intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 700 issued patents worldwide and a nearly equal number of pending applications. Heath Lukatch, Ph.D., Partner at TPG stated, "TPG is committed to investing in companies developing curative treatments for chronic disease. We believe that ViaCyte's cellular therapy approach is at the vanguard of diabetes treatment and has the potential to dramatically reduce the near-term consequences and long-term complications associated with diabetes. The anticipated long-term positive impact of reduced morbidity and mortality possible with ViaCyte's product candidates is a core part of our focus in this investment." Dr. Lukatch continued, "We look forward to working with company management and our co-investors to bring to market ViaCyte's powerful new therapeutic modality for the benefit of those suffering from insulin-requiring diabetes." ViaCyte currently has two stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy candidates at the clinical stage: PEC-Direct and PEC-Encap. The PEC-Direct product candidate is being developed as a transformative therapy for high-risk type 1 diabetes patients and is currently being evaluated in the second stage of a Phase 1/2 trial, with initial proof-of-efficacy data expected as early as mid-2019. The PEC-Encap product candidate is initially being developed for all patients with type 1 diabetes. Enrollment in the PEC-Encap clinical trial, known as STEP ONE, has been paused as the Company is making product improvements in collaboration with W.L. Gore & Associates. Device optimization has yielded the recently announced positive data showing unprecedented engraftment and function of the PEC-Encap product candidate in a clinically relevant non-clinical "challenge" model, and clinical evaluation is expected to resume next year. "We have made important scientific progress with both PEC-Direct and PEC-Encap. A major part of this financing will support our continued clinical development efforts with both product candidates to evaluate efficacy," said Paul Laikind, Ph.D., President and CEO of ViaCyte. "In addition, we have begun our collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics to discover, develop, and commercialize gene-edited allogeneic stem cell therapies which could be a next-generation cure for diabetes." Dr. Laikind continued, "We are very excited to have completed this financing. Not only does it provide us with funding needed to advance our programs, it also adds three sophisticated investment groups to the ViaCyte team. Each of these groups is a major supporter of companies in the life science sectors. These groups are more than just investors, they are experienced partners who roll up their sleeves and help companies succeed. We look forward to working with them to realize the promise of ViaCyte's industry-leading technologies for the benefit of patients and investors alike." "I am encouraged by the strong support demonstrated by the funding transactions at ViaCyte this year. They provide the financial resources necessary to move forward with our clinical studies and as well as supporting the technological developments necessary for the delivery of our stem cell-derived technology to treat diabetes in patients," commented Fred Middleton, ViaCyte's Chairman of the Board. "Being able to pursue multiple clinical strategies in parallel, with more patients being treated, gives us the potential to reach successful clinical outcomes sooner than would otherwise be the case. On behalf of ViaCyte, I would like to thank our many partners who have committed to us their continuing support as we seek to deliver highly innovative treatments for diabetes." The recent funding adds to the substantial financial support ViaCyte has received from the non-profit patient advocacy groups, JDRF and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Raymond James acted as the Sole Placement Agent on the transaction. About ViaCyte ViaCyte is a privately held regenerative medicine company developing novel cell replacement therapies as potential long-term diabetes treatments to achieve glucose control targets and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetes-related complications. ViaCyte's product candidates are based on the derivation of pancreatic progenitor cells from stem cells, which are then implanted in durable and retrievable cell delivery devices. Once implanted and matured, these cells are designed to secrete insulin and other pancreatic hormones in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte has two product candidates in clinical-stage development. The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers the pancreatic progenitor cells in a non-immunoprotective device and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients who have hypoglycemia unawareness, extreme glycemic lability, and/or recurrent severe hypoglycemic episodes. The PEC-Encap (also known as VC-01) product candidate delivers the same pancreatic progenitor cells in an immunoprotective device and is being developed for all patients with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, who use insulin. ViaCyte is also developing immune-evasive 'universal donor' stem cell lines, from its proprietary CyT49 cell line, which have the potential to further broaden the availability of cell therapy for diabetes and other potential indications. ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California. ViaCyte is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and JDRF. For more information on ViaCyte, please visit www.viacyte.com and connect with ViaCyte on Twitter and Facebook. SOURCE ViaCyte, Inc. Related Links http://www.viacyte.com BALTIMORE, Nov. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- World Relief commends President Trump and Vice President Pence's commitment to combat HIV/AIDS, which was reflected today in the promise of $100 million in new funding to address key gaps in controlling and preventing the disease. This commitment is critical given a huge need for testing and treatment for those living with HIV. It's estimated that more than 36.9 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV, 1.8 million of whom are children. Approximately 5,000 new HIV infections are contracted every single day and 1 million lives are lost each year to AIDS-related illness. The announcement coincides with the 15th anniversary of President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and World AIDS Day on Saturday, December 1. We celebrate that PEPFAR has saved over 17 million lives, with a record 14.6 million people currently receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment through PEPFAR funding. Testing and treatment for HIV not only prolong life and enable infected individuals to live normal lives, but they may be able to reduce transmission to others to almost zero. The church has a critical role in helping to get people tested and treated, and World Relief is pleased to catalyze church mobilization efforts in many countries. We do so as we believe it is absolutely crucial that efforts are focused on preventing the transmission of HIV from ever occurring between couples, mothers and their unborn or newly born infants and youth. Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump have provided leadership in the global fight against HIV and eight successive Congresses have approved funding. We are grateful for this historic commitment and urge Congress and the Administration to continue to support HIV/AIDS advocacy, prevention and treatment funding. The progress has been substantial but growing populations present growing risk of HIV prevalence around the world. We are proud of the contribution churches are making in this global effort. World Relief will continue to work with churches on the front lines throughout Africa and across the globe. We are resolved to continue our efforts until all needing help receive it, and there is not one more new infection. About World Relief World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that seeks to overcome violence, poverty and injustice. Through love in action, we bring hope, healing and restoration to millions of the world's most vulnerable women, men and children through vital and sustainable programs in disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peacebuilding, as well as refugee and immigration services in the U.S. For 75 years, we've partnered with churches and communities, currently across more than 20 countries, to provide relief from suffering and help people rebuild their lives. Learn more at worldrelief.org. SOURCE World Relief In particular, CARE.AI TM Intelligent 4D Imaging System for Chest CT is the first AI system in the world to break through detection of pulmonary nodules and realize the real-time imaging of a wide variety of other lesions. Together with other cancer screening solutions, it will greatly reduce the workload of radiologists, become a clinical assistant to radiologists, and provide the possibility for large-scale early cancer screening worldwide. This comes amidst a backdrop of the latest Annual World Cancer Report, released by the WHO on November 3, 2018. This year alone, it is expected that there will be 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths worldwide. The incidence of lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and other cancers is still growing rapidly and show no sign of slowing down. AI is China's powerful tool in the quest to improve public health on a large scale China's medical AI has developed rapidly over a short period of time, but most companies focus on detection of pulmonary nodules, which only account for about 50% of lung lesions in a chest CT. Professor Zhengyu Jin, Chairman of Chinese Society of Radiology, said that products that can only detect lung nodules are not assistants to radiologists, as the complete clinical diagnosis process for chest CT imaging has to include other types of lesions such as patchy shadow, stripe shadow and cystic shadow. CARE.AITM Intelligent 4D Imaging System for Chest CT, the world's first product that can perform imaging based diagnosis for all the type of lesions mentioned above, is a centralized display of the scientific research achievements made by YITU Healthcare in recent years, and can provide information sign analysis and diagnosis to achieve efficacy prediction and evaluation. Referring to this product, Professor Jin said this system basically realizes the full-dimensional detection of lesions for chest CT imaging, improves the functions of medical AI and promotes its application in clinical practice. In addition to CARE.AITM Intelligent 4D Imaging System for Chest CT, Intelligent Diagnostic and Treatment Platform for Cancer Screening, covering multiple cancers, was also released at the same time. This platform relies on YITU Healthcare's disease-centered massive multimodal medical data to provide doctors with imaging detection, lesion analysis, clinical decision-making assistance, patient management and other services. For a long time, it has been difficult to widely promote large-scale early screening of diseases, especially cancer screening, restricted by the availability of limited high-quality medical resources. The emergence of high-level medical AI makes it possible for AI systems to assist doctors becoming providers of medical services to a certain extent and provides the possibility for large-scale early screening of tumors. According to Dr. Cathy Fang, Vice President of YITU Healthcare, a large-scale cancer screening program named "AI Map for Cancer Screening" has been launched in China. At present, the program covers 19 provinces and autonomous regions in China and coverage is still increasing. The preliminary screening results from a collaboration project between YITU Healthcare and the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University identified 10 cases of lung cancers out of over 1,300 high-risk people, including 9 early cancer patients, all of whom have been verified by pathological testing and are in a state of recovery after prompt treatment. This is the world's first time to use AI solutions on cancer screening on a large population. "Medical AI products with advanced and reliable performance, which meet clinical needs and can be quickly replicated, are great creations in human history, and China is making rapid progress in this field," said Dr. Fang. "YITU's series of AI products have been widely applied in more than 200 Grade-A tertiary hospitals throughout China and cover the regional medical centers at the municipal and county levels in numerous provinces and cities. We look forward to bringing advanced AI products to all parts of the world and working towards promoting the improvement of human health care level." SOURCE YITU Technology Crude Oil Prices May Reach $100/b Ever since the United States imposed new sanctions on Iran, other oil exporters have been trying to make up for the decline in the international oil supply. Some experts are now predicting a strong trend all the way up to $100 per barrel. During the recent oil summit in Algeria, the participants failed to agree an oil production hike. Since the American sanctions imposed on Iran collapsed the import of crude oil from this Middle Easter state, this also lowered the supply to the international market of crude oil. Chances are, Russia and Saudi Arabia won't make up for this supply drop, which is basically the major reason why the experts think the prices are going to skyrocket to $100/b in the near future. During the recent talks, the OPEC+ participants agreed to stick to the production threshold set in June (extra 1 million barrels a day). Still, they somehow failed to distribute the production quotas. In the meantime, the Iranian Minister of Oil shared his thoughts on the situation with Bloomberg. According to him, Donald Trump decided to nullify the Iranian oil export even without consulting his advisors. He was in a hurry to implement his idea but at the end of the day he probably figured out that it's next to impossible to implement his plan. The minister thinks that Washington is now desperately trying to freeze the export of cure oil from Iran at least for couple of weeks. Saudi Arabia's oil production capacities are limited. It's interesting to note that international experts (whose thoughts were apparently ignored by President Trump) share the same opinion that the international market of crude oil is going to see a deficit in the near future. If that's the case, oil prices will inevitably go up, which is something Donald Trump has been resisting so far. The thing is, that the decline in the oil export coming from Iran has resulted in shorter international oil supplies. Given the fact, that Saudi Arabia's oil production capacities are limited, it's not going to make up for the shortage. As for Russia, some experts say that it may strengthen its position of a major player regulating oil prices within the scope of the OPEC+, which used to be the OPEC. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Oil prices keep going up. Brent oil has just exceeded $83/b. Obviously, Donal Trump's attempts to urge the OPEC to increase their oil production have filed so far. For those of you who don't know, not so long ago Donald Trump threatened the OPEC in general and Middle-Eastern oil producers in particular with consequences if they refuse to start increasing their oil production to dump international oil prices as soon as possible. However, those threats seem to have had no impact on the OPEC and the prices are still going up. On the first day of October, oil prices are still rallying. They have already break above the $83/b threshold for Brent oil. International experts don't deny a move all the way up to $100 by the end of the year. At the same time, experts say that Trump himself is partially responsible for pushing the prices higher. The other day, Washington announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, including the export of Iranian oil. This has been clearly affecting the oil market ever since. The thing is that Iran is a major player in the international market of crude oil, which is why any disruption of oil export from this Middle-Easter state is destined to affect the entire market. So, the USA wants the OPEC to make up for the Iranian oil export but this is something that OPEC is either incapable or reluctant to do right now. So, earlier today, Brent oil appreciated from $82/b up to $83.17/b. WTI oil cost $73,51/b earlier today. 435 N. Michigan Ave., No. 401, Chicago: $3,575,000 | Listed: Oct. 14, 2021 This three-bedroom home has three full bathrooms, one half-bath, 11-foot ceilings, crown molding and white oak hardwood floors. This home has an open-concept living/dining space with two lounge areas and a marble fireplace. The kitchen offers quartzite countertops, an extended island, white Shaker cabinetry and a custom wine tower. The primary bedroom has a marble en suite bath with a dual vanity, a free-standing tub and a walk-in shower. Two additional en-suite bedrooms, a laundry room, and a foyer complete this home, which is located in a building with a professional gym, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, and an outdoor terrace. Agent: Ryan Preuett, Jameson Sothebys International Realty, 312-371-5951 *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. Stock and commodities markets USA Leaves China Without Crude Oil, Russia Is Ready To Compensate The trade war between the United States and China is still underway. Earlier this month, America made another attempt to undermine the Chinese economy. The thing is, that up until recently, America used to be one of the biggest exporters of crude oil to China. In summer, the U.S. export of crude oil to China used to be equal to 10,5 million barrels a month. At this point, America has almost suspended the export of crude oil to China. Last month American oil companies shipped as little as 600K barrels, with no oil shipping planned for this month. There is nothing to be surprised with, given the fact that China has been rapidly catching up with the United Stated in terms of economy. America was afraid of China taking the economic lead one day. However, after Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, the situation started to changing. President Trump was indignant at the fact that many American companies has moved their production facilities abroad - to Mexico, China and other countries with much cheaper labor force. He demanded that those companies bring the facilities back to the USA , otherwise he promised to impose big taxes on those companies. At the same time, Donald Trump doesn't like the trade turnover between the two countries. He was shocked to find out that China exports to the USA dozens of times more than it imports form the USA . Shortly after that, the United States imposed extra duties on the products imported from China. The Chinese government responded with similar measures. All in all, all of those measures affect the turnover that's equal to billions of dollars. It's interesting to note that Russia is now ready to make up for the import of American oil. Moscow and Beijing have been discussing the opportunity of building several pipelines to export crude oil and natural gas to China. At the same time, China seems to be seeking to import some crude oil form Iran despite all of those warnings coming from the USA . In the meantime, Brent oil has already set another major price high since 2014 at 85 dollars per barrel, even though it's currently trading around 80 dollars per barrel. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Got a question? Ask it here Goldman Sachs is back in the game 20 years ago, Goldman Sachs used to be a Wall Street legend and a dream company to work for graduates with a financial degree. Over the last few years, the bank has been a loser with thousands of disappointed employees, managers, and investors. However, the other day Goldman Sachs made an attempt to get back in the game. Read more European ETFs - Decent Alternative to American ETFs The mentioned PRIIP rules are forcing the financial service providers and brokers to publish a specific set of info documents including the so-called KID with the key info on certain investment and insurance products. Since the funds coming from outside of Europe do not conform to these requirements, they cannot be offered to EU residents as investment products. Read more Warren Buffett Keeps Loading Up On Bank of America's Stock Berkshire Hathaway keeps loading up on Bank of America's stock. This time, during the period of July 31st - August 4th, they purchased over 13,6 million shares, which cost 337 million dollars. The average prices was 24,81 dollars per share. With that being said, Berkshire Hathaway now owns 1,03 billion shares of the stock, which is 26,15 billion dollars in dollar terms. As for the Federal Reserve, they agreed to increase the fund's share to 24,9%. Read more WTI Price Drops After US Oil Inventories Report Today, another crude oil inventories report has been released by the USA: Read more Is Gold Worth Investing Amid Crisis? Securing assets has always been number-one goal during crises. This is something that worries borth financial experts and plain folks who are far from the peculiarities of the financial world but who are still witnessing their savings vanish amid inflation and devaluation. Read more Remember the Key Rules of Investing in Stocks Without further ado, let's consider a bunch of principles of investing in stock, which will put the odds of succeeding in this business in your favor: Read more Apple Patents iPhone Without Ports And Holes, Device Expected In 2021 It seems that the release of the long-awaited iPhone without any ports or holes is getting more and more portable. Apple has always favored minimalistic designs, especially over the last 5 years. In 2015, almost all of the classic ports were deprecated in MacBooks in favor of a single one - USB-C Thunderbolt 3. In 2017, iPhone 7 got rid of the 3.5mm audio jack. Read more Gold Sets New Records The gold market is insane. The gold futures price set a new major high in New York. In particular, the dollar price of the precious metal set a new 7- year high. With that being said, maybe you should add gold to your investment portfolio along with BTC? Well,lat's ponder upon this question. Read more Brent Prices Drop Down To $61/b The concerns over the global demand for crude oil are getting back to the market again. The current trading week has been a week of discounts. Earlier today, Brent oil saw its price drop down to 61 dollars per barrel. The WTI price dropped all the way down to 56 dollars per barrel. The supply side has got an upper hand. Read more The world is on the verge of another global race International experts are commenting on the events taking place over the last few years. In particular, President and CEO of Atlantic Council Frederik Kempe believes that we are nearing another race between the world's biggest superpowers. At this point international investors are concerned about the escalating economic tensions between the USA and China. However, as for international observers, they should not be distracted from studying a new reality, which is round the corner and has been created over a pretty long period. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, one of the biggest challenges today is getting back to the global race with Russia and China. The expert assumes that this is a major problem rather than a challenge since quite a lot has changed since the previous race between the USSR and the USA The situation has really changed and the new race seems to be taking place under a completely different set of conditions and in a completely different environment. Essentially, the political forces are now undergoing a stress test within the scope of a zero-sum game. On the other hand, the confrontation is going on within the scope of a global system full of close inner ties, much tighter and more complicated than those seen during the cold war in the last century. The specifics of this confrontation could be seen a couple of months ago, when China participated in the military exercise arranged by Russia. Chances are, the USA uses the trade conflict with China to hint at the existing problem of the alliance between Russia and China. At the same time, Donald Trump seems to be trying to resist the rising global pressure coming form China. This problem made the USA make up with the European Union in terms of their trade relations. On top of that, President Trump is close to signing an energy agreement with the Philippines. Even though it may seem that those events have nothing to do with each other, Mr. Kempe thinks these are the links of a single chain. When chained together, all of them prove that a new era is round the corner. The new environment is building amid a range of key factors, including the economic competition between democracies and their adversaries. Nationalist and populism are also affecting the situation, not to mention the technological achievements (including artificial intelligence) seen over the last decade. Under such circumstances, all major political decisions matter a lot because they may have major consequences further down the road. Yet, it's really hard to predict the consequences amid a constantly changing global environment. It holds especially true for the decisions made by the political powers of Russia, China, and the USA You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Crypto Market Sentiment Gets Better, FortFS Reports Given the fact that crypto assets are relatively new, volatile, and promising, international experts have been increasingly interested in everything that's been going on in the international cryptocurrency market over the last few years. FortFS experts decided to dive deeper into the current market situation and evaluate last week's key events, which are also expected to influence the market in the near future. The past trading week is said to have been interesting and positive for the entire cryptocurrency market. Slowly but surely, the crypto market is getting alive once again, with more investors joining in all over the world. On Tuesday, major cryptocurrencies showed moderate growth - up to 5 points. Even tough some of the coins managed to set new local highs, they eventually failed to consolidate at those levels and retraced a bit from those levels. At the same time, the price chart or the last 4 weeks leads us to make interesting conclusions. At this point, November stays a positive trading month, with Bitcoin and Ethereum clearly trading in the green zone. On the other hand, even though some of the major coins are currently stronger than weeks ago, the overall cryptocurrency market cap has gained a lot over the same reporting period. On the contrary, if to belive the figures taken for the last few weeks, the market cap has shrunk by several billion dollars. Yesterday, it was some 213 billion dollars, with Bitcoin making up for 111 billion dollars. However, these are not the key points of interest for international experts. At this point they are trying to figure out how to treat the recent rally and the positive sentiment around it. Chances are, the reason is the info background around the crypto market. Over the last few weeks, the international community has been discussing the rumors about Bitcoin getting ready for its pre-Christmas rally. Experts say that technically, we don't have a reason to expect a rally in the market of Bitcoin and Ethereum unless the price overcomes major levels of resistance located at 6700 USD/BTC and 220 USD/ETH respectively. Still, experts say that the current strengthening looks promising. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Market Leader reports that the global market of rude oil has been seen a prolonged downtrend after a pretty strong rally seen over a couple of months in a row. Not so long ago, a barrel of Brent oil used to cost 86 dollars. At this point, it costs just 70 dollars. Still, the Russian authorities don't seem to be concerned about this price drop at all. Experts say the see no reason to worry about the situation. According to CEO of Lukoil Vaghit Alekperov, today's oil prices represent a kind of the so-called golden medium. In other words, 70 dollars per barrel is the very price that is acceptable for both oil importers and exporters. When asked about their plans to shrink their oil production to stimulate another price rally in the market of crude oil, the Russian oilers assume there is no reason to do this. Moreover, some of them are going to increase their production amid decreasing oil prices. This standpoint seems to be shared by the Russian government. Even tough the Russian budget is heavily dependent on the export of crude oil, they somehow don't want higher oil prices. According to Russian Prime Minister Dmitriy Medvedev, much higher oil prices would do the Russian economy more harm than good. The thing is, the Russian budget for 2018 was created with the average annual oil price of $63/b in mind, which is why even $70/b is a good price for Russian. For those of you who don't know, Russia is one of the biggest oil producers and exporters together with the USA and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have been producing 11,5 million barrels a day over the recent months while the USA and Russia have been taking turns by producing 11,4-11,8 million barrels a day over the same period. On November 12, Brent oil is trading slightly over 71 dollars per barrel. WTI oil is trading around 61 dollars per barrel. Iran Circumvents U.S. Sanctions with Cryptocurrencies FinCEN came up with new recommendations. The document contains interesting points, including the thing that Iran abuses cryptocurrencies, thereby jeopardizing the entire global financial system. In particular, the document claims that Iranian citizens make BTC transactions to the amount of around 4 million dollars, yet those transactions are are claimed to be indented for criminal purposes. At the same time, FinCEN claims that Iran uses digital currencies to circumvent Western sanctions. The regulator recommends American businesses, including crypto platforms, to investigate into their block-chain registries to spot the activity coming form Iran. the thing is that, according to FinCEN, even though the Central Bank of Iran has been desperately trying to prevent local businesses and individuals from accessing cryptocurrencies, they still have unlimited access to American p2p online exchanges. That's why the regulator reminds American businesses about the importance of intensifying security measures for the sake of observing the sanction requirements. In July 2018, the Iranian authorities announced their plans to launch their own national cryptocurrency. According to their plans, the coin will let them circumvent the Western sanctions initiated by the United States. But on the other hand, China has enough resources to ruin Iran's plans. According to expert estimates, China is really capable of influencing or even destorying Bitcoin. If that's the case, this will spoil the image of cryptocurrencies as promising assets to invest in. While those threats are potential, crypto miners keep on making money. They say that over the first 6 months of 2018, international miners made almost 5 billion dollars, even despite the increasing rivalry and decreasing profitability of mining. In the meantime, the cryptomarket has been undermined by various news and rumors. For instance, not so long ago, several big-scale financial institutions from Europe were suspected in some shady schemes regarding cryptocurrencies. In particular, the Lithuanian agency that fights financial crimes got curious about some big-scale crypto transactions taking place over the last few years. Some of the clients made big-scale transactions worth millions of dollars. Now they will have to explain the origin of the money as well as the purpose of those financial transactions. Those individuals are reported to be Lithuanian citizens. They are clients of such banks as SEB, Swedbank, Luminor, Danske Bank, Citadele, Pervesk, and Mister Tango. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors NordFX Expects Cryptocurrencies and Euro to Go Further Down The relation between 2 currencies at a certain point of time is the result of the market being simultaneously influenced by a whole lot of various factor of various impact and origin. Currency exchange rates, in their turns, affect man other processes meaningful for the majority of people in all parts of the world. NordFX analysts decided to share another weekly forecast. For starters, the experts suggest recollecting last week's market behavior to figure out to what extent those predictions came true. While applying a range of methods, tools and techniques, which have proved to be good at predicting future market behaviors, the experts came up with a new weekly forecast. To some extent, this is a consensus forecast, which takes into account the predictions based on various approaches, techniques, and methods of technical and graphical analysis. This allowed them to come up with a more-or-less clear picture, including the most probable scenarios of the trading week. Having studied the set of factors that can possibly affect EUR/USD, the analysts report that the key event of the week to watch out for is the forthcoming urgent summit of European leaders, where they are expected to discuss the so-called Brexit. The event is planned for November 25-26. If the talks turn out to be a success, the currency pair may go back to November highs around 1.1470 and 1.1500. Over 40% of the experts participating in the consensus forecast share this opinion. The remaining 60% of them expect a stronger dollar. On Wednesday, the USA is to publish their GDP figures for Q3 2018. Should the figures turn out to be stronger than the previous ones (for Q2 2018), the U.S. dollar will definitely get considerable support. Another major event scheduled for the trading week is the Fed's FOMC meeting that's to take place on Thursday. The experts don't expect any surprises from the financial regulator. The bears' goals are located around 1.1300 and 1.1215 - the low of 2018. If the price breaks below that level, the next level of support is 1.1120. Around 15% of the oscillators on H4 are indicating an oversold market, which may hint at a slight recovery in the coming days. In case with GBP/USD, almost 100% of the indicators are painted red. However, the situation may well change while driven by this week's major news and events. Once again, it's all about the Brexit. The European leaders should decide on the terms and conditions of Great Britain leaving the European Union. Should they come up with an agreement, it should also be approved by the British parliament. Chances are, the parliamentarians will reject the agreement, the experts say. If that's the case, there should be another round of voting, which is likely to be scheduled for February 2019 in this case. Apparently, such a scenario is no good for the British Pound since the investors will probably start withdrawing their investments from the British Pound, thereby making it weaker. The closest levels of support are 1.2720, 1.2695, and 1.2660. The closest levels of resistance are 1.2885, 1.2925, and 1.3025. As for the Japanese Yen, it often moves against the trend of major European currencies. With that being said, JPY often moves up when EUR and GBP move down. Over 55% of the experts, coupled with 90% of oscillators, and 70% of trending indicators, expect USD/JPY to move down to 112.60 and below. At the same time, they don't deny the possibility of testing 112.00. However, since the market is oversold, 45% of he experts do not deny a rally up to 113.15-113.40 and 114.20-114.55. As for cryptocurrencies they are likely to keep moing down in value, with Bitcoin probably trying to test $4000 USD/BTC. If that's he case, the next target is $3000 USD/BTC. At the same time, there are rumors that Ethereum-based smart contracts have vulnerabilities. If that's true, may well expect another round of weakness for ETH/USD. There's good news for crypto bulls. THere is a divergence between the BTC exchange rate and many oscillators. This fact may hint at a highly probably recovery, even though it may be a short-term bullish trend. You are free to discuss this article here: forum for traders and investors Washington, Nov 29 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that there is no "direct information" connecting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, and he warned that it would be a "grave mistake" to degrade US-Saudi relations because of the killing. "There is no direct reporting connecting the crown prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi," Pompeo said in remarks to reporters after holding a closed-door meeting with senators to inform them of US intelligence findings on the matter. Pompeo said that degrading US-Saudi ties because of Khashoggi's murder would be a "grave mistake" for US "national security" after the meeting on Capitol Hill, in which Defense Secretary James Mattis also participated. Several days ago President Donald Trump called Khashoggi's killing an "atrocity", but he said that the CIA had not reached a definitive "conclusion" about the crown prince's involvement in the murder last month at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, as Riyadh has admitted, was murdered by a group of agents who traveled to Istanbul from Saudi Arabia -- some of them close associates of the crown prince. The journalist, who had been living in the US and writing periodic columns for The Washington Post, had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to get documents he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Meanwhile, Pompeo defended Washington's involvement in the conflict in Yemen, in which some 10,000 people have died and which has become the world's biggest humanitarian crisis at present. The US has been backing the coalition headed by Saudi Arabia that is fighting the Houthis rebels, supported by Iran. "The suffering in Yemen grieves me, but if the United States of America was not involved in Yemen, it would be a hell of a lot worse," said Pompeo in prepared remarks, adding that "abandoning Yemen would do immense damage to US national security interests and those of our Middle Eastern allies and partners". Hyderabad, Nov 29 : Transgender candidate M. Chandramukhi, contesting the Telangana assembly elections from a constituency in the city, turned up at a police station late Wednesday night. Chandramukhi, who is contesting the election from Goshamahal as a candidate of the Bahujan Left Front and was missing since early Tuesday, reached Banjara Hills police station along with her lawyer and some members of the transgender community. She refused to give a statement to police about her whereabouts, saying she will reveal all the details in court on Thursday. The Hyderabad High Court had on Wednesday directed the police to produce her in the court on Thursday. The court passed orders on a habeas corpus petitioned filed by Chandramukhi's mother Ananthamma. Earlier, a missing case was registered at the Banjara Hills police station on a complaint by her mother. Chandramukhi, the only transwoman candidate in Telangana's assembly elections, went missing early on Tuesday from her house in Jawaharnagar here. According to her supporters, two persons had come to meet her. Later, her mobile phone was switched off. They claimed she had been abducted. However, after examining CCTV footage, police said on Wednesday that she left the house on her own and was seen walking alone. A police official said she had masked her face to hide her identity. Police had formed 10 teams to trace the missing candidate. A few teams were also deputed to Anantapur and other districts in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Bahujan Left Front leaders and transgender activists have alleged that people who were opposed to a transgender contesting the election were behind her disappearance. Chandramukhi is contesting from Goshamahal against Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Raja Singh and the Congress party's Mukesh Goud. Washington, Nov 29 : US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree outside the White House and wished all Americans a "Merry Christmas". The tree is located at the Ellipse in President's Park south of the White House, reports Efe news. On Wednesday night, Trump gave the honour of lighting up the tree to Melania, who flicked the switch after a countdown initiated by the President and seconded by attendees to discover a tree illuminated in green and red. "Merry Christmas, everybody," Trump exclaimed after dedicating a few words to those affected by the "devastating wildfires, destructive hurricanes and terrible tragedies" that have plagued the United States in recent months. Around the large National Christmas Tree, as usual, 56 smaller trees were installed, whose decorations were designed by school children dedicated to each of the country's 50 states and territories, including Puerto Rico. Before the ceremony, the First Lady defended the red Christmas trees she has installed inside the White House which generated some controversy. "We're in the 21st century, and everybody has a different taste. I think they look fantastic. I hope everybody will come over and visit it. In real life, they look even more beautiful. You are all welcome to visit the White House, the people's house" Melania Trump told reporters accompanying her. This year's White House Christmas decorations' theme is "American Treasures", where the colour red has made a big appearance with 40 towering crimson topiary trees in the East Colonnade and on 14,000 ornaments in the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall. The First Lady's office described the red motif: "The choice of red is an extension of the pales, or stripes found in the presidential seal designed by our Founding Fathers. It is a symbol of valour and bravery". This holiday season, the White House will host 100 December open houses and receptions, the same as last year. And they expect 30,000 visitors to walk through the halls on holiday tours. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Google on Thursday marked the 400th birth anniversary of Spanish Baroque painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo with a doodle depicting his iconic "Two Women at a Window" painting. A series of major exhibitions celebrating his work is opening at Seville's Museum of Fine Arts in Spain. It will bring home Murillo's work from renowned collections from all over the world as Madrid embarks upon the "Year of Murillo", Google said. Known for his dramatic lighting, radiant colour palette, and versatility, Murillo brought to life a wide range of subjects, from the grandeur of his "Immaculate Conception" to the casual grace of the "Two Women..." Painted in circa 1655-60, the "Two Women..." illustrates his oeuvre. There are two women in it -- a young, another considerably older. The older one covers her face perhaps in an attampt to hide herself and yet not able to stay away from catching up on a scene unfolding outside the window. The younger one looks outside with a smile. A wistful expression on her face almost indicates she wishes to be a part in the fun outside. "Two Women..." is currently a part of Washington DC's National Gallery of Art's collection. Born in Seville in late December 1617 (the exact date is unknown), Murillo began learning art under his uncle, Google's blogpost said. The J Paul Getty Museum notes that young Murillo would sell his devotional images at local fairs. Later, he served as an apprentice to other artists. His early paintings followed a highly realistic style, and encompassed predominantly religious subjects (as was the convention at the time), and he had his first major successes by 1645. The "Immaculate Conception" depicts Virgin Mary free from original sin by virtue of the merits of her son Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that God acted upon Mary in the first moment of her conception keeping her "immaculate". Apart from painting historical and religious scenes, Murillo also did portraits, and still lifes in oil and fresco during the golden era of Spanish art, the Google blog added. Although his exact birth date is unknown, it is quite certain that he was baptised on New Year's Day 1618 in Seville's Church of St. Mary Magdalen and lived in Seville most of his life. Studying with the accomplished painter Juan del Castillo, a relative on his mother's side of the family, Murillo would eventually surpass his master and lead the "Sevillian School" of the Baroque era. Renowned for his Independent spirit, Murillo cultivated his own style of painting, incorporating Flemish and Venetian influences and evolving throughout his career. During two extended trips to Madrid, he was introduced to Diego Velazquez and exposed to works by Venetian and Flemish masters, which deeply influenced his own work. In turn, Murillo's paintings would go on to influence such future masters as Thomas Gainsborough and Jean-Baptiste Greuze. Data from the Aurora Police Department shows a drop in violent and property crimes of about 9 percent in the areas where the lighting was installed, comparing the first six months of 2017 to the first six months of 2018. New Delhi : As President Donald Trump went on another verbal rampage this week, decrying climate change, and the Federal Reserve chairman, one is reminded of John Adams, the second president, who said, "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." Had the recent American midterm elections occurred in a normal election year, the incumbent President would have leveraged the booming economy, and robust job creation, in support of his party's claims for re-election. But the leader of the free world chose instead to spew hate on behalf of his constituents. Two issues consumed his support base -- the recent Senate confirmation of US Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh and the "caravan" of bedraggled refugees fleeing Central America's violence and poverty, hundreds of miles away from the US border. A ruthlessly efficient opportunist unfettered by morality or ethics, Trump defined the caravan, initially as "illegal aliens", gradually raising the threat perception to "infiltrators" and finally to "invaders" with all its undertones of a demographic and cultural takeover, whipping up his core constituency into a hysterical frenzy. Republicans managed to hold the Senate, partly due to Trump's divisive campaigning. Donald Trump's governance strategy rests at the confluence of endangered White Privilege and subjugation of the truth. With the midterm elections, the US Congress symbolises the fierce partisan division of America. The House of Representatives, now in the hands of the Democrats, represents the major cities and the suburbs, with its pool of diverse, educated voters. The Senate, in Republican control, represents the almost overwhelmingly white rural America, with its large number of non-college educated males. The spectre of the recent Senate judicial confirmation hearing hung over the midterm elections. In 1995, US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan called the Senate judicial confirmation hearings a "vapid, shallow charade". The Senate confirmation of Kavanaugh as US Supreme Court judge elevated the process to a pantomime of the absurd. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, was understated, anguished and, at times, almost clinically detached. Kavanaugh had been the picture of majestic serenity in earlier television interviews. But in the Senate, apparently primed by the White House, he was the embodiment, not of privileged entitlement, but of red-faced fury and injured betrayal. The current composition of the US Senate may even be considered a repudiation of the vision of James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers, who had envisaged the Senate as a more deliberative body than the House. Madison, the fourth American President, expected the Senate to act as a check so that Congress would not "yield to the impulse of sudden and violent passion and be seduced by factious leaders into intemperate and pernicious resolutions". He added that "a body (the Senate) which is to correct this infirmity, ought to be free from it". The expectations of the fourth President, and the realities foisted on the nation by the 45th President, would perhaps go down as one of the enduring ironies of history. In his 2016 election campaigning, Trump and his acolytes spoke against "political correctness" which quickly morphed into a dismantling of accepted civility in public discourse, even a negation of history regarding the civil rights movement. From there it was but a short step to making racism and xenophobia chic. Perhaps no other action of the Trump administration has caused as much anguish and revulsion as the recent separation of children from their parents at the US border. The then Attorney General Jeff Sessions quoted Apostle Paul to say that the action had biblical sanction. An almost immediate response came from New York Cardinal Timothy M Dolan, who said, "For one, St. Paul always says we should obey the law of the government if that law is in conformity with the Lord's law, all right? No pun intended but God's law trumps man's law, all right?" As the recent victory of the Democratic party demonstrated, there is a resurgence of the political Left in the American body politic. To paraphrase John Stuart Mill, the American electorate has got a "clearer perception and livelier impression of the truth, produced by its collision with error". In America, as in the rest of the world, the rise of nativism has led to the decimation of the political center. Even as the Right remains strident, Democrats, exhilarated by their recent victory, nevertheless face pressure from the Far Left. As civility has disappeared, nuances in political discourse too seem endangered. The long term ravages of Trump's administrative actions too could linger awhile. Indeed, the full consequences of such actions as the rolling back of climate change regulations and the ever-widening income inequality could be in play years after Trump leaves office. It is one of the tragic legacies of history that millions should suffer for the sins of a few. Two former Indian prime ministers, Manmohan Singh and Inder Kumar Gujral were fond of quoting the poet Muzaffar Razmi: Ye jabr bhi dekha hai Taareeq ki nazron ne Lamhon ne khata ki thi Sadiyon ne saza payi (A freewheeling translation: History has been witness to this injustice, for the mistakes of a moment, generations have paid the price.) (Ashok Easwaran is a Chicago-based journalist who has reported from North America for over two decades. The views expressed are his own. He can be contacted at ashok3185@yahoo.com) Srinagar, Nov 29 : Employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Thursday staged a protest here seeking rollback of the government's decision to treat the bank as a public sector undertaking (PSU). They protested at the corporate headquarters of the bank. The state government had decided to bring the bank under the purview of the RTI Act and treat it as a PSU. There were widespread opposition to the decision with political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), terming it a move to curb J&K's financial autonomy. Established in 1938, the majority shares of the largest bank in J&K are owned by the government. New York, Nov 29 : American porn star Stormy Daniels has said that her lawyer Michael Avenatti had filed a defamation suit against US President Donald Trump against her wishes and sometimes spoke on her behalf without her consent. In a statement to The Daily Beast on Wednesday, Daniels, who's given name is Stephanie Clifford, alleged that Avenatti had also repeatedly ignored her requests for accounting information about a legal defence and safety fund that has drawn support from donors, reports The New York Times. In the meantime, she said, Avenatti launched another crowd-funding campaign without her knowledge, attributing words to her that she never wrote or said. "I haven't decided yet what to do about legal representation moving forward," Clifford said in her statement. "Michael has been a great advocate in many ways. I'm tremendously grateful to him for aggressively representing me in my fight to regain my voice. But in other ways Michael has not treated me with the respect and deference an attorney should show to a client. "I don't want to hurt Michael, but it's time to set the record straight... The truth has always been my greatest ally." Responding to the allegations, Avenatti said on Wednesday: "I am and have always been Stormy's biggest champion. "I have personally sacrificed an enormous amount of money, time and energy toward assisting her because I believe in her... I have always been an open book with Stormy... You need only look back at her numerous prior interviews where she states we talk and communicate multiple times every day about her cases." Clifford's criticism came during a turbulent time for Avenatti, who was arrested in Los Angeles this month on suspicion of domestic violence, The New York Times reported. Avenatti has strongly denied the charges. He has filed three suits against the President and his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, this year, including the one that Clifford said on Wednesday had been filed against her wishes which was dismissed last month by a federal judge. A second lawsuit seeks to void a 2016 nondisclosure agreement that prevented Clifford from discussing what she said was an affair she had with Trump in 2006. The third suit claims that Clifford's previous lawyer, Keith Davidson, conspired with Cohen and Trump to keep Clifford quiet. Yangon, Nov 29 : Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday embarked on an official visit to Nepal where she will attend the Asia Pacific Summit in Kathmandu, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said here. Suu Kyi is making the trip at the invitation of Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, reports Xinhua news agency. During her three-day trip, Suu Kyi is expected to meet Nepalese leadership and discuss matters of mutual interest. Suu Kyi's visit to Nepal is the first in her capacity as State Counsellor since June 2014 when she visited Kathmandu as the opposition leader. The Asia-Pacific Summit 2018 is scheduled from Friday to December 3. The summit will bring together heads of states and governments, lawmakers, eminent leaders, businessmen and leaders of civil society of the Asia Pacific region. Suu Kyi's trip follows that of President U Win Myint to Nepal in August on the occasion of the 4th Summit of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in the Nepalese capital. Mumbai, Nov 29 : A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activist on Thursday appealed to Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to secure the release of a Mumbai techie who is serving a jail sentence in Pakistan and is slated for release next month. The 27-year-old youth from Andheri, Hamid Nehal Ansari, was accused of entering Pakistan illegally from Afghanistan on November 12, 2012. "A humble request to speak to Prime Minister Imran Khan to expedite release of Hamid Ansari, who is serving term in a Pakistan jail. Hamid completes his jail term in mid-December. His relese will bring relief and joy to his aged parents," said BJP activist Krishna Hegde, a former Congress legislator. Ansari entered Pakistan on a fake identity card given by a friend from Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and lived with him for a few days. The Pakistani intelligence nabbed him from a hotel in Kohat town some days later. In December 2015, a military court found him guilty of spying and anti-national activities. However, Ansari refuted the charges and even challenged his conviction in the Peshawar High Court where the Pakistan government said he would be deported as soon as his jail sentence ended. "We have also appealed to Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj who has assured us of all help," Hegde told IANS. Pakistan has declined consular access for Hamid or grant visa to his parents to visit him. Guwahati, Nov 29 : India has remained firmly committed to peace and is also determined to use all its might to protect its sovereignty, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday. "Whenever it was required, our brave men and women in uniform have dealt with security challenges forcefully and effectively. Our armed forces, exemplified by the air warriors who stand before us, reflect our firm resolve to defend our nation," Kovind said . He was speaking at the Indian Air Force station in the city's Azara area after presenting the President's Standard to the 118 Helicopter Unit and the President's Colours to the Air Defence College. The President, who has just returned from a visit to Vietnam and Australia, said that the world today looks at India differently. "I have just returned from my visit to Vietnam and Australia. I held discussions with leaders of both these countries on different areas of mutual interest such as defence, international security, trade and culture. The deliberations made one thing clear that the world looks at India differently today. "India is seen as an eminent power, expected to play a prominent role in shaping the global paradigm with regards to international security, trade and commerce, and environmental protection. India's rise in the international order has many dimensions to it. And it draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our Armed Forces," the President added. The 118 Helicopter Unit or "Challengers" was raised on November 22, 1971 at Chabua and initially flew Mi-8s. "Whether flying the Mi-8 or the formidable Mi-17 helicopter today, the Unit has a remarkable operational record," said Kovind. The Air Defence College has achieved significant milestones in the past 60 years. The college provides professional training not only to Indian Air Force officers but also to sister services from friendly countries. "In recognition of their outstanding performance, I am pleased to award Standards to 118 Helicopter Unit and the Colours to Air Defence College. I compliment the personnel and families of the Units, past and present, for their devotion and service to the nation. "The Indian Air Force is a fine force known for its prowess and professionalism. With your constant readiness to protect our borders and air space, you leave every citizen feeling safe and secure. India is indeed proud of you," the President said. New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Congress and other opposition parties on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Modi government over demonetisation after former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian blasted the note ban in his upcoming book. The Congress said on Twitter that former CEA "finally reveals his true feelings about the destruction by demonetisation. Obviously criticizing a decision by the supreme leader while in government would have been completely outside the realm of possibility." Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari said there was a whole amount of "opacity" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation of November 8, 2016 and said that Subramanian owes "responsibility" to the nation to tell "how it happened". He said the real story of how the ban on Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency came about had still not fully come out. "Since Subramaniam was the CEA then, he owes a responsibility to the country to (say) what exactly happened? When did the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) meeting take place, was it cleared by the Cabinet or the Cabinet cleared it post-facto?" Tewari said. "How did the whole process of demonetisation play out, was there any inter-ministerial consultation, was there any substantiated deliberation on the implementation? "There is a whole amount of opacity around the whole issue," Tewari said. "Subramaniam, who remained in service, should actually tell the country how exactly it came about." The Congress leader's remarks came a day after Subramanian described demonetisation as a "massive, draconian, monetary shock" that accelerated economic slide to 6.8 per cent in the seven quarters after the decision against the 8 per cent recorded prior to it. Subramanian, who quit the post earlier this year after a four-year tenure, has devoted a chapter in the upcoming book "Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy", published by Penguin, has kept to himself on whether he was consulted over demonetisation. Besides the Congress, CPI-M and Trinamool Congress leaders also slammed the Modi government at the Centre over the note ban. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury described demonetisation as an "unmitigated disaster". "Demonetisation was an unmitigated disaster and Modi's mishandling and destruction of Indian economy has only unleashed misery and hardships for the people, especially farmers, workers and the poor," he tweeted. Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien said that demonetisation was a massive shock for Indian economy. "Ladies and gentlemen, he (Arvind Subramanian) is not an official spokesperson of Trinamool Congress or Congress or DMK or Telugu Desham Party or RJD or Aam Aadmi Party or BSP or SP or Left. Demonetisation was draconian, massive shock for Indian economy, says Arvind Subramanian," he tweeted. The Congress and opposition parties have been critical of demonetisation saying that it not only failed to unearth black money but destroyed economy by pulling down the GDP and caused immense damage to informal sector, small and medium enterprises besides the common man. Islamabad, Nov 29 : A leading Pakistani daily said on Thursday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should pause and reflect on what New Delhi hopes to achieve by repeatedly rejecting Islamabad's calls for peace. "(Indian) Prime Minister Modi and his government should pause and reflect on what it is they hope to achieve by repeatedly slapping back a hand offered in peace," said Dawn in an editorial. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tried to reach out to India at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday, saying "there have been mistakes on both sides... It should be used to learn lessons". The event was attended by Indian Ministers Harsmirat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Puri besides Congress Punjab legislator Navjot Singh Sidhu, a long-time friend of Khan. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who did not attend the ceremony to develop the Kartarpur Corridor to link Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur in India with Kartarpur Gurdwara, on Wednesday ruled ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan, saying talks and terror cannot go together. The Dawn said: "Unhappily, the Indian government rushed to smother the goodwill generated by the inauguration of the corridor, and once again doused hopes that bilateral dialogue may be restarted soon. "Sushma Swaraj's extraordinary comments leave no doubt that the hawks in the Indian ruling party and establishment continue to control Indian policy towards Pakistan. "What is less clear is what Sushma Swaraj is hoping to achieve with her fierce rhetoric against Pakistan," the editorial said. "Perhaps the Indian Foreign Minister wanted to counter the joyous scenes from Narowal district that would otherwise have dominated the news cycle in both countries." According to Dawn, Sushma Swaraj's dismissal of bilateral dialogue "is a roundabout way of saying there will be no dialogue at all in any circumstances". "Indian intransigence and bloody-mindedness risks the possibility of hawks in Pakistan demanding a response to India," it said, adding that there was no plausible scenario in which not talking to Pakistan will address the issues on both sides. New Delhi, Nov 29 : The government is organising a start-up conference in Goa in December for budding entrepreneurs to woo global funding, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday. Addressing the TiE Global Summit here, Prabhu said that the government had been taking several steps to promote the start-up ecosystem in the country. "We are working on a policy to provide mentorship to start-ups. We are having a series of talks with the regulator for reducing the regulatory burden, as well as meeting global funds for providing funding support to start-ups," he said. Describing India as one of the most congenial ecosystems for start-ups, the Minister said that efforts were underway to make these the "new drivers of growth for India". Noting that over 30,000 start-ups had already been registered in the country, Prabhu said that these numbers did not reveal the actual existence of many more which had not approached the government for assistance. In 2017 alone, 15,000 start-ups were registered, he said. Prabhu also said that since start-ups help create jobs and boost economic growth, the government was working on strengthening the ecosystem for them in various sectors, including in agriculture and services. Beijing, Nov 29 : A Chinese company has unveiled the first satellite in a constellation plan to provide free WiFi service worldwide. According to the company, LinkSure Network, the satellite will be launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gansu province next year and by 2020 there will be 10 satellites in space. The constellation will have 272 satellites by 2026. People can use their mobile phones to search for Internet services provided by the constellation and browse the Internet even in regions that telecom networks do not cover, said a report in People's Daily. Wang Jingying, CEO of LinkSure Network, said the company will invest 3 billion yuan ($431.4 million) into the plan. She believes through different scenarios, applications and modes, the company could earn in the future, said the report. By the end of 2017, there were still 3.9 billion people not connected to the Internet, according to data from the UN. Currently, many foreign tech companies, including Google, SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat, have already launched plans to use satellites to provide free Internet access. The first theft occurred around 3 p.m. Sept. 13 in the 400 block of Avon Street, where the girl stole a $350 watch from a 22-year-old Chicago man, Aurora police said in a statement on Facebook. While looking at the watch, the girl allegedly told the man and two friends he was with that she was going to get a drink from inside a home she claimed was her residence. New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday extended former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's interim protection from arrest in the INX Media money laundering case till January 15. The court was hearing Chidambaram's anticipatory bail petition, seeking protection from arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case. On July 25, the court had granted him interim protection, which was later extended to November 29. The ED and the CBI are probing how Chidambaram's son Karti managed to get clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Karti was arrested on February 28 by the CBI for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007 when his father was the Union Finance Minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Later, Karti was granted bail. Karti's chartered accountant S. Bhaskararaman was arrested in the case by the ED and he too was later granted bail. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected the Congress criticism of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) back series data as "malicious and fraudulent jugglery", saying it was realistic and not fictional. He said the data released on Wednesday was based on facts and best global practices, and was being rejected by the Congress as it took away "the last of its surviving arguments" that the GDP growth during the UPA era was higher compared to the present regime. "Data is realistic. It is not fictional. And this formula is globally more comparable. So what was welcomed by the UPA in 2015 is now being criticised in the year 2018, because it revises it (growth) downwards," he told reporters. "The Congress Party's reaction is given by those who perhaps have a nodding acquaintance with the subject," he later wrote in Facebook. He said the Central Statistics Office (CSO) was a highly credible organisation and it completely maintained an "arms length distance" from the Finance Ministry. "In fact, we also come to know about the data only when it is finally released," he said. "No one in India has ever imputed motives to the CSO. The sooner the Congress party realises that its policy paralysis pushed India into the Fragile-Five, the better it will be for the party and its leadership," he said. The Congress on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of resorting to "malicious and fraudulent jugglery" of GDP figures to hide the "enormous body blow" caused by them to India's economy. Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that "failed Modinomics" plus a "pakoda economic vision" has sunk India's economy in complete turmoil. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the NITI Ayog's revised GDP numbers were "a joke, bad joke and worse than a bad joke". "The numbers are the result of a hatchet job. Now that the NITI Ayog has done the hatchet job it is time to wind up the utterly worthless body." Chidambaram said. Jaitley said the immediate impact of the revision based on the new GDP series was on the last two years of the UPA government, and was welcomed by the Congress. "For the year 2012-13, the growth rate was revised from 4.7 per cent to 5.1 per cent and later again to 5.5 per cent. Similarly, for 2013-14 the GDP growth rate was revised from 5 per cent to 6.9 per cent and later revised to 6.4 per cent," He wrote in his Facebook post. He said his predecessor Chidambaram publically welcomed the new series, saying it would end misconceived charges that the UPA mismanaged the economy, and that it, in fact, succeeded to revive the economy. "Now, in continuation of the same exercise applying the same yardstick, the new series has been made applicable from FY 2004 or '05. So, the growth on the basis of the new series may be revised either upward or downward, depending on the applicability of the data," he said. The Finance Minister said that the formula was the same. So, while comparing it, the "yardstick" has to be the same. "Consequently, the same basis which improved the growth estimate in the last two years of the UPA government somewhat downgraded it in the earlier years. Those who took after the new series in 2015 now consider the new series to be a 'hatched job' and a 'bad joke'. What humours some when data shows an upward trend depresses them if it moves in the reverse direction," Jaitley said. In a joint press conference with the NITI Aayog, the CSO on Wednesday released the much-awaited back-series estimates for India's GDP, which showed a lower rate of growth during the UPA years between 2005-06 and 2011-12 than what was estimated using the earlier methodology. Moscow, Nov 29 : US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told state news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday. The meeting will be held in the Park Hyatt hotel in Buenos Aires and is expected to last for over two hours, according to the news agency. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin plans to discuss bilateral relations, strategic security and regional conflicts with Trump. "Bilateral relations-connected issues will come first. We should give thought to how to start discussing bilateral relations, strategic security, disarmament and regional conflicts," Peskov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency. He added that Moscow and Washington didn't need to agree on all global issues but they needed to hold talks in the entire world's interest. The meeting was yet to be confirmed by the White House. But Trump had suggested in an interview on Tuesday that he might cancel his get-together with the Russian leader depending on the results of a "full report" about last weekend's maritime clash between Russia and Ukraine, CNN reported. US National Security Adviser John Bolton said that if the two leaders did meet, Trump would discuss security, arms control and regional issues with Putin. "I think it will be a continuation of their discussion in Helsinki," he said. Bolton did not confirm whether the situation in Ukraine would be on the table. Mumbai, Nov 29 : Comedian-actor-producer Kapil Sharma, who will marry his girlfriend Ginni Chatrath on December 12, has opened up about attending weddings during his college days just to eat good food. He made an appearance on the show "Indian Idol 10" where he spoke about his college days when he gate-crashed weddings with his friends in Delhi, read a statement. Kapil said: "During our college days, my friends and I used to go to weddings to eat good food. Once we got caught red-handed by an uncle. My friend made up a story saying that the food in our college mess got over and that we didn't have anything to eat. "Although we had eaten the food by that time, uncle insisted on eating and dancing. We had twice the amount of food. Then we danced also. This is one experience I can never forget." Rio De Janeiro, Nov 29 : Rio de Janeiro's Governor Luiz Fernando Pezao was arrested on Thursday for his alleged involvement in a corruption network created by his predecessor and political ally, who is already serving a 100-year prison sentence. Pezao was arrested as part of so-called Operation Car Wash, an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Brazilian police since 2014 into allegations of corruption and money laundering at the state-owned Petrobas oil company, Efe news reported. Pezao, accused for his alleged involvement in the corruption network created by his predecessor and political ally Sergio Cabral, was allegedly receiving monthly bribes valued at 150,000 Brazilian reales ($38,845) from companies that had been awarded irregular contracts by the Rio government. Gurugram, Nov 29 : A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly brutally murdering his neighbour in Gurgaon's Sector 83 after the victim objected to his relationship with his wife, police said on Thursday. The arrested man was identified as Ramesh Yadav alias Tinu, a resident of village Sikanderpur (Badha). Vikram Yadav was attacked with a steel rod multiple times by Tinu near a roundabout in Sector 83, the police said. Tinu was arrested from his hideout in a flat in Sector 90. The police said the victim was a driver with a senior doctor attached to the Haryana Animal Husbandry Department in Gurugram. Complainant Ramesh Kumar, elder brother of the victim, said that Vikram, his wife Geeta and two children lived in a two-storey house in Sikanderpur. According to the FIR, Vikram married Geeta in 2007. Ramesh Kumar had alleged in his complaint that the accused and Geeta had illicit relationship. Kumar said that he and his brother had objected to the relationship several times and tried to settle the issue but failed. "Tinu called my brother near a chowk in Sector 83 on Sunday (November 25) evening and hit his head multiple times in the middle of the road," the First Information Report (FIR) read. Police sources revealed that Tinu is married to a teacher posted outside Haryana. The victim was first rushed to a private hospital in Gurugram and later referred to AIIMS in Delhi where he succumbed late on November 25. The rod used in the crime was recovered. The arrested man was on Thursday sent to Bhondsi Jail here under judicial custody, police officer Kuldeep Kumar told IANS. Bengaluru, Nov 29 : Australia's northeast Queensland state has unveiled its India trade and investment strategy to spur the economy, a Minister said on Thursday. "The Palaszczuk government's first Queensland-India trade and investment strategy is set to deliver a $1.5-billion trade boost to our state economy," Queensland Minister for Innovation Kate Jones said in a statement here. Jones, the ruling Labour Party's Member of Parliament, also holds the portfolios of Tourism Industry and Commonwealth Games in the state. Outlining the five-year (2018-23) strategy, Jones said as India was Queensland's third largest merchandise export market, innovation was key to strengthen the bilateral trade and investment relations with India. "It's crucial to tailor our strategy to build the market," Jones said, adding her state had advantages to be an ideal trade and investment partner for India. According to the latest data, Queensland has potential to increase exports to India by 15 per cent over the next five years, which translates into $1.5 billion benefit to the local economy. "This strategy identifies five key initiatives that will benefit both Queensland and India into the future," Jones said. The initiatives will enhance the profile of the Queensland-India relationship, build business capacity, develop market intelligence, foster relationships between businesses and facilitate collaborative projects in both states. In 2017, Queensland sold goods valued at $9.4 billion to India, a 34 per cent jump over 2016 and represented 60 per cent of Australia's exports to India. India is also Queensland's second-largest source of international students with 11,700 student enrolments in 2017. Jones, who is on a trade mission to India, attended the inaugural of the three-day Bengaluru Technology Summit, being held in the Palace grounds. She also participated in the 7th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Yi Entrepreneurship Summit here on Wednesday night. Colombo, Nov 29 : A majority of Sri Lankan legislators on Thursday voted in favour of a special motion presented to Parliament to halt the finances provided to the Prime Minister's office amid the current political instability. A total of 123 legislators out of the 225-member Parliament voted in favour of the motion which was presented by Ravi Karunanayake, a parliamentarian from the United National Party (UNP), which is led by ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Legislators from the minority Tamil National Alliance and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna also voted in favour of the motion, Xinhua news agency reported. The vote was taken as MPs loyal to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa boycotted Parliament for the third consecutive time against Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's ruling that he would not recognize Rajapaksa's government. Rajapaksa who was appointed the Prime Minister in the new Cabinet by President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26, told journalists from Parliament premises that he and his party opposed the Speaker's behaviour and they would boycott sessions till such time they were recognized as the ruling party. Sri Lanka Freedom Party legislator, S.B. Dissanayake, who is part of Rajapaksa's new government, said they would not accept the vote on the special motion as only a minister could put forward such a motion after Cabinet approval was obtained. "The motion presented by the UNP is a complete violation of the constitution. We will not accept it," Dissanayake said. Jayasuriya was expected to hold talks with Sirisena later on Thursday to brief him about the vote on the special motion and to seek a solution to the present political instability. Ranchi, Nov 29 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Thursday announced interest-free agricultural loans for one year if farmers pay back their loan to the banks within a year. "The state government will bear the interest of up to one year. The only condition is that the loan should be paid back in one year," said Das while speaking on the Global Agriculture and Food Summit in Ranchi on Thursday. He said 50 per cent subsidy will be given in the dairy sector to promote white revolution in the state. "Women should form groups and start dairy farming," he said. He appealed to farmers not to depend on agriculture alone. "The farmers should divide up farming into three parts: cultivation, cattle rearing for dairy and solar farming on barren land. By adopting these measures, the income of farmers can rise up to four times". "By May next year, a separate power feeder line will be created in the state for farmers. The state is working on creating separate lines for the industry, common people and agriculture so that electricity supply is evenly distributed to all sections. By August 2019, 24x7 power supply will be ensured in all villages across the state," Das said. He said 100 farmers, including 50 women, will be sent to Israel and the Philippines to learn modern farming techniques. IANS ns/prs New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Union Home Ministry has granted sanction to prosecute Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain in a disproportionate assets case registered by the CBI in 2017. Jain is accused of floating several shell companies in Delhi including Akichan Developers Private Ltd, Indo Metal Impex Private Ltd, Paryas Infosolutions Private Ltd and Manglayatan Projects Private Ltd during 2009-10 and 2010-11 for alleged money laundering. "These shell companies do not have any real business. Jain had laundered black money of Rs 16.39 crore during 2010-11 to 2015-16 through 54 shell companies of three hawala entry operators of Kolkata namely Jeevendra Mishra, Abhishek Chokhani and Rajendra Bansal," said an official in the Home Ministry. Jain has denied all these allegations saying the CBI action is politically motivated. Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton immediately asked Kifowit how she could take an honest debate about an issue and then wish death on my colleague Peter Breen, his wife and his two adopted kids. Some called for her resignation. Others demanded an apology, including Wheeler, who is not only Breens colleague but considers himself a close friend of the lawmaker from Lombard who lost a hard-fought re-election bid earlier this month at the same time he and his wife were adopting an infant. Taipei, Nov 29 : Taiwan's Defence Ministry on Thursday confirmed the passage of two US Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait, the third time in a year that American military ships have sailed between Taiwan and China. Beijing condemned the passage of the ships and urged Washington to exercise caution and work with it to resolve tensions, Efe news reported. The US Navy has said it carries out freedom of navigation operations to assert the right of its vessels to sail in international waters. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that the US ships sailed southwest after entering the Strait from waters northeast of Taiwan on Monday morning, in confirmation of the announcement made by the Pentagon on Wednesday. It said the two ships -- a destroyer and a replenishment vessel -- sailed through the international waters of the Strait and added that the island was capable of defending its maritime territory and its aerospace security. In previous days, Taiwan justified the sail-by operations by US ships through the Strait and in international waters, saying the actions contributed to peace and stability in the region. The Mainland Affairs Council, the Taiwanese agency responsible for policy towards China, also expressed on Thursday its commitment to America's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and promised to continue working to maintain peace and stability across the Strait. The agency also asked Washington to support and promote communication and dialogue across the Strait in order to address existing tensions between Taipei and Beijing. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Consequent to instructions issued by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday asked all universities and colleges to conduct a test based on legal rights of women to generate awareness among them and ensure that they are conversant with pertinent laws. The apex funding body for the universities took the decision to direct the institutions acting on NCW's letter, issued in August this year, asking colleges to hold an examination between September 1 and December 31 on laws related to women's rights. The top prize for the test has been decided to be Rs 2,000. The second runner-up will be Rs 1,500 and subsequently there will be five prizes of Rs 1,000 each, to be given to each college. Apart from the prize money, the NCW will bear additional expenses worth Rs 20,000 for each college likely to be incurred for paper setting, invigilation, refreshments, etc. All colleges will be free to prepare their own question paper carrying 75 questions and multiple choices for answers. The questions may be based on the Constitution of India, its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, NCW Act, 1990, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and several other acts related to harassment of women and minorities, the NCW said. Berlin, Nov 29 : Deutsche Bank premises in and around Frankfurt were raided by the police and tax investigators on Thursday in relation to suspicions that the bank helped clients set up offshore entities in tax havens and failed to alert authorities to possible money laundering. Prosecutors said the raids targeted two Deutsche Bank employees as well as other unidentified company officials. Over 170 police officers and tax investigators participated in the operation, CNN reported. Both the lender and prosecutors said the probe was related to the Panama Papers, a 2016 investigation into money laundering networks and shell companies set up by Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca. The bank said it was fully cooperating with authorities and would release more details in due course. The prosecutors' office said that after the police analyzed the so-called "Offshore Leaks" and "Panama Papers" reports of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, "the suspicion arose that Deutsche Bank helped clients with the establishment of so-called offshore entities in tax havens". Deutsche Bank was also suspected of helping clients transfer funds from illegal activities to German accounts and failed to notify authorities of the suspected money laundering. According to the Guardian, several banks including the Swedish lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken had already been fined for violating money laundering rules as a result of the Panama Papers. Prosecutors said that a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank in the British Virgin Islands had served over 900 customers, generating 311 million euros ($353 million) worth of business in 2016 alone. Deutsche Bank shares fell 3 per cent following the news of the raid. Paperwork and electronic documents were seized by officials during the raids on the bank's properties. The bank has been connected with another huge money laundering scandal surrounding Denmark's Danske Bank. Earlier this month, Deutsche said that it was involved in processing payments for the Danish bank in Estonia. An internal investigation by Danske found that about 200 billion euros in payments were funnelled through its Estonian branch. After that Deutsche said it had terminated its relationship with Danske in 2015 after "identifying suspicious activity". Deutsche Bank has been sanctioned earlier also for failing to tackle money laundering. In September, Germany's financial regulator ordered the bank to take action to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. It also appointed an independent auditor to monitor Deutsche Bank's efforts over three years. In 2017, Deutsche Bank was fined $630 million by US and UK regulators in connection with a Russian money laundering plan. Lucknow, Nov 29 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government over reports of a Muslim youth being killed by the state police in a 'fake encounter'. The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of media reports which mentioned that Irshad Ahmad, 20, was killed in a 'fake encounter' in Muzaffarnagar. Ahmad was shot dead in an alleged fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday. His father has said that Irshad had no criminal history and was killed in cold blood in a fake encounter. The Commission has observed that the contents of the news reports, if true, raise the serious issue of the violation of human rights of the victim and his family. Accordingly, it has issued notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report within four weeks. Bhubaneswar, Nov 29 : Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma has said that the issues raised by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over negligence in preservation of Sun Temple in Konark are not justified. In a letter to the Chief Minister released to media on Thursday, Sharma said the statement about replacing 40% of original carving is not true as nowhere such action has been taken. "For structural stability, where there is no evidence of decorations/carvings, the plain stone work has been applied. However, some restorations of original features have been done where enough evidence of original existence was available," said the Minister. The temple represents a chariot of Sun God and is one of the world heritage sites declared by UNESCO. He said all such works have been carried out keeping in view the tenets of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conservation manual and other prevelant international conservation charters and guidelines. "In addition, the intricately carved stone panels are duly taken care by ASI by regular monitoring and cleaning with paper pulp and other suitable methods thereby considerably reducing the rate of deterioration of stone surfaces," he added. He also said that care has also been taken to control the environs of the monument thereby reducing the impact of salt laden winds as well as sand particles on the temple surfaces. "Thus due to continuous care, conservation and maintenance work by the ASI, the Sun Temple Konark is in a good state of preservation and the issues raised are not justified," said the Minister. Notably, the Chief Minister, basing on media reports, had requested the Central government to conduct an inquiry about the replacement of artistic stone carvings at Konark Sun Temple with plain stones. IANS cd/prs Kolkata, Nov 29 : West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Thursday called for preferential trade agreements with the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. "Honourable Prime Minister visited Brazil in 2014 during the BRICS conference... But unfortunately since 2014, we (the Centre) have not engaged at the highest level with the Latin American (countries). I think that is a great loss. "Don't worry, West Bengal is here... We will certainly push our Central government to engage with this great part of the world," he said at a seminar "India-LAC Business Cooperation: Special focus on West Bengal", organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce. There have been five visits by Latin American leaders to India since 2014, he said, adding that bilateral trade value between India and Latin America touched US $48 billion in 2014 and it has dipped from there. Mitra also called for preferential trade pacts with these countries and urged to indentify core sectors to increase trade between India and the LAC countries. "India needs to build a sustained long-term relation with Latin American nations. We need to identify our core competencies and enter into more preferential trade agreements (PTAs)," he said. The ambassadors of Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Ecuador, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Peru, Surinam, Bolivia and Uruguay were present at the meeting. Mitra has invited 18 countries from Latin America and Caribbean to participate in the next edition of Bengal Global Business Summit to be held in February next year. According to him, leather, textiles, ITeS, chemicals and petrochemicals could be the areas of co-operation between West Bengal and Latin American countries. "There could be state-to-state collaboration also like we did in Germany with North Rhine-Westphalia," he added. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Remaining non-committal on the opposition face for the prime minister's post in the 2019 elections, the CPI(M) said state-specific alliances will be formed to take on the BJP and that post-poll developments would throw up a leader. Interacting with journalists at the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said politics was "not arithmetic" and that secular forces will rally around the leading players in various states. He was asked who would lead the mahagathbandhan or a grand alliance of the opposition parties, if such an alliance is formed, against the ruling BJP. "In Uttar Pradesh, the secular forces will rally around SP-BSP; in Bihar the Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) would be the driving force. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu it would be DMK," Yechury said, insisting that the lack of an unanimous leader to represent the opposition was not a handicap. "India's recent history is replete with examples when governments were formed on post-poll alliances. From Morarji Desai's Janata Party government in 1977 to V.P. Singh and Atal Behari Vajpayee and even the Congress-led UPA-I were all formed after elections," he said. "Please do not underestimate the wisdom of the common man. I don't do that. Neither should you," he said. The CPI(M) General Secretary also remained non-committal on the possibility of the CPI-M tying up with the Congress in West Bengal. He said the party was seeking to consolidate all anti-Trinamool and anti-BJP votes in the state. Criticising the Congress for its "soft Hindutva" stance, Yechury said that although the Congress was a secular party, it had the "proclivity for soft Hindutva and compromising with communal politics". Yechury said that the foremost priority for the people of India was to get rid of the Narendra Modi government which was not only "wreaking havoc" on the economy and Constitutional institutions of India, it was also indulging in the "worst form of communal polarisation". "Ousting this government is in the interest of people and the nation. Farmers' distress, widespread unemployment, corruption are the issues this government is evading. The 2016-17 Employment Survey is waiting to be released for 18 months now because the figures are showing a picture totally opposite of the government's claims," he said. "It's a classic post-truth government." Speaking on Jammu and Kashmir developments, Yechury said the Centre did not want a solution to the Kashmir problem and wanted to keep the pot "simmering" for "communal polarisation". "This communal polarisation actually disrupts the alternative narrative," he said, adding that the Ram mandir issue would be kept alive by the BJP till the Lok Sabha elections next year. Yechury said that the "greatest disservice" was done to the country's foreign policy by the Modi government in the last five years as it reduced India to a "junior subordinate ally" of the US. "Our foreign policy today is not being driven by India's interests but by the interests of the US. Today we have unprecedented cold relations with our neighbouring countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka etc. China is world's second largest economy and good relations with it would be of mutual benefit. But what we are doing is conduct Malabar military Exercise with US and Japan in South China sea," he said. Praising the Kartarpur Sahib initiative by the Indian and Pakistani governments, Yechury said it would boost people-to-people contacts. "You say terror and talks can't go together. We say counter the terror vehemently but keep the channel of dialogue open with all," he said. Patna, Nov 29 : Alleging non-serious attitude of the Nitish Kumar government towards Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases and deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, opposition lawmakers led by Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday marched to the Raj Bhawan and met Governor Lalji Tondon. "The Supreme Court has repeatedly slammed the Bihar government over Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases. Yet, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is silent and his government is trying to protect the accused," Tejashwi Yadav told media after he met the Governor. Tejashwi alleged the state government was busy destroying evidence and was "weakening" the case to save main accused Brajesh Thakur, currently lodged in Patiala jail in Punjab. RJD's senior legislators and allies Congress and HAM leaders took part in the Raj Bhawan march. Tejashwi along with former chief minister Jiran Ram Manjhi, who is president of HAM, and state Congress president Madan Mohan Jha also met the Governor. "The Governor listened to us carefully and agreed that Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases are serious and that the government should take action against the accused," Manjhi said. Earlier, opposition members protested inside and outside the Bihar Assembly over the shelter home cases. Tejashwi Yadav demanded that the mobile phone details of Brajesh Thakur, the key accused in the shelter home cases, be made public. Gurugram, Nov 29 : Seven eunuchs were arrested on Thursday for allegedly gunning down a colleague a day earlier here near the Gurugram-Delhi Expressway's Kherki Daula toll plaza. Eunuch Kiran was shot dead by rivals Babal and Bhola and others, police said. The arrested eunuchs hail from different districts of Haryana but now live in Gurugram. The police have booked 10 eunuchs for the crime. Eunuch gangs fought over some issue. One of them shot thrice at Kiran on Wednesday, a police officer said. The officer said the brawl erupted over collection of money. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Thursday said despite demographic challenges in India, the government is committed to providing the best healthcare facilities. "There are too many contradictions in India's healthcare scenario. A vast segment of the population does not have access to primary healthcare, essential medicines. The country has demographic challenges, double burden of communicable and non communicable diseases, mortality-related diseases, high rate of nutrition deficiency, emerging and re-emerging diseases like TB, Malaria, HIV AIDS. "Despite all odds, the government is committed to the attainment of highest possible levels of health and well-being for all its citizens and providing healthcare for all," Patel said while addressing the 15th India Health Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here. The Minister stated that the National Health Policy 2017, which was released after a gap of 15 years, paves the way for reduction of out-of-pocket expenses. "Mission Indradhanush yielded very encouraging results which has made us set our target date of bringing 90 per cent full immunization rate in the country to 2018, much before the target date of 2020. Five new vaccines have been added to India's Universal Immunization Programme, bringing the total to 12," she added. Highlighting other achievements of the Health Ministry, Patel said that the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme is providing free dialysis services to the poor in district hospitals and Amrit Pharmacies provide drugs and implants for cancer patients and cardiovascular diseases at 60 to 90 per cent discount than the prevailing market rates. Berlin, Nov 29 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said there is "no military solution" to the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations following a naval confrontation in waters off Crimea. Poroshenko's request came following the confrontation with Russia on Sunday where the latter opened fire on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews in the Kerch Strait, the BBC reported. Merkel blamed the crisis on Russian President Vladimir Putin, but said "issues like these can only be solved by sensible dialogue". Talking to Germany's Bild newspaper, Poroshenko said: "Germany is one of our closest allies and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security." "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany, too, has to ask itself: what will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" In a tweet later, Poroshenko said his country would impose restrictions on Russian citizens in Ukraine. His office could not immediately confirm what those restrictions were. A NATO spokeswoman did not comment on Poroshenko's request for warships, but said that "since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO has substantially increased its presence in the Black Sea". The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area. Putin accused Poroshenko of creating the naval "provocation" to boost his ratings ahead of the 2019 elections. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring vessels from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled strait of Kerch, the Guardian reported. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said. Russian state media reported that Moscow delivered a battalion of S-400 surface-to-air missiles to north Crimea and also has plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station there. Poroshenko also called on Germany to halt the undersea pipeline Nord Stream 2 project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told the German media group Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." Hyderabad, Nov 29 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, credited for developing the IT sector in Hyderabad, returned to the tech hub, this time to campaign for his Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Naidu, who spent almost his entire political life here, turned emotional as he hit the roads around Cyberabad, the IT district which took shape during his nine-year stint as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Campaigning for 'People's Front' candidates for a second consecutive day on Thursday, he conducted road shows in constituencies in and around the city, projecting himself as the architect of modern Telangana. He termed Cyberabad as his brainchild. "Who built Cyberabad? Who brought Microsoft to Hyderabad? Is it not me?" he asked the crowd at every meeting he addressed. He recalled how he placed the city on the world IT map by bringing in global giants and creating world-class infrastructure. "Who built the international airport? Who built 165-km long world-class outer Ring Road?" he asked amid loud cheers from the crowd. In the 2014 elections held in the aftermath of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation, the TDP had an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It bagged 15 seats out of the 26 it contested in the 119-member Assembly. This time, Naidu has joined hands with the Congress to contest 13 seats. "My party people wanted more seats. I told them the number of seats is not important, winning is important," he told a select group of journalists on Thursday. TDP is part of Congress-led 'People's Front', which also has the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) as its other constituents. Naidu, whose party lost almost all its legislators elected in 2014 to the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the last four years, is out to prove a point - that there is no space in Hyderabad for TDP, a party which the TRS dubs an 'Andhra party'. "I am a citizen of this country. Don't I have a right to come to Telangana?" asked the TDP chief on TRS' jibe that what work he had in Telangana. "I have not come here to become the Chief Minister. I can't become. This is a reality," said Naidu, who also dismissed TRS' allegation that if 'People's Front' came to power in Telangana, Naidu would work against the state's interests. "I have always worked for the development and welfare of Telangana. This is a region dear to my heart," said the TDP leader, who believes that Hyderabad with the ecosystem he built had the potential to become a key global destination. Though currently focused on developing Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati, Naidu is keen to see Hyderabad cash in on its geographical advantage and talented human resources to realize its true potential. "Can a lower riparian state stall the projects," was his counter to TRS allegation that he was creating hurdles for irrigation projects in Telangana. Manila, Nov 29 : Philippines congresswoman Imelda Marcos, the widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, on Thursday withdrew her candidacy for the governorship of Ilocos Norte region after her conviction for graft made her ineligible to hold public office. On November 9, the anti-corruption court found Imelda Marcos, 89, guilty of seven counts of corruption while she was the Governor of Manila (1975-86) and sentenced her to between six and 11 years in prison for each charge. The former first lady still represents Ilocos Norte in the lower house of Parliament and was seeking to run for Governor during the May 2019 elections, according to Efe news. Her grandson Matthew Marcos Manotoc, who served as her deputy, will replace her as a candidate for the Governor's post, Manotoc said on his official Facebook page. Currently, the Governor's seat in Ilocos Norte is occupied by Imee Marcos, 60, daughter of Imelda and Manotoc's mother, who seeks to enter national politics by running for senator. The court had sentenced the former first lady for embezzlement of $200 million from public coffers into Swiss accounts. It had also issued an arrest warrant against Imelda Marcos, who obtained bail for 150,000 pesos ($2,850). On Monday, she filed a motion before the anti-corruption court to transfer her case to the Supreme Court, where she seeks to appeal the sentence and which could delay the trial for years. Imelda Marcos was the first lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when the country was ruled by Ferdinand Marcos. Nine of those years were under martial law (1972-81), during which at least 3,240 people were killed, 70,000 imprisoned and 34,000 tortured, according to Amnesty International. A peaceful uprising brought down the government in 1986 and the Marcos family went in exile to Hawaii, where the former President died in 1989. Imelda Marcos returned to the Philippines along with her children in 1992 to face more than 400 trials. The Presidential Commission on Good Government had calculated that Marcos illegally accumulated between $5 billion and $10 billion, most of it stacked away in hidden offshore accounts. Panaji, Nov 29 : India-UK joint naval exercise "Konkan-2018" has started at Goa and would go on till December 6, the Indian Navy (IN) said on Thursday. The Royal Navy of UK will be represented by HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Class Destroyer equipped with an integral Wildcat helicopter. The Indian Navy will field INS Kolkata, the first ship of latest Kolkata class destroyers, equipped with integral Seaking and an IN submarine during the sea phase between December 2 to 6. In addition, Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft Dornier will also participate in the exercise. The harbour phase is already underway from November 28 to 30. The thrust of the exercise this year would be on anti-submarine warfare, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and seamanship evolutions. The Konkan series of exercises commenced in 2004, and since then has grown in scale. Both navies have, over the years, undertaken bilateral activities such as training exchanges and technical cooperation. "The bilateral Konkan exercise provides a platform for the two navies to periodically exercise at sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices," a Navy release said. New Delhi, Nov 29 : Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on demonetisation, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian has distanced himself from the decision to junk high-value currency notes, but he should have resigned on the issue and those guilty of the "huge scam" will be punished. In a tweet, Gandhi said demonetisation, like the Rafale deal, was "a crime against India" and noted that former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had distanced himself from the deal to purchase fighter jets to "save his skin." "Demo (demonetisation) like Rafale was a crime against India and a huge scam. Parrikar distanced himself from Rafale to save his skin. Subramanian is doing the same with Demo. I wonder why he didn't resign when he disagreed so much? Don't worry India, the guilty will be investigated and punished," Gandhi said. Subramanian kept a studied silence on demonetisation till he was the Chief Economic Adviser to the Union Finance Ministry, but six months after quitting the job he has described the note ban as a "massive, draconian, monetary shock" that accelerated economic slide to 6.8 per cent in the seven quarters after the decision against the 8 per cent recorded prior to it. He has said that he does not have a strongly-backed empirical view apart from the fact that the welfare costs, especially on the informal sector, were substantial. Subramanian has written his views in his upcoming book "Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy." New Delhi, Nov 29 : Thousands of farmers from across the country on Thursday reached the Ramlila ground in the national capital for a mega protest march to Parliament Street on Friday demanding higher crop prices and farm loan waiver. The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which has organised the Kisan Mukti March, has not yet been given the required permission by Delhi Police to hold the rally. Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader and Member of Parliament from Hatkanangle in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) Raju Shetti said if permission is not granted for the rally, the working committee of the AIKSCC would decide the next course of action. "We were told that our rally would affect traffic in the city. But what happens when traffic is stopped for hours during the Prime minister's movemnet? Can't they spare even one hour for farmers who are fighting for their rights?" Shetti told IANS. Many political leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, have confirmed their participation in the rally, he said. National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav are among the other leaders who will address the protesting farmers on Friday. "(Former Prime Minister) H.D. Deve Gowda will also join us," Shetti said. On Thursday, several groups of farmers held 'Chalo Dilli' marches from Delhi's Nizamuddin, Sabzi Mandi Station, Anand Vihar Terminal and Majnu Ka Tila under the banner of the AIKSCC. Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj India led a 26-km protest rally from Bijwasan to Ramlila Maidan, which was joined by farmers from Odisha, Haryana and Rajasthan. "We are protesting loot and exploitation of farmers. The entire country is with us. Journalists, doctors, students, artists have pledged their support," said Yadav, adding Friday's March would be "historic". Many women farmers and students, particularly from Delhi University, were seen in the rallies raising slogans for the cause of farmers. Two trains carrying farmers, one from Maharashtra's Miraj and other from Bengaluru, were expected to reach Delhi on Thursday night. All protesting farmers started congregating at the Ramlila ground where a cultural programme in their honour was held. On Friday morning, farmers would take over the road leading to Parliament to put forward their demands before the Central government. 'The Kisan Mukti March' will end at Parliament Street and, subsequently, 'Kisan Sansad' (Farmers' Parliament) will be held, in which farm issues will be discussed and speeches will be delivered, an activist said. Social activists, including Medha Patkar and activist-journalist P. Sainath, have extended their support to the rally and said the situation of farmers in the country has deteriorated. Also, several prominent writers, intellectuals and artists, including Nayantara Sahgal, K. Satchidanandan, Ganesh Devy and Damodar Mauzo, have expressed solidarity with the farmers. The Friday's rally would be fourth major farmers rally being held by the AIKSCC, which represents over 200 farm outfits. It has been protesting against "anti-farmer" policies of the BJP government following the Mandsaur firing episode last year, which led to death of six farmers. Shetti has introduced two private member's Bills in the Lok Sabha in 2017, seeking a loan waiver and a guaranteed remunerative prices for agricultural commodities based on the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. The AIKSCC has demanded a special session of Parliament so that these Bills are discussed and passed. It said 21 political parties have extended their support to the Bills. It has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the protest march.AA On Monday, a book authored by Yogendra Yadav detailing how the Modi government's policies have led to a drop in farmers' income and caused rural distress across the country was launched in the capital. Panaji, Nov 29 : The BJP does not have the strength to change the Indian Constitution, despite fears being expressed in political circles, former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after attending a book launch in the state capital, Shinde refused to comment on the recent framing of chargesheet in the 2006 Malegaon blasts against those accused of orchestrating the 'Hindu terror' plot. When asked to comment on the fears expressed by a section of the political class that the BJP, if re-elected to power in 2019, would change the Constitution of India, Shinde said: "They have been talking right from 1998 and we are opposed to it. I don't think they have that strength to change the Constitution". When asked if the United Progressive Alliance regime, in which he served as Union Home Minister, was vindicated in nailing the 'Hindu terror' plot in the 2006 Malegaon blast probe after a National Investigation Agency special court last month framed charges against Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, among others, Shinde chose not to respond. "The matter is in the court, so I wouldn't say anything," Shinde said. Beijing, Nov 29 : China and Indian will conduct a two-week joint military drill from December 10 in the Chinese southwestern city Chengdu with an aim to improve their capability to counter terrorism and mutual understanding. The joint exercise between Asia's two largest armies comes after their 73-day showdown at Doklam plateau near their disputed border last year. At the 7th India-China joint military exercise, 100 troops from each side will participate with the main to better their counter-terrorism efforts and skills. "The two sides are preparing for the exercises now. The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries," Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang said here. Ren said the drill, 'Hand in Hand', will be held from Dec 10 to Dec 23 that will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training. India and China have warmed up to each other after the Doklam stand-off with Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui saying that both countries are having best time of their relationship. Both sides are in talks to set up a military hotline to avert Doklam-like crisis in the future. (Gaurav Sharma can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com) Jaipur, Nov 29 : The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday postponed elections in Ramgarh Assembly constituency under Alwar district of Rajasthan following the death of Lakshman Singh, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. Singh died of heart attack in the wee hours of Thursday. According to Election Commission officials, the state shall go to polls for 199 seats out of the total 200 seats on December 7. The date for election in Ramgarh will be declared later, said the official. The Congress party's Safiya Khan is contesting from Ramgarh, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sukhwant Singh for the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. Buenos Aires, Nov 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived here to take part in the G20 summit during which he will have several bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G20 countries to review the work of G20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," Modi said in his pre-departure statement. Modi will also be part of a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the summit. In a press briefing at the White House, US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that Trump's bilateral with Abe "will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting" with Prime Minister Modi. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said in New Delhi on Tuesday that a meeting between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron is also being worked out. Modi would also meet the United Nations Secretary General, presidents of Argentina and Chile, German Chancellor and the prime ministers of Spain and the Netherlands. During the meeting, Modi is expected to highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and urge more countries to join the International Solar Alliance. New Delhi, Nov 29 : The Central government has decided to transfer Air India's debt worth Rs 29,000 crore to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) -- Air India Assets Holding Ltd, a senior government official said on Thursday. According to the official, the decision to transfer the Rs 29,000-crore debt to the SPV was taken by an inter-ministerial panel -- Air India Specific Alternate Mechanism -- which has been formed to look after the divestment of the national carrier. The move assumes significance as it will lessen the interest payment obligation of the airline on its total outstanding debt of over Rs 50,000 crore. The official told reporters here that two possible ways of transferring the debt are under consideration, with the first involving the banks' nod to shift the owed amount to the SPV, while the other mandating the SPV to pay off the Rs 29,000 crore debt by raising funds. In addition, the inter-ministerial panel had decided to divest the government's stake in Air India Air Transport Services Ltd (AIATSL). The decision by the panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley envisaged that the amount raised from the divestment of AIATSL will be used to retire some of the accumulated debts of Air India. On Wednesday, Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey had said that the national carrier has commenced a "cost-cutting and revenue augmentation" plan to garner "financial benefits" of Rs 2,000 crore per annum. The cost cutting and revenue augmentation plan was recently implemented by the airline. He pointed out that the airline will work on 10-12 items under the plan, which if implemented in entirety, is expected to result in financial benefits of Rs 2,000 crore per annum. However, these benefits will be over and above the financial relief that the airline will get by lowered interest payments on its legacy debt. Besides, any future financial support to the airline will be contingent on the results that it achieves by implementing the plan. Accordingly, as and when the airline would require financial assistance, its management will be required to show the results obtained from the cost cutting and revenue augmentation plan and improvements in efficiency. He added that airline will not be allowed to default on its payment obligations. Amaravati, Nov 29 : At least eight fishermen from Andhra Pradesh were among 22 Indian fishermen apprehended by Pakistan Marine Security Agency off Gujarat coast on Thursday, officials said. The fishermen were detained near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea on charges of entering Pakistan's territorial waters. The fishermen from Srikakulam and Vizianagarm districts of north coastal Andhra had migrated to Gujarat and they were among a group of 22 who had ventured into the sea on three boats. The fishermen were reportedly taken to Karachi. Andhra Pradesh's resident commissioner in New Delhi, Arja Srikanth, through officials in foreign ministry contacted the Indian High Commission in Pakistan to seek the help for the fishermen's release. The officials in Indian High Commission have contacted Pakistan officials. Every year, fishermen from coastal Andhra go to Gujarat in September and return in March. The families of fishermen apprehended by Pakistan were worried over their safety. They appealed to the state government to take steps to ensure their immediate return. Buenos Aires, Nov 29 : In an apparent reflection of Indias growing global profile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be part of two trilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20 summit: the first with leaders of Japan and the US and second with leaders of Russia and China. Sources said the trilateral 'JAI' between Japan, America and India is first such meeting while the Russia India China (RIC) trilateral is taking place after 12 years. Modi, who arrived here earlier today, will also have a series of bilateral meetings including with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is also meeting UN Secretary General AntAnio Guterres. Sources said in recent years, Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner of India and the relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed, they said. They said that UN Secretary General has reached out to Modi for the second time in two months. Both leaders have been giving a lot of importance to the issue of climate change and the outreach is taking place just a week before COP24, the 24th annual U.N. climate conference at Katowice, Poland. Sources said the meeting was a reflection of the respect for India's initiatives on issues of global importance. They said the timing of trilateral meetings is directly related to period of major global developments and is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world. The sources said it was a recognition of several aspects such as India being a factor of stability in the region and it being a "global engine of economic growth." Kolkata, Nov 29 : With five more deaths since late Wednesday night, the toll in the hooch tragedy in West Bengal's Nadia district rose to 12 with 28 people admitted in hospitals, official said on Thursday. "The death toll has risen to 12, as five more people died since late last night. As many as 19 people have been admitted at the district hospital while nine others have been referred to Kolkata as their condition is critical," said Nadia district's CMOH Tapas Roy. The incident took place in Nrishighapur village under Santipur block, prompting the state government to order a Criminal Investigation Department inquiry. A compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the closest kin of each of the deceased has also been announced. "Four people involved in illicit liquor trade have been arrested in the case," police said. Eleven excise officials, including deputy excise collector of Ranaghat range and eight excise constables, have been suspended. The tragedy has also triggered a political slugfest, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Finance Minister Amit Mitra accusing peddlers from Jharkhand and Bihar of smuggling in the spurious liquor into Bengal. The state government has asked the CID to probe the angle. However, the state BJP has rubbished the allegation and blamed the Bengal administration of turning a blind eye to the rampant hooch trade. Washington, Nov 30 : US President Donald Trump has cancelled a meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit in Argentina because the Russians continue to hold Ukrainian vessels and sailors seized last weekend in an incident in the Black Sea. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!," Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday. The president made the announcement from Air Force One en route to Buenos Aires for the gathering of the leaders of the 20 major economies, Efe reported. The Kremlin on Wednesday said that the US and Russian presidents were set to meet December 1 in the Argentine capital to discuss topics such as terrorism and nuclear disarmament. And a statement released on Tuesday by the White House detailing Trump's summit schedule referred to bilateral sessions with Putin as well as with the leaders of Argentina, China, Germany, India, Japan and South Korea. Last Sunday, a Russian coast guard vessel intercepted two Ukrainian gunboats and a tug just off the Crimean Peninsula in the Kerch Strait, a body of water linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. Russian vessels opened fire on and seized the ships, injuring at least three Ukrainian seamen in the process. The detained sailors have since been put on trial in Simferopol, Crimea. The incident came six months after Russia opened a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014 following the overthrow of Ukraine's elected president. Since the opening of the bridge, Russian authorities have drastically stepped up inspections of Ukrainian civilian and military ships passing through the Kerch Strait, seen by Russia as part of its territorial waters. Washington, Nov 30 : US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is "close" to striking a trade deal with China, although he added that he does not know if that hypothetical pact will become reality. "I think we're very close to doing something with China, but I don't know that I want to do it, because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the US in the form of tariffs or taxes," Trump told reporters upon leaving the White House to travel to the G20 meeting in Argentina. "I will tell you that I think China wants to make a deal," he continued. "I'm open to making a deal, but frankly, I like the deal we have right now." the US President was quoted as saying by Efe on Thursday. Trump made his remarks before meeting on the weekend in Buenos Aires with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid tense trade relations between the two world powers. Washington in July launched a bold trade war with the Asian giant by imposing increased tariffs on Chinese imports valued at some $34 billion. In September, the US slapped a 10 per cent tariff on an additional $200 billion in Chinese imports, and that levy will rise to 25 per cent in January 2019, and Trump threatened to include another $267 billion worth of Chinese exports in the punitive measure. Beijing has criticised Washington's aggressive trade policy for its "harmful consequences" and has implemented reciprocal measures on more than $60 billion in US imports. The US in 2017 sold China goods and products valued at $130 billion, while Beijing exported $506 billion worth of goods to the US market. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Tuesday, Trump said that it was "very unlikely" that he would postpone raising tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, as Beijing wants while the two nations continue negotiations. Trump said that if he does not come to an agreement with Xi to open the Chinese market to US exports, he will continue exerting trade pressure on the world's second largest economy by including goods heretofore not subsumed under the increased tariff structure. In addition to meeting with Xi, Trump will also meet in Buenos Aires with his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macri, and with the leaders of Germany, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and India. Berlin, Nov 30 : German Chancellor Angela Merkel's plane on Thursday made an emergency landing in Cologne airport due to some technical problem, according to local media Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger. Merkel's plane took off in Berlin and was originally destined to Buenos Aires where the G20 meeting is set to kick off on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported. Due to the disfunction of the electric system, the plane had to land in Germany's western city of Cologne, and Merkel will take another plane to continue her trip. The report said that the fire brigades were dispatched in the event of a hard landing. Melbourne house prices will decline by just 1% in 2019 after a 9% fall in 2018, according to the latest Domain forecasts. They also forecast that Melbourne house prices will rise by about 4% in 2020. Domain Economist Trent Wilshire said: "Melbourne house prices are predicted to fall by about 11% from a peak of $910,000 in December 2017 to their lowest point of about $800,000 in mid-2019." "At this low point, Melbourne house prices will be back at their late 2016 level." Source: Domain Domain has forecast that Melbourne unit prices are to fall by about 1-2% in 2018, and then prices are expected to grow by about 1% in 2019 and 2020. Melbourne unit prices are predicted to fall by about 3% from their peak of $507,000 in March 2017 to their lowest point of about $490,000. Source: Domain "As in other capitals, tighter lending conditions and weak sentiment will weigh on Melbourne property prices in 2019," Wiltshire said. "But Victorias unemployment rate is falling and Melbournes population growth is expected to remain very strong, with annual growth remaining above 2% over the next few years." "This will help to absorb the large pipeline of new housing supply expected to hit the market over the next couple of years." Click here to enlarge. Click here to enlarge. Dave Sharma, the likely Liberal candidate for Wentworth in next year's federal election, intends on listing his home in the national capital after buying within the Wentworth electorate. Sharma only started looking after losing the byelection in late October. The family, including wife Rachel and their three daughters, are to settle into a $2.6 million Paddington terrace secured pre-auction. Local agents suggested the aspiring politician was willing to spend up to $3 million. Sharma rented in Bellevue Hill after he won Liberal Party preselection for the seat vacated by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Sharma, who lost the vote count by a 1783 margin to independent Kerryn Phelps, resided in the Barton home in-between his many diplomatic postings overseas. This article was first published in the Weekend Australian. When expatriate retired mortgage broker 'Aussie' John Symond and wife Amber finally return to their home, (pictured above) from London, they might find they have several new neighbours on the pricey Point Piper peninsula. There is an application to turn Portofino, the adjacent $60 million luxury home, into a block of three flats by the little-known Chinese multi-millionaire stock trader Andy Wenlei Song. Portofino (pictured below, centre) was the longtime three-level home of luxury car dealer and yachtsman Neville Croaky Crichton and his then fiancee now wife Nadi Hasandedic. Crichton sold in 2016, just months before their lavish wedding, for $60.66 million, in what was the years top trophy home sale in Australia. It required approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board, but seemingly no financing because theres no registered mortgage on title. In 2011, the six-bedroom Portofino was briefly rented by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife Melanie, at $25,000 a week. Solicitors Minter Ellison have been nominated as assisting in the conversion application. The property is one of only two waterfront homes on the rather steep and narrow Wingadal Place. The timber Scots College Rowing Club boatshed sits on the shore between Portofino and Symonds five-storey home. The conversion proposal has been with Woollahra Council since this time last year, and the revised plans have only just gone out for public comment. The initial Rob Mills Architects plans raised concerns at council regarding excessive building height, the documents show. The works are estimated to cost $7.28 million for the 1436 square metre waterfront parcel. Crichton bought the property in 1994 for $5.9 million from helicopter pilot Bruce Rose and his wife, Pam, who held the only private helicopter landing rights in the eastern suburbs, which have now lapsed. The New Zealand-born Crichton had commissioned Auckland-based architects Swan Railley Clapham & Associates to design his Tuscan-style abode. It is not known if the intention is to flip or hold, perhaps as a multi-generational family compound. This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. I am thrilled to join peers from around the world who are thought leaders in an ever-changing technology landscape. The Forbes Technology Council further cements our goal to share ideas, increase financial literacy and advance financial planning, Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives Jean Jacques Borno, CFP, founder and CEO of 1787fp, has been accepted into Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. 1787fp is an award-winning digital wealth management platform that builds powerful financial planning tools for young professionals and millennials. Borno was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. 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Finally, Borno will benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membership-branded marketing collateral and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils member concierge team. I am thrilled to join peers from around the world who are thought leaders in an ever-changing technology landscape. The Forbes Technology Council further cements our goal to share ideas, increase financial literacy and advance financial planning, said 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 in Startup Alley at TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2017, May 15-17, 2017; was one of the 20 ventures selected for the coveted South by Southwest Startup Spotlight in March 2017 in Austin, Texas; and won the Press/Media Favorite award at FinDEVr Silicon Valley 2016 in October 2016. ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Technology Council, visit forbestechcouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com. For inquiries, contact Marketing at http://www.1787fp.co. Leading Los Angeles Web Designers The 10 Best Design ranking service has started a brand-new monthly award for the top Los Angeles website development company, giving SPINX Digital the top honor for November. Choosing the best web design firms in Los Angeles is not an easy task; however, the 10 Best Design listing service uses a strategic process for identifying leading agencies. 10 Best Design has evaluated companies based on how satisfied their clients are with their services, how many and what type of projects they take on and other factors. Company owners and individuals in the Los Angeles area who do not have the time to sort through hundreds of options can simply refer to this list when they are in need of a great web design service. Heading up the list of the top Los Angeles website development companies offering web development services is SPINX Digital. This is a small firm with 10 to 50 full-time web developers. SPINX Digital creates sites that are customized to the client's needs. The sites tell the mission and story of the brand. This develops a fellowship between the viewer and the company, inspiring a loyal relationship. SPINX Digital's sites are responsive, easy to navigate and fully featured for a variety of functions. From eCommerce to instructional sites, the team at SPINX Digital delivers effective websites. Also honored with a spot on the list of the 10 best Los Angeles web development firms is Eight25Media. Eight25Media is top web design firm with 50 to 250 full-time team members. It has earned a 99-percent client satisfaction rating for designing websites. The firm's area of expertise is in eCommerce platforms. Their secure platforms are easy to use and inspire the consumer to complete the check-out process. Eight25Media's sites are also responsive to mobile devices and different operating systems. The third firm that was honored with a top position on Novembers list of best web design agencies is Blue Fountain Media. This firm's West Coast office is in Los Angeles. Blue Fountain Media is a medium-sized web development and marketing company, with a staff of 50 to 250 people. Being a leading web design firm, Blue Fountain Media has a client satisfaction rating of 98 percent for its web design services. Blue Fountain Media excels at responsive designs that check in to see which type of a device a consumer is using and adjust the display accordingly. For more information about this months award winners, visit http://www.10bestdesign.com. Belize's Blue Hole is one of the world's greatest maritime treasures Who knows what discoveries await? The Lodge at Chaa Creek has hailed a new underwater expedition to the bottom of Belizes Great Blue Hole as having potential to shed new light on some old mysteries including the sudden, dramatic demise of the ancient Maya empire. The popular Belizean eco-resorts owners have also invited the expedition team members to relax with an inland stopover courtesy of Chaa Creek. The Belize Blue Hole Expedition will involve two three-person submersibles, two support vessels and a team that includes Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau. The elder Mr Cousteau coined the name Blue Hole and popularised the site when he led a dive expedition there aboard his research vessel Calypso in 1971. Lucy Fleming said she and her husband Mick have been fascinated with the Blue Hole ever since they founded Chaa Creek as a small farm in the late 1970s. Back then, prior to independence, tourism had yet to take off in Belize, and most visitors were either divers attracted to the Caribbean coast or archaeologists studying Belizes many ancient Maya temples and cities. The Blue Hole is unique in that its not only one of the worlds great dive spots, but holds the key to important environmental and historical mysteries, Ms Fleming said. The current Belize Blue Hole Expedition, slated to begin early December 2018, will employ leading edge technology to unlock some of those ancient mysteries, she added. Previously, researchers from Rice and Louisiana State Universities analysed sediment samples and other data from the Blue Hole to accurately track weather activity, including rainfall levels, through the ages. They concluded that the area experienced a hundred-year drought between 800 and 900 AD. That time period coincides with the great decline of the Maya empire, which occurred around 900 AD. Those findings supported other research and theories that a long, severe drought led to the demise of the ancient Maya empire. Mr and Ms Fleming also founded Chaa Creeks Belize Natural History Centre, and Ms Fleming said shes excited at the prospect of the new expeditions high tech equipment shedding further light on Belizes natural and cultural history. Apparently, the expedition will take two submersibles to study and film the bottom of the Blue Hole with powerful lighting and state of the art sonar robust enough to tell if a coin on the floor is facing heads or tails. With 3D mapping and other technologies, were about to learn more in two weeks than we have since Jacques Cousteaus first famous dives, and thats very exciting. Who knows what discoveries await? she said. Belizes Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole situated some 70km off Belizes Caribbean coast near Lighthouse Atoll at the easternmost part of the Belize Great Barrier Reef. Some 1,043 feet in diameter and 407 feet deep, it can be seen from space. Expedition leader Harvey Flemming, whose Canadian company, Aquatica Submarines, is supplying a Stingray submersible, said hes also excited at the prospect of discovery. Its a wildcard...Im excited to get there and jump in and see what it is all about. Were really excited to see what well see. We dont really know for sure. Maybe a body, who knows? It is totally open for discovery, Mr Flemming told Belizes Channel 9 News. Mr Branson, businessman, philanthropist and founder of Ocean Unite, said one purpose of the trip is to raise awareness of the need to protect the seas. Calling the Blue Hole One of the oceans most magical wonders, he went on to say, We all share the common goal of conserving, protecting our beautiful global ocean. The Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE) is another expedition partner providing a submersible. Ms Fleming said that she and Mick hope that the expedition members will consider their invitation to dry off and relax inland at Chaa Creek. Wed love to show them another amazing part of Belize, and in some small way show our appreciation for what they are doing. And, to be honest, wed love to hear their first hand accounts of what will be an incredible journey to the bottom of one of the worlds greatest natural treasures, Ms Fleming said. The Blue Hole Expedition is scheduled to be broadcast live during a two-hour special, Discovery Live: Into The Blue Hole December 2, 2018, and will also air around the world, according to a Discovery Channel media release. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize. It was recognised by National Geographic with first place honours at the 2017 World Legacy Awards held in Berlin. ENDS Leading Car Wreck Lawyers in South Padre Island People might think that car accidents specifically happen between two drivers. The Villarreal Law Firm, a professional team of car wreck lawyers located in Brownsville, Texas, and serving South Padre Island, is proud to announce a new blog post for the community of the scenic Island off the South Texas coast. Located along the Texas coastline, South Padre Island is considered a spectacular spot to view the natural world. The community is reminded to pay attention to the road while driving, and to save the bird watching for scheduled stops. "People might think that car accidents specifically happen between two drivers. Yet we've handled many accidents involving distracted driving. It frequently happens in South Padre Island when people are distracted by the incredible flora and fauna of South Texas," explained accident attorney Javier Villarreal, a managing partner at the law firm. "We get a lot of calls for car wreck lawyer in South Padre Island, and it turns out that the negligent party was engaged in distracted driving." To view the post, visit https://www.jvlawfirm.net/south-padre-island-of-car-wrecks-and-bird-watching/. The new post focuses on the beauty of South Padre Island, a haven for both birds and bird-watchers. Car accidents on the island can occur if drivers spot a colorful warbler and stop paying attention to the road ahead. Interested persons can review more details for personal injury lawyers and car wrecks in South Padre Island at https://www.jvlawfirm.net/tag/south-padre-island-personal-injury-attorney/. THERE ARE NO DISTRACTIONS FOR THE BEST SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CAR WRECK LAWYERS IN TEXAS Here is background on this release. Distracted driving can be a common reason for personal injury cases in the Cameron County, Texas region. One of the top reasons for distracted driving can be the use of smartphones. Staring down at a phone while navigating traffic around Texas byways can leave a wide margin for error. Distracted driving accidents can also occur if a driver pays too much attention to the scenery instead of the road ahead. A top team of car wreck lawyers in Brownsville can support an accident unique to the South Padre Island community. Specifically, South Padre Island can be home to eye-catching birds including Tanagers, Warblers, and Orioles. If a visitor takes their eyes off of the road to witness a native Texas bird flying by, it could mean trouble. Viewing the avian landscape should be saved until a bird-watcher has parked the car. If an accident occurs, a team of car wreck lawyers can help over-enthusiastic bird watchers manage a personal injury case. For these reasons, Villarreal Law Firm has announced a new blog post about the different distractions drivers face if visiting the scenic routes along the Texas coastline. ABOUT THE VILLARREAL LAW FIRM The law firm of Javier Villarreal offers a team of attorneys, considered among the best personal injury attorneys in Brownsville, Texas, and surrounding cities in Cameron County. Whether a person is looking for an auto or car accident attorney, a lawyer with broad experience in trucking accidents and litigation (including 18 wheelers), or a motorcycle accident attorney, boating, or other forms of accidents (including slip and fall), the Villarreal team of attorneys can help. The attorneys fight for client rights throughout Cameron County - and are known as the top personal injury lawyers in Brownsville and Harlingen, from Los Fresnos to San Benito, and in all of South Padre Island. Web. https://www.jvlawfirm.net/ Tel. 956-544-4444. Working together, our respective customers will benefit from being able to access the most advanced technology, staffed by world class experts and delivered with unprecedented customer service. Rigaku Corporation, a global leader in X-ray analytical instrumentation, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Covalent Metrology, a leading provider of analytical services to advanced materials innovation companies. In a joint declaration, Covalent and Rigaku reveal a first-of-its-kind collaboration agreement demonstrating a mutual commitment to support American high-tech industries with the most advanced metrology capabilities in the world. Under the terms of this agreement, Rigaku, The worlds leading supplier of X-ray metrology technology, will be supplying Covalent with several state-of-the-art instruments for their new facility in Sunnyvale, California. This collaboration agreement provides Covalent with exceptional analytical service capabilities and Rigaku a North American demonstration facility located in the heart of Silicon Valley. This partnership will significantly expand Covalents product offering. Rigaku is a proven leader in this field and has earned its outstanding reputation over many decades of technology innovation. Working together, our respective customers will benefit from being able to access the most advanced technology, staffed by world-class experts and delivered with unprecedented customer service," said Craig Hunter, Covalent's Founder and CEO. The Rigaku Semiconductor Metrology Division designs and manufactures X-ray based measurement tools to solve semiconductor manufacturing challenges. With over 35 years of global market leadership in the semiconductor industry, Rigaku metrology tools employ X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectometry (XRR) and Critical-Dimension Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (CD-SAXS) techniques, enabling everything from in-fab process control metrology to R&D for thin film and materials characterization. Products include in-line, high-throughput X-ray monitoring tools for measuring critical process parameters such as film thickness, density and roughness, XRF spectrometers for thickness and composition determination, and total-reflection XRF spectrometers (TXRF) with integrated vapor phase decomposition (VPD) for trace contamination monitoring. We believe deeply in the power of American ingenuity, and we are focusing our investments in areas where we can have a direct impact on innovation. Rigaku is committed to advancing cutting-edge technologies that deliver solutions for yield enhancement and process development, said Kiyoshi Ogata, Rigaku Senior Vice President. Covalent Metrologys experienced leadership, top-notch technical team and business model innovations altogether make them the ideal partner for our Silicon Valley Semiconductor Lab, We are proud to be a part of this collaboration and look forward to enabling new customer designs." Covalent Metrology provides imaging and characterization services to support R&D, defect analysis, and quality control for companies in semiconductors, solar, medical devices, MEMS and other industries. Covalents analytical services include atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray XRD/XRR, high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectral ellipsometry, optical profilometry, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, TEM, XPS, TOF-SIMS and many others. More information about semiconductor tools from Rigaku is available at http://www.rigaku.com/products/semi. More information on characterization services offered by Covalent Metrology is available at http://www.covalentmetrology.com. About Rigaku Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general-purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,400 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 70 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities. For further information, contact: Michael Nelson Rigaku Global Marketing Group tel: +1 512-225-1796 michael.nelson(at)rigaku.com About Covalent Covalent Metrology was founded in 2016 and is based in Sunnyvale, California. Its mission is to help companies who use advanced materials to get better data and insight about key research, development and production programs faster, more easily and less expensively. Covalent is dramatically changing the characterization and imaging landscape by combining innovative pricing, data platforms and top-notch customer service with world-class scientists, state-of-art tools, and strategic partnerships. In just over 2 years, Covalent has 150 customers in 20+ industries. For further information, contact: Gene Choi Covalent Metrology Operations tel: +1 408-498-4611 gene(at)covalentmetrology.com Sierra College and the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District are hosting a Career Kaleidoscope community event on December 7 in Tahoe City. Eight student interns, supported through the CCC Maker grant funding for student makers, gained real world experience by collaborating with local businesses and non-profits to develop career-focused PechaKucha presentations. To highlight career opportunities in the Tahoe-Truckee area, Sierra College and the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) are hosting a Career Kaleidoscope community event on December 7 at 6:30 PM at Granlibakken, 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City. Career seekers and those who want to celebrate the diversity of how people make a life and a living in the region will enjoy this artistic event. The Career Kaleidoscope PechaKucha is free and open to the public. The careers will be presented in a lively PechaKucha format, explained Todd Wold, Ed.D., Manager of Career and College Readiness at TTUSD. PechaKucha is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each, said Wold. The format keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and engaging. To develop the PechaKucha presentations, Sierra College students worked with industry partners, according to Dr. Kim Bateman, Sierra College Executive Dean, Tahoe-Truckee Campus. Eight student interns, supported through the CCC Maker grant funding for student makers, gained real world experience by collaborating with local businesses and non-profits, said Bateman. Organizations that contributed to the project include the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, Community Collaborative, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, Truckee Roundhouse, Moonshine Ink, Tahoe Forest Hospital, Sierra Business Council, Downtown Merchants Association and the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe. The career clusters that will be highlighted during the PechaKucha include Satisfiers, Traders, Conveners, Catalysts, Helpers, Healers, Creators and Innovators. These were selected based on Dunn and Bradstreet reports of the top industries for growth in employment in the Tahoe-Truckee region. Students honed their communication, photography and storytelling skills while working with business and non-profit leaders, according to Bateman. The students are using stunning imagery to reflect these career clusters in less than seven minutes each, said Bateman. They are also weaving metaphoric stories that communicate the complexity of career options in our area. One of the goals of the program is to make high school students aware of careers in the Tahoe-Truckee area, explained Wold. Through the TTUSD and Sierra College partnership, we are able to strengthen pathways to higher education and fulfilling careers with local employers, said Wold. Bateman said that Sierra College appreciates the support of Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Granlibakken, Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation, CCC Maker and local businesses and non-profits that made this event possible. We encourage everyone to come to this event on December 7 to explore, network and reflect, said Bateman. Our students would love to have your support. For more information, call 530-550-2225. Learn about Sierra Makerspaces and follow us on Twitter @SierraMakers, Facebook @Sierra College Makerspaces and Instagram @sierracollegemakerspaces. Find out about CCC Maker the statewide makerspace initiative, managed by Sierra College, that is preparing students for innovation careers by building their skills in makerspaces. About Sierra College Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. Jaime Urquidi, head of Latin America, Parsable Parsable makes digital transformation an achievable near-term goal for my colleagues in the industry. Im excited to get to work helping them rethink just how fast they can make digital transformation a reality. Parsable, the Connected Worker Platform company, today announced that it has appointed Jaime Urquidi to head its Latin American operations. Urquidi is a seasoned global supply chain leader who was previously head of logistics quality and systems for Walmart Mexico, and also held operational leadership positions at Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Following its recent $45 million Series C investment one of the largest investment rounds to date for Industry 4.0-based digital transformation Parsable is continuing its fast-paced growth trajectory with its expansion into Latin America. Digital transformation and the rise of Industry 4.0 have driven increasing international interest in the Connected Worker space, with companies strategizing on the most effective ways for their workers to leverage new technologies in order to collaborate and work more efficiently. Were seeing increasing international demand for Parsables Connected Worker platform as digitalization goes truly global, and as companies recognize that they must empower their frontlines or risk having an obsolete workforce and an enormous data gap in their operations," said Lawrence Whittle, Parsable CEO. "Regional leaders are starting to embrace the next wave of competitive advantage, and Jaime Urquidi is such a leader. We are delighted that he is joining us to help even more of the market accelerate their digital transformation and Industry 4.0 strategies." With more than 20 years of experience in helping organizations implement large-scale changes through lean manufacturing, Urquidi will be tasked with expanding ready-access to Parsable expertise and solutions, and building a team to help a growing list of prospects and customers in the region to quick-start their digital transformation efforts. In my role leading factories and supply chains over the last two decades, I saw firsthand how even the biggest companies in the world struggle with digital, said Urquidi. Vendors offered us sensors and automation solutions, but we were presented with very little usable technology for the frontline workers that would help us improve our operations. To say the space was underserved is an understatement. Parsable makes digital transformation an achievable near-term goal for my colleagues in the industry. Im excited to get to work helping them rethink just how fast they can make digital transformation a reality. About Parsable Parsable (http://www.parsable.com) helps the worlds largest industrial firms get jobs done right every time. Parsable provides a Connected Worker platform so employees can collaboratively execute their work using paperless, modern, and digital work instructions on modern mobile devices. In addition to measuring every step and action, employees can raise issues and provide feedback so that every process is quickly analyzed and improved. With Parsable, teams of Connected Workers know what they need to do and how to do it. Parsables customers include Corteva, Green Chef, Procter & Gamble, Schlumberger, Scientific Drilling, Shell, Silgan, Zume, and other category leaders in energy, industrial manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods. Founded by veterans of Accenture, Google, Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and YouTube, Parsable is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Austin, New York, Vancouver, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. PRMI volunteers, Habitat team and Fuego survivors share a final day on the work site in Palin, Esquintla, Guatemala The nationwide mortgage lender sent 30 representatives to Guatemala from PRMI Giving Network, the organizations humanitarian initiative, as the first international team to assist in building Valle de Las Flores, a new community for survivors of the recent June 2018 Volcan de Fuego eruption. As part of its continued commitment to improving local and global communities, Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity on a service trip to Guatemala. The nationwide mortgage lender was privileged to send 30 representatives from PRMI Giving Network, the organizations humanitarian initiative, as the first international team to assist in building Valle de Las Flores in Palin, Esquintla, a new community for survivors of the recent June 2018 Volcan de Fuego eruption. For one week, PRMIs volunteers traded desks and computers for gloves and shovels, as they worked side-by-side with Habitats team, local masons and survivors of the eruption. Together, they contributed to the construction of 24 homes and laid the foundation for a new community, offering disaster victims and their families a place to heal and build hope for the future. In spite of unimaginable tragedy, the community members from San Miguel Los Lotes welcomed us with open arms, displaying a spirit of resiliency Ive rarely seen, said PRMI President and CEO, Dave Zitting. Working with these incredible families was a life-changing experience for all of our volunteers, and were honored that Habitat for Humanity Guatemala invited PRMI to be part of their project in such a meaningful way. Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, and continues to experience small, daily outbursts. The severe eruption in June 2018, however, produced a fast-moving collection of hot ash, gasses and volcanic matter known as pyroclastic flow, which quickly devastated homes and lives, including many in the town of San Miguel Los Lotes. Though national and international response was quick and plentiful, much of that assistance has waned, leaving Habitat for Humanity Guatemala as one of the only remaining organizations with boots on the ground focused on helping survivors. We are incredibly grateful for the team from PRMI and the support they offered during their recent visit, said Michael Estill, Habitat for Humanity Guatemalas Fuego disaster relief project manager. Without help from our global and local partners, we wouldnt be able to assist so many of these families in rebuilding their lives. PRMI invites anyone interested in helping victims of Volcan de Fuego to make a contribution through a reputable organization such as Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. For service opportunities closer to home, individuals may contact PRMI Giving Network at GivingNetwork@primeres.com for help identifying local areas of need. About PRMI: Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) is a nationwide, multibillion-dollar franchise cofounded in 1998 by Dave Zitting, Jeff Zitting and Steve Chapman. With nearly 250 branches, licensed in 49 states and over 1,500 employees, PRMI has been repeatedly recognized as a top mortgage lender and was recently inducted into the 2018 Ellie Mae Hall of Fame for Excellence in Compliance. For more information, call 1-800-255-2792, visit http://www.primaryresidentialmortgage.com, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #3094. Habitat for Humanity is an approved 501(C)(3) charity. Habitat for Humanity is not affiliated with Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. What we offer clients is a true real estate sector team: real estate-focused transactions, finance, corporate, fund formation and tax to address industry needs, said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Greenberg Traurig's Executive Chairman. The Real Estate Sector team in the London office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has once again grown. Partha Pal and Carol Hopper are joining the team as shareholders. Earlier this year Trevor Cosgrove joined, adding to the firm's construction capability and, more recently, Ben Eaton was added to enhance the firm's European tax offering. What we offer clients is a true real estate sector team: real estate-focused transactions, finance, corporate, fund formation and tax to address industry needs, said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Greenberg Traurig's Executive Chairman. This practice is fully synergistic with our leading real estate presence across Europe, America, Asia, Latin America and Israel, second to none. Both Pal and Hopper are joining from Ropes & Gray. For more than two decades I have been working with clients worldwide on sophisticated real estate finance transactions in both the loan and capital markets. The real estate practitioners at Greenberg Traurig understand what is required for that type of practice and clients who operate internationally. This was a key draw for me, Pal said. Pal is a finance lawyer focusing during more than two decades on the financing of real estate assets. He has led real estate finance transactions in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Finland, as well as in South Korea, PRC and Hong Kong. He is an active member of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council in Europe having previously co-chaired a subcommittee set up to consider hedging in commercial real estate financing transactions and is currently heavily involved in its work relating to the financing of Build to Rent/Private Rented Sector assets. Greenberg Traurigs award-winning team has just the right mix of expertise important to my clients in London, Europe and on a global scale, Hopper said. My experience will in turn add value to the firms robust real estate sector practice. Hopper has experience advising funds, investors, bank and non-bank lenders and corporate clients on a wide variety of domestic and international real estate based transactions. She has a breadth of experience acting for investors at all levels of the capital stack across the full risk spectrum and in a wide range of sectors from office, industrial, residential, hotel and leisure to infrastructure and public/private finance transactions. Since January 2017, the firm has advanced one of its core strategies through the London offices real estate sector growth with the addition of several highly regarded practitioners, earning the firm an additional boost to its already high profile international real estate practice. The firms leading real estate team in the United States has earned the Chambers USA Award of Excellence four times, most recently in 2018. In Europe, the group has been recognized as Top Tier in Legal 500 UK, as Law Firm of the Year in Germany by JUVE Magazine, and received the Chambers Europe Award for Excellence in Real Estate in Poland. The Real Estate Practice at Greenberg Traurig now fields more than 160 real estate professionals outside of the U.S. covering Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Globally, the team is comprised of more than 400 attorneys serving clients from more than two dozen markets around the globe. "Our strategy for the growth of this team is based not on numbers but on quality and the ability to address clients needs in a wide range of areas, from finance to tax and beyond, noted Real Estate Practice Co-Chairs Robert J. Ivanhoe, Corey E. Light, and Richard J. Giusto in a joint statement. Partha and Carol have the background and reputation that meets that strategy. The fact that they have worked together further confirms their fit with our firm, where collaboration is a mainstay of the culture. About Greenberg Traurig's Real Estate Practice: The Greenberg Traurig Real Estate Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and recognized leader in the industry. The firms real estate attorneys deliver diversified and comprehensive counsel for property acquisition and investment, development, management and leasing, financing, restructuring, and disposition of all asset classes of real estate. The team draws upon the knowledge and experience of more than 400 real estate lawyers from around the world, serving clients from key markets in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. The groups clientele includes a broad range of property developers, lenders, investment managers, private equity funds, REITs, and private owners. The firms real estate team advises clients on a variety of matters across a broad spectrum of commercial, recreational, and residential real estate, including structured equity and debt and the hybrids. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2018 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. The 2018 ranking survey marks Denmark jumping to first place, followed by Singapore in 2nd, the United Kingdom in 3rd, Estonia in 4th, the USA in 5th, South Korea in 6th, Japan in 7th, Sweden in 8th, Taiwan in 9th, and Australia ranked 10th. Countries in all regions of the world are continuing to make strides in efforts to enhance Digital Government and foster digital innovation according to a new report launched today by The Institute of D-Government at Waseda University, Tokyo in cooperation with the International Academy of CIO (IAC). The Institute of Digital Government, Waseda University headed by Dr. Toshio Obi, published the results today of the 2018 Waseda-IAC International Digital Government Ranking Survey. This is the 14th annual survey with the first published in 2005. The 2018 ranking survey marks Denmark jumping to first place, followed by Singapore in 2nd, the United Kingdom in 3rd, Estonia in 4th, the USA in 5th, South Korea in 6th, Japan in 7th, Sweden in 8th, Taiwan in 9th, and Australia ranked 10th. Most governments have increased their excellent achievements in citizen-centric approach and demand-pull online services, says Dr. Toshio Obi, professor at Waseda Universitys Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies and director of the APEC Institute of e-Government at Waseda University. This report also provides an early warning signal against increasing digital gap and innovation among nations, he added. Dr. J.P. Auffret, President of the International Academy of CIO and professor at George Mason University notes that many countries have increased their focus on Digital Government and the application of technology to foster economic growth and their efforts are reflected in the Rankings. For example Kazakhstan has moved from 24th in 2017 to 18th in 2018, UAE from 40th to 34th, Hong Kong from 24th to 18th, Finland from 18th to 13th, Norway from 16th to 11th, Switzerland from 23rd to 12th and Malaysia from 36th to 25th. The 2018 rankings also point to significant trends in the usage of ICT in government activities. The report shows that there are some new trends which will potentially have major impacts in the coming years. These include: (1) Re-definition of e-government to Digital Government (2) Usage of AI and IoT for Digital Government (3) Expanding the Scale of Smart City and e-local government (4) Blockchain Technology for Digital Government (5) Digital Government for AntiCorruption. In addition to the above trends, the report noted six challenges for Digital Government to contribute to addressing. They are digital innovation with cloud computing, IoT and AI; ageing society; globalization of open innovation; digital divide for global and local communities; urbanization with mega smart cites; and cooperation between central and local governments. This survey is conducted by the distinguished experts from Waseda University and ten world-class universities under the umbrella of the International Academy of CIO. These institutions are Waseda University (Japan), Peking University (China), George Mason University, (USA), Thammasat University (Thailand), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), National University of Singapore (Singapore), RANEPA (Russia),University of Turku (Finland), Bocconi University (Italy), Taiwan e-Governance Research Center (Taiwan) and De La Salle University (Philippines). Ten main indicators and 35 sub-indicators were utilized in developing the Digital Government Rankings in 2018. The survey continues as in 2017 by considering 65 countries (economies). The indicators include: Network Preparedness, Management Optimization, Online Services, National Portal, Government CIO, D-Government Promotion, E-Participation / Digital Inclusion, Open Government, Cybersecurity and Use of Emerging ICT. As an example, for the Indicator of Use of Emerging ICT, the leading five countries / economies are: Singapore, Denmark, UK, USA and South Korea. For the details, a full ranking report on 2018 Rankings with all 65 Country Reports can be found at: http://e-gov.waseda.ac.jp/pdf/The_2018_Waseda-IAC_Digital_Government_Rankings_Report.pdf and also on the IAC homepage at: http://iacio.org. About the International Academy of CIO (IAC): Founded in 2005, the International Academy of CIO (IAC) is an international NGO headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The IAC fosters the exchange and adoption of best practices on CIO and IT executive leadership, as well as with IT organizations and government IT institutions. The IAC promotes and facilitates CIO and IT executive leadership education; government CIO and IT governance legislation and institution building; and global standards for CIO education. The IAC has 15 country chapters; active participation from governments, private sector and universities in more than 50 countries; and partnerships with World Bank, APEC, OECD and U.N. University. For more information: http://iacio.org. # # # MEDIA CONTACT: Dr. J.P. Auffret, President of International Academy of CIO (IAC) at jauffret(at)gmu.edu, 703-993-5641 -or- Christina Batcheler, Program Operations, George Mason University, cbatchel(at)gmu.edu, 703-993-3746 Ive got a bunch of players who are really the best actors in the south suburbs and a couple of new people that I havent worked with. Its a great cast, said Renzi, who is working with assistant director Barbara Whitney, of Richton Park, on the show. "The Smart Visa program, coupled with recent investments in the EEC, establish the foundation for North American companies to succeed in Thailand." The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) announced a new investment incentive package as well as an expansion of the Smart Visa program. The incentives, intended to boost investment to Thailands knowledge-based industries, took effect on November 19, 2018 for applications submitted through the end of 2019. The Smart Visa is issued to foreign investors and startup entrepreneurs who have businesses or plan to expand operations to the country. The investment incentive package and Smart Visa expansion are meant to lend way to a Golden Year of Investment for Thailand in 2019. BOI is excited to announce a new incentive package and expanded criteria for the Smart Visa, said Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). These measures will help Thailand continue to attract entrepreneurs and serve as one of the worlds best places to do business next year and beyond. BOIs new investment incentive package includes additional incentives such as a 50% reduction of corporate income tax for three years, applicable to projects in any activities with a minimum investment value of $1,000 million Thai baht ($30,266,500 USD), not including cost of land and working capital, and eligible to receive income tax exemptions for at least five years but not over eight. More details on the incentives are available here. Similarly, new Smart Visa conditions and incentives are intended to enable more foreign professionals, investors, and startups relocate and start businesses in Thailand. Income conditions for highly-skilled experts and senior executives have become more lenient, and the application conditions for foreign startups have changed to include six-month, one-year and two-year visa types. Access to capital was increased for startups and venture capitalists as well. In addition to a $7 billion high-speed train project approved earlier this year, the Thai Government has approved four more infrastructure mega projects, worth a combined $14 billion USD, to improve major infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area and facilitate business activities for both existing and future investors. The four public-private investment mega projects are the U-Tapao aviation city; a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center, and the third expansion phases of Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut seaports. The new incentive package and expanded visa conditions come at a time when Thailands ease of doing business continues to be recognized on a global scale. Thailand earned 38th place in this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) global competitiveness index 4.0 rankings of 140 nations. Additionally, the World Bank indicated that Thailand has improved its Ease of Doing Business (EODB) score. Thailand is also among the top 30 of the 190 economies in the EODB rankings and continues to show significant progress in multiple categories including transparency of prices, fixed registration fees for businesses, and an enhanced online tax pay platform. The Smart Visa program, coupled with recent investments in the EEC, establish the foundation for North American companies to succeed in Thailand, added Mr. Kaewsang. We look forward to continue being the preferred place to do business in Southeast Asia. About BOI The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is the investment promotion agency for Thailand that facilitates foreign direct investment. BOIs services are free of charge and customized to help business succeed in Thailand. For more information, please visit http://www.boi.go.th and http://www.thinkasiainvestthailand.com Since 1994, Watoto Childrens Choirs have traveled the world, shining a light on the plight of Africas orphaned children. Each year, the choirs advocate for millions of African children currently orphaned by AIDS, poverty, and war. The choir of 18 orphans from Uganda will continue its six-month U.S. tour in the Virginia, Washington DC, North Carolina and South Carolina areas from December 4 through December 30, 2018 featuring a brand new concert, We Will Go! Experience the Choir! https://www.watoto.com/choir/ The experience of travelling on a choir helps the children to develop confidence and boldness, as well as broadening their worldview. The choirs are part of the leadership training program of Watoto Child Care Ministries, which currently cares for more than 3,000 children living in family settings rather than an institution. Along with energetic singing and dancing, the children will share inspiring stories of how their lives have been changed and how they have been called into a life of purpose to transform their communities. The show is an expression of joy from children who have been rescued after losing one or both parents to live in one of three Watoto villages. Their stories are journeys from despair to hope and from fear to faith. I am excited to be a part of We Will Go, said Esther Kahangi, who was abandoned at a hospital and rescued by Watoto as a premature baby and spent her first weeks in critical care. I know that I am a wonder because I am chosen by God as His child. What an extraordinary experience it is to see the Watoto Childrens Choir, said Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church. It lights up the place to see these beautiful kids, and when you hear their stories and learn about where they have come from, you cant help but think of all God has done. The upcoming schedule of the Watoto Childrens Choir in the Virginia, Washington DC, North Carolina and South Carolina areas includes the following performances: VIRGINIA: 4-DEC Crosswalk Church at 7:00 PM 7575 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188 5-DEC New Life Church at 7:00 PM 1525 Power Plant Pkwy, Hampton, VA 23669 - Contact: 757-825-8888 6-DEC The Life Center at 7:00 PM 2026 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23702 - Contact: 757-484-4222 7-DEC Beacon Theatre at 7:30 PM 401 N Main Street, Hopewell, VA 23860 Contact: 804-739-7500 9-DEC Abundant Life Church at 9AM & 10:30AM 700 Aylor Rd., Stephens City, VA 22655 9-DEC Victory Church at 6:00 PM 2870 Middle Road, Winchester, VA 22601 - Contact: 540-667-9400 20-DEC Lion of Judah Ministries & Training Center Intl at 7:00 PM 612 N Main St., Blackstone, VA 23824 - Contact: 434-292-1213 WASHINGTON DC 8-DEC Mount Moriah Baptist Church at 5:00 PM 1636 East Capitol St., NE Washington DC 20003 - Contact: 202-544-5588 NORTH CAROLINA 12-DEC Forest Park Church at 7:00 PM 300 Forest Park Road, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 - Contact: 252-335-4001 13-DEC Depot Station at 7:00 PM 19 West Depot Street, Angier, NC 27501 - Contact: 919-331-2489 14-DEC Cape Fear Christian Academy at 9:30 AM 138 Erwin Chapel Rd., Erwin, NC 28339 - Contact: 910-897-5423 14-DEC Pleasant Grove Church at 6:30 PM 1528 Davis Rd., Cary, NC 27519 - Contact: 919-363-5198 15-DEC Greater First United Baptist Church at 5:30 PM 1409 Deep River Rd., High Point, NC 27265 - Contact: 336-882-6211 16-DEC Winston Salem First Assembly of God at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM 3730 University Pkwy., Winston, Salem NC 27106 - Contact: 336-759-7517 16-DEC Adams Farm Community Church at 6:30 PM 5113 MacKay Rd., Jamestown, NC 27282 - Contact: 336-292-4565 18-DEC Christian Provision Ministry at 7:00 PM 2300 Courtland Dr., Sanford, NC 27330 - Contact: 919-774-9462 19-DEC Outreach Christian Ministries Inc. at 7:00 PM 722 West Horah St., Salisbury, NC 28144 21-DEC Vision Church at 7:00 PM 1124 E Hudson Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28056 - Contact: 704-833-3000 23-DEC Christ Alive Church at 9:30AM & 11:15AM 1549 Southwest Blvd., Newtown, NC 28658 - Contact: 828-465-5483 29-DEC Freedom International Ministries at 5:00 PM Salome Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262 - Contact: 704-503-0311 30-DEC Freedom International Ministries at 9AM, 10:30AM & 12:15PM Salome Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269 - Contact: 704-503-0311 SOUTH CAROLINA 30-DEC Manchester Creek Community Church at 7:00 PM 1689 Springsteen Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 - Contact: 803-366-6476 For a complete choir tour schedule, please visit https://www.watoto.com/app/choir/calendar About Watoto Child Care Ministry In 1994, Watoto Church founded Watoto Child Care Ministry, an international holistic care program that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children and women in Uganda. It is positioned to rescue an individual, raise each one as a leader in their chosen sphere of life so that they in turn will rebuild their nation. The model involves physical care, medical intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment, education - formal and vocational, counseling and emotional well-being as well as moral and spiritual discipleship. In 2018, the renowned analyst firm ALM Intelligence again rated CAMELOT Management Consultants as a leading global consulting provider for logistics. CAMELOTs market-leading expertise and proven implementation skills in logistics consulting were decisive for the best possible assessment as ALM Vanguard Leader. ALM Intelligence is the worlds leading analyst company for the consulting sector. CAMELOT specializes in the transformation of value chains. This requires a deep understanding of individual value chain processes such as logistics. ALMs once-again positive assessment confirms this excellence," comments Dr. Josef Packowski, Managing Partner at CAMELOT. Previously, ALM had also rated the consulting company as ALM Vanguard Leader in the consulting areas of procurement and supply chain management. Logistics: from Cost Factor to Value-Added Service Digital technologies are a driver of new possibilities in logistics. This is also reflected in the demand for corresponding consulting projects. Andreas Gmur, Partner and Head of Logistics Consulting at CAMELOT, explains: Logistics has the potential to transform itself from a pure cost factor into a value-added service, thus opening up new business models for companies. However, we still see a lot of uncertainty among our clients as to which digital technologies actually make sense for them and what added business value they bring. Our consulting services have been designed to address these issues. According to Gmur, the close integration of logistics with supply-chain planning, something which is currently still inadequate in many companies, is also vital. This could offer solutions, especially when it comes to the current capacity bottlenecks in the chemical and consumer-goods industries. With the ALM Vanguard Leader status, the analyst firm ALM Intelligence awards the best providers in certain fields of consulting. The analyses are based, among other things, on wide-ranging interviews with consulting managers, consulting clients, financial analysts and client industry experts, as well as on detailed background research. Monica Eaton-Cardone, a FinTech executive specializing in risk management and fraud prevention, discusses the future impact of blockchain technology within the retail industry. Todays retail applications are proving that blockchain definitely lives up to its hype, asserted Eaton-Cardone. "I believe blockchain has the capacity to completely reshape the retail landscape within the next five years. A recent analysis of blockchain in retail projected its market value will be 29 times higher in 2023 than 2018rising from $80 million to more than $2.3 billionat a compound annual growth rate of 96.4%.(1) Though only 6% of businesses are ready to use blockchain for payment initiatives today, survey findings suggest 13 times as many will be onboard within the next five years.(2) Monica Eaton-Cardone, a FinTech executive specializing in risk management and fraud prevention, examines the challenges that have hindered blockchains implementation to date and the applications that are likely to fuel widespread adoption in the future. Most commonly associated with bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency, blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records interactions, transactions and transfer of value over a peer-to-peer network in lieu of a centralized authority or coordinating entity.(2) While just 6% of companies are ready to embrace blockchain now, another 9% are less than a year away and a further 43% set their timeline at one to three years; within the next five years, fully 78% of businesses say they will be ready to integrate DLT for payments.(2) However, the retail sector has already begun using blockchain for other applications,(35) and Eaton-Cardone believes these successful use cases can help hasten adoption rates throughout the industry. Bitcoin has suffered high-profile hacks and wildly fluctuating prices in recent years, so wariness of cryptocurrency has led some to be leery of blockchain by association. But the technology is starting to spread throughout the retail industry now that early adopters are proving its real-world potential, said Eaton-Cardone, who serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Global Risk Technologies and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Chargebacks911. As more companies discover blockchains usefulness in solving some of retails biggest challenges, Eaton-Cardone says it should become clear why its market value is expected to soar nearly 30 times higher in just five years. Eaton-Cardone points to five blockchain applications that are changing the face of retail: 1. Supply Chain Management Blockchain is able to capture a data trail that can trace a product from its source to retail shelves, and all stops in between. For example, Walmart and IBM have partnered on a blockchain-based Food Traceability Initiative that can identify the origin of produce almost instantaneously; instead of taking nearly a week, that data can now be retrieved in just 2.2 seconds.(3) This is critical in cases of food-born illness outbreaks and safety recalls. It also enables retailers to demonstrate compliance with regulations aimed at eliminating slavery and human trafficking from supply chains and allows merchants to unequivocally assure customers that products are ethically and/or sustainably sourced.(4) 2. Inventory Management Blockchain is making it easier for merchants to track the location of goodsfrom manufacturer to warehouse to backroom to checkoutand replenish inventory in enough time to avoid backorder and out-of-stock scenarios, which reportedly cost retailers worldwide nearly $1 trillion each year.(3) 3. Authenticity Verification Counterfeiting and theft are ongoing problems for manufacturers and retailers, whether its knockoffs of high-end goods such as handbags, fragrances and watches or criminals trying to sell stolen art or automobiles to legitimate dealers. Blockchain trails can help manufacturers detect product diversion and trademark infringement, and they also enable resellers to verify ownership. (3, 4) 4. Auto-Renewal and Subscription Services In the case of goods and services sold via subscription/recurring billing, blockchain can help protect both sellers and consumers. Sellers can use it to prove they have obtained a customers consent to charge their card/account on a recurring basis and demonstrate compliance with relevant laws, while consumers can prove when they have requested cancellation.(4) 5. Customer Data and Loyalty Programs Blockchain allows retailers to save and use customer data for future orders and product recommendations without storing that data on their servers, where it could be susceptible to breaches or hacks.(3) It can also be used to tokenize loyalty and reward programs, which helps to attract customers by making it easier for them to track, redeem and/or trade points.(5) Eaton-Cardone acknowledges that there are still questions and considerations that will need to be addressed before blockchain is fully implemented on a global, industry-wide basis, from the privacy of data stored on peer-to-peer networks to the need for a common platform to emerging legal and regulatory developments.(5) However, she is encouraged by blockchains growing presence and progress in the retail industry, with new applications such as Provenance, IBM Food Trust and TrustChain capitalizing on its capabilities and big names like Walmart, Carrefour, De Beers, Amazon and American Express leading the way. Todays retail applications are proving that blockchain definitely lives up to its hype, asserted Eaton-Cardone. Distributed ledger technology has moved from theoretical possibilities to practical uses, and the implementations were seeing now are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what blockchain can do for retailers. I believe blockchain has the capacity to completely reshape the retail landscape within the next five years. Monica Eaton-Cardone frequently discusses financial technology (FinTech), fraud prevention and security best practices at industry conferences and events. She has been a featured panelist at TRUSTECH, the IATA World Financial Symposium and TRANSACT, and is also available for interviews, panelist opportunities and future speaking engagements. For more information, visit http://monicaec.com. About Monica Eaton-Cardone: An acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker and author, Monica Eaton-Cardone is widely recognized as a thought leader in the FinTech industry and a champion of women in technology. She established her entrepreneurial credentials upon selling her first business at the age of 19. When a subsequent eCommerce venture was plagued by revenue-leeching chargebacks and fraud, Eaton-Cardone rose to the challenge by developing a robust solution that combined human insight and agile technology. Today, her innovations are used by thousands of companies worldwide, cementing her reputation as one of the payment industrys foremost experts in risk management, chargeback mitigation and fraud prevention. As CIO of Global Risk Technologies and COO of Chargebacks911, Eaton-Cardone leverages her global platform to educate merchants on best practices in fraud prevention and to spotlight the competitive and economic advantages women can bring to the technology workforce. Her nonprofit organization, Get Paid for Grades, invests in students to inspire a new generation of innovators. Get to know Eaton-Cardone at http://monicaec.com. 1. Research and Markets. Blockchain in Retail Market by Provider, Application, Organization Size, and Region Global Forecast to 2023; June 2018. 2. Horowitz, Jeffrey and Carl Slabicki. The Future of Payments A Corporate Perspective; BNY Mellon report; November 2018. 3. George-Parkin, Hilary. How Blockchain Will Allow for Fewer Counterfeit Goods and Faster Product Recalls; Vox; October 18, 2018. 4. Cohn, Alan; Jason Weinstein; et al. Blockchain in the Retail Industry; BlockTribune; November 4, 2018. 5. Fleming, Christina and Jonathan Hyman. Blockchain: Opportunities and Challenges for Retailers; Essential Retail; November 2, 2018. Vitalant and Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel partner to host Christmas at the Casino Blood Drive. Vitalant, Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel and Travel Machine are teaming up to provide Louisiana with an unforgettable experience that is sure to bring a smile to your face! Get into the spirit of the holidays by transforming lives! No good deed will go unrewarded; the elves of Cypress Bayou have gifts for donors and the chance to win a Christmas-sized prize! Donate blood at Cypress Bayou Casino's Christmas at the Casino Blood Drive in the Pavilion, December 4, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Donors will receive: a spin on the prize wheel to win various prizes including $150 to Mr. Lesters Steakhouse, a $25 Amazon gift card through Vitalants online rewards store, an Amazing T-shirt, and automatic entry into the the grand prize grand prize drawing for a 4-night Western Caribbean Carnival Cruise, courtesy of Travel Machine, LLC! Schedule your appointment to donate at vitalant.org or call 877-25VITAL. Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. Its at vitalant.org. Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Cross Border Xpress Cross Border Xpress (CBX) will celebrate its third year of service and operations for travelers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec. 9, 2018. Having recently welcomed its five millionth passenger in October 2018, the first-of-its-kind pedestrian skybridge is slated to surpass previous annual passenger flow benchmarks by servicing more than two million travelers this year. Our team is incredibly proud of the tremendous growth we have accomplished since opening three years ago, said Jorge Goytortua, CEO of CBX. The expansion that CBX has seen year-after-year is a testament to our dedicated staff and commitment to changing the way people travel. Wed like to thank the Tijuana Airport for their assistance and support in reaching this milestone. Opened in 2015, CBX was designed to streamline international travel as the first-ever U.S. facility to connect directly into a foreign airport terminal. Designed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection, the 390-foot-long enclosed pedestrian skybridge connects a state-of-the-art passenger building in San Diego directly to the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), servicing more than 6,000 ticketed airline passengers daily. Passengers moving through CBX can expect: $30 round-trip ticket or $16 single-trip ticket for access through CBX terminal Accelerated transportation across the U.S.-Mexico border Easy check-in for all TIJ airport flights Bilingual terminal attendants On-site parking starting at $15 per day More direct flights to destinations in Mexico than any other Southern California airport Direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai, China Food and beverage options CBX has achieved dynamic passenger growth, received widespread industry recognition and continues to boost the cross-border economy. With more than two million passengers anticipated to use the terminal in 2018, CBX is slated to register a 38 percent increase over 2016 levels recorded during its first full year in operation. In acknowledgement of the terminals success, Air Transport Worlds 44th Annual Airline Industry Achievement Awards honored the facility with the Passenger Experience Achievement. CBX also boosts the globally competitive cross-border economy by providing the region with more than 300 jobs and offering a secure way for business travelers and tourists to cross into the U.S. from TIJ. Furthermore, CBX assists in efforts to keep up with the continued growth of international travel by using privately funded money from Mexican and American investors during a time of small federal budget increases. The terminal is currently gearing up for a multi-million dollar renovation and relaunch at TIJ, slated for early 2019. For more information on CBX, or to purchase tickets and sign up for special offers, visit the CBX website: http://www.crossborderxpress.com. About Cross Border Xpress: Launched in December 2015, Cross Border Xpress (CBX) streamlines the means of travel for Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) passengers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The sleek terminal and 390-foot-long enclosed pedestrian skywalk bridge services more than 6,000 travelers daily. As the first ever U.S. facility to connect directly into a foreign airport terminal, CBX offers a faster, more secure and hassle-free alternative for ticketed airline passengers to cross the border, eliminating additional traffic from the already congested San Ysidro and Otay Mesa land ports of entry. TIJ passengers can use the skywalk to connect from Southern California to more than 30 destinations in Mexico and around the world. Many of the flight routes are either direct or at a reduced cost as compared to other Southern California airports. CBX is headquartered in Otay Mesa, Calif. and located at 2745 Otay Pacific Drive, San Diego, Calif. For more information on CBX, or to purchase tickets and sign up for special offers, visit the CBX website: http://www.crossborderxpress.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/crossborderxpress), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/CrossBrdrXpress) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/crossborderxpress). What is most surprising about our discovery and tracking of Brazilian threat actors is the pervasiveness of this particular variant and the sheer volume of Spanish speaking countries being targeted rises to unseen levels." Assaf Dahan, senior director, threat hunting, Cybereason Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity end-to-end AI Hunting solution, today announced that its Nocturnus team discovered the source of a pervasive variant of malware used to attack Brazilian banks that spread to more than a dozen countries in South America and Europe. More than 60 banks have thus far been infected impacting millions of customers. The new research also details the techniques used by Brazilian threat actors throughout 2017-2018 and highlights how effective their methods are at evading security products, as demonstrated by the low detection rate. The findings build off initial research from September 2018 when Nocturnus first blogged about the growing Brazilian threat landscape and the pervasiveness of financial malware. "Brazil is a major contributor to the global cybercrime ecosystem yet oftentimes flies under the radar because other nation states garner the majority of news headlines. And in many respects that has contributed to the growth of the cybercrime ecosystem in Brazil, said Assaf Dahan, senior director, threat hunting, Cybereason. What is most surprising about our discovery and tracking of Brazilian threat actors is the pervasiveness of this particular variant and the sheer volume of Spanish speaking countries being targeted rises to unseen levels. Cybereasons research identified three key stages that were common to most of the attacks. In each stage, Cybereason observed commonalities in the tools, techniques and procedures that are shared across campaigns including: Social engineering as an entry point (phishing emails) Multiple redirections via URL shorteners and the usage of Dynamic DNS services Payloads hosted on legitimate online storage services and CDNs (content delivery networks) Obfuscated PowerShell downloaders employing command-line logging evasion Living off the land techniques that abuse Microsoft-signed binaries Abusing trusted applications via DLL hijacking Splitting the main payload into two or more components To review Cybereasons full analysis and findings, visit: https://www.cybereason.com/blog/brazilian-financial-malware-banking-europe-south-america About Nocturnus Nocturnus is a group of Cybereason's cybersecurity experts with broad experience in cyber offense and defense with a focus on cutting edge, advanced research. The team has spent years studying the adversary and defending against some of the most advanced cyber attacks. The teams findings of new attack tools, techniques, and methodologies are used to better protect our customers and educate the broader information security community. About Cybereason Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity data analytics platform, gives the advantage back to the defender through a completely new approach to cybersecurity. Cybereason offers endpoint detection and response (EDR), next-generation antivirus (NGAV), and active monitoring services, all powered by its proprietary data analytics platform. The Cybereason suite of products provides unmatched visibility, increases analyst efficiency and effectiveness, and reduces security risk. Cybereason is privately held, having raised $189 million from top-tier VCs, and is headquartered in Boston, with offices in London, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/ Follow us: Blog | Twitter | Facebook Media Contact Bill Keeler Director, Public Relations Cybereason bill.keeler(at)cybereason.com (929) 259-3261 Neil Ellis, M.D., M.T.C.M., joins Physician Partners of America PPOA is already moving forward as a leader in the latest interventional, minimally invasive spine techniques. I am happy to be part of the research team to offer even more cutting-edge options to patients. Physician Partners of America welcomes Neil Ellis, M.D., M.T.C.M, to its Tampa practice at 4730 N. Habana Avenue. Dr. Ellis will join Dr. Jorge Leal, as an interventional pain management specialist in the clinic, which is the company's busiest in Florida. A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Ellis is double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is an expert in all pain conditions, with extensive experience in spinal cord stimulator placement. He is also enthusiastic about adopting cutting-edge minimally invasive spine techniques. Dr. Ellis completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California Santa Cruz and earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He completed his residency and fellowship in Anesthesia and Interventional Pain Medicine at UF-Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. Before attending medical school, Dr. Ellis completed a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, Calif., and completed a one-year apprenticeship in Hangzhou, China. He chose to pursue interventional pain management after being successfully treated for an injury using minimally invasive procedures. While he no longer practices TCM, its focus on treating the whole patient which also forms the core value of PPOA resonates with him. I am the type of physician who enjoys getting to know my patients as people and treating the whole person, he says. I think its important to form a connection with them. Dr. Ellis has participated in global research in new spinal pain treatments. He served as the lead investigator in one worldwide study bringing new treatments to patients with herniated discs. He was also the first investigator to treat humans with an intradiscal anti-inflammatory medication. PPOA is already moving forward as a leader in the latest interventional, minimally invasive spine techniques. I am happy to be part of the research team to offer even more cutting-edge options to patients. Patients can make appointments, including same-day visits, with Dr. Ellis starting Dec. 3 at the office, located at 4730 N. Habana Ave., Suite 104, Tampa, Fla. 33614. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. About Physician Partners of America Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a national healthcare organization focused on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship, improving patient outcomes and leading the fight against the opioid crisis. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tampa, Fla., PPOA and its affiliates share a common vision of ensuring the wellbeing of patients through interventional and minimally invasive treatments, primary care, orthopedics and laser spine procedures. Its model allows its physician partners to focus on caring for patients in the face of increasingly complex administrative requirements. For more information about Physician Partners of America, visit http://www.physicianpartnersofamerica.com. All of the opportunity is here, says Ben Milne, founder and CEO of Dwolla. We have the resources, we have the ingenuity, we are starting to have the infrastructure. Monetery, one of the premier tech summits in the Midwest, will be expanded for its second year and held in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 21 and 22, 2019. Monetery is a conference dedicated to connecting people who believe in creating value in the Midwest. The two-day event will provide opportunities for inventors and creators to hear from and interact with successful venture capitalists, angel investors and business leaders from around the United States. The goal of the conference is to create and maintain a tech ecosystem in the Midwest. Monetery is organized and produced by Dwolla, a Des Moines-based digital payment platform. All of the opportunity is here, says Ben Milne, founder and CEO of Dwolla. We have the resources, we have the ingenuity, we are starting to have the infrastructure. As companies are beginning to divest in places like Silicon Valley, there is no reason why the Midwest cant fill that gap. And if there is a reason, its that Midwesterners dont realize its possible. Thats what Monetery is for. Steph Atkin, VP of Marketing at Dwolla, says expanding Monetery, which held its first conference in 2018, will allow for more coverage of topics facing the Midwest tech ecosystem. The topics well be covering have everything to do with ways the Midwest can lead the nation in the most pressing issues in the tech world, Atkin says. We will have sessions about Seed fundraising, IPO, diversity and inclusionall the things that create a competitive ecosystem. And were adding speakers and sessions as we get closer to May 21. Part of the appeal of Monetery is its relative exclusivity. The 2018 conference was limited to 200 people and Atkin says that this years registration will be similarly exclusive. To start a conversation, you need to be able to hear each other, says Atkin. Monetery is very much for serious believers in the Midwest who want to collaborate with others on how we can bring the region closer to its full potential. Intimacy and real dialogue are essential. I know this is something the Midwest supports, says Milne, because the response weve seen from Des Moines business leaders has been incredible. Monetery founding sponsors include Brown Winick Attorneys at Law, Corteva Agriscience, Delta Dental, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual, Next Level Ventures, Principal Financial Group, the Technology Association of Iowa and Workiva. The event will be held in downtown Des Moines at the Temple for Performing Arts and attendees are expected from across the country. Monetery will continue to be a funding engine for programs that provide financial support dedicated to underrepresented groups in technology. In 2018, Monetery raised more than $10,000 for Pi515, a 501(c)3 organization that teaches computer coding to Iowas underserved population, particularly refugee 7th-12th graders in central Iowa. Registration for Monetery 2019 will open in early 2019. Speakers and agenda items are being added continuously until the conference opens in May. Visit monetery.com for more information. Monetery 2019 May 21-22 The Temple for Performing Arts 1011 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA About Monetery Monetery connects people who believe in creating value in the Midwest and is one of the premier tech summits in the region. Since launching in 2018, hundreds of CEOs, venture capitalists, thought leaders, inventors, creators and believers have participated in Monetery to create and nurture the tech ecosystem in the Midwest. About Dwolla Dwolla is a financial technology company that is changing the way businesses send and receive funds. The company offers a seamless, white label API platform to connect to initiate bank transfers, manage users and instantly verify bank accounts. Since 2010, when Dwolla began creating the ideal platform to move money, the company has helped move billions of dollars, integrated with hundreds of customers and has been mentioned in Inc., Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. Businesses that need to efficiently send or receive money and are ready for the future either use Dwollaor they should. Learn more. We provide transparency and high-quality leads. Kelley Blue Book allows us to offer an engaging, intuitive experience, including trade-in values dealers and consumers trust. In an effort to continue to provide industry-leading website solutions, eAutoAppraise has teamed with Kelley Blue Book. The eAutoAppraise platform is now the only platform with the ability to offer all three-vehicle valuation providers for dealers to choose from. Dealers have the unique opportunity to customize this trade-in tool to their clientele or needs. Trusted by automotive shoppers around the country and the industry, Kelley Blue Book is known for reliable car values and expert analysis, in addition to automotive industry insights and awards. Kelley Blue Book is a trusted brand by consumers and dealers. We couldnt be more pleased to add their valuations to eAutoAppraise, said Barry Brodsky, Managing Partner of eAutoAppraise. We provide transparency and high quality leads. Kelley Blue Book allows us to offer an engaging, intuitive experience, including trade-in values dealers and consumers trust. Providing two tools in one with a dynamic platform, eAutoAppraise streamlines both the vehicle trade-in and the credit pre-screening process. Featuring a Google-like predictive search function, customers can quickly see the value for their trade, get pre-approved, and even find a replacement vehicle. With a mobile-first development and 100% responsive technology, eAutoAppraise can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It also works with all website providers and will send leads to any CRM. Featuring the addition of Kelley Blue Book data, the eAutoAppraise platform helps provide customers with confidence in their trade and getting pre-approved. In addition to trusted appraisal results, customers have the option to quickly upload a video or photos of their vehicle. When its time to select a replacement, they have immediate access to everything a particular dealer has in stock with the real-time integrated inventory and current incentives. All of this is combined with complete OEM compliance that dealers can depend on. To learn more about the lead-generating eAutoAppraise platform and its relationship with Kelley Blue Book, please visit eautoappraise.com or call 866.795.8903. About eAutoAppraise eAutoAppraise is a next-generation trade-in platform that has changed the relationship between dealers and car shoppers. Backed by several OEM endorsements, eAutoAppraise empowers dealerships with exclusive, actionable consumer data and robust, interactive reporting not customarily available to todays dealers. The platform is 100% responsive, completely OEM compliant, and available to any website provider. With the eAutoAppraise platform, customers get the experience of an intuitive tool and quick access to the information they need, while the dealer enjoys high quality leads. If we can reach them early enough we have a better chance to save them from the heartache and misery of domestic violence, he said after a workshop. Studies show that teen-age girls are subject to domestic violence situations. We want them to know what to do when they are faced with a bad situation. We tell them to remove themselves and get to a safe place if they can, and then contact the police. We tell them that no one has the right to put their hands on them, or to shame them with photos on social media, or to belittle them no one. Estes Forwarding Worldwide Its important for us to truly understand our satisfaction levels and for us to demonstrate to our stakeholders that we care about them. We believe our early adoption of the Net Promoter methodology gives EFW the opportunity to be the leader in the freight forwarding industry. -Scott Fisher Past News Releases RSS Estes Forwarding Worldwide, a leading domestic and international freight forwarder in the United States, recently announced its new partnership with Owen CX Group, Inc. as it launches its company-wide initiative to adopt the Net Promoter Score methodology as a way to measure satisfaction across all aspects of the business. Owen CX Group Inc., founded by industry thought leaders Richard Owen and Jonathan Hawkins will serve as advisory consultants on the development and implementation of a Net Promoter (NPS) program for Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) and will play a key role in the development of the programs foundation and training. Were excited to be working with Owen CX Group, said Jay Ellis, Director of EFW Experience with Estes Forwarding Worldwide. Richard Owen and Jonathan Hawkins are thought leaders in the NPS world, and we have great respect for their experience and innovation when it comes to delivering and measuring customer experience. We look forward to our collaboration. We are equally as thrilled to have been selected to partner with EFW, stated Richard Owen, co-founder and CEO of the Owen CX Group. We are impressed by EFWs early and aggressive adoption of the NPS methodology and their commitment to delivering the best EFW Experience. Were looking forward to working with their team to craft a solid program and ROI metrics that will positively impact the business across all areas. Launched in September 2018, EFWs We Care initiative has extended through all aspects of the freight forwarders business and is being driven primarily out of the desire to differentiate the company from its competition and clearly demonstrate the companys commitment to exceeding client, partner and employee expectations. Whether its our employees, our clients or our carrier partners, these relationships are our most valuable asset, explained Scott Fisher, President and CEO of Estes Forwarding Worldwide. Its important for us to truly understand our satisfaction levels and for us to demonstrate to our stakeholders that we care about them. We believe this partnership and our early adoption of the Net Promoter methodology gives us the opportunity to be the leader in the freight forwarding industry and we look forward to the programs launch in January 2019. About Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) is a leading domestic and international freight forwarder in the United States providing customized logistics solutions for clients around the world and across all industries including retail, government, automotive, heath services, technology and exhibit services via air, ground and ocean freight. With extensive North American and global coverage combined with unsurpassed service capabilities, EFWs mission to exceed client expectations each and every time, has translated into exponential growth since it was founded in 2003. The company has received industry awards including Specialty Carrier of the Year by Worldwide Express and Home Depot, Inc., E-Commerce Delivery Carrier of the Year by Walmart and recognition by Global Trade Americas as a leading 3PL to watch. A subsidiary of Estes Express lines and located in Richmond, Virginia, EFW is uniquely backed by Estes Express Lines extensive line haul network providing EFW clients with a hybrid transportation network along with a personal client relationship approach ensuring the optimal logistics solution is identified and executed each and every time.To learn more about EFW, please visit the companys website at http://www.EFWnow.com. Another donor-centric approach allows schools to increase their ability to reach alumni where they are, through a channel they prefer, while providing actionable insights for future fundraising efforts. - Brent Grinna, CEO of EverTrue Today EverTrue announced a new integration on its platform, partnering with Hustle to offer advancement offices powerful insight into text message conversations with their constituents. By integrating with Hustle, the largest provider of peer-to-peer text messaging for nonprofits and educational institutions, EverTrue gives institutions access to yet another personal data point revealing an alums connection to their alma mater. Using EverTrue to search for and read text message communication carried out with Hustle, advancement offices and gift officers get another brushstroke on the picture of their constituents so they can better segment, target and personalize their approach to outreach. With the ability to search and sort texts by keyword, such as professor name, sport or event, organizations can act on text message data at scale. By teaming up, EverTrue and Hustle make it easier for organizations to bring text message interactions to the forefront of fundraising efforts as they already are in donors personal lives. With the integration, EverTrue clients can identify and reach alumni who are most receptive to communication through Hustle. Through this donor-centric approach, schools can reach alumni where they are and through a channel they prefer. Williams College, which used the integration during its beta trial, has already harnessed the power of having Hustle data added to the full profile of their constituents on EverTrue. After gift officers or volunteers use Hustle to reach out to individuals, Laura Day, Director of Annual Giving, can harness the interaction and run with it. Even having access to Hustle in EverTrue for such a brief period of time has already been incredibly valuable, said Day. Just the other day we were able to update an alums bio with critical information based on a text exchange they had with a volunteer through Hustle. Those are the types of cracks weve never been able to fill before. Were thrilled to be partnering with EverTrue to help advancement teams do even more with their alumni and student programs, said Roddy Lindsay, CEO of Hustle. This partnership truly reinvents how schools can use and leverage real-time data and insights, as well as personalized texting campaigns and conversations to take alumni relationships to the next level. EverTrue CEO Brent Grinna echoed those comments. With the integration, EverTrue clients can identify and reach alumni who are most receptive to communication through Hustle. With another donor-centric approach available, schools can continue to increase their ability to reach alumni where they are, and through a channel they prefer, while providing actionable insights for future fundraising efforts. About EverTrue EverTrue is the leading advancement automation platform. Since 2010, EverTrue has been on a mission to build relationships in pursuit of a better world. Today, more than 300 institutions use EverTrues software and services to engage alumni, raise support and measure team progress in a user-friendly platform. EverTrues technology connects each department with best-in-class insights and each other, giving teams the tools they need to manage relationships across the giving pyramid and grow donations faster. EverTrue is headquartered in Boston, MA and is backed by University Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures. Visit EverTrue and follow on Twitter or LinkedIn. About Hustle Hustle is a peer-to-peer messaging platform that enables schools to deepen alumni engagement through personal texting conversations at scale. Hustle works because alumni read and respond to text messagesand to communication that feels more personal. Hustle enhances school outreach strategies by cutting through the noise and reaching donors where they are. For more information about Hustle, visit https://hustle.com. Fairview Microwave Offers Expanded Line of Coaxial RF Probes to 40 GHz The extended 40 GHz frequency range of our new GS and GSG probes allow RF technicians and engineers to cover a wide range of applications, including 28 Gbps data channels, said Dan Birch, Product Manager Fairview Microwave Inc., a leading provider of on-demand RF and microwave components, has recently expanded their line of RF coaxial probes into the 40 GHz frequency range for use in high-speed communications, microwave components and networking applications. Fairview Microwaves expanded line of coaxial RF probes now includes four models that deliver 10 dB maximum return loss over a broad frequency range of DC-40 GHz. These new RF probes are offered in GS and GSG configurations with a pitch of 800 or 1500 microns and a 2.92mm interface; they are gold-plated and feature compliant pogo pin contacts that allow for a wide range of probing angles. These coaxial probes can be used by hand, with or without a probe positioner, and can be cable mounted or mounted with Fairviews multi-axis probe positioner. These coaxial RF probes are ideal for signal integrity measurement, coplanar waveguide, chip evaluation, substrate characterization, Gigabit SERDES and test fixture applications. The extended 40 GHz frequency range of our new GS and GSG probes allow RF technicians and engineers to cover a wide range of applications, including 28 Gbps data channels, said Dan Birch, Product Manager. Fairview Microwaves expanded line of coaxial RF probes are in stock and ready for immediate shipment with no minimum order quantity. For detailed information on these products, please visit https://www.fairviewmicrowave.com/rf-products/coaxial-rf-gs-and-gsg-probes-and-probe-positioner.html. For inquiries, Fairview Microwave can be contacted at +1-972-649-6678. About Fairview Microwave: A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the companys ISO 9001:2008 certified production facilities in Lewisville, Texas. Fairview Microwave is an Infinite Electronics brand. About Infinite Electronics: Infinite Electronics is a leading global supplier of electronic components serving the urgent needs of engineers through a family of highly recognized and trusted brands. Our portfolio brands are specialists within their respective product set, offering broad inventories of engineering-grade product, paired with expert technical support and same day shipping. Over 100,000 customers across a diverse set of markets rely upon Infinite Electronics to stock and reliably ship urgently needed products every day. Press Contact: Peter McNeil Fairview Microwave 17792 Fitch Irvine, CA 92614 (978) 682-6936 This webinar not only discusses bad habits that can damage briefs, it explores good habits that brief-writers should embrace. Especially in federal district court, pre-trial litigation occurs almost entirely on the papers, with few, if any, oral arguments or courtroom presentations. If litigators want a claim to survive or be dismissed, discovery to be permitted or denied, or evidence to be admitted or barred, they must persuade the court in writing. But mastering the craft of persuasive legal writing can take decades and require shedding ingrained old habits and defying some common expectations. Join a panel including seasoned litigators, two former legal writing instructors, and a sitting judge discuss the structure, substance and style of effective brief-writing. This PERSUASIVE BRIEF WRITING 2018 Financial Poise webinar series will help new and more experienced litigators sharpen a set of crucial skills that can, and should, continue developing throughout their careers. The final episode of the series, Style, airs on November 29th at 2:00 PM CST (Register Here) and features Moderator Robert Michaels of Goldstein & McClintock LLLP. He is joined by Hon. Daniel Patrick Duffy of the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL, Nora Schweighart of Faegre Baker Daniels, and Susan Valentine of Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C. Weve all long heard about writing practices to avoid, including run-on sentences, excessive passive voice, and nominalization. This webinar not only discusses how those habits can damage briefs, but also explores a key habit brief-writers should embrace: using strong, precise verbs, which are the engine of a persuasive sentence. Panelists also exchange views about finding the most persuasive voice and tone, as well as the right temperature for rhetoric (usually, well below a simmer). The PERSUASIVE BRIEF WRITING 2018 webinar series is produced by Financial Poise. All episodes premiere live through West LegalEdCenter and then are made available on-demand. As with every Financial Poise Webinar, each episode is delivered in Plain English understandable to investors, business owners, and executives without much background in these areas, yet is also valuable to attorneys, accountants, and other seasoned professionals. And, as with every Financial Poise Webinar, each episode brings you into engaging, sometimes humorous, conversations designed to entertain as it teaches. Each episode in the series is designed to be viewed independently of the other episodes, so that participants will enhance their knowledge of this area whether they attend one, some, or all episodes. About Financial Poise Financial Poise has one mission: to provide reliable plain English business, financial and legal education to investors, private business owners and executives, and their respective trusted advisors. Financial Poise content is created by seasoned, respected experts who are invited to join our Faculty only after being recommended by current Faculty Members. Our editorial staff then works to make sure that all content is easily digestible. Financial Poise is a meritocracy; nobody can buy her way onto the Financial Poise Faculty. Start learning today at https://www.financialpoise.com/ FirstService Residential Conference & Exposition The conference is all about supporting Arizona board members and helping make their roles easier by providing them with easy access to the best resources and professionals in the industry. FirstService Residential, Arizonas leading HOA management company, hosted its sixth annual FirstService Residential Conference and Exposition on Friday, November 16 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. As the largest HOA board member event in Arizona, more than 500 individuals attended, including board members from across the state of Arizona, nearly 100 vendors as well as industry professionals and legal experts. Board members in attendance represented various types of associations, including large-scale, master-planned, high-rise and condominium. The free conference and exposition connected board members and industry leaders by offering networking opportunities with vendors, informative seminars, free legal clinics with top local attorneys as well as a complimentary buffet lunch and cocktail hour. The conference is all about supporting Arizona board members and helping make their roles easier by providing them with easy access to the best resources and professionals in the industry, said John Kemper, president of FirstService Residential Arizona. We understand that being an HOA board member can be challenging, so our goal was to create a best-in-class environment for open dialogue, education and networking in order to better support them and their communities. The event also hosted two educational seminars by HOA legal experts. Javier B. Delgado and Mark K. Sahl of Carpenter, Hazlewood, Delgado & Bolen, LLP presented Disrupting the Disruptors: Taking Back Your Board Meetings and Your Life, while Jeffrey B. Corben and Brian W. Morgan of Maxwell & Morgan, P.C. shared a 2019 Arizona Legislative Update. Attendees were also able to attend free legal clinics throughout the day where they could meet with legal experts and have their questions answered. Sponsors of the 2018 FirstService Residential Conference and Exposition included: AAA Landscape - http://www.aaalandscape.com Butler Hansen, PLC - http://www.butlerhansen.com Genesis Landscape Solutions - http://www.genesisaz.com Maxwell & Morgan P.C. - http://www.hoalaw.biz ProQual Landscaping - http://www.proquallandscaping.com Sherwin Williams - http://www.sherwin-williams.com About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is North Americas largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residentials managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives; single-family homes; master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities; and rental and commercial properties. With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. In Arizona, FirstService Residential is recognized as the leading homeowners association management company in the state, serving over 270 community associations and more than 90,000 households. We offer a comprehensive range of homeowners association and property management services to communities of all types and sizes throughout the state, including the Greater Phoenix and Tucson areas. Ranking Arizona has named FirstService Residential as Arizonas top choice of HOA management companies for the 12th consecutive year. For more information, visit http://www.fsresidential.com. David Beebe launched Storified Hospitality Group to transform hospitaility brands and marketers into storytellers "Hotel Social Key provides hotel marketers with a single source of truth by enabling them to visualize all of their most important public, private, and third party data in real-time, in one place," said David Beebe, Founder and CEO, Storied Hotels Storified Hospitality announces its official launch today with the roll-out of a diverse portfolio of consumer and b2b brands, services, and products that integrate content, community, and commerce, and a category exclusive partnership with Tickr, that introduces custom built data visualization products designed and priced for travel, tourism, and hospitality brands. The launch of Storified Hospitality Group marks the official return to hospitality marketing for David Beebe and his leadership team, which includes former Marriott Digital Media executive Lucia Evans. Beebe was the first ever VP, Global Creative and Content Marketing at Marriott, where he led the internal creative agency and from the ground up, founded the Marriott Content Studio, Marriott Traveler Magazine, and M Live Marriotts real-time global brand command centers. Prior to Marriott, Beebe was VP, Digital Studios, at Disney/ABC Television Group. At Marriott, Evans was Senior Director, Digital and Social Media, and has helped to transform the J.W. Marriott, Marriott, Sheraton, Delta, and Courtyard brands. Storified Hospitality Group has been operating under the radar for six months, during which time Beebe, Evans, and their team tested the market and refined their product offerings through creative workshops, training labs, and speaking engagements with brands including Southwest Airlines, Air New Zealand, Walmart, Destination Canada, and several hotels in the US and Canada, including One King West in Toronto, which serves as its beta test hotel for new offerings. The Storified Hospitality Groups portfolio of media, marketing, and technology brands, services, and products include Hotel Social Key, Storied Hotels, Storified Studios, and Storified Training. Hotel Social Key The Hotel Marketers Single Point of Truth In a category exclusive partnership, Storified Hospitality Group partnered with Tickr, the enterprise data platform for digital business, to roll out a new media intelligence solution designed specifically for hotel marketers. The solution, called Hotel Social Key, unlocks a 360view of the most important metrics for hotel marketers, including relevant social media activity, news coverage, user sentiment, and information about competitors -- all in real-time, in one place, with a single log-on. The team also built Tourism Social Key, for destination marketers, Culinary Social Key for Food and Beverage brands, Airport Social Key for airports, and Transit Social Key for public transportation operators. Hotel Social Key was born from Beebes expertise as the Global VP, Creative and Content Marketing for Marriott International. There, he created the Marriott International Content Studio and its five global real-time social media command centers. The Command Centers were awarded Gold and Silver Creative Data Lions at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity in the categories of Social Data and Use of Real-time Data, respectively. Hotel Social Key was designed specifically for hotel marketers, including the most important features that powered these command centers, but with a price point that fits within hotel marketing budgets. We believe that hotel marketers should spend their time doing what they were hired to do -- building awareness, increasing sales, and creating lasting memories for their guests, said David Beebe, Founder and CEO, Storified Hospitality Group. The challenge for marketers today is that there is just so much data out there, its easy to become overwhelmed. Hotel Social Key provides hotel marketers with a single source of truth by enabling them to visualize all of their most important public, private, and third-party data in real-time, in one place. It helps marketers to get ahead of trending stories, identify opportunities, and react quickly so that they can put more heads in beds. Hotel Social Key doesnt replace any of the current tools hoteliers are already using instead, it serves as a mothership that connects all the relevant data together. By providing instant access to cross-channel metrics, including social media, PR, TripAdvisor, competitor data, trending news, digital, and paid media, on one screen with a single sign-on, marketers are finally able to see everything in one place. Hotel Social Key also addresses the biggest pain points hotel marketers face by eliminating the need for manual reporting. Hoteliers can choose from customizable views for different stakeholders, including a GM view, and even a Guest View for the hotel lobby. David Beebe and I have implemented measurement and reporting solutions for global hotel brands, regions and properties, but none have saved us time, money and effort the way that Hotel Social Key has the power to do, says Lucia Evans, CXO of Storified Hospitality. Hotel Social Key is a game-changer for hotel marketers. Hotel Social is powered by Tickr 360, a media insight platform that uses artificial intelligence to provide dynamic awareness about specific brands, products, people, customers, competitors and the general industry. The Tickr platform has earned the confidence of some of the worlds leading brands and is currently deployed across market-leading companies in industries including consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, finance, manufacturing, and more. We are thrilled to collaborate with Storied Hotels on Hotel Social Key, and highly enthused about the platforms potential to help hotel marketers move away from siloed data to make better decisions for their brands in real time, said Tyler Peppel, Founder and CEO of Tickr. Given the explosive growth weve seen in social media and self-publishing platforms, hotel brands need to become more strategic about how they use media, in order to identify opportunities and protect their reputations. With Hotel Social Key, weve improved the signal-to-noise ratio by surfacing the most relevant media intelligence for hotel marketers. We believe it has the potential to optimize hotel marketing in a way thats never been done before. To find out everything that Hotel Social Key can do, book a demo at http://hotelsocialkey.com Storied Hotels A story-driven media brand for the curious travelers Storied Hotels is a multiplatform consumer brand connecting curious travelers with the world's best storied hotels, destinations and experiences by partnering with hotels, travel brands, and creators to develop original story-driven creative and content that inspires travelers to discover whats next. Stories are available at storiedhotels.com and are created by local writers and video produces around the world. Storied Hotels is leveraging affiliate partnerships with Amazon to create content that drives commerce and book direct rev-share deals with individual hotels to create content that drives bookings. The team is already producing premium branded and native content for hotel partners through Storified Studios, including its first podcast series, with plans to launch print products and events in early 2019. Storified Studios Premium Story Driven Creative and Content In the sea of sameness, Storified Studios is financing its own productions and partnering with hospitality marketers and creators to elevate storytelling to the next level with transformative travel creative and content. The studio is focused on inspiring marketers to think different, act like media companies, and partner with creatives to develop, produce, and distribute premium story-driven creative and content that transforms marketing from a cost center to a revenue center. The content studio is already in development on several hospitality brand supported original films, documentaries, and digital series set to premiere in the first quarter of 2019. The content studios first production is marked by a podcast series called Uninvited Guests which explores haunted hotels and is hosted by creator and influencer Stef Sanjati. The premiere episode featured the 1886 Crescent Hotel in the Ozarks. Storifed Training Storytelling Workshops, Labs, and Courses From the front line to the back office, people are at the core of the hospitality business and they need to understand the power of storytelling. Unfortunately, hospitality brands are often forced to chase the next shiny object on digital and social media vs taking the time to train its people. Storified Training offers multiple digital and in person courses, workshops, and labs for travel, tourism, and hospitality brands who understand that the most important step in transforming an organization is taking the time to train the teams. Air New Zealand and Destination Canada are clients. Storified Hospitality Group, based in Washington, DC with offices in Toronto and San Francisco, closed an undisclosed seed round of financing led by travel agency industry veteran David Odaka. The financing will be used to further solve the problems hospitality marketers face, scale the multiple brands in the portfolio, and invest in new offerings, especially storytelling training services and products. About Storified Hospitality Group, Inc. Storified Hospitality Group owns and operates a diverse portfolio of media, marketing, and technology ventures that transform travel, tourism, and hospitality brands and marketers into storytellers. Storified Hospitality Group was founded by Emmy, Cannes Lion, and James Beard Award Winning Producer, Media Executive, and Brand Storyteller David Beebe, who most recently was the first ever Vice President of Global Creative and Content Marketing for Marriott International. Beebe, who AdWeek named a Branded Content Master Who Makes it OK to Love Marketing, created the Marriott Content Studio, Marriotts Global Social Media Command Centers, and Marriott Traveler while overseeing consumer-facing creative and content for Marriotts portfolio of 30 brands. Beebe was the Executive Producer and led creative development, production, and distribution strategy for premium content productions including scripted films like Two Bellmen One, Two Bellmen Two, Two Bellmen Three, Business Unusual, French Kiss, and The Other End of The World as well as unscripted content including Hotel Countdown, Do Not Disturb and Open Invitation, as well as campaigns content like Book Direct. For more information, please visit http://storifiedhospitality.com. About Tickr Ever wondered why you manage your brand, products and people with static documents like Excel, PowerPoint and PDFs while the world of information moved online and into the cloud? We did too. So we built the worlds first Performance Tracking Platform to unify all your data into one simple, cloud-based UI: Marketing, enterprise metrics, social, CRM and finance, all on one screen, in real time. Its a simple idea that we think has the potential to change how all businesses are managed. In the process, weve built a stellar team and earned the confidence of some of the worlds leading brands. The Tickr platform is deployed across market-leading companies in industries ranging including consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, finance, and manufacturing. And were just getting started. Learn more about Tickrs partnership programs at http://www.tickr.com/partners, or sign up for a demo of Hotel Social Key today at https://socialkey.storiedhotels.com/book-your-demo/. Teams from Panoskin, Hawkin Orbital and Adler Planetarium at the first Google Street View launch to space with GoPro 360 Camera. Capturing Google Street View goes well beyond the streets. Not long from now, anyone with a GoPro Fusion will be able to easily publish Street View. Panoskin, a Chicago based technology company specializing in virtual tour creation, launched a GoPro Fusion into the stratosphere, via weather balloon, from the Adler Planetarium on Wednesday, November 14. This is the first Google Street View tour created in the stratosphere for anyone to explore on Google Maps. The Adler Planetarium Far Horizons program along with Hawken Orbital were glad to offer their years of experience for this mission. We have launched more than 125 stratospheric balloon missions over the past 12 years, engaging hundreds of students and volunteers in hands on space exploration, said Ken Walczak, Senior Manager for Far Horizons at the Adler Planetarium. The GoPro Fusion, which captures video and photos in 360, reached 86,000 feet and traveled more than 70 miles across Lake Michigan before landing in a cornfield in Berrien Center, Michigan. The content was retrieved and loaded into Panoskin to create the first Street View tour in space, and added to the Adler Planetarium Google Business Listing and Panoskin Platform. Later this year, Panoskin in collaboration with GoPro and Google Maps will be releasing a new platform which will allow anyone with a GoPro Fusion to publish to Google Street View with an easy work flow. "Capturing Google Street View goes well beyond the streets, said Tom Chomiak, CTO and Co-Founder of Panoskin. "Our users have published over 1.4 million scenes to maps that break that mold. Creating the first Street View tour into the stratosphere exemplifies just that. Not long from now, anyone with a GoPro Fusion will be able to easily publish Street View. Every business in the world can benefit from updated Street View imagery, and Panoskin will make it possible for every photographer to add this service to their offerings." About Panoskin: Panoskin is a Chicago based technology company and software platform that allows anyone to create a 360 Virtual Tour of interior or exterior spaces and publish them to Google Maps. Panoskin is the only U.S. based Google approved Street View Ready platform used by over 7,500 Google Trusted Photographers worldwide. To date, Panoskin users have published over 1.4 million scenes to Google Maps. For more information, visit panoskin.com or connect with Panoskin at support(at)panoskin(dot)com. About GoPro, Inc: GoPro helps the world celebrate and share itself in immersive and exciting ways. GoPro, HERO, Quik, QuikStories and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, visit gopro.com. GoPro users can submit their photos, raw clips and video edits to GoPro Awards for social stoke, GoPro gear and cash prizes. Learn more at gopro.com/awards. Connect with GoPro on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, and GoPro's blog The Inside Line. About the Adler Planetarium: The Adler PlanetariumAmericas First Planetariumis more than a museum; it is a laboratory, a classroom, and a community exploring the Universe together. Each year, almost 600,000 visitors experience the museums interactive exhibitions, live planetarium shows, hands-on, minds-on STEM education programs, and world-class collections. Founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler, the Adler Planetarium is a recognized leader in public engagement. The museum's scientists, historians, and educators inspire the next generation of explorers and invite you to explore space with us. The Adlers Far Horizons program brings real space exploration down to Earth and into the hands of students, volunteers, and the public. For over ten years, we have designed and built experiments with participants of all ages and sent them to the stratosphere aboard high-altitude balloons. We mentor, experiment, design, launch, and explore. To learn more about Far Horizons, visit: adlerplanetarium.org/education/far-horizons. About Hawken Orbital: Hawken Orbital is a space technology company making space accessible to everyone. It offers high altitude balloon and satellite platforms and launch services to customers at orders of magnitude and lower prices than have ever been possible. Hawken has partnered with companies, educational institutions and individuals around the country to build, launch and safely recover dozens of missions to the stratosphere. For more information or to track our latest launch, please visit hawkenorbital.com or contact us at info(at)hawkenorbital(dot)com. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences Team We founded Hypergiant Sensory Sciences with the goal of taking our expertise in artificial intelligence and unstructured data and applying it to a new area," said Chris Rohde, President of Hypergiant Sensory Sciences. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences launched today, on a mission to deliver human perception at impossible scale. Interconnected with the rapidly growing syndicate of Hypergiant Industries companies, Hypergiant Sensory Sciences is the brainchild of veteran entrepreneurs and AI experts Dave Copps, Chris Rohde, and Ben Lamm. In 2007, Copps and Rohde combined to form Brainspace and built a machine learning platform for digital investigations that sold as part of a $2.8 billion deal with Cyxtera in 2017. The rapid growth of cameras, sensors, and the number of locations being sensed have created an urgent need for a real breakthrough in the ability to persistently observe and learn from our physical environments. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences is a software company combining sensor networks, deep learning, and modeling software to create AI-powered digital copies of real-world scenes. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences is extending the science of spatial computing to encompass a learning layer that enables organizations to sense, learn and alert when important things happen in their physical environments. As we looked deeper into this opportunity we started to see a vision of how emerging technologies like deep learning and modeling software could reshape and amplify our ability to perceive physical environments. With new learning methods we saw that we could even create learning networks by connecting multiple environments, said Dave Copps, CEO of Hypergiant Sensory Sciences. Weve always had the honor of working with and building incredible teams that play impossible games and this company will be no different. Creating human perception at impossible scale is more than a tagline for us it's what we are setting out to create for the world. The core technology leverages custom deep neural nets that combine object detection, classification, and tracking we generate massive data streams containing detailed information extracted from activities occurring across thousands of scenes. Importantly, these machines are built to learn quickly, and on fewer examples. Companies can have their systems up and running with hundreds of examples instead of tens-of-thousands, making the process of having the networks up and running, and learning, incredibly fast. We founded Hypergiant Sensory Sciences with the goal of taking our expertise in artificial intelligence and unstructured data and applying it to a new area. We were stunned to find that machine perception and sensory search are still green pastures, said Chris Rohde, President of Hypergiant Sensory Sciences. After a successful exit of a world-class company, were thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to pioneer an entirely new category. The companys initial focus will be on critical infrastructure, in industries where learning from multiple physical environments is key. Their first target industries include the Oil & Gas industry, the Department of Defense and Healthcare. Dave and Chris are the absolute best in the machine learning field with a proven track record of success, said Ben Lamm, CEO of Hypergiant Industries. We are honored and thrilled to have them part of the Hypergiant family helping to push the boundaries of what is possible by empowering humans with augmented intelligence, the space where impossibility truly intersects reality. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences Series A was led by Align Capital out of Austin, Texas and included Capital Factory, GPG Ventures in Dallas among others. Hypergiant Sensory Sciences will launch as an independent company within the Hypergiant Industries syndicate, a machine intelligence industrial complex recently co-founded in Texas by Ben Lamm. Through its connection with Hypergiant, Hypergiant Sensory Sciences harnesses the talents of industry pioneers Copps and Rohde and the syndicate's broader network. Built on a reputation for excellence and innovation, Hypergiant Sensory Sciences is the newest part of the future, today. Hypergiant Industries and Hypergiant Sensory Sciences based in Texas, with offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. To learn more, please visit: http://www.hypergiant.com/sensory-sciences/ About Hypergiant Sensory Sciences: Hypergiant Sensory Sciences, headquartered in Dallas Texas, is a software company on a mission to deliver human perception at impossible scale. We provide companies that have a critical need to perceive their physical environments with software that amplifies and augments their ability to do it at scale. We understand how to utilize AI and emerging technologies in building products that solve complex, high value, problems for our customers. Interconnected with the rapidly growing syndicate of Hypergiant Industries companies, Hypergiant Sensory Sciences is the brainchild of veteran entrepreneurs Dave Copps, Chris Rohde, and Ben Lamm. About Hypergiant Industries: Hypergiant Industries is the AI industrial complex for leading global enterprises and governments. We help major institutions innovate with breakthrough machine intelligence-driven technology. The solutions, products, and companies we create support our customers on their mission to speed beyond norms and realize an exploded potential of the future we were promised. We push the boundaries of what was previously thought technologically impossible. We meet our customers in the space where impossibility intersects reality. Where light filters out the dark. And machine intelligence makes everything about your business more intelligent. Hypergiant Industries was founded by Ben Lamm, John Fremont, and Will Womble and is headquartered in Texas. "As a woman and a minority, I appreciate the tremendous value that the STEM2030 exhchange will offer government, industry, educational institutions and students in facilitating STEM opportunities." Liliana Freedman The nation faces a growing shortfall in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workforce necessary for America to be competitive in the rapidly changing world. Part of this shortfall lies in the under-developed capability and under-utilized talent and resources within communities served by Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) and Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). To address the shortfall, INCATech introduced the STEM2030 Exchange, enabling multimodal communication between stakeholders by identifying and matching of capabilities with needs. INCATechs approach aims to solve STEM human capital challenges within the government by creating opportunities for minority communities and increasing the capacity of MSIs. INCATech develops a methodology to increase enrollment and success of minority students in K-12, college undergrad, and graduate school STEM curricula. We partner with industry and government to increase minority STEM hires in the defense industry, and minority college graduates in STEM, as well as participation of Minority Serving Institutions in Defense Acquisition and Research programs. These activities help to achieve the goal of rapid expansion of minority STEM talent in America and the defense industry to meet the goals of year 2030. INCATech presented their idea for the STEM 2030 Exchange to a panel of judges at the AFCEA International (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association) Shark Tank competition. INCATech received positive feedback from the Shark Tank event and will continue to invest in innovation and R&D to promote growth by leveraging technology for this under-served community. AFCEA International is a professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally. They do that by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing them in an ethical forum. This enables military, government, industry and academia to align technology and strategy to meet the needs of those who serve. AFCEA International is sponsoring an ongoing series of Innovation Shark Tank events where companies can pitch their capabilities to a panel of government and nongovernment technology experts. Topics can range from artificial intelligence to digital transformation to cybersecurity to any great idea. INCATech is an SBA 8(a) certified 100% Woman Owned Small Business and Esri Federal Small Business Partner that has provided innovative technology to U.S. government and commercial customers for nearly a decade. Our expert teams apply Agile methodologies and use state-of-the-art products to achieve your mission goals and deliver breakthrough results. CONTACT at INCATech LLC: Bruce Freedman 1900 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 410 Reston VA 20191 703-997-2081 Bruce.Freedman(at)incatech-corp.com Each year, were honored to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members whose tireless efforts and substantial contributions advance INTAs objectives and leave a positive impact on the global intellectual property community. The International Trademark Association (INTA) is pleased to announce the winners of its prestigious 2018 Presidents Award, 2018 Volunteer Service Awards, and 2018 Tomorrows Leader Award. The recipient of the Presidents Award is Kathryn Barrett Park, of New Canaan, Connecticut, an intellectual property (IP) attorney who has made major contributions to INTA for three decades. INTA presents this prestigious honor annually to the most distinguished INTA volunteer for a career dedicated to trademarks and IP protection and advancement, and contributions that have made a lasting impact on the Association. Ms. Barrett Park served as INTA President in 2003 and has been serving as Chair of the Associations Political Action Committee for the past 10 years. She recently retired from the General Electric Company, where she was General Counsel for Marketing for more than 17 years. The Association awarded Volunteer Service Awards, in five categories, to INTA members who have gone beyond their regular duties as INTA volunteers in their service of the Association and the broader public. They are: Advancement of Trademark Law: Motasem Abu-Ghazaleh, Executive Director, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Advancement of Committee or Subcommittee Objectives: Kevin Hartley, Co-Founder and Trademark Attorney at Trust Tree Legal, P.C., Nashville, Tennessee; and Felicia Boyd, Partner at Barnes and Thornburg LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Advancement of the Association: Rudy Gaines, Client Service Director at Womble Bond Dickinson, Raleigh, North Carolina; and Bienvenido Marquez, Partner at Quisumbing Torres, Taguig City, the Philippines; Pro Bono Services Provided by Individuals: Jennifer Visintine, Partner at Thompson Coburn LLP, St. Louis, Missouri; and Pro Bono Services Provided by Organizations: Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, London, United Kingdom. The recipients of the Tomorrows Leader Award are Mina Jovanovic, a Junior Associate at Zivko Mijatovic & Partner, Belgrade, Serbia; and Gaurav Bhalla, a Partner at ALG India Law Offices LLP, New Delhi, India. The award annually recognizes two outstanding professionals who have been practicing trademark law for five years or less for their early leadership merits in the IP industry. Each year, were honored to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members whose tireless efforts and substantial contributions advance INTAs objectives and leave a positive impact on the global intellectual property community, said INTA President Tish Berard. On behalf of all of INTAs members, I thank them for their countless hours and dedication to the Association, and for setting a positive example for others. INTA presented the recipients with their awards at its 2018 Leadership Meeting, held in New Orleans, Louisiana in November. About the International Trademark Association (INTA) The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Members include more than 7,200 trademark owners, professionals, and academics from 191 countries, who benefit from the Associations global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. For more information, please visit http://www.inta.org. Osborne Consulting of Mount Vernon initially agreed to do the study for $23,000, but withdrew its proposal the day before the District 161 board was to approve it. According to an email send to school officials, Osborne stated that after further review of the components of the study, it was concerned that Lincoln-Way appears not to be a contractual partner for the study. Land Trust Alliance logo We are proud to stand with the Appraisal Institute against fraud. The Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America, announced today a new partnership to help end abusive conservation easement tax shelters. The Alliance is now working with the Appraisal Institute, the nations largest professional association of real estate appraisers, to advance the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. One of the first results of this partnership was the Appraisal Institute co-signing a letter urging congressional leaders to swiftly enact the pending bipartisan, bicameral legislation. That letter is available here. We ask that this important legislation be enacted into law before the conclusion of the 115th Congress to close this apparent loophole and maintain the integrity of conservation easement donations, said Appraisal Institute President James L. Murrett. Congress must pass this important legislation, this year. Introduced initially in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Thompson of California, a Democrat, and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, a Republican, the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act would eliminate the ability of partnership investors to profit from the donation of a conservation easement on land held for a short period of time. A companion bill in the U.S. Senate was introduced by Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, a Republican, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, a Democrat. Both bills make clear that conservation easement donations, like other charitable donations, are not intended to be profit opportunities. The profiteering tied to abusive conservation easement tax shelters is significant. According to IRS data, approximately $20 billion in tax deductions have been claimed since 2010. In 2016 alone, $6 billion in unwarranted charitable deductions was claimed. Multiple land conservation organizations previously joined the Alliance in announcing their support of the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act, including Ducks Unlimited, The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy and Pheasants Forever, among others. The Appraisal Institute is the first appraisal industry organization to voice such strong support for the legislation. We are proud to stand with the Appraisal Institute against fraud and share its concern that a few bad actors risk tarnishing the reputations of honest donors, appraisers and conservationists, said Andrew Bowman, the Alliances president. We welcome the Appraisal Institutes work to protect the public trust and help pass this important legislation. Murrett said that in addition to co-signing the new letter, the Appraisal Institute plans to alert its more than 18,000 professionals to the ongoing threat that abusive conservation easement tax shelters pose; continue to educate appraisers, land trusts and other stakeholders on the valuation of conservation easements; and lobby on Capitol Hill for passage of the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. The new letter co-signed by the Appraisal Institute and others comes at the same time another letter is reaching Capitol Hill. This second letter, signed by 53 land trust presidents and executive directors, comes from the Land Trust Alliance Leadership Council. This group of leading local and regional land trusts from across the country also urges Congress to pass the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. That letter is available here. About the Land Trust Alliance Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at http://www.landtrustalliance.org. About the Appraisal Institute The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with more than 18,000 professionals in nearly 50 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS and AI-RRS designations. Learn more at http://www.appraisalinstitute.org. # # # We are pleased to welcome the legacy Asters lawyers to our network and to move forward with the increased capabilities they bring. Lex Mundis Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve Asters as its exclusive member firm for Ukraine. Lex Mundis prior member firm for Ukraine, EPAP Ukraine, merged with Asters on October 1, 2018. The combined firm, which will carry the name Asters, is Ukraines largest, with 27 partners and more than 140 associates. The combination substantially enhances firmwide capabilities in all practice areas. The combined firm has offices in Kyiv, Washington, D.C. and Brussels. Serhii Sviriba, EPAP Ukraines Managing Partner and now Co-Managing Partner of Asters, stated, The greater depth and breadth of the combined firm will enhance our ability to serve our clients and the clients of Lex Mundi member firms and to contribute to their success. We look forward to continuing to work with Lex Mundis outstanding member firms around the world. Carl Anduri, President of Lex Mundi, commented, "We are pleased to welcome the legacy Asters lawyers to our network and to move forward with the increased capabilities they bring. With this combination, Lex Mundi strengthens its presence in Europe and underscores its commitment to provide its member firms and their clients access to the most experienced and most highly regarded counsel around the world." About Lex Mundi Lex Mundi is the worlds leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in 100+ countries. Lex Mundi member firms offer clients preferred access to more than 21,000 lawyers worldwide a global resource of unmatched breadth and depth. Each member firm is selected on the basis of its leadership in and continued commitment to its local market. The Lex Mundi principle is one independent firm for each jurisdiction. Firms must maintain their level of excellence to retain membership within Lex Mundi. Through close collaboration, information-sharing, training and inter-firm initiatives, the Lex Mundi network is an assurance of connected, on-the ground expertise in every market in which a client needs to operate. Working together, Lex Mundi members are able to handle seamlessly their clients most challenging cross-border transactions and disputes. Member law firms are located throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and North America. Through Lex Mundis nonprofit affiliate, the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, members also provide pro bono legal assistance to social entrepreneurs around the globe. For more information, please visit http://www.lexmundi.com and http://www.lexmundiprobono.org. Long Island-based ecommerce marketing software company Sales & Orders has been named the winner in Shopping Innovation at this years Premier Partner Awards, presented by Google Partners. The Premier Partner Awards honor innovation in digital marketing across Search, Mobile, Video, Display, Shopping, and Growing Businesses Online. Sales & Orders has become the leading platform and team specializing in Google Shopping, and implementing key strategies to help online retailers take advantage of one of the fastest growing search engine advertising campaigns types in Google Ads. Sales & Orders is part of a select group of digital specialists that Google celebrates as Premier Partners. To qualify as a Premier Partner, digital marketing agencies and professionals must pass a series of exams, and prove their expertise in using and applying Googles advertising products. Originally a build and design firm for ecommerce websites, Sales & Orders developed the first and only Management Software for Google Shopping and in November of 2017 officially partnered with leading ecommerce platform provider BigCommerce with the launch of their free product feed app Google Shopping by Sales & Orders. It was for that very same partnership that Sales & Orders prevailed as the Premier Partner Award winner in the Shopping Innovation Category. Google Shopping by Sales & Orders is now one of the highest rated apps in the BigCommerce App Marketplace with over 100 reviews and a 5/5 star rating. Through our partnership with Sales & Orders, BigCommerce merchants have access to a world-class solution for Google Shopping. The Sales & Orders platform and team have provided significant value to our customers, and in a few short months hundreds of merchants have successfully launched campaigns with great results. - Brent Bellm, CEO, BigCommerce Today, Sales & Orders supports over 5000 ecommerce websites using Google Shopping to drive traffic to their stores. With their feed tool, they publish over 60 million products to Google Merchant Center and their team of experts manage thousands of ad campaigns for businesses ranging from small shops to major enterprise brands all around the world. Winning the Premier Partner Award for Shopping Innovation in the Americas is a great accomplishment. 27 agencies applied for the award, and only 7 finalists were named. Out of all the applicants, Sales & Orders took home the trophy. This award represents years of hard work and dedication from every single member of our team. Our aim has always been to provide nothing but our very best to the retailers we support. We are committed to providing world-class products and services that help ecommerce business owners leverage Google Ads campaigns to drive more traffic and sales for their stores. - Anthony Capetola, Marketing Manager, Sales & Orders About Sales & Orders Built and managed by a team of ecommerce design, development, and marketing experts, Sales & Orders is the first and only Management Software for Google Shopping. As a Google Premier Partner, Sales & Orders is recognized in the top elite of Google Partners for their commitment to transparency and an always customer-first approach. Sales & Orders provides an array of products and services that leverage Google Ads, Bing Ads, and Facebook Ads advertising campaigns to help ecommerce retailers succeed online. About Google Partners Google Partners is a special program that allows marketing firms and agencies become certified in the various Google advertising products such as Search, Display, Mobile, Video, and Shopping. There are two separate classes of Google Partner: Standard and Premier. While all applicants to the program are required to meet certain criteria and standards to officially become a Google Partner and there are even specializations that partners can fall into, the naming as a Premier Partner ranks a company amongst the most elite for their commitment to the utmost in customer care. Milgard Twenty Five Years NFRC Its rewarding to collaborate with all our members to educate the public, Callahan said. Helping people make more-informed choices is what were all about. Milgard Windows & Doors announces a milestone with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) as they celebrate twenty five years of continuous partnership with the organization. Windows and patio doors look alike, but they can perform differently. The NFRC was developed to provide fair and impartial information about windows and patio doors so consumers can make an informed choice about which products can help make their home more comfortable. Milgard is dedicated to supporting energy efficiency and strives to get lower thermal values on their windows and patio doors to help consumers save money. Before the NFRC, thermal values were not validated, said Kevin Vilhauer, Doors Engineering Manager at Milgard Windows & Doors and NFRC Board Member. Now the public has this data readily available when they are ready to purchase energy efficient windows and patio doors. The NFRC meets semiannually with a large representation of window and patio door manufacturers to refine and improve energy efficiency measurement standards. Choosing a product with the NFRC label provides assurance that the product has been certified by an independent third-party. We greatly value our partnership with the NFRC, Vilhauer went on to say. Representatives from Milgard have the opportunity to participate in meetings, task groups and committees to help with the formation of NFRC standards. NFRCs CEO, Deb Callahan, takes pride in seeing her organizations fair, accurate, and credible energy performance ratings contribute to the success of its program participants. Its rewarding to collaborate with all our members to educate the public, Callahan said. Helping people make more-informed choices is what were all about. Learn more about Milgard energy efficient windows and patio doors at: https://www.milgard.com/learn/energy-efficient-windows About Milgard Windows & Doors Milgard Windows & Doors, a Masco company based in Tacoma, Washington, offers a full line of vinyl, wood, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors for builders, dealers and homeowners, backed by a Full Lifetime Warranty, including parts and labor. The company has been recognized as Builders Choice for vinyl and fiberglass windows in the Western United States, in a yearly survey sponsored by Hanley-Wood Inc., publishers of BUILDER Magazine. Milgard is the highest online rated window and patio door brand, as measured by the 2017 NRS consumer sentiment study conducted by MetrixLab and commissioned by Masco. Milgard has approximately 3,800 dealer locations nationwide. For more information, visit milgard.com or call 1.800.MILGARD. About Masco Corporation Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS), parent company of Milgard Windows & Doors, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Behr paint; Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath and shower fixtures; KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets; Milgard windows and doors; Kichler decorative and outdoor lighting; and Hot Spring spas. We leverage our powerful brands across product categories, sales channels and geographies to create value for our customers and shareholders. For more information about Masco Corporation, visit Masco.com. About NFRC NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers a voluntary, uniform rating, labeling, and certification system for the energy performance of windows, doors, curtain walls, skylights, and other fenestration products. Its members include manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, consumer groups, representatives from the building and code industries, scientific and educational organizations, and government agencies. # # # Since 2000, Acumen International has become a global PEO/Employer of Record, making innovative solutions in global employment. Acumen offers a fast and affordable way to employ and compensate international workforces, with their Global Employer of Record solution. This solution has helped change the way companies do business internationally. Regardless of how many employees a client needs or where theyre from, they can onboard, payroll and manage their global workforce through a single global partner, by leveraging Acumen Internationals global infrastructure. This is all done without companies having to expose themselves to compliance risks, having to create expensive infrastructures overseas, or deal with unfamiliar local labor laws. "Currently, Acumen has a global footprint in over 180 countries meaning we can support you literally anywhere in the world," says Nick Ganzha, CEO of Acumen International. Acumen International is the fastest global Professional Employer Organization solutions provider, says Doug Scott, Executive Producer of Modern Business. "We're glad to have them on board for their upcoming segment of Modern Business. As a guest of Modern Business, Acumen International will be appearing in a 3-5 minute segment set to air nationwide and which feature the original Shark himself, Kevin Harrington. About Modern Business Headquartered in South Florida, Modern Business is a full-service production, branding, and marketing company that specializes in producing and airing 3-5 minute informative, newsworthy segments about emerging and established companies that have new, innovative, game-changing ideas in order to showcase the hottest products and services that could very well transform our lives in the foreseeable future. Working out of a 25,000+ square foot, state-of-the-art studio, the companys creative team handles every aspect of production from script to screen to airing. For nearly two decades, Modern Businesss veteran staff of writers, producers, videographers and editors has amassed more than 50 Telly Awards, thousands of prestigious clients and over $20 million in television placements. About Kevin Harrington Kevin Harrington has paved the way as an inspiration to entrepreneurs around the world. He has been welcomed into millions of homes globally over the years through his informative and entertaining programs on both syndicated and paid television. As host of Modern Business, Kevin invites viewers to learn about hard working entrepreneurs, innovative technologies, new companies and exciting advancements. In every episode, he takes viewers behind the scenes with his featured guests. For more information on Acumen International, please visit http://www.expressglobalemployment.com/acumen-international-appeared-in-modern-business-with-kevin-harrington. The Greyson Project "I think that its important to support a cause like this, as it gives hope to children and families that are spending the holidays in the hospital." -Katie Frechette, Client Service Representative New England Investment & Retirement Group, Inc. ("NEIRG"), a financial planning and wealth management firm headquartered in N. Andover, MA, would like to announce its availability as a local drop-off point for donations to The Greyson Project. The firm will accept Christmas decoration care packages on behalf of the charity from now through December 21st, 2018. Established in 2015, The Greyson Project (http://www.thegreysonproject.org) is tasked with the mission of delivering gift bags of hospital-approved Christmas decorations to children undergoing treatment. The intent is to help young patients and their families feel just a little more at home during the hospitalization, bringing love and joy and happiness when such support is amply needed. The Greyson Project is inspired by a familys deep love for their son Greyson, who was hospitalized during the holiday season in 2010. During his stay, a Christmas care package from loved ones beautifully decorated both his hospital room and the hearts of those who experienced holiday joy there. After saying goodbye to Greyson, his family established this charitable group as a tribute to him, with the purpose and goal of extending his legacy of brightening hearts at hospitals. Since founding The Greyson Project, the team has partnered with childrens hospitals all across the country to kindle Christmas cheer in the lives of many. Katie Frechette, a Client Service Representative at NEIRG, is the local point person and organizer for the charity in the region north of Boston. She is a seasoned professional of the financial services industry, with extensive experience bringing care and follow-up to the requests of clients and the companys investment team. The Greyson Project is near and dear to her heart as Katie is friends with the family and watched the organization develop and grow. After the establishment of the memorial charity and its initial spread, Katie recognized an opportunity to serve a worthy cause. As soon as I started working in the Boston area, I knew that I had to reach outI knew that Id be able to help, said Katie during an interview. The holidays have been a special time for her and her family since she was a little girl. I think that its important to support a cause like this, as it gives hope to children and families that are spending the holidays in the hospital. When Katie brought the initiative to the attention of the NEIRG team, company leadership was happy to extend support to the effort. This holiday season, we have decided to support the Greyson Project because we believe in their message and their motivation for spreading holiday cheer to children and families spending the holidays in the hospital, said Brian Pirri, CFP, Partner and Principal at NEIRG. We believe that bringing just a little light into their lives through something as simple as Christmas decorations could lead them toward the meaningful hope that sustains us all. How Can You Help? Could you support The Greyson Project in brightening the lives of families in need? Our current goal is to collect 70 bags of decorations in donation to children and families at Boston area hospitals such as Shriners, UMass Memorial and Mass General. Details and instructions for furnishing a gift bag to families of children in need are available at: https://www.thegreysonproject.org/approved-items-list. A drop-off location for decoration bags has been arranged during business hours at NEIRGs Massachusetts location: 231 Sutton Street, Suite 2A, N. Andover, MA, 01845. For more details, please feel free to contact Katie through NEIRGs switchboard at: 978-975-2559. Additional arrangements for picking up bags at your location could possibly be arranged by one of our staff members if needed. Founded by Nick Giacoumakis in 1995, the continued mission of the firm is: "To help our clients pursue financial independence by providing unbiased, objective guidance." We bring value through communication, education and exceptional service. In addition to our mission the staff at New England Investment & Retirement Group, Inc. really enjoys opportunities such as this to give back to our community and help those in need. NEIRG is a financial services firm with locations in the North Shore of Massachusetts and Naples, Florida. For more than 20 years, NEIRG has helped individuals, families and businesses manage their financial assets and resources in order to achieve financial independence and security. With expertise in customized portfolio management, financial and estate planning, retirement benefits consulting, risk management solutions as well as tax planning, NEIRG provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing and building wealth. NEIRG's team of Certified Financial Planners and Chartered Financial Analysts is committed to providing sound and unbiased advice to help clients optimize their complete financial picture with a coordinated estate, investment and tax strategy. Gallo stated, Our passion is helping companies and their employees create real breakthroughs in their workplace and their home life by offering our SAFA program. Milltown, New Jersey: Now Im Fit LLC (NIF) introduces a revolutionary approach for corporate wellness solutions and overcoming fatigue using a proprietary signature program called Stretch and Flex Advantage (SAFA). Our SAFA program is a unique 15 minute wellness program that focuses on relieving common workplace stress, tension and fatigue. Using specific stretch therapy protocols, which systematically position, stabilize, isolate and manipulate muscles resulting in instant gratification. On a weekly basis, NIF provides employees an increased level of productivity while lowering health-care costs, providing a healthier work environment and enhancing the corporate image. We currently service the NY and NJ market. With increasing demand for our services, we have created a CEU certification course to empower fitness and wellness professionals to grow their business and provide the SAFA program nationwide. The foundation of NIFs philosophy is that we strive to be so effective in what we achieve, that corporations will not be able to ignore the increasing demand for our services. Your employees world will be changed by the corporations example, not just their opinion. For many years, our success has been a direct reflection of our clients satisfaction with the SAFA program, says Jon Gallo, NIF President. In an interview by News Correspondent Brian Weber, Gallo explained how he challenged the corporate blind spot of managing health in the workplace. He stated, Our passion is helping companies and their employees create real breakthroughs in their workplace and their home life by offering our SAFA program. Not accepting the norm is the secret to really big success and changing the culture in the workplace. We know change is hard, usually what we most fear doing is what we most need to do. As a company, we have learned that what you get will never make you happy but what you contribute and who you become will. At Now Im Fit, we believe in doing more for our clients than anyone else does. Its not about being good; its about being great in anything and everything we do. The Now-Im-Fit staff is professional and reliable, have seasoned expertise, and provide an extension of care and partnership that leads to a more productive and collaborative organization. We will be offering 1 FREE SAFA session to the first 50 companies who email us below. Learn more about Now Im Fit at: http://www.NowImFit.com More about Jon Gallo, (President) of Now Im Fit: http://www.JonGalloFitness.com Contact: Jon Gallo, Now Im Fit LLC, 128 N. Main Street, Milltown, NJ 08850 Phone: 347.926.3410 E-mail: Info(at)nowimfit.com nJoy Vision is now able to provide a new solution for patients with moderate to high levels of myopia and astigmatism in one easy procedure following FDA approval of STAAR Surgicals Visian Toric ICL. The first procedure in the state of Oklahoma, using the Toric ICL, is scheduled at nJoy Vision OKC on November 29th by Edward Jones, MD and at nJoy Vision Tulsa on December 7th by Heidi Priester, DO. The Toric ICL approval is an important milestone in our armamentarium of vision correction solutions, and we are please to be the first to perform the procedure in the state of Oklahoma, said Brad Britton, MD, nJoy Vision Medical Director. The Visian Toric ICL is an innovative lens from STAAR Surgical which is placed behind the iris and in front of the eyes crystalline lens to correct vision. This method works with the eye to not only restore clear and sharp vision(1)(2)(3) but also provide UV protection and excellent night vision(4). The Visian Toric ICLs implantation eliminates multiple surgical procedures by correcting astigmatism and myopia simultaneously(5). In a procedure that takes less than 30 minutes, Visian Toric ICL lets doctors treat more types of patients with higher levels of astigmatism as well as myopia while preserving the corneal structure of the eye. FDAs approval of STAARs Visian Toric ICL provides an exciting treatment option for myopic patients with astigmatism in search of visual freedom. We are pleased to partner with nJoy Vision, who will be the first clinic in Oklahoma to offer this technology to their patients, said Jim Francese, Sr. Vice President Commercial Operations, STAAR Surgical. FDA approval was based on results from the Visian Toric ICL clinical study which reported 98.4% of patients would have the Visian Toric ICL surgery again. The data also showed that eyes implanted with the Visian Toric ICL maintained rotational stability(6). We work with referring doctors who see patients that struggle with their eyesight every day Dawn Holsted, O.D., President & CEO, nJoy Vision states. Im thrilled that theres a lens-based solution now available to help U.S. patients suffering from both astigmatism and myopia. The Visian Toric ICL allows us to improve patients lives with one easy-to-implant lens. For more information about nJoy Vision and our expertise in Visian Toric ICL implantation visit http://www.nJoyVision.com. Visit https://staar.com/products/visian-icl to find out more about the Visian Toric ICL. About nJoy Vision nJoy Vision is a growing network of vision correction centers with a patient-first mindset and a philanthropic spirit. nJoy Vision exists to help patients see the world more clearly. This is accomplished through our commitment to providing state-of-the-art laser technology, distinguished surgical teams, and superb patient care. (1)Sanders D. Vukich JA. Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for Low Myopia. Cornea. 2006 Dec; 25(10): 1139-46 (2) Shin, JY. Ahn, H. Seo, KY. Kim, EK. Kim, TK. Comparison of higher order aberrations after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided lasek in high myopia. J Refract Surg. 2012; 28(2): 106-111 (3) Igarashi, A. Kamiya, K. Shimizu, K. Komatsu, M. Visual Performance after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia. Am J Opthalmol. 2009 (4) Parkhurst, G. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clinical Ophthalmology 2016, 10:1209-1215 (5) Alfonso, J. et al. Comparison of visual and refractive results of Toric Implantable Collamer Lens with bioptics for myopic astigmatism. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol (2013) 251:967975 (6) STAAR Surgical Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens PMA Supplement P030016 Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel, March 14, 2014 The podcast, entitled Behind the Sign, will begin airing in December, and will be available to stream via the podcast apps for Apple and Google! Office Sign Company (OSC) of Fargo, North Dakota will be reaching a new platform starting in early December. With frequent inquiries regarding their capabilities, this podcast is anticipated to shed light on their specialties and custom project practices. These podcasts will also bring in guest speakers to discuss their experiences working with Office Sign Company. OSC is an ecommerce signage company located in Downtown Fargo. With almost 50 employees, Office Sign Company is looking to continually expand their horizons by targeting diverse audiences to showcase their capabilities. Their Production Headquarters oversee a variety of orders shipped out daily, from name badges to custom engraved products. This podcast is intended to keep the public in the know with projects they could help design, produce, and install for potential customers. The podcast, entitled Behind the Sign, will begin airing in December, and will be available to stream via the podcast apps for Apple and Google. Their first guest will be Josh Ulrich, the founder of a local ice cream shop, Scoop N Dough Candy Co. and will discuss the marketing efforts involved with starting a new business. For more information about this signage company and their products, visit their website and social sites, and tune into their podcast starting in December! One River School is expanding its footprint in the Midwest as part of an existing multi-unit development deal in Greater Chicago and has secured two new multi-unit development deals in the metro New York area. Today the company operates nine locations and anticipates significant growth over the next 24 months. This weekend is the grand opening of our second location in Chicago," said Matt Ross, Founder and CEO of One River. Our Lincoln Square location has seen a record amount of interest and we are so thrilled to celebrate our formal kickoff this weekend. We are also thrilled about opening more schools in the Greater New York area and our partners plan to open their first schools in Monmouth County, NJ and Suffolk County, NY early in the new year." One River School has developed a unique business model that includes proprietary educational programs and curriculum that allows business people without art education experience the opportunity to invest in a compelling new concept in their community. Art education continues to suffer from budget cutbacks everywhere, but One River is proving that there is a massive interest in personal growth and creative expression across the United States. The company has also built a best in class marketing program that helps local operators build a large student population which supports the economic growth of these schools. When I started One River in 2012, I was certain that there was a tremendous need for fun and compelling art programs nationwide, said Founder & CEO Matt Ross. My goal is to continue to open schools with smart, caring and sophisticated franchise partners who value personal growth and want to build a compelling and culturally important business in their community." ABOUT ONE RIVER SCHOOL OF ART + DESIGN Founded by Matt Ross, the Former CEO of School of Rock in September of 2012, One River School of Art & Design has embarked on a mission to transform art education in America. The company has developed a unique method for teaching art and design to people of all ages and they plan to open locations across the US over the next ten years. One River has developed an innovative franchise partner program that has been built to create compelling experiences for students and high financial and emotional rewards for franchisees. If you are interested in more information about a One River franchise, contact Katie Enna Hobson, VP Development at kenna(at)oneriverschool.com All three Lincoln-Way High Schools recently earned exemplary ratings from the Illinois State Board of Education, and officials will explain the criteria that was used to rank the schools in the top 10 percent in the state. Drivers in the Pensacola, Florida, area who are looking to upgrade their current vehicle to a model that offers the very best and latest in technology and amenities are encouraged to visit Bob Tyler Toyota. Located right on Pensacola Blvd., Bob Tyler Toyota is a dealership that proudly serves its customers with an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles. Shoppers interested in purchasing a new Toyota vehicle will find that Bob Tyler Toyotas inventory features a wide range of the latest 2019 models. Whether theyre looking for an efficient commuter car like the 2019 Corolla, a family-friendly and spacious SUV like the 2019 Highlander or a capable pickup like the 2019 Tacoma, shoppers can find these models, and much more at Bob Tyler Toyota. The dealership works hard to ensure that its customers have access to models from the latest model year as soon as possible. To view the new 2019 models that are currently available at Bob Tyler Toyota, shoppers can view the dealerships online inventory on its website at http://www.bobtylertoyota.com. Also available through the website is a vast library of model information that includes reviews and competitor comparisons for each model available as well as upcoming vehicles. The Bob Tyler Toyota Blog can also be accessed on its website and offers readers a closer look at the Toyota brand and its vehicle lineup for further research. Those with questions and inquiries or those who would like to set up a test drive in one of the dealerships available vehicles are encouraged to reach out to Bob Tyler Toyota staff through its website, by calling 850-308-1887 or by visiting the dealerships location at 7201 Pensacola Blvd. In the fast-moving world of fast casual dining, customer relationships are critical to business. By implementing Hut Rewards, Pizza Hut Europe is demonstrating their commitment to building these relationships and building loyalty by rewarding customers for their visits. Marketing automation platform Punchh today announced that Pizza Hut Europe has partnered with the company to power its Hut Rewards loyalty program across its UK Delivery estate. Pizza Hut selected Punchh for the platforms proven ability to drive deeper customer relationships, providing a seamless way to connect with the brand, receive promotions and earn rewards across channels. To join the program and earn points called Slices, customers simply sign up online or via the mobile app. Slices are earned according to spend amount for purchases online and can be redeemed for free pizza or sides. In the fast-moving world of fast casual dining, customer relationships are critical to business. By implementing Hut Rewards, Pizza Hut Europe is demonstrating their commitment to building these relationships and building loyalty by rewarding customers for their visits, commented Shyam Rao, CEO of Punchh. Were proud to be such a critical part of Pizza Huts customer engagement strategy, and we look forward to working with the company to grow customer lifetime value in the US and Europe. Said Pizza Hut Europe Chief Sales and Brand Officer Stephan Croix, Were really excited to have launched Hut Rewards across our Delivery portfolio in the UK. For us, Hut Rewards is all about celebrating our shared love of food and provides a platform for us to say thank you to our loyal customers. The launch of Pizza Huts loyalty programme in the UK marks the latest development in our digital journey to make getting a pizza easier, faster and tastier. Punchh is a cutting edge digital marketing platform for physical retailers, with a customer network that includes over 125 restaurant chains across the globe. The company's technology integrates directly with in-store point of sale (POS) and ecommerce systems to provide Amazon-like customer insights across channels to physical retailers. Currently, Punchh is the only marketing solution in the world that combines an array of omnichannel marketing opportunities with artificial intelligence-driven marketing. To learn more about Punchh, please visit http://www.punchh.com and for the loyalty program, you can visit https://www.pizzahut.co.uk/. To learn more about Pizza Hut Europe, please visit http://www.yum.com/company/our-brands/pizza-hut/ About Punchh Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, Punchh is the world leader in innovative digital marketing products for brick and mortar retailers, combining AI and machine learning technologies, mobile-first expertise, and Omni-Channel communications designed to dramatically increase lifetime customer value. Leading global restaurant and convenience store chains rely on Punchh to grow revenue by building customer relationships at every stage, from anonymous, to known, to brand loyalists, including more than 125 different brands representing more than $12 billion in annual spend. Punchh has raised $31MM in funding by leading investors including Sapphire Ventures and Cervin Ventures. About Pizza Hut Europe & UK Pizza Hut Europe currently operates more than 1,500 restaurants across 30 countries, employing around 30,000 people, operating a franchise network across the region. The business is led by Regina Borda, Managing Director of Pizza Hut Europe & UK and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. For more information visit: http://www.yum.com/company/our-brands/pizza-hut/. Serra Toyota has pledged to match the Toyota Uber Driver Incentive of $750 for qualified customers purchasing a new Toyota at the dealership from now through Jan. 2. Uber drivers looking for a new vehicle to propel their business may be especially interested in the Toyota lineup thanks to a new Uber Driver Incentive launched by the brand. Toyota is offering $750 towards the purchase of select new Toyota models including the Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Toyota Prius family, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla iM, Toyota Yaris iA, Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Toyota Yaris. The Serra Toyota dealership is offering to match the Uber Driver Incentive for customers who purchase a qualifying new Toyota at the dealerships Birmingham location. With both incentives, Uber drivers could receive $1,500 to put towards their new Toyota making monthly payments more affordable. The dealership match will run from now through Jan. 2. The Serra Toyota team is available to help car shoppers browse in-stock models at the dealership and an online inventory page is also available for car shoppers who prefer to browse online. The Toyota Uber driver incentive may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Not all customers will qualify, and some exclusions may apply. Lease and purchase financing must be done through Southeast Toyota Financial. See a Serra Toyota dealership representative for further details. For more information on the Toyota Uber Driver Incentive promotion and match at Serra Toyota, interested parties can visit the dealerships website at http://www.serratoyota.com. To connect with a dealership representative directly, shoppers can also visit the dealership in person at 1300 Center Point Parkway in Birmingham, Alabama or call 855-957-3772. Chicago-based RedMane Technology wins a contract to provide and implement its mCase platform for Longmont, Colorado's Senior Services and Children, Youth and Family departments. We are pleased to partner with Longmont on this important initiative. Our focus is on helping our clients better serve those they serve. mCase is a wonderful fit for Longmonts needs. RedMane Technology LLC, a Chicago-based software solutions and systems integration services company, was awarded a contract to provide and implement its mCase platform for the City of Longmont, Colorados Senior Services and Children, Youth and Family departments. The company won this contract by offering mCase, its modern, mobile, and cloud-based platform, to manage Longmonts programs ranging from family support and youth development to counseling and emotional support services for senior citizens. RedManes solution will enable caseworkers to accommodate multiple client groups with differing data requirements, provide effective separation between the groups, and facilitate department-specific intake forms, performance measures and reporting needs. Additionally, information will reside securely in the cloud and users will be able to access specific information based on assigned roles. The city of Longmonts Children Youth and Families and Senior Services Divisions are excited to move their client data management system forward with RedMane and mCase said Michele Waite, Longmonts manager of senior services. RedMane staff have been very flexible and so easy to work with; we are looking forward to the next phase. Tony Lakier, RedManes president, said the companys mCase platform will help the City of Longmont protect and serve its children, families, and senior citizens. We are pleased to partner with Longmont on this important initiative, he said. Our focus is on helping our clients better serve those they serve. mCase is a wonderful fit for Longmonts needs. About Senior Services and Children, Youth and Family divisions for the City of Longmont, Colorado The Senior Services and Children, Youth and Family departments for the City of Longmont, Colorado provides professional counseling, family support, youth development, community problem solving and early education services. Staff also provide support, information, referrals, counseling, and assistance to older adults and caregivers of older adults. About RedMane RedMane provides software solutions and systems integration services that address complex, real-world challenges in human services, healthcare, and the commercial sector. RedMane is a problem-solving company. Technology is just one of its tools. mCase is RedManes modern, flexible, and powerful platform that easily supports any case management program, including those involving intake, assessment, eligibility, service planning, financial processing, and/or ongoing service delivery. It works in the office and in the field, even without Internet or cellular connectivity. And with its embedded analytics, organizations have insight to improve outcomes. To learn more about mCase, the modern case management system, visit redmane.com. Scaled Agile, Inc., provider of SAFe, the worlds leading framework for enterprise agility, has named Michael Clarkin as its Chief Marketing Officer to oversee the development, planning, and execution of the companys marketing strategy. Clarkin will lead the marketing team and create strategies and tactics that communicate the value of SAFe and the Lean Enterprise to a global audience. We have had tremendous success with SAFe, and Mike will provide additional leadership as Scaled Agile grows internationally, said Chris James, President and Chief Operating Officer, Scaled Agile. Were thrilled to have Mike on board to expand our strategic marketing focus and approach, and empower partners and customers in driving successful enterprise agility transformations with SAFe. Prior to joining Scaled Agile, Clarkin was Global Vice President, Advanced Solutions at Sykes Enterprises, a customer engagement services provider to companies in the electronics, IoT, software, telecommunications, and banking sectors. He led new product and service development, integrated multichannel marketing, and designed strategies for growth markets such as China and Brazil. During his tenure, the company grew from $500M to more than $1.5B. Earlier in his career, Clarkin led numerous practices at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in marketing, sales, strategy, and general management within the Semiconductor Products Group. After several years at HPs Silicon Valley offices, he took on international assignments in Germany, Malaysia, and in Hong Kong, where he built a marketing operation from scratch that doubled regional revenue over three years. We have a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the growth at Scaled Agile, said Clarkin. Im excited about creating and delivering the products and information that enable our customers to be successful with SAFe in their environmentsno matter where they are in their Lean-Agile journey. Clarkin has an MS in electrical engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a BA in engineering and math from Dartmouth College. About Scaled Agile, Inc.: Scaled Agile, Inc., is the provider of SAFe, the worlds leading framework for enterprise agility. Through learning and certification, a global partner network, and a growing community of over 300,000 trained professionals, Scaled Agile helps enterprises build better systems, increase employee engagement, and improve business outcomes. Scaled Agile is a contributing member of the Pledge 1% corporate philanthropy and community service movement. Learn about Scaled Agile and SAFe at scaledagile.com and scaledagileframework.com. Compared to traditional mammography CAD products, ScreenPoints Decision Support product Transpara delivers much more clinically useful information to the radiologist ScreenPoint Medical announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Volpara Health Technologies. Volpara will deliver ScreenPoints AI-based products to customers as part of its expanding VolparaEnterprise AI cloud ecosystem. Together, the two companies expect to improve the clinical performance of mammography and drive the earlier detection of breast cancer. The partnership will leverage Volparas growing footprint in the breast imaging marketplace and will provide a unique opportunity for ScreenPoint to enter the US market. ScreenPoint recently announced that it has received 510(k) Clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for Transpara detection and decision support software, designed to assist radiologists with the reading of screening mammograms. Transpara is the first AI application for detecting breast cancer in screening mammograms to gain 510(k) Clearance from the FDA, based on its unique functionality which interactively provides support for detection and diagnosis. Compared to traditional mammography CAD products, ScreenPoints Decision Support product Transpara delivers much more clinically useful information to the radiologist, said Dr. Ritse Mann, breast imaging specialist at Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, NL, who uses the system clinically and evaluated its performance in several studies, I can use Transpara as a second reader and its opinion is as good as when I would ask a colleague. Professor Nico Karssemeijer, CEO of ScreenPoint and well-known for his pioneering work in computer-aided detection and breast imaging said, "Being a co-founder, I worked with Volpara as advisor in the past and I am excited that ScreenPoint and Volpara will now partner to bring our AI solution Transpara for breast cancer detection to the US market. Volpara is well-established in the breast space in the US, and together the two companies can work to help breast practices improve cancer detection and streamline mammography reading." Dr Ralph Highnam, CEO of Volpara Health Technologies said "Professor Karssemeijers seminal works on automated detection, and more recently machine learning and AI, is globally recognized as first class, and we're delighted to have ScreenPoint join our common cause. Adding an important product like Transpara Decision Support is a perfect step for us. It enriches our offering to breast imaging centers in the US and abroad, and expands the VolparaEnterprise ecosystem as we build a platform for delivering well-curated AI and other software applications for our customers. About ScreenPoint Medical BV ScreenPoint Medical develops image analysis technology for automated reading of mammograms and digital breast tomosynthesis exams, exploiting Big Data, Deep Learning and the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence. ScreenPoint Medical was founded in 2014 by Nico Karssemeijer and Michael Brady, two experts in breast imaging, machine learning, computer vision, and computer-aided detection. The main office is in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. https://www.screenpoint-medical.com/ # # # Media Contact: Chris K. Joseph 510/435-4031 chris(at)ckjcomm.com SEIU 775 Benefits Group, the nations leading organization dedicated to improving the skills, health, and sustainability of the home care workforce, is partnering with SR Max Slip Resistant Shoes in order to offer slip resistant footwear to caregivers at no cost to them. Managing Director of SEIU 775 Benefits Groups Health Benefits Administration, Merissa Clyde adds, Many of our caregivers have been injured on the job, or suffer back and leg pain. Slip resistant shoes are a proven solution that will help keep caregivers safer and more comfortable. Caregiver Kicks is an extension of an earlier pilot that demonstrated both the effectiveness of slip resistant shoes on the job in preventing slips, trips and falls, as well as a reported decrease in pain as a result of wearing Caregiver Kicks. Barry Haines, National Sales Manager for SR Max offered the following statement: SR Max is excited to be working directly with SEIU 775 Benefits Group in their Caregiver Kicks Program. I recently had the pleasure of meeting and working directly with the caregivers and explaining the program to them. The excitement and positive response from everyone show the appreciation of the health and welfare of the caregivers from SEIU 775 Benefits Group. Knowing SEIU 775 Benefits Group cares about keeping the them safe and comfortable while on the job made them especially pleased to be receiving their free shoes. Caregiver Kicks is being offered by SEIU 775 Benefits Group as part of a new, union bargained benefit for caregivers. Slip resistant versions of Skechers, Reebok and New Balance are available in more than 70 styles. Any caregiver who is eligible for health benefits from SEIU 775 Benefits Group is also eligible for a pair of caregiver kicks. ### SEIU 775 Benefits Group is the nations leading organization dedicated to improving the skills, health and sustainability of the home care workforce. Leading with innovation and technology, SEIU 775 Benefits Group partners with government, labor and private industry ensuring that Washington home care workers have access to the skills and benefits they need to thrive. It serves nearly 50,000 caregivers through health and wellness programs and provides 20,000 caregivers with affordable, high-quality medical, prescription and dental plans. Based on enrollment, SEIU 775 Benefits Group is Washingtons second-largest educational institution, providing an estimated six million hours of essential home care training since 2001. By caring for those who care for others, SEIU 775 Benefits Group is leading the transformation of home care into a thriving career and helping prevent the looming care crisis. SR Max Slip Resistant Shoes is a leading slip resistant shoe provider nationwide. The company is proud to carry over 150 styles of slip resistant shoes in a wide variety of brands. All shoes are independently tested and meet a minimum slip resistance level. With more options for t and construction, customers can and a shoe that is not only comfortable but slip resistant as well. The SR Max brand tests time and time again as the best slip resistant outsole on the market. The DMSMS conference is a strategic meeting place for aerospace and defense professionals to observe and examine trends in the supply chain industry. Smith, a global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors, is exhibiting next week at DMSMS 2018, a conference addressing obsolescence management and shortages in the aerospace and defense industry. This years conference theme revolves around sustainable systems planning in an accelerated acquisition environment. Smith sales representatives will be present at the companys booth, 128, to discuss how the distributors global network of trusted suppliers can help support mission-critical projects of any size or scope. Additionally, these aerospace and defense consultants will be showcasing the companys warehousing facilities and vendor-managed inventory solutions, while focusing on operational efficiency and centralization. The DMSMS conference is a strategic meeting place for aerospace and defense professionals to observe and examine trends in the supply chain industry, said Timothy McQuade, Smiths sales manager for its A&D business. We are looking forward to a productive show, filled with opportunities to share information about Smiths certified quality program and service capabilities. WHAT: DMSMS 2018 WHEN: Monday, December 3, 2018 Thursday, December 6, 2018 WHERE: Booth 128 Music City Center 201 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 About Smith Founded in 1984, Smith sources, manages, and distributes the electronic components that go into everything from mobile phones and computers to appliances and directional drilling systems. In 16 cities around the world, from Silicon Valley to Seoul, Smiths legion of employees communicates in 50 different languages and dialects and buys and sells components 24 hours per day, with global annual sales of $1.5 billion. Smith is always moving: helping manufacturers navigate market shifts; customizing supply chain solutions; testing components using cutting-edge technology. With testing and logistics hubs in Houston, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam, Smiths processes focus on critical issues, from quality management to counterfeit prevention and environmental safety. Smiths operations, purchasing, and sales worldwide are seamlessly integrated with the companys global IT infrastructure, offering real-time inventory and logistics visibility anywhere in the world. Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components and ranks number eight among all global distributors. Smiths Intelligent Distribution model adapts to ever-changing demands by providing reliable global electronics sourcing and logistics, regardless of distribution channel or locale. For more information, please visit https://www.smithweb.com, or, to reach a Smith representative 24 hours a day, please call +1 713.430.3000. Jodi Refosco Named President of VRMA Board I am honored to serve as President of this incredible organization that has been instrumental in the growth of our industry, said Jodi Taylor Refosco. I have great respect for those who have held this seat before me and look forward to upholding their legacy. Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, a leading vacation rental and sales firm located in McHenry, Maryland, is pleased to announce that one of its owners, Jodi Taylor Refosco, is the new President for the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). VRMA is an organization of vacation rental professionals and suppliers. It provides members with education and networking opportunities to strengthen their businesses. At the organizations 2018 International Conference in Las Vegas, the Presidents gavel was officially passed to Refosco. She has been involved in VRMA for more than twenty years with leadership roles that include serving as Secretary and Vice President of the board. Additionally, Jodi has been part of the conference planning and education committees. Jodi started her Deep Creek Lake vacation rental firm, Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales, in 2008 with her husband, Joe, and her brother, Chad Taylor. They currently manage over 400 vacation rental homes along with 150 non-renting homes. For over a decade, their employees have provided exceptional service to guests and owners. A growing real estate division caters to Deep Creek Lake area buyers and sellers as well. I am honored to serve as President of this incredible organization that has been instrumental in the growth of our industry, said Jodi Taylor Refosco. I have great respect for those who have held this seat before me and look forward to upholding their legacy. Taylor-Made employees regularly attend regional and national VRMA conferences in order to connect with their peers and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. By taking advantage of these opportunities, both the company and the staff are elevated in their ability to assist travelers and home owners. It keeps them on top of the latest trends, products and processes. About Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales has grown to become a leader in Deep Creek Lake vacation rentals, real estate, and property services. Taylor-Made rental homes and sales listings are conveniently located within a few hours drive from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. We are pleased to help open doors to expanded global knowledge and meaningful engagement with different cultures through our study abroad grants," said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nations oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, today announced the Session B recipients of a 2018 Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 25 students across the nation. The grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Studying abroad provides students with an important opportunity to experience learning in a culture other than their own, said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. We are pleased to help open doors to expanded global knowledge and meaningful engagement with different cultures through our study abroad grants. The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicants academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and acceptance into a study abroad program. Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $800,000 to undergraduate students. The grants are part of the Societys robust portfolio of award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For the complete list of recipients from Session B of the program, please visit http://www.phikappaphi.org/studyabroad. The application process for 2019 will open on December 15, 2018. About Phi Kappa Phi Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information, visit http://www.phikappaphi.org. Mayor Tim Baldermann said then he was talking to the owners of the Oral Motor Clinic, a privately owned center for speech and language therapy on the northeast corner, about purchasing that parcel. While Cedar and Haven is a heavily-traveled intersection, there have been no serious accidents here, as drivers tend to be cautious as they navigate through it. Those unfamiliar with it may find it confusing, Baldermann said. Trustee Dave Smith said in a video of the Nov. 26 board meeting that he has driven through roundabouts, and it is the way to go. The Quinism Foundation has sent correspondence to Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expressing concern that disability examiners may be misattributing adverse effects from the antimalarial drug mefloquine to PTSD in VA medical disability examinations. DSM-5 PTSD Criterion H requires that the examiner determine that the disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a medication, said Remington Nevin, MD, MPH, DrPH, executive director of The Quinism Foundation. We are concerned that this criterion is being widely assumed by examiners without due consideration for the possible effects of mefloquine exposure. Mefloquine has been widely used by the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly for the prevention (or prophylaxis) of malaria among U.S. military personnel, since it was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989. In 2013, after nearly a quarter-century of use by DoD, the FDA warned that mefloquine can cause long-lasting and even permanent neuropsychiatric adverse effects [1]. The DoD has since declared mefloquine a drug of last resort, and has all but eliminated the drugs use [2]. According to the FDA, chronic neuropsychiatric adverse effects from mefloquine exposure include insomnia, depression, anxiety, and paranoia, among others. Authors at the U.S. militarys Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) [3], where mefloquine was developed, have noted that mefloquine toxicity can persist for several years after exposure has been discontinued, with little to no abatement in symptoms over time. Furthermore, given the overlapping symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and mefloquine toxicity, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two diagnoses. In its correspondence, which was shared with executives at Logistics Health Incorporated, QTC Management Incorporated, and VetFed Resources Incorporated (three federally-contracted providers of VA medical disability examinations), Dr. Nevin shared results from The Quinism Foundations recent review of veterans disability medical examination documentation. The Quinism Foundation has recently reviewed a number of PTSD disability benefits questionnaires (DBQ) completed by examiners in which Criterion H was deemed to have been met without documentation that the examiner considered the possible physiological effects of mefloquine in contributing to the disturbance, wrote Dr. Nevin. In many cases, these examiners concluded Criterion H was met even when the veteran specifically attributed several of their PTSD Criterion B-E symptoms, such as nightmares, insomnia, irritability, and anger, to chronic effects of their mefloquine exposure, rather than to one or more Criterion A traumatic stressors. In several cases, available documentation reliably places the onset of these symptoms well prior to any Criterion A traumatic stressors, and within days following the veterans initial exposure to mefloquine. Although the current PTSD DBQ specifically advises examiners to NOT mark symptoms that are clearly not attributable to the Criterion A stressor/PTSD, and warns that overlapping symptoms clearly attributable to other things should be noted elsewhere, there appears to be no formal mechanism for examiners conducting VA medical disability examinations to screen veterans for symptoms that could be due to mefloquine exposure, wrote Dr. Nevin. In its correspondence, The Quinism Foundation encouraged examiners to formally screen recent veterans for a history of symptomatic exposure to mefloquine during VA medical disability examinations. Screening for such symptomatic exposure during a medical disability examination can be as quick and simple as asking the veteran Did you take mefloquine, and if so, While you were taking the drug, did you experience one or more of these symptoms?, wrote Dr. Nevin. If the veteran reports symptomatic exposure, examiners should retain an index of suspicion that any chronic neurologic or psychiatric symptoms, including those reported, could represent effects of mefloquine poisoning, specifically, symptoms of a medical condition also known as chronic quinoline encephalopathy or neuropsychiatric quinism. In such cases, a DSM-5 diagnosis of a medication-induced anxiety, sleep, mood, or psychotic disorder may be more appropriate than a comparable diagnosis, such as PTSD, which is excluded by DSM-5 criteria if the disturbance is due to the lasting physiological effects of a medication, wrote Dr. Nevin. In its correspondence, The Quinism Foundation noted that it has recently begun partnering with several health care organizations, including in the U.K. [4] and Canada [5], to make available its two-question White River Mefloquine Instrument (WRMI-2), to facilitate screening for symptomatic mefloquine exposure in veteran populations. The Quinism Foundation has previously called upon the VA [6], as well as Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) [7], to screen all recent U.S. and Canadian veterans to improve the quality of medical care provided by these organizations. About The Quinism Foundation The Quinism Foundation, founded in January 2018, in White River Junction, Vermont, promotes and supports education and research on quinism, the family of medical disorders caused by exposure to quinoline drugs, including mefloquine and tafenoquine. Dr. Nevin is a board-certified occupational medicine and preventive medicine physician and former U.S. Army medical officer and epidemiologist. He is author of more than 30 scientific publications on malaria and the quinoline antimalarials, including Screening for Symptomatic Mefloquine Exposure Among Veterans With Chronic Psychiatric Symptoms," published in the journal Federal Practitioner (https:// https://www.mdedge.com/fedprac/article/132560/mental-health/screening-symptomatic-mefloquine-exposure-among-veterans). 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves label changes for antimalarial drug mefloquine hydrochloride due to risk of serious psychiatric and nerve side effects. July 29, 2013. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM362232.pdf. 2. Nevin RL. Screening for Symptomatic Mefloquine Exposure Among Veterans With Chronic Psychiatric Symptoms. Federal Practitioner. 2017;34(3):12-14. 3. Livezey J, Oliver T, Cantilena L. Prolonged Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in a Military Service Member Exposed to Mefloquine. Drug Safety - Case Reports. 2016;3(1):7. 4. The Quinism Foundation. The Quinism Foundation Partners with the National Centre for Trauma to Screen U.K. Veterans for Symptomatic Mefloquine Exposure. July 30, 2018. https://quinism.org/press-releases/the-quinism-foundation-partners-with-the-national-centre-for-trauma-to-screen-u-k-veterans-for-symptomatic-mefloquine-exposure. 5. The Quinism Foundation. The Quinism Foundation Partners with Lifemark Health Group to Identify Canadian Veterans at Risk from Exposure to the Antimalarial Drug Mefloquine. September 17, 2018. https://quinism.org/press-releases/the-quinism-foundation-partners-with-lifemark-health-group-to-identify-canadian-veterans-at-risk-from-exposure-to-the-antimalarial-drug-mefloquine. 6. The Quinism Foundation. The Quinism Foundation Calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to Screen Recent Veterans for Symptomatic Mefloquine Exposure. May 29, 2018. https://quinism.org/press-releases/the-quinism-foundation-calls-on-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-to-screen-recent-veterans-for-symptomatic-mefloquine-exposure. 7. The Quinism Foundation. The Quinism Foundation Calls on Veterans Affairs Canada to Screen Recent Canadian Veterans for Symptomatic Mefloquine Exposure. September 19, 2018. https://quinism.org/press-releases/the-quinism-foundation-calls-on-veterans-affairs-canada-to-screen-recent-canadian-veterans-for-symptomatic-mefloquine-exposure. Bill Wahoff Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is proud to announce the election of attorney William Bill Wahoff as a new Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by ones colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession. Wahoff is the fourth Steptoe & Johnson attorney to be named a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Wahoff represents employers exclusively in a number of labor and employment areas, including OSHA defense on a national basis, Ohio workers compensation, wrongful discharge, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower litigation, and in the past, labor negotiations. He is an Ohio Board Certified Workers Compensation Specialist, and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He joined Steptoe & Johnson in 2015, after more than 30 years of practice. He and his wife have three adult Eagle Scout sons, and he is the current president of the Columbus Rotary Foundation. With the current installation, the College is represented by more than fourteen hundred members in forty-six states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and eight Canadian Provinces. The College was the vision of a number of the Fellows. The idea was to further establish this profession in all its aspects as one uniquely important to the world of labor and employment law, individual rights, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. The College was established in 1995 through an initiative of the Council of The Section of Labor and Employment Law of the American Bar Association. It operates as a free standing organization recognizing those who, by long and outstanding service, have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field. About Steptoe & Johnson Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law with more than a century of know-how in the areas of business, employment, and litigation. Steptoe & Johnson has more than 300 attorneys admitted in over 30 States, practicing in 13 offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Visit http://www.steptoe-johnson.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information, contact Betsy Spellman, Chief Marketing Officer, at (304) 933-8000 or by email: press@steptoe-johnson.com. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Online Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and information from publics.bg Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. Cookies are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.Website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google") to help analyse the use of this website. 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. Mrs Oware said that people registering their businesses will rather need to provide their digital addresses. This is because the global positioning system (GPS) will indicate to metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) where businesses are located so that local government officials can follow up and give businesses operating licences. "I want to state that beginning next year, only foreigners will require a TIN to register their businesses because our digital platform is being fused with that of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs)," she added. She explained that GPS will be a requirement so that it shows where the businesses are located. She said this will ensure officials can give them their business operating licence. She said was "because the GPS system will indicate the MMDA where the business is located so that local government officials can follow up and give a business operating licence." Currently, to register a business in Ghana one needs to provide a TIN. The government has enumerated a number of things one cannot do without a TIN. This includes your childs ability to be a beneficiary of the governments flagship policy Free Senior High School. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Learning that there are others out there who are in need changed my life. I realized how fortunate I was and that it was time for me to give back to people who didnt have it as good as me, Dubelbeis said. On Monday, November 26, 2018, InSight, the spacecraft belonging to America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) landed on Mars. According to reports, the spacecraft is expected to study the Mars' underworld, listening for marsquakes and seeking clues about the dusty worlds formation. Although the spacecraft belongs to the Americans, its (spacecraft) invention is due to a remarkable work of Ghanaian engineer Dr Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu who is the team lead for InSight at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dr. Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu is the chief engineer of a team formed to design robots for NASA missions at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, California and United States. He has not only worked on the Phoenix aircraft that found water on Mars in 2008 but also, he contributed to the Mars Exploration Rover project in 2003 and the Mars Science Laboratory in 2011. Dr. Trebi-Ollennu designed the robotic arm, which will dig deep beneath the surface of the planet to see explore how it was formed. His desire to construct a spacecraft developed when he was growing up in Ghana. This is due to an because at the heart of the historic landing on Mars on Monday is the remarkable work of Ghanaian engineer Dr Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu who is the team lead for InSight at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dr. Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu is the chief engineer of a team formed to design robots for NASA missions at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, California, and United States. Trebi-Ollennu not only worked on the Phoenix aircraft that found water on Mars in 2008 but also contributed to the Mars Exploration Rover project in 2003 and the Mars Science Laboratory in 2011. He also designed the robotic arm, which will dig deep beneath the surface of the planet to see explore how it was formed. The entertainer took to Twitter on Wednesday to make a joke about Sarkodies daughter, Titi, but ended up making a sexist comment. READ ALSO: Ghanaians are primitive - Shatta Wale fires again in new songGhanaians are primitive - Shatta Wale fires again in new song He tweeted a photo of Sarkodie holding his daughter and wrote underneath it that the girl will soon be ripe for sex. Sarkodies daughter is becoming RIPE. Very soon, we people ill tear and eat, he wrote. ece-auto-gen However, his comments were immediately taken up by a host of Ghanaians who described him as a sexist and a paedophile. Comedian Waris later deleted his earlier post, before apologising to the public for making a joke with such a sensitive issue. READ ALSO: Kafui Danku makes fun of Yvonne Nelsons daughter and its hilariousKafui Danku makes fun of Yvonne Nelsons daughter and its hilarious To anyone offended by my tweet concerning sarkodies daughter kindly tamper [sic] justice with mercy. Especially to @sarkodie @TracySarkcess @thenanaaba @Santokh72 @bridgetot Im apologetically sorry, it wont happen again. To ere [sic] is human, to forgive is divine, he wrote. However, not even his apology could stop some Ghanaians from putting him in his place. According to sources, the TV personality left because she failed to offer what she needed to produce. The Media group expected her to produce more than they expected considering her line of work and the experience she's gained. She was assigned to join Naa Ashorkor and Sammy Forson to help transform the flagship radio station of the group, Joy FM in March 2018. After seven months the actress has resigned from the Media Group for reasons known to herself and the group. ece-auto-gen READ MORE: Ghanaian comedian under fire over sexist tweet on Sarkodies daughterGhanaian comedian under fire over sexist tweet on Sarkodies daughter Her departure from the media house has been communicated to all staff of the company. It happens that some of the staff disagreed to her employment in the first place considering the fact that they had people available that could have done her job anyway. According to Joy FM media, Joselyn's departure was due to non-performance. The actress shared that she has always been okay with any role because all roles signify something. She said even roles about being an armed robber or rapist she wouldn't turn down because she feels every person who commits a crime has a reason for getting to that negative stage. Everyone has a story behind their actions she explained. ece-auto-gen READ MORE: Joselyn Dumas leaves Joy FM and here's whyJoselyn Dumas leaves Joy FM and here's why "I only turn down roles when I feel like if I am kissing or having sex in a scene and it leads nowhere. When there is no point." She said. Lydia told AJ in the interview that if there is no story where a director puts two people together for a particular sex scene she would not do it. 24-year-old Zizo Apleni disclosed her ordeal at the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in South Africa. She is known to have authored a book titled My Father Took My Innocence, following the incestuous sexual assault she suffered between 2001 and 2013, when she was only seven years old. She has been quoted as saying: As I was young, I didnt know what he was doing was wrong. I only found out what he was doing after our hostel manager taught us not to have sex with our boyfriends. When I got home, I told my father what our hostel manager told us. He started threatening me and said I should never report it, because no one would believe me. Interestingly, she said for the entire 12 years when her father had been abusing her, her mother was completely unaware. She only got to know about it in 2013 when she got pregnant for his father. ece-auto-gen I told her my father had been raping me for years. We reported it to the police and he was bust the same day. I was helped to abort the baby. In 2016, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. My mum was very supportive, Zizo said. She has chosen to create awareness and urge other young girls who might be going through similar situations to be bold and speak out for help. To emphasise Zizos call for sex offenders to be exposed and brought to book, Eluncedweni community-based support centre project manager Nombasa Matwele said: Rape cases must be reported. Our message is residents must guard each other. Addressing the media on Thursday, the Minister said government had allotted GHS120 million for all the 6 regions but was subject to if the referendum returns a YES vote in all the six (6) proposed regions. He, however, said these monies will be spent if the residents in the proposed areas vote yes in the referendum. Responding to the Supreme Court verdict, Dan Botwe said: Article 5(6) states that an issue referred for determination by referendum under clauses (4) and (5) shall not be taken to be determined by the referendum unless at least fifty percent of the persons entitled to vote cast their votes at the referendum, and of the votes cast at least eighty per cent were cast in favour of that issue. ece-auto-gen There exists significant evidence that the demands for the creation of new regions were not made to His Excellency, the President alone, but also to other political leaders such as His Excellencies Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama. It is obvious that all the past Governments had also been seized with the matter over the years." County board members should heed the calls for help. Reinbold and other south suburban leaders want commissioners to know theyll keep asking them to address the issue every chance they get. Theres too much at stake, and they have no other choice. He said J.B Danqauh, a member of the Big Six, influence and contributions in Ghana will never be forgotten. President Akufo-Addo made these remarks at the inauguration of newly-built J.B. Danquah Memorial Centre at Kyebi in the Eastern Region. Touching on some of the feats of Danquah, he said: "He gave our country its name Ghana after years of research into the history and tradition of the people of Gold Coast. He fought first for the union of the geographical entity we now call Ghana and then he fought for Ghana to be established as a free independent state. Finally, he fought to defend the liberties of the Ghanaian people by insisting on a democratic system of government under the rule of law as the best form of government for independent Ghana". ece-auto-gen "This centre which comprises a fully furnished ICT centre and a library, yet to be stocked with a wide array of books and scholarly articles written by and about him, will show that there is still a lot to learn about him," the President stressed. They were found tied to bamboo sticks separately, as they hanged loosely in the manhole full of water. READ ALSO: Suspected robbers ran over by car after snatching mans bagSuspected robbers ran over by car after snatching mans bag The two, identified as Kwaku Akorli (58) and Hope Hortor (28), have subsequently been hospitalised after going through the ordeal. Accra-based Citi FM reports that the gruesome act was masterminded by the owner of a building being constructed by the masons. ece-auto-gen Meanwhile, two persons, Manasseh Adzroku and Victor Harrison, have been named as the people who tied the masons in the manhole. The attention of the Police was drawn to the situation after they received a distress call from a concerned resident. A patrol team at Adoteiman in the Abokobi District was subsequently dispatched to the scene to rescue the two masons. READ ALSO: Supreme Court throws out suit against creation of Oti RegionSupreme Court throws out suit against creation of Oti Region The victims were very weak after the rescue and so were immediately sent to the Danfa Health Center for medical attention, an eyewitness said. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the perpetrators have been arrested and detained at the Ayi Mensa Police Station. He called on the supporters to turn the electoral fortunes of the NDC in the region. While addressing delegates at Bantama as part of his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Mahama chided the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the hardships they have brought on Ghanaians. He said the number of people who have been laid off as a result of the governments harsh economic policies, Mr. Mahama noted that it is unlikely that those who have lost their jobs will still rally behind the NPP after the government has facilitated the collapse of their businesses and employment. Mr. Mahama was on the second-leg of his campaign tour in the region in his bid to win the flagbearership race of the NDC and lead them into the 2020 general elections. READ ALSO: John Mahama turns 60 today So we should discard the notion that some places are strongholds of the NPP and therefore we cannot win those places. What the voter is looking for is the party that will govern the country properly and give them a good standard of living, as the previous NDC government was doing, he said. ece-auto-gen He has therefore charged members of the party, especially the constituency and branch executives, to help unite the party for victory in the 2020 elections. President Donald Trump mocked former President Barack Obama as being weak on Russia and standing by while Moscow illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. But Russia's navy recently locked Ukraine out of the Sea of Azov, which Kiev relies on to feed its valuable port cities in the country's east. Trump's response so far looks every bit as weak. Trump said in June that Russian President Vladimir Putin "didn't respect" Obama. "President Obama lost Crimea because President Putin didn't respect President Obama, didn't respect our country, and didn't respect Ukraine," he said. In 2014, Russian troops without official uniforms stormed into Crimea and eastern Ukraine, cut power, interfered with electronics and communications, spread fake news, and eventually established control of the strategic peninsula. The US under Obama responded with sanctions, condemnation, and attempts to usher in diplomacy. But none of that worked. Ukraine, which has dreamed of joining the West as a functioning democracy and even a prospective member of NATO, remains at war with Russian soldiers whose existence Putin still denies. Ukraine has now been at war for four years against the Russian separatist movement, which has cost it 10,000 lives and left 1.6 million people in the country displaced. Obama refused to provide lethal aid to Ukraine, a decision that Trump reversed and often touts as a demonstration of his harder line against Russia. But on Sunday, Russia escalated the war by using its own marked navy ships to fire on Ukraine's navy and shut down the entire Sea of Azov to any ship bound for or coming from Ukraine. In doing this, Russia disregarded a 2003 bilateral treaty giving Ukraine and Russia exclusive rights to sail their ships in and out at will. The fighting also saw six Ukrainian sailors wounded, and some were detained and made to give bizarre-looking confessions on Russian television. John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said on a call with reporters organized by the Atlantic Council that Russia sought to take control of the Sea of Azov to choke and destabilize Ukraine's east. Ukraine's president has since called for NATO warships to enter the Sea of Azov. He's said Putin intends to take over all of Ukraine as a colony. Now Ukraine fears a full-scale war and invasion from Russia. During his presidential campaign in July 2016, Trump said of Putin: "He's not going to go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down, and you can put it down. You can take it anywhere you want." How Trumps handling the Azov crisis Essentially, Moscow used a military escalation to steal another chunk of Ukraine's sovereignty, building on its past annexation of Crimea, as it now controls both sides of the pivotal Kerch Strait. In response, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, condemned the move and called for action. Trump on Thursday canceled a planned meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, saying he wouldn't meet Putin until the sailors were returned and the situation resolved. But no real action has come forth yet to stop Russia's destabilization of Ukraine. NATO hasn't responded to Ukraine's calls to send ships. Meanwhile, Russia has blocked Ukraine's two most important ports on the Azov. As the Azov is an inland sea, not international waters, and requires both Russian and Ukrainian approval for foreign vessels to legally enter, NATO doesn't have a straightforward case for entering the sea. A slew of treaties also keep the US from flooding Ukraine with weapons to fight back against Russia, but Russia has shown little regard for its own treaties in making the land and sea grabs. Indeed, the US and NATO would be in a better place to respond to the Sea of Azov crisis if they had met Russia's 2014 Crimea annexation with more resolve, but that still doesn't bode well for Trump's hypothesis that Putin respects him and not Obama. "Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?" Trump tweeted in February 2017. Three others being recognized this year include a Rockford resident whose litigation resulted in a ruling that student government meetings at public universities were subject to the Open Meetings Act; a group that forced a binding referendum on video gaming in Forest Park; and an Elmhurst-based foundation that advocated for a change in state law to allow police officers to administer epinephrine to people experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions. The union said the ongoing strike may not be called off anytime soon because no concrete resolution has been reached in the negotiation with the Federal Government. The union, therefore, called on parents and students to show understanding over the development to save Nigerias university system from collapse. Biodun Ogunyemi, the union's National President said this in Lagos on Thursday, November 29, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ece-auto-gen Ogunyemi said the strike is not to short-change the students, parents and other key stakeholders but to save the countrys university system from collapse, NAN reports. He said, ''the whole essence of this struggle is to ensure that our students get worthy and deserving certificates that they will be proud of anywhere they may find themselves in the world. The struggle is to ensure too that we save Nigerian universities from going the way our public primary and secondary schools have gone. Today, most parents are sending their children and wards to private primary and secondary schools around the country because of the perceived or alleged falling standards. We do not want our universities to go the same way because a lot of our parents may not be able to afford the private university fees. Recall that the university lecturers had on Monday, November 5, 2018, embarked on an indefinite strike, asking the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement it entered with them. The students' body on Thursday, November 29, 2018, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr Bestman Okereafor praised the government for reducing the fee. President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, approved a reduction in the cost of the Unified Tertiary Examination and Matriculation Examination (UTME) form to N3500. The students in the statement also reacted to the ongoing ASUU strike saying the lecturers' strike has prevented their colleagues from graduating in 2018. ALSO READ: 2019 UTME registration to begin in December ece-auto-gen The statement reads in part: NANS considers this decision as a good and progressive minded one, but strongly believes that resolving the ongoing ASUU/COEASU strikes would be better. We are of the opinion that schools must be made conducive for all students on campuses as it was in the days of old. The Presidency must consider making our campuses a conducive atmosphere for learning and research purposes. It is highly disheartening that we have lost quite a handful of young, hardworking and promising Nigerian students to the cold hands of death due to the ongoing strike. Even as some of our students are now been exposed to various crimes, and drugs. For an idle hand they say is the devils workshop. ASUU strike may be prolonged Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned undergraduates that the strike may be prolonged. The union said the ongoing strike may not be called off anytime soon because no concrete resolution has been reached in the negotiation with the Federal Government. A funeral service was held at Harvesters International Christian Center located in Lekki which was attended by friends and family members of the deceased. The service was kicked off by the choir of the church as they entertained the congregation with some melodious instrumentals. It was followed by the opening prayers by Pastor Taiwo Bolodeoku of JoshVille. A number of celebrities where present at the funeral service including, Ali Baba, Banky W, Ebuka, MI Abaga, Kemi Lala Akintoju, Toke Makinwa and a host of others. ece-auto-gen The first reading was taken by Tosyn Bucknor's husband, Aurelien Boyer who read from 1st Thessalonian 4:13-18 which was followed by a tribute by him. He went on to eulogise his late wife and spoke about her death has made him have a second thought about taking his religious life seriously. ece-auto-gen The second reading was taken by Funke Bucknor, sister of the deceased which was taken from 1st Corinthians 15:35-50. After the reading, Funke paid an emotional tribute to her late sister. ece-auto-gen The service was anchored by the Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center, Bolaji Idowu who went on to deliver a sermon where he said Tosyn Bucknor had moved on to eternity and is in a good place. ece-auto-gen After the sermon, the pastor brought other visiting pastors including Pastor Ituah Ighodaro of Trinity House, Pastor Godman Akinlabi of Elevation Church and a host of others to pray for the family of the late Tosyn Bucknor. Chief Magistrate, Mrs. O.O. Oshin had ordered the suspect be remanded in prison pending legal advice on November 12, 2018. However, today, news has broken that spokesperson for the Nigerian Prisons Service, Lagos Command, Rotimi Oladokun has confirmed that Anani was still alive, quashing all the reports. ALSO READ: Man shoots 15-feet long python that swallowed his dog During a telephone chat with Punch Metro, Oladokun confirms that I have confirmed that he is in the prison and he is doing fine. There is nothing wrong with him. Noteworthy though, there is still no solid proof of life. In those days, such families were considered outcasts or slaves, who were discriminated against and not accepted by the mainstream of society. They lived on the outskirts of town and were often linked to slave trade and telling features of dreadlocks, which signified what they were in society. These people were considered Osu. Prevalent in Anambra, Imo and some areas in Ebonyi states, the Osu caste system discriminates against these families and their many descendants. The Osu are considered as inferior, as opposed to others who are considered freeborn or Nwadiala. ece-auto-gen Though Christianity is the predominant religion for the Igbos, many still consider it a taboo in Igboland for a slave and descendant of slaves to be offered or taken for marriage by a free-born. Free-born men and women are expected to investigate the origins and social class of an individual to be certain he/she is not an Osu before contracting marriage. Marriage proceedings have been stopped only because investigations discovered either family was a descendant of an osu. Abolishing this caste system The Nigerian constitution declares every person free and equal before the law. Therefore, all Nigerians are constitutionally entitled to fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom from discrimination. The move to abolish the discriminatory Osu caste system is not new. In 1956, the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly passed a law abolishing it, but it was never implemented. Despite grand efforts such as this, it would take a more granular approach and intensified cultural reforms to actually bring the Osu caste system to a permanent halt. Which is what we have been seeing recently. According to the Vanguard, the caste system was abolished in Irete community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on July 14, 2018. ece-auto-gen During the 1019th celebration of the New Yam Festival of Nri Kingdom in September, the Eze Nri Enweleana II, Obidiegwu Onyesoh, also declared the caste system abolished in his community. He set December 28, 2018 as the date for the complete phasing out of the controversial tradition, and urged other major Igbo traditional rulers, to join to phase it out in their various communities. ALSO READ: See how all the 36 Nigerian states got their names Now, the Anambra state government has also adopted the date and backed the move to abolish the system completely. In a statement made by the President of Celibacy International Initiative, announcing that the abolition would take place at the Nri Palace in Anambra State on the set date, it was stated that there would be far-reaching consequences for those wishing to continue the obnoxious practise after the symbolic exercise. Terrorists belonging to Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), overran the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele village in Guzamala local government area of Bornoduring an attack on November 18. Even though many reports indicated that over 100 soldiers were killed in the attack with many others missing, the Army dismissed the casualty figures earlier this week without releasing the official figures. However, in a statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Usman on Wednesday, November 28, it was disclosed that 23 soldiers were killed while 31 were injured. "During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State," the statement read. The battalion was identified as one of the Nigerian troops under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a combined multinational formation from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria that is charged with bringing an end to Boko Haram's insurgency that started in 2009. While promising to provide all necessary support to the MNJTF to reverse Boko Haram's 'resurgence', the Nigerian Army also commiserated with the families of the deceased soldiers. "The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. "The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care," Usman said. Eliminate Boko Haram 'from face of the earth' ece-auto-gen President Muhammadu Buhari was in Maiduguri, Borno on Wednesday to declare open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference as the guest of honour. While delivering his speech, the president charged the military's leadership to ensure that their plans and programmes meet the nation's security challenges. He also urged the Army to remain committed to defeating Boko Haram. "I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by whatever speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the face of the earth," he said. He said security remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and promised that no effort will be spared to support troops, including reviewing their welfare package. "I want to assure you that, as your commander in chief, I will do everything within my powers to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment for you to prevail on the field. "I also want you to be aware that I'm currently looking into measures to improve your entitlements and welfare generally," he said. The Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said in a statement in Abuja that Buhari made the appeal at a one-day consultation with Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). Adesina said the meeting was called to address the recent upsurge in terrorist activities in the region, and the Nigerian leader rallied his colleagues from Chad, Niger Republic and Republic of Cameroon to a fresh onslaught against insurgents, particularly the Boko Haram group. Buhari said: As you are aware and have witnessed in recent times, there are new developments of security concern in our sub-region. The region in the recent past has witnessed increasing attacks, particularly on military formations by elements of the Boko Haram terrorists as well as the renewed kidnapping of people. These activities are aimed at weakening our collective resolve to eradicate them from the region. We must not cave in. The groups renewed strategy of increasingly mining the general area as well as its recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance activities have proved to be critical factors in the resurgence of attacks in the region. While commending what he called the untiring efforts of the leadership of the LCBC, and officers and men of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Buhari noted that the efforts of those who strive to bring peace and stability to the region would never be forgotten. We are committed to ensuring that the ideals of restoring peace, stability and viability of the Lake Chad Region to its glorious state, for which some of you have paid the ultimate price is attained, he vowed. He further maintained: We must not relent and allow the enemies of the region to succeed in their quest to destabilise the area. We must reinvigorate our collective will and commitment towards eradicating terrorism from our region. We must remain focused and true to ensuring sustainable development. To this end, I have requested that bilateral and multilateral platforms of engagements by member countries affected by the conflict be revamped to ensure collective actions towards stamping out the remnants of the terrorists from the region. There is no gainsaying that also fueling the crisis are the twin menaces of poverty and the continued shrinkage of the Lake Chad, which have rendered the people of the region vulnerable to terrorist activities. Attention is drawn to the Lake and its resources, which have always been the source of livelihood for the millions of people that live within and around the basin. The Nigerian leader charged the Presidents and Heads of Governments in attendance to make concerted efforts to ensure the actualisation of efforts to recharge the Lake through Inter-Basin Water Transfer from the Congo Basin. He also stressed that if meticulously pursued, the project has the capacity to unlock the economic potentials and provide solutions to the myriad of interrelated challenges confronting the region. As Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Buhari assured of his commitment to providing the required leadership and direction for the actualisation of peace and security in the area. He reiterated an earlier promise he had made to troops fighting terrorism, saying: We are committed to ensuring you have the requisite and enabling equipment to optimally function. Your welfare is and would continue to remain our priority. Together, we shall restore the Lake Chad Region to its glorious days. In attendance at the consultation, apart from the Nigerian President, were President Idris Deby Itno of Chad, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, and Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, who represented President Paul Biya. In a joint communique, the Heads of State and Governments, resolved to change modus operandi, collaborate more, and renew assault on all forms of terrorism and criminal acts, till wholesome peace was restored to the region. At the discussion held today in N'djamena, Chad, the Nigerian president who headed the talks restates that he is committed to ensuring that there is peace and security in the region. Buhari recognizes Boko Haram as a serious threat and points out the capabilities of the terrorist group who have advanced to using drones for surveillance. "Boko Harams increasing use of mines as well as its recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for surveillance activities have proved to be critical factors in the resurgence of attacks in the region. "Times as these call for quick interventions & measures. We must not relent!," Buhari comments via Twitter. ece-auto-gen The Nigerian Army confirmed on Thursday, November 29, 2018, the sighting of an illegal militia training camp in Rivers State. According to a statement, the discovery was made during a surveillance mission in the Tai Local Government Area. Fashola also narrated how his then Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adesina, refused to shake hands with him as the Ebola panic gripped all of Lagos. A Liberian arrives Lagos with Ebola On July 20, 2014, Liberian Patrick Sawyer flew into Nigeria acutely ill. Sawyer was wheeled into the emergency unit of the First Consultant Clinica family health facility in Lagos--on the night he arrived. As it turned out, he was carrying the deadly Ebola virus in his blood stream. He should never have been allowed on a plane, but here he was in Nigeria, Africas most populous country. Here he was in Lagos, Nigerias most populous city. ece-auto-gen The next couple of days would leave all of Lagos in panic mode. It was at a time when Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone had been declared Ebola epicenters. It was at a time when all of West Africa was in panic from having Ebola creeping through their borders. The rest of the world was praying that Ebola never found its way into Nigeria, a country of over 180 million people. The consequences for the rest of humanity if it did, were better imagined. Fashola avoids Uganda but couldn't avoid Lagos During an interactive session with TheSheetTV, Fashola said he had declined a speaking invitation to Uganda shortly before Ebola arrived his doorstep of Lagos, Nigeria. I was supposed to speak at a Ugandan bar association forum a year or two before and Ebola broke out in Uganda, so I avoided it. And a year after, Ebola came here. I remember that I was returning from lesser hajj when they told me. When we knew what had happened and all of that, we had help from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the United States, and we also had help from Doctors without Borderswe started writing letters and we started reading up and we found out that this was the first time Ebola had really manifested in an urban center. All of the other known cases occurred in rural areas. And so it was easy to contain those villages, burn off the huts and so on. The one we had to deal with here was bumper to bumper, handshake to handshake and all of that. I decided to visit the place where we were now preparing for containment and we had the Sawyer man in there. I just sat down at home and I couldnt sleep. And my friends were saying they were leaving Nigeria. That they were leaving Lagos because of Ebola. But I couldnt leave because I was the man in charge. So, if I ran, where was the hope? At about 1am, I called ( then Fasholas Commissioner for Health) and I said where is that Sawyer man and he said he is at Yaba. So I called the ADC and I said look, we are going out at 6am. Get your men ready. But I didnt tell him where we were going. So, we entered the vehicle and I said just drive through 3rd mainland bridge and I directed them until we got to the gate. When we got to the gate, I said look, this is where the Ebola man is. You now have a choice. I have to go in. those of you who dont want to go, can stay here. Of course I told my wife I was going there and she went, dont come back here! When your Commissioner rejects your handshake Fashola said he was initially taken aback when one of his aides rejected his outstretched arm. In the event, when we got in, there is a photograph of me with my hands in my pockets. And this is where I begin to talk about luck and about near misses. I was trying to shake Dr. Adesina who had gone ahead of us. But at that time, she refused to shake me. My response was, if my commissioner refused to shake my hands, it then meant that everybody should keep his hand in his pocket! And then when Dr. Adesina returned to the office, she said Im sorry Oga, but I suspected that I might have made contact with Sawyer, thats why I didnt touch you. Im monitoring my own temperature for the next few days. Dr. Adesina as it turned out, didnt contract the Ebola virus and Fashola counts that as one of the good slices of fortune as his state battled to keep the disease from spreading across Lagos. Lagos dodges bullet The minister also told of how the Lagos state government deployed contact tracing and isolation techniques to stop Ebola from spreading into the city from a bank and hotel. The index Ebola patient in Nigeria, Sawyer, died on July 25, 2014. On October 20, 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Nigeria Ebola free. The disease had infected 19 people and claimed 7 lives in Africas most populous nation. The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently battling its 10th Ebola outbreak since the disease was first detected there in 1976. Accountant general of the federation, Ahmed Idris, disclosed that statutory earnings rose from N569.281 billion to N788.139 billion. Speaking to Journalist in Kaduna at the end of FAAC meeting, Idris said they was rise in gross statutory revenue for the month of October by N112.880 compared to the previous month. He said, However, the average unit price dropped further from $75.69 to $73.92. The shut-in and shut down of pipelines at various terminals persisted due to leaks and maintenance. Revenues from oil and gas royalties, petroleum profit tax and value added tax increased significantly while companies Income Tax, Import and Excise duties increased only marginally. There will also be lots of childrens activities at local businesses, she said. An additional 15 businesses are participating in Winter Wonderland this year compared to last, she said. Among the options: Delish Cakes, 213 E. Chicago St., is hosting holiday cookie decorating; holiday arts and crafts will be offered at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court; and Vida Yoga, 50 S. Grove St., is holding yoga sessions for kids. It made the discovery on Thursday, November 29, 2018. At the site, 100 recruits were confirmed to be undergoing military training. This is confirmed in a statement released today by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu. "Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) today the 29th November 2018 while on a routine surveillance at Nonwa Gbam, (NYSC Orientation Camp) in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, discovered an illegal militia training camp. "The troops met over 100 recruits undergoing military type of training. "Preliminary investigations into the discovery has commenced in conjunction with sister security agencies in the state to fish out the sponsors of the militia and the training camp." In Borno State, army troops of the the 118th Battalion repelled an attack by Boko Haram, when it tried to infiltrate its position at Arege located in the Mobbar local government area. Even though President Muhammadu Buhari declared in 2015 that Boko Haram had been technically defeated, the group has carried out several deadly attacks since then, with an increase in the number of attacks on troops happening in 2018. While speaking about the recent attacks during an interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Thursday, November 29, 2018, President Buhari's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the group is beyond technically defeated. He said the operational pattern of the group's recent raids which involves stealing foodstuffs and livestock from civilian communities suggests that it's now an economic war being perpetrated by criminals who are not necessarily subscribed to Islamic militancy like Boko Haram. He said, "The government is absolutely right in determining that Boko Haram has technically, in fact, beyond technicality, been degraded. "I think that what we're dealing with from all of the things that are imagined lately is that Boko Haram has just become a generic term to describe the kind of criminal activity and terrorism that is cross border happening in the Lake Chad area. "You can see from operations that are carried out by the terrorists themselves. They mostly target foodstuff and livestock, so it's economic motive there. "When they raid, they don't seek the conversion of people to their own creed or their sense of their own religion. That's an important point to make." Shehu's comment comes 11 days after terrorists belonging to Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), overran the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele village in Guzamala local government area of Borno Stateduring an attack on November 18. Even though many reports indicated that over 100 soldiers were killed in the attack with many others missing, the Army disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, November 28, that 23 soldiers were killed with 31 others injured. The statement also revealed that terrorists staged a series of attacks on Nigerian troops between November 2 and November 17. The attacks took place in Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram, all in Borno, but were 'successfully repelled' by troops who killed 'several members' of the terrorist group. However, 16 soldiers were killed in the attacks while 12 were injured. The Army also noted that despite systematically degrading Boko Haram in the past three years, the terrorists are staging a resurgence with daring moves that include the increased use of drones against troops' defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. While speaking on Thursday morning, Shehu said the group's resurgence is a worrying development and demands a new strategy. He also called on Nigerians to be patient with the government while it eliminates the group's threat to the Nigerian state. "The entire thing calls for a new strategy and a better understanding and patience by Nigerians," the presidential spokesman said. Eliminate Boko Haram 'from face of the earth' ece-auto-gen President Muhammadu Buhari was in Maiduguri, Borno on Wednesday to declare open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference as the guest of honour. While delivering his speech, the president charged the military's leadership to ensure that their plans and programmes meet the nation's security challenges. He also urged the Army to remain committed to defeating Boko Haram. "I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by whatever speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the face of the earth," he said. He said security remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and promised that no effort will be spared to support troops, including reviewing their welfare package. "I want to assure you that, as your commander in chief, I will do everything within my powers to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment for you to prevail on the field. The bill was tagged A Bill for a law to Repeal the Retirement Age of Academic Staff of Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic and Shehu Shagari College of Education law 2014 and Re-enact Retirement Age of Academic Staff of Tertiary Institutions law 2017. Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Bala (PDP- Bodinga South), said members should recall that on Oct. 23, 2017 Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had submitted a letter to that effect. The Bill seeks to repeal the Harmonization law 2014 and Re-enact the Retirement Age of Academic Staff of Tertiary Institutions law 2017. Bala said that the Committee after due analysis recommends that the Harmonization law, 2014 should be repealed and the Retirement Age for Academic Staff of Tertiary Institutions law 2017 be Re-enacted. The retirement age for Academic Staff of the Sokoto state University should be 70 years to be equal with their counterparts at the Federal Universities. This as the Bill seeks to make provisions for the retirement Age of Academic Staff of Tertiary Institutions in the state to be 65 years irrespective of years of service. So, by extending the years of service of Academic Staff, the state stand to gain more from their vast experiences and also more value for monies spend on their training and retraining. Another important benefit is to avoid brain drain. A situation where many intellectuals leave the state Institution in search of better condition of service among which is the longer service years, he said. In another development, a bill for a law to amend the Sokoto state University law 2009 to provide for the composition and tenure of members of the governing Council passed third reading at the Assembly. This followed a motion moved by the Assembly Majority Leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (PDP- Yabo). According to an official Army statement released on Thursday, November 29, 2018, the attack happened late on Wednesday, November 28, when the terrorists tried to infiltrate the battalion's location. While the Army reported no casualty on its side, the statement noted that the terrorists 'suffered heavy casualties' as they were 'completely routed by the troops'. The statement read, "The Boko Haram terrorists were completely routed by the troops, neutralizing many of them while others fled in disarray due to superior firepower. As a result, they hastily evacuated most of their corpses under the cover of darkness." Early on Thursday, troops discovered four corpses of Boko Haram members and recovered one anti-aircraft gun, four AK-47 rifles, one light machine gun, 100 anti-aircraft rounds, 185 light machine gun rounds, four AK-47 magazines, 54 AK-47 rounds and one MOWAG propeller. Similar terrorist attacks carried out in Borno The unsuccessful attack comes 11 days after terrorists belonging to Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), overran the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele village in Guzamala local government area of Borno Stateduring an attack on November 18. Even though many reports indicated that over 100 soldiers were killed in the attack with many others missing, the Army disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that 23 soldiers were killed with 31 others injured. The statement also revealed that terrorists staged a series of attacks on Nigerian troops between November 2 and November 17. The attacks took place in Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram, all in Borno, but were 'successfully repelled' by troops who killed 'several members' of the terrorist group. However, 16 soldiers were killed in the attacks while 12 were injured. The Army also noted that despite systematically degrading Boko Haram in the past three years, the terrorists are staging a resurgence with daring moves that include the increased use of drones against troops' defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. Eliminate Boko Haram 'from face of the earth' ece-auto-gen President Muhammadu Buhari was in Maiduguri, Borno on Wednesday to declare open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference as the guest of honour. While delivering his speech, the president charged the military's leadership to ensure that their plans and programmes meet the nation's security challenges. He also urged the Army to remain committed to defeating Boko Haram. "I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by whatever speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the face of the earth," he said. He said security remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and promised that no effort will be spared to support troops, including reviewing their welfare package. "I want to assure you that, as your commander in chief, I will do everything within my powers to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment for you to prevail on the field. A statement by Olufunke Olufon, the World Bank Senior Communications Officer for Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted Benmessaoud as saying this while commenting on Nigerias bi-annual economic update released by the Bank on Wednesday in Abuja. The report is titled: The report said that Nigeria, like many other countries, had underinvested in human capital and remained very low compared to other countries. It also said that the Federal Government, in recognition that bold actions were required to address years of underinvestment in human capital, had established a Human Capital Working Group. This, it said, was to develop a unified vision for human capital development and drive implementation of interventions within the Investing in our People pillar of the governments Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). According to the statement, Nigerias emergence from recession remains sluggish and sectoral growth patterns are unstable. It also said that Nigerias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was expected to hover slightly below two per cent in 2018, largely driven by non-oil industry and services. In the second quarter of 2018, the oil sector contracted by 4.0 per cent, the usually-resilient agricultural growth slowed significantly to 1.2 per cent, impacted by the security challenges in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions. The non-oil industry and services, which constitute over half of Nigerias economy, picked-up to 3.1 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively, driven by growth in construction, transport, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The update also reports that the Nigerian economy remained dependent on the small oil sector (under 10 per cent of GDP) for the bulk of its fiscal revenues and foreign exchange earnings. It said that although oil revenues were increasing with recovering oil prices in 2018, distributions from oil revenues to the three tiers of government were constrained by the petrol subsidy and other prior deductions. In the first half of 2018, the current account surplus surpassed four per cent of GDP, driven largely by higher oil exports, while non-oil revenue collections have come in lower than envisaged. In spite of sustained efforts to improve the business environment, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows remain stagnated. It also said that the fiscal deficit would likely widen in 2018 due to increased spending and sustained revenue shortfalls. The update said the current account balance was expected to remain positive, benefitting from the rising value of oil exports and limited growth of non-oil imports. The capital account faces significant uncertainty as external portfolio investors may exercise further caution, especially during the pre-election period in spite of rising domestic yields. Given the clearly challenging economic backdrop, the update suggests certain key policy reforms will be important to support macroeconomic resilience for Nigeria. These include, among others, the acceleration of the economic diversification agenda and the reform of petrol subsidy regime to improve the fiscal space. Abubakar said this during the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja. He said that going by the momentum the party had gathered through its transparent primaries and the people working together, victory was awaiting the party. He urged the leadership of the party to build on the momentum from its National Convention and the just concluded primaries. Abubakar said he was surprised when the party leadership invited him and informed him of the details of the money realised from the primaries, saying that had never happened before and had posed a very big challenge to him. I said that should we win and we must win the Presidential Election, we will have to enthrone the best fiscal responsibility this country has ever known or ever seen. This is simply because our party has given us that leadership, chairman I commend you. I believe with the genuine support of all of you, particularly of governors and members of the National Assembly, of party leaders, of local levels, and of course, party supporters, if we work together, I am convinced without any doubts that this election is for us to win. We have built up so much momentum after the Port Harcourt convention, it is now time for us to pick up the momentum again until we land in Aso Villa. Abubakar also said that he was ready to face Muhammadu Bubari, the incumbent president and Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in an election debate. The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said that through the partys National Convention in Port Harcourt, it had demonstrated to the world that it was ready to regain power and it was time to work together to achieve that. We must stay strong. It is not easy in a third world country to defeat an incumbent government, but it has been done before by everybody and we will do it again. I say so because the people are with us, and when the people are with you, God is with you, PDP by Gods grace will succeed. Saraki stressed the need to make 2019 General Elections credible, saying if elections were not free and credible, the country would be a fertile ground for crisis. Agboke made this known on Thursday in Ibadan when the House of Representatives Committee on INEC visited him as part of the committees oversight functions. He said that in spite of the fact that the commission adopted series of strategies, the number of uncollected PVCs had remained high. The commissioner gave assurance that the commission would continue to reach out to owners of the unclaimed PVCs so that the eligible voters would participate in the forthcoming general elections. He told the committee that only 47 registered political parties would participate in the 2019 elections in the state. According to him, 351 registration areas/wards; 4,783 polling units; and 5,620 voting points are in 33 local government areas of the state. The commission was advised to conduct transparent, free and credible elections in 2019. Mr Victor Akinjo, a member of the committee, who is representing Ilaje/Eseodo Federal Constituency, said INEC should do all within its powers to stick to its constitutional responsibilities of an unbiased umpire. INECs constitutional responsibilities have nothing to do with political parties but Nigeria as a nation, Akinjo said. Her family kept up strong ties with Georgian life and culture. Her great-great-grandfather on her mother's side, Niko Nikoladze, was a prominent liberal writer and member of a liberation movement calling for Georgia's independence from the Russian Empire. She studied international relations at the prestigious Paris Institute of Political Sciences before launching a 30-year career as a diplomat, with postings to the United Nations and Washington as well as Chad. "Decades ago, as a young French diplomat, I couldn't have imagined I would be running for the presidency of my ancestral homeland," she told AFP in an interview last month. AFP Her diplomatic career came to an end after her posting as France's ambassador to Tbilisi in 2003, then led by President Eduard Shevardnadze. Following the bloodless Rose Revolution, the new president Mikheil Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister -- after approving the move with then French leader Jacques Chirac. "She made a brilliant career in France but she stayed a Georgian at heart and a true patriot," Saakashvili said at the time. Making enemies But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies in the ranks of the parliamentary majority, with MPs and a number of senior diplomats publicly accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. She was sacked in 2005 after a year on the job, though thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. AFP She then joined the opposition as a member of parliament and became one of Saakashvili's fiercest critics. In her book "A Woman for Two Countries", published in France after her firing, she wrote: "Now, I have to engage in a political battle, which has never attracted me, which I never practised, which is being imposed on me." She quit Georgian politics in 2010 to work for the United Nations' Iran Monitoring Expert Group for five years, saying that there "is not the minimum of democracy in Georgia required for the opposition to exist." She won the election with the backing of billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili's ruling Georgian Dream party. Georgian voters backed her despite her outsider status and gaffes during her election campaign such as garbling Georgian words. "It is now important to show that this country has chosen Europe," she said after being elected. "For that purpose, Georgians have elected a European woman president." She speaks Georgian with a strong French accent and frequent grammatical mistakes. It is just one of her many languages: she also speaks French, English, Italian, German and Russian. She writes infrequently on Twitter, where she has expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron. Her late husband Janri Kashia, was a Georgian-born writer and journalist who died in 2012. During the Soviet era he was forced to leave Georgia as a dissident. He later hosted a popular talk show on Georgian television. AFP Their daughter is a Paris-based sports journalist at France-24 television and their son is a diplomat now working at the French embassy in London. Both were in Tbilisi during her campaign. Her rival Grigol Vashadze, from an alliance of 11 opposition parties led by exiled ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), took 40.48 percent. Zurabishvili said her election was a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe for the ex-Soviet republic. "It is now important to show that this country has chosen Europe," she told journalists after her win. "For that purpose, Georgians have elected a European woman president." "It feels great," she said, pointing out that she was one of a small number of women presidents in the world. But opposition leaders -- who have accused authorities of vote-buying and ballot stuffing -- refused to accept the result. "We do not recognise the election results, we demand the holding of snap parliamentary polls," Vashadze said in televised remarks, calling for "a mass peaceful demonstration" in the capital Tbilisi on Sunday. The election was seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks European Union and NATO membership. It was also a trial run for more important parliamentary elections in 2020, when Georgian Dream is set to face off against a range of opposition parties. The party is the creation of billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, who many see as the small country's de facto ruler. Flamboyant ex-president Saakashvili, who lives in exile in the Netherlands, claimed "mass electoral fraud" even before official results were released. "The oligarch has stamped out Georgian democracy and the institutions of elections," he said on the pro-opposition Rustavi-2 television channel, referring to Ivanishvili. "I urge Georgians to defend our freedom, democracy and the law. I call on you to start mass peaceful rallies and demand snap parliamentary polls." International observers said there were problems with the election but that overall it had been "competitive". Increasing tensions AFP "(The) election was competitive and candidates were able to campaign freely, however one side enjoyed an undue advantage," monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a report after the vote. The elections were "well administered", they said, but raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state". Tensions increased ahead of the second round, as the opposition accused the government of voter intimidation and claimed that ruling party activists had attacked Vashadze campaign staff. Zurabishvili in turn said she and her children had received death threats through text and voice messages from people affiliated with the UNM. Vashadze, a 60-year-old career diplomat, had criticised Ivanishvili's "informal oligarch rule" amid growing discontent over the government's failure to tackle poverty. The vote was Georgia's last direct leadership poll as it transitions to a parliamentary form of governance. The first round of the presidential election on October 28 saw Zurabishvili take 39 percent of the vote, against 38 percent for Vashadze. Street protests against the results could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. A smooth presidential transition, however, would be welcomed by many as a sign of stability in Georgia, which is emerging as a tourism hotspot and hopes for more foreign investment. Daughter of refugees Zurabishvili, a 66-year-old independent lawmaker, is the daughter of refugees who fled Georgia in 1921 for Paris after the country's annexation by the Red Army. Her career in France's foreign service culminated in a posting to Tbilisi, where then-president Saakashvili appointed her foreign minister. But Zurabishvili quickly made enemies among the parliamentary majority, with MPs and some senior diplomats accusing her of arrogance and impulsiveness. When she was sacked after a year in the job, thousands took to the streets of the capital to protest her dismissal. AFP On Thursday morning she received blessings from the influential head of Georgia's Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and was later seen by passersby sipping coffee with her children on a sunny terrace in central Tbilisi. This team will be a starting point to help get people what they need. Issues that people most often face are homelessness and substance abuse problems, Lalley said, adding that those asking for help will be connected with local service providers. "The suffering in Yemen grieves me, but if the United States of America was not involved in Yemen, it would be a hell of a lot worse," Pompeo told lawmakers in the closed-door hearing. "What would happen if the US withdrew from the Yemen effort? The war wouldn't end." The Yemen conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the country now on the brink of famine. The UN estimates as many as 10,000 people have died, most of them civilians, since the Saudi-led coalition launched military operations in 2015 in support of embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government. US military support for the coalition includes intelligence sharing and training pilots to avoid strikes that risk civilian casualties. The Pentagon had also been conducting air-to-air refueling for coalition aircraft, but this month said it was stopping doing so. Still, a series of high-profile coalition strikes has killed scores of civilians, many of them children, and now some US politicians are balking at America's role in the war. "The Senate has a choice: end U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen or remain complicit in the largest humanitarian crisis in the world," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said on Twitter. Peace talks Trump's emphatic support of Riyadh has rankled lawmakers including from his own Republican partly, particularly following Khashoggi's murder. Saudi Arabia has acknowledged that the Washington Post columnist, a US resident, was killed inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate in October but has blamed his death on a "rogue" operation. Trump last week called Saudi Arabia a "steadfast partner" and said it was unclear whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was aware of the plan to kill Khashoggi. Trump has also cast doubt on the CIA's reported conclusion that Prince Mohammed was behind the killing. AFP After Wednesday's hearing, Mattis told Pentagon reporters he had reviewed all the intelligence in the case but had seen nothing directly tying MBS to the killing. "There is no smoking gun," Mattis said, adding he still believes those responsible should be punished. "We have not changed that accountability for the murder is our expectation of everyone involved in the murder." Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen have been set for early December in Sweden, between Huthi rebels and the UN-recognized government, Mattis said last week, and officials are worried a move to cut support ahead of the summit is poorly timed. Senators were set to vote later Wednesday on a bipartisan proposal to force the US to end its backing of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. Other lawmakers want to impose sanctions beyond those that Washington enacted on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing. Recent events have left administration officials publicly grappling with global realpolitik, saying Saudi Arabia's role in countering Iran is too important for the US to turn its back. "We are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis said in prepared remarks. "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability." 'Necessary strategic partner' The Pentagon chief added the US must try to hold those responsible for Khashoggi's murder to account while also recognizing Saudi Arabia as a "necessary strategic partner." He pointed to the US military's training of partner pilots as key in reducing deaths. "While tragedies occur in war, we assess restraint and improved tactical judgment by Arab coalition pilots has reduced the risk of civilian casualties," he said. Pompeo meanwhile warned lawmakers that a US drawdown would lead to a stronger Iran, while reinvigorating both the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. "Try defending that outcome back home," he said. On Twitter, Pompeo announced the US would be spending an additional $131 million in food assistance and again took a swipe at Iran. "Iran's regime has no interest in easing Yemeni suffering; the mullahs don't even care for ordinary Iranians. Saudi Arabia has invested billions to relieve suffering in #Yemen. Iran has invested zero," he tweeted. Also on Twitter, Democratic Senator Ed Markey said Pompeo is wrong to say Saudi Arabia is worth keeping as a partner, given its human rights record. World leaders have been trying to breathe new life into the Paris Agreement following the US decision to pull out of the deal and backsliding from several nations over commitments made. "At the moment, we are headed for a world of cataclysm and uncertainty due to climate disruption," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters. He called on governments to show ambition and leadership to meet the climate challenges, adding that "leadership is also the capacity to compromise." "Leadership is to understand that the agreement is the most important objective. That, more than to be very stubborn in staying in each one's position." "It is very important to fill the need to compromise and to find something that can be acceptable for everybody in order for Katowice to be a success." The Paris climate deal is to take effect in 2020 and calls for limiting global warming to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts warn that global warming is on track to surpass three degrees by 2100 and urge governments to do more than first planned to rein it in. More disasters The United Nations has been haunted by the dismal failure of the 2009 Copenhagen summit, when a key opportunity to turn the corner on global warming was missed when no deal was struck. "Failure to act means more disasters and emergencies and air pollution that could cost the global economy as much as 21 trillion dollars by 2050," warned Guterres. The UN chief will raise climate in his talks at the G20 summit in Argentina, where he will be traveling later Wednesday. G20 countries are responsible for more than three-quarters of greenhouse emissions, he said, and they "have the power to bend the emissions curve." In its latest report released Tuesday, the United Nations warned that several countries were not on track to meet their commitments. The United States, the world's second biggest carbon emitter, will miss its targets, as will Australia, Canada and South Korea, the UN report said. The European Union and South Africa will also fall short. In a statement released on their social media platforms, EACC said they had arrested two detectives attached to the DCI for soliciting Sh1 million bribe from a foreigner. However, after handcuffing them, the two DCI officers were rescued by their colleagues who shot in the air forcing the unarmed EACC detectives to scamper to safety. ece-auto-gen Kabete DCIO The Anti-corruption body says it is being assisted by Kabete DCIO in hunting down the suspects. "The two suspects are officers were arrested by officers & handcuffed but were rescued by their colleagues from Kabete Police Station who fired several rounds of ammunition as warning shots to facilitate the escape of their colleagues. Officers escaped with Kshs. 100,000 trap money while handcuffed. Kabate DCIO is facilitating officers to find the suspects, EACC said a press statement. ece-auto-gen Unarmed Detectives EACC detectives have in the previous past faced numerous incidents of being attacked by corrupt officers who are protected by their colleagues. A similar incident took place in Thika's Witeithie area after six traffic police officers were arrested while soliciting bribes from motorists. Unknown to the EACC detectives, the six police officers had notified their colleagues who arrived with a police patrol - armed to the teeth for the sole purpose of rescuing their colleagues. The former Prime Minister was seen following the parliamentary proceedings of the day and was duly recognised by Speaker Justin Muturi. The two Opposition leaders were accompanied by Senators James Orengo (Siaya) and Cleopas Malala (Kakamega), Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and other prominent persons. Mr Odinga and his convoy had earlier had a private meeting with the National Assembly Speaker at his chambers ahead of a vote on the two-thirds Gender rule. ece-auto-gen Private meeting with Speaker Muturi Speaker Muturi shared photos with the former PM with the caption: "Delighted to host the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga who called on me this afternoon ahead of the consideration of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2018, on gender representation in Parliament as envisaged by the constitution." The controversial Gender Bill had just moments earlier received an endorsement from Mr Odinga's wife, Ida, who has been absent from the public eye for some time. If things were right, women would have more say than men, but thats not the case. It is because women have been socialized in a manner that they take a second ladder. A farmer harvesting sugar cane touches an on-board computer screen created by Solinftec, a leading digital ag company based in Brazil. Solinftec connects machines and sensors to give farmers access to real-time information to help improve growing efficiency. (Image provided) Solinftec, a leading digital ag company based in Brazil, to expand its innovative technology by providing American farmers with actionable insights, plans to establish office at Purdue Research Park, create 90 jobs in 2019 and more than 300 by 2022. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Solinftec, a digital agriculture company that grew quickly in Latin America by making sugar cane and row crop operations more efficient, announced Thursday (Nov. 29) that it plans to establish operations at its U.S. headquarters near Purdue University to bring high-tech solutions to American farmers, creating 90 jobs in 2019 and up to 334 high-wage jobs by 2022. Solinftec has shown a passion for discovering innovative solutions to improve agriculture operations through science, engineering and more recently AI, said Daniel Padrao, Solinftecs chief operating officer. That is why we are excited about the opportunity to work with a renowned research university such as Purdue and its College of Agriculture as we continue to expand our platforms into new geographies. Solinftec (SOL-inf-tek) plans to expand its innovations to the U.S. and increase its tech-based offerings for U.S. customers in the agriculture industry. Solinftec built its reputation by creating Internet of Things platforms to integrate and digitize all aspects of farming operations. The company has the technology to monitor farming processes and provides real-time actionable insights that increase crop returns by acre. Solinftecs first virtual assistance technology, called Alice, involves installing a smart black box in agricultural equipment and sensors in the field under a user-friendly platform. Following on the heels of Inaris decision to locate its Seed Foundry at Purdue, this shows that the Wabash Heartland area, with Purdue as an economic magnet, has a very real chance of becoming a world center of precision agriculture, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels said. Indiana is a leading center for the agbiosciences, with the sector contributing roughly $16 billion to the states gross domestic product a year. Approximately 65,000 jobs in Indiana are supported by agbioscience companies. Indiana is also a leading producer of corn, soybeans and processing tomatoes, which are areas in which Solinftec is looking to expand. Indiana is at the center of innovation in agtech, and todays news is yet another example of the collaborative ecosystem weve created here, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. Solinftec choosing to locate its first U.S. operation and its U.S. headquarters in Tippecanoe County will not only create hundreds of high-skilled, high-wage jobs, but it will bolster an industry that is developing new solutions, improving agricultural products consumed around the world, and enabling farmers in Indiana and beyond to grow their operations. Padrao said a factor in moving to Indiana was to be close to Purdue and its College of Agriculture, which is ranked as ninth best in the world according to QS World Rankings, and its Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, which is ranked as the best in the United States by US News and World Report. Solinftec also used Tom Farms in Huntington County as a trial farm to move into row crops. "The U.S. Midwest is core to our strategy; we recognize its importance in the global food and its ag ecosystem. We are humbled and thrilled to launch our U.S. headquarters out of the state of Indiana. We thank the state government, AgriNovus Indiana, Purdue University and Tom Farms for their vision on supporting this initiative and for everyones Hoosier hospitality, said Renato Hersz, Solinftec's strategy and corporate development director. Another factor in Solinftecs decision was the opportunity to work with the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), a consortium of 10 counties in north-central Indiana working to harness the power of internet-enabled sensors to develop the region into a global epicenter of digital agricultural and next-generation manufacturing. A recent $40 million grant from Lilly Endowment established the network. Just within the WHIN region in north-central Indiana, there are over 5,000 farms that could benefit from the insights generated by Solinftecs ability to capture data from various sources and use that data to create predictive analyses, said Johnny Park, CEO of WHIN. They are an example of what is possible here and having them as a local leader will help us show others what is possible too. Together we can help our farmers be the best they can be. Solinftecs solution is present in more than 16 million acres, and its equipment is monitored in real time by more than 100,000 daily users, according to Hersz. The company serves large international growers such as Raizen, which reports more than 3,000 monitored equipment, the largest telemetry system in the world. Other international companies served by Solinftec include Tereos, Cofco and British Petroleum, all in the field of sugar cane crops, and Amaggi, Bom Futuro e Terra Santa, a grower in row crops. Among the 10 largest companies in the sugar and ethanol sector, eight are customers of the company, and among the five largest producers of grains and fibers three are in its portfolio. Solinftec is working in relevant commercial and technological partnerships with original equipment manufacturers and cooperatives that will be announced in due time to serve the American farmer. Solinftec has also received Series B funding from AgFunder and TPG in their first round of 2018 AgTech investments, where they look to invest in bold and exceptional founders who are committed to building the next generation of agrifood tech companies. As Indianas land-grant university, Purdue has Extension offices in all of Indianas 92 counties to assist farmers and growers across the state and conducts world-renowned agriculture research that serves the U.S. and the global society. The College of Agriculture also has been home to three World Food Prize laureates, two faculty and one distinguished alumnus. Solinftecs expansion into the Purdue Research Park was announced Thursday (Nov. 29) during the Agbioscience Innovation Summit put on by AgriNovus Indiana in Indianapolis. AgriNovus and Solinftec first crossed paths earlier this year at an Ag Tech conference in San Francisco, said Beth Bechdol, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana. Their commitment to bringing their technology to row crops and to the Midwest was clear, and Im thrilled that they recognized the depth and diversity of Indianas agbioscience assets. It is exciting to see several companies in just a few short months move or expand in Indiana, and we welcome Solinftec to our agbioscience community. The collaboration aligns with Purdue's "Giant Leaps" celebrating the universitys global advancements made in health, space, artificial intelligence and sustainability highlights as part of Purdues 150th anniversary. Those are the four themes of the yearlong celebrations Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues. Solinftec is the second agriculture-related business this month to announce plans to move into the Purdue Research Park. Inari, a Flagship Pioneering company, announced on Nov. 8 that it was expanding from Cambridge, Massachusetts, as it seeks to reintroduce genetic diversity into the seed industry. We are so happy to hear of Solinftecs decision to locate here in West Lafayette. Indiana. Purdue, the Purdue Research Foundation, Tippecanoe County and Greater Lafayette Commerce have been leading the way in making our community one of the best places in the world to focus on technology, agriculture and their convergence. As a person who happily calls West Lafayette home, I know Solinftec will enjoy its new American hometown, West Lafayette Mayor John R. Dennis said. Solinftec officials will be available for live interviews and a photo opportunity at 5 p.m. today (Thursday, Nov. 29) at the JW Marriott during the 2018 Agbioscience Innovation Summit. About Solinftec Founded in 2007, Solinftec provides solutions to give farm operations information about the status of their machines and their progress based on their positioning and what activity theyre undertaking. Combining this with harvest data, the company gives clients a verifiable record of their harvest and traceability from the farm to the truck to mill, without any human input. Solinftec is expanding its operations to America with its new U.S. headquarters in West Lafayette, Indiana. About IEDC The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indianas economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov. About Purdue Research Park The Purdue Research Park is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation and is the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The Purdue Research Park manages the Purdue Technology Centers in five sites across the state of Indiana with locations in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Merrillville and New Albany. The more than 260 companies located in the park network employ about 5,000 people. In 2016, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities co-named the Purdue Research Park a top recipient for an Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about leasing space in the Purdue Research Park, contact 765-588-3470 or click Purdue Research Park. Writer: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org Sources: Mitch Daniels, president@purdue.edu Daniel Padrao, daniel.padrao@solinftec.com.br Renato Hersz, Renato.hersz@solinftec.com.br Karen Plaut, 765-494-8362, kplaut@purdue.edu Beth Bechdol, bbechdol@agrinovusindiana.com Erin Sweitzer (IEDC), 317-296-2556, esweitzer@iedc.in.gov John Dennis, 765-775-5103, mayor@westlafayette.in.gov Shalamar Armstrong, third from left, works in the field with Purdue University students. Armstrong is an assistant professor of agronomy in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. THRIVE Ag-Tech is expanding to the Midwest through a partnership with Indiana agriculture and animal health organizations. (Purdue University, College of Agriculture photo) SVG Partners expands THRIVE AgTech into livestock and agbiosciences in Midwest with newest partners National Pork Board, AgriNovus Indiana, Elanco Animal Health, Purdue Foundry and with long-term partner Land OLakes SAN FRANCISCO and INDIANAPOLIS - SVG Partners, a California-based venture and innovation firm, announced Thursday (Nov. 29) the expansion of its West Coast-based THRIVE AgTech program to the Midwest to focus specifically on animal health and support agriculture advancements. The expanded accelerator follows on the heels of Forbes AgTech Summit held in Indianapolis this fall. The collaboration will build a bridge between THRIVE Silicon Valley and the Midwest with new corporate partners, including the National Pork Board and AgriNovus Indiana, Elanco Animal Health, long-term THRIVE partner Land OLakes and with startup services from Purdue Foundry and collaboration opportunities with Purdue University. With this expansion, THRIVE aims to develop a targeted pipeline of livestock management and animal health startups, validating and scaling new technologies for the livestock vertical and expand its support of emerging plant science and biotechnology startups. Monitoring animal health and preventing animal disease outbreaks is vital to our food supply chain, said SVG Partners founder and CEO John Hartnett. We look forward to leveraging our new partnerships with the National Pork Board and AgriNovus Indiana, as well as our existing partner Land OLakes to provide strategic and technical expertise and key resources to startup companies developing technologies for livestock producers. SVG Partners launched the THRIVE Accelerator in 2014 to accelerate technology for agriculture with early partners, including Taylor Farms, Driscolls Berries, JV Smith and western growers. With the Forbes AgTech Summit, SVG Partners recognized the opportunity to expand THRIVE into the Midwest in order to more readily address the geographys robust livestock sector and biotechnology expertise. Working with new local partners in Indiana, we will be able to build on the success of our West Coast-based accelerator in order to deliver targeted technology to livestock farmers in the region and beyond, Hartnett said. THRIVE also welcomes the National Pork Board to its AgTech Venture and Innovation Platform. The National Pork Board, funded by more than 60,000 U.S. pork producers and pork importers, centers its industrys work on reinforcing porks as a sustainable and responsibly raised protein. We look forward to working closely with THRIVE to accelerate animal health technologies. This partnership aligns well with our producers ongoing efforts to build upon our foundation of providing a healthy, safe, environmentally sustainable product for the food supply chain, said Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board. Over the past several decades, pork producers have decreased the carbon footprint and both land and water usage. Technology is critical to driving sustainable, efficient production through a commitment to environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Elanco, a leading animal health company with its headquarters in Greenfield, Indiana, also joins the program. The company works to provide veterinarians, food producers, and pet owners with the tools needed to help animals live healthy lives. We are pleased to see THRIVE AgTech expand into the Midwest, especially at a time when Indianas AgBioScience innovation ecosystem is flourishing, said Aaron Schacht, executive vice president of innovation, regulatory and business development at Elanco. We believe programs such as THRIVE can provide a valuable and complementary path for the development of next-generation technologies in animal health. Were looking forward to the opportunities this will bring. This program expansion will bring together existing and new partnerships with corporates, academia, investors and startups to foster new agtech opportunities for the regions economy. Our region is home to a large concentration of livestock producers and animal health-focused corporations, and equally strong in its advancements in the plant sciences, said Beth Bechdol, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana. We are delighted to bring SVG Partners resources and expertise to the Midwest to support the vision of making Indiana the home of globally recognized agbioscience innovation. Purdue University is Indianas land-grant university with a nationally ranked College of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine. The Purdue Foundry is a startup accelerator that manages the universitys entrepreneurial ecosystem. The technologies coming out of the outstanding research in agriculture, veterinary medicine and across campus support a strong pipeline of technology commercialization and startup creation, said Greg Deason, senior vice president of entrepreneurship and place making for Purdue Research Foundation. We are excited about what THRIVE will bring to the Midwest in advancing the entire regions growth in the agrosciences and agbiosciences. Existing THRIVE partners such as Corteva, EY and Trimble already have significant resources in the Midwest and will help to deepen THRIVEs activity in row crop production agriculture activity there. As another strategic geographical partner, Purdue Foundry will help to root THRIVE expansion in the Midwest by connecting university talent with THRIVEs network and resources. A THRIVE partner since 2016, Land OLakes is committed to modernizing agriculture through digitalization. Land OLakes is committed to bringing valuable technology tools to market to help farmers produce more with less, in the most sustainable way possible, said Teddy Bekele, CTO of Land OLakes. We look forward to working with THRIVE and other Midwest partners to accelerate animal health technologies to strengthen our food supply chain. THRIVEs expansion into the Midwest was announced today (Thursday, Nov. 29) during AgriNovus fourth annual Agbioscience Innovation Summit in Indiana. For more information about THRIVE, visit www.thriveagtech.com. About SVG Partners Since 2011, SVG Partners has been building a global AgTech innovation platform that accelerates, invests, and works with entrepreneurs, investors, and Fortune 500 food, agriculture, and technology corporations. Founded in 2014, THRIVE AgTechs mission is to solve key industry challenges, test technologies in the field and across the supply chain, and build partnerships across the ecosystem in order to shorten the time it takes to bring innovation to market. SVG Partners is based in Silicon Valley, California. About National Pork Board The National Pork Board is a group of 15 pork producers or importers, nominated by Pork Act Delegates at the National Pork Forum and appointed by the U.S. secretary of agriculture. The board collects the National Pork Checkoff funds and utilizes those dollars to implement programs of promotion, research and consumer information designed to enhance the marketing of U.S. pork and pork products. About Elanco Founded in 1954, Elanco provides comprehensive products and knowledge services to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 90 countries around the world. We value innovation, both in scientific research and daily operations, and strive to cultivate a collaborative work environment for more than 5,800 employees worldwide. Together with our customers, we are committed to raising awareness about global food security, and celebrating and supporting the human-animal bond. Our worldwide headquarters and research facilities are located in Greenfield, Indiana. About AgriNovus Indiana AgriNovus Indiana is the states initiative focused on advancing the agbiosciences sector as a nationally recognized leader through education, research and talent development; strategic collaborations among corporations, industry associations, government and universities; the creation and support of new companies; and branding and targeted promotions to elevate the sector. AgriNovus Indiana is part of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, an effort dedicated to the regions continued prosperity and growth. To learn more, visit agrinovusindiana.com. About Purdue Foundry The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. Managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue Foundry was co-named a top recipient at the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Designation and Awards Program by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. About Land OLakes Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2017 annual sales of $14 billion, Land O'Lakes is one of the nation's largest cooperatives, ranking 216 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 97 years of operation, Land O'Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including LAND O LAKES Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Land OLakes SUSTAIN. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O'Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minn. Media contacts: Emily Breslin, SVG Partners, (650) 666-7521, Emily.breslin@svgpartners.com Cynthia Sequin, Purdue Research Foundation, (765) 588-3340, casequin@prf.org Libby Fritz, AgriNovus Indiana, (574) 595-5154, lfritz@agrinovusindiana.com Colleen Parr Dekker, Elanco, (317) 989-7011, parr_dekker_colleen@elanco.com WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. For students who want a taste of college life before they even graduate from high school, a new summer program at Purdue University could give them exactly that along with some college credit. Starting in the summer of 2019, Purdue will offer Summer College for High School Students, a program that will provide three different one-week, one-credit classes, including one that focuses on preparing for professional schools such as medicine and veterinary medicine. The program also includes the option for high school students to complete regular Purdue courses during the summer. The application period opens on Dec. 1 and can be found here. High school students apply directly to the program through Purdues Office of Admissions and will be admitted as non-degree students. Eligible students must possess a high school GPA of 3.30 or higher, be at least 16 years old, and complete the sophomore year of high school before courses begin. Acceptance to the program does not mean acceptance to the university as an undergraduate. High school students will need to complete the Common Application or Coalition Application during their senior year to be considered for degree-seeking admission to the university. John Gipson, director of Summer Session at Purdue, said the courses will offer a combination of hands-on activities and work on a project that will be presented to participants families on the last day of each course. Students will also participate in social activities and explore campus. Students will gain the opportunity to take classes taught by world-renowned faculty, enrich their academic portfolio by completing courses not offered during high school and meet other students from across the world, Gipson said. We hope students build community while exploring everything Purdue has to offer. Dr. Regina Kreisle, associate dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette, is looking forward to collaborating on the pre-professional experience. The Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette is pleased to partner with Think Summer for this new course which explores planning for advanced professional training, Kreisle said. Since moving to our new space in Lyles-Porter Hall in 2014, our partnerships across the Purdue campus continue to expand. Below are brief descriptions of the courses and when they will be offered. Complete descriptions, as well as more information about the program, can be found online. Empowering Women in Business (July 7-12). The one-week residential course, targeted for young women, will include interacting with Krannert students, faculty, and alumni, creating a company, and developing a sales pitch to potential investors. Scholarships are available for this course. Model United Nations Summer Workshop (July 21-26). Model United Nations is an interactive course where students act as delegates to the United Nations and participate in mock committees. The coursework and activities will enhance research, critical thinking, public speaking and writing abilities. Students will debate with other delegates, learn together through group work, develope policies, and write resolutions. Exploring University Majors: Planning for Medical, Veterinary and Other Professional Schools After College (July 28-Aug. 2). Students will receive tips offered by staff from pre-professional advising, learn about animal health with Purdues College of Veterinary Medicine, and conduct activities related to human health with faculty across Purdue and the Indiana University School of Medicine-West Lafayette. This program, offered by the Division of Summer Session, is another step toward Purdues goal of providing year-round academic offerings that expand access, increase affordability and speed time to college degree completion for undergraduate and high school students, as part of the universitys Purdue Moves priority initiatives. Writer: Abbey Nickel, 765-496-1325, nickela@purdue.edu Source: John Gipson, gipsonj@purdue.edu National's justice spokesperson Mark Mitchell has doubled down on Iain Lees-Galloway after his U-turn on granting Karel Sroubek residency. On Wednesday, Mr Lees-Galloway announced that Sroubek would be liable for deportation after previously allowing the convicted drug smuggler to stay in New Zealand. There is no way, on any level, that this decision ever stacked up, Mr Mitchell told RadioLIVE. Mr Mitchell, who has been critical of the decision since it was announced in October, says the reversal of Sroubeks residency was inevitable given the evidence. It was clearly a case that [Sroubek] needed to be deported. The Immigration Minister told the press that the U-turn boiled down to details of convictions Sroubek received in the Czech Republic - which weren't considered when he made the earlier call. "I didn't look at that and say 'aha, he should be an excluded person'," Mr Lees-Galloway told reporters on Wednesday. "That wasn't something I was considering at the time." Originally from the Czech Republic, Sroubek fled to New Zealand in 2003 on a false passport. In 2015, he was convicted of importing MDMA and jailed for almost six years. In 2009 he returned to the Czech Republic, despite implying there was a danger to his life in his home country. Mr Mitchell says the decision to grant Sroubek residency shouldnt have happened in the first place, let alone to be reversed an entire month later. No Kiwi that [Sroubek] went in front of seemed to believe his story at all. The only one who seemed to accept his story was the Minister himself. The Immigration Minister has apologised to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the handling of the matter but hasn't offered his resignation. Mr Mitchell told RadioLIVE that if John Key was still Prime Minister, Mr Lees-Galloway would already be long gone. For some reason the Prime Minster has decided to protect him and keep him on. Sroubek plans to appeal the U-turn, still claiming his life would be in danger if he was deported home. Listen to the full interview with Mark Mitchell above. The Long Lunch with Lynda Hallinan, 12pm - 3pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. Mitch Harris catches up with Paul Buchanan, Director at 36th Parallel Assessments, to talk on the latest in world news and politics. Paul Buchanan is a former intelligence and defense policy analyst and consultant at the White House, serving under former US President Bill Clinton. On the table tonight: - Mitch and Paul start off by talking about Anne-Marie Brady and China. Are her suspicions on the Chinese infiltration in New Zealand accurate? - Was she targeted by Chinese students here on Visa's as a form of intimidation? - Is the New Zealand media 'hateful and hostile' towards China? - Are New Zealanders naive in thinking other nations look at our country as a 'soft touch'? - The GCSB may have banned Spark from using Huawei in its 5G mobile network upgrade, but why wasn't the 4G upgrade banned here like it was in Australia? - The situation between Ukraine and Russia is escalalting very quickly. Are the two countries on their way to war? - The Ukraine has asked US President Donald Trump to help them get Russia out of their country. Is Vladimir Putin's staunch stance against Ukraine putting extra pressure on Trump? - Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is reportedly going to the G20 summit this weekend. But will he show up? If he does, how will other leaders act around him? - Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference at the 2016 US Election is still ongoing. When will we hear any details of this investigation? - Paul Manafort is still sitting in prison. Has he touched base with Mueller regarding his sentence? Night Talk with Mitch Harris, 8pm - 12am Monday to Thursday nights on RadioLIVE, and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. EUROPE: The conditions which are needed to make rail freights quality, reliability and cost of more attractive to customers were the main themes of the annual strategy day held by the European Rail Freight Association in Brussels on November 21. GERMANY: The Land of Baden-Wurttemberg agreed in principle on November 27 to support proposals for the roll-out of the European Train Control System and digital interlockings in the Stuttgart region by 2030. UZBEKISTAN: Two 3ES5K Yermak three-section 25 kV 50 Hz electric locomotives built at Transmashholdings Novocherkassk plant in Russia were handed over to Uzbek national railway UTY on November 22. Response Architects has launched Shopex TV, the first international TV shopping business in Nigeria. Founded by Isi Abebe, Shopex is a multi-channel retailer that sells international products for everyday life. The channel recently completed its first round of financing with investment from television shopping and broadcasting advisors Expert Media Partners (EMP), based in Soho, London.We have worked on complex broadcast projects in Nigeria since 2003, and have developed plans for television shopping in East and West Africa in the past so we know the importance of having the right team in place, said Ed Hall, managing partner of EMP. Abebe has a wealth of experience and contacts within the global DRTV industry and the proposition is compelling, so were delighted to be early-stage investors in this business. Using television as its primary channel,as its primary channel, Shopex TV offers the Nigerian market a wide range of lifestyle, fitness and kitchen products that they can access at affordable prices by using their mobile phones to place an order."We're excited about this project having observed Nigeria's logistics and payment platforms mature over the years," said Abebe. We're confident that we can make it work and we have a line-up of great products and offers from across the globe that we feel will appeal to the Nigerian market. Last weeks attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi by Baluchi separatists underlines Chinas growing vulnerabilities in connection with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These are likely to get worse and may ultimately lead to China assuming a new and quite different security role in the region. On 23 November, a group of Baluchi separatists attacked a Chinese consulate, resulting in an hour long-shoot out with Pakistani police and security guards that left seven people dead. This is the 12th attack this year on Chinese interests in Pakistan by the Baluchi Liberation Army, which claims that it is fighting the exploitation of Baluchistans mineral wealth and occupation of Baluch territory by China. The protection of BRI projects and Chinese nationals will likely become an increasingly important factor in Chinas engagement in the region. Indeed, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which involves building a series of road, railways, and pipelines from China through Pakistan to the Baluchi city of Gwadar on the Indian Ocean, promises to transform Baluchistan in many ways. In Gwadar, a Chinese company has announced plans to build housing for up to 500,000 Chinese workers. If it proceeds, there are plans to build a gated community where, among other things, locals without a permit would be excluded. Chinese companies have also been invited by the Pakistan government to open up the mineral rich Baluchistan province, to the great displeasure of some. While these attacks are unlikely to stop CPECs progress, they may well have a cumulative effect of altering the nature of Chinas security presence in the region. Many BRI projects are located in very insecure regions, and the Chinese government and companies may have previously underestimated security threats. This is now changing, and the protection of BRI projects and Chinese nationals will likely become an increasingly important factor in Chinas engagement in the region. In protecting Chinese people and assets, Beijings first preference will be to rely on local security forces in order to minimise its on-the-ground security footprint. The effectiveness of this will depend on the security environment, the quality of local security forces, and the nature of Chinas relationship with the host government. As part of the CPEC, Pakistan established a special security force of around 15,000 troops to protect Chinese projects but this is unlikely to be enough. Chinese companies may rely heavily on private security contractors, especially Chinese contractors that employ former PLA personnel. Chinese contractors are preferred not only for language and cultural reasons but also to safeguard confidential information. In Pakistan, Chinese contractors work with local contractors, with Chinese personnel typically acting as security managers inside Chinese compounds, while Pakistani soldiers and security contractors work on the outside. Pakistani security forces respond outside the Chinese consulate on 23 November 2018 (Photo: Sabir Mazhar via Getty) Chinese private security contractors sometimes play more active roles. They have been particularly active in Sudan and South Sudan, including participating in a Sudanese army mission to rescue 29 kidnapped Chinese nationals. But the use of security contractors also carries risks. Unregulated and relatively inexperienced contractors may, for example, exacerbate security problems or take actions that have adverse consequences for Chinas reputation. Nor can it be assumed that they will always have the same interests as Beijing. The failure of local security forces or contractors to protect Chinese nationals and investments could necessitate the direct involvement of Chinese military personnel. This may have already occurred in Pakistan, where there are reports of a Chinese security presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to protect transport infrastructure and construction units. There are indications that Chinas Marine Corps could become its principal ready response force in the region. The Marine Corps, modeled on the US Marines, is under the command of Chinas South Sea Fleet, which has responsibility for the Indian Ocean. According to a report by the US Department of Defense, Chinas Marine Corps is currently undergoing a major expansion from 20,000 to 100,000 personnel. A Marine company is already deployed to the Chinese base at Djibouti (which has facilities to accommodate up to 10,000 personnel) and there has been speculation about future deployments to Gwadar. Chinas Marine Corps or special forces deployed in the region or based in China would allow the country to respond to contingencies throughout the region. Several Chinese military exercises in the Indian Ocean region are openly focused on using Chinese forces to protect BRI projects. But in protecting people and assets, China may also increasingly find itself drawn into the local security affairs. As Chinas Global Times argued: China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, but that doesnt mean Beijing can turn a deaf ear to the demands of Chinese enterprises in protecting their overseas investments. This would represent a fundamentally new mission for Chinese security forces. Never before has China publicly contemplated using the PLA to protect Chinese citizens and assets beyond its borders. Importantly, there will also be a risk of mission creep. As weve seen with other countries, the existence of the military capabilities may create temptations to use them to protect and advance Chinas other interests in the region. Dr. David Brewster is with the National Security College at the Australian National University, where he specialises in South Asian and Indian Ocean strategic affairs. He is also a Distinguished Research Fellow with the Australia India Institute. His previous career was as a corporate lawyer working on complex cross-border transactions and he practiced for almost two decades in the United States, England, France and Australia. This article appeared originally at Lowy Institute's the interpreter. They said, Were always looking for things to support, so what better thing to do than help one of our own? recalls Joanne Clancy, who taught fifth grade at St. Cletus for many years. They wanted to do fundraising in honor of Patrick all year, and kicked it off with having him come to school for the clap-out. They asked if it was OK, and I said that hed love it. He was so excited. What does President Trumps recent nomination of retired Army General John Abizaid to become the next U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia signify? Next to nothing -- and arguably quite a lot. Abizaids proposed appointment is both a non-event and an opportunity not to be wasted. It means next to nothing in this sense: while once upon a time, American diplomats abroad wielded real clout -- Benjamin Franklin and John Quincy Adams offer prominent examples -- that time is long past. Should he receive Senate confirmation, Ambassador Abizaid will not actually shape U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia. At most, he will convey policy, while keeping officials back in Washington apprised regarding conditions in the Kingdom. Conditions in this context will mean the opinions, attitudes, whims, and mood of one particular individual: Mohammed bin Salman. MBS, as he is known, is the Saudi crown prince and the Kingdoms de facto absolute ruler. By no means incidentally, he is also that countrys assassin-in-chief as well as the perpetrator of atrocities in a vicious war that he launched in neighboring Yemen in 2015. Implicit in Abizaids job description will be a requirement to cozy up to MBS. Cozy up in this context implies finding ways to befriend, influence, and seduce; that is, seeking to replicate in Riyadh the achievements in Washington of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who from 1983 to 2005 served as Saudi ambassador to the United States. With plenty of money to spread around, Bandar charmed -- which in this context means suborned -- the Washington establishment, while ingratiating himself with successive presidents and various other power brokers. With his fondness for nicknames, George W. Bush dubbed him Bandar Bush, informally designating the Saudi prince a member of his own dynastic clan. After 9/11, the Saudi envoy made the most of those connections, deflecting attention away from the role Saudis had played in the events of that day while fingering Saddam Husseins Iraq as the true font of Islamist terrorism. Bush came around to endorsing Bandars view -- although he may not have needed much urging. So while Bandar may not rank alongside the likes of Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz among the architects of the ensuing Iraq War, he certainly deserves honorable mention. That Abizaid will come anywhere close to replicating Bandars notable (or nefarious) achievements seems unlikely. For starters, at age 67, he may not want to spend the next 20 years or so in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, sucking up to the Kingdoms royals. At least as significantly, he lacks Bandars bankroll. However much dough Abizaid may have raked in via his consulting firmsince leaving the Army a decade ago, it doesnt qualify as real money in Saudi circles, where a billion dollars is a mere rounding error. The mega-rich do not sell themselves cheaply, unless perhaps your surname is Trump. So the substantive implications of Abizaids appointment for U.S.-Saudi relations will likely be negligible. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner will undoubtedly continue to wield greater influence over MBS than Ambassador Abizaid -- or at least will fancy that he is doing so. Long (and Wrong) War In another sense, however, Abizaids appointment to this post (vacant since Donald Trump became president) could mean quite a lot. It offers an ideal opportunity to take stock of the Long War. Now that phrase Long War is one that presidents, national security advisors, defense secretaries, and their minions assiduously avoid. Yet, in military circles, it long ago superseded the Global War on Terrorism as an umbrella term describing what U.S. forces have been doing across the Greater Middle East all these many years. Already by 2005, for example, hawkish analysts employed by a conservative Washington think tank were marketing their recipe for Winning the Long War. And that was just for starters. For more than a decade now, the Long War Journal has been offering authoritative analysis of U.S. military operations across the Greater Middle East and Africa. In the meantime, West Points Combating Terrorism Center churns out monographs with titles like Fighting the Long War. Always quick to recognize another golden goose of government contracts, the RAND Corporation weighed in with Unfolding the Future of the Long War. After publishing a lengthy essay in the New York Times Magazine called My Long War, correspondent Dexter Filkins went a step further and titled his book The Forever War. (And for creative types, Voices from the Long War invites Iraq and Afghan War vets to reflect on their experiences before a theatrical audience.) But where, you might wonder, did that dour phrase originate? As it happens, General Abizaid himself coined it back in 2004 when he was still an active duty four-star and head of U.S. Central Command, the regional headquarters principally charged with waging that conflict. In other words, just a year after the U.S. invaded Iraq and President George W. Bush posed under a White House-produced Mission Accomplished banner, with administration officials and their neoconservative boosters looking forward to many more Iraqi Freedom-style victories to come, the senior officer presiding over that war went on record to indicate that victory wasnt going to happen anytime soon. Oops. And so it has come to pass. The Long War has now lasted twice as long as the average length of marriages in the United States, with no end in sight. Whether intuitively or after careful study, General Abizaid had divined something important indeed. Crucially, however, his critique went beyond the question of duration. Abizaid also departed from the administrations line in describing the actual nature of the problem at hand. Terrorists per se were not the enemy, he insisted at the time. The issue was much bigger than any one organization such as al-Qaeda. The real threat facing the United States came from what he called "Salafist jihadists," radicalized Sunni Muslims committed by whatever means necessary to propagating a strict and puritanical form of Islam around the world. To promote their cause, Salafists eagerly embraced violence. Back in 2004, when Abizaid was venturing heretical thoughts, the United States had gotten itself all tangled up in a nasty scuffle in Iraq. A year earlier, the U.S. had invaded that country to overthrow Saddam Hussein. Now the Iraqi dictator was indubitably a bad actor. At least some of the charges that George W. Bush and his subordinates, amplified by a neoconservative chorus, lodged against him were true. Yet Saddam was the inverse of a Salafist. Indeed, even before plunging into Iraq, looking beyond an expected easy win over Saddam, George W. Bush had identified Iran as a key member of an Axis of Evil and implicitly next in line for liberation. Sixteen years later, members of the Trump administration still hanker to have it out with the ayatollahs governing Shiite-majority Iran. Yet, as was the case with Saddam, those ayatollahs are anything but Salafists. Now, its worth noting that Abizaid was not some dime-a-dozen four-star. He speaks Arabic, won a fellowship to study in Jordan, and earned a graduate degree in Middle East Studies at Harvard. If the post-9/11 American officer corps had in its ranks an equivalent of Lawrence of Arabia, he was it, even if without T.E. Lawrences (or Peter OTooles) charisma and flair for self-promotion. Nonetheless, with Abizaid suggesting, in effect, that the Iraq War was the wrong war at the wrong place at the wrong time against the wrong enemy, just about no one in Washington was willing to listen. That once-familiar quotation dates from 1951, when General Omar Bradley warned against extending the then-ongoing Korean War into China. Bradleys counsel carried considerable weight -- and limiting the scope of the Korean War made it possible to end that conflict in 1953. Abizaids counsel turned out to carry next to no weight at all. So the Long War just keeps getting longer, even as its strategic rationale becomes ever more difficult to discern. The Real Enemy Posit, for the sake of discussion, that back in 2004 Abizaid was onto something -- as indeed he was. Who then, in this Long War of ours, is our adversary? Who is in league with those Salafi jihadists? Who underwrites their cause? The answer to those questions is not exactly a mystery. Its the Saudi royal family. Were it not for Saudi Arabias role in promoting militant Salafismover the course of several decades, it would pose no bigger problem than Cliven Bundys bickering with the Bureau of Land Management. To put it another way, while the Long War has found U.S. troops fighting the wrong enemy for years on end in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, the nexus of the problem remains Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have provided billions to fund madrassas and mosques, spreading Salafism to the far reaches of the Islamic world. Next to oil, violent jihadism is Saudi Arabias principal export. Indeed, the former funds the latter. Those Saudi efforts have borne fruit of a poisonous character. Recall that Osama bin Laden was a Saudi. So, too, were 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11, 2001. These facts are not incidental, even if -- to expand on Donald Rumsfelds famous typology of known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns -- Washington treats them as knowns we prefer to pretend we dont know. So from the outset, in the conflict that the United States dates from September 2001, our ostensible ally has been the principal source of the problem. In the Long War, Saudi Arabia represents what military theorists like to call the center of gravity, defined as "the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act to the enemy. When it comes to Salafist jihadism, Saudi Arabia fits that definition to a T. So there is more than a little poetic justice -- or is it irony? -- in General Abizaids proposed posting to Riyadh. The one senior military officer who early on demonstrated an inkling of understanding of the Long Wars true nature now prepares to take up an assignment in what is, in essence, the very center of the enemys camp. Its as if President Lincoln had dispatched Ulysses S. Grant to Richmond, Virginia, in 1864 as his liaison to Jefferson Davis. Which brings us to the opportunity referred to at the outset of this essay. The opportunity is not Abizaids. He can look forward to a frustrating and probably pointless assignment. Yet Trumps nomination of Abizaid presents an opportunity to the U.S. senators charged with approving his appointment. While we can take it for granted that Abizaid will be confirmed, the processof confirmation offers the Senate, and especially members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a chance to take stock of this Long War of ours and, in particular, to assess how Saudi Arabia fits into the struggle. Who better to reflect on these matters than John Abizaid? Imagine the questions: General, can you describe this Long War of ours? What is its nature? What is it all about? Are we winning? How can we tell? How much longer should Americans expect it to last? What are we up against? Give us a sense of the enemys intentions, capabilities, and prospects. With MBS in charge, is Saudi Arabia part of the solution or part of the problem? Take all the time you need, sir. Be candid. Were interested in your opinion. After the embarrassment of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, the Senate is badly in need of refurbishing its reputation. The Abizaid nomination provides a ready-made chance to do just that. Lets see if the worlds greatest deliberative body rises to the occasion. Just dont hold your breath. Reprinted with permission from TomDispatch. Andrew Bacevich is a regular contributor to TomDispatch. His new book is Twilight of the American Century, published by the University of Notre Dame Press. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/28/2018 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Eric Rosenbrook is defending and justifying his decision to side with Leida Margaretha and kick his 19-year-old daughter Tasha out of their shared apartment.Eric has faced backlash ever since aired its latest episode on Sunday night which featured Leida attempting to get settled in Eric's Wisconsin apartment and demanding that Tasha find another place to live.Although Tasha appeared worried and nervous about not having any place to move to -- other than Eric's suggestion she stay in a budget motel for the time being -- Eric stood his ground and told Tasha she needed to leave."Here is my official statement on this scene and the situation: When I moved in with Tashia in the apartment after her roommates bailed on her, the agreement was that she would be out by the time Leida got here. She had 10 mos to find a place," Eric commented on one of blogger John Yates' Instagram posts earlier this week."The agreement was that we split the bills and rent because I wanted to make sure she could handle the responsibility of being on her own."He continued, "Mid winter, she got sick. She lost pay due to not working for three weeks. I covered all the bills and rent and did it willingly. She quit her job, against my advice, by just walking out on them. No new job secured. No 2 week notice. I covered the bills then."The 40-year-old from Baraboo, WI, insisted he continued to cover the bills so Tasha could save money to later put down money on her own apartment once she could begin working again."BTW, her roommates that bailed on her, were the same ones she bailed on her mom with to move in with. With a 2 min notice. Leaving her mom at work with no one to watch my youngest, Jennica. Forcing my oldest to have to miss work and stay home to watch her," Eric continued in his comment.During a Q&A session Tasha conducted with her Instagram followers after Sunday night's episode, she alleged that she asked her father to move in with her -- once her two roommates got married, had a child and moved -- because he had been homeless for two years and living in his car.Eric also reminded fans in his comment that his apartment was a complete mess when Leida saw it for the first time.Leida claimed Tasha trashed Eric's place on purpose so she wouldn't feel comfortable walking into her new home."Yes, the mess was hers. You even saw her room in the last week episode," Eric said of Tasha."The production company even has footage of me making sure the place was straightened up before I left for New York. I even texted her on our way back to make sure it was in the same condition it was when I left. It wasn't. I never even had a chance to come over here to check it out before the scene. There was no time."Eric then asked people not to judge him for trying to show his adult daughter some tough love."For the people out there who make their kids their friends, you're not parents. Parents have to be leaders," Eric said."Leaders have to make unpopular decisions. If all of you still think I'm the bad guy here, so be it. Haters gonna hate. That's all they know. I will not reply to anything."In a separate comment, Eric also claimed his ex-wife is not a saint either, although she has been portrayed as a welcoming, understanding and kind woman on the show."[Tasha] can only handle her mom in small doses. You know, because like, everyone seems to think her moms the rational one. Nobody, and I mean nobody, knows what's she's like when the cameras are off," Eric alleged."I put up with her abuses for many years too long in the name of staying together for the kids. Doesn't matter what I say though. Everyone on here's still going to hate me, so f-ck it. I'm the 'evil' one."As for how the saga of Tasha and Eric's apartment problems ended, Tasha revealed on Instagram she is currently living in a trailer with her "beloved boyfriend" and taking college courses.And according to Tasha, Eric and Leida, a 29-year-old from Indonesia, still live together in the Wisconsin apartment with Leida's young son Allessandro. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available She goes into her dream with the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker comes to life, battles the Mouse King and then they go off into a wintery wonderland with the Snow Queen and the Snow King, Landrian said. They show her around the forest and thats enchanted with the snowflakes. They end up with the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of the Sweets. They get to visit the different lands of Spain and Russia and China and the marzipan and little bonbons. At the end, she wakes up from her dream and the nutcracker is once again a nutcracker. Photo courtesy of Jawbone Media Minutes outside of bustling Atlanta, Georgia is a quiet town with a rich background. Originally a watering hole for the railroad, Conyers traces its history back to the 1840s. Throughout the years the town grew to about 15,000 residents and was even chosen to host some of the 1996 Olympic events. Since 1998, Conyers has been the home to P&C Machine the parent company to Lanxang Tactical. Lanxang Tactical began about four years ago with the idea of developing a rifle that was both battle tough and capable of extreme precision. P&C Machines, an aerospace CNC machining company with over 20 years in the business, wanted to build the best AR platform rifles available. The owner had already been supplying parts to other companies but wanted to be more directly involved in the firearms industry and create a higher quality product. The new company was named: Lanxang Tactical. The name comes from the heritage of the owners of the machining company. Formed by a family of Laotian refugees, that escaped communist rule, and came to the United States to become citizens of a free country. The meaning of the term Lanxang derives from the history of Laos and can be translated as an army of a million elephants and white parasols. The monarch of the people of Laos ruled for over 350 years until 1975 when the current communist government took control. The symbol used for the logo represents a strong and stoic elephant; representing the struggle of the Laos people to be free. This symbol is not allowed to be displayed in Laos as it undermines Communist control and would be considered a symbol of anarchy to the current government. The Lanxang Tactical logo is meant to represent a struggle of people to remain free even with overwhelming odds. The owner of P&C machine approached a veteran from the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, Travis Lewallen. With a subject matter expert on the team, design of the first Lanxang Tactical rifle could begin. Travis runs day-to-day operations and is the head of design, sales, and marketing for the company. Along the way, a former Marine Scout Sniper, Ryan English was consulted to evaluate the rifles. He was impressed with their quality and joined the team. Ryan performs testing of every rifle and ensures each passes strict quality controls for both reliability and accuracy. Later, the company approached Rick Thompson, a former law enforcement officer. His experience with the FBI and DEA field teams gave Lanxang Tactical its technical expert and ballistician. He is responsible for overall production and hand builds every rifle one at a time. No assembly lines and according to Lanxang, only the best parts are used. Most are designed and machined in-house and all are made to a very strict tolerance and from the highest quality materials. Some parts, such as the barrel, bolt carrier group (BCG) and trigger are not built in-house. Travis said, they will probably never be built in-house for one reason; there are other companies that already build the best barrel, BCG and trigger. We source barrels from Lothar Walther, triggers from Geissele. And we rely on Jeff at Rubber City Armory for BCGs. These are the best available and that is what is put into every rifle. Lanxang Tactical also sells individual components such as charging handles, hardened steel bolt catch releases, oversize magazine releases, hand-guards, barrel nuts, and gas blocks. Also now offering a precision scope mounts in both 30mm and 34mm with 20 MOA elevation. Every part is designed to last a lifetime and come with a lifetime warranty. The rifles are guaranteed for life and also guaranteed to shoot 3/4 MOA or better with off the shelf match-grade ammunition. Each rifle is tested at the range for accuracy and reliability before shipping and comes with a custom soft case from Armageddon Gear. Lanxang Tactical markets heavily to military and law enforcement but are available to the civilian market as well. Currently employed overseas, they can also be seen at various Precision Rifle Series matches, sniper competitions and 3-Gun events around the country. Lanxang Tactical has been stacking up top placings in all of those forums. Most notably: 1st place at the Mammoth Sniper Challenge, Purgatory Sniper Challenge, and the 2017 International Sniper Competition hosted by the United States Army Sniper Course cadre at Fort Benning, GA. The rifles have been used for everything from defense to hunting to target shooting. Lanxang Tactical makes precision rifles in calibers: 5.56 NATO, 300 Blackout, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor and 260 Remington. In addition to rifles, they offer a 10.5-inch pistol in 5.56 NATO and a 12.5-inch pistol in 300 Blackout. Lanxang also offers a designated marksman rifle (DMR) rifle with an 18-inch barrel, labeled the CAS-22, chambered in 5.56 NATO. The special edition rifle honors a veteran and very close friend to the company. Sergeant Antouine Cas Castaneda served with 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and Blackwater Worldwide. Sadly, Cas lost his battle with Post Traumatic Stress on July 23rd, 2015. In memory of him and the estimated 22 veterans that commit suicide per day, a donation is made to his family with the sale of every CAS-22 rifle. Lanxang Tactical's mission is to design and build the absolute best battle rifles available. No cost is spared and every rifle is hand built one at a time. Combining a world-class CNC machining operation, Lanxang Tactical designs some of the industries top rifles. Travis has been noted as saying, there are plenty of firearm companies out there building mustangs; were trying to build Ferraris. Check out Lanxang Tactical online at http://www.lanxangtactical.com/ Keep up with Lanxang on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanxangtactical/ And follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lanxangtactical A: The cultural delicacy in my region was called kitfo, which is raw goat meat with butter and a really spicy pepper. In Ethiopia it is a delicacy that you give to someone you really respect, so a lot of people, when I would first come into the village, would make it for me. They cant afford meat all the time so it would be really rude for me to refuse it. The rematch of the year is almost upon us. The Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide are set to compete for the SEC championship and a spo The robot can hold long conversations, track the child's mood and is controlled from an app on the parents' smartphone For generations, filmmakers have dreamt up stories of sentient robots as best friends, be it an R2D2 from Star Wars or a robotic sibling like VICKI from the popular 80s series Small Wonder. While a Baymax or Wall-E that saves the humans might not be commercially available yet, startups and investors are waking up to the market potential of robotic child companions for busy parents already. Globally, a number of similar robots are in use for discharging activities ranging from home assistants to senior citizens and helping people with learning disabilities. In fact, in Japan, Softbanks Mobile stores use a robot called Pepper to assist customers. AV1, an AI-based robot by a Norwegian startup is also helping reduce loneliness among children hospitalised with chronic illness. On Tuesday, Mumbai based startup Emotix, an advanced robotics company founded by three IITians, has also launched a conversational child companion robot, Miko2. In a world of working parents and technology fatigue, founders Sneh Vaswani, Prashant Iyengar and Chintan Raikar envisioned Miko to be something/someone that the child can converse with while also improving their cognitive skills. We created a virtual community of users, including people who used Miko (first version) to understand the kind of expectations that parents and children have to design the robot, said Vaswani. The robot can hold long conversations, track the childs mood and is controlled from an app on the parents smartphone. Miko (launched in 2017) which retails at Rs 19,000, is already witnessing 30per cent month-on-month growth in sales. The Miko 2 will retail for Rs 24,999 per unit and will retail exclusively from toy store chain Hamleys from December 15 next month and will be commercially available across other stores and ecommerce platforms from January 15 next year. While Miko 2 currently only supports English language conversation, the company is planning to introduce other languages in the long-term. We plan to start Hindi language support within the next four months, said Vaswani. Emotix has roped in veteran child psychologist Dr. Mona Gajre and IITB professor emeritus Dr C Amarnath (robotics) to consult and shape the robots behaviour. The startup also plans to take the artificial intelligence (AI) based robot to global markets across China, West Asia, the US and Europe by next year. The product is designed, developed and patented in India while the assembly is split across China, Taiwan, and we will shortly start production in India, said the company. The friendly robot, is aimed at catering to early education development of children, also comes preloaded with content from the likes of Amar Chitra Katha, ICSE curriculum and even stories from storytelling app Storywalker. We have an app store model where parents can get more learning and engagement apps for kids but we arent going for just any educational or child-friendly content. "As the basic idea is to have a conversational robot, any content will need to have a conversation aspect to it, added Vaswani. Earlier in the year, Emotix raised around $2 million in its first funding round led by IDG Ventures India, Sunil Goyal-led YourNest and existing investor Keshav Murugesh who is the Group CEO of business process management company WNS Global Services. Photograph: Courtesy, Emotix 'The Chinese have a set pattern. They demonstrate, warn, threaten, attack and withdraw.' 'We were lulled into complacency, but I am certain things are being corrected now.' IMAGE: Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, seated, in the Thar desert, as part of the massive military mobilisation, Operation Parakram, against Pakistan after the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament. Photographs: Kind courtesy Lieutenant General Shah's memoir The Sarkari Mussalman, with his permission Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, former deputy chief of the army staff and former vice chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University, writes about the tardy initial reaction of the civil administration and the role of the partisan and politicised police during the Gujarat riots in his memoir The Sarkari Mussalman. Three thousand troops had to wait for a day at the air field because the civil administration had not arranged for vehicles to transport them to areas that were raging with communal violence. A day later when the army deployed -- 'What 110 companies of the paramilitary and police could not do was done by six army battalions (24 companies) in 48 hours,' the general recalls in The Sarkari Mussalman. General Shah was awarded the Sena Medal for his service to the nation in quelling the riots. In the final part of his interview with Rediff.com's Archana Masih, General Shah explains why there is no military solution to insurgency, points out the error of publicising surgical strikes, reveals the humiliation meted out to him by then HRD minister Smriti Irani and says he does not mind living under his younger brother Naseeruddin Shah's shadow. Part I of the interview: 'It has become fashionable to be hate mongers' IMAGE: General Shah and Lieutenant General G S Sihota, right, take stock of a troubled area after the Godhra riots of 2002. You were awarded a Sena Medal for your duties in the Gujarat riots. Have you had a chance to go back to the state after those two months spent there? Unfortunately, not. I have very close friends there, especially among the Bohra community. They were the worst victims of the violence and I saw it with my own eyes. The Bohras are the banias of Gujarat. They have made peace and strung their lives back. I don't know about the rest of the Muslim community in Gujarat because I haven't gone back, but if they follow the Bohra example, it would ensure that peace and normalcy is returned. You first met Mr Modi as chief minister on that night of February 28, 2002 when rioting was at its peak in Gujarat and have had occasion to meet him subsequently. He has known you for 15 years. What have been your impressions of him? I have seen a sea change. In May 2014, the press asked me if I had any problems if he became prime minister. I always quote Thomas Beckett -- 'The moment a person is given responsibility, he changes'. I can say with authority that the anti-Muslim tirade of the PM before he assumed office ended. I did not hear it any more because he realised that he is the leader of the whole country. I did see a remarkable change in his demeanour and language -- and for some inexplicable reason he has always been warm to me. That is something I am encouraged by. IMAGE: General Shah with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi. You had a difficult time dealing with then HRD minister Smriti Irani. Have you had any interaction with her since? Fortunately, not. I mention in the book that she started her interaction with 60 VCs, saying 'Gentlemen, I am an actress, histrionics are part of my nature.' You don't say such things to a body of intellectuals. This was a ploy to browbeat them into submission and that's the reason she didn't like me at all. An educationist would be worried about his next tenure, but I had nothing to lose. She was also under the mistaken impression that I was projecting myself as a leader of the Muslim community. I told her 'Madam, leave the AMU as it is as Indian Muslims have a lot of sentiment for that university.' I too had sentiment because it had educated generations of my family -- my grandfather, father, brother. She took a stand and tried to humiliate me. But it takes more than that sort of behaviour to humiliate a veteran of 1971. Your book reveals she spoke very rudely to you when you met her along with the chief minister of Kerala who had requested you to attend the meeting. She changed the venue of the meeting from the office to her home at the last minute at the express purpose of humiliating me. At her office she couldn't have behaved like that with me. I could have walked out with the whole delegation. In her home, she told me, 'Who invited you?' I thought it was better to honourably withdraw. Are you out of your brother Naseeruddin Shah's shadow after spending 40 years in the army, 5 years as vice chancellor and being written about in the media yourself? It never bothered me. The Indian public is so star struck that they can't resist asking me if he is my brother. He is the best actor in the country and I am not the best soldier. But he says he is an actor because you are a good soldier. He is magnanimous. We three brothers did well because of the schooling we got (The general's elder brother Zaheer Uddin Shah is an alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur). Nobody dare discriminate against educated people. On the strength of education you can break through the barriers of discrimination. What are some of your brother's films you have liked most? I liked his performance in the TV series Mirza Ghalib. He is the face of Ghalib. Whenever they want to depict Ghalib, they put Naseer's photograph with that cap because they don't have a portrait of Ghalib. I also liked Mirch Masala, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Dirty Picture. I called him and told him you behaved just like MGR in Dirty Picture. I was in Madras when MGR was at the height of his popularity. There's no better actor than Naseer. IMAGE: The general with his brothers Naseeruddin Shah, left, and Zaheeruddin Shah, centre. You write about the army conducting operations in Myanmar and believe such surgical strikes should not be publicised. Why? It should be done quietly. Why do you want to endanger the lives of participating troops? The British SAS doesn't talk of its operations. Their honours and awards are never publicised. It is a blunder to publicise these operations which we have been doing for many, many years. I believe in the policy -- speak softly, but carry a big stick. Do it, but don't talk about it. Why do you feel China is India's biggest adversary? Has the concentration on Pakistan resulted in the neglect of meeting a possible Chinese threat? Pakistan is a small country. They are no match for us. The Chinese have a set pattern. They demonstrate, warn, threaten, attack and withdraw. These are the five stages of the Chinese everywhere. We were lulled into complacency, but I am certain things are being corrected now. You say there is no military solution to insurgency or to pellet guns and that winning hearts and minds is important, but when Kashmiris are killing their own and the ranks of homegrown militants are growing -- are we losing the battle in Kashmir? It appears to be. We haven't won the battle in Nagaland where the insurgency has been going on for 70 years. But there is a lot of difference. In the north east, we don't believe in collateral damage, we don't believe in using pellet guns, women used to come out in support (of the rebels) and surrounded us, but we never fired at them. We used dyed grenades which splashed semi permanent colour on their faces. Pellet guns should not be used. It takes three generations to forget -- like with Partition. The family of a relative killed in military firing would be prone to hostile propaganda and would have no concerns of the country. If your house is burnt, what loyalty would you have for the country? We have to get rid of the notion that collateral damage is acceptable because it is not. In Nagaland and Manipur, the peace process carried on for 70 years. We didn't get tired, stop the peace process and resort to military methods. The civil process has to continue. It will take time. The Kashmir insurgency is from 1990 onwards; problems in the north east have been since 1947 onwards and still simmering. Let us not be impatient. Patience, forbearance and minimal use of force is what will weaken the movement of anti-nationals. There is no military method of fighting insurgency. How can Kashmiri youth be brought into the mainstream? A lot of money is being pumped into Kashmir, but it is going into the wrong hands. Since these frustrated, educated youth don't have an occupation, they pick up a gun, and they are paid. Economic prosperity will make them give up the path of lawlessness and insurrection. We can try a bold experiment which we did in Nagaland. We offered general amnesty and converted the insurgents into two BSF battalions. It is a risk, but a risk worth taking. You say AFSPA cannot be abolished, but needs to be re-examined. What changes does it need? People are concerned about the human rights of the population, what about the human rights of soldiers? They are doing an unpleasant duty for the country. If you tie their hands behind their back, let me tell you they will not be able to perform. If you want to hamstring the army, then abolish AFSPA. But we need to take care that the army does not misuse it. I am for its retention, but with a few modifications. IMAGE: As vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University on International Yoga Day. General Shah has been practising yoga for more than 40 years. How different are the young officers today from officers of your time? They are better, if not as good. Of course, they don't have the spit and polish of the old timers, but I have seen them in action and they are magnificent The recent incident in Bomdilla highlighted civil-military conflict. How does it affect both sides? It certainly affects the military. The civil administration has become bloated with high ranking officials. Earlier, the SP was equivalent to a captain in a district. He was called 'Kaptaan sahib'. But now the district SP is of the rank of DIG or SSP. The absence of SPs, DSPs has spoilt the working equation with captains and majors at the district level. They don't bother about army officers, especially colonels. The response of the civil authority to a letter from the army is very tardy. Most suicides in the army are not related to military affairs, but to domestic trouble which the civil authority has not attended to. The civil administration must respond and react to requests by the army for resolving problems of servicemen living in operational areas. The Centre has granted sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to prosecute Delhi health minister Satyendar Kumar Jain in a case related to alleged possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, officials said Thursday. The move is set to deteriorate the already strain relations between the Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party government and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted strongly to the development claiming the case was registered against Jain as he was working for the regularisation of city's unauthorised colonies. Kejriwal also alleged that the BJP is an "enemy" of the people of Delhi. "It has been alleged that the minister, while functioning as a public servant, has amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income to the extent of Rs 1.62 crore (approx) during the period of February 14, 2015 to May 31, 2017. His wife and associates have allegedly abetted the commission of the offence," a CBI spokesperson had said after the FIR last year. While seeking the sanction to prosecute Jain, the CBI has alleged that Jain allegedly purchased 200 bighas of agricultural land in the names of companies controlled by him in Delhi during lasts five years and "laundered black money" to the tune of several crore of rupees. A top central government official said the Ministry of Home Affairs has "granted sanction of prosecution to prosecute Satyendra Kumar Jain, Minister in Government of NCT of Delhi, in a case registered by CBI in August 24, 2017 for acquiring assets disproportionate to his known sources of income". The case was registered against Jain, his wife Poonam, his alleged associates -- Ajeet Prasad Jain, Vaibhav Jain, Sunil Kumar Jain and Ankush Jain. Four companies -- Prayas Info Solutions, Akinchan Developers, Managalyatan Projects and Indo Metal Impex Pvt Limited -- were also named in the FIR. The CBI said during the enquiry, it was found that the minister and his associates were allegedly involved in money laundering to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore during 2015-16 through shell companies based in Delhi. "This apart, before becoming public servant, he was allegedly involved in laundering of Rs 11.78 crore during the years 2010-12 through these companies as well as other companies also based in New Delhi," it said. The CBI has alleged that the minister had control over these companies either in the form of being one of the directors and by holding one-third of shares of the companies in his name or in the names of his family members/others, another official said. Im a very passionate cook, she said. I have always cooked for family. I got some great recipes I picked up along the way. My mom was a big influence. As an Hispanic, when you cook, you cook everything from scratch. Thats what it boils down to. IMAGE: TRS president and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao addresses a public meeting, in Sangareddy.. Photograph: PTI Photo With little over a week left for Telangana state polls, K Chandrashekar Rao's party Telangana Rashtra Samiti has a new formula to check Chandrababu Naidu -- invoking the Telangana pride. Minister T Harish Rao, widely known as a key troubleshooter of the ruling party, said Naidu is a betrayer of Telangana people and there was a need to stop him from indirectly controlling the state. Had Naidu not entered Telangana, we would not have talked about Telangana pride. The issue would not have arisen if the Congress had gone solo. Since Naidu is part of the 'Maha Kutami' (a grand alliance of opposition parties), definitely Telangana pride will come into play, Rao told PTI on his campaign trail. From door-to-door visits to addressing rallies, Rao is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that his uncle KCR, as the states first chief minister is known as, returns to power for the second time. Rao exuded confidence that his party will win 90-plus seats in the 119-member assembly and will not take support from other parties. He also asserted that Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen will not be a part of the government despite having friendly ties. The Telangana pride is all about self-respect, Rao said adding that the Telugu Desam Party joining hands with the Congress is a blessing in disguise for his party. TRS is contesting in 107 assembly seats of the total 119, while TDP is a part of the Congress-led 'Maha Kutami' or grand alliance of four parties which also include the Communist Party of India and the Telangana Jana Samithi. Voting will take place on December 7 while counting of votes is scheduled for December 11. Claiming that 'Maha Kutami' is an utter flop, the TRS leader said his party is maintaining equal distance from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Rao, who is contesting for the sixth time from Siddipet, has never lost an election since 2004. He said he is not even campaigning in his area and is focussing all his efforts in Gajwel, the seat KCR is fighting from. On allegations about TRS indulging in dynasty politics, Rao said it was the case with the Congress as well, with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi all being from the same family. We have not come indirectly into politics, we are winning in elections, he said adding that the Congress has no locus standi to talk about dynastic politics. However in Congress, there is no leader and direction, he said. Congress cannot rule our state. In the past, chief minister was changed thrice in five years. They are mere power-mongers. On the other side, we don't even take BJP into consideration. He rubbished reports of any power tussle within his family. It is nonsense. As opposition has no public issue to raise, they talk about family tussle and family dynasty. In elections, you should talk about development and expose corruptions if any, Rao said. On welfare schemes denting the state exchequer, he said that the state has borrowed funds for development purpose. It is not wrong if you are spending for welfare of the state and even the US and other developed nations are doing. Asked about Telangana peoples discontent with the TRS for giving construction contracts to the Andhra settlers, especially the Reddy community, Rao said: "These contractors are working all over India. The contracts are not given directly to individuals but through a bidding process. Whoever quotes less, get the contract." Companies owned by Andhra settlers like GVK group are implementing projects not only in Telangana but across the country and even abroad, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in two important trilateral meetings with world leaders in Buenos Aires in Argentina's capital, during which they would discuss major global challenges and developments. Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit, will participate in the first-ever trilateral meeting between Japan, America and India and the 2nd Russia, India China trilateral, which is taking place after an interval of 12 years, on Friday. United States President Donald Trump will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and then the two leaders will meet jointly with Prime Minister Modi. The trilateral meeting between Trump, Abe and Modi is taking place in the backdrop of China engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and with Japan in the East China Sea. Both the areas are said to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the waterway, which includes vital sea lanes through which about USD 3 trillion in global trade passes each year. The US has been conducting regular patrols in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation in the area where Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. During the RIC meeting, Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet. In his departure statement, Modi said that through the 10 years of its existence, the G-20 has strived to promote stable and sustainable global growth. "This objective is of particular significance for developing countries and emerging economies such as India, which is today the fastest growing large economy in the world," he said. Modi said India's contribution to global economic growth and prosperity underlined its commitment to 'Building Consensus for Fair and Sustainable Development', which is the theme of the summit. "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last 10 years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade," he said. The prime minister said the participants would deliberate on the situation of the global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development. The timing of the meetings are directly related to period of major global developments, PMO sources said. They said it is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world. They noted that India is now a global engine of economic growth and will be in top five economies of the world and a factor of stability in the region. Further, it was in recognition of India assuming leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure, they said. Also, it was a reflection of India's willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organistaion and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like the Indo-Pacific region. It also reflected the fruition of India's efforts and leadership role in building awareness and consensus on key global challenges, the PMO sources said. Have you ever paid money to go to a prison to escape your stressful life? Sounds strange? Not so much in South Koreas Hongcheon city, where a mock prison facility hosts inmates seeking relief from the countrys demanding work and academic culture. Since 2013, the 'Prison Inside Me' facility in northeast Hongcheon has hosted more than 2,000 inmates, many of them stressed office workers and students. All Photographs: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The facility's co-founder Noh Ji-Hyang said the mock prison was inspired by her husband, a prosecutor, who once said 'he would rather go into solitary confinement for a week to take rest and feel better'. 'That was the beginning,' she said. Prison rules are strict. No talking with other inmates. No mobile phones or clocks. Clients get a blue prison uniform, a yoga mat, tea set, a pen and notebook. They sleep on the floor. There is a small toilet inside the room, but no mirror. The menu includes steamed sweet potato and a banana shake for dinner, and rice porridge for breakfast. A participant receives a certificate of parole after spending time at Prison Inside Me. A downturn in South Koreas high-tech, export-driven economy has intensified a hyper-competitive school and work environment that experts say adds to a high incidence of stress and suicide. Noh said some customers are wary of spending 24 or 48 hours in a prison cell, until they try it. "After a stay in the prison, people say, This is not a prison, the real prison is where we return to," Noh said. So what is the Pope to do when a little boy rushes his stage and steals the show? Ignore the child and let him play, it seems. A 6-year-old from Argentina walked on to the Vatican stage during Pope Francis papal audience. The child delighted worshippers and the pontiff alike as he played on stage. At Wednesday's public audience in the Vatican, a six-year-old boy escaped his mothers grasp and made his way to the stage when Pope Francis was seated. The boy first went up to a Swiss guard and tugged on his uniform, apparently trying to see if the stoic soldier was real. Then he ran around the pope and tumbled on the floor. Photograph: Max Rossi/Reuters Wenzel Wirth, 6, was amused by the Swiss guard and tugged on his gloved hands and pulled on the fringes of his blue and yellow striped uniform, much to the delight of the pontiff and the others who had collected there. Photograph: Max Rossi/Reuters His mother rushed to the stage to pull Wenzel away. She explained to Francis that he is mute. Francis issued a decree, of sorts. Let him play. This child cannot speak. He is mute. But he can communicate, Francis said in Spanish to the crowd of pilgrims in the audience, who came to hear clerical leaders give a catechism lesson in various languages. And he has something that got me thinking: He is free. Unruly but he is free." Photograph: Max Rossi/Reuters As Wenzel continued to play on stage and roll around the granite floor, Pope Francis said, "When Jesus says we have to be like children, it means we need to have the freedom that a child has before his father. I think this child preaches to all of us. And let us ask for the grace of speech (for him)." Photograph: Max Rossi/Reuters Khan said he's ready to meet PM Modi and hold talks. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi while conceding that it was not in the interest of his country to allow terror activities from its territory. Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside," Khan, who is celebrating 100 days of his government Thursday, said during an interaction with a group of Indian journalists in Islamabad. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue. "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding nothing is impossible when asked whether it is possible to resolve the Kashmir issue. "The mindset of people here has changed," Khan said, a day after he laid the foundation-stone for the Kartarpur corridor that will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur. Pakistan is projecting the corridor as a goodwill gesture. "The India I know - majority must be appreciating it," Khan told the Indian journalists who had arrived in Pakistan to cover the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor. He, however, said the gesture for peace cannot be one-sided. "We are willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi," Khan said, referring to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year. On punishing Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, who is carrying a USD 10 million US bounty, Khan said, "There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed. There is already a clampdown on him." The Jamat-ud-Dawah was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Tayiba terror outfit. Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was responsible for the attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009. On other accused in the 26/11 case, Khan said their case is sub judice. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. India, which is observing the 10th anniversary of one of the worst terrorist attacks in the country, has been pushing Pakistan to bring to justice the planners of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This heart-wrenching image of the Indian Army saluting and consoling the father of martyred officer Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani has touched the hearts of many on social media. Lance Naik Wani was martyred on November 26 while fighting six terrorists in South Kashmirs Shopian district. He was killed after he was hit by a volley of bullets when he stormed the target house. To pay tribute to Wani, the Indian Army posted this image with the caption, You are not alone, an Indian Army officer to father of a braveheart. The image has already garnered over 950 retweets and over 3,200 likes on Twitter. Villagers bid a tearful farewell to Lance Naik Wani on Monday in his native village in Kulgam where a 21-gun salute was given. Hundreds of villagers were present as the body was taken for burial. Nazir Ahmad Wani was a terrorist initially and became a counter-insurgent, a senior army officer accompanying the coffin was quoted as saying. The villagers had started gathering at his home early Monday morning to mourn the death of the solider who began his career with the 162 battalion of Territorial Army in 2004. He was a real braveheart and his enthusiastic participation in an anti-militancy operation had fetched him a Sena Medal in 2007 and again a bar to the Sena Medal this year on the eve of Independence Day, the officer said. Photograph: @ADGPI/Twitter Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday played down his appearance in a photograph with a 'pro-Khalistan' leader in Pakistan even as the opposition Akali Dal asked if India remained his priority. He came under a sharp attack from Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after a picture from the groundbreaking ceremony in Pakistan for the Kartarpur corridor showed him with 'separatist' Gopal Singh Chawla. Chawla, who is the general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and is known to speak for 'Khalistan', had shared the purported picture on his Facebook page. Sidhu returned home Thursday after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a visa-free corridor which will allow Sikh pilgrims access from Gurdaspur's Dera Baba Nanak to the shrine in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. The minister said he had posed with several people and it was difficult to distinguish them. "They showered so much love there. Every day ten thousands pictures were clicked, and among them who was Chawla or Cheema I do not know," he told reporters in Attari on his return. Sidhu had received flak for attending the ceremony in his 'personal' capacity, even after being advised against it by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. He said the hopes of 12 crore followers of Guru Nanak Dev had turned into reality with the historic decision by India and Pakistan to build the corridor. "The thaw has begun and the ice is melting," he said at the press briefing, where he appeared with Saurabh Madan, the organiser of a Dussehra event in Amritsar where about 60 people were mowed down by a train last month. "I returned after connecting hearts in the two Punjabs, Sidhu said. Gopal Singh Chawla was also seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the Kartarpur ceremony. "There was a link between Gopal Chawla and a terrorist attack that took place in Amritsar which is his (Sidhu's) constituency," SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Thursday, referring to the grenade blast at Nirankari Bhavan which killed three people earlier this month. "If he shakes hands with him or does something with him, then Sidhu has to answer in order to make clear whether the country or something else is his priority, he added. Badal said Sidhu should know that Pakistan is involved in sending drugs to Punjab. "It is General Bajwa who is behind killing our youth with whom he shakes hands, he said, Badal said, apparently referring to an earlier row over the Pakistan army chief hugging the Punjab politician. Taking a swipe at Congress president, the SAD chief said Rahul Gandhi has a 'very good opportunity' to expand his party in Pakistan by making Sidhu the head of the its unit in Pakistan's Punjab. However, Congress MLA Raj Kumar Verka defended Sidhu. "I feel Sukhbir Badal, the Badal family and the BJP are suffering from Sidhu phobia. I think they chant Sidhu's name more than Baba Nanak Dev's, he said. Verka said Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee chief Gobind Singh Longowal too had clicked a picture with Chawla at the same event, despite knowing his antecedents. "Sidhu does not even know about Chawla, Verka claimed. Verka asked whether Badal would now seek Longowal's resignation as SGPC chief. Meanwhile, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also attended the Kartarpur event, claimed that Sidhu had avoided Chawla several times. "But he managed to get a picture clicked with him," Sarna said in Attari. A: Generally, you have to donate at least 10 inches. Some organizations require more. The hair has to be in a braid or ponytail and it has to be clean and dry. Then, just print the donation form from the [organizations] website and send them the hair directly. I just put mine in a zip-lock baggie and send it in an envelope through regular mail. Exxon Mobil Corp. will use renewable energy to produce oil in West Texas. Under 12-year agreements with Denmark's Orsted A/S, Exxon will buy 500 megawatts of wind and solar power in the Permian Basin, the fastest growing U.S. oil field. It is the largest ever renewable power contract signed by an oil company, according to Bloomberg NEF. Terms weren't disclosed. "It will be interesting to see how the other oil majors respond," Kyle Harrison, a BNEF analyst, said. "A purchase like this has historically been unprecedented." Exxon, which was sued by investors who alleged the company downplayed risks of global warming, is turning to clean energy as it becomes cheap enough to compete with fossil fuels. The wind and solar farms are being built in a region where electricity demand is soaring as oil production grows. "We frequently evaluate opportunities to diversify our power supply and ensure competitive costs," Julie King, a spokeswoman for the Irving, Texas-based oil producer, said in an email. The company denies misleading investors about climate change. Booming production in the Permian Basin is helping Exxon offset declining output elsewhere in the world. But output in the region has grown so fast that infrastructure including pipelines and power plants have struggled to keep up. One area of the Permian, called the Delaware Basin, consumed the equivalent of 350 megawatts this summer, tripling its load from 2015. That's enough to power about 280,000 U.S. homes. Providers say demand is likely to triple again by 2022. Half the power Exxon will buy will come from the Sage Draw wind farm, which Orsted plans to finish building in 2020, according to a slide from an investor presentation Wednesday. The rest will be from the Permian Solar farm, scheduled to be finished in 2021. Orsted, the world's largest developer of offshore wind farms, has deep roots in fossil fuel. It was previously called Danish Oil and Natural Gas, or Dong, before shifting toward renewables about a decade ago. The company divested its upstream oil and gas business last year and rechristened itself Orsted, borrowing the name of a scientist who discovered electromagnetism in the 1800s. Texas already has the most wind power of any state, with more than 23 gigawatts. That's triple the next biggest market, Oklahoma. Texas is the fifth largest solar market, with about 2.6 gigawatts. That's forecast to double next year, according to Morningstar Inc. In August, Exxon was said to be seeking renewable energy under long-term contracts from a group of potential developers. - - - Bloomberg's Brian Eckhouse contributed to this report. TORRINGTON Actors from the Nutmeg Junction theater radio program will take the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday at SpeakEasy at the Noelke Gallery, at 15 Water St. in downtown Torrington. The event, including the selections by the poets, will be recorded and aired during subsequent episodes of the Nutmeg Junction radio broadcast. Nutmeg Junction is a weekly, 30-minute, original scripted theater program that pays homage to the golden age old-time radio programs. The show is recorded at WAPJ in Torrington and airs on 89.9 and 105.1FM locally at 1 p.m. on Sundays. Nutmeg Junction is broadcast on more than 10 stations nationwide and online including WHDD in Sharon, WESU in Middletown, WLPZ in Leominster, Mass., and more. Sundays event marks the first time the actors will perform portions of their radio program for a live audience. Among the Nutmeg Junction actors are J. Timothy Quirk, Kurt Boucher, Nick Bourne, Rich Cyr, Jandi Hanna, David Robinson, Jack Sheedy and Olivia Wadsworth. Sheedy and Robinson, who are regular participants in the monthly SpeakEasy, have both been featured voice actors on the Nutmeg Junction radio program. Sheedy said, I have not missed a SpeakEasy since attending my first one in April 2017. Find out why it is one of the most fun events in town. I am very much looking forward to perform Nutmeg Junction at The Speak Easy, says Rich Cyr. Performing in front of a live audience will bring an energy and excitement that cant be created in a studio. There are many wonderful things happening in the arts in Torrington, said Jandi Hanna. Im delighted to be taking part. SpeakEasy was founded in 2017 by writer Patricia Martin who hosts the event. Martin was inspired to create SpeakEasy after moving from outside Woodstock, N.Y., where a creative community thrived. Martin wished to engage similarly minded creative voices in northwest Connecticut and founded this program to foster a warm, nonjudgmental, safe environment for sharing creative expression. SpeakEasy showcases poetry, essays, story-telling and other forms of spoken word pieces. The event is held every first Sunday of the month at the Noelke Gallery. Open mic signup begins at 6:30 p.m., and the event usually runs from 7-9 p.m. Sundays show will be the last for the year and will return in March to celebrate its second anniversary. To ensure as many voices have the opportunity to reach the microphone during the event, after the introductory remarks by Patricia Martin at 7 p.m., Nutmeg Junction will perform one story. The rest of the hour will feature SpeakEasy poets. At the start of the second hour at 8 p.m., Nutmeg Junction will perform its second and final story, whereupon the SpeakEasy poets will have the microphone for the rest of the night. All ages are welcome; snacks are available and BYOB. There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. For more information or to recommend a feature reader, contact Martin at Patricia@PatriciaMartin.com. For information about the Noelke Gallery, visit https://www.noelkegallery.com/ For information about Nutmeg Junction, visit www.nutmegjunction.com or find it Facebook. TORRINGTON Community Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) is hosting a World AIDS Day event on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at its Torrington location at 469 Migeon Avenue. The day offers an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. CHWC will recognize World AIDS Day with a t-shirt give away (while supplies last), raffles, information, and, as always, free and confidential HIV testing. CHWC is also relaunching its Lets talk about PrEP program, which offers a medication that prevents HIV. Attendees at the event who ask about PrEP will receive a free pair of ear buds. World AIDS Day is marking its 30th anniversary, and the theme for 2018 is Know your status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,122,900 people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in seven does not know it. And there are approximately 10,400 people living in Connecticut with HIV. World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, every year United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS. CHWC encourages everyone in the community to know their status by offering free and confidential HIV testing. Results of the test are known in 20 minutes, no appointment is necessary, and participants do not need to be patients to be tested. CHWC recommends everyone be tested yearly to reduce the risk of transmission and late-stage diagnosis, which can lead to AIDS. CHWC also offers PrEP, management of the FDA-approved pill, which is taken daily to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be up to 96% - 99% effective in preventing HIV infection. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a persons immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV, but with proper medical care it can be controlled. AIDS testing locations and times: CHWC, Torrington, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. CHWC Winsted, 115 Spencer Street, 8:30-10 a.m. Torrington FISH, 332 South Main Street, Thursdays 8:30-10 a.m. Winsted Soup Kitchen, 160 Main Street, last Wednesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Winsted Salvation Army, 716 Main Street, last Wednesday of the month, 2- 4 p.m. For more information and a confidential discussion, call 860-387-0490. About Community Health and Wellness Center: The Community Health & Wellness Center of Greater Torrington is committed to keeping communities healthy. The center, its employees, volunteer practitioners, board members, officer, and independent contractors are deemed to be employees of the Federal Public Health and Human Services. In a compassionate, patient-centered environment, CHWC services are accessible and provided without discriminations, with cultural competence, and where all people matter regardless of their ability to pay. CHWC offers and continues to develop a range of healthcare services for the underserved throughout northwest Connecticut, including medical, dental, chiropractic, and counseling services. It strives to achieve the reputation of provider of choice for affordable, high quality services that achieve positive patient outcomes in a welcoming and caring environment. CHWC collaborates and advocates with other organizations to increase the regions capacity to meet the communities health and wellness needs. It is the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Connecticut to receive a Health Services and Resources Associations (HRSA) Health Center Program 2017 Quality Leader Award, and is the recipient of its 2018 Health Center quality Leader Award, as well. CHWC is located at 469 Migeon Avenue, Torrington, and 115 Spencer Street, Winsted, with the following satellite locations: FISH of Torrington, 332 South Main Street, Torrington; Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert Street, Torrington, CT; The Open Door Soup Kitchen, 160 Main Street, Winsted; YMCA Emergency Shelter, 480 Main Street, Winsted; Torrington Soup Kitchen, 220 Prospect Street, Torrington; and Oliver Wolcott Technical School, 75 Oliver Street, Torrington. Call 860-489-0931, visit at www.chwctorr.org and on Facebook. Bennett, a Republican who was state superintendent from 2009 to 2012, is a member of the board of directors of MGT Consulting of America, which was selected last year over six other firms to manage the academic and financial operations of the beleaguered school district. TORRINGTON White powder that was found on the playground at Forbes School on Migeon Avenue Thursday and was initially deemed suspicious turned out to be baking soda, school officials said. The Torrington Police Department and Torrington Fire Department were called to the school to investigate immediately after the powder was found, Interim Superintendent of Schools Susan Lubomski said. "We believe this is a fair contract for our represented employees, and we look forward to getting back to work after the negotiations effort. We thank our employees, customers and the community for their patience and commitment during the negotiation process," said John Brett, president and CEO of ArcelorMittal USA. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) offers envelopes of cash to pregnant workers at a garment factory compound on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Aug. 30, 2017. Cambodias Ministry of Labor on Thursday asked all union leaders and labor activists who have court cases pending against them to report to the ministry so it can work with justice officials to have the charges dropped, in a move by Prime Minister Hun Sens authoritarian regime to ease pressure by the international community over his human rights record. The move comes a day after Hun Sen asked the two ministries to end pending cases to allow greater freedom for unions to work independently without fear of prosecution, especially in the crucial garment manufacturing sector. A statement issued by the labor ministry said those who have cases pending against them should submit relevant documents before Dec. 10. The roughly 40 cases still outstanding against unionists and activists entail charges mainly related to organizing and participating in labor demonstrations, including incitement, causing violence, destruction of property, and obstructing traffic. It is believed that the cases have not gone to trial so that Hun Sen can use the charges to continue to stifle labor activists and organizers who pose a threat to his regime without drawing further condemnation from the international community. Yang Sophorn, president of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, who has a case pending against her on criminal charges of incitement, told RFAs Khmer Service that she has already submitted paperwork to the labor ministry. She said that government officials brought a case against her solely because her profession entails helping workers, and that she had not committed any crime. It wont help At least five prominent independent union leaders, including Ath Thon, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union; Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions; and Chea Mony, an advisor at the Free Trade Union of the Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, have open cases on charges of crimes related to labor issues. Unionists accused of crimes under the penal code are forbidden to engage in activities with workers or access factory premises. Ath Thon told RFA that the lawsuit against him has affected his work. Because of the complaints, we cant help workers resolve labor disputes, he said. Rong Chhun told RFA that Hun Sens move to have the cases dropped is not a genuine intention to give greater freedom to independent unions that engage in collective bargaining and advocate for rights and improved working conditions in the 600 factories that comprise Cambodias heavily unionized garment and footwear sector. He said the prime minister made the decision to stop the European Union from withdrawing Cambodias preferential Everything But Arms (EBA) trade agreement that gives the developing country tariff-free access to the bloc. Hun Sen is doing this just to stop Cambodia from plunging into further crisis, but it wont help, he said. Cambodias U.S. $7 billion apparel industry the countrys largest employs around 700,000 people and accounts for four-fifths of exports. Loss of EBA preferences The EU informed Cambodia on Oct. 5 that it was ending its preferential trade status because of a worsening of the countrys human rights record amid a crackdown by Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media surrounding the general election on July 29. The prime minister and his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party overwhelmingly won the election widely criticized as unfree and unfair following the Supreme Courts dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party for its role in an alleged plot to topple the government. EU officials said that it would take 18 months to complete the procedure if the EBA agreement is dropped, The Phnom Penh Post reported. In early July, the EU launched a fact-finding mission to Cambodia to assess whether Hun Sens government was adhering to its commitments in the Generalised Scheme of Preferences an agreement that grants Cambodian exports tax-free entry into the European market under the EBA scheme. The EU is the most important market for Cambodia's apparel industry, accounting for about 45 percent of the countrys garment exports. In March, industry organizations representing major European and American apparel brands sent an open letter to Hun Sen, stating their concern over several controversial labor-related laws and court cases against labor organizers. They also asked for amendments to the countrys 2016 Trade Union Law and called for an end to the harassment of labor activists. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Hui Muslim poet Cui Haoxin (L) is shown outside the Lu Xun College of Literature, Beijing, March 24, 2018. Authorities in the eastern province of Shandong have detained and questioned a Hui Muslim poet after he tweeted about growing religious oppression under the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Poet Cui Haoxin known by his pen name An Ran was detained by state security police in the provincial capital Jinan on Tuesday, and questioned about a tweet about the suppression of religious freedom in China. "Chinese religions and traditional culture were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Then the morality disappeared," read Cui's tweet sent on Oct. 27. "Now Chinese communists begin to strike the religions again," he wrote. According to a transcript of the interview posted to Cui's Twitter account, police wanted to know his aim in writing such a thing on Twitter, which is blocked in China in the absence of circumvention tools to evade government censorship. "Police ordered me to delete my Twitter account," Cui tweeted after his release. "I rejected them and said [social media] accounts [are] personal property." Calls to a senior officer in the Jinan municipal police department state security brigade rang unanswered during office hours on Thursday. An officer who answered the phone at Cui's local police station on Jinan's Keyuan Road declined to comment. "If you want to enquire about this, our sub-bureau has a propaganda department ... They are authorized to talk to the media," the officer said. No news at all Sulaiman Gu, a rights activist currently studying in the United States, said Cui had made his detention known in a brief tweet on Tuesday. "After that we had no news at all, and nobody was able to get in touch with him," Gu told RFA. He said Cui had also been an outspoken critic of the mass detention of an estimated one million Muslim Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other minorities in "re-education" camps in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. "An Ran had spoken out on China's Uyghur situation, and the suppression of Muslims' religious freedom," Gu said. "His outspokenness has gotten him into trouble several times before." "In August, the police came to his home and warned him that they'd take it further if he didn't shut his mouth," he said. Cui wrote at the time that he was warned not to use overseas social media or to become a "tool" of hostile foreign forces. Last April, Cui was sent on a weeklong 're-education course' in eastern China and was briefly detained in connection with his poetry and other writings that reference Xinjiang, it said. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) expressed concerns in August over Chinas mass internment of ethnic Uyghurs and restrictions on their religious freedom. The panel said it was "deeply concerned" by reports that China has turned the [Xinjiang] Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) into something that resembles a massive internment camp that is shrouded in secrecy in the name of eradicating religious extremism and maintaining social stability. Beginning in April 2017, Uyghurs and Kazakhs accused of harboring strong religious views and politically incorrect ideas have been jailed or detained in political re-education camps throughout the region. Many have done nothing more than go overseas or have family members who have gone overseas. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Nine prominent figures in Hong Kong's 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement began making the case for their defense on Thursday in their controversial trial on public order charges. A group of supporters gathered outside West Kowloon Magistrates Court, chanting: "Occupy Central is innocent!" "Shame on political prosecutions!" and "Peaceful protest is legitimate!" The three activists who initiated the movementlaw professor Benny Tai, retired sociology professor Chan Kin-man, and reverend Chu Yiu-mingface one count each of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, inciting others to cause public nuisance, and inciting people to incite others to cause public nuisance. Former student federation leaders Tommy Cheung and Eason Chung, League of Social Democrats vice-chairman Raphael Wong, and lawmakers Tanya Chan and Shiu Ka-chun face two counts of inciting others to cause a public nuisance, while former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Wing-tat faces one count. Chan Kin-man, who conducted his own defense, said the chief purpose of the Occupy Central movement was to campaign for fully democratic elections using civil disobedience tactics. "Civil disobedience doesn't just mean the occupation of a place; it also means that participants expect to make sacrifices to make society pay attention to injustice," he told the court. Asked why he didn't plead guilty, Chan Kin-man said he felt that some of the charges were unreasonable, and that any conviction would have "a profound impact" on waning freedom of speech in the city. He said he, Tai, and Chu had carried out an unofficial referendum with 792,000 voters taking part, the majority of whom support universal, direct elections to Hong Kong's Legislative Council, and for its chief executive. He said the trio had repeatedly sought meetings with high-ranking government officials, but weren't offered any meaningful dialogue when the meeting finally took place, with chief executive Carrie Lam merely urging them not to proceed with the Occupy Central movement. 'Too radical' Chan said that when the trio showed the officials their data in support of universal suffrage, the then-undersecretary for constitutional affairs, Lau Kong-wah, repeatedly told them they were too radical. No further meetings were arranged, and the officials left the handouts prepared for them in the meeting room. Later, an Aug. 31, 2014 ruling from China's National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee insisting on the vetting of electoral candidates led the trio to believe that the path to dialogue was now closed. At that point, they decided to move ahead with the occupation of a pedestrian area in the Central business district. But the "storming" of Civic Square outside government headquarters on Sept. 27 brought thousands of protesters onto the streets of nearby Admiralty, and Chan then announced the start of the movement the following day, he said. Chans lawyer told the court that he will play an hours worth of video footage on Friday which has never been seen publicly before, government broadcaster RTHK reported. The prosecution had told the court that the actions of the seven were "unreasonable," and accused them of repeatedly calling on protesters to shut down parts of the central Admiralty district, where key government buildings are located, by blocking traffic with illegal sit-ins. Prosecutors accused Tai, Chan, and Chu of initiating the civil disobedience movement at a news conference in March 2013, as a way of achieving fully democratic elections, and of encouraging large numbers of people to take part. All nine pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were based largely on evidence of their statements made to the media at the time. Broken promises British MPs have condemned the use of criminal charges to intimidate and silence pro-democracy figures, noting that more than 100 pro-democracy protesters have been charged, and many jailed, on the basis of common law charges which curtail freedom of expression and have been criticized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Hong Kong was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms of speech and association by a mini-constitution drafted by U.K. and Chinese officials ahead of the 1997 handover to Chinese rule. But those freedoms are now being eroded in the wake of repeated interventions in the citys political life by Beijing, according to overseas governments and human rights organizations. The trial comes after student leaders Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Alex Chow were found guilty of public order offenses in July 2017 for their role in the occupation of a cordoned-off public space at the start of the movement. Reported by Lee Wang-yam for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Jing Yuan and Hwang Chun-mei for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. New cargo inspection equipment is being installed at the entrance to a customs station in Dandong, China. Chinese authorities will be using new technology at the border with North Korea to screen trucks carrying cargo to and from China, replacing the x-ray scanners with state-of-the-art equipment more effective at finding smuggled contraband, sources say. New modern cargo inspection equipment is being installed at the entrance to customs here in Dandong, a source from the Chinese border town told RFAs Korean Service on Nov 26. Theyre going to use it to inspect cargo trucks from North Korea, and they began installing it about a month ago. When they finish installation, every single truck, whether Chinese or Korean, must be inspected at the scanning station, the source said. When the truck enters the inspection center, the machine will automatically scan the truck and show its cargo on a screen. It will be much easier to detect prohibited trade items, the source added. Dandong customs has been scanning trucks with outdated x-ray scanners, the source said. This method was unable to detect illegal goods hidden between legal items or packaged in fake boxes. But these new scanners are the newest available, so its going to be difficult for anything illegal to slip through the cracks, said the source. The new emphasis on controlling the flow of goods in and out of North Korea at the Chinese border is a stark contrast to the recent past, before U.S. sanctions aimed at putting a halt to North Koreas nuclear program were put in place. In the 2000s when North Korea and China had a more active trading relationship, Dandong customs officers would only check documents for details of a shipment and didnt even scan the truck with x-rays, another source, from North Koreas North Pyongan province, said. Until the early 2010s, customs declarations were just a mere formality. They only would stop the trucks that were over-loaded, said the source. Since the U.S. began to impose strong economic sanctions in April last year, Dandong started being more thorough in their inspections, the source revealed. They were especially concerned with finding items that could be used for making weapons, like certain metallic items and chemicals. They also started opening suspicious boxes after x-ray scans, and this sometimes caused trouble with North Korean traders, the source said. But being so thorough with the inspections was causing delays, the source said, adding, Many of the trucks were unable to make their deliveries in Sinuiju on time. This new tech will shorten the time it takes to inspect each truck, meaning fewer delays. Reported by Hyemin Son for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's powerful former national-security adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar has announced plans to run in the April 2019 presidential election. Atmar, once considered the second-most powerful official in Ghani's government, will be running against his former boss, who is seeking reelection in the April 20 vote. The 50-year-old, a former interior minister, unexpectedly quit his role as national security adviser in August, citing major policy differences with the president, including on peace talks with the Taliban. In February, Ghani made an unconditional offer of negotiations to the Taliban, which has waged a deadly, 17-year insurgency against the Western-backed government. Announcing his candidacy on November 28 in an interview with Tolo News, Afghanistan's largest broadcaster, Atmar said he would welcome talks with the militants but would not accept the return of a Taliban regime in Afghanistan. An ethnic Pashtun, Atmar was a former intelligence officer in the communist government who lost a leg fighting the anti-Soviet mujahideen in the 1980s. His announcement came as the Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced on November 29 that the election would take place in April, after election officials said earlier this week that the vote could be delayed for at least three months. The IEC said the registration of candidates would be held from December 22 to January 2. A preliminary list of candidates is due to be announced on January 8, it said. Based on reporting by Tolo News and Reuters WASHINGTON -- The longtime personal lawyer for President Donald Trump admitted he lied to Congress about the timing and extent of his discussions with unnamed Russian officials about a proposed Trump-branded development in Moscow. The guilty plea by Michael Cohen, entered in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan on November 29, was a dramatic development in the deepening legal problems Trump faces from various Russia-linked investigations ongoing in Washington and elsewhere. The new charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller said that Cohen misled at least one congressional committee about the discussions he had with unnamed Russian and other officials about a building that Trump had long sought to build in Moscow. Cohen had previously said that talks about the deal stopped in January 2016, but, according to Muellers court filing, those discussions in fact were ongoing as late as June 2016, as Trump was closing in on securing the Republican party's nomination to be U.S. president. Cohen admitted that he misled the Senate Intelligence Committee about that and other details in testimony he provided to the committee in August 2017. 'Individual 1' In his appearance in federal court, Cohen said: "I made these misstatements to be consistent with Individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual 1." Mueller's court filing describes "Individual 1" as the owner of a "Manhattan-based real estate company"-- a description that matches Trump's. Trump, meanwhile, had denied he had any business dealings in Russia during the 2016 election campaign, and he reacted quickly to news of Cohen's guilty plea on November 29. "He is a weak person. And by being weak, unlike other people that you watch, he's a weak person, and what he's trying to do is get a reduced sentence. So, he is lying about a project everybody knew about," Trump said at the White House as he departed for the Group of 20 summit being held in Argentina on November 30-December 1. Trump had been scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit, but in a post to Twitter just after departing the White House, Trump said the meeting had been canceled. He cited the uptick in tensions between Russia and Ukraine over a naval confrontation near the Black Sea. The Trump Tower project in Moscow never got built, despite years of efforts by Trump to develop some sort of real estate venture in the Russian capital. In the new charges, Mueller detailed Cohen's direct communications with the Kremlin in early 2016. Cohen had previously said he e-mailed the office of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in January 2016, seeking to discuss "the Moscow Project," but had received no reply. In fact, according to the new charges, an assistant to Peskov e-mailed a reply to Cohen on January 20, 2016, and Cohen then spoke with the assistant for about 20 minutes. A day later, Cohen was contacted by "Individual 2" who asked to speak with Cohen, saying "It's about [the President of Russia] they called today." While the new plea stemmed from charges brought by Muellers investigators, Cohen had earlier pleaded guilty in a separate prosecution that grew out of Muellers investigation, but was filed instead by federal prosecutors in Manhattan. Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, will be in federal court on November 30, as part of new charges filed by Mueller that allegedly involve a shadowy Ukrainian man who U.S. intelligence believes has ties to Russian security agencies. Manafort had been convicted by a U.S. jury of financial crimes related to his lobbying work for Ukrainian politicians, work that preceded his time as Trumps campaign chairman in 2016. And on November 26, a former foreign policy aide to the Trump campaign, George Papadopoulos, reported to prison to serve a two-week sentence for lying to the FBI about his conversation with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign. Also, this week, Trump submitted written answers to a series of questions made by Muellers investigators. The answers have not been released publicly. 'We Swore Him Under Oath' News of Cohen's plea prompted scattered reaction among lawmakers in Congress. Paul Ryan, who is resigning this year as the top Republican in the House of Representatives, said Cohen should be prosecuted. "Well, he should be prosecuted to the extent of the law," Ryan said at a forum hosted by The Washington Post. "Thats why we put him under oath. I mean so just back it up for a second, lying to Congress. That means he came and testified. That means we swore him under oath. That means we put him on the record. That means we did our job." That was echoed by Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. "This is a reason people shouldn't lie when they're in front of a congressional investigation," he said. Mark Warner, Burrs Democratic counterpart on the committee, called on Congress to pass legislation to protect Mueller from being fired by Trump. Earlier this week, the Senate majority leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, declined to allow a vote on such legislation. Adam Schiff, who will be the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee beginning in January, said the plea provided new impetus to restart the committees investigations. The committees investigation was ended in April by its Republican majority, which issued a report that largely cleared Trump and his associates of any wrongdoing in connection with Russian influence operations. The report was criticized by the committees Democrats, who will now be in the majority come January. "All these developments make clear the counterintelligence imperative for the House Intelligence Committee in the new Congress to continue to probe the Trump Organizations financial links to Russia, Schiff said. With reporting by Reuters The candidate on the losing side of the runoff in Georgia's presidential election has told supporters that he doesn't recognize the results. At a rally in Tbilisi on November 29, Grigol Vashadze called for street protests and snap parliamentary elections after his opponent, Salome Zurabishvili, was declared the winner. The ruling Georgian Dream party backed Zurabishvili, who won 59.52 percent of the vote on November 28, compared with 40.48 percent for Vashadze, according to the election commission. Opposition groups said there had been various voting irregularities. BISHKEK -- The European Union's special representative for Central Asia, Peter Burian, has arrived in Bishkek to discuss with Kyrgyz officials ways to expand cooperation between the bloc and the Central Asian nation. The EU office in Bishkek said on November 29 that Burian was due to discuss EU-Kyrgyz ties with the parliament speaker Dastanbek Jumabekov, Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev, and Foreign Minister Chyngyz Aidarbekov. Burian was also scheduled to meet with representatives of Kyrgyzstan's civil society and foreign diplomats. His last visit to Kyrgyzstan was in February, two months after the EU and Kyrgyzstan launched negotiations on a new bilateral agreement. The EU announced in December 2017 that the accord would replace the 1999 Kyrgyz-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and would focus on political and economic cooperation, as well as trade and investment relations. After visiting Bishkek in November last year, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called the agreement under discussion "ambitious." The EU and another Central Asian nation, Kazakhstan, concluded a new agreement on establishing closer ties in December 2015. Both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have close ties to Moscow and are members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. The European Union's foreign-policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has urged Kosovo to rescind a 100 percent tax on imports from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, saying the measure "only complicates the situation further." Federica Mogherini told Kosovar President Hashim Thaci during a phone call on November 28 that the levy "does not bring any solution to people's problems or to Kosovo's aspirations for its present and its future." "This is a measure that does not help to build good neighborly relations and needs to be revoked," Mogherini also said, according to a statement. On November 21, Pristina slapped the tax in retaliation for what it said were Belgrade's efforts to undermine the young republic on the international stage. The move drew angry reactions from Belgrade and Sarajevo and calls from the European Union and the United States to revoke the measure. It also prompted the mayors of four predominantly ethnic Serb municipalities in northern Kosovo to resign. The German government on November 28 called on the governments of both Serbia and Kosovo to "avoid escalation" of the ongoing standoff. Spokesman Steffen Seibert criticized both Serbia's campaign to keep Kosovo out of Interpol, the international police organization, and Kosovo's subsequent decision to impose the 100 percent tariffs. Relations between Pristina and Belgrade have been tense since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Although more than 110 countries recognize Kosovo, Serbia -- and Bosnia -- do not. Both Kosovo and Serbia have been told they must resolve their differences in order to make progress toward EU membership, but EU-sponsored normalization talks have been stop-and-go in recent months. "We agreed the time is now for Kosovo and Serbia to reach an agreement" between Pristina and Belgrade, U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton tweeted after meeting with Thaci at the White House on November 27. The meeting came a day after the Kosovar president held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington. During the talks, Pompeo urged Kosovo to rescind the tariffs on Serbian products and to work with Belgrade to "avoid provocations and deescalate tensions," the State Department said in a statement. "Normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is the only way to clear the path to both countries' future integration into the Western community of nations," it also said. With reporting by dpa Safety is all around us, and with my family working in construction, hospitals, and manufacturing, I thought it would be great for me to learn more of what I can do to help, Perez said. The best part of my job is knowing that I am making a difference by keeping workers safe so they can go home to their families. BRUSSELS -- The president of the European Union's General Court has dismissed Andriy Klyuyev's attempt to have the bloc's sanctions against him suspended. Klyuyev was the head of the administration of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. His assets in the EU were frozen in 2014 after the collapse of the government amid pro-Western street protests. The EU at the time argued that both Klyuyev and Yanukovych, as well as others close to the regime, "were responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for abuse of office, causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds." The sanctions have been prolonged every year since then. But in June, the European court annulled the sanctions against Klyuyev from March 2017 to March 2018, arguing that "EU member states had failed to dispel doubts that existed as to the reliability of the information provided by the Ukrainian authorities concerning the proceedings brought against Mr. Klyuyev." Klyuyev remained under sanctions after the court's decision, however, as the European Council had extended the restrictive measures by one year, before the court ruled. In light of its prior decision, Klyuyev had asked the court to suspend the sanctions against him, arguing that the EU once again had failed to dispel doubts about the reliability of the information provided by Ukrainian authorities when it established its sanctions list. The court's president in denying Klyuyev's request said he failed to establish that the need to suspend the sanctions was urgent. He dismissed his motion, but said the court at a later date will look into whether the current measures against him are lawful. Acclaimed Chinese photographer Lu Guang has been missing in the northwestern region of Xinjiang for weeks, his wife and a rights group say. The Germany-based Society for Threatened Peoples said on November 28 that Lu Guang, who resides with his wife in the United States, had been abducted by local police three weeks ago in Xinjiang. The group said in a statement it was "deeply concerned" about Lu's life, and demanded the immediate release of the three-time World Press Photo award winner. Lu's wife, Xu Xiaoli, earlier said in online posts that she had been unable to reach her husband since November 3 while he was travelling alone in the city of Kashgar. Xu told the Associated Press news agency on November 27 that her husband was taken away by state security agents for unknown reasons. The Society for Threatened Peoples said his abduction was related to the "dramatic deterioration of the human rights situation in Xinjiang." Investigations by the United Nations revealed in August that an estimated 1 million Muslims from Xinjiang, mainly ethnic Uyghurs, were being held in "counterextremism centers" and millions more had been forced into reeducation camps. Uyghurs are the largest indigenous community in Xinjiang, followed by Kazakhs, and the region is also home to ethnic Kyrgyz, Tajiks and Hui, also known as Dungans. Han, China's largest ethnicity, are the second-largest community in Xinjiang, which borders Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikistan. With reporting by Reuters and AFP The Russian Embassy in the United States says it is looking into the circumstances of the death of a Russian citizen who died at an immigration jail in the state of Washington. The embassy issued a statement posted on its Facebook page on November 29, three days after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency said that 40-year-old Mergensana Amar had been removed from life support on November 24. An ICE statement said Amar, who entered the United States last December and sought asylum, had been rushed to a medical center in the city of Tacoma after attempting to commit suicide inside his cell at a detention center nine days earlier on November 15 The preliminary cause of death has been identified as anoxic brain injury due to asphyxiation, according to the statement. The agency said Amar was placed in its custody after he sought admission at a U.S. port of entry without the proper documentation to enter or remain in the United States. He was due to be deported this month. Rights activists who monitor the detention center where Amar was held said he was on a nearly three-month hunger strike to protest against the conditions of his detention and his pending deportation to Russia. Maru Mora Villalpando, an organizer with the Northwest Detention Center Resistance, said the Russian, an ethnic Buryat, had been retaliated against, including by threats of force-feeding. Villalpando said Amar was afraid to return to Russia, where he said he had faced persecution for demonstrating in support of the Siberian region of Buryatias independence. According to ICE, Amar began consuming fresh fruit, electrolytes, and meal replacement shakes on September 19 and was consuming enough calories by October 16 to be taken off "hunger strike status." The man repeated threats to resume the hunger strike should its end be made public, the agency said. With reporting by The Seattle Times and AP BRUSSELS -- A senior U.S. diplomat has called on the Taliban to seize a "moment of opportunity" to open formal peace talks with the Western-backed Afghan government and negotiate an end to the 17-year conflict. Alice Wells, the U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of state in charge of South and Central Asian affairs, told RFE/RL that the "door had opened" for a possible peace settlement with the Taliban following President Ashraf Ghani's offer of unconditional talks in February and an unprecedented cease-fire in June. "The Afghan government is ready," Wells told RFE/RL on November 29 in Brussels, a day after she attended a UN-sponsored two-day conference on Afghanistan in Geneva. "The Afghan people, and by that I mean the Taliban also, are ready. It's a question of whether the Taliban leadership is prepared to take up this offer." Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former U.S. ambassador to Kabul and Iraq, was appointed in September to the U.S. State Department team that is leading the reconciliation effort and peace talks with the Taliban. Khalilzad, who has held several rounds of preliminary talks with Taliban officials in Qatar, told reporters in Kabul this month that he was optimistic a peace deal with the militants could be reached before the presidential election in Afghanistan in April 2019. 'Moment Of Opportunity' Wells, who met with Taliban representatives in Qatar in July, said there was no deadline but "there is a sense of urgency because we think this is a moment of opportunity." Ghani, speaking in Geneva on November 28, said his government had formed a 12-strong team to negotiate peace with the Taliban, but he warned that any deal must fulfill certain conditions, including respecting the constitutional rights of women. In February, Ghani offered to allow the Taliban to establish itself as a political party and said he would work to remove sanctions on the militant group, among other incentives, if it joined the government in peace negotiations. In return, the militants would have to recognize the Kabul government and respect the rule of law. The Taliban has refused to deal directly with Kabul, saying they would negotiate only with the United States. The militants have also said NATO forces must withdraw from Afghanistan before negotiations can begin. Wells said the militants were "suffering enormous casualties" and "there's war fatigue among the Taliban." In June, the government and Taliban declared a three-day cease-fire coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the first ever cessation of hostilities between the warring sides. Wells said the cease-fire demonstrated that the sides want to "find a way to live in peace." "They've always said publicly that they seek peace and they don't seek to dominate Afghanistan as they did in leading up to 2001," said Wells, referring to the Taliban, who were in power from 1996 until the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. "Let's test that proposition about whether or not they're prepared to actually sit and negotiate a political solution." Efforts to open peace talks with the Taliban come as Afghan security forces struggle to fend off attacks from the militants, who control more territory than at any time since 2001. Afghan forces are suffering record casualties, with Ghani saying that nearly 29,000 Afghan police and soldiers have been killed in the country since the start of 2015 when Afghan troops took over primary responsibility for security. During the same period, 58 American had been killed, he said. With reporting by RFE/RL correspondent Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels Several thousand protesters from Macedonia's right-wing opposition have marched through the capital, Skopje, to protest against Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's deal with Greece to change the country's name. The group, waving red-and-yellow Macedonian flags late on November 28, was led by the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party that was ousted from power last year and has seen its ranks weakened further in recent months. The party has so far failed to thwart the deal that Zaev, the pro-EU leader of the Social Democrats, struck with Greece this year to rename the country North Macedonia. If the change is finalized in parliament, Athens has promised to lift its veto on Skopje's attempts to join NATO and the European Union. Greece has blocked Macedonia's aspirations for years, insisting that the country's current name, Republic of Macedonia, implies a claim on ancient Greek culture and its own northern province with the same name. Macedonian critics of the deal have argued that Zaev allowed the country to be bullied into the agreement by Greece. VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski in a speech to the crowd accused Zaev of "treason" and claimed his deal with Greece was a "national humiliation" that will lead to the country's economic destruction. He and his supporters demanded early elections and the resignation of the government. "We'll show you your place in history, the dark side of history, in the next early or regular elections," Mickoski said, calling for weekly protests in the capital. The protesters paraded from the party's headquarters to parliament nearby. The protest ended peacefully after several hours. "We should not allow the centuries-old name of our fatherland Macedonia to be changed," Marlena Janeva, 70, told AFP. After a dramatic vote in parliament that saw several VMRO-DPMNE legislators defect from their party to approve the name change, parliament is now drafting constitutional amendments to enshrine the deal. To become law, the amendments will need to pass with a two-thirds majority in a final vote. Earlier this month, the VMRO-DPMNE's former leader, former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, who ruled the country between 2006 and 2016, fled Macedonia to escape a two year prison sentence for abuse of power. He was granted asylum in Hungary in a move that outraged Skopje, which has demanded his return. With reporting by AP and AFP U.S. President Donald Trump says he is cancelling a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to take place during the upcoming summit for the Group of 20 (G20) industrialized nations in Argentina, over Russias seizure of Ukrainian vessels. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meetingin Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," Trump said in a tweet posted on November 29. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved," Trump added after departing for the G20 summit. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted by telling Russian media that the Kremlin had not received any official information on the cancellation of the scheduled meeting between Putin and Trump in Argentina. He said Putin would still participate in the G20 summit. "We are flying to Argentina. So far, we have only seen the tweet and the media. We have no official information," he was quoted as saying. On November 25, Russian forces fired on Ukrainian ships and seized 24 sailors in the Black Sea off the coast of the Russia-controlled Crimean Peninsula. Following the incident, Ukraine instituted martial law in parts of Ukraine and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called on NATO to send ships to the Sea of Azov to help protect his country. In an interview with the German tabloid Bild published early on November 29, Poroshenko said he hoped European states would take active steps, including increasing sanctions and military protection against Russia, to help Ukraine after providing verbal support in the wake of Russia's capture of the Ukrainian sailors. "We hope that NATO states are prepared to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to support Ukraine and provide security," Poroshenko said. He claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin sees himself as a "Russian emperor" and Ukraine as a Russian "colony." "The only language he [Putin] understands is the solidarity of the Western world," Poroshenko said. "We can't accept Russia's aggressive policies. First it was the Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov." Speaking at a German-Ukrainian economic forum in Berlin later the same day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she planned to press Putin at the G20 summit on 30 November-1 December to urge the release of the ships and crews. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she added. 'No Military Solution' While blaming Russia for tensions, Merkel showed no signs of being ready to back military support. "We ask the Ukrainian side too to be sensible because we know that we can only solve things through being reasonable and through dialogue because there is no military solution to these disputes," she said. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Peskov criticized Poroshenkos request for NATO to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov, alleging it is "aimed at provoking further tensions" and driven by Poroshenkos "electoral and domestic policy motives." Putin has claimed that the naval confrontation was a ploy to boost his Ukrainian counterpart's popularity ahead of an election in March. A NATO spokeswoman said the alliance already has a strong presence in the region, with vessels routinely patrolling and exercising in the Black Sea. "There is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region," Oana Lungescu said. The Sea of Azov is the body of water that separates the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, from the Ukrainian and Russian mainlands. Russia opened a bridge over the Kerch Strait connecting Crimea with Russia in May and has asserted control over the strait. The Kerch Strait is the only route for ships traveling between the Sea of Azov, where Ukraine has several ports, and the Black Sea, which is the arena usually patrolled by NATO. Ukraine is a partner of NATO but not a member of the military alliance. NATO has already said it "stands with Ukraine" and has called on Russia to release the captured ships and their crew. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also warned Russia on November 26 that "its actions have consequences." Poroshenko told Bild that he has evidence suggesting Russia is planning a new ground offensive against Ukraine, and he said he has shown NATO partners satellite pictures supporting that allegation. "Germany also has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we don't stop him?" Poroshenko told Bild. 'Justified' Restrictions Later on November 29, the Ukrainian president tweeted that Kyiv will impose "restrictions" on Russian citizens in Ukraine. "No need to run to shops and buy matches and salt. There will be no restrictions on cash withdrawals, currency-exchange operations, travels abroad for Ukrainian citizens. For Russian citizens, these restrictions will be introduced. And I think that's quite justified," he wrote. Ukraine's State Border Guards Service said that it would only allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to Crimea following the imposition of martial law for 30 days. "In connection with the introduction of martial law, the administrative border with temporarily occupied Crimea can be crossed exclusively with Ukrainian documents," a spokesman said on November 29. Citizens from all nations were previously allowed to enter Crimea through the administrative border via mainland Ukraine. But the process for doing so for non-Ukrainians was fraught with bureaucracy. Crimea is accessible by plane from Russia or via Russia's newly-built bridge from the country's mainland. But under Ukrainian law those routes are illegal. Violators -- and there have been many -- are given official bans of three years or longer by Kyiv. Russia has been providing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine who have been fighting the government since 2014 in a war that has killed more than 10,300 people. But until the naval confrontation this week, in which Russia fired shots and rammed the captured Ukrainian vessels, injuring six crew members, it had not before engaged directly in battle with Ukraine. An unknown number of the sailors captured by Russia have been transferred to a detention center in Moscow, one of their lawyer said on November 29. Dzhemil Temishev wrote on Facebook that his "colleagues" in the Lefortovo detention center in Moscow had informed him that some of the Ukrainian sailors had been brought there. Emine Avamilyeva, another lawyer defending the sailors, said the Ukrainians were "taken by plane" to Moscow. The lawyers could not say if all or only some of the sailors were being transferred. There was no reaction from Russian authorities. Russia's TASS news agency reported the same day that three Ukrainian officers wounded in the incident had been released from hospital in Kerch. Meanwhile, the European Union has failed to muster support for any immediate new steps to either impose new sanctions on Russia over the naval incident or increase enforcement of existing sanctions on Moscow. Poland, Britain, and the EU's Baltic countries have called for more sanctions, but after three days of debate, the EU's 28 member states could agree only to issue a statement on November 28 expressing "utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions" and the "unacceptable" use of force by Russia. The statement issued by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini did not mention sanctions, saying only that the bloc will "act appropriately" while continuing to monitor the situation. The bloc's top powers Germany and France have so far emphasized efforts to ease tensions. Other members, including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, have been calling for a softening of sanctions on Moscow. With reporting by RFE/RK correspondent Christopher Miller, dpa, AFP, Reuters, AP, and TASS U.S. President Donald Trump says he will not rule out pardoning his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, who this week became the renewed target of a special investigation into ties between Russia and his 2016 campaign. Trump told the New York Post in an interview published on November 28 that he had not "discussed" pardoning Manafort, "but I wouldn't take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?" Manafort was convicted of bank and tax fraud this summer, and in September he pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy charges leveled by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading an investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. Manafort, 69, faces years -- even decades -- in jail, particularly since a cooperation agreement he signed with prosecutors fell apart this week. Manafort had been cooperating with Mueller since September in hopes of a lighter sentence. But Mueller informed a U.S. court on November 26 that Manafort had violated the cooperation deal by lying repeatedly to prosecutors. Manafort denied lying or breaching the agreement, but he agreed to face immediate sentencing for his crimes. Without a pardon, former prosecutors say he could spend the rest of his life in jail. Manafort was facing the possibility of 10 years in prison for his conviction on bank- and tax-fraud charges, and the two charges he has pleaded guilty to both carry five-year sentences. Former prosecutors have said that Manafort's move to break off his cooperation deal with Mueller this week may be aimed at currying favor with Trump and increasing his chances of getting a pardon. Trump, who has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia and frequently calls the Mueller probe a "witch hunt," has lauded Manafort as a "very good person." Trump has made clear he would consider granting pardons to aides who remain loyal to the White House. Several top aides have been indicted by Mueller besides Manafort. In one sign that Manafort may be angling for a presidential pardon, media reported on November 28 that Manafort's attorney has been briefing White House lawyers on his client's discussions with prosecutors, giving them valuable insights into Mueller's lines of inquiry. The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee said that if Trump pardoned Manafort, it would be a "blatant and unacceptable abuse of power." Senator Mark Warner said in a tweet that the president's pardon power is not a "personal tool" that Trump can use to protect "himself and his friends." In the Post interview, Trump praised two other supporters who are caught up in the Russia probe -- conservative author and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi and longtime Trump associate Roger Stone. He said they were "very brave" for resisting Mueller's investigation. Both men have been highly critical of the investigation, and Corsi this week said he had rejected a plea deal offered by Mueller's team. Draft plea documents seen by media show that Mueller has accused Corsi of lying to investigators -- an allegation he denies -- about e-mails he exchanged with Stone regarding WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign. U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Russia was the source of hacked material from Democratic organizations that WikiLeaks released at critical junctures in the weeks before the election. They included thousands of stolen e-mails from the private account of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, in the closing weeks of the campaign. Clinton has blamed the leaks in part for her unexpected loss to Trump in the election. Mueller is investigating whether Stone, Corsi, or any other Trump associates had advance knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans. With reporting by AP, AFP, New York Post, The New York Times, and Reuters KHARKIV, Ukraine -- Vladyslav Sobolevskyy isn't someone you'd expect to be hearing it from, but there it was. "Its a political manipulation," said the burly, battle-hardened veteran of a war that's been gnawing at Ukraine for more than four years, in a reference to this week's imposition of martial law across nearly half the country. A former commander of one of Ukraine's most controversial volunteer battalions since fighting broke out in 2014 who keeps an ax adorned with a skull on his desk, Sobolevskyy spent three years fighting in a village that sits on the shore of the Sea of Azov. Access to that strategic sea, long shared by Russia and Ukraine, was at the center of the naval clash on November 25 that prompted the call for martial law and rekindled fears of a broader conflict. But three days later, Sobolevskyy was suggesting the current mobilization was an attempt by President Petro Poroshenko to boost his public standing four months ahead of a planned presidential election -- a charge similarly raised by Poroshenkos critics in Kyiv and by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sobolevskyy was helping to oversee the start of weapons training for around 50 civilians who were filing into the Azov National Militia's training center in Kharkiv on November 28 in response to a call for volunteers after the naval incident. The group of mostly young men practiced assembling Kalashnikov rifles. "They want to be ready," Sobolevskyy said. Ukraines second-largest city and home to an important tank factory, Kharkiv sits 420 kilometers north of the Sea of Azov. But it abuts Russia's border to the north and was the scene of an armed effort by Russia-backed separatists in 2014 to seize control of the city before they were repelled by government forces. If Russia unleashes a large-scale assault on Ukraine, "we will not have much time" to react, Sobolevskyy said. "We will be the first people who will go to the new war." Outside the Azov training center on November 28, there were few obvious signs of martial law. In Kharkiv itself, banks were open, cafes were buzzing, and the subway was running on schedule. Many residents shrugged off talk of martial law or downplayed any immediate effect on their daily lives. Or, in some cases, they simply hadn't heard the news. Dmytro Yuriev, a 79-year-old retired university worker and volunteer handing out pamphlets on the country's war effort from a tent on Kharkivs snow-covered Freedom Square, said he knew nothing of the new directive when RFE/RL informed him. "How can that be?" he asked. "What does it mean?" Local officials were unsure exactly what it might mean for the city, and they held meetings through most of the day on November 28 to discuss it. Through a spokesperson, Kharkiv Mayor Hennadiy Kernes declined an interview because he was said to be unsure which aspects of martial law would go into effect. Regional military leaders, too, declined to meet with reporters because they said they were still parsing the language of the law. Dmytro Bulakh, a Kharkiv regional council member and co-chairman of the board at Kharkiv Reform Coalition, speculated that it might not "affect the lives of ordinary people," who were already used to war on their doorstep. Several hours into the new regime, he said, "I dont think it will need to be imposed here." But Kharkiv regional authorities had taken some precautionary measures, including checks of bomb shelters, schools, and gymnasiums, where people might gather in the event of an attack. Not all aspects of martial law were formally invoked in the 10 regions directly affected, but in some, local officials with their own interpretations of the law were invoking it in seemingly creative ways. This is a first for all of us. Were still learning what it will mean for everyone." In neighboring Sumy, the city council said it was mulling an initiative to restrict traffic in the city with checkpoints and to limit the sale of alcohol between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. In south-central Zaporizhzhya, the regional head urged political parties to "decrease their activity in the form of the holding of mass events." In Kherson, which directly borders annexed Crimea to the north and has access to the Black and Azov seas, authorities stepped up security at the administrative border with the peninsula and began restricting the passage of Russians. That security was tightened further on November 29 when the State Border Guard Service announced that only Ukrainian citizens would be allowed to enter Crimea from Ukrainian territory under government control. It did not clarify how long the measure would be in place. At the Hoptivka border crossing 35 kilometers north of Kharkiv one day earlier, there was little traffic bound for Russia and even fewer vehicles entering Ukraine. Oksana Ivanets, a State Border Guard Service spokeswoman for the Kharkiv region, told RFE/RL that the service had received orders to be on "full military readiness." But faced with the threat of an incursion near Hoptivka for more than four years, border guards there have long been on heightened alert, and even erected a border fence and dug antitank trenches as a precaution. Otherwise, not much had changed and officials were still awaiting further orders from Kyiv. "This is a first for all of us," Ivanets said. "Were still learning what it will mean for everyone." In Hoptivka, nobody had been barred entrance to Ukraine and border guards had not witnessed any "provocations," she added. Poroshenko argued that martial law was necessary in the face of the threat of "full-scale war" with Russia, which he claimed was massing tens of thousands of troops and military equipment along its border with Ukraine. That claim has not been independently verified. And while there was much confusion about what exactly martial law meant for most Ukrainians, one thing was clear: Ukraines military had been put on "full combat alert." "I will now be using the opportunities, which are given to me as the commander in chief by the law on martial law, to strengthen our armed forces," Poroshenko told a November 28 meeting of top officials in the Chernihiv region, one of those under martial law, according to his press department. "I will do everything I can to implement all the necessary decisions so that our army would be ready." The same day, 900 kilometers to the south, Reuters reported seeing a Russian Navy ship, the Vice Admiral Zakharin minesweeper, moving toward the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea. On November 29, Russian Black Sea Fleet spokesman Aleksei Rulev told the Interfax news agency that a fourth S-400 air-defense missile battalion had been put on combat duty in the Crimean city of Dzhankoi, near the border of mainland Ukraine. Meanwhile, Poroshenko announced new measures banning Russian citizens from exchanging foreign currency or conducting bank withdrawals. He also said he supported further measures restricting Russians' travel to Ukraine. "And I think its totally justified, he added. Ukraine's border service has said that it will only allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to Crimea following the imposition of martial law. Kyiv imposed martial law in 10 of its 27 regions for 30 days on November 28 after Russian forces fired on Ukrainian ships and seized 23 sailors in the Black Sea off the coast of the Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula. "In connection with the introduction of martial law, the administrative border with temporarily occupied Crimea can be crossed exclusively with Ukrainian documents," a spokesman said on November 29. Citizens from all nations were previously allowed to enter Crimea through the administrative border via mainland Ukraine. But the process for doing so for non-Ukrainians was fraught with bureaucracy. Crimea is accessible by plane from Russia or via Russia's newly built bridge from the country's mainland. But under Ukrainian law, those routes are illegal. Violators -- and there have been many -- are given official bans of three years or longer by Kyiv. Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called on NATO to send ships to the Sea of Azov to help protect Ukraine. He claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin sees himself as a "Russian emperor" and Ukraine as a Russian "colony." The Ukrainian president later on November 29 tweeted that Kyiv will impose "restrictions" on Russian citizens in Ukraine. "No need to run to shops and buy matches and salt. There will be no restrictions on cash withdrawals, currency-exchange operations, travels abroad for Ukrainian citizens. For Russian citizens, these restrictions will be introduced. And I think that's quite justified," he wrote. Relations between Moscow and Kyiv have deteriorated after Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and shortly thereafter began supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has left more than 10,300 dead since April 2014. In an interview with the German tabloid Bild published early on November 29, Poroshenko said he hoped European states will take active steps, including increasing sanctions and military protection against Russia, to help Ukraine after providing verbal support in the wake of Russia's capture of 24 Ukrainian sailors over the weekend. "We hope that NATO states are prepared to send naval ships to the Sea of Azov to support Ukraine and provide security," Poroshenko said. "The only language he [Putin] understands is the solidarity of the Western world," Poroshenko said. "We can't accept Russia's aggressive policies. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov." Opening a German-Ukrainian economic forum in Berlin later in the day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she planned to press Putin at a Group of 20 (G20) summit later this week to urge the release of the ships and crews. "We can only resolve this in talks with one another because there is no military solution to all of these conflicts," she added. Meanwhile, an unknown number of the captured Ukrainian sailors have since been transferred to a detention center in Moscow, according to one of their lawyers. Dzhemil Temishev wrote on Facebook on November 29 that his "colleagues" in the Lefortovo detention center in Moscow had informed him that some of the Ukrainian sailors had been brought there. Also on November 29, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Poroshenkos request for NATO to deploy naval ships to the Sea of Azov, saying it was "aimed at provoking further tensions" and driven by Poroshenkos "electoral and domestic policy motives." Putin has claimed that the naval confrontation was a ploy to boost his Ukrainian counterpart's popularity ahead of an election in March. A NATO spokeswoman said the alliance already had a strong presence in the region, with vessels routinely patrolling and exercising in the Black Sea. "There is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region," Oana Lungescu said. The Sea of Azov is the body of water that separates the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, from the Ukrainian and Russian mainlands. Russia opened a bridge over the Kerch Strait connecting Crimea with Russia in May and has asserted control over the strait. The Kerch Strait is the only route for ships traveling between the Sea of Azov, where Ukraine has several ports, and the Black Sea, which is the arena usually patrolled by NATO. Ukraine is a partner of NATO but not a member of the military alliance. NATO has already said it "stands with Ukraine" and has called on Russia to release the captured ships and their crews. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also warned Russia on November 26 that "its actions have consequences." Poroshenko, who on November 28 instituted martial law in parts of Ukraine in response to the Russian actions, told Bild he had evidence suggesting Russia is planning a new ground offensive against Ukraine, and he said he had shown NATO partners satellite pictures supporting that allegation. "Germany also has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we don't stop him?" Poroshenko told Bild. Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy has joined Poroshenko in calling for increased protection from NATO, saying on November 27 that "I urged [NATO] to increase [its presence] in the airspace above the Black Sea and the number of military ships in the Black Sea as a guarantee of security and a guarantee of stability in the Black Sea." EU: 'Utmost Concern,' But No New Sanctions Poroshenko's remarks came as the European Union failed to muster support for any immediate new steps to either impose new sanctions on Russia over the naval incident or increase enforcement of existing sanctions on Moscow. Poland, Britain, and the EU's Baltic states have called for more sanctions, but after three days of debate, the EU's 28 states could agree only to issue a statement on November 28 expressing "utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions" and the "unacceptable" use of force by Russia. The statement issued by EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini did not mention sanctions, saying only that the bloc will "act appropriately" while continuing to monitor the situation. The bloc's top powers, Germany and France, have so far emphasized efforts to ease tensions. Other members, including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, have been calling for a softening of sanctions on Moscow. The EU first imposed sanctions on Russia after it seized Crimea, and it has ratcheted up those sanctions from time to time. The United States on November 27 called for stricter enforcement of the EU's existing sanctions on Russian and Crimean officials and businesses. While the EU failed to take any immediate action against Russia, in a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, Estonia said on November 28 that it had summoned its Russian ambassador and condemned Russia's use of military force in the incident. With reporting by Christopher Miller, dpa, AFP, Reuters, AP, and TASS The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says as many as 23 civilians were killed in an air strike in the country's south this week, according to its preliminary findings. The NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan said Afghan forces and U.S. advisers came under fire from Taliban fighters in a compound in the Garmsir district on November 27 and called in an air strike, but the ground forces were not aware of any civilians in or near the compound. Local officials in Garmsir said the air strike struck a house in the area, killing at least 30 civilians. Helmand Governor Mohammad Yasin Khan said Afghan forces had called in an air strike against Taliban fighters, causing both civilian and Taliban casualties. But UNAMA said in a statement on November 29 that the "vast majority of the victims were women and children." UNAMA added that it was working to verify information, indicating that another 10 children and eight women were also killed in the air strike. The UN said last month that the number of civilian casualties from air strikes in the first nine months of the year was already higher than in any entire year since at least 2009. Law had been scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a jury convicted her last year in her sex trafficking case. Law was the mastermind in bringing women from Asia to work in her spas in Northwest Indiana, where they were expected to perform sexual services for customers, prosecutors said. Laws co-defendants, Crystal Wireman, 34, and Edward C. Olszewski, 71, have already been sentenced. The UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura has called the last Syria peace talks of the year in Astana, a "missed opportunity" for the Syrian people, as talks in the Kazakh capital ended without results. De Mistura's office said on November 29 that he "deeply regrets that ... there was no tangible progress in overcoming the 10-month stalemate on the composition of the constitutional committee" that is meant to reform the constitution and pave the way towards elections in war-ridden Syria. "This was the last occasion of an Astana meeting in 2018 and has, sadly for the Syrian people, been a missed opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated constitutional committee," de Mistura's statement said. The statement came after the two-day talks in Astana following de Mistura's meetings with representatives of Russia and Iran -- allies of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad -- and Turkey, which supports rebels. The three countries act as guarantors of a deescalation zone in Syria, established in the so-called Astana process. Talks have regularly taken place there since 2017 and are meant to complement the UN-led peace process. A joint communique agreed by Russia, Iran, and Turkey targeted Washington's continued military presence in the country. The guarantors "rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism," it said. Earlier this week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the United States of using the presence of the Islamic State group in southern Syria as an excuse to keep forces stationed there. Russia's Syria negotiator Aleksandr Lavrentyev also complained of the extended U.S. presence in Syria during the talks in Astana. The U.S. State Department said it was vital to convene the constitutional committee and accused Russia and Iran of continuing "to use the process to mask the Assad regimes refusal to engage in the political process." State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert added in a statement that success was not possible without the international community holding Damascus fully accountable for that lack of progress. The United States has attended some previous Astana rounds as an observer but U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey last week ruled out Washington participating in the latest talks. The next set of Syria negotiations in Astana are scheduled for early February, according to the joint communique. Assad's government has so far rejected any efforts to rewrite Syria's constitution, saying it is a domestic issue. Syria's devastating seven-year civil war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions. With reporting by DPA and AFP An unknown number of 24 sailors from three Ukrainian naval vessels captured by Russia in the Sea of Azov last weekend have been transferred to a detention center in Moscow, one of their lawyers says. Dzhemil Temishev wrote on Facebook on November 29 that his "colleagues" in the Lefortovo detention center in Moscow had informed him that some of the Ukrainian sailors had been brought there. "They are being taken to Moscow's Lefortovo prison," Temishev said. Emine Avamilyeva, another lawyer defending the sailors, said the Ukrainians were "taken by plane" to Moscow. The lawyers could not say if all or only some of the sailors were being transferred. There was no reaction from Russian authorities. Well-known Crimean activist Nariman Dzhelyal told RFE/RL earlier on November 29 that wounded Ukrainian sailors who were seized on November 25 by Russian forces off the coast of the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula, had been transferred from the city of Kerch to the Crimean capital, Simferopol. Russia's TASS news agency reported the same day that three Ukrainian officers wounded in the incident had been released from hospital in Kerch. Earlier this week, a court in Russia-controlled Simferopol ordered 15 of the captured sailors to be held in pretrial detention for two months despite international calls for their release. The Ukraine-controlled Prosecutor's Office of Crimea called the captured Ukrainian sailors prisoners of war. Kyiv said that on November 25, Russian forces opened fire on a group of its ships near Crimea, striking two warships and wounding six crew members before seizing the vessels along with a Ukrainian Navy tugboat. With reporting by the Crimean Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, TASS and AFP He was more interested in showing off the talents of two current seniors who helped him paint a sprawling wall mural in the same hallway at River Forest High School. Standing outside the schools art room, where he once dreamed of a career as a professional artist, Gonzalez boasted about Jazlynn Proctor and Makayla Brooks, both 17. What the Mueller investigation is doing to Jerome Corsi, a conservative author, is nothing short of criminal. Just because he doesn't have the tools to help them with the witch hunt against President Trump, (there) is no reason to ruin his life because of an e-mail he forwarded (that) he forgot about. Looks like the Mueller investigation is losing the battle to take down President Trump and are sending people to jail for other things that have nothing to do with collusion. Robert Mueller and his sore loser Democrats are about as gutless as it gets. And if you support this witch hunt, you are too! Grupo Modelo changes plastic rings for cardboard starting with Tulum Mexico City, Mexico In a pilot program, one of Mexicos largest beer producers says they are going to switch plastic rings for cardboard in a bid to take part in eliminating plastic use in the country. Grupo Modelo announced a pilot program that consists of changing the plastic packaging rings used for their six-packs with a fibrous cardboard for their Corona products. The company says the purpose is to gradually reduce the use of plastics in the manufacturing process. Clarissa Pantoja, director of Corona in Mexico, reported that the pilot program will begin in January 2019 in Tulum in coordination with the organization, Parley for the Oceans. We look for solutions that have a big impact in the industry like changing the rings. This can become a new standard to reduce the use of plastic, said Clarissa Pantoja, referring to the idea that they hope to eliminate plastics from all Grupo Modelo products. The new fibrous cardboard rings are made of plants, are 100 percent free of plastic and when it comes into contact with water, decomposes into an organic matter that is not harmful to wildlife. Pantoja explained that the material also has a maximum duration of 200 days, which means that it degrades faster than any other material used in the industry. Pantoja commented that this process of change begins first with Grupo Modelos largest brand, Corona beer and that Tulums selection is due to the global impact of the Mexican beach. Corona is the first beer brand in the world to use this type of packaging, she added. To develop the new rings, the brewery worked with experts from other countries then adjusted its machinery and part of the production process. 2019 will be a key year for us () we will know when we can apply it in the rest of the factories and in countries, she added. Mayor of Playa del Carmen requests external audit of previous administration Playa del Carmen, Q.R. At a press conference, the municipal president of Solidaridad, Laura Beristain, announced that she is requesting an external audit against the previous municipal administration. She said that the external audit request is justified by the magnitude of the financial irregularities found. After working on the procedures of the regular delivery-reception, inconsistencies have been detected in different directions that, due to the amount and importance of these, I feel the need to request an external audit so that a fair and impartial outcome is determined through technical and legal control, ensuring all relevant responsibilities and the corresponding measures are exercised, she explained. The mayor was accompanied by her cabinet, to whom she pointed out that all observations arose from the review of the delivery-reception process. Regarding the details of the inconsistencies, our Office of the Comptroller carries out our closing, attention and investigation procedures for which I reserve the discretion that these issues require in favor of fairness in proceedings, presumption of innocence and to respect the formalities of due process, she added. The mayor explained that this decision is supported and based on articles of la Ley de los Municipios del Estado de Quintana Roo of the resources assigned to the public servants of the public administration and of the city councils of the state of Quintana Roo. Luis Fernando Vargas Aguilar, treasurer of the municipality of Solidaridad said that the importance of hiring an external auditors office is to have greater certainty and total impartiality of the observations that have been detected in this delivery-reception process. In particular, financial irregularities are detected in the government of Cristina Torres and Laura Beristain requests external audit, he said. "We have to make sure that our community has access to education, better housing, public transportation, healthcare, public safety, and we have to participate. To create change, it's not enough to complain, we have to take action on the matter," according to Torres, who also promoted the immigrant vote in the last Mexican elections via the Archdioceses 'Pastoral Migratoria' ministry. The Bollywood movie "Pad Man," directed by R. Balki, is scheduled to hit Chinese screens on Dec. 14. It stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in lead roles. The film is based on a short story from Twinkle Khanna's book, "The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad," inspired by the life of Tamil Nadu's entrepreneur and social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, who has made it his mission to provide low cost sanitary napkins to women in India's rural areas. Focusing on their often poor living conditions, "Pad Man" is primarily an appeal for more respect to be paid to the care of women in India's vast countryside. It has attracted audiences running into the millions since its domestic release. Promoting his film on the premier in Beijing on Wednesday, the director said: "I hope Chinese audiences will like the movie and that it will promote wider cultural exchanges between China and India." Mark Smith, founder of ParanormalX A CHURCH blocked a group of paranormal investigators from meeting up in their graveyard and threatened them with legal action. Paranormal-X PXTV based in Rotherham had planned to search for unexplained activity at St Marys Church in Rawmarsh last Saturday, but had to change their venue after a notice appeared on site. The sign from the parochial church council said it had come to their attention that an unauthorised event had been planned to take place in the churchyard. It continued: The PCC wishes to clearly state that this is a Christian burial site and the planned event is in direct contradiction to Christian doctrine as understood by the Church of England. Paranormal-X have no permission to gather in these grounds for the planned purpose, and should the event go ahread the organisers may be subject to legal proceedings. Mark Smith, founder of the Paranormal-X PXTV team, said the group had performed hundreds of thousands of paranormal investigations in many locations around the UK, including a number of graveyards and cemeteries, and have never once been approached by the church. Mr Smith confirmed that the St Marys investigation had been scrapped and the group had visited another location instead, going on to have a great night despite the change of venue. He added: If I am ever in the area of St Marys graveyard in the future and something I believe of a supernatural nature occurs to me or my team, I will endeavour to find out what has caused the phenomena. St Marys Church was contacted, but did not wish to comment. India's earth observation satellite HysIS Sriharikota (AP), Nov 29 (PTI): Adding another feather to its cap, ISRO's workhorse rocket PSLV-C43 Thursday successfully injected into orbit India's earth observation satellite HysIS. The 30 other co-passenger international satellites including those from the United States of America and Australia among others, will soon be placed into orbit. The rocket lifted off majestically into cloudy skies in a burst of orange flames at 9.57 am from the first launch pad at this spaceport at the end of the 28-hour countdown. The HySIS was placed in orbit 17 minutes and 27 seconds after lift-off. ISRO chief K Sivan and the space agency's scientists broke into cheers as the earth observation satellite was injected into sun-synchronous polar orbit. The primary mission of the Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), whose mission life is five years, is to study the earth's surface in visible near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Advertisement ISRO launches earth monitoring satellite It is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission, which is on its 45th flight. The mass of the spacecraft is about 380 kg, and the satellite would be placed in 636 km-polar sun synchronous orbit with an inclination of 97.957 degree, ISRO said. The co-passenger satellites have been contracted for launch through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited. PSLV-C43, is the 'Core Alone' version of PSLV. It is the lightest version of the launch vehicle. This is ISRO's second launch in the month. The space agency had launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14. Vini Mahajan SPOKESMAN NEWS SERVICE: CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 29: "The P. H. D. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Chandigarh with the assistance of the Punjab Government is all set to organize the Punjab International Trade Expo -2018 at Amritsar from 6th-10th December, 2018." This was disclosed here today by the Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Punjab, Mrs. Vini Mahajan. The Additional Chief Secretary further said that where as this trade expo would go a long way in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Punjab as well as the other states/countries, it would also prove to be a milestone in raising awareness regarding brands, forging stable partnerships besides providing push to the trade and business relations. Divulging more, the Additional Chief Secretary said that the expo would be attended by the governments of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, North Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh. Advertisement Not only this but the Union Ministries of Textile, Ayush, Khadi and Village & Industries Commission would also be represented in the expo. There is also the likelihood of participation by Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, Afghanistan, South Africa and other global partners. Mrs. Mahajan also emphasized the need to establish Amritsar as the central place for exports and disclosed that Punjab Tourism would be under prime focus in the expo with adequate attention also being given to Medical Tourism. She also added that this expo follows the grand success of the previous 12th edition and has the distinction of being the largest expo in the North India. This is a one stop platform for projecting the achievements as well as the capabilities of the Brand Punjab. Mrs. Mahajan further elaborated that during the expo varied departments of the State of Punjab such as Markfed, PAIC, PIDB, Punjab Tourism, Punjab State Cooperative Milkfed Limited, PEDA, Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board, GMADA Mohali, Amritsar Development Authority, PSIEC, Punjab Infotech, Punjab Cooperative Bank, PUNSUP, PSWG & Punjab Mandi Board would also play a major role. The officers have been instructed to complete all the arrangements on time. The Additional Chief Secretary also said that the popularity of this expo can well be gauged from the fact that during the previous edition, over 300 exhibitors from India and abroad took part. The participation of general public crossed 2 lakh. From the foreign countries, Afghanistan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Africa, Iraq and Egypt where as from India the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and the North Eastern states participated. Advertisement On the occasion, CEO, Invest Punjab Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Director, Industries and Commerce, Punjab, Mr. DPS Kharbanda, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, Mr. Jasdeep Singh Makkar, Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce Mr. R. S. Sachdeva and senior officers from different departments were also present. Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal along with his Haryana counterpart Capt. Ahimanyu and Senior Advisor to Punjab CM LT. General (Retd.) T S Shergil Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, November 29: Enthusiastic amateur 4x4 off-roaders on Thursday put their vehicles through the paces raking up adrenalin levels for the much anticipated Military Literature Festival (MLF) slated to be held here from December 7 to 9. The events being held as part of 3-day Military Carnival in run up to the main event saw 35 teams, mostly first timers, manouevring their specially crafted machines through the arduously challenging more than thirty Kilometers trail obstacle course. Advertisement The off-roaders also mesmerised with their obstacle tackling skills by flamboyantly overcoming articulation pits, excel breaker and small man made ditches. The Military Literature Festival is a joint initiative of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, and the Chandigarh Administration led by V P Singh Badnore, in collaboration with the Indian Army. General (Retd.) T P S Waraich flagging off the Car Drive during the Military Carnival The inaugural event held last year had drawn all round success and appreciation from Defence as well as Civil fraternity. The events held today with assistance from Army Adventure Cell are aimed at showcasing Army's off-roading expertise with a greater goal to attract youth towards Defence Forces. Advertisement Later in the day, various cars of vintage collection captivated the audiences during the Classic Car Display Show. The highlight of the show was British Ford of 1932 make besides Morris Minor 1000 and Fiat 500 C Topolino. Chevrolet 1960 was another machine evoking a sense of awe and intrigue amongst young children. Earlier, after the flag-off from Rajendra Park through Nayagaon till village Masoul and back, off-roaders steering imposing Jeeps of all sizes and shapes exhibited their driving skills negotiating slush, deep pits, ditches and steep rocky climbs. Riding the world acclaimed Polaris, Thars, MM 550 to Gypsies and Boleros, the young drivers exhibited courage, power, patience and resilience embodying the spirit of the defence forces. Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal along with his Haryana counterpart Capt. Ahimanyu and Senior Advisor to Punjab CM LT. General (Retd.) T S Shergil Advertisement The course with moderate stiffness levels was consciously chosen keeping in view the first time riders. The trail course which was open to all age categories above 18 elicited huge participantion bringing out the joy of driving in the lap of nature adhering to rules of the road where none exists. Inaugurating the Vintage Car Display alongwith Senior Advisor to CM LT. General (Retd.) T S Shergill Cabinet Minister Manpreet Singh Badal while appreciating the efforts of the organisers for making a concerted effort to disseminate information about activities of Army stated that Punjab and Indian Army are complimentary to each other. Our brave boys and girls have always been at the forefront of serving the nation, and this passion and commitment needs to be harnessed further added the Punjab Finance Minister who has also personally contributed four jeeps and a Bullet Motorcycle to the display. On the occasion. Haryana Finance Minister Captain Anhimanyu accompanied Manpreet Singh Badal and General (Retd.) T S Shergill. Advertisement Participants during the 4x4 obstacle course at the Military Carnival in Chandigarh General Shergill while applauding the participants highlighted the importance of service in the forces. Indian Army is a great institution which offers marvellous leadership roles for the young officers enabling them to lead a fulfilling life in the service of the country, added General Shergill. Earlier, the 4x4 Trail Drive was flagged off by General (Retd.) TPS Waraich. Lauding the organising team of Western Command for coming up with these novel ways of youth outreach, he urged youngsters to take fullest advantage of these endeavours hoping that more such events would be held in future. The Carnival would continue enthralling audiences tomorrow and day after with incredible air feats of Para Motors, mesmerising Vintage Car Display and Equitation Tattoo, Weapons display, besides bringing alive the grit and determination of Saragarhi martyrs through a Light & Sound Show. Braveheart's Ride December 2. Participants during the 4x4 obstacle course at the Military Carnival in Chandigarh Sharing his experience, the first time trail riders duo of Gurjot Singh Saini and Manpreet Dhillon of Mohali thanked the organisers for giving them this great chance to off-road along with several of defence participants. These events would go a long way in promoting the culture of defence forces amongst all, they added. The events today witnessed a huge public response besides students from various school and colleges and NCC cadets adding a special flavour. More than 3000 people from all walks of life attended the events today, with higher numbers expected for the next two days. Editor's Note: To mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of China's reform and opening-up, China Daily is featuring a series of stories on grassroots newsmakers. This is the first in the series. For bamboo-weaving craftsman Qian Lihuai in Wuzhen, Tongxiang of Zhejiang province, the internet has not only affected the way he lives but offered a golden path to revive the traditional bamboo handicraft that has been passed down for hundreds of years. Bamboo weaving in Wuzhen can be traced back more than 500 years. In 2016, it was listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Zhejiang. Qian's father, Qian Xinming, is an officially recognized inheritor of Wuzhen bamboo weaving, and has been practicing the craft in this ancient water town for 40 years. At the age of 20, the younger Qian, then a sophomore in college, started a systematic study of the craft, choosing to devote himself to the traditional weaving art world to revive the family business. He visited neighboring Shengzhou, Anji, Dongyang and Wenling to learn the vanishing weaving skills and became apprenticed to Hu Zhengren, a renowned bamboo weaving master in Dongyang. Upon graduation from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology in 2010, Qian, despite strong opposition from his family, came back to his hometown, Wuzhen, and founded Zhuyungongfang, a bamboo art studio dedicated to the bamboo arts and weaving skills. But what propelled Qian's success was the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen. China's famous antique collect and dealer Ma Weidu visited his studio during the first session of the conference in 2014 and bought bamboo craft items worth 20,000 yuan ($2,900). During subsequent conferences in 2015 and 2016, Qian's works were displayed at the conference venues, focusing international attention on the craft. Qian currently runs an online store selling bamboo-related items, and has a public WeChat account to promote the craft through online classes. More than 1,000 people participate in each class. "It's a strong medium for publicity," he said, adding that it has become a vital channel to inherit and promote traditional Chinese arts and handicrafts, and offering a path to their revival. Wuzhen's administrative overseer, the city of Tongxiang, has spared no effort over the past five years to protect ancient Chinese culture in innovative ways. Since 2016, the city has sponsored three intangible cultural heritage showrooms, including the traditional blueprint cloth, silkworm products and bamboo artwork. "We believe the internet will help traditional Chinese handicrafts such as bamboo-weaving take off and fly higher," said Chu Hongbin, director of the Center for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tongxiang. Lkhon Khol, a Cambodian masked dance-theater, was inscribed on the UNESCO's prestigious list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding on Wednesday, said a statement from Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. The inscription was made during the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Port Louis, Mauritius, the statement said. "The decision of the UNESCO-Intergovernmental Committee is a new national pride that was born of the government's efforts under the wise leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who always gives high priority to the nation's cultural heritage," it said. Hun Sen also posted a message on his official Facebook page, expressing his congratulation for the listing. Cambodia filed its document to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the registration of Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet, better known as Lkhon Khon, in March 2017. Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet is practised in one community surrounding a Buddhist monastery, Wat Svay Andet, located about 10 km east of Phnom Penh on the Mekong River, and is performed by men wearing masks to the accompaniment of a traditional orchestra and melodious recitation, according to the document. The specific aim is to propitiate the Neak Ta (guardian spirits of a place and its people), thereby protecting and bringing prosperity to the community, its lands and harvest, it said. The document added that when Lkhon Khol is performed, spirit mediums are present and facilitate interactions between the Neak Ta, performers and villagers. When the spirits are satisfied with the performance, villagers are blessed by them; otherwise, the dancers stop, the music continues, and the audience falls silent and carefully listens to the spirits, it said. Lkhon Khol is performed for ritual purposes, mostly linked to the cycle of rice farming and the needs of farming communities, the document said, adding that the practice is transmitted orally within the community. To date, the Southeast Asian nation has three tangible cultural properties and five intangible cultural heritages listed on the UNESCO's world heritage list. The listed tangible cultural properties include the Angkor Archeological Park, Preah Vihear Temple, and Sambor Prei Kuk Archeological Site, while the listed intangible cultural heritages are the Royal Ballet, Sbek Thom or Khmer Shadow Puppetry, tug-of-war game, Chapei Dang Veng, a long-necked, two-stringed lute, and Lkhon Khol. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) Wednesday said the "hitch" service of Didi Chuxing, China's largest mobile ride-hailing platform, would remain offline until correcting safety hazards. The requirement came after an in-house joint inspection by 10 departments in September of eight major players in the ride-hailing industry, including Didi, for safety loopholes and problems concerning the safety of passengers. The inspectors found several safety risks in the hitch service, including the risks of leaking passenger private information and irregular operations of fund clearing, the MOT told a media briefing. The inspection group also found illegal operations of Didi's mobile ride-hailing service since a large number of autos in use and drivers employed by the company were unqualified. "Didi's management loopholes were also exposed in the inspection such as inadequate assessment of drivers' professional qualification and background information, posting threat to public safety," the ministry said. Besides suspending the hitch service, the inspectors also called for punishment of Didi executives by local administrators and required the company to stop illegal advertisements. China unveiled its first nationwide regulations for ride-hailing services in July 2016, granting legal status to the industry. The toughened supervision came after the deaths of two passengers this year, both of whom were using Didi Chuxing app to hail autos and were murdered by their hitch drivers. The other seven ride-hailing platforms were also urged to correct irregularities regarding qualification of drivers and cars, fund clearing and safety management. [BANGKOK] Progress in reducing malnutrition has been slow and unevenly spread with adolescent girls remaining particularly vulnerable, says a new global report. The 2018 Global Nutrition Report, launched on 29 November at a high-level conference on malnutrition, shows that girls aged 1519 are particularly susceptible to malnutrition and resultant ill-health due to their higher iron needs from menstruation, an increased susceptibility to obesity, and early pregnancies. Adolescence, when girls transition to adults, is a critical life-stage where you can intervene. If you can delay early marriage by a year or two, girls can get more education and reduce health risks Hazel Malapit, IFPRI An estimated 95 per cent of births to adolescents occur in developing countries and 19 per cent of young women there become pregnant before the age of 18, the report says. Anaemia prevalence in girls and women aged 1549 remains high at roughly 33 per cent, up from 32 per cent in 2000. Female obesity rates for adolescents in the 1019 age group have been increasing annually, reaching 4.7 per cent in 2016. Adolescence, when girls transition to adults, is a critical life-stage where you can intervene, Hazel Malapit, a senior research coordinator at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), tells SciDev.Net. If you can delay early marriage by a year or two, girls can get more education and reduce health risks. Awareness of the importance of adolescent health and nutrition was reflected in the agenda for action, launched at the 2017 Global Nutritional Summit in Milan, to close the gap on womens and girls nutrition. Adolescent Nutrition Call to Action: Better Data Now to Drive Better Policies and Programs in the Future, meanwhile, was launched in Geneva in June 2018. Corinna Hawkes, co-chair of the Independent Expert Group that produced the new report and director of the Centre for Food Policy, University of London, tells SciDev.Net that no country is on course to meet all nine global malnutrition targets that include reducing anaemia in women of reproductive age by 50 per cent and halting the rise in obesity. The uncomfortable question we ask this year is not so much why are things so bad? but why are things not better when we know so much more than before? she adds. Regions like the Pacific Small Island Developing States are struggling with the double burden of high malnutrition and obesity rates, notes John McDermott, director of research on agriculture for nutrition and health at the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research , a global partnership of researchers, tells SciDev.Net . Some of the highest obesity rates, particularly for women, are in the Pacific, he adds.McDermott says that nutrition outcomes can be faster than economic outcomes, as in the impressive performance of Bangladesh against that of India, which is lagging despite being an economic powerhouse. We think that in the Bangladesh case, gender is one of the important parts of that [success]. A lot of it is focusing on things like how do you work with women? How do you empower them along the different lines of agency?This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Asia & Pacific desk. Proposed changes to legislation that protects areas of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil may be exploited to deforest up to 15 million hectares of land, a study has found. The Forest Code, a regulation approved half a century ago, says that owners of land in the Brazilian rainforest must set aside 80 per cent of their plots for conservation. But as of 2012, the rules were revised so that the proportion can be reduced to 50 per cent, if more than 65 per cent of the state in which the land is situated is given over to reservations for indigenous people or other protected areas. The risks of this happening now look more imminent. In 2017, a law known as Terra Legal was approved in the country and it is coming into force. The law is designed to allow indigenous people to claim ownership of millions of hectares of officially unowned land. It was hoped that the programme would create conservation areas and protect land used by indigenous people. However, researchers are warning that the programme may allow private individuals a mechanism to claim ownership of land and thus a means to deforest it under the terms of the revised Forest Code. The amendment could also pave the way for large carbon dioxide emissions through human activity, contributing to global warming. Flavio Freitas, KTH Royal Institute of Technology The conclusions are based on a study published in Nature Sustainability earlier this month. Researchers used a model to combine geographical data on conservation units, indigenous reserves, military land and boundaries of private rural properties, with simulations of land boundaries in regions where no tenure datasets are available. They found that between 6.5 and 15 million hectares of previously protected private landan area roughly to the size of Tunisiawould become available for industrial activities such as logging and cattle farming if Terra Legal creates room for challenges. Besides this impact, the amendment could also pave the way for large carbon dioxide emissions through human activity, contributing to global warming,, says lead author author Flavio Freitas, a Brazilian PhD student at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. His work was supported by Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). Landowners in Brazilian states like Amapa, Amazonas, Acre and Roraima, which are largely covered with native vegetation and have extensive areas of undesignated land, would qualify for reducing the amount of protected areas from 80 to 50 per cent, the study warns. The problem is compounded by Brazils president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing politician who has repeatedly said that he prioritises economic development over environmental protection. 2 These legal weaknesses should be urgently fixed, especially with Jair Bolsonaro coming into power, says William Laurance, a biologist at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. He argues that Bolsonaro will be much more inclined than previous leaders towards allowing private companies to tear into remote and vulnerable areas of the Amazon.This is very worrying because the private lands that would become unprotected are scattered all over the western and central Amazon, Laurance says. Forest exploitation in these areas could lead to large-scale forest loss and fragmentation, illegal logging, road-building and mining.The Amazon rainforest has already lost 17 per cent of its plant cover in the past 50 years, according to the WWF, an international environmental lobby group. The countrys forest cover often referred to as the lungs of the planetis essential to keeping down global COlevels. Want bigger, faster-growing blueberries? New research shows wild bees are an essential secret ingredient in larger and better blueberry yields -- producing plumper, faster-ripening berries. The study, led by University of Vermont scientists, is the first to successfully reveal that wild bees improve not only blueberry quantities, but also size and other quality factors. It finds that wild bees provide major benefits for berry farmers, including: greater berry size (12%), quantity (12%), size consistency (11%), and earlier harvests -- by two and a half days. "Other studies have explored bees' effects on blueberry yields, but this is the first to show that pollinators can improve the quality of crops as well," says Charles Nicholson, who led the study as a PhD student in UVM's Gund Institute for Environment and Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. The study is published in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. Of the nine berry farms studied across the state of Vermont, the researchers calculated that wild bees could boost production up to 36%, or roughly $136,000 per year, on one mid-sized berry farm alone. On other farms, researchers determined wild bees' potential benefits to production as roughly 6% on average. "This study highlights the undervalued work that wild bees do," says Nicholson, noting that two-thirds of the world's most important crops benefit from bee pollination, including coffee, cacao (for chocolate) and many fruits and vegetables. "Without them farmers need to find pollination somewhere else, by paying high rental fees to bring in honeybees, for example." The findings offer a farm-scale perspective to recent global estimates of wild bees' economic benefits in the billions, annually -- roughly equal to that of honeybees, with less associated costs. advertisement Unique research location Because honeybees visit Vermont blueberries much less often than in other blueberry growing regions, the Green Mountain State is a perfect location to isolate the value of wild bees to berry farmers, researchers say. "Most pollination research occurs in regions awash in honeybees," says co-author Taylor Ricketts, Director of UVM's Gund Institute for Environment. "That makes it difficult to really see the job that wild bees can do for farmers." The team painstakingly hand-pollinated blueberry plants in all nine research sites -- using electric toothbrushes to mimic the buzz pollination of bumblebees, and then painted the collected pollen on over blueberry 5,000 flowers with small brushes. They compared production on these flowers, which received near-perfect pollination, to the naturally pollinated branches. The difference between the two conditions revealed each farm's "pollination deficit," the amount by which production could be improved with an increase in wild pollinators. "Many farmers don't realize they can be limited by not enough pollinators just like they can be limited by water or nutrients," says Nicholson. This study highlights the importance of wild bees to global agriculture, yet the first study to map wild bees across the U.S. -- by Ricketts and colleagues -- suggests wild bees declined in abundance by 23% between 2008 and 2013, especially in key U.S. agricultural areas. Another Ricketts study recently found that climate change could reduce areas available for coffee production by 88% in Latin America, as well as the bees numbers available to pollinate coffee. Another reason to protect wild pollinators -- for berry lovers, at least -- is that wild bees, especially bumblebees, are better at pollinating blueberries than honeybees. Bumblebees have evolved the ability to "buzz pollinate," vibrating blueberry flowers at a specific frequency to efficiently release showers of pollen. Honeybees are unable to do this, and must instead use less effective techniques to pry pollen from the flower. What can farmers and policymakers do to protect wild bees? The UVM team has found that maintaining a high proportion of natural bee habitat around farms can help, as well as spraying less pesticides. Small actions by homeowners can help too, such as mowing less, planting native wildflowers, and putting out 'beeboxes,' which are like birdhouses, but for wild native bees. "This study shows, yet again, that protecting wild bee populations offers important benefits to our agricultural economy," adds Ricketts. "Maintaining healthy ecosystems can be as important as providing fertilizer or water." Every summer in Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, tons of brown trout perish. An interdisciplinary team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now discovered the culprit of the mysterious dying afflicting brown trout. It is triggered by a previously unknown virus, which is related to a virus that infects salmon in the North Atlantic and the Pacific. The setting is always in the same river sections. And the victims are always brown trout. Within a matter of days, their skin turns dark and the animals perish. Researchers and authorities have been hunting down the cause of this mysterious mass mortality for decades -- unsuccessfully, until now. Using cutting-edge analysis methods, Prof. Ralph Kuhn and a research team from the Technical University of Munich have now identified the pathogen that triggers the proliferative darkening syndrome (PDS) in brown trout. From the river to the lab "The biggest challenge was identifying a pathogen nobody knew. At the outset, it was not even clear whether it was a bacterium, a virus, a parasite or an environmental toxin," recalls the biologist. Ten years of scientific detective work followed. The researchers set up two experimental stations at the Iller river -- one in the headwaters, near Obersdorf, where the fish disease had never been observed; a second one in the lower course near Kempten, where brown trout die every summer. advertisement At both stations, the researchers set up aquariums fed with river water. From May to September they observed the fish in the aquariums and took tissue samples that were frozen and sent to the TUM laboratory for analysis. Searching for clues with next generation technology The observations indicated that PDS advances in three phases. Initially, the fish look healthy. Then changes in internal organs such as the liver and kidneys appear. In the third phase, the brown trout skin turns dark and the animals die shortly thereafter. "The progression of the disease quickly led us to suspect that PDS was a viral disease," says Kuhn. To detect the virus in the samples, the researchers deployed a set of modern molecular genetic procedures, known as next generation technology. Genomes can be analyzed rigorously using these procedures. First, the progression of the disease in the fish was characterized at the gene response level. Subsequently, the researchers looked at animals with a similar immune response to determine the nucleotide sequence of all inherited genetic material -- of the fish and its possible pathogens. advertisement The needle in a genetic haystack The researchers deployed computer programs to pinpoint the pathogenic virus in this mountain of genetic data. Using deep bioinformatic processing, they successfully identified parts of the pathogen's genetic profile and compared them to the profiles of known viruses. Extended, virus-specific sequencing led to the determination of the viral genome. The result: The culprit behind the demise of the brown trout is a piscine reovirus. It is related to the virus that infects salmon in the North Atlantic and the Pacific, where it causes significant economic damage. In the next step, the researchers hope to grow the virus in the laboratory and investigate why it only occurs in certain sections of the Alpine rivers and to what extent global fish trade facilitates its spread. Further information The project of the TUM consortium Brown Trout Dying (Department of Zoology, Department of Aquatic Systems Biology, Department of Animal Physiology & Immunology) was funded by the Bavarian State Office for the Environment and the Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry. Another co-operation partner was the Advisory Service for Fishery Lower Bavaria in Landshut (Bavaria). To help determine if the descendants of Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans are at risk for health effects resulting from the service members' exposure to toxicants during deployment, a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends the creation of a health monitoring and research program (HMRP). The committee that carried out the study and wrote the report assessed the available evidence on the reproductive, developmental, and generational health effects related to exposures that may have occurred during the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts. While there is a growing base of human and animal evidence on the reproductive and developmental effects of many toxicants of concern, there is a dearth of information on the specific effects of veterans' exposures on their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Almost 700,000 U.S. troops were deployed to the Persian Gulf region during the height of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991. The U.S. military engaged in further conflicts in the Middle East following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, with troops stationed in and around Afghanistan and in Iraq. In any war, deployed service members may be exposed to potentially hazardous agents and situations -- some intentionally and others unknowingly, the report says. These may include chemicals that are used in everyday civilian life, such as pesticides and solvents, as well as chemical and biological agents, mandatory vaccines, smoke from burn pits and oil-well fires, dust, high ambient temperatures and heat stress, and depleted uranium. Because there was little or no information on specific effects in veterans for many of the toxicants, the committee relied on studies that examined occupational or residential cohorts, who were exposed to some of the same toxicants as Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans were. The committee was unable to determine how relevant the exposures in these non-veteran studies are to those experienced by deployed veterans in terms of the exposure magnitude, duration, frequency, mixtures, and co-exposures. The ability to generalize associations found in such studies to veterans is also limited by differences in population characteristics such as gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Therefore, such exposures should be studied specifically in active-duty service members and veterans in order to confirm that the associations are valid for those populations. The committee came to more than 50 conclusions in five categories of association between the deployment exposures and reproductive effects, adverse pregnancy outcomes, or developmental effects. No toxicant had sufficient evidence of a causal association between exposure and reproductive or developmental effects, nor did any toxicant have limited/suggestive evidence of no association between exposure and reproductive or developmental effects. Among the conclusions, the committee found sufficient evidence of an association between prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides and neurodevelopmental effects; prenatal exposure to particulate matter and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth; and prenatal exposure to benzene and childhood leukemia. In addition, the committee found limited/suggestive evidence of an association between sulfur mustard and reproductive effects in men, and between prenatal exposure to particulate matter and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, and respiratory or neurodevelopmental effects in children. The HMRP would be a collaboration among a number of government and nongovernmental organizations. The report describes a recommended framework for development of an HMRP, including the following priorities, which will be critical to implementing a useful HMRP: The collection, storage, and maintenance of comprehensive baseline and longitudinal data and biospecimens from veterans, their partners, and their descendants; Detailed exposure characterization and assessment during and after deployment; and The development, evaluation, standardization, and interoperability of biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility, and biological effects. "Addressing the priorities outlined in this report will require substantial resources, long-term commitment by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and other governmental organizations, and considerable engagement by past, current, and future veterans and their families," said committee chair Kenneth S. Ramos, associate vice president for precision health sciences, professor of medicine, and executive director of the Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine at University of Arizona. "However, the results that arise from studying generational effects will ultimately be rewarded with new knowledge of veterans' exposures, their reproductive health, and the health of their children and grandchildren. Importantly, the new understanding derived from these investments will be relevant to the health of all Americans now and for future generations." There are numerous considerations that must be addressed to implement a large-scale HMRP, such as financial and human resource costs, the availability and expertise of adequately trained personnel, the time required for project completion, ready access to well-curated data, the maintenance of confidential human health data, ethical considerations for investigations that include parents and children, and the implementation of appropriate health and risk communication strategies between and among organizations and veterans and their families. Given these considerations, a practical approach to exploring generational health effects should leverage ongoing veterans' health research programs, such as the Million Veteran Program and the Millennium Cohort Study, the report says. The costs of designing and conducting an HMRP for any veteran cohort will be considerable, as demonstrated by the cost of similar programs such as the National Institutes of Health's National Children's Study and the All of Us Research Program, the report says. However, the costs of some of the underlying technologies -- for example, whole-genome sequencing -- have declined dramatically, and research results from the health monitoring program may translate into significant cost savings for the nation. The study was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. For more information, visit nationalacademies.org. A committee roster follows. Editor's Note: The report can be downloaded at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/GulfWarHealth11 In the late 1980s, more than three-quarters of the winter flounder caught in Boston Harbor -- one of the most polluted harbors in America -- showed signs of liver disease, many of them with cancerous tumors. But now, a scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health spurred by decades of remediation efforts, including a $3.8 billion project to construct a sewage treatment plant and a 9.5-mile discharge tunnel with a 6,600-foot-long outfall diffuser. The findings appear in the Nov. 20, 2018 issue of the journal Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. "The last tumor we've seen in a winter flounder from Boston Harbor was back in 2004," said Michael Moore, a biologist at (WHOI). "The fish aren't getting liver tumors anymore." The turnaround, Moore said, is attributed to a number of major, long-term environmental cleanup efforts to reduce sewage sludge, nutrients, and toxins in the harbor and adjacent waters, including construction of the outflow discharge tunnel completed in 2000. The tunnel is wide enough to fit two semitrailers side by side and channels millions of gallons of effluent each day from the Deer Island Treatment Plant on Boston Harbor into Massachusetts Bay 9.5 miles offshore. Moore has collaborated with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), Battelle Norwell, and most recently, Normandeau Associates, to monitor the health impacts of contaminants on flounder since 1986 through annual fish surveys in and around Boston Harbor. The fish are caught, dissected, and their liver tissues are examined for signs of disease. When the monitoring program began, the Harbor's water quality suffered from a persistent buildup of pollutants: nitrogenous wastes, petroleum and pesticide chemicals, metals and nitrates from homes, commercial buildings, and industries were all discharged in millions of gallons of wastewater into the harbor each day. The toxic soup caused a spike in liver disease among flounder, and Boston Harbor, with its brownish tint and choked-off oxygen supply, became regarded as the "dirtiest harbor in America." Mounting pressure from local politicians, scientists, and residents to clean up the harbor led to a lawsuit filed by the city of Quincy, Mass., against local agencies responsible for sewage operations in the Greater Boston area. The landmark 1984 Boston Harbor Cleanup Case decision resulted in the creation of a new agency charged with the court-mandated, multibillion-dollar public works project aimed at improving sewage and runoff handling in the harbor. The harbor's water quality began responding within months of the first cleanup efforts as organic matter, nutrient and chemical loading into the harbor dropped, and dissolved oxygen levels climbed. During its monitoring, the MWRA noticed other signs that the harbor was starting to breathe easier: Fewer contaminants were penetrating sediments on the ocean floor where flounder live, and the quality of water, harbor bottoms, and beaches all improved. "In government, you often debate shades of gray," said MWRA's executive director Fred Laskey. "But in this case, the empirical data are irrefutable. The clean-up of Boston Harbor is the greatest environmental achievement of this generation." Moore said that pesticides and other chemicals of particular significance to the flounder liver disease decreased, resulting in healthier fish. The liver tumor prevalence was also a good indicator that the harbor cleanup reduced human health risk, especially for seafood consumers. Moore said that the goal of cleaning up toxic chemicals in the harbor has been met. Importantly, while the health of flounder in the Harbor has improved, there has been no decline in the health of winter flounder caught near the long outfall. In fact, levels of disease associated with contaminant exposure are lower in flounder caught near the outfall than they were in the early 1990s. "The amount of human endeavor that went into the project was staggering," he said. "You don't often see such a clear justification of the tax-payer cost for a public benefit when it comes to environmental protection, but the results of this study validate the idea that long-term investments in improving regional environmental quality actually work." This research was funded by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Chinese technology giant Xiaomi Corp announced on Wednesday it has teamed up with Sweden's furniture titan Ikea to offer smart home products. The tie-up is part of its larger efforts to expand into the booming sectors of artificial intelligence and the internet of things (IoT). "Xiaomi and Ikea share a similar mission to create better life for people, and the global partnership will help accelerate the development of the world's smart home industry," said Fan Dian, general manager of the IoT platform segment of Xiaomi. He made the remarks at the ongoing MIDC Xiaomi AIoT Developer Conference in Beijing, which opened on Wednesday and will close on Thursday. Xiaomi's partnership came shortly after Ikea, the world's largest furniture retailer, said last week that it would accelerate its transformation to fully embrace new technologies and offer better user experiences. Bjorn Block, business leader for Ikea's Home Smart division, told during the conference that the new partnership marked a key step in creating a seamless experience for customers and making smart homes possible for many more people across the globe. "By staying curious about new technologies and digital solutions, we hope to continue the great victory in everyday lives for many more people here in China and also on a global scale," Block said. "We set out on a mission to create smart products for many people, really making them affordable and also easy to understand. In order to succeed, we need to cooperate." Starting from December, Ikea's smart lighting products will be connected to Xiaomi's IoT platform. Consumers will be able to use Xiaomi's smart voice assistant XiaoAi and the Mijia mobile app to control Ikea's smart lighting products. James Yan, research director at Counterpoint Technology Market Research, said the new partnership would benefit both sides. "Driven by Xiaomi's pragmatic concerns, the cooperation will enable much more international IoT connections," Yan said. "Currently, Ikea is at the key stage of transformation, stepping up the efforts to enhance the e-commerce experience and service offerings as well as investing in offline stores. And the new move will help both sides to expand the global market." During the conference, Xiaomi also unveiled a new partnership with Huazhu Hotels Group's Ji Hotel and home renovation service platform iKongjian to offer smart lighting services and solutions. Xiaomi also announced cooperation with Microsoft to offer smart voice solutions. Under the partnership, users will be able to use Xiaomi's XiaoAi to call the name of Microsoft's chat robot Xiaobing and then will be able to enjoy Xiaobing's service. Founded in 2010, Beijing-based Xiaomi said it has established the world's largest consumer IoT platform, with more than 132 million smart devices powered by AI, excluding smartphones and PCs. Clinical trial results published in the journal Nature Medicine show 91 percent response rate to the combination of venetoclax with azacitidine in older adults newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Of 33 patients given combination venetoclax and azacitidine, 20 experienced a complete response (aka complete remission) and eight experienced a complete response but with continued low blood counts. Of the three patients who did not respond to treatment, two discontinued the study before the first week due to personal reasons unrelated to treatment or side-effects. Based on these results, on November 21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) granted accelerated approval for venetoclax to treat patients who are aged 75 years and older or are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy due to coexisting medical conditions. Updated clinical trial results and scientific findings will be presented December 1-4 at the 60th annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in San Diego, CA. Traditionally, the diagnosis of AML in this population has carried an extremely poor prognosis, with median overall survival of less than a year. Already, patients on the current trial have reached a median follow-up time of 580 days. Because so many patients remain on the trial with controlled disease, it is impossible to predict the average expected duration of benefit from this new combination treatment, implying a remarkably long duration of remission. "To date, treatment options for older patients with AML have been limited. We see this new regimen as a paradigm shift in the way we will treat this disease in this population, moving forward," says Daniel A. Pollyea, MD, MS, investigator at CU Cancer Center, clinical director of Leukemia Services at the CU School of Medicine, and the study's first author. Azacitidine is a low-dose chemotherapy drug that has long been used in the treatment of AML, with minimal success. Venetoclax is a targeted inhibitor of the Bcl-2 protein, which earned FDA approval in 2016 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The current regimen includes a course of azacitidine, followed by the ongoing use of venetoclax. "Two patients on this study have been off all therapy for nearly three years, and others who remain on therapy seem to be on the same trajectory, suggesting this regimen may be curative in some settings," Pollyea says. advertisement The trial is closely related to the preclinical work of Craig Jordan, PhD, investigator at University of Colorado Cancer Center, division chief of the Division of Hematology and the Nancy Carroll Allen Professor of Hematology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Basic science describing the underlying mechanism of drug action is published concurrently in the journal Cancer Cell. First author of the Cancer Cell paper Courtney Jones, PhD, and others working in the Jordan lab showed that leukemia stem cells depend on amino acid metabolism to supply themselves with energy. As part of its action against Bcl-2, venetoclax blocks cells' uptake of amino acids, and thus blocks the mechanism these cells use to generate energy, killing these cells. "Leukemia stem cells in newly diagnosed AML patients absolutely depend on amino acid metabolism, but that's not the case for healthy cells. By taking away the ability of leukemia stem cells to metabolize amino acids, we can target these cells without affecting surrounding, healthy tissues," Jordan says. One factor limiting treatment options in this population is the severity of side-effects associated with current therapies. Newly-diagnosed AML is most often treated with intensive chemotherapy. Unfortunately, while chemotherapy is largely effective against the bulk of leukemia cells, leukemia stem cells are uniquely equipped to resist chemotherapy, and so often survive treatment, leading to relapse. Using azacitidine alone in this population shows 28 percent response rate with response duration of 10 months. At that point, treatment often includes bone marrow transplant -- eradicating a patient's cancerous blood system and repopulating a new one using blood stem cells from cord blood or from a matched donor. However, bone marrow transplant can be poorly tolerated in older and/or more frail patients. "Many of these patients, you just can't treat in that way," Pollyea says. "They would be too likely to die from the treatment, itself -- it does more harm than good." Combining venetoclax with azacitidine was associated with no more side effects than the use of azacitidine alone. Patients whose cancers held IDH mutations were more likely to experience long-lasting response; patients with RAS mutations often experienced shorter remissions. Initial findings suggest that treatment of AML patients who have relapsed following standard therapy is a more difficult challenge, requiring more than just venetoclax and azacitidine to achieve substantially improved outcomes. In addition to AML and CLL, venetoclax is in clinical trials to treat cancers including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), T cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and more (full list at clinicaltrials.gov). The Jordan lab continues to collaborate closely with CU Cancer Center clinicians including Daniel Pollyea to further optimize strategies targeting cancer stem cells in leukemia and other cancers. A new study led by The Australian National University (ANU) has discovered a promising way to significantly lower doses of X-rays that has the potential to revolutionise 3D medical imaging and make screening for early signs of disease much cheaper and safer. The research team, which involved the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and Monash University, built upon an unconventional imaging approach known as "ghost imaging" to take 3D X-ray images of an object's interior that is opaque to visible light. Lead researcher Dr Andrew Kingston said the study was the first to achieve 3D X-ray imaging using the ghost imaging approach, which has the potential to make 3D medical imaging much cheaper, safer and more accessible. "The beauty of using the ghost imaging technique for 3D imaging is that most of the X-ray dose is not even directed towards the object you want to capture -- that's the ghostly nature of what we're doing," said Dr Kingston from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering. "There's great potential to significantly lower doses of X-rays in medical imaging with 3D ghost imaging and to really improve early detection of diseases like breast cancer." Too much radiation from medical x-ray imaging can increase cancer risk, which limits how often patients can be tested with CT systems, 3D mammography for breast cancer screening and other 3D X-ray approaches. advertisement "A variation of our approach doesn't require an X-ray camera at all, just a sensor -- this would make a 3D medical imaging setup much cheaper," Dr Kingston said. The proof-of-concept approach took a 3D ghost image of a simple object of 5.6mm diameter at a relatively low resolution of about 0.1mm. The researchers devised a new ghost imaging measurement system that used a series of X-ray beams with patterns. Each beam was then split into two identical beams. The pattern was recorded in the primary beam, which acted as a reference since it never passed through the object that the researchers were imaging. The secondary beam passed through the object, with only the total X-ray transmission measured by a single sensor. The researchers then used a computer to create a 2D X-ray projection image of the object from these measurements. advertisement This process was repeated with the object at different orientations to construct a 3D image. "Our most important innovation is to extend this 2D concept to achieve 3D imaging of the interior of objects that are opaque to visible light," Dr Kingston said. "3D X-ray ghost imaging, or ghost tomography, is a completely new field, so there's an opportunity for the scientific community and industry to work together to explore and develop this exciting innovation." Co-researcher Professor David Paganin from Monash University said the team's achievement could be compared to the early days of electron microscopes, which could only achieve a magnification of 14 times. "This result was not as good as could be obtained with even the crudest of glass lenses using visible light," he said. "However, the microscope using electrons rather than light had the potential -- realised only after decades of subsequent development -- to see individual atoms, which are much tinier than an ordinary microscope using visible light can see." A leading expert in fetal medicine at the University of Birmingham has warned that there is 'little room for complacency' over a fall in twin stillbirth rates as the reason for this phenomenon are complex. In a paper published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mark Kilby, Professor of Fetal Medicine at the University of Birmingham's Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and Honorary Consultant in Fetal Medicine at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, with collaborators explore the reasons as to why there has been a nearly 50 per cent fall in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016. These figures were the findings of Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK (MBRRACE-UK)'s perinatal surveillance report published in June 2018. The MBRACCE-UK report noted that, although there had been a significant reduction in stillbirth rate in twins, there had been no change in stillbirth rates in pregnancies involving a single fetus. Approximately one in 60 pregnancies are twins; an incidence increasing in the UK because of the use of artificial reproductive techniques and a rising maternal age. Professor Kilby believes the fall in stillbirths in twins is, in part, due to an increasing recognition by healthcare professionals of the increased fetal risks in "identical twins." Identical twins either share a single placenta with a single outer membrane and two inner membranes (monochorionic diamniotic twins), or share both the inner and outer membranes (monochorionic monoamniotic twins). These twins are at higher risk due to complications such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin anemia polycythaemia sequence (TAPS) and selective fetal growth restriction (sGR). advertisement This recognition of the higher risks has led to the introduction of several clinical guidelines including The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Green Top Guideline on the Management of Monochorionic Twins and the generic NICE Guidelines on the Management of Twin and Triplet Pregnancy (currently under revision and to be republished in 2019). A survey by the charity Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) of 29 obstetric units has shown that hospitals following NICE guidance for management of twins have associated lower twin stillbirth, neonatal death rates and admissions to special care baby units. However, the data from Tamba through its Maternity Engagement Programme, indicates that "there is still considerable variation in implementation by NHS healthcare providers across the UK." Professor Kilby said: "The UK has been innovative in recommending the establishment of twin multidisciplinary teams and clinics along with several national clinical guidelines to aid the management of twin and triplet pregnancies and high risk identical twin pregnancies. "However, adequate resourcing and professional engagement is required to prevent the current considerable variation in implementation of guidelines by NHS healthcare providers across the UK." Professor Kilby also states that refinements in in-utero treatments, along with new guidelines over the last 15 years on the monitoring of both identical and non-identical twins using ultrasound has also undoubtedly led to increased and earlier detection of complications. Professor Kilby concluded: "The fall in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016 is welcome news, however, there is little room for complacency and more comprehensive uptake of clinical guidelines and close working with stakeholders such as Tamba and the Multiple Births Foundation will hopefully continue this trend into the future." He estimated that it would take a minimum of two years for hospital trusts in the NHS to engage with the recommendations by establishing multidisciplinary teams, a multiple pregnancy service and an infrastructure to deliver care and urged that much more work still needed to be done. Keith Reed, CEO of Tamba, said: "Hundreds of babies lives could be saved and potentially thousands prevented going into neonatal care, but progress is at risk because funding for TAMBA's successful Maternity Engagement Programme is due to end on March 2019 and there are another 124 obstetric units in England to engage with." Glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer that has grabbed headlines for claiming the lives of Sens. Edward Kennedy and John McCain, could be "tricked" into sparing more of its victims. A team of University of Arizona researchers who looked for genetic differences between glioblastoma cells from long- and short-term survivors discovered that those who survived longer had a protein that might be targeted to increase survival in all glioblastoma patients. The results were presented this month at the Society for Neuro-Oncology conference in New Orleans. This work is in its early stages, and the researchers say they are many years and millions of dollars away from potential translation into treatments for patients. "Glioblastoma essentially is incurable," said Baldassarre "Dino" Stea, MD, PhD, head of the UA College of Medicine -- Tucson Department of Radiation Oncology. "In the past 15 years, only one drug -- temozolomide -- has been invented, whereas the rest of the cancer field is zooming forward." With surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, adults with glioblastoma survive for an average of 11-15 months. Some succumb sooner, while others outlive their initial prognosis by months or even years. "I was curious to know how genes are differentially expressed in patients who live longer," said Michael Hammer, PhD, co-director of the UA Cancer Center Genomics Shared Resource and research scientist with the UA BIO5 Institute. "If we can identify a pathway in the tumor that we might be able to target, we can try to make the short-lived patients look more like the long-lived patients." Drs. Stea and Hammer helped discover that long-term survivors manufacture a protein called WIF-1 in relative abundance. The team first searched for "signaling pathways," a collection of genes that control cellular function under normal circumstances but can go awry to cause cancer. advertisement "The Wnt signaling pathway popped up as the most important pathway to limit the survival chances of glioblastoma patients," Dr. Hammer said. This pathway normally is involved with tissue maintenance but can fuel tumor growth if it becomes overactive. Long-term survivors appeared to rely on genes that suppress the function of the Wnt signaling pathway. "We had a pile of genes and looked for an overrepresentation of these genes compared to a random set of genes," Dr. Hammer said. "We found that, in patients who survived longer than average, certain genes were tamping down Wnt signaling." After sifting through 800 genes in 23 glioblastoma samples, the team identified the WIF-1 gene, which manufactures the WIF-1 protein, as an important inhibitor of the Wnt pathway and a strong predictor of long-term survival. "The Wnt pathway is deranged, and WIF-1 is the police. Cancer grows when there aren't enough police to keep the deranged person in check," Dr. Stea said. "Some people are endowed with more WIF-1 and survive longer." While testing for the WIF-1 gene someday may help oncologists predict which patients will survive longer, a greater hope is that this work will lead to a drug that targets glioblastoma tumors with more precision than standard treatment. advertisement "We hope to create a drug to suppress the Wnt pathway so that everybody survives longer," Dr. Stea said. "It would be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow." Dr. Stea believes new approaches are essential to extend survival for glioblastoma patients. "I think we have reached the apex of what the surgeon can do, and have achieved the most we can with radiation," he said. "The cure will not come from more radiation or more surgery -- glioblastoma is a genetic problem that we have to solve genetically." One way to enlist human genetics in the fight against glioblastoma is to enhance the effects of radiation, which kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Glioblastomas have a special ability to repair this DNA damage, diminishing radiation's effectiveness. "I'm poking holes in the DNA of glioblastoma cells, and the Wnt pathway goes back and helps to repair the damage," Dr. Stea said, referring to his work as a radiation oncologist. "It's like I'm exploding a bridge so the enemy cannot cross, but overnight they rebuild the bridge." By taking cues from WIF-1, scientists might be able to weaken glioblastoma's ability to repair radiation-damaged DNA. "The Wnt pathway activates DNA repair. If we can suppress Wnt, we also suppress DNA repair. When we mimic that in the lab by adding WIF-1 protein to glioblastoma cells, they become more sensitive to radiation," said Eric Weterings, PhD, assistant professor at the UA College of Medicine -- Tucson Department of Radiation Oncology, who also contributed to the study. "Right now, I can only give so much radiation. If we exceed that threshold, we're more likely to damage the brain," Dr. Stea added. "We have a hint that WIF-1 can help radiation do a better job, compounding its cancer-killing effect." This preliminary research was fueled in part by a gift from one of Dr. Stea's glioblastoma patients, who is a long-term survivor at three-and-a-half years. He hoped researchers could learn from long-lived patients like himself. Many times, grateful patients help fund UA Cancer Center research. "He is happy to be alive and very generous, so he made a gift," Dr. Stea said. "That's how the program got going." To expand upon their findings, the team currently is applying for grants to continue their research. "We didn't have a huge sample population, so these results could be a fluke -- but they are statistically significant," Dr. Stea said. "The next step is to validate with hundreds of patients and then to perform further studies with inhibitors of the Wnt pathway." "It's a step forward," Dr. Weterings added. "In the future, this work might give us a larger and yet more specific arsenal of options to treat this disease." The team already is collaborating with Tech Launch Arizona, filing a provisional patent application on the gene signature for a companion diagnostic and possible radiation sensitizer. IIASA researchers have contributed to a major new report in The Lancet medical journal looking at the effects of climate change on human health, and the implications for society. The 2018 Report of the research coalition The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change shows that rising temperatures as a result of climate change are already exposing us to an unacceptably high health risk and warns, for the first time, that older people in Europe and the East Mediterranean are particularly vulnerable to extremes of heat, markedly higher than in Africa and SE Asia. The risk in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean stems from aging populations living in cities, with 42% and 43% of over-65s respectively vulnerable to heat. In Africa, 38% are thought to be vulnerable, while in Asia it is 34%. The report also states that ambient air pollution resulted in several million premature deaths from ambient fine particulate matter globally in 2015, a conclusion from IIASA researchers confirming earlier assessments. Since air pollution and greenhouse gases often share common sources, mitigating climate change constitutes a major opportunity for direct human health benefits. Leading doctors, academics and policy professionals from 27 organizations have contributed analysis and jointly authored the report. Alongside IIASA, the partners behind the research include the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), University College London and Tsinghua University, among others. IIASA researcher Gregor Kiesewetter led a team from the Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases research program that estimated the dangers of air pollution to human health. A new and important finding this year was the global attribution of deaths to source. Kiesewetter and the team found that coal alone accounts for 16% of pollution-related premature deaths, around 460,000, which they state makes phasing out coal-use a "crucial no-regret intervention for public health." Kiesewetter and the team used the GAINS Model, developed at IIASA, which calculates the emissions of precursors of particulate matter based on a detailed breakdown of economic sectors and fuels used. advertisement Large contributions to ambient air pollution come from the residential sector, mostly from solid fuels like biomass and coal. Industry, electricity generation, transport, and agriculture are also important contributors. While coal should be a key target for early phase-out in households and electricity generation as it is highly polluting, it is not all that should be done. "The attribution shows that unfortunately an approach targeting a single sector or fuel won't solve the problem -- air pollution is a multi-faceted issue that needs integrated strategies cutting across many sectors, which will differ from country to country. This is what we typically do with the regional and local GAINS model: giving advice to policymakers on the most efficient approaches to tackle air pollution in their specific settings," says Kiesewetter. The report contains a number of other headline findings: - 157m more vulnerable people were subjected to a heatwave in 2017 than in 2000, and 18m more than in 2016. 153bn hours of work were lost in 2017 due to extreme heat as a result of climate change. China alone lost 21bn hours, the equivalent of a year's work for 1.4% of their working population. India lost 75bn hours, equivalent to 7% of their total working population. Heat greatly exacerbates urban air pollution, with 97% of cities in low- and middle- income countries not meeting WHO air quality guidelines. Heat stress, an early and severe effect of climate change, is commonplace and we, and the health systems we rely on, are ill equipped to cope. Rising temperatures and unseasonable warmth is responsible for cholera and dengue fever spreading, with vectorial capacity for their transmission increasing across many endemic areas. The mean global temperature change to which humans are exposed is more than double the global average change, with temperatures rising 0.8C versus 0.3C. Hugh Montgomery, co-chair of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change and director of the Institute for Human Health and Performance, University College London says: "Heat stress is hitting hard -- particularly amongst the urban elderly, and those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. In high temperatures, outdoor work, especially in agriculture, is hazardous. Areas from Northern England and California, to Australia are seeing savage fires with direct deaths, displacement and loss of housing as well as respiratory impacts from smoke inhalation." The report, which looks at 41 separate indicators across a range of themes, says urgent steps are needed to protect people now from the impacts of climate change. In particular, stronger labor regulations are needed to protect workers from extremes of heat and hospitals and the health systems we rely on need to be better equipped for extreme heat so they are able to cope. But the report also stresses that there are limits to adapting to the temperature increases, and if left unabated, climate change and heat will overwhelm even the strongest of systems, so the need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical. 2018 has been an even hotter year in many parts of the world and the World Weather Attribution Study for northern Europe showed this summer's heat wave was twice as likely to have happened as a result of man-made climate change. Of the 478 global cities surveyed in the report, 51% expect climate change to seriously compromise their public health infrastructure. "The world has yet to effectively cut its emissions. The speed of climate change threatens our, and our children's lives. Following current trends we exhaust our carbon budget required to keep warming below two degrees, by 2032. The health impacts of climate change above this level above this level threaten to overwhelm our emergency and health services," says Anthony Costello, co-chair of The Lancet Countdown. Other findings of the report include: a new indicator mapping extremes of precipitation that identifies South America and southeast Asia among the regions most exposed to flood and drought and, on food security, the report points to 30 countries experiencing downward trends in crop yields, reversing a decade-long trend that had previously seen global improvement. Yield potential is estimated to be declining in every region as extremes of weather become more frequent and more extreme. New research reveals the extinction of plant or animal species from extreme environmental change increases the risk of an 'extinction domino effect' that could annihilate all life on Earth. This would be the worst-case scenario of what scientists call 'co-extinctions', where an organism dies out because it depends on another doomed species, with the findings published today in the journal Scientific Reports. Think of a plant's flower pollinated by only one species of bee -- if the bee becomes extinct, so too will the plant eventually. "Even the most resilient species will inevitably fall victim to the synergies among extinction drivers as extreme stresses drive ecosystems to collapse." says lead author Dr Giovanni Strona of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre based in Ispra in northern Italy. Researchers from Italy and Australia simulated 2,000 'virtual earths' linking animal and plant species. Using sophisticated modelling, they subjected the virtual earths to catastrophic environmental changes that ultimately annihilated all life. Examples of the kinds of catastrophes they simulated included runaway global warming, scenarios of 'nuclear winter' following the detonation of multiple atomic bombs, and a large asteroid impact. advertisement "What we were trying to test is whether the variable tolerances to extreme global heating or cooling by different species are enough to explain overall extinction rates," "But because all species are connected in the web of life, our paper demonstrates that even the most tolerant species ultimately succumb to extinction when the less-tolerant species on which they depend disappear." "Failing to take into account these co-extinctions therefore underestimates the rate and magnitude of the loss of entire species from events like climate change by up to 10 times," says co-author Professor Bradshaw of Flinders University in South Australia Professor Bradshaw and Dr Strona say that their virtual scenarios warn humanity not to underestimate the impact of co-extinctions. "Not taking into account this domino effect gives an unrealistic and exceedingly optimistic perspective about the impact of future climate change," warns Professor Bradshaw. It can be hard to imagine how the demise of a small animal or plant matters so much, but the authors argue that tracking species up to total annihilation demonstrates how the loss of one can amplify the effects of environmental change on the remainder. "Another really important discovery was that in the case of global warming in particular, the combination of intolerance to heat combined with co-extinctions mean that 5-6 degrees of average warming globally is enough to wipe out most life on the planet," says Dr Strona. Professor Bradshaw further warns that their work shows how climate warming creates extinction cascades in the worst possible way, when compared to random extinctions or even from the stresses arising from nuclear winter. A team of scientists led by Mohamed Sahnouni, archaeologist at the Centro Nacional de Investigacion sobre la Evolucion Humana (CENIEH), has just published a paper in the journal Science which breaks with the paradigm that the cradle of Humankind lies in East Africa, based on the archaeological remains found at sites in the region of Ain Hanech (Algeria), the oldest currently known in the north of Africa. For a long time, East Africa has been considered the place of origin of the earliest hominins and lithic technology, because up to now, very little was known about the first hominin occupation and activities in the north of the continent. Two decades of field and laboratory research directed by Dr. Sahnouni have shown that ancestral hominins actually made stone tools in North Africa that are near contemporary with the earliest known stone tools in East Africa dated to 2.6 million years. These are stone artifacts and animal bones bearing marks of cutting by stone tools, with an estimated chronology of 2.4 and 1.9 million years, respectively, found at two levels at the sites of Ain Boucherit (within the Ain Hanech study area), which were dated using Paleomagnetism, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), and the Biochronology of large mammals excavated together with the archaeological materials. Fossils of animals such as pigs, horses and elephants, from very ancient sites, have been used by the paleontologist Jan van der Made, of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid, to corroborate the ages yielded by Paleomagnetism, obtained by the CENIEH geochronologist Josep Pares, and ESR, found by Mathieu Duval, of Griffith University. Oldowan technology The artifacts of Ain Boucherit were manufactured of locally available limestone and flint and include faces worked into choppers, polyhedra and subspheroids, as well as sharp-edged cutting tools used to process animal carcasses. These artifacts are typical of the Oldowan stone technology known from 2.6-1.9 million-year-old sites in East Africa, although those from Ain Boucherit show subtle variations. advertisement "The lithic industry of Ain Boucherit, which is technologically similar to that of Gona and Olduvai, shows that our ancestors ventured into all corners of Africa, not just East Africa. The evidence from Algeria changes the earlier view that East Africa was the cradle of Humankind. Actually, the whole of Africa was the cradle of humankind," states Sahnouni, leader of the Ain Hanech project. Not mere scavengers Ain Boucherit is one of the few archaeological sites in Africa which has provided evidence of bones with associated marks of cutting and percussion in situ with stone tools, which shows unmistakably that these ancestral hominins exploited meat and marrow from animals of all sizes and skeletal parts, which implied skinning, evisceration and defleshing of upper and intermediate extremities. Isabel Caceres, taphonomist at the IPHES, has commented that "the effective use of sharp-edged tools at Ain Boucherit suggests that our ancestors were not mere scavengers. It is not clear at this moment whether they hunted, but the evidence clearly shows that they were successfully competing with carnivores and enjoyed first access to animal carcasses." The tool-makers At this moment, the most important question is who made the stone tools discovered in Algeria. Hominin remains have still not been found in North Africa which are contemporary with the earliest stone artifacts. As a matter of fact, nor have any hominins yet been documented in direct association with the first stone tools known from East Africa. advertisement Nevertheless, a recent discovery in Ethiopia has shown the presence of early Homo dated to 2.8 million years, most likely the best candidate also for the materials from East and North Africa. Scientists thought for a long time that the hominins and their material culture originated in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. Surprisingly, the earliest known hominin, dated to 7.0 million years, and the 3.3 million years Australopithecus bahrelghazali, have been discovered in Chad, in the Sahara, 3000 km from the rift valleys in the east of Africa. As Sileshi Semaw, scientist at the CENIEH and a co-author of this paper, explains that the hominins contemporary with Lucy (3.2 million years), were probably roamed over the Sahara, and their descendants might have been responsible for leaving these archaeological puzzles now discovered in Algeria, that are near contemporaries of those of East Africa. "Future research will focus on searching for human fossils in the nearby Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene deposits, looking for the tool-makers and even older stone tools," concludes Sahnouni. Human ancestors first set foot on the interior of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau around 30,000-40,000 years ago, according to new research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This new finding moves back the earliest data of habitation in the interior by 20,000 years or more. The research team was led by Dr. ZHANG Xiaoling and Prof. GAO Xing from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of CAS. Their study, published in Science, was based on investigations of Nwya Devu, the oldest and highest early Stone Age (Paleolithic) archaeological site known anywhere in the world. This archaeological achievement is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the human occupation and evolution of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau as well as larger-scale prehistoric human migration and exchanges. It caps 60 years of effort trying to find evidence of the earliest human habitation on the plateau. The high altitude, atmospheric hypoxia, cold year-round temperatures and low rainfall of the plateau creates an extremely challenging environment for human habitation. Archaeological evidence indicates it was one of the last habitats colonized by Homo sapiens. Today, the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is the third least-populous spot on the planet. Before now, no concrete evidence existed of people inhabiting the interior of the plateau before the Holocene geological epoch (4,200-11,700 years ago). In addition, only a few reliably dated Pleistocene (11,700-2.58 million years ago) archaeological sites had been discovered around the plateau's margins. The Nwya Devu Paleolithic site discovered by this team confirms that human ancestors set foot on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at elevations approaching 5,000 meters above sea level around 30,000-40,000 years ago. It is the first Paleolithic archaeological site discovered in Tibet that preserves intact stratigraphy allowing age-dating of the site's antiquity. Nwya Devu is located in the Changthang region of northern Tibet, about 300 km northwest of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, at about 4,600 meters above sea level. The site comprises an extensive, dense surface distribution of stone artifacts and a buried continuous record of human occupation. It is the earliest Paleolithic site known on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the highest yet discovered anywhere in the world. Before this discovery, the earliest archaeological record of high-altitude human activity was from the Andean Altiplano, at about 4,480 meters above sea level, showing human habitation about 12,000 years ago. This discovery deepens considerably the history of human occupation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the antiquity of human high-altitude (>4,000 masl) adaptations. The Late Pleistocene (about 12-000-125,000 years ago) was a crucial period for human evolution. During that time, the behavior and cognitive ability of ancient humans developed rapidly and the ability to adapt to a broader range of environments similarly increased. The prehistoric cultural artifacts from Nwya Devu provide important archaeological evidence of the survival strategies of early anatomically and behaviorally modern people to what is arguably the most rigorous terrestrial environment on earth. It also allows analysis of Paleolithic exchange and interactions between East and West suggesting possible migration routes. The paper was vetted by three reviewers during the evaluation process, with one concluding it is " . . . quite original and very exciting, and will be of utmost interest to the readers of Science and researchers studying the origin and dispersal of modern humans and high altitude colonization. The results have profound implications for the understanding of the timing and dynamics of human settlement of the Tibetan Plateau." The Nwya Devu project was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Excavation Funding and Emphatic Deployed Project of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. Amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade in the United States, a new Michigan Medicine-led study finds. And a disproportionate rise occurred in rural counties. Among pregnant women in all parts of the country, amphetamine-affected births (mostly attributed to methamphetamine) doubled -- from 1.2 per 1,000 hospitalizations in 2008-2009 to 2.4 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations by 2014-2015, the new research finds. The rate of opioid use also quadrupled from 1.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations in 2004-2005 to 6.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations in 2014-2015, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study sample included about 47million deliveries occurring in U.S. hospitals over the 12-year-period. For pregnant women with amphetamine use, the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality was 1.6 times the rate identified among moms with opioid use. The incidence of preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, heart failure or heart attack, and need for a blood transfusion were also higher among deliveries to moms with amphetamine use compared to opioid use. "We know from our previous research on maternal health disparities that there are disproportionately higher rates of substance affected births in rural communities," says lead author Lindsay Admon, M.D., M.Sc., an obstetrician-gynecologist at University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and a graduate of the National Clinician Scholar's Program at U-M's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. "When we looked at the specific types of substances driving this disparity, we were surprised to find that amphetamine use accounted for such a significant portion," Admon adds, noting that few, if any, studies have examined the incidence of amphetamine use in pregnancy in the last decade. advertisement "Our findings suggest both amphetamine and opioid use are growing public health crises that affect delivery and birth outcomes." Admon, the study's senior author Tyler Winkelman, M.D., M.Sc., and colleagues also recently examined 1.3 million hospitalizations related to amphetamines in the general adult population, finding that by 2015 amphetamine-related hospitalizations were associated with higher risk for in-hospital mortality and accounted for $2.2 billion dollars in hospital costs. Geography influences health, recovery An estimated 82,254 delivery hospitalizations during the decade-long study period included one or more amphetamine use diagnoses and 170,164 included one or more opioid use diagnoses. By 2014-15, amphetamine use complicated roughly 1 percent of all deliveries in the rural West (11.2 per 1,000 hospital deliveries), which was higher than the incidence of maternal opioid use in most regions. The highest incidence of maternal opioid use was identified in the rural Northeast, complicating nearly 3 percent of all deliveries (28.7 per 1,000 hospital deliveries.) Higher proportions of patients in both substance use groups were non-Hispanic white, from lower-income communities, and had public insurance compared to other hospital deliveries. advertisement "Early and adequate access to prenatal care for women with substance use has been shown to improve birth outcomes," Admon says. "However, geographic disparities have a major impact on the health and well-being of pregnant women and infants. There are significant barriers to obstetric care access in many rural communities, particularly for women with substance use." Barriers to treatment Determining treatment specifically for prenatal amphetamine use is also a challenge. While there's gold standard medical treatment for maternal opioid use, Admon says, the evidence for amphetamine use disorder treatment among pregnant women is limited. Cessation is associated with improved birth outcomes, but obstetricians could use more guidance on how to promote cessation among their patients. Federal efforts to curb access to precursor drugs used to make meth in the mid-2000s helped reduce amphetamine use overall, Admon notes. But as new methods were used to make the drug, meth use has again spiked. Rural areas have the double whammy of greater access to amphetamines but less access to addiction treatment services. Further complicating the matter are laws that criminalize substance use during pregnancy that may discourage women from disclosing the concern to their health provider. Neonatal intensive care units in rural counties may also not have adequate capacity to care for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, which describe health problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. "We have seen a significant increase in infants born with symptoms of drug withdrawal," says Winkelman, of Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis and graduate of the National Clinician Scholar's Program at U-M's IHPI. "We need to devote more resources to prevent and treat substance use in pregnancy, especially in low-income and rural communities." Neonatal abstinence syndrome accounted for $3 billion in hospital costs between 2004 and 2014, according to another study led by Winkelman and colleagues. More intervention needed The new U-M-led study follows Admon's previous research, which found that pre-existing, chronic conditions among delivering women have increased substantially and are linked to adverse birth outcomes. Prior work by Admon and colleagues also examined racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorders. Substance use were less common among African-American and Hispanic women, but, when present, were associated with a higher risk for adverse birth outcomes compared to non-Hispanic white women. "It is critical that health providers employ universal screening for substance use early in pregnancy," Admon says. "Optimizing access to prenatal care is a crucial mechanism to connect women with the services they need for their health and their baby's health." "We need to find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat maternal amphetamine and opioid use. Developing treatment programs that can reach women in the geographic areas most affected by these epidemics is key to improving outcomes for mothers and newborns." China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) on Wednesday unveiled a draft instrument on the regulation of foreign banks to solicit public opinions. The revision on the detailed rules for regulating foreign banks aims to expand the opening-up of the banking industry, enhance the competitiveness of banks, increase the risk-prevention capabilities of foreign banks and beef up the protection of financial consumers' rights and interests, a CBIRC statement said. A total of 18 items have been modified, including the calculation of working capital appropriated by foreign banks to their branch banks in China and the application of a reporting system when business branches of a foreign-funded bank conduct the business of agency marketing, agency distribution, proxy cashing and government bonds underwriting. The revision also touches on some business requirements. For instance, the branch banks of a foreign bank which has also set up wholly-owned foreign banks or joint-venture banks in China can only engage in wholesale business. Since early this year, CBIRC has gradually advanced the implementation of a variety of market opening measures and approved several market access applications. In his latest response to General Motors'(GM) decision to shut down U.S. factories and lay off workers, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted Wednesday that the government is considering slapping tariffs on auto imports. In a series of tweets, Trump said a long-time 25 percent tariff on small trucks has benefited U.S. auto manufactures, and argued that a similar tariff for imported cars would protect U.S. manufacturing jobs, which could thus avoid a GM scenario. "If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here and G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, Michigan & Maryland. Get smart Congress," Trump wrote. "The President has great power on this issue," he wrote. "Because of the G.M. event, it is being studied now!" The United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on imported light trucks in the 1960s after France and West Germany imposed tariffs on U.S. chicken, so it was also called the "chicken tax," and was referred to by Trump in his tweet. GM announced Monday that it could close several plants in the United States and cut more than 14,000 jobs, drawing harsh criticism from the U.S. president, who had promised to bring jobs back to America in his presidential campaign. "The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get!" the president tweeted on Tuesday. He was referring to the 2008 government bailout that saved the auto giant from bankruptcy. The president also threatened to revoke government subsidies for the company. "We are now looking at cutting all @GM subsidies, including for electric cars," he tweeted. Many assumed that Trump was referring to the 7,500-U.S.-dollar tax breaks the U.S. federal government grants to consumers who buy electric vehicles. In its announcement, GM said it would effectively close five assembly and propulsion plants in the United States and Canada in 2019, a reorganization plan intended to make the company "highly agile, resilient and profitable." The move is expected to cut 15 percent of its salaried workforce. In addition to a previously announced factory closure in South Korea, GM said it would also cease operations of another two unspecified plants outside North America by the end of 2019. The company estimated that the measures will save as much as 6 billion dollars. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyra Watson/Released(NEW YORK) -- Fifteen months after a deadly collision that killed 10 U.S. sailors, the Navy destroyer USS John McCain is floating again, leaving its dry dock and mooring pier side in Yokosuka, Japan on Tuesday. On August 21, 2017, 10 sailors were killed when the destroyer collided with an oil tanker as it entered the busy waterway into the port of Singapore, leaving a gaping hole in the port side of the ship. The incident occurred two months after seven sailors were killed when the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan. The McCain has been undergoing repairs for nearly a year with final repairs expected to be completed in late 2019, the Navy's 7th Fleet said in a press release on Tuesday. But the ship's move from dry dock to water was marked as a "major milestone" in the ongoing effort to repair and restore the destroyer. "I'm proud of and thankful for every person who has worked together to move USS John S. McCain another step closer to both normalcy and sailing again with U.S. 7th Fleet," said Cmdr. Micah Murphy, the ship's commanding officer. "There is still a lot of work to be done, but I remain impressed by the incredible teamwork, determination and flexibility shown daily by this crew as well as the SRF Project Team to return a better, more lethal warship to the fleet." In May, the former commanding officer of the McCain pleaded guilty to a charge of dereliction of duty for his role in last year's deadly collision. Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez was sentenced to a letter of reprimand and a $6,000 fine. As part of his plea deal agreement, he will be required to retire from the Navy. During repairs over the last year, the McCain received a fully restored hull, new port thrust shaft, and newly constructed berthing spaces, 7th Fleet said. "The ongoing availability also includes completing maintenance work that had previously been deferred, which reflects the Navys commitment to ensuring that required maintenance on ships is no longer deferred," the statement said. "The Navys enterprise leadership continues to make improvements with routine, close oversight provided by the Fleet Commanders and the Navy staff to generate ready ships and aircraft on-time and on-plan," the statement added. A Navy investigation launched after the collision found that the McCain's former commanding officer did not follow the recommendations of his command team to have the ship's most experienced bridge team on duty as destroyer entered the busy waterway into Singapore. Investigators also found that Sanchez and the bridge team lacked a familiarity with some of the helm consoles that led to a perceived lack of steering. "The collisions were avoidable," said Adm. John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, in the executive summary to the investigation. "Both of these accidents were preventable and the respective investigations found multiple failures by watchstanders that contributed to the incidents," he added in a statement accompanying the report's release last November. "We must do better." Killed in the collision were Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kenneth Aaron Smith; Electronics Technician 1st Class Charles Nathan Findley;Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Abraham Lopez; Technician 2nd Class Kevin Sayer Bushell; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jacob Daniel Drake; Electronic Systems Technician 2nd Class Timothy Thomas Eckels Jr.; Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Corey George Ingram; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dustin Louis Doyon; Electronics Technician 3rd Class John Henry Hoagland III and Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Logan Stephen Palmer, 23. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. China's top court on Wednesday vowed "zero tolerance" and tough punishments, including the death penalty, for those who hurt children. The comments follow the execution of two child killers and two serial rapists. "We've given, and will continue to give, heavier punishments to those who harm juveniles, especially those who make use positions of trust, such as teachers, or who target students to get revenge on society," an official of the No 1 Criminal Division at the Supreme People's Court said in a written statement provided by the court. "We'll also uphold the death penalty if an offense is extremely serious," the official, whose name was not given. The top court identified the four executed men as Chen Yuzhang, Pan Yonggui, Xu Chuanyun and Yang Shengsong. The executions were carried out after their sentences were reviewed and approved by the SPC. Yang, who was from Guizhou province, killed two children by hitting them in the head with a brick in 2016. Xu, from Sichuan province, raped and killed a 10-year-old girl in 2015, according to a statement from the top court. Each was sentenced to death by a local court for intentional homicide. In the other two cases, both offenders were sentenced to death by lower-level courts for rape. Chen was a teacher at a primary school in Nanjian township, Yunnan province, and raped 14 girls between September 2012 and September 2015. All but one of the victims was under the age of 14, and six were raped dozens of times, the statement said. Pan, a resident of Mile, Yunnan, was part of a gang responsible for raping 19 women, including 18 minors, in Mile and Mengzi from March to June 2014. Pan himself raped 12 women, with one victim who was injured after jumping from a building, it added. "The four offenses were extremely serious," the official said. "For example, Chen committed the rapes when he was the victims' teacher, and Xu killed the girl after raping her." "Children and teenagers represent our future and must be given the best protection," he said. "We will strictly hand down harsher penalties in line with laws to those who harm children." He called on people from all walks of life to fight such crimes and safeguard juveniles, and suggested that students should enhance their awareness of self-protection. Since 2007, all death sentences must be reviewed and approved by the country's top court, with the aim of protecting human rights by prudently applying such an extreme punishment. "But for those who kill innocent children or use cruel means to harm youngsters, the death penalty must be upheld," the official said. The Securities and Exchange Commission charged a self-described penny stock promoter and an entity he controlled with orchestrating a scheme to manipulate trading in at least 97 microcap stocks. According to the SEC's complaint, Eric Landis falsely claimed to third-party media buyers for microcap companies that he would distribute promotional materials for the stocks via email lists with tens of thousands of subscribers. In reality, his distribution lists were a sham. To generate trading volume and create the false impression that he was drumming up investor interest, the SEC alleges that Landis traded thousands of microcap shares himself using brokerage accounts in his own name, in the name of an entity he controlled, Ridgeview Capital Partners LLC, and in the names of several third parties. Altogether, the SEC alleges that Landis placed thousands of manipulative trades over three years, including approximately 1,300 "matched trades," which involved simultaneously selling and buying stocks in the microcap companies he was paid to promote. The SEC's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, charges Landis and Ridgeview with violating Sections 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 9(a) and 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The SEC seeks a permanent injunction against future violations, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, monetary penalties, and a penny stock bar. Landis was previously found liable in a lawsuit brought by the SEC and convicted of related criminal charges based on his role in a prior market manipulation scheme. Before investing, microcap investors should review the investor-education materials available at Investor.gov. The SEC's case is being handled by Trevor Donelan, Jonathan Allen, Eric Forni, Kathleen Shields, J. Lauchlan Wash, Rebecca Israel, David Scheffler, and Amy Gwiazda of the SEC's Boston Regional Office, assisted by Alex Lefferts in the SEC's Office of Market Intelligence, and in coordination with the Enforcement Division's Microcap Fraud Task Force. The SEC appreciates the assistance in this matter of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Shes been held up as exhibit A of the Trump administrations hard line on deportation in California. But now an Oakland nurse whose immigration case drew national attention may be coming back to the United States. More than a year ago, Maria Mendoza-Sanchez was forced to leave her home of more than 20 years. An executive order by President Trump making virtually every undocumented immigrant a priority for removal made her and her husband a target for deportation. She left behind a house in Oakland, a job as an oncology nurse and three of her four children. Mendoza-Sanchez and her husband had been applying for legal status since 2002, and had been granted temporary permission to stay by the Obama administration. The Chronicle went with her as she returned to Mexico in August 2017. It has been way more difficult than I thought at the beginning, she told The Chronicle by phone Wednesday from Mexico. I dont know how to live without the kids. Sign up for Bay Briefing Like what you're reading? Subscribe to The Chronicle's Bay Briefing newsletter and get the Bay Area's best journalism in your inbox every weekday. See More Collapse Mendoza-Sanchez has already cleared two difficult hurdles to return. First, winning a lottery spot for an H-1B visa for skilled workers, sponsored by her former hospital. Shes also gained a consular officers recommendation that she be granted a waiver to return. But nothing is certain, as the final decision rests with Customs and Immigration Services, which, as reporter Bob Egelko writes, has been a vigorous participant in Trumps immigration crackdown. Top of the News Johnson speaks: In a Chronicle exclusive, Giants co-owner Charles B. Johnson, defended himself and said a comment by U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith about public hangings was offensive. She said stupid things, particularly in Mississippi, Johnson told reporter Henry Schulman in a rare interview. He and his wife have requested a refund of their donations from Hyde-Smith. Its the second refund request this election cycle for the prolific political donor, including $1,000 to a group that produced a racist radio ad in an Arkansas campaign. Meanwhile, civil rights leaders have called off their boycott of the Giants, but John Burris says he will be watching that Johnson does not continue to support organizations or politicians perpetuating racist views. How to help: After the Wine Country fires last year, the Bay Areas music community stepped up with a number of benefit concerts and events. Theyre doing it again after the deadly Camp Fire. Datebook has rounded up a list of cultural events contributing to relief efforts in the upcoming weeks. Dump Zuck?: Supervisor Aaron Peskin wants San Francisco to remove Mark Zuckerbergs name from the citys public hospital, citing Facebooks mishandling of user privacy. This is about the integrity of institutions and spaces that are overwhelmingly funded by public money, Peskin says. Tough math: Nancy Pelosi has won her partys nomination for speaker, putting her one step closer to regaining the gavel in January. But the vote was 203 to 32, and Pelosi cant afford to lose more than 17 Democrats in the final vote. Its No. 1: An Avalon of pleasure and ease. Go while youre still alive. Thats the verdict on Angler from Esquire Magazine, which named the Embarcadero seafood destination from Saison chef Joshua Skenes as the top new restaurant in the country. Two other San Francisco restaurants made the top 20. Call him when the gondola starts running: Excited by the concept plans for a potential Oakland As ballpark at the Howard Terminal site? Dont get too jazzed yet, says columnist Scott Ostler. Wednesdays press conference with team President Dave Kaval and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf had the feel of a pep rally but a telling lack of details. Cutting through the smoke: San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera wants to know whether vaping company Juul is complying with all requirements for handling liquid nicotine as the firm expands into city-owned Pier 70. The company has already seen public pushback against the lease from residents. 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. You can go home again: Its a rite of passage for college students the unofficial bar reunion of everyone you went to high school with on the day before Thanksgiving. Emma Silvers went to Tamalpais High Schools go-to spot, the 2AM Club in Mill Valley, to consider what you want in a bar when youre getting nostalgic for the recent past. Under his tweet: Margaret Atwood announces shes writing a sequel to her classic novel The Handmaids Tale. According to Atwood, the new book is inspired by decades of reader questions and the world weve been living in. No word if Gileads leader will have a particular orange hue. Remembering Jeffreys big kid: Emanuel Luhn, the longtime owner of Jeffreys Toys, has died at 93. Jeffreys was whittled down from a Bay Area chain to a single store in the Financial District, but the independent shop has outlasted Toys R Us and survived the arrival of e-commerce. The Kicker Todd Trumbull Californias rules for carpool lane stickers for electric vehicles are changing in 2019 and you likely have questions. Questions like: Why is this happening? and How do I get one and Are Tesla drivers really buying new Teslas? Get the answer to those questions and many more in our all-purpose carpool stickers frequently asked questions. We promise its more pleasant than a trip to the DMV. Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here and contact Brown at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com Construction of a new base to support China's archaeological studies in the South China Sea began in Qionghai, Hainan province, on Tuesday. Hu Bing, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said the base is planned as a complex of facilities for research, underwater excavation and conservation of historical heritage in the South China Sea. It will also be used to promote relevant international exchanges. The facilities will include a scientific research institute for maritime cultural heritage, a conservation workshop for salvaged shipwrecks and a training center for archaeologists. "Launching this project reflects the country's maritime strategy and determination to boost culture," Hu said. "The base will benefit Hainan's economy and help clarify the history of the South China Sea." Hu added that the move fits well with the concept of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Plans to construct such a base were mentioned in national guidance released by the State Council in 2016 to further enhance work related to cultural heritage. The hub, covering 31,000 square meters, will cost 250 million yuan ($35.9 million) to build, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration website. It will be run by the National Center of Underwater Cultural Heritage, which is affiliated with the administration. No announcement has been made on when construction will be completed. Its location is near the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, which opened to the public in April to better display cultural relics found in the area. Also in April, the underwater-heritage center led a major investigation off the coast of the Xisha Islands to study ancient Maritime Silk Road routes. With the help of robots and the manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi, or Deep Sea Warrior, archaeologists investigated areas up to 1 kilometer below sea level. As a pivotal passage on the 2,000-year-old trade route connecting China to the world, the South China Sea is home to myriad shipwrecks. For example, Nanhai One, a merchant ship of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) that sank in the area and was found in 1987, is so far among the world's biggest discoveries of ancient wooden shipwrecks. More than 60,000 artifacts were found in the debris. Residents of Qionghai, east of Hainan Island, have fished in the South China Sea since ancient times. The county-level city is also known as the permanent home of the annual Boao Forum for Asia. Engine No. 9, the last remaining piece from the fabled Crookedest Railroad in the World that once climbed Mount Tamalpais, is back in the Bay Area and on its way to a new home in Marin County. The 98-year-old steam locomotive had been on display in the Humboldt County logging town of Scotia since 1953. A group of Marin residents purchased No. 9 at auction and earlier this week loaded it onto a flatbed truck and moved it to a ranch in Sonoma County. There they plan to rehabilitate the engine to museum quality and display it somewhere along the old railroad line that ran 8.19 miles and 2,400 feet from Mill Valley to the summit of Mount Tamalpais. The railroad, which had 281 curves, advertised itself as The Crookedest Railroad in the World and was a noted attraction in the early days of tourism in Northern California. The mountain railroad was world-famous, said Fred Runner, who is president of Friends of No. 9. The nonprofit corporation bought the engine for $56,240 from the Scotia Community Services District and spent another $30,000 to move the 30-ton engine to Sonoma County earlier his week. The engine is being kept on a private ranch, where the group can begin work on it. Its in generally good condition, Runner said, but needs some renovation after spending decades outdoors. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle We were very lucky to get it and are euphoric to have it here, he said. How to help Contributions for the renovation of Engine No. 9 can be sent in care of the Mill Valley Historical Society, 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941. See More Collapse He wont say exactly where it is, however. The landowner isnt prepared to have crowds come to look at the engine, Runner said. Lets just say its at an undisclosed location. Thats a far cry from the glory days of No. 9. The Mt. Tamalpais & Muir Woods Railway, which started service in 1896, was such a success that it built a big hotel and dance pavilion at the top of the mountain and operated two other inns, including one in Muir Woods. John Muir himself rode the mountain train to Muir Woods soon after the redwood forest was made a national monument in 1908. So did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes books. The line and its geared steam locomotives were hailed as an engineering feat in Scientific American magazine, and in 1898 one of the first Edison movies featured the mountain train. In addition to running the locomotives, the railroad also used small railcars that coasted down the mountain to Mill Valley. The company advertised that these trains were powered by gravity. But gravity worked only downhill. The locomotives had to push them back to the top. Two replicas of the so-called Gravity cars are on display, one in Mill Valley and the other near the top of the mountain. By 1920, the Tamalpais railroad was so flush it ordered a brand new engine from the Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, Pa. It was given the number 9 and went into service in 1921. But the tavern at the top burned in 1923 and the railroad needed to build a replacement. Cash was short, so the M.T.& M.W. sold No. 9 to the Siskiyou Lumber Co. in 1924. The railroad itself folded in 1930 because of competition from automobiles, the onset of the Great Depression and a wildfire that swept the mountain in 1929. The railroad grade was converted into a fire road and also was used as a biking and hiking trail. The modern sport of mountain biking was developed on the old line years after the last train. It was the mountain railroads last brush with history. 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. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle No. 9 spent the rest of its working life hauling logging cars, and was acquired by the Pacific Lumber Co. in Scotia in 1950. The engine was obsolete by then and was put on display outside the lumber company headquarters. There it remained outside in all weather for 65 years. It is a mixed bag, but it is in generally good condition, Runner said. The old engine needs work to bring it up to prime condition. Friends of No. 9 also wants to build a shelter for the old engine and develop a plan to display it. A lot of people are interested, Runner said. One idea is to display it in Mill Valley, where the railroad began, or at the top, where the line ended. Now the hard work begins. Runner said the friends group will probably reorganize, repair the engine, develop plans for its future, and raise money to make it all happen. Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf A woman whose case drew national attention last year when immigration officials tore her from her children and her job as a nurse in Oakland and deported her to Mexico has a chance to beat the odds and return to the Bay Area, thanks to a lottery drawing and a recommendation from a U.S. consular officer. The final decision, though, is in the hands of a Trump administration immigration agency. The agency made a preliminary decision in the womans favor last month, but the administration has taken a hard line on undocumented immigrants. The woman, Maria Mendoza-Sanchez, has become Exhibit A in the California-vs.-Trump immigration front lines, said her immigration lawyer, Camiel Becker of Oakland. Mendoza-Sanchez, whose story has been covered extensively by The Chronicle, had crossed the border in 1994 without a visa to join her husband, who had entered five years earlier. She obtained work permits in the early 2000s, studied nursing at City College of San Francisco and Holy Names University in Oakland, and worked night shifts as a nurses assistant to support her family. The training paid off in 2015 when she landed a six-figure job as an oncology nurse at the Highland Hospital trauma center. The couple had been applying for legal status since 2002, under a law protecting parents whose U.S.-born children would suffer exceptional hardships from their deportation. An immigration judge found them ineligible in 2013 and ordered them deported. But President Barack Obamas administration granted them two one-year stays, then adopted rules that focused on deporting criminals and allowed the couple to remain in the U.S., renewing their work permits every six months. That all changed with President Trumps election. He promptly signed an executive order making virtually every undocumented immigrant a priority for removal. By August 2017, Mendoza-Sanchez and her husband, Eusebio Sanchez, were on a plane for Mexico. They left behind three daughters, two of them native-born U.S. citizens and the third, Vianney, who was then 23 and a childhood arrival protected from deportation under a program Trump is trying to repeal. Because young children need to be with their parents, Mendoza-Sanchez said, the couple brought a fourth child, their then-12-year-old son, Jesus, to live with them in a village south of Mexico City where Mendoza-Sanchez was born and raised. But two months later, the unfamiliar surroundings and school system there were too much, Mendoza-Sanchez said. With the child ailing and depressed, I had to send him back to California to rejoin his sisters, his mother said. Jesus and his two U.S.-born sisters, Melin and Elizabeth, have visited their parents once or twice, then returned to Oakland where Vianney looks after them. Sometimes they have brief phone conversations with their mother. For her, thats not enough. It has been way more difficult than I thought at the beginning, Mendoza-Sanchez, 47, said by phone Wednesday from Mexico. I thought I was bearing up. I did get very depressed. ... I dont know how to live without the kids. She also misses her work with cancer patients. I do not consider it a job, I consider it a privilege, she said. The feeling that comes when I see patients getting better, its a beautiful feeling. The feeling is apparently mutual. As she and her husband were about to be deported last year, hundreds of nurses, doctors, union members and other supporters, including the head of the public health authority that operates Highland Hospital, held a protest rally outside the facility, some waving signs that read, Hands Off Maria. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said she was thinking of Mendoza-Sanchez and her abrupt removal after more than two decades of living in and contributing to the community when she warned immigrants in February of an impending raid by federal agents, provoking fury from Trump. Oakland is full of Marias, Schaaf said. Despite the Trump administrations immigration policy, though, theres still a chance for deportees to return legally, with skill and luck. Mendoza-Sanchez caught a break in April when her name was one of about 65,000, out of 200,000 applicants, drawn in the H-1B visa lottery, which allows foreigners to apply for six-year work permits. Highland Hospital sponsored her application sent off with a prayer, in the words of Becker, her immigration lawyer. Also in the cheering section was Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who had objected to Mendoza-Sanchezs deportation and sponsored a bill that would have allowed her to return. The bill had no chance of passage in a Republican Congress, but collected nearly 100,000 signatures of support online. Im proud to support her H-1B application that will allow her to reunite with her children and return to her nursing job, which the hospital has been unable to fill, Feinstein said in a statement this week. Mendoza-Sanchez was still ineligible for a visa through normal channels, Becker said, because she had entered the U.S. illegally in 1994 with her newborn daughter technically alien smuggling and had been deported. But the government can grant waivers to skilled workers, and Mendoza-Sanchez is most of the way there. 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. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services found her legally eligible on Oct. 2 without even asking for evidence miracle No. 2, as Becker put it. The next stop was the State Departments consular office in Mexico City, where, he said, her legal team handed over a packet of materials that included testimonials to Mendoza-Sanchezs skills and the need for her services, and the volumes of media coverage. The team then presented her for an interview. It took much longer than Ive ever heard of for this application process, but they came back and said they were recommending it for approval, the attorney said. Now its back to Citizenship and Immigration Services for a final decision on the visa. Becker said the agency usually follows the consular office recommendations, so Mendoza-Sanchez is cautiously optimistic. On the other hand, Customs and Immigration Services is part of the Department of Homeland Security, a vigorous participant in Trumps immigration crackdown. Mendoza-Sanchezs case shows why Trumps no-discretion, deport-everybody policies dont make sense, Becker said. Although the H-1B visa would allow only Mendoza-Sanchez to return, her husband might then apply for a visa to rejoin her, Becker said. One step at a time. I dont want to take anything away from the country, Mendoza-Sanchez said. I only want to be able to work and provide for my kids. Im doing everything I can to legally go back. She said the consular official told her to expect a decision within a month. We are hoping this happens before Christmas, Mendoza-Sanchez said. Now maybe a light is shining at the end of the tunnel. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Six California lawmakers said Thursday they plan to introduce a bill next week that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco including fruit-flavored nicotine pods made by Juul in retail stores and vending machines. The legislators, led by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, say the measure is meant to curb e-cigarette use among teens, which is on the rise. If successful it would be the first state ban on flavored tobacco sales in physical stores, according to the Cancer Action Network, the American Cancer Society lobbying arm that tracks and advocates for stricter tobacco regulations. The measure, to be introduced Monday, would close a loophole that Juul, which makes the most popular e-cigarette among teens, opened when it announced this month that it will halt the sale of fruit-flavored nicotine pods at convenience stores and vape shops. The San Francisco company also said it may later resume selling the products if it feels the stores implement age-verification checks properly. A Juul spokesman, Ted Kwong, said the company supports reasonable regulation to restrict inappropriate flavors such as cotton candy and gummy bear that are clearly directed at children. We look forward to working with the California legislature in the coming months, he said. Stores that violate the ban would face penalties of $400 to $600 for the first incident and $5,000 to $6,000 for a fifth violation in a five-year period. Lawmakers also want to make it harder for people under 21 to buy tobacco online, which is prohibited by current law. Under the bill being drafted, Hills office said, sellers who fail to ensure age-verification would face penalties of $1,000 to $2,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for a fifth violation within a five-year period. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Twenty-six California cities and counties already have restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products, including San Francisco, where voters in June approved Proposition E, to uphold the ban the Board of Supervisors put in place a year earlier. Santa Clara, San Mateo and Marin counties also have some restrictions in place. Between 2011 and 2018, the number of high school students who said they use e-cigarettes grew from 220,000, or 1.5 percent of students, to 3 million, or 21 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By banning retail sales of flavored tobacco products and setting stringent age verification requirements for online sales of tobacco, we can prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine, Hill said in a statement. The other legislators involved in the effort are Sens. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda; Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge (Los Angeles County); Connie Leyva, D-Chino (San Bernardino County); and Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; and Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento. Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho Citing Facebooks mishandling of user privacy and its use of an opposition research firm to discredit critics, San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin is pushing to remove Mark Zuckerbergs name from the citys public hospital. The hospital was renamed Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in 2015 after the Facebook CEO and his wife contributed $75 million to the hospitals foundation. Peskin on Tuesday asked the city attorney to outline a procedure for removing Zuckerbergs name from the hospital. (Though it formally bears Chans name, the hospital often calls itself just Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center in signage.) In his remarks, Peskin cited the Cambridge Analytica scandal in which the political data firm obtained the personal information of as many as 87 million Facebook users without their consent and revelations in a recent New York Times article about Facebooks hiring of a political consulting firm to discredit activists critical of the company. The social network, according to the Times, sought to cast some criticism of Facebook as anti-Semitic, while Facebooks consulting firm was also accused of tactics tainted with anti-Semitism. It is not normal for private entities to use that information to spread, and in this case anti-Semitic, conspiracy theories on platforms they control, Peskin said at Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting. It is not normal for Mark Zuckerberg and (Facebook chief operating officer) Sheryl Sandberg to refuse to accept responsibility and to publicly distance themselves from acts that they have personally instigated. ... This is about the integrity of institutions and spaces that are overwhelmingly funded by public money and taxpayer dollars. A spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera said the office has received the request to look into the matter and does not have a policy position on the issue. The city has moved to rename some public structures before, such as Justin Herman Plaza on the Embarcadero, but removing Zuckerbergs name from the hospital may trigger a dispute because of a naming agreement Zuckerberg and Chan reached with the hospital, which is owned and operated by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The agreement, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2015, says the hospital is to be named the Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center for 50 years. The $75 million gift is believed to be the single largest contribution by private individuals in support of a public hospital in the United States. It is customary in hospital capital campaigns to provide naming opportunities in honor of major philanthropic gifts, as a critical strategy for raising awareness for the project within the community and for garnering action from other community members and philanthropists, the resolution said. The resolution does not explicitly address what would happen if the naming were revoked. When asked whether the hospital, if the city were to seek to remove Zuckerbergs name, would have to give the money back, a hospital spokesman said he couldnt offer an opinion on that. Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital is the only public acute-care hospital in the city, serving about 108,000 people each year. Chan, Zuckerbergs wife, previously worked there as a pediatrician. Facebook did not respond to a request for comment. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes In a written statement, hospital CEO Susan Ehrlich said the contributions from Zuckerberg and Chan have helped the hospital acquire new technology to serve patients, renovate the building and improve patient care. In acknowledgment and appreciation of that gift, our hospital now carries their names, Ehrlich said. Naming is an important convention in philanthropy that encourages additional donors. ... We are honored that Dr. Chan and Mr. Zuckerberg thought highly enough of our hospital and staff, and the health of San Franciscans, to donate their resources to our mission. Peskins move comes after nurses at the hospital protested the Zuckerberg name, expressing similar objections. There is precedent for sports stadiums being rebranded after their corporate namesakes imploded: Houstons Major League Baseball stadium went from Enron Field to Minute Maid Park after massive fraud at the energy company came to light. You can have situations where you look at the individual in the company and say, Well, who wouldnt take the money from this four-star company and theyre involved in saving peoples lives? said Andy Dolich, a former Oakland As executive who runs a sports consultancy. Its a perfect match, until it isnt. Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho Carlos Argueta said he doesnt recall the exact moment his knife pierced the heart of a 61-year-old street merchant on a gritty block in San Francisco, but he denied intentionally killing the man in a drunken confrontation. Argueta, 34, called the stabbing of James Thomas an accident and said he was only carrying the knife to ward off a group of attackers on the night of Sept. 3, 2015. At times breaking down in tears, Argueta spoke from the witness stand over three days in testimony that ended Wednesday in the closely watched murder trial. Without that knife out, I was vulnerable to being attacked, said Argueta, a former city tenants rights attorney. Thats the only way I felt safe. Public Defender Jeff Adachis decision to put his client on the stand allowed Argueta to vigorously defend his actions that night, but it also subjected him to rigorous cross-examination by the prosecution. Assistant District Attorney Adam Maldonado played footage from numerous security cameras showing Argueta and colleagues drinking heavily in a bar in the South of Market neighborhood before a confrontation ended with the fatal blow. You could have stopped and thought about the consequences and risks and danger you were pursuing, couldnt you? Maldonado asked. I could have, I suppose, Argueta answered. The district attorneys office has charged Argueta with murder and robbery in the case, which is in its third week of trial. The prosecution has already called its witnesses. Adachi chose to take on the case himself and soon unleashed a barrage of pre-trial motions. He unsuccessfully sought a dismissal for prosecutorial misconduct and has accused an earlier judge of racial bias against Latinos. Those motions and others were denied, clearing the way for a jury to ultimately decide Arguetas fate. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Samuel Feng has carefully managed the case, denying efforts by both sides to introduce evidence. The defense, for example, cannot tell the jury that another judge already tossed the case at a preliminarily hearing after finding the evidence was insufficient to prove murder. Prosecutors later obtained an indictment after taking the case to a grand jury. The prosecution, on the other hand, was barred from introducing text messages Argueta sent to friends, slamming his decision to take a job doing nonprofit work after graduating law school. Adachi told the jury his client lifes work has been dedicated to helping others. The fateful night in question began around 5 p.m., when Argueta met several colleagues for happy hour at the Showdown bar on Sixth Street around the corner from their office at the Eviction Defense Collaborative on Market Street. Argueta and intern Pascal Krummenacher, a Swiss national, began what would be a night of hard drinking. Argueta had two beers and 10 shots while Krummenacher put down more than a dozen drinks. The video footage showed Krummenacher stumbling as the two men left the bar before they began walking north toward Market, where Thomas was sitting about to eat dinner. Krummenacher allegedly grabbed Thomas red bag and all three men got into a tug-of-war, bumping against a car parked along Sixth Street. During the fracas, Argueta lost his black messenger bag and eventually the tug-of-war ended. Krummenacher, meanwhile, got smashed on the head by a man with a skateboard. 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. After recovering his bag, Thomas and others pursued the two men down Market Street, where Argueta pulled out a knife, causing the group to retreat. My sole intention of pulling it out was to keep them away, he said, describing his weapon as a shield rather than a sword. The case will likely hinge on what the jury believes happened next. Rather than moving on or calling police, Argueta, knife in hand, followed the group back to the site of the first run-in. He testified he was looking for his bag. I believed if I waited any longer, the chances of my bag still being there went down, Argueta said. As he walked along Sixth Street, Thomas again confronted him and threw a sweeping punch that connected with Arguetas left ear. He was all over me, Argueta said. He was grabbing me. He had just punched me. My goal was to get him off of me. But as he pushed Thomas away, Arguetas blade pierced through the mans chest and into his heart. I dont remember what happened, he said. We stumbled a few paces and I was able to push him off me. I dont remember any part of the stabbing. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky This is A Million Plates, The Chronicle's regular column about immigrant food in the Bay Area, centered around the theory that there are a million different plates of food eaten every day in this region. Despite a 10-hour flight from Japan to San Francisco the day before, then spending the next seven hours cooking and serving food for a Yotam Ottolenghi reception at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Yana Gilbuena is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for our Filipino food tour of Daly City. With a megawatt smile, Gilbuena radiates nothing but positive energy as she talks about our first stop: Filipino breakfast at Tselogs on San Pedro Road. I cant wait to eat some silog, she says. Gilbuena is a self-taught chef from Iloilo City, in the Visayas region of the central Philippines. When she came to Los Angeles to live with her nurse mom in 2004, she considered many careers, including behavioral therapy, architecture and antique hardware, before settling at a childrens furniture company. But Filipino food kept calling to her, so she started throwing dinner parties. In March 2013, she launched Salo Series, a pop-up of regional Filipino dishes served kamayan style (eaten with hands, served communally with no plates or utensils). It has since popped up in every state in the U.S., plus Canada, the Philippines, Mexico and Colombia. Since January 2017, shes called the Bay Area home; its where she self-published her first cookbook, No Forks Given. Were in the perfect place for a Filipino food tour. Out of almost 3.4 million Filipinos living in the country, more than half live in California, and the Bay Area is bursting with 350,000 Filipinos. In Daly City, Filipinos make up 33 percent of the population, so Tagalog conversations are a common soundtrack. Silog is the breakfast dish that Tselogs (pronounced: chelogs) is known for; the name is a portmanteau of sinangag (garlic fried rice) and itlog (egg). Silog is paired with a variety of proteins for breakfast, Gilbuena explains, and the name for each is a portmanteau of the portmanteau: Spamsilog (Spam), tocilog (tocino, a sweet, bright red cured pork) or tapsilog (tapa is sun-dried or fried beef, a specialty of Tselogs owner Chel Gillas native Paranaque). Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle Gilbuena orders the tocilog and tapsilog without hesitation, along with lumpiang Shanghai, the fried spring rolls filled with ground pork. Rice was the staple of her childhood breakfasts, she says. I went through a cereal-eating phase in high school. ... Grandma was like What, are you Ameri-kan? Eat your rice! she says, laughing. Tselogs is a bit like Gilbuenas second home, she says, as steaming mugs of caldo, a rich chicken soup, arrive at the table minutes after ordering. She releases a happy sigh as she sips and recounts her first meeting with owner Chel Gilla. She was relatively new to the Bay Area when she remembers asking Gilla for some brown sugar for her coffee. But once added, it made the drink weirdly salty. Gilla realized she had mistakenly shared the tocino spice mix for her cured pork, which is also made with brown sugar. We laughed, started talking, and quickly became friends, says Gilbuena. Gilla even shared her home for a few months when Gilbuena wasnt traveling, partly to make her fall in love with the Bay Area. When breakfast arrives at the table, Gilbuena douses the entire plate in palm vinegar, mixing it all together. I usually ask for spiced vinegar, which has garlic, ginger, onion and birds-eye chile, she says. The result is a hearty plate of sweet, savory and sour flavors. We leave with a slice of buko pie, a young coconut custard-filled pastry. Celeste Noche Our next stop is just under a mile away at the Bread Basket, a tiny bakery that has been around since 1977. Nothing from the outside screams Filipino until you get close enough to see the posters in the windows advertising hot pan de sal and sweet rice. Gilbuenas usual order is pan de sal, a yeast-and-egg-enriched bread roll. She prefers it freshly baked and still warm from the oven, and tops it with a processed American cheese like Cheez Wiz, a custom that stems from the American military presence in the Philippines during World War II. The best time to get it fresh is early in the morning, so our afternoon arrival requires us to go for her second-favorite order, ensaymada. This sweet bread, which has roots in Spanish colonization, is topped with a generous layer of margarine and sugar. She picks the version stuffed with macapuno (a soft coconut cooked in syrup) and ube (purple yam paste). Its like an equivalent to brioche, she says, describing how she reheats it in the oven at home and adds Velveeta to melt on top for a salty-sweet snack. She thanks the cashier warmly in Tagalog, Salamat! (I confirm later at home that an ensaymada crisped under the broiler creates a creme brulee-type crust on top that contrasts nicely against the fluffy bread and its sweet innards.) Our last stop on our food tour was supposed to be Lucky Chances Casino in Colma, but before we can get there, we drive past a Jollibee or as Gilbuena puts it, the McDonalds of the Philippines. Celeste Noche When she learns that I have never been to one, our plans change. As a kid, Jollibee was only a treat on special occasions, like when I got good grades, she says. Her order hasnt changed since then, either: a Chickenjoy (fried chicken) with gravy, fiesta noodles (also known as pancit palabok, rice noodles with a bright orange sauce from shrimp heads, annatto and garlic, with pork cracklings, ground pork, shrimp & egg), pineapple juice and a peach mango pie. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. While in college in the Philippines, Jollibee was all she could afford. Then there was the Jollibee in Koreatown in Los Angeles, which was a comforting option after a night out with friends. Today, she goes to Jollibee whenever one is near her pop-ups. And even though its fast food, its been influential in her own cooking. Whenever I make palabok, I base it off of this version, she says. The fried chicken skin is shatteringly crisp, and the peach mango pie is everything a McDonalds apple pie wishes it could be: crisp crust, molten fruity insides. Her dream is to one day host a pop-up where she secretly serves all Jollibee food. And just like that, shes off again, this time to enjoy a dinner at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco cooked by American Indian chef and Oakland native Crystal Wahpepah. Later, shes heading to Richmond, Va., to cook another kamayan feast. Gilbuena is not slowing down her travels for anything, but shes happy to have a home base that brings her a taste of the Philippines and a supportive community. Leena Trivedi-Grenier is a freelance writer living in the Bay Area. Follow her on Twitter at @Leena_Eats. Email: food@sfchronicle.com Civil rights attorney John Burris rescinded his call for San Francisco Giants fans to boycott the team two days after he held a press conference blasting a principal owners political contributions to a U.S. Senator in Mississippi who made comments in support of public hangings. Charles B. Johnson, who owns a 26 percent stake in the Giants, attracted attention last week after he and his wife donated $5,400 to the re-election campaign of Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). If he invited me to a public hanging, Id be on the front row, Hyde-Smith said of a local rancher at a Nov. 2 campaign rally. Johnson and his wife, Ann, each donated $2,700 to the campaign of Hyde-Smith, who won the runoff Tuesday. Burris reversed his stance after consulting with civil rights advocate Dr. Harry Edwards, and a day after the Rev. Amos Brown, president of San Franciscos NAACP chapter, also changed course in calling for a boycott. Mr. Johnson is free to make any and all contributions that he wants, Burris said in a statement. But as a principal owner of the Giants, those contributions should not go to organizations or politicians perpetuating racist views or condoning systems that further the legacies of discrimination. Johnson issued a statement Tuesday through his attorney that read: I would like to provide important context related to my political donation to Cindy Hyde-Smith. I was not aware of the controversy surrounding Hyde-Smith when I made the donation. I strongly condemn any form of racism and I have asked for my contribution to be returned. My political donations are my own personal donations, which have no affiliation with the Giants or any other company. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu In case youve been in the dark about this, the city of San Francisco is all lit up. SF Travel sent word of Illuminate SF Festival of Light, light shows and displays in 17 neighborhoods of the city. SF Travels list includes temporary works at the Conservatory of Flowers, Hayes Valley, Pier 27 and the Exploratorium, as well as 27 permanent works, including Bay Lights, Leo Villareals 2013 Bay Bridge installation. Some are in the open; some are inside buildings and accessible only to fee-payers. At the Conservatory of Flowers, for example, Obscura Digitals Photosynthesis: Love for All Seasons, is projected on the outside, while inside, only visible to those who pay for entry, is Nightbloom by Lightswitch. The complete list and guide is at www.illuminatesf.com. The granddaddy project for all this, says light-maestro Ben Davis, was Bay Lights. Davis, a designer and urban planner, worked with the artist to envision that project, then created a nonprofit to publicize it and, eventually, to raise funds for it to become permanent. Illuminate.org, which has nothing to do with the similarly named SF Travel site, operates independently, with one main rule being that every project be visible to all, and that no one ever pay admission, says Davis. Davis is a designer and urban planner brimming with energy, and hes working on more ways to make the city radiant. A project with artist George Zisiadis at Grace Cathedral (probably ready in March), will project a 100-foot cone of light through the church onto its indoor labyrinth. Davis is also working on Mother, a piece that will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park, on April 4, 2020. It will be aimed at inspiriting people to walk into the park, making active pilgrimages and connecting to Mother Earth. And hes gladly accepted the donation from Steve Perssom, a Pennsylvania donor of an old rusty trolley car for Troubador, a project in which the car will be transformed into an illuminated art trolley to run on the F-line tracks between Castro Street and Fishermans Wharf. The car has already arrived in San Francisco, and the light-makers are excited about its restoration. We think this will be the nighttime equivalent of the cable cars, says Davis. P.S.: As to the city across the bay, National Geographic Traveler magazines Best Trips issue names Oakland one of the top seven places in the world for culture. (Others in the category are Cairo; Hoang Lien Son in Vietnam; Galway, Ireland; Bauhaus Trail in Germany; Vervey, Switzerland; and Dordogne, France.) Visit Oakland, which is that citys equivalent of SF Travel, is kvelling, especially because Oakland is the only California spot on a list of 28 destinations cited for various assets. Forty committed participants writers and performers will take part in a Sunday, Dec. 2, event to honor the victims of the Ghost Ship fire. Gust: Ghazals for the Ghost Ship, is described by organizers as a meditative remembrance. It is a project organized by a group of artists, emphasizes playwright and director Erik Ehn. Each writer was given the name of a victim, asked to create a poem (a ghazal, an Arabic form of poetry about loss) or song about that person. Susan Jackson of the Southern Railroad Theatre Company one of the participating writers was assigned a young man named Joey Casio, whose music name was Obsidian Blade (and was also known as Joseph Matlock). Jackson and Diana Brown, her theater company co-producer, will recite both the ghazal and a song she wrote. 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. Theres no describing or replacing the grief of families, said Ehn, but Gust hopes to be a civic space for a time of spiritual urgency. ... Gust is word-of-mouth, low-key, porous, participatory; a public space for that wide circle of compatriots who even as strangers turn to a common, compassionate center. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Milk Bar in Richmond, but people are free to come and go as they wish, and there will be a reception after the formal program ends, at around 5 p.m. The venue is small, said Ehn, and organizers intent is that the experience will be intimate, reflective and self-guided. This is more of a meditative environment built out of gentle performance than a show. PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING I was sober by the time I finished work. Woman at Philosophers Club, overheard by Dick Price Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE - President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled a one-on-one meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, a decision he announced just hours after the Kremlin had publicly confirmed the time and date. In a tweet from Air Force One en route to Buenos Aires, Trump blamed the cancellation on Russia's seizure of Ukrainian ships and sailors in the Black Sea over the weekend. Other top administration officials, including Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, had condemned Russia's actions, but Trump had equivocated in recent days. Trump had signaled in an interview with The Washington Post on Tuesday that he might forgo meeting Putin after Russia's naval action sparked global condemnation and a sharp escalation in tensions between Russia and Ukraine. But he seemed to reverse course as he left the White House on Thursday, telling reporters that the meeting "probably" was still on and that he planned to read a "finalized report" on the Black Sea standoff while on the plane. Early in the flight, however, Trump, who has a propensity to change his mind, tweeted: "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin." "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" Trump added. A Post reporter was traveling on the plane with the president as part of the press pool. Trump's decision was cheered by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. He later took to Twitter and wrote in English: "This is how great leaders act!" White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Air Force One that Trump did not make a decision until talking on board with Chief of Staff John Kelly and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well as by phone with national security adviser John Bolton, who is in Brazil. "It's just happened in the last half-hour," Sanders said. More for you Trump attacks Mueller probe for 4th straight morning Sanders said she was "not aware" whether Trump had directly informed Putin of the cancellation but said "there was some back and forth" through other channels, without elaborating. Sanders also told reporters that Trump's scheduled meetings at the G-20 with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be downgraded to more informal "pull-aside" conversations. That announcement appeared to surprise South Korean and Turkish officials and left them scrambling to find out more. "A bilateral meeting will happen between the two presidents in Buenos Aires on the margins of the G-20 summit, as planned and as previously agreed," one Turkish official told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. "We are not aware of any cancellation or downgrading." Trump's scheduled meetings with the leaders of Argentina, China, Japan, India and Germany appear to still be moving forward as planned. Earlier Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had told reporters in Moscow that the meeting between Trump and Putin would take place Saturday around noon. "We are expecting the two presidents to speak briefly at first, but everything is left to the discretion of the heads of state, Peskov said. "Washington has confirmed," he added. Following Trump's tweet, Peskov told Russia's Tass state news agency that the Kremlin had not been informed separately by the White House of the cancellation. "If this is indeed the case, the president will have a couple of additional hours in his schedule for useful meetings on the sidelines of the summit," Peskov said of Putin. A Putin meeting would have come at a highly sensitive time for Trump politically, with special counsel Robert Muller's probe of Russian election interference intensifying back home. Shortly before Trump departed the White House on Thursday, his former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in New York to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project that Trump and his company pursued at the same time that he was running for president. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had been bracing for another Trump-Putin sit-down, with some fearing a repeat of last summer's meeting in Helsinki, where Trump was widely criticized as appearing too cozy with Putin. "My fear is the president will put his arm on his shoulder and believe everything Vladimir Putin tells him," Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said during a Thursday morning appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" before Trump announced the cancellation. 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. Speaking earlier Thursday, Peskov said the agenda for the meeting between Putin and Trump included strategic security, bilateral relations, disarmament and regional conflicts. He said American and Russian delegations would also convene for talks that may last an hour. It was not immediately clear whether those talks were still on. The crisis between Russia and Ukraine has continued to deepen. Kiev is hoping Trump will push Putin on the confrontation, which began Sunday when Russia fired on Ukrainian ships trying to enter the Kerch Strait, a crucial waterway separating the Black and Azov seas. But while Russia's maritime maneuvers have been sharply criticized by senior U.S. and Western officials, Trump earlier this week was more reticent on the issue. He stopped short of condemning Russia, instead saying, "I don't like that aggression." Martial law is in effect for 30 days in Ukraine, and Russia said Wednesday that it was strengthening air defense and early warning radar systems on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine four years ago. The Kremlin also scoffed at an appeal by Poroshenko for NATO to reinforce the Azov Sea with naval ships, saying this was yet another provocation by Kiev designed to further escalate the situation. Ukraine is banking on its Western allies for military support to contain Russia, which Kiev says is preparing to invade Ukrainian territory by land. The latest crisis threatens to significantly worsen an ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces has resulted in the deaths of 10,300 people sine 2014. There have been widespread calls for Russia to immediately release the 24 Ukrainian sailors it captured over the weekend, and some European leaders have called for fresh sanctions against Russia. But Russia, for the most part, has shrugged off Western pressure. Russia maintains that the crisis was created by Poroshenko for political gain. The deeply unpopular leader could seek re-election in March. - - - Washington Post contributors to this story are: Amie Ferris-Rotman, Anton Troianovski and Natalia Abbakumova in Moscow and William Branigin and David Nakamura in Washington. Wagner reported from Washington. How much crazier can things get in Washington? President Trump bragged about his very high levels of intelligence in explaining why, as our editorial this week noted, he doesnt accept what all those scientists with degrees on the wall are warning about the effects of climate change. But that may not even be the dumbest thing he said this week. The president told the New York Post that a pardon for his former campaign chair and convicted felon Paul Manafort is not off the table which seemingly adds to the possible evidence that Trump is engaging in obstruction of justice. Manafort was in the news for allegedly breaching his agreement to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller, as we dissected in an editorial. And the disclosures get stranger still when the New York Times revealed that Manaforts attorneys had been passing along information about the investigation to Trumps lawyers at the same time Manafort was supposed to be cooperating with the special counsel in exchange for lighter sentencing. There is a word for that: double dealing. If there is any doubt that Trump is getting nervous about all this, consider this little nugget that he retweeted: What were saying Definition of a break-in: As absurd as it seems, prosecutors need to prove that a vehicle was locked to charge a break-in as a felony. Smashed glass is not sufficient. Our editorial praises efforts of Sen. Scott Wiener, D-S.F., to fix this anomaly in the law. Unhealthy situation: Our editorial looks at how the Trump administrations undermining of the Affordable Care Act is driving up costs, and will leave many more Californians without health insurance. Healthy democracy: Kudos to voters in the San Francisco Bay Area for impressive turnout in the midterms, even though there were few truly competitive races. Grandstander of the Week: And the winner is ... San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who wants to remove the names of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan from San Franciscos General Hospital because of Facebooks various scandals on privacy and allowing the platform to be exploited by hate groups and conspiracy theorists. One would think Peskin would have put principle over political convenience and taken down his Facebook and Instagram pages. Right? No. Our editorial takes him to task. Facebook.com Coming Sunday Waterfront of dreams: Congrats to Matier & Ross for their big scoop about the As plans for a new ballpark just north of Jack London Square. The drawings of that distinctive jewel box design are intriguing, and one needs to credit the As for their perseverance in Oakland while the Warriors build their dream palace in San Francisco and the Raiders bolt for $750 million in corporate welfare in Las Vegas. But will it work? My Sunday column will dive into some of the potential barriers, most notably access. Ill also give my thoughts on the portrayal of journalists in that new movie about Gary Hart, The Front Runner, starring Hugh Jackman. Where to follow us Sign up for the newsletter Want to get the latest San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board opinions in your inbox? Subscribe to Opinion Central. See More Collapse We have a new Twitter channel, Opinion Central (@sfc_opinions). Please add it to your stream. Youll catch our editorials and opinion pieces, as well as our drive-by comments on assorted subjects in the news. Also, please add our Opinion Central podcast to wherever you receive yours. This is the place for backstories and commentary with our opinion writers and special guests. Letter of the Week A shout-out to Josephine DiCostanza of Burlingame for this one: Regarding Put down the hash brown (Daily Briefing, Business, Nov. 28): So a Connecticut driver claims he was mistakenly cited for distracted driving when police mistook the McDonalds hash brown he was eating to be a cell phone? Heres an idea: Maybe Apple can revive its sluggish iPhone sales by teaming up with McDonalds to create a new generation of cell phones shaped like hash brown and hamburgers. They could be called Mickey D iPhones. Just be careful not to bite them when answering calls. And please check out our other letters of the day responding to this and other matters. You can send us a letter via this form. Just a reminder The Chronicles editorials represent the collective judgment of our Editorial Board, which includes the publisher as well as the writers and editors from the opinion team. Our editors and reporters on the news side are not involved in those decisions (including election endorsements). They are charged with reporting fairly and objectively without regard to our editorial positions. It is one of the core values here at Fifth and Mission streets. I welcome your feedback. Email me at jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Opinion Central is a thrice-weekly newsletter from John Diaz, The Chronicles editorial page editor, and the rest of the Editorial Board. Follow along on Twitter: @sfc_opinions Excellent foreign students with a master's degree or above from Chinese universities will be allowed to find jobs and start businesses in Hainan and work permits will be granted, according to a newly released document by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. As a move to help Hainan deepen its reform and opening-up in the human resources and social security sector, the ministry will support Hainan in implementing an active employment and entrepreneurship policy, and encourage the tropical province to carry out pilot reform of international talent management to allow technical and skilled personnel from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, foreign countries and qualified overseas Chinese to work in Hainan. The document said the ministry will also support Hainan explore a new model of shared economic development and conduct pilot demonstrations in the field of vocational training. It will guide and support Hainan to upgrade development of its human resources market and build national human resources service industrial parks in Haikou, capital city of Hainan province and Sanya, an international tourism resort city at the southern tip of Hainan Island, which was announced by the central government in April to build a free trade pilot zone and gradually explore the building of a free trade port. Wholly foreign-owned human resources service institutions will be allowed to set up headquarters or branches in Hainan province, according to the ministrys new policy. The ministry will also support Hainan to open opportunities for public recruitment by government-affiliated institutions to residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and guide Hainan to formulate and promulgate policies and measures for recruiting and managing foreigners in public institutions. California has been a big beneficiary of the Affordable Care Act. The state Legislature didnt hesitate to expand Medi-Cal for low-income Californians, and millions more were able to get coverage through Covered California, our well-run, state-based insurance exchange. But now that the Affordable Care Act is under attack in Washington, California has a lot to lose. A new report by the UC Berkeley Labor Center and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research projects a substantial increase in the statewide uninsured rate by 2020 and an even larger increase by 2023. Specifically, the researchers are projecting that 11.7 percent of Californians under 65 will lack insurance by 2020 about 4.02 million people and about 12.9 percent will lack it in 2023 about 4.4 million people. Thats terrible for the uninsured, but even Californians who are fortunate enough to have health insurance will be affected. The projections are based on the assumption that, with the end of the federal health care mandate penalty, a number of healthier Californians will choose to drop coverage. That will leave a smaller, sicker group of people in the state-based exchange, who will face immediate higher prices. But even those Californians who receive their coverage through an employer will be affected. Providing care to uninsured people in emergency rooms is the most expensive, least efficient medical care a society can provide. Its a warped cost that impacts everyones rates and access to care. The obvious answer to this problem would be for Congress to reinstate the individual mandate. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Fund found that the uninsured rate is rising across the nation due to Washingtons unwillingness to support the Affordable Care Act. Unfortunately, thats unlikely to happen as long as President Trump and the Republican-dominated U.S. Senate remain ideologically opposed to the Affordable Care Act. So California must consider taking matters into its own hands. The state has a variety of options. One proposal thats been suggested by state legislators in the past would be an expansion of Medi-Cal to all low-income residents in California, regardless of their immigration status. But doing so would be expensive and politically challenging. Two options that are more viable include increasing Covered Californias outreach efforts or passing a statewide individual mandate. California has to act fast. The Legislature needs to give health care a top spot on its agenda, or the result will be more suffering and higher prices. 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. The Russians are not the only ones who recognize the propaganda value of Facebook. Plenty of American politicians use the free platform as a way to accentuate their positives and stay connected with friends and voters. One of them is San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has nearly 5,500 followers on Facebook. Yes, that is the same Peskin who is calling for the removal of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerbergs name from San Francisco General Hospital because of the scandals involving the platform as a conduit for conspiracy theories and privacy breaches and its use of opposition research to discredit critics. Peskin has asked the city attorney to find a way to peel the names of Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, off the hospital that gained their names after a $75 million donation. This is about the integrity of institutions and spaces mostly paid for with public money, Peskin said. Its a fair point for discussion and an example of the peril inherent in selling naming rights to anything, public or private but Peskins highfalutin indignation would have a bit more credibility if he were to disassociate himself from Facebook and its popular Instagram site. As of Wednesday afternoon, his smiling face remained on each. Take a principled stand, Aaron: If Zuckerberg is so evil, why are you letting him make money off you and your Facebook friends? 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. Two weeks ago my organization, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, became the first industry trade group of any kind to legally challenge Big Oil for its role in causing global climate change. Our case, PCFFA vs. Chevron (and ExxonMobil, BP, and 27 other fossil fuel companies) was filed in state court under a simple legal theory that entities found to harm others should be held liable. We filed our case the day before the Dungeness crab season opened in the Bay Area to highlight how the gross misuse of the public trust by these mega corporations has resulted in warming oceans, harmful algal blooms, and dangerous conditions for the West Coast fishing industry. The harm to our members and our industry has been significant, and as the specter of ocean warming looms, we know it will continue. We know that we will have to take additional steps to be able to survive and adapt. And, we should note, for all the dire news, Dungeness crab fisheries are quite well managed. When ocean conditions are too warm, harmful algal blooms can occur, potentially compromising public health, and precautionary measures kick in to temporarily close fisheries. Sometimes these closures last for months, as they did in 2016. In the future, they might even shut us out for an entire season. Coincidentally, not long after we filed our suit, the Trump administrations Fourth National Climate Assessment was released, forecasting hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage, political and social destabilization, and staggering loss of life in the coming decades. The certainty of our collective climate-impacted future is undeniable today, but it was explicitly known decades ago to the defendants in our case. Armed with the knowledge of their destruction, they continued to ramp up production and bury the opposition. Their shameful legacy has arguably caused one of the two most severe existential crises humans have ever faced, on par with the threat of nuclear war. Actions have consequences. When fossil fuel companies decided to bury the truth about the climate-altering nature of their products, under our nations laws they became liable for the results of their deception. This season, areas of the Dungeness crab fishery south of Bodega Bay tested clean of domoic acid and were able to open on time. Other areas await the go-ahead from state agencies. Right now, Bay Area crabbers are working hard to bring you the crabs to which you, the citizen, are entitled. But crabbers on Californias North Coast and in Oregon will remain at the docks for at least two weeks past the scheduled Saturday opening. It is right to delay our fishery in order to ensure that the seafood we catch is worthy of your confidence. It is wrong for the fossil fuel industry to offset the economic harm they cause by placing it on the backs of hardworking small-scale commercial fishermen and their families. Please support your local Dungeness crabbers by purchasing and enjoying this seasonal delicacy. The smallest decisions each of us makes as a consumer can alter the face of society as we know it. Living in harmony, achieving balance in the face of climate challenges, offering respect for the creatures of the sea, and fighting the Goliaths of the fossil fuel industry for whats right thats what weve decided to do. Wont you support us? Noah Oppenheim is executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, the largest commercial fishermens organization on the West Coast, representing 17 local and regional associations from Santa Barbara to Southeast Alaska. Representatives of nations around the world will gather in Katowice, Poland, next month to negotiate the implementation of the Paris climate agreement the global climate accord lauded to bring an end to the fossil-fuel era. The stakes couldnt be higher for me or my generation. As I write this, rescue workers are still sorting through the ashes of Paradise, the Butte County town destroyed by the Camp Fire. This is what climate change looks like. And thats why I am co-leading a delegation of U.S. youth to push back on the Trump administrations climate change denial and to fight for real solutions to the climate crisis. There is no solution to climate change that includes continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. Yet, at the U.N. Climate Change Conference next week, White House officials plan to host a panel on the role of coal and natural gas as a solution to climate change. For two years, the Trump administration has done everything in its power to roll back critical health and environmental safeguards on coal, oil and gas from extraction to combustion. The administration also tried to downplay the climate risks outlined in a major U.S. climate report by releasing it on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Its not just Republicans who are failing my generation. Jerry Brown approved permits for more than 20,000 new oil and gas wells during his eight years as California governor. Meanwhile, he trots the globe evangelizing for more ambitious action to stop global warming. Real climate leadership would mean leaving oil and gas in the ground in California. On Nov. 12, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said, Were in extreme climate change right now, and this is with only 1 degree Celsius of warming. Without dramatic change, we are accelerating toward 3 degrees of warming and more climate chaos. If official U.S. negotiators continue to block progress at the climate talks next week in Poland, and if we continue to drill for oil here in California, it will cause more cities like Paradise to be lost to the ravages of a warming world and more days of unhealthy, smoke-filled air for Californians. Im traveling to Poland with a youth-led group called SustainUS. The latest U.N. climate report says we have 12 years to radically transform every part of our society and economy transportation, energy generation, food, manufacturing away from fossil fuels to clean energy. We dont have a moment to waste. As the Trump administration slashes climate policies, our delegation is going to the U.N. conference to hold the United States accountable for its actions. We are going because our friends and allies from other nations are fighting to ensure the set of policies for how to implement the Paris Agreement will be as strong as science and justice demand of us. For some, their entire culture depends on it. We dont expect the United States to suddenly take leadership on climate change in Poland. We are, however, going to demonstrate our resilience as young people, as we are fighting every day at home to to build a more just world. Fighting for climate justice alongside other youth gives me hope and connects me to the very real possibility that things can get better, that we can transition our economy off fossil fuels and toward sustainable, renewable sources of energy. Daniel Jubelirer, 25, of Oakland, is co-leading a youth delegation to the U.N. Climate Conference in Poland. 2 1 of 2 Andy Alfaro / Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Show More Show Less More than three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, Democrat T.J. Cox declared victory Wednesday in his long-shot challenge of GOP Rep. David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County). If Coxs lead holds up, Democrats will have flipped all seven House districts in California that were held by Republicans going into the election but where Hillary Clinton outpolled Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential vote. Jane Sanders assured me that her husband wont be declaring his candidacy for president Thursday in Vermont when he addresses the first, invitation-only gathering of the Sanders Institute, surrounded by many of the people who powered his 2016 run. Hes just a speaker at this, Jane Sanders said this week. And, Joe, really, he hasnt decided yet. Nobody believes that. Certainly not anybody who heard Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders light up the Berkeley Community Theater last month with a 45-minute speech where you could almost hear him revving up the campaign bus. There, before the friendliest of deep-blue audiences, the 77-year-old independent presented himself as someone who could both tear into President Trump and unify the country. But what happens this weekend in Vermont will be more important to the progressive movement over the long term than what Bernie Sanders inevitably announces in the next few months. The Sanders Institute, built on the momentum of Sanders iconic, improbable and influential 2016 run, is aiming for something bigger. It is trying to make Sanders main ideas Medicare-for-all health care, tuition-free college and a livable minimum wage part of the political mainstream long after Bernie leaves the stage. And its trying to expand the audience for what Jane Sanders calls the bold ideas beyond the choir. Several Californians including former nurses union boss RoseAnn DeMoro, San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, health care policy leader Michael Lighty of Oakland and the AIDS Healthcare Foundations Michael Weinstein will play key roles this weekend and beyond in trying to push progressive politics into the mainstream. Jane Sanders is adamant that the three-day gathering of 250 progressive leaders dubbed The Gathering: A Gathering of Minds to Envision the World We Want is focused on building an international movement. It is not about fueling Bernie Sanders 2020 White House aspirations, she says. Bernie has always said this is not about him, Jane Sanders said. It is more important that the ideas are resonating. The important thing is to keep moving forward. The mainstreaming of progressive ideas took a leap forward during the midterm elections. There was Katie Porter, a Democrat who won a House seat in Orange County on an unabashedly progressive platform, and Democratic Rep. Beto ORourkes near-miss of a Senate campaign in Texas. After seeing the popularity of Sanders refusal to accept money from corporate PACs, 170 Democratic candidates for House and Senate followed suit this year. As Sanders himself said last month in Berkeley, even though his 2016 presidential campaign wasnt successful, the ideas we were talking about that seemed so radical, so fringy, so extreme ... they are now part of the mainstream conversation. Kim knows that firsthand. She has long been an advocate for free college tuition. Momentum soared for her plan to make tuition free at San Francisco City College after Sanders started talking about the idea on the campaign trail. Absolutely, said Kim, who will be giving a presentation at the Gathering on how other cities can replicate City Colleges plan. It was an inspiration. However, several Gathering speakers said progressives need to reach more diverse audiences to grow. The Gathering will feature discussions on civil rights and criminal justice; author and Black Lives Matter advocate Shaun King will be among the speakers. Its a nod to critics who said Sanders didnt focus enough in 2016 on how racial and economic issues are intertwined. Sanders himself went in that direction when he said in Berkeley, We have a criminal justice system that is not only broken but racist. Sen. Sanders was certainly pushed on race during the campaign, and rightly so, Kim said. When youre in the public sphere youre constantly pushed to be better, and I think this is a response to that. Mainstreaming big ideas like Medicare for all will also mean coming up with plausible ways to pay for them. Lighty, a longtime policy expert for the National Nurses United in Oakland until he left the organization in May, will unveil findings Friday on how to pay for a Medicare-for-all health care plan. The new plan, which will detail how to replace the current system with a publicly financed one, is the result of more than two years of research by Robert Pollin, a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts. Lighty said he hopes the new plan could surface soon in California, where Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom is more receptive to single-payer than Gov. Jerry Brown was. A single-payer plan with no funding mechanism attached cleared the state Senate last year before being shelved in the Assembly. Gavins leadership is the difference-maker here, Lighty said. Absolutely we should do this in California. Its the type of bold solutions we need to be looking at. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli WASHINGTON House Democrats overwhelmingly selected San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi as the partys nominee for speaker Wednesday, but she still has work to do to lock in the votes to reclaim the position she lost eight years ago. Pelosi won the yes-or-no vote by a far greater margin than when she last prevailed in a party leadership election two years ago. However, the number of Democrats who voted against her Wednesday was far more than Pelosi can afford to lose when the full House elects a speaker Jan. 3. Pelosi and her supporters said they were confident she can line up the support she needs over the next five weeks. I think were in pretty good shape, Pelosi said. We go forward with confidence and humility. ... Are there dissenters? Yes, but I expect to have a powerful vote as we go forward. Now Playing: A glimpse behind the scenes as San Francisco Rep. Nancy Pelosi took another step toward reclaiming the speakership. Video: San Francisco Chronicle The vote Wednesday was 203 to 32, with three blank ballots and one Democrat absent. The election was conducted in secret among members who will be in next years Congress and included delegates and territory representatives, who cannot vote next month. The vote of the Democratic caucus was never in suspense, as Pelosi ran unopposed and with a clear majority of support of her colleagues. But it was the first opportunity to gauge exactly how many members she will need to win over to regain the speakership she lost when the Tea Party wave of 2010 gave Republicans the House. Unlike all other leadership positions, the speakership requires a majority of the full House 218 votes if all members cast ballots. Democrats are on track to hold 235 seats, meaning Pelosi can afford to lose no more than 17 party members on the floor. She has said she will not accept Republican votes and they are not likely, although President Trump has offered to recruit some for her. Although 32 Democrats voted against Pelosi on Wednesday, only 16 have signed a public letter pledging to oppose her in the House. Some of the signers continue to negotiate with Pelosi behind the scenes. Also, members often vote against a nominee in caucus, but then support the winner on the floor. In 2016, Pelosi defeated Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio by a vote of 134 to 63 in the caucus for the Democratic leaders job. All but four Democrats then voted for her for speaker in the House. Ryan is among the 16 Democrats publicly promising to vote against Pelosi this time. However, he and other dissident Democrats have failed to recruit anyone to run against her. Ryan and two other opposition leaders Reps. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Kathleen Rice of New York met with Pelosi on Wednesday, but no deal was struck. A Democratic aide familiar with the meeting said Pelosi listened closely to the trios concerns. Rice, however, said the meeting was not terribly productive. Dissident Democrats primarily want the 78-year-old Pelosi to spell out a plan for eventually stepping aside. Pelosi and her allies have dismissed the idea that she would make herself a lame duck. I think there were no surprises inside today, Rice said. We knew that she was going to get the majority of votes. But what it also established very clearly is what weve been saying all along, which she does not have the ability to get 218 on the floor. Pelosi cleared one obstacle from her path Wednesday in striking a deal with a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers who call themselves the Problem Solvers Caucus. They had pushed for rules changes they say will make it easier for members to get bills moving in Congress without leadership backing. And despite the opposition groups confidence, other Democrats said their effort was sputtering. Pelosi got 85 percent of the vote. I think thats pretty compelling, said Rep. Jackie Speier of San Mateo. You have to understand the mind of a politician. Even when they lose, they want to be able to identify their indignation, and thats what you got (in) there. I would be very surprised if that number doesnt dwindle to something that would be more like eight to 10. Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky said opposition was crumbling by the minute. How do you justify the fact that you would still try to bring down the woman who received 203 votes in the Democratic caucus? Schakowsky said. They would have to have demonstrated a great deal more support for their coup. Rep. Brian Higgins of New York, who signed the anti-Pelosi letter and then backed off after she cut a deal with him to push an infrastructure bill and try to increase Medicare eligibility, said now is the time for others to come around as well. I think 203 votes is a lot at this particular point, Higgins said. Others will see an opportunity to negotiate toward the goal of some larger public policy objectives and backtrack. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan San Francisco police were looking for a girl who disappeared Wednesday night from her home. ELaya Brown, 11, was last seen around 10:30 p.m, authorities said. She is 410, with black hair and brown eyes. Facebook is cautiously expanding a feature that shows people local news and information, including missing-person alerts, road closures, crime reports and school announcements. Called Today In, the service shows people information from their towns and cities from such sources as news outlets, government entities and community groups. Facebook began the service in January in six cities and expanded that to 25, then more. On Wednesday, Today In expanded to 400 cities in the United States and a few in Australia. The move comes as the Menlo Park company tries to shake off its reputation as a hotbed for misinformation and elections-meddling and attempts to rather be a place for communities and people to come together and stay informed. Facebook isnt paying anyone to include posts, nor can a business or group pay to be listed at least for now. Today In is the brainchild of the Facebook Journalism project, a broad undertaking to boost the news industry, including local news. Of course, Facebook, along with other internet companies, is partly to blame for the decline of local print newspapers. Here are some things to know about this effort, and why it matters: The big picture: Its something users have asked for, the company says. Think of it as an evolution of the trending feature that the company dropped this year. That feature, which showed news articles that were popular among users, was rife with such problems as fake news and accusations of bias. Anthea Watson Strong, product manager for local news and community information, said her team learned from the problems with that feature. We feel deeply the mistakes of our foremothers and forefathers, she said. This time around, Facebook employees went to some of the cities where the feature was initially implemented and met with users. They tried to predict problems by doing what they called pre-mortem assessments, she said. That is, instead of a post mortem, where engineers dissect what went wrong after the fact, they tried to anticipate how people might misuse elements of Today In for financial gain, for example. Facebook isnt saying how long it has been taking this approach, though the practice isnt unique to the company. Nonetheless, its a significant step, because many of Facebooks current problems stem from its failure to foresee how bad actors might co-opt the service. Facebook also hopes the features slow introduction will prevent problems. How it works: To find out if Today In is available in your city or town, tap the menu icon with the three horizontal lines. Then scroll down until you see it. If you want, you can choose to see the local updates directly in your news feed. For now, the company is offering this only in small and midsize cities, such as Conroe, Texas; Morgantown, W. Va.; and Santa Fe, N.M. Large cities such as New York or Los Angeles have added challenges, such as an abundance of news and information, and may need to be broken up into smaller neighborhoods. The posts in Today In are selected by artificial intelligence; there is no human involvement. The service aggregates posts from the Facebook pages for news organizations, government agencies and community groups like dog shelters. For this reason, a kid couldnt declare a snow day, because Today In relies on the schools official page. Discussion posts from local Facebook groups may also be included. How Facebooks algorithms decide what to include is an ongoing process. For someone in New Orleans, posts could come from the Times-Picayune newspaper, the city council, the public library, the regional transit authority or the Facebook group Where NOLA Eats, which has 42,570 members. The algorithm looks for something called local affinity Facebook pages whose followers live near the entity that runs the page. For now, the information is tailored only by geography, but this might change. A person with no kids, for example, might not want to see updates from schools. Safeguards: Facebook uses software filters to weed out objectionable content, just as it does on peoples regular news feeds. But the filters are turned up for Today In. If a good friend posts something a bit objectionable, you would probably still see it, because Facebook takes your friendship into account. But Today In posts arent coming from your friends, so Facebook is more likely to keep it out. But as the feature expands, Facebook will have to guard against misuse, so fake news and the other problems with the trending tool dont crop up. Barbara Ortutay is an Associated Press writer. Juul Labs has soared to the top of the U.S. e-cigarette market in just three years with its high-nicotine products that give off just a wisp of vapor. Now, facing public backlash and overseas restrictions, the company is working on a way to lower the nicotine in its pods but still maintain a potent punch from the addictive chemical. Juul is developing a pod that is higher in vapor, which, experts say, can enhance the rate at which nicotine is absorbed in the body. Altria Group is in talks for a significant investment in Juul, said a person with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. That would give one of the worlds largest tobacco companies a minority stake in the San Francisco company, whose investors recently assigned it a $16 billion valuation. People knowledgeable about the development of the higher-vapor pod say the company hopes it will appeal to cigarette smokers who are accustomed to a bigger cloud. And by reducing the nicotine level, even while magnifying the effect of the nicotine, Juul presumably would be able to meet stricter nicotine limits in many countries. It is unclear what levels of nicotine would be in the new design, and a variety of models are under development for different markets. The new pods are being designed for sale overseas, where Juul wants to replicate the success it has had in the United States. But in the European Union, where Juul plans to expand, and in the United Kingdom, where it is already on the market, the nicotine limit for e-cigarettes is 20 milligrams per milliliter of fluid about a third of the amount in the most popular American Juul pod. A lower-nicotine version is also on sale in the United States, but, at 23 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of fluid, it still exceeds EU requirements. Joshua Raffel, a Juul spokesman, declined to answer questions about the new pod. In an interview, he would only say: We are always looking to create products that help adult smokers switch from combustible cigarettes and limit appeal to youth. Juul has not ruled out marketing the product in the United States, but would need the Food and Drug Administrations approval to do so. Some experts said the higher vapor could potentially make the pods even more addictive, increasing the risk particularly to young people, whose developing brains are more susceptible to the addictive qualities of nicotine. Micah Berman, associate professor of public health and law at Ohio State University, said the amount of nicotine in a pod can be deceptive what really matters is how much the body actually absorbs. One of the things with cigarette design over the years is that they have figured out how to maximize the impact of nicotine in cigarettes, Berman said. Of Juuls plans, he said: If its a change that reduces test levels of nicotine the amount you would identify as being in the pod itself but doesnt actually change the biological level, then thats certainly problematic. Its more like cheating the test. But Neal Benowitz, a professor of medicine at UCSF, said that increasing the vapor might indeed make Juul more useful to smokers who want to quit. For smoking cessation, you need to have a satisfying delivery system with a good amount of nicotine with a small amount of aerosol, Benowitz said. But if you are vaping because you like the sensory aspects of it, then you want more aerosol. Right now, Juul is a good nicotine delivery device but the quality is not the same as a cigarette. The new pods are expected to be slightly longer than existing ones but are designed to fit the current Juul device. Juul, which began selling its vaping device by the same name in 2015, has now captured more than 70 percent of the e-cigarette market share in the United States. Its success has been met with harsh public criticism over an epidemic of teenage vaping, and increasing government pressure to stop it. This month, facing a deadline from the FDA, Juul announced major changes in its sales and marketing practices that are designed reduce youth access to its devices and popular flavored pods. A sleek, electronic device that looks like an elongated flash drive, Juul works by heating a liquid flavor pod that contains nicotine and benzoic acid. When Juul users inhale, they get a very quick and powerful burst of nicotine. The FDAs biggest public health goal in this administration has been getting smokers to quit, and reducing the 480,000 annual deaths in the United States from cigarette-related disease. To do so, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the commissioner, has encouraged the development of alternatives like e-cigarettes. But this strategy backfired when Juul and other e-cigarettes became immensely popular with teens, and the agency recently restricted sales of certain flavors that appeal to youths. The other half of the FDAs plan is to reduce nicotine to nonaddictive levels in traditional cigarettes. The agency has started that process, but the tobacco companies have made clear they will fight it. There has been no agency announcement yet regarding limits on nicotine in e-cigarettes. Experts in e-cigarette engineering said there were a number of ways Juul could amp up the vapor, or aerosol, in its products. Dr. Edward Hensel, associate dean of engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, said one way is by adjusting the heating coil inside the flavor pod. They can use the same battery and the same electronics, but by changing the coil you can have a different amount of power, and so aerosolize more product, Hensel said. Some public health advocates noted another consequence of a more powerful pod. More vapor is more secondhand vapor, said Chris Bostic, a deputy director at Action on Smoking & Health, a public health group working to eliminate tobacco use. A bigger cloud of vapor sounds to me like a bigger problem for bystanders. Bloomberg News and San Francisco Chronicle staff contributed to this report. Sheila Kaplan is a New York Times writer. SALEM, Ore. Pinot Noir is one of the finickiest grapes, but with proper nurturing it produces an amazing wine. Officials in Oregon and at a federal government agency are similarly finicky, and are stomping on a California winerys claims that it makes an Oregon Pinot. Copper Cane, a St. Helena winery, sells more Pinot Noir made from Oregon grapes than anyone else, and often at a lower price. That has some Oregon winemakers, who call the California version a less elevated product, seeing red. Now, both the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and Oregons liquor agency have ruled that Copper Canes labels have been improperly referencing Oregon wine regions. The case recalls Frances mostly successful efforts to have only sparkling wine produced in its Champagne region called by that name. At stake is a multibillion-dollar industry, and Oregons reputation for producing a delicate Pinot Noir in its cool, rainy climate, according to state Rep. David Gomberg and winemaker Jim Bernau, who have been sharply critical of Copper Cane. Part of this is prestige and marketing, Gomberg said. Grapes for Copper Canes Pinot Noirs are grown in three Oregon wine regions and trucked in dry ice to California. Jim Blumling, Copper Canes vice president of operations, acknowledged that the winerys top-selling Elouan Pinot Noir is more pronounced than the typical Oregon version because the grapes are picked later, with higher sugar content. It helps deliver a more concentrated juice in the fruit, Blumling said. Bernau, founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards of Turner, Ore., said Copper Canes labels deceptively indicate its wines came from Oregons officially designated wine regions, or AVAs. Copper Cane takes something valuable that isnt theirs, and deeply discounts it, Bernau said. They cant use Oregon AVAs if the wine is not made in the AVA. In their rulings this month, the federal and state regulatory bodies agreed there was a problem, because Copper Canes labels refer to Oregons Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley wine regions. If a wine label claims or implies its from a particular AVA, 95 percent of the grapes must be from there, according to the Oregon Wine Board. The federal trade bureau told Copper Cane that it has to ditch seven of its labels, agency spokesman Tom Hogue said. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission found last week that Copper Cane has committed seven violations and is seeking to revoke its ability to sell in Oregon, said commission spokesman Matthew VanSickle. The violations focus on Copper Canes improper use of AVA designations and misleading statements on labeling. One major grocery store chain in Oregon, Fred Meyer, is already taking Copper Canes Elouan Pinot Noir and Willametter Journal wines off its shelves. Gomberg wants the federal government to stop Copper Cane from selling Elouan wine in the other 49 states. Copper Cane claims they were simply engaged in fanciful marketing, Gomberg said. But the state of Oregon has determined that they crossed the line from fanciful to fraudulent. Blumling and Copper Canes owner, Joe Wagner, was meeting with Oregon Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Steven Marks on Wednesday to try to resolve the issue, Blumling said. The company has already submitted new labels to the trade bureau that dont mention Oregon winemaking regions and say only that the grapes come from prime Oregon vineyards, Blumling said. Those labels have been approved by the bureau, he said. Copper Cane hopes the new labels also satisfy the Oregon liquor commission. The previous labels had been in use for years until Gomberg and Bernau complained, the California winemakers said. They believe it was to edge out the competition. Last year, 120,000 cases of Elouan wine over 1.4 million bottles were sold nationwide, Blumling said. Were being blatantly attacked, Wagner said. Whats disappointing is its for financial gain. In a Nov. 19 statement, Gomberg said that Elouan Pinot Noir and the Willametter Journal look and taste like they have an additive called Mega Purple, often used in California to make wines darker and thicker. Blumling called that slanderous and denied any such additive has been used. He said Elouans growing national popularity, with sales up 50 percent in a year, will raise consciousness and boost overall demand for Oregon Pinot Noir. Were expecting that all boats rise with the tide, Blumling said. Andrew Selsky is an Associated Press writer. Butte County officials ended their recovery efforts for human remains on Thursday, three weeks after the vicious Camp Fire tore through Paradise and surrounding communities. But heavy rains this week brought new problems to the area: Flooding prompted evacuation orders and warnings on Thursday. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Wednesday that thousands of officials searched all locations where they believed human remains would be found and had a high degree of confidence that officials did their due diligence in the search for victims. At its height, more than 500 people were scouring the ruins of thousands of buildings. Remains of 88 people were recovered, officials said. Although active searches for remains have halted, Honea has said that its possible crews may have missed remains that would have been difficult to detect. Residents returning to their properties as evacuation orders begin to lift as early as next week may discover bones or bone fragments, he said. Honea advised residents to call the sheriffs office if they find remains so that officials can collect and analyze the material. He recently clarified an earlier statement in which he said remains may have been completely incinerated by the blaze, confirming that bone fragments would still remain, according to the Associated Press. Some zones in Paradise may be open early next week, pending any weather setbacks. On Thursday, heavy rains flooded roads near the Camp Fire burn zone, prompting evacuation warnings and orders by Butte County officials. The Butte County Sheriffs Office called for the evacuations shortly before 1:30 p.m., from the 200 block of Honey Run Road to Skyway in Chico, near the Butte Creek Canyon. Highway 99 at Neal Road was also closed because of flooding. Evacuation warnings were extended around 3 p.m. to include the Hamlin Canyon and Lower Neal zones due to flooding, sheriffs officials announced on Twitter. Officials also issued evacuation warnings for the areas of Hagen Lane at the north, south to Highway 162 and the Sacramento River east to Highway 99. Rick Carhart, a spokesman for the Butte County Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said Cal Fire water rescue teams had saved people from cars stranded on flooded roads. Some of the affected areas are definitely in the fire area, but this is more widespread than that, Carhart said. There are a number of roads closed in areas that werent affected by the burn just because of the amount of rain weve had. The National Weather Service in Sacramento issued a flash flood warning Thursday at noon until 9:15 p.m. for areas affected by the Camp Fire. Heavy rainfall at recently burned areas are especially prone to debris flow, Carhart said. When you get a fire and then soon after it, before anything has a chance to regrow, you get heavy rainfall, it is more susceptible to flooding, because theres not ground cover to keep the hillside intact, he said. Ashley McBride and Lauren Hernandez are San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com and Lauren.Hernandez@sfchronicle.com TravelSkills on SFGate is brought to you by Visa Alaska Airlines executives said Tuesday it is considering a membership in the Oneworld airline alliance. Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison told analysts in New York City during the company's annual Investor Day that Alaska Air is looking at joining Oneworld as a "connect" member. Oneworld Connect is a secondary membership tier that offers airlines some but not all customer benefits provided through the alliance. Fiji Airways is currently the only Oneworld Connect member. It joined in Summer 2018, when the membership tier was announced. Harrison explained the move would help Alaska keep the domestic business of passengers who often travel internationally from straying to other airlines. That represents a pretty hefty sum of travelers who are based at Alaska's four largest operations: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. At SFO and especially at LAX, Alaska faces the fierce competition from United, Delta and American Airlines. With a connect membership, elite Alaska fliers would receive priority check-in desk access and priority boarding when flying airlines across the entire Oneworld alliance. Other more valuable perks, like lounge access, through-checking of bags and passengers, and award mileage redemptions would largely depend on which Oneworld airline the Alaska Mileage Plan member would be flying. Under the current Oneworld Connect set-up, the more generous benefits would be offered by at least three of the airlines that had to sponsor Alaska's entry into the alliance. Fiji Airways was sponsored by American, Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Qantas Airways. The relationship between Alaska and Oneworld founding member American Airlines has grown more distant following the acquisition of Virgin America. For example, Alaska stopped awarding miles for American flights operating out of the West Coast, so it will interesting to see how the dynamics of that relationship evolve should Alaska join Oneworld. OneWorld Alliance On the international front, things are a bit different. In recent years, Alaska has forged deeper ties with foreign carriers, including many Oneworld carriers, to allow Mileage Plan members to use and earn miles on long-haul international flights, of which Alaska does not operate. Some of those "Global Partners" include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Qantas. Harrison told investors the airline will begin selling tickets for some of those partner airlines through alaskair.com in 2019. San Francisco Plans Harrison also said Alaska Airlines might pursue more gates at SFO "if the conditions are right to continue our growth" in San Francisco. San Francisco is the "crown jewel in Virgin America's achievement," he called the SFO operation. Alaska shares SFO's Terminal 2 with American Airlines, and it's widely expected (though not yet confirmed) American will move its operation to Terminal 1 once that brand new facility opens in phases beginning next year. Alaska operates 10 gates in Terminal 2. It also operates out of Terminal 1's Concourse C (Delta side), the International Terminal, and has remote stands accessible by an airside shuttle bus. Alaska also revealed it is in discussions with the airport to construct a new lounge that will be located on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2. That's where the old air traffic control tower and former airport offices are located. With the demolition of the tower, there is now room available for a planned public observation deck and an airline lounge. Alaska Air has hinted around about this space for two years, but revealed few concrete details. Some observers have speculated Alaska might eventually build a lounge in the existing American Airlines Admirals Club space (In Terminal 2) once that is vacated for its SFO lounge, but that area may not be large enough to comfortably accommodate the large number of Alaska elite fliers. What do you think about the possibility of Alaska Air joining Oneworld? Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. A burglar stole property from the car of a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, an ATF spokesperson confirmed Thursday. ATF is aware of the theft and is aggressively pursuing all leads and working closely with our local partners to quickly find the individuals responsible and return the property, ATF spokesperson Ginger Colbrun said. We take this very seriously. Were working ... to make sure whoever is responsible for the theft is found and prosecuted. Colbrun said she couldnt provide further details about the ongoing investigation, including what property was stolen or whether it included firearms. The burglary took place Tuesday evening near the Oakland federal courthouse at 1301 Clay St. ATF vehicles are unmarked, and the agent was on-duty. An Oakland police spokeswoman said the department is aware of the investigation but referred all questions to ATF. Depending on their specific duties, ATF agents could have a number of weapons issued to them, including a shotgun, an M4 or a Glock 9MM, according to an ATF source who is not a part of the investigation. ATF policy requires agents to secure any firearm that isnt accompanying them at that moment, the source said. Some ATF vehicles come equipped with a welded box that has a combination lock or key and hardened drawers where agents can store their weapons. The burglary comes after a series of Bay Area incidents in which law enforcement officials have had firearms stolen after leaving them in in their vehicles. A gun stolen from a San Francisco police officers personal car, while it was parked in the city, was used in the killing of Abel Esquivel Jr. in the Mission District in September 2017, authorities said. In September 2015, Antonio Ramos was shot while painting a mural in Oakland, by an attacker who used a gun stolen from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents rented car in San Francisco. A gun stolen from a car belonging to a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger in San Francisco was used in the high-profile killing of Kate Steinle on Pier 14 in July 2015. And in January 2017, a thief stole a submachine gun and a bulletproof vest from an FBI special agents vehicle somewhere in either Concord, Orinda or Lafayette. State law requires that anyone transporting a firearm in a vehicle lock it in the trunk, or in a locked container separate from the vehicles glove compartment, if there is no trunk. A violation is punishable by a fine up to $1,000. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy Rafe Swan/Getty Image A registered pharmacist was charged with second-degree robbery after he allegedly stole narcotics from a CVS pharmacy in Danville while brandishing a gun and wearing a blue surgical mask, officials said Thursday. Jonathan Szkotak was arrested April 3 after he approached a pharmacy counter with a firearm and stole clonazepam and buprenorphine, according to the Contra Costa County district attorneys office. The pharmacy reported that he allegedly stole 17 clonazepam tablets, a drug used to treat seizures and panic disorders, and 57 tablets of buprenorphine, an opioid that treats pain and addiction to narcotics. WASHINGTON President Trump said Wednesday that hes never discussed pardoning his former campaign Chairman Paul Manafort, but its not off the table. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump asked rhetorically: Why would I take it off the table? The comment drew swift condemnation from a top Senate Democrat and it renewed concerns from Trump critics that the president would wield his vast pardon power to protect his friends and supporters caught up in Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. The comments came just days after Muellers team said Manafort had breached his plea agreement by repeatedly lying to investigators on a variety of topics, an allegation Manafort denies. In recent weeks, the president, armed with inside information provided by Manaforts legal team to Trumps lawyers, has seized on what he believes are dirty tactics employed by the special counsel, accusing investigators of pressuring witnesses to lie. In the interview with the Post, the president also praised conservative author and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi, who has recently rejected a plea offer from Muellers team. Trump said Corsi, Manafort and his longtime associate Roger Stone are very brave for resisting Muellers investigation. In response to Trumps comments, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee said that if Trump pardons his former campaign chairman, it would be a blatant and unacceptable abuse of power. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in a tweet that the presidential pardon power is not a personal tool that the president can use to protect himself and his friends. Meanwhile, Manaforts lawyers have been briefing Trumps attorneys on what their client has told investigators, raising the prospect that he is pursuing a close relationship with the president in hopes of a pardon. Neither Manafort nor Muellers team has said what Manafort is accused of lying about. But a federal judge set a hearing for Friday in which she will hear from both sides about next steps in the case. That hearing could yield new details about the dissolution of the not even 3-month-old plea agreement as well as result in the setting of a sentencing date for Manafort. Manafort faces up to five years in prison on the two charges in his plea agreement conspiracy against the United States and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He faces a separate sentencing in Virginia set for February after he was convicted on eight felony counts during a trial last summer. Dissolution of the plea deal could be a devastating outcome for a defendant who suddenly admitted guilt last September after months of maintaining his innocence and who bet on his cooperation getting him a shorter sentence. But its also a potential setback for investigators, given that Manafort steered the campaign during a vital stretch of 2016, when prosecutors say Russian intelligence was working to sway the election in Trumps favor. The prosecutors filing underscored their exasperation not only at Manaforts alleged deception but also at the loss of an important witness present for key moments under scrutiny, including a Trump Tower meeting at which Trumps eldest son expected to receive dirt about Clinton from a Kremlin-connected lawyer. "Mrs. Doubtfire" first hit theaters 25 years ago, and on the movie's anniversary, Robin Williams' co-stars were still singing his praises and shared their beloved memories of the actor. The Hillard children, played by Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson, were joined by Pierce Brosnan on a segment for the "Today" show, in which the actors reminisced about their time on the set. "He was so great with kids. He was very kind, very giving, very funny," said Wilson, who played Natalie at the age of 5. "There were so many times, just innumerable times that he made us laugh." Williams, who died in 2014, was a large part of the conversation as the actors remembered the comedian's penchant for improv, oftentimes requiring multiple takes. "It'd be like, 'OK, take 25!'" remembered Wilson. "And Robin would be different every time." "Every take was something new and different, and obviously amazing," Lawrence, who played son Chris, later added. PEEK INSIDE: Check out the interior of the famous 'Mrs. Doubtfire' house in San Francisco The group discussed the infamous birthday dinner scene, shot at the restaurant Bridges in Danville, and Brosnan recalled filming a certain scene with Williams dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire. "Coming here today, I went on my phone to Google the movie and up came the restaurant scene and Robin talking to my character Stu, and he was so rude about Sally's character," Brosnan said. "Oh my god, the language that came out of his mouth. It came time to do Robin's closeup and my closeup, and I'm sitting here and Robin is there as Mrs. Doubtfire, and he just unleashed the most bluest, the craziest innuendos about Sally's character and what she was up to. "And it was on my closeup that he went to town and he just pulled out all the stops," Brosnan added. "You look wonderfully uncomfortable in that scene," Wilson chimed in. "No acting required," Brosnan admitted. "Just be yourself." Jakub, who played eldest daughter Lydia, and Lawrence shared how Williams impacted their lives, with Lawrence calling Williams "a guiding force." "He would just, all of a sudden out of the blue, look over to me like, 'By the way, don't do drugs! Really messed up my brain! I'm serious. Do not do them,'" Lawrence said. "I was like 'OK!' That stuck with me." Jakub said Williams was honest with her about mental health, which she said made a lasting impression. READ ALSO: Where you can revisit (and recreate) classic San Francisco movie scenes "One of the most powerful things for me about working with him is that he was very open and honest with me talking about his issues with addiction, depression, and that was so powerful to me at 14," Jakub said. "I have struggled with anxiety my whole life and the fact that he was so honest about those things had a major impact on me." Lawrence recalled a special moment with Williams in which the two roamed through San Francisco during the shoot. "He took me for a walk as Mrs. Doubtfire in San Francisco and nobody knew," Lawrence said. "They thought he was my nanny and he played it off, and we sat down with these other two British ladies. They didn't even know! It was incredible and just experiences like that will stick with you forever." Watch the video above for an extended version of the interview with the cast. 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. For Doneice Sandoval the first turning point was watching her elderly neighbors get evicted from their San Francisco homes and turned away from crowded local shelters. Then there was the taxi driver who welcomed her "to the land of broken dreams" as he drove her through the Tenderloin neighborhood, which further pushed her into action. In 2013, she began working to convert the city's retired diesel buses into mobile shower facilities. Since then, Sandoval's nonprofit Lava Mae has grown into a multi-city operation offering free showers to those who need them in San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. But Sandoval didn't stop at just showers. Her most recent development, Pop-up Care Villages, came after she noticed that people using Lava Mae's showers were often in a rush, anxious to get to multiple other places in order to access other critical resources. "We make it so hard for people to get out of homelessness because we don't put everything under one roof," says Sandoval. A U.N. report released in October called San Francisco's homelessness crisis a violation of human rights, with over 7,500 people without permanent housing and possibly as many as 12,000 struggling with homelessness. There are only 1,203 shelter beds across the city. So Sandoval joined up with other local organizations to create the Pop-up Care Villages, operating the last Tuesday of every month at a different location around San Francisco and Oakland. Every Pop-up includes 15 to 21 different services, ranging from hot coffee and free haircuts to legal resources and employment support. Taking over an entire city block, the villages serve an average of 300 to 400 people each month and require the work of 50 to 75 volunteers. One man named Milan says he tries to make it to the pop-up every time they're in San Francisco. Since his foot was run over by a car, he depends on the showers to keep the wound clean and stay healthy. A new addition to the Pop-up Care Village this month was Good2Go, a San Francisco startup headed by Fran Heller that is working to make its high-tech public restrooms more accessible to everyone. The company, in its first year of operation, is donating $22,500 to Lava Mae. Both Good2Go and Lava Mae hope their new partnership will propel their mission to help San Francisco's homeless population and provide better access to clean water and public facilities to everyone. "What we see is an incredible role of leadership when the private sector gets involved in solving community problems and challenges. If the city isn't providing the infrastructure and meeting the needs around access to sanitation, Lava Mae has stepped up to do it in one aspect, but then you have a company like Good2Go that is meeting that solution in a different way and that is incredibly powerful," says Sandoval. If you've missed Stanley Roberts since he went off the air at KRON4, perhaps Robley Stanerts can fill the void. High cost of living pushed Roberts out of the Bay Area in August. His "People Behaving Badly" segment, which aired on the local news for years, was pushed out with him. That was until this week, when a YouTuber not-so-subtley named Robley Stanerts resurrected the segment online by streaming every single episode of "People Behaving Badly" back-to-back. According to the stream's description, it's four days worth of content. READ MORE: Bay Area TV 'staple' says grass is greener after moving to Phoenix When we tuned in Wednesday morning, a 2011 classic about carpool violators was playing. By afternoon, it was a 2012 piece about cracking down on parking validations. On top of that, a new "People Behaving Badly" standalone video is uploaded to the YouTube channel every 30 minutes. "I didn't know about it until you told me just now," Roberts told SFGATE on the phone Wednesday. Roberts was surprised someone would go through the effort of saving all of his videos and reposting them. "People are trying their best to keep what I had going," he said. Since moving to Phoenix in August, he started a similar segment at the CBS station there, KPHO. ALSO: Why people leave the SF Bay Area besides housing costs While Roberts did get in a legal battle with KRON4 over who owned the segment's trademark, he insists he has nothing to do with this. "I don't have time for that," Roberts said. And even "Robley Stanerts" acknowledges this isn't exactly copyright kosher. "New video every 30 minutes, until YouTube kills the channel or the uploading script kills itself!" reads the channel's description. Get your fix while you can, I suppose. 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. WASHINGTON Climate scientists missed a lot about a quarter century ago when they predicted how bad global warming would be. They missed how bad wildfires, droughts, downpours and hurricanes would get. They missed how much ice sheets in West Antarctica and Greenland would melt and contribute to sea level rise. They missed much of the myriad public health problems and global security issues. Global warming is faster, more extensive and just plain worse than they once thought it would be, scientists say now. International negotiators meet next week in Poland to discuss how to ratchet up the fight against climate change in whats called the Conference of Parties. The worlds understanding of global warming has changed dramatically since the first conference in March 1995. Since then the globe on average has warmed nearly three-quarters of a degree but thats not even half the story. That global annual temperature increase is slightly lower than some early 1990s forecasts. Yet more than a dozen climate scientists said that without the data currently available and todays improved understanding of the climate, researchers decades ago were too conservative and couldnt come close to realizing how global warming would affect daily lives. One scientific study this month counted up the ways both direct and indirect that warming has already changed Earth and society. The total was 467. I dont think any of us imagined that it would be as bad as its already gotten, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, a co-author of the recent U.S. National Climate Assessment. For example, the intensity of severe weather. We didnt know any of that back then. And those things are pretty scary. In the 1990s, when scientists talked about warming they focused on the average annual global temperature and sea level rise. The problem is that people dont live all over the globe and they dont feel average temperatures. They feel extremes heat, rain and drought that hit them at home on a given day or week, said Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Richard Alley. The younger generations are growing up where there is no normal, University of Washington public health and climate scientist Kristie Ebi said, pointing out that there have been 406 consecutive months when the world was warmer than the 20th century average. More recently economists have joined scientists in forecasting a costly future. Yale economist William Nordhaus, who won the 2018 Nobel prize for economics for his work on climate change and other environmental issues, said that his calculations show climate change would cost the United States $4 trillion a year at the end of the century with a reasonable projection of warming. The way science has looked at global warming has changed over the last quarter century because of better knowledge, better computers, better observations, more data and in large part because researchers are looking more closely at what affects people most. Add to that what many scientists see as an acceleration of climate change and the picture is much bleaker than in the 1990s. Seth Borenstein is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON The presidents daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, said her use of a personal email account for government business was not the same as Hillary Clintons using a private email server, which the president and his supporters had long argued was illegal. There really is no equivalency, Ivanka Trump told ABC News in an interview that aired Wednesday in a defense that echoed what her father said this month. She was asked if she should be locked up in prison as her father and his supporters chant about Clinton. No, Trump replied. People who want to see it as the same, see it as the same, Ivanka Trump said of the immediate comparisons drawn between the two women. A recent White House review found that Trump used a personal email account multiple times in 2017 to conduct government business, a disclosure that immediately energized Democrats still angry over the 2016 presidential election, when Clinton lost to Donald Trump. One of the dominant issues of that campaign was the investigation into Clintons use of a private server while she was secretary of state. Ivanka Trump said all of her emails from her private account were archived at the White House. Theres no intent to circumvent, she said, drawing a distinction from Clintons situation. She said it was not unusual for people to use private email accounts for personal reasons, such as coordinating with family, even as her father and husband work in the White House. She also said she had not deleted any of her personal emails. While secretary of state, Clinton stored classified information on a private server and used her private account for government work. When her practice was discovered, she made public her work-related emails and deleted some 30,000 personal messages. The FBI conducted an investigation into Clintons use of a private server and did not recommend charges, a move the president capitalized on during the 2016 campaign and his time in the White House. Clintons deleted emails continue to enrage President Trump, who raised it as recently as Tuesday in a Twitter post in which he criticized the continuing special counsel investigation into possible ties between his campaign and Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. Trump has defended his daughter. These are all in the historical records, he said earlier this month. Ivanka Trumps email account use was unlike Hillary Clinton because of the private server that Clinton had in her house, he said. This was just early on when she came in, Trump said of his daughters emails. Congressional Democrats have said they would investigate Ivanka Trumps practice next year when they assume the majority in the House. Eileen Sullivan is a New York Times writer. WASHINGTON The Kremlin said Wednesday it still expects a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump to go ahead as planned despite a suggestion from Trump that it could be canceled. Trump, in an interview with the Washington Post on Tuesday, said he might cancel the sit-down with Putin in Argentina following Russias seizure of three Ukrainian naval ships last weekend. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that the meeting is on and that Russia has not received any other information from our U.S. counterparts. Putins foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, noted that the meeting, which is set for Saturday, has been prepared through official channels and Moscow expects Washington to notify it of any changes in the same way. This meeting is necessary for both sides, Ushakov said. Its important in view of the developing situation in the world. The long-simmering conflict between Russia and Ukraine burst into the open on Sunday, when Russian coast guard forces fired on three Ukrainian vessels and seized the ships and the crew. In a phone call Wednesday, Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed their concern about the incident, said White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She said the two will further discuss it later this week during the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. Trump said he would be receiving a full report from his national security team on Russias recent actions in eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea. He said he would decide on a course afterward. Maybe I wont have the meeting, he said. Maybe I wont even have the meeting. The comments were Trumps strongest to date in condemnation of Russias recent actions in Ukraine, where tensions are flaring. But White House aides were still planning for the Putin meeting after Trumps comments. Ushakov said the naval encounter between Russia and Ukraine likely will be on the agenda of the planned meeting, which will start with the two presidents meeting privately before being joined by senior officials. He said the two presidents also are expected to discuss nuclear arms control and regional crises, including the situation in Syria, the Iranian nuclear deal and North Korea. Zeke Miller is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON Defying President Trump, senators sent a strong signal Wednesday that they want to punish Saudi Arabia for its role in the slaying of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. By a bipartisan 63-37 vote, the Senate opted to move forward with legislation calling for an end to U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The vote was a rebuke not only to Saudi Arabia but also to Trumps administration, which has made clear it does not want to torpedo the long-standing U.S. relationship with Riyadh over the killing. Ahead of this week's G20 summit in Argentina, there is much trepidation that yet another high-profile meeting of world leaders may end in disappointment. The feeling stems from the squabbles witnessed at the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit (APEC) in Port Moresby when for the first time in the history of the grouping, the leaders failed to agree on a joint communique. Discord between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies, dominated the APEC summit, and overshadowed the multilateral gatherings. It may only be a matter of time before the ramifications of this trade dispute disrupt the entire global economy to the disadvantage of all. At the heart of the tension is the US$375 billion trade deficit in favor of China, which U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to reduce through strong-arm tactics, instead of improving his own county's industrial output and diplomatic outreach. He has already imposed tariffs of US$250 billion on Chinese imports and has signaled that he is likely to impose an additional US$267 billion of tariffs in the near future. Trump is trying to force China to give in to his demands and is taking measures to reduce the deficit. He has asked for better market access, protection of intellectual property for American firms and a reduction on industrial subsidies. The Chinese authorities have stated on numerous occasions that they are willing to expand market access, lower tariffs and import more from overseas. China recently hosted thousands of foreign companies at the first ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) with the objective of helping others increase their sale of goods in China. Moreover, Beijing has said it is committed to opening up and globalizing in an organized and phased manner, which means the country has in principle accepted U.S. demands for greater market access and it is only matter of time. China is mindful of U.S. plan to come up with additional tariffs at the start of next year, as already threatened by Trump. If no progress is made, the U.S. tariff rate on US$200 billion Chinese goods will go up to 25 percent from 10 percent on January 1. This would be truly detrimental for the world economy. Independent bodies such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have warned of consequences of escalation, saying that it will impede global economic growth and inflict harm upon all nations. China as a rising economy is trying to avoid an unnecessary showdown. It is not only willing to sit down with U.S. to negotiate but is also insistent that it wants to avoid a repeat of the incidents at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen recently said that China does not wish to see a repeat of the APEC failure at the G20. However, the challenges of G20 are even bigger, as the leaders of world's twenty leading economies are scheduled to discuss issues related to global trade and climate change. Unfortunately, the United States is standing in direct opposition on both issues, as compared to the rest of the world. Efforts are going on before the start of the summit to pave way for a common communique at the end of the two-day meeting, but it is not easy, given the polarization brought about by Trump's "America First" policies. In May, the G7 meeting also ended in acrimony due to differences between Trump and rest of participants led by Germany. The G20 with its wider representation from the emerging markets of Asia is more complex and is never easy to balance the interests of all participants. But stakes are high and leaders will not like to return home carrying failure on shoulders. Hence, it is more likely that a watered down version of joint statement will be agreed even if no tangible progress is made on key matters. Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. India's apparent disregard for the implementation of the report of Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India Relations has fueled suspicion that it is unwilling to redefine ties with Nepal as per the spirit of 21st century. Five months have elapsed since the experts from both countries prepared the joint statement but Indian PM Narendra Modi is reluctant to accept it, showing reservations about its recommendations, particularly the revision or replacement of the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty and regulations regarding the border between the two nations. Formed in 2016 during the first premiership of PM Khadga Prasad Oli, the 10-member EPG was mandated to look into five broad areas of bilateral relations politics, development cooperation, government to government relations, economic agreements and socio-cultural ties. Its two-year term ended in July this year following the signatures of all members of the report. The EPG report offers a credible roadmap to sort out some of the major disputes between the two nations. However, the conservative Indian bureaucracy and intelligence have refused to come to terms with it and goaded the political leadership not to agree on its drastic suggestions. The Indian side has demanded changes in the wording and contents of the common diplomatic blueprint. Nepal has long been calling for rescinding the 1950 Treaty widely dubbed as unequal and anachronistic in the present context and reality. For example, Article 5 of the Treaty obliges Nepal to consult India while procuring arms or warlike materials from other countries. In 1988 when Nepal purchased some weapons from China, India imposed a blockade on the small neighbor, accusing the latter of violating the Treaty. Article 2 of the Treaty states that "the two Governments hereby undertake to inform each other of any serious friction or misunderstanding with any neighboring State likely to cause any breach in the friendly relations subsisting between the two Governments." India had not stuck to this provision when it fought wars with Pakistan and China. This provision does not favor Nepal's sovereignty given the dichotomy in military, economy and demographic strength between the two countries. Article 7 stresses to provide privileges to the citizens of each other's country on a reciprocal basis, which Nepal can hardly afford. The Letter of Exchange of the Treaty insists that Nepal should give priority to the Indian government or its citizens to harness the natural resources and open industrial estates in Nepal. This is another regressive clause of the Treaty. The Nepali side had convinced the EPG members from India to revise the Treaty but the Indian ruling establishment is wavering and appears to be ditching the report. What is more bizarre is the objection to the management and regulation of an "open and porous" border between the two nations. Nowhere in the world is the border unregulated and people's security is undermined. The joint report has suggested the people should produce smart ID cards while crossing either side of border through the fixed entry points. This is a scientific provision aimed at curbing terrorist activities, smuggling of goods and fake currencies, and human trafficking that often take place via the unchecked border. The regulation of border hardly affects the age-old economic, social, cultural and religious relations between the two nations. When the criminal and anti-social elements are not allowed to abuse the open border to run their harmful activities, this will certainly help maintain peace and order in both nations. Moreover, Nepal perennially faces a demographic threat from India as many Indian nationals have entered Nepali territory and obtained Nepali citizenship illegally, which has put Nepal's national security in jeopardy. This is a reason why the Nepali side has been constantly pushing for stringent measures to regulate the border. Nepal's government is hopeful that PM Modi will accept the report but the Indian bureaucracy sees it as tantamount to an underestimate of India's hegemonic position. However, this will be political chicanery to ditch the report prepared with hard works and negotiations. The two sides had agreed to publish the report only after the PMs from both nations officially acknowledged it. Political scientist Dr. D.R. Dahal said the Nepal government should first accept it to put moral pressure on Modi. As uncertainty hangs over the fate of the report, it is imperative for the EPG members from the Nepali side to disclose the contents of the report which is also the right of citizens of both nations. PM Oli has seemingly taken the EPG report as a viable diplomatic instrument to reset relations with India and institutionalize his assertive and independent foreign policies. His foreign policy vision might suffer a setback should India dump it. 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. A former police chief in Florida was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday for ordering officers to arrest black people for crimes they did not commit in order to give the impression that his department was solving crimes, court documents say. Judge K. Michael Moore of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida gave Raimundo Atesiano, who resigned from the Biscayne Park Police Department in 2014, until Dec. 10 to report to authorities to serve his sentence. The sentencing came just over a month after three officers who worked for Atesiano when he was the chief were sentenced to prison for their roles in the wrongful arrests. Atesiano told Moore in court that he was not prepared when he took the job as chief of the department in the Miami-area village of about 3,000 people. I made some very, very bad decisions, he said, according to The Miami Herald. His lawyer, Richard Docobo, did not return a request for comment. As the chief of the department, Atesiano was intent that he appeared to be a successful crime fighter. He instructed two officers to arrest a 16-year old for four burglaries, even though they had no evidence that the teenager was the culprit, according to a June indictment. The indictment charged Atesiano and the officers, Charlie Dayoub and Raul Fernandez, with conspiracy against the right to be free from unreasonable seizure by the police, and with depriving the teenager, identified as T.D., of that right. Atesiano pleaded guilty to the charges, prosecutors said. In 2013, when Atesiano was head of the department, the village had 11 full-time police officers and two reserve officers. It had just recorded a decrease in burglaries, down to 19 in 2012 from 36 in 2011, the indictment showed. In June 2013, with three burglaries in April and one in May unsolved, Atesiano caused and encouraged Dayoub and Fernandez, who was one of the reserve officers, to falsely arrest T.D. and charge him in the four burglaries, the indictment said. He also told the officers to falsely arrest a man identified in court documents as C.D. in 2013 for two burglaries, even though there was no evidence the man had committed the crimes. In July of that same year, the chief presented the city council with a perfect record of solving burglaries, though the statistics were fictitious, the indictment said. The following year, Atesiano told another officer, Guillermo Ravelo, to arrest and charge a man, referred to as E.B., with five vehicle burglaries, despite no legal reason for doing so, according to court documents. Dayoub and Fernandez both said they were troubled by the unethical behavior. They eventually cooperated with the authorities. Fernandez sent a letter to the city manager about the bad arrests and then told investigators that Atesiano via his underlings, would use a specific code meant to alert officers that a person of color was seen in the city and that they needed to be stopped and confronted. The two officers pleaded guilty this past August, and in October, they were sentenced to 12 months in prison. Ravelo was charged separately and sentenced in October to 27 months in prison for the conspiracy arrests and for striking a handcuffed driver in the head during a traffic stop. The Miami Herald obtained internal public records that suggested the Biscayne Park officers had been pressured into singling out random black people to clear cases. If they have burglaries that are open cases that are not solved yet, if you see anybody black walking through our streets and they have somewhat of a record, arrest them so we can pin them for all the burglaries, one officer quoted in an internal probe said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times Flash Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Spanish enterprises to make best use of the public platform of China International Import Expo (CIIE) to win more business opportunities and promote China-Spain economic and trade ties to a new height. When meeting representatives from the China-Spain Business Advisory Council together with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Xi extended his congratulations to the establishment of the business advisory council and its first meeting on Tuesday. The Chinese president called the business advisory council an important platform of deepening bilateral economic and trade ties and a new cooperation mode of combining strong ones and complementing each other's advantages. He said building strong synergy between the two countries' strategies and realizing complementary advantages will help promote connectivity between Asia and Europe and push the global economy to develop in a more open, inclusive and balanced way. He said he believes that with the joint efforts of entrepreneurs and business communities from the two countries, the mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation in the new era will open a new chapter and bring more benefits to the two countries and their peoples. For his part, Sanchez said at a time full of changes, Spain pays more and more attention to Asia, especially China which attaches importance to its opening-up to the world. Noting that China has become an important trade partner and one of Spain's main export destination, Sanchez said his government supports the country's economic, trade and investment cooperation with China, and supports the two countries' business communities in strengthening links. Also on Wednesday, Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, visited the Teatro Real (Royal Theater) in downtown Madrid, accompanied by Queen Letizia of Spain. Peng called for more art exchanges between the two nations and stronger friendship between the two peoples. Xi arrived here Tuesday for the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the European country in 13 years. Spain is the first stop of Xi's ongoing Europe and Latin America tour, which will also take him to Argentina, Panama and Portugal. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Xi will also attend the 13th Group of 20 summit. Flash Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation in the Sea of Azov during a phone conversation, Poroshenko's press service said on Wednesday. During the talks, Poroshenko informed Erdogan about the tensions between Ukraine and Russia in the Sea of Azov and the introduction of martial law in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president also asked for the Turkish leader's assistance in releasing Ukrainian sailors and ships captured by Russia during the standoff. Erdogan condemned the escalation of the tensions in the region and said that the Turkish side would raise the issue at the G20 summit, which will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec.1 in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Tensions have been rising after Russian border guards on Sunday opened fire and seized three Ukrainian naval ships near the Kerch Strait connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, injuring several Ukrainian sailors. Russia's Federal Security Service said that the Ukrainian ships breached the Russian border and conducted dangerous maneuvers despite orders from the Russian side. Poroshenko has signed a decree to impose martial law on 10 Ukrainian regions till Dec. 26. Flash Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met on Tuesday with the First Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, and expressed the willingness to deepen cooperation with the German city. Liu said that Hamburg, as a well-known commercial harbor city, plays a vital role in global trade, and is an international metropolitan with well-developed transportation, manufacturing and technology. He said China and Germany has established an all-around strategic partnership, and the cooperation has made significant progress in various fields. Hamburg, which started cooperation with China early, is one of the cities in Germany and Europe that attracted the most Chinese investments. The city has played an active role in promoting China-Germany pragmatic cooperation, said Liu. He added that China holds a positive outlook for Germany's development and appreciates Hamburg's willingness and efforts to deepen cooperation with China. Liu expressed the hope that the two sides will create better environment for investment, and strengthen cooperation in fields such as manufacturing, digital economy, medium- and small-sized enterprises and the Belt and Road Initiative. Liu said the Hamburg Summit has become a well-known platform for Sino-European dialogue and an important platform for extensive exchanges among people of all circles in China and Europe. He said the Chinese government is willing to send a positive signal through the platform that China and Germany, as well as Europe, will deepen pragmatic cooperation, and will firmly safeguard multilateralism and free trade. Describing Hamburg as Germany's biggest industrial base, Europe's vital hub and an important gateway to Europe, Tschentscher said the city has always been a close and reliable partner of China. Tschentscher said the development since China's reform and opening-up is impressive. He added that Hamburg is willing to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, attract more Chinese investments, and join hands with China in promoting development of China-Germany, China-Europe and Europe-Asia relationships. Flash The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday it has sent a note to Russia urging it to release the Ukrainian sailors who were detained during the tensions in the Sea of Azov. "We have renewed the categorical requirement to the Russian side to immediately release from custody captured Ukrainian citizens and ensure their safe return to their homeland," the ministry said in a statement. On Sunday, the Ukrainian Navy said that Russian forces opened fire and seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russia's Federal Security Service said that three Ukrainian ships, namely Berdyansk, Nikopol and Yany Kapu, breached the Russian border and conducted dangerous maneuvers despite calls from Russian vessels that accompanied them. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that more than 20 Ukrainians were detained during the tensions. Flash Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump will meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina on Saturday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Thursday. The two presidents will have a brief one-on-one meeting, and then Russian-U.S. negotiations with a larger number of participants will take place and they may last for about an hour, Peskov said. Peskov said that Putin and Trump are going to discuss issues related to bilateral relations, strategic security, disarmament and regional conflicts. "We don't have to agree on all these issues since it is probably impossible, but we will have to talk as this is in the interests of not only our two countries but of the whole world," the spokesman said. Trump threatened to cancel the planned meeting with Putin after Russian forces opened fire on and seized three Ukrainian naval ships near the Kerch Strait for allegedly violating the Russian border on Sunday. Six state legislators led by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, announced today they are proposing a law to ban store sales of flavored electronic cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. The purpose is to halt combat the rise in nicotine consumption by youths, Hill said. The senator said he will introduce the bill when the state Legislature reconvenes in Sacramento next week. "We must stop the appalling epidemic of e-cigarette use by youths," Hill said in a statement. "Enticed by fruit, candy and other appealing flavors, high school and middle school students throughout the U.S. are vaping in record numbers," he said. The proposed law would ban sales in retail stores and vending machines of flavored e-cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, including flavored cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Violators would face civil penalties ranging from $400 to $600 for the first incident to $5,000 to $6,000 for a fifth violation in a five-year period. Online sales and telephone and mail sales would still be allowed, but sellers would have to verify that buyers are 21 or over, and the signature of a person 21 or over would be required to accept delivery. The bill's co-authors are state Sens. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda; Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Connie Leyva, D-Chino, and Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge; and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento. Glazer said, "Flavored e-cigarettes are luring young people into a nicotine addiction that can lead to a lifetime of harmful health effects. This needs to stop before we get another generation hooked on nicotine and tobacco." The legislators noted that groups supporting such a ban include the American Heart Association, the California branch of the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 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. BERKELEY (BCN) The Berkeley City Council will hold its meetings in West Berkeley instead of downtown starting next week. The council has met for many years at Old City Hall at 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, one block away from city offices at 2180 Milvia St., but from now on it will hold its meetings in the Berkeley Unified School District's board room at 1231 Addison St., which is near the busy intersection of University and San Pablo avenues. City officials explained the move by saying that the school district's board room handles crowds double the size of Old City Hall and offers increased seismic safety and easier access for those with limited mobility. The first council meeting at the board room will be Tuesday and will feature the swearing in of newly elected and re-elected councilmembers in Districts 1, 4, 7, and 8 and a new city auditor. City officials say the school district's board room is close to the North Berkeley BART station and several Alameda-Contra Costa Transit lines and offers ample free parking. The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board will also permanently move to the school district's board room starting in January. The city's Rent Board is currently evaluating alternate meeting locations. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. OAKLAND (BCN) A federal judge today lifted a temporary restraining order and denied, on constitutional grounds, an injunction intended to stop the city of Oakland from closing a homeless encampment on public property in East Oakland, according to city officials. City Administrator Sabrina Landreth said in a statement that the order by U.S. District Court Judge Haywood Gilliam "affirms the compassionate, careful approach we take toward addressing the homeless crisis." Landreth said, "We will continue to offer our unsheltered neighbors alternatives to move them out of the cold, off the streets, and into safety and services." She said, "The city's policies and procedures were put under close examination by the federal court and it determined that the steps the city is taking are constitutional. We look forward to continuing to implement those policies in a manner that balances the needs of the unsheltered with our entire Oakland community." The city said it has available shelter beds for the 13 people who currently are on the East Oakland property, including families, and will offer available beds to them after the notice of closure is posted and during the closure. In addition to offering shelter beds and resources to the unsheltered, the city said it will continue to follow its established policies and procedures when addressing encampments. Those include providing 72-hour advance notice of closure at multiple visible locations, storing any property left at the site after closure (other than property deemed unsafe or hazardous) for 90 days and posting information about retrieving of belongings. In his ruling, Gilliam wrote, "The decisions made by the city in its efforts to address the homelessness crisis are the type that lie at the very core of a government's policymaking discretion and there is no easy solution to this extraordinarily complex challenge." Gilliam said his narrow inquiry was whether the U.S. Constitution "forbids the city from making difficult decisions it judges to be in the best interests of all its residents by implementing a policy it believes appropriately balances the important individual and community rights implicated by encampments on public land in Oakland." Gilliam noted that a federal court recently ruled that a city that has too few shelter beds for the total number of homeless people on its streets can't enforce laws against sleeping outdoors and similar activities. But he said that ruling does not apply to people who do have access to temporary shelter but choose not to use it and does not establish a constitutional right to occupy public property indefinitely. Gilliam wrote that the plaintiffs who filed suit against the city of Oakland "are not faced with punishment nor are they unable to obtain shelter" outside the East Oakland encampment. Gilliam said "The parties here agree on at least one thing: the city of Oakland is experiencing what can only be described as a homelessness crisis. The city's submissions make clear that it has devoted and continues to devote substantial public resources to addressing this crisis." Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco city officials today broke ground on a new Ambulance Deployment Facility in the city's Bayview neighborhood, set to serve as the headquarters for the fire department's emergency medical services. The new seismically safe facility, located at 2241 Jerrold Ave., will replace the seismically deficient warehouse currently housing the department's emergency medical services, according to Mayor London Breed's office. "In San Francisco, we must always be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations," Breed said in a statement. "During my time on the Board of Supervisors, I led the charge to improve our ambulance response time and make sure the city was making important investments in our city's emergency preparedness. As mayor, I am committed to making sure that our first responders have what they need to do their jobs effectively, which is why this facility is so important." City officials expect the $50.1 million project will be finished sometime in the winter of 2020 with sizeable parking and storage, offices, conference and training rooms, locker rooms and communal areas. The modern facility will also be designed with onsite fueling, an emergency generator, solar panels and entry gates with art panels by local artist Michael Bartalos. City officials are hoping the new construction will earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Gold rating. The project is being managed by the city's Public Works Department, which is partnering with MEI Architects and YamaMar Design, in addition to S.J. Amoroso Construction. The facility's capital costs are funded by the 2016 Public Health and Safety Bond, approved by nearly 80 percent of San Francisco voters in the 2016 June election. The bond, sponsored by then-Supervisor Breed, allocates $350 million toward capital investments for city facilities. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said in a statement, "With this new capital investments from the city, our emergency members will be able to better serve residents when they need us the most." 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. MOUNTAIN VIEW (BCN) Nearly 500 Google employees on Tuesday publicly urged their employer to cease building a censored search engine, codenamed Project Dragonfly, for the Chinese market. Hundreds of Google employees who signed their names publicly to an open letter to Google are joining human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Those groups are urging Google not to launch the program, and say doing so would enable state surveillance. Google declined to comment on the letter and did not answer any questions about whether Dragonfly enables state surveillance or if the company plans to cancel the project. The company pointed to a previous statement by a Google spokesperson saying, "We've been investing for many years to help Chinese users, from developing Android, through mobile apps such as Google Translate and Files Go, and our developer tools. But our work on search has been exploratory, and we are not close to launching a search product in China." Over the past decade, China has blocked access to Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and thousands of other foreign websites. Google employees argue that the Chinese government can use Dragonfly technology to stifle freedom of expression and suppress dissent through surveillance. "Providing the Chinese government with ready access to user data, as required by Chinese law, would make Google complicit in oppression and human rights abuses," the letter states. Employees say launching Dragonfly in China would establish a dangerous precedent and one that could lead Google to make similar concessions in other countries. Employees say their public letter comes after months of protest and "unsatisfactory" response from leadership at the company. The Google employees who signed the letter say they "object to technologies that aid the powerful in oppressing the vulnerable, wherever they may be." The letter also expresses employees' concerns that Dragonfly would enable government-directed disinformation. Amnesty International argues that launching Dragonfly would add legitimacy to China's vision of the Internet, in which the government not only has control over what information citizens access but can freely access all online data about those same citizens. "As the world's number one search engine, it should be fighting for an Internet where information is freely accessible to everyone, not backing the Chinese government's dystopian alternative," said Joe Westby, a technology and human rights researcher with Amnesty International. In the public letter, Google employees demand that the company cancel Project Dragonfly, place human rights above profits and not capitulate to the Chinese government to gain access to the country. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. == OAKLAND (BCN) An ex-convict with nine prior convictions smiled and taunted his victim's family today as a judge sentenced him to 50 years to life in state prison for first-degree murder in the shooting of a 22-year-old man in East Oakland last year. Troy Seales, 31, of Oakland was convicted on April 6 for the shooting of Deandre Adams of Oakland in the 8900 block of Olive Street shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2017. But Seales' sentencing was delayed for more than seven months because his attorney, Todd Bequette, filed a motion for a new trial and because the busy trial schedules of Bequette, prosecutor Butch Ford and Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kevin Murphy prevented a hearing being held on the matter until this week. Bequette called three witnesses, including Seales' wife and his former girlfriend, to the stand during two days of hearings on the motion for a new trial. But Murphy denied the motion, saying the witnesses lacked credibility because of their close ties to Seales. Murphy also said he doesn't think the witnesses' testimony would change the outcome of Seales' case if he were granted a new trial. Bequette said the witnesses bolster the defense's contention that Seales wasn't armed at the time of the shooting and therefore couldn't have been the killer. But Ford said he believes there is convincing evidence that Seales was armed with an assault weapon and carried out the shooting. Murphy agreed that "the evidence against Mr. Seales is overwhelming." Ford said in his closing argument in the case in April that video camera surveillance footage, phone call records, physical evidence and witness statements prove that Seales killed Adams. Ford said that after Adams was shot he continued driving for a short stretch and then crashed his car. Oakland police said Adams and a female victim who also was shot were taken to a local hospital for treatment, and that Adams was pronounced dead about seven hours after the shooting. The female victim survived her injuries. A second man, Dupree Riley, 19, of Tracy is also charged with murder for Adams' death, but was found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial. Ford said a witness told police that Riley had an ongoing feud with Adams and Seales was armed with an assault weapon and told Riley that they should take care of the matter "once and for all." Bequette admitted in his closing argument that Seales was in the vicinity of the shooting the day that it happened but insisted that Seales wasn't the shooter. Murphy admonished Adams' family members to be quiet today after they yelled at Seales when he looked at them, smiled and taunted them. After Murphy finally completed the lengthy case by pronouncing his sentence against Seales, one of Adams' family members responded by saying, "Thank you, Jesus." Seales has two convictions for evading an officer, three convictions for possession for sale of a controlled substance and one conviction each for evading police, first-degree residential robbery, receiving stolen property and being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. 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 LEANDRO (BCN) San Leandro police last week arrested a man for allegedly shoplifting from a downtown store, only to realize he is also a suspect in an October arson case, police said Wednesday. Rodney Rushing, 32, remains in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, having been charged Tuesday by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office with one count of felony arson, police Lt. Isaac Benabou said. The arson took place Oct. 8 at the Ana Rosa's Mexican Restaurant at 2089 E. 14th St. Employees evacuated the restaurant that night after smoke and flames were coming from the bathroom. The fire was determined to have been intentionally set. A restaurant employee told police that, moments before smoke was seen, a man entered the restaurant and asked to use the bathroom. Police reviewed surveillance video and noted the man entering and leaving the bathroom when the fire occurred, Benabou said. Then last Friday, San Leandro police officers went to a downtown store where employees had detained Rushing as a suspected shoplifter. One of the responding officers immediately recognized Rushing as the man from the Ana Rosa's video, Benabou said. Police took Rushing into custody for further investigation. Rushing admitted to being in the Ana Rosa's bathroom around the time of the fire, but said he did not remember what happened there, Benabou said. "Our patrol officer did a great job recognizing this subject from a previous case," said Benabou, adding that Rushing may be a suspect in several other similar cases. Rushing was cited for the shoplifting incident, a misdemeanor, according to Benabou. 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) Bay Area civil rights leaders announced today they're ending a boycott of the San Francisco Giants, which began this weekend after it was discovered that the team's principal owner made donations to racist political campaigns. According to attorney John Burris, he and the Rev. Amos Brown, head of the San Francisco National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and activist Dr. Harry Edwards have decided to end the boycott in light of new revelations that the owner has retracted his donation. Team owner Charles Johnson reportedly donated to the campaign of Mississippi Republican U.S. Senator-elect Cindy Hyde-Smith, who has made statements some consider racist, as well as to a political action committee behind an advertisement in Arkansas that falsely claimed Democrats could bring lynchings back if black voters didn't support Republicans. Today Burris said that Johnson has since condemned racism and requested his donation back from Hyde-Smith. Burris said in a statement that the actions "are sufficient positive steps" and that "the boycott is not further warranted at this time." Instead of boycotting, he said, "this is time for engagement, dialogue and understanding. "Mr. Johnson is free to make any and all contributions that he wants, but as principal owner of the Giants, those contributions should not go to organizations or politicians perpetuating racist views or condoning systems that further the legacies of discrimination," Burris said. "I hope that Mr. Johnson and the Giants organization will be on guard to prevent contributions by its owners that undermine the goodwill and moral standing the Giants have in this community," he said. "As a longtime Giants supporter and civil rights lawyer, I want the best for the team. But I will be watching." Over the weekend, Burris said the financial support to the Mississippi Senator-elect's campaign was an "affront to all the African American families that have been victims of Mississippi's historical legacy of voter suppression, physical violence, intimidation, racial and ethnic discrimination, among its other atrocities." Earlier this month, a video from a public event in Mississippi showed Hyde-Smith joking that she would sit front row if she were invited to a public hanging. Then another video surfaced showing Hyde-Smith saying that making voting more difficult is a "great idea." On Sunday, Giants president Larry Baer distanced the team from the racist campaigns, saying in a statement, "In no way does the Giants organization condone any racist and hateful language and behavior by anyone. It is abhorrent and in direct conflict with the core values of the San Francisco Giants." 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) PG&E Co. has told the California Public Utilities Commission that it didn't turn off electricity in the area of the deadly Camp Fire in Butte County on the day the blaze began because it had forecast that winds had diminished below the level that would trigger a shutoff. PG&E submitted the report to the San Francisco-based commission Tuesday in conjunction with recent rules requiring utilities to tell the agency about power shutoffs and shutoff warnings to customers during fire danger. The utility said in its report that by 1 p.m. on Nov. 8, the day the fire started, "winds were decreasing, and conditions were no longer forecast to approach Public Safety Power Shutoff criteria." "Based on the forecasted information, PG&E no longer anticipated a possible need to de-energize," the report said. The Camp Fire was first reported at 6:33 a.m. on Nov. 8 in the Sierra Nevada foothills community of Pulga near Camp Creek Road. It quickly spread southwest, and by 8 a.m. reached the town of Paradise, which was nearly completely destroyed that day. The fire consumed 153,336 acres and more than 18,000 structures before being fully contained on Nov. 25, according to Cal Fire. As of Tuesday, it had killed 88 people and 158 others remained unaccounted for. according to the Butte County Sheriff's Office. Sustained winds of 25 miles per hour and gusts of 45 miles per hour would trigger turning off electricity, the report said. Other factors include low humidity and dry fuel. PG&E said in the report that on Nov. 6, there were forecasts of winds 20 to 25 miles per hour and gusts of 40 to 45 miles per hour -- close to the limit -- in certain locations. As a result, it notified 70,000 customers in parts of nine counties, including Butte, on Nov. 6 of a possible power shutdown. The next day, "weather conditions stayed consistent, nearing but not reaching forecasted levels that would warrant temporarily turning off power for customer safety," the report said. Then, on Nov. 8, forecasts showed a decrease by 1 p.m. and P&GE then informed customers and local officials there would be no shutoff, the utility said. The report notes, "As we have expressed previously, turning off power to our customers is a decision that does not come easily, is not made lightly, and will be exercised only as a last resort." PG&E has also sent the CPUC two incident reports of power line outages on Nov. 8. The first incident was an outage on a high-voltage transmission line in Pulga at 6:15 a.m. on Nov. 8. The report says that on that afternoon, a PG&E aerial patrol saw damage to a transmission tower one mile northeast of Pulga. The second incident reported was an outage on a lower-voltage line in the community of Concow, located between Pulga and Paradise, at 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 8. The CPUC has said those reports will be incorporated into staff investigations of whether electricity utilities complied with rules and regulations in fire areas in both Northern and Southern California. Cal Fire determines the causes of fires while the CPUC looks at compliance with rules. CPUC spokesman Christopher Chow said a staff investigation is an informal preliminary step. A formal investigation, which could result in penalties, would occur if the staff recommends one and the five-member commission votes to initiate such a probe. Copyright 2018 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim will be a featured speaker at The Sanders Institute Gathering, organized by the think tank founded by the wife of former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. The gathering, which will include an array of progressive leaders, starts Thursday in Burlington, Vermont, and goes through Saturday. It will be the inaugural conference for the Sanders Institute, founded in 2017 by Jane Sanders and Dave Driscoll, focusing on solutions to economic, environmental, racial and social justice issues. In addition to Kim, Sen. Sanders will also attend along with several other prominent leaders including, actor, activist and San Francisco native Danny Glover, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. "I'm honored to be speaking at The Sanders Institute inaugural conference with so many other progressive policy leaders. Just as Senator Sanders had made a progressive policy mainstream, we must continue to set the nation's agenda by sharing local organizing and policy work happening on the ground and developing actionable steps to achieve health care, education and housing for all," Kim said in a statement. "Addressing income inequality, achieving universal Medicare For All, or making college tuition-free doesn't happen in a vacuum," she said. "We can win big, bold ideas when we organize, collaborate and share across cities and states." Sen. Sanders campaigned for Kim when she ran for state Senate in 2016 and he has also showed his support for City College of San Francisco's free tuition, a result of an initiative spearheaded by Kim. 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. PETALUMA (BCN) Police arrested a transient early this morning on suspicion of attacking an elderly man in a Bank of America parking lot in Petaluma, a police sergeant said. Police saw a man straddling an elderly man who was on the ground when officers responded to calls about a disturbance around 2:30 a.m. near the bank at 200 Kentucky St. downtown, Sgt. Paul Gilman said. The suspect had both hands on a thin stick about a foot long that had been jabbed in the victim's right eye socket, Gilman said. The suspect, Jessie Aaron Chamberlain, 32, who has ties to Colorado, was ordered to the ground at gunpoint and taken into custody, Gilman said. The 68-year-old Petaluma victim suffered severe injuries to his eyes and face and was taken to a trauma center. It appears Chamberlain had recently arrived in Petaluma and he is not previously known to Petaluma police, Gilman said. He was booked into Sonoma County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail for mayhem and elder abuse causing injury and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Sonoma County Superior Court. Chamberlain and the victim did not know each other and the assault appears unprovoked, Gilman said. Any witnesses are asked to call Petaluma police at (707) 778-4415. 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. For a brief time Wednesday morning, before the storm moved in, and before the sun even rose, conditions at big-wave mecca Mavericks Beach were ideal for men and women brave enough to surf swell taller than a two-story building. As waves soared up to 25 feet above the dark Pacific, the winds were extremely light and the tides low, two elements key in making this epic break off the coast of Half Moon Bay surfable. For a couple hours, Wednesday three dozen surfers (some of them pros) enjoyed some of the greatest rides of their lives, even though they had to paddle out while it was still dark. "It's pretty hard to explain the amount of joy you feel when you kick out," says Jake Tellkamp, 26, who surfed Mavericks Wednesday. "It's like a full-body experience, like you've been electrocuted and every nerve is turned on." "It was completely black when I paddled out. Very ominous with a light rain and a lot of fog. You couldn't see the waves." Whipped up by winds from an approaching storm far out at sea, a powerful swell reached Bay Area beaches Wednesday, with waves growing increasingly larger throughout the day. "A very large storm developed on the other side of the dateline last week, then grew in size and intensity as it tracked eastward," Surfline forecaster Chris Borg wrote in an email. "By the beginning of this week the impressive-looking low was occupying the entire Alaskan Gulf and now that system is moving into the West Coast." At 2 p.m., Borg reported 15-to-20-foot waves at popular surf spots such as Half Moon Bay, Ocean Beach, Montara and Four Mile near Santa Cruz. Mavericks was reaching up to 30 feet at the same time, but by then all the surfers were gone. A strong southerly wind picked up, creating choppy water that's miserable for surfing. Tellkamp was among the lucky few who woke before the sun rose to catch the break ahead of the storm. "It was completely black when I paddled out," he says. "Very ominous with a light rain and a lot of fog. You couldn't see the waves." He added: "It was a very small window when it was surfable today. I'd say a lot of the surfers were capitalizing on that window." Thirty to 40 surfers were at the break, including pros Peter Mel and Clint Kimmins. Tellkamp also spotted Luca Padua, a 16-year-old Half Moon Bay local, who first surfed the challenging wave at age 13. "He just got back from surfing Nazare in Portugal," he says. "He was crushing it today." MORE: High surf alert: Two-story waves headed to Bay Area beaches From the shore, Liam McNally photographed the scene and says he saw both "nice rides" and "bad wipeouts." "We saw a handful of waves that looked pretty devastating. Easily 20-plus foot," McNally, who works as the gear editor for the Outbound Collective, wrote in an email. Tellkamp was lucky to catch three great rides and then called it quits as the horde of surfers made competition for waves fierce. Forecasters say the high surf will continue throughout the Bay Area into the evening and Thursday morning, but onshore winds will create bad conditions for surfing. The National Weather Service issued a high-surf weather advisory through Friday warning beach-goers of strong rip currents, waves that run far up the beach and beach erosion. "Never turn your back to the Ocean," the NWS warns. The sound of pounding rain on rooftops startled many residents around the San Francisco Bay Area as soaking weather moved into the region. There were some impressive rainfall totals in a 24-hour period from the storm, with the San Francisco Airport reporting 1.21 inches, Ben Lomond 2.32 inches and Big Sur Station 2.55. For more rainfall totals scroll through the gallery above. KABUL Taliban insurgents staged a coordinated attack targeting a security firm in the Afghan capital on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 19 others, as the U.S. said an air strike hours earlier in Helmand province that reportedly killed civilians was conducted by American aircraft. Wednesdays attack in eastern Kabul took place when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives and other insurgents started a gunbattle with security forces in the area, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. The assault came hours after provincial officials said at least 30 civilians were killed along with 16 Taliban fighters during the overnight battle between Afghan government forces and insurgents in southern Helmand province. A local official, Attahullah Afghan, said most of the civilian casualties which included men, women and children came when an air strike hit a house in the central Helmand River valley, a Taliban heartland. U.S. officials said it happened in Helmands Garmsir district. A U.S. military spokesman in Kabul said the air strike was carried out by American aircraft called in to back Afghan special security forces after they came under heavy Taliban fire. Maj. Bariki Mallya, the spokesman, said in an email exchange that the air strike was conducted in self-defense after Taliban fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns retreated into a compound and continued firing on Afghan government forces and their American advisers. In self-defense, the ground force called an air strike, Mallya said. After the strike, there were secondary explosions, we assess from explosives inside the compound. At the time of the strike, the ground force was unaware of any civilians in or around the compound; they only knew that the Taliban were using the building as a fighting position. Mallya declined to say what the U.S. knew about civilian casualties or whether the incident was under U.S. investigation. In a prepared statement, he said the U.S. investigates every credible allegation of error and reviews every mission to learn, adapt and improve. A statement from the governors office in Helmand confirmed that 16 Taliban insurgents were killed and said that an investigation was under way to determine the number of civilian casualties. It said the militants had stockpiled ammunition in the area of the operation, which could have caused civilian casualties. There was also a car packed with explosives that ignited during the strike, the statement added. Abdul Wadod Popul, a lawmaker from Helmand, also confirmed the civilian casualties. The area is under Talibans control and is very difficult to get a precise number of casualties, he said in Kabul. The resurgent Taliban, who in recent years have taken over nearly half of Afghanistan, claimed the attack Wednesday in Kabul. Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said the target of the attack was a security company called G4S. The attacks were the latest in a series of brutal and near-daily Taliban assaults on military and police forces and government and other installations throughout the country. Rahim Faiez And Robert Burns are Associated Press writers. MEXICO CITY Migrants, trade, crime, the border wall: The challenges to the modern U.S.-Mexico relationship have perhaps never been as stark and divisive as they are now, at a critical juncture for both countries. With a new president preparing to take power in Mexico City this weekend and the Trump administration set to enter its third year, the two neighbors find themselves lurching between crisis and opportunity on each front. While a trade dispute that President Trump had fanned with great enthusiasm seems set to ease, the other issues remain unresolved and potential flash points for both countries. This is really a key moment, said Earl Anthony Wayne, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. There are very serious short-term problems that have to be managed and managed in a way that can solidify relations over the course of the next six years. President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes office Saturday, just a day after the two nations and Canada are to sign a replacement accord for the North America Free Trade Agreement, which Trump lambasted during the 2016 campaign and vowed to cancel. Sealing that deal was an achievement for the outgoing Mexican government as well as for Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. He will attend the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, and will be awarded the highest honor Mexico gives to foreigners, the Order of the Aztec Eagle. Neither Trump, who has reached out multiple times to Lopez Obrador since his election in July, nor Kushner will be at the inauguration. But Vice President Mike Pence will be there as will Kushners wife, Ivanka Trump. In addition, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has already met Mexicos incoming foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard at least twice, plans to see him again in Washington on Sunday. Kushner will see the foreign minister and his team on Monday. These are indications the White House is keen to keep in close contact with the new Mexican leadership. Nevertheless, the administration has yet to nominate a new ambassador to Mexico, a post that has been vacant since May. And the apparent personal goodwill and positive developments on trade cant mask deeper tensions over migration and drug trafficking, Trumps demands that Mexico pay for a border wall and the deployment of U.S. troops to the southern frontier with a threat to seal all crossings. Theres also the matter of the presidents frequent denigration of Mexicans, repeatedly saying Mexico was sending criminals and rapists to the U.S. Matthew Lee and Mark Stevenson are Associated Press writers. BERLIN German authorities raided Deutsche Banks headquarters Thursday amid suspicions that its employees helped clients set up offshore companies that were used to launder hundreds of millions of dollars. About 170 police officers, investigators and prosecutors swooped in on the banks offices in Frankfurt and premises in nearby Eschborn and Gross-Umstadt, seizing electronic and paper records. The investigation emerged from an analysis of documents leaked from tax havens in recent years, including the 2016 Panama Papers, said Frankfurt prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen. It is focused on two Deutsche Bank employees, aged 50 and 46, and possibly other still unidentified suspects, she said. At least one site raided was a suspects home. Analysis of the Panama Papers and other documents gave rise to suspicion that Deutsche Bank was helping clients set up so-called offshore companies in tax havens and the proceeds of crimes were transferred there from Deutsche Bank accounts without the bank reporting it, Niesen said. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers are alleged to have transferred $351 million to one such company set up in the British Virgin Islands, she said. The suspects, both German citizens, are accused of failing to report the suspicious transactions even though there was sufficient evidence to have been aware of it. Deutsche Bank confirmed the search and said the investigation has to do with the Panama Papers case. David Rising and Frank Jordans are Associated Press writers. KIEV, Ukraine Ukraines president donned combat fatigues to implement martial law in much of the country on Wednesday, a move Russia denounced as a cynical political trick as both sides ratcheted up tensions after a weekend standoff in the Black Sea. Each side blamed the other for the bellicose turn of events, with Ukraine saying Russia is preparing for a full-scale invasion and Moscow calling it a political stunt by an unpopular president facing tough elections. In Sundays confrontation, three Ukrainian naval vessels were heading from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov when they were blocked by the Russian coast guard near the Kerch Strait between Russias mainland and the Crimean Peninsula it annexed from Ukraine. After many tense hours of maneuvering, the Russians opened fire and seized the Ukrainian vessels and crew. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko responded by ordering martial law in much of the country, a move that went into effect with parliamentary approval. Poroshenko toured a military training center Wednesday in the Chernihiv region bordering Russia, one of the areas where martial law was imposed. Speaking to reporters as smoke billowed from a nearby shooting range, the camouflage-clad president pledged not to allow the enemy to attack Ukraine and announced a hike in salaries for servicemen. Poroshenko initially sought to impose martial law for two months, a move that would have meant presidential elections scheduled for March would have to be scrapped due to election rules. Facing criticism in parliament, he halved the martial law time frame to a month, which would allow the election to go ahead as planned. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin bluntly accused his Ukrainian counterpart of provoking the naval incident in order to shore up his sagging popularity and sideline competitors ahead of the March election. The Black Sea incident certainly was a provocation organized by the sitting government, including the incumbent president ahead of the presidential vote in March, Putin said, alleging that Poroshenko wanted to exacerbate the situation and create obstacles for his rivals. Ukraine has insisted that its vessels were operating in line with international maritime rules, while Russia claimed they had failed to get permission to pass through a Russia-controlled area. Yuras Karmanau and Nataliya Vasilyeva are Associated Press writers. WASHINGTON A rash of American combat deaths in Afghanistan is putting a spotlight on a stalemated 17-year war that is testing President Trumps commitment to pursuing peace with the Taliban. Trump has acknowledged that his original instinct was to withdraw from Afghanistan, but last week he suggested he is willing to stick it out, asserting that the U.S. is in very strong negotiations an apparent reference to U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzads efforts to get the Taliban to agree to peace talks. On the other hand, Trump indicated he had little confidence the talks are going to succeed. Maybe theyre not. Probably theyre not, he said. The human cost of the conflict rarely makes headlines in the U.S., leaving Trump with political room to maneuver. But that might be changing. In early November, Brent Taylor, the mayor of North Ogden, Utah, and a major in the Utah National Guard, was killed by an Afghan soldier in Kabul. Last Saturday, Sgt. Leandro Jasso, a 25-year-old Army Ranger from Leavenworth, Wash., was mortally wounded in southern Afghanistan. On Tuesday, U.S. officials said they had determined that Jasso probably was accidentally shot by an Afghan soldier during battle with an al Qaeda fighter. The U.S. military headquarters in Kabul announced Tuesday that three U.S. service members were killed and three wounded by a roadside bomb in Ghazni province, south of Kabul, where the Taliban have been resurgent. It was the deadliest attack on U.S. forces in Afghanistan this year. The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan before U.S. forces invaded in October 2001, carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan army and police forces, and in August the insurgents overran parts of Ghazni, leading to days of intense fighting before they were driven out. Ghazni was the only one of Afghanistans 34 provinces where parliamentary elections could not be held in October because of security worries. Voting there has been postponed for a year. Stephen Biddle, a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University who has closely tracked the war from its beginning, said little that has happened in Afghanistan in recent years has grabbed the American publics attention, including a death toll since 2001 that now exceeds 2,400. The war hasnt produced torch-lit marches on the Pentagon or for that matter any meaningful effect on any election campaign, Biddle said. What (the uptick in casualties) could do is change the mind of Donald Trump. At a minimum, he is erratic and clearly doesnt like the war. In a Washington Post interview Tuesday, Trump called the latest deaths very sad and said he was keeping troops there only because experts told him it was necessary. In Geneva on Wednesday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani urged a gathering of U.S., Russian and other diplomats to continue support for his government. Robert Burns is an Associated Press writer. KABUL A brazen Taliban attack that targeted the Kabul offices of a British security company killed five of its staffers, including a British national, the company said Thursday. Afghan authorities said a sixth person was also killed in the assault. Charlie Burbridge, managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said 32 employees of the company were also wounded in the attack, five of them seriously. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends, Burbridge said in a statement. The attack started with a suicide bomber who rammed his explosive-packed truck into the gate of the G4S compound in eastern Kabul on Wednesday evening, followed by an hours-long gunbattle with insurgents armed with grenades and automatic rifles who stormed the compound building. The Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said it was in retaliation for a U.S. air strike in southern Helmand province hours earlier that killed 30 people, many of them civilians. Afghan officials revised the initial number of 10 reported killed in the Kabul assault to six. The public health ministry spokesman, Wahid Majroh, said four attackers had also died, leading to the confusion, but he did not identify any of the casualties. The suicide blast left a giant crater in its wake and blew out windows in nearby buildings. Jan Agha, a police officer at the site of the explosion Thursday, recalled the gunbattle that lasted into the night as ambulances ferried the victims to hospitals amid the chaos. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the insurgents had killed 10 foreigners. 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 Holiday Express volunteers' smiles say it all. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Holiday Express pulled into Community Resources this season, bringing live music, food, gifts and lots of holiday spirit. The Holiday Express is a non-profit organization based in New Jersey that is now celebrating its 26th season. Volunteers bring an interactive holiday party to soup kitchens, homeless shelters and many more facilities throughout the year. Amy Robinson, director of operations of the Holiday Express, expressed her excitement about being on Staten Island for the first time at Community Resources. Community Resources is one of New York Citys largest voluntary, non-profit, providers for people with developmental disabilities. Consumers normally make their way there for a day work program, but on Wednesday they were in for a special holiday treat. We come and we bring a party to people in need, Robinson said. After everyone enjoyed sandwiches, chips and a drink of their choice, a group of volunteer musicians took the stage, playing a variety of holiday favorites, while partiers hit the dance floor. Janet Padovano has been working at Community Resources for the past 16 years. She started in the group homes and now works in the kitchen to help train consumers to cook independently. She said the party was all anyone could talk about yesterday. Im very impressed with Holiday Express; they did a great job,'' she said. "Im excited to hear the music before I head back upstairs. As the tunes continued, the party played host to the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Santas favorite reindeer and Santa himself. They danced their way through the crowds, offering holiday greetings to everyone. Joanne Colella, a former journalist, fell in love with Holiday Express when she was sent to cover a private event they held about 17 years ago. I came home that night bawling my eyes out, telling my family, this is the most beautiful thing youve ever seen, she recalled. Since then, Colella and her husband have dedicated their time to Holiday Express and are happy to be a part of something so meaningful, she said. She was eager to describe the program called Giving Tree, in which people can adopt an event and provide a facility with an item its budget wont allow. Its like no other organization I had ever seen before, and I instantly fell in love with it, said Colella. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For years the enforcement of the citys High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes has served as a source of great frustration for Staten Island commuters, with selfish drivers illegally using the lane and slowing the rush hour commutes. However, there may soon be a light at the end of the tunnel, with the Department of Transportation (DOT) announcing that it is currently researching technology that could improve enforcement and help crackdown on illegal users. Borough President James Oddo penned a letter to DOT commissioner Polly Trottenberg earlier this month requesting that the department evaluate alternative methods for enforcing the HOV lanes on the Staten Island and Gowanus Expressways. Many motorists seem to possess an unnerving willingness to take unfair and illegal advantage of the HOV lane during both the morning and evening rush, and even though thousands of summonses are issued to violators ever year, the sad truth is that this has not been an effective deterrent, wrote Oddo. Oddo went on to suggest a variety of alternative enforcement measures that him and his staff have been exploring. Other municipalities have launched pilot programs to test the efficacy of systems developed by Conduent (Xerox), Siemens and Delphi. These pilot programs do not result in the issuance of summonses - or even warnings - but rather are undertaken to prove that the technology has an efficiency rate that is acceptable; that is, a rate that is consistently in the upper ninetieth percentile, said Oddo. Trottenberg responded to Oddo on Tuesday, stating that the DOT agrees that the use of such technology could be a powerful tool in deterring motorists from using these HOV facilities illegally." I am happy to report that the DOT is currently researching this technology through ongoing discussions with peer jurisdictions and municipalities who have experience with HOV compliance monitoring technology, wrote Trottenberg. The DOT is optimistic of the technologys potential, but cautioned Oddo that legislation would be required in order to ultimately implement it. We look forward to learning much more about this cutting-edge technology which will require New York State legislation before it is implemented (similar to the red light and speed camera legislation), wrote Trottenberg. The DOT stated it will continue to provide additional details regarding HOV lane enforcement technology upon completing the initial research. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the state, controversial trial-by-combat lawyer Richard Luthmann was indicted Thursday on charges accusing him of creating fake Facebook pages in candidates names to try to influence political races. Special prosecutor Eric Nelson said Luthmann, 39, set up Facebook pages impersonating former Republican Assembly candidate Janine Materna and Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore). Luthmann also set up a bogus Facebook page impersonating John Gulino, the Staten Island Democratic Party chairman, Nelson said. Under the 17-count indictment, Luthmann faces multiple felony charges of falsifying business records and identity theft. He also faces charges of criminal impersonation, election law violations, stalking and falsely reporting an incident to the NYPD. The election law violation charges stem from alleged attempts to affect the results of two primaries - Maternas race against Ronald Castorina for the Republican candidacy for the South Shore Assembly seat in September of 2016 and Roses race against Kamillah Hanks in September of 2017 for the Democratic candidacy for the North Shore City Council seat. Castorina and Rose won those contests and went on to win the general election. The stalking charge pertains to the Materna page, which allegedly prompted threats against her from other individuals on social media, said Nelson. McMAHON ALSO AN ALLEGED TARGET Luthmann was also accused of falsifying e-mails pertaining to District Attorney Michael E. McMahons campaign in 2015. Luthmann is currently in federal custody in an unrelated case in which hes charged with various counts of wire fraud, money laundering, kidnapping and extortion conspiracy in an alleged scrap-metal fraud scheme. He has denied those charges, and that case is pending in Brooklyn federal court. The defendant appeared in state Supreme Court, St. George, on Thursday garbed in a tan institutional jumpsuit with his hands cuffed behind him. The bespectacled Luthmann sported a trim beard and stated his name as Richard Albert Luthmann in a clear voice. He confirmed attorney Joseph Sorrentino is representing him and said nothing else during the 15-minute proceeding. Sorrentino pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Justice Stephen Rooney set a Feb. 13 conference date. Outside court, Sorrentino questioned whether the charges will stick. It remains to be seen whether or not these allegations rise to the level of just being dirty politics or do they rise to the level of a crime, said Sorrentino. Some people have the opinion that dirty tricks break the law and other people have the opinion that dirty tricks are just that, dirty tricks As we progress forward, quite frankly, into 2019-2020, the question will be are they going to be still dirty tricks or are they just going to become tricks because more and more people utilize them. Later, he added in a phone conversation, Ive taken a closer look at some of the counts in the indictment, and quite frankly, I dont think you can commit the crime of falsifying business records in the manner in which it is described in the indictment. In 2016, McMahon requested the appointment of a special prosecutor. Rooney initially appointed attorney Thomas A. Tormey Jr. to probe allegations of criminal impersonation, forgery and falsifying business records made by one or more persons against an individual. The order did not specifically name Luthmann as the target, although sources had identified the lawyer as the subject of the probe. A special grand jury was empaneled by Nelson, who took over the case from Tormey, to hear evidence this past summer. Rose, McMahon, Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and Castorina testified before the panel, said a NY1 report. Nelson said the charge of falsely reporting an incident to police stems from a report Luthmann allegedly filed claiming his computers were trespassed. However, it was determined that was not the case and Luthmann had made false statements to a detective, said Nelson. In statements, McMahon and Rose said they are anxious for the case to move forward. As one of the victims in this case, I am happy the grand jury voted this indictment holding accountable this defendant, said McMahon. We know that he has been alleged to misuse many weapons in his arsenal, from his law license, to firearms, to verbal threats, and, particularly here in this case, social media to allegedly steal peoples identities, further his criminal enterprises, and to try and subvert the election process. The D.A. added he is grateful to Nelson for his great efforts. Said Rose, I am outraged at Mr. Luthmanns consistent efforts to deceive and mislead the voting public. Criminal impersonation, especially in the age of social media, is a real threat to our democracy, and should be prosecuted as such. I look forward to seeing justice done in this case, and I hope it discourages future wrongdoers. Speaking on Maternas behalf, her lawyer Andrew Stengel said, Janine and I are pleased that the special prosecutor and grand jury agreed that Mr. Luthmann committed fairly serious election-related crimes against her. Gulino declined comment. Luthmann, who once challenged a lawsuit foe to a trial by combat, is currently undergoing medical treatment and a mental health evaluation for his federal case. The results of the exam have not been revealed, according to statements made in court at Thursdays arraignment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police announced Wednesday that no information points to a crime being committed in the case of a woman found dead Sunday in the woods of Richmond Valley. Yelena Rabkinas death continues to be investigated Wednesday night, and a cause of death has not been determined, according to a statement from Assistant Chief Patrick Conry, commanding officer of the NYPD office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Thus far we have uncovered no information that points to a crime having occurred, Conry said in the statement. Missing for over a week, Rabkinas naked, burned and partially-decomposed body was discovered by two teenagers at around 1 p.m. Sunday in Long Pond Park, according to law enforcement sources. Conry added that the cause of the fire that left her burned is still under investigation. The city Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completed an initial autopsy, but was unable to determine a cause of death. Rabkina was lying face down on the ground with burn marks to her upper body. Her upper back, hair and arms were charred and an accelerant was found near her body, sources with knowledge of the investigation previously told the Advance. Rabkina had mental-health issues and was reported missing by her family prior to her death, according to various sources. Efforts were made to find Rabkina via social media. My best friend has been missing since 8 a.m. Sunday, November 18th, said a Facebook post by Anastasia Vasilchuk. Her phone has been off for the past four days and there is really no way to track her down. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. This tax preparer is giving back in a big way. In fact, Thomas Falkowski, 48, must pay $50,000 in restitution to the state for fudging tax returns on Staten Island, said officials. Falkowski, of Wall Township, N.J., pleaded guilty on Nov. 9 in Criminal Court to a misdemeanor count of tax fraud, said Nonie Manion, acting commissioner of the state Department of Taxation and Finance. Falkowski worked out of an office on the 300 block of Clarke Avenue in Richmond, officials said. He filed tax returns with inflated itemized deductions, including ones for charitable contributions, said authorities. The defendant was arrested earlier this year by investigators from the Tax Departments Criminal Investigations Division and detectives from the district attorneys office. In exchange for his plea, Falkowski was sentenced to a conditional discharge and payment of restitution. He also surrendered his New York state tax-preparers license and is barred from preparing and filing New York state tax returns. Tax preparers who engage in theft and fraud take money out of the pockets of hardworking Staten Islanders, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon in a statement. My offices Economic Crimes Bureau will continue working closely with the New York State Tax Department to hold these individuals accountable for their crimes. Manion said her agency works diligently year-round to protect taxpayers from unscrupulous tax preparers. His lawyer, Gerald Allen, said he has met all conditions of his plea. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 51-year-old Ocean Township man with ties to Staten Island was charged Thursday morning in the murder of his younger brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew, who were found dead after a fire broke out at their home in Colts Neck, according to NJ.com. Charges against Paul Caneiro have been upgraded to four counts of murder in the killing of Keith Caneiro, 50, Jennifer, 45, and the couples two children, according to Advance sister website NJ.com. Keith Caneiro and his family were discovered dead on Nov. 20 after authorities responded to a fire at their luxury home in Colts Neck, N.J. Paul Caneiro, formerly of Tottenville, also has been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, according to NJ.com. The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office has scheduled a press conference for Thursday morning to discuss developments in the case. Keith Caneiro, was found with a fatal gunshot wound outside his home on Willow Brook Road, authorities previously said. Jennifer Caneiro, and the couples two children, Jesse, 11, and Sophia, 8, were found inside the home, according to NJ.com. Hours before authorities responded to the Colts Neck blaze, authorities allege Paul Caneiro set fire to his own Tilton Drive house in the Wayside section of Ocean Township while his wife and two daughters were inside. The Paul Caneiro family was able to escape unharmed. The Caneiro brothers, and Jennifer, whose maiden name is Karidis, all have ties to Staten Island. Public records indicate they all have previous addresses in the boroughs South Shore before moving to New Jersey, and family that still lives on the Island. Attempts to contact those family members have been unsuccessful. Keith Caniero served as the best man in his brothers wedding, according to Advance records. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The neighborhood of Mariners Harbor sits along the Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull at the northwest corner of Staten Island. The community is diverse and rich in maritime history. Its prosperity has grown or declined with the wave of waterfront activities. During the 1920s, some of the best of times, there were at least 18 working shipyards employing about 6,800 people, according to public records. In the mid-1900s, the oyster collecting and fishing activities declined due to pollution. However, the Mariners Harbor Yacht Club survives as a reminder of the community's nautical past. An interesting note: Erastus Wiman, a Canadian journalist and businessman, moved to the United States and was best known as a developer on Staten Island in 1867. Wiman saw great potential in his new borough and he believed that steady transportation would make Staten Island one of the citys most attractive boroughs. With this in mind, Wiman brokered a deal that gave the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad control of several ferry lines and the East Shore rail line. At this time, Wiman was also credited with developing an empty lot near a Mariners Harbor park, named for himself, to stage Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, which thousands attended via travel from the St. George Ferry Terminal onto the new rail line he helped establish. The towns name was changed to Mariners Harbor from Erastina soon after Erastus Wiman fell on hard times and met with public disapproval. Wiman died in 1904 after suffering a stroke. Mariners Harbor was filled with prominent shipping and dry dock companies in the early 1900s. One of the largest was Bethlehem Steel, which owned a substantial portion of land in the area, including land along the waterfront on Richmond Terrace, across from Mersereau Avenue and Brewers Dry Dock. Bethlehem Steel built Navy destroyers during World War II. Today, tugboat companies, such as the Kirby Off Shore Marine and Millers Launch West Yard, among others, continue to operate in the Mariners Harbor area. In recent years, a large number of shopping locations have been built along the stretch of Forest Avenue from Lake Avenue to South Avenue, revitalizing the area. In 2004, as the economy grew in the area, in came big name stores such as Lowes Home Improvement and Khols, with numerous fast food businesses. Mariners Harbor is home to the newest branch of the New York Public Library System. Located at 206 South Avenue, the library opened on Dec. 16, 2013, and serves about 30,000 people. The West Shore Little League and Public School 44 also are part of the neighborhood. There are many places of worship in this community -- a Baptist church, Catholic church, Seventh-day Adventist, Masjid Al Noor Islam Society, Methodist, and Pentecostal, to name a few. Mariners Harbor is also known for its stately waterfront homes, built in the early 19th century by sea captains that wanted to live near the water. It was called Captains Row. Some charming older homes still stand along main streets like South Avenue and Mersereau Avenue. There has been much activity in the housing market on the West Shore in the last decade. The sad part here is that builders will tear down a large Victorian home and build three or four smaller ones in its place. Yet, a few of the old sea captains houses endure along South Avenue and Richmond Terrace. There is also a special community of mobile homes along the side of the Staten Island Expressway as it heads over the Goethals Bridge called the Goethals community. The 128-home community of homes on wheels was formed in 1981. There are also two large apartment complexes, The Mariners Harbor Houses, built in 1954, and Arlington Terrace Apartments, built in 1976. Men and women who were born or grew up in the Mariners Harbor Houses have recently joined forces and created a group called The Office. Throughout the the year, they avail themselves to the youth of the neighborhood. They hope to be mentors, giving the youth the direction they need to move towards greater things and to follow a good path. The Office members say they can always use a hand from the community. Volunteers and funding are welcome. They are grateful for whatever help you can give. They can be reached at: theofficecrew1@gmail.com or by calling 347-609-8587. Hear them speak out in the attached video. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Port Richmond woman who set fire to the door of an occupied Elm Park home two months ago apologized to the court Thursday moments before she was sentenced to up to three years in prison for arson. Im sorry, Iyana Caldwell, 40, said. I know what I did was wrong. Caldwell started the fire at about 11:11 a.m. on Sept. 20, said a criminal complaint. The defendant lit up some paper and placed it near the exterior of the basement door of a residence on the 300 block of Morningstar Road, the complaint said. The door and doorframe caught fire, said the complaint. Caldwell then ignited some fabric which was hanging over the top of the door, the complaint said. No injuries are alleged. The defendant knew a woman who lived at the location, said police. Fire marshals investigated the incident and arrested the defendant on Oct. 4. Caldwell was indicted on charges of third-, fourth-, and fifth-degree arson, along with criminal mischief. Three weeks ago, the defendant pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to fourth-degree arson, a felony, to satisfy all charges against her. Under her agreement, Caldwell was sentenced to one to three years behind bars. Anthony Katchen, her lawyer, has declined comment on the case. Assistant District Attorney Mark Palladino prosecuted the case 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! The head of the embattled banking regulator, Wayne Byres, has told the royal commission it will let its bank supervisory team off the leash after telling them they need to ratchet up the mongrel. Mr Byres, who was giving evidence at the banking royal commission, also said the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority will also expand its supervisory remit to include regulation of all pay inside the big banks, including for frontline staff, after concluding that poor remuneration structures can lead to poor conduct. APRA chairman Wayne Byres giving evidence at the royal commission. Credit:Internet Mr Byres also revealed the Commonwealth Bank and APRA had been at loggerheads over a number of issues during its 2017 culture review of the bank. He admitted that APRA should have acted sooner on CBAs executive pay structures before the companys record-making 2016 shareholder strike against its remuneration report, but said it decided to back off after the strike because the bank board was "despondent". He also revealed he did not know what good remuneration looked like and that APRA lacked expertise on this front. Patagonia, the outdoor gear company, is passing along the $US10 million ($13.7 million) it saved from tax cuts to non-profit environmental groups. Corporations received a windfall from the GOP's sweeping overhaul of the US tax code last year, which slashed corporate rates from 35 per cent , to 21 per cent. Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard says the Trump administration's attitude towards the environment is "pure evil.". Credit:Shutterstock The California company said Wednesday that the donation is in addition to 1 per cent of sales it gives to environmental groups every year. The donation is being made on the heels of the recent National Climate Assessment, which Patagonia cited in its announcement. "Our government continues to ignore the seriousness and causes of the climate crisis. It is pure evil," said Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder. Voters gave the Victorian Liberal Party a thrashing in Saturdays election, but the partys financial fortunes have been significantly boosted by the record setting sale of its six-storey city headquarters for $37.1 million. One of the worlds largest luxury brands has come to the Liberals financial rescue purchasing the party headquarters at 104 Exhibition Street for a record land rate of $84,126 per square metre. Colliers Internationals Daniel Wolman, who handled the transaction with Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay, would not disclose the company behind the purchase. The final bidder was a very high-end luxury retail brand who have purchased the building with plans to owner-occupy for their Melbourne headquarters, Mr Wolman said. News Corp Australia has launched an investigation into its own staff to find the source of the leak of sensitive personal salary and redundancy details of senior staff, according to a second embarrassing leak in as many days. The Herald revealed on Wednesday that a staff member had, by accident, widely emailed sensitive personal details of pay and redundancy provisions of senior staff members, including the $357,000 salary of The Australian's prominent economics columnist Judith Sloan. Shock to staff: Professor Judith Sloan, whose $357,000 salary was revealed in the leak. Credit:Louie Douvis News Corp blamed human error. Staff at Rupert Murdoch's Australian operations reported shock at the size of the salary of their colleague at a time that the company is laying off staff. Retail Food Group's new chairman has conceded that the cafe, doughnut and pizza giant's performance is unsustainable and it will look to sell assets, and possibly raise capital, so it can pay down debt. The owner of Gloria Jeans, Donut King, Brumby's Bakery and Crust pizza fell to a $306.7 million loss last year, and the value of its shares have fallen from $4.51 a year ago to 38 on Thursday. Retail Food Group said it will look to sell assets so it can pay down debt. Credit:Patrick Commins RFG has been under pressure since a Fairfax Media investigation revealed the company's business model had sent many of its franchisees to the wall financially, while raising questions about the value of RFG's brands and the quality of its performance. "There is much work to be done at RFG, and I think it is important that I acknowledge the enormity of this turnaround," said Peter George, a corporate turnaround expert who was appointed executive chairman earlier this month. Coca-Cola Amatil will look to sell its loss-making SPC fruit and tomato business in Victoria, four years after winning a taxpayer funded lifeline to keep open its factory in Shepparton. The soft-drink giant said the decision followed a "strategic review" of the business which posted a $10 million loss last year. The move coincides with the end of a four-year investment of $78 million by CCA and $22 million from the Victorian government designed save the jobs of around 500 people who work for the manufacturer, mostly from the Goulburn Valley. SPC's Shepparton factory employs around 500 workers. Credit:Vince Caligirui It also came as investors smashed the company as it revealed it was struggling with a number of issues including poor performance in its Indonesian arm and rising costs. Its share price sank 14.55 per cent on Friday to close at $8.63. An epic struggle between the United States and China for control of the technologies that will dominate our future is unfolding- and investors are being caught in the crossfires. The G20 summit will kick off this weekend in Argentina, against a backdrop of simmering, tech-related tensions between the world's two superpowers. A meeting is scheduled between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 conference in Buenos Aires later this month. Credit:AP US President Donald Trump this week threatened to impose tariffs on a range of tech imports from China including iPhones and laptops. Meanwhile, a key US government body proposed restricting exports on a range of emerging, advanced technologies that could be essential to the country's national security. The tensions appear to be about trade, but analysts believe they are really about much more than that. China's tech sector is viewed as a strategic threat to the US, and there is also a belief in Washington that the country has engaged in industrial espionage against American companies. Government schools across Australia will be shortchanged by hundreds of millions of dollars because of a loophole in the recent funding deal. NSW's new agreement with the Commonwealth will for the first time let it count some of the money it spends on building maintenance and on running the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) towards its contribution to the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes says school maintenance and examination authority NESA are essential to students' learning. Credit:Peter Rae The only other state that has so far signed an agreement, South Australia, can now include money it spends on school transport, depreciation and exam authorities as part of its SRS contribution. Other states and territories are expected to strike similar deals. The cross-sector working group that originally decided the expenses that could be counted towards the standard ruled that depreciation, transport, payroll tax and umbrella services should not qualify because they did not directly contribute to teaching. Eric Bana will act in his first Australian movie since 2007's Romulus, My Father, starring as Aaron Falk in the feature adaptation of Jane Harper's bestselling novel The Dry. Robert Connolly, who produced Romulus, will direct, from a script he has co-written with Harry Cripps (co-writer with Tim Minchin of the ill-fated Dreamworks animated movie Larrikins). "I'm still getting over the fact that I can actually wake up in my own bed and achieve something then go back to my own bed at night," says Bana, who is based in Melbourne but primarily works in the US. "It's unbelievable. It's an absolute novelty to me that I cannot get enough of." The Dry has been a publishing phenomenon. It won the Victorian Premier's literary award for an unpublished manuscript in 2015 and has since been published in 37 countries. It picked up the Ned Kelly award for best first crime fiction in 2017, the Sunday Times crime book of the year award the same year, and was voted best crime and thriller in the 2018 British Book Awards. Actor Samuel Johnson has hit out at the lack of diversity on Australian screens, labelling local TV a "blandfest". The Gold Logie winner said he's "uninspired" to return to acting, after spending years away from the industry to campaign for cancer research funding on behalf of his sister Connie, who died in September 2017. Johnson, 40, said the local industry had "globalised" and left actors who didn't fit the Hollywood superhero mould struggling to find work. "These poor actors left in this country that are working... It's pretty much every actor I ever knew is down to about 30 days a year," Johnson told Brisbane Hit105's breakfast show hosts Stav Davidson, Matty Acton and Lise Carlaw. As storm cells took hold of Sydney on Wednesday, with a warning of hazardous surf, Collaroy residents braced for a repeat of the eight-metre swells which swept parts of their homes away in a disastrous king tide in 2016. For Tony Cargorski, Wednesday's wild weather caused "really big waves" and a sense of "deja-vu" after he lost metres off his multimillion-dollar property in the disaster two years ago. "The whole backyard was gone, the living area was gone, deck gone and the house was almost tilted over," he said. The aftermath of the Collaroy 2016 king tide. Credit:DEAN LEWINS A repeat of the 2016 king tide which eroded huge sections of his and his neighbours' beachfront properties is "always on our minds" he said. Doctors who perform unnecessary physical examinations on patients could be engaging in sexual assault and risk facing criminal charges under tougher rules announced by the Medical Board of Australia. In its revised Sexual Boundaries in the Doctor-Patient Relationship guidelines, which take effect on December 12, the health regulator has, for the first time, given explicit parameters for physical examinations and social media use. The Medical Board of Australia has released guidelines on sexual boundaries. It said "unwarranted physical examinations" or "inappropriate touching" may constitute sexual assault and health authorities would ensure reports of "criminal behaviour" reached the police. "This includes conducting or allowing others, such as students, to conduct examinations on anaesthetised patients, when the patient has not given explicit consent for the examination," it reads. Ellie De Landre-Line is a little girl with some big ideas. The seven-year-old student from Jerrabomberra Public School is taking one of her amazing thoughts Australia-wide. Jerrabomberra Public School year 1/2 students with teachers Jane Taylor and Peta Kenningham and seven-year-old Ellie De Landre-Line (front) wearing yellow for Annabelle Potts. Credit:Shell Hanrahan She would like every child in every school across the nation to wear yellow in honour of Canberra's Annabelle Potts, who is battling brain cancer, and to raise money for the Isabella and Marcus Foundation, which is focused on finding a cure for the insidious disease. She's calling her campaign the Wear it Yellow for Annabelle School Challenge. And why yellow? Same-sex couple Charlotte and Hayley Fitzpatrick were married in March 2018. Credit:Timeless Creations They were high school sweethearts, so to speak, meeting when they were in year 11, with Charlotte knowing Hayley was the one for her very early on. Their friendship developed into something more after about two and a half years. They moved in together within two weeks of being in a relationship, and were engaged within 18 months. Their March wedding fell in the most popular month for same sex couples to get married, with 23 per cent of all marriages happening in that month. The couple was not going to wait until the laws passed to get married, with their nuptials originally planned as a commitment ceremony before the laws were changed. While they wanted to get married because of the practicalities, especially once they decide to have children, they had also wanted a big white wedding. Loading "The piece of paper itself, I didn't really realise how important it was until I could do it," Hayley said. That piece of paper now takes pride of place in their dining room. They preferred to stay away from the debate in the lead up to the plebiscite, finding it difficult to know people were debating their private life around water coolers across the country. "Everyone knew we were getting married, and they were debating whether we should be allowed to or not. It was really difficult to have an input, so I stayed quiet through most of it," Hayley said. While they don't face overt opposition to their relationship, they believe there is still a way to go to normalising same sex relationships. A wedding photo sits on Charlotte's desk. Hayley is mistaken for anyone and everyone - sister, twin, bridesmaid - except her wife. Hayley and Charlotte's celebrant Michelle Bailey said most of the other same-sex marriages she had officiated since the laws changed had been female couples, having so far married six female couples and one male couple. She said the initial thought that there was going to be a flurry of same-sex marriages never quite eventuated. She said the ages of the couples she had married varied from those in their mid-20s, like Hayley and Charlotte, to people in their 70s - whose relationships were once vilified but could now marry the person they love. Loading "It was more that you could now say, 'no thank you, I don't want to be married' [rather] than being told 'no you can't'," Michelle said. "From a celebrant's point of view weddings have not changed. I am embracing the fact that I can take the marriage journey with all couples now. Two bull arab crosses named Shakira and Boost will be put down after they escaped and attacked a pug walking with its owner in Charnwood, a tribunal ordered. A tribunal ordered the two dogs be put down. Credit:Jessica Shapiro It took five adults to end the January attack on Pugley, during which a neighbour who had been enjoying a quiet smoke on his verandah before jumping up to help was wounded on the head. Domestic animal services later seized the two dogs as well as Shakiras five puppies at their owners home. The animal services registrar said neither dog should be returned to their owner; and decided Shakira should be destroyed and Boost should be sold. After artist Brenda Croft's Belconnen storage unit was broken into on Tuesday night, things went from bad to worse. Croft lost an artwork that was entered in the Hindmarsh Prize at the Canberra Glassworks in 2017, along with deeply personal items including her grandmothers walking stick, toys that belonged to her deceased brother and letters. Canberra artist and ANU professor Brenda Croft recovering in hospital after breaking her leg on the night she discovered her artwork stolen from a local storage unit. Credit:Karleen Minney Then on Wednesday, on her way back to her home in Hawker after discovering the robbery, Croft, a prominent Canberra artist and curator, fell and broke her hip. She is now in hospital. Croft is an Indigenous artist from the Northern Territory and has lived in Canberra on and off since the 1970s. She works at the ANU as an associate professor of Indigenous art history and curatorship. Has there been a spectacular bust-up between the National Party and one of its biggest backers, Canberra lobbyist Michael Kauter? In a bizarre twist, NSW Nationals boss Ross Cadell sicced debt collectors from Slater Byrne on Kauters Strategic Political Counsel lobby shop to recover $18,000 owed for the sponsorship of last years state conference in Broken Hill. We hear the dogs have been called off, but not before Kauter told Cadell to f--- off. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: Kauter, a well-known face at National Party events and a close friend of former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyces wife Natalie, is said to be on the more generous end of the field when it comes to donations to parties and organisations. A third of people think rape results from men not being able to control their need for sex, a major survey of 17,500 Australians has revealed. And more than 40 per cent of Australians think its common for sexual assault accusations to be used as a way of getting back at men. Saxon Mullins says some of the survey's findings are heartening. Credit:Janie Barrett And about a third of people believe if a woman sends a nude image to her partner, she is partly responsible if he shares it without her permission. Loading Acciona Infrastructure Australia managing director Bede Noonan said there was a risk the project could be later than its latest formal date for completion of May 2020 which is 14 months later than originally planned due to work by Ausgrid that it had no control over. "There is a risk that it could be later than May 2020. There are a range of operations that need to occur to get completion of the project," he told the inquiry. "It is absolutely not possible for any contractor to achieve first quarter [of next year]." Overhead power lines on Anzac Parade at Kingsford and Kensington need to be taken down to allow Acciona to complete civil construction of the line. Mr Noonan cited as an example of the challenges a "significant failure" on Tuesday night when Ausgrid was due to carry out work on Anzac Parade but the power company's staff could not do so because they turned up without planning permits. Loading "We are unable to force them to do anything. This failure of which was Tuesday of this week was planned three months ago," he said. "We have no idea when Ausgrid are going to be able to come back. It is very disappointing. I am sure it's not deliberate." Acciona is suing the state's transport agency for $1.1 billion for allegedly failing to reveal that it had not secured the agreement of Ausgrid on how crucial cables under the route should be handled. The prospect of Acciona seeking to recoup the additional expense could push the final cost to the state beyond $3 billion. It emerged from a report by the Auditor-General this week that Transport for NSW is in the process of preparing a revised final cost for the project. Mr Noonan told the inquiry it was a fact that Transport for NSW had in its possession an "extremely important document" known as the Ausgrid guidelines in early February 2015. Loading But the agency did not provide them to the consortium of which Acciona is a partner until February 27, 2015, after the final contract had been signed, which Mr Noonan described as a "very significant mistake" by Transport for NSW. "Receiving these Ausgrid guidelines after contract signing was like Transport for NSW dropping a bomb on us," he said. "Our head of utilities who attended all of the pre-contract workshops ... wrote in an email in March 2015 that the guidelines are a 'crap the pants' document." Mr Noonan said Acciona would not have signed the contract to build the line if its consortium had received the Ausgrid guidelines beforehand. The effect of withholding the guidelines was to render everything agreed and discussed during the tender process "completely null and void", he said. But Transport for NSW secretary Rodd Staples disputed the Acciona chief's comments to the inquiry, saying the contractor had signed an amended deed about a month after receiving the Ausgrid guidelines in February 2015, and had always been aware of the risks from the utilities. Loading "Ultimately it is going to have to be the court that will have to determine the differences," he said. "It is an extremely unusual circumstance that we have here." While the state's budget for the project remained $2.1 billion, Mr Staples said the agency had "indicated that it is likely to change". However, the final cost would not be known until both the court case and claims over modifications were concluded. Mr Staples also said the agency's latest estimate was for the line to be completed in March 2020, and there was a chance parts of it could be opened before then. NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts has warned the housing development industry it risks losing its "social licence" to operate if it does not do more to restore trust with the public. Mr Roberts told a lunch hosted by the Housing Industry Association on Wednesday that the industry needed to confront public scepticism if it were to be able to build the "houses and towns" of tomorrow. Planning Minister Anthony Roberts. Credit:Janie Barrett In making this argument, Mr Roberts tried to reconcile the government's position last year - that it needed to increase housing supply to reduce pressure on prices - with its current position - that a migration slowdown is needed. "Whereas last year, we said quite clearly and plainly that the only meaningful housing affordability measure was to increase supply, the public debate, the political debate, has jumped to an admittedly logical conclusion that an alternative policy is to not have so many people to house, feed, move and keep safe," Mr Roberts said. John Jarratt has been committed to stand trial over an allegation of rape from 1976. The Wolf Creek actor, 66, was charged in August with sexually assaulting a woman he had lived with in a share house at Randwick in Sydney's east. He will face a trial in the NSW District Court next year, after appearing at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday. Jarratt, who has pleaded not guilty, did not speak to journalists outside court. A car that crashed into a primary school in Sydney's northern suburbs minutes before pick-up time on Thursday was allegedly being driven by a teenage boy and under police pursuit. Eastwood Public School was placed in lockdown and police swarmed the area after the driver of a Honda Odyssey, who police say was a 15-year-old boy, crashed into the front fence of the school and proceeded to flee the scene on foot. Police said information suggested that two other males were in the car at the time and inquiries were continuing to identify and locate those males Car crashed through the school fence just 20 minutes before students were released for the day. Credit:Seven News Police have since revealed officers had attempted to stop the driver at West Ryde and then launched a pursuit, chasing the car until it crashed into a Holden Commodore and the fence of the school on Shaftsbury Road at Eastwood about 2.50pm. Thousands of people across Queensland have been forced to abandon their homes as bushfires rage across the state. About 130 fires were burning on Thursday afternoon, with people urged to evacuate in several communities near Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay. Volunteer firefighter Chloe Hines captured eerie images of blazes in Carnarvon National Park on Wednesday night. Credit:Chloe Hines About 3pm, residents in the small town of Tinnanbar, south-east of Maryborough, were told it was too late to leave and their best option was to shelter in place as driving would be extremely dangerous. Residents of Winfield and Captain Creek, north of Bundaberg; Stanwell, Kabra, Alton Downs and The Caves, near Rockhampton; and Broken River, near Mackay, were all urged to evacuate. Most Australians were unfamiliar with Ukraine until the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. Thirty-eight Australians were among the 298 passengers murdered when a Russian mobile rocket launcher destroyed this civilian airliner flying over Eastern Ukraine. The Joint Investigative Team, in which Australia participated, reported in May that the Buk missile from the 53rd Brigade of the Russian army crossed into disputed Ukraine from the Russian Federation. Both then and now Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin have displayed a cruel indifference to the Russian Federations role in causing these tragic and unnecessary deaths of citizens from around the world. Women amid the debris of downed flight MH17 in East Ukraine. Credit:Kate Geraghty The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada have responded to Russias increasing international aggression with a democratic response called the Magnitsky legislation. These laws confront Russian and other authoritarian countries corruption and human rights abuses by imposing bars on visa entry, the moving of funds and the education of the families of perpetrators. Partially in response to Russias insolent indifference to the murder of our citizens by its army, I am moving an Australian version of the Global Magnitsky Act as a private members bill on Monday in the House of Representatives. Magnitsky Acts are becoming a new weapon in the West to sanction government officials and others connected with authoritarian governments who engage in serious human rights abuses and corruption in their own countries. As someone who works in higher education, there is a very good reason we dont let students mark their own exams. It would hardly lead to reliable results. Which is why its surprising the Australian Human Rights Commission has allowed universities to self-report their actions in response to the 2017 university sexual assault and harassment survey. End Rape on Campus founder Sharna Bremner. Credit:David Mariuz Herein lies the problem. Asking universities to report the steps theyve taken to address an issue that theyve tried to sweep under the rug for decades was never going to result in transparency, or truthfulness. Unsurprisingly, independent reviews of university policies and procedures have revealed some stark discrepancies between what they have been self-reporting and whats really happening on our campuses. Take the University of Canberra. In 2017, it reported to the AHRC that it had committed to implementing and overseeing projects that would enhance a safe and respectful community. But an independent review by Elizabeth Broderick & Co in 2018 found that the committee had no clear terms of reference, lacked adequate resources to fulfil its mandate, and suggested that the committee was not a priority for the University. Similarly, in August 2018, Swinburne University reported to the AHRC that details of incidents of sexual assault and harassment were confidentially maintained. However, an independent review conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and released the following month found that no less than four different IT systems were being used to record incidents, including Excel spreadsheets, that were not fit for purpose for securely storing sensitive information. A Wodonga man charged after allegedly engaging in a police pursuit with a 10-month-old in the backseat of a car has failed to front court, with his lawyer stating his client was too injured to attend. Luke Teahu Robin, 25, was due to front Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Thursday after he was arrested by members of the Special Operations Group on the Hume Highway near Donnybrook, north of Melbourne, about 6pm Tuesday. The hunt for Mr Robin had begun in Mentone six hours earlier. Luke Robin faces 12 charges over events on Tuesday. On Thursday the court heard Mr Robin suffered from schizophrenia and was facing 12 charges, including recklessly causing injury and failing to stop for police. The state government revealed its Christmas road safety initiative and the 2018 road fatality numbers this week in a visceral way with 145 empty pairs of shoes. Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts and Road Safety Commissioner Iain Cameron at Thursday's event. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar The shoes, belonging to men, women and children, were neatly arranged to spell out the number in front of the St Georges Cathedral on Thursday in a push to draw attention to the high number of deaths on WA roads. The move comes in the wake of two road crashes in Tardun and Nunile in recent days. A 19-year old Dianella women crossed the wrong side of the road while driving in Tardun on Wednesday, hit a dirt embankment and died at the scene, while on Thursday morning a man in his 20s crashed into a tree in Nunile and died. Canberra's clubs, unions and other non-profits would be exempt from a proposed ban on ACT property developers donating to political parties, under legislation introduced in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The narrowly-drawn ban is the first major electoral reform introduced this term, and has drawn the ire of the ACT Greens, who see it as a missed opportunity to introduce wider measures to strengthen electoral laws. Chief Minister Andrew Barr seems unlikely to act on wider electoral reforms, beyond the ban, this term. Credit:Karleen Minney Despite a 2016 select committee urging the government to act on many other measures, including a loophole the CFMEU used in 2016 to spend almost double the third-party expenditure cap, the government looks unlikely to close that loophole. Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay on Thursday introduced the government bill to enact the property developer donations ban, more than two years after Labor promised the ban during the 2016 election campaign. The Australian defence department left itself badly exposed to cyber attacks due to the poor security practices of its contractors, according to a highly classified review by former federal police chief Mick Keelty. In the 18 months since the review was completed, top military officials have scrambled to harden cyber security across the extended Defence network, after intelligence agencies indicated state-sponsored hackers mainly from China were penetrating the department using holes in its IT systems. The Defence department became badly exposed to hacking, mainly from China. Credit:Alamy The hackers are understood to have used procurement interfaces and email contact between contractors and department officials as a back door to enter Defences systems. Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton has confirmed the effort to improve cyber infrastructure, revealing the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had been tasked with helping Defence contractors improve security and combat intrusions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is vowing to act as a "friend and partner" to the United States and China at this weekends G20 summit in a bid to avert a growing trade war that threatens the global economy. Mr Morrison is joining other leaders in urging US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strike a deal on trade that can prevent $US267 billion in tariffs being imposed on China from January 1. Scott Morrison, then treasurer, on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in July. Credit:Bloomberg The Trump administration has already imposed $US250 billion in tariffs on China and is threatening to launch a second wave unless Mr Xi agrees to open up the Chinese economy to foreign investment and competition. In a plan that turns the gathering into a "G2" summit for one night, Mr Trump and Mr Xi are expected to meet at a working dinner on Saturday night, separate from the formal meeting of the worlds 20 biggest economies. Billionaires are becoming increasingly strategic in their philanthropy. They are not only giving to the poor but also looking for ways to deliver long-term change in our society. Frank Lowy blazed a trail when he endowed his foreign policy think-tank as did Andrew Forrest when he endowed a fund to fight global slavery. Judith Neilson has committed $100 million for a new journalism institute. Credit:Nic Walker Judith Neilson on Monday set a new precedent by pledging $100 million for "targeted funding and education" to "strengthen Australian journalism and help restore faith in its central role in a healthy democracy. The Herald welcomes the initiative, which is obviously close to our hearts, and wants to highlight what might be required to maximise the impact of this generous fund. The entry of non-profit organisations into the world of journalism is not new. In the Europe and the US, many newspapers including The Guardian and the Philadelphia Inquirer are operated as non-profit organisations. Some web-based news organisation such as Mother Jones are financed by donations and bequests. Australia already has a huge non-profit news organisation called the ABC and various think-tanks and journalism faculties also popularise research via online sites like The Conversation. The grim state of the Liberal Party is easy to see from a distance but still has the power to shock when cabinet ministers observe, almost casually, that some of their own side believe the government may have to be burnt to the ground. The idea is outlandish but real to some who believe their party has lost its way and will need a new conservative direction after losing the next election. Illustration: Andrew Dyson Credit: The Liberal Party would be purified in the flames of the election campaign and rise from the ashes of defeat. In this bizarre fantasy, more fitting for a Harry Potter novel than Australian politics, the phoenix would be stronger for the loss of those who were never the partys true believers. Muttered about more often than spoken aloud, this vision is a serious prospect for those who are resigned to defeat. On Sky News at night, you can hear the theory that the "broad church" of the Liberal Party is gone for good and that a formal divorce between moderates and conservatives is only a matter of time. Buenos Aires: President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Scott Morrison will hold a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina this weekend after earlier doubts the pair would have a chance to talk. The leaders will hold a "pull-aside" meeting in Buenos Aires, the White House confirmed on Friday, amid heightened global tensions around trade, the economy and security. The confirmation of the talks, to be held at about 5am on Saturday AEDT, came after Mr Trump issued a surprise decision, while travelling to Argentina on Air Force One, to cancel a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 because of the Russian seizure of Ukrainian ships and crew in the Black Sea. Prime Minister Scott Morrison exits his plane after landing in Buenos Aires for the G20 Summit in Argentina. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The move, hours after the meeting with Mr Putin had been confirmed, highlighted the challenge of securing any meeting with the US President but created an opportunity for the Australian talks. In a subsequent email Mr Mirabella said the party urgently needed rebranding. You should appreciate better than most the maxim that in politics, perception is reality and the perception is that Michael [Kroger] is the public face of the party and our party is almost terminally on the nose. In response to Mr Mirabellas email party treasurer David Mond suggested moving a motion of no confidence in the partys president and in his capacity as chair of the administrative committee, and asked those included on the email to second him. Liberal Party president Michael Kroger on election night Credit:AAP Whatever personal differences there may be around the table, we must be of one voice on this issue, Mr Mond said. I will say that for each one of you, this is a moment of truth. However, it is understood the motion was not put to the committee. One Liberal source said it was "a bit rich" that the Mirabellas were "talking about brand damage". Last night the Coalition was on track to win just 26 of 88 seats in the lower house of the Victorian Parliament. The distinct possibility that Hawthorn MP John Pesutto could lose his seat has devastated the party considering he was touted as a possible leadership candidate. Senior Liberal sources confirmed former opposition leader Matthew Guy urged the administrative committee to avoid "lynching" Mr Kroger and state director Nick Demiris, telling Wednesdays meeting the party needed to stick together. Mr Guy is also understood to have praised the team for the campaign effort, including what he described as an impressive advertising campaign as well as one of the most successful volunteer turn outs and ground game the party had run in recent years. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: But he was frank in describing what he saw as problems with the Liberal brand and the electorates overall perception of the party, which he said had suffered from the leadership instability of August and the dumping of Malcolm Turnbull. He told members at the table the party would soon be defunct if it didnt address problems within the Liberal brand. But Mr Guy was "unelectable", according to an angry email fired off on Thursday by failed Liberal candidate for Albert Park Andrew Bond. In his review of the campaign, Mr Bond said it became worryingly obvious that Matthew Guy was unelectable from phone calls with voters in the electorate. After a few weeks of making calls, I estimate approximately one in 10 people would respond unprompted that they could never vote for the Liberal Party whilst Matthew Guy was leader, he said. Mr Bond said numerous scandals and Mr Guys record as planning minister were regularly mentioned by voters. Loading The federal leadership crisis was merely "the final nail in the coffin", Mr Bond said, after a poorly run campaign with badly thought-out policies and messaging. "Would we have won if the federal leadership challenge didn't occur? Probably not, as much else went wrong post the leadership spill." Mr Bond said the opposition lost because it had lost its appeal to a core group of our supporters. This group are comfortable, asset rich, employed professionals or retirees, and small business owners. However they are also non-religious but not anti-religion, somewhat concerned about the environment but not Greens, and compassionate about their fellow humans, but not Social Justice Warriors. However, the bitterness in Federal Parliament since "ensured that right up to election day the idea that the Liberal Party is out of touch and dysfunctional was continually top of mind for many." He warned that some of the constituents who told him they would vote Liberal at state level made clear they would not vote Liberal at the federal election. London: A Japanese pilot, who was arrested at London's Heathrow airport as he prepared to fly an aircraft while more than nine times over the aviation alcohol limit, was jailed for 10 months on Thursday. First officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, was arrested on October 28 after the driver of a Heathrow airport crew bus smelled alcohol. Japanese pilot Katsutoshi Jitsukawa has been jailed for 10 months after failing a breath test just 50 minutes before a Japan Airlines flight from London to Tokyo on October 28. Credit:AP He failed a breath test less than an hour after he was due to have taken off in a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo on October 28, police said. He was arrested and pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London on November 1 to performing an aviation function with alcohol in his blood exceeding the prescribed legal limit. Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country, we've watched innocent people be killed. . . . We also have a crown prince who is out of control. Bob Corker, Republican The pressure is now squarely on Trump not just to dispatch Haspel to the Hill, but also to take concerted steps to hold the prince accountable before the Senate makes its next move, which is likely to come next week. "There's ways that the administration, even rhetorically, can help change the dynamic," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, a Republican, said shortly before the vote. He added that while "Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country, we've watched innocent people be killed. . . . We also have a crown prince who is out of control." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. March 2018: President Trump holds a chart highlighting $US12.5 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office. Credit:AP The White House and Senate have been tiptoeing toward a stand-off over Saudi Arabia for more than a year, as an increasing number of senators have backed efforts to halt certain arms sales or end other military support for the Saudi-led coalition battling Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. But the willingness to formally admonish Saudi Arabia grew after Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul and the Trump administration took what many have seen as only modest steps to pursue accountability. Loading If Trump takes more aggressive action over the weekend, it could keep senators such as Corker from voting to start a debate on the Yemen resolution. But with 63 senators on board now, it is unclear whether Trump can do enough to stop the Yemen resolution from proceeding. To date, Trump's deputies have shown no indication of planning to change course. Earlier Wednesday, both Pompeo and Mattis framed US. support for Saudi Arabia as a national security matter, even though Riyadh's conduct in Yemen's civil war has drawn international condemnation. Save the Children has said up to 85,000 Yemeni children may have died in the three-year-old conflict. Pompeo struck an unapologetic tone, arguing that without American involvement, the humanitarian crisis there and the threat posed to US interests and Americans "would be a hell of a lot worse." He also argued that the resolution could thwart negotiations to secure a ceasefire - an argument lawmakers disputed. "All we would achieve from an American drawdown is a stronger Iran and a reinvigorated ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula," said Pompeo, using an acronym for the Islamic State. "Try defending that outcome back home." In a Wednesday opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Pompeo characterised the reaction to Khashoggi's slaying as "Capitol Hill caterwauling and media pile-on." Pompeo did not mention Khashoggi in his prepared remarks to senators. Murdered: Journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Credit:AP Mattis lamented the journalist's killing while underscoring the need to continue a partnership with Saudi Arabia even as the airstrikes have killed tens of thousands of people, both civilians and rebels. "We are seldom free to work with unblemished partners," Mattis said. "Long-standing relationships guide but do not blind us. Saudi Arabia, due to geography and the Iranian threat, is fundamental to maintaining regional and Israeli security, and to our interest in Mideast stability." As pressure to reduce US military ties with the Saudis has increased, Riyadh has emphasised that it has other options, including with Russia. But lawmakers have tired of such strategic arguments, arguing that Trump should prioritice the defence of American human rights ideals - such as condemning the killing of a journalist - over the expedient of looking the other way. "I'm all for realpolitik, but that suggests that you accept the truth," Republican Senator Jeff Flake, , said of Khashoggi's death, adding that if Mohammed "wasn't directly involved, he certainly knew of it." The resolution, drafted by Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican Senator Mike Lee, seeks to invoke the War Powers Act to end USmilitary support for the Saudi-led coalition. If they are successful, it will be the first time since the act was passed in 1973 that it has been used to end a foreign operation - putting the Senate in somewhat uncharted legislative territory. New York: Of all the people likely to cause Donald Trump political pain, Michael Cohen would until recently have been at the very bottom of the list. The lawyer from Long Island joined the Trump Organisation in 2006 and quickly became known as Trump's "pit bull" because of his total devotion to his boss. He even once wrote a letter to the publishers of the satirical website The Onion demanding they remove an article poking fun at Trump. "If somebody does something Mr Trump doesn't like, I do everything in my power to resolve it to Mr Trump's benefit," he said in 2011. "If you do something wrong, I'm going to come at you, grab you by the neck and I'm not going to let you go until I'm finished." Maryland on Thursday asked the state's top court to reinstate the murder conviction of a man whose guilt was cast into doubt by the Serial podcast, dismissing claims his lawyer could have found another alibi witness as "an extraordinary leap". The man, Adnan Syed, who has been serving a life sentence since 2000, repeatedly tried to appeal his conviction on charges of murdering his former girlfriend, Hae Min Lee, before Chicago public radio station WBEZ's Serial uncovered new alibi evidence in 2014. Syed's current lawyers argued that his initial defence attorney, who died in 2004, did not defend him effectively because she failed to investigate claims that a friend, Asia McClain, saw Syed in a public library around the time that prosecutors said he strangled Lee. Representing the state, attorney Thiruvendran Vignarajah, dismissed the idea that attorney Cristina Gutierrez should have reached out to McClain because her story conflicted with Syed's account. Interviewing her would have required "an extraordinary leap", Vignarajah said. PHILIPSBURG:--- UNICEF Netherlands, together with government and civil society representatives will be conducting a Situation Analysis (SitAn) into the rights of children on Sint Maarten. The SitAn will concentrate on adversity and risk examining how vulnerability levels have changed among children and adolescents in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes and how the social protection systems including the child protection system have responded to these changes. The study will also analyze progress and remaining or new bottlenecks since the last study by UNICEF on the rights of children on St. Maarten published in 2013. The study will inform current and future policy-making on childrens rights and identify actions that should be taken by various stakeholders. Conducting the SitAn is UNICEFs consultant Paulette Nichols, who will be supported by a local SitAn Committee. The SitAn Committee, which was formed based on discussions with the Department of Youth of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, consists of ten government and civil society representatives. Government representation in the committee includes representatives from the youth, education, social development, child protection, and statistics departments. The committee members are responsible for ensuring government involvement throughout the entire SitAn process, supervising progress, and approving continuation of the study after each phase. The committee is also responsible for ensuring adequate reflection of the local context and involvement of key stakeholders. On Monday, November 26, to kick-start the process, UNICEF hosted a skills-building workshop for members of the SitAn Committee. During the workshop, Nichols delved further into research methods that will be utilized to conduct the SitAn. At the end of the workshop, the various committee members voiced their expectations and their commitment to provide support throughout the SitAn process. The engagement of this dedicated and competent SitAn Committee is indispensable to the valuable outcome of this study. Their cooperation ensures full ownership of findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations by key actors. UNICEF is pleased to facilitate this process and support stakeholders with gaining clarity on the current situation of children and what remains necessary to attain the full realization of their rights. La-Toya Charles, Project Leader of the studies at UNICEF Netherlands. The final SitAn report will be released in June 2019. The SitAn on Sint Maarten is funded by the Netherlands Red Cross. SitAns funded by the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations are also being conducted on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba within the same time-frame. The University of the Virgin Islands welcomes Dr. Joanne Sylvia Luciano to the Universitys College of Science and Mathematics. She will work in the department of Computer and Computational Sciences to develop curriculum in Data Science. This multidisciplinary field blends data inference, algorithm development, and technology in order to solve analytically complex problems. Data science is ultimately about using this data in creative ways to generate business value while being sensitive to and respectful of data privacy, data security, data stewardship and the ethical use of data. The incoming professor has so far proposed two new courses in Health Web Science and will be teaching a special topics course in Data Science this spring. We are very pleased to have Dr. Luciano working with us. She has been working with a team of faculty from computer science, mathematics, and business to submit a proposal to National Science Foundation (NSF) for support in developing interdisciplinary programs in Data Science, said the Dean of College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Sandra Romano. Their work is exciting and would provide some great opportunities in Data Science for our students. We're very much looking forward to Dr. Luciano working with us on Data Science projects that will provide a lot of interesting opportunities for both faculty and students. Lucianos research uses computational modeling and the World Wide Web to improve health care and advance medical discovery. Luciano is an experienced technology consultant to major hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The focus of my research is to create technologies that make it easy to do interdisciplinary by utilizing semantic technologies that maintain the context of data. There is an urgent need to shorten the time it takes to bring basic science research results to practice, and to get the clinical or field observations back to the research lab for further analysis, she said. To do this, technologies need to be in place that allow scientists to better represent, reuse, and communicate their data. As recent as this year, 2018, Dr. Luciano has been a Visiting Associate Professor at Indiana University, a post she held since 2016. As a faculty member of the School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, she taught courses in the Data Science Program. During her tenure, Dr. Luciano developed the curriculum for graduate courses in data science such as Data Science for Drug Discovery, Health and Translational Medicine, Real World Data Science with Eli Lilly and Company, Applied Data Science, and independent study courses with graduate students while she continued her research in Health Web Science and Precision Medicine. My students gain a competitive advantage because of my experiences in industry, government, and as an academic researcher, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving areas such as healthcare analytics, where research and teaching are closely intertwined, Dr. Luciano said. This is where the knowledge to be taught is changing rapidly; I know this well and update my curriculum each semester to reflect these changes. Dr. Luciano was a Research Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Web Science Research Laboratory at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2010-2013. While there, she founded the field of Health Web Science, initiated a multidepartment collaboration to integrate state-of-the-art technologies to deliver a personalized response to depression, a major health burden, and co-taught graduate courses in Advanced Semantic Technologies and Semantic e-Science. The new professor is a graduate of Boston University in Boston, Mass., where she obtained a Ph.D. in cognitive and neural systems in 1996, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1982. Prior to her enrollment at Boston University, Dr. Luciano earned her high school diploma from John Dewey High School, an experimental high school in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dr. Lucianos teaching experience spans over 41 years across Indiana University Bloomington, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Boston University, Metropolitan College and Boston University, College of Arts and Sciences. My students derive great benefit from the combination of my experience and knowledge, and the enthusiasm and sincerity of my teaching, said Dr. Luciano. Her wealth of research experience has also been from the professional domain. Over the past four decades, she has held directorship positions in both corporate and academic institutions from as early as 1982. The new faculty member has 15 years of service on several academic and professional boards between 2003-2018. She was the lead author of a book entitled Health Web Science, has two US Patents, published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, ontologies, presentations, tutorials, and information artifacts. In the humanities, Dr. Luciano is on the Advisory Board of We Did It For You! Womens Journey through History. Dr. Luciano has held lead roles in facilitating over seven successful grant applications. She has also mentored five graduate students and four undergraduate students who led successful research under her tutelage. She has also been the recipient of honors from distinguished institutions, one of which is being named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow Finalist in 2014. The UVI department of Computer and Computational sciences is committed to helping students excel academically and achieve productive careers in computing related fields through programs in academics, research and community service. Faculty are committed to lifelong learning and scientific research in their focus areas, academic and pedagogical advancement, and outreach to the local community through service and enhanced opportunities in computing and information technology related fields. New drill season hits high-grade shallow gold at Ndongo East Posted by Publisher Internet Highlights Significant new high-grade gold intersections from Ndongo East include: 3m @ 29.3 g/t Au from 45m in NDDD036 3m @ 4.1 g/t Au from 122m in NDDD037 Previous high-grade gold intersections from Ndongo East included: 9m @ 23.3 g/t Au from 60m in NDRC248* 7m @ 4.4 g/t Au from 14m in NDRC216* 6m @ 12.6 g/t Au from 2m in NDRC275* Gold mineralisation demonstrated over a strike length of approximately 1.2km at Ndongo East; RC drilling has encountered multiple intercepts of near-surface mineralisation; Further assay results expected from four diamond holes completed along the NE-SW structure that hosts high-grade gold discovered to date; Diamond drilling is ongoing and will continue to evaluate the strike and depth extension of the Ndongo East mineralised system; Multiple additional parallel mineralised structures striking NE-SW remain to be evaluated by drilling and provide high priority drill targets; Prospectivity of the area is greatly enhanced due to its proximity to the prolific Nangodi Shear Zone which is known to host major economic gold mineralisation ? including the historic Nangodi Gold Mine. * Refer to press releases dated 16 July 2018 and 29 August 2018 on Ndongo East Advanced West African gold developer, Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) (?Cardinal? or ?the Company? http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298369) is pleased to announce that first drilling results following the recent wet season have commenced strongly, hitting further high-grade and shallow gold mineralisation at the new Ndongo East discovery reported in mid-2018. ?Importantly, the Ndongo Prospecting License is located only ~24 km north of the Company?s Namdini Gold Project for which Cardinal declared a Maiden Probable Ore Reserve of 4.76Moz on the 18th of September 2018 (Figure 1). On 16 July and 29 August 2018, Cardinal reported several intersections of high-grade gold at its new Ndongo East discovery within the Ndongo Prospecting License and has now intersected further high-grade gold in recently completed diamond drilling of this exciting high-grade gold target. ?Drilling has recently re-commenced following the wet season and is planned to steadily ramp up as ground conditions improve and current drilling results are interpreted. Currently, Cardinal has one diamond rig continuing to evaluate Ndongo East. ?Best intercepts in the two new holes reported today include: 3m @ 29.3 g/t Au from 45m in NDDD036 3m @ 4.1 g/t Au from 122m in NDDD037 Cardinal?s Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director, Archie Koimtsidis commented: ?The Ndongo East discovery is particularly encouraging with the initial 450m strike length of strong, shallow gold mineralisation still open along strike and at depth (Figure 3). ?Beyond this initial mineralised zone, a further 750m of gold mineralisation has been intersected along strike, which currently extends overall gold mineralisation of the Ndongo East discovery to approximately 1.2km (Figure 2). ?We are increasingly encouraged at how Ndongo East is evolving, with the potential to add further high-grade gold ounces to our Maiden Probable Ore Reserve of 4.76Moz within the Namdini Gold Project located 24km to the south. ?The Ndongo East prospect lies within a larger target area of approximately 7km in length that has yet to be drill tested.? We have now recommenced drilling after the 2018 wet season with further results pending?. Ndongo Prospecting License The Ndongo Prospecting License covers an area of 295 km2 and is considered highly prospective for the discovery of economic gold mineralisation associated with the prolific Nangodi Shear Zone, a splay fault off the main regional-scale Bole-Bolgatanga Shear.? Elsewhere, the Nangodi Shear Zone is spatially related to no fewer than four gold discoveries, including the Company?s Namdini Gold Project with a 4.76Moz Probable Reserve, the Shaanxi Gold Mine, the historic Nangodi Gold Mine and the 2.1 Moz Youga Gold Mine in Burkina Faso, adjacent to the Ghanaian border.? In addition, there are numerous historic shallow artisanal workings along many parts of this shear zone ~15 to 20 km north of the Namdini Gold Project (Figure 1). Ndongo East Prospect The Ndongo East Prospect is located within NE-SW trending Birimian metavolcanics and metasediments. ?Gold mineralisation is developed mostly along diorite-granodiorite contact zones where competency contrasts create brittle fracturing allowing the ingress and precipitation of gold mineralising fluids (Figures 2 and 3). ?The mineralised horizons contain variable chlorite-silica-carbonate-sericite alteration with sulphides (mainly pyrite with very minor arsenopyrite). Previously announced drilling intersected higher-grade mineralised structures concentrated in the northern portion of the shear zone, over a 450m strike length with coincident gold-in-soil and geophysical targets. ?Subsequent RC drilling along fence lines further to the southwest along strike and at depth to test for mineralisation has proven encouraging with further high-grade intercepts within the mineralised structures. ?This indicates that the mineralised system is open along a NE-SW strike and at depth with multiple mineralised intersections. ?The furthest drill fence to the southwest intersected 2m at 27.0 g/t Au from 10m downhole in NDRC247 which suggests a strike potential up to 1.2km of mineralised structures. (refer to Cardinal?s ASX/TSX Press Release 29 August 2018 ?Cardinal Extends Ndongo East Discovery Strike Length?). Additional diamond drilling is continuing at Ndongo East to test the strike and depth extents of the mineralised system and to evaluate the structural components of the various lithological units. Drill holes for this release are detailed in Schedule 1, Tables 1 and 2 below. ABOUT CARDINAL Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) is a West African gold?focused exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa. The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project with a Maiden Ore Reserve of 4.76Moz and is now advancing the feasibility study. Exploration programmes are also underway at the Company?s Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects. Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Maiden Ore Reserve of 18 September 2018. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. For further information contact: Archie Koimtsidis? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? CEO / MD? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Cardinal Resources Limited? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? P: +61 8 6558 0573? Alec Rowlands? IR / Corp Dev?? Cardinal Resources Limited ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? P: +1 647 256 1922 Bettina Filippone? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Renmark Financial Communications Inc? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? E: bfilippone@renmarkfinancial.com? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? P: +1 416 644 2020 or +1 514 939 3989???? Peta Baldwin / Andrew Rowell? Cannings Purple E: pbaldwin@canningspurple.com.au????????????????? P: +61 455 081 008 (PB) / +61 400 466 226 (AR) In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch ? www.resource-capital.ch Competent Person?s / Qualified Person?s Statement The information in this press release is based on information prepared by Mr. Paul Abbott, a full-time employee of Cardinal Resources, who is a member of the Geological Society of South Africa. Mr. Abbott has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ?Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves?. The information in this press release has been compiled and reviewed by Mr. Richard Bray, a Registered Professional Geologist with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Mr. Ekow Taylor, a Chartered Professional Geologist with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.? Mr. Bray and Mr. Taylor have more than five years? experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which is being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ?Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves? and as a Qualified Person as defined by the NI43-101 instrument.? Mr. Bray and Mr. Taylor are full-time employees of Cardinal and hold equity securities in the Company.? Mr. Bray and Mr. Taylor have consented to the inclusion of the matters in this report based on the information in the form and context in which it appears. Disclaimer This ASX / TSX press release has been prepared by Cardinal Resources Limited (ABN: 56 147 325 620) (?Cardinal? or ?the Company?).? Neither the ASX or the TSX, nor their regulation service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release contains summary information about Cardinal, its subsidiaries and their activities, which is current as at the date of this press release.? The information in this press release is of a general nature and does not purport to be complete nor does it contain all the information, which a prospective investor may require in evaluating a possible investment in Cardinal. By its very nature exploration for minerals is a high?risk business and is not suitable for certain investors.? Cardinal?s securities are speculative.? Potential investors should consult their stockbroker or financial advisor.? There are a number of risks, both specific to Cardinal and of a general nature which may affect the future operating and financial performance of Cardinal and the value of an investment in Cardinal including but not limited to economic conditions, stock market fluctuations, gold price movements, regional infrastructure constraints, timing of approvals from relevant authorities, regulatory risks, operational risks and reliance on key personnel and foreign currency fluctuations. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded and subject to applicable law, each of Cardinal?s officers, employees and advisors expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this press release and excludes all liability whatsoever (including in negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this Announcement or any error or omission here from. Except as required by applicable law, the Company is under no obligation to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this press release or any other information made available to a person nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.? Recipients of this press release should make their own independent assessment and determination as to the Company?s prospects, its business, assets and liabilities as well as the matters covered in this press release. Forward?looking statements Certain statements contained in this press release, including information as to the future financial or operating performance of Cardinal and its projects may also include statements which are ?forward?looking statements? that may include, amongst other things, statements regarding targets, anticipated timing of the feasibility study (FS) on the Namdini project, estimates and assumptions in respect of mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, production and prices, recovery costs and results, capital expenditures and are or may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other conditions. These ?forward ? looking statements? are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Cardinal, are inherently subject to significant technical, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results reflected in such forward?looking statements. Cardinal disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to any forward?looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, circumstances or results or otherwise after today?s date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than required by the Corporations Act and ASX and TSX Listing Rules. The words ?believe?, ?expect?, ?anticipate?, ?indicate?, ?contemplate?, ?target?, ?plan?, ?intends?, ?continue?, ?budget?, ?estimate?, ?may?, ?will?, ?schedule? and similar expressions identify forward?looking statements. All forward?looking statements made in this press release are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned that forward?looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward?looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Southeast Asia Electronics Supply Chain Set Sights Towards Smart Manufacturing KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29, 2018 (ACN Newswire) Southeast Asia is a region that is fast developing. It has evolved from an agricultural society to one of the fastest growing regions in the world within the span of a century. One of the main drivers of such growth is Southeast Asia\-\-s position as a cost competitive manufacturing hub. Removing cost out of operations is key to cost competitiveness. As Southeast Asia continues to accelerate human capital value add, the key to retain a cost-efficient manufacturing hub will need to be abstracted from higher productivity and yield. To that end, Southeast Asia E&E manufacturing is setting its sight on digital technologies related to Industry 4.0. A report by McKinsey & Company highlighted that Southeast Asia needs to embrace Industry 4.0 to unlock its potential in manufacturing. It claims that disruptive technologies associated with Industry 4.0 would have an impact on productivity on a similar scale that the introduction of the steam engine had during the first Industrial Revolution. Globally, if the digital technologies of Industry 4.0 were to be embraced and integrated efficiently, it is forecasted that it could contribute between US$1.2 trillion and US$3.7 trillion in gains. According to Ng Kai Fai, President of SEMI Southeast Asia, \We see a rise in Southeast Asia countries embracing smart manufacturing or Industry 4.0. Hitachi opened a smart factory hub in Thailand a few months ago. Singapore launched the world first\-\-s Smart Industry Readiness Index to catalyse the transformation of industrial sectors during this 4th Industrial Revolution. India launched the Make in India initiative to encourage MNCs and other companies to manufacture their products in India. The new government of Malaysia in its recent Budget 2019 tabling, announced a National Policy on Industry 4.0 named Industry4WRD, to support the industry\-\-s efforts to rely more on technology and less on capital and labour, to increase productivity. Thailand is embarking on Thailand 4.0 on similar ground.\ \Clearly, transitioning to smart manufacturing for the Southeast Asia region is no longer a question of how but a question of when, given the pivotal nature this industry has to the region\-\-s economic well-being. At the same time, we need to be aware of the many potential pitfalls surrounding it. A possible step forward is for the region as a bloc to formulate a unified plan when adopting the various technologies associated with Industry 4.0 as it pushes for a more resilient and innovative economic community.\ \SEMI, the global not-for-profit association advancing the global electronics manufacturing supply chain, has organised a host of activities and events to bring smart manufacturing discussions to the forefront. We recently concluded a two-day conference in Singapore focusing on smart manufacturing and smart data where we discussed the potential of incorporating these concepts into practice and explored the challenges of adoption. In SEMICON Southeast Asia 2019, which will be held from 7-9 May 2019, there will be a showcase of Electronics Manufacturing Smart Factory focusing solely on smart manufacturing and smart data in practise.\ SEMICON Southeast Asia is the region\-\-s premier gathering of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain. The 2019 edition, which will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), is themed \-\-Think Smart, Make Smart\-\-. For more information, visit http://www.semiconsea.org/. About SEMI SEMI(R) connects over 2,000 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA) and the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) are SEMI Strategic Association Partners, defined communities within SEMI focused on specific technologies. Since 1970, SEMI has built connections that have helped its members prosper, create new markets, and address common industry challenges together. SEMI maintains offices in Bangalore, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley (Milpitas, Calif.), Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.semi.org and follow SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter. Please contact on behalf of SEMI: Acendus Communications Sdn Bhd Michael Poh at +60 12 395 5202 Reshvinder Kaur at +60 17 275 7985 Why face recognition as a credential is the ideal choice for access control? In the field of access control, face recognition has come a long way. Once considered too slow to authenticate people's identities and credentials in high traffic conditions, face recognition technology has evolved to become one of the quickest, most effective access control identity authentication solutions across all industries. Advancements in artificial intelligence and advanced neural network (ANN) technology from industry leaders like Intel have improved the accuracy and efficiency of face recognition. However, another reason the technology is gaining traction is due to the swiftly rising demand for touchless access control solutions that can help mitigate the spread of disease in public spaces. Effective for high volumes Face recognition eliminates security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit Modern face recognition technology meets all the criteria for becoming the go-to solution for frictionless access control. It provides an accurate, non-invasive means of authenticating people's identities in high-traffic areas, including multi-tenant office buildings, industrial sites, and factories where multiple shifts per day are common. Typical electronic access control systems rely on people providing physical credentials, such as proximity cards, key fobs, or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, all of which can be misplaced, lost, or stolen. Face recognition eliminates these security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit. Affordable biometric option Although there are other biometric tools available, face recognition offers significant advantages. Some technologies use hand geometry or iris scans, for example, but these options are generally slower and more expensive. This makes face recognition a natural application for day-to-day access control activities, including chronicling time and attendance for large workforces at construction sites, warehouses, and agricultural and mining operations. In addition to verifying personal credentials, face recognition can also identify whether an individual is wearing a facial covering in compliance with government or corporate mandates regarding health safety protocols. Beyond securing physical locations, face recognition can also be used to manage access to computers, as well as specialised equipment and devices. Overcoming challenges with AI So how did face recognition become so reliable when the technology was once dogged by many challenges, including difficulties with camera angles, certain types of facial expressions, and diverse lighting conditions? Thanks to the emergence of so-called "convolutional" neural network-based algorithms, engineers have been able to overcome these roadblocks. SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces One joint effort between New Jersey-based Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) and tech giant Intel has created the SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution. FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces and facial expressions, including those captured under changing light, at different resolution levels, and varying distances from the video camera. Secure video management system A common face recognition system deployment begins with IP video cameras that feed footage into a secure video management system connected to a video archive. When the software initially enrolls a persons face, it creates a "digital descriptor" that is stored as a numeric code that will forever be associated with one identity. The system encrypts and stores these numeric codes in a SQL database. For the sake of convenience and cost savings, the video server CPU performs all neural network processes without requiring any special GPU cards. Unique digital identifiers The next step involves correlating faces captured in a video recording with their unique digital descriptors on file. The system can compare newly captured images against large databases of known individuals or faces captured from video streams. Face recognition technology can provide multi-factor authentication, searching watchlists for specific types of features, such as age, hair colour, gender, ethnicity, facial hair, glasses, headwear, and other identifying characteristics including bald spots. Robust encryption SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 To support privacy concerns, the entire system features an encrypted and secure login process that prevents unauthorized access to both the database and the archive. An additional layer of encryption is available through the use of Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) that hold video recordings and metadata. SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 (short for Advanced Encryption Standard). Anti-spoofing safeguards How do face recognition systems handle people who try to trick the system by wearing a costume mask or holding up a picture to hide their faces? FaceX from ISS, for example, includes anti-spoofing capabilities that essentially check for the "liveliness" of a given face. The algorithm can easily flag the flat, two-dimensional nature of a face mask, printed photo, or image on a mobile phone and issue a "spoof" alarm. Increased speed of entry Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective. Systems can operate with off-the-shelf security cameras and computers. Users can also leverage existing infrastructure to maintain building aesthetics. A face recognition system can complete the process of detection and recognition in an instant, opening a door or turnstile in less than 500ms. Such efficiency can eliminate hours associated with security personnel checking and managing credentials manually. A vital tool Modern face recognition solutions are infinitely scalable to accommodate global enterprises. As a result, face recognition as a credential is increasingly being implemented for a wide range of applications that transcend traditional access control and physical security to include health safety and workforce management. All these capabilities make face recognition a natural, frictionless solution for managing access control, both in terms of performance and cost. A two-year programme to transform security at Heriot-Watt University campuses around the world, facilitated by CriticalArcs SafeZone technology, has been recognised with one of the UKs top security industry awards. The innovative partnership between Heriot-Watt and CriticalArc has been named as Security Project of the Year in the 2018 Security & Fire Excellence Awards run in association with IFSEC International and Firex International. The award, sponsored by the British Security Industry Association, is highly competitive and a major accolade for the winners. Improving service response Two years ago, Les Allan, Heriot-Watts Director of Safety and Security Services and his team at the university embarked on a strategy to transform all aspects of their operations. They wanted to modernise their service across five campuses, in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia to provide much greater care for students and staff. A key factor in the teams success has been the way it uses CriticalArcs SafeZone technology across all five international campuses It was an ambitious undertaking, but it has already delivered impressive results, measurably improving service response times by over fifty percent, upgrading security department capabilities and skills and raising the job status and remuneration for officers involved. A key factor in the teams success has been the way it uses CriticalArcs SafeZone technology across all five international campuses, making Heriot-Watt the first university department to take this global approach. Real-time incident management SafeZone technology has transformed the way officers interact with students and staff wherever they are - on campus or and when travelling off-site so they can provide assistance in case of emergencies or other incidents. Les Allans team has already responded to serious medical emergencies using the system and now they have the tools to manage a full range of live-incident risks. SafeZone lets my team communicate quickly with individuals and groups, explains Les Allan, Heriot-Watt, Director of Safety and Security Services. Using it they can receive alerts and pinpoint the location of anyone needing assistance. They can deploy officers more quickly and keep track of ongoing situations as they develop. Its really letting them do things they couldnt have dreamed of before. Better support for students & staff The Heriot-Watt team is also using new technology to support staff and students on campus while travelling and during fieldwork. They can geo-fence additional areas as required. Between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2018, a total of 5398 security incidents were attended at the Edinburgh Campus The result has been a significant improvement in engagement between the security department now restyled as Safeguarding Services students and staff. Between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2018, a total of 5398 security incidents were attended at the Edinburgh Campus (the first to adopt SafeZone); 3542 of these incidents (66%) involved assisting or interacting with students (rising from 33% in 2013). Efficient, responsive and capable services The results have been impressive but Les Allan, who is currently also serving as Chair of the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) in Scotland, says his ambition is to go much further. We are delighted at our incredible success at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards as winners of the Security Project of the Year category. This joint award for Heriot-Watt University and our friends at CritcalArc is a testimony to the power of working in partnership for mutual benefit and delivery of excellence with a world-leading solution. We are committed to continuing development and enhancement of our partnership with CriticalArc. Darren Chalmers-Stevens, CriticalArc, Managing Director, EMEA and APAC, noted: Im delighted that the forward-looking partnership between Heriot-Watt University and CriticalArc has been so clearly successful. This major award is further proof of how we work closely with all our customers and are leading the way in providing better protection and enabling more efficient, responsive and capable services. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Partly cloudy this evening followed by some light rain after midnight. Low 49F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by some light rain after midnight. Low 49F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. As companies propose greater commercial use of the ISS, including the addition of modules and other hardware, an advisory committee is recommending that those companies have guaranteed access to those facilities and other station resources, among other reforms to enhance commercial space activities. WASHINGTON A new advisory committee has proposed a set of recommendations to NASA in areas ranging from export control to advertising to enhance commercial activities in space. The Regulatory and Policy Committee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC) met for the first time Nov. 16 at NASA Headquarters here. The committee, announced at the council's last meeting in August and comprised primarily of representatives of space companies, is tasked with examining issues associated with commercialization of NASA activities and the agency's support for commercial space. "This is a big change for the NAC," said Mike Gold of Maxar Technologies, chairman of the committee. "For a while I was the only industry representative on the NAC, and now we have a committee full of industry representatives. I think that is representative of the shifts occurring in industry, and I greatly appreciate NASA being willing to go in this direction." [Boeing's CST-100 Starliner: A 21st Century Space Capsule in Photos] Over the course of the three-hour inaugural meeting, the committee approved a series of observations, findings and recommendations on several topics. Among them was a perennial area of concern for the space industry, export controls. "Second only to gravity, the ITAR had the greatest chance of keeping our spacecraft on the ground," said Gold, referring to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which for many years covered satellites and related components. While export control reforms in 2014 moved many of those items off the U.S. Munitions List and therefore no longer subject to ITAR, committee members sought to expand those reforms. A provision in the U.S. Munitions List specifically excludes the International Space Station and items "specially designed" for it, an exemption that the committee recommended be preserved for NASA's planned lunar Gateway, any future commercial habitats added to the ISS and "private sector platforms, regardless of location" in space. The committee also proposed that NASA, when asked as part of interagency review processes to examine license applications, recommend export control regulations not apply when those technologies are widely available on the international market. That recommendation, Gold said, is in the spirit of language in Space Policy Directive 2 calling for streamlining of space-related export control rules. On another issue, the committee recommended NASA seek "legislative relief" from Congress on the issue of intellectual property rights. Committee members called for legislation to allow NASA to waive any intellectual property rights it might have to commercial research performed on the ISS, eliminating any uncertainty that could deter such activities. "This is one of the roadblocks" to greater commercial use of the ISS by pharmaceutical companies in particular, said Jeffrey Manber of NanoRacks. "Involvement on the space station by pharmaceutical industry has been below what we've been hoping." Commercial use of ISS Other recommendations called on NASA to provide assurances that companies that develop private facilities for use on the ISS have guaranteed access to them, something that does not exist today, and that NASA reserve a "discrete percentage" of station resources, including cargo to and from the station and crew time, to support commercial activities, including those that do not contribute directly to NASA's mission. Manber said that lack of guaranteed access is a concern to companies like his, which uses the station today for experiments and satellite deployments and is developing its own airlock module, Bishop. "It's best effort," he said of what NASA promises the company regarding use of its own hardware. "It doesn't say that, when we have a customer, you can have access to your airlock." NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who attended part of the meeting, appeared to endorse the idea of reserving a fraction of ISS resources for commercial activities. "The intent here is to test and/or prove a market," he said. "The intent here is not to utilize the ISS for the rest of time as some kind of piggy bank for the private sector." The committee also recommended that NASA "seek to identify and remove barriers" that could prevent commercial crew companies from selling any excess seats on future missions to the ISS for commercial customers. Contrary to some reports, though, the recommendation does not call on NASA to sell those seats to prospective commercial passengers, only that, if NASA is reimbursed by the companies for the value of seats the agency itself does not use, that the funds be used to "facilitate commercialization of space platforms in and beyond" low Earth orbit. When Bridenstine announced the committee at the NAC meeting in August, one issue that he said it should bring up is the ability of NASA to place advertising on launch vehicles or spacecraft, or have astronauts perform endorsements. Those issues came up at the committee meeting, with recommendations for NASA to "examine the possible public benefits of space-based promotional activities," which the committee noted would require legislative changes. Some members raised concerns that combining company logos or advertising with NASA insignia might weaken the agency's brand. "We don't want Mars 2020 looking like a stock car," said John Logsdon, former director of George Washington University's Space Policy Institute. "This is a tricky issue." The issue of sponsorships involving NASA is one "I have seen become very personal to the entire nation," said Bridenstine, even those who don't follow space activities closely. The purpose of any such activities, he said, would not be revenue generation for the agency so much as additional means of outreach. "The idea that a brand would use its relationship with NASA in its own advertising campaign globally would, I think, potentially inspire people on the other side of the planet." [JFK's Moon Shot: Q & A With Space Policy Expert John Logsdon] Planetary protection versus harmful contamination While the bulk of the meeting tackled issues regarding commercial activities in Earth orbit, the committee also addressed the issue of planetary protection and how it applied to activities beyond Earth. The committee approved several recommendations, including one calling on NASA to work with other agencies on policies "that properly balance the legitimate need to protect against the harmful contamination of the Earth or other celestial bodies with the scientific, social, and economic benefits of public and private space missions." Some even questioned the use of the term "planetary protection," noting that treaties instead refer to avoiding "harmful contamination," which sounds less restrictive. "I have come to believe in the past few months in particular, as I've focused on this issue, that we're missing something when we use 'planetary protection,'" said Gabriel Swiney, a State Department lawyer who met with the committee on this topic. "'Planetary protection' sounds like an absolute." He said the term "harmful contamination" is more nuanced, acknowledging that some kinds of contamination will be inevitable in space activities but also not dangerous, "and it's the words in the treaty." Bridenstine acknowledged a potential conflict between science and human exploration when it comes to this issue. "In the science community, if you accidently put a microbe on another planet, that, in their world, is harmful," he said. "But if you're trying to develop a base of operations with in situ resource utilization for human activity, leaving a microbe is not harmful. Leaving a microbe is going to be in the natural course of doing business as you're trying to live." "There a balancing act here," he added, "that historically we've not had to strike but in the future we have to strike because we want humans to go to other planets." This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. While the Soyuz spacecraft has been delivering crews to space for decades, with a history of reliability over that time, changes in the industry mean that Russia is now struggling to keep its spaceflights safe, said an expert on the Russian space program. However, he said he does expect more safety checks ahead of the Expedition 58 launch on Dec. 3, which will include a U.S. astronaut. "The Russian space industry has a lot of troubles, like growing cost, economic and technological inefficiency, troubles with human capital, and so on. All that means that the factories sometimes lose the quality of manufacturing," Pavel Luzin, a Russian researcher and consultant whose fields of expertise include the Russian space program, told Space.com in an email. "[Recent] emergency cases with Soyuz manned spacecrafts affect the reputation of [a] Russian space industry that already has been damaged in previous years, as [has] the international reputation of Russia as a trusted partner in outer space," Luzin added. [Experience a Soyuz Spacecraft Landing with This Amazing 360-Degree Video] New issues with Soyuz A Soyuz spacecraft docked to the International Space Station. (Image credit: NASA) Soyuz spacecraft have been used since the 1960s; two fatalities occurred in the program, in 1968 and 1971, but since then, every crew has survived launch and re-entry. Russia has used Soyuz to dock with multiple Soviet and Russian space stations, and the country continued using the spacecraft to reach the International Space Station (ISS)after the complex's construction began almost exactly 20 years ago, in 1998. Starting in 1981, NASA began bringing most of its astronauts to space using the space shuttle (a program that itself experienced two sets of crew fatalities, in 1986 and 2003). That program was retired in 2011, when the space station's construction was completed. As a result, NASA has needed to purchase Soyuz seats for its astronauts to access the space station; as of mid-2018, the cost was more than $70 million per person for each mission. The Russians, however, reliably delivered crew after crew to the space station until this year. Two problems arose in recent months. The first occurred with the Soyuz that brought the Expedition 56 crew to space on June 6, 2018; while the launch was flawless, the astronauts and NASA mission control discovered a leak in the spacecraft in late August that was traced to a probable drill hole. An investigation into the cause is ongoing. (Note that the leak is in a part of the capsule that does not re-enter Earth's atmosphere when the spacecraft returns.) "We continue this investigation. The results may probably be ready when the current crew returns from the station, i.e., after Dec. 20," Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, said in a Nov. 19 report from the Russian state news agency TASS. He added that Roscosmos and NASA had worked closely together to mitigate the danger, including by creating scenarios in which the crew onboard would evacuate although this wasn't needed, as the astronauts quickly plugged the hole with epoxy resin. Then, on Oct. 11, 2018, the Expedition 57 crew lost their chance to go to space, when the Soyuz rocket carrying their Soyuz spacecraft (the two share a name) experienced a malfunction. The abort system on the spacecraft worked flawlessly, and the crew safely landed on Earth; meanwhile, an investigation into the cause showed that a deformed sensor stopped the rocket from working properly. Roscosmos speedily wrapped up the investigation, taking approximately a month to determine the cause. The investigation was performed jointly with NASA, and in comments shortly after the abort happened, NASA said it planned an independent flight-safety review ahead of the Soyuz being authorized to send crews aloft again. This apparently did happen, as Soyuz was cleared for flight again in November. "The investigation was speedy because the cause of emergency was clear. When you know the minute and second of the incident, you know what works during this time," Luzin said. "So, it is much more easy to analyze the situation. Compare this with the leak at Soyuz MS-09. Currently, the investigation didn't provide us with any reasonable explanation [for] what was wrong during the process of the Soyuz's manufacturing and preparing for launch." Looking ahead The ISS has been continuously crewed since the year 2000. That persisted even during difficult times, such as when several supply ships failed en route to the space station in 2015 and after the fatal space shuttle Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003, grounded space shuttle flights for two years. Following a test flight in 2005, operational flights of the space shuttle resumed in 2006. The United States and Russia also came to loggerheads over Russian military activity in Crimea that began in 2014; while Roscosmos sparred with NASA after the U.S. placed economic sanctions on Russia, Soyuz flights did continue as scheduled. There are three astronauts onboard the space station now, and they were originally scheduled to come home in December. To keep the station continuously crewed, officials decided to advance Expedition 58's liftoff by three weeks to Dec. 3 instead of Dec. 20. That will allow the three crewmembers currently onboard on the ISS to come home on time, on Dec. 20. That decision, however, will leave the orbiting complex with only three crewmembers, instead of the desired six. Expedition 58 crewmember and Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques told reporters in October that this will mean less science for his crew, as well as fewer chances to perform spacewalks, because maintenance activities must come first. Luzin said he isn't necessarily worried about the forthcoming launch, because he expects that the Russians will implement more "checks and control measures" to ensure Soyuz safety. That said, the ISS partners need to continue to use Soyuz regardless of any measures taken, as there is no other spacecraft capable of bringing crews to the station right now. That's expected to change shortly, when commercial crew vehicles are ready for spaceflight. NASA has announced the first uncrewed test of the Space Dragon commercial crew vehicle in January, with Boeing Starliner's test to follow at an undisclosed date. Crewed flights are expected to follow in 2019 or 2020. When that happens, NASA will no longer need to purchase seats from the Russians. The Russians will likely continue to ferry cosmonauts and other countries' astronauts into space using Soyuz, however, and international participation in the space station is expected to run until 2024. NASA is currently pushing its international partners to help out with the agency's envisioned Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, a moon-orbiting space station the agency hopes to fly in the 2020s. Luzin said the Russians may want to participate in this station as well. (Indeed, Rogozin did express interest in comments published Nov. 19 in the Russian news outlet Sputnik.) "The partnership in the ISS is very well-institutionalized, and Russia has an official status as 'equal partner of the U.S.,'" Luzin said. "Moscow wants to preserve this status, because that is the third thing after [the] nuclear arsenal and [a] permanent-seat place at the U.N. Security Council that gives Russia a 'great power' status." Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com. If human-induced climate change continues unchecked, 10 percent of the U.S. economy could evaporate by 2100, a 1,656-page federal report the White House slipped out on Black Friday (Nov. 23) warned but a nearby world has an even hotter climate problem than ours, and scientists say we could learn some valuable lessons from it. That world is Venus, Earth's "evil twin," which was once nice enough until something went wrong and the atmosphere began trapping a little too much heat. Scientists aren't positive precisely how events played out, but the runaway greenhouse effect that resulted is beyond debate: Venus now clocks in at a staggering 880 degrees Fahrenheit (471 degrees Celsius). "I think Venus is an important warning: Greenhouse atmospheres are not theoretical," Ellen Stofan, director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and former chief scientist at NASA, told Space.com. And in fact, Venus has already warned us about a climate threat Stofan said that it was studying our neighbor that prompted scientists to look for an ozone hole here on Earth. They found it, and in perhaps the only veritable climate success, international agreements have cut production of the compounds that eat away at ozone. [Japan at Venus: Photos from the Akatsuki Spacecraft's Mission] Much of the appeal of Venus comes from the fact that despite its horrifying modern appearance, it's actually really similar to Earth. "Picture a planet that's just like Earth but it's a little hotter because it's a little closer to the sun and that would be Venus," David Grinspoon, a planetary scientist and astrobiologist at the Planetary Science Institute, told Space.com. Along with Mars, these planets form a trio of worlds that began with comparable sizes, materials and temperatures until suddenly, they were very different. Once upon a time, Venus, like Earth today, was covered in water, perhaps even habitable. Then, gradually, something fell out of whack. "The basic mechanism is very simple: Everybody knows that if you heat up water you make steam," Grinspoon said. And water vapor is a powerful greenhouse gas, trapping still more heat. "There's nothing to really stop it until the oceans fully evaporate." (Today, Venus' atmosphere is almost entirely carbon dioxide; radiation from the sun likely broke up the water vapor, letting it escape into space.) The divergent paths of Earth and its two neighbors pose an existential dilemma more powerful even than anthropogenic climate change: Humans or no, Earth's cozy environment won't last forever, either. "We think of habitability like, 'Oh, you have a habitable planet and it just stays that way,'" Stofan said. "Habitability can be very transient in a planet's history." Of the three, Earth's habitability window has lasted the longest, and Venus' was probably shorter than Mars, but scientists aren't yet sure by just how much, she added. At a strictly intellectual level, data from Venus and Mars about how a planet and its atmosphere affect each other can be more intriguing than terrestrial data. "For a geologist, Venus is such a great planet because you have geology and you have the atmosphere and they're interacting with each other in a really interesting way without the mess of the biosphere," Stofan said. "It's kind of like a pure planet, which for a geologist is really fun." But while Earth's biosphere may be intellectually annoying, we're all awfully fond of it, and that's a powerful reason to care about climates on other worlds. "It's no longer just a luxury because we're curious," Grinspoon said. "It's become an essential survival tool for us now." Climate scientists are the first to tell you they want more data, more models, more to dig their teeth into. Some types of climate information does go back millennia, like the details trapped in columns of sediment that scientists can pull from the ocean floor, but climate data is skewed heavily toward modern years. [Amazing Venus Photos by ESA's Venus Express] So doubling the number of planets you're looking at even with limited data makes a difference. "[Venus is] a laboratory for understanding climate physics and climate change on an Earth-like planet," Grinspoon said. "You can't learn everything you need to know about climate change on Earth by only studying Earth." And unlike climate here on Earth, the same interactions on Venus don't have the kind of emotional drama attached to them. That means that Venus doesn't just offer new information it also offers a new way of talking about climate, even with those who have taken an ideological stand against findings here on Earth. "I've had some conversations with people in that camp that have been fruitful because I've used the example of Venus," Grinspoon said. "It allows you to sort of reframe the question you're not just talking about policy choices on Earth. It's not a cure-all for that difficult conversation, but I do think it can help." Whatever humans do or do not choose to do about Earth's climate, someday countless years from now, as the sun swells in its old age, our world will travel the same path as Venus, with the oceans evaporating away into a runaway greenhouse world. By then, climate won't be a problem for any of us, but it's still a poignant reminder of what science can tell us about the world. "I'm not saying, 'Oh, that's about to happen to Earth,'" Grinspoon said. "But the overall lesson still stands that climate stability is not something you can take for granted." Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. The first African-American astronaut will soon get a fitting spaceflight tribute, if all goes according to plan. One of the 64 small satellites flying atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the upcoming SSO-A SmallSat Express mission carries a 24-karat-gold jar that encases a bust of Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., IEEE Spectrum reported earlier this month. In June 1967, the U.S. Air Force selected Lawrence who had already risen to the rank of major within that military branch for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program. A joint effort of the Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office, MOL aimed to establish small, crewed space stations in Earth orbit that would help the U.S. spy on the Soviet Union and other rivals. [Manned Orbiting Laboratory Declassified: Inside a US Military Space Station] But Lawrence died less than six months later, when his F-104 Starfighter supersonic jet crashed during an exercise at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Lawrence was helping train another MOL astronaut in landing techniques, according to a biography penned by NASA officials. U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. standing next to an F-104 Starfighter. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force) Though the administration of President Richard Nixon canceled MOL in 1969, Lawrence likely would have made it to orbit eventually, had he survived the accident. He was just 32 at the time of his death, and seven similarly young MOL astronauts Karol Bobko, Robert Crippen, Gordon Fullerton, Henry Hartsfield Jr., Robert Overmyer, Don Peterson and Richard Truly transferred into NASA's ranks after MOL was dustbinned. It's "virtually certain" that Lawrence would have transferred as well, NASA officials wrote in the biography. "All in that group flew on the space shuttle in the 1980s; it is easy to imagine that Lawrence would have piloted one of the early space shuttle missions," they added. (NASA's Guion Bluford Jr. became the first African-American astronaut to reach space when he served as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Challenger in 1983.) The tiny satellite honoring Lawrence is called Enoch and is owned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, IEEE Spectrum reported. The artist behind the project is Tavares Strachan, who wanted to give the pioneer his due. "[Lawrence is] someone who has a mostly untold story, who I look at as a hero but who wasn't necessarily considered one when I was a child in school," Strachan told IEEE Spectrum. "A black guy doing space exploration with the U.S. government wasn't a normal situation in 1960s America. He was traversing a very difficult time." See more Enoch isn't the only unconventional payload flying on SSO-A, which is scheduled to launch Sunday (Dec. 2) from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. (The liftoff was originally planned for Wednesday, Nov. 28, but it was delayed due to strong winds.) For example, another art project, called Orbital Reflector, is designed to draw the eyes of millions of people skyward (temporarily the shiny mini-sat will de-orbit and burn up in Earth's atmosphere within a few weeks of its launch, project team members have said). And the Elysium Star 2 cubesat will carry the cremated remains of customers into orbit. SSO-A, which has been organized by Seattle-based company Spaceflight, is notable not just for the number, diversity and quirkiness of its satellites. The mission also involves a Falcon 9 with a twice-flown first stage. SpaceX has re-flown first stages of the two-stage Falcon 9 plenty of times as part of the company's push for rapid and extensive reusability, but no core has ever launched on three separate orbital missions. The 64 payloads aboard SSO-A do not represent a record, by the way. An Indian PSLV rocket lofted 104 satellites during a February 2017 launch. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate) is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. The space station robot CIMON has exchanged its first words with its spacefaring crew. German astronaut Alexander Gerst talked with the artificially intelligent crew-assistant CIMON during a 90-minute experiment on Nov. 15 aboard the International Space Station (ISS). According to a statement from the manufacturer, Airbus, Gerst, the commander of the current space station crew, woke up CIMON (the Crew Interactive Mobile CompanioN) with the words "Wake up, CIMON." In response, CIMON said, "What can I do for you?" [This Flying Space Droid Wants to Make Friends with Astronauts] The spacefaring robot CIMON spoke with German ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst during an experiment on Nov. 15 on the International Space Station. (Image credit: ESA/NASA) During the experiment, CIMON successfully found and recognized Gerst's face, took photos and video, positioned itself autonomously within the Columbus module using its ultrasonic sensors, and issued instructions for Gerst to perform a student-designed experiment with crystals. Weighing about 5 kilograms (11 lbs. on Earth), the 3D-printed robot designed jointly by the German space agency DLR, Airbus and IBM works similarly to Apple's virtual assistant Siri or Amazon's Alexa. CIMON doesn't process commands itself, but instead communicates with a ground-based cloud computer IBM's natural-language-processing computer Watson. "If CIMON is asked a question or addressed, the Watson AI firstly converts this audio signal into text, which is understood, or interpreted, by the AI," explained IBM project lead Matthias Biniok in the statement. "IBM Watson not only understands content in context, [but] it can also understand the intention behind it." The computer provides a tailored answer to an astronaut's query, and this answer is then converted into speech and beamed back to the ISS. CIMON is connected to the ISS Wi-Fi network that transmits data via satellite connections to the ground. European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst of German poses for a photo with the robot CIMON on board the International Space Station. The robot is designed to be a companion for astronauts in space. (Image credit: ESA) Marco Trovatello, a spokesman of the European Space Agency's Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, told Space.com that CIMON could respond within a couple of seconds after a question was asked, no slower than in ground-based tests. A data link connects CIMON with the Columbus control center in Germany; from there, the signal travels first to the Biotechnology Space Support Center at the Lucerne University in Switzerland, where CIMON's control team is based. Then, the connection is made over the internet to the IBM Cloud in Frankfurt, Germany, Bernd Rattenbacher, the team leader at the ground control centre at Lucerne University, said in the statement. CIMON, Trovatello said, is not yet a fully fledged AI crewmember like the film "Interstellar's" TARS or the famous HAL 9000 from Stanley Kubrick's iconic movie "2001: A Space Odyssey." CIMON is rather a first step, designed to test what future human-robot interaction in space might look like. "CIMON is a technology demonstration of what a future AI-based assistant on the International Space Station or on a future, longer-term exploration mission would look like," Trovatello said. "In the future, an astronaut could ask CIMON to show a procedure for a certain experiment, and CIMON would do that." The spherical robot has a large screen at the center that either features a simple, friendly, cartoon-like face or displays required information for experiments and repairs. With its ability to float around and receive spoken commands, CIMON could save astronauts a lot of time during experiments and help them perform more efficiently, officials said. "Now, they have to float to a laptop and look up the procedure," said Trovatello. "That costs a lot of time, which is really precious for astronauts." Trovatello said that with the experiment last week, CIMON's cooperation with Gerst has ended. Gerst will return to the Earth in December. His successor, the Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano, is scheduled to fly to the ISS next year and will likely continue with further experiments, Trovatello said. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com. In the adorable new kids' book "Europa Excursion," a team of furry, four-legged astronauts embarks on a deep-space journey to Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Written by the aerospace engineer and SpaceX mission manager Andrew Rader, "Europa Excursion" is the third book in the "Epic Space Adventure" series, which aims to teach kids about the wonders of the solar system using cute cartoons and clever rhymes. The book launched on Kickstarter in October and is quickly closing in on its $15,000 fundraising goal. In their latest out-of-this-world adventure, the trilogy's two main protagonists a "giraffestronaut" named MC Longneck and his robot companion Sputnik head to Europa to rescue a crew of animal astronauts whose spaceship is trapped under the moon's icy crust in its subsurface ocean. What will these brave explorers find beneath the surface of this alien world? Will they confirm scientists' suspicions that this "water world" could harbor extraterrestrial life? [Photos: Europa, Mysterious Icy Moon of Jupiter] Here in the nonfiction universe, researchers are actively investigating the possibility of life on Europa. While this distant moon may not look like a very hospitable place on its surface, its subsurface ocean seems like a place where life could survive and thrive. Not only does Europa's icy shell provide a shield against harmful solar radiation, volcanic activity and hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor could also provide the heat and energy needed to sustain life much like the hydrothermal vents that support microbial life on Earth's ocean floor. NASA is currently planning to send two missions to Europa to investigate whether the moon could be habitable and to look for signs of life: an orbiter called Europa Clipper is scheduled to launch in the mid-2020s, and the proposed Europa Lander would follow up on the findings of the Europa Clipper by digging into the surface in search of biosignatures. It may be a few years before NASA scientists can examine Europa for signs of life. In the meantime, "Europa Excursion" can humor us with one scientist's ideas about what lies beneath the surface. "Europa Excursion" presents scientific concepts in a fun and simple way with 56 pages of full-color illustrations by the graphic designer Galen Frazer. If the Kickstarter campaign reaches its fundraising goal by Dec. 9, pledgers will receive the book and other bonus goodies in time for the holidays. For a pledge of $9, backers of the Kickstarter campaign will receive the e-book. A $14 pledge buys the hardcover version along with a "secret bonus." For $25, backers will get all of the above along with a mission patch, a coloring book and a pack of stickers featuring scenes from the book, the National Association of Space Animals (NASA) logo, and real images of planets and moons in the solar system. Anyone who missed the first two books in the trilogy can get all three of them (as well as the patch, stickers and coloring book) by pledging $43 on Kickstarter. Both "Epic Space Adventure" and "Mars Rover Rescue" are also available on Amazon.com. Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com. NASA has selected the first batch of U.S. companies to join the agency on its journey to its next destination, the moon, which NASA wants to explore in order to prepare to go on to Mars. During a public event held today (Nov. 29), the agency unveiled nine new partners that will be designing and building lunar landers aimed at facilitating scientific exploration of the moon. In addition to the specific companies chosen, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine also announced that the program running those contracts the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program is now part of the science section of NASA's bureaucracy, not the human exploration section. The general idea is that these companies will be able to compete for contracts to deliver NASA science experiments to the surface of the moon by flying lunar landers on rocket launches purchased from other commercial space companies. Those individual contracts would substitute for NASA needing to build those capacities itself. [Building Apollo: Photos from Moonshot History] But under this approach, NASA won't be alone in hiring these companies the agency hopes to spur development that the commercial sector can also utilize. "We want to be first customers, not only customers," Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's head of the science mission directorate, said during the event. The agency did not provide any details about the choices beyond what the selected companies were: Astrobotic Technology Inc., Deep Space Systems, Draper, Firefly Aerospace Inc., Intuitive Machines LLC, Lockheed Martin Space, Masten Space Systems, Inc., Moon Express and Orbit Beyond. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (far left) and Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen (far right) pose for a photograph with the representatives of the nine U.S. companies that are eligible to bid on NASA delivery services to the lunar surface through Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contracts. NASA announced the companies Nov. 29, 2018 at the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Image credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA) When asked what information companies had to provide in order to participate in the program and how NASA chose the winners, Zurbuchen did not go into specifics. "We went with a really broad set of criteria," he said, adding that those criteria "ask questions about the overall liability of the companies, their likelihood to be able to deliver these services, but we did not go in very deep depth relative to the technical capability." All told, NASA is planning for the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program as a whole to encompass contracts totalling up to $2.6 billion over the course of 10 years, although NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner wrote in an email to Space.com that each company will receive at least $25,000 through the program, with the value of individual contracts varying in accordance with the service the company will provide. "These nine companies will bid on and be paid through task orders issued by NASA starting in the near future," Warner wrote. (The agency has said that it intends for the first flight to occur next year.) "Services they provide NASA will cover payload integration and operations, launch and landing on the Moon." NASA has been working to encourage private interest in the moon as a way to reduce the agency's own costs as it looks to return to human exploration, first at the moon and then at Mars. That goal is meant to facilitate NASA's timeline of landing humans on the moon during the 2020s. Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com. STAMFORD A city man already under arrest on a strangulation charge was brought to state Superior Court in Stamford Thursday and charged with the brutal assault of a 2-month-old baby girl in February. Jeisson Garcia, 23, of Warren Street was charged with felony first-degree assault and risk of injury to a minor and was ordered held by a Stamford judge on $1 million bond. According to Garcias 21-page arrest affidavit, police were sent lights and sirens to Garcias home on Williams Street on Feb. 6, on the report of a 2-month-old baby girl who had stopped breathing. The baby had been revived by the mother performing CPR. At first, looking at the baby, who had no marks and appeared to be uninjured, it seemed the call was a simple medical assist with no signs of suspicious activity, according to the affidavit. But about two hours later, police were called to Stamford Hospital on a report that the baby had a skull fracture. Later, after being airlifted to Yale-New Haven Hospital, the baby was diagnosed with multiple brain bleeds, multiple fractures and swelling on her head. As well, a bruise was discovered on the babys back, making it unable for her to breathe without help. Yale Pediatric Specialists later determined the extent of the victims injuries to include, two skull fractures, cranial bleeding, six fractured ribs, two broken femurs, retinal hemorrhaging, stretched neck ligaments and assorted bruising, said Police Lt. Thomas Scanlon. She also had two healing rib fractures that happened at a different time. Femur fractures on both legs were also observed by doctors, and they happened at different times, likely caused by pulling on the childs legs or shaken baby syndrome, the affidavit said. Doctors said the brain bleeds were likely caused by shaking the baby. There were also injuries to the babys neck ligaments, which were stretched and also probably caused by shaking, the affidavit said. Among other injuries, the baby also suffered a stroke, doctors said. There was no explantation for the injuries that did not point to a clear case of abuse, the affidavit said. During the course of the investigation, investigators established evidence of ongoing domestic violence between Jeisson Garcia and the victims mother, Scanlon said. He said Garcia was arrested for crimes committed against the victims mother on Feb. 12. Scanlon said Garcia was then charged with four counts of second-degree strangulation, six counts of third-degree assault, five counts of unlawful restraint, four counts of risk of injury to a minor and criminal mischief. Police found out through the childs mother that she had met Garcia in Colombia about four years earlier, and that Garcia sent for her in the United States in October 2017. The woman said she was pregnant at the time and the child was not Garcias. After giving birth to the baby in mid-November, the mother said her relationship with Garcia became strained because she was unable to show him the attention he wanted after she gave birth. In early January, the mother said her baby daughter began to vomit, was constantly crying and not eating well. She said that on Jan. 6 she asked Garcia to call a car for her to take the baby to the hospital, but he refused, telling her to walk the two miles while the temperature was about 10 degrees, the affidavit said. Another woman in the home called a car to take her and the baby to the hospital. The baby was not diagnosed with any injuries, but about two weeks later the mother noticed the baby girl could not move her right leg. During that time, the mother told police that Garcia would play rough games with the baby and that he found it funny when the mother told him to stop pulling on the babys legs. A couple of days later the mother noticed that the baby coughed up two gobs of saliva and blood, but another trip to the hospital did not reveal any injuries. The mother said on Feb. 4, two days before the baby was found not breathing, Garcia cared for the baby while she went to her 5 to 11 a.m. job cleaning restaurants. When she came home, she discovered that Garcia had not fed the baby, though she had no appetite and was crying for unusually long periods. Garcia also pointed out that the baby had a lump on the side of her head and looked big headed, the affidavit said . On Feb. 6, the mother told police she walked to the grocery store, leaving the baby with Garcia, and soon after returning she noticed white froth coming out of the babys mouth and her eyes rolled back in her head. Then she noticed the child was not breathing and called for an ambulance. The mother began CPR on the baby and was able to get her breathing again. When he was interviewed by police, Garcia denied doing anything wrong. But in text conversations, police say Garcia admitted to playing rough games with the baby and also apologized for shaking the baby when she stopped breathing. After the mother told police that Garcia had strangled her in January, he was arrested and held at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Center, unable to post a $75,000 court appearance bond. He made no plea in the child abuse case. jnickerson @stamfordadvocate.com STAMFORD Rather than risk taking his case to trial, a city man who went on an armed robbery and shooting spree in Stamford and Norwalk last year pleaded guilty Wednesday to a dozen felonies and is now facing over 200 years behind bars. Walking into the Stamford courtroom before making his pleas, Tyreik Gantt, 21, of Connecticut Avenue, spotted his mother and with a wide smile mouthed the words, I love you mom. Over the next 20 minutes, Assistant States Attorney Michelle Manning read charge after charge into the court record while Gantt, standing next to his attorney John Thygerson, repeated the word guilty over and over again. Gantts mother, Latricia Read, sitting with her elbows on her knees and hands under her chin in the second row, looked on in shock and disbelief with each new charge and her sons repeated single word response. Gantt ended up copping a dozen open felony pleas to two counts each of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and attempted murder and single charges of arson, larceny and conspiracy to commit murder. As rare as the crime spree Gantt went on with his alleged partner-in-crime, Onaje Smith, of Bridgeport, it is rarer still for a defendant to make open guilty pleas to so many serious felonies without a plea agreement, which would limit his time in prison. Judge Gary White tallied up the sentences and said Gannt risked being sentenced to 206 years behind bars. Reflecting the severity of those crimes, Gantt has thrown himself on the mercy of the court when he returns for sentencing Feb. 27. Gantt also faces a murder charge in Bridgeport for his part in the shooting death of 18-year-old Stamford man, Shane Slinsky, in August 2016. Stamford police at the time said the two had been wreaking holy hell on lower Fairfield County during their crime jag. Before deciding to make the guilty pleas, Gantt had planned to go to a jury trial in early January with Smith, his co-defendant who faces identical charges. Jury selection went forward for Smith, but no jurors were picked Wednesday. We have a very high expectation that (Gantt) will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of significantly less than the 206 years that he is facing, had he gone to trial and was convicted of all counts, said Thygerson. We engaged in lengthy cost-benefit analysis meetings, and the inherent risk of paying a trial tax if he were to take this case to trial was the issue. Thygerson declined to discuss how Gantts guilty pleas would impact Smith and his trial because he did not want to prejudice either the state or Smiths case. But Smiths attorney, Miles Gerety, said he did not think that Gantts guilty pleas would present any problems for his client. I dont find this particularly harmful to Onaje Smith, Gerety said. Im happy to try the case without Gantt. We were going to be put into an awkward position at trial to have to point blame at the co-defendant and that never looks good. But the evidence against Gantt was pretty overwhelming. I think the state has got it wrong in my case. They are assuming my kid is a villain. We will find out at trial. Manning said Gantt and Smith robbed two Chinese food delivery drivers in Norwalk in January 2017, shooting one in the leg and arm and stealing his car. Minutes after one of those robberies, Gantt was seen on a surveillance camera at a Stamford gas station pumping gasoline into the back seat of the car, which moments later was found engulfed in flames on Oakwood Place in Stamford, the prosecutor said. The two also shot at a rival gang member during a drive-by that same month, Manning said, and both were involved in following a rival 19-year-old man into a West Main convenience store and shooting him in the left temple and abdomen. The man survived. At the end of the hearing on Wednesday, White asked Gantt whether the facts and claims made by the state were correct. Yes, Gantt replied. As he was being led out of the courtroom, Gantt turned his head and nodded and smiled at his mother. Read declined to comment on her sons convictions. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Take a glance at Capitol Hill right now. Something rare and wondrous is happening. It is a momentary, precise alignment of the stars and the planets, a sort of legislative solar eclipse. What is coming together in Congress is a fragile, bipartisan consensus to make some small and overdue reforms to the criminal-justice system, to correct some of the inequities and imbalances that Congress and President Bill Clinton created with draconian anti-crime legislation enacted during the 1990s. The federal inmate population now stands at more than 180,000, which is about triple what it was three decades ago. Much of that increase is the result of long, mandatory minimum sentences for drug and weapon offenses. And, as much social science has documented, the penalties fall much more harshly on racial minorities. A measure introduced Nov. 15 by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Minority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill., among others, would reduce mandatory sentences for some drug-related felonies, make more offenders eligible for early release and provide more funding for anti-recidivism programs. President Donald Trump is pushing for this latest version of the bill, known as the First Step Act. So is an array of unlikely allies, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Koch Brothers' FreedomWorks organization, the Fraternal Order of Police and evangelical groups. Were the measure to come to the Senate floor during the lame-duck session of Congress, Grassley told me, he believes it would get as many as 70 votes. And if the Senate passes it, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has signaled that he could quickly get it through his chamber, which passed a different version of the bill in May. "When do you get a chance where, after four years, you compromise and compromise and compromise, and you come up with something that a Republican president, a bipartisan group in the House, a bipartisan group in the Senate, agree on something?" Grassley said. Now. Now is that chance. And that window of opportunity will not be open for long. Once the House is turned over to Democratic control in January, it no doubt would insist on something more far-reaching. That in turn would never get through the more conservative Senate, which will have two more Republicans than it does now. The biggest obstacle right now is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has thus far not committed to bringing the First Step Act to the floor. His initial, unconvincing argument was that there is not enough time to consider the bill in the less than three weeks of legislating that remain, when the Senate will also be dealing with judicial nominations, year-end funding and foreign policy questions. But the real reason is the strong opposition from some of his most conservative members, led by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who says the legislation is "a misguided effort to let serious felons out of prison." The resistance on the right is getting louder and stronger. While the sponsors of the bill say they are open to some changes, they are fearful of losing Democratic votes if they go too far in hopes of bringing a few more Republicans aboard. The coming days are critical, as evidenced by the fact that the White House dispatched both Vice President Mike Pence and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to press for the bill at the Senate Republicans' weekly private lunch. On Tuesday, McConnell said he will be taking a nose count among the GOP majority "to see what the consensus is, if there is a consensus in our conference, about not only the substance but the timing of moving forward with that particular piece of legislation." A failure by the Senate to act would be an unusual rebuke of the president by a party that has marched behind him in close formation on just about every other issue. Criminal-justice reform also affords Trump an opportunity to put a compassionate stamp on his tough law-and-order policies. It is no coincidence that he has decided to make a strong push for the bill so soon after his party suffered major setbacks in the midterms, effectively reviving what many had thought to be a dead cause. "I think Trump would like to have it because he's going into the 2020 election cycle. It's something positive he could talk about," Grassley said. Still, it is also the right thing to do, and a chance for Congress to actually accomplish something that requires working across partisan and ideological lines. Maybe it is too much to hope that this could become a regular practice, but McConnell should bring the bill to a vote. Because sometimes, leadership means not standing in the way. O nline casino operators were hit with 6.85 million more in fines and settlements on Thursday as the gambling watchdog stepped up its crackdown on the sector amid fears over money-laundering. Malta-based operators Casumo was ordered to pay 5.85 million and Videoslots agreed to a voluntary penalty package of 1 million for failing to put in place effective safeguards against criminals potentially using the sites to launder illegal cash, as well as preventing vulnerable customers from pumping more cash into online slots. The latest action follows a recent 7.1 million penalty for Daub Alderney, part of the AIM-listed Stride Gaming Group. Another Malta-based online casino operator, CZ Holdings, has surrendered its licence to operate in Britain after the watchdog began a review. Since 2014, all firms offering casino games to UK players must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission. The regulator has also written to nine further operators over their conduct while more fines could be on the way as a further six are still under investigation. Individual bosses are also being targeted. Commission chief executive Neil McArthur said a large number of operators and their senior management were falling foul of the rules. He said: Everyone in a gambling business must understand its policies and procedures and take responsibility for properly applying them. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright added: Protecting vulnerable consumers is our prime concern. E veryones trying to predict the future. But some people have a better idea of what might be coming than others. The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, is one of those we should listen to. You can tell he matters by the way Brexiteers come out in a rash when his name is mentioned. The Bank has just warned that a no-deal exit could cause the economy to be 10.5 per cent smaller than it otherwise would have been over five years. More limited barriers, of the sort suggested by the Prime Minister, might restrict the damage to 3.9 per cent. Staying in the EU would be the best economic option of all. The report, all 88 detailed pages of it, was produced by informed analysts working at an independent organisation which aims to support national economic stability and growth. It issued the calculations because it had been asked to by a parliamentary committee. And how did Mr Carneys Brexit critics respond to this assessment? Did they read the Banks arguments carefully, accept some of its findings or offer considered alternatives of their own in an equally long and thoughtful document? No, of course not. Because they couldnt. There is no respectable economic assessment which suggests Brexit and especially a no-deal Brexit could be good for jobs, growth or national wealth. The facts to support their base claims simply dont exist. So instead, Brexiteers turned to the only tools available to them, prejudice, guesswork and fiction. Jacob Rees-Mogg, usually so careful to be thought of as polite, shoved a pin-striped knee in the Governors direction last night, describing him as a second-tier Canadian politician who had failed at home. The Governor is no doubt too generous to think of describing Mr Rees-Mogg in similar terms. But the point which matters is that Britain is being asked to carry out a risky and untested experiment on its economy. On one side, we have the Bank telling us what it thinks the result might be. On the other, we have shallow abuse. Which do you find more convincing? Guns and ammunition The Home Secretary proposed it. The police backed it. Then Downing Street scrapped it. Thats the story of what should have been a ban on the sale of high-power rifles with a calibre of .50 or more, the sort able to stop a vehicle from a mile away. When the Home Office announced the Offensive Weapons Bill earlier this year it described these rifles as significantly more powerful and dangerous than any other sort on sale adding that it wanted to address the risk that these rifles pose if they were to be acquired by criminals or terrorists. But yesterday, when MPs voted on the Bill, that ban had been dropped. Why? Not because the Government had decided the rifles were safe but because repeat-rebel hard-line Conservative MPs had started to make trouble. In an attempt to keep them happy (or at least make them a bit less angry), ahead of the Brexit vote the Government dropped this part of the legislation last week. The result? MPs were asked to back an Offensive Weapons Bill which doesnt actually restrict the most offensive weapons of all ones which can pierce any body armour or protected vehicles available to the police. Thats clearly wrong. But the Bill goes to the House of Lords next. Peers should amend it back. The fight to ban the big guns isnt over. A question of attribution Does art become more significant if you discover who made it? Or just more valuable? Someone is about to find out. This years Royal College of Art secret sale includes pieces by famous artists including Jeremy Deller, Sir Paul Smith and Grayson Perry. The postcard-sized entries are among 1,800 being sold for 60 each with the catch that you are only told the name of the author after buying the piece. A bout suffering they were never wrong, the Old Masters. So begins WH Audens classic poem Musee des Beaux Arts, which is all about the way we often ignore tragic events in our midst, distracted as we are by the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. If you want proof, just watch the video posted on social media this week of a young refugee being viciously bullied at a school in Huddersfield. If you havent seen it yet, it makes for heartbreaking viewing. The boy who came to the UK after fleeing the war in Syria is walking along in his school uniform when hes suddenly attacked by another pupil, who grabs him by the throat and violently wrenches him to the ground, before pouring water all over his face. But perhaps the most saddening part is the way the victim quietly gets back to his feet afterwards and continues walking in silence, while all around him other students stand around talking barely paying attention to the cruelty thats just taken place in front of them. On Twitter you can find people criticising those onlookers who did nothing to intervene, or to console the poor boy after the attack. But before we rush to condemn, its worth considering whether were really all that different ourselves when it comes to standing by when bad things are happening. Rohan Silva After all, many children will be sleeping tonight in windswept tents in refugee camps scattered across France, Germany and Hungary. In a continent as prosperous as Europe, thats a truly appalling state of affairs and yet its hardly ever discussed by our political leaders, diverted as they are by all the arguments about Brexit. If thats not depressing enough, think of this. Our Government has a formal requirement to allow up to 480 vulnerable refugee children to come to the UK a legal responsibility under whats known as the Dubs Amendment, which requires the UK to offer unaccompanied minors safe passage to this country. However, the Government has completely failed to fulfil that responsibility, with only 220 minors let in so far. That means that hundreds of young people arent getting the help they desperately need and which theyre legally entitled to. Its a shocking state of affairs. You might reasonably expect that political failure on this scale which involves UK law being broken would be hotly debated in Parliament, with ministers being held to account, and perhaps even being forced to resign. But no. Theres resounding silence on this issue while yet more testosterone-fuelled arguments about leaving the EU dominate the airwaves. Auden wouldnt have been surprised by this disregard, but that doesnt make it any less dispiriting. When you think about the scale of the refugee crisis, its easier to feel powerless. According to the United Nations, there are now 68.5 million displaced people worldwide and more than half of them are under the age of 16, meaning that one in every 200 children in the world is a refugee. But the sheer magnitude of the problem doesnt mean we cant make a difference. For starters, the Government could easily break through the bureaucratic logjam and start to fulfil its legal requirements, which would be life-changing for hundreds of vulnerable young people. And in the run-up to Christmas, we can all decide to buy gifts from the Help Refugees charity shop just off Carnaby Street (and online atchoose.love) raising money and providing supplies that will keep refugees warm and safe through the winter. "Political failure on this scale would be hotly debated in Parliament, with ministers even being forced to resign" If we are in need of inspiration to stop being bystanders and start taking action, a great place to look is Liverpool Street station. There youll find statues commemorating the Kindertransport, which was an amazing rescue effort that brought Jewish children to safety in the UK in the nine months before the outbreak of the Second World War. A young London banker named Nicholas Winton was moved by the tragedy unfolding in Europe and decided to take action. Winton wanted to help children stranded in Czechoslovakia and worked tirelessly to raise funds, arrange travel across the continent no easy task given that war was about to break out and find homes for all the little boy and girl refugees who came to the UK. It wasnt just Winton who refused to stand by while others suffered. Hundreds of British families volunteered to open their homes to take in those refugee children and thanks to that generosity of spirit, 669 Jewish children were saved from almost certain death at the hands of the Nazis. Shortly after one of the trains bringing those young people to the UK arrived, the young refugees were taken to a cinema. No doubt many of them were anxious about being so far from home and desperately unhappy to be away from their loved ones. Im sure some were worried that they might be unwelcome in this new country or even face abuse and hostility for being immigrants. When the youngsters got to their seats in the cinema, they found something special waiting for them. Each of them had been given a chocolate bar as a Christmas present from the local community a wonderfully open-hearted and generous gesture at a time when so much of Europe was succumbing to ethnic hatred. It just goes to show its not inevitable that we stand idly by while other people are suffering. As Nicholas Winton proved, along with all those families who provided homes and care for children in need, no matter how difficult things might be, its always possible to make a difference. T he launch last week of plans by Lord Foster for a 305-metre-high observation tower in the City of London, branded The Tulip, was met with derision by his architectural peers who likened it to a cotton bud, mushroom, spermatozoa and, shock horror, a phallus. In contrast, on the BBCs Breakfast programme, Naga Munchetty described it as beautiful very space-like. Beautiful or not, does London really need a tower such as The Tulip? There are already observation platforms in The Shard and The Walkie-Talkie and new ones proposed in 1 Undershaft and 6-8 Bishopsgate. Foster and Partners thinks it does. It reckons more than a million people a year will want to view the city from its vertiginous glass bubbles and glass-floored bridges. Tourist experts think so too. After Bangkok, London is the second most popular city in the world for overseas visitors. But we will keep our top spot only if we remain competitive and invest in new amenities, according to London and Partners, the Mayors promotional agency. Tourism accounts for one in seven jobs, so Sadiq Khan is keen to enhance the capitals attractions. The Tulip meets Corporation of London strategies to attract more people to visit the Square Mile to create a seven-days-a-week retail, leisure and cultural destination. At the moment tourists flock across the Millennium Bridge to St Pauls Cathedral and dont get much further east than the One New Change shopping centre. The Tulips planned exhibits and educational programme will add to visitors understanding of the city. It will also enhance the Corporations cultural strategy, which at the moment is focused around the Barbican Centre, the Museum of London and the proposed Centre for Music. More attention needs to be paid to the City churches, the Livery Halls, the Guildhall and the riverside walk, which has a fraction of the visitors that use the South Bank. There are concerns that the popularity of The Tulip will mean the overcrowded City pavements will become more so; although, according to Foster and Partners, the different schedules of workers and tourists will reduce this as a problem. Also, if the City implements its excellent proposed transport strategy, which promotes improved pedestrian movement, overcrowding will be less of an issue. The Tulip will be the tallest structure in the City but it will fit with the variety of shapes that make up the cluster of towers. Londoners complain that their views of The Gherkin have been blocked by developments. This mini-Gherkin, which will be highly visible, will make up for that loss. If London is to keep its place at the top of the league of most-visited global cities, particularly in a post-Brexit world, new attractions such as The Tulip are going to be vital for the capitals culture and economy. Have you had your eye on a Gucci slogan tee but been struggling to make peace with the 370 price tag? Perhaps youve got a yearning to gram yourself wearing a pair of Balenciagas Triple S trainers but somehow can't quite justify the 650 splurge required? Fear not, because Westfield Stratford may just have answered every hypebeasts prayers with the launch of the worlds first ever streetwear and athleisure rental service. The pop-up concept store, The Drop, opens on Thursday 6th December and will run until 16th December. Oh Hey Girl Track Jacket, The Drop / westfield The edit has been curated by celebrity stylist Alize Demange, and will feature all the most-hyped streetwear items: from the likes of Supreme, Dirty South, Maharishi, Oh Hey Girl, Gramm, WWW, Axel Arigato, MISHBHV, Nike and Ryan Hawaii, among others. Items start from 10 and can be rented for four or seven days. All profits from the pop-up will go to Save the Childrens Big Up Uganda initiative led by Ambassador Adwoa Aboah and her best friend, Felix Cooper. The initiative will help provide children with access to psycho-social care, train teachers and equip schools, build child-friendly spaces, support women and girls, and build support networks for families in refugee camps in Uganda. Maharishi tiger-style tour jacket, The Drop / westfield Now you can get that Supreme bum bag, take the all-important Instagram money shot and return it a few days later without ever having to stump up the full price of the item. Not only that, you can do the whole thing whilst supporting an incredibly worthy cause. Streetwear addicts, rejoice! Whilst Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle may be our go-tos when it comes to royal style inspiration, Queen Letizia of Spain has just proved (again) that she also deserves a top spot on the list. The Spanish queen and her husband, King Felipe VI, are currently hosting the President of China, Xi Jinping, and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for an official two-day visit and for the occasion, the 46-year-old has been pulling out all the sartorial stops. But having worn numerous designer frocks over the 48-hour period, Letizia very much surprised on Wednesday by stepping out in a luxurious-looking (yet very affordable) high street number. Queen Letizia steps out in stunning ASOS dress / Splash News The elegant dusty pink midi dress was from none other than British retailers ASOS - specifically, their own brand, ASOS DESIGN. Comprising a classic silhouette, with a pleated skirt, it incorporated ornate floral and bird embroidery, in complementary pastel hues. Queen Letizia of Spain and China's First Lady, Peng Liyuan visit the Royal Theater in Madrid / SplashNews Whilst the stylish royal is a well-known advocate of high street fashion - she has been snapped numerous times in Zara - this is believed to be the first time she has chosen ASOS for a formal engagement. And what a dress to have selected. As ASOS say on the item's product details, "Cute, right?" ASOS DESIGN midi dress with pretty floral and bird embroidery, 75 / ASOS Perfect for a winter wedding or to snap up now ahead of spring, the beautiful floral dress, which only costs 75, is already flying off the shelves. T he wind is in the east and theres a kite blowing about. So you know whats going to happen, dont you? Out of the sky, borne on that very kite, there will come a familiar figure, with a turned-up nose and a parrot-headed umbrella: Mary Poppins has come to take charge at 17 Cherry Tree Lane, where the Banks family are in the dilapidated house at the end. And just as she came, she will eventually go, borne on a west wind with her umbrella held up. But this time its an unfamiliar figure under the hat: Emily Blunt in Mary Poppins Returns, Walt Disneys sequel to the 1964 original, which will be released just in time for Christmas on December 21. There are other changes. This time Mary Poppins returns to London in the depressed Thirties, although, mind you, PL Traverss first Mary Poppins book was published in 1934. And this time the Banks family is that of Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw), the little boy of the stories who has grown up and has three children of his own. He has suffered a family bereavement his sister Jane? His parents? plus financial difficulties and he and the new Mrs Banks and the three children need cheer and discipline. Come the hour, come the nanny, and Mary Poppins returns in her old style, gliding up the bannisters just like the old days. Mary Poppins Returns - Trailer 2 Emily Blunt is already being tipped by pundits for an Oscar for her performance. Theres a stellar cast: Colin Firth as William Weatherall Wilkins, head of the Fiduciary Bank; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Bert a lamplighter rather than a chimney sweep this time; Meryl Streep as Mary Poppinss cousin Topsy and be still my beating heart Angela Lansbury as the Balloon Lady and Dick Van Dyke, all of 92 years old, doing a tap dance on a desk as Mr Dawes Jnr, a bank clerk. Apparently, Dick Van D Bert as was livened up rehearsals by singing Its a Jolly Holiday with Mary between takes to Blunt. The flirt. From the trailers and teasers, its plain that Disney has taken care to include lots of elements familiar from the last film. Theres animation as well as live film, including dancing elephants (see also Bedknobs and Broomsticks). Theres a scene set on Big Ben, though St Pauls also features as before. Mary Poppins still has a carpet bag just like PL Traverss aunt and a dolphin surfaces in the bath, just to show the children what she can do. And the song, Trip a Little Light Fantastic, by an assembly of lamplighters looks like an action replay of the chimney sweeps dance led by Van Dyke in the first film. Oh, and theres a carousel, like the one that bore Mary and Bert off to tea on her day out. Plus a scene with lots of dogs of assorted sizes, which didnt feature in the books It all hangs on Blunt, and its notable that she prepared for the part by reading the books, not by trying to channel Julie Andrews. She was so clear to me from reading that I decided not to be intimidated by the iconic Julie Andrews in the iconic role, and just approached it as I would any other part, she said. Nanny state: Emily Blunt in Mary Poppins Returns / Jay Maidment So far so good but, oddly, her accent fluctuates from posh, like Miss Blunt herself, to Cockney, which is very unlike Mary P. Plus, modelling the part on Rosalind Russells fast-talking journalist in His Girl Friday, this Mary talks very quickly, which seems unlike the Poppins of the book, who is invariably self-assured, not to say, smug. Plainly, this is a feel-good Poppins for febrile times. The world is fragile right now, Blunt observed in an interview without mentioning the word Brexit, and people need a film like this. Well, theres always a place for dancing lamplighters. But the real question is, what would Mary Poppinss creator have made of it? She wouldnt, I think, have had a problem with one of her children growing up she was very keen on JM Barrie and, if you recall, at the end of Peter Pan, Wendy grows up and her little girl has adventures with Peter Pan in turn. She was also fine with sequels: Mary Poppins in the Park was written for the interstices within the original three Poppins visits, though the author did warn that she cannot forever arrive and depart. Tell that to the Disney studios. But its at least doubtful that PL Travers the pen name for Helen Lyndon Goff would care for Mary Poppins Returns any more than she did for the original, which she famously detested. She rowed with Walt Disney endlessly about the film, kept submitting critical memoranda and scripts of her own and, when she wasnt offered tickets for the premiere, blagged one from a member of staff and cried openly throughout, she hated it so much. Mary Poppins Returns Featurette - Back To Cherry Tree Lane How did she hate it? Let me count the ways. She didnt like Dick Van Dyke (she had wanted Laurence Olivier); she thought Julie Andrews was too sweet, not to say, saccharine, and she hated the music. She took the money, obviously (she only agreed to a Walt Disney version because she was broke) and was so cross about the collaboration that when it came to a stage adaptation, one of her stipulations was that there should be no Americans. And this version has music which she would almost certainly not regard as any better than the ones first time round; it has animation, which she detested; it hasnt anyone remotely like Laurence Olivier; and it has a very pretty Mary Poppins Emily Blunt is described in one breathless magazine interview as having the rose-petal beauty of a Fragonard painting. Look, if there is one thing Mary Poppins is not it is like a Fragonard picture. PL Travers kept an iron grip think JK Rowling here on the publication of the books, including the type and the illustrations by Mary Shepherd, daughter of the Wind in the Willows illustrator. And from those illustrations and the very specific descriptions of Mary in the books, we find she is not beautiful, though very pleased with herself, exceedingly well turned out, with blue eyes and a turned-up nose. But more than that. Where the Walt Disney studios miss the point of Mary Poppins is that she is not just a nanny based on a combination of PL Traverss aunt and one of the women who helped in her home (whom she described as seeming far better dressed than her mother) but is an elemental creature as well, with origins that go far back in time. In a lecture she gave to a US university, she declared that Mary Poppins had come out of the same world as the fairy stories. Think here the strange and terrible ones of Tolkien, not Disney. So although this film is bound to succeed it can hardly help but do brilliantly be under no illusions that Disney has captured Mary Poppins any better than last time. For that you will simply have to read the books. Tomorrowland Winter, March 16-19 Legendary Belgian dance festival Tomorrowland is launching a sister event in the French Alps this March, with Tomorrowland Winter taking place for the first time in the village of Alpe dHuez. As youd expect with the organisers pedigree, some of the worlds biggest DJs are in town, with Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike performing at the festival. It promises to be a huge event, with around 30,000 people attending from around the world. Tickets are already proving very popular those wishing to attend should sign up to the waiting list. Celebrities, models and influencers hit sketch London on Wednesday night to toast the launch of ES Insider. Guests included Amber Le Bon, Millie Mackintosh, Vick Hope, Jack Guinness and Strictly contestant Ashley Roberts, who dropped in for a cocktail and a quick dance in The Parlour bar. Roberts, who is going into this weekend's quarter-final after surviving the dance-off, told us she was feeling positive about her upcoming quick-step routine. "It's musical week" she said, "so it's gonna be big and it's gonna be fun." Zara Martin and Vogue Williams took turns on the decks, along with AUDI0 Coming S00N, DJ Yuki Love, with a musical interlude from rising star Alice Chater, who treated the crowd to an acoustic rendition of CeCe Peniston's track 'Finally.' Insider London Launch Party London-based Victoria's Secret Angel Cheyenne Maya Carty also joined the party with her boyfriend Ashton Gohil, who took over as DJ for the late spot. Ashley Roberts attends the launch / Dave Benett Carty told us she had eaten "all the food" since making her debut for Victoria's Secret on the runway in New York. Sophie Hermann at the event in London's Sketch / Dave Benett "Oh my god, what didn't I eat?" she said "banana pudding, pizza, a burger... there was one night after the show I ate a burger and a pizza in the same meal." Guests drank Veuve Clicquot champagne, Tanqueray gin and Ciroc Vodka cocktails, with wine supplied by Waitrose Tasting at Home. A custom flower wall was created for the event by Carly Rogers Flowers. This week UN Women UK and Maria Baibakova of Baibakov Art Projects came together to launch The Art of Empowerment in London. Featuring the great and the good from the worlds of fashion and art, the evening began with a reception at Jessica McCormack, followed by an exclusive dinner at Beck at London's Browns Hotel. Designers Nicholas Kirkwood and Mary Katrantzou joined the gathering, while co-founder of Paddle 8 Hikari Yokoyama, who worked with Baibakova at the New Museum, flew in from New York. And both artist Tschabalala Self (her work focuses on ideas relating to race and gender) and Maria Baibakova wore outfits designed by Mary Katrantzou - Katrantzou has described Yokoyama as her muse. Maria Baibakova (Dave Benett/Getty Images ) / Dave Benett/Getty Images The partnership with UN Women works to empower young women and embrace gender equality at all levels. "The Art of Empowerment [is] working with women artists to create beautiful hand-quilted artworks for sale to raise awareness and funds for UN Women UK" Yokoyama explained. The crowning moment of the reception was the unveiling of 'Princess' by Tschabalala Self. Its the first limited edition artwork for the Art of Empowerment, available to buy from Paddle8, although there are only 30 limited edition pieces. A fascinating present from the citys past.... There are plenty of quirky titles for those who love reading about the capital up for grabs this Christmas. Here, Ian Thomson reveals his seven favourites. The Ravenmaster The Ravenmaster (4th Estate, 14.99) The London book of the year this Christmas has to be The Ravenmaster (4th Estate, 14.99), a funny and informative account of life with the royal ravens at the Tower of London. In well-written pages the plain-speaking ex-British Army drum major Christopher Skaife takes us back to his Kent childhood and on to his military years and appointment in 2011 to the oddest job in Britain. The seven ravens under Skaifes guardianship (among them the ill-tempered 27-year-old Munin) each has its own personality. If ever one of the big black birds escapes, the Crown will fall and all of Britain with it, according to local superstition. So Skaife had better mind his step as Ravenmaster. He is a born storyteller. Birdwatching London Birdwatching London (Safe Haven, 12.99) David Darrell-Lamberts chirpy avian guide, Birdwatching London (Safe Haven, 12.99), recommends the best rivers, cemeteries, wetlands and woods from which to see birds in the capital and beyond. Ravens (we trust not Tower escapees) routinely croak in the skies over Rainham Marshes, while the ancient Coldfall Woods outside Muswell Hill teem with the beautiful corvid (crow) known as the jay. Parakeets are of course prevalent. Either they escaped from the set of The African Queen at Shepperton Studios, or Jimi Hendrix released them from the window of his Mayfair flat. Handel in London Handel in London (Macmillan, 25) Bizarrely, Hendrix lived next door to the house inhabited in the early 18th century by the German composer Handel 25 Brook Street. Far out, Jimi and far out Frideric! Jane Glovers Handel in London (Macmillan, 25) provides a fascinating account of the young composers dependence on royal patronage in the capital from 1712 to his death in 1759, together with the financial challenges he faced in putting on his many fabulous operas. Queen Anne, the wife of King George I, granted Handel a pension of 200 per annum as royal musick-master, but the English public were lamentably slow to appreciate Handels operatic genius. Kensington Palace Kensington Palace (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, 45) A Handel-playing music box is on display today in Kensington Palace, the favoured London residence of Queen Anne. Originally a well-appointed Jacobean villa, Kensington was dramatically rebuilt from 1689 by Christopher Wren for the newly crowned Protestant monarchs, William III and Mary II. Edited by Olivia Fryman, Kensington Palace (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, 45) gathers a sumptuous array of photographs, sketches and oil paintings of the 300-year-old stately building complex. The accompanying text by six different curators (with a foreword by the historian David Starkey) conjures a warren of state apartments inhabited by royal mistresses and hangers-on. The palace orangery was built for Queen Anne in 1704, we learn, to the architectural designs of Nicholas Hawksmoor, whose east London churches are believed (by occultists) to form sinister ley lines through Limehouse and Spitalfields. The East End in Colour 1960-1980 The East End in Colour 1960-1980 (Hoxton Mini Press, 16.95), Increasingly, Spitalfields is seen as a haven for vintage fashion outlets and beardy hipster architects bent on having their slice of East End real estate. The East End in Colour 1960-1980 (Hoxton Mini Press, 16.95) is an absolute gem. It contains previously unseen photographs from a collection of 2,000 Kodachrome slides of east London streets. A local amateur historian, David Granick, had bequeathed the slides to Stepney Public Library before his death in 1980. They reveal Jubilee Street, Commercial Road and other cockney Jewish immigrant locations in a spookily atmospheric light. The old East End as photographed by Granick had already begun to disappear in the early Seventies, when I happened to be an underaged habitue of Spitalfields Sunday Market (my mother was an antiques dealer). The book, beautifully produced, captures those far-distant days with poignancy. The Story ofCrossrail The Story of Crossrail (Head of Zeus, 20) n London there has long been a need for more efficient transport links. Crossrail, due to come to fruition in autumn 2019, will connect Heathrow in the west to Essex in the east. A new railway, the Elizabeth line, is expected to serve about 200 million commuters travelling east-west each year. Christian Wolmars The Story of Crossrail (Head of Zeus, 20) celebrates a marvel of post-war British transport engineering. The 60-mile Elizabeth line, when it opens, will make Farringdon Crossrail one of the busiest new stations in the UK as it speeds passengers out to three of Londons five airports and farther afield to the home counties. The Barbican Estate The Barbican Estate (Batsford, 40) Its architecture is intended to blend in with the adjacent Barbican Centre. First planned in the mid-Fifties (but only completed in the early Eighties), the high-rise inner-city Barbican represents modern architecture at its most utopian. The Barbican Estate (Batsford, 40), with Christoffer Rudquists stylish photos and accompanying words by Stefi Orazi, chronicles the design and construction of a hard-edged brutalist triumph. Where other post-war London housing estates became social sinkholes, the Barbican offered Corbusian dream homes for the well-off. To judge by this handsome book, Barbican interiors are comically cool (Peter Blake prints, fibreglass Eames recliners, repurposed Tube train fabric cushions), but perhaps that is to be expected. I n a creative agency in Kings Cross, overlooking Google HQ, a group of young professionals is gathering over white wine and beer. There are no pinstripes or double-breasted suits in sight, its a slim-fit trousers and crisp shirts kind of crowd. With no formal invitations, the event has relied on word of mouth. A politician moves to the front of the room. Only, rather than give an address, the speaker turns to the crowd and asks those assembled: why arent you a member of a political party? Whats important to you? As the night wears on and the drinks are poured, the advertising executives, software developers and bankers share their views on topics ranging from housing woes to why they prefer Instagram to Facebook. As one attendee puts it, it feels like the sands are shifting in politics right now and they are waiting to see where things will land. This is an evening dedicated to rejuvenating the Conservative Party and it is just one of many such events happening up and down the country. In an era of increasingly belligerent politics, a new generation of politicians is appealing to a less partisan public, unable to relate to extreme views. This is centrist politics, defined by balance and compromise, and the timing couldnt be more apt. Its no exaggeration to say that the Conservative Party is on its knees. In the 2017 snap election, it fell behind Labour in every age group under 50, and it won only 21 of Londons 73 seats. Theresa May has been desperately hanging on to power amid leadership challenges and threats of no-confidence votes (at the time of going to press, she was still Prime Minister). Now there are a growing number of Tories who want to reform the party from the inside, so that its fit for the modern age. The most prolific is Will Tanner, founder of Onward, a centre-right think tank, and the organiser of that north-London event. Until last year, the 30-year-old wunderkind was a member of Theresa Mays inner circle, serving as deputy head of Downing Streets policy unit. Unlike many in government, he doesnt have a bad word to say about her. In fact, he only left Downing Street because of the B-word. It became clear to me that the Government was going to be consumed by one thing and one thing only and that was getting through a Brexit deal, Tanner explains when we meet in Onwards small office in Westminster. Despite handing in his notice in the aftermath of an election that saw May lose her majority in Parliament, he remains a Mayite. He tells me he believes in her brand of politics of bringing back a sense of belonging in society. And he means it, to the extent that there is a copy of his old bosss Burning Injustice speech framed on a wall. Tanner was hand-picked by May, then Home Secretary, after six months working in the Home Office civil service, to the dismay of his colleagues They hated me but to his delight. Happily, he proved more popular with his colleagues in No 10 (he is engaged to former Downing Street colleague Lizzie Loudon, a partner at lobbying firm Hanbury Strategy) and quickly became one to watch. Speak to Tanner for five minutes and it becomes clear why. With a natural confidence and a sharp intellect, leavened with a good sense of humour, Tanner doesnt fit into the stereotype of a geeky policy wonk. He looks like he should be front of house rather than a backroom boy. "It was clear that the Government was going to be consumed by one thing and one thing only: Brexit Perhaps this explains the remarkable self-confidence that makes him think he is the one to sort this mess out. He clearly views his role as to work out what the Tory partys agenda will be when Brexit is done. And the signs so far show he might be right. He tells me about two Onward policy proposals that have been taken up by Philip Hammond in the Budget (both related to housing: lettings relief reform and a plan for new developments to have houses for discounted sale to existing residents). Most Westminster types might be nervous about leaving Number 10, fearing that their influence would disappear when they handed in their security pass. But not Tanner. Through Onward, he wants to build the broadest possible tent in the middle of the electorate. It launched earlier this year in a sweaty room, where Ruth Davidson and Michael Gove both gave addresses. The MPs supporting the project include nearly every rising star, from Tom Tugendhat to Kemi Badenoch. Tanner appears hugely confident about the future, saying Labours lurch to the left under Jeremy Corbyn creates an amazing opportunity for a pragmatic Conservative government to win the centre ground. Of course, its not the only organisation attempting to win the centre ground. Progress is a centre-left Labour pressure group that is the antidote to the hard lefts Momentum. (Funnily enough, it is based in the same building as Onward, where the groups share the same floor.) Stephanie Lloyd, deputy director of Progress, argues that most people dont actually want what the far left or the far right proposes. What is currently happening with Brexit is the result of ideological extremes being indulged in the political system, says Lloyd. The vast majority of the public are not dogmatic. People just want politicians to deliver good public services and a strong economy, and they are pragmatic about how that is achieved. Labour is the home for people on the centre ground who want to wrest back control of our country from hardline ideologues, she insists. Will Tanner / Ed Miles Meanwhile along the corridor, Onward is attempting to do the same by building a large network of younger voters who consider themselves centre-right. That network providing a safe space for people who dont identify as Tories but are open to centre-right thinking will be built from the ground up through events such as the one in Kings Cross, third-party endorsements and a growing social media presence. The French for Onward is en marche, so I cant help but think of La Republique En Marche, the French liberal centrist party founded by Emmanuel Macron in 2016. So, does Tanner wish to emulate the French President? Macron is on Onwards radar, he admits. One of the really interesting things Macron did was go out into the country and do a big survey about the things that were concerning people, and that was the basis for En Marches manifesto. They engaged a load of people who wouldnt have been engaged in politics before. In that vein, the events Onward is putting on see a reverse of the traditional Q&A format, with the speaker asking the audience questions, too. What the Tory party cant just be is a party of spreadsheets and Jaguar cars. Its not just economics Its an aspiration that is shared by Conservative MP George Freeman. Freeman, 51, quit as the chairman of Theresa Mays policy board last year after deciding, like Tanner, that the drastic reform the party needed was best done away from a Brexit-dominated government. This is why Freeman created the Big Tent Ideas Festival. Initially derided as Tory Glastonbury, it is now in its second year. The idea is that people from different backgrounds come together and debate the big issues. The first Big Tent Festival was an attempt at proving the festival format: it was very small but people loved it, says Freeman. This year it increased in size eight tents, 200 speakers, 1,500 people, and next year it will be bigger. The 2018 bash, held in the Cambridge countryside, saw Brexiteers, Remainers and even a Labour MP speak. Its not about singing Kumbaya or trying to be down with the kids; its just being open about ideas, and the soapbox pitches at the festival give people the chance to have their say. People love it. While Freeman and Tanners ventures are not long in the tooth, there are some think tanks that have been pushing for progressive reform of the party before it was fashionable to do so. Bright Blue was set up in 2010 by its founder and director, Ryan Shorthouse, then 24. Initially it was regarded by traditional conservatives as a bit soft, but in recent years it has managed to set the partys agenda on a number of issues. Last year, the Chancellor adopted Bright Blues policy of cutting Stamp Duty for nearly all first-time buyers, and Michael Goves renewed focus on the environment as Defra Secretary is in part credited to Bright Blue research. Shorthouse thinks that policy areas such as tackling climate change are crucial to the party widening its appeal. What the Tory party cant just be is a party of spreadsheets and Jaguar cars. Its not just about economics, its also about culture and the environment. The Conservative Party needs to speak to those things to appeal to young people. The deputy director of Progress, Stephanie Lloyd, Onward also has its focus on the 25- to 34-year-old demographic. Its where the Tories lost the most votes to Labour at the last election but where Tanner reckons the greatest opportunity is for the Conservative Party. The trouble is theres a really toxic brand problem. Tanner, who had a middle-class upbringing in Gloucestershire, say a lot of his friends are put off by the Tory image. Why? The Conservatives have been in government over eight years where young peoples chances have broadly declined in real terms, and the labour market has become less secure, renting has become less secure. The challenge for Tory reformers is to make Conservatism real and relevant for this generation. But how much impact can a couple of projects really have? These new ventures have drawn comparisons to Labours Momentum, the pro-Corbyn grassroots group that has galvanised many young voters. Its a different offer to what Freeman and Tanner are doing but all the projects rely on winning over new supporters. When I ask a Labour party figure what they make of Onward, Im met with scepticism: The Conservatives can try all they want, the thing that gets people excited about campaigning and voting for a party is shared values, and the Tories still dont know what theirs are thats if they even have any. Undeterred, Shorthouse isnt so worried by the threat of Corbyn; he disagrees with claims that the young have suddenly all become socialists. Remember in the 2015 election a lot of younger voters went Tory despite tuition fees and deficit reduction, he says. We have record levels of employment, entrepreneurism, self-employment. I dont see young people turning away from capitalism, I think they want to engage with it more. T he 400th anniversary of one of Spain's most well known Baroque painters has been celebrated by a Google Doodle. Bartolome Esteban Murillo is believed to have been born on December 31, 1617, in the southern Spanish city of Seville. Before he died in 1682 it is thought Murillo produced more than 400 paintings of contemporary Andalusian street life and more religious works. Here's everything you need to know about the Doodle subject. Who was Bartolome Esteban Murillo? Bartolome Esteban Murillo was born in Seville towards the end of the Spanish Golden Age on New Years Eve 1617, the youngest son in a family of 14. His parents died when he was around 10 years old and he became a ward of his sister's husband, before studying to become a painter under Juan del Castillo. Murillo's early paintings were heavily influenced by contemporary painters such as Francisco de Zurbaran and as devout Catholic were immensely pious and sombre. But he also painted a number of depictions of contemporary street life, mainly flower girls, street urchins and beggars in the street. After he moved to Madrid later in life, his works became brighter and softer and it is thought he came under the influence of older contemporary Diego Velazquez. He became the most famous artist in golden-age Seville, particularly for his religious paintings, before becoming the most celebrated Spanish artist in 18th and 19th century Europe for his pictures of street urchins. He continued to paint commissions in both cities for the rest of his life, and was also one of the founders, and later president, of the Academia de Bellas Artes in Seville. But his reputation has since plummeted, while that of Velazquez has soared. Why is there a Google Doodle? Murillo is believed to have painted more than 400 works for Flemish merchants, convents and cathedrals, among others. Prior to the 19th century Murillo's legacy was cemented as the most well-known Spanish painters of his time and his works were imitated throughout Europe. His depictions of contemporary urban life were shocking in Catholic Spain, and art historians highlight the elegance, grace and realism of his paintings. But artwork with a strongly religious theme fell out of favour towards the end of the 19th century and his depictions of contemporary life were thought of as unrealistic and overly-sentimental, before his reputation began to increase in the 20th century. L efkada's crystal clear, turquoise waters make it a laid-back paradise and the perfect getaway. Corfu is to the north and the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia are to the south, making Lefkada easily accessible by a small bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Here, Georgia Hopkins, author of It's Beautiful Here, reveals how to get the most out of an indulgent week-long visit. Where to stay? Base yourself in the seaside village of Vasiliki. Calm and incredibly relaxed, Vasiliki makes for a great base for exploring the island's best beaches and is home to some lovely accommodation options. Try a second floor room at Captains Studios. This lovely family-run hotel is located close to the centre of the village - close, therefore, to your morning frappe (ice coffee) and afternoon gyros (traditional Greek kebab) - and boasts a charming and relaxed set-up. Hidden coves in Lefkada / Georgia Hopkins Or else, look to Melinas Rooms. The rooms are on the smaller side, but again, they are clean and comfortable, and just down the hill from Captains. Travelling as a family? Book into the Portofico Hotel. One of Vasilikis original hotels, the property is run by a lovely Greek/Australian family and has 29 rooms all offering sea or mountain views. There is also a swimming pool and it's ideally located just 20 metres from the beach. Which beaches to visit? If you are looking for some of the best beaches in the world, Lefkada is the place to go. The island, which measures just 35km long and 15km wide, is home to incredible blue waters, sandy beaches and hidden pebbly coves. Getting to the beaches is half the fun - the roads around the island are steep, curvy and full of hairpin and hair-raising bends. The mission is always worth it though. The western coast will dazzle you with its beautiful beaches, such as Porto Katsiki (jaw-droppingly beautiful), Egremni, Gialos and Kathisma. I recommend spending a morning on Egremni beach - now only accessible by boat after a huge earthquake in November 2015 made it impossible to access by road. Be sure to go prepared as there are no amenities on the beach - take water (lots of water), snacks and umbrellas, and try to get there early to avoid the hoards of tourists that will no doubt arrive late-morning by ferry. The beautiful azure waters of Porto Katsiki / Georgia Hopkins Breathtaking Milos beach is another favourite. It's accessible by a rocky mountain path - which takes about 30 minutes to hike - or by a little boat from Agios Nikitas, a gorgeous little village worth stopping off at for lunch or an ice cream. Agiofilli, which is super close to Vasiliki, holds a little sheltered cove known as Fourth Beach - perfect at sunset. Lastly, make sure you check out Gialos beach for its chilled vibe. There is a cute bar there that does a mean club sandwich and an afternoon cocktail if you're looking for a sundowner. What to do? You don't need a license to hire a boat on Lefkada, so it's possible to take a boat from the port of Vasiliki and spend the day visiting beaches along the south-east coast. Stop in to Agiofilli for a swim and then carry on to Ammoussa beach for lunch at the gorgeous beachfront taverna. Another idea would be to take out a scooter or little jeep one day - the only way to really explore the island. Beautiful Agiofilli / Georgia Hopkins Another day, rent a boat with a driver to take you around to Egremni, a beach only accessible by boat. It's much better than jumping on one of the big commercial ferries with their set departure times and blaring music. It's also worth mentioning, Lefkada is the windsurfing capital of Europe. With its wide and sheltered bay, and the afternoon wind known as Eric, you can try your hand at any kind of watersports along Pondi beach. If you have a spare day to fill, I'd also suggest taking a day trip over to the neighbouring islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia. Regular ferries run from the ports of Nidri and Vasiliki, making it possible to explore those beautiful islands as well. Where to eat? You can't beat the local food on Lefkada. Think fresh fish, fried squid, Greek salad, lots of bread and cheese, moussaka, pastitsio and fried zucchini balls. Book a table at Starfish, one of the most friendly and popular seaside restaurants in Vasiliki. For a casual gyros lunch, head to Yiannis. And then opposite Yiannis you will find Cafe Lifikadis, which stays open from dawn to dusk. The lovely locals gather there each morning to order their frappe and shoot the breeze. It is great spot for your morning coffee. A little further inland, you will find a great local restaurant called The Old Plane Tree that does some excellent meatballs - definitely worth a visit. Taverna dinners / Georgia Hopkins At Ammoussa Beach there is an excellent beach taverna, which does a number of Greek favourites - from giant Greek salads to fried squid, dips and an icy cold Mythos. Enjoy while sitting under the huge fig trees opposite the sea. I also love the port town of Sivota and the restaurants that line the waters edge, and the village of Agios Nikitas, which brims with gorgeous tavernas, cafes and ice cream shops. Where to watch the sun go down? The best place on the island for sunset is Rachi. Located on the west coast, high up in the teeny-tiny mountain village of Exanthia, you are sure to find a spectacular view from there. Surrounded by the islands green and wooded hinterland, with incredible views out over the Ionian sea, Rachi is a bar-restaurant and the perfect place to end your day. I recommend arriving early (around 6pm) for a drink at the bar next door, before moving over to the restaurant by about 8pm to be perfectly positioned at your table on the balcony in time for sunset. The food is modern Greek and delicious. I especially loved the local rose - only 4 a carafe. How to get there? Easily accessible by plane or car, Lefkada is a five-hour drive from Athens. Alternatively, you can fly into the nearby town of Preveza, about 25km from Lefkada town, making the island exceptionally easy to get to. You can find Georgia on her website and Instagram. A British woman accused of stabbing her husband to death has appeared in court for a second time in Malaysia. Samantha Jones, 52, originally from Somerset, could face the death penalty if she is convicted of murdering John William Jones, 62. She was pictured barefoot and handcuffed as she arrived at the courtroom escorted by prison guards. Mr Jones' body was found at their home on the resort island of Langkawi on October 18. The cause of the retired firefighters death was a single stab wound to the chest. Jones appeared before island magistrates. B ungling thieves were caught on CCTV making off with an unopened till from an east London bar not realising it was completely empty. Three hooded people targeted the 5b Urban Bar in Limehouse, in Three Colt Street, shortly after 12am on Sunday. After struggling for several minutes to get the drawer open, they left with the entire cash register. The pubs owner, Mark Slankard, 55, a former police officer in Chicago, US, who has run the venue for almost 25 years, said the thieves also took some spirits and an iPad. The group of bungling thieves are caught on camera stealing an empty till He branded them Mr North Face, Mr grey hoodie Puma and Mr man bag in reference to their attire. A City worker today told how car-hackers stole a 72,000 4x4 from his driveway for the second time in a little more than a year. CCTV captured the moment two suspects used a scanning device to unlock the Volvo XC90 before jumping in, hitting the start button and pulling away within 90 seconds. Jas Hara said the same model was taken from his driveway in October last year using the same method. He now plans to revert to a bog-standard car which uses an old-fashioned key. The 41-year-old said: Its terrible. We feel devastated. It is so distressing for it to happen not once but twice. CCTV of the suspects / Family handout Mr Hara, an underwriter for an investment firm, and his 39-year-old wife Havinder, an expert in child health, took extra precautions for their second XC90. They fitted it with a tracking device and installed CCTV cameras overlooking their drive in Hampden Way, Southgate, along with a video doorbell and motion sensors. We thought there was no way it could happen again, especially with all the precautions, said the father of two. These thieves are using a new technology more powerful than before. The only consolation is that eventually karma will come around to them. Mr Hara noticed the car was missing when he got up last Friday for his morning trip to the local gurdwara, or Sikh temple. Before we got the first Volvo wed never had a new car but its something you aspire to. Wed worked really hard and wanted to enjoy it, he said. Now I think we will stick with a bog-standard car, and I would rather use a normal key from now on. The Met said nobody had been arrested for either theft and police were investigating. Car-hacking, or relay attack, is said to have fuelled a surge in vehicle thefts. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 89,000 cars were stolen in 2017, up from 57,000 the year before. The Association of British Insurers re-ported a record 271 million in theft claims in the first nine months of 2018. Keyless entry was cited as the main driver in the rise in offences. A law student who fled the UK during his gangs 13 million fraud trial is attempting to stand as an anti-corruption MP in Bangladesh. Abul Kalam Muhammad Rezaul Karim, of Victoria Docks, skipped bail with two of four other men accused over the bogus visa and tax scam. Karim, 42, known as AKM, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in his absence on Friday, after being found guilty following a 35-week trial at Southwark crown court. He is now seeking selection as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate in Pirojpur district in the countrys south-west. AKM has a campaign Facebook page for next months election and features in newspapers and leaflets. His gang set up 79 false companies and created fake payslips used by Bangladeshi nationals in about 900 fraudulent visa applications. They also submitted hundreds of bogus tax repayment claims. AKMs brother-in-law Enamul Karim, 34, and Kazi Borkot Ullah, 39, both immigration advisers, accountant Jalpa Trivedi, 41, and former barrister Mohammed Tamij Uddin, 47, were also convicted. All the defendants had surrendered their passports but AKM, Karim and Ullah obtained false documents to flee in July. HMRC senior investigator Alison Chipperton said AKM was the driving force, adding: On the face of it, he is forging a path in politics in Bangladesh on a ticket of anti-corruption. During the scam, the gang charged some clients on temporary visas a minimum of 700 for their services. The fraud was uncovered in 2011 after a suspicious series of applications for Tier 1 general and entrepreneur visas was identified. Both routes had a financial requirement, based on earnings or investments in UK businesses. The gang claimed clients were employees and put money in their accounts to make them look well-paid. This was paid back the next month. The bogus tax repayment claims were on investments the clients were said to have made in the fake firms, and 172,000 was paid out. HMRC said that if the fraud had not been identified the tax loss could have hit 13 million. All five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud. AKM and Karim and Ullah, both of Dagenham, and Trivedi were also found guilty of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue. A Japanese pilot has been jailed for 10 months after preparing to fly a passenger jet from Heathrow while more than nine times the alcohol limit. First officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, was arrested after failing a breath test 50 minutes before the Japan Airlines flight JL44 to Tokyo was due to fly with him in the cockpit. Judge Phillip Matthews described the co-pilot as "very intoxicated" ahead of the flight on October 28. He sentenced him to 10 months' imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday. Jitsukawa was jailed for 10 months "You are an experienced pilot but you had clearly been drinking for a long period up to a time shortly before you were due to go into that plane," the judge said. "Most important is the safety of all persons on board that very long-haul flight, potentially 12 hours or more. Their safety was put at risk by your inebriation and drunkenness. "The prospect of you taking over control of that aircraft is too appalling to contemplate. The potential consequences for those on board was catastrophic." The Japanese pilot was arrested at Heathrow / Met Police Tests revealed he had 189mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system, almost 10 times the 20mg limit for a pilot. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg. JAL previously issued an apology and pledged to "implement immediate actions to prevent any future occurrence", adding that "safety remains our utmost priority". The flight was operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft which holds up to 244 passengers. It departed after a 69-minute delay. Speaking after the sentencing, Met Police's Inspector Iain Goble said: "This is an incredibly serious offence as Jitsukawa, a member of the airline crew, had responsibility for performing a critical role. "This conviction reflects he displayed not only total disregard for the safety of all the passengers and staff on his flight, but also the wider public. "Clearly, the consequences could potentially have been catastrophic had security staff and police not intervened and he had continued to perform his role on the aircraft in the state he was. A man has been charged with murder over the death of a retired nurse whose home exploded in flames. Carole Harrison, 72, was found dead inside the burned-out house in Teddington in the early hours on August 22. Police launched a murder investigation after uncovering evidence which suggested she may have suffered injuries before the blaze. The mother-of-five lived alone after the death of her husband Terence, a bus driver, in 2005. Police were called to the scene in Teddington, just before 1am on August 22 / Evening Standard She was described by her family as a loving mother and caring person who dedicated most of her life to nursing in the NHS and private care homes. They said: She really was a grandmother with character and will be deeply missed for her unique cheeky laugh and comical character. "Due to the illness she suffered from, she trusted anyone that she met, sought friendship in many people and was known for being somewhat generous at times. A pedestrian was seriously injured after being hit by a car following a police chase in south-east London. The man, in his 60s, was in hospital on Thursday evening after a suspect vehicle hit him in Sandhurst Road, Catford. Officers had tried to stop the car in Lewisham at 1pm. The car made off and Met bosses authorised a pursuit. Police lost the car and the pursuit was terminated. But at 1.05pm, they found the car had been in collision with the man. His next of kin have been informed. A man was arrested near the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and was taken to a police station for questioning. S cotland Yard is considering the deployment of armed foot patrols in Londons most notorious crime hotspots to curb gang violence. Met Commissioner Cressida Dick today said that armed officers could take a short foot patrol in extreme circumstances in response to serious outbreaks of violence. She told members of the London Assemblys police and crime committee that armed officers were already getting out of their vehicles to support unarmed colleagues at violent incidents. In some cases, they would walk around, she said. The patrols would be undertaken by officers from armed response vehicles which routinely patrol London, and provide support to neighbourhood police and specialist teams. Ms Dick said she and colleagues were aware of the sensitivities over alterations to the role of armed police but insisted this would be a small change. Cressida Dick pictured at Scotland Yard / Lucy Young She said this would not involve routine armed patrols, adding: We are not doing this by stealth. It would only be done in unusual circumstances. However, Labour member Len Duvall said that while people were used to armed officers protecting iconic sites, patrols on ordinary streets would amount to a change in tactics. He questioned why there had only been limited consultation, saying his concern was this would sneak out and become the norm. Ms Dick said a limited consultation had started with two groups in London. An email to one, seen by the Standard, states: There has been recent internal discussion around using additional armed support to patrol on foot amongst local communities, with their weapons visible and accessible. The purpose of any such initiative must be to enhance public and unarmed officer safety, and to improve not hinder community confidence. The email says the ARV (armed response vehicle) pulse patrol is a tactical option available to police but states it is not routinely utilised due to the potential for adverse community impact if not carefully managed. Armed foot patrols were deployed in London in 2009 after a surge in gun crime. However, Scotland Yard was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after it provoked an angry reaction from local communities and the forces governing authority because they had not been consulted in advance. There were fears the deployment would be a step towards a routinely-armed force with the then mayor Boris Johnson saying armed police should be the exception, not the norm. Sir Paul Stephenson, the Met Commissioner at the time, admitted that armed officers had been deployed on foot eight times in support of neighbourhood officers in a pilot project in Haringey and Lambeth. The force abandoned the scheme. At present armed officers are deployed in support of the Violent Crime Taskforce but they are mobile teams. A Met spokesman said today: As part of the Mets ongoing commitment to tackle serious violence, our tactics remain under constant review. Currently officers across the boroughs and Violent Crime Taskforce are supported by colleagues from specialist units such as the Territorial Support Group and the Specialist Firearms Command (SCO19). One tactical option available within SCO19 would be to deploy armed foot patrols. The Met recognises the significant change in tasking officers in this way and the impact it may have on our communities. As such an email was sent to our independent community group, the Firearms and Taser Reference Group, for their initial views on how they believe their community may perceive such patrols. No decision has been made. A 19-year-old man is fighting for life after being stabbed repeatedly in broad daylight in east London The teenager was rushed to hospital after the incident in Newbury Park, Ilford, on Wednesday afternoon. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene in Perkins Road, a mile from Newbury Park station, at about 3.45pm. The man was taken to an east London hospital where he remains in a critical condition, Scotland Yard said. The road was still cordoned off on Thursday as forensic officers carried out an investigation. P olice hope children as young as nine will become influencers of the future to help them beat terrorists. A senior officer revealed details of a planned strategy that could include enabling youngsters to identify suspicious behaviour. The officer said the drive could include talking to primary school children in Years Five and Six to counter information they are exposed to online, because everybody needs to play their part in national security. The plans were revealed during a panel discussion at Olympias International Security Expo yesterday. The campaign is expected to expand the Government-funded Action Counters Terrorism project aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds, which includes how to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour, how to deal with suspicious items and what to do in an attack. The officer said: I feel young people are influencers of the future in terms of the way that we approach security. Some people are anxious that we might want to have conversations with primary school Year Five, Year Six but the point for me is young people are getting information pushed at them, and we should not be frightened of stepping into that space. We need to work as a whole society, whole system approach to it, where absolutely everybody plays their part in helping to really create hostile environments for terrorists to operate in. It follows criticism from the parliamentary watchdog that MI5 and counter-terrorism police missed chances to prevent the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The Intelligence and Security Committee also warned of a litany of errors over the Parsons Green Tube attack in September last year. The Expos audience of security professionals heard technology was not the solution to everything and communities needed to be more comfortable reporting concerns to beat police.The officer said the current threat was any time, anywhere, and any type of weapon. A 15-year-old Syrian refugee who was filmed being attacked at school has told supporters "thanks for everything". The boy arrived with his father to talk to a small group of concerned people who had gathered outside his school in Huddersfield. His father on Thursday said he did not want to give interviews to waiting media but, as they left, the teenager just said "thanks for everything" before getting into a waiting car. The footage of the boy being attacked and threatened has been widely shared on social media and provoked widespread concern. The bully holds a water bottle over his victim's head before 'waterboarding him' in the grounds of the school An online appeal set up to help the family has reached 136,000. The video was followed by further footage of what was said to be the boy's sister being physically abused at the same school. Their father told BBC Five Live: "In the beginning I thought we are coming for sanctuary and safety but when I saw what happened to my children I don't know what to say. "I have my daughter in school, we are Muslims. After one year of being in the UK she's grown up and decided to put on a hijab like her mother. We are surprised that in the school her friends beat her up and took her hijab." A video still of the girl being attacked in Huddersfield A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed over the attack on the boy, and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, with his arm in a cast, is thrown to the ground. He is dragged to the floor by his neck before his attacker says, "I'll drown you", while forcing water from a bottle into his mouth. On Thursday around 30 people gathered outside the school and a delegation then went inside the school for an hour-long meeting with the school's headteacher. The group emerged and "concerned resident" Imam Mohammed Pandor said the meeting was "very productive". Imam Mohammed Amin Pandor speaking to the media in Huddersfield / PA Mr Pandor, who is from Batley, said: "We are confident that school is taking this case very seriously." He added: "Clearly when someone comes from Syria, fleeing Assad's regime, coming to a place like this, when you get treated that way, that's an issue. And the whole world is looking at us." Asked he was reassured by the meeting, he said: "The reassurance is that we've had a frank discussion with them and the police are now involved. We can't accept this type of behaviour whether the victim is Muslim or non-Muslim." New video shows sister of bullied Syrian refugee being targeted in the playground The Syrian teenager told ITV News on Tuesday: "I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think I'm different, different from them. "I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, 'I don't want to go to school any more'. I was just crying and I didn't do nothing because I respect the school rules." The second video to emerge shows a hijab-wearing girl, said by the family's lawyer to be the boy's sister, pushed down a grass verge and shoved by a group. The first incident's alleged perpetrator has been the subject of hundreds of violent threats online. The 16-year-old gave The Sun Online a handwritten statement in which he accepted responsibility for his actions, but denied bullying the younger boy. "The incident was isolated and came about from an altercation between us earlier that day," he said. "The incident was not racial as up to that time we had been on good terms." West Yorkshire Police said another "unconnected" incident occurred on October 7 and left the teenager being attacked in the first video with a wrist injury. Three children were interviewed but officers left the matter to be dealt with by the school. S adiq Khan has approved a 384 million redevelopment in Hoxton, ending campaigners hopes of blocking the plans. The scheme, which will have 81 affordable or shared-ownership homes, a 1,140-pupil secondary school and sixth form college, will be built on the site of the Britannia Leisure Centre, which will be demolished and replaced. Work is set to begin next spring with the first phase due for completion in 2021. A second phase of 388 private homes will then be built. Phase 1 housing includes 81 genuinely affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership / Hackney Council A petition against the plans attracted more than 4,500 signatures and the Save Britannia Leisure Centre group wrote to Mr Khan arguing that locals would lose access to services. A restaurant version of a New York halal street food cart, which attracts queues round the block into the early hours of the morning, is to open in the West End. The first European outlet of The Halal Guys will launch in Irving Street near Leicester Square next March. It is the latest expansion of a brand that was started by three Egyptian immigrants in 1990 and now has dozens of restaurants across North America and the Far East. The London outlet will offer the original carts basic menu of grilled chicken or gyro beef, either in a pitta wrap or on a bed of rice. There is a vegetarian alternative made with falafels. The menu is also known for a trademark mayonnaise-based white sauce and a hot red sauce. Halal street food carts are a staple of the New York City food scene. Now they're coming to the West End. Halal street food carts are a staple of the New York City food scene. Now they're coming to the West End. The Halal Guys launch follows the arrival in London of Filipino fast food brand Jollibee known as the McDonalds of the Philippines last month. The distinctive red and yellow liveried cart on the corner of 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue become a Manhattan institution after it was set up by Mohammed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed 28 years ago. They originally served hotdogs but switched when they found there was greater demand for a quick hot meal among Muslim taxi drivers. As the company name suggests, all meat is slaughtered according to Islamic law. The cart, described by the New York Post as the citys most famous open-air dining destination, is open until 5am. An expansion into restaurants since 2015 means there are now 85 fast food outlets under The Halal Guys brand across North America and Asia with 400 more in the pipeline. The 1830 sq ft West End flagship, in a former Italian restaurant, will mark the start of a major push into the UK, with three more branches planned by late 2019 and up to 20 within five years. Prices will be 6 for a pitta sandwich, 7 for a small platter and 8 for a large platter in line with the US menu. L ondon will lose up to 700 billion to financial rival Frankfurt by the end of March as banks flee the UK ahead of Brexit, a lobby group has claimed. At least 30 banks and financial firms are set to move their EU headquarters to Germany, according to lobby group Frankfurt Main Finance. Other banks could spread their operations across multiple cities. The number of firms setting up in Frankfurt could be as high as 37, the lobby group has claimed. It expects up to 10,000 jobs to move to Frankfurt, which is Germanys fifth biggest city, over the next eight years. Lloyds, Standard Chartered and Credit Suisse are among the banks that are planning to open offices in Frankfurt because of Brexit. Lloyds is among the banks planning to open bases in Frankfurt / REUTERS Hubertus Vath, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance, said: This makes it clear for financial institutions that the Brexit is coming. While it has become somewhat less likely, the extreme scenario of a hard Brexit without a deal in place cannot be ruled out due to the uncertain majority in the British Parliament. On the other hand, it cannot be completely ruled out that the UK will remain in the EU, but this should be regarded as highly unlikely. The path is now set for the financial institutions. The Brexit plans are being implemented. Politicians made promises and delivered on them. Internationally, this is being observed very closely as it shows that the Financial Centre is being supported. Accordingly, Frankfurt Main Finance believes that the second-round effects will be significant. We stand by the potential of up to 10,000 jobs moving to Frankfurt which we estimated on day 1 after the Brexit referendum. However, there are signs of a second transition phase, which is expected to last until the end of 2022, and thus a further delay. B ank of England boss Mark Carney hit back at hardline Brexiteers today with a warning that swathes of the British economy are not ready for a no-deal departure from the European Union. The governor rejected Jacob Rees-Moggs accusation that the banks doom-laden predictions for a no-deal Brexit were Project Hysteria. Mr Carney said less than half of businesses have made sufficient preparations for the UK crashing out with no agreement. We have a responsibility to have systems ready for whatever happens, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. To do that, we need to do this type of analysis. We have been doing this since the day after the referendum. The governor rejected criticism by Tory Brexiteers such as Jacob Rees-Mogg / Bloomberg via Getty Images Mr Carney said the bank will publish records that have so far been held back from the public domain to avoid charges of scaremongering. Minutes of its meetings held since the 2016 referendum would confirm the serious concerns raised inside the bank, he said. The governor said the Government might need to delay fully leaving the EU beyond the target date of December 2020 to give the country more time to prepare. A transition period of 18 months to two years after Brexit Day on March 29 next year would be adequate for financial systems, he said, continuing: For the economy as a whole and in terms of putting in place the customs arrangements of the future, the question is, are those all in place? And the answer is no. TODO: define component type apester He said the transition was vital to avoid delays at borders. We know issues around the borders, we go to the ports and we know the issues that are there today. So we need some time to get ready for it. Asked about criticism made by Andrew Sentance, a former member of the banks monetary policy committee, who accused Mr Carney of issuing bogus forecasts, the governor replied: The gentleman you quoted was not a member of the committee that is responsible for this part of the work of the bank. He added: Lets not personalise it, then. Mr Carney said the bank had investigated how infrastructure and many businesses had made contingency plans for the possibility of an unruly exit from the EU single market of 500 million consumers. Theresa May has faced criticism over her Brexit deal / AFP/Getty Images All the industries, all the infrastructure of the country, are they all ready at this point in time? As best as we can tell, the answer is no, he said. Asked what type of Brexit scenario he would like to see, Mr Carney said he does not have a preference other than to see a transition period agreed. The current plan is to end the transition and enter a new trade relationship with Brussels by January 2021, but the withdrawal agreement states that it could be extended until the end of 2022. It is in the interest of the country to have some time to transition to whatever relationship there is, Mr Carney said. Car makers blamed Brexit for production falling by almost 10 per cent last month. The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders said 15,200 fewer vehicles were produced. Meanwhile, net migration from the EU to the UK has fallen to the lowest level in nearly six years. Official statistics today showed an estimated 74,000 more EU nationals came to live in the country for at least 12 months than left in the year to June. The figure is the lowest since the year ending September 2012, when it stood at 65,000. Non-EU net migration was at its highest since 2004, with 248,000 more non-EU citizens arriving than departing, the Office for National Statistics said. T heresa May faces a further grilling on her Brexit deal today as opponents continue to pile the pressure on her controversial Brexit plan. The Prime Minister was quizzed at PMQs on Wednesday and now must defend herself once again in front of the Commons Liaison Committee. This panel is made up of a number of key MPs, who are the chairs of the 32 select committees. Mrs May faces continuous hurdles in getting the House of Commons to pass her deal, which the European Union endorsed last weekend. Theresa May faced PMQs on Wednesday and will be quizzed once again on Thursday / AFP/Getty Images It has been confirmed by the Government that MPs will debate the proposals eight hours a day for five days ahead of the crucial December 11 vote, while Labour has also made its strongest stance yet against the documents. The main opposition party is tabling an amendment opposing the deal ahead of the Commons showdown, as its leader Jeremy Corbyn said his group could not back Mrs May's plan. He claimed it failed to ensure participation in a "strong" single market and customs union, as Labour signalled a new referendum would be inevitable if Mrs May's plans are voted down. Jeremy Corbyn and Labour have been highly critical of the deal / Getty Images MPs will be permitted to vote on six amendments to the Government motion backing the deal during the Commons showdown. This all comes as major warning signs have been touted over the risks of a no-deal Brexit, which the EU and Mrs May have indicated is likely if the UK does not back the documents that have been endorsed. There are also to be further predictions on Thursday when the Commons Treasury Committee publishes the Financial Conduct Authority's analysis of the withdrawal plans. The House of Commons will vote on the Brexit proposals on December 11 / PA Security Minister Ben Wallace is set to lay out ominous predictions for security risks if Britain did crash out with no provisions. He will say on Thursday that leaving without an agreement would have a "real impact" on authorities' ability to protect the public. The Bank of England also warned on Wednesday of a major drop in value for the pound and a shrinking economy if there were no deal. Bank of England governor Mark Carney speaking at the press conference on Wednesday / Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images However, prominent Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg hit out at this as being part of a "project hysteria". But arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg was dismissive of all the claims, telling the Daily Telegraph: "This is Project Hysteria. "Before the referendum we were threatened with a plague of frogs. "Now they warn of the death of the first born. "The Bank of England has gone from being discredited to being hysterical." Jacob Rees-Mogg blasted the Bank of England's predictions / Bloomberg via Getty Images Pro-European Tories have also been criticising the deal and plans, with Jo Johnson urging party colleagues to vote down Mrs May's deal. The ex-minister, brother of leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson, is using a speech on Thursday to say that if the Conservatives do not change course they face a bigger electoral defeat than 1997. He is set to say: "This is the worst of all worlds. "There is a natural opportunity, now that the deal is agreed, for us to check that the country wants us to proceed on this basis." As Mrs May continues to try and rally some public support in the face of ever increasing backlash from inside the Commons, there has been a welcome boost with Andrea Leadsom publicly backing her plans. T heresa May was today warned by a former Cabinet minister that her EU deal is a threat to the Tory Partys very existence. Former education secretary Justine Greening spoke out as the Prime Minister ducked questions from senior MPs about what will happen if her withdrawal blueprint is crushed in the Commons vote on December 11. The public is tired of parliamentary backroom deals and politicians playing Game Of Thrones on something this important just isnt right, Ms Greening told a rally staged by the campaign for a fresh referendum. Standing alongside Jo Johnson, who quit as a minister to oppose Mrs Mays plan, she said: Jo Johnson is right on the Prime Ministers deal and it is a threat to the Tory partys very existence, pursuing something so irreversibly unpopular. Theresa May speaks to senior MPs on Thursday / AFP PHOTO / PRU / Getty Images In key developments in the Brexit battle: Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster left the door open for a Norway-plus option for the post-Brexit relationship with the EU, which appears to be gaining ground among MPs. She told the BBCs Today programme she opposed the PMs deal but: We are very open to allow the Government to work away at other solutions in terms of what is the best way to leave the EU. Mrs May confirmed her long-awaited immigration policy paper might not be published before the Brexit vote. As revealed by the Standard, it has been held up in a Cabinet dispute. She cast doubts on the Governments own economic analysis of Brexit, which found GDP would take a hit in all scenarios, by insisting there were many variables that can change. She was left struggling to defend her argument that no deal is better than a bad deal when quizzed by Brexit committee chairman Hilary Benn. Northern Ireland committee chairman Andrew Murrison warned her the DUP could pull the plug on the confidence and supply deal keeping her in No 10 if she succeeds in getting her plan through Parliament. DUP sources suggested this may not happen immediately after the vote on December 11. Home affairs committee chair Yvette Cooper accused the Prime Minister of not being straight with people over the security arrangements she has managed to lock down with the EU. Mrs May was given a rough ride at a hearing of the liaison committee, where select committee chairs asked repeatedly about her plans for a defeat in the Commons. She said defiantly: The deal is the deal at this point of time. Theresa May doesn't rule out no deal Brexit Labour MP Rachel Reeves challenged her on her comment that the UK will not be worse off after Brexit, despite Chancellor Philip Hammond warning the economy would be smaller. Referring to a government economic paper published yesterday, Mrs May said: What the analysis shows is there will be an impact on the rate of growth in the United Kingdom looking ahead, other things being equal. But other things will not necessarily be equal. This is why I made a slightly flip comment about economic forecasts in response to a question on Monday, but the point is there are many variables that can change, that will impact in relation to our economy outside the European Union. Some of those are in our hands. Obviously there are other aspects in terms of international trade. In 2020, 90 per cent of the growth is due to be outside the European Union. Mr Benn argued the Treasury analysis had made clear that no deal is no longer better than a bad deal because that would be the worst outcome of all. Mrs May responded: That depends on what a bad deal looks like, I suggest. But Mr Benn pressed: Is there a worst deal than no deal? After a pause, Mrs May replied: The deal we have negotiated is certainly not. Its a good deal. Mr Benn continued: But you just said that no deal might not be the worst outcome, because there could be an even worse one, what could that be? Mrs May said: There isnt a deal on the table that is in that category. Mr Murrison asked what plans Mrs May had to govern in the event you win the vote given that you will be doing so without the DUP. She responded: There are a lot of questions which are based on assumptions. We are talking to the DUP as we are talking to other MPs about the vote ... on the 11th of December. Mr Murrison added: But nevertheless you have to plan for the worst-case scenario and its highly likely given the remarks made by Arlene Foster you will be facing the future without your confidence and supply partner. R ebel Tory Jo Johnson is urging fellow Conservatives to vote down Theresa May's "worst of all worlds" Brexit. The former minister will say the party risks an election disaster if they decide to back the Prime Ministers plans. Mr Johnson, who resigned as transport minister earlier this month, will rally opposition to Mrs Mays deal during a speech on Thursday. He will say: "This is the worst of all worlds. "There is a natural opportunity, now that the deal is agreed, for us to check that the country wants us to proceed on this basis. "Now is the time to ensure we have public support for this major decision in our nation's history." Jo Johnson, right, speaks to Gary Lineker about Brexit / Getty Images Mr Johnson, the brother of arch-Breexiter Boris Johnson, backs a fresh referendum. During his speech in London later, he will say: "The Conservative Party's reputation for economic competence would be undermined by implementing a botched Brexit, especially one that the Government's own analysis suggests will cause economic harm. "Brexit is seen as a project driven by the Conservative Party and this half-baked, worst of all worlds Brexit could trigger an electoral defeat on the scale of 1997, or worse, with this 'Tory Brexit' label an albatross around our necks for years to come." Mr Johnson will also reject a so-called "Norway Forever" option in which the UK emulates the Scandinavian country's relationship with the EU. Jo Johnson resigns from government over Brexit He will say: "It is hard to see a majority in Parliament for a policy which combines the continuation of free movement of people and no say in EU decision making. "Norway Forever is tantamount to full EU membership with no voting rights. "Anyone who objects to the PM's deal because it leaves us in a subordinate relationship to the EU should dislike Norway Forever even more. "It is a self-defeating form of Brexit, which no self-respecting Parliament should touch with a barge pole." T heresa Mays Brexit plan has been boosted by strong backing from senior Cabinet minister and Eurosceptic Andrea Leadsom. Mrs Leadsom stepped out in support of the Prime Ministers plans before Mrs May takes a tough grilling from MPs over the deal on Thursday. Showing support for the deal, Mrs Leadsom said it had been a challenging journey but Mrs Mays plan was the only deal on the table, the Daily Mail reported. The intervention came as the Government confirmed MPs will debate the Brexit deal eight hours a day for five days leading up to a crunch vote on December 11. Andrea Leadsom, the Tory Party's Leader of the House of Commons / REUTERS MPs will be allowed to vote on six amendments to the Government motion backing the deal during the Commons showdown. Commons Speaker John Bercow will decide which amendments get to be debated and decided upon by MPs ahead of the so-called meaningful vote on Government proposals. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is appearing on ITV's This Morning on Thursday to push his case, said the party could not back Mrs May's plan as it failed to ensure participation in a "strong" single market and customs union. The move came as Labour signalled a new referendum would be inevitable if Mrs May's plans are voted down. The comments followed a warning from the Bank of England that without an exit deal the UK could be tipped into a recession worse than the financial crash, with an 8 per cent cut in GDP, unemployment surging by as much as 7.5 per cent and house prices falling by almost one-third. Also a cross-Government analysis found the UK economy would be 9.3 per cent smaller after 15 years if Britain leaves without a deal and falls back on World Trade Organisation rules, compared with remaining in the EU. While the UK economy would continue to grow after withdrawal, Britain would be worse off under any Brexit scenario than if it stayed in the EU, the Government paper found. There could be further stark warnings on Thursday, when the Commons Treasury Committee publishes the Financial Conduct Authority's analysis of the Brexit deal and political declaration. Chancellor Phillip Hammond says Brexit deal will make Britain worse off But arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg was dismissive of all the claims, telling the Daily Telegraph: "This is Project Hysteria. "Before the referendum we were threatened with a plague of frogs. Now they warn of the death of the first born. "The Bank of England has gone from being discredited to being hysterical." Pro-Europe Tories hit back with former minister Jo Johnson urging party colleagues to vote down Mrs May's deal. The ex-minister, who is brother to leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson, is using a speech on Thursday to say that if the Conservatives do not change course they face a bigger electoral defeat than 1997. And security minister Ben Wallace will say that a no-deal Brexit would leave both the EU and UK at greater risk. B ritish tourists in Spain will be less safe under a no-deal Brexit, the security minister warned today as a row erupted over the Governments law enforcement deal with the EU. Ben Wallace said the loss of access to European databases that would follow a cliff edge departure in March would make it harder to stop dangerous people flying into this country and have a real impact on the fight against terrorism and other crimes. His warning came ahead of a speech today in London in which he set out the benefits of the security deal arranged between the Government and the EU as part of Theresa Mays Brexit agreement. Labours shadow home secretary Diane Abbott has described the plans as dangerously flimsy and lacking adequate guarantees on security. But Mr Wallace insisted that the future security arrangements envisaged under the Brexit deal were more concrete than is being alleged, before delivering a stark warning of the consequences of voting down the Prime Ministers blueprint. If we were to leave in March next year without a deal we would find it hard to do our job, he said, citing the exchange of DNA data, passenger records and vehicle registration information as areas where continued, rapid-time sharing was essential. TODO: define component type apester T he daughter of an earl who claims she was forced out of her aristocratic family and left in absolute poverty is demanding a larger slice of her late fathers 1.3 million estate, the High Court was told. Lady Tara Wellesley, 56, is locked in a legal fight with her relatives, claiming she relies on benefits after being left only 20,000 in her fathers will when he died in June 2016. The aspiring artist insists she was forced out of the family at a young age by her fathers second wife, and says the financial settlement is now subjecting her to cruel and unusual punishment. Lady Tara is seeking 400,000 to provide for her and her disabled son, help fund a career in fine art, and so she can buy her own council house. The late earl's widow Carola Marion Wellesley But the late earls widow Carola, 75, his four step-daughters Heidi, Hilary, Sarah and Johnna, and his son and heir Graham Wellesley, the 8th Earl of Cowley, 53, are fighting the claim, arguing Lady Tara was a teenage rebel who rejected her fathers support as she turned to drink and drugs. The family, descendants of the brother of the Duke of Wellington, claim Garret Wellesley, 7th Earl of Cowley, cut himself off from his wayward daughter due to the distress. Lady Tara, his eldest child, told the court yesterday she had not seen her father for at least 30 years prior to his death at the age of 81. I did try and get in touch with him, I would hope he was thinking of me, she said. The earl's son and heir Graham Wellesley She claims to have been forced out of the family home by her step-mother Isabelle, who treated her as excess baggage, and eventually she had to go into care. She said the earls third and fourth wives also disliked her, and accused her brother of spreading lies in a bid to thwart any reconciliation with her father. Constance McDonnell, for the family, accused Lady Tara of telling her father in 1987 that she hated the aristocratic life that he and the rest of the family lived and their superior attitude, and you wanted nothing more to do with that. Lady Tara replied: I cant recall saying anything like that, and when pressed that she had rejected the aristocratic life, she said: I didnt have an aristocratic life I was living in absolute poverty. She told the court she had worked for Selfridges, Waitrose and Harrods, but has been held back from jobs because of her ADHD diagnosis. Lady Tara gained a degree in fine art from Middlesex University in 2010 and volunteers once a week at the Tate Gallery. She has been trying to establish herself as an artist but needs financial support to make it a success, she said. The family argue the late earl, a Tory peer, and his third wife Paige made repeated efforts to get through to her when she was younger, supporting a doomed wooden toys business, encouraging her to take educational courses and offering financial support. Ms McDonnell suggested to Lady Tara: Your behaviour, drinking and taking drugs late at night, treating the house as a hotel, wore your father and Paige down. T he lawyer representing the Syrian refugee who was filmed being attacked at school has said he is actively considering suing Tommy Robinson. Mr Robinson on Thursday made claims that the 15-year-old who was filmed being bullied in Huddersfield had been involved in a separate attack on a girl at the school. The familys lawyer has strongly dismissed the claims, made by the former EDL leader, during two Facebook live broadcasts, and said they are now actively considering legal action. In a tweet, Mohammed T Akunjee wrote: We are actively considering legal action against Mr Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) for his defamatory comments. The family representing the Syrian refugee filmed being attacked is considering legal action against Tommy Robinson / PA These are clearly defamatory comments made by Tommy. We will be communicating with Robinson and we will be taking legal action, Mr Akunjee also told The Independent. Mr Robinson is yet to respond. The comments by the English Defence League founder come after footage of the teenager being "waterboarded" was widely shared. The videos emergence on social media this week was followed by further footage of what was said to be the boy's sister being physically abused at the same school The bully holds a water bottle over his victim's head before 'waterboarding him' in the grounds of the school A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed over the attack on the boy and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was questioned by police over the footage in which the 15-year-old victim, with his arm in a cast, is thrown to the ground He is dragged to the floor by his neck before his attacker says, "I'll drown you", while forcing water from a bottle into his mouth. The Syrian teenager told ITV News on Tuesday: "I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think I'm different, different from them. T heresa May has accepted an offer to take part in a debate on the Brexit deal on Sunday, December 9, the BBC has announced. In a statement the broadcaster confirmed the Prime Minister will join the event, which is to be held in Birmingham at 8pm. "Were delighted shes agreed and hope to hear soon from the Labour party," the statement reads. "We have been discussing debate formats with both parties and will announce further details soon." TODO: define component type apester There has not been confirmation of the Labour Party as yet, it was previously stated that leader Jeremy Corbyn would "relish" the opportunity to debate her. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, following Mrs May's BBC debate confirmation, he said: "All I know is I've accepted the idea of a debate, very happy to do so." He had accepted an ITV offer and joked that was partly due to "respect for the viewers", so as not to clash with the 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' final. The BBC has given further details through Norman Smith, the broadcaster's assistant political editor, who said it will be a head-to-head debate between Jeremy Corbyn and the Prime Minister. However, he said there will be a panel who will be able to ask questions of both, who have been identified as being on one side of the argument. Those people have not been confirmed. The Labour Party has previously said Jeremy Corbyn would debate the PM / PA Questions will also be asked through social media, he stated. Other politicians, including staunch Brexiteers within her own party as well as figureheads from a range of other groups, had also stated their case for wanting to debate her. Ardent Brexiteer and former foreign secretary Boris Johnson has been one name touted, while he also called for her to debate a Eurosceptic if she were to undertake any televised face-off. His intervention came following Mrs May had rejecting calls for leaders of other political parties to join the two main party leaders in a televised debate. Boris Johnson has called for other people in addition to Mrs May and Mr Corbyn to be involved / REUTERS Mr Johnson, who has made repeated attacks on Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement, wrote on Twitter: "Debates are great for democracy - but rather than widening discourse, this debate is narrowing it by offering a false choice between May's failing deal and Corbyn's vague proposals - neither of which are Brexit. "There is no point having a debate with two people who voted Remain & deals that don't take back control." Theresa May has been rejecting criticism in regards to her deal with the EU / AFP/Getty Images The announcement of Sunday's debate arrives amid the Prime Minister embarking upon a heavily publicised rescue mission to promote her much criticised plans with the EU. Her stance has remained steadfast that her deal is the best possible and the only one which will be forthcoming from the European Union, as reiterated by its chiefs. Theresa May doesn't rule out no deal Brexit In recent days, she has travelled over Britain in an attempt to rally public support. She has also defended her plan in the face of strongly-worded scrutiny from unconvinced MPs, both in PMQs and Liaison Committee Meeting. Both of these critiqued official analysis, from both the Government and the Bank of England, which have stated there will be an impact on the economy in whatever scenario the UK leaves the EU. Mark Carney spoke of the issues of a no deal Brexit and the Chancellor Philip Hammond commented on the economy shrinking in the wake of leaving the bloc. Chancellor Phillip Hammond says Brexit deal will make Britain worse off However, Mrs May has stated in the long-run she sees economic growth, regardless of the analysis which she feels does not take into account all factors. She was absolutely firm when it came to suggestions of extending Article 50 and said the UK will be leaving the EU on March 29, 2019. T heresa May has endured a bruising Brexit confrontation with Labour's Yvette Cooper who claimed the Prime Minter would not go ahead with no deal even if her agreement is rejected. In a heated exchange during a Committee Liaison meeting, Ms Cooper said that after knowing Theresa May for 20 years, she is not the kind of person who would let the UK crash out of the EU without a deal. She also accused Mrs May of not being straight with people over the risks her deal poses to security. After highlighting the deal does not include access to the crucial SIS2 or ECRIS criminal databases, the Labour MP accused Mrs May of not being straight with the British people. She said: You havent got access to [SIS2 or ECRIS] but your security assessment assumes that you have. That is not being straight with people about the risks to security of what youve currently got in your political declaration and in your agreement." Yvette Cooper claimed the Prime Minister is not being straight with the British people What the political declaration makes clear is that as part of future negotiations the nature of the access on that data exchange will be part of the future negotiations, the Prime Minister responded. The animated Committee meeting on Thursday also heard Ms Cooper suggest Mrs May is not the kind of person who would contemplate taking this country into a no-deal situation". "I think youll take action to avert it, she added. Tweeting after the meeting, she said: Having known Theresa May for 20 years, I dont believe she would go ahead with No Deal even if her deal is rejected. The security and economic risks are too great. In a further critical comment to the Prime Minister, the Labour MP said: Youre trying to say to some people that youre going to get a frictionless trade, youre going to be pretty close to Norway. Youre trying to say to other people youre going to be pretty close to Canada, and you're going to have an independent trade policy. Actually, you havent got agreement to any of those. So once again youre just not being straight with people. Isnt your real problem here that because you havent got agreement to any of this, actually youre really saying to people trust me Ill sort it out in the second phase? Theresa May defended her deal at a Committee Liaison meeting A little later in the meeting, Mrs May was asked another question by the Labour MP and was answering when Ms Cooper cut her response short. "Prime Minister, I dont think you are adding anything and its Tom Tugendhats turn, she said. The heated exchange on Thursday comes as the Prime Minister embarks upon a heavily-publicised rescue mission to promote her criticised plans with the EU. Her stance has remained steadfast that her deal is the best possible and the only one which will be forthcoming from the EU, as reiterated by its chiefs after the summit on Sunday. In recent days, she has travelled over Britain in an attempt to rally public support. She has also defended her plan in the face of strongly-worded scrutiny in PMQs. Official analysis was highlighted in PMQs, from both the Government and the Bank of England, which has stated there will be an impact on the economy in whatever scenario the UK leaves the EU. However, defending the plans in a letter to the nation, the Prime Minister said the deal is in our national interest, and is one that works for our whole country and for all our people. T he Australian government has suggested allowing its foreign spies to use lethal force against anyone who could jeopardise an intelligence operation. Currently agents posted abroad are permitted to use force only in self-defence, to protect the lives of other agents or to safeguard those working with the Canberra government. "The changes will mean officers are able to protect a broader range of people and use reasonable force if someone poses a risk to an operation," Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. For example, the amended law would allow Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) agents to use lethal force to protect individuals, such as hostages, during overseas missions, she said. ASIS is Canberra's overseas spy agency. The amendment introduced in parliament on Thursday was necessary because of the increased dangers faced by ASIS agents, Ms Payne said. "Our ASIS officers often work in dangerous locations, including under warlike conditions, to protect Australia and our interests," she said. Australia has been on heightened alert for attacks by militants both at home and at its foreign embassies. Australian agents operating under the new law would have similar powers to those available to intelligence officers working for other Western spy agencies, according to a Reuters source. A Brit is among at least 10 people who have been killed after a deadly Taliban attack on a UK security firms office. Five employees were killed and 32 injured after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-packed truck into the gate of the G4S compound in Kabul. It was followed by an hours-long gun battle with insurgents armed with grenades and automatic rifles. Charlie Burbridge, managing director of G4S Risk Management Group, said: It is with great sadness that we can confirm five employees were killed ... in an unprovoked, criminal attack. Security forces walk next to a crater caused by the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday / AP Photo/Rahmat Gul "Next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends. "We are offering support and counselling. The firm, which is one of the largest private security companies in the world, provides security for companies and organisations working in Afghanistan. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives before other insurgents started a gun battle with security forces. It allowed some gunmen to enter the G4S compound. Public health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh added that four of the dead were attackers. The assault left a huge crater at the compound gates and caused huge damage to nearby buildings and vehicles. Afghan security forces inspect the site of the attack in Kabul on Thursday / AP Photo/Rahmat Gul The Taliban, who claimed responsibility for the attack, say it was retaliation for a U.S. airstrike in southern Helmand hours earlier that killed 30 people, many of them civilians. The Foreign Office said it was working with authorities to establish further details. The attack came just hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced plans for peace talks with the Taliban. On Tuesday, three US servicemen were killed and three more wounded in an explosion near Ghazni. A businessman moved by the destruction of a town during the deadly California wildfires has donated $1000 (780) each to students and staff members at the local high school. Bob Wilson, a real estate developer and restaurant owner, said he thought of the donation after reading a Los Angeles Times story about the high school, following the so-called Camp Fire in the north that ravaged Paradise and left some 900 students without a home. Mr Wilson arrived in the nearby city of Chico with two suitcases stuffed with cheques to a total of $1.1 million (850,000) for Paradise High School's 980 students and 105 teachers and staff members. The death toll from the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century was steady at 88 on Wednesday, with 196 people still missing, officials said. The Camp Fire rages through Paradise on November 8 (file photo) / AP The fast-moving fire destroyed thousands of homes in and around Paradise, including the city of Thousand Oaks still reeling from a mass shooting earlier this month. Mr Wilson, 90, is from the San Diego area said in an interview that his memories of high school in the 1940s inspired him to act. He was spurred to act after reading about the school still standing with students scattered and separated from each other. One student told the newspaper he missed spending time with his friends at local hangouts and another said she cries constantly. A burned neighbourhood is seen in Paradise (file photo) / AFP/Getty Images Mr Wilson's intention was to make the kids smile and "give a little freedom to do whatever they wanted to do and maybe take their minds off what happened for a short period". He said reading about the hardships faced by the Paradise high school students broke his heart and he wanted them to know that someone cares about them. "High school had a great impact on my life," he said. "In fact, I would say it was the first, last and only truly carefree time." School Principal Loren Lighthall said he thinks about 900 students lost their homes because of the fire. Footage from inside car shows devastation of California wildfires "Bob's donation puts money in each kid's pocket right now for food, gas, clothes, for essential things," he said. Governor of California Jerry Brown signed an executive order on Wednesday to help affected school districts by waiving requirements for class sizes, physical education and building codes. The order also allows the Paradise Unified School District to continue teaching students at temporary facilities even if the children are now living outside district boundaries. It comes as some evacuation orders could be lifted early next week for areas devastated by the. But rain moving into the area overnight could delay repopulation plans for next week in parts of eastern and southern Paradise, officials have warned. Up to an inch of rain could fall on Thursday in the burn zone, potentially flooding some areas and making it harder for crews clearing roads and repairing power lines and other infrastructure. C rown Princess Mary of Denmark danced with locals and posed for selfies during a visit to Nairobi. Mary, 46, later changed into traditional dress and a colourful headdress to visit the Kalama Conservancy nature reserve. The mother-of-four, who is originally from Australia, was visiting Kenya to promote sexual and reproductive health for women. She also met local women who have benefited from Danish support to create sustainable businesses. Mary, 46, also posed for selfies during the visit / REUTERS Mary was accompanied by Danish minister for development Ulla Toernaes. Her husband, Crown Prince Frederick, was not in attendance. P resident Donald Trump and his wife Melania have lit the National Christmas Tree in the park behind the White House. The first lady hit the switch to light the tree after her husband did a countdown from 10, urging audience members to join in. It is the 96th straight year for the presidential tradition. Mr Trump declared: "Merry Christmas, everybody. We just have to say it all together: Merry, merry Christmas." The Trumps hosted the event outside the White House on Wednesday / REUTERS The first lighting took place on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators. The National Christmas Tree is a living Colorado blue spruce. A new underwater high speed rail route has been given the green light by Beijing. The tunnel will connect Ningbo, a port city south of Shanghai, to Zhoushan, an archipelago off the east coast. Trains travelling along the line will be able to reach speeds of 155mph. It is hoped the 47.84 mile Yong-Zhou Railway plan will boost tourism and create a two-hour commute zone within the Zhejiang Province. The route will connect to the existing high-speed rail network that spans China and significantly shorten the journey, which now takes around 4.5 hours. The proposed plan suggests there will be a 10 mile undersea section and 44 miles of track will be newly built. But, it does not come cheap, with a price tag of RMB 25.2 billion (2.84 billion). A former London Underground manager hired to fix New Yorks transit system has incurred the wrath of angry commuters at a stormy public meeting over filthy trains, cancellations and rising fares. Andy Byford and other chiefs faced a barrage of criticism from passengers and even staff over the state of the citys public transport network. One sanitation worker singled out Mr Byford, the former group station manager at Kings Cross/St Pancras, and said proposed cuts in cleaning staff would make the subways filthy. Mr Byford calmly took notes as anger was directed at him and 14 other city transit bosses during Tuesday nights two-hour session. Protest: angry passengers hold up posters urging Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to pay more taxes to help the New York subway system Members of the public accused them of bigotry for raising the price of rides for the disabled, and said people were disgusted by a proposed fare hike of 25 cents to $3 for a single bus or subway ride. The rise is being considered along with service cuts to plug a $1 billion (784 million) deficit by 2021 amid falling passenger numbers. On top of that, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which runs the New York transport system, needs $60 billion (47 billion) for a massive repair programme. Mr Byford is head of the New York City Transit Authority, a branch of the MTA. He was brought in to fix the ailing network in January. In March he laid out a $38 billion (29 billion) master-plan to fix the system but it has not been funded yet by New York City and state officials. The sanitation worker, wearing his MTA uniform, told Mr Byford: Currently trains are sanitised every three months but by eliminating these jobs youre creating a cesspool of disease on those trains. And you want to raise the fare? Unbelievable. He added: Dont blame the folks wearing the orange vests, blame the folks wearing the suits on this stage. One passenger, Shameek Robinson, said: Its like rolling dice, you dont know if youre going to get stuck in a tunnel. I dont know any business model where you can charge more for a worse service. Other passengers complained about rats at stations, giant pools of water when it rained and homeless people defecating on platforms. TODO: define component type apester Protesters outside the meeting held up signs saying Make Bezos pay for elevators and ramps, referring to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, set to get a tax break for new offices in the city. T wo men have been arrested after a British radio presenter was murdered at his home in Lebanon. Gavin Ford, 53, was reportedly found strangled in his apartment near the capital Beirut on Monday. A source close to Lebanon's Internal Security Force told the local Daily Star: Two men have been arrested for the murder of the Radio One presenter Gavin Ford. The men, who are Syrian, were detained in the Bekaa Valley. Mr Ford had worked for the countrys Radio One since the 1990s, hosting popular breakfast show Gavin Ford in the Morning. His death led to an outpouring of grief on social media. The station said on Facebook: We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear Gavin Ford, a member of our team for many joyful years. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues all over the world. D onald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress and claims he did it "out of loyalty" to the President. During a surprise court appearance in New York on Thursday, Mr Cohen admitted lying to Congress about a Trump real estate project in Russia. However, Mr Trump has denied the claims by Mr Cohen, branding him a "weak person" while suggesting he is making the statements in a bid for a reduced sentence. Mr Cohen attended a New York courtroom, where he entered the plea, at around 9pm. Michael Cohen leaves court on Tuesday / Reuters Addressing the court, he admitted to making a false written statement in 2017 to the US Senate Select Committee. Michael Cohen leaves a previous court appearance / AP This was in regards to intelligence about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Mr Cohen detailed that he specifically lied about the timing of the tower negotiations amongst other false points. He stated he told Congress all discussions of the Moscow Trump Tower project ended by January 2016, when they had actually continued until June of that year. "I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1's political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1," Mr Cohen said in court He has previously identified individual one as Mr Trump. Mr Cohen previously worked for President Donald Trump / Win McNamee/Getty Images The statement in question was made as part of the investigation into whether Mr Trump's campaign worked with Russia to sway the presidential election in 2016. In August, Mr Cohen pleaded guilty to other federal charges involving his taxi businesses, bank fraud as well as his campaign work for Mr Trump. He is expected to be sentenced in relation to those charges in around two weeks time. Robert Mueller is investigating whether Russia had involvement in the 2016 US presidential election / AP One of the prosecutors who is working with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is conducting the investigation into claimed Russian involvement in the 2016 election, was present in the courtroom. House Speaker Paul Ryan, reacting to the plea to the new charges, said Mr Cohen "should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. That's why we put people under oath." Paul Ryan called for him to be prosecuted to the "extent of the law" / EPA Last year, Mr Cohen gave a statement to congressional committees saying the president's company pursued a project in Moscow during the Republican primary. He said the plan was abandoned "for a variety of business reasons." Mr Cohen also said, as part of the potential deal, he sent an email to the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his statement, he said he worked on the real estate proposal with Felix Sater. Mr Sater is a Russia-born associate who he said claimed to have deep connections in Moscow. Discussions about the potential development began after Mr Trump had declared his candidacy. Mr Cohen stated disclosed Mr Trump was personally aware of the deal, signed a document in relation to it, and the pair discussed it together. A mother and her 10-month-old daughter have been killed by a grizzly bear in Canada. Valerie Theoret, 37, and infant Adele Roesholt died were discovered by husband and father Gjermund Roesholt on Monday. He returned from a walk, in the Yukon area near the Northwest territories border, and was confronted by a large brown bear. The animal charged him as he got close to their cabin before he shot it dead. The family was staying in a cabin in the Yukon He then discovered his wife and baby about 100m from the outside the property they had been staying in. Tributes have been paid to the pair following the tragedy, believed to have happened between 10am and 3pm, with Ms Theoret being described as "full of love". Verena Koenig, a close friend of the mother, told the National Post: She was full of love. Even (when) there were struggles and things that happened and obstacles, she would always be so positive and she would always be there when you needed her. Ms Theoret is said to have been on maternity leave, according to the National Post. The Yukon Education Department told the publication: "Our heartfelt condolences are with her family and friends and with the staff and the students who are grieving. This tragedy weighs heavy on our hearts as a community. In times like this, we'll come together to honour her memory and support each other. A furious mother has accused an airline of mocking her five-year-old daughter for her name which is Abcde. Traci Redford claimed a gate attendant at John Wayne Airport in California laughed and took a picture of Abcdes boarding pass. The employee even posted the picture on social media, Ms Redford told news channel ABC7. The gate agent started mocking my childs name, Ms Redford said, pointing and laughing at me and my daughter and talking to other employees. So I turned around and just said: 'Hey, if I can hear you, my daughter can too Id appreciate if you'd just stop. Abcdes name is pronounced Ab-city. Southwest Airlines told the channel in a statement that the rogue staff member had broken its golden rule of customer respect. It said: We extend our sincere apology to the family. We take great pride in extending our Southwest Hospitality to all of our customers, which includes living by the Golden Rule and treating every individual with respect, in person or online. D emocrats in the House of Representatives have nominated Nancy Pelosi to be the new speaker though she still faces a showdown vote in January. As the party prepares to retake control of the House, Ms Pelosi, 78, won the internal ballot in which she had no opponent. The Californian said on Wednesday: "I'm proud to be the nominee of the House Democratic caucus once again for speaker of the House." However, the House veteran will still have to manoeuvre against a small group of Democrats demanding younger leadership - though they failed to produce a rival candidate to challenge her. Nancy Pelosi insisted we're in pretty good shape" to stave off challenges to her speakership / Alex Wong/Getty Images Over the next few weeks, Ms Pelosi will have to win over opponents to nail down a victory in early January, when the full House convenes to elect a new speaker. She won Wednesdays secret ballot by a vote of 203 to 32. But once the House convenes, Ms Pelosi will need 218 votes to become speaker. Nancy Pelosi approaches microphones to speak to members of the media on Wednesday / Alex Wong/Getty Images On Wednesday, she claimed she had already made progress as some of the potential renegades announced their support for her. She insisted we're in pretty good shape" for January. TODO: define component type apester Republicans, who next year will be in the minority for the first time since 2010, are expected to vote against any Democratic nominee for speaker. The Democrats are fresh from their November election victories. Ms Pelosi, who is currently the House minority leader, wants to lead the party's challenge to Donald Trump's political and legislative agendas in 2019. Ms Pelosi has held the speakership before. She became the first female speaker in US history in 2007, before the Republicans took over the House in 2011. Democratic member Gerry Connolly scorned those Democrats opposing Ms Pelosi, saying: Meanwhile, we have a very skilled, tested experienced leader who doesn't need on-the-job training. T he Senate dealt a stinging blow to Donald Trump today by voting to cut support for the Saudi-backed coalition fighting in Yemen. In a surprise move, Republicans and Democrats joined forces to send a clear message to the President in the wake of the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mr Trump has so far resisted demands for sanctions against Saudi Arabia, insisting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not behind the killing, which took place on October 2 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. But senators rebuffed the White House stance, with an emphatic 63-37 vote to advance a resolution to withdraw US military support. It comes in the wake of the killing of Jamal Khashoggi / REUTERS The Senate also snubbed an appeal by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who defended the administrations response to dissident Mr Khashoggis murder during a behind-closed-doors briefing on Capitol Hill. Insisting there was no direct reporting linking the Crown Prince to the killing, Mr Pompeo added that taking a tougher line with Riyadh over the Yemen conflict would be untimely and wreck efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Thousands have been killed and millions left on the brink of starvation since an Arab coalition led by the kingdom and backed by the UK, US and France began an offensive in 2015 when Houthi rebels took control of Yemens capital, Sanaa. While the Senate measure is unlikely to pass through the House of Representatives, which retains a Republican majority until January, the rebuke was seen in Washington as a challenge to the Trump administrations continued support for the oil-rich ally. Senators were also furious that CIA director Gina Haspel did not attend the briefing, with many believing she was blocked by the White House because she has more concrete evidence that the Khashoggi cover-up went right to the top. The CIAs assessment has not been made public. Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said: We have a problem here. We understand that Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country. We also have a Crown Prince thats out of control. Meanwhile, Mr Trump also refused today to rule out a pardon for his former campaign chief Paul Manafort, who has been convicted of bank and tax fraud. T hree police officers have been jailed for the murder of a high school student who was killed in President Rodrigo Dutertes drugs war. Kian Loyd delos Santos, 17, was shot dead in an alley in Manila in August 2017, sparking outrage among opponents of the government crackdown, which has seen nearly 5,000 people killed in anti-drugs operations over 29 months. Today officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz were sentenced to up to 40 years in jail for the murder of Kian in the first convictions linked to police violence in the drugs war. Passing judgment in court in Manila, Judge Rodolfo Azucena said: A shoot first, think later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilised society. Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement. Human rights activists say Mr Dutertes policy effectively sanctions extrajudicial killings. Kian was found dead with a gun in his left hand. Police accused him of being a drug runner and said they shot in self-defence, but his family dismissed these as lies. Then CCTV footage emerged showing the officers aggressively escorting a man matching his description towards the spot where he was killed. P resident Donald Trump has cancelled his meeting with Vladimir Putin citing Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels. Posting on Twitter on Wednesday, the US president said: "I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting." He said his decision was based on the fact the Ukrainian ships and sailors have not been released by Russia. Mr Trump added: "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!" He tweeted after departing for the G20 summit on Wednesday. Russian news agencies have since suggested the Kremlin has not been notified about the meeting being cancelled. It comes after the long-simmering tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated on Sunday when Russia was accused of opening fire on Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. Three of Ukraine's navy ships were then taken into Russian custody along with their crew. An image purporting to show a clash between the Russian coast guard and a Ukrainian tugboat / AP A dramatic recording also suggests a Russian military ship was ordered to squash one of the Ukrainian boats. The footage appeared to show one of their ships deliberately ploughing into the much smaller Ukrainian vessel. In the video a man can be heard shouting: Squash him, well done, squeeze him from the right..." Ukrainian ships detained in Kerch Strait on Sunday / REUTERS According to Ukrainian sources, six of its naval crew were wounded and 24 were detained after the Russians opened fire on the boats and seized two armoured ships and a tug. L ife expectancy in the US fell again last year after drug overdose deaths soared 10 per cent. Overdose deaths reached a new high in 2017, at more than 70,000, while the suicide rate increased by 3.7 per cent, according to the Centres for Disease Controls National Centre for Health Statistics. Americans average life span fell by one-tenth of a year to 78.6. Women continue to outlive men, with life expectancy at 81.1 years compared to 76.1. The rate of overdose deaths have increased from six per 100,000 people in 1999 to nearly 22 in 2017. A fentanyl user holds a needle in Philadelphia. Suicides and drug overdoses helped lead a surge in U.S. deaths last year / David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File The number of people dying from heroin overdoses is now seven times higher than it was in 1999, with fentanyl deaths rocketing by 45 per cent between 2016 and 2017. Place also mattered when it came to overdose deaths, with West Virginia and Ohio recording the highest numbers at almost six times that of South Dakota and Nebraska, which had the lowest rates. CDC Director Dr Robert Redfield said: These sobering statistics are a wake-up call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable. We must all work together to reverse this trend and help ensure that all Americans live longer and healthier. The CDC is committed to putting science into action to protect U.S. health. The 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. in 2017 1. Heart disease 2. Cancer 3. Unintentional injuries 4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases 5. Stroke 6. Alzheimer's Disease 7. Diabetes 8. Influenza and Pneumonia 9. Kidney disease 10.Suicide Almost 2.8 million people died in the US last year up by 69,000 since 2016. The suicide rate has increased from 10 suicides per 100,000 in 1999 to 14 in 2017, with female suicides increasing at a twice the rate of males. Life expectancy in the UK is 80.96 years, but stopped improving this year for the first time since 1982. Review at a glance J ane Treays used to make documentaries about people on the edge: the marginalised and the misunderstood flashers, sex-workers, polygamists, rock stars, children whose parents had committed suicide, the contestants in child beauty pageants. One of the most memorable was about the conductor Clive Wearing, whom illness had left with only a seven-second memory. Treays once told an interviewer: Im a bit of a tortured soul and I go and meet tortured souls, so were probably not everybodys cup of tea. Lately, however, shes been making programmes literally about cups of tea. Inside Claridges was a hit in 2012, focusing on the flamboyant German manager there at the time, Thomas Kochs. Pictured: Chef Nick Beardshaw, Thomas Kochs (Managing Director), Chef Tom Kerridge with staff at the entrance to the Corinthia Hotel / BBC/Spun Gold TV/John Rogers Now Mr Kochs is in charge at another expensive hotel, the Corinthia, just off Trafalgar Square, and she has followed him there, filming for 12 months to make this two-part investigation into luxury. Kochs is highly watchable, oddly reminiscent of Christoph Waltz playing a top villain, as he proudly shows off a penthouse suite that costs 20,000 a night a wonderful bar here three TV screens right in front of you the master bathroom All this decor is, to tell the truth, preternaturally hideous but then luxury of this kind is, by definition, never in good taste, is it? Thats what makes it such a joy to spectate but not covet. Just think how much money you have saved by not splashing out on this frightfulness! Youre in the money already. Throughout the show Kochs fusses over the introduction of a lavish champagne tea at 65 a head, unwrapping a new bespoke English china service, boasting go-faster stripes on the saucers and gold-plated cups. Its gorgeous. I think people will love it, he exclaims. There are 26 teas on offer, wrangled by a tea sommelier, no less. Those of us who, like Gally Threepwood, never touch the muck can only rub our eyes in disbelief. Pictured: Chef Nick Beardshaw, Chef Tom Kerridge With staff at the entrance to the Corinthia Hotel / BBC/Spun Gold TV/John Rogers There are moments when this documentary veers not so much into the world of Wodehouse as that claimed by Little Britain specifically, it recalls the executive passenger liaison officer, Moses Beacon, in that terminal Lucas/Walliams masterpiece, Come Fly With Me. But then, as the programme progresses, we begin to understand that Treays has not entirely left behind her interest in the odd and misunderstood. We meet the charming Yvette from Bulgaria, the first-floor supervisor, who is so committed to her job that she says all these rooms that Im in charge, theyre like little family, theyre my little daughters. Then there is Elena, also from Bulgaria, a room attendant who has an extraordinarily distinguished, even tragic, presence. Asked by Treays (who speaks but doesnt appear) if she thinks money makes people happy, Elena replies: I dont think everything is money, because there was a time that I was rich. Was there? gasps Treays. Yeah. We had a business with my ex-husband. After that, everything just disappeared. So you can say that you have known what it was like to be very wealthy and to have to work, Treays observes. Yes, replies Elena, staring hard at her, in a long-held shot. Gamblers story always finish like this. And I was the last person that understood. These are extraordinary vignettes even more interesting than seeing will.i.am, who favours this hotel, admit that he finds his room too big. I m a Celebritys Nick Knowles clashed with John Barrowman over a pair of knickers drying near the camp fire. The DIY SOS got his knickers in a twist over the undergarment when they fell from the washing line hanging up in camp, before politely asking Barrowman to pick them up. Knowles said: I dont feel comfortable handling womens knickers but they are wet and need drying so would you hang them on the line? But the Torchwood actor was quick to rebuke the camp leader, asking: Why do you feel uncomfortable, its just an item of clothing, its not inappropriate. Fighting back: John Barrowman made his case against Nick Knowles' point / ITV/REX Emily Atack then chimed in and said that she could understand Knowles point of view about feeling awkward picking up a young womans knickers after knowing them only a week. Barrowman challenged: Then why is it ok for me a gay man to pick it up but its not ok for a straight man? Its just a piece of clothing. Touching a pair of knickers doesnt mean you want to have sex with them, there are no sexual connotations at all. She might have a problem with me picking up her knickers but I dont have a problem with it, I do laundry, its no big deal! I'm a Celebrity .. Get Me Out of Here! 2018 - In pictures 1 /19 I'm a Celebrity .. Get Me Out of Here! 2018 - In pictures ITV/REX Harry Redknapp and wife Sandra ITV/REX Top trio: Malique Thompson-Dwyer, Fleur East and Harry Redknapp ITV/Rex/Shutterstock Emily Atack strips off to take her first jungle shower Rex Features John Barrowman celebrates getting 10 stars for camp with Harry Redknapp and John Barrowman Rex Features Anne Hegerty takes on Monstrous Monoliths - but only manages to secure two stars ITV/Rex Emily Atack provides comfort for Anne Hegerty on day one ITV/Rex/Shutterstock Emily Atack takes a dip in the jungle creek ITV/Rex John Barrowman takes on the Scary Rose ITV Anne Hegerty tells her campmates about her Monstrous Monoliths trial ITV/Rex Yellow team sank as they attempted to beat Red Team on the epic race to camp ITV/Rex/Shutterstock Emily Atack and Nick Knowles take on the Class of 2018 Dingo Dollar Challenge ITV Nick Knowles and Anne Hegerty wake up in the hut ITV Giggles: Holly Willoughby and Declan Donnelly were in hysterics as they watched Harry Redknapp ITV Rule enforcement: Nick Knowles and Noel Edmonds ITV/REX Harry Redknapp shares an awkward anecdote about an intimate moment with wife Sandra ITV/REX Fleur East takes part in a messy Bushtucker Trial ITV/REX The girls take turns popping each other's spots ITV/REX ITV/REX The exchange sparked a debate in camp about what the campmates do and dont do in front of their partners, with Fleur East admitting some of her best conversations take place in the toilet. But fan-favourite Harry Redknapp put all crude chat to bed, saying: I wouldnt fart in front of my wife and she wouldnt do it in front of me. TODO: define component type apester Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe The Government calls on the Romanian nation, at the opening of a "new century of real unity, in the fullest brotherly harmony, in tolerance and good neighborliness," reads the Alba Iulia Resolution, signed by Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. "For the future that is laid out in front of us, we have the sacred duty of defending and enriching the treasure trove of the Greater Union received from our forefathers. We thus call forth, in the year of the nation's Centennial, all Romanians to continue, with brotherly unity, the historic construction of the Greater Romania cathedral. We will have to cultivate and cherish even more the symbols of our national culture - some of them, peaks of universal culture - spiritual values meant to always inspire our becoming and motivating our shared actions, on which the future of the Romanian nation will be based. With this faith, we call today the entire Romanian nation to open together a new century of real unity, in the fullest and most brotherly harmony, in tolerance and good neighborliness," says the Government's Resolution Alba Iulia, signed by Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. The Resolution was read on Thursday, during the solemn Government sitting in Alba Iulia, by professor Daniel Fonoage."In the 100 years since the Greater Union, through Romanians working together, regardless of their political beliefs, faiths, ethnic identity or confession, we achieved a dream the parents and grandparents of our nation barely dared to hope: integrating United Romania in the space of democracy, of freedom and national security, through the accession to the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance (...) With the same humbleness showed one century ago by the signatories of the 1918 Resolution, we bow today before our brave heroes that made the Greater Union possible and the martyrs that defended it in the following years!" the Resolution shows."Today, the Romanians' heart is much larger than the borders established in 1918, because this heart beats everywhere in the world. But the 100 years of a millennial history's accomplishment give us an inner strength of the pride of being Romanian. No matter where we are now, or in the next centuries, we will always be tied by our Romanian blood and by our Romanian language. The commitment of the Romanian state towards its own citizens will have to be doubled by the debt towards those who, around our country's borders today, identify themselves as being Romanians and who keep within their families our culture and language as a sacred heritage," the Resolution underlines"The duty that we, the people of today have, is to develop the country, to invest more in what can make us better, in our education, in everybody's health, in developing the country's infrastructure, whose beauties and riches we pride ourselves with. We strongly believe that Romania will be better, more democratic and more prosperous, upon meeting the new Centennial, through the efforts made by all Romanians. Happy anniversary Romania!", the Resolution signed by Prime Minister Viorica Dancila further shows. Historian Mirela Popa-Andrei believes that the AGERPRES documentary "Greater Union - Romania, 100 years on" is an event film, on the Greater Union of 1 December 1918, and also a longer piece of the Romanian people's history. "It is, I may say, an event film. (...) It is an exceptional documentary film and I hope that in its end you'll prove me right. It is a documentary film the core topic of which, as its title says, is the Greater Union, and yet the film does not stop to this historical moment of the Greater Union. The film also features moments of the actions, documents previous to the Greater Union. (...) We could say that the film is about the Romanian people's history over a longer period of time, of at least a century," on Thursday said Mirela Popa-Andrei, scientific researcher with the George Baritiu History Institute of Cluj-Napoca, on the documentary's screening. The AGERPRES documentary "Greater Union - Romania, 100 years on" was screened on Thursday at the Victoria theatre of Cluj-Napoca, within the event "Historia magistra vitae" organised by the Cluj County Department for Sport and Youth.The documentary "Greater Union - Romania, 100 years on" is an invitation to an emotional, captivating voyage, lived and not only told by people for whom Romania means also a collection of important historical moments in the birth of this state."Technically, AGERPRES walked in the shoes of those who fathered the Union: in Bessarabia, in Northern Bucovina and Transylvania, and the successors of those who acted for the country's reunification open the backstage of the most important historical moment. Through the voices of the narrators, we discover that we are a borderless nation. Romania, 100 years on brings with it a history that is continuing to be written," a release by the said department reads. The constructions field will be declared a "priority field and of national importance" for the Romanian economy, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila announced on Thursday, also specifying that, in this sector, "the gross minimum monthly salary will be established at 3,000 lei." In the beginning of the solemn Government meeting in Alba Iulia, the Prime Minister announced the approval through memorandum of "two new agreements in priority fields for Romania - constructions and education," which will be signed with the trade unions and employers' associations immediately after the sitting. "The agreement in the constructions field: we will declare this field as a priority and of a national importance for the Romanian economy for the next 10 years. For the constructions sector, we will establish a gross minimum monthly salary of 3,000 lei, we will eliminate the taxes on labour for employers and for the employees we will establish a gross minimum monthly salary to be the equivalent of 500 euros," explained Dancila. According to the head of the Executive, there will also be introduced additional measures for combating illegal labour in this sector. In supporting financing of this sector there will be established "a guarantee fund for constructions with the participation of the state by a percentage of 80 per cent and construction companies by 20 per cent," informed the Prime Minister. Romania's National Day this year has a particular significance and a special emotional fabric, the Greater Union's celebration being a good opportunity to remember the grandeur of that generation of statesmen and intellectuals who led the nation to the unification of all Romanians and showed an admirable cohesion for the public welfare, the Romanian Academy says in a message on the occasion of 1 December, according to Agerpres. "Romanians celebrate one century since the end of the <> that cut down millions of lives and brought up hard to assess losses and sufferance on the one hand and they also celebrate the closing of the founding of modern Romania as a national unitary state, on the other hand. The Greater Union's celebration is a good opportunity to remember the grandeur of that generation of statesmen and intellectuals who led the nation towards the unification of all Romanians and manifested an admirable cohesion for the public welfare," the Romanian Academy's message reads. The academic forum emphasises that the past century full of teachings "makes us reflect upon the present and the future"."The Romanian Academy which managed to bind together, from the institutional point of view, the cultural elite from all of the Romanian historical provinces ever since 1866, over one half of a century ahead of the Greater Union and which as a consequence, acquired the vocation of founder and keeper of this people's unity, urges in these solemn moments all the responsible factors in Romania to assume the mission they were entrusted with by the Romanians and put the good administration of the national edifice, fathered with so much sacrifice, first," the message adds.According to the source, "Romania perfected in 1918, confirmed internationally in 1919 - 1920 and reconfirmed - with the regrettable territorial amendments and in very difficult historical conditions for the entire space of Central and Eastern Europe - at the Peace Conference in Paris in 1946 - 1947, is not a permanent given, but a geopolitical, spiritual reality that needs to be permanently administered, refreshed, protected, organised and headed with responsibility, professionalism and dignity, so as to be able to participate actively in the dialogue among the states.""The taking over by Romania on 1 January 2019 of the presidency of the Council of the European Union pinpoints our country on the top of the EU protagonists and entails an unprecedented national effort within the EU for the next six months. In context, the Romanians' admirable unity as recorded by the history at the end of the Great War must be more than a recollection and a celebration, it must become an example and a benchmark for us, the nowadays people who became the legatees of the 1918 personalities who have accomplished with honour their historical duty. "Our life's duty" (Vasile Parvan) makes us act with awareness and coordination to reinvigorate Romania and prepare it to affirm and develop in the 21st century.We therefore invite all the state institutions to a lucid, deep and honest dialogue aimed at a good functioning of the Romanian society, a necessary and mandatory dialogue for all these bodies delegated by the Romanian nation to lead its destiny towards the future and to wisdom, by conveying to the Romanians a message of trust, power and courage to regaining the national dignity," the Romanian Academy says. Patrick LAWRENCE After Vice President Mike Pences poor reception in Asia a couple of weeks ago one shouldnt expect a great outcome for President Donald Trump when he meets Chinas President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires on Friday. Trump sent Pence to Asia earlier this month to deliver two bluntly hostile attacks on the Chinese and to insist that the rest of Asia choose: Youre with us or youre with them. U.S. officials have delivered many obtuse performances in Asia over the years, but Pence bested them when he spoke in Singapore at an annual summit of Southeast Asian nations and, two days later, at the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation session in Papua New Guinea. In Singapore he cast Chinas presence in the region as an empire of aggressionskipping the fact that China has no recent record of aggression. He then turned the 21nation APEC session into a direct face-off with Xi, who was also present. The U.S. vice presidents over-the-top performances were probably a case of calculated pugnacity; a softening-up exercise. But if they have any effect at all on Xi it will be to stiffen his position when he meets Trump later this week. Washington does not yet realize that challenging Chinas place as an Asian power is a losing proposition. The incipient trade war between the U.S. and China was one of Pences prominent themes. He threatened to more than double the tariffs the Trump administration has already imposed on $250 billion worth of Chinese exports if China fails to fulfill Washingtons long list of market-opening measures. The United States, Pence said, will not change course until China changes its ways. Attacks on Belt and Road Pences most vituperative remarks at APEC concerned Chinas immensely ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, intended to connect the Eurasian landmass from Shanghai to Lisbon via ports, power grids, rail lines and other infrastructure projects. Pence asserted the multi-trillion-dollar effort is nothing more than a debt trap structured to Chinas advantage. He then presented Asians with their neatly packaged us-or-them choice. We dont coerce or compromise your independence, Pence said. We do not offer a constricting belt or a one-way road, he taunted. When you partner with us, we partner with you, and we all prosper. It takes a lot of nerve, ignorance of history, or both, for an American official to make such assertions. U.S. banks and Western-controlled financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund have made an art of saddling developing nations with debtand dictating economic policies along with itsince the Bretton Woods system was negotiated in 1944. Remember the Third World debt crisis of the 1970s and 1980s? More than a few developing-nation officials listening to Pence likely recalled it all too well. Xi seems to have anticipated the U.S. broadside. Before Pence spoke he said Belt and Road was not for geopolitical purposes. It is not the so-called trap, as some people say. It is the sunshine avenue where China shares opportunities with the world to seek common development. The White Houses strategy here looks like the Dealmaker at work once again: Give the other side a thorough working over, then proceed to the mahogany table and negotiate an agreement to maximum advantage. Those were the features of the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaigns against North Korea and (as we speak) Iran. Trumps deal of the century in the Mideast, still in development, is another example. Two Key Flaws Trumps brand of diplomacy is flawed in two key ways. No. 1: Its foolish to apply what works in the Manhattan real estate market to global strategy. There is little-to-no chance that Trumps style will deliver the intended results in Iran, North Korea or in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Trump may win further concessions on trade when he meets Xi in Argentina later this week, but this will have nothing to do with Pences disgracefully bellicose speeches at the two back-to-back gatherings of AsiaPacific nations. No. 2: Obsessed with its decades of primacy in the Pacific, the U.S. simply cannot accept Chinas inevitable emergence as a regional and global power. This second problem is the larger and more worrisome, driving one mistake after another in Washingtons transPacific strategies. So long as members of U.S. policy cliques see everything Beijing does as a threat, they will fail to grasp the many opportunities for cooperation that a stronger and more prosperous China makes possible. This is more than merely a shame: it is causing a self-inflicted decline. Washington would do well to learn that its futile to try to isolate mainland China from the rest of Asia. Its like trying to isolate most of a hemisphere from the rest of the planet. And no Asian nationnot even the ever-loyal Japaneseshows any interest in choosing a side in a confrontation that is more or less of Washingtons making. No undertaking of the magnitude of Belt and Roadwhich now involves more than 70 nationswill be without its problems, especially at the front end. But Xis description of it seems closer than Pences. Of the roughly 1,700 projects now in progress, only onea port that Chinese firms constructed in Sri Lankahas run into major financing problems, and these appear to reflect Sri Lankas misjudgments more than Chinas. To be fair to Pence and his boss, the Trump administration is not the first to confront Asians with an us-or-them choice between the U.S. and China. That error goes to the administration of Barack Obama when it was negotiating the TransPacific Partnership. By pointedly not inviting China to join the TPP, it treated the deal, primarily, as a device to isolate China. The U.S. has not had a coherent approach to China at least since the first Bush presidency back in the early 1990s, when there was at least some acceptance of China as a rising power. Beijing eagerly wants to avoid an all-out trade war with the U.S. And this is what will count in Buenos Aires, not Pences chest-out posturing. Absent an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs now in place will go to 25 percent in January, and the United States will impose new tariffs on an additional $267 billion worth of Chinese exports. These numbers are what will motivate Xi. The Chinese recently sent the White House a list 140 concessions they are willing to make, which Trump called insufficient. Some things were left off, Trump said breezily after reviewing it. We will probably get them, too. If the Dealmaker really wants a deal, he would have to negotiate with an important trading partner, not an adversary, and drop all suggestions that U.S. primacy in the Pacific remains intact. China has already retaliated with tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. products. There is plenty more where that came from if Trump misreads Xi as badly as his vice-president has done. consortiumnews.com The Anglophone Israel Lobby benefits from its ability to mold the media narrative while at the same time using financial incentives to corrupt the political class. For those who do not succumb to the corruption, there is always the option of direct pressure, which in the United States and Britain consists of targeted interference in the political system to remove critics either through promotion of scandal or by supporting well-funded alternative candidates in the following election. In the United States, this has led to the removal of a number of congressmen who had dared to criticize the Jewish state, terrifying the remainder into silence. All of this goes on with little or no debate in the media or in congress itself. There are signs, however, that the general tolerance of Israeli misbehavior might be ending. The election of at least three Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who might be willing to discuss Israel in something less than worshipful ways is a miniscule shift in the alignment of the Democratic party, where Jewish money dominates, but it reflects the views of the partys grass roots where a recent poll demonstrates that surveyed Democrats favor Israel over Palestine by a margin of only 2%, twenty-seven per cent versus twenty-five per cent with the remainder of responders favoring neither side. Much more significant is last weeks announcement by Senator Rand Paul that he intends to place a hold on the current package of $38 billion in military aid to Israel, which means he can filibuster the issue in the Senate to delay its passage. Paul, who, like his father, is a skeptic regarding foreign aid in general, did not cite any specific issues connected to the aid package, but critics have long noted that Israel is in fact ineligible for any foreign aid from the United States because it has an undeclared nuclear arsenal consisting of at least 200 weapons. For that reason, providing aid to Israel is illegal under the Symington Amendment of 1961 as well as due to the fact that Tel Aviv has rejected signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT. Pauls action is extremely courageous as he is the first Senator since William Fulbright to dare to say anything negative about the Jewish state. Fulbright was, of course, punished by the Israel Lobby, which committed major resources to defeating him when he next came up for reelection. Another U.S. Senator Charles Percy was so bold as to maintain that Palestinian Arabs might actually have rights also found himself confronted by an extremely well-funded opponent who defeated him for reelection, so Pauls action is far from risk free. In fact, the Israel Lobby is already reacting hysterically to the hold, as is the Israeli government, and one can be sure that all their massive resources will be used to punish the senator. Another area where one might have expected more pushback from Americans is the lack of any serious resistance from Christian groups to the process whereby the conservative Likud dominated Netanyahu government is seeking to turn Israel into a purely Jewish state. That too is changing due to Israeli behavior. Even though Israel boasts that it provides a safe haven for Christians to practice their religion, reports occasionally surface suggesting something quite different. Jewish Zealots spit on Christian clergy and curse them out in the streets without any fear of repercussions. Some clergy have been harassed and even assaulted by Jewish extremists. Churches and religious foundations are frequently vandalized or defaced with obscene graffiti and the Israeli government has also confiscated or destroyed church property. Americas Presbyterian Church has led the charge in criticizing Israeli brutality. At its June General Assembly it passed a resolution condemning Israeli apartheid. Its Office of Public Witness has been in the forefront in calling on Israel to cease and desist. An Action Alert issued this summer entitled Tell Congress: 70 years of suffering is enough! Stop the killing, hold Israel accountable, and support human rights for all denounced the slaughter of unarmed Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza by the Israeli Army. Now it is the turn of the Quakers in Britain, who have banned any investment by the church in companies that exploit the military occupation of Palestinian territories by the Israeli government., prompting a furious response from Jewish leaders. It is the first British Church to do so and leaders of the group have compared their action to taking steps against apartheid and the slave trade. It is certainly a turnabout to see anyone taking on Israel and its all too often invincible lobby. What is significant is that Christian churches and even some congressmen have begun to speak out in spite of the knowledge that immense Jewish power in the United States and Britain will make them pay a price for doing so. May the realization that Israels interference in friendly countries damages their democracy finally reach a point where some people in Congress, the media and even in the White House will begin to listen. During a Pentagon briefing last weekend, Secretary of Defence James Mattis dropped a bombshell by innocuously slipping in that the US military intends to set up a string of observation posts on the Syrian-Turkish border. Mattis implied that Turkey was on board and that the idea was for the two militaries to jointly prevent any terrorist threats to the US NATO ally emanating out of Syrian territories. Turkish officials immediately tore into Mattis project. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar disclosed that he had warned US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford only a week ago that the observation posts would have a negative impact and create the impression that US soldiers are somehow protecting terrorist YPG (Syrian Kurdish) members and shielding them. The move would make an already complex situation much more complex, Akar added. He said, "Nobody should doubt that the Turkish armed forces and the Republic of Turkey will take the necessary steps against all kinds of risks and threats from across its borders. On Tuesday, President Recep Erdogan lashed out against the US troop presence in eastern Syria, charging that plans to establish observation posts along the Turkish border are meant to aid terrorist elements. "Those who say they are countering (ISIS) in Syria are in fact allowing a small group of terrorists to exist in the country to justify their presence in the war-torn country," he said. Erdogan alleged that the US is actually showing a preference to "live and breathe with the terrorists." "The only target of this terror organization (YPG) is our country," he said. "It's not possible for us to remain idle against this threat." Clearly, what is unfolding is a US game plan to block Turkish militarys future operations in northern Syria against the Kurdish militia. Pentagon regards the YPG to be its most effective Syrian partner. Simply put, what we see here is the Syrian equivalent of what Washington did in 1991 in Iraq by imposing a no-fly zone over the Kurdistan region in the north. The US is playing the long game. It is exactly three years since President Obama deployed 50 commandos to advise the Syrian Kurdish militia in their fight against the ISIS. Obama insisted it was just an extension of special ops that the US was running already. But the the numbers steadily kept increasing from 50 to 250, from 250 to 500, and from 500 to 2000. The true figure today is around 5000 and growing. Seth Harp at the New Yorker magazine noted after a recent visit to the US bases in Syria, the mission has morphed into something more like a conventional ground war. The United States has built a dozen or more bases from Manbij to Al-Hasakah, including four airfields, and American-backed forces now control all of Syria east of the Euphrates, an area about the size of Croatia. According to reports, there are presently 17 military bases in northeastern Syria. Yet, the US Congress has not authorized military action in Syria, nor has UN mandated the use of force. The Pentagons so-called Operation Inherent Resolve comes under the authority of the secretive Joint Special Operations Command, which means that basic facts are kept classified, including the cost of the mission, the units involved, where they are located, and the number of wounded, which is believed to be substantial, as Harp pointed out. The intriguing part is about the US intentions. Stated purpose of the Operation Inherent Resolve is to defeat the ISIS, but lately it has shifted to countering Iranian presence in Syria. According to the US special representative for Syria engagement James F. Jeffrey, Trump has agreed to keep U.S. troops in Syria indefinitely. We are not in a hurry, he said. Turkeys worst fear may be coming true a Syrian Kurdistan taking shape right along its border. Indeed, this becomes a template of the overall US strategy to encircle Turkey and Iran and to control Baghdad and Damascus and eventually to make Russian presence in Syria untenable. The US aims to put a knife into the heart of the Turkey-Russia-Iran axis in Syria by accentuating the contradictions in the region. The gloves have come off vis-a-vis Iran, Pentagon is now defanging Turkey and it remains to be seen how long the gloves will remain in place in the dealings with Russia. In a candid interview with the Russia media on November 21, Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement Jeffrey sounded testy. He repeated that the deployment of S-300 missiles to Syria is a dangerous escalation we would urge the Russians to be very careful with this and assertively spoke of the new sanctions against Iran and Russia for oil shipments to Syria, while also rejecting offhand any talk of tradeoffs with Russia over Iranian presence in Syria and debunking the Astana process. Jeffrey even reserved the US militarys right to exercise our right of self-defense if Russian forces on the ground came in the way. (Jeffrey disclosed that there have been military engagements with the Russians so far in about a dozen times in one or another place in Syria.) Pentagon will press ahead with the establishment of observation posts on the Syrian-Turkish border despite Ankaras objections. Turkeys hour of reckoning is approaching. A few days ago, Turkish media reported that Saudi and UAE troops had deployed to northern Syria. In early November, the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus. The US and Israel are pressing Saudi Arabia and the UAE to fund the Syrian Kurdish militia and help create proximity between the Kurdish and Arab tribes inhabiting northeastern Syria with a view to create a unified Kurdish-Arab militia that becomes a Syrian bulwark against the two non-Arab regional powers Turkey and Iran. To quote from a prominent Saudi commentator in the establishment daily Asharq Al-Awsat, The Americans are now establishing Syrian Kurdish militias as a striking force against several parties and this revives the hopes of the Syrian opposition that it has an opportunity to resume its fighting activities after it has lost most of what it gained of villages and territories during the civil war. Both Saudis and Emiratis are once again at the USs bidding in Syria. These Gulf States no longer hide their association with Israel. They are reciprocating the US-Israeli help to shove the Khashoggi affair under the rug. While the world attention is riveted to the situation in the Azov Sea and the relationship between Russia and Ukraine, US forces are getting prepared for a large-scale military operation in Syria. US President Donald Trump announced this past March that the military personnel would be leaving Syria very soon. Looks like he has changed his mind since then. The five-ship strong Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has recently entered the Mediterranean Sea. American, British, French and Israeli aircraft are conducting round the clock flights across the Syrias airspace under the pretext of holding an exercise. The US-led anti-ISIS coalition aircraft are constantly on patrol. French Dupuy de Lome intelligence gathering vessel is also there, coordinating its activities with the American ships. The US Army has rushed another 500 Marines to the Al Tanf base straddling the borders of Syria, Jordan and Iraq. 1,700 members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which operates under US command, have also moved to reinforce the garrison. There are over a dozen of US military locations in northeastern Syria, including at least four air strips stretched from Manbij in the vicinity of the Turkish border to Al-Hasakeh, the hub of the pro-American Kurds-dominated SDF forces located in northern Syria. US soldiers started to patrol the Syrian-Turkish border earlier this month. The move is seen as offering a kind of protection to Kurdish forces from Turkey, probably because their support would be crucial if shooting starts. Russia warned the US twice in September about possible consequences in case Syria starts an operation to free its territory from foreign troops but the warning fell on deaf ears. According to the Washington Post, the US is preparing to strike Iran in Syria under the pretext of being a target of unprovoked attack. There are other signs an operation is a possibility. Russia has been permissive, in consultation with the Israelis, about Israeli strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria. We certainly hope that that permissive approach will continue, James Jeffrey, Washingtons special representative to Syria said in early November. Back then, the ambassador noted that forcing Iran to leave Syria was an objective of Trumps economic pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic. With the Islamic State reduced to insignificance and holding no territory to control, it would be a large order to find a legal pretext for a military action but the administration appears to be unfazed. With no threat to national security or strategic interests to justify getting embroiled in a conflict, it is adamant to stay. The Arab nations, which are candidates for the Arab NATO membership, held a joint large-scale military exercise dubbed Arab Shield 1. It ended on Nov.16. The training event was seen as a preparation for a joint military operation. Tamer al-Shahawi, a member of the parliamentary National Defense and Security Committee and a former Egyptian military intelligence officer, said 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. To increase the effect of sanctions, Iran should be separated from the Mediterranean Sea. The route across Iraq, Syria and Iran-friendly Lebanon should be made inaccessible. If Israel decides to strike what it calls Iranian targets, it would badly need US backing. Another reason to stay in Syria is making sure the nation would be divided in case the reconciliation and restoration process starts to gain momentum. Separating the SDF-controlled areas from the rest of the country is the only way to achieve it. Rebuilding rebel forces and controlling a vast chunk of land is the way to deny Syrian President Assad the international legitimacy he so desperately strives for. The ongoing American presence at Tanf and elsewhere demonstrates Washington has no intention to leave the Middle East as President Trump promised it would do. Neither would it pull out from Syria until a security situation in the region meets its goals. The concentration of US military in the region is a worrisome sign. This huge force has gathered for something much more serious than just training. With the events in Europe grabbing public attention, the situation creep in Syria is staying under the radar. It shouldnt be. Something is definitely being cooked up. Indonesia recently ordered three more South Korean KT-1B prop driven basic trainers. Since 2003 Indonesia has ordered 17 T-1s. The three new T-1s are to replace three lost in accidents since 2010. Indonesia was the first export customer for the T-1, which is a 3.3 ton, two-seat aircraft with one engine. Max speed is 574 kilometers an hour and endurance is nearly three hours. The T-1 first flew in 1991 and entered service in 1999 with the initial user being South Korea. The T-1 can also be armed with a 12.7mm machine-gun as well as unguided rockets and bombs. Armed T-1s are often used for combat training and to assist with that the T-1 can also carry an infrared (heat sensing) radar for flying in bad weather. Most of the 175 T-1s already built were for the South Korean Air Force. Export customers (Indonesia, Peru, Senegal and Turkey (which ordered 40) have been pleased with the aircraft. The recent Indonesian order for new T-1s also included upgrades for the 16 T-50 jet trainers ordered in 2011. The upgrades include radars and 12.7mm machine-guns so that the T-50s can be used for more realistic combat training as well as light ground attack aircraft. Both the T-1 and T-50 can be equipped with the Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile. South Korea is the new supplier for trainer aircraft and competing in a crowded market. The success of the KT-1 encouraged South Korea to proceed with developing the T-50 jet-powered advanced trainer. This has found some export customers but that fact that this is also a very competitive market is one reason why the T-50 lost the competition to be the new American jet trainer in 2018. Sales have been lost for other reasons. In 2015 the United States stepped in and blocked an effort by Uzbekistan to buy twelve T-50s. This was a major loss as these aircraft were costing $34 million each (including training, spare parts, and some tech support). The United States was able to block the T-50 sale because the aircraft uses American jet engines and a lot of American electronics. All this stuff requires American permission before it can be exported as part of an aircraft. Normally this is not a problem. Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand have also bought the T-50s with no problem. None of those countries pose any technology theft risks. Uzbekistan, however, has close military, political and economic ties to Russia and China. Similar concerns also led to the recent refusal of the United States to transfer several key military technologies so South Korea could build its locally designed KFX jet fighter. The refusal was because of American security concerns. This is more of a problem in Asia as East Asian nations (like Japan several times in the past) have proved vulnerable to China spies seeking to obtain key military technologies. Not just the specifications but the more difficult to obtain details of actually manufacturing such tech. Most of the technologies the U.S. will not give South Korea access to are only available from a few sources, or only the United States. The single-engine, two-seat T-50 can also be used for combat with about $10 million worth of additions and upgrades. The South Korean designed and manufactured T-50 jet trainer was developed after more than a decade of effort at a cost of over two billion dollars. The first test flight of the T-50 took place in 2002 and it entered service three years later. The 13-ton aircraft is actually a light fighter and can fly at supersonic speeds. With some added equipment (radars and fire control) the T-50 becomes the TA-50, a combat aircraft. This version carries a 20mm auto-cannon and up to 4.5 tons of smart bombs and missiles plus electronics to make all that work. The T-50 can stay in the air about four hours per sortie and has a service life of 8,000 flight hours. by Austin Bay November 28, 2018 Thanks to Russian thuggery, the Sea of Azov is no longer obscure geography and the world confronts an ugly little navy war with diplomatic and legal consequences for nations that value freedom of navigation. In last week's column, I described the Sea of Azov as "a nook of the Black Sea lurking east and north of the Crimean Peninsula," the Ukrainian territory Russia invaded and annexed in 2014. Russia continues to violate Ukrainian sovereignty by waging a slow war in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region. Vladimir Putin's Kremlin claims Russian military forces aren't in eastern Ukraine. Russia merely supports ethnic Russian separatists who are threatened by fascists in Kiev. However, the faux-separatists are proxies trained and financed by Moscow. Russia used the same gambit when it seized Crimea. In late summer 2018, Russian security forces (not faux separatists) began harassing Ukrainian ships transiting the Kerch Strait. The strait lies between the Crimean Peninsula and Russian Federation territory to the east. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Russia has built an enormous bridge across the strait, which connects Russian territory to occupied Crimea. The bridge opened in May 2018. Closing the Kerch Strait effectively blockades Berdyansk and Mariupol, two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov's north coast. In 2015, while visiting Crimea, Vladimir Putin himself said he hoped there would be no "full-scale direct clashes" between Ukrainian and Russian forces. But on Nov. 25, Russia's war against Ukraine escalated as verifiably Russian coast guard forces under the command of the Russian Federal Security Service intercepted (rammed says Ukraine), boarded and seized two verifiably Ukrainian naval vessels and a Ukrainian tugboat. The 24 Ukrainians on board the ships became Russian prisoners. The Kremlin claimed the Ukrainian vessels had conducted "dangerous maneuvers" in Russian territorial water. Putin's Kremlin specializes in adding complex twists to blatant falsehoods. There is no evidence the Ukrainian ships did anything but try to avoid being intercepted. Russian territorial water? To buy that you must accept Russia's illegal seizure of the peninsula. However, the strait is an internationally recognized waterway open to transit by commercial shipping and naval vessels. Kerch is comparable to other straits around the globe, like the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Iran routinely threatens to close Hormuz to shipping, but to do so would violate freedom of navigation and constitute an act of war. Defense One reported that Kiev had informed Moscow that its naval vessels would transit the strait. Moreover, the Russians who boarded the Ukrainian ships were special operations commandos. The Ukrainian ships were making a legal transit. As recently as 2003, Russia guaranteed Ukraine's right to transit the strait. The 2003 treaty made the strait and Sea of Azov shared territory. Like invading Crimea, the Russian seizure of Ukrainian ships is a calculated act of war. Russia has now anchored an oil tanker in the main sealane beneath the bridge, blocking all ship traffic. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said ramming a Ukrainian vessel was an "act of armed aggression" and that Russia had violated "the freedom of maritime traffic." He also cited specific articles in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that "bans the obstruction of peaceful transit across the Kerch Strait." Several media commentators have pointed out that the Kremlin's escalation challenges Western European leaders and the Trump administration. Will they West aid Ukraine? Will Russia face harsher economic sanctions? Bringing Ukraine into NATO is highly unlikely, but even threatening to do so would punish the Kremlin's piracy. America's U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley immediately condemned "yet another reckless Russian escalation" and said the Kerch Strait seizure would "further sour" U.S.-Russia relations. And it well should. The government is in a good mood and wants most Algerians to feel the same way despite an unemployment rate of over ten percent and continued daily reminders of corruption. The government has been helped by oil prices not falling as much as expected. Oil revenue went up 18 percent during the first ten months of 2018. The program to reduce imports has also been a success. That allows the government to delay implementation of cuts to subsidy programs for food and fuel. Cuts here anger most Algerians and the government can put this off until after the 2019 presidential election. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is running for reelection in 2019 despite being incapacitated and unlikely to recover. Bouteflika did not make the announcement because his stroke (or strokes) have left him unable to speak. Because of the health problems, Bouteflika could still withdraw but his allies have no one with the name recognition and track record of the elderly president. Few of the senior leaders want a real election with other political parties putting forward candidates. That is unwelcome because more of the presidential candidates would be running on a strong anti-corruption platform that would probably include promises to recover money stolen by the previous government (which has been in power since the 1990s.) With president Bouteflika incapacitated his 60 year brother Said and Army chief-of-staff Ahmed Gaid Salah now appear to be in charge and that does not make the government any more acceptable. The younger brother has been a key aide, especially in supervising (and fixing as needed) his older brothers election campaigns since the 1990s. Because of that, it is not considered unusual that Said Bouteflika is the one who communicates with his older brother and passes on his instructions, or at least what Said believes are his brothers intentions. One of those intentions has led to all the senior military and police commanders who might oppose the stealthy government takeover of Said Bouteflika being arrested and accused of corruption. This was apparently supervised by Army chief-of-staff Ahmed Gaid Salah. Said Bouteflika knows who is corrupt because one of his jobs was to see to it that there were no unseemly feuds among senior officials over who got what in corrupt deals. Said Bouteflika never managed to gain enough key supporters, or popular support, to run for high office. Until now he has been content to be the kingmaker. But now it is feared he may try to succeed his brother. Many believe Said Bouteflika has too many enemies for that, which adds to the unease about how the Bouteflika era will end. Most Algerians would prefer honest government and a lot less corruption but the Bouteflikas would prefer to keep things as they are. That attitude, shared by most but not all of those running the country, is the major obstacle to meaningful change in Algeria. The corruption prevents rewarding the most capable people and generating enough economic activity to make Algeria a place most young Algerians would want to live and work. For a long time, too many young Algerians either rebelled (at great cost to themselves and Algeria) or emigrate. There is one difference now, compared to the appeal of change when the Cold War ended and the communist model was shown to be an epic fraud and failure. Free elections were held in the early 1990s and Islamic parties won on the promise of imposing a religious dictatorship that would deal harshly with the corrupt leadership they replaced. That led to a bloody war with Islamic terrorists that ended with the surviving Islamic radicals discredited. Islamic political parties still exist but they do not have the appeal they once had. If free elections were held again the Islamic parties would not dominate but would a new secular government be able to deal with the corruption? It is uncertain and this is a problem not just for Algerian but for all Moslem majority nations. Islam does not recognize the separation of church and state and that created a tolerance for Islamic radicals that has blocked efforts to clean-up corruption and make some real economic, cultural and political progress. But some Moslem majority nations handle this better than others and one of the successful nations is right next door. But rather than work with Morocco Algeria insists on feuding with the most successful Moslem nation in North Africa. Resistance To Reality In early October the king of Morocco proposed peace talks between Algeria and Morocco to finally settle a four-decade feud over Algerian support for a failed rebellion against Moroccan rule of its southern most region (Western Sahara). Algeria ignored this latest peace offer because, well, the Algerian government in power all that time does not like to admit mistakes. Meanwhile, that mistake simmers in southwestern Algeria (Tindouf Province) where local police have a growing problem with the many supporters of Islamic terrorism living in refugee camps for people from Western Sahara. Algeria has long tried to avoid confronting the growing problem with Islamic terrorists and criminal activity in these camps. That is changing as is the Algerian attitude towards Palisario. Back in April Algeria assured neighbor Morocco and the UN that it no longer had anything to do with Polisario, a group of Moroccan terrorists that Algeria helped create decades ago. Then on April 11th, an Algerian Air Force transport crashed on takeoff and among the 257 dead were 26 Polisario members. The transport was taking off from a base near the Algerian capital carrying mainly military personnel. This was more than an embarrassment, it confirmed the accusations that Algeria could not be trusted when it came to Polisario, and perhaps other matters as well. For example, Algeria is one of the few Sunni majority Arab countries that supports the Syrian Assad government. Algeria is a major customer for Russian weapons and admirer of current Russian politics (the creation of a president for life in what is supposed to be a democracy), which is now very similar to what Algeria has had since the 1960s. Back (before 1991) when Russia was the Soviet Union the Russians backed Algerian efforts to support and encourage Polisario and thereby weaken neighbor Morocco (which was, and still is, a centuries-old monarchy and a more efficient government than the democratic dictatorship in Algeria). Morocco has accused Algerian leaders of being lying hypocrites and now the UN and many other nearby nations are agreeing with that. Polisario has always caused problems with neighboring Morocco and the problem got worse in 2013. Algeria and Morocco recalled ambassadors and there was talk of escalation. This made cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts (or anything else) with Morocco impossible. Meanwhile, Polisario provided Islamic terrorists safe haven in Polisario refugee camps in Algeria (90,000 refugees) and Mauritania (24,000). This is all connected with the declining prospects of Polisario, which has been in bad shape since 1991. Back then, Morocco finally won its war with Polisario Front rebels, who were seeking independence for the Western Sahara (a region south of Morocco). Polisario remains powerful in Mauritania, where the rebel group has official recognition and maintains several refugee camps. At the beginning (the 1960s) Polisario was so well-subsidized by Algeria, back when Algeria was a radical state, that Polisario still had enough diehards out there to keep lots of people in Western Sahara unhappy. This situation has also provided recruits and sanctuary for al Qaeda and other Islamic radicals. Since the 1990s the UN has been trying to work out a final peace deal between Polisario and Morocco. During the 1990s Algeria said it cut off all support for Polisario. But that, and UN efforts to mediate the differences, have just not worked. The contested area is largely desert with a current population of less than 600,000. Logic would have it that the area is better off as a part of Morocco. But there are still thousands of locals who would rather fight for independence than submit to Morocco. Some resistance is tribal and cultural, with the Moroccans seen as another bunch of alien invaders. The area was administered until 1976 as a Spanish colony. Most Western Saharans have made peace with Moroccan rule, especially since Morocco has been spending a billion dollars a year on infrastructure and other improvements and doing so for decades. Western Sahara is a much nicer place because of that. Polisario still has several thousand armed men based in the refugee camps and refuses to accept Moroccan rule of Western Sahara. Polisario has become an outlaw organization with no real purpose. If the fighting breaks out again Morocco could defeat Polisario, but Polisario still has a sanctuary in the Algerian refugee camps. There Polisario discourages any talk of peacefully returning to Western Sahara, even though a growing number of the camp residents are quietly doing that. The refugee camps have become police states run by Polisario and tolerated, until now, by Algeria. As more veteran Algerian Islamic terrorists are captured or surrender the information they provide keeps pointing back to Polisario as a major source of support for AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) and its lucrative smuggling (drugs, people, weapons) from the south into Algeria. Polisario was hoping to avoid a major confrontation with Algerian security forces over this that is becoming more difficult to do. November 27, 2018: In the southeast (Illizi Province, where the Tunisian, Algerian and Libyan borders meet), the state oil company is completing removal of its oil exploration equipment from the Ghadames area of Libya. Here, since 2005, Algeria has had the contract to explore for and extract oil. The work was interrupted by the 2011 revolution and subsequent chaos but was resumed in 2015. But now it is being halted once more because of the persistent problems with local security. November 25, 2018: China agreed to invest $6 billion for the construction of a phosphate extraction facility near the Tunisian border (Tebessa province, 650 kilometers east of the capital). The plant is to be operating by 2022 and will provide 3,000 jobs and generate nearly two billion dollars in revenue a year. Algeria will own 51 percent of the phosphate plant. Currently, Algeria exports 1.5 million tons of phosphates a year and the new planet will increase that to more than 10 million tons. This is part of the Algerian effort to grow and diversify the economy, especially for items that can be exported. Currently, over 95 percent of export revenue comes from oil and gas. November 20, 2018: In Boumerdes province (122 kilometers southeast of the capital), police arrested four Islamic terrorist suspects. November 10, 2018: In the east (Skikda province, 500 kilometers from the capital), a known Islamic terrorist surrendered, accompanied by his wife and five children. Also surrendering were the widows of two other Islamic terrorists and three children. Since the 1990s the numerous mountains and forests of Skikda have been a hideout for Islamic terrorists and, after the 1990s, families of Islamic terrorists. More than a decade of army patrols moving through the rural areas of the province, and other soldiers and police manning road checkpoints, have made Skikda less hospitable for Islamic terrorists and that could be seen by the increasing number of abandoned Islamic terrorist hideouts and abandoned supply caches. These were usually bunkers dug into the side of hills or in caves. Many contained explosives and weapons, often stuff that had been there for years. The government will provide amnesty to Islamic terrorists or their families who surrender and cooperate (telling what they know and promising to behave). That information indicates that there are still over a hundred families up there, many of them headed by widows, and over 500 children, many of them born in those hills. Local call them children of the mountain and from rare encounters know that these kids grew up in mountain hideouts with no medical care, education or regular food supplies. After 2014 Skikda was a base area for some of the local Islamic terrorists who tried to create an ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) branch in Algeria. That disappeared after a few years with most of the active members killed or arrested and the rest moved to Syria or Libya. Some widows and orphans were left behind in Skikda, which is about a hundred kilometers from the Tunisian border. Two other armed Islamic terrorists surrendered in the southeast, near the Libyan border. November 6, 2018: The government freed six senior military and police generals arrested in October on corruption charges. The six men freed had apparently convinced Said Bouteflika, the younger brother of the president and Army chief-of-staff Ahmed Gaid Salah that they were not a threat. Said Bouteflika and general Salah appear to be running things and make all the major decisions. The younger brother has been a key aide, especially in supervising (and fixing as needed) Abdelaziz Bouteflikas election campaigns since the 1990s. Because of that, it is not considered unusual that Said Bouteflika is the one who communicates with his older brother and passes on his instructions. Meanwhile, all the senior military and police commanders who might oppose the stealthy government takeover of Said Bouteflika had, by the end of October, been arrested and accused of corruption. This was apparently supervised by general Salah. Said Bouteflika knows who is corrupt because one of his jobs was to see to it that there were no unseemly feuds among senior officials over who got what in corrupt deals. Most Algerians would prefer honest government and a lot less corruption but the Bouteflikas would prefer to keep things as they are. There is one exception now. Senior officials who are caught committing corrupt acts are allowed to be prosecuted. They can unofficially gain a lighter punishment by agreeing not to inform on any of his cronies. Doing so would bring retribution against him and his family and perhaps even a fatal accident. China is again proposing to fund the construction of the 135 kilometer Kra Canal that would cost $30 billion and connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The canal through the narrowest part of Thailand has been proposed for centuries but the expense and lack of sufficient economic incentive thwarted all earlier efforts. The emergence of major economies in East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) have changed that calculation. A canal that would shorten voyages between East Asia and point west by 2,200 kilometers (two days at sea) compared to going through the Malacca Strait makes it worthwhile for about 30 percent of the current Malacca traffic (especially large tankers or container ships) to pay a large canal transit fee (over $100,000 for a large vessel). It works for the Panama and Suez canals, although those two save ships much larger amounts of time (to go around the southern tips of South America or Africa). But the Malacca Strait handles a much larger percentage (about half and two-thirds of all tanker traffic) of world sea transport traffic. China is especially eager to incorporate the Kra Canal into its Obor (One Belt, One Road) project that has China financing and building roads, railroads, pipelines, ports and canals and ease travel via Eurasia and adjacent waterways. Nations who benefit by being next to the Malacca Strait always opposed the Kra Canal but now Malacca is becoming crowded to the point to overload. The canal would greatly reduce the roads connecting the four southernmost provinces with the rest of the country. Bridges over the canal are expensive (they must be high enough to let the largest ships pass) so there would be few of them. Panama only has two bridges (with one more being built) and Suez also has two (one for rail traffic) and a tunnel. With the Chinese bridge construction would probably be part of the canal project. Thailand needs the bridges because most of the very lucrative tourist resorts are on those four southern provinces. Election Hustles One indicator that the long-awaited return of democracy (national elections) will take place soon (late February 2019) is the military government ordering state-owned enterprises (which comprise a few percent of GDP and even less of the workforce) to increase investment as much as possible in order to boost financial results. Thats a desperate move but the military government is eager to improve national economic performance before the elections. In the third quarter of 2018 GDP growth was only 3.3 percent. Earlier in the year 2018 GDP growth was expected to hit 4.1 percent for the year but the reality was worse with 2018 GDP growth certain to be less than four percent. Paying attention to what people want wins elections, not just ordering people to do what some generals and their cronies think is best. Eventually, the coup must end or face the risk of a nationwide insurrection. As with past coups, there will be elections and the generals want to ensure that a vindictive elected government doesnt get power and seek revenge. The most obvious potential error the generals made was changing the constitution to give the military more power permanently. The other damaging policy was depending on China (for weapons and investment) despite the knowledge that such an approach drives away traditional (Western) business partners. The continuing decline in their ratings indicates a failure to deal with these problems. Another obstacle is the fact that most Thais prefer to maintain the alliance with the United States rather than do more business with China. It was the American connection that made Thailand a popular (and profitable) place for Western (especially American) firms to set up Asian manufacturing operations since the 1960s. Thailand became one of the most prosperous nations in the region with per-capita GDP increasing tenfold from 1960 to 2016. Thais expect this to continue but instead Thai GDP growth has fallen behind all of the neighbors since the 2014 coup. The army realized the economic problems could not be ignored. Unemployment is still low (under two percent) but income was declining as are opportunities for getting better jobs. As far as the economy goes everyone else in the region is doing better and the military cannot hide that or explain it away. November 24, 2018: In the north (Phrae Province), a temporary police checkpoint caught some drug smugglers by surprise (which was why the temporary checkpoints are used) and although the smugglers pickup truck turned and sped away the police caught up with the vehicle and two of the three men in it were arrested. The truck held five million methamphetamine pills. Elsewhere in the north (Chiang Rai Province), soldiers near the Burma border ambushed seven Burmese smugglers carrying drugs into Thailand. The troops killed five of the smugglers (who were carrying a million methamphetamine pills) but the other two escaped back into Burma. The six million meth pills seized in one day were worth nearly $20 million (consumer cost). Thailand continues having problems with the drug trade in neighboring Burma, where the northern tribes fight to resist government efforts to suppress the drug production. The largest state in northern Burma (Shan state) illegal drugs are the mainstay of the economy. The Burmese methamphetamine is a regional problem and in each of the last few years over a billion dollars in meth (usually in pill form) was seized in neighboring countries. After 2008 annual seizures rapidly increased and are now several hundred million doses of methamphetamine, worth over a billion dollars. Methamphetamine is the most popular drug in Southeast Asia and there are believed to be nearly a million meth addicts in Thailand, plus many tourists who indulge. Most (nearly half) of the seized pills are taken in China, followed by Thailand and most of it is coming from meth labs in northern Burma. The Burmese meth has become hugely popular in China, which is pressuring the Burmese government to do more about the problem and that has resulted in more police activity up there, but not enough to put a dent in the drug business. The Thais and Chinese are aware that the Burmese drug gangs have local security forces on the payroll, which is why these clashes with Burmese drug smugglers only seem to happen in Thailand. China plays down the fact that the smugglers dont have much trouble on the Chinese side of the border because of the corruption. November 16, 2018: The government extended the state of emergency in the Moslem south for another three months. The government has been doing this since 2005. This gives the police and army additional powers of search and arrest. Some problems are not solved by a state of emergency. For example, the three southern provinces have suffered a major measles outbreak this year, infecting 2,300 so far and killing 18. Most of these victims are children who comprise nearly all the fatalities. The source of this outbreak is a number of local Islamic radicals who have persuaded (or intimidated) many parents to not have their children vaccinated because of rumors that the vaccine was actually a plot by non-Moslems (most Thais are Buddhists) to poison Moslem children or pollute them because vaccines are believed to contain material from pigs (which are considered haram, or unclean, for Moslems). Its not just measles vaccine that gets denounced but other vaccines as well. The most senior Moslem clerics in the south preach that the vaccines are safe and not haram (forbidden) but that does not prevent many parents from believing the myths even if they have not been threatened. November 12, 2018: Thailand has been identifying and expelling Burmese in the country illegally. So far over 2,000 illegals have been arrested and sent back to Burma. The crackdown began in early October and it is estimated that over 10,000 illegals have returned to Burma, most of them voluntarily. Meanwhile about 20,000 Burmese enter Thailand each month legally to take unfilled jobs. This sort of thing works both ways. About 10,000 Thais in South Korea (legally) to work were recently rounded up and expelled for overstaying their visas. Many Thais continue to go overseas temporarily for better paying jobs. Israel is a favorite destination because since 2000 (when the Palestinian leaders declared war on Israel) most Palestinians who had long worked in Israel were no longer allowed in. Currently, some 20,000 Thais are in Israel replacing unavailable Palestinians. November 2, 2018: In the south (Pattani province), two local defense volunteers were shot dead by men on motorcycles. The defense volunteers were on duty guarding a marketplace. The killers grabbed the weapons of the dead men and fled. Violence in the south continues to decline and killings are investigated to not only to catch Islamic terrorists but also to discover if it was simply a robbery or someone settling a private or family feud. There has always been more crime in the south, in part because of the busy smuggling gangs moving goods in and out of Malaysia. Those gangs spawned lots of other crime and eventually the current separatist/Islamic terrorist violence. TICKERS: AZT; AZZTF Source: Streetwise Reports (11/29/18) A mineral exploration company is making progress in the Americas with an experienced management team and prospective properties focused on discovery. Aztec Minerals Inc. (AZT:TSX.V; AZZTF:OTCQB), a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company focused on new discoveries in the Americas, is moving forward with two prospective projects. Aztec Minerals is a relatively newly listed company. Bradford Cooke, Aztec Minerals Chairman, told Streetwise Reports, "Since our IPO 18 months ago, we've done a tremendous amount of work to create value for shareholders." "At our Cervantes project in Sonora, Mexico, we outlined by drilling a gold oxide cap to a large porphyry gold-copper prospect defined by a strong IP geophysical anomaly. At our Tombstone project in Arizona, we identified by mapping and sampling potential high-grade, bulk-tonnage carbonate replacement deposits (CRDs) in a geologic setting similar to the Taylor deposit of Arizona Mining Inc., located only 65 kilometers southwest of Tombstone, which recently received a $1.8-billion friendly takeover bid by South 32." The company is transparent about its strategy. Throughout North America, Aztec Minerals targets "low-cost, highly prospective exploration properties" with "strong potential for large gold-copper mineralized zones." "Through seasoned management, exploration expertise, potential partnerships with larger companies and a well-funded treasury, Aztec Minerals has what it needs to unfold the discovery potential of these two properties," Cooke noted. Mexico: Cervantes Gold-Copper Project Aztec Mineral's core asset is the prospective Cervantes porphyry gold-copper property in Sonora, Mexico. Northwest Mexico is home to some of the largest porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver-gold deposits on the world, for example, Grupo Mexico's Cananea and La Caridad mines. Southeast Sonora hosts two large open-pit epithermal gold mines, Alamos Gold's Mulatos Gold Mine (2.0 million ounces remaining) and Agnico Eagle's La India Gold Mine. Cervantes is located 160 km east of Hermosillo at the crossroads of one of the NW trending copper trends and the EW Mulatos gold trend. The property is accessible by road. "Aztec successfully negotiated community support and land access through its attention to the needs of the local ranchers. Best safety and environmental practices were used during the Phase 1 drill program," Cooke stated. Since Cervantes was only explored by a small, shallow drill program in the mid-1990s, Aztec had reason to believe the area was significantly underexplored and held strong discovery potential. "In late 2015 and early 2016, the company identified robust and coherent gold, copper, and moly anomalies by soil sampling. An induced polarization survey over the heart of the gold-copper-moly anomalies in 2016 delineated a large, strong, open-ended chargeability anomaly that confirmed a larger copper-gold porphyry target below an oxide gold cap," Cooke noted. In 2017, the company obtained a drill permit and all required surface agreements. A Phase 1 drill program was completed in late 2017-early 2018. In total, Aztec Minerals drilled 2,675 meters in 17 holes. Aztec also won a government land lottery and acquired two new mineral concessions covering approximately 3,149 hectares adjacent to the Cervantes property. Mapping and sampling has outlined an additional seven prospective target areas and more soil and rock chip samples were collected for a total of 1,111 samples. In June 2018, the company announced that it completed its phase 1 drilling. Per the table below, drilling results shows 160 meters grading 0.77 gpt gold, including 80 meters of 1.05 gpt gold, 0.11% copper and 4.0 gpt silver in drill-hole 18CER010. Cervantes Phase 1 Drilling Highlights 160m @ 0.77 gpt gold including 80m @ 1.04 gpt gold, 0.11% copper & 4.0 gpt Ag in 18CER010 from 0.0m 139m @0.71 gpt gold including 20m @ 2.1 gpt gold and 0.16% copper in 17CER005 from 0.0m 118m @ 0.63 gpt gold including 43m @ 1.18 gpt gold plus 0.16% copper in hole 17CER003 from 2.0m 122m @ 0.60 gpt gold including 62m @ 0.88 gpt gold plus 0.06% copper in hole 18CER007 from 0.0m 170m @ 0.42 gpt gold including 32m @ 0.87 gpt gold plus 0.06% copper in hole 18CER006 from 0.0m Of the 17 drill holes, 14 showed long and anomalous intervals of gold and three holes were lost due to broken rock at shallow depths. The company stated, "Silver was surprisingly anomalous and copper developed an enrichment environment as chalcocite and covelite replacing pyrite and chalcopyrite." Aztec noted that a Phase 2 drill program will focus on testing the large, strong IP anomaly lying below and beyond the surface oxide gold cap, as well as some reconnaissance drilling at some of the other seven prospect areas. Management says the project has caught the interest of several major mining companies and discussions are underway with regard to a possible option and joint venture with a big partner. Arizona: Tombstone Silver-Gold Project The Tombstone Project is another asset of Aztec Minerals. Tombstone is a historical silver-lead-gold-copper-zinc mineral district in southeastern Arizona. Discovered in 1877, the area became known for its high-grade, oxidized, carbonate replacement deposits (CRD) of silver-gold-lead mineralization. The Tombstone Project is close to numerous world-class porphyry copper deposits in addition to the newly discovered Taylor zinc-lead-copper-silver-gold "CRD" sulphide deposit. "Aztec holds an option to acquire a 75% interest from Baroyeca Gold & Silver Inc. in most of the old patented claims (163 hectares) constituting the famous Tombstone silver mining district located 100 km southeast of Tucson, Arizona," explained Cooke. "Historical underground oxide ore grades in the district reportedly averaged 26 oz per ton (opt) silver, equal to 892 grams per tonne (gpt), 0.21 opt (7.2 gpt) gold and 2.25% lead." Furthermore, management believes "potential high-grade, bulk tonnage CRD could lie below the Bisbee Group in the underlying Paleozoic limestones." This shares a similar geological setting to the Taylor deposit of Arizona Mining, located only 65 kilometers southwest of Tombstone, which recently completed a CA$1.8-billion friendly takeover by South 32. Historical deep drilling (done by Santa Fe) on west and north sides of the Tombstone district shows "narrow high grade CRD mineralization, proving the potential for a larger CRD system." Aztec launched a CA$139,000 phase 1 exploration program at Tombstone in August 2018. It includes structural and geological mapping, soil and rock sampling, trenching and airborne geophysical surveying. The data will be used to model both shallow and deep CRD targets. In late September 2018, Aztec Minerals announced that it had acquired late 1980s to early 1990s drilling and trenching data for the Tombstone Project. (See the complete data here.) Big plans are ahead for the Tombstone Project, and management says that it has no plans to slow down. Management Powers Ahead Aztec Minerals is working with an experienced management team who have established track records for making discoveries and building mines. Chairman Bradford Cooke alone boasts 40 years of experience in the mining industry, including 15 years as the founder and CEO of Endeavour Silver Corp., a successful mid-tier silver mining company. President and CEO Joey Wilkins, B.Sc, P. Geo, has 30 years of experience exploring throughout the Americas. Wilkins is backed by a CFO and VP, Investor Relations who bring over a half century of combined experience in the field. After being publicly listed at CA$0.35 per share, AZT shares currently sit at CA$0.15 per share for a market capitalization of only CA$4.2 million. The company has 27.9 million shares issued and outstanding, or 38.9 million fully diluted. Insiders hold 17.9% of the fully diluted shares, Chairman Cooke has recently been purchasing shares in the market and Coeur Mining is a strategic investor with a 9.9% fully diluted stake. Disclosure: 1) Nikia Wade compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own shares of Aztec Minerals Inc., a company mentioned in this article. Bay of Plenty Are you looking for a labouring job that has an immediate start date? Do you like to be active and engaged while working... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP The struggle for teachers, nurses, police and other essential public service workers to stay ahead of the cost of living, and gain better recognition for the value of the work they do, has boiled over into strike action in some sectors this year. Nine years of inaction under the National-led government has seen a lack of support for these hard-working New Zealanders. They have faced increasing workloads with insufficient recognition or financial reward. The coalition government has stepped up. Only this week came the announcement that hospital services workers around the country will receive up to a 40 per cent pay rise over the next three years following a settlement between trade union E Tu and DHBs. It is a major investment by the DHBs and government in lifting the standard of living of some of our lowest paid workers. We have settled with the nurses by addressing many of their concerns. Teachers, however, have rejected the most recent offer and have mooted the possibility of further strike action planned for the New Year. We understand that teachers have felt neglected over the past decade and we are committed to rebuilding public education and elevating the status of teaching. Already this year we have made a pay offer far more generous than anything they received under National, have committed to addressing the teacher shortage and increasing the supply and pay of learning support staff, among other initiatives. New Zealand First believes a strong economy and a fair country is one where all of those that are prepared to work hard and give their precious time to their employers are paid a wage or salary that supports themselves and their families. This is why we negotiated an increase to the minimum wage of $20 per hour by 2021, and introduced a tax package for businesses to ensure they could afford to pay it. We cannot fix everything immediately, but I am proud to be part of a government that is finally treating workers with the respect they deserve. Proposed changes to the Governments medicinal cannabis legislation will mean more people can get access to medicinal cannabis faster. This legislation will greatly increase availability of quality medicinal cannabis products, and will allow for their domestic manufacture. It will mean many New Zealanders living in pain will have another option to find relief," says Health Minister David Clark. During the second reading of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill, Dr Clark outlined planned amendments which will be introduced via a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) during the Committee Stage. The SOP will: Alter the eligibility for people who can use the statutory defence for the use of illicit cannabis so that it covers people in palliation (rather than limiting it to the terminally ill in their last 12 months) Set a requirement for the regulations for the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme to be made no later than a year after the law comes into effect Make clear that varieties of cannabis that are already in New Zealand can be used for medicinal products Make technical changes to the description of allowable THC thresholds in CBD medicinal products The statutory defence for people who are nearing the end of their live to possess or use illicit cannabis is a compassionate measure to ease suffering and improve quality of life. I want to acknowledge New Zealand First for advocating strongly for the defence to be extended to cover anyone in palliation. To put that in perspective, each year about 25,000 New Zealanders could benefit from palliative care. Similarly, the Green Party pushed for a requirement to finalise regulations for the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. This will speed up access to a greater range of quality medicinal cannabis products and it gives those companies looking to develop those products certainty and a clear timeframe. These changes strengthen the law and will make it easier for people to get the relief they need. I want to thank both New Zealand First and the Green Party for their constructive approach on this legislation, says David Clark. A MORE COMPASSIONATE APPROACH TO MEDICINAL CANNABIS New Zealand First is welcoming changes being made to the medicinal cannabis bill. The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill returned to Parliament today for its second reading debate. Hon David Clark, Minister of Health outlined planned amendments which will be introduced via a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) during the Committee Stage. These include a new amendment promoted by New Zealand First which broadens the scope of the exception and statutory defence in the Bill to apply to those in palliation rather than with terminal illness. This is an important language change. We felt that the term palliation was more appropriate. Those requiring palliation are seriously ill, and the focus of treatment is on improving their quality of life, says New Zealand First spokesperson for Health, Jenny Marcroft. There was clear support from public submissions for the exception and statutory defence, and many wanted it to be extended further. This change will mean that the number of people the defence will apply to is as many as 25,000 individuals, she says. If the original exception and statutory defence was kept it would only apply to terminally ill people with less than 12 months to live, which would have been difficult to accurately assess. New Zealand First welcomes the collaborative effort and consensus which was reached, and thanks the Health Minister for his consideration." Tauranga-based Labour list MP Jan Tinetti is pleased that from December 1, it will be cheaper for nearly 600,000 New Zealanders to visit the doctor. Doctors visits will be around $20 to $30 cheaper for all Community Services Card holders and there will be expanded access to the card as well. That means around 540,000 people can get access to cheaper doctors visits. Free doctors visits will be extended to all children under the age of 14, meaning a further 56,000 young New Zealanders will be eligible for free GP visits and prescriptions. Thats great news for families here in Tauranga, says Jan. It means that cost wont be a barrier to people getting prompt medical treatment. In my former job as a school principal I saw many instances where children didnt visit the doctor because their families couldnt afford it and sometimes the consequences were very serious. Before the last election more than half a million New Zealanders a year avoided going to the GP because of cost. Jan says in a country like New Zealand that just wasnt good enough. She says making it easier for people to visit their GP will also help ease the strain on our hospital emergency departments, leaving them to focus on critical care and saving taxpayers money in the long run. Changes havent stopped there either. Over the past year we have been modernising our hospital buildings to make sure theyre safe and fit for purpose, weve funded additional surgical beds and new operating theatres, and weve launched new mental health and addiction facilities. Were also extending our school-based health service so an extra 24,000 high school students can reach out to a nurse at their school. We are developing a pilot programme that will provide free counselling for young people aged 18 to 25, and were looking at options for a free annual health check for all SuperGold Card holders. In todays weather forecast we are expecting cloud increasing, and a few showers. Southeasterlies should be turning northeast during the morning, and then strengthening. Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 21 and an overnight low of 16 degrees. Humidity is 93 per cent. High tide is at 1.10pm and low tide at 7.40pm (Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.3m and sea temperature is 18 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.15pm. If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 6.30 and 8.30pm. On this day in NZ history in 1949 was the election of the first National government. The Labour government, led by Peter Fraser, was defeated by Sidney Hollands National Party after 14 years in office. The result heralded a long period of National dominance, with the party holding power for 29 of the next 35 years. In world history on this day in 1782 the British signed a preliminary agreement in Paris, recognizing American independence. In 1838 Mexico declared war on France. In 1900 Oscar Wilde died in a Paris hotel room after saying of the rooms wallpaper: One of us has got to go. In 1950 President Harry Truman declared that the United States would use the A-bomb to get peace in Korea. In 1956 the United States offered emergency oil to Europe to counter the Arab ban. In 1974 Pioneer II sent photos back to NASA as it neared Jupiter. In 1981 representatives of the US and the USSR met in Geneva, Switzerland, to begin negotiations on reducing the number of intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe. In 1982 Thriller, Michael Jacksons second solo album, was released; the album, produced by Quincy Jones, became the best-selling album in history. In 1998 Exxon and Mobil Oil agreed to a $73.7 billion merger, creating the worlds largest company, Exxon-Mobil. Today is the birthday of Winston Churchill, British prime minister during and after World War II. Born in 1874, he once said We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page. Have a great day! Almost one billion plastic bottles are being landfilled, littered or ending up in our oceans and waterways each year, and action group Kiwi Bottle Drive wants to stop what it deems to be totally avoidable waste and pollution. The group are calling on all MPs to back a bottle deposit scheme - a cash-for-trash scheme - to stop drink packaging waste. If drink bottles and cans had value, they will stop ending up in the sea, says Kiwi Bottle Drive organiser Rowan Brooks. This week, a pop-up bottle return depot was operating on Cameron Road outside the offices of Waste Watchers - the waste minimisation company. Manager Marty Hoffart has long been a champion of bottle deposit schemes. The pop-up depot was a simple way of creating awareness on a national day of action. Campaign coordinator Holly Dove says bottle deposits are already popular. Theres huge support for this amongst Kiwis who either fondly remember collecting bottles for pocket money as kids, or have been impressed by the effectiveness of schemes theyve seen on holidays, in places like Germany, she says. We want to get this system back in a modern form. Itll look after our oceans, clean the streets and help our communities fundraise, like the Scouts used to do with bottle drives in the 1980s. The Kiwi Bottle Drive says a bottle deposit scheme will help create 2000 new jobs. They claim it would also save councils and taxpayers up to $40 million a year, reduce carbon emissions, create community fund groups, supplement low incomes and foster a sustainable circular economy. Click the image above to view slideshow More than 550 students from schools throughout the Bay of Plenty braved the weather this morning, to take part in this years Orange Day Parade. The Orange Day Parade celebrates primary and intermediate schools throughout Tauranga and Western Bay areas who have joined with travel safe teams and NZ Police undertaking activities such as travel smart and safe students, road patrols, traffic wardens and bus monitoring during the year. Donned in orange, the students have walked the streets, chanting and waving banners to raise awareness about road safety and active travel around schools. The parade departed from the Strand next to the waka at about 9.30am, before heading along Harington, Willow, Spring, Grey and Elizabeth Streets, back down Devonport Road to The Strand and concluded at 10am at the Edgewater Fan on the waterfront. A number of members of public along and family members gathered along the sidewalk to support students along the way. At the conclusion of the parade a number of trophies were awarded to schools with the best banners. Golden Sands, Greenpark and Arataki schools have been recognised for their efforts with a highly commended award. Students from Golden Sands School. Students from Greenpark School. Students from Arataki School. In the Primary School age division, Te Puna Primary School claimed the top award for best road safety message, while Gate Pa School claimed the top award for best active travel message. Te Puna Primary School's banner. Gate Pa Primary School's banner. In the Intermediate age division, Tauriko Intermediate School claimed the top award for best road safety message and Mount Maunganui Intermediate claimed the top title for having the best active travel message. Tauriko Intermediate. Mount Maunganui Intermediate School. A plan designed to fund the Nebraska government from three sources has turned upside down with property taxes supplying the majority of revenue, according to District 47 State Sen. Steve Erdman. Sen. Erdman was in Sidney Wednesday visiting with local constituents as part of a tour of Western Nebraska. He told those in attendance the states tax structure is the top priority. He said property tax and its impact on individuals and ag producers continues to be an issue. We have been talking about property tax for 40 years, he said. He said he worked with a committee to research the bes... By Jack Whittier UNL Panhandle Ext District and Panhandle Research and Ext Ctr Were going to Washington. Why? Ill explain. Back in late September, 29 agricultural attaches representing 23 foreign countries visited us at the University of Nebraska (UNL) Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC). This group was part of the 2018 Colorado and Nebraska Agricultural Attache Tour coordinated by Stan Garbacz, the agricultural trade representative for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. While this group was in Scottsbluff, they also visited several producers, farms and businesses; learned about wheat production; witnessed dry bean harvest; and made a stop... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Queens man behind a nearly $2 million tax refund scheme pleaded guilty today in Syracuse federal court. Miles Bailey, 53, admitted to three federal theft charges before U.S. District Court Senior Judge Frederick Scullin. Bailey submitted false income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of more than 50 victims, prosecutors said. In the returns, Bailey made false claims about the money the victims were entitled to. Two co-conspirators from the Albany area received tax refund checks in the mail, prosecutors said. Bailey then kept, spent or distributed the funds. As part of his guilty plea, he will have to pay back $1,963,991, the total proceeds from his scheme. Bailey was scheduled to stand trial today, but opted to plead guilty instead. He faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 2019. Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 Syracuse, NY -- A Salina man, arrested four years ago for having sex with an 11-year-old girl, was finally sentenced today after years in a psychiatric hospital. Welken Majok, 42, pleaded guilty to predatory sexual assault against a child, the state's most severe sex crime. The charge was enhanced from rape due to the girl's age. Majok, who was brought to the U.S. by the United Nations from South Sudan, committed the crime in August 2014, days after being released from jail for a drunken driving conviction. Prosecutor Jordan McNamara said there's no evidence Majok committed other abuse beyond the rape involving the 11-year-old girl. But Majok's case has been delayed for years by psychotic breakdowns, which included voices that he said told him that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Pope Francis were on TV seeking his release. Majok spent years following his arrest in a secure psychiatric hospital and twice failed competency exams. In the past year, his condition improved due to medication and he was brought back to court for trial. Majok's case was delayed because he did not like the specter of possible life in prison. But he eventually pleaded guilty, anyway. His lawyer, Anne Meadvin, said Majok was in the country legally. But it's unclear how immigration officials will proceed as he nears his first parole hearing 10 years from now. He could be transferred to immigration detention at that point, she said. Majok did not address the court about the crime itself. But he maintained there's no reason for him to be deported. "Due to the nature of the crime I've been accused of, it's extremely dangerous" to be deported, he said. "There's no reason for deportation." State Supreme Court Justice Gordon Cuffy corrected him: "Not alleged to have done, you pleaded guilty." With that, the judge sentenced Majok to 10 years to life in prison. CENTRAL SQUARE, N.Y. -- A 19-year-old woman was charged Tuesday with robbery in connection with a shooting in Central Square, according to New York State Police. Kristine M. Baker, 19, of Marietta, was charged with first-degree robbery, a felony, state police said. At about 8:19 p.m. Monday, two men broke into an apartment at 3247 Fulton Ave. in Central Square and assaulted a 25-year-old male resident. The victim was attempting to leave the apartment when he was shot in the neck by one of the suspects, state police said. One of the suspects went through the victim's apartment and took property including cash. Both were last seen running from the apartment in an unknown direction, state police said. During the investigation, troopers determined a female acquaintance, later identified as Baker, was inside the apartment with the victim prior to the robbery. Baker was known to both the victim and the two male suspects, state police said. Baker was arraigned in Central Square Village Court and was remanded to the Oswego County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. State police continue to search for the two male suspects involved in the robbery. The victim is expected to survive the shooting, police said. State police ask anyone with information to call (315) 366-6000. All information will remain confidential. Syracuse, N.Y. -- When Sheila Sicilia packed for her trip to San Diego and the Mexican border, she put in her tent and sleeping bag. She'll be staying in someone's back yard. The 60-year-old computer science professor at Onondaga Community College and mother of two decided she wanted to go to the U.S.-Mexico border to help migrants waiting to cross. She's going by herself to meet up with one of the national volunteer groups that's helping near San Ysidro, the largest point of entry into the U.S. Sicilia was especially concerned for LGBT migrants who were traveling with the caravan. She'd heard reports that they were not being treated well by caravan they were traveling with and wanted to help them, she said. Sicilia has two kids in college said that, since Donald Trump has become president, she's felt more motivated to be socially and politically active. "The older I get, and since Trump took over, the less patience I have and the less hope I have that things will get turned around on their own," said Sicilia, who is on sabbatical from OCC this semester. She said she plans to drive food and supplies to the people who are waiting across the border in Mexico. She plans to shoot video and help by being an American presence when they do cross, if possible. She's paying for the trip out of her own pocket. In the past few years, she's become more active. She's spurred, in part, by the fact that she and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala, she said. Sicilia belongs to the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network, which has been working raise awareness of Border Patrol activities at the Syracuse Regional Transportation Center. On Friday, that group, along with members of Haudenosaunee Confederacy, is having a vigil in support of the migrant caravan. The event will be at the Great Law Peace Center on Onondaga Lake Parkway at 6:30 p.m. Sicilia also posted bail for an undocumented immigrant from Central New York so he could go home to his family, which includes three American-born children. And this summer she was arrested for trespassing with nine others at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in the Dey Brothers building in downtown Syracuse. That was the first time Sicilia had ever been arrested. She spent a few hours in jail. She'll be helping at the border through Monday. Her trial with the nine other who were arrested for trespassing starts next week, she said. Marnie Eisenstadt is an enterprise reporter who writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246 J. Ryan McMahon II is the fourth Onondaga County executive. By J. Ryan McMahon II Syracuse and Onondaga County is on the rise and open for business. The beauty, natural resources, and most importantly the economic potential we have as a region is no secret to those of us that live here in Central New York. Now the time has come to share that potential with the rest of the state, country and world. That is why I have launched a nationwide search for Onondaga County's next director of economic development. When I took over as county executive, I promised on day one to work with whomever I could to make sure all of our community, urban suburban and rural moves forward and thrives. While that certainly means our partners in local, state and national government, it also includes our partners in the private sector. Onondaga County is open for business and we are ready now, more than ever, to share all we have to offer and we will not sell ourselves short. We are all in this together. No one has a monopoly on all of the good ideas. The old talking points have been thrown out the window. My administration does not ask "why?" We ask "why not?". We don't offer reasons or excuses for why something cannot or did not happen, we do it. Bold, fresh and big ideas combined with a willingness and desire to collaborate is the type of thinking we need in our next director of economic development and is what I'm looking for as we take Onondaga County and Central New York to the next level. Aside from being a place that is ready to do business, Onondaga County offers an excellent quality of life. We have great schools, affordable housing, a vibrant urban core and a world-class parks system. We have abundant water, award-winning infrastructure and nationally recognized universities just to name a few. In other words, we have the tools we need to be successful, we now need someone to lead our Economic Development office and make sure the rest of the state, county and world know, as well. My administration is accepting applications now and I encourage anyone interested in becoming a partner and playing a role in putting our community on the map as the place to do business, to send their cover letter, resume and any other materials they deem appropriate to opportunity@ongov.net. This is an exciting time for Syracuse and Onondaga County. Momentum is on our side and our opportunities are limitless. WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney on Wednesday formally conceded defeat to Anthony Brindisi in the 22nd Congressional District, a week after it became clear she would not have enough absentee votes to sway a tight race in her favor. Tenney, R-New Hartford, issued a two-paragraph statement in which she promised to work with Brindisi, D-Utica, on a smooth transition. "As the votes have been counted the last several weeks, it has become clear that while we remain on the right side of the issues and history, we came out on the wrong side of a very close race," Tenney said in the statement. "Despite this setback, there is still a critical fight ahead for the heart and soul of this nation, and one which I will not give up," Tenney said. "Serving Central New York in Congress has been a tremendous honor, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish for our area, and I am grateful to all the people who supported our campaign." Tenney issued the concession after the Associated Press formally declared Brindisi the winner in the race on Wednesday afternoon. A week earlier other news outlets reported Tenney had no mathematical chance to win when she fell behind by 4,000 votes with about 1,800 absentee ballots left to count. The one-term Republican did not offer any hints about her political future, but made it clear to her supporters that she will stay involved in local issues. "I wish Congressman-elect Anthony Brindisi the best and my office will work with him to ensure a smooth transition and good constituent services for the people of the 22nd District," Tenney said. "We should acknowledge when Congressman-elect Brindisi does the right thing for this district, but hold him accountable for every vote he takes to advance a liberal agenda that doesn't help our community." Brindisi said in a statement he's "looking forward to working with Representative Tenney to ensure a smooth transition on behalf of our constituents. This congressional seat belongs to the people of Upstate New York. I'm excited to get to work putting their needs first." Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Washington -- The Trump administration plans to soon announce a ban on bump stocks, devices that allow semiautomatic rifles to fire faster. The ban will be announced in the coming days, according to CNN. Bump stocks first gained widespread public attention after the gunman in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting was found to have used them. President Donald Trump began speaking soon after about banning the devices, which allow semiautomatic rifles to mimic automatic firearms. The Las Vegas gunman, Stephen Paddock, killed 58 people and was able to fire off about 90 rounds in just 10 seconds, according to The New York Times. The Las Vegas shooting was the deadliest in modern history, the Times said. Bump stocks harness a gun's recoil to "bump" the trigger, which allows more rapid fire, according to CNN. Under the upcoming ban, bump stock owners would be required to destroy or surrender the devices to authorities, CNN said. Members of the public will have 90 days to comply. "Bump stocks turn semiautomatic guns into illegal machine guns," a Justice Department official told CNN. "This final rule sends a clear message: Illegal guns have no place in a law-and-order society, and we will continue to vigorously enforce the law to keep these illegal weapons off the street." Some Democrats have questioned whether the ban will do enough to combat mass shootings, according to The Times. The devices were not used in some other high-profile incidents, including the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Lawmakers have also cautioned that executive action on the devices could lead to court battles. The National Rifle Association did not return a request for comment from the Times. The group had previously supported a review of the devices after the Las Vegas shooting. Trump recently said he told the NRA that the devices "are gone," according to the Times. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Syracuse, N.Y. - Damian Vallelonga and Jared Stafford-Hill want wine to be fun. It sounds obvious. But often, high-quality or lesser-known wines - ones that are expensive or award-winning with hard-to-pronounce names - can be intimidating. Vallelonga and Stafford-Hill want to make more wines approachable and attainable at Saint Urban, a new wine bar and restaurant just off of Westcott Street that will open next year. "Great wines are meant to be shared," said Stafford-Hill, a chef and sommelier. "This is just enjoyment. You'll have fun." Saint Urban will be both a restaurant and wine bar at 124 Dell St. Taste of India was most recently in the space; it closed in October. At Saint Urban, the plan is to serve three-course dinners four nights a week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Saint Urban will offer social wine classes, with smaller, shared plates to eat. The menus will change weekly. The wines will rotate also. They'll be served in three different sizes, as well as bottles, so customers can taste a variety of wines without racking up a huge bill. "You can try something truly special for $8," Stafford-Hill said. Overall, the partners said, they want to create a place that people will want to stop by to try a different wine or, if they want, sit down for a full meal. "We want to have high standards but a down-to-earth place to enjoy," Vallelonga said. Vallelonga and Stafford-Hill have been friends since fifth grade, when they met at Ed Smith elementary school. They graduated high school together and stayed in touch as they left then came back to Syracuse. Now Vallelonga is a graphic designer and marketing consultant with offices in the Westcott area. Stafford-Hill is a chef and sommelier. He's worked at 238 Bistro in Syracuse, and Union Pacific, Gramercy Tavern, Craft and Hearth in New York City. He's also a restaurant consultant and has helped plan and open nearly a dozen restaurants. In Syracuse, they're renovating the kitchen and dining area for Saint Urban, which is named after a patron saint of wine, Vallelonga said. The seating will include a long banquette, a communal table that seats 16 and a few other large tables. The partners want customers to sit at tables - rather than a literal bar - to share wine and meals. The menu will change weekly, Stafford-Hill said. Four nights a week, the restaurant will sell three-course meals for $39. Customers can choose from three options for a starter, an entree and a dessert. A preliminary menu includes starters such as beef tartare with shaved raw artichokes, parmesan and mache or Spanish mackerel escabeche with leeks, carrots, olives and Marcona almands. Entrees range from arctic char with braised endive, black trumpet mushrooms and potato puree or New York Rohan duck with pumpkin, chestnuts and quince. "Even the most regular regulars will get something new," Vallelonga said. The menu will also include small bites - country pate, oysters, crudite with bagna cauda aioli. The plan is to open by Valentine's Day, Stafford-Hill said. 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. BYRON, N.Y. -- An Amber Alert has been issued for a teenage girl abducted Thursday morning in Western New York. Kamerie E. Elliot was taken around 8 a.m. from West Bergen Road in Byron, Genesee County, according to the state alert. Investigators believe Kamerie, 14, is in "imminent danger of serious harm and/or death," said the state. The suspect is Guillermo Torres-Acevedo, 22, according to the state alert. According to an Amber Alert, a vehicle similar to the blue Dodge Journey pictured in this photo was used in the abduction of Kamerie Elliot. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office activated the Amber Alert. Here's how the New York State Police described the child and the suspect: Kamerie is white and has brown hair, hazel eyes and blue hair. She is about 4 feet 11 inches and weighs approximately 140 pounds. Torres-Acevedo is Hispanic and has black hair and brown eyes. He is about 5 feet 6 inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. A blue Dodge Journey SUV used in the abduction was last spotted traveling north on West Bergen Road, the state said. The SUV has New York license plates numbered HHP5458. Troopers asked anyone who wants to report a sighting or share information to call (866) NYS-AMBER or 911. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of local television stations in the country, including CNY Central in Syracuse, sought to distance itself on Wednesday from commentary it ran by former Trump surrogate Boris Epshteyn. The company, which has been criticized for injecting right-wing views into local news broadcasts, sought to "address some concerns" about an unnamed episode of "Bottom Line with Boris" that aired this week. Multiple segments by Epshteyn, who worked in both the Trump White House and as a campaign official, had drawn scrutiny. The first was a two-minute spot in which Epshteyn defended the use of tear gas on migrants near the border. "The fact of the matter is that this is an attempted invasion of our country. Period," Epshteyn said, parroting rhetoric used by President Donald Trump. "Our border must remain intact and secure. It is not a partisan position to believe that our immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed." Sinclair Makes 200 Local News Stations Run Segment Supporting Use of Tear Gas on Migrants https://t.co/yyGOzT9Eie pic.twitter.com/qGHYTA7Sg0 Mediaite (@Mediaite) November 27, 2018 That segment was criticized on social media amid a discussion about the treatment of migrants, including some with children, at the border. Epshteyn "has been a central player in the Trump-conservative media complex," Princeton University professor and CNN analyst Julian Zelizer wrote on Twitter. "He has capitalized on the thirst for content, as a campaign surrogate, administration official and Sinclair operative to spread Trumpian pr." According to data cited by the liberal watchdog Media Matters for America, Epshteyn's tear gas segment aired on stations in at least 24 states. The second was a bit in which Epshteyn defended Laura Loomer. The fringe right-wing activist was recently suspended from Twitter after accusing Minnesota Rep.-elect Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who is Muslim, of being "anti-Jewish" and part of a religion in which "homosexuals are oppressed ... women are abused and forced to wear the hijab." Sinclair said that Epshteyn's views were not representative of the company's. "The opinions expressed in this segment do not reflect the views of Sinclair Broadcast Group," the company wrote on Twitter. "When Boris' segments are aired on our stations, they are labeled clearly as commentary." Matthew Gertz, a fellow at Media Matters for America, said he found Sinclair's defense of Epshteyn to be disingenuous. "He is one of a handful of right-wingers whose commentary Sinclair forces stations to run," Gertz wrote. "He has no natural audience; his YouTube views are minuscule." The president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Hugo Balta, expressed concern about the segment in a statement that called it "propaganda." Epshteyn, who was hired last year as the company's chief political analyst, helms segments that often defend Trump and hammer on other Republican themes. He defended himself to some people who criticized him on Twitter on Wednesday. "Thanks," he wrote to one. "Did you bother watching the segment or just attacking me based on the hit piece by [Media Matters for America]?" Sinclair did not return a request for comment. The owner of at least 170 stations in 81 broadcast markets across the country, many of which are affiliated with more well-known national media companies such as Fox and ABC, Sinclair has been the subject of increasing amount of criticism in recent years that it has injected right-leaning coverage and commentary into its local broadcasts. In April, the company was widely criticized after a video showed anchors at dozens of stations reading robotically from a seemingly Trump-friendly script that ominously warned of fake news and one-sided reporting. "Unfortunately, some members of the media use their platforms to push their own personal bias and agenda to control exactly what people think," the anchors said in the one-minute spot. "This is extremely dangerous to our democracy." NEW YORK - The psychology professor pulled open the heavy oak doors of Horace Mann Hall, which boasts 16-foot ceilings and varnished wood floors, and headed to her fourth-floor office. Filing in behind her were students preparing for a 1:30 p.m. lab meeting on Wednesday. As they entered her workspace, they passed a mezuzah, a small box containing Hebrew religious texts, affixed to her doorpost. But the sight that met them next made the professor and her students stop in their tracks. Anti-Semitic graffiti had been spray-painted on the office walls of Elizabeth Midlarsky, a clinical psychologist and Holocaust scholar at Columbia's Teachers College on the Upper West Side of New York. The vandalism included swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur, "Yid," painted in bright red on the white walls of her office foyer. The outer door had been closed but not locked, one student said. Swastikas painted inside Columbia Teachers College https://t.co/2dWD03pEqW pic.twitter.com/ysfagmKEfz Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) November 29, 2018 "I was shocked. I couldn't believe it," she said in an interview with The Washington Post. "I'm usually not a fearful person, but they got me. I'm afraid." Midlarsky notified security, and she said the New York Police Department was investigating the incident. The professor said she had "no idea who was behind it." The episode comes amid mounting concerns about anti-Semitism, rebooted for the 21st century as memory of the Holocaust begins to fade. In February, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the number of anti-Semitic incidents was nearly 60 percent higher in 2017 than in 2016, marking the largest single-year increase on record and the second-highest number reported since the organization began collecting incident data. Meanwhile, many Americans lack basic knowledge about the Holocaust, such as the name of a single concentration camp, according to a survey released in April. The problem is not limited to the sort of symbolism that marred the professor's office walls. It's been just over a month since 11 congregants were massacred in a Pittsburgh synagogue, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the nation's history. Nor is prejudice limited to the United States. One in three Europeans believe that Jews use the Holocaust to "advance their own positions or goals," according to a CNN poll released this week. Documenting the true legacy of the Holocaust in Jewish life has been a focus of Midlarsky's academic work. She has applied clinical psychology to the meaning of rescue during the 20th-century genocide of European Jews and the response by survivors and their descendants. In a 2005 article, "Personality Correlates of Heroic Rescue During the Holocaust," she asked whether certain personality traits, such as tolerance and empathy, could help explain why some people became "non-Jewish heroes" during the Holocaust and others stood by as the Nazis pursued the Final Solution. The vandalism uncovered Wednesday didn't mark the first time that her office has been defaced by anti-Semitic iconography. In 2007, she became the target of repeated harassment. A swastika was painted on her office door about a week after she found two anti-Semitic fliers in her mailbox at work. The same flier had appeared for the first time earlier that month. "I think there's a very hate-filled person who is an extreme coward," she told the New York Sun at the time. "It makes my blood run cold." Around the same time, a noose was found on the office door of a black professor at the Teachers College. These incidents were condemned by leaders of the college, the nation's first and largest graduate school of education, as hate crimes. On Wednesday, as Midlarsky again found herself the target of anti-Semitic animus, the president of the Teachers College, Thomas Bailey, issued a statement pledging to work with police "to discover the perpetrator of this hateful act." "We unequivocally condemn any expression of hatred, which has no place in our society," he said. "We are outraged and horrified by this act of aggression and use of this vile anti-Semitic symbol against a valued member of our community." Midlarsky attributed the graffiti to a "tremendous upsurge in anti-Semitism" but said she couldn't understand why she had been singled out. The experience, she said, differed from a decade ago, when she was "shocked but not surprised" to face anti-Semitic abuse. At that time, she was active in campus debates about Zionism, religious strife and the conflict in the Middle East. In particular, she was involved in protests against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech in September 2007 at the Ivy League university. "Back then, I was doing things that anti-Semites would hate me for, but I've not been so visible recently," she said Wednesday evening. That fact, she said, made her feel all the more vulnerable, as if her Jewish identity alone were enough to make her a target. "I'm a Jew at this college - one of the only ones who acts like a Jew," she added, suggesting that she doesn't shy away from her religious identity. "My writing has to do with Jewish topics." After Midlarsky discovered the vandalism and called security, she waited with her students, who snapped photos and checked to see how extensive the vandalism was. "I was afraid to be alone," she said. "I was afraid to be in my office alone." U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to a new federal charge Thursday. "Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin," Trump tweeted Thursday. "I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Hours earlier, Cohen agreed pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about a proposed Trump real estate project in Russia. Cohen previously claimed the Trump Tower in Moscow was "a real estate deal and nothing more" that ended before the first Republican primary in the 2016 election. On Thursday, Cohen admitted Trump's efforts to build a tower in Moscow "continued until June 2016." The Washington Post notes that's the same month that Cohen, Donald Trump Jr. and former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort met with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in New York for possible "dirt" on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Manafort pleaded guilty to multiple charges in September, including conspiracy against the U.S. after admitting to undisclosed lobbying work for a pro-Russian political party and a politician in Ukraine. Cohen has agreed to cooperate in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. President Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani says the documents Mueller used to discover Cohen's false statements came from the Trump Organization. According to the Associated Press, Giuliani says they were "voluntarily disclosed" by the president's company. Giuliani also criticized the timing of Cohen's guilty plea as "hardly coincidental" as Trump heads to Argentina soon to meet with other world leaders at the G-20 summit. Trump was scheduled to have another one-on-one meeting with Putin, but started hinting this week that he may cancel after Russia seized three Ukrainian naval ships over the weekend. "Maybe I won't have the meeting," Trump told the Washington Post. "I don't like that aggression. I don't want that aggression at all." Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018 They deliver your most fragile parcels. They arrive at your doorstep with the most intimate letters from loved ones. They are U.S. Postal Service workers. But in the Atlanta area, they have also been handling a precious commodity of a different sort: cocaine. Sixteen letter carriers and clerks have been accepting bribes for as low as $250 to transport two kilograms or more of the contraband at a time, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, which began probing their activities in 2015. For that bargain, they received sentences of between three and nine years in federal prison, with the final defendant sentenced on Tuesday. "Postal employees are paid to deliver mail, not drugs," Imari Niles, a special agent with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, said in a news release. Chris Hacker, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Atlanta field office, called the scheme a "blatant abuse of the public trust" and said it "stains the reputation of all U.S. Postal Service employees." The felonious arrangements also endangered the residents on the postal routes served by the employees, he said, by bringing drugs into their communities. The Postal Service, which touts itself as the most trusted government agency, has also become a trusted delivery mechanism for drug traffickers. A report released in September by the Postal Service Office of Inspector General found that U.S. mail was a highly effective and low-risk means of getting drugs to buyers. One cocaine trafficker, the report said, claimed to have used the service to make nearly 4,000 shipments, reporting a 100 percent delivery rate. The system is so trusted by dealers that nearly half of the 96 traffickers identified by the inspector general's report "offered free, partial, or full reshipment if the package did not arrive to the buyer's address because it was confiscated, stolen, or lost." Regulations limiting the ability of postal inspectors to open and inspect parcels have made the transmission of drugs through the mail relatively common, the report warned. More rare, however, is the case of postal workers actively facilitating the trade. Here's how the postal workers in Atlanta were busted, according to federal prosecutors. In 2015, federal agents tasked with slowing the drug trade in Atlanta learned that traffickers were relying on a new way to circulate their supplies covertly. They were bribing postal workers to intercept and hand-deliver packages of drugs during the course of their regular distribution, which took them not just to the city's bustling downtown but also through residential neighborhoods in metro Atlanta. Agents enlisted a confidential source to pose as a drug trafficker on the lookout for postal workers to convey kilograms of cocaine and marijuana. The faux trafficker found many willing partners, who agreed to deliver the parcels and haggled over their compensation. Agents watched from afar, recording the interactions. Each of the defendants identified by the undercover source chose to deliver cocaine rather than marijuana because they believed the more illicit drug would merit a higher bribe. When the source asked them to suggest additional postal workers for the scheme, some introduced the confidential emissary to co-workers interested in participating - and then claimed a bonus for each parcel transmitted by their recruit. The defendants ranged in age from 26 to 64. In addition to prison time, they were slapped with financial penalties as high as $10,500. An additional defendant, who was not a postal employee but helped facilitate the deliveries, was ordered to pay $10,700, in addition to a nine-year prison sentence. The final defendant sentenced this week was Leea Janel Holt, 39, of Atlanta. A letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office, Holt was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. The Postal Service handles 47 percent of global mail and delivers hundreds of millions of private carriers' ground packages, according to the inspector general's report, which was requested by Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. The Internet has dramatically expanded the availability of illicit drugs by offering traffickers and their buyers a degree of anonymity that had once been impossible, the report observed. Each incident of drugs shipped in the mail, the oversight officer cautioned, "erodes the public's trust in the postal system." Seizures by the Postal Inspection Service are on the rise. More than 40,000 pounds were recovered last year, according to an annual report, while border agents seized nearly 1,500 pounds of fentanyl alone in 2017. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are trying to make it easier for the Postal Service to guard against opioids arriving in the U.S. through international packages. But the inspector general warned that the agency is hamstrung by constitutional limits and postal regulations. Similar procedures don't apply to private carriers, "because they enter into individual contracts with their customers that include a stipulation allowing them to open and inspect packages at any time." "Criminals realize this and prefer to use the Postal Service for this reason," the report warned. Did you know that Microsoft doesn't back up your 365 data? Avoid data loss. Back up your company's Office 365 mailboxes, Teams, and files stored within OneDrive and Sharepoint. Get your free trial of Altaro Office 365 Backup. Several us have become increasingly concerned about the lack of ethics on the part of market-leading companies at the moment. Kara Swishers New York Times column is an eye opener, considering that she concluded that too many digital leaders have lost their minds. She cited some frightening examples of poor leadership ranging from Saudi funding (concerning given the alleged murder of a reporter); to Facebooks Portal device, which appears designed to violate user privacy; to Elon Musks increasing insanity; to Googles recent coverup of a massive user data breach that forced it to close Google+. Swishers column points to the solution adopted by Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, who hired a chief ethical officer but I think that would just repeat the mistake we made with chief risk officers around a decade ago. In response to her piece, Scott Cleland, who runs Precursor Watch, commented that these huge firms and their CEOs have ethics problems following them around like the dirt that followed Pigpen in the Peanuts comic strip. These firms, through Section 230 of the U.S. Code, largely have been given immunity to civil law, which appears to have promoted wrong, unjust, dishonest, unethical, and/or uncivil behaviors by the firms employees and leaders. While I think Cleland overemphasizes the impact of Section 230, which detracts from what is more likely a practice of hiring people who think ethics is optional, his proposed solution should work. He suggests these firms and executives need to be held more aggressively to the same laws we all must follow. Ill share my views on that and then close with my product of the week: a new video-conferencing solution that could evolve to make most business trips obsolete. Power Corrupts Im sure youve all heard the saying, Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but I often think that as they come up the ranks, executives view this as a goal and not a warning. It is clear that at some point executives feel they have reached a level of power where the rules their companies have just dont apply to them. In a way I was lucky or unlucky, depending on how you look at it to have an extremely unethical father. I was lucky in that I saw the damage it did to his marriages, finances, opportunities and the quality of his life. I was unlucky because I was often collateral damage, as were my brothers, sister, and his wives. The amount of damage this behavior can cause, once it is discovered, can be devastating. It can wipe out the companies and the executives personal fortunes, and in some cases it can even land them in prison. The thing is, it isnt as if these folks werent already wealthy but it becomes a competition as to who has the most expensive car, the most yachts, the biggest island, or the prettiest mistress (even if she is an employee). They lose perspective placing physical things, often inanimate, as higher priority over the things they really should care about: their families, employees, image/reputation, and even their continued freedom. Ethics Officer Wont Work Over a decade ago, companies became concerned about taking on too much risk, and they came up with the not-so-brilliant plan of hiring risk officers. These folks had staff and were given the responsibility to ensure that the companies, generally financial institutions, didnt take on excessive risks. Instead, it was if these institutions suddenly felt that any risk was acceptable, and the U.S. market crashed catastrophically as a result of loans that werent properly secured. What happened was that the risk managers had responsibility but no real authority, so while they were viewed as some kind of shield, they were in effect more like sacrificial goats. They became blame magnets, which actually didnt really work well either. Since they had no authority, the blame still flowed to the idiots making the bad decisions. Hiring ethics officers wont work either, because they wont have enforcement authority. Often, they wont have the necessary visibility into company practices to ensure that the firm complies with policies and laws let alone behaves ethically. If the government comes calling due to a CEO misdeed, there might be an attempt to throw the ethics officer under the bus, but law enforcement as with the risk managers likely will go after the decision maker and not the sacrificial goat ethics officer. Appointing an ethics officer might have the unintended impact of convincing the other executives that ethics is no longer their concern, and they might go off the ethical rails even more than before similar to what happened with financial institutions after they got risk officers. That, of course, most likely would be catastrophic, because governments and investors eventually react poorly to out-of-control CEOs. In fact, they tend to overreact with company-killing regularity. Internal Audit I think a better solution would to be to reinstate, fund, and once again empower internal audit operations in these firms, allowing auditors to function much as they did when internal auditing first came to be, largely after the market crash in the first half of last century. Internal audit can, and often does, operate like internal affairs in police departments. However, both of those operations often have been gutted over time, losing qualified people, funding and authority. Today particularly in some newer firms those functions are either nonexistent or assigned to an ineffective department of employee rejects who comply with the letter but not the intent of their mandate. Staffed, funded, and with adequate authority, internal audit not only would have the experience to root out bad behavior but also the ability to terminate those exhibiting it. The internal audit department also would have the added benefit of ensuring the quality of operations, something that firms like Tesla currently need badly. (Its plants are so badly run, the firm is hemorrhaging money.) When properly set up, internal audits ability to prevent behavior ranging from just bad management to embezzlement and sexual harassment largely would be unmatched and could go a long way toward ensuring that a firm isnt taken out by its own employees. Wrapping Up Whether we are talking about the book Brotopia, which focuses mostly on misogyny at scale, or Technically Wrong, which focuses on idiotic product development practices, or on a slew of recent articles on related subjects, the common message is that these firms are largely out of control. Given that a number of us believe they are massively overvalued as well, the potential for a catastrophe driven by bad executive behavior is almost a given. Such a catastrophe could reset the market, likely wiping out jobs, 401Ks and savings tied to the segment. I think internal audit is the only type of organization that could be capable of fixing this problem in a timely way, and that the interim use of ethics officers actually would do the exact opposite of what was intended. I dont expect this will end well at all. Ive been involved with video conferencing in some shape or form going well back to the 1960s, when I first saw the video call demonstration at Disneyland as a child. I was part of a joint Apple/IBM trial in the 1980s, which ended badly, and Ive been involved with the technology since the mid-90s as an analyst. Generally, the cycle goes like this: The market gets really excited about technology that could reduce plane travel and increase employee collaboration, everyone and their brother jumps into it, companies buy the products, the employees avoid using them, the market consolidates, and in around five to 10 years, the market forgets and starts the cycle over. One of the more interesting recent attempts were telepresence robots with tablets that could display the faces of those remotely using them. They werent that successful, even though they did attempt to deal better with creating the impression that the remote worker was there. Spatial, which launched last week, has an idea that, while not yet mature, could get us far closer to where we need to go. It uses augmented reality to create ghost-like avatars of the remote people, who then can move around the room and interact with others as if they were present. The remote workers also get avatars of those in the conference room, almost as if they dropped into the workers homes to collaborate with them. Spatial Mission Planning Even though the technology is raw now, I can see that the increased application of artificial intelligence tech, better AR glasses, and improved rendering capability like what exists in the new Nvidia RTX platform could make this experience far more realistic. Even in its raw form, an impressive number of companies have seen the value and have signed up, because it seems to work better for a number of interactions than the technology they have. I really hate getting on planes, and I live in a resort town now, which means that Im going to love anything that has the potential to make most of my air travel obsolete. As a result, Spatial is my product of the week. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. In brief: The web is populated with popup virus alerts urging people to call the included phone numbers so the issues can be fixed. Tech-savvy users know these are scams, most of which originate from India, yet 20 percent of viewers call the fake tech-support operators, and some end up handing over money. But the New Delhi police, with help from Microsoft, is fighting back. Much like the scam tech support phone calls virtually everyone receives, popups that claim a computer is infected with a virus are a common occurrence, especially when visiting some of the more shady websites. These often appear to be from large companies such as Microsoft or Apple but are usually the work of scam artists working out of India. Most of us know to ignore these alerts, but one in five people end up calling the numbers on the screen, and 6 percent of those pay fake operators to fix the non-existent problems, according to a Microsoft survey. While it's hard to imagine anyone falling for such scams, its usually the older members of society who fall victim, paying anything from $99 up to $1000 to the scammers. To try and combat the problem, police in the Indian capital of New Delhi worked with Microsoft to identify 16 fake tech-support centers. The locations were raided this week, leading to the arrest of almost three dozen people. The move comes after authorities arrested 24 people in similar raids on ten call centers last month. Microsoft says its monitors spot around 150,000 popup ads for the fake services every day. According to the New York Times, the success of Indias outsourcing industry, much of which is made up of call centers, makes it an ideal location for the scammers. The fact that many of Microsofts genuine operators are based in the country also benefits these criminals. Fake call centers arent just a problem for the tech industry. More than 15,000 victims in the United States lost hundreds of millions of dollars in a scam that saw Indian call center agents impersonate IRS tax collectors, leading to multiple arrests in the US and India earlier this year. Something to look forward to: You might consider yourself a bit of a wizard when it comes to the Mario Kart games, but could those skills be transferred to the real world? If youve got a spare $55 and can be in Miami on June 1 next year, therell be an opportunity to find outthe city is one of 16 in the US hosting Mushroom Rally go-kart races next year. That $55 not only allows you to compete in a race, which lasts around 30 minutes, but it also lets participants pick a Mario Kart character costume to wear on the dayalong with admission to the after party. The exact location of the competition is being kept secret until a later date, though it will be on a custom go-kart trackno driving through the streets while dodging traffic. Entrants will race once, with the winners of each preliminary race going on to compete in a second race to earn prizes. Overall winners will be entered into the grand final race in Las Vegas, where theyll compete for the Mushroom Rally USA title. Even if you dont come first in a regional heat, collecting the most starsearned by playing games on the daywill give you a chance to go to Vegas (the top 3 in the country will be selected). Each contestant will also be entered into a lottery, with the winner going on to become the 20th racer in the grand final. Other cities hosting heats include Los Angeles, Denver, and Houston. Tickets are extremely limited, so move fast if you want to be crowned the best real-life Mario Kart racer in the US. The competition is not associated with Nintendo or its brands. Hopefully, the company wont object like it did with Tokyos real-life Mario Kart tours. Forward-looking: There are a lot of things that can make air travel miserable: delays, transfers, food, overzealous TSA staff, other passengers. But one element that most people hate is being allocated a plane's middle seat. With Embraer's new E190-E2, however, thats not an issueit doesnt have any. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has been taking one of the new jets from its E2 family, which has been nicknamed Profit Hunter, on a tour of the world. It's on show in Dublin today, having already made appearances at events in the US, China, and Africa. In addition to coming with a 2-2 seating formation and some snazzy liverytiger, eagle or shark designs are availablethe E190-E2 boasts larger windows, allowing passengers a better view while filling the cabin with more natural light. Overhead bins are also improved, now 40 percent bigger to accommodate large carry-on luggage. Additionally, Embraer says its the most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market, burning 17 percent less fuel than its E190 predecessor. Preserving passenger personal space is the goal, Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice-president of marketing for Embraer Commercial Aviation, told CNN Travel. The aircraft, which can carry 150 passengers, is currently being used by Scandinavian Airlines' regional subsidiary, Widere. Embraer says 2,820 commercial aircraft up to 150 seats will be delivered to European operators over the next 20 years. As noted by CNN, the largest E2 customer is SkyWest, a regional airline affiliate flying for the likes of American Airlines, Delta, United and Alaska Airlines, meaning US travelers will eventually be able to enjoy all the jet's benefits, though not until the first of the smaller E175-E2 orders are delivered in 2021. In brief: Microsoft has just been awarded a $480 million contract to provide the US Army with combat-ready HoloLens augmented reality headsets. The headsets will be used in training, but the Department of Defense also wants to be able to deploy them during active combat missions. Bloomberg notes that a government description of the program says, "[We aim to] increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide, and engage before the enemy." Microsofts HoloLens is currently only available to developers for $3,000 and businesses for $5,000. A consumer model for a much lower price may reportedly be unveiled at CES 2019. The government contract is asking Microsoft to provide 100,000 units. That breaks down to about $4,800 per headset. However, the DoD is also tasking the tech giant with developing military-grade software to go along with the highly customized devices. The Army wants the goggles to allow for night vision and hearing protection. It is also asking that the software monitor vital signs, and detect concussions. "Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions. This new work extends our longstanding, trusted relationship with the Department of Defense to this new area," a Microsoft spokesman told Bloomberg. "Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions." It is unclear how Microsoft will be able to provide all of that for less than it sells enterprise versions of the HoloLens, but knowing US government expenditures, the $480 million was probably just a development fee with a future purchasing price yet to be determined. How Microsoft staff will react to the military contract remains to be seen. Employees recently raised a fuss with Redmond over its deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) even though the company had only agreed to supply the agency with email, calendar, and messaging services. President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in a blog post that Microsoft will remain committed to its military and governmental agreements despite pushback from staff. Employees that are ethically conflicted regarding any contracts will be allowed to switch to a different project if they wish. "To withdraw from this market is to reduce our opportunity to engage in the public debate about how new technologies can best be used in a responsible way," said Smith. "We are not going to withdraw from the future. In the most positive way possible, we are going to work to help shape it." The Department of Defense expects Microsoft to deliver at least 2,500 units within the next two years along with a promise for full-scale production. A parents' survey reveals that 2.5 percent of children ages 3 to 17 years in the United States has autism spectrum disorder. However, do not be alarmed. The latest estimate does not necessarily mean that the number is rapidly rising. The numbers published by the journal Pediatrics on Monday, Nov. 26, was provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers used data from three periodic surveys, including the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health and 11-state tracking system. Autism Prevalence In The US Because no standard test is used to diagnose autism, tracking the number of children on the spectrum is a challenge. For this study, the government surveyed parents and asked them if their child has ever received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The researchers estimated that one in 40 kids has autism spectrum disorder. That represents an estimated 1.5 million kids across the country. The number from the new study is a lot higher than the estimate from a previous report published earlier this year. Back in April, the CDC estimated that one in 59 kids in the United States has autism spectrum disorder. However, Thomas Frazier of Autism Speaks, an advocacy organization, warned that the number of children with autism spectrum disorder is rising, but not rapidly. Instead, the methods used by the CDC has become more inclusive, adding more children to the statistics. Frazier told to CNN that the result from the survey is "generally consistent with previous parent surveys and other direct prevalence studies where researchers directly screen for an attempt to identify autism." The study has limitations. The fact that it relied on reports of parents means that the diagnosis was not validated by health experts. Importance Of Autism Diagnosis Parents who were involved in the study also reported that getting diagnostic evaluation and services for their children has become a challenge. Autism is a developmental disorder and, according to experts, children fare better when they get early diagnosis and treatment. However, even after parents and teachers have recognized symptoms of autism, some doctors tend to dismiss them. Some parents are also unaware of symptoms of autism, preventing the kids from getting the help they need as soon as possible. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists have discovered in Ecuador a new species of parasitic wasp that turns social spiders into zombies - that is, manipulating the arachnid to leave its colony. A study, published in Ecological Entomology, discussed how the Zatypota wasp, a newly discovered species, can make the Anelosimus eximius spider be obedient to its orders. Although this isn't the first time experts have noticed the zombie behavior, this new case is more complex, researchers pointed out. Wasps' Unusual Behavior "Not only is this wasp targeting a social species of spider but it's making it leave its colony, which it rarely does," author Philippe Fernandez-Fournier explained. Fernandez-Fournier was in Ecuador examining the social spiders Anelosimus eximius, which are known to live harmoniously in a colony and has an impeccable teamwork when it comes to catching prey. However, he observed that some of these insects had been infected with parasitic larva and had moved away from their colony. After these infected spiders move out of the colony, they started spinning enclosed webs, much to the surprise of Fernandez-Fournier. The incident, described as "odd" by the researcher, was only the beginning. When the scientist took the cocoon for a closer look, what came out from the silk was a wasp. The study's coauthor, Samantha Straus, said that although wasps are generally "elegant looking and graceful" creatures, they are merciless. This was after they found out what these are capable of doing to social spiders. It turned out that female wasps lay eggs into the social spiders. When these hatch, the larva eats the host until it grows larger. The unfortunate arachnid, which now is like a zombie, then heads out of the colony and start making a cocoon for the larva. What's worse is that after the spider does all the work, it waits until it is eaten by the larva. Afterwhich, the larva stays in the cocoon and nine to 11 days later, it will come out. On Wasps Attacking Social Spiders This is unusual as wasps had been known to target solitary spiders and not the social ones. Moreover, Straus said that this behavior was far more "hardcore" than what was earlier established as wasps can take over the spiders' actions. As to why wasps are suddenly attacking social spiders, the researchers believe that it is precisely because of the colony that can offer more food for them. Experts also said that the larger the colonies are, the more these are targeted by wasps. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Last weekend, the U.S. Geological Survey quietly released a report about the emission of excess carbon dioxide across the country. The report revealed that about one-quarter of the carbon dioxide emission across the United States come from the extraction of fossil fuels from public lands. This includes drilling, mining, transporting, refining, and then processing and burning. The report was published online on Black Friday, Nov. 23, the same day that the National Climate Assessment's report on global warming was released. America's Contribution To Global Warming The report revealed that from 2005 to 2014, an average of 23.7 percent of the carbon dioxide emission came from the energy produced from the extraction of fossil fuels on public lands. Coal is the biggest contributor, producing about 60 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from public lands. Public lands are also responsible for the emission of other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. "One of the first and best ways to respond is to end new fossil-fuel leasing on public lands," stated Taylor McKinnon of the Center of Biological Diversity in response to the report. "That will help reduce threats to the climate, clean air and water, endangered wildlife and wild places. Ending public lands leasing programs must be a pillar of any serious climate plan moving forward." The report also detailed analysis of how much federally-owned ecosystems like forests and grasslands absorb the carbon dioxide emission of the country. It revealed that plants and soil in protected federal areas absorb around 195 million tons of carbon dioxide. Despite the report, however, the White House is in the process of rolling back the Clean Power Plan, which was signed by former president Barack Obama in the hopes of controlling the country's emission of greenhouse gases. In addition, U.S. President Donald J. Trump continues to question global warming. Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter ALL RECORDS - Whatever happened to Global Warming? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2018 Climate Change Assessment 2018 The National Climate Assessment report, meanwhile, revealed that global warming is already impacting the United States and will continue making damages in the coming years. By 2100, federal scientists predict that global warming will cause an even greater harm to the economy than the Great Recession. The 1,600-page report collected data from 13 federal agencies, including NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The human immunodeficiency virus continues to plague Europe as the number of people diagnosed with the disease has increased, according to a report released days before World Aids Day. The HIV epidemic that has been harrowing Europe, particularly the eastern region, is alarming as stated in the report by the World Health Organization and the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control. Teams from both organizations released the figures indicating the number of people that have been infected by the sexually transmitted disease for the past year. The good news is the agencies said that the rate at which HIV diagnoses increased in 2017 slowed down. However, this is outweighed by the fact that last year's numbers ballooned to 160,000 new cases, with 130,000 coming from Eastern Europe, a record high for the region. In the East, there are 51.1 new HIV cases in 100,000 people, which is far more than the 6.4 new diagnoses for the same number of people in the West. The Central region, meanwhile, has 3.2 new cases per 100,000 people. Reason For The Increase In HIV Cases The increase in HIV cases across Eastern Europe is mostly attributed to the insufficiency of preventive measures, Masoud Dara of WHO Europe revealed. Injecting drugs and heterosexual intercourse are the most common reasons for the transmission of the disease in this region. Man-to-man sex, meanwhile, is the main cause in the European Economic Area and the European Union. "While efforts to prevent new HIV infections are gradually showing signs of progress, we are not on course to meet the 90-90-90 targets by the 2020 deadline," said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO regional director. 90-90-90 Goal The ambitious target hopes to determine 90 percent of those with HIV, give antiretroviral drugs to 90 percent of those who are positive of the disease, and eventually suppress the virus for the 90 percent of those who receive treatment. However, Dara said the current state is far from reaching this target. To meet the goal, HIV cases should decline by 78 percent in 2020. Furthermore, Jakab called on the government to take the matter seriously and implement actions to address the alarming issue. She suggested allotting sufficient budget for prevention, diagnosing, and treatment, especially in places with a high number of HIV cases. Vytenis Andriukaitis, the European commissioner for Health and Food Safety, reiterated that stigma and discrimination against HIV-positives should be defeated. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Missouri nurse was terminated from her job after she had refused to get flu shot, sparking a backlash. Flu Shot Policy A group of protesters rallied outside of the Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis on Monday after one nurse at the facility had been fired due to her refusal to be vaccinated because of religious reasons Nelia Aubuchon, who organized the protest, said that the nurse was terminated after she had violated the hospital's policy that requires employees to receive a flu shot. The nurse was granted a religious exemption from the yearly flu shot while working for the St. Anthony's Medical Center prior to it being acquired by Mercy. Mercy, whose flu shot policy took effect in 2016, implemented its policy that requires all employees to get flu vaccination when it acquired St. Anthony's Medical Center earlier this year. The policy has exceptions for those with medical or religious reasons but Aubuchon said that the nurse was terminated despite citing religion for her decision. "It's about Mercy's denial of ALL religious and medical exemptions for their employees and their draconian measure of terminating those who will not give in to their policy. Mercy Hospital denied ALL doctor and religious leader signed exemption paperwork," Aubuchon said. Condition For Employment The hospital did not confirm if a nurse was indeed fired for not complying with the policy. However, it acknowledged that 170 of its 44,000 employees requested for medical or religious exemptions to getting a flu vaccine. While most of the requests were granted, there were employees whose exemptions were declined. Mercy Hospital South spokesperson Bethany Pope said that these employees will be notified and will not be permitted to remain employed should they choose not to get vaccinated Mercy said in a statement that requiring the vaccination of healthcare co-workers for flu can ensure the safety of co-workers, patients, and members of the community. "Mercy revised our flu vaccination policy several years ago and requires compliance with the policy by all Mercy co-workers as a condition of employment," the hospital said. Mercy Hospital South is not the only hospital that requires staff to get vaccinated. More than two-thirds of hospitals in the United States require their employees to get flu shot. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Testimony on day two of the Bayou Bridge eminent domain trial focused on whether the economic benefit of the pipeline would outweigh the costs of possible environmental degradation to sensitive wetlands in St. Martin Parish. The 162-mile Bayou Bridge pipeline would carry crude oil between Lake Charles and St. James Parish, but to do so, it is designed to go through undeveloped Buffalo Cove swampland in St. Martin Parish. Three of the estimated 700 heirs of the disputed land, Theda Larson-Wright and siblings Peter and Katherine Aaslestad, are refusing to sell their share of the land a value one expert estimates at $1.11 for their portion to Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the pipeline. So now, Judge Keith Comeaux, a state district court judge in St. Martin Parish, will decide whether the company has the right to the property through eminent domain. Eminent domain trial on Bayou Bridge pipeline begins with assertion that land worth only $1.11 ST. MARTINVILLE A testy trial over the Bayou Bridge pipeline began Tuesday with an assertion that the plaintiff's share of the land at the c Attorneys for the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper claim ETP violated law by excavating and building on a 38-acre parcel of land in the basin without getting proper legal consent from all the individual landowners. ETP has argued that under Louisiana law, utility providers have the authority to legally expropriate property if they can prove it is for the public benefit. On Tuesday, attorneys ETP called to the stand David Dismukes, director of the LSU Center for Energy Studies, to testify about the pipeline's economic benefits. On Wednesday, Michael Avelle, environmental projects director for ETP, said the company followed all the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state environmental permitting codes for the pipeline. Avelle also noted how the trenching for the pipeline adheres to the right of way of a pre-existing pipeline in order to minimize the ecological impact. However, Scott Eustis, the wetlands environmental specialist for the Gulf Restoration Network, said the way the company trenched the pipeline route will be detrimental to the ecology of the Atchafalaya basin. Eustis noted the pipeline trench was dug into a pre-existing spoil bank, making it 5 feet above the water and thus taking oxygen out of the water and removing habitat for crawfish and other aquatic life. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Avelle said the pipeline has 50-foot gaps every 500 feet so water can flow through to alleviate ecological issues associated with the spoil banks. Larson-Wright, one of the three landowners disputing ETP's claim, described her familys history of owning the land and how it was affected during the Flood of 1926, which left the majority of the property underwater. "My family feels violated (by ETP's actions)," she said. "I was born in this country. Im an American, and I feel as those rights have not been respected. When ETP attorneys asked Larson-Wright how often she visits the property, she admitted she had never set foot on the property and had not done anything to maintain it. Larson-Wright also admitted to protesting other pipeline construction projects, including the Dakota Access Pipeline. Peter Aaslestad, who filed the original injunction this summer that halted construction of the pipeline, said he has owned the property since 2007 when his father made an active donation of the land to his children. Aaslestad said ETP made an initial offer to buy his land, which he rejected. The company followed up with a second offer, which Aaslestad also rejected. The company then moved to seize the land from Aaslestad through eminent domain. They have appointed themselves the power to seize land for their shareholders, Aaslestad testified. I consider this to be un-American. Aaslestad, a resident of Virginia, then described that while he has never lived in Louisiana, his family has a long history in the state and the basin. However, he admitted he hadnt set foot on the property before last week, hadnt paid taxes on the property and hadnt done anything to maintain the property. Comeaux is expected to rule Thursday after hearing more testimony and closing arguments. It took less than 72 hours for 250 spots to fill up at Baton Rouge Pride's Drag Queen Story Time. "The fact that 250 went that quick just blew my mind," Christopher Bradford, Baton Rouge Pride chairman, said. The organization also saw a spike in social media traffic. The event, being held Sunday at the Aveda Institute, has drawn a lot of attention, Bradford said, from supporters and a handful of detractors. The event, a first for Baton Rouge, will feature two drag performers, decked out as princesses, reading to children ages 3 and up and their parents. There will also be discussions about the two children's books being read and snacks provided by St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. Although Sunday's session is filled up, Bradford said Baton Rouge Pride hopes it'll become a regular event. +13 'Nobody bats an eyelash' as drag queens read stories to kids at Bywater library On Saturday afternoon, the Alvar Library in New Orleans was packed with gung-ho little patrons who listened to drag queens Vanessa Carr and Bl BR Pride has kept the two children's books a surprise, Bradford said, but "both of the books are about acceptance and anti-bullying." There has been a heavy focus on those themes since the event was announced in early November: Bradford and BR Pride leadership released a statement that said: "This event is designed to help future generations learn about acceptance, inclusion and most important anti-bullying." BR Pride, which hosts its annual one-day festival in June, has been planning to host more events for the LGBTQ community throughout the year, Bradford said. Similar drag queen story hour events have become popular in larger cities, so it made sense to try it in Baton Rouge. BR Pride wants to program more family-friendly events, and a focus on diversity and inclusion fits into the organization's mission. "It was something that's been done before, so it's not recreating the wheel, which helps us a little bit," Bradford said. Where To Go, What To Eat Each week we'll highlights the best eats and events in metro Baton Rouge. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up But the organization worried the Baton Rouge event would carry a negative connotation, Bradford said, considering recent controversy around a similar event in Lafayette. +3 Lafayette in front lines of culture war as uproar continues over Drag Queen Story Time The rift among the factions on either side the Drag Queen Story Time controversy was laid bare this week, and it looks irreconcilable. In August, a group of University of Louisiana at Lafayette students members of a provisional chapter of Delta Lambda Phi, a fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men announced a drag queen story time event at the Lafayette Parish Library. The plans set off heated arguments among residents and officials that lasted for two months. The event was eventually postponed. Bradford said BR Pride wanted to plan its event carefully: The organization partnered with cosmetology school Aveda Institute to host the event at its Sherwood Forest business; it issued the statement clarifying the event's intention; and it's emphasizing that this is a kid-friendly event with nonprovocative princess costumes. The names of the drag performers have also been withheld in order to reduce the chance of online harassment, Bradford said. "A lot of people worry that you're putting kids in front of something sexually-oriented way too soon," Bradford said, "when there's nothing sexual about it." Sunday's Drag Queen Story Time is sold out, but Baton Rouge Pride will host a Bowling with Pride event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Circle Bowl on Florida Boulevard. Tickets are $25. For more about Baton Rouge Pride and its upcoming events, go to batonrougepride.org. Chef and historian John Folse is teaming up with Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar to attempt to set the world record for the largest pot of gumbo. The team will attempt to make 6,500 pounds of seafood gumbo on Dec. 27 at Shreveport's Independence Bowl. The coalition that persuaded East Baton Rouge Parish elected officials to adopt a smoking ban last year is declaring success in clearing the air. A report issued Wednesday by Smoke-Free East Baton Rouge says indoor air pollution levels at most public places has dropped 98.8 percent since the smoke-free ordinance took effect six months ago. The coalition's leaders say the reduced levels of air pollution means employees and patrons in Baton Rouge's bars and casinos are no longer being exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, which had been a major argument in the push for the ban. "We were not surprised by the results but were certainly excited to have confirmation that Baton Rouge area bars and casinos are no longer exposing workers or patrons to hazardous levels of air pollution resulting from indoor smoking, Raegan Carter, a spokesman for Smoke-Free East Baton Rouge, said in a news release Wednesday announcing the results of the study. Smoke-Free East Baton Rouge is a coalition of organizations backing efforts to prevent service workers and musicians from being exposed to secondhand smoke. "This decrease is even more substantial than what we found when New Orleans passed its Smoke-free Law (96% reduction) so we are very pleased that the law is working as intended," Carter said in the release. The results of the study, conducted by a New York-based cancer research center, were released by city-parish officials and the Smoke-Free EBR during a news conference Wednesday commemorating the six-month anniversary of the ordinance's implementation in June. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome in a statement before the news conference said passing the smoking ban was a positive step toward making Baton Rouge a "modern and progressive" city. +7 Baton Rouge smoking ban now in effect; here's where you can, can't light up Nearly a year after the Metro Council passed a ban on smoking in most public places, the law is set to take effect on Friday. Roswell Park Cancer Institute used state-of-the-art air pollution monitors at 11 area bars and three local casinos that allowed smoking in 2016 to test indoor air qualities. The average air quality in those businesses exceeded the EPA threshold for unhealthy air, and two facilities exceeded hazardous levels, the study claims. A little more than a month after the city-parish's ordinance went into effect, researchers revisited the three casinos and three of the previously studied bars and found that air quality in all six venues fell within the "good" range of EPA's air quality index table. According to the study, fine particle air pollution is defined as less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Particles of this size are released in significant amounts from burning cigarettes and are easily inhaled into the lungs, causing a variety of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory disease and possible death. The smoking ban is effective in Baton Rouge and unincorporated parts of East Baton Rouge Parish. It does not apply to the municipalities of Baker, Central and Zachary. The law covers smoking and vaping. Under the law, any owner or manager of a bar or restaurant where the ban is violated could face a fine of up to $500 and anyone who lights up in an indoor public space could face a fine of up to $50. The law does create exemptions for established cigar bars, hookah lounges, private clubs, tobacco and vape shops. 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 The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council received a lot of pushback from the casino industry when discussions swirled around adopting the ban in summer 2017. Casino officials argued they'd lose revenue and have to cut jobs if the ban was enacted. Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association, warned at the time that local gambling halls stood to lose 10 to 15 percent of their revenue and the job force that goes along with it if a smoking ban were instituted. Revenues at Baton Rouge's three riverboat casinos had been steadily dropping since before the smoking ban took effect. The local riverboats haven't seen a year-to-year gain in winnings since August 2017. At Duvic's, a cocktail lounge by the Perkins Road Overpass, there was apprehension and worry about the smoking ban. After all, it was one of the smokiest bars in Baton Rouge, joked Todd Key, one of the managers. "It was very much the kind of bar that if you didn't like a smoky place, sorry," he said. But since the ban took effect, sales at Duvic's have increased. Food sales at the bar have doubled, Key said, and a new, younger clientele that had been turned off by Duvic's smoky atmosphere has started coming in for drinks. "The smoking ban has been nothing but beneficial for us," he said. +2 How Baton Rouge's L'Auberge, Hollywood Casino will handle smoking ban coming soon East Baton Rouge Parishs ban on smoking in casinos takes effect in less than two weeks, and one local riverboat already is prepared with a sm At Port Royal, a College Drive bar popular with service industry workers, business has been "pretty much the same" before and after the ban, said bartender Allie Guilliams. While some customers have commented that they like going to the bar because it's now smoke-free, there's been some grumbling from regulars who are upset they now have to go outside for a cigarette, she said. On cold days or rainy days, its a little slower, Guilliams said, because smokers have to go to a small patio behind the bar for a cigarette. But other than that, nothing has changed. But the ordinance also garnered support from local businesses that already had smoking bans in place. Happys Irish Pub in downtown Baton Rouge was one of the businesses that initially upset a lot of their regular customers when it enacted a smoke-free policy ahead of the city-parish one. "But with our patio and cocktail service, we were able to adjust," C.C. Henson, the downtown bar's general manager, said in the new release Wednesday. "I have a couple of girls who have severe allergies, so as far as the staff is concerned, they love it," he added. "Being a smoke-free bar has not only pleased our staff, but our nonsmoking patrons enjoy our experience even more." Advocate business writer Timothy Boone contributed to this report. Former Clinton Police Chief Fred Dunn faces another allegation of public corruption, this time accused of stealing more than $8,000 from the Police Department's narcotics fund and funneling the cash to his church and his child's tuition. Dunn was arrested Wednesday for the second time this fall; it's the latest development in the ongoing investigation of financial misconduct and abuse of office in the small town in East Feliciana Parish. Dunn is accused of writing and signing multiple checks from the Clinton Police Department's narcotics fund that were used for personal purposes. +3 Clinton police chief, mayor turn themselves in; duo wanted for abuse of office claims The Clinton mayor and police chief were arrested Friday on abuse of office and illegal contract allegations after an investigation into how th Investigators determined that "although the memos on the checks and notations on the check stubs often indicated a check was written for narcotics investigations the checks were actually written for other purposes," Dunn's arrest report says. One $1,000 check was used to pay for a live broadcast of a service at Dunn's church, the report says, and two other checks totaling $3,558 were given to the church for its bicycle and book sack giveaway, in violation of state law prohibiting such donations of public funds. The report says the money went to the Charity Christian Center on O'Neal Lane in Baton Rouge, Dunn's church. Another $1,100 check was used to pay for private school tuition of Dunn's child, the report says, and three other checks totaling almost $400 were spent on food for the Flowers' Solutions Academy in Clinton. The school's operator told investigators that Dunn volunteered to buy lunch for the school's students one day a week during the 2014-15 school year. Another check for $100 was used for work on Dunn's school bus, the report says. Clinton police chief resigns after abuse of office arrest; mayor remains at work After the Friday arrests of two top Clinton officials, the Clinton police chief has resigned but the mayor remained at her post as of Tuesday. 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 The arrest report also cites two checks amounting to $2,000 that were used to buy a tent and banner, both adorned with Clinton Mayor Lori Ann Bell's name. Bell was arrested two weeks earlier for her role in misusing these funds. Investigators also noted that six checks from the narcotics fund totaling $3,408 were made out to Fred Dunn himself; however, Dunn said most of that money was to pay for drug investigation and drug awareness programs. He said he recovered much of the money from those checks, and it was held in evidence. Investigators found $1,326 stored, about a third of the money from the six checks. It does not appear the remaining $2,000 from checks Dunn wrote to himself was included in the more than $8,000 he is accused of stealing. Dunn turned himself in early Wednesday to the East Feliciana Detention Center, where he was booked on counts of felony theft and malfeasance in office. He was quickly released on the same bail from his October arrest, when he was accused with Bell of abusing their official positions in how they entered into a contract to lease four police vehicles. That deal has since left the town in significant debt, and the vehicles have been taken away after the town was unable to make payments. Dunn and Bell pleaded not guilty to the charge of malfeasance in office in that case earlier this month. Dunn resigned from his post following his arrest in October. Clinton officials chide mayor over 'a struggle to get information' about town's money crunch CLINTON Clinton Mayor Lori Bell's arrest Nov. 15 on counts of theft and malfeasance in office adds to a long list of issues facing the small town. Other subpoenas filed in the Clinton investigation show that officials were also looking into the the town's Mayor's Court, alleging the court has been overcharging residents. Another subpoena was also filed over allegations the East Feliciana Parish School Board illegally diverted materials for private use and allowed a conflict of interest to influence financial agreements, the document shows. However, that investigation does not appear to involve either Bell or Dunn. Photo provided by ST. LANDRY PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE -- Jeremy Morales, 26, of Ville Platte, was booked Jan. 14, 2015, on accusations he stole six guns and two bows and pawned them to fund his gambling addiction, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office said. New Orleans business leaders: Trump was right to call out China, but its time to end trade war Letters: Swimming a vital skill for children, especially in Louisiana; Here's how BREC can help Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a joint press conference at the 2018 Beijing Summit Of The Forum On China-Africa Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People, Tuesday Sept. 4, 2018, in Beijing, China. The two-day summit in Beijing bringing together the leaders of China and 53 African nations ended Tuesday, with a joint declaration. (Lintao Zhang/Pool via AP) ORG XMIT: LRC110 Our Views: Property rights victory in St. Tammany does not mean all is lost for dusky gopher frogs A Krampus creature marches with the Krewe of Krampus in its inaugural NOLAuf parade in 2017. Longway Tavern was named one of the country's best new restaurants by Esquire Magazine. The parent company of Buds Broiler, the old-school New Orleans-based burger chain, is entangled in a legal dispute with the owner of two of its south Louisiana franchises over allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement. Shannon Prince, the owner of the Bud's Broiler franchise in Baton Rouge near Tiger Stadium as well as the chain's oldest location, on City Park Avenue in New Orleans, filed suit last month against Bud's Broiler Holdings, the restaurant brand's parent, alleging that the parent firm mismanaged its finances and invaded her territories with two pop-up locations, among other complaints. The franchise owners, Melvin and Rebecca Ziegler, have filed a separate lawsuit alleging that Prince violated the franchise agreement by obtaining meat for Bud's Broilers burgers from other companies and that she has been trying to re-create the recipe for the brand's smoky-flavored hickory sauce. The legal dispute has already made its mark at the City Park Avenue location, where the "Bud's" letters on the restaurant's vintage, neon-trimmed sign were painted over. A call to the restaurant was answered with "City Park" without any mention of the Bud's Broiler name. The Baton Rouge location, meanwhile, is closed. A hand-written sign on its door reads "Closed for Thanksgiving." Bud's Broiler was founded in 1952 and has always been known for its simple, charcoal-broiled burgers topped with shredded cheese and hickory sauce. The no-nonsense burgers, served in mostly low-key locations, have remained a fixture in the city despite the growth of fast-food giants and more modern "better burger" concepts such as The Company Burger and Five Guys. Through the years, the brand has grown into a small chain despite openings and closings here and there throughout the city and region. The oldest location, near New Orleans' City Park, has long been the most recognizable, with its faded, whitewashed triangular building jutting out at odd angles and the charcoal grill perfuming the air. Prince brought back this City Park Avenue location after Hurricane Katrina, opening it under a franchise agreement in 2009. In her lawsuit, filed in October in state district court in Baton Rouge, Prince said that in 2013, she entered into a contract with Melvin Ziegler for him to manage the City Park eatery. That arrangement ended in May, the suit states. By 2016, Ziegler had bought the parent company, Buds Broiler Holdings, from a previous owner. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Prince claims that in the same year, Buds Broiler Holdings brought her a new franchise agreement, which required Prince to buy food and supplies through the franchise company and increased the marketing fees, royalties and share of revenue from gaming machines at the restaurant going to Ziegler's company. Her suit claims Ziegler later sold her on the prospects of developing a new location on Nicholson Drive in Baton Rouge. The restaurant opened in June, but in her suit, Prince alleges the franchise agreement was based on false representations and omissions. As a result, the suit states, the Nicholson location has been hemorrhaging money. Prince blames Ziegler for mishandling the financial affairs of the company and cites unfair and deceptive business practices in its franchising agreements. Among the complaints is a claim that the company violated Princes franchise territory agreements for the two restaurants by operating a concession stand at the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in New Orleans City Park in 2016 and 2017 and opening a concession stand in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. In its own lawsuit, filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court earlier this month, Bud's Broiler Holdings accuses Prince of breach of contract. In particular, the company says, the City Park Avenue location was selling burgers with meat purchased from other sources and had attempted to duplicate the brands hickory sauce. Court filings include photos purportedly showing boxes of food supplies from Sysco brands at the restaurant. The lawsuit seeks a restraining order to prevent Prince from using the Buds Broiler name, operating a competing business or using any trade secrets learned through the Buds Broiler franchising relationship. Reached for comment, Prince declined to discuss the case. An attorney for Buds Broiler Holdings also declined to comment. Note: this story has been updated with information on the status of the Baton Rouge location. The wife of a New Orleans-area pastor was killed when someone who carjacked her ran her over with her vehicle in Gentilly on Tuesday night, according to officials. Jeannot Plessy whose husband David Plessy is a pastor at Crossover Christian Fellowship was fatally injured as two of her pre-teen children watched, said a statement posted online by Celebration Church, which Plessy's daughter and son-in-law attend. According to Celebration Church and police, Plessy had just returned from a ministry trip to Samoa and was in her car with her children in the 2400 block of Prentiss Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when someone approached her, pulled her out of the vehicle and threw her to the ground. Plessys son-in-law tried to pull the attacker out of the car. But then, the attacker drove in reverse and ran over Plessy, 49, New Orleans police said. She later died at a hospital where she was being treated for her injuries. Police havent identified any suspects in her slaying. WWL-TV reported Wednesday that Plessy was dropping off her grandchildren when she was ambushed. Celebration Church's statement said Plessys survivors also include congregation member Nadia Sanchez and Sanchezs husband, Kristian, who is the churchs facility manager. The church described Plessy as a great woman of God, saying it prayed for her family as well as for the spirits of crime, violence and murder (to) be overcome by Gods presence and people. 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 Such tragedies cause us to wonder, Why do such tragedies happen to good and godly people in our world? the churchs statement continued. Most of the time, there are no answers to that question. Anyone with information on Plessys killing can call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. WWL-TV contributed to this report. Can't see video below? Click here. Correction: This article has been corrected to note that the children in Plessy's car were hers. Thousands of striking Sydney students are expected to converge on Martin Place on Friday, joining their peers around the country in demanding the government take action on climate change. The students will call for Australian politicians to take our futures seriously and treat climate change for what it is a crisis at the midday protest. Students from Castlemaine in central Victoria started the Australian campaign. Credit:Eddie Jim The campaign has already grabbed Canberras attention, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison taking aim at those students taking part in the protest during question time on Monday. What we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools, Mr Morrison said, in response to a question from Greens MP Adam Bandt. Billionaires are becoming increasingly strategic in their philanthropy. They are not only giving to the poor but also looking for ways to deliver long-term change in our society. Frank Lowy blazed a trail when he endowed his foreign policy think tank, as did Andrew Forrest when he endowed a fund to fight global slavery. Judith Neilson a Sydney-based property billionaire and art-gallery owner set a new precedent on Monday by pledging $100 million for targeted funding and education to strengthen Australian journalism and help restore faith in its central role in a healthy democracy. Billionaire Judith Neilson has pledged $100 million to further the cause of journalism. Credit:Janie Barrett The Age welcomes the initiative, which is obviously close to our hearts, and wants to highlight what might be required to maximise the impact of this generous fund. The entry of not-for-profit organisations into journalism is not new. In Europe and the US, many news organisations operate as not-for-profits. Some web-based news organisations are financed by donations and bequests. Australia already has a huge not-for-profit news organisation called the ABC, and various think tanks and journalism faculties also popularise research via online sites such as The Conversation. A father holding his daughter's hand and a rainbow with a flower, accompanied by the words "MY DAD IS AWESOME". These are the heartbreaking images, drawn by two children, handed to a Canberra magistrate to help the court understand their grief after their father was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Heartbreaking images, drawn by children of a motorcyclist killed in Belconnen, have been tendered in the ACT Magistrates Court. The 37-year-old father-of-three had been riding his motorcycle along Southern Cross Drive when he collided with Matthew Thomas Wootton's Nissan 4WD, which had been crossing the intersection, at the Ratcliffe Crescent intersection in Florey on February 15 about 5.10pm. Wootton, 47, has pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to a charge of negligent driving occasioning death. Willys (Alice) Rosamond Keeble, was a remarkable and unique person. As an architect, she maintained the passions and convictions from her student days in the 1960s. Her endeavours included low energy architecture, social housing reforms, urban conservation, and building restoration. Though not seeking self-recognition, she has left a remarkable legacy of work that has enhanced the character of Melbourne and beyond. For this and her amazing work ethic, she was highly regarded by her peers. Born on 15 May, 1948 Willys grew up on a small orchard in Templestowe, spawning her lifelong love of horticulture. She tended and cooked from her garden until she died. She shared this love with her mother, Roz. A professional ballet dancer, her mother became an Australian synchronised swimming coach and Olympic judge and was a profound influence on her daughter. The headstrong nature of young Alice led to her frustrated mother referring to her as a 'Willys', from the mythic dancers of the ballet Giselle. Her love of swimming, partying and dancing also came from her mother and led to a crazy synchronised swimming sketch at the Architects Review, many years later at Melbourne University. Her father Tom was an aeronautical engineer who was a member of the team that devised the black box flight recorder. Willys Keeble - obit Credit:Susan Gordon-Brown Willys had lifelong friendships with the like-minded women she first met at Ruyton. When she commenced her architecture courses in 1966, only 25 per cent of architecture students who enrolled that year were women. When she graduated in 1972, only 10 per cent graduated, and it was remarkable how she flourished in this male-dominated school. She met fellow student Hank Span early on in the course, and they married in 1970. It is not surprising that better performing primary schools are largely in well-off inner Melbourne areas. It is well-known that education outcomes are closely associated with social advantage or disadvantage. While family background is undoubtedly important, so is being able to afford basic educational expenses. Every day parents present at our community information and support agencies for help to pay school costs such as books, computers, and excursions. Many agencies say the demand is only increasing. As a matter of urgency we need to give more support to students and schools that are disadvantaged. Public education should be affordable for all Victorian families, so that every child has the best chance to succeed and flourish. Kate Wheller, Executive Officer, Community Information and Support Victoria 'Magic' can happen at a school Postcode should not dictate destiny. I am a principal of a high-performing school that is significantly "disadvantaged" according to the metrics that purportedly measure disadvantage. Our school is a wonderful example of a counter to the simplistic argument offered in yesterday's article that "if you are surrounded by students who are disadvantaged that tends to drag you down". Our school has demonstrated that if you are surrounded by students who are disadvantaged, but motivated by high expectations and multiple experiences of success, that tends to drag you up. Of course, it is the experiences of success that can be a point of contention. The article correctly identified the issue of the recruitment of highly skilled teachers as the essential ingredient to achieve the successes for transformation of schools from low to high performance. When good teachers come together with motivated students in an orderly learning environment, "magic" happens. After a while, "high performance" becomes part of the culture of a school and "good" teachers strive to be a part of such a school, so even recruitment becomes less problematic. Kevin Mackay, principal, Dandenong North Primary School FORUM Old-tech fun I am old and I love the rope pyramid, spider climbing frames because they are accessible to all ages. Tiny tots with support, pre-schoolers just wobbling on the lower ropes, bigger kids racing to the top, and even adults recapturing their youth. Come the evening and even teens find it cool to just hang out. Steel monkey bars are old tech. Tom Danby, Coburg North Ban the ban Surely the anti-monkey bar brigade protest too much. While injuries are plentiful, the numbers rated as serious are minute, and I agree with Professor David Eager, when wearing apparently a different hat, that "exposing children to risk is vital". Do we ban bicycles because children fall off and hurt themselves? Do we ban pushers because adults let them roll in front of trains? Do we ban ovens in the kitchen because children may burn themselves? The list could go on and on, and we could ban all play equipment. Then children could sit in front of their devices and stack on weight. A different group of experts would say that was a bad idea. It is impossible to legislate against every form of accident that may occur to people, young or old, and it is pointless to try to do so, as well as depriving children of a great deal of pleasure. Peter Valder, Toorak Back to class The Coalition MPs are the ones who need to be in school. First lesson, the existential threat of climate change. Second lesson, the electoral consequence of sham climate policy. Jenny Smithers, Ashburton Not even close Sorry, Nick Miller, but Mars is not our nearest planetary neighbour ("Melbourne's man in Mars exploration", The Age, 27/11). That role belongs to Venus, which at closest approach to Earth is almost 17 million kilometres closer than Mars ever gets. Tony Prout, Mulgrave He has to go NAB boss Andrew Thorburn says to the royal commission that charging dead people fees was "wrong but not dishonest". It's dishonest because it was concealed and it's wrong because it's theft. Clearly if he stays in charge the culture will not change. Sack him now. Jon O'Neill, Waurn Ponds Irrelevant man It's getting to be a sad joke lately to see John Howard wheeled out on a regular basis as de facto spokesman and defender of the struggling Liberal Party. Like some other faiths, his "broad church" is becoming irrelevant. This is the man who regained government in 2001 on the back of the Tampa deception, and who, on the basis of the great WMD lie, dragged our country into the Iraq conflict. His adoption of Pauline Hanson's policies engendered the politics of fear and xenophobia that have persisted to this day through the efforts of people like Abbott, Dutton and Morrison and their Sydney-centric shock-jock mates. He is also only the second sitting PM in the history of the nation to have been voted out of his seat, hardly a ringing endorsement, and to top it off, a self-confessed "climate -change agnostic". The good news is that voters seem to have finally reached the point where they have come to reject these dated views, and hopefully we can look forward to an age of progress and enlightenment after the forthcoming federal election. Peter Knight, Arnaud Act of great credit What great lessons the schoolchildren will experience when they take time out for climate change. They will learn about the power of collective action when there is an absence of leadership, the need to act when they will be the people now on the planet who will be most impacted by events, the opportunity to debate evidence versus myth and outdated strategies and reflection on their own futures as adults and decisions which they will need to make. It will, above all else, bring home the sense of responsibility and potency when they take action independently of those who wish for something better but do not act on it. It will be very worthwhile time spent in their education. Geoff Payne, Mornington Youth speaks What does it say about Australia today when a 15-year-old speaks with more sense and knowledge than the elected government? All power to the Veronicas of this world. You are the future. April Baragwanath, Geelong Missing links Julia Banks hasn't walked away from the Liberal Party it's the Liberal Party that has walked away from her. Brian Collins, Cardigan A hole in help Thank you to the ABC for an honest and insightful portrayal of the history of the Gatwick and the compassion, sense of belonging and genuine advocacy provided by the previous owners. The residents of the Gatwick over the years may not have been the most desirable neighbours, but they are deserving of a warm bed as much as anyone else. As a health professional working with the socially disadvantaged I'm keenly aware of the lack of supportive accommodation options they have and the many doors that are closed in their faces. This often leaves them in costly public mental health beds for far longer than is necessary. The winners of The Block may be celebrated in magazines and social media, however Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly seem far more deserving of community recognition. Their absence will be felt by many in St Kilda. Dr Georgina Tuck, psychiatry registrar, St Kilda East Don't tick this box Tourism has negative impacts directly on the environment, and by increasing accommodation, travel, and food costs and generally reducing the amenity of a place for the locals. However, there is great pressure to encourage more travel because of the wealth it can generate for a community and governments and the pleasure it can bring everyone from the experience of gaining knowledge and just connecting with other people. As a result the impact of a tourist development tends to be looked upon fairly benignly. Also many believe they have the right to experience any place to the level of comfort to which they are accustomed. The development of any resort with attendant helicopters at the Halls Island heritage site is most inappropriate and shows total disrespect to the Aboriginal people most closely connected with this site. It is too important to all peoples of the world to be reduced to another tick on a bucket list. Howard Tankey, Box Hill North Experience not needed With all due respect to Brighton candidate Declan Martin, but who considers that a 19-year-old, just out of school without life experience living at home with parents, not having rented or bought a home is capable of taking decisions which affect the lives of his constituents? Surely a parliamentary representative should be qualified at least with life experience if not academically. It appears to be a very irrational protest vote. Newton Reynolds, Croydon South Close them down Baden Eunson (Letters, 29/11), with your call against manipulation of kids, you mount a compelling argument for closing down Sunday schools and the school chaplain program. Greg Hunt, Oak Park Fair day's work What's wrong with 10 sitting days, they'll just get paid for 10 days won't they? Oh, they won't ... Harriet Farnaby, Geelong West Pyne floored What does Christopher Pyne mean when he says, "The public are (sic) not the least bit interested in how many weeks the Parliament sits before the budget"? Of course we are. When a Parliament sits, debate happens, decisions get made. You are there to govern this country for us. You have been entrusted by us, to govern for us. I am both insulted and angered by his statement. Gail Mayes, Moonee Ponds Missed point Jessica Irvine's article on Labor's proposed franking credit policy misses the point. The issue is not about the generational divide; it's about fairness and efficient tax design. The change in 2000 to franking credits didn't provide a "sweet deal" or "perk" for individuals with refundable franking credits; the refund ensured that individuals were taxed at their marginal tax rate. If you take away the refund, you tax some of their income at the corporate tax rate not at their personal marginal tax rate. And, rightly or wrongly, the marginal tax rate for most retirees is nil. A debate on tax rates for all is worth having. However, a Labor policy that targets middle to lower wealth people who choose to hold their superannuation in a SMSF, or shareholders on low incomes, is not about a generational divide. The policy fails the fairness test by treating taxpayers in similar circumstances differently. John Maroney, CEO, SMSF Association Point made Thank you Jessica Irvine (Comment, 29/11) for a well-reasoned comment. If the government allowed a maximum of $5000 returned in cash, this would mean that, for someone with shares paying, say 7 per cent and a fully franked dividend, they owned more than $160,000 in shares. Although I am a recipient of the current largesse, I am in favour of the move the money could be better used for supporting those less well off. John Pinniger, Fairfield Blot on the landscape Can we have a Test match as soon as possible or an AFL scandal or bright, new urban planning something-or-other. Anything to relieve us of the burden of our blighted political landscape. Michael Angwin, Surrey Hills AND ANOTHER THING Politics It appears that the crossbench is just that very cross. Alan Inchley, Frankston It's surprising that Eric Abetz isn't blaming the Liberals' poor performance on voter bias. Henry Herzog, St Kilda East Scott Morrison says he'll present a surplus budget in March. One more budget than we need from the Coalition. Ross Williamson, Foster Howard advises Liberals how to address future policies. This from a sitting PM who lost his seat. Bill Pimm, Mentone As we are about to have six months of electioneering, surely the federal government should go into caretaker mode. Michael Hipkins, Richmond The difference between right and correct is illustrated by the Liberals' behaviour. Barrie Bales, Woorinen North Monkey bars should be banned in Canberra. Morrison has done double backflips and landed on his head. It will get worse in an election year. Phil Harty, Thornbury Children overboard, WMDs, coal is good, African gangs. No more peanuts, please. I'm full. Geoff Gowers, St Kilda West The few remaining Liberal MPs should emigrate to Egypt and sail down "De Nile", where they've been for the past eight years. Peter Foster, Sunbury You wouldn't want to be in a pizza shop with Liberals MPs ahead of you. They wouldn't be able to decide on the base, let alone the topping. Simon Gould, Arawat I thought the Liberals would be on the nose when they planned to privatise sewerage. A central Queensland bushfire that forced hundreds of residents to flee was defeated overnight, with firefighters now focusing on getting on top of three other dangerous fires as easier conditions greet weary crews on Friday. Fire crews pulled out of Campwin Beach, 40 kilometres south of Mackay, victorious on Friday morning, in stark contrast to a warning issued on Thursday that gave locals just 30 minutes to evacuate as the "severe, fast-moving" flames closed in. Firefighters also celebrated victory over another bushfire at Mount Christian, 80 kilometres south of Mackay, on Friday morning which had residents on-edge on Thursday when a prepare to leave notice was issued by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. A QFES spokeswoman said there had been no fresh warnings or fires overnight and firefighters' focus remained on getting the upper hand over the bushfires near Gracemere, Deepwater and Tinnanbar. Worn-out north Brisbane residents plagued by a 5000-strong bat colony living in their once peaceful street say after nearly six years, they are on the verge of a health breakdown. Vesa Havukainen of Albany Creek, who has lived in his street for 18 years, told Brisbane Times the flying foxes have taken a toll on his health, and made his familys life hell. Vesa Havukainen says Albany Creek residents are at their wits' end from the incessant screeching from a plague of bats in their street. Credit:Staff reporter Each day, the leafy suburban street wakes to the sound of screeching from 4am, and there is no mistaking the stench of droppings and urine raining down from the animals massive treetop roost. But despite numerous complaints from residents, Mr Havukainen said Moreton Bay Regional Council had failed to disperse the bats from the trees at the Kingfisher Street and Brian Morrison Drive intersection. Three people have been charged after police seized about 42 kilograms of drugs as part of an operation into alleged drug traffickers with links to bikie gangs. In January, Australian Border Force cops discovered a number of illicit drugs allegedly bound for two apartment complexes on the Gold Coast. Multiple search warrants were executed in Surfers Paradise and Hope Island yesterday. Credit:Australian Federal Police A joint taskforce was launched to follow the activities of the accused, resulting in a long-running operation involved federal and state police and the Australian Border Force. Almost a year later, several locations were raided in Surfers Paradise and Hope Island yesterday, where police claim about four kilograms of methamphetamine, guns, cash and other drugs were seized. Ricky Nixon gestures as he arrivies at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday. Credit:AAP Scandal-ridden former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon has faced a Melbourne court over traffic offences. Ricky Nixon appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday to plead guilty to speeding, using a handheld mobile phone while driving, failure to have distress signalling equipment on his boat and other infringements including five parking fines. He was spared conviction but ordered to pay $250 in costs to the City of Port Phillip council and a $300 fine. AAP Police are hunting for a gunman after a man was shot in a moving car in Melbourne's north-west on Friday morning. The victim, who is in his 40s, was driving in a red Mitsubishi Mirage sedan with a 21-year-old woman in Melton when a number of shots were fired into the car about 12.40am. The injured man managed to stop the car at a service station off the Melton Highway and called emergency services. The 42-year-old driver from Creswick was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he remains in a stable condition with serious facial injuries. A rogue tree lopper with a long history of complaints about his dodgy business practices has been charged by Consumer Protection with breaching Australian Consumer Law. Sean Robert Weinthal of Wanneroo has twice been prosecuted and has also been the subject of numerous warnings since 2006. Sean Weinthal and his nephew Mitchell Grisbrook. Warnings about Mr Weinthal and his nephew, Mitchell Craig Grisbrook who has also been charged first surfaced earlier this year after businesses involving the former man were the subject of 44 inquiries and 18 complaints. The complaints concerned Specialised Arborist Services (sometimes referred to as SAS Tree Services), Advanced Tree Specialists, West Coast Trees, Manageable Tree Services, Metropolitan Tree Services and West Australian Tree Services. Teachers who resign in the middle of an investigation will be able to have their registration cancelled, under draft laws put to the ACT Assembly. Educators will also have to inform the Teacher Quality Institute if their Working With Vulnerable People card lapses or is suspended, changes Education Minister Yvette Berry says will make Canberra's schools safer. Education Minister Yvette Berry introduced draft laws to strengthen reporting requirements to the body that regulates ACT teachers. Credit: Jamila Toderas Ms Berry tabled the bill to strengthen reporting requirements to the ACT's Teacher Quality Institute in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Anyone who wants to teach in the ACT must be registered by the institute and must meet its strict criteria. Former Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy was "unelectable", according to an angry email about the Coalition's election campaign fired off on Thursday by Liberal candidate for Albert Park Andrew Bond. In his review of the campaign, Mr Bond said it became worryingly obvious that Matthew Guy was unelectable from phone calls with voters in the electorate. Former Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy conceding defeat in the state election. Credit:DAVID CROSLING After a few weeks of making calls, I estimate approximately one in 10 people would respond unprompted that they could never vote for the Liberal Party whilst Matthew Guy was leader, he said. Mr Bond said numerous scandals and Mr Guys record as planning minister were regularly mentioned by voters. Microsoft has won a $US480 million ($656 million) contract to supply prototypes for augmented reality systems to the US Army, for use on combat missions and in training. The contract, which could eventually lead to the US military purchasing over 100,000 headsets, is intended to "increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy," according to a US government description of the program. Microsoft's HoloLens is already used in military training, but will be modified for combat. 'Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "This new work extends our longstanding, trusted relationship with the Department of Defense to this new area." The US Army and the Israeli military have already used Microsoft's HoloLens devices in training, but plans for live combat would be a significant step forward. HoloLens is one of the leading consumer-grade headsets, but a large consumer market doesn't yet exist; a video made for the European Patent Office this spring said it had sold about 50,000 devices. That's about half the number the Army expects to buy through its augmented reality program, which is called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS. Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel is encouraging Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to lead his country toward democracy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha arrive for a joint statement in Berlin. Credit:AP Merkel said before a meeting with Prayuth in Berlin on Wednesday that "Thailand has had very difficult years on the domestic front and ... I will encourage the prime minister to continue along the path of Thailand's return to democratic order as soon as possible." Prayuth, who heads the Thai regime that seized power in a 2014 coup, told Merkel "we are advancing toward elections in February 2019 and I have every intention of making the elections a fair and transparent process." The Thai government has previously said it would return the country to electoral democracy at earlier dates, but has repeatedly found reasons to postpone the polls. Seoul: South Korea's top court has ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate 10 Koreans for forced labour during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. South Korean Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Kim Myeongsu, centre, with other justices in Seoul. Credit:AP Thursday's ruling by the Supreme Court was widely expected as the court ruled last month that Nippon Steel must compensate four Korean men for colonial-era forced labour. That ruling, the first of its kind, drew immediate protests from Japan which has argued the issue of forced labourers was already settled when Tokyo and Seoul signed a treaty in 1965 that restored diplomatic ties. Washington: Last weekend, three small Ukrainian naval vessels left the Ukrainian port of Odessa and headed for the Ukrainian port of Mariupol. Along the way, they had to pass through the Kerch Strait, a sliver of water that lies between the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and the Russian mainland. The Ukrainian ships were well within their rights to be there - a similar group of ships went through the strait just a month ago, and a 2003 treaty guarantees the rights of both nations to use those waters. But this time, in a carefully arranged provocation, Russian ships fired on the Ukrainian ships - and then seized them, along with 23 crew members. In a certain sense, these events are no surprise. Though many have found it convenient to forget, the war between Russia and Ukraine still rumbles on. Those who are doing the fighting have long been braced for a Russian acceleration of the conflict. The only surprise is the timing: Why now? Maybe there is no special reason. There have been a number of clashes in the waters around Crimea recently, ever since the Russians built a bridge to the peninsula; this may simply be Russia's periodic reminder that it will not end its illegal occupation. The attack on the Ukrainian navy would also fit well into a bigger regional project: the long-term pressure on the port of Mariupol as well as a long stretch of Ukrainian coast that could be cut off from the rest of the Black Sea by the closure of the Kerch Strait. President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer has pleaded guilty to a new federal charge that involved a plan to give Russian president Vladimir Putin a $US50 million ($68 million) penthouse in a Moscow high rise. Michael Cohen agreed to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller, admitting that he lied to Congress about Trump's business plans in Moscow in order to be consistent with the then-candidate's public disavowals of Russia. Entering his plea in a hastily convened hearing in a New York federal courtroom on Thursday, Cohen said he made false statements to Senate intelligence committee members last year about Donald Trump's plans for a Trump Tower real estate project in Moscow. Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, will plead guilty to a new charge. Credit:AP Cohen, who told the investigators that the plans had been scrapped in early 2016, admitted on Thursday that negotiations had in fact continued through June that year. Christopher Wylie speaking at the 2018 Business of Fashion VOICES conference. Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images for The Business of Fashion Its not a secret that clothes can tell you a lot about the person wearing them. Its also not a secret that fashion brands and just about everyone else use the data regarding what you like and dont like to sell you more of the former. But on Thursday morning at the annual Business of Fashion VOICES conference in Oxfordshire, England, Cambridge Analytica whistle-blower Christopher Wylie revealed publicly for the first time that Donald Trumps campaign used data on peoples fashion preferences to help win the 2016 U.S. presidential election. While this news may not be surprising, it is certainly unsettling. Photo: Getty Images for The Business of Fashion When SCL Group, this military contractor, became Cambridge Analytica after Steve Bannon and Alt-Right billionaires bought it and changed the research that we were doing, one of the first things that they realized was how powerful fashion is, and how powerful it is to understand how people engage with clothing, said a neon-green-haired Wylie, who wore a Stella McCartney suit and chunky white sneakers to give his talk. Equipped with the data of some 87 million Facebook users, Cambridge Analytica targeted those who liked certain brands with pro-Trump messaging. The examples Wylie gave were American heritage brands like Wrangler and LL Bean, versus more European luxury brands like Kenzo. Cambridge Analytica then organized these brands based on five key personality traits of their fans: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. Wrangler and LL Bean customers, for example, were low on openness, and more conventional, which, in the eyes of Cambridge Analytica, meant that they were more likely to respond to pro-Trump propaganda. Fashion data was used to build AI models to help Steve Bannon build his Insurgency and build the Alt-Right, Wylie added, matter-of-factly. We used weaponized algorithms; we used weaponized cultural narratives to undermine people and undermine their perception of reality, and fashion played a big part in that. After emphasizing the dangers of what he calls the data trade, and the sinister motives of tech giants like Facebook, Wylie concluded by encouraging fashion brands and industry professionals in the audience to use their cultural messaging for good, not evil. The colonialism, the racial biases, the toxic masculinity, the fat-shaming that this industry puts out, and has been putting out for decades, is exactly what Cambridge Analytica sought to exploit when they were seeking to undermine people and manipulate them, Wylie said. Adding: It is up to you if Trump or Brexit become the Crocs or the Chanel of our political age. The irony, of course, being that Gabrielle Chanel herself had a questionable political past. By Martin Rivers, Forbes | Nov. 28, 2018 Nesma Airlines plans to add a pair of Airbus A330s to its registry by next summer, chief executive Ashraf Lamloum has confirmed. The Egyptian carrier will place the widebodies with its Saudi sister airline for use on Hajj and Umrah flights, which are typically operated on a charter basis. "We are seriously considering right now to add at least two Airbus 330s to our Egyptian A.O.C. [Air Operator's Certificate]," Lamloum told me during an interview in Cairo. "They will come here under our A.O.C. with Egyptian crew, Egyptian maintenance, and then [we will] wet-lease them to our sister company." Registering the aircraft in Egypt brings cost advantages over placing them directly on Nesma's Saudi A.O.C., he noted. The airframes will have a maximum age of 13 years and will be used for year-round flights to the Far East and West Africa, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Senegal. Approximately 8.3 million foreign pilgrims visited the kingdom for the Hajj and Umrah in 2017 - most of them coming from non-Arab Asian or African countries. Lamloum is hopeful that the aircraft will arrive "between June and September" next year, though he does not rule out a delay. The Egyptian carrier currently has three narrowbodies on its registry - two A320s and one A319 - which it deploys on a mixture of charter flights to Europe and scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia. The charter network was grounded in 2016 due to Egypt's geopolitical troubles but resumed last year and now accounts for more than half of all flights. Both of the A320s will be replaced with younger models when their leases expire in 2019. Asked about network development plans from Cairo, Lamloum said strong competition between Egyptian carriers is impacting profitability and necessitates a cautious approach to expansion. "We are in a very unstable period so we prefer to keep the well-known markets with the well-known revenue, before investing and injecting more for new markets," he said, referring to Nesma's half-a-dozen existing Saudi links. Longer-term, the airline is interested in flying to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Iraq. Nesma has also formally asked Egypt's Civil Aviation Authority for access to Dammam and Medina, but without apparent success. Photo: bhofack2/Getty Images/iStockphoto Two weeks ago, Thrillist published a story in which a journalist opined that he had killed a Portland burger joint by crowning their cheeseburger the best in the country. The sympathetic feature quickly went viral, igniting a national conversation about what responsibilities critics must consider in their writing. Today, though, the Willamette Week revealed that the applauded article wasnt telling the full story. In his reflective piece about his glowing review of Bar Stanich, journalist Kevin Alexander grapples with the possibility that his decision to name it No. 1 had overwhelmed the business, which closed last January for a two-week deep cleaning and then never reopened. Except the Willamette Week pointed out a glaring hole in the viral story: In 2014, Steve Stanich, who had been a manager at the burger spot for nearly 20 years, was arrested for choking his then-wife in front of their teenage son. (Alexander had obliquely referenced some personal problems, the type of serious things that can happen with any family, and wouldve happened regardless of how crowded Stanichs was.) Following his 2014 arrest, Stanich was required to undergo treatment for his drinking and was barred from entering establishments that primarily serve alcohol. In 2016, he and his wife, who was terminally ill with breast cancer, divorced. Stanich, however, violated the terms of his settlement, which led to a contempt-of-court charge. This ended just six months before Alexander crowned Stanichs burger the best in the country. In other words, the restaurant owner was already struggling when his business gained national recognition. In a statement to the Week, though, Stanich denied that his legal troubles at all led to the restaurants closing; he reasserted that his staff simply did not handle the pressure of increased business. Alexander maintains that he did not know of the nature of Stanichs legal problems, and claims they werent related to the personal problems he referenced. To conclude the report, the Week revealed one more new piece of information: that Stanichs is expected to reopen in December. A lot of people dont believe were going to open up, Stanich told the publication. I dont really care what anyone else believes. I know what Im going to do. Alabama Mall Shooting Suspect Caught by US Marshals in Georgia A suspect in the Thanksgiving Day shooting at an Alabama mall has been taken into custody by U.S. Marshals near Atlanta, according to AL.com. Erron Martez Dequan Brown, 20, was arrested in South Fulton at around 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 29, representatives of the U.S. Marshals Service told Fox5. Brown was wanted on a warrant issued Wednesday, on charges of attempted murder. He is suspected of shooting and wounding Brian Wilson at the Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover on Nov. 22. The victims friend, Emantic EJ Bradford Jr., was shot and killed by police while fleeing from the scene and brandishing a firearm. Officials with the U.S. Marshals Service told AL.com that while Brown was quickly identified as a suspect in the shooting, his identity was withheld to facilitate the manhunt. Brown was staying at a relatives house when deputies made the arrest, ABC13 reported, and he is said to have surrendered peacefully. His extradition to Alabama is expected to be processed at Georgias Fulton County Jail, where Brown remains under arrest. Court records cited by AL.com show Brown was arrested last year in Madison County on a charge of first-degree robbery. That charge was later dismissed. Thanksgiving Day Shooting Police said the Thanksgiving Day shooting began as a physical altercation between two men, which ended with one of the men pulling out a handgun and shooting the other man twice. Wilson suffered at least one gunshot wound to the stomach and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in serious condition. A 12-year-old bystander, Molly Davis, was also shot and taken to a hospital. She has since been released. It is unclear who fired the shots that wounded the girl. Police officers responding to the scene said initially they had shot to death the gunman. Later police said that the man that was killed, identified as Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr., was not the shooter. New evidence now suggests that while Mr. Bradford may have been involved in some aspect of the altercation, he likely did not fire the rounds that injured the 18-year-old victim, Hoover Police Capt. Gregg Rector said in a statement. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency spokeswoman Robyn Bryan said the investigation is ongoing, AL.com reported, including the officer-involved shooting of Bradford. It is highly likely that prematurely releasing information, including video evidence, would have hampered the investigations progress thus far, even to the point of deterring key witnesses, Bryan said in a statement. As other witnesses continue to come forward, it is imperative for the integrity of the investigation that SBI continue to keep confidential information Agents obtain. After Browns extradition to Alabama has been confirmed, he is expected to be booked into the Jefferson County Jail, Birmingham, under a $150,000 bond. Shoppers Flee Witnesses said people quickly fled the scene, as seen in the video at the top of the page, when the gunshots went off. I was at a kiosk buying some jewelry right outside the food court and right as I was about to pay, I heard this bang, and youre thinking Okay, probably not, and then I heard bang, bang and then, it was terrifying, and then everybody started screaming and running as fast as they could, one witness told WBRC. It was very scary. Another shopper, Lexi Joiner, said she was shopping with her mother when approximately six or seven shots were fired. They were ordered into a nearby supply closet with other shoppers to take cover. It was terrifying, Joiner told AL.com. Tyson Timbs holds a picture of the Land Rover confiscated by the state of Indiana as part of a conviction for selling drugs. (Institute of Justice) Apply Constitutional Ban on Excessive Fines to States, Supreme Court Urged An Indiana man convicted of selling heroin worth less than $400 to an undercover detective may get back his confiscated $42,000 vehicle from state authorities, if the Supreme Court decides to extend to the states a constitutional ban on excessive fines that Indiana argues applies only to the federal government. If the justices statements during oral arguments on Nov. 28 are any indication of how the Supreme Court may rule, the state of Indiana is poised to be overruled. Civil libertarians have long complained that asset forfeitures arising from criminal convictions and cases in which a person is merely suspected of a crime can be arbitrary and excessive. They say police and prosecutors currently have an incentive to maximize profits instead of seeking the neutral administration of justice and so they pursue forfeiture with undue zeal. A win by petitioner Tyson Timbs could encourage more asset-forfeiture challenges in the courts. Instrument of the Crime After a physician wrote Timbs a prescription for foot pain, the 37-year-old resident of Marion, Indiana, became addicted to hydrocodone and later heroin. After his father died, he spent most of the $70,000 in life insurance proceeds on a Land Rover. Undercover police caught him selling a total of $385 worth of heroin in two transactions, and the SUV was seized because he used it to drive to meet police. The legal theory is that because the vehicle was used to commit a crime, it becomes an instrument of the crime and a party to the legal proceeding. This leads to odd-looking case names. For example, the name of the current proceeding is Tyson Timbs and a 2012 Land Rover LR2 v. State of Indiana. Timbs pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year of house arrest and five years of probation, but no prison time. A private law firm sued on behalf of the state to force Timbs to forfeit the vehicle. Although the court found Timbs used the SUV to transport heroin to his home, it held that seizing the car would be grossly disproportionate to the offense and therefore unconstitutional. The court found the SUV was worth more than four times the $10,000 maximum monetary fine for the drug offense. The state appealed to the Indiana Court of Appeals and lost, but won in the Indiana Supreme Court. That court held that the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment wasnt binding on Indiana because the U.S. Supreme Court never formally applied the provision to the states, so Timbs was out of luck. Sympathetic Justices With the exception of Chief Justice John Roberts, who said losing assets used in a crime makes a lot of sense, the justices seemed sympathetic to Timbs during oral arguments at the Supreme Court. Justice Stephen Breyer asked Indiana Solicitor General Thomas M. Fisher if someone caught driving 5 miles an hour over the speed limit should forfeit their car, even if it is a Bugatti, Mercedes, or special Ferrari. Yes, its forfeitable [property] forfeitures have always been with us and they have always been harsh, Fisher said. Justice Sonia Sotomayor told Fisher, If we look at these forfeitures that are occurring today many of them seem grossly disproportionate to the crimes being charged. In light of such abuses, Sotomayor continued, How do we avoid a Star Chamber return? In English history, the monarch-directed Court of Star Chamber, abolished in 1641, was infamous for its arbitrariness and imposition of cruel punishments. The term Star Chamber has come to mean any lawless and oppressive tribunal, especially one that meets in secret, one reference work reports. The constitutional concept of due process of law is, in part, a reaction to the arbitrary use of judicial power displayed by the Star Chamber. Incorporation During a particularly sharp exchange, Justice Neil Gorsuch chided Fisher for opposing applyingthe legal term is incorporatingthe Excessive Fines Clause against the states. We all agree that the Excessive Fines Clause is incorporated against the states, Gorsuch said. Can we at least agree on that? Fisher said, You have to take into account the history and traditions of the right being claimed. Gorsuch persisted. Whatever the Excessive Fines Clause guarantees, we can argue, again, about its scope but whatever it, in fact, is, it applies against the states, right? Well, again, that depends, Fisher said. Most of these incorporation cases took place in like the 1940s and here we are in 2018 still litigating incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Really? Come on, General. Later in the conversation, Gorsuch told Fisher: Youre going to lose not just the incorporation question but the merits question too. Justice Brett Kavanaugh added, Isnt it just too late in the day to argue that any of the Bill of Rights is not incorporated? A case preview by Steven D. Schwinn of the John Marshall Law School in Chicago offers a primer on the legal doctrine of incorporation. The rights in the Constitutions Bill of Rights apply against the federal government; they do not apply by their own force against the states, Schwinn writes. But over time, the Supreme Court has gradually incorporated the rights against the states, relying on the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. In order to determine whether a right is incorporated, the Court asks whether the right is fundamental to our scheme of ordered liberty and deeply rooted in this Nations history and tradition. The Supreme Court last incorporated a right in 2010 in McDonald v. City of Chicago, finding that the gun-ownership protections of the Second Amendment applied to the states, Schwinn writes. Only some clauses of the Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Amendments havent been incorporated by the court. Timbs contends the ban on excessive fines should be applied to the states, arguing that when the Eighth Amendment was ratified in 1791, protections against excessive fines were already a well-established legal norm. The attorney for Timbs, Wesley Hottot of Seattle, said the case was about constitutional housekeeping. Five times over the past 30 years, this court has remarked that the freedom from excessive economic sanctions should be understood to apply to the states. Beijings All-Out Efforts to Meddle in Taiwans Elections TAIPEITaiwan, which is often dubbed a beacon of democracy in the Chinese diaspora, concluded its elections on Nov. 24, with a number of political offices in the running, including mayors, country magistrates, and legislators. The elections, however, were marred by political meddling and interference from Beijing. One incident involving the United States top diplomat to Taiwan was just the tip of the iceberg. James Moriarty, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a de facto embassy in Taiwan, saw his exclusive interview with Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS removed from the media outlets website, six days after a portion of the interview aired on television. TVBSs self-censorship has since been widely interpreted by Taiwanese media as an attempt to silence Moriartys remarks about election meddling. There are obviously attempts by external powers here in Taiwan to try and alter the debate and spread false information, and those are dangerous, he said, without specifying which powers he was referring to. However, Beijing may have tacitly admitted that it was the culprit. On the same day the TVBS interview aired, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the mainland Chinese government agency Taiwan Affairs Office, released a statement explaining that China did not try to interfere in Taiwans election, according to Taiwanese media. AIT has since posted the TVBS clip from Nov. 9 onto its official Facebook page. The U.S. government has also addressed the problem of Chinas meddling in Taiwans elections. An annual report issued by the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission included findings from Peter Mattis, research fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Mattis wrote that Beijing, through its United Front Work Department, aims to shape or destabilize Taiwanese society, for the goal of creating a fake civil society that can be used against Taiwans democratic system. The United Front Work Department is an organ of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that carries out operations around the world to fulfill Beijings agenda. While Taiwan is a self-ruled island with its own constitution and military, China considers it a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing believes any form of social chaos in Taiwan would provide it with a legitimate reason to push for its unification agenda; thus, it has intentionally sought to undermine Taiwans democratic system over the years. In this most recent elections, on Nov. 24, Beijing has demonstrated that it could influence the democratic process through a combination of social media, fake news, and funding pro-Beijing political candidates. Beijings Money The goal of Beijings meddling campaign to have candidates with a pro-Beijing platform win, as they are more likely to follow the CCPs agenda. Beijing employs complicated channels to funnel money into pro-Beijing candidates campaigns, according to Taiwanese media. The islands existing laws governing political donations and relations between Taiwan and China prevent mainland Chinese citizens or organizations from donating to Taiwans political candidates. Beijing skirts these laws by handing off payments to Taiwanese businessmen working in China, who then steer the money to political candidates. Another method is inviting Taiwanese village- and township-level officials, representatives from local farmers and fishing associations, and teachers and students, on all-expenses-paid trips to China, with the goal of enticing them to persuade more Taiwanese to vote for Beijing-friendly candidates. On. Nov. 13, Zhang Xiuye, a mainland Chinese national living in Taiwan who was running for city councilor, was charged by prosecutors for taking bribes from China. Zhang is also the secretary general of the Patriotic Alliance Association (PAA), also known as the Concentric Patriotism Alliance, a pro-Beijing organization in Taiwan. In August, Zhang was given funds to treat over 20 members of PAA and their spouses to trips in China, prosecutors alleged. Then in October, constituents in Zhangs election district were treated to banquets, with expenses totaling over 250,000 New Taiwan dollars (about $8,096). Zhang did not win her election bid. But Ho Han-ting, a member of Taiwans New Party, a party that supports Taiwans unification with China, bested his opponents to become a member of Taipeis city council. Back in June 2018, Ho, along with two other members of the New Party, were indicted on espionage charges for conspiring with convicted Chinese spy Zhou Hongxu to infiltrate Taiwans military. His court trial begins the day after he takes office on Dec. 25. Beijing has more directly funded the pro-Beijing China Unification Promotion Party, whose head is Chang An-ho, a well-known local gang boss with ties to Beijing. The Partys offices in two counties in Taiwan were targeted in a police raid in early November, according to Taiwanese newspaper the Liberty Times. Police confiscated assault weapons, business records, and vests that Party members wore to candidates political rallies. Police found that the Party members were paying citizens 1,000 NTD (about $32) to turn up at rallies and wave Chinas national flag for Beijing-friendly candidatesthough according to media reports, police were unable to ascertain which candidates they rallied for. In July, Lai Jui-lung, a Taiwanese legislator, had called on authorities to investigate the China Unification Promotion Party about its source of funding, according to the Liberty Times. Lai, citing statistics provided by Taiwans Ministry of Interior that showed the Party had earnings of over 1.73 million NTD (about $55,910) in 2017, questioned how the Party received so much money despite the fact that it does not collect membership fees from its over 30,000 registered members. Beijings Fake News Beijing has recently established more friendly ties with the current minority party, the Kuomintang (KMT), as opposed to Taiwans current ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has advocated for formal independence from mainland China. The KMT registered a landslide victory in elections on Nov. 24, taking control of several cities and counties that were previously under the jurisdiction of the DPP. KMT candidates Lu Shiow-yen and Han Kuo-yuo both defeated DPP incumbents for the Taiwanese cities of Taichung and Kaohsiung, respectively. Beijing had in fact resorted to smear tactics to create fake negative news targeting DPP officials, for the aim of swaying public opinion more in support of pro-Beijing candidates. One such example occurred in early June, when both mainland Chinese and Taiwanese media began to report about a plan by the current Taiwan administration to rent out one of its islands, the Taiping Island (also known as Itu Aba), to the U.S. militarywhich turned out to be false. Chinas state-run newspaper, the Global Times, which often employs a hawkish tone, published an editorial on June 6 proclaiming that the DPP wanted to use Taiwanese citizens as human shields in a plan to bait and fool the United States. It is unclear which media reported the fake DPPs plan in the first place, but similar such fake news has had a negative impact on the ruling partys approval rating, subsequently leading to Taiwanese voters having more faith in the KMT. In a Oct. 28 report, Taiwanese magazine Mirror Media explained several methods that Beijing uses to create fake news, which appeared around the time of the 2016 elections. DPP member Tsai Ing-wen won the presidential race that year. First, Beijing adds fake content into authentic news reported by Taiwanese media, then spreads these manipulated news on Taiwanese social media. Beijing also uses so-called content farms, or websites that intentionally write up fake news. These articlesoften portraying KMT or Beijing-friendly candidates in a positive lightare posted onto social media as well as popular content aggregator websites such as COCO01. Some of these sites are registered in China, while others have unknown registered locations. Beijings Cyber Warfare Aside from flooding Taiwans social media with fake news, Beijing also employs a cyber army to join discussions on social media and make remarks that are favorable of Beijing, according to Taiwanese media. In mainland China, the term 50 Cent Army refers to internet users who are reportedly paid a meager 50 cents by the CCP for every comment they leave on news articles and social media. On articles that portray the CCP positively, the commenters agree enthusiastically. On articles that are critical of the CCP, they react angrily and stoke nationalist sentiment. About 4 million of these hired internet trolls are college and university students, according to some media reports. Beijing has also developed its own Taiwan-based cyber army, according to local media Taiwan News. Together, these armies target popular Taiwanese social media, such as PTT, Taiwans most popular discussion forum; Line, a messaging and news sharing app; and Facebook. The armies also create videos with fake content and flood these platforms, as well as Twitter and YouTube. According to Taiwan News, in the most recent election, the armies pushed forward favorable social media discussion surrounding KMT candidate Han Kuo-yu, who won the mayoral seat for the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung. During a press conference on Oct. 15, Taiwanese lawyers working for Hans opponent and DPP candidate Chen Chi-mai identified 20 Chinese netizens who often left fake information online, including false polling data that looked unfavorable for Chen. The IP addresses originated from China, according to the Liberty Times. Another worrying trend that could potentially affect the next elections is businesses that sell social media accounts. Taiwanese magazine Global Views Magazine, in an article published on May 30, reported that since last year, unidentified people have begun buying user accounts on PTT, Line, and Facebook. One seller went by the name Ptt-King on multiple Taiwanese e-commerce sites, advertising PTT accounts priced according to how many times a user could log into a specific account. For example, an account sold for 1,417 NTD (about $46) would allow a buyer to log in and out of the account 300 times. A buyer with control over many social media accounts would be able to spin social media discussion in a certain direction by posting en-masse online comments, or simply giving a thumbs-up on Facebook. This would create the impression that a certain opinion is majority or dominant. A netizen with a different opinion could feel less likely to share their minority opinion. On Nov. 22, Taiwan News reported that an unidentified Chinese company had successfully cheated Facebooks account registration certification system to create zombie Facebook accounts. The system can randomly assign an IP address outside of China to these zombie accounts, thus disguising the zombie account user as either an overseas Chinese or Taiwanese user. Additionally, the system could control hundreds of zombie accounts at the same time, to friend, like, share, comment, and respond simultaneously. Taiwanese media speculated that if a Chinese company could come up with such technology, the Chinese regime could possibly something similar in place, perhaps with more advanced capabilities. 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 Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer addresses the Ontario PC Convention in Toronto on Nov. 17, 2018. Scheer and Kevin OLeary have joined forces in hopes of defeating the Liberals in 2019. (The Canadian Press/Chris Young) Canada in Brief, Nov. 29 Dec. 5 Scheer, OLeary join forces, hold campaign-style event Conservative Leader Andrew Scheers campaign for prime minister next year will get some star power from businessman Kevin OLeary. OLeary ran against Scheer for the Conservative party leadership before dropping out and backing Scheers main rival Maxime Bernier. But now OLeary and Scheer have joined forces in hopes of defeating the Liberals in 2019. During a question-and answer session at Ryerson University on Nov. 26, OLeary said the country needs saving from weak, weak managers. The whole cabinet is weak, he said. For his part, Scheer told the audience that he likes to talk about bringing a positive Conservative vision to Canadians. Hajdu defends Canada Post back-to-work bill Labour Minister Patty Hajdu is defending the constitutionality of the governments back-to-work bill for Canada Post workers, saying it will ultimately be up to the courts to weigh in should the legislation be legally challenged by the union. Speaking on Parliament Hill, Hajdu defended her governments decision to bring forward legislation to respond to a significant, growing economic harm to Canada. In response, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers said in a statement it is exploring all options to fight the legislation, which it calls unconstitutional. Mail service resumed across the country on Nov. 27. Quebec declares Arvida neighbourhood a heritage site The Quebec government has recognized the Arvida neighbourhood in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region as a heritage site. The former industrial city was founded by Arthur Vining Davis, who developed the area in the 1920s to welcome employees of the first Alcoa aluminum plant, later known as Alcan. Its distinctive architecture and urbanism as well as its historical character led the federal government to declare Arvida a national historic site in 2012. The City of Saguenay had also hoped the neighbourhood would be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it was not chosen from the list of proposals made to the federal government in 2017. Food agency aims to prevent entry of E. coli-suspected lettuce The federal government is advising the food industry not to import romaine lettuce from areas in the United States suspected of producing lettuce contaminated with E. coli. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it will also take steps to make sure products from areas identified by the American Food and Drug Administration are not being allowed into Canada. The measures come after the FDA said it suspects romaine lettuce harvested in parts of California this month is the source of an outbreak of E. coli O157 that has made people sick in both Canada and the United States. With files from The Canadian Press Canadas Alberta to Buy Rail Cars; Expects Deal Within Weeks OTTAWACanadas province of Alberta is in talks to buy rail cars to transport 120,000 barrels per day of crude oil and expects a deal to conclude within weeks, Premier Rachel Notley said on Nov. 28, as the energy-rich province takes actions to move oil stuck in the region because of a lack of pipeline capacity. Notley, who says the cars are needed to help deal with stranded oil that has slashed the price of Alberta oil, told a business audience she was disappointed that the federal government was not helping fund the purchase. Reuters revealed last week that Alberta had proposed a joint purchase of two unit trains and estimated the one-time capital cost at about C$350 million. Federal officials are cool to the idea, saying by the time the cars come online late next year the supply problems will have eased. The 120,000 bpd of rail capacity is nearly equal to the current amount of stranded supply. Alberta will buy the rail cars ourselves to move this oil we have already engaged a third-party to negotiate and work is well underway. We anticipate conclusion of the deal within weeks, Notley said in the prepared text of her speech. Notley said last week that the province was willing to buy the train by itself if Ottawa doesnt back the Canadian provinces proposal to spilt the costs. Notley, who reiterated her demand for more pipeline capacity, said the cost of buying the cars would be fully recouped through royalties and the selling of shipping capacity. The Alberta premier said there was no excuse for Ottawa not helping and castigated the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for proposing tougher environmental standards she said would make it harder than ever to build pipelines. The glut is happening because Canada willfully holds Albertas economy and Canadas economy hostage, she said, estimating the losses at C$80 million a day. Ottawa denies it is being unhelpful, noting that earlier this year it bought the Trans Mountain pipeline. Several Canadian crude producers have curtailed production and asked Alberta to mandate cuts for other producers. Notley did not mention this idea in her speech. Last week Finance Minister Bill Morneau said businesses would be allowed to write off additional capital investments, a measure he said oil industry executives had pressed for. By David Ljunggren Unifor president Jerry Dias speaks with reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill on Nov. 27, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand) Canadas Auto Industry at Risk If GM Closes Oshawa Plant: Union Unifor head calls on Trudeau to work with Trump to keep manufacturing jobs from shifting south Canadas auto industry could be in big trouble if General Motors goes ahead with a plan to close its plant in Oshawa by December 2019, says the head of the union that represents workers at the plant. Unifor president Jerry Dias said GM has moved production of five models of vehicles to Mexico and the United States in the past few years, and if the Oshawa plant closes, the company will have only one left in Canada. He said GMs plan to close the plant puts it on the brink of leaving Canada completely. If that happens, it would devastate the auto parts industry, which would cause big problems for other car companieswhich might in turn also leave. GM is on the cusp of complete disinvestment and will lead to a catastrophic end to Canadas most lucrative export industry. We are not going to let our plant close, Dias said in a press conference on Nov. 27 after meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill. The Oshawa Assembly Plant, which began operating 100 years ago, is one of five in North America that the automaker plans to shutter as it restructures to cut costs and focus more on autonomous and electric vehicles. The shutdown directly affects the jobs of over 2,500 workers and threatens thousands of additional jobs in the region and in the auto sector supply chains in Ontario and beyond. The closure of the five plants will see approximately 14,000 jobs cut. Dias called for an aggressive strategy such as punishing tariffs on GM vehicles produced in Mexico and job action in Canada and the United States to force the automaker to reverse the closures. Were playing with a corporation that plays by their own rules, so we have to have governments that are going to play by very strict rules as well, he said. Dias urged Trudeau to work with U.S. President Donald Trump to keep manufacturing jobs from shifting south. He said the new US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) free trade deal should help eventually, but the parts that apply to the auto sector wont kick in for years and by then it could be too late. GMs decision to cut jobs right after the USMCA deal was reached has drawn the ire of Trump, who is threatening to pull federal help for the company if it follows through on plans to build new interconnected, electric-powered vehicles outside the United Statesparticularly in China. Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, is citing the new free trade pact as one of the reasons why Trump is so disappointed with the latest job and production cuts at General Motors. He believesas, frankly the prime minister of Canada, Trudeau, believesthat the USMCA deal was a great help to the automobile industry and to autoworkers, Kudlow told a White House briefing. Theres disappointment that it seems that GM would rather build its electric cars in China than the United States, and we are going to be looking at certain subsidies regarding electric cars and others, whether they should apply or not. As the briefing was taking place on Nov. 27, Trump tweeted an ominous threat to withdraw all GM subsidies in retaliation for the cuts, including for electric cars. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get! he wrote. Bailouts never work Canada has also subsidized GM. During the global economic meltdown in 2009, GM and Chrysler together received $13.7 billion in federal government support. So far, only about $3.7 billion has been recovered, according to CBC News. Businessman and analyst Kevin OLeary, who campaigned to be the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2017, said GMs plan to close its Oshawa plant shows bailouts dont work. The GM Oshawa plant closing is proof that government bailouts never work and Canadian taxpayers always lose, the Shark Tank and Dragons Den star told the Toronto Sun. GM was a poorly managed company that should have been allowed to go bankrupt and restructure. Instead, Canadian taxpayers were offered extraordinary returns and long-term jobs. They got neither. Marty Warren, director of the United Steelworkers Union in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, said the company noted last fall that it didnt expect job losses from its strategy of expansion in the electric vehicle marketand now come the closures. Liberal and Conservative governments have spent billions of taxpayers dollarswith no meaningful job guaranteesto subsidize multinationals such as General Motors, yet these corporations continue to eliminate Canadian jobs and shift production out of the country, he said in a news release. In addition to the $13.7 billion Ottawa injected into the auto sector, the federal and Ontario governments became GM shareholders as part of the bailout package, but decided to sell off their shares and give up leverage they could have used to protect Canadian jobs, the release said. Warren said GMs decision to shut down its Oshawa operations comes on the heels of the corporations report of a $2.5-billion, third-quarter profit. Sweeping strategy GM announced the closures as part of a sweeping strategy to transform its product line and manufacturing process to meet changing demand in the transportation industry, a plan that it said will save the company US$6 billion by the year 2020. The company also said it will reduce salaried and salaried contract staff by 15 percent, which includes 25 percent fewer executives. The US$6 billion in savings includes cost reductions of US$4.5 billion and lower capital expenditure annually of almost US$1.5 billion. However, a GM executive said the company isnt planning to divest itself of its other Canadian enterprises as Dias claimed. David Paterson said the company is hiring 500 people for its technical centre in Markham, north of Toronto, to help write software for self-driving cars. Diass tough talk underscored the unions fury at GMs decision to close the plants. Chantal Gagnon, a spokeswoman for Trudeau, said he and Dias discussed their respective talks with GM. Trudeau also told Dias about his own call with Trump earlier on Nov. 27 about the auto industry and how best we can stand up for people affected on both sides of the border. Time and again during his press conference, Dias rejected any notion the plant will actually close when asked about possible employment insurance help for affected workers, or whether other automakers could fill the void in Oshawa. We are talking about keeping the plant open, period. Our members in Oshawa want their jobs. Theyre not looking to be retrained, he said. And he suggested that despite his talk of helping workers facing layoffs, Trudeau doesnt believe the closure of the plant is a fait accompli, either. Dias will meet his American counterparts this week in the United States to decide what, if any, action the union will take, such as having workers walk out at other GM plants alongside the ones slated to close. He warned he was ready to have his members take job action unless the Oshawa plant stays open. With files from The Canadian Press Moderator Marc Lamont Hill attends BET Presents 'An Evening With 'The Quad'' At The Paley Center in New York City on Dec. 7, 2016. (Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET Networks) CNN Contributor, College Professor Lambasted for Anti-Israel Remarks at UN A CNN analyst and college professor faced fierce backlash for appearing to call for Israels destruction during a speech at the United Nations on Nov. 27. Marc Lamont Hill, who frequently appears on the left-leaning cable news channel and is also a professor at Temple University, called for a free Palestine from the river to the sea during the speech. Similar phrases have been uttered by the leadership of Hamas, a terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip and says it wants to destroy Israel. Hill also endorsed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that is widely perceived to be anti-semitic by many Jews. Among the critics of Hills speech was Sharon Nazarian, senior vice president for international affairs for the ANti-Defamation League, a Jewish NGO. Those calling for from the river to the sea are calling for an end to the State of Israel, Nazarian said in an email to the Jewish Journal. It is a shame that once again, this annual event at the United Nations does not promote constructive pathways to Palestinian solidarity and a future of peace, but instead divisive and destructive action against Israel. And here it is, Marc Lamont Hill calling for a "free Palestine from the river to the sea" (video via @bennyavni) pic.twitter.com/E7ugrByKyf Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) November 28, 2018 Seth Mandel, a Jewish op-ed writer for the New York Post, said that Hills comments were an explicit call for Jewish genocide. Ive never been naive about anti-Semitism in America, but honestly never thought Id see a mainstream CNN guy and professor, on camera, shout free Palestine from the river to the sea at the UN, to thunderous applause, and see a collective shrug from even non-socialist liberals, he added on Twitter. Lamont Hill is described by CNN as one of the leading intellectual voices in the country. CNN has not issued a statement on the speech as of yet. Rising antisemitism has led to an increase in hate crimes against Jews, according to an FBI report. Hate crimes against Jews rose by 37 percent in 2017 and the increase left anti-Semitic attacks as 58 percent of all religion-based hate crimes last year, even though Jews are only about 2 percent of Americas population. Radical Views, Linked to Farrakhan Lamont Hill has received criticism for his radical views in the past, such as praising Christopher Dorner, a former LAPD officer who killed four people and wounded three others in 2013 during a shooting spree that he claimed to undertake to clear his name. Hes been like a real-life superhero to many people, Lamont Hill said. When you read his manifesto, when you read the message that he left, he wasnt entirely crazy. He had a plan and a mission here. Its almost like watching Django Unchained in real life. Its kind of exciting, he added. Lamont Hill also faced backlash for appearing with the openly anti-semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. In a picture the professor posted on Facebook in 2015, he said he had a short but beautiful conversation with Farrakhan, who has called Jews termites and praised German leader Adolf Hitler, who led the Holocaust against Jews across Europe. The Jews dont like Farrakhan, so they call me Hitler. Well, thats a good name. Hitler was a very great man, Farrakhan said in a speech in 1984. A photo of Lamont Hill and Farrakhan taken in 2016 was used by Farrakhan to promote a music collection this year, reported The Wrap. Hill condemned Farrakhans comments against Jews but said he didnt regret meeting with Farrakhan in 2015 and 2016. I worked on Fox News for years, having conversations with people I disagree with, people who said and did things I thought were racist, sexist and xenophobic, but I had conversations with them because I thought it was important, he said. From NTD News Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) at the Congressional Executive Commission on China Hearing on The Communist Partys Crackdown on Religion in China in Washington on Nov 28, 2018. (Jennifer Zeng/The Epoch Times) Rep. Smith Urges Trump to Confront Chinese Leader on Human Rights Record U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) is urging President Donald Trump to raise the issue of human rights directly during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Argentina on Nov. 30. Smith said at a congressional hearing on Nov. 28 that the United States stands in solidarity with the Chinese people, and not with a dictatorship that kills lives tortures and crushes religion. Smiths comments come amidst growing tensions in Chinas Xinjiang Province, where reports of unprecedented human-rights violations of Uyghur Muslims have echoed through the international community. Reports of torture, rape, and killings in secretive political re-education camps also have been documented. They use the same tools, used different pretext, always crushing people of faith, whether it be Falun Gong, Catholics, Christians, Protestants, Tibetans, Muslims, Smith told The Epoch Times. What government does that to its own people? As co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Smith has heard in detail the horrific methods the Chinese regime uses to torture its own citizens. Any pretext is used as an excuse to persecute groups that the regime considers a threat or objectionable. The treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang is reminiscent of the persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Gong in China that began in July 1999, Smith said. The Connection Between Human Rights and Trade Trumps tough stance on trade may be the only way to get the Chinese regime to change its unfair subsidies, state-sponsored technology theft, and human-rights violations. People say, Well, what is the connection with trade? Do you think we can count on people to respect copyrights and intellectual property rights if they cant even respect their own people? And if they torture them with impunity as they do? Smith said. State-sanctioned forced organ harvesting under the Chinese regime devalues human rights and dignity for profit. Forced organ harvesting, has claimed large numbers of lives in what researchers are calling a cold genocide of Falun Gong practitioners. If they steal their organs as they do to the Falun Gong and then sell those organs for massive profits, that is barbaric, Smith said. The Falun Gong people have suffered so much, and as I and so many others have raised over the years, the Chinese government needs to be held to account. Smith and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have introduced legislation that would call on the Commerce Department to stop U.S. companies from sending surveillance capabilities to Chinese police and other security apparatuses. Theyre using [surveillance capabilities] against good, hardworking individuals who happen to be Muslim [and] against other faith denominations, as well, Smith said. A Call to the President He says its absurd that the Chinese regime is fearful of people of faith who want to live out their convictions, and hopes that the president doesnt abandon the human rights issue as previous administrations have. Smith has also called on the president to use the global Magnitsky Act to sanction individual perpetrators of these crimes. We had eight years of President Obama who looked the other way when it came to China. Bill Clinton notoriously and infamously de-linked human rights from trade and said, Were going to make profits, thats more important, Smith added. President Trump now has to rise to the occasion of defending these wonderful Chinese people who are being so horribly repressed by the government. They deserve better than what theyre getting from their government. Deutsche Bank Offices Raided by Police in Money-Laundering Probe Linked to Panama Papers FRANKFURTAbout 170 police officers, prosecutors, and tax inspectors searched six Deutsche Bank offices in and around Frankfurt on Nov. 29 over money-laundering allegations, the Frankfurt public prosecutors office said in a statement. Investigators are looking into the activities of two Deutsche Bank staff members who are alleged to have helped clients set up off-shore firms to launder money, the prosecutors office said. Written and electronic business documents were seized from Deutsche Bank and further investigations are ongoing, the prosecutors office also said. Deutsche Bank confirmed the search of its offices and said it was fully cooperating with the authorities. The banks shares dropped by 2.7 percent on news of the investigation. The investigation was triggered after investigators reviewed so-called Offshore-Leaks and Panama Papers, the prosecutor said. Violating Money Laundering Rules The Panama Papers, which consist of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, were leaked to the media in April 2016. Several Banks, including Swedish lenders Nordea and Handelsbanken have already been fined by financial regulators for violating money laundering rules as a result of the papers. The prosecutors said they are looking at whether Deutsche Bank may have assisted clients to set up Offshore-Companies in tax havens so that funds transferred to accounts at Deutsche Bank could skirt anti-money laundering safeguards. In 2016 alone, over 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered on the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of 311 million euros, the prosecutors said. They also said Deutsche Bank employees are alleged to have breached their duties by neglecting to report money laundering suspicions about clients and offshore companies involved in tax evasion schemes. The investigation is separate from another money laundering scandal surrounding Danish lender Danske Bank, where Deutsche Bank is involved. Denmarks state prosecutor on Nov. 28 filed preliminary charges against Danske for alleged violations of the countrys anti-money laundering act in relation to its Estonian branch. Danske is under investigation for suspicious payments totaling 200 billion euros from 2007 onwards and a source with direct knowledge of the case has told Reuters Deutsche Bank helped to process the bulk of the payments. A Deutsche Bank executive director has said the lender played only a secondary role as a so-called correspondent bank to Danske Bank, limiting what it needed to know about the people behind the transactions. By Arno Schuetze and Tom Sims California Governor Jerry Brown, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke tour a school burned by the Camp Fire on Nov. 14, 2018 in Paradise, Calif. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Farm Bill Negotiations Stall on Forest Management, Food Stamps Top Trump administration officials are urging Congress to provide them with broader federal authority as part of the Farm Bill to conduct active forest management to help prevent the deadly infernos like those that have devastated parts of California over the past several years. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a National Public Radio interview on Nov. 21 that the federal government has been litigated into paralysis about being able to do the common-sense [forestry] thinning and underbrush cleaning that needs to happen. If you clean the forest floor of fuel load, you dont have these raging forest fires that just go where you cannot contain them, Perdue said, while attributing the years-long litany of environmentalist lawsuits to misguided fears about clear-cut logging and wildlife degradation. U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke penned an op-ed on Monday, Nov. 26, and referred to California as a tinderbox. He claimed that years worth of logs, overgrown shrubs, and standing dead trees turn ground fires into deadly blazes that get out of controlas evidenced by Californias most recent wildfire disaster, the worst in the states history. President Donald Trump and I both saw the devastation of the fire on our recent trips to California: piles of rubble recognizable as houses only by their chimneys and charred appliances, and vehicles melted to the pavement in pools of molten aluminum, Zinke said. Part of forest management includes reducing the fuel load by scientifically determining which trees need to be removed in order to improve forest health and resiliency. Active management doesnt necessarily mean clear-cutting or large-scale logging, as some environmentalists would have you believe, he said. Zinke and Perdue, flanked by the bipartisan Congressional Western Caucus on Nov. 27, urged the inclusion of key forestry management provisions in the final version of the pending Farm Bill. According to the Western Caucus, Northern Californias recent headline-grabbing wildfire killed 88 people, and more than 200 are still missing. This deadly and destructive wildfire season has further solidified the need for active forest management provisions found in the House-passed bill, the statement said. The provisions, however, are a central sticking point in stalled Farm Bill negotiations. Congress is required to pass a new Farm Bill every five years, and both the House and Senate passed respective versions of the nearly one trillion dollar agricultural legislation in July. But significant differences regarding forest management and food stamp work requirements have held up negotiations. The House version includes the Trump administrations desired forestry and wildfire regulations, while the Senate version does not. Both chambers are currently Republican-controlled, although Democrats will assume control of the House after Congress adjourns for the year in just three weeks. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who sits on the Farm Bill conference committee, accused Perdue and Zinke of using Californias wildfire tragedy to advance anti-environmental policies. It is outrageous that House Republicans and the Trump Administration are continuing to hold up the Farm Bill negotiations over harmful and extreme forestry provisions, Leahy said in a Nov. 21 statement. Secretaries Perdue and Zinke shockingly are trying to co-opt the terrible tragedies in California to push for the Trump Administrations crass, cynical and unaccountable logging of the publics national forests, he said. Another area of contention involves food entitlements. The nations vast food assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SNAP is by far the largest USDA food program. In 2017, more than $63 billion in benefits were issued to 42 million participants. The program exploded in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and remains significantly larger than its pre-recession size despite a vastly improved economy and near full national employment. The House version of the Farm Bill aims to shrink SNAP enrollment, over the objections of Democrats, by cutting a paltry $20 billion in funding over the next 10 years and revamping work requirements that were administratively gutted under President Obama. The House proposal would require so-called able-bodied adults without dependents, or healthy adults ages 18 to 59, to work at least 20 hours a week or be enrolled in expanded job training workfare programs to receive SNAP benefits. Food assistance work requirements were signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, and allowed healthy adults without dependents to receive up to three months of benefits over a three year period unless they worked part-time or participated in workfare. The Congressional Budget Office projected that re-instituting the measure would reduce SNAP enrollment by 1 million enrollees over 10 years. President Trump confirmed his support on Aug. 22. When the House and Senate meet on the very important Farm Bill we love our farmers hopefully they will be able to leave the Work Requirements for Food Stamps Provision that the House approved, Trump said in a Twitter post. Senate should go to 51 votes! When the House and Senate meet on the very important Farm Bill we love our farmers hopefully they will be able to leave the WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD STAMPS PROVISION that the House approved. Senate should go to 51 votes! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2018 Republicans added two more Senate seats in the midterm elections, but Senate Democrats have successfully held out thus far on compromising on both forestry reforms and SNAP work requirements, and they appear poised to exploit the Trump administrations lost leverage in the House come Jan. What the House has proposed on forestry would kill the farm bill, said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), a top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, on Nov. 27. Farmer Reveals Large Appetite of Giant Knickers the Cow An Australian farmer who owns the largest cow in his country, Knickersthat became a viral sensation this weekrevealed how much the animal eats. The cow is 6 feet 4 inches at the shoulder area and weighs more than 3,000 pounds, Geoff Pearson, the owner, told the Daily Mail. It resides on a farm south of Perth in Western Australia. Feeling cute, might delete later pic.twitter.com/XcF7E1I7Tm knickers (@knickersthecow) November 29, 2018 Every day, Knickers eats 70 pounds of natural green pasture and cereal grain, Pearson said, adding the cow has always eaten a lot. He was always a standout who stood above the rest. We kept him on because we thought he had potential to be a big steer but never imagined hed grow to be this huge, Pearson told the publication. Its quite daunting being up close to him, hes far bigger than any other steer Ive had. But hes very placid, not aggressive, just inquisitive. Pearson said Knickers is slightly shorter than his son, Tex, 17, who is 6 feet 7 inches. Pearson said hes got a herd of 20,000 cattle, but noted there is a high rate of cattle being sent to the slaughterhouse. But Knickers, he said, is an exception due to his size. Hes our favorite and one of our best assets, hes part of the furniture now, he said, adding that Knickers is too big for any slaughterhouse to take. Hes gone from being a production animal to I guess some sort of star, he said. We always got comments from anyone who saw him but hes rapidly becoming a local celebrity now. Im not sure how we will handle his newfound popularity Its not clear if the farm will use Knickers as some sort of attraction in the future, Pearson added, saying the cow is just getting on with his job, which is basically just eating and sleeping. Meanwhile, the animal still has a few years left to live despite its huge size. The worlds tallest steer currently is an Italian Chianina ox called Bellino that is several inches taller than Knickers. The heaviest-ever cow weighs about 5,000 pounds. Knickers is a Holstein-Friesian, a dairy breed known for being quite tall, according to an industry website about the animals. Holsteins are most quickly recognized by their distinctive color markings and outstanding milk production. Holsteins are large cattle with color patterns of black and white or red and white, it says. On average, Holsteins weigh about 1,500 pounds and are 58 inches tall at the shoulder. Margaret River veterinarian Rupert Mothersole told the ABC several weeks ago that hes never seen a steer as large as Knickers, but he stated its not unusual for Holstein-Friesian to grow to that size. Weve seen, over the last 30 to 40 years, quite a considerable increase in the average size of the cow, he said. Obviously the bulls and the steers are also going to grow larger as we select larger genetics. If we castrate them young then basically were not going to have the influence of those hormones, he said. Were going to find that the growth plates, which cause the bone plates to continue to grow, are going to stay open for much longer and thats going to give you a much more leggy, taller animal. Samuel Little, a convicted serial killer, may be connected to more than 90 murders across the United States. If the claim is true, he would be the worst serial killer in U.S. history. (Wise County Sheriff's Office) FBI Is Unraveling True Extent of Convicted Killers Claims After He Confesses to 90 Murders Investigators confirm 34 of the killings The FBI said that a 78-year-old Texas man convicted of killing three people has confessed to 90 more murders. If true, it would make him the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history. In a statement on Nov. 27, the FBI said it is working to match Samuel Littles confessions with women who were found dead in a number of states from the 1970s until 2005. We found a case out of Odessa, Texas, that sounded very much like him, and we could place him passing through the area around the same time, said FBIs Violent Criminal Apprehension Program Crime Analyst Christina Palazzolo in a statement. We sent that lead out to the Texas Rangers, who were eager to follow up on the long-cold case. Little is already serving out life sentences for the slayings of three women in California during the 1980s. Texas Ranger James Holland went to California to interview him. He shared the information because he was hoping to change prisons and wanted to be sent to a Texas facility. Over the course of that interview in May, he went through city and state, and gave Ranger Holland the number of people he killed in each place. Jackson, Mississippione; Cincinnati, Ohioone; Phoenix, Arizonathree; Las Vegas, Nevadaone, Palazzolo stated. The Texas Rangers and FBI said that during several interviews, Little confessed to around 90 murders. Investigators have confirmed 34 of the killings. Ector County District Attorney Bobby Bland noted that if true, Little might be the worst serial killer in American history, beating out the likes of Green River Killer Gary Ridgway, who was convicted of 49 murders, as well as Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. However, all three of these men have confessed to or were suspected of more murders. Theres been a lot of cooperation for law enforcement across the country as Texas Rangers are in the process of verifying the murders, Bland told CNN. The FBI report said he committed murders in places like Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Cleveland, and many more. Little targeted vulnerable women who were drug addicts or were prostitutes, the agency said, adding that he had a good memory of the killings details. Their bodies sometimes went unidentified and their deaths uninvestigated, the FBI said of his victims. But, he remembers where he was, and what car he was driving, the FBI statement added. He draws pictures of many of the women he killed. However, he doesnt remember dates. The FBI also said he killed women in a way that didnt appear to be a homicide but they were investigated as overdoses, accidents, or natural causes. Bland noted that none of Littles confessions have been disproven. When you lose someone like this, you dont know what happened to them or why it happened, its important to get the answers, Bland said, CBS7 reported earlier this month. And now there are people across the country that are getting those answers. There are people all over this country that havent had answers, havent had justice, but now they will, he elaborated, ABC13 reported. So even though it was delayed, it will not be denied. Watch: Is This the Largest Cow in the World? Building 10 sits behind Killian Court at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., Nov. 21, 2018. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) Fearing Espionage, US Weighs Tighter Rules on Chinese Students WASHINGTON The Trump administration is considering new background checks and other restrictions on Chinese students in the United States over growing espionage concerns, U.S. officials and congressional sources said. In June, the U.S. State Department shortened the length of visas for Chinese graduate students studying aviation, robotics and advanced manufacturing to one year from five. U.S. officials said the goal was to curb the risk of spying and theft of intellectual property in areas vital to national security. But now the Trump administration is weighing whether to subject Chinese students to additional vetting before they attend a U.S. school. The ideas under consideration, previously unreported, include checks of student phone records and scouring of personal accounts on Chinese and U.S. social media platforms for anything that might raise concerns about students intentions in the United States, including affiliations with government organizations, a U.S. official and three congressional and university sources told Reuters. U.S. law enforcement is also expected to provide training to academic officials on how to detect spying and cyber theft that it provides to people in government, a senior U.S. official said. Every Chinese student who China sends here has to go through a party and government approval process, one senior U.S. official told Reuters. You may not be here for espionage purposes as traditionally defined, but no Chinese student whos coming here is untethered from the state. The White House declined comment on the new student restrictions under review. Asked what consideration was being given to additional vetting, a State Department official said: The department helps to ensure that those who receive U.S. visas are eligible and pose no risk to national interests. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at a G20 summit in Argentina this week. Greater scrutiny of Chinese students would be part of a broader effort to confront Beijing over what Washington sees as the use of sometimes illicit methods for acquiring rapid technological advances that China has made a national priority. The worlds two biggest economies also are in a trade war and increasingly at odds over diplomatic and economic issues. Any changes would seek to strike a balance between preventing possible espionage while not scaring away talented students in a way that would harm universities financially or undercut technological innovation, administration officials said. But that is exactly what universitiesranging from the Ivy Leagues Harvard, Yale and Princeton universities to state-funded schools such as University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignfear most. At stake is about $14 billion of economic activity, most of it tuition and other fees generated annually from the 360,000 Chinese nationals who attend U.S. schools, that could erode if these students look elsewhere for higher education abroad. U.S. authorities see ample reason for closer scrutiny, pointing to recently publicized cases of espionage, or alleged espionage, linked to former students from Louisiana State University and Duke University and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. FBI Director Christopher Wray told a Senate hearing this year that his agents across the country are seeing non-traditional collectors (of intelligence), especially in the academic setting. Stop Short of a Ban White House adviser Stephen Miller proposed a ban early this year on student visas for all Chinese nationals, according a report to the Financial Times, and confirmed by Reuters. But the new measures would stop well short of such a ban, according to multiple sources. Terry Branstad, a former Iowa governor who is now ambassador to China, helped convince Trump to reject the Miller idea during a meeting in the Oval Office in the spring, one administration source said. Branstad argued that a ban would hurt schools across the United States, not just the elite universities many Republicans view as excessively liberal. MIT president L. Rafael Reif, and Andrew Hamilton, the president of New York University, are among several top university officials who published opinion columns recently addressing the perceived growing threat to their Chinese students. Reif said that academic institutions recognize the threat of espionage, but any new policy needs to protect the value of openness that has made American universities wellsprings of discovery and powerhouses of innovation. By Patricia Zengerle & Matt Spetalnick Former Trump Attorney Cohen Pleads Guilty to Lying to Congress President Donald Trumps former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress on Nov. 29 in a federal court in New York, according to the office of special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen pleaded to one count of making false statements to Congress as part of a plea deal with Mueller. Cohen said during the hearing that he submitted a false written statement about a Trump Organization real estate project in Moscow. The charges stem from a letter Cohen sent on Aug. 28 last year to the House and Senate committees on intelligence, according to the statement of offense bearing Muellers signature (pdf). Cohen had written to lawmakers that he terminated a real estate project in Moscow in January 2016 without asking or briefing Trump. Cohen added that he declined requests to travel to Moscow, never asked Trump to make the trip, and did not remember any Russian government response or contact about the Moscow Project. Cohen summarized the missive to lawmakers when he appeared before the Senate committee on intelligence on Sept. 19 last year. I assume we will discuss the rejected proposal to build a [Company-branded] property in Moscow that was terminated in January of 2016, which occurred before the Iowa caucus and months before the very first primary, Cohen said. This was solely a real estate deal and nothing more. I was doing my job. Cohen now alleges that he made those statements knowing they were false. In the court documents, he agrees that he continued to discuss a potential trip to St. Petersburg as late as May 6, 2016. Cohen eventually cancelled the trip during a meeting with his contact in the lobby of Trump Tower on June 14, 2016. The Democratic National Committee announced on the same day that its servers had been penetrated by Russian government hackers. Discussions about the trip involved an invitation from an unnamed Russian official for Cohen to visit the St. Petersburg Forum, Russias version of Davos which took place on June 16-19. The invitation was made via Cohens contact, who is also not named in the court documents. The contact wrote that the Russian official wants to meet there with you and possibly introduce you to either [the President of Russia] or [the Prime Minister of Russia], according to the court documents. Cohen told his contact on May 4 that Trump may visit Russia once he becomes the nominee after the [Republican National] convention. In addition to discussing the trip, Cohen communicated with an assistant to the press secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the court documents. Contrary to what he told Congress last year, Cohen spoke to the assistant for about 20 minutes on Jan. 20, 2016, asking for help in securing land, financing, and construction for the project. Lying to Congress is a felony which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Cohens plea agreement (pdf) recommends a sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $9,500. Cohen and his attorney, Guy Petrillo, signed the plea agreement on Nov. 29. Cohen told the court that he submitted the false statements out of his loyalty to Trump at the time. The loyalty appears to have lapsed since Cohen pleaded guilty in August to tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign finance violations in a case brought by federal prosecutors in New York. Cohen registered as a Democrat in October. Trump told reporters on Nov. 29 that Cohen a weak person and not a very smart person. The president said it was legal to operate a business while running for president. Trump added that the Moscow project was a public deal which he opted to cancel so he could focus on the presidential campaign. What hes trying to do is very simple, hes got himself a big prison sentence and hes trying to get a much lesser prison sentence by making up a story, Trump said. This deal was a very public deal. Everybody knows about this deal. I wasnt trying to hide anything. Mueller is investigating allegations of collusion between Trump campaign associates and Russia, as well as matter which arise from the probe. None of the charges brought by Mueller to date are related to collusion. The full scope of the special counsels investigation remains classified. Trump is a fierce critic of the Russia investigation. The president wrote on Twitter on Nov. 29 that Mueller is not looking at crimes that were committed by Crooked Hillary Clinton and the Democrats and called the probe a total disgrace. When will this illegal Joseph McCarthy style Witch Hunt, one that has shattered so many innocent lives, ever end-or will it just go on forever? Trump wrote. After wasting more than $40,000,000 (is that possible?), it has proven only one thing-there was NO Collusion with Russia. So Ridiculous! The president also cancelled on Nov. 29 a planned meeting with Putin in Argentina, citing Russias detention of Ukrainian ships and sailors. Reuters contributed to this report. A French woman shared photos of her swollen head as a warning to others after she suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction to hair dye. (Dean Wissing/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license) French Woman, 19, Warns Others About Hair Dye After Her Head Swells to Large Size A French woman shared photos of her swollen head as a warning to others after she suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction to hair dye. The 19-year-old woman, identified only as Estelle, said a chemical in the dye known as Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) caused the allergic reaction, reported Le Parisien. Estelle said she performed a test patch of the product, but she said she left it on for only 30 minutes. The recommended time to leave it on is 48 hours. I made a mistake, and I want to say to others, do not be like me, she told the publication, according to a translation. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says that some people have severe reactions when interacting with PPD products, adding that testing remains the gold standard method for confirming PPD allergy. PPD is also found in dark makeup, lipstick, henna tattoos, and other products. Estelle said she experienced irritation almost immediately on her scalp before the swelling began. She took antihistamines, but the next day, her head had swollen by a considerable amount, according to Yahoo Lifestyles translation of the Parisien report. Estelle told the news outlet: I could not breathe. I had a lightbulb head. Her tongue also swelled, she added. The report said she then went to the emergency room and was given a shot of adrenaline. She stayed there overnight as the swelling went down, the report siad. I almost died, Estelle said. I do not want this to happen to others. 'It took a week for my face to go back to normal'. Estelle had a horrific reaction to chemicals in hair dye. Now she wants to share her story as a warning to others. https://t.co/8KhjMzLYq2 pic.twitter.com/w6kakwRhHf BBC Outside Source (@BBCOS) November 28, 2018 PPD is an important constituent of hair dye toxicity of which one could herald fatal complications such as rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, angioneurotic edema, and respiratory failure, according to the National Library of Medicine. But she and her mother said the warnings on the package are too small. Who can read that? her mother asked. A scientist warned that PPD is well-known in the medical community as something that causes adverse reactions. Ive seen disfigured patients. But cases as extreme as Estelle remain rare, Dr. Catherine Oliveres-Ghouti, a member of the National Union of Dermatologists, told Le Parisien. She said 2 to 3 percent of the population is allergic. Hairdressers are the ones who are most affected, she said, because when they become allergic, there is no solution. She added: They just have to change jobs. It is an occupational disease. Weve sent out a lot of warnings about it, she said. According to NHS England, Some people are prone to a skin reaction called contact dermatitis. This means their skin becomes red, dry and irritated (inflamed) when they come into contact with a particular substance. The substance may either be an irritant, directly damaging the skin, or an allergen, triggering an allergic reaction that affects the skin. Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known irritant and allergen. This is the culprit of most reactions to hair dye. It said that people who have had a black henna tattoo are particularly at risk. Top photo credit: Dean Wissing via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange speaks on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London, Britain, on May 19, 2017. (Neil Hall/Reuters) Guardians Manafort Story Another Sign of Medias Desperation Commentary The mainstream medias frantic desperation to pump new life into the dying TrumpRussia collusion narrative manifested yet again on Nov. 27, when the UK newspaper The Guardian published an article, entitled Manafort Held Secret Talks With Assange in Ecuadorian Embassy, Sources Say. At least one anonymous source claimed to Guardian reporters Luke Harding and Dan Collyns that the former chairman of the Trump 2016 presidential campaign, Paul Manafort, met at least three times inside the embassy with Wikileaks founder and editor-in-chief Julian Assange, ostensibly to facilitate the later publication by Wikileaks of Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Hillary Clinton campaign emails. Any such meetings would have had to occur inside Ecuadors London embassy, due to the fact that Assange has been living there since 2012. To briefly sum up Assanges current situation for those who dont know it, and why its very relevant to this story: In 2010, Sweden put out an international arrest warrant for Assange on charges of rape and sexual assault. Fearing he would be extradited to Sweden, or to the United States for publishing classified documents, Assange violated his bail in the UK and entered the Ecuadorian embassy in August 2012 and requested asylum, which was granted. So, for the past six years, anyone wanting to meet with Assange has had to travel to the embassy in London and pass through strict surveillance and security protocols before being granted access to him. The Guardians report begins as follows: Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort held secret talks with Julian Assange inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and visited around the time he joined Trumps campaign, the Guardian has been told. Sources have said Manafort went to see Assange in 2013, 2015 and in spring 2016during the period when he was made a key figure in Trumps push for the White House. The Guardian insisted on publishing that story, despite the fact that Manafort and his legal team told the reporters, when asked for comment, that the allegation he went to the Ecuadorian embassy multiple times to meet with Assange was 100 percent false. After the storys appearance, this was the full statement released by Manafort: This story is false and deliberately libelous. I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him. I have never been contacted by anyone connected to Wikileaks, either directly or indirectly. I have never reached out to Assange or Wikileaks on any matter. We are considering all legal options against the Guardian who proceeded with this story even after being notified by my representatives that it was false. With this thinly sourced story, the Guardian is attempting to sell the narrative that Assange was given the Clinton/DNC emails by supposed Russian hackers, Assange and Wikileaks then reached out to the Trump campaign with this information, and newly hired Trump campaign manager Manafort was dispatched to London to meet with Assange and set up the later publication of the documents. As Conservative Review reporter Jordon Schachtel and others immediately pointed out on Twitter when this absurd story appeared, the entrances and exits to the embassy are watched by multiple intelligence and law enforcement agencies. There is intense scrutiny of the surrounding area as well. London has CCTV almost everywhere; it is one of the most highly surveilled places in the world. Manafort would have been spotted entering or leaving the building. Recall what Assange has made his living doing since he launched Wikileaks in 2006: publishing classified documents from multiple countries. Who Assange meets withand exchanges documents withis a subject of intense interest to more than a dozen countries around the world. Western intel agencies know the identities of every single individual who has walked into the Ecuadorian embassy while Assange has been holed up there. Would be virtually impossible for Manafort to slip through the cracks. https://t.co/l9DtyNVyIj Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) November 27, 2018 What youre watching today is the death throes of the mainstream medias narrative about the Mueller special counsel investigation. The Manafort/Assange/Russian Collusion narrative they tried to launch with the Guardian article is a sign of sheer desperation. The Guardian almost immediately began stealth-editing its story upon publication, changing the text from two anonymous sources to just sources. Mueller and his special counsel team have no smoking gun after two years, so reporters are forced to print ever-increasingly absurd fictions such as this Guardian story to keep the narrative from going completely under. Were reaching the endgame, as two years of peddling Fake News that many of the top players in the mainstream media knew was Fake News from the very beginningreaches its inevitable conclusion. Those media journalists that didnt know, who were true believers in all of these lies, are going to need therapy soon as their world comes crashing down. Brian Cates is a political pundit and writer based in South Texas and the author of Nobody Asked For My Opinion But Here It Is Anyway! He can be reached on Twitter @drawandstrike. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar speaks at a caregiver for veterans conference "Hidden Heroes Among Us" in Washington on Nov. 26, 2018. (Holly Kellum/NTD) HHS Proposes Strategy to Cut Down on Paperwork, Improve Electronic Health Records Strategy part of a larger push to cut government burden in the health care industry WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released on Nov. 28 its strategy for tackling burdensome health-record paperwork that has been made worse by the advent of electronic health records, known in the industry as EHR. Information trapped inside noncompatible software and rapidly changing federal and state regulations has likely contributed to a consolidation of health care providers, which limits the number of physicians in private practices. According to a 2016 survey by the Physicians for National Health Program (PNHP), physicians reported spending more time on paperwork than they did seeing patients by a ratio of two to one. Overlapping and conflicting regulations between state and federal agencies have created most of the burden for physicians, said Matthew Katz, the executive vice president and CEO of the Connecticut State Medical Society and a board member of the Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI). You never know if you code in one way, are you violating state law, are you violating federal and why does everyone want something in a different way? he said. It makes it very confusing for physicians and clinicians. HHS says it has heeded the industrys calls and recognizes that its regulations are a big part of the problem. As health care providers across the health care continuum seek to improve the ways they deliver care by incorporating beneficial new information technologies, these sources of burden can impede further innovation, ultimately limiting potential gains in improved quality of care for patients and patient safety, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement in the report. We believe there are many steps HHS can take to reduce burden. HHSs new strategy broadly has three goals: to reduce the effort and time required to record health information in EHRs, improve the intuitiveness of EHRs, and reduce the time it takes to meet regulatory reporting requirements. It should be clear to anyone paying attention that we are focusing our efforts to reduce regulatory burden & bolster competition in order to support independent practices & increase choices for patients. Administrator Seema Verma (@SeemaCMS) November 27, 2018 Katz says the problem is not just about what clinicians have to record but how fast government regulations change. We are seeing such significant regulatory changes from year-to-year that you need consultants and you need volumes of books simply to keep up with those regulations, said Katz. And then once youve understood them, they change. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) alone hands down almost 11,000 regulations a year, a number even CMS recognizes is a problem. CMS Administrator Seema Verma said that because of CMSs size, its actions affect the entire health care market, and that regulatory burden it imposes is a major driver of health care costs. She has also heard from the industry that paperwork is a major driver of physician burnout, and she believes it is accelerating consolidation in the health care system. In a study published in March, PAI found that between 2015 and 2016, the number of physicians employed by hospitals grew by 11 percent, a rate that is sharply higher than previous years. Between 2012 and 2016, the study found just a 17 percent increase. A survey by The Physicians Foundation for 20152016 found the number of physicians employed by a group or hospital jumped 14. 3 percent. The thicket of regulations that @CMSGov has rolled out over the years has also accelerated the consolidation we are seeing in our #healthcare system. Administrator Seema Verma (@SeemaCMS) November 27, 2018 I would agree that paperwork is contributing to consolidation in the health care industry, said Pamela Wible, a privately practicing physician in Oregon who helps other physicians set up private practices. She added that the administrative burden is unbearable. Deregulation HHS issued the strategy as a requirement of the 21st Century Cures Act, which requires that the agency ensure that electronic health information can be securely shared with other health information technology without special effort on the part of the user. But its also part of a larger deregulation push by President Donald Trump, who campaigned on deregulating the federal government. He has instructed all the federal agencies to cut regulations by 50 percent. For every new regulation imposed, two have to be cut. HHS Secretary Alex Azar says the department has cut five regulations for every one it has implemented, which the Office of Managment and Budget estimates has saved $8.2 billion in regulatory costs. The virtue of deregulation, according to proponents, is that it can reduce burdens on business and foster competition that will force prices down and choices up. Some of what the Trump administration has done under the umbrella of deregulation is aimed at increasing competition, such as streamlining the drug approval process at the FDA to put more generics on the market. Trump signed an executive order last October that calls for re-injecting competition into healthcare markets by lowering barriers to entry, limiting excessive consolidation, and preventing abuses of market power. Since then, short-term, limited duration health plans have been expanded from three months to three years; association health plans that allow small businesses and organizations to jointly provide coverage for employees have been established; as have health reimbursement accounts, to which employers make contributions to help employees pay for certain medical expenses not covered by their health plans. In the health care area, [the Trump administration has] publicly committed to an agenda of improving the system, increasing choice and competition, removing regulatory obstacles when they can, said Ed Haislmaier, a senior fellow of health care policy at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. They seem to be executing against that objective. He points out that the administration has been limited by what it can do without the help of Congress. Trumps effort to repeal Obamacare, for example, died in the Senate last year when three Republicans voted against it. At the request of Trump, CMS has instituted an initiative called Patients over Paperwork, which seeks to eliminate duplicate, outdated, or otherwise unnecessary regulations. Between 2018 and 2021, CMS estimates the initiative will eliminate more than 53 million hours of paperwork burden for providers. Italy Lawmakers Pass Tough New Asylum Law in Immigration Crackdown Italy has passed a new law that tightens the criteria for granting asylum to those fleeing war and political persecution. A wide majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the new security and immigration law on Nov. 28, handing conservative Interior Minister Matteo Salvini his first major legislative win. Under the new law, refugees will still be granted protection if they are specifically escaping political persecution or war. The new legislation, however, narrows the scope of what comes under broader category of humanitarian asylum which grants protection to those with serious reasons to flee. Im willing to host women and children who are escaping from war but all the others, no, Salvini said on Nov. 29, referring to the new legislation. I dont want to be seen as an idiot. In Italy there are rules and must be respected, tweeted Salvini. If you run from the war, youre my brother, but if you dont run from any war and the war brings us home, Ill take you back to where you came from. Critics have said the new policy could be in contravention of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Rejecting a UN Accord In addition to refugees fleeing war, asylum is now limited to victims of domestic violence, trafficking, work exploitation, and natural disasters, to those needing urgent medical care, and to people who carry out particularly valuable civic acts. Humanitarian protection was supposed to be used sparingly, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told reporters earlier this month. In Italy, there has been an indiscriminate reception [of migrants] and the rules helped support this. Salvini is also pushing for Italy not to sign the upcoming UN accord on refugees, potentially adding to a growing list of European countries that have recently joined the United States in rejecting the agreement which they say takes the rights of refugees too far. Salvini leads the right-wing League party that forms a government coalition with the anti-establishment Five Star movement, united under Conte. Since 2015, the Syria conflict has pushed a surge of refugees into Europe, pressuring the long-criticized Dublin system to breaking point, blunting public appetite for open borders policies, and sparking the election of politicians touting tighter immigration policies. EU-wide migrant policies, combined with European rights laws, have been criticized for decades for being impractical, pitting different countries against each other, and for making it easy for failed asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants to slip the net. Setting up Refugee Camps Outside the EU With the EU courts ratcheting up refugee protections in recent years, as soon as someone enters the EU, the hands of authorities are tied. EU leaders have recently been working on a new system that would include setting up asylum-processing and camps outside of the EU. During the migrant crisis boat-loads of tens of thousands of refugees made their way from the shores of north Africa across the Mediterranean to Italythe most dangerous migrant crossing in the world. In 2017, 130,119 people applied for asylum in Italy, with 6,827 granted refugee status. Of those who did not meet the criteria for refugee status, 20,166 were granted asylum under humanitarian protection and 6,880 were granted subsidiary protection under EU rules. Salvini was instated as interior minister in June after months of haggling over the formation of a coalition after an election that overturned the usual political order. He immediately said he was going to enact stricter immigration policies. On Nov. 28 he said Italy should not sign the Global Compact UN proposal on immigration. The Global Compact for Migration sets out global standards and guidelines for countries to address immigration. The United States said last year that it wouldnt sign the accord, which isnt legally binding. The other 193 members of the UN had all agreed to sign the pact until Hungary broke ranks in June, followed quickly by Austria, then Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. Reuters contributed to this report. Jeff Sessions Cracks Pink Slip Jokes at Crime Commission Awards Dinner Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made jokes about his recent departure from the White House during a speech at an awards dinner in Chicago. Sessions cracked wise while delivering a keynote speech to Illinois law enforcement officials on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at the Chicago Crime Commission, a private group advocating for effective crime-fighting laws. The former Attorney General made light of his recent ouster, joking about being given a pink slip. Well, a lot has changed since my visit here a few months ago, about a month ago, actually, Sessions told the audience at the annual Stars of Distinction awards dinner. I got a new title, he said, and then pointedly added former, setting the audience chuckling. A lot of people have gotten pink slips I guess, Session continued, but mines a little more public than most! Resignation President Donald Trump asked for Sessionss resignation shortly after the midterm elections earlier this month. Trump had criticized Sessions for his decision to recuse himself from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to conduct the investigation by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstien, who took charge in the wake of Sessionss recusal. Trumps frustration with Sessions peaked in August, when he told Fox News in an interview that the now-former attorney general had failed to tackle alleged DOJ corruption, with Trump saying he never took control of the Justice Department. About a year earlier, Trump asked on Twitter, So why arent the Committees and investigators, and of course our beleaguered A.G., looking into Crooked Hillarys crimes & Russia relations? with A.G. referring to Sessions. Blessed In My Life The former Attorney General expressed warm feelings toward the president on Wednesday. I really enjoyed the honor, and appreciate the president allowing me to serve almost two years in one of the greatest jobs in the world, he said. Im satisfied and fulfilled, I think, with what we were able to accomplish. And Im excited for those who will continue to lead the great department. In his remarks, Sessions echoed previous statements, when he said that he was blessed in my life for the opportunity of public service. It is an honor I never expected nor one I ever would have thought possible, Sessions said at The International Law Enforcement Academy Graduation ceremony in July, 2017. And while there are good days and bad days in any job, one thing has been clear to me, it is a privilege to serve ones country in law enforcement to wake up each morning and fight the fight for the rule of law. Sessions submitted his resignation letter on Nov. 7, after which Trump issued a statement, saying we thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date. Sessions was replaced on a temporary basis by his chief of staff, Matthew Whitaker, of whom Trump said in a statement, He will serve our country well. Whitakers appointment has been the subject of intense scrutiny owing to critical statements he had made regarding Muellers investigation. Manaforts Deripaska Connections and Waldmans Role in the Assange Negotiations News Analysis The Guardian published an article on Nov. 26 saying that former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort met with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in 2013, 2015, and again in 2016. Citing unnamed sources, The Guardian also reported that Manaforts association with Assange could go back as far as 2012. Manafort denied the accusations in a statement: I have never met Julian Assange or anyone connected to him. I have never been contacted by anyone connected to WikiLeaks, either directly or indirectly. I have never reached out to Assange or WikiLeaks on any matter. Julian Assange, through a series of tweets sent by WikiLeaks, said the meetings did not occur. No other news source has corroborated The Guardians story and the publication has added some qualifying language to the article after it was published, but continues to stand by its reporting. The article also notes that Manaforts lawyers initially declined to answer the Guardians questions about the visits. According to The Guardian, Manafort first visited Assange in 2013, about a year after Assange sought asylum inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. A second visit allegedly took place in 2015 before a final meeting in March of 2016. Notably, there was no visit during 2014 cited. According to The Guardian, Manaforts first visit was also attended by others: A separate internal document written by Ecuadors Senain intelligence agency and seen by the Guardian lists Paul Manaford [sic] as one of several well-known guests. It also mentions Russians. Its not clear if Manaforts second visit was limited to just himself, but The Guardian reports his 2016 visit involved only Manafort and Assange: He paid another visit in spring 2016, turning up alone, around the time Trump named him as his convention manager. The visit is tentatively dated to March. Julian Assange speaks to the media from the balcony of the Embassy Of Ecuador in London on May 19, 2017. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Manaforts 2016 visit to Assange lasted about 40 minutes, one source said, adding that the American was casually dressed when he exited the embassy, wearing sandy-coloured chinos, a cardigan and a light-coloured shirt. Visitors normally register with embassy security guards and show their passports. Sources in Ecuador, however, say Manafort was not logged. Surrounding Events Although the Guardian story may ultimately be disproven, there is another intriguing series of contacts that took place between the lawyer of Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska, Adam Waldman, and Julian Assange and high ranking US officials. Manafort has pleaded guilty in two separate cases in Virginia and the District of Columbia unrelated to his work for the Trump campaign. In the Virginia Case, Manafort pleaded guilty to crimes related to money he made made lobbying for Ukrainian politicians along with crimes related to bank and tax fraud. In the DC case, Manafort was charged with crimes relating to money laundering, FARA violations, and obstruction of justice. More recently, Manafort was accused of lying to the FBI and the team of special counsel Robert Mueller on a variety of subject matters including his personal business dealings and about his contacts with a former associate in Ukraine and had therefore breached his plea agreement. A pending sentencing submission will detail Manaforts crimes and lies. Donald Trumps former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, referred to Manafort in an MSNBC interview as a serial liar, saying, he lies about the smallest things. He lies about the biggest things. In addition to Manaforts Ukrainian ties, Manafort has long been associated with Deripaska. In fact, it was the reporting of $12.7 million in undisclosed Ukrainian payments along with Manaforts financial involvement with Deripaska that reportedly led then-candidate Trump to note, Ive got a crook running my campaign. Manafort and his business partner, Rick Gates, were closely associated with Deripaska from 2005 to 2009 and maintained contact until at least 2011. For the next several years, their ties became more ambiguous. What is known is that in 2014 Deripaska filed a lawsuit against Manafort in the Cayman Islands claiming that Manafort and Gates had simply disappeared. Deripaska filed a second lawsuit in a Virginia court in 2015. The lawsuits relate to an investment fund, Pericles Emerging Markets. The fund was started by Manafort and several partners in 2007. Deripaska was the financial backer of the fund and agreed to commit as much as $100 million, although he apparently only invested $18.9 million in 2008 to finance the purchase of Black Sea Cable. Deripaska has also claimed that he paid about $7.3 million in management fees to the fund over two years. At the time that Deripaska filed his first lawsuit, Manafort found himself in financial trouble as his payments from Ukraine dried up in 2014. Manafort was interviewed by the FBI in July 2014, and began taking out loans on his real estate properties. In the meantime, Manafort remained indebted to Deripaska. As detailed in a previous article, Deripaska has long been seeking stable visa access to the United States and went to some extraordinary efforts, including a collaboration with the FBI from 2008 to 2010. Deripaska was rewarded for his efforts and was allowed entry into the United States eight times between 2011 and 2014 with government permission as a Russian diplomat. In addition to Deripaska, there was another high-profile individual seeking access to the United States, and he had the help of Deripaskas lawyer, Adam Waldman. In 2017, Waldman was also representing Julian Assange. Waldman also, at the same time, represented interests of Christopher Steele. Steele, a former MI6 agent, is one of the authors of the Steele dossier on then candidate Donald Trump, which was paid for by the DNC and the Clinton campaign. Steele has known Deripaska since at least 2012, when he was hired by Waldman on behalf of Deripaska to assist in a lawsuit filed by a business rival, according to an article by John Solomon for The Hill. In late 2014, Steele and DOJ official Bruce Ohr met in Washington to discuss cultivating Deripaska into an FBI informant on Russian organized crime, according to a New York Times article. Ohr would later act as a conduit between Steele and the FBI in 2016 and 2017 in the context of the agencys counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign. In 2015, Steele helped set up a meeting between Deripaska and the FBI, but wasnt directly involved in the meeting itself, according to The New York Times article. Ohr, however, was personally involved in the meeting, which reportedly involved pressing Deripaska on the connections between Russian organized crime and Mr. Putins government, as well as other issues. During a series of communications in early 2016, Steele appeared to be lobbying Ohr on Deripaskas behalfand Waldmans name was also mentioned: On Jan. 12, 2016, Steele sent Ohr a New Years greeting by email and brought up Deripaskas visa case: Steele: I heard from Adam Waldman yesterday that OD is applying for another official US visa ice [sic] APEC business at the end of February. Deripaska is being encouraged by the Agency guys who told Adam that the USG [United States Government] stance on [Deripaska] is softening. A positive development it seems. On Feb. 8, 2016, Deripaska was mentioned again. He had been granted a visa to visit the United States. This time, Steele appeared to be asking Ohr to provide inside information regarding Deripaskas visa status: Steele: Our old friend OD apparently has been granted another official visa to come to the US later this month. As far as Im concerned, this is good news all round although as before, it would be helpful if you could monitor it and let me know if any complications arise. Ohr: To the extent I can I will keep an eye on the situation. As Steele and Ohr were having their discussions, Manafort reached out to the Trump campaign on Feb. 29, 2016. It was Mr. Manafort who initiated the process for getting a job on the campaign, the documents show. It began when he sent two succinct memos to Mr. Trump through Thomas J. Barrack Jr., a mutual friend, The New York Times reported on April 8, 2017. As noted by Manafort, his previous contact with Trump had been minimal: Donald Trump and I had some business in the 1980s but we had no relationship until the Trump campaign called me, The New York Times reported. On March 28, 2016, Manafort was hired by the Trump campaign to manage the teams efforts at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Manafort was initially hired to lead the campaigns delegate effort but was soon promoted, becoming Trumps campaign chairman and chief strategist on May 19, 2016. His tenure was short-livedon Aug. 19, 2016, Manafort was forced to resign from the campaign. During his time with the Trump campaign, Manafort was in regular contact with Konstantin Kilimnik, his longtime employee in Kiev. Many of their emails, parts of which have been published by The Washington Post, appear to pertain to Deripaska. In one email, Manafort referred to his positive press and growing reputation and asked, How do we use to get whole? The Atlantic reported that Kilimnik sent Deripaska press clips regarding Manaforts new role and provided indications to Manafort that the relationship with Deripaska might be repaired: I am more than sure that it will be resolved and we will get back to the original relationship. On July 7, 2016, Manafort sent an email to Kilimnik regarding Deripaska, saying, If he needs private briefings we can accommodate. On July 29, 2016, Kilimnik told Manafort he had spent five hours with the guy who gave you your biggest black caviar jar several years ago. This is almost certainly a reference to Deripaska. Kilimnik said the guy wanted to pass a message on to Manafort. It has to do about the future of his country, and is quite interesting, he said. In September 2016, Deripaska had another meeting with the FBI where they reportedly asked Deripaska about Manaforts ties to Russia. The FBI also reportedly posited a theory that Trumps campaign was secretly colluding with Russia to hijack the U.S. election. Deripaska reportedly dismissed the idea, telling the FBI, You are trying to create something out of nothing. Julian Assange In January 2017, a strange sequence of events concerning Assange began to unfold when the Assange legal team first approached Waldman regarding possible negotiations for limited immunity and safe passage out of a London embassy to talk with U.S. officials. The Hill reported the following: They hoped Waldman, a former Clinton Justice Department official, might navigate the U.S. law enforcement bureaucracy and find the right people to engage. Assange had a bargaining chip: The U.S. government knew he had a massive trove of documents from classified CIA computers, identifying sensitive assets and chronicling the agencys offensive cyber warfare weapons. Almost immediately after accepting the Assange engagement, Waldman contacted Bruce Ohr: Waldman contacted Ohr, a Justice official hed met during the Russia election case. They talked by phone and encrypted text messages in early January, then met Feb. 3, 2017, in Washington, records show. Waldman also met three times with Assange in London in January 2017, according to The Guardian: Waldman allegedly visited Assange twice on 12 and 13 January 2017, days before Trumps inauguration as president, and again immediately after the ceremony, on 27 January. The Guardian also reported that in addition to the January meetings, Waldman was in London in March 2017 when he saw Assange twice more and specifically visited Assange three times in April and made two more visits at the end of November 2017. It is not clear whether Waldman was brokering the deal on Assanges behalf or someone elsesDeripaska is a key person in the investigation by the special counsel Robert Mueller into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, Luke Harding wrote. Harding is the same reporter who wrote on Manaforts meetings with Assange. On Jan. 27, 2017, Steele sent another text to Ohr that may have related to Assange, although its also possible the text related to Deripaska: Steele: Hi B! Our guys OK for the time being but I would like to keep our channel open on him and his situation if thats all right? Many thanks for your support and Best wishes. Ohr: Understood. We will be available if needed. Just let me know. On Jan. 31, 2017, Steele followed up with Ohr: Steele: B, doubtless a sad and crazy day for you-SY [Sally Yates]. Just wanted to check you are OK, still in situ and able to help locally as discussed, along with your Bureau colleagues, with our guy if the need arises? Many Thanks and Best as Always, C Ohr: Yes, a crazy day. Im still here and able to help as discussed. Ill let you know if that changes. Thanks! Steele: Thanks. You have my sympathy and support. If you end up out though, I really need another (Bureau?) contact point/number who is briefed. We cant allow our guy to be forced to go back home. It would be disastrous all round, though his position now looks stable. A million thanks. C Ohr: Understood. I can certainly give you an FBI contact if it becomes necessary. In February 2017, Waldman formally began negotiations with the DOJ concerning a possible immunity deal for Assange: Waldman negotiated with the Justice Department on a possible deal to get the WikiLeaks founder limited immunity and safe passage out of a London embassy to talk with U.S. officials. In return, Assange would provide technical information to the U.S. ruling out certain suspects in the release of hacked DNC emails key to the Russia case, identify vulnerabilities in the CIAs computer systems and talk about measures to protect certain sensitive information in future releases by Wikileaks. On Feb. 3, 2017, Waldman met in Washington with Ohr. Immediately following that meeting, Waldman was contacted by David Laufman, a Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of counterintelligence for the DOJs National Security Division, via an email: I am following up on a conversation you had with Bruce Ohr at the Department of Justice. Please give me a call as soon as possible; would like to set up a conference call this evening with some colleagues to hear what your client is seeking and has to offer. Laufman abruptly resigned from his position a year later on Feb. 8, 2018. A number of other high-ranking DOJ and FBI officials, including Rachel Brand (Associate Attorney Generalresigned Feb. 9), James Rybicki (Chief of Staff to FBI Director James Comey & Current FBI Director Chris Wrayresigned Jan. 23, 2018), Josh Campbell (Special Assistant to James Comeyresigned on Feb. 2, 2018) and Michael Kortan (FBI Asst. Director Public Affairsresigned on Feb. 8, 2018) all resigned within days of each other. On Feb. 14, 2017, a series of encrypted texts between Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Waldman began. The actual exchanges may have originated earlier but these are the first dates made public. Warner had replaced Senator Dianne Feinstein as Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in November 2016, and in doing so also became a member of the Gang of Eight. By nature of his position, Warner would have been fully aware that his text exchanges, although encrypted, would have been visible to the NSA. It should also be noted that Warners contact on the Assange matter was shared with Senate Intelligence chairman Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). On Feb. 15, 2017, Waldman sent Warner this text regarding the negotiations with Assange: Mark, I wanted to let you know that everyone I have spoken with in USG [US Government] about this matter, each of whom I have also been entirely transparent with about my motives in trying to assist, has assured me that they understand and appreciate my efforts. Perhaps thats wrong but I wanted to pass along to you. I told Assange just as I told the USG that I would end this pro bono role if I found that the objective (safe passage to discuss w USG the past and future leaks) could not be achieved. The following day, Waldman followed up with Warner in this rather ominous-sounding text in an apparent reference to Assange: Just want to underscore my opinion and the reason I got involved this guy is going to do something catastrophic for the dems, Obama, CIA and national security. I hope someone will consider getting him to the US to ameliorate the damage. During this same period in February, Warner reached out to then-FBI Director James Comey regarding the negotiations involving Assange. As reported by John Solomon of The Hill, Comey issued a stand-down order regarding any further negotiations, but it appears he was overridden by someone within the DOJpossibly Laufmanand negotiations with Assange continued: He [Warner] told me he had just talked with Comey and that, while the government was appreciative of my efforts, my instructions were to stand down, to end the discussions with Assange, Solomon said Waldman told him. Solomon reported that Waldman couldnt believe that Warner and Comey were sending a different signal and that Laufman assured him negotiations were still on. What Laufman said to me after he heard I was told to stand down by Warner and Comey was, Thats bullshit. You are not standing down and neither am I, Solomon wrote. Timing of Events At the start of March 2017, a number of events, some potentially inter-related, took place. On March 1, the New York Times reported that Obama Administration officials scrambled to spread information about Russian efforts to undermine the presidential electionand about possible contacts between associates of President-elect Donald J. Trump and Russiansacross the government. On March 2, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from involvement with the FBIs Russia investigation. On March 4, 2017, President Trump wrote on Twitter that he had been surveilled by the Obama Administration: Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my wires tapped in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism! During this same period, Deripaska began taking out newspaper advertisements saying he was willing to testify before Congress: In March, Mr. Deripaska took out newspaper ads stating that he was willing to participate in hearings before Congress after The Associated Press published a report alleging that Mr. Manafort had provided him with a plan in 2005 outlining steps to greatly benefit the Putin government, by influencing politics and news coverage in the United States. Mr. Deripaska has denied ever entering into such an arrangement and sued The A.P. for libel last month, The New York Times reported on May 26, 2017. Oleg Deripaska during a session of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, on Jan. 23, 2013. (JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images) Deripaska would make the same offer again in May 2017. On March 7, 2017, in what appears to be a negotiating tactic by Assange, WikiLeaks released thousands of files relating to the CIAs arsenal of hacking tools. These included cyber-tools that could be used to convert cellphones and other devices into surveillance tools. Some of these tools were also able to bypass encryption-enabled applications like WhatsApp and Telegram. The release by WikiLeaks, known as Vault 7, did not appear to deter negotiations as a reported mid-March email from Waldman to Laufman seems to indicate: Dear David, I relayed our conversations to Assange and he had a generally positive view of it. In the midst of the ongoing Assange negotiations, Waldman met on March 16 with former staffer of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dan Jones, who had recently begun working with Fusion GPS and Steele. The meeting was highlighted in a Daily Caller op-ed written by Deripaska. On March 16, 2017, Daniel Joneshimself a team member of Fusion GPS, self-described former FBI agent and, as we now know from the media, an ex-Feinstein staffermet with my lawyer, Adam Waldman, and described Fusion as a shadow media organization helping the government, funded by a group of Silicon Valley billionaires and George Soros, Deripaska wrote. On the same day as the Waldman-Jones meeting, Dan Coats was sworn in as the new Director of National Intelligence. Comey would later testify in March 2017 before Congress that he immediately briefed Coats on the ongoing Russia Investigation. Comey also somewhat cryptically implied that he had not briefed former DNI Clapper. I dont know what the DNIs knowledge of it was because we didnt have a DNI until Mr. Coats took office and I briefed him his first morning in office, Comey said. On March 17, 2017, Waldman again texted Warner: Chris Steele asked me to call you. The following day, on March 18, 2017, Steele sent a concerned-sounding text to Ohr: Steele: Hi! Just wondering if you had any news? Obviously, were a bit apprehensive given scheduled appearance at Congress on Monday. Hoping that important firewalls will hold. Many thanks. Ohr: Sorry, no new news. I believe my earlier information is still accurate. I will let you know immediately if there is any change. FBI Director Comey was scheduled to testify before Congress on March 20, 2017. During his testimony, Comey stated that he intentionally withheld congressional notification of the FBIs counterintelligence investigation into Russian election interference until some weeks prior to his testimony. On March 23, 2017, Warner sent Waldman a text that appears to relate to Paul Manafort: Need to coordinate date for trip can you talk with my scheduler also want to discuss Paul. Two days later, on March 25, 2017, Waldman sent Warner the following text: Deripaska is in London Monday-Thursday and I might be able to arrange a mtg w him too if you wish. I discussed it with him today and he seemed interested. The following day, Waldman followed up with another text to Warner: I have an idea to explore w you. Pls call when youre free. Deripaska had either just arrived in London or was about to arrive. Toward the end of March, the negotiations regarding Assange became more serious. On March 28, 2017, Waldman sent an email to Laufman that appeared to lay out conditions: Subject to adequate and binding protections, including but not limited to an acceptable immunity and safe passage agreement, Mr. Assange welcomes the opportunity to discuss with the U.S. government risk mitigation approaches relating to CIA documents in WikiLeaks possession or control, such as the redaction of agency personnel in hostile jurisdictions and foreign espionage risks to WikiLeaks staff, Waldman wrote Laufman on March 28, 2017. On March 30, 2017, the conversation between Warner and Waldman shifts to Steele,and Warner appears to be attempting to arrange a call with Steele via Waldman: Waldman: Chris is concerned about the leaks yesterday. He has been trying to reach me and we are going to talk in the next eight hours. Then will revert. Warner: Ok but I would like to do prelim call u me and him no one else before letter just so we have to trail to start want to discuss scope first before letter no leaks Waldman: Yesterdays press might have run him off. I just spoke w him and Hes huddled w lawyers now and will tell me his position later in the day. Warner: We want to do this right private in London dont want to send letter yet cuz if we cant get agreement wud rather not have paper trail The leak Waldman was referring to was an NBC article which stated that the Senate Intelligence Committee was arranging an interview with Steele. On March 31, 2017, Warner and Waldman had this brief exchange: Warner: Keep me informed also any news from ur other guy on manafort Waldman: My other guy, like Steele, very mistrustful of USG. Hes been essentially shut out of the country and dragged through the mud. I explored this question w him last night in person. Waldman: Update re the other guy, my contact at DOJ has gone silent for 72 hrs. I gave him what he asked for and now dont hear from him. Please let me know if you hear anything. Will keep trying until I sense there is no appetite on either side for resolution. Waldman: Interestingly just heard from DOJ that they received and are considering. Although this exchange is somewhat confusing, there may be two other guys. The first reference being to Deripaska and the second being to Assange. The Guardian reported that Waldman was in London in late March, when he saw Assange twice more. On April 5, 2017, Laufman pressed Waldman in an email regarding the terms to be accepted by Assange: As we give continued consideration ot the substance of your proposed proffer, please clarify a procedural point: namely, in your March 28, 2017, email, you indicate that Mr. Assange is seeking a safe passage agreement. What kind of safe passage is he asking for the ability to return to the embassy after a meeting elsewhere in London, if such a meeting can be arranged, or something else? Assange did not appear to be overly impressed with Laufmans terms as WikiLeaks released a second series of documents relating to CIA malware used for cyber attacks on April 7. On April 10 2017 Waldman texted Warner regarding all three of his clientsSteele, Assange and Deripaska: Hi. Steele: would like to get a bi partisan letter from the committee; Assange: I convinced him to make serious and important concessions and am discussing those w DOJ; Deripaska: willing to testify to congress but interested in state of play w Manafort. I will be with him next tuesday for a week. Negotiations on Assange appear to fall apart at this point as there are no further references to Assange in the remaining public texts. Several days later, CIA Director Mike Pompeo slammed Assange and WikiLeaks in an April 13 speech: WikiLeaks walks like a hostile intelligence service and talks like a hostile intelligence service. It has encouraged its followers to find jobs at CIA in order to obtain intelligence. It directed Chelsea Manning in her theft of specific secret information. And it overwhelmingly focuses on the United States, while seeking support from anti-democratic countries and organizations. It is time to call out WikiLeaks for what it really isa non-state hostile intelligence service often abetted by state actors like Russia. On Aug. 16, 2017, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher visited Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy, as The Hill reported: Julian Assange told a U.S. congressman on Tuesday he can prove the leaked Democratic Party documents he published during last years election did not come from Russia and promised additional helpful information about the leaks in the near future. Our three-hour meeting covered a wide array of issues, including the WikiLeaks exposure of the DNC [Democratic National Committee] emails during last years presidential election, Rohrabacher said, Julian emphatically stated that the Russians were not involved in the hacking or disclosure of those emails. Julian also indicated that he is open to further discussions regarding specific information about the DNC email incident that is currently unknown to the public, he said. Waldman would visit Assange two final times, both in November 2017. On April 5, 2018, Waldmans firm, the Endeavor Group severed ties with Deripaska, after nearly nines years of representation. The following day, on April 6, the United States imposed sanctions against 24 Russians, including Deripaska, who called the decision very unfortunate but not unexpected. On Oct. 8, the U.S. government moved to freeze Deripaskas U.S. assets, including mansions in Manhattan and Washington. On Nov. 16, it was revealed through an apparent court error that criminal charges against Assange had been filed. Following a Nov. 27 ruling, the charges against Assange will remain sealed for the time being as the judge awaits more information. Long Island Medium (Theresa Caputo) works for Satan Shes charming, shes whacky, and shes got funny hair and crazy fingernails- shes also working for the devil. Sound harsh? Good. ... Fr.Longenecker vs Michael Voris Quote: "If the faith is in imminent peril, prelates ought to be accused by their subjects, even in public."-St. Thomas Aquinas ... Catholic Controversy over "Son of God" movie It is seldom that I disagree with Michael Voris from Church Militant TV , but today I do. It seems some of the more traditional leanin... Saint Peter taught me to love Pope Francis Anyone who has been following my blog [along with family and friends] know that I have had serious issues with Pope Francis since Holy We... Banning Children from Gay Pride Parades ** WARNING : Adult homosexual content GRAPHIC GAY PRIDE PARADE PHOTOS ** Should children be banned from gay pride parades? Ye... What's up with Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry? So I'm on Twitter when I see Ryan Fitz retweet a Creaky tweet about Catholic Life Teen Youth Ministry that caught my eye. Someth... Lonely: I pray for someone I came across two stories on Twitter recently about lonely people. The first was about an elderly woman who sat alone in her house for ye... Fr James Martin says the Virgin Mary opposed Jesus Christ because Jesus was crazy Father James Martin strikes again, taking another shot at the Holy Mother of God on his Facebook page . Martin says... get this.... Unbelievable Mass Abuses Today in my email box I received an email with a link to a Youtube video entitled " The Novus Ordo is not catholic "<--click th... Contact: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, 212-371-3191, pr@catholicleague.org The obituary in the Wisconsin State Journal on Bishop Robert Morlino, who led the Diocese of Madison, reeks of politics. He died on November 24 at the age of 71. The reader gets a sense of the narrative about to be weaved by the headline, "Catholics Express Mixed Feelings As They Mourn Bishop Robert Morlino." It would be instructive to learn from the authors of this obit, Chris Rickert and Rob Schultz, the names of those deceased public persons who held a leadership postin any walk of lifewho did not have his share of critics, as well as fans. Yet how many obit writers would conclude that his death was received by the public with "mixed feelings?" A leader leads: he is not engaged in a popularity contest. Morlino certainly was not. That is why one of the shots taken at himquestioning whether he was a good fit for Madisonis so lame. Like most college towns, Madison enjoys a very liberal reputation, so having a bishop who defends traditional moral values is precisely the right fit: Morlino came to challenge the conventional wisdom, not ratify it. "Morlino quickly became a polarizing force after his installation on Aug. 1, 2003," the obit says, "gaining a national reputation for vigorously opposing abortion and same-sex unions." Why is he a "polarizing force" but his harshest critics are not? Are not those who condemn racism in a racist community a "polarizing force?" Similarly, before Election Day in 2006, "he ordered all priests to play, without comment, a recorded message from him at Mass in which he voiced opposition to same-sex marriage, the death penalty and embryonic stem-cell research. Some parishioners walked out or stood with their backs to the altar when the message was played." The real beef these parishioners have is with the teachings of the Catholic Church, not with Morlino, who was simply enunciating them. The authors write that in August, Morlino "claimed that a homosexual subculture within the Catholic Church's hierarchy is mostly to blame for the churchs ongoing sexual abuse scandal...." If there is anyone still out there who doesn't believe this to be the truth, then he is ideologically blinded and living in a state of denial. The obit fairly notes that under his watch, "more young men studied to become priests." That is an understatement. Father Raymond de Souza, writing in the National Catholic Register, is more accurate. "For a small diocese of fewer than 300,000 souls," he says, "Bishop Morlino attracted an abundance of priestly vocations, at one time nearly three dozen. In his 15 years as bishop he ordained more than 40 priests." That's what a real leader doeshe leads other good people to do the right thing. The people of Madison, Wisconsin were lucky to have Bishop Morlino. So were all of ushe was a national figure. Many Migrant Caravan Members Are Deciding to Return Home Some Central Americans who arrived at the U.S.Mexico border as part of the migrant caravan have decided to head home. There is also the possibility that some of the migrants will remain in Mexico. A decrease asylum requests reflects on the fact that people have realized the difficulty of this trip and they have also realized about the possibility that Mexico is offering [to give them work]. Mexico has opened its doors, Mexico is offering asylum, Mexico is also offering jobs, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said at a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the reason the migrants are taking up the offer to go back include economic responsibilities back home, a fear of legal consequences for clashing with authorities at the border, and a growing weariness of Tijuanas shelters. Many migrants who claim asylum now have to wait in Mexico until their claims are processed by U.S. authorities. This change in policy could keep them in Mexico for a significant stretch of time. I thought Id already be working in the United States by now, 27-year-old Jonathan Canales, a Honduran who is choosing to return, told the Union-Tribune. He has been staying in a Tijuana shelter for over two weeks. Canales left behind his wife and 2-year-old daughter in hopes of finding a job in the United States. He is a plumber in Honduras and is looking forward to getting back to work and reuniting with his family, the Union-Tribune reported. Other migrants also do not like the conditions of the shelters. The conditions inside are not just unclean, theyre a little dangerous, said 22-year-old Maria Granados, via the Union-Tribune. She was also looking to return home and see her 2-year-old daughter. Granados said she had also become disillusioned with what has become of the migrant caravan. She didnt expect it to become violent. On Nov. 25, things became tense when migrants threw rocks at border agents and tried to break through border fencing. Some were driven back with tear gas. Granados has also come to realize, as have other migrants in the caravan, that they might not get into the United States after all. Gang Members Join the Migrant Caravan On Nov. 28, border patrol announced that they had arrested an MS-13 gang member in California. Jose Villalobos-Jobel, 27, was arrested on Nov. 24 after agents suspected him of entering California illegally. He later confessed to border agents that he was a Honduran citizen who had traveled up with the caravan and that he was a gang member. Mexico should move the flag waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL! President Trump posted to Twitter on Nov. 26. There are over 7,000 migrants waiting at the border in Tijuana and Mexicali. More than 800 are still on their way. Watch Next: Migrant Caravan: Its Purpose in Warfare Against the U.S. Mexico Deports 100 Violent Migrants After Caravan Mob Rushed Border Mexican authorities said that 100 violent migrants have been deported following Sunday, Nov. 25s rush on the United States border. A mob of migrants tried to overwhelm U.S. Border Patrol agents and troops but were mostly driven back to Tijuana after tear gas was fired to disperse the crowd. Following the rush, Mexican officials said they planned to deport some of the migrants involved. In addition to the approximately 100 migrants that were deported, nearly 2,000 Central Americans who were part of the migrant caravans have requested to be returned home, the Mexican government said. Many of those have already been repatriated. About 200 migrants filed for voluntary repatriation on Tuesday and Wednesday. A group of 105 migrants, most of them from Honduras, departed for their home country by plane from Tijuana on Tuesday, Gerardo Elias Garcia, head of Mexicos migration agency, told the Wall Street Journal. Im leaving, I didnt want to stay here suffering, said one Honduras national, Ricci. It was a long-suffering [sic], and very costly and I had hope before, but now that I see the situation, how it is, Ive lost hope and I want to go home to my children, she added. The group of around 100 migrants arrested for rushing the border was being transported to their home countries on buses, Garcia noted. The migrant caravans are mainly composed of Guatemalan, Honduran, and El Salvadorean nationals. At least 6,000 were in Tijuana as of Wednesday. Over 1,000 others were in Mexicali, also in Baja California. Thousands more are moving north through Mexico toward the border. The border rush prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten to permanently close the border while urging Mexico to deport the migrants back to their countries. No Serious Injuries No one has been seriously injured besides a few unfortunate incidents, Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said on Nov. 28 in a broadcast from a government event, reported Reuters. There was one man who climbed on top of a trailer on a highway, he lost his balance and he fell off. Another, a migrant of Central American nationality, was run over. But no children, no women, no pregnant women, no elderly, no youth, not even the violent group [of migrants] have been seriously hurt, he said. He also announced that 100 violent migrants have been repatriated. Mexican officials have urged the migrants to accept asylum in Mexico, an offer many have rejected, or return to their countries. Olga Sanchez Cordero, the incoming interior minister, said after the event that the immigration issue is the most important issue that the incoming administration has to deal with. She said that when migrants violate laws, the authorities will proceed accordingly. Self-Defense In a statement on Monday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said that despite the migrants attacking American law enforcement officers, no migrants were seriously injured. Our Border Patrol agents and officers responded admirably and responsibly to the events on Sunday. It is a testament to their training and professionalism that no one was injured, she said. The accepted use of nonlethal force (also used by the Obama Administration in 2013) prevented further injury to agents and a mass illegal rush across the border. We will not shy away from protecting our people, she said. She also said that the officers who fired tear gas were defending themselves after migrants launched projectiles and rocks at them. It is shocking that I have to explain this, but officers can be seriously or fatally injured in such attacks. Self-defense isnt debatable for most law-abiding Americans, she said. From NTD News Aubrey Acree, 13, was found in Oklahoma on Nov. 28, 2018. She was reported missing from North Carolina on Nov. 25, 2018. (FBI) Missing Teen Aubrey Acree Found Alive, Man Arrested for Abduction A missing North Carolina teenager was found alive in Oklahoma late Nov. 28, and the FBI arrested the man who allegedly abducted her. Aubrey Joelle Acree, 13, was reported missing by her mother on Nov. 26, prompting an investigation by the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office and other agencies which the FBI joined on Wednesday. A witness told authorities that Jacob Gardea, 23, of Albuquerque, was driving a vehicle that Acree got into on Sunday night. She was found more than 900 miles away in Checotah, Oklahoma. Law enforcement is grateful to a keen eyewitness who helped begin our investigative process with a strong lead that brought us to this joyful outcome, the FBI said in a statement, reported Fox 8. Officials notified Acrees family and were working out how to transport her home. The case was broken open after the Rutherford sheriff was able to identify a vehicle of interest, which was located with the help of a number of other law enforcement agencies in addition to the National Center for Missing Children and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and FBI agents found Acree and Gardea, the FBI said. Gardea was arrested and is facing charges from the state of North Carolina for abduction of a child. Additional charges could be pending. Missing Children There were 464,324 missing children reported in the FBIs National Crime Information Center in 2017, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Under federal law, when a child is reported missing to law enforcement they must be entered into the database. In 2016, there were 465,676 entries. This number represents reports of missing children. That means if a child runs away multiple times in a year, each instance would be entered into NCIC separately and counted in the yearly total. Likewise, if an entry is withdrawn and amended or updated, that would also be reflected in the total, the center noted. In 2017, the center said it assisted officers and families with the cases of more than 27,000 missing children. In those cases, 91 percent were endangered runaways, and 5 percent were family abductions. About one in seven children reported missing to the center in 2017 were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Nancy McBride, the executive director of Florida Outreach at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said that most of the runaways involve technology. (Technology) has great benefits and some potential risks, McBride told USA Today in 2017. Its important to stay plugged into their lives. Tech is utilized by online predators, McBride said, who exploit gaps when the childs relationship with their parents isnt strong. Parental Kidnapping According to the Polly Klaas Foundation, approximately 200,000 children are kidnapped each year by a family member. Child custody experts say that people kidnap their own children to force a reconciliation or continued interaction with the other, left-behind parent; to spite or punish the other parent; from fear of losing custody or visitation rights. In rare cases, the kidnapping may occur to protect a child from a parent who is believed to be abusing the child. Common warnings signs include the other parent threatening abduction, suspected abuse, or paranoid delusion. From NTD News No Swift New EU Sanctions on Russia Seen After Ukraine Sea Incident BRUSSELSThe European Unions hawks have called for more sanctions on Russia after a fresh flare-up of tensions with Ukraine but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources said. In a sign of their long-standing divisions on how to handle President Vladimir Putins Russia, the 28 EU states have taken three days to agree a joint statement after Russia seized Ukrainian navy vessels and sailors on Nov. 25. In the end the bloc issued a statement by its top diplomat Federica Mogherini on Nov. 28 expressing utmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions and dismay at the unacceptable use of force by Russia. The three former Soviet republics sitting on the Baltic Sea coast, backed by Poland and Britain, wanted much tougher language on more sanctions looming. Several senior European politicians raised the prospect on Nov. 24, and President Donald Trump said he might cancel a meeting with Putin later this week over the maritime clash he described as aggression. But the blocs top powers Germany and France have so far emphasized efforts to ease tensions. The statement by Mogherini did not mention sanctions but only says regarding the situation that the bloc will continue to follow closely and act appropriately. Countries including Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus have long called for a softer stance vis-a-vis Moscow, saying the blocs existing economic sanctions over Russias role in the turmoil in Ukraine hurt EU businesses too. We are not going to move very quickly on any new sanctions, there could be some later on, that is not ruled out. But for now the unity of the 28 is key. And focus on de-escalation, one EU diplomat said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to Putin and Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko on Nov. 27. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in France. There is a lot of contacts going on. Lets see where they take us. I doubt we will rush on sanctions too much, another EU diplomat also said. The bloc first imposed sanctions after Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kiev in 2014. Brussels tightened the measures as Moscow went on to back rebels fighting against government troops in east Ukraine. EU leaders are expected to decide to roll the economic sanctions over for another year when they meet in Brussels in December. They could also look at any new punitive measures then after a discussion among their foreign ministers on Dec. 10. In order to discuss sanctions, wed need to have a clearer picture of what happened, another EU source said, highlighting unease in some EU quarters that Poroshenko could also stand to gain from the situation. Putin has accused Poroshenko of orchestrating a provocation in the sea to boost his flagging popularity ratings before an election next year. Following the incident, Ukraine introduced martial law in parts of the country it says are vulnerable to Russian attack. The European Commission has said it received important assurances from Poroshenko that this would not interfere with democratic processes or restrict citizens rights. Sanctions Squirting The EU statement called on Russia to free the Ukrainian vessels and sailors as well as ensure unrestricted sea access. It would urge both sides to show restraint and express support for Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, diplomatic sources said. EU diplomats said the latest escalation weakens the hand of Russia doves in the bloc. While the EU was unlikely to introduce new economic sanctions, it could add more names to its existing blacklists, including some Russian military personnel, the sources said. Despite the fact that imposing any sanctions requires the unanimity of all 28 EU states, the bloc has at times had problems enforcing them, as prominently showcased when gas turbines made by Germanys Siemens were delivered to Crimea. Enforcing and policing EU sanctions is a matter for every state separately but they sometimes fail to act, lacking the political will or bowing to pressure from their businesses. The U.S. State Department called on the EU to do more to help Ukraine in its struggle with Russia, including through tougher enforcement of existing sanctions and dropping support for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline with Moscow. Washington, which under Trump has promoted more exports of its own natural gas that competes with Russia, has long lobbied the EU against the construction of another pipeline that would deepen the blocs dependence on Russian gas deliveries. The U.S. government has threatened to sanction those involved in the project but Germanythe final destination of the pipeline and the projects co-author with Russiasaid it was sticking to it. By Gabriela Baczynska U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) arrives for a closed organizational meeting of House Democrats to elect leaders for the 116th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., Nov. 28, 2018. (Jim Young/Reuters) Pelosi Takes Big Step Toward Reclaiming House Speakers Job WASHINGTONNancy Pelosi on Nov. 28 was nominated as expected by fellow Democrats to be speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. She will need to win support in the January election for the top job in the chamber. Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the post when she was speaker from 2007 to 2011, won the Democratic nomination by a vote of 203-32, putting her in contention in the early January contest in which both Democrats and Republicans will vote. .@NancyPelosi: "It was so inspiring to hear my colleagues place my name in nomination once again for Speaker of the House." Full video: https://t.co/LQWXHcms3Q pic.twitter.com/Ou82GmCwcc CSPAN (@cspan) November 28, 2018 She will need about 218 votes to claim the job as Democrats take control of the House in January after their gains in the Nov. 6 congressional elections. Pelosi is attempting the rare feat of securing the speakers gavel for a non-consecutive term. After the secret-ballot voting concluded, Pelosi said: Im proud to be the nominee of the House Democratic caucus once again for speaker of the House. Pelosi has pledged to pursue an agenda next year that includes investing in infrastructure projects, lowering prescription drug prices and changing campaign finance laws to give small donors more sway in elections. She also has promised to hold investigations into the oversight of the current administration. I thank @HouseDemocrats for putting their trust in me. I look forward to continuing our work to create a more open, transparent Congress committed to working #ForThePeople to fight corruption, rebuild Americas infrastructure, & lower prescription drug costs! https://t.co/TcEljmjcp8 Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) November 28, 2018 Pelosis top lieutenants, Representatives Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn, were chosen by their fellow Democrats to be House majority leader and majority whip respectively in 2019-2020. The full House does not vote on those appointments. The small faction of Democrats opposing Pelosi, a 78-year-old San Francisco liberal, has argued that the party needs new leadership, but the anti-Pelosi group has failed to produce a rival candidate to challenge her. Representative Gerry Connolly said Pelosis opponents lacked a game plan for vanquishing her. Meanwhile, we have a very skilled, tested experienced leader who doesnt need on-the-job training, he said, referring to Pelosi. Her detractors have argued that they could control just enough votes to topple Pelosi during the vote by the full House. Over the next few weeks, Pelosi will try to win over enough naysayers to nail down a victory in January. On Nov. 28, she made progress when she secured the support of a small group of centrist Democrats belonging to the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus by agreeing to back reforms in how the House operates. Were in pretty good shape for January, Pelosi said. But at a meeting Pelosi held with other dissenters before her nomination, their concerns were dismissed outright, Representative Kathleen Rice said in a statement afterward. Rice told reporters that the members of the Democratic leadership team needed to provide a time frame for when they would retirea move that could weaken their effectiveness while they serve as leaders. If Pelosi does come up short, Democrats will have to scurry before the January House vote to find an acceptable replacement and avoid a messy floor fight at the start of the year. Republicans, who next year will be in the minority in the House for the first time in eight years, are expected to vote against any Democratic nominee for speaker. The powerful House speaker sets the chambers legislative agenda and is second, behind the vice president, in the line of emergency succession to the president. When the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will hold at least 233 of the Houses 435 seats. By Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell Watch Next: Communists Detail Plans to Subvert U.S. Democratic Party The Communist Party USA explained plans on May 23 to subvert the Democratic Party, alongside socialist and communist organizations. Philippine Court Jails Three Police Officers for Drugs War Murder MANILAA Philippine court has sentenced three police officers to up to 40 years in jail for the murder of a 17-year-old high school student, the first to be convicted in President Rodrigo Dutertes drugs war. The Caloocan City regional trial court declared the three police guilty on Nov. 29 for the killing of Kian Lloyd delos Santos in August 2017 in a dark, trash-filled alley in a northern suburb in the capital Manila. A shoot first, think later attitude can never be countenanced in a civilized society. Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement. The public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life, said the ruling by Judge Roldolfo Azucena. This was the first case of what human rights advocates say was an extrajudicial killing carried out by state-agents in the 29-month war on drugs, which saw close to 5,000 people dead in police anti-drugs operations. Police reject allegations that the killings were executions, saying the drug peddlers and users were killed in shootouts, and that they were acting in self-defense. We respect the decision of the court. We dont tolerate any erring police officers, said Benigno Durana, national police spokesman, adding the police force stand fully behind police officers engaged in the drug war, who are doing their jobs within the bounds of the law. The death of the school boy has stirred unprecedented public attention on what activists say are executions and systematic abuses by police backed steadfastly by Duterte. Duterte, a firebrand leader who unleashed a ferocious war against illegal drugs after coming into office in June 2016, has more than once said he would not allow the police to go to jail for killing drug users and pushers. But shortly after the verdict was handed down, Dutertes spokesman, Salvador Panelo said, This is murder, there is intention to kill. The president would never tolerate that. Dutertes government has repeatedly said there was no declared policy to kill drug users and pushers. The conviction of the three police officers for murdering Kian delos Santos is a victory for justice but it is not enough. The killings must stop, said Jose Manuel Diokno, chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). FLAG has questioned the legality of the drugs war before the Philippine Supreme Court. Delos Santos was found dead in an alley with a gun in his left hand. Police said they killed him in self defense, but his family dismissed that as a lie. Security cameras showed the officers aggressively escorting a man matching delos Santoss description in the direction of the spot where he was killed. Justice was served for my son, Kians mother, Lorenza delos Santos, told reporters outside the courtroom. We were able to prove that my son was innocent of all the accusations hurled against him. By Karen Lema Police Arrest Woman Who Allegedly Assaulted McDonalds Employee Over Ketchup A woman accused of beating a McDonalds manager for not getting enough ketchup was arrested on Nov. 27, said the Santa Ana Police Department. The suspect, 24-year-old Mayra Berenice Gallo, was located and taken into custody from her Santa Ana residence after authorities received a number of tips regarding the woman. Police had previously released video of the incident and asked the publics help to identify the suspect. According to police, Gallo entered the McDonalds restaurant at 1400 block of Bristol Street on Oct. 27 around 11:00 p.m. and ordered food through the drive-thru lane. She didnt get her ketchup or enough ketchup so she takes it on herself to go through the employee entrance and confronts the manager, SAPD Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told CNS. The manager says, Hey, you have to go outside and then the beating erupted. The incident was recorded by security cameras from different angles. The video shows Gallo pushed, punched, and choked one of the employees, and another employee tried to block Gallo. While the three were struggling together, one of the employees still managed to hand over some change to a customer who was waiting outside the window. In the end, a man who was believed to be a companion of Gallo walked in and stopped Gallo from beating the employee. He then walked with Gallo out of the restaurant. The woman could be easily seen on camera in gray pants and a light pink shirt, with her face clearly visible. Police had described her as Hispanic and around 20 to 25 years old with brown hair. Authorities had also told local media that the man with her would not be in trouble, since he did not commit a crime. Were actually grateful for the service he provided, he stopped the assault, police spokesman Anthony Bertagna told KTLA. Gallo was arrested without incident and booked into jail on a $15,000 assault warrant, according to a statement from the police department. Another McDonalds Assault Police in Glendale, Wisconsin were also looking for an assault suspect earlier this year, after a woman walked behind a McDonalds counter and attacked a juvenile employee on March 18. The woman, who had been a drive-thru customer, accused the restaurant of giving her the wrong breakfast order. She was given a refund, but she was still upset. The woman then shoved a 17-year-old employee to the ground and caused her to hit her head twice. The woman then fled the restaurant with a friend. The Glendale Police Department released multiple photos of the woman on social media captured from store security cameras. After numerous tips, the woman was located and arrested, and authorities thanked the news media for covering the story. Thanks to all of your help, we arrested the suspect in this case today! the department posted on Facebook on March 21. We received dozens of tips that helped make this happen. A true team effort! Prosecutors in New Jersey said they have arrested 14 people as part of an extensive child pornography sting. (Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office) Princeton University Admin, Banker Among 15 Arrested in New Jersey Child Pornography Sting Prosecutors in New Jersey said they have arrested 14 people as part of an extensive child pornography sting, according to local prosecutors office. A Princeton University administrator and a bank executive were among those arrested. Monmouth County prosecutors said that Operation Trading Post lasted from June until October 2018, the office said. The suspects, including 14 men and a juvenile boy, were charged with child endangerment, the report said. In an investigation spanning from May through October, the @MonCoProsecutor has arrested 15 individuals who possessed and/or distributed child pornography. Catch our interview with Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni tonight on @FiOS1NewsNJ. #OperationTradingPost pic.twitter.com/GxgJg8Teep Stephen Milewski (@TheSkiReport) November 28, 2018 The suspects are accused of uploading child pornography to file-sharing websites and social media websites. One suspect was chatting online with an undercover agent who he thought was a boy, the report said. William McMahon, 64, of Keansburg, was charged with luring and attempted sexual assault, the report said. Meanwhile, Princeton said 61-year-old Gregory Cantrell was placed on administrative leave following the arrest, ABC7 reported. The station added that an executive with a bank was arrested as part of the sting. Operation Trading Post caught individuals who shamelessly viewed and shared depraved images of children being sexually abused, Monmouth prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement. Most of the defendants face up to 10 years in prison along with lifetime parole supervision and registry on a sex offender list. Details of the Arrests According to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, the arrests include the following: Jonathan Henry, 22, of Octavia Place in Keyport, who worked as a dishwasher at The Turning Point. He was arrested on June 19, 2018. Michael Balbosa, 34, of Fifth Avenue in Neptune City, is a courier with Federal Express, and he was arrested on June 29, 2018, following an investigation that revealed that he used a file-sharing software to upload child pornography images and videos so others online could see them. Anthony Johnson, 38, of Ninth Avenue in Neptune Township, who is unemployed, was arrested on July 10, 2018, following an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that revealed he uploaded child pornography to Dropbox. Rene Torres, 48, of Gettysburg Drive in Howell Township, who works in Operations for ING Financial Markets, also arrested on July 18, 2018, after an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that revealed he uploaded child pornography to photo-sharing website Flickr. A 14-year-old juvenile, of Holmdel, was arrested on July 25, 2018, following an investigation that revealed that he used a file-sharing service to make child pornography images and videos available to others online. He was not named by the office. Brian Foley, 60, of Asbury Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, is an information technology specialist with the Cerner Corporation and former member of the Environmental Commission in Atlantic Highlands. He was arrested on July 26, 2018, after an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Alexander Ecock, 22, of Grenoble Court in Freehold, was arrested on July 31, 2018, following an investigation that revealed that he used a file-sharing software to make child pornography images and videos available to others online. William McMahon, 64, of Brookside Avenue in Keansburg, is a deli worker at Acme Markets, and he was arrested on August 3, 2018, following an investigation involving an undercover chat on Doublelist.com. McMahon believed he was chatting with and made plans to meet, a 14-year-old boy. Thiago Thebald-Simas, 24, of Oakhill Avenue, in Long Branch, who is unemployed, and he was arrested on August 24, 2018, following an investigation that revealed that he used file-sharing software to make child pornography images and videos available to others online. David Wu, 32, of Skyline Drive in Hazlet, a logistics specialist with Vanguard, was arrested on August 29, 2018, following an investigation that revealed that he used file-sharing software to make child pornography images and videos available to others online. Joshua Valerio, 37, of White Street in Eatontown, a laborer at Love, Inc., was arrested on Sept. 20, 2018, after an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that revealed he uploaded child pornography to email service Gmail. Fady Elghazaly, 33, of Ravenswood Road in Marlboro, a mechanic with United Airlines, was arrested on Sept. 26, 2018, following an investigation which revealed that he used file-sharing software to make child pornography images and videos available to others online. Ronald Paul, 56, of Haverford Court in Freehold, was arrested on October 18, 2018, after an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that revealed he uploaded child pornography to social media website Tumblr. Ryan Marques, 18, of Dorado Beach Court in Howell, a student, was arrested on Nov. 19, 2018, and was the subject of an investigation of a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that revealed he uploaded child pornography to Dropbox. Gregory Cantrell, 61, of Mariners Cove in Freehold, an employee of Princeton University, was arrested on November 5, 2018, after an investigation of a Cybertip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which revealed he uploaded child pornography to Bing Image. Pro-China Labor Group Helped Flip 2 Senate Seats in Nevada Commentary A Beijing-aligned U.S. labor group is actively involved in state elections. The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) has helped Democrat candidates win several close races, including two U.S. Senate contests in Nevada. In the 2018 election cycle, about 30 APALA canvassers knocked on doors in Las Vegas from the end of September. According to APALA coordinator Kathleen Flores, the canvassers backed specific candidates like Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen in her bid to unseat Republican Sen. Dean Heller. Were trying to let her win, Jacky Rosen, because shes fighting for higher pay, higher minimum wage, and good education, better healththats why Im here, Flores told the Las Vegas Sun. With 72,000 registered Asian-American or Pacific Islander voters in Nevada (up more than 160 percent since 2000), it makes sense for the left to target this significant Democrat-leaning voter bloc in a Republican-tilting state. The APALA canvassers were not working for love. They were paid $15 an hour to brave the Nevada fall heat through a $160,000 grant from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Despite Heller leading in the polls through most of the race, Rosens winning margin was a comfortable 50.4 percent to Hellers 45.4 percentabout 49,000 votes. In 2016, Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, a former Nevada attorney-general prosecutor beat Republican Joe Heck to take the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Harry Reid. Cortez Mastos victory margin over Heck was 47.1 percent to 44.7 percent, or about 27,000 votes. Cortez Masto actively courted APALA. She keynoted their convention in August that year, and after the election admitted that APALA and Asian-American media were critical for her win, according to Peoples World. With such tight margins, its conceivable that the 72,000 registered Asian-American or Pacific Islander voters targeted by APALA may have made the difference. Without APALA, it is possible that President Donald Trump might have one or two more senators from Nevada in his column right now. Given that pro-Chinese communist networks have supported Democrat candidates in Virginia and Mississippi races this election, it may be worth looking into APALAs background. Who Are APALA? The formation of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) in 1992 was a milestone in providing a voice for Asian Americans within the labor movement. The establishment of APALA has its roots in the Asian American Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, according to APALA founder Kent Wong, writing in Legacy to Liberation: Politics & Culture of Revolutionary Asian Pacific America by Carol Antonio. Revolutionary movements of the 1960s and 1970s, domestically and internationally nurtured the Asian American Movement. Asian American activists were involved in the civil rights movement and the movement against the Vietnam War. Asian Americans led and joined Marxist study groups around the country. Asian American activists gained inspiration from the Vietnamese struggle for liberation, and from the Chinese revolution and the teachings of Mao Zedong. Asian American activists played prominent roles in a number of emerging Marxist-Leninist organizations in the 1970s. Many Asian American activists left college to work as grass roots organizers in the Asian American community, or to seek jobs in factories, to build a workers movement. In the 1980s, Asian activists began to set up Asian labor committees in key cities around the country. From 1991 to 1992, there were a series of national meetings of Asian American trade unionists. The founding convention of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance in 1992, surpassed everyones expectations. APALA was Marxist-led and pro-China leaning from the startand has remained so to this day. Wong himself was a leader of one of the most slavishly pro-Beijing groups of the erathe Communist Workers Party (CWP). Other APALA co-founders included future Oakland Mayor Jean Quan of the CWP, and Victor Uno of the pro-China Line of March and Union of Democratic Filipinos, a support arm of the Maoist guerrilla New Peoples Army of the Philippines. Current APALA first vice president Kim Geron was a leader of the Unity Organizing Committee, which was founded in 1991 from the remnants of the pro-China League of Revolutionary Struggle. Current board member Ligaya Domingo is the daughter of former Line of March leaders Silme Domingo and Terri Mast. Another board member Alex Hing was active in the League of Revolutionary Struggle, the Unity Organizing Committee, and the ultra-Maoist Red Guard Party. In 1970, Hing went on a delegation to North Korea, North Vietnam, and China. China, North Korea, and North Vietnam were all socialist, liberated countries. They were trying to make socialism work But it was fascinating that there were people that liberated themselves from U.S. imperialism, and Vietnam was in the process of doing that at great cost. That was a life changing experience, Hing told the Asian American Writers Workshop. APALA board member Jason Chan was part of a China Education and Exposure Program delegation to China in December 2013. He spoke of his experiences at the Democratic Socialists of Americas (DSA) annual conference, the Left Forum, in New York City in June 2014. In 2013, a delegation of Chinese American organizers went to China to learn about organizing efforts in Mainland China. The culmination of conversations with more than 10 organizations in China organizing around labor, environmental justice, womens rights, and queer issues opened up space for us to put forth the following questions: In China, what are the conditions people are organizing against? What are people fighting for? What is the nature of anti-capitalist struggle and the social justice movement in China And lastly, what role do we play in the U.S. in supporting peoples struggles in China? APALA founder Kent Wong and DSA member Elaine Bernard defended China in an article Labors Mistaken Anti-China Campaign for the fall/winter 2000 edition of the hard left New Labor Forum. At the time, American labor organizations were trying to block U.S. Congress attempts to grant China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status. On May 24, 2000, the American labor movement suffered a significant defeat in their attempt to block Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for China. The House of Representatives voted 237197 to approve PNTR for China. This was the labor movements largest legislative campaign in years, which mobilized resources of the American labor movement from coast to coast. But was this the best step to take on the heels of the powerful anti-WTO [World Trade Organization] coalition that emerged in Seattle last November? Wong and Bernard wrote. For the U.S. to challenge Chinas entry into the WTO because of political and human rights abuse amounts to hypocrisy. China should not be singled out for some of the very same human rights abuses that occur in the U.S., such as widespread use of prison labor. The main threat to economic security, dignity and human rights of U.S. workers is domestic and global corporations and their institutions: the WTO, the IMF [International Monetary Fund], and the World Bank. We need to keep our eyes on the prize, move beyond the Cold War, move beyond unilateralism, and move toward genuine international labor solidarity. And no-one has done more to break American labors standoffish attitude to communist-controlled Chinese labor organizations than Wong. Bernard, Wong, and a number of other labor academics and union officials were invited by the state-run All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) for a nine-day trip beginning March 20, 2002. Wong was back in October of 2002 heading an all-star group that included California Labor Federation president Tom Rankin, SEIU national president Andy Stern, DSA member Paul Booth, his wife Democratic National Committee official Heather Booth, and the president of APALA, Luisa Blue. Wong and co. enjoyed an audience with Wei Jianxing, ACFTU chairman and member of the Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee. Mr. Wei is also head of the Communist Partys Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. In 1998, he was put in charge of what is known as the Office on Social Stability, which is responsible for defusing worker unrest, according to an Oct. 21, 2002, article in the New York Sun. An article in the Spring 2001 edition of the China Labor Bulletin said that Mr. Wei has frequently traveled across China encouraging the Chinese governments anti-graft campaign and its anti-crime campaign, Strike Hard, which has been consistently criticized by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations for leading to rights violations, brutality, and executions. The purpose of the China trip was to explore possible ways of having a dialogue and communication between unions, said Wong, then director of the University of CaliforniaLos Angeless Center for Labor Research and Education. I wanted to break a pretty severe barrier that has been there since the Cold War, said Wong, according to the New York Sun. In 2007, Wong participated in a delegation of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor to establish formal relations with the Shanghai Municipal Trade Union Council. In November the same year California Faculty Association President Lillian Taiz, Wong, and Linda Tubach for United Teachers of Los Angeles, returned from Shanghai, China, on Nov. 6, after a week-long conference titled: China, Australia, and the United States Teaching Unions on Education Work. Tubach was formerly active with the Federation For Progress, a front for the CWP. Wongs UCLA Labor Center participated in a historic meeting between the Change to Win labor federation and the ACFTU in August 2009. An agreement signed by Change to Win chair Anna Burger and ACFTU Vice Chairwoman Sun Chunlan at ACFTU headquarters in Beijing promotes cooperation between the two federations on key projects, such as joint research on multinational corporations operating in the United States and China, according to the winter/spring 2010 issue of the Labor Center publication Labor Education News. In late 2010, the Labor Center also participated in a binational U.S.China conference, hosted by the ACFTU, to explore ways research findings can improve labor standards, according to the same publication. The U.S. delegation included SEIU President Andy Stern, DSA member Ginny Coughlin from SEIU, and UCLA Labor Center Director Kent Wong. Wong also led an education union trip to China that year. He also helped the Los Angeles AFL-CIO establish sister relations with the Shanghai labor movement, and assisted the Orange County AFL-CIO and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union build similar relations. There is no direct evidence that Chinese officials encouraged APALA to get involved in U.S. elections. However, given their antagonism of Trump, its likely they are pleased with the results. Incidentally, Cortez Mastos 2016 Senate bid was endorsed and partially funded by PowerPAC+, which is headed by wealthy San Francisco lawyer Steve Phillips. A former Maoist student radical, Phillips was involved with the League of Revolutionary Struggle and the Unity Organizing Committee at Stanford University. He is close to several APALA members, including first vice president Kim Geron, another UOC veteran who then served on the PowerPAC+ board. Nevada was once regarded as a key swing state. It is now becoming like Colorado and Virginiaturning irreversibly blue thanks to hard-left activists bent on taking power in the 2020 elections and beyond. 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. Revisiting the Foundations of Conservatism: The Writings of Russell Kirk Commentary At no time in American history have there been more voices overtly identifying as conservative in politics and the media. From newspapers and journals to websites, blogs, a cable news network, and talk radio, voices claiming the mantle of conservatism are everywhere. Virtually no Republican politician would claim to be anything else, and right-leaning think tanks abound. We are, by almost all outward measures, at the high point of conservative political success. And yet, what it means to be a conservative may be less clear than at any time since the Great Depression. Is it conservative to cut taxes, or is the conservative policy to reduce the debt we are saddling future generations with? Is the conservative policy to promote free and open trade, or is it to raise tariffs to protect domestic industries? Is it conservative to conserve the environment, or is it always conservative to limit the scope of government regulations? Is it the conservatives primary responsibility to achieve policy victories through any means necessary, or to preserve the institutional arrangements of the constitutional order, even if it means losing some policy battles along the way? Add to that the fact that despite having so many political outlets, most conservatives feel their country is pulling apart and their culture is disintegrating. How can all these facts be truethat conservatism is at its height, but there is less agreement on what conservatism is, and conservatives have the feeling they are losing the great battles for the future? In this confusing time, conservatives would do well to revisit the foundations of their modern movement in the great intellectual battles of the mid-20th century. Long before Donald Trump and Rush Limbaugh, and before Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater bestrode our politics, several great public thinkers were preparing the culture with the books and journals from which would spring a revolution. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the most important of those writers and offers a chance to consider his lessons for America today. Russell Kirk Russell Amos Kirk was born in Plymouth, Michigan, on Oct. 19, 1918. He served in World War II, and received degrees from Michigan State, Duke University, and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. His dissertation at St. Andrews was published in 1953 as The Conservative Mind. Before William F. Buckley founded National Review and long before the Heritage Foundation was dreamed of, Kirks masterwork reclaimed a long tradition of thought that he called conservative. Before Kirks big book hit Americas political culture, there were those who were resisting the New Deal, who were concerned about cultural trends, and who were anti-communist, but there was no unifying movement and little self-understanding. With The Conservative Mind, Kirk was able to demonstrate a long pedigree of great thinkersfrom Edmund Burke and John Adams to Robert Frost and T.S. Eliotwho were conservative thinkers. The book shook Americas intellectual culture and provided a positive rallying point for a disparate group of thinkers and political activists. Kirk instantly became an intellectual celebrity. He joined Buckleys National Review and wrote for it from its inception until 1980. He would go on to found two journals of his ownModern Age and The University Bookmanboth of which are still being published. He would write some 3,000 newspaper columns, 30 non-fiction books, several novels, and dozens of the most meaningful ghost stories you will find anywhere. Among his awards and recognition can be counted the Presidential Citizenship Medal awarded by Reagan. Today, a bust of Kirk sits prominently in the Heritage Foundation in Washington, perhaps the very heart of the conservative policy world. Despite his importance, Kirk has largely been lost to most of those who call themselves conservative in the 21st century. During this centenary of his birth, they would do well to revisit his work and remember his considerable learning and penetrating analysis of the ills of modern society. One cant even approximate his legacy here, but let me just focus on three lessons the modern reader could learn from spending some time with Kirk in 2018. Wisdom First, we can learn Kirks lesson that politics is the art of the possible. The conservative mind is not a utopian mind. Conservatives deal with situations and people as they are found, not as they ideally would have them. Often, the conservative must settle for the deal that is possible rather than risking everything on an unlikely long shot that might end up doing more damage than good, or pressing politics and politicians for more than politics can offer. Second, all political sides would do well to remember that politics isnt the highest thing. It may be justifiably said that government intrusion into nearly all spheres of life has called the reluctant conservative to do battle in the political arena. But he or she should come to it as a reluctant warrior called out of necessity to fight, not as the aggrieved and aggressive social warrior seeking the vanquishing of all enemies and the glory of party triumph. To many, politics has become a substitute religion and our disagreements holy battles. Kirk offers the corrective to the extremes. Third, conservatives would do well to remember that, at their best, they are conserving what is good, true, and beautiful. In doing so, they are playing their part in an eternal chain of generations. When we get caught up in the momentary political battle, we often forget that being conservative means conserving what has been our inheritance and by so doing passing it on to the next generation. No one did a better job of reminding us of this essential role than did Kirk. We are a community, he would saya community of the dead, the living, and the yet unborn. Obsession with any given moment or particular policy battles may not serve well this wider community we are called to conserve. This makes prudence the great conservative virtue in politicstaking the longest view possible and not settling for the expediency of the moment. Kirk helped found the conservative movement and gave it its very name and pedigree. At the height of the terms popularity, we all would do well to revisit the wisdom found in his work and might start with the outstanding essays published in The Essential Russell Kirk. Gary L. Gregg is author or editor of 10 books related to U.S. history and two young adult novels set in Russell Kirks beloved Scotland. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Eastern European Countries Concerned About Brain Drain Impact of EU Free Movement Policy BRUSSELSRomania has become the latest European country to question the continents commitment to the free movement of people, amid growing concerns in the East over the brain drain effect of the policy. Romanias finance minister, Eugen Teodorovici, suggested time-limited work permits should be introduced to stop former Soviet bloc countries from permanently losing their brightest and best to the Western member states. His remarks, delivered in the Romanian parliament this week, represent the latest attack on a principle that has long been considered sacrosanct in Brussels and represents the most cherished of the EUs four fundamental freedoms. Free movement of people gives all citizens of the European Union the right to live and work in any other member state, provided they fulfill certain criteria, such as being able to support themselves financially. The policy has come under scrutiny in recent years due to the number of workers from former Soviet states, where wages and living standards are much lower, moving West for a better quality of life. Concerns that this phenomenon is eroding labor standards and undercutting wages in unskilled jobs has fueled dissatisfaction with the EU in the West and was widely seen as a key motivating factor for those who backed Brexit. Traditionally, free movement was fiercely defended by governments in the East, whose economies benefitted enormously from overseas workers sending portions of their comparatively sizable pay packets to families back home. However, in recent years, some have started to question orthodox thinking amid a growing realization that losing millions of the regions brightest and most motivated young graduates could be holding its economic development back. Teodorovici raised the possibility of restricting the amount of time Romanians can spend in other EU countries to five years during a debate in the countrys parliament on Nov. 27, according to Emerging Europe. If a Romanian goes to Germany and keeps receiving work permits then there is little likelihood of him or her ever returning to Romania, Teodorovici said. Maybe we should limit work permits to a maximum of five years, after which you need to move on. His remarks were criticized by fellow countryman Siegfried Muresan, a prominent center-right member of the European Parliament, who said Bucharest was trying to restrict Romanians rights as Europeans. Many Romanians who have moved abroad have done so to escape poverty at home. It is the job of the minister to create more opportunities for those people in Romania, not to forbid them from seeking a better life elsewhere, Muresan said, according to Emerging Europe. However, Teodorovicis comments reflect growing unease about the policy that has also been voiced by other capitals in the region in recent years. Last summer, Poland lodged a complaint with the European Commission over what it saw as increasingly aggressive recruitment drives by the British National Health Service to lure away newly qualified doctors. Polish Health Minister Konstanty Radziwill reacted angrily after the UK health authorities set up a program, promoted in Poland by specialist recruitment agencies, offering medical professionals salaries stretching up to $115,000 and practical help with making the move. He said Warsaw was increasingly concerned about a deepening shortfall of doctors to treat the countrys own ill because too many were leaving for better pay packets in Western Europe. In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe the problem of loss of health workforce may deepen, the ministers spokesman said in a statement. There is a need to stop actively recruiting medical doctors and nurses from countries where their number is too small. We expect that the European Commission will take action on the EU level to support Member States in preventing the loss of medical personnel. This week, Romanias health minister, Sorina Pintea, joined those calls and even suggested newly qualified doctors should not be allowed to leave the country at all to address the shortfall. Even though we have raised their salaries, many doctors still want to leave. We must find a way of obliging these doctors to stay in the country for a certain number of years after graduation, Pintea said, according to Emerging Europe. Other countries are facing an even more severe challenge, with two Baltic nationsEstonia and Lithuaniahaving both lost close to a fifth of their entire populations to the West since joining the EU in 2004. The crisis prompted one prominent Estonian television commentator to warn that in just half a century his homeland may cease to be a nation altogether due to a lack of people. Concern in the West Meanwhile, in Western member states, concerns about the impact the huge influx has had on social cohesion continue to dominate political debate in many countries ahead of next springs crucial European Parliament elections. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told the chamber in Brussels on Nov. 28 he has a hard time defending and explaining EU rules that allow migrants from other European countries to claim benefits for children who live abroad. Rasmussen, who is part of the pan-European liberal grouping, said that due to his countrys generous welfare system this is from a Danish perspective not fair and it is a challenge to the Danish model of society. He added that recently a number of truck drivers technically employed in another EU country were found to be working permanently in Denmark under horrible conditions, apparently under the pretext of freedom of movement. Rasmussen said the while EU must guarantee freedom of movement, it has to ensure that it is done in a fair manner and that the system is not abused. Stories like this hurt the image of the EU and we need to work together to ensure theyre not repeated, he said. In some cases, the solution is for the EU to step down and interfere less, yet in other areas, the EU needs to step up. Ukrainian naval ships, which were recently seized by Russia's FSB security service, are seen anchored in a port in Kerch, Crimea, on Nov. 28, 2018. (Alla Dmitrieva/Reuters) Russia Blocks Ukrainian Azov Sea Ports KIEVTwo Ukrainian Azov Sea ports, Berdyansk and Mariupol, are effectively under blockade by Russia as vessels are being barred from leaving and entering, Ukraines infrastructure minister, Volodymyr Omelyan, said on Nov. 29. Overall, 35 vessels have been prevented from carrying out normal operations and only vessels moving toward Russian ports on the Azov Sea are permitted entry, he said on Facebook. The goal is simpleby placing a blockade on Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, Russia hopes to drive Ukraine out of our own territoryterritory that is ours in accordance will all relevant international laws, he said. Omelyan said 18 vessels were awaiting entry into the Azov Sea, including four to Berdyansk and 14 to Mariupol. There is also a line of nine vessels to leave the Azov Sea and eight other vessels are standing by near the port berths. Grain and steel dominates the Azov ports shipments. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews on Nov. 25, near the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014, over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian watersa charge Ukraine strongly refutes. The seizure of the navy vessels drove tension to its highest since 2015, when Moscow-backed rebels rose against the Kiev government in the eastern Donbass region, sparking a war that has killed tens of thousands. By Pavel Polityuk A 3D printed Facebook logo is seen in front of a displayed Russian flag in this photo illustration taken on August 3, 2018. Photo illustration taken on Aug. 3, 2018. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Russia Plans Stiffer Fines for Tech Firms That Break Rules: Sources MOSCOWRussia plans to impose stiffer fines on technology firms that fail to comply with Russian laws, sources familiar with the plans said, raising the stakes in the Kremlins fight with global tech giants such as Facebook and Google. Over the past five years, Russia has introduced tougher internet laws that require search engines to delete some search results, messaging services to share encryption keys with security services and social networks to store Russian users personal data on servers within the country. The plans for harsher fines are contained in a consultation document prepared by the administration of President Vladimir Putin and sent to industry players for feedback, according to three sources familiar with the draft document. At the moment, the only tools Russia has to enforce its data rules are fines that typically only come to a few thousand dollars or blocking the offending online services, which is an option fraught with technical difficulties. The proposal is to amend the legislation so a company not complying with the rules is subject to a fine equal to 1 percent of its annual revenue in Russia, according to the sources and a copy of the document seen by Reuters. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment. A representative of state telecoms regulator Roscomnadzor, Vadim Ampelonsky, said he could not comment because his agency was not involved in drafting laws. Russian regulator Roscomnadzor has repeatedly accused Facebook and Google of failing to comply with Russian laws. It blocked access to LinkedIn in 2016 and tried to do the same to the Telegram encrypted messenger service in April. A Google representative in Russia declined to comment on the accusations or the proposal for new fines. Neither Facebook nor Telegram CEO Pavel Durov responded to requests for comment. One of the sources who told Reuters about the proposal works for a Russian technology firm, one is at a foreign tech company and the third works for an industry lobby group. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media. Significant Amount Just like lawmakers and officials in the United States and the European Union, Russia is wrestling with the challenge of how to limit the power of tech companies that have accumulated vast wealth and enormous vaults of data. The proposal to levy companies 1 percent of annual revenue could lead to substantial fines. Googles Russian subsidiary, for example, had revenue of 45.2 billion roubles ($687 million) in 2017, according to the SPARK database which aggregates data from business registries. For a foreign company, thats already a significant amount, the source at the foreign tech firm said, though they added that it was unclear how the fine would be collected given some companies have no legal entity in Russia. Under the proposed amendments, a fine could also be levied multiple times on the same company for every time it is found to have committed a violation. By comparison, under current legislation the maximum fine Google in Russia can face in an ongoing case brought against it by Roscomnadzor is 700,000 roubles ($10,595). That case relates to allegations that Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., failed to comply with requests to remove search results for organizations that are banned in Russia. Google has not commented on the allegations. Facebook has said it is in discussions with the telecoms watchdog about its compliance with the rules. It has not moved servers containing its Russian users data to Russia, three years after a law was passed requiring the move. In addition to stiffer fines, Russian authorities would retain the power to block companies online services under the new laws, according to the draft proposal seen by Reuters. The source in the industry lobby group said companies in the sector could accept higher fines if they were applied fairly and they replaced the practice of blocking sites. But he said firms would oppose rules that allow both fines and blocking. But generally speaking anything that brings order to the system of blocking that has sporadically arisen at various times is an excellent idea, the source said. Blocking has caused technical problems in the past. When officials tried to block Telegram in April they inadvertently stopped Russian users access to voice calls on the Viber messaging service and cloud-based applications for Volvo cars, among other services. Telegram is still accessible in Russia. By Maria Kolomychenko The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul, South Korea, on March 23, 2018. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) South Korea Indicts Group for Leaking Samsung Display Tech to Chinese Firm SEOULSouth Korean prosecutors on Nov. 29 said they have indicted nine people on suspicion of leaking Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. flexible display technology to a Chinese company. The Suwon District Prosecutors Office has charged the chief executive and eight employees of supplier Toptec Co., Ltd. for selling information earlier this year about Samsungs organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels. The group is accused of forming a separate shell company that received information on the use of equipment and drawings of panels obtained from Samsung subsidiary Samsung Display, and sold some of the documents in China for 15.5 billion won ($13.85 million), the prosecutors office said. Toptec, which produces automated equipment to make mobile phone display panels, denied any wrongdoing. Our company has never provided Samsung Displays industrial technology or business secrets to a Chinese client. Our company will fully cooperate with legal proceedings to find the truth in court, Toptec said in a statement. Shares in Toptec tumbled 20 percent. A Samsung Display spokesman said the indictment was regrettable and that the firm would increase efforts to protect technology. Prosecutors said Samsung Display invested 150 billion won over six years to develop the leaked technology of 3D lamination, which they said was a national core technology. Samsung dominates the market for small and mid-sized OLED displays and is a supplier of Apple Inc. On June 27, South Korean prosecutors announced they had indicted seven individualssix Korean nationals and one Chinese nationalfor violating South Koreas Industrial Technology Protection Act while attempting to pass on core OLED technology to an unnamed Chinese OLED company, according to South Korean news site Aju News. Three individuals, including the Chinese national, were arrested and detained. Chinas OLED Ambition China seeks to dominate the OLED industry by fair means or foul, but its domestic OLED industry is still limited. According to Aju News, none of the major smartphone makers around the world get their OLED supply from Chinese sources. Chinese manufacturers also have not yet developed the technology to produce large OLED panels for TV screens. As a result, Chinese companies have been dangling lucrative salaries for South Korean OLED professionals in an attempt to lure away talent who can accelerate Chinas OLED development. A June 8 article posted on the official website of China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA), a trade organization, reported that Samsung Displays latest QD-OLED displayan enhanced OLED display using quantum-dot technology to produce more brightness and color accuracymade it even harder for Chinese display-screen makers to catch up with Samsung and LG, another South Korean conglomerate that is a top maker of OLED products. According to Aju News, Chinese companies have offered an annual salary of up to 500 million Korean won ($450,000) to senior South Korean professionals in the semiconductor and flat panel display fields, which is about three times higher than the average industry salary in South Korea. Aju News also reported in June that three principal OLED researchers at Samsung Electronics, the parent company of Samsung Display, quit their jobs this year and took up jobs at BOE Technology, a Chinese OLED maker based in Beijing. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. A man in New Jersey is determined to hold his yearly Christmas light show at his private home, despite calls from the township for him to pay $2,000 a day for the display. (Roger Aubuchon/GoFundMe) Town Council Wants Homeowner to Pay $2K a Night for Christmas Lights Display A man in New Jersey is determined to hold his yearly Christmas light show at his private home, despite calls from the township for him to pay $2,000 each night for the display. Thomas Apruzzi and his wife, Kris, have been hosting a Christmas light display at their home for about 15 years in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The Apruzzis automated light show comes with synchronized music. In 2014, the house was featured on ABCs Great Christmas Light Fight and drew national interest. Since then, people across the United States have traveled to witness the spectacle dubbed the T&A Sprinkler Light Show. This year, however, the Old Bridge Township told the Apruzzis that they will have to pay about $2,000 each night the light show is on. Tom Apruzzi, who has lived in the township for more than 44 years, said that the mayor and the chief of police told him the display would be shut down if he doesnt pay, according to My Central Jersey. Apruzzi says the fees are bureaucratic baloney, NJ.com reported. The Apruzzis Facebook page is encouraging people to donate to their cause at a GoFundMe page started by Roger Aubuchon. They are determined to hold the show, even if they do not raise enough money to cover the costs required by the city council. Were not gonna listen to what the police have to say, he told NJ.com. It is my First Amendment rights. It has to do with my religion. I am a Catholic and I believe very much in Christmas, he said, according to WGRZ. Thats how I express myselfthrough my lights. There is so much negativity in the world that if I can make people happy just one day, why not? The Apruzzis light show is set to run from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 on Thursdays through Sundays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and for the entire week of Christmas, according to the Bridgewater Courier News. While light show is free for attendees and people are welcome to leave donations. Over the years, the Apruzzis have been able to raise money for St. Jude Childrens Hospital and Homes for Our Troops. Last year, they raised more than $8,000 for Homes for Our Troopsa charity for injured military veterans. It Used to Be Free Police officers have patrolled the area free of charge in previous years. However, according to Himanshu Shah, a township administrator, the crowds have been growing each year and have created unsafe conditions. Cars would be parked on both sides of the 24-foot wide road while the crowd walked in the middle, he told NJ.com. It is the foot traffic that has stirred up some of the scrooges which have collaborated with local government officials behind closed doors in an attempt to shut down the show, Aubuchon wrote on the GoFundMe page. As the holiday week progressed, a few influential residents were able to persuade the mayor and chief of police to set unrealistic monetary stipulations on the family. Township officials and Apruzzi had reportedly come to a consensus in 2017 to allow parking on only one side of the road. Despite this, Mayor Owen Henry said that residents continued to send in complaints to the council, NJ.com reported. The city council also considered making Apruzzis street and the surrounding streets as resident-parking only at a public meeting with about 100 residents on Nov. 19. However, on the day, the council received a unanimous vote to proceed, without any stipulations, Aubuchon wrote. On Nov. 26, the Apruzzi couple were called to meet with the mayor and the chief of police to talk about last minute details regarding safety and logisticsbut it didnt turn out that way. The mayor and chief of police informed Tom and Kris that they would need to pay the township police department $2,000 per night for police coverage, as opposed to using the auxiliary police group they used for the last several years. Furthermore, they will be required to shuttle folks in from the local school, at a cost of about $1,000 per night, the GoFundMe page said. I told them thats not going to happen, Apruzzi said, according to WGRZ. My Christmas lights are going on. The mayor keeps saying its a safety issue. It hasnt been a safety issue the last 15 years. The township had all year to figure it out. When asked about the shuttle service, the mayor told My Central Jersey that no one had ordered Apruzzi to provide it. We recommended it, he said. We thought it was a great idea to bus people in and drop them off at the corner. That would be great, but he wants us to pay for that. Mayor Henry said the fee would pay police officers overtime to serve as security on the nights, and the cost of moveable light posts to light the street, NJ.com reported. Henry denied claims that he and the chief of police had threatened to shut down the show if Apruzzi doesnt pay up. We have not told Mr. Apruzzi to shut his light off. We have not and I will not, Henry told My Central Jersey. Im not a grinch. Its all about public safety. We need to take the steps necessary to make sure that event goes off in a safe, orderly manner. I think its amazing how all of a sudden in a matter of about 12 hours the mayor is changing his story now, Apruzzi told My Central Jersey. The Show Will Go On, Mayor Says Henry said that while the light show is on, parking will be permitted on one side of the road, and there will be a safe walkway set up on the other side of the street. We will keep a travel lane open throughout the neighborhood for the nights the show is scheduled to go on, Henry told My Central Jersey. Access to the Apruzzis street will be limited to residents only. We have determined that that additional police resources is going to cost the township of Old Bridgeevery taxpayer in Old Bridgeabout $2,000 per night. That is money that is not in our budget. That is money that the council is going to have to make an emergency appropriation for. As the mayor and the chief of police, we have no choice. Even if the council doesnt go there, I still have to go there. At the end of the day, we are going to expend to this money$45,000 or $50,000 of hard-earned taxpayer moneyregardless of whether he is going to reimburse us or not. The residents of Old Bridge are paying for this. They have to acknowledge that. We have to make sure that that venue is safe. I assume he will be sent a bill on Monday for what it cost us over the weekend to show him where it stands, Henry continued. It could be more or it could be less. If we dont see big crowds coming, we can reduce it. If we have big crowds coming, well have to increase our presence. While the Apruzzis are encouraging people to donate to their fundraiser, which has a goal of $75,000, Apruzzi says the show will go on regardless of whether enough money is raised. From NTD News President Donald Trump walks toward a group of reporters to answer questions while departing the White House in Washington on Nov. 29, 2018. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Trump Cancels G-20 Meeting With Putin Over RussiaUkraine Tensions President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that was scheduled to take place during the G-20 summit in Argentina, citing Russias ongoing detention of Ukrainian ships and sailors. Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin, Trump wrote on Twitter on Nov. 29. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved! Trump made the decision aboard Air Force One en route to Argentina, after speaking to Chief of Staff John Kelly, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and national security adviser John Bolton. Its just happened in the last half-hour, Sanders said. The meeting between Trump and Putin was previously confirmed by the White House. Trump told reporters outside the White House less than two hours prior to the cancelation that he was contemplating terminating the meeting. Im getting a full report on the plane as to what happened with respect to that and that will determine what Im going to do, Trump said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko accused Putin on Nov. 29 of wanting to annex all of Ukraine and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenkos comments to German media are part of a concerted push by Kiev to gain Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible new Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenues. Poroshenkos Western allies so far havent offered to provide any of these things, despite his warnings of a possible Russian invasion after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Nov. 25. Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the incident, which took place in the Black Sea near Crimea, the Ukrainian region occupied by Russia since 2014. Putin has accused Poroshenko of manufacturing the crisis to boost his flagging ratings ahead of next years elections in Ukraine. Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraines infrastructure minister, said Nov. 29 that Russia had imposed a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, by barring ships from leaving or entering the sea via the Kerch Strait. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it hadnt heard of any problems. Warships Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. Ukraine isnt a member of the U.S.-led military alliance. NATO, which has condemned Russias seizure of the Ukrainian ships, said that alliances ships routinely patrol and conduct exercises in the Black Sea, that allies engage in regular air policing and reconnaissance flights there, and that the alliance has stepped up its activities since Moscow annexed Crimea. Three NATO membersBulgaria, Romania, and Turkeyare littoral states with their own national capabilities deployed in the Black Sea region, NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. So there is already a lot of NATO in the Black Sea, and we will continue to assess our presence in the region. The prospect of NATO warships heading to the Sea of Azov, which is separated from the Black Sea by the Kerch Strait, seems unlikelyits shallow, access to it is controlled by Russia, and the Kremlin would likely view any attempt by the Atlantic alliance to deploy there as a hostile act. Poroshenko, who has temporarily imposed martial law in parts of Ukraine because of the crisis, also wrote on Twitter on Nov. 29 that he would impose unspecified restrictions on Russian citizens in his country. Ukraines border service said it would only allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to Crimea via its land border with the annexed territory, while the head of the Ukrainian navy said Kiev would try to get Turkey to close the Bosporus Strait to Russian ships. There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Missile Systems Russia on Nov. 29 deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimeaits fourth such battalionaccording to TASS news agency, citing a spokesman for Russias Black Sea Fleet. Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance. Russia is also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, according to Interfax. The United States and the EU have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions toward Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea following the toppling of a pro-Russian leader in Kiev. Moscow later backed pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire, but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent. Nord Stream 2 Poroshenko urged Berlin to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine, which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out. Trump also opposes Nord Stream 2. We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russias aggressive behavior, Poroshenko told the Funke newspaper group. That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. But Germanys economy minister, Peter Altmaier, dismissed the idea that his countrys commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis. Poroshenkos attempts to persuade the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia also are unlikely to bear fruit any time soon, diplomats say, given divisions within the bloc over how to deal with Moscow. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at the G-20 summit, which starts in Argentina on Nov. 30. Reuters contributed to this report. Trump Coy on China Trade Deal Before Meeting Xi WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals on Nov. 29 about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one, just as he left for Argentina for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. I think were very close to doing something with China but I dont know that I want to do it, Trump told reporters as he left the White House to fly to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. Because what we have right now is billions and billions of dollars coming into the United States in the form of tariffs or taxes, he said. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Saturday to discuss trade amid increasing tensions between the worlds top two economies. Peter Navarro, Trumps hardline trade adviser, will attend the meeting between the leaders, a U.S. official told Reuters. Another official said Navarros addition was meant to send a message to China about the administrations resolve on trade. Navarro has advocated a tough stance against Beijing. I really dont know but I will tell you that I think China wants to make a deal. Im open to making a deal. But frankly, I like the deal we have right now, Trump said. China, for its part, is hoping for positive results in resolving its trade dispute with the United States, the commerce ministry said on Thursday. Asked if China was seeking to prevent the imposition of additional U.S. tariffs at the meeting, the ministrys spokesman, Gao Feng, said economic teams from both nations were in contact to implement a consensus reached by Trump and Xi during a phone call this month. I hope that the United States and China could move towards each other and work hard to achieve positive results in the meeting, Gao said without elaborating. The United States has levied additional duties of between 10 percent and 25 percent on $250 billion of Chinese goods this year as punishment for what it calls Chinas unfair trade practices, with the 10 percent tariffs set to climb to 25 percent next year. A Reuters poll on Wednesday showed Chinas factories likely struggled to grow for a second straight month in November as cooling demand at home and the threat of higher U.S. tariffs stifled new orders. White House officials said this week Trump was open to making a trade deal with Xi when they meet. Trump, whose economic record is likely to be a key factor in his race for re-election in 2020, lashed out at General Motors Co after the companys recent announcement of U.S. layoffs and plant closures and threatened additional tariffs In a Twitter post on Thursday, Trump said: Billions of Dollars are pouring into the coffers of the U.S.A. because of the Tariffs being charged to China, and there is a long way to go. If companies dont want to pay Tariffs, build in the U.S.A. By Jeff Mason The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale transits the Philippine Sea on Nov. 16, 2018. (U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor D. Loessin/Handout via Reuters) Two US Navy Ships Pass Through Taiwan Strait, Opposing China WASHINGTONThe United States sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 28 in the third such operation this year, as the U.S. military increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. The voyage risks further raising tension with China but will likely be viewed in self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from U.S. President Donald Trumps government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. The ships transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement. The U.S. Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows. It said the passage was carried out by the destroyer USS Stockdale and the Pecos, a replenishment vessel. Taiwans defense ministry said it was a normal transit through international waters in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan forces had monitored the passage of the ships. Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing on Thursday that Beijing had expressed its concern over the passage to the United States. We urge the United States to cautiously and appropriately handle the Taiwan issue, avoid damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and China-U.S. relations, he said. Core Issue Chinas defense ministry spokesman, Ren Guoqiang, said their military was fully aware of the U.S. action. The Taiwan issue is a matter of Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is the most important, most sensitive core issue in China-U.S. relations, and involves Chinas core interests, Ren told a monthly news briefing. The will and determination of the Chinese military to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity is unswerving. The U.S. patrol comes ahead of an expected meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week in Argentina on the sidelines of a G20 summit. The U.S. Navy conducted a similar mission in the straits international waters in July, which had been the first such voyage in about a year. The latest operation shows the U.S. Navy is increasing the pace of strait passages. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan, but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the islands main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its controldespite Taiwan being a democracy with its own constitution, elected officials, and military. The Chinese regime has also alarmed Taiwan by ramping up military exercises this year, including flying bombers and other military aircraft around the island and sending its aircraft carrier through the narrow Taiwan Strait separating it from Taiwan. Taipei has denounced such actions as intimidation. Over the weekend, Taiwans ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party suffered heavy losses in mayoral and county elections to the China-friendly Kuomintang, which has been welcomed by Beijing. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the U.S.-China relationship, which also include a trade war, U.S. sanctions and Chinas increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols. By Idrees Ali. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Paul Polman, chief executive officer of Unilever Plc, attends the MEDEF union summer forum on the campus of the HEC School of Management in Jouy-en-Josas, near Paris, France, on Aug. 28, 2018. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters) Unilever CEO Retires After Headquarters Row, Replaced by Insider Jope LONDONUnilevers Chief Executive Paul Polman will step down next month after 10 years in the job, leaving insider Alan Jope to step into his shoes after the Anglo-Dutch groups failed attempt to shift its headquarters. A UK investor revolt forced Polman and the Unilever board to scrap a plan in October to move the headquarters of the dual-listed company, which makes Dove soap and Ben & Jerrys ice cream, to the Netherlands. Company veteran Jacket, 54, is the boss of the beauty and personal care division which is Unilevers largest, accounting for almost half of group annual profits. The Scotsman also previously led the companys business in China and has long been seen as a possible successor to Polman. Our global footprint includes strong positions in many important markets for the future and our focus will remain on serving our consumers, and our other multiple stakeholders, to deliver longterm growth and value creation, Jope said. At the helm since January 2009, Polman, 62, generated big returns for shareholders totaling 290 percent over the period, expanded its presence in emerging markets, and in 2017 fended off a $143 billion takeover approach by Kraft-Heinz. That failed bid, however, helped prompt Dutchman Polman to seek to simplify Unilevers structure by shifting its headquarters to Rotterdam. That angered UK-based shareholders as Unilever would have left the UK FTSE 100 share index, forcing some to sell. Unilevers board, led by Chairman Marijn Dekkers, ditched the HQ move plan on Oct. 5 after it became clear that it could fall short of the investor approval needed. Dekkers denied the row had accelerated Polmans retirement. The appointment of Alan Jope as the successor of Paul has nothing to do with the simplification process, he told reporters on Nov. 29. Polmans decision to retire was not unexpected and the board had started a process a year ago to consider appropriate replacements, Dekkers added. Thats why we were able to appoint Alan immediately, he said. Marmite Polmans reputation as a champion of issues like sustainability and the companys social impact wasnt always appreciated. Bernstein analyst Andrew Wood said some investors were irked by what they considered a preachy style but added that Polman had a strong record over the past decade. Just like one of Unilevers highest-profile products, Marmite, Polman engenders strongly differing opinions from investors, Wood said. We consider that Polman has been an exceptionally good CEO of Unilever, Wood added. Dekkers said that Jopes appointment stands for continuity, reassuring investors that the company was on track to meet guidance set by Polman, that includes a target for underlying operating margin of 20 percent by 2020. Unilever investor Skagen Global Fund said it hoped that Jacket would build on Polmans legacy. Jope is an impressive executive and we congratulate the board on an excellent choice of successor, Skagen Global fund portfolio manager Knut Gezelius said. Choosing Jope over presumably a long list of strong external candidates is another testament to the strength of the internal bench and management quality at Unilever. National Balance The appointment of Jope rebalances the Anglo-Dutch leadership of the company in favor of the British-side. While Dekkers is Dutch, Unilevers Chief Financial Officer Graeme Pitkethly is also British. Dekkers said that nationality played no role in how Unilever made appointment decisions. Pitkethly, who was involved in the media campaign defending the plan to move the HQ, had also been rumored as a possible replacement for Polman. Jacket joined Unilever as a graduate trainee in 1985. He will be paid a fixed salary of 1.45 million euros ($1.65 million) plus a target annual bonus of 150 percent of fixed pay in his new role as CEO. Investors will not have to wait long for a chance to quiz the company on its future Unilever is due to hold an investor day in Mumbai, India on Dec. 4 and 5. On the new CEOs agenda will be Unilevers bid for GlaxoSmithKlines Indian Horlicks nutrition business, where it is competing against consumer giant Nestle, as well as handling any fallout from a possible no-deal Brexit as Britain is due to leave the EU in March 2019. Polman, who was paid a fixed annual salary of 1.4 million pounds but with bonuses took home a total package of about 10 million pounds, will stay on for six months to support Jopes transition into the role, Unilever added in its statement. Shares in Unilever traded 0.2 percent higher in midafternoon. The stock has risen 170 percent since Polman took the top job, outperforming Britains bluechip index which is up about 75 percent. By Sarah Young U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at the 9th China Business Conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington on May 1, 2018. Three days before a U.S.-China summit, Lighthizer complained in a statement on Nov. 28 that Beijing is imposing "egregious" taxes on American-made cars. (Cliff Owen/AP) US Calls Chinas Tariffs on American Autos Egregious WASHINGTONThree days before a U.S.-China summit, the top U.S. trade official is blasting Beijing for imposing egregious taxes on American-made cars. In a statement on Nov. 28, U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer complained that China slaps 40 percent tariffs on U.S. auto importsmore than the 15 percent tariffs it imposes on other countries and the 27.5 percent U.S. tax on Chinese auto imports. Lighthizer said the president had directed him to examine all available tools to equalize the tariffs applied to automobiles. The statement comes before a dinner meeting on Saturday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to seek a resolution to a trade dispute between their countries that has shaken financial markets and threatened the global economy. The United States has imposed import taxes on $250 billion worth of Chinese products and China has countered by targeting $110 billion in U.S. imports. They are locked in a dispute over what Washington calls Chinas predatory tactics to challenge American technology dominance. These include, the U.S. alleges, hacking into U.S. firms computer networks to steal trade secrets and demanding that American and other foreign companies hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market. By Paul Wiseman Supporters of mayoral candidate Ting Shou-chung from the Kuomintang (KMT) party wave national flags at Ting's campaign headquarters during local elections in Taipei, on Nov. 24, 2018. (Chris Stowers/AFP/Getty Images) US Congressman Expresses Concerns About Beijing Meddling in Taiwan Elections TAIPEI, TaiwanAfter widespread media reports of Beijings meddling in Taiwans recent elections, U.S. House of Representatives member Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) called attention to Chinas interference in a statement posted Nov. 27 on his official website. Im concerned by the widespread allegations that Beijing attempted to interfere in Taiwans local elections this weekend. The Chinese Communist Partys reprehensible campaign to marginalize Taiwan is no secret. Taiwans vibrant democracy and upstanding international conduct are qualities the Communist Party should aspire to, rather than undermine, he wrote. Taiwanese media have documented a wide range of tactics deployed by Beijing in attempts to influence the election, with the ultimate goal of having candidates with a pro-Beijing platform win. They include spreading fake news on Taiwanese social media, funding pro-Beijing candidates campaigns, and deploying an army of Chinese netizens to make online comments favorable to Beijing. Congressman Yoho also commented on the Taiwan Travel Act, a U.S. law signed by the President Donald Trump in March 2018, which calls for more high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. The U.S.-Taiwan partnership remains unwavering. I continue to encourage the Administration to demonstrate this commitment by fully implementing the Taiwan Travel Act, beginning with a cabinet-level visit to Taiwan as soon as possible, he wrote. Congressman Yoho is also chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific region. While the travel act may be symbolic in nature, said Russell Hsiao, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based think tank Global Taiwan Institute, after the act was signed into law, it conveyed a powerful statement of support to the people of Taiwan and its democratically elected leaders. Andrew H.C. Lee, spokesman for Taiwans Foreign Ministry, expressed gratitude for Yohos remarks in an interview with Taiwans Central News Agency. He added that Beijing has been nonstop in trying to influence Taiwans elections with fake information. Lee said that over the past year, several senior American officials have visited Taiwan, and Taiwans government will continue to work with the United States on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefit. After the Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Nationalist Party, fled to Taiwan upon defeat by the Chinese Communist Party in Chinas civil war, the Party ruled over the island for decades. Taiwan has since transitioned into a democracy, with the first direct presidential election held in 1996. While Taiwan is a de facto country with its own constitution, currency, and military, Beijing considers the island a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, with military force if necessary. Beijings agenda is to have more pro-Beijing candidates win elections in Taiwanso that they can in turn influence the general public into embracing the idea of Taiwans unification with China. Strong public support for unification, Beijing believes, could be the basis of its legitimate takeover of Taiwan, may it be by non-violent or military means. Freddy Lim, a member of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwans parliament, said the islands diplomatic relations with the United States is an important step to safeguard Taiwans presence in the international community, according to a Nov. 29 article by Taiwans daily newspaper Liberty Times. Recently, Beijing has increasingly deployed dollar diplomacy tactics in a bid to pressure Taiwans diplomatic allies to sever their ties with the islandin exchange for Chinas aid and investment. In the past two years, Sao Tome and Principe, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, and El Salvador have all cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan to instead recognize formal relations with China. Cornering Taiwan in the global community is another tactic by Beijing to drive its ultimate goal of bringing Taiwan under its rule. By isolating Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party hopes to make the island dependent on it economically and politically. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, writing on his Twitter account on Nov. 24, congratulated Taiwan on another successful round of free and fair elections. Your hard-earned constitutional democracy is an example for the entire Indo-Pacific, Pompeo added. Vaccine Boom, Population Bust: Study Queries the Link Between HPV Vaccine and Soaring Infertility A plague is spreading silently across the globe. The young generation in America, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, Australiain virtually every western countryis afflicted by rapidly increasing rates of infertility. This spring, the United States reported its lowest birth rate in 30 years, despite an economic boom. Finlands birth rate plummeted to a low not seen in 150 years. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently introduced a string of reforms aimed at stemming the countrys deep demographic declines. The government of Denmark introduced an ad campaign to encourage couples to Do it for Denmark and conceive on vacations, and Poland produced a campaign urging its citizens to breed like rabbits. Somethingor thingsare robbing young women and men of their capacity to procreate and public health admits it doesnt have a clue where to start to fix the emerging priority. The population bomb we were all endlessly warned about by environmentalists failed to blow, and instead, demographers have been trying to raise the alarm about the population implosion crisis unfolding across the Westthe graying of societies facing an unprecedented aging demographic in which there will be too few young to support the old. Most often, they blame social factors: young women embracing careers instead of motherhood, men shunning marriage and fatherhood, rising consumerism or couples choosing to delay raising a family until the economy settles. But there is another phenomenon that is rarely mentionedthe growing numbers of young people who are not childless by choice but who are incapable of bearing children. The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 12 percent of American womenone in eighthave trouble conceiving and bearing a child. Male fertility is plunging, too, and the trend is global. Somethingor thingsare robbing young women and men of their capacity to procreate and public health admits it doesnt have a clue where to start to fix the emerging priority. Besides bantering about expanding access to costly and risky artificial reproductive technologies, very little is being done to discern the cause of the rising infertility crisis. So, earlier this month, when an unprecedented study was released that looked at a database of more than eight million American women and singled out a whopping 25 percent increase in childlessness associated with one ubiquitous drug that young women have been taking for only a decadein tandem with a marked decline in fecundityyou would have thought there would be significant interest from public health, the medical profession and the media, wouldnt you? A Common Denominator Behind Growing Infertility Rates Instead, all three of these behemoths remain stone silent. The reason? Because the study, published in the current Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, examines the childbearing capacity of women who received the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinecompared to those who didntand the results are chilling. No one in public health, medicine or mainstream media, which are tangled up in the money-making machine of this vaccine, dare to publicly question the safe and effective mantra theyve promulgated about Merck and GSK pharmaceuticals blockbuster commodity worth billions. The study is by Gayle DeLong, associate professor of economics and finance, at Baruch College at City University of New York. She observed that the declining birth rate had plunged in America in recent yearsfrom 118 per 1,000 in 2007, to 105 in 2015 for the cohort aged 25 to 29. The HPV vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the US in 2006 to prevent cervical canceran illness women face a 0.6 percent lifetime risk of being diagnosed with. Although it is diagnosed most frequently at age 47 in the United States, it was rolled out en masse, initially targeting girls aged 11 to 26 (and has since been marketed to boys as young as nine to prevent rare anal and penile cancersa disease that afflicts 0.2 percent of men in their lifetime.). They raised troubling questions about some vaccine ingredients documented impact on reproduction, cited serious deficiencies (some would say criminal negligence) in preliminary vaccine trials and concluded that further research was urgently required. for the purposes of population health and public vaccine confidence. DeLong had read a case study in the British Medical Journal by Australian physicians Deirdre Little and Harvey Ward, who described a 16-year-old girl whose regular menstruation ceased after receiving HPV vaccinations and she was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. In 2014, the doctors published a case series of more teens who had entered premature menopausea phenomenon Little and Ward described as ordinarily so rare as to be also unknown. They raised troubling questions about some vaccine ingredients documented impact on reproduction, cited serious deficiencies (some would say criminal negligence) in preliminary vaccine trials and concluded that further research was urgently required. for the purposes of population health and public vaccine confidence. As well, between 2006 and 2014, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) cited 48 cases of ovarian damage associated with autoimmune reactions in HPV vaccine recipients. Between 2006 and May, 2018, VAERS catalogued other reproductive issues: spontaneous abortion (256 cases), amenorrhea (172 cases), and irregular menstruation (172 cases), all of which are likely under-reported symptoms. All of this intrigued DeLong, who has followed the vaccine debate for years and makes no secret of the fact that she has two daughters, 18 and 21, both having been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, whom she saw regress developmentally and withdraw following vaccinations early in life. I am sceptical of vaccine science and the safety studies that are done, or not done, she says. She set out to analyze information gathered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which represented 8 million 25-to-29-year-old women living in the United States between 2007 and 2014. Using logistic regression, she matched the young women for other variables, including age, and compared pregnancy as an outcome in those who received an HPV vaccine compared with those who did not get any of the shots. Approximately 60 percent of women who did not receive the HPV vaccine had been pregnant at least once compared to just 35 percent of women who had had an HPV shot had ever conceived. I just wanted to see if there was an issue, says DeLong. I certainly didnt expect to find such a strong association. Approximately 60 percent of women who did not receive the HPV vaccine had been pregnant at least once compared to just 35 percent of women who had had an HPV shot had ever conceived. For married women, the gap was also about 25 percent: 75 percent who did not receive the shot was found to have conceived, while only 50 percent who received the vaccine had ever been pregnant. Results suggest that females who received the HPV shot were less likely to have ever been pregnant than women in the same age group who did not receive the shot, the study says. It concludes, as all studies like this do, that the data points to an association, not causation, between the new vaccine and reduced fertility but that further study is warranted. If the association is causation, however, DeLongs math suggests that if all the females in this study had received the HPV vaccine, the number of women having ever conceived would have fallen by two million. Thats not two million missing children. Thats two million women who cant conceive one, two, or any children. It is millions of American children missing from a single cohort. The implication, considering the sweeping breadth of the global HPV vaccine campaign targeted now at both males and females aged nine years old and up, is staggering. The Skeptic Response Skeptics are reliable vaccine industry defenders. Armchair scientists who frequently hide behind pseudonyms, they have sort of schizophrenia about vaccines. They insist vaccines are powerfully immune-modulating drugs capable of altering the immune systems response to infectious exposure. But they cant accept that, like all drugs, vaccines can and do have thousands of documented long-term adverse reactionsespecially because they are designed to induce the delayed manufacture of antibodies by the adaptive immune system. Because these responses are mediated by the immune system, they are diverse, unpredictable and profound. As expected, the Skeptics welcomed DeLongs research with snide and personal (read unscientific) attacks. They slammed her failure to include data on contraceptive use. As a result, DeLong intends to attach that data to an addendum on the study, but what she found and reported on Age of Autisms website only bolsters the studys findings. Among married women in the survey, 36.6 percent of those who had received the HPV shot told the NHANES that they were using contraception (condoms at least half the time, birth control or injectables otherwise) compared to more than half (51.5 percent) of those who didnt get the shot a difference of almost 15 percent. Less contraceptive use should translate to more babies among the vaccinated. But, it seems that the vaccinated women in the study were actually trying harder to conceive (or at least not so worried about it) but still having less lucknot good for the Skeptic argument. DeLong isnt even an epidemiologist the Skeptics howled. (In other words, shoot the messenger if you dont like the message.) To which she replies, No. Im not. I am a statistician, however. I would be grateful if epidemiologists would do their job and conduct this research thoroughly. This is precisely what her study called for. If they did, mothers of vaccine injured children would not be required to. Infertile Women Excluded From Study on Infertility DeLong cites another study, from Boston Universitys Schools of Public Health and Medicine and the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in North Carolina, which found no such association between HPV vaccination and impaired fertility. Interestingly, Boston University has been the recipient of tens of millions from globalist vaccine promoters Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as has RTI, an organization that has received more than $47 million dollars in grant funds in recent years. RTI has published a number of recent studies on HPV vaccine, including one jointly-funded with GSK (a vaccine manufacturer) on the safety of the companys HPV vaccine, and another, cautioning public health agencies to take special measures to ensure their messages are not perceived as sponsored by drug companies lest they incite reduced liking and trust by parents who will be less likely to give the HPV vaccine to their sons. Other RTI publications describe Promising alternative settings for HPV vaccination of US adolescents, changing provider behavior to enhance HPV uptake and more. These could be the women with hardcore issues of fecundity, says DeLong, but they are precisely the women who should be included. The RTI study about HPV vaccines impact on fertility was based on patients own recall of vaccines received (remember how the Skeptics howled at self-reporting before?). But the study did not control for a far more important factor in fertilityage. Age in this context affects not just the possible effect of the vaccine itself on fertility, but fertility is skewed dramatically in favor of the young and the study lumps 18 year-olds in with 30-year-olds. As well, at the outset, it excludes 881 women from a pool of 5,020 because they were already tryingwithout luckto conceive a baby for more than six months. This has the effect of shrinking the infertility finding overall. These could be the women with hardcore issues of fecundity, says DeLong, but they are precisely the women who should be included. Environmental Concerns To be sure, many environmental factors could be affecting female fertility. Plunging male fertility is one of them. Male sperm counts have nosedived in recent decadesscientists published data last year showing that globally, they have dropped 50 percent in just the past 40 yearssignaling serious unidentified environmental hazards. Environmental scientists have pointed to everything from GMOs and toxic aluminum (more on this later) to Wi-Fi and birth control excreted by women into the drinking water, as possible causes of vanishing sperm and lowered fertility generally. But in DeLongs study, these environmental factors influence the whole group of women equally. There is no reason why women who vaccinate would choose men with lower sperm counts, for example. Whats in the HPV Vaccine? So, what is it about a vaccine targeting a virus associated with cancer of the human reproductive tract that could go so wrong? DeLong notes that both HPV vaccines contain aluminum, a toxic metal with documented potential to induce autoimmune self-attack, including on reproductive organs. HPV vaccines are loaded with aluminum: Mercks original Gardasil vaccine contained 225 micrograms of nanoparticlized aluminum in each of three shots, totalling 675 micrograms; the new improved Gardasil 9 shots contain a total of 1500 microgramsa wallop of stimulant for the immune system that DeLong thinks might just be a tipping point for youths who have had so many previous injections of aluminum in the schedule of 50 vaccines before school age. The CDC states that all these reactions are normal and that HPV vaccines are safe without any adverse impact on maternal or fetal outcome in pregnancy. Perhaps this is why HPV shots have such a high number of reported adverse events: 45,277 from its introduction in 2006 to May, 2018 (and these are considered to be vastly under-reported). The CDC states that all these reactions are normal and that HPV vaccines are safe without any adverse impact on maternal or fetal outcome in pregnancy. A recent paper from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center cautions that this CDC assurance is based on incomplete data. It points out biases in reporting and gaps in data. Certain adverse effects of the vaccine against HPV that have not been well studied as they are not well defined, add the researchers who describe a host of documented, diverse autoimmune, neurological and cardiovascular disease in the wake of the vaccine. The most frequent reported symptoms after HPV vaccination are poorly understood fainting, chronic pain with tingling or burning sensations, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, nausea and other symptoms that are worsened on standing upright, for example. HPV vaccinationas well as tetanus vaccinationhas been linked in medical literature to a condition called anti-phospholipid syndrome which is a poorly defined disease caused when the immune system erroneously manufactures antibodies against certain lipid proteins found in membranes that are in a host of tissueseyes, heart, brain, nerves, skinand the reproductive system. One 2012 study by Serbian researchers at the Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Ser Torlak found that hyperimmunisation of the immune system with different adjuvants, including aluminum, in mice, resulted in induction of antiphospholipid syndrome and the tandem lowering of fertility. Unequivocal evidence of high concentrations of the metal were found, especially in the semen of men with low sperm counts. Other research has implicated aluminum in conception problems. French infertility researcher Jean-Philippe Klein and his colleagues at the University of Lyon published the results of their 2014 study of the sperm of men seeking assistance at a French infertility clinic. They dispatched semen samples from 62 men who were having infertility issues to Christopher Exleys aluminum research laboratory at Keele University in England where they were fluorescently stained to show the aluminum content as a luminescent blue. Unequivocal evidence of high concentrations of the metal were found, especially in the semen of men with low sperm counts. Clearly fluorescing and concentrated aluminum in the DNA-rich heads of the sperm led the researchers to speculate about what impact this may have on the ability to procreate and on the development of newly formed embryos. Deirdre Little, the Australian GP who documented primary ovarian failure following HPV vaccination, has also criticized the fact that Mercks product information was misleading about what sort of saline placebo was used in trials of the Gardasil vaccineit failed to mention that the placebos contained both the high doses of aluminium as well as another scary ingredient, polysorbate 80. This chemical has exhibited delayed ovarian toxicity to rat ovaries at all injected doses tested over a tenfold range. None of the trials accurately assessed the long-term impact of the vaccine on the reproductive health of girls, Deirdre and Ward said, adding that drug damage to reproductive health may take years or decades to manifest. What kind of public health agency brushes off 45,277 reports of adverse eventsincluding neurological and reproductive symptomsamong young women of childbearing age? Urgent and Unanswered Questions The elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about is why the HPV vaccine is so heavily marketed to begin with? Why make a vaccine for a disease that afflicts less than 0.3 percent of people in their lifetime? And why include ingredients that are toxic, especially high doses of ingredients that scientists have objected to, and with documented toxicity to reproductive organs? Why not use a true control in the trials? What kind of scientist would do that kind of science? What kind of public health agency brushes off 45,277 reports of adverse eventsincluding neurological and reproductive symptomsamong young women of childbearing age? Answering these questions turns out to be a lot more awkward than it seems at first. There are chilling facts that are hard to set aside. There are, as recently as 2015, the charges by Catholic bishops and human rights activists that public health agencies had deliberately tainted tetanus vaccines given only to women of reproductive age in Kenya. Public health organizations denied they had laced tetanus vaccines with miscarriage-inducing Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (b-HCG)a key sterilizing ingredient described in the extensive medical literature about the quest for a contraceptive vaccine to control population growth. The Kenyan bishops insisted they had laboratory evidence that was ignored and the issue was ignored like DeLongs study. Another inconvenient truth is that the very people funding the HPV vaccine juggernaut are the same people most interested in reducing birth rates. When Melinda Gates launched her Family Planning Summit in 2012 with the objective of bringing contraceptives to the worlds poor, it was clear she had one measure for that goal in mind: If you see whats happened in other countries that have had contraceptives, they use them first of all and the birth rates go down, she said at the time. The question is could it have come down even more quickly? So long as there is no satisfactory answer as to why the West is facing an infertility crisis, questions about the long-term impact of the HPV vaccine on human fertility are not only fair and reasonable, but the future is very bleak if we do not answer them. Although she swore her campaign was not about population control, Gates goals are the same as those who conducted the mass sterilizations of Indian men on railway platforms in the 70s and who continue to sterilize Indian women today en masse to get the birth rate down. For Gates, success is not measured in access to clean water or energy or in the development of infrastructure or political freedom, it is measured in access to drugs, drugs she and her husband hold stock in contraceptives and vaccines. Their success is measured by exporting what most western countries are facing a social catastrophe: demographic decline. So long as there is no satisfactory answer as to why the West is facing an infertility crisis, questions about the long-term impact of the HPV vaccine on human fertility are not only fair and reasonable, but the future is very bleak if we do not answer them. Childrens Health Defense, (formerly the World Mercury Project) is an organization dedicated to exposing and eliminating harmful exposures to children. ChildrensHealthDefense.org Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Willingness to fail. Passionate vision. Intense self motivation. Constant networkers. Sound like the traits of an entrepreneur? Yes but interestingly enough fine artists also share these character essentials with entrepreneurs. Below we further explore this unique comparison and point out some additional things entrepreneurs can learn from their artist counterparts. Disruptive innovation in business means the application of a fresh new idea or augmenting something different than currently used. By targeting a new consumer base these innovations often go unchallenged by competitors; creating a new market altogether. In art, think of The Renaissance as the perfect conditions disruption. In the 15th century new ideas about art, music, science and the like brought culture out of the stagnant Middle Ages. The word renaissance in Old French literally translates to rebirth. One disruption from this time period was oil paint. Semblances of oil paints were used by ancient Hellenistic and Egyptian societies; but in 1410 Flemish painter Jan van Eyck created a new type of oil paint that produced vibrant colors and light. This solution spurred the development of new painting methods. Van Eycks oil paints are still used over 500 years later. Air BnB is an online (and mobile app) marketplace that connects users wanting to rent out their properties or spare room to users looking for lodging. Air BnB is a model example of disruptive innovation. Originally, users of the app were looking for a low-cost alternative to hotels. They were not the same consumer base that was interested in the perks of a highly rated hotel. As Air BnB became increasingly popular the company improved the quality of its offerings and therefore could satisfy a full range of customer preferences. Currently, Air BnB is valued at $25 billion. "Creativity and innovation is what is essential in art. It is a key asset for entrepreneurs and business people, Jason Rubell, co-founder of Rubell Family Collection, told me. They will be will served to harness this forward thinking and creative energy in business endeavors, he added. Related: How This Art Fair Producer Pulls Off Huge Live Events 2. New age time management. [In my] work area youll often find dozens of paintings spread around and either facing outwards or pointing towards the wall. If its point towards the wall, I call it putting it on ice and it means that I will get to it at some point but right now Im not really responding to it. The paintings that are faced outwards are being rotated in my work mix, said contemporary fine artist Matthew Ryan Herget. Frankly, sometimes I get bored and need to work on something else to keep the energy moving. So...I generally work in a rotation that is dictated by my own feeling on how things are going, added Herget. The best artists know when to take their time. They conceptualize, brainstorm, sometimes taking time off to do nothing but think. In the business world, this conscious effort to be inactive sounds counterproductive. Artists recognize that actively working on something isnt the only way to be productive. Occasionally take a break to allow time for the brain to reboot, this enables you to find inspiration naturally. When the mind can relax when it maxes out creativity -- this is true for art and business alike. This is not an excuse to slack off. Productivity experts recommend time management techniques to pace work and break time. I focus on one task at a time, award-winning portrait photographer Martin Schoeller said to me in our interview. I leave my phone at home when hanging out with my kids, added Schoeller who is currently exhibiting at the historic Fotografiska New York. Techniques like these are how you work smart by choosing priorities. Critically analyze time usage -- dont just simply work harder. You will reap the benefits that time management has to offer. Related: Keep Your Day Job but Everyone Needs a Side Project 3. Observe, listen and learn every chance you get. Its exciting when someone is so consumed with an idea that they want to build a business around it, but listening to outside input is an invaluable trait for entrepreneurs. Business owners can be emotionally attached to a project, but observing, learning and willing to change based on what has worked for comparables always wins out against blind passion. Fine artists do this well. They know when to take their time and absorb what is happening around them to influence their work. Renowned abstractionist Jackson Pollock benefited from being incessantly observant. Pollock grew up in the southwest United States and claims that Native American tribal art was one of his main influences as an artist. Later in life, he often frequented Native American art exhibits in museums like the MoMA to continue to observe and be inspired. Pollock's Number 17A sold for $200 million; hard to find any more validation than that. As an entrepreneur, take what you have learned from fine artists and turn it into your own creation. Maybe you will end up with your own masterpiece of a business. Related: Artists Passionate About Their Work Have Many Lessons for Entrepreneurs Successful Leaders Embrace the Evolution of the Industries Creative Pursuits: Kourosh Nouri, Founding Director, Carbon 12 Gallery Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved NORWALK A Connecticut Department of Transportation engineer on Wednesday night presented to the public a year-by-year timetable for replacement of the Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River. Despite a lawsuit, the DOT plans to begin replacing the 122-year-old railroad bridge in late 2019 and take four to five years to finish the project. The first year, youre really not going to see a lot as far as construction because its mostly in-water work, said Domenic A. LaRosa, district engineer for DOT Districts 3 and 3A. Youll see some of the trestles being built here. Youll see the relocation of the IMAX (Theater) will be going on at the same time ... some of the staging yards will be built out, relocation of the vessels to the south. More than 50 people, including many DOT engineers and consultants, attended the public information meeting at the Walk Bridge Program Welcome Center at 20 Marshall St. on Wednesday. An identical afternoon session attracted about 35 people. The public was invited to visit display stations set up on various aspects of the larger $1.2 billion program, and ask questions of the engineers and consultants. A presentation, including LaRosas year-by-year walkthrough, followed at each session. In year two, construction activity will pick up with removal of the southern two railroad tracks from service. The reduction from four to two tracks along Metro-North Railroads New Haven Line will continue eastward to the Fort Point Street Bridge, which will be rebuilt to the west to align with South Smith Street, as well as at the Osborne Street Bridge, which will be rehabilitated, and the East Avenue Bridge, which will be rebuilt. In year three, the DOT will float in, install and open the new Walk Bridge span that will carry the two southern tracks, according to LaRosa. The majority of this project, well be able to maintain two tracks at all time, LaRosa said. But this will be one of those extended weekend closures where all four tracks will be out of service. In year four, the DOT will float in, install and complete the north span of the new 240-foot, vertical-lift Walk Bridge and open its two tracks. At the same time, the DOT will build the north halves of the Osborne and East Avenue bridges. The public information meeting came as the Walk Bridge replacement is 60 percent designed but remains under the shadow of a lawsuit filed early this year by Norwalk Harbor Keeper, a local conservation group that maintains the DOT didnt adequately consider a smaller, less-expensive fixed bridge. DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker, who also attended the meeting, said he wouldnt predict how the lawsuit might affect the project. We believe the right course of action is to proceed, as we are, to keep the schedule because schedule implies costs, Redeker told Hearst Connecticut Media. Any minute delay costs money, so we want to keep this project on schedule. During a question-and-answer period after the presentation, several people weighed in on DOTs preference for a vertical-lift bridge. Mark Wilson, who lives at Washington and North Water streets, rejected assertions made by Mayor Harry W. Rilling and the DOT that replacing the existing Walk Bridge with a fixed structure would limit future development north of the bridge. Youre not going to have cruise ships coming in here, Wilson said. It means a few people with condos on the water that have a dock for their sailboat. And in Florida, on the canals, all sailboats, you can have a hinge. My friend had one. You drop the mast, you get under lower bridges. Scott Kuhner, who once docked his sailboat at United Marine north of the Walk Bridge, disagreed with Wilsons call for a smaller, fixed bridge. If you close it down, the value of those properties are going to be reduced significantly, Kuhner said. And then there will a question about, OK, the city or the state has shut it down, they owe me, because theyve diminished my values totally. And if you want to then buy those pieces of property out, its going to cost just as much. James A. Fallon, DOT manager of facilities and transit, said there is no difference in property impacts or construction duration between building a fixed or the proposed vertical-lift bridge. There is no difference in environmental impacts, Fallon said. Actually, we think that our movable bridge alternative has lesser impacts. Michael G. Mushak, who lives South Norwalk, took no issue with the DOTs proposed vertical-lift bridge. He did question its architectural style two lattice-like steel towers capped with boxes to hold the bridges mechanical equipment. These cut-off Gothic arches seem really strange to me theres no Gothic references in Norwalk expect perhaps St. Pauls on the Green, Mushak said. So an early medieval arch to me doesnt fit into the industrial thing. A parabolic curve, like the St. Louis arch, would fill that void and then your railings could have parabolic arches. NORWALK A kettle of stew simmers over the kitchen fireplace. Loom-woven rugs cover the floors. Barrels of salt pork sit stored in the basement. Interpretive plaques explain the history of the Governor Fitch Law Office at Mill Hill Historic Park in Norwalk. The Norwalk Historical Society, which operates the park at 2 East Wall St., is eager to show off the restored law office house this Sunday afternoon. For decades, the house, which was built in 1740, has been part of the Little Red School House program, where third-graders learn about Norwalks history. A lot of people in Norwalk have been here as a third-grader, so I think its important for them to come back, reconnect with their history, and just see what weve done, how weve improved telling the story of Gov. Fitch and his life, as well as what life would have been like for him, his family and his clerk, said Samantha Kulish-Fargione, program, events and education coordinator at the Historical Society. So thats why were really hoping people come back, reconnect, learn a little bit of local history, because I feel that its an important aspect in our town. On Sunday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Governor Fitch Law Office will open its doors to the public for self-guided tours as part of its grand reopening. City officials will arrive at 1 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting. After a roughly $40,000 historic restoration, jointly undertaken by the Historical Society and Norwalk Historical Commission, the daytime workspace of Connecticuts 14th colonial governor is now more authentic than ever. Fitchs probate records were used to furnish the restored house, according to David G. Westmoreland, Historical Society board member and a past chairman of the Historical Commission. Were purchasing either authentic stuff or reproductions, based off of his inventories, so that the house reflects his life, Westmoreland said. The restoration included a paint analysis, which led to rooms within the law office being repainted in historic butter yellow and Lafayette blue colors, the floors in a coffee house brown. Attention to historical accuracy also was given to the rugs. We had these rugs woven on an 18th century loom, so theyre historically accurate and historically woven, said Curator Daryn Reyman-Lock. In terms of the color and the patterns, we actually took the pattern from a book that we found from a weaver in Stratford, who was weaving in around the 1760, 1770 period. Before the restoration, the room where Fitch and his clerk worked, was sparsely decorated, giving visitors a stark impression of his life, according to Kulish-Fargione. He was a wealthy man and walking in here you never quite got that sense, Kulish-Fargione said. But now with the curtains, the carpets, with the mirrors - we have mirrored sconces, which would have expensive at the time it really just kind of brings it up. Eighteenth-century editions of books which Fitch read sit on the bookshelf behind his desk. A painting believed to depict Fitch - there is no known portrait of him - hangs above his office fireplace. Next to the fire place is one of many interpretative plaques added as part of the restoration. Visitors who are not part of a guided tour can learn about the various spaces within the house at their own pace. Not everything within the restored law office is historically correct. Behind the walls is a modern heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system to protect the house and its collections. To keep moisture from entering from below, a gravel rather than authentic dirt floor was installed in the basement. NORWALK - The Norwalk Parking Authority this week approved rates for the newly revamped Liberty Square Lot, but a last-minute petition has been launched to prevent them from going into effect next February. As the objections started to rise, we decided to see if we could collect enough signatures to support the people at Liberty Square, said Deb Goldstein, who lives in East Norwalk. We just feel that its an undue hardship to expect them to pay for parking, especially in the face of the impacts of the Walk Bridge (replacement) over the next several years. My personal thing, also, is the Taxing District owns (Constitution) Park and we feel strongly people shouldnt have to pay in order to use the park, added Goldstein, who happens to be a Third Taxing District commissioner. The petition, titled Keep Free Parking at Liberty Square, demands that the Parking Authority maintain the common parking areas at Liberty Square and regulate the parking there WITHOUT charging for parking through meters, pay stations, permits or other revenue-collection schemes. It is possible to regulate parking without imposing undue hardship on the residents and patrons of Liberty Square homes and businesses, and of Constitution Park, by charging them to park there, the petition reads. More News Rates proposed for revamped Liberty Square Lot Goldstein said she and Liberty Square resident Johnnie Weldon started the petition Tuesday night and had collected 25 signatures by Wednesday evening. They plan to submit the petition to the Parking Authority, the Norwalk Board of Estimate and Taxation, and the citys Common Council, once sufficient signatures have been collected. On Wednesday evening, the Parking Authority approved a parking management plan for Liberty Square. The rates will go into effect Feb. 1. Residents and employees of Liberty Square business will pay $25 per month for permits. Visitors will pay 50 cents an hour for hourly parking. The revamped lot contains three free, 15-minute parking spaces for short-term parking. Within two weeks well have them in two pay stations and were also going to put the security cameras and the additional lighting on the other side, said Kathryn R. Hebert, Norwalks director of transportation, parking and mobility. We have lighting on one side and we need to put it (on the other side). The Parking Authority recently sunk more than $85,000 worth of capital improvements into the 61-space parking lot serving the retail complex on the east side of the Stroffolino Bridge. The improvements included landscaping, repaving, striping and installation of electrical conduits for two pay stations. The Parking Authority undertook the improvements and introduced the management plan to bring structured parking to the lot, where some spaces are often occupied by vehicles belonging to persons living in nearby apartments, or walking across the Stroffolino Bridge to nearby SoNo. Josh Morgan, the citys communications manager, said the Parking Authority will work with Liberty Square residents and business to keep them abreast of changes at Liberty Square Lot. Letters will be going out, talking about the fee-use, which will start Feb. 1. There will some signage so, hopefully, it doesnt take anybody by suprise, Morgan said. But in the event someone doesnt pay or overstays the hourly rates, the Parking Authority will be instituting the courtesy card program. Under the program, which was rolled out in summer 2017, motorists who overstay their time on two randomly selected streets, twice a week, receive a courtesy card rather than a ticket. It was a dream born in the 1980s: a gleaming Trump Tower in the heart of Soviet Moscow. For Donald Trump, that vision never died, even as he launched a presidential campaign and moved toward clinching the Republican Party nomination in 2016. On Thursday, his former attorney Michael Cohen told a federal judge that Trump was pursuing a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow throughout the first half of 2016 - the very time the candidate was stepping out on the world stage as a political figure and breaking with the GOP by praising Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Trump's attempt that year to expand his brand into Moscow capped a 30-year-long effort by the celebrity mogul to do business in Russia. His refusal to give up that ambition as he was campaigning for the White House now colors his public embrace of Putin, whose help Cohen sought for the project. Again and again, Trump pursued his Russia project, traveling to Moscow and unveiling four ultimately unsuccessful plans to put his name on a building in the Russian capital before he announced he would run for president. "Russia is one of the hottest places in the world for investment," Trump said in a 2007 deposition. "We will be in Moscow at some point." While running for president, Trump spoke highly of Putin and criticized the Russian president's adversaries, including international organizations like NATO and the European Union. His rhetoric seldom wavered, even as evidence began to emerge that Russia was interfering in the 2016 campaign to boost Trump's effort. At the time, Trump repeatedly insisted that he did not have financial ties to Russia. "How many times do I have say that?" he said at a news conference in July 2016, just after WikiLeaks published thousands of emails hacked by Russian operatives from the Democratic Party. "I have nothing to with Russia, I have nothing to do with Russia." He added in a tweet: "For the record, I have ZERO investments in Russia" But his assertions belied years of Trump's failed efforts in Russia. The final attempt led by Cohen began in September 2015 and apparently ended on June 14, 2016, according to court documents - the same day The Washington Post broke the news that Russia was suspected to be behind a hack of the Democratic National Committee. Trump traveled to Russia for the first time in 1987, as the Soviet Union began to open to more Western investment but many American remained wary of the communist leadership. According to his memoir, "The Art of the Deal," he and his then-wife Ivana scoped out possible sites for a luxury hotel that he wanted to build in a joint venture with the Kremlin's hotel and tourism agency. In 1996, Trump was back, this time promising to build in the heart of post-Soviet Moscow in partnership with a group of U.S. tobacco executives. The group drew up architectural plans and had meetings with city leaders. But again, it fizzled. By 2005, Trump had found a new partner: a company called the Bayrock Group that had opened offices in Trump Tower two floors below his own executive suite and had clinched deals to build Trump-branded properties in several U.S. cities. The company's point person on the project was Felix Sater, a Russian-born businessman with a checkered past. He had served a year in prison after a 1991 bar fight. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering in a $40-million Mafia-linked stock fraud. But Sater had cooperated with the government in various criminal and national security matters, allowing him to keep his plea under seal and remake himself as a respectable Trump business partner. The Trump Organization gave Bayrock a one-year exclusive deal to hunt for land in Moscow for a development, according to documents obtained by The Post. Sater said in a 2008 deposition that he located a group of interested Russian investors, as well as a possible site for the project - a shuttered pencil factory that had been named for American radicals Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were convicted of murder and executed during the "Red scare" that swept the United States after World War I. "I showed him photos, I showed him the site, showed him the view from the site. It's pretty spectacular," Sater said of Trump in the depositions. "It was more of verbal updates when I'd come back, pop my head into Mr. Trump's office and tell him, you know, 'Moving forward on the Moscow deal.' And he would say, 'All right.' " That deal fell apart as well, but it did not rupture Sater's relationship with the Trump Organization. A year later, Sater testified, Trump asked him to accompany his adult children, Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr., on a trip to Moscow. By 2007, Trump had hired Cohen to serve as one of his top lawyers. Cohen and Sater had attended high school together and were close. The failures in Russia were a source of frustration for the Trump Organization at a time it was otherwise expanding around the world, buoyed by the success of Trump's reality television show, "The Apprentice." He signed deals to build Trump Towers in Istanbul and Panama in 2006 and in the Dominican Republic in 2007. Speaking to a real estate conference in 2008, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. explained that building in Russia was tricky. "As much as we want to take our business over there, Russia is just a different world," he said. "It is a question of who knows who, whose brother is paying off who. . . . It really is a scary place." But the younger Trump insisted that the company was determined to make it work. He had traveled to Russia six times in the previous 18 months, he told the investors. "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets," he said, explaining that Russians found the Trump name appealing and were buying units in the company's buildings around the world. Donald Trump finally made it to Moscow in 2013, bringing his Miss Universe beauty pageant to the Russian capital. Costs for the elaborate event were born by a Russian billionaire developer, Aras Agalarov, and his pop star son Emin - often called the Trumps of Russia for their tendency to put their own name on projects. Trump spent 36 hours in Moscow in November 2013, meeting with Russian business leaders and hoping for a sit-down with the Russian president. Putin declined, citing a delayed meeting with the King of Holland. As the event concluded, Trump announced he had once again reached a preliminary deal to build in Moscow - this time with the Agalarovs as partners. "I had a great weekend with you and your family," Trump tweeted to Agalarov as he left Russia. "TRUMP TOWER-MOSCOW is next." The deal did not advanced beyond preliminary talks, hampered by a cooling Russian economy and then Trump's busy campaign schedule, the Agalarovs told The Post in a joint interview in spring 2016. But the billionaire and his son remained in contact with Trump, and in June 2016, they helped arranged for Trump Jr. to take a meeting with a Russian lawyer as his father pursued the presidency. The candidate's son was told the lawyer would bring dirt about Democrat Hillary Clinton as part of a Russian government effort to help Trump. "If it's what you say, I love it," Trump Jr. responded. By then, Cohen had been working with Sater for months to once again get a Trump development in Moscow off the ground. A person close to Cohen said he knew how badly Trump wanted a Moscow project and believed he would score a major coup with his boss if he could get it done. Cohen has said Sater approached him with the proposal in September 2015. He had found a new Russian partner, a Moscow-based developer called I.C. Expert Investment Co. and its chairman, a former Sater business partner named Andrei Rozov. It was not the only Moscow project fielded by Cohen while his boss ran for president. Cohen had also been forwarded in October 2015 another a 13-page proposal from Sergei Gordeev, a Moscow real estate billionaire and former legislator. The proposal was delivered by an international financier with whom Cohen had worked previously, whose spokeswoman said last year that Cohen rejected the offer because he was already working with Sater. She declined to comment Thursday about whether that businessman, Giorgi Rtskhiladze, has been interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller. That same month, Trump signed a letter of intent to proceed with the Sater project, Cohen has said. It came on the same day Trump participated in the third Republican debate. Both Cohen and Sater believed the project could be used not only to help Trump's bottom line, but also his electoral efforts. "Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it," Sater to Cohen in a 2015 email obtained by The New York Times and confirmed by The Post. "I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this, I will manage this process." In the messages, Sater claimed he had lined up financing with VTB Bank, under U.S. sanctions at the time for allegedly undermining democracy in Ukraine. In another email, Sater told Cohen they could host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Moscow and suggested showing Russian contacts video clips of Trump praising Russia on the campaign trail. "I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected," Sater wrote. "Americas most difficult adversary agreeing that Donald is a good guy to negotiate." Testifying to Congress, however, Cohen said the project was short-lived. He told lawmakers he spoke to Trump about it only three times before canceling the project. By January 2016, he said the project had stalled. Cohen emailed Dmitry Peskov, a top Putin aide and spokesman, to enlist Russian government help to secure land and permits, according to documents submitted to Congress. Cohen said he did not recall receiving a response, and the project died. On Thursday, Cohen acknowledged those statements were false and pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. He said that after reaching out to Peskov, he spoke to the Russian official's personal assistant for 20 minutes. She took notes and promised to look into the issue, according to a court document filed Thursday. The next day, Sater emailed Cohen. "It's about [the President of Russia] they called today," he wrote, according to the the filing. Cohen also admitted that he discussed the project with Trump more frequently than he told Congress, and briefed his children as well. Six months later, Cohen agreed to travel to Russia to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg at Sater's recommendation, only reversing course and canceling the trip on June 14, 2016. Trump told reporters Thursday that Cohen was lying about key details. But he added that he saw no reason why running for president meant he could not also pursue his business ambitions. "There was a good chance that I wouldn't have won," he said, "in which case I would have gone back into the business and why should I lose lots of opportunities?" - - - The Washington Post's Carol D. Leonnig contributed to this report. Georgette Mosbacher, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, has angered Polish officials by sending a letter to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressing concern over the treatment of a U.S.-owned television station that operates there. The letter, which was leaked to Polish media on Tuesday and is dated Nov. 19, chastises Morawiecki, President Andrzej Duda and Interior Minister Joachim Brudzinski for government officials' attempts to prosecute journalists at the independent TVN24 news channel. The channel is owned by Discovery Inc., an American company. In January, TVN journalists aired an undercover report that showed neo-Nazis in Poland celebrating Adolf Hitler's birthday in 2017. The footage came amid a rise of anti-Semitism in the country and the passage of a law that made acknowledging any Polish complicity in the Holocaust a crime. Members of the government questioned the report's integrity. Brudzinski tweeted that TVN's piece was "provocation which is hideous and repulsive and devastating Poland's image in the world," according to a translation by Politico. "I hope that members of your government will refrain from attacking, let alone prosecuting, independent journalists, who articulate public interests and strengthen our societies," Mosbacher wrote. In a handwritten addendum at the bottom of the letter, she added: "We have to figure this out. It is getting in the way of the really important things." Months after TVN's story ran, the channel said, the government attempted to prosecute the journalists who filmed the report on neo-Nazis. On Friday evening, agents from Poland's Internal Security Agency visited the cameraman's house and gave him a summons to appear for questioning under suspicion of promoting fascism, according to the Associated Press. (The matter was dropped on Sunday, the AP reported.) Mosbacher, a business executive, Republican donor and former Fox News contributor, was sworn in as ambassador in September. Since then, she has come out in support of media freedom, which is in peril under Poland's far-right leadership. In 2017, Freedom House downgraded the countr y's press freedom ranking from free to partly free "due to government intolerance toward independent or critical reporting, excessive political interference in the affairs of public media, and restrictions on speech regarding Polish history and identity, which have collectively contributed to increased self-censorship and polarization." But to some Polish commentators, Mosbacher's staunch support of the right to negative political coverage comes with a hint of irony. "If in the name of freedom of speech the American ambassador writes that politicians shouldn't attack media, one could spitefully say that an identical letter should be sent to President Donald Trump," wrote Michal Szuldrzynski, a Polish newspaper commentator, according to the Associated Press. An ongoing investigation into allegations of abuse has prompted Catholic dioceses to disclose additional names of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse against minors, according to Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The state has been given access to church files for review in each of Illinois six dioceses. Since then, several of the dioceses have publicly disclosed additional names of priests who have been credibly accused of abuse against minors, Madigan said. So far, the Archdiocese of Chicago has disclosed 10 additional names, the Diocese of Peoria has disclosed three additional names, and the Diocese of Rockford has disclosed 11 additional names. ALTON A Jerseyville man is being held in the Madison County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail, charged with drug-induced homicide and controlled substance trafficking. Darin L. Day, 32, of the 200 block of Sherman Street, is accused of delivering fentanyl to a 20-year-old victim on Feb. 18. She died at Alton Memorial Hospital on Feb. 20. Emmanuel D. Abdon, 31, a resident of Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of enticement of minor and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct following Troy incidents. On the first count, Abdon faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years imprisonment, but not more than life, a term of supervised release of at least five years to life, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a special assessment of $100. On the second count, Abdon faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 years, a term of supervised release of at least five years to life, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a special assessment of $100.The evidence at trial established that, on Jan. 13, 2018, Abdon, then 30 years old, traveled from Florida to Troy, Illinois, to meet and engage in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female. Abdon visited the minor females house on three separate occasions. He was arrested in her driveway on his last visit to her house. The offense came to light when a 14-year-old friend of the victim, who was present during the first meeting between Abdon and the victim at the victims house, told her foster mother about her concern that an adult male would travel from Florida to Illinois to meet a 13-year-old girl. The foster mother then contacted the Troy Police Department who immediately launched an investigation. The evidence also established that, from on or about Dec. 22, 2017, until on or about Jan. 13, 2018, the defendant, met the victim online and through text messaging, Facetime, and Snapchat, attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce the minor victim to engage in sexual activity with him when he arrived in Illinois. For the Intelligencer Sixth graders at St. Mary Catholic Grade School, 1802 Madison Ave. in Edwardsville, are hosting Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 15 as a fundraiser for their trip to Space Camp next year. Children and a few adults gather around Santa Claus, pictured, at last years festive event. This family-friendly event requires advanced registration by Friday, Dec. 7 (extended). Tickets for children 12 and under are $7; adults $8. Photos with Santa cost $5. Registration forms can be found at www.stmaryedw.org. For more information, contact the school at 618-656-1230. Breaking down barriers between local youth and emergency services workers is a benefit to any community. Thats the premise behind Gratiot County Child Advocacys Shop with a Hero program. The event that began in 2012 with 20 youngsters and a few area police officers at Walmart in Alma, has grown substantially since then. This year 71 students from all of the countys elementary schools in Alma, Ashley, Breckenridge, Fulton, Ithaca and St. Louis will have a chance to shop with one of the 50 heroes, which will include local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, first responders, members of the Michigan National Guard and corrections officers, who will be taking part. Also more than 50 volunteers, two Santas and the Child Advocacy staff will be on hand to make sure things run smoothly during the event, which is set to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at both the Walmart and Meijer stores in Alma. Shop with a Hero began seven years ago when the Michigan State Police contracted Child Advocacy. We were very excited to be asked to partner on the event, Child Advocacy Executive Director Audra Stahl said. It takes six months of planning, led by Child Advocacy Volunteer Coordinator Staci Bigelow, to pull off the Shop with a Hero program, she added. We start in July by submitting grants for the event and by October planning is in full swing, Stahl said. Each child will get $100 to spend on Christmas gifts for family members and themselves. They also receive a full cart of groceries, pictures with their heroes and a bag full of goodies, Stahl said. The children who participate come from families that may have fallen on hard times this year or who are in need of a positive experience with our heroes, she explained. All of the public elementary schools in Gratiot County participate in referring their students. Just like the children coming from all over the county so do the heroes. In addition to providing a holiday assist to less fortunate families the program also helps establish good relationships between youngsters and public safety workers, Stahl noted. We believe that with positive youth and officer relationships the child may feel more comfortable disclosing abuse, substance use and or thoughts of suicide to a local public safety professional, she said. The community benefits when youth look up to these professionals as heroes.' The Shop with a Hero program is funded by donations from Walmart, Meijer, the Gratiot County Community Foundation, Optimist Club, the First Congregational Church in Breckenridge and financial contributions from the community. Oh, theres a river that winds on forever Im gonna see where it leads Oh, theres a mountain that no man has mounted Im gonna stand on the peak To the ends of the earth, would you follow me Theres a world that was meant for our eyes to see To the ends of the earth, would you follow me If you will have a say my goodbyes to me Lord Huron from From the Ends of the Earth Westward Ho the Wagon Part Two We were off my wife, Deborah, my baby brother, Jonathan, our daughter, Angela, and Kiki, our long-suffering Siamese cat with yours truly at the helm of our three-year-old Econoline van. The Big Silver Whale, as wed dubbed it, was packed to the gunwales with everything we owned as we set out for a new life in sunny Cali-for-naye-yay. We landed in Manitowoc around 10 a.m., after a leisurely four hour trip that seemed like eight, given the S.S. Badgers snail-like pace across 60 miles of Lake Michigan. According to our plan, we eschewed freeways in favor of colorful 2-lanes. Nine hours later, wed traversed Wisconsin and were deep into Minnesota. By then, my road mojo was beginning to flag so we pulled into a nearly empty Buffalo River State Park to camp for the night. While collecting firewood, much to our extreme delight, we came across what appeared to be a six-foot tall pot plant. It was so huge, we were sure it would last the entire trip. It might have too if it hadnt turned out to be hemp, marijuanas boring little brother. Que lastima. . Although marijuana and hemp are both members of the Cannabis family and are nearly indistinguishable in appearance, the average batch of marijuana contains anywhere from 5-20% in tetrohydrocannabinol. (THC), while hemp has a maximum THC content of .3%, making it impossible to provide any psychoactive effect and believe me, we tried. We hung on to it for three days after which we gave up and chucked it out the window somewhere near Fargo. It was the middle of the week and we pretty much had the park to ourselves except for, you know, the wolves. We were all sleeping in a large canvas tent but after the wolves began to howl, Deb and Angela removed themselves to the van, despite my impassioned lecture about wolves not attacking people. Debbie assured me that there would be absolutely no way they could attack humans locked inside a 1978 Econoline van so thats where she was going to be spending the night. The Minnesota wolf population was estimated at fewer than 750 animals in the 1950s, but by the time we showed up, it had grown to over 2,000 animals. Michael and I were stalwarts and remained inside the tent till morning. There were no wolf-related incidents during the remainder of the night, although Debbie insisted that she heard a good deal of huffing and puffing outside the van. The following night found us deep in South Dakotas Badlands, where we hunkered down inside the Great Silver Whale, to sit out a storm of Biblical proportions. I sat in the drivers seat where I soon discovered that our recently installed sun roof did double duty as a rain dispenser. The following day, at Debs insistence, we checked into a motel in Sundance, Wyoming, to warm up, dry out, shower and do some laundry. The next morning, after a good (that is to say dry) nights sleep we headed northwest into the mountains, where we encountered the Crazy Woman Creek campground. Since we had no particular time restraints, we decided to stay as long as the posted declaration would allow us five days. It was sunny every day a kind of a paradise. Next week: Crazy Woman Creek. And so it went. OHCHR Moldova: Apel deschis pentru aplicatii din partea OSC-urilor de a aplica pentru a beneficia de suport in desfasurarea activitatilor de advocacy la nivel international in contextul celui de-al treilea ciclu de Evaluare Periodica Universala (EPU) a Re